bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influences of gap microheterogeneity on the regeneration of Nothofagus pumilio in a xeric old-growth forest of northwestern Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Heinemann Karin , Kitzberger Thomas , Veblen Thomas T
Published: April 2011

We experimentally examined the influences of within-gap environmental heterogeneity on regeneration patterns of Nothofagus pumilio (Poepp. & Endl.) Krasser near the xeric limit of its distribution in northern Patagonia, Argentina. Results from this xeric old-growth forest are compared with patterns previously described for the same species in mesic forests. Survival of N. pumilio seedlings beneath tree-fall gaps in this relatively xeric forest appears to be strongly influenced by moisture availability. Seedlings and saplings that have survived this demographic bottleneck are found at microsites where soil water potentials are higher, such as in the shady northern edges of tree-fall gaps (Ψ = -0.46 MPa compared with less than -0.6 MPa in other gap positions) and on coarse woody debris (Ψ = -0.29 MPa, compared with -0.51 MPa on the forest floor). Although gap creation in this dry N. pumilio forest is favorable to tree regeneration by releasing light resources, decreased water resources may switch the system from a light- to a water-limited system in some positions of the gap. This may explain the lack of regeneration of N. pumilio often observed after creation of large gaps towards the xeric end of its range and needs to be considered in the management of this important timber species.
Ten-year results of strip clear-cutting in Quebec black spruce stands
Authors: Pothier David
Published: April 2011

Regeneration of first-cut strips in a two-cut system of strip clear-cutting was compared to that of large clear-cutting in four different areas representative of the black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) stands of the boreal forest of Quebec. Seedlings were more evenly distributed in clearcut strips than in large clearcuts. Differences of about 10 000 black spruce seedlings per hectare and 20% of stocking were observed in favour of clearcut strips compared to large clearcuts. Black spruce stocking was about 14% larger on lowland than on upland sites but height growth was better on upland sites. A regeneration problem similar to that of large clearcuts was observed when the second strips were cut. One year after cutting these second strips, winter harvesting resulted in a 23% gain in black spruce stocking as compared to summer harvesting. Even if black spruce stocking marginally increased during the years following winter harvesting, the height advantage of the preserved advance growth justifies the application of this harvesting method. The strip clear-cutting system effectively improved the stocking of former black spruce stands but if the stocking level of advance growth is adequate, careful harvesting to preserve advance regeneration should be the preferred method since it would be more cost-efficient.
Spatial patterns of soil and vegetation in a 40-year-old slash pine (Pinus elliottii) forest in the Coastal Plain of South Carolina, U.S.A.
Authors: Lister Andrew J , Mou Paul P , Jones Robert H , Mitchell Robert J
Published: April 2011

A study was conducted at the Savannah River Site in a 40-year-old slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) plantation in South Carolina to characterize the spatial patterns of soil, forest floor, and plant community variables and to investigate correlations among the variables. Spatial soil and litter samples were collected on five 0.25-ha plots. The spatial patterns of the variables were characterized by global variance, autocorrelation range, and patchiness. The cross-variable relationships were explored using Pearson's correlation tests to examine functional heterogeneity (i.e., to determine if structural heterogeneity reflected ecological processes). Variances of the variables calculated without regard to spatial position (i.e., global variance) were generally low. Average range of spatial autocorrelation was about 58 m for the forest floor variables, 11 m for soil variables, 11 m for basal area of large pines (>30 cm diameter at breast height), and less than 11 m for basal area of smaller pines or other woody species. Few strong spatial correlations among the forest floor and soil variables were observed. Spatial patterns of pines and hardwoods were weakly correlated with litter quality patterns and soil nitrogen. We conclude that the sample plots were generally homogeneous and that differences in soil resource levels were probably too small to influence spatial pattern of vegetation in this 40-year-old plantation.
Impact of precommercial thinning in balsam fir stands on soil nitrogen dynamics, microbial biomass, decomposition, and foliar nutrition
Authors: Thibodeau Lucie , Raymond Patricia , Camiré Claude , Munson Alison D
Published: April 2011

Precommercial thinning is being tested in Quebec as a preventive silvicultural treatment to reduce vulnerability of young balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) stands to spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.)) damage and to shorten rotations. As part of a larger study of ecosystem response to thinning, we have examined the impact of this treatment on soil nitrogen dynamics, microbial biomass, cellulose decomposition, and foliar nutrition across a range of drainage conditions (good, imperfect, and poor). In the first year after thinning, initial early season ammonium (NH4+-N) pools in the mineral horizon were significantly higher in the thinned plots (P = 0.019), while net nitrogen mineralization (NH4+-N plus NO3--N) decreased in these same plots (P = 0.052). The thinning treatment significantly increased microbial biomass nitrogen (Nmic) in the organic horizon (P = 0.051). Simple regression analysis indicated the importance of soil temperature in controlling Nmic. Decomposition of cellulose substrate in the organic horizon was significantly increased by thinning, and mass loss was related to soil temperature. Increased decomposition and nutrient availability after thinning were reflected in improved N, P, and K nutrition in current, 1- and 2-year-old balsam fir needles. The temporal extent of this improved fertility will be verified by longer term monitoring.
Leaf water relations of competitive Fagus sylvatica and Quercus petraea trees during 4 years differing in soil drought
Authors: Backes K , Leuschner C
Published: April 2011

Leaf water relations of competitive mature Fagus and Quercus trees were compared during four seasons with low, moderate, or high soil drought intensities in humid northwestern Germany. Leaf conductances (gl) typically were higher by about 30% in Quercus than in Fagus sun leaves. Predawn leaf water potentials (Ψpd) and osmotic potentials (Πo, Πp) were remarkably similar for the two species. Fagus had significantly lower leaf tissue elasticities (εmax) than Quercus in dry but not in wet summers. Interannual variabilities in water status parameters were large for gl and seasonal bulk leaf turgor (P) minima; moderate for εmax and daily water potential (Ψ) minima; and small for Πo, Πp, and the relative leaf water content at zero turgor. Fagus regulated water loss conservatively with only limited reductions in P and Ψ in wet or moderately dry seasons but large decreases in Ψpd,gl, photosynthesis, and growth during occasional severe droughts. Quercus displayed patterns of a stress-tolerating species (lower εmax, a less drought-sensitive stomatal regulation, and apparently significant drought-induced osmotic adjustment). In temperate humid environments, tree water relations should be studied for at least three or four seasons to account for large interannual variabilities in water status parameters.
Origin of the lichen woodland at its southern range limit in eastern Canada: the catastrophic impact of insect defoliators and fire on the spruce-moss forest
Authors: Payette Serge , Bhiry Najat , Delwaide Ann , Simard Martin
Published: April 2011

The lichen woodland is one of the most important forest ecosystems in North America, dominating the central part of the boreal forest. The southernmost lichen woodland is paradoxically in the heart of the southern boreal forest. This distribution prompted this study aiming to identify the factors responsible for the inception and development of the lichen woodland at its southern range limit in eastern Canada. We tested the hypothesis that the southern lichen-spruce woodland is a regressive, post-fire type of the spruce-moss forest. We studied adjacent lichen-spruce and spruce-moss stands growing under similar soil conditions. We reconstructed the recent history of spruce-moss forest transformation to lichen woodland using tree size, tree ring patterns, and macrofossil analysis of organic soil. All the plant macrofossils buried in the unburned organic mat below the charcoal layer of the last fire corresponded to a feather-moss forest assemblage and included head capsules of the spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.)) or European spruce sawfly (Gilpinia hercyniae Hartig.). The impact of combined insect and fire disturbances translates into a dramatic decrease in post-fire tree regeneration of the forest inducing the shift to lichen woodland. The inception of the southern lichen woodland highlights the fragility of the spruce-moss forest even in the core area of the southern commercial boreal forest.
Nuclear restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of genetic diversity in western redcedar
Authors: Glaubitz J C , El-Kassaby Y A , Carlson J E
Published: April 2011

Variation at 41 putative genetic loci, uncovered by 29 single or low-copy nuclear probes of restriction fragment length polymorphism, was examined in western redcedar (Thuja plicata Donn. ex D. Don). Only 8 of the 29 probes produced polymorphisms when HindIII-digested DNA samples from 18 trees from each of five geographic regions (90 trees in total) covering the entire geographic range of the species were analysed. The eight polymorphic probes were used against an additional sample of 160 trees (for a total of 250 trees or 50 per region) to permit higher resolving power of differentiation between the regions. Species-level expected heterozygosity (or total gene diversity, HT) was estimated at 0.070, a low value that is quite similar to that at isozyme loci. Nei's genetic distances between the regions were quite small and DST, the average gene diversity between populations, was only 0.0042, indicating a low degree of differentiation among geographic regions. No private alleles were found, and low-frequency alleles were widespread across the species range. These results suggest that the present range of western redcedar is occupied by descendants of a small number of lineages from a single refugial population that survived the drastic changes in climatic conditions associated with the last ice age.
Water use of interior Douglas-fir
Authors: Simpson David G
Published: April 2011

Water use of individual Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca (Beissn.) Franco) trees was measured in two plots at a forest site in southern British Columbia, Canada. Average daily early summer water use by trees with diameters of 7.5-70 cm varied from 1.8 to 166 L. Sap flux density (cm3 water/cm2 sapwood per hour) was linearly related to shoot xylem pressure potential and was found to increase with increasing vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and short-wave irradiance (I), reaching maximum rates with VPD > 0.6 kPa and I > 200 W·m-2. Daily sap flux density varied among trees but was not related to tree diameter, so an average value of 1137.4 L·m-2 sapwood area was used to estimate average early summer stand transpiration for the two plots of 1.08 and 1.5 mm·d-1. A close curvilinear relationship (r2 = 0.85) was found between stem cross-sectional area increment and sapwood area. The relationship was only slightly better (r2 = 0.89) between area increment and early summer individual tree water use. Stand volume growth for 1988-1998 for the two plots was 36-47 m3·ha-1. Stem volume relative growth rate over this 10-year period is estimated at 0.027 and 0.029 m3·m-3·a-1.
Stratified sublining: a new option for structuring breeding populations
Authors: Ruotsalainen Seppo , Lindgren Dag
Published: April 2011

When structuring a breeding population into sublines, the conventional approach is to assign parents to sublines randomly, so that each subline has approximately the same genetic value. By using deterministic infinitesimal model we study an alternative, stratified sublining system, where sublines are initially formed by positive assortative grouping of parents according to their breeding values. Stratified and random allocation to sublines are compared by evaluating the genetic quality of the seed orchards that each approach can provide. The seed orchards were established by selecting first the best individual from each subline and then a given best proportion from them. The greater among-subline variance in stratified sublining led to higher genetic gain in resulting seed orchards than did random sublining. For the case studied, stratified sublining gave considerably more genetic gain than random sublining, over 15% more, making it an interesting alternative that deserves further consideration and study.
Variance modelling of longitudinal height data from aPinus radiataprogeny test
Authors: Apiolaza Luis A , Gilmour Arthur R , Garrick Dorian J
Published: April 2011

Variance components were estimated using alternative structures for the additive genetic covariance matrix (G0), for height (m) of trees measured at 10 unequally spaced ages in an open-pollinated progeny test. These structures reflected unstructured, autoregressive, banded correlation and random regressions models. The residual matrix (R0) was unstructured, and the block and plot strata matrices were autoregressive. The best model for G0considering the likelihood value and number of parameters was the autoregressive correlation form with age-specific variances and time on a natural logarithm basis. The genetic correlation between successive measures ranged from 0.93 at age 1 to 0.99 at age 14 years. Heritability increased with age from 0.09 (age 1) to 0.24 (age 7) and then declined to 0.13 at age 15. Heritabilities from the unstructured model were similar, while heritabilities assuming banded correlations were lower after age 7. The covariance structure implicit in the random regressions model was considered unsatisfactory. Using structures in G0facilitated model fitting and convergence of the likelihood maximisation algorithm. Fitting a structured matrix that reflects the relationships present in repeated measures may overcome problems of nonpositive definiteness of unstructured matrices from longitudinal data, especially when genetic variation is small.
Acute effects of methoxamine on left ventricular-arterial coupling in streptozotocin-diabetic rats: a pressure-volume analysis
Authors: Peng Ying-I , Chang Kuo-Chu
Published: April 2011

We determined the acute effects of methoxamine, a specific alpha1-selective adrenoceptor agonist, on the left ventricular-arterial coupling in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats, using the end-systolic pressure-stroke volume relationships. Rats given STZ 65 mg·kg-1 iv (n = 8) were compared with untreated age-matched controls (n = 8). A high-fidelity pressure sensor and an electromagnetic flow probe measured left ventricular (LV) pressure and ascending aortic flow, respectively. Both LV end-systolic elastance ELV,ES and effective arterial elastance Ea were estimated from the pressure-ejected volume loop. The optimal afterload Qload determined by the ratio of Ea to ELV,ES was used to measure the optimality of energy transmission from the left ventricle to the arterial system. In comparison with controls, diabetic rats had decreased LV end-systolic elastance ELV,ES, at 513 ± 30 vs. 613 ± 29 mmHg·mL-1, decreased effective arterial elastance Ea, at 296 ± 20 vs. 572 ± 48 mmHg·mL-1, and decreased optimal afterload Qload, at 0.938 ± 0.007 vs. 0.985 ± 0.009. Methoxamine administration to STZ-diabetic rats significantly increased LV end-systolic elastance ELV,ES, from 513 ± 30 to 602 ± 38 mmHg·mL-1, and effective arterial elastance Ea, from 296 ± 20 to 371 ± 28 mmHg·mL-1, but did not change optimal afterload Qload. We conclude that diabetes worsens not only the contractile function of the left ventricle, but also the matching condition for the left ventricular-arterial coupling. In STZ-diabetic rats, administration of methoxamine improves the contractile status of the ventricle and arteries, but not the optimality of energy transmission from the left ventricle to the arterial system.

Key words: streptozotocin-diabetic rats, left ventricular-arterial coupling, left ventricular end-systolic elastance, effective arterial elastance, optimal afterload.
Effect of captopril on neurally induced contraction and relaxation of mesenteric arteries of renal hypertensive rats
Authors: Santos Carlos F , Coelho Eduardo B , Salgado Maria Cristina O.
Published: April 2011

The effect of captopril treatment on neurally induced vasoconstrictor and vasodilator responses was examined in the isolated mesenteric arterial bed from normotensive and one-kidney, one clip hypertensive (1K1C) rats. In isolated mesenteric beds, electrical field stimulation (EFS) of perivascular nerves at basal tone induced a frequency-dependent increase in perfusion pressure that was greater in preparations from hypertensive rats compared with those from normotensive rats. Captopril treatment was associated with a decrease in vasoconstrictor responses in the hypertensive group compared with its non-treated control. Responses to norepinephrine (320 ng) were greater in hypertensive than normotensive groups; captopril reduced this response only in the hypertensive group. In preconstricted mesenteric arteries perfused with solutions containing guanethidine (5 µM) and atropine (1 µM), EFS elicited a frequency-dependent decrease in perfusion pressure that was abolished by tetrodotoxin (1 µM). Vasodilator responses to EFS were not affected by captopril treatment, although they were smaller in the hypertensive group. Acetylcholine (10 ng) induced similar decreases in perfusion pressure of normotensive and 1K1C groups; captopril did not influence these responses. These results indicate that captopril treatment does not affect the reduced neurogenic vasodilation but normalizes the augmented sympathetic-mediated vasoconstrictor responses of mesenteric resistance vessels of chronic 1K1C hypertensive rats.Key words: neurogenic vasodilation, calcitonin gene-related peptide, angiotensin, renal hypertension, angiotensin converting enzyme.
Role of glomerular nitric oxide in glycerol-induced acute renal failure
Authors: Valdivielso J M , López-Novoa JM , Eleno N , Barriocanal F Pérez
Published: April 2011

Myoglobinuric acute renal failure remains one of the least understood clinical syndromes and the mediators involved remain obscure. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of nitric oxide in glycerol-induced acute renal failure under normal conditions and after uninephrectomy. Acute renal failure was induced in rats by injection of 50% glycerol (10 mL·kg-1body weight). Half of the animals were subjected to uninephrectomy two days before glycerol injection. Two days after the induction of acute renal failure, glomeruli from some animals were isolated and glomerular nitrite production was measured. Another group of animals was used for acute clearance studies. In this case, the effect of infusing either L-NAME or L-arginine was assayed. Glomerular nitrite production was significantly decreased in glycerol-induced acute renal failure. Glomeruli from uninephrectomized animals showed an increase in nitrite production, both in normal conditions and after glycerol injection, as compared with glomeruli from non-nephrectomized animals. L-NAME infusion worsened renal function in all the study groups, but more slowly in animals with glycerol-induced acute renal failure than in control rats. In uninephrectomized animals L-NAME reduced renal function more than in animals with two kidneys. In conclusion, in this model of acute renal failure the decrease in glomerular nitric oxide production plays an important role in the decrease in renal function. After uninephrectomy, an increase in glomerular nitric oxide synthesis plays a protective role against glycerol-induced acute renal failure.Key words: acute renal failure, nitric oxide, glycerol, glomeruli.
External anions and volume-sensitive anion current in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes
Authors: Shuba Lesya M , McDonald Terence F
Published: April 2011

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of anion replacement on volume-sensitive anion current in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes. Myocytes in the conventional whole-cell voltage-clamp configuration were superfused and dialysed with Na+-, K+-, and Ca2+-free solution, and exposed to external 75 mM Cl- solution of one-half normal osmolality. Prolonged exposures to hyposmotic solution promoted the development of outwardly-rectifying currents that were inactivated at high positive potentials and reversed in a Cl--dependent manner (50 mV per decade pipette Cl- concentration). Replacement of external Cl- by iodide and aspartate affected the reversal potential (Erev) and slope conductance of the volume-sensitive current. Relative permeabilities calculated from changes in Erev were 1.49 ± 0.09, 1.00, and 0.29 ± 0.04 for iodide, Cl-, and aspartate, respectively; relative slope conductances between Erev and Erev + 40 mV were 1.21 ± 0.09, 1.00, and 0.43 ± 0.07, respectively. Replacement of Cl- also affected the time dependence of the volume-sensitive current; replacement by iodide reversibly enhanced the decay of outward current at positive potentials, whereas replacement by aspartate reduced it. These results are compared with earlier findings on non-cardiac time- and voltage-dependent anion current activated by hyposmotic solution.Key words: hyposmotic solution, Cl- current, iodide, aspartate, permeability, conductance.
Increased body fat in streptozotocin diabetic rats treated with intensive subcutaneous insulin therapy vs. islet transplantation
Authors: Tobin B W , Welch-Holland K R , Marchello M J
Published: April 2011

The continued development of novel insulin treatment is predicated on the hypothesis that strict glycemic control is necessary to prevent the secondary complications of diabetes. Although dramatically successful in reducing selected secondary complications, intensive insulin therapy has consequences. These include hypoglycemia, weight gain, and body fat accumulation. In the present studies we compared a model of intensive insulin therapy in diabetic rats and contrasted weight gain and body fat accumulation with pancreatic islet transplantation. Female Wistar Furth rats (173 g) administered streptozotocin (55 mg·kg-1, iv) remained diabetic (DB) for four or nine weeks. At week three, a third group was transplanted (TRAN) with islets of Langerhans (3519 ± 838 150 µm islets); one week later group four began intensive subcutaneous insulin therapy (ISIT; 4 × 0.5-1.0 U regular insulin·day-1). Within one week ISIT rats had normalized plasma glucose; levels were not different from age matched controls (CN) or TRAN animals (ISIT 10.6 ± 1.7, CN 7.2 ± 0.4, TRAN 7.7 ± 0.8 mmol·L-1, P > 0.05). The cumulative occurrence of one episode of hypoglycemia (< 2.8 mmol·L-1) occurred in 50% of ISIT rats. At study termination, body weight of ISIT and CN rats did not differ (199 ± 4 vs. 207 ± 3, P > 0.05). While carcass protein content was similar for TRAN, ISIT, and CN animals, the body fat of ISIT animals was 24% greater than in CN rats and 21% greater than in TRAN rats (P < 0.05). Correlation of body fat vs. plasma glucose illustrated hypoglycemia contributed to the body fat gain of ISIT rats (n = 8, r = -0.70, P = 0.0535). These studies illustrate a disproportionate gain of body fat from ISIT, an effect not observed with islet transplantation. Thus, the metabolic benefit ascribed to islet transplantation appears related to the absence of hypoglycemia.Key words: diabetes, insulin therapy, islet transplantation, body fat, nutrition.
Use of recombinant human ferrochelatase as a sensitive bioassay for N-alkylprotoporphyrin IX formed after interaction of porphyrinogenic xenobiotics with rat liver microsomes
Authors: Gamble Jeremy T , Wong Simon GW , Dailey Harry A , Marks Gerald S
Published: April 2011

Several porphyrinogenic xenobiotics elicit mechanism-based inactivation of cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes, leading to the formation of N-alkylprotoporphyrin IX (N-alkylPP), a potent inhibitor of ferrochelatase, the terminal enzyme in heme biosynthesis. Recognizing their role in experimental porphyria, our long term objective is the establishment of an appropriate in vitro system for the detection and quantification of N-alkylPPs, formed in human liver after the administration of potential porphyrinogenic compounds. In a previous study, we used a combination of thin-layer chromatography and UV-visible spectrophotometry to isolate and identify N-alkylPPs after incubating porphyrinogenic compounds with rat liver microsomes. However, the overall yield of N-alkylPPs was low, and it was concluded that in vitro systems, such as human lymphoblastoid microsomal preparations containing single cDNA-expressed human cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes, do not contain sufficient CYP for in vitro studies designed to isolate N-alkylPP. In the present study we demonstrate that purified recombinant human ferrochelatase (FC) provides an extremely sensitive bioassay system for N-alkylPPs and is capable of detecting N-alkylPP in the 10-6nmol range. Therefore, we propose that this bioassay system might allow the use of human lymphoblastoid microsomal preparations containing single cDNA-expressed human CYP isozymes to detect N-alkylPP produced after mechanism-based (catalysis-based) CYP inactivation. If this is found to be correct it will facilitate identification of potentially porphyrinogenic drugs prior to administration to humans.Key words: ferrochelatase, N-alkylprotoporphyrin IX, porphyria, mechanism-based inactivation.
Myofibrillar disruption following acute concentric and eccentric resistance exercise in strength-trained men
Authors: Gibala Martin J , Interisano Stephen A , Tarnopolsky Mark A , Roy Brian D , MacDonald Jay R , Yarasheski Kevin E , MacDougall J Duncan
Published: April 2011

We have previously quantified the extent of myofibrillar disruption which occurs following an acute bout of resistance exercise in untrained men, however the response of well-trained subjects is not known. We therefore recruited six strength-trained men, who ceased training for 5 days and then performed 8 sets of 8 uni-lateral repetitions, using a load equivalent to 80% of their concentric (Con) 1-repetition maximum. One arm performed only Con actions by lifting the weight and the other arm performed only eccentric actions (Ecc) by lowering it. Needle biopsy samples were obtained from biceps brachii of each arm ~21 h following exercise, and at baseline (i.e., after 5 days without training), and subsequently analyzed using electron microscopy to quantify myofibrillar disruption. A greater (P [Formula: see text] 0.05) proportion of disrupted fibres was found in the Ecc arm (45 ± 11%) compared with baseline values (4 ± 2%), whereas fibre disruption in the Con arm (27 ± 4%) was not different (P > 0.05) from baseline values. The proportion of disrupted fibres and the magnitude of disruption (quantified by sarcomere counting) was considerably less severe than previously observed in untrained subjects after an identical exercise bout. Mixed muscle protein synthesis, assessed from ~21-29 h post-exercise, was not different between the Con- and Ecc-exercised arms. We conclude that the Ecc phase of resistance exercise is most disruptive to skeletal muscle and that training attenuates the severity of this effect. Moreover, it appears that fibre disruption induced by habitual weightlifting exercise is essentially repaired after 5 days of inactivity in trained men.Key words: muscle damage, muscle injury, protein synthesis, hypertrophy, leucine.
Age- and myopathy-dependent changes in connexins of normal and cardiomyopathic syrian hamster ventricular myocardium
Authors: Chen Mingkui , Jones Douglas L
Published: April 2011

The conduction of cardiac action potentials depends on the flow of excitation through gap junctions, which are hexameric protein associations of connexins (Cxs). The major Cx reported in the heart is Cx43, although some Cx40 and Cx45 are also present. There is some evidence for altered Cx content in heart failure. In heart failure, conduction is depressed and slowed conduction may contribute to arrhythmogenesis and (or) the maintenance of arrhythmia. Cx content and distribution were determined in ventricular tissues from normal and cardiomyopathic Syrian hamsters, an animal model of heart failure which has reproducible age-specific cardiomyopathy resulting in heart failure and age-matched controls in three groups: young (3-5 weeks), adult (13-18 weeks), and old (>45 weeks). Frozen, unfixed sections of ventricular tissues were immunofluorescently stained using antibodies against Cx43, Cx40, and Cx45. Cx43 was the predominant Cx detected in all samples. In normal hamsters, Cx43 was localized predominantly at the intercalated disc region, while in myopathic myocytes, it was scattered. In Western blots, Cx43 content of normal hamster hearts was highest in the adult hearts compared with young and old hamster hearts. In contrast, Cx43 content was significantly lower in adult cardiomyopathic hamster hearts compared with all other groups. The alterations of content and distribution of gap junction Cx43 may contribute to diminished conduction, pump function, and arrhythmogenesis in heart failure.Key words: connexin, gap junction, heart failure, arrhythmia, confocal microscopy.
Dynamic interactions between integrative physiology and molecular medicine: The key to understand the mechanism of action of aldo sterone in the kidney
Authors: Halperin Mitchell L , Kamel Kamel S
Published: April 2011

Our objective is to illustrate how an approach that integrates new insights from molecular biology and traditional physiology can lead to the development of new concepts. This dynamic interaction is illustrated by examining the steps taken to improve our understanding of the renal actions of aldosterone. We began by defining the big picture of what aldosterone does in the kidney. This led to the conclusion that aldosterone must at times become a sodium chloride-retaining hormone, while at other times it must function primarily or exclusively as a kaliuretic hormone. The second step was to define the major molecular actions of this hormone. Acting on the principal cells in the cortical collecting duct (CCD), aldosterone leads to the insertion of active epithelial sodium ion channels (ENaC) in their luminal membranes. This active ENaC, however, does not distinguish between the two major renal actions of aldosterone. Accordingly, we returned to integrative physiology and examined a possible role of renal and non-renal events. We implicated the potential importance of the delivery of bicarbonate ions to the CCD to determine which effect of aldosterone will become manifest. This, however, required that we reconsider some of the traditional views in interpretation of acid-base balance. At the clinical level, this global view can help us understand why, for example, a low dietary intake of potassium salts might predispose a person to an elevated blood pressure. Using a similar approach, it is possible to understand how the risk of the formation of kidney stones can be minimized.Key words: acid-base, hypertension, integrative physiology, kidney stones, potassium, sodium.
Inhibition of Ca2+-activated K+ channels by tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors in rat mesenteric artery
Authors: Yokoshiki Hisashi , Seki Takashi , Sunagawa Masanori , Sperelakis Nicholas
Published: April 2011

To investigate the possible regulation of large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (BKCa) by tyrosine phosphatases (Tyr-PPs), single-channel currents of myocytes from rat mesenteric artery were recorded in open cell-attached patches. Two structurally different Tyr-PP inhibitors, sodium orthovanadate (Na3VO4) and dephostatin, were used. The channels (236 pS) evoked at +40 mV and pCa 6, were significantly inhibited by 1 mM Na3VO4 (-81 ± 3%, n = 10; P < 0.005). Similarly, 100 µM dephostatin strongly inhibited the BKCa channels (-80 ± 7%, n = 7 ; P < 0.05). Therefore, BKCa channels in vascular smooth muscle cells may be regulated by tyrosine phosphatase-dependent signal transduction pathways, whose inhibition could attenuate the channel activity.Key words: Ca2+-activated K+ channel, vascular smooth muscle, tyrosine phosphatase, vanadate, dephostatin.
Selective potentiating effect of RS14203 on a serotoninergic pathway in anesthetized rats
Authors: Savoie Chantal , Chan Chi-Chung , Rodger Ian W , Robichaud Annette
Published: April 2011

The usefulness of selective inhibitors of type 4 phosphodiesterase (PDE4) in the treatment of inflammation and pulmonary diseases is limited by their side effects: nausea and vomiting. We studied the effect of three structurally diverse PDE4 inhibitors on the vagal nerve afferent and efferent fibers in anesthetized rats. The effects of RS14203, (R)-rolipram, and CT-2450 were evaluated on the von Bezold-Jarisch reflex (vagal afferent fibers) and in a model of vagal electrical stimulation (vagal efferent fibers). All three PDE4 inhibitors were administered at 1, 10, or 100 µg/kg (iv) 15 min prior to the induction of bradycardia by an iv injection of 2-methyl-5-HT (von Bezold-Jarisch reflex) or by vagal electrical stimulation. At 100 µg/kg, RS14203 significantly potentiated the 2-methyl-5-HT response. No statistically significant effects were observed with (R)-rolipram or CT-2450 at the doses studied. RS14203, (R)-rolipram, or CT-2450 (1-100 µg/kg iv) did not affect the bradycardia induced by vagal electrical stimulation. Consequently, our results show that RS14203 selectively facilitates serotoninergic neurotransmission in vagal afferent fibers. The emetic action of RS14203 may be mediated by this mechanism.Key words: PDE4 inhibitors, von Bezold-Jarisch reflex, emesis, vagal afferent and efferent fibres, bradycardia.
Trans-resveratrol modulates the catalytic activity and mRNA expression of the procarcinogen-activating human cytochrome P450 1B1
Authors: Chang Thomas KH , Lee Wendy BK , Ko Hin Hin
Published: April 2011

The present study was performed to determine if trans-resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) modulates the catalytic activity and gene expression of cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1). In vitro, trans-resveratrol decreased human recombinant CYP1B1-catalyzed 7-ethoxyresorufin O-dealkylation activity, with an IC50value of 1.4 ± 0.2 µM (mean ± SEM). Enzyme kinetic analysis indicated that trans-resveratrol inhibited CYP1B1 enzyme activity by a mixed-type inhibition and the apparent Kiwas 0.75 ± 0.06 µM. To determine if trans-resveratrol modulates constitutive CYP1B1 gene expression, cultured MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cells were treated with trans-resveratrol. As indicated by RT-PCR analysis, treatment of MCF-7 cells with 10 µM trans-resveratrol decreased relative CYP1B1 mRNA levels after 5 h, but not after 1.5 or 3 h, of exposure. trans-Resveratrol treatment at 5, 7.5, 10, or 20 µM for 5 h produced a concentration-dependent decrease in CYP1B1 mRNA levels. The extent of suppression was ~50% at 20 µM concentration. The suppressive effect was not a consequence of a toxic response to the compound as assessed by a cell proliferation assay. Overall, our novel finding that trans-resveratrol inhibits the catalytic activity and suppresses the constitutive gene expression of CYP1B1 leads to the possibility that this nutraceutical confers protection against toxicity and carcinogenicity induced by compounds that undergo CYP1B1-catalyzed bioactivation.Key words: cytochrome P450, CYP1B1, 7-ethoxyresorufin, nutraceutical, trans-resveratrol.
Dosimétrie par gels radiosensibles en radiothérapie. Intérêt et méthodes
Authors: Gibon David , Bourel Philippe , Castelain Bernard , Marchandise Xavier , Rousseau Jean
Published: April 2011

The goal of conformal radiotherapy is to concentrate the dose in a well-defined volume by avoiding the neighbouring healthy structures. This technique requires powerful treatment planning software and a rigorous control of estimated dosimetry. The usual dosimetric tools are not adapted to visualize and validate complex 3D treatment. Dosimetry by radiosensitive gel permits visualization and measurement of the three-dimensional dose distribution. The objective of this work is to report on current work in this field and, based on our results and our experience, to draw prospects for an optimal use of this technique. Further developments will relate to the realization of new radiosensitive gels satisfying, as well as possible, cost requirements, easy realization and use, magnetic resonance imagery (MRI) sensitivity, tissue equivalence, and stability. Other developments focus on scanning methods, especially in MRI to measure T1 and T2.Key words: gel dosimetry, radiation therapy, quality control.
Recoil proton, alpha particle, and heavy ion impacts on microdosimetry and RBE of fast neutrons: analysis of kerma spectra calculated by Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Pignol Jean-Philippe , Slabbert Jakobus
Published: April 2011

Fast neutrons (FN) have a higher radio-biological effectiveness (RBE) compared with photons, however the mechanism of this increase remains a controversial issue. RBE variations are seen among various FN facilities and at the same facility when different tissue depths or thicknesses of hardening filters are used. These variations lead to uncertainties in dose reporting as well as in the comparisons of clinical results. Besides radiobiology and microdosimetry, another powerful method for the characterization of FN beams is the calculation of total proton and heavy ion kerma spectra. FLUKA and MCNP Monte Carlo code were used to simulate these kerma spectra following a set of microdosimetry measurements performed at the National Accelerator Centre. The calculated spectra confirmed major classical statements: RBE increase is linked to both slow energy protons and alpha particles yielded by (n,α) reactions on carbon and oxygen nuclei. The slow energy protons are produced by neutrons having an energy between 10 keV and 10 MeV, while the alpha particles are produced by neutrons having an energy between 10 keV and 15 MeV. Looking at the heavy ion kerma from <15 MeV and the proton kerma from neutrons <10 MeV, it is possible to anticipate y* and RBE trends.Key words: fast neutron, kerma, microdosimetry, RBE, Monte Carlo.
Interactions between effects of adrenalectomy and diet on insulin secretion in fa/fa Zucker rats
Authors: Kibenge Molly T , Chan Catherine B
Published: April 2011

Our objective was to determine if a cafeteria-type diet with increased fat content would block the decrease in insulin secretion induced by adrenalectomy in obese rats. Five week old Zucker (fa/fa) rats were adrenalectomized. One week later, half of the adrenalectomized groups, and age-matched, sham-operated animals were given a diet of 16% fat and 44% carbohydrate. Control animals were maintained on standard rat chow (4.6% fat and 49% carbohydrate). After 4 weeks on the diets, in vivo measurements included caloric intake, weight gain, plasma corticosterone, triglyceride, free fatty acids, and oral glucose tolerance tests. In vitro measurements included glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, glucose phosphorylating activity, islet triglyceride content, and fatty acid oxidizing activity of cultured islets. Generally, the cafeteria diet did not block the effects of adrenalectomy on in vitro insulin secretion parameters, even though in sham-operated animals weight gain and insulin resistance was induced by the diet in vivo. Adrenalectomy and the diet exerted independent effects on glucose phosphorylation and fatty acid oxidation in islets. In conclusion, adrenalectomy decreased the elevated insulin secretion in fa/fa rats. The failure of a cafeteria diet enriched in fat to block the adrenalectomy-mediated changes in B-cell function indicates the importance of glucocorticoids and centrally-mediated effects on insulin secretion and other metabolic parameters.Key words: obesity, insulin secretion, islets of Langerhans, adrenalectomy, high fat diet.
The mechanisms of the vulnerable window: the role of virtual electrodes and shock polarity
Authors: Yamanouchi Yoshio , Cheng Yuanna , Tchou Patrick J , Efimov Igor R
Published: April 2011

Vulnerability and defibrillation are mechanistically dependent upon shock strength, polarity, and timing. We have recently demonstrated that shock-induced virtual electrode polarization (VEP) may induce reentry. However, it remains unclear how the VEP mechanism may explain the vulnerable window and polarity dependence of vulnerability. We used a potentiometric dye and optical mapping to assess the anterior epicardial electrical activity of Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts (n = 7) during monophasic shocks (±100 V and ±200 V, duration of 8 ms) applied from a transvenous defibrillation lead at various coupling intervals. Arrhythmias were induced in a coupling interval and shock polarity dependent manner: (i) anodal and cathodal shocks induced arrhythmias in 33.2 ± 30.1% and 53.1 ± 39.3% cases (P < 0.01), respectively, and (ii) the vulnerable window was located near the T-wave. Optical maps revealed that VEP was also modulated by the coupling interval and shock polarity. Recovery of excitability produced by negative polarization, known as de-excitation, and the resulting reentry was more readily achieved during the relative refractory period than the absolute refractory period. Furthermore, anodal shocks produced wavefronts propagating in an inward direction with respect to the electrode, whereas cathodal shocks propagated in an outward direction. Wavefronts produced by anodal shocks were more likely to collide and annihilate each other than those caused by cathodal shocks. The probability of degeneration of the VEP-induced phase singularity into a sustained arrhythmia depends upon the gradient of VEP and the direction of the VEP-induced wavefront. The VEP gradient depends upon the coupling interval, while the direction depends upon shock polarity; these factors explain the vulnerable window and polarity-dependence of vulnerability, respectively.Key words: defibrillation, stimulation, arrhythmia, cardiac vulnerability, optical mapping.
Comparison of pulmonary vascular function and structure in early and established hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in rats
Authors: Jeffery Trina K , Wanstall Janet C
Published: April 2011

In pulmonary hypertension, changes in pulmonary vascular structure and function contribute to the elevation in pulmonary artery pressure. The time-courses for changes in function, unlike structure, are not well characterised. Medial hypertrophy and neomuscularisation and reactivity to vasoactive agents were examined in parallel in main and intralobar pulmonary arteries and salt-perfused lungs from rats exposed to hypoxia (10% O2) for 1 and 4 weeks (early and established pulmonary hypertension, respectively). After 1 week of hypoxia, in isolated main and intralobar arteries, contractions to 5-hydroxytryptamine and U46619 (thromboxane-mimetic) were increased whereas contractions to angiotensins I and II and relaxations to acetylcholine were reduced. These alterations varied quantitatively between main and intralobar arteries and, in many instances, regressed between 1 and 4 weeks. The alterations in reactivity did not necessarily link chronologically with alterations in structure. In perfused lungs, constrictor responses to acute alveolar hypoxia were unchanged after 1 week but were increased after 4 weeks, in conjunction with the neomuscularisation of distal alveolar arteries. The data suggest that in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension, the contribution of altered pulmonary vascular reactivity to the increase in pulmonary artery pressure may be particularly important in the early stages of the disease.Key words: pulmonary vasculature, hypoxic pulmonary hypertension, contractile function, endothelial function, remodelling.
Protective and regenerative response endogenously induced in the ischemic brain
Authors: Kitagawa Kazuo , Matsumoto Masayasu , Hori Masatsugu
Published: April 2011

Neuronal cells are highly vulnerable to ischemic insult. Because adult neurons are highly differentiated and cannot self-propagate, loss of neurons often results in functional deficits in mammalian brains. However, it has recently been shown that neurons and neuronal circuits exhibit protective and regenerative responses in a rodent model of experimental ischemia. At first, neurons respond by producing several protective proteins such as heat shock proteins (HSPs) after sublethal ischemia and then acquire tolerance against a subsequent ischemic insult (ischemic tolerance). Once neurons suffer irreversible injury, two repair processes, neurogenesis and synaptogenesis, are endogenously induced. Neuronal stem and (or) progenitor cells can proliferate in two brain areas in adult animals: the subventricular zone and the subgranular zone in the dentate gyrus. After ischemic insult, these stem (progenitor) cells proliferate and differentiate into neurons in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Reactive synaptogenesis has been also observed in the injured brain following a period of long-term infarction, but it is unclear if it can compensate for disconnected circuits. Understanding the molecular mechanism underlying these protective and regenerative responses will be important in developing a new strategy for aimed at the augmentation of resistance against ischemic insult and the replacement of injured neurons and neuronal circuits.Key words: ischemic tolerance, neurogenesis, synaptogenesis.
Understanding and managing ischemic stroke
Authors: Barber Philip A , Auer Roland N , Buchan Alastair M , Sutherland Garnette R
Published: April 2011

Transient or permanent focal brain injury following acute thromboembolic occlusion develops from a complex cascade of pathophysiological events. The processes of excitotoxicity, peri-infarct depolarisation, inflammation, and apoptosis within the ischemic penumbra are proposed. While the translation of therapeutic agents from the animal models to human clinical trials have been disappointing, there remains an atmosphere of optimism as a result of the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, which include physiological, as opposed to pharmacological, intervention. This article provides an insight into the understanding of cerebral ischemia, together with current and future treatment strategies.Key words: cerebral ischemia, stroke, pathophysiology.