A plasmid for the quantification of the CD21 human interferon-alpha receptor expression by PCR.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Base Sequence↗
Biomedical subjects
M Braun
Publications and source records attributed to M Braun.
Bioactivation of nitroglycerin in vascular smooth muscle cells is different from that in non-vascular tissue.
The mechanism of biotransformation of nitroglycerin into the pharmacologically active radical nitric oxide (NO) or a related compound is still unclear. Different enzymes have been discussed to be involved in the bioactivation process. The effects of inhibition of glutathione-S-transferase and cytochrome P-450 enzymes were investigated on nitroglycerin-induced relaxation of bovine and porcine coronary arteries and on nitroglycerin-induced activation of guanylyl cyclase in cultivated porcine aortic smooth muscle cells. The glutathione-S-transferase inhibitor sulfobromophthalein had no effect on nitroglycerin-induced vascular relaxation, nor on nitroglycerin-induced elevation of cGMP levels in porcine coronary artery smooth muscle cells. The modulation of cytochrome P-450 activity by selective inhibitors as well as inducers did not alter the bioactivity of nitroglycerin in both systems. The data demonstrate that the isoenzymes of both enzyme families, which have been shown to be involved in the metabolism of nitroglycerin in different non-vascular tissues, do not play a role in bioactivation of nitroglycerin in the vascular system.
Animals↗
Modulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 on human coronary smooth muscle cells by cytokines.
Adhesion molecules have been demonstrated immunohistochemically on smooth muscle cells in atherosclerotic plaques. In endothelial cells cytokines are potent modulators of adhesion molecule expression. We therefore investigated the effects of cytokines on adhesion molecule expression on cultured human coronary and pulmonary smooth muscle cells by cell ELISA and confocal microscopy. Human coronary and pulmonary smooth muscle cells expressed ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 but not E-selectin. ICAM-1 expression was upregulated by TNF alpha, Il-1 beta and IFN-gamma. VCAM-1 expression was increased by TNF alpha and weakly by Il-1 beta, IFN-gamma had no effect on VCAM-1 expression. Cytokine effects on ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were based on de novo synthesis. These results demonstrate that cytokines regulate ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression on human coronary and pulmonary smooth muscle cells. These effects may play an important role in the immune mechanisms in atherosclerosis.
Cells, Cultured↗
Soft system stabilization of the lumbar spine as an alternative surgical modality to lumbar arthrodesis in the facet syndrome. Preliminary results.
The authors present preliminary results in a series of 27 patients with a lumbar and/or lumbosacral facet syndrome operated on by use of the soft-system-Stabilization (SSS) according to Graf. Attention is paid to the correct selection of patients for this surgical technique. Excellent, good, satisfactory, moderate, and poor results were obtained in 19 (70%), 2 (7.5%), 5 (18.5%), 1 (3.5%), and 0 instances, respectively. The authors think that a Graf-procedure may be indicated in young to middle-aged patients with a lumbar and/or lumbosacral facet syndrome with 1.) no arthrotic changes of the facet joints, 2.) a still intact disc and/or only mild loss of intervertebral distance, 3.) well trained low-back muscles, and 4.) a clear-cut pain relief on test-anaesthesia of articular nerves and trial immobilization in a plastic jacket.
Adolescent↗
Employment of the anatomical terminology of the Nomina Anatomica in the radiologic literature.
The purpose of this paper was to assess the relationship of the anatomical terms employed in the radiologic literature to the International Nomenclature derived from the Nomina Anatomica. A critical analysis was made of the anatomical terminology employed in three French and two American journals of radiology. In about 40% of the French journals, the International Anatomical Nomenclature was not adhered to, whereas in 50%, there was no difference in the terms encountered between the French traditional terminology and the French adaptation of the Nomina Anatomica. In contrast, a close adherence to the Nomina Anatomica was observed in the two American journals. The exceptions most frequently encountered are detailed. The aim and principles of the Nomina Anatomica, based on the Latin terminology and aimed at clarification and systematisation, are stressed. The advantages of employing the International Anatomical Nomenclature in medical papers, allowing easy understanding by foreign readers in a world of rapid information exchange are highlighted.
Anatomy↗
[Value of urethral ultrasound in evaluation of pathologic urethral changes].
AIM: To compare the evaluation of urethral stricture disease using ultrasonic urethrography and standard retrograde urethrography (RUG). METHOD: 175 male patients suspected of having urethral stricture disease underwent urethral sonography prior to RUG in a prospective, non-randomized study. RESULTS: A correct positive diagnosis was established in 98% of the cases; a correct negative diagnosis in 96%. The sensitivity and specificity of urethral ultrasound in detecting urethral strictures were 98% and 96%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound offers a three-dimensional study to evaluate the urethral without exposing the gonads to ionizing radiation. The exact length and depth of a stricture, the severity of the strictured segment as well as the anatomy of the periurethral scars were diagnosed accurately. Urethral ultrasound is a simple, inexpensive and rapid investigation of the urethra which should be the preferred diagnostic procedure in the evaluation of strictures in the anterior urethra of men.
Diagnosis, Differential↗
Antiatherosclerotic effects of oral naftidrofuryl in cholesterol-fed rabbits involve inhibition of neutrophil function.
We investigated the action of oral naftidrofuryl, a serotonin (5-HT2)antagonist, on atheromatous plaque formation, endothelial function, and neutrophil activity in cholesterol-fed (1% for 12 weeks) rabbits. Cholesterol feeding caused almost complete (84 +/- 4%) coverage of the aortic surface with atheromas and a marked intimal thickening. The endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh 1 nM-10 microM) and substance P (30 nM) was considerably reduced, whereas the relaxing effect to the endothelium-independent nitric oxide donor linsidomine (SIN-1) (100 microM) was unchanged. Treatment of hypercholesterolemic rabbits with naftidrofuryl (50 mg/kg body weight) resulted in a marked (54 +/- 6%, p < 0.05) reduction in aortic plaque formation. Endothelium-dependent relaxation to ACh was significantly improved in rings of both thoracic aorta: 33 +/- 5 versus 14 +/- 5% (p < 0.05) and abdominal aorta 68 +/- 9 versus 37 +/- 10% (p < 0.05). Similar results were obtained with substance P, but the responses to SIN-1 were unchanged. Zymosan-induced, luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) was markedly stimulated in cholesterol-fed rabbits. Naftidrofuryl reduced this hyperreactivity to that of control rabbits. There was no change by naftidrofuryl in any of these parameters in control rabbits, precluding a direct action of the compound in nonhypercholesterolemic conditions. These data demonstrate significant endothelium-protective actions of long-term oral naftidrofuryl in cholesterol-fed rabbits that involve inhibition of cholesterol-induced neutrophil activation.
Acetylcholine↗
String fusion and multinucleon interactions in nuclei.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Journal Article↗
alpha-Interferon therapy for congenital dyserythropoiesis type I.
We report the case of a 28-year-old female followed for congenital dyserythropoiesis type I which required repeated transfusions. Alpha-2a interferon treatment was started because of post-transfusion chronic viral hepatitis type C. Following this treatment, haemoglobin level increased and reached normal value during the 24 weeks of interferon treatment. When interferon therapy was stopped, haemoglobin level returned to previous values, requiring more transfusions. Resumption of interferon therapy resulted again in a complete normalization of haemoglobin level. Erythrokinetic studies demonstrated a striking reduction of the ineffective erythropoiesis, and electron microscopy study a reduction in nuclear structure abnormalities. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the efficacy of interferon in congenital dyserythropoiesis.
Adult↗
Association of increased bronchoalveolar lavage fluid albumin and serum beta 2-microglobulin with pulmonary complications after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.
The aim of this prospective study was to identify markers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL fluid) and serum predictive for the development of pulmonary complications in the early phase (< 50 days) post-BMT. Concentrations of BAL fluid albumin (alb) and serum beta 2-microglobulin (S-beta 2m,) were determined 10 days before BMT (BAL-B, baseline) and on day 1 post-BMT (BAL-1) in 20 patients who subsequently developed pulmonary complications (group 1) and in 66 patients who remained free of complications for a minimum of 12 months (group 2). Median BAL fluid alb concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in group 1 patients as compared to group 2 patients at BAL-B (40 vs 28 mg/l) and at BAL-1 (30 vs 15 mg/l). S-beta 2m at BAL-1 was also significantly elevated in group 1 patients (median 1.3 mg/l) compared to group 2 patients (median 1.15 mg/l). Using cut-off values for BAL fluid alb (> 23 mg/l) and S-beta 2m (> 0.8 mg/l) we identified 12 patients out of 19 who developed subsequent pulmonary complications from 12 out of 62 patients without such complications, 1 day post-BMT.
Adolescent↗
[Venous angiography: importance in the diagnosis of brain death. 125 cases].
According to many ethical and humanitarian arguments, the diagnosis of "brain death" is more and more an emergency. The forensic criteria include abolition of consciousness, abolition of brain stem reflexes, abolition of spontaneous breathing joined to electrocerebral silence. However using EEG criteria of electrical silence may be unreliable because of technical artefacts or depressed electrical activity due to drug intoxication and hypothermia. Venous angiography was used in 125 cases: our experience proves reliability and efficiency of angiographic criteria for diagnosis of brain death. For organ transplant, it is better to be as fast as possible: transplanted organ will be better and it reduces the cost of a long useless intensive care. When it is necessary, we suggest to allow the choice between EEG and angiography.
Brain Death↗
[The anatomy and the MRI anatomy of the interhemispheric cerebral commissures].
Correlation of myelin-stained or cryotomic sections of human brain with inversion-recovery MR images can display the cerebral commissures as white-matter tracts (in hypersignal on MRI), crossing the mid-line. MRI shows routinely in three orthogonal planes a) the corpus callosum stretched above the supra-tentorial ventricles, it's four portions (rostrum, genu, body and splenium) and connections with the Deep Grey Nuclei b) the fornix, intralimbic commissure joining anteriorly the mammillary bodies (through it's columns) to the alveus posteriorly and inferiorly (via it's two crura), arcing around the thalamus and lying over the hippocampus and the dentate gyrus as shown on the frontal sections c) the anterior commissure, white-matter tract connecting the two temporal lobes. In axial view, the anterior commissure has the shape of bicycle handlebars, coursing posteriorly, inferiorly and laterally behind the head of the caudate nucleus and passes into the lateral nucleus of the globus pallidus into the inferior and middle temporal gyri. Because the anterior commissure is easily recognisable in all planes, it's appears to be a important landmark for identification of the lateral and medial nuclei of the globus pallidus on axial and sagittal planes d) at least, the posterior commissure, anterior margin of the pineal region, closely related to the superior colliculi, acquire a major importance in the AC-PC line delineation becoming a reference landmark for stereotatical procedures.
Brain↗
Use of a scapular free flap for reconstruction of the cricoid cartilage in pharyngolaryngeal oncology.
A newly developed technique for cricoid reconstructive surgery is presented and discussed. This method allows us to increase the number of patients presenting with squamous cell carcinoma who may benefit from partial laryngectomy. The method is based on the transfer of a vascularized scapular flap to reconstruct half a resected cricoid. Two alternatives may be used whether anterior laryngectomy preserves the half posterior cricoid and both arytenoids or a hemilateral laryngectomy leaves one arytenoid and half the cricoid. Complementary radiotherapy may be performed after surgery. Satisfactory results are reported from an initial series of three patients.
Analgesia↗
Tuned hair cells for hearing, but tuned basilar membrane for overload protection: evidence from dolphins, bats, and desert rodents.
A cochlear model is presented suggesting that the organ of Corti (OC) and the basilar membrane (BM) are both tuned resonant systems, but have different functions. The OC provides frequency filtering and amplification by means of tuned outer hair cells. The BM provides resonant absorption of excessive vibrational energy as an overload protection for vulnerable elements in the OC. Evidence supporting this model is demonstrated in dolphins, bats, and desert rodents. Specialized auditory capabilities correlate with cochlear deviations, some of them dramatically changing BM compliance. In characteristic regions along the cochlea there are BM thickenings and, on both sides of the OC, hypertrophied supporting cells. Structures of striking similarity have evolved independently across orders or families, revealing multiple events of convergent evolution. In all cases, the locations of deviating structures rule out a BM function in auditory frequency selectivity but support one in resonant absorption. Cochlear microphonics and BM responses demonstrate strongest high-level absorption in the frequency bands most vital for the tested species. The assumed cause is increased internal damping in the enlarged structures during BM motion. Species with intermediate specializations supply further evidence that resonant absorption is universally the genuine function of BM mechanics in mammals, providing complementary high-level protection of low-level sensitivity.
Absorption↗
[Central pontine myelinolysis: apropos of an oligosymptomatic form].
The authors report a case of paucisymptomatic central pontine myelinolysis (CMP). A 66 years old female had severe hypochloronatremia and hypokaliemia due to diuretic. Despite a slow hydroelectrolytic correction, she presented with dumbness and seizure. CT scan showed hypodensity of protuberance and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shown hypersignal of protuberance and undercortex, compatible with central and extra pontine myelinolysis. The long term clinical outcome was good, as MRI's data. Rapid and important correction of severe hyponatremia should be the most important factors of demyelination, secondary to interference with cerebral adaptation mechanisms to hypoosmolality. These factors were not present in this case.
Aged↗
Use of 3D reconstruction to correct for patient motion in SPECT.
Patient motion occurring during data acquisition in single photon emission computed tomography (SPET) can cause serious reconstruction artefacts. We have developed a new approach to correct for head motion in brain SPECT. Prior to motion, projections are assigned to conventional projections. When head motion occurs, it is measured by a motion monitoring system, and subsequent projection data are mapped to 'virtual' projections. The appropriate position of each virtual projection is determined by applying the converse of the patient's accumulated motion to the actual camera projection. Conventional and virtual projections, taken together, form a consistent set that can be reconstructed using a three-dimensional (3D) algorithm. The technique has been tested on a range of simulated rotational movements, both within and out of the transaxial plane. For all simulated movements, the motion corrected images exhibited better agreement with a motion free reconstruction than did the uncorrected images. This technique may help to overcome one of the major remaining limitations on image quality and quantitative accuracy in SPECT.
Algorithms↗
Protection of reperfused ischemic pig myocardium by nexopamil, a new combined Ca2+ and serotonin antagonist.
We investigated the ability of a newly developed calcium and serotonin (5-HT2) antagonist, nexopamil, to protect the heart from ischemia- and reperfusion-induced myocardial injury. Anesthetized open-chest minipigs were subjected to 1 h left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion and 3-h reperfusion. Thirty minutes before occlusion, one group of pigs (n = 7) received nexopamil (0.1 mg/kg intravenously, i.v.) and another group (n = 9) received vehicle. Nexopamil reduced infarct size (IS: tetrazolium stain) from 47 +/- 4% (vehicle) to 21 +/- 7% of the ischemic area (p < 0.05). In nexopamil-treated pigs, this was paralleled by reduced release of creatine kinase (CK) into coronary venous blood. In addition, nexopamil prevented reperfusion-associated myocardial contracture. Nexopamil decreased left ventricular peak pressure (LVPP) and pressure rate index (PRI) immediately before coronary occlusion by 11 and 18%, respectively. Coadministration of methoxamine (2 mg/kg, n = 6) with nexopamil increased LVPP and PRI to values of vehicle-treated pigs but did not prevent reduction in infarct size or CK activity in plasma. During reperfusion, neutrophil granulocytes showed increased formation of reactive oxygen metabolites (chemiluminescence) after stimulation with zymosan. Neutrophil counts in coronary venous blood were significantly reduced at 3 h reperfusion. Both changes were attenuated in nexopamil-treated pigs. Coronary occlusion resulted in increased platelet reactivity in coronary venous blood (collagen-induced aggregation) that was prevented by nexopamil. Nexopamil significantly increased the transcardiac (coronary venous-arterial) concentration gradients of 6-oxo-prostaglandin F1 alpha (PGF1 alpha) without changing thromboxane (B2 (TBX2) concentrations, indicating a selective increase in cardiocoronary PGI2 formation. Nexopamil reduces myocardial injury in reperfused ischemic myocardium. Besides calcium channel blocking activity, inhibition of ischemia-induced neutrophil activation and enhanced endogenous PGI2 formation may be factors contributing to the beneficial effects of nexopamil.
Animals↗
Beta-cell function in mice injected with mononuclear splenocytes from multiple-dose streptozotocin diabetic mice.
Multiple low doses of streptozotocin (mid sz 40 mg/kg/day, five consecutive days) induce autoimmune diabetes in mice. The aim of the present work was to study beta-cell function in mice injected with splenocytes from mid-sz diabetic mice. Mononuclear splenocytes (MS) from control or diabetic donors were injected into syngeneic C57BL/6J healthy mice (5 x 10(7) MS, ip). MS from diabetic donors did not produce basal hyperglycemia, but they induced abnormal ip glucose tolerance in recipient mice. These "diabetic" MS were also preferentially trapped by the recipient's pancreas. Perifused pancreas from mice injected with MS from mid sz-diabetic donors showed a diminished first and second phase of glucose-induced insulin secretion after 15 days of the cell injection. At this time, pancreatic insulin content among MS recipients did not differ from that found in controls or diabetic donors. Diabetic MS treated with Mitomycin C prior to transfer did not inhibit insulin secretion in recipient mice. Injection of MS from mice made diabetic by a single high sz dose (200 mg/kg) did not induce any alterations of the insulin secretion in recipients. There is enough evidence when using athymic and euthymic (BALB/c nu/nu and +/nu) mice to suggest that proliferation of the injected splenocytes enhanced the progression to the diabetic state, and that both donor and recipient T lymphocytes played an important part in this progression. The results suggest that injection of MS from mid sz-diabetic mice interfere with glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in recipient mice and provide a basis for the study of the mechanisms involved in the onset and modulation of autoimmune pancreatic aggression.
Animals↗