Identification of cellular and noncellular components of mature intact human peripheral nerve.

Background And Aims: The goal of this study was to define basic constituents of the adult peripheral nervous system (PNS) using intact human nerve tissues.

Methods: We combined fluorescent and chromogenic immunostaining methods, myelin-selective fluorophores, and routine histological stains to identify common cellular and noncellular elements in aldehyde-fixed nerve tissue sections. We employed Schwann cell (SC)-specific markers, such as S100β, NGFR, Sox10, and myelin protein zero (MPZ), together with axonal, extracellular matrix (collagen IV, laminin, fibronectin), and fibroblast markers to assess the SC's relationship to myelin sheaths, axons, other cell types, and the acellular environment.

Design, synthesis, and biological activity of D-bishomo-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D analogs and their crystal structures with the vitamin D nuclear receptor.

The biologically active metabolite of vitamin D - calcitriol - is a hormone involved in the regulation of calcium-phosphate homeostasis, immunological processes and cell differentiation, being therefore essential for the proper functioning of the human body. This suggests many applications of this steroid in the treatment of diseases such as rickets, psoriasis and some cancers. Unfortunately, using therapeutic doses of calcitriol is associated with high concentrations of this compound which causes hypercalcemia.

Highlights from the 24th workshop on vitamin D in Austin, September 2022.

The 24th Workshop on Vitamin D was held September 7-9, 2022 in Austin, Texas and covered a wide diversity of research in the vitamin D field from across the globe. Here, we summarize the meeting, individual sessions, awards and presentations given.

Antibody production in mice requires neither vitamin D, nor the vitamin D receptor.

The vitamin D receptor as well as its ligand have been localized to various immune tissues and cells. These observations have led researchers to hypothesize a role for vitamin D in the immune system. However, a specific role for vitamin D in immunity has yet to be clearly delineated.

Vitamin D receptor absence does not enhance intestinal tumorigenesis in ApcPirc/+rats.

Epidemiological observations have prompted some to posit that elevated circulating vitamin D is responsible for reduced colon cancer in individuals residing near the equator. We have previously demonstrated that vitamin D has no effect on colon cancer in two rodent models of intestinal tumorigenesis. We have now extended this line of inquiry to ask whether ablation of vitamin D receptor (VDR) affects tumorigenesis.