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Biomedical subjects

W Lu

Publications and source records attributed to W Lu.

At least 379 records · Page 21Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Vasodilatory action of endogenous atrial natriuretic factor in a rat model of chronic heart failure as determined by monoclonal ANF antibody.

Elucidation of the role of (elevated) endogenous atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in chronic heart failure has been hampered by a lack of specific inhibitors. We used a newly developed monoclonal antibody that has been shown to specifically block both exogenously and endogenously released ANF in vivo. For assessment of the vasodilatory action of ANF in chronic heart failure, either this antibody against ANF or ascites (control serum) was injected in rats with myocardial infarction and failure and in sham animals. Ascites did not alter central hemodynamics in either the sham or infarcted group. Antibody significantly increased right atrial pressure, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) in the infarction group but did not affect these variables in the sham group. Because renal blood flow, as measured by radioactive microspheres, decreased significantly in all four groups, probably due to nonspecific renal vasoconstrictor effects of the ascites, a separate group of infarcted animals was treated with purified ANF antibody (devoid of nonspecific effects) or mouse IgG as a control injection. In these animals, right atrial pressure increased from 1.1 +/- 0.7 to 2.6 +/- 0.7 mm Hg (p less than 0.001). Although SVR, renal blood flow velocity (measured by Doppler probe), and renal vascular resistance did not change in the infarcted animals after administration of purified ANF antibody, a significant correlation was found between baseline plasma ANF values and the change in SVR exerted by purified ANF antibody (r = 0.758, p less than 0.02, n = 9); that is, SVR increased in rats with high baseline plasma ANF (greater than 350 pg/ml), but decreased in animals with plasma ANF less than 200 pg/ml. These results suggest that moderately elevated endogenous plasma ANF levels in chronic heart failure do affect central hemodynamics, primarily by reducing venous pressure (e.g., by decreasing intravascular volume or by venous dilation). Arterial vasodilation, however, appears to emerge when plasma ANF is greatly increased.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

[Studies on the phenomenon of latent propagated sensation along channel (LPSC) by combining applied knocks, measurement of resistance and record electric current].

About twenty five percent of people have the typical phenomenon, i.e. a specific feeling propagating along the channel course during the application of needling or other stimuli on Jing acupoint. These characteristics are named marked PSC. About seventy five percent of people with no prominent propagated sensation. We concerned about how to change the obscure appearance into obvious. Combining applied knocks, measurement resistance and record electric current were used in our studies. RESULTS 1. After knocks, a specific propagational numb feeling at the point which is named as "positive point". 2. Most positive points of channel course on all of the 26 subjects under examination, the impedance value 40-65 (100 k omega) was lower than that at control points 80-90 (100 k omega), but the amplitude of electric current wave (14-38 cm) was higher than that at control points (6-11 cm). 3. By linking up these positive points of specific feeling an imaginary line which just the classical large intestine channel, this line is named as latent propagational sensation ling along channel (LPSC).

Acupuncture Points↗
PubMed1990

[The X-ray characteristic feature of the multiple primary malignant tumor of digestive tract].

A study on the multiple primary malignant tumor of digestive tract (MPMTDT) was made in the period of 1984-1988 in our hospital. Twenty five cases are reported in this paper. All of them were examined by X-ray, endoscopy, and proved to be MPMTDT by surgery and pathological examination. Twenty three cases were double primary tumors and 2 cases triple primary malignant tumors. The characteristic X-ray feature of the site of predilection and manifestation in primordial period of MPMTDT are described in this paper. These criteria are important for the early detection and selection of treatment of the tumors.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1989

Atrial natriuretic peptide in a rat model of cardiac failure. Atrial and ventricular mRNA, atrial content, plasma levels, and effect of volume loading.

This study examined the relation between synthesis, atrial storage, and plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and it examined plasma ANP levels and hemodynamic output in response to volume expansion in a rat model of myocardial infarction and failure. Arterial ANP concentrations did not correlate linearly with infarct size, but they did show an abrupt increase when infarct size exceeded 30% of the left ventricle, similar to the abrupt increase of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure with infarct size greater than 30%. Consequently, a close relation was found between plasma ANP levels and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (n = 23, r = 0.89, p less than 0.001). Atrial ANP content per gram of tissue but not ANP content per pair of atria was reduced in rats with large infarcts (greater than 40%, p less than 0.05 vs. control animals). ANP mRNA level per pair of atria (related to total atrial RNA), determined by liquid hybridization (controlled by northern blot analysis), was increased by 38% in infarcted rats (p less than 0.05 vs. controls), but the ratio of atrial ANP mRNA relative to atrial beta-actin mRNA levels was not increased. Right and left ventricular ANP mRNA level increased by 90% and 380%, respectively, far exceeding the concomitant increase in beta-actin mRNA (+26% in the left ventricle). Plasma ANP increased with volume loading in controls and rats with moderate infarcts but not in rats with large infarcts despite a similar increase in right atrial pressure (compared with control animals); thus, the relation of delta ANP/delta right atrial pressure exerted by volume loading decreased in rats with large infarcts. Similarly, the response of cardiac output and renal blood flow (determined by radioactive microspheres) to volume loading was attenuated in rats with large infarcts. Thus, in this model of chronic cardiac failure, the activation of the ANP system is closely coupled with the increase in intracardiac pressures without correlating linearly to the extent of myocardial loss. Second, in severe cardiac failure, additional stimulation such as volume loading may elicit only an attenuated ANP secretion response, for example, due to saturation of the ANP receptor sensing system or to a limited transformation rate of pro-ANP. Third, the increase in atrial ANP synthesis and the increase in atrial ANP gene expression seems limited; however, substantial specific ANP gene expression occurs in the ventricles, which, in turn, may contribute to increased plasma ANP levels in chronic heart failure.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Accessible magnetic resonance imaging.

The cost of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is driven by magnetic field strength. Misperceptions as to the impact of field strength on performance have led to systems that are more expensive than they need to be. Careful analysis of all the factors that affect diagnostic quality lead to the conclusion that field strength per se is not a strong determinant of system performance. Freed from the constraints imposed by high-field operation, it is possible to exploit a varied set of opportunities afforded by low-field operation. In addition to lower costs and easier siting, we can take advantage of shortened T1 times, higher contrast, reduced sensitivity to motion, and reduced radiofrequency power deposition. These conceptual advantages can be made to coalesce onto practical imaging systems. We describe a low-cost MRI system that utilizes a permanent magnet of open design. Careful optimization of receiving antennas and acquisition sequences permit performance levels consistent with those needed for an effective diagnostic unit. Ancillary advantages include easy access to the patient, reduced claustrophobia, quiet and comfortable operation, and absence of a missile effect. The system can be sited in 350 sq ft and consumes a modest amount of electricity. MRI equipment of this kind can widen the population base than can access this powerful and beneficial diagnostic modality.

Costs and Cost Analysis↗
PubMed1989

Clinical and experimental studies on paediatric pneumonia treated by lung easing tablets.

197 cases of paediatric pneumonia from 2 hospitals were treated by Ning Fei Pian (NFP, the Lung Easing Tablets), a proprietary Chinese medicine for antipyresis, detoxication, blood invigoration, resolution of cough and phlegm; the control group was treated by penicillin, and the therapeutic results were comparable. Examinations of microcirculation and hemorrheology in the nailbed revealed improvements by NFP, which were conducive to the recovery of pneumonia. Electron-microscopically, the tablets also produced improvements in microcirculation, relief of lung edema, and the ratio of ventilation and blood flow.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Prostaglandins involved in contractions by angiotensin II and bradykinin of isolated dog sphincter pupillae.

1. The dog isolated sphincter pupillae contracted in response to acetylcholine, angiotensin II (AII), bradykinin, prostaglandins F2 alpha, D2, E2 and I2, and thionate thromboxane A2 (sTXA2) in a concentration-dependent manner. 2. AII-induced contractions were suppressed by treatment with saralasin, indomethacin, aspirin and diphloretin phosphate (DPP), a prostaglandin receptor antagonist. Contractions induced by bradykinin were also attenuated by indomethacin, aspirin and DPP. The amount of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) in the bathing media was increased approximately 41% following stimulation of the preparations by bradykinin. 3. The potency of contractile responses was in the order of PGF2 alpha greater than PGD2 = sTXA2 greater than PGE2 greater than arachidonic acid greater than PGI2. Contractions induced by PGF2 alpha were not significantly affected by treatment with indomethacin and ONO3708, an antagonist of the vasoconstrictor effect of prostaglandins, but appreciably attenuated by DPP. Arachidonic acid-induced contractions were inhibited by indomethacin. 4. Contractions of dog iris sphincter muscle in response to AII and bradykinin may be mediated via substances synthesized by cyclo-oxygenase from arachidonic acid. The distribution and nature of the prostaglandin receptors appear to differ markedly in iris sphincter and vascular smooth muscles.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed1988

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies of piretanide in rabbits. III. Sodium and potassium excretion under different hydrated conditions.

The diuretic effect of piretanide, one of the loop diuretics, was investigated in three different hydrated conditions, namely well hydrated condition (treatment I), progressive hydropenic condition (treatment II) and complete hydropenic condition (treatment III) in rabbits. Each rabbit received intravenous administration of 1.5 or 15 mg/kg of piretanide and the urine flow rate, the excretion rates of Na and K, plasma concentrations of Na and K, urine osmolarity, plasma concentration of piretanide and urinary excretion of piretanide were determined after administration. The pharmacokinetics of piretanide was not influenced by the hydration state of the body, even in treatment III. The diuretic effect of piretanide evaluated by both urine flow rate (EH2O) and Na+K excretion rate (ENa+K), was significantly affected by the hydration state of the body. The more the hydropenic state was developed, less amounts of urine or electrolytes were excreted. A pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic link model which was proposed in the previous paper was applied to the present experimental results. The result indicated that the diuretic effect, even in the complete hydropenic condition (treatment III), was reasonably described by the model, with minor modifications. The time course of the excretion rate of K (EK) was not always in parallel with ENa+K, but was dependent on treatments. We found that the K-fraction, which was known as an indicator of the Na-K exchange reaction in the distal tubule, was quantitatively related to ENa+K, using a simple equation. Accordingly, the time course of EK was also calculated. The result also indicated that time courses of EK were described reasonably well by the model, regardless of treatments and doses.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies of piretanide in rabbits. IV. Effect of piretanide on the proximal tubules and the loop of Henle under a hydrated condition.

In order to evaluate the effect of piretanide on the renal transport of water and osmotic substances, a clearance study was carried out in well hydrated rabbits. After intravenous bolus administration of piretanide, glomerular filtration rate, proximal tubular clearance and urine flow rate, as well as the pharmacokinetics of piretanide, were determined. A pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic link model which was developed in the previous paper was applied to the present experimental results. The results indicated that the effect of piretanide on the renal transport of water and osmotic substances in the hydrated rabbits was reasonably described by the model. The model analysis suggested that the diuretic response to piretanide was attributable to the inhibition of reabsorption of electrolytes in the proximal tubule, as well as in the loop of Henle.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies of piretanide in rabbits. II: Effects on the proximal tubules and the loop of Henle.

In order to clarify the effect of piretanide in the nephrons, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of piretanide were studied under a hydropenic condition in the rabbit. The hydropenic condition was developed by a simultaneous infusion of an antidiuretic hormone and hyperosmotic saline. Lithium was used as the indicator of the proximal sodium reabsorption. Plasma concentrations and urinary excretion rates of piretanide were not influenced by the hydration state of the body. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) showed a long lasting decrease after piretanide administration; however, the urinary excretion rates of salts and water were increased prominently just after administration. The lithium clearance ratio, which was obtained by dividing the lithium renal clearance by GFR, indicated that piretanide inhibited the proximal reabsorption of sodium. The urine osmolarity after piretanide administration showed a significant decrease, and this indicated that the osmolarity of the renal medulla was also influenced by piretanide. From these observations, a model describing the transport of water and osmotic substances in the nephrons was constructed to calculate the effect of piretanide. The results indicated that the diuretic effect of piretanide in the hydropenic rabbit was reasonably described by the model. The model parameters obtained suggested that the site of action of piretanide in the proximal tubules might be in the peritubular side rather than inside the lumen, whereas the site of action in the loop of Henle might be inside the lumen.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies of piretanide in rabbits. I. Effect of different hydrated conditions.

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of piretanide in rabbits were investigated. After intravenous administration, the plasma concentrations and the urinary excretion rates of piretanide, as well as the pharmacologic effects, were measured under two different hydrated conditions. In one experiment, the amount of the body fluid which was lost during diuresis was replaced by infusing Ringer's solution at exactly the same rate with the urine flow rate (treatment I). In another experiment, no compensatory infusion was made (treatment II). There was no appreciable difference between treatment I and II, as far as the plasma concentrations and urinary excretion rate were concerned. In spite of the similarities in the pharmacokinetic properties, the pharmacologic effects of piretanide were influenced considerably by the hydrated conditions of the body. The diuretic effect expressed as the excretion rate of the sum of urinary sodium and potassium was plotted against the corresponding urinary excretion rate of unchanged piretanide. The shape of the each graph showed a similar sigmoid like curve; however, the curve in treatment I was significantly shifted to the right compared to that in treatment II. This fact indicated that the pharmacologic effect of piretanide seemed to be modified by the contents of water and electrolytes in the body. The plasma concentrations and urinary excretion of piretanide were reasonably described by a linear three compartment open model.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗