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Biomedical subjects

V Marks

Publications and source records attributed to V Marks.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed1986

Specific binding of the C-peptide of proinsulin to cultured B-cells from a transplantable rat islet cell tumor.

Specific binding of the C-peptide of proinsulin was evaluated using a transplantable NEDH rat islet cell tumour predominantly composed of insulin-secreting B-cells. Cultured tumour B-cells exhibited greater than 90% viability assessed by trypan blue exclusion, and retained the ability to form tumours with accompanying hypoglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia after reimplantation. During binding experiments with synthetic rat C-peptide I and iodinated tyrosylated rat C-peptide I, tumour B-cells exhibited 54 +/- 6% specific binding. Displacement of tracer increased with increasing concentrations of unlabelled rat C-peptide I (0.25-1,000 ng/ml), and the specificity of binding was substantiated by reduced displacement with human C-peptide. Scatchard analysis of specific C-peptide binding revealed a curvilinear plot with upward concavity. The demonstration of specific C-peptide binding to insulin-secreting B-cells provides evidence for a physiological role of proinsulin C-peptide.

Adenoma, Islet Cell↗
PubMed1986

The effects of sorbitol on the gastrointestinal microflora in rats.

The influence of dietary sorbitol on the quantity and quality of faecal microflora was studied in Wistar albino rats. The animals were gradually adapted to 20% dietary sorbitol or sucrose and faecal samples were analyzed for the numbers of major bacteria. No major changes in the numbers of total aerobic or anaerobic bacteria, aerobic streptococci and yeasts were observed after sorbitol feeding but sucrose appeared to decrease the total aerobes and anaerobes in the faeces. However, sorbitol feeding caused a clear shift in the rat faecal microbial population from gram-negative to gram-positive bacteria. All animals were capable of adapting to 20% dietary sorbitol or sucrose and withstood sorbitol treatment without problems.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

The quantitative determination of 2'-deoxycytidine-5'-triphosphate in cell extracts by radioimmunoassay.

A radioimmunoassay (RIA) capable of quantitating dCTP in femtomolar amounts in cell extracts has been developed, and applied to human fibroblast cell lines and L5178Y mouse lymphoma lines. Cross reactivity of the antibody with CTP, though low (2.7%) has necessitated pre-RIA removal of CTP by either boronate affinity gel chromatography or sodium periodate oxidation. Fractions from the boronate gel column or aliquots of NaIO4-treated cell extract are quantitated directly by the RIA. Recovery of extracted dCTP standard taken through the entire procedure is quantitative and results are reproducible. Due to the high sensitivity of the quantitation step, dCTP can be accurately measured in relatively small numbers of cells--about 10(4) cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

The biotransformation and urinary excretion of dexamethasone in equine male castrates.

The pro-drugs of dexamethasone, a potent glucocorticoid, are frequently used as anti-inflammatory steroids in equine veterinary practice. In the present study the biotransformation and urinary excretion of tritium labelled dexamethasone were investigated in cross-bred castrated male horses after therapeutic doses. Between 40-50% of the administered radioactivity was excreted in the urine within 24 h; a further 10% being excreted over the next 3 days. The urinary radioactivity was largely excreted in the unconjugated steroid fraction. In the first 24 h urine sample, 26-36% of the total dose was recovered in the unconjugated fraction, 8-13% in the conjugated fraction and about 5% was unextractable from the urine. The metabolites identified by microchemical transformations and thin-layer chromatography were unchanged dexamethasone, 17-oxodexamethasone, 11-dehydrodexamethasone, 20-dihydrodexamethasone, 6-hydroxydexamethasone and 6-hydroxy-17-oxodexamethasone together accounting for approx 60% of the urinary activity. About 25% of the urinary radioactivity associated with polar metabolites still remains unidentified.

Acetylation↗
PubMed1986

Differential insulin responses to oral and intravenous glucose in the transplantable rat insulinoma--a role for GIP.

We have previously demonstrated an impaired insulin response to intraperitoneal glucose and arginine by the transplantable NEDH rat insulinoma. The nature of this tumour B-cell defect has been further studied by investigating the response of insulinoma-bearing rats to intravenous and intragastric glucose. Intravenous glucose failed to stimulate plasma immunoreactive insulin (IRI) above high basal levels (14.5 +/- 1.1 micrograms/L). However, significant elevation of the plasma IRI concentration was observed following an intragastric glucose load (17.1 +/- 1.5 micrograms/L; P less than 0.02). In view of the different effects of oral and intravenous glucose on insulin secretion in the RIN, implicating an involvement of incretin factors from the gut, the response of the tumour to GIP was investigated. Plasma IRI concentrations rose significantly in these animals (20.6 +/- 2.5 micrograms/L at 5 min, P less than 0.02). We conclude that (a) the transplantable rat insulinoma is responsive to GIP, and (b) that whilst the tumour B-cell has lost its insulin responsiveness to hyperglycaemia produced by intraperitoneal or intravenous glucose, it retains its ability to respond to intragastric glucose. This could be due to incretin factors from the gut of which GIP is currently the strongest candidate.

Adenoma, Islet Cell↗
PubMed1986

Effects of transplantation and resection of a radiation-induced rat insulinoma on glucose homeostasis and the endocrine pancreas.

Twenty-one days after s.c. subscapular transplantation of a radiation-induced insulinoma, male NEDH rats exhibited hyperinsulinaemia and hypoglycaemia. These features were associated with islet atrophy, degenerative changes in pancreatic A and B cells, and decreases in the pancreatic contents of insulin, glucagon and somatostatin. The immunoreactive glucagon and somatostatin contents of extrapancreatic tissues of insulinoma-bearing rats were unchanged. Surgical resection of the tumour resulted in an immediate fall of plasma insulin, attaining concentrations similar to those of anaesthetised control rats by 10 min. The estimated half-life of insulin was 3.5 min. Hypoglycaemia persisted until 60 min after resection, followed by hyperglycaemia of 1-2 days duration. Glucose tolerance was impaired 1 day after tumour resection despite the coexistence of raised insulin concentrations. Evidence for abnormal pancreatic B cell function was gained by injection of arginine which failed to evoke a plasma insulin response in the resected rats. Two days after resection, plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were similar to those of control rats. Plasma glucose and insulin responses to glucose and arginine were suggestive of tumour recurrence by 12 days. A single large encapsulated tumour was eventually observed in each rat, with resection giving a 17-56 day prolongation of life.

Adenoma, Islet Cell↗
PubMed1986

The psychopharmacological and electrophysiological effects of single doses of caffeine in healthy human subjects.

The effects of single doses of anhydrous caffeine (250 mg and 500 mg) and placebo on physiological, psychological measures and subjective feelings were studied in a double-blind, cross-over study in nine healthy subjects who had abstained from caffeine-containing beverages for 24 h before each occasion. Caffeine and caffeine metabolites in plasma and urine were assayed. Peak plasma concentrations were observed at 1 to 2 h with an approximate half-life of 5 h. The concentrations of the metabolite 1,7-dimethylxanthine increased during the 5 h. The major urine metabolite was 1-methyluric acid. The EEG showed a dose-related decrease in log 'theta' power and a decrease in log 'alpha' power. Other dose-related effects were an increase in skin conductance level (sweat-gland activity) and self rating of alertness. Ratings of headache and tiredness were decreased by the caffeine. The study illustrates the complexities of studying a drug which is widely taken and which is often associated with withdrawal effects.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1986

Urinary metabolites of caffeine in pregnant women.

In a study of caffeine and its metabolites in pregnant and non-pregnant women, on average 56.8% of the administered caffeine dose was recovered in the urine in both groups. However, compared to the controls, the pregnant subjects produced smaller amounts of 1-methylxanthine and 1-methyluric acid, whereas the excretion of most of the other metabolites, particularly 3,7-dimethylxanthine and 3-methylxanthine tended to be greater. It is suggested that hormonal influences on the hepatic caffeine metabolising enzymes might be implicated.

Caffeine↗
PubMed1986

The measurement of insulin-like growth factor I: clinical applications and significance.

Of the somatomedins so far measured, the selective quantitation of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) appears to have the greatest potential in clinical diagnosis. There have been two approaches to the development of immunoassay systems. One type uses antibodies raised against synthetic fragments of IGF-I which exhibit cross-reactivity with the whole hormone. Such assay systems may be adequate for measuring normal adult plasma IGF-I levels, but the potential for the higher sensitivity required for detecting sub-normal plasma levels in young children is apparent only in methods using antibodies raised against the complete hormone. IGF-I in plasma exists as part of a high molecular weight complex in which it is bound to carrier proteins. The binding proteins may interfere with plasma IGF-I measurements by radioligand assays. Direct analysis of untreated plasma samples is claimed to be possible using disequilibrium assay conditions but in order to maximise assay sensitivity it is necessary to employ an initial extraction stage in order to eliminate binding protein interference. Whether the measurement of plasma IGF-I can or should be used in addition to, or as a replacement for, plasma growth hormone (GH) measurement in the clinical assessment of growth disorders remains a controversial issue. Available evidence indicates that a single, random plasma IGF-I level provides an accurate reflection of GH secretion. Adequate discrimination between the elevated levels in acromegaly and normal reference values has been demonstrated. However, in the investigation of growth-retarded children available radioimmunoassay (RIA) methods have proved only partially successful because of the age-related nature of normal plasma IGF-I concentrations. Existing assays appear capable of identifying sub-normal plasma levels after the age of approximately 4 years. In younger subjects an improvement in assay sensitivity is required in order to establish with greater accuracy the relevant normal ranges. Improvements in the identification of the particular lesion responsible for retarded growth in a child can be achieved by measurement of both plasma GH and IGF-I concentrations. The predictive value of the acute plasma IGF-I response to single-dose GH therapy may identify patients who will respond to long-term GH therapy. Better, more informed decisions on subsequent treatment may therefore be made. Apart from GH control, several other factors influence circulating IGF-I levels. Nutritional status can be assessed through reference to IGF-I analysis, overall catabolic or anabolic processes being associated with decreasing or increasing plasma IGF-I levels respectively.

Acromegaly↗
PubMed1986

Potato steroidal alkaloids and neural tube defects: serum concentrations fail to demonstrate a causal relation.

Spoiled potatoes and, in particular, steroidal alkaloids have been proposed as an aetiological factor in the pathogenesis of neural tube defect (NTD). The present study involves the measurement of potato (solanum) steroidal alkaloid concentrations in serum by radioimmunoassay. Serum solanidine and total potato alkaloid concentrations were measured in two groups of women: one group pregnant with a fetus, subsequently shown to be affected by a NTD, the other with a healthy fetus. Serum alkaloid concentrations were, contrary to expectations, lower in the NTD group. They lend no weight therefore to the theory that potato alkaloids are responsible for NTD, but are consistent with the opinion that some water-soluble vitamins lessen the risk.

Diosgenin↗
PubMed1986

Immunoreactive gastric inhibitory polypeptide and K cell hyperplasia in obese hyperglycaemic (ob/ob) mice fed high fat and high carbohydrate cafeteria diets.

The effect of diet composition on plasma and intestinal concentrations of immunoreactive gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and intestinal K cell density was examined in obese hyperglycaemic (ob/ob) mice. The mice were reared from 3 to 11 weeks of age on either stock diet, a high fat (HF) cafeteria diet or a high carbohydrate (HC) cafeteria diet. The HF cafeteria diet increased the concentration of GIP in plasma (75%) and in the intestine (118%) and increased the density (54%) of GIP-secreting K cells in the upper jejunum compared with the stock diet. Plasma and intestinal GIP concentrations were not significantly altered by the HC cafeteria diet, although the density of K cells in the upper jejunum was increased (45%). The extent of hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia in ob/ob mice was not significantly altered by the HF and HC cafeteria diets. The results indicate that an increased amount of dietary fat chronically stimulates the production and secretion of GIP, and enhances intestinal K cell density in ob/ob mice.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Insulin and C-peptide levels after oral and intravenous glucose. Contribution of enteroinsular axis to insulin secretion.

Peripheral venous plasma insulin and C-peptide concentrations were measured in 10 healthy volunteers, given either 100 g glucose orally or sufficient intravenous (i.v.) glucose to produce similar glucose concentrations when measured in arterialized blood. The incremental areas under both the insulin and C-peptide curves were significantly increased after oral as compared with i.v. glucose administration by 229% and 138%, respectively. Arteriovenous plasma glucose differences were higher after oral glucose administration and were positively correlated with plasma insulin concentrations. Plasma gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and insulin concentrations were measured in seven healthy volunteers given oral glucose loads ranging from 25 to 200 g. Both the magnitude and duration of the GIP and insulin responses after oral glucose ingestion were dose dependent. These results suggest that the main cause of the increase in peripheral insulin levels after large oral carbohydrate loads is augmented insulin secretion rather than reduced hepatic extraction, indicating the possibility that an enteroinsular factor does exist, in accordance with the "incretin" concept. They also emphasize the need to document both arterial and venous glucose concentrations for the correct interpretation of experiments investigating glucose homeostasis.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1985

Some effects of melatonin and the control of its secretion in humans.

Whether or not the pineal gland has a significant physiological role in humans is not known. There has nevertheless been speculation about the potential therapeutic use of melatonin (in view of its hypnotic and possible zeitgeber properties) in conditions such as insomnia and jet lag, and in shift-workers. Our work concerns the effects of melatonin administration in humans and the interactions between melatonin and other circadian variables. Chronic (one month), timed (1700 h), low-dose (2 mg daily) melatonin administration to normal subjects without environmental control consistently increased evening fatigue and slightly modified the 24 h prolactin rhythm without effect on cortisol, growth hormone, luteinizing hormone, thyroxine, testosterone or self-rated mood. In five out of 11 subjects the endogenous melatonin rhythm was advanced by one to three hours. During fractional desynchronization of circadian rhythms by increasing imposed 'day' length (26-29 h, 24 days, 500 lux), 5 mg melatonin per os at lights-out in two subjects resulted in better entrainment of the fatigue rhythm to the zeitgeber than in five out of six control subjects, without major consistent effects on other measured circadian variables. Using a new radioimmunoassay for 6-hydroxymelatonin sulphate (aMT6s), the major melatonin metabolite, we have shown that the urinary aMT6s rhythm is closely correlated to that of melatonin in plasma and is completely suppressed by an acute dose of atenolol (100 mg per os), a peripheral beta-adrenergic antagonist. During fractional desynchronization by increasing imposed 'day' length in one subject and decreasing imposed 'day' length in two subjects, the urinary aMT6s rhythm behaved similarly to that of core temperature. The results suggest that fatigue (or alertness) may be entrained by melatonin, but whether critical performance rhythms can be suitably manipulated remains to be clarified. It is likely that melatonin production is linked to the so-called 'strong' circadian oscillator.

Circadian Rhythm↗
PubMed1985

Effect of glucagon antibodies on plasma glucose, insulin and somatostatin in the fasting and fed rat.

A potent high-titre glucagon antibody pool was used to induce a state of acute glucagon deficiency in order to investigate the importance of glucagon in maintaining euglycaemia in the fed and fasted anaesthetised rat. Binding characteristics of the antiserum and evidence of its neutralisation of the biological effects of exogenous glucagon are described. The amount of antibody administered was capable of neutralising up to 12 times the total content of glucagon (approximately 1 nmol) in the rat pancreas. The hyperglycaemic response to 1.43 nmol exogenous glucagon was significantly inhibited in the rat by glucagon antibodies given intravenously or intraperitoneally (p less than 0.001). However, no changes in plasma glucose occurred in rats fasted 16 h (4.35 +/- 0.1 mmol/l or 24 h (4.0 +/- 0.05 mmol/l) after antibody administration. The same dose of glucagon antibodies produced no change in plasma glucose (6.1 +/- 0.2 mmol/l), immunoreactive insulin (1.85 +/- 0.05 microgram/l) or immunoreactive somatostatin (110 +/- 30 ng/l) in rats after antibody administration. Antibody excess, equivalent to a binding capacity for glucagon of 40 nmol/l in the plasma of recipient animals, was demonstrable at all times after passive immunisation. The absence of any affect on glucose concentrations following immunoneutralisation of glucagon suggests that glucagon secretion may not be a major factor in the maintenance of euglycaemia in the rat.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Divergent effect of glucagon antibodies on arginine and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in the rat.

The effects of glucose and arginine on insulin secretion in the presence of glucagon antibodies were investigated in rats in vivo. In contrast to controls, animals given glucagon antibodies showed an inhibition of arginine-stimulated (p less than 0.001), but not glucose-stimulated, insulin secretion. That these effects were not due to incomplete neutralisation of endogenous glucagon is evidenced by the presence of large antibody excess throughout the duration of the experiments. Both the glucagonotropic effect of arginine (319 +/- 60 ng/l, p less than 0.01) and the insulinotropic effect of exogenous glucagon (8.3 +/- 0.8 microgram/l, p less than 0.001) were demonstrable under our experimental conditions in the absence of exogenous glucagon antibodies. These observations suggest that different mechanisms are involved in the stimulation of insulin release by arginine and by glucose, and that glucagon may play an important physiological role in the mediation and regulation of insulin secretion by secretogogues, such as arginine.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

High-dose methylprednisolone sodium succinate (pulse therapy) in the treatment of renal disease: plasma and urine concentrations.

Methylprednisolone hemisuccinate (MPS) and methylprednisolone (MP) concentrations in plasma and urine were monitored in renal transplant and glomerulonephritis patients who were given i.v. infusions of 0.5 g or 1 g of MPS. A marked individual variation of peak plasma levels of both MPS and MP was observed after the same dose and MPS disappeared from plasma more rapidly than MP. Their clearances from the circulation, however, did not appear to be significantly influenced by the peak plasma levels of the drug, creatinine clearance, administration of previous pulses of MPS or the urinary excretion of unconjugated MPS and MP. Even in patients with profoundly reduced renal function, no accumulation of the drug was apparent when repeated doses of MPS were administered at 48-h intervals.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Effects of fatty acid chain length and saturation on gastric inhibitory polypeptide release in obese hyperglycaemic (ob/ob) mice.

Plasma gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) responses to equimolar intragastrically administered emulsions of fatty acids (2.62 mmol/7.5 ml/kg) were examined in 18 h fasted obese hyperglycaemic (ob/ob) mice. Propionic acid (C3:0), a saturated short-chain fatty acid, and capric acid (C10:0), a saturated medium chain fatty acid, did not significantly stimulate GIP release. However, the saturated long-chain fatty acid stearic acid (C18:0), and especially the unsaturated long-chain fatty acids oleic (C18:1), linoleic (C18:2) and linolenic (C18:3) acids produced a marked GIP response. The results show that chain length and to a lesser extent the degree of saturation are important determinants of fatty acid-stimulated GIP release. The GIP-release action of long-chain, but not short-chain, fatty acids may be related to differences in their intracellular handling.

Animals↗