bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Umbilical Cord Separation: Histological Findings and Perinatal Factors
Authors: Oudesluys-Murphy A.M. , den Hollander J.C. , Hop W.C.J.
Published: September 2009

The aim of this study was to investigate if perinatal factors influenced the histology of the umbilical area of neonates who died when umbilical cord separation was occurring or had just been completed. It was found that the older the infant was at death the greater the degree of infiltration of polymorphonuclear leucocytes into the area of separation of the umbilical cord. The infiltration was less when the infant was delivered by caesarean section than when the infant was delivered vaginally. The other factors studied (sex, birth-weight, gestational age, positive blood culture, time of rupture of the membranes) did not influence the histological findings.
Impaired Interferon-Alpha Enhancement of Neonatal Monocyte Phagocytosis
Authors: El-Mohandes Ayman E. , Brudno Spencer , Ahronovich Margot D.
Published: September 2009

Monocyte phagocytic activity was tested in 10 healthy term newborns using a latex phagocytic assay. The baseline phagocytic activity in the cord blood monocytes (37.7 ± 3.8%) was comparable to adult controls (38.5 ± 9.4%). When enhanced with 1,000 U/ml of alpha-interferon, the phagocytic activity was lower in cord blood monocytes (40.5 ± 3.4%) than in the adult controls (47.9 ± 10.6%), but this difference reached statistical significance only when the cord blood monocytes were enhanced with 2,000 U/ml reaching 43.6 ± 4.3% in cord blood monocytes, as compared to 54.6 ± 9.6% in adult controls. These findings may explain an inherent functional deficiency in the neonatal mononuclear phagocytic system which may not be evident during the quiescent phase of monocyte/macrophage activity, but may become apparent during an infectious challenge.
N-Terminal Propeptide of Type-III Procollagen Concentrations in the Cord Blood: An Index of Newborn Maturity
Authors: Yunoki Hitoshi , Yagi Hideki , Nagashima Kanji , Noji Takashi , Miyake Hiroshi , Kuroume Takayoshi
Published: September 2009

Cord serum concentrations of the N-terminal propeptide of type-III procollagen(PIIIP), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine were measured in 149 neonates, consisting of 22 small for gestational age, 95 appropriate for gestational age, 21 large for gestational age and 11 neonates of less than 24 weeks of gestation. Their gestational ages (GAs) ranged from 20 to 41 weeks. A significant negative correlation was found between PIIIP levels and GA (r = ––0.83, p < 0.001). No significant difference was found in PIIIP levels between SGA and LGA neonates, when there were no difference in their GAs, in spite of a significant difference in their birth body weights (p < 0.01). The high concentrations of the cord serum PIIIP did not appear to be influenced by either IGF-I or thyroid hormones, nor was there any relationship between PIIIP and the birth body weight, but only with GA, suggesting that determining cord levels of PIIIP seems to provide a useful parameter for the assessment of newborn maturity.
Glutathione Peroxidase and Selenium Levels in the Preterm Infant
Authors: Tubman T.R.J. , Halliday H.L. , McMaster D.
Published: September 2009

Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and selenium are important in the prevention of cellular oxidant damage. Whole-blood GPX and plasma selenium were measured at birth and sequentially afterwards in 75 preterm babies. GPX activity at birth was 2.74 ± 0.08 (mean ± SEM) U/ml. Mean GPX activity remained relatively unchanged for up to 70 days postnatal age. Plasma selenium at birth was 0.43 ± 0.02 (mean ± SEM) μmol/l), decreasing to low levels by 10 weeks postnatal age. Neither GPX activity nor plasma selenium was related to birth weight, gestational age or infant sex.
Key Enzymes of Purine Degradation and Reutilization in Human Fetal Liver and Brain
Authors: Vettenranta Kim , Raivio Kari O.
Published: September 2009

The activities and kinetic parameters of 5′-nucleotidase, adenosine monophosphate (AMP) deaminase, and hypoxanthine/guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT) were assayed in human fetal brain and liver. The apparent activity of 5′-nucleotidase decreases in the liver and increases in the brain with gestation. Its apparent Km is about 27 μM for AMP in the brain at term and liver throughout gestation but about 60 μM in the premature brain. The activity of (AMP) deaminase in the liver increases, while that in the brain does not significantly change with gestation. Its apparent Km for AMP is about 5 mM in the tissues studied. The activity of HGPRT increases with gestation in both the fetal brain and liver, and is altogether high in the fetal brain. Its apparent Km for hypoxanthine appears to be high, about 59 μM, in the tissues studied. The activities measured reflect the maximal capacities of the enzymes. Conclusions concerning their in vivo activities cannot, however, be based on studies employing disrupted cells.
Effect of Maternal Vitamin-A Administration on Fetal Lung Vitamin-A Stores in the Perinatal Rat
Authors: Shenai Jayant P. , Chytil Frank
Published: September 2009

Vitamin A (retinol) is essential for normal differentiation and integrity of developing respiratory epithelium and its deficiency has been linked to an increased susceptibility to lung injury. Because significant vitamin-A storage occurs in the fetal lung near term in the perinatal rat, prematurely born animals deprived of adequate stores in their lungs may be susceptible to the adverse effects of vitamin-A deficiency. It would be desirable if lung vitamin-A stores could be augmented with maternal administration, but the feasibility of this strategy has not been reported. We therefore conducted this study in rats to determine whether maternal administration of vitamin A could increase the lung stores of vitamin A in the offspring. Vitamin-A-sufficient pregnant rats were given a single dose of either vitamin A (50,000 IU retinyl palmitate) or 0.9% saline solution on gestational day 16 (term = 21 days) by the intragastric route. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to measure concentrations of vitamin A and its esters in fetal and neonatal lungs and livers at times ranging from gestational day 17 through 21, and from postnatal day 1 through 14. The concentrations of vitamin-A esters in the lungs of fetuses and newborn pups of the vitamin-A-treated animals were significantly (1.7- to 7.1-fold) higher than those of the control group. This increase in the lung vitamin-A ester concentrations was seen within 24 h of maternal administration and persisted throughout the 14-day postnatal period. Maternal administration of vitamin A was also associated with an increase in the liver vitamin-A ester concentrations in the offspring, although this increase was less in magnitude and duration relative to the increase in the lung vitamin-A ester concentrations. We conclude that a prompt, sustained increase in the fetal lung stores of vitamin A is possible following prenatal administration of a single large dose of vitamin A to the mother. The possibility that vitamin-A administration to human mothers with imminent preterm deliveries might augment the lung vitamin-A stores of their newborn infants at birth needs to be explored.
α-Fetoprotein in Congenital Hypothyroidism
Authors: Mengreli Chryssanthi , Sarafidou Emi , Petmezaki Sophia , Pantelakis Stefanos
Published: September 2009

α-Fetoprotein (α-FP) was measured in dried blood spots from normal, congenital hypothyroid (CH) and transient hyperthyrotropinemic (TH) newborns as well as in serum from CH and TH babies together with thyroxine, triiodothyronine and thyrotropin. The half-life of α-FP had a median value of 12 days in the CH cases and 4.9 days in the TH cases. α-FP was significantly higher in the CH group before treatment and showed a significant rise after discontinuation of thyroxine therapy. It would appear that thyroid hormones influence α-FP metabolism and that a hypothyroid environment results in increased α-FP levels.
Intestinal Permeability to Intact Lactose in Newborns and Adults
Authors: Bezerra Jorge A. , Thompson Steve H. , Morse Mark , Koldovský Otakar , Udall, Jr. John N.
Published: September 2009

Small amounts of lactose have been shown to be absorbed intact across the intestine and excreted unchanged in the urine of newborns and adults. We designed a study to quantitate the intestinal uptake and urinary excretion of this disaccharide in these age groups. Similar amounts of lactose were given orally to 17 term newborns (age: 24.8 ± 3.0 h) as a standard infant formula, and to 15 adult lactose absorbers (age: 28.1 ± 2.6 years) and 11 adult lactose malabsorbers (age: 24.7 ± 2.9 years) as a 20% water solution. Following lactose ingestion, breath was collected every 30 or 60 min for 3 h and analyzed for hydrogen concentration. Urine was also collected, and lactose and creatinine concentrations were determined. Peak hydrogen concentration was < 20 ppm above baseline in newborns and adult lactose absorbers and 85 ± 14 ppm in adult lactose malabsorbers. Urinary lactose excretion, expressed as a function of body weight (mg/ml/kg b.w.), was substantially greater in newborns (4.2 ± 0.82) than in adult lactose absorbers (0.29 ± 0.07; p < 0.001) and adult lactose malabsorbers (0.55 ± 0.04; p < 0.01). Similarly, urinary lactose excretion expressed as a ratio of urinary lactose to urinary creatinine (mg/mg) was increased (p < 0.001) in newborns (2.05 ± 0.26) when compared to adult lactose absorbers (0.11 ± 0.02) and adult lactose malabsorbers (0.20 ± 0.02). Our data demonstrate that the intestinal uptake and urinary excretion of intact lactose is significantly increased in newborns compared to adult subjects.
The Uptake of Amino Acids and Oxygen across the Rabbit Uterus in Normal and Postterm Pregnancies
Authors: Li Hai-Qi , Gilbert Marc , Teng Cecilia , Jones Richard O. , Murray Rick D. , Battaglia Frederick C.
Published: September 2009

Nineteen pregnant rabbits were studied at three different gestational ages in terms of uterine uptake of amino acids and oxygen under unstressed, steady-state conditions. The three gestational age groups were: (1) 23–25 days, (2) 26–31 days, and (3) 32–34 days (post term). The arteriovenous differences for all amino acids except glutamate and aspartate were significant in groups 1 and 2. Uterine amino acid coefficients of extraction were markedly reduced in the postterm animals (3), despite an increased uterine coefficient of extraction for oxygen. The uterine coefficients of extraction of amino acids were 2–2.5 times greater than those across the pregnant Uterus of the sheep. There was also an increased uptake of amino acid per millimoles/liter of oxygen in the rabbit compared to the sheep. Maternal arterial amino acid concentrations were not significantly different in groups 1 and 2, but the gluconeogenic amino acids serine and alanine were significantly increased in maternal arterial blood of postterm animals.
Metabolic Adaptations to Change of Nutrition at Birth
Authors: Girard Jean
Published: September 2009

Birth represents a dramatic change of nutrition from a fetal diet rich in carbohydrates and poor in fat to a neonatal diet rich in fat and poor in carbohydrates. Gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis are absent or very low in the fetal liver when the mother is correctly fed, and these metabolic pathways emerge after birth to reach adult values after 24 h. Gluconeogenesis increases rapidly in the liver of the newborn in parallel with the appearance of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), the rate-limiting enzyme of this metabolic pathway. The rise in plasma glucagon, the fall in plasma insulin and the resulting increase in liver cAMP which occur immediately after birth are the factors which induce the activation of liver PEPCK gene transcription. The appearance of ketogenesis is also controlled by the changes of plasma insulin and glucagon that increase the capacity for liver fatty acid oxidation by decreasing lipogenesis and malonyl-CoA concentration, by reducing the sensitivity of carnitine palmitoyl-CoA I to the inhibitory influence of malonyl-CoA, and by activating hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA synthase by desuccinylation. Once liver PEPCK has reached adult value, i.e. 12 h after birth, other factors are involved in the regulation of hepatic gluconeogenesis. Indeed, the supply of gluconeogenic substrates and of free fatty acid is of crucial importance to support a high rate of gluconeogenesis and to maintain normoglycemia in the newborn. In the liver, fatty acid oxidation provides essential co-factors (acetyl-CoA, NADH and ATP) to support gluconeogenesis, and in peripheral tissue fatty acid oxidation inhibits glucose oxidation and stimulates the production of gluconeogenic precursors (lactate, pyruvate and alanine). Similar mechanisms are operative in human newborn. A defective hepatic fatty acid oxidation is likely to explain the frequent hypoglycemia observed in small-for-date neonates. Administration of oral triglycerides is an efficient mean to prevent hypoglycemia in these newborns.
Neonatal Hypoglycemia
Authors: Sann L.
Published: September 2009

Neonatal hypoglycemia is particularly dangerous for the brain when it is symptomatic or/and recurrent. In order to avoid symptomatic hypoglycemia a compensatory production of ketone bodies is required since they are actively taken up by the neonatal brain. Recurrent hypoglycemia can be avoided by stimulation of neonatal gluconeogenesis which is limited by glucose infusion and/or insulin secretion. Lipid administration induces a hyperglycemic response which is explained by a stimulation of gluconeogenesis. It also results in ketogenesis which provides the compensatory factors of hypoglycemia and which seems to be linked to gluconeogenesis. We therefore suggest that the best way to prevent neonatal hypoglycemia is achieved by supplementing the neonate with lipids and especially medium chain triglycerides.
Management of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia: Rational Use of Phototherapy
Authors: Polin Richard A.
Published: September 2009

Phototherapy has been used to treat neonatal hyperbilirubinemia for more than three decades; however, it is only during the last ten years that an understanding of the mechanism of action of phototherapy has emerged. While visible light is known to photooxidize and photoisomerize bilirubin, recent data suggest that the formation of bilirubin structural isomers (lumirubin) is responsible for the decrement in serum bilirubin. This paper discusses current clinical recommendations for light dosage and wavelength and develops new guidelines based upon recent information of how light effects a reduction in the serum bilirubin concentration.
Carnitine and Total Parenteral Nutrition of the Neonate
Authors: Schmidt-Sommerfeld Eberhard , Penn Duna
Published: September 2009

The newborn is dependent upon fat for energy production. Fatty acid oxidation requires the cofactor carnitine. The preterm infant is born with limited carnitine reserves. During total parenteral nutrition (TPN) plasma and tissue carnitine concentrations decrease indicating that rates of carnitine biosynthesis are inadequate. The ability of the premature infant to oxidize fatty acids is related to the carnitine status. Several studies suggest an improvement of fatty acid oxidation after a fat challenge if TPN is supplemented with L-carnitine. Nitrogen balance may also be improved but this needs confirmation. It remains to be established whether routine L-carnitine supplementation is needed in neonatal TPN.
Carnitine Supplementation in Soy-Based Formula-Fed Infants
Authors: Novak Milan
Published: September 2009

Gradual increase of carnitine in plasma, tissues and urine after birth is a normal response of breast-fed infants and those receiving carnitine-containing formulas. Marked reduction of carnitine and acylcarnitines was noted in infants given diets not containing carnitine. These differences promted the evaluation of the rationale for adding carnitine into soy-based formulas. In healthy term infants the lack of dietary carnitine did not induce deficiency symptoms but reduced the uptake of fatty acids for β-oxidation. The cumulative effect of various metabolic disorders and carnitine deficient diets may culminate to carnitine deficiency.
Carnitine Supplementation in the Premature
Authors: Melegh Béla
Published: September 2009

In higher organisms the carnitine acyltransferases reversibly esterify carnitine which is a primary role of carnitine. With this function it is involved in the β-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids and in the regulation of CoASH/acyl-CoA ratio in the intracellular compartments. In the intrauterine life there is an increase in stores of carnitine. Many evidences show, that in this growth rate a determinant factor is the materno-fetal transport of carnitine. After interruption of this materno-fetal unit the premature infant depends on exogenous intake. In absence of the exogenous intake due to carnitine free nutrition the tissue carnitine reserves decline in preterm infants. Human milk and many formulas contain carnitine. In carnitine deficiency (insufficiency) syndromes besides of the impairment of oxidation of long chain fatty acids, depending on the degree of carnitine depletion, possible development of multiple deterioration of intracellular processes has been suggested. Impairment of lipid metabolism in preterm infants maintained on carnitine-free feeding regimens seems to be established, in turn, numerous supplemental works suggest a rationale for prevention of decrease of body reserves.
Development of Urea-Synthesizing Capacity in Preterm Infants during the First Weeks of Life
Authors: Boehm G. , Teichmann B. , Jung K.
Published: September 2009

The urea-synthesizing capacity of the liver was studied in 20 healthy preterm infants during the first month of life. The urea-synthesizing capacity was estimated by the ratio of 15N abundances of ammonia and urea in the 6-hour urine after administration of 3 mg 15N-labelled ammonium chloride/kg body weight. The ratio increases with increasing protein intakes from the 2nd to the 3rd week of life. On protein intakes of more than 3 g/kg/ day from the 3rd week to the end of the 2nd month of life, the ratio decreases suggesting a maturation of the urea cycle during the first weeks of life.
Perinatal Hematological Profile of Newborn Infants with Candida Antenatal Infections
Authors: Wolach Baruch , Bogger-Goren Sara , Whyte Robin
Published: September 2009

We serially studied hematological profiles of 8 newborns with proven antenatal Candida chorioamnionitis and funisitis. Candida albicans was cultured from various sources in the infants; blood and CSF cultures were all negative. Seven of the 8 were premature; 5 were sick. We statistically compared hematological data of the ‘well’ and ‘sick’ babies. The latter showed neutrophilia (mean 52,381 vs. 11, 326/μl, p < 0.01) accompanied by significant elevation of nonsegmented granulocytes (NSG) and a NSG/neutrophil ratio greater than 0.3. Significant monocytosis (mean 7,836 vs. 2,869/μl, p < 0.01) and eosinophilia (mean 4,723 vs. 782/μl, p < 0.05) were also noted. Remarkable toxic granulations, vacuolization, and Döhle bodies were found in the neutrophils of the ‘sick’ newborns. Hematological profiles correlated with the infants’ clinical condition.
Developmental Changes in Plasma Apolipoproteins B and A-I in Fetal Bovines
Authors: Marcos Edgardo , Mazur Andrzej , Cardot Philippe , Coxam Véronique , Rayssiguier Yves
Published: September 2009

Plasma lipid, apolipoprotein (apo) B and apo A-I concentrations were measured in fetal calves in the age range of 4–9 months. The results were compared with those obtained from preruminant calves and cows. The studied lipids and apolipoproteins underwent quantitative changes during development. Fetal calves, as compared to preruminant calves and cows, had a particularly low apo A-I concentration and a high apo B/apo A-I ratio. Unlike adult animals which have two forms of apo B, fetal calves had only high molecular weight apo B (apo Bh). During fetal development triglyceride, cholesterol and apo B concentrations decreased, but apo A-I concentrations remained constant.
Preferential Utilization of Lactate in Neonatal Dog Brain: In vivo and in vitro Proton NMR Study
Authors: Young Richard S.K. , Petroff Ognen A.C. , Chen Benjamin , Aquila, Jr William J. , Gore John C.
Published: September 2009

In vivo proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was utilized to determine whether lactate is preferentially utilized as metabolic fuel by the neonatal dog brain. The data showed that during lactate influx, metabolism of lactate could account for most of the fuel needed for oxidative metabolism. The in vivo nuclear magnetic resonance measurements were corroborated by conventional arteriovenous determinations which showed steep decline of arteriovenous difference of glucose and shaφ increase in arteriovenous difference of lactate during lactate infusion.
Rapid Effects of Hypoxia on the Cerebrospinal Fluid Levels of Adenosine and Related Metabolites in Newborn and One-Month-Old Piglets
Authors: Laudignon Nicole , Farri Evangelia , Beharry Kae , Aranda Jacob V.
Published: September 2009

The effect of hypoxia on the levels of adenosine, inosine and hypoxanthine in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was determined by HPLC in newborn (1- to 3-day-old, n = 6) and 1-month-old (n = 5) piglets. Serial CSF samples (q 60 s) were obtained from the cisterna magna during normoxia and a 5-min hypoxia test (PaO2 = 26.5 ± 2.9 Torr). In normoxia, newborns had a lower mean (± SEM) CSF concentration of adenosine (0.72 ± 0.17 vs. 2.60 ± 0.44 μM) and a higher concentration of hypoxanthine (4.88 ± 0.41 vs. 1.39 ± 0.60 μM) than the mature piglets (p < 0.05). In all animals, hypoxia induced an increase in CSF levels of adenosine and its metabolites between 2 and 4 min. However, peak adenosine concentrations were higher in mature (4.17 ± 1.41 μM) than in newborn (1.55 ± 0.29 μM) piglets (p < 0.05). These data might explain deficient vasodilator adaptation required for neonatal CBF regulation.
Fetal Dexamethasone Exposure Affects Basal Ornithine Decarboxylase Activity in Developing Rat Brain Regions and Alters Acute Responses to Hypoxia and Maternal Separation
Authors: Carlos R.Q. , Seidler FJ. , Lappi S.E. , Slotkin T.A.
Published: September 2009

Although glucocorticoids are widely used to stimulate fetal/neonatal lung function, they also interfere with cellular development in the central nervous system. Dexamethasone was administered to pregnant rats in late gestation at a dose (0.8 mg/kg) that lies just above the threshold for stimulation of lung surfactant synthesis, and the impact on ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) was evaluated in three brain regions. Dexamethasone treatment produced an initial inhibition of basal ODC activity followed by postnatal elevations, a pattern known to be associated with delays in cell replication and differentiation. Dexamethasone also interfered with the ability of the 1-day-old neonate to turn off ODC acutely in response to a 2-h period of maternal separation; as this response conserves energy in the absence of the dam, the effect of dexamethasone is maladaptive. Additionally, dexamethasone sensitized the neonatal brain to hypoxia: the acute increase of ODC associated with a 2-h exposure to 7 % O2 was exacerbated in 8-day-old rats exposed to dexamethasone prenatally. These results suggest that administration of dexamethasone, in doses that promote respiratory competence, delays cell development in the central nervous system and renders the brain more vulnerable to adverse neonatal conditions, such as maternal separation or hypoxia.
Retinal, Choroidal and Total Ocular Blood Flow Response to Hypercarbia during Spontaneous Breathing and Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Stiris T. , Hall C. , Bratlid D.
Published: September 2009

The effect of hypercarbia on ocular blood flow was studied in the newborn piglet with the isotope-labeled microsphere method. Blood flow measurements were made during spontaneous breathing and during paralyzation (pancuronium) and mechanical ventilation. Retinal blood flow increased from 0.40 ± 0.07 (mean ± SEM) ml/min/g at baseline levels to 0.91 ± 0.17 ml/min/g at a PaCO2 level of 11.0 kPa during spontaneous ventilation. A similar response was observed during paralyzation and mechanical ventilation (0.89 ± 0.15 ml/ min/g at a PaCO2 of 11.1 kPa). For choroidal blood flow, however, the increase caused by hypercarbia during spontaneous ventilation (16.14 ± 3.69 to 29.15 ± 3.22 ml/min/g) was significantly reduced when the animals were paralyzed and mechanically ventilated (15.99 ± 2.99 to 23.51 ± 3.41 ml/min/g). Since choroidal blood flow accounts for 60–80% of oxygen delivery to the retina, paralyzation and mechanical ventilation may significantly reduce oxygen delivery to the retina during hypercarbia.
Fructose-1,6-Diphosphate, when Given Five Minutes after Injury, Does Not Ameliorate Hypoxic Ischemic Injury to the Central Nervous System in the Newborn Pig
Authors: LeBlanc Michael H. , Farias Lorenzo A. , Markov Angel K. , Evans Owen B. , Smith Blake , Smith Edward E. , Brown Edwin G.
Published: September 2009

Hypoxic ischemic injury to the brain was induced in 12 0- to 3-day-old piglets. At time 0, the carotid arteries were ligated, and the blood pressure was reduced by one third by hemorrhage. At 15 min, inspired FIO2 was reduced from 50 to 6%. After 10 min of flat EEG, the FIO2 was changes to 100%, the carotid ligations were released, and the withdrawn blood was reinfused. Five minutes after reoxygenation, the piglets were randomly assigned to either receive 350 mg of fructose-1,6-diphosphate over 5 min, followed by 6 mg/kg/min for the ensuing 50 min, or an equivalent volume of normal saline. 3 days after the experiment, the animals received a neurologic examination by a blinded observer, were then sacrificed, and the brains examined by a blinded observer. There were no significant differences in the degree of damage between the two groups.
Relationships of Serum Estriol, Cortisol and Albumin Concentrations with Pig Weight at 110 Days of Gestation and at Birth
Authors: Wise T. , Stone R.T. , Vernon M.W.
Published: September 2009

In polytocous species, animals with reduced birth weights are associated with reduced neonatal survival, which may be related to substandard placental function. At 110 days of gestation (n = 84) and at birth (∼114 days, n = 193), fetal pigs were bled and weighed, so that indexes of placental function (estriol), fetal stress (cortisol), and fetal growth (albumin) could be related to fetal development. Concentration of estriol at birth or 110 days of gestation was not linearly related to weight of pig. Pig serum albumin was linearly related to pig weight and increased as body weight increased (p < 0.05). In blood from pigs sampled at birth, cortisol concentrations significantly decreased as body weight increased (p < 0.05).
Existence of a Digitalis-Like Compound in the Human Fetus
Authors: Guédeney Xavier , Chanez Claude , Scherrmann Jean-Michel
Published: September 2009

Digoxin-like inhibitors of Na+, K+-ATPase have been implicated in several pathophysiological problems in the perinatal period. Aqueous endogenous digoxin-like immunoreactive substance (DLIS) was extracted from 9 different organs of a 24-week-old human fetus whose mother died after paraquat poisoning. The results indicate that this endogenous DLIS has a wide distribution in fetal tissues. The highest levels were found in gut and adrenals, and there was a correlation between these high levels and the inhibition of Na+, K+-ATPase. The hypothesis that DLIS originated in the fetus is of particular relevance.
Thyroid Function in Fetus and Mother during the Second Half of Normal Pregnancy
Authors: Radunovic N. , Dumez Y. , Nastic D. , Mandelbrot L. , Dommergues M.
Published: September 2009

Thyroid hormones, thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) and thryrotropin (TSH) concentrations were measured in 46 paired fetal and maternal blood samples collected between 17 and 36 weeks of gestation. The samples were selected retrospectively from fetuses that had undergone cordocentesis for prenatal diagnosis, had been found to be unaffected and confirmed healthy at birth. In maternal serum, total thyroxine (TT4) and triiodothyronine (TT3) concentrations were high, but free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) were within normal adult ranges; reverse T3 (RT3) increased and TSH levels decreased towards term. Fetal TT4, FT4, TT3, FT3, TBG and TSH levels significantly increased whereas RT3 sharply decreased with gestational age. The ratio of fetal TSH/FT4 significantly decreased, suggesting that the set point for negative feedback of pituitary TSH secretion is changing while the sensitivity of the thyroid gland to TSH increases throughout gestation. There was no significant correlation between the maternal and fetal TBG, TSH, TT4 and FT4, whereas maternal TT3 was positively correlated with fetal TT4, FT4, TT3 and FT3. Normal reference values for maternal and fetal iodothyronines, TBG and TSH throughout the second half of gestation provide insight into fetal thyroid development and may be useful for prenatal diagnosis.
Physiological Effects of Kangaroo Care in Very Small Preterm Infants
Authors: de Leeuw Richard , Colin Edgar M. , Dunnebier Erwin A. , Mirmiran Majid
Published: September 2009

Kangaroo care for preterm infants has great benefits for the parents and for the parent-infant bonding process. A clinical observational study was conducted in which several physiological variables were collected, including among others transcutaneous oxygen pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, occurrence of apneic attacks, breathing pattern (studied with power spectrum analysis), behavioral states and rectal temperature, during kangaroo care in small preterm infants. Kangaroo-care did not significantly affect any of these physiological variables comparing the period of 1 h before, 1 h during and 1 h after kangaroo care. We conclude that kangaroo care is a safe method, even for very small nonstabilized preterm infants.
Lack of Influence of Maternal and Fetal Transferrin Phenotypes and Concentrations on Normal Fetal Growth
Authors: Wong C.T. , Saha N.
Published: September 2009

Influence of maternal and fetal transferrin types and concentrations on the fetal growth has been investigated in 1,174 normal full-term singleton newborns, including 352 mother-newborn pairs. No significant effect of these parameters was observed on the weight and length of the newborns. Newborn plasma transferrin concentration was not correlated with maternal plasma transferrin concentration.
Cerebral Function of the Guinea Pig Neonate after Chronic Intrauterine Exposure to Khat (Catha edulis Forsk.)
Authors: Thordstein Magnus , Jansson Thomas , Kristiansson Bengt
Published: September 2009

Cerebral function in normoxia and its reactions to standard periods of hypoxia of increasing severity were studied in 30 newborn guinea pigs less than 3 days old. Intrauterine growth retardation was induced either by uterine artery ligation at midgestation or by feeding the female in late gestation with khat leaves, an amphetamine-like stimulant chewed by men and women in several countries in eastern Africa and Arabia. After spontaneous delivery, the neonates were anesthetized and ventilated. Cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurophysiologic (somatosensory evoked potentials) parameters were monitored. Under normoxia, the khat-exposed group showed prolonged latency of the primary response of the somatosensory evoked potentials and a reduced amount of secondary components. Under hypoxia, this group also has a greater reduction of amplitude of the somatosensory evoked potentials. It is concluded that khat exposure during fetal life has an impact on the cerebral function during the neonatal period (at least up to 3 days of age) which is not solely explained by the concomitantly produced growth retardation.
Regulation of Tissue- and Development-Specific Gene Expression in the Liver
Authors: Benvenisty Nissim , Reshef Lea
Published: September 2009

The liver is equipped with a repertoire of enzymatic activities essential for executing its specialized role in metabolism, the expression of which is regulated during development. The liver-specific phenotype is the consequence of a developmental tissue-specific program of gene expression. Sequences close to many characterized structural liver-specific genes (cis-regulatory elements) regulate their transcription. Identification of such cis-regulatory elements, capable of conferring a hepatocyte-specific gene expression, has been achieved by the introduction of chimeric genes into germ lines, producing transgenic animals, into differentiated cultured cells and into a cell-free transcription system. Such cis-elements in the DNA are recognized by specific DNA-binding nuclear proteins (trans-acting factors) which are liver-enriched and developmentally controlled. The interaction of defined cis-acting elements, near liver-specific genes, with liver-specific trans-acting factors might result in the differentiation of cells of the endoderm lineage into hepatocyte cells.
Molybdenum in the Premature Infant
Authors: Bougle D. , Foucault D. , Voirin J. , Bureau F. , Duhamel J.F.
Published: September 2009

The molybdenum (Mo) levels in the plasma and urine of 30 premature and 15 full-term infants have been compared with the Mo intakes and urine uric acid excretion (uric acid/creatinine ratio) produced by the Mo enzyme xanthine oxidase. The Mo intakes of full-term infants were 41 ± 14 nmol/kg/day (mean ± SEM). In the premature group breast milk supplied significantly less Mo (4.3 ± 0.4 nmol/kg/day) than infant formulas (101 ± 31 nmol/kg/day) or premature formula (255 ± 13 nmol/kg/day). When fed breast milk, the preterm infants displayed similar or higher plasma and urine Mo and urine uric acid levels than formula-fed infants. For the whole preterm group a significant correlation was determined for urine Mo levels and Mo intakes as well as for plasma Mo and uric acid excretion. The bioavaibility of breast milk Mo seems to be higher than formula Mo according to the Mo levels and to their statistical link with uric acid excretion which could be proposed as a functional index of Mo status. These parameters displayed similar values in breast milk-fed prematures and control full-term infants. The Mo needs of formula-fed premature newborns remain to be defined using complete balance trials.
Single Dose of Labetalol in Normotensive Pregnancy: Effects on Maternal Hemodynamics and Uterine and Fetal Flow Velocity Waveforms
Authors: Pirhonen J.P. , Erkkola R.U. , Mäkinen J.I. , Ekblad U.U.
Published: September 2009

The short-term effect of 0.8 mg/kg of intravenous bolus of labetalol upon maternal and fetal hemodynamics was investigated in 10 healthy women at 38 weeks of gestation admitted to the hospital for elective cesarean section. The maximum effect occurred within 35 min after labetalol. At that point, the mean arterial pressure had decreased by 16%, and a slight decrease was observed in maternal heart rate. As to the flow velocity waveforms, no significant change was found in mean systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratio of uterine artery, umbilical artery or fetal middle cerebral artery. However, in 2 subjects with a large decrease in blood pressure also the uterine artery S/D ratio decreased.
Maturation of Respiratory Responses to Graded Hypoxia in Rabbits
Authors: Wangsnes Kraig M. , Koos Brian J.
Published: September 2009

The respiratory effects of graded hypoxia were determined in 8 rabbits on postnatal days 1 6 and 21. Ventilation was measured in the unanesthetized state by plethysmography. Graded hypoxia was produced by reducing the fracton of inspired O2 to 0.15 (mild hypoxia) for 15 min and then lowering it further to 0.10 (moderate hypoxia) for another 15 min. Mild hypoxia initially stimulated breathing to the same extent in all 3 groups; however, with moderate hypoxia, the percent increase in ventilation was greater for older rabbits. The rise in ventilation was due to an increase in tidal volume and frequency in 1- and 21-day-old rabbits, and it was almost entirely the result of changes in frequency in 6-day-old rabbits. After 2–3 min of hypoxia (mild or moderate), a decline in ventilation was observed in all 3 groups. This reduction of respiration was greater in younger animals and with moderate hypoxia. Decreases in frequency and tidal volume contributed significantly to this fall in ventilation for 1- and 2-day-old rabbits. However, the fall in ventilation for 6-day-old pups occurred almost entirely by changes in tidal volume. It is concluded that the magnitude of phase 1 (increased ventilation) and phase 2 (decreased ventilation) responses to hypoxia depend upon the level of hypoxia and the age of the rabbit.
Behavioral Effects of an Intrauterine or Neonatal Diabetic Environment in the Rat
Authors: Johansson B. , Meyerson B. , Eriksson U.J.
Published: September 2009

Maternal diabetes during pregnancy may cause lasting effects on the psycho-neurological development in the offspring. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible effects of an intrauterine or neonatal exposure to a diabetic environment on behavior during infancy and adulthood. On days 4 and 6 of age, offspring of streptozotocin-diabetic rats emitted higher numbers of ultrasound calls compared to control offspring. Neonatally streptozotocin-treated rats explored their environment by diminished sniffing and rearing intensity compared to control rats. However, in adult life neither of these rat groups displayed behavioral differences compared to their respective control group. The results suggest that development of basic behavioral patterns in the rat proceed almost normally despite exposure to a diabetic environment in the early embryonic period or in early infancy.
Metallothionein in Rat Lung during Postnatal Development
Authors: Hart Beth A. , Voss George W. , Garvey Justine S.
Published: September 2009

Zn and Cu concentration, content, and distribution in lung were quantitated in neonatal and adult Lewis rats. Total lung Cu and Zn content rose dramatically during postnatal development, paralleling increases in lung and body weight. Cu concentration was 2-fold higher in adult lung than in neonatal lung whereas Zn concentration was unaffected by developmental age. A Cu-containing protein with an approximate molecular weight of 10,000 Da was identified immunologically as metallothionein (MT). At term, native MT concentration in the lung was 4-fold higher than in adult lungs. By day 4 postpartum, MT concentration was reduced by half and reached a level characteristic of the adult by 7 days postpartum. MT was localized in nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments of positive lung cells by immunofluorescent techniques; initially, nuclear MT staining was more intense than cytoplasmic staining.
Anti-CD3 Antibody-Induced Lymphocyte Proliferation: A New Tool for the Prenatal Diagnosis of Some Inherited Immune Deficiencies
Authors: Le Deist Françoise , Durandy Anne
Published: September 2009

We have compared anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody-induced proliferation of T lymphocytes from normal human fetuses and neonates with that of adult T cells. In contrast to data in the literature, we consistently observed a strong proliferative response during antenatal and perinatal life. A lack of anti-CD3-induced proliferation, despite normal responses to the mitogen phytohemaglutinin, may prove to be a useful criterion in the diagnosis of some ill-defined inherited immune deficiencies.
Effect of Excess Dietary Fat during the Third Trimester of Pregnancy on Maternal, Placental, and Fetal Metabolism in the Pig
Authors: Hausman D.B. , Seerley R.W. , Martin R.J.
Published: September 2009

The effect of excessive intake of dietary fat during late gestation on maternal, placental, and fetal metabolism was studied. Twelve pregnant gilts were fed ad libitum diets containing 4 (control) or 55% (added fat) calories as fat, beginning on day 70 of gestation. On day 110, glucose and palmitate oxidation, and incorporation into fatty acids by maternal adipose tissue, maternal and fetal placenta, and fetal liver and adipose tissue were determined. Caloric efficiency and adipose tissue glucose utilization were reduced in the added fat gilts, while placenta metabolism at high media palmitate concentrations was increased. Fetal development and metabolism were for the most part unaffected by maternal diet; thus, the fetus appears to be protected from dietary excess through adaptations of both maternal and placental metabolism.
Diet Composition Modifies Embryotoxic Effects Induced by Experimental Diabetes in Rats
Authors: Giavini Erminio , Broccia Maria Luisa , Prati Mariangela , Roversi Gian Domenico
Published: September 2009

Despite improvements in prenatal care, the incidence of congenital malformations in diabetic pregnancies is still 3–4 times higher than in normal pregnancies. These defects could be attributed to alterations of intrauterine environment due to disorder of the maternal metabolism. If this were true, the quality of food could play a role in diabetes-induced embryotoxicity. To check this hypothesis, female CD rats were made diabetic by injecting intravenously 50 mg/kg of streptozotocin 2 weeks before mating. From the first day of pregnancy they were divided into three groups and maintained on the following diets: (1) standard diet (Italiana Mangimi); (2) purified high protein diet (protein 55%, carbohydrates 25.5%, fat 7.5%, fiber 4.5%, ash 7.5%); (3) purified normoprotein diet (protein 19%, carbohydrates 62.5%, fat 7.5%, fiber 4%, ash 7%). Nondiabetic pregnant females fed with standard diet served as negative control. No significant differences were observed in blood glucose levels among the groups (range 410–500 mg/dl). The group fed on normoprotein diet showed at term of pregnancy: (1) higher rate of resorptions; (2) lower fetal weight; (3) higher frequency of major malformations than the groups fed standard and hyperproteic diets. Although we are not able at this time to discriminate between a protective effect of a diet with a high protein content and a disruptive effect of a diet containing high quantity of carbohydrates, the results of this trial support the hypothesis of a fuel-mediated teratogenesis in diabetic pregnancy.
Perinatal Glutathione Levels in Liver and Brain of Rats from Large and Small Litters
Authors: Glöckner R. , Kretzschmar M.
Published: September 2009

In the rat, hepatic glutathione (GSH) levels increase prenatally and reach maximum concentrations at term. They are independent of the kind of delivery (cesarean section, spontaneous labor). Brain levels are distinctly lower and do not show a perinatal peak. In both organs a slight increase of GSH concentrations can be observed in the first 3 h after birth. Different litter sizes representing different intrauterine developmental conditions do not influence GSH levels, which is in contrast to the recently reported effect of litter size on prenatal development of hepatic γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) activity. We suggest that perinatal GGT activity and GSH levels are regulated by different mechanisms.
Effects of Maternal Bilateral Adrenalectomy and Betamethasone Administration on Renal Rat Encephalic Development
Authors: Arahuetes R.M. , Carretero V. , Diebold Y. , Rua C.
Published: September 2009

The present study examined the effects of maternal bilateral adrenalectomy and betamethasone treatment on fetal encephalic development, in terms of fetal body weight, brain weight, DNA, protein and lipid contens and morphological development. Both influenced the developmental time patterns of fetal brain and cerebellum. Fetuses of adrenalectomized rats had decreased body weights, whereas brain weight was not affected. Maternal adrenalectomy produces in fetal brain a decreased number of cells and increased cell size, while betamethasone treatment of adrenalectomized rats increased cell number, which was not different from control values; cell size remained lower than in control fetuses. Lipid content was increased in the fetuses of betamethasone-treated rats. In terms of morphological development, laminated structures (hippocampus and brain and cerebellar cortex) were the ones most affected.
Cathepsin B and D Activities in Intestinal Mucosa during Postnatal Development in Pigs. Relation to Intestinal Uptake and Transmission of Macromolecules
Authors: Ekström G.M. , Weström B.R.
Published: September 2009

The mucosal activities of cathepsin B and D were assayed in the small intestine of newborn pigs and of pigs 24 h, 6 days and 4–8 weeks old, respectively. Before sacrificing these animals, the intestinal capacity to internalise and further transmit macromolecules into the blood serum was evaluated by feeding a marker solution containing bovine IgG, bovine serum albumin and fluorescein-isothiocyanate-conjugated dextran 70,000 (FITC-dextran). No significant differences in the activities of cathepsin B or D were observed in the mucosa from the various age groups of pigs. The transmission of the marker macromolecules into the blood was higher in the newborn pigs than in older postclosure animals, all of which only had low or undetectable serum marker concentrations. No apparent difference in the uptake of the markers into the intestinal epithelium could be detected between that of the newborn, preclosure pigs and pigs 24 h old. Both groups showed a similar pattern of mucosal fluorescence, indicating that there had been a high uptake of all markers into the epithelium. In the 6-day-old pigs, epithelial uptake was only visible in the distal small intestine, whereas no uptake at all could be found in the animals 4–8 weeks of age. The results suggest that intestinal closure in the pig, i.e. the dramatic decrease in the transfer of macromolecules from the intestinal epithelium into the blood at about 24 h of age, is not due to a decrease in the endocytotic ability of the enterocytes, nor to a higher degradation rate within these cells. More probably, closure may be the result of a decreased transfer of the internalised macromolecules into the blood.
Internal Jugular Venous Oxygen Saturation Does Not Reflect Sagittal Sinus Oxygen Saturation in Piglets
Authors: Rudinsky Brian F. , Meadow William L.
Published: September 2009

Can blood samples from the internal jugular vein (IJ) be used reliably in place of sagittal sinus (SS) samples in the calculation of cerebral oxygen extraction? To test this question we compared the O2 saturation (Sat) of blood samples drawn from SS, IJ vein, and pulmonary artery (MV) during hypercarbia, eucarbia and hypocarbia in 7 paralyzed, ventilated piglets. Cerebral blood flow was assessed by measuring unilateral internal carotid artery blood flow (ICABF), determined by an electromagnetic flow probe placed around the common carotid artery after ligation of the external carotid artery. During hypocarbia, eucarbia and hypercarbia SatSS (37.3 ± 9.3, 48.9 ± 10.2, 70.8 ± 11.8%, respectively) was significantly different from SatlJ (54.8 ± 8.9, 54.5 ± 9.0, 62.0 ± 15.1 %) and SatMV (55.9 ± 5.5, 58.7 ± 5.3, 53.5 ± 11.2%). The mean slope of the SatSS vs. PaCO2 regression lines was + 0.583 ± 0.303%/mm Hg, significantly greater than the mean slope of the regression lines for SatlJ vs. PaCO2 (+0.087 ± 0.310%/mm Hg) or SatMV vs. PaCO2 (-0.112 ± 0.230%/mm Hg). The relationship of ICABF vs. PaCO2 (mean slope = 0.444 ± 0.294 ml/min/mm Hg) was statistically significant, while the relationship of cardiac output (determined by an electromagnetic flow probe placed around the pulmonary artery) vs. PaCO2 (mean slope = 0.470 ± 1.617 ml/min/mm Hg) was not. We conclude that blood samples from the IJ do not reliably reflect cerebral venous blood and cannot be substituted for SS samples in piglets. It is most probable that the substitution of IJ for SS blood is not valid in piglets because the IJ receives venous effluent from noncerebral tissue.