Computational study of the unimolecular and bimolecular decomposition mechanisms of propylamine.

A detailed computational study of the dehydrogenation reaction of trans-propylamine (trans-PA) in the gas phase has been performed using density functional method (DFT) and CBS-QB3 calculations. Different mechanistic pathways were studied for the reaction of n-propylamine. Both thermodynamic functions and activation parameters were calculated for all investigated pathways.

Responsiveness to basement membrane extract as a possible trait for tumorigenicity characterization.

Immortalized cell lines used to produce vaccines are expected to be described in terms of their tumorigenicity. However, current tumorigenicity assays can be time-consuming and results can be equivocal, especially for weakly tumorigenic cells. Basement membrane extract (BME) derived from the Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm mouse tumor, such as Matrigel and Cultrex, consists of laminin, collagen IV, entactin, heparan sulfate, and proteoglycans, as well as biologically active peptides and growth factors.

A novel canine kidney cell line model for the evaluation of neoplastic development: karyotype evolution associated with spontaneous immortalization and tumorigenicity.

The molecular mechanisms underlying spontaneous neoplastic transformation in cultured mammalian cells remain poorly understood, confounding recognition of parallels with the biology of naturally occurring cancer. The broad use of tumorigenic canine cell lines as research tools, coupled with the accumulation of cytogenomic data from naturally occurring canine cancers, makes the domestic dog an ideal system in which to investigate these relationships. We developed a canine kidney cell line, CKB1-3T7, which allows prospective examination of the onset of spontaneous immortalization and tumorigenicity.

Failure-to-thrive syndrome associated with tumor formation by Madin-Darby canine kidney cells in newborn nude mice.

Tumors that formed in newborn nude mice that were inoculated with 10(7) Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells were associated with a failure-to-thrive (FTT) syndrome consisting of growth retardation, lethargy, weakness, and dehydration. Scoliosis developed in 41% of affected pups. Pups were symptomatic by week 2; severely affected pups became moribund and required euthanasia within 3 to 4 wk.

Heterogeneity of the tumorigenic phenotype expressed by Madin-Darby canine kidney cells.

The mechanisms by which cells spontaneously immortalized in tissue culture develop the capacity to form tumors in vivo likely embody fundamental processes in neoplastic development. The evolution of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells from presumptively normal kidney cells to immortalized cells that become tumorigenic represents an example of neoplastic development in vitro. Studies of the mechanisms by which spontaneously immortalized cells develop the capacity to form tumors would benefit from quantitative in vivo assays.