Variation in volatile organic compounds in Atlantic salmon mucus is associated with resistance to salmon lice infection.

Salmon lice are ectoparasites that threaten wild and farmed salmonids. Artificial selection of salmon for resistance to the infectious copepodid lice stage currently relies on in vivo challenge trials on thousands of salmon a year. We challenged 5750 salmon with salmon lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) from two distinct farmed strains of salmon in two separate trials. We found that volatile organic compounds (VOC), 1-penten-3-ol, 1-octen-3-ol and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one in the mucus of the salmon host after salmon lice infection, were significantly associated with lice infection numbers across a range of water temperatures (5 °C, 10 °C, 17 °C). Some VOCs (benzene, 1-octen-3-ol and 3,5,5-trimethyl-2-hexene) were significantly different between lines divergently selected for salmon lice resistance. In a combined population assessment, selected VOCs varied between families in the range of 47- 59% indicating a genetic component and were positively correlated to the salmon hosts estimated breeding values 0.59-0.74. Mucosal VOC phenotypes could supplement current breeding practices and have the potential to be a more direct and ethical proxy for salmon lice resistance provided they can be measured prior to lice infestation.

Consumer acceptance of minced meat patties from boars in four European countries.

A consumer study was performed in four EU countries to further clarify the acceptability of meat with boar taint. In Denmark, France, Italy and Poland, a total of 476 female consumers evaluated 8 meat patties from boars with varying levels of skatole (0.10-0.40µg/g fat tissue) and androstenone (0.47-2.00 µg/g fat tissue), in a pair-wise comparison with patties from castrates. Boar meat patties were always less preferred than the castrate meat patties, regardless of the level of androstenone and skatole. Acceptability of the boar meat patties decreased with increasing skatole level. In samples with low skatole levels, higher levels of androstenone also reduced acceptability among androstenone sensitive consumers. No clear threshold levels for androstenone and skatole could be identified. Maps presenting the reduction in preference due to increasing levels of skatole and androstenone, and corrected for the general acceptance of the meat product were developed, taking into account androstenone sensitivity. Further work is needed, covering the whole range of androstenone and skatole levels found in entire male pigs and for a wider set of meat products.

Review of analytical methods to measure boar taint compounds in porcine adipose tissue: the need for harmonised methods.

This comprehensive review describes the analytical methods developed for quantification of the boar taint compounds skatole and androstenone in porcine adipose tissue. The following parts are considered; sampling, sample preparation, calibration and instrumentation. Additionally, method performance characteristics and level of validation of the existing methodology are discussed. It is concluded that there is a need for further validation of existing methods and need for standardisation of methodology to quantify boar taint compounds. Facing a possible near future ban of castration of male piglets would enforce further method harmonisation in this field.

Flavor release of the tomato flavor enhancer, 2-isobutylthiazole, from whey protein stabilized model dressings.

A tomato flavor enhancer, 2-isobutylthiazole (IBT), was added (5 mg/kg) to dressings emulsified with either a whey protein concentrate-80 (WPC-80), a WPC-80 hydrolysate or ß-lactoglobulin at high pressure (70 MPa) at either 20 or 75 °C. The short (2-4 min), high-temperature treatment left the proteins essentially unchanged. IBT addition gave a dominant, green tomato flavor that masked the intrinsic odor of the WPC-80 hydrolysate but enhanced bitter flavor. The sensory IBT odor intensity was determined by oil level (5-30%) and pH; pH 4.0 gave higher IBT odor than pH 6.5. The green (IBT) odor release correlated with the sensory viscosity (p = 0.001) and with instrumentally determined complex modulus (p = 0.001), but not to the dressings' microstructure. The presence of small (<<1.5 µm) oil particles that were difficult to identify from images may explain why no correlation between green odor and microstructure was found. Headspace analysis significantly detected differences in the release of IBT from the different protein types: WPC-80 dressings released the most and ß-lactoglobulin the least amounts of IBT into headspace. As this difference in release of IBT among proteins could not be verified by sensory analysis, it may bear no relevance for perception.

Pig meat quality from entire males.

This paper constitutes an updated review of the production and meat quality aspects of rearing entire male pigs. Since a major obstacle in rearing entire males is the incidence of boar taint, possible methods for detection are also summarised. Safe and fast methods for detection of boar taint would be valuable in avoiding complaints from consumers. Pig meat quality is determined by many aspects, among which odour and taste are the most important attributes. Odour may be negatively affected by the presence of a pheromonal steroid, androstenone, and a fermentation product of l-tryptophan, skatole. Male pigs are surgically castrated in many countries to minimise the risk of accumulation of high levels of androstenone and skatole. Raising entire male pigs is more profitable because they have superior production characteristics and improved meat quality due to leaner carcasses and higher protein content, as compared to castrated pigs. Furthermore, surgical castration is negative from an animal welfare point of view. In most studies, no differences in sensory quality have been found between lean meat from entire male pigs with low levels of androstenone and skatole and pork from castrates and females. The question that remains is: which substances are responsible for boar taint besides androstenone and skatole and whether they need to be considered? The threshold values used for androstenone and skatole might also be too high for highly sensitive persons. Recent research shows that a human odorant receptor, ORD7D4, is involved in sensitivity to androstenone. If the ORD7D4 genotypes of consumer and expert panels are known, this might facilitate consumer studies in the future. There is still a great need for rapid on/at-line detection methods in abattoirs for identifying carcasses with unacceptable levels of boar taint compounds. Several emerging rapid technologies with a potential for boar taint detection have been investigated. They represent various measurement principles such as chemical sensor arrays (electronic noses), mass-spectrometry fingerprinting, ultra-fast gas chromatography, gas-phase spectrometry and biosensors. An industrial detection method should allow 100% correct classification of both acceptable and not-acceptable samples with regard to boar taint sorting criteria. There are, however, still too high a percentage of false negatives ranging from 5% to 20%. In addition, these methods do not yet seem to fulfil the industrial specifications with regard to cost efficiency, simplicity and analysis time. There is still no dedicated measurement technology available for on/at-line detection of boar-tainted carcasses that measures both androstenone and skatole.

Electronic noses in food analysis.

Gas sensor array technology combined with multivariate data processing methods as artificial neural network has been demonstrated to have a promising potential for rapid non-destructive analysis of food quality. It may be applicable in quality control of raw material, food processing or products. This technique cannot completely replace reference methods like the use of sensory panels as the technique requires a frequent calibration against some valid reference method. As with all new techniques there remain some basic problems to be solved concerning sample handling and instrumental performance. The emerging research activity in the development of chemical sensors including hardware and software combined with applied research makes it realistic to expect applications with this technique implemented on-line in the food industry in near future. In particular, promising applications on meat seem to be within the field of spoilage, off-flavor, sensory analysis and fermentation processes.

Results of continual devaluation of cardiothoracic surgical codes by the HCFA between 1984 and 1999.

BACKGROUND: The devaluation of surgical procedural services by Medicare began in 1989 as a result of the federal government's adoption of the Resource Based Relative Value Scale, a method of redistribution of payments to physicians from surgical to primary care services. This method gave to the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) effective and complete control of Medicare payments to physicians for the first time. The resultant decrease in the nominal dollar value is well understood, but the effect of changes in inflation frequently is not calculated into the reported loss. METHODS: A method of determining the true extent of this devaluation using the nominal dollar decrease plus the effect of inflation was presented in 1995. RESULTS: Since then, repeated devaluation by the HCFA and other third parties plus continual inflation has further eroded the remuneration for cardiothoracic surgical services. Three different sets of data are used to determine the devaluation of five cardiothoracic operations. One set shows the change between 1988 and 1998; one the change between 1988 and 1999; and one the change between 1984 and 1999. CONCLUSIONS: Depending on the geographic location, it appears that the remuneration for pulmonary procedures between 1988 and 1999 decreased 35% to 60%. Similarly, depending on the years reviewed (between 1984 and 1999) and the geographic location, the fee for cardiac procedures decreased 46% to 69%.

Suppressive effects of fish oil on mesangial cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Mesangial cell proliferation is a characteristic feature of IgA nephropathy and many other forms of glomerulonephritis. Recent clinical studies have shown that dietary fish oil supplementation retards renal disease progression in patients with IgA nephropathy. The mechanism by which this effect occurs is unknown. METHODS: The anti-Thy 1.1 (ATS) model of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis was employed to test the hypothesis that dietary fish oil supplementation reduces mesangial cell proliferation following acute injury. Subcultured rat mesangial cells were used to determine the in vitro effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the primary components of fish oil, on proliferation. RESULTS: Following antithymocyte serum (ATS) administration, proteinuria was significantly decreased in animals treated with fish oil compared with sesame oil-treated controls. In ATS rats given fish oil, there was less mesangial cell and matrix expansion, mesangiolysis, or basement membrane disruption (delta% = -40%). ATS rats receiving fish oil had less glomerular cell proliferation (PCNA-delta% = -50%) and a reduction of alpha-smooth muscle actin expression (delta% = -27%) by mesangial cells. In subcultured rat mesangial cells, DHA, but not EPA, significantly inhibited proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: Fish oil inhibits mesangial cell activation and proliferation in ATS glomerulonephritis, reduces proteinuria, and decreases histologic evidence of glomerular damage. In vitro, the antiproliferative effects of fish oil are more likely related to the action of DHA. We suggest that orally administered fish oil, or purified DHA, may have a suppressive effect in acute phases or relapses of glomerulopathies by inhibiting activation and proliferation of mesangial cells.

Understanding and assessing the motivations of volunteers: a functional approach.

The authors applied functionalist theory to the question of the motivations underlying volunteerism, hypothesized 6 functions potentially served by volunteerism, and designed an instrument to assess these functions (Volunteer Functions Inventory; VFI). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses on diverse samples yielded factor solutions consistent with functionalist theorizing; each VFI motivation, loaded on a single factor, possessed substantial internal consistency and temporal stability and correlated only modestly with other VFI motivations (Studies 1, 2, and 3). Evidence for predictive validity is provided by a laboratory study in which VFI motivations predicted the persuasive appeal of messages better when message and motivation were matched than mismatched (Study 4), and by field studies in which the extent to which volunteers' experiences matched their motivations predicted satisfaction (Study 5) and future intentions (Study 6). Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Redox regulation of renal DNA synthesis, transforming growth factor-beta1 and collagen gene expression.

Growth and injury represent recurrent and related themes in the study of progressive renal disease. We have previously demonstrated that a prooxidant diet, one deficient in antioxidants, selenium and vitamin E, induces renal enlargement, proteinuria, mild tubulointerstitial disease and diminished glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Our present study represents continued examination of these processes. We demonstrate that these diets increase thymidine incorporation into DNA and net DNA content in renal tissue, and induce expression of the mRNA for the proto-oncogene, c-myc, and the histone, H2b. We localize increased DNA synthesis as occurring mainly in the distal renal tubular epithelium. These deficient kidneys also exhibit interstitial expansion that parallels the pattern of DNA synthesis in that both processes are more prominent in the medulla than in the cortex. mRNAs for collagens I, III and IV in conjunction with transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) are up-regulated in the kidney in rats maintained on the deficient diet. In complementary in vitro studies, the exposure of rat kidney fibroblasts, NRK 49F cells, to noncytolytic doses of hydrogen peroxide, induces collagen III, collagen IV and TGF-beta1 mRNA. Induction of these genes is also observed in mesangial cells so exposed to noncytolytic doses of hydrogen peroxide. A final aspect of our study was the examination of renal generation of hydrogen peroxide and the profile of the hydrogen peroxide-degrading enzymes. Deficient kidneys exhibit increased mitochondrial generation of hydrogen peroxide independent of oxygen consumption but in conjunction with suppression of glutathione peroxidase mRNA and activity. Lipid peroxidation was increased twofold in the cortex and medulla of the deficient kidneys. Surprisingly, catalase activity, measured in the cortex and medulla, and whole kidney catalase mRNA were also reduced in rats maintained on the antioxidant deficient diet, effects that may further compromise the clearance of hydrogen peroxide. These changes in catalase represent an adverse response to this dietary deficiency, and may be relevant to decreased catalase activity described in chronic renal insufficiency. Thus, a chronic prooxidant state, with features that mimic those of clinical uremia, increases DNA synthesis of renal tubular epithelium, induces mRNA expression for collagens I, III and IV in conjunction with the mRNA for the fibrogenic cytokine, TGF-beta1. Oxidants also induce collagen III, collagen IV and TGF-beta1 mRNA in vitro.

Electronic nose and artificial neural network.

Gas sensor array technology combined with multivariate data processing methods as artificial neural network has been demonstrated to have a promising potential for rapid nondestructive analysis of odour and flavour in foods. It may be applicable in quality control of raw material, food processing or products. This technique cannot completely replace reference methods like the use of sensory panels as the technique requires a frequent calibration against some valid reference method. As with all new techniques there remain some basic problems to be solved concerning sample handling and instrumental performance. The emerging research activity in the development of chemical sensors including hardware and software combined with applied research makes it realistic to expect applications with this technique implemented on-line in the food industry in near future. In particular, promising applications on meat seem to be within the field of spoilage, off-flavour, sensory analysis and fermentation processes.

1 alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 increases transforming growth factor and transforming growth factor receptor type I and II synthesis in human bone cells.

To determine whether the inhibition of human osteoblast growth mediated by 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1 alpha,25(OH)D3) occurs as a result of changes in transforming growth factor (TGF) and TGF receptor synthesis, we examined the effects of 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 on the synthesis of TGF beta and TGF-beta receptors. Treatment with 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3, but not vehicle, increased TGF-beta 2 concentrations in human osteoblast cell supernantants in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The increase in TGF-beta 2 concentrations was associated with an inhibition of osteoblast cell growth; antibodies directed against transforming growth factor beta partially blocked the inhibition of cellular growth mediated by 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 TGF-beta 2 gene transcription and TGF-beta 2 mRNA concentrations were increased in 1 alpha,25(OH)D3 but not in vehicle-treated cells. 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 increased TGF-beta type I and type II receptor mRNA levels in osteoblasts. Increased expression of TGF-beta 2 and TGF-beta receptors by 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 might account for the inhibition of human osteoblast growth seen following 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 treatment.

1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 inhibits normal human keratinocyte growth by increasing transforming growth factor beta 2 release.

1 alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1 alpha,25(OH)2D3), alters the proliferation of keratinocytes in cell culture. To assess whether changes mediated by 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 in keratinocyte growth are due to the release of transforming growth factors beta (TGFs beta), we measured TGF beta 1 and 2 in human keratinocytes treated with 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3. We showed that the inhibition of keratinocyte growth by 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 was associated with a time- and dose-dependent increase in the concentrations of TGF beta 2 but not TGF beta 1. There was a strong correlation between the inhibition of cell growth and the increase in TGF beta 2 concentrations. Antibodies directed against TGF beta 1, 2 and 3 partially blocked the inhibition of cellular growth mediated by 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3. We conclude that 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 inhibits human keratinocyte cell growth by a mechanism that involves, at least in part, an increase in the release of TGF beta 2.

Reliability of multimodal evaluation of abnormal screening mammogram results.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of the multimodal evaluation of suspicious or equivocal screening mammogram results by use of ancillary imaging studies and needle biopsies. STUDY DESIGN: This article reports on the experience of the Breast Evaluation Center at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center between 1989 and 1993 where 43,125 screening mammograms were performed. RESULTS: A total of 2866 patients were called back for additional evaluation, which consisted of magnification views and ultrasonography. Since 1990 fine-needle biopsies have been done on selected patients and since 1992 core biopsies have been available. Needle localization excisional biopsies were performed on 344 patients, and 158 cancers were diagnosed. This represents a 46% positive predictive value. Careful follow-up was obtained on the patients seen in 1990 to attempt to determine whether any cancers developed within a year of the time the patients with abnormal screening mammogram results had been evaluated with imaging modalities but no tissue diagnosis made. One cancer may have been missed. The cost savings of this protocol are also examined. CONCLUSION: Multimodal evaluation of patients with suspicious screening mammogram results appears to be a cost effective approach with adequate sensitivity and specificity.

Enhancement of acetylcholine release by homoanatoxin-a from Oscillatoria formosa.

The strain NIVA-CYA 92 of Oscillatoria formosa Bory ex Gormont produces phycotoxins with neurotoxic properties. Chemical analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry of a water extract of lyophilized material of the organism showed the presence of only homoanatoxin-a. The mechanism of action of homoanatoxin-a on peripheral cholinergic nerves is so far not known. The neurotoxicity of O. formosa containing homoanatoxin-a was investigated in rat bronchi, rat brain synaptosomes and in GH(4)C(1) cells. The water extract of lyophilized material of the organism produced a concentration-dependent reversible increase in the release of [(3)H]acetylcholine from both K(+) (51 mM) depolarised and non-depolarised cholinergic nerves of the rat bronchial smooth muscle. The K(+)-evoked release of [(3)H]acetylcholine was enhanced by about 75% by a water extract from 15-20 mg/ml of lyophilized algal material. The enhanced release of [(3)H]acetylcholine was substantially reduced by the L-type Ca(2+)-channel blocker verapamil (100 µM) and not by the N-type Ca(2+)-channel blocker ω-conotoxin GVIA (1.0 µM) or the P-type Ca(2+)-channel blocker ω-agatoxin IV-A (0.2 µM). Chelation of intra-cellular Ca(2+) by 1,2-bis-(aminofenoxi)etan-N,N,N',N'-tetraacidic acid/acetoxymethyl (BAPTA/AM) (30 µM) had no effect on the phycotoxin-induced release of [(3)H]acetylcholine, indicating that an extracellular pool of Ca(2+) was important for the action of the phycotoxin on the release of [(3)H]acetylcholine from peripheral cholinergic nerves. In rat brain synaptosomes the algal extract enhanced the influx of (45)Ca(2+) in a tetrodotoxin (1.0 µM) and ω-conotoxin MVIIC (blocker of N-, P- and Q-type Ca(2+) channels) (1.0 µM) insensitive manner. Patch-clamp studies showed that the phycotoxin opened endogenous voltage dependent L-type Ca(2+) channels in neuronal GH(4)C(1) cells. These Ca(2+) channels and the effect of the toxin on the channels were blocked by the L-type Ca(2+)-channel antagonist gallopamil (200 µM). The present results suggest, therefore, that the investigated strain of O. formosa contains homoanatoxin-a, which enhances the release of acetylcholine from peripheral cholinergic nerves through opening of endogenous voltage dependent neuronal L-type Ca(2-) channels.

Changing surgical CPI valuation relationships: a method of determination (1970-1995).

Surgeons have, over the past 7 years, experienced a significant decrease in valuation of their services. This has been accomplished by use of the Resource-Based Relative Value System, and its interpretation and modification by various agencies of the federal government. Congress recently mandated a study of practice costs that could result in further reductions of up to 30%. In anticipation of this further reduction, it is important to understand in as accurate a way as possible what has happened thus far to the value for surgical services. Simple percentage in decrease of fees is well understood, but their decrease in relation to the cost of a constant market basket of goods has not been well publicized. We present a simple method for determining the change in value for any procedure or service done by a surgeon in relation to the cost of a constant market basket of goods for any period of time from 1970 to 1995. For example, the increase in the cost for the constant market basket of goods between 1972 and 1992 is shown to be 236%. The increase in value for a typical cardiothoracic procedure in the same time period was 52%. The valuation for this procedure has actually declined 55% from 1972 to 1992, relative to the market basket of goods. The service that would buy the complete basket in 1972 will now buy only 45% of the basket.

Inhibitors of renal epithelial phosphate transport in tumor-induced osteomalacia and uremia.

Tumors such as sclerosing hemangiomas are sometimes associated with hypophosphatemia and osteomalacia, both of which disappear on removal of the tumor. We identified a heat labile, 8,000-25,000 dalton, inhibitor of renal epithelial phosphate transport in supernatants of cultured sclerosing hemangioma cells obtained from a patient with oncogenic osteomalacia and hypophosphatemia. The inhibitor does not alter glucose or alanine transport in renal epithelial cells, and has a mechanism of cellular action distinct from that of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in that it inhibits phosphate transport in renal epithelia without increasing concentrations of cyclic 3',5' adenosine monophosphate (cAMP); it's activity is not blocked by a PTH receptor antagonist. Sclerosing hemangioma cells also produce a material that cross-reacts with antisera directed against PTH and tumor tissue sections immunostain with PTH antibodies. We have characterized a cDNA that encodes the PTH immunoreactive material. In its longest open reading frame the cDNA encodes a protein of 381 amino acids that does not resemble PTH in its primary structure. Opossum kidney cells transfected with the cDNA do not produce a product that inhibits phosphate transport. Dialysates from patients with end-stage renal disease also contain a substance(s) that inhibits phosphate and glucose transport in opossum kidney cells. The inhibitor(s) of phosphate uptake in dialysates is a heat labile, approximately 30,000 dalton substance that inhibits phosphate transport by a cAMP-independent mechanism. Determination of the structures and physiology of these phosphate transport inhibitors is likely to yield insights into the control of phosphate homeostasis.

Blood transfusion and the risk of recurrence in stage IB cervical cancer.

The objective of this study is to determine if perioperative blood transfusions increase the risk of recurrence in stage IB cervical cancer. Medical records from all patients with FIGO stage IB cervical cancer undergoing radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy (RH + PLND) at the University of Iowa and the University of Nebraska from 1978 to 1990 were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included patient age, body mass index (BMI), tumor size, cell type, depth of cervical invasion (DOI), presence of capillary-lymphatic space involvement (CLSI), lymph node metastasis, operating time, estimated blood loss, transfusion, and follow-up data. Three hundred two patients underwent RH + PLND. Transfusions were given to 244 (81%), with a mean of 2.6 units (range 1-18 units). Median follow-up was 49.5 months (range 9-190 months). Twenty patients (6.6%) had pelvic nodal metastasis. There were no periaortic nodal metastases in the 101 patients who had periaortic nodes dissected. There were no significant differences between the transfused and nontransfused groups, with respect to age, BMI, DOI, or pelvic node metastasis. Transfused patients differed significantly from the nontransfused in that they had larger tumors (P = 0.047), more frequent CLSI (P = 0.013), longer procedures (P = 0.02), and greater estimated blood loss (P < 0.0001). Recurrences developed in 29 patients (19 pelvic, 7 lung, 3 bone). There is no difference in disease-free survival (DFS) or calculated projected survival between the transfused and nontransfused groups. Pelvic node metastasis and tumor size were independent poor prognosticators. After controlling for these factors, the number of blood transfusions was not predictive of recurrence or survival. Perioperative transfusions do not increase the risk of recurrence in patients with cervical cancer.

Motor behavior research: implications for therapeutic approaches to central nervous system dysfunction.

This article reviews the models and theories of motor behavior that are the foundation for the traditional approaches to central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction and presents a new theoretical model and approach that are beginning to influence practice. Reflex, hierarchical, and systems models of motor control and developmental and motor learning theories are discussed. The relationships of these models and theories to past, present, and future treatment approaches to CNS dysfunction are explored. The assumptions and limitations of the muscle reeducation, neurodevelopmental, and motor relearning approaches are discussed. A contemporary task-oriented approach based on the systems model is proposed and contrasted with traditional neurodevelopmental approaches.

Human and rat osteoblast-like cells express stathmin, a growth-regulatory protein.

We used the differential display polymerase chain reaction method of Liang and Pardee (Science (1992) 257:967-971) to identify a growth-regulatory protein, stathmin or oncoprotein 18, in human and rat osteoblast-like cells. When messenger ribonuleic acid from human osteosarcoma (Saos-2) cells treated with 10(-8)M 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was compared with that of cells treated with vehicle alone by this method, we observed an increase in the intensity of a band that on subsequent DNA sequence analysis was found to encode stathmin. We examined normal human osteoblast-like cells, transformed human osteoblast-like cells (HOBIT), human osteosarcoma cells (Saos-2), and rat osteoblast cell (ROS 17/2.8, ROS 25/1) lines for the presence of the messenger RNA for stathmin. All osteoblast-like cells examined expressed the RNA for this protein. Western analysis of the protein of these cells with a polyclonal antibody directed against stathmin showed the presence of a M(r) 19,000 band. We conclude that human and rat osteoblast-like cells express stathmin and that this protein could play a role in regulation of the growth of these cells in response to various hormonal stimuli.