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PubMed1983

EDTA-treated plasma in the rapid plasma reagin card test and the toluidine red unheated serum test for serodiagnosis of syphilis.

Both the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) 18-mm circle card test and the toluidine red unheated serum test (TRUST) were designed to be more rapid than the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory slide test for the serodiagnosis of syphilis. The RPR card test, although originally designed as the teardrop card test for use with plasma, has received recognition from the Centers for Disease Control as a standard test for syphilis for use with serum samples only. In this study, 132 EDTA plasma-serum pairs were tested in both the RPR card test and TRUST immediately after the blood was drawn and the serum or plasma was separated from the cellular constituents of the blood. The plasma samples were further tested at 24-h intervals of storage at 25 and 4 degrees C for 72 h. Special attention was paid to any increase in roughness in nonreactive specimens. The greatest increase in roughness (16.7%) was seen with the TRUST after 72 h at 25 degrees C. An additional 174 plasma-serum pairs were tested after 18 h of storage at 25 degrees C. Comparisons of the results of the 306 serum specimens with their corresponding plasma pairs gave 99.0% qualitative agreement for both tests. Quantitative agreement +/- 1 dilution between serum-plasma pairs tested within 18 h was 92.1% (35 of 38) for the RPR card test and 94.1% (32 of 34) for the TRUST. Our results with plasma from blood drawn with EDTA as the anticoagulant were comparable with results with serum specimens for both tests when plasma specimens were tested within 18 to 24 h.

Antibodies↗
PubMed1977

Factor VIII deficient plasma for laboratory tests prepared from normal plasma and a human antibody.

Plasma from a patient factor VIII inhibitor was mixed at several low concentrations with fresh normal plasma. The factor VIII deficient plasmas obtained after a short incubation period were used as substrate plasmas in the normal one-stage factor VIII assay method. Results obtained using 0.5-1% of the inhibitor plasma in normal plasma compared favourably with those obtained using normal haemophilia A factor VIII deficient plasma provided that tests were carried out without delay. A single plasma exchange of this patient provided enough antibody to prepare more than 500 litres of factor VIII deficient plasma by simple mixing with fresh normal plasma.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Plasma lactate recovery from maximal exercise with correction for variations in plasma volume.

BACKGROUND: To compare plasma lactate concentrations and plasma lactate kinetics during recovery, for measured and corrected values for changes in plasma volume, after a maximal aerobic exercise. METHODS: Sixteen male subjects performed an incremental and maximal exercise in order to reach maximal aerobic power. Prior to the exercise, at the end and during recovery (2, 5, 12 and 30 min), blood samples were collected through an antecubital catheter. Samples were analysed for lactate, hematocrit and hemoglobin in order to calculate changes in plasma volume. Plasma lactate concentrations ([La]p) were corrected for changes in plasma volume. Plasma lactate kinetics was estimated through the ratio between [La]p after 5 min recovery minus [La]p after 30 min to time (25 min) and expressed in percentage per minute. RESULTS: Maximal changes in plasma volume (-19.7 +/- 3.8%) were correlated to maximal measured [La]p (r=0.66, p<0.01). Maximal measured [La]p values (14.9 +/- 2.6 mmol x l-1) were 17.3% higher (p<0.001) than corrected values (12.7 +/-2.0 mmol x l-1). The kinetics of [La]p decrease was significantly higher (p<0.001) for measured values (2.38 +/- 0.29 % x min-1) than for corrected values (2.22 +/- 0.33 % x min-1). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that changes in plasma volume must be taken into account when peak postexercise plasma lactate concentration or lactate recovery curves are analysed.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Defects in leukocyte-mediated initiation of lipid peroxidation in plasma as studied in myeloperoxidase-deficient subjects: systematic identification of multiple endogenous diffusible substrates for myeloperoxidase in plasma.

More than a decade ago it was demonstrated that neutrophil activation in plasma results in the time-dependent formation of lipid hydroperoxides through an unknown, ascorbate-sensitive pathway. It is now shown that the mechanism involves myeloperoxidase (MPO)-dependent use of multiple low-molecular-weight substrates in plasma, generating diffusible oxidant species. Addition of activated human neutrophils (from healthy subjects) to plasma (50%, vol/vol) resulted in the peroxidation of endogenous plasma lipids by catalase-, heme poison-, and ascorbate-sensitive pathways, as assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with on-line electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric analysis of free and lipid-bound 9-HETE and 9-HODE. In marked contrast, neutrophils isolated from multiple subjects with MPO deficiency failed to initiate peroxidation of plasma lipids, but they did so after supplementation with isolated human MPO. MPO-dependent use of a low-molecular-weight substrate(s) in plasma for initiating lipid peroxidation was illustrated by demonstrating that the filtrate of plasma (10-kd MWt cutoff) could supply components required for low-density lipoprotein lipid peroxidation in the presence of MPO and H(2)O(2). Subsequent HPLC fractionation of plasma filtrate (10-kd MWt cutoff) by sequential column chromatography identified nitrite, tyrosine, and thiocyanate as major endogenous substrates and 17 beta-estradiol as a novel minor endogenous substrate in plasma for MPO in promoting peroxidation of plasma lipids. These results strongly suggest that the MPO-H(2)O(2) system of human leukocytes serves as a physiological mechanism for initiating lipid peroxidation in vivo.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed2000

Comparison of fresh frozen plasma with a standardized serum protein solution following therapeutic plasma exchange in patients with autoimmune disease: a prospective controlled clinical trial.

The aim of the study was the comparison of the influence of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) (Freiburg, Germany) and Biseko, Biotest Pharma GmbH (Dreieich, Germany), as a plasma substitute (a standardized, virus inactivated human serum protein solution) on the coagulation factors, inhibitors, proteins, and complement factors in the plasma of autoimmune disease patients following membrane plasma separation. Patients (n = 24) with autoimmune disease were randomized to receive either FFP or Biseko for membrane plasma separation therapy. During each plasma exchange, 100% of the plasma volume was replaced by the respective substitute. Plasma exchange volume was performed once daily for 3 days. Target test parameters of the coagulation system were fibrinogen, fibrinopeptide A, factor VIII (FVIIIC), von Willebrand factor antigen (vWFAg), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), thromboplastin time (Quick value), and antithrombin (AT III). The immunoglobulins were IgG, IgA, and IgM and C-reactive protein (CRP). The thrombocytes were platelet factor 4 (PF4), and complement factors were C3 and C4. Biseko was well tolerated with 1 mild adverse drug reaction (ADR) (n = 1) while FFP gave rise to ADR on 7 occasions (n = 4). Statistically significant differences in the 2 groups were observed for fibrinogen, PTT, Quick value, and AT III. From the clinical point of view, all fluctuations and differences in parameter levels remained clinically silent. The differences had no clinical consequences. Reflecting on a potential decrease in the risk of infections in comparison to FFP therapy and the lower rate of adverse drug reactions, it is possible to postulate an advantage of Biseko for plasma exchange therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Effects of replacement fluids on plasma viscosity used for therapeutic plasma exchange.

Plasmapheresis is a widely used alternative treatment for several diseases. Recently, synthetic plasma expanders have been used to reduce the cost of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is a polysaccharide colloid. Isohes and Varihes are plasma volume expanders containing 6% HES in 0.9% NaCl solution. In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of several replacement fluids used for TPE on plasma viscosity profile. At the same time, we evaluated the correlation between plasma viscosity and fibrinogen level. Twenty-nine patients were enrolled for this study. Patients were divided into four groups based on replacement fluids used: 3% HES + 4% albumin (group 1), FFP (group 2), 3% Varihes (450000/ 0.7)/Isohes(200000/0.5) (group 3), and 4% albumin (group 4). The choice of replacement fluids used was randomly assigned, as long as there were no contraindications for the patient. Seven samples were collected to determine plasma viscosity and fibrinogen level during TPE cycles. There was a positive exponential correlation between plasma viscosity and fibrinogen levels. At the second plasmapheresis procedure, plasma viscosity and fibrinogen levels decreased by 20% compared with first cycle. The effect of plasmapheresis solutions on hemorheology were roughly the same. Effects of replacement fluids on plasma viscosity were comparable.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Plasma methylmalonic acid in relation to serum cobalamin and plasma homocysteine in a psychogeriatric population and the effect of cobalamin treatment.

Cobalamin deficiency seems to be a relatively common condition in psychogeriatric patients. To elucidate the diagnostic possibility of cobalamin deficiency we have in this study analysed three markers for cobalamin deficiency, plasma methylmalonic acid, plasma homocysteine and serum cobalamin, in 96 psychogeriatric patients. Patients were divided into four groups according to serum cobalamins above or below 150 pmol/l and normal (< 19.9 mumol/l) or increased plasma homocysteine. The upper reference limit (95th percentile) for plasma methylmalonic acid in 100 healthy subjects was established to 0.42 mumol/l. The mean value of methylmalonic acid was increased only in the group of patients with serum cobalamin below 150 pmol/l and increased plasma homocysteine compared to the other groups. In this group six (46%) out of 13 patients exhibited increased plasma methylmalonic acid, whereas in the other groups the frequency of increased plasma methylmalonic acid only varied from 10 to 13%. During cobalamin supplementation the most pronounced decrease of plasma methylmalonic acid also occurred in the group of patients with low serum cobalamin levels and increased plasma homocysteine. Only 39% of the initial mean value for plasma methylmalonic acid was noted after 7-10 days of cobalamin administration.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Relationships of plasma leptin levels to changes in plasma free fatty acids in women who are lean and women who are abdominally obese.

Regulation of leptin production by the hormonal and metabolic milieu is poorly understood. Because abdominal obesity is commonly associated with elevated plasma free fatty acid (FFA) flux, we examined the effects of augmenting FFA on plasma leptin levels in women who were lean and of suppressing FFA in women with abdominal obesity. In study 1, nine subjects who were lean, after a 12-hour overnight fast, received either intravenous saline or Intralipid plus heparin to increase the plasma FFA concentration to approximately 1000 mumol/ L. After 3 hours of additional fasting, subjects underwent 3-hour hyperglycemic clamps. In study 2, seven subjects with abdominal obesity were evaluated by a similar protocol, but lipolysis and plasma FFA flux were instead maximally suppressed by acipimox. In the individuals who were lean, leptin levels were unchanged during clamping. Increasing plasma FFA reduced plasma leptin from 7.66 +/- 0.66 to 7.05 +/- 0.66 (p = 0.03), but 3 hours of hyperglycemia plus hyperinsulinemia had no additional effect on leptin levels (7.15 +/- 0.71). Basal leptin levels, 4-fold higher in the subjects with obesity, were reduced from 34.6 +/- 2.4 micrograms/L to 32.3 +/- 1.1 micrograms/L (p = 0.004) during the clamp period. When plasma FFA flux was suppressed, however, plasma leptin levels after clamped hyperglycemia/hyperinsulinemia were increased to 38.9 +/- 1.2 micrograms/L (p = 0.014 vs. time 0 and 0.001 vs. saline protocol). Changes in leptin concentrations are not correlated with changes in FFA. These results suggest that plasma FFA concentration does not regulate plasma leptin levels in basal, extended fasting, or hyperglycemic/hyperinsulinemic states.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1995

Lipid apheresis: an in vivo application of plasma delipidation with organic solvents resulting in acute transient reduction of circulating plasma lipids in animals.

Despite primary and secondary prevention of coronary disease with lowering plasma cholesterol by diet and drug therapy, coronary heart disease remains the major cause of death in Western countries. Low density lipoprotein apheresis had the potential to make a significant impact as it acutely leads to a marked reduction in plasma cholesterol. However, recent preliminary results suggest that low density lipoprotein apheresis may not be more effective in preventing progression of coronary disease than current drug therapy. We have devised a new technique, termed lipid apheresis, which removes cholesterol and triglycerides from plasma but retains the apolipoproteins. This procedure shows great promise in stimulating regression beyond current therapy. Lipid apheresis, a new extracorporeal procedure based on plasma delipidation with the organic solvent mixture butanol-diisopropyl ether, was applied to hypercholesterolemic and normocholesterolemic roosters. Approximately 25% of the calculated blood volume was removed from the animals. The plasma was separated from the blood cells. The plasma was delipidated for 20 min with the organic solvent mixture. The delipidated plasma containing all proteins, including the apolipoproteins and other ionic constituents, was remixed with the blood cells and infused back into the identical donor animals. Analyses of serial blood samples collected from lipid apheresed and sham treated animals up to 16 h after infusion revealed that lipid apheresis caused acute, marked reductions in plasma lipids. The pattern and extent of the plasma levels of cholesterol were different in the hypercholesterolemic animals when compared with normocholesterolemic animals, indicating that a readily extraplasma cholesterol pool in the hypercholesterolemic animals was rapidly mobilized into the plasma pool.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1976

In vitro studies on the way in which the activation of factor VIII is affected in mixtures of plasma with hemophilia A plasma.

Factor VIII exchange test experiments with hemophilia A plasmas were performed to find out how the results were affected by submitting plasmas and plasma mixtures to different incubation periods at 37 degrees C, heat precipitation, and ether extraction. The experiments led to the following results: 1. In plasma mixtures, frequently higher factor VIII activities are found than can be expected from the single activities of the used plasmas. Activity increases are factor-specific. 2. The component to be activated is in the hemophilic plasma; the activity-increasing agent is in the normal plasma. These results lead to the hypothesis that hemophilia A patients have sufficient quantities of inactive factor VIII, but it stays inactive for lack of the necessary activator. In normal plasma the activator is in balance or surplus to the inactive factor. By adding normal plasma, thus supplying free activator, the inactive factor VIII of hemophilia A plasma can, under suitable conditions, be developed into active factor VIII.

Blood Coagulation Factors↗
PubMed1984

Distribution of antithrombin III and glucosylceramide in human plasma lipoproteins and lipoprotein deficient plasma.

We have investigated the distribution of antithrombin-III and glucosylceramide (Glc-Cer) in human plasma, plasma lipoproteins and lipoprotein-deficient plasma. Antithrombin III activity was measured employing immunochemical and biological assays. Glc-Cer was quantified by gas liquid chromatography (GLC). Whole plasma contained 145 micrograms antithrombin III/ml plasma, all of which was associated with the lipoprotein-deficient plasma (d greater than 1.25 g/ml). Whereas, most if not all the plasma GlcCer was associated with plasma low density lipoproteins (LDL) (d-1.022-1.055 g/ml) and high density lipoproteins (HDL) (d-1.063-1.25). GlcCer was not found in the lipoprotein-deficient plasma. We conclude that GlcCer on lipoproteins does not contribute to antithrombin III activity. Moreover, the absence of GlcCer in lipoprotein-deficient plasma does not impair antithrombin-III activity.

Antithrombin III↗
PubMed2003

FA composition of cholesteryl esters and phospholipids in maternal plasma during pregnancy and at delivery and in cord plasma at birth.

The purpose of this study was to assess the FA composition of both cholesteryl esters (CE) and phospholipids (PL) in maternal plasma during pregnancy and at delivery and in umbilical plasma at birth. A longitudinal study of 32 normal pregnant women was carried out with three cutoff points during pregnancy (first, second, and third trimester) and at delivery. Few significant differences occurred in the FA profile of maternal CE: 18:1n-9 increased, 18:2n-6 dropped slightly, and 18:3n-3 decreased with progressing gestation. In maternal PL, long-chain highly unsaturated FA concentrations dropped and were replaced by saturated FA as gestation progressed. Additionally, changes in saturated FA in PL occurred: Shorter-chain 16:0 was higher whereas longer-chain 18:0 was lower at delivery compared to early pregnancy. The FA profile of umbilical venous plasma was strikingly different from that of maternal plasma at delivery. Cord plasma CE contained more saturated and monounsaturated FA than maternal CE. The polyunsaturates 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3 are lower in umbilical CE than in maternal CE whereas 20:4n-6 and 22:6n-3 are twice as high in umbilical CE. Cord plasma PL have a higher content of long-chain highly unsaturated FA than maternal plasma PL at delivery. In contrast to maternal plasma PL, 16:0 was lower and longer-chain saturated FA were higher in cord plasma PL. The FA profile of umbilical plasma at birth shows preferential accumulation of 20:4n-6 and 22:6n-3, with low concentrations of 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3 in CE and PL, indicating a preferential supply of the fetus with long-chain highly unsaturated FA needed for fetal development.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Plasma phospholipid mass transfer rate: relationship to plasma phospholipid and cholesteryl ester transfer activities and lipid parameters.

Human plasma phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) has been shown to facilitate the transfer of phospholipid from liposomes or isolated very low and low density lipoproteins to high density lipoproteins. Its activity in plasma and its physiological function are presently unknown. To elucidate the role of PLTP in lipoprotein metabolism and to delineate factors that may affect the rate of phospholipid transfer between lipoproteins, we determined the plasma phospholipid mass transfer rate (PLTR) in 16 healthy adult volunteers and assessed its relationship to plasma lipid levels, and to phospholipid transfer activity (PLTA) and cholesteryl ester transfer activity (CETA) measured by radioassays. The plasma PLTR in these subjects was 27.2 +/- 11.8 nmol/ml per h at 37 degrees C (mean +/- S.D.), and their PLTA and CETA were 13.0 +/- 1.7 mumol/ml per h and 72.8 +/- 15.7 nmol/ml per h, respectively. Plasma PLTR was correlated directly with total, non-HDL, and HDL triglyceride (rs = 0.76, P < 0.001), total and non-HDL phospholipid (rs > 0.53, P < 0.05), and inversely with HDL free cholesterol (rs = -0.54, P < 0.05), but not with plasma PLTA and CETA. When 85% to 96% of the PLTA in plasma was removed by polyclonal antibodies against recombinant human PLTP, phospholipid mass transfer from VLDL and LDL to HDL was reduced by 50% to 72%, but 80% to 100% of CETA could still be detected. These studies demonstrate that PLTP plays a major role in facilitating the transfer of phospholipid between lipoproteins, and suggest that triglyceride is a significant modulator of intravascular phospholipid transport. Furthermore, most of the PLTP and CETP in human plasma is associated with different particles. Plasma PLTA and CETA were also measured in mouse, rat, hamster, guinea pig, rabbit, dog, pig, and monkey. Compared to human, PLTA in rat and mouse was significantly higher and in rabbit and guinea pig was significantly lower while the remaining animal species had PLTA similar to humans. No correlation between PLTA and CETA was observed among animal species.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Difference in hepatic uptake of tetra- and di-bromosulfophthalein in rat. Role of hydrophobicity, binding to plasma proteins and affinity for plasma membrane carrier protein.

The relative role of hydrophobicity, binding to plasma proteins and affinity for one of the plasma membrane transport proteins in the hepatic uptake of 3,4,5,6-tetra- (BSP) and 3,6-di- (DBSP) bromosulfophthalein was investigated in the rat. In terms of physicochemical characteristics, the two molecules show different pKa values and degrees of hydrophobicity, as determined from the n-octanol:water partition coefficient. In the intact animal, the plasma clearance and the plasma removal rate after a dose of 1.5 mumol/kg i.v. were significantly (P < 0.001) faster for BSP than DBSP, while no difference was found in the plasma distribution volume. The dissociation constant (Kd) of the high affinity binding sites of plasma proteins also differed for the two anions, being significantly lower for BSP than DBSP (0.95 +/- 0.02 vs 1.44 +/- 0.14 microM, P < 0.001). [35S]BSP uptake by liver plasma membrane vesicles was saturable with an apparent Km of 5.20 +/- 0.80 microM, and was competitively inhibited by DBSP (Ki 18.2 +/- 1.2 microM) indicating a common uptake system. The Kd value for binding of the organic anions to purified bilitranslocase, a plasma membrane protein involved in the electrogenic transport of pthaleins, was also significantly lower for BSP than DBSP (1.10 +/- 0.12 vs 3.02 +/- 0.27 microM, N = 3, P < 0.001), indicating a higher affinity of the former ligand for the carrier protein. No difference was observed in the capacity of the high affinity binding sites (32 +/- 3 vs 33 +/- 3 nmol/mg protein, BSP and DBSP, respectively). These data indicate that BSP and DBSP are two different cholephilic organic anions which share a common uptake mechanism, at least partly mediated by bilitranslocase. The greater affinity of BSP than DBSP for the carrier protein may account for the faster plasma disappearance rate of BSP observed in vivo, in spite of the higher plasma protein binding.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Lower plasma CC16, a natural anti-inflammatory protein, and increased plasma interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in schizophrenia: effects of antipsychotic drugs.

Recently, it was suggested that in vivo activation of the monocytic and T-lymphocytic arms of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) may occur in schizophrenia and that antipsychotic drugs may modify CMI. The aim of the present study was to examine plasma soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), soluble suppressor/cytotoxic antigen (sCD8), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), and Clara cell protein (CC16) concentrations in normal controls, nonmedicated schizophrenic patients, and schizophrenic patients treated with risperidone or loxapine. Plasma concentrations of IL-1RA were significantly higher in nonmedicated schizophrenic patients than in normal controls. Plasma CC16 was significantly lower in nonmedicated and loxapine-treated schizophrenic patients than in normal controls, whereas risperidone-treated patients had plasma CC16 levels which were not significantly different from normal controls. Plasma CC16 levels were significantly and positively related to age at onset of schizophrenia. Plasma sIL-2R was significantly higher in schizophrenic patients who were treated with risperidone than in normal controls and nonmedicated schizophrenic patients. The results show that (i) schizophrenia is accompanied by an activation of the monocytic arm of CMI (i.e., increased plasma IL-1RA) and lower plasma levels of a natural anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agent, i.e. CC16, and that the latter may constitute a trait market of schizophrenia; and that (ii) chronic treatment with atypical antipsychotic agents, i.e., risperidone, may normalize lower plasma CC16 and increase plasma sIL-2R.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Plasma Fas ligand, an inducer of apoptosis, and plasma soluble Fas, an inhibitor of apoptosis, in patients with chronic congestive heart failure.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to examine plasma levels of soluble Fas/APO-1 receptor (sFas), an inhibitor of apoptosis, and soluble Fas ligand (sFas-L), an inducer of apoptosis, and their relation to each other and to other clinical variables, such as New York Heart Association functional class, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in congestive heart failure (CHF). BACKGROUND: It has been recently reported that apoptotic cell death occurs in myocytes of dogs with CHF. Hypoxia is frequently seen in advanced CHF and can stimulate Fas/APO-1 receptors (Fas) to induce apoptosis in cultured myocytes. Fas and Fas ligand (Fas-L) are cell-surface proteins and representative apoptosis-signaling molecules. Fas on the cell membrane induces apoptosis when it binds Fas-L or sFas-L. However, plasma sFas, a molecule lacking the transmembrane domain of Fas, blocks apoptosis by inhibiting binding between Fas and Fas-L or sFas-L on the cell membrane. At present, it is unknown whether plasma sFas-L and plasma sFas increase in the presence of cardiac disease. METHODS: The study included 70 patients (mean [+/-SEM] age 65 +/- 2 years, range 21 to 93) with chronic CHF (coronary artery disease in 28, dilated cardiomyopathy in 27, valvular heart disease in 15) and 62 age- and gender-matched normal control subjects. Plasma levels of sFas, sFas-L, TNF-alpha and IL-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays using monoclonal anti-human antibodies. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in sFas-L levels between normal subjects and patients in functional classes I to IV; however, sFas increased with severity of functional classification, independent of the underlying disease. sFas levels were significantly higher even in patients in functional class II than in normal subjects and those in functional class I, and were highest in patients in functional class IV (normal subjects; 2.2 +/- 0.1 ng/ml; functional class I: 2.2 +/- 0.2 ng/ml; functional class II: 3.1 +/- 0.2 ng/ml; functional class III: 3.9 +/- 0.3 ng/ml; functional class IV: 5.1 +/- 0.6 ng/ml). Plasma sFas levels were significantly higher in patients with elevated pulmonary artery wedge pressure and a decresed cardiac index than in those with values in the normal range. In patients in functional class IV, there was no significant difference in plasma sFas levels between the survivors and non-survivors during 6-month follow-up. However, plasma levels of sFas tended to decrease in nine patients with clinical improvement (baseline sFas: 5.2 +/- 0.8 ng/ml; 6-month sFas: 4.3 +/- 0.5 ng/ml, p = 0.07) but were similar in patients with no change in functional class. TNF-alpha and IL-6 were increased significantly only in patients in functional class IV, as previously reported, but were not related to sFas. CONCLUSIONS: We found elevated levels of plasma sFas and no increase in plasma sFas-L in human CHF. The increase in sFas may play an important role in the pathophysiologic mechanisms of CHF.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Bovine oocyte plasma membrane binding sites for sperm plasma membrane during in vitro oocyte maturation and fertilisation.

The experimental objective was to determine whether the capability of bovine oocyte plasma membrane to bind sperm changes during in vitro oocyte maturation and fertilisation. Binding was quantified by the intensity of tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate (TRITC) fluorescence at the periphery of oocytes following incubation with biotinylated sperm plasma membrane proteins and subsequent incubation with TRITC-avidin. Bovine oocytes were matured in vitro. Sample groups were removed after 0,6 and 22 h, or inseminated and further cultured for 24 or 48 h. Oocytes were denuded of cumulus cells and zona pellucida and co-incubated with 56 micrograms biotinylated bovine sperm plasma membrane protein for 45 min in 150 microliters drops of saline-BSA. Controls were incubated for the same time period in the absence of sperm plasma membrane proteins. All oocytes were rinsed, incubated with TRITC-avidin and subsequently fixed and transferred to mounting medium. Oocytes were scanned with a confocal microscope and analysed using ImageQuant software. The binding of sperm plasma membrane was quantified by integrated fluorescent intensity in standardised ellipses spaced around the plasma membrane of the oocyte. Values are expressed as mean intensity units per 320 pixel ellipse. Binding of sperm plasma membrane continued to increase throughout in vitro oocyte maturation and fertilisation (9051, 24318 and 49953 for 0 and 22 h in vitro matured oocytes and fertilised oocytes, respectively; p = 0.0001). A dramatic decrease in sperm plasma membrane binding to the oocyte plasma membrane was observed in 2-cell embryos (mean intensity = 24477, p = 0.0001). The observed binding was primarily due to the binding of sperm plasma membrane proteins, as control oocytes incubated with TRITC-avidin only were barely visible (integrated fluorescence intensity values ranged from 8 to 3757.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Membrane processes for plasma separation and plasma fractionation: guiding principles for clinical use.

The use of membranes in blood processing range from the use of large-pore structures for filtration of blood for the removal of large particles (>20 microm transfusion filters) to membranes for the dialysis of blood for the removal of low molecular weight solutes in the treatment of renal failure. Within the past 20 years, membranes have been applied in the separation of plasma from whole blood. Compared to centrifugal plasma separation membrane, plasma separation is preferred when used with online plasma fractionation since the plasma is free of cells. In addition, membranes have also been applied in the online treatment of plasma for the selective removal of macromolecules in selected disease states obviating the need for plasma replacement products. The membranes used for plasma separation and fractionation may be distinguished from conventional dialysis membranes and high-flux membranes used in hemofiltration by their very high or select passage of plasma proteins. Membrane techniques are simple and safe to apply and can be competitive to other plasma separation and treatment technologies.

Blood Component Removal↗