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Biomedical subjects

M Hunter

Publications and source records attributed to M Hunter.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Calcium-activated epithelial potassium channels.

Calcium-activated K channels have now been directly demonstrated with patch clamping in many epithelia and are present in the apical cell membrane of the proximal tubule, the diluting segment and the cortical collecting tubule of the kidney. These channels with a typical conductance of 50-100 ps (3-6.10(6) ions/s), are highly selective for potassium but also allow passage of Rb, NH4 and Na. Conductance is modified by the concentration of K bathing the channel and depolarization increases the channel open probability. Increases in cell Ca, in intracellular pH or in cyclic AMP increase K channel activity and could thus stimulate secretory K flux from the cell into the lumen. In addition, increased K recycling may also affect reabsorption of other solutes, either by regulating the supply of K to the NaCl cotransporter or, alternatively, by stabilizing the apical membrane potential and thus maintaining an effective electrochemical driving force for electrogenic apical Na entry.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Ultrasound scanning in women with raised serum alpha fetoprotein: short term psychological effect.

Thirty pregnant women with raised serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) were interviewed before and after they received real-time ultrasound scanning to further diagnose fetal abnormalities. Thirty pregnant mothers receiving routine ultrasound scanning for dates served as the controls. The 'at risk' group were more anxious and concerned about the fetus before the scan. There was a greater reduction of state-anxiety following scanning in the raised AFP group than for the controls. Similar changes were found in the attitude towards the fetus, pregnancy and fetus' health between the risk and control subjects.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1987

Potassium channels in Necturus proximal tubule.

Potassium channels from the apical and basolateral membranes of Necturus proximal tubule were studied using the patch-clamp technique. The conductance of the basolateral channel was dependent on the pipette K+ concentration (apparent Km, 65.5 mM K+; maximum channel conductance, 49.8 pS). The permeability ratio (PK+/PNa+) was approximately 10:1. The fractional open time increased with hyperpolarization, whereas mean open times did not change. Ba2+ (0.1 mM pipette concentration) blocked the channel and reduced the mean open time. The apical K+ channel was activated with depolarization and had a slope conductance of 60 pS in the inside-out configuration (100 mM KCl in the pipette and 2.5 mM KCl in the bath). The K+-Na+ selectivity ratio was 32:1. These different channel types will allow independent control of the apical and basolateral membrane K+ conductances.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

The collecting tubule of Amphiuma. I. Electrophysiological characterization.

Single collecting tubules of Amphiuma kidneys were perfused in vitro to characterize their electrophysiological properties. The lumen-negative potential (-24 mV) was abolished by amiloride in the lumen and by ouabain in the bath. Ion substitution experiments in the lumen demonstrated the presence of a large sodium conductance in the apical cell membrane, but no evidence was obtained for a significant potassium or chloride conductance. Ion substitutions in the bath solution and the depolarizing effect of barium on the basolateral membrane potential demonstrated the presence of a large potassium conductance in the basolateral cell membrane. Measurements of dilution potentials in amiloride-treated tubules revealed a modest cation selectivity of the paracellular pathway. These results support a cell model in which sodium reabsorption occurs by electrodiffusion across the apical cell membrane and active transport across the basolateral cell membrane. The absence of a detectable potassium conductance in the apical cell membrane suggests that secretion of this ion cannot take place by diffusion from cell to lumen.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1987

The collecting tubule of Amphiuma. II. Effects of potassium adaptation.

Electrophysiological and transport properties were studied in isolated and perfused Amphiuma collecting tubules from two groups of animals, one exposed to a high sodium (NA), the other to a high potassium (KA) environment (both conditions known to modulate blood aldosterone levels). The transepithelial lumen-negative potential was significantly larger (-38 +/- 5 mV) in tubules from KA animals than from NA animals (-15 +/- 3 mV). In addition, we observed an increase in the apical amiloride-sensitive sodium conductance and stimulation of the transepithelial sodium current. Although no measurable potassium conductance was found in the apical cell membrane in either group, a potassium selectivity of the paracellular transport pathway was observed in the KA animals. Net potassium secretion was demonstrated in KA tubules (helium-glow photometry and [3H]inulin analysis). Potassium secretion was abolished by luminal amiloride but imposition of a bath-to-lumen potassium gradient induced potassium secretion. We conclude that in contrast to the mammalian cortical collecting tubule in which potassium secretion is largely transcellular, potassium secretion in the Amphiuma collecting tubule is by diffusion through the paracellular pathway.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1986

Relationships between psychological symptoms, somatic complaints and menopausal status.

The importance of distinguishing climacteric symptoms from other psychological and somatic complaints has been repeatedly stressed, but as yet no detailed guidelines are available to assist the clinician in the day-to-day management of patients. Previous epidemiological surveys of climacteric symptoms have been criticised because of inadequate methodology. We have attempted to overcome most of these problems and to provide a more detailed analysis of the relationships between menopausal status and psychological and somatic symptoms. Eight hundred and fifty pre-, peri- and post-menopausal women, aged 45-65 yr, took part in a cross-sectional survey of general health, psychosocial factors and current symptomatology. They were a non-menopause clinic sample and were blind to the purpose of the study. Using a principal components analysis, the relationships between symptoms were examined. Certain psychological and somatic symptoms occurred together in specific clusters. Some of these symptom clusters, e.g., vasomotor symptoms and sexual difficulties, were best predicted solely by menopausal status, while others, such as psychological and somatic symptoms, were more clearly associated with psychosocial factors. On the basis of these results, guidelines for the assessment of climacteric and post-menopausal women can be suggested.

Aged↗
PubMed1986

Effect of salinity gradients and heterotrophic microbial activity on biodegradation of nitrilotriacetic acid in laboratory simulations of the estuarine environment.

The biodegradation of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), a synthetic replacement detergent builder, in the estuarine environment was examined by using a laboratory estuarine simulation. Two interdependent microcosms were used; each of five vessels was equilibrated with a saline gradient between 1.30 and 17.17%, with the final vessel subsequently being increased to a maximum salinity of 31.6%. Each microcosm was seeded simultaneously with heterotrophic bacteria from both fresh and saline sources. Viable counts demonstrated the ability of each microcosm to sustain a mixed heterotrophic bacterial community throughout the range of salinities for 183 days after a stabilization period. Isolation studies demonstrated that both systems contained four bacterial species, representatives of the genera Vibrio and Flavobacterium and members of the coryneform group and the family Enterobacteriaceae. Total bacterial numbers and species diversity decreased with increased salinity. NTA was administered at low and high concentrations, one concentration to each microcosm, initially with the least amount of saline. Removal of both concentrations of NTA occurred and was attributed to biodegradation after a period of bacterial acclimatization. Subsequent dosing of NTA to vessels of higher salinity demonstrated that biodegradation was incomplete at observed mean salinities of greater than 9.18% at low influent NTA concentrations and greater than 5.08% at high influent NTA concentrations. Therefore, acclimatization was dose dependent. It was concluded that NTA acclimatization at the higher salinities ceased because of salinity stress-induced failure of NTA catabolism and not the disappearance of a particular bacterial species.

Acetates↗
PubMed1986

Regulation of single potassium ion channels from apical membrane of rabbit collecting tubule.

The regulation of K+-channel activity from the apical membrane of the rabbit cortical collecting tubule was studied using the patch-clamp technique. Using inside-out patches, channel open probability was determined as a function of calcium and barium concentration and transmembrane potential. Channel open probability was increased by raising bath (cytoplasmic) calcium concentration, with an apparent Ka of 2.4 microM. Mean channel open time also increased during this maneuver. The channel was reversibly inhibited by barium, applied to the cytoplasmic face, with an apparent Ki of 12 microM. Depolarization of the transmembrane potential increased channel open probability. With 1 mM calcium in the bath solution, the open probability was one-half maximal at -55 mV. It is concluded that this channel is the probable route for transcellular K+ secretion by the cortical collecting tubule and that procedures likely to increase intracellular calcium and/or depolarize the apical membrane will cause an increased potassium secretion.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Potassium channels along the nephron.

The K+ channels that are present in three different nephron segments, the Necturus proximal, Amphiuma early distal (diluting segment), and rabbit collecting tubule have been examined. Ca2+-sensitive K+ channels were present in the apical membranes of the cells lining all these segments. The channels were all voltage-sensitive and their open probability increased with membrane depolarization. Because of the ubiquitous distribution, it is suggested that this channel is responsible for K+ secretion by the nephron and that the same intracellular regulators act throughout the various segments. Basolateral K+ channels have been examined only in Necturus proximal tubules. This channel is apparently insensitive to Ca2+; the voltage dependence is exactly opposite to that of the apical K+ channels; that is, hyperpolarizing potentials caused an increase in open probability. These differences in regulatory factors permit the independent regulation of apical and basolateral membrane K+ permeabilities that must occur in renal cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Transepithelial transport of nonelectrolytes in the rabbit mandibular salivary gland.

The characteristics of nonelectrolyte secretion by the rabbit mandibular salivary gland have been investigated in an in vitro, perfused preparation. The concentrations of 14C-labeled nonelectrolytes were measured in saliva samples collected over a range of flow rates during the secretory response of the gland to continuous acetylcholine infusion. Of the nine nonelectrolytes studied, the two particularly lipid-soluble molecules, ethanol and antipyrine, appeared in the saliva at approximately the same concentration as in the perfusate, regardless of the secretory flow rate. The more polar molecules (urea, ethanediol, thiourea, glycerol, erythritol, mannitol and sucrose) appeared at saliva/perfusate concentration ratios (phi) which showed a strong dependence on flow. With the exception of thiourea, this could be attributed to the combined contributions of diffusion and solvent drag. For the polar nonelectrolytes, estimates have been obtained of both the permeability coefficients of the gland (P) and the solvent-drag filtration coefficients (1 - sigma). The relation between 1 - sigma and molecular radius suggests that small polar nonelectrolytes and the bulk of the secreted water cross the epithelium via aqueous channels that are approximately 0.8 nm in width. The location of the channels remains uncertain because tissue space measurements indicate that the nonelectrolytes most affected by solvent drag have access to both transcellular and paracellular pathways.

Alcohols↗
PubMed1984

Single channel recordings of calcium-activated potassium channels in the apical membrane of rabbit cortical collecting tubules.

Recordings of single potassium channels from the apical membrane of rabbit cortical collecting tubule have been achieved using the patch-clamp technique. The conductive properties of the channel have been studied in inside-out patches. The slope conductance of the open channel is approximately equal to 90 pS. The channel is selective to potassium over sodium, with a selectivity ratio of 9:1. Decreasing the calcium concentration of the solution bathing the cytoplasmic face of the patch results in a decrease of the open-channel probability. Decreasing the calcium concentration to 10 nM or less completely inhibited channel activity. The channel is also inhibited by barium in a dose-dependent fashion.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

The anionic basis of fluid secretion by the rabbit mandibular salivary gland.

The role played by anions in salivary secretion has been studied in experiments on the isolated, perfused mandibular gland of the rabbit, in which perfusate Cl- and/or HCO3- were replaced by other anions. Replacement of Cl- with Br- had no significant effect on salivary secretion rate, but replacement with the other anions tested caused secretory rate to fall, by 38% (I-), 50% (NO3-), 61% (isethionate, ise -), and 66% ( CH3SO4 -), respectively. Replacement of perfusate Cl- with ise - or CH3SO4 - caused the salivary HCO3- concentration to rise up to 4-fold. Replacement with Br- or I- seemed to have little effect on salivary HCO3- concentration but, in contrast to ise -, Br- and I- entered the saliva in concentrations comparable to those of Cl- during control perfusion. In glands perfused with HCO3- and ise -, the addition of methazolamide, an inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase, caused a further 60% drop in secretory rate, but the saliva remained rich in HCO3-. Replacement of perfusate HCO3- with Cl- or ise - had no effect on salivary secretion or composition. Replacement of both HCO3- and Cl- in the perfusate with ise - reduced salivary secretion to less than 2% of control levels. In control glands (i.e. perfused with both HCO3- and Cl-), administration of furosemide, an inhibitor of Na+/Cl- co-transport, reduced the secretion rate and increased salivary HCO3- in a manner indistinguishable from that seen when perfusate Cl- was replaced with ise -. In control perfused glands, administration of SITS (4-acetamido-4'- isothio cyano-2,2'-disulphonic acid stilbene), an inhibitor of Cl-/HCO3- antiports , did not cause any change in salivary HCO3- concentration. Unexpectedly, it induced a significant increase in salivary secretory rate. The results show that salivary secretion depends on two independent transport systems. One is a Cl- -dependent, furosemide-sensitive system, probably a Na+/Cl- symport. The other is an HCO3- -dependent, methazolamide-sensitive system, and is probably an Na+/H+ antiport.

4-Acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfo↗
PubMed1983

Temporal artery pulse amplitude wave shapes in migraineurs: a methodological investigation.

This paper describes three atypical wave forms observed in temporal artery pulse amplitude recordings. Analysis of concurrent EMG records showed that two of these wave forms, spikes and spasms, were associated with muscle changes and may be regarded as artefacts. The third wave form, double peak, was not associated with EMG changes and may represent a local vascular dysfunction. Double peaks were observed to occur more frequently in migraineurs and specifically at the site of pain onset. Explanations for double peaks are discussed. It is concluded that they indicate a dysfunction in the regulation of vascular tonicity. This dysfunction is described as variable tonicity.

Adolescent↗