µm- and nm-Sized Catalytic Structures in Heat Sources for Thermoelectric Generators.

Micro- and nano-structural organization and its influence on the efficiency of catalysts used in the heat sources for permeable thermoelectric generators were investigated. Two types of catalyst were studied­elemental platinum on aluminum oxide granulate Pt/Al2O3 and mixed transition-metal catalyst on fibrous silicon dioxide Co­Cr­Pd­Sr/SiO2. The distribution of active components in catalytic structures which contribute to the maximum combustion completeness of organic fuel in heat sources was investigated. Practically full conversion of hydrocarbons was achieved already with 1 mass.% of platinum in the Pt/Al2O3 catalyst with sub-µm- and nm-sized particles placed at the input of the gas-air mixture into the channel of the permeable thermoelement. The propane-butane conversion rate of 97% for the catalyst Co­Cr­Pd/SiO2 with was further enhanced by addition of 0.5 mass.% of Sr. The catalytic centers are formed by CoCr2O4 nanocrystals (10 to 40 nm in size) with Pd promotor in form of single crystals on the fibrous SiO2 matrix.

Genetic linkage analysis identifies Pas1 as the common locus modulating lung tumorigenesis and acute inflammatory response in mice.

Selective breeding for the acute inflammatory response (AIR) generated two mouse lines characterized by maximum (AIRmax) and minimum (AIRmin) responses, explained by the additive effect of alleles differentially fixed in quantitative trait loci (QTLs). These mice also differ in their susceptibility to lung tumorigenesis, raising the possibility that the same loci are involved in the control of both phenotypes. To map the QTLs responsible for the different phenotypes, we carried out a genome-wide linkage analysis using single-nucleotide polymorphism arrays in a pedigree consisting of 802 mice, including 693 (AIRmax × AIRmin)F2 intercross mice treated with urethane and phenotyped for AIR and lung tumor multiplicity. We mapped five loci on chromosomes 4, 6, 7, 11 and 13 linked to AIR (logarithm of odds (LOD)=3.56, 3.52, 15.74, 7.74 and 3.34, respectively) and two loci linked to lung tumor multiplicity, on chromosomes 6 and 18 (LOD=12.18 and 4.69, respectively). The known pulmonary adenoma susceptibility 1 (Pas1) locus on chromosome 6 was the only locus linked to both phenotypes, suggesting that alleles of this locus were differentially fixed during breeding and selection of AIR mice. These results represent a step toward understanding the link between inflammation and cancer.

Inducing humoral and cellular responses to multiple sporozoite and liver-stage malaria antigens using exogenous plasmid DNA.

A vaccine candidate that elicits humoral and cellular responses to multiple sporozoite and liver-stage antigens may be able to confer protection against Plasmodium falciparum malaria; however, a technology for formulating and delivering such a vaccine has remained elusive. Here, we report the preclinical assessment of an optimized DNA vaccine approach that targets four P. falciparum antigens: circumsporozoite protein (CSP), liver stage antigen 1 (LSA1), thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (TRAP), and cell-traversal protein for ookinetes and sporozoites (CelTOS). Synthetic DNA sequences were designed for each antigen with modifications to improve expression and were delivered using in vivo electroporation (EP). Immunogenicity was evaluated in mice and nonhuman primates (NHPs) and assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), gamma interferon (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISpot) assay, and flow cytometry. In mice, DNA with EP delivery induced antigen-specific IFN-γ production, as measured by ELISpot assay and IgG seroconversion against all antigens. Sustained production of IFN-γ, interleukin-2, and tumor necrosis factor alpha was elicited in both the CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell compartments. Furthermore, hepatic CD8(+) lymphocytes produced LSA1-specific IFN-γ. The immune responses conferred to mice by this approach translated to the NHP model, which showed cellular responses by ELISpot assay and intracellular cytokine staining. Notably, antigen-specific CD8(+) granzyme B(+) T cells were observed in NHPs. Collectively, the data demonstrate that delivery of gene sequences by DNA/EP encoding malaria parasite antigens is immunogenic in animal models and can harness both the humoral and cellular arms of the immune system.

Stereoelectroencephalography in the preoperative assessment of patients with refractory focal epilepsy: experience at an epilepsy centre.

OBJECTIVE: Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is a technique for preoperative evaluation of patients with difficult-to-localise refractory focal epilepsy (DLRFE), enabling the study of deep cortical structures. The procedure, which is increasingly used in international epilepsy centres, has not been fully developed in Spain. We describe our experience with SEEG in the preoperative evaluation of DLRFE. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the last 8 years, 71 patients with DLRFE were evaluated with SEEG in our epilepsy centre. We prospectively analysed our results in terms of localisation of the epileptogenic zone (EZ), surgical outcomes, and complications associated with the procedure. RESULTS: The median age of the sample was 30 years (range, 4-59 years); 27 patients (38%) were women. Forty-five patients (63.4%) showed no abnormalities on brain MR images. A total of 627 electrodes were implanted (median, 9 electrodes per patient; range, 1-17), and 50% of implantations were multilobar. The EZ was identified in 64 patients (90.1%), and was extratemporal or temporal plus in 66% of the cases. Follow-up was over one year in 55 of the 61 patients undergoing surgery: in the last year of follow-up, 58.2% were seizure-free (Engel Epilepsy Surgery Outcome Scale class I) and 76.4% had good outcomes (Engel I-II). Three patients (4.2%) presented brain haemorrhages. CONCLUSION: SEEG enables localisation of the EZ in patients in whom this was previously impossible, offering better surgical outcomes than other invasive techniques while having a relatively low rate of complications.

Association study by genetic clustering detects multiple inflammatory response loci in non-inbred mice.

We tested the possibility to map loci affecting the acute inflammatory response (AIR) in an (AIRmax × AIRmin) F2 intercross mouse population derived from non-inbred parents, by association analysis in the absence of pedigree information. Using 1064 autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we clustered the intercross population into 12 groups of genetically related individuals. Association analysis adjusted for genetic clusters allowed to identify two loci, inflammatory response modulator 1 (Irm1) on chromosome 7 previously detected by genetic linkage analysis in the F2 mice, and a new locus on chromosome 5 (Irm2), linked to the number of infiltrating cells in subcutaneous inflammatory exudates (Irm1: P=6.3 × 10(-7); Irm2: P=8.2 × 10(-5)) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) production (Irm1: P=1.9 × 10(-16); Irm2: P=1.1 × 10(-6)). Use of a polygenic model based on additive effects of the rare alleles of 15 or 18 SNPs associated at suggestive genome-wide statistical threshold (P<3.4 × 10(-3)) with the number of infiltrating cells or IL-1ß production, respectively, allowed prediction of the inflammatory response of progenitor AIR mice. Our findings suggest the usefulness of association analysis in combination with genetic clustering to map loci affecting complex phenotypes in non-inbred animal species.

A new model of outbred genetically selected mice which present a strong acute inflammatory response in the absence of complement component C5.

OBJECTIVE: Mice selected for a strong (AIRmax) or weak (AIRmin) acute inflammatory response present different susceptibilities to bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases and carcinogenesis. Variations in these phenotypes have been also detected in AIRmax and AIRmin mice rendered homozygous for Slc11a1 resistant (R) and susceptible (S) alleles. Our aim was to investigate if the phenotypic differences observed in these mice was related to the complement system. MATERIAL: AIRmax and AIRmin mice and AIRmax and AIRmin groups homozygous for the resistance (R) or susceptibility (S) alleles of the solute carrier family 11a1 member (Slc11a1) gene, formerly designated Nramp-1. METHODS AND RESULTS: While no difference in complement activity was detected in sera from AIRmax and AIRmin strains, all sera from AIRmax Slc11a1 resistant mice (AIRmax(RR)) presented no complement-dependent hemolytic activity. Furthermore, C5 was not found in their sera by immunodiffusion and, polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing of its gene demonstrated that AIRmax(RR) mice are homozygous for the C5 deficient (D) mutation previously described in A/J. Therefore, the C5D allele was fixed in homozygosis in AIRmax(RR) line. CONCLUSIONS: The AIRmax(RR) line is a new experimental mouse model in which a strong inflammatory response can be triggered in vivo in the absence of C5.

Stereoelectroencephalography in the preoperative assessment of patients with refractory focal epilepsy: Experience at an epilepsy centre. / Estereoelectroencefalografía en la evaluación prequirúrgica de epilepsias focales refractarias: experiencia de un centro de epilepsia.

OBJECTIVE: Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is a technique for preoperative evaluation of patients with difficult-to-localise refractory focal epilepsy (DLRFE), enabling the study of deep cortical structures. The procedure, which is increasingly used in international epilepsy centres, has not been fully developed in Spain. We describe our experience with SEEG in the preoperative evaluation of DLRFE. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the last 8 years, 71 patients with DLRFE were evaluated with SEEG in our epilepsy centre. We prospectively analysed our results in terms of localisation of the epileptogenic zone (EZ), surgical outcomes, and complications associated with the procedure. RESULTS: The median age of the sample was 30 years (range, 4-59 years); 27 patients (38%) were women. Forty-five patients (63.4%) showed no abnormalities on brain MR images. A total of 627 electrodes were implanted (median, 9 electrodes per patient; range, 1-17), and 50% of implantations were multilobar. The EZ was identified in 64 patients (90.1%), and was extratemporal or temporal plus in 66% of the cases. Follow-up was over one year in 55 of the 61 patients undergoing surgery: in the last year of follow-up, 58.2% were seizure-free (Engel Epilepsy Surgery Outcome Scale class I) and 76.4% had good outcomes (Engel I-II). Three patients (4.2%) presented brain haemorrhages. CONCLUSION: SEEG enables localisation of the EZ in patients in whom this was previously impossible, offering better surgical outcomes than other invasive techniques while having a relatively low rate of complications.

Electron holography of biological samples.

In this paper, we summarise the development of off-axis electron holography on biological samples starting in 1986 with the first results on ferritin from the group of Tonomura. In the middle of the 1990s strong interest was evoked, but then stagnation took place because the results obtained at that stage did not reach the contrast and the resolution achieved by conventional electron microscopy. To date, there exist only a few ( approximately 12) publications on electron holography of biological objects, thus this topic is quite small and concise. The reason for this could be that holography is mostly established in materials science by physicists. Therefore, applications for off-axis holography were powerfully pushed forward in the area of imaging, e.g. electric or magnetic micro- and nanofields. Unstained biological systems investigated by means of off-axis electron holography up to now are ferritin, tobacco mosaic virus, a bacterial flagellum, T5 bacteriophage virus, hexagonal packed intermediate layer of bacteria and the Semliki Forest virus. New results of the authors on collagen fibres and surface layer of bacteria, the so-called S-layer 2D crystal lattice are presented in this review. For the sake of completeness, we will shortly discuss in-line holography of biological samples and off-axis holography of materials related to biological systems, such as biomaterial composites or magnetotactic bacteria.

Hypoglycemic activity of Ailanthus excelsa leaves in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The hypoglycemic activity of a 70% methanol extract from the leaves of Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. (Simaroubaceae) was studied in normal, transiently hyperglycemic and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of the extract at doses of 14, 70 and 350 mg/kg body weight caused no significant changes in fasting blood glucose levels of normal rats. In an oral glucose tolerance test, the extract produced a significant decrease in glycemia 90 min after the glucose pulse. Daily administration of A. excelsa extract for 60 days produced a significant hypoglycemic effect in diabetic animals. In addition, this treatment improved the altered renal function observed in diabetic control rats. This study suggests that Ailanthus leaf extract could be potentially useful for post-prandial hyperglycemia treatment.

Genetic potential for an acute inflammatory response in IgA glomerulonephritis in mice.

Mice selected on the basis of an acute inflammatory response (AIR) can provide information about the immunopathological mechanisms of glomerulonephritis. We studied the differences between mice selected for a maximal AIR (AIRmax that attract more polymorphonuclear cells to the site of injury) or a minimal AIR (AIRmin that attract more mononuclear cells) in an experimental model of IgA nephropathy in order to investigate the effect of genetic background on glomerular disease progression and the participation of the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) chemokine. IgA nephropathy was induced by intraperitoneal ovalbumin injection and bile duct ligation in AIRmax and AIRmin mice. Histological changes, urinary protein/creatinine ratio, serum IgA levels, immunofluorescence for IgA, IgG and complement C3 fraction, immunohistochemistry for macrophages and MCP-1, and MCP-1 levels in macerated kidney were determined. Mesangial IgA deposition was seen only in AIRmin mice, which presented more renal lesions. Increased serum IgA levels (1.5 +/- 0.4 vs 0.3 +/- 0.1 mg/mL, P < 0.001), high glomerular MCP-1 expression and decreased monocyte/macrophage infiltration in the interstitial area (0.3 +/- 0.3 vs 1.1 +/- 0.9 macrophages/field, P < 0.05) were detected in AIRmin mice compared to AIRmax mice. No glomerular monocyte/macrophage infiltration was detected in either strain. In spite of the absence of IgA deposition, AIRmax mice presented discrete or absent mesangial proliferation. The study showed that there are differences between mice selected for AIRmax and AIRmin with respect to serum IgA levels, histological damage and MCP-1 chemokine production after ovalbumin injection in combination with bile duct ligation.

Low antibody responsiveness is found to be associated with resistance to chemical skin tumorigenesis in several lines of Biozzi mice.

High and low antibody responder lines of mice from Selections I, III and G were assayed for two-step skin tumorigenesis using a protocol consisting in initiation with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) and promotion with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Concordant results were obtained in the three selections: low antibody responder mice were shown to be significantly more resistant to tumor induction than the high responder counterparts. The difference was observed for all parameters: kinetics and percentages of tumor incidence and tumor multiplicity. The three bidirectional selective breeding experiments differed in several respects namely, the origin of the foundation populations, the antigens and immunization protocols used during the selection, as well as the breeding unit environments. Therefore, the consistent results relative to tumorigenesis strongly suggest that some of the alleles relevant to multispecific 'low' antibody production could contribute to the resistance to cutaneous chemical tumorigenesis.

Effects of losartan and candesartan monotherapy and losartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination therapy in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Losartan Trial Investigators.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study was to compare the effects of losartan potassium (hereafter referred to as losartan), candesartan cilexitil (hereafter referred to as candesartan), and losartan/hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in patients with mild to moderate hypertension (sitting diastolic blood pressure [SiDBP] 95-115 mm Hg). METHODS: A total of 1161 patients were randomized in a 2:2:1 ratio to 12 weeks of treatment with losartan 50 mg QD, possibly titrated to 100 mg QD (n = 461); candesartan 8 mg QD, possibly titrated to 16 mg QD (n = 468); or losartan 50 mg QD, possibly titrated to losartan 50 mg plus HCTZ 12.5 mg QD (n = 232). At 6 weeks, the regimens of patients not reaching a goal SiDBP <90 mm Hg were titrated as described, whereas patients achieving this goal continued with low-dose monotherapy. The single primary end point at 12 weeks tested the equivalence of the 2 monotherapy regimens, predefined as a maximum between-treatment difference in the mean change from baseline trough SiDBP of 2.5 mm Hg. RESULTS: At 12 weeks, changes in SiDBP/sitting systolic blood pressure (SiSBP) of -12.4/-14.4 mm Hg with losartan 50 mg/100 mg and -13.1/-15.8 mm Hg with candesartan 8 mg/16 mg demonstrated equivalence between the 2 monotherapy regimens (95% CI for difference in SiDBP, -1.6 to 0.2). At 12 weeks, the losartan 50 mg/50 mg plus HCTZ 12.5 mg regimen had reduced SiDBP/SiSBP significantly more (-14.3/-18.0 mm Hg) than either the candesartan 8 mg/16 mg (SiDBP, P = 0.045; SiSBP, P = 0.017) or losartan 50 mg/100 mg regimen (SiDBP and SiSBP, P = 0.001). During the last 6 weeks, patients whose regimen had been titrated to losartan 50 mg plus HCTZ 12.5 mg (n = 114) showed a greater reduction in SiDBP/SiSBP (-14.5/ -18.7 mm Hg) than did those whose regimen had been titrated to either losartan 100 mg (-10.5/-12.3 mm Hg; n = 211) or candesartan 16 mg (-11.5/-13.2 mm Hg; n = 206), representing a clinically meaningful > or = 2.5-mm Hg) difference. All 3 treatments were well tolerated, with few patients experiencing drug-related adverse events (6.9% losartan 50 mg/100 mg, 7.5% candesartan 8 mg/16 mg, 3.0% losartan 50 mg/ 50 mg plus HCTZ 12.5 mg). Candesartan 8 mg/16 mg increased serum uric acid levels (0.13 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.23), whereas losartan 50 mg/100 mg decreased them (-0.14 mg/dL; 95% CI, -0.24 to -0.04), and losartan 50 mg/50 mg plus HCTZ 12.5 mg left them unchanged (0.06 mg/dL; 95% CI, -0.07 to 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: Losartan 50 mg/100 mg and candesartan 8 mg/16 mg were comparable treatments in terms of blood pressure reduction. After titration, losartan 50 mg plus HCTZ 12.5 mg was superior to either candesartan 16 mg or losartan 100 mg in reducing hypertension. Losartan, but not candesartan, lowered serum uric acid levels and attenuated the expected increase in uric acid levels with HCTZ 12.5 mg.

Effect of vaccination and the immunomodulators "bacillus of Calmette-Guérin, avridine and Propionibacterium acnes" on rabies in mice.

Responses of vaccination and treatment to immunomodulators against rabies in mice were evaluated through macrophage inhibition factor (MIF), intra-pad inoculation (IPI) and serum neutralization (SN) tests and by the detection of gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma). Onco-BCG, Avridine and Propionibacterium acnes were administered to groups of mice. Higher survival rates were found in animals treated with P. acnes. Lower levels of IFN-gamma were observed in the groups of infected and vaccinated mice. The IPI was not effective on detecting the response of delayed-type hypersensitivity. Vaccine induced in the infected animals a more intense response to MIF reaction.

Reduced humoral immunity in uremic mice genetically selected for high antibody response.

Biozzi's Selection IV-A mice, genetically selected for 25 generations for high and low antibody response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC), 2-3 months old, were made uremic by subtotal nephrectomy and characterized for antibody production against the selection antigen. T cell activity was evaluated in vitro by lymphocyte proliferation and interleukin 2 (IL 2) production in response to the super antigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). Total and IgM antibody titers (log2) were similar in uremic and non-uremic low responder mice (total antibody: 4.0 +/- 0.6 vs 3.6 +/- 0.6; IgG: 3.0 +/- 0.7 vs 2.4 +/- 0.4), while uremic high responders presented with non-uremic animals (total antibody: 10.8 +/- 1.6 vs 13.0 +/- 0.2; IgG: 10.3 +/- 1.5 vs 11.7 +/- 0.3). T cell proliferation and IL 2 production were similar in uremic and non-uremic groups after SEB stimulation. The results indicate a genetic effect on sensitivity to humoral immune response modulation by uremic status, with deficient antibody production despite a normal T cell proliferative response to mitogen stimulation in short-duration renal failure in high responder mice.

Effect of bacillus of Calmette-Guérin, avridine and Propionibacterium acnes as immunomodulators on rabies in mice.

The cellular and humoral immune responses of mice inoculated with rabies virus and treated with the Bacillus of Calmette-Guérin, Avridine and Propionibacterium acnes were evaluated in this paper. There was a higher percentage of surviving mice in groups submitted to P. acnes treatment. Lower levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) were found in infected mice. The intra-pad inoculation test (IPI) was not effective to detect cellular immune response, contrary to the results found in MIF reaction. The survival of mice did not present correlation with the levels of antirabies serum neutralizing (SN) antibodies titers, IFN-gamma concentration and MIF response.

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty: technique and results in 80 consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVE: To present our long-term results with the Anderson-Hynes laparoscopic pyeloplasty, performed by a single surgeon. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between August 1999 and December 2009, 79 patients (80 procedures) were operated for primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction. We use the Anderson-Hynes technique by a transperitoneal approach. Patients were evaluated with Ultrasound, Excretory urography and dynamic renal scintigraphy (Mag-3). The perioperative characteristics, complications and results were reviewed. RESULTS: We performed 80 laparoscopic pyeloplasties in 79 patients. Mean operative time was 93.2 minutes (60-180). Crossing vessels were found in 38 of 82 (46.3%) renal units. Kidney abnormalities occurred in 4 patients (1 double ureteropelvic system, one associated retrocaval ureter, 1 horseshoe kidney and one pelvic kidney). Complications occurred in 5 procedures (6.5%): an immediately postoperative bleeding (Clavien 3b), 1 cecal volvulus (Clavien 3b), 1 urosepsis (Clavien 4th) and 1 urinary fistula (Clavien 3a). In this series there was neither mortality nor conversion to open surgery There was recurrence in 3 out of 80 patients (3.7%). They were resolved as follows: 1 percutaneous antegrade endopyelotomy, 1 secondary laparoscopic pyeloplasty and 1 robotic pyeloplasty. There was a 96.3%. of primary overall success rate. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that laparoscopic pyeloplasty compares favorably with the result achieved by open surgery. We believe that laparoscopic pyeloplasty is a good surgical alternative for the management of primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

Crystal structure and transport properties of Ba8Ge43square3.

The single phase clathrate-I Ba(8)Ge(43)square(3) (space group Ia3d (no. 230), a = 21.307(1) A) was synthesized by quenching the melt between cold steel plates. Specimens for physical property measurements were characterized by microstructure analysis and X-ray diffraction on polycrystalline samples as well as single crystals. Transport properties including thermopower, electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity and specific heat were investigated in a temperature range of 2-673 K. The electrical resistivity exhibits a metal-like temperature dependence below 300 K turning into a semiconductor-like behaviour above 300 K. The analysis of the specific heat at low temperature indicates a finite density of states at the Fermi level, thus corroborating the metallic character below 300 K. The temperature dependence of the specific heat was modelled assuming Einstein-like localized vibrations of Ba atoms inside the cages of the Ge framework. A conventional crystal-like behaviour of the thermal conductivity with a low lattice contribution (kappa(l)(300 K) = 2.7 W m(-1) K(-1)) has been evidenced.

Maximal inflammatory response benefits syngeneic skin graft acceptance.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: We investigated the influence of acute inflammation in skin isograft acceptance. METHODS: Two mouse lines selected for maximal (AIRMAX) or minimal inflammatory response (AIRMIN) were transplanted with syngeneic skin. Cellular infiltrates and cytokine production were measured 1, 3, 7 or 14 days post-transplantation. The percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cells in the lymph nodes was also evaluated. RESULTS: Grafts were totally accepted in 100% of AIRMAX and in 26% of AIRMIN mice. In the latter, partial acceptance was observed in 74% of the animals. Emigrated cells were basically PMN and were enhanced in AIRMAX transplants. IL-10 production by graft infiltrating cells showed no interline differences. IFN-gamma was increased in AIRMIN grafts at day 14 and lower percentages of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cells in the lymph nodes were observed in these mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that differences in graft acceptance might be due to a lack of appropriate regulation of the inflammatory response in AIRMIN mice compromising the self/non-self recognition.

Slc11a1 (formerly NRAMP1) gene modulates both acute inflammatory reactions and pristane-induced arthritis in mice.

Mice selected for the maximum acute inflammatory reaction (AIRmax) are highly susceptible to pristane-induced arthritis (PIA), whereas mice selected for the minimum response (AIRmin) are resistant. These lines show distinct patterns of leukocyte infiltration and R and S allele frequency disequilibrium of the solute carrier family 11a member 1 (Slc11a1) gene. In order to study the interactions of the Slc11a1 R and S alleles with the inflammation modulating Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) during PIA development, homozygous AIRmax(RR), AIRmax(SS), AIRmin(RR) and AIRmin(SS) lines were produced by genotype-assisted breedings. These mice received two intraperitoneal injections of 0.5 ml pristane at 60-day intervals, and the subsequent development of arthritis was assessed for 210 days. Cytokine-secreting cell profiles were investigated using enzyme-linked immunospot. Arthritis incidence in AIRmax(RR) mice reached 29%, whereas PIA incidence in AIRmax(SS) mice was 70% by day 180. AIRmin(RR) mice were resistant, whereas 13.3% of AIRmin(SS) mice became arthritic. The presence of the defective S allele also increased arthritis severity, although acute inflammation was higher in mice bearing the R allele. A predominant Th0/Th2-type response in Slc11a1(SS) mice was observed. These results indicate that Slc11a1 is a strong candidate for the QTL modulating acute inflammation and for PIA.