Characterization of the gene encoding a histidine and aspartic acid-rich protein from Pneumocystis carinii.

A cDNA clone derived from Pneumocystis carinii contained an unusual sequence (GTGATG)2(ATGGTG)4(ATG)4 and many GAT repeats. It was found to encode a histidine and aspartic acid-rich protein (HARP). The complete cDNA contained an 888-bp open reading frame encoding a putative protein of 32.

Incorporation of fatty acids and amino acids by cultured Pneumocystis carinii.

Cultured P. carinii rapidly took up a variety of fatty acids. The relative rates of uptake for four fatty acids were 18:1 >> 16:0 approximately equal to 18:0 approximately equal to 18:2.

Evidence for Pneumocystis carinii binding to a cell-free substrate: role of the adhesive protein fibronectin.

Attachment of Pneumocystis carinii organisms to the alveolar epithelium is probably a prerequisite for the initiation of P. carinii infection. Previous studies have demonstrated a role for the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin in mediating attachment of P.

The A-1 antigen: a novel marker in experimental peripheral nerve injury.

Expression of the Schwann cell phenotype is regulated by signals from the adjoining axon. After axotomy, the Schwann cell ceases the production and maintenance of the myelin sheath and assumes phagocytic properties necessary to digest its own myelin. The molecular mechanisms responsible for this behavior remain unclear.

Total cellular fatty acid composition of cultured Pneumocystis carinii.

Oleic acid makes up > 50% of the total fatty acids of Pneumocystis carinii grown on WI-38 cells. Oleic acid levels increased in parallel with increasing trophozoites over 7 days in culture. The fatty acid composition of P.

Pneumocystis carinii organisms obtained from rats, ferrets, and mice are antigenically different.

Pneumocystis carinii infections were developed in animals immunosuppressed by dexamethasone treatment either from activation of latent infection (ferret) or by transtracheal inoculation with P. carinii-infected lung tissue from the homologous species (rat or mouse). Convalescent-phase antisera were obtained by stopping dexamethasone treatment after 2 to 4 weeks and allowing animals 5 to 8 weeks for recovery.

120-kD surface glycoprotein of Pneumocystis carinii is a ligand for surfactant protein A.

Pneumocystis carinii is the most common cause of life-threatening pneumonia in immunocompromised patients. In the current study, surfactant protein A (SP-A), the major nonserum protein constituent of pulmonary surfactant, is demonstrated to bind P. carinii in a specific and saturable manner.

Immunologic comparisons of Pneumocystis carinii strains obtained from rats, ferrets, and mice using convalescent sera from the same sources.

Pneumocystis carinii (Pc) infections were developed in animals immunosuppressed by dexamethasone treatment either from activation of latent infection (ferret) or trans-tracheal inoculation of Pc obtained from infected lungs of the homologous species (rat, mouse). Convalescent antisera were obtained by stopping dexamethasone treatment after 2-4 wk and allowing 5-8 wk for recovery. Parasites from infected lungs were purified by differential filtration, solubilized in loading buffer, subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate- polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and blotted to polyvinylidene fluoride sheets for Western analysis.

Isolation and characterization of rat lung Pneumocystis carinii gp120.

The principal glycoprotein (gp120) of Pneumocystis carinii obtained from infected rat lung was isolated by differential extraction and size-exclusion chromatography. The purified glycoprotein was cleaved with CNBr to two peptides of approximately 27 and 33 kDa. Amino acid sequences were obtained from both peptides.

Pneumocystis carinii attachment to cultured lung cells by pneumocystis gp 120, a fibronectin binding protein.

Pneumocystis carinii is an extracellular organism which is thought to require attachment to alveolar epithelial cells for its growth and replication in humans. Fibronectin (Fn) binding to P. carinii is essential for optimal P.

Tricalcium phosphate ceramic--a resorbable bone implant: review and current status.

Fourteen animal studies involving the implantation of beta-tricalcium phosphate ceramic (TPC) in rats, dogs, and primates have shown the material to be effective in repairing many types of bony defects. Histological examinations confirm that the implant is resorbed and concomitantly replaced by normal bone when firmly fixed to freshly cut and bleeding bone. Tissue compatibility has been shown to be superior to other synthetic materials.

The effects of 11-methyl 16,16 dimethyl prostaglandin E2 on canine gastric acid secretion.

11-Methyl 16,16 dimethyl Prostaglandin E2 (TM-PGE2) at peak effectiveness inhibited acid output stimulated submaximally by histamine in the dog by 95 and 84% when administered by the intravenous and oral routes, respectively. Inhibition of secretion was maintained for 1-1/2 hours following intravenous administration while with the oral route, secretory inhibition was still present at the end of two hours after administration of the drug. The degree of inhibition of acid secretion caused by TM-PGE2, its duration of action and the lack of side effects observed following administration of this drug makes it a suitable compound for evaluation as an anti-secretory agent in man.

The biosynthesis of 1a, 1b-dihomo-PGF2 and 1a,1b-dihomo-PGF2 alpha from 7, 10, 13, 16-docosatetraenoic acid by an acetone-pentane powder of sheep vesicular gland microsomes.

Thin-layer chromatographic (t.l.c.

Analyses of renal medullary lipid droplets from normal, hydronephrotic, and indomethacin treated rabbits.

Lipid droplets isolated from rabbit renal medullary tissue were analyzed and found to be composed of triglyceride and free fatty acids in a ratio of 2.9:1. These triglycerides were unique when compared to triglycerides of other rabbit tissues examined, in that they contained high percentages of octadecanoic acid (stearic acid, 9.

Stereoisomeric relationships among anti-inflammatory activity, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and inhibition of prostaglandin synthetase.

This study compares the affects of a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, d,l-6-chloro-alpha-methyl-carbazole-2-acetic acid, its enantiomers, and indomethacin on platelet aggregation, prostaglandin synthetase, adjuvant arthritis, gastric ulceration and arachidonic acid induced diarrhea. In the adjuvant arthritic rat, doses producing anti-inflammatory activity were similar for all compounds with the exception of the l-isomer which was much less active. On the other hand, indomethacin was 10 to 25 times more potent with regard to inhibition of platelet aggregation, inhibition on prostaglandin synthetase, inhibition of arachidonic acid induced diarrhea, and induction of gastric ulceration than the racemate and its isomers.

Chromatography of prostaglandins utilizing silicic acid impregnated-glass fiber sheets.

A chromatographic method has been developed which offers rapid and convenient monitoring of prostaglandin biosynthesis from arachidonic acid.

Circum-annual changes in triglyceride fatty acids of bat brown adipose tissue.

A circum-annual study of the fatty acids of brown adipose tissue triglycerides ofEptesicus fuscus has demonstrated a rhythmic pattern of change. This is seen as a reciprocal shift of the levels of oleic and linoleic acids. Oleic acid levels are lower during the summer months and higher in the winter months.