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Biomedical subjects

G Geraud

Publications and source records attributed to G Geraud.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

N-cadherin and N-CAM in myoblast fusion: compared localisation and effect of blockade by peptides and antibodies.

The expression and distribution of two cell adhesion molecules, N-cadherin and N-CAM, at the surface of cultured leg muscle cells from 11-day-old chicken embryos were studied and compared. N-cadherin, which was expressed by fusing myoblasts, was down-regulated on old myotubes while N-CAM was still present. Both molecules, as viewed by confocal microscopy, appeared to have coaccumulated at the areas of contact between fusing myoblasts. However, immunogold electron microscopy did not reveal significant colocalization of N-cadherin and N-CAM, and their segregation after antibody-induced patching suggested the absence of direct interactions between N-cadherin and N-CAM. The role of the Ca2+ dependent cell adhesion molecule N-cadherin in myogenesis was investigated. Myoblast fusion was inhibited (1) with a synthetic peptide containing the H-A-V sequence and (2) with a monoclonal anti-N-cadherin antibody, demonstrating that N-cadherin-mediated cell adhesion is required for myoblast fusion. Under the same conditions no effect of anti-N-CAM antibodies was observed. Taken together these observations suggest that N-cadherin, acting independently from N-CAM, is a major cell adhesion molecule involved in embryonic myoblast fusion in vitro.

Amino Acid Sequence

Computer reconstruction of nucleolar architecture by interactive three-dimensional color display.

The first complete three dimensional ultrastructural reconstruction of pancreatic cell nucleoli, was done using EM and computer 3D-assisted reconstruction of serial sections with interactive 3D back-to-front and color display methods based on voxel representation. The purpose of the study was to depict the architecture of the nucleolar components. We obtained information about the location of the nucleolus within the nuclear volume and about the shape and polarity of the 3 main nucleolar territories.

Animals

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV expression in rat jejunal crypt-villus axis is controlled at mRNA level.

The expression of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV), an intestinal brush-border hydrolase, has been studied in the rat jejunum crypt-villus axis. DPP IV enzyme activity is lower in crypt cells than in villus cells. Indirect immunofluorescence studies, using a polyclonal antibody raised against purified DPP IV, show a gradient of immunoreactivity from the crypts to the villi that was quantified using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Accordingly, Western blot analysis demonstrates that the steady-state amount of DPP IV is much lower in crypt cells than in villus cells. Northern blot analysis was performed using our cDNA probe for human DPP IV that presents more than 94% homology with rat DPP IV cDNA. Results clearly show that there is approximately seven times less DPP IV mRNA in crypt cells than in villus cells. We conclude that the differentiation-dependent expression of DPP IV in rat jejunum is primarily controlled at the mRNA level.

Animals

Behaviour of nucleolar proteins in nuclei lacking ribosomal genes. A study by confocal laser scanning microscopy.

The behaviour of nucleolar proteins in cycling PtK1 cells and in micronuclei with or without NORs was investigated by immunofluorescence using antibodies from autoimmune sera and confocal laser scanning microscopy. These antibodies were shown by electron microscopy to recognize antigens confined to only one of the three basic nucleolar components: fibrillar centres (FC), dense fibrillar component (DFC) and granular component (GC). Serial optical sections allowed us to determine the three-dimensional organization of these components in the nucleolus of cycling cells. Furthermore, clear differences were found in the distribution of the various antigens in micronucleated cells. Three patterns could be observed: (1) the FC antigens were found mainly in the nucleoli, but also in varying amounts in the dots; (2) surprisingly, the DFC antigens were found to accumulate preferentially in the dots; (3) the GC-specific marker stained intensively the nucleoli as well the dots. The results are interpreted with regard to possible mechanisms for targeting nucleolar proteins to the site of nucleolar formation.

Biomarkers

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the PAF-antagonist (BN 52021) reduce small intestinal damage induced by ischemia-reperfusion.

Oxygenated free-radicals appear to play a prominent role in mediating damage associated with gastrointestinal diseases. Production of reactive oxygen metabolites in ischemia-reperfusion involves oxidases found in resident phagocytic cells and microvascular and mucosal epithelial cells. Platelet activating factor (PAF), a phospholipid associated with inflammatory disorders, has been shown to both prime and amplify the release of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide from polymorphonuclear neutrophils and macrophages stimulated by FMLP or PMA. To further elucidate the involvement of free radicals in intestinal damage and the potential role of PAF in their production, we examined the effect of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and BN 52021 (ginkgolide B) on ischemia-reperfusion induced damage in the small intestine. The study involved 32 Sprague-Dawley rats (100-200 g) divided into four groups. Three of these groups were subjected to occlusion of the mesenteric artery 30 mins followed by 24 h reperfusion. On 2 groups SOD (15,000 U/kg/iv) and BN 52021 (20 mg/kg/po) were administered 45 mins before arterial occlusion. Following the 24 h reperfusion, the rats were sacrificed after overnight fasting. The jejunum and ileon were removed and fixed for morphological examination. Lesions in the small intestine were quantified. The results showed extensive necrosis, hemorrhage, oedema and neutrophil invasion in the jejunal and ileal mucosa. This injury was significantly reduced by SOD (15,000 U/kg/iv) and BN 52021 (20 mg/kg/po) pretreatment. In conclusion, free-oxygenated radicals appear to mediate reperfusion damage in the small intestine and PAF appears to be involved in the genesis of these toxic products. Thus, SOD and BN 52021 may be considered as protectors against ischemic disorders.

Animals

Hemodynamic and metabolic factors in human cerebral ischemia.

Hemodynamic and metabolic cerebral measurements (CBF, CMRO2, CMRG, CSF) were evaluated in stroke patients. To investigate the effects of chronic cerebral circulatory insufficiency, CBF and CMRO2 were also studied. Further nontraumatic investigations of CBF measurement will allow a better understanding of clinical cases.

Acidosis

Angiographic demonstration of the cervical vertebral venous plexus in man.

Opacification of the cervical vertebral venous plexus was achieved by injecting contrast material into the upper part of the internal jugular vein while the lower portion of this vein was compressed externally with a tourniquet. The injection was easily performed via a percutaneous catheter which was advanced upwards into the jugular vein. Demonstration of the cervical plexus is made easier with the patients sitting up. Both sides of the plexus may be shown with a single injection if both jugular veins are injected simultaneously through bilateral catheters joined with a Y connector.

Animals