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Biomedical subjects

P Christensen

Publications and source records attributed to P Christensen.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

The non-invasive acetylene rebreathing method for estimation of cardiac output: influence of breath-by-breath variation.

The inert gas rebreathing method enables non-invasive estimation of pulmonary capillary blood flow, lung tissue volume, transfer factor and functional residual capacity. In the present study, we have examined the influence of breathing pattern during the rebreathing manoeuvre on the precision of the rebreathing method, both theoretically and experimentally. We examined whether the precision of the method could be improved by the guidance and training of the subjects doing the rebreathing manoeuvre. The results of the theoretical study showed that the precision and accuracy of the rebreathing method are practically insensitive to random variation in the breathing pattern. Simulated breath-by-breath variations up to +/-50% of the average 3.01 VT resulted in coefficients of variation of about 3% for QC and about 5% for VTC. Simulated breath-by-breath variations indicate that with mean tidal volume or rebreathing bag volume lower than 1.01 the precision will worsen, and with tidal volume lower than 1.5 1 the accuracy will worsen. The experimental results showed no significant improvement in the precision of the rebreathing method by visual guiding and training of the subjects to optimize the breathing pattern during the rebreathing manoeuvre.

Acetylene↗
PubMed1996

In vitro induction of acrosome reactions in stallion spermatozoa by heparin and A23187.

The ability of the glycosaminoglycan, heparin, and the calcium ionophore, A23187, to induce acrosome reaction in equine spermatozoa was assessed using semen from 3 warmblood stallions of known high fertility. After collection of semen, the spermatozoa were washed and incubated in vitro with heparin or A23187. Incubation periods were 0, 4, 6 or 8 h with 0, 1, 10 or 100 microg/ml heparin or 0, 10, 30 or 60 min with 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1 or 10 microM A23187, respectively. Acrosome reactions were determined by staining the spermatozoa with naphthol yellow S plus erythrosin B, and sperm viability was assessed by eosin B-nigrosin staining. Both stains were evaluated under bright-field illumination at x 1000 magnification. Maximal percentages of acrosome reactions were found to occur after incubation for 4 h with 100 microg/ml heparin (71.8 +/- 3.5 % acrosome-reacted spermatozoa compared with 18.7 +/- 1.1 % in control spermatozoa; P < 0.001) or with either 1 or 10 microM A23187 for 60 min (44.0 +/- 6.2 and 45.3 +/- 5.0 % acrosome reacted spermatozoa, respectively, compared with 17.8 +/- 1.5 % in the controls, both P < 0.01). Maximal responses to these conditions varied significantly between stallions (P < 0.01). These results indicate that acrosome reaction can be successfully induced in vitro in stallion spermatozoa with both heparin and A23187, a possible basis for the laboratory prediction of fertility in this species.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1996

Proximal tubular lithium/plasma concentration ratio depends on tubular fluid flow rate.

Previous studies have given slightly different values of proximal tubular fluid/plasma lithium concentration ratios (TF/P)Li. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the technique of tubular fluid collection by micropuncture might contribute to this difference. Early distal and late proximal tubular fluid was collected by micropuncture during recording of early proximal hydrostatic pressure with varying pressures applied to the collection pipette. Distal fluid collection with 2-3 mmHg suction was unable to influence distal flow, proximal tubular pressure, nephron filtration rate (SNGFR), (TF/P)Li or (TF/P)Na significantly, as compared with values obtained without suction. In contrast, during late proximal collections, tubular pressure could be controlled. Within the range 2 mmHg below to 6 mmHg above free flow pressure maintained during collection, proximal flow rate varied from 9 to 44 nL min-1. (TF/P)Li was positively and significantly correlated to late proximal flow rate (P < 0.005, r = 0.65), independent of tubular pressure. (TF/P)Na was 1.03 and independent of flow rate and pressure. With collection adjusted to a late proximal flow of 24 nL min-1. (TF/P)Li would be about 1.15. At the more physiological flow rate of 12-14 nL min-1, (TF/P)Li was not significantly different from 1.00. It is concluded that proximal Li transport is distinct from Na transport and lags behind Na and water transfer only when flow rate is increased above normal. The result emphasizes the importance of the micropuncture fluid collection technique for estimates of proximal (TF/P)Li.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Analgesic effect of intraarticular morphine. A controlled, randomised and double-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Opioids produce antinociceptive effect by acting on receptors on peripheral nerves. The clinical relevance of this effect is still debated. The aim of the study was to compare the analgesic effect of morphine intraarticularly with the intramuscular route of administration after knee surgery. METHODS: Sixty-one patients, ASA 1-2, having elective arthroscopic surgery of the knee were randomised to either an intraarticular or intramuscular dose of morphine 5 mg. The pain sensation was estimated by visual analogue scale and a verbal rating score 0, 1, 2 and 4 hours postoperatively and verbal rating score on the third day. The use of acetaminophen and supplementary opioids were recorded for the first 4 hours postoperatively, from 4 hours until the third day, and from day 3 to day 7 postoperatively. RESULTS: The groups were comparable. Three patients were excluded. There were no statistically significant differences in painscore and consumption of analgesics. Fifty-nine per cent in each group had macroscopic synovitis. In the intraarticular group, there was no increased effect of morphine in the patients with synovitis compared to patients without synovitis. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical analgesic effect of 5 mg morphine given intraarticularly is equal to 5 mg morphine given intramuscularly. The occurrence of villous synovitis seems to be of no clinical importance concerning the local effect of morphine.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Effects of a short-chain phospholipid on ion transport pathways in rabbit nasal airway epithelium.

We investigated the mechanism of interference of mucosal application of the short-chain phospholipid didecanoyl-L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine (DDPC; 0.1-0.5%) with ion transport pathways in isolated rabbit nasal airway epithelium (RNAE). Transports of Na+ and Cl- were evaluated from tracer ion fluxes, short-circuit current (Isc), and epithelial conductance (Gt) under short-circuit conditions in Ussing chambers. DDPC rapidly and reversibly abolished net Na+ absorption, reduced control Isc (approximately 110 microA/cm2) by approximately 80%, and induced a small Cl secretion. Intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) increased dose dependently and transiently (measured by fura 2 in cultured rabbit airway epithelium), but ionomycin failed to mimic the decrease in Isc. The rise in [Ca2+]i may explain a Ba(2+)-sensitive transient activation of a basolateral K+ conductance. Indomethacin-sensitive prostaglandin E2 production in RNAE increased severalfold, but cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibitors did not prevent DDPC-induced changes in Isc. DDPC initially decreased control Gt (approximately 13 mS/cm2) by approximately 25% due to inhibition of amiloride-sensitive Na+ channels, and then reversibly increased Gt to approximately 45% above control values. Passive Na+ fluxes increased more than Cl fluxes, suggesting that the increase in Gt is due to formation of a paracellular shunt conductance in parallel with unaffected, anion-selective tight junction channels. The results suggest that DDPC inhibits apical membrane Na+ channels and causes structural changes in tight junctions after incorporation in apical cell membranes.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

HIV infection in rural communities.

HIV/AIDS is recognized as a growing problem in rural America. The community response model presented in this article provides a framework for developing a comprehensive approach to HIV/AIDS education and services. The model, while providing guidance in program development, allows for the adaptation of the model to address the unique needs associated with rural communities. Two programs that have been successful in responding to the need for HIV-related knowledge and services in rural areas are also presented.

HIV Infections↗
PubMed1995

Laser exposure of Parylene-C insulated microelectrodes.

The polymer, Parylene-C, has proven to be a biocompatible insulation for microelectrodes. However, due to its inert nature, the removal of the insulation from the tips of microelectrodes is difficult. This paper describes the use of an ultraviolet laser system to micromachine Parylene-C insulation with photoablation to precisely expose an arbitrary shape recording or stimulating surface.

Lasers↗
PubMed1995

[51Cr]EDTA for measuring total and single nephron glomerular filtration rate in the rat.

Clearance and micropuncture experiments were performed in halothane anaesthetized rats. The aim was a comparison of paired estimates of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) from the renal clearance of [51Cr]EDTA (C[51Cr]EDTA) with simultaneous estimates of polyfructosan ((Inutest) CIn), 3H,-and 14C-labelled inulin clearance (C[3H]In and C[14C]In, respectively) and proximal tubular fluid/plasma concentration ratios (TF/P) of [51Cr]EDTA and TF/P ratios of 14C-labelled inulin measured in the same samples. C[51Cr]EDTA correlated well with, but underestimated CIn by approximately 10%. The correlation coefficient (r) was 0.92. C[51Cr]EDTA also correlated with, and underestimated C[14C]In by 6%, r = 0.88, whereas it overestimated C[3H]In by 5%, still with a close correlation (r = 0.92). Paired data on proximal (TF/P) ratios of [51Cr]EDTA and [14C]inulin were collected from early, mid and late proximal convolutions. The data were scattered around the line of identity, r = 0.91. It is concluded that [51Cr]EDTA is a valid alternative for estimates of total renal and single nephron GFR in rats and has the advantage of being less expensive than [14C]inulin.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Bacterial flora of semen collected from Danish warmblood stallions by artificial vagina.

Semen samples were collected from 21 Danish Warmblood stallions by the Colorado artificial vagina (Colorado AV, 14 samples) or by the Missouri artificial vagina (Missouri AV, 7 samples). The semen was examined bacteriologically by direct plating (DP) on blood agar plates, and by plating of semen swabs stored in Stuart's transport media (TM) at 4 degrees C for 1-4 days. No significant differences were observed between results obtained by DP and cultures of identical TM samples. Of the 21 samples examined, only 1 TM (4.8%) and 2 DP samples (9.5%) were sterile, while the rest yielded a predominantly mixed flora comprising 1 to 4 bacterial genera. The natural flora was dominated by coagulase-negative staphylococci (Staphylococcus lentus, S. capitis, S. haemolyticus, S. xylosus) (16/21 = 76%), coryneforms (11/21 = 52%) and alpha-hemolytic streptococci and lactobacilli (7/21 = 33%). Potential venereal pathogens were isolated from 7 stallions (33%). Beta-hemolytic streptococci were found in 4 stallions used for natural service, whereas Pseudomonas aeruginosa serotype 6 (2 samples) and Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae capsule type K5 (1 sample) were isolated from 3 stallions used exclusively for artificial insemination. The role of the stallion as a carrier of potential venereal pathogens, and the artificial vagina as a source of contamination, is discussed in the context of mare endometritis.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

An inherited congenital goitre in pigs.

A diagnosis of congenital goitre was confirmed histologically in piglets which were born hairless and swollen, and with significantly enlarged thyroid glands. The iodine content of the thyroid glands and the serum total thyroxine concentrations were very low. No evidence was found of iodine deficiency or significant goitrogenic activity in the diet fed to the sows. An investigation of the parentage of six affected litters revealed that they all had one or other of two boars as the sire, grandsire or great grandsire. The suspicion of an inherited disorder was confirmed when a test mating of a suspect carrier boar and sow resulted in the birth of two affected piglets. The ratio of the numbers of affected and unaffected piglets was statistically consistent with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

The use of bright-field microscopy in evaluating bovine acrosome reaction.

A novel stain for evaluating the acrosomes of bovine spermatozoa was investigated. Acrosome reactions were induced by incubating spermatozoa enriched by swim-up with 1 mumol/l calcium ionophore A23187 for 1 or 1.5 h, while control samples were incubated in modified Tyrode's medium alone. After fixing in formaldehyde, spermatozoa were stained either with naphthol yellow S plus erythrosin B (NE) or with the novel stain, naphthol yellow S plus aniline blue (NA). The number of spermatozoa that had undergone acrosome reaction was counted and compared with results obtained using differential interference contrast microscopy (DIC). The correlation between the 2 staining methods was high (r=0.99), as was the correlation between NA staining and DIC (r=0.97). Slides stained with NA showed little background staining and the preparations were permanent. The results indicate that NA may be a useful stain for the bright-field evaluation of the bovine acrosome.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1994

Serotonin-induced short-circuit current in pig jejunum.

This paper presents the effects of serotonin (5-HT) on short-circuit current (SCC), sodium and chloride fluxes, and prostaglandin E2 release in pig jejunum, using the Ussing-chamber technique. 5-HT elicited a dose-dependent increase in SCC, yielding an EC50 of 6 +/- 4 microM and EMAX of 77 +/- 8 microA.cm-2 using about 100 microM. Inhibited sodium absorption and stimulated chloride secretion carried part of the 5-HT-induced SCC. 5-HT caused a dose-independent PGE2 release, and indomethacin reduced the SCC-inducing effect of 5-HT by 40%. Octreotide, a long-lasting somatostatin analogue, also reduced 5-HT-induced SCC by about 40%, while tetrodotoxin (TTX) did not alter the effect of 5-HT. In conclusion, 5-HT causes a dose-dependent indomethacin and octreotide-sensitive, and TTX-insensitive increase in SCC, and a chloride secretion and inhibited sodium absorption and an increased release of PGE2 in pig jejunum in vitro.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

A comparison between endogenous and exogenous lithium clearance in the anaesthetized rat.

The present study tests whether the endogenous renal lithium clearance (CLi) may be used as an alternative to the conventional method in order to avoid the adverse effects of exogenous lithium on renal function. Endogenous CLi) was measured by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) in halothane anaesthetized, laparotomized rats and compared with values obtained after subsequent intravenous (i.v.) administration of LiCl. Endogenous plasma lithium concentration (PLi) was 0.30 +/- 0.06 mumol l-1. When measured by both conventional flame emission AAS and flameless AAS on the same samples, values for PLi did not differ significantly. Endogenous CL1/GFR was 0.195 +/- 0.01 (mean +/- SEM). Amiloride caused on significant change in either the endogenous CLi or 51Cr-EDTA clearance, a measure of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), but it caused a significant increase in CNa. Administration of exogenous Li+ had no significant effect on CLi (230 +/- 33 vs. 234 +/- 35 microliters min-1 gKW-1); both urine flow and CNa increased significantly (P < 0.01) (5.4 +/- 0.4 vs. 9.6 +/- 1.3, and 2.4 +/- 0.5 vs. 10.7 +/- 2.4 microliters min-1 gKW-1, respectively). GFR and calculated proximal tubular reabsorption rate (APR) both decreased by approximately 100 microliters min-1 gKW-1 (both P < or = 0.025), suggesting a moderate inhibition of APR after the acute elevation of plasma Li+ concentration. It is concluded that the endogenous CLi may be used as an alternative to the conventional method.

Amiloride↗
PubMed1994

Regulation of alveolar epithelial cell ICAM-1 expression by cell shape and cell-cell interactions.

In normal lung, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) is expressed at high levels on thin type I alveolar epithelial cells, but is minimally expressed on cuboidal type II cells. ICAM-1 is induced in primary culture on tissue culture-treated plastic as type II cells undergo transition toward a type I cell-like phenotype. We hypothesized that alveolar epithelial cell expression of ICAM-1 might be regulated in part by signals that influence the state of differentiation of these cells. We found that rat type II cells that were cultured as aggregates of cuboidal cells on a hydrated basement membrane gel (Matrigel) or on floating type I collagen gels, expressed markedly less ICAM-1 protein and mRNA compared with cells that had spread on plastic. In contrast, type II cells that had spread as monolayers on dishes coated with basement membrane proteins in planar configuration demonstrated ICAM-1 expression comparable to that of cells on plastic alone. Thus regulation of alveolar epithelial cell expression of this immunologically important adhesion molecule involves complex spatial interactions of the cells with the basement membrane and other epithelial cells.

Animals↗