bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Gliadin on Fetal Chick Intestine in Tissue Culture
Authors: Mothes Thomas , Mühle Werner , Müller Fritz , Hekkens Wilhelmus Theodorus Johannes Marie
Published: September 2009

The purpose of this study was to develop a model system for detecting biological effects of gliadin which may be related to coeliac disease. The technique applied was tissue culture of chicken duodenum at several stages of fetal development. A normally occuring increase in disaccharidase activities in cultured tissue explants was diminished by the presence of peptic-tryptic digested gliadin or of a tryptic fragment of α-gliadin (α-GT 18,000). The effect of peptic-tryptic digested gliadin was only demonstrable in the early phase of fetal development (days 10–14), and disappeared at day 16. The release of enzymes into the culture medium was decreased by gliadin at the 12th day of fetal development. The results suggest that gliadin inhibits the differentiation processes of the fetal intestine.
Plasma Six-Keto-Prostaglandin F1α and Endocrine Pancreatic Function in the Newborn Infant of the Diabetic Mother
Authors: Kääpä Pekka , Knip Mikael , Viinikka Lasse , Ylikorkala Olavi
Published: September 2009

Plasma concentrations of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (6-keto-PGF1α), C-peptide and pancreatic glucagon and blood glucose levels were measured in 13 infants of insulin-dependent diabetic mothers at the age of 2 h. Plasma 6-keto-PGF1α levels were lower in these infants when compared to those of healthy controls at the same age (p < 0.05). Plasma 6-keto-PGF1α correlated negatively with the C-peptide levels (r = -0.57; p < 0.05) and positively with the pancreatic glucagon concentrations (r = 0.83; p < 0.001) in the infants of diabetic mothers. No correlation with blood glucose concentrations was found. The data suggest that hyperinsulinemia in infants of diabetic mothers is associated with a decreased vascular prostacyclin production.
Postnatal Changes in Fetal Hemoglobin, Oxygen Affinity and 2,3-Diphosphoglycerate in Previously Transfused Preterm Infants
Authors: Brown Mark S. , Phipps Roderick H. , Dallman Peter R.
Published: September 2009

We observed a temporary rise in the percentage of fetal hemoglobin (HbF%) in small preterm infants after cessation of frequent replacement transfusions. We prospectively studied 10 very low birth weight infants, who received frequent transfusions in the first several weeks of life, to determine the influence on oxygen affinity (P50). After cessation of frequent transfusions, those 5 infants whose HbF% increased to the highest values (mean 58%) had a lower oxygen affinity (P50 = 23.3 Torr, p < 0.05) than the remaining 5 infants whose increase in HbF% was less marked, to an average of only 29% (P50 = 24.5 Torr). However, in light of the small difference in P50, we feel that a rise in HbF% by itself after a period of frequent transfusions is unlikely to restrict oxygen delivery except under stressful conditions.
Effect of Digitoxin on Vaginal Epithelial Differentiation in the Balb/c Mouse
Authors: Gorwill Hugh , Steele Howard D.
Published: September 2009

Vaginal epithelial differentiation (VED) in the mouse and the human is the replacement of columnar by squamous epithelium in the vagina. This occurs in humans in late first and second trimesters of pregnancy and in mice after birth. In both diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure during the process is associated with persistence of columnar epithelium and later reproductive tract tumor. Cardiac glycosides are estrogenic in both species. The concern: could cardiac glycosides produce similar effects to those seen after DES? Digitoxin was administered to Balb/c neonates at increasing doses. VED occurred by 10 days in three low-dose groups. Cardiotoxic mortality precluded study at higher doses. Therefore digitoxin did not affect VED.
Evaluation in Guinea Pigs of the Allergenic Capacity of Two Infant Formulae Based on Hydrolyzed Milk Proteins
Authors: Granati B. , Marioni Laura , Rubaltelli F.F.
Published: September 2009

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the potential capacity of infant formulae based, respectively, on hydrolyzed casein and on hydrolyzed whey proteins to induce sensitization in guinea pigs. This potential capacity was tested by intravenous challenges with centrifuged formulae and by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. The results showed that neither formula was sensitizing, therefore suggesting that protein hydrolyzates can be considered a suitable cow’s milk substitute for infants with cow’s milk protein intolerance. However, further studies are necessary in order to investigate whether these hydrolyzates are not allergenic in infants as well.
Effect of Rapid-Rate Ventilation on the Experimental Diseased Lung Caused by Meconium Aspiration
Authors: Obara Hidefumi , Maekawa Nobuhiro , Hamatani Susumu , Iwai Seizo
Published: September 2009

We compared rapid-rate ventilation using a conventional ventilator with slow-rate ventilation in the normal lung of 7 newborn pigs and in the diseased lung model instilled with 25% meconium solution into the trachea. The flow rate (7.5 1/min) and inspiratory:expiratory ratio (1:3) were kept constant during the experiments by using a constant-flow and time-cycled ventilator; the only change in settings was the rate. Transthoracic electrical impedance at end-expiration increased in the normal and in the diseased lung. Both mean intratracheal pressure and end-expiratory esophageal pressure increased significantly (p < 0.05) in both models upon changing to rapid-rate ventilation. Following the increase in ventilatory rates from an initial frequency of 37.5 breaths/min to a rapid rate of 150 breaths/min, there was a significant rise in both PaO2 and PaCO2 in the normal and diseased lung models. Although rapid-rate ventilation was maintained for 1 h, the improvement in oxygenation progressively deteriorated and PaCO2 also increased further. This rise in PaCO2 returned to the control levels by decreasing ventilation to the initial rate of 37.5/min. This study demonstrates that rapid-rate ventilation using a constant-flow and time-cycled ventilator is inferior to slow-rate ventilation in the diseased lung model.
Effects of Cyclosporin A on Fetal Development in the Rat
Authors: Brown P.A.J. , Gray Elizabeth S. , Whiting P.H. , Simpson J.G. , Thomson A.W.
Published: September 2009

The fetotoxicity of cyclosporin A (CsA) was examined in multiparous Sprague-Dawley rats given the drug (25 mg/kg/day) during different phases of gestation, the effects on the outcome of pregnancy being ascertained on day 19. CsA given from days 1 to 7 caused a small but significant reduction in litter size, with no significant increase in the number of resorptions. When the drug was administered from day 8 to 14 there was no significant change in litter size, but a very striking increase in the incidence of resorptions. This fetotoxic effect was also evident but less marked when the drug was witheld until day 15. Reduction in fetal weight was only present in the group given CsA from days 8 to 14. In surviving fetuses the presence of focal decidual necrosis was more frequent in mothers receiving CsA, suggesting a possible mechanism whereby CsA may mediate its fetotoxic effects.
Hormonal and Metabolic Changes in the Perinatal Period
Authors: Mayor F. , Cuezva J.M.
Published: September 2009

A review of some hormonal and metabolic changes occurring during the four stages of the perinatal period is presented. Glucocorticoids and insulin are the hormones that mediate liver glycogen accumulation during late fetal stage. In the presuckling period, muscle glycogenolysis supplies the lactate moieties that are oxidized by the neonatal tissues, representing the alternative substrate until glucose and ketone bodies become available. The postnatal increase in plasma catecholamine concentrations and the decrease in the insulin/glucagon ratio triggers liver glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, and hence postnatal hypoglycemia is reversed. In the suckling period, the oxidation of fatty acids, ketone bodies utilization and active gluconeogenesis supply the bulk of the energy and carbon components required to support the rapid growth rate of this period. The increase in the insulin/glucagon ratio that occurs with the change to a carbohydrate-rich diet starts the induction of lipogenesis at weaning.
Insulin and Glucagon during the Perinatal Period: Secretion and Metabolic Effects on the Liver
Authors: Ktorza Alain , Bihoreau Marie-Thérèse , Nurjhan Nurjahan , Picon Luc , Girard Jean
Published: September 2009

Insulin and glucagon are detected in the plasma of most species early in gestation. In the fetus at term, insulin and glucagon secretion can be modified by long-term changes in glucose concentration but the responsiveness of A and B cells to glucose is lower than in the adult. The plasma insulin/glucagon molar ratio is high in the fetus at term, then decreases dramatically immediately after birth and remains low during the first hours of extrauterine life. This situation results in favored hepatic glycogen storage and prevented gluconeogenesis in utero, and sharp glycogen breakdown and active gluconeogenesis during the early postnatal period.
Contribution of Brown Fat to the Neonatal Thermogenesis
Authors: Benito Manuel
Published: September 2009

Homeothermic animals must maintain their body temperatures within a very narrow range. Large homeotherms face problems with dissipation of metabolic heat: for small homeothermic animals heat losses at most environmental temperatures are far in excess of normal metabolic heat production. Accordingly, brown adipocytes exhibit in mammalians a very rapid process of morphological functional maturation perinatally. This thermogenesis occurred without electrical activity in the skeletal muscle and it is therefore termed ‘nonshivering thermogenesis’. The anatomical site of nonshivering thermogenesis is mainly the brown adipose tissue in the small newborn mammals. In animals reared under thermoneutral conditions the tissue subsequently involutes and nonshivering thermogenic capacity is largely lost. Cold- and diet-induced adaptation may slow or prevent this involution. The decline in the extent of nonshivering thermogenesis during development at thermoneutral temperatures is reflected by an alteration in the bioenergetic properties of the isolated brown fat mitochondria.
Gamma-Glutamyl-Amino Acids as Signals for the Hormonal Regulation of Amino Acid Uptake by the Mammary Gland of the Lactating Rat
Authors: Viña Juan R. , Puertes Inmaculada R. , Montoro Juan B. , Saez Guillermo T. , Viña José
Published: September 2009

The mammary gland is a good model to study the hormonal regulation of amino acid uptake. Danazol, which decreases gonadotrophin release, causes a fall in γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) and in amino acid uptake by the gland. Treatment of the rats with estrogens and progesterone partially reverts this effect. Treatment with gonadotrophins completely reverts it. γ-Glutamyl-amino acids (GAA) increase the uptake of amino acids by the mammary gland in rats previously treated with bromocriptine. We suggest that GAA may act as signals to stimulate amino acid uptake and that the role of GGT may be to generate that signal.
Comparison of the Metabolic Activities of Enterocytes Isolated from Different Regions of the Small Intestine of the Neonate
Authors: Mackenzie N.M.
Published: September 2009

Enterocytes were isolated from the jejunum and ileum of the neonatal (12-day-old) rat by vibrating everted intestinal segments in buffered saline containing EDTA. The isolated cells appeared morphologically normal when examined microscopically, retaining their in vivo shape and internal structure. Enzyme analysis revealed that over 80% of the total gut lactase activity was associated with the isolated enterocytes. During incubation at 37 °C the cells maintained their structure for 30–60 min and consumed oxygen and produced lactate at a constant rate for at least 45 min. On the basis of these tests it was concluded that the method yielded large numbers of enterocytes which were able to be maintained in simple media without significant loss of structure or function for at least 45 min at 37 °C. Comparison of the metabolic activities of cells isolated from the two regions suggests that ileal enterocytes maintain the greater functional integrity, maintaining an intact plasma membrane for longer periods and having higher respiratory and glycolytic activities.
Renal Prostaglandin E2 Synthesis and Degradation in the Developing Rat
Authors: Moel Donald I. , Cohn Richard A. , Penning John
Published: September 2009

Postnatal development of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal blood flow is associated with a fall in renal vascular resistance that may be mediated by vasoactive substances. We examined differences in the regulation of one such substance, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). The present studies examined renal cortical and medullary PGE2 synthesis and degradation in rats aged 20 days (30.7 g), 31 days (101 g), and 120 days (413 g). PGE2 synthesis in cortical microsomes was highest in 20-day-old rats compared to 31- and 120-day-old rats. In contrast, medullary PGE2 synthesis was lowest in 20-day-old rats compared to 31- and 120-day-old rats. Both cortical and medullary PGE2 degradation were highest in 20-day-old rats and decreased with age. Despite demonstrating significant age-dependent differences in cortical and medullary PGE2 synthesis, 11 days of aspirin given between age 20–31 days blocked PGE2 synthesis in cortex and medulla by 60 and 76%, respectively, but GFR was similar to control 31-day-old rats (0.78 ± 0.04 ml/min/g kidney weight, aspirin-treated, versus 0.85 ± 0.03 ml/min/g kidney weight, control), suggesting that observed age-dependent differences in renal PGE2 synthesis is not a major determinant of development of GFR. A more important determinant of GFR may be age- related differences in renal cortical prostaglandin turnover.
Incorporation of Linoleic and Arachidonic Acids into Ovine Placental Phospholipids in vitro
Authors: Shand John H. , Noble Raymond C.
Published: September 2009

The incorporation of [1-14C]-linoleic acid and [1-14C]-arachidonic acid into the lipids of ovine placental homogenate was studied. Both fatty acids were incorporated mainly into the phospholipid fraction with much lower levels being found in the diacylglycerols and triacylglycerols, particularly when the substrate was [1–14C]-arachidonic acid. Within the phospholipid fraction, both substrates were incorporated largely into phosphatidic acid although significant levels of incorporation were found in the phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol fractions. The incorporation of [1-14C]-arachidonic acid into phosphatidylcholine was lower and into phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol was higher than those levels found when the substrate used was [1–14C]-linoleic acid. While some of the trienoic and tetraenoic, but not pentaenoic, desaturation products of [1-14C]-linoleic acid were detected in phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, the highest levels of incorporation of these metabolites were into phosphatidic acid. Similarly, the pentaenoic products of [1-14C]-arachidonic acid were found mainly in phosphatidic acid although significantly higher levels were observed in phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol. The results suggest that in ovine placental tissue polyunsaturated fatty acids, whether supplied pre-formed or made available by desaturation and elongation processes, could potentially be incorporated into phospholipids by the de novo route via phosphatidic acid.
Plasma Calcium Control in the Rat Fetus. II. Influence of Fetal Hormones
Authors: Chalon Sylvie , Garel Jean-Michel
Published: September 2009

Total and ionized plasma calcium concentrations are higher in the fetus than in the mother at the end of gestation. Using thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX), nephrectomized (NX), or decapitated fetuses from normal or TPTX pregnant rats, we have investigated the influence of some fetal hormones on fetal plasma calcium level. Surgical ablations were performed at 19.5 days of gestation, and the animals were sacrificed 2 days later. TPTX fetuses from normal mothers showed a decrease in fetal plasma calcium (∼ 1 mg/dl), but decapitation, which removes brain, hypophysis, and the thyroparathyroid complex, had no effect. By contrast, in TPTX mothers, decapitated fetuses exhibited a sharp decrease in plasma calcium (2.37 mg/dl), and a rise in plasma phosphate (1.39 mg/dl), but surprisingly, plasma calcium was unchanged in TPTX fetuses. NX fetuses both in normal and TPTX mothers showed unaltered plasma calcium and phosphate levels. Some of these findings are as yet unexplained and suggest the contribution of other unknown fetal hormones in the control of fetal plasma calcium.
Plasma Calcium Control in the Rat Fetus. III. Influence of Alterations in Maternal Plasma Calcium on Fetal Plasma Calcium Level
Authors: Chalon Sylvie , Garel Jean-Michel
Published: September 2009

Acute maternal alterations in plasma calcium were used as an indirect mean to study the placental transfer of calcium in thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX) pregnant rats. Calcium infusions to normal or TPTX females showed in both cases a saturation mechanism reflected on fetal plasma calcium. With TPTX mothers saturation curves of the fetal plasma calcium were similar whether fetuses were decapitated (deprived of brain, hypophysis, and thyroparathyroid complex) or intact. Increments in fetal plasma calcium were 4-fold higher in TPTX mothers (∼2.5mg/dl), and 2-fold higher in thyroidectomized (TX) mothers (∼0.5 mg/dl). From the whole results, it appeared that increments in fetal plasma calcium secondary to maternal calcium infusion were probably related to the basal plasma calcium in the fetus, and not to the hormonal deficiency of the mother.
Photodynamic Damage Induced by Bilirubin on Human Platelets: Possible Relevance to Newborn Pathology
Authors: Tozzi-Ciancarelli M.G. , Amicosante G. , Menichelli A. , Di Giulio S. , Del Principe D.
Published: September 2009

Several reports have appeared showing the possibility of bilirubin-sensitized photodamage. We have extended these observations to platelets. In the presence of 300 μM bilirubin the in vitro irradiation of isolated platelets or platelet-rich plasmas with visible light induced significant lysis as determined by the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The extent of LDH release was a function of irradiation time, being about 20 % after 2 h of irradiation. A loss membrane-bound ATPase activity was also observed at earlier times, indicating that membrane damage was preliminary to the lytic effect. The release of β-thromboglobulin, induced by close cell-to-cell contact, was lower in bilirubin- and light-treated platelets with respect to controls. Our results suggest that bilirubin may act as a photodynamic agent producing some damage on human blood platelets.
The Role of Costimulatory Molecules in Allergic Disease and Asthma
Authors: Lombardi Vincent , Singh Abinav K. , Akbari Omid
Published: September 2009

The prevalence of allergic diseases has increased rapidly in recent years. It is well established that the deleterious allergic response is initiated by T-cell recognition of major histocompatibility class II-peptide complexes at the surface of antigen-presenting cells. While this first signal gives antigen specificity to the adaptive immune response, a second nonspecific costimulatory signal is required by T cells to become fully activated. This signal is provided by interactions between antigen-presenting cells and T cells through molecules borne at the surfaces of the two cell types. Depending on the type of molecules involved, this secondary signal can promote the development of an inflammatory allergic reaction or may favor immune regulation. Several molecules of the B7 family (CD80, CD86, PD-1, ICOS, CTLA-4) and tumor necrosis factor receptor family (OX40, CD30, 4-1BB, Fas, CD27, CD40) play an important role in delivering costimulatory signals in early and late phases of allergic response. Therefore, costimulatory molecules involved in promotion or prevention of allergic immune responses are potential targets for the development of novel therapeutic approaches. This review aims to recapitulate our current understanding of the relationship between allergic diseases and costimulatory molecules.
Effects of Industrial Processing on the Immunogenicity of Commonly Ingested Fish Species
Authors: Sletten Gaynour , Van Do Thien , Lindvik Helene , Egaas Eliann , Florvaag Erik
Published: September 2009

Background: Food-processing techniques may induce changes in fish protein immunogenicity. Allergens from >100 fish species have been identified, but little is known on the effects of processing on fish protein immunogenicity. Methods: IgE binding of sera of patients allergic to fresh and processed (smoked, salted/sugar-cured, canned, lye-treated and fermented) cod, haddock, salmon, trout, tuna, mackerel and herring and of hydrolysates based on salmon and whiting was investigated using immunoblot and inhibition ELISA. Results: Parvalbumin oligomers were identified using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. IgE binding was seen in most sera at 12–14 kDa (parvalbumin), and at 17–60 kDa for all fish except tuna. Changes in IgE binding appeared to reflect altered parvalbumin monomers and oligomers. Smoked haddock, salmon and mackerel had increased IgE binding and novel bands at 30 kDa. Chemically processed cod, salmon, trout and pickled herring had reduced or abolished IgE binding. The serum of 1 subject, however, had increased IgE binding to these products and also inhibition of binding by both fish hydrolysates to their constituent fish species. Conclusion: Process-induced changes in fish protein immunogenicity were more dependent on process rather than species, although individual responses varied. Changes in the allergenicity of a product may depend on the net effect of processing on parvalbumin oligomerization patterns, which may also vary in different species. Chemical processes generally caused loss in IgE-binding activity, though sensitization may occur to modified or degraded rather than intact peptides as shown by increased binding by chemically processed fish and hydrolysates in 1 subject. The clinical significance of these findings remains to be established.
The C-509T Promoter Polymorphism of the Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 Gene Is Associated with Levels of Total and Specific IgE in a Colombian Population
Authors: Acevedo Nathalie , Vergara Candelaria , Gusmão Leonor , Jiménez Silvia , Martínez Beatriz , Mercado Dilia , Caraballo Luis
Published: September 2009

Background: The C-509T polymorphism of the transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFB1) gene has been associated with asthma and asthma-related phenotypes, but its influence on total and specific IgE levels is controversial. Objective: To investigate the association between C-509T and asthma, as well as total IgE and specific IgE against Blomia tropicalis and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, in a Colombian population. Methods: The study population consisted of 417 asthmatics, 390 controls and 116 nuclear families. The C-509T polymorphism was genotyped using single-base extension minisequencing or Taq Man probes. IgE and TGFβ1 levels were measured by ELISA. Regression analysis and family-based association tests were performed in cases/controls and families. Associations were corrected by population structure using a panel of 52 ancestry informative markers in the case-control dataset. Results: There was no association between C-509T and asthma. In asthmatics, the CC genotype was associated with higher total IgE levels compared with the other genotypes [mean IgE: 2.81 ± 0.42 vs. 2.71 ± 0.45 log IU/ml; p = 0.016, corrected p value (pc) = 0.019]. When only atopic asthmatics were included, the significance remained (p = 0.02, pc = 0.03). In the family-based analyses, the C allele was associated with higher total IgE levels (p = 0.02) and the CC genotype with specific IgE to D. pteronyssinus (p = 0.01). Conclusions: C-509T is associated with total IgE levels and specific IgE to D. pteronyssinus in asthmatic patients. In contrast to other studies, we found the CC genotype to be associated with higher levels of total and specific IgE. Differences in the frequency of this allele among populations could alter its effects as a risk factor for asthma-associated phenotypes.
Prevalence of Allergic Rhinitis and Sensitization to Common Aeroallergens in a Japanese Population
Authors: Sakashita Masafumi , Hirota Tomomitsu , Harada Michishige , Nakamichi Reiichiro , Tsunoda Tatsuhiko , Osawa Yoko , Kojima Akihiro , Okamoto Masayuki , Suzuki Dai , Kubo Seita , Imoto Yoshimasa , Nakamura Yusuke , Tamari Mayumi , Fujieda Shigeharu
Published: September 2009

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is recognized as a major health problem worldwide, and its prevalence depends on the age range of the subjects. The aims of this study were to determine the current prevalence of AR, effects of age on the prevalence of IgE sensitization to inhalant allergens, and serum total IgE levels in Japanese subjects. Methods: We conducted a survey of 1,540 subjects between 20 and 49 years of age in 2006 and 2007 and examined the prevalence of AR and sensitization to 7 common aeroallergens. We measured serum total IgE and specific IgE to 7 aeroallergens. AR was determined based on symptoms, predominantly in the nose and eyes, caused by aeroallergens as mentioned in a questionnaire and sensitization to any of the 7 aeroallergens as assessed by measurement of serum specific IgE. Results: The prevalence of AR was 44.2% (681 of the 1,540 subjects) and there was no difference among age decades. Of the 1,540 subjects, 1,073 (69.7%) were sensitized to at least 1 of the 7 aeroallergens. The most common allergen in AR was Japanese cedar pollen (89.6%, 610 of the 681 with AR) in all the age decades examined. The sensitization rate to mites was significantly higher in the younger subjects. Conclusion: Our data suggest that the prevalence of AR between 20 and 49 years of age has increased by nearly 10% during the last 10 years. Cedar pollen and mites were predominant allergen sources among the 7 aeroallergens in the Japanese population.
Urine Proteome Analysis in Murine Nephrotoxic Serum Nephritis
Authors: Wenderfer Scott E. , Dubinsky William P. , Hernandez-Sanabria Mayra , Braun Michael C.
Published: September 2009

Background: Urine contains serum proteins filtered by the glomerulus or secreted by the renal tubules and proteins produced locally by the urinary tract. Proteomic analysis of urine holds the potential as a noninvasive means of studying or monitoring disease activity. In mice, large concentrations of albumin and lipocalins have complicated the ability to identify urinary biomarkers in disease models. Methods: Passive nephrotoxic serum nephritis was induced in mice. Urine proteins were identified and quantified by iTRAQ and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Results were compared to Western blotting and multiplex immunoassays. Results: Large concentrations of major urinary proteins dominate the urine proteome of mice even in the context of acute nephritis. Increased proteinuria caused by nephrotoxic serum nephritis is transient and includes increased albumin excretion. There were no alterations in chemokine excretion. Altered hepcidin excretion was identified, most likely reflecting local production and renal retention. Conclusion: Proteomic analysis of mouse urine remains challenging due to the abundance of a limited subset of proteins. iTRAQ analysis does not circumvent these challenges, but can provide information on post-translational processing of some proteins. Hepcidin is identified as a potential urinary marker of nephritis and its role in disease pathogenesis warrants further study.
Incidence, Predictors and Outcomes of Transplant Renal Artery Stenosis after Kidney Transplantation: Analysis of USRDS
Authors: Hurst Frank P. , Abbott Kevin C. , Neff Robert T. , Elster Eric A. , Falta Edward M. , Lentine Krista L. , Agodoa Lawrence Y. , Jindal Rahul M.
Published: September 2009

Objective: We analyzed the United States Renal Data System registry to study the risks, predictors, and outcomes of transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) in contemporary practice. Methods: The study sampled comprised adults with Medicare primary insurance who received kidney transplants in 2000–2005. We examined associations of recipient, donor and transplant factors with time-to-TRAS by the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox regression. Survival analysis methods were employed to estimate graft survival after TRAS, and to model TRAS as a time-dependent outcome predictor. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate time to allograft loss in patients who did or did not have an angioplasty procedure for TRAS. Results: There were 823 cases of TRAS among 41,867 transplant patients, with an incidence rate of 8.3 (95% CI 7.8–8.9) cases per 1,000 patient-years. Mean time to diagnosis of TRAS was 0.83 ± 0.81 years after transplant. Factors associated with TRAS were older recipient and donor age, extended criteria donors, induction immunosuppression, delayed graft function, and ischemic heart disease. There was no association of TRAS with deceased donors, prolonged cold ischemia time, acute rejection or cytomegalovirus status. TRAS was associated with increased risk of graft loss (including death; adjusted hazard ratio 2.84, 95% CI 1.70–4.72). Among the 823 patients with TRAS, 145 (17.6%) underwent angioplasty. Graft survival after TRAS was not significantly different in patients treated with angioplasty compared to those without angioplasty. Conclusions: TRAS is an important complication that predicts adverse patient and graft outcomes. Treatment strategies for TRAS warrant prospective investigation in clinical trials.
Effect of Pioglitazone on Survival and Renal Function in a Mouse Model of Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Raphael K.L. , Strait K.A. , Stricklett P.K. , Baird B.C. , Piontek K. , Germino G.G. , Kohan D.E.
Published: September 2009

Background/Aims: Cystic epithelia in polycystic kidney disease display features similar to malignant cells. Thiazolidinediones have been shown to have anti-neoplastic properties, therefore we tested the hypothesis that pioglitazone reduces cyst formation, improves renal function, and prolongs survival in a mouse model of polycystic kidney disease. Methods: PC-Pkd1-KO mice, which have homozygous mutations of the Pkd1 gene in principal cells, were used. On the day after giving birth, mothers were fed standard mouse chow with or without pioglitazone (30 mg/kg chow). After weaning, the assigned diet was continued. At 1 month of age, blood pressure was measured and animals were sacrificed to determine kidney weight, body weight, and serum urea. Kidneys were evaluated for proliferation using Ki-67, apoptosis using TUNEL analysis, and cyst number using MRI. Survival was observed. Results: Pioglitazone did not alter renal function, cell proliferation, apoptosis, or cyst formation in animals with polycystic kidney disease, however it did increase survival. Pioglitazone reduced blood pressure in PC-Pkd1-KO, but not in controls. Conclusion: These findings suggest that pioglitazone may have a unique antihypertensive effect in polycystic kidney disease, and that such an effect may promote improved survival.
Plasma Prolactin Levels in Full-Term Newborn Infants with Idiopathic Edema: Response to Furosemide
Authors: Ertl T. , Sulyok E. , Bódis J. , Csaba I.F.
Published: September 2009

In an attempt to explore the possible role of prolactin (PRL) in the control of neonatal electrolyte homeostasis, this study has been carried out to compare plasma electrolyte concentrations, urine volume and urinary electrolyte excretion as well as plasma PRL levels in healthy full-term neonates with idiopathic edema prior to and after furosemide treatment. No differences in plasma sodium and potassium were demonstrated, edematous neonates, however, had less urine volume and sodium excretion than neonates without edema. Plasma PRL proved to be significantly higher in the edematous group (11.0 ± 1.9 vs. 4.2 ± 3.1 U/l, p < 0.01) but it remained unaltered by furosemide challenge (8.5 ± 1.5 U/l) in spite of the marked elevation of urine flow and sodium excretion. It is concluded that PRL may be involved in the control of the volume and composition of the body fluids in the neonate but further studies are needed to define the effect of changes in body composition on the neonatal PRL secretion.
Hemodynamic Effects of High Frequency Ventilation in Surfactant-Treated Preterm Lambs
Authors: Oguchi Kouki , Baylen Barry G. , Ikegami Machiko , Jacobs Harris , Berry David , Jobe Alan , Emmanouilides George C.
Published: September 2009

We compared the hemodynamic status and left ventricular (LV) performance in 7 twin pairs of preterm lambs delivered at 124 days gestational age (83% of term gestation) and ventilated by either conventional ventilation (CV) or high frequency ventilation (HFV) at 15 Hz. The lambs were treated with suspensions of natural sheep surfactant to permit ventilation and survival, and ventilatory settings were adjusted to maintain physiologic blood gas values. The ductus arteriosus was occluded with a balloon catheter at 40–45 min of age to eliminate the variable of a left to right ductal shunt. Cineangiocardiographic, pressure, and blood flow measurements were made 1 and 2 h after ductal occlusion. At the same mean airway pressures, the heart rates, LV end-diastolic volumes, and mean arterial pressures were similar in both groups. LV stroke volumes, ejection fractions, LV outputs, and organ blood flows also did not differ between the two groups. When compared with CV, HFV provides comparable ventilation with no apparent deleterious hemodynamic effects in preterm surfactant-treated lambs with occluded ductus arteriosus.
Effects of Streptozotocin Injection into Fetal Rabbits on Their Subsequent Growth in utero
Authors: Fletcher J.M. , Bassett J.M.
Published: September 2009

To investigate the effect of hypoinsulinaemia on prenatal growth, individual fetal rabbits were injected intramusculary with streptozotocin (STZ) at 23 days of gestation following surgical reduction of litter number to 4 at 9 days’ gestation. Two days after giving STZ (300 μg/g), plasma insulin levels were decreased, but by 30 days’ gestation ineither insulin nor glucose levels differed significantly from values in control fetuses. Despite only temporary hypoinsulinaemia, severe growth retardation was caused by STZ (300 μg/g estimated fetal weight), fetuses at 30 days’ gestation weighing only 58% of the mean value obtained in saline-injected controls. At 250 μg/g STZ caused growth retardation in 3 out of 8 fetuses. A higher rate (500 μg/g) caused fetal death. The extent of growth retardation caused by STZ varied amongst tissues in the conceptus. Placenta and brain were not significantly altered, but relative to the size of the placenta the kidneys and empty carcass were severely retarded. The relationship between carcass and kidney weights did not differ from that in naturally small fetuses of the same age. Protein and RNA concentrations in the carcass were not altered by STZ, but that of DNA was reduced. In the placenta, DNA concentration was increased and RNA decreased. These observations are consistent with a major effect of hypoinsulinaemia on the growth of carcass and renal tissues, though loss of a renal growth factor cannot be ruled out.
Thrombopoietic Activity in Newborn Infants
Authors: Bessler Hanna , Sirota Lea , Weissman Zahavi , Dulitzky Frederika , Djaldetti Meir
Published: September 2009

Platelet count and thrombopoietic activity were investigated in newborns and in infants during their first 4 months of life. Four-day-old newborns, although not thrombocytopenic, showed a significantly reduced platelet count as compared to that of control adults. Furthermore, a significantly lower thrombopoietic activity was found in the sera of newborns compared to that in the sera of adults. In addition, the thrombopoiesis-stimulating factor (TSF) activity in cord serum was significantly lower than that in the mothers’ sera. Since 7 of 37 newborns examined in the present study showed a very low TSF activity, lower than that found in the saline controls, the possibility that an inhibitor for thrombopoiesis exists in the newborns is suggested and discussed. The follow-up study revealed a low TSF activity in the sera of 1-month-old infants followed by a gradually increased activity, reaching in the 4th month levels similar to those of adults. Concomitantly with the rise in TSF activity in the serum, an increased platelet count was observed.
Circulatory Changes in Fetuses with Imminent Asphyxia
Authors: Lingman G. , Laurin J. , Maršál K.
Published: September 2009

Blood flow was measured in 11 term fetuses who were later delivered by means of emergency caesarean section because of cardiotocographic changes indicating imminent asphyxia. Blood flow was recorded in the fetal descending aorta and in the intraabdominal part of the umbilical vein by combined real-time and 2-MHz pulsed Doppler ultrasound method. In all 11 fetuses, the waveform of the maximum aortic blood velocity was changed in a typical way with elimination of the diastolic flow (zero flow). In 4 of the fetuses, a short-lasting reversal of the diastolic flow occurred. In 5 fetuses, the pulsatility index of the aortic flow was increased, and the aortic volume flow was pathologically low in 3 fetuses. In the umbilical vein, the volume flow was within normal limits in all cases. The umbilical flow, which normally is continuous and nonpulsatile, showed heart-synchronous pulsations in 3 of the fetuses. The typical changes in the aortic diastolic flow occurred 1–3 days before the onset of the cardiotocographic changes. This suggests that the changes in the fetal aortic blood velocity might be a clinically useful early sign of imminent asphyxia.
Fetal Growth Retardation in Rats from Different Levels of Hypoxia
Authors: de Grauw Ton J. , Myers Ronald E. , Scott William J.
Published: September 2009

Three groups of pregnant Wistar rats were subjected to 3 different levels of hypoxia: 11.6, 10.7 and 9.0%, respectively. Pair-fed and ad libitum fed control groups were included to control for the reduced food intake due to hypoxia. Within the range studied, fetal body weights decreased with decreased oxygen availability. Liver weights were more, brain weights less markedly reduced than body weights. Pair-fed but normally oxygenated animals showed slight reductions in body and organ weights compared to ad libitum fed controls. The fetuses subjected to hypoxia showed a placental hypertrophy relative to their body weights, while the least hypoxic fetuses showed an absolute placental hypertrophy. Placenta-fetal body ratios that were 150% greater than those observed in control animals were documented. In contrast, the fetuses of food-deprived animals were associated with abnormally small placentas.
Metabolic Effects of Endotoxin in Newborn Rabbits
Authors: Molnár D. , Székely M.
Published: September 2009

The metabolic and hormonal effects of Escherichia coli endotoxin injected intraperitoneally (IP) or into the cerebral ventricles (ICV) and that of passive hyperthermia were studied in rabbits aged 6–10 days. Irrespective of the route of administration, endotoxin caused a transient rise in blood glucose with a simultaneous rise in plasma insulin. In contrast, only in the IP, but not in the ICV group, the endotoxin resulted in a rise of the free fatty acid and a fall in the ketone body concentrations by the second hour. The blood level of pyruvate, lactate, alanine and glycerol was not altered by endotoxin. No parameter was affected by the injection of saline or passive hyperthermia.
Physiologically Elevated Concentration of Serum Trypsin-Like Immunoreactivity in Newborns
Authors: Carrère J. , Estevenon J.P. , Guy-Crotte O. , Thouvenot J.P. , Figarella C.
Published: September 2009

Comparative measurements on the levels of immunoreactive trypsin(ogen)-1 and lipase have been performed on newborn and adult sera. Values observed for immunoreactive trypsin(ogen)-1 with newborn sera are more dispersed and significantly higher (mean ± SD, 31.9 ± 12.9 μg/l) than the values obtained with adult sera (20.2 ± 7.3 μg/l). The molecular size distribution of the immunoreactive trypsin-like material in newborns was studied by gel filtration. This material was eluted with a molecular weight of 25,000 which eliminates the possibility of an increased intestinal permeability of active trypsin which would be bound to serum protease inhibitors. In contrast to trypsin values, the mean serum lipase value at birth was significantly lower (7.0 ± 3.2 μg/l) than the value observed for adults (26.9 ± 8.2 μg/l). The possibility of an adaptation process in newborns is evoked.
Body Composition at Birth of Growth-Retarded Newborn Infants Demonstrating Catch-Up Growth in the First Year of Life
Authors: Wagen A.v.d. , Okken A. , Zweens J. , Zijlstra W.G.
Published: September 2009

Total body, extracellular, and intracellular water volume and solids, determined at birth in a group of newborn infants small for date (n = 10) who demonstrated catch-up growth in the first year of life, were compared to similar measurements in newborn infants appropriate for date (n = 11). No significant differences with regard to body water compartment volumes and solids could be found between the 2 groups. It is concluded that intrauterine growth retardation in infants who are capable of catching up in growth after birth is the result of a proportional reduction of the daily increments in fetal solids and body water.
Development of Serum Hexosaminidase Activity in Infants
Authors: Shattuck Karen E. , Richardson Joan , Rassin David K. , Lobe Thorn E.
Published: September 2009

Serum activity of hexosaminidases A and B has been measured to identify patients with Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff diseases, and may also be influenced by other clinical conditions including neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis. We have characterized the normal developmental pattern of hexosaminidase activity in serum by measuring this enzyme activity in 61 neonates of 27–40 weeks gestation who were followed from birth to age 4–8 weeks. Total serum hexosaminidase activity significantly increased with postnatal and gestational age, and with initiation of enteral feeding. We conclude that serum hexosaminidase activity in infants with clinical conditions that may influence serum activity of this enzyme must be compared to that in normal infants of similar gestational and postnatal ages.
Renal Bicarbonate Handling in Low Birth Weight Infants during Metabolic Acidosis
Authors: Zilleruelo Gaston , Sultan Shahid , Bancalari Eduardo , Steele Bernard , Strauss Jose
Published: September 2009

We studied the fractional excretion of bicarbonate (FE HCO3) in 10 low birth weight infants aged 1–6 days during metabolic acidosis (base excess ≥ ––5 mEq/l) and during subsequent sodium HCO3 infusion. The mean birth weight was 1,095 g; the mean gestational age was 29 weeks. The ability to decrease urine pH to < 5.5 and FE HCO3 to < 1 % during metabolic acidosis was not limited by low gestational age or birth weight. After HCO3 therapy, all infants corrected their negative base excess, and plasma HCO3 increased significantly. All infants with blood pH ≤ 7.22 or PaCO2 ≥ 50 mm Hg had minimal or absent FE HCO3. Infants with elevated PaCO2 and mild or absent acidosis also had complete HCO3 tubular reabsorption. These results suggest that the HCO3 tubular reabsorption is adequate during metabolic and/or respiratory acidosis in low birth weight infants.
Teratogenic Effect of Semicarbazide in Wistar Rats
Authors: de la Fuente del Rey Mónica
Published: September 2009

Five groups of pregnant Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of semicarbazide (SC) on day 5, 7, 10, 13, or 15 of gestation. The lots in each group received either 50, 75, 100 or 150 mg/kg SC. A sixth group received 17 mg/kg of the drug during the entire course of pregnancy. SC produced a significantly smaller number of live fetuses with respect to controls. This toxic effect after injection at days 7 and 10 of gestation was highest for all single doses. The mean of fetal weight decreased with respect to controls with almost all of the SC treatment studied. The number of implantations and live fetuses was significantly decreased in the rats receiving the continuous treatment. Most abnormalities in the 21-day-old fetuses were found in the brain, kidney, intestines and liver; skeletal anomalies were seen in the skull, sternum and ribs. SC also produced high postnatal mortality rates during the first month of life with the single doses as well as with the continuous treatment. Thus, SC produced signs of toxicity and/or teratogenic effects in rats with all doses administered.
Interaction between Nonnutritive Sucking and Respiration in Preterm Infants
Authors: Paludetto Roberto , Robertson Steven S. , Martin Richard J.
Published: September 2009

The effect of nonnutritive sucking bursts (NNSBs) on respiratory frequency was sequentially evaluated in 12 healthy preterm infants. Studies were performed during active sleep in infants between 32 and 37 weeks postconceptional age. The duration of NNSBs was classified as follows: (a) less than 3 s, (b) between 3 and 6 s, and (c) greater than 6 s. NNSBs of each duration were found at all ages, although NNSBs > 6 s were the least frequently observed. Respiratory rate increased significantly during NNSBs of less than 3 s, and also in those of 3–6 s duration. There was no significant effect on respiratory frequency of sucking bursts longer than 6 s. Our results document an early interaction between these two motor rhythms, which is influenced by the length of the NNSB. Moreover, they indicate that the decrease in respiratory frequency reported in a similar group of preterm infants during feeding should not be interpreted as an effect of sucking per se.
Net Transfer of Essential Metals from Mother to Fetus in the Second Half of Pregnancy in the Rat
Authors: Romeu A. , Alemany M. , Arola L.
Published: September 2009

The blood and plasma as well as fetal, placental and whole conceptus levels of copper, iron, sodium, zinc, potassium, magnesium and calcium were measured in pregnant rats and their fetuses days 11–21 after conception. Maternal blood and plasma concentrations of these metals did not really change in the period studied. In the fetus, the concentrations of iron, zinc and calcium increased, whereas for the other metals, they remained practically unchanged during fetal development. The net cumulative levels of metals in the whole conceptus increased in parallel with fetal growth for most metals, except for the zinc and calcium concentrations which increased at a higher pace, especially after day 16. It is concluded that these data could only be explained by a balanced increase in fetal drainage from the mother, which does not deeply change the homeostatic maintenance of the maternal circulating metal pools.
Growth and Differentiation of Fetal Rat Intestine Transplants: Dependence on Insulin and Growth Hormone
Authors: Cooke Paul S. , Yonemura Craig U. , Russell Sharon M. , Nicoll Charles S.
Published: September 2009

We have studied the role of hormones in the growth and differentiation of fetal rat intestine. Pieces of small intestine from 15-day fetal rats were transplanted under the renal capsule of either normal, hypophysectomized (HX), or diabetic adult rats and grown for 11 days. Intestine transplants in control hosts showed normal differentiation and they increased 60-fold in protein content and wet weight. Growth of transplants in HX and diabetic hosts was reduced by 50 and 25%, respectively. Transplants in diabetic hosts were histologically normal, while those in HX hosts failed to develop villi and discrete smooth muscle layers. Normal growth and differentiation in HX and diabetic hosts were completely restored by administration of growth hormone (GH) or insulin, respectively. Our data indicate that both GH and insulin are necessary for normal growth of the transplanted intestine during a period corresponding to late fetal and early neonatal life, but only the former is required for normal differentiation.