Activation of human granulocyte type 1-prophospholipase A2.

Using an assay for measurement of released type 1-prophospholipase A2 (type 1-proPLA2) propeptides (PROP assay), we have shown that human granulocytes, but not lymphocytes or macrophages, abundantly express this 'pancreatic' type 1-proPLA2 zymogen. Stimulation with tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and other cytokines results in the immediate release from granulocytes of a mixture of free propeptides and type 1-proPLA2 precursor. We also found that granulocytes contain an approximately 29 kDa trypsin-like endogenous type 1-proPLA2 activator.

Detection of hepatocellular carcinoma-specific alpha-fetoprotein by isoelectric focusing.

Background: Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is elevated in up to 80% of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Modestly raised AFP levels (10-400 ng/ml) are also found in patients with nonmalignant liver diseases. In the present study, isoelectric focusing of AFP was used to differentiate the AFP found in patients with HCC.

The intracellular localisation of proteoglycans and their accumulation in chondrocytes treated with monensin.

Pig laryngeal chondrocytes incubated in the presence of monensin showed inhibition of [35S]sulphate incorporation and decreased secretion of proteoglycan into the culture medium, but no large decrease in protein synthesis. This lead to the intracellular accumulation of proteoglycan protein core, which was detected in immunoprecipitates of cell extracts. Using the same antiserum protein core was localised by electron microscopy with protein A-coated gold.

Differential expression of alpha-lactalbumin and casein genes during the onset of lactation in the guinea-pig mammary gland.

1. The expression of alpha-lactalbumin and casein genes was examined in guinea-pig mammary tissue taken from animals both pre- and post-partum. 2.