Expression of olfactory receptor genes in non-olfactory tissues in the developing and adult zebrafish.

Since the discovery of olfactory receptor (OR) genes, their expression in non-olfactory tissues have been reported in rodents and humans. For example, mouse OR23 (mOR23) is expressed in sperm and muscle cells and has been proposed to play a role in chemotaxis and muscle migration, respectively. In addition, mouse mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons express various ORs, which respond to corresponding ligands.

Cytotoxic effect of venom on cancer cell lines: in vitro and in vivo studies.

Background: 's venom has shown immunomodulation of cytokines release in mice and selective cytotoxicity on cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner, highlighting an anticancer potential. Here, we extend these findings by elucidating the sensitivity of murine B16 skin melanoma and 3-MCA-induced murine fibrosarcoma cell lines to 's venom and its effect on tumor growth in vivo.

Methods: The toxicity of the venom on B16 and MCA cells was assessed using flow cytometry and xCELLigence assays.

effects of azide-containing human CRP isoforms and oxLDL on U937-derived macrophage production of atherosclerosis-related cytokines.

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory chronic disease of the arterial wall. Monomeric (m) and pentameric (p) C-reactive protein (CRP) and oxidized low density lipoproteins (oxLDL) seem to affect the pattern of cytokine production by macrophages, thus playing an important role in atherogenesis. Azide, the commercial preservative of CRP, may influence its action .