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Intratracheal injection of FITC results in acute lung injury and progresses to fibrosis by day 21 postchallenge. In response to FITC, BALB/c mice produce IL-4 and IL-13 in the lung. To investigate whether IL-4 and/or IL-13 were important profibrotic mediators in this model, we examined the fibrotic response to FITC in mice that were genetically deficient in IL-4 (IL-4(-/-)), IL-13 (IL-13(-/-)),...

We hypothesized that modulation of the effective charge density of the endothelial surface layer (ESL) results in altered arterial barrier properties to transport of anionic solutes. Rat mesenteric small arteries (diameter approximately 190 microm) were isolated, cannulated, perfused, and superfused with MOPS-buffered physiological salt solutions. MOPS-solutions were of normal ionic strength (1...

Fluorescein-isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-dextran), a dye confined to the vascular space, was infused via the hepatic artery and portal vein into perfused livers from fed rats treated with diethylnitrosamine for 4 to 5 months. Fluorescence due to FITC-dextran was detected with fiberoptic microlight guides placed on surface nodules of about 5 mm in diameter. Nodules were categorized into groups w...

The term blood-brain barrier (BBB) relates to the ability of cerebral vessels to hold back hydrophilic and large molecules from entering the brain, thereby crucially contributing to brain homeostasis. In fact, experimental opening of endothelial tight junctions causes a breakdown of the BBB evidenced as for instance by albumin leakage. This and similar observations led to the conclusion that BB...

The distribution of concanavalin A (Con A) surface receptors and cytoplasmic actin in the same cell was studied in monolayer cultures of 2 odontogenic epithelial cells of different developmental age and in ecto-mesenchymal cells derived from the same tooth germ. Con A receptors were demonstrated by fluorescein-isothiocyanate-labelled Con A (FITC-Con A) and cytoplasmic actin by a specific anti-a...

OBJECTIVES To determine the fate of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (S-ODNs), which are commonly used for antisense strategy, in murine retina in vivo with the use of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled S-ODNs, and to evaluate our fusogenic liposome system that may facilitate the delivery of S-ODNs. METHODS The FITC-labeled S-ODNs were encapsulated in liposomes, which were then coated...

Sensitization of RBL-2H3 mast cells with monomeric fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled immunoglobulin E (IgE) results in slow but highly efficient accumulation of labeled IgE fragments in a pool of acidic peripheral vesicles that are visible by fluorescence microscopy after raising endosomal pH with ammonium chloride. Stimulation of cells containing these FITC-IgE fragments by aggregati...