The α(1,3)fucosyltransferases FucT-IV and FucT-VII Exert Collaborative Control over Selectin-Dependent Leukocyte Recruitment and Lymphocyte Homing

AbstractE-, P-, and L-selectin counterreceptor activities, leukocyte trafficking, and lymphocyte homing are controlled prominently but incompletely by α(1,3)fucosyltransferase FucT-VII-dependent fucosylation. Molecular determinants for FucT-VII-independent leukocyte trafficking are not defined, and evidence for contributions by or requirements for other FucTs in leukocyte recruitment is contradictory and incomplete. We show here that inflammation-dependent leukocyte recruitment retained in FucT-VII deficiency is extinguished in FucT-IV−/−/FucT-VII−/− mice. Double deficiency yields an extreme leukocytosis characterized by decreased neutrophil turnover and increased neutrophil production. FucT-IV also contributes to HEV-born L-selectin ligands, since lymphocyte homing retained in FucT-VII−/− mice is revoked in FucT-IV−/−/FucT-VII−/− mice. These observations reveal essential FucT-IV-dependent contributions to E-, P-, and L-selectin ligand synthesis and to the control of leukocyte recruitment and lymphocyte homing

Cutaneous reactions due to antihypertensive drugs

Out of a total of 1147 patients on antihypertensive drugs, 23 (2.04%) developed adverse cutaneous drug reactions (ACDR). The commonest antihypertensive drug group causing ACDR was beta-blockers of which atenolol was the commonest culprit. The second most common group was calcium channel blockers with amlodipine as the commonest offender. The most common patterns of ACDR observed included urticaria followed by lichenoid drug eruption (LDE). We noted 2 new patterns of reactions; (i) one patient developed brownish blue pigmentation of nails while on atenolol for 3 years, which resolved in 4 months after withdrawal and (ii) another patient on amlodipine for 8 years developed Schamberg′s like purpuric pigmentation, which resolved on withdrawal of drug within 3 months. These findings have not been reported in the literature earlier. This study is presented for paucity of Indian data on ACDR due to antihypertensive drugs, and remarkable advancement in area of cardiovascular and antihypertensive pharmacology and a large number of population taking antihypertensive drugs

Bovine α1,3-galactosyltransferase catalytic domain structure and its relationship with ABO histo-blood group and glycosphingolipid glycosyltransferases

α1,3-galactosyltransferase (α3GalT, EC 2.4.1.151) is a Golgi-resident, type II transmembrane protein that transfers galactose from UDP-α-galactose to the terminal N-acetyllactosamine unit of glycoconjugate glycans, producing the Galα1,3Galβ1,4GlcNAc oligosaccharide structure present in most mammalian glycoproteins. Unlike most other mammals, humans and Old World primates do not possess α3GalT activity, which is relevant for the hyperacute rejection observed in pig-to-human xenotransplantation. The crystal structure of the catalytic domain of substrate-free bovine α3GalT, solved and refined to 2.3 Å resolution, has a globular shape with an α/β fold containing a narrow cleft on one face, and shares a UDP-binding domain (UBD) with the recently solved inverting glycosyltransferases. The substrate-bound complex, solved and refined to 2.5 Å, allows the description of residues interacting directly with UDP-galactose. These structural data suggest that the strictly conserved residue E317 is likely to be the catalytic nucleophile involved in galactose transfer with retention of anomeric configuration as accomplished by this enzyme. Moreover, the α3GalT structure helps to identify amino acid residues that determine the specificities of the highly homologous ABO histo-blood group and glycosphingolipid glycosyltransferases

Non-Invasive Evaluation of Corneal Abnormalities Using Static and Dynamic Light Scattering

A preliminary study of corneal abnormalities in intact bovine eyes is presented. Twenty-one eyes were treated with chemicals, cotton swabs, and radial and photo-refractive surgeries. Dynamic and static light scattering was performed as a function of the penetration depth into the corneal tissue. Topographical maps of corneal refractive power from untreated and treated corneas were also obtained using videokeratoscopy and results compared. The ultimate aim is to develop the technique of dynamic light scattering (DLS) for clinical applications in early evaluation of corneal complications after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgeries and other corneal abnormalities

Not Available

Not AvailableEffect of different concentrations (0 % control, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7%) of pulp and paper mill effluent selected on the basis of 96 hours LC50 test (8%), on certain blood parameters in Cyprinus carpio was evaluated after exposure for 7, 15 & 30 days. The hematological parameters studied include hemoglobin concentration, total erythrocytes count, total leucocytes count, packed cell volume, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, mean corpuscles volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Physico-chemical parameters i.e. pH, temperature, conductivity, total dissolved solids and dissolved Oxygen in diluted effluent were also recorded. Decreasing trend was observed in hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration after an initial increase. Decreasing trend in total erythrocytes count and increasing trend in total leucocytes count, packed cell volume, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and mean corpuscles volume were recorded as concentration of effluent and duration of exposure increased. Minute fluctuations were observed in pH and temperature, and conductivity, total dissolved solids and dissolved oxygen of diluted effluent used during the study.Not Availabl