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Biomedical subjects

R C Wiggins

Publications and source records attributed to R C Wiggins.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Effects of aging and alcohol on the biochemical composition of histologically normal human brain.

Human brains were removed at autopsy and examined grossly and histologically for any abnormality or evidence of disease. Sixty-two brains appearing normal by these criteria were examined further. First, a detailed record of alcohol consumption was obtained. Second, frozen punches of gray and white matter were used to determine the compositional change associated with age and drinking patterns. Increased age was associated with an increase in the water content, particularly in the white matter, a decline in RNA content in gray matter, a decline in total protein in white matter, and a decline in both myelin and the myelin-like subfraction. The loss of myelin membrane in white matter corresponded to a similar increase in water content, although there was an additional loss of some nonmyelin protein. There was no significant shift in the density between the myelin and the myelin-like membranes, and the protein composition of myelin was not significantly altered by age. A history of heavy alcohol consumption was associated with a relative increase in total protein in white matter even though heavy drinking accelerated the age-related loss of myelin. Presumably, alcohol produced a lag in the rate at which nonmyelin proteins are lost or accelerated the accumulation of abnormal protein. Alcohol consumption did not influence the myelin composition or the ratio of myelin and myelin-like membranes. The interval between patient death and autopsy was shown to have little or no effect on the samples used in this study. These data show that normal aging, uncomplicated by other disease processes, can have a significant effect on the composition of brain tissue, particularly the white matter, and that heavy alcohol consumption accelerates degenerative change, even in tissue appearing normal by histology.

Aged↗
PubMed1988

Development of axonal-oligodendroglial relationships and junctions during myelination of the optic nerve.

The early stages of myelination were examined in optic nerves of rats aged 12-15 days. The initial association between oligodendroglial processes and bare axons involves no junctional specialization, as the axoglial extracellular space remains unaltered. Following ensheathment by a collar of glial cytoplasm, at least one full rotation of mesaxon was evident before compact myelin formed. Furthermore, myelin was generally evident before a second rotation was completed. In longitudinal sections, an axoglial junction was always observed beginning on the first paranodal loop, continuing through to the last (or outermost) loop. Thus, the formation of myelin and elaboration of a junctional complex in the paranodal region follow a promyelination phase and appear to be synchronous (and possibly related) events. Although the paranodal plasmalemma and axolemma are in close apposition, there is a material in the extracellular space that precipitates phosphotungstic acid, a characteristic that appears to be featured in a number of different types of cell junctions.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Analysis of renal fibrosis in a rabbit model of crescentic nephritis.

The pathogenesis of renal fibrosis in crescentic nephritis is incompletely understood. To improve our understanding of this process, crescentic nephritis was induced in New Zealand White rabbits by administration of guinea pig antiglomerular basement membrane IgG after sensitization with guinea pig IgG, and their kidneys were analyzed for the development of fibrosis. Collagen synthesis in renal cortical tissue was significantly elevated by day 3, peaked at days 7-15, and returned towards baseline by day 21. Collagen content of both glomeruli and cortex were increased starting on days 14-16, and remained constant in cortex thereafter. Light microscopic analysis was much less sensitive, revealing fibrosis only after day 21. Immunofluorescence revealed that type IV collagen was distributed primarily in the glomerulus, while types I and III were increased in the glomerulus and interstitium. Thus, in this model of crescentic nephritis, fibrosis, as assessed biochemically, developed early at time points when morphologic analysis failed to detect such a development. Hence early therapeutic intervention, before morphologic evidence of fibrosis is evident, may be more successful in arresting the progression of this disease before it reaches irreversible terminal stages.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) production and localization of macrophages and T lymphocytes in the rabbit corpus luteum.

Utilizing immunocytochemistry numerous macrophages were localized in regressing corpora lutea. In contrast, few macrophages were observed in young corpora lutea. Regressing corpora lutea readily produced TNF-a in vitro in response to lipopolysaccharide, whereas young corpora lutea produced significantly less TNF-a. T lymphocytes were identified in young corpora lutea preceding the appearance of macrophages. These observations suggest that cells of the immune system and cytokines could be important participants in physiological regression of the corpus luteum.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Dose-related differential accumulation of morphine in specific regions of rat brain determined by mass fragmentography.

Regional morphine accumulation was examined in 8 brain areas (cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum, midbrain, hypothalamus, thalamus, medulla oblongata and cerebellum) following either a single dose or incremental doses administered by intraperitoneal injection. Morphine levels were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with chemical ionization detection. Prior to morphine assay, the vasculature was cleared of blood by saline perfusion to eliminate distortion of tissue-morphine by blood-morphine. Results indicate a dose-dependent, differential accumulation of morphine in different brain regions following incremental morphine administration. Three distinct uptake profiles were obtained, with the cerebellum, hippocampus, medulla and cortex showing roughly linear accumulation the midbrain, striatum and thalamus showing nonlinear accumulation, and the hypothalamus showing significantly higher absolute morphine levels than any other brain region.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Uromucoid (Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein) forms different polymeric arrangements on a filter surface under different physicochemical conditions.

Normal human urine cannot be forced through a 0.2 micron filter. To investigate the reason for this phenomenon, uromucoid (Tamm-Horsfall protein) was purified from human urine and its capacity to block a 0.2 micron Millipore filter was measured under different conditions. In the presence of cations (H+, Na+, Ca2+) uromucoid blocked the filter. The blocking varied with cation concentration. Scanning electron microscopy of the filter surface revealed different arrangements of polymerized uromucoid coating the filter surface depending on ionic conditions. In the presence of 100 mmol/l NaCl or 1 mmol/l CaCl2 uromucoid polymers were present in a fibrous arrangement. In the presence of both NaCl and CaCl2 a dense mat of uromucoid polymers was present together with clumps of aggregated polymer. In the absence of ions uromucoid formed a homogeneous coat on the filter surface (as demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy, Western blotting and 125I-uromucoid binding studies) but did not block the filter. Similar fibrous and highly aggregated arrangements of uromucoid polymer were seen in hyaline casts from urine. These data are consistent with the concept that the uromucoid glycoprotein can exist in several different polymeric forms under different ionic conditions.

Calcium Chloride↗
PubMed1987

Procoagulant activity in kidneys of normal and bacterial lipopolysaccharide-treated rabbits.

Fibrin formation in the kidney is frequently associated with clinically-significant renal dysfunction. We therefore measured and characterized the procoagulant activity (PCA) which is present in normal kidneys and in kidneys of rabbits with the Shwartzman phenomenon induced by two injections of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS; E. coli LPS 055:B5,25 micrograms/kg and 50 micrograms/kg administered 24 hrs apart with rabbits sacrificed 12 hrs after the second injection). PCA was measured in sonicated tissue by one-stage coagulation assay. In normal kidneys the amounts of PCA in the inner medulla, outer medulla and inner cortex were 18.2 +/- 3.2, 44.1 +/- 3.8 and 78.5 +/- 5.7 percent, respectively, of that in the outer cortex (N = 31). Glomeruli (purified by the iron oxide magnetic method to greater than 95 percent homogeneity) contained 21.6 +/- 8.8 arbitrary units/micrograms protein compared with tubular fragments which contained 13.9 +/- 2.6 U/micrograms protein (N = 9). In LPS-treated rabbits PCA (in units/micrograms) increased in outer cortex from 33.7 +/- 3.9 (control) to 73.4 +/- 10.4 (LPS, P less than 0.01), in inner cortex from 26.7 +/- 2.9 (control) to 83.3 +/- 17 (LPS, P less than 0.02), in outer medulla from 12.9 +/- 2.4 (control) to 54.5 +/- 16.5 (LPS, P less than 0.05), and in inner medulla from 12.2 +/- 2.4 (control) to 32.1 +/- 4.9 (LPS, P less than 0.01). Glomerular PCA increased from 21.6 +/- 8.8 (control) to 88.8 +/- 20.7 (LPS) units/micrograms (P = 0.01), while tubular fragment preparation PCA increased from 13.9 +/- 2.6 (control) to 44.6 +/- 12.7 (LPS) U/micrograms (P = 0.02) (N = 9 per group).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1986

A map of urine proteins based on one-dimensional SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting using one microliter of unconcentrated urine.

A sensitive one-dimensional SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic system was devised whereby the proteins in 1 microliter of unconcentrated urine could be visualized by silver staining over the range 9,000-900,000 molecular weight. Identification of urine proteins was confirmed by Western blotting using peroxidase labelled antibodies. A map of the major proteins visualized in urine from individuals with renal disease was constructed. We conclude that the information available from the simple analysis of proteins according to their size is limited to general conclusions regarding whether proteinuria is likely to be of tubular or glomerular or mixed origin. More specific identification of individual proteins is not feasible because simple protein staining is not sufficiently reliable to identify individual proteins. The reasons for this conclusion are as follows: many proteins in urine migrate with similar apparent molecular weights, some proteins are not visualized by silver staining, and albumin polymeric complexes and fragments can be present at almost any molecular weight. However, one-dimensional SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis together with Western blotting does provide reliable information which might be clinically and experimentally useful.

Albuminuria↗
PubMed1986

Regulation of macrophage tumor necrosis factor production by prostaglandin E2.

We have studied the role of prostaglandin E2 on the modulation of tumor necrosis factor by immunologically elicited and lipopolysaccharide treated murine macrophages. Indomethacin, a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin E2 production, caused a dose dependent augmentation of lipopolysaccharide induced tumor necrosis factor production (2-3 fold at 10(-7) molar). Tumor necrosis factor was released into the extracellular environment and no activity was found to be associated with membrane or cytosolic fractions. Prostaglandin E2 added to the lipopolysaccharide treated cultures suppressed tumor necrosis factor in a dose dependent manner. In these studies, 10(-7) molar PGE2 reduced tumor necrosis factor production to basal levels. These data suggest that PGE2 may be a potent autoregulatory factor that dramatically influences tumor necrosis factor production.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

A morphometric analysis of pyramidal tract structures during postnatal undernourishment and recovery.

Rats were postnatally undernourished during the suckling period (up to 20 days) and the brainstems of the perfused rats were dissected and prepared for electronmicroscopy at 21, 35 and 63 days of age. The effects on myelin were relatively mild and consisted primarily of a slight reduction in the relative numbers of myelinated fibers, most likely caused by a lag in the rate of loss of non-myelinated fibers, and fewer lamellae in myelinated axons of less than 2.5 micron circumference. Organelles were examined in the interfasicular oligodendroglia and in paragigantocellular reticular neurons immediately dorsal to the pyramidal tract. The numbers of mitochondrial particles in neuronal perikarya were significantly increased by postnatal undernourishment, although the numbers of other organelles appeared normal. Increased numbers of mitochondria persisted in nutritionally rehabilitated rats. Mitochondrial particles in oligodendroglia were not altered.

Aging↗
PubMed1986

Peroxidative aggregation of myelin membrane proteins.

The exposure of CNS myelin to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by a Cu2+-H2O2 system results in the aggregation of membrane proteins. Integral and peripheral membrane proteins are equally vulnerable and the denaturation is not mediated by the SH groups. The aggregated proteins retain their original antigenicity as determined by immunoblot technique. The aggregation of proteins is not limited to myelin and can be elicited in the preparation of other cerebral membranes. The effect of ROS on membrane proteins can also be demonstrated in cerebral slices incubated in the presence of the ROS-generating system. Furthermore, the peroxidation inactivates membrane-bound enzymes as exemplified by myelin cyclic nucleotide phosphatase (CNP). Competitive inhibition studies with various scavengers and quenchers of ROS implicate singlet oxygen as a major mediator in the Cu2+-H2O2 oxidizing system responsible for the peroxidative aggregation of membrane proteins.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Restraint stress during late pregnancy in rats elicits early hypermyelination in the offspring.

Female rats were subjected to a regular, daily schedule of 2 hr of restraint stress during the final 6 days of pregnancy. During the first 2 postnatal weeks, adrenal weights were greater than normal in the offspring of the stressed dams. The concentration of brain myelin was higher than control at 14 and 21 days of age but similar to normal by day 40. Early hypermyelination may be partly responsible for early motor development, as previously observed in prenatally stressed rats.

Aging↗
PubMed1986

Fetal ethanol exposure: a morphometric analysis of myelination in the optic nerve.

Pregnant Long-Evans rats were fed a liquid diet containing ethanol during gestation. Controls consisted of both pair-fed dams and dams fed ad libitum with an equivalent, iso-caloric diet lacking ethanol. Subsequent effects of ethanol measured in the offspring include a significant lag in the rate at which non-myelinated axons are lost in association with the initial overproduction of neurons. Additionally, there was a slight lag in the rate of acquisition of myelinated axons; and altogether there was a large increase in the ratio of non-myelinated to myelinated axons. Frequency spectra of myelinated and non-myelinated axons by size were normal, and the relationship between axon size and myelin lamellae was also normal. Measured against the dynamic, normal background of rapid cell-loss and the progressive development of myelin, morphometric demonstration and evaluation of the comparatively small divergences associated with fetal alcohol exposure are difficult: nevertheless, these results are consistent with and help account for the marginal hypomyelination previously observed by quantitative neurochemistry.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Procoagulant activity in normal human urine associated with subcellular particles.

Procoagulant activity (PCA) in normal human urine was found to be sedimented by centrifugation at X 100,000g. Therefore, studies were done to identify the structures associated with the procoagulant activity. Transmission electron microscopy of the X 100,000g pellet revealed numerous membrane-bound vesicles as well as fibrous material. Filtration of normal urine through a 0.2-micron filter removed more than 90% of the procoagulant activity. Scanning electron microscopy of the filter surface revealed 0.1 to 1.1 micron particles and fibrous material. By centrifugation at pH 3 and 5 the fibrous material and particles were separated. The procoagulant activity remained with the particles in each case. The fibrous material was shown to be Tamm-Horsfall protein by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting using anti-Tamm-Horsfall protein serum. Purified Tamm-Horsfall protein itself was not procoagulant. Therefore, PCA in normal human urine is associated with particles 0.1 to 1.1 micron in diameter which appear to be lipid membranes in various arrangements.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

A different cleavage site for high molecular weight kininogen in vivo following intravenous injection of dextran sulfate in the rabbit.

Purified radiolabeled rabbit Hageman factor, prekallikrein, and high molecular weight kininogen were used to examine Hageman factor system molecular dynamics after the intravenous injection of heparin-like dextran sulfate polymer in the rabbit. Hageman factor system proteins rapidly disappeared from the circulation following dextran sulfate injection, as measured by radial immunodiffusion, by kaolin-releasable kinin formation, and by measuring circulating levels of radiolabeled Hageman factor, prekallikrein, and high molecular weight kininogen. 125I-Hageman factor was distributed mainly to lung, liver, and spleen following dextran sulfate injection. Proteolysis of circulating 125I-Hageman factor occurred at a site within a disulfide loop into fragments of 50,000 and 30,000 molecular weight. Proteolysis of 125I-prekallikrein also occurred with visualization of a 50,000 molecular weight fragment. Although extensive proteolysis of 131I-high molecular weight kininogen was observed, the cleavage fragments were not the same as those generated during contact activation in vitro. The major fragment of high molecular weight kininogen observed in vivo was at 80,000 molecular weight, in contrast to the 65,000 molecular weight fragment generated by kallikrein in vitro. These results indicate that high molecular weight kininogen can undergo proteolysis in vivo into fragments not known to be associated with kinin release.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Glomerular injury and proteinuria in rats after intrarenal injection of cobra venom factor. Evidence for the role of neutrophil-derived oxygen free radicals.

The purpose of these studies was to determine how intravascular complement activation could lead to glomerular injury. Cobra venom factor (CVF) infused into the renal artery of rats resulted in increased excretion of protein in urine, which was maximal over the first 24 hours (51.2 +/- 6.0 mg/24 hours in CVF versus 14.1 +/- 0.9 mg/24 hours in saline-treated animals; P less than 0.001). Depletion of circulating neutrophils with anti-neutrophil serum significantly reduced the CVF-induced proteinuria in the first 24 hours (neutrophil depleted rats 22.7 +/- 2.8 mg/24 hours versus 63.4 +/- 9.9 mg/24 hours in neutrophil intact rats; P less than 0.005). Morphologic abnormalities (which were quantitated morphometrically) included accumulation of neutrophils in glomerular capillary loops, blebbing of endothelial cells, and epithelial cell foot process fusion. The increased protein excretion was reduced by 70% by simultaneous administration of catalase (23 +/- 4.3 mg/24 hours in CVF plus catalase versus 52.1 +/- 10 mg/24 hours in CVF alone; P less than 0.05). Catalase reduced glomerular endothelial cell blebbing and epithelial cell foot process fusion but not neutrophil accumulation in glomeruli as assessed by morphometry. In similar experiments superoxide dismutase, dimethyl sulfoxide, and deferoxamine did not prevent CVF-induced proteinuria. These studies, therefore, suggest that intravascular activation of complement in the rat causes glomerular injury and proteinuria which is dependent on neutrophils and upon the generation of hydrogen peroxide and/or its metabolites.

Animals↗