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Biomedical subjects

A Pierce

Publications and source records attributed to A Pierce.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Previtellogenic oocyte growth in salmon: relationships among body growth, plasma insulin-like growth factor-1, estradiol-17beta, follicle-stimulating hormone and expression of ovarian genes for insulin-like growth factors, steroidogenic-acute regulatory protein and receptors for gonadotropins, growth hormone, and somatolactin.

Body growth during critical periods is known to be an important factor in determining the age of maturity and fecundity in fish. However, the endocrine mechanisms controlling oogenesis in fish and the effects of growth on this process are poorly understood. In this study interactions between the growth and reproductive systems were examined by monitoring changes in various components of the FSH-ovary axis, plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igf1), and ovarian gene expression in relation to body and previtellogenic oocyte growth in coho salmon. Samples were collected from females during two hypothesized critical periods when growth influences maturation in this species. Body growth during the fall-spring months was strongly related to the degree of oocyte development, with larger fish possessing more advanced oocytes than smaller, slower growing fish. The accumulation of cortical alveoli in the oocytes was associated with increases in plasma and pituitary FSH, plasma estradiol-17beta, and ovarian steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (star) gene expression, whereas ovarian transcripts for growth hormone receptor and somatolactin receptor decreased. As oocytes accumulated lipid droplets, a general increase occurred in plasma Igf1 and components of the FSH-ovary axis, including plasma FSH, estradiol-17beta, and ovarian mRNAs for gonadotropin receptors, star, igf1, and igf2. A consistent positive relationship between plasma Igf1, estradiol-17beta, and pituitary FSH during growth in the spring suggests that these factors are important links in the mechanism by which body growth influences the rate of oocyte development.

Animals↗

Role of the C-terminal actin binding domain in BCR/ABL-mediated survival and drug resistance.

Philadelphia chromosome-positive, chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) stem and progenitor cells have a survival and growth advantage compared with their normal counterparts. The mechanisms through which the BCR/ABL protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) induces these effects and the important domains within this protein are not fully defined. The F- and G-actin binding region of the BCR/ABL C-terminus may be important in BCR/ABL-mediated events, and we have investigated this by expressing a C-terminus deletion mutant of the temperature-sensitive BCR/ABL PTK, in a haemopoietic progenitor cell line, which models the chronic phase of CML. The truncated BCR/ABL PTK displayed similar levels of PTK activity when compared with wild type and activation of second messenger formation (in the form of sn-1,2-diacylglycerol) remains intact. On fibronectin substrata, localisation of the protein to the periphery of the cell was, however, dependent on the C-terminus of BCR/ABL PTK. Deletion of the C-terminus reversed both BCR/ABL-mediated apoptotic suppression and drug resistance although the progenitor cells did retain a proliferative advantage at low concentrations of growth factor. These results demonstrated that the C-terminal actin-binding domain of BCR/ABL is important for some of BCR/ABL PTK-mediated leukaemogenic effects.

Actins↗

The presence of a transsulfuration pathway in the lens: a new oxidative stress defense system.

The finding that a lens under oxidative stress accumulated free and protein-bound cysteine (protein-S-S-cysteine) in the fiber cells prompted us to examine if there is an alternative source for cysteine pools besides the active cysteine transport system in the lens, namely, the transsulfuration pathway of homocysteine-cystathionine-cysteine, which utilises methionine through transmethylation. We examined the presence of the gene for cystathionine-beta-synthase (CBS), the rate limiting enzyme that converts homocysteine to cystathionine in the transsulfuration pathway, in human lens epithelial (HLE) B3 cells using PCR with primers designed based on the sequence of human liver CBS (Forward 5'-CCA CAC TGC CCC GGC AAA AT-3'; Reverse 5'-CTG GCA ATG CCC GTG ATG GT-3'). The purified DNA fragment (586 bp) from PCR analysis was sequenced and confirmed the homology with CBS gene from other human tissues. The CBS protein band (67 kDa) was present in the HLE cells, which reacted positively with the human liver anti-CBS antibody. The enzyme protein was detected in the pig and human lenses with the highest intensity in the epithelial layer, lower but equal quantities of CBS was present in the cortical and nuclear regions. Human nuclear CBS increased while epithelial CBS decreased with aging. Oxidative stress transiently upregulated the gene expression of CBS both in HLE cells (0.1 mMH2O2) and in pig lens cultured in TC 199 medium (0.5 mMH2O2). The catalytic activity for CBS, which was assayed by measuring the production of C14-cystathionine from C14-serine in the presence of homocysteine, S-adenosyl-methionine and pyridoxal phosphate, was detectable in the HLE cells and transiently activated with H2O2. Free cystathionine accumulated when HLE B3 cells were treated with propargylglycine (PGG), an inhibitor of cystathionase, the downstream enzyme that converts cystathionine to cysteine. More cystathionine accumulation occurred when the cells were simultaneously exposed to PGG and 0.1 mMH2O2. We have shown that oxidative stress of H2O2 could increase the flux of this transsulfuration pathway by committing more homocysteine to cysteine and glutathione production as H2O2 (0.1 mM) inhibited the remethylation enzyme of methionine synthase while concurrently activating the CBS enzyme. This is the first evidence that a transsulfuration pathway is present in the lens, and that it can be upregulated under oxidative stress to provide additional redox potential for the cells.

5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine S-Methyltran↗

The diagnosis and surgical management of major salivary gland pathology.

BACKGROUND: Major salivary gland pathology is an uncommon but important finding which may initially present to general dental and medical practitioners. The consequences of misdiagnosis are important, as acute obstruction and neoplasia are the main pathological lesions diagnosed. The purpose of this study was to analyze a consecutive series of major gland pathologies treated surgically to determine diagnostic and treatment problems. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all cases of the major salivary glands treated on an inpatient surgical basis over a five-year period by the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit of the Royal Adelaide Hospital was performed. Particular emphasis was placed on the referring diagnosis as compared to the final diagnosis. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients had surgical management of 62 major salivary glands over the five-year period. By gland, 18 (33.3 per cent) were parotid, 35 (51.1 per cent) submandibular and nine (16.6 per cent) were sublingual. Fifty-one (82 per cent) of all lesions were inflammatory and 11 (18 per cent) neoplastic. The most common presentations were swelling (72 per cent) and pain (33 per cent). Most patients were referred by general dentists (37 per cent), followed by general medical practitioners (32 per cent) and specialists (28 per cent). The referring diagnosis was correct for only 45 per cent of the dentists but 76 per cent for the general medical practitioners and 87 per cent for the specialists. Only two of the 11 gland neoplasms were correctly identified as neoplasms, both by specialists. The morbidity of the surgical treatment was low. CONCLUSION: The general dental practitioner is often the first health professional with the opportunity to assess salivary gland pathology, and therefore needs to be aware of the presenting signs and symptoms of major salivary gland lesions.

Adolescent↗

Lactoferrin is synthesized by activated microglia in the human substantia nigra and its synthesis by the human microglial CHME cell line is upregulated by tumor necrosis factor alpha or 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium treatment.

The presence of the iron-binding protein lactoferrin (Lf) in some specific areas of the central nervous system and particularly in the normal human substantia nigra, where it is found in dopaminergic (DA) neurons and some glial cells, led us to investigate Lf synthesis in this area. Lf mRNA were identified using in situ hybridization and found in small ameboid cells. These cells were identified using immunocytochemistry as activated microglia since they exhibited macrophage markers such as the CD68 and the CR1 antigens. Double immunofluorescent labeling confirmed that the two Lf immunostained cell populations were activated microglia and DA neurons. Since activated microglia contained both Lf and its messenger, these cells are the Lf producing cells. The presence of Lf in DA neurons in which no Lf messengers were visible, might be due to an endocytosis mechanism, DA neurons probably internalizing Lf produced in microglial cells located in their neighborhood. In neuropathological disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, inflammatory process and oxidative stress are events that contribute to neuronal death. Since Lf concentration increases during these pathologies, we studied the level of Lf expression under these different stresses and showed, using RT-PCR, that the immortalized human embryonic microglial CHME cell line produced Lf transcripts under tumor necrosis factor alpha or 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium treatment whereas untreated cells did not. These data confirm that Lf is produced only when microglia are activated.

1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium↗

Workplace drug testing in Europe.

Not much information is available on workplace drug testing (WDT) in Europe. There is no specific legislation and there are no generally accepted guidelines. Many companies establish a drug policy with little or no provisions for drug testing. Often, testing is performed on-site by occupational physicians, with little or no quality control, no systematic confirmation of positives, no chain of custody and no adulteration testing. In some parts of Europe, e.g. in the United Kingdom and some Scandinavian countries, WDT is increasing in importance, but it is not as widespread as in USA. The most frequently performed tests are amphetamines, cannabinoids, cocaine, opiates and alcohol. The percentage of positives is variable, but seems to decrease with the years following the introduction of WDT. Cannabis is the drug that is most frequently found.Recently, the European Workplace Drug Testing Society (EWDTS) was founded, with the aims to ensure that WDT in Europe is performed to a defined quality standard and in a legally secured way and to provide an independent forum for all aspects of WDT.A working group in the United Kingdom has recently finalised the United Kingdom laboratory guidelines for legally defensible WDT and discussions are under way with the EWDTS to establish common guidelines. Many efforts will be needed to establish WDT as an accepted part of a company policy on drugs: establishing and maintaining the confidence in the results of the laboratory, establishing the legal status of WDT, preserving the privacy and rights of the employees, proving the cost-effectiveness of WDT in a European context, finding a balance between strict guidelines and enough flexibility to tailor testing to the changing needs. It is hoped that the exchange of experience between different countries will contribute to reaching these goals.

Europe↗

The specific enhancement of interferon alpha induced growth inhibition by BCR/ABL only occurs in multipotent cells.

INTRODUCTION: The causative oncogene in CML is the BCR/ABL protein tyrosine kinase. This stem cell disease is often treated with interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) which can initiate haematological and cytological remission which is associated with increased survival. There is however no clear indication of why CML cells are more responsive to IFN-alpha. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To establish if BCR/ABL increases the sensitivity of multipotent cells to IFN-alpha a temperature sensitive mutant of BCR/ABL was expressed in the multipotent haemopoietic stem cell line FDCP-Mix. The effect of IFN-alpha in terms of proliferation, induction of apoptosis, changes in cell cycle inhibitor proteins, and differentiation was assessed by [3H]thymidine incorporation, Annexin V and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: When the BCR/ABL tyrosine kinase was activated, the IFN-alpha-induced inhibition on the growth rate of the FDCP-Mix cell population was more marked than in control populations. The BCR/ABL-mediated effect was due to decreased rates of DNA synthesis. There was no IFN-alpha-mediated induction of apoptosis. This enhanced BCR/ABL mediated growth inhibition occurred over a range of growth factor concentrations and was independent of changes in p21(Cip1) and p27(Kip) levels. When FDCP-Mix cells were induced to differentiate into mature macrophages and neutrophils in the presence of IFN-alpha, there was increased sensitivity to IFN-alpha that was independent of BCR/ABL activity. CONCLUSION: BCR/ABL PTK expression in this primitive multipotent haematopoietic cell line results in an enhanced response to IFN-alpha. In contrast, the more mature myeloid progenitor cells are equally responsive to this growth inhibitor. This data may explain some of the clinical effects of IFN-alpha.

Apoptosis↗

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 induces apoptosis independently of p53 and selectively reduces expression of Bcl-2 in multipotent hematopoietic cells.

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) can inhibit cell proliferation or induce apoptosis in multipotent hematopoietic cells. To study the mechanisms of TGF-beta1 action on primitive hematopoietic cells, we used the interleukin-3 (IL-3)-dependent, multipotent FDCP-Mix cell line. TGF-beta1-mediated growth inhibition was observed in high concentrations of IL-3, while at lower IL-3 concentrations TGF-beta1 induced apoptosis. The proapoptotic effects of TGF-beta1 occur via a p53-independent pathway, since p53(null) FDCP-Mix demonstrated the same responses to TGF-beta1. IL-3 has been suggested to enhance survival via an increase in (antiapoptotic) Bcl-x(L) expression. In FDCP-Mix cells, neither IL-3 nor TGF-beta1 induced any change in Bcl-x(L) protein levels or the proapoptotic proteins Bad or Bax. However, TGF-beta1 had a major effect on Bcl-2 levels, reducing them in the presence of high and low concentrations of IL-3. Overexpression of Bcl-2 in FDCP-Mix cells rescued them from TGF-beta1-induced apoptosis but was incapable of inhibiting TGF-beta1-mediated growth arrest. We conclude that TGF-beta1-induced cell death is independent of p53 and inhibited by Bcl-2, with no effect on Bcl-x(L). The significance of these results for stem cell survival in bone marrow are discussed.

Animals↗

Bcr-Abl protein tyrosine kinase activity induces a loss of p53 protein that mediates a delay in myeloid differentiation.

Chronic myeloid leukaemia is a haemopoietic stem cell disorder, the hallmark of which is the expression of the Bcr-Abl Protein Tyrosine Kinase (PTK). We have previously reported that activation of a temperature sensitive Bcr-Abl PTK in the multipotent haemopoietic cell line FDCP-Mix for short periods resulted in subtle changes including, a transient suppression of apoptosis and no inhibition of differentiation. In contrast, activation of the Bcr-Abl PTK for 12 weeks results in cells that display a delay in differentiation at the early granulocyte stage. Flow cytometric analysis also indicates that the expression of cell surface differentiation markers and nuclear morphology are uncoupled. Furthermore, a significant number of the mature neutrophils display abnormal morphological features. Prolonged exposure to Bcr-Abl PTK results in interleukin-3 independent growth and decreased p53 protein levels. FDCP-Mix cells expressing a dominant negative p53 and p53null FDCP-Mix cells demonstrate that the reduction in p53 is causally related to the delay in development. Returning the cells to the restrictive temperature restores the p53 protein levels, the growth factor dependence and largely relieves the effects on development. We conclude that prolonged Bcr-Abl PTK activity within multipotent cells results in a reduction of p53 that drives a delayed and abnormal differentiation.

Animals↗

The effect of Bcr-Abl protein tyrosine kinase on maturation and proliferation of primitive haematopoietic cells.

BACKGROUND: Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) is characterised by the chromosomal translocation resulting in expression of the Bcr-Abl protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) in early stem cells and their progeny. However the precise nature of Bcr-Abl effects in primitive CML stem cells remains a matter of active debate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extremely primitive Bcr-Abl fusion positive cells were purified from patients with CML using multiparameter flow cytometric analysis of CD34, Thy, and lineage marker (Lin) expression, plus rhodamine-123 (Rh-123) brightness. Progenitor cells of increasing maturity were examined for cycling status by flow cytometry and their proliferative status directly correlated with cell phenotype. The activation status of a key transcription factor, signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT-5), was also analyzed by immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: The most primitive stem cells currently defined (CD34+Lin-Thy+ Rh-1231o) were present as a lower proportion of the stem cell compartment (CD34+Lin-) of CML patients at presentation than of normal individuals (2.3% +/- 0.4 compared with 5.1% +/- 0.6 respectively). Conversely there was a significantly higher proportion of the more mature cells (CD34+Lin-Thy-Rh-123 hi) in CML patients than in normal individuals (79.3 +/- 1.8 compared with 70.9 +/- 3.3). No primitive subpopulation of CML CD34+Lin- cells was cycling to a significantly greater degree than cells from normal donors, in fact, late progenitor cells (CD34+Lin+) were cycling significantly less in CML samples than normal samples. STAT5, however, was observed to be activated in CML cells. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that no subpopulation of CML stem cells displays significantly increased cell cycling. Thus, increased cycling cannot be a direct consequence of Bcr-Abl PTK acquisition in highly enriched stem cells from patients with CML. In vivo CML need not be considered a disease of unbridled stem cell proliferation, but a subtle defect in the balance between self renewal and maturation.

Cell Division↗

Rapid analysis of gene expression (RAGE) facilitates universal expression profiling.

Current techniques for analysis of gene expression either monitor one gene at a time, for example northern hybridization or RT-PCR methods, or are designed for the simultaneous analysis of thousands of genes, for example microarray hybridization or serial analysis of gene expression. To provide a flexible, intermediate scale alternative, a PCR-based method for the rapid analysis of gene expression has been developed which allows expression changes to be determined in either a directed search of known genes, or an undirected survey of unknown genes. A single set of reagents and reaction conditions allows analyses of most genes in any eukaryote. The method is useful for assaying on the order of tens to hundreds of genes in multiple samples. Control experiments indicate reliable detection of changes in gene expression 2-fold and greater, and sensitivity of detection better than 1 in 10 000. Analyses of over 400 genes in a mouse system transgenic for the E2F1 gene have identified several new downstream targets of E2F1, including Brca1 and Cdk7, in addition to several unidentified genes that are upregulated in the transgenic mice. Changes in expression of several genes related to apoptosis suggest a possible potentiation of apoptotic pathways in the transgenic keratinocytes.

Animals↗

Lactoferrin is synthesized by mouse brain tissue and its expression is enhanced after MPTP treatment.

The presence of iron in brain tissue in increased concentrations in Parkinson's disease cases, where it might be responsible for oxidative stress, and the parallel observation that the iron transporter lactoferrin (Lf) was present in increased amounts in surviving neurons, led us to study the synthesis of Lf in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. In this context, the origin and expression of brain Lf in normal, aged and MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine)-treated mice were investigated. Lf immunostaining was observed mainly on microvessels in the cerebral cortex of the adult mice and to a greater extent in older mice. Lf immunoreactivity was also present in the hippocampus only in the aged mouse brains, associated with structures which seemed to be pyramidal neurons and fibers. After RT-PCR (polymerase chain reaction), Lf transcripts were found in mouse brain tissue whatever the age of the animals studied but the level of their expression was very low. No up-regulation of Lf was detectable during aging. Lf distribution and expression in the MPTP-induced Parkinsonian mouse model were also investigated. A marked depletion of dopamine (DA) occurred in the high dose MPTP-treated mice. The level of Lf expression was found to be markedly increased in the same animals and this up-regulation occurred on the first day after MPTP administration. When the brain was stressed by the neurotoxin MPTP, Lf expression increased in line with antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, which may permit the protection of brain tissue from oxidative damage induced by the drug.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗

Activation of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin-3 receptor subunits in a multipotential hematopoietic progenitor cell line leads to differential effects on development.

Activation of specific cytokine receptors promotes survival and proliferation of hematopoietic progenitor cells but their role in the control of differentiation is unclear. To address this issue, the effects of human interleukin-3 (hIL-3) and human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (hGM-CSF) on hematopoietic development were investigated in hematopoietic progenitor cells. Murine multipotent factor-dependent cell-Paterson (FDCP)-mix cells, which can self-renew or differentiate, were transfected with the genes encoding the unique alpha and/or shared beta(c) human hIL-3 receptor (hIL-3 R) or hGM-CSF receptor (hGM R) subunits by retroviral gene transfer. Selective activation of hIL-3 Ralpha,beta(c) or hGM Ralpha,beta(c) transfects by hIL-3 and hGM-CSF promoted self-renewal and myeloid differentiation, respectively, over a range of cytokine (0.1 to 100 ng/mL) concentrations. These qualitatively distinct developmental outcomes were associated with different patterns of protein tyrosine phosphorylation and, thus, differential signaling pathway activation. The cell lines generated provide a model to investigate molecular events underlying self-renewal and differentiation and indicate that the alpha subunits act in combination with the hbeta(c) to govern developmental decisions. The role of the alpha subunit in conferring specificity was studied by using a chimeric receptor composed of the extracellular hIL-3 Ralpha and intracellular hGM Ralpha subunit domains. This receptor promoted differentiation in response to hIL-3. Thus, the alpha subunit cytosolic domain is an essential component in determining cell fate via specific signaling events.

Animals↗

Receptor-mediated transcytosis of lactoferrin through the blood-brain barrier.

Lactoferrin (Lf) is an iron-binding protein involved in host defense against infection and severe inflammation; it accumulates in the brain during neurodegenerative disorders. Before determining Lf function in brain tissue, we investigated its origin and demonstrate here that it crosses the blood-brain barrier. An in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier was used to examine the mechanism of Lf transport to the brain. We report that differentiated bovine brain capillary endothelial cells exhibited specific high (Kd = 37.5 nM; n = 90,000/cell) and low (Kd = 2 microM; n = 900,000 sites/cell) affinity binding sites. Only the latter were present on nondifferentiated cells. The surface-bound Lf was internalized only by the differentiated cell population leading to the conclusion that Lf receptors were acquired during cell differentiation. A specific unidirectional transport then occurred via a receptor-mediated process with no apparent intraendothelial degradation. We further report that iron may cross the bovine brain capillary endothelial cells as a complex with Lf. Finally, we show that the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein might be involved in this process because its specific antagonist, the receptor-associated protein, inhibits 70% of Lf transport.

Animals↗

The acute reversal sign: comparison of medical and non-accidental injury patients.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To compare the intracranial computed tomography (CT) appearances of patients admitted with various causes of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy. Children with known documented accidental trauma were excluded. (2) To compare our results with those in the published literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-three patients aged between 1 day and 15 years were admitted with clinical features of brain injury and underwent cranial CT. A retrospective review of their medical records and radiology was undertaken. Clinical and radiological data were collected. RESULTS: On the basis of the combination of the presenting clinical history, progress, outcome, long term follow up and radiology, two groups of patients were identified. Forty-seven children had been the victims of non-accidental injury (NAI). No child in this group had any associated medical condition or any other medical cause for brain injury. All 47 children demonstrated hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy and had CT signs of cerebral oedema and 'Reversal Sign'. Intracranial haemorrhage was a highly associated feature. Subdural blood was demonstrated in all 47, acute interhemispheric fissure subdural in 42, intracerebral blood in 16 and intraventricular blood in nine. The remaining 26 children were found to have an identifiable 'medical' cause for brain injury. Acute reversal was demonstrated in 21 of this group. Intracranial haemorrhage was uncommon, found in only five and all five had an underlying predisposition to bleeding. No patient in this group demonstrated subdural blood. CONCLUSION: Non-accidental injury is strongly associated with the finding on CT of intracranial blood, particularly subdural haematoma and interhemispheric fissure bleeding in the presence of hypoxic ischaemic brain injury. The outlook is extremely poor whatever the underlying cause for hypoxic ischaemic brain injury.

Adolescent↗

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha increases lactoferrin transcytosis through the blood-brain barrier.

Lactoferrin (Lf) is an iron-binding protein involved in host defense against infection and severe inflammation, which accumulates in the brain during neurodegenerative disorders. Prior to determining Lf function in pathological brain tissues, we investigated its transport through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in inflammatory conditions. For this purpose, we used a reconstituted BBB model consisting of the coculture of bovine brain capillary endothelial cells (BBCECs) and astrocytes in the presence of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). As TNF-alpha can be either synthesized by brain glial cells or present in circulating blood, BBCECs were exposed to this cytokine at their luminal or abluminal side. We have been able to demonstrate that in the presence of TNF-alpha, whatever the type of exposure, BBCECs were activated and Lf transport through the activated BBCECs was markedly increased. Lf was recovered intact at the abluminal side of the cells, suggesting that increased Lf accumulation may occur in immune-mediated pathophysiology. This process was transient as 20 h later, cells were in a resting state and Lf transendothelial traffic was back to normal. The enhancement of Lf transcytosis seems not to involve the up-regulation of the Lf receptor but rather an increase in the rate of transendothelial transport.

Animals↗