Does fGF8 act as a right determinant during establishment of the left-right axis in the rabbit?
These findings suggest that the anatomy of the early embryo (blastodisc versus egg cylinder) rather than taxonomical differences or asymmetry in expression constitutes an important determinant of FGF8 function in L-R axis formation. The rabbit may provide a useful model for early human embryogenesis, as human embryos develop via a blastodisc as well.
Our data show that elevated concentrations of circulating CXCL12α in PAH predicted poorer survival. Furthermore, elevated circulating CXCL12α was an independent risk factor for death that could potentially be included in a prognostic model and guide therapy.