Unveiling the Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathways in Canine Demodicosis.

Canine demodicosis is a prevalent skin disease caused by overpopulation of a commensal species of Demodex mite, yet its precise cause remains unknown. Research suggests that T-cell exhaustion, increased immunosuppressive cytokines, induction of regulatory T cells and increased expression of immune checkpoint inhibitors may contribute to its pathogenesis. This study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the molecular changes occurring in canine demodicosis using mass spectrometry and pathway enrichment analysis. The results indicate that endoplasmic reticulum stress promotes canine demodicosis through regulation of three linked signalling pathways: eIF2, mTOR, and eIF4 and p70S6K. These pathways are involved in the modulation of Toll-like receptors, most notably TLR2, and have been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of skin diseases in both dogs and humans. Moreover, these pathways are also implicated in the promotion of immunosuppressive M2 phenotype macrophages. Immunohistochemical analysis, utilising common markers of dendritic cells and macrophages, verified the presence of M2 macrophages in canine demodicosis. The proteomic analysis also identified immunological disease, organismal injury and abnormalities and inflammatory response as the most significant underlying diseases and disorders associated with canine demodicosis. This study demonstrates that Demodex mites, through ER stress, unfolded protein response and M2 macrophages contribute to an immunosuppressive microenvironment, thereby assisting in their proliferation.

Gene expression analysis of Canine Demodicosis; A milieu promoting immune tolerance.

Canine demodicosis is a common skin disease seen in companion animal practice that results from an overpopulation of the commensal Demodex mite species. Common predisposing factors to the development of canine demodicosis include immunosuppressive diseases, such as neoplasia and hypothyroidism, and administration of immunosuppressive therapies, such as corticosteroids. Despite this, the pathogenesis of development of canine demodicosis remains unclear. Previous studies have implicated a role for increased expression of toll like receptor 2 (TLR2), increased production of interleukin (IL)-10) and T cell exhaustion. Here, we investigate gene expression of formalin fixed paraffin embedded skin samples from twelve cases of canine demodicosis in comparison to twelve healthy controls, using a 770 gene panel (NanoString Canine IO Panel). Results show an increase in the T cell population, specifically Th1 and Treg cells in dogs with demodicosis. In addition, while there is an upregulation of immunosuppressive cytokines such as IL-10 and IL-13, there is also an upregulation of immune check point molecules including PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4. These findings suggest that Demodex spp. mites are modulating the host immune system to their advantage through upregulation of several immune tolerance promoting pathways.

A retrospective study of cases of canine demodicosis submitted to a commercial diagnostic laboratory servicing the United Kingdom and Ireland (2017-2018) part 2; Aerobic culture and antimicrobial susceptibility results.

Clinical diagnostic reports from 508 cases of canine demodicosis diagnosed either by histological or skin scraping analysis from a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited veterinary diagnostic laboratory servicing the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland were evaluated. Of the 508 cases, 284 had skin swabs submitted for culture on the same day the skin biopsy and/or skin scraping were obtained. Dogs with juvenile-onset (JO) demodicosis represented 57.4% of these cases, whilst adult-onset (AO) cases comprised 42.6%. The data revealed that overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria was more common in AO demodicosis cases (75.2%) in comparison to the JO cases (57%). Adult-onset cases also had increased involvement of bacteria belonging to multiple genera and/or yeast (28.9%) in comparison to JO cases (18.4%). Pruritus was significantly associated with an overgrowth of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (p < 0.001). Resistance to one or more antimicrobial classes was noted in S. pseudintermedius isolates from 56.3% of JO cases with 10.3% of these cases being classified as Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR). Similarly, 51.9% of S. pseudintermedius isolates from the AO cases were noted to be resistant to one or more antimicrobial class with 8.6% of these cases being considered MDR. Cephalosporins were the most frequently administered antimicrobial class noted in submission histories, followed by the penicillin and fluoroquinolone classes. Whilst our findings reveal a high prevalence of concurrent overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria warranting therapeutic intervention in canine demodicosis, the presence of resistance within isolates highlights the need for prudent selection and targeted use of antimicrobial therapy that encompass the key principles of antimicrobial stewardship.

A retrospective study of cases of canine demodicosis submitted to a commercial diagnostic laboratory servicing the United Kingdom and Ireland (2017-2018): Part 1 - Signalment, lesion distribution, treatments, and concurrent diseases.

Canine demodicosis, due to an overpopulation of Demodex spp. mites, remains one of the most common dermatological diseases encountered in small animal practice. The aims of this study were to interrogate submitted histories and diagnostic report results from a large cohort of dogs (n = 508) diagnosed with demodicosis either through histological analysis or the finding of Demodex spp. mites on skin scrapings by a UKAS accredited commercial laboratory servicing the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland in the years 2017 and 2018. The main findings revealed that short-coated breeds were more likely to develop juvenile-onset (JO) demodicosis, whereas medium- and long-coated breeds were more likely to develop adult-onset (AO) disease. Pododemodicosis was reported more commonly in adult, long-coated breeds. Skin scrapings were positive in only 83.3% of samples that had a corresponding positive biopsy result; this finding highlights the necessity to perform further diagnostic tests if demodicosis remains clinically suspected despite a negative skin scraping result. Concurrent underlying diseases, potentially associated with immunosuppression, were reported in 42/221 (19%) of dogs with AO demodicosis. Serum allergy and Sarcoptes ELISA assays were positive in individual animals in both the JO and AO groups; the clinical significance of these latter findings requires careful interpretation in dogs with confirmed demodicosis.

Validation of a Liquid Biopsy Protocol for Canine BRAFV595E Variant Detection in Dog Urine and Its Evaluation as a Diagnostic Test Complementary to Cytology.

A significant proportion of canine urothelial carcinomas carry the driver valine to glutamic acid variation (V595E) in BRAF kinase. The detection of V595E may prove suitable to guide molecularly targeted therapies and support non-invasive diagnosis of the urogenital system by means of a liquid biopsy approach using urine. Three cohorts and a control group were included in this multi-step validation study which included setting up a digital PCR assay. This was followed by investigation of preanalytical factors and two alternative PCR techniques on a liquid biopsy protocol. Finally, a blind study using urine as diagnostic sample has been carried out to verify its suitability as diagnostic test to complement cytology. The digital PCR (dPCR) assay proved consistently specific, sensitive, and linear. Using the dPCR assay, the prevalence of V595E in 22 urothelial carcinomas was 90.9%. When compared with histopathology as gold standard in the blind-label cases, the diagnostic accuracy of using the canine BRAF (cBRAF) variation as a surrogate assay against the histologic diagnosis was 85.7% with 92.3% positive predictive value and 80.0% negative predictive value. In all the cases, in which both biopsy tissue and the associated urine were assayed, the findings matched completely. Finally, when combined with urine sediment cytology examination in blind-label cases with clinical suspicion of malignancy, the dPCR assay significantly improved the overall diagnostic accuracy. A liquid biopsy approach on urine using the digital PCR may be a valuable breakthrough in the diagnostic of urothelial carcinomas in dogs.

Determination of the safety and efficacy of therapeutic neutralization of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) using AZD9773, an anti-TNF-α immune Fab, in murine CLP sepsis.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: TNF-α neutralization is associated with increased mortality in mouse cecal ligation puncture (CLP) models. AZD9773 is an ovine polyclonal human TNF-α immune Fab, with pharmacological properties that differ from previously studied anti-TNF-α agents. We explored the safety and efficacy of therapeutically administered AZD9773 in mouse CLP sepsis. METHODS: A moderate/severe-grade CLP model resulting in 20-30 % 5-day survival and a mild-grade CLP model resulting in ~70 % 5-day survival were established in human TNF-α transgene/murine TNF null (Tg1278/-/-) mice. TREATMENT: Mice received saline resuscitation and imipenem administration every 12 h (0-72 h post-CLP). AZD9773 (or DigiFab control) was dosed 24, 36, 48 and 60 h post-CLP. RESULTS: Therapeutic dosing of AZD9773 in moderate/severe-grade CLP resulted in significantly increased survival (>70 %) compared with DigiFab (27 %, P < 0.05). Therapeutic dosing of AZD9773 in mild-grade CLP did not significantly affect survival outcome compared with DigiFab or imipenem alone (~60-70 % survival). CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that TNF-α neutralization can improve survival in moderate/severe CLP sepsis. TNF-α suppression in mild-grade models was not associated with survival benefit and did not increase 5-day mortality. These findings suggest that therapeutic benefit following TNF-α attenuation in models of sepsis may depend on model severity.

Proceedings of the 2010 National Toxicology Program Satellite Symposium.

The 2010 annual National Toxicology Program (NTP) Satellite Symposium, entitled "Pathology Potpourri," was held in Chicago, Illinois, in advance of the scientific symposium sponsored jointly by the Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP) and the International Federation of Societies of Toxicologic Pathologists (IFSTP). The goal of the annual NTP Symposium is to present current diagnostic pathology or nomenclature issues to the toxicologic pathology community. This article presents summaries of the speakers' presentations, including diagnostic or nomenclature issues that were presented, along with select images that were used for voting or discussion. Some topics covered during the symposium included a comparison of rat and mouse hepatocholangiocarcinoma, a comparison of cholangiofibrosis and cholangiocarcinoma in rats, a mixed pancreatic neoplasm with acinar and islet cell components, an unusual preputial gland tumor, renal hyaline glomerulopathy in rats and mice, eosinophilic substance in the nasal septum of mice, INHAND nomenclature for proliferative and nonproliferative lesions of the CNS/PNS, retinal gliosis in a rat, fibroadnexal hamartoma in rats, intramural plaque in a mouse, a treatment-related chloracne-like lesion in mice, and an overview of mouse ovarian tumors.

Evaluation of a convenient method of assessing rodent visual function in safety pharmacology studies: effects of sodium iodate on visual acuity and retinal morphology in albino and pigmented rats and mice.

INTRODUCTION: We have evaluated the ability of a semi-automated, optomotor reflex method to assess drug-induced visual dysfunction, in albino and pigmented rats and mice. METHODS: Male Han Wistar (HW) and Long Evans (LE) rats and mice (CD-1 and C57BL/6) were tested in a chamber formed by 4 computer monitors displaying a rotating vertical grating, to elicit head-tracking movements. The highest visible grating frequency was taken as the threshold of visual acuity, in cycles per degree (c/d). Animals received an intravenous infusion of either sodium iodate (50mg/kg) or 0.9% w/v NaCl (aq). They were tested 2h later, then re-tested daily for a further 3 days. The time course of the effect was assessed in HW rats over a 6-week period, including electron microscopy, and immunohistochemical analysis of markers of injury and repair in the retina. RESULTS: Baseline visual acuities for HW and LE rats were 0.355 ± 0.007 and 0.530 ± 0.004 c/d, respectively, and 0.296 ± 0.003 c/d and 0.370 ± 0.001 c/d for CD-1 and C57BL/6 mice, respectively (n=10 for each). In HW rats there was a dramatic loss of visual acuity 2h after administration of sodium iodate (0.021 ± 0.021 c/d; P<0.001). Less dramatic decreases in visual acuity were seen in LE rats and in the two mouse strains. In HW rats, visual acuity was restored after 4 weeks. This paralleled the histopathological recovery of the peripheral retina, whereas the central retina did not recover. DISCUSSION: The method proved to be very convenient, and the stability of visual acuity in vehicle control rats over a 6-week period also demonstrated its suitability for inclusion in long-term toxicity studies. Both albino and pigmented mice and rats are suitable for assessment of retinotoxicity using this method, but albino rats are the most sensitive to sodium iodate.

Recommendations for pathology peer review.

Pathology peer review verifies and improves the accuracy and quality of pathology diagnoses and interpretations. Pathology peer review is recommended when important risk assessment or business decisions are based on nonclinical studies. For pathology peer review conducted before study completion, the peer-review pathologist reviews sufficient slides and pathology data to assist the study pathologist in refining pathology diagnoses and interpretations. Materials to be reviewed are selected by the peer-review pathologist. Consultations with additional experts or a formal (documented) pathology working group may be used to resolve discrepancies. The study pathologist is solely responsible for the content of the final pathology data and report, makes changes resulting from peer-review discussions, initiates the audit trail for microscopic observations after all changes resulting from peer-review have been made, and signs the final pathologist's report. The peer-review pathologist creates a signed peer-review memo describing the peer-review process and confirming that the study pathologist's report accurately and appropriately reflects the pathology data. The study pathologist also may sign a statement of consensus. It is not necessary to archive working notes created during the peer-review process.

The effects of nitric oxide inhibition prior to kainic acid treatment on neuro- and gliogenesis in the rat dentate gyrus in vivo and in vitro.

Treatment with the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, L-NAME prior to the induction of seizures with kainic acid (KA) [L-NAME+KA] increases the expression of activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) in cells in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the rat dentate gyrus 3-days after seizure induction (Cosgrave et al., 2009). Using the incorporation of BrdU we found that this protocol [L-NAME+KA] stimulates neuro- and gliogenesis. By comparison, L-NAME or KA alone produced smaller effects. Doublecortin+ (BrdU negative) neuroblasts in the SGZ also significantly increased with L-NAME+KA treatment, suggesting that L-NAME+KA cause more cells to differentiate into neurons. L-NAME alone increased BrdU+ astrocytes in the hilus implying that NO inhibits stem cell differentiation into astrocytes and may also influence their migration. Although NOS inhibition increased cell proliferation in vivo and in vitro it disrupted cell clustering as revealed by ADNP immunoreactivity. In vitro KA treatment resulted in eccentric nuclei, reduced neurite extension and branching in neurons and retracted processes of glia cells, these changes were inhibited with prior treatment of L-NAME suggesting that KA-induced NO production affects cell morphology. Consequently, this data suggests an important role for NO in regulating stem cell proliferation and their fate in the SGZ.

Differential regulation of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the dentate gyrus and hippocampus via the NO-cGMP pathway following kainic acid-induced seizure in the rat.

We have previously shown that kainic acid (KA) increases nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) production in the rat dentate gyrus (DG) and hippocampus (CA3), and NOS inhibition [(by N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME)] modulates the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-responsive gene, activity-dependent neuroprotective protein, and alters neuro- and astrogliogenesis (Cosgrave et al. in Neurobiol Dis 30(3):281-292 2008, J Mol Neurosci 39(1-2):9-21, 2009, 2010). In the present study, using the same model we demonstrate that VIP synthesis is differentially regulated by the NO-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway in the DG and CA3 at 3 h and 3 days post-KA. At 3 h post-KA: In L-NAME+KA/7-nitroindazole (7-NI)+KA, stratum granulosum (SG) and subgranular zone (SGZ) cells were intensely stained for VIP when compared with L-NAME/7-NI/KA alone. Soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, blocks cGMP production), suppressed astrocytic activation (glial fibrillary acidic protein) but other cell types were VIP(+); however, ODQ+KA suppressed overall VIP synthesis in the DG. At 3 days post-KA: In L-NAME+KA/7-NI+KA, SGZ and SG cells continued to express VIP, while in the KA alone, only SGZ cells were VIP(+). ODQ increased VIP(+) cells in the SG, and in contrast to 3 h, VIP-containing nNOS(+) cells increased in ODQ+KA when compared to vehicle+KA. In the hippocampus, 7-NI/ODQ had no effect on VIP at 3 h/3 days, while L-NAME+KA at 3 days increased VIP(+) cells, but reduced VIP-like immunoreactivity in astrocytes. These results suggest that the NO-cGMP pathway differentially regulates VIP in the DG and hippocampus during seizure.

Nitric oxide regulates activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) in the dentate gyrus of the rodent model of kainic acid-induced seizure.

The dentate gyrus (DG) of the normal rat brain contains activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) which is widely distributed in the cytoplasm of neurons and astrocytes. Treatment with nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L: -arginine methyl ester (L: -NAME) caused a decrease in ADNP expression in granule cells which persisted 3 days post-treatment. However, treatment with neuronal-specific NOS inhibitor, 7-nitroindazole (7-NI), or soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, ODQ, did not change ADNP expression in the DG. We have previously shown that kainic acid (KA)-induced seizure increases neuronal NOS in neurons and inducible NOS in glia cells and suppresses ADNP in the hippocampus (Cosgrave et al., Neurobiol Dis 30(3):281-292, 2008). In the DG, L: -NAME treatment prior to KA causes ADNP synthesis in granule cells by 3 h which was later restricted to the subgranular zone by 3 days. 7-NI and ODQ had no effect. Double immunostaining for neuronal marker NeuN and ADNP revealed a significant decrease of both ADNP(+) neurons and of total neuron numbers (NeuN(+)) in the hilus of animals having KA-induced seizure that had been pretreated with L: -NAME implying that NO and ADNP may act together to protect hilar neurons. Overall, these observations suggest that NO regulates ADNP in the DG under both basal and pathophysiological conditions.

An antibody panel for immunohistochemical analysis of the retina in Davidson's-fixed, paraffin-embedded eyes of rats.

Unlike most other tissues, the optimal fixative for preserving eye morphology is considered to be Davidson's fixative or modified Davidson's rather than formalin. However, the methodology for antibodies to be used in tissues fixed this way is not normally outlined in current antibody datasheets. Additionally, where eyes have been stored in Davidson's fixative, the efficacy of retrospective analysis of eye morphology by immunohistochemistry is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to compare a panel of six antibodies in both Davidson's-fixed and formalin-fixed pigmented and non-pigmented rat eyes, in order to provide optimal methods for future retinal immunohistochemical evaluation with image analysis. The antibodies evaluated were raised against rhodopsin, synaptophysin, glutamine synthetase, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), cleaved caspase-3 and phospho-histone H3 (PH3). Overall, the staining quality of these antibodies was found to be optimal in Davidson's compared to formalin-fixed tissues after a time period of up to 4 days in fixative. The methods outlined thus provide a platform for future detailed analysis of retinal pathology in Davidson's-fixed eyes.

Regulation of activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) by the NO-cGMP pathway in the hippocampus during kainic acid-induced seizure.

Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) is widely distributed in the cytoplasm of neurons and astrocytes of the hippocampus. Kainic acid (KA)-induced seizures increases neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in neurons and inducible NOS (iNOS) in glia cells which coincides with a reduction in ADNP in the hippocampus. Inhibitors of NOS or soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) activity reduce ADNP under basal conditions in the absence of seizures. Treating animals with these inhibitors prior to KA-induced seizure, in particular, L-NAME (N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester), advances the onset of the first seizure but reverses the loss of ADNP by 3 days after the first seizure. This suggests that the NO-cGMP pathway has a role in regulating ADNP under both basal physiological conditions and in the pathophysiological changes produced during epileptogenesis.

Nitric oxide-NGF mediated PPTA/SP, ADNP, and VIP expression in the peripheral nervous system.

Nerve growth factor (NGF)-deprivation or axotomy of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons causes stress, which they cope by triggering various mechanisms. Among several molecular changes, in the present study, we demonstrate preprotachykinin-A-substance P (PPTA-SP) and activity-dependent neuroprotective protein-vasoactive intestinal peptide (ADNP-VIP) expression pattern using DRG neurons-Schwann cells coculture and axotomy model. In the presence of NGF, DRG cultures showed high levels of PPTA and ADNP mRNA expression, which were significantly suppressed in the absence of NGF and/or nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), suggesting that both NGF and nitric oxide (NO) can regulate PPTA and ADNP expression. However, treating coculture with NO donor, diethylenetriamine nitric oxide (DETA-NO) did not increase PPTA and ADNP expression in the presence or absence of NGF, although there was a marginal increase in ADNP expression in the absence of NGF. NGF-deprivation increases endogenous NO; thus, DETA-NO had no further effect on PPTA and ADNP expression. Alternatively, NGF produced from NO-stimulated Schwann cells influence gene expression. In addition, interestingly, DETA-NO treatment of Schwann cells alone suppresses both PPTA and ADNP, suggesting differential response of DRG neurons-Schwann cells coculture to DETA-NO. SP and ADNP immunostaining of axotomized DRGs revealed significant reduction in SP and ADNP compared to intact DRG, which was partially recovered in neuronal NOS blocker, 7-nitroindazole (7-NI)-treated DRGs, particularly intense ADNP staining in satellite glia. As ADNP is VIP-responsive gene, we further explored VIP expression in DRGs. Axotomy increased VIP in DRG neurons, but 7-NI treatment caused intense VIP staining in satellite glia. These observations suggest a complex interaction of NO-NGF with PPTA/SP and ADNP-VIP in neuron-glial communication when neurons are stressed.

AZD6244 (ARRY-142886), a potent inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase 1/2 kinases: mechanism of action in vivo, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship, and potential for combination in preclinical models.

Constitutive activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in human cancers is often associated with mutational activation of BRAF or RAS. MAPK/ERK kinase 1/2 kinases lie downstream of RAS and BRAF and are the only acknowledged activators of ERK1/2, making them attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. AZD6244 (ARRY-142886) is a potent, selective, and ATP-uncompetitive inhibitor of MAPK/ERK kinase 1/2. In vitro cell viability inhibition screening of a tumor cell line panel found that lines harboring BRAF or RAS mutations were more likely to be sensitive to AZD6244. The in vivo mechanisms by which AZD6244 inhibits tumor growth were investigated. Chronic dosing with 25 mg/kg AZD6244 bd resulted in suppression of growth of Colo-205, Calu-6, and SW-620 xenografts, whereas an acute dose resulted in significant inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Increased cleaved caspase-3, a marker of apoptosis, was detected in Colo-205 and Calu-6 but not in SW-620 tumors where a significant decrease in cell proliferation was detected. Chronic dosing of AZD6244 induced a morphologic change in SW-620 tumors to a more differentiated phenotype. The potential of AZD6244 in combination with cytotoxic drugs was evaluated in mice bearing SW-620 xenografts. Treatment with tolerated doses of AZD6244 and either irinotecan or docetaxel resulted in significantly enhanced antitumor efficacy relative to that of either agent alone. These results indicate that AZD6244 has potential to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis and differentiation, but the response varies between different xenografts. Moreover, enhanced antitumor efficacy can be obtained by combining AZD6244 with the cytotoxic drugs irinotecan or docetaxel.

NO-cGMP mediated galanin expression in NGF-deprived or axotomized sensory neurons.

Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) are well characterized regulators of galanin expression. However, LIF knockout mice containing the rat galanin 5' proximal promoter fragment (- 2546 to + 15 bp) driving luciferase responded to axotomy in the same way as control mice. Also, LIF had no effect on reporter gene expression in vitro, neither in the presence or absence of NGF, suggesting that other factors mediate an axotomy response from the galanin promoter. We then addressed the role of nitric oxide (NO) using NGF-deprived rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neuron cultures infected with viral vectors containing the above-mentioned construct, and also studied endogenous galanin expression in axotomized DRG in vivo. Blocking endogenous NO in NGF-deprived DRG cultures suppressed galanin promoter activity. Consistent with this, axotomized/NGF-deprived DRG neurons expressed high levels of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) and galanin. Further, using pharmacological NOS blockers, or adenoviral vectors expressing dominant-negative either for nNOS or soluble guanylate cyclase in vivo and in vitro, we show that the NO-cGMP pathway induces endogenous galanin in DRG neurons. We propose that both LIF and NO, acting at different promoter regions, are important for the up-regulation of galanin, and for DRG neuron survival and regeneration after axotomy.

A pilot evaluation of the use of tissue microarrays for quantitation of target distribution in drug discovery pathology.

The use of tissue microarrays (TMAs) in the determination of novel target molecule distribution in organs is an expanding area of discovery pathology. This pilot study was carried out to assess the Chromavision automated cellular imaging system (ACIS) for quantitation of both mRNA and protein distribution in rat and dog TMAs. The targets chosen were a protein kinase, P-CIP2, for mRNA assessment and its downsteam target, peptidylglycine amidating monoxygenase (PAM), for immunohistochemistry (IHC). Oligonucleotide probes produced against P-CIP2, together with an antibody against PAM, were evaluated on rat and dog TMAs. A method for evaluation of target distribution using the ACIS was developed and involved a two-tier approach. Firstly, an initial scanning of the labelled slides identified which tissues expressed the target. Secondly, a more comprehensive analysis was made. This required operator interaction to select specific regions of interest within selected tissue cores and exclude any background labelling from the final assessment. This exacted the level of expression of P-CIP2 or PAM in different cellular populations in tissue cores. A comparative semi-quantitative analysis of the same arrays was concomitantly made by the pathologist in order to assess the relative benefits of a potentially time-consuming detailed morphological evaluation. This involved the histological identification by the pathologist of specific cell populations expressing P-CIP2 or PAM. In this study, we demonstrate the power of an image analysing system to provide quantitative data on target distribution by in situ hybridisation and IHC on normal TMAs. This methodology, together with detailed histological analysis by a pathologist, forms a guideline for future target distribution evaluation within discovery pathology.