Three new human members of the lipid transfer/lipopolysaccharide binding protein family (LT/LBP).

We have identified three novel, rarely expressed human genes that encode new members of the lipid transfer/lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LT/LBP) gene family based on sequence homology. BPI and other members of the LT/LBP family are structurally related proteins capable of binding phospholipids and lipopolysaccharides. Real-time PCR studies indicate that BPIL1 and BPIL3 are highly expressed in hypertrophic tonsils.

Cloning and characterization of IL-1HY2, a novel interleukin-1 family member.

The interleukin-1 (IL-1) family members play an important role in the process of inflammation and host defense. We describe here the identification and characterization of a novel member of the IL-1 family, IL-1HY2. The human IL-1HY2 protein shares significant amino acid sequence similarity (37%) with the IL-1 receptor antagonist and has a predicted three-dimensional structure similar to that of the IL-1 receptor antagonist.

Reverse iontophoresis: monitoring prostaglandin E2 associated with cutaneous inflammation in vivo.

In response to topical application of irritants, increased concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) are found in human skin exudate and in cultured dermal fibroblasts. In this study, PGE2 generated in response to transdermal delivery of irritant drug compounds was monitored in hairless guinea pig (HGP) by a non-invasive method, reverse iontophoresis. Reverse iontophoresis is the movement of molecules from the skin under the influence of an applied electric field.

Antiflammin 1 peptide delivered non-invasively by iontophoresis reduces irritant-induced inflammation in vivo.

The potential of an anti-inflammatory peptide (antiflammin 1) to reduce irritation when delivered transdermally by iontophoresis was examined. A model drug irritant, chlorpromazine, was co-delivered with and without antiflammin 1 by iontophoresis to hairless guinea pigs transdermally. Quantitative skin irritation measurements were obtained by monitoring erythema by skin color reflectance with the Minolta Chromameter.