bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Red blood cell as glucose carrier: significance for placental and cerebral glucose transfer
Authors: Jacquez J. A.
Published: December 2017

At plasma glucose values of 5 mM (90 mg/100 ml) the maximum glucose transport capacity of the human red cell membrane is 12,000 times the rate of glucose utilization by the red blood cell. Mammals, other than primates, that have been tested have a comparable high-capacity system during fetal life, which is lost soon after birth. It has been suggested that the availability of the water space of the red blood cell for distribution of glucose facilitates transfer across the placenta during fetal life in all mammals and across the blood-brain barrier in adult primates. Though plausible, more comparative studies of glucose transport in red blood cells of other species and direct experimental evaluations of the contribution of the red blood cell to glucose transfer across the placenta and the blood-brain barrier are needed.
Centrifugation of 2 g does not affect otoconial mineralization in chick embryos
Authors: Ballarino J. , Howland H. C.
Published: December 2017

Chick embryos were grown on a rotating centrifuge for periods of 2 wk to study the effects of increased gravity on the relative growth of their otoliths and femurs. Embryos, 20-21 days of age, centrifuged at 2 g showed no difference in utricular otoconial CaCO3 weights and femur CaPO4 weights compared with stationary control embryos of the same age. In addition, control embryos rotated at the center of the centrifuge had otoconial CaCO3 weights and femur CaPO4 weights not significantly different from stationary controls or from embryos rotated at 2 g. Accordingly these data do not support the hypothesis that the weight of the embryonic otoconial membrane is involved in the feedback regulation of its growth.
Some statistical and experimental considerations in the use of the analysis-of-variance procedure
Authors: Denenberg V. H.
Published: December 2017

Researchers often test the wrong statistical hypothesis in evaluating their experiments, thereby drawing wrong conclusions. Examples of this are given. In addition, data containing correlations among subjects require a different form of statistical analysis than do data involving independent observations. Errors that can result from an incorrect analysis are illustrated.
Effects of temperature on the structure and metabolism of cell membranes in fish
Authors: Hazel J. R.
Published: December 2017

The metabolic adjustments responsible for the “homeoviscous adaptation” of membrane lipid composition in fish are examined with special reference to the rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri. The percentage of fatty acid lipogenesis attributable to unsaturates was elevated after an acute drop in temperature but declined with continued cold exposure (i.e., cold acclimation). In contrast, selected desaturation reactions [particularly those involved in the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of the n-3 and/or n-6 families] proceeded more rapidly in cold-than in warm-acclimated trout. Different time courses for the change in monoene and PUFA levels of hepatic microsomal membranes during thermal acclimation suggest that the various desaturase enzymes contribute to the acclimatory response at different times. Certain fatty acids, particularly the delta 5-desaturation products of the n-3 (20:5 delta 5,8,11,14,17) and n-6 (20:4 delta 5,8,11,14) series, were preferentially incorporated into phospholipids at cold temperatures and by cold-acclimated trout, due in part to the direct effect of temperature on the substrate preferences of the phospho- and acyltransferase enzymes of de novo phospholipid biosynthesis; however, chain length rather than degree of unsaturation per se may determine the temperature-dependent pattern of fatty acid incorporation. Both acute and chronic cold exposure elevated the incorporation of PUFA into phosphatidylserine (PS), suggesting that the conversion of PS to phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) may be activated at cold temperatures. The rate of homeoviscous adaptation appears to be limited by the rate of membrane lipid turnover, which although generally positively correlated with acclimation temperature, did vary depending on the phospholipid moiety and tissue considered. Finally the direct acylation of lysophospholipids formed during the process of membrane turnover may contribute to both rapid and acclimatory adjustments in membrane lipid composition.
Genetic and environmental influences on developing autonomic control of heart rate
Authors: Tucker D. C. , Bhatnagar R. K. , Johnson A. K.
Published: December 2017

Individual differences in cardiovascular regulation result from a dynamic interaction between genetically programmed developmental processes and extrinsic (environmental) conditions. The alterations in autonomic functioning previously identified among pups of the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) strain suggest a genetic influence on autonomic development. In the present studies, an early stimulation procedure previously shown to reduce the behavioral and endocrine responsiveness of rodents in adulthood was demonstrated to alter both neural control of heart rate and regional brain catecholamine levels during the preweaning period. Pups from litters of SHR and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were handled daily during the first postnatal week. Selective pharmacological blockade with atenolol and atropine methylnitrate was used to identify autonomic controls of heart rate at 16 and 28 days of age. Combined blockade was used to estimate intrinsic heart rate. In both SHR and WKY, early handling was associated with elevated basal heart rate, elevated intrinsic heart rate, and decreased sympathetic tone. Parasympathetic influence on heart rate was elevated by early handling in WKY and decreased by handling in SHR. In addition, an increase in dorsal cortical norepinephrine concentration was produced by early handling in both strains. These data suggest that early environmental conditions can interact with the genetic predisposition for elevated blood pressure and may play a potentially important role in organizing the neural controls of cardiovascular regulation.
Circadian variations in contributions of bone and intestine to plasma calcium in dogs
Authors: Wong K. M. , Klein L.
Published: December 2017

Young euparathyroid dogs, prelabeled with radiocalcium and fed a normal-calcium diet exhibited circadian variations in the amount of bone calcium contributed to the plasma calcium pool, as evaluated by changes in plasma calcium-45 radioactivity. When these dogs were fed a low-calcium diet or fasted, the contribution of bone calcium to plasma calcium rose to the point where bone constituted nearly the sole source of plasma calcium, and plasma calcium-45 no longer varied. In thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX) dogs fed a normal diet, the fraction of plasma calcium due to bone contribution was reduced and plasma calcium-45 did not vary. When dietary calcium in TPTX dogs was increased by supplementation with calcium lactate pills, total plasma calcium rose, but the contribution of bone calcium to the plasma calcium pool remained unchanged. Thus the ability of normal young dogs to modulate bone calcium mobilization in response to dietary calcium intake appears to be hormonally regulated in a circadian manner.
Transient response of the calcium homeostatic system: effect of calcitonin
Authors: Jaros G. G. , Belonje P. C. , van Hoorn-Hickman R. , Newman E.
Published: December 2017

With the use of an intravenous step load of calcium, a rapid (less than 30 min) process that helps regulate plasma calcium has been identified in pigs. The process appears to be calcitonin dependent, may not involve simple equilibration, and varies inversely with age, as it is virtually absent in old sheep compared with its intensity in young sheep. Based on these findings and a general model of calcium homeostasis, five classes of regulatory processes are proposed. Grade I (half time, t1/2, congruent to 15 min) is a transient and saturable response present only in young individuals and is calcitonin dependent. Grade II (1/2 congruent to 60-90 min) is parathyroid hormone and possibly calcitonin dependent. Grade III (t1/2 = 3-4 h) is parathyroid hormone dependent and probably renal in nature. Grade IV (t1/2, several hours) is vitamin D dependent and intestinal in nature. Grade V (t1/2, hours or days) is parathyroid hormone and calcitonin dependent and skeletal in nature.
Mechanisms of CO2 transport in rectal salt gland of Aedes. II. Site of Cl(-)-HCO3(-) exchange
Authors: Strange K. , Phillips J. E. , Quamme G. A.
Published: December 2017

In the previous paper [Am. J. Physiol. 246 (Regulatory Integrative Comp. Physiol. 15): R727 - R734 , 1984] evidence was presented that indicated HCO3(-) transport in the microperfused rectal salt gland of Aedes dorslis larvae is mediated by a 1:1 exchange of luminal Cl(-) for serosal HCO3(-). The present work demonstrates clearly that the anterior segment is the site of Cl(-)HCO3(-) exchange. Changes in total CO2 concentration of collected perfusates are the same in perfused anterior segments as in whole, perfused salt glands. Furthermore Cl(-) reabsorption in the perfused anterior segment is equivalent to total CO2 secretion and is completely inhibited by bilateral CO2 and HCO3(-) removal. Contrary to a previous hypothesis, both salt gland segments are capable of secreting strongly hyperosmotic fluids containing high concentrations of Na+, Cl(-), and HCO3(-)-CO3(2-).
Units in the amygdala responding to activation of carotid baro- and chemoreceptors
Authors: Cechetto D. F. , Calaresu F. R.
Published: December 2017

The distribution of units in the amygdala responding to selective activation of baro- and chemoreceptors was investigated in 12 cats under alpha-chloralose anesthesia. Changes in the firing frequency of spontaneously discharging units were monitored during baroreceptor activation (BA) (phenylephrine hydrochloride, 2 micrograms/kg iv) and chemoreceptor activation (CA) (sodium cyanide, 25 micrograms in 0.1 ml saline into the medial thyroid artery). CA altered the firing frequency of 23% (35/154) of the units; 37% (13/35) were excited, and 63% (22/35) were inhibited. BA altered the firing frequency of 16% (24/154) of the units; 71% (17/24) were excited, while 29% (7/24) were inhibited. The units responsive to CA were located primarily in the dorsomedial amygdala, while those responsive to BA were located primarily in the ventrolateral amygdala. The anatomic separation of units within the amygdala responding to activation of baroreceptors or chemoreceptors suggests that the specificity of function of different parts of the amygdala is related to the different kinds of inputs received by these components of the amygdala from cardiovascular receptors.
Psychobiology of speech development: coemergence of language and a movement system
Authors: Kent R. D.
Published: December 2017

Speech development in the child represents the coemergence of language and a movement system. This paper presents seven basic principles on which a theory of speech development should be formed. Briefly, these principles address developmental changes in musculoskeletal and neural anatomy, continuities in phonetic development, coordination of productive (motor) and perceptual capabilities, rhythmic or cyclic patterning of movement, changing units of phonologic contrast, and interaction of phonetic development with acquisition of a motor skill for speech. These basic principles are in harmony with an autoorganizational theory of language development in which the infant generates, maintains, and transforms patterns of order. Examples of developmental patterns are taken from the literature to illustrate the explanatory value of the autoorganizational theory.
A comment on equating information with symbol strings
Authors: Turvey M. T. , Kugler P. N.
Published: December 2017

Symbol strings are advanced as the informational basis for many biological, physiological, and psychological phenomena. The role ascribed to them is that of indicating or directing states of affairs. Pattee has suggested that nature exploits information in this quasi-linguistic sense sparingly, that symbol strings are limited in detail, and that their relation to dynamics is one of complementation. A different, nonsymbolic view of information that addresses how animals can guide their locomotion in cluttered surroundings has been pursued by Gibson. It has considerable generality: information is low-dimensional qualitative properties of low-energy fields, lawfully generated by properties of systems and surround. It is argued that in the absence of information in Gibson's specificational sense, information in the indicational-injunctional sense is ineffective, and it is suggested that perplexities about the selective content of symbol strings may be resolved by a thoroughgoing understanding of Gibsonian information.
Evidence for hepatic involvement in control of ad libitum food intake in rats
Authors: Friedman M. I. , Sawchenko P. E.
Published: December 2017

Sectioning the hepatic branch of the anterior abdominal vagal trunk attenuated but did not abolish the normal nocturnal bias in the day-night distribution of food intake in female rats. Neither total daily food intake nor body weight was affected by hepatic vagotomy. This effect appeared to be specific to the hepatic branch of the nerve because sectioning the remaining (gastric and celiac) abdominal vagal branches did not influence daily feeding rhythms and appeared to be specific to feeding behavior, because the day-night rhythms of drinking behavior and wheel-running activity were not affected by hepatic vagotomy. In male rats, hepatic vagotomy also produced an increase in daytime food consumption but without commensurate reduction in nighttime eating. As a result, male rats with hepatic vagotomy displayed a modest chronic hyperphagia and body weight gain, which was associated primarily with increased linear growth. The effect of nerve section on daytime food intake was expressed quite rapidly. Daytime food intake increased within 8 h after hepatic vagotomy, which was produced at light onset by pulling on a previously implanted suture. Collectively, these results demonstrate that hepatic vagotomy changes daily feeding rhythms and suggest that the liver and perhaps its vagal innervation are involved in the control of ad libitum eating behavior.
Comparison of carotid sinus baroreceptors in dogs, cats, monkeys, and rabbits
Authors: Gilmore J. P. , Tomomatsu E.
Published: December 2017

Single-unit recordings were obtained from the vascularly isolated Krebs-Henseleit-perfused carotid sinus of the rabbit and cat, and the results were compared with those obtained previously from the monkey and dog. Carotid sinus pressure was altered using static pressure steps. There was a highly significant correlation between resting arterial pressure and carotid sinus baroreceptor threshold pressure. The baroreceptors of the monkey and rabbit had a significantly lower threshold than those of the dog and cat. The baroreceptors of the monkey had a significantly lower gain than those of the three nonprimates. This is the first study in which baroreceptor activity has been studied under the same experimental conditions in four different species.
Attenuated pulmonary pressor response to hypoxia in bar-headed geese
Authors: Faraci F. M. , Kilgore D. L. , Fedde M. R.
Published: December 2017

We determined the pulmonary pressor response during hypoxia in bar-headed geese (Anser indicus), a species that flies at altitudes up to 9,000 m, and Pekin ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), a non-flyer. Mean pulmonary arterial blood pressure (PAP) and arterial O2 partial pressure (PaO2) were measured in unanesthetized birds acutely exposed to 21, 10, 5, and, in geese only, 4% O2. PAP in geese did not change as PaO2 was reduced from 95 to 46 Torr and rose only 3 mmHg when PaO2 was reduced to 28 Torr. The same PaO2 decline in ducks (99 to 29 Torr) resulted in an 11-mmHg rise in PAP. The data suggest that very little or no increase in pulmonary vascular resistance occurs in these geese during hypoxia. This bird may provide a unique model in which to study pulmonary vascular control mechanisms.
Long-term blood pressure and metabolic effects of vasopressin with servo-controlled fluid volume
Authors: Cowley A. W. , Merrill D. C. , Quillen E. W. , Skelton M. M.
Published: December 2017

Studies were performed in normal mongrel dogs (n = 8) to assess whether changes observed with chronic administration of vasopressin (AVP) were a result of direct actions of AVP or the consequence of changes in body fluid volume. AVP was infused continuously for 2 wk (0.36 ng X kg-1 X min-1 iv), while total body weight and body water (TBW) were maintained constant (+/- 50 g) using a servo-controlled system. A metabolic cage was mounted on sensitive force transducers for continuous monitoring of TBW. The summed voltage output of these transducers was used to servo control an intravenous infusion pump that adjusted the rate of water intake required for maintenance of a constant TBW. AVP infused under these conditions chronically increased plasma AVP levels from 2 to 22 pg/ml but resulted in no change of average 24-h mean arterial pressure, plasma sodium, or osmolality. Urine excretion decreased from 800 to 200 ml/day, whereas urine osmolality increased from 430 to 1,200 mosmol/kg and remained at these levels throughout the 2-wk AVP infusion. A net loss of 20 meq sodium occurred during the 1st day of AVP infusion but thereafter was unchanged. Plasma sodium and osmolality were unchanged from control during AVP infusions. We conclude that AVP-induced changes of arterial pressure, plasma sodium concentration and osmolality, renal escape, suppression of renin activity, and most of the observed natriuresis are events normally dependent on volume expansion.
Effects of bradykinin and capsaicin on endings of afferent fibers from abdominal visceral organs
Authors: Longhurst J. C. , Kaufman M. P. , Ordway G. A. , Musch T. I.
Published: December 2017

Stimulation of sensory endings in abdominal visceral organs with capsaicin or bradykinin reflexly increases heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial contractility through afferent pathways in splanchnic nerves. To determine the afferent fiber types stimulated, we recorded impulses in the right splanchnic nerve in 12 anesthetized cats after either injecting capsaicin (50-200 micrograms) or bradykinin (6.5-20 micrograms) into the descending thoracic aorta or applying pledgets soaked with these chemicals to a visceral organ. We studied 26 A- and 23 C-fibers, each with one receptive field in the mesentery, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, or porta hepatis. Endings of C-fibers generally were mechanically insensitive, whereas endings of A-fibers were mechanically sensitive. After a latency of 10.7 +/- 3.3 s, capsaicin increased the activity of 10 of 26 A-fibers from 2.0 +/- 0.9 to 9.9 +/- 2.6 impulses/s and 23 of 23 C-fibers from 0.2 +/- 0.1 to 13.0 +/- 1.6 impulses/s after a latency of 3.3 +/- 0.9 s. Bradykinin increased the activity of 15 of 26 A-fibers from 2.6 +/- 0.9 to 7.4 +/- 1.5 impulses/s after a latency of 17.0 +/- 1.7 s and 16 of 22 C-fibers from 0.4 +/- 0.2 to 4.7 +/- 1.2 impulses/s after a latency of 19.0 +/- 1.9 s. Capsaicin stimulated significantly more C- than A-fibers (P less than 0.001) and a significantly greater fraction of C-fibers than did bradykinin (P less than 0.007). We conclude that stimulation of splanchnic C-fiber afferents by capsaicin and both A- and C-fiber afferents by bradykinin is primarily responsible for the reflex cardiovascular responses caused by these chemicals.
Blood-brain barrier permeability to sucrose and dextran after osmotic opening
Authors: Ziylan Y. Z. , Robinson P. J. , Rapoport S. I.
Published: December 2017

Regional cerebrovascular permeability-surface area (PA) products were calculated for two nonelectrolyte tracers differing considerably in molecular weight and size [( 14C]sucrose: mol wt 340 daltons, radius 5 A; and [3H]dextran: mol wt approximately 79,000 daltons, radius approximately 65 A) in control (uninfused) rats and in rats 6, 35, and 55 min after the blood-brain barrier was opened by a 30-s infusion of 1.8 molal L(+)-arabinose into a carotid artery. In control brain regions, mean PA for [14C]sucrose was 10(-5) s-1, whereas PA was not measurable for [3H]dextran. Six minutes after arabinose infusion, PA for both substances increased dramatically to 10(-4) s-1 or more; PA then declined at 35 and 55 min after arabinose infusion, but more markedly for [3H]dextran than for [14C]sucrose. The results demonstrate a size-dependent, differential rate of closure of the blood-brain barrier after osmotic opening. This is shown to be consistent with a pore model with bulk flow for blood-brain barrier permeability after osmotic opening.
Hepatic glycerol flux after E. coli endotoxin administration
Authors: McGuinness O. P. , Spitzer J. J.
Published: December 2017

Hepatic glycerol flux was examined in dogs after the administration of Escherichia coli endotoxin (0.4 mg/kg) to determine the contribution of the liver to the previously observed decline in the metabolic clearance rate of glycerol. Hepatic glycerol flux was estimated by determining hepatic arterial and portal venous blood flows with electromagnetic flow probes and by measuring arteriovenous difference of glycerol across the liver. Administration of endotoxin significantly decreased total hepatic blood flow (by approximately 20%) but did not alter hepatic arterial blood flow. Hepatic glycerol clearance decreased by 25–30% after endotoxin administration. Hepatic glycerol extraction also decreased. Under control conditions, 60% of the metabolic clearance rate of glycerol was attributable to the liver, whereas in the postendotoxin state approximately 72% of the glycerol clearance could be accounted for by hepatic clearance. Thus changes in transhepatic glycerol flux are only partially responsible for the previously observed alterations in glycerol clearance after endotoxin administration. Although hepatic glycerol clearance decreased, net hepatic glycerol, as well as lactate and alanine, uptake did not decrease, indicating that gluconeogenic precursor availability to the hepatocytes was not diminished. Hepatic glucose output was elevated after endotoxin administration. Changes in hepatic glucose output and gluconeogenic precursor uptake help explain the endotoxin-induced alternations in the fluxes of these metabolites.
Synthesis and renal activity of rat atrial granules depend on extracellular volume
Authors: Ackermann U. , Irizawa T. G.
Published: December 2017

Extracellular fluid volume (by 22Na) and extent of 4-h [3H]fucose incorporation into atrial-specific granules were measured in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)/salt-loaded or Na-deficient rats. The natriuretic potency of extracts from their atria was also measured in assay rats. DOCA/salt-treated animals had a significantly greater extracellular volume, a significantly greater degree of fucose uptake, and a significantly more potent diuretic and natriuretic effect than did Na-deficient rats. These observations, together with the known decrease in atrial granularity with DOCA treatment, suggest that a chronic increase in extracellular fluid volume is associated with increased synthesis and metabolism of atrial natriuretic factor. They also confirm the finding reported by others that granularity and natriuretic potency are not always directly related. It may be that visible granules represent a peptide storage form that requires further processing to become natriuretic.
Spinal interneurons with sympathetic nerve-related activity
Authors: Barman S. M. , Gebber G. L.
Published: December 2017

This study tested the hypothesis that at least some brain stem and reflex control of sympathetic outflow is mediated over pathways containing spinal interneurons. The vicinity of the intermediolateral nucleus (IML) of the third thoracic spinal segment was searched for neurons with spontaneous activity correlated to that in the inferior cardiac post-ganglionic sympathetic nerve of 16 baroreceptor-denervated cats anesthetized with Dial-urethane. Section of the carotid sinus, aortic depressor, and vagus nerves prevented the coupling of sympathetic and nonsympathetic networks by pulse synchronous baroreceptor activity. Spike-triggered averaging revealed the existence of two types of spinal neurons with sympathetic nerve-related activity. Preganglionic sympathetic neurons (PSN; n = 33) were antidromically activated by electrical stimulation of their axons in the third thoracic white ramus. Four observations suggest that the second group of neurons with sympathetic nerve-related activity (n = 18) were spinal interneurons (SIN) in pathways that excite PSN. First, these neurons could not be antidromically activated by stimulation of the segmental white ramus. Second, the intervals between spontaneous unit spike occurrence and inferior cardiac nerve activity were similar for SIN and PSN. Third, SIN and PSN were activated with nearly identical onset latencies by electrical stimulation of medullary sympathoexcitatory sites. Fourth, SIN were excited by intensities of cardiac sympathetic afferent stimulation that also activated PSN and the inferior cardiac nerve. SIN and PSN were distinguished on the basis of their spontaneous firing patterns; i.e., interspike intervals of SIN were significantly shorter than those of PSN.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Splenic and renal sympathetic responses to stimulation of splenic receptors in cats
Authors: Calaresu F. R. , Tobey J. C. , Heidemann S. R. , Weaver L. C.
Published: December 2017

The effect of selective stimulation of splenic receptors on reflex responses of splenic and renal efferent nerves was studied in anesthetized, vagotomized, sinoaortic denervated cats. The following substances were injected into the artery or vein of vascularly isolated spleens: warm physiological saline (congestion), capsaicin (CAPS), bradykinin (BK), and norepinephrine (NE). Splenic congestion increased efferent activity of splenic and renal nerves, splenic venous pressure, systemic arterial pressure, and heart rate. CAPS and BK elicited responses similar to those produced by congestion but caused greater excitation of splenic than renal nerves. Reflex responses were eliminated by section of splenic nerves. Injection of NE increased splenic venous pressure but did not elicit reflex responses. Finally, in contrast to a previous report light- and electron-microscopic examination of splenic nerves revealed myelinated, as well as unmyelinated, fibers. These results have demonstrated that activation of splenic receptors elicits reflex cardiovascular responses and excitation of splenic and renal efferent nerves, contraction of the spleen does not produce reflex responses, the adequate stimulus for reflex responses is stretch of vessels and possibly capsule, and splenic receptors play a role in the reflex control of circulation.
Plasma melatonin concentrations in hibernating marmots: absence of a plasma melatonin rhythm
Authors: Florant G. L. , Rivera M. L. , Lawrence A. K. , Tamarkin L.
Published: December 2017

Plasma melatonin concentrations were measured throughout bouts of hibernation in marmots maintained in a short photoperiod (light-dark 8:16) and ambient temperature of 5 or 15 degrees C. Melatonin concentration was also measured in two animals maintained in constant darkness. As an animal entered hibernation, plasma melatonin concentrations dropped to basal levels when body temperature reached 25 degrees C, and they remained low until arousal. During deep hibernation plasma melatonin values did not vary significantly (P greater than 0.05) with respect to time of day or different ambient temperatures. With nocturnal arousal plasma melatonin levels were similar to euthermic night values. Lack of a plasma melatonin rhythm during hibernation suggests that the pineal gland is not temperature compensated during hibernation, and due to the low tissue temperature of the pineal the circadian pacemaker driving melatonin secretion is incapable of stimulating a rhythm.
Elevated cardiac pressure inhibits renin release after arterial hypotension in conscious dogs
Authors: Lee M. E. , Thrasher T. N. , Ramsay D. J.
Published: December 2017

The relative roles of cardiopulmonary, sinoaortic, and renal baroreceptors in the regulation of plasma renin activity (PRA) were evaluated in dogs with chronically implanted cuffs around the ascending aorta proximal to the brachiocephalic artery, the abdominal aorta just proximal to both renal arteries, or both. Inflation of either cuff was adjusted to cause a reduction of distal arterial pressure and hence renal perfusion pressure (RPP) of 0, 5, 10, 20, or 30% of control for 1 h. Reduction of RPP by inflation of the suprarenal cuff (n = 4) led to a significant (P less than 0.05) increase in PRA throughout the dose range examined. However, constriction of the ascending aorta (n = 7) to cause identical reductions in RPP failed to increase PRA. The apparent paradox in these results may be explained by differential effects of the two maneuvers on left atrial pressure. Left atrial pressure increased dose dependently during inflation of the ascending aortic cuff but did not change during inflation of the suprarenal cuff. To determine if elevated right atrial pressure (RAP) would inhibit renin release after systemic hypotension, another group of dogs (n = 4) was prepared with cuffs around the pulmonary artery. Inflation of the pulmonary cuff to cause similar systemic hypotension led to significant (P less than 0.05) increases in PRA and RAP. Therefore we conclude that powerful inhibitory signals, arising from the left heart, can inhibit renin release in response to systemic hypotension.
Dietary obesity and neonatal sympathectomy. II. Thermoregulation and brown adipose metabolism
Authors: Levin B. E. , Sullivan A. C.
Published: December 2017

Neonatal sympathectomy with guanethidine (50 mg/kg for 3 wk) in Sprague-Dawley rats was previously shown not to significantly affect body weight gain, even when rats were raised in small litters and fed a high-calorie diet from weaning to produce diet-induced obesity (15). In our study rectal temperatures of cold-stressed (24 h at 4 degrees C) sympathectomized rats (obese and lean) fell only 1.4 degrees C after 4 h and were normal by 24 h, as were plasma catecholamine, glycerol glucose, and insulin levels after 4 h at 4 degrees C. Obese rats (with or without sympathectomy) had decreased 4-h (at 4 degrees C) plasma norepinephrine (NE) and increased basal and 4-h plasma glycerol, glucose, and insulin levels. Despite greater than 95% depletion of interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) NE in sympathectomized rats, there was no alteration in beta-adrenoreceptor binding and only 10 and 32% decreases in basal and maximal NE-stimulated O2 consumption, respectively. Obese rats had significant increases in IBAT beta-receptor binding (148–190%/cell, 77–155%/pad) and in basal (11–19%) but not maximal O2 consumption. These results suggest that factors other than the sympathetic nervous system can effectively control thermoregulation, IBAT metabolism, and body weight in the presence of a chronic defect in sympathetic function.
Osmoregulation and vasopressin secretion during pregnancy in Brattleboro rats
Authors: Barron W. M. , Durr J. , Stamoutsos B. A. , Lindheimer M. D.
Published: December 2017

Osmoregulation during pregnancy was compared in Brattleboro rats completely lacking vasopressin [homozygous (DI)], those with partial deficiency [heterozygous (HZ)], and control Long-Evans (LE) animals. Plasma osmolality (Posmol) was decreased 10-16 mosmol/kg near term in each group, whereas urine osmolality (Uosmol) was similar to that of virgin controls. This was accompanied by significant increments in water turnover similar in HZ and LE and massive in the gravid DI. Chronic vasopressin treatment increased Uosmol less in pregnant DI compared with virgins (P less than 0.001), and urinary prostaglandin E2 was increased in all gravid groups. Captopril per os failed to implicate the renin-angiotensin system in the altered water ingestive behavior of pregnancy. Basal arginine vasopressin pressure (PAVP) was similar in gravid and virgin HZ and LE, whereas the osmotic threshold for AVP secretion was lower in both pregnant groups. Increasing Posmol by dehydration or hypertonic saline led to similar increments in plasma AVP (PAVP) in pregnant and nongravid rats of each group, but sensitivity of the system delta P AVP/delta P osmol was significantly lower in HZ, a difference compatible with the decreased pituitary AVP content in the HZ strain. Data are consistent with decreases in the osmotic thresholds for AVP release (in HZ and LE) and thirst (in DI) and a need for increased AVP secretion during pregnancy.
Acute reduction of plasma vasopressin levels by rehydration in sheep
Authors: Blair-West J. R. , Gibson A. P. , Woods R. L. , Brook A. H.
Published: December 2017

Sheep were depleted of water by restricting water intake to 500 ml/day for 7-9 days and were then rehydrated by three treatments: voluntary intake of water, administration of water by tube into the stomach, or voluntary intake of 0.9% NaCl solution (saline). The volumes of fluids drunk within 2-3 min, or administered by tube, were approximately equal to the animal's weight loss. Plasma vasopressin rose from 4.4 +/- 0.6 to 16.8 +/- 1.0 pg/ml during water restriction. After drinking water plasma vasopressin fell from 19.0 +/- 1.9 to 7.5 +/- 0.4 pg/ml (P less than 0.001) in 15 min and gradually fell to 3.2 +/- 0.4 pg/ml over 6 h. Plasma osmolality fell from 302.4 +/- 0.9 to 301.0 +/- 1.1 mosmol/kg (NS) 15 min after water drinking and then gradually fell to subnormal levels. Sheep given water by stomach tube showed a similar decline in plasma osmolality, but the fall in plasma vasopressin was attenuated. The fall in plasma vasopressin in the first 30 min after drinking saline was almost identical with the fall after drinking water, but plasma osmolality was unaltered. Plasma vasopressin fell so rapidly after drinking water or saline as to suggest that the act of drinking caused almost complete inhibition of vasopressin release without a change in plasma osmolality. The results are consistent with earlier evidence that oropharyngeal receptors initiate the inhibition of vasopressin release after drinking.
Metabolic, ionic, and electrical responses of gerbil brain to ischemia
Authors: Mayevsky A. , Friedli C. M. , Reivich M.
Published: December 2017

The effects of short- or long-term complete cerebral ischemia were studied in the gerbil brain using a multi-parameter monitoring system. Metabolic (NADH redox state) and hemodynamic responses were monitored by surface fluorometry-reflectometry. Ionic activities (K+ and pH) were measured by surface macroelectrodes. Electrical activity was evaluated by monitoring the general electrocorticogram (ECoG) as well as local DC steady potential (two sites). Two groups of gerbils were studied to compare the effects of 4-5 min occlusions with those of 30 min complete ischemia. During bilateral carotid artery occlusion the cortex is exposed to complete ischemia resulting in the complete depletion of O2 with attendant maximal reduction of NADH. Extracellular K+ began to increase as soon as energy reserves were decreased with a time course suggesting two different kinetic areas. Surface pH decreased very shortly after the occlusion. During the recovery phase, NADH was reoxidized soon after recirculation, whereas the pH and K+ recovery showed a short delay. ECoG did not recover even when all other parameters reached base-line levels. The recovery of all the measured parameters was correlated to the duration of the ischemic insult; i.e., the recovery from 30 min of ischemia took significantly longer than after 5 min of ischemia. We conclude that pH recovery depends on recirculation and adequate O2 supply to the tissue, whereas K+ recovery required not only an adequate O2 supply but also the integrity of the adenosine triphosphatase system.
Renal mechanoreceptors in nonhuman primates
Authors: Gilmore J. P. , Tomomatsu E.
Published: December 2017

The present experiments provide the first description of the afferent discharge characteristics of renal mechanosensitive receptors in the nonhuman primate. Twenty-seven single units with mechano-sensitive receptor activity were obtained. Afferent discharge occurred regularly (pulse synchronous) or irregularly (pulse asynchronous) under spontaneous respiration. The activity of pulse synchronous units was increased by partial occlusion of the renal vein and elevation of arterial pressure. Impulse activity decreased or disappeared during bleeding or renal arterial occlusion. The impulse activity of pulse asynchronous units was increased by partial occlusion of the renal vein. The impulse activity of silent units was induced only by partial occlusion of the renal vein. An increase in ureteral pressure (50 mmHg) produced an increase or induced impulse activity in only three of the 27 fibers tested. Compression of the kidney or renal venous occlusion was associated with a decrease in systemic arterial pressure, whereas renal arterial occlusion produced a rise in systemic arterial pressure. An increase in ureteral pressure (50 mmHg) did not produce a change in arterial pressure.
Role of plasma epinephrine in fasted exercising rats
Authors: Winder W. W. , Terry M. L. , Mitchell V. M.
Published: December 2017

We have investigated the physiological role of the marked increase in plasma epinephrine that occurs in fasted exercising rats. Fasted adrenodemedullated (ADM) rats show a marked reduction in endurance run times compared with sham-operated (SO) controls. After running for 30 min at 21 m/min up a 10% grade, ADM rats' blood glucose was 2.9 +/- 0.1 mM vs. 4.3 +/- 0.2 mM in SO rats. At the same time, blood lactate was 3.0 +/- 0.2 mM in SO rats compared with 1.0 +/- 0.1 mM in ADM rats. Glycogenolysis was impaired in ADM rats in the fast-twitch white region of the quadriceps, lateral gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles but not in the fast-twitch red region of the quadriceps muscle. Hepatic adenosine 3',-5'-cyclic monophosphate was increased to the same extent in ADM and SO rats during exercise. Infusion of epinephrine into ADM rats during exercise corrected the hypoglycemia, restored lactate to normal, and stimulated glycogenolysis in soleus, white quadriceps, and lateral gastrocnemius muscles. Epinephrine-dependent glycogenolysis in contracting type I and noncontracting type II muscle fibers apparently provides essential quantities of lactate for hepatic gluconeogenesis in fasted exercising rats.
Dibutyryl-cAMP increases basolateral sodium conductance of mosquito Malpighian tubules
Authors: Sawyer D. B. , Beyenbach K. W.
Published: December 2017

Dibutyryladenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) stimulates fluid secretion in isolated Malpighian tubules of the mosquito Aedes aegypti. In the present study the effects of cAMP on the basolateral membrane were studied with conventional microelectrodes. Membrane conductances were evaluated from the changes of the basolateral membrane potential (Vbl) consequent to ion changes in the bath. Under control conditions, Vbl measured -65.2 +/- 1.5 mV [83 impalements, 67 tubules]. A fivefold decrease in the bath Na concentration hyperpolarized Vbl by 10.2 +/- 0.6 mV [7], whereas a 4.4-fold increase in the bath K concentration depolarized Vbl by 7.9 +/- 1.0 mV [9]. In the presence of cAMP (10(-4) M) Vbl depolarized to -24.8 +/- 2.7 mV [9]. Vbl now hyperpolarized by 22.7 +/- 1.5 mV [7] for the bath Na change and depolarized by only 3.8 +/- 1.1 mV [6] for the bath K change. Thus the dominant effect of cAMP is the increase of the basolateral membrane Na conductance. This increase is consistent with 1) the depolarization of Vbl and 2) the hyperpolarization of the transepithelial voltage, the decrease of the transepithelial resistance, and the increase of Na and fluid secretion observed previously. Spontaneous oscillations of Vbl were observed and could not be attributed to cyclical changes of the basolateral membrane Na conductance.
Circadian sleep-wake cycle organization in squirrel monkeys
Authors: Wexler D. B. , Moore-Ede M. C.
Published: December 2017

To investigate the relationship between circadian rhythms of body temperature and sleep-wake stages, four squirrel monkeys were prepared for unrestrained monitoring of temperature, locomotor activity, electroencephalogram, electroculogram, and electromyogram. Continuous records for each animal were made for several 12-h light-dark (LD) cycles and then after a few days in constant illumination (LL). All animals maintained consolidated sleep-wake cycles and had a longer circadian period (mean 24.7 h) in LL than in LD (mean 24.1 h). The increased period reflected greater time per circadian cycle spent awake in LL (mean 14.0 h) than in LD (mean 12.8 h). Total night NREM sleep was less in LL (mean 6.5 h) than in LD (mean 8.2 h). Sleep onset occurred at later phases in LL (187 +/- 6 degrees) than in LD (170 +/- 2 degrees). Because the circadian phase measure of NREM sleep was unchanged between LD and LL conditions, the difference in sleep onsets reflected balanced changes in NREM circadian waveforms. Wake-up phases were the same in both conditions (mean 342 degrees). In summary, during free run squirrel monkeys maintain a stable consolidated circadian sleep-wake cycle with a period greater than 24 h, but they exhibit only minimal internal phase restructuring.
Determination of gluconeogenesis in vivo with 14C-labeled substrates
Authors: Katz J.
Published: December 2017

A mitochondrial model of gluconeogenesis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle, where pyruvate is metabolized via pyruvate carboxylase and pyruvate dehydrogenase, and pyruvate kinase is examined. The effect of the rate of tricarboxylic acid flux and the rates of the three reactions of pyruvate metabolism on the labeling patterns from [14C]pyruvate and [24C]acetate are analyzed. Expressions describing the specific radioactivities and 14C distribution in glucose as a function of these rates are derived. Specific radioactivities and isotopic patterns depend markedly on the ratio of the rates of pyruvate carboxylation and decarboxylation to the rate of citrate synthesis, but the effect of phosphoenolpyruvate hydrolysis is minor. The effects of these rates on 1) specific radioactivity of phosphoenolpyruvate, 2) labeling pattern in glucose, and 3) contribution of pyruvate, acetyl-coenzyme A, and CO2 to glucose carbon are illustrated. To determine the contribution of lactate or alanine to gluconeogenesis, experiments with two compounds labeled in different carbons are required. Methods in current use to correct for the dilution of 14C in gluconeogenesis from [14C]pyruvate are shown to be erroneous. The experimental design and techniques to determine gluconeogenesis from 14C-labeled precursors are presented and illustrated with numerical examples.
Do calories, osmolality, or calcium determine gastric emptying?
Authors: Shafer R. B. , Levine A. S. , Marlette J. M. , Morley J. E.
Published: December 2017

To determine whether calories, osmolality, or calcium mediate gastric emptying we employed a standardized radioactive meal in 10 normal human volunteers. A variety of simple and complex sugars, medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA), pectin, and gluten were dissolved in water and ingested with the test meal. The studies were also performed with calcium chloride, EDTA, and an equimolar combination of these chemicals. Results of gastric emptying showed that incremental glucose produced an increase in emptying time with a tendency for emptying time to show a proportionally greater delay with increasing glucose concentrations. Fructose and polyhexose had similar effects to glucose. Pentoses (xylose and arabanose) markedly prolonged gastric emptying when compared with the same amount of glucose. The effect of sucrose and gluten on gastric emptying did not significantly differ from controls. Twenty-five grams MCFA had an effect similar to 50 g glucose. Pectin, a complex carbohydrate, produced a varied effect in different individuals. There was no obvious relationship between osmolality and gastric emptying. Calcium chloride and EDTA prolonged gastric emptying, but the equimolar combination gave values similar to controls. Our findings suggest 1) calories nor osmolality alone determine gastric emptying, 2) both calcium and calcium chelation with EDTA prolong gastric emptying, and 3) a specific food does not necessarily produce the same effect on gastric emptying in different individuals.
Model of a pattern generator for locomotion in mammals
Authors: Patla A. E. , Calvert T. W. , Stein R. B.
Published: December 2017

This paper presents an analytic model of a limb pattern generator that can produce complex muscle activation patterns such as those shown to control the limbs of cats. The limb pattern generator is considered to have a tonic input and six outputs; this provides for flexion and extension of representative muscles for each of the three joints of the limb. The pattern generator functions as a community of labile synthesized relaxation oscillators that alters its output in response to input. This model was studied using electromyographic data from an experiment conducted on an acute postmammillary cat preparation. The results suggest that the limb pattern generator can be represented as three subsystems: an oscillator that produces the fundamental frequency of the output in response to the tonic signal, nonlinear shaping functions that mold the oscillator output into the basic complex pattern, and appropriate weighting functions that generate the muscle activity pattern from basic waveforms. The model can account for speed changes in locomotion with a relatively smooth change of system parameters. The pattern generator model is generative, amenable to simulation studies, and can be realized by a neural network.
Central effects of angiotensin II and dopamine in sodium-depleted sheep
Authors: Huang B. S. , Malvin R. L. , Grekin R. J.
Published: December 2017

The effects of intracerebroventricular (IVT) infusion of angiotensin II (ANG II), the converting enzyme inhibitor SQ 20881, and dopamine were studied in 15 conscious Na-depleted sheep. IVT ANG II (25 ng/min) significantly increased plasma aldosterone (163 +/- 24%) and vasopressin (ADH) (533 +/- 100%). Plasma renin activity (PRA) was decreased to 64 +/- 10% of basal. IVT SQ (1 microgram/min) decreased aldosterone to 70 +/- 10% and ADH to 55 +/- 9% of basal. PRA increased to 124 +/- 10%. There were no significant changes in plasma Na, K, or cortisol levels nor in mean arterial or intracranial pressure after either infusion. Increasing the dose of SQ to 10 micrograms/min resulted in an increased magnitude of change in the same variables. IVT SQ (1 microgram/min) significantly decreased aldosterone level in five nephrectomized sheep. The responses to IVT dopamine (20 micrograms/min) were qualitatively similar to those elicited by IVT SQ. These data support the existence of an endogenous brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) independent of the renal RAS. ANG II acts centrally to regulate plasma ADH, aldosterone, and PRA levels. The similarity of the responses to SQ and dopamine suggests that a dopaminergic pathway may be involved in these responses.