scholarly journals Low-Dose Radiation Exposure with 56MnO2 Powder Changes Gene Expressions in the Testes and the Prostate in Rats

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (14) ◽  
pp. 4989
Author(s):  
Nariaki Fujimoto ◽  
Gaukhar Amantayeva ◽  
Nailya Chaizhunussova ◽  
Dariya Shabdarbayeva ◽  
Zhaslan Abishev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Internal Exposure ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Gene Expressions ◽  
Γ Irradiation ◽  
Male Reproductive Function ◽  
Γ Rays

To investigate the biological effects of internal exposure of radioactive 56MnO2 powder, the major radioisotope dust in the soil after atomic bomb explosions, on male reproductive function, the gene expression of the testes and the prostate was examined. Ten-week-old male Wistar rats were exposed to three doses of radioactive 56MnO2 powder (41–100 mGy in whole body doses), stable MnO2 powder, or external 60Co γ-rays (2 Gy). Animals were necropsied on Days 3 and 61 postexposure. The mRNA expressions of testicular marker protein genes and prostatic secretory protein genes were quantified by Q-RT-PCR. On Day 3 postexposure, the testicular gene expressions of steroidogenesis-related enzymes, Cyp17a1 and Hsd3b1, decreased in 56MnO2-exposed groups. Germ cell-specific Spag4 and Zpbp mRNA levels were also reduced. On postexposure Day 61, the Cyp11a1 gene expression became significantly reduced in the testes in the group exposed to the highest dose of 56MnO2, while another steroidogenesis-related StAR gene mRNA level reduced in the 60Co γ-rays group. There were no differences in Spag4 and Zpbp mRNA levels among groups on Day 61. No histopathological changes were observed in the testes in any group following exposure. Expression in the prostatic protein genes, including CRP1, KS3, and PSP94, significantly decreased in 56MnO2-exposed groups as well as in the 60Co γ-rays group on Day 61 postexposure. These data suggest that the internal exposure to 56MnO2 powder, at doses of less than 100 mGy, affected the gene expressions in the testis and the prostate, while 2 Gy of external γ-irradiation was less effective.

scholarly journals Hepatic Gene Expression Changes in Rats Internally Exposed to Radioactive 56MnO2 Particles at Low Doses

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 758-766
Author(s):  
Bakhyt Ruslanova ◽  
Zhaslan Abishev ◽  
Nailya Chaizhunussova ◽  
Dariya Shabdarbayeva ◽  
Sholpan Tokesheva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atomic Bomb ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Nuclear Factor Κb ◽  
Internal Exposure ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gene Expressions ◽  
Γ Irradiation ◽  
Γ Rays

We have studied the biological effects of the internal exposure to radioactive manganese-56 dioxide (56MnO2), the major radioisotope dust found in soil after atomic bomb explosions. Our previous study of blood chemistry indicated a possible adverse effect of 56MnO2 on the liver. In the present study, we further examined the effects on the liver by determining changes in hepatic gene expressions. Male Wistar rats were exposed to 56MnO2 particles (three groups with the whole-body doses of 41, 90, and 100 mGy), stable MnO2 particles, or external 60Co γ-rays (2 Gy), and were examined together with the non-treated control group on postexposure day 3 and day 61. No histopathological changes were observed in the liver. The mRNA expression of a p53-related gene, the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A, increased in 56MnO2 as well as in γ-ray irradiated groups on postexposure day 3 and day 61. The expression of a stress-responsive gene, nuclear factor κB, was also increased by 56MnO2 and γ-rays on postexposure day 3. However, the expression of cytokine genes (interleukin-6 or chemokine ligand 2) or fibrosis-related TGF-β/Smad genes (Tgfb1, Smad3, or Smad4) was not altered by the exposure. Our data demonstrated that the internal exposure to 56MnO2 particles at less than 0.1 Gy significantly affected the short-term gene expressions in the liver in a similar manner with 2 Gy of external γ-irradiation. These changes may be adaptive responses because no changes occurred in cytokine or TGF-β/Smad gene expressions.

scholarly journals Biological impacts on the lungs in rats internally exposed to radioactive 56MnO2 particle

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nariaki Fujimoto ◽  
Bakhyt Ruslanova ◽  
Zhaslan Abishev ◽  
Nailya Chaizhunussova ◽  
Dariya Shabdarbayeva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Effects ◽  
Dose Group ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Internal Exposure ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Aquaporin 5 ◽  
Γ Irradiation ◽  
Particle Exposure ◽  
Biological Responses ◽  
Male Wistar Rats

AbstractTo understand the radiation effects of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki among the survivors, radiation from neutron-induced radioisotopes in soil should be considered in addition to the initial radiation directly received from the bombs. 56Mn, which emits both β particles and γ-rays, is one of the dominant radioisotopes created in soil by neutrons from the bomb. Thus we investigated the biological effects of internal exposure to 56MnO2 particle in the lung of male Wistar rats comparing to the effects of external 60Co-γ irradiation. Absorbed doses of internal irradiation of lungs were between 25 and 65 mGy in 56MnO2-exposed animals, while the whole body doses were between 41 and 100 mGy. Animals were examined on days 3 and 61 after the exposure. There were no remarkable pathological changes related to 56MnO2 particle exposure. However, mRNA and protein expressions of aquaporin 5 increased significantly in the lung tissue on day 3 postexposure in 56MnO2 groups (by 1.6 and 2.9 times, respectively, in the highest dose group). Smad7 mRNA expression was also significantly elevated by 30% in the highest dose group of 56MnO2. Our data demonstrated that internal exposure to 56MnO2 induced significant biological responses including gene expression changes in the lungs, while external 60Co-γ irradiation of 2 Gy did not show any changes.

scholarly journals Differential Gene Expression of Steroid 5α-Reductase 2 in Core Needle Biopsies from Malignant and Benign Prostatic Tissue1

1997 ◽  
Vol 82 (7) ◽  
pp. 2210-2214
Author(s):  
Catarina Bjelfman ◽  
Torbjörn G. Söderström ◽  
Einar Brekkan ◽  
Bo Johan Norlén ◽  
Lars Egevad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Messenger Rna ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Transrectal Ultrasound ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Prostate Hyperplasia ◽  
Noncancerous Tissue ◽  
Core Needle ◽  
Total Rna ◽  
Prostate Diseases

Androgens are implicated in the development of prostate cancer (CAP) and benign prostate hyperplasia. The conversion of testosterone to the more potent metabolite dihydrotestosterone by prostate-specific steroid 5α-reductase type 2 (5α-red2) is a key mechanism in the action of androgens in the prostate and is important in the promotion and progression of prostate diseases. Manipulation of the turnover of androgens is thus fundamental in the pharmacological treatment strategy. We have developed a sensitive solution hybridization method for quantification of the gene expression of 5α-red2 in core needle biopsies of the prostate. The 5α-red2-specific messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were measured in 50 human prostate transrectal ultrasound-guided core biopsies obtained from 31 outpatients (median age 72, range 57–88 yr) undergoing biopsy for diagnostic purposes. Significant differences were observed in the gene expression of 5α-red2 between cancerous and noncancerous tissue. In the 14 biopsies judged cancerous, the median 5α-red mRNA levels were 3.5 amol/ng total RNA compared with 12.0 amol/ng total RNA in the biopsies showing no cancer (P = 0.0018). The median 5α-red2 mRNA level in noncancerous tissue was thus 3.4 times higher than in the cancerous specimens.

Developmental expression of pIgR gene in sheep mammary gland and hormonal regulation

2002 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
AURORE RINCHEV-ALARNOLD ◽  
LUCETTE BELAIR ◽  
JEAN DJIANE
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Mammary Gland ◽  
Hormonal Regulation ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Immunohistochemical Analysis ◽  
Developmental Expression ◽  
Secretory Iga ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Immunoglobulin Receptor ◽  
Pregnancy And Lactation

Secretory IgA found in external secretions are constituted by polymeric IgA (pIgA) bound to the extra-cellular part of the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR). The receptor mediates transcytosis of pIgA across epithelial cells. The aim of the present study was to analyse the evolution of pIgR expression in the sheep mammary gland during the development of the mammary gland and to analyse its hormonal regulation. Gene expression of the pIgR was analysed in sheep mammary gland during pregnancy and lactation. By Northern Blot analysis, we observed that low levels of pIgR mRNA are expressed until day 70 of pregnancy. Accumulation of pIgR mRNA started during the third part of pregnancy and intensified 3 d after parturition to reach highest levels during established lactation (day 70). In situ hybridization analysis was used to confirm the increase in pIgR gene expression per mammary epithelial cell. In order to examine the hormonal regulation of the pIgR expression, virgin ewes were hormonally treated. Treatment with oestradiol and progesterone increased pIgR mRNA levels slightly. Subsequent addition of glucocorticoids induced a significant accumulation of pIgR mRNA in the mammary gland of the treated animals. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to verify that the increase of pIgR mRNA level was associated with enhancement of the pIgR protein in mammary cells. No increase of pIgR mRNA levels were observed if PRL secretion was blocked by bromocryptine injections throughout the hormonal procedure. In conclusion, the present experiments suggest that the enhancement of pIgR levels during lactation result from combined effects of both prolactin and glucocorticoids.

scholarly journals Differential regulation of γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase heavy and light subunit gene expression

1997 ◽  
Vol 326 (1) ◽  
pp. 167-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiaxin CAI ◽  
Zong-Zhi HUANG ◽  
Shelly C. LU
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Gene Expression ◽  
Steady State ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Rat Hepatocytes ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Subunit Gene ◽  
Subunit Mrna ◽  
Glutamylcysteine Synthetase ◽  
Steady State Mrna Level

γ-Glutamylcysteine synthetase (GCS) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of glutathione and is composed of a heavy and a light subunit. Although the heavy subunit is enzymically active alone, the light subunit plays an important regulatory role by making the holoenzyme function more efficiently. In the current study we examined whether conditions which are known to influence gene expression of the heavy subunit also influence that of the light subunit, and the mechanisms involved. Treatment of cultured rat hepatocytes with hormones such as insulin and hydrocortisone, or plating hepatocytes under low cell density increased the steady-state mRNA level of the heavy subunit only. Treatment with diethyl maleate (DEM), buthionine sulphoximine (BSO) and t-butylhydroquinone (TBH) increased the steady state mRNA level and gene transcription rates of both subunits. These treatments share in common their ability to induce oxidative stress and activate nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Treatment with protease inhibitors 7-amino-1-chloro-3-tosylamido-2-heptanone (TLCK) or L-1-tosylamido-2-phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone (TPCK) had no influence on the basal NF-κB and GCS subunit mRNA levels, but blocked the activation of NF-κB by DEM, BSO and TBH, and the increase in GCS heavy subunit mRNA level by BSO and TBH. On the other hand, the DEM-, BSO- and TBH-induced increase in GCS light-subunit mRNA level was unaffected by TLCK and TPCK. Thus only the heavy subunit is hormonally regulated and growth sensitive, whereas both subunits are regulated by oxidative stress. Signalling through NF-κB is involved only in the oxidative-stress-mediated changes in the heavy subunit gene expression.

Enteral glutamine stimulates protein synthesis and decreases ubiquitin mRNA level in human gut mucosa

2003 ◽  
Vol 285 (2) ◽  
pp. G266-G273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moïse Coëffier ◽  
Sophie Claeyssens ◽  
Bernadette Hecketsweiler ◽  
Alain Lavoinne ◽  
Philippe Ducrotté ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Cathepsin D ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Mass Spectrometry Analysis ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Synthesis Rate ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Human Gut ◽  
Mucosal Protein

Effects of glutamine on whole body and intestinal protein synthesis and on intestinal proteolysis were assessed in humans. Two groups of healthy volunteers received in a random order enteral glutamine (0.8 mmol·kg body wt-1·h-1) compared either to saline or isonitrogenous amino acids. Intravenous [2H5]phenylalanine and [13C]leucine were simultaneously infused. After gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, whole body protein turnover was estimated from traced plasma amino acid fluxes and the fractional synthesis rate (FSR) of gut mucosal protein was calculated from protein and intracellular phenylalanine and leucine enrichments in duodenal biopsies. mRNA levels for ubiquitin, cathepsin D, and m-calpain were analyzed in biopsies by RT-PCR. Glutamine significantly increased mucosal protein FSR compared with saline. Glutamine and amino acids had similar effects on FSR. The mRNA level for ubiquitin was significantly decreased after glutamine infusion compared with saline and amino acids, whereas cathepsin D and m-calpain mRNA levels were not affected. Enteral glutamine stimulates mucosal protein synthesis and may attenuate ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis and thus improve protein balance in human gut.

Upregulation of the Anti-Apoptotic Protein, Survivin, in Hematopoietic Cells in Sickle Cell Anemia and Effects of Hydroxyurea Therapy.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 1532-1532
Author(s):  
Carolina Lanaro ◽  
Carla Fernanda Franco-Penteado ◽  
Mariana R. B. Mello ◽  
Kleber Yotsumoto Fertrin ◽  
Marcos André C Bezerra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Sickle Cell Anemia ◽  
Survivin Expression ◽  
Erythroid Differentiation ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Gene Expressions ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Survivin Protein ◽  
Inflammatory State

Abstract Abstract 1532 Poster Board I-555 Survivin (BIRC5) is a member of the inhibitors of apoptosis family implicated in both prevention of cell death and control of mitosis. Although the actions of survivin in control of cancer cell division and apoptosis have been studied, its role in nonneoplastic diseases is not elucidated. Chronic inflammation is associated with STAT-3 upregulation, which can induce survivin production. Sickle cell anemia (SCA) has been characterized as a chronic inflammatory state and growing evidence indicates that inflammatory stress within the microvasculature may play a significant role in the vasoocclusion that is characteristic of SCA. Long-term treatment with hydroxyurea (HU) has been shown to reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines in SCA patients and leukocyte number. Since enhanced survivin expression has been reported in leukocytes under inflammatory conditions, and during hematopoietic cell survival and proliferation, the aim of this study was to investigate changes in survivin levels during erythroid differentiation, and determine expression in neutrophils (NS), mononuclear cells (MC) and red blood cell (RBC) in steady-state SCA patients (n≥10), SCA patients on HU therapy (n≥16), and healthy controls (HC, n≥5). Survivin and STAT-3 gene expression were determined by qRT-PCR analysis in primary human erythroblasts cultures for 7, 10 and 13 days and leukocytes separated from peripheral blood samples. Survivin protein expression was determined by flow cytometry with survivin-specific antibodies. Survivin gene expression was significantly increased during erythroid differentiation, but survivin mRNA levels showed similar patterns between SCA and HC (7d: 0.8±0.1 × 0.7±0.08; 10d: 1.7±0.3 × 1.6±0.2; 13d: 2.2± 0.27 × 1.8±0.19,U.A.,P>0.05,respectively). However, protein levels of survivin in mature RBC (glicophorin A +) was significantly higher in SCA patients compared to HC (41.90± 2.9 × 25.76±1.9, P=0.0006, respectively). BIRC-5 gene expression in MC was significantly higher in SCA patients compared to HC (0.9±0.1 × 0.5±0.2, P=0.04, respectively). Survivin protein levels in MC from SCA was significantly increased to compared to HC (51.7±3.2 × 39.7±1.7, MFI, P=0.01,respectively). Survivin protein levels are elevated in NS of SCA patients compared to HC (28.4±1.6 × 21.9±1.5, MFI, P=0.02,respectively). No significant alterations in the mRNA levels of the gene encoding STAT-3 were found during erythroid differentiation (7d: 1.1±0.04 × 1.1±0.08; 10d: 0.6±0.07 × 0.8±0.08; 13d: 0.6±0.07 × 0.9±0.1, P>0.05,respectively) or MC cells (1.2±0.1 × 1.1± 0.1, P>0.05,respectively) in SCA patients compared to HC. Patients on HU therapy demonstrated lower survivin MC gene expressions and protein levels compared to non-treated patients (0.6±0.3 × 0.9±0.1; 37.9±1.5 × 51.7±3.3, P=0.02; P<0.0001,respectively), but no difference was shown in STAT-3 gene expressions (1.1±0.04 × 1.2 ±0.1, respectively). Survivin protein levels were not significantly different in NS and RBC in patients on HU therapy compared to SCA (27.1±1.8 × 28.4± 1.6; 45.9± 3.2× 41.9± 2.9, MFI, P>0.05, respectively). Our data showed that survivin gene and protein expression are upregulated in MC in SCA patients, independently of STAT-3 expression. In addition, a high protein expression was observed in NS and RBC in these patients. HU therapy was associated with lower survivin expression in MC, but not NS and RBC, indicating that the beneficial effect that HU has on the inflammatory state, may participate in the reduced levels of survivin. In conclusion, the exact importance of survivin in SCA vasooclusion is not clear, but data indicates a high expression of this protein in leukocytes and RBC of SCA patients and may imply a role for this protein in leukocytosis and RBC proliferation in SCA. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Treatment with PPARαAgonist Clofibrate Inhibits the Transcription and Activation of SREBPs and Reduces Triglyceride and Cholesterol Levels in Liver of Broiler Chickens

PPAR Research ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lijun Zhang ◽  
Chunyan Li ◽  
Fang Wang ◽  
Shenghua Zhou ◽  
Mingjun Shangguan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Nuclear Protein ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Cholesterol Levels ◽  
Regulation Mechanisms

PPARαagonist clofibrate reduces cholesterol and fatty acid concentrations in rodent liver by an inhibition of SREBP-dependent gene expression. In present study we investigated the regulation mechanisms of the triglyceride- and cholesterol-lowering effect of the PPARαagonist clofibrate in broiler chickens. We observed that PPARαagonist clofibrate decreases the mRNA and protein levels of LXRαand the mRNA and both precursor and nuclear protein levels of SREBP1 and SREBP2 as well as the mRNA levels of the SREBP1 (FASNandGPAM) and SREBP2 (HMGCRandLDLR) target genes in the liver of treated broiler chickens compared to control group, whereas the mRNA level ofINSIG2, which inhibits SREBP activation, was increased in the liver of treated broiler chickens compared to control group. Taken together, the effects of PPARαagonist clofibrate on lipid metabolism in liver of broiler chickens involve inhibiting transcription and activation of SREBPs and SREBP-dependent lipogenic and cholesterologenic gene expression, thereby resulting in a reduction of the triglyceride and cholesterol levels in liver of broiler chickens.

scholarly journals Regulation of pituitary inhibin/activin subunits and follistatin gene expression by GnRH in female rats

2011 ◽  
Vol 210 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petra Popovics ◽  
Zoltan Rekasi ◽  
Alan J Stewart ◽  
Magdolna Kovacs
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Inhibin B ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Pituitary Cells ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Long Term Treatment

Pituitary inhibin B, activin B, and follistatin are local regulators of FSH. Activin B is a homodimeric molecule (βB–βB), while inhibin B contains an α and a βB subunit. The regulation of gene expression of α, βB, and follistatin by local and endocrine hormones was examined in pituitaries from female rats and in perifused pituitary cells by RT-PCR. Ovariectomy (OVX) induced an elevation in the mRNA level of α and βB subunits and follistatin. Short-term (4 h) treatment of pituitary cells with GnRH decreased both the inhibin α and the inhibin/activin βB subunit mRNA levels, while long-term treatment (20 h) with 100 nM GnRH stimulated the expression of both subunits. In contrast, the mRNA level of follistatin was elevated after the short-term GnRH treatment. Long-term exposure of pituitary cells to estradiol and inhibin B suppressed the mRNA expression of βB and had no effect on the expression of α subunit and follistatin. Our results demonstrate that the increased expressions of inhibin/activin subunits and follistatin in the post-OVX period can be induced by the lack of gonadal negative feedback, resulting in a high GnRH environment in the pituitary. This study reports for the first time that GnRH administered in high doses and for a long period stimulates the gene expression of inhibin/activin subunits and thereby may contribute to the stimulatory effect of OVX on the expression of these genes.

Modulation of cytokeratin and actin gene expression and fibrillar organization in cultured rat hepatocytes

1992 ◽  
Vol 70 (10-11) ◽  
pp. 1238-1248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Normand Marceau ◽  
Andrée Grenier ◽  
Micheline Noel ◽  
Donald Mailhot ◽  
Anne Loranger
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dimethyl Sulfoxide ◽  
Intermediate Filaments ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Rat Hepatocytes ◽  
Culture Conditions ◽  
Actin Gene ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Cultured Rat Hepatocytes ◽  
Hepatocyte Spheroids

Intermediate filaments of rat hepatocytes are composed of cytokeratins 8 and 18 (CK8 and CK18, respectively). Recent work from our laboratory has indicated a close relationship between the synthesis of these cytokeratins, their organization into intermediate filaments, and the promotion of growth and differentiation of cultured rat hepatocytes by insulin, epidermal growth factor, and dexamethasone. In the present study, we examined the mRNA expression, level of protein synthesis, and fibrillar distribution of cytokeratins 8 and 18 and actin in hepatocytes, isolated from normal and dexamethasone-injected rats and cultured as monolayers or spheroids in the presence of insulin, or from normal rat hepatocytes, cultured as monolayers in the presence of dexamethasone, insulin, and dimethyl sulfoxide. The CK8 mRNA level was lower in hepatocytes isolated from noninjected rats and cultured as either monolayers or spheroids, than in those from dexamethasone-injected rats. However, the CK18 mRNA level varied in a manner that was different from that of CK8 mRNA, showing that the modes of expression of the two genes were independent. The various changes in hepatocyte culture conditions led to variations in albumin mRNA levels that largely followed those observed in CK8 mRNA levels. In the case of actin, the amount of mRNAs varied from relatively high levels in hepatocyte monolayers to extremely low levels in hepatocyte spheroids, even though in both cases the cells were isolated from dexamethasone-injected rats. These changes in mRNA levels did not necessarily correlate with changes in the synthesis of cytokeratins 8 and 18, and actin. Changes in culture conditions induced a major reorganization in the distribution of cytokeratin intermediate filaments and actin filament between the region near the surface membrane and the cytoplasm. The most divergent patterns in cytokeratin intermediate filaments and actin filament distributions were observed between hepatocytes cultured as spheroidal aggregates and as monolayers in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide. The former condition resulted in patterns of cytokeratin and actin gene expression and fibrillar organization that best matched those in situ. In the latter condition, inappropriate patterns were obtained, in spite of the fact that dimethyl sulfoxide treated hepatocytes are known to exhibit survival and functional activities equivalent to that of hepatocyte spheroids. These results demonstrate for the first time that the survival and functional activity (i.e., albumin production) of rat hepatocytes in vitro is not necessarily correlated with a particular pattern of cytokeratin and actin gene expression and fibrillar arrangement.Key words: gene expression, cytokeratins, intermediate filaments, cytoskeleton, hepatocytes.

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