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Biomedical subjects

Y H Hwang

Publications and source records attributed to Y H Hwang.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Identification of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide in the gallbladder and bile juice of rabbit, pig and human.

The presence of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide (irANP) in rabbit, pig and human gallbladders was investigated using radioimmunoassay and immunohistochemistry. Serial dilution curves of gallbladder tissue and bile juice extracts were paralleled to the standard curve of atriopeptin III. Gel filtration profiles of gallbladder tissue extracts showed a major peak corresponding to rat pro-ANP. The amounts of irANP in rabbit, pig and human gallbladders were 30.0 +/- 12.3 pg/mg (n = 7), 7.0 +/- 2.0 fg/mg (n = 7) and 17.7 +/- 2.0 fg/mg wet tissue (n = 8), respectively. Bile juice was also shown to contain irANP but with small molecular mass. The amounts of irANP in the rabbit, pig and human bile juice were 25.0 +/- 2.0 (n = 7) and 0.50 +/- 0.02 (n = 7), and 1.3 +/- 0.1 pg/ml (n = 8), respectively. The immunohistochemical staining of the rabbit gallbladder tissue revealed the presence of irANP in the luminal epithelium and smooth muscle layer. The amount of irANP was higher in the luminal epithelium than in the rest of the gallbladder tissue from rabbits (0.30 +/- 0.06 vs. 0.01 +/- 0.01 pg/microgram protein, P < 0.01). These findings suggest that ANP may be synthesized and stored in the gallbladder, and may have a role in the regulation of fluid balance and cystic motility.

Animals↗

Evaluation of counting error due to colony masking in bioaerosol sampling.

Colony counting error due to indistinguishable colony overlap (i.e., masking) was evaluated theoretically and experimentally. A theoretical model to predict colony masking was used to determine colony counting efficiency by Monte Carlo computer simulation of microorganism collection and development into CFU. The computer simulation was verified experimentally by collecting aerosolized Bacillus subtilis spores and examining micro- and macroscopic colonies. Colony counting efficiency decreased (i) with increasing density of collected culturable microorganisms, (ii) with increasing colony size, and (iii) with decreasing ability of an observation system to distinguish adjacent colonies as separate units. Counting efficiency for 2-mm colonies, at optimal resolution, decreased from 98 to 85% when colony density increased from 1 to 10 microorganisms cm-2, in contrast to an efficiency decrease from 90 to 45% for 5-mm colonies. No statistically significant difference (alpha = 0.05) between experimental and theoretical results was found when colony shape was used to estimate the number of individual colonies in a CFU. Experimental colony counts were 1.2 times simulation estimates when colony shape was not considered, because of nonuniformity of actual colony size and the better discrimination ability of the human eye relative to the model. Colony surface densities associated with high counting accuracy were compared with recommended upper plate count limits and found to depend on colony size and an observation system's ability to identify overlapped colonies. Correction factors were developed to estimate the actual number of collected microorganisms from observed colony counts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aerosols↗

Synthesis of 2-deoxy-D-galactose containing gangliosides in vivo.

Incorporation of 2-deoxy-D-galactose into the oligosaccharide moieties of different gangliosides of rat liver was examined. After intraperitoneal administration of 2-deoxy-D-galactose it was shown by GLC/MS analysis that this hexose analogue is metabolized and incorporated into all the gangliosides investigated, and predominantly into GM3 and GD3. In both of these gangliosides, 25-55% of the galactose residues were substituted by 2-deoxy-D-galactose. The epimer, 2-deoxy-D-glucose, was not detectable.

Animals↗

Single injection of pentobarbital induces long-lasting effects on ANP synthesis and gene expression in the rat atria.

To define the long-term effects of pentobarbital sodium on the plasma and atrial atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) system, experiments were performed in female Sprague-Dawley rats. The plasma levels of immunoreactive (ir) ANP showed chronic as well as acute response to pentobarbital sodium administration. A single dose (30 mg/kg, i.p.) of pentobarbital sodium resulted in a suppression in the plasma levels of irANP up to 1 week of administration. The suppressive effect on plasma irANP concentrations was dose-dependent. Right but not left atrial contents of irANP increased by an administration of pentobarbital sodium up to 4 weeks. ANP mRNA contents of the atrial exposed to pentobarbital sodium began to increase after 2 days, reached to the peak after 2 weeks, and began to return to control values after 6 weeks. Surgical stress accentuated these patterns of plasma and atrial ANP responses to pentobarbital sodium treatment. The present data, therefore, suggest that even a single anesthetic dose of pentobarbital could elicit long-lasting profound changes in ANP system, i.e., changes in gene expression, synthesis and the secretion of ANP.

Animals↗

Immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptides in the oocyte.

1. The presence and partial characterization of immunoreactive ANP (irANP) in eggs were investigated using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), immunohistochemistry and Northern-blot hybridization in mammalian and nonmammalian vertebrates. 2. Serial dilution curves of egg extracts from frogs and freshwater teleostean fishes (silver crusian carp and loach) were parallel to the standard curve of atriopeptin III. Rat oocytes also contained irANP (25-30 pg/egg). 3. The HPLC profile of irANP showed two main peaks corresponding to low and high molecular weight of irANP. 4. ANP mRNA was detected in the fish eggs. With immunohistochemical analysis of the rat ovarian follicles, this ANP-like material was localized mainly at the oocytes. 5. We, therefore, suggest that the vertebrate oocytes synthesize ANP and that the presence of ANP in the oocytes may be linked with the cell differentiation.

Animals↗

Extracellular fluid translocation in perfused rabbit atria: implication in control of atrial natriuretic peptide secretion.

1. Transmural transport of 22Na+, 51Cr-EDTA, [3H]inulin and [14C]Dextran (57 kDa) was measured in perfused rabbit atria. The radiolabelled extracellular space (ECS) markers and [14C]Dextran were introduced into the pericardial space or atrial lumen. Atrial volume changes were induced by steps up and down in atrial pressure. 2. Basal rates of transmural transport of radiolabelled ECS markers across the atrial wall were relatively stable up to 70 min. Atrial stretch and release resulted in a rapid but transient, and reversible increase in the ECS fluid (ECF) translocation. The increased translocation of the ECF into the atrial lumen occurred within 15 s of the reduction of atrial distension and returned to the baseline level within 60 s. 3. Transmural transport of [3H]inulin across the atrial wall was bidirectional. 4. The clearance of radiolabelled ECS markers was molecular-size dependent. The transmural clearance of [3H]inulin was dependent on the distension-reduction volume changes induced by atrial stretch and release. Little transport of [14C]Dextran across the atrial wall was observed. 5. The ECF translocation across the atrial wall was not influenced by changes in external Ca2+ but was suppressed by low temperature. 6. Dynamic changes in the ECS of the atrium were observed in response to atrial distension and reduction. The ECS of the atrium increased on distension and decreased on reduction of atrial distension. 7. Reduction in atrial distension resulted in an increase in the secretion of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) which coincided with an increase in the translocation of the ECF. The secretion of immunoreactive ANP was a function of the translocation of the ECF. 8. It is suggested that atrial stretch and release may play a role in driving fluid flow within the interstitium and fluid translocation out of the interstitium. This fluid movement presumably leads to convective transport of released ANP into the atrial lumen.

Animals↗

Presence and release of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide in granulosa cells of the pig ovarian follicle.

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) has been reported to be locally synthesized in the ovary although its physiological roles are still unknown. To define the origin of ovarian ANP, we demonstrated the presence and release of immunoreactive (ir) ANP in pig granulosa cells and characterized its biochemical properties. Serial dilution curves made with the extracts of pig granulosa cells, their perfusates and follicular fluid were paralleled to the standard curve of ANP. The amount of irANP in the granulosa cell was 2 fg/cell. The total amount of irANP in granulosa cells significantly correlated with the levels of irANP in follicular fluid. Additionally, the total content of irANP in the follicle negatively correlated with the follicular size. On reverse phase HPLC, the major form of irANP in granulosa cells and follicular fluid was high molecular weight but that in perfusate was low molecular weight. In Northern blot analysis, ANP mRNA was detected in the pig granulosa cells. Immunohistochemistry showed ANP prohormone location in granulosa cells of rat ovary. These data strongly suggest that the granulosa cells synthesize and secrete ANP.

Animals↗

Frog lymph heart synthesizes and stores immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide.

The presence of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide (irANP) and ANP gene expression in the frog lymph heart was examined by a radioimmunoassay (RIA) combined with HPLC and by Northern blot hybridization of total RNA. Serial dilution curve of the lymph heart extract was paralleled with the RIA standard curve. The lymph heart contained 153.32 +/- 35.80 pg of irANP/mg of wet tissue. The major form of irANP in the frog lymph heart was high molecular weight on reverse-phase and gel permeation high performance liquid chromatography as in the frog atria and ventricles. The frog lymph heart, as well as frog atria and ventricles, was shown to express mRNA coding for ANP. Dense core secretory granules similar to those observed in the mammalian atria were also found in the frog lymph heart. The presence of irANP and the expression of ANP gene in the frog lymph heart suggest that the lymph heart may participate in the regulation of homeostasis of lymph circulation and blood volume change through the synthesis and release of ANP.

Animals↗

Ovarian atrial natriuretic peptide during the rat estrous cycle.

The changes in ovarian levels of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide (irANP) and arginine vasopressin (irAVP) were observed during the estrous cycle of rat. We also demonstrated the synthesis of ovarian ANP. In adult 4-day cycling rats, ovarian level of irANP was found to be the highest on proestrus and was to be the lowest on diestrus. Ovarian irANP level inversely correlated with ovarian level of irAVP. On reverse-phase HPLC, two distinct peaks of ovarian irANP, high and low molecular weight forms, existed in the each stage of the estrous cycle. However, no significant changes in plasma and atrial concentrations of ANP were observed during the cycle. The rat ovary contained mRNA coding for ANP. These data showing the synchronized cyclic change of ovarian irANP and irAVP with the estrous cycle suggest that the ovary locally synthesizes ANP and ovarian ANP may play regulatory roles on the follicular fluid dynamics.

Analysis of Variance↗

Identification of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide in bulbus arteriosus of freshwater teleostean fish.

1. The presence and partial characterization of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide (ir-ANP) in the bulbus arteriosus were investigated using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and radioimmunoassay (RIA) in several freshwater teleostean fish (catfish, silver crusian carp, snakehead, and rice eel). 2. The level of ir-ANP in the bulbus arteriosus was comparable with that in the atria at about 5-15 pg/mg, 6-13 pg/mg wet wt, respectively, but was 2-4-fold higher than that in the ventricles in all species observed. 3. The HPLC profile of ir-ANP showed two main peaks corresponding to low and high mol. wt rat ANPs. 4. Our results provide evidence for the presence of ir-ANP with high as well as low mol. wts in the bulbus arteriosus of freshwater teleostean fish.

Animals↗

Evidence for Hygrometric Pressurization in the Internal Gas Space of Spartina alterniflora.

Higher pressure, up to several hundred pascal relative to ambient, is generated by hygrometric pressurization within the central hollow space of the stem in Spartina alterniflora. Dilution of oxygen and nitrogen by water vapor within the plant's internal gas space results in an influx of nitrogen and oxygen from the air and a net increase in the internal gas pressure at steady state. The nature of the pressure gradient suggests that small pores exist in the plant tissues. Moreover, the compact arrangement of leaf mesophyll cells creates a high resistance for the mass flow of gases and contributes to the higher pressure within leaves. After experimentally venting the internal pressure, outside air diffused through the basal area of the adaxial side of the leaves into the internal space and elevated pressure was restored.

Journal Article↗

Sequential mechanism of atrial natriuretic peptide secretion in isolated perfused rabbit atria.

It is well known that the secretion of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is dependent on the atrial stretch. It has been claimed in this laboratory that the secretion of ANP occurs with a reduction in atrial distension. It was shown in the present experiment that the secretion of immunoreactive (ir) ANP occurs coincidently with a translocation of extracellular space marker (3-H)-inulin in the isolated perfused rabbit atria. Translocation of extracellular space fluid was observed with a reduction in atrial distension. The secretion of irANP into the atrial lumen occurs less than 15 sec of the reduction in atrial distension. It is therefore suggested that the incremental response of irANP secretion to the reduction in atrial distension is a sequential mechanism of ANP secretion, in which first is the release of ANP from the atrial myocytes into the extracellular space and then second is the translocation of ANP with extracellular space fluid into the atrial lumen with a reduction in atrial distension.

Animals↗

Parental occupational lead exposure and lead concentration of newborn cord blood.

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of parental occupational lead exposure on the lead levels of newborn cord blood in the Taipei area. From September 1984 to June 1985, 5,000 pregnant women voluntarily participated in the study at the Taipei Municipal Maternal and Child Hospital. Each woman was interviewed regarding her and her husband's occupational exposures; 2,948 successfully delivered healthy newborns, and cord blood samples were obtained using Terumo Venoject, and 242 samples were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry using an Instrumentation Laboratory 251 instrument. Nine cord blood samples were from newborns with both parents exposed, 26 samples had maternal exposure only, 105 samples had paternal exposure only, and 102 were nonexposed. The results showed that the average lead level of cord blood with both parents exposed was 8.9 +/- 2.9 micrograms%, maternal exposure 9.0 +/- 3.8 micrograms%, paternal exposure 8.3 +/- 3.4 micrograms%, and 6.9 +/- 3.2 micrograms% in the nonexposed group. There were significant differences between the nonexposed and the maternal exposure groups, and also between the nonexposed and paternal exposure groups. All 26 maternal exposures were from lead soldering operations. Multivariate analysis revealed that, after control of father's exposure status, newborn cord blood lead level increased 0.27 micrograms% for each hour the mother spent on lead soldering during a normal working day, thus suggesting that soldering during pregnancy may be hazardous to newborns. Paternal contribution to the cord blood lead levels seemed to be through either working at home with the pregnant mother also at home or bringing work clothes home for laundering.

Adolescent↗

Dose-response relation between arsenic concentration in well water and mortality from cancers and vascular diseases.

Age-adjusted mortality rates were analyzed to examine the dose-response relation between ingested arsenic levels and risk of cancers and vascular diseases among residents in the endemic area of blackfoot disease, a unique peripheral vascular disease associated with long-term exposure to high-arsenic artesian well water and confined to the southwestern coast of Taiwan. The arsenic levels in well water determined in 1964-1966 were available in 42 villages of the study area, while mortality and population data during 1973-1986 were obtained from the local household registration offices and Taiwan Provincial Department of Health. Age-adjusted mortality rates from various cancers and vascular diseases by sex were calculated using the 1976 world population as the standard population. A significant dose-response relation was observed between arsenic levels in well water and cancers of the bladder, kidney, skin, and lung in both males and females, and cancers of the prostate and liver in males. However, there was no association for cancers of the nasopharynx, esophagus, stomach, colon, and uterine cervix, and for leukemia. Arsenic levels in well water were also associated with peripheral vascular diseases and cardiovascular diseases in a dose-response pattern, but not with cerebrovascular accidents. The dual effect of arsenic on carcinogenesis and arteriosclerosis and the interrelation between these two pathogenic mechanisms deserve more intensive study.

Adolescent↗

Manganese induced parkinsonism: an outbreak due to an unrepaired ventilation control system in a ferromanganese smelter.

Several cases of parkinsonism were found in a ferromanganese smelter after the ventilation system had broken down and had not been repaired for eight months in 1985. To determine the aetiology and prevalence of parkinsonism, 132 workers were submitted to thorough medical examination and estimated air concentrations of carbon monoxide and manganese at different worksites. Only six of eight workers performing electrode fixation or welding during 1985 developed parkinsonism. They were exposed for 30 minutes each day, seven days a week, to high concentrations of air manganese (greater than 28.8 mg/m3). There was a consistent trend between the index of exposure to manganese and signs and symptoms exhibited by extrapyramidal systems. After repair of the ventilation system, the air concentration of manganese during electrode fixation and welding decreased to less than 4.4 mg/m3; furthermore, no new cases of parkinsonism have been observed. Workers with parkinsonism recovered partially after removal from original worksites and treatment with levodopa. It is concluded that the outbreak resulted from exposure to high concentrations of manganese fumes through the breakdown of the ventilation system.

Adult↗