Exogenous mesenchymal stem cells localize to the kidney by means of CD44 following acute tubular injury.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) were recently shown to migrate to injured tissues when transplanted systemically. The mechanisms underlying the migration and homing of these cells is, however, unclear. In this study, we examine the role of CD44 and its major ligand, hyaluronic acid, in the trafficking of intravenously injected MSC in the glycerol-induced mouse model of acute renal failure (ARF).

Decreased cannabinoid CB1 receptor mRNA levels and immunoreactivity in pituitary hyperplasia induced by prolonged exposure to estrogens.

Recent studies have demonstrated that cannabinoid CB1 receptor gene expression in the anterior pituitary gland is under the influence of estrogens. Because these receptors have been recently involved in the development of several types of cancer, it would be interesting to examine the changes produced in these receptors by the development of pituitary hyperplasia after a chronic exposure to estrogens. To this end, we measured mRNA levels and immunoreactivity for the CB1 receptor in the anterior pituitary gland of rats implanted with silastic capsules containing diethylstilbestrod (DES), a synthetic estrogen, or empty capsules.