Validation of a commercially available anti-REDD1 antibody using RNA interference and REDD1-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts.

REDD1 is a transcriptional target gene of p53 and HIF-1, and an inhibitor of mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) complex 1 (mTORC1)-signaling through PP2A-dependent interaction, making it an important convergence point of both tumor suppression and cell growth pathways. In accordance with this positioning, REDD1 levels are transcriptionally upregulated in response to a variety of cellular stress factors such as nutrient deprivation, hypoxia and DNA damage. In the absence of such conditions, and in particular where growth factor signaling is activated, REDD1 expression is typically negligible; therefore, it is necessary to induce REDD1 prior to experimentation or detection in model systems.

Use of a third-generation perfluorocarbon for preservation of rat DCD liver grafts.

Background: Cold storage in any of the commonly used preservation solutions is not always adequate for donation after cardiac death (DCD) liver grafts due to prolonged warm ischemic time. In this study, we used a third-generation perfluorocarbon (PFC), Oxycyte, for DCD liver graft preservation in a rat model.

Materials And Methods: Twenty-eight rats (14 in each group) were used.

Inhibition of mammalian translation initiation by volatile anesthetics.

Volatile anesthetics are essential for modern medical practice, but sites and mechanisms of action for any of their numerous cellular effects remain largely unknown. Previous studies with yeast showed that volatile anesthetics induce nutrient-dependent inhibition of growth through mechanisms involving inhibition of mRNA translation. Studies herein show that the volatile anesthetic halothane inhibits protein synthesis in perfused rat liver at doses ranging from 2 to 6%.

Matrix GLA protein modulates branching morphogenesis in fetal rat lung.

The regulation of matrix gamma-carboxyglutamic acid protein (MGP) expression during the process of lung branching morphogenesis and development was investigated. MGP mRNA expression was determined over an embryonic and postnatal time course and shown to be developmentally regulated. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased staining for MGP in peripheral mesenchyme surrounding distal epithelial tubules.

Sildenafil citrate does not affect cardiac contractility in human or dog heart.

Objective: This study evaluated whether sildenafil citrate, an oral treatment for erectile dysfunction and a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) with modest vasodilating properties, affects cardiac contractility in vitro.

Research Design And Methods: Slices of freshly obtained human (n = 2) or dog (n = 3) atrial appendage were suspended in organ baths containing Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer (pH 7.4, 37 degrees C) bubbled continuously with 95% O2 and 5% CO2, and isometric tension was recorded using a Gould physiograph.