The role of the RNFA in anterior cruciate ligament graft preparation.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is one of the most commonly performed orthopedic procedures in the United States. Repair of the ACL often requires the use of autografts or allografts, and the RN first assistant (RNFA) often is the team member responsible for preparing the graft. Common grafts used in ACL repair include bone-patellar tendon-bone, hamstring, Achilles tendon, quadriceps tendon, and tibialis anterior tendon.

The growth hormone/prolactin receptor gene family.

The identification of cDNAs encoding receptors for growth hormone and prolactin have allowed the identification of the primary structure of these receptors. The expression of these receptors can be measured in various tissues by estimation of mRNA levels using cDNA probes and measurements of protein levels by radioimmunoassay or immunoblot analysis using monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies to the receptors. Site-directed mutagenesis of ligand-binding domains will lead to an understanding of the residues important for hormone binding.