Cadmium modulates proliferation and differentiation of human neuroblasts.

Cadmium is an environmental pollutant inducing numerous pathological effects, including neurological disorders and brain diseases. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of cadmium in affecting neurons and in inducing neurotoxicity in the development of the human brain. We have recently established, cloned, and propagated in vitro a primary long-term cell culture (FNC-B4) obtained from the human fetal olfactory neuroepithelium.

Bombesin promotes vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in chick chorio-allantoic membrane: A morphometric, structural, and ultrastructural study.

Experiments were performed on the chorio-allantoic membrane (CAM) of the chick to evaluate the effects of bombesin (BN) on vascular neoformation. In morphometrical assays, 10(-13)-10(-4) M BN promoted dose-dependent vascular development. Newly formed vessels converged toward the BN release site in a spoked wheel arrangement, suggesting a diffusion gradient mechanism.

Analysis of elevated serum interleukin-6 levels in rheumatoid arthritis: correlation with erythrocyte sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether selected antirheumatic drugs would suppress elevated circulating interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The 267 patients who enrolled in a double-blind randomized protocol received placebo, naproxen (1500 mg/day), or prinomide (1500 mg/day) for up to 16 weeks. Serum samples from 143 of the patients completing the trial and from 135 normal donors were analyzed by quantitative sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for IL-6 concentrations.