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Biomedical subjects

G C White

Publications and source records attributed to G C White.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Kinetic evidence that arachidonate-induced calcium efflux from platelet microsomes involves a carrier-type ionophoric mechanism.

Arachidonate, at concentrations up to 50 microM, induced dose-dependent calcium efflux from preloaded microsomes prepared from human platelets, but not from unilamellar egg phosphatidylcholine vesicles. Arachidonate-induced efflux from microsomes was not inhibited by indomethacin, 13-azaprostanoic acid, or catalase and superoxide dismutase, indicating that the release was due to arachidonate and not a metabolite. Linolenate (18:3, cis) and linoleate (18:2, cis) induced calcium efflux in a manner similar to arachidonate (20:4, cis), while arachidate (20:0), linolelaidate (18:2, trans), elaidate (18:1, trans), oleate (18:1, cis), stearate (18:0) and palmitate (16:0) had no effect. An experimental method was developed for distinguishing between carrier ionophore, small aqueous pore (i.e., calcium channel), or large aqueous pore (i.e., detergent effect) mechanisms in vesicular efflux systems in which calcium efflux occurs over a period of minutes. This development predicted that with a carrier ionophore mechanism, an increase in either internal or external calcium should competitively inhibit 45Ca efflux. In contrast, 45Ca efflux by diffusion through a small aqueous pore or a large aqueous pore should be measurably insensitive to variations in internal or external calcium. These predictions were experimentally verified in the platelet microsomal system using efflux agents with known mechanisms. Efflux of 45Ca by A23187, a calcium ion carrier ionophore, was sensitive to internal or external calcium competition, while alamethicin, a small aqueous pore channel model, and Triton X-100, a detergent which forms large aqueous pores, mediated 45Ca efflux which was measurably insensitive to variations in internal or external calcium concentration. Arachidonate-induced 45Ca efflux was inhibited by increasing either internal and external calcium concentration, suggesting that the fatty acid functions as a carrier ionophore. Arachidonate-induced 45Ca efflux was also inhibited with extravesicular Sr2+, but not Mn2+ or Ba2+. The dependence of the initial arachidonate efflux rate on arachidonate concentration showed that at least two arachidonates were contained in the calcium-carrier complex. These results are consistent with a model in which arachidonate (A) and an endogenous microsomal component (B) translocate calcium across the membrane through a carrier ionophore mechanism as part of a complex with a stoichiometry of A2B.Ca.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Human immunodeficiency virus-1 disease progression in hemophiliacs.

A retrospective study of 153 hemophiliacs infected with human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) was performed to determine the clinical and immunological consequences of HIV-1 infection and the markers and cofactors associated with these changes. Nearly 80% of HIV-1-infected hemophiliacs have developed a significant reduction in their CD-4+ counts (less than 400 CD-4+ cells/mm3) with 40% having less than 200 CD-4+ cells/mm3 by the end of 1987. The rate of CD-4+ cell count decline was slightly greater in patients who have already developed the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) compared to those who have not (50 vs. 31 cells/mm3/6 months). Thrombocytopenia and older age were associated with a more rapid CD-4+ count deterioration, but the quantity of clotting factor utilized did not affect immunologic progression. In patients with less than 200 CD-4+ cells/mm3, the incidence of AIDS was significantly higher in adults (greater than 21 years old) compared to children/adolescents. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) seroprevalence increased with age but did not correlate with the amount of concentrated clotting factor used. Although there was no relationship between CMV status and progression to AIDS, CMV-seropositive patients were older and had a lower CD-4+ count. Thus the majority of HIV-1-infected hemophiliacs are developing progressive immune dysfunction measured by CD-4+ count decline. This drop in CD-4+ count significantly correlates with a risk for the development of AIDS in adults but not in children (less than 21 years old).

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Thrombolamban, the 22-kDa platelet substrate of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, is immunologically homologous with the Ras family of GTP-binding proteins.

Platelet inhibition by agents that increase intracellular levels of cAMP is associated with cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of specific intracellular proteins, including a membrane-associated 22-kDa microsomal protein called thrombolamban. In view of recent studies suggesting that platelets also contain 22-kDa GTP-binding proteins that are homologous with ras-encoded p21 proteins, the present work was undertaken to examine the possibility that thrombolamban and the Ras-like proteins were the same. Platelet microsomes were labeled with [gamma-32P]ATP and the labeled proteins were examined by autoradiography of sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gels. On Western blots of both one-dimensional and two-dimensional gels, thrombolamban immunoreacted with M90, a monoclonal antibody that recognizes the GTP-binding domain of Ras p21 proteins, but not with Y13-259, a monoclonal antibody that recognizes another domain and is specific for Ras proteins. Overlay experiments with unlabeled platelet microsomes demonstrated numerous low molecular weight proteins that bound [alpha-32P]GTP, although none could be identified as thrombolamban. Finally, thrombolamban was immunoprecipitated by M90. These studies show that thrombolamban is a low molecular weight protein that is immunologically related to the Ras family of GTP-binding proteins.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

The development of a high-order Taylor expansion solution to the chemical rate equation for the simulation of complex biochemical systems.

A numerical method for evaluating chemical rate equations is presented. This method was developed by expressing the system of coupled, first-degree, ordinary differential chemical rate equations as a single tensor equation. The tensorial rate equation is invariant in form for all reversible and irreversible reaction schemes that can be expressed as first- and second-order reaction steps, and can accommodate any number of reactive components. The tensor rate equation was manipulated to obtain a simple formula (in terms of rate constants and initial concentrations) for the power coefficients of the Taylor expansion of the chemical rate equation. The Taylor expansion formula was used to develop a FORTRAN algorithm for analysing the time development of chemical systems. A computational experiment was performed with a Michaelis-Menten scheme in which step size and expansion order (to the 100th term) were varied; the inclusion of high-order terms of the Taylor expansion was shown to reduce truncation and round-off errors associated with Runge-Kutta methods and lead to increased computational efficiency.

Algorithms↗

Wound infection rates after invasive procedures in HIV-1 seropositive versus HIV-1 seronegative hemophiliacs.

One-hundred and two patients with hemophilia A, hemophilia B, or acquired antibody to factor VIII who had undergone invasive procedures were cross referenced with patients participating in an ongoing prospective natural history study of HIV-1 infection in hemophiliacs. Matching revealed that HIV-1 status was known for 83 patients (83%) who had undergone 169 procedures between July 1979 and April 1988. Invasive procedures were classified as clean in 108 patients (63.9%), clean-contaminated in 45 (26.6%), contaminated in 2 (1.2%), and infected in 14 (8.3%). Wound infection rates by HIV-1 status were as follows (95% confidence intervals): HIV+ 1.4% (0% to 5%), HIV- 0% (0% to 9%), and procedure before testing HIV+ 1.5% (0% to 6%). There were no significant differences between the wound infection rates of HIV-positive and HIV-negative hemophiliacs nor in the wound infection rate among all three subgroups of patients (p greater than 0.5, Fisher's Exact Test). We conclude that surgery in HIV-1-infected patients who have not progressed to AIDS does not entail an increased risk of postoperative wound infections.

HIV Seropositivity↗

Clinical experience of a new monoclonal antibody purified factor IX: half-life, recovery, and safety in patients with hemophilia B.

Highly purified factor IX, produced by a monoclonal antibody immunoaffinity technique, contains a high concentration of factor IX with negligible amounts of other vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors. When infused in patients with hemophilia B, monoclonal factor IX concentrate yielded a mean half-life of 34.6 +/- 13.1 (+/- SD) hours and in vivo recovery of 0.67 +/- 0.14 U/dL rise per each U/kg of factor IX infused. Unlike prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) infusion, monoclonal IX infusion was not associated with rises in factors II, VII, and X, but achieved in vivo recovery and half-life at least comparable to PCC. Long-term use of monoclonal IX as a home-care product provided excellent response in the control of bleeding episodes and was equivalent to previous patient experience with PCC. The results indicate that monoclonal IX concentrate raises factor IX levels effectively, while avoiding extraneous thrombogenic components.

Adult↗

Orthopaedic procedures and prognosis in hemophilic patients who are seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus.

Thirty patients who had hemophilia and were seropositive for the human immunodeficiency virus were evaluated. The preoperative CD4 lymphocyte count was decreased to an average of 336 x 10(9) per liter (range, 27 to 708 x 10(9) per liter). After twenty-six orthopaedic operations in patients who had no previous bacterial infection, a nosocomial infection (cellulitis in the forearm, at the site of an intravenous catheter) developed in only one patient, but five patients had an abnormal postoperative fever that was not accompanied by the expected increase in the white blood-cell count. The preoperative CD4 lymphocyte count was significantly reduced in the patients who had an abnormal elevation in body temperature (p less than 0.004). The functional result or outcome after operation was similar to that in hemophilic patients treated before 1982. Subsequent progression of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, as determined by the CD4 lymphocyte count and the Walter Reed classification system, occurred in most patients. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome was diagnosed in six patients. A more rapid progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome was seen in the patients who had a lower CD4 lymphocyte count preoperatively. Preoperative evaluation of the CD4 lymphocyte count and the response to intradermal skin-test antigens in patients who are at risk for infection postoperatively provides additional information concerning immunological competence. With these data, the possible risk of infection in patients who are seropositive for the human immunodeficiency virus can be estimated more accurately.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

von Willebrand factor multimeric levels and patterns in patients with severe preeclampsia.

The clinical manifestations of severe preeclampsia and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura are similar. Patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura have been demonstrated to have larger than usual von Willebrand factor multimers. Serial serum samples were taken from patients with severe preeclampsia, all with platelet counts less than 50,000. Von Willebrand factor multimeric patterns were normal in all the patients except one, who later proved to have chronic relapsing thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. All patients had elevated levels of von Willebrand factor. Although the clinical presentations of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and severe preeclampsia with thrombocytopenia have many similarities, the underlying pathophysiology of each disorder appears to be different.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase does not increase calcium transport in platelet microsomes.

Cyclic AMP inhibits platelet activation, at least in part, by reducing intracellular levels of ionic calcium. Previous studies using platelet microsomal fractions have suggested that one mechanism for this effect is stimulation by cyclic AMP and its protein kinase of calcium uptake into microsomal storage sites. In the present study, the effect of cyclic AMP and its protein kinase on calcium uptake by microsomal membranes has been re-examined using the active catalytic subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase. The catalytic subunit increased calcium uptake two-fold, but this effect was not inhibited by boiling the catalytic subunit or by recombination with the regulatory subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, conditions that inhibited catalytic subunit activity. Conversely, dialysis of the catalytic subunit preparation against low phosphate buffer, which did not inhibit catalytic subunit activity, inhibited the stimulation of calcium uptake by the catalytic subunit preparation. Finally, the addition of high phosphate buffer, similar in phosphate concentration to that of the catalytic subunit preparation, stimulated calcium uptake. We conclude that the catalytic subunit does not directly stimulate calcium uptake by platelet microsomes.

Biological Transport↗

A prospective study of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection and the development of AIDS in subjects with hemophilia.

We evaluated a multicenter cohort of 1219 subjects with hemophilia or related disorders prospectively, focusing on 319 subjects with documented dates of seroconversion to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). The incidence rate of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) after seroconversion was 2.67 per 100 person-years and was directly related to age (from 0.83 in persons 1 to 11 years old up to 5.66 in persons 35 to 70 years old; Ptrend = 0.00003). The annual incidence of AIDS ranged from zero during the first year after seroconversion to 7 percent during the eighth year, with eight-year cumulative rates (+/- SE) of 13.3 +/- 5.3 percent for ages 1 to 17, 26.8 +/- 6.4 percent for ages 18 to 34, and 43.7 +/- 16.4 percent for ages 35 to 70. Serial immunologic and virologic markers (total numbers of CD4 lymphocytes, presence of serum interferon or HIV-1 p24 antigen, and low or absent serum levels of anti-p24 or anti-gp120) predicted a high risk for the subsequent development of AIDS. Adults 35 to 70 years old had a higher incidence of low CD4 counts than younger subjects (P less than or equal to 0.005), whereas adolescents had a low rate of anti-p24 loss (P = 0.0007) and subjects 1 to 17 years old had a lower incidence of AIDS after loss of anti-p24 (P = 0.03). These findings not only demonstrate that the risk of AIDS is related directly to age but also suggest that older adults are disproportionately affected during the earlier phases of HIV disease, that adolescents may have a low replication rate of HIV, and that children and adolescents may tolerate severe immunodeficiency better because they have fewer other infections or because of some unmeasured, age-dependent cofactor or immune alteration in the later phase of HIV disease.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

The identification of sarcoplasmic reticulum terminal cisternae proteins in platelets.

Two new proteins with apparent molecular masses of 53 kDa and 190 kDa have been identified in both sarcoplasmic reticulum and human blood platelets using a monoclonal antibody, FII1b5. The sarcoplasmic reticulum FII1b5 antigens were present in the terminal cisternae fraction, but were absent from light sarcoplasmic reticulum. The platelet and skeletal muscle proteins were not sensitive to digestion with endoglycosidase H under conditions that removed carbohydrate from the 53 kDa glycoprotein in sarcoplasmic reticulum or GPIIIa in platelet microsomes and did not bind 45Ca in a nitrocellulose overlay calcium-binding assay. These results distinguished the FII1b5 antigens from the 53 kDa glycoprotein and calsequestrin of sarcoplasmic reticulum. The 190 kDa platelet and sarcoplasmic reticulum proteins were extracted from membranes with high concentrations of NaCl, indicating that the high molecular mass FII1b5 antigens are peripherally associated with the bilayers. In contrast, the platelet and muscle 53 kDa proteins remained membrane-bound in the presence of high salt concentrations, suggesting that they are integral proteins.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗

cAMP-dependent protein kinase substrates in platelets. Evidence that thrombolamban, a 22,000 dalton substrate, and the Ca++-ATPase are not associated proteins.

Inhibition of platelet function by cAMP is due at least in part to a reduction in the agonist stimulated increase in cytoplasmic calcium during cell activation. This inhibition is also associated with cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of thrombolamban, a 22 kDa phosphoprotein which is present in the same membrane fraction as the calcium-dependent ATPase. Phosphorylation of this protein has been correlated with increased uptake of calcium by microsomal membranes. The present study was undertaken to examine the interaction of thrombolamban with the Ca++-ATPase in order to assess the possibility that the increased calcium uptake was by a direct effect of thrombolamban on Ca++-ATPase activity or that thrombolamban was a component of the Ca++-ATPase. Several approaches were utilized to assess the interaction of thrombolamban with the microsomal Ca++-ATPase. Gel filtration of labeled microsomes solubilized under non-denaturing conditions showed a major peak of radioactivity (Kav 0.64) corresponding to thrombolamban which was well separated from the Ca++-ATPase activity (Kav 0.09). Chemical cross-linking studies using partially purified thrombolamban and intact microsomes showed incorporation of the phosphoprotein into a 147,000 dalton complex. Indirect immunostaining with an anti-Ca++-ATPase antibody failed to demonstrate the Ca++-ATPase in the 147,000 dalton complex. Recombination of the phosphorylated thrombolamban with the Ca++-ATPase had no effect on Ca++-ATPase activity. These results indicate that, under the conditions used in these experiments, there was no apparent interaction between thrombolamban and the microsomal Ca++-ATPase. We conclude that thrombolamban is covalently bound to the Ca++-ATPase.

Blood Platelets↗

Low incidence of thrombocytopenia with porcine mucosal heparin. A prospective multicenter study.

We treated 193 patients either intravenously (94) or subcutaneously (99) for at least 5 days with porcine intestinal mucosal heparin and followed them up prospectively with frequent platelet counts to determine the incidence of heparin-related thrombocytopenia and arterial thrombosis. None of the patients in the study developed severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count, less than 100 x 10(9)/L) or arterial thrombosis. Eight patients had a platelet count of 100 to 140 X 10(9)/L on one occasion, with a count of greater than 140 x 10(9)/L on the subsequent measurement. The mean (+/- SD) values of the initial and lowest platelet counts during therapy in all patients were 288 +/- 100 x 10(9)/L and 253 +/- 88 x 10(9)/L, respectively, with the lowest counts occurring on day 4.1 +/- 4.2. A least-squares line was computed for each patient to fit the day and counts; the slopes were significantly different from zero and negative in 7.8% of patients and positive in 14.5%. This multicenter study confirms the reports that the incidence of heparin-related severe thrombocytopenia and arterial thrombosis is distinctly low in patients treated with porcine-mucosal heparin.

Aged↗

Synovial chondromatosis of the TMJ: case report and review of literature.

Synovial chondromatosis is an uncommon benign condition in which chondroid bodies are formed within the joint spaces. As calcification of these joint bodies progresses, the radiographic appearance may mimic that seen in other more common pathologic processes including degenerative joint disease. This report describes the clinical and histopathological findings in a case in which 22 "joint mice" were encountered in the joint space of a patient presenting with symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

Adult↗

Tendency to serious sequelae of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus in sibships with hemophilia.

Cofactors for the clinical expression of infection due to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are not well understood. We asked if there was a familial tendency to the development of complications of HIV infection. We examined 35 hemophilic sibships in which at least two brothers with classic hemophilia (factor VIII deficiency) were infected with HIV. Twenty-four (34%) of the 70 patients had serious sequelae of infection, and 46 (66%) were asymptomatic or had only lymph node enlargement. Using Fisher's exact test, we found the concordance among siblings for serious sequelae of HIV infection was greater than would be expected by chance. When analysis was restricted to include only siblings known to be infected for more than two years, this concordance was still present. In the study population, birth order and mean yearly usage of factor VIII concentrate were unrelated to the outcome of HIV infection. The data indicate a familial tendency to serious complications of HIV infection. The factor(s) responsible for this familial tendency are currently under investigation.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Transmission of human immunodeficiency virus to sexual partners of hemophiliacs.

To examine the variables associated with heterosexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), we studied 32 couples in our hemophilia center who had steady sexual relationships for periods more than 1 year. Of the 32 sexual partners of the hemophiliacs, five (15.6%) were HIV seropositive. All five hemophiliacs with HIV transmission to their sexual partners had measurable immunologic deficiencies, as shown by their lower median T-helper (CD-4+) lymphocyte count of 172 cells/mm3. The hemophiliacs without transmission had a slightly higher median CD-4+ count of 297 cells/mm3 (P = .26). To determine if factors other than the degree of immunologic deficiency in the hemophiliac might contribute to HIV transmission, 18 of the 32 couples were studied more intensively by confidential, coded questionnaires. Regular condom use was reported by nine couples (50%). Two of nine women (22%) without condom usage acquired HIV. One of nine women (11%) using condoms was seropositive; she also reported eight needlestick injuries while assisting her spouse with clotting factor treatments. Intravenous drug abuse was reported in two of the five couples with HIV transmission. Thus, hemophiliacs are at risk for transmitting HIV parenterally as well as venereally. Despite various risk behaviours associated with HIV transmission, the prevalence of infection in our cohort of hemophiliacs' sexual partners is low and within the range (6.8-22%) reported by others. This study underscores the need for comprehensive education and counseling in what previously appeared to be a homogeneous clinic population at risk for transmitting HIV to others.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗