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Biomedical subjects

M Ye

Publications and source records attributed to M Ye.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Plasma endothelin 1 concentrations in children with congenital heart defects.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the changes in plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) concentrations in patients with congenital heart defects. METHODS: Plasma ET-1 concentrations were measured by using radio-immunoassay in 50 patients in a prospective study. In 35 patients with ventricular septal defect, 20 cases had pulmonary hypertension (group 1) and 15 cases had normal pulmonary artery pressure (group 2). The other 15 patients with atrial septal defect had normal pulmonary artery pressure (group 3). Blood samples were obtained from pulmonary artery, aorta and radial artery. RESULTS: Plasma ET-1 concentration in group 1 was significantly higher than those in group 2 and group 3 at all sampling sites and all different times (p < 0.01), and plasma ET-1 concentration was slightly higher in group 3 than in group 2 (p > 0.05). Plasma ET-1 concentration at aorta were also significantly higher than that at pulmonary artery in group 1 (p < 0.01). In patients with ventricular septal detect, pulmonary blood flow had a linear positive correlation with plasma ET-1 concentration (r = 0.75, p < 0.01) and there was also a significant positive correlation between plasma ET-1 concentration and pulmonary artery pressure (r = 0.68, p < 0.05). After surgical repair of the defects, plasma ET-1 concentration decreased except for 6 cases with the pulmonary resistance more than 800 dyne.sec.cm-5. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma ET-1 concentrations are elevated in patients with congenital heart defect associated with left-to-right shunt and may have an important role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension.

Child↗

The role of strap muscles in phonation--in vivo canine laryngeal model.

In spite of the presumed importance of the strap muscles on laryngeal valving and speech production, there is little research concerning the physiological role and the functional differences among the strap muscles. Generally, the strap muscles have been shown to cause a decrease in the fundamental frequency (F0) of phonation during contraction. In this study, an in vivo canine laryngeal model was used to show the effects of strap muscles on the laryngeal function by measuring the F0, subglottic pressure, vocal intensity, vocal fold length, cricothyroid distance, and vertical laryngeal movement. Results demonstrated that the contraction of sternohyoid and sternothyroid muscles corresponded to a rise in subglottic pressure, shortened cricothyroid distance, lengthened vocal fold, and raised F0 and vocal intensity. The thyrohyoid muscle corresponded to lowered subglottic pressure, widened cricothyroid distance, shortened vocal fold, and lowered F0 and vocal intensity. We postulate that the mechanism of altering F0 and other variables after stimulation of the strap muscles is due to the effects of laryngotracheal pulling, upward or downward, and laryngotracheal forward bending, by the external forces during strap muscle contraction.

Animals↗

Extended canine laryngeal preservation for transplantation.

The goal of successfully transplanting the larynx has motivated researchers since the 1960s. Early laryngeal transplant techniques limited the donor larynx to 45 minutes of ischemia. In this study, a method of prolonged laryngeal preservation is employed in three canines. In vivo cold laryngeal perfusion with University of Wisconsin Solution (UWS) was performed. The larynx was removed and placed into cold storage in 4 degrees C UWS. After 24 hours of storage, the same canines underwent laryngeal reimplantation. The animals were sacrificed 7 days after reimplantation. No evidence of necrosis or vascular insufficiency was identified histologically. The results indicate that canine larynges can be successfully reimplanted after 24 hours of preservation. Future studies will assess the application of this technique to laryngeal transplantation.

Animals↗

Spherical aberration of the reduced schematic eye with elliptical refracting surface.

We extend the single-surface schematic-eye model of ocular chromatic aberration to account for spherical aberration of the eye. This extension is accomplished by allowing the model's single refracting surface to be a member of the family of ellipses with variable shape parameter (eccentricity). The resulting model, dubbed the "Indiana Eye," may have either positive or negative spherical aberration of varying degree, depending upon the numerical value of the shape parameter. Spherical aberration of the model eye is well described by third-order optical theory for shape parameters in the range 0 < or = p < or = 0.7, but requires fifth-order theory for an accurate description over the parametric range 0.7 < p < or = 1.0. An improved technique was devised for fitting the model to published measurements of ray aberrations while avoiding errors of estimation of the degree of spherical aberration present in eyes which also manifest odd-symmetric aberrations, such as coma. A shape parameter value of approximately p = 0.6 provided the best fit of the model to selected data from the literature.

Eye↗

Lack of HLA-DR2-associated DRB1 gene in a family.

HLA-DR51 haplotypes co-express one DRB1 (B1*15 or B1*16) gene and one DRB5 gene. These haplotypes also carry two pseudogenes (DRB6 and DRB9) During routine HLA typing for transplantation, we observed an unexpected DR51 haplotype in two subjects (mother and daughter) in a family. Serological typing showed that these subjects are positive for DR51 and DQ6 but negative for DR15 and DR16. Investigations of genomic DNA by molecular techniques showed that these individuals carry DRB5*0101, DRB6*02 and DQB1*0602 genes, whereas the DRB1 gene associated with either DR15 (B1*1501 to B1*1504) or DR16 (B1*1601 to B1*1606) was not detected in the mother and daughter. It is possible that the new haplotype, DQB1*0602, DRB6*02, DRB5*0101, arose by deletion of DR2-associated DRB1 gene.

Female↗

NHE-1 protein in vascular smooth muscle and lymphocytes from the spontaneously hypertensive rat.

The present study examined the abundance of NHE-1 protein in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), freshly isolated thymocytes, and fresh aortic tissue from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and age-matched Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Two sets of affinity-purified antibodies (Ab[765-778] and Ab[698-711]) against different epitopes of the NHE-1 isoform of the Na+-H+ antiporter were used. Each set of antibodies recognized a major protein band at 105 to 110 kD that was more abundant in protein lysates prepared from cultured VSMCs from the SHR than those from WKY rats (Ab[765-778] 0.047 +/- 0.011 vs 0.010 +/- 0.002 O.D. units/10 microg protein, P<.001 for SHR and WKY, respectively; and Ab(698-711) 0.173 +/- 0.026 vs 0.087 +/- 0.028 O.D. units/10 microg protein, P<.05, for SHR and WKY, respectively). The increase in NHE-1 protein abundance in cultured VSMCs from the SHR was associated with a greater Vmax of the Na+-H+ antiporter as compared to those from WKY rats (17.93 +/- 2.07 vs 8.16 +/- 1.05 mmol H+/min, P<.001, respectively). In contrast to cultured VSMCs, there was no difference in the relative abundance of NHE-1 protein in fresh aortic tissue (0.075 +/- 0.018 vs 0.083 +/- 0.017 O.D. units/10 microg protein, from SHR and WKY, respectively) or in freshly isolated thymocytes (0.158 +/- 0.046 vs 0.226 +/- 0.054 O.D. units/10 microg protein, from SHR and WKY, respectively). We conclude that the increase in the Vmax of the Na+-H+ antiporter in cultured VSMCs from the SHR, compared to those from WKY rats, is due, at least in part, to increased levels of NHE-1 protein.

Animals↗

Vocal function following vertical hemilaryngectomy: comparison of four reconstruction techniques in the canine.

The goals of laryngeal reconstruction have been prevention of aspiration, production of a functional voice, and maintenance of an adequate airway for decannulation. A number of procedures for partial laryngeal reconstruction have accomplished these objectives. However, few studies have attempted to compare patients' vocal characteristics following different reconstruction procedures. In this study, an in vivo canine model was used to compare acoustic and aerodynamic measures of vocal function for the following vertical hemilaryngectomy reconstruction techniques: 1) a superiorly based sternohyoid muscle flap, 2) a modified epiglottic laryngoplasty, 3) a new procedure using a layered vascularized buccal mucosal flap and a transversely oriented sternohyoid muscle flap, and 4) hemilaryngeal transplantation combined with arytenoid adduction. Hemitransplantation provided the most efficient phonation of the four techniques. The vascularized buccal mucosa flap produced the best phonation of the autologous tissue techniques examined. Both vascularized buccal mucosa flap and hemilaryngeal transplantation subjects demonstrated a mucosal wave on stroboscopy. The results indicate that vocal function will improve as the layered structure of the vocal fold is more accurately replicated in a reconstructed hemilarynx. Endoscopic findings and whole organ sections are presented.

Animals↗

Cross-innervation of the thyroarytenoid muscle by a branch from the external division of the superior laryngeal nerve.

The neuroanatomy of the larynx was explored in seven dogs to assess whether there is motor innervation to the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle from the external division of the superior laryngeal nerve (ExSLN). In 3 animals, such innervation was identified. Electrical stimulation of microelectrodes applied to the ExSLN resulted in contraction of the TA muscle, indicating that this nerve is motor in function. This was confirmed by electromyographic recordings from the TA muscle. Videolaryngostroboscopy revealed improvement in vocal fold vibration following stimulation of the ExSLN compared to without it. Previously, the TA muscle was thought to be innervated solely by the recurrent laryngeal nerve. This additional pathway from the ExSLN to the TA muscle may have important clinical implications in the treatment of neurologic laryngeal disorders such as adductor spasmodic dysphonia.

Animals↗

[Investigation on the resources of medicinal centipedes and identification on their commodities].

Through investigation on the resources of medicinal centipedes and identification on corresponding medicinal materials, the original animals of medicinal centipedes are Scolopendra mutilans, S. multidens, S. mojiangica and S. negrocaptis. The main commercial medicinal centipede is S. mutilans. Its yield accounts for 95%. This paper arranged the retrieve tables of the morphological characters of original animals and commercial materials of medicinal centipedes.

Animals↗

Molecular basis for lack of expression of HLA class I antigens in human small-cell lung carcinoma cell lines.

HLA class I molecules present antigenic peptides to cytotoxic T lymphocytes and thus play an important role in immune surveillance of cells infected with virus or altered by malignant transformation. Immunochemical studies have demonstrated a marked deficiency or lack of expression of class I molecules on the surface of many different types of tumor cells. It is likely that this allows these cells to escape immune surveillance. In the present study, we examined the molecular basis for lack of expression of class I antigens in small-cell lung carcinoma cell lines. Our results demonstrate that these cell lines also lacked products of MHC-encoded proteasome subunit LMP2 and the putative peptide transporter TAP1. In contrast, LMP7 and TAP2 genes were expressed in these cell lines. Pulse-chase experiments showed that class I molecules were unstable and thus not transported to the cell surface from endoplasmic reticulum. Our results suggest that antigenic peptides were not available for binding to class I alpha chains due to lack of TAP1 and LMP2 gene products. Investigations of the regulatory mechanisms of TAP1 and LMP2 genes showed that the tumor cells lacked trans -regulatory nuclear protein(s), which binds to the interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) response element (ISRE) in the TAP1, LMP2 bidirectional intergenic promoter. Treatment of tumor cells with IFN-gamma induced ISRE-binding nuclear protein(s) and resulted in expression of TAP1 and LMP2 genes with a concomitant increase in cell-surface expression of class I molecules. Our data provide credence for a role of TAP and LMP genes in immune response.

Base Sequence↗

Immunolocalization of ion transport proteins in human autosomal dominant polycystic kidney epithelial cells.

The kidneys of patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease become massively enlarged due to the progressive expansion of myriad fluid-filled cysts. The epithelial cells that line the cyst walls are responsible for secreting the cyst fluid, but the mechanism through which this secretion occurs is not well established. Recent studies suggest that renal cyst epithelial cells actively secrete Cl across their apical membranes, which in turn drives the transepithelial movement of Na and water. The characteristics of this secretory flux suggest that it is dependent upon the participation of an apical cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-like Cl channel and basolateral Na,K-ATPase. To test this hypothesis, we have immunolocalized the CFTR and Na,K-ATPase proteins in intact cysts and in cyst epithelial cells cultured in vitro on permeable filter supports. In both settings, cyst epithelial cells were found to possess Na,K-ATPase exclusively at their basolateral surfaces; apical labeling was not detected. The CFTR protein was present at the apical surfaces of cyst epithelial cells that had been stimulated to secrete through incubation in forskolin. CFTR was detected in intracellular structures in cultured cyst epithelial cells that had not received the forskolin treatment. These results demonstrate that the renal epithelial cells that line cysts in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease express transport systems with the appropriate polarity to mediate active Cl and fluid secretion.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Markedly decreased expression of TAP1 and LMP2 genes in HLA class I-deficient human tumor cell lines.

HLA class I antigens of the human major histocompatibility complex play an important role in immune response. These molecules present foreign antigenic peptides to cytotoxic T lymphocytes and thereby play a role in the immune surveillance of cells infected with virus or other intracellular pathogens or altered by malignant transformation. A marked deficiency or lack of expression of these antigens has been reported in a variety of human neoplasms. In the present study, we examined the expression of class I alpha chain, beta 2-microglobulin, TAP (TAP1 and TAP2) and LMP (LMP2 and LMP7) genes in a number of human tumor cell lines including small-cell lung carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma and basophilic leukaemia. These cell lines were deficient in expression of both class I alpha chain and beta 2-microglobulin gene products. In addition, these cell lines lacked the products of MHC-encoded proteasome subunit LMP2 as well as the putative peptide transporter TAP1 genes. In contrast, TAP2 and LMP7 genes were expressed in these cell lines. Treatment of cells with gamma-IFN markedly enhanced the expression of class I alpha chain, beta 2-microglobulin, TAP1 and LMP2 genes with a concomitant increase in cell-surface expression of class I molecules. The upregulation of TAP1 and LMP2 expression is associated with increased class I expression, suggesting that endogenous antigens, e.g. tumor antigens, could be presented by class I molecules following treatment of tumor cells with gamma-IFN.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Characteristics of an in vivo canine model of phonation with a constant air pressure source.

Many previous studies of laryngeal biomechanics using in vivo models have employed a constant air How source. Several authors have recently suggested that the lung-thorax system functions as a constant pressure source during phonation. This study describes an in vivo canine system designed to maintain a constant peak subglottic pressure (Psub) using a pressure-controlling mechanism. Increasing levels of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) stimulation resulted in a significant rise in resistance followed by a plateau. For a given Psub, flow decreased significantly and precipitously with increasing stimulation and then quickly plateaued. Vocal intensity increased with increasing RLN stimulation until a peak was reached. After this peak, intensity dropped until a plateau was reached, corresponding to the flow minimum. At a given Psub, increasing levels of RLN stimulation resulted in a normal distribution of vocal efficiencies.

Airway Resistance↗

Angiotensin II and angiotensin-(1-7) effects on free cytosolic sodium, intracellular pH, and the Na(+)-H+ antiporter in vascular smooth muscle.

The aim of the present study was to define the effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) and Ang-(1-7) on free cytosolic Na+ (Na+i), intracellular pH (pHi), and the Na(+)-H+ antiporter in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells from rat aorta. Cells were loaded with either BCECF-AM or SBFI-AM for measurement of pHi and Na+i, respectively. Ang II (10(-6) mol/L) caused a rapid rise in Na+i followed by a progressive increase that peaked at about 10 minutes (from 11 +/- 1.5 to 16 +/- 1.5 mmol/L, P < .001), whereas Ang-(1-7) (10(-6) mol/L) did not affect Na+i significantly (from 11.5 +/- 1.1 to 11.8 +/- 0.07 mmol/L). The effect of Ang II on Na+i was concentration dependent (delta Na+i, 5.1 +/- 0.9, 3.8 +/- 0.6, 1.6 +/- 0.6, and 0.14 +/- 0.18 mmol/L with decreasing concentrations of 10(-6), 10(-7), 10(-8), and 10(-9) mol/L, respectively). Ang II caused a brief acidification followed by an increase in pHi (from 7.34 +/- 0.03 to 7.43 +/- 0.03 after 10 minutes, P < .005), and Ang-(1-7) had no significant effect on pHi (from 7.23 +/- 0.03 to 7.23 +/- 0.03). To investigate whether pHi and Na+i changes induced by Ang II were due to cell Na+ entry via stimulation of the Na(+)-H+ antiporter, we pretreated cells with EIPA (25 mumol/L) or ouabain (2.0 mmol/L). Ang II in the presence of ouabain caused a greater increase than that seen with ouabain alone (delta Na+i, 13 +/- 1.5 versus 6.3 +/- 1.2 mmol/L, P < .0025). EIPA by itself decreased Na+i and pHi. After EIPA, Ang II failed to increase both Na+i and pHi, demonstrating that the Na(+)-H+ antiporter is responsible for the rises in Na+i and pHi during stimulation with Ang II. To further characterize the mechanism of Ang II action, we exposed cells to an Ang II type I receptor antagonist (L-158,809, 10(-6) mol/L) or two different type 2 receptor antagonists (PD 123177 and CGP 421112A, 10(-6) mol/L). L-158,809 completely blocked the rise in pHi caused by Ang II, whereas PD 123177 and CGP 421112A did not. We conclude that Ang II increases both Na+i and pHi, and both effects are mediated by stimulation of the Na(+)-H+ antiporter. Ang-(1-7), by contrast, has no significant effect on Na+i, pHi, or the Na(+)-H+ antiporter. Stimulation of this antiporter by Ang II is exerted through the type 1 receptor.

Amiloride↗

Ionic effects of angiotensin II and their role in the activation of the Na+/H+ antiporter.

The possible interdependence of the effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) on intracellular pH (pHi), free cytosolic calcium (Cai2+) and free cytosolic sodium (Nai+) was studied in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from rat aorta. Cells were loaded with either BCECF/AM, SBFI/AM or Fura-2 for measurement of pHi, Nai+ or Cai2+, respectively. Superfusing with a HEPES solution containing Ang II (1 microM) caused a progressive increase in Nai+. Concurrent pHi changes measured in parallel experiments showed that Ang II caused a brief cell acidification followed by a delayed alkalinization, which is due to activation of the Na+/H+ antiporter. Concurrent Cai2+ changes measured in parallel experiments showed that Ang II caused a prompt rise in Cai2+ with a peak response at approximately 30 seconds followed by a rapid recovery. Obliteration of the Ang II-induced rise in Cai2+ using a Ca2+ chelator (BAPTA), prevented the initial cell acidification but did not prevent the delayed rise in pHi, which reflects stimulation of the Na+/H+ antiporter. Our data thus show that in cultured VSMC neither the rise in Cai2+ nor the fall in pHi caused by Ang II is a total prerequisite for activation of the Na+/H+ antiporter by this agonist.

Angiotensin II↗

Major histocompatibility-encoded human proteasome LMP2. Genomic organization and a new form of mRNA.

LMP2 is one of the two proteasome subunits encoded by genes in the major histocompatibility complex class II region. Here we report the genomic organization of human LMP2 gene. Sequence analysis of polymerase chain reaction-amplified cDNA from a number of lymphoblastoid cell lines demonstrated two forms of LMP2 mRNA, one (LMP2.1) complete and homologous to the published LMP2 genomic sequence from cosmid clones, and the other (LMP2.s) a smaller transcript resulting from splicing of a 30-base pair fragment from the first exon. Antibodies to recombinant LMP2.s protein (22.3 kDa) were raised in rabbits. This anti-LMP2.s serum recognized both recombinant proteins (LMP2.1 = 23.3 kDa and LMP2.s = 22.3 kDa) and a single protein of 21.5 kDa molecular mass in lysates from human lymphoblastoid cell lines. Pulse-chase experiments demonstrated that LMP2 polypeptide also undergoes processing from 22.3- to 21.5-kDa protein when incorporated into proteasomes. These data suggest that the processing of human LMP2 subunit takes place both at the transcription and post-translational levels. Northern blot analysis showed that the LMP2 mRNA is expressed in lymphoblastoid cell lines and in fibroblasts following gamma-interferon induction, but not in brain, smooth muscle, fibroblasts (uninduced), and colon epithelial cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗