bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dibromsulphalein (DBSP) Estimation of Hepatic Transport Function in Man*
Authors: Dhumeaux D. , Berthelot P. , Javitt N. B.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Bromsulphalein (BSP) and dibromsulphalein (DBSP) were given separately in equimolar amounts by intravenous injection or infusion to 15 apparently healthy individuals and 33 individuals with hepatobiliary disease. The slope (K) of the plasma disappearance rate, the relative storage capacity (S) and the maximum biliary excretion rate (Tm) for both BSP and DBSP were calculated and the mean values for each group determined. – In the normal group, K for DBSP, 0.234 ± 0.023 (1 SD), was found to be significantly greater than K for BSP, 0.151 ± 0.042, indicating a more rapid plasma disappearance rate for DBSP. Similarly, S was significantly higher for DBSP, 124.6 ± 56.6 (imol/(xmol/100 ml, than for BSP, 67.7 ± 34.1. The Tm for DBSP however, 10.9 ± 1.6 μmol/min., was not significantly different from that for BSP, 9.5 ± 1.7. – In the patients with cirrhosis, there was reduction in K, S, and Tm, which was of the same order of magnitude for both dyes, indicating that DBSP is as sensitive as BSP in the detection of liver disease. Since DBSP is not conjugated in vivo, this suggests that the modifications of BSP disposition in cirrhosis are attributable primarily to a defect in the transport function of the liver cell. Defective conjugation of BSP therefore probably does not contribute importantly to the BSP abnormalities observed in cirrhotic patients.
Glucose‐6‐Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G‐6‐PD) Hamburg, a New Variant with Chronic Nonspherocytic Haemolytic Anaemia
Authors: Gahr Manfred , Schröter Werner
Published: March 2008

Abstract. A new variant of G‐6‐PD with chronic nonspherocytic haemolytic anaemia and very low activity, named G‐6‐PD Hamburg, was partially purified and biochemically characterized. It was found to have very high lability, an unusually high Km for G‐6‐P (2000 μM), increased utilization rates for 2‐desoxy G‐6‐P (133%) and galactose‐6‐phosphate (87%) and an abnormal pH‐activity curve. The electrophoretic mobility seemed to be normal. The leukocytes also revealed diminished G‐6‐PD activity. No impairment of bactericidal activity of neutrophilic granulocytes, as shown by a normal nitroblue tetrazolium reduction, could be demonstrated.
Human Calcitonin Radioimmunoassay in Normal and Pathological Conditions*
Authors: Heynen G. , Franchimont P.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. A radioimmunoassay for human calcitonin (CT) has been established and each of its steps has been analysed in detail. The assay is extremely sensitive allowing the detection of lOpg/ml in serum incubated in presence of human serum proteins using a standard curve. The specificity of our system has been established on the basis of immunological and biological criteria. The method is sufficiently sensitive to allow the study of mechanisms of secretion of CT in normal man and in certain disease states. The secretion of CT is increased by induced hypercalcaemia and decreased by hypo‐calcaemia following EDTA. We have found elevated levels in patients with primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism or pernicious anaemia and in one patient with Zollinger‐Ellison syndrome. The correlations between CT, serum calcium, phosphate, urea, magnesium, parathyroid hormone and gastrin were investigated.
Intrarenal Haemodynamics in Rats during Haemorrhagic Hypotension*
Authors: Sandoz P. , Grandchamp A. , Truniger B.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Previous studies of intrarenal haemodynamics by wash‐out with inert gas suggested that haemorrhagic hypotension (HH) in the dog causes a redistribution of intrarenal blood flow with a patchy cortical hypoperfusion, mainly due to an increased concentration of circulating catecholamines. In the present experiments intrarenal haemodynamics were studied by the same methods in the rat during prolonged HH with a mean arterial BP of 51 mm Hg. Under these conditions inert gas wash‐out studies showed a decrease in compartment I (CP I) flow fraction (“cortical flow fraction”) from 81.5% to 43.2% of total renal blood flow (RBF). CP I blood flow dropped from 3.13 ml/min. to 0.63 ml.‘min. per g kidney weight. Total renal vascular resistance increased by a factor of 1.2 as compared with control conditions. These changes in intrarenal haemodynamics were considerably smaller than those ob served in the dog under comparable conditions. In contrast to observations in the canine kidney no patchy areas of cortical hypoperfusion occurred in the rat, and there was no evidence of stratification of cortical blood flow during HH. Instead, there was an even reduction in cortical blood flow from the subcapsular area to the cortico‐medullary border as indicated by inert gas wash‐out studies and “krypton autoradiographs. The meaning and pathogenesis of the observed differences between both species remains to be defined. It is suggested that in the rat the reaction of the renal vasculature to sympatho‐adrenal stimuli and/or to angiotensin might be different from that in the dog.
Analysis of Proteinuria in Health and Disease Using Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate–Acrylamide Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Mulli J. C. , Balant L. , Giromini M. , Fabre J.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Sodium dodecyl sulphate–acrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐AGE) separates proteins according to their molecular weight (MW) without being influenced by their electrostatic charge. It was carried out on the urine of 17 healthy control subjects and 92 ambulatory patients with suspected or known renal impairment. The SDS‐AGE patterns were classified as physiological, low MW predominance, middle MW predominance, high MW predominance, or mixed low and high MW. Patients were separately classified as having either normal kidneys or glomerular, tubular or mixed renal lesions according to the results of clinical investigation. Comparison of both classifications revealed that SDS‐AGE allowed a correct diagnosis of the site of renal involvement in 83 per cent of coses. Predominantly low MW protein excretion correlated with tubular damage. Middle and high MW patterns correlated with glomerular disease, and a relationship between nephrotic syndrome with minimal glomerular changes and middle MW pattern was found in two cases, suggesting that SDS‐AGE could be used to evaluate the selectivity of proteinuria. However, the estimation of selectivity by SDS‐AGE should be studied in a sufficient number of cases and compared with measurements of selectivity by the protein clearance method.
Diminished Excretion of Bicarbonate from the Single Sweat Gland of Patients with Cystic Fibrosis of the Pancreas*
Authors: Kaiser D. , Drack E.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Using pH‐microelectrodes the excretion of hydrogen‐ions and bicarbonate in relation to flow rate was investigated in a single sweat gland of cystic fibrosis children.

The results show decreased excretion of hydrogen‐ions and an increased excretion of bicarbonate. Evidence is presented that due to reduced secretion of hydrogen‐ions in the duct both the reabsorption of sodium and the secretion of potassium may be impaired.

The possibility is discussed that reduced flux of hydrogen‐ions may similarly be responsible for the excretory defect in the duct system of the pancreas.

Reduced flux of protons across the luminal membrane of epithelial cells is proposed as a general feature of exocrine gland defects. It is then possible to describe both the cationic transport defect of the sweat gland duct and the anionic bicarbonate‐secretory defect in one term.
Isolation of a Tridecapeptide from Natriuretic Fractions of Bovine Posterior Pituitary
Authors: Sedláková E. , Prusík Z. , Škopková J. , Barth T. , Kluh I. , Cort J. H.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Crude Van Dyke protein prepared from frozen bovine posterior pituitary glands was treated with formic acid to release small bound and adsorbed peptides. Gel filtration, continuous free‐flow electrophoresis and descending paper electrophoresis were used to separate the small peptides into successively purer fractions which were assayc sdfor pressor, utero tonic, natriuretic and melanocyte stimulating activities under double blind conditions. The highest peak of natriuretic activity was associated with only a small pressor and no uterotonic activities, and the same fractions contained a ninhydrin‐positive spot on paper electrophoresis, the mobility of which at pH 5.6 was similar to that of alpha‐melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) and ACTH‐(i‐13‐amide)‐tri‐decapeptide (1–13 ACTH‐amide) but differed from vasopressin and oxytocin. Material from this spot had an amino acid composition which corresponded with the first 13 residues of ACTH. Quantitative bioassay of the final fraction in the frog demonstrated a melanotropic activity which, however, was lower than would have been expected for pure alpha‐MSH. The natriuretic activity of the isolated fraction was far higher than the potency of separately administered peptides which might be present: arginine‐vasopressin, alpha‐MSH or 1–13 ACTH. It is suggested that the isolated fraction represents a mixture of alpha‐MSH and 1–13 ACTH, and that alpha‐MSH may be an acetylated end‐product of ACTH cleavage in the pituitary.
Rate of in vitro Incorporation of Precursors into Hepatic Lipids and Proteins in Patients with Extrahepatic Cholestasis
Authors: Stakeberg H. , Lundborg H. , Scherstén T.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Extrahepatic cholestasis in man is known to be associated with high phosphoglyceride and cholesterol concentrations in serum. Moreover, an abnormal lipoprotein, often referred to as lipoprotein‐X (LP‐X), appears in serum in cases of extrahepatic cholestasis.

The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of incorporation of precursors into hepatic lipids and proteins in vitro and to compare these changes with the lipoproteins in plasma in patients with extrahepatic cholestasis. The rate of incorporation of glycerol into triglycerides and into different classes of phosphoglycerides was determined. The rate of incorporation of leucine into proteins was also determined in liver slices from 15 patients with extrahepatic cholestasis and compared with controls. In cholestatic liver tissue, the rate of incorporation of glycerol into choline phosphoglycerides and into ethanolamine phosphoglycerides was significantly increased. The rate of incorporation of leucine into hepatic proteins was also increased significantly in these patients. The results suggest that the changed metabolism of phospholipids and protein in liver tissue in cholestatic conditions may contribute to the changes in the serum lipoprotein pattern.
The Influence of Body Weight and Cell Size on Lipogenesis and Lipolysis of Isolated Rat Fat Cells*
Authors: Hansen F. Mólgaard , Nielsen J. Høiriis , Gliemann J.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. A method for fractionating isolated fat cells is described. After fixation with osmium tetroxide, the cells are passed through a series of polyamide filters of decreasing mesh width and the number of cells on each filter is counted. – Isolated fat cells from ad libitum fed rats weighing 85–580 g were incubated with [U‐14C]‐glucose (0.55 mM), fixed with osmium tetroxide and fractionated according to size. When the cells were obtained from one animal the conversion of glucose to neutral lipids per cell increased with increasing cell size just as well in the absence of insulin as in the presence of insulin (10 mU/ml). The following results were obtained from comparisons between animals of different weight: in the absence of insulin, the lipogenesis for cells of the same size remained constant irrespective of the rat weight, whereas in the presence of insulin the lipogenesis for cells of the same size decreased markedly when the rat weight exceeded about 300 g. It is concluded that factors other than the cell size per st (e.g. age, degree of obesity) determine the responsiveness to insulin. – The hormone‐stimulated lipolysis was studied on unfractionated cell samples from ad libitum fed rats of different weights and the following was found: the glycerol release per 105 cells induced by ACTH and norepinephrine in maximally stimulating concentrations increased with increasing mean cell size or rat weight. In contrast, the glucagon‐induced lipolysis of cells from rats weighing 300–400 g was smaller than that of cells from rats weighing 100–120 g.
Hypertriglyceridaemia Secondary to Liver Disease
Authors: Müller P. , Fellin R. , Lambrecht J. , Agostini B. , Wieland H. , Rost W. , Seidel D.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Some patients with liver dysfunction show a marked hypertriglyceridaemia, a phenomenon most frequently accompanied by cholestasis.

In this report we have identified, isolated and characterized an abnormally large (300–700 Å), triglyceride rich, low density lipoprotein, (d 1.019‐1.063 g/ml) designated β2‐lipoprotein (β2‐LP), from the plasma of patients with hypertriglyceridaemia secondary to liver disease. The β2‐LP differs significantly in its percent composition and protein moiety from the unique lipoprotein‐X (LP‐X) specific for cholestasis and also from normal β‐lipoproteins, both of which are also present in the patients LDL fraction. Furthermore, some evidence is provided suggesting that the β2‐LP is likely to represent an intermediate particle of chylomicron metabolism, which accumulates in this disease due to a markedly diminished hepatic lipase activity.
Red Cell Metabolism in Transient Haemolytic Anaemia Associated with Zieve's Syndrome
Authors: Goebel K. M. , Goebel F. D. , Mühlfellner G. , Kaffarnik H.
Published: March 2008

Summary. Reversible haemolytic anaemia associated with decreased red cell half‐life and reticulo‐cytosis was studied in 10 patients with Zieve's syndrome. Since the underlying cause of the red cell destruction is as yet unknown, we determined the critical metabolic functions of the red cells in order to define the assumed intracorpuscular defect causing haemolysis. The glucose metabolizing enzymes had normal or raised values. ‐ In view of the diminished ATP and raised 2, 3‐diphosphoglycerate (2. 3 DPG) levels ‐ a combination which suggests a pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency ‐ additional procedures were carried out in order to detect an abnormal activity of the red cell PK. Studies of biochemical properties of PK such as thermostability, Michaelis‐Menten constants, and activation and inhibition tests brought results markedly deviating from the norm. ‐Fractions containing old cells particularly disclosed PK instability. A defective red cell matabolism resulted which was measurable through ATP‐instability, altered glucose utilization and lactate production. ‐ Experimental cell aging procedures led to a markedly decreased red cell metabolism. These assays revealed that mutations of PK‐control mechanims might be involved as factor triggering haemolytic anaemia of Zieve's syndrome.
Alpha Subunit of Glycoprotein Hormone: Presence in Peripheral Serum after LHRH
Authors: Benveniste R. , Frohman L. A. , Bell J. , Spitz I. , Rabinowitz D.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. A method is described for the selective measurement of human luteinizing hormone (hLH) and a subunit. The assays employ highly purified tracers of hLH and of subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCGa) and a “mixed population” of antibody: Population I (directed against determinants on β subunit of hCG) and Population II (directed against determinants on a subunit of hCG). The former is present in greater concentration than the latter. When the mixed antibody is used at high dilution (1:1. 2×106), Population II is effectively diluted out, and using 125I‐labelled hLH as tracer, the assay recognize hLH, hCG and their β subunits 20–50 times more sensitively than hCGa. When the mixed antibody is used at fivefold higher concentration, Population I is present in relative excess and acts as a “sink” for hCG, hLH and their β subunits. Under these conditions, using 125I‐hCGα as tracer, the assay recognize the α subunit 20 to 50‐fold more sensitively than hLH and hCG. These assays have been employed in the study of sera which have been filtered over Sephadex G‐100. Alpha subunit was detected in serum within minutes after intravenous injection of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) in four subjects tested.
Hepatic Cholesterol Synthesis in Man: Effect of Diazepam and Other Drugs†
Authors: Orlandi F. , Bamonti F. , Dini M. , Koch M. , Jezequel A. M.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The hepatic synthesis of cholesterol‐ measured as incorporation of 14C‐acetate into digitonin‐precipitable sterols‐ has been evaluated in needle biopsy material of normal untreated patients and patients under short‐term treatment with Diazepam, Phenobarbital, Chlorpromazine or Diphenylhydantoin. A significant increase of cholesterol synthesis was observed in the first two groups with much higher levels of incorporation in the Diazepam‐treated patients. Moreover in this group the levels were still elevated from 4 to 7 days after drug withdrawal. Ultrastructural and morphometric studies performed on the same biopsy material showed a significant increase of smooth endoplasmic reticulum in hepatocytes of Diazepam‐treated patients; in addition, there seemed to be a positive correlation between the increased cholesterol synthesis and the formation of areas of non vesicular, type 2, smooth endoplasmic reticulum. These findings suggest an early stimulation of the liver cell microsomal system by Diazepam in man; they also point to side effects of some drugs, which are not predictable from studies in Wistar rats.
Isogeneic or Allogeneic Transplantation of Duct‐Ligated Pancreas in Streptozotocin Diabetic Mice
Authors: Kramp R. C. , Congdon C. C. , Smith L. H.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Recovery from hyperglycaemia was observed in three different mouse hybrids that were made diabetic with streptozotocin, and then transplanted with pancreas from isogeneic donors whose pancreatic ducts were ligated over 8 weeks earlier. Recovery did not occur in recipients of allografts indicating that islets in ligated pancreas cannot be successfully transplanted across a major histocompatibility barrier. However, in lethally irradiated mice injected with allogeneic bone marrow (allogeneic radiation chimeras), subsequent transplantation of ligated pancreas from either isogeneic donors or allogeneic donor's of the same strain as the bone marrow donor decreased blood glucose of diabetic recipients. Thus, irradiation and allogeneic bone marrow therapy allow subsequent allogeneic transplantation of functional islet tissue in diabetic mice. Observations on diabetic mice transplanted isogeneically with ligated pancreas suggest that recovery from hyperglycaemia was more consistent when grafts were placed subcutaneously rather than intraperitoneally and when hosts received ligated pancreas from three donors rather than one. Thus, the site and amount of tissue transplanted are important considerations in the transplantation of ligated pancreas. Persistence of endocrine β‐cells in ligated pancreas was required for recovery in grafted mice since diabetic hosts failed to recover when grafted with ligated pancreas obtained from alloxan or streptozotocin‐treated, diabetic donors.
Immune Complex Deposits in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Kidney without Histological or Functional Alterations†
Authors: Cruchaud A. , Chenais F. , Fournié G. J. , Humair L. , Lambert P. H. , Mulli J. C. , Chatelanat F.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. This study demonstrates that in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the presence of immune complexes on the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) does not invariably result in histological and/or functional lesions of the kidney. Among a group of 29 lupus patients, six subjects were selected for thorough investigation, because their renal function was normal or only slightly altered though they had suffered from SLE for 20 months to 18 years. All patients had antinuclear factor, anti‐native‐DNA antibody and a low level of complement; 3 had anti‐denatured‐DNA antibody, 2 had denatured DNA‐anti‐denatured‐DNA circulating complexes and 3 had anti‐RNA‐protein antibody. Kidney biopsies disclosed either no histological lesion or minimal changes in five of them and diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis in one. By contrast, using the immunofluorescent technique, granular deposits containing the third component of complement (C3) were found on the GBM of all patients; IgG was present in 5 cases, IgM in 3, fibrinogen in 2 and IgA in one. Granular deposits were also found in the mesangium of all cases, in the vessel wall of two cases and around the tubules of one. Electron microscopy confirmed the presence of subendothelial and mesangial deposits. Our results also showed a good correlation between the importance of deposits and the presence of denatured DNA‐anti‐denatured‐DNA circulating complexes. From the data obtained in these 6 cases as well as in the 23 other patients of the group, 3 categories of lupus patients could be distinguished with regard to kidney involvement: 1) patients with insignificant histological lesions, no immune deposits and essentially normal function; 2) patients with definite histological lesions, immune deposits and renal insufficiency and 3) patients with few if any histological lesions and little functional impairment contrasting with important immune deposits. The resistance of some patients to the nephrotoxic effects of immune deposits shows that lupus nephritis depends on intricate pathogenic mechanisms and suggests that these are possibly antagonized by “protective” factors.
The Mechanism of Action of Mercuric Chloride on the Isolated Perfused Rat Kidney
Authors: Russell S. B.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Studies on 80 rat kidneys, perfused at constant flow, showed that mercuric chloride produced a marked increase in perfusion pressure within five minutes of administration. Adrenergic blocking agents (phentolamine and propranolol), angiotensin sensitivity depletion, bradykinin and low concentrations of mannitol had no effect on this increase in resistance. Perfusion of the kidney with 5 % mannitol solution, however, significantly reduced the increase of vascular resistance induced by mercuric chloride. Evidence is presented that mercuric chloride may evoke an increase in vascular resistance by inducing endothelial cell swelling, an action antagonised by the hypertonic effect of mannitol. Other possible contributory mechanisms are also discussed.
The Effect of Propranolol and Phentolamine on Serum Gastrin Concentration in Response to Respiratory Acidosis in Normal Man
Authors: Kaess H. , Utz G. , Teckentrup U. , Hauck A. M. , Dorner M.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Serum gastrin concentration and basal acid secretion were studied in normal subjects under the influence of respiratory acidosis induced by CO2 rebreathing. During the intragastric instillation of 100 ml/h 0. 5 M bicarbonate a significant increase of gastrinaemia from 130 to 158 pg/ml (p < 0. 01) occurred in ten subjects during respiratory acidosis (pCO2 62 torr, pH 7. 25). Under, the intragastric instillation of 100 ml/h 0. 1 N HC1 the rise of gastrin concentration in response to CO2 rebreathing (pC02 68 torr, pH 7. 20) was not significant. The relationship between the decrease of pH and the increase of the gastrin concentration was shifted in the direction of a greater systemic acidosis compared to the results performed in the presence of a neutral intragastric pH. 50 μg/kg propranolol intravenously produced a decrease of gastrin concentrations from 145 to 127 pg/ml (p < 0. 01) and a total suppression of hyper‐gastrinaemia in respons'e to CO2 rebreathing, suggesting activation of beta‐cell receptors in respiratory acidosis. The infusion of phentolamine in a dose of 0. 6 to 1. 8 mg/min. resulted in a rise of gastrin concentration from 140 to 165 pg/ml (p < 0. 01) which was not further elevated during respiratory acidosis. The basal acid secretion showed a significant rise in response to CO2 rebreathing, which was abolished by the administration of propranolol.
Mechanisms of Albumin Loss during Peritoneal Dialysis in Man
Authors: Bianchi R. , Mariani G. , Pilo A. , Carmassi F.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Albumin loss in the dialysate was evaluated during a total of 5 peritoneal dialyses carried out on 3 uraemic patients. The measurements were made by two different methods, the first based on the evaluation in the dialysate of intravenously injected radioiodinated albumin, the second one based on a radioimmunoassay of the protein in the dialysate. The results obtained showed three main mechanisms of protein loss during peritoneal dialysis: 1) albumin shift from extravascular sites adjacent to the peritoneum, 2) direct passage of albumin from blood stream to peritoneal cavity, and 3) tendency of the inter‐dialysis peritoneal fluid to equilibrate with plasma proteins. Furthermore, the observations made on a patient with evident peritonitis proved the importance of the intrinsic biological properties of the peritoneum in determining the amplitude of protein wasting by the dialysate.
The Effect of Spironolactone on Transport of Na+., K+ and H+. A Microperfusion Study in Rat Main Submaxillary Duct*
Authors: Knauf H. , Pander K. , Franck S.
Published: March 2008

The epithelium of the main excretory duct of the rat submaxillary gland was used as a target tissue for studies on the effect of a spironolactone on electrolyte transport. The spironolactone decreased net Na+ reabsorption by 27 % and net K+ secretion by 23 %. HCO3 was found to be about 2‐fold accumulated in the duct lumen, which was considered to result from decreased H+ion secretion. The results can be reconciled with an action of spironolactone on 1) the peritubular Na+‐K+‐exchange mechanism and 2) the functional coupling of Na+ entry from lumen to cell with K+ and H+ transfer from cell to lumen.
Insulin and Glucagon Secretion by Pancreatic Islets from Nondiabetic and Diabetic Sand Rats (Psammomys obesus)
Authors: Hahn H. J. , Schäfer H. , Gottschling H.D. , Fiedler H.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The secretion of insulin and glucagon was investigated in pancreatic islets from diabetic and nondiabetic sand rats of similar age and weight. The metabolic characterization was based on an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test. Compared to nondiabetic animals diabetic sarid rats had a diminished insulin content in their islets and a decreased insulin secretory response to glucose, glyceraldehyde and theophylline. Diazoxide inhibited insulin release in diabetic as well as in nondiabetic sand rats whereas mannoheptulose was effective only in the nondiabetic rats. There was no significant difference in glucagon content between the two groups. The glucagon secretion by pancreatic islets of diabetic animals was not suppressed by glucose, as in nondiabetic sand rats islets, but by glyceraldehyde. This indicates that the sensitivity to glucose rather than the suppressibility of glucagon release was altered.
Modifications in the Release of Rat Growth Hormone in vitro and the Morphology of Rat Anterior Pituitaries Incubated in Various Ionophores
Authors: Mira‐Moser F. , Schofield J.G. , Orci L.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The ionophore A23187 increased the release of rat growth hormone in the presence of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 3‐isobutyl‐l‐methylxanthine; a second ionophore X537A inhibited growth hormone release induced by the methylxanthine. A23187 did not alter rat growth hormone release in the absence of 3‐isobutyl‐l‐methylxanthine, but X537A enhanced hormone release in the absence of calcium or in the presence or somatostatin. These findings provide further evidence that both calcium and cyclic AMP are important in the regulation of growth hormone release. Tissue incubated in X537A contained electron‐lucent vesicles apparently derived from the Golgi apparatus, swollen granules and mitochondria with dense matrices. Tissue incubated in the presence of valinomycin or A23187 did not show altered morphology of either secretory granules or the Golgi complex. Possible mechanims of these changes are discussed.
Urinary Excretion of Adenosine 3'5‘ Monophosphate in Vitamin D Deficiency
Authors: Vainsel M. , Manderlier Th. , Otten J.
Published: March 2008

Urinary cyclic adenosine 3'5′monophosphate (AMP) excretion has been determined by radioimmunoassay in children with rickets and in control children. Cyclic AMP was greatly increased in children with rickets. The excretion of cyclic AMP correlated significantly with parathyroid hormone levels (PTH) and alkaline phosphatase, but not with age, calcaemia and serum inorganic phosphate. Calcium infusion led to a decrease in the excretion of cyclic AMP. The data are consistent with following hypothesis. During vitamin D deficiency, high PTH levels can increase the renal excretion of cyclic AMP. The effects of PTH on bone resorption fail to maintain the levels of serum calcium due to the lack of vitamin D. The mechanism by which the secondary hyperparathyroidism develops during vitamin D deficiency remains to be investigated.
Effects of Dopamine on Kidney Function and on the Adenyl Cyclase Phosphodiesterase System in Man
Authors: Vlachoyannis J. , Weismüller G. , Schoeppe W.
Published: March 2008

Clearance studies were made to determine the influence of intravenous infusions of dopamine (between 2.5 and 3.5 μg‐kg.‐1min.‐1) on renal function and on the adenyl cyclase phosphodiesterase system in eleven patients with chronic renal disease.

Glomerular filtration rate (+ 19 %), effective renal plasma flow (+ 29 %), sodium (+ 199 %) and potassium (+ 40 %) clearances were significantly increased. These effects were associated with a stimulation of the adenyl cyclase phosphodiesterase system demonstrated by an increase of cyclic adenosine 3'5′‐monophosphate in plasma and urine.

The results suggest that dopamine probably affects renal function by activating the adenyl cyclase phosphodiesterase system.
The Metabolism of Low Density Lipoprotein in Endogenous Hypertriglyceridaemia
Authors: Sigurdsson G. , Niooll A. , Lewis B.
Published: March 2008

The metabolism of low density lipoprotein (LDL) was studied in eighteen hypertriglyceridaemic patients by injecting autologous radioiodinated LDL. Over 95 % of the label was bound to the protein moiety of LDL and therefore the metabolic data reflect the fate and distribution of LDL apoprotein (apo B). The hypertriglyceridaemic subjects included ten with Type V, five with Type IV, two with Type III and one with Type lib hyperlipoproteinaemia. For comparison identical studies were carried out in seven normal subjects and five patients with heterozygous familial hyperbetalipoproteinaemia (Type Ila).

The groups differed considerably in mean LDL‐cholesterol concentration. The patients with Type V lipoprotein pattern had significantly lower LDL‐cholesterol concentration (mean 0.754 g/1) than the normal group (mean 1.237 g/1). Raised LDL‐cholesterol levels were observed in all patients with heterozygous familial hyperbetalipoproteinaemia. The synthetic rate of LDL‐apoprotein was found to be similar in all three groups (hypertriglyceridaemic, normal and hypercholesterolaemic). The highest synthetic rate was observed in the patient with Type lib pattern. However, the fractional catabolic rate (FCR) of LDL‐apoprotein differed significantly. The highest mean FCR was found in the Type V group (0.65 ± 0.17 day‐1) compared with 0.41 ± 0.09 day‐1 in the normal group and 0.185 + 0.05 day‐1 in the Type Ila group. A strong inverse correlation was found between FCR and LDL apoprotein concentration in the whole series (r = ‐ 0.90, p < 0.001) as well as within the Type V group (r = ‐ 0.87, p < 0.01).

These data indicate that the low plasma levels of LDL frequently observed in patients with very high plasma triglyceride levels are due to a high removal rate of LDL in these patients rather than to abnormal LDL synthesis.
Influence of Ureteral Catheter Size on Urinary Flow Rate and Glomerular Filtration Rate in the Rat
Authors: Vandewalle A. , Bonvalet J. P.
Published: March 2008

The influence of ureteral catheter diameter on renal function was studied in rats during different diuretic states. Urinary flow rate and glomerular filtration rate were measured on each rat using ureteral catheters of two different internal diameters.

In non‐diuretic rats, urinary flow rate and glomerular filtration rate did not change according to the catheter diameter. In diuretic rats, urinary flow rate was frcm 40 to 70% lower with the smaller catheter. Differences became more marked as urinary flow rate increased. Glomerular filtration rates were about 20% lower when measured with small catheters.

These results clearly demonstrate that the use of small diameter ureteral catheters during diuretic states leads to a decrease in glomerular filtration rate and urinary flow rate. The results also emphasize the importance of using large diameter catheters during such experimental conditions.
Renin‐Aldosterone Axis in Ethanol Intoxication and Hangover
Authors: Linkola J. , Fyhrquist F. , Nieminen M. M. , Weber T. H. , Tontti K.
Published: March 2008

The renin‐aldosterone system was studied in human volunteers during ethanol intoxication and hangover. Plasma renin activity increased more than 100%, when 1.5 ‐ 2.3 g ethanol per kg body weight was ingested over a three hour period. During hangover the increase even exceeded 200%. Plasma aldosterone concentration decreased during ethanol intoxication, but increased greatly during hangover. It is suggested that the stimulation of the renin‐aldosterone axis during ethanol intoxication and hangover is due to dehydration and increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system.
Effects of Haemodialysis on Fractional Intestinal Absorption of Calcium in Uraemia
Authors: Chanard J. M. , Drüeke T. , Zingraff J. , Man N.‐K. , Russo‐Marie F. , Funck‐Brentano J.‐L.
Published: March 2008

Fractional intestinal absorption of calcium was measured in 41 haemodialysed patients 4 hours after an oral dose of 47 Ca. Fractional intestinal calcium absorption was 40.3 ± 1.9% (SEM) when measured 10 to 12 hours after a haemodialysis session (dialysate calcium concentration: 1.75 mmol/litre). This value was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than that in 26 healthy controls (56.8 ± 1.8%) and higher (p < 0.05) than that of 3 5 patients with chronic renal failure treated conservatively (34.5 ± 2.1%). In 17 patients, fractional intestinal calcium absorption was measured just before and just after a dialysis session. Pre‐dialysis fractional intestinal calcium absorption (33.7 ± 3.0%) was not significantly different from fractional intestinal calcium absorption in uraemic patients treated conservatively, while after dialysis fractional intestinal calcium absorption had increased significantly to 42.0 ± 2.6% (p < 0.001). It is suggested that the transient increase in fractional intestinal calcium absorption observed after dialysis could be related to dialysis induced volume depletion rather than to a vitamin D‐dependent mechanism.
Bone Mass In Maintenance Haemodialysis. Prospective Study with Sequential Biopsies
Authors: Malluche H. H. , Ritz E. , Lange H.P. , Arras D. , Schoeppe W.
Published: March 2008

The change of bone mass during maintenance haemodialysis was studied in 20 patients. Iliac crest biopsies were obtained at a 9 ‐ 16 months interval. Two biopsies were taken in order to give an independent estimate of the sampling error. 22 individuals in the same age group without skeletal disease who died from traffic accidents or from violent deaths were used as controls.

Undecalcified sections of bone (Masson‐Goldner‐stain) were evaluated by micromorpho‐metry. At the beginning of the study osteosclerosis (i.e. volumetric density of bone above x ± 2 SD in control patients) was found in 14 out of 20 patients. Volumetric density of bone only increased in one of the patients during the observation period. A significant decrease of volumetric density of bone was found in 5 out of 20 patients. This could be attributed to prolonged immobilisation in two cases and to inadequate protein‐ and calorie‐intake in two cases. No predisposing factor could be found in the fifth case.

It is concluded that loss of spongy bone mass (osteopenia) is not an invariable result of haemodialysis.
Intestinal Adaptation after Jejuno‐lleal Bypass Operation for Massive Obesity
Authors: Iversen B. M. , Schjønsby H. , Skagen D. W. , Solhaug J. H.
Published: March 2008

Intestinal adaptation was studied in six patients with massive obesity treated by je‐juno‐ileal bypass operation. Glucose absorption in the jejunum was measured by a perfusion technique. The morphometric and enzymatic measurements were carried out on biopsies from the proximal jejunum and the distal ileum. Results obtained before and six months after the operation were compared. The glucose absorption per unit length of jejunum was unchanged at a glucose concentration of 66 mmol/1 in the perfusate but increased significantly at a glucose concentration of 133 mmol/1 (p < 0.025). The mean sucrase activity did not change, whereas the lactase activity increased significantly in the jejunum and ileum. The mean villus height increased significantly, while the epithelial cell height and cell width were unchanged both in the jejunum and the ileum, suggesting that the operation resulted in epithelial cell hyperplasia. The glucose absorption in the jejunum was positively correlated with the villus height (r = 0.76), which suggests that the increased glucose absorption was related to an increased number of epithelial cells.
The Role of the Beta‐Adrenergic Receptor in the Secretion of Gastrin: Studies in Normal Subjects and in Patients with Duodenal Ulcers
Authors: Brandsborg O. , Brandsborg M. , Christensen N. J.
Published: March 2008

Intravenous infusion of isoproterenol, a beta‐adrenergic receptor stimulatory agent, increased serum gastrin concentration significantly more in patients with a duodenal ulcer than in healthy subjects. The rise in pulse rate, blood glucose concentration and in serum insulin was the same in both groups of subjects. Gastrin secretion was also increased significantly more in the patients than in the control subjects after a beef‐meal. Basal serum gastrin concentrations were higher in the patients than in the control subjects and correlated to the rise in serum gastrin during both tests in the patients with a duodenal ulcer. Isoproterenol and meal stimulated gastrin secretion, expressed as percent of the basal value, were twice as high in the patients as in the control subjects.

The combined administration of isoproterenol and the meal had an additive effect on the rise in serum gastrin.

Isoproterenol stimulated gastrin secretion was completely suppressed by propranolol, a beta‐adrenergic receptor blocking agent, which had no effect on meal stimulated gastrin secretion.

It is concluded that the mechanism of the hypersecretion of gastrin in patients with a duodenal ulcer did not involve a specific abnormality of the beta‐adrenergic receptor or the receptor which recognized proteins and their digested products.

There is no established role of beta‐adrenergic receptor activity in the hypersecretion of gastrin in patients with duodenal ulcers. It is suggested that the beta‐adrenergic receptor may have some yet unknown function unrelated to the acute secretory response of gastrin.
Hepatic Storage and Biliary Transport Maximum of Taurocholate and Taurochenodeoxycholate in the Dog
Authors: Poupon Renée , Poupon Raoul , Dumont M. , Erlinger S.
Published: March 2008

The purpose of this work was to validate for taurocholate and taurochenodeoxycholate the multiple infusion method of Wheeler et al. previously used for the study of hepatic sulphobromophthalein transport and to obtain numerical estimates of the relative storage capacity and secretory transport maximum of both bile acids. Experiments were performed in anaesthetized dogs after depletion of the endogenous bile acid pool. Bile was collected continuously to prevent recirculation of bile acids and to measure their secretion rates. Taurocholate or taurochenodeoxycholate were infused intravenously at 3 different rates and blood samples were collected every ten min to measure serum bile acid concentrations. Extrahepatic distribution spaces of taurocholate and taurochenodeoxycholate were measured by an isotope dilution method. Serum bile acid concentrations varied linearly with time during the last 30 min of each infusion period. A linear relationship was found between the calculated hepatic removal rate and the rate of change of serum bile acid concentration. The mean values of relative storage capacity were (in μmol. μmol‐1 1‐1. kg body weight‐1) 0.16 ± SD 0.07 for taurocholate and 0.08 ± SD 0.03 for taurochenodeoxycholate. The mean values for secretory transport maximum were (in μmo 1.min‐1. kg body weight‐1) 4.81 ± SD 1.24 for taurocholate and 3.56 ± SD 0.60 for taurochenodeoxycholate. The values of secretory transport maximum with the multiple infusion method were only slightly higher than those obtained by direct measurement of biliary secretion. The values of relative storage capacity obtained during infusions resulting in decreasing plasma concentrations were usually lower than those obtained when the plasma concentration increased. This suggests that the limitations of the method previously noted for sulphobromophthalein may apply to bile acids.
Cholesterol metabolism in Papua New Guineans
Authors: WHYTE MALCOLM , NESTEL PAUL , MacGREGOR ALEXANDER
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Cholesterol metabolism has been studied in a group of healthy males drawn from a New Guinea highland population whose plasma cholesterol concentration is low by Western standards and does not rise with age.

Mean values from compartmental studies in six subjects were: pool A mass 289 mg/kg; production rate 1069 mg/day or 17.4 mg kg‐1 day‐1. The average rate of endogenous synthesis measured by sterol balance in twelve men was 751 mg/day or 12.4 mg kg‐1 day‐1. There was evidence of probable suppression of synthesis by about 500 mg/day when I g/day of egg yolk cholesterol was added to the diet of six subjects for 5 weeks. In the latter group, mean cholesterol absorption was 39% (390 mg/day) but the plasma cholesterol concentration did not rise, possibly reflecting compensatory reduction in synthesis.

It is suggested that these results were unexceptional, except possibly for the failure of the plasma cholesterol concentration to rise when cholesterol was ingested, despite gross differences in diet and many other factors.
Blood—brain barrier permeability during electroshock seizures in the rat
Authors: BOLWIG TOM G. , HERTZ MARIANNE M. , HOLM‐JENSEN JØRGEN
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The effect of electrically induced seizures on the permeability of the rat blood‐brain barrier was investigated. The small radioactive tracers sodium (24N+), chloride (36Cl‐), carbon labelled thiourea (14C‐thiourea) and glucose (14C‐D‐glucose) were studied in indicator dilution experiments with indium labelled diethylene‐triaminepenta‐acetic acid (113mIn‐DTPA) as reference substance. This method allows a quantitative estimate of the transcapillary loss of solutes, the extraction (E), during a single passage through the brain. Passage of macromolecules was studied using as marker substance Evans Blue which binds to plasma albumin.

In the resting state ENa, ECl, Ethiourea and Eglucose were 2.9, 4.8, 9.3 and 12.5%, respectively. During seizures and during shortlasting hypercapnia E glucose decreased while E for the other tracers was unchanged. As cerebral blood flow increased, there must be an increased transfer of test substances into the brain. This finding is in agreement with recent human studies [15]. When Evans Blue was injected intravenously prior to electroshock, there was no staining of brain tissue after one electroshock but following repeated electroshocks some staining was observed. In an attempt quantify this transcapillary loss of albumin by means of indicator dilution, 51Cr‐labelled erythrocytes were used as intravascular reference substance against 113mIn‐DTPA (a plasma tracer). However, the albumin loss (by pinocytosis or otherwise) occurring after ten electroshocks could not be detected during a single passage through the brain.
Blood pressure in subjects with hypercalcaemia and primary hyperparathyroidism detected in a health screening programme
Authors: CHRISTENSSON T. , HELLSTRÖM K. , WENGLE B.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Primary hyperparathyroidism was the most likely diagnosis in sixty‐eight non‐thiazide treated patients with hypercalcaemia detected in a health screening. The group included fifty‐five females and thirteen males with a mean±SEM age of 55.0±0.7 years. On a pair basis, these patients were compared with a series of sixty‐eight age‐ and sex‐matched normocalcaemic subjects selected from the health screening register. Five subjects in each group were receiving medication for hypertension. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly higher in the hypercalcaemic subjects in the remaining fifty‐eight pairs (P<0.001). This difference was unrelated to impaired renal filtration and many other factors associated with hypertension. It is concluded that hypercalcaemia and/or other effects of deranged parathyroid function per se may result in a blood pressure elevation which need not necessarily attain the level of hypertension.
Immunoglobulins in myasthenia gravis: effect of human lymph IgG 3 and F(ab‘)2 fragments on a cholinergic receptor preparation from Torpedo marmorata*
Authors: LEFVERT A. K. , BERGSTRÖM K.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Lymph IgG from patients with myasthenia gravis was shown to inhibit the binding of radio‐labelled Naja naja siamensisα‐neurotoxin to membrane fragments from the electric organ of Torpedo marmorata. This effect could be related to IgG subclass 3 and to the F(ab)2 fragment.

These findings confirm the involvement of antibodies to postsynaptic structures in myasthenia gravis.
Bile acid metabolism in ileostomy patients
Authors: HUIBREGTSE K. , HOEK F. , SANDERS G. T. B. , TYTGAT G. N. J.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. In ten ileostomy patients, a 14C‐cholylglycine breath test was performed. The 14CO2 in the exhaled air and the 14C bile acid quantity and composition and fat content in the subsequent 24 h ileostomy effluent were determined and compared to the values in twenty healthy controls.

The results show that in ileostomy patients only minor bile acid‐deconjugation occurs in vivo. Deconjugation in the ileostomy bags was found to be mainly responsible for the absence of conjugated bile acids in many of the ileostomy effluent samples. Secondary bile acids were not present in these patients, as determined by TLC. The fecal fat and bile acid excretion was found to be in the normal range in ileostomy patients provided no concomitant ileum resection was present.
Pituitary–testicular function in acromegalic and hypophysectomized patients
Authors: LINDHOLM J. , RASMUSSEN P. , KORSGAARD O.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Serum testosterone, LH, and FSH before and after i.v. injection of LHRH were studied in ten acromegalic men and in twenty‐one males after hypophysectomy. Controls were normal men matched according to age. Compared to the controls, basal FSH was slightly higher and basal LGH slightly lower in the untreated acromegalics. The differences were not statistically significant. Serum testosterone and the ratio between basal FSH and LH were significantly lower in the patients. Following hypophysectomy because of acromegaly, the values were essentially unchanged. Hypophysectomy because of a functionless chromophobe adenoma resulted in a significantly lower maximum value of LH but not of FSH after LHRH. The results show that hypogonadism in acromegaly might be a result of imbalance between LH and FSH. They furthermore demonstrate that testing the pituitary‐testicular function with LHRH in patients with pituitary disorders seems to be of limited value.