Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in the pathogenesis of asthma

Article Abstract:

One of the features of asthma is eosinophilia, a condition in which specific white blood cells called eosinophils migrate from the bloodstream into the lining of the windpipes. It is thought that chemicals released by these cells may be responsible for some of the damage to the bronchial cells which occurs in asthma. Previous research has shown that the CD18 family of molecules on the surface of white blood cells is partially responsible for the adhesion of these cells to inflamed tissues. Using monoclonal antibodies which specifically bind to the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), researchers have shown that the leukocytes use this molecule to bind to as they crawl into inflamed areas. Furthermore, using the same monoclonal antibodies, it is possible to demonstrate that inflamed tissues actually possess greater quantities of ICAM-1, providing even better access for the eosinophils. In a test model of asthma using primates, a monoclonal antibody which bound to the ICAM-1 molecules in the windpipe decreased the number of eosinophils which were able to migrate and decreased the hyperresponsiveness of the windpipe which is characteristic of asthma. The authors propose that antagonism of ICAM-1 may be a new therapeutic approach to the symptoms of asthma. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Physiological aspects, Drug therapy, Asthma, Respiratory tract diseases

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Methane: small molecule, big impact

Article Abstract:

A discussion of pathways to methane production is presented. Methanogenesis requires at least three interacting groups of obligate anaerobes. The methanoarchaea use either the methyl group of acetate or reduce carbon dioxide with electrons from formate or hydrogen.

Methane

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A Tale of Big Game and Small Bugs

Article Abstract:

Using Hudson Bay Company detailed records of the fur trade between 1821 and 1939, lynx population density and beetle population fluctuations have been explained in terms of external factors such as weather amd predation.

Canada, Environmental policy, Hudson's Bay Co., Wildlife research, Ecological surveys

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