Growth of trophoblast tissue in early pregnancy is rapid and accomplished in an unusually hypoxic environment. Hypoxia has been reported to upregulate mRNA production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and VEGF receptors have been found on trophoblast cells. These observations suggest that VEGF may have an important role in early placentation. This study examines the influence of hypoxia on both the production of the VEGF message and protein and on the production of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) protein by the cell lines JEG, JAr and BeWo. Cells were grown under normoxic and hypoxic conditions for 72 h. The average oxygen tension in the culture media of the hypoxic cultures (6-7 kPa) was significantly less than in the normoxic cultures (19-21 kPa). RNA was extracted and message for VEGF(121), VEGF(165) and VEGF(189) found in all cell lines by reverse transcription and the polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). These messages were upregulated by hypoxia; findings confirmed by competitive PCR for VEGF and expression of the house keeping gene GAPDH. hCG and VEGF were measured by immunoassay. Hypoxia resulted in an increase in VEGF production (P<0.05) but had inconsistent effects on hCG production. In some experiments the absolute concentrations of hCG and VEGF in the culture media were noted to be significantly correlated (r>0.5, P<0.05). In addition to its role in angiogenesis, VEGF may have direct effects on trophoblast cells encouraging proliferation and invasion. These effects may be regulated in part through oxygen supply and hCG.

Cell Count↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Long-term food restriction, deprenyl, and nimodipine treatment on life expectancy and blood pressure of stroke-prone rats.

We determined whether food restriction or the drugs nimodipine (Ca2+ antagonist) and deprenyl (a MAO-B inhibitor) prevent the development of stroke in the spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rat (SHR-SP). Forty male SHR-SP rats, in the age of 34 weeks, were exposed to various treatments. During a period of 27 weeks, survival and blood pressure were followed. In the control and deprenyl group, the blood pressure values remained unchanged; 50% had died after 27 weeks. All rats that were treated with nimodipine survived. After food restriction, 7/8 rats survived and showed a lower blood pressure. This study in SHR-PR rats shows the superiority of nimodipine on survival, and the potential of food restriction as a stroke-preventing measure.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A new variant of autosomal recessive exfoliative ichthyosis.

We report unusual congenital ichthyosiform dermatosis in 5 of 12 children in two related families of unaffected, consanguineous Bedouin parents. It appeared shortly after birth as a fine peeling of nonerythematous skin on palms and soles. Gradually it evolved into prominent, well-demarcated areas of peeling skin in moist and traumatized regions. The cutaneous manifestations share features of ichthyosis bullosa of Siemens (IBS) and peeling skin syndrome (PSS). Histologic examination revealed orthokeratosis, a thickened granular cell layer, and spongiosis without epidermolytic hyperkeratosis. On electron microscopy there was prominent intercellular edema and numerous aggregates of keratin filaments in basal keratinocytes. This combination of clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural features has not been previously reported in the heterogeneous group of congenital ichthyoses. We suggest that it represents a new variant of exfoliative ichthyosis.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Neck pain is a major clinical problem in ankylosing spondylitis, and impacts on driving and safety.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Cobalt-55 positron emission tomography of ipsilateral thalamic and crossed cerebellar hypometabolism after supratentorial ischaemic stroke.

Cobalt-55 (55Co) is a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer used to demonstrate brain damage, possibly associated to calcium-mediated processes. The degree of 55Co accumulation correlates with the severity of ischaemia in stroke patients. It is still a matter of debate whether ipsilateral thalamic hypometabolism (ITH) and crossed cerebellar hypometabolism (CCH), occurring after middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarcts, represent only a metabolic depression of these remote regions or can lead to structural damage. The present study investigates whether an increased 55Co influx can be demonstrated with PET in ITH and CCH after MCA infarcts. About half of the patients with ITH and CCH had a significant degree of 55Co uptake in, respectively, the ipsilateral thalamus and the contralateral cerebellar hemisphere. It was observed in patients with severe signs of stroke on admission and poor clinical outcome, and correlated well with the degree of 55Co influx within the supratentorial infarct. The present study demonstrates that ITH and CCH after MCA infarction can represent structural damage in these remote areas that occurs during the second week after stroke onset.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The effects of pressure-reducing mattresses in CPR.

In this article, the author summarises a small study examining the effects that support surface mattresses might have on perfusion in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Beds↗