: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and proliferation of synovial membrane tissue. A number of studies have reported the etiologic role of stress proteins in RA. However, the role of the well-characterized stress protein, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) , in relation to RA, remains to be elucidated. In this investigation, we employed double immunohistochemical staining techniques to identify HO-1-expressing cells in the synovial tissue of a mouse model of RA. The RA model used was that of human T cell leukemia virus type-I (HTLV-I) transgenic (Tg) mouse. The physical characteristics of synovial tissue in limb joints were additionally analyzed. Morphological data revealed a marked increase in the thickness of synovial membrane layers in two-to three month-old Tg mice. HO-1-like immunopositive cells were identified in synovial tissue from both wild-type and HTLV-I Tg mice. Notably, cell numbers in Tg mice were dramatically increased. A double immunofluorescence study revealed the presence of HO-1-immunopositive cells in T cells, fibroblasts and macrophages.The percentage of T cells expressing HO-1 was relatively higher than that of fibroblasts and macrophages. These results suggest that HO-1 levels increase in synovial tissue during RA. Moreover, the protein participates in the regulation of RA pathogenesis.
: We had found previously that calcitonin treatment elcatonin once a week for 10 weeks results in signi cant decreases in blood pressure. The aim of the present study was to determine whether these effects were due to a cumulative effect of elcatonin or could be elicited by treatment with a single dose. To this end, we recruited 62 patients eight men, 54 women ; mean age 83 years ; range 67-101 years with a chief complaint of lower back pain to the present study and examined changes in blood pressure following administration of the first dose of elcatonin. All subjects in the study had been hospitalized either at our institution or an af liated hospital. After acute phase symptoms had settled, subjects received 1 U 1 mL , i.m., elcatonin S20. Blood pressure was measured the day before the rst scheduled treatment and on the day of treatment. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased from 2 h after administration, and dropped significantly 4 and 6 h after administration. Therefore, elcatonin decreased blood pressure without first having to be accumulated in the body. There are several possible explanations for the results, including effects mediated by changes in concentrations of calcitonin gene-related peptide and calcium ions, as well as involvement of the parasympathetic nervous system. In conclusion, calcitonin inhibits bone resorption and pain, lowers blood pressure, and is easy to use in elderly patients who exhibit age-related increases in blood pressure.
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