The cellular localization of increased atrial natriuretic peptide mRNA and immunoreactivity in diabetic rat kidneys.

Increased intrarenal atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) mRNA expression has been reported in several disorders. To further investigate the action of renal ANP, we need to elucidate the exact site of its alteration in diseased kidneys. ANP mRNA and ANP were detected by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry in the kidneys from five normal and five diabetic rats.

Unique K-ras mutational pattern in pancreatic adenocarcinoma from Taiwanese patients.

To assess the prevalence and spectrum of K-ras mutations in Taiwanese patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, we analyzed 20 patients of ductal adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. The study included K-ras mutations that were detected using DNA direct sequencing analysis of the polymerase chain reaction products and confirmed by reverse sequencing primers. The results showed that K-ras codon 12 mutation was detected in 90% of the cancer tissues (18/20).