Objective: Leukocyte traffic from the blood to the joints is crucial in the pathogenesis of arthritis. A bifunctional endothelial cell-surface glycoprotein, AOC3 (amine oxidase, copper-containing 3; also known as vascular adhesion protein 1), has both adhesive and enzymatic properties. We undertook this study to determine the contribution of AOC3 and its oxidase activity to leukocyte trafficking into inflamed joints in vivo.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHeparin remains a major drug in prevention of thromboembolic disease. Concerns related to its animal source have prompted search for heparin analogues. The anticoagulant activity of heparin depends on a specific pentasaccharide sequence that binds antithrombin.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBoth calcitonin gene-related peptide and prostaglandins have an influence on the intraocular pressure in the eye. In this study, the effects of low intracameral doses (20 ng and 50 ng) of calcitonin gene-related peptide, prostaglandin F(2alpha), and simultaneous dosing of both, on the outflow facility were studied in the rabbit. Calcitonin gene-related peptide increased the outflow facility at both 20 and 50 ng doses, while prostaglandin F(2alpha) increased it only at a 50 ng dose.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF