bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of Genioglossal Muscle Activity in the Anesthetized Piglet: The Role of Vagal Afferents
Authors: Watchko Jon F. , O’Day Terrence L. , Brozanski Beverly S. , Vazquez Roger L. , Guthrie Robert D.
Published: October 2009

We examined genioglossal muscle electromyogram activity during room air breathing and hyperoxic hypercapnia in 10 anesthetized (halothane) newborn piglets before and after bilateral midcervical vagotomy. With vagal afferents intact, genioglossal activity was absent during room air breathing in 10/10 study animals and was recruited in only 4/10 piglets during carbon dioxide breathing. After vagotomy, genioglossal activity remained absent in 9/10 study animals during room air breathing but was recruited in 10/10 piglets during the hypercapnic gas exposure at arterial CO2 tensions comparable to prevagotomy levels. We conclude that vagal afferent feedback modulates genioglossal activity in anesthetized newborn piglets and exerts an inhibitory influence on the activity of this muscle during hyperpnea induced by carbon dioxide breathing.
Serum IgE Concentrations in the Neonatal Period
Authors: Buonocore G. , Zani S. , Tomasini B. , Tripodi V. , Grano S. , Bracci R.
Published: October 2009

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the IgE-mediated response as a predictable index of immunosensitization to different types of feeding (breast milk, adapted formula, soya formula and serum protein hydrolyzate formula) in the first days of life. The study population included 231 newborns (128 males and 103 females). There was a family history of atopy (at least 1 parent with an atopic disease) in 116 subjects at risk for allergy. 115 newborns were without any family history of atopy. The results showed significantly higher total IgE levels on the 4th day than in cord serum in the whole group of newborns. The same result was obtained comparing subjects at risk and controls separately. No significant difference was detectable between serum IgE levels in the cord blood of the four groups. Conversely, a significant increase in IgE levels between cord and 4th day blood in soya-fed and adapted-formula-fed babies was noticed. This increase did not occur in neonates fed breast milk and serum protein hydrolyzate.
Effectiveness of Curosurf for Severe Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Valls-i-Soler Adolf , Lizarraga Mikel , López de Heredia Jon , Roman Lourdes , Hernáez Edita , Gastiasoro Elena
Published: October 2009

Randomized trials have proven that exogenous surfactant is effective in severe neonatal respiratory distress syndrome when strict entry criteria are applied. To evaluate efficacy of surfactant treatment in a clinical setting, we performed a case-control study. The outcome of the first 25 consecutive cases treated with porcine surfactant (Curosurf) was compared to that of 25 matched historical nontreated controls. Survival at discharge was significantly higher in surfactant-treated cases than among controls (76 vs. 48%; p < 0.05). No differences were found in other outcome parameters.
Factors Influencing Morbidity and Mortality in Infants with Severe Respiratory Distress Syndrome Treated with Single or Multiple Doses of a Natural Porcine Surfactant
Authors: Herting E. , Speer C.P. , Harms K. , Robertson B. , Curstedt T. , Halliday H.L. , Compagnone D. , Gefeller O. , McClure G. , Reid M. , Tubman R. , Herin P. , Noack G. , Kok J. , Koppe J. , van Sonderen L. , Laufkötter E. , Köhler W. , Boenisch H. , Albrecht K. , Roll C. , Hanssler L. , Haim M. , Oetomo S.B. , Okken A. , Altfeld P.C. , Groneck P. , Kachel W. , Relier J.P. , Walti H.
Published: October 2009

In an international multicenter trial infants with clinical and radiological signs of severe RDS (age 2-15 h, birthweight 700-2,000 g, mechanical ventilation, FiO2 ≧ 0.6, no complicating disease) were randomized to receive either a single dose (n = 176) or up to three subsequent doses (n = 167) of a natural porcine surfactant (Curosurf). Using a logistic regression model, the effects of therapy, birthweight, sex, hospital and other clinical factors on survival and various outcome parameters were evaluated. Mortality (13 vs. 21 %, p < 0.05) and the incidence of pneumothorax (9 vs. 18%, p < 0.01) were significantly lower in the multiple-dose group. Low birthweight, hospital allocation, low Apgar score and initial disease severity were associated with an increased mortality. Low birthweight, hypothermia (admission temperature < 36°C) and acidosis (pH < 7.25) prior to surfactant treatment could be identified as risk factors for the development of intracranial hemorrhage.
Modifications of Surfactant Phospholipid Pattern in Premature Infants Treated with Curosurf: Clinical and Dietary Correlations
Authors: Haumont Dominique , Rössle Claudia , Clercx Anne , Spehl Marianne , Biver Armand , Richelle Myriam , Carpentier Yvon A.
Published: October 2009

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is characterized by an immature surfactant phospholipid pattern. We aimed to study the evolution of surfactant phospholipids over a 6-day period, before and after surfactant replacement therapy with Curosurf, and to investigate possible interactions with exogenous phospholipids administered during total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Seventeen premature infants with RDS were randomly assigned to receive TPN with lipids or without (glucose group). Both groups showed a similar evolution of the surfactant phospholipids. At day 6, the surfactant composition had changed towards a mature human surfactant pattern except for phosphatidylglycerol which remained low (1%), compensated for by a high phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine proportion (13.3%), Phospholipid subcomponents in plasma remained unchanged in both groups. Plasma total cholesterol (151 ± 18 vs. 113 ± 6 mg/dl, p < 0.05) and cholesteryl esters (172 ± 20 vs. 113 ± 9 mg/dl, p < 0.01) were higher in the glucose than in the lipid group. Total calorie intake was significantly higher in the lipid group (85 ± 4 vs. 64 ± 6 kcal/kg·day, p < 0.01).
Lung Mechanics (FRC and Static Pressure-Volume Diagram) after Endotracheal Surfactant Instillation: Preliminary Observations
Authors: Svenningsen Nils W. , Björklund Lars , Vilstrup Carsten , Werner Olof
Published: October 2009

Preliminary measurements of functional residual capacity (FRC) with the sulphurhexafluoride technique and static pressure volume diagrams were performed in newborn infants with respiratory distress syndrome receiving endotracheal instillation of natural porcine surfactant (Curosurf, 100 or 200 mg/kg). Within the first hour after surfactant treatment there was an increase in FRC and distensibility of the lungs persisting for 24-48 h.
Pulmonary Functional Outcome at One Year of Age in Infants Treated with Natural Porcine Surfactant at Birth
Authors: Walti Hervé , Boulé Michèle , Moriette Guy , Relier Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2009

This prospective study was designed to assess pulmonary function (functional residual capacity, FRC; dynamic lung compliance, CLdyn; and total pulmonary resistance, RL) at 1 year of corrected age in infants with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome treated with natural porcine surfactant (Curosurf) (n = 13), as compared to nontreated control infants (n = 9). Values from 21 healthy infants of similar age served as reference. We found similar pulmonary dysfunction (decreased CLdyn’ elevated RL) in both patient groups. These results suggest that surfactant replacement therapy does not affect pulmonary function at 1 year of age in infants who survive respiratory distress syndrome.
Estimated Costs of Different Treatments of the Respiratory Distress Syndrome in a Large Cohort of Preterm Infants of Less than 30 Weeks of Gestation
Authors: Egberts Johannes
Published: October 2009

Within a model cohort of 1,000 preterm infants of < 30 weeks of gestation, the incidence and mortality of RDS change if corticosteroids are used prenatally and surfactant prophylactically or therapeutically after birth. Combined pre- and postnatal therapies give the best results: approximately 125 extra survivors. Therapeutic surfactant administration even in combination with prenatal corticosteroids has cost implications because extra intensive care beds (7–11 %) are needed. More special care places (12–24%) are required after each type of intervention. The estimated costs per extra survivor are the lowest for prenatal corticosteroid administration. The combination of corticosteroids prenatally and prophylactic surfactant postnatally seems to be most cost-effective because it produces the greatest number of survivors and the lowest number of intensive and high dependency care days in hospital.
Transverse Bone Growth and Cortical Bone Mass in the Human Prenatal Period
Authors: Rodríguez José Ignacio , Palacios José , Rodríguez Sebastián
Published: October 2009

The prenatal development of the normal diaphysis of the human long bone was studied through postmortem radiographs in 60 stillborns and 86 newborns of 20–41 weeks gestational age. Quantitative parameters were determined for the tibia, femur, and humerus. In all three long bones, significant positive correlations were found between the diaphyseal diameter, medullary diameter, cortical thickness, and cortical area, and the gestational age, body weight, body height, and bone length. No significant differences in any studied parameters were observed between males and females. In the tibia, the diaphyseal diameter grew more than in the femur and humerus. In these two latter bones, the medullary diameter growth rate was greater than the diaphyseal diameter growth rate, and thus the Barnett-Nordin index and percentage of cortical area showed mild but significant negative correlations with gestational age, body weight, body height, and bone length. The velocity of medullary diameter growth was similar (0.05 mm/week) in all three long bones; however, the velocity of diaphyseal diameter growth was greater in the tibia (0.161 mm/week) than in the femur (0.142 mm/week) or humerus (0.129 mm/week). The diaphyseal growth rate decreased in the second half of the period studied in all three bones. This decrease was more striking in the humerus. Observed differences in diaphyseal growth among the long bones studied may be genetically determined in relation to its different postnatal functions.
Transfer of 125l-Albumin from Blood to Brain in Newborn Rats and the Effect of Hyperbilirubinemia on the Transfer
Authors: Ohsugi Mami , Sato Hiroshi , Yamamura Hideki
Published: October 2009

Transfer of albumin from blood into cerebellum and cerebrum was examined in postnatal rats. 125I-Albumin was injected into rats on day 3, 7, 14, 28 or 70. The ratio of albumin concentration in the cerebellum or in the cerebrum to that in the plasma 2 h after the injection, hereinafter termed the relative albumin level (RA), was calculated and used as a criterion for the albumin transfer. The RA in both the cerebellum and the cerebrum decreased with age, but plateaued between days 28 and 70. The level was significantly higher in the cerebellum than in the cerebrum on days 3 and 7. This was not observed, however, on days 28 and 70. Significant correlations were indicated between 125I-albumin levels in the plasma and those in the cerebellum or cerebrum on days 7 and 14, but not on day 28. No significant difference in the RA in the cerebellum and the cerebrum was detected between jaundiced homozygous Gunn rats and control nonjaundiced rats at all ages examined. These results demonstrated that albumin could enter the brain tissue from the blood at least until postnatal day 14 and that the endogenous bilirubin had no effect on the albumin transfer into the brain. The relationship between the immaturity of brain and the transfer of albumin into the brain was discussed.
Antenatal Ambroxol Effects on Surfactant Pool Size and Postnatal Lung Function in Preterm Ventilated Rabbits
Authors: Sun Bo , Rider Evelyn , Ikegami Machiko , Jobe Alan
Published: October 2009

Following maternal treatments with 50 mg/kg/day ambroxol for 2 or 3 days before delivery at 28 days gestation, preterm rabbits were ventilated to evaluate lung function. Subsequently, surfactant saturated phosphatidylcholine (SatPC) pool sizes were measured. One half of the ambroxol treated and control rabbits were given surfactant at delivery. Although surfactant improved lung function comparably for control and ambroxol treated rabbits, ambroxol treatments did not change ventilatory pressure requirements, compliances, or the recovery of intravascular labeled albumin in the lungs. Ambroxol treatments tended to increase lung volumes as evaluated by pressure-volume curves. The ambroxol treatments significantly increased lung tissue SatPC by 22 %, but there were no changes in alveolar SatPC pool values. These results do not indicate a large effect of ambroxol on lung function in preterm rabbits.
Hemodynamic Effects of Continuous Negative Extrathoracic Pressure and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Piglets with Normal Lungs
Authors: Adams J.A. , Osiovich H. , Goldberg R.N. , Suguihara C. , Bancalari E.
Published: October 2009

The hemodynamic effects produced by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and continuous negative extrathoracic presure (CNEP) of 4 and 8 cm H2O were compared in 8 normal, spontaneously breathing piglets. Arterial blood gases and hemodynamic measurements were obtained before and during CPAP and CNEP of 4 and 8 cm H2O. CPAP 8 cm H2O and CNEP 8 cm H2O produced significant increases (p < 0.01) in PaO2 from baselines 76 ± 3 to 85 ± 3 and 77 ± 4 to 85 ± 3 mm Hg, respectively. No significant changes occurred in PaCo2 or cardiac index, except during CPAP 8 cm H2O [38 ± 1 to 44 ± 2 mm Hg (p < 0.05) and 376 ± 30 to 330 ± 30 ml/kg/min (p < 0.05), respectively]. During CPAP of 4 cm H2O, significant increases occurred in mean right atrial pressure (Pra) (2.1 ± 0.3 to 3.3 ± 0.4 mm Hg; p < 0.01), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) (2.8 ± 0.4 to 3.7 ± 0.3 mm Hg; p < 0.01), and mean pulmonary artery pressure (Ppa) (12.9 ± 0.8 to 15.1 ± 0.8 mm Hg; p < 0.01). CPAP of 8 cm H2O produced marked increases in Pra (2–1 ± 0.2 to 4.9 ± 0.7 mm Hg; p < 0.01), LVEDP (2.7 ± 0.5 to 4.5 ± 0.4 mm Hg; p < 0.01) and Ppa (12.8 ± 0.8 to 17.7 ± 0.6 mm Hg; p < 0.01). In contrast, CNEP of 8 cm H2O produced decreases in Pra (2.1 ± 0.2 to 1.3 ± 0.3 mm Hg; p < 0.01), LVEDP (2.6 ± 0.5 to 1.7 ± 0.4 mm Hg; p < 0.01), and Ppa (12.9 ± 1.0 to 11.4 ± 1.0 mm Hg; p < 0.01). CNEP in contrast to CPAP produced an improvement in oxygenation while decreasing vascular pressures and maintaining cardiac output near basal levels. These data support clinical experience which suggests a beneficial effect of CNEP in the treatment of patients with increased pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary hypertension.
Effect of Hypoxia on Renal Prostaglandin E2 Production in Human and Rat Neonates
Authors: Suzuki Toshihiro , Togari Hajime
Published: October 2009

Effect of hypoxia on renal prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production was shown in asphyxic newborn infants and experimental hypoxic rats. In asphyxic infants, at postnatal day 1, the urinary excretion of PGE2 in severe asphyxia (1.00 ± 0.19 pg/kg/min, n = 10) was lower than that of the mild asphyxia (2.15 ± 0.18 pg/kg/min, n = 10) or normal newborn infants (2.65 ± 0.25 pg/kg/min, n = 8) (p < 0.01). The urinary excretion of PGE2 was inversely correlated with the urinary N-acetyl-Β-D-glucosaminidase (r = ––0.84, p < 0.01). The urine volume in mild asphyxia (0.04 ± 0.005 ml/kg/min) was higher in comparison to normal newborn infants (0.026 ± 0.002 ml/kg/min) (p < 0.01), but had no correlation with the urinary excretion of PGE2. In experimental hypoxic rats, the renal PGE2 concentration increased from 0.19 ± 0.02 ng/mg protein to the maximum level of 0.59 ± 0.03 ng/mg protein at 10 min of hypoxia. The renal PGE2 concentration then decreased to the minimum level (0.105 ± 0.02 ng/mg protein) at 24 h after 20 min hypoxia. The renal ATP rapidly decreased during 20 min hypoxia, and gradually increased to 55.1 ± 6.2 nmol/mg protein at 24 h after 20 min hypoxia, which recovered only about 60% of the control level. It seems likely that renal PGE2 does not play a major role in diuresis in mild birth asphyxia and that severe birth asphyxia suppresses the renal PGE2 production in early neonatal period. This suppression of the renal PGE2 production may cause deterioration of the renal function after severe asphyxia. The delayed recovery of ATP may affect the renal PGE2 concentration after hypoxia.
Intestinal Development and Fatty Acid Binding Protein Activity of Newborn Pigs Fed Colostrum or Milk
Authors: Reinhart G.A. , Simmen F.A. , Mahan D.C. , White M.E. , Roehrig K.L.
Published: October 2009

Newborn pigs (n = 20) were gavage-fed sow’s colostrum, defatted colostrum, milk, defatted milk or a 5% lactose solution over 24 h in order to evaluate effects on growth and functional differentiation of small intestine. Colostrum-fed pigs had greater (p < 0.01) mucosal mass in the proximal half of the small intestine than did the milk- or lactose-fed groups. Total fatty acid binding protein (FABP) activity and FABP activity per mg DNA in proximal intestines of colostrum-fed pigs exceeded that for the lactose group. FABP activities (per g mucosa or mg soluble protein) were greater (p < 0.01) in the proximal segments of small intestines of pigs fed whole versus the corresponding defatted secretion. These results indicate that the feeding of colostrum specifically augments perinatal intestinal growth and differentiation as manifested by increased cellular hypertrophy and FABP activity. Milk lipid and unidentified factor(s) enriched in colostrum are inducers of intestinal FABP activity.
Brain Injury in the Premature Infant – Current Concepts of Pathogenesis and Prevention
Authors: Volpe Joseph J.
Published: October 2009

Brain injury in the premature infant and, particularly, the prevention of that injury is an enormous problem. With modern neonatal intensive care, approximately 85% of very low birth weight infants survive, and of these survivals, approximately 5–15 % exhibit major spastic motor deficit, grouped under the rubric, ‘cerebral palsy’, and an additional 25–50% exhibit less prominent developmental disabilities, particularly school failure.
Role of Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists in the Management of Birth Asphyxia
Authors: Levene Malcolm
Published: October 2009

Birth asphyxia is an important cause of permanent neuro-developmental disability. Asphyxia sets in course a progression of intracellular events which culminates in neuronal death, and this process may take up to 48 h to complete. Entry of calcium into the neurone appears to be the key to the cell death, and it is known that during asphyxia, excessive glutamate is released which stimulates the voltage-dependent N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor to open with an accumulation of excess intracellular calcium. MK-801 is a very effective NMDA receptor antagonist, and it has been shown that this drug prevents or significantly reduces the extent of cortical neurone infarction following experimental asphyxia in 7-day-old rat pups. Unfortunately, MK-801 is toxic to the pup, but newer NMDA receptor antagonists may offer the opportunity for neuroprotection in the human infant who has suffered severe birth asphyxia.
Intrauterine Blood Flow and Postnatal Neurological Development in Growth-Retarded Fetuses
Authors: Maršál Karel , Ley David
Published: October 2009

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is associated with abnormal neuro-developmental outcome. Aortic blood flow velocity waveforms have been shown to predict fetal distress in IUGR. Fetal aortic blood flow velocity waveforms were correlated to neuro-developmental performance at 7 years of age. Results suggest that abnormal fetal aortic blood flow velocity waveforms are associated with neuro-developmental impairment.
Cerebral Function in the Gowth-Retarded Fetus and Neonate
Authors: Kjellmer Ingemar , Thordstein Magnus , Wennergren Margareta
Published: October 2009

Intrauterine growth retardation is associated with increased risks for permanent neurological disabilities. A series of studies was undertaken to elucidate whether fetal growth retardation causes a primary perturbation of brain function and development and whether an increased vulnerability for periods of oxygen lack exists. In two groups of neonates who were small for gestational age (SGA) evoked potentials were investigated. A high frequency of abnormal recordings were obtained in SGA babies. SGA babies had significantly longer latency periods for the primary evoked potentials than appropriately grown controls. In guinea pigs and rats growth retardation was induced by reducing the placental blood flow during late gestation. Growth retarded guinea pups demonstrated a considerable reduction of the ability to retain normal somatosensory evoked response during hypoxia compared to appropriately grown littermates. Growth retarded rat fetuses exhibited marked changes of the monoamine metabolism in the brain inasmuch as basal levels of serotonin and its main metabolite were low while an inappropriate acceleration of the serotonin synthesis rate took place during hypoxia. The tissue concentrations of aspartate were also significantly lower in growth retarded fetuses than normally grown littermates. Finally, lipid peroxidation was assessed. During adequate oxygenation no difference was observed when lipid peroxidation was assessed. During adequate oxygenation no difference was observed when lipid peroxidation in brain tissue of growth retarded and appropriately grown fetuses was compared but during mild-moderate hypoxia lipid peroxidation was significantly more intense in the growth retarded group. In conclusion, studies on SGA babies bring forward primary consequences of growth retardation on cerebral function and animal studies provide evidence both for a deficiency of factors that support brain growth and for some mechanisms that may be related to a decreased tolerance towards oxygen deficiency.
Doppler Ultrasound and the Neonatal Cerebral Circulation: Methodology and Pitfalls
Authors: Evans David H.
Published: October 2009

Doppler ultrasound is a popular technique for investigating the haemodynamics of the neonatal cerebral circulation. Different types of instrumentation are available of which a duplex scanner is a suitable choice for spot measurements, whilst a simple continuous wave directional Doppler may be better for long-term monitoring purposes. Doppler signals may be obtained from many arterial and venous sites within the neonatal brain, but most measurements are made from the anterior or middle cerebral arteries. It is usual to process the Doppler signal to obtain an envelope waveform which may represent either mean velocity or maximun velocity, although the latter has some distinct advantages. The zero-crossing detector used for early studies is unsuitable for use with Doppler signals. Changes in the shape of the velocity waveform may be quantified using different methods, of which the so-called resistance index is the most popular. It is also possible to make absolute velocity measurements, although these cannot be converted to flow because it is not possible to measure the diameter of neonatal cerebral vessels. There is considerable controversy as to whether the diameter of the vessels at the sites of ultrasound insonation can be affected by factors such as blood pressure and arterial gases, but it is unlikely that any such changes could invalidate the basic findings of Doppler studies. With care and attention to detail, Doppler ultrasound provides a valuable window on the neonatal cerebral circulation.
Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Wyatt John S.
Published: October 2009

Near-infrared spectroscopy is a new technique for noninvasive monitoring of tissue oxygenation and haemodynamics. Quantitative measurements can be made of oxyhaemoglobin, deoxyhaemoglobin, oxidized cytochrome and various haemodynamic indices. This technique is likely to prove increasingly valuable for: cotside monitoring brain oxygenation and haemodynamics in babies; investigating the mechanisms of damage to the brain; according the results of treatment; and assigning long-term prognosis.
Growth Velocity of Some Fetal Parameters
Authors: Guihard-Costa Anne-Marie , Larroche J.Cl.
Published: October 2009

In this study, fetal growth velocities of the body weight, crown-heel length, crown-rump length and head circumference were established from 478 normal fetuses and neonates, aged 8–41 gestational weeks. The growth rates were computed by time intervals, and the velocity curves were plotted with their 95% confidence intervals. The body weight displayed an accelerating pattern of growth until 34–35 weeks and a breakdown of the growth rate afterwards, as we already observed for the brain weight in another study published in Biology of the Neonate. Decreasing patterns of growth velocity throughout pregnancy were observed for the crown-heel and the crown-rump lengths, with a marked fall at 35 weeks. The growth velocity curve of the head circumference is also decreasing, but in a more irregular way. A curious revival of growth velocity was observed in most parameters at about 38 weeks. These changes in the growth rhythm were similar to those found previously with ultrasound data.
Maturation of Jejunoileal Gradients in Rat Intestine: The Role of Intraluminal Nutrients
Authors: Castillo Ricardo O. , Feng John J. , Stevenson David K. , Kwong Linda K.
Published: October 2009

Jejunoileal gradients of intestinal function are thought to be established during the third week of life in the rat when postnatal intestinal maturation occurs. In order to investigate the normal development of jejunoileal gradients and whether either the absence of intraluminal nutrients or the form in which they are provided affected the development of jejunoileal gradients, gradients for mucosal DNA, protein, lactase and sucrase were studied in suckling rats undergoing normal weaning and compared to gradients in rats receiving no intraluminal nutrients or rats receiving nutrients in elemental form. In suckling animals, preexisting jejunoileal gradients for DNA and protein persisted through the weaning period, gradients for lactase formed by rapid decline of ileal function and sucrase gradients formed by rapid increase in jejunal activities. Intraluminal nutrients in elemental form resulted in the formation of jejunoileal gradients similar to those in intestines of normally weaned rats. The lack of intraluminal nutrients resulted in no qualitative differences in the expression of jejunoileal gradients for sucrase, but provision of elemental nutrients resulted in increased jejunoileal differences for this enzyme. The lack of intraluminal nutrients resulted in no gradients for DNA, less pronounced jejunoileal differences for protein and delayed maturational decline of ileal lactase which prevented development of jejunoileal gradients for the enzyme. These studies indicate that the formation of jejunoileal gradients in the maturing rat intestine for the parameters investigated require intraluminal nutrients regardless of the form in which they are provided for their normal expression.
Evidence of a Physiological Role for Bombesin in the Postnatal Development of the Rabbit Pancreas
Authors: Karkashan Eman M. , MacNaughton Wallace K. , Gall Grant
Published: October 2009

The effect of chronic administration of bombesin (BBN) on the development of the pancreas and the role of endogenous BBN in the postnatal development of exocrine pancreatic function were investigated in suckling New Zealand White rabbits. BBN administered intraperitoneally (i.p) at various doses (1.25,12.5 and 30 µg/kg body weight) to suckling rabbits for 13 days starting on day 4 of life induced pancreatic growth as characterized by dose-dependent increases in pancreatic wet weight, total protein content and total DNA content compared to littermate controls. The maximum effect was observed using bombesin at 30 µg/kg. This increase represented hyperplasia since there was no BBN-induced change in the protein:DNA ratio. Pancreatic amylase activity was significantly increased by all doses of BBN, with a maximal effect at 1.25 µg/kg. The specific BBN receptor antagonist [Leu13-ψ(CH2NH)Leu14]-BBN, given i.p for 9 days at 30 µg/kg body weight starting on day 20 of life, significantly reduced the development of pancreatic amylase and lipase activities compared to controls (48 and 36% reductions, respectively). Our findings confirm the trophic effect of BBN on the neonatal pancreas and provide evidence of a physiological role for endogenous BBN-peptides in the development of pancreatic exocrine function.
B and T Lymphocyte Subsets in Fetal and Cord Blood: Age-Related Modulation of CD1c Expression
Authors: Plebani Anna , Proserpio Anna Rita , Guarneri Daniela , Buscaglia Mauro , Cattoretti Giorgio
Published: October 2009

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from fetal, term and adult subjects were analyzed with a panel of B- and T-lymphoid differentiation markers. CDlc +ve and CD5 +ve B cell (IgM +ve) percentage in fetal, cord and adult blood decreased significantly. Fetal and cord blood contained less CD2+ and CD 3+ T lymphocytes and a higher percentage of CD38 +ve cells than adult blood. The phenotypic changes occurring during perinatal age in humans relate to the changes in the functional activities of the B and T lymphoid subsets from fetal to postnatal age.
Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Copper Deficiency: An Experimental Model Developed in Rats
Authors: Sarricolea M.L. , Villa-Elízaga I. , Lopez J.
Published: October 2009

An experimental model has been developed to investigate the effect of copper deficiency on lung maturity in the newborn rat. Three groups of female Sprague-Dawley rats were used: the copper-deficient group was fed with a copper-free diet; the control group received a copper-adequate diet, and the pair-fed group was fed with a limited copper diet. After gestation and delivery, 35% of the newborn copper-deficient group showed respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The neonatal lungs were isolated and processed for ultrastructural and biochemical study: A greater thickness of the air-blood barrier was observed in the lungs of the copper-deficient group, however, no other differences were observed in the rest of the pulmonary structures. Quantitative differences in pulmonary surfactant were not found in the three groups. The thickness of the air-blood barrier might explain the RDS observed in the copper-deficient newborns.
Differential Expression of c-erbA mRNAs in the Developing Cerebellum and Cerebral Cortex of the Rat
Authors: Sherer Todd T. , Sylvester Steve R. , Bull Richard J.
Published: October 2009

Expression of c-erbA genes, which encode thyroid hormone receptors, has been shown to be tissue and age specific. The differential regulation of thyroid hormone receptor mRNAs in rat brain was examined in the present study using Northern hybridization techniques. Ontogenic profiles of two known mRNAs for rat thyroid hormone receptors (rTR), rTRα and rTRβ, were determined in the rat cerebellum and cerebral cortex. Three bands of approximately 6, 5 and 2.6 kb in size were detected at 1 6, 12 and 21 days of age (preweanling period) and in the adult, in both brain regions using a rTRα-common DNA probe. The 2.6-kb band was expressed at much higher levels than either the 5- or 6-kb band at all ages tested. The 6-and 5-kb bands were expressed at similar levels throughout the preweanling period in the cerebellum, but only at 1 and 6 days of age in the cerebral cortex. The 6-kb transcript was expressed at a much lower level than the 5-kb mRNA by postnatal day 12 in the cerebral cortex. A similar change in the relative level of 6- to 5-kb mRNA expression was noted in cerebellar mRNA isolated from adult animals. The overall expression of rTRα mRNA was less in the adult cerebellum and cerebral cortex compared to that in the preweanling period. The rTRβ transcripts were present in very low levels in the cerebral cortex and were undetectable in the cerebellum. These results are consistent with the fact that the developing brain is more sensitive to thyroid hormone than the mature rat brain. Therefore, developmental processes in the brain may be sensitive to effects of thyroid hormone mediated through this receptor.
In vitro Binding of [3H]Bilirubin to Neurons in Rat Brain Sections
Authors: Danbolt Christian , Hansen Thor Willy Ruud , Øyasæter Stephanie , Storm-Mathisen Jon , Bratlid Dag
Published: October 2009

Slide-mounted 12-µm cryostat sections of rat brain were incubated with [3H]bilirubin, washed, dried, and apposed to emulsion-coated coverslips for autoradiography. The binding appeared to be nonsaturable. Within the gray matter, binding was concentrated over neuronal cell bodies (particularly evident over hippocampal pyramidal and granular cells, and over cerebellar Purkinje cells), suggesting that the preferential neuronal toxicity of bilirubin may be related to neuronal binding. Regional differences in bilirubin binding were not demonstrated.
Effect of Acute Maternal Alcohol Consumption on the Fetal Ductus arteriosus in the Rat
Authors: Arishima Kazuyoshi , Yamamoto Masako , Takizawa Tatsuya , Sohmiya Hiroaki , Eguchi Yasunobu , Shiota Kohei
Published: October 2009

This study was conducted to determine whether acute alcohol consumption in near-term pregnant rats results in constriction of the fetal ductus arteriosus (DA). Twenty milliliters per kilogram of 30% (v/v) alcohol was administered via a stomach tube 0.5, 2, 4, 6 and 12 h prior to cesarean section and fetal sacrifice, at 1.00 p.m. on the 20th gestational day (day 20.5), in experimental groups A1–A5, respectively. Controls were given water alone. The calibers of the DA and pulmonary artery (PA) were measured using the whole-body freezing method with direct exposure of the DA and PA by shaving the frozen chests of the fetuses. The DA was significantly constricted 30 min after alcohol treatment. The constriction was also observed in groups A2–A4, but not in group A5. The PA was also less markedly but significantly constricted 30 min after alcohol administration, but groups A2–A5 showed normal PA caliber. It is concluded that alcohol has a constrictive effect on the DA when administered close to the end of gestation in the rat.
Leukotriene B4 and C4 Generation by Human Colostral Macrophages in vitro
Authors: Shimizu Toshiaki , Niklasson Aimon , Strandvik Birgitta
Published: October 2009

To investigate leukotriene (LT) generation by human colostral macrophages (CMø), we evaluated calcium ionophore A23187-induced LTB4 and LTC4 production by CMø obtained from mothers who had had preterm and term deliveries. As a comparison, we also investigated such production of these LTs by blood monocytes (BMo). LTB4 and LTC4 production by preterm CMø did not significantly differ from that by term CMø. LTB4 and LTC4 production by both preterm and term CMø was significantly lower than that by BMo. The ratio of LTC4 to LTB4 did not differ significantly between preterm and term CMø. The CMø ratios were significantly lower than that of BMo. These findings suggest that human CMø can generate LTB4 and LTC4 but that production, especially LTC4 production, is suppressed compared with that of BMo.
Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide Levels in Erythrocytes of Very Low Birthweight Infants under Vitamin Supplementation
Authors: Becker Katja , Wilkinson Andrew R.
Published: October 2009

Despite the potential dangers of over- and undersupplementation with riboflavin (vitamin B2), little is known about status, requirements and metabolism of this vitamin in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants. As reported here, it is possible to calculate the intraerythrocytic concentration of free flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), the predominant coenzyme form of riboflavin, on the basis of the erythrocyte glutathione reductase activation coefficient (EGRAC). This parameter was determined in 9 VLBW infants (median of birthweight 634 g, median of gestational age 24 weeks + 3 days) at intervals over a period of 6 weeks. All infants received riboflavin supplementation, either in milk (average intake: 175 μg/kg/day) and a multivitamin preparation (200 μg/day) or via total parenteral nutrition (TPN; 720 μg/kg/day). The average EGRAC was 1.07 (1.00–1.24) during enteral nutrition and 1.05 (1.00–1.18) during TPN. These values correspond to free FAD levels of 757 and 1,060 nM, which is 4 to 5 times higher than in cord blood or in breast-fed infants. EGRAC values between 1.15 and 1.35, representing free intracellular FAD levels of 350–150 nM, should be adequate in VLBW infants in order to minimize the hazards of flavin-induced radical reactions.
Metabolism of Phospholipids in Rat Kidney during Development
Authors: Kahane Veronica L. , Sterin-Speziale Norma
Published: October 2009

We have examined the phospholipid content and metabolism in renal papilla, medulla and cortex in 10- to 70-day-old rats. No changes in papillary and medullary phospholipids with an increase in cortical phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine were evident during maturation. Phopshatidylinositol de novo synthesis did not change with age, but a decrease in medullary and cortical phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine was observed. In the three zones [14C]arachidonic acid incorporation into all the phospholipids was the highest at 10 days with a gradual decrease with age, while the [14C]palmitic acid incorporation remained unchanged except for phosphatidylinositol which decreased from 10 to 70 days.
Cord Blood Erythropoietin, pH, PaO2 and Haematocrit following Caesarean Section before Labour
Authors: Rollins M.D. , Maxwell A.P. , Afrasiabi M. , Halliday H.L. , Lappin T.R.J.
Published: October 2009

We have investigated the relationship between erythropoietin (Epo) and pH, PaO2 and haematocrit in 100 cord blood samples obtained at Caesarean section prior to labour. Of 82 term ( > 37 weeks) infants, 64 were appropriately grown (10th–90th centiles), and their mean cord serum Epo and cord blood Epo was 23 ± 8 mU/ml (mean ± SD). Strong inverse correlations were found between cord serum Epo and cord blood pH (r = ––0.74; p < 0.0001), and between cord serum Epo and cord blood PaO2 ( r = ––0.55; p < 0.0001), but not between cord serum Epo and cord haematocrit (r = 0.02; p < 0.9). For the 18 preterm babies (gestation 32.4 ± 4.1 weeks, birth weight 1,820 ± 476 g), the Epo level was 36 ± 8 mU/ml, which was not significantly greater than for the term babies. Strong inverse correlations were again found between Epo and pH (r= ––0.87; p < 0.0001) and Epo and PaO2 (r = ––0.69; p < 0.002). Babies from complicated pregnancies (intra-uterine growth retardation, pre-eclampsia, antepartum haemorrhage, diabetes mellitus and fetal distress) tended to have higher Epo levels. Thirteen babies had Epo levels > 40 mU/ml, and 11 (85%) of these required neonatal intensive care. Cord serum Epo correlates better with oxygen tension and pH at birth than with fetal growth and haematocrit, which are measures of chronic stress to the fetus.
Reduced Secretion of lnterleukin-1 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α by Neonatal Monocytes
Authors: Peters Anke M.J. , Bertram Petra , Gahr Manfred , Speer Christian P.
Published: October 2009

Monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood of preterm and term newborn infants and adult controls, and their capacity to secrete the inflammatory mediators interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was investigated. Lipo-polysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated neonatal monocytes secreted significantly less IL-1 (median: 1.1 U/ml) than monocytes from adult controls (median: 7.3 U/ml). In addition TNF-α production by LPS-stimulated neonatal monocytes (median: 610 pg/ml) was significantly lower when compared with controls (median: 2230 pg/ml). Our data provide evidence that neonatal monocytes have a profoundly impaired cytokine secretion.
Reproductive Abnormalities in the Prepubertal Jaundiced Gunn Rat
Authors: Saiduddin S. , Davis D.R.
Published: October 2009

The female, jaundiced Gunn rat has been previously reported to be infertile. This study describes some abnormalities in the reproductive system of the prepubertal jaundiced female rat. Vaginal opening occurred at the time of weaning, which was approximately 7 days earlier when compared to the nonjaundiced female littermates. Following vaginal opening, the jaundiced rat showed persistent vaginal cornifïcation. The estimated age at first ovulation in the jaundiced rat was 52 days. The uteri of jaundiced rats were significantly larger than those of nonjaundiced rats by 17 days after birth. The accelerated uterine growth and the precocious vaginal opening in the jaundiced rat suggest hyperestrogenism. Feeding activated charcoal to jaundiced rats significantly reduced the uterine weight. These results show that the reproductive abnormalities in the jaundiced female rat appear in the prepubertal life and continue during adult life resulting in infertility.
Protection by L-Ascorbic Acid against Phototoxicity in Tin-Protoporphyrin-Treated Suckling Rats
Authors: Keino H. , Mimura S. , Nagae H. , Banno T. , Kashiwamata S.
Published: October 2009

The protective effect of free radical scavengers against phototoxicity was investigated with tin-protoporphyrin (SnPP)-treated suckling rats. Six kinds of scavengers (L-ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione, α-tocopherol, retinol, uric acid and cystine) were intraperitoneally injected to rats treated with SnPP plus photoirradiation. Among them, L-ascorbic acid was found to be most effective in protecting SnPP-treated rats against phototoxicity. The survival period was markedly prolonged, and the frequency of abnormal behaviors was reduced with the treatment. Lipid peroxidation in vitro with the brain membrane fraction was also suppressed. The other five substances gave only a little antioxidant effect both in vivo and in vitro. The present study shows that L-ascorbic acid may be a promising chemical to prevent the phototoxicity of SnPP.
Effect of Skinfold Thickness on Transcutaneous Bilirubin Measurements
Authors: Amit Y. , Jabbour S. , Arad I.D.
Published: October 2009

We studied the effect of skinfold thickness on the correlation between serum total bilirubin level and transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) readings. Skinfold thickness measurements were taken at 1–4 h of age. Serum total bilirubin levels and TcB readings were obtained at 1–4 (first) and 44–56 h of age (discharge). No correlation was found between first reading and skinfold thickness (rho = ––0.196), whereas correlations with first serum bilirubin level and blood hematocrit were 0.397 and ––0.373, respectively. The correlation between discharge serum total bilirubin level and TcB reading was affected by skinfold thickness, and not improved with the use of first reading as a reference for discharge reading.
Effects of Birthweight Status and Gestational Age on the Quality of General Movements in Preterm Newborns
Authors: Geerdink Julia J. , Hopkins Brian
Published: October 2009

It is hypothesised that individual differences in nervous system functioning, undetected by a neurological examination, are reflected in the quality of spontaneous movements of preterm newborns. Given this hypothesis it is expected that a short pregnancy duration and IUGR will be related to an abnormal movement quality. These expectations were confirmed in a group of 37 small-for-gestational-age and appropriate-for-gestational-age preterm newborns with gestational ages ranging from 27 to 34 weeks without serious perinatal complications and for whom no overt neurological abnormalities could be detected based on the evaluation of elicited responses and tonus at the postmenstrual age of 35 weeks. The quality of general movements was adversely affected by both IUGR and a pregnancy duration below 32 weeks. Newborns with an abnormal movement quality also had significantly lower obstetrical optimality scores. Previous research has shown these scores to be related to the neurological condition of the newborn. We conclude that observations of movement quality, being neither intrusive nor time consuming, may constitute a useful addition to the neurological assessment of preterm newborns without serious perinatal complications.
Effect of Exogenously Administered Polyamine on the Structural Maturation and Enzyme Ontogeny of the Postnatal Rat Intestine
Authors: Wild Gary E. , Daly Andrew S. , Sauriol Nathalie , Bennett Gary
Published: October 2009

The factors regulating the developmental changes in intestinal morphology and enzyme activity during the postnatal period are incompletely understood. Increased ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and polyamine levels occur in association with increased mucosal growth seen just prior to weaning. The present work examines the effects of the polyamine spermidine, administered exogenously during early postnatal development in the rat, on structural and functional differentiation of the intestine. Young rats were fed 6 μmol of spermidine for either 1 day (P1) or 3 days (P3) prior to sacrifice on postnatal day 10. Control littermates were sacrificed at day 10 (C10) or at day 49 (C49) (postweanling [adult] reference). A loss of most of the well-developed characteristic endosomal complex and supranuclear giant lysosome was observed in the absorptive cells of the ileum and proximal colon in the spermidine-treated groups and was accompanied by a decline in N-acetyl-glucosaminidase activity to adult levels. A precocious appearance of sucrase and NaK ATPase activities was observed in the P1 group and these activities attained adult levels in the P3 group. This premature appearance of sucrase and NaK ATPase activities was associated with a decline in lactase levels. The exogenous administration of spermidine also elicited an increase in mucosal ODC activity.
Perinatal Development of Brunner’s Glands in the Rat: Morphometrical Study
Authors: Morikawa Yoshio , Miyamoto Mika , Okada Toshiya
Published: October 2009

Perinatal changes of the Brunner’s glands in rats from fetal day 20 through neonatal day 3 were studied morphometrically and electron-microscopically. Percentage volume of secretory granules of the gland cells did not change from fetal day 20 through neonatal day 1 and increased significantly from neonatal days 1-2; this level was maintained through neonatal day 3. Electron-microscopically, the gland cells during the fetal days were rich in free ribosomes. The Golgi apparatus and rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum (RER) were poorly developed during fetal days. After birth, however, the cells showed active formation of secretory granules, which was evidenced by well-developed Golgi apparatus, distended RER and accumulation of granules in the apical cytoplasm. Furthermore, light microscopy revealed that strongly PAS-positive material increased for the first time after birth, indicating remarkable formation of the secretory granules. Thus, the present study indicates that the cell of the Brunner’s glands become active in secretory granule formation just after birth by responding to ingested material following birth.
Placental Transfer of Free Fatty Acids: Importance of Fetal Albumin Concentration and Acid-Base Status
Authors: Stephenson Terence , Stammers Julie , Hull David
Published: October 2009

Free fatty acids (FFA) are the main class of naturally occurring lipids transferred across the placenta, irrespective of species. In order to study the importance of fetal plasma albumin concentration and pH on placental transfer of FFA, in situ perfusion of the rabbit placenta in late gestation was used as an experimental model. Increasing albumin concentration on the fetal side of the placenta from 1 to 6% significantly increased transfer of FFA across the placenta. However, alteration of the umbilical perfusate pH in the range 7.0–7.5 had no significant effect.
Cobalt-Mesoporphyrin Inhibits Heme Oxygenase Activity but It Does Not Induce Lipid Peroxidation in Rat Brain Membranes during Photoirradiation
Authors: Keino H. , Banno T. , Mimura S. , Kashiwamata S.
Published: October 2009

We examined the effects of cobalt-mesoporphyrin (CoMP) in vitro. The porphyrin inhibited the activity of rat splenic heme oxygenase but scarcely stimulated peroxidation of lipids in a membrane fraction from rat brain during photoirradiation. The apparent inhibition constant for CoMP was 344 nM. It is suggested that CoMP may be a promising candidate for a chemopreventive of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia that is not associated with phototoxicity.