Development of a novel AlphaLISA ImmunoAssay for Big angiotensin-25.

We previously described the discovery of Big angiotensin-25 (Bang-25), an angiotensin-related peptide isolated from human urine. Bang-25 consists of the first 25 amino acids of the N-terminus of angiotensinogen (Aogen), with N-linked glycosylation on the 14th amino acid and a cysteine conjugated to the 18th amino acid. Bang-25 is rapidly converted into angiotensin II (Ang II) by chymase.

Protection of ischemic hippocampal neurons by ginsenoside Rb1, a main ingredient of ginseng root.

Our previous study showed that the oral administration of red ginseng powder before but not after transient forebrain ischemia prevented delayed neuronal death in gerbils, and that a neuroprotective molecule within red ginseng powder was ginsenoside Rb1. However, it remains to be clarified whether or not ginsenoside Rb1 acts directly on the ischemic brain, and the mechanism by which ginsenoside Rb1 protects the ischemic CA1 neurons is not determined. Without elucidation of the pharmacological property of ginsenoside Rb1, the drug would not be accepted as a neuroprotective agent.

Suppression by platelet factor 4 of the myogenic activity of basic fibroblast growth factor.

The effect of platelet factor 4 (PF4) on myoblast cultures with or without basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or other growth factors was investigated in the present in vitro experiments, with reference to bFGF binding to myoblast membrane fraction. When PF4 was added to the culture medium 1 day after myoblast cultivation, the nuclei of both myoblasts and myotubes were markedly reduced in number in a dose-dependent manner, whereas the inhibitory effect of PF4 on myoblast development was not observed when PF4 was added to the culture medium 3, 7, or 14 days after myoblast cultivation. In contrast, bFGF significantly increased the numbers of myoblast and myotube nuclei.

Expression of basic fibroblast growth factor-like immunoreactivity in the nuclei of regenerating hepatocytes.

This study, utilizing rats subjected to two-thirds partial hepatectomy or sham operation, was designed (1) to investigate the content of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the subcellular fractions of regenerating and sham-operated rat livers by immunoblot experiments and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), (2) to show that bFGF immunoreactivity and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunoreactivity are markers for hepatocellular mitosis before and after partial hepatectomy, and (3) to observe the location and fine structure of the bFGF immunoreaction within the regenerating liver with special attention to bFGF immunoreactivity in the nuclei of regenerating hepatocytes. Immunoblot experiments and ELISA showed a transient increase in high-molecular-weight forms of bFGF in the nuclear subcellular fraction of regenerating liver 48 h after partial hepatectomy. By light microscopy, bFGF and PCNA immunoreactivities were detected in the nuclei of regenerating hepatocytes.

Perikaryal projections of developing spinal ganglion neurons in the chick demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy.

The perikaryal projections of sensory ganglion neurons in chick embryos were observed by scanning electron microscopy after removal of the connective tissues and satellite cells by enzymatic digestion treatment. The perikaryal projections were seen not only on the surface of the perikarya but also on the surface of the stem processes. The projections were up to 3 microm in length, and their transverse diameters ranged between 0.