Detection of methylation in the CpG islands of the p16INK4A, RASSF 1A and methylguanine methyltransferase gene promoters in pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic cancer consists of an accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations. Recently, aberrant methylation of CpG islands of cancer-related genes has emerged as an important epigenetic mechanism of their transcriptional dysregulation during tumour development [1]. Therefore, new diagnostic methods, for early detection based on a better understanding of the molecular biology of pancreatic cancer, are required. We examined the methylation status of p16INK4A, RASSF 1A and methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) genes considered to be inactivated by promoter methylation in several tumours

The influence of bromocriptine on the ultrstructure of the biceps femoris muscle in mice

Bromocriptine and other dopaminergic agonists drugs are used in Parkinson's disease. In this paper we have studied the ultrastructure of striated muscle of mice after bromocriptine treatment. There was a tremendous increase in the number and size of mitochondria. as well as a very notable increase in the cristae. Some ultrastructure changes were also noted at the neuromuscular junctions. An explanation has been attempted in the light of other investigations concerning the relationship of microtubules and bromocriptine on the one hand, and microtubules and mitochondria on the other