Detection of IS6110 and HupB gene sequences of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and bovis in the aortic tissue of patients with Takayasu's arteritis.

Background: Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the large arteries and their branches; its etiology is still unknown. In individuals suffering from TA, arterial inflammation progresses to stenosis and/or occlusion, leading to organ damage and affecting survival. Relation of TA with Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been known, but there have been only a few systematic studies focusing on this association.

Maitotoxin induces two dose-dependent conductances in Xenopus oocytes. Comparison with nystatin effects as a pore inductor.

Maitotoxin (MTX)-induced conductances in Xenopus oocytes were thoroughly characterized using the two-electrode voltage clamp technique with a hyperpolarizing voltage protocol. MTX 5-100pM induced an inward current with maximal amplitude between 0.1 and 10microA.

Closure of the yeast mitochondria unspecific channel (YMUC) unmasks a Mg2+ and quinine sensitive K+ uptake pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The K+ uptake pathways in yeast mitochondria are still undefined. Nonetheless, the K+-mediated mitochondrial swelling observed in the absence of phosphate (PO4) and in the presence of a respiratory substrate has led to propose that large K+ movements occur in yeast mitochondria. Thus, the uptake of K+ by isolated yeast mitochondria was evaluated.