Evolution of the thyrotropin receptor: a G protein coupled receptor with an intrinsic capacity to dimerize.

The rapidly escalating number of genome sequences has emphasized the basic tenants of the schema of life. By the same token comparisons according to specialized function or niche within nature expose genomic strategies to optimize the use of resources and ensure biological success. Increasing complexity may result from diversification, shuffling, and re-arrangement of an otherwise limited functional genomic complement.

Serum soluble CD8 concentration is an indicator of disease activity in patients with Graves' disease.

Cell-mediated immunity is important in the pathogenesis of Graves' disease. Activation of T cells is apparently associated with the release of soluble CD8 (sCD8) and CD4 (sCD4) molecules from the corresponding T cell subset. To test the possibility that the concentrations of these molecules may be related to Graves' disease activity, we measured serum sCD8 and sCD4 concentration in 58 Graves' patients using ELISA technique before and after treatment with methimazole as well as in 10 patients with toxic nodular goiter.

Effect of lithium on chemiluminescence of polymorphonuclear granulocytes and mononuclear cells of peripheral blood.

Influence of lithium on luminol amplified chemiluminescence activity of leucocytes of human peripheral blood was studied by a continuously recorded system. Lithium had a biphasic effect on mitogen-induced early activation of mononuclear cells, i.e.