AIM: To investigate the role of transferrin/transferrin receptor system in transferrin-bound Yb 2 (Yb 2Tf) uptake by U-87 MG cells and the effect of transferrin-bound and -free Yb 2 on proliferation of U-87 MG cells. METHODS: Cell culture and ICP-MS measurement of Yb 2. RESULTS: Yb 2Tf uptake by U-87 MG cells increased with the concentrations of Yb 2Tf, and reached saturation as the concentration in the incubation medium was raised to about 2 ?mol/L. Also, Yb 2 uptake by the cells increased with increase of the mole ratio (Yb 2: apoTf), reaching a maximum at 1.5 mole ratio. Yb 2Tf in 0.4 ?mol/L significantly inhibited proliferation of U-87 MG cells, however, 10 ?mol/L Yb 3+ had no significant effect on proliferation of the cells. CONCLUSION: The uptake of Yb 2 by U-87 MG cells might be mediated by transferrin/transferrin receptor system. Transferrin-bound but not transferrin-free Yb 2 could significantly inhibit proliferation of U-87 MG cells.

Zebrafish is an emerging animal model for studies on auditory system.This model presents high comparability with humans,good accessibility to the hearing organ,and high throughput capacity.To better utilize this animal model,methodologies need to be used to quantify the hearing function of the zebrafish.Zebrafish displays a series of innate and robust behavior related to its auditory function.Here,we reviewed the advantage of using zebrafish in auditory research and then introduced three behavioral tests,as follows:the startle response,the vestibular-ocular reflex,and rheotaxis.These tests are discussed in terms of their physiological characteristics,up-to-date technical development,and apparatus description.Test limitation and areas to improve are also introduced.Finally,we revealed the feasibility of these applications in zebrafish behavioral assessment and their potential in the high-throughput screening on hearing-related genes and drugs.