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N-acylphosphatidylethanolamines: effect of the N-acyl chain length on its orientation.

N-Acylphosphatidylethanolamines, or NAPEs, are found in tissues involved in degenerating processes, such as dehydrated endosperm of seeds, erythrocyte membranes, or cell injury. To determine the conformation and orientation of the acyl chains of these phospholipids, NAPEs with deuterated N-acyl chains of 6 and 16 carbon atoms were synthesized and studied by transmission and attenuated total reflectance (ATR) infrared spectroscopy. For N-C16d-DPPE, the ATR measurements show that the N-acyl chain has the same orientation as the two acyl chains attached to the glycerol moiety, while the N-acyl chain of N-C6d-DPPE is randomly oriented. These results demonstrate that for N-C16d-DPPE, the N-acyl chain is embedded into the hydrophobic core of the bilayer, while for the short chain derivative the N-acyl chain remains in the lipid headgroup region. The analysis of the carbonyl stretching band and of the amide I band suggests that, for the long N-acyl chain lipid, the ester C=O and the N-H groups are linked by intermolecular hydrogen bonds.

Acylation↗

Dichroic ratios in polarized Fourier transform infrared for nonaxial symmetry of beta-sheet structures.

The transition moments for the amide bands from beta-sheet peptide structures generally do not exhibit axial symmetry about the director in linearly polarized Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) measurements on oriented systems. The angular dependences of the dichroic ratios of the amide bands are derived for beta-sheet structures in attenuated total reflection (ATR) and polarized transmission experiments on samples that are oriented with respect to the normal to the substrate and are randomly distributed with respect to the azimuthal angle in the plane of the orienting substrate. The orientational distributions of both the beta-strands and the beta-sheets are considered, and explicit expressions are given for the dichroic ratios of the amide I and amide II bands. The dichroic ratio of the amide II band, which is parallel polarized, can yield the orientation of the beta-strands directly, but to specify the orientations of the beta-sheets completely requires measurement of the dichroic ratios of both the amide I and amide II bands, or generally two bands with parallel and perpendicular polarizations. A random distribution in tilt of the planes of the beta-sheets does not give rise to equal dichroic ratios for bands with perpendicular and parallel polarizations, such as the amide I and amide II bands. The results are applied to previous ATR and polarized transmission FTIR measurements on a potassium channel-associated peptide, the Escherichia coli outer membrane protein OmpA, and the E. coli OmpF porin protein in oriented membranes.

Amides↗

Ca2+ and cross-bridge-induced changes in troponin C in skinned skeletal muscle fibers: effects of force inhibition.

Changes in skeletal troponin C (sTnC) structure during thin filament activation by Ca2+ and strongly bound cross-bridge states were monitored by measuring the linear dichroism of the 5' isomer of iodoacetamidotetramethylrhodamine (5'IATR), attached to Cys98 (sTnC-5'ATR), in sTnC-5'ATR reconstituted single skinned fibers from rabbit psoas muscle. To isolate the effects of Ca2+ and cross-bridge binding on sTnC structure, maximum Ca2+-activated force was inhibited with 0.5 mM AlF4- or with 30 mM 2,3 butanedione-monoxime (BDM) during measurements of the Ca2+ dependence of force and dichroism. Dichroism was 0.08 +/- 0.01 (+/- SEM, n = 9) in relaxing solution (pCa 9.2) and decreased to 0.004 +/- 0.002 (+/- SEM, n = 9) at pCa 4.0. Force and dichroism had similar Ca2+ sensitivities. Force inhibition with BDM caused no change in the amplitude and Ca2+ sensitivity of dichroism. Similarly, inhibition of force at pCa 4.0 with 0.5 mM AlF4- decreased force to 0.04 +/- 0.01 of maximum (+/- SEM, n = 3), and dichroism was 0.04 +/- 0.03 (+/- SEM, n = 3) of the value at pCa 9.2 and unchanged relative to the corresponding normalized value at pCa 4.0 (0.11 +/- 0.05, +/- SEM; n = 3). Inhibition of force with AlF4- also had no effect when sTnC structure was monitored by labeling with either 5-dimethylamino-1-napthalenylsulfonylaziridine (DANZ) or 4-(N-(iodoacetoxy)ethyl-N-methyl)amino-7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD). Increasing sarcomere length from 2.5 to 3.6 microm caused force (pCa 4.0) to decrease, but had no effect on dichroism. In contrast, rigor cross-bridge attachment caused dichroism at pCa 9.2 to decrease to 0.56 +/- 0.03 (+/- SEM, n = 5) of the value at pCa 9. 2, and force was 0.51 +/- 0.04 (+/- SEM, n = 6) of pCa 4.0 control. At pCa 4.0 in rigor, dichroism decreased further to 0.19 +/- 0.03 (+/- SEM, n = 6), slightly above the pCa 4.0 control level; force was 0.66 +/- 0.04 of pCa 4.0 control. These results indicate that cross-bridge binding in the rigor state alters sTnC structure, whereas cycling cross-bridges have little influence at either submaximum or maximum activating [Ca2+].

Actomyosin↗

The effects of REM sleep-inhibiting drugs in neonatal rats: evidence for a distinction between neonatal active sleep and REM sleep.

Neonatal active sleep (AS) has been considered to be homologous and continuous with rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep in adult animals. We have recently proposed an alternative view that AS is an undifferentiated sleep state distinct from REM sleep. To test these opposing views on the relationship of AS and REM sleep, neonatal rats (P11, P14 and P20) were systemically injected with compounds that inhibit REM sleep in adults. Zimelidine (ZMI) and desipramine (DMI) are monoamine uptake inhibitors which increase synaptic concentrations of serotonin and norepinephrine, respectively. Serotonin and norepinephrine inhibit brainstem cholinergic neurons important in REM sleep generation. Atropine (ATR) is a muscarinic receptor antagonist that blocks the post-synaptic effects of cholinergic projections. Only DMI (5 mg/kg) suppressed AS at P11. ZMI (6 mg/kg) and ATR (6 mg/kg) did not suppress AS until P14. These data suggest that serotonergic and cholinergic regulation of AS are absent before P14. The fact that AS in P11 rats is not affected by cholinergic antagonists supports the hypothesis that AS and REM sleep represent different sleep states.

Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors↗

Surface modification of chitosan films. Effects of hydrophobicity on protein adsorption.

The surface of chitosan films was modified using acid chloride and acid anhydrides. Chemical composition at the film surface was analyzed by attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). ATR-FTIR data verified that the substitution took place at the amino groups of chitosan, thus forming amide linkages, and the modification proceeded to the depth at least 1 microm. Choices of molecules substituted at the amino groups of the glucosamine units did affect the hydrophobicity of the film surface, as indicated by air-water contact angle analysis. The surface became more hydrophobic than that of non-modified film when a stearoyl group (C(17)H(35)CO-) was attached to the films. The reaction of chitosan films with succinic anhydride or phthalic anhydride, however, produced more hydrophilic films. Selected modified films were subjected to protein adsorption study. The amount of protein adsorbed, determined by bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay, related to the types of attached molecules. The improved surface hydrophobicity affected by the stearoyl groups promoted protein adsorption. In contrast, selective adsorption behavior was observed in the case of the chitosan films modified with anhydride derivatives. Lysozyme adsorption was enhanced by H-bonding and charge attraction with the hydrophilic surface. While the amount of albumin adsorbed was decreased possibly due to negative charges that gave rise to repulsion between the modified surface and albumin. This study has demonstrated that it is conceivable to fine-tune surface properties which influence its response to bio-macromolecules by heterogeneous chemical modification.

Acids↗

[Alpha-thalassemias and bipolar disorders: a genetic link?].

After a previous paper discussing the possible association between beta-thalassemias and bipolar disorder, this article considers a possible association between alpha-thalassemia and the bipolar disorder. We report the case of a 36 year old woman with bipolar disorder and alpha-thalassemia. The patient, native of Reunion Island, has a family history of bipolar disorder (both parents, one brother, and a paternal uncle). The severity of the bipolar disorder type I in her family, is illustrated by the suicides of both parents, one brother and the paternal uncle, in intervals of only a few years. After a Medline review (1980-2004) we found only two studies suggesting a possible relationship between bipolar disorders and alpha-thalassemias, but without clinical case report information. Some genetic studies described the existence of possible genetic susceptibility for bipolar disorder on the short arm of chromosome 16, close to the gene involved in certain alpha-thalassemias, on the region 16p13.3. An interesting finding is that the sequencing of 258 kb of the chromosome region 16p13.3 not only allowed the identification of genes involved in the alpha-thalassemia and in the vulnerability to bipolar disorders, but also the identification of genes implicated in tuberous sclerosis, in polycystic kidney disease, in cataract with microophtalmia, and in vulnerability genetic factors for ATR-16 syndrome, asthma, epilepsy, certain forms of autism and mental retardation. Numerous clinical descriptions and some familial studies on linkage suggested a possible relationship between tuberous sclerosis, polycystic kidney disease, cataract with microophtalmia, ATR-16 syndrome, asthma, epilepsy, certain forms of autism, mental retardation and bipolar disorder, given the closeness of these vulnerability genes on the short arm of the chromosome 16. A vulnerability gene of alcohol dependence was also identified on this same chromosome region (16p13.3), by a study concerning 105 families. Taking into account the methodological difficulties due to the clinical and genetic heterogeneity of bipolar disorder, we suggest that linkage techniques should be used to confirm the presence of susceptibility genetic factor for bipolar disorders on chromosome 16. Thus a known genetic disease (alpha-thalassemia) could contribute to confirming the presence on the short arm of chromosome 16 of a susceptibility genetic factor for bipolar disorders. Linkage studies should be performed in families with a strong association for both diseases. Thanks to linkage techniques, one could hope for an improvement in understanding the physiopathology of bipolar disorder, with possible implications at a therapeutic level.

Adult↗

Keratinocyte acetylcholine receptors regulate cell adhesion.

We investigated the mechanism mediating cholinergic control of cell-to-cell adhesion of human epidermal keratinocytes (KC) by non-neuronal acetylcholine produced by KC themselves. We first measured cholinergic effects on the expression of desmoglein (Dsg) 1 and 3 in KC using the semi-quantitative immunofluorescence and Western blot assays. Monolayers of KC were treated overnight with 0.25 mM of the cholinergic agonist carbachol (CCh) or the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor pyridostigmine bromide (PBr). Both CCh and PBr increased the relative amounts of Dsg 1 and Dsg 3. To determine the role for cholinergic receptor-mediated phosphorylation of Dsg molecules in assembly/disassembly of keratinocyte desmosomes, we tested the effects of a cholinergic antagonist on keratinocyte adhesion and Dsg phosphorylation status in DJM-1 cell line. Atropine (Atr), 0.02 mM, induced rapid detachment of cells from each other (acantholysis), and also increased phosphorylation of Dsg 3 by 33%. The Atr-dependent phosphorylation of Dsg 3 was inhibited in the presence of 0.5 mM CCh. Thus, keratinocyte cholinergic receptors regulate desmosomal adhesion of KC by altering the level of expression of both Dsg 1 and Dsg 3 and the phosphorylation status of Dsg 3.

Acetylcholine↗

Effects of nitric oxide on human and canine prostates.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether nitric oxide (NO) is a mediator of prostatic smooth muscle activity. METHODS: Pharmacologic experiments using electrical field stimulation (EFS) were performed on strips of human and canine prostate. RESULTS: EFS alone elicited frequency-dependent contractions in preparations of human and canine prostates. The greatest contractile activity was achieved at 30 Hz. In the presence of 10(-5) M guanethidine (GUA) and 2 x 10(-6) M atropine (ATR), EFS elicited relaxation of canine prostate strips relative to baseline tension. A weak biphasic response consisting of initial relaxation and subsequent contraction relative to baseline tension was observed in the human prostate strips exposed to similar conditions. The smooth muscle activity observed in the presence of GUA plus ATR was attributed to nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) nerve transmission. 10(-4) M L-NG-nitroarginine methylester (NAME) significantly increased EFS-elicited NANC smooth muscle activity both in human and canine prostates. L-arginine, 10(-2) M, reversed the effect of L-NAME in human and canine prostates. Sodium nitroprusside, 10(-4) M, a donor of NO, caused relaxation of both human and canine prostates. The mean magnitude of the relaxant response/cross-sectional area in human prostate (2.64 +/- 0.4 g/cm2) was significantly greater than in the canine prostate (1.09 +/- 0.17 g/cm2) (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: These results provide compelling evidence that NO plays a role in mediating contractile function of human and canine prostates.

Animals↗

Surface modification of tricalcium phosphate for improvement of the interfacial compatibility with biodegradable polymers.

The surface of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) filler particles was activated by treatment with dilute aqueous phosphoric acid. ATR-IR spectra indicated the formation of calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate at the surface. Oligo(lactone)s were formed by the subsequent reaction of the activated TCP with L-lactide and epsilon -caprolactone, respectively, at 150 degrees C without any additional catalysts. After extraction of the oligo(lactide), the residue of modified TCP-included calcium lactate whereas the water of crystallization of the dihydrate disappeared as shown by ATR-IR spectroscopy. Owing to the insolubility of TCP in common solvents, the analogous reaction between water-soluble disodium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate and L-lactide was used to study the kind of chemical bonds by high-resolution NMR spectroscopy. The 1H and 13C NMR spectra of the reaction product also pointed out the presence of calcium lactate. Additionally, signals were found indicating a covalent attachment of lactic acid units onto the phosphorus. For the preparation of composites, poly(L,DL-lactide) was mixed with TCP and modified TCP, respectively, in a ratio of 75/25 (w/w) and directly injection moulded into tensile test specimens at a barrel temperature of 180 degrees C. Although mechanical properties were not improved, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated a better interfacial phase interaction in the composite with the modified TCP. Chemical bonds between filler and polymer matrix are assumed to be formed by transesterification reactions.

Biocompatible Materials↗

In vivo biostability of a poly(carbonate-urea)urethane graft.

In peripheral and coronary bypass surgery, the patency of prosthetic grafts is inferior to autologous vein, mainly due to intimal hyperplasia caused in part by compliance mismatch between rigid graft and elastic host artery. We have developed a compliant poly(carbonate-urea)urethane vascular graft "MyoLink" which was biostable in vitro degradation studies. To further investigate the biostability of this material, we report a long-term in vivo study on 8 beagle dogs (15+/-3 kg) implanted with this graft (ID 5mm) in the aorta-iliac position; three grafts were harvested at 18 months to assess short-term biodegradation, with one animal having died from an unrelated infection. The 4 remaining grafts were harvested at 36 months for analysis by: (1) histology, (2) compliance measurements and (3) environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM); gel permeation chromatography (GPC); attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and radial tensile strength analysis. There was no infection or inflammation of the grafts or surrounding tissues. Histological analysis showed a well-developed neointima but only at the distal anastomosis. There were no significant differences in compliance pre- and post-implantation and no evidence of material curvature, radial expansion or chemical breakdown, ESEM and GPC showed no signs of degradation. Peak height analysis with ATR-FTIR of the 1740 cm(-1) (C=O of carbonate) and 1253 cm(-1) bands (C-O-C of CO-O-C) showed a loss of carbonate carbonyl but was not statistically significant. Radial tensile strength remained within batch release specifications.This polyurethane graft retains its compliance post-implantation, whilst exhibiting only a minor hydrolysis of the amorphous segment, confirming its biostability in vivo up to 3 years.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Albumin and fibrinogen adsorption on PU-PHEMA surfaces.

Materials that adsorb specific proteins may find a variety of applications in the biomedical field. The aim of this study was the preparation of a hydrophilic surface, with low protein adsorption, to be used in the future as a support for the immobilisation of several species, e.g. Cibacron Blue F3G-A, which has been described to induce specific albumin adsorption. Poly(hydroxyethylmethacrylate) (PHEMA) and poly(hydroxyethylacrylate) (PHEA) were chosen as the hydrophilic surface because they can be easily polymerised and possess hydroxyl groups that can be used for the immobilisation of different compounds. Thin films of PHEMA and PHEA were successfully graft polymerised onto the surface of a commercial poly(etherurethane) (PU) using ceric ion as initiator. Grafting polymerisations were followed by mass gain and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Since stability tests demonstrated that only PU-PHEMA was stable in alkaline solutions, a necessary condition to future immobilisations, the investigation was focused on the coating of PU with PHEMA. PU-PHEMA films were characterised in detail using several techniques as mass gain, ATR-FTIR, contact angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Protein adsorption was evaluated using radiolabelled albumin and fibrinogen from pure solutions and from mixtures of both proteins. PU surfaces modified with PHEMA have demonstrated low protein adsorption, showing their potential use as substrates. This opens the possibly of exploring the advantages of selective adsorption by appropriate immobilisation of specific molecules.

Adsorption↗

Platelet adhesive resistance of segmented polyurethane film surface-grafted with vinyl benzyl sulfo monomer of ammonium zwitterions.

Platelet from human plasma adhered on the segmented poly(ether urethane) (SPEU) film grafted with N,N-dimethyl-N-(p-vinylbenyl)-N-(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium (DMVSA) was studied. SPEU films were hydroxylated by potassium peroxosulfate (KPS) and then grafted with DMVSA using ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) as initiator. The mixing time of hydroxylated SPEU/CAN and the monomer concentration effect on graft polymerization yield were determined by ATR-FTIR. Surface analysis of the grafted films by ATR-FTIR and ESCA confirmed that DMVSA was successfully grafted onto the SPEU film surface. The grafted film possessed a relatively hydrophilic surface, as revealed by water contact angle measurement. The improved blood compatibility of the grafted films was preliminarily evaluated by a platelet-rich plasma adhesion study and scanning electron microscopy, using original SPEU and hydroxylated SPEU films as the controls. The results showed that platelet attachment was decreased greatly on the segmented polyurethane films grafted with DMVSA. This kind of new biomaterials grafted with sulfo ammonium zwitterionic monomers might have potential for biomedical applications.

Blood Platelets↗

Carbachol and acetylcholine delay the early postdenervation depolarization of muscle fibres through M1-cholinergic receptors.

The resting membrane potential (RMP) of denervated muscle fibres of rat diaphragm muscle is depolarized by approximately 8-10 mV during the first 3 h after nerve section and this early postdenervation depolarization is reduced substantially by the presence of 5x10(-8) M acetylcholine (ACh) or carbachol (CB). The muscarinic antagonist atropine (Atr; 5x10(-9) to 5x10(-6) M) reduced the effect of CB in a dose-dependent manner (K(i)=7x10(-8) M) and increased the rate of the early postdenervation depolarization. In lower doses (5x10(-7) M), Atr acted only in the presence of an allosteric stabilizator hexamethylene-bis-[dimethyl-(3-phtalimidopropyl)ammonium] (W-84). Also pirenzepine, a specific inhibitor of the M1 subtype of muscarinic receptor, blocked the action of CB in a dose-dependent manner with an apparent inhibition constant K(i)=1x10(-7) microM. DAMP, a specific M3 antagonist, was without effect on the muscle hyperpolarization induced by CB. CB also hyperpolarized the membrane potentials of muscles which were denervated for 1-3 days. It is concluded that ACh and CB protect the muscle fibres from early depolarization through M1-cholinergic receptors on the muscle membrane. These particular receptors can apparently mediate the 'trophic', non-impulse regulation of RMP in skeletal muscles when they are activated by acetylcholine released non-quantally.

Acetylcholine↗

Acid tolerance response is low-pH and late-stationary growth phase inducible in Bacillus cereus TZ415.

The acid tolerance of foodborne pathogen Bacillus cereus TZ415 was examined. B. cereus was more tolerant to an acid challenge at pH 4.0 when cells were grown at low pH in regulated batch cultures of rich J Broth (JB) medium. The pH-inducible acid tolerance response (ATR) was maximal at pH 5.0, a sublethal growth condition inducing a remarkable cell elongation. During growth at regulated pH 7.0 and 6.0, B. cereus TZ415 became more acid sensitive from lag to stationary growth phase and the acid tolerance of cells reached its maximum level in late-stationary growth phase. The ATR induced at pH 5.5 and 5.0 was not affected by growth phase. Cellular protein profiles were analysed as a function of growth phase and medium pH. The Hemolysin BL (HBL) enterotoxin was only detected when cells were grown at pH 7.0.

Bacillus cereus↗

The relationship between acid stress responses and virulence in Salmonella typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes.

All pathogenic bacteria possess the ability to evade or surmount body defenses (stresses, as experienced by the bacterium) long enough to cause a sufficient reaction, which is then manifested as a disease or illness. While opportunistic pathogens will only cause illness in the event of a predisposing weakness in these defenses, many pathogens must take on and overcome intact defenses. This is particularly true of gastrointestinal pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp., which must circumvent many different stresses in order to arrive at the site of infection. These include the acid barrier of the stomach, the physical barrier of the epithelial cells lining the gastrointestinal tract, and various immune defenses including the initial onslaught of macrophages. Thus, these organisms have developed elaborate systems for sensing stress, and for responding to those stresses in a self-protective fashion. One well characterised adaptive response is to acid stress, the so-called acid tolerance response (ATR). The ATR is a complex phenomenon, involving a number of changes in the levels of different proteins and presumably, many allied events at the level of gene regulation. A number of molecular approaches have identified numerous interesting chromosomal loci involved both in sensing and responding to stress and in virulence. The identity of some of these genes, and their impact on stress responses and virulence will be discussed.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Investigation of structure and enantioselectivity of BSA-encapsulated sol-gel columns prepared for capillary electrochromatography.

We have developed a protein-encapsulation technique using sol-gels for the preparation of monolithic capillary columns for capillary electrochromatography. Due to the silica-based matrix used, this hydrogel generates the appropriate electroosmotic flow. Electroosmotic mobility varied according to the gels fabricated under the different gelation conditions and using different starting materials. Using attenuated total reflectance (ATR)-FT-IR, the residual silanol groups in each hydrogels could be measured without drying procedures and it was found that electroosmotic mobility decreased with a reduction in the residual silanol groups. Enantiomeric separation of D,L-Trp was evaluated using bovine serum albumin (BSA)-encapsulated column. Preparatory conditions for BSA-encapsulated columns also influenced the retention time and enantioselectivity of D,L-Trp. The gels composed of clusters with the diameter of around 1 microm. According to ATR-FT-IR study, BSA maintained its structure after encapsulation in the gel.

Chromatography, Micellar Electrokinetic Capillary↗

Drug migration from the adhesive matrix to the polymer film laminate facestock in a transdermal nitroglycerin system.

The apparent loss of nitroglycerin in a prototype transdermal nitroglycerin system was investigated by attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR-IR) microspectroscopy and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Several transdermal nitroglycerin lots placed under controlled storage conditions exhibited loss of drug potency (up to 10%) along with the appearance of a defect in the polymer film laminate facestock. A significant loss of nitroglycerin from the transdermal drug/adhesive matrix may reduce the bioavailabilty of nitroglycerin to the patient. ATR-IR analysis confirmed that nitroglycerin migrated from the drug/adhesive matrix to the facestock polyester layer under storage conditions and that nitroglycerin was retained in the facestock polyester layer. An alternate sample extraction solution successfully removed the nitroglycerin from both the adhesive matrix and facestock polyester layer with nearly 100% labeled strength recovered. The relationship between the migration of nitroglycerin into the facestock polyester layer and the appearance of the defect in the facestock aluminum layer is discussed and a nitroglycerin-aluminum metal reaction mechanism is proposed.

Adhesives↗

Peripheral corneal relaxing incisions combined with cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effectiveness of peripheral corneal relaxing incisions (PCRIs) in correcting corneal astigmatism during cataract surgery. SETTING: Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. METHODS: In 115 eyes of 94 patients (mean age 69 years +/- 12 [SD]), cataract surgery was combined with PCRIs. The PCRIs were created according to a nomogram based on age and preoperative keratometric astigmatism. Postoperative keratometric astigmatism was measured at 1 day and 1 and 4 months. Vector analyses using the Holladay-Cravy-Koch formula and Alpins method were performed. RESULTS: The PCRIs significantly decreased keratometric astigmatism in patients with preexisting with-the rule (WTR) or against-the-rule (ATR) astigmatism and increased the percentage of the eyes with lower keratometric astigmatism in each group. Four months postoperatively in patients with WTR astigmatism, single and paired 6.0 mm PCRIs induced mean with-the-wound minus against-the-wound changes (WTW-ATW) of -0.55 diopter (D) and -1.18 D, respectively. In eyes with ATR astigmatism, the mean WTW-ATW changes induced by single 4.5 mm, single 6.0 mm, and paired 6.0 mm PCRIs were -2.18 D, -2.02 D, and -2.72 D, respectively. These mean WTW-ATW changes did not significantly regress from 1 day to 4 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral corneal relaxing incisions were effective in reducing preexisting astigmatism during cataract surgery. A modified nomogram is proposed. The long-term effect of PCRIs should be evaluated.

Aged↗