In Vitro Interleukin-1 and 2 Production and Interleukin 2 Receptor Expression in the Rhesus Monkey

Anti-human monoclonal antibodies were used to detect and quantify interleukins-1 and 2 and interleukin-2 receptor expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a rhesus monkey. Interleukin-1 production could be induced by phorbol esters (PMA) and was potentiated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Interleukin-2 secretion could also be induced by the combination of PHA and PMA, but only weakly with PHA alone. Interleukin-2 receptor expression was present in a subpopulation of unstimulated lymphocytes and could be enhanced by PHA or PMA. These data show once again that the rhesus monkey immune system is cross-reactive with the human one and that rhesus macaque could be a good model to study interleukin therapy

Magnetic refrigeration down to 1.6 K for the future circular collider e^{+}e^{-}

High-field superconducting rf cavities of the future circular collider e^{+}e^{-} may require a kW-range superfluid helium refrigeration down to 1.6 K. Magnetic refrigeration operating below 4.2 K can be an alternative to the compression/expansion helium refrigeration. A significant difference between this application and previous magnetic refrigerator studies is its large cooling power, up to 10^{3} times larger than the other designs. Principles of magnetic refrigeration are described and various technical solutions are compared. A numerical model for the static magnetic refrigerator is presented, validated, and adapted to the needs of the positron-electron version of the future circular collider. A preliminary design of magnetic refrigerator suitable for low temperature, kW-range cooling is studied

Adrenal Medullary Explants as an Efficient Tool for Pain Control: Adhesive Biomolecular Components Are Involved in Graft Function ex Vivo

Adrenal medullary (AM) tissue transplantation into the central nervous system has been reported as a potential source of opioid peptides and catecholamines, which have analgesic effects useful in the control of chronic pain. Clinical trials, involving allogeneic graft of whole tissue explants into the subarachnoid space of the lumbar spinal cord, have already been reported. The aim of the present study was to determine whether adhesion and function of AM explants were related in some extent and how this relationship could account for improvement of AM tissue in terms of analgesic activity before grafting. Our experiments demonstrated a significant correlation between the adherent state of AM organoids during culture and a sustained secretion of Met-enkephalin and catecholamines by chromaffin cells (CC). These findings suggest that optimal culture condition for AM organoid adhesion can be defined for maintenance of tissue, prior to transplantation. Using immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, and ELISA assays we showed that different cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and extracellular matrix ECM proteins were expressed and released by AM cells during culture. Adherent AM organoids expressed increased levels of specific neural CAMs (NCAM and HNK-1 epitope) and integrin chains (β1, α1, α2, α4, α5) and deposited markedly higher levels of fibronectin, but also laminin and collagen IV. Those molecules and probably adhesion processes they control might be involved in the maintenance of the CC-secreting neuroendocrine phenotype through cellular signaling pathways

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Tat protein induces an intracellular calcium increase in human monocytes that requires DHP receptors: involvement in TNF-alpha production

International audienceHIV-1 Tat protein, acting at the cell membrane, stimulates the production by human monocytes of TNF-α, a cytokine implicated in both HIV-1 replication and pathogenesis. Here, we analyze, in primary human monocytes, the mechanisms involved in Tat-stimulated calcium mobilization and its relationship with TNF-α production. We show that the Tat protein induces a calcium signal by mobilizing calcium from extracellular stores. This calcium signal is totally blocked when cells are stimulated in the presence of DHP receptor inhibitors such as nimodipine or calcicludine, thus suggesting the implication of this L-type calcium channel. By using RT-PCR amplification, Western blot with antibodies directed against the α1D subunit, binding assays with specific agonists or antagonists, and inhibition with specific antisense oligonucleotides, we show that DHP receptors are expressed and functional in primary human monocytes. Interestingly, we demonstrate that Tat-induced calcium mobilization is tightly linked to TNF-α production, thus indicating that Tat-induced mobilization and TNF-α production are entirely mediated by DHP receptors, as shown by their total inhibition by nimodipine, calcicludine, or anti-α1D antisense oligonucleotides

Epidemiology of anthrax cases observed and counted in France since fifteen years

Vaissaire Josée, Baroux Daniel, Bordas Christian, Chossonery André, Dufrêne Mireille, Guéraud Jean-Marie, Martel Jean-Louis, Poullet Marc, Tkaczuk-Moquay Viviane, Valognes Aurèle, Le Doujet Claudine, Laroche Micheline, Alliot Patrice, Mendy Christiane, Chevalerias Hervé. Épidémiologie des cas de charbon bactéridien (fièvre charbonneuse) observés et répertoriés en France depuis une quinzaine d’années. In: Bulletin de l'Académie Vétérinaire de France tome 149 n°1, 1996. pp. 65-70