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R Leiderer

Publications and source records attributed to R Leiderer.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Endothelin (ET)-1 induced mucosal damage in the rat small intestine: role of ET(A) receptors.

The role of endothelin (ET)-1 as a mediator of small intestinal mucosal perfusion failure and tissue damage was investigated in the rat using intravital fluorescence videomicroscopy. The effects of intravenous infusion of ET-1 (3 nmol/kg) on functional capillary density, mucosal thickness, and the degree of mucosal damage were evaluated. Administration of ET-1 caused pronounced mucosal injury with a significant reduction of mucosal thickness compared with vehicle-treated control animals. Concomitantly, villous functional capillary density was markedly reduced 30 and 90 min after the infusion of ET-1. ET(A) receptor blockade by pretreatment with BQ 610 or with the novel ET(A) receptor antagonist ETR-P1/FL peptide prevented ET-1 induced capillary perfusion failure and mucosal damage. In contrast, the ET(B) receptor antagonist IRL 1038 was not effective. These results indicate that, acting via the ET(A) receptor, elevated levels of circulating ET-1 under various pathophysiological conditions, such as septic or hemorrhagic shock, might impair nutritive perfusion of the intestinal mucosa and contribute to tissue injury.

Animals↗

Impact of dextran on microvascular disturbances and tissue injury following ischemia/reperfusion in striated muscle.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dextran (Dx) 1 versus Dx 60 (molecular weights 1,000 and 60,000) on microvascular disturbances and tissue injury in striated muscle after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Experiments were performed using a 4 h pressure-induced ischemia model in the hamster dorsal skinfold chamber. Three groups (n=6) of animals received a continuous infusion (45 min, 3 microL/min) of either Dx 1 or Dx 60 (total dose 5 mg/kg) or saline solution beginning 15 min before reperfusion. Intravital fluorescence microscopy allowed for quantification of functional capillary density, leukocyte adherence, extravasation of fluorescein isothiocyanate-Dx, and nonviable (propidium-positive) cell count before ischemia and .5, 2, and 24 h after reperfusion. Experiments were terminated with tissue preservation for electron microscopy. Postischemic functional capillary density was significantly improved by Dx 60 (at 24 h, 88% vs. 51% in controls). In animals receiving postischemic Dx 1 or Dx 60, leukocyte adherence was significantly reduced (at .5 h, 44% and 58%, respectively) as compared with controls, whereas macromolecular extravasation was unchanged. Nonviable cell count was significantly decreased by both Dx fractions (at 24 h, Dx 1, 75%; Dx 60, 87%), indicating a reduction of tissue injury, which was also confirmed by electron microscopy. These results provide evidence that Dx 60 at 5 mg/kg attenuates I/R injury more effectively than Dx 1. Leukocytes play a major role in the development of I/R injury, but macromolecular extravasation does not always correlate with the leukocyte-endothelium interaction and the manifestation of I/R injury.

Animals↗

Attenuation of postischemic reperfusion injury in striated skin muscle by diaspirin-cross-linked Hb.

Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers have been suggested to enhance the formation of oxygen free radicals, especially under conditions of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), in which activation and adhesion of leukocytes play a pivotal role for propagation of reperfusion injury. This study investigates the effects of the hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier diaspirin-cross-linked hemoglobin (DCLHb) in an I/R model of hamster striated skin muscle. The dorsal skinfold chamber model in the awake Syrian golden hamster was used for analysis of the microcirculation and local tissue PO2 in striated skin muscle utilizing the technique of intravital fluorescence microscopy and a multiwire platinum surface (Clark type) electrode. Measurements were made before 4 h of pressure-induced ischemia and at 0.5, 2, and 24 h of reperfusion. Animals were treated with 5 ml/kg body wt of either 10% DCLHb (n = 8), 6% Dextran 60 (Dx-60; 60 kDa, n = 8), or 0.9% NaCl (n = 7), which was given intravenously 15 min before reperfusion. In animals treated with DCLHb or Dx-60, a significant decrease of leukocytes rolling along and sticking in postcapillary venules, associated with a recovery of functional capillary density and red blood cell velocity, was observed compared with saline-treated controls. In the early reperfusion period (0.5 h), DCLHb and Dx-60 efficiently restored local tissue PO2, whereas tissue PO2 decreased from 18.3 +/- 1.9 to 15.3 +/- 5.3 mmHg in 0.9% NaCl-treated animals. Electron microscopic analysis of the postischemic tissue at 24 h of reperfusion revealed markedly reduced tissue damage in animals treated with DCLHb compared with Dx-60 or isotonic saline. These results indicate that DCLHb attenuates postischemic reperfusion injury of striated skin muscle, presumably through alterations of leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions.

Animals↗

Carolina rinse attenuates postischemic microvascular injury in rat small bowel isografts.

BACKGROUND: Apart from rejection-related events, the manifestation of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remains a major problem, hampering success in human small bowel transplantation (SBTx). Therefore the aim of this study was to determine the potential of Carolina rinse (CR) to attenuate microvascular reperfusion injury in rat intestinal isografts. METHODS: After 18 hours of cold preservation in 4 degrees C University of Wisconsin solution (UW), rat SBTx was performed. Immediately before reperfusion the intestine was flushed with 4 degrees C or 37 degrees C Ringer's lactate (RL, groups 1 and 2) or CR (groups 3 and 4), respectively. In vivo fluorescence microscopy was used to analyze the grafts' microcirculation. RESULTS: In group 1 severe microvascular I/R injury was observed in mucosa and muscle layers. Microcirculatory deterioration was paralleled by enhanced leukocyte accumulation in submucosal venules and by impaired subserosal lymphatic capillary drainage (FCLD). Rinsing the grafts with 37 degrees C RL attenuated leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction and improved subserosal FCLD; however, it did not affect mucosal microvascular reperfusion damage. In contrast, 4 degrees C CR dramatically improved nutritive perfusion within muscle and mucosa (p < 0.05) and attenuated leukocyte adherence within submucosal venules (p < 0.05). Additional prewarming of CR almost completely prevented mucosal I/R injury (p < 0.05 versus group 3) and caused a fourfold increase of FCLD. CONCLUSIONS. With this study we demonstrate that CR in combination with rewarming of the graft before reperfusion is an effective regimen to prevent leukocyte accumulation and to counteract microvascular injury after SBTx.

Animals↗

Use of selective and nonselective nitric oxide synthase inhibitors in rat endotoxemia: effects on hepatic morphology and function.

Endotoxin has profound effects on nitric oxide (NO) production, and considerable controversies exist as to whether these alterations are beneficial or deleterious. Increased mortality has been reported from nonselective inhibition of NO synthase. Results from selective inhibition of the inducible isoform (iNOS) appear largely positive. In a model of rat endotoxemia we have compared the early effects on hepatic morphology and function of selective and nonselective NO inhibition. Two hours after endotoxin injection (5 mg/kg intraportally) the rats were treated with either the selective iNOS inhibitor aminoethyl isothiourea (AE-ITU, 10 mg/kg), the nonselective NOS inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10 mg/kg), or normal saline. The animals were observed for another hour. Using an immunohistochemical method, induction of iNOS was demonstrated in various tissues in all slices examined. No unequivocal benefit from NO inhibition was noted. Electron microscopic examination revealed widespread alterations of liver morphology, without obvious differences between the groups. Liver function, as assessed by ketone body ratio, hepatic venous acid base values, and bile production, was generally more adversely affected after NO inhibition. Even with the iNOS selective inhibitor AE-ITU no benefit was noted. We conclude that during the early phases of endotoxemia therapeutic reduction of NO production has no positive effects on liver function or morphology.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

Role of leukocyte plugging and edema in skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of increased capillary network resistance due to leukocyte-capillary plugging and tissue edema through macromolecular leakage to tissue injury after ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). After a 3-h complete ischemia in the dorsal skinfold chamber of the awake Syrian hamster, the following parameters were measured: vessel diameter, macromolecular leakage, erythrocyte velocity, adherent leukocytes, rolling leukocytes, freely flowing leukocytes, functional capillary density (FCD), propidium iodide (PI)-positive cell nuclei, and increase in network flow resistance due to leukocyte-capillary plugging. These measurements were made under baseline conditions and after 0.5 and 2 h of reperfusion for I/R alone, I/R with phalloidin (PL) treatment (to block leakage), and I/R with both PL and cytochalasin D (CD) (to block both leakage and plugging). Neither treatment had an effect on the leukocyte adherence or rolling. PL treatment preserved the endothelial barrier, improved FCD, and reduced the amount of PI measured tissue damage. CD treatment eliminated the increase in network resistance due to leukocyte plugging but did not improve FCD or tissue damage. Thus, in this I/R model, macromolecular leakage plays a role in tissue injury, whereas leukocyte plugging does not appear to be an important mechanism.

Animals↗

Eight hours' inhalation of prostacyclin (PGI2) in healthy lambs: effects on tracheal, bronchial, and alveolar morphology.

OBJECTIVE: To study potential toxic effects of long-term (8 h) inhaled prostacyclin (PGI2) on respiratory tract tissues. DESIGN: In a prospective, randomized order, either PGI2 (n =7) or normal saline (n = 7) was aerosolized during a time period of 8 h in healthy lambs. SETTING: Institute for Surgical Research of the Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich. ANIMALS: 14 health, anesthetized, ventilated lambs. INTERVENTIONS: All animals were endotracheally intubated followed by tracheotomy. PGI2 solution or normal saline was administered with a jet nebulizer (delivery rate 4-10 ml/h; mass median diameter of aerosol particles 3.1 microns). MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Histomorphological changes after 8-h inhalation of PGI2 solution were compared to those after 8-h inhalation of normal saline. Tracheal and bronchoalveolar tissues were examined by light and electron microscopy in order to assess tissue damage induced by inhaled PGI2. Pathological changes were ranked by a blinded observer following a graduation system ranging from "absence of pathological changes" to "maximal pathological changes". Abnormalities were restricted to the trachea (focal flattening of the epithelium, loss of cilia, slight inflammatory cell infiltration) and alveolar tissue (focal alveolar septal thickening with slight inflammatory cell infiltration), but no statistically significant differences between the PGI2 and control groups were encountered. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate the absence of PGI2 aerosol-related respiratory tissue damage after 8-h inhalation of PGI2.

Aerosols↗

Liver ischemia and reperfusion induces a systemic inflammatory response through Kupffer cell activation.

To study the role of Kupffer cells (KC) as a cellular source of proinflammatory cytokines in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion, Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 20 min global hepatic ischemia. Sham-operated animals served as controls. Blood levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were determined after 10, 30, 60, 120, and 240 min of reperfusion and compared with spontaneous cytokine release by KC isolated after 60 min of reperfusion. Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion resulted in an enhanced (p < .01) spontaneous release of TNF-alpha (+482%), IL-1 alpha (+33%), and IL-6 (+175%) by KC. Kinetic analysis of cytokinemia revealed an early increase (p < .01) of TNF-alpha and IL-1 alpha within minutes upon reperfusion, while an elevation of IL-6 serum levels was observed with a delay of 2 h. Early cytokinemia was associated with dysfunction/injury of the liver, lung, and kidney after 4 and 24 h of reperfusion, respectively. These data indicate that hepatic ischemia/reperfusion results in Kupffer cell activation and increased cytokine levels, which may produce systemic inflammation and may be responsible for tissue injury locally and on remote sites.

Animals↗

Modulation of kupffer cell activity by gadolinium chloride in endotoxemic rats.

Gadolinium chloride (GdCl3) has been reported to block Kupffer cell (KC) phagocytic activity in rats. In this study, we investigated the action of GdCl3 on Kupffer cells and related effects in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure of rats. Using intravital fluorescence microscopy (IVFM), the hepatic microcirculation (phagocytic activity and zonal distribution of KC, sinusoidal perfusion, leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction) of rats pretreated with either saline or GdCl3 (10 mg/kg i.v. for 2 days) was studied at 1 h (n = 14) and 16 h (n = 16) after exposure to Escherichia coli LPS (10 mg/kg i.v.). LPS-exposure (1 h) resulted in KC activation with increased phagocytic activity (IVFM), intracellular enrichment of phagocytic vacuoles, and marked rise of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6) in serum, whereas GdCl3-pretreatment completely inhibited the LPS-related KC response. 16 h after LPS-exposure, saline-treated animals revealed high serum levels of LPS, associated with microvascular perfusion deficits, marked KC destruction, and hepatocellular disintegration, which finally resulted in a mortality rate of 47% (7/15). In contrast, none of the GdCl3-treated animals died (0/8). GdCl3-pretreatment significantly attenuated LPS-induced hepatic microvascular perfusion failure and parenchymal cell injury at 16 h after LPS exposure. Intact KC morphology and low serum levels of LPS indicated adequate clearance capacity. Based on these results, we propose that modulation of LPS-induced KC phagocytic activity and KC function by GdCl3 is effective to protect from LPS-induced hepatic injury and systemic toxicity, probably by inhibition of overwhelming inflammatory response.

Animals↗

Skeletal muscle microvascular and tissue injury after varying durations of ischemia.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of varying durations of ischemia on several microvascular parameters in the awake hamster chamber model. The goal was to characterize the microvascular damage that occurs in skeletal muscle as a result of ischemia and reperfusion. The chamber tissues were subjected to 1-5 h of ischemia, and then the following parameters were measured: vessel diameter, endothelial thickness, macromolecular leakage, red blood cell velocity, adherent leukocytes, rolling leukocytes, freely flowing leukocytes, functional capillary density, and propidium iodide-positive cell nuclei. In control animals there was no significant difference in any parameters over the entire observation period. After 1 or 2 h of ischemia an increase in rolling and adherent leukocytes was measured. After 3 h of ischemia there was a significant increase in the mean endothelial thickness and in the number of nonviable cells. After 4 h of ischemia a significant difference in the extent of macromolecular leakage and the functional capillary density was additionally observed. After 5 h of ischemia this damage was more pronounced and often so severe that approximately 50% of the vessels demonstrated no reflow.

Animals↗

Bradykinin antagonists HOE-140 and CP-0597 diminish microcirculatory injury after ischaemia-reperfusion of the pancreas in rats.

Ischaemia-reperfusion of the pancreas was performed in 35 anaesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats. The effects of two bradykinin antagonists, HOE-140 (13 micrograms kg-1 intravenous bolus injection, n = 7) and CP-0597 (18 micrograms kg-1 h-1 intravenous infusion, n = 7) on pancreatic microvascular perfusion and leucocyte-endothelium interaction were quantitatively analysed by intravital fluorescence microscopy. Three further groups underwent sham operation (n = 7), ischaemia of 2 h without treatment (n = 7), and ischaemia of 2 h with infusion of phosphate buffer (n = 7). Functional capillary density was significantly greater in animals treated with HOE-140 or CP-0597 than in sham-treated animals, and was decreased to only 60 per cent. Adherence of leucocytes to the endothelium of postcapillary venules was significantly reduced when compared with ischaemia without antagonist. These results demonstrate a positive effect of the two bradykinin antagonists HOE-140 and CP-0597 on microvascular perfusion failure after ischaemia-reperfusion of the pancreas.

Animals↗

Ischemia reperfusion of the pancreas: a new in vivo model for acute pancreatitis in rats.

Based on the concept that ischemia is an important factor in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis, we developed a new model of complete ischemia/reperfusion of the pancreas in the rat. The aim of this study was to investigate the microcirculation of the pancreas after complete and reversible ischemia at different times after reperfusion by using intravital fluorescence microscopy. In addition, the effect of ischemia/reperfusion on the pancreas was assessed by means of light and electron microscopy and measurement of serum pancreas amylase concentration. In 35 adult Sprague-Dawley rats ischemia of the pancreas was induced by temporary occlusion of the four supplying arteries. Sham-operated animals served as controls (group A). After periods of 30 min (group B), 60 min (group C) or 120 min (group D) of ischemia the organ was reperfused. To exclude the influence of hypovolemia on microcirculation in group E (120 min ischemia) hydroxyethylstarch (HES) was given i.v. to maintain central venous pressure at baseline values. For intravital fluorescence microscopy the pancreas was exteriorized on a stage and quantitative analysis of microcirculation, including functional capillary density and leukocyte-endothelium interaction, was performed after 30 min, 1 h and 2 h of reperfusion. Serum pancreas-amylase was measured at control (prior ischemia) and at 2 h after reperfusion. Tissue samples for light and electron microscopy were taken 2 h after reperfusion. In sham-operated animals, functional capillary density (FCD) remained within baseline values (FCD 407.7 +/- 9 cm-1) during reperfusion. Dependent on the time of ischemia and time of reperfusion a gradual reduction in functional capillary density was observed; after 2 h of ischemia only 35% of capillaries were perfused (FCD 140.9 +/- 28.3 cm-1). Reduced functional capillary density was associated with an increase of perfusion heterogeneity to a maximum of 0.65 +/- 0.12, as against 0.13 +/- 0.02 in control animals. With a 2 h ischemia leukocyte-endothelium interaction was enhanced after 0.5 h of reperfusion (8-fold increase of adherent leukocytes in comparison to control) followed by a further significant increase until 2 h after the beginning of reperfusion. Amylase concentration after ischemia of 2 h (2967 +/- 289 U/l) was significantly higher as compared to controls (1857 +/- 99 U/l). Differences between group E and D were not observed. Pancreatic tissue injury was ascertained by histopathological studies. These results indicate that complete ischemia/reperfusion of the pancreas induces pancreatic microvascular failure. The severity of changes depends on duration of ischemia and duration of reperfusion. The morphological and biochemical changes suggest that ischemia/reperfusion causes an inflammatory reaction as observed in acute pancreatitis.

Animals↗

Histogenesis and ultrastructure of pancreatic islet graft microvasculature. Evidence for graft revascularization by endothelial cells of host origin.

In previous studies we have demonstrated that syngeneic and xenogeneic pancreatic islet grafts are revascularized within a 10 to 14-day period after transplantation. With the combined use of intravital and electron microscopy, as well as immunohistochemistry using a set of species-specific or -crossreacting antibodies to endothelial cell antigens, we investigated 1) the origin of the endothelium of the newly formed capillaries in free pancreatic islet isografts (hamster-->hamster) and xenografts (rat-->hamster), and 2) the ultrastructural characteristics of these microvessels. Intravital microscopy demonstrated that newly formed microvessels grow from the vascular bed of the host muscle tissue into the islet grafts. Immunohistochemical analysis of host tissue and transplanted islets with antibodies against factor VIII (recognizing both hamster and rat factor VIII), bovine PECAM-1 (CD31; endoCAM, crossreacting with hamster but not rat PECAM-1), and rat ICAM-1 (CD54, non-crossreacting with hamster ICAM-1) showed that the transplanted rat islets were revascularized by endothelium of hamster (host) origin. At an ultrastructural level, the endothelial lining of the newly formed microvessels showed diaphragmatic fenestration, a characteristic feature of endothelial cells of pancreatic islets in situ. On the basis of these findings we suggest that pancreatic islet transplantation may take a unique position in the field of organ transplantation, since the generally proposed mechanisms of endothelial cell-dependent antigen recognition as a trigger of graft rejection may not be transferred to islet grafts, containing microvessels lined by endothelial cells of host origin.

Animals↗

[Damage to tumor cells by photodynamic therapy].

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a new, promising method in the treatment of cancer. To gain insights into PDT-mediated tumour destruction we studied the influence of treatment with Photofrin and laser light on changes in cell volume and cell viability. A-Mel-3 tumour cells were subjected to Photofrin or illumination with laser light, or a combination of both (PDT). Cell volume was measured by flow cytometry and cell viability by the trypan blue exclusion test for up to 60 min after PDT and the respective controls. In addition, scanning and transmission electron microscopy were performed. Tumour cells incubated in concentrations of 0.75, 1.5 and 3.0 micrograms Photofrin/ml revealed a rapid increase in cell volume to 117%, 207% and 235% 30 min after PDT and to 147%, 210% and 199% 60 min after PDT. Cell viability with 1.5 and 3.0 micrograms Photofrin/ml and laser light was reduced to 83% and 44% at 30 min after PDT and to 38% and 17% 60 min after PDT. At Photofrin concentrations of 1.5 micrograms/ml and exposure to laser light scanning electron microscopy revealed extreme loss of microvilli and formation of blebs on the cellular surface. Transmission electron microscopy showed swollen mitochondria and ruptures of the cell membrane. This study demonstrates that PDT induces a significant time-dependent and dose-related increase in tumour cell volume. We suggest that the PDT-induced swelling of tumour cells contributes to the increase of interstitial fluid pressure and to impairment of microvascular perfusion of tumours.

Cell Division↗

Impact of leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

To clarify the in vivo relevance of leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions in the manifestation of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, we studied leukocyte flow behavior in sinusoids and postsinusoidal venules of postischemic hepatic tissue in rats using intravital microscopy. Reperfusion following either 20 min (n = 9) or 60 min (n = 9) of left hepatic lobar ischemia resulted in a significant increase of the number of stagnant leukocytes in sinusoids and adherent cells in postsinusoidal venules compared with sham-operated controls (n = 10). Transmission electron microscopy revealed the extravasation of leukocytes from both sinusoids (into the space of Disse) and postsinusoidal venules. In parallel, hepatic I/R was associated with increased serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities and reduced bile flow. Linear regression estimates revealed significant (P < 0.01) correlations between serum ALT (r = 0.76) and AST (r = 0.65) activities, bile flow (r = -0.62), and the number of adherent leukocytes in postsinusoidal venules. In contrast, parameters of hepatocellular integrity and function did not directly correlate with the number of stagnant leukocytes in liver sinusoids. We conclude that hepatic I/R induces accumulation, adherence, and extravasation of leukocytes in both hepatic sinusoids and postsinusoidal venules. However, the adherence of leukocytes to the endothelial lining of venules, rather than of sinusoids, may determine the manifestation of hepatocellular damage and liver dysfunction.

Alanine Transaminase↗

[Not Available].

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Anatomy↗

Hepatic microcirculatory perfusion failure is a determinant of liver dysfunction in warm ischemia-reperfusion.

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) is characterized by circulatory and metabolic derangements, liver dysfunction, and tissue damage. However, little is known about the causative role of I/R-induced microcirculatory disturbance on the manifestation of postischemic reperfusion injury. Therefore, the intention of the study was to assess changes of hepatic microvascular perfusion (intravital fluorescence microscopy) as related to hepatic morphology (light/electron microscopy), hepatocellular integrity (serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities), and excretory function (bile flow). Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 20 minutes (group B, n = 9) and 60 minutes (group C, n = 9) of left hepatic lobar ischemia followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion. Sham-operated animals without ischemia served as controls (group A, n = 10). Lobar ischemia for 20 minutes followed by reperfusion resulted in a significant reduction of sinusoidal perfusion rate (93.9 +/- 1.4%; P < 0.05) and a decrease in erythrocyte flux (90.0 +/- 5.6%) when compared with controls (99.4 +/- 0.2 and 97.9 +/- 2.7%). This was accompanied by a significant increase of serum AST and ALT activities (P < 0.05) and a reduction of bile flow (P < 0.05). Prolongation of lobar ischemia (group C, 60 minutes) aggravated postischemic reperfusion injury (sinusoidal perfusion rate: 87.4 +/- 2.9%; erythrocyte flux: 62.1 +/- 8.4%) and was paralleled by severed hepatocellular damage. Electron microscopy of postischemic tissue demonstrated alteration of nonparenchymal cells (swelling of sinusoidal lining cells and widening of Disse's space) and substantial parenchymal cell damage (swelling of mitochondria, disarrangement of rough endoplasmatic reticulum, vacuolization, complete cytoplasmic degeneration). Initial postischemic increase in serum AST and ALT activities and reduction of bile flow directly correlated with the extent of microcirculatory failure (P < 0.01), ie, impairment of sinusoidal perfusion and decrease of erythrocyte flux, indicating the decisive role of microvascular perfusion failure for the manifestation of hepatic tissue damage and liver dysfunction.

Alanine Transaminase↗

Basic fibroblast growth factor accelerates wound healing in chronically ischaemic tissue.

The influence of subcutaneously injected recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on wound healing in normal (n = 20) and ischaemic (n = 28) skin tissue was investigated. Standardized wounds (5 mm2) were created on the ears of hairless mice and treated for the first 3 days after wound creation with total doses of 720 ng (n = 24) and 4050 ng (n = 24) bFGF. The bFGF had no effect on wound healing in non-ischaemic tissue. In ischaemic skin, mean(s.d.) wound surface area after treatment with 720 ng bFGF was 1.6(0.9), 0.5(0.6) and 0.1(0.3) mm2 compared with 2.8(1.0), 1.4(1.0) and 0.8(0.7) mm2 for control wounds on days 7 (P < 0.04), 10 (P < 0.03) and 13 (P < 0.04) respectively. High-dose bFGF (4050 ng) reduced the mean(s.d.) wound surface area to 2.4(0.7) and 0.8(0.7) mm2 compared with 3.9(0.6) and 2.1(0.8) mm2 for control wounds on days 7 (P < 0.006) and 10 (P < 0.02) respectively. These results suggest that bFGF may be of use for the treatment of wounds in ischaemic tissue.

Animals↗