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Abstract Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the western world, and the number one cause of disability. 85% of all strokes are ischemic. Most stroke survivors will experience recovery of function. The mechanisms behind this improvement are partly unknown, but may involve elements of both compensation and restoration. Exposure to an enriched environment (EE) that stimulates social interac

Aged subjects have a decreased tolerance to hypovolemia, which could contribute to their increased cardiovascular morbidity. One possible etiological factor might be an age-related reduction in the efficiency of the baroreceptor reflex axis. In this study lower body negative pressure (LBNP) was used as a model for hypovolemic circulatory stress, and volumetric techniques applied for the study of p

Olfactory cues play an important role in the reproduction of three pyralid moths, the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella), the Mediterranean flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella) and the almond moth (E. cautella). Both males and females of P. interpunctella are capable of multiple matings. More energy is placed into the first mating by the male, as indicated by the larger spermatophore donated by

In birds the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) organization differs both among and within orders. Galliformes often have simple arrangements with few transcribed MHC genes whilst many songbirds (Passeriformes) have a complex arrangement with many MHC genes and also presence of pseudo-genes. In this thesis I have partly characterized MHC class I in house sparrows (Passer domesticus), sequencin

The prevalence of coeliac disease (CD) was initially estimated to 1/1537. Based on serial analysis [GA and endomysial antibodies (EMA)], the prevalence was 6/1970 (0.30%). In autoimmune chronic hepatitis 5.4% and in IDDM 2.6% had CD, why regular screening for CD in these conditions seems motivated. The frequency of IgA-GA positivity was increased in alcoholic liver disease, PBC, primary sclerosin

Treatment options of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) usually include combinations of radiotherapy and surgery, and in some cases addition of chemotherapy. In locally advanced cases cure rates are low. Current prognostic factors cannot foresee the outcome for the individual patient. There is consequently a need for reliable prognostic and predictive factors. Through identification of

Protein S is a modular protein and a cofactor in the protein C anticoagulant system. It consists of a Gla-module, a thrombin-sensitive loop, four EGF-modules and a SHBG-like module. Protein S has previously been shown to contain four binding sites with high affinities for Ca²⁺ (K_a>9x10⁵ M^-1 at physiological ionic strength) and at least one of the sites h

This thesis examines the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the large diversity of the contractile properties in smooth muscle. Six studies, I-VI, are included. I: a slow smooth muscle (aorta) has a different nucleotide and phosphate dependence compared to a fast type (taenia coli). A slow ADP-release can be one mechanism responsible for the lower shortening velocity of aorta. II: treat

The data presented in this thesis deal with the neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) in adult sensory neurons. We have used different injury and pain models to determine the involvement of PACAP during such conditions. The role of neurotrophins for PACAP expression was also investigated. PACAP is one of the excitatory neuropeptides expressed in small sized DRG ne

The aim of this thesis has been to increase understanding on the process of smoking cessation during pregnancy from the perspective of learning. The smoking pattern before and after pregnancy related to health, Sense of Coherence (SOC) and social issues was studied among all pregnant women in south-east Skåne during the period March 1994 to August 1995. They were asked to fill in a questionnaire d

The G protein-coupled receptors form one of the largest families of proteins involved in signalling between cells. It contains receptors for molecules as diverse as biogenic amines, glycoproteins and enzymes. The manuscripts included in this thesis together describe the initial characterisation of a previously unknown receptor of this class. A DNA fragment was cloned from a mouse genomic library.

Many bacteria express immunoglobulin(Ig)-binding proteins that interact with Ig in a non-immune manner. Several of these Ig-binding bacterial proteins have been well characterized and are widely used as reagents for analysis and purification of Ig's. Protein G found on group C and G streptococci has affinity for constant regions of IgG heavy chains, whereas protein L found on Peptostreptococcus ma

The Wnt-5a gene encodes a secreted protein that regulates several normal processes in embryonic and adult tissues by as yet unknown mechanisms. Expression of Wnt-5a protein does not cause cell transformation, but it instead counteracts the effects induced by transforming Wnts. Inasmuch as Wnt-5a can activate the Wnt/beta-catenin signalling pathway, we performed experiments to determine whether mol

The purpose was to describe ethical aspects on how do-not-resuscitate (DNR) deci-sions are made, established, and communicated between physicians, nurses, patients and relatives. A random sample of 220 physicians and nurses answered a questionnaire about their attitudes to and experiences of the making and communication of a DNR decision. The re-sponse rate was 73%. Twenty seriously ill patients,

Thiazide diuretics have been recommended as a first-line antihypertensive treatment, although the choice of 'the right drug in the individual essential hypertensive patient' remains still empirical. Essential hypertension is a complex, polygenic disease derived from the interaction of patient's genetic background with the environment. Pharmacogenomics could be a useful tool to pinpoint gene varian

Autophagy has emerged as a cell survival mechanism critical for cellular homeostasis, which may play a protective role in atherosclerosis. ATG16L1, a protein essential for early stages of autophagy, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease. However, it is unknown whether ATG16L1 is involved in atherosclerosis. Our aim was to analyze ATG16L1 expression in carotid atherosclerotic p

Aortic stenosis (AS) shares risk factors with atherosclerotic vascular disease. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque may reflect the cumulative damage from exposure to different atherosclerotic risk factors. We examined the relationship of carotid IMT and plaque with incident AS in a prospective population-based study.

A small population of Primula elatior has recently been found in a virgin swampy forest close to the southeastern shore of lake Ringsjon in Stehag parish. Here it grows in fully natural vegetation together with e.g. Anemone ranunculoides, Paris quadrifolia, Listera ovata, Ranunculus auricomus and Viola epipsila and there are no reasons to suspect that the population is anything but spontaneous. Un

Cerebral ischemia is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the western world. Even though much effort has been put into research and development of effective drugs against ischemic damage there is to date no effective pharmacological brain protective treatment. In order to study particular molecular mechanisms, isolated cellular events and the contribution of individual factors in ischemic d