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Biomedical subjects

R L Johnson

Publications and source records attributed to R L Johnson.

At least 325 records · Page 18Linked to original sources
PubMed1982

Renin inhibitors. Substitution of the leucyl residues of Leu-Leu-Val-Phe-OCH3 with 3-amino-2-hydroxy-5-methylhexanoic acid.

The 2S,3S and 2R,3S diastereoisomers of the hydroxy amino acid 3-amino-2-hydroxy-5-methylhexanoic acid (AHMHA) were synthesized and substituted for the leucyl residues of Leu-Leu-Val-Phe-OCH3 to yield the following analogues: AHMHA-Leu-Val-Phe-OCH3, AHMHA-Val-Phe-OCH3, and Leu-AHMHA-Val-Phe-OCH3. These analogues were tested in vitro for their ability to inhibit human amniotic renin. All of the analogues were found to inhibit renin to some extent with inhibitory constants in the range of 10(-3) to 10(-4) M. The analogues AHMHA-Leu-Val-Phe-OCH3 and AHMHA-Val-Phe-OCH3 exhibited competitive inhibition when the 2S,3S isomer of AHMHA was employed and noncompetitive kinetics when the 2R,3S isomer of AHMHA was used. For the Leu-AHMHA-Val-Phe-OCH3 analogues, competitive kinetics were observed regardless of the isomer of AHMHA employed. These latter analogues also proved to be the most active in the above series.

Aminocaproates↗
PubMed1982

Dimensional analysis of right and left ventricles during positive-pressure ventilation in dogs.

Our purpose was to determine the effects of controlled ventilation with positive end-expired pressure (PEEP) on ventricular dimensions and to relate changes in shape to changes in stroke volume and left ventricular volumes. Left and right ventricular dimensions were measured using biplane cinefluorography of dogs with radiopaque markers implanted in their hearts, and left ventricular volumes were derived from left ventricular dimensions by assuming that the left ventricle conformed to the shape of a nonprolate ellipsoid. As PEEP increased from 0 to 5, 10, and 15 cmH2O, stroke volume fell 36%, and all three left ventricular end-diastolic dimensions fell, with apex-base falling 5%, anterior-posterior falling 7%, and septal-lateral falling nearly twice as much, 12%. This resulted in a 11.3 cm3 fall in left ventricular end-diastolic volume. The right ventricular end-diastolic dimensions changed in opposite directions with respect to each other as the level and PEEP was raised to 15 cmH2O; one axis fell 3.2 mm, and the midpoint of the right ventricular free wall moved outward by 1.7 mm. Thus the fall in cardiac output (and stroke volume) during PEEP was associated with a fall in left ventricular end-diastolic volume and a change both left and right ventricular configurations. It is not known whether the left ventricular septal-lateral narrowing is the consequence of lateral wall compression by the lungs or encroachment on the left ventricle by the septum.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

The use of mass spectrometric data to predict biological activity.

The mass spectra of 75 analogs of trimethoprim were used in a study correlating mass spectrometric data with biological activity. Using pattern recognition techniques a correlation was obtained. Experiments to elaborate the basis of the correlation are described.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Comparison of lung diffusing capacity during rebreathing and during slow exhalation.

In five normal sitting subjects DLCO and Qc were measured from the disappearances of a stable isotope of carbon monoxide (C18O) and of acetylene with respect to an inert and insoluble reference gas (Helium). Measurements were made during two respiratory maneuvers: (1) during rebreathing both at functional residual capacity (FRC) and near total lung capacity (TLC); and (2) during a slow exhalation at a constant rate from TLC to FRC. Changes in gas concentration were measured at the mouth during both maneuvers with a respiratory mass spectrometer. Mean DLCO was significantly higher during rebreathing near TLC (34.6 ml . min-1 . mm Hg-1) than near FRC (28.8 ml . min-1 . mm Hg). Mean DLCO measured during slow exhalation near FRC (32.7 ml . min-1 . mm Hg) was significantly higher than DLCO measured during rebreathing over the same volume range. Measurements of Qc were not significantly different between the rebreathing and slow exhalation maneuvers. Differences in DLCO between the two methods at FRC were not due to differences in Qc.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Unusual survival after pulmonary artery sarcoma.

A 46-year-old man with a primary sarcoma of the pulmonary artery is presented. The tumor was responsive to radiotherapy, and the patient is the longest reported survivor of this rare disease. The tumor spread distally in the pulmonary vasculature, with probable embolization to the central nervous system, and he died 27 months after the initial diagnosis, with sudden massive hemoptysis. Pulmonary artery sarcomas are a rare cause of obstruction of the right ventricular outflow. The course of our patient suggests that early recognition and therapy may provide some of these patients with effective palliation and prolonged survival.

Humans↗
PubMed1981

Microvascular injury distal to unilateral pulmonary artery occlusion.

We explored three questions: 1) does edema fluid accumulate distal to temporary unilateral pulmonary artery occlusion (TUPAO); 2) if so how rapidly does it accumulate; and 3) how is it affected by positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)? Using a tracheal divider we measured pulmonary capillary blood flow (Qc), tissue volume (Vt), and diffusing capacity (DLCO) in each lung with a rebreathing method. After control measurements in 12 dogs, the left pulmonary artery was occluded and measurements were repeated at intervals during 4 h of occlusion and 30 min after release of the occlusion. Six of the dogs were ventilated with 10 cmH2O PEEP. Finally the lungs were removed, weighed, and fixed for histology. TUPAO caused a 29% increase in Vt of the left lung without PEEP and a 59% increase with PEEP. After release of the occlusion, Qc and DLCO in the left lung returned to control levels within 30 min in dogs not on PEEP but remained depressed in dogs ventilated with PEEP even though PEEP was removed. At postmortem the left lung weighed more than expected in both groups of dogs but was significantly heavier in those on PEEP. Histology confirmed bronchovascular cuffing with edema and hemorrhage.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Microvascular alterations develop in Syrian hamsters after the induction of diabetes mellitus by streptozotocin.

Microvessels in the cheek pouch of the hamster were investigated to determine their structural, reactivity, and permeability characteristics after the induction of diabetes. To induce diabetes, hamsters were injected with streptozotocin (50 mg/kg body wt./day, i.p., for 3 days). Vehicle-injected, age-matched hamsters were the controls. Diabetic hamsters were characterized by elevated serum glucose (greater than 300 mg/dl) and triglycerides and decreased serum insulin (50%). Microvascular studies were completed on cheek pouch microvessels suffused with Ringer's solution (37 degrees C, pH 7.4) bubbled with 95% N2-5% CO2. Vascular dimensions and reactivity of selected arterioles and venules to microapplications of norepinephrine were determined with a video micrometer using intravital microscopy. Restrictiveness of the microvascular membranes to fluorescein-labeled dextran fractions (mol wt: 150,000; 40,000; 20,000 daltons) was measured by determining the number of leaky sites. Stimulation of membrane permeability by histamine was investigated. There were no major alterations in arteriolar lumen and wall diameters, whereas venular lumen diameters were increased in hamsters diabetic for two months. Likewise, arteriolar responses to norepinephrine were not altered by diabetes; however, venular responses were decreased at two months. The restrictiveness of the vascular membrane to various dextran fractions was dramatically decreased in the diabetic animals at two months. Histamine did not alter microvascular leakage in the diabetic as it did in the normal hamsters. These studies indicate that microvascular alterations, venular dilation, and increased permeability to large molecules occur in the diabetic hamster within two months after the induction of diabetes.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Health care 2000 AD: the impact of conglomerates.

Revamped organizational structures, revitalized lobbying strategies, expanded overseas developments, and new criteria for measuring hospitals' effectiveness will characterize the industry in 2000 AD.

Delivery of Health Care↗
PubMed1980

Tonic analgesic effects of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol as measured with the formalin test.

The analgesic effects of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of marihuana, were tested using the formalin test. Rats were treated with either THC (5 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg) or a placebo by gavage 4 h before the formalin test for analgesia was initiated. THC produced a highly significant analgesic effect against both phasic pain and tonic pain. THC is discussed as a model for the development of new analgesics or as a suitable analgesic if used with another potentiating drug.

Analgesics↗