G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the largest family of receptors involved in transmembrane signaling. Although these receptors were generally believed to be monomeric entities, accumulating evidence supports the presence of GPCRs in multimeric forms. Here, using immunoprecipitation as well as time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer to assess protein-protein interaction...

Group A rotavirus-positive stool specimens, collected from 432 hospitalized patients of all age groups with diarrhoea during 1990-1997 from Pune, India, were characterized for subgroups (SGs) and G serotypes (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10). ELISA for subgrouping was carried out by employing subgroup I and II-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). For serotyping, MAbs against G1 (Ku), G2 (S2), G3 (Yo...

Conventional therapy for colorectal carcinoma using 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has shown limited antitumor action. The purpose of our study was to investigate synergistic antitumor effects of the streptococcal preparation of OK-432 and 5-FU, and to elucidate the mechanisms of interaction between the 2 agents in mice. Biochemical modulation of OK-432 and 5-FU were determined in vivo against colon-26 ...

The objective of this study has been to evaluate the stability of alpha-, (gamma+beta)-, and delta-tocopherols in rice bran oil chemically refined submitted to heating in a heater without air circulation and shielded from light, at temperatures of 100 degrees C and 180 degrees C. The collection of samples took place after 48, 96, 144, 192, 240, 336, and 432 h of heating and were stored in amber...

BACKGROUND Congenital cystic lymphangiomas are benign malformations due to a developmental disorder of lymphatic vessels. Besides surgical excision, sclerosant therapy of these lesions by intracavitary injection of OK-432 (Picibanil®), a lyophilized mixture of group A Streptococcus pyogenes, is a common therapeutical option. For an appropriate application of OK-432, a detailed knowledge about t...