Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa in Sprague Dawley Rats Caused by a Frameshift Mutation of Col17a1 Gene.

Junctional epidermolysis bullosa is an intractable cutaneous disorder in humans causing skin fragility and blistering due to mutations in genes encoding essential molecules adhering epidermis and dermis including collagen XVII. However, the pathogenesis still remains to be not fully understood perhaps because of a lack of appropriate animal models. In this study, we report novel mutant rats experiencing junctional epidermolysis bullosa, which was confirmed to be caused by a frameshift mutation of Col17a1 gene, as a rat model for investigating the underlying mechanism of pathogenesis.

In vivo profiling of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-induced estrogenic/anti-estrogenic effects in female estrogen-responsive reporter transgenic mice.

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), commonly referred to simply as "dioxin", is a persistent environmental pollutant. Because of its high environmental persistence and biological accumulation, humans and animals are often exposed to TCDD. Therefore, the harmful effects on humans and animals is a major concern.

Potential Interference of Oil Vehicles on Genital Tubercle Development during the Fetal Period in ICR Mice.

Corn oil, sesame oil, and 10% ethanol in corn oil are commonly used as dosing vehicles in toxicology studies. Since these vegetable oils contain bioactive compounds, it is important for toxicology studies to characterize the toxicities of the dosing vehicles themselves. It has been recently proposed that the width of the genital tubercle (GT), the dorsal-ventral length (D-V length) of the GT, and urethral tube closure in mouse fetuses can be used as novel markers for monitoring sexual development in mice.

The antianxiety-like effect of astaxanthin extracted from Paracoccus carotinifaciens.

Astaxanthin is a red carotenoid pigment and is widely found in living organisms. Astaxanthin has a potent antioxidative ability and has been reported as having various biological effects on the central nerve system, such as a protective effect against ischemia/reperfusion injury and improvement in cognitive function. In this study, to investigate the effects of astaxanthin on anxiety and depression, we performed some behavioral trials including the elevated plus maze test, hole-board test, forced swim test, and tail suspension test.