The level of expression of thioredoxin is linked to fundamental properties and applications of wheat seeds.

Work with cereals (barley and wheat) and a legume (Medicago truncatula) has established thioredoxin h (Trx h) as a central regulatory protein of seeds. Trx h acts by reducing disulfide (S-S) groups of diverse seed proteins (storage proteins, enzymes, and enzyme inhibitors), thereby facilitating germination. Early in vitro protein studies were complemented with experiments in which barley seeds with Trx h overexpressed in the endosperm showed accelerated germination and early or enhanced expression of associated enzymes (alpha-amylase and pullulanase).

The atopic dog as a model of peanut and tree nut food allergy.

Background: Animal models are needed that mimic human IgE-mediated peanut and tree nut allergy. Atopic dogs have been previously used in a model of food allergy to cow's milk, beef, wheat, and soy, with the demonstration of specific IgE production and positive oral challenges similar to those seen in human subjects.

Objective: We sought to sensitize dogs to peanut, walnut, and Brazil nut and to assess whether sensitization is accompanied by clinical reactions and whether there is cross-reactivity among the different preparations.

The dog as a model for food allergy.

Research during the past decade has shown the dog to be an excellent model for human food allergies. Humans and dogs share many of the same allergies to foods. Furthermore, the dog model shows clinical symptoms typical of humans, that is, both experience vomiting and diarrhea.