bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partial Mole with a Diploid Fetus: Case Study and Literature Review
Authors: Sánchez-Ferrer María Luisa , Ferri Belén , Almansa María Teresa , Carbonel Pablo , López-Expósito Isabel , Minguela Alfredo , Abad Lorenzo , Parrilla Juan José
Published: September 2009

Objective: To describe an extremely rare case of a partial hydatidiform mole with a normal fetus. The etiology and clinical management of this entity are discussed. Method: Case report. Results: We describe a rare case of partial mole and a living fetus of diploid karyotype and biparental origin confirmed by flow cytometry and PCR techniques. No malformations were observed, β-hCG levels were high (>100,000 mIU/ml) and persistent trophoblastic disease did eventually occur. Conclusion: A suspected partial mole on ultrasound with increased β-hCG and a sonographically normal living fetus of a diploid karyotype poses a dilemma for clinical management. Termination of pregnancy is not indicated if the fetus is normal; in fact, continuation to birth is possible in nearly 60% of cases with no increase in maternal risks when the patient is closely monitored after birth until β-hCG is negative. In the case presented, however, a spontaneous abortion occurred at 21 weeks’ gestation, possibly as a result of the amniocentesis.
Efficacy and Safety of Low-Dose Chlorambucil in Nephrotic Patients with Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy
Authors: Idasiak-Piechocka Ilona , Oko Andrzej , Łochyńska-Bielecka Katarzyna , Skrobańska Beata
Published: September 2009

Aim: This observational study aimed to evaluate the results of treatment with low-dose chlorambucil in combination with corticosteroids in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMGN) and nephrotic syndrome. Methods: Thirty-two patients with nephrotic syndrome and biopsy-proven iMGN were included in the study. At presentation, 9 patients were found to be in stage 1, 13 patients in stage 2 and 10 patients in stage 3 chronic kidney disease. In all patients, i.v. methylprednisolone pulses (500 mg/day for 3 days) were administered, followed by oral prednisone at an initial dose of 1 mg/kg per day, tapered gradually after 8 weeks to the maintenance dose of 5 mg/day after 6 months, and chlorambucil 2 mg twice daily for 6 months. Results: Complete remission of nephrotic syndrome was obtained in 14 patients (47.3%) and partial remission in 16 patients (50%). Two patients relapsed after 1 year of treatment. We did not record any severe side effects in treated patients, except glucose intolerance in 4 subjects on high corticosteroid doses. Conclusion: Immunosuppressive treatment with corticosteroids and low-dose chlorambucil seems to be effective and well tolerated in nephrotic patients with iMGN.
Perinatal Changes of Interorgan Differences in Cell Metabolism
Authors: Stave Uwe
Published: September 2009

Differences of metabolic qualities and capacities among organs and tissues of perinatal rabbits were investigated. A suitable alternative for the measurement of substrate utilization of single organs seems to be the total amount of certain key enzyme activities calculated for whole organs. The immediate perinatal period is the object of this study with adult animals serving as a reference. We have selected the phosphofructokinase activity to represent the upper segment of glycolytic reactions, 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase as a key enzyme for (3-oxidation of fatty acids and citrate synthase activity to represent the Krebs cycle activity. In fetal, newborn, and adult rabbits we analyzed liver, kidneys, heart, lung, brain, brown and white adipose tissue, stomach and intestines, skin, a representative sample of skeletal muscles, and of bones. The organ weight distribution, total amount of protein, and DNA was determined for the same ten organs. The share each organ contributes to the total body key enzyme activity shows the importance of each metabolic capacity which is represented by the three enzymes. In perinatal adipose tissue the very high potential for energy production through utilization of Krebs cycle reactions is striking. The same tissue has a high capacity to oxidize fatty acids. The skeletal muscle represents the biggest capacity of glycolytic reactions in all age groups. After birth the metabolic profile of the whole organism shows a marked and steep increase of glycolytic capacity, whereas the capacity to oxidize fatty acids decreases slowly.
Effects of Low Humidity on Small Premature Infants in Servocontrol Incubators
Authors: Belgaumkar Teertharaj K. , Scott Kenneth E.
Published: September 2009

19 small premature infants in servocontrol incubators, whose abdominal skin temperature was 36.0 ± 0.3 °C, were subjected to alternate high- and low-humidity environments. With low humidity, rectal temperature dropped significantly below abdominal skin temperature. Skin was the predominant site of evaporative heat loss. The temperature was lower on naked skin than on an area covered by adhesive tape. Thus, servocontrol with low humidity increases evaporative heat loss and engenders a cycle of events that results in paradoxical body temperature decrease as the incubator temperature increases.
Spectrographic Analysis of Pain Cry in Neonates with Cleft Palate
Authors: Michelsson K. , Sirviö P. , Koivisto M. , Sovijärvi A. , Wasz-Höckert O.
Published: September 2009

52 phonations of 13 cleft palate neonates were analyzed by sound spectrographic methods. 17 phonetical attributes were included in the study and the first signal after the pain stimulus was analyzed. The cries of the cleft palate infants were compared with the crying of 75 normal babies of the same age. No change in the fundamental frequency, melody type and duration of the cries was seen in association with these anatomical defects. Two of the characteristics studied, vibrato and the Ê»tonal pit’, occurred significantly more often in cries of the cleft palate infants than in cries of the control series. The changes in the qualities seen in association with cleft palate and/or cleft lip do not mimic the abnormalities produced by brain damage.
Ultrastructural Study of the Erythropoietic Events in Human Embryonic Livers
Authors: Djaldetti M. , Ovadia J. , Bessler H. , Fishman P. , Halbrecht I.
Published: September 2009

The ultrastructural features of the erythropoietic events in 5- to 9-week embryonic livers are described. By the 5th week of gestation, the human embryonic liver becomes an active site of erythropoiesis represented by the formation of reticular-mesenchyme cells and hemocytoblasts. At the 6–7th week, the first proerythroblasts and islands of polychromatophilic and orthochromatic erythroblasts can be detected. From this stage, by the 8th week of embryonic development, the liver assumes its function as a fully developed embryonic organ. In the embryonic livers studied there were no signs of granuloor lymphopoiesis. Although megakaryocytes were found in the 8-week embryonic liver, there is no evidence that these cells are produced in the liver. Macrophages were found in the 5-week embryonic liver.
Perinatal Primate Parathyroid Hormone Metabolism
Authors: Fleischman Alan R. , Lerman Samuel , Oakes Gary K. , Epstein Michael F. , Chez Ronald A. , Mintz Daniel H.
Published: September 2009

Near-term fetal and neonatal parathyroid gland function has been studied in the Rhesus monkey. Fetal serum ionized calcium (Ca++) levels are significantly greater than simultaneously obtained maternal levels. Fetal serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) was undetectable both in the basal state and in association with EDTA-induced fetal hypocalcemia. Induced maternal hypocalcemia was associated with increased maternal serum PTH levels and no change in fetal basal serum Ca++ or PTH levels. Only a minimal decrease in simian neonatal serum Ca++ occurred over the first 48 h of life. Normal adult levels of serum PTH were present as early as 6 h of neonatal life. Induced hypocalcemia at 12 h of age resulted in a significant increase in serum PTH levels.
Valine/Glycine Ratio in Newborn Infants
Authors: Hibbard Elizabeth D. , Kenna A.P.
Published: September 2009

The ratio of valine/glycine was measured in the umbilical cord blood of 213 newborn infants of singleton pregnancies. The results obtained in small-for-date and preterm infants are compared with those in normal-term infants. A parallel assessment was made of the valine/glycine ratio in venous blood of the mothers of all these infants. An abnormally high rate was found in a small number of infants and also in a few mothers. There did not appear to be any association between these abnormal results and intra-uterine growth retardation.
The Afferent Vagus and Regulation of Breathing in Response to Inhaled C02 in Awake Newborn Lambs
Authors: Marsland D.W. , Callahan B.J. , Shannon D.C.
Published: September 2009

Changes in steady state minute ventilation, tidal volume and frequency were determined in unanesthetized lambs before and after bilateral cervical vagotomy while breathing 3, 6, and 9 % CO2 in 20 % O2 balance N2. The slope of ▵VE/▵PaCO2 fell from 0.068 to 0.033 while frequency response depended on intact vagi. Electrical stimulation of the cut proximal vagus (after bilateral vagotomy) restored CO2 responsiveness to control values. From these observations, it may be concluded that the afferent vagus is involved in the control of ventilation during hypercapnia and helps to modulate ventilatory frequency by inhibiting tidal volume.
Studies on Steroids in Urine of the Male Newborn
Authors: Schindler A.E. , Wuchter J.
Published: September 2009

Four different methods of isolation and purification were utilized to study steroids in urine of male newborns which was collected during the first 5 days of life. These methods included celite column, ion exchange column and thin-layer chromatography, solvolysis and enzyme hydrolysis with β-glucuronidase and aryl sulfatase. Procedural losses were evaluated by using radioactive internal standards. Final quantitation of each steroid was achieved by comparison of its chromatographic and quantitative behavior with the respective standard steroids on various gas-liquid chromatography systems, either as parent compound or as trimethylsilyl ether derivative. The following steroids were found in the amounts indicated: progesterone, 2.1 μg/l (pool I), 4.6 μg/l (pool III); pregnanediol, 625.0 μg/l (pool IIa), 605.0 μg/l (pool IIb glucuronide), 25.4 μg/l (pool IIb sulfate), 4.2 μg/l (pool IIb free), 729.0 μg/l (pool III); 16α-hydroxyprogesterone, 713.0 μg/l (pool III); 16α-hydroxypregnenolone, 14,000.0 μg/l (pool III); 16α-hydroxydehydro-epiandrosterone, 2,350.0 μg/l (pool III); 16-dehydroprogesterone, 155.0 μg/l (pool I), 21.2 μg/l (pool IIb glucuronide), 97.5 μg/l (pool IIb sulfate), 5.3 μg/l (pool III); 16-de-hydropregnenolone, 382.0 μg/l (pool I), 1,380 μg/l (pool IIb glucuronide), 172.0 μg/l (pool IIb sulfate), 174.0 μg/l (pool III); 16-dehydropregnanolone, 8.3 μg/l (pool I), 239.0 μg/l (pool IIb sulfate). Pregnenolone, pregnanolone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone could not be detected. The results support the concept that the steroid patterns of urine of the newborn and amniotic fluid are very similar and that the amniotic fluid steroid content is mainly dependent on fetal urinary steroid excretion. The data on Δ16-C21 -steroids are discussed.
α1-Antitrypsin Concentration in Amniotic Fluid
Authors: Evans Hugh E. , Glass Leonard , Mandl Ines
Published: September 2009

Concentrations of α1-antitrypsin were measured in 80 specimens of amniotic fluid collected at various stages of pregnancy. Levels remained relatively unchanged throughout gestation, with a median concentration of 10.0 mg/100 ml at 12–24 weeks, 18.7 mg/100 ml at 34–37 weeks, and 16.2 mg/100 ml, after the 37th week. In three instances where the infant developed RDS, the median concentration was 12.4 mg/100 ml.
Metabolic Patterns in Several Tissues of Newborn Rabbits during Ischemia
Authors: Fischer J.H. , Isselhard W.
Published: September 2009

The metabolic states of various tissues of newborn rabbits were studied before and after periods of ischemia of 5–40 min. The contents of substances of the energy distributing adenylic acid-creatine phosphate system as well as glycogen, glucose and lactate were determined and the results are discussed in comparison with the well-known values from ischemic tissues of adult rabbits. The preservation of high energy phosphates as well as the rate of glycolytic energy production during the course of ischemia was quite identical in the myocardium of newborns and adults in contrast to the different ability of newborn and adult rabbits to maintain circulation in anaerobic conditions. In the central nervous system the ATP contents decreased to very low levels within a few minutes in both groups although the glycolytic energy production was rather different. But the larger amounts of adenine nucleotides present in the newborns at any time of ischemia indicate a better chance of postischemic recovery. In the livers and the kidneys of the newborns higher rates of glycolytic energy production led to better preservation of the energy-rich substances while in skeletal muscle and the lung only slight differences occurred between newborns and adults.
Late Effects of Neonatal Undernutrition and Overnutrition on Pituitary-Thyroidal and Gonadal Function
Authors: Bakke John L. , Lawrence Nancy L. , Bennett Jane , Robinson Sue
Published: September 2009

Neonatal rats were underfed or overfed and then, at weaning, placed on a normal diet and allowed to mature. Although overfed rats were obese at weaning, they were of normal weight when mature. The underfed rats remained smaller all their lives. The endocrine organs did not share in this retardation, and were actually larger in several instances when expressed per 100 g body weight. Underfed rats also had delayed eye-opening, normal puberty and normal estrous cycles. Pituitary, hypothalamic and serum TSH concentrations were normal, or even increased (in the underfed females). The responses to propylthiouracil and to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) were both normal. Thus the tertiary hypothyroidism reported in underfed rats 16 days old did not persist into adult life. In all comparisons the males had higher serum TSH concentrations than females and usually had a greater response to TRH stimulation. The various persistent endocrine abnormalities resulting from neonatal thyrotoxicosis differ from those seen after neonatal caloric deprivation in all pertinent regards except that both have reduced body weights.
Serial Measurements of Plasma Half-Lives and Urinary Excretion of Antipyrine in Low-Birth-Weight Infants
Authors: Murdoch A.I. , Thorgeirsson S.S. , Rossiger H. , Davies D.S.
Published: September 2009

Antipyrine has been used previously to estimate total body water in infants. In the present study, antipyrine spaces were determined early on the first day of life and again at the end of the fourth day in 22 early mild-fed low-birth-weight babies as part of a study of serial measurements of water balance. This report deals with findings arising from analysis of disappearance rates of antipyrine in plasma used for the determination of antipyrine space (total body water estimation). Urine excretion of antipyrine was measured from 24-hour urine outputs in 9 of these babies. The data showed that: (1) wide individual variations of plasma antipyrine half-life times occurred on both the first and fourth days of life; (2) plasma half-life times in the low-birth-weight infants were usually much longer than those of adults; (3) half-life times on the first day of life were significantly longer than on the fourth day of life; (4) urine excretion of unchanged antipyrine was a significant factor in the disappearance rate of antipyrine from the body with between 7 and 36 % of the dose appearing in the urine (average 21 %) within 96 h of the initial injection.
Correlation of Head Circumference and Crown-Rump Length in Newborn Infants
Authors: Yang S.-S. , Chen Y.-C. , Brough A.J. , Bernstein J.
Published: September 2009

A study of 305 consecutive neonatal autopsies done by two prosectors showed a high correlation between the head circumference (HC) and crown-rump length (CR). The calculated formula can be stated approximately as HC = 0.9 CR + 2.5 cm, and the two measurements are for all practical purposes equal in the immediate neonatal period, regardless of race, sex, age and body weight. When the HC was found to be significantly larger than CR, hydrocephalus and certain types of chondrodystrophy were present. When the HC was significantly smaller than CR, there was a higher incidence of congenital heart disease, especially hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and congenital central nervous system disorders other than hydrocephalus. From a practical point of view, a significant difference is a discrepancy of more than 2.5 cm. 102 consecutive, living neonates were also similarly studied. It appears that the CR length when carefully measured under standardized condition is more reliable than the crown-heel length.
Estimation of Surfactant Lecithin in Amniotic Fluid and Prediction of Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Ogawa Y. , Okamoto T. , Fukuda M. , Hiratani Y. , Ogawa J.
Published: September 2009

The quantitative and qualitative analyses of lecithin in the human amniotic fluid in relation to the antenatal prediction of developing respiratory distress syndrome were described. Surfactant lecithin (disaturated and/or dipalmitoyl lecithin) was estimated for the first time in 42 amniotic fluid specimens of 21–42 weeks gestation. Surfactant lecithin was present in considerable amounts in specimens obtained near or at term except in the ones associated with infants who subsequently developed respiratory distress syndrome. One infant developed typical respiratory distress syndrome despite the normal total lecithin concentration of amniotic fluid at birth. The fatty acid analysis, however, revealed that the surfactant lecithin concentration was extremely low, showing a great discrepancy between total lecithin and surfactant lecithin concentrations. Thus the estimation of disaturated and/or dipalmitoyl lecithin in the amniotic fluid seems to be the most precise sign of a potential risk of respiratory distress syndrome.
Changes in the Organs of Pigs in Response to Feeding for the First 24 h after Birth
Authors: Widdowson E.M. , Colombo V.E. , Artavanis C.A.
Published: September 2009

The small and large intestines of piglets gained rapidly in weight and length during the first 24 h after birth, much more rapidly than during the next 9 days. In the jejunum, which was particularly studied, both muscle and mucosa increased in weight, but the mucosa more than the muscle, and there was a considerable increase in the amount of protein in it. Some of this may have been colostral protein in process of being absorbed. The activities of lactase and acid phosphatase in the jejunal mucosa as a whole increased during the first 24 h in suckled animals, but because of the large increase in the amount of mucosa and of protein in it the enzyme activities, expressed per gram protein, fell.
Development of Gluconeogenic Enzymes in the Liver of Human Newborns
Authors: Marsac C. , Saudubray J.M. , Moncion A. , Leroux J.P.
Published: September 2009

Hepatic activities of fructose diphosphatase, pyruvate carboxylase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) were measured as a function of age in premature or full-term infants: 41 postmortem samples and four biopsies from living children. All three enzymic activities were found to increase during the first 10 days of life, particularly PEPCK which may then be postulated to bear an important function in the postnatal regulation of blood sugar levels. The development of PEPCK activity begins after a lag period of 4–5 days after birth. The possible influence of prematurity and glucose infusions on the time course of PEPCK induction is discussed.
Free Amino Acids in Newborn and Adult Rabbit Liver after Prolonged Hypoxia
Authors: Stave Uwe , Armstrong Marvin D.
Published: September 2009

Newborn and adult rabbits were kept in incubators with a low oxygen atmosphere for 12 and 24 h. In these animals the free amino acids of the liver were quantitated by column chromatography. The most apparent changes were a decrease in the concentrations of most of the liver amino acids after 12 h hypoxia in newborns and a general increase in concentrations in hypoxic adults. Lysine and alanine were markedly increased after 24 h hypoxia in both newborns and adults but were increased after 12 h only in the adult livers.
Vitamin A and Liver Lipids of Suckling Rats
Authors: Misra U.K. , Srivastava N.
Published: September 2009

To 6-day-old pups, 1,000 IU of vitamin A were successively fed on the 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th days of age and its effects on liver studied on the 23rd day. Feeding of vitamin A to pups significantly reduced liver DNA, protein, total and free cholesterol and total phospholipids and significantly increased liver triglycerides.
The Effect of Litter Size on the Growth, Survival and Behaviour of Neonatal Bulbectomised Mice
Authors: Cooper A.J. , Cowley J.J.
Published: September 2009

Bilateral lesions of the olfactory bulbs in 1-day-old mice led to a slow rate of growth both before and after weaning and the growth changes were positively associated with the size of the lesion. Mothers continued to care for the bulbectomised mice which showed no evidence of retarded motor development though their eyes opened later and they were less active when exposed to an artificial perfume. Bulbectomised mice failed to survive in litters of two where both infants were bulbectomised and in litters with a large number of unoperated littermates. Keeping litters small and having both bulbectomised and control mice present enhanced the chances of survival and the presence of infant control mice is a necessary condition for the maintenance of lactation and the survival of the bulbectomised babies. Failure to respond to the odours (pheromones) of the mothers may be responsible for the infrequent suckling and the slow growth and development.
Triglyceride Mobilization in Cultured Adipocytes of Human Infants
Authors: Adebonojo Festus O.
Published: September 2009

Cultured adipocytes of human infants, in the absence of known lipolytic agents, are capable of mobilizing their own stored triglycerides as showed by a decrease in the content of stored triglycerides with time. The medium used is synthetic, fortified with 20% fetal calf serum and contains adequate amount of glucose. It is suggested that lipolysis occurs because the metabolic balance favors lipolysis in the absence of adequate amount of free fatty acids in the medium. Conversely lipogenesis is favored in the presence of such fatty acids.
Liquid Ventilation in Immature Newborn Rabbits
Authors: Schwieler Gösta H. , Robertson Bengt
Published: September 2009

Rabbit fetuses delivered 3 days before term were artificially ventilated with air, oxygen, or oxygenated liquid fluorocarbon for 1.5–3 h. Oxygenation, as revealed by skin colour and ECG was superior in liquid-ventilated animals. Also, liquid ventilation was less harmful to the bronchiolar epithelium and, in contrast to ventilation with gas or oxygen, did not cause the formation of hyaline membranes.
Antidiuretic Hormone and Oxytocin Release and Antidiuretic Hormone Turnover in the Fetus, Lamb and Ewe
Authors: Alexander D.P. , Bashore R.A. , Britton H.G. , Forsling M.L.
Published: September 2009

The release of antidiuretic hormone in response to the introduction of an osmotic stimulus into the cerebral circulation of the fetal sheep and lamb is described. Infusion of 1.0 M sodium chloride solution (mean 0.22 ml/kg/min, range 0.15–0.42 ml/kg/min) into the carotid artery of the acutely exteriorised fetus led to a rise in fetal plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) concentration within 5 min. The response was independent of age in the range 113–138 days gestation age. No clear-cut response was obtained in the lamb. In some of the fetal experiments infusion of 0.1 M calcium chloride solution into the carotid artery (mean 0.54 ml/kg/min, range 0.34–0.84 ml/kg/min) led within 2 min to the release of appreciable quantities of both AVP and oxytocin. Turnover measurements of bioassayable AVP indicate a significantly shorter half-life of this hormone in the fetal circulation (3.7 ± 0.7 min, mean ± SEM) when compared with the mother (5.9 ± 0.48 min, mean ± SEM) with an intermediate value in the lamb.
Effect of Perfusion on the Biochemical Composition of the Human Placenta
Authors: Gustke Hans-Henner , Kowalewski Sabina
Published: September 2009

The effect of perfusion of the human term placenta on the content of hemoglobin, protein, nucleic acids, water and LDH total and isoenzyme activities was determined. Whereas a 7% increase of tissue water was observed upon perfusion, all other parameters showed a significant decrease in the perfused tissue. The most marked reduction in LDH isoenzymes, which were separated by column chromatography, occurred in the main erythrocyte fractions LDH 1 2 and 3 whereas LDH 4 and 5 remained unchanged. The perfused placenta contained all five fractions with a predominance of LDH 3 and 4.
Absorption Rates of Fructose and Influence of Fructose on the Glucose Blood Level in Preterm and Term Newborns Appropriate for Gestational Age as Compared to Preterm and Term Newborns Small for Gestational Age
Authors: Rautenbach M. , Beyreiss K.
Published: September 2009

Oral tolerance tests were performed with 2.0 and 3.0 g·kg––1 fructose and the fructose and glucose blood levels were observed in preterm and term newborns appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and small for gestational age (SGA). Their age ranged from 12 to 72 h and from 10 to 12 days. The absorption rates of fructose – as compared with intravenous fructose infusions – in the groups examined amounted to 23–30%, but in preterm SGA newborns they reach a value of 67%. The elimination of fructose in the urine was less than 4% of the intake. Whereas preterm and term AGA newborns showed a clear increase of the glucose level irrespective of postnatal age, the glucose concentration was not influenced in preterm SGA newborns. Also in preterm SGA newborns the glucose blood level was increased by galactose during the first days of life, so that lack of increase of glucose after fructose in this group may possibly be due to a reduced gluconeogenesis at the level of hexose-1,6-diphosphatase.
Respiratory Characteristics of Blood following the Interatrial Baffle Procedure for Dextro Transposition of the Great Arteries
Authors: Sunderland Cecille O. , Dhindsa Dharam S. , Henken Dale P. , Nichols Michael , Metcalfe James , Menashe Victor D. , Lees Martin H.
Published: September 2009

Five children with D-transposition of the great arteries continued to have an elevated blood 2,3-DPG concentration and a lowered blood oxygen affinity for at least 10 days following corrective surgery. Five of ten children in whom arterial oxygen saturation was elevated at least 6 months following surgery, continued to have saturations of less than 90%. Thus, some postoperative patients appear to have a continuing need for facilitated tissue oxygen availability following the Mustard operation (interatrial baffle procedure).
Placental Transfer of α-Amino Isobutyric Acid and Glucose Near Term and in Progesterone-Induced Prolonged Gestation in the Rat
Authors: Rosso Pedro
Published: September 2009

Maternal-fetal transfer of radioactively labelled α-amino isobutyric acid (AIB) and glucose was studied in pregnant rats near term and during progesterone-induced prolonged gestation. Transfer of both substances decreases markedly between day 21 and 22 of normal gestation. This downward trend in the rate of transfer continued during prolonged gestation. The amount of both AIB and glucose per gram of placental or fetal weight crossing into the fetus was reduced approximately 50% between day 21 and 23 of gestation.
Antidiuretic Activity in the Fetal and Newborn Rabbit Hypophysis
Authors: Froger J.L. , Aminot A. , Blouquit-Debray M.F. , Roffi J.
Published: September 2009

Two types of experiments were performed: (1) measurement of the effects of experimental stimuli – hemorrhage or dehydration – on 30-day-old rabbit fetuses on hypophysial ADA, and (2) measurement of the evolution of hypophysial ADA during the perinatal period to test the possible influence of natural stimuli – birth and adaptation to extrauterine life – on newborn rabbit hypophysial ADA. Hemorrhage provokes a 58% decrease in fetal hypophysial ADA (p < 0.001) and dehydration a 35% decrease (p < 0.02). Hypophysial ADA doubles between the 30th and 31st days and then falls abruptly by 33% in the newborn rabbit less than 0.5 h old (p < 0.05) and by 52 % in the rabbit 1–2 hold (p < 0.001). Fetal and newborn rabbits, whose hypophysial ADH content per gram body weight is relatively high with respect to other species, respond to experimental stimuli (hemorrhage, dehydration) or to a natural stimulus (birth) by an ADH release whose effects are yet to be investigated.
Riboflavin, FAD, Glutathione, and Active Glutathione Reductase in Neonatal Erythrocytes
Authors: Berry D.M. , Brewster M.A.
Published: September 2009

Erythrocyte glutathione reductase (GR) activity of the neonate in the first and second days of life is elevated twofold over that of adults and is unrelated to intracellular concentrations of GSH, FAD, riboflavin plus FMN, or total flavin. These findings are similar to those reported in erythrocytes of cord blood. The conversion of GR from the inactive to the active form by in vitro FAD has been shown to be a useful index of riboflavin deficiency in adults and in older children, but is shown in this study to be rapidly changing during these first days of life.
Sex Difference in de novo Synthesis of FSH in Developing Rats
Authors: Chowdhury Mridula , Steinberger Emil
Published: September 2009

A study of the FSH synthesis pattern in the maturing (10–40 days of age) male and female rats has been conducted. The plasma and pituitary FSH levels were measured by double antibody radioimmunoassay (RIA). De novo synthesis of FSH was studied by incubation of pituitaries with 3H-leucine and immunoprecipitation of the total FSH (including the newly synthesized hormone) with an FSH antibody. A marked difference in the pattern of changes in the pituitary and plasma levels and the de novo synthesis of FSH was noted between the two sexes. In the females the highest circulatory FSH levels were noted on the 10th day of life (2,009 ng NIHFSHS-1/ml). The level dropped progressively until the 30th day of age and remained approximately at the level of 500 ng/ml until the 40th day of age. Incorporation of 3H-leucine in the FSH molecules or the de novo synthesis of this hormone was also highest between the 10th and 15th days of age and gradually diminished until the 30th day when it leveled off. In the males the incorporation of 3H leucine increased gradually from 10 days of age and peaked on the 35th day at the same time that the highest FSH levels were observed in both serum and the pituitary. At the age of 40 days, the plasma and the pituitary FSH levels decreased, paralled to a decrease in synthetic rate. These data are interpreted to suggest that (1) the changes in the rates of FSH synthesis are primarily responsible for the dramatic changes in circulatory FSH levels, and (2) the factors which inhibit the release of FSH in these animals ultimately inhibit its synthesis as well.
Glucose Intolerance in Infants of Very Low Birth Weight
Authors: Dweck Harry S. , Brans Yves W. , Sumners James E. , Cassady George
Published: September 2009

61 intravenous glucose tolerance tests (GTT) were performed within 24 h of birth in 50 infants of birth weights 500–1,380 g. Glucose exposure prior to the test in 33 of the GTT resulted in higher mean plasma glucoses, more frequent preinfusion hyperglycemia (glucose > 125 mg/100 ml), and a greater proportion of slower glucose disappearance rates (Kt) when compared to the 28 ‘fasting’ infants who received no glucose prior to the test. In seven of the fasting tiny babies, two immediately successive (‘double’) GTT were performed within 8.5 h of birth. Contrary to all previously reported studies in healthy adults and mature newborns, these babies failed to demonstrate an increased rate of glucose disappearance and signifanctly lower plasma glucoses in the initial phase of the second test. These unique findings help explain previous observations from this laboratory of significant hyperglycemia in infants of very low birth weight and further document their vulnerability to hyperglycemia with parenteral glucose infusions.
Gel Filtration of Hyperbilirubinemic Sera through Sephadex G-25 and Sephadex LH-20 for the Detection of ‘Free’ Non-Albumin-Bound Unconjugated Bilirubin
Authors: Priolisi A.
Published: September 2009

Hyperbilirubinemic model sera with different bilirubin/albumin (Br/Alb) molar ratio, containing unconjugated bilirubin only, and containing various fractions of conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin, were simultaneously run through small columns packed with Sephadex G-25 and Sephadex LH-20. The bilirubin adsorbed by the gel was detected by a diazo-reagent and also recovered with chloroform. The amount of bilirubin adsorbed by the gel was higher using the Sephadex LH-20 gel, when sera containing unconjugated bilirubin were tested. In case of sera containing also conjugated pigment, the bilirubin adsorbed by the two gels was the same at a Br/Alb molar ratio equal to or below 0.89; above this level the bilirubin adsorbed by the Sephadex LH-20 was higher. But with reference to the concentration of the unconjugated bilirubin the chloroform-recovered bilirubin was in greater amount than expected if unconjugated bilirubin were considered in the tested sera. The possible implication of the role played by the conjugated fraction is discussed in relation also to the clinical application of the gel filtration technique.
Use of Partial Mammectomy to Produce Malnutrition in the Rat
Authors: Galler Janina R. , Turkewitz Gerald
Published: September 2009

Partial mammectomy in the Sprague-Dawley rat was studied as a method for producing malnutrition without accompanying differences in litter size. Throughout the litter period, experimental litters weighed less than controls. No difference in the rate of development of various anatomical landmarks was noted with this degree of malnutrition. Maternal behavior in the nursing dam was measured with respect to nursing, nesting, and retrieval behavior. Mammectomized subjects built and maintained better nests and spent more time in a nursing posture, but were less likely to retrieve their litter than were control animals. At weaning the intact mammae of the experimental animals were larger than those of control animals.
Insulin Antagonism of Dexamethasone-Induced Increase of Argininosuccinate Synthetase and Argininosuccinate Lyase Activities in Cultured Fetal Rat Liver
Authors: Räihä Niels C.R. , Edkins Edward
Published: September 2009

In fetal rat liver explants maintained in organ culture, the addition of dexamethasone (4.6 × 10––6M) produced a 2- to 3-fold increase in the activity of argininosuccinate synthetase and in argininosuccinate lyase after 24 and 48 h of incubation. Insulin (1.8 × 10––6M) alone had no effect on the enzyme activities, but when incubated together with dexamethasone, it abolished the dexamethasone-induced increase of argininosuccinate synthetase and inhibited the argininosuccinate lyase activity by 80%, at 24 h. At 48 h, the inhibition of both enzyme activities was 68 %. The antagonistic effect of insulin on the dexamethasone action is discussed in relation to the mechanism of perinatal enzyme induction. Hyperinsulinemia may interfere with the development of enzyme systems during the perinatal period. This could have relevance in the care of infants of diabetic mothers.
Amino Acid Nutrition of the Fetal Lamb
Authors: Smith R.M. , Jarrett I.G. , King R.A. , Russell G.R.
Published: September 2009

With three exceptions amino acids were retained by the fetal lamb from the maternal circulation in proportions appropriate for the synthesis of whole body protein. Only glutamate, aspartate and serine, amino acids involved in the synthesis of nucleic acids, seemed to be produced by the fetus itself.
Uptake and Metabolism of 14C-Palmitate by Fetal Rabbit Tissues
Authors: Hudson D.G. , Hull D.
Published: September 2009

The uptake and esterification of 14C-palmitate into lipid classes in placenta, fetal brown adipose tissue (BAT) and liver of rabbits were investigated in vitro. Fetal BAT showed a high rate of fatty acid uptake, 8.5 μmol·h––1 tissue·h––1. From 5 min onwards, the majority of incorporated label was in the triglyceride fraction. The placenta and fetal liver also incorporated 1-[14C]-palmitate into both FFA and esterified lipid fractions, although at much lower rates than observed for BAT. In the liver, triglycerides, but in the placenta phospholipids, contained the majority of the label after 1 h incubation. BAT from both fetal and newborn rabbits released 14CO2 and the production of 14CO2 was greater in the presence of noradrenaline. The specific activity of the CO2 was the same in stimulated and unstimulated tissue. It is concluded that BAT as well as the liver are important sites of free fatty acid removal from the fetal circulation. The potential for fatty acid oxidation is present in BAT of the 28-day rabbit fetus.
Baroreflex Activity in Conscious Fetal and Newborn Lambs
Authors: Maloney John E , Cannata John , Dowling Margaret H. , Else Wendy , Ritchie Blair
Published: September 2009

The immediate transient baroreceptor sensitivity was measured in 9 conscious fetal and 7 conscious newborn lambs for periods of at least 35 days following bolus injections of phenylephrine (20–50 μg/kg). Mean sensitivities were unchanged throughout gestation from 105 days at 6.7 ± 0.4 msec/cm H2O (n = 45) and were insignificantly different from those in the newborn period, 5.9 ± 0.4 msec/cm H2O (n = 78). In contrast, baroreflex sensitivities were less in 2 fetuses and 2 newborn lambs when pressures were increased by chronically implanted thoracic aortic balloon cuffs; they were 3.03 ± 0.11 (n = 127) and 0.91 ± 0.11 msec/cm H2O (n = 61), respectively. ‘Steady-state’ heart period-arterial pressure curves indicate that the baroreflex operates down to levels of 40 cm H2O in the fetus which is lower than that achieved in the adult of other species, rabbit and man.
Incorporation in vivo of 1-14C-Palmitic Acid into Placental and Fetal Liver Lipids of the Rabbit
Authors: Elphick M.C. , Hull D.
Published: September 2009

The incorporation of free fatty acid into the placental and fetal liver lipids of rabbits was studied after fetal injections of albumin-bound l-14C-palmitic acid. The fetuses were killed either 5–10 or 10–20 min after the injection. The placentas and livers were extracted for lipids and the specific activities of triglycerides (TG), phospholipids (PL), free fatty acids (FFA), monoglycerides (MG) and diglycerides (DG) measured. The lipids of the liver and placenta took up 17.0 and 3.6% of the dose, respectively, and of that the liver TG accounted for 74% and the placental TG 34% of the label in each tissue. Most of the remaining counts were in the PL fraction with the rest more or less evenly distributed between the FFA, DG and MG fractions. No activity was recorded in the cholesterol esters. The placental TG, PL, DG and MG specific activities reached the same level as that of the placental FFA, while in the liver these esters had higher specific activities (than the liver FFA). The liver TG, DG and PL had higher specific activities when compared with those of the placenta. The specific activity of the placental FFA was lower at 10–20 min than at 5–10 min; the opposite was seen for the placental TG. No time-related changes were seen in the liver lipids. It is concluded that (i) both placenta and fetal liver incorporate FFA into glycerides and PL; (ii) the liver incorporates FFA more rapidly and to a greater extent than the placenta; (iii) most of the FFA is incorporated into TG and to a lesser extent PL; (iv) in both organs hydrolysis of PL or TG occurs. These results are discussed with reference to placental transport of FFA and fetal fat metabolism.
Factors Affecting Materno-Fetal Transfer of Iron in the Rat
Authors: Matoth Yehuda , Zaizov Rina
Published: September 2009

Materno-fetal transfer of iron was studied in the rat under various conditions affecting maternal iron kinetics. A low maternal plasma iron turnover rate (PITR), whether due to a low serum iron concentration or a reduced plasma volume, was associated with a decrease in the amount of iron transported to the fetuses. Conversely, a high PITR due to iron overload and a high serum iron concentration, produced a marked increase in the amount of iron received by the fetuses. No such increase was observed in fetuses of mothers made anemic by bleeding or phenylhydrazine, in whom both the PITR and erythropoietic activity were increased, presumably due to maternal competition for iron. The amount of iron crossing to the fetuses, therefore, is affected by the interplay of two conflicting factors: the PITR and maternal needs for iron, as dictated by the level of erythropoietic activity.
Effects of Large Volume-Hemodilution Perfusion on Plasma Volume, Plasma Proteins and Plasma Electrolytes in Neonatal Piglets
Authors: LeGal Yves M. , Snellen Jan W. , Littlefield James B.
Published: September 2009

Two groups of 15 neonatal piglets underwent arteriovenous perfusion with the chest closed, at normothermia and without an oxygenator in the system until complete mixing of the blood and priming fluid was accomplished. The extracorporeal circuit was primed in one group with a warm (38 °C) buffered Ringer-lactate solution, and in the second group with an equally warm buffered solution of 2% Rheomacrodex in Ringer-lactate. The priming volumes of the perfused animals were individually tailored to result in a mixed (blood and priming solution) hematocrit of 22%. A control group of 15 piglets underwent the same surgical procedures but were not perfused. Large vessel hematocrit, plasma volume, the five major plasma protein components, plasma electrolytes and plasma osmolarity were measured before perfusion, immediately after and every 8 h for a period of 24 h. During perfusion, plasma volume, erythrocytes, and proteins were lost from the circulation. Plasma osmolarities showed larger fluctuations in the Rheomacrodex group than in the Ringer-lactate group. The neonatal pig is able to cope with large volume hemodilution resulting in a hematocrit of 22%. It shows a well-developed regulatory mechanism to counteract plasma volume and plasma protein losses; the replenishment of plasma volume and restoration of each major circulating plasma protein fraction, except γ-globulin, are accomplished in about 24 h. The restoration of plasma volume occurs faster than the restoration of plasma proteins, but when dextran is present the reverse is the case. Since the restoration of plasma volume, plasma proteins, and red blood cells do not show the same patterns, sequestration of whole blood is unlikely. 2% Rheomacrodex in Ringer-lactate appears to enhance protein restoration considerably.
Is Taurine Essential for the Neonates?
Authors: Rigo J. , Senterre J.
Published: September 2009

Serum amino acid concentration measurements in infants with low birth weight fed on human milk or on two humanized formulas and in infants on total parenteral nutrition showed that taurine was significantly decreased in the three groups on artificial diet. Infants weighing more than 2,000 g on total parenteral nutrition perfused with a solution containing no taurine and little cystine showed a low taurine concentration despite a significant increase of cystine. These results favor the hypothesis of Sturmanet al, that the human infant cannot synthetize an adequate amount of taurine from cystine and methionine precursors and may be dependent on its diets as a taurine source.
Phenobarbital-Induced Brain Growth Retardation in Artificially Reared Rat Pups
Authors: Diaz Jaime , Schain Richard J. , Bailey Beva Gay
Published: September 2009

Phenobarbital was administered daily to rat pups during the period of their brain growth spurt. A new technique for artificially rearing rat pups, using chronic intragastric feeding cannulas, was used to prevent drug-induced undernutrition. Rats, receiving neonatal phenobarbital, experienced a marked interruption of early brain growth, although their body weights reflected normal growth.
Differential Effect of Pre- and Postnatal Litter Size Reduction on Body Weight and Development of Stress Response in the Rat
Authors: Milković K. , Peruzović M. , Romić R. , Paunović J. , Pope K.
Published: September 2009

The postnatal development of pups belonging to the small, prenatally reduced litters (PRN) was compared to that of pups of the postnatally reduced litters (PST) and to that of pups of intact, normal-size litters (CON). Body, adrenal and pituitary weight gain as well as maturation of the pituitary-adrenal system were enhanced in the PRN and PST pups as compared to the CON pups in the 3 postnatal weeks. However, significant differences in some data between the PRN and PST pups were found, indicating the more pronounced beneficial effect of the prenatal reduction of litter size. The postnatal litter size reduction abolished the weight gain of the testes. The prenatal reduction of litter size resulted in a similar, although less pronounced negative effect.
The Fibrinolytic Pathway in the Human Fetus
Authors: Creter Draga , Goldman Jack A. , Djaldetti Meir
Published: September 2009

The fibrinolytic pathway and the protease inhibitors in 12- to 24- and 24- to 36-week-old fetuses were examined and compared with full-term newboms. The activity of the fibrinolytic system, as well as the values of the protease inhibitors approach the normal values progressively with the embryonic maturation.
The Effect of Prenatal Fructose Infusions upon Metabolic Condition of the Newborn
Authors: Přibylová H. , Melichar V. , Šabata V.
Published: September 2009

Changes of total blood sugars, glucose, fructose, lactate, pyruvate, acid-base balance and free fatty acids were followed in 15 healthy newborns whose mothers received fructose infusions during labour. The results were compared with 20 control newborns and with 10 newborns after prenatal glucose infusions. The levels of total blood sugars during 24 h after infusions remained higher after fructose than in 2 other groups. The values of lactate and pyruvate increased, but the lactate/pyruvate ratio remained unchanged. The free fatty acids were lower than in the control group. Results show that fructose is not a suitable source of energy for the human fetus even under normal conditions.
Maternal–Fetal Relationships in Corticosteroid Metabolism
Authors: Michaud Nicole J. , Burton A.F.
Published: September 2009

Corticosterone in fetal mouse tissues after injection of mothers with 14C-corticosterone was determined by acetylation with 3H-acetic anhydride and cocrystallization to constant specific activity. The corticosterone content of whole fetal tissue varied between gestational days 13 and 17 from 641 to 300 ng/g. Specific activity of fetal hormone remained essentially constant; after a 15-min pulse this was as much as one-quarter that of maternal hormone. Placenta, head and liver showed distinctly different patterns which changed during this time, with a decrease in conversion of corticosterone to 11-dehydrocorticosterone. A sharp increase occurred in the activity of fetal liver 11β-hydroxysteroid:NADP oxidoreductase activity. This mitochondrial enzyme, pH optimum 6, Km = 33 μM, reduced the metabolite, raising the relative amount of corticosterone in the fetus from 16 to 91%. 1 day after removal of maternal adrenals both maternal and fetal corticosterone were normal, indicating ability of fetal adrenals to function. Maternal corticosterone, however, crossed the placenta readily and it is considered likely that, normally, the maternal hormone predominates. Regardless of origin, corticosterone is maintained by enzymatic conversion in a distinct manner in different tissues.