Inducible nitric oxide synthase in rat neutrophils: role of insulin

Defective leukocyte-endothelial interactions are observed in experimental diabetes mellitus. Endogenous substances, including nitric oxide (NO), have anti-inflammatory effects within the vasculature by reducing leukocyte adherence to post-capillary venules. The purpose of this study was to examine the activity and expression of NO synthase in neutrophils from alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Glycogen-elicited peritoneal neutrophils were obtained from diabetic rats and matching controls 10, 30, and 180 days after alloxan (42 mg/kg, i.v.) or saline injection. NO synthase activity was determined by the [H-3]L-citrulline assay method. Expression of the enzyme was investigated by western blot analysis, Relative to controls, neutrophils obtained from diabetic rats presented a 2-fold increase in the activity of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), accompanied by an increase in the expression of the enzyme depicted by western blot. Treatment of diabetic animals with NPH insulin (2 IU/day, for 3 days) reduced both the activity and expression of iNOS to normal levels. Results presented suggest that overexpression of the inducible isoform of NO synthase by neutrophils may be responsible, at least in part, for the defects in leukocyte-endothelial interactions in diabetes mellitus, (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.62335736

Identification of SSR and RAPD markers linked to a resistance allele for angular leaf spot in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) line ESAL 550

The objective of this study was to identify RAPD and SSR markers associated with a resistant allele for angular leaf spot (Phaeoisariopsis griseola) from the line 'ESAL 550', derived from the Andean 'Jalo EEP 558' cultivar, to assist selection of resistant genotypes. The resistant line 'ESAL 550' and the susceptible cultivar 'Carioca MG' were crossed to generate F1 and F2 populations. One hundred and twenty F2:3 families were evaluated. The DNA of the 12 most resistant families was bulked and the same was done with the DNA of the 10 most susceptible, generating two contrasting bulks. One RAPD and one SSR marker was found to be linked in coupling phase to the resistant allele. The SSR marker was amplified by the primer PV-atct001(282C), and its distance from the resistant allele was 7.6 cM. This is the most useful marker for indirect selection of resistant plants in segregating populations. The RAPD marker was amplified by the primer OPP07(857C) linked in coupling phase to the resistant allele, and distant 24.4 cM. Therefore, this RAPD marker is not so useful in assisting selection because it is too far from the resistant allele