No abstract

Nonstandard abbreviations used: large conductance, Ca 2+ -dependent K + (BK); conductance (G); diastolic blood pressure (DBP); odds ratio (OR); open probability (PO).

The aim of this research is to improve our current understanding of the deglaciation stages in the southeastern Pyrenees and integrate it into reconstructions of the long-term deglaciation in the Iberian mountains since the Last Glaciation. First, we examine the existing chronological data for deglaciation in Iberian mountain ranges, mainly focusing on the Pyrenees and the results derived from cosmic ray exposure dating methods. Then, we recalculate the age of 17 samples from four different areas in the SE Pyrenees (Ar anser, La Llosa and Duran valleys and Malniu-Guils complex) based on the 36 Cl isotope and applying a new age calculator. In addition, we date eight new samples from the Malniu-Guils complex to provide a more accurate chronology for this site. The results do not clarify the timing of the maximum glacier extent, but support an extensive glacial advance followed by multiple small advances and retreats during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Geomorphological and chronological data show evidence of massive deglaciation at the end of the LGM around 18 ka, and deglaciation was practically complete during the Bølling-Allerød interstadial. There is no geomorphological evidence of glacial advances in the cirques during the Younger Dryas. Instead, cirque wallswere coveredwith rock glaciers during the Bølling-Allerød interstadial. The fronts of these rock glaciers stabilized at the end of this period, while their roots remained active until well into the Holocene.Nuria Andr es (nandresp@ucm.es), Jos e M. Fern andez-Fern andez,

Mechanical and osmotic sensitivity of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channel depends on phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activation and the subsequent production of the arachidonic acid metabolites, epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET). We show that both high viscous loading and hypotonicity stimuli in native ciliated epithelial cells use PLA2-EET as the primary pathway to activate TRPV4. Under conditions of low PLA2 activation, both also use extracellular ATP-mediated activation of phospholipase C (PLC)-inositol trisphosphate (IP3) signaling to support TRPV4 gating. IP3, without being an agonist itself, sensitizes TRPV4 to EET in epithelial ciliated cells and cells heterologously expressing TRPV4, an effect inhibited by the IP3 receptor antagonist xestospongin C. Coimmunoprecipitation assays indicated a physical interaction between TRPV4 and IP3 receptor 3. Collectively, our study suggests a functional coupling between plasma membrane TRPV4 channels and intracellular store Ca2+ channels required to initiate and maintain the oscillatory Ca2+ signal triggered by high viscosity and hypotonic stimuli that do not reach a threshold level of PLA2 activation.

Self-replicating calcific nanometer-scale particles, similar to those described as CNP from other calcific human tissues, can be cultured and visualized from calcific human aortic valves. This finding raises the question as to whether CNP contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease or whether they are only innocent bystanders.