Background: p38 signaling pathway plays a key role in inflammatory diseases. Results: A single copy disruption of the p38␣ gene or a p38␣ inhibitor markedly reduced the pathogenesis of EAE by decreasing IL-17 production. Conclusion: p38␣ regulates the pathogenesis of EAE through transcriptional regulation of IL-17 production. Significance: Anti-p38␣ strategy achieves therapeutic benefit for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a life-threatening disorder for both mother and fetus; cardiac dys

The aim of the study was to emphasize several specific functional aspects of the mammalian prostate gland. In this connection, the subcellular localization and characterization of glycoconjugates in the secretory epithelial cells were examined that line the prostate gland of the miniature pig, using cytochemistry, including lectin-gold methods. The results verified a diversified pattern of glycoconjugates in the structures of the secretory cells. The secretory granules and the free surface coat of the plasma membrane contained several sugar moieties such as alpha-D-Man, alpha-D-Glc, alpha-L-Fuc, beta-D-Gal, GalNAc, GlcNAc and NeuAc (sialic acid), whereas the Golgi apparatus exhibited GlcNAc and sialic acid residues. In addition, the cisterns of the endoplasmic reticulum showed alpha-D-Man and alpha-D-Glc moieties. It seems likely that the secretory glycoconjugates demonstrated contribute to favourable conditions for fertilization.

We studied the detailed localization of hyaluronic acid in the seminal vesicles of the miniature pig, using hyaluronic acid-binding protein as a specific histochemical probe at the ultrastructural level. According to the results, the basolateral surface of the plasma membrane of the glandular epithelial cells, was found to contain hyaluronan. However, abundantly present was hyaluronan in the subepithelial connective tissue, in particular, in the extracellular matrix surrounding the fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, small blood vessels and capillaries. The substance was also observed in the surface coat of the plasma membrane of the fibroblasts, but not in that of the smooth muscle cells. The findings suggest that hyaluronan in the seminal vesicles of the miniature pig is synthesized onto the surface coat of the plasma membrane of the fibroblasts, is contributed to the extracellular matrix, and consequently concentrates in the subepithelial connective tissue. The substance may particularly be involved in a variety of cellular functions to maintain morphological organization as well as to regulate physiological homeostasis in the reproductive organ of this species, rather than participate in sperm functions.

The results obtained in the present study demonstrated the precise localization and characterization of glycoconjugates in the disseminate prostate gland of the wild boar, using glycohistochemical methods including lectin techniques in light microscopy. According to the present results, it was apparent that glycoconjugates with neutral and acidic groupings were contained in the secretory epithelial cells and luminal secretions. In these glycoconjugates, a series of saccharide residues were visualized such as a-D-glucose, a-D-mannose, a-Lfucose, b-D-galactose, N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, and N-acetyl-neuraminic acid (sialic acid). In addition, an abundance of glycoconjugates with terminal sialic acids was revealed in the peripheral parts of the prostate gland, as compared with its central parts. The terminal saccharide residues of glycoconjugates were more abundant in Siaa2-6Gal/GalNAc than those in Siaa2-3Galb1-4GlcNAc. Furthermore, some specifically MAA reactive acinous cells were detected in the glandular epithelium. The present histochemical results provide useful information regarding the close correlation between the physiological role of the disseminate prostate gland and the glandular glycoconjugates in the wild boar.