UTP - Gated Signaling Pathways of 5-HT Release from BON Cells as a Model of Human Enterochromaffin Cells.

Enterochromaffin cells (EC) synthesize and release 5-HT and ATP to trigger or modulate gut neural reflexes and transmit information about visceral/pain sensation. Alterations in 5-HT signaling mechanisms may contribute to the pathogenesis of IBD or IBS, but the pharmacologic or molecular mechanisms modulating Ca-dependent 5-HT release are not understood. Previous studies indicated that purinergic signaling via ATP and ADP is an important mechanism in modulation of 5-HT release.

Neuropharmacology of purinergic receptors in human submucous plexus: Involvement of P2X₁, P2X₂, P2X₃ channels, P2Y and A₃ metabotropic receptors in neurotransmission.

Rationale: The role of purinergic signaling in human ENS is not well understood. We sought to further characterize the neuropharmacology of purinergic receptors in human ENS and test the hypothesis that endogenous purines are critical regulators of neurotransmission.

Experimental Approach: LSCM-Fluo-4/(Ca(2+))-imaging of postsynaptic Ca(2+) transients (PSCaTs) was used as a reporter of synaptic transmission evoked by fiber tract electrical stimulation in human SMP surgical preparations.

Carbon bed mercury emissions control for mixed waste treatment.

Mercury has various uses in nuclear fuel reprocessing and other nuclear processes, and so it is often present in radioactive and mixed (radioactive and hazardous) wastes. Compliance with air emission regulations such as the Hazardous Waste Combustor (HWC) Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards can require off-gas mercury removal efficiencies up to 99.999% for thermally treating some mixed waste streams.

[Evaluation of the roentgenological and endoscopic diagnosis in malignities of the proximal digestive tract].

During 1968-1988 one endoscopist performed 3154 endoscopic examinations of the upper gastrointestinal tract and detected 400 (13%) malignancies. Endoscopy was indicated in persisting dyspepsia or abnormal findings on X-ray examination of the stomach. In 242 patients earlier subjected to partial gastrectomy 7% stomach cancers were found.