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Biomedical subjects

J A Hubbell

Publications and source records attributed to J A Hubbell.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Murine macrophage behavior on peptide-grafted polyethyleneglycol-containing networks.

Polyethyleneglycol-based networks were employed as substrates to graft bioactive peptides to study macrophage interactions with materials. Our overall objective was to utilize biologically active factors to stimulate certain macrophage function on materials suitable for implantation in connective tissues. In this study, we sought to explore the bioactivity of several peptides derived from extracellular matrix adhesion proteins and macrophage-active proteins that are normally soluble. The candidate peptides examined corresponded to residues 63 to 77 of complement component C3a (C3a(63-77)), residues 178 to 207 of interleukin-1 beta (IL1beta(178-207)), residues 1615 to 1624 of fibronectin (FN(1615-1624)), endothelial-macrophage activating polypeptide II, complement component C5a inhibitory sequence, macrophage inhibitory peptide, and YRGDG; materials lacking peptides were used as negative controls. An established murine cell-line IC-21 was employed as a macrophage model, and human dermal fibroblasts were used for comparison. Our results showed that the substrates without grafted peptides were free from artifactual cell adhesion associated with the adsorption of serum or cellularly secreted proteins for long duration of culture. Of all grafted samples, IL1beta(178-207)- and C3a(63-77)-grafted surfaces supported higher adherent macrophage densities. C3a(63-77)- and FN(1615-1624)-grafted surfaces supported higher adherent fibroblast densities. From competitive inhibition studies, cell adhesion was determined to occur in a receptor-peptide specific manner. The presence of grafted YRGDG in addition to IL1beta(178-207), C3a(63-77), or FN(1615-1624) synergistically increased macrophage and fibroblast adhesion. Materials grafted with IL1beta(178-207) or C3a(63-77) co-grafted with or without YRGDG did not support the formation of multinucleated giant cells from the fusion of adherent macrophages in vitro.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effects of fibrin micromorphology on neurite growth from dorsal root ganglia cultured in three-dimensional fibrin gels.

The effect of fibrin matrix micromorphology on neurite growth was investigated by measuring the length of neurites growing in three-dimensional fibrin gels with well characterized micromorphologies. Dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) from 7-day chick embryos were entrapped and cultured in gels made from varying concentrations of fibrinogen (5-15 mg/mL) or calcium (2-10 mM). The length of growing neurites was measured with light videomicroscopy, and the number and diameter of fibrin fiber bundles were measured from scanning electron micrographs. An increase in fibrinogen concentration caused a decrease in the average fiber bundle thickness, an increase in the number of fiber bundles, and a marked decrease in neurite length. Gels made with different calcium concentrations had a similar range of variation in fibrin fiber bundle number or diameter, but these variations had little effect on neurite and associated nonneuronal cell outgrowth. These results provide insights into the process of neurite advance within fibrin and may be useful in the design of fibrin-based materials used for peripheral nerve regeneration. Furthermore, this study provides the first detailed experimental data on the micromorphology of fibrin matrices made from more than 5 mg/mL of fibrinogen and indicates that existing kinetic models of fibrin polymerization do not accurately predict fibrin structure at these higher concentrations.

Animals↗

A sensitivity study of the key parameters in the interfacial photopolymerization of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate upon porcine islets.

A method has been defined to interfacially photopolymerize poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylates (PEG diacrylates) to form a crosslinked hydrogel membrane upon the surfaces of porcine islets of Langerhans to serve as an immune barrier for allo- and xenotransplantation. A sensitivity study of six key parameters in the interfacial photopolymerization process was performed to aid in determination of the optimal encapsulation conditions, leading to the most uniform hydrogel membranes and viable islets. The key parameters included the concentrations of the components of the initiation scheme, namely eosin Y, triethanolamine, and 1-vinyl 2-pyrrolidinone. Other parameters investigated included the duration and flux of laser irradiation and the PEG diacrylate molecular weight. Each parameter was doubled and halved from the standard conditions used in the encapsulation process while holding all the remaining parameters at the standard conditions. The effects of changing each parameter on islet viability, encapsulation efficiency, and gel thickness were quantified. Islet viability was sensitive to the duration of laser illumination, viability significantly increasing as the duration was reduced. Encapsulation efficiency was sensitive to the concentrations of eosin Y, triethanolamine, and 1-vinyl 2-pyrrolidinone, to the laser flux, and to the PEG diacrylate molecular weight. Increasing the concentration of eosin Y significantly improved the encapsulation efficiency, while decreasing the concentration of 1-vinyl 2-pyrrolidinone and increasing the concentration of triethanolamine had the greatest effects in significantly reducing the encapsulation efficiency. Gel thickness was sensitive to the concentrations of triethanolamine and 1-vinyl 2-pyrrolidinone, to the duration of laser illumination, and to the PEG diacrylate molecular weight. Increasing the PEG diacrylate molecular weight significantly increased the gel thickness, while decreasing the concentration of 1-vinyl 2-pyrrolidinone and increasing the concentration of triethanolamine had the greatest effects in significantly reducing the gel thickness. From this sensitivity study, conditions were determined to encapsulate porcine islets, resulting in greater than 90% islet viability and greater than 90% encapsulation efficiency.

Animals↗

Incorporation of adhesion peptides into nonadhesive hydrogels useful for tissue resurfacing.

Photopolymerized crosslinked networks of poly(ethylene glycol; PEG) diacrylate (MW 8000) were derivitized throughout their bulk with Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-containing peptide sequences. Incorporation was achieved by functionalizing the amine terminus of the peptide with an acrylate moiety, thereby enabling the adhesion peptide to copolymerize rapidly with the PEG diacrylate upon photoinitiation. PEG diacrylate hydrogels derivitized with RGD peptide at surface concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 1 pmol/cm2 were studied in vitro for their ability to promote spreading of human foreskin fibroblasts over 24 h. Hydrogels not derivitized with peptides were poor substrates for adhesion, permitting spreading of only 5% of the seeded cells. When immobilized with no spacer arm, both RGD and RDG (inactive control) supported spreading of approximately 50% and approximately 15% of cells at 1 and 0.1 pmol/cm2 surface concentrations respectively; lower concentrations did not promote spreading. When a MW 3400 PEG spacer arm was incorporated between the hydrogel and the peptide linkage, incorporation of 1 pmol/cm2 RGD promoted 70% spreading whereas RDG at the same concentration did not promote spreading. In addition, when cells were seeded in serum-free medium, only RGD peptides incorporated with a spacer arm were able to promote spreading. Thus peptide incorporated into PEG 8000 diacrylate hydrogels without a spacer arm nonspecifically mediated cell spreading whereas incorporation via a MW 3400 PEG spacer arm was required to permit cell spreading to be specifically mediated.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Reduction of fibrous adhesion formation by a copolymer possessing an affinity for anionic surfaces.

Postsurgical adhesions represent a common complication following a variety of surgical procedures. We sought to develop and evaluate a water-soluble polymer that could self-assemble onto tissue surfaces, forming a barrier on the surface. A copolymer was synthesized so as to contain two components: one component adsorbed to the tissue surface, and the other created a steric barrier, thereby preventing cell interactions with the tissue surface, and perhaps altering the wound-healing response that leads to the formation of fibrous adhesions. The component selected for tissue binding was a water-soluble polycation, poly-L-lysine, which can bind to negative sites on glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and cells; and the component selected for steric stabilization was polyethylene glycol, a nonionic polymer that interacts poorly with proteins. Efficacy of lavage with an aqueous solution of the copolymer for the prevention of postsurgical abdominopelvic adhesions was assessed following a standard electrocautery injury of the uterine horns of rats. The copolymer resulted in an 88% reduction in the extent of adhesions that formed. In vitro studies designed to investigate the mechanism of this efficacy indicated that the copolymer may both hinder cell-tissue adhesive interactions and alter the process of fibrin formation.

Abdomen↗

Characterization of permeability and network structure of interfacially photopolymerized poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate hydrogels.

Hydrogel membranes formed by interfacially photopolymerizing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) diacrylate precursor solution were prepared from PEG diacrylate of molecular weights (MW) ranging from 2000 (2K) to 20000 (20K) with concentrations ranging from 10% to 30% w/w. The effects of PEG diacrylate MW and concentration in the membrane precursor solution upon the diffusivities of vitamin B12, myoglobin, ovalbumin, albumin, and IgG were determined. Regardless of the concentration of the PEG diacrylate in the precursor solution, hydrogels prepared with PEG 2K, 4K, and 8K diacrylate were impermeable to proteins with a size equal to or larger than myoglobin (22 kDa), while hydrogels prepared with PEG 20K diacrylate were impermeable to proteins with a size equal to or larger than ovalbumin (45 kDa). Similarities between hydrogels formed from PEG 2K, 4K, and 8K diacrylates were also seen in calculations of the molecular weight between crosslinks and the mesh size, with values in the range of 150-750 g/mol and 15-35 A, respectively, depending on PEG diacrylate concentration. In contrast, hydrogels formed from PEG 20K diacrylate had molecular weight between crosslinks ranging from 1150 to 2000 g/mol and mesh sizes ranging from 45-70 A, with larger values being observed in membranes polymerized from more dilute PEG diacrylate precursor.

Cross-Linking Reagents↗

Self-assembly and steric stabilization at heterogeneous, biological surfaces using adsorbing block copolymers.

BACKGROUND: We present the synthesis, characterization and initial structure-function analysis of a new class of bioactive agent that allows the application of techniques from colloid science to biological surfaces. Stable colloidal suspensions can be generated by immobilizing a dense brush of soluble polymer at the colloidal surface, creating a zone protected against the adhesion of approaching particles, a phenomenon termed polymeric steric stabilization. This is often accomplished for aqueous colloidal dispersions using adsorbing block copolymers. We demonstrate that water-soluble block copolymers can be designed to adsorb onto heterogeneous biological surfaces and block cell-cell and cell-surface adhesion, using polymer compositions and architectures that are quite different from surfactants used for stabilizing nonbiological colloidal dispersions. RESULTS: Comb copolymers were synthesized having polycationic backbones (poly-L-lysine, PLL), serving as the anchor for binding to the net negatively charged biological surfaces, grafted with water-soluble polynonionic chains (polyethylene glycol, PEG), to block biological recognition, producing PLL-graft-PEG copolymers. Specific copolymers were found to sterically stabilize red blood cells from lectin-induced hemagglutination and fibroblasts from adhesion to fibronectin-coated surfaces. The polymer design principles, which appear to be unique for adsorption to heterogeneous biological surfaces, require the use of very high molecular weight comb copolymers, perhaps because anionic sites are non-uniformly distributed on biological surfaces, and the ability of larger copolymers to span between highly anionic sites. CONCLUSIONS: Water-soluble copolymers were produced that can block recognition at biological surfaces, on the basis of nonspecific physicochemical phenomena rather than specific biochemical interactions.

Animals↗

The pharmacokinetics of furosemide in anaesthetized horses after bilateral ureteral ligation.

The pharmacokinetics of furosemide were investigated in anaesthetized horses with bilateral ureteral ligation (BUL) with (n = 5) or without (n = 5) premedication with phenylbutazone. Horses were administered an intravenous (i.v.) bolus dose of furosemide (1 mg/kg) approximately 60-90 min after BUL. Plasma samples collected up to 3 h after drug administration were analysed by a validated high performance liquid chromatography method. Median plasma clearance (CLp) of furosemide in anaesthetized horses with BUL was 1.4 mL/min/kg. Apparent steady state volume of distribution (Vd(ss)) ranged from 169 to 880 mL/kg and the elimination half life (t1/2) ranged from 83 min to 209 h. No differences in plasma concentration or kinetic parameter estimates were observed when phenylbutazone was administered before furosemide administration. BUL markedly reduces the elimination of furosemide in horses and models the potential effects that severe changes in kidney function may have on drug kinetics in horses.

Animals↗

Surface characteristics and biocompatibility of lactide-based poly(ethylene glycol) scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Novel lactide-based poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) polymer networks (GL9-PEGs) were prepared by UV copolymerization of a glycerol-lactide triacrylate (GL9-Ac) with PEG monoacrylate (PEG-Ac) to use as scaffolds in tissue engineering, and the surface properties and biocompatibility of these networks were investigated as a function of PEG molecular weight and content. Analysis by ATR-FTIR and ESCA revealed that PEG was incorporated well within the GL9-PEG polymer networks and was enriched at the surfaces. From the results of SEM, AFM, and contact angle analyses, GL9-PEG networks showed relatively rough and irregular surfaces compared to GL9 network, but the mobile PEG chains coupled at their termini were readily exposed toward the aqueous environment when contacting water such that the surfaces became smoother and more hydrophilic. This reorientation and increase in hydrophilicity were more extensive with increasing PEG molecular weight and content. As compared to GL9 network lacking PEG, protein adsorption as well as platelet and S. epidermidis adhesion to GL9-PEG networks were significantly reduced as the molecular weight and content of PEG was increased, indicating that GL9-PEG networks are more biocompatible than the GL9 network due to PEG's passivity. Based on the physical and biological characterization reported, the GL9-PEG materials would appear to be interesting candidates as matrices for tissue engineering.

Bacterial Adhesion↗

Chemical modification and photograft polymerization upon expanded poly(tetrafluoroethylene).

Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) films were surface-modified by employing a reaction solution of benzophenone and sodium hydride in anhydrous dimethylformamide at a temperature of 150 degrees C for 12 h. Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) showed defluorination, oxygen incorporation, and extensive unsaturation within the treated PTFE surfaces. The suitably of these reduced PTFE films as substrates for graft polymerization was initially assessed via photograft polymerization of the sodium salt of styrenesulfonic acid (SS-Na), which permitted unequivocal surface analysis by the introduction of a new atom, as well as poly(ethylene glycol) monoacrylate (PEG-Ac). All photograpt polymerization was performed employing ultraviolet irradiation with 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone as an initiator. Photograft polymerization of SS-Na was verified by further reduction of fluorine atomic content and the appearance of new sulfur and sodium atomic peaks on ESCA survey spectra, and that of PEG-Ac was verified by further reduction of fluorine atomic content and increase of atomic percent ratio of O/C from ESCA survey spectra as well as appearance of a new ester peak on high resolution ESCA C 1s spectra. Dynamic water contact angles on reduced and PEG-Ac photograft polymerized films were measured and showed that the PTFE film surface became more hydrophilic after reduction (from 120 to 89 deg) and the reduced film became more hydrophilic after photograft polymerization with PEG-Ac (from 89 to 36 deg). Modification of the complete surface of expanded PTFE (ePTFE), i.e. of the lumenal, outside and pore surfaces, was performed by employing the reaction described above, except at 105 degrees C for 1 day, followed by photograft polymerization of PEG-Ac. ESCA was performed on the superficial surfaces (i.e. the lumen and exterior) as well as on cross-sections of the ePTFE to permit analysis of the pore surfaces. This analysis showed that both the initial surface reduction and subsequent photograft polymerization were successful as indicated from F/C and O/C atomic percent ratios from ESCA survey spectra, from overall peaks shapes of high resolution ESCA C 1s spectra and from generation of new ester peaks on high resolution ESCA C 1s spectra of ePTFE graft polymerized with PEG-Ac, which demonstrated an O/C atomic percent ratio close to that of PEG-Ac homopolymer. Low voltage scanning electron microscopy confirmed minimal morphological damage to the ePTFE microstructure after reduction and graft polymerization. The approach explored thus provides a means for modulation of biological interactions at ePTFE surfaces with only minimal modification of material morphology, with some surface texture appearing on a length scale of 50-100 nm.

Benzophenones↗

Hepatic blood flow in horses during the recuperative period from maximal exercise.

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of walking or standing on hepatic blood flow of horses after brief, intense exercise. ANIMALS: 6 adult Thoroughbreds (4 mares, 2 geldings). PROCEDURE: Horses were preconditioned on a treadmill to establish uniform level of fitness. Once fit, treadmill speed causing each horse to exercise at 120% of maximal oxygen consumption was determined and used in simulated races at 14-day intervals. In a three-way crossover study, horses were exercised at a speed inducing 120% of maximal oxygen consumption until fatigued or for a maximum of 2 minutes. Three interventions were studied: resting on the treadmill (REST), exercised then standing on the treadmill for 30 minutes (MS), and exercised then walking at 2 m/s for 30 minutes (MW). At 60 seconds after completion of exercise, bromsulphalein (BSP) was infused IV, and blood samples were collected every 2 minutes for 30 minutes for analysis of BSP concentration. Hematocrit and plasma total solids concentration were measured. Pharmacokinetic parameters were derived, using nonlinear regression, and were compared, using Friedman's repeated measures analysis on ranks. RESULTS: Plasma BSP concentration was higher after exercise. Median hepatic blood flow (BSP clearance) decreased significantly from 23.8 (REST) to 20.7 (MS) and 18.7 (MW) ml/min/kg. Median steady-state volume of distribution of BSP decreased from 47.6 (REST) to 42.7 (MW) and 40.2 (MS) ml/kg. Differences among trials were not significant when horses walked or stood after exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic blood flow and pharmacokinetics of BSP are markedly altered immediately after exercise. Limiting movement of horses during this period did not affect hepatic blood flow.

Animals↗

Immunoisolation of adult porcine islets for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The use of photopolymerizable polyethylene glycol in the conformal coating of mass-isolated porcine islets.

Functional porcine islets, free of known pathogens, can serve as a source of insulin producing cells for the treatment of experimentally induced insulin dependent Diabetes Mellitus. Porcine islets can be conformally coated (microencapsulated) with a covalently linked, stable permselective membrane while maintaining islet viability and function. The PEG conformal coating is immunoprotective in a discordant xenograft animal model (porcine islets to rat).

Animals↗

Cardiorespiratory and metabolic effects of walking, standing, and standing with a splint during the recuperative period from maximal exercise in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of walking, standing, or standing with a splint on 1 forelimb on rate of recuperation of horses after a brief, intense bout of exercise. ANIMALS: 6 adult Thoroughbreds (435 to 542 kg). PROCEDURE: Horses were preconditioned by exercise on a treadmill to establish a uniform level of fitness. Once fit, the treadmill speed causing each horse to exercise at 120% of its maximal oxygen consumption was determined and was used in simulated races at 14-day intervals. Horses were instrumented for collection of arterial and mixed venous blood samples for measurement of acid-base status, concentrations of metabolites, and cardiopulmonary indices. The horses were exercised at a speed inducing 120% of their maximal oxygen consumption until fatigued or for a maximum of 2 minutes. Three recuperative interventions were evaluated: walking at 1.8 m/s for 30 minutes, then standing for the remainder of the 90-minute trial; standing stationary for 90 minutes; and standing stationary for 90 minutes with a splint on the right forelimb. RESULTS: Walking significantly increased cardiac output during the recuperative phase and hastened recovery of normal acid-base status and return of blood lactate concentration to baseline values. CONCLUSION: Limiting movement of horses during the recuperative period delays recovery from maximal exercise. Most measured indices returned to baseline by 60 minutes after exercise. All measured cardiopulmonary indices returned to baseline values by 90 minutes after exercise. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Horses that are not allowed to walk during recuperation from exercise may have a prolonged recovery period.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

Separation of the arterial wall from blood contact using hydrogel barriers reduces intimal thickening after balloon injury in the rat: the roles of medial and luminal factors in arterial healing.

The objective of this study was to clarify the relative roles of medial versus luminal factors in the induction of thickening of the arterial intima after balloon angioplasty injury. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and thrombin, both associated with thrombosis, and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), stored in the arterial wall, have been implicated in this process. To unequivocally isolate the media from luminally derived factors, we used a 20-microns thick hydrogel barrier that adhered firmly to the arterial wall to block thrombus deposition after balloon-induced injury of the carotid artery of the rat. Thrombosis, bFGF mobilization, medial repopulation, and intimal thickening were measured. Blockade of postinjury arterial contact with blood prevented thrombosis and dramatically inhibited both intimal thickening and endogenous bFGF mobilization. By blocking blood contact on the two time scales of thrombosis and of intimal thickening, and by using local protein release to probe, by reconstitution, the individual roles of PDGF-BB and thrombin, we were able to conclude that a luminally derived factor other than PDGF or thrombin is required for the initiation of cellular events leading to intimal thickening after balloon injury in the rat. We further conclude that a luminally derived factor is required for mobilization of medial bFGF.

Angioplasty, Balloon↗

Evaluation of a survey of the diplomates of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine on use of analgesic agents in animals used in biomedical research.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the analgesic agents administered to animals frequently used in biomedical research. DESIGN: Telephone survey. SAMPLE POPULATION: Diplomates of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine. PROCEDURE: 200 of 429 active diplomates listed in the 1993 directory of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine were selected at random for telephone interviews. Diplomates were asked to identify the species that they cared for and the dosages, dosing intervals, and routes of administration for analgesic agents. RESULTS: 90 of 200 (45%) diplomates completed the survey. Twenty-two analgesic agents were identified for use in 472 applications in 16 species. Opioid analgesics were the most frequently selected agents, with buprenorphine hydrochloride and butorphanol being most frequently used. Intramuscular and subcutaneous routes of administration were used most frequently. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Among diplomates of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine, opioids are the most frequently selected agents used to induce analgesia in animals used in biomedical research. Dosages and dosing intervals used vary widely among animals of various species as well as for animals in each species.

Analgesics↗

Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis episode during halothane anesthesia in a horse.

A 7-month-old Quarter Horse filly was admitted for surgical repair of a right olecranon fracture. Anesthesia was achieved with xylazine hydrochloride, guaifenesin, ketamine hydrochloride, and halothane. Two and a half hours after induction of anesthesia, myotonia, muscle fasciculations, and sweating, concurrent with high serum potassium concentration and associated electrocardiographic changes consistent with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, were observed. Treatment included intermittent positive-pressure ventilation, changing intravenous administration of fluids from lactated Ringer's solution to 0.9% NaCl solution, and administration of calcium gluconate, glycopyrrolate, dopamine, and sodium bicarbonate. Clinical signs resolved with the return of serum potassium concentrations to the reference range. The horse was confirmed to be heterozygous for hyperkalemic periodic paralysis by DNA testing.

Anesthesia, General↗