bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell Proliferation during Morphogenesis of the Human Colon
Authors: Arsenault Pierre , Ménard Daniel
Published: September 2009

Cell proliferation during morphogenesis of human colon from 8 to 18 weeks of gestation was investigated using radioautography. The sites of [3H]-thymidine uptake were localized in the epithelium, the mesenchyme, and the muscularis externa. As long as the epithelium was stratified, the proliferative pool was very large, and the highest labeling indices (up to 28%) were found during this period. With the formation of villi, the proliferative pool decreased and focused exclusively in the developing crypts by 14–15 weeks. Between 8 and 11 weeks, the labeling index was similar both in the epithelium and the mesenchyme. By 13 weeks of gestation, the small intestinal cell proliferation pattern (epithelium > mesenchyme > muscular layer) was established in the fetal colon. The biochemical quantitation of the [3H]-thymidine uptake into the total colonic DNA supported the decreasing cell proliferation pattern determined by radioautography. The present investigation establishes basic quantitative data regarding cell proliferation during a particular developmental phase of the human colon.
Low Intestinal Lactase Activity in Offspring from Ethanol-Treated Mothers
Authors: López-Tejero D. , Arilla E. , Colás B. , Llobera M. , Herrera E.
Published: September 2009

Some aspects of small intestine maturation have been studied in the newborns from chronic ethanol-treated pregnant rats (25% ethanol in drinking fluid) immediately after birth (before suckling) and after 30 days of life. Litters delivered by mothers fed ad libitum with a standard diet diluted 50% with cellulose were used as a nutritional control. At birth, pups from ethanol-treated mothers showed significant decreases in total intestinal length and thickness, low total lactase activity and low somatostatin intestinal content. The intestinal alterations of these neonatal parameters are not present in newborns from mothers on fiber-diluted diet. From delivery, pups from different experimental groups were nursed by normal lactating dams. At 30 days of age neither of those parameters differed among the groups. We propose that the low levels of total lactase activity in newborns from alcoholic mothers, that are a consequence of a lower intestinal mucosa content, are a direct effect of ethanol in utero on the fetal gastrointestinal system.
Posttransfusion Hemoglobinuria and Myoglobinuria in Neonates
Authors: Zanardo V. , Foti P. , Marioni L. , Andrian C. , Pornaro E. , Zacchello G.
Published: September 2009

Posttransfusion positive dipsticks for occult blood do not differentiate hemoglobinuria from myoglobinuria, relatively common events in infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. We studied posttransfusion plasma and urine hemoglobin and myoglobin in relation to occult blood positivity in the urine dipsticks, in 48 consecutive transfusions with packed RBC (28 neonates, birth weight 850–3,700 g, postnatal age 3–167 days). Urine dipsticks show a low sensitivity for detecting hemoglobin and also undervalue myoglobin, both possible in different amounts in the plasma and urine of ill neonates. However, posttransfusion occult blood positive urine dipsticks due to myoglobinuria are present in 10% of transfused neonates.
Influence of Adrenalectomy on the Development of the Neonatal Thymus in the Rat
Authors: Inomata Tomoo , Nakamura Tsunenori
Published: September 2009

Adrenalectomy of 1-, 6-, 11- and 16-day-old male and female rats did not cause any changes in the weight of thymus 5 days later. Adrenalectomy on days 21,26,31 and 81 of age induced a significant hypertrophy of the thymus 5 days later. These results indicate that after about the time of weaning, the thymus is under some inhibitory regulation by the adrenal gland.
Morphological Changes in the Placentas of Smoking Mothers: A Histomorphometric Study
Authors: Teasdale Francois , Ghislaine Jean-Jacques
Published: September 2009

The morphological changes in the functional structure of placentas from women who smoke cigarettes during pregnancy have been investigated by quantitative, light-microscopic techniques. It has been demonstrated that the placentas of the smoking mothers were morphologically very similar to the placentas of the nonsmokers. The results only showed a tendency for the placentas in the study group to contain proportionally more nonparenchymal and less parenchymal tissue than the control group, mainly in terms of a relative reduction in the intervillous space volume and peripheral villous mass and surface area. The findings of this study support the hypothesis that the perinatal morbidity associated with cigarette smoking during pregnancy is probably more related to the ischemic and/or toxic effects of several compounds in tobacco smoke, partly on placental function and also directly on the fetus, than to significant alterations in the functional structure of the placenta.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Concentrations of Neurotensin and Corticotropin-Releasing Factor in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Hedner J. , Hedner T. , Lundell K.-H. , Bissette G. , O’Connor Laurel , Nemeroff C.B.
Published: September 2009

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of neurotensin (NT) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRF)-like immunoreactive materials (LIM) were measured in 22 infants and children 6 days to 15 years of age. For both neuropeptides there was a marked age-related exponential decline in CSF concentrations. The most prominent decrease in CSF neuropeptide concentrations was seen during the first 24 months of postnatal life. From 1 year and on there was no or only minimal age-associated alteration in CSF neuropeptide concentrations. In this group of children (1–15 years) mean CSF concentrations of NT-LIM and CRF-LIM were 36.8 ± 4.32 and 65.9 ± 4.63 pg/ml, respectively. As CSF neuropeptide concentrations are apparently independent of circulating serum concentrations, they may reflect functional activity of neuropeptide-containing neurons and therefore may be of value in the assessment of the role of peptides in the human central nervous system function and behavior.
Effects of Early Postnatal Undernutrition on Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials in Weanling Rats
Authors: Kawai Shinji , Nakamura Hajime , Matsuo Tamotsu
Published: September 2009

The effect of early postnatal undernutrition on the development of brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) was examined using rats during the weanling period. Undernutrition was achieved by separating the suckling rats from the mother for 24 h every other day from 1 day through 10 days of age (group 1) or from 1 day through 14 days of age (group 2). Both groups were rehabilitated nutritionally after these periods. The littermates which were not separated from the mother were used as well-fed control. At 14 days of age, wave IV of BAEPs was detected in 44% of group 1 and in 69% of group 2, where it was detected in all control rats. Peak latency of wave IV and I-IV interpeak latency (IPL) of group 2 rats were significantly longer than those in control rats from 14 through 22 days of age. Similarly, those of group 1 rats were significantly longer than those in control rats at 14 and 18 days of age. At 33 days of age, there were no significant differences in terms of peak latencies (waves I, III and IV) and IPLs (I–III and I–IV) between both the undernourished groups and the control group. These results indicate that early postnatal undernutrition delays the development of BAEPs in rats transiently, and nutritional rehabilitation can make the group Ê»catch up’ on BAEPs.
Cerebral Metabolic Response and Mitochondrial Activity following Insulin-Induced Hypoglycemia in Newborn Lambs
Authors: Belik Jaques , Wagerle Craig , Stanley Charles A. , Sacks Linda M. , Herbert David W. , Delivoria-Papadopoulos Maria
Published: September 2009

We evaluated the newborn lamb’s cerebral cellular activity and metabolism following acute insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Eleven animals received an insulin bolus followed by a continuous infusion to maintain a plasma glucose of 1 mM/l for 2 h, while 8 other animals received an equivalent dose of saline. Following the induction of hypoglycemia, the animals became quiet and transient seizures were observed in 3 animals. A significant increase in heart rate (p < 0.01), and a decrease in arterial PaCO2 at 30 min (p < 0.01), and pH at 2 h (p = 0.02), following hypoglycemia, were observed in the experimental group. Hypoglycemia did not significantly alter the cerebral blood flow, mitoehondrial respiratory control ratio or the state-3 activity. The cerebral arteriovenous difference (CAVD) for oxygen did not change, while the glucose CAVD was significantly reduced from 0.47 ± 0.21 to 0.24 ± 0.16 mM/1 (p < 0.05) at the end of the hypoglycemia period, suggesting consumption of alternate substrates of energy by the brain. Insulin-induced hypoglycemia was associated with a significant increase in arterial lactate (p < 0.01), and a significant correlation (p < 0.01) between arterial and CAVD for lactate and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BOB) was observed. Cerebral consumption of alternate substrates of energy was inconsistent, and only observed for lactate in 5 and for BOB in 3 experimental animals following hypoglycemia. These data indicate that the newborn lamb’s cerebral cellular activity is not affected by the degree of hypoglycemia achieved in these studies. Although the unaffected cerebral oxygen consumption following hypoglycemia suggests utilization of alternate substrates of energy, we have not observed a consistent uptake of any of the measured metabolites by the newborn lamb’s brain.
Partitioning and Extraction of Glucose Regulates Cerebral Glucose Utilization in Newborn Dogs
Authors: Huang M.M.E. , Kliegman R.M. , Chau K.
Published: September 2009

We investigated the amount of fasting steady-state systemic glucose production utilized by the neonatal canine cerebral cortex. The relationship of systemic glucose production and cerebral glucose utilization were analyzed as functions of cerebral blood flow, cerebral oxygen uptake, and indirect measures of alternate fuel utilization. Fasting arterial blood glucose was 3.36 mM and glucose production was 49.6 μmol/kg/min. Average cerebral blood flow was 0.83 ml/g/min, and cerebral glucose uptake was 0.60 ± 0.15 μmol/g/min. 36.6% of systemic glucose production was utilized by the cerebral cortex. There were no correlations between systemic glucose production, cerebral blood flow, or cerebral glucose uptake with blood glucose concentration. Furthermore, total cerebral glucose uptake was static across a wide range of glucose levels. Nonetheless, the percent of glucose production used by the brain was an inverse function of systemic glucose production (r = ––0.71, p < 0.001). The cerebral extraction of glucose (27.6 ± 4.1 %) decreased as a function of increasing blood glucose levels (r = ––0.51, p < 0.05), while brain uptake index correlated with increasing systemic glucose production (r = 0.61, p < 0.02). We can conclude that the canine neonatal cerebral cortex may utilize only 37% of systemic glucose production. At low rates of glucose turnover, a larger proportion of systemic glucose production is allotted to the brain. Mechanisms that may regulate total cerebral glucose influx may be glucose permeability, or the increased extraction of glucose at lower blood glucose levels.
Maternal and Fetal Endocrine Pancreas in the Spontaneously Diabetic BB Rat
Authors: Verhaeghe J. , Peeters T.L. , Vandeputte M. , Rombauts W. , Bouillon R. , Van Assche F.A.
Published: September 2009

The maternal and fetal endocrine pancreas were investigated in the diabetic BB rat on day 21 of pregnancy. The maternal pancreas of the diabetic rat contained practically no insulin-positive B cells. The A and D cell mass were also decreased, while plasma glucagon and somatostatin levels were normal or increased, confirming previous data. Six of 11 diabetic rats had B-cell-specific surface antibodies (ICSA), whereas only 1 of 10 nondiabetic rats was ICSA-positive. The volume density of insulin-positive cells was decreased in the fetal pancreas of diabetic BB rats compared to fetuses of nondiabetic rats, but the volume density of glucagon- and somatostatin-positive cells remained normal. The B cells of these fetuses were ultrastructurally less granulated and showed signs of increased cellular activity. Plasma insulin levels were decreased while plasma glucagon and somatostatin concentrations were normal. ICSA were not detected in fetuses of nondiabetic and diabetic rats. There were no differences in the histology of the spleen and thymus between both groups of fetuses. Metabolic characterization of the growth-retarded fetuses of diabetic rats revealed, besides lower plasma insulin concentrations, increased branched chain amino acid levels, and normal plasma Sm/IGF-I levels. The main conclusions from this study are: (1) Severe maternal diabetes decreases the pancreatic insulin-positive cell mass and plasma insulin levels in the fetus, but not the A and D cell mass and function; (2) ICSA are not detectable in fetal plasma; (3) the influence of maternal BB rat diabetes on fetal endocrine pancreas and metabolic environment resembles that of severe streptozotocin-induced diabetes.
Comparison of Renal Function in Term Fetal Sheep and Newborn Lambs
Authors: Smith Francine G. , Lumbers Eugenie R.
Published: September 2009

Renal function was measured in fetal sheep, in neonates following delivery by caesarean section, and in lambs in the first week of life. The most marked changes in renal function following delivery were an increase in glomerular filtration rate from 4.59 ± 0.27 ml/min (n = 13) to 6.94 ± 1.00 ml/min (n = 12), a decrease in urine flow, sodium and osmolar excretion rates and an increase in urinary osmolality. Fractional sodium reabsorption increased from 95.5 ± 0.79% (n = 13) in the fetus to 99.4 ± 0.14% (n = 12, p < 0.001) in lambs aged 24 h or more; fractional osmolar reabsorption rose from fetal levels of 92.3 ± 0.84% (n = 13) to 96.5 ± 0.52% ( n = 11; p < 0.001) in lambs aged 24h or more. Potassium excretion and fractional potassium reabsorption did not alter after birth. Urinary osmolality increased from 175 ± 20.4 mosm/kg H2O (n = 14) to 524 ± 45.6 mosm/kg H2O (n = 16; p < 0.001) in lambs aged 24 h or more, and free water clearance decreased from 0.308 ± 0.06 ml/min (n = 13) to-0.067 ± 0.03 ml/min (n = 15; p < 0.001). Since the above changes occurred within 24 h of delivery, they represent rapid adjustments by the kidney to lack of a placental supply of fluid and electrolytes.
Endocrine Control of Fetal Growth
Authors: Browne C.A. , Thorburn G.D.
Published: September 2009

Fetal growth is regulated by fetal hormones in all species that have been studied. However, it is clear that strict definition of fetal growth must be applied in order that different studies and different species may be meaningfully compared. The experimental manipulation of fetal growth in vivo has been the main tool by which information in this area has been gained. Organ ablation experiments, with or without appropriate hormone replacement treatments, have been used now for nearly 50 years as a means of studying fetal growth. As the years have gone by, many of the original techniques have been refined beyond recognition, so that precise surgical or immunological approaches have now replaced the rather simpler earlier methods. However, the nature of the questions which are posed are still remarkably similar to those first formulated nearly 50 years ago. What regulates fetal growth? This article attempts to document the progress that has been made in the endocrine control of fetal growth.
Solute and Water Transport across the Pulmonary Epithelium: A New Chapter in Lung Physiology Inaugurated by Alfred Jost
Authors: Strang L.B.
Published: September 2009

Early experiments by Jost and Policard demonstrated the presence of secretory activity in the lungs of the fetal rabbit. Subsequent work has demonstrated a system of active ion transport across the pulmonary epithelium of the sheep fetus, in which uphill movement of chloride ions to the pulmonary lumen provides the main force for lung liquid secretion. In the last 10–20% of gestation a reabsorptive mechanism in response to beta-adrenergic stimulation is developed which is brought into play in the perinatal period, clearing the lungs of liquid. The development of this response has been shown to require thyroid hormones. The action of adrenaline (or of a directly induced rise in intracellular cAMP) depends on the initiation of active sodium transport from the luminal side of the epithelium. Active glucose-sodium cotransport, maintaining a low glucose concentration in fetal pulmonary liquid, has also been demonstrated in this epithelium. In the postnatal period, sodium absorption continues to be a feature of the lung periphery and the epithelium of the conducting airways is known to be a site of an active ion transport system which features both chloride secretion and sodium absorption. However, this epithelium responds quite differently from the fetal peripheral epithelium to beta-adrenergic stimulation by increasing chloride secretion with little or no change in sodium absorption.
Initiation of Labour
Authors: Liggins G.C.
Published: September 2009

Since arachidonic acid is the obligatory substrate for the synthesis of prostaglandins, the regulation of arachidonic acid from phospholipid stores is likely to be pivotal in the release of prostaglandins and the initiation of labour. The hydrolysis of phospholipids to yield arachidonic acid is catalysed by phospholipases of which there are two of particular importance. Phospholipase C mediates the action of certain agonists including oxytocin and acts specifically on phosphatidyl-inositol resulting in the release of inositol phosphates. Phospholipase A2 is activated by a variety of physical and chemical agents (e.g. infection, trauma) that increase calcium concentrations in the cell; it releases arachidonic acid from phosphatidyl-choline and phosphatidyl-ethanolamine in particular. Factors influencing phospholipase activity are important in the mechanism initiating labour whether preterm or term. A specific chorionic protein (gravidin) that inhibits activity of phospholipase A2 during pregnancy but loses its activity at the onset of labour has been identified and characterised.
Activity of Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase in Human Fetal Membranes
Authors: Yalçin Önay , Sürmen Esma , Eryürek Figen
Published: September 2009

The presence of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in human fetal membranes and alterations in enzyme activity during the gestational period were studied. Fetal membranes from term deliveries exhibited a high enzymatic activity, whereas membranes from preterm deliveries showed alterations with regard to the gestational weeks. These alterations were found to be similar to those which had previously been obtained from rat placentae during fetal growth and development.
Effects of Prenatal Heat Stress on Postnatal Growth, Behavior and Learning Capacity in Mice
Authors: Shiota Kohei , Kayamura Toshiya
Published: September 2009

Pregnant ICR mice were immersed in water at 42 or 43 °C for 10 min once or twice daily on days 12 through 15 of gestation and the postnatal development of their offspring was observed. Postnatal weight gain of the offspring and their brain weight at 11 weeks of age were smaller than the values for control animals. As compared with controls, prenatally heated mice were less active in an open field and learned slower in a water-filled multiple T-maze and in a shuttle box. Thus, prenatal brief hyperthermia in mice was shown to suppress the body and brain growth during the postnatal period and adversely affect their emotionality and learning capacity.
Cerebral Blood Volumes in Young Rats with and without in situ Saline Flushing of Cerebral Vasculature
Authors: Hansen Thor Willy Ruud , Bratlid Dag
Published: September 2009

In recent studies of bilirubin encephalopathy, in situ flushing of the cerebral vessels has been used to clear blood from the brain. The effectiveness of such procedures has not been adequately documented. Herein young, male Sprague-Dawley rats were given about 750 KBq of 51Cr-labelled rat erythrocytes 3 min prior to sacrifice. There were four experimental groups: control, displacer (sulfisoxazole), hyperosmolality, and hypercarbia. Half of the rats in each group had the brain vasculature flushed in situ, while the remaining rat brains were not flushed. The brains were dissected into seven regions, and the radioactivity in the tissues was compared to that of blood drawn from the rats immediately before death. Significant amounts of blood (22–42 %) remained after in situ flushing. Retention was significantly higher in the hyperosmolar animals, and significantly lower in the hypercarbic animals as compared to controls. Interregional differences in blood volumes per gram wet weight were significant without, but not with flushing. Similar observations were made using 125I-IgM as a marker for the plasma compartment. In studies of brain uptake of substances with high plasma concentrations, substance remaining within the cerebral vessels may contribute significantly to the apparent brain uptake values.
Plasma Amino Acids in Diabetic Pregnant Rats and in Their Fetal and Adult Offspring
Authors: Aerts L. , Van Bree R. , Feytons V. , Rombauts W. , Van Assche F.A.
Published: September 2009

Amino acid profiles and total amino-acid concentrations are established in nonfasting plasma of pregnant control, mildly diabetic and severely diabetic rats, and of their fetal and adult offspring. In pregnant rats at day 20 of gestation plasma amino acids can be regarded as normal in mildly diabetic mothers, but are significantly decreased in severely diabetic mothers. In fetuses of control rats, amino acid levels are twice as high as in the mother (fetomaternal ratio 2.0); in the fetuses of mildly diabetic mothers they are significantly lower than normal (fetomaternal ratio 1.3); in the fetuses of severely diabetic mothers they are also significantly lower than normal but with a normal fetomaternal ratio (fetomaternal ratio 2.0). In adult offspring of mildly diabetic mothers the concentration of almost all amino acids as well as that of total amino acid pool is significantly lower than in the controls; in the offspring of severely diabetic mothers they can be regarded as normal. No specific amino acid or group of amino acids can be held responsible for any of these changes, since all differences with control values display an overall effect, involving all or almost all amino acids.
Acute Thermoregulatory Responses of the Immature Rat to Warming by Low-Level 2,450-MHz Microwave Radiation
Authors: Spiers D.E. , Adair E.R. , Baummer S.C.
Published: September 2009

Rats were tested at 6–7 days of age to determine thermoregulatory responses to microwave exposure (2,450-MHz; continuous wave). Each animal was partially restrained in a cylindrical holder and irradiated at a power density of either 5 or 20 mW/cm2 [specific absorption rate = 0.60 (W/kg) / (mW/cm2)] at a cold ambient temperature (Ta). Following a 1-hour thermal equilibration period, each rat was monitored at 1-min intervals during 1-hour microwave exposure and 1-hour recovery periods. Colonic temperature (Tco), determined with a Vitek probe, and metabolic heat production (M), derived from measures of oxygen consumption, were sampled and recorded during these periods. Tco increased significantly above initial level at both power densities and reached a plateau after 45 min of microwave exposure. Tco doubled with a four-fold increase in microwave intensity. Prior to exposure, M was elevated in response to cold Ta and remained unchanged during exposure at 5 mW/cm2, but decreased 7.2 W/kg during exposure at 20 mW/cm2. The results indicate that the hypothermic rat pup can be effectively warmed by low-level microwave irradiation and is capable of altering metabolism in response to such heating.
Prenatal Psychological Stress, Dermatoglyphic Asymmetry and Pregnancy Outcome in the Pigtailed Macaque (Macaca nemestrina)
Authors: Newell-Morris L.L. , Fahrenbruch C.E. , Sackett G.P.
Published: September 2009

The relationships between maternal psychosocial stress during pregnancy and asymmetry in dermal ridge count, gestation length, birth weight percentile and survival were examined in 68 pigtailed macaque offspring. Twenty-five pregnant females were stressed daily by capture from 30 through 130 days postconception; 43 control unstressed females were housed under conditions of minimal disturbance. The difference between total intercore dermal ridge counts between right and left hands of the offspring was used as a measure of the perturbed development that theoretically occurs in the presence of a prenatal stressor. Dermatoglyphic asymmetry was significantly higher in the stressed offspring than in the unstressed group (mean asymmetry = 7.3 ± 2.8 and 5.4 ± 2.5, respectively; t = 2.85, p < 0.01). Although maternal stress alone was not related to differential gestation length, birth weight, or survival, high asymmetry (8–13 residual dermal ridges) was significantly associated with increased perinatal mortality.
Urinary Excretion of Prostacyclin Metabolites in Infants Born after Maternal Preeclampsia or with Birth Asphyxia
Authors: Ruth Vineta , Ylikorkata Olavi , Viinikka Lasse , Raivio Kari O.
Published: September 2009

Decreased fetoplacental prostacyclin (PGI2) production has been shown in preeclampsia, and increased pulmonary PGI2 synthesis has been demonstrated in experimental hypoxia. We measured the urinary excretion of the main metabolites of PGI2, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (6-keto) and 2,3-dinor-6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (2,3-dinor), during the first day of life in infants born to mothers with preeclampsia (n = 26), in infants with birth asphyxia (n = 12), and in control infants (n = 14). The mean excretion of 6-keto in control infants increased from 9.3 to 14.3 ng/h/1.73 m2 from 0–12 to 12–24 h of age, and a corresponding change from 3.5 to 7.0 ng/h/1.73 m2 was seen in 2,3-dinor excretion. In infants of preeclamptic mothers the excretion values at 0–12 and 12–24 h and the pattern of change were not significantly different from controls. In asphyxiated infants, the mean excretion values at 0–12 and 12–24 h of 6-keto (11.0 and 11.6 ng/h/1.73 m2) and 2,3-dinor (6.0 and 5.8 ng/h/1.73 m2) were not significantly different from control infants, but no increase was seen. We conclude that PGI2 production in infants of preeclamptic mothers is not impaired, but after perinatal asphyxia there is an altered pattern of PGI2 metabolite excretion, suggesting decreased production capacity.
Insulin Responsiveness of Neonatal Pig Myocardium
Authors: Sicard Raymond E. , Werner John C.
Published: September 2009

The transition from preferential use of carbohydrates to fatty acids for energy production by neonatal mammalian myocardium might be hormonally influenced. In neonatal pigs (between 1 and 4 days of age), plasma glucose, lactate, and glucagon concentrations remained constant at adult levels, while plasma triglycerides and insulin content remained stable at substantially lower levels. Insulin, whether administered in vivo or during perfusion, increased myocardial glucose utilization [GU] and lactate production [LP]. Stimulation of GU and LP by insulin exposure in vivo persisted for at least 1 h during perfusions after insulin was removed. Exogenous lactate (0.5 mM) diminished insulin-stimulated GU and LP; and was used as a substrate at 1.25mM. Thus, insulin augmented glycolytic activity of neonatal piglet myocardium; however, exogenous lactate, within the physiological range, altered the nature of the myocardium’s response by, as yet, undetermined mechanisms. Therefore, the transition from carbohydrate to fatty acid utilization for energy production by the neonatal myocardium does not appear to result from decreased carbohydrate metabolism or reduced myocardial responsiveness to insulin.
Genotype-Treatment Interaction in Response of Mice to Early Barbiturate Administration
Authors: Yanai Joseph , Guttman Ruth , Stern Edward
Published: September 2009

Results of this investigation show a differential effect of early barbiturate administration on behaviors of mice of two inbred strains in the open field and in the barrier cage. Pups of the inbred strains DBA/1 and C57BL/10 were fostered by HS/Ibg dams and were given a daily injection of 50mg/kg sodium phenobarbital on postnatal days 2–21 (treated groups); control pups received vehicle injections. At 28 and 30 days the animals were tested in an open field and in a barrier cage. The DBA/1 mice responded differently from C57BL/10 to early barbiturate treatment. Treated DBA/1 mice showed a marked reduction from control levels in open-field locomotion and grooming but not in defecation. In the barrier test, there were reductions in jumping, peeking and grooming and increase in defecation. The differences between controls and treated in the C57BL/10 strain were small except for barrier jumping and peeking. It is suggested that genotype (strain) – environment (drug) interaction exists for the effect of early phenobarbital administration on behavior: DBA/1 was sharply affected by the drug, while the behavior of C57BL/10 was little altered by neonatal phenobarbital administration.
Plasma β-Endorphin Levels in the Umbilical Cord Blood of Preterm Human Neonates
Authors: Ramanathan S. , Puig Margarita M. , Turndorf Herman
Published: September 2009

Maternal venous (MV) and neonatal umbilical venous (UV) and umbilical arterial (UA) plasma β-endorphin concentrations were measured at birth in two groups of patients undergoing cesarean section (CS). Patients in group 1 carried a term gestation (n = 12, birth weight 3,640 ± 150g, 1 SEM). Patients in group 2 (n = 12) carried a preterm gestation (birth weight 1,956 ± 150 g). In the term neonate the UV and UA plasma β-endorphin were 11.5 ± 4 and 13.5 ± 4 picomoles/liter, respectively. In the preterm neonate the UV and UA values were 23.6 ± 4 and 23.5 ± 5 picomoles/liter, respectively. Both values in the preterm neonate were significantly greater than the corresponding value in the term neonate (p < 0.05). The MV plasma β-endorphin did not significantly differ among the two groups. Data suggest that in preterm neonates increased plasma β-endorphin levels occur at the time of birth.
Pulsed Doppler Measurement of Left Ventricular Output as Early Predictor of Symptomatic Patent Ductus arteriosus in Very Preterm Infants
Authors: Walther Frans J. , Kim Dong H. , Ebrahimi Mahmood , Siassi Bijan
Published: September 2009

High left ventricular output (LVO) values are associated with symptomatic left-to-right ductal shunting in preterm infants. However, LVO data prior to the occurrence of symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus (SPDA) are lacking. To determine whether serial measurements could predict a SPDA, we measured LVO from day 1 until day 10 with pulsed Doppler echocardiography in 25 preterm infants with birth weights of less than 1,250 g and hematocrits of more than 0.40. Eleven infants never developed patent ductus arteriosus symptoms and had LVO values within the normal range (190–310 ml/min/kg) with only minimal daily variations. The remaining 14 infants developed SPDA which required treatment with indomethacin, ductal Hgation, or fluid restriction on days 2–5. From day 1 until day 5 their mean LVO values were significantly higher compared to the group without left-to-right ductal shunt and this increase was secondary to higher stroke volume values. An increase in LVO of more than 60 ml/min/kg consistently preceded SPDA by at least 24 h. Serial measurements of LVO using a single-pulsed Doppler approach can be used for early prediction of SPDA.
A Study into the Nature and Organ Source of Digoxin-Like Immunoreactive Substance(s) in the Perinatal Period
Authors: Seccombe David W. , Pudek Morris R. , Humphries Karin H. , Matthewson Beryl , Taylor Glenn P. , Jacobson Beryl E. , Whitfield Michael P.
Published: September 2009

Digoxin-like immunoreactive substance(s) (DLIS) was isolated from sera and autopsy-derived tissue obtained from premature and full-term neonates. The highest tissue level of DLIS was in the small bowel followed by the adrenal, gallbladder and liver. Of the fluids examined, meconium had the highest level of DLIS. Preparative high performance liquid chromatography fractionation of cord blood generated at least six different fractions which not only contained DLIS material but also inhibited canine kidney Na+/K+-ATPase activity. Recovery/inhibition studies indicated that 72% of the canine kidney Na+/K+-ATPase inhibition within one fraction could be accounted for on the basis of progesterone content of the fraction.
Placental Growth in Rats Exposed to Carbon Monoxide at Selected Stages of Pregnancy
Authors: Lynch Ann-Maree , Bruce Neville W.
Published: September 2009

Maternal hypoxemia has been associated with fetal-growth retardation and placental hypertrophy. Here, rats were exposed to carbon monoxide (CO), 100 ppm, at different stages of gestation to determine when during pregnancy placental hypertrophy can be elicited, whether hypertrophy is sustained when the stimulus is removed, and whether placental hypertrophy correlates with maintenance of normal fetal growth. Groups of rats (11–17 per group) were exposed to CO, throughout gestation, or over days 1–16, 4–12, 10–22 and 18–22, to cover significant periods of placental growth. Maternal carboxyhemoglobin levels were estimated to be in the order of 10–14%, but there was no effect on fetal survival. Fetal weights were significantly reduced by 8 and 6% in groups treated over days 1–22 and 10–22 of pregnancy, but not in those where treatment ceased before term, and surprisingly not in the group treated over days 18–22, the stage of maximal fetal growth. Placental weights were significantly increased by 11–13% in all groups in which carbon monoxide exposure was continued to term, but were unaffected in cases where treatment ceased before term. These results show that near term the placenta, when it is thought to normally reach the limit of its functional capacity, can hypertrophy in response to CO, and suggest that this response benefits the fetus presumably by improving oxygen transport.
Cyclosporin-Induced Embryotoxicity in Mice
Authors: Fein Amos , Vechoropoulos Michal , Nebel Laslo
Published: September 2009

Pregnant ICR mice were injected daily with 30 mg cyclosporin (CS)/kg body weight on days 6–8 or 10–12 of gestation. In parallel, control mice were administered saline injections on the same gestational days. The mice were sacrificed on days 12, 15, 17 or 19 of gestation. The number of resorption sites counted, the embryos and placentae were carefully separated, weighed and examined macro- and microscopically, along with various other maternal organs. It was found that 30 mg CS/kg body weight, when administered to pregnant ICR mice in 3 successive injections, did not raise the maternal mortality rate. Histological examination of maternal organs revealed pathological alterations in the thymus, liver, kidney and slpeen; most changes had disappeared by 1 week following the last injection. CS reduced the number of viable embryos and increased the number of embryos resorbed. Microscopic examination of the embryos showed that organogenesis was not affected by the drug. However, CS, in the administered dose, had a clear embryotoxic effect.
Reduced Levels of Uridine Diphosphate Glucose Pyrophosphorylase Activity in Fetal and Neonatal Human and Guinea Pig Liver
Authors: Vaca G. , Castro-Félix L.P. , Medina C. , Medina M.D. , Blancarte R. , Barret M. , García L. , Ruíz C. , Arreola R.
Published: September 2009

Uridine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase (UDPGPP) is the first enzyme in the bilirubin conjugation pathway. A study aiming to screen for red blood cell UDPGPP deficiency in newborns with hyperbilirubinemia was carried out. No individuals with severe UDPGPP deficiency were found, however, levels of UDPGPP in premature and at term newborns were lower than in adults. These findings led to the study of UDPGPP in human fetal, neonatal and adult liver, using guinea pig tissues as a parallel control. UDPGPP activities in fetal and neonatal samples were also significantly lower than in adult ones in both species. Therefore, it is postulated that the reduced levels of UDPGPP in fetal and neonatal liver could be a factor which contributes to the pathogenesis of the physiologic jaundice in human newborns.
Placental Taurine and Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Ghisolfi J. , Berrebi A. , Nguyen V.B. , Thouvenot J.P. , Rolland M. , Putet G. , Dabadie A. , Pontonnier G.
Published: September 2009

In order to determine whether the decrease in taurine concentration in the placenta during pregnancy could affect fetal development, as has been observed in animals, we measured the concentration of taurine in placentas obtained after vaginal expulsion. 31 placentas from women with normal pregnancies of over 37 weeks who have given birth to infants of normal weight (3,200 ± 310 g) were included in the study. In addition, 26 placentas of infants considered to be hypotrophic were also included (gestation over 37 weeks, birth weight: 2,260 ± 230 g). The taurine was assayed using gaz-liquid chromatography. The concentration of taurine in the placenta was 2.80 ± 0.56 μmol/g for the placentas of normal birth weight infants and 2.40 ± 0.64 μmol/g for the placentas of hypotropic infants (p < 0.02). There is no significant correlation in normal and hypotrophic newborns between the gestation period, the weight and height at birth, the weight of the placenta, and the taurine concentration in the placenta. The taurine concentration in placentas of hypotrophic born infants is significantly reduced compared to the placentas from normal infants.
Prostaglandin Stability in Human Milk and Infant Gastric Fluid
Authors: Bedrick Alan D. , Britton John R. , Johnson Susanne , Koldovský Otakar
Published: September 2009

Prostaglandins are present in breast milk and may protect and maintain intestinal epithelial cell integrity in developing mammals. In view of their very short half-life in other body tissues and fluids, studies were performed to determine prostaglandin stability in milk and gastric fluid. Tritiated prostaglandins E2 and F2α were incubated for 30 min in whole milk, milk cells, and milk plasma obtained from mothers delivering at term and prematurely, and in preterm infant gastric fluid. Radioactivity chromatographic analysis revealed minimal degradation of PG in milk preparations and gastric fluid. Thus, milk may serve as an effective natural medium for PG delivery to the gastrointestinal tract. The cytoprotective effect of prostaglandins on the gastrointestinal tract may be related to their stability and lack of degradation in milk and gastric digestive juices.
Effect of Caffeine on Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity in Preterm Infants
Authors: Saliba Elie , Autret Elisabeth , Gold Francis , Bloc Daniel , Pourcelot Léandre , Laugier Jean
Published: September 2009

A continuous-wave form Doppler monitor was used to examine the effect of caffeine on cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) in 7 clinically stable preterm neonates suffering from apnea. Caffeine, in the form of caffeine citrate, or saline were given intravenously at loading doses of 20 mg/kg. Every subject was his own control. Placebo (saline) was systematically injected prior to caffeine citrate. Simultaneous recording of heart rate, arterial blood pressure, respiratory rate, TcPO2, TcPCO2 were made before, then at the end of the injection, and 30, 60 and 120 min after the end of each administration of either placebo or caffeine. Compared with placebo, caffeine injection was not associated with significant changes in CBFV. An increase was found in both heart-rate and respiratory rate (p < 0.05). Mean arterial blood pressure, TcPO2 and TcPO2 did not change significantly. Our data suggest that a caffeine citrate loading dose of 20 mg/kg as currently used at the beginning of treatment of apnea in preterm neonates has no effect on CBFV.
In vitro and in vivo Effects of Erythrocyte Phototherapy on Newborns
Authors: Tozzi E.. , Tozzi-Ciancarelli M.G. , Di Giulio A. , D’Alfonso A. , Farello G. , Spennati G.F. , de Mattei F.
Published: September 2009

The photodynamic action of the bilirubin is associated with severe consequences observed during ‘in vitro’ irradiation of the erythrocytes. This paper is designed to evaluate the bilirubin photodynamic effects which occur ‘in vitro’ and ‘in vivo’ on erythrocytes in healthy and jaundiced infants. The in vitro bilirubin sensitized photoreaction damages the erythrocytes mainly at the membrane level. In particular, a dramatic decrease of ATPase activity and an increased susceptibility to lipid peroxidation, expressed as malondialdehyde production, were observed. For in vivo studies, specific fluorescent probes have been used to verify probable changes on the functional architecture of the erythrocyte membrane in the phototherapy-treated infants. Our results showed that specific areas of the membrane are differently affected, mainly at lipid/protein interface. Although the role of the erythrocyte membrane is an important factor of the hemorheological behavior, the measurement of blood viscosity and erythrocyte aggregation and filtration did not show significant alterations during the overall time of phototherapy.
Effect of Vaginal Douching with Povidone-Iodine during Early Pregnancy on the Iodine Supply to Mother and Fetus
Authors: Mahillon J. , Peers W. , Bourdoux P. , Ermans A.M. , Delange F.
Published: September 2009

Vaginal douching with polyvinylpyrrolidone iodine (PVP-I) during pregnancy results in maternal iodine overload and increases the iodine content of amniotic fluid. We evaluated the possible effects of this therapy on the thyroid of the fetus by investigating 62 women with a mean duration of amenorrhea of 20 weeks who solicited controlled abortion. Nineteen of them douched daily with PVP-I for 7 consecutive days before abortion (treated group). The other 43 women were not treated (control group). In both groups the iodine content was determined in the fetal thyroid and in amniotic fluid and maternal urine at the time of abortion. In addition, in the treated group the concentrations of iodine were also determined in amniotic fluid and urine before therapy and in urine after 4 days of therapy. There were no differences in the concentrations of iodine in urine and amniotic fluid in the control group and in the treated group before therapy. In the treated group urinary iodine increased from 6.1 ± (SEM) 0.8 µg/dl before therapy to 91 ± 20 µg/dl after 4 days and to 153 ± 60 µg/dl after 7 days of therapy (p < 0.001). In parallel, iodine in amniotic fluid increased from 1.2 ± 0.2 µg/dl before therapy to 3.7 ± 1.3 µg/dl after 7 days (p < 0.05). In both groups the iodine content of the fetal thyroid increased with gestational age. However, it increased more rapidly in the treated group (from 1 to 7.7 µg) than in the control group (from 1 to 2.5 µg), p < 0.05. In conclusion, routine vaginal douching with PVP-I during early pregnancy induces maternal iodine overload and markedly increases the iodine content not only of the amniotic fluid but also of the fetal thyroid, as soon as the trapping mechanism of iodide by the thyroid has started to develop. In view of the well-documented hypersensitivity of the fetal and neonatal thyroid to the blocking effect of excess iodide, the vaginal application of PVP-I is not recommended during pregnancy.
Effect of Hypoxia and Catecholamines on the Habituation Rates of Chronically Catheterized Ovine Fetuses
Authors: Leader L.R. , Smith Francine G. , Lumbers Eugenie R. , Stevens A.D.
Published: September 2009

Integrated electromyographic, electrocortical (ECoG) and electro-ocular activity were recorded in 13 chronically prepared fetal sheep (130–145 days). Fetal movements and the rate of habituation to repeated suffusions of cold saline against the fetal skin were recorded. Experiments were repeated during an intravenous infusion of noradrenaline to the fetus (0.4 μg/kg estimated fetal weight/min) and during hypoxia induced by altering the oxygen content of the inspired air to the ewe to 9%. Repeated stimulation with cold saline resulted in an increase in fetal movements (p = 0.009). The number of stimuli for habituation was similar in high-voltage and in low-voltage ECoG activity. The rate of fetal habituation was significantly faster during the infusion of noradrenaline compared with control measurements (p = 0.009). During hypoxia, the number of spontaneous fetal movements prior to stimulation decreased (p = 0.002). Habituation rates were also faster during hypoxemia compared with control measurements (p = 0.003). These findings may help to explain the rapid habituation rates seen in some human fetuses in at ‘at risk’ Pregnancies.
Lipid Changes in the Residual Yolk and Liver of the Chick Immediately after Hatching
Authors: Noble R.C. , Ogunyemi D.
Published: September 2009

A study has been made of the changes in the weights, lipid and fatty acid compositions of the liver and residual yolk complex of the chick during the immediate period following hatching. By the 5th day after hatching about 85% of the gross weight and 90% of the lipid associated with the yolk complex had been absorbed. During this period, the composition of the yolk lipid displayed a marked increase in its proportion of cholesteryl esters and decreases in the triacylglycerides and phosphoglycerides. Whereas, in the triacylglycerides of the residual yolk after hatching there were changes in the proportions of the saturated fatty acids, in the phosphoglycerides there were distinctive changes in the proportions of the polyunsaturated fatty acids. Growth of the liver after hatching was associated with a substantial accumulation of fat. The very high level of cholesteryl esters associated with the embryonic liver was rapidly replaced by triacylglycerides in particular, and phosphoglycerides. The accumulation of the triacylglycerides was accompanied by a rapid change in their fatty acid composition away from that associated with embryonic development and differing markedly from that of the triacylglycerides being absorbed from the yolk. The changes in the lipid and fatty acid composition of the liver were indicative of the rapid alteration for the role of the liver in the lipid metabolism of the newly hatched chick.
Transcutaneous Bilirubinometry: Bilirubin Kinetics of the Skin and Serum during and after Phototherapy
Authors: Yamauchi Yoshitada , Yamanouchi Itsuro
Published: September 2009

Skin bilirubin (transcutaneous bilirubinometry, TcB, reading) and serum bilirubin kinetics were studied in 20 full-term hyperbilirubinemic infants during and after phototherapy. TcB readings at the chest site decreased after 2 h of phototherapy from 28.0 to 21.3 (25% of initial TcB reading, p < 0.001) and thereafter continued to decrease in a nonlinear fashion through the first 24 h of phototherapy. However, TcB readings after 12 h of phototherapy were about 50% of the initial readings (p < 0.001), declining minimally during the second 12 h of phototherapy, suggesting saturation kinetics. While serum bilirubin levels remained unchanged during the first 4 h of phototherapy, thereafter they showed a rapid decline to 12 h of phototherapy. The rate of decline decreased during the second 12 h of phototherapy, but serum bilirubin levels still decreased significantly from 16.9 to 14.9 mg/dl. Although TcB readings showed saturation kinetics during the second 12 h of phototherapy, the serum bilirubin levels were shown to decrease significantly. This suggests that the main site of action of phototherapy may be intravascular at this stage, rather than the skin and subcutaneous capillary bed as in the early stage of phototherapy.