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Biomedical subjects

G Singh

Publications and source records attributed to G Singh.

At least 469 records · Page 26Linked to original sources

Distinct effects of oxygen on surfactant protein B expression in bronchiolar and alveolar epithelium.

Hyperoxia causes severe lung injury in association with altered expression of surfactant proteins and lipids. To test whether oxygen induces surfactant protein B (SP-B) expression in specific respiratory epithelial cells, adult B6C3F1 and FVB/N mice were exposed to room air or 95% oxygen for 1-5 days. Northern blot analysis demonstrated an 8- to 10-fold increase in SP-B mRNA after 3 days that was maintained thereafter. In situ hybridization localized SP-B mRNA to bronchial, bronchiolar, and alveolar epithelial cells. Hyperoxia was associated with increased SP-B mRNA, noted primarily in the bronchiolar epithelium and decreased SP-B mRNA in the alveolar epithelium. After 5 days, central regions of lung parenchyma were nearly devoid of SP-B mRNA, while SP-B mRNA was maintained in alveolar cell populations close to vascular structures. To determine whether increased bronchiolar expression of SP-B mRNA during hyperoxia was a specific response, the abundance of CC10 mRNA (a Clara cell protein) was assessed. CC10 mRNA was detected in tracheal, bronchial, and bronchiolar, but not alveolar epithelium and was decreased upon exposure to hyperoxia. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated that SP-B proprotein was detected in bronchial, bronchiolar, and alveolar epithelial cells with staining increased in the bronchial and bronchiolar epithelium upon exposure to hyperoxia. SP-B gene expression in the respiratory epithelium is regulated at a pretranslational level and occurs in a cell specific manner during hyperoxic injury in the mouse.

Animals↗

Sepsis produces early depression of gut absorptive capacity: restoration with diltiazem treatment.

Although gut permeability increases and bacterial translocation occurs under certain pathological conditions, it remains unknown whether gut absorptive capacity (GAC) is altered early after the onset of sepsis. The aim of the present study was to investigate this and also to determine whether diltiazem has any effect on GAC in early sepsis. Rats were lightly anesthetized and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was performed. A nasogastric tube was inserted, cannulation of various blood vessels was carried out, and the animals were allowed to recover from anesthesia. One hour after CLP, one group of animals received a 1-ml bolus of normal saline intravenously, and another group received diltiazem, 400 micrograms/kg body wt. Sham animals had no CLP performed. GAC was determined by the D-xylose absorption test at 2 and 4 h after CLP. One hour after the administration of D-xylose via the nasogastric tube, its concentration in portal blood was determined colorimetrically. Results show that GAC is significantly depressed at 2 and 4 h after CLP despite the maintenance of normal blood pressure, central venous pressure, and portal pressure. Administration of diltiazem restored GAC to normal levels at 4 h after CLP. Thus diltiazem is a useful adjuvant in the treatment of sepsis because it restores gut absorptive capacity to normal and allows for early enteral nutrition.

Absorption↗

Characterization of a second human pulmonary surfactant-associated protein SP-A gene.

Pulmonary surfactant is a lipid-protein complex involved in maintaining alveolar stability. SP-A is the major surfactant-associated protein of 26 to 38 kD. A human SP-A gene (SP-A I) and two distinct SP-A cDNAs, MPSAP 1A and MPSAP 6A, have been reported previously. We have isolated and characterized a second human SP-A gene (SP-A II), which appears to code for the mRNA corresponding to the previously described MPSAP-1A cDNA. Both genes consist of five exons, a consensus recognition sequence for initiation, TATAAA, and a polyadenylation signal sequence. Significant divergence in the two genes is observed throughout. The divergence is highest in the upstream region, intron I, exon III, and noncoding portion of exon V. The coding regions of all other exons and the introns show much lower divergence. Transcripts from both genes were found in adult human lung, using gene-specific oligonucleotide probes in Northern blot analysis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

In vitro maturation, fertilization and development of follicular oocytes from buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

Cumulus-oocyte complexes, 5596, were cultured for 24 h in either TCM-199 or Ham's F-10 with or without gonadotrophins and supplemented with either 20% buffalo oestrous serum (BES) or fetal calf serum (FCS). The maturation rates of oocytes cultured in TCM-199 or Ham's F-10 medium supplemented with 20% BES were 47.4 +/- 17.8 and 44.8 +/- 25.6, respectively. Addition of luteinizing hormone (LH) (5 micrograms ml-1) significantly improved the maturation rate in the Ham's F-10 medium supplemented with 20% BES (76.8 +/- 18.3), but follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (0.5 micrograms ml-1) and oestradiol (1 microgram ml-1) failed to synergize with LH (71.7 +/- 19.5). In the TCM-199 system, LH failed to enhance the maturation rate but the addition of FSH and oestradiol significantly enhanced the proportion of mature oocytes (42.7 +/- 1.4 and 81.7 +/- 14.5, respectively; P less than 0.05). Frozen-thawed spermatozoa prepared in Bracket and Oliphant (BO) medium and treated with 5 mmol caffeine 1(-1) + 10 micrograms heparin showed a higher fertilization rate (29.8%) than those treated in Hepes-Talp and treated with 10 micrograms heparin ml-1 (19.6%). Fertilization rate was significantly improved when fresh ejaculated spermatozoa treated with 5 mmol caffeine 1-1 and 10 micrograms heparin in BO medium (50%) was used. Rate of cleavage and development were also higher when in vitro fertilization was carried out with fresh ejaculated spermatozoa treated with caffeine and heparin (34.1 and 36.8%, respectively) than with frozen-thawed spermatozoa (27.0 and 22.0%, respectively). Development rate was enhanced when fertilized ova were cultured in ligated rabbit oviduct (28.0%) than when co-cultured on oviductal cell monolayers (8.2%). The results indicate that oocytes cultured in medium supplemented with BES and gonadotrophins reveal high rates of maturation and development to the blastocyst stage after fertilization with fresh ejaculated spermatozoa.

Animals↗

Freeze-dried, cross-linked bovine type I collagen: analysis of properties.

This study was undertaken to assess the physical and biological properties of freeze-dried cross-linked bovine type I collagen and to assess its potential for use in the guided tissue regeneration method of treatment of periodontal disease in human adult subjects. The modulus of elasticity, swelling ratio, and biodegradation rate were investigated. The collagen sponge was implanted subdermally into Sprague-Dawley rats and a histological study carried out at 2, 7, 21, 35, and 49 days post implantation. Growth of human gingival and periodontal ligament derived fibroblasts on collagen sponge was assessed, as well as the effect of bovine collagen supernatants upon gingival and periodontal fibroblast cultures. The physical properties of the collagen sponge were consistent with good handling qualities and, therefore, it was appropriate for use at a surgical site. The histological study demonstrated a reduction in thickness of the collagen at 21 days; at 35 days there was a hazy appearance of the collagen remnants; and at 49 days the graft material had been completely replaced with fibrous tissues. The in vitro response of human gingival and periodontal fibroblasts to bovine collagen showed that, after 21 days, confluent fibroblast growth was observed around and underneath the sponge. The effect of bovine collagen supernatants upon fibroblasts demonstrated an apparent proliferative effect of the supernatant with both gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts. However, the non-parametric Friedman test revealed no significant differences between dilutions or time points. The overall findings provide encouraging evidence of the safety of freeze-dried cross-linked bovine collagen sponge in the surgical treatment of periodontal disease.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Immunity to self-antigens in periodontal disease.

Auto-antibody to collagen, previously detected in periodontal disease, may represent either a response to local tissue damage or be the manifestation of a disturbance of the host immune response induced by the periodontal flora and its products. In an effort to distinguish between these two hypotheses, this study was undertaken to determine circulating IgG auto-antibody levels in 41 periodontal-disease patients against 12 self-antigens (salmon DS-DNA, calf SS-DNA, human and bovine thyroglobulin, rabbit proteoglycan, horse myoglobin, bovine myosin, actin, fetuin, human transferrin, cytochrome C, and human Type I collagen) and compare them to those in 21 periodontal disease-free subjects. None of the detected IgG auto-antibody levels were significantly different between periodontal disease and control sera (Mann-Whitney U-test, P greater than 0.05) except for human Type I collagen (P less than 0.05). Fifty-six percent of patients and 38% of controls were "broad responders;" i.e., 50% or more of the auto-antibody levels were higher than the median values of the control group; however, these values were not significantly different using the chi-square test. It was concluded that the destruction of connective tissue components is the primary driving force in the induction of the enhanced auto-antibody response found in periodontal disease. This response is apparently secondary to the primary bacterial infection which remains the major etiologic event.

Adult↗

Expression of surfactant associated protein-A and Clara cell 10 kilodalton mRNA in neoplastic and non-neoplastic human lung tissue as detected by in situ hybridization.

Two markers for the progenitor cells of peripheral airways and their tumors are the 10 kilodalton (kd) Clara cell protein and the major surfactant associated protein-A (SP-A). We used the RNA-RNA in situ hybridization technique to study expression of the genes encoding these proteins at the cellular level in 19 pairs of non-neoplastic and neoplastic tissues from resected human lungs. Our results show that in non-neoplastic lung tissue, the Clara 10 kd protein gene was expressed in nonciliated cells of both bronchial and bronchiolar epithelium, indicating that, in contrast to previous assumptions, cells with Clara cell-like differentiation in humans may not be restricted to bronchiolar cells. The incidence of Clara 10 kd protein gene expression, as detected in lung carcinomas (1 out of 19 cases positive) was less than expected based on previous ultrastructural reports. The SP-A gene was strongly expressed in normal alveolar type II cells in non-neoplastic lung and, at higher levels, in hyperplastic cells. In addition, SP-A mRNA expression was observed in scattered bronchial and bronchiolar epithelial cells in 40% of the airways examined. Five out of 17 lung tumors, all of which were adenocarcinomas, were positive for SP-A expression, albeit generally less intense than type II cells. This expression was seen in carcinomas with papillolepidic as well as solid and glandular growth patterns. Our findings provide new insights into the peripheral airway cell differentiation.

Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung↗

Iatrogenic dry eye: late effect of topical steroid formulations.

A total of 69 eyes of 35 patients receiving local corticosteroid therapy over a period of 3 months to 2 years for different eye ailments were studied. It was observed that there was a significant reduction (p < 0.05) of Schirmer's test I, as well as tear film break up time values with an increase in the duration of treatment. Of the various preservatives used with the various brands of steroids it was observed that benzalkonium chloride is most commonly associated with dry eye syndrome. The complications of prolonged topical steroid therapy included steroid induced glaucoma (4 eyes), lenticular opacities (4 eyes), epitheliopathy (2 eyes) and flare up of silent viral keratitis (one eye).

Adolescent↗

Sclerosing haemangioma of the lung.

The present paper describes a case of sclerosing haemangioma of the lung. Immunohistochemical analysis further supports its origin from respiratory epithelium, and confirms its minimal proliferative activity.

Adult↗

A mechanism for the loss of cytochrome P-450 in primary mouse hepatocytes.

This study examined various biochemical parameters such as mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), total heme and cyto P450 content in fresh hepatocytes and dedifferentiated hepatocytes. These parameters were chosen in order to understand the dramatic decrease in drug metabolism in cultured hepatocytes. The data in this study shows a temporal decrease in cytochrome P450, a total heme and also a decrease in mitochondria. Also, the ratio of mtDNA content to mitochondrial density was found to increase as hepatocytes underwent dedifferentiation. Stereological analysis of cell preparations provided a measure of mitochondrial density per cell area and mtDNA content was assessed by the use of a specific radiolabelled probe. This study demonstrates that a loss of the organelle which is partially responsible for synthesis of heme correlates with a decrease in cytochrome P450.

Animals↗

Identification of 10 murine homeobox genes.

In Drosophila a number of genes important in establishing segmentation patterns and in determining segment identities have been shown to carry the homeobox sequence. Over 30 murine homeobox genes have been cloned, many on the basis of sequence homology to Drosophila prototypes. Here we report the cloning and sequencing of 10 new and 6 previously known homeobox genes by screening a murine genomic library with a 768-fold degenerate oligonucleotide corresponding to the most conserved 8-amino acid motif in the recognition helix of the homeodomain. Eight of these new homeobox genes have been chromosomally mapped. Four genes do not belong to any of the known homeobox gene clusters but instead map to new locations on chromosome 1 (single gene) and chromosome 5 (three genes). Sequence comparisons indicate that two of these are very closely related and represent a distinct new category of homeobox genes. The remaining four mapped genes reside in previously established murine homeobox gene clusters. Specifically, two map to the cluster HOX-1 on chromosome 6 and one each to HOX-3 and HOX-4 on chromosome 15 and 2, respectively. The ratio of newly identified homeobox genes to the previously characterized murine homeobox genes suggests that there remain several uncharacterized homeobox genes in the murine genome.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Isolation and expression of a guanylate cyclase-coupled heat stable enterotoxin receptor cDNA from a human colonic cell line.

Heat stable enterotoxins (STs) are low molecular-weight peptides secreted by enterotoxigenic bacteria. One type of these enterotoxins (STa) induces intestinal secretion leading to acute diarrhea by binding to a membrane form of guanylate cyclase. We have isolated a cDNA from a human colonic cell line, T84, encoding for a guanylate cyclase-coupled enterotoxin receptor (STaR). The predicted amino acid sequence of the human STa receptor is 81% identical with the previously cloned enterotoxin receptor (GC-C) from rat intestine. COS-7 cells transiently transfected with the cloned cDNA expressed specific concentration-dependent response to STa as measured by cyclic GMP accumulation and is about 20 times more sensitive to the stimulation by STa than has been shown for GC-C.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effects of differentiation of embryonal carcinoma cells (P19) on mitochondrial DNA content in vitro.

The embryonal carcinoma cell line P19 is derived from mouse teratocarcinomas. These pluripotent cells can be induced to differentiate into a variety of cell types by exposure to various drugs. We used retinoic acid to induce embryonal carcinoma cells to differentiate into neuronlike cells. In this study, we show that changes occur in mitochondria during differentiation of embryonal carcinoma cells to neuronlike cells. We found that various morphologic parameters such as mitochondrial fractional area and mitochondrial size decrease as embryonal carcinoma cells differentiate into neuronlike cells. Similar changes were also observed in mitochondrial DNA content. Stereologic analysis of cell preparations provided a measure of mitochondrial fractional area per cell and mtDNA content was assessed by radiolabeled mtDNA probe. This study establishes that mitochondria are regulated as cells differentiate.

Animals↗