The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, Hand1, plays an important role in the development of the murine extra-embryonic trophoblast cell lineage. In the present study, we have analysed the expression of Hand1 in human extra-embryonic cell types and determined its binding specificity and transcriptional activity upon interaction with different class A bHLH factors. Northern blott...

Human amnion tissue is readily available to most laboratories as a source of cells for tissue culture studies. It has proved to be a useful tool in the field of virus research, and it offers impor tant potentials in the field of cancer research as a source of normal human cells easily obtained in primary cultivation. Many investigators have been concerned with the problem of malignant propertie...

Mouse polyclonal antibodies have been raised against two human proteins (IEF [isoelectric focusing] 31, Mr = 50,000; IEF 46, Mr = 43,500) that have previously been shown to be present in HeLa cytoskeletons enriched in intermediate-sized filaments. Immunoprecipitation studies show that both proteins share common antigenic determinants with each other and with the putative human keratins IEF 36 a...

Increasing prostaglandin H(2) synthase (PGHS)-2 expression in the fetal membranes is implicated in the production of prostaglandins (PGs) that stimulate labour. We have determined the activity of the PGHS-2 gene in the amnion and chorion throughout gestation and defined the contribution of transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms to the increase of PGHS-2 mRNA levels. We also measure...

BACKGROUND Several studies have shown that the application of amniotic membrane as a biological dressing in the management of burns is accompanied by rapid re-epithelialisation. In this follow-up study, we aimed to evaluate the possible role of amniotic membrane as an adjunct to split thickness skin grafting on reducing itching and severity of hypertrophic scar formation. MATERIALS AND METHOD...

AIM In the light of interest being shown in amniotic membrane grafts for use in ocular surgery, this study aims to identify the bacterial contaminants commonly found on placental membranes from both caesarean and vaginal deliveries. METHODS Samples of placental membrane were taken following both elective caesarean and normal vaginal deliveries. Bacterial contaminants were identified. RESULT...