Protein kinase C is involved in the early signals of interferon-alpha but not of interferon-gamma in U937 cells.

Increasing interest is being focused on the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the mode of action of interferons (IFNs). Here we report that IFN-alpha induced a transient translocation of PKC from the cytosol to the particulate fraction of U937 cells. In contrast, after IFN-gamma treatment, no significant change in PKC activity could be observed.

Platelet-activating factor--key mediator in neuroinjury?

A growing body of evidence supports the hypothesis that platelet-activating factor (PAF) may be a key mediator in neuroinjury. PAF, originally isolated from stimulated basophils, can be produced by a variety of cells, such as polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs), platelets, monocytes, macrophages, and endothelial cells and has been suggested as a mediator of inflammation, platelet and neutrophil activation, plasma extravasation, and anaphylactic shock. Enhanced phospholipid metabolism in the ischemic penumbral zone has been reported and provides opportunity for production of PAF.

Reduced formation of bipyrimidine photoproducts in DNA UV irradiated at high intensity.

DNA was irradiated using an excimer laser (248 nm) at low intensity (3.15 x 10(7) watts/m2) or high intensity (1.25 x 10(11) watts/m2).

Hodgkin disease: clinical utility of CT in initial staging and treatment.

One hundred seven consecutive new cases of Hodgkin disease were evaluated with chest radiography and computed tomography (CT) for initial staging. The data were evaluated with regard to five popular treatment protocols for Hodgkin disease. Thoracic CT scans were normal in 30 of 31 patients who had normal radiographs.

Childhood depression.

The spectrum of depressive disorders found in children and adolescents presents diagnostic and treatment challenges for the physician. The increasing scientific rigor of child and adolescent mental disorder research has explicated the importance of clinical diagnoses. Distinctions have to be made between depressive symptoms that are transient and situational specific and the constellation of depressive symptoms that represent clinical disorders such as bipolar disorder, cyclothymia, major depressive disorder, or dysthymia.

The role of L3T4+ and Lyt-2+ T cells in the IgE response and immunity to Nippostrongylus brasiliensis.

The role of L3T4+ and Lyt-2+ T cells in protective immunity to Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nb) was studied in BALB/c mice that were depleted of either the L3T4+ or Lyt-2+ T cell population by injection with rat mAb specific for the appropriate determinant. Host responses to Nb infection including spontaneous elimination of adult worms, development of intestinal mucosal mast cell hyperplasia and the generation of a polyclonal IgE response were all completely blocked by 0.5 mg anti-L3T4 antibody administered simultaneously with Nb inoculation.