bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Angiotensin Play a Role in Human Fetal Erythropoiesis?
Authors: Anderson E.M. , Jones D.R.E. , Liu D.T.Y. , Broughton Pipkin F.
Published: October 2009

Angiotensin affects the growth of many cell types and there have been suggestions that it could influence cells which respond to erythropoietin. During first trimester, human fetal haematopoietic cells are exquisitely responsive to erythropoietin and we have assessed the potential for angiotensin to also influence the growth of these cell types in a standard culture system. The data obtained from these studies indicate that angiotensin does not influence fetal haematopoiesis over a range of concentrations.
Use of Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry for the Measurements of Small Quantities of Mineral
Authors: Lapillonne Alexandre , Braillon Pierre.M. , Claris Olivier , Ho Pui S. , Delmas Pierre D. , Salle Bernard L.
Published: October 2009

The aim of the study was to assess the precision and the accuracy of whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements of low quantities of mineral. Six stillborn infants were measured three times in order to assess the precision in vivo. Powdered bone tablets were also measured three times separately or in compact groups (0.32–41.7 g of hydroxyapatite) by whole-body DXA. Mean correlation coefficients were 6.85 ± 5.99 and 6.74 ± 6.58% in vivo and in vitro, respectively. DXA-based estimates of the tablets were highly correlated with the actual bone mineral content (BMC; r = 0.99, p = 0.0001). The mean difference between DXA values and the reference values was 2.55 ± 10.93%, but the agreement between DXA results and reference values rose to 3.99 ± 3.49% for BMC above 10 g. Very small amounts of mineral can be measured by whole-body DXA, but assessment of an infant with a BMC less than 10 g should be made with care.
Effect of Milk-Borne Epidermal Growth Factor on the Hepatic Microcirculation and Kupffer Cell Function in Suckling Rats
Authors: McCuskey Robert S. , Nishida Jiro , McDonnell Deboragh , Williams Catherine , Koldovsky Otakar
Published: October 2009

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is contained in breast milk, is transported intact across the gastrointestinal mucosa during the suckling period, retains its biological activity, and affects hepatic growth. Whether or not EGF also influences postnatal hepatic development by affecting nonparenchymal cells or by modifying intrahepatic blood is not clear. As a result, the effect of EGF on the hepatic microvasculature was studied in suckling rats fed rat milk substitute (RMS) with and without EGF (100ng/ml, i.e. twice the normal intake in breast milk) between days 11 and 14 and compared to pups breast-fed for 14 days. The livers of anesthetized pups were examined by in vivo microscopy to determine the numbers of sinusoids with flow (SCF) in each of 10 microscopic fields and the numbers of phagocytic Kupffer cells (KC) in the same fields followig an intraportal injection of fluorescent 1-μm latex particles. Phagocytic activity was expressed as the ratio KC/SCF. In pups fed RMS without EGF, SCF and KC/SCF was 75 and 45%, respectively, of that in breast-fed animals. The addition of EGF to the RMS restored SCF and KC/SCF nearly to the levels measured in breast-fed pups. Thus, the results suggest that milk-borne EGF plays a role in the development of KC phagocytic function and affects the amount of blood that perfuses the sinusoidal bed in the suckling.
Bile Acid Concentrations in Serum and Duodenal Aspirates of Healthy Preterm Infants: Effects of Gestational and Postnatal Age
Authors: Boehm G. , Braun W. , Moro G. , Minoli I.
Published: October 2009

In 41 healthy human-milk-fed preterm infants the preprandial total bile acid (B A) concentrations in serum and duodenal juice were simultaneous measured during the first 60 days of life. The infants were subdivided into four groups according to their gestational age: 6 infants with a gestational age of 27 and 28 weeks, 7 infants with a gestational age of 29 and 30 weeks, 21 infants with a gestational age of 31 and 32 weeks and 7 infants with a gestational age of 33 and 34 weeks. The BA levels were enzymatically determined using 3-α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. In the duodenal juice, cholic acid (CA), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), deoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid were separately quantified by thin-layer chromatography. During the first month of life, the serum BA concentrations increased significantly with postnatal age (p < 0.01) but remained nearly constant during the second month of life. In the duodenal aspirates, the BA concentrations increased continuously up to the end of the observation period (p < 0.001). In the duodenal aspirates, the CA/CDCA ratio was high immediately after birth and decreased significantly with increasing postnatal age (p < 0.001). During the first weeks of life, the BA levels were preferentially conjugated with taurine, but in spite of the taurine-rich diet during the whole observation period the taurine/glycine ratio decreased with postnatal age (p < 0.001). In all samples of duodenal juice, the sum of primary BA was > 98% of total 3-α-hydroxy-BA. These data indicate that the establishment of an intestinal microbial flora necessary for intestinal BA transformation and the development of the enterohepatic BA circulation lasts some months of postnatal life. The serum BA concentration reflects hepatic synthesis, intestinal absorption, renal excretion and hepatocellular transport into bile in a very complex way which may limit the diagnostic value of serum BA during this time. Additionally, a duodenal BA concentration below 4 mmol/l, as found in this study during the first 2 weeks of life, may be of clinical importance due to its possible effects on fat absorption.
Dietary Nucleotides Might Influence the Humoral Immune Response against Cow’s Milk Proteins in Preterm Neonates
Authors: Martínez-Augustin Olga , Boza Julio J. , del Pino Juan I. , Lucena José , Martínez-Valverde Antonio , Gil Angel
Published: October 2009

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of dietary nucleotide supplementation in preterm infants during the first month of life on the intestinal permeability to lactulose, mannitol and to β-lactoglobulin and on the development of circulating antibodies to β-lactoglobulin and α-casein. Twenty-seven preterm infants were enrolled in the study; 11 of them were fed a standard low-birth weight milk formula and 16 infants were fed the same formula supplemented with nucleotides at similar levels to those found in human milk. Blood and urine samples were obtained at 1 7 and 30 days of age. Serum β-lactoglobulin, serum IgG antibody to α-casein and serum IgG antibody to β-lactoglobulin were measured by ELISA. The lactulose/mannitol urinary excretion rate was measured by gas liquid chromatography. Neither the intestinal permeability to saccharides nor the intestinal absorption of β-lactoglobulin were affected by the nucleotide supplementation. However, serum concentrations of IgG antibody to β-lactoglobulin were higher in preterm neonates fed the supplemented formula than in those fed the standard formula. According to these results, dietary nucleotides might influence the maturation of the humoral immune response in preterm newborn infants.
Effect of Preventive Administration of a Nonpathogenic Escherichia coli Strain on the Colonization of the Intestine with Microbial Pathogens in Newborn Infants
Authors: Lodinová-Žádniková R. , Sonnenborn U.
Published: October 2009

In a randomized, double-blind study, 27 healthy newborn infants were colonized with the nonpathogenic Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 (E. coli DSM 6601, Mutaflor®) during the first 5 days of life by daily oral inoculation of 1 ml of a suspension with 108 living cells. A second group of 27 newborns, used as controls, received a placebo suspension (1 ml of phosphate-buffered saline) instead. Stool samples were taken on days 1,2, 3, 5, and 21, and 6 months after birth. All samples were examined for the presence of the nonpathogenic E. coli strain and of pathogenic and potentially pathogenic microorganisms. The administered E. coli strain was detected in the stools of the colonized newborns from day 2 and remained present throughout the study in more than 90% of these infants. Colonization with true and potential bacterial pathogens was significantly reduced in infants receiving E.coli strain Nissle 1917 compared to the placebo group – both with respect to numbers of pathogens and to the spectrum of species.
Influence of Bilirubin on the Antioxidant Capacity of Plasma in Newborn Infants
Authors: Bélanger Sylvie , Lavoie Jean-Claude , Chessex Philippe
Published: October 2009

In vitro, bilirubin is a strong antioxidant, but in vivo its capacity to act as a scavenger of toxic oxygen radicals remains poorly documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate if bilirubin had antioxidant properties in jaundiced infants. The antioxidant capacity of neonatal plasma was measured in Trolox equivalents (TEAC, mmol/l) and correlated in vitro with plasma bilirubin concentrations (r2 = 0.99). Plasma TEAC was compared before and after exchange transfusions for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (250–435 μmol/l). The antioxidant properties of the paired blood samples before and after exchange transfusions (TEAC: 1.67 ± 0.12 vs. 1.37 ± 0.09 mmol/l, n = 11) varied in proportion to the serum bilirubin levels. The changes in other antioxidants were not large enough to account for the magnitude of change in antioxidant capacity. Therefore, in vivo, the plasma antioxidant capacity of jaundiced newborn infants is related to the level of bilirubin.
Organ Distribution and Biliary Excretion of Intravenously Injected Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I in Suckling Rats
Authors: Kong Wuyi , Koldovsky Otakar , Lake Mats , Anderson Gary G. , Philipps Anthony F.
Published: October 2009

The organ distribution of intravenously injected 125I-IGF-I at a dose of 2–4 × 106 cpm or 5–10 ng/animal was studied in 10-to 12-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats at 5 and 30 min after injection. Results of the study suggest that, although the main portion of intravenous IGF-I remains in the circulation, significant amounts are also found in the carcass, liver and kidney. Blood radioactivity fell by 50% 30 min after injection, but concentrations in the carcass, liver, kidney and skin either remained stable or increased. Gel chromatography demonstrated that significant portions of radioactivity recovered from serum, liver and kidney coeluted in a position identical to the injected IGF-I. In addition, the extracted peptide bound competitively to a membrane IGF-I receptor preparation. Studies performed on liver and kidney from these animals 5 min after injection showed that on a per gram wet weight basis, these organs contained equivalent amounts of 125I-IGF-I. However, although by 30 min, 65% of the intact labelled IGF-I has been removed from the liver, the amount remaining in kidney tissue was equal to that noted 5 min after injection. Bile was collected over a 2-hour period and contained approximately 2% of the injected radioactivity and a significant portion (30%) of this radioactivity coeluted with native IGF-I. This material also bound competitively in a radioreceptor assay, suggesting Ê»intactness’ of this peptide. From this study, we conclude that (a) IGF-I, when administered intravenously, remains for at least 30 min in a receptor-active form in blood and several organs; (b) IGF-I derived from the circulation is cleared from the liver more quickly than from the kidney of suckling rats, and (c) that IGF-I is transferred from blood to bile.
Effects of Combined Carotid Sinus and Aortic Depressor Nerve Denervations in Neonatal Rat Pups
Authors: Shair Harry N. , Myers Michael M.
Published: October 2009

Denervation of the major peripheral chemo- and barosensory organs of neonatal mammals is known to produce age-dependent effects on mortality and on respiratory and cardiovascular functions. In the current series of experiments, these phenomena were more fully characterized in the young rat. 8- to 9-day-old rats showed few effects of combined carotid sinus and aortic depressor nerve (CSAD) denervation. During the days following surgery, these animals maintained normal body temperatures, had relatively normal weight gain, little cardiorespiratory disruption, and none died. Denervation at earlier ages (postnatal days 3–4 or 0–1) resulted in considerable mortality, 24 and 59%, respectively. In addition, body temperatures were lower, and the weight gain was impaired in the denervated pups as compared with controls, and these effects were more severe in the CSAD nonsurvivors than in the survivors. Also, nonsurvivors had much more severe disruptions of cardiorespiratory patterns measured 24–96 h after surgery than did CSAD survivors. Twenty-four hours after surgery, pups that later died could be identified based on low heart rates and long inspiratory times. CSAD survivors maintained a pattern of moderate cardiorespiratory disruption as compared with controls. Finally, our results indicate that the additional stress of subcutaneous electrocardiography lead implantation and/or daily maternal separation for cardiorespiratory recording increased the mortality in the 3- to 4-day-old CSAD pups from 11 to 40%.
Rescue High Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation for Preterm Infants: Neurodevelopmental Outcome and Its Prediction
Authors: Cheung Po-Yin , Prasertsom Wannarad , Finery Neil N. , Robertson Charlene M.T.
Published: October 2009

The role of rescue high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFO) in treating very-low-birth-weight neonates with severe respiratory failure in relation to neurodevelopmental outcome has not been evaluated. We performed a retrospective cohort study on 21 patients (out of 52 consecutively admitted preterm neonates with gestational age ≤ 30 weeks and birth weight ≤ 1,250 g; mortality rate 60%) rescued with HFO between October 1988 and August 1993. Neurodevelopment, including Bayley Scales in Infant Development, was assessed at 12–61 (mean 28.5) months adjusted age. Thirteen normal (scores better than 2 SD below mean, and no sensory or motor disability) (62%) and neurodevelopmentally disabled children (38%) survived more than 1 year for developmental assessment. The mental and performance developmental indices were 94 (78–117) and 89 (68–110), and 63 (49–102) and 49 for the 13 normal and 8 disabled children, respectively (both p < 0.05). The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH; grade 3 or 4), growth retardation, developmental scores and disabilities of these 21 HFO survivors were not significantly different from that of a birth-weight- and gestational-age-matched comparison group. While all HFO survivors had significant improvement in oxygenation 12 and 24 h after starting HFO, FiO2 and the alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (A-aDO2) decreased significantly 1 h after starting HFO in survivors with normal neurodevelopmental outcome. The lack of initial response to HFO (20% decrease in A-aDO2 1 h after starting HFO) and the presence of grade 3 or 4 IVH predicted neurodevelopmental disability with a sensitivity of 63%, a specificity of 100%, and positive and negative predictive values of 100 and 81%, respectively. We concluded that HFO could be used as a rescue treatment in sick preterm neonates. The lack of early improvement in oxygenation and the presence of grade 3 or 4 IVH can predict adverse early childhood neurodevelopment in such neonates.
Assessment of Perinatal Pathologies in Premature Neonates Using a Syllable Discrimination Task
Authors: Dehaene-Lambertz G.
Published: October 2009

In order to assess whether neonatal complications have any impact on early cognitive capacities, premature neonates between 35 and 36 weeks of gestation were tested in a syllable discrimination task using a non-nutritive sucking paradigm. The sucking response to a change of syllable was negatively correlated with the presence of brain lesions. In contrast to full-term and healthy premature neonates, who increase their sucking rates after a change of syllable, premature neonates with subcortical lesions react to a syllable change by exhibiting lower sucking rates relative to a no-change situation. This behavior may tentatively be related to a contingency learning deficit, secondary to subcortical lesions involving in particular the caudate nucleus.
Effects of 8-Epi-Prostaglandin F2α and U46,619 on Pulmonary Hemodynamics in Piglets
Authors: Truog William E. , Norberg Michael , Thibeault Donald W.
Published: October 2009

Non-cyclooxygenase-derived prostaglandin F2- (PGF2)-like compounds can be formed by membrane lipid peroxidation. We sought to characterize one member of this class of compounds, 8-epi-PGF2α, for its biological properties on the pulmonary vasculature in young piglets. We first compared 8-epi-PGF2α to a thromboxane (Tx) mimetic, U46,619, to determine relative pulmonary vasoconstrictive effects. We next determined if the vasoconstriction induced by both agonists would be reversed by 50 ppm of inhaled nitric oxide (NO). We also determined the degree of inhibition of U46,619 and of 8-epi-PGF2α by a Tx receptor antagonist, SQ 30,741. Anesthetized, ventilated piglets (18 ± 2 days, 3.7 ± 0.5 kg) were infused with randomly selected doses of U46,619 and of 8-epi-PGF2α to describe dose-response curves plotting pulmonary vascular resistance (PVRi) against dose. When a maximal dose was achieved, inhaled NO (50 ppm) was administered. Results for the calculated PVRi (mm Hg/l/min/kg) are as follows (mean ± SD): for U46,619, baseline value: 43 ± 10, peak dose: 165 ± 46, and peak dose with NO: 73 ± 33; for 8-epi-PGF2α, baseline value: 38 ± 9, peak dose: 138 ± 30, and peak dose with NO: 72 ± 25, and for both drugs, PVRi at peak dose was greater than at baseline (p < 0.001). PVRi at peak dose plus NO also remained elevated above baseline (p < 0.05; repeated measures ANOVA). The Tx receptor antagonist SQ 30,741 (1–10 mg/kg) inhibited U46,619-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction completely; however, the 1 mg/kg dose provided only 90% inhibition against 8-epi-PGF2α. We conclude that 8-epi-PGF2α can contribute to pulmonary vasoconstriction in young piglets in a dose-dependent reversible manner and that it acts primarily via pulmonary vascular Tx receptors.
Growth and Development of the Exocrine Pancreas in Newborn Pigs: The Effect of Colostrum Feeding
Authors: Mubiru James N. , Xu Ruo-Jun
Published: October 2009

This study examined the growth and development of the pancreas in naturally suckled piglets during the first 3 postnatal days and the effects of colostrum feeding on the pancreatic development. The results showed that in naturally suckled piglets, the absolute weight of the pancreas increased 51% during the first day and 86% by the 3rd day, and the relative weight per unit body weight increased 37% during the first day and 47% by the 3rd day. Associated with the rapid weight gain was a significant increase in pancreatic DNA content and enlargement of pancreatic exocrine acinar units, the latter apparently resulted from an increase in number rather than size of acinar cells. It was further shown that the rapid pancreatic growth was related to colostrum ingestion as significant pancreatic weight gain was observed in piglets bottle-fed porcine colostrum or trypsinized porcine colostrum but not in piglets bottle-fed 5% lactose solution. Trypsinized porcine colostrum was apparently more potent than native porcine colostrum in stimulating pancreatic growth in newborn pigs. It is speculated that colostrum-borne growth factors and/or postnatal surge of gut hormones following onset of oral feeding are the major factors responsible for the rapid postnatal pancreatic growth in newborns.
Surfactant Protein-B and Lung Function in Surfactant-Treated Preterm Lambs
Authors: Rebello Celso M. , Ikegami Machiko , Hernandez Rafael E. , Jobe Alan H.
Published: October 2009

We asked if the amount of SP-B (range 37–410 μg/ml) in surfactants used to treat preterm lambs at 123 days of gestation correlated with postnatal lung function or the SP-B content of surfactant recovered by alveolar washes after 10 h ventilation. Ventilation was initiated using a low tidal volume strategy to minimize early lung injury. There were small increases in compliance for the lambs treated with surfactants containing more than 37 μg/ml SP-B and an increased lung volume for lambs treated with a surfactant containing 385 μg/ml/ml relative to the surfactant containing 37 μg/ml SP-B. The amount of SP-B in the surfactant used for treatment correlated linearly with the amount of SP-B in the surfactant recovered from the lambs (r = 0.95, p < 0.001). Albumin leak from the vasculature to the airspace was low as was total protein in alveolar washes, indicating minimal lung injury. The SP-B content of surfactant (from 37 to 410 μg/ml) had minimal effects on postnatal lung function over a 10-hour study period in lambs ventilated in a manner to minimize lung injury.
Evaluation of Potentially Injurious Effects of Exogenous Surfactant Lysophospholipids on the Alveolar Epithelium and Pulmonary Mechanics
Authors: Fornasier M. , Puccini P. , Razzetti R. , Acerbi D. , Bongrani S. , Ventura P.
Published: October 2009

Although lysophospholipids are normally found in the lung and their presence is connected to the metabolic pathway of surfactant phospholipids, several studies have reported that their intratracheal instillation is able to induce severe alveolar epithelial injury. Since lysophospholipids are normally present in exogenous surfactants as a consequence of the nonenzymatic hydrolysis of parent phospholipids during their production and shelf-life, the aim of this study was to test the potential toxicity of surfactant lysophospholipids in artificially ventilated newborn rabbits in comparison with that of pure lysophosphatidylcholine (Lyso-PC) suspensions. In premature (surfactant-deficient) animals, a commercially available Curo-surf batch (0.56 mg Lyso-PC/ml) improved lung-thorax compliance and reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein and hemoglobin contents in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. The same batch submitted to thermal stress in order to increase the Lyso-PC content (10.2 mg Lyso-PC/ml) failed to improve lung mechanics but did not induce any significant change in biochemical markers in BAL fluid. When suspended in saline, pure Lyso-PC had a dramatic and dose-dependent tissue-damaging effect with increased LDH, hemoglobin and protein contents in BAL and a fall in the lung-thorax compliance, in both immature and mature (near-term) animals. The lack of toxicity of Lyso-PC in Curosurf might be explained by an interaction with surfactant phospholipids.
Urinary Nitrite Excretion in Low Birth Weight Neonates with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
Authors: Uzuner Nevin , İşlekel Hüray , Özkan Hasan , Şen Alp , Yenice Sedef , Çevik Necla
Published: October 2009

Increased nitric oxide (NO) levels are thought to play an important role in the pathophysiology of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) which is caused by disseminated vascular endothelial damage. Clinical studies have shown that urinary nitrite (NO2 and nitrate (NO3) excretions can be utilized as indexes of NO formation. The SIRS and NO relationship was investigated in 15 neonates with SIRS, gestational age 32.5 ± 4.4 weeks and weight 1,737 ± 753 g. The control group comprised 18 neonates with a gestational age of 32.8 ± 3.5 weeks and a weight of 1,778 ± 538 g. There was no significant difference in birth weights and gestational ages between the two groups (p > 0.05 and p > 0.05). The urinary nitrite levels obtained in the subjects were normalized for urinary creatinine concentrations. The mean urinary nitrite levels in the control group neonates were found to be 4.22 ± 1.8 μmol/mmol creatinine on the 1st day, 4.09 ± 2.28 on the 2nd, 3.62 ± 1.6 on the 3rd, and 4.01 ± 1.12 μmol/mmol creatinine on the 7th day. There were no statistically significant differences between these levels (p > 0.05). We determined urinary levels of nitrite in neonates in the study group within the first 24 h of SIRS symptoms and found these levels (18.35 ± 11.16 μmol nitrite/mmol creatinine) to be elevated as compared with those of the control subjects on the 7th day of life (p < 0.0005). In conclusion, urinary nitrite excretion is significantly elevated in neonates with SIRS due to septic events, and these results suggest that NO might play a part in SIRS.
Cerebral Oxygen Delivery Is Reduced during the Acidaemia Associated with Prolonged Hypoxaemia in the Immature Ovine Fetus
Authors: McCrabb G.J. , Harding R.
Published: October 2009

Our aim was to determine the effects of 12 h of hypoxaemia on cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral O2 delivery in ovine fetuses at 0.6 gestation. During fetal hypoxaemia, induced by reduced uterine blood flow, fetal SaO2 and PaO2 were reduced (p < 0.01) from control values of 77.0 ± 1.6% and 27.3 ± 1.0 mm Hg, respectively, to 28.4 ± 3.4% and 15.6 ± 0.6 mm Hg; fetal pHa decreased from control values of 7.37 ± 0.01 to 7.20 ± 0.02 at 3 h, but returned to control values before 12 h. CBF (ml/min/100 g) was 2.0- to 2.6-fold higher (p < 0.01) than control values during hypoxaemia, but only 1.7-fold higher (p < 0.01) at 3 h when pHa was lowest. Cerebral O2 delivery (ml/min/100g) was lower (p < 0.01) than control values of 3.15 ± 0.29 at 1.5 h (2.09 ± 0.36) and 3 h (1.84 ± 0.22) of hypoxaemia and higher 1 h after hypoxaemia had ceased (3.81 ± 0.22, p < 0.01). We conclude that the ovine fetus at 0.6 gestation is unable to sustain increased CBF and hence maintain cerebral O2 delivery during the first 6 h of hypoxaemia, a time which coincides with acidaemia; in contrast, at 6 and 12 h of hypoxaemia, when pHa was normal, cerebral O2 delivery was similar to control values. Reduced cerebral O2 delivery during the early, acidaemic, stages of hypoxaemia may lead to impaired neural development.
Secretion in Milk and Transplacental Transfer of Two Iodized Oils, Lipiodol UF® and Oriodol®, in Rabbits
Authors: Bourrinet Philippe , Dencausse Anne , Cochet Pascal , Chastin Isabelle , Bonnemain Bruno
Published: October 2009

Many countries in the world are inhabited by populations suffering from iodine deficiency. These populations are affected by serious diseases directly related to iodine deficiency. Iodized oil (Lipiodol UF® or Oriodol®) is routinely used orally or intramuscularly to treat these populations, including pregnant women. The experiments of the present study in gravid or lactating rabbits show that there is transplacental transfer of iodine and secretion of iodine in milk after administration of iodized oil and consequently an accumulation of iodine in the thyroid glands of the mother, the fetus and the neonate. The advantages of treating pregnant women with iodized oil in the populations concerned is thus confirmed. The oral route can be substituted by the intramuscular route.
Fatty Acid Composition of Human Milk in Italy
Authors: Serra Giovanni , Marietta Antonio , Bonacci Wanda , Campone Francesco , Bertini Irene , Lantieri Pasquale Bruno , Risso Domenico , Ciangherotti Sandro
Published: October 2009

The fatty acid composition of breast milk from 20 Italian women, delivering at term and on ad libitum diets, was analyzed with high-resolution gas chromatography. Milk samples were collected twice a day, on the 1st, 4th, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day after colostrum appearance. No significant differences were detected between the two daily samples. During the maturation process a significant reduction in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids of the n–6 series (p = 0.002) and n–3 series (p = 0.005) was recorded, particularly in arachidonic acid (p = 0.035), docosatetraenoic acid (p = 0.035) and docosahexaenoic acid (p = 0.032). The linoleic acid/n–6 and α-linolenic acid/n–3 ratios increased (p = 0.024 and p = 0.037), while the docosatetraenoic/docosahexaenoic acid ratio decreased (p = 0.032). The fatty acid composition of mature milk was the following: saturated 45.50%; unsaturated 54.51%; monounsaturated 42.69%; polyunsaturated 11.82%; long-chain polyunsaturated 1.27%; linoleic acid 9.79%, and α-linolenic acid 0.36%. The fatty acid composition of milk collected from Italian women appears similar to that of women in other southern European countries and, therefore, could reflect dietary habits.
Closed versus Open Endotracheal Suctioning in Preterm Infants: Effects on Cerebral Oxygenation and Blood Volume
Authors: Mosca Fabio A. , Colnaghi Mariarosa , Lattanzio Maria , Bray Milena , Pugliese Silvio , Fumagalli Monica
Published: October 2009

The aim of our study was to compare, using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), the effects on cerebral intracellular oxygenation and cerebral blood volume (CBV) of closed endotracheal suctioning (CS), which permits continuous ventilation of the patient, with open endotracheal suctioning (OS), which requires disconnection from the ventilator. Eleven preterm infants were studied. Each patient underwent one CS, followed, after 60 min, by one OS, or vice versa, three times during the same day. Modifications in CBV and oxidized cytochrome oxidase (CytO2) were continuously detected by NIRS; arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) heart rate (HR), transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension and mean arterial blood pressure were simultaneously recorded. Significant reductions in HR and SaO2 were observed following OS; the magnitude and duration of these negative effects of suctioning were significantly reduced with CS. In addition, the decrease in CBV was more pronounced than following CS. No changes in CytO2 concentration were seen.
Anthropometric Features in Infants of Mothers with Gestational Diabetes: Relationship with Treatment Modalities
Authors: Mello G. , Parretti E. , Mecacci F. , Carbone C. , Lucchetti R. , Lagazio C. , Pratesi M. , Scarselli G.
Published: October 2009

We compared the effects of two treatment strategies (diet alone versus a combination of insulin and diet) on neonatal anthropometric measurements and the outcome of a full-term white infant sample born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Study subjects included 217 consecutive nonrandomized women with GDM with term singleton pregnancies. Insulin therapy was administered on the basis of anamnestic and maternal-fetal criteria. One hundred and twenty-one patients (group 1) received a combination of insulin and diet, and 96 (group 2) underwent diet alone. All 1,052 white patients with term singleton pregnancies without GDM, screened at the same time as the study group, formed the control group. The incidence of large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants was significantly higher in group 2(18.8%) compared with group 1 (9.9%) and the control group (8.3%). Male and female infants born to diabetic mothers of group 2 had significantly greater mean birth weights, ponderal indices, thoracic circumferences, weight/length ratios and significantly smaller mean cranial/thoracic circumference ratios than male and female infants in group 1 and the control group (p < 0.05, Scheffe test). Treatment of GDM mothers with insulin and diet has been shown to be able not only to normalize the incidence of LGA infants but also to influence the anthropometric characteristics of the infants born to these mothers to such an extent that they showed no significant differences compared to infants born to non-diabetic mothers.
Antinociception Induced by Verapamil and Chloramphenicol in Mice
Authors: Yıldıran G. , Ulak G. , Utkan T. , Göldeli E. , Gacar N. , Erden F.
Published: October 2009

The analgesic effects of verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, and chloramphenicol, a phenicolated antibiotic, were compared using the test of acetic-acid-induced writhing and the hot-plate test in mice. The results suggest that both drugs have antinociceptive properties comparable to salicylate analgesia. No significant difference was found between verapamil- and chloramphenicol-induced analgesia (p < 0.05).
Endothelium-Derived Nitric Oxide-Dependent Response to Hypoxia in Piglet Intrapulmonary Arteries
Authors: Villamor Eduardo , Ruiz Teresa , Pérez-Vizcaino Francisco , Tamargo Juan , Moro Manuel
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this study was to determine the involvement of eicosanoids and nitric oxide (NO) in the response to hypoxia in isolated intrapulmonary (third branch) arteries from 10- to 17-day-old piglets. We also compared the response to hypoxia in pulmonary arteries to pulmonary veins, mesenteric arteries and coronary arteries. Hypoxia was generated in vascular rings (under resting force or precontracted with 30 mM KCl) by switching the gas aerating the organ chambers from one composed of 21% O2-5% CO2-balance N2 (pO2 145 ± 1.27 mm Hg) to a mixture of 5% CO2-balance N2 (pO2 33.87 ± 0.24 mm Hg). In precontracted rings hypoxia produced a transient vasoconstriction (26 ± 8% of the precontraction value) reaching a peak in 3–4 min, followed by a relaxation. A similar pattern of response was observed in pulmonary veins, coronary arteries and mesenteric arteries. The contractile phase was not present in endothelium-denuded arteries or after incubation with the NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME (10––4M) or the guanylate cyclase inhibitor methylene blue (10––5M). No changes in the hypoxia-induced vasoconstriction were observed after preincubation with the NO precursor L-arginine (10––5M), the cyclooxygenase inhibitor meclofenamate (10––5M), the lipoxygenase inhibitor AA 861 (10––5M), or the cytochrome P450 oxidase inhibitor SKF 525A (10––5M). These findings demonstrate that the contractile response to hypoxia in the isolated intrapulmonary porcine artery is caused by the loss of the inhibitory effects of endothelium-derived NO on the vascular tone. Eicosanoids do not appear to be involved in this response. Since the response to hypoxia in isolated rings is not specific to pulmonary vessels, any correlation between this response and hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction should be avoided.
Effects of Timing, Dosage, and Duration of Morphine Intake during Pregnancy on the Amount of Morphine in Meconium in a Rat Model
Authors: Silvestre Maria Asuncion , Lucena Jose Edgar , Roxas, Jr. Renato , Evangelista Edmund S. , Ostrea, Jr. Enrique M.
Published: October 2009

Meconium drug analysis is a new and sensitive test for detecting the intrauterine exposure of infants to drugs of abuse. To explore other potential, diagnostic use of the test, we studied, in timed pregnant rats, the relationship between timing, dosage, and duration of morphine administration to the dam and the concentration of morphine, analyzed by radioimmunoassay, in their pups’ meconium. The term ‘meconium’ refers to both the intestine and its contents. Due to the minute size of the pups’ intestines, the intestinal contents were not separated from the intestines. The mean morphine concentration in meconium was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the groups treated with a higher morphine dose (10 vs. 5 mg/ kg/day), longer duration of treatment (7–20 vs. 18–20 days), or treated during the last week of gestation (14–20 vs. 1–6 or 7–13 days). We conclude that the concentration of a drug in the meconium is related to amount, timing, or duration of the drug exposure of the fetus, in utero. The quantitative analysis of drugs in the meconium, therefore, provides added information which enhances the diagnostic use of the test.
Effect of Hypoxia on Amniotic Fluid Erythropoietin Levels in Fetal Rats
Authors: Kakuya Fujio , Shirai Masaru , Takase Masashi , Ishii Noriyuki , Okuno Akimasa
Published: October 2009

Erythropoietin (EPO) levels in amniotic fluid and serum were measured in hypoxic (fraction of inspired oxygen, FiO2, 0.09) and posthypoxic (following a 24-hour period of hypoxia, FiO2 0.09) fetal rats on day 21 of gestation. Each of the study groups comprised 12–20 fetuses. Each of the control groups consisted of 21 or 22 fetuses. Fetal serum EPO levels at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 h of hypoxia were significantly higher than the control level. Amniotic fluid EPO levels at 9, 12, and 24 h of hypoxia were also significantly increased compared to the control level. Fetal serum EPO levels returned to baseline during the 12- to 48-hour period after hypoxia. During the 0- to 48-hour posthypoxic period, amniotic fluid EPO levels were significantly higher than the control level. These data demonstrate that rates of appearance and turnover of amniotic fluid EPO are different from those of fetal serum EPO.
The Adrenal Secretion of Catecholamines during Systemic Metabolic Acidosis in Fetal Sheep
Authors: Cohn Herbert E. , Piasecki George J. , Cohen Wayne R. , Jackson Benjamin T.
Published: October 2009

This study was undertaken to determine whether or not metabolic acidemia per se stimulates catecholamine (CA) secretion from the adrenal medulla in fetal sheep. The potential confounding effect of low O2 content, occasioned by the right shift in the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve with acidemia, was taken into account in experimental design. Hemodynamic values, blood gases, O2 content, lactate and glucose concentrations and adrenal CA secretion rates and plasma CA levels were studied in fetal sheep at baseline and during control (saline infusion) and acidemic (15 and 30% lactic acid infusion) periods. Experiments were conducted after recovery from preparative operations performed under general anesthesia. Arterial pH did not change with saline infusion. During 15 and 30% lactic acid infusions, pH fell to 7.23 and 7.09, respectively, as lactate concentrations increased 4.7 and 10 times. Arterial PCO2 increased from 50 to 58 torr during 30% lactic acid infusion. Fetal CA secretion and plasma concentrations did not change during saline, or 15 or 30% lactic acid infusions. Moreover, hemodynamic parameters did not indicate increased CA secretion. In conclusion, we found no evidence for stimulation of adrenal CA secretion by metabolic acidosis.
Sexual Differences in Anthropometric Measurements in French Newborns
Authors: Guihard-Costa A.M. , Grangé G. , Larroche J.C. , Papiernik E.
Published: October 2009

Sexual differences in anthropometric measurements have been studied in a sample of 17,787 preterm and full-term infants, born between 1980 and 1990 in the maternity of Clamart Hospital (Hauts-de-Seine, France). Body weight, body length, head and chest circumferences were found significantly larger in male newborns. Conversely, the subscapular and tricipital skinfold thicknesses had higher values in females. Such greater fatness in females could be related to the better outcome in neonates of this sex. The weight-for-height indices, however, did not show this female advantage: the body mass index (BMI) and the body weight/body length index were greater in male neonates, the ponderal index (PI) showed no sexual difference.
Dexamethasone-Induced Myocardial Hypertrophy in Neonatal Rats
Authors: La Mear Nancy S. , MacGilvray Scott S. , Myers Thomas F.
Published: October 2009

Clinical trials have shown dexamethasone’s beneficial effects on the pulmonary status of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia; however, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has been a reported complication of this therapy with no known mechanism. Our study was designed to test the hypothesis that therapeutic dexamethasone doses would induce myocardial hypertrophy. Newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to receive dexamethasone 0.125 mg/kg/day, while paired littermate controls received saline placebo. The daily body weights were recorded and pups were sacrificed after 5 or 7 days of treatment. The heart weight to body weight ratio was used as a gross index of myocardial mass. Myocardial protein content, total protein to total DNA ratio, actin content and myosin heavy chain content were used as biochemical indices of hypertrophy. Our results included an increased heart weight to body weight ratio with elevation of the total protein content, actin content and total protein to total DNA ratio after both 5 and 7 days. We conclude that dexamethasone induces myocardial hypertrophy in neonatal rats.
Effects of a Thromboxane Synthetase Inhibitor (OKY-046) in an Ischemia-Reperfusion Model of Intrauterine Growth Retardation in Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Tanaka Mamoru , Natori Michiya , Ishimoto Hitoshi , Miyakoshi Kei , Miyazaki Toyohiko , Kobayashi Toshifumi , Yoshimura Yasunori
Published: October 2009

We investigated the effects of thromboxane (TX) A2 in rats with ischemia-reperfusion-induced intrauterine growth retardation. A saline solution or OKY-046, a selective TXA2 synthetase inhibitor, was injected into the caudal vein of pregnant rats on gestation day 17 before the induction of 60-min uteroplacental ischemia. The fetuses and placentas were delivered and examined on gestation day 21. Blood from the uterine vein of the occluded horn shortly after uteroplacental ischemia was collected, and plasma concentrations of TXB2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin (PG) F1α were determined in the other rats on gestation day 17. Treatment with OKY-046 prevented the ischemia-induced reduction in the fetal body and placental weights. The ratio of 6-keto-PGFια to TXB2 was significantly increased in the OKY-046-treated group. We conclude that the action of TXA2 might play a salient role in our model.
Distribution between Protein-Bound and Free Forms of Plasma Cortisol in the Gilt and Fetal Pig Near Term
Authors: Kattesh H.G. , Baumbach G.A. , Gillespie B.B. , Schneider J.F. , Murai J.T.
Published: October 2009

Thirty-five time-dated pregnant gilts were used to document plasma levels of total and free cortisol, corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) binding capacity, and percent distribution of cortisol among protein-bound (CBG and albumin) and free forms in the fetal pig during the last 24 days of gestation. Plasma from fetal pigs on days 110–114 of gestation (gestation length 114 days) had significantly higher levels of total cortisol (p < 0.01), percent albumin-bound and free cortisol (p < 0.10), and free cortisol concentration (p < 0.05) compared to samples on days 90, 100 and 105. Fetal plasma CBG binding capacity increased (p < 0.05) linearly from day 100 to 114. Fetal pigs located in the cervical region of the uterus had lower (p < 0.05) total and free cortisol and higher (p < 0.05) albumin and total protein concentrations compared to fetuses in the middle and oviductal regions. Total, percent free and free cortisol concentrations in maternal plasma on days 105–114 were greater (p < 0.10) than that measured on days 12–100 of gestation. These results suggest that the developmental patterns of plasma cortisol and CBG in the prenatal pig are directly related and highly similar to those of another precocious species, the sheep.
Impact of Prematurity, Stress and Sepsis on the Neutrophil Respiratory Burst Activity of Neonates
Authors: Drossou Vassiliki , Kanakoudi Florence , Tzimouli Vassiliki , Sarafidis Kosmas , Taparkou Anna , Bougiouklis Dimitris , Petropoulou Theoni , Kremenopoulos Georgios
Published: October 2009

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of prematurity, sepsis and stress on the neutrophil respiratory burst activity (NRBA) of neonates. For this purpose 122 healthy neonates (89 term and 33 preterm), 33 preterm stressed neonates, 59 septic neonates (12 term and 47 preterm) and 26 healthy adults were studied. The NRBA was assessed after in vitro stimulation by PMA using a whole blood flow cytometric microassay with dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR 123). It was found that the percentage of responding neutrophils in term neonates was comparable to that found in adults (medians 83.5 and 89.8%, respectively), whereas it was significantly lower in the healthy preterm neonates (median 70.6%, p < 0.05). The NRBA was further depressed in the stressed (median = 63%) and septic neonates, both term and preterm (medians 60.5 and 54.3%, respectively). No correlation with the levels of G-CSF, TNF-α and IL-1β, which were found to be higher in the stressed and septic neonates, was observed. These findings indicate that prematurity, sepsis and stress significantly depress the respiratory burst activity of neonatal neutrophils.
Cord Blood IgE against Milk and Egg Antigens
Authors: Furuhashi M. , Sugiura K. , Katsumata Y. , Oda H. , Murase Y. , Imai N.
Published: October 2009

The aim of the present study was to reevaluate the prenatal production of specific IgE for eggs and milk and, in those cases, to determine whether there is a relation to the amount of maternal egg and milk intake. Total and specific IgEs from 160 cord blood samples were determined by immunoassays using a paramagnetic particle solid phase and an enzyme-mediated chemiluminescent reaction for signal detection. The levels of cord blood IgE for total, egg, and milk were 0.63 ± (SD) 1.10 IU/ml, 0.020 ± 0.055, and 0.036 ± 0.053 IU/ml, respectively. IgE levels specific to egg and milk over 0.03 IU/ ml were observed in 33 and 70 out of 160 cases, respectively. To address whether the maternal intake of eggs and milk affects the level of cord blood IgEs, all mothers except 9 were interviewed, and the amount of eggs and milk taken during pregnancy was recorded. No correlation was seen between egg and milk intakes and cord blood IgE levels. Our data demonstrate a high incidence of the prenatal production of specific IgE for eggs and milk which is independent of maternal egg and milk intakes.
Bile Flow and Composition in Preterm, Term and Infant Baboons
Authors: Bhat Rama , Chari Gopal , Meller Janet , Ramarao Shankararao , Vidyasagar D.
Published: October 2009

We studied the maturational changes in bile composition, bile flow and choleretic effects of sodium taurocholate and secretin in preterm (160 ± 2 days, n = 4, group I), term (184 ± 2 days, n = 4, group II), 7-day postnatal age (n = 5, group III) and 60-day-old (n = 5, group IV) baboons. The canalicular bile flow was determined by 14C-erythritol clearance. Results: Gall bladder volume increased from group I to group III (0.08 ± 0.06 to 1.06 ± 0.93 ml). Bile flow increased significantly from group I to IV (0.13 ± 0.05 to 0.34 ± 0.07 μl/min/g liver weight, p < 0.05). This was associated with significant increases in total bile acid excretion (16 ± 3.6 to 31 ± 2.5 m.Eq/l, p < 0.05). The composition of bile also showed maturational changes with increasing postnatal age. Sodium taurocholate and secretin increased the bile flow significantly in all groups. Conclusion: Data from these studies clearly demonstrate that the bile flow and bile acid excretion is immature in preterm and term baboons when compared to 7- and 60-day-old baboons. The present studies also suggest that baboons can be used as a model to study the postnatal maturation of hepatic excretory function.
The Effect of Glucose during Ischemia on Brain ATP, Lactate, and Glutamate in Piglets
Authors: LeBlanc Michael H. , Qian Xiao-Bing , Cai Zheng Wei
Published: October 2009

Glucose worsens hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in 0- to 3-day-old piglets. Piglets were randomly assigned to have blood glucose increased with glucose infusion (n = 12), or decreased with insulin (n = 13), or a sham group (n = 10). In the insulin and glucose groups at time 0, both carotid arteries were clamped, and blood was withdrawn to reduce the blood pressure one third. At time 15 min FiO2 was reduced to 6%. At time 30 min cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was taken for glutamate, and the brains were frozen. The shams had CSF removed and brains frozen without hypoxia or ischemia. Brain ATP was 1.7 ± 0.09 μmol/g wet weight in the shams, 0.98 ± 0.09 in the glucose group (p < 0.01 vs. sham), and 0.52 ± 0.10 in the insulin group (p < 0.01 vs. glucose). Brain lactate levels were 4.3 ± 1.0 μmol/g wet weight in the shams, 18.3 ± 1.9 in the insulin group (p < 0.01 vs. sham), and 29.4 ± 2.6 in the glucose group (p < 0.01 vs. insulin). CSF glutamate was 9.3 ± 3.6 μM in the glucose group, 9.6 ± 3.5 in the insulin group, and 2.2 ± 0.9 in the shams (p < 0.05, glucose and insulin > sham). The Bmax for MK-801 binding was 2.3 ± 0.2 pmol/mg protein in the glucose group, 2.6 ± 0.1 in the insulin group (p < 0.05 vs. sham), and 2.0 ± 0.2 in the shams, and the Kd was the same in the three groups (p = nonsignificant). Brain Na+, K+-ATPase was the same in the three groups (p = nonsignificant). Providing additional glucose preserves ATP during hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in the piglet but does not change CSF glutamate or brain-801 binding and probably worsens outcome by elevating brain lactate levels above the threshold for cellular injury.