Oncogenes: present status.

Oncogenes are genes associated with causation of cancer. They were originally associated with the ability of retroviruses to cause tumors in animals. These viral oncogenes (V-onc) have their cellular counterparts (C-onc) called Proto oncogenes.

Serotonin synthesis inhibition or receptor antagonism reduces pregnancy-induced nocturnal prolactin secretion.

During early pregnancy, two surges of prolactin (PRL) designated as nocturnal (N) and diurnal (D) are displayed by the rat. We previously reported the positive influence of serotonin (5-HT) in regulating the D surge. Its role in the N surge remained inconclusive due to the contradictory results obtained with the 5-HT synthesis inhibitor parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA) and 5-HT2 receptor antagonists.

Computer-based image analysis of cartilage differentiation in embryonic limb bud micromass cultures.

A computer imaging system was used to analyse the effects of benzamide (BAM), sodium butyrate and dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) on chondrogenesis in culture. Embryonic chick limb bud cells were used as a source of undifferentiated mesenchyme, and cultures were prepared using a micromass culture technique. The degree of chondrogenesis is directly related to the amount of Alcian blue staining.