bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Indomethacin on Renal Function in Conscious Newborn Lambs
Authors: Winther J.B. , Hoskins E. , Printz M.P. , Mendoza S.A. , Kirkpatrick S.E. , Friedman William F.
Published: September 2009

Transient renal dysfunction has bee observed in some premature infants who received indomethacin to constrict patent ductus arteriosi, and it has been suggested that this complication may be dose related. Accordingly, the present study was designed to investigate the influence of high (7.5 mg/kg) and low (0.2 mg/kg) doses of indomethacin on effective renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, urine flow, sodium and potassium excretion and plasma levels of indomethacin in conscious newborn lambs studied continuously over a 24-hour period. When compared to control lambs, both indomethacin doses reduced effective renal blood flow significantly at 2–4 h, but only high doses significantly reduced renal blood flow at 22–24 h (6.5 ± 0.9 vs. 13.4 ± 1.4 ml/min/kg, respectively; p < 0.001). At 8–16 and 16–24 h after drug administration, urine flow was significantly lower than in the control group only in high-dose lambs (p < 0.05). During the 16 to 24-hour period, urine flow for control, low- and high-dose animals was 0.15 ± 0.01, 0.14 ± 0.01, and 0.08 ± 0.02 ml/min/kg, respectively. Glomerular filtration rate and sodium and potassium excretion rates were not affected by either indomethacin dose.
Bilirubin Dynamics in the Gunn Rat
Authors: Vogl Thomas P. , Cheskin Howard S. , Blumenfeld Thomas A. , Sugai Kent
Published: September 2009

Jaundiced Gunn rats underwent continuous and intermittent phototherapy with white and blue lights. Irradiances ranged from 0.088 to 1.4mW/cm2 in the blue (415–465 ran) wavelengths. Changes in serum bilirubin concentration were analyzed by a single exponential model. Dose-response curves for 10 days of phototherapy indicated similar logarithmic relationships between light dose and serum bilirubin decline for intermittent and continuous blue light and continuous white light phototherapy. The dose-response curve for intermittent white light showed a low slope and correlation coefficient.
Effect of Prematurity on the Developmental Progression from Fetal to Adult Thymidine Kinase in Human Serum
Authors: Sadava D. , Elliott K. , Bernard B.
Published: September 2009

The developmental progression of thymidine kinase from the electrophoretically slow-migrating ‘fetal’ forms to the fast-migrating ‘adult’ form was examined weekly in the serum of 5 premature infants. Only the fetal forms were present up to 32 weeks after conception. The adult form appeared along with the fetal forms until 39 weeks post-conception; thereafter, only the adult form was detected. With respect to post-conceptional age, the timing of the changeover from fetal to adult serum thymidine kinase was the same in the prematurely born infants as in stillborn infants at an equivalent gestational age.
Intestinal Absorption of Proteins by the Neonatal Piglet Fed on Sow’s Colostrum with either Natural or Experimentally Eliminated Trypsin-Inhibiting Activity
Authors: Carlsson L.C.T. , Weström B.R. , Karlsson B.W.
Published: September 2009

The intestinal absorption of total protein, IgG, albumin, β-lactoglobulin, SCTI and trypsin was studied in newborn unsuckled piglets by feeding them either on normal colostrum or trypsin-inhibition-free colostrum. The results indicate a correlation between the molecular weights of the fed proteins and the time at which they reach their maximum concentration in the blood. Feeding of inhibition-free colostrum resulted in a significantly lower absorption. Evidently the trypsin inhibitors of sow’s colostrum cause an increased efficiency in the absorption of un degraded colostrum proteins. However, as large quantities of proteins were absorbed even when inhibition-free colostrum was used for feeding, other factors must also be involved in the regulation of intestinal protein absorption.
Crypt Cell Renewal and Chemical Sympathectomy in the Pre-Closure Ileum of the Neonatal Rat
Authors: Klein Robert M.
Published: September 2009

The present study was designed to analyze the effect of guanethidine-induced sympathectomy on ileal crypt cell proliferation before neonatal closure to macromolecular absorption (pre-closure ileum). The present experiments demonstrated an alteration of the crypt cell generation cycle (TC) in the pre-closure ileum (15 days after birth) with guanethidine treatment. Percent labeled mitoses measurements for 15-day-old rats indicated a lengthening of TC from 18.1 to 23.0 h with the elongation primarily due to alteration of TG1 (pre-DNA-synthetic gap period) and TS (DNA-synthetic period). Mitotic and labeling indices and the amplitude of the circadian rhythm in mitotic activity were significantly depressed in guanethidine-treated rats.
Maternal Nutrient Storage and Efficiency in Production of Fetal Brain Tissue in Rats
Authors: Zamenhof Stephen
Published: September 2009

Maternal ‘efficiencies’ in production of fetal tissue, especially brain tissue, were studied in controls and in chronically (9 generations) undernourished rats. These ‘efficiencies’ were formulated as the ratio of a neonatal parameter (body weight, brain weight, DNA, or protein) to the food consumed during pregnancy. Mean or total values (for the entire litter) of the above parameters were used in computation of the above ratios. It was found that all these ratios were highly significantly lower for control animals than for undernourished. The gain in maternal body weight (postpartum versus day 0 of pregnancy), i.e., nutrient storage, was found to be significantly lower or even negative in the undernourished group, but increased through generations. We interpret these results as follows. Undernourished animals mobilize their nutrient reserves, avoid deamination of essential amino acids, and improve their intestinal absorption of nutrients; thus, they are more efficient than normal animals, even though the latter may produce more fetal tissue. These improvements suggest inducible enzymes. Individual mothers in each group vary considerably in their efficiency; the most efficient undernourished mothers may produce offspring that escape undernutrition, or, in the control group, offspring with outstanding values of brain and body parameters.
A Longitudinal Study on Plasma Somatomedin Activity in Full-Term, Preterm and Small-for-Gestational Age Newborns
Authors: Tatò Luciano , Dal Moro Alberto , Piemonte Guiseppe , Vigi Vittorio , Pizzo Paolo , Volpato Silvio , Gaburro Dino
Published: September 2009

Plasma somatomedin (SM) activity was measured longitudinally in the first days of life by Van den Brande bioassay in 10 term, 8 premature and 5 small-for-date newborns. Other term, premature and small-for-date newborns were assayed between the 4th and 8th days by a cross-sectional-type study. A very significant, increase in SM activity was observed in term newborns on the 3rd day lasting for about a week, when values usually observed in young children were reached. In premature and small-for-date newborns such an increase was not present but rather a slight decrease on the 3rd day was observed. The presence of a circulating inhibitory substance in the plasma of premature and small-for-date newborns with undetectable SM activity was shown.
Detection of Proteins in Human Amniotic Fluid Using Two-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Jones M.I. , Spragg S.P. , Webb T.
Published: September 2009

Samples of human amniotic fluid from 48 pregnancies were examined by high resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and the positions of the major peptides were mapped. Many of the proteins in amniotic fluid also occur in adult and fetal serum. Three regions in the amniotic fluid maps could be defined containing peptides which were not found in adult or fetal serum. The concentration of these peptides is variable and their origin is as yet unknown. Many differences were seen between adult and fetal serum proteins.
Effect of Cooling on the Glucoregulation of Anaesthetized and Non-Anaesthetized Newborn Dogs
Authors: Hetenyi G., Jr. , Cowan J.S.
Published: September 2009

When newborn dogs 2–14 days of age, anaesthetized with Nembutal, were cooled to 30°C body core temperature, their rate of CO2 production (QCO2) decreased as predicted by van’t Hoff’s law, but the rates of hepatic glucose production and overall glucose utilization were decreased to a lesser degree, indicating an increase in the percentage contribution of plasma glucose to the overall energy turnover. In different litters of pups cooled to 32°C, QCO2 and the rate of glucose production and utilization were decreased as predicted by van’t Hoff’s law. The metabolic clearance rate of glucose was decreased by cooling in all pups. These changes were wholly or partially reversible upon rewarming. Because of the approximate parallelity in the changes in the rates of production and utilization of glucose, no consistent change in blood glucose was observed during cooling. When non-anaesthetized pups less than 6 days old were exposed to cold until their core temperature was decreased to 32 °C: QCO2 increased transiently during cooling. A small and transient elevation in plasma glucose concentration was observed due to a small increase in hepatic glucose production. Older pups fell into two categories: those which were able to maintain their body temperature by increasing their metabolic rate did not react with any change in their rates of glucose production and utilization. On the other hand pups which, during cooling, failed to raise their metabolic rate became hyperglycaemic because of an increased rate of glucose production and a decrease in glucose clearance. In conclusion: in anaesthetized pups QCO2 and the rates of hepatic glucose production and utilization follow approximately van’t Hoff’s law, indicating the absence of significant regulatory responses. Non-anaesthetized pups, if they are able to maintain their body temperature during cooling by an increase of their metabolic rate, show no significant changes in glucose production and utilization. Hyperglycaemia developed only in those pups which failed to increase their metabolic rate and consequently became severely hypothermic. In no case did hypothermia lead to hypoglycaemia.
Role of Fetal Insulin in Glycogen Metabolism in the Liver of the Rat Fetus
Authors: Bourbon J. , Gilbert M.
Published: September 2009

In the near-term rat fetus liver, insulin decreased phosphorylase a activity, slightly increased synthase a activity and increased both glycogen content and 14C-glucose incorporation into glycogen; anti-insulin serum increased phosphorylase a activity and decreased glucose incorporation but did not modify synthase a activity. When pregnant rats were previously rendered hypoglycemic, insulin injection to the fetus enhanced glycogen accumulation. It is concluded that insulin is a regulatory factor of secondary importance for liver glycogen storage through its action on phosphorylase activity.
Alterations of Red Blood Cells’ Polyamines during Pregnancy and Neonatal Period
Authors: Hiramatsu Yuji , Eguchi Katsuto , Yonezawa Masaru , Hayase Ryoji , Sekiba Kaoru
Published: September 2009

Red blood cell polyamines were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Spermidine and spermine continued to increase with pregnancy and retained a high level during 24–35 weeks of gestation, then decreased at term; putrescine, however, kept the low nonpregnant level during pregnancy and puerperium. At delivery, umbilical blood showed a significantly higher polyamine level than maternal blood (p < 0.005 or p < 0.001). In the neonatal period, each polyamine showed a slight increase on the 1st day after birth, then spermidine and spermine decreased day by day, but putrescine kept the same level. Alterations of polyamines seemed to have some relation to the erythropoiesis in bone marrow and rapid cell proliferations.
Colostrum Intake and Thermoregulation in the Neonatal Pig in Relation to Environmental Temperature
Authors: Le Dividich J. , Noblet J.
Published: September 2009

Colostrum consumption and rectal temperature (RT) have been measured on piglets kept at 18–20 °C (CG = cold group) and at 30–32 °C (WG = warm group) during the first day of life. At an ambient temperature of 18–20 °C, piglets consumed 36.8% less (p < 0.01) colostrum than their littermates at 30–32 °C. There was a positive correlation between birth weight and colostrum intake in both groups of piglets. From birth weight and weight gain measurements, colostrum intake could be accurately predicted (R2 = 0.75). RT of piglets significantly dropped after birth and subsequently rose, the extent of the initial fall and the rate of the subsequent rise depended on the environmental temperature. RT of CG remained significantly lower than that of WG, and a further significant decrease was found from 15 h after birth in CG. At 18–20 °C, a progressive decline of the effect of birth weight and a concomitant increase in the effect of colostrum intake on RT was found, whereas in WG, RT was influenced by neither birth weight nor colostrum intake. 5 of the 39 CG died within 3 days after birth, while all 41 WG survived. Results provide evidence for cold stress as a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the neonatal pigs.
Pituitary and Adrenal Glands in Neonatal Rats Studied by Metopirone (Su4885)
Authors: Milković Karmela , Peruzović Marijana , Paunović Jasenka
Published: September 2009

One half of each litter of the 2- and 7-day-old rats was injected twice daily for 3 consecutive days with 15 mg/l00gbody weight of metopirone (MET) in 0.05 ml of saline, and the remaining littermates with saline only. At the ages of 5 and 10 days, one half of the pups was sacrificed immediately, and the second half 20 min after s.c. injection of histamine as a stressor. MET depressed body weight and induced adrenal hypertrophy in the 5- and 10-day-old rats, and pituitary hypertrophy in the 5-day-old rats only. In resting condition the adrenal glands of the 5-day-old rats treated with MET contained less corticosterone (determined fluorometrically) than the 5-day-old control and the 10-day-old pups treated also with MET. Furthermore, neonatal MET treatment induced (histamine) stress response by the increase in adrenal corticosterone content in the 10-day-old rats, and by the increase in corticosterone content in plasma in both ages. The results indicate high sensitivity of the young neonatal rats to hormonal manipulations. They also yield additional support to the concept of functional integrity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical system in neonatal rats, and to the flexibility of the postnatal developmental pattern of stress response.
Distribution of Nutrients between Fetal Brain and Body during Rat Development
Authors: Zamenhof Stephen , van Marthens Edith
Published: September 2009

During prenatal development, the distribution of nutrients between brain and body is influenced by many factors. Fetal and neonatal ratios may serve as indices of the final outcome: brain weight/body weight (Rw), brain DNA/body DNA (RDNA) and brain protein/body protein (Rprot; similar to Rw). These ratios decrease with fetal age but this dependence on age disappears towards term. Within one age, these ratios show considerable variability (up to 14%), from litter to litter, and within litters. The variability is not due to variation in water contents (< 1%). An extensive study of 2,089 normal newborns revealed that 7.5% had Rw values significantly higher than the mean for the population. Of these, 35% had normal body weights but significantly higher brain weights. Thus, they do not represent previously studied cases of general (brain and body) overdevelopment; rather, they represent cases of favorable brain versus body growth, i.e. distribution of nutrients between brain and body that is more favorable for the brain. Such a favorable distribution may be caused by maternal factors if it affects entire litters (3% of all affected) or by fetal factors, if it affects only individuals within a litter (49%).
Brain Prostaglandins E2 and F2α following Neonatal Asphyxia in the Guinea Pig
Authors: Allen Gregory , Louis Thomas M. , Kopelman Arthur E.
Published: September 2009

In this study, the effects of (1) asphyxia and (2) asphyxiation followed by resuscitation on brain levels of prostaglandins E2 and F2α were evaluated in 2-day-old guinea pigs. Asphyxiation in a nitrogen atmosphere for either 3 min or 3 min 40 s did not alter brain PGF2α levels but after 3 min 40 s of asphyxia, brain PGE2 levels were significantly elevated from control values. When asphyxiation was followed by resuscitation with 95% 02 and 5% CO2, brain PGF2α levels rose significantly while PGE2 levels were not different from nonasphyxiated control values. Pretreatment of animals with indomethacin lowered brain levels of both prostaglandins below nonasphyxiated control levels and prevented any asphyxiation or resuscitation-induced rise in brain prostaglandin levels. Also, animals which were asphyxiated, resuscitated, and sacrificed 1 day after asphyxiation had brain prostaglandin levels which were not different from levels in nonasphyxiated control animals. These studies demonstrate a significant rise in brain PGF2α levels following resuscitation from acute total asphyxia. We speculate that the resuscitation-induced rise in brain PGF2α may contribute to restriction of cerebral blood flow in the postasphyxial period through its action as a vasoconstrictive agent.
Relationship between Peripheral Blood Flow and Blood Temperatures in Lambs during Hypoxemia and Hemorrhage
Authors: Simbruner George , Rudolph Abraham M.
Published: September 2009

The relationships between the peripheral blood flow and arterial and venous blood temperatures were examined in 5 lambs (mean weight 10.5 kg, 4–12 weeks old) during hypoxemia and hemorrhage. Blood flow to one hind limb was measured continuously with an electromagnetic flow transducer around the femoral artery. Aortic and venous blood temperatures were monitored by means of thermistor catheters in the descending aorta and iliac vein. The intravascular catheters and flow transducer were implanted chronically and all studies were performed in conscious lambs, resting quietly. Skin temperatures were recorded at the hip and at the foot. The total heat in the hind limb (Htot), the net heat transported by circulating blood (Hbl), and the metabolic heat produced in the hind limb were calculated. The arterial and venous blood temperature were related to peripheral blood flow. When the flow was constant over a control period, blood temperatures remained constant. Hypoxemia, produced by administering a low oxygen gas mixture to the lamb, did not alter femoral blood flow, nor did it affect vascular temperatures. During hemorrhage, femoral blood flow fell, aterial temperature rose by 0.46 °C and venous temperature by 0.85 °C; arteriovenous temperature difference decreased from 0.85 to 0.44 °C. There was an inverse relationship between femoral blood flow and venous temperature in each individual lamb subjected to hemorrhage, with a correlation of 0.91. For each 10-ml/min decrease in peripheral blood flow the venous temperature rose an average of 0.33 °C. Changes in peripheral blood flow were immediately reflected by changes in the venous temperature.
Regulation of Ureagenesis in Neonatal Rat Liver: Influence of Cycloheximide in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Gautier C. , Husson A. , Fairand A. , Vaillant R.
Published: September 2009

In order to establish whether the postnatal rise in five urea cycle enzyme activities is associated with protein synthesis, the effects of cycloheximide on urea cycle enzyme activities, citrulline and urea productions in vivo and in vitro were studied. A single injection of cycloheximide (10 μg) 9 h after birth significantly prevented the rise in enzyme activities and citrulline concentration which normally occurred after birth, while the urea level remained unchanged. These data suggest that the postnatal rise in urea cycle enzyme activities might be associated with a protein synthesis. The rate of citrulline synthesis by liver slices was reduced (about 50%) in cycloheximide-treated neonatal liver, while the rate of urea production was not significantly decreased. The results obtained in vivo are in good agreement with in vitro experiments: citrullinogenesis was only affected by cycloheximide treatment. When cycloheximide 10 mM was added to the incubation medium, the ability of control neonatal liver slices to produce citrulline and urea was reduced to 42 and 11%, respectively. Since argininosuccinic acid addition in the medium did not produce a rise in urea synthesis, it is concluded that argininosuccinase is most responsive after incubation in cycloheximide and therefore becomes the rate-limiting step of the urea synthesis.
Effect of Carnitine on Lipid Metabolism in the Newborn
Authors: Orzali Alberto , Donzelli Filiberto , Enzi Giuliano , Rubaltelli Firmino F.
Published: September 2009

The effect of carnitine administration on neonatal lipid metabolism was studied during endovenous loading with Intralipid® (1 g/kg body weight over a 4-hour period). During a 6-hour period the plasma level of triglycerides, glycerol, free fatty acids (FFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB), and acetoacetate were monitored in a group of newborns infused with carnitine and compared with a control group infused only with Intralipid. Carnitine administration caused an increased plasma concentration of ketone bodies, probably consequent to an increased rate of FFA mitochondrial β-oxidation. An increased plasma level of glycerol and FFA was also observed, whereas the triglyceride plasma levels were not different between the two groups. Carnitine administration in the neonatal period seems to act by increasing ketogenesis and lipolysis.
Developmental Pattern, Tissue Distribution, and Subcellular Distribution of Cysteine: α-Ketoglutarate Aminotransferase and 3-Mercaptopyruvate Sulfurtransferase Activities in the Rat
Authors: Kuo Shiu-Ming , Lea Teresa C. , Stipanuk Martha H.
Published: September 2009

The tissue distribution, the subcellular distribution in liver, and the developmental patterns of cysteine:α-ketoglutarate aminotransferase (CAT) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MPST) activities were determined in rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain. CAT activity was highest in heart and liver, whereas MPST activity was highest in liver and kidney. CAT activity was located primarily in the mitochondrial fraction with a low level of activity in all other fractions. MPST activity was located in both the mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions. The specific activity of CAT and MPST generally increased in rat liver, heart, and kidney during the developmental period from 18 days of gestation to 26 days after birth. Peak CAT-specific activity occurred at about 4 days of age and peak MPST activity occurred at about 21 days of age; peak activity of both CAT and MPST exceeded the adult specific activities. The distribution and developmental pattern of hydrogen sulfide production from cysteine, catalyzed by the coupled activities of CAT and MPST, was similar to those of CAT activity.
Nitrogen Metabolism in the Sheep Fetus
Authors: Rubio V. , Tan C.B. , Andrews W.H.H. † , Nixon D.A. † , Alexander D.P. , Button H.G.
Published: September 2009

Ammonium ions added in large quantity disappear rapidly from the reservoir of the sheep placenta perfused in situ through the umbilical vessels. Ammonium ions are removed from the reservoir of perfused sheep fetal livers of 108–141 days of conceptual age at a rate of at least 1 µmol/min/g liver. The majority appears as urea. There is little or no change in glutamine concentration. Hepatic carbamoylphosphate synthetase I, ornithine transcarbamylase, argininosuccinate synthetase, argininosuccinase and arginase are present, even at 97 days of conceptual age, in adequate amounts to account for the observed urea production. With the exception of arginase, all levels rise with fetal age. The levels in the maternal liver are comparable with those at 106 days of conceptual age. Arginase is high in the younger fetuses, falls progressively with fetal age and is very low in the mother. It is concluded that (a) the perfused placenta is permeable to ammonia and the placenta may be able to clear ammonia from the fetal circulation at a rate comparable with that of fetal liver; (b) the fetal liver converts ammonia to urea at a rate comparable with the urea production of the fetus; (c) there is virtually no glutamine production by the fetal liver; (d) adequate amounts of the enzymes of urea synthesis are present even in the immature fetal liver to account for the total urea production of the fetus, and (e) the anomalously low arginase level in the maternal liver may conserve maternal arginine, and the high levels in the younger fetuses may be related to fetal polyamine production from maternally derived arginine.
Morphological Changes in Lipid Droplets within Cells of the Duodenal Transition Zone in Suckling Rats
Authors: Berendsen Peter B. , Blanchette-Mackie Joan
Published: September 2009

This ultrastructural study compares the lipid droplets within epithelial cells at the bases of the duodenal villi in the transition zone between crypts and the lateral portions of the adjacent villi in newborn rats suckled 24 h, 10 days and 15 days and contrasts with cells in similar locations in newborn unsuckled and weaned rats. The mean diameters and numbers of lipid droplets per field decreased when cells from rats at 10 and 15 days of age were compared to those at 24 h of age. The range of sizes also narrowed. There was cell-to-cell variability in number and in opacity of the lipid droplets. Multiple membranous laminae enclosed the droplets. Cells in similar locations in newborn unsuckled and in weaned rats did not contain lipid droplets. It is concluded that the numbers and sizes of the large lipid droplets within cells in the transition zones at the bases of the villi decrease as cells at the same relative locations mature during suckling and as the infant rats mature.
Maternal-Fetal Cyst(e)ine Transfer
Authors: Malloy Michael H. , Rassin David K. , McGanity William J.
Published: September 2009

In order to investigate the mechanisms by which cyst(e)ine (referring in the following to the mixture, in any proportion, of the sulfhydryl form of this compound – cysteine -and the disulfide form – cystine) transfer across the placenta to the fetus might be limited we first assessed the original observation that cyst(e)ine concentrations in fetal plasma are less than or equal to maternal cyst(e)ine concentrations. Second, we determined the capacity of the placenta to concentrate cyst(e)ine. And third, using an animal model, we determined the effects of providing excess cysteine to maternal rats on maternal-fetal cyst(e)ine transfer. Our data confirm (1) that cyst(e)ine is present in concentrations in human cord plasma that are equal to maternal plasma cyst(e)ine concentrations; (2) establish that cyst(e)ine is concentrated in the placenta, and (3) suggest that the incorporation of cyst(e)ine into glutathione in the placenta may limit the transfer of cyst(e)ine to the fetus.
Transfer of 3H-Cortisone and 3H-Cortisol between the Amniotic, Allantoic, and Fetal Blood Compartments in the Rabbit at Day 25 of Gestation
Authors: Lugg Moira A. , Nicholas Terence E.
Published: September 2009

We have examined the rate of disappearance and the form of the radiolabel following the injection of either [1,2–3H]-cortisone (3H-E) or [1,2,6,7, n-3H]-cortisol (3H-F) into the amniotic sac of rabbits at day 25 of gestation. The half-life of 3H-E was approximately 35 min and was very much shorter than that of 3H-F. Concurrent with the disappearance of 3H-E was an increase in the amount of tritium in both the allantoic and the fetal blood compartments. Whereas following injection of 3H-E there was a rapid conversion of E to F that was reflected in all three compartments, following injection of 3H-F the vast majority of the tritium label remained as F. We conclude that amniotic E may act as a ready source of fetal F.
Cardiovascular Monitoring in Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Korvenranta H. , Kero P. , Välimäki I.
Published: September 2009

Heart rate, short-term heart rate variability, long-term heart rate variability (LTV), mean arterial blood pressure and R-to-pulse time were recorded in 28 infants during the acute phase of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The patients were classified by a clinical scoring system into three classes related to the severity of the disease. The LTV was initially significantly (p < 0.01) lower in infants with severe RDS (class III) than in those with moderate or mild disease (classes II and I). Only in class III the LTV increased significantly (p < 0.001) during recovery. Also the mean arterial blood pressure was decreased in class III during the first 24 h of life. The R-to-pulse time proved not to be related to the severity of RDS. Reasonable assistance was achieved by multiparametric circulatory monitoring: a considerably disturbed circulatory control (tendency to hypotension and attenuated chronotropic cardiac control) was observed in the most severe form of RDS. No specific circulatory therapy was applied on the basis of the findings.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Full-Term Newborns
Authors: de Gamarra E. , Helardot P. , Moriette G. , Murat I. , Relier J.P.
Published: September 2009

During a 17-month period, 19 full-term newborn infants were hospitalized for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). 10 of these infants had no apparent risk factors. Only 7 suffered acute fetal distress. 16 of the 19 infants were born in the same hospital. Toxicological and bacteriological investigations of possible cause revealed no specific agent. Virological analysis of 8 stool samples revealed the presence of corona virus in 5 of the 8.
Effect of Intralipid on Total and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in Newborns and Infants
Authors: Bargen-Lockner C. , Hahn P. , Pendray M. , Riddell G.
Published: September 2009

Even in very small premature infants (less than 1,000 g) intravenous feeding with Intralipid results in an elevation of total and a fall of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. If oral feeding occurs while Intralipid is given, HDL cholesterol levels rise again. A positive correlation was found between levels of total cholesterol and the amount of fat administered. A negative relationship was evident between the level of total cholesterol and that of HDL and between the latter and the amount of fat consumed.
Significance of the Biphasic Developmental Pattern of the Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Adrenocortical System in the Rat
Authors: Milković Karmela , Peruzović Marijana , Joffe Justin M.
Published: September 2009

One group of neonatal rats was injected with metopirone at 2–5 days and the second group at 7–10 days of age. At 14 and 21 days all rats treated with metopirone had reduced body and adrenal weights in comparison with their saline-treated littermates. At 21 days the smallest adrenals were in the rats treated with metopirone at 7–10 days. Metopirone increased resting and stress levels of adrenal and plasma corticosterone in the 14-day-old rats and the response to stress by the adrenal corticosterone increase in the 21-day-old rats. The differential effect of metopirone applied in two developmental periods was indicated.
Excretory Pattern of Bile during Phototherapy
Authors: Berant Moshe , Brik Riva , Alon Uri , Makhul Immad , Diamond Eric , Mordochowitz Daniel
Published: September 2009

We studied the acute effects of phototherapy (PT) on bile flow and on the biliary excretion of bilirubin pigments and of bile salts in male homozygous Gunn rats (120–150 g). 13 rats received PT and 10 rats were kept in the dark. Bile was collected by cannulation of the common bile duct at hourly intervals from 1 h prior to PT till after 4 h of ‘lights on’. Before treatment, all values were similar in both groups. After 4 h of lights on, mean plasma bilirubin fell from 145.3 ± 4.3 to 99.2 ± 2.7 μmol/l (p < 0.01) in the PT rats, but did not change in the controls. During the lights-on period, PT rats had a significantly higher hourly bile volume, and a higher excretion of biliary bilirubin and bile salts than the controls (p < 0.005). Over the total 4-hour lights-on period, the PT group had a higher mean output of bile than the controls (0.93 ± 0.17 vs. 1.52 ± 0.34 ml/4h; p < 0.005) and an increased excretion of bilirubin (0.08 ± 0.016 vs. 0.148 ± 0.01 μmol/4 h; p < 0.005) and bile salts (35.1 ± 3.7 vs. 55.2 ± 12.5 μmol/4 h; p < 0.005). The results show that PT of the Gunn rat is associated with a rise in bile flow and with an increased excretion of bile salts, in addition to an increased biliary bilirubin output.
Fatty Acid Oxidation by Developing Rat Kidney
Authors: Freund Nicole , Sedraoui Mohamed , Geloso Jean-Pierre
Published: September 2009

In view of the importance of free fatty acids (FFA) as substrates for the mature kidney, fatty acid oxidation by developing rat kidney has been investigated in vitro. Incubations of kidney slices from fetal stages (days 20 and 21 of gestation) and from days 1, 5, 10, 20, and 30 after birth have been carried out in Krebs-phosphate, pH 7.4, containing 0.5 or 1.5 mM/ U-14C-palmitate. Palmitate uptake and oxidation into CO2 were measured after 90 min incubation. At 0.5 mM concentration of palmitate in the incubation medium, fetal kidney exhibited a low uptake and a very low oxidation of palmitate into CO2. These two parameters increased only after birth and were maximum with slices from suckling rats between days 5 and 10 after birth. Palmitate oxidation increased only with postnatal days slices (maximum during the suckling period) and not with fetal slices. An increase in palmitate oxidation could be obtained with slices from kidneys of fetuses whose mothers had been starved 48h. These data suggest that the development of renal capacity for FFA oxidation during the perinatal period could be related to nutritional supply.
Intestinal Cathepsin B and D Activities of Suckling Rats
Authors: Davies Paul H. , Messer Michael
Published: September 2009

Cathepsin B and D activities were assayed in homogenates of the mucosa of the proximal, middle, and distal sections of the small intestine of suckling rats of various ages and of adult rats. Cathepsin B activity was determined using N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-valyl-L-arginine-p-nitroanilide as substrate in the presence of trypsin inhibitor (pH optimum: 5.0–5.5). Cathepsin D activity was determined by measuring the pepstatin A sensitive action on denatured haemoglobin (pH optimum: 3.0–3.5). In the distal intestine, the activities of both cathepsins increased 6- to 10-fold during the first 2 weeks post partum and then sharply declined to the low values seen in adult rats, but in the proximal intestine the activities were low throughout the suckling period. In vitro digestion of casein by ileal mucosa of 8-day-old rats was almost completely inhibited by the combined actions of leupeptin and pepstatin A. The results show that cathepsin B- and D-like proteinases could play an important role in the digestion of milk proteins by suckling rats.
Some Aspects of Renal Energy and Lipid Metabolism in Newborn Rats
Authors: Hohenegger M. , Brezina M.
Published: September 2009

Some aspects of renal energy and lipid metabolism were studied in the postnatal period of rats. Oxygen consumption, RQ values, stimulation of oxygen consumption by exogenous substrates (8 mM glucose, 8 mM acetate, 1 mM palmitate), and conversion of acetate or palmitate to CO2 were measured in slices of cortex and inner medulla. The results obtained in 5-day-old rats are not essentially different from those observed in adults. On the other hand, the phenomenon of triacylglycerol storage in kidney cortex during starvation (well known in adult animals) is absent in the newborn rat. It can be demonstrated first in 30-day-old rats. At the same age renal arteriovenous concentration differences for total glycerol indicate a significant uptake during starvation and a release in the fed state.
Incidence of Variants of Human Red Cell NADH Diaphorase in Japanese Newborns and Coordinate Developmental Changes of Its Activity with Fetal Hemoglobin and F Cells
Authors: Shimizu Koji , Keino Hiromi , Mizutani Akira
Published: September 2009

615 human newborns were examined for detection of polymorphism of red cell NADH diaphorase by isoelectric focusing on polyacrylamide gels. Although the incidence of variant forms among Japanese is about 0.46%, no variants were encountered in newborns. Enzyme activity of red cell NADH diaphorase from newborns was less than half of that from adults. There were no differences in enzyme activity between premature and full-term newborns. Increase of enzyme activity during development after birth was admitted in parallel with decrease of fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) content and also with reduction of F cells (which produce only Hb F) number.
Vitamin A and Biochemical Development. I. Effect of Postnatal Excess Vitamin-A Administration on Lipogenesis in Various Organs of the Rat
Authors: Shukla R.R. , Srivastava N. , Misra U.K.
Published: September 2009

The effect of the administration of an excessive dose of vitamin A (1,000 IU) to rat pups on the 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th days of age was studied on the contents of saponifiable (total fatty acids) and non-saponifiable (cholesterol) lipids. Lipogenesis and cholesterogenesis was studied with the help of sodium-1-14C-acetate incorporation. The heart, liver and lung showed impaired lipogenesis while in the brain only cholesterogenesis was affected.
Coagulation Factors in the Premature Infant Born after About 32 Weeks of Gestation
Authors: Terwiel Jack P. , Veltkamp Jan J. , Bertina Rogier M. , van der Linden Irma K. , van Tilburg Nico H.
Published: September 2009

In plasma samples from 10 premature infants born after about 32 weeks of gestation, a number of coagulation factors have been determined. For 9 infants, who were healthy, mean values are given: fibrinogen-antigen, 311 mg/dl; factor II, ± 0.46 U/ml; factor V, 0.80 U/ml; factor VII, 0.59 U/ml; factor VIII coagulant activity, 0.93 U/ml; factor VIII-related antigen, 1.66 U/ml; procoagulant factor VIII antigen, 1.15 U/ml; factor IX coagulant activity, 0.41U/ml; factor IX antigen, 0.42 U/ml; factor X coagulant activity, 0.52 U/ml; factor X antigen, 0.61 U/ml, and antithrombin III-antigen (AT-III), 0.43 U/ml. In 5 infants a second sample was taken a week after the first one; for most values there was no significant rise, except for factor II and AT-III. The values we found in this group of premature infants are within the range of those reported in earlier literature. They are higher than the ones we found in early fetal samples and most of them are similar to those we found in the cord blood of full-term newborns.
The Metabolic and Endocrine Milieu of the Human Fetus at 18–21 Weeks of Gestation
Authors: Aynsley-Green A. , Soltesz G. , Jenkins P.A. , Mackenzie I.Z.
Published: September 2009

Blood levels of glucose, lactate, pyruvate and total ketone bodies were measured in 16 conscious mothers and their minimally stressed fetuses at 18–21 weeks gestation. Blood samples were taken from the maternal antecubital vein and from the fetal umbilical vein and artery during fetoscopy prior to termination of pregnancy. The mean concentrations of blood glucose, lactate and pyruvate were similar in maternal and fetal venous blood; no significant difference was found between the fetal umbilical artery and vein concentrations. Maternal total blood ketone body levels were significantly higher than fetal levels with no detectable umbilical venous arterial concentration difference. There was a significant inverse relationship between the umbilical artery levels and the umbilical venous-arterial concentration differences for blood glucose and lactate.
Bile Acid Metabolism during Development: Metabolism of Taurodeoxycholic Acid in Human Fetal Liver
Authors: Gustafsson Jan , Andersson Stig , Sjövall Jan
Published: September 2009

The metabolism of tauro-[24–14C]deoxycholic acid was studied in microsomal preparations from fetal liver. The livers were obtained at legal abortions performed between week 13 and 24. Taurodeoxycholic acid was efficiently hydroxylated in the 1β- and 7α-positions. The hydroxylase activities did not increase with gestational age. A marked variation in extent of hydroxylation was noted between different preparations. The results are discussed in relation to earlier knowledge of fetal and neonatal bile acid metabolism.
Augmentation of Pokeweed Mitogen-Induced Immunoglobulin Production by Cord T-Cell Supernatants
Authors: Brazil J. , Puri P. , Reen D.J.
Published: September 2009

Adult mononuclear cells were stimulated with pokeweed mitogen (PWM) in the presence of supernatants from cord T cells which had been previously stimulated with PWM for 24 h. Increased IgM, IgG and IgA production, as measured by ELISA, was observed with the addition of increasing concentrations of cord T-cell supernatants. The most significant increase in immunoglobulin production was observed with IgM (p < 0.001). Cord T lymphocytes appear to be capable of producing soluble helper factors which augment immunoglobulin production by adult lymphocytes.
Lipolytic Activity of Renal Cortex during Ontogenetic Development in Rats
Authors: Hohenegger M. , Brezina M. , Tesarik E.
Published: September 2009

The lipolytic activity of rat kidney cortex was investigated in newborn and adult rats. Two peaks of lipolytic activity could be detected at pH 5.0 and 8.4, respectively. Lipase activity at pH 5.0 is completely inhibited by 0.2 M sodium fluoride and can be stimulated by norepinephrine (10 μg/ml). Full activity is already present in 5-day-old rats. The response to sodium fluoride and norepinephrine is identical in newborn and adult animals. Lipase activity at pH 8.4 is inhibited up to 85% by 0.6 M sodium chloride. Activity is very low in 5-day-old rats and increases during maturation. This lipase can be stimulated by heparin (100 μg/ml) by about 10–25% in newborn and adult animals.
Increased Maternal-Fetal Transport of Fat in Diabetes Assessed by Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Content in Fetal Lipids
Authors: Goldstein Robert , Levy Emile , Shafrir Eleazar
Published: September 2009

The distribution of fatty acids was determined by gas-liquid chromatography in total lipid and triglyceride fraction of extracts of several tissues of streptozotocin-diabetic rats and their fetuses on day 20 of pregnancy. In maternal rats, diabetes did not significantly affect fatty acid distribution apart from small changes in the relative content of linoleate in adipose tissue and liver. In the placenta, the fetal carcass and the fetal liver the triglyceride content increased approximately 2-fold as a result of maternal diabetes, in association with the elevation in triglycerides and free fatty acids in the maternal circulation. A pronounced increase in the relative content of linoleate was recorded in the total lipid and triglyceride extracts of placenta (35 and 59%), fetal carcass (56 and 66%) and fetal liver (100 and 205%). Small increases in arachidonate proportion were also seen in some fetal tissues. The large increase in fetal hepatic linoleate indicates that this tissue is an important uptake target of maternal lipids transported in excess into the fetus. The results confirm the previous observations on increased transplacental fat passage in diabetes by demonstrating that the increment in the essential fatty acid, linoleate, parallels the diabetes-induced triglyceride accumulation in the fetoplacental unit.
Genetic Ancestry Is Associated With Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease in African-Americans and Hispanics From the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Wassel Christina L. , Pankow James S. , Peralta Carmen A. , Choudhry Shweta , Seldin Michael F. , Arnett Donna K.
Published: September 2009

Background—

Differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden exist among racial/ethnic groups in the United States, with African-Americans having the highest prevalence. Subclinical CVD measures have also been shown to differ by race or ethnicity. In the United States, there has been a significant intermixing among racial/ethnic groups creating admixed populations. Very little research exists on the relationship of genetic ancestry and subclinical CVD measures.

Methods and Results—

These associations were investigated in 712 black and 705 Hispanic participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis candidate gene substudy. Individual ancestry was estimated from 199 genetic markers using STRUCTURE. Associations of ancestry and coronary artery calcium (CAC) and common and internal carotid intima media thickness were evaluated using log-binomial and linear regression models. Splines indicated linear associations of ancestry with subclinical CVD measures in African-Americans but presence of threshold effects in Hispanics. Among African-Americans, each SD increase in European ancestry was associated with an 8% (95% CI, 1.02 to 1.15;
P
=0.01) higher CAC prevalence. Each SD increase in European ancestry was also associated with a 2% (95% CI −3.4% to −0.5%,
P
=0.008) lower common carotid intima media thickness in African-Americans. Among Hispanics, the highest tertile of European ancestry was associated with a 34% higher CAC prevalence (
P
=0.02) when compared with the lowest tertile.

Conclusions—

The linear association of ancestry and subclinical CVD suggests that genetic effects may be important in determining CAC and carotid intima media thickness among African-Americans. Our results also suggest that CAC and common carotid intima media thickness may be important phenotypes for further study with admixture mapping.
Nitro-Fatty Acid Inhibition of Neointima Formation After Endoluminal Vessel Injury
Authors: Cole Marsha P. , Rudolph Tanja K. , Khoo Nicholas K.H. , Motanya Uche N. , Golin-Bisello Franca , Wertz Jeffrey W. , Schopfer Francisco J. , Rudolph Volker , Woodcock Steven R. , Bolisetty Subhashini , Ali Muhammad S. , Zhang Jifeng , Chen Y. Eugene , Agarwal Anupam , Freeman Bruce A. , Bauer Philip M.
Published: September 2009

Rationale
:

Fatty acid nitroalkenes are endogenously generated electrophilic byproducts of nitric oxide and nitrite-dependent oxidative inflammatory reactions. Existing evidence indicates nitroalkenes support posttranslational protein modifications and transcriptional activation that promote the resolution of inflammation.

Objective
:

The aim of this study was to assess whether in vivo administration of a synthetic nitroalkene could elicit antiinflammatory actions in vivo using a murine model of vascular injury.

Methods and Results
:

The in vivo administration (21 days) of nitro-oleic acid (OA-NO
2
) inhibited neointimal hyperplasia after wire injury of the femoral artery in a murine model (OA-NO
2
treatment resulted in reduced intimal area and intima to media ratio versus vehicle- or oleic acid (OA)-treated animals,
P
<0.0001). Increased heme oxygenase (HO)-1 expression accounted for much of the vascular protection induced by OA-NO
2
in both cultured aortic smooth muscle cells and in vivo. Inhibition of HO by Sn(IV)-protoporphyrin or HO-1 small interfering RNA reversed OA-NO
2
–induced inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor-stimulated rat aortic smooth muscle cell migration. The upregulation of HO-1 expression also accounted for the antistenotic actions of OA-NO
2
in vivo, because inhibition of neointimal hyperplasia following femoral artery injury was abolished in HO-1
−/−
mice (OA-NO
2
–treated wild-type versus HO-1
−/−
mice,
P
=0.016).

Conclusions
:

In summary, electrophilic nitro-fatty acids induce salutary gene expression and cell functional responses that are manifested by a clinically significant outcome, inhibition of neointimal hyperplasia induced by arterial injury.