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At least 721 records · Page 40Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

[Comparison of long-term prognosis between medical therapy PTCA and CABG for multiple coronary vessel disease].

Left main trunk disease is mainly treated by CABG, on the other hand, single vessel disease is applied by Simple Medical or PTCA. These concept is widely accepted, but, there were controversies about the treatment for multiple vessel disease. The purpose of this study was to clarify the long-term prognosis of different therapeutic means for multiple vessel diseases. In our center, 3635 consecutive initial coronary angiography were done from September 1977 to December 1989. Of those, 1190 patients of multiple vessel diseases excluding those with left main trunk lesion, previous re-vascularization or acute myocardial infarction were served for this study. Double vessel disease (DVD) was 727 patients, Triple vessel disease (TVD) was 455 patients. We divided these patients into three groups according to their initial therapy. A retrospective analysis was carried out on the follow-up patients from survival rate, cardiac death free rate and cardiac event free survival rate. The cardiac death were due to acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure and sudden death. The cardiac event including all death, acute myocardial infarction, PTCA and CABG. The statistical analysis was done by Kaplan-Meier and Cox Proportional Hazard Model. The survival rate in DVD and TVD, Medical was significantly lower than other groups. Survival curves of CABG and PTCA was quite similar. The survival rate at 5 years was 85 (M), 89 (C) and 89% (P), and at 10 years 67,78 and 76%, respectively in DVD, and the survival rate at 5 years was 57,91 and 90%, and at 10-years, 57,77 and 78%, respectively. The cardiac death free rate in DVD and TVD showed same tendency. The cardiac event free survival in DVD, PTCA was significantly lower than other groups. This result was derived from high incidence of re-stenosis after PTCA. The cardiac event free survival rate were at 5 years 79 (M), 86 (C) and 58% (P) and at 10 years 50, 58 and 30%, respectively. In TVD, CABG was significantly higher than other groups. The cardiac event free survival rate were at 5 years 72, 86 and 63% and 10 years 42,64 and 39%, respectively. In Summary, the survival rate and cardiac death free rate of Medical were significantly lower than those of CABG and PTCA. There were no significant differences between CABG and PTCA on the survival rate and cardiac death free rate. The cardiac event free survival rate of CABG was significantly higher than that of PTCA and Medical. In multiple vessel disease, CABG will bring the best long term prognosis. Even though the cardiac events were most frequent in PTCA, it's survival rate was quite similar to CABG. So, PTCA must be thought the second best method of the therapy of multiple vessel disease.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗
PubMed1996

Quantitation and physiological characterization of angiogenic vessels in mice: effect of basic fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor/vascular permeability factor, and host microenvironment.

A prerequisite for the development of novel angiogenic and anti-angiogenic agents is the availability of routine in vivo assays that permit 1) repeated, long-term quantitation of angiogenesis and 2) physiological characterization of angiogenic vessels. We report here the development of such an assay in mice. Using this assay, we tested the hypothesis that the physiological properties of angiogenic vessels governed by the microenvironment and vessel origin rather than the initial angiogenic stimulus. Gels containing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or vascular endothelial growth (VEGF) were implanted in transparent windows in the dorsal skin or cranium of mice. Vessels could be continuously and non-invasively monitored and easily quantified for more than 5 weeks after gel implantation. Newly formed vessels were first visible on day 4 in the cranial window and day 10 in the dorsal skinfold chamber, respectively. The number of vessels was dependent on the dose of bFGF and VEGF. At 3000 ng/ml, bFGF- and VEGF-induced blood vessels had similar diameters, red blood cell velocities, and microvascular permeability to albumin. However, red blood cell velocities and microvascular permeability to albumin were higher in the cranial window than in the dorsal skinfold chamber. Leukocyte-endothelial interaction was nearly zero in both sites. Thus, newly grown microvessels resembled vessels of granulation and neoplastic tissue in many aspects. Their physiological properties were mainly determined by the microenvironment, whereas the initial angiogenic response was stimulated by growth factors.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Port-wine stains. A disease of altered neural modulation of blood vessels?

Port-wine stains result from a progressive ectasia of the cutaneous superficial vascular plexus. One hypothesis for the pathogenesis of this lesion is an abnormal neural regulation of blood flow. Biopsy specimens of 11 port-wine stains, seven hemangiomas, and 17 benign lesions were stained for S100 protein using immunoperoxidase techniques. All specimens were of facial biopsies or excisions and were evaluated for vessels per square millimeter, nerves per square millimeter, vessel-to-nerve ratio, and frequency of vessels coursing within 0.03 mm of nerves. These variables were evaluated in the superficial 0.8 mm of dermis, a zone that includes almost all abnormal port-wine-stain vessels. Controls showed 18.3 +/- 2.8 vessels/sq mm (+/- SD), 21.1 +/- 9.2 nerves/sq mm, 0.9 +/- 0.3 vessels to nerves, and 75% +/- 11% of vessels coursing within 0.03 mm of nerves, values that did not alter with age. Port-wine stains had a significant decrease in nerve density and increase in vessel-to-nerve ratio when compared with normal skin; only 17% +/- 3% of vessels were associated with nerves in port-wine stains. These findings document a deficit in the number of perivascular nerves in port-wine stains and raise the possibility that a lack of neural modulation of vascular flow may be involved in the pathogenesis of port-wine stains.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Vessel density, proliferation, and immunolocalization of vascular endothelial growth factor in juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas.

BACKGROUND: Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a rare, highly vascularized neoplasm of the nasopharynx that affects boys and young men. The underlying dysregulated molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The participation of angiogenic growth factors has been suggested, but few studies have been published. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the expression and localization of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), proliferating cells, and vessel density in JNA. STUDY DESIGN: Immunohistochemical examination of 10 consecutive JNAs (8 primary tumors and 2 recurrent tumors). METHODS: Paraffin-embedded and cryopreserved JNA samples were included. VEGF-, CD31-, and Ki67-specific antibodies were applied and visualized using light microscopy. Vascularization was determined by counting CD31-positive vessels. Proliferating and VEGF-expressing vessels as well as stromal cells were quantified by the same method. Patients' age at the time of surgery and tumor stage were correlated with the immunohistochemical data. RESULTS: All tumors were heavily vascularized, but major differences were noted between the samples. About half of the vessels were proliferating (Ki67 positive) and half of the Ki67-positive cells were also VEGF positive. The tumor stroma was VEGF positive in 8 of 10 samples and proliferating in 5 of these 8. The 5 samples with both VEGF- and Ki67-positive stroma showed high vessel densities. No correlation was observed between age or tumor stage and vessel density, VEGF expression, or Ki67 expression. CONCLUSIONS: In JNA, VEGF is frequently expressed by stromal cells and vessels and is associated with proliferation and increased vessel density. We suggest the promotion of vascularization by VEGF, but the involvement of androgens in JNA angiogenesis still needs to be analyzed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Experimental free tissue transfer over perivascular-injured vessels: effect of in vivo freezing.

Vascular spasm of recipient vessels can increase failure rates in free tissue transfer, especially in post-traumatic perivascular-injured vessels. To investigate the effect of freezing-induced spasmolysis of recipient vessels, an experimental model of perivascular injury was developed in the rat through previous dissection of the femoral artery and epigastric vein (6 weeks before). The contralateral epigastric flap was free-transferred to healthy recipient vessels in group I, to the previously dissected vessels in group II, and to frozen-dilated perivascular-injured vessels in group III. The injured artery showed the same degree of spasm as normal arteries, while the vein showed greater spasm. Ethyl chloride reverted spasm in the injured artery and vein to the same degree as in normal vessels. Flap viability rates were 73.3% in group I, 60% in group II, and 66.7% in group III. The differences were not statistically significant. In conclusion, although further research is needed to improve the experimental model, in vivo freezing with ethyl chloride does not seem to impair free flap viability when used to treat spasm in recipient vessels.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Placental vessel morphometry in growth retardation and increased resistance of the umbilical artery Doppler flow.

OBJECTIVES: To study the tertiary-stem villi vessel lumen and wall thickness of placenta in pregnancy complicated with placental insufficiency and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), its correlation with the umbilical artery Doppler flow study, and compare with normal and non-IUGR pregnancies. METHODS: Placentas from 45 deliveries (between 28 and 38 weeks) were collected for morphometric study of the tertiary-stem villi vessels. Each pregnancy had clinical suspicion of IUGR and was confirmed by serial ultrasound biometry, HC/AC ratio, and had abnormal umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry (RI). Each placenta was weighed after trimming of the membrane and the cord. Sections of the placenta (4 micron) were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff reagents. Tertiary-stem villi vessels were identified under a microscope (x40) and morphometric study was performed. Inner and outer circumferences (2.pi.r) were measured, radii (r) were calculated, and vessel wall thickness was determined (outer r - inner r). These findings were compared with the findings from 78 placentas from normal pregnancies (between 28-40 weeks) and 27 placentas from pregnancies with medical complications without IUGR (non-IUGR) and with normal Doppler velocimetry (between 33 and 38 weeks). RESULTS: Weight of placentas were significantly (P < 0.005) lower in IUGR than the normal and non-IUGR groups. The vessel wall thickness was significantly (P < 0.0001) increased in IUGR group (mean 21.17 +/- 3.16 micron [SD]) compared to normal and non-IUGR groups (mean 13.19 +/- 1.66 micron). With advancing gestational age, the thicknesses of vessel walls in all groups were significantly (P < 0.001) decreased. There was significant (P < 0.001) decrease in lumen circumference in the IUGR group (mean 173 +/- 31 micron) compared to normal and non-IUGR groups (mean 69 +/- 23 micron). Significant (P < 0.001) correlation was observed between the thickness of a vessel wall and the increase in Doppler RI. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancies with growth retardation are associated with smaller placentas, increase in the thickness of tertiary-stem villi vessel wall, and decrease in lumen circumference. These changes are associated with an increase in the resistance index of the umbilical artery Doppler flow velocimetry.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Systematic error associated with apparatus 2 of the USP dissolution test V: Interaction of two tableted prednisone formulations with glass and plastic vessels.

Recently marketed glass vessels that are uniform and pass USP specifications were compared with uniform plastic vessels that also pass USP specifications. Two lots of prednisone tablets, Tablet 1 and Tablet 2, were tested in both types of vessels. Tablet 1 gave higher results (+12.7% of label claim) in glass vessels at 50 rpm but gave equivalent results in either vessel at 75 rpm. Tablet 2 gave equivalent results in either vessel at 50 rpm but gave higher results (+22% of label claim) in glass vessels at 75 rpm. The type of vessel used to obtain dissolution results for tablets should be specified.

Chemistry, Pharmaceutical↗
PubMed2001

Laser pulse impact on rat mesenteric blood vessels in relation to laser treatment of port wine stain.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of laser pulses on animal microvasculature as a model for laser treatment of port wine stains. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rat mesenteric blood vessels were irradiated with a laser pulse (585 nm, 0.2-0.6 ms pulse duration, 0.5-30 J/cm(2) radiant exposure). Video microscopy was used to assess vessel dilation, formation of intravascular thrombi, bubble formation, and vessel rupture. Changes in reflection during a laser pulse were measured by simultaneously recording the temporal behavior of the incident and reflected signals. RESULTS: A threshold radiant exposure of approximately 3 J/cm(2) was found for changes in optical properties of blood in vivo, confirming previous in vitro results. Often, laser exposure induced a significant increase in vessel diameter, up to three times the initial diameter for venules and four times for arterioles, within 200 ms after laser exposure. Arterioles were more likely to dilate than venules. Sometimes, immediately after the pulse, round structures, interpreted as being gas bubbles, were seen within the vessel lumen. CONCLUSIONS: A variety of phenomena can occur when blood vessels of sizes comparable to those in port wine stains are irradiated with laser pulses as used in port wine stain treatment. Thrombus formation and vessel rupture have been described before from histological sections of laser-irradiated port wine stains. However, vessel dilation and formation of non-transient gas bubbles as found in this study have not been described before.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Mathematical explanation of the buckling of the vessels after twisting of the microanastomosis.

BACKGROUND: To obtain free flap success, microvascular anastomosis must be perfectly constructed. External compression, twisting (torsion) of the anastomosis site, tension on the anastomosis site, and kinking of the pedicle must be avoided. Few experimental studies report the patency rates of rat vessels after twisting (torsion) of the microanastomosis: these results recently opened a discussion for the maximal angle of torsion, which can be impressed to a vessel in order to have the best patency rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To describe specifically the changing of shape of the vessels after the twisting of the microanastomosis, we extrapolate, to our experimental model (constituted by the femoral vessels of Wistar rats), the mathematical formula that engineers use to calculate the torsion of a beam when a torsion force is applied. The mathematical model used is the shell theory. Then, with a computer program using MATLAB, we could obtain the representation of these shapes at any degree of torsion. RESULTS: If a small load is applied to the vessels, it maintains its straight geometry. However, as soon as the load exceeds a critical value, which is a function of the vessel geometry and its mechanical characteristics, it snaps suddenly to a different equilibrium configuration. This phenomenon is called "buckling." When buckling occurs, wave-like deformations appear on the wall of the vessels. We calculate, in our experimental rat model, the critical twisting angle that induces buckling: maintaining a constant length of dissection of 25 mm, a minimum twisting angle of 360 degrees + 161 degrees, or 105 degrees, is required, respectively, for the femoral artery or vein, to have the buckling phenomenon and the appearance of two waves and decreased section area. CONCLUSIONS: In surgical practice, with the parameters of our experimental Wistar rats model (vessel diameter, length of dissection), it is fundamental to be below 105 degrees of torsion angle for the vein microanastomosis, in order to decrease its risk of failure.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed1977

Morphological study of lesions induced by snake venoms (Naja naja and Agkistrodon piscivorus) in the lung and cremaster vessels of rats.

The morphological effects of two snake venoms, N. naja and A. piscivorus, and of the Direct Lytic Factor and Phospholipase-A, compounds purified from N. naja crude venom, were investigated on lung and cremaster vessels of rats. The microcirculation of the rat reacts to these two venoms differently: N. naja produces congestion, haemolysis and increased vascular permeability, whereas A. piscivorus causes these alterations, plus haemorrhage and thrombosis. Direct Lytic Factor elicits reponses similar to the N. naja venom but Phopholipase-A has no effect on the vessels. Phospholipase-A does not seem to potentiate the effects of Direct Lytic Factor on the cremaster vessels. The colloidal carbon technique showed that intrathroacic administration of N. naja venom results in a generalised permeability increase of pleural and subpleural capillaries and A. piscivorus injections provoke only carbon retention in capillaries at sites of localised haemorrhage. In cremasters treated with N. naja venom the carbon blackened the venules predominantly but in cremasters in which A. piscivorus venom was administered the carbon particles labelled both venules and capillaries. There was evidence that the main vascular action of the venoms is local and not systemic, that the permeability factors involved in these lesions are different and that the cremaster vessels are much more sensitive to these snake venoms than the pulmonary vessels. Electron-microscopic studies showed mesothelial and epithelial lesions in lungs and an early inflammatory reaction in the cremaster vessels with both venoms. Erythrocyte fragmentation was a constant feature in all vessels. Endothelial degeneration and capillary disintegration in lung and cremaster vessels were observed in animals treated with A. piscivorus venom.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Diagnosis of fetal ductus arteriosus aneurysm: importance of the three-vessel view.

OBJECTIVE: To present four cases of ductus arteriosus aneurysm (DAA) detected by fetal echocardiography and highlight the value of the three-vessel view in the diagnosis of DAA. METHODS: In addition to the standard fetal echocardiographic views, we examined the three-vessel view in four cases of DAA. The three-vessel view was achieved by sliding the transducer cranially from the four-chamber plane toward the fetal upper mediastinum to demonstrate cross-sections of the main pulmonary artery, the ascending aorta and superior vena cava arranged in a straight line from the left anterior to the right posterior aspect of the mediastinum. DAA was diagnosed when there was a tortuous ductus arteriosus with a dilation that protruded leftward of the aortic arch. CASE SERIES: In the first case, an insulin-dependent diabetic woman underwent fetal ultrasound examination at 36 weeks' gestation showing right-to-left cardiac disproportion and bidirectional flow in the aorta and main pulmonary artery (PA). The three-vessel view showed a dilated ductus arteriosus (DA) which was stenosed at its distal end. In the second case, a woman had fetal ultrasound scans at 38 and 39 weeks' gestation for suspected intrauterine growth restriction and oligohydramnios. The scans identified an abnormal aortic arch and the three-vessel view showed an elongated vascular structure at the distal end of the PA, which was the DAA. In the third case, a woman with a high-risk obstetric history had multiple scans showing an abnormal PA to aorta relationship, with an apparent 'kink' in the PA. The three-vessel view clarified that this was the DAA. In the fourth case, a woman was scanned because of a 3-kg weight gain in 1 week. The fetal ultrasound scan showed moderate polyhydramnios with normal fetal growth and normal intracardiac anatomy and flow, and the three-vessel view demonstrated a large DA. In each of these cases, the DAA appeared to have occurred in isolation with non-specific clinical findings. CONCLUSION: We advocate the use of the three-vessel view, in conjunction with the standard echocardiography views currently employed, to assist in the diagnosis of DAA.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Focal adhesion molecules expression and fibrillin deposition by lymphatic and blood vessel endothelial cells in culture.

The microfibrils of anchoring filaments, a typical ultrastructural feature of initial lymphatic vessels, consist mainly of fibrillin and are similar to the microfibrils of elastic fibers. As we previously demonstrated, they radiate from focal adhesions of lymphatic endothelium to the perivascular elastic network. Although present in large blood vessels, fibrillin microfibrils have never been detected in blood capillaries. Here we report immunohistochemical evidence that cultured bovine aortic and lymphatic endothelial cells express fibrillin microfibrils. These microfibrils form an irregular web in lymphatic endothelial cells, whereas in blood vessel endothelial cells they are arranged in a honeycomb pattern. Cultured lymphatic and blood vessel endothelial cells also produce focal adhesion molecules: focal adhesion kinase, vinculin, talin, and cytoskeletal beta-actin. Our data suggest that anchoring filaments of initial lymphatic vessels in vivo may be produced by endothelium. Through their connection with focal adhesions, they may form a mechanical anchorage for the thin wall of initial lymphatic vessels and a transduction device for mechanical signals from the extracellular matrix into biochemical signals in endothelial cells. The complex anchoring filaments-focal adhesions may control the permeability of lymphatic endothelium and finely adjust lymph formation to the physiological conditions of the extracellular matrix. The different deposition of fibrillin microfibrils in blood vessel endothelial cells may be related to the necessity of withstanding shear forces. Thus, in our opinion, differences in fibrillin deposition imply a different role of fibrillin in blood vessel and lymphatic endothelium.

Actins↗
PubMed1996

Blood vessel adaptation to gravity in a semi-arboreal snake.

The effects of vasoactive agonists on systemic blood vessels were examined with respect to anatomical location and gravity acclimation in the semi-arboreal snake, Elaphe Obsoleta. Major blood vessels were reactive to putative neurotransmitters, hormones or local factors in vessel specific patterns. Catecholamines, adenosine triphosphate, histamine and high potassium (80 mM) stimulated significantly greater tension per unit vessel mass in posterior than anterior arteries. Anterior vessels were significantly more sensitive to catecholamines than midbody and posterior vessels. Angiotensin II stimulated significantly greater tension in carotid artery than in midbody and posterior dorsal aorta. Arginine vasotocin strongly contracted the left and right aortic arches and anterior dorsal aorta. Veins were strongly contracted by catecholamines, high potassium and angiotensin II, but less so by adenosine triphosphate, arginine vasotocin and histamine. Precontracted vessel were relaxed by acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside, but not by atrial natriuretic peptide or bradykinin. Chronic exposure of snakes to intermittent hypergravity stress ( + 1.5 Gz at tail) did not affect the majority of vessel responses. These data demonstrate that in vitro tension correlates with that catecholamines, as well as other agonists, are important in mediating vascular responses to gravitational stresses in snakes.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1977

Acetylcholinesterase in blood vessels of the guinea-pig ovary during different phases of the reproductive cycle.

The distribution of acetylcholinesterase-containing blood vessels in the ovary has been investigated histochemically during the reproductive cycle of the guinea-pig. Whole mounts as well as frozen sections have been studied. Stained vessels were found in the stroma throughout the oestrous cycle and pregnancy. In the corpus luteum the vascular reaction varied at different stages of the oestrous cycle; while never very pronounced, it was more marked in lactating than in non-lactating animals. A feregnancy advanced an increasing number of vessels were strongly stained. At the end of pregnancy, stained vessels were less prominent. Acetylcholinesterase appeared to be localized prinicipally in the vessels themselves (possibly in muscle cells) rather than in associated nerves. Experiments in which ovaries were injected, via their arterial or venous supply, with starch or coloured gelatine suggested that most stained vessels were arterioles but a reaction also occurred in some vessels which were probably arteries and others which could have been the postulated arterio-venous shunts. Capillaries were unstained; whether the veins were also totally unreactive could not be established. The significance of the changes in acetylcholinesterase staining in varying functional states remains obscure; they may or may not reflect the emergence of certain types of vessel at different stages.

Acetylcholinesterase↗
PubMed1998

Clinicopathologic effects of cryotherapy on hepatic vessels and bile ducts in a porcine model.

BACKGROUND: The proximity of a hepatic tumor to major vessels and bile ducts limits the use of cryotherapy because of the potential damage to these structures. However, the effects of cryotherapy on major hepatic vessels and bile ducts are not well understood. METHODS: Nine pigs underwent laparotomy and intraoperative ultrasound to identify hepatic vessels larger than 5.0 mm. Cryotherapy consisting of two freeze-thaw cycles was performed, incorporating the identified vessel. In four pigs the Pringle maneuver was performed to determine the effects of partial vascular occlusion on the hepatic parenchyma and structures undergoing cryotherapy. The animals were sacrificed 30 days postoperatively, and the livers were processed for histologic examination. RESULTS: Eight of the nine livers had vessels larger than 5.0 mm incorporated into the iceball, with all vessels having evidence of infarction but remaining patent. All the livers had major bile ducts incorporated in the iceball, with eight having evidence of infarction. The Pringle maneuver had no real effect on the degree of vessel and bile duct infarction. There was no incidence of hepatic bleeding, liver fracture, bile leak, or hemobilia. CONCLUSIONS: Cryotherapy results in the infarction of major hepatic vessels and bile ducts but can be safely performed in the porcine model. Proximity of tumors to major vascular and biliary structures may not be a contraindication to the use of cryotherapy. Further studies are necessary to determine whether cryotherapy can be used in humans.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

The value of colour Doppler ultrasonography for identification of crossing vessels in children with pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction is caused by the presence of an aperistaltic dysplastic segment at the PUJ. Besides this intrinsic aetiology, extrinsic abnormalities, mainly crossing vessels, may be an associated factor. OBJECTIVE: To determine the reliability of colour Doppler US in the detection of crossing vessels in children with surgically proven PUJ obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients (50 kidneys) with PUJ obstruction, surgically treated from 1998 to 2001, were prospectively studied by colour Doppler US prior to open pyeloplasty. There were 33 boys and 15 girls (age 2 months-12 years; median 3.5 years). There were 24 right kidneys and 26 left kidneys. The indication for surgery was according to the usual criteria. The crossing vessel was considered as present when depicted on colour Doppler US at the PUJ. RESULTS: Colour Doppler assessment of the crossing vessels was correct in all but two patients. At surgery, a crossing vessel was found in 14 kidneys (i.e. 28%). Colour Doppler US results were correlated with intra-operative findings in 50 renal units. Surgically proven vessels in 14 kidneys were identified by colour Doppler US in 13, and not shown in 1. In PUJ obstruction without a crossing vessel ( n=36), US findings were concordant in 26, discordant in 8 and inconclusive in 2 (with kidney malrotation) cases. Colour Doppler US had a sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of 92.8%, 76.5%, 62%, 96.3% and 78%, respectively. The reliability of colour Doppler US was greatly improved with the increasing experience of the sonographer, as shown by the results of the last 2 years (26 kidneys):Se=100%, Sp=87.5%, PPV=81.8%, NPV=100%, accuracy=88.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Colour Doppler US is reliable in the detection of crossing vessels at the PUJ.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed2004

Immunohistochemical detection of human small lymphatic vessels under normal and pathological conditions using the LYVE-1 antibody.

The spread of tumor cells via lymphatic vessels to the lymph nodes is an important indicator of malignancy. However, previous markers used to identify lymphatic endothelium gave ambiguous results in immunohistochemical analyses with paraffin-embedded tissues. In this study, we attempted to prepare a polyclonal antibody against human lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (LYVE-1) for detecting lymphatic vessels using immunohistochemistry. The antibody was raised against a region near the transmembrane anchor of LYVE-1 in New Zealand white rabbits. Immunostainings with anti-LYVE-1 and von Willebrand factor antibodies were performed in various normal and pathological tissues. LYVE-1 expression was confined to the endothelial surface of lymphatic vessels but was not found in the endothelium of blood vessels, which were positive for von Willebrand factor. Our LYVE-1 polyclonal antibody was useful for the identification of small lymphatic vessels in normal human tissues. In addition, the immunostaining enabled us to distinguish lymphatic invasion by malignant tumor cells from blood vessel invasion using paraffin-embedded sections. In conclusion, our polyclonal antibody against the transmembrane anchor of the peptide can be used to detect human lymphatic vessels under various conditions.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Temporo-spatial distribution of blood vessels in human lumbar intervertebral discs.

While there is consensus in the literature that blood vessels are confined to the outer anulus fibrosus of normal adult intervertebral disc, debate continues whether there is a vascular in-growths into inner parts of the intervertebral disc during degeneration. We therefore tested the hypothesis that vascular in-growth is not a distinct feature of disc degeneration. The specific endothelial cell marker CD 31 (PECAM) was used to immunohistochemically investigate 42 paraffin-embedded complete mid-sagittal human intervertebral disc sections of various ages (0-86 years) and varying extent of histomorphological degeneration. Additionally, 20 surgical disc samples from individuals (26-69 years) were included in this study. In discs of fetal to infantile age, blood vessels perforated the cartilaginous end plate and extended into the inner and outer anulus fibrosus, but not into the nucleus pulposus. In adolescents and adults, no blood vessels were seen except for the outer zone of the anulus fibrosus adjacent to the insertion to ligaments. The cartilaginous end plate remained free of vessels, except for areas with circumscribed destruction of the end plate. In advanced disc degeneration, no vessels were observed except for those few cases with complete, scar-like disc destruction. However, some rim lesions and occasionally major clefts were surrounded by a small network of capillary blood vessels extending into deeper zones of the anulus fibrosus. A subsequent morphometric analysis, revealed slightly "deeper" blood vessel extension in juvenile/adolescent discs when compared to young, mature and senile adult individuals with significantly "deeper" extension in the posterior than anterior anulus. The analysis of the surgical specimens showed that only sparse capillary blood vessels which did not extend into the nucleus pulposus even in major disc disruption. Our results show that vascular invasion deeper than the periphery was not observed during disc degeneration, which supports the hypothesis that vascular in-growth is not a distinct feature of disc degeneration.

Adolescent↗