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F Abel

Publications and source records attributed to F Abel.

23 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Participation of D-galactose-specific receptors of liver macrophages in recognition of fibronectin-opsonized particles.

The interaction of immobilized human or rat plasma fibronectin with isolated rat liver macrophages was studied in a model system using colloidal gold of 17-nm diameter (Au-17) as test particles. Plasma fibronectin (pFn)-coated gold particles were rapidly bound and endocytosed via the coated pit-coated vesicle pathway as demonstrated by photometry, and light and electron microscopy. The isolated macrophages bind 2.5 +/- 2 particles/10 microns of plasma membrane (incubation at 4 degrees), equalling a binding capacity of approximately 3.5 x 10(4) pFn-Au-17 particles per cell. Binding and uptake (at 37 degrees) was specifically inhibited by D-galactose-related carbohydrates, but not by D-mannose, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, nor by excess soluble pFn. Uptake was also inhibited by lactosylated bovine serum albumin at a concentration of 10(-6) M but not by bovine serum albumin. India ink uptake by the liver macrophages in the presence of fibronectin was also inhibited by D-galactose-related monosaccharides. The presence of terminal, nonreducing D-galactosyl groups on pFn could be demonstrated by agglutination experiments with the D-galactose-specific plant lectin, Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA), which could also be used for isolation of pFn from rat plasma. The 29-kDa molecular mass D-galactose-specific receptor, known to be expressed on the liver macrophage membrane and recently shown to be a membrane-bound form of C-reactive protein, was found to bind the pFn-coated gold particles in dot blotting experiments. It was concluded that the D-galactose-specific macrophage receptor binds to terminal D-galactose-related units of immobilized pFn and participates in recognition of fibronectin-opsonized particles.

Animals↗

Dynamics of the bioethics dialogue in a Spain in transition.

Serious work on bioethics at private Spanish institutions began in 1975, when the Spanish Government was in transition toward democracy. Since then the country has developed significant centers of bioethics study and a wide-ranging community of experts in this field. Reasons relating partly to Spain's recent history and partly to the nature of its health system have kept the discipline from attracting the support and collaboration of much of the nation's medical fraternity. This could change, however, in response to a changing legal picture, creation of hospital ethics committees, and a growing need for stronger ties between bioethicists and the medical community at large.

Bioethical Issues↗

Effect fo potential placental surface area reduction on fetal growth.

This investigation was undertaken to study the effect of reduction of placental surface area on fetal growth. The right horn of the bicornuate uterus was removed in nonpregnant ewes, the ewes were bred and 11 out of 15 became pregnant. Near term, under experimental conditions, maternal and fetal blood gases, pH, uterine and umbilical blood flows were measured or calculated. Fetal, placental membrane, uterine, and cotyledonary weights and number of cotyledons were recorded. The experimental hemi-hysterectomized group was compared to a control group of 14. Results show that: (1) weight per cotyledon was significantly greater (p less than 0.01) in the hemi-hysterectomized series than in the controls, (2) loss of a significant number of placentation sites was compatible with the production of term-sized fetuses, (3) since the difference between the number of cotyledons in the hemihysterectomized and control groups is significantly less than the number of implantation sites removed, the efficiency of implantation is improved, and (4) there were no changes in blood flows, PO2, PCO2, and fetal oxygen consumption.

Animals↗

[Dynamics of the dialogue on bioethics in a Spain in transition].

The bioethics dialogue began in Spain in 1975 in private institutions and developed in a society in transition toward democracy. Nostalgia for a nationalist Catholicism by some and the fervor of others to demonstrate that a break with the past had taken place have been important factors in bioethics legislation. Imitation of legislation considered progressive prevailed in the debate taking place in the country's bioethics centers, although in the case of assisted reproduction a commission of experts was set up to advise the government. The public has not participated in the debates, despite their coverage by the communications media. The medical schools have attempted to reform the deontological codes as a basis for formulating, promoting, and protecting the values of a pluralistic society. Results have been minimal, but the work of the bioethics centers is gradually being recognized and evaluated, and it is hoped that this ongoing bioethical dialogue will gradually mature.

Bioethics↗