Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are thought to play important roles during enamel and dentin biomineralization. Previously, membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) was localized to the plasma membranes of ameloblasts and odontoblasts of the developing tooth. The best-characterized function of MT1-MMP is to initiate the activation of gelatinase A (MMP-2). Thus, we hypothesized that gelatinase A may also be expressed by developing tooth tissues. A full-length porcine gelatinase A mRNA was isolated by RT-PCR homology cloning of an enamel-organ-specific cDNA library. Northern blot and in situ hybridization analyses demonstrated gelatinase A expression in developing tooth tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis localized gelatinase A close to the plasma membrane of these tissues. Furthermore, recombinant gelatinase A was demonstrated to cleave recombinant amelogenin into several fragments of differing molecular masses. Thus, gelatinase A is expressed by developing tooth tissues along with its activator MT1-MMP and may, therefore, play an important role during tooth development.

These findings provide support for the link between adiposity in children and GCF-TNF-alpha level, which appears to be mediated by insulin resistance.

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Despite good internal consistency of the questionnaire and the recognized validity of the test, people's perception of their masticatory efficiency does not reflect objective efficiency as measured using a clinical test.

protein C and protein S levels in 127 consecutive young adults with ischemic stroke. Acta Neurol Scand 1998: 98: 124-127. 0 Munksgaard 1998.I Objectives -The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of antithrombin, protein C and protein S deficiencies in consecutive ischemic stroke patients under 45. Material and methods -We studied 127 consecutive patients with a mean age of 34.4 years admitted for an ischemic stroke, over a 2-year period, after exclusion of those with arterial dissection. Antithrombin, protein C and protein S levels were measured in all patients at the acute stage of the ischemic stroke and measurements were repeated in case of abnormality. Results -We found abnormal levels in 9 patients. Seven had an acquired cause of deficiency (pregnancy, oestrogen, acute inflammation). Two had no obvious acquired cause of deficiency but further controls were normal. Conclusions -Hereditary deficiencies of coagulation inhibitors are rare in ischemic stroke patients under 45 and their systematic

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