Localization of protein kinase C [PKC] alpha at the cell junction desmosomes during epidermal wound healing in mice

Desmosomes are intercellular junctions that provide strong adhesion between epidermal keratinocytes. This function is rapidly modulated from calcium independent to calcium dependent upon wounding of an epithelial cell sheet. This modulation was found to be signaled by an isoenzyme named protein kinase C alpha [PKC alpha] which alters the adhesive state of desmosomes at the wound edges. Specimens from intact and wounded mice skin were taken and prepared for immunohistochemical studies and the immune reactions of both desmosomes and PKC alpha were examined, recorded and discussed. It is hypothesized that wounding triggers a stimulus that activates PKC alpha which through a phosphorylation of certain desmosomal proteins modulates desmosomal adhesion. This breaks intercellular contacts enabling keratinocytes to migrate and reepithelialize the wound

Pattern of progesterone, estradiol and prolactin in amenorrhoeic lactating pill users women

The data obtained in this study revealed that the amount of steroid hormones secreted in milk of lactating pill users, although less than its level in lactating non pill users, is high at the third month than at the remaining intervals. Therefore, the use of combined low dose contraceptive pills should be postponed for at least three months after delivery and initiation of lactation and not to be consumed early after labor