twik2 ion channels (k2p6.1, encoded by a gene named kcnk6) belong to the family of two-pore domain potassium channels. twik2 is also considered as a “silent” channel because of its inability to produce measurable currents in heterologous expression systems and its intracellular retention. it is expressed in different mammalian tissues including lymphoid organs and the vascular system. however, ...

The ability of macrophages to process and present treponemal antigens to T-lymphocytes was studied in early stages of experimental syphilis produced by Treponema pallidum Bosnia A strain (the causative agent of endemic syphilis) infection of inbred Syrian hamsters (LSH/Ss Lak strain). A difference was noticed in the response of macrophages obtained from the peritoneal cavity, lymph nodes, and s...

Inflammation is associated with macrophage activation, and this process has been shown to occur during atherogenesis. Macrophages (J774A.1) that were activated with either lipopolysaccharide (LPS), zymosan, or phorbol ester demonstrated a 30-35% increased uptake and degradation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) in comparison with nonactivated cells. This phenomenon was also shown for LDL cellula...

Purified serum amyloid P component (SAP), the major acute-phase reactant of mice, augmented the in vitro listericidal activity of inflammatory (elicited) macrophages, bone marrow-derived monocytes, and macrophages from a subcutaneous site of inflammation. Monocytes and macrophages from C57BL/B6 mice, which are relatively resistant to Listeria monocytogenes, exhibited a significantly greater enh...

We demonstrated endothelial production of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), the third member of the natriuretic peptide family, and its regulation by cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha). We thus proposed that CNP can control vascular tone and growth as an endothelium-derived relaxing peptide. We also revealed the marked elevation of plasma CNP concentration in patients ...

PURPOSE Macrophages infiltrating an inflamed or injured tissue undergo development of coordinated sets of properties that contribute to tissue damage, repair, and remodeling. The purpose of this study was to determine whether macrophages isolated from normal or inflamed retina are programmed to a distinct set of properties and to examine whether the development of experimental autoimmune uveore...

Hepatic macrophages play a central role in disease pathogenesis during hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Our previous study found that CD205+ macrophages in the liver of hepatitis B surface antigen transgenic (HBs-Tg) mice increased significantly compared with those in wild-type mice, and these increased CD205+ macrophages were involved in CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide-induced liver injury in HBs-T...

Abstract Hair follicles (HFs) produce hair to mediate the first line of defense in mammals. HFs undergo cyclical production (anagen), and while this process is unsynchronized during adulthood, external cues, including shaving, induce synchronized anagen bolster surface barrier. Herein, we show that macrophages were crucial promoting anagen. Shaving triggered accumulation secondary germs (SHG), ...

Interaction between arterial macrophages and oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL) leads to foam cell formation, a critical step during early atherogenesis. Until now, cellular uptake of lipoproteins was studied through incubation of the media-soluble lipoprotein with cultured macrophages. However, as lipoproteins in the arterial wall are bound to subendothelial matrix, we questioned whether the retention (bin...

background: falciparum malaria is a severe health burden worldwide. antigen presenting cells are reported to be affected by erythrocytic stage of the parasite. malarial hemozoin (hz), a metabolite of malaria parasite, has adjuvant properties and may play a role in the induction of immune response against the parasite. objective: to determine the immunological impact of hemozoin on the capacity ...