bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D3 3β Sulfate Has Less Biological Activity than Free Vitamin D3 during Pregnancy in Rats
Authors: Cancela Leonor , Marie P.J. , Le Boulch Noelie , Miravet Livia
Published: September 2009

The biological activities of free (D3) and sulfoconjugated (SD3) vitamin D3 were compared after 6 weeks of oral administration to D-deficient (––D) female rats which were mated in the meantime. Mothers and pups were sacrificed 1–2 days following parturition and mineral and hormonal plasma status was determined in mothers and bone mineral determinations and bone histomorphometric studies performed. In newborns, plasma levels of Ca, P and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) were measured. After parturition, ––D mothers had decreased body weight (BW) as well as decreased plasma levels of Ca, P and 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) associated with undetectable levels of 25(OH)D. Plasma levels of immunoreactive calcitonin and parathormone, by contrast, were higher than in vitamin D-replete (+D) control mothers. Bone histomorphometric analysis showed osteomalacia and secondary hypeφarathyroidism in ––D mothers. After parturition, ––D +SD mothers had reduced BW compared to D-treated mothers and the plasma parameters measured were abnormal. Almost all bone histomoφhometric parameters were found to be intermediate between +D and ––D groups without reaching values of+D mothers. By contrast, ––D +D mothers had most of the bone formation parameters identical to those of +D mothers. However, bone resorption was still higher while plasma levels of P and 25(OH)D remained slightly, but significantly lower than in +D mothers. In pups, plasma Ca in both D3- and SD3-treated groups was similar to values in +D-treated rats. However, pups from SD3-treated mothers still showed plasma levels of P and 25(OH)D lower than in +D pups. In conclusion, treatment with SD3 in ––D mother rats significantly improves the biochemical plasma parameters of pups, but complete normalization can be achieved only in the D3-treated group. Our results show that when administered at equal amounts, SD3 has a much lower biological activity than D3 in ––D female rats and cannot therefore replace vitamin D3 particularly during pregnancy.
Effects of Corticosteroids and Pancreatic Hormones on Carbamyl Phosphate Synthetase-I and Ornithine Transcarbamylase Activities in Fetal Rat Liver
Authors: Gautier C. , Habechi Z. , Belbekouche M. , Vaillant R.
Published: September 2009

The effects of corticosteroids and pancreatic hormones on two mitochondrial enzymes of ureagenesis, carbamyl phosphate synthetase-I (CPS-I) and ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC), were investigated and compared in fetal rat liver. Supplementing hydrocortisone acetate (50 μg) to 18.5-day-old fetuses significantly increased CPS-I activity (by 36%) and decreased OTC activity (by 23%). An actinomycin D supply (2 μg) to 18.5-day-old fetuses prematurely increased OTC activity and decreased fetal insulin level (by 42%). This treatment had no effect on CPS-I activity. Glucagon supply (25 μg) during the late fetal period increased both activities within 2 h, while dibutyryl-cAMP enhanced OTC activity 17 h later. These results suggested that the fetal development of CPS-I activity was under the control of corticosteroids and glucagon. In contrast, corticosteroid hormones produced an inhibitory effect on OTC activity. This might be explained by the permissive effect of corticosteroids on insulin action, since insulin might act as a repressor in utero of enzyme development. Thus, the paradoxical effect of actinomycin D on OTC activity was probably due to the decrease in fetal insulinemia.
Observations on the Development of the Febrile Response to Pyrogen in Newborn Pigs
Authors: Moraes R.N. , Macari M. , Pelá I.R.
Published: September 2009

The febrile response of newborn pigs to exogenous pyrogen injection was investigated. Lipopolysacharides (LPS, E. coli) were injected intravenously into the superior vena cava of 1–30-day-old piglets. All the experiments were carried out in littermates half of which were injected with pyrogen and half with pyrogen-free saline. Newborn pigs did not develop a febrile response from 1 to 4 days of age; however, when the animals were 5 days old exogenous pyrogen determined a typical monophasic febrile response. A second intravenous injection of pyrogen into newborn pigs (1 day old) 24 h after the first did not raise body temperature. It is suggested that newborn pigs behave like the newborn of other mammalian species regarding endotoxin-induced thermogenesis.
Plasma Calcium Control in the Rat Fetus. I. Influence of Maternal Hormones
Authors: Chalon Sylvie , Garel Jean-Michel
Published: September 2009

The influence of PTH, calcitonin (CT), and thyroxine deficiencies during pregnancy on fetal plasma calcium and fetal growth has been investigated in thyroidectomized (TX) and thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX) mother rats complemented or not with thyroxine. Maternal femurs analyses at 21.5 days of gestation in TX and TPTX rats showed a significant decrease in wet and dry weights, whereas percentage of ash and its relative content in calcium and phosphorus was unchanged. Thus, CT during pregnancy seemed to prevent a decrease in the organic part of bone. The fetus from TPTX mothers was characterized by a reduced body weight (––1.95 g) and a 12% drop in its percentage of ash. The length of the fetal femur was 16% decreased, the shaft being mainly affected. It the percentage of ash of the fetal femur was unchanged, its relative content in calcium and phosphorus was decreased. In fetuses from TX mothers, the body weight was slightly decreased (∼ 0.71 g) and the percentage of ash was 5% reduced. The small decrease in the fetal femur length reflected a change at the distal end. Thyroxine complementation in TX or TPTX mothers induced a normalization of the fetal percentage of ash in both cases; a trend towards an increased value was observed in the percentage of ash of fetal femurs. Fetuses from TX mothers exhibited normal plasma calcium values unaffected by maternal thyroxine complementation. The lowered plasma calcium level (∼ 2.5 mg/dl) occurring in fetuses from TPTX mothers was increased by 1 mg/dl after thyroxine complementation of the mother in spite of unaltered maternal plasma calcium levels.
Levels of Total and Free Tryptophan in Maternal and in Umbilical Blood of Infants Born by Vaginal Delivery and by Elective Cesarean Section
Authors: Zanardo V. , Casson L. , Costa C. , Biasiolo M. , Allegri G. , Vicenti E. , Grella P.
Published: September 2009

The variations of total and free tryptophan levels in samples of maternal and umbilical blood obtained on the occasion of elective cesarean section have been compared with similar samples taken from vaginal deliveries. In the neonates studied the umbilical blood levels of total and free tryptophan have been found to be higher than in the blood of the respective mothers, while the percentage of free tryptophan is comparable. In addition, the umbilical blood levels of both fractions of tryptophan appeared to be higher in newborn infants after spontaneous delivery than in those after elective cesarean section. These data show an active transport of tryptophan through the placental barrier that seems to be favored by spontaneous delivery.
Hepatic Metabolism of Orally Administered Prostaglandin F2αin Suckling and Weanling Rats
Authors: Bedrick Alan D. , Koldovský Otakar
Published: September 2009

Suckling (12- to 14-day-old) and weanling (30-day-old) rats were sacrificed 2 h after oral administration of 3H-labeled prostaglandin F2α. Although radioactivity recovered from the stomach and small intestine (including contents) was slightly higher in sucklings (28.3 ± 3.7%; n = 10) than in weanling rats (21.3 ± 5.3%; n = 7), the liver of sucklings contained significantly higher amounts of counts (11.0 ± 1.1 vs. 3.3 ± 0.5%). Combined column and thin-layer chromatography of liver extracts showed more authentic prostaglandin F2α in sucklings (11.0 ± 0.5 % of the liver counts) than in weanlings (7.0 ± 1.1 %). The liver of suckling rats contained a higher percentage of more polar metabolites (43.3 ± 1.6 vs. 34.3 ± 3.0%). These studies demonstrate differences in processing of oral prostaglandin F2α in the early postnatal period.
Bronchiolar Epithelial Lesions in Spontaneously Breathing Premature Newborn Rabbits
Authors: Nilsson Roland , Robertson Bengt
Published: September 2009

Premature rabbit neonates were stimulated to breathe for time periods varying between 5 and 150 min. The distribution of bronchiolar epithelial lesions was determined morphometrically. Animals breathing for 5–10 min had no lesions. Focal necrosis and desquamation of bronchiolar epithelium were found in 36 of 46 animals breathing for 15–150 min. These lesions were similar to those previously observed in premature rabbit neonates after a few minutes of artificial ventilation.
Distribution of Zinc and Copper in Maternal and Cord Blood at Delivery
Authors: Yamashita K. , Ohno H. , Doi R. , Mure K. , Ishikawa M. , Shimizu T. , Arai K. , Taniguchi N.
Published: September 2009

For 17 normal births, the concentrations of trace metals (zinc and copper) and related metalloenzymes, i.e., carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes (CA-I and CA-II) and Cu2Zn2 superoxide dismutase (SOD1) were simultaneously determined in maternal and cord blood at delivery. Eleven healthy nonpregnant women served as controls. CA-I concentration in maternal erythrocytes was higher than in controls (p < 0.05), whereas the concentrations of both CA isoenzymes in cord erythrocytes were in the range of one seventh to one ninth of those in controls. On the other hand, the erythrocyte SOD1 concentration was constant. A very low total zinc concentration was noted in cord erythrocytes, and this was due to the low concentrations of both CA isoenzymes. Total copper concentration in maternal erythrocytes was significantly lower than in controls (p < 0.05); in contrast, that in cord erythrocytes was significantly higher than in controls (p < 0.05). Thus, variations in erythrocyte copper concentrations are due to changes in other forms of copper (not SOD1-derived). Copper concentration in maternal plasma was about three times higher than in controls, while copper concentration in cord plasma was less half of that in control plasma. Conversely, zinc concentration in cord plasma was significantly higher than in controls (p < 0.05). The concentrations of these metals in maternal erythrocytes and plasma were significantly different from the respective concentrations in cord erythrocytes and plasma. Likewise, the concentrations of these metals in maternal and cord erythrocytes contrasted with the corresponding concentrations in their plasma.
Cloning, Expression, Purification and Characterization of UL24 Partial Protein of Duck Enteritis Virus
Authors: Jia Renyong , Cheng Anchun , Wang Mingshu , Zhu Dekang , Ge Han , Xin Hongyi , Liu Fei , Luo Qihui , Guo Yufei , Qi Xuefeng , Yin Zhongqiong , Chen Xiaoyue
Published: September 2009

The UL24 gene of duck enteritis virus (DEV) is conserved across herpesviruses, but its protein characterization has not been reported. We expressed the UL24 gene in Escherichia coli BL21 from a recombinant plasmid pET32a/DEV-UL24 and used the resulting protein to raise antiserum. This antiserum recognized a 38-kDa protein in lysates from infected cells. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the UL24 partial protein was highly expressed after induction by 0.4 mM IPTG at 30° for 6 h. The results of purification revealed that expression protein was more purified using the method of electrophoresis than that of chromatography, but the yield was lower. In immunogenicity analysis, the protein could significantly elicit a specific antibody response in immunized ducklings when compared with the control groups, and the titers against expression protein reached the peak 1:5,120 (OD450nm = 2.5) on day 28 after immunization, while with mean titers of 1:10,240 (OD450nm = 3.37) in DEV commercial attenuated vaccine strain immunized duckling groups. It showed that expression protein is immunogenic in laboratory ducklings. On the basis of subcellular location, UL24 appeared to be predominantly nuclear membrane-associated, especially at later times in infection, and provided a good tool to further study the biofunctions of UL24 protein.
Structural and IgE Binding Analyses of Recombinant Der p 2 Expressed from the Hosts Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris
Authors: Tanyaratsrisakul S. , Malainual N. , Jirapongsananuruk O. , Smith W.A. , Thomas W.R. , Piboonpocanun S.
Published: September 2009

Background: The house dust mite allergen Der p 2 is one of the most important indoor allergens associated with allergic disease. Recombinant Der (rDer) p 2 with high IgE binding activity can be readily produced in Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris, but the structure and IgE binding of the different methods of preparation have not been compared. Methods: Secondary structure was assessed by circular dichroism (CD). Intrinsic fluorescence and hydrophobic probe (1-anilinonaphthalene 8-sulphonic acid, ANS) were used to study the Der p 2 hydrophobic cavity. IgE binding was assessed by ELISA inhibition. Results: CD analysis showed the expected secondary structure for both nDer p 2 and refolded Der p 2 prepared from E. coli inclusion bodies but primarily random structure for Der p 2 secreted from P. pastoris. The secreted product, however, had disulphide bonding and could be refolded to a similar structure to natural Der (nDer) p 2 after precipitation with trichloro-acetic or ammonium sulphate. ANS binding and intrinsic Trp92 fluorescence showed that all recombinant proteins were different to nDer p 2 and that the allergen secreted from P. pastoris did not form a hydrophobic cavity. Despite the marked structural changes, all preparations of Der p 2 had similar IgE binding to nDer p 2. Conclusion: Despite almost identical IgE binding, rDer p 2 prepared from both E. coli and P. pastoris showed structural differences to nDer p 2. Der p 2 secreted from P. pastoris lacked most of the natural structure, but refolding could induce the natural structure.
Allergenic Differences among Pollens of Three Salsola Species
Authors: Ferrer A. , Larramendi C.H. , Huertas A.J. , Pagán J.A. , Andreu C. , García-Abujeta J.L. , López-Matas M.A. , Carnés J.
Published: September 2009

Background: Sensitivity to Chenopodiaceae is a frequent cause of allergic respiratory diseases in geographic areas where sensitization to Salsola kali and Chenopodium album has been reported. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pattern of sensitization to 3 Salsola species in patients residing on the Mediterranean coast of south-eastern Spain. Methods:S. kali, S. vermiculata and S. oppositifolia pollen extracts were prepared. Patients reporting respiratory and/or cutaneous symptoms were skin prick tested with the 3 Salsola extracts. Individuals with positive skin prick tests to at least 1 of the 3 Salsola species were included. Specific IgE was determined by direct ELISA. SDS-PAGE and 2-D analysis were conducted to elucidate the protein profile. The allergenic profile was investigated by immunoblot. Inhibition experiments were conducted to establish cross-reactivity between different species. Results: 246 patients were included. 237 patients (96.3%) tested positive to S. oppositifolia, 189 (76.8%) to S. kali and 185 (75.2%) to S. vermiculata. Protein profile and immunoblot demonstrated similar patterns in all extracts, except in low-molecular-weight allergens of S. oppositifolia. Immunoblot inhibition experiments demonstrated that most high-molecular-weight allergens of S. oppositifolia were inhibited by S. kali whereas low-molecular-weight allergens were totally inhibited only by C. album. Conclusions: This study confirms the allergenic importance of other Salsola species, especially S. oppositifolia. We have demonstrated that the 3 species show a high degree of cross-reactivity, but S. oppositifolia shares more allergenic similarities with C. album than S. kali.
Mast Cells Induce Migration of Dendritic Cells in a Murine Model of Acute Allergic Airway Disease
Authors: Reuter Sebastian , Dehzad Nina , Martin Helen , Heinz Anke , Castor Timo , Sudowe Stephan , Reske-Kunz Angelika B. , Stassen Michael , Buhl Roland , Taube Christian
Published: September 2009

Background: The migration of dendritic cells (DCs) from the lungs to the regional lymph nodes is necessary for the development of allergic airway disease. Following activation, mast cells release a variety of stored or de novo-produced inflammatory mediators, several of them being capable of activating DCs. In this study, the role of mast cells on DC migration from the lungs to the thoracic lymph nodes was investigated in sensitized mice. Methods: Mast cell-deficient mice (KitW-sh/W-sh) and their wild-type counterparts were sensitized intraperitoneally with ovalbumine (OVA) in saline and challenged by a single intranasal administration of OVA labeled with a fluorescent dye (OVA-Alexa). Results: Following challenge, the relative and absolute amount of OVA- Alexa-positive DCs was clearly increased in sensitized wild-type mice compared to nonsensitized mice. In contrast, sensitized KitW-sh/W-sh showed no increase in OVA-Alexa-positive DCs compared to nonsensitized mast cell-deficient animals. In sensitized KitW-sh/W-sh mice reconstituted with bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs), the number of OVA- Alexa-positive DCs was comparable to that in sensitized wild-type animals. However, transfer of allergen-exposed BMMCs to sensitized mice prior to airway challenge augmented airway inflammation similarly in wild-type and mast cell-deficient mice. In line with this, sensitization with allergen-pulsed DCs induced allergic airway disease independently of mast cells. Conclusions: This study shows an interaction between mast cells and DCs following allergen challenge in sensitized hosts. However, the function of mast cells can be bypassed in models utilizing activated allergen-exposed DCs to initiate the development of allergic airway disease.
Effects of Inhaled Corticosteroids on Metalloproteinase-8 and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 in the Airways of Asthmatic Children
Authors: Obase Y. , Rytilä P. , Metso T. , Pelkonen A.S. , Tervahartiala T. , Turpeinen M. , Mäkelä M. , Saarialho-Kere U. , Selroos O. , Sorsa T. , Haahtela T.
Published: September 2009

Background: The effects of corticosteroids on the level and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8; collagenase-2) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in airway tissue are poorly characterized in vivo. Methods: We compared MMP-8 and TIMP-1 levels in induced sputum and their expression in airway inflammatory cells of healthy children (n = 27) and of children with newly diagnosed asthma with mild (n = 20) or moderate symptoms (n = 19), before and after 6 months of treatment with inhaled budesonide. Results: At baseline, MMP-8 was higher in asthmatic children with moderate symptoms, TIMP-1 was lower and the MMP-8/TIMP-1 ratio was higher in both groups of asthmatic children compared with controls. Inhaled budesonide increased TIMP-1 levels in both groups of asthmatic children and normalized the MMP-8/TIMP-1 ratio, and this paralleled the improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 s in children with mild symptoms. At baseline, asthmatic children had significantly more MMP-8-positive macrophages than control children, whereas the number of TIMP-1-positive macrophages was almost the same. Budesonide decreased the percentage of MMP-8-positive macrophages and increased that of TIMP-1-positive macrophages; these changes were significant in asthmatic children with mild symptoms. Conclusions: Inhaled budesonide normalized the MMP-8/TIMP-1 ratio in asthmatic children by upregulation of TIMP-1 production and downregulation of MMP-8 production by airway macrophages. This change may be a biochemical marker of an effect on airway inflammation and possibly of an ongoing remodeling process that should be further investigated using biopsy specimens.
The Effect of Early Menarche on Later Body Composition and Fat Distribution in Female Adolescents: Role of Birth Weight
Authors: Labayen Idoia , Ortega Francisco B. , Moreno Luis A. , Redondo-Figuero Carlos , Bueno Gloria , Gómez-Martínez Sonia , Bueno Manuel
Published: September 2009

Background: To examine the effect of early menarche (EM) on adolescent body composition and fat distribution, and to explore the possible contribution of birth weight (BW) to this relationship. Methods: From the cross-sectional AVENA study, 788 girls (aged 13–18.5 years) were selected. Post-menarcheal body composition was estimated by anthropometric methods. Results: BW Z-score was associated with age at menarche (β = 0.496, p < 0.001). EM (age of menarche <12 years) adolescents were shorter, had a higher body mass index (BMI), fat free mass index (FFMI), fat mass index (FMI) and waist circumference (all p < 0.01). BW was associated with height (p < 0.001), BMI Z-score (p < 0.01), FFMI (p < 0.01) and FMI (p < 0.05). These relationships did not change when the analysis was controlled for age of menarche. Height and FFM were lower in EM (p < 0.01), but these effects seem to be due to the BW (p < 0.01). Conclusion: EM was strongly associated with unhealthy body composition in female adolescents, but these relationships seem to be due to the programming effect of BW.
Modeling of Human Anti-GBM Antibody–α3(IV)NC1 Interactions Predicts Antigenic Cross-Linking through Contact of Both Heavy Chains with Repeating Epitopes on α3(IV)NC1
Authors: Meyers Kevin E.C. , Christensen Mette , Madaio Michael P.
Published: September 2009

Background/Aims: Patients with anti-glomerular basement membrane diseases produce pathogenic autoantibodies (autoAb) that deposit in the kidney and initiate severe inflammation. Restricted antigenic specificity of the autoAb against 2 regions (with related sequences) within α3(IV)NC1, along with shared idiotypes (i.e. structural determinants), among pathogenic human autoAb suggested that common genetic elements encode the autoAb. The aim of this study was to determine whether the idiotypic relatedness of the autoAb was due to the fact that unique and similar genes were used to encode them, divergent genes were used to produce Ab with similar Ag-binding properties and conformation, or if other mechanisms were operative. Methods: The encoding V gene sequences of pathogenic human anti-α3(IV)NC1 Ab, derived following immunization of XenoMice® which produce human but not murine IgG, with α3(IV)NC1 were determined. Predicted conformations of autoAb–α3(IV)NC1 interactions were derived using the Ab sequences and molecularmodels of the α3(IV)NC1 structure. Results: The pathogenic Ab were encoded by multiple, common VH and VL gene families indicating that they were not encoded by a unique subset of genes and that normal individuals have the capacity to produce them. However, modeling of the Ag–Ab interactions suggested that although the contact regions varied for individual Ab, the optimized energy constraints facilitate interaction of both Ab-binding regions with pathogenically relevant epitopes on α3(IV)NC1. Conclusions: The results suggest that the repetitive nature and relatedness of the α3(IV)NC1 antigenic epitopes facilitate cross-linking of pathogenic Ab, in vivo, by allowing both IgG Fab to bind to the basement membrane. This most likely accounts for the high-affinity Ab binding we and others observed among human anti-α3(IV)NC1 Ab. Based on these observations, we postulate that this interaction provides for the stability of the Ab interaction, resulting in a high-affinity interaction that serves as an ideal scaffold for optimal FcR engagement and complement activation, thereby accelerating inflammation and contributing to the rapidly progressive nature of this disease.
Evolution of the Barrier Effects against an Exogenous Drug-Sensitive Escherichia coli Strain after Single or Repeated Oral Administration to Newborns and Infants Aged up to Three Months Admitted to an Intensive-Care Unit
Authors: Poisson D.M. , Borderon J.C. , Amorim-Sena J.C. , Laugier J.
Published: September 2009

60 neonates – 42 newborns 0–30 days old and 18 infants 31–90 days old -without previous antibiotic treatment were chosen and randomized into three groups (A, B, C). The strain of Escherichia coli administered was antibiotic-sensitive and azide-resistant (E. coli AZ). The digestive implantation was quantified by an index. We studied the variations of this index (1) between the single administration group (A) and the 5 administrations group (B) and (2) with age in both groups. Drug-resistant enterobacteria were also numbered in each stool, and their variations were studied by comparing groups A and B to a control group (C) receiving no administration. Multiple administrations did not lead to different results from the single ones. Age played a negative role in the colonizations after single administration, but a positive one after multiple administrations. Drug-resistant enterobacteria were not affected by any procedure. The drug susceptibility of E. coli AZ was lost in only 1 infant.
Perinatal Effects of Nicotine
Authors: Nasrat Hassan A. , Al-Hachim Ghazi M. , Mahmood Faiza A.
Published: September 2009

Nicotine alkaloid as a base was administered to 3 groups of pregnant Swiss albino mice during each trimester of their pregnancy. Three doses of the drug (900, 1,800 and 2,700 μg/kg/day) which respectively correspond to 3 levels of cigarette smoking (10, 20 and 30 cigarettes per day) were used. In order to find out which stage of pregnancy is most vulnerable to the effects of nicotine, each dose of the drug was administered subcutaneously to a group of animals during each trimester of their pregnancy. The perinatal effects, i.e., gestation period, percent of delivering mothers, the male to female ratio of the offspring, and the perinatal mortality, i.e. still-birth and neonatal death, were observed. In general, nicotine has increased the perinatal mortality. When large doses of the drug were given especially in the second and third trimesters of gestation, there was a significant shortening of the gestation period (p < 0.05; p < 0.01). Hence, during pregnancy, mothers who smoke should be warned against the harmful effects of smoking especially in the late period of their pregnancy.
The Effect of Dexamethasone and Surgically Induced Intrauterine Growth Retardation on Renal and Hepatic Levels of Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase in the Rat
Authors: Levitsky Lynne L. , Edidin Deborah V. , Menella Julie A. , Spaulding Nanci H. , Hsieh Lee-Chin
Published: September 2009

Renal and hepatic levels of the rate-limiting gluconeogenic enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) were determined in control and intrauterine growth-retarded rate neonates and dams. Dexamethasone and surgically induced intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) resulted in an elevation of neonatal renal PEPCK activity, but did not affect hepatic PEPCK levels. In the dam, glucocorticoid administration resulted in an increase in renal PEPCK, but did not affect the hepatic enzyme. We have demonstrated that, unlike the hepatic enzyme, renal PEPCK could potentially contribute to gluconeogenesis in utero, since dexamethasone administration significantly increased renal PEPCK at birth. This study confirms the hypothesis that hepatic and renal PEPCK activities are regulated independently in both the adult and neonatal animal.
Quantitative Studies on the Fetal Lipid Metabolism in Rats: Liver Fatty Acid Esterification and Conversion into Carbon Dioxide, and Hepatic Output of Triglycerides and Phospholipids into Serum
Authors: Zimmermann Thomas , Hummel Lutz , Wagner Hans
Published: September 2009

Fetal lipid metabolism was studied quantitatively using the 14C-1-palmitate in vivo tracer technique and compartment analysis, and in vitro incorporation experiments. The following conclusions can be drawn from our experiments. (1) Fetal serum free fatty acids (FFA) exchange so rapidly with the FFA of another compartment that the FFA of both compartments can be considered as one homogenous FFA compartment. The turnover time of this compartment was calculated to be 0.76 μmol FFA/min/1 through this compartment. (2) The incorporation of fetal serum FFAs into fetal liver triglyceride fatty acids (TG-FA) and phospholipid fatty acids (PL-FA) was calculated to be 0.05 and 0.14 μmol FFA/min/1, respectively. Thus, only 16 % of the fetal serum FFA is incorporated into fetal liver lipids. (3) The fetal serum TG-FA most likely originate in the fetal liver. (4). The fetal liver puts out 0.025 μmol TG-FA/min/1 and 0.10 μmol PL-FA/min/1 into the fetal serum. The turnover times of fetal serum TG-FA and PL-FA are 100 and 39 min, respectively. (5) The fetal liver conversion rate of fatty acids (FA) into CO2 determined in vitro (0.06 μmol FA/min/1) amounts to about 25% of the rate seen in the whole rat fetus.
Development of the Epidermis in the Newborn
Authors: Evans N.J. , Rutter N.
Published: September 2009

Histological development of the epidermis was studied on skin samples from 169 infants (gestation 24–40 weeks, age up to 1 year). Gestation markedly influenced epidermal development. Before 30 weeks, the epidermis is thin, has few cell layers and a poorly formed stratum corneum, but by 34 weeks it has largely matured. Postnatal influence on epidermal development is marked in the preterm infant, so that histologically the epidermis of the most immature infant resembles that of a term infant by 2 weeks of age. These changes in histology exactly parallel the development of the barrier properties of newborn skin.
Amniotic Fluid Retinol Concentrations in Late Pregnancy
Authors: Koskinen T. , Valtonen P. , Lehtovaara I. , Tuimala R.
Published: September 2009

The concentrations of retinol (vitamin A) were measured in 36 samples of human amniotic fluid obtained near term. Mothers with normal pregnancy had higher amniotic fluid retinol levels than patients with diabetes or toxemia. The results indicate that some maternal complications during pregnancy affect the transport of retinol into amniotic fluid, possibly due to reductions in the uteroplacental blood flow.
Activities of Enzymes Associated with the Metabolism of Glutathione in Fetal Rat Liver and Placenta
Authors: Di Ilio C. , Del Boccio G. , Casalone E. , Aceto A. , Sacchetta P.
Published: September 2009

Glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and Γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase activities were measured in fetal rat liver and placenta supernatant at the 16th and 20th days of pregnancy. Compared with adult liver, low activities were found in both fetal liver and placenta. Both selenium-dependent and selenium-independent glutathione peroxidase activities were present in fetal liver, but only the selenium-dependent activity augmented as parturition advanced. Selenium-independent glutathione peroxidase was found to be absent in placenta. The progress of gestation is accompanied by a significant increase in conjugating capacity toward 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene and a significant decrease toward 1,2-epoxy-3-(p-nitrophenoxy)propane in fetal liver. Glutathione S-transferase activity in rat placenta diminished from day 15 to day 20 of gestation. The elevation of enzymatic activities involved in the synthesis and recovery of glutathione, which takes place in fetal liver and placenta, was thought to be adaptively responsive to the changes that occurred in glutathione-consuming enzymes.
Generation of Leukotrienes from Fetal and Neonatal Porcine Blood Vessels
Authors: Piper Priscilla J. , Levene Sara
Published: September 2009

Various blood vessels from fetal and neonatal piglets were challenged with calcium ionophore A23187, to examine the release of leukotriene-like material. All tissues released as much or more leukotriene (LT) than adult porcine tissues previously examined. The release fell with increasing gestational age. The release from the intra-abdominal umbilical vein at 11 days preterm (480 ng of LTD4-like activity per gram of tissue) was an order of magnitude higher than that previously observed. The implications with regard to control of the fetal circulatory pattern are discussed.
Relationship between Liver Glycogen Metabolism and Glucose Homeostasis in the Fetal Rat: Studies with the gsd/gsd Rat
Authors: Gain K.R. , Watts C.
Published: September 2009

Litters containing both heterozygous and homozygous gsd/gsd rats have been studied to determine whether fetal liver glycogen contributes to the fetal blood glucose pool. It is shown that homozygous gsd/gsd fetuses (unable to mobilise liver glycogen) have consistently lower blood glucose concentrations than their heterozygous (normal) littermates at all ages studied. This difference is independent of maternal type and maternal blood glucose concentration. There is a marked activation of liver phosphorylase in heterozygous fetuses at 21 days of gestation, associated with a significant rise in the fetal/maternal blood glucose ratio. In contrast, there is no significant activation of phosphorylase or rise in the ratio for homozygous littermates. In homozygous fetuses, the blood glucose concentrations remained low and liver glycogen high. The possibility of fetal liver glycogen being derived from gluconeogenic precursors is discussed.
2-14C-Mevalonate Oxidation during Rat Development
Authors: Hahn P.
Published: September 2009

In vivo oxidation of 2-14C-mevalonate is very low in 1- to 3-day-old rats and then rises to adult levels. Kidney slices oxidize mevalonate at an equal rate during development. However, at the time of weaning the rate is transiently increased in male rats only.
Placental Blood Flow and Fetal Weight following Uterine Artery Ligation
Authors: Jansson Thomas , Thordstein Magnus , Kjellmer Ingemar
Published: September 2009

Placental blood flow (microsphere distribution), placental weight and fetal weight were examined at three stages of gestation following unilateral uterine artery ligation at days 30–32 in 23 guinea pigs. Placental blood flow and placental weight were reduced in the ligated horn at days 45, 55, and 65. The fetal weight was decreased at days 55 and 65. We suggest that ligation of the uterine artery reduces placental blood flow which, in turn, restricts placental growth without any significant effect on fetal weight before day 45. At this stage of gestation no correlation was found between fetal weight and placental blood flow. Later in gestation, however, fetal growth becomes limited by placental blood flow, and between days 45 and 55 ligation impedes the increase in blood flow, and consequently the fetal growth rate declines.
Relationship between Glucose Utilization Rate and Glucose Concentration in Preterm Infants
Authors: Zarlengo Karen M. , Battaglia Frederick C. , Fennessey Paul , Hay, Jr. William W.
Published: September 2009

Within the neonatal euglycemic range, we studied the relationships among total glucose entry, intravenous glucose infusion, endogenous glucose production, glucose disposal rate and blood glucose concentration in infants ≤ 32 weeks gestation. [U-13C]-glucose was used as a tracer of glucose metabolism, administered as a primed constant infusion. Using a glucose clamp technique, at least one steady-state period of blood glucose concentration in 10 infants and two steady-state periods of blood glucose concentration in 6 infants were achieved. In the 6 infants studied at 2 glucose concentrations, glucose disposal rate increased with blood glucose concentration, r = 0.95, p < 0.01, slope = 0.091 ± 0.058 (SD) mg·min––1·kg––1 per mg·dl––1 of glucose concentration increase. In all infants studied, intravenous glucose infusion rate was not different from glucose disposal rate, suggesting the absence of endogenous glucose production.
Developmental Variations in CSF Monoamine Metabolites during Childhood
Authors: Hedner J. , Lundell K.H. , Breese G.R. , Mueller R.A. , Hedner T.
Published: September 2009

Cerebrospinal (CSF) fluid content of the stable metabolites homovanillic acid, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl glycol and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were measured in 19 children without neurological disease known to alter CSF monoamine metabolites. The CSF levels of all three metabolites were found to be up 6 times higher in early infancy compared to the values during adolescence. The levels decreased in a logarithmic fashion, and adult values (approx. 25–50 ng/ml) were reached at 3–5 years of age. Two different interpretations of the findings are discussed: (1) a higher release or turnover of central serotonin and catecholamine metabolites during early postnatal age, or (2) lower clearance of the stable acid metabolites from CSF during infancy due to relatively immature active transport mechanisms.
Adrenal Phenylethanolamine-N-Methyltransferase Activity in the Young Rat: Influence of Thyroid Hormones and Insulin-Induced Hypoglycemia
Authors: Gripois D. , Valens M.
Published: September 2009

The postnatal evolution of adrenal phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PNMT) activity is slightly accelerated by hypothyroidism and slowed by hyperthyroidism. In 14-day-old rats a single stimulation of the adrenals by insulin-induced hypoglycemia does not lead to any change in enzymatic activity. If the stimulation is repeated for 4 days, it leads to a net increase in adrenal PNMT activity in the control rats, while no increase occurs in hypo- or hyperthyroid animals.
Ultrastructure of Insulin Secretory Granules and Insulin Content of Fetal Pancreas Exposed to Ethanol in utero in the Rat
Authors: Singh Sant P. , Yokoo T. , Yokoo H. , Snyder Ann K. , Singh S.K.
Published: September 2009

Fetal rat pancreata exposed to ethanol in utero were examined for morphometric analysis of insulin secretory granules and insulin content. The β-cells contained both dark and light granules, and their volume density was unaltered by maternal ethanol ingestion during pregnancy. The insulin content of pancreata of newborn rats was nearly equal in control and experimental animals. The study indicates no adverse effect of maternal ethanol ingestion on fetal pancreatic insulin concentration and insulin secretory granules.
Polysomnograms and Cardiopneumograms in SIDS Research
Authors: Flores-Guevara Roberto , Lacombe Jacques , Monod Bertrand , Bernhard Nicole , Guidasci Simone , Monod Nicole
Published: September 2009

Polysomnographic (PSG) and cardiopneumographic (CPG) recordings are commonly used in research on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). PSG and simultaneous CPG recordings were compared in order to clarify two practical problems: reliability of sleep state evaluation with CPG and comparability of the number of respiratory pauses evaluated by these two recording techniques. This comparison shows that: (1) evaluation of sleep states by CPG technique is only reliable for quiet sleep and (2) there was a significant difference in the number of pauses, the evaluation with PSG being systematically higher than with CPG. The abnormalities found or suspected in CPG home recordings must be confirmed by PSG in the laboratory.
Chronic Caffeine Intake by Rat Dams during Gestation and Lactation Affects Various Parts of the Neonatal Brain
Authors: Nakamoto Tetsuo , Hartman Arthur D. , Miller Harvey I. , Temples Thomas E. , Quinby, Jr. Griffith E.
Published: September 2009

Timed-pregnant rats were randomly divided into 2 groups on day 13 of gestation. Group 1 received a 20% protein diet. Group 2 was pair-fed to group 1 with a 20% protein diet containing caffeine (1 mg/l00 g body weight). At parturition, the dams of each group were continued on their respective diets until day 22 postpartum. At the time of weaning (day 22), only male rats were continued in the study. At this time, rats from both groups were fed the control diet containing 20% protein. On day 57 and 58, rats were killed, the brains divided into six areas, and DNA, RNA and protein contents were measured. In certain areas of the brain, weight, cholesterol, DNA, RNA and protein contents were different even long after returning to the caffeine-free control diet. The present study demonstrates that even if a relatively small amount of caffeine is taken during gestation and lactation, a time during which the growth rate is greater than in any other period of life, certain areas of the brain may be affected. These findings suggest that future central nervous system impairment may be expressed later in life in these offspring.
Body Weight and Brown Fat Activity in Hyperphagic Cafeteria-Fed Female Rats and Their Offspring
Authors: Rothwell Nancy J. , Stock Michael J.
Published: September 2009

Presenting pregnant rats with a varied choice of human food items (a cafeteria diet) caused a slight reduction in total protein intake and significant increases in energy intake (32%) and weight gain compared to pregnant females fed stock diet (controls). Cafeteria-fed mothers gave birth to the same number and weight of pups as controls, and these grew normally, but were fatter at weaning than control pups. Cafeteria-fed dams lost more weight than controls during lactation, in spite of sustained hyperphagia, and body fat and energy was the same as controls at 21 days post-partum. Brown adipose tissue protein content and thermogenic activity (assessed from mitochondrial purine nucleotide binding) were both elevated in cafeteria-fed mothers when compared to controls at 21 days post-partum, but brown fat activity in their offspring at weaning did not differ between treatments, although tissue protein content was depressed in the pups of cafeteria-fed dams.
Proteinase Inhibitors in the Gastrointestinal Tract, Pancreas and Liver during Fetal and Postnatal Development of the Pig
Authors: Ohlsson B.G. , Weström B.R. , Karlsson B.W.
Published: September 2009

The occurrence and types of proteinase inhibitors were studied in the digestive system during the fetal and postnatal development of the pig. The protein concentration, the total trypsin-inhibiting capacity and the levels of the individual proteinase inhibitors, α2-macroglobulin f (α2Mf), α2-macroglobulin s (α2Ms), α1-protease inhibitor (α1PI) and α2-antitrypsin (α2AT) quantified by using electroimmunoassay, were assayed in stomach and intestinal contents, in homogenates of the stomach and intestinal mucosa, and in the pancreas and liver. The results showed that during porcine ontogeny high amounts of proteinase inhibitors are present in the digestive system. During the fetal period, the most outstanding characteristic was the high levels of α1PI and α2AT, in contrast to the low levels of the α2-macroglobulins. Furthermore, the trypsin-inhibiting capacity and the levels of α1PI and α2AT showed in most cases a statistically significant decrease during the fetal period (12–36 cm crown-to-rump length). In the neonatal period, 0–96 h after birth, the levels of the individual inhibitors were rather constant, but a significant decrease to low levels of both trypsin inhibition and the individual inhibitors was observed in the adult pig. Trypsin activity was found in approximately half of the pancreas homogenates from the late fetal period and in newborn pigs before they began to suckle. The physiological function of the proteinase inhibitors observed in the digestive system during porcine ontogeny is probably to protect against precocious proteolytic degradation by the formation of inactive enzyme/inhibitor complexes.
Functional and Ultrastructural Studies of Granulocyte Adherence in the Newborn
Authors: Algarra Salvador Martín , Devesa Manuel González , Remohi José , Dy Carlos , González Jorge
Published: September 2009

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) adherence to nylon was studied in the umbilical cord blood of 33 full-term, healthy newborns (NBs) during delivery. The results were compared to the adherence of PMN of peripheral blood in 50 healthy adult blood bank donors. PMN adherence in the NBs (56.64 ± 3.24) was found to be significantly higher (p ≤ 0.01) than in the adults (47.03 ± 2.01). PMN adherence, either in adults or NBs, is not related to leukocytes, platelets or hematocrit values. It was found to be related only to the percentage of total leukocyte adherence. Also using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the ultrastructure of the adherence process was analyzed. In these studies we observed a higher tendency to adopt fusiform disposition in the PMN of the adult population. These results suggest that NB PMNs are hyperadherent and that they show a cellular rigidity and a resistance to deformation that could be responsible for the chemotactic alterations previously described in neonates.
Regional Variations of Iodine Nutrition and Thyroid Function during the Neonatal Period in Europe
Authors: Delange F. , Heidemann P. , Bourdoux P. , Larsson A. , Vigneri R. , Klett M. , Beckers C. , Stubbe P.
Published: September 2009

In order to evaluate further the possibility that transient hypothyroidism and hyperthyrotropinemia in newborn infants could result from a state of relative iodine deficiency, the urinary concentration of iodine, used as an index of the dietary intake of iodine was determined in casual urine samples collected in 1,076 full-term infants aged 3–6 days in 16 cities in 10 different European countries and in Toronto, Canada. In addition, the results obtained by programs of systematic neonatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism in the same areas were compared. There were marked regional differences in iodine nutrition during the neonatal period in Europe (median urinary iodine: 16.2 μg/dl in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and 1.1 μg/dl in Freiburg, FRG. A low iodine supply in newborn populations was accompanied by, and probably explained, an elevated frequency of transient disorders of thyroid function in young infants. Iodine prophylaxis is urgently needed in some European countries not only for the prevention of goiter, but mostly for the prevention of impairment of thyroid function during the critical period of brain development.
Correlative Study on Sex Differences in Pituitary Luteinizing Hormone Content and the Number of Immunoreactive Luteinizing Hormone Cells in Perinatal Rats
Authors: Watanabe Yuichi G.
Published: September 2009

Sex differences in both pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) content and the number of LH cells were correlatively studied in perinatal male and female rats. In the fetal pituitaries of late gestation, no sex difference was observed. On the day of birth, LH content and LH cell numbers were significantly greater in female than in male rats. Both of the two sex differences became more pronounced during the 1st and 4th postnatal days. Hormone synthesis and proliferation of pituitary LH cells are probably suppressed by testicular steroids in perinatal male rats.
Heat Loss from the Skin of Preterm and Fullterm Newborn Infants during the First Weeks after Birth
Authors: Hammarlund Karen , Strömberg Bo , Sedin Gunnar
Published: September 2009

In 68 infants appropriate for gestational age, born after 25–41 weeks of gestation, the evaporation rate from the skin and ambient, skin and body temperatures were measured repeatedly during the first 4 weeks after birth, and the heat exchange due to evaporation, radiation and convection was calculated. All measurements were made at an ambient humidity of 50%, with the infants calm and quiet. High evaporative heat losses were found in preterm infants on their first days of life, with gradually decreasing values with increasing gestational and postnatal age. It was only during the 1st week of life in infants born at 25–27 weeks of gestation that evaporative heat loss was higher than radiative heat loss. The high evaporative heat losses in very preterm infants were balanced by low losses or even a gain through radiation and convection, because of the high ambient temperature needed to maintain a stable body temperature. Total heat loss increased with increasing gestational and postnatal age.