Biomedical subjects

R W Nelson

Publications and source records attributed to R W Nelson.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1997

Surface plasmon resonance biomolecular interaction analysis mass spectrometry. 1. Chip-based analysis.

The use of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) in concert with surface plasmon resonance-based biomolecular interaction analysis (SPR-BIA) is reported. A chip-based biosensor unit was used to simultaneously monitor biomolecular interactions taking place on four different regions of the sensor chip (flow cells). Species retained during SPR-BIA were then identified by performing MALDI-TOF directly from within the area of the flow cells. Analyses were performed on an antibody/antigen/antibody system with detection limits in the low-femtomole range. The combined assay demonstrates the use of SPR-BIA to evaluate the relative stability of sequential solution-phase interactions, as well as, upon MALDI-TOF analysis, the ability to unambiguously confirm the presence of species retained during the interaction analysis.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Use of urine cortisol:creatinine ratio versus adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation testing for monitoring mitotane treatment of pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate use of urine cortisol-to-creatinine ratio (UC:C) as a means of monitoring response to long-term mitotane treatment in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. DESIGN: Prospective uncontrolled study. ANIMALS: 101 dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. PROCEDURE: Urine samples were obtained from dogs on the morning an ACTH stimulation test was performed, and owners were asked their opinion on the health of their dog to monitor response to mitotane treatment. Urine was assayed for cortisol and creatinine concentrations, and UC:C was calculated. The UC:C was compared with post-ACTH plasma cortisol concentration. RESULTS: Post-ACTH plasma cortisol concentration was used to categorize each dog's response to mitotane treatment. The UC:C did not correlate satisfactorily with results of ACTH stimulation testing. Twenty-seven of 85 (32%) dogs would have been incorrectly considered as having received appropriate doses using UC:C. In addition, 16 dogs that received overdoses could not be distinguished from 29 dogs that received appropriate doses. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: UC:C does not provide a consistent, correct assessment of mitotane-induced adrenocortical destruction. The ACTH stimulation test, although more time-consuming and expensive, is recommended for monitoring response to mitotane treatment.

Adrenal Cortex↗

PubMed1997

Glycosylated hemoglobin concentrations in the blood of healthy dogs and dogs with naturally developing diabetes mellitus, pancreatic beta-cell neoplasia, hyperadrenocorticism, and anemia.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb) concentrations in the blood of dogs with disorders that may affect serum glucose or blood GHb concentrations, and to determine whether changes in GHb concentration correlate with changes in control of diabetes in dogs. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 63 healthy dogs, 9 dogs with anemia, 24 dogs with untreated hyperadrenocorticism, 12 dogs with pancreatic beta-cell neoplasia, 23 dogs with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus, and 77 diabetic dogs treated with insulin. PROCEDURE: Control of diabetes in dogs treated with insulin was classified as good or poor on the basis of history, physical examination findings, changes in body weight, and measurement of serum glucose concentrations Sequential evaluations of control were performed and GHb concentration in blood was measured, by means of affinity chromatography, for 5 untreated diabetic dogs before and after initiating insulin treatment, for 10 poorly controlled diabetic dogs before and after increasing insulin dosage, and for 5 diabetic dogs before and after pancreatic islet cell transplantation. RESULTS: Mean (+/-SD) GHb concentration was 3.3 +/- 0.8% in the blood of healthy dogs. Compared with results from healthy dogs, mean GHb concentration was significantly lower in the blood of dogs with anemia and pancreatic beta-cell neoplasia and significantly higher in the blood of untreated diabetic dogs. Mean GHb concentration was significantly higher in the blood of 46 poorly controlled diabetic dogs, compared with 31 well-controlled diabetic dogs (7.3 +/- 1.8 vs 5.7 +/- 1.7%, respectively). Mean GHb concentration in blood decreased significantly in 5 untreated diabetic dogs after treatment (8.7 +/- 1.9 vs 5.3 +/- 1.9%). Mean GHb concentration in blood also decreased significantly in 10 poorly controlled diabetic dogs after control was improved and in 5 diabetic dogs after they had received a pancreatic islet cell transplant. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Measurement of GHb concentration in blood may assist in monitoring control of diabetes in dogs.

Adrenal Cortex Diseases↗

PubMed1997

Diabetic ketosis and ketoacidosis in cats: 42 cases (1980-1995).

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical signs, clinicopathologic abnormalities, prevalence of concurrent disease, treatment, complications of treatment, and outcome in cats with diabetic ketosis (DK) or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 42 cats with DK or DKA. PROCEDURE: Medical records of diabetic cats with ketonuria were reviewed. RESULTS: In 26 cats, diabetes was newly diagnosed; in 16, diabetes had been diagnosed previously and cats had been treated with insulin (n = 14) or sulfonylurea drugs (2). Common clinical findings were lethargy, anorexia, polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss. Common laboratory findings were hyperglycemia, hyponatremia, hypochloremia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, low total CO2 content, hyperosmolality, high serum alanine transaminase activity, azotemia, glycosuria, and ketonuria. Concurrent disorders were identified in 39 cats and included hepatic lipidosis, cholangiohepatitis, pancreatitis, chronic renal failure, urinary tract infection, and neoplasia. Treatment of DK and DKA included administration of regular crystalline (34 cats), NPH (6), or ultralente (2) insulin, intravenous (38) or subcutaneous (4) administration of fluids, and enterall parenteral or administration of antibiotics (42). Complications during treatment included abnormalities in serum electrolyte concentrations (27 cats), hemolytic anemia (4), hypoglycemia (3), and neurologic abnormalities unrelated to hypoglycemia (2). Eleven cats died or were euthanatized during the initial hospitalization period for treatment of DK or DKA. Azotemia, metabolic acidosis, and hyperosmolality were more severe in cats that died than in cats that survived. Differences in regard to treatment or complications were not apparent between cats that died and cats that survived. The 31 cats that survived were discharged 1 to 16 days (median, 5 days) after initiation of insulin treatment. Diabetic ketosis or ketoacidosis recurred in 13 (42%) of these cats. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: A thorough diagnostic evaluation should be performed on cats with DK or DKA to identify concurrent disorders, formulate an appropriate treatment plan, and provide prognostic information to the owner.

Alanine Transaminase↗

PubMed1997

Comparison of results of hormonal analysis of samples obtained from selected venous sites versus cervical ultrasonography for localizing parathyroid masses in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare a technique in which samples obtained from selected venous sites are analyzed for parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration versus usefulness of cervical ultrasonography for localizing primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) in dogs. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 12 dogs with PHP. PROCEDURE: For each dog, blood samples were collected from the left and right jugular veins and 1 cephalic vein for determination of serum PTH concentration. Ultrasonography of the neck was performed in each dog. Each dog underwent exploratory surgery of the neck. Abnormal appearing parathyroid tissue was removed. Dogs were included in the study if serum calcium concentration decreased within 12 hours after surgery, hypercalcemia completely resolved within 96 hours after surgery, and serum calcium concentration was maintained within the reference range for at least 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Serum PTH concentrations from the 3 veins were similar in 11 of 12 dogs with PHP. In 1 dog, the serum PTH concentration from the jugular vein ipsilateral to a parathyroid adenoma was greater than that from the contralateral jugular or cephalic vein. Ultrasonography correctly identified a parathyroid mass and its location in 10 of 11 dogs with a solitary abnormal parathyroid gland and in 1 dog in which both parathyroid glands were enlarged. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Surgeons may benefit from knowing the location of abnormal parathyroid tissue in dogs with PHP before surgical exploration. Ultrasonography has potential value for identifying and localizing abnormal parathyroid tissue, whereas sample collection from selected sites for PTH analysis is not likely to be helpful.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1997

Intensive 50-week evaluation of glipizide administration in 50 cats with previously untreated diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate use of the oral hypoglycemic drug glipizide in diabetic cats. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 50 cats with recently diagnosed but untreated diabetes mellitus. PROCEDURE: Each cat received glipizide (5 mg, q 12 h) for 16 weeks. Medication was not given during the subsequent 16 weeks; then glipizide treatment was repeated. Each cat was evaluated prior to treatment and at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks during each of the 3 phases: blood samples for serum glucose and insulin determinations were obtained every 2 hours, from 8 AM to 6 PM. A preprandial blood glycosylated hemoglobin percentage was determined for the first sample obtained at each visit. RESULTS: During the first 22 weeks of the study, diabetes worsened in 28 of the 50 cats, which then were disqualified from the study and treated with insulin. Of the remaining 22 cats that improved clinically, 7 had corresponding metabolic improvement in each diabetes-related parameter assessed and did not become hypoglycemic. Six of the 22 cats became hypoglycemic. Glipizide was discontinued, and diabetes did not recur. Serum glucose concentration did not improve in 6. Three cats had metabolic and clinical improvement during initial glipizide treatment, but had recurrence of the disease during repeated treatment; glipizide was discontinued and insulin was administered. None of the 50 treated cats died, and observed morbidity was mild and transient. Transient anorexia and vomiting were observed in 8 cats, and 4 became transiently icteric with abnormal liver enzyme activities. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Trial use of glipizide is feasible in diabetic cats of owners who are unable or unwilling to administer insulin.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

BIA/MS: interfacing biomolecular interaction analysis with mass spectrometry.

Biomolecular interaction analysis (BIA) which utilizes surface plasmon resonance (SPR) detection of affinity-captured analytes has been interfaced with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI). Femtomole quantities of a peptide, myotoxin a, were detected by direct MALDI analysis of sensor chips used during BIA of a polyclonal anti-myotoxin a IgG/myotoxin a system. Further, different interactive surfaces (flow cells) present on a single biosensor were targeted individually for mass spectrometric analysis. System compatibility of the combined approach was demonstrated with sensitivities, detection limits, and analytical performances comparable to those intrinsic to the individual analyses. The combined approach unites the real-time capabilities of SPR-based BIA with the qualitative specificity of mass spectrometry.

Biosensing Techniques↗

PubMed1996

Central diabetes insipidus in dogs: 20 cases (1986-1995).

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical signs, biochemical findings, results of modified water deprivation and other diagnostic tests, response to treatment, and survival time in dogs with central diabetes insipidus (CDI). DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 20 dogs with CDI. PROCEDURE: Signalment, history, physical examination, results of diagnostic tests, response to treatment, and survival time were extracted from the medical record of each dog and supplemented with information obtained from owners via telephone. RESULTS: Isosthenuria or hyposthenuria was a consistent finding. Seven dogs with complete CDI and 13 dogs with partial CDI were identified on the basis of results of a modified water deprivation test. Dogs treated with desmopressin acetate responded well to treatment. Seven dogs were alive 18 to 72 months (median, 36 months) after diagnosis, and 10 dogs died or were euthanatized 1 week to 2 years (median, 2 months) after diagnosis. Seven of 10 dogs that died developed neurologic signs after diagnosis of CDI. Computed tomography revealed a mass in the region of the pituitary gland in 5 of 7 dogs. Necropsy of 6 dogs, including 2 dogs on which computed tomography had been performed, revealed neoplasia in the pituitary gland. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Onset of neurologic signs after diagnosis of CDI in middle- to old-aged dogs indicates that CDI may not be a benign disease that is treated easily. Brain imaging is recommended after diagnosis of CDI in middle- to old-aged dogs. Also, because many dogs are isosthenuric on initial examination, CDI cannot be ruled out as a cause of polyuria and polydipsia on the basis of lack of hyposthenuria.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Systemic arterial blood pressure and urine protein/creatinine ratio in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism.

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence and severity of systemic arterial hypertension and proteinuria in dogs with naturally developing hyperadrenocorticism and to determine whether these abnormalities resolve with adequate management of the disease. DESIGN: Case series and cohort study. ANIMALS: 77 dogs with naturally developing hyper-adrenocorticism examined once; 15 dogs examined before and after treatment. RESULTS: Among dogs examined only once, hypertension was diagnosed in 21 of 26 dogs with untreated pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH), 17 of 21 with inadequately controlled PDH, 8 of 16 with well-controlled PDH, 10 of 10 with an untreated adrenocortical tumor, and 0 of 4 that had undergone adrenalectomy because of an adrenocortical tumor. Untreated dogs and dogs with inadequately controlled PDH had significantly higher blood pressures than did other dogs. Proteinuria was documented in 12 of 26 dogs with untreated PDH, 5 of 16 with inadequately controlled PDH, 3 of 14 with well-controlled PDH, 5 of 8 with an untreated adrenocortical tumor, and 1 of 3 that had undergone adrenalectomy. Dogs with untreated PDH and dogs with an untreated adrenocortical tumor had higher urine protein/creatinine ratios than did dogs with well-controlled PDH. Among dogs evaluated before and after treatment, blood pressure and urine protein/creatinine ratio did not change in 8 dogs with inadequately controlled hyperadrenocorticism, but decreased in 7 dogs with well-controlled disease. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Results suggest that systemic hypertension and proteinuria are common in dogs with untreated hyperadrenocorticism and that successful treatment of hyperadrenocorticism will result in resolution of these abnormalities in many, but not all, dogs.

Adrenocortical Hyperfunction↗

PubMed1996

Use of low- and high-dose dexamethasone tests for distinguishing pituitary-dependent from adrenal tumor hyperadrenocorticism in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate low- and high-dose dexamethasone suppression tests for differentiating pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) from adrenal tumor hyperadrenocorticism (ATH) in dogs. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 181 dogs with PDH and 35 dogs with ATH. PROCEDURE: Plasma cortisol concentrations from dogs with naturally developing hyperadrenocorticism were evaluated before, and 4 and 8 hours after administration of standard low- and high-doses of dexamethasone (0.01 mg/kg of body weight, i.v., and 0.1 mg/kg, i.v.; respectively). RESULTS: In response to the low-dose test, all but 3 dogs had an 8-hours post-dexamethasone plasma cortisol concentration that was consistent with a diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism, that is, > or = 1.4 micrograms/dl. Criteria used to distinguish PDH from ATH in response to low-dose dexamethasone included a 4-hour post-dexamethasone plasma cortisol concentration < 50% of the basal value or < 1.4 micrograms/dl, or an 8-hours post-dexamethasone plasma cortisol concentration < 50% of the basal concentration. Criteria used to distinguish PDH from ATH in response to high-dose dexamethasone included 4- or 8-hour post-dexamethasone plasma cortisol concentrations < 50% of the basal concentration or < 1.4 micrograms/dl. In response to the low-dose test, 111 dogs met criteria for suppression (each had PDH). In response to the high-dose test, 137 dogs met criteria for suppression (2 had ATH, 135 had PDH). Twenty-six dogs with PDH (12%) had indications of adrenal suppression in response to high-dose but not low-dose testing. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Low-dose dexamethasone test has value as a discrimination test to distinguish dogs with PDH from those with ATH. The high-dose test need only be considered in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism that do not have adrenal suppression in response to the low-dose test.

Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms↗

PubMed1996

One-year follow-up evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans of dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) and no signs of CNS dysfunction 1 year after diagnosis and initial MRI. DESIGN: Prospective study of surviving dogs from a previous study. ANIMALS: 13 dogs underwent MRI of the brain at the time that PDH was diagnosed and prior to treatment. At that time, none of the dogs had clinical signs suggestive of an intracranial mass. Approximately 1 year after diagnosis and MRI, the brain was again evaluated by MRI. RESULTS: On the initial MRI scan, 5 of the 13 dogs had normal findings, and 8 had evidence of a mass (tumor) in the area of the pituitary gland. Of the 5 dogs that had no visible pituitary mass on the initial MRI scan, 3 had a normal MRI brain scan 1 year later. Of the 5 dogs that had no visible pituitary mass on initial MRI scan, 2 had a visible pituitary mass at 1 year. The 8 dogs that had a visible mass on the initial MRI brain scan had easily identified pituitary masses on the second MRI scan. Of these 8 dogs, 4 had no apparent change in pituitary mass size, and 4 had obvious increase in vertical height of the pituitary mass. Of the 4 dogs, 2 developed signs of neurologic dysfunction within 1 year after diagnosis of PDH, presumably attributable to that mass. Of the 13 dogs, 12 were treated with mitotane soon after completion of the initial MRI scan. Sensitivity to mitotane and initial pituitary mass size or growth were not correlated. Of the 13 dogs evaluated initially and 1 year after diagnosis, 10 had pituitary masses identified on MRI brain scans. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The incidence of visible pituitary masses among dogs with PDH at the time of or within a year of diagnosis was > 75%. In 2 dogs, signs of CNS dysfunction developed within 1 year of PDH diagnosis when pituitary masses were > or = 10 mm.

Adrenocortical Hyperfunction↗

PubMed1996

Assessment of pseudarthrosis in pedicle screw fusion: a prospective study comparing plain radiographs, flexion/extension radiographs, CT scanning, and bone scintigraphy with operative findings.

Twenty-five consecutive patients who had previously undergone lumbar fusion using stainless steel pedicle screw instrumentation and complained of persistent, severe pain were identified for prospective study. All patients had been scheduled for hardware removal and fusion inspection. Studies to rule out pseudarthrosis included plain radiography, flexion and extension radiography, computed tomography, and bone scintigraphy. Each preoperative radiographic study was then evaluated in a blinded fashion by a single independent radiologist and was determined to show fusion or pseudarthrosis. Each patient then underwent surgery, at which time the pedicle screw instrumentation was removed and the fusion was inspected. Using surgical inspection as absolute evidence of fusion or pseudarthrosis, statistical analysis was undertaken to evaluate the predictive value of the radiographic studies singly and in combination. No statistically significant correlation was found.

Bone Screws↗

PubMed1996

Outcome after Wiltse pedicle screw removal.

Thirty-five patients were retrospectively reviewed after hardware removal after previous posterior lumbar spinal fusion by using Wiltse pedicle screw fixation. Pseudarthrosis was intraoperatively confirmed in 10 patients. Thirty of 35 patients were reviewed at an average of 17.5 months (range, 6-57 months). Of 30 patients, 30 had persistent back pain that limited activities and lumbar motion. Patients found to have pseudarthroses were significantly more likely to have less pain, use fewer narcotic medications, and have an improved quality of life after reoperation than patients found to have solid fusions. Postsurgical assessment of fusion is difficult, with instrumentation making exploration the most reliable method determining the state of arthrodesis. Accurate preoperative assessment of the fusion mass is the most important factor in deciding whether or not to reoperate on patients after Wiltse pedicle screw arthrodesis of the lumbar spine.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Evaluation of continuous intraspinal narcotic analgesia for chronic pain from benign causes.

Intraspinal narcotic analgesia (INA) has been used for chronic pain from nonmalignant causes with moderate success. To ascertain the efficacy of the morphine pump, we reviewed the 2-year results of continuous INA in 18 patients with failed back syndrome or arachnoiditis and intractable, debilitating pain that was unrelieved by conventional means. All patients underwent a trial screening of single-dose intrathecal narcotics with good pain relief. After 2 years, 8 pumps were still functioning, 8 patients had the pump removed or turned off, and 2 patients were lost to follow-up. Our patients averaged 1.4 additional procedures or hospitalizations after initial pump insertion. Overall, only 4 patients had objective evidence of benefit from INA, for a success rate of 25%. Results of this review suggest INA should not be used for the long-term management of chronic pain from nonmalignant causes.

Analgesia, Epidural↗

PubMed1995

Rapid tryptic mapping using enzymatically active mass spectrometer probe tips.

A method has been developed for rapid, sensitive, and accurate tryptic mapping of polypeptides using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass analysis. The technique utilizes mass spectrometer probe tips which have been activated through the covalent immobilization of trypsin. The enzymatically active probe tips were used for the tryptic mapping of chicken egg lysozyme and the results compared with those obtained using either free trypsin or agarose-immobilized trypsin. A significant increase in the overall sensitivity of the process was observed using the active probe tips, as well as the production of more characteristic proteolytic fragments and the elimination of background signals due to the autolysis of the trypsin. Further, probe tip digestions were found to be rapid and convenient.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Adrenalectomy for treatment of hyperadrenocorticism in cats: 10 cases (1988-1992).

Outcome of and complications associated with bilateral adrenalectomy in 8 cats with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism and bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia and outcome of and complications associated with unilateral adrenalectomy in 2 cats with adrenocortical tumor (adrenocortical adenoma, 1 cat; adrenocortical carcinoma, 1 cat) and unilateral adrenomegaly were determined. Glucocorticoids were administered to all cats at the time of surgery, and mineralocorticoids were administered to the 8 cats that underwent bilateral adrenalectomy. A ventral midline celiotomy was performed in all cats. Intraoperative complications did not develop in any cat. Postoperative complications developed in all cats and included abnormal serum electrolyte concentrations (n = 8), skin lacerations (n = 5), pancreatitis (n = 3), hypoglycemia (n = 2), pneumonia (n = 1), and venous thrombosis (n = 1). Three cats died within 5 weeks after surgery of complications associated with sepsis (n = 2) or thromboembolism (n = 1). Clinical signs and physical abnormalities caused by hyperadrenocorticism resolved in the remaining 7 cats 2 to 4 months after adrenalectomy. Insulin treatment was discontinued in 4 of 6 cats with diabetes mellitus. Median survival time for these 7 cats was 12 months (range, 3 to > 30 months). Two cats died of acute adrenocortical insufficiency 3 and 6 months after bilateral adrenalectomy, 2 cats were euthanatized because of chronic renal failure 3 and 12 months after bilateral (n = 1) or unilateral (n = 1) adrenalectomy, and 2 cats were alive 9 and 14 months after bilateral adrenalectomy. In the remaining cat, clinical signs recurred 10 months after the cat had undergone unilateral adrenalectomy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adrenalectomy↗

PubMed1995

Properties and developmental regulation of polysialyltransferase activity in the chicken embryo brain.

The properties and developmental regulation of vertebrate polysialyltransferase (PST), an enzyme activity responsible for extension of alpha 2,8-linked sialic acid homopolymers (PSA) associated with the fifth Ig domain of the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM). have been studied. The assay for PST used exogenous NCAM as a substrate, with a PSA-specific endoneuraminidase as a control for specificity. Optimal conditions for PST activity at 37 degrees C were found to be pH 6.0 in the presence of divalent cations (Mn2+, 20mM). The enzyme Km was found to increase with increasing polymer length, ranging from 0.7 to 0.07 microns. The developmental regulation both of PST activity and of the addition of PSA to NCAM were studied in chick whole brain, tectum, and cerebellum and found to be precisely coordinated. In each tissue PSA and PST were highest during early stages of morphogenesis, followed by a decrease as development reached completion. The insertion of the VASE exon in the fourth Ig domain of NCAM was also found to parallel closely the developmental down-regulation of PSA, and on this basis could be considered a potential determinant in the specific polysialylation of NCAM. However in direct tests of this hypothesis in transfected cells the presence of VASE did not markedly alter the level of NCAM polysialylation or alter the affinity of PST for the NCAM substrate.

Alternative Splicing↗

PubMed1995

Pheochromocytoma and hyperadrenocorticism in dogs: six cases (1982-1992).

Pheochromocytoma was diagnosed in 4 dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism and 2 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism caused by adrenocortical tumor. All dogs were examined initially because of clinical signs associated with hyperadrenocorticism. Pheochromocytoma was suspected in 2 dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism that had ultrasonographic evidence of an adrenal gland mass, and in 1 dog suspected to have hyperadrenocorticism associated with an adrenocortical tumor after complications (systemic hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias) developed during induction of anesthesia. Pheochromocytoma was an unexpected finding at necropsy in the remaining 3 dogs. Two dogs collapsed suddenly and died before diagnostic tests could be performed; the other dog died during anesthesia for cobalt teletherapy of a pituitary macroadenoma. Hypertension, most notable during digital manipulation of the affected adrenal gland, developed during anesthesia and surgery in 3 dogs that underwent exploratory celiotomy.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗