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Biomedical subjects

A B Ritter

Publications and source records attributed to A B Ritter.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Adaptation of passive rat left ventricle in diastolic dysfunction.

This article deals with providing a theoretical explanation for quantitative changes in the geometry, the opening angle and the deformation parameters of the rat ventricular wall during adaptation of the passive left ventricle in diastolic dysfunction. A large deformation theory is applied to analyse transmural stress and strain distribution in the left ventricular wall considering it to be made of homogeneous, incompressible, transversely isotropic, non-linear elastic material. The basic assumptions made for computing stress distributions are that the average circumferential stress and strain for the adaptive ventricle is equal to the average circumferential stress and strain in the normotensive ventricle, respectively. All the relevant parameters, such as opening angle, twist per unit length, axial extension, internal and external radii and others, in the stress-free, unloaded and loaded states of normotensive, hypertensive and adaptive left ventricle are determined. The circumferential stress and strain distribution through the ventricular wall are also computed. Our analysis predicts that during adaptation, wall thickness and wall mass of the ventricle increase. These results are consistent with experimental findings and are the indications of initiation of congestive heart failure.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1998

Evaluation of residual stress in rabbit skin and the relevant material constants.

Material constants are needed in order to evaluate stresses. The material constants for orthotropic rabbit skin when residual stresses are eliminated, have been evaluated by Tong & Fung [(1976). J. Biomechanics 9, 649-657]. It is well documented that a circular skin sample taken from the human body becomes elliptical in shape. Thus, it is clear that there are residual stresses in human skin which need to be taken into consideration when evaluating the material constants. In this paper, we therefore evaluate the material constants for rabbit skin taking into account residual stresses.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Optimal patterns for suturing wounds.

A mathematical model for computing stresses in sutured human skin wounds is presented. The model uses the incremental law of elasticity and elastic constants valid for in vivo orthotropic skin. The model is applied to compute the principal stress and displacements resulting from suturing small elliptical and circular wounds in a large flat sheet of skin, in order to determine the optimal suturing patterns. It is observed that the average stress index for a circular wound sutured toward the center is almost double that of a wound sutured transverse to the diameter. Thus, the latter type of suturing pattern is preferable. Similarly, suturing an elliptical wound transversely produces a lower average stress index than a circular wound of the same area. It is also found that the optimal ratio of semi-major to semi-minor axis of an elliptical wound is near 3 (for abdominal wounds), i.e., this ratio produces the most uniform stresses along the wound edges, where wound healing is slowest. Since high stresses have adverse effects on healing and blood flow, this work, depicting regions of high stresses, may be used along with other biological factors to help predict regions of slower healing in sutured wounds.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1998

HLA DR and AB surface antigens correlate with cell shape (surface area).

In order to help explain some of the various phenomena associated with both benign and malignant cells, this study was undertaken to determine if changes in the shape of the cell could alter the recognition of the cell. Non-transformed Human cells, HEL 299, were evaluated for their shape and surface antigens. A direct statistical correlation was found between the two surface antigens HLA AB and DR and the cell shape (surface area). The possible significance of this phenomena in non transformed human cells to neoplastic proliferation is suggested.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Residual stresses in oscillating thoracic arteries reduce circumferential stresses and stress gradients.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of residual stresses and strains in the oscillating arteries on the stress distribution in the vascular wall. We employ a static theory of large elastic deformations for orthotropic material (Chuong and Fung, 1986, J. biomech. Engng 108, 189-192) with the acceleration term added to make the theory dynamic. We use the static elastic parameters of residual stresses in our analysis because the dynamic parameters are not available in the literature. Our analysis reveals that the effect of considering the residual stresses is to decrease the very large circumferential stresses at the inner wall by 62% and reduces the stress gradient through the arterial wall by 94% compared to the case when residual stresses are ignored. Thus, because the arteries do contain residual stresses, the consequent lower stresses at the inner wall and the reduced stress gradient may reduce the progression of atheroma. Our computations show that the stress gradients do not depend on the heart rate.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Respiratory muscle length and strength in patients with chronic abdominal distension.

Starling's law (the energy of muscle contraction is proportional to the initial fiber length) has been applied to contraction of inspiratory muscles. Its application to the expiratory muscles is difficult because both maximal length and maximal pressure development occur at total lung capacity (TLC). We hypothesize that decrease of both inspiratory (Pimax) and expiratory (Pemax) muscle strength in chronic ascites (CA) will reflect generalized muscle weakness and stretching of both the diaphragm and abdominal wall as well. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated Pimax and diaphragm length (at functional residual capacity) in 22 patients. Pemax, external oblique and transversus abdominus muscle lengths, and anterior abdominal wall muscle thickness were measured at TLC. We found Pimax (78 +/- 19% predicted), Pemax (61 +/- 17%), and--as an index of general muscle strength--handgrip strength (75 +/- 22%) all to be minimally reduced. Respiratory muscle strength did not correlate with any measurement of inspiratory/expiratory muscle length or thickness. With fluid removal, abdominal muscles shortened; diaphragmatic curvature decreased although diaphragm length was unchanged. Nevertheless, neither Pimax nor Pemax increased. Respiratory muscle strength depends upon generalized muscle strength more so than upon muscle length in CA patients.

Abdominal Muscles↗
PubMed1990

Ascites: its effect upon static inflation of the respiratory system.

This report presents a simple clinical method to quantify the pressure generated within ascites fluid and thus to examine the effect of that fluid upon lung volume. The intra-abdominal hydrostatic pressure (Pih) given in cm H2O is the height of the meniscus of a column of water above the anterior abdominal wall measured with the patient supine. Pih thus may be thought of as a pressure in excess of the height of the anterior abdominal wall. In 23 study subjects, Pih measured 7.0 +/- 4.8 cm H2O; Pih correlated inversely with all static volumes. Furthermore, abdominal compliance (measured as the ratio of 100 ml ascites fluid removed divided by the difference between Pih before and after fluid removal) correlated directly with functional residual capacity. We conclude that the effect of ascites upon respiratory function varies among patients; the variation may be explained in part by Pih.

Abdominal Muscles↗
PubMed1989

Analysis of microvascular permeability to macromolecules by video-image digital processing.

The dynamics of macromolecular transport across microvascular walls were studied in the hamster cheek pouch by intravital fluorescence microscopy. A graded series of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextrans (FITC-Dx) of 20,000-70,000 MW was used as macromolecular tracers. The time-dependent extravasation of FITC-Dxs was videotaped for about 2.5 hr to allow for tracer equilibration in the interstitial space. Permeation of macromolecules from individual microvessels was quantified by digital video-image processing. Histograms of the light intensity distributions for selected fields at various times were measured and used to construct integral optical density-time profiles of the extravasated fluorochromes for particular leaky sites. A nonlinear regression algorithm was employed to determine the effective microvascular permeability (P) for the macromolecules studied using a one-dimensional two-compartmental diffusion model and a step change in macromolecular concentration at the boundary. The calculated P's (X 10(-8) cm/sec) were 47.8 +/- 8.7 for FITC-Dx 20; 31.7 +/- 5.9 for FITC-Dx 40, and 17.5 +/- 4.1 for FITC-Dx 70. Our values are comparable to those obtained by whole organ techniques. The observed differences can be explained by explicit consideration of interstitial resistance in the calculations.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1988

Effect of platelet-activating factor on leukocyte adhesion to microvascular endothelium. Time course and dose-response relationships.

The hamster cheek pouch microcirculation was used to investigate the effects of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on leukocyte adhesion to microvascular walls by means of intravital microscopy. PAF was applied topically at concentrations ranging from 10(-11) to 10(-5) M. An inverse relationship between PAF concentration and number of adhering white cells per 100-microns length was found in venules ranging in diameter from 10 to 60 microns (grouped into 10-microns intervals). Importantly, the PAF-induced adhesion of leukocytes lasted for the 3-h experimental period. We postulate that induction of leukocyte adhesion to venular endothelium is an important role of PAF in inflammatory processes.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Vasoconstrictor effects of platelet-activating factor in the hamster cheek pouch microcirculation: dose-related relations and pathways of action.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) has been implicated as a potential mediator of inflammatory processes. In this study, we quantified the effects of PAF on vessel diameter in a microvascular bed and investigated the biochemical pathways of this compound. The hamster cheek pouch microcirculation was observed with intravital microscopy. Experiments were video-recorded and analyzed with an image shearing device. Vasoconstriction was the predominant vasomotor response to PAF. PAF (10(-10) -10(-5) M) was applied topically to the pouch for 3 minutes. Arterioles ranging in size from 8 to 15 micron were the most sensitive, and they constricted completely in response to PAF 10(-7) and 10(-5) M. Arterioles 21-40 micron in diameter constricted to 12-17% of control after PAF at 10(-7) and 10(-5) M, respectively; they reopened to about 70% of their control value after a few minutes and remained near that size throughout the experiment. Arterioles 41-60 micron in diameter constricted to about 20% control size in response to 10(-7) and 10(-5) M PAF, and by the end of the experiment, these vessels had returned to about 90% control size. To determine the pathways of PAF actions, inhibitors of the arachidonic acid cascade and receptor blockers were used. Dexamethasone, indomethacin, OKY-046 (a thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibitor), and kadsurenone (a PAF-receptor blocker) blocked the vasoconstrictor response to PAF. Our experiments demonstrate that PAF-produced arteriolar constriction in a microvascular bed is 1) dose-related, 2) dependent upon vessel size, 3) largely due to thromboxane A2 activity, and 4) mediated by PAF-receptor interactions.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Inspiratory muscle strength in asthma.

Augmentation of inspiratory muscle strength (Pimax) represents an adaptive response to airway obstruction. We explore the possibility that respiratory muscle weakness may herald hospital admission during acute bronchospasm. The Pimax measured 81 +/- 25 percent of a predicted value in 20 patients with acute bronchospasm (forced expiratory volume in one second, 36 +/- 17 percent predicted). Pimax was related to both hyperinflation (functional residual capacity, as percent predicted) and body weight (subjects were 122 +/- 29 percent ideal body weight), but not to the degree of airway obstruction per se. Furthermore, measurements of axial (craniocaudal) motion of the rib cage and asynchrony of rib cage and abdominal motions during tidal breathing did not correlate with either the degree of air flow obstruction or Pimax. We conclude that little if any respiratory muscle weakness occurs with bronchospasm. Furthermore, Pimax does not correlate with the degree of airway obstruction and does not explain abnormalities of rib cage and abdominal motion associated with asthma.

Abdominal Muscles↗
PubMed1988

Dose-response relationships between platelet activating factor and permeability--surface area product of FITC-dextran 150 in the hamster cheek pouch.

Changes in vascular permeability to FITC-dextran 150 associated with topical application of platelet activating factor (PAF) in the hamster cheek pouch preparation were calculated using a mathematical model (Baxter et al., Microvasc. Res. 34:336, 1987). Least square estimates of apparent permeability-surface area product (PS) and interstitial diffusion coefficient (D) were calculated from the data and the mathematical model using a Marquart optimization algorithm. Calculated PS products varied with applied PAF concentration while the best-fit estimate of apparent D remained constant at 10.5 X 10(-10) cm2/s. Average baseline PS was 16.5 X 10(-8) ml/s. PS increased to 45.2 X 10(-8) ml/s and 52.3 X 10(-8) ml/s with application of 10(-8)M and 10(-7)M PAF, respectively. A further increase in PAF concentration to 10(-6)M decreased the calculated PS product to 30.5 X 10(-8) ml/s. PAF is a potential modulator of macromolecular permeability in the microcirculation. This is the first study which quantitates the changes in PS of FITC-dextran 150 as a function of PAF concentration.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Microvascular transport and endothelial cell alterations preceding skeletal muscle damage in ischemia and reperfusion injury.

We determined the leakage of macromolecules using FITC-dextran-150 as a tracer and measured the extent of no-reflow phenomenon by video field analysis. The cremaster muscle of anesthetized rats was fashioned as a single layer, splayed on a lucite chamber and suffused with bicarbonate solution at 35 degrees C. After a 1 hour period of baseline data collection, ischemia was produced by cross-clamping the cremasteric vascular pedicle for periods of 30 minutes and 2 hours in separate experiments. Macromolecular leakage was visualized after reinstitution of perfusion. Leakage occurred at postcapillary venules 15 to 50 micron in diameter and quickly spread to the interstitium. The magnitude of leakage decreased as a function of time with continuous buffer suffusion, but remained higher than in the control period. No reflow occurred in approximately 30 percent of the muscle microvasculature upon reperfusion. The no-reflow values at 30 minute and 2 hour periods of ischemia were significantly different from the control values but were not from each other. Electron micrographs demonstrated endothelial cell swelling and migration of leukocytes and normal myocytes after 1 hour of reperfusion following 2 hours of ischemia. Our results demonstrate that permeability changes, occurrence of no reflow, and leukocyte migration precede the onset of damage to skeletal muscle in ischemia and reperfusion injury.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Assessment of ischemia reperfusion injury in skeletal muscle by macromolecular clearance.

Qualitative changes in skeletal muscle injury after ischemia are well known; however, quantitative assessments have not been well documented. We have determined microvascular permeability changes by measuring the clearance of fluorescein-labeled dextran of MW 150,000 (FITC-Dextran-150). The cremaster muscle of anesthetized rats was fashioned as a single layer, splayed on a lucite chamber and suffused with bicarbonate buffer solution at 35 degrees C. Clearance is the product of suffusion rate times the ratio of suffusate to plasma concentrations of FITC-Dx 150. After a 1-hr period of baseline data collection, ischemia was produced by cross-clamping the cremasteric vascular pedicle for periods of 30 min and 2 hr in separate experiments. Clearance of FITC-Dx 150 increased from a control value (mean +/- SE) of 8.3 +/- 2.7 to 29.9 +/- 8.1 microliters/min/g after reperfusion following a 30-min period of ischemia, and from a control value of 36.2 +/- 13.6 to 274 +/- 94.5 after 2 hr of ischemia. The differences were statistically significant (P less than 0.05). Our results show a significant increase in microvascular permeability occurring after only 30 min of ischemia. They also demonstrate a direct relationship between the extent of the permeability change and the duration of the ischemic period.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Visualization of the coronary microcirculation using digital image processing.

A system was constructed to allow direct visualization of the coronary microcirculation of a beating rat heart under a microscope. An electrocardiogram (EKG) triggered strobe is used on the video recording and display system to "stop" the action of the beating heart so the surface microvessels can be directly observed. Experimental results are recorded on videotape and played back for frame-by-frame analysis of the data using digital image extraction, image enhancement and edge detection. The digital image processing techniques are designed for multi-purpose applications using recorded video images.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Alveolar microvessels in isolated perfused dog lungs: structural and functional studies after production of moderate and severe hydrodynamic edema.

We have reported earlier that increased endothelial vesiculation follows the development of septal edema and alveolar flooding in isolated dog lung preparations. In this report, established ultrastructural morphometric analyses are coupled with data from physiologic and indicator-dilution studies to evaluate the stage of edema development at which de novo formation of alveolar microvessel plasmalemmal vesicles occurs. The interpretation that alveolar microvessel plasmalemmal vesicles increase prior to alveolar flooding, the final stage of edema formation, is consistent with the results reported here. Moderate pulmonary edema, characterized by substantial fluid cuffing around extra-alveolar arteries and veins and by fluid accumulation restricted to the thick sides of the alveolar septa, is associated with increased vesiculation in alveolar vessel endothelium. Further, a larger percentage of the vesicle population seen is directly attached to the endothelial luminal or abluminal surfaces. The functional significance of an increased population and an altered intracellular distribution of vesicles remains undetermined. The vesicles may provide a minor defense against excessive septal interstitial fluid accumulation, and subsequent alveolar flooding, by contributing to retrograde transport to the blood. Increased vesiculation, on the other hand, may represent an adaptive cellular response to interstitial fluid accumulation.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

An ultrastructural morphometric comparison of the peripheral with the hilar air-blood barrier of dog lung.

Excised and isolated perfused lungs are frequently used as models for studies of fluid flow and membrane transport. Regional variations of the air and blood vascular compartments of the lung have been recognized to result from gravitational effects. This ultrastructural morphometric study considered the components of the air-blood barriers of the peripheral and hilar regions of excised dog lungs. The lungs of three mongrel dogs were fixed by endotracheal instillation of glutaraldehyde and immersion in fixative. Stratified random sampling, point counting volumetry, and line intercept counts were used to determine the thicknesses of the air-blood barrier and the epithelial, interstitial, and endothelial compartments. Point counting volumetry also established the volume density of the alveolar spaces. The morphometric values for structures within the periphery were statistically compared to those within the hilar region by Student's t-test. Endotracheal and immersion fixation as used in this study, combined with stratified random sampling, equalized regional differences in the alveolar lumen volume and air-blood barrier thickness. With these conditions no significant differences in the volume densities of the epithelial and endothelial cells and the interstitium of the air-blood barrier were identified when those of the hilum were compared to those of the periphery.

Animals↗