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Studies have suggested that infection alters the sleeping pattern of humans. To test this hypothesis, the relationship between infection and sleep was investigated in HIV-infected patients. There was a high incidence of debilitating daytime sleepiness and fatigue among patients. In other experiments, rats were given an intracerebroventricular bolus of the HIV envelope glycoprotein 120, a protein that mediates cytokine release within the central nervous system. The results indicated alterations in the sleeping pattern of the rats, suggesting that sleep is altered by changes in cytokine release.

Background: Computed tomography (CT) imaging of the cervical spine of mature horses under general anaesthesia is becoming increasingly accessible. Osteochondral fragmentation (OF) of the cervical articular process joints (APJs) has been identified on CT imaging; the prevalence, clinical features and significance of this finding are currently unknown. Objectives: To describe the prevalence and clinical features of a population of horses with CT evidence of OF within the cervical APJs. Study design: Retrospective, descriptive case series. Methods: The study population consisted of all horses undergoing CT imaging of the entire cervical spine between April 2016 and December 2019 at Liphook Equine Hospital for investigation of clinical signs localised to this region. CT scans were examined for evidence of OF within the APJs and additional case features were recorded. Results: A total of 55 horses underwent CT imaging during the study period. OF was identified in 13 horses, giving a CT prevalence of 24% in the study population. OF occurred in a range of ages, breeds and uses of equine, presenting with varied clinical signs. It was identified at every level of the neck. Additional cervical pathology was identified in 11/13 OF cases. Main limitations: Retrospective analysis of a clinical caseload with a lack of clinically normal controls or post mortem confirmation of imaging findings. Low case numbers. Conclusions: OF within the cervical APJs is recognised on CT imaging in horses with cervical dysfunction. Fragments are commonly identified in combination with additional cervical pathology. Further investigation is required to confirm their clinical significance and develop potential treatment options where necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deltorphins have high affinity and selectivity for delta opioid binding sites. The effects of (D-Ala-2)deltorphin I on the structure and activities of vertebrate and invertebrate immunocytes were investigated. The results showed that (D-Ala-2)deltorphin I could induce cellular adherence and conformational changes in immunocytes, consistent witth their role in cellular activation. Similar results were obtained using (Met)enkephalin. These results indicate the existence of a special delta opioid receptor in the immune system of vertebrates and invertebrates.

A study provides evidence that corticotropin (ACTH) and melanotropin (MSH) suppress the activation of granulocytes and invertebrate immunocytes. The two neuropeptides caused conformational changes and reduced locomotory responses among the granulocytes. MSH exhibited a more potent and faster immune modulation than ACTH. Granulocyte-associated neutral endopeptidase was found to convert ACTH into MSH that enables ACTH to express its inhibitory effect. These findings suggest the possible role of ACTH and MSHin immunosuppression during human immunodeficiency virus infection and other viral infections.

Interferons (IFNs) are proteins that can be produced by virtually any cell in the body and have a wide range of physiological effects. In general, IFNs defend the body against viral infections, fight tumor growth and development, and help regulate immunity. This review explains the ways these important chemicals work and the ways they are currently used to treat disease. IFN proteins are of three families: alpha, beta, and gamma. They are intercellular signalling proteins, as are protein hormones, lymphokines, and cytokines (substances with biological activity produced by cells). Descriptions are presented of the ways IFNs act against viruses, tumors, protozoa, and bacteria: in addition, their roles with respect to other intercellular signalling substances are discussed. This latter aspect of IFN function is only beginning to be understood. At present, IFNs alpha (a) and gamma (g) are used clinically. IFN-a-2a, recombinant IFN-a-2b, and natural IFN-a-n(exp3) are available. Interferon has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating hairy-cell leukemia, condyloma acuminatum, Kaposi's sarcoma in AIDS, non-A, non-B hepatitis, and chronic granulomatous disease. Its use in these conditions is evaluated. FDA approval is pending for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer). However, the effectiveness of IFNs is under investigation for treating several other disorders, including malignancies, infections (both viral, bacterial, and protozoal), immune diseases, and disorders of collagen (connective tissue) production. In many cases, IFNs are already used in other countries for treating these diseases. It is likely that these substances will find even wider use in the future as adjuvants, that is, in association with other cytokines, chemotherapeutic drugs, surgical treatments, radiation, and other therapies. New potential uses for IFNs are under review. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)