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Diminished serotonergic innervation of adult medial prefrontal cortex after 6-OHDA lesions in the newborn rat.

The development of the serotonergic (5HT) and dopaminergic (DA) systems may contribute to the onset of psychotic disorders during late adolescence and early adulthood. Previous studies in our laboratory have suggested that these systems may compete for functional territory on neurons during development, as lesions of the serotonergic system at postnatal day 5 (P5) result in an increase in the density of dopaminergic fibers in rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). In the present study, the dopaminergic system of P5 rats was lesioned with intracisternal injections of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Quantification of serotonin-immunoreactivity (5HT-IR) in mPFC at adulthood (P70) revealed a significant decrease in fiber density within layers II and III of the Cg3 subdivision of mPFC in lesioned rats compared to sham controls. We propose that the decrease in serotonergic fibers in mPFC in response to a neonatal depletion of dopamine may be due to the loss of a trophic effect of this system on 5HT neurons and/or fibers during development. Taken together with previous findings, our data suggest that there may be an "inverse trophic" relationship between the cortical DA and 5HT systems whereby dopamine facilitates the ingrowth of 5HT fibers, while serotonin suppresses the ingrowth of DA fibers. We present a model based on neurotrophic interactions at the cortical and brainstem levels that could potentially explain these unexpected results.

Animals↗

The fine structure of experimentally induced connective tissue complexes in the human.

The growth, development and cellular activity of fibrocollagenous tissue complexes induced by the implantation of specially structured wire mesh cylinders in 22 human male volunteers were studied during the time course of fibroplasia utilizing light and electron microscopic techniques. The fibrocollagenous tissue complexes after 4 to 16 weeks of development demonstrated highly ordered lamellations made of zones consisting primarily of fibroblasts and zones consisting primarily of collagenous fibers. The development of the ordered lamellations is referable to specific fibrillogenic activities by the constituent fibroblasts. The initial role of the fibroblast in fibrillogenesis is indicative of an apocrine-like secretory process followed by a holocrine-like role which results in cytodestruction and concurrent formation of an avascular collagenic tissue referable to an organizing cicatrix in a healing wound.

Cell Membrane↗

Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)67, but not GAD65, is constitutively expressed during development and transiently overexpressed by activity in the granule cells of the rat.

gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated neurotransmission from the granule cells to CA3 is transiently expressed during the first 3 weeks of age in the rat. In the adult, seizures provoke this inhibitory signaling to reappear. To gain insight into the origin of GABA in these cells, we explored the expression of both isoforms of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD, 65 and 67 kDa), during development and after seizures in the adult rat. We found that GAD(67), but not GAD(65), is expressed in the mossy fibers of developing rats. In adults, GAD(67) is no longer detectable, unless seizures are induced. By contrast, GAD(65) is neither expressed in granule cells nor in their mossy fibers at any age nor after seizures, despite the presence of GAD(65) mRNA, confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in situ.

Animals↗

Immuno-electron-microscopic localization of types III pN-collagen and IV collagen, laminin and tenascin in developing and adult human spleen.

The distribution of the extracellular matrix proteins types III pN-collagen and IV collagen, laminin and tenascin was investigated in fetal, infant, and adult human spleens by using immuno-electron microscopy. The presence of type III pN-collagen was assessed by using an antibody against the aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen. All the proteins other than type III pN-collagen were found in reticular fibers throughout development. In the white pulp of the fetus aged 16 gestational weeks, only an occasional type III pN-collagen-containing fibril was present, although type III pN-collagen was abundant in the reticular fibers of the red pulp. Conversely, in adults, most of the reticular fibers of the white pulp, but not of the red pulp, were immunoreactive for type III pN-collagen. Ring fibers, the basement membranes of venous sinuses, were well developed in both infant and adult spleens. The first signs of their formation could be seen as a discontinuous basement membrane, which was immunoreactive for type IV collagen, laminin, and tenascin in the fetus aged 20 gestational weeks. Intracytoplasmic immunoreactivity for all the proteins studied was visible in the mesenchymal cells of the fetus aged 16 gestational weeks and in the reticular cells of the older fetuses, which also showed labeling for type IV collagen and laminin in the endothelial cells. The results suggest that proteins of the extracellular matrix are produced by these stationary cells.

Adult↗

Mechanisms of septal lamination in the developing hippocampus revealed by outgrowth of fibers from septal implants. III. Competitive interactions.

Embryonic septal tissues grafted alongside the hippocampal formation in neonatal rat hosts were used to test for the presence of competitive interactions between developing native axons and those from the septal grafts. When native septal afferents to the target hippocampal formation are removed at the time of implantation, axons from septal grafts visualized with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) histochemistry enter the appropriate laminar zones in the host hippocampus. The pattern of septal implant growth differs markedly when native septohippocampal fibers are left intact. Under these conditions, implant-associated AChE staining is intense in the cortical area surrounding the graft but little or no reaction product is present in the host dentate gyrus and hippocampus proper. A similar result is obtained when implant viability is enhanced by introducing it 3 days after the cavity is made. These data illustrate an apparent hierarchy in competitive interactions for developing septal fibers. Septal afferents can inhibit the growth of other septal fibers and commissural/associational (c/a) axons can exclude septal fibers from their terminal field. Septal fibers and entorhinal afferents will develop concurrently.

Animals↗

Cell surface heparan sulfate mediates some adhesive responses to glycosaminoglycan-binding matrices, including fibronectin.

Proteins with affinities for specific glycosaminoglycans (GAC's) were used as probes for testing the potential of cell surface GAG's to mediate cell adhesive responses to extracellular matrices (ECM). Plasma fibronectin (FN) and proteins that bind hyaluronate (cartilage proteo-glycan core and link proteins) or heparan sulfate (platelet factor 4 [PF4]) were adsorbed to inert substrata to evaluate attachment and spreading of several 3T3 cell lines. Cells failed to attach to hyaluronate-binding substrata. The rates of attachment on PF4 were identical to those on FN; however, PF4 stimulated formation of broad convex lamellae but not tapered cell processes fibers during the spreading response. PF4-mediated responses were blocked by treating the PF4-adsorbed substratum with heparin (but not chondroitin sulfate), or alternatively the cells with Flavobacter heparinum heparinase (but not chondroitinase ABC). Heparinase treatment did not inhibit cell attachment to FN but did inhibit spreading. Cells spread on PF4 or FN contained similar Ca2+-independent cell-substratum adhesions, as revealed by EGTA-mediated retraction of their substratum-bound processes. Microtubular networks reorganized in cells on PF4 but failed to extend into the broadly spread lamellae, where fine microfilament bundles had developed. Stress fibers, common on FN, failed to develop on PF4. These experiments indicate that (a) heparan sulfate proteoglycans are critical mediators of cell adhesion and heparan sulfate-dependent adhesion via PF4 is comparable in some, but not all, ways to FN-mediated adhesion, (b) the uncharacterized and heparan sulfate-independent "cell surface" receptor for FN permits some but not all aspects of adhesion, and (c) physiologically compatible and complete adhesion of fibroblasts requires binding of extracellular matrix FN to both the unidentified "cell surface" receptor and heparan sulfate proteoglycans.

Animals↗

Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase-immunoreactive terminals synapse on adrenal preganglionic neurons in the rat spinal cord.

Adrenergic neurons in the C1 region in the ventrolateral medulla oblongata send descending axons into spinal cord which terminate in thoracic and upper lumbar segments, overlapping the distribution of sympathetic preganglionic neurons. The present study was undertaken to determine whether adrenergic fibers synapse directly on preganglionic neurons which innervate the adrenal medulla and to examine the ultrastructure of these fibers during development. The ultrastructure and synaptology of adrenergic axons in the intermediolateral nucleus of mid-thoracic spinal cord were studied in 7-, 9-, 24-, 30-, 60-, and 90-day-old rats using immunocytochemical staining for phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase, the epinephrine-synthesizing enzyme. Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase-immunoreactivity was observed in the cytoplasm of unmyelinated axonal varicosities and intervaricose segments in the neuropil of intermediolateral nucleus. Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase-immunoreactive synaptic boutons were filled with spherical electron-lucent vesicles and occasional larger dense-core vesicles. These boutons were observed to form symmetrical synaptic contacts with dendritic processes at all ages examined. Asymmetrical synapses on dendrites were also observed in adult rats. Axosomatic synaptic contacts were frequently observed in immature rats, but were never observed in adult rats. To determine whether adrenergic axons synapse on preganglionic neurons which project to the adrenal medulla, adrenal preganglionic neurons were retrogradely labeled with horseradish peroxidase and adrenergic axons were stained for phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase-immunoreactivity. In young rats, phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase-immunoreactive boutons were observed to form symmetrical axosomatic and axodendritic synaptic contacts with adrenal preganglionic neurons in intermediolateral nucleus. These contacts had already formed by postnatal day 7, the youngest age studied. In contrast, it was not possible to verify that adrenal preganglionic neurons receive adrenergic innervation in adult rats, since phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase-immunoreactive boutons were only observed in contact with small diameter dendrites that were not retrogradely labeled by horseradish peroxidase. These studies demonstrate that adrenal preganglionic neurons receive adrenergic synapses prior to the first postnatal week. The initial synapses which form on preganglionic somata and proximal dendrites appear to reorganize late in development. It is suggested that these become more distally located as the dendritic tree matures. More generally, these observations suggest that adrenergic bulbospinal neurons are involved in central regulation of adrenal development and function.

Adrenal Medulla↗

Hazard assessment and risk analysis of two new synthetic vitreous fibers.

Isofrax and Insulfrax are two new synthetic vitreous fibers (SVFs) developed for high-temperature insulation (1800-2300 degrees F) applications. In an attempt to significantly reduce or eliminate the potential of adverse health effects, these two fibers were specifically designed to have high solubility and, thus, low in vivo biodurability. In this paper, we review the effects of chemical composition on biodurability, in vitro fiber dissolution rates (K(dis)), and the relevance and relationship of K(dis) to pulmonary fibrosis and lung tumors in chronic rat inhalation studies. We also examine the correlations between K(dis) and weighted in vivo half-life (t(0.5)) of long fibers (>20 microm) and their relation to pulmonary effects in chronic rat inhalation bioassays. Predictions for outcomes of inhalation bioassays and development of nonsignificant risk levels of exposure are provided. Additionally, justification for the use of inhalation versus noninhalation animal data is provided as is a brief review of human health effects of SVFs. We conclude, inter alia, that Isofrax and Insulfrax have low biodurability, would not be expected to produce either pulmonary fibrosis or lung tumors in a well-designed animal inhalation bioassay, have weighted half-lives beneath the threshold established by the European Union for classification as a carcinogen, and based on epidemiological data for SVFs would not be expected to result in incremental cancer in human cohorts. Finally, it is estimated that approximately 90% of workplace exposure concentrations of these materials would be beneath 1 f/cc. At a concentration of 1 f/cc, neither fiber would be expected to result in an incremental working lifetime cancer risk greater than 10(-5).

Animals↗

Synthetic vitreous fibers: a review of toxicology research and its impact on hazard classification.

Because the inhalation of asbestos, a naturally occurring, inorganic fibrous material, is associated with lung fibrosis and thoracic cancers, concerns have been raised about the possible health effects of synthetic vitreous fibers (SVFs). SVFs include a very broad variety of inorganic fibrous materials with an amorphous molecular structure. Traditionally, SVFs have been divided into three subcategories based on composition: fiberglass, mineral wool (rock, stone, and slag wools), and refractory ceramic fiber. For more than 50 years, the toxicologic potential of SVFs has been researched extensively using human epidemiology and a variety of laboratory studies. Here we review the research and its impact on hazard classification and regulation of SVFs. Large, ongoing epidemiology studies of SVF manufacturing workers have provided very little evidence of harmful effects in humans. Several decades of research using rodents exposed by inhalation have confirmed that SVF pulmonary effects are determined by the "Three D's", fiber dose (lung), dimension, and durability. Lung dose over time is determined by fiber deposition and biopersistence in the lung. Deposition is inversely related to fiber diameter. Biopersistence is directly related to fiber length and inversely related to fiber dissolution and fragmentation rates. Inhaled short fibers are cleared from the lung relatively quickly by mobile phagocytic cells, but long fibers persist until they dissolve or fragment. In contrast to asbestos, most of the SVFs tested in rodent inhalation studies cleared rapidly from the lung (were nonbiopersistent) and were innocuous. However, several relativley biopersistent SVFs induced chronic inflammation, lung scarring (fibrosis), and thoracic neoplasms. Thus, biopersistence of fibers is now generally recognized as a key determinant of the toxicologic potential of SVFs. In vitro dissolution of fibers in simulated extracellular fluid correlates fairly well with fiber biopersistence in the lung and pulmonary toxicity, but several exceptions suggest that biopersistence involves more than dissolution rate. Research demonstrating the relationship between biopersistence and SVF toxicity has provided a scientific basis for hazard classification and regulation of SVFs. For a nonhazardous classification, legislation recently passed by the European Union requires a respirable insulation wool to have a low lung-biopersistence or be noncarcinogenic in laboratory rats. U.S. fiberglass and mineral wool industries and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) have formed a voluntary Health and Safety Partnership Program (HSPP) that include: a voluntary permissible exposure level (PEL) in the workplace of 1 fiber/cc, a respiratory protection program for specified tasks, continued workplace air monitoring, and, where possible, the development of fiber formulations that do not persist in the lung. RCF manufacturers have implemented a Product Stewardship Program that includes: a recommended exposure guideline of 0.5 fibers/cc; a 5-year workplace air monitoring program; and research into the development of high-temperature-resistant, biosoluble fibers.

Animals↗

Growth and development of human muscle: a quantitative morphological study of whole vastus lateralis from childhood to adult age.

The mechanisms underlying the increase in volume of muscle tissue, and the functional development of muscle fibers from childhood through adolescence to adult age, have been studied. Cross sections of autopsied whole vastus lateralis muscle from 22 previously physically healthy males, 5 to 37 years of age, were prepared enzyme histochemically (myofibrillar ATPase) and examined morphometrically. The data obtained on muscle cross-sectional area, size, total number, and proportion of type 1 (slow-twitch) and type 2 (fast-twitch) fibers were analyzed using linear regression techniques. The results show that the increase in muscle cross-sectional area from childhood to adult age is caused by an increase in mean fiber size. This is accompanied by a functional development of the fiber population: the proportion of type 2 fibers increases significantly from the age of 5 (approx. 35%) to the age of 20 (approx. 50%), which, in the absence of any discernible effect on the total number of fibers, is most likely caused by a transformation of type 1 to type 2 fibers.

Adolescent↗

Lignocellulosic fiber charge enhancement by catalytic oxidation during oxygen delignification.

A series of one-stage oxygen delignification treatments with a softwood (SW) kraft pulp were studied employing 0.0-0.5% of a bismuth ruthenium pyrochlore oxide catalyst. The results demonstrated that a 0.09-0.18% charge of catalyst in an oxygen stage provided a 52.2-116.0% increase of carboxylic acid groups in the cellulosic component of kraft pulps without a significant decrease in fiber viscosity. A 3-factor at 3-level (L(9)3(3)) orthogonal experimental design was used to identify the main factors influencing acid group formation in pulp carbohydrates. The relative significance of experimental parameters for polysaccharide acid group formation was the molar equivalent NaOH, oxygen pressure, and finally, reaction temperature under the experimental conditions studied. The optimized reaction parameters for fiber charge development were shown to be 85-100 degrees C, 2.5% NaOH, and 800-960 kPa oxygen pressure. Pulps with higher fiber carboxylic acid content introduced by catalytic oxidation during oxygen delignification yielded a 10.9-33.7% increase in fiber charge after elemental chlorine free (ECF) pulp bleaching. The enhanced fiber charge resulted in 6.7-17.1% increase in paper sheet tensile index at comparable pulp viscosity.

Journal Article↗

High resolution free chromatin/DNA fiber fluorescent in situ hybridization.

High resolution chromatin/DNA fiber fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) is a powerful system for physical mapping and genome research. With direct visualisation of molecular probes along released chromatin or DNA fiber, fiber FISH has become the method of choice to order genes or DNA markers within chromosomal regions of interest. Combined with DNA-protein in situ codetection fiber FISH shall play a more important role for analysis of genome function. In this paper the concept and technical developments of fiber FISH are reviewed with the emphasis of comparison on the various protocols. Future challenges are also discussed along with the highlights of the successful applications achieved by fiber FISH methodology.

Animals↗

An in vitro study evaluating the effect of ferrule length on fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with fiber-reinforced and zirconia dowel systems.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: There are few published studies analyzing the effects of different ferrule lengths of endodontically treated teeth in relationship to newly developed fiber-reinforced and zirconia dowel systems. PURPOSE: This in vitro study compared the effect of 3 different ferrule lengths on the fracture resistance and fracture patterns of crowned endodontically treated teeth restored with 4 different esthetic dowel systems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The crowns of 123 human maxillary canines were removed at the cementoenamel junction and the roots were endodontically treated. Three master tooth models were prepared to ferrule lengths of 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2.0 mm to produce 3 master analogs. Each root was embedded in autopolymerizing resin with a 0.2-mm layer of silicone impression material to simulate the periodontal ligament. Forty analogs of each master tooth, with ferrule lengths of 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2.0 mm were produced with copy-milling (Celay system). Each group was further subdivided into 4 groups of 10 specimens each and restored with 4 different esthetic dowel systems (quartz fiber, glass fiber, glass fiber plus zirconia, and zirconia). All dowels were luted with adhesive resin cement (RelyX ARC), restored with composite cores (Valux Plus), and Ni-Cr alloy (Wiron 99) complete crowns. All specimens were loaded at 130 degrees to the long axes in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min until fracture. Fracture patterns were classified as failures above or below the incisal third of the roots. The data were analyzed with 2-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests (alpha=.05). A Fisher exact test was conducted for evaluation of the mode of failure (alpha=.05). RESULTS: Mean failure loads (kg) for quartz fiber, glass fiber, glass fiber plus zirconia, and zirconia groups, respectively, with the 3 ferrule lengths were: 1.0-mm ferrule specimens: 98.09 +/- 2.90, 85.36 +/- 2.82, 80.24 +/- 1.88, 70.11 +/- 2.48; 1.5-mm ferrule specimens: 101.0 +/- 2.88, 87.58 +/- 2.83, 89.8 +/- 2.09, 82.71 +/- 2.14; 2.0-mm ferrule specimens: 119.5+/-1.78, 99.84+/-1.23, 98.6 +/- 1.64, 95.42 +/- 1.02. Teeth prepared with 2.0-mm ferrules demonstrated significantly higher fracture thresholds (P<.001). There were no significant differences in fracture patterns. CONCLUSION: Increasing the ferrule length of the endodontically treated teeth from 1 mm to 1.5 mm in specimens restored with quartz-fiber and glass-fiber dowels did not produce significant increases in the failure loads (P=.084, P=.119, respectively). No significant difference was detected between glass-fiber and glass-fiber plus zirconia dowels with 1.5-mm and 2.0-mm ferrules (P=.218, P=.244, respectively). However, fracture thresholds were higher for all 4 dowel systems when the specimens were prepared with a 2.0-mm ferrule length (P<.001).

Analysis of Variance↗

MgADP- increases maximum tension and Ca2+ sensitivity in skinned rabbit soleus fibers.

Increasing concentrations of MgADP- or MgCDP- in the millimolar range cause an increase in the maximum Ca2+ -activated tension that a skinned rabbit soleus muscle fiber can develop in the presence of 2 mM MgATP2- or MgCTP2- respectively. In contrast, the maximal Ca2+ -activated ATPase activity of the fiber decreases in the presence of MgADP-. As the nucleoside diphosphate (MgADP- or MgCDP-) concentration is increased, the Ca2+ concentration required for half-maximal activation of tension is reduced. MgADP- has a similar effect on the Ca2+ concentration required to half-maximally activate the fiber ATPase. The effects on tension are due to magnesium nucleoside diphosphate and not some other form of nucleoside diphosphate since the effects occur at both low (pMg 4) and control (pMg 3) Mg2+ concentrations. Cooperativity, as judged by the Hill "n" value relating isometric tension and Ca2+, is less in the presence of 5 mM MgADP- as compared to a control (no added MgADP-) "n" value. Increasing concentrations of inorganic phosphate (Pi) in the millimolar range decrease maximum Ca2+ -activated tension, and increase the concentration of Ca2+ required to half-maximally activate tension, effects opposite to those of MgADP. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that cooperative interactions between actin and myosin can affect the affinity of troponin for Ca2+.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Capillary high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry using monolithic columns and carbon fiber electrospray ionization emitters.

Monolithic columns having long hydrocarbon chains were prepared by in-situ polymerization in capillary fused silica tubing. The capillary columns were coupled with a newly developed carbon fiber electrospray ionization (ESI) emitter for proteomic analysis using sheathless capillary HPLC-ESI mass spectrometry (MS). The sample loading capacity and chromatographic performance of the styrene-based monolithic column, which was prepared by photo-polymerization of octylstyrene (OS) and divinylbenzene (DVB) were compared with that of the methacrylate-based monolithic column composed of lauryl methacrylate (LMA) and ethylene dimethacrylate (EDMA). The sample loading ability of tryptic digested protein in poly-OS (POS)-DVB column was higher than that of poly-LMA (PLMA)-EDMA column, possibly due to the irregular and rugluous surface offering a greater surface area of POS-DVB stationary phase. The POS-DVB column also provided better separation efficiency in the separation of high concentration (10 microg) of tryptic digested albumin bovine serum (BSA). Due to the successful interface of a highly efficient monolithic column and a stable, durable carbon fiber emitter, low femtomole levels of peptides were successfully separated and identified in the presence of large amounts of tryptic digested protein.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Comparison of transgene expression mediated by several Fiber-modified adenovirus vectors in trophoblast cells.

The transfer of genes of interest is a useful method for studying placental biology. Recombinant adenovirus (Ad) vector is an efficient vector for transgene expression. An interaction between the fiber of Ad and the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor on the cell membrane is the first step in infection. We previously developed fiber-modified Ad vectors and showed that they improved transgene activity in several cell lines when compared to wild-type vector. In the present study, we examined the ability of three fiber-modified Ad vectors to transduce human choriocarcinoma cell lines (JEG-3, JAR and BeWo) and rat trophoblast cell lines (Rcho-1, TR-TBT 18d-1 and TR-TBT 18d-2). We compared the transgene efficacy of wild-type Ad-L2 vector, Ad-RGD(HI)-L2 vector containing an Arg-Gly-Asp motif, Ad-K7(C)-L2 vector containing a 7-tandem lysine motif, and Ad-RGD(HI)K7(C)-L2 vector containing both motifs in the fiber. We used the luciferase gene as a reporter gene. In the human and rodent trophoblast cell lines, Ad-RGD(HI)-L2 had the greatest infectious potential, followed by Ad-RGD(HI)K7(C)-L2, Ad-K7(C)-L2 and Ad-L2. Compared to the amount of luciferase produced by wild-type vector, Ad-RGD(HI)-L2 mediated 8.1-fold the amount of luciferase in JEG-3 cells, 13.5-fold in JAR cells, 76.8-fold in BeWo cells, 5.0-fold in Rcho-1, 19.4-fold in TR-TBT 18d-1 and 15.0-fold in TR-TBT 18d-2. These results indicate that Ad-RGD(HI) is a potential recombinant Ad vector for transgene expression in some trophoblast cell lines.

Adenoviridae↗

Historical cohort study of US man-made vitreous fiber production workers: VII. Overview of the exposure assessment.

Data and procedures used to reconstruct the history of exposures at each of the 15 plants (19 distinct sites) are presented. The assessment consisted of five steps: (1) develop a Technical History of operations, stable periods, and time points of changes relevant for exposures, and identify the presence of potentially confounding co-exposures; (2) develop a set of unique department-job names with descriptions and a Job Dictionary for all verbatim names in work histories; (3) collect all company and other exposure data (> 1600 observed), and develop quantitative fiber, formaldehyde, and silica exposure estimates; (4) integrate estimates with the Technical History to make Exposure Extrapolation Tables; and (5) use the the Tables with job data to develop an Exposure Matrix for each plant. Nineteen Exposure Matrices were made, with 82 to 621 lines, covering up to 54 years of operations.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗

Non-neural and neural expression of myosin heavy chains by regenerated intrafusal fibers of rats.

Expression of myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms was studied in rat soleus (SOL) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles which regenerated in the presence or absence of innervation. Frozen sections of two 5 day denervated SOL and EDL grafts, two 40 day denervated SOL and EDL grafts, and two reinnervated 40 day SOL and EDL grafts were processed for demonstration of motor endplates, sensory endings, myosin adenosine triphosphatase (mATPase) and for expression of 4 MHCs. No qualitative differences in MHC expression were noted between 5 day or 40 day denervated grafts of the SOL and EDL muscles. All regenerated intrafusal and extrafusal myotubes or myofibers reacted to antibodies against neonatal and fast-twitch MHCs, but not to antibodies against slow-twitch and slow-tonic MHCs in these grafts. These data indicate that MHCs expressed by regenerated intrafusal myotubes do not parallel those expressed by myotubes which give rise to the three types of intrafusal fibers during development and that MHC expression by regenerated intrafusal myotubes parallels that of regenerated extrafusal myotubes prior to innervation. However, some regenerated intrafusal fibers in 40 day nerve-intact grafts bound antibodies to slow-twitch and slow-tonic MHCs, thus expressions of these two MHCs are nerve-dependent in regenerated muscle spindles.

Animals↗