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Biomedical subjects

G Gallo

Publications and source records attributed to G Gallo.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources
PubMed1984

Active and chronic phases of Berger's disease (IgA nephropathy).

Berger's disease, or IgA nephropathy, is generally considered as pursuing a chronic course, often with recurrent attacks of gross hematuria or persistent microscopic hematuria. However, little attention has been paid to the acute changes that may accompany this nephropathy, and there are few reports of follow-up renal biopsy studies in these patients. We have had the opportunity to study two patients with Berger's disease (IgA nephropathy) in whom initial and follow-up renal biopsy studies were available. Both of these patients presented clinically with gross hematuria and moderately heavy proteinuria. In both cases, the initial renal biopsy disclosed diffuse mesangial proliferation associated with crescent formation, while follow-up biopsy disclosed only mild mesangial proliferation and no crescents. In one case electron microscopy revealed prominent subendothelial and small mesangial deposits in the initial biopsy, which became almost solely large mesangial in the second biopsy. The other case demonstrated only mesangial deposits in both biopsies.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1984

Value of purinic compounds in assessing sinus node dysfunction in man: a new diagnostic method.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the inhibitory action of purinic compounds (striadyne: STR) on the sinus node is quantitatively different on a pathological sinus node in comparison to a normal one and thus whether it is possible, as suggested by other authors, to use STR as a pharmacological test in the diagnosis of sick sinus syndrome (SSS). With this aim we investigated 55 patients, divided into 3 groups according to ECG and sinus function evaluation tests: 1--normal; 2--SSS (2a: flagrant SSS; 2b: latent SSS); 3--excess vagotonia and/or abnormal response to vagal stimulation. In all patients after a prophylactic insertion of a temporary pacemaker, 30 mg of STR were rapidly injected i.v. and the surface and intracavitary ECG continuously recorded until the basal state was regained; the following parameters were evaluated: average baseline sinus cycle (SC), minimum and maximum SC after the drug. In all patients STR caused first a slowing, then an acceleration of the sinus rate. SC lengthening was moderate in groups 1 and 3 [max SC was respectively 740-1820 ms (1198 +/- 290.9 ms) and 720-1440 ms (1157.5 +/- 223.3 ms)], but it was severe in patients with SSS [max SC in group 2a 2500-11880 ms (5398.3 +/- 2687.4 ms) in group 2b 1620-11140 ms. (4470.7 +/- 3660.6 ms)]. The difference between the max post STR SC of SSS patients, and the control group was highly significant P less than 0.001). Assuming as upper limit of the normal a value of 2071 ms. (corresponding to the mean + 3 standard deviations of the response of the control group) we recorded abnormal responses in 100% in group 2a and in 85.7% in group 2b, whereas there were no abnormal responses in group 3. In addition, nodal atrioventricular block occurred frequently. The authors believe this test could be useful in the diagnosis of SSS, but it is essential to insert a ventricular pacing catheter prophylactically if this test is used.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1983

RNA synthesis in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes.

The ability of hepatocyte monolayers to synthesize RNA was investigated by measuring [3H]orotic acid incorporation into RNA and the total nuclear RNA polymerase activity as a function of the time in culture. The results demonstrate that primary cultures of hepatocytes maintained in a chemically defined serum- and hormone-free medium are able to synthesize RNA actively. This ability increases within the first 2 d of culture, despite the concomitant decrease in [3H]orotic acid uptake, and decreases only after 3 d. Factors such as serum, insulin, and dexamethasone, known to improve maintenance of functional hepatocytes, markedly stimulate the uptake of labeled precursor without apparently affecting the rate of RNA synthesis by cultured cells. It is suggested that the culture of adult rat hepatocytes provides a useful experimental model for the studies of hormonal regulation of transcription in liver.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Hormonal stimulation of 3H-orotic acid incorporation into RNA by serum-free cultured hepatocytes.

Insulin and dexamethasone greatly stimulate the incorporation of 3H-orotic acid into RNA. Such a stimulation is associated to an increase in the uptake of the labelled precursor into the acid soluble fraction as well as in the the specific radioactivity of the nucleoside plus nucleotide pool suggesting that hormone supplementation does not affect RNA synthesis by cultured cells. The lack of effect of insulin and dexamethasone on the level of total RNA polymerase activity in nuclei isolated from cultured hepatocytes is in line with this assumption. The hormone stimulated uptake of orotic acid is dependent on protein synthesis since it is completely abolished by cycloheximide.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

AA protein-related renal amyloidosis in drug addicts.

Reports of renal amyloidosis occurring among narcotic addicts have been limited, for the most part, to case reports. In a prospective survey of 150 addicts examined at autopsy in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of the City of New York, 7 cases of renal amyloidosis were found. Immunohistologic examination demonstrated that in all of the 7 cases, the amyloid was AA protein-related. The amyloid extracted from the kidneys of two addicts and analyzed biochemically did not differ from the AA amyloid secondary to chronic infectious and inflammatory diseases. The combined data of previous reports and the present survey demonstrate that addicts who are subcutaneous users with skin infections most frequently develop amyloidosis. Our data demonstrating renal amyloidosis in 26% of addicts with chronic suppurative skin infections suggest that such addicts are at high risk for the development of amyloidosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Effects of lead on the visual system of occupationally exposed subjects.

A quantitative measurement of visual field in mesopic adaptation was performed for 35 workers occupationally exposed to lead and 35 referents matched for age, smoking, and alcohol consumption. The mean level (+/- SD) of lead in blood was 47 +/- 16 microgram/100 ml (2.25 +/- 0.77 mumol/l) [range 21-82 microgram/100 ml (1.01-3.94 mumol/l)]. In 10 exposed subjects a central scotoma was found that was not evidenced in any of the referents. A highly significant decrease in visual sensitivity was observed for the exposed subjects a central scotoma was found that was not evidenced in any of the referents. A highly significant decrease in visual sensitivity was observed for the exposed subjects. The results point to damage of central and peripheral optic nerve fibers. In the most severe cases, central vision is preferentially affected, and therefore the results are suggestive of subclinical optic neuropathy.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

[Reproducibility of electrophysiological tests of sinus node function in patients with sick sinus syndrome. Reproducibility of tests of sinus node recuperation time, corrected sinus node recuperation time and sino-atrial conduction time].

In order to clarify whether SNRT, CSNRT and SACT are reproducible tests, 20 patients with sick sinus syndrome underwent two successive electrophysiological studies with an interval of 24 hours; mean sinus cycle, SACT, SNRT, CSRNT were evaluated. Although no significant differences were found between the mean values of the two studies, in isolated cases remarkable variations of one or more parameters were observed. We conclude that SNRT, CSNRT and SACT are reproducible tests only if mean values in a large number of patients are considered, while they are not as useful in quantifying sinus node dysfunction in single cases. In conclusion, while SNRT, CSNRT and SACT are reproducible and useful in comparing data from relatively large number of patients, great caution should be used before drawing conclusions of potentially serious diagnostic and prognostic consequence in the single patient.

Aged↗
PubMed1981

[The effects of digoxin administration on normal and pathological sinus node function. An electrophysiological study (author's transl)].

In 12 normal subjects (group I), in 12 subjects with asymptomatic sinus bradycardia (group II) and in 18 patients with symptomatic sick sinus syndrome (group III), sinus node cycle length (SNCL), sinus node recovery time (SNRT), corrected sinus node recovery time (CSNRT), sino-atrial conduction time (SACT), have been evaluated before and after an acute digoxin administration. Mean value of SNCL lengthened significantly in all groups. Mean value of SNRT increased moderately in the first group, remarkably in the third group, whereas it showed a mild but statistically insignificant increase in the second group. Mean value of CSNRT was significantly lengthened only in the third group. Mean value of SACT showed a mild but statistically insignificant lengthening in all groups. In order to investigate the importance of the parasympathetic action induced by digitalis, in 4 normal subjects, in 4 patients with asymptomatic sinus bradycardia, and in 10 patients with symptomatic sick sinus syndrome, SNCL, CSNRT and SACT has been evaluated after an intravenously, administration of atropine, following digoxin. In the paper the intricate mechanisms by which digitalis affects the parameters of sinus nodal function especially in patients with symptomatic sick sinus syndrome, are discussed. In disagreement with the mot papers reported in the literature we think that an acute digoxin administration is able to worsen the electrophysiological parameters of sinus nodal function especially in patients with symptomatic sick sinus syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

[Uptake and incorporation of 3H-orotic acid in isolated perfused rat liver].

3H-orotic acid incorporation into RNA and the level of RNA polymerase activity in isolated rat liver perfused for 5 hrs were investigated. In spite of a dramatic decrease in 3H-orotic acid uptake by liver cells during perfusion, a constant rate of RNA synthesis was observed. Moreover, RNA polymerase I and II activities were not affected by a 5-hr perfusion. It is suggested that isolated perfused rat liver can be used to study direct effects of hormones and drugs on RNA synthesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

[Characteristics of synthesized RNA in the isolated and perfused rat liver].

The incorporation of 3H-orotic acid into nuclear and microsomal RNA from isolated perfused rat liver has been studied. The specific radioactivity of nuclear RNA indicates that the efficiency for RNA synthesis in the perfused liver is similar to that of the liver 'in vivo'. In contrast, the microsomal RNA specific radioactivity is well below that observed 'in vivo'. This may indicate a slower transport of the labelled RNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Labelling pattern of total nuclear RNA, nuclear poly(A) containing RNA and microsomal RNA appear to be in line with these assumptions.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Renal disease in familial dysautonomia.

A study of renal disease in familial dysautonomia identified excess glomerulosclerosis in 10 or 13 autopsied and biopsied patients. Sympathetic nerve terminals could not be found on renal vessels in biopsied tissue; they were invariably demonstrable in controls. Altered renovascular responsivity to systemic hypotension in familial dysautonomia may lead to ischemia and subsequent sclerosis of glomeruli. Review of 79 living outpatients showed that clinically overt renal disease was rare in familial dysautonomia. Nevertheless, frequent observations of elevations of serum creatinine concentrations (32% of patients) and blood urea concentrations (76% of patients) indicated a high prevalence of abnormality. An association was found between hypotension and renal dysfunction.

Adolescent↗