The gp130 cytokines interleukin-11 and ciliary neurotropic factor regulate through specific receptors the function and growth of lactosomatotropic and folliculostellate pituitary cell lines.

Two of the most potent cytokines regulating anterior pituitary cell function are leukemia inhibitory factor and interleukin-6 (IL-6), which belong to the cytokine receptor family using the common gp130 signal transducer. We studied the actions of two other members of this family, IL-11 and ciliary neurotropic factor (CNTF), on folliculostellate (FS) cells (TtT/GF cell line) and lactosomatotropic cells (GH3 cell line). The messenger RNA (mRNA) for the alpha-chain specific for the IL-11 receptor (1.

Results of preprocedure and postprocedure toe cultures in orthopaedic surgery.

This study was to determine whether there is any benefit to wrapping the toes sterilely during orthopaedic procedures not involving the foot but performed on the lower extremity. The group studied consisted of 12 patients who had an orthopaedic procedure performed in which the foot and toes were included in the surgical prep, but not involved in the surgical procedure. Nine of the 12 patients (75%) had positive results from preprocedural aerobic cultures and two of the 12 (16.

Pancreas allograft rejection: correlation of transduodenal core biopsy with Doppler resistive index.

Purpose: To determine the usefulness of sonographically obtained resistive indexes (RIs) in the diagnosis of pancreas allograft rejection.

Materials And Methods: Findings were studied from 78 transduodenal pancreas allograft biopsies that were ultrasound-guided and cystoscopically directed. The 78 biopsies included 40 that were compared directly with baseline RI data.

Rat mesangial cells have a selective role in macrophage recruitment and activation.

In proliferative glomerulonephritis glomeruli are the target of an inflammatory reaction involving macrophage recruitment and activation. We examined the role of mesangial cells in this process. Supernatants from basal, IL-1, IFN-tau or LPS-stimulated rat mesangial cells (MCS) were tested for chemotactic, colony-stimulating and activation effects on macrophages in vitro.

Arginine metabolism in experimental glomerulonephritis: interaction between nitric oxide synthase and arginase.

L-Arginine is metabolized by two pathways: 1) by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) to nitric oxide (NO) and 2) by arginase forming urea and L-ornithine. Inflammatory responses may involve a balance between the pathways, as NO is cytotoxic and vasodilatory and L-ornithine is a promoter of cell proliferation and matrix synthesis. In experimental glomerulonephritis we have previously shown that NOS is activated in nephritic glomeruli.