[Ovulation].

This review summarizes our knowledge on ovulation process. After gonadotropin surge or LH injection, 13 factors are involved in the follicular rupture. All of them plays a role since the inhibition of their synthesis or activity prevents the rupture of preovulatory follicles or reduces the number of ovulations.

Airborne manganese particulates and methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT) at selected outdoor sites in Montreal.

This study aims to assess the atmospheric concentrations of methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT), respirable manganese (MNR) and total manganese (MnT) in certain specific microenvironments and to provide an estimation of human exposure to MnR. Sampling was carried out in five microenvironments: a gas station, an underground car park, downtown Montreal, near an expressway and near an oil refinery. The samples were collected using Gil-Air portable pumps during three days and were analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA).

Cloning and characterization of the rat and human phosducin-like protein genes: structure, expression and chromosomal localization.

We isolated and characterized the rat gene encoding phosducin-like protein (PhLP), a putative heterotrimeric G protein modulator. The transcription start site was mapped by primer extension. The putative promoter region lacked a TATA sequence but contained a potential initiator element.

Pancreatic beta-cell regeneration after 48-h glucose infusion in mildly diabetic rats is not correlated with functional improvement.

We investigated the effect of glucose infusion on beta-cell regeneration in rats made mildly diabetic by a single injection of low dosage (35 mg/kg) streptozotocin (STZ). Nondiabetic (ND) and STZ rats were submitted to a 48-h glucose infusion (hyperglycemia approximately 22 mmol/l in both groups: ND and STZ hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemic [ND HG-HI and STZ HG-HI rats]). Before infusion, beta-cell mass was 65% lower in STZ rats than in ND rats (2.

Inhibitors of messenger RNA and protein synthesis affect differently serotonin arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase activity in clock-controlled and non clock-controlled fish pineal.

The pineal organ of fish contains photoreceptor cells. In some species (e.g.

Phosducin-like protein (PhLP), a regulator of G beta gamma function, interacts with the proteasomal protein SUG1.

Phosducin-like protein (PhLP) and phosducin are highly homologous proteins that interact with the beta gamma subunits of guanine nucleotide binding proteins. While phosducin has a well-characterized role in retinal signal transduction, PhLP function remains unclear. To further understand the function of PhLP, we have examined other potential protein:protein interactions with PhLP using the yeast two-hybrid system.

[The significance and role of speech therapy in rehabilitation after lip surgery].

Post-operative functional rehabilitation of the orofacial region has greatly benefited from progress in orthophony. Technical know-how in pediatric patients can be adapted to the specific requirements of postoperative rehabilitation in children.

T cell activation and retargeting using staphylococcal enterotoxin B and bispecific antibody: an effective in vivo antitumor strategy.

The aim of this work was to test for cure and immunity in a micrometastatic tumor model using in vivo T cell activation with staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) and retargeting with antitumor x anti-CD3 F(ab')2 bispecific antibodies (bsAb). All studies were performed in C3H/HeN mice using syngeneic tumor cell lines. For survival studies, mice were injected intravenously on day 0 with CL62 (a p97-transfected clone of the K1735 murine melanoma tumor).

Anorectal melanoma--an incurable disease?

Purpose: This study was designed to describe recurrence and survival rates after operative treatment for anorectal melanoma and to identify predictive factors for recurrence.

Methods: Records of 50 patients with anorectal melanoma from 1939 to 1993 were reviewed.

Results: Overall five-year survival and disease-free survival were 22 and 16 percent, respectively.

Interaction of phosducin-like protein with G protein betagamma subunits.

Phosducin-like protein (PhLP), a widely expressed ethanol-responsive gene (Miles, M. F., Barhite, S.

Enhanced expression of Gi-protein precedes the development of blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

In the present studies we have investigated if the increased expression of Gi alpha proteins reported earlier in heart and aorta from SHR (spontaneously hypertensive rats) is the cause or effect of hypertension. The SHRs at various ages of the development of blood pressure (3-5 days, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks) and their age-matched WKY were used for these studies. The expression of Gi alpha-2 and Gi alpha-3 (inhibitory guanine nucleotide regulatory protein and Gs alpha (stimulatory guanine nucleotide regulatory protein) at protein and mRNA level was determined by immunoblotting and Northern blotting technique using specific antibodies and cDNA probes.

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes can be activated in situ by using in vivo activants plus F(ab')2 bispecific antibodies.

In vitro-activated T lymphocytes can be retargeted with anti-CD3 x anti-tumor bispecific antibodies (BsAb) to kill tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. The purpose of the present study was to examine the systemic and intra-tumor effects of in vivo T-cell activation with BsAb, staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), and beta-glucan in combination with BsAb as a retargeting agent. CL-62 melanoma cells were injected subcutaneously into C3H/ HeN mice.

[Fertilization in mammals].

The mechanisms involved in gamete recognition and gamete fusion are identical to those allowing the fixation of somatic cells to a basal lamina and cell or viral fusion. Therefore specificity of the fertilization process only derives from the cytological originality of both gametes : acrosomal reaction and egg activation are two typical examples. Mitochondria, ARNs, proteins and metabolic reserves are brought by the oocyte.

Bifunctional antibody retargeting in vivo-activated T lymphocytes: simplifying clinical application.

For antitumor x anti-CD3 bifunctional antibody (BFA) therapy to be clinically relevant in solid tumors, activated lymphocytes must be present within tumors. Toward that end, three uniquely different in vivo activation approaches were investigated in a p97 human antigen expressing syngeneic murine melanoma model. beta-Glucan (200 micrograms), staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) (50 micrograms), and F(ab')2 BFA (10 micrograms) were tested for their ability to activate lymphocytes, neutralize pulmonary metastases, and treat established tumors.

Total laparoscopic proctocolectomy and laparoscopy-assisted proctocolectomy for inflammatory bowel disease: operative technique and preliminary report.

We present the operative technique of laparoscopic proctocolectomy along with the clinical course of the first four patients to undergo this procedure. The operation was conducted through five 12-mm ports. In total laparoscopic proctocolectomy, the dissection began with the sigmoid, left colon, and rectum.

Anti-CD3 x anti-tumor F(ab')2 bifunctional antibody activates and retargets tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes.

Bifunctional Abs (BFA) with specificity for the TCR/CD3 complex of T cells and tumor Ag can bridge T lymphocytes and tumor cells and, thereby, trigger activation events. The ability of intact and F(ab')2 anti-CD3 (500A2) x anti-p97 (96.5) BFA to induce activation of T lymphocytes in the presence of murine melanoma tumor cells (CL-62) expressing human melanoma-associated Ag (p97) was investigated in vitro and in vivo.

Partial laparoscopic splenectomy for trauma: technique and case report.

We describe the course of a patient who underwent partial laparoscopic splenectomy after a fall while skiing. Computed tomography revealed intact liver and kidneys with fragmentation of the upper third of the spleen and a left upper quadrant hematoma. Splenic artery angiogram showed devascularization of the superior pole, and selective cannulation of the superior polar artery demonstrated extravasation of contrast media.

Laparoscopic splenectomy for massive splenomegaly: operative technique and case report.

Although laparoscopic splenectomy is the preferred technique for the elective removal of normal-sized and moderately enlarged spleens, its value in the management of massive splenomegaly has not been defined. A 33-year-old woman with massive splenomegaly was managed by laparoscopic splenectomy. The splenic vessels were embolized preoperatively to reduce operative blood loss.

Laparoscopic splenectomy.

We describe the clinical course of 23 patients considered for laparoscopic splenectomy. One patient was excluded on the basis of preoperative angiography findings, and two (9%) were converted to open surgery. In the remaining 20 patients who successfully underwent laparoscopic splenectomy, no mortality was reported; four postoperative complications (20% morbidity) occurred.