Real-time RT-PCR quantitation of mCLCA1 and mCLCA2 reveals differentially regulated expression in pre- and postnatal murine tissues.

Members of the recently discovered chloride channels, calcium-activated (CLCA) gene family are thought to contribute to transmembrane trafficking of anions and other cellular functions. Previous northern blot and in situ hybridization studies revealed expression of the murine putative chloride channel mCLCA1 (alias mCaCC) in numerous epithelia and few other cell types. However, the subsequent cloning of mCLCA2 which shares 96% cDNA sequence identity with mCLCA1 suggested that the distribution pattern proposed for mCLCA1 in fact represented the sum of both mRNA species.

Molecular characterization of the equine AEG1 locus.

Acidic epididymal glycoprotein 1 (AEG1), also called cysteine-rich secretory protein 1 (CRISP1), is a member of the CRISP protein family which is characterized by 16 conserved cysteine residues at the C-terminus. The CRISP proteins are expressed in the male genital tract and are thought to be involved in sperm-egg fusion. Therefore, their genes are of interest as candidate genes for inherited male fertility dysfunctions and as putative quantitative trait loci for male fertility traits.

Characterization of a new endogenous vitamin A metabolite.

Here, we describe the discovery of a new major endogenous vitamin A metabolite with particularly high hepatic concentrations. This metabolite was isolated from mouse livers and was characterized as 9-cis-4-oxo-13,14-dihydro-retinoic acid (RA) based on mass spectral, ultraviolet, and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses. It was also detected in one human liver.

Effects of locally administered pentylenetetrazole on nigral single unit activity and severity of dystonia in a genetic model of paroxysmal dystonia.

The dt(sz) hamster is a well-established animal model of idiopathic paroxysmal dystonia. Previous investigations of this mutant have indicated dysfunctions of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic system within the basal ganglia. Systemic administration of the central stimulant pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) aggravated dystonia at subconvulsant doses, whereas GABA-mimetic drugs have beneficial effects in dt(sz) hamsters.

Calculating sample size bounds for logistic regression.

The calculation of a study's required sample size is one of the most important aspects of the validity of an epidemiological study. Logistic regression often is used in modelling in epidemiology. A simplified method to calculate the sample size for the multiple logistic-regression model was proposed by Hsieh et al.

Use of immunocytochemical techniques in canine melanoma.

The staining patterns of the monoclonal antibodies S-100 and Melan-A in canine melanoma were assessed based on cytological specimens of six canine melanomas (four benign, two malignant). In addition, eight regional lymph nodes of the two dogs with malignant melanomas were stained using these markers. For reference, all specimens were also evaluated immunohistochemically using S-100 and Melan-A.

Sucrase is an intramolecular chaperone located at the C-terminal end of the sucrase-isomaltase enzyme complex.

The sucrase-isomaltase enzyme complex (pro-SI) is a type II integral membrane glycoprotein of the intestinal brush border membrane. Its synthesis commences with the isomaltase (IM) subunit and ends with sucrase (SUC). Both domains reveal striking structural similarities, suggesting a pseudo-dimeric assembly of a correctly folded and an enzymatically active pro-SI.

Allele-specific PCR for the beta-tubulin codon 200 TTC/TAC polymorphism using single adult and larval small strongyle (Cyathostominae) stages.

It has been shown that benzimidazole (BZ) resistance in sheep gastrointestinal nematodes is linked with an increase in beta-tubulin codon 200 tyrosine-expressing alleles in the resistant parasite populations. Here, an allele-specific PCR has been developed for the discrimination of the TAC/TTC polymorphism in the beta-tubulin 200 codon of small strongyles. One reverse primer was used in 2 separate amplifications with 1 of 2 forward primers that differed only in their final 3' nucleotide.

Effects of striatal injections of GABA(A) receptor agonists and antagonists in a genetic animal model of paroxysmal dystonia.

The underlying mechanisms of idiopathic dystonias are poorly understood. The dystonic phenotype in the dt(sz) mutant hamster, a model of paroxysmal dystonia, has been suggested to be based on a deficit of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons and changes of the GABA(A)-benzodiazepine receptor complex in the striatum. In order to confirm and extend previous observations, the effects of compounds which bind to different sites of the GABA(A) receptor on the severity of dystonia were determined after striatal microinjections in comparison to systemic treatments in dt(sz) mutants.

Lochial secretions of Escherichia coli- or Arcanobacterium pyogenes-infected bovine uteri modulate the phenotype and the functional capacity of neutrophilic granulocytes.

It has been suggested that in cases of puerperal endometritis of cattle infected with Escherichia coli and Arcanobacterium pyogenes, the neutrophils are compromised in their defense capacity or downregulated functionally. In addition to direct bacterial effects, contents of lochial secretions and secreted products of locally activated polymorphonuclear neutrophilic granulocytes (PMNs) may also account for changes in function of freshly immigrating neutrophils. In this study, lochial secretions were obtained from healthy cows and from cows infected by E.

The murine mCLCA3 (alias gob-5) protein is located in the mucin granule membranes of intestinal, respiratory, and uterine goblet cells.

The putative anion channel mCLCA3 (alias gob-5) is the third murine member of the recently discovered family of calcium-activated chloride channels (CLCA family). Preliminary data suggest that mCLCA3 may play a significant role in diseases with secretory dysfunctions, including asthma and cystic fibrosis. In this study, the mCLCA3 protein was characterized biochemically and its cellular and subcellular distribution pattern was established in normal murine tissues.

A single point mutation within the ED1 gene disrupts correct splicing at two different splice sites and leads to anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia in cattle.

The ectodysplasin 1 gene ( ED1) encodes a signaling molecule of the tumor necrosis factor family that is involved in fetal development of ectodermal appendages. Mutations in the ED1 gene are responsible for X-linked anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia characterized by impaired development of hair, teeth, and eccrine sweat glands in human, mouse, and cattle. Two isoforms of ectodysplasin 1, termed ED1-A1 and ED1-A2, arise by alternative splicing and bind to different receptors.

Characterization and comparative mapping of the porcine CTSL gene indicates a novel synteny between HSA9q21-->q22 and SSC10q11-->q12.

Cathepsin L (CTSL) is a lysosomal cysteine protease with potent elastase and collagenase activities. Its high activity in the uterine lumen during the period of placental attachment has led to speculation that CTSL may play an important role during embryonic implantation in the pig. Cathepsins have also been implicated in blastocyst implantation in other species like cat, rat and man.

Molecular characterization and chromosome assignment of the porcine gene COX7A1 coding for the muscle specific cytochrome c oxidase subunit VIIa-M.

The COX7A1 gene encodes a heart- and muscle-specific isoform of the subunit VIIA of cytochrome c oxidase, which is the last component of the mitochondrial electron transfer chain. Cloning and characterization of the porcine COX7A1 gene revealed a highly conserved organization with respect to other mammalian COX7A1 orthologs. The porcine gene consists of four exons spanning approximately 1.

Porcine intestinal metabolism of excess vitamin a differs following vitamin a supplementation and liver consumption.

Vitamin A is a well-established teratogen in all animal species. A number of case reports also suggest a teratogenic potential of vitamin A in humans. A possible teratogenic risk of dietary liver vitamin A intake, the kinetics of vitamin A and its metabolites in humans after intake of either a vitamin A supplement or a liver meal have been studied.

Carbohydrate-based interactions of oviductal sperm reservoir formation-studies in the pig.

Competitive inhibition of sperm to explants of the oviductal epithelium was used to study the complementary receptor system that may be involved in the establishment of the oviductal sperm reservoir in the pig. Sperm binding to the oviductal explants is expressed as Binding Index (BI = sperm cells/0.01 mm(2)).