Effect of pertussis toxin on calcium influx in three contraction models.

Pertussis toxin (PTX) blocks G protein activation and inhibits signal transmission from the activated receptor to effectors that are specific for the G protein-coupled receptor. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of PTX on vascular smooth muscle cells that were stimulated pharmacologically with phenylephrine (α-adrenoceptor agonist), mastoparan-7 (direct G-protein activator) and Bay K8644 (direct calcium channel activator). The changes in perfusion pressure that were proportional to the degree of phenylephrine-induced constriction of rat tail arteries were assessed.

[CD20 antigen of Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells as possible prognostic factor in patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma--preliminary reports].

Unlabelled: THE AIM of the study was to asses the validity of CD20 expression on H-RS cells as independent prognostic factor in patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Methods: 72 patients (44 men and 28 women) between 15 and 73 y.o.