Association of Hashimoto's thyroiditis with thyroid cancer.

This prospective study investigates the relationship between Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and thyroid cancer (TC) in patients with thyroid nodules (TNs). We prospectively examined 2100 patients with 2753 TNs between January 5, 2010 and August 15, 2013. A total of 2023 patients with 2669 TNs met the inclusion criteria of TN ≥5 mm and age ≥18 years. Each patient had blood drawn before fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) for the following measurements: TSH, free thyroxine, free tri-iodothyronine, thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), and antithyroglobulin antibody (TgAb). Diagnosis of TC was based on pathology analysis of thyroidectomy tissue. The associations of TC with the independent variables were determined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis and reported as adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI. A total of 248 malignant nodules were found in 233 patients. There was an association of TC with both increased serum TgAb concentration and age<45 years. An elevated serum TgAb concentration was found in 10.2% of patients (182 of 1790) with benign nodules as compared with 20.6% of patients (48 of 233) with malignant nodules (P≤0.0001). TgAb (OR=2.24: CI=1.57, 3.19) and TSH ≥1 µIU/ml (OR (95% CI)) OR: 1.49 (1.09, 2.03) were significant predictors of TC in multivariate analysis controlling for age and gender. TC was not associated with serum concentrations of TPOAb. In patients with TN, elevated serum concentration of TgAb and TSH ≥1 µIU/ml are independent predictors for TC. The association between HT and TC is antibody specific.

Generating sensor data summaries to communicate change in elders' health status.

BACKGROUND: Sensor systems detect critical health changes of frail residents in the community. However, sensor systems alone may not allow users to identify data trends fast enough. Linguistic summaries of sensor data describing elder activity in their apartment provide a useful solution so clinicians can respond quicker. OBJECTIVES: This paper describes two case studies of independent elders living with sensors in their assisted living apartment. Residents experienced declining health status and activity level over a period of approximately 24 months. Linguistic summaries were assessed iteratively by engineers and nurses working with the sensor system. METHODS: We created summaries of activity data collected from sensors located in resident apartments during a period of health status change. Engineers distilled information from heterogeneous data sources including bedroom motion and bed restlessness sensors during the summarization process. Engineers used fuzzy measures to compare two different periods of nighttime activity. Using iterative approaches a registered nurse worked with the team to develop algorithms and short phrases that appropriately capture and describe changes in activity levels. RESULTS: Total activity levels captured by sensors were graphed for two elderly residents experiencing health problems over a period of months. In the first case study (resident 3004), an elderly resident had knee surgery and onset of backspasms postoperatively. Graphed dissimilar measures show changes from baseline when backspasms occur. In the second case study (resident 3003), there were increased periods of bed restlessness before and after a resident had a major surgical procedure. During these periods, graphs of dissimilarity measures indicate that there were changes from usual baseline periods of restlessness postoperatively indicating the health problems were persisting. Nurse care coordination notes indicate these episodes were related to poor pain control. CONCLUSIONS: Summaries of activity change are useful for care coordinators to detect resident health status for community dwelling residents.

The influence of contemporary and historic landscape features on the genetic structure of the sand dune endemic, Cirsium pitcheri (Asteraceae).

Narrow endemics are at risk from climate change because of their restricted habitat preferences, lower colonization ability and dispersal distances. Landscape genetics combines new tools and analyses that allow us to test how both past and present landscape features have facilitated or hindered previous range expansion and local migration patterns, and thereby identifying potential limitations to future range shifts. We have compared current and historic habitat corridors in Cirsium pitcheri, an endemic of the linear dune ecosystem of the Great Lakes, to determine the relative contributions of contemporary migration and post-glacial range expansion on genetic structure. We used seven microsatellite loci to characterize the genetic structure for 24 populations of Cirsium pitcheri, spanning the center to periphery of the range. We tested genetic distance against different measures of geographic distance and landscape permeability, based on contemporary and historic landscape features. We found moderate genetic structure (Fst=0.14), and a north-south pattern to the distribution of genetic diversity and inbreeding, with northern populations having the highest diversity and lowest levels of inbreeding. High allelic diversity, small average pairwise distances and mixed genetic clusters identified in Structure suggest that populations in the center of the range represent the point of entry to the Lake Michigan and a refugium of diversity for this species. A strong association between genetic distances and lake-level changes suggests that historic lake fluctuations best explain the broad geographic patterns, and sandy habitat best explains local patterns of movement.

Parathyroid hormone-related protein inhibits DKK1 expression through c-Jun-mediated inhibition of ß-catenin activation of the DKK1 promoter in prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer (PCa)bone metastases are unique in that majority of them induce excessive mineralized bone matrix, through undefined mechanisms, as opposed to most other cancers that induce bone resorption. Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is produced by PCa cells and intermittent PTHrP exposure has bone anabolic effects, suggesting that PTHrP could contribute to the excess bone mineralization. Wnts are bone-productive factors produced by PCa cells, and the Wnt inhibitor Dickkopfs-1 (DKK1) has been shown to promote PCa progression. These findings, in conjunction with the observation that PTHrP expression increases and DKK1 expression decreases as PCa progresses, led to the hypothesis that PTHrP could be a negative regulator of DKK1 expression in PCa cells and, hence, allow the osteoblastic activity of Wnts to be realized. To test this, we first demonstrated that PTHrP downregulated DKK1 mRNA and protein expression. We then found through multiple mutated DKK1 promoter assays that PTHrP, through c-Jun activation, downregulated the DKK1 promoter through a transcription factor (TCF) response element site. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and re-ChIP assays revealed that PTHrP mediated this effect through inducing c-Jun to bind to a transcriptional activator complex consisting of ß-catenin, which binds the most proximal DKK1 promoter, the TCF response element. Together, these results demonstrate a novel signaling linkage between PTHrP and Wnt signaling pathways that results in downregulation of a Wnt inhibitor allowing for Wnt activity that could contribute the osteoblastic nature of PCa.

Toxicity of the antimicrobial compound triclosan and formation of the metabolite methyl-triclosan in estuarine systems.

Triclosan, a commonly used antimicrobial compound, has been measured in aquatic systems worldwide. This study exposed marine species to triclosan to examine effects primarily on survival and to investigate the formation of the degradation product, methyl-triclosan, in the estuarine environment. Acute toxicity was assessed using the bacterium Vibrio fischeri, the phytoplankton species Dunaliella tertiolecta, and three life stages of the grass shrimp Palaemonetes pugio. P. pugio larvae were more sensitive to triclosan than adult shrimp or embryos. Acute aqueous toxicity values (96 h LC50) were 305 microg/L for adult shrimp, 154 microg/L for larvae, and 651 microg/L for embryos. The presence of sediment decreased triclosan toxicity in adult shrimp (24 h LC50s were 620 microg/L with sediment, and 482 microg/L without sediment). The bacterium was more sensitive to triclosan than the grass shrimp, with a 15 min aqueous IC50 value of 53 microg/L and a 15 min spiked sediment IC50 value of 616 microg/kg. The phytoplankton species was the most sensitive species tested, with a 96 h EC50 value of 3.55 microg/L. Adult grass shrimp were found to accumulate methyl-triclosan after a 14-day exposure to 100 microg/L triclosan, indicating formation of this metabolite in a seawater environment and its potential to bioaccumulate in higher organisms. Triclosan was detected in limited surface water sampling of Charleston Harbor, SC at a maximum concentration of 0.001 microg/L, substantially lower than the determined toxicity values. These findings suggest triclosan poses low acute toxicity risk to estuarine organisms; however, the potential for chronic, sublethal, and metabolite effects should be investigated.

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin affects fluctuating asymmetry of molar shape in mice, and an epistatic interaction of two genes for molar size.

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA), random variation between left and right sides in a bilaterally symmetrical character, is a commonly used measure of developmental instability that is expected to increase with increasing environmental stress. One potential stressor is 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), a powerful toxicant known to disturb tooth development. In this study, mice in the F(2) generation produced from an intercross between two inbred strains (C57BL/6J and AKR/J) were exposed in utero to TCDD. We hypothesized that TCDD would increase FA in the molars of exposed mice over that of the control mice. In addition, we hypothesized that we would discover genes for molar size, shape or asymmetry whose expression would be affected by TCDD. We detected a very small, but significant, increase in FA of molar shape (but not size) in the TCDD-exposed mice compared to the control mice, although molar size and shape did not differ between these groups. Although we did not uncover any genes that acted differently in the TCDD exposed and control groups, we did identify two genes whose dominance by additive epistatic effect on molar size was affected by TCDD. We concluded that although TCDD may be affecting the expression of some genes governing the development of molars in our population of mice, FA of molar size and shape is not a particularly sensitive indicator of this effect.

Qualitative effects of dioxin on molars vary among inbred mouse strains.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effects of different levels of the potent environmental toxicant and teratogen, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), on molar development in mice in six inbred strains, all with TCDD responsive Ahr alleles. DESIGN: Pregnant females were exposed on gestation day 13 to 4 different levels of TCDD (control, 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 microg/kg) and their offspring were examined for the frequency of missing third molars (M3s) and for differences in first mandibular molar (M1) cuspal morphology. RESULTS: Missing M3s were prevalent only in mice in two strains, C3H/HeJ and CBA/J, and their frequency significantly increased with increasing TCDD exposure. The frequency of the M1 variant was high in mice in only one strain, C57BL/10J, and was significantly higher in the treated compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Inbred mice strains exhibited differential responses to TCDD suggesting that there is a genetic component, beyond Ahr differences, mediating the effects of TCDD on molar development.

Organochlorine contaminants in loggerhead sea turtle blood: extraction techniques and distribution among plasma and red blood cells.

Few studies have described the organochlorine (OC) contaminant concentrations found in sea turtle tissues. These studies have relied on the opportunistic sampling of either eggs or tissues from stranded carcasses. In this study, the use of whole blood samples as well as both blood components (plasma and red blood cells) were examined as a non-destructive alternative for monitoring OCs in free-ranging loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Blood samples were collected from juvenile loggerhead sea turtles (n = 12) captured in Core Sound, North Carolina, USA and analyzed for 55 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners and 24 OC pesticides by gas chromatography with electron capture detection and mass spectrometry. Using pooled loggerhead sea turtle whole blood, three different liquid:liquid extraction techniques were compared. Results were similar in terms of recovery of internal standards, lipids, and OC concentrations. An extraction technique, employing formic acid and 1:1 methyl-tert-butyl-ether: hexane, was found to be satisfactory. This method was applied to the extraction of OCs from whole blood, plasma, and red blood cell (RBC) samples from five loggerhead sea turtles. Plasma contained the highest OC concentrations on a wet mass basis, followed by whole blood and RBCs. The majority of each OC compound was found in the plasma rather than the RBCs, suggesting that OC compounds preferentially partition into the plasma. On average (SD), 89.4% (3.1 %) of total PCBs, 83.4% (11.9%) of total chlordanes, 74.3% (15.1%) of mirex, 72.6% (4.8%) of total DDTs, and 80.1% (16.6%) of dieldrin were found in the plasma. The concentrations of total PCBs, mirex, total chlordanes, and total DDTs measured in both components of the blood significantly correlated to those in whole blood. These are the first reported OC concentrations in sea turtle blood. They were found to be similar to previously reported levels in blood components of humans and of reptiles from relatively clean sites, but lower than those measured in blood of fish-eating birds and marine mammals. The results indicate that blood, preferably plasma, can be used to detect and monitor OC contaminants in loggerhead sea turtles.

Preconditioning with cortical spreading depression does not upregulate Cu/Zn-SOD or Mn-SOD in the cerebral cortex of rats.

Previous studies have demonstrated that preconditioning the brain with cortical spreading depression (CSD) induces tolerance to a subsequent episode of ischemia. In other models of preconditioning, induction of ischemic tolerance has been associated with increased expression of the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase (SOD). The objective of the present study was to determine whether CSD upregulates Cu/Zn-SOD or Mn-SOD. CSD was induced in one hemisphere by applying 2 M KCl to the frontal cortex in Wistar rats. After 2 or 24 h of recovery, Cu/Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD mRNA levels were determined in both hemispheres using Northern blot analysis. In separate rats, Cu/Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD protein levels were determined 24 and 72 h after CSD using Western blot analysis. In addition, total SOD, Cu/Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD enzymatic activities were measured 24 and 72 h after CSD using spectrophotometric and zymographic assays. At the times investigated, no significant differences in mRNA or protein levels for Cu/Zn-SOD or Mn-SOD were observed between the ipsilateral and contralateral cortex. Further, there were no significant differences in Cu/Zn-SOD or Mn-SOD enzymatic activities between the two hemispheres at 24 or 72 h after CSD. In addition, CSD did not alter the activities of Cu/Zn-SOD or Mn-SOD in either hemisphere, relative to those in unoperated animals. Taken together, these results fail to support the hypothesis that CSD-induced tolerance is mediated through the upregulation of Cu/Zn-SOD or Mn-SOD.

Transcriptional state and chromatin structure of the murine entactin and laminin gamma1 genes.

The positions of nucleosomes in the proximal 5' regions of the coordinately regulated murine entactin/nidogen and laminin gamma1 genes have been identified in four different transcriptional states--constitutively off, basal, induced, and constitutively induced. In the entactin gene a 450 base pair (bp) region of open chromatin is present between three positioned nucleosomes and the transcriptional start site in the basal, induced, and constitutively induced states. Additionally there is a 200 bp open chromatin region at approximately -2.1 kbp that is only present in the induced and constitutively induced states. In the laminin gamma1 gene, a 650 bp region of nucleosome-free chromatin is present between nucleosomes positioned at approximately -750 and +120 in all transcriptionally active states. These results suggest that basal co-expression of these genes requires sites present in these near upstream regions. The induction to high levels appears to involve additional sites and possibly the production of new and/or the modification of existing trans-acting factors.

In vivo protein expression from mRNA delivered into adult rat brain.

The expression of proteins after local mRNA delivery has a great potential for analysis of protein function in vivo. To explore the feasibility of such a technique within the central nervous system (CNS), we delivered luciferase-encoding mRNA into the rat brain. The tissue distribution and stability of injected mRNA were analyzed using in situ detection and Northern hybridization, while luciferase expression was measured by enzymatic assay. Following intracerebral injection of lipofectin-complexed mRNA, expression of luciferase was detectable as early as 1 h, was maximal at 2-3 h, but was below the level of detection by 24 h. The extent of luciferase expression correlated with the amount of mRNA delivered. Luciferase expression was higher when lipofectin-complexed rather than naked mRNA was injected. In addition, the luciferase expression increased significantly by adding a 50 nt-long poly(A) tail to the 3'-end of the mRNA. Delivering mRNA to the cerebral cortex or hippocampus resulted in measurable luciferase activity at the injection sites but not in adjacent areas. Accordingly, the luciferase mRNA was also localized to the injection site, and the amount of intact transcript was significantly higher at 3 h compared to 24 h after injection. These results demonstrate that in vivo mRNA delivery is a feasible technique for immediate, transient overexpression of desired proteins in the CNS and, therefore, can serve as a model system to study the neurobiological effects of specific proteins.

Dynamic image sequence analysis using fuzzy measures.

In this paper, we present an image understanding system using fuzzy sets and fuzzy measures. This system is based on a symbolic object-oriented image interpretation system. We apply a simple, powerful three-dimensional (3-D) recursive filter to tracking moving objects in a dynamic image sequence. This filter has a time-varying 3-D frequency-planar passband that is adapted in a feedback system to automatically track moving objects. However, as objects in the image sequence are not well-defined and are engaged in dynamic activities, their shapes and trajectories in most cases can be described only vaguely. In order to handle these uncertainties, we use fuzzy measures to capture subtle variations and manage the uncertainties involved. This enables us to develop an image understanding system that produces a very natural output. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our system with complex real traffic scenes.

Linguistic description of relative positions in images.

Fuzzy set methods have been used to model and manage uncertainty in various aspects of image processing, pattern recognition, and computer vision. High-level computer vision applications hold a great potential for fuzzy set theory because of its links to natural language. Linguistic scene description, a language-based interpretation of regions and their relationships, is one such application that is starting to bear the fruits of fuzzy set theoretic involvement. In this paper, we are expanding on two earlier endeavors. We introduce new families of fuzzy directional relations that rely on the computation of histograms of forces. These families preserve important relative position properties. They provide inputs to a fuzzy rule base that produces logical linguistic descriptions along with assessments as to the validity of the descriptions. Each linguistic output uses hedges from a dictionary of about 30 adverbs and other terms that can be tailored to individual users. Excellent results from several synthetic and real image examples show the applicability of this approach.

Implications of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARS) in development, cell life status and disease.

The past several years have seen an increasing interest in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). These transcriptional factors belong to the superfamily of the steroid/thyroid/retinoid receptors. They are activated by fatty acids or their metabolites as well as by different xenobiotic peroxisome proliferators. These receptors are expressed in both the embryo and the adult organism. They have been implicated in cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. In this review, we will attempt to point out some of the more salient features of this expression pattern during development and the different steps of cell life. The current understanding of how PPARs are involved in some human diseases will also be described.

Use of a two-step Percoll gradient for separation of loggerhead sea turtle peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

In order to determine a suitable procedure for isolating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), blood was collected using three different anticoagulants (sodium heparin, sodium citrate or potassium EDTA) and separated using a single step commercially-prepared arabinogalactan gradient of 1.077 g/ml density or multiple step Percoll gradients between 1.053 and 1.076 g/ml density (40-60% stock isotonic Percoll suspension). Heparinized blood centrifuged over a two-step 45/55% (1.059/1.070 g/ml) Percoll gradient yielded 99 to 100% mononuclear cells at the 45/55% interface. Mononuclear cell viability ranged from 85 to 97% with cell yields up to 9.2 x 10(6) cells/mL. An unexpected finding was a population of low density granulocytes migrating to 40% (1.053 g/ml) and 45% Percoll layers in the multiple step gradients. These granulocytes could be eliminated from the PBMC preparation by use of the two-step 45/55% Percoll gradient. Isolated PBMCs can be used for cellular immunology and toxicology studies on these threatened marine organisms for which other tissues can usually be obtained only sporadically from post-mortem specimens.

Evidence for the presence of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha and gamma and retinoid Z receptor in cartilage. PPARgamma activation modulates the effects of interleukin-1beta on rat chondrocytes.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha, PPARgamma, and retinoid acid receptor-related orphan receptor (ROR) alpha are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors. Although they play a key role in adipocyte differentiation, lipid metabolism, or glucose homeostasis regulation, recent studies suggested that they might be involved in the inflammation control and especially in the modulation of the cytokine production. This strongly suggests that these transcriptional factors could modulate the deleterious effects of interleukin-1 (IL-1) on cartilage. However, to date, their presence in cartilage has never been investigated. By quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunocytochemistry analysis, we demonstrated, for the first time, the presence of PPARalpha, PPARgamma, and RORalpha in rat cartilage, at both mRNA and protein levels. Comparatively, the PPARalpha mRNA content in cartilage was much lower than in the liver but not significantly different to that of the adipose tissue. PPARgamma mRNA expression in cartilage was weak, when compared with adipose tissue, but similar to that found in the liver. RORalpha mRNA levels were similar in the three tissues. mRNA expression of the three nuclear receptors was very differently modulated by IL-1 or mono-iodoacetate treatments. This indicates that they should be unequally involved in the effects of IL-1 on chondrocyte, which is in accordance with results obtained in other cell types. Indeed, we showed that 15d-PGJ2 mainly, but also the drug troglitazone, that are ligands of PPARgamma could significantly counteract the decrease in proteoglycan synthesis and NO production induced by IL-1. By contrast, PPARalpha ligands such as Wy-14,643 or clofibrate had no effect on this process. Therefore, the presence of PPARgamma in chondrocytes opens up new perspectives to modulate the effects of cytokines on cartilage by the use of specific ligands. The function of the two other transcription factors, PPARalpha and RORalpha identified in chondrocytes remains to be explored.

Differential expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in the developing human fetal digestive tract.

We investigated the spatiotemporal distributions of the different peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) isotypes (alpha, beta, and gamma) during development (Week 7 to Week 22 of gestation) of the human fetal digestive tract by immunohistochemistry using specific polyclonal antibodies. The PPAR subtypes, including PPARgamma, are expressed as early as 7 weeks of development in cell types of endodermal and mesodermal origin. The presence of PPARgamma was also found by Western blotting and nuclease-S1 protection assay, confirming that this subtype is not adipocyte-specific. PPARalpha, PPARbeta, and PPARgamma exhibit different patterns of expression during morphogenesis of the digestive tract. Whatever the stage and the gut region (except the stomach) examined, PPARgamma is expressed at a high level, suggesting some fundamental role for this receptor in development and/or physiology of the human digestive tract.

Effects of the peroxisome proliferator clofibric acid on superoxide dismutase expression in the human HepG2 hepatoma cell line.

We examined the effects of clofibric acid, a peroxisome proliferator, on the production of superoxide radicals, on the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), and on the expression of superoxide dismutases (SODs) in the human HepG2 hepatoma cell line. To this end, HepG2 cells were treated for 1 or 5 days with 0.25, 0.50, or 0.75 mM clofibric acid. The production of superoxide radicals was only enhanced in HepG2 cells exposed for 5 days to the different clofibric acid concentrations. However, this overproduction of superoxide radicals was not accompanied by increased rates of lipid peroxidation, as the MDA and 4-HNE levels did not change significantly. Manganese (Mn) SOD activity was increased when HepG2 cells were treated for 1 day with 0.50 or 0.75 mM clofibric acid. For this duration of treatment, no change was observed in total SOD and copper/zinc (Cu/Zn) SOD activities. For a 5-day treatment, total SOD and MnSOD activities as well as the enzyme apoprotein and MnSOD mRNA levels increased whatever the clofibric acid concentration used. This transcriptional induction of the MnSOD gene was correlated with an activation of the activator protein-1 transcription factor for 1 and 5 days of treatment, but was independent of nuclear factor-kappa B and of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor. On the other hand, the PP exerted very little effect if any on Cu,ZnSOD expression. In contrast to rodent data, PP treatment of human hepatoma cells induces MnSOD expression.

Data-driven homologue matching for chromosome identification.

Karyotyping involves the visualization and classification of chromosomes into standard classes. In "normal" human metaphase spreads, chromosomes occur in homologous pairs for the autosomal classes 1-22, and X chromosome for females. Many existing approaches for performing automated human chromosome image analysis presuppose cell normalcy, containing 46 chromosomes within a metaphase spread with two chromosomes per class. This is an acceptable assumption for routine automated chromosome image analysis. However, many genetic abnormalities are directly linked to structural or numerical aberrations of chromosomes within the metaphase spread. Thus, two chromosomes per class cannot be assumed for anomaly analysis. This paper presents the development of image analysis techniques which are extendible to detecting numerical aberrations evolving from structural abnormalities. Specifically, an approach to identifying "normal" chromosomes from selected class(es) within a metaphase spread is presented. Chromosome assignment to a specific class is initially based on neural networks, followed by banding pattern and centromeric index criteria checking, and concluding with homologue matching. Experimental results are presented comparing neural networks as the sole classifier to our homologue matcher for identifying class 17 within normal and abnormal metaphase spreads.

Effect of aluminum on superoxide dismutase activity in the adult rat brain.

Male rats were treated daily with an intraperitoneal injection of 15 mg aluminum (Al chloride)/kg body weight for 17 d, in order to study the effects on superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in the brain (cortex). No significant difference between control and treated animals was registered in the Cu/Zn and Mn SOD activities in the gray matter of the cortex. High Al levels were found in the plasma, the spleen, and the liver of the treated animals in comparison to the controls, but not in the cortex homogenates (gray matter). In addition, Al induced a significant decrease in food ingestion and weight gain.