Calpain expression and infiltration of activated T cells in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis over time: increased calpain activity begins with onset of disease.

Calpain activity and expression at the protein level were examined in inflammatory cells, activated microglia, and astrocytes prior to or at onset of symptomatic experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model for the human demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis (MS). EAE was induced in Lewis rats by injection of guinea pig spinal cord homogenate and myelin basic protein (MBP) emulsified with Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA). Calpain translational expression, determined by Western blot and immunocytochemistry, was correlated with calpain activity, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and myelin loss at 2-11 days following challenge with antigen. Controls (CFA only) did not show any changes over time in these parameters and very few changes (CD11+ microglia/mononuclear phagocytes) were seen in either group from days 2 to 8 post-induction. In contrast, from days 9 to 11, the animals that developed the disease (at least grade 1) demonstrated extensive cellular infiltration (CD4+, CD25+, and CD11+ as well as increased calpain expression (content) and activity. This study demonstrates that cell infiltration and increased calpain activity do not begin in the CNS until the onset of clinical signs.

Selection system efficiencies for computer simulated progeny test field designs in loblolly pine.

Six simulated progeny test field designs in combination with three within-family selection systems were tested on three loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) progeny test sites in southeastern Oklahoma and southwestern Arkansas, to compare genetic gains for the single trait, height. Residual deviations obtained by subtraction of family and plantation mean effects for each plantation were combined with simulated genetic effects with known family variance structure. The simulated genetic populations, arranged in the following progeny test field designs - large square or almost square plots, five- and ten-tree row plots, five-tree noncontiguous plots, two tree row plots, and single-tree plots - were superimposed on the residual data for each plantation. Within-family selection methods based on deviations from block means, deviations from neighborhood means and deviations from plot means were built into the model. Realized genetic gain attained by each design - selection system combination was compared with the genetic gain theoretically possible if selection accuracy were perfect, and with expected gain estimated using the general linear model. In general, average realized genetic gain compared well with expected gain. Differences between designs with large versus small plots were generally lower than expected, although the single-tree plot design always yielded highest realized gain. Realized gain was generally higher than expected when within-family selection was based on deviations from block or neighborhood means, but equal to or lower than expected when selection was based on deviations from plot means.