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Biomedical subjects

U Gerlach

Publications and source records attributed to U Gerlach.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

Significance of a sonographic secretin test in the diagnosis of pancreatic disease. Results of a prospective study.

In a prospective study the pancreatic duct diameter was measured sonographically before and after secretin stimulation in 20 healthy controls and 59 patients with upper abdominal pain, weight loss, and/or diarrhea. Whereas healthy controls and patients without pancreatic disease after secretin stimulation showed a distinct pancreatic duct dilatation of more than 90% of basal duct diameter, no distinct secretin-induced duct enlargement was observed in most patients with chronic pancreatitis. Patients with circumscript pancreatic duct stenosis even had a marked and longer-lasting duct dilatation after stimulation. In patients with anomalies of the pancreatic duct system, no uniform response was found after secretin injection. In this study the sonographic secretin test showed a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 95% for diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. The results confirm that this diagnostic method can be recommended as a reliable screening test for pancreatic disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Evaluation of serum laminin P1, procollagen-III peptides, and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase for monitoring the activity of liver fibrosis.

Chronic liver diseases are characterized by an increase in connective tissue components in liver tissue. The determination of Col 1-3 peptide of type III procollagen (P-III-P) in serum of patients seems to be a useful parameter of hepatic fibroplasia. Specific radioimmunoassays are available for Col 1-3 (P-III-P) and the Col 1 and Col 1-3 (P-III-P-Fab) peptides of type III procollagen and for laminin P1 fragment. These proteins and the activity of N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (beta-NAG) were measured in 94 patients with chronic liver diseases, and in 74 healthy controls. In addition, direct immunofluorescence studies were done for laminin P1 in normal and fibrotic liver tissues. In normal human liver, laminin was found in the basement membrane of bile ducts and in blood vessel walls. In fibrotic liver tissue, laminin additionally occurred in periportal areas and in sinusoids co-distributed with other connective tissue components. In serum concentrations of P-III-P, P-III-P-Fab and laminin were higher in patients than in healthy subjects. Laminin concentration was increased in early stages of chronic liver disease, possibly as a marker of regeneration; the highest concentrations were in active cirrhosis and chronic active hepatitis. The determination of P-III-P and P-III-P-Fab provided information on synthesis and degradation of type III collagen: In inactive cirrhosis, Col 1 peptide was increased in relation to Col 1-3 peptide.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acetylglucosaminidase↗
PubMed1987

[Plasma perfusion in life-threatening exogenous poisoning].

Since 1984 30 patients with severe exogenous intoxications have been treated by plasma perfusion. This method has advantages compared to other instrumental detoxification techniques, especially hemoperfusion; i.e. no loss of blood cells, no necessity for systemic anticoagulation and no blockage of the adsorber by thrombus. The plasma, which was obtained by plasma separation, perfused the respective adsorber (activated charcoal, resin). After "purification" the plasma was returned to the patient. The mean perfused plasma volume amounted to 3800 ml per patient and per treatment cycle. 27 of the 30 patients were treated successfully. The observed toxokinetic data confirmed the effectiveness of plasma perfusion in the elimination of toxic substances.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Sonographic imaging of the pancreatic duct. New diagnostic possibilities using secretin stimulation.

The pancreatic duct or at least parts of this structure can be demonstrated today by sonography in 75-85% of all persons examined. In 84 persons we have now measured the caliber of the sonographically visualized pancreatic duct in the region of the proximal body of the pancreas with special attention to dependence on age. The diameter of Wirsung's duct ranged from 1 to 3 mm (mean 1.9 mm) and increased significantly from the fifth decade of life onwards. After intravenous injection of the hormone secretin, healthy persons usually show a distinct duct enlargement, which also depends on age. Nine persons aged 19 through 35 (median 28) years showed a dilatation of the main pancreatic duct by about 110% following secretion injection. Nine further probands, 50-74 (median 58) years old, had a dilatation of about 70%. Eighteen patients with confirmed chronic pancreatitis and a pancreatic duct diameter not exceeding 4 mm generally showed no duct enlargement after secretin stimulation. We believe that periductal fibrosis, which is common in chronic pancreatitis, is the most important reason for these results. The use of the sonographic secretin test in the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis should be considered.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Serum concentration of N-terminal procollagen peptide of collagen type III in schistosomal liver fibrosis.

The major cause of mortality in human schistosomiasis is the chronic granulomatous reaction of the liver tissue to Schistosoma mansoni eggs. Liver biopsy still provides the best evaluation of the degree of liver damage. However, liver biopsy does not provide an image of the dynamic process of fibrogenesis. Variations of concentrations of procollagen type III peptide in sera have been proposed to be significant markers of liver fibrosis. Thus, liver function tests in relation to histopathological diagnosis and procollagen type III peptide concentrations were studied in patients with schistosomiasis and revealed a high correlation between the serum procollagen type III peptide and the degree of fibrosis in liver tissue.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

A possible role of catecholamines in atherogenesis and subsequent complications of atherosclerosis.

Cultured smooth muscle cells (SMC) from rat aorta and endothelial cells (EC) from pig aorta were used to study the effect of the catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine on cell proliferation. Both stimulated growth of SMC and EC when added to the culture medium. Besides epinephrine and norepinephrine, dopamine and some of their metabolites also stimulated proliferation of cultured endothelial cells. Smooth muscle cells originating from rats being exposed to atherosclerotic risk factors, like diabetes, hypertension and balloon-injury, exhibited an increased susceptibility to these catecholamines compared to SMC from control animals. In comparison to normotensive control animals a 10-fold elevated plasma concentration of epinephrine was found in hypertensive rats. In man plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentration was determined in a healthy control group and in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease. Plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine levels were similar in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus compared to the control group. But in patients with coronary artery disease significantly higher plasma concentrations for epinephrine (p less than 0.001) and norepinephrine (p less than 0.01) were observed. These data support the hypothesis that catecholamines may play a role in the development and subsequent complications of atherosclerosis.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

[Primary sonographic diagnosis of pancreatic duct calculi: the non-uniform aspect].

Four cases of sonographically visualised intraductal pancreatic calculi are reported. In three of these cases the calculi had been caused by chronic pancreatitis, and in one case by carcinoma of the head of the pancreas. The calculi did not present a uniform sonographic pattern, especially as regards echogenicity. A dorsal echo extinction was observed in three cases only. The non-uniform sonographic aspect of intraductal pancreatic calculi can probably be ascribed to differences in the lime content.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Concentration of fibronectin and granulocyte elastase in plasma of patients with systemic connective-tissue diseases.

The concentration of granulocyte elastase-alpha-1-protease inhibitor (E-AT) complex in plasma is enhanced in inflammatory processes, e.g. in septicaemia and rheumatoid arthritis, being an expression of granulocyte activation during inflammatory response. In the present study we measured E-AT and fibronectin in the plasma of 46 patients with various connective-tissue diseases in relation to the course of the disease. In about 50% of the cases, E-AT was found to be elevated to 2-3 times the normal concentrations, in relation to increasing serum content of C-reactive protein. In follow-ups over 2 years, an elevation of E-AT and a decreasing fibronectin in plasma was found in patients with activated disease. Without relation to other parameters used in connective-tissue diseases, fibronectin was found to be diminished below the normal range in 7 patients with systemic lupus erythematodes and 1 patient with overlapping syndrome. Our results indicate that the concentration of E-AT and fibronectin in plasma may be helpful parameters for judging the activity of connective-tissue diseases.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Concentrations of 7S collagen and laminin P1 in sera of patients with diabetes mellitus.

Specific radioimmunoassays were used to quantify two basement membrane components, 7S collagen and laminin P1, in sera of 70 patients suffering from diabetes mellitus types I and II with and without clinical signs of chronic diabetic complications. Serum levels of both antigens were increased in diabetics compared to controls (p less than 0.001). Concentrations of 7S collagen were significantly different in diabetics with signs of microvascular damage compared to those without small vessel disease (p less than 0.05). The difference between laminin P1 concentrations in the two groups of diabetics was not significant (p less than 0.2). The augmented levels of circulating 7S collagen and laminin P1 may reflect alterations of basement membrane metabolism. Thus, the measurement of concentrations of these basement membrane components in serum may be a useful tool for monitoring the development of chronic diabetic complications.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

[Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency: a review with special reference to the significance of heterozygous deficiency].

Homozygous deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin is the most common inborn error or metabolism in Europe. Severe deficiency of this major protease inhibitor in serum is associated with chronic obstructive lung disease, chronic liver disease in adults and neonatal hepatitis. An overview is given of the role of heredity, and the diagnostic criteria and clinical and histological findings in this disorder. Emphysema seems to be caused by the free elastolytic activity of white cells, leading to the degradation of elastin. The pathophysiology of liver disease - less well understood - is discussed with special emphasis on the importance of heterozygous alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Exogenous noxae seem to play an important role in the pathogenesis of heterozygous deficiency. In view of the 7% frequency of heterozygous alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in the European population and the role of noxae in the development of pulmonary and liver diseases, improved prophylaxis is mandatory.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Basement membrane components (7S collagen, laminin P1) are increased in sera of diabetics and activate platelets in vitro.

Serum concentrations of two basement membrane components (7S collagen and laminin P1) were detected by specific radioimmunoassays in 70 patients suffering from diabetes mellitus type I and II with and without clinical signs of microangiopathy. Serum levels of both antigens were increased compared to controls. 7S collagen concentrations were significantly different between the diabetics with signs of microvascular damage and those without small-vessel disease (p less than 0.05). Laminin P1 concentrations were also elevated, but the difference between the two groups of diabetics was not significant (p less than 0.2). Raised levels of circulating basement membrane proteins may indicate connective tissue activity and development of diabetic microangiopathy. In vitro 7S collagen is a moderate platelet activator inducing platelet spreading, aggregation, and malondialdehyde production. Laminin activates platelet spreading. As a part of the altered hemostatic system the activation of basement membrane components may contribute to the development of microvascular damage.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

7 S collagen: a method for the measurement of serum concentrations in man.

A radioimmunoassay was developed for the detection of 7 S collagen, a basement membrane component derived from type IV collagen, in sera of patients. Two forms of 7 S collagen were isolated by limited collagenase digestion of type IV collagen from bovine placenta. Antisera against both forms were raised in rabbits. The antigens were labeled by conjugation with the Bolton Hunter reagent or by the Chloramine T method. Free and bound antigen were separated using a second antibody directed against rabbit-IgG. Serum concentrations of 7 S collagen ranged from 5-14 micrograms/l. Serum levels of 7 S collagen were increased in diabetic patients as compared to normal subjects.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

The influence of paracetamol on the hepatic biosynthesis of lecithin.

In paracetamol induced liver injury changes in the phospholipid components of microsomal membranes are usual. Direct incubation of paracetamol with subcellular fractions of human liver specimens did not alter the biosynthesis of lecithin. Preincubation of liver slices with paracetamol led to an increased synthesis of lecithin. The presence of intact cells and the integrity of hepatocellular function seem to be a prerequisite for the poisoning effects in vitro.

Acetaminophen↗
PubMed1984

A granulopoiesis inhibitor partially purified from large-scale serum-free cultures of porcine leukocytes.

A method is described for the partial purification of a granulomonopoiesis inhibitor derived from 200 l-batches equivalent to 1 kg or 2 X 10(12) leukocytes of porcine blood. Serum-free conditioned media were concentrated and separated via ammonium sulfate precipitation, acetone partitioning, ultrafiltration and gel chromatography. The active substance revealed a molecular mass of 500-700 Da and was not thiol-dependent, thus contrasting it with previously-reported granulopoiesis inhibitors. Inhibition of colony formation in an in vitro myeloid stem cell assay using various colony-stimulating factors showed that mature granulocytes and monocytes were equally affected. Apparent lack of cytotoxicity was suggested using a new reversibility test.

Animals↗