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Biomedical subjects

J E Fletcher

Publications and source records attributed to J E Fletcher.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Bee venom melittin is a potent toxin for reducing the threshold for calcium-induced calcium release in human and equine skeletal muscle.

The modulation of Ca2+ release by synthetic bee venom melittin was examined in equine and human terminal cisternae-containing fractions. Melittin (0.1 microM) decreased the threshold of Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release by 20% in equine muscle and by 36% in human muscle. If terminal cisternae fractions were first preloaded with Ca2+ to greater than about 75% of the threshold of Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release and then melittin added, an immediate and sustained release of Ca2+ occurred in preparations from both species. Addition of melittin after a Ca2+ preload of < 50% of the threshold of Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release did not elicit sustained Ca2+ release. Ruthenium red (10 microM) antagonized all effects of melittin on Ca2+ release. Melittin (0.1-10 microM) did not affect [3H]ryanodine binding. Melittin (0.1 microM) slightly (10%) inhibited the Ca2+ pump and this action was not antagonized by ruthenium red. These findings suggest that melittin may be an important new probe of the Ca(2+)-modulated Ca2+ release process that does not act at the ryanodine binding site.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Pathologic changes induced by phospholipase A2 isolated from the venom of Collett's snake, Pseudechis colletti: a light and electron microscopic study.

Pseudechis colletti is an Australian elapid snake with a range limited to central Queensland, Australia. The venom of this snake, as well as that of several other Australian elapids, has been shown to contain a phospholipase A2 (PLA2) which can cause a marked myoglobinuria in mice. Few studies have described the histopathologic and ultrastructural changes that result from myotoxic PLA2-induced damage. Our investigation demonstrated that the isolated PLA2 induced myodegeneration and necrosis in myocardium in a dose-related manner, with subsequent myoglobinuria and myoglobinuric nephropathy.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Preliminary evidence for a postsynaptic action of beta-bungarotoxin in mammalian skeletal muscle.

Two hours after treatment with beta-bungarotoxin (0.34-0.4 microM), when there was complete neuromuscular block, the peak contracture response to 50 microM succinylcholine was significantly reduced by about 35% in the mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparation. Additionally, significant phospholipase A2 activity was detected on primary cell cultures from skeletal muscle which were incubated for 2 hr with concentrations of beta-bungarotoxin greater than or equal to 0.1 microM. Thus, beta-bungarotoxin appears to have pharmacologically and biochemically detectable postsynaptic actions in mammalian muscle systems.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Bonding characteristics of a phosphonated anaerobic adhesive to amalgam.

The shear bond strength of a phosphonated anaerobic resin dental adhesive (Panavia-Ex) to amalgam was determined and clinically important parameters affecting the bond strength: amalgam type, surface finish and corrosion, were investigated. It is possible to bond to high copper set amalgam using this adhesive with a clinically useful shear bond strength. Three copper-enriched, single composition alloys were studied. One was a spherical alloy and two were lathe cut. The bond strength to one of the lathe-cut alloys was significantly lower than to the other two alloys. A significantly higher bond strength to aged lathe-cut amalgam than to fresh amalgam was found. However, Weibull analysis indicated that these latter changes were less consistent and indicated patchy, localized changes in the amalgam surface. The bond strength to the spherical alloy was significantly reduced by polishing with a finishing bur or Prophy-Jet. Therefore when bonding to a large amalgam restoration with such a phosphonated anaerobic adhesive, no polishing of the amalgam should be undertaken.

Adhesiveness↗
PubMed1992

A kinetic model of CD4+ lymphocytes with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

This report describes a kinetic model of in vitro cytopathology involving interactions of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with CD4+ helper T lymphocytes. The model uses nonlinearly coupled, ordinary differential equations to simulate the dynamics of infected and uninfected cells and free virions. It is assumed that resting cells are more readily infected than activated cells, but once infected, only activated cells produce more virus. Resting cells can be activated by some appropriate stimulus (e.g. phytohemagglutinin, soluble antigen). The model predicts that the initial inoculum of virus is taken up by resting cells and without stimulation the system comes to a steady state of two populations, namely infected and uninfected cells. Stimulation of this system produces two additional populations, namely infected and uninfected activated cells which, along with the previous populations, exhibit cyclic behavior of growth, viral expression/release, and death. Additional stimuli enhance or diminish the cyclic behavior depending upon their occurrence in time. These simulations suggest a similar dynamics in human HIV infection and may explain a major factor responsible for the widely varying depletion rate of (CD4+) helper T cells in AIDS patients.

CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes↗
PubMed1992

Evidence for the localization of a malignant hyperthermia susceptibility locus (MHS2) to human chromosome 17q.

Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility is a lethal autosomal dominant disorder of skeletal muscle metabolism that is triggered by all potent inhalation anesthetic gases. Recent linkage studies suggest a genetic locus for this disorder on 19q13.1. We have previously reported three unrelated families diagnosed with MHS that are unlinked to markers surrounding this locus on 19q13.1. In this report we extend these observations and present linkage studies on 16 MHS families. Four families (25%) were found linked to the region 19q12-q13.2 (Zmax = 2.96 with the ryanodine receptor at theta = 0.0). Five families (31%) were found closely linked to the anonymous marker NME1 (previously designated NM23) on chromosome 17q11.2-q24 (Zmax = 3.26 at theta = 0.0). Two families (13%) were clearly unlinked to either of these chromosomal regions. In five additional families, data were insufficient to determine their linkage status (they were potentially linked to two or more sites). The results of our heterogeneity analyses are consistent with the hypothesis that MHS can be caused in humans by any one of at least three distinct genetic loci. Furthermore, we provide preliminary linkage data suggesting the localization of a gene in human MHS to 17q11.2-q24 (MHS2), with a gene frequency of this putative locus approximately equal to that of the MHS1 locus on 19q.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Comparison of the train-of-four fade profiles produced by vecuronium and atracurium.

In this double-blind study, we have allocated randomly 40 ASA I-III patients to one of four groups. After a standard anaesthetic induction, patients received vecuronium 0.08 mg kg-1 or 0.10 mg kg-1, or atracurium 0.4 mg kg-1 or 0.5 mg kg-1. Using an electromyogram (Datex Relaxograph) the train-of-four (TOF) response was measured during onset of and recovery from neuromuscular block. A greater degree of fade of TOF was observed with atracurium during onset of neuromuscular block than with equivalent doses of vecuronium. During recovery of neuromuscular transmission, vecuronium was associated with more fade than atracurium. The differences in the TOF profiles of these two drugs may be important when judging the adequacy of antagonism of neuromuscular block using the TOF response.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Reduction of the MAC of desflurane with fentanyl.

Opioids are known to affect the MAC of inhalational anesthetics. We have determined the interaction between fentanyl and desflurane, following a bolus injection of fentanyl at induction in 134 adult patients. Five groups of patients were studied. Four groups received desflurane or isoflurane in oxygen with either fentanyl 3 or 6 micrograms/kg and thiopental 2-5 mg/kg given as a bolus injection at the time of induction. An additional group received desflurane in oxygen alone. Groups were stratified by age. MAC determination, in response to the stimulus of skin incision, was made using the "up-down" method and logistic regression. The MAC desflurane in oxygen was 6.3% (5.3-7.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI]). Fentanyl 3 micrograms/kg produced a fentanyl plasma concentration of 0.78 +/- 0.53 ng/ml at skin incision and resulted in a MAC for desflurane of 2.6% (2.0-3.2%, 95% CI) %. Fentanyl 6 micrograms/kg produced a fentanyl plasma concentration of 1.72 +/- 0.76 ng/ml at skin incision and resulted in a MAC for desflurane of 2.1% (1.5-2.6%, 95% CI). To compare recovery times to eye-opening and response to commands, patients were grouped according to the plasma fentanyl concentrations at the time of awaking. Recovery was faster in patients who received desflurane than in those who received isoflurane. The authors conclude that the MAC of desflurane is significantly reduced 25 min following a single dose of 3 micrograms/kg of fentanyl and that increasing the fentanyl dose to 6 micrograms/kg produces little further decrease in MAC. Desflurane is also associated with faster recovery from anesthesia than is isoflurane.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Differential modulation of a sodium conductance in skeletal muscle by intracellular and extracellular fatty acids.

Voltage-activated sodium channels of cultured skeletal muscle show diametrically divergent responses to intracellular vs. extracellular exposure to free fatty acids. Intracellular exposure to 1-20 microM arachidonic acid increased the magnitude of voltage-activated sodium currents, but not potassium currents, in whole cell recordings of human primary muscle cells and in the C2C12 mouse cell line. Oleic and stearic acids also stimulated increased sodium currents. In contrast, extracellular exposure to 5-10 microM arachidonic acid reversibly inhibited inward currents. Externally applied oleic acid was a less effective inhibitor, and stearic acid (up to 20 microM) produced no inhibition. The difference in sodium current responses to intracellular vs. extracellular exposure indicates that fatty acids can modulate skeletal muscle sodium channel function by at least two different pathways.

Arachidonic Acid↗
PubMed1991

Fatty acids markedly lower the threshold for halothane-induced calcium release from the terminal cisternae in human and porcine normal and malignant hyperthermia susceptible skeletal muscle.

Malignant hyperthermia is caused by an abnormal increase in Ca2+ levels in skeletal muscle in response to anesthetics, including halothane. Since fatty acid production is elevated in skeletal muscle from individuals with malignant hyperthermia, the effects of fatty acids on the threshold of halothane-induced Ca2+ release were examined. In the absence of fatty acids halothane caused Ca2+ release from porcine and human heavy sarcoplasmic reticulum fractions, but only at concentrations above the clinically relevant range. Oleic acid (20 microM), an unsaturated fatty acid, reduced the threshold at which halothane induced Ca2+ release to concentrations used for anesthesia. Stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid had considerably less effect on the threshold of halothane action. The greater sensitivity of malignant hyperthermia muscle to halothane can be explained by elevated fatty acid production.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Effects of a cardiotoxin from Naja naja kaouthia venom on skeletal muscle: involvement of calcium-induced calcium release, sodium ion currents and phospholipases A2 and C.

Snake venom cardiotoxin (CTX) fractions induce contractures of skeletal muscle and hemolysis of red blood cells. The fractions also contain trace amounts of venom-derived phospholipase A2 (PLA2) contamination and activate tissue phospholipase C (PLC) activity. The present study examines the mechanisms of action of a CTX fraction from Naja naja kaouthia venom in skeletal muscle. Sphingosine competitively antagonized CTX-induced red blood cell hemolysis, but not skeletal muscle contractures. CTX rapidly lowered the threshold for Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release in heavy sarcoplasmic reticulum fractions, as monitored with arsenazo III. There was also a slower time-dependent reduction of Na+ currents, as assessed by whole cell patch-clamp techniques. The CTX fractions elevated levels of free fatty acids and diacylglycerol for 2 hr in primary cultures of human skeletal muscle by a combined action of venom-derived PLA2 contamination in the fraction and activation of endogenous PLC activity. The activation of tissue PLC activity could be readily distinguished from the contribution of the venom PLA2 by p-bromophenacyl bromide treatment of CTX fractions. The mechanism of action involved in contractures of skeletal muscle appears to be related to the immediate and specific effect of CTX (Ca2+ release by the sarcoplasmic reticulum), while the mechanisms involved in hemolysis of red blood cells and decreased Na+ currents in skeletal muscle most likely relate to long-term effects on lipid metabolism.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Evidence for genetic heterogeneity in malignant hyperthermia susceptibility.

Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility (MHS) is a clinically heterogeneous pharmacogenetic disorder characterized by accelerated metabolism, hyperthermia, and frequently muscle rigidity. MHS is elicited by all commonly used potent inhalation anesthetics and depolarizing neuromuscular blockers and remains an important cause of death due to anesthesia. Recent linkage studies suggest a single genetic locus for this disorder on chromosome 19q13.1. The results of our linkage analyses exclude several loci on 19q13.1 as a site for the gene(s) that produces the MHS phenotype in three unrelated families and clearly establish genetic heterogeneity in this disorder. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the genetic defect that alters thermoregulation may vary in MHS and that clinical variability in the expression of MHS may be explained by genetic heterogeneity.

Chromosomes, Human, Pair 19↗
PubMed1991

Comparison of North American and European malignant hyperthermia group halothane contracture testing protocols in swine.

Different in vitro halothane testing procedures have been used in the European malignant hyperthermia (MH) Group Protocol (EMHGP) and the North American MH Group Protocol (NAMHGP), whereas the caffeine-testing protocols are very similar. The present study compares the two halothane-testing protocols in ten MH susceptible swine and in four control swine. Halothane contracture testing was conducted in vitro 12-52 days following the barnyard challenge that established the MH susceptibility of the swine. There was one false positive and one false negative halothane test by the EMHGP. The MH-equivocal category in the EMHGP, which is treated clinically as MH-susceptible, affords a margin of safety in such cases. In contrast, there were no false halothane tests by the NAMHGP. While some skeletal muscle strips from MH pigs were normal by both protocols (NAMHGP 30%; EMHGP 10%), the outcome of halothane testing by the NAMHGP was unaffected. The response to halothane 3% is reduced if preceded by the EMHGP, suggesting that simply adding halothane 3% to the end of the EMHGP does not permit a direct quantitative comparison to the NAMHGP. However, the diagnostic outcomes of the two approaches are similar.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Snake venom cardiotoxins and bee venom melittin activate phospholipase C activity in primary cultures of skeletal muscle.

The effects of cardiotoxin fractions from Naja naja kaouthia and Naja naja atra snake venoms and synthetic melittin peptide were examined on lipolytic activity in red blood cells and primary skeletal muscle cultures. Both native cardiotoxin fractions caused considerable production of free fatty acids in red blood cells. This production was abolished when the fractions were first treated with p-bromophenacyl bromide to reduce the venom phospholipase A2 activity contamination. In equine and human primary cultures of skeletal muscle, the N. n. kaouthia cardiotoxin (10 microM) and melittin (2 microM) caused a breakdown of phospholipids and production of free fatty acids and diacylglycerol in the absence of lysophospholipid formation. Additionally, melittin at higher concentrations (10 microM) caused triglyceride breakdown. These studies do not support the suggestion that snake venom cardiotoxins and melittin selectively activate endogenous phospholipase A2 activity. Instead, the toxins primarily activate endogenous phospholipase C activity and, in the case of melittin at high concentrations, triglyceride lipase activity.

Animals↗