Dual interaction of JAM-C with JAM-B and alpha(M)beta2 integrin: function in junctional complexes and leukocyte adhesion.

The junctional adhesion molecules (JAMs) have been recently described as interendothelial junctional molecules and as integrin ligands. Here we show that JAM-B and JAM-C undergo heterophilic interaction in cell-cell contacts and that JAM-C is recruited and stabilized in junctional complexes by JAM-B. In addition, soluble JAM-B dissociates soluble JAM-C homodimers to form JAM-B/JAM-C heterodimers.

Ectopic expression of syncollin in INS-1 beta-cells sorts it into granules and impairs regulated secretion.

Syncollin was first demonstrated to be a protein capable of affecting granule fusion in a cell-free system, but later studies revealed its luminal localization in zymogen granules. To determine its possible role in exocytosis in the intact cell, syncollin and a truncated form of the protein (lacking the N-terminal hydrophobic domain) were stably transfected in insulin-secreting INS-1 cells since these well-studied exocytotic cells appear not to express the protein per se. Studies by subcellular fractionation analysis, double immunofluorescence staining, and electron microscopy examination revealed that transfection of syncollin produced strong signals in the insulin secretory granules, whereas the product from transfecting the truncated syncollin was predominantly associated with the Golgi apparatus and to a lesser degree with the endoplasmic reticulum.

[Respiratory obstruction caused by retropharyngeal hematoma secondary to cervical spinal injury. Report of a case].

A case of severe airway obstruction secondary to retropharyngeal hematoma in a young multiple trauma patient with a stable occipitoatloid capsular-ligamentous injury is reported. The onset of mechanical obstruction occurred eight hours after the trauma requiring emergent oral intubation, and lasted seventeen days. The initial lateral cervical spine radiograph was negative, whereas the second one performed 7 hours after and initially underestimated, showed a large prevertebral soft tissue swelling.

[Acute adrenal failure due to adrenal hemorrhagic necrosis secondary to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia].

The authors describe a clinical case with a peculiar sequence of unhealthy events. An operated by osteotomy woman presented a deep venous thrombosis of lever lower extremity with following pulmonary embolism. The patient was treated with heparin.

[Prospective evaluation of the role of abdominal echocardiography in the treatment of seriously traumatized patients].

The reliability of abdominal ultrasonography (US) in a clinical algorithm for emergency management of blunt trauma was evaluated prospectively. From November 1, 1987 to December 31, 1988, of 111 severe trauma victims admitted to our ICU, 63 were screened according to protocol by US for peritoneal fluid and splenic and/or hepatic injuries. The mean age was 49.