Transthyretin (TTR) associated amyloidosis is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by peripheral and autonomic neuropathy. Both genetic and environmental factors are thought to be involved in development of TTR associated amyloidosis. Previously, we demonstrated that amyloid deposition was observed in various tissues of transgenic mouse lines carrying a human mutant TTR (Met30) gene. To analyze the influence of environmental factors on TTR amyloidosis, these amyloidogenic transgenic mouse models were kept under conventional (CV) or specific pathogen free (SPF) conditions. Although the serum levels of Met30 for mice housed in the CV and SPF conditions were similar, amyloid deposition was observed in CV conditions, but not in SPF conditions. In addition, the extent of amyloid deposition in transgenic mice was dependent on duration kept under CV conditions. There were significant differences in proportion of amyloid deposition in several tissues between CV and SPF conditions. Maintenance of these mice at 30 degrees C did not induce amyloid deposition in SPF conditions. These results suggest that the SPF conditions can completely prevent amyloid deposition, and that environmental factors can affect the onset and progression even in a single gene disorder.

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The first insect moulting hormone called Ecdysone was isolated by Butenandt and Karlson (1) from the prothoracic gland of the pupa of silk worm. However, mainly due to minute supply of the compound the pharmacological study has not been made in the mammals. In 1966, Nakanishi, Takemotc et al. (2) found metamorphosing substances

For the purpose of obtaining hormonal spectra of anti-androgen TSAA\ x=req-\ 291* and its derivatives, a variety of endocrine characteristics were studied.(1) Androgenic and anabolic activity : Subcutaneous administration of anti-androgen TSAA-291 and its acetate, TSAA-328*, to the immature orchiectomized rat resulted in significant weight increase

Effects of the anti-androgen TSAA-291 on the gonadotrophin secretion were studied.(1) A single subcutaneous or oral administration of TSAA-291 and its caproate induced the ovulation in the proestrous rat of which