Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

C Svensson

Publications and source records attributed to C Svensson.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Excretion of Eimeria oocysts in calves during their first three weeks after turn-out to pasture.

The numbers of Eimeria oocysts per gram (opg) and the dry matter content of 449 faecal samples taken from 54 calves in 8 herds in south west Sweden were determined during the last 2 weeks before and the first 3 weeks after the animals were turned out to pasture. While they were housed only between 0 and 580 opg were found and in 2 of the herds the numbers of oocysts remained low after turn-out. In the other 6 herds the numbers of oocysts increased after 8 to 10 days and reached a peak of between 1080 and 80,803 opg 9 to 18 days after turn-out. By 21 to 24 days after turn-out the opg-values had declined to their initial levels. Eimeria alabamensis accounted for most of the increase, but small numbers of oocysts of E. auburnensis, E. bovis, E. bukidnonensis, E. cylindrica, E. ellipsoidalis, E. pellita, E. subspherica, E. wyomingensis and E. zuernii were also observed. The interval between turn-out and the start of the increase in excretion of oocysts corresponded closely to the prepatent period of E. alabamensis and overwintered oocysts were therefore the most likely source of the infection. In 6 of the herds the dry matter content of the faeces of the calves decreased after turn-out and 56% of the calves had clinical diarrhoea. Although it cannot be excluded that change of diet may have contributed to these symptoms, E. alabamensis infection is suggested as a potential cause of diarrhoea and loss of condition in calves in Sweden during their first weeks on pasture.

Animals↗

Peripartal excretion of Eimeria oocyst by cows on Swedish dairy farms and the age of calves at first excretion.

Faecal samples were collected 3 times a week for 6 weeks from 22 paripartal cows and for up to 15 weeks after birth from 27 calves in 3 herds, to determine the numbers of Eimeria oocysts excreted and the age at which the calves first excreted oocysts. Only low numbers of oocysts were excreted by the cows and no oocysts were detected in 93% of the samples. However, half the cows excreted oocysts at least once. The age at which the calves first excreted oocysts ranged from 2.5 to at least 15 weeks, and there was a significant difference between the herds in their mean age at first excretion. Oocysts of Eimeria alabamensis, E. auburnensis, E. bovis and E. ellipsoidalis were found in numbers ranging from 7 to 8450 oocysts per gram faeces. About 50% of the calves excreted oocysts before they were transferred to group pens. The primary source of infection of the calves was probably their penmates or the previous occupants of the pens, and the cows probably played a subsidiary role.

Age Factors↗

Elevated stromelysin-1 and reduced collagenase-IV expression in invasive rat embryo fibroblasts expressing E1A deletion mutants + T24-H-ras.

We have studied the in vitro invasive properties of 3 cell lines derived from the co-transfection of rat embryo fibroblasts (REF) with EIA genes deficient in exon 2 and T24-ras. All 3 cell lines showed invasive properties at passage 10 after isolation. Invasive cells expressed elevated levels of stromelysin-1 and reduced levels of 68-kDa type-IV collagenase compared with untransfected REF. In 2 cell lines the invasive capacity increased during in vitro propagation. The expression of stromelysin-1 increased during this process, whereas 68-kDa type-IV collagenase was persistently expressed at reduced levels. In the third clone analyzed, the invasive capacity decreased during culture, in parallel with decreased expression of stromelysin-1. The low level of stromelysin-1 expression observed in this cell line did not result from loss of AP-1-transcription-factor activity, and was not reversed by phorbol-ester treatment.

Adenovirus Early Proteins↗

Control of adenovirus major late gene expression at multiple levels.

Most late adenovirus (Ad) proteins are translated from mRNAs originating from the so-called major late transcription unit (MLTU). These mRNAs are grouped into five families (designated L1 to L5), where each family consists of mRNAs that have co-terminal 3' ends. We have used mutant and wild-type Ad infections to characterize levels at which major late gene expression is regulated. Our results suggest the existence of a novel intermediate stage during a lytic infection where mRNAs from regions L1 and L4 are selectively overexpressed compared to the L2, L3, and L5 mRNAs. Our data suggest that this RNA phenotype reflects the activity of the MLTU at a transient stage immediately following initiation of viral DNA replication. Early during an Ad infection only mRNA from region L1 accumulate. To efficiently accumulate mRNA from regions L1 and L5 both viral DNA replication and late protein synthesis were required. To allow for only viral DNA replication resulted in an extensive premature transcription termination and a preferential mRNA accumulation from regions L1 and L4. The surprising production of L4 mRNA under these conditions was not due to the activation of a novel r-strand promoter located in the vicinity of region L4 or due to a control at the level of RNA transport or stability. Instead our results indicate that in the absence of efficient late protein synthesis 3' end formation occurs preferentially at the L1 and L4 poly(A) addition sites.

Adenoviridae↗

The carboxy-terminal exon of the adenovirus E1A protein is required for E4F-dependent transcription activation.

The adenovirus-2 E1A 289R transcription activator protein contains a 49 amino acid sequence (designated CR3) that has been suggested to represent the minimal domain required for E1A-induced activation of viral early transcription. We show here that the non-conserved carboxy-terminal E1A exon contains two interchangeable elements that are required for efficient CR3-dependent transactivation of the adenovirus E4 promoter in HeLa cells. These two elements do not encode independent transactivation functions and have been designated auxiliary regions (ARs) 1 and 2. The effects of AR1 and AR2 are not additive, suggesting that they contribute a mechanistically analogous function in transcription. Previous studies have suggested that two cellular transcription factors, ATF-2 and E4F, can function together with E1A to induce transcription of the E4 promoter. The importance of respective factors for E4 transcription has not been resolved. We find that E1A activation of E4F, but not ATF-2 (or other ATF factors), is AR1- and AR2-dependent. This result suggests that E1A induction of the E4 promoter in HeLa cells is primarily mediated by E4F.

Activating Transcription Factors↗

Induction chemotherapy with carboplatin and 5-fluorouracil in combination with radiotherapy in loco-regionally advanced epidermoid carcinoma of the anus--preliminary results.

During the last decade conservative treatment of anal carcinoma based on radiotherapy has gained popularity. Radiotherapy is often combined with concurrent chemotherapy although no firm evidence exists that such combinations are more effective than radiotherapy alone. Treatment results with respect to anal sphincter function are generally better for small tumors. In an effort to improve the treatment results for locally advanced epidermoid anal carcinoma, a selection of patients with such tumors has been treated with induction chemotherapy comprising two or three courses of a combination of carboplatin 300-350 mg/m2 i.v. and 5-fluorouracil 1,000 mg/(m2 x d) x 5 d prior to radiotherapy. Six female patients aged 37 to 74 have completed the regimen. All had complete tumor regressions at conclusion of radiotherapy. No recurrence has yet occurred but the follow-up period is still short (8-21 months). No interruption of chemotherapy due to toxic side effects was necessary and no severe toxicity registered. Further study is needed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the regimen, but these early findings are promising.

Adult↗

Perianal Paget's disease: report of five cases.

Paget's disease of the anus is a rare perianal disorder. The condition is often associated with underlying invasive carcinoma. The prognosis is poor when rectal adenocarcinoma is present. Five own cases of perianal Paget's disease are presented. In two of our cases an underlying adenocarcinoma was found in the anorectum. Adenocarcinoma is sweat gland ducts was found in one case. One patient developed an adenocarcinoma in the anorectal junction four years after the Paget diagnose. In only one of our cases no underlying adenocarcinoma was found.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Residential radon exposure and lung cancer in Swedish women.

A case-control study was undertaken to investigate the role of residential radon exposure for lung cancer. The study included 210 women with lung cancer diagnosed from 1983-1986 in the county of Stockholm and 191 hospital and 209 population controls. Interviews provided information on lifetime residences and smoking. Radon concentrations measured in 1,573 residences of the study subjects showed a lognormal distribution with arithmetic and geometric means of 127.7 and 96.0 Bq m-3, respectively. Lung cancer risks tended to increase with estimated radon exposure, reaching a relative risk of 1.7 (95% confidence interval: 1.0-2.9) in women having an average radon level exceeding 150 Bq m-3 (4 pCi L-1). Stronger associations were suggested in younger persons and risk estimates appeared to be within the same range as those projected for miners. However, further studies are needed to clarify the level of risk associated with exposure to residential radon.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗

Topical vasoconstrictor (oxymetazoline) does not affect histamine-induced mucosal exudation of plasma in human nasal airways.

Mucosal exudation of almost unfiltered plasma proteins, plasma-derived mediators and fluid has recently been advanced as a major respiratory defence mechanism. Oxymetazoline chloride is a commonly used decongestant agent. By reducing blood flow it may reduce mucosal exudation and thus compromise the mucosal defence capacity. This study examines the effect of topically applied oxymetazoline on histamine-induced plasma exudation into human nasal airways. Twelve normal volunteers participated in a double-blind, randomized, cross-over and placebo-controlled study with pretreatment with a single dose oxymetazoline chloride (5 micrograms or 50 micrograms; a dose previously known to reduce nasal mucosal blood flow by almost 50%) prior to the histamine challenge sequence. Nasal lavages were performed every 10 min for 140 min, and three histamine challenges were performed at 30-min intervals during this period. The concentrations of two exudative indices, N-alpha-tosyl-L-arginine methyl ester (TAME)-esterase activity and albumin, were measured in the nasal lavage fluids. Nasal symptoms (sneezing, nasal secretion and blockage) were assessed by a scoring technique. Histamine induced all three symptoms with correlatively raised levels of the biochemical markers for plasma exudation. Oxymetazoline chloride caused a significant decrease in nasal stuffiness, but did not influence the other nasal symptoms or the histamine-induced plasma exudation. It is concluded that histamine-induced plasma exudation is not influenced by topical oxymetazoline. Thus, an important airway defence reaction such as plasma exudation may be little affected by topical alpha-adrenoreceptor-mediated vasoconstriction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration, Topical↗

Amitriptyline and amitriptyline metabolites in blood and cerebrospinal fluid following human overdose.

The toxicokinetics of amitriptyline were studied in nine patients admitted to hospital in Matthew-Lawson Coma Scale grade III-IV after an estimated ingestion of 1-5 g amitriptyline. Gastric lavage was performed and 50 g activated charcoal were given orally. Venous blood samples were taken on admission and at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 h, and in some patients at 36 and 48 h after admission. Arterial blood samples were taken at 1, 4, 8, and 24 h after admission. Lumbar punctures were performed 1 h after admission in 8 patients and again 4 h later in 5 patients. A urine sample was screened for other drugs. The bound and unbound fraction of amitriptyline and its metabolites nortriptyline, E and Z forms of 10-OH-amitriptyline and nortriptyline were analyzed in plasma, whole blood, red blood cells, and cerebrospinal fluid using an HPLC technique. The T1/2 alpha and T1/2 beta for amitriptyline were 1.5 - 3.1 and 15 - 43 h respectively. The rate of elimination of amitriptyline was not dose-dependent. The arteriovenous differences in the total amitriptyline+nortriptyline concentration were maximal in patients admitted soon after intake of drugs. Amitriptyline concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid were quantitatively similar to the unbound amitriptyline concentration in blood. The highest cerebrospinal fluid amitriptyline concentration was 506 nmol/L. There were large individual differences in plasma, blood and cerebrospinal fluid concentrations between different individuals. Repeated quantitative analysis of amitriptyline and its metabolites is unlikely to contribute to the clinical management of most patients with amitriptyline overdose.

Adult↗

Enhanced invasive properties of rat embryo fibroblasts transformed by adenovirus E1A mutants with deletions in the carboxy-terminal exon.

E1A genes deficient in the carboxy-terminal exon can cooperate with activated ras oncogenes to induce transformation of rat embryo fibroblasts. However, the resulting transformed foci show a distinct appearance characterized by a decreased adhesion of the cells to the substrate. Here, we demonstrate that cell lines derived from foci showing the variant morphology are defective in down-regulation of stromelysin 1 metalloprotease expression and show an increased invasive propensity compared with cells transformed by wild-type E1A. The altered focus morphology, the high invasive propensity and the elevated stromelysin 1 expression were abrogated by glucocorticoid treatment. Our results show that E1A functions necessary for transformation and inhibition of invasive properties may be separated, and indicate that a 23 amino acid serine/threonine-rich region within the E1A carboxy-terminal exon is required for efficient repression of metalloprotease expression in transformed cells.

Adenovirus Early Proteins↗

Transanorectal ultrasonography in the staging of anal epidermoid carcinoma.

Fifty consecutive patients with anal canal epidermoid carcinoma were evaluated by transanorectal ultrasonography (TRUS) at diagnosis. Forty-six patients were treated with primary radiotherapy plus bleomycin. Twenty-eight of the last 30 patients underwent, in addition, planimetric volume determination. The ultrasound findings were compared with clinical stage as assessed by digital palpation. Tumours in clinical stages T1-2 showed evidence of penetration through the anorectal muscular wall at ultrasound (UT3-4) in two-thirds of the cases. This was the case in all tumours in clinical stages T3-4. A clear correlation between tumour size, depth of invasion, and tumour volume, respectively, and residual tumour after a "pre-operative" dose of 40 Gy plus bleomycin was found. When combining clinical stage with TRUS, all tumours classified as T1-2/UT1-2 had a complete response (CR) after the first radiotherapy period, whereas the corresponding figures for those with deep invasion ultrasonographically (T1-2/UT3-4 and T3-4/UT3-4) were 64 percent and 0 percent, respectively. It thus appears that TRUS could complement digital palpation in staging anal canal carcinoma.

Adult↗

Glucocorticoid hormones may partially substitute for adenovirus E1A in cooperation with ras.

The effects of hormonal promotion of T24-ras oncogene-transfected rat embryo fibroblasts (REF) were compared to cotransformation of these cells with adenovirus E1A and ras. Cotransfection of E1A + ras resulted in the appearance of morphologically transformed cells which were very efficiently established into cell lines. Addition of glucocorticoid hormones to T24-ras-transfected REF cells resulted in cells with a transformed morphology and a capacity to form foci. These foci were, however, inefficiently established into stable cell lines. Removal of hormone from growing cells resulted in retarded growth, suggesting that the hormone acted as a growth factor on these cells. Both E1A-transformed cells and hormone-treated ras-transformed cells showed a reduction in synthesis of high molecular weight tropomyosin isoforms and a decreased expression of surface fibronectin. Control experiments demonstrated that the effects of hormone were mediated through the glucocorticoid receptor. Our findings suggest that glucocorticoid hormones may promote the in vitro growth of ras-initiated REF cells into stably transformed cell lines, but that this ability is limited compared to that of adenovirus E1A.

Adenoviridae↗

Long-term effects of a high glucose concentration in vitro on the oxidative metabolism and insulin production of isolated rat pancreatic islets.

The present study was performed to clarify whether exposure in tissue culture of pancreatic islet B cells to high glucose concentrations will lead to glucose insensitivity and/or toxicity. For this purpose, isolated rat islets were maintained in tissue culture for up to 7 days in the presence of either 5.6, 11, or 56 mmol/L glucose and subsequently analyzed with regard to oxidative metabolism, insulin release, islet content of insulin, and insulin mRNA. Islets maintained at 56 mmol/L glucose showed a decreased insulin content, but no changes in insulin mRNA content when compared with control islets (cultured at 11 mmol/L glucose). In short-term incubations of the high-glucose cultured islets, the rate of insulin release at 1.67 mmol/L glucose was enhanced and could not be further stimulated by a 16.7-mmol/L glucose challenge. However, the insulin release at 16.7 mmol/L was decreased when compared with islets cultured at 11 mmol/L glucose. Islets cultured at 56 mmol/L glucose showed an increased oxygen uptake when incubated at 1.67 mmol/L glucose with no further stimulation at 16.7 mmol/L glucose. These islets also showed increased rates of glucose oxidation at incubation with 1.67 mmol/L glucose, but similar rates of oxidation at 16.7 mmol/L glucose as compared with islets cultured in 11 mmol/L glucose. Islets cultured at 5.6 mmol/L glucose showed decreased insulin release when incubated at either 1.67 mmol/L or 16.7 mmol/L glucose. The rates of glucose oxidation of these islets were also decreased at 16.7 mmol/L glucose when compared with the controls, whereas the oxygen uptake was decreased only during incubation at 1.67 mmol/L glucose. There was also a decreased content of insulin mRNA in these islets.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Independent transformation activity by adenovirus-5 E1A-conserved regions 1 or 2 mutants.

Two conserved regions (CR1 and CR2) on the adenovirus E1A proteins have previously been shown to be required for cooperation with the ras oncogene in the transformation of primary rodent cells. Sequences within these regions are essential for the ability of E1A to associate with the 105K product of the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene, p105-RB, as well as with other cellular proteins, including a 107K (p107) and a 300K (p300) species. In this paper, we show that CR1 mutants deficient in p300 binding and CR2 mutants with lost or reduced binding of p105-RB and/or p107 have a low, but not abolished focus formation activity. In contrast, CR1/CR2 double mutants were deficient in focus formation, suggesting that the transformation activities displayed by the single CR1 or CR2 mutants were due to an independent transformation activity by both CR1 and CR2. No strict correlation between p105-RB binding and E1A-mediated transformation was observed. The E1A enhancer repression function was found to correlate with the binding of p300 but not with E1A-mediated transformation. Complex formation between E1A and p107, similar to the p105-RB binding, required sequences within both CR1 and CR2. The CR2 sequences required for binding of p107K or p105-RB were overlapping, but not identical. Finally, a larger segment of CR2 was required for stable complex formation between E1A and phosphorylated forms of p105-RB or p107 compared to corresponding unphosphorylated species.

Adenovirus Early Proteins↗