Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

A W Baird

Publications and source records attributed to A W Baird.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Cholestatic pruritus - the role of cutaneous mast cells and nerves.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of pruritus in cholestatic liver disease is poorly understood. Cutaneous mast cells and nerves are thought to contribute to pruritus in several dermatological diseases. AIM: To determine if cutaneous mast cell density, neural density and mast cell-neural interaction are increased in patients with pruritus and cholestatic liver disease. METHODS: Skin biopsy specimens from (i). patients with pruritus due to cholestatic liver disease (CLDP+; n = 6), (ii). patients with chronic liver disease without pruritus (CLDP-; n = 5), and (iii). healthy controls (n = 6) were studied. Biopsies were dual stained immunohistochemically for mast cells and nerves. RESULTS: Mast cell density in the control group was not significantly different from that in CLDP+ group or from that in the CLDP- group. Similarly neural density was not significantly different between groups when assessed either in terms of total nerve area, or in terms of the number of neural elements seen. The frequency of mast cell-nerve contact was not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that mast cells, nerves or interaction between the two may not contribute to cholestatic pruritus. Therefore, therapies targeted at cutaneous mast cells or nerves are unlikely to be of benefit.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Capacitative calcium entry in guinea pig gallbladder smooth muscle in vitro.

This study investigates the involvement of capacitative Ca2+ entry in excitation-contraction coupling in guinea pig gallbladder smooth muscle. Thapsigargin (0.1 nM-1 microM, a sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor) produced slowly developing sustained tonic contractions in guinea pig isolated gallbladder strips. All contractions approached 50% of the response to carbachol (10 microM) after 55 min. Contractile responses to thapsigargin (1 microM) were abolished in a Ca(2+)-free medium. Subsequent re-addition of Ca2+ (2.5 mM) produced a sustained tonic contraction (99 +/- 6% of the carbachol response). The contractile response to Ca2+ re-addition following incubation of tissues in a Ca(2+)-free bathing solution in the absence of thapsigargin was significantly less than in its presence (79 +/- 4 % vs 100 +/- 7 % of carbachol; p < 0.05). Contractile responses to Ca2+ re-addition following treatment with thapsigargin were attenuated by (a) the L-type voltage-operated Ca2+ channel antagonist, nifedipine (10 microM) and (b) the general inhibitor of Ca2+ entry channels including store-operated channels, SK&F96365 (50 microM and 100 microM). In separate experiments, responses to Ca2+ re-addition were essentially abolished by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein (100 microM). These results suggest that capacitative Ca2+ entry provides a source of activator Ca2+ for guinea pig gallbladder smooth muscle contraction. Contractile responses to Ca2+ re-addition following depletion of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores with thapsigargin, are mediated in part by Ca2+ entry through voltage-operated Ca2+ channels and by capacitative Ca2+ entry through store-operated Ca2+ channels which can be blocked by SK&F96365. Furthermore, capacitative Ca2+ entry in this tissue may be modulated by tyrosine kinase.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

A novel spectrofluorometric microassay for Streptococcus mutans adherence to hydroxylapatite.

Adherence to the tooth surface by Streptococcus mutans is an important step in initiation of dental caries. Current in vitro methods used to study bacterial adherence are time-consuming and may involve the use of radiolabels. The aim of this study was to develop a more convenient, high-throughput, microtitre-plate assay of bacterial adherence to hydroxylapatite. S. mutans was labelled with the fluorescent indicator BCECF/AM and fluorescence measured using a spectrofluorometer. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed label uptake. Optimal labelling occurred at 120 min with 50 microM BCECF/AM in DMSO. Viability was similar in control untreated bacterial cells, bacteria treated with DMSO alone or with the label for up to 4 h. Preliminary adherence experiments were performed using four commercially available types of hydroxylapatite. Fluorescence from pre-labelled bacteria was measured for bound cells. The assay was then optimised with respect to time and bacterial concentration using Fluka crude hydroxylapatite. Time course studies demonstrated that adherence reached saturation by 30 min incubation when using 1x10(7) cfu/ml labelled bacteria to 1 mg hydroxylapatite, coated with PBS or saliva. The fluorescence-based adherence assay was highly reproducible in repeated analyses and was useful in demonstrating interference with adherence. In conclusion, this microtitre-plate assay offers a more convenient approach to examine streptococcal adherence and could be used to screen for potential anti-adhesive agents.

Bacterial Adhesion↗
PubMed2001

Role of prostaglandin E(2) and Ca(2+) in bradykinin induced contractions of guinea-pig gallbladder in vitro.

In this study, we investigated the contribution of prostaglandin E(2) to bradykinin induced contractions of guinea-pig gallbladder in vitro and characterized the sources of activator Ca(2+) for the bradykinin mediated contractions. Contractions induced by bradykinin in guinea-pig gallbladder smooth muscle strips were significantly attenuated by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor piroxicam (10 microM). In the presence of piroxicam, a threshold concentration of prostaglandin E(2) (1 nM) significantly enhanced the contractile response to subsequent challenge with bradykinin. Contractile responses to bradykinin were abolished in a Ca(2+)-free medium plus EDTA. The inhibitor of receptor mediated Ca(2+) entry, SK&F 96365 (1-[beta-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-propoxy]-4-methoxyphenethyl]-1H-imidazole hydrochloride, 10-50 microM) dose dependently abolished the response to bradykinin, while this response was only partially attenuated by nifedipine (10-50 microM; a voltage-operated Ca(2+) channel antagonist). Thapsigargin (an inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATP-ase pump, 1 microM) produced sustained contractions of guinea-pig gallbladder strips that were dependent on extracellular Ca(2+). After incubation of strips in a Ca(2+)-free medium with thapsigargin, replacement of Ca(2+) caused a large sustained contraction. We conclude that the contractile response of guinea-pig gallbladder to bradykinin is modulated by prostaglandin E(2). Bradykinin induced contractions of guinea-pig gallbladder are highly dependent on extracellular Ca(2+) which enters through store-operated Ca(2+) channels and partially through voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Lipoxin A(4) and aspirin-triggered 15-epi-lipoxin A(4) antagonize TNF-alpha-stimulated neutrophil-enterocyte interactions in vitro and attenuate TNF-alpha-induced chemokine release and colonocyte apoptosis in human intestinal mucosa ex vivo.

Lipoxins (LXs) are lipoxygenase-derived eicosanoids and putative endogenous braking signals for inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and other organs. Aspirin triggers the production of 15-epimers during cell-cell interaction in a cytokine-primed milieu, and aspirin-triggered 15-epi-5(S),6(R),15(S)-trihydroxy-7,9,13-trans-11-cis-eicosatetraenoic acid (15-epi-LXA(4)) may contribute to the bioactivity profile of this prototype nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug in vivo. We determined the effect of LXA(4), 15-(R/S)-methyl-11,12-dehydro-LXA(4) methyl ester (15-(R/S)-methyl-LXA(4)), and stable analogs of LXA(4) on TNF-alpha-stimulated neutrophil-enterocyte interaction in vitro and TNF-alpha-stimulated chemokine release, changes in mucosal architecture, and enterocyte apoptosis in cytokine-activated intact human colonic mucosa ex vivo. LXA(4), 15-(R/S)-epi-LXA(4), and 16-phenoxy-11,12-dehydro-17,18,19,20-tetranor-LXA(4) methyl ester (16-phenoxy-LXA(4)) inhibited TNF-alpha-stimulated neutrophil adherence to epithelial monolayers at nanomolar concentrations. In parallel experiments involving human colonic mucosa ex vivo, LXA(4)potently attenuated TNF-alpha-stimulated release of the C-X-C chemokine IL-8, and the C-C chemokines monocyte-chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and RANTES. Exposure of strips of normal human colonic mucosa to TNF-alpha induced disruption of mucosa architecture and enhanced colonocyte apoptosis via a caspase-3-independent mechanism. Prior exposure of the mucosa strips to 15-(R/S)-methyl-LXA(4) attenuated TNF-alpha-stimulated colonocyte apoptosis and protected the mucosa against TNF-alpha-induced mucosal damage. In aggregate, our data demonstrate that lipoxins and aspirin-triggered 15-epi-LXA(4) are potent antagonists of TNF-alpha-mediated neutrophil-enterocyte interactions in vitro, attenuate TNF-alpha-triggered chemokine release and colonocyte apoptosis, and are protective against TNF-alpha-induced morphological disruption in human colonic strips ex vivo. Our observations further expand the anti-inflammatory profile of these lipoxygenase-derived eicosanoids and suggest new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
PubMed2001

Tissue cytokine and chemokine expression in inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: This study aimed to determine if mucosal expression of the chemokines IL-8, RANTES and MCP-1 and the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFalpha and IL-6 are elevated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. MATERIALS AND SUBJECTS: Intestinal mucosa samples were obtained at the time of surgical resection, n = 16 from each of the following groups: normal/control, CD and UC. METHODS: An homogenate was prepared of each tissue sample and cytokines measured by ELISA. RESULTS: IL-8 was significantly increased in both disease groups compared to controls Similarly, RANTES levels were also significantly increased. MCP-1 levels were increased in both disease groups, this increase was statistically significant in the UC group only. TNFalpha and IL-6 were significantly increased in the CD group only. CONCLUSIONS: Chemokines, together with key cytokines that promote their release are elevated in mucosal tissues from patients with IBD. It is likely that these chemokines play an important role in the perpetuation of tissue destructive inflammatory processes.

Chemokine CCL2↗
PubMed2001

Microparticle vaccine approaches to stimulate mucosal immunisation.

Entrapment of antigens in biodegradable particles for mucosal immunisation has given successful outcomes in animals, but not as yet in man. Formulations using genuinely stable biocompatible nanoparticles with co-entrapped mucosal adjuvants and/or with surface-conjugated human M-cell-targeting ligands may lead to better uptake of intact antigen by Peyer's patch M cells and delivery to antigen-presenting cells.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2001

Human colonic anti-secretory activity of the potent NK(1) antagonist, SR140333: assessment of potential anti-diarrhoeal activity in food allergy and inflammatory bowel disease.

1. This in vitro study was designed to determine the potential use of the NK(1) antagonist, SR140333 as an anti-diarrhoeal treatment for food allergy or inflammatory bowel disease. The effect of various immune and neuronal stimuli on human colonic substance P (SP) release and the effect of SR140333 on subsequently stimulated mucosal ion transport was investigated. 2. Submucosal and sensory nerve fibre stimulation using electrical field stimulation (1 ms/7 Hz/7 V) and capsaicin (50 microM) respectively, mast cell activation by anti-IgE (1/250 dilution) and granulocyte stimulation using fMLP (50 microM) each released SP and evoked a secretory response. 3. SP and the NK(1) selective agonist, Sar-SP (0.1 - 1000 nM) stimulated an increase in colonic secretion which was antagonized by SR140333 (pD'(2)=6.7 and 7.25 versus SP and Sar-SP respectively). 4. SR140333, at a concentration that blocked NK(1)-mediated secretion (500 nM), also reduced the secretory response to both alphaIgE and capsaicin. This suggests a pathophysiologic role for NK(1) receptors. 5. Capsaicin evoked SP release was increased in tissue taken from Crohn's disease but not ulcerative colitis patients. The response to SP was however reduced by 70 and 89% respectively. 6. Mast cells and sensory afferents contribute to allergic diarrhoea. Since SR140333 reduced the secretory response to mast cell and afferent stimulation this compound may be particularly useful in reducing the symptoms of food allergy.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

In vitro neuronal and vascular responses to 5-HT in rats chronically exposed to MDMA.

1. This study examined the effects of chronic exposure of rats to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) on [(3)H]5-hydroxytryptamine ([(3)H]5-HT) re-uptake into purified rat brain synaptosomes, 5-HT-induced isometric contraction of aortic rings and [(3)H]5-HT re-uptake into rat aorta. 2. Rats were administered MDMA (20 mg kg(-1) i.p.) twice daily over 4 days. One, 7, 14 or 21 days post treatment, whole brain synaptosomes and descending thoracic aortic rings were prepared for investigation. 3. Chronic MDMA treatment significantly reduced the maximum rate (V(max)) of specific high-affinity [(3)H]5-HT re-uptake 1 day after treatment and for up to 21 days post-final administration of MDMA. Direct application of MDMA (100 microM) abolished synaptosomal re-uptake of [(3)H]5-HT in vitro. 4. Chronic MDMA administration significantly reduced the maximum contraction (E(max)) to 5-HT at 1 and 7 days after treatment, but not at 14 or 21 days. 5. Chronic MDMA administration had no effect on sodium-dependent [(3)H]5-HT re-uptake into aorta 1 day after treatment, nor did 100 microM MDMA have any direct effect on [(3)H]5-HT uptake into aortic rings in vitro. 6. These results show, for the first time, an altered responsiveness of vascular tissue to MDMA after chronic administration. In addition, they demonstrate a difference in the sensitivity of central and peripheral 5-HT uptake systems to chronic MDMA exposure, and suggest that the action of MDMA in the cardiovascular system does not arise from a direct effect of MDMA on peripheral 5-HT transport.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Sources of calcium in neurokinin A-induced contractions of human colonic smooth muscle in vitro.

OBJECTIVES: Tachykinins have been implicated in the pathogenesis of colonic dysmotility. The sources of activator calcium for neurokinin A (NKA)-induced contraction of human colonic smooth muscle have not been assessed. We evaluated the contribution of extracellular and intracellular Ca2+ to NKA-induced contractions. METHODS: Circular smooth muscle strips of human colon were suspended under 1 g of tension in organ baths containing Krebs solution at 37 degrees C gased with 95% O2/5% CO2. Contractile activity was recorded isometrically. RESULTS: Cumulatively applied NKA (0.1 nmol/L-0.3 micromol/L), produced concentration-dependent contractions of human colonic smooth muscle strips that were not affected by tetrodotoxin (1 micromol/L). The contractile response to NKA was abolished in a Ca2+-free medium containing ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) (1 mmol/L). Pretreatment of muscle strips with nifedipine (1 micromol/L), an L-type voltage-operated Ca2+ channel antagonist, abolished the contractile responses to NKA. Pretreatment with SK&F 96365 (10 micromol/L and 30 micromol/L), a putative receptor-activated and voltage-operated Ca2+ channel antagonist, attenuated the contractile responses. Depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores with thapsigargin (1 micromol/L), an inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATP-ase, had no effect on NKA-induced contractions. CONCLUSIONS: NKA-mediated contraction of human colonic smooth muscle is dependent on an influx of extracellular Ca2+ through L-type voltage-operated Ca2+ channels. Intracellular Ca2+ release seems to have little role to play in NKA-mediated contractions.

Calcium↗
PubMed2001

Potent NK1 antagonism by SR-140333 reduces rat colonic secretory response to immunocyte activation.

The potent neurokinin receptor 1 (NK1) antagonist SR-140333 has previously been shown to reduce castor oil-induced secretion in animal models. The importance of tachykinins in neuroimmune control of secretion and the effect of SR-140333 on key points in this pathway were elucidated in the present study to determine the type of intestinal dysfunction best targeted by this antagonist. Rat colonic secretion and substance P (SP) release were determined in vitro with the use of Ussing chamber and enzyme immunoassay techniques. NK1 receptors played a secretory role as receptor agonists stimulated secretion and SR-140333 antagonized the response to SP response (pK(b) = 9.2). Sensory fiber stimulation released SP and evoked a large secretion that was reduced by 69% in the presence of SR-140333 (10 nM). Likewise, mastocytes also released SP. The subsequent secretory response was reduced by 43% in the presence of SR-140333 (50 nM). SP was also released from granulocytes; however, this did not cause secretion. Functional NK3 receptors were present in the colon as senktide stimulated secretion, an effect that was increased during stress. We conclude that NK3 receptors may play a role in stress-related disorders, whereas NK1 receptors are more important in mast cell/afferent-mediated secretion.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Oxygen metabolites in immune- stimulated ion transport in rat colon: modulation by taurine.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Activation of cells within the lamina propria can cause electrogenic chloride secretion across intestinal epithelia by release and/or synthesis of mediator molecules, including reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs). In this investigation we examined whether indirect (immune) stimulation of ion transport across rat colon was ROM-mediated. METHODS: Paired segments of rat colon, stripped of underlying smooth muscle, were mounted on Ussing chambers in order to measure electrogenic ion transport. Changes in short circuit current (SCC) were used as a measure of net electrogenic ion transport measured in response to the bacterial tri-peptide formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP) which was used to activate lamina propria neutrophils. The effect of the established anti-oxidants catalase and diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) and the putative anti-oxidant taurine upon immune-stimulated ion transport was examined. RESULTS: The anti-oxidant DDTC but not catalase significantly attenuated ion transport responses to fMLP. Taurine applied basolaterally reduced ion transport response to fMLP but not to the directly acting secretagogues forskolin. Taurine applied apically enhanced ion transport responses to fMLP. CONCLUSION: Anti-oxidants, including taurine, may be useful in treatment of colitis. The enhancement of effect seen when taurine was applied apically may have negative implications regarding the therapeutic usefulness of taurine administration to the lumenal compartment.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Expression of specific markers and particle transport in a new human intestinal M-cell model.

The aim of this work was to establish a new, simplified in vitro model of the human M-cell. Cocultures of physically separated human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells and B-cell lymphoma Raji cells were established. The cocultures were characterized under the criteria of morphology, integrity, expression of M-cell markers and cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), and altered particle transport. Using this construct, the epithelial cells were transformed to cells with an M-cell-like morphology and had altered expression of potential human M-cell markers (alkaline phosphatase down-regulation and Sialyl Lewis A antigen up-regulation). The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule was altered and there was an increased binding of lectins wheat germ agglutinin and peanut agglutinin with a 40-fold increase in microparticle transport. The particle transport was size-dependent and could be inhibited at 4 degrees C or by replacing the Raji B-cells with Jurkat T-cells. This new coculture model will enable controlled studies of M-cell development and function in vitro.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed2000

Evaluation of the Caco-2 monolayer as a model epithelium for iontophoretic transport.

PURPOSE: To assess the Caco-2 monolayer as a model for iontophoresis of drugs across a model epithelium. METHODS: The apparent permeability co-efficient (Papp) of mannitol, thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH), dexamethasone and a range of sizes of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) dextrans across Caco-2 monolayers was measured under passive and electrically stimulated conditions. Trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was determined throughout. Transmission electron micrographs (TEM) of the monolayers were taken. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to visualize the iontophoretic transport route of FITC-Dextran (MW = 20 kDa) across a Caco-2 monolayer. RESULTS: Application of 14.3 micro-Eq x cm(-2) across the monolayer evoked a transient drop in TEER. The drop in TEER was accompanied by statistically significant increases in fluxes of all the agents in the mucosal to serosal direction except for FD-70. TEM of test samples exhibited tight junction dilatation, in addition to intracellular vacuolisation. The iontophoresis of FD-20 was visualised with confocal laser scanning microscopy and was localised in paracellular spaces of the monolayer. CONCLUSIONS: The fluxes of mannitol, TRH, dexamethasone, FD-4, FD-10 and FD-20 across the Caco-2 monolayer were significantly enhanced when electric field was applied. The iontophoretic effect appeared to be directly upon tight junctions

Biological Transport↗
PubMed1999

Berberine inhibits ion transport in human colonic epithelia.

The effects of berberine on ion transport in both human colonic mucosal epithelia and an intestinal epithelial cell line (T84) were examined. Berberine (concentration range 0-500 microM) reduced both basal and stimulated ion transport responses in human colonic mucosae in a manner which was non-specific for Ca2+ -or cAMP-mediated signals. Similarly, in cultured intestinal epithelial monolayers, berberine inhibited Ca2+ -and cAMP-mediated responses indicating an inhibitory activity directly at the level of the epithelium rather than an indirect effect through other mucosal element(s). Berberine did not alter the rate of generation of cAMP by adenylyl cyclase or the activity of protein kinase A, the effector enzyme of the cAMP pathway. Berberine inhibited carbachol-stimulated 86Rb+ efflux from T84 monolayers. Berberine also inhibited K+ conductance in apically-permeabilised re-sected mucosae. These results indicate i) that berberine exerts an anti-secretory action directly upon epithelial cells and ii) the mechanism of action may be at the level of blockade of K+ channels.

Berberine↗
PubMed1999

T cell subset involvement in immune responses to Fasciola hepatica infection in cattle.

The lymphocyte response to F. hepatica during a primary infection in cattle was analysed to define the role of T cell subsets in the immune response. Blood lymphocytes were isolated from eight cattle infected with F. hepatica via trickle infection over a ten-day period and from two non-infected controls. CD4+, CD8+ and gamma delta + T cells were depleted from whole lymphocyte populations by magnetic bead depletion. Lymphocytes from infected animals demonstrated a transient, but marked elevation in responsiveness to F. hepatica antigen between weeks 3 and 8 post-infection. Responses were attenuated by depletion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells during this period. Depletion of gamma delta + T cells attenuated antigen responses at one time point only, and at an earlier stage post-infection than when alpha beta + T cells were depleted. Responses to antigen correlated positively with both hepatic fluke burden and with the degree of hepatic damage. This suggests that the cellular immune response was not protective. Antigen responses in gamma delta + T cell-depleted populations were also associated with post-mortem fluke burden and with hepatic damage. This suggests that gamma delta + T cells are involved in down regulating alpha beta + lymphocytes which may have a role in a non-protective or immunopathological immune responses.

Animals↗