Second cytotoxic pathway of diphtheria toxin suggested by nuclease activity

Article Abstract:

Diphtheria is a serious, highly contagious disease. Caused by bacteria, it is spread by contact with an infected person or via food. Breathing and swallowing become difficult as the bacteria multiply in the throat, and a breathing tube may need to be inserted surgically. Toxins produced by the diphtheria bacteria enter the blood and can damage the heart and nervous system; death may follow quickly if antitoxin and penicillin are not given promptly. In most developed countries the disease is now rare, thanks to immunization programs. The way in which diphtheria toxin (DTx) attacks and damages cells is not yet fully understood. The experiment described suggests that DTx unravels and inactivates cell DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid, the genetic code) before rupturing the cell. It appears that body cells do not break open simply because protein synthesis slows down, but a second destructive action is taken by DTx; this pathway involves an enzyme called a nuclease.

Physiological aspects, Bacterial toxins, Diphtheria, Diphtheria toxin

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Teetering on the brink of danger

Article Abstract:

Three research teams disproved the notion of a neonatal education period for the self-unself immune-system model postulated by Nobel winners F.M. Burnet and P.B. Medawar. One team leader, Polly Matzinger, proposes a new model, in which the immune system responds to antigens associated with danger.

Models, Immune system, Matzinger, Polly

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New Alzheimer's therapy suggested

Article Abstract:

New studies support a controversial inflammatory-disease theory of Alzheimer's dementia. Joe Rogers found that the anti-inflammatory indomethacin slowed the advance of Alzheimer's, and Patrick McGeer found low incidence of Alzheimer's among patients treated for rheumatoid arthritis.

Usage, Drug therapy, Alzheimer's disease, Anti-Alzheimer's disease agents, Anti-inflammatory drugs, Anti-inflammatory agents, Indomethacin

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