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Biomedical subjects

C C Huang

Publications and source records attributed to C C Huang.

At least 361 records · Page 20Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Second trimester diagnosis of thanatophoric dysplasia.

Thanatophoric dysplasia is one of the most common skeletal dysplasia, with an incidence from 1:6,400 to 1:100,000 births. While the etiology is unknown, either autosomal recessive or polygenic transmission with 0.2% recurrence risk had been suggested. It is a lethal disorder characterized by extremely short ribs, tubular bones and macrocephaly. Death is often secondary to pulmonary hypoplasia caused by the small thoracic cavity. We present a fetus with shortening of four limbs, typical thanatophoric dwarfism, diagnosed by sonography at the 25th week of gestation. The second trimester diagnosis by ultrasound was crucial, because it gave an alternative option of pregnancy termination when the affected fetus was discovered.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

L-deprenyl (selegiline) decreases excitatory synaptic transmission in the rat hippocampus via a dopaminergic mechanism.

The effect of L-deprenyl (selegiline) on the excitatory synaptic transmission was characterized in the CA1 neurons of rat hippocampal slices by using a intracellular recording technique. Superfusion of L-deprenyl (0.1-10 microM) reversibly decreased the EPSP, which was evoked by orthodromic stimulation of the Schaffer collateral-commissural afferent pathway in a concentration-dependent manner. The sensitivity of postsynaptic neurons to the glutamate receptor agonists, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid or N-methyl-D-aspartate, was not affected by L-deprenyl (1 microM) pretreatment. In addition, L-deprenyl (1 microM) clearly increased the magnitude of paired-pulse facilitation regardless of the interstimulus intervals of 20 to 300 msec used. The ability of L-deprenyl to decrease the EPSP amplitude was not observed in the dopamine-depleted rats. Pargyline and 4-phenylpyridine, the monoamine oxidase type B inhibitors, mimicked the depressant effect of L-deprenyl on the EPSP. Moreover, the reduction of L-deprenyl (1 microM) on the EPSP amplitude was specifically antagonized by sulpiride (0.01-0.1 microM), a selective dopamine D2 receptor antagonist. However, the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, SKF-83566 (1-10 microM), did not significantly affect L-deprenyl's action. These results indicate that the monoamine oxidase type B inhibitory ability leading to an increase of the dopaminergic tonus in the hippocampus is involved in the L-deprenyl-induced depression of excitatory synaptic transmission in the CA1 region of the rat hippocampus. Moreover, application of L-deprenyl (1 and 10 microM) also reversibly suppressed the epileptiform activity evoked by picrotoxin.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Low-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in myasthenia gravis: a case report.

The maintenance effect of low dose, short duration intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy (0.3gm/kg/day for one day) is reported in a patient with myasthenia gravis. The patient had had a progressive course of diplopia, generalized muscle weakness and bulbar symptoms in spite of anticholinesterase agents and steroid therapy for two years. She received a course of high-dose IVIg infusion (0.5 gm/kg/day) for five days, and the symptoms disappeared in few days. However, they recurred 13 months later. Because of the high cost of high-dose IVIg, a trial with 0.3 gm/kg/day IVIg for 1 day was initiated. The clinical neurological manifestations improved within a few hours, and this made natural fluctuation unlikely. She received 4 courses of 1 day, low-dose IVIg therapy during the follow-up period of two years. The beneficial effects usually maintained for two to six months. She was symptom free and had no side effects. The report suggests that low-dose IVIg can be an alternative way, at least in some patients when there is consideration of economic benefit and convenience, compared with high-dose IVIg in the treatment of myasthenia gravis.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Urinary tract tuberculosis: a 10-year experience.

Ninety-seven patients with urinary tract tuberculosis were reviewed from January 1983 to December 1993 at our hospital. Aside from two cases of military tuberculosis and three cases with coexisting active pulmonary tuberculosis, most urinary tract infections developed from a previous primary lung infection. Patients usually exhibited local symptoms. Fever, weight loss and anorexia were uncommon. Eighty-nine percent of the patients had abnormal urinalysis (hematuria and/or pyuria). Eight percent of the patients also had genital involvement, whereas 38% of these patients had normal intravenous pyelogram and urinalysis. Pyelograms disclosed abnormalities in 94% of the 97 patients and most revealed late changes, which were correlated with higher incidence of azotemia and anemia noted at diagnosis. Chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment and at least three antituberculous drugs are required for initial therapy due to high drug resistance rate. Reconstructive surgery is warranted to salvage renal function. Except 6 patients run into maintenance hemodialysis, the renal functions of all patients remained stable during the period of follow-up, either receiving chemotherapy alone or combined surgery. Renal calcification may not represent inactive process, which requires further evaluation.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Non-traumatic rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure.

Thirty-one patients (26 males, 5 females) with mean age 35 +/- 19 years (range 8 to 85 years) were diagnosed as non-traumatic rhabdomyolysis by clinical findings and elevation of serum creatine kinase (CK) between January 1989 and December 1993. Causes, laboratory measures, clinical courses, and outcome were reviewed retrospectively. Drug abuse, seizure, and excessive activity are the most common etiologies for non-traumatic rhabdomyolysis. Twelve patients presented with muscular pain and seven patients with muscle weakness. Twenty eight patients had urinalysis and five of them (18%) had negative orthotolidine dipstick test. Only seven patients (25%) were detected positive orthotolidine test without microscopic hematuria. Patients with acute renal failure had higher levels of potassium and uric acid. The patients who developed acute renal failure after admission had significantly higher levels of uric acid. The peak levels of CK did not correlate with development of acute renal failure. There was no episode of hyercalcemia. Seventeen patients (55%) had acute renal failure. Hemodialysis was required in nine cases. All survivors recovered with normal renal function except one who needed maintenance hemodialysis after two months follow-up. Two patients died of multi-organ failure and sepsis.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed1996

Home mechanical ventilation: investigation of 34 cases in Taiwan.

To evaluate the characteristics of and acceptance by persons in Taiwan who currently use positive-pressure mechanical ventilation at home (HMV), a survey was conducted in August 1992 through home care and equipment providers to investigate these patients. The 34 cases enrolled, including 18 males and 16 females, were classified into four groups: (1) lung disease group (LD) (n = 7) including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis; (2) neuromuscular group (NM) (n = 14) including diverse neuromuscular diseases; (3) spinal disease group (SP) (n = 7) including spinal cord injuries or tumors and (4) unresponsive stroke group (US) (n = 6). The average age of the SP group was much younger than those of the other three groups. The duration of home ventilation was from 1 to 36 months, with a mean duration of 10.6 +/- 8.7 months. Fifteen cases had received HMV for more than one year. Twenty six (76.5%) of the patients were completely dependent. All of the US patients had to be ventilated all day long in contrast to 71.4% of LD completely dependent. The cost of the US group was higher than that of the other three groups. Two of the LD, five of NM and one US patient had been re-admitted because of pneumonia, tracheostomy wound infection, granulation formation or weaning problems before the study. A follow-up survey was done four months, then one year later. The survival rate was 16.7% for LD group, 50% for NM and US group. Of the SP group, all patients were surviving at the end of this study. Most of the present HMV users were satisfied with their setting. It was concluded that HMV is an acceptable alternative way of therapy for long-term ventilation patients in Taiwan. SP and NM patients are better candidates for HMV. The overall one year survival rate is promising, while SP patients had the best prognosis. Patients who had already used HMV for more than 11 months, regardless of the disease, have a better chance to live another year.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Clinical experience of recombinant human erythropoietin in uremic children: report of three cases.

Anemia due to decreased erythropoietin production is one of the major complications in uremic patients. The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical efficiency and safety of rHuEPO in the treatment of anemia in uremic children receiving regular hemodialysis. Three uremic children, age 8, 12, and 14 year-old, under maintenance hemodialysis with hematocrit (Hct) value lower than 20% were observed for 6 months. rHuEPO 50 u/kg were given intravenously three times a week initially. Hct value of 30% was the target of therapy. All 3 children responded to the therapy and reached the target Hct value within 11 to 18 weeks. They received no further transfusion after the therapy. The maintenance dose to keep Hct value around 30% is 75 to 120 u/kg/wk. The serum biochemistry examination showed no difference before and after the therapy. The physical endurance, body weight and height increased in all children. The left ventricular end-diastolic dimension in echocardiography decreased and the ejection fraction increased after 6 months of the treatment. Serum ferritin concentrations decreased in all children. Mild hypertension developed in one child. Heparin dose was increased when the target Hct value was around 30% in 2 children. We suggested that low dose rHuEPO therapy was safe and effective in uremic children, but close monitoring for the development of hypertension and iron deficiency was mandatory.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Cholera associated with acute renal failure and rhabdomyolysis: a case report.

While cholera is not endemic in Taiwan, the number of imported cases is increasing. We report a 59-year-old Taiwanese male who developed severe diarrhea and vomiting, two days after returning from Bali. The patient admitted drinking a beverage with ice purchased from a street vendor. On admission he was weak and dehydrated. The patient suffered from hypovolemic shock and acute renal failure. Elevated creatine phosphokinase indicated rhabdomyolysis. Fluid replacement with Ringer's lactate solution was instituted. Dyspnea and pulmonary edema developed, and hemodialysis was begun to remove excess fluid due to decreased urinary output. Isolation of Vibrio cholerae O1 from stool confirmed the diagnosis of cholera, and doxycyline was begun. The patient's condition stabilized, with increased urinary output, and resolution of diarrhea, vomiting and dyspnea. Cholera, although rare in Taiwan, can be lethal if left untreated. Rapid intervention with fluid replacement is essential to prevent hypovolemic shock and circulatory collapse in severe cases.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed1996

Intentional replantation for iatrogenic perforation of the furcation: a case report.

Intentional replantation is an accepted endodontic procedure for treatment of teeth in which conventional surgical endodontic treatment is contraindicated. This article presents a rare case of intentional replantation of a mandibular molar that had severe periodontal destruction resulting from iatrogenic perforation of the furcation. A 17-month follow-up evaluation revealed an asymptomatic and functional tooth with no radiographic signs of pathosis. The favorable results obtained might be attributed to the preservation of the vitality of the periodontal ligament; the absence of damaging pressure during extraction; the minimal extraoral treatment time; the use of nonrigid splinting; and the immediate repair of the perforation during a one-visit endodontic procedure. The results obtained with this tooth may indicate the possibility of a successful surgical technique for this otherwise hopeless complication of endodontic therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Muscarinic depression of excitatory synaptic transmission mediated by the presynaptic M3 receptors in the rat neostriatum.

The effect of carbachol on the excitatory synaptic transmission was studied in rat neostriatal neurons using intracellular and whole-cell voltage clamp-recording methods. Depolarizing excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) were evoked by cortical stimulation. Superfusion of carbachol (0.01-3 microM) reversibly decreases the EPSP amplitude in a concentration-dependent manner and with an estimated IC50 of 0.3 microM. While, neither the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA, 100 microM)- nor (+/-)-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA, 100 microM)-induced response was affected by carbachol (0.1 microM). In addition, the inhibitory effect induced by carbachol at a low concentration of 0.1 microM was attenuated by 4-diphenylacetoxy-N,N-methyl-piperidine (4-DAMP), a selective M3 muscarinic receptor antagonist. However, other muscarinic subtype (M1 or M2) antagonists could also block the inhibitory effect by carbachol 0.1 microM. The rank order of antagonist potency was: 4-DAMP (M3 antagonist) > methoctramine (M2 antagonist) > pirenzepine (M1 antagonist). Based on these findings, we conclude that carbachol at a low concentration (< or = 0.1 microM) reduced the excitatory response of neostriatal neurons following cortical stimulation via presynaptic M3 muscarinic receptors located on the terminals of corticostriatal neurons.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Presynaptic D2 dopaminergic receptors mediate inhibition of excitatory synaptic transmission in rat neostriatum.

The effect of dopamine (DA) on excitatory synaptic transmission was studied in rat neostriatal neurons using intracellular- and whole-cell voltage clamp-recording methods. Depolarizing excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) were evoked by cortical stimulation. Superfusion of DA (0.01-10 microM) reversibly decreases EPSP in a concentration-dependent manner and with a estimated IC50 of 0.3 microM. In addition, the inhibitory effect induced by DA at a low concentration (0.1 microM) was antagonized by sulpiride (1-10 nM), a selective D2 dopaminergic receptor antagonist. However, D1 dopaminergic receptor antagonist SKF-83566 (1-5 microM) did not affect the blocking effect by DA 0.1 microM. Based on these findings, we conclude that DA at a low concentration (< or = 0.1 microM) reduced the excitatory response of neostriatal neurons following cortical stimulation via the activation of D2, but not D1 dopaminergic receptors, located on the terminals of corticostriatal neurons.

2,3,4,5-Tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-1H-3-ben↗
PubMed1995

Alteration of corticotropin-releasing factor immunoreactivity in MPTP-treated rats.

A decrease of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) concentration has been reported in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The present study further examined the role of CRF in an animal model of parkinsonism induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Results indicated that both subchronic (2 days) and chronic (7 days) MPTP treatments decreased the number of CRF immunoreactive neurons in both the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus and the central nuelcus of the amygdala (ACN). This effect lasted for almost a month after withdrawal of chronic MPTP injections. In addition, nomifensine pretreatment protected against MPTP's toxicity on DA neurons, as assessed by tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the substantia nigra. However, the same treatment did not prevent the toxicity of MPTP on CRF neurons. Further, no significant difference was notable in the number of CRF immunoreactive neurons between normal young adult and normal middle-aged rats in both the PVN and the ACN. These results suggest that MPTP also produces a neurotoxicity on CRF neurons, and this effect is not secondary to MPTP's effect on DA neurons. Besides, altered CRF neuronal activity is involved in the process of pathological ageing, but not physiological ageing. Further, reduced CRF immunoreactivity in the PVN and ACN may imply alterations of neuroendocrine, autonomic as well as central functions caused by MPTP.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗
PubMed1995

Comparison of membrane proteins from benign and malignant human thyroid tissues by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

In this study two-dimensional (2D) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with silver staining was used to analyze cellular membranous proteins of various normal and pathological human thyroid tissues. The aim was to understand the differences in cellular membranous proteins between these tissues, which would aid in the differential diagnosis of thyroid malignancy. Characteristic protein spots had a molecular mass of 50-64 kDa and a pI of 5.7-6.5. There were two groups of isoform protein spots in this area. The higher-molecular-mass group was found in follicular thyroid cancer tissues which and was not visible in normal thyroid tissues. The low-molecular-mass group was found in follicular carcinoma or adenoma tissues and was detected in one to three spots. The papillary thyroid carcinoma tissues gave different 2D gel maps. There were few spots of papillary thyroid carcinoma tissue membranous proteins within the examined area. The 2D gel maps may be used for differential diagnosis of follicular neoplasm. The characteristics of these protein spots require further investigation.

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular↗
PubMed1995

Cyclic adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate potentiates the synaptic potential mediated by NMDA receptors in the amygdala.

An in vitro slice preparation of rat amygdala was used to study the actions of forskolin and cyclic adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) analogues on the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated synaptic potential (EPSPNMDA). Intracellular recordings were made from basolateral amygdala neurons in the presence of 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-di-one (CNQX, 10 microM) and picrotoxin (50 microM) to pharmacologically isolate the EPSPNMDA. Application of forskolin (25 microM) markedly and persistently potentiated the EPSPNMDA. In contrast, the inactive forskolin analogue, 1,9-dideoxy-forskolin, failed to affect the EPSPNMDA significantly. Superfusion of dibutyryl-cAMP (dbcAMP, 200 microM) for 15 min caused a transient depression of the amplitude of EPSPNMDA. The EPSPNMDA amplitude was reduced to 68 +/- 3% of control (n = 10) 15 min after the application, restored to its control value within 25 min, and followed by a long-term potentiation (LTP). Pretreating the slices with 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropyl-xanthine (DPCPX, 5 microM), a selective A1 receptor antagonist, blocked the transient depressive phase produced by dbcAMP. This result suggests that the transient depression induced by dbcAMP was likely due to the interaction of dbcAMP or its breakdown products with adenosine A1 receptors. To determine the site of action, we examined the effect of forskolin on the postsynaptic responses to exogenously applied NMDA. Forskolin potentiated the postsynaptic depolarization induced by NMDA, suggesting that the enhancement is mediated, at least in part, by a persistent upregulation of postsynaptic NMDA receptor-operated conductances. Occlusion experiments were performed to examine whether the sustained enhancements of EPSP(NMDA) produced by tetanic stimulation (TS) and forskolin share a common mechanism.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amygdala↗
PubMed1995

Voltage- and use-dependent block by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) of N-methyl-D-aspartate-activated currents in rat hippocampal neurons.

The effects of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-channel complex were studied in rat hippocampal neurons using intracellular- and whole-cell voltage clamp-recording techniques. Intracellular recordings were made from CA1 pyramidal cells of rat hippocampal slices in the presence of 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX; 10 microM) and picrotoxin (PTX; 50 microM) which block non-NMDA and GABA receptors, respectively. Superfusion of of MPP+ reversibly decreases the pharmacologically isolated NMDA receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP(NMDA)) in a concentration-dependent manner. In other experiments, we observed that MPP+ attenuated NMDA-evoked whole-cell currents in a voltage- and use-dependent manner and was not dependent on the extracellular glycine or spermine concentration on neurons freshly dissociated from rat hippocampi CA1 region. These results suggest that MPP+ applied at micromolar concentrations, is non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist in rat hippocampal neurons.

1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium↗
PubMed1995

Localization of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in middle ear cholesteatoma.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) may have a role in acquired cholesteatoma, which is usually associated with an inflammatory reaction occurring in the middle ear cavity. The presence of ICAM-1 in human cholesteatomas was demonstrated by an immunoblotting assay using a specific monoclonal anti-ICAM-1 antibody after protein extraction. Distribution of ICAM-1 in the cholesteatoma tissues was then studied by avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex staining. ICAM-1 appeared to be localized on keratinocytes in all layers of the epithelium and on Langerhans cells in both the epithelium and granulation tissue of cholesteatoma. ICAM-1 was not found in the epidermis of normal external ear canal skin, normal tympanic membrane or normal facial skin, but significant staining was seen on keratinocytes of hair follicles and glands in the facial skin. The present study is the first to demonstrate ICAM-1 in cholesteatoma and suggests that it may have an important role in the clinical development of cholesteatoma, including migration, adhesion and proliferation of lymphocytes, Langerhans cells and keratinocytes.

Cell Adhesion↗
PubMed1995

Immunohistochemical studies of sensory neurons in rat olfactory epithelium.

The olfactory sensory neurons undergo continuous turnover under normal physiological conditions. Injured olfactory sensory neurons are also replaceable. In this study, we investigated cellular differentiation and growth of sensory neurons in the rat's olfactory epithelium after nerve transection by using immunohistochemical staining with polyclonal or monoclonal anti-olfactory marker protein (OMP), anti-c-jun protein and anti-p53 protein antibodies. OMP is found exclusively in olfactory sensory neurons, while c-jun functions as a transcription factor. p53 protein functions as a negative regulator of cellular proliferation related to the apoptotic pathway induced by DNA damage. The olfactory epithelium sections incubated with anti-OMP antibody showed staining of mature neurons and axons in the epithelium. Nerve transection resulted in a significant reduction in neurons labelled with OMP. On the 9th day after operation, our study indicated some recovery with an increasing number of neurons expressing OMP. In control animals without nerve lesions, c-jun protein immunoreactive neurons were present in the olfactory epithelium adjacent to the basal region. Following days 1 and 3 after nerve transection, no expression of c-jun protein was seen in neurons of the epithelium. On day 9 after transection, neurons in some basal areas indicated expression of c-jun protein. The immunolocalization demonstrated that p53 protein was present in some neurons located on the upper part of the olfactory epithelium. In contrast, an abundance of neurons expressing p53 protein was evident in the olfactory epithelium 1 and 3 days after nerve transection, indicating more cell deaths.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗