Numerical variations and spontaneous malformations in the early embryos of the Korean salamander, Hynobius leechii, in the farmlands of Korea.

Embryo sacs of the Korean salamander, Hynobius leechii, were collected from nine farmlands in Gyeongsangnam-Do, Korea, in early spring of 2002 and 2004. The variations in the number of embryos within each embryo sac and the mortality and abnormality rates among the embryos were investigated. We also analyzed the patterns of spontaneous embryonic malformations and the residual chemicals in the soil of the habitats using multiple-residue GC/MS.

[Expression of Cdx-2 homeobox gene in intestinal metaplasia and gastric adenocarcinoma].

Background/aims: The Cdx-1 and Cdx-2 genes are intestinal transcription factors that may be involved in the regulation of proliferation and differentiation of intestinal epithelial cells. The Cdx-1 and Cdx-2 are expressed in the epithelium of the small intestine and colon but not in the normal epithelium of the esophagus and stomach. Conversely, aberrant Cdx-2 expression is often observed in the esophagus and stomach.