Proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression is increased in small bowel epithelium in the elderly.

Although previous studies suggest that in aging animals the small intestine is in a hyperproliferative state, no information is currently available on the influence of age on the proliferation pattern of human small bowel enterocytes. The immunohistochemical expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), the villous height to total mucosal thickness ratio and the enterocyte height were evaluated in a panel of duodenal biopsy specimens obtained from 18 subjects aged less and 14 subjects aged more than 65 years. There was a significant positive correlation (P < 0.

Effect of ceruletide on rest pain in patients with arterial insufficiency of the lower extremity.

The effect of ceruletide (CRL), a synthetic decapeptide analogue of cholecystokinin, on rest pain and arterial blood flow was evaluated in 8 patients with advanced, occlusive atherosclerosis of the lower extremities. CRL 1, 2, or 4 ng kg-1 or placebo were infused intravenously in random order, and in a double-blind fashion. Pain relief, assessed by a scoring system, was significantly better (p less than 0.