Microscopical methods for the localization of Na + , K + -ATPase

Na + , K + -ATPase plays a central role in the ionic and osmotic homeostasis of cells and in the movements of electrolytes and water across epithelial boundaries. Microscopic localization of the enzyme is, therefore, of crucial importance in establishing the subcellular routes of electrolyte flow across structurally complex and functionally polarized epithelia. Recently developed approaches to the localization of Na + , K + -ATPase are reviewed. These methods rely on different properties of the enzyme and encompass cytochemical localization of the K + -dependent nitrophenylphosphatase component of the enzyme, autoradiographic localization of tritiated ouabain binding sites, and immunocytochemical localization of the holoenzyme and of its catalytic subunit. The rationales for each of these techniques are outlined as are the critieria that have been established to validate each method. The observed localization of Na + , K + -ATPase in various tissues is discussed, particularly as it relates to putative and hypothetical mechanisms that are currently thought to mediate reabsorptive and secretory electrolyte transport.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/42850/1/10735_2005_Article_BF01005056.pd

ANIMAL MODELS FOR THE STUDY OF LEISHMANIASIS IMMUNOLOGY

Leishmaniasis remains a major public health problem worldwide and is classified as Category I by the TDR/WHO, mainly due to the absence of control. Many experimental models like rodents, dogs and monkeys have been developed, each with specific features, in order to characterize the immune response to Leishmania species, but none reproduces the pathology observed in human disease. Conflicting data may arise in part because different parasite strains or species are being examined, different tissue targets (mice footpad, ear, or base of tail) are being infected, and different numbers (“low” 1×102 and “high” 1×106) of metacyclic promastigotes have been inoculated. Recently, new approaches have been proposed to provide more meaningful data regarding the host response and pathogenesis that parallels human disease. The use of sand fly saliva and low numbers of parasites in experimental infections has led to mimic natural transmission and find new molecules and immune mechanisms which should be considered when designing vaccines and control strategies. Moreover, the use of wild rodents as experimental models has been proposed as a good alternative for studying the host-pathogen relationships and for testing candidate vaccines. To date, using natural reservoirs to study Leishmania infection has been challenging because immunologic reagents for use in wild rodents are lacking. This review discusses the principal immunological findings against Leishmania infection in different animal models highlighting the importance of using experimental conditions similar to natural transmission and reservoir species as experimental models to study the immunopathology of the disease

Fuse testing in oil for Alvin batteries

This report includes the test results on a series of test made by the DSRVG to find a more suitable fuse for the ALVIN batteries. Figure 1 gives the test setup. The data on page 1 of 5 is of 100 amp, 250 volt standard commercial buss fuse. This fuse was used in ALVIN for the first shallow water dives. Due to the higher I.R. drop and the high current required to blow this fuse, it was desirable to find and test better fuses. The amp trap form 101, type #4, 250 volt fuse was selected for test because of its size and construction. Test data is found on sheets 2, 3, 4, and 5. Disassembly of the amp trap fuse shows that an insulating material is strapped on both sides of the blowing link. This construction minimizes heat loss to the oil and results in a more consistent blowing value when operated in oil Sheets of #3 and 4 have the last test data run on a 150 and 200 amp fuse, pressurized to 3300 PSIG in Tellus #15 oil manufactured by the Shell Oil Company. This test was run to see if pressurizing had any effect on oil penetration. Data collected and run by M.J. McCamis, W.M. Marquet, Geo. Borderson and D. Mason