All-trans-retinoic acid (RA), one of the active metabolites of vitamin A, can increase the expression of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) gene. To determine whether RA stimulates brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis and modulates leptin gene expression in vivo, 6-month-old, vitamin-A sufficient, F344 BN rats were administered a single dose of RA (7·5 mg/kg, i.p.) or the 3 -adrenergic receptor ( 3 AR) specific agonist, CGP 12177 (0·75 mg/ kg). Levels of UCP1 mRNA in BAT and leptin mRNA in perirenal white adipose tissue (WAT) were examined 5 h after treatment. mRNA levels of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) were also examined in BAT and perirenal WAT. Administration of CGP 12177 caused the expected increase in UCP1 mRNA levels. RA treatment also significantly increased UCP1 mRNA levels but to a lesser extent than CGP 12177. In contrast, there was no acute effect of RA on whole body oxygen consumption, one measure of BAT thermogenesis. Both CGP 12177 and RA treatment decreased levels of leptin mRNA to a similar extent. RA treatment had no effect on mRNA levels of LPL in BAT or perirenal WAT. There were no changes in total DNA content, total protein content, or in the levels of -actin mRNA in either BAT or perirenal WAT upon administration of RA or CGP 12177. Thus, the acute effects of RA paralleled the effects of the 3 AR specific agonist, CGP 12177, on UCP1 and leptin gene expression. This involvement of RA in positive regulation of UCP1 mRNA and negative regulation of leptin mRNA suggests a contrasting role for RA in energy homeostasis.

The application of a single layer of Dental varnish appears to be of no significant benefit when compared to crowns cemented with the application of Dentin bonding agent on the tooth surface. The application of a single layer of Dentin bonding agent (Solobond M) and temporary crowns fabricated with direct technique may be of some benefit for crown preparations as an interim measure prior to the luting of final crown.

1. Eight healthy adult males underwent three sustained isometric contractions at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction for 3 min, within a 9 day period. 2. The study focuses on the inter-individual and day-to-day intra-individual variability of cardiovascular and plasma noradrenaline responses to sustained isometric contraction. 3. The results of this study indicate that inter-individual variability is generally greater than intra-individual variability. Diastolic blood pressure was the most sensitive as well as the least variable cardiovascular parameter measured. 4. The variability of plasma noradrenaline levels in both the basal and the stimulated state was high. The present study suggests that it is preferable to determine the 'true' noradrenaline peak after the release of handgrip, as this is associated with a lower variability than the plasma noradrenaline peak taken at the time of the release of handgrip.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronically recurrent inflammatory bowel disease of unknown origin. The present study is to evaluate the effect of flunixin and curcumin in experimentally induced ulcerative colitis in rats. Animals were randomly divided into four groups, each consisting of 12 animals: normal control group, acetic acid group, curcumin-treated group, and flunixin-treated group. Induction of colitis by intracolonic administration of 4% acetic acid produced severe macroscopic inflammation in the colon, 14 days after acetic acid administration as assessed by the colonic damage score. Microscopically, colonic tissues showed ulceration, edema, and inflammatory cells infiltration. Biochemical studies revealed increased serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), colonic alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Oxidative stress was indicated by elevated lipid peroxide formation and depleted reduced glutathione concentrations in colonic tissues. After induction of colitis, treatment with curcumin (50 mg/kg daily, p.o.) and flunixin (2.5 mg/kg daily, s.c.) decreased serum LDH, ALP, interleukin (IL)-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels, as well as colonic MPO and lipid peroxide levels, whereas increased colonic prostaglandin E2 and IL-10 concentrations were observed. Moreover, effective doses of curcumin and flunixin were effective in restoring the histopathological changes induced by acetic acid administration. The findings of the present study provide evidence that flunixin may be beneficial in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Introduction: Vermiform appendix is a slender projection from caecum, which is not a vestigial organ but is a specialized structure having immunological function. Aim: The main aim of this study is to assess detailed microscopic features of human fetal vermiform appendix at different gestational ages. Materials and Methods: For this present study 25 vermiform appendix specimens were collected from the human aborted fetuses of 17-40 weeks gestational ages and both sexes (12 males and 13 females) were studied and appendix were processed for routine histological tissue processing and sectioning and the slides were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Results: The wall of the vermiform appendix presented well differentiated 4 layers mucosa, sub mucosa, muscular coat and serosa from 17 th week. At 17 th week wider lumen and thick wall were observed. Conclusion: Further studies are necessary to elucidate the time of appearance of different types of cells in fetal appendix and their immunological functions.