Biomedical subjects

C H Cheng

Publications and source records attributed to C H Cheng.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

PubMed1996

Long-term clinical and morphological evaluation of primary membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis.

BACKGROUND: Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is a relatively rare primary glomerulonephritis (GN). Its incidence has decreased progressively in the past two decades. To improve knowledge of this rare GN, a retrospective review of 22 patients during a 12-year period was undertaken. METHODS: From November 1982 to December 1994, from a total 814 cases of primary GN, 22 patients with primary MPGN were diagnosed. Clinical data, medical records, renal pathology and outcome were reviewed. RESULTS: Patients included 15 male and 7 females, aged from 11 to 67 years. The average follow-up period was 46.3 months, with a range of 1 to 140 months. Tissue was available for electromicroscopic study in 11 cases; of which 9 cases fulfilled morphologic criteria of Type I MPGN; the other 2 cases were Type II MPGN. The clinical presentations at diagnosis included nephrotic syndrome (86.4%), impaired renal function (63.6%), microhematuria (50%), gross hematuria (31.8%) and hypertension (50%). Low serum C3 was found in 40.9% cases, 44.4% in Type I and 50% in Type III MPGN. The positive rate of hepatitis B virus infection was 22.7% with 33.3% in Type I and none in Type III MPGN. All 22 patients received various combined antihypertensive agents, immunosuppressant, anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents at diagnosis, but 17 had progressive disease, 4 maintained normal renal function with proteinuria and only 1 had complete remission. Fifteen patients, including six Type I and no Type III MPGN, progressed to end-stage renal failure. Both patients with Type III MPGN maintained normal renal function and responded to treatment. The 5 and 10 year actuarial renal survival rates were 33.3% and 16.7% respectively. The median kidney survival time was 51.2 months. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of cases with MPGN presenting with impaired renal function (86.7%) and hypertension (85%) at diagnosis progressed to end-stage renal failure. Delayed diagnosis and poor compliance were possible reasons for compared with for worse prognosis previous reports. But two patients with Type III MPGN had favorable prognosis previously described. Treatments generally failed to halt disease progression. Since at least five cases (22.7%) maintained normal renal function after treatments, a course of immunosuppressant is probably indicated if there is no contraindication. Further study with a larger population is warranted to clarify this issue.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Functional consequences of mutations in amino acid residues that stabilize calcium binding to the first epidermal growth factor homology domain of human protein C.

Charge-to-alanine mutations of three amino acid residues, viz, D46, D48, and D/Hya71, which are known to be important in stabilizing Ca2+ binding to epidermal growth factor (EGF) domains of vitamin K-dependent blood coagulation proteins, have been engineered into recombinant human protein C (r-PC). The resulting variants were then employed to assess the importance of this Ca2+ binding site in the activation properties of r-PC and in the activity of activated protein C (APC). Another mutation, of D48 to E, was constructed in order that a more conservative mutation at the Ca2+ binding site could be similarly examined. The mutant proteins were fully processed with regard to proper signal peptide cleavage, gamma-carboxylation, and beta-hydroxylation, except, of course, for the D71A mutant in this latter case. The D48E variant possessed an additional residue of gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla), showing that E48 was gamma-carboxylated. All of the mutants were reactive against a monoclonal antibody (MAb) specific for a Ca(2+)-dependent epitope within the amino-terminus of the Gla domain of r-PC, demonstrating that a proper Ca(2+)-dependent conformation was adopted in this region of the protein. None of the mutants, except for [D48 gamma]r-PC, were reactive against another Ca(2+)-dependent MAb which possessed specificity for Ca2+ binding to the EGF1 region of PC-this being the area of the protein that contained the mutated residues. These data strongly suggest that the alanine mutations present at D46, D48, and D71 diminished Ca2+ binding to the EGF1 domain of r-PC. Steady state kinetic analysis demonstrated that determinants for the Ca(2+)-dependent inhibition of the thrombin (fIIa)-catalyzed activation of r-PC, and for the kinetic recognition of the fIIa/thrombomodulin complex, were not dependent on the integrity of the Ca2+ sites present in EGF1. The lone exception was [D48 gamma]r-PC, which did not undergo inhibition by Ca2+, an effect likely due to the potential for altered coordination of Ca2+ due to the Gla insertion, rather than to a dependency on D48. Plasma-based anticoagulant assays, as well as individual factor Va and factor VIIIa inactivation assays, showed that only [D71A]r-APC possessed a significantly reduced activity compared to wild-type r-APC. These observations suggest that D/Hya71 is likely an important determinant for activity of APC toward its physiological substrates, factor Va and factor VIIIa.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1996

Extramedullary thoracic myxopapillary ependymoma--a case report of a rare tumour.

We report a case of thoracic exophytic myxopapillary ependymoma with imaging modality mimicking an intradural extramedullary tumour. This tumour showed hypointense relative to the spinal cord on T1-weighted (TR516/TE17) images and hyperintense on T2-weighted (TR4000/TE84) images. It revealed strong enhancement on T1-weighted (TR500/TE11) images. These findings were diagnosed as a meningioma by the radiologist. The tumour was proven to arise from the ventral side of the thoracic cord, and was totally excised. It was verified histopathologically as a myxopapillary ependymoma.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

PubMed1995

Antifreeze peptide heterogeneity in an antarctic eel pout includes an unusually large major variant comprised of two 7 kDa type III AFPs linked in tandem.

The structural heterogeneity of the major antifreeze peptides (AFPs) from the antarctic eel pout, Lycodichthys dearborni (formerly classified as Rhigophila dearborni) was characterized. Three major AFPs designated as RD1, RD2 and RD3, and five minor ones were isolated from the fish plasma. RD1 and RD2 are both 64 residues in length, about 7 kDa, and thus similar in size to all characterized type III AFPs, while RD3 is twice as large, about 14 kDa, and represents the first example of a disparately large size variant within the same fish for the three known types of antifreeze peptides. RD3 was found to be 134 residues in length, arranged as a 64-residue N-terminal half and a 61-residue C-terminal half of similar sequence to each other and to the 7 kDa type III AFPs, linked by a 9-residue connector of unmatched sequence. RD3 has slightly lower antifreeze activity than its 7 kDa counterparts, with a melting-freezing point difference of about 0.81 degrees C at 10 mg/ml versus 0.95 degrees C and 0.90 degrees C for RD1 and RD2, respectively. RD1 and RD2 are 94% identical in sequence to each other. They are 98% and 94%, respectively identical to N-terminal half of RD3, and 85% and 77%, respectively, identical to C-terminal half of RD3. By sequence comparison, a previously characterized AFP from this fish [1] was identified to be RD2.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Immunocytochemical localization of ribonuclease in yolk granules of adult Rana catesbeiana oocytes.

To determine the localization of the pyrimidine-guanine sequence-specific ribonuclease in Rana catesbeiana (bullfrog) oocytes, the RNase was first isolated and used to prepare a specific rabbit antiserum. Only one protein of similar molecular size to the RNase was immunoprecipitated from ovary homogenate by the antiserum, but two bands were observed by Western blotting analysis. These two proteins were shown by further purification of antibody and Western blotting analysis to have similar antigenicity. Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting of tissue homogenates showed that the RNase was found predominantly in the ovary, but not in other tissues. The specific localization of the RNase was determined by immuno-electron microscopy of oocyte sections incubated with the specific antiserum; the yolk granules, but not other organelles, were found to contain the RNase. Most of the RNase was evenly distributed in the lateral amorphous area of the yolk granule but not in the central yolk crystal area which contains stored vitellogenin proteins. Our results indicate that the RNase is compartmentalized in the yolk granules of oocytes, which might prevent damage to cellular RNAs.

Amphibian Proteins↗

PubMed1995

Comparison and correlation of measurements of glomerular filtration rates by Tc-99m DTPA and 24-hour creatinine clearance.

BACKGROUND: The measurement of 24-hour creatinine clearance (CCr) is most commonly used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR). A new rapid method for determining GFR by radionuclide compound Tc-99m diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid (DTPA) has been developed and widely used in the last decade. The purpose of this study is to compare and correlate the measurements of GFR by the two method. METHODS: The present series included 6 normal volunteer outpatients and 49 hospitalized patients with various degrees of renal dysfunction who were studied at Taichung Veterans General Hospital from June 1985 to June 1986. All patients underwent both Tc-99m DTPA GFR and 24-hour CCr. Tc-99m DTPA computed GFR was calculated using the formula of Gates. RESULTS: The radionuclide computed GFR for each subject was compared with his or her 24-hour CCr. The correlation coefficient (r) was 0.89 with p < 0.001. The subjects were divided into two groups. Group A consisted of 6 normal volunteers and 14 patients with serum creatinine less than 1.4 mg/dl (creatinine: normal range 0.7 to 1.4 mg/dl). Group B consisted of 35 patients with serum creatinine greater than 1.4 mg/dl. Group B was further divided into Subgroup 1 with serum creatainine from 1.4 to 10 mg/dl, and Subgroup 2 with serum creatinine above 10 mg/dl. There was good correlation and less absolute error between DTPA-GFR and CCr in Group A and Subgroup 1. The results suggest that, when serum creatinine is less than 10 mg/dl, either DTPA or CCr is a good method for detection of GFR. CONCLUSIONS: DTPA-GFR measurement using this radionuclide technique has shown good correlation with CCr when serum creatinine is under 10 mg/dl. In patients with renal impairment and with serum creatinine above 10 mg/dl, neither examination is reliable. A more sensitive test to evaluate GFR in severe renal impairment is required for further investigation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Genomic basis for antifreeze peptide heterogeneity and abundance in an Antarctic eel pout: gene structures and organization.

Type III antifreeze protein (AFP) in the Antarctic eel pout (Lycodichthys dearborni) occurs as a heterogeneous family of three major and at least five minor variants collectively maintained at high year-round blood levels (> 20 mg/ml). Two major AFPs (RD1, RD2) are 7 kD in size, and the third (RD3) is 14 kD and is composed of two 7-kD AFP domains linked by a 9-residue connector. The genomic basis for the heterogeneity and abundance of these AFPs was investigated in this study. Genomic library screening statistics and restriction mapping analyses of 16 genomic clones together indicate an AFP gene family of over 40 genes, which would provide a sizable gene dosage for high AFP output. Two genomic clones, each containing 2 AFP genes, were characterized in detail. Three of the genes, were characterized in detail. Three of the genes encode the 7-kD AFP RD2, and are arrayed in direct 8.3-kb tandem repeats. The three gene sequences are nearly 100% identical for a distance of over 3 kb (inclusive of 1.7-kb 5' and 1-kb 3' flanking sequences), indicating strong selective pressure from the freezing Antarctic waters on maintaining functionality of AFP genes for producing adequate levels of AFPs for survival. The fourth AFP gene has multiple exons and translates into a multimeric AFP composed of at least six 7-kD AFP domains successively linked a 9-residue connector sequence similar to that of the dimeric 14-kD AFP, RD3. The presence of an unusually large (2.7-kb) AFP messenger RNA beside two small ones (0.9 kb and 0.7 kb) in Northern blot of liver RNA is consistent with the presence of a large functional multiexon AFP gene. Substantial sequence identity (83%) between the 1.2-kb introns of the multiexon AFP gene and the intron and 5' flanking sequences of RD2 genes suggests that the former could arise from recombinant events that linked two adjacent 7-kD AFP genes in the 8.3-kb tandem repeats followed by duplication events to produce the multiple exons.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1994

Actions of 5-hydroxytryptophan to inhibit and disinhibit mouse behaviour in the light/dark test.

The involvement of 5-HT receptors in behavioural responding to an aversive situation was investigated in the mouse light/dark test. The administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) (12.5-50 mg/kg i.p.) increased brain 5-HT turnover and inhibited mouse behaviour in the light/dark test box. The 5-HT2C/5-HT2A receptor antagonists methysergide (1.0 and 5.0 mg/kg i.p.) and ritanserin (0.1-1.0 mg/kg i.p.) antagonised (methysergide) or reversed (ritanserin) the effects of 5-HTP to an increased exploration of the light compartment; a low dose of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron (0.01 mg/kg i.p.) had a similar effect. The disinhibitory effect of the 5-HTP/ritanserin interaction was antagonised by the 5-HT3/5-HT4 receptor antagonists SDZ205-557 (0.001-0.1 mg/kg) and a high dose of tropisetron (1.0 mg/kg i.p.) but not by ondansetron (1.0 mg/kg i.p.). At these doses tropisetron and ondansetron had no effect in their own right. Thus the dominant effect of 5-HTP in the mouse is to inhibit behaviour, a response mediated via 5-HT2C/5-HT2A and 5-HT3 receptors. A 5-HT4 receptor may effect an opposing disinhibitory potential as revealed by ritanserin.

4-Aminobenzoic Acid↗

PubMed1994

Fabry's disease: clinical, pathologic and biochemical manifestations in two Chinese males.

Fabry's disease is a rare hereditary disease transmitted as an X-linked recessive trait with the primary metabolic defect of an enzyme alpha-galactosidase A, resulting in deposition of glycolipids (ceramide trihexoside) in various tissues, including the kidneys. Two sibling cases of Chinese adult male patients in a family with Fabry's disease were completely evaluated including the clinical, pathologic and biochemical studies. Both of the patients had the similar clinical manifestations such as telangiectases, proteinuria, acral pains, corneal opacities, tortuous renal vessels and recurrent fever. Chronic renal insufficiency was noted in Case 1, whereas Case 2 had normal renal function. Microscopic hematuria was noted in Case 1. In renal biopsy, LM showed foamy vacuolation of the glomerular visceral epithelial cells and EM showed widespread myelin bodies (Zebra bodies) in kidney tissues, most numerous in visceral epithelia in both cases. Those findings are diagnostic for Fabry's disease. The plasma activity of alpha-galactosidase of Case 1 was 0.8 and that of Case 2 was 1.0 (normal reference range: 8.5-18.5 nmol/hr/min). The plasma activity of alpha-galactosidase A of Case 1 was 0.4 and that of Case 2 was 0.8 (normal reference range: 7.9-16.9 nmol/hr/min). All the enzyme activities in both cases were much lower than those of normal subjects. In addition to clinical presentations, pathologic study and biochemical study with assays of plasma or serum activities of alpha-galactosidase and alpha-galactosidase A are important steps in the diagnosis of Fabry's disease.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

PubMed1994

The clinicopathological spectrum of renal amyloidosis.

BACKGROUND: Renal amyloidosis is an uncommon cause of nephrotic syndrome. The clinical conditions in Chinese people remain obscure. This is a retrospective review of the clinicopathological spectrum of 12 cases diagnosed in Taichung Veterans General Hospital from October 1982 to November 1993. METHODS: Charts and renal pathological slides were reviewed retrospectively. A scoring system was set to evaluate the degree of amyloid deposition in the renal tissue. The clinical profile, immunological data, pathological picture and final outcomes are presented and discussed, with literature review. RESULTS: There were 12 cases of primary amyloidosis including 1 case of multiple myeloma. All were confirmed by renal biopsy. The cases were all male with mean age of onset as 53.3 +/- 11.3 (range: 32 to 65 years). The mean follow-up duration was 22.9 +/- 32.8 months. The initial average creatinine clearance was 66.7 +/- 42.7 ml/min; mean daily urine protein was 7.0 +/- 4.1 grams. Nephrotic syndrome was the main clinical manifestation, present in all 12 cases. Other presenting symptoms and signs included: malaise in 7 cases; hypertension and anorexia in 4 cases; limb numbness in 3 cases; low back pain, dizziness and microhematuria in 2 cases each; anemia, headache, stroke, restrictive cardiomyopathy, hepatomegaly, syncope, body weight loss, dysphagia and skin itching in one case individually. Amyloid cardiomyopathy was present in 4 of the 8 patients who received echocardiography. The mean serum albumin level was 1.9 +/- 0.7 mg/dl, globulin level 3.1 +/- 1.1 mg/dl. Urinary Bence-Jones protein examination was performed in 8 cases; none revealed positive response. The mean immunoglobulin (Ig) level for the patients included: IgG 1018 +/- 901 mg/dl, IgA 262.0 +/- 313.8 mg/dl, IgM 104.8 +/- 84.2 mg/dl. There were at least 4 cases with high levels of one Ig but depressed levels in the others. M-component was shown by immunoelectrophoresis (IEP) in 90% of the cases. IEP impression in 10 cases revealed 2 cases of IgA lambda, 2 cases IgA kappa, 3 cases IgG lambda and 1 case IgG kappa monogammopathy, 1 case free lambda myeloma and 1 case negative. The ratio of kappa to lambda chain was 3:6. Bone marrow biopsy performed in 8 cases found only 1 case with multiple myeloma, one with amyloidosis; the other 6 cases were unremarkable. Mesangium was the site of heaviest amyloid deposition, followed by tubular basement membrane, artery and interstitium. The median survival time for those whose total score was lower than 3 points was 97.5 months; 3 to 5 points, 14 months; 6 points or more, 18.5 months. The median survival time was 21.6 months and 3-year-survival rate was 32.7%. The 2 cases with long-term survival were of 111 months and 84 months. The possible reason included: 1) Organ-limited renal amyloidosis; 2) Light amyloid deposition; 3) Younger age; 4) Other undetected favorable factors. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Renal amyloidosis is not a frequent diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome in Taiwan, but it should be suspected in every patient over 50 years old with a recent onset of proteinuria. 2) Renal amyloidosis can be diagnosed only by renal biopsy. 3) Primary renal amyloidosis is a disease of poor prognosis.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Demonstration of a functionally active tPA-like plasminogen activator in human platelets.

The mechanism of platelet-enhanced fibrinolysis is unclear. We therefore investigated the fibrinolytic activity of human platelets and demonstrated that they contain a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)-like plasminogen activator, abbreviated as tPA-like-PA. This activator was detected by ELISA in platelet incubation medium and in platelet Triton extracts. Plasminogen activation assays showed that this tPA-like-PA could induce plasminogen activation to form plasmin. Western blots of Triton extracts incubated with anti-tPA antibody demonstrated a major 64-kD protein band, compared to a 70-kD band for standard single chain tPA, plus a minor 118-kD band corresponding to a complex of tPA-like-PA and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1). Western blots of Triton extracts incubated with anti-PAI-1 antibody produced an approximately similar high-molecular-weight (118 kD) protein band. Fibrin zymographic analysis of affinity-purified tPA-like-PA demonstrated a major and a minor fibrin lysis zone, which approximately corresponded to the tPA-like-PA and its complex with PAI-1 observed by Western blots. Immunogold labelling and electron microscopy demonstrated that platelet activator, either as the free form or co-localized with PAI-1, was present in granules and in channels of the open canalicular system. We conclude that platelets contain a functionally active tPA-like-PA, whose low fibrinolytic activity might be due to its readily forming a complex with PAI-1. This functionally active tPA-like-PA might contribute to the enhanced fibrinolytic activity of platelets observed in platelet-rich thrombi.

Blood Platelets↗

PubMed1994

[The knowledge and attitude of cancer prevention among junior high school teachers].

BACKGROUND: This study was to investigate the knowledge and attitude of cancer prevention among junior high school teachers. METHODS: This study was based on the data collected through personal interviews by the Yang-Ming Crusade, organized by students of National Yang-Ming Medical College, during the summer vacation in 1986. Arranged by 21 city/country Education Bureaus, the crusaders gave lectures on cancer prevention for junior high school teachers in every city and town throughout Taiwan area. RESULTS: Totally 8,568 questionnaires (male 44.3%, female 55.7%) were filled out immediately before the lecture meetings. The results show that the cognizance rate of cervical cancer as the leading cancer (by that time) and the most curable one for women in Taiwan were 69.3% and 37.0% respectively. Pap smear test was known by 96.8% of the interviewees. As to the first source of information of the test, TV ranked highest 47.1%, followed by newspaper and hospital. The effect of "early diagnosis and early treatment" was accepted by 92.4% of the interviewees. A periodical check-up for cancer was thought essential by 93.0% of the interviewees. The concept that "herbs are effective to cure cancers" was agreed by 54.8% and disagreed by 45.2% of the interviewees. Psychological fear (43.0%), physiological suffering (30.9%), and worry of interfering family (14.6%) were considered the most dreadful situations by the interviewees in case of having cancer. Female interviewees were superior to male ones in the accuracy rate of answering the question of "what is the leading cancer and the most curable one for women in Taiwan?" (by that time). It was also found that the older the respondents were, the lower the percentage of the cognizance of knowledge about cancers. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with the primary school teachers and the general population in Lu-Ku town, the results of the knowledge and attitude of cancer prevention for junior high school teachers found in this study were similar to those of the former and better than those of the latter.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

DNA polymerase epsilon: aphidicolin inhibition and the relationship between polymerase and exonuclease activity.

Calf thymus DNA polymerase epsilon readily uses short, synthetic oligonucleotides as substrates for both polymerase and exonuclease activity. These substrates were used to examine the mechanism of inhibition by aphidicolin. Aphidicolin competes with each of the four dNTPs for binding to a pol epsilon.DNA complex. Importantly, aphidicolin binds equally well regardless of the identity of the next template base to be replicated (Ki approximately 0.6 microM). Hydrolysis of synthetic templates of defined sequence by the 3'-->5' exonuclease was examined. pol epsilon preferred to hydrolyze single-stranded DNA 3-fold better than double-stranded DNA (Vmax/KM), while under Vmax conditions single-stranded DNA was hydrolyzed 100-fold faster than double-stranded DNA. Aphidicolin did not inhibit exonuclease activity on single-stranded DNA; however, activity on double-stranded DNA was partially inhibited. Formation of an E.[template.primer].aphidicolin ternary complex inhibits exonuclease activity. However, even under conditions where the polymerase site is completely blocked by a template-primer, the exonuclease retains significant activity.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

The effect of 5-HT receptor ligands on the uptake of [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine into rat cortical synaptosomes.

The effect of 5-HT receptor agonists and antagonists to inhibit [3H]5-HT uptake was investigated in rat cortical synaptosomes. The 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine) uptake inhibitors paroxetine and fluoxetine yielded pKi values of 8.41 +/- 0.12 and 7.43 +/- 0.06 respectively. The 5-HT3/5-HT4 receptor antagonist tropisetron and the 5-HT1A agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) had similar inhibitory potencies to cocaine (pKi values of 6.58 +/- 0.04, 6.47 +/- 0.14 and 6.45 +/- 0.12 respectively). The dopamine and noradrenaline uptake inhibitors GBR12909 and desipramine had comparable values of 6.5 +/- 0.05 and 6.13 +/- 0.07. Other 5-HT receptor ligands had pKi values less than 6.0 (R(+)-zacopride, MDL72222, R(+)/S(-)-zacopride) or 5.0 (5-methoxytryptamine, m-chlorophenylbiguanide, S(-)-zacopride, SDZ205-557, ondansetron and renzapride). It is concluded, with the possible exception of tropisetron and 8-OH-DPAT, that it is unlikely that the effects of the 5-HT receptor ligands to inhibit 5-HT uptake contribute to their effects in vivo.

8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin↗

PubMed1993

Fetal and neonatal outcome of exposure to anticoagulants during pregnancy.

We studied fetal and neonatal outcome of women maintained on anticoagulants (warfarin and/or heparin) during pregnancy. Among 22 Chinese families, 13 mothers (59%) had a history of recurrent abortion or stillbirth while being maintained on warfarin treatment. Twenty-nine liveborn children (17 boys, 12 girls), ages 0.6-11.3 years at follow-up, were analysed for evidence of embryopathy. These were subdivided into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 18 children (12 boys, 6 girls) whose mothers were only given warfarin during pregnancy. Five were small for gestational age, and 12 had features of warfarin embryopathy such as nasal hypoplasia. One had subependymal intraventricular hemorrhage shown on neonatal ultrasonography. Group 2 consisted of 11 children (5 boys, 6 girls) whose mothers were maintained on warfarin and heparin during pregnancy. Three were premature deliveries, and 4 had nasal hypoplasia. One had cleft lip, cleft palate, cataract, microphthalmia, intraventricular hemorrhage, and hydrocephalus. We found that despite the high risk of fetal wastage, there was a relative lower risk of major complications, except for some minor cosmetic defects such as nasal hypoplasia. This might lead to readjustment of advice concerning contraception given to pregnant women who were maintained on anticoagulant therapy.

Abortion, Habitual↗

PubMed1993

Peripheral administration of taurine antagonizes morphine-induced analgesia in mice.

1. A single i.p. dose of taurine (25 mg/mouse) given to mice 3 hr before an i.p. injection of morphine (0.1 mg/mouse) decreased the analgesic response of the animals to morphine. 2. Neither a lower dose of taurine nor the same dose of another amino acid was effective. 3. The analgesic response to morphine was also reduced by inclusion of taurine in the drinking water. 4. The results of the present study indicate that peripherally administered taurine antagonized morphine-induced analgesia, similar to a previous report that taurine administered centrally, diminished the analgesic response to a centrally injected opioid peptide.

Analgesia↗

PubMed1993

Study on the purification of growth hormone-like substance from pituitaries of the snake Ptyas mucosa.

Extract from the snake (Ptyas mucosa) pituitaries was capable of inhibiting the binding of 125I-labelled bovine growth hormone to female rat liver membranes. The growth hormone-like substance was not adsorbed on Concanavalin A-Sepharose nor DEAE-cellulose, but could be purified by gel filtration on Sephadex G-50. It possessed a molecular weight of about 19,000 as judged by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The iodinated snake growth hormone-like substance bound to membranes prepared from female rat and pregnant rabbit livers. The binding could be inhibited by unlabelled snake growth hormone-like substance as well as by bovine growth hormone.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

The profiles of interaction of yohimbine with anxiolytic and putative anxiolytic agents to modify 5-HT release in the frontal cortex of freely-moving rats.

1. The interaction of yohimbine with anxiolytic and putative anxiolytic agents to modify 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) release in the frontal cortex of the freely-moving rat was assessed using the microdialysis technique. 2. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine (5.0 mg kg-1, i.p.) increased maximally the extracellular levels of 5-HT in the rat frontal cortex by approximately 230% of the basal levels. 3. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine (30-100 micrograms kg-1, i.p.) decreased dose-dependently the extracellular levels of 5-HT in the rat frontal cortex by approximately 0-60% of the basal levels. A 5 min pretreatment with clonidine (50 micrograms kg-1, i.p.) prevented the yohimbine-induced increase in the extracellular 5-HT levels. 4. The benzodiazepine receptor agonist, diazepam (2.5 mg kg-1, i.p.) and the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, ondansetron (100 micrograms kg-1, i.p.) (5 min pretreatment) completely prevented the yohimbine (5.0 mg kg-1, i.p.)-induced increases in the extracellular levels of 5-HT. The 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-OH-DPAT (0.32 mg kg-1, s.c.) partially antagonized the yohimbine response. 5. A 5 min pretreatment with the 5-HT3/5-HT4 receptor ligand R(+)-zacopride (10 micrograms kg-1, i.p.) reversed the yohimbine (5.0 mg kg-1, i.p.)-induced increase in the extracellular levels of 5-HT to approximately 30% below the basal levels. A 5 min pretreatment with S(-)-zacopride (100 micrograms kg-1, i.p.) failed to modify the response to yohimbine. 6. The present study provides evidence of the ability of the anxiogenic agent, yohimbine, to increase the activity of the central 5-hydroxytryptaminergic system and the ability of clonidine and various anxiolytic and putative anxiolytic agents to prevent the yohimbine response.

8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin↗