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S R Hanson

Publications and source records attributed to S R Hanson.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

The role of alpha and beta platelet-derived growth factor receptor in the vascular response to injury in nonhuman primates.

Restenosis remains a significant clinical problem associated with mechanical interventional procedures for arterial revascularization or repair, including coronary angioplasty and stenting. Studies with rodents have established that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), a potent chemotactic and mitogenic agent for vascular smooth muscle cells, is a key mediator of lesion formation after vascular injury. To further explore this hypothesis in a more clinically relevant model, neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were used to examine the effect of selective inhibition of alpha or beta PDGF receptor (PDGFR) on neointima formation in nonhuman primates. Carotid arteries were injured by surgical endarterectomy and femoral arteries by balloon catheter dilatation. Immunostaining revealed that both injuries induced cell proliferation and the upregulation of beta PDGFR but not alpha PDGFR. By 7 days after injury, beta PDGFR staining was limited to the luminal region of the media, the small areas of neointima, and the adventitia. Nearly all bromodeoxyuridine-positive cells were found in these regions as well. After 30 days, a concentric neointima that stained strongly for beta PDGFR had formed in the carotid and femoral arteries. Treatment of baboons with anti-beta PDGFR mAb 2A1E2 for 6 days after injury reduced the carotid artery and femoral artery lesion sizes by 37% (P<0.05) and 48% (P<0.005), respectively, when measured at 30 days. Under the same conditions, treatment with anti-alpha PDGFR mAb 2H7C5 had no effect. These findings suggest that PDGF mediates neointima formation through the beta PDGFR, and that antagonism of this pathway may be a promising therapeutic strategy for reducing clinical restenosis.

Animals↗

Oligomerization and phase separation in globular protein solutions.

We have chemically crosslinked a globular protein, gamma IIIb-crystallin, to produce a system of well-defined oligomers: monomers, dimers, trimers and a mixture of higher n-mers. Gel electrophoresis, size exclusion chromatography, quasielastic light scattering spectroscopy, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry were used to characterize the oligomers formed. The liquid-liquid phase separation boundaries of the various oligomers were measured. We find that at a given concentration the phase separation temperature strongly increases with the molecular weight of the oligomers. This phase behavior is very similar to previous findings for gamma II-crystallin, for which oxidation-induced oligomerization is accompanied by an increase in the phase separation temperature. These findings imply that for phase separation, the detailed changes of the surface properties of the proteins are less important than the purely steric effects of oligomerization.

Animals↗

Clopidogrel inhibition of stent, graft, and vascular thrombogenesis with antithrombotic enhancement by aspirin in nonhuman primates.

BACKGROUND: A recent study showed that clopidogrel reduces thrombo-occlusive complications in patients with symptomatic atherosclerosis more effectively than aspirin. METHODS AND RESULTS: The effects of clopidogrel and aspirin have been compared, singly and in combination, for measurements of 111In-labeled platelets and 125I-labeled fibrin deposition in baboon models of arterial thrombosis and related to platelet aggregation and expression of activation epitopes induced by ADP, collagen, and thrombin receptor agonist peptide (TRAP) and to template bleeding times (BTs). Low-dose oral clopidogrel (0.2 mg. kg-1. d-1) produced cumulative (1) intermediate decreases in 111In-platelet and 125I-fibrin deposition for segments of prosthetic vascular graft, deployed endovascular metallic stents, and endarterectomized aorta (P<0.009 in all cases); (2) elimination of ADP-induced platelet aggregation (P<0.001); (3) modest inhibition of collagen-induced platelet aggregation (P<0.01); (4) no reduction in TRAP-induced platelet aggregation; and (5) minimal prolongation of BTs (P=0.03). High-dose oral clopidogrel (>/=2 mg/kg) produced the same effects within 3 hours. The effects of clopidogrel dissipated over 5 to 6 days. Aspirin 10 mg. kg-1. d-1 alone did not decrease 111In-platelet and 125I-fibrin deposition on segments of vascular graft but detectably decreased 111In-platelet and 125I-fibrin accumulation on stents (P<0.01), minimally inhibited ADP- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation (P<0.05 in both cases), and minimally prolonged BTs (P=0.004). Within 3 hours of aspirin administration, the antithrombotic effects of acute high-dose or chronic low-dose clopidogrel were substantially enhanced, and BTs were modestly prolonged without inhibiting platelet aggregation induced by TRAP (P<0.001 in all cases compared with clopidogrel alone). CONCLUSIONS: Clopidogrel produces irreversible, dose-dependent, intermediate reduction in thrombosis that is substantially enhanced by the addition of aspirin. The effects of combining aspirin and clopidogrel need to be evaluated in patients at risk of vascular thrombosis.

Animals↗

Phosphorylcholine coating of ePTFE reduces platelet deposition and neointimal hyperplasia in arteriovenous grafts.

In an attempt to reduce platelet deposition and inhibit neointimal hyperplasia, we evaluated the effect of coating expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts with phosphorylcholine (PC), a lipid found in animal cell membranes, in a dog model of femoral arteriovenous (AV) grafts. Eight mongrel dogs underwent placement of a PC-coated femoral AV graft on one side and an untreated control graft on the contralateral side. Platelet deposition was measured by autologous 111Indium-labeling and scintillation camera imaging analysis. Platelet deposition on the PC-coated grafts at 30 and 90 min. was 9.32 +/- 4.35 x 10(9) and 10.00 +/- 4.38 x 10(9), respectively, as compared with 10.26 +/- 4.36 x 10(9) and 11.64 +/- 5.08 x 10(9) platelet deposition on control grafts (P < 0.05). All grafts were patent at 4 weeks. There was a significant reduction of neointimal area at both arterial (0.07 +/- 0.05 mm2) and venous (0. 18 +/- 0.09 mm2) anastomoses in the treated grafts as compared with arterial (0.15 +/- 0.05 mm2) and venous (0.43 +/- 0.22 mm2) anastomoses in the control grafts (P < 0.05). In addition, neointimal cell proliferation assayed by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation was reduced in both arterial (2.05 +/- 0.81%) and venous (3.25 +/- 0.17%) anastomoses of treated grafts compared with arterial (3.12 +/- 1.23%) and venous (5.36 +/- 1.18%) anastomoses of control grafts (P < 0.05). These data demonstrated that PC coating of ePTFE grafts significantly reduced platelet deposition, anastomotic neointimal hyperplasia, and neointimal cell proliferation in a dog model of AV grafts. This may represent a new strategy for prolonging hemodialysis graft patency.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Boundary layer drug delivery using a helical catheter.

BACKGROUND: A catheter-based approach for local endovascular drug delivery has been developed. The catheter is deployed percutaneously, while the end of the catheter is in the form of a helix that is placed just proximal to the vascular site to be treated. The helices are in contact with the vessel wall. A number of small holes is drilled in the coils of the catheter through which drug is infused, so that the infused drug remains within the blood fluid 'boundary layer' adjacent to the vessel wall. This approach is expected to be highly efficient for administration of antithrombotic and antiproliferative agents that target processes leading to vascular occlusion, heart attacks, and strokes. METHODS: The helical catheter was qualitatively evaluated using optical dye density measurements of Evans blue dye infused using an in vitro steady flow system under a physiologic range of conditions. To further demonstrate the efficiency of the technique, its capacity to inhibit thrombosis was evaluated in a baboon thrombosis model. The catheter was inserted into a femoral arteriovenous shunt (blood flow rate = 100 ml/min) and placed proximal to a segment of highly thrombogenic Dacron vascular graft (4.0 mm i.d.). Integrelin (an inhibitor of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa; doses: 0.25-1.0 microg/min) and hirudin (an antithrombin; doses: 10-100 microg/min) were used to inhibit thrombus formation. RESULTS: Experimental flow visualization studies demonstrated that high concentrations of the infused Evans blue dye were retained near the vessel wall. In the animal experiments, platelet deposition on the Dacron graft surface was reduced by 82-97% (Integrelin) and 68-92% (hirudin) over 1-2 h of blood exposure. The local antithrombotic effects produced were found to be 200-fold and 30-fold more efficient than systemic administration of the same agents. CONCLUSIONS: Local drug infusion using the helical catheter approach can achieve high drug concentration levels at target sites, may avoid systemic effects, and can reduce cost of therapy by reducing total drug requirements.

Animals↗

Beta3 integrins are upregulated after vascular injury and modulate thrombospondin- and thrombin-induced proliferation of cultured smooth muscle cells.

BACKGROUND: Treatment with an antibody that binds beta3 integrins (abciximab; c7E3 Fab) at the time of coronary angioplasty decreases the need for repeat revascularization. Two potential mechanisms have been proposed to explain this effect: (1) inhibition of platelet aggregation or (2) interruption of ligand binding to beta3 integrins on the smooth muscle cell (SMC) surface. We examined the latter hypothesis by determining (1) if beta3 integrin expression is upregulated after vascular injury in the baboon, (2) if 7E3 binds beta3 integrins on cultured SMC, and (3) if beta3 integrin activation plays a role in proliferation of cultured SMC. METHODS AND RESULTS: Results demonstrated that immunostaining for beta3 integrins was present in the neointima 1 week after balloon withdrawal injury of baboon brachial arteries and that beta3 integrin expression colocalized with alpha-actin-positive cells. In contrast, staining for beta3 integrins was undetectable in contralateral uninjured brachial arteries. 7E3 bound to cultured human aortic SMC with an affinity (KD=3.3 nmol/L) similar to 7E3 binding to endothelial cells or platelets. Cotreatment with 7E3 partially inhibited thrombospondin-induced or alpha-thrombin-induced proliferation but not PDGF-induced or serum-induced proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, these studies demonstrate that vascular cell beta3 integrin expression is increased after injury, that 7E3 binds to cultured SMC with high affinity, and that beta3 activation is important for thrombospondin-induced or alpha-thrombin-induced proliferation. These results support the hypothesis that beta3 integrins play a role in SMC growth responses after balloon injury.

Abciximab↗

Blood and tissue compatibility of modified polyester: thrombosis, inflammation, and healing.

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) has been reported in literature to be moderately inflammatory and thrombogenic. To moderate the inflammatory response, PET fabric was surface modified by either Fluoropassiv fluoropolymer (FC), or an RGD-containing peptide (RGD). Samples were subsequently autoclave sterilized and implanted subcutaneously in Sprague Dawley rats for 2 to 4 weeks. Retrieved samples were evaluated histopathologically for indications of material toxicity and healing. Minimal acute or chronic inflammation was associated with the fabrics after 2 and 4 week implant duration. However, fibroblast proliferation into FC modified fabric (PET/FC) was less than that into unmodified (PET) and RGD modified fabric (PET/RGD) after 4 weeks, suggesting that FC modification of PET may inhibit excessive tissue growth. Additional samples of modified and unmodified fabrics were placed in stainless steel mesh cages, which were then implanted subcutaneously for 4 weeks. Cellular exudate was extracted weekly and cell concentrations within the exudate measured. Total leukocyte count (TLC) (reflective of local inflammation) at 1 week for PET/RGD was greater than that for PET/FC and PET. TLCs after 4 week implant decreased for all sample groups. In a separate experiment, PET vascular grafts surface modified by either FC or RGD were contacted 1 h with blood using the baboon arteriovenous (AV) shunt model of thrombosis in both the presence and absence of heparin. Accumulation of 111In labeled platelets (reflective of thrombus accumulation) upon grafts was less in the presence of heparin (effect significant at p = 1.2 x 10(-6), two-way ANOVA). Accumulation (in the presence of heparin) upon PET/RGD was less (p = 0.19), and upon PET/FC significantly less (p = 0.016) than that upon the unmodified PET control, suggesting that FC modification of PET may inhibit thrombus accumulation.

Animals↗

Age-related changes in human lens crystallins identified by two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.

The purpose of this study was to identify the major protein components in adult human lenses and to analyse the specific age-related changes in these proteins using two-dimensional electrophoresis, Edman sequencing, and in conjunction with the data in the accompanying manuscript, mass spectrometry. The majority of changes in the two-dimensional electrophoretic pattern of lens proteins occurred prior to 17 years of age, and included a decrease in proteins migrating to the original positions of beta B1, beta B3, beta A3, gamma C and gamma D, and the appearance of many new species with apparent molecular weights on two-dimensional electrophoretic gels similar to beta B2 and gamma S, but having more acidic pIs. These proteins were identified as deamidated forms of beta B1 and beta A3/A1 missing portions of their N-terminal extensions. With the exception of alpha B, deamidation was detected in all crystallin species. These data indicated that a major fraction of the water-soluble protein of the adult human lens is composed of truncated beta B1 and beta A3/A1 crystallins, and that nearly all human crystallins, including the, beta-crystallins, are susceptible to deamidation. The results also provided the most detailed map to date of the identities of protein species on two-dimensional electrophoresis gels of adult human lenses.

Adolescent↗

Age-related changes in human lens crystallins identified by HPLC and mass spectrometry.

Analysis of water-soluble crystallins from human lenses, ages 32 week fetal to 55 years has led to identification of the major modifications of the proteins comprising the lens. These modifications were identified by the masses of the proteins determined by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry after the proteins were separated by gel filtration and reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. Examination of all the proteins isolated from the water soluble portion demonstrated that the major age-related modifications causing significant alteration in the molecular weights of the lens crystallins include truncation of the N-termini of beta B1, beta A3 and beta A1, and partial phosphorylation and C-terminal degradation of alpha-crystallins. N-terminal degradation of beta B1, beta A3 and beta A1 was evident in human lenses less than one year old, and the proportion of these truncated proteins became greater with age. Phosphorylation of alpha A- and alpha B-crystallins increased from the fetal to the 3 year old lens, but did not change with further aging. Minor components indicating truncation of the C-termini of alpha-crystallins were found in older lenses. In contrast to beta B1, beta A3 and beta A1, the masses of the major species of alpha A, alpha B, beta B2, beta A4, gamma S, gamma C, and gamma D did not change with aging. This suggested that the major modifications to these crystallins are limited to deamidation and possibly intra-molecular disulfide bonds. These data, in conjunction with the data in the accompanying manuscript, established deamidation as a common modification, since deamidation, which causes only a one dalton change in mass, is the only modification that is consistent with the absence of a detectable change in molecular weight and the observed increased acidity demonstrated in the two-dimensional gels of the accompanying paper. Other age related changes included a decrease in beta B3 (M(r) 24224), a major component of the fetal lens, which was not detected in lenses older than 3 years, and increases in the ratios of alpha B:alpha A and gamma S:gamma C.

Adolescent↗

Deamidation and disulfide bonding in human lens gamma-crystallins.

Detailed analysis of the three gamma-crystallins present in the water-soluble portion of human lenses, gammaS, gammaD and gammaC, has identified disulfide bonding and deamidation as the major post-translational modifications of these crystallins. Chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques were used to isolate and identify water-soluble gamma-crystallins from normal lenses, ages 32 week gestation, 0 day old, 4 day old, 19, 31, 45 and 55 year old. The amino acid sequences of the gamma-crystallins were confirmed and/or corrected by mass spectrometric analysis of peptides produced by enzymatic digestion or chemical fragmentation of the isolated crystallins. The molecular weight of peptides were also used to identify, locate and quantify modifications. Each of the gamma-crystallins had two disulfide bonds as well as several deamidated glutamine and asparagine residues. The extent of disulfide bond formation and deamidation appeared to increase with the age of the lens. This examination of normal human lens gamma-crystallins, the first detailed characterization of the gamma-crystallins, will provide a basis for comparison with modifications found in the water-insoluble portion and in cataractous lenses.

Adult↗

Blood flow and antithrombotic drug effects.

This paper reviews the importance of blood flow phenomena in models of experimental thrombosis used for measuring antithrombotic drug efficacy. The characteristics of these systems and their application for studies with human blood and in animal models are considered. Central to these investigations has been the development of various types of perfusion chambers in which a thrombogenic test surface is exposed to flowing blood under well-defined conditions of blood flow and device geometry. Such perfusion chambers, which have been used in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo by insertion into arteriovenous shunts in various animal species, have allowed reproducible testing of both conventional and experimental agents. Shear-dependent antithrombotic effects have been observed with anticoagulants such as heparin and with selective inhibitors of thrombin, factor Xa, and factor VIIa. However, the degree of shear dependency depends on the chemical composition of the thrombogenic surface; for example, anticoagulant effects may be more pronounced on a tissue factor-rich surface than on a collagen-rich surface, particularly at venous or low arterial shear rates. Platelet inhibitors such as aspirin, thromboxane antagonists, or inhibitors of von Willebrand factor platelet interactions are also shear dependent, being more efficient at high shear rates. In contrast, inhibitors of adenosine diphosphate-dependent platelet reactions or antagonists of the platelet membrane glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex are shear rate independent. At very high shear rates characteristic of severely stenotic arteries, aspirin loses its direct antithrombotic effect, whereas adenosine diphosphate pathway inhibitors and GP IIb/IIIa antagonists are still beneficial. In general, results obtained with many of these models have predicted antithrombotic efficacy in human beings when comparisons were possible. Therefore shear-dependent models of experimental thrombosis are routinely used in the evaluation of antithrombotic pharmacologic agents, both preclinically and clinically.

Animals↗

Is smooth muscle growth in primate arteries regulated by endothelial nitric oxide synthase?

PURPOSE: We investigated whether control of constitutive endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase (cNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) by changes in shear stress might be important for the regulation of smooth muscle cell (SMC) growth and vascular diameter. METHODS: Bilateral femoral arteriovenous fistulas were placed in baboons to increase the blood flow in the external iliac arteries. At 2 months, the fistula was ligated on one side to restore normal flow (flow switch). RESULTS: In response to flow switch and a decrease in shear stress, iliac artery lumenal area decreased and SMC proliferation was induced. A decline in NO production, cNOS messenger RNA (mRNA), and protein were associated with these biological effects. In a subset of animals with iliac arteries under high flow, infusion of N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine, an inhibitor of cNOS, did not induce proliferation. CONCLUSION: Shear stress can regulate cNOS, vasoconstriction, and SMC proliferation. A decrease in nitric oxide may be necessary, but is not sufficient to induce SMC proliferation in response to a decrease in blood flow.

Animals↗

Reduction in stent and vascular graft thrombosis and enhancement of thrombolysis by recombinant Lys-plasminogen in nonhuman primates.

BACKGROUND: To enhance thrombolytic responses without increasing hemorrhagic risks, the antithrombotic effects of recombinant Lys-plasminogen (r-LysPgn), a prothrombolytic plasminogen intermediate, were examined in baboon models of thrombus formation and dissolution. METHODS AND RESULTS: The dose-response effects of r-LysPgn, alone or in combination with subthreshold dosing of tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), were measured with respect to the accumulation of (111)In-labeled platelets and (125)I-fibrin in thrombus forming on endovascular metallic stents or thrombogenic segments of vascular graft interposed in exteriorized long-term arteriovenous (AV) femoral shunts. Thrombolytic losses have also been determined for preformed, stable, (111)In-platelet- and (125)I-fibrin-labeled graft thrombus and corresponding propagated thrombotic tails, together with changes in blood tests of thrombosis, thrombolysis, and hemostasis. Bolus intravenous r-LysPgn in escalating doses (2, 4, or 8 mg/kg) increased circulating plasminogen levels in a dose-dependent manner, was removed by log-linear clearance with a T50 of 120 minutes, and reciprocally decreased the accumulating thrombus on metallic stents and segments of vascular graft (P<.001 in all cases for 8-mg/kg doses). r-LysPgn also impaired platelet aggregatory responses to physiological agonists in vitro but not ex vivo. Prethrombosis administration of low-dose r-LysPgn (2 mg/kg) greatly enhanced the lysis of radiolabeled nonoccluding thrombus by a subthreshold dose of TPA (0.1 mg/kg) compared with TPA-only controls (P=.03). CONCLUSIONS: Elective bolus injections of r-LysPgn before stent deployment decrease the amount of thrombus formed without compromising hemostasis by facilitating endogenous TPA thrombolysis. r-LysPgn may provide effective and safe antithrombotic therapy for interventional vascular procedures.

Animals↗

Antithrombotic potency of hirudin is increased in nonhuman primates by fibrin targeting.

BACKGROUND: Inhibition of thrombin by either the indirect thrombin inhibitor heparin or by more potent direct thrombin inhibitors such as hirudin reduces thrombus formation after arterial injury. The present study was designed to determine if a fibrin-specific thrombin inhibitor could, by local thrombin inhibition, prevent thrombosis more effectively. METHODS AND RESULTS: We first studied antithrombotic potency in vitro, comparing fibrin-targeted hirudin (recombinant hirudin covalently linked to the Fab' fragment of the anti-fibrin monoclonal antibody 59D8) to recombinant hirudin in baboon plasma. Fibrin-targeted hirudin was nine times more effective than recombinant hirudin in inhibiting fibrin deposition on experimental clot surfaces in baboon plasma (P < .01). The potency of fibrin-targeted hirudin was then compared with that of recombinant hirudin in a baboon model of thrombus formation. 111In-labeled platelet deposition was measured in a synthetic graft segment of an extracorporeal arteriovenous shunt in control animals and in animals receiving either fibrin-targeted hirudin or hirudin. In these experiments, fibrin-targeted hirudin was 10-fold more potent than hirudin in inhibiting platelet deposition and thrombus formation (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that targeting a thrombin inhibitors such as hirudin to an epitope present in thrombi results in increased antithrombotic potency.

Animals↗

Prevention of thrombocytopenia and neutropenia in a nonhuman primate model of marrow suppressive chemotherapy by combining pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor and recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.

This report examines the effects on hematopoietic regeneration of pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor (PEG-rHuMGDF) (2.5 micrograms/ kg/d) alone and in combination with recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rHu-GCSF) (10 micrograms/ kg/d) for 21 days in rhesus macaques receiving intense marrow suppression produced by single bolus injections of hepsulfam (1.5 g/m2). In six hepsulfam-only control animals thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 100 x 10(9)/L) was observed between days 12 and 25 (nadir 39 +/- 20 x 10(9)/L on day 17), and neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count < 1 x 10(9)/L) occurred between days 8 and 30 (nadir 0.167 +/- 0.120 x 10(9)/L on day 15). PEG-rHuMGDF (2.5 micrograms/kg/d) injected subcutaneously into four animals from day 1 to day 22 following hepsulfam administration produced trough serum concentrations of 1.9 +/- 0.2 ng/mL and increased the platelet count twofold over basal prechemotherapy levels (856 +/- 594 x 10(9)/L v baseline of 416 +/- 88 x 10(9)/L; P = .01). PEG-rHuMGDF alone also shortened the period of posthepsulfam neutropenia from 22 days to 12 days (P = .01), although the neutropenic nadir was not significantly altered (neutrophil count 0.224 +/- 0.112 x 10(9)/L v 0.167 +/- 0.120 x 10(9)/L; P > .3). rHu-GCSF (10 micrograms/kg/d) injected subcutaneously into four animals from day 1 to day 22 following hepsulfam administration produced trough serum concentrations of 1.4 +/- 1.1 ng/mL, and reduced the time for the postchemotherapy neutrophil count to attain 1 x 10(9)/L from 22 days to 4 days (P = .005). The postchemotherapy neutropenic nadir was 0.554 +/- 0.490 x 10(9)neutrophils/L (P = .3 v hepsulfam-only control of 0.167 +/- 0.120 x 10(9)/L). However, thrombocytopenia of < 100 x 10(9) platelets/L was not shortened (persisted from day 12 to day 25), or less severe (nadir of 56 +/- 32 x 10(9) platelets/L on day 14; P = .7 compared with untreated hepsulfam animals). The concurrent administration of rHu-GCSF (10 micrograms/kg/d) and PEG-rHuMGDF (2.5 micrograms/kg/d) in four animals resulted in postchemotherapy peripheral platelet counts of 127 +/- 85 x 10(9)/L (P = .03 compared with 39 +/- 20 x 10(9)/L for untreated hepsulfam alone, and P = .02 compared with 856 +/- 594 x 10(9)/L for PEG-rHuMGDF alone), and shortened the period of neutropenia < 1 x 10(9)/L from 22 days to 4 days (P = .8 compared with rHu-GCSF alone). Increasing PEG-rHuMGDF to 10 micrograms/kg/d and maintaining the 21-day schedule of coadministration with rHu-GCSF (10 micrograms/kg/d) in another four animals produced postchemotherapy platelet counts of 509 +/- 459 x 10(9)/L (P < 10(-4) compared with untreated hepsulfam alone, and P = .04 compared with 2.5 micrograms/kg/d PEG-rHuMGDF alone), and 4 days of neutropenia. Coadministration of rHu-GCSF and PEG-rHuMGDF did not significantly alter the pharmacokinetics of either agent. The administration of PEG-rHuMGDF (2.5 micrograms/kg/d) from day 1 through day 22 and rHu-GCSF (10 micrograms/kg/d) from day 8 through day 22 in six animals produced peak postchemotherapy platelet counts of 747 +/- 317 x 10(9)/L(P < 10(-4) compared with untreated hepsulfam alone, and P = .7 compared with PEG-rHuMGDF alone), and maintained the neutrophil count > 3.5 x 10(9)/L (P = .008 v rHu-GCSF therapy alone). Thus, both thrombocytopenia and neutropenia are eliminated by initiating daily PEG-rHuMGDF therapy on day 1 and subsequently adding daily rHu-GCSF after 1 week in the rhesus model of hepsulfam marrow suppression. This improvement in platelet and neutrophil responses by delaying the addition of rHu-GCSF to PEG-rHuMGDF therapy demonstrates the importance of optimizing the dose and schedule of cytokine combinations after severe myelosuppressive chemotherap

Alkylating Agents↗

Boundary layer infusion of nitric oxide reduces early smooth muscle cell proliferation in the endarterectomized canine artery.

To evaluate the direct effect of nitric oxide (NO) on vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation in vivo, we used an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)-based local infusion device to deliver an NO donor, proline/NO (PROLI/NO), to the luminal boundary layer of endarterectomized artery and the distal anastomosis of the graft in a canine model. Once delivered to the blood, PROLI/NO releases NO by a mechanism involving pH-dependent decomposition. Six dogs underwent bilateral femoral artery endarterectomies. ePTFE infusion devices, blindly primed with PROLI/NO to one artery or proline to the contralateral vessel, were anastomosed proximal to the injured segments so that each animal served as its own control. PROLI/NO or proline was continuously delivered for 7 days from an osmotic reservoir, through the wall of the graft infusion device. Euthanasia was carried out at 7 days, and the processed specimens were blindly analyzed for SMC proliferation at both graft anastomoses and endarterectomized segments by a bromodeoxyuridine index assay. All dogs survived with no clinical side effects. In comparing the treated and control vessels, NO released from PROLI/NO significantly reduced SMC proliferation by 43% (13.24 +/- 1.24% versus 23.24 +/- 1.01%, P = 0.004) at the distal anastomoses and by 68% (10.58 +/- 1.63% versus 25.17 +/- 3.39%, P = 0.007) at endarterectomized segments. However, there was no significant difference in blood flow measurements between treated and control arteries (56.25 +/- 6.50 ml/min versus 46.50 +/- 3.20 ml/min, P = 0.094). These data demonstrate that local boundary layer infusion of NO released from PROLI/NO significantly reduces SMC proliferation in injured arteries with no effect on regional blood flow. This study suggests a new strategy to inhibit early SMC proliferation in injured arteries and probably to control intimal hyperplastic lesion formation in the manipulated vessels.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Boundary layer infusion of basic fibroblast growth factor accelerates intimal hyperplasia in endarterectomized canine artery.

We examined the effects of human recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the proliferation and migration of cultured dog smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) and the effect of continuous local boundary layer infusion of bFGF on intimal hyperplasia in endarterectomized dog artery. In vitro proliferation and migration of dog SMCs or ECs were performed using direct counting and Boyden's chamber, respectively. At a dose of 10 ng/mL, bFGF significantly promoted both SMC and EC proliferation (7- and 4-fold, respectively) and migration (2.3- and 1.9-fold, respectively). Six dogs underwent bilateral carotid endarterectomies. A newly designed local infusion device with an osmotic pump continuously delivered bFGF to one artery or vehicle solution to the contralateral artery for 14 days. The intimal thickness and area in the bFGF-treated vessels were increased by 72 and 81%, respectively, compared with control arteries (P < 0.05). As assessed by the bromodeoxyuridine index, the proliferative activity was increased by 73% in bFGF-treated arteries (P = 0.03). Furthermore, cell proliferation at the distal anastomoses of local infusion device was significantly increased in the bFGF-infused grafts compared with distal anastomoses in the control grafts (13.24 +/- 1.24% versus 5.24 +/- 1.01%, P < 0.01). These data demonstrate that human recombinant bFGF has a potent effect on dog SMC and EC proliferation and migration, and that local infusion of exogenous bFGF significantly enhances the intimal hyperplasia formation and cell proliferation to vascular injury. We conclude that the bFGF pathway may contribute to the development of intimal hyperplastic lesions.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Phosphorylcholine coating of ePTFE grafts reduces neointimal hyperplasia in canine model.

This study attempts to prevent neointimal hyperplasia by coating the graft luminal surface with a derivative of phosphorylcholine (PC), thereby providing a biocompatible surface with the assumption of limiting pannus tissue ingrowth from the graft anastomoses. Bilateral carotid artery bypass grafts were placed in six dogs using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). In each animal, one carotid arterial-arterial conduit was constructed using a graft having a PC coating over the entire luminal surface of the graft. On the contralateral side, uncoated graft served as a control. The processed specimens were analyzed for graft neointimal area and neointimal thickness. Cell proliferation was assessed by staining for bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. All grafts were patent except one control graft that was occluded at 4 weeks. There was a significant reduction in the anastomotic graft neointimal area between the treated and control groups (0.27 +/- 0.17 mm2 versus 0.53 +/- 0.13 mm2, respectively; p = 0.008). Furthermore, the BrdU labeling index in the graft neointimal tissues was significantly smaller (p < 0.001) in the treated group (2.64 +/- 0.77%) as compared with the control group (5.07 +/- 0.83%). These data demonstrate that PC coating of ePTFE significantly reduces graft neointimal hyperplasia and cell proliferation in a canine carotid artery bypass model. The application of PC within the ePTFE graft effectively blocks tissue ingrowth from the adjacent native vessel, thereby preserving the anastomosis luminal diameter.

Animals↗