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Biomedical subjects

D Nolte

Publications and source records attributed to D Nolte.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Refined linkage disequilibrium and physical mapping of the gene locus for X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism (DYT3).

X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism (XDP) is a recessive disorder characterized by generalized dystonia with some patients exhibiting parkinsonism. The disease gene, DYT3, is located between DXS453 (DXS993) and DXS559, and strongest linkage disequilibrium is found distal to DXS7117 and proximal to DXS559. We have isolated and analyzed four novel polymorphic markers between DXS7117 and DXS559 and, by haplotype analysis, have narrowed the candidate interval to <350 kb. A sequence-ready contig of 700 kb has been constructed spanning DXS7117 to DXS559 and is composed of 35 PACs, BACs, and cosmids. Nine genes and novel ESTs have been mapped into this contig, and mutations in the coding regions and intron-exon borders of two genes have been excluded as the cause of XDP. Several of the other genes and ESTs located within the contig code for proteins implicated in normal brain development and function and are candidates for DYT3.

Chromosome Mapping↗

DNA analysis of Huntington's disease: five years of experience in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

OBJECTIVE: To review the direct DNA testing for Huntington's disease (HD) in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria from 1993 to 1997, and to analyze the population with regard to age structure, gender, and family history. METHODS: Twelve laboratories (nine in Germany, two in Austria, and one in Switzerland) recorded data pertaining to repeat number, gender, age at molecular diagnosis, and family history of probands. The molecular test was categorized as either diagnostic (for symptomatic individuals), presymptomatic (for individuals at risk), and prenatal (for pregnancies at risk). RESULTS: A total of 3,090 HD patients, 992 individuals at risk, and 24 fetuses were investigated using DNA analysis. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed in 65.6% of patients. A total of 38.5% of individuals at risk inherited an expanded CAG repeat. The female-to-male ratio showed a distinct predominance of women both in the diagnostic and presymptomatic groups. Of the fetuses tested, six were carriers of an expanded CAG repeat. Two pregnancies were interrupted; one pregnancy was not. No information about the parents' decision was obtained for the remaining three pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 20% of the estimated 10,000 HD patients living in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria have been identified by DNA analysis (total population, approximately 100 million; incidence of HD, 1:10,000). Assuming a ratio of HD patients to individuals at risk of 1:3, approximately 30,000 individuals are, in principle, eligible for a presymptomatic test. Less than 3 to 4% of individuals at risk have requested a presymptomatic test. This shows that the assumed enormous request of predictive testing has not occurred. More surprisingly, prenatal diagnoses were found to be rare.

Adult↗

[A new experimental model for repetitive osseous blood supply measurement].

The aim of this study was to establish a novel model permitting repetitive analysis of osseous perfusion over a period of 33 days using the fluorescent microsphere technique. After implantation of two port systems into the right and left carotid artery in New Zealand rabbits (n = 3), fluorescent microspheres were injected into the left ventricle, while blood samples for reference probes were taken from the descending aorta. Using seven different fluorescently labeled microspheres, injections were repeatedly performed starting 3 days after implantation (t = 0) at days 1, 3, 5, 12, 19, 26, and 33. Osseous blood flow was semiquantitatively analyzed by counting the number of trapped microspheres within the bone sections performed through the distal femur condyle (n = 8) using a fluorescence microscope. Over the entire observation period of 33 days, intraindividual variance in the number of trapped microspheres was low while there were marked interindividual differences between animals. The mean osseous perfusion in the three animals evaluated so far remained constant over the observation period of 33 days. The present model is the first to allow repetitive analysis of osseous perfusion over an observation period of 33 days. Using this model, the role of regional osseous perfusion can be studied under conditions such as impaired bone healing following radiotherapy- and/or chemotherapy, implantation of biomaterials, and transplantation of bone.

Animals↗

Effects of the phlebotropic drug Daflon 500 mg on postischemic microvascular disturbances in striated skin muscle: an intravital microscopic study in the hamster.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the micronized purified flavonoid fraction Daflon 500 mg (90% diosmin and 10% hesperidin) on I/R-induced microvascular leukocyte-endothelium interaction and leakage of the high molecular weight plasma tracer FITC-dextran (relative molecular mass, 150 kd) as assessed in the striated skin muscle of the dorsal skin fold chamber model in the hamster. Intravital fluorescence microscopy was used for analysis of microvascular perfusion, leukocyte-endothelium interaction, and macromolecular leakage of FITC-dextran 150 kd in the striated skin muscle of the hamster. A tourniquet ischemia of 4 hours' duration was induced followed by reperfusion. Animals were treated with an oral administration of Daflon 500 mg (n = six) or its vehicle (5% Arabic gum solution, n = six) for 8 days at a daily dose of 30 mg/kg body weight. Measurements in the microcirculation were made before the 8-day feeding protocol before induction of ischemia and at 0.5, 2, and 24 hours of reperfusion. In the absence of I/R, no differences in microvascular perfusion, leukocyte-endothelium interaction, and macromolecular leakage were found in Daflon 500 mg and vehicle-treated control animals before and after administration of the drugs. Induction of ischemia and reperfusion, however, elicited a significant increase in venular leukocyte rolling and sticking in vehicle-treated animals, which was accompanied by enhancement of leakage of FITC-dextran 150 kd into the perivascular tissue. Treatment with Daflon 500 mg had no effect on postischemic leukocyte rolling and sticking, and macromolecular leakage of FITC-dextran 150 kd from arterioles and postcapillary venules was significantly reduced. These data indicate that Daflon 500 mg preserves the endothelial barrier function of striated skin muscle arterioles and venules after I/R, which appears to be independent of an action on postischemic intravascular leukocyte rolling and sticking.

Animals↗

Effects of the phlebotropic drug Daflon 500 mg on postischemic reperfusion injury in striated skin muscle: a histomorphologic study in the hamster.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the purified, micronized, flavonoid fraction Daflon 500 mg (S 5682, 90% diosmin and 10% hesperidin) on tissue damage and leukocyte emigration in striated skin muscle after ischemia-reperfusion, as assessed by histomorphometric analysis. The experimental model used was the transparent dorsal skin fold chamber in the awake Syrian golden hamster. Sixty-four animals were randomly allotted to two treatment groups and time points of investigation. Animals were fed with 30 mg kg(-1) body weight Daflon 500 mg (n = 32) or its vehicle, 5% Arabic gum solution (n = 32), as control 8 hours before ischemia. Before induction of a tourniquet ischemia of 4 hours' duration and at 0.5, 2, and 24 hours of reperfusion, tissue sections were preserved for light and electron microscopic analysis (n = seven or eight animals per time point). The number of intravascular and extravascular leukocytes was determined by light microscopic analysis of esterase-positive leukocytes. For quantitative analysis of ischemia-induced endothelial cell damage, the endothelial thickness of capillaries was calculated by a computer-assisted imaging system, whereas the ischemic tissue damage was assessed by means of a score system (grade 0-3) by an independent investigator. The number of emigrated leukocytes was significantly reduced in Daflon 500 mg-treated animals compared with numbers found in control animals. The histomorphologic muscle fiber damage increased after reperfusion in both groups but was significantly reduced in the Daflon 500 mg-treated animals 2 and 24 hours after reperfusion. These results suggest that the emigration of leukocytes plays an important role in the development of postischemic reperfusion injury of striated skin muscle.

Animals↗

Impact of brain death on hormonal homeostasis and hepatic microcirculation of transplant organ donors.

To elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the deterioration of hepatic graft viability in brain-dead organ donors, the impact of brain death on hepatic microcirculation was investigated with respect to hormonal homeostasis and graft viability. Rats were assigned to two groups: group I (n = 6) served as sham controls, and in group II (n = 6), brain death was induced through insufflation of an intracranial balloon. Mean arterial pressure was elevated significantly within 5 min after the induction of brain death and then decreased significantly to below the control value. Urine osmolality was significantly lower and serum osmolality significantly higher than the control values. Antidiuretic hormone level was significantly lower than the control value. Bile secretion also decreased significantly. Furthermore, in group II there were significantly higher numbers of nonperfused sinusoids (15.9% vs 6.2% in group I), and sinusoidal stagnant and postsinusoidal venular adherent leukocytes (53.9/lobule and 258.6/mm2 versus 25.2/lobule and 124.8/mm2 in group I, respectively). In summary, sinusoidal perfusion is compromised after brain death, possibly, in part, through an increased leukocyte activation and accumulation in the hepatic microvasculature, leading to the deterioration of hepatic function.

Animals↗

A novel model for the study of synovial microcirculation in the mouse knee joint in vivo.

A novel model for the investigation of the microcirculation in synovial tissue of the mouse knee joint is presented. The mouse knee joint was exposed on a specially designed plexiglass stage with a slight flexion. After partial resection of the skin, the patella tendon was cut transversally, which allowed for visualization of the "Hoffa's fatty body", an intraarticular fatty tissue containing synovial cells on the interior surface of the joint. An intravital fluorescence microscope was adjusted to observe the microcirculation of this intraarticular synovial tissue without opening of the joint capsula. For staining of the plasma, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran was used, and for the staining of leukocytes rhodamine 6G was used. The tissue investigated presents with a high-density honeycomb-like capillary network, containing some postcapillary venules and a few arterioles. The following parameters were assessed off-line using a computer-assisted microcirculation analysis system: flow and diameter of arterioles and postcapillary venules, as well as functional capillary density. Moreover, leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction was quantified by counting the number of rolling cells and cells adhering to the endothelium in postcapillary venules. As an indication of endothelial leakage, macromolecular extravasation was also assessed. To validate the model, we investigated these parameters at three time points during an observation period of 60 min. There was no change in functional capillary density, nor in vessel diameter after 60 min of observation. Moreover, there was neither a change in the number of rolling cells, nor in the number of cells adhering to the endothelium nor in extravasation of FITC-dextran, thus indicating the stability of the preparation. The new model allows the quantitative analysis of the intraarticular microcirculation of the synovial fatty tissue in vivo. It provides insight into the dynamics of synovial microcirculation and leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction in acute or chronic joint inflammation.

Adipose Tissue↗

Attenuation of postischemic reperfusion injury in striated skin muscle by diaspirin-cross-linked Hb.

Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers have been suggested to enhance the formation of oxygen free radicals, especially under conditions of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), in which activation and adhesion of leukocytes play a pivotal role for propagation of reperfusion injury. This study investigates the effects of the hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier diaspirin-cross-linked hemoglobin (DCLHb) in an I/R model of hamster striated skin muscle. The dorsal skinfold chamber model in the awake Syrian golden hamster was used for analysis of the microcirculation and local tissue PO2 in striated skin muscle utilizing the technique of intravital fluorescence microscopy and a multiwire platinum surface (Clark type) electrode. Measurements were made before 4 h of pressure-induced ischemia and at 0.5, 2, and 24 h of reperfusion. Animals were treated with 5 ml/kg body wt of either 10% DCLHb (n = 8), 6% Dextran 60 (Dx-60; 60 kDa, n = 8), or 0.9% NaCl (n = 7), which was given intravenously 15 min before reperfusion. In animals treated with DCLHb or Dx-60, a significant decrease of leukocytes rolling along and sticking in postcapillary venules, associated with a recovery of functional capillary density and red blood cell velocity, was observed compared with saline-treated controls. In the early reperfusion period (0.5 h), DCLHb and Dx-60 efficiently restored local tissue PO2, whereas tissue PO2 decreased from 18.3 +/- 1.9 to 15.3 +/- 5.3 mmHg in 0.9% NaCl-treated animals. Electron microscopic analysis of the postischemic tissue at 24 h of reperfusion revealed markedly reduced tissue damage in animals treated with DCLHb compared with Dx-60 or isotonic saline. These results indicate that DCLHb attenuates postischemic reperfusion injury of striated skin muscle, presumably through alterations of leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions.

Animals↗

[Effect of adenosine on intravascular accumulation of leukocytes and tissue damage in striated muscle in endotoxemia].

Under the experimental conditions of endotoxinemia, the therapeutic use of an intravenous infusion of adenosine (110 micrograms x kg-1 x min-1) has been investigated in the microcirculation model of the BALB/c mouse. Injection of S. abortus-equi endotoxin (2 mg x kg-1 body wt. i.v.) elicited a significant increase of sticking leukocytes in postcapillary venules of striated skin muscle, which was associated with a swelling of microvascular endothelium and striated skin muscle. Infusion of adenosine effectively attenuated the endotoxin induced enhancement of leukocyte sticking and preserved microvascular endothelial and striated muscle integrity. These results imply the use of adenosine as therapeutic concept during endotoxinemia.

Adenosine↗

[Effect of Daflon 500 mg on reperfusion damage following ischemia and reperfusion of striated muscle].

The results of the current study indicate that Daflon 500 mg effectively reduces permeability for macromolecules induced by ischemia-reperfusion, thus reducing postischemic edema formation in the early reperfusion period. The inhibitory effect of Daflon 500 mg on leukocyte emigration may account for the reduction of edema formation in the postischemic tissue and favor the therapeutic use Daflon 500 mg of reperfusion-injury.

Animals↗

AFX1 and p54nrb: fine mapping, genomic structure, and exclusion as candidate genes of X-linked dystonia parkinsonism.

We have mapped AFX1 and p54nrb to a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) contig of Xq13.1 that harbors the X-linked dystonia parkinsonism (XDP) locus DYT3. AFX1 is flanked by loci DXS7116 and Il2R gamma, and p54nrb by loci DXS6673E and DXS7120. The exon-intron structure of both genes was analyzed. AFX1 is composed of three exons with most of exon 3 being untraslated. p54nrb is made up of 12 exons ranging in size from 40 bp to 1227 bp. The start codon is in exon 3 and the stop codon in exon 12. Both genes are expressed in the brain, among other tissues. AFX1 and p54nrb were excluded as candidates of DYT3 by sequencing of the exons and the flanking intronic sequences in an XDP patient and a control, and by Northern blot analysis.

Animals↗

Effects of diaspirin-cross-linked hemoglobin (DCLHb) on the microcirculation of striated skin muscle in the hamster: a study on safety and toxicity.

Hemoglobin-based oxygen-carrying solutions are reported to exert vasoconstrictor effects and to enhance oxygen radical formation, particularly during ischemia-reperfusion. This study investigates whether diaspirin-cross-linked hemoglobin (DCLHb) affects the microvascular integrity of striated skin muscle. The microcirculation model in the hamster and intravital fluorescence microscopy were applied for investigation of the microvascular changes in striated skin muscle. Hypervolemic infusion (500 mg x kg(-1), I.V.) and isovolemic exchange transfusion (3.3 gm x kg(-1) I.V.; hematocrit 30%) with DCLHb (1) led to a short-lasting (0 to 2 minutes) arteriolar constriction (approximately 20% reduction in baseline diameter), (2) significantly influenced arteriolar vasomotion, (3) increased venular red blood cell velocity by 1.5-fold (p < 0.05 vs dextran, Mr 60,000), and (4) did not enhance microvascular leukocyte-endothelium interaction or endothelial permeability. Resuscitation from severe hemorrhagic shock with autologous blood (AuB) or DCLHb (33 ml x kg(-1), I.V.) immediately restored mean arterial pressure and heart rate, whereas 6% dextran (60 kd)(Dx-60) did not return these parameters to baseline. Venular red blood cell velocity was restored to 110% of baseline after DCLHb, to 90% of baseline after AuB, and to 45% of baseline after Dx-60. Leukocyte-endothelium interaction was significantly enhanced after resuscitation with AuB and Dx-60, whereas this phenomenon was absent after DCLHb. These data demonstrate that DCLHb increases venular red blood cell velocity under both nonischemic and postischemic conditions without inducing enhanced leukocyte-endothelium interaction in the microcirculation of striated skin muscle.

Animals↗

Effects of diaspirin-cross-linked hemoglobin (DCLHb) on local tissue oxygen tension in striated skin muscle: an efficacy study in the hamster.

Using the dorsal skin fold chamber model in the hamster, we analyzed local tissue partial oxygen pressure (PO2) in the striated skin muscle under nonischemic and postischemic conditions with a Clark-type multiwire oxygen surface electrode. Hypervolemic infusion (500 mg x kg(-1) I.V.) or isovolemic exchange transfusion (3.3 gm x kg(-1) I.V.; hematocrit 30%) with diaspirin-cross-linked hemoglobin (DCLHb) resulted in a slight decrease of the mean value of the local tissue PO2 (mm Hg) 1 hour after administration. Concomitantly, the frequency distribution curves of local tissue PO2 values were found to be more narrow (fewer values > 25 mm Hg and < 10 mm Hg). Resuscitation from severe hemorrhagic shock (bleeding of 33 ml x kg(-1) at 0.4 ml x min(-1)) with autologous blood (AuB), Dx-60, or DCLHb led to an increase of mean tissue PO2 values by 4.2-fold (p < 0.05 versus Dx-60), 1.9-fold, and 3.7-fold (p < 0.05 versus Dx-60), respectively, 2 hours after resuscitation. The reduction of tissue hypoxia (0-5 mm Hg) was significant only in the AuB- and DCLHb-treated animals. This study indicates that DCLHb effectively reverses tissue hypoxia after resuscitation from severe hemorrhagic shock by inducing a more homogeneous distribution of the local tissue PO2 levels.

Animals↗

SCA6 is caused by moderate CAG expansion in the alpha1A-voltage-dependent calcium channel gene.

Recently, moderate (CAG)>20 repeat expansions in the alpha1A-voltage-dependent calcium channel gene (CACNL1A4) have been identified in a previously unmapped type of SCA which has been named SCA6. We investigated the (CAG)n repeat length of the CACNL1A4 gene in 733 patients with sporadic ataxia and in 46 German families with dominantly inherited SCA which do not harbor the SCA1, SCA2, or MJD1/SCA3 mutation, respectively. The SCA6 (CAG)n expansion was identified in 32 patients most frequently with late manifestation of the disease. The (CAG)n stretch of the affected allele varied between 22 and 28 trinucleotide units and is therefore the shortest trinucleotide repeat expansion causing spinocerebellar ataxia. The (CAG)n repeat length is inversely correlated with the age at onset. In 11 parental transmissions of the expanded allele no repeat instability has been observed. Repeat instability was also not found for the normal allele investigating 431 meioses in the CEPH families. Analyzing 248 apparently healthy octogenerians revealed one allele of 18 repeats which is the longest normal CAG repeat in the CACNL1A4 gene reported. The SCA6 mutation causes the disease in approximately 10% of autosomal dominant SCA in Germany. Most importantly, the trinucleotide expansion was observed in four ataxia patients without obvious family history of the disease which necessitates a search for the SCA6 (CAG)n expansion even in sporadic patients.

Age of Onset↗

Effects of Daflon 500mg on postischemic macromolecular leak syndrome in striated skin muscle of the hamster.

We have recently shown that the purified micronized flavonoid fraction (90% diosmin and 10% hesperidin) Daflon 500 mg attenuates reperfusion injury in the striated skin muscle of the hamster. Herein, we report on the action of Daflon 500 mg on postischemic macromolecular leakage of FITC-dextran 150 kD provoked by tourniquet ischemia. Intravital fluorescence microscopy was used for analysis of macromolecular leakage in the microcirculation model of the hamster. A tourniquet ischemia of 4 h duration was induced followed by reperfusion. Animals were treated by gavage of Daflon 500 mg (n = 6) for 8 days at a daily dose of 30 mg kg(-1) body weight. Control animals received equivalent volumes of the vehicle (5% Arabic gum solution, n = 6). Measurements of the microcirculatory parameters were made before induction of ischemia and at 0.5, 2 and 24 h of reperfusion. After induction of ischemia, macromolecular leakage from postcapillary venules was significantly enhanced in vehicle-treated animals. Treatment with Daflon 500 mg significantly attenuated macromolecular leakage of FITC-dextran 150 kD. Preliminary data from a histomorphometric analysis (n = 3/experimental group) indicated that the number of emigrated (extravascular) leukocytes after ischemia reperfusion was markedly reduced in Daflon 500 mg-treated animals as compared to controls. These data indicate that Daflon 500 mg prevents leakage of the macromolecular tracer FITC-dextran 150 kD from postcapillary venules after postischemic reperfusion, presumably through an inhibitory action on the emigration of activated leukocytes.

Animals↗