In addition, considering that the serum

levels of miR-221

In addition, considering that the serum

levels of miR-221 were correlated with tumor thickness, miR-221 might also be useful as a prognostic marker for patients with MM. (C) 2011 Japanese Society for Investigative Dermatology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. JAK inhibitor All rights reserved.”
“Bismuth Ferrite nanodiscs of similar to 0.6 nm thickness and 4.5 nm diameter have been synthesized within Na-4 mica nanochannels. The nanocomposite shows weakly ferromagnetic behavior. The zero field cooled magnetization data indicate a spin glass like behavior by the nanodisc surfaces with a freezing temperature of 10 K. The material shows superparamagnetic and strongly ferroelectric behavior at room temperature. A magnetodielectric coupling has been observed. The change in dielectric constant as a function of magnetic field up to 1.2 T is found to be similar to 12% at room temperature, which is much higher than that reported so far in the case of bulk bismuth ferrite systems.

The dielectric response of this nanocomposite system has been studied in very high frequency range between 80 and 120 GHz at room temperature. The data indicate the presence of resonance interaction. (c) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3512910]“
“Background: Netherton syndrome (NS, MIM 256500) is a potential live threatening autosomal-recessive skin disorder clinically characterized by the trias of congenital erythroderma, hair shaft anomalies buy Nocodazole and atopic diathesis. It is caused by mutations in the gene SPINK5 resulting in a deficiency of its processed protein named lympho-epithelial Kazal-type related inhibitor (LEKTI). LEKTI controls the activity of several serine proteases in the skin that are involved in terminal differentiation. Loss of LEKTI results in protease hyperactivity, increased degradation of intercellular junctions, reduced stratum corneum adhesion and impaired skin barrier function. Today NS can only be treated symptomatically.

Objective:

see more Does gene transfer offer a therapeutic option for NS in the future?

Methods: A recombinant adeno-associated virus type 2 vector was constructed containing the full length cDNA (rAAV2/C-SPINK5) of functional human LEKTI. Infectious virus particles were used for transfection of LEKTI-deficient-keratinocytes of NS patients in vitro.

Results: Gene transfer of SPINK5 in NS-keratinocytes led to a five-fold increase in mRNA expression of SPINK5 reaching almost 75% of normal value. The functionality of the expressed LEKTI was proven in a hydrolytic activity assay demonstrating that the activity of LEKTI after gene transfer increased closely to the level seen in keratinocytes of healthy individuals.

Conclusion: The results provide first evidence that gene transfer of SPINK5 results in increased LEKTI activity in NS-keratinocytes, thus offering a rational to further pursue such a gene therapy approach for NS.

Bruumltting , Synth Met 122, 99 (2001)] for which j(exp)proport

Bruumltting , Synth. Met. 122, 99 (2001)] for which j(exp)proportional to V(a)3.4, within the interval of bias 0.4 V < V(a)< 7. In each case investigated the apparent electron mobility determined at given bias is distributed within a given, finite interval of values. The bias dependence of the logarithm of their lower limit, i.e., their minimum values, is found to be in each case, to a good approximation, proportional

buy GW3965 to the square root of the applied electric field. On account of the bias dependence as incorporated in the minimum value of the apparent electron mobility the spatial distribution of the organic bulk electric field as well as the total charge density turn out to be bias independent. The first case investigated is based on the boundary condition of zero electric field at the electron injection interface. It is shown that for minimum valued apparent mobilities, the strong but finite accumulation of electrons close to the anode is obtained, which characterize the inverted space charge limited current (SCLC) effect. The second example refers to the internal electric field allowing for self-adjustment of its

boundary values. The total electron charge density is than JQ1 manufacturer found typically to be of U shape, which may, depending on the parameters, peak at both or at either Alq(3) boundary. It is this example in which the proper SCLC effect is consequently predicted. In each of the above two cases, the calculations predict the minimum values of the electron apparent mobility, which substantially exceed the corresponding published measurements. For this reason the effect

of the drift EPZ-6438 purchase term alone is additionally investigated. On the basis of the published empirical electron mobilities and the diffusion term revoked, it is shown that the steady state electron current density within the Al/Alq(3) (97 nm)/Ca single layer organic structure may well be pictured within the drift-only interpretation of the charge carriers within the Alq(3) organic characterized by the single (shallow) trap energy level. In order to arrive at this result, it is necessary that the nonzero electric field, calculated to exist at the electron injecting Alq(3)/Ca boundary, is to be appropriately accounted for in the computation.”
“Microspherical particulates have been an attractive form of biomaterials that find usefulness in cell delivery and tissue engineering. A variety of compositions, including bioactive ceramics, degradable polymers, and their composites, have been developed into a microsphere form and have demonstrated the potential to fill defective bone and to populate tissue cells on curved matrices.

Ji, X Q Liu, and J P Wang, New J Phys 12 063032 (2010)] (C

Ji, X. Q. Liu, and J. P. Wang, New J. Phys. 12 063032 (2010)]. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3565403]“
“Micrometer-sized particles were formed by controlled aggregation of carboxylated polystyrene colloidal spheres having a mean diameter

of about 200 nm with a commercial cationic coagulant. To identify the parameters governing the size and structure of the aggregates, the aggregate size distribution was studied over a period of time with dynamic XMU-MP-1 datasheet light scattering. The effect of the particle concentration, pH, and ionic strength on the aggregation behavior was investigated. The coagulant concentration used for present studies was 5 parts per hundred on the basis of the polystyrene particles and the particle concentrations used were 10-15%. The particle size distribution for the latex suspensions was also investigated with a 10% aluminum sulfate [Al(2)(SO4)(3)center dot 14H(2)O] solution as a model coagulant. With the commercial coagulant, aggregation was found to be slower at lower pH than at neutral pH. At pH 6, the particles started to aggregate within minutes and form aggregates

of about 1000 nm. We expected that lowering the pH would reduce interparticle repulsive forces and enhance the collision efficiency. However, at a lower pH of 2, the aggregation process slowed down. Increasing the ionic strength at neutral pH led to a broader aggregate size distribution, and the population of larger aggregates increased. The suspensions with the model coagulant Pevonedistat nmr showed similar behavior. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 122: 1358-1363, 2011″
“Background: Selleckchem Givinostat New food biomarkers are needed to objectively evaluate the effect of diet on health

and to check adherence to dietary recommendations and healthy eating patterns.

Objective: We developed a strategy for food biomarker discovery, which combined nutritional intervention with metabolic phenotyping and biomarker validation in a large-scale epidemiologic study.

Design: We administered a standardized diet to 8 individuals and established a putative urinary biomarker of fruit consumption by using (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic profiling. The origin of the biomarker was confirmed by using targeted NMR spectroscopy of various fruit. Excretion kinetics of the biomarker were measured. The biomarker was validated by using urinary NMR spectra from UK participants of the INTERMAP (International Collaborative Study of Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Blood Pressure) (n = 499) in which citrus consumption was ascertained from four 24-h dietary recalls per person. Finally, dietary patterns of citrus consumers (n = 787) and nonconsumers (n = 1211) were compared.

Results: We identified proline betaine as a putative biomarker of citrus consumption. High concentrations were observed only in citrus fruit.

Treatment recommendations were provided in 97% of the consultatio

Treatment recommendations were provided in 97% of the consultations and unambiguous presentations of prognosis occurred in 81% of the consultations. Unambiguous presentations of prognosis were associated with non-White patient race, lower educational status, greater number of questions asked, and specific physician provider.

Conclusion: Although some communication behaviors occur in most consultations, others are much less common and could help tailor the amount and type of information

discussed. check details Approximately half of the patients are told unambiguous prognostic estimates for mortality or cure. Copyright (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.”
“Study Design. Retrospective cohort. Objective. To assess the period prevalence and predisposing factors in thoracolumbar kyphosis progression (TLK).

Summary of Background Data. TLK is a common presentation in children with achondroplasia. This condition occurs very early in life; it is observed during the first attempts to sit, and has multifactorial etiology. Studies are limited on the radiologic assessment of the angle of wedging of the deformed vertebra, but none to our knowledge on TLK progression in achondroplasia.

Methods. The records of 48 of 103 children with achondroplasia seen between 1997 and NU7441 cost 2005 were examined. Developmental motor delay (DMD) and other

potential predictors of TLK were assessed. The criteria for DMD were a child’s inability to sit Androgen Receptor Antagonist screening library without support by 6 months and an inability to walk independently by 15 months. Lateral

radiographs were examined for the magnitude of TLK, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, percentage of apical vertebral wedging for the height and width of the vertebra, and apical vertebral translation. The association between TLK progression and potential predisposing factors were assessed using chi(2) test, Fisher exact, t test, and binomial regression model for predictor identification.

Results. The period prevalence of TLK progression in children with achondroplasia was 35.4%. TLK progression was significantly related to DMD, risk ratio = 2.40, 95% confidence interval = 1.10 to 5.58, apical vertebral translation (P = 0.01), and percentage apical vertebral wedging for height (P = 0.01). After adjustment for relevant covariates, the relationship between DMD and TLK progression persisted, risk ratio = 2.65, 95% confidence interval, 1.20 to 5.91.

Conclusion. DMD was significantly associated with TLK progression and other radiologic parameters namely, initial TLK of >25 degrees, percentage of apical vertebral wedging for the height of the vertebra, and apical vertebral translation.”
“Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and the amnestic subtype of MCI in particular, is the most recent concept used to describe the intermediary state between healthy aging and Alzheimer’s disease ( AD).


“A strategy to reduce the dependence on petroleum-based bu


“A strategy to reduce the dependence on petroleum-based building blocks and the disposal concerns of solid wastes was proposed by developing a novel polymer blend from bio-based cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT). The thermodynamic immiscibility and the thermal behaviors of the polymer melt blends were investigated. The interfacial properties were analyzed to provide

the BEZ235 theoretical guidance to improve the compatibility of blends. A reactive compatibilizer, poly(trimethylene terephthalate)-graft-(maleic anhydride) (PTT-g-MA) was prepared from melt reaction and characterized with FTIR. The compatibilizer was melt blended into the CAB and PTT blends. The effects of different compatibilizers on the phase

morphologies and mechanical properties of blends were characterized and the interfacial interactions were studied. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 119:2302-2309, 2011″
“We demonstrate check details that silver/porous-Si nanocomposite powders are obtained by etching Si powders with metal assisted electroless chemical reaction in an aqueous solution of AgNO3 and HF. From x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope measurements, metal layer consisting of nanometer-sized Ag particles and their aggregates is formed on each Si powder surface. Immoderate etching at higher concentrations of AgNO3 results in the decrease in Si volume and increase in Ag layer thickness. Dips are observed in reflectance spectra of the nanocomposite powders at similar to 400 nm. By comparing the experimental spectra with theoretically calculated ones, these dips are found to arise from the optical absorption due to the roughness-assisted surface plasmon excitation and to be dependent on the size of the Ag nanostructure. The nanocomposite powders show weaker photoluminescence intensity than that of conventionally stain-etched porous Si powders, however, their photostability is improved. The improvement of the photostability

is considered Ro-3306 to be due to the existence of surface Si-O and Si-Ag bonds. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3514581]“
“Hypomelanosis of Ito (HI) is a rare neuroectodermal disorder often associated with mental retardation and epilepsy. We report on four new HI patients presenting with heterogeneous seizure manifestations and we review the literature concerning epileptic seizures in HI. At one extreme, there are patients with generalized seizures well controlled by drug treatment, whereas at the opposite there are patients with severe, often pharmacoresistant, focal seizures. The genetic substrate for HI syndrome is not homogenous and only partially understood. Further researches are required to shed light on the pathogenesis of HI phenotypes.

A decrease in Il-6 level after application of Cisplatin and Metho

A decrease in Il-6 level after application of Cisplatin and Methotrexate and a 5-10 fold increase in the level of Il-6 after application of Etoposide, Carboplatin, Cytarabine, and Gemcitabine were registered in the medium with ganglioneuroblastoma. To improve the cytotoxic action of chemotherapeutic agents, the combined application of cytostatics

with heterocyclic compounds was carried out. A computer modeling of ligand-protein complexes of carbamide using the Dock 6.4 and USF Chimera program packages was performed with molecular mechanics method. Special attention was drawn to the ability of several isoxazole heterocycles and isothiazolyl to inhibit the tyrosine kinase. It was proved in vitro that the joint application of chemotherapeutic agents and heterocyclic compounds could buy Barasertib reduce the concentration of the cytostatic factor by 10 or more times, having maintained the

maximum cytotoxic effect. It was assumed that the target amplification of cytotoxic action of chemotherapeutic agents had prospects for reducing toxic side effects of chemotherapy in vivo, which would be carried out only after the preclinical studies.”
“We study local calcium dynamics leading to a vesicle fusion in a stochastic, and spatially explicit, biophysical model of the CA3-CA1 presynaptic bouton. The kinetic model for vesicle ABT-263 solubility dmso release has two calcium sensors, a sensor for fast synchronous release that Napabucasin supplier lasts a few tens of milliseconds and a separate

sensor for slow asynchronous release that lasts a few hundred milliseconds. A wide range of data can be accounted for consistently only when a refractory period lasting a few milliseconds between releases is included. The inclusion of a second sensor for asynchronous release with a slow unbinding site, and thereby a long memory, affects short-term plasticity by facilitating release. Our simulations also reveal a third time scale of vesicle release that is correlated with the stimulus and is distinct from the fast and the slow releases. In these detailed Monte Carlo simulations all three time scales of vesicle release are insensitive to the spatial details of the synaptic ultrastructure. Furthermore, our simulations allow us to identify features of synaptic transmission that are universal and those that are modulated by structure.”
“Introduction and objectives: Marfan syndrome is an inherited disease of the connective tissue. Aortic rupture and dissection are the main causes of mortality in these patients. Recent trials have indicated the use of losartan (a transforming growth factor beta inhibitor) in these patients prevents aortic root enlargement. The aim of our clinical trial is to assess the efficacy and safety of losartan versus atenolol in the prevention of progressive dilation of the aorta in patients with Marfan syndrome.

Methods: This is a phase III clinical trial conducted in two institutions.

Similarly,

Similarly, Sapitinib manufacturer reports indicate that temperature cannot account for reduced growth, as rates remain

low despite the onset of favourable conditions in spring. In contrast, a decline in specific leaf nitrogen, potential initiation of sugar-mediated source-sink feedback inhibition of photosynthesis, and increased rates of maintenance respiration that occur during sugarcane development and maturation appear to be likely factors contributing to RGPs. An evaluation of areas of sugarcane biology and agronomy that would benefit from further research towards overcoming yield restriction imposed by reduced growth phenomena is provided.”
“In idiopathic Parkinson’s disease, clinical symptoms do not emerge until consistent neurodegeneration has occurred. The late appearance of symptoms implies the existence of a relatively long preclinical

BB-94 nmr period during which several disease-induced neurochemical changes take place to mask the existence of the disease and delay its clinical manifestations. The aim of this study was to examine the neurochemical, neurophysiological, and behavioral changes induced by the loss of nigrostriatal innervation in the En1+/-;En2-/- mouse, in the 10 months following degeneration, compared to En2 null mutant mice. Behavioral analysis (Pole-test, Beam-walking test, and Inverted grid test) and field potential recordings in the striatum indicated

LY3023414 that loss of similar to 70% of nigrostriatal neurons produced no significant functional effects until 8 months of age, when En1+/-;En2-/- animals started to show frank motor deficits and electrophysiological alterations in corticostriatal plasticity. Similarly, alterations in dopamine homeostasis, dopamine turnover, and dopamine innervation were observed in aged animals compared to young En1+/-;En2-/- mice. These data suggests that in En1+/-;En2-/- mice nigrostriatal degeneration in the substantia nigra is functionally compensated.”
“The present work aims at contributing to the investigation of an analytical method to describe Lamb waves which undergoes Lamb waves coupling when propagating along the rough surfaces of finite extent of isotropic, solid, and infinite plates. The motions considered are assumed to be independent of one of the coordinates for which the component of the displacement is equal to zero (two-dimensional problem). In some respect, the analytical approach is an extension of an analytical model describing the coupling of SH waves due to ridges (on the surface of a plate) parallel to the polarization of the waves, but it is treated in a somewhat different manner because the acoustic field involves here both the longitudinal and the transversal displacements of the Lamb waves.

002, respectively) after an oral fat tolerance test in ‘cases’ bu

002, respectively) after an oral fat tolerance test in ‘cases’ but not ‘controls’. None of the haplotypes were associated with measures of body fatness in any of the studies.

Conclusion: Association of IL18 variation with insulin levels

and estimates of insulin resistance were only observed in our adult study, suggesting that the effects of IL-18 are only associated with increasing age. Taken together with the association of IL18 variants with post-prandial measures, this provides support for IL-18 as a metabolic factor. (C) 2010 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.”
“Type 1 diabetes is generally considered to be a chronic, immune-mediated disease with a subclinical prodrome during which beta cell autoimmunity becomes overt disease at a variable rate in genetically susceptible individuals. Accumulated evidence supports a critical role of environmental PF-00299804 chemical structure factors in its development. Prospective birth cohort studies show that the first signs of beta cell autoimmunity may be initiated during the first year of life. This implies

that risk factors for beta cell autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes must be operative in infancy. Early nutrition provides essential exogenous exposures in that period. This article discusses the role of factors related BMS-777607 price to infant nutrition in the development of beta cell autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes and the potential mechanistic pathways involved. So far, no specific dietary factor has been shown to be an unequivocal risk factor for beta cell autoimmunity or type 1 diabetes, and there are a number of contradictory observations with regard to the effect of various foods. This may reflect geographic and cultural differences in infant-feeding practices. Most studies suggest that the early introduction of

complex foreign proteins may be a risk factor for beta cell autoimmunity, and a pilot intervention trial has implied that weaning to a highly hydrolyzed formula may decrease the risk of beta cell autoimmunity. Lack of vitamin D supplementation and accelerated growth might increase the risk of type 1 diabetes. Additional work, which includes the application of modern approaches Nepicastat mouse such as metabolomics and epigenomics, is needed to discern the contribution of dietary factors in infancy to the diabetic disease process. Am J Clin Nutr 2010; 91(suppl):1506S-13S.”
“Suppression of thermal conductivity in nanoporous structures has an important influence in thermoelectric energy conversion. In this work, we introduce simple approximate analytical models for estimating the size-dependent thermal conductivity of Si wires with a single square nanopore and of Si wires with periodically arranged square nanopores (periodic nanoporous Si wires) in the longitudinal direction. The modeling results show that the porosity and interface density have large impacts on determining the thermal conductivity of periodic nanoporous Si wires.

(C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc J Appl Polym Sci 111: 2892-2899,

(C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 111: 2892-2899,2009″
“Purpose: Incompatibility between drugs and excipients can alter stability and bioavailability of drugs thereby affecting an active’s safety and/or efficacy. The purpose of this investigation was to study the compatibility of alpha, alpha’-xylene-rho-bis-3,3′(hydroxyiminomethyl)

pyridinium dibromide, (3 PApxy) with a number of commonly used excipients.

Methods: Solid dosage forms typically contain diluents, disintegrants, polymers, glidants and lubricants and therefore the compatibility of 3 PApxy LCL161 ic50 with selected excipients from each group was investigated. TGA of Perkin Elmer equipped with Pyris Manager (TM) software and Mettler Toledo Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). Excipients Epigenetics inhibitor used were Sodium Laurel Sulphate (SLS), Methyl Cellulose (MC),

Hydroxy Propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), Cellulose acetate (CA), Hydroxy Propyl Cellulose (HPC), Carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC), Ethyl Cellulose (EC), Poly Acryl Amide (PAA), Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA), Methyl Paraben (MP), Micro Crystalline Cellulose (MCC), Cetyl trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB) and Acacia were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich and Alfa-Aesar (USA) and used as such.

Results: TGA analysis shows seven out of fourteen excipients, SLS, Betain CMC, MCC, EC, PAA and acacia are found to decrease the thermal stability of drug. The DSC thermogram of 3 PApxy showed a sharp endothermic peak at 267 degrees C corresponding to its melting point. find more The DSC thermograms

of 3 PApxy and each of the investigated excipients with 1: 1 mixtures of 3 PApxy and excipients were compared. On the basis of DSC results, 3 PApxy was found to be compatible with all excipients except SLS.

Conclusion: Based on TGA and DSC studies, 3 PApxy was found to be compatible with most commonly used excipients except for SLS. These studies may be relevant when formulating novel dosage form systems for 3 PApxy.”
“Amphiphilic copolymer microspheres of poly(styrene-co-4-vinylpyridine) were prepared by dispersion polymerization in an alcohol/water medium. The synthesis of poly (styrene-co-4-vinylpyridine) microparticles was successfully carried out, and the latexes had a spherical morphology with good monodispersity. The degree of conversion in the early stage of polymerization decreased with increasing 4-vinylpyridine (4VP) monomer content, but the final conversions were similar (>95%,). The copolymerization rate decreased with increasing 4VP content, and a broad particle size distribution was observed with 20 wt % 4VP because of the prolonged nucleation time. With the 4VP concentration increasing, the molecular weight of the copolymer microspheres decreased, and the glass-transition temperature of the copolymers increased; this indicated that all the copolymers were random and homogeneous. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

In addition, high triglyceride (TG) and low high-density lipoprot

In addition, high triglyceride (TG) and low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are risks factors for development of diabetes mellitus in the future.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between 1-h PG levels and serum lipid profiles in individuals with NGT.

METHODS: We enrolled 736 individuals with NGT who underwent a 75-g OGTT. They were divided into 2 groups, those with 1-h PG levels < 155 mg/dL (n = 543) and those with 1-h PG levels >= 155 mg/dL (n = 193). Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to assess correlations

between 1-h PG levels and lipid profiles.

RESULTS: selleck compound The multiple linear regression analyses showed that 1-h PG levels negatively correlated with HDL-C in individuals with NGT who had 1-h PG levels >= 155 mg/dL as well as those with 1-h PG levels < 155 mg/dL (beta = -0.137, P = .001 and beta = -0.214, P = .003, respectively). In addition, 1-h PG levels positively correlated with log-transformed TG/HDL-C ratio in both groups (beta = 0.098, P = .032 and beta = 0.152, P = .035, respectively). Moreover, even after adjusting for confounding parameters, TG was higher and HDL-C was lower in individuals with NGT who had 1-h PG levels >= 155 mg/dL compared with those who had 1-h PG levels < 155 mg/dL.

CONCLUSION: HDL-C levels and TG/HDL-C ratios closely correlate with 1-h PG levels

in individuals with NGT. Crown Copyright(C) AZD7762 order SB203580 order 2014 Published by Elsevier, Inc. on behalf of National Lipid Association. All rights reserved.”
“Contents Catecholamines play an important role in embryogenesis, and data obtained in the rodent model indicate that they can act even during the preimplantation period of development. Using RT-PCR with specific oligonucleotide primers distinguishing among all members of the adrenergic receptor family, we examined expression of adrenergic receptors in bovine and rabbit oocytes, morulas and blastocysts. We found several profiles of adrenoceptor mRNA expression. Transcripts for some

receptor subtypes (bovine alpha 2 receptors, rabbit 2A, 2C, 1 and 2 receptors) were detected at all examined stages, which suggests receptor expression throughout (or at most stages) the preimplantation developmental period. Expression in oocytes but not at later stages was found in only one adrenoceptor subtype (rabbit 1B). In contrast, mRNA for several adrenoceptors was found in embryos but not in oocytes (bovine beta adrenoceptors and rabbit 1A). Nucleotide sequences of our PCR products amplified in rabbit oocytes, and preimplantation embryos represent the first published mRNA sequences (partial sequences coding at least one transmembrane region) of rabbit 2C, 1 and 2 adrenoceptors. Our results suggest that the expression of adrenergic receptors can be a general feature of mammalian oocytes and preimplantation embryos.