Therefore, in addition to our experimental results, our model provides a theoretical basis

showing how coral may respond negatively and positively to ocean acidification.”
“Background and AimsThe Mounier-Kuhn syndrome (MKS) is a rare disease characterized by a pathological dilation of the trachea and the bronchial system. The etiology of the disorder remains elusive, but genetic alterations and degradation of elastic fibers are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis. No causative treatment is available although transplantation is an ALK activation option for end-stage disease. Here, we describe a patient suffering from MKS who received a double lung transplant at our department. MethodsSince a familial clustering of MKS is discussed in the literature, we performed a chromosomal analysis and an array-comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) to search for genetic abnormalities. At the time of transplantation, we collected samples from the bronchi and performed

hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Elastic von-Gieson (EVG) and immunohistochemical stains of the explanted MKS bronchus, a control bronchus and of Cilengitide the inflammatory infiltrates. Specimens of main bronchi from the donor lung harvested for transplant served as control. Bronchial smears were taken from both main bronchi of the recipient for microbiological cultures. ResultsNo genetic alterations could be found in chromosomal analysis and in array-CGH. Histological analysis revealed a strong reduction

of elastic fibers in the submucosal connective tissue and a diffuse inflammatory infiltrate, mainly comprised of CD4+ cells. In addition, immunohistochemistry showed increased matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) protein expression of MMP-1, 2, 3 and 9. ConclusionsBased on our findings, we hypothesize that MKS is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by an MMP-mediated degradation of submucosal elastic fibers.”
“Purpose: We investigated the functional role of K(+) channels for regulating spontaneous activity in mouse bladder detrusor VX770 smooth muscle.\n\nMaterials and Methods: The effects of different K(+) channels blockers on spontaneous changes in membrane potential and intracellular Ca(2+) dynamics were examined using intracellular recording techniques and Ca(2+) imaging with fluo-4 fluorescence, respectively.\n\nResults: Detrusor smooth muscle generated spontaneous action potentials and Ca(2+) transients. Iberiotoxin (0.1 mu M), charybdotoxin (0.1 mu M) or tetraethylammonium (I mM) increased the amplitude of action potentials and prolonged their repolarizing phase without inhibiting their after-hyperpolarization. Tetraethylammonium (10 mM) but not stromatoxin (0.1 mu M) suppressed after-hyperpolarization and further increased the amplitude and half duration of action potentials. Apamin (0.1 mu M) increased the frequency of action potentials but had no effect on their configuration.