Characterization of a Novel Human Type II Epithelial Keratin K1b, Specifically Expressed in Eccrine Sweat Glands

In this study, we show that a novel human type II epithelial keratin, K1b, is exclusively expressed in luminal duct cells of eccrine sweat glands. Taking this luminal K1b expression as a reference, we have used antibodies against a plethora of epithelial keratins to systematically investigate their expression in the secretory globule and the two-layered sweat duct, which was divided into the intraglandular, intradermal, and intraepidermal (acrosyringium) segments, the latter being further subdivided into the sweat duct ridge and upper intraepidermal duct. We show that (i) each of the eccrine sweat gland tissue compartments expresses their own keratin patterns, (ii) the peripheral and luminal duct layers exhibit a sequential keratin expression, with both representing self-renewing cell layers, (iii) the intradermal duct and the sweat duct ridge display hitherto unknown length variations, and (iv) out of all cell layers, the luminal cell layer is the most robust layer and expresses the highest number of keratins, these being concentrated at the apical side of the cells to form the cuticle. We provide evidence that the cellular and intercellular properties of the peripheral and the luminal layers reflect adaptations to different functions

Lacis de la Petite Woëvre. Entretien avec Gérard Peltre

Peltre Gérard, Eme Bernard. Lacis de la Petite Woëvre. Entretien avec Gérard Peltre . In: Autogestions, NS N°19, 1985. Le local sous influences. pp. 70-78

Use of Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS) to determine the Indicator of Residual Organic C in soil (IROC) and RothC model pools of exogenous organic matters

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La sécurité alimentaire à l'heure du néo-libéralisme : 2. Le désengagement étatique

Cinq ans après la mise en place du programme d'aide alimentaire dans la région centre du Véracruz, au Mexique, l'analyse spatiale des réseaux de distribution souligne les contradictions d'intérêts entre les différents acteurs, publics et privés, dans la partie haute de montagne (production vivrière) et la partie basse (production caféière). Les transformations des systèmes de production illustrent la diversité des réponses des petites exploitations à la crise alimentaire et aux nouvelles conditions d'approvisionnement. (Résumé d'auteur

Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy : a tool to characterize the composition of different types of exogenous organic matter and their behaviour in soil

In addition to total organic carbon and nitrogen, potential organic carbon mineralization under controlled laboratory conditions and indicators such as the indicator of remaining organic carbon in soil (I-ROC), based on Van Soest biochemical fractionation and short-term carbon mineralization in soil, are used to predict the evolution of exogenous organic matter (EOM) after its application to soils. The purpose of this study was to develop near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) calibration models that could predict these characteristics in a large dataset including 300 EOMs representative of the broad range of such materials applied to cultivated soils (plant materials, animal manures, composts, sludges. etc.). The NIRS predictions of total organic matter and total organic carbon were satisfactory (R(2)p = 0.80 and 0.85, ratio of performance to deviation, RPDp = 2.2 and 2.6, respectively), and prediction of the Van Soest soluble, cellulose and holocellulose fractions were acceptable (R(2)p = 0.82, 0.73 and 0.70. RPDp = 2.3, 1.9 and 1.8, respectively) with coefficients of variation close to those of the reference methods. The NIRS prediction of carbon mineralization during incubation was satisfactory and indeed better regarding the short-term results of mineralization (R(2)p = 0.78 and 0.78, and RPDp = 2.1 and 2.0 for 3 and 7 days of incubation, respectively). The I-ROC indicator was predicted with fairly good accuracy (R(2)p = 0.79, RPDp = 2.2). Variables related to the long-term C mineralization of EOM in soil were not predicted accurately, except for I-ROC which was based on analytical and well-identified characteristics, probably because of the increasing interactions and complexity of the factors governing EOM mineralization in soil as a function of incubation time. This study demonstrated the possibility of developing NIRS predictive models for EOM characteristics in heterogeneous datasets of EOMs. However. specific NIRS predictive models still remain necessary for sludges, organo-mineral fertilizers and liquid manures

Molecular basis of IgE cross-reactivity between human β-casein and bovine β-casein, a major allergen of milk

International audienceTwenty patients allergic to cow's milk proteins and with high levels of specific IgE directed against bovine whole casein were selected to evaluate reactivity of their IgE antibodies with human beta-casein. Highly purified human and bovine beta-caseins were prepared by selective precipitations and FPLC separation. Their identity and purity were assessed by HPLC, analysis of amino acid composition, sequencing of the five N-terminal amino acid residues and immunochemical tests. Direct and indirect ELISAs were performed using human and bovine beta-casein coated into microtiter plates and monoclonal anti-human IgE antibody AChE labelled for revelation. Seven sera contained specific IgE directed against human beta-casein. Inhibition studies using native human and bovine beta-caseins as well as bovine beta-casein-derived peptides demonstrated that, depending on the sera, one or several common epitopes located in different parts of the molecule were shared by the two homologous proteins

Expression, purification and immunochemical characterization of recombinant bovine beta-lactoglobulin, a major cow milk allergen

International audienceThe immunological characteristics of a recombinant beta-lactoglobulin were studied using monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antiserum and sera from allergic patients. Recombinant beta-lactoglobulin (rBLG) was expressed in Escherichia coli strain DH5alpha and purified as described previously [Cho et al. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 11 102-11 107]. The method has been modified by adding an immunoaffinity purification step. A quantity of 5-10mg of purified rBLG per liter of medium culture can be produced. rBLG shared the same molecular weight as the natural BLG (nBLG) and also possessed at least one intrachain disulfide bridge. In HPLC, rBLG appeared as a single peak, and the purity was estimated to be greater than 95%. All the monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) used in this study recognized different epitopes of the BLG and presented compatible binding. No differences could be detected between rBLG and nBLG when tested in a Western blot with rabbit polyclonal antiserum or with three mAbs that bound preferentially the reduced and S-carboxymethylated form of BLG. In a competitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA) using either a rabbit polyclonal antiserum or four mAbs that recognized conformational epitopes, we could not distinguish between rBLG or nBLG. In direct ELISA using nBLG or rBLG as the immobilized allergen, we measured a similar concentration of specific anti-BLG IgE in five sera from allergic patients. The results of this study indicate that we have obtained a rBLG with biochemical and immunological properties very similar to nBLG

Control of allergic reactions in mice by an active anti-murine IL-4 immunization

Pathogenesis of allergic inflammatory disorders is characterized by allergen-induced IgE stimulated by Th2 cytokines including mainly IL-4 overproduction. To counteract IL-4 effects in sensitized-BALB/c mice, we prepared an IL-4 derivative immunogen, made of KLH and murine IL-4 heterocomplex, termed mIL-4 kinoid. Murine IL-4 kinoid immunized mice produced high titer of anti-IL-4 neutralizing Abs. In contrast to KLH control immunization kinoid immunization reversed the allergic IgE:IgG ratio hallmark in rBet v 1a sensitized mice and reduced pulmonary eosinophil recruitment and bronchial hyperreactivity in Ova-sensitized mice. These data pave the way to alternative therapies to combat allergic conditions. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe