bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intrarenal distribution of oxalic acid, calcium, sodium, and potassium in man
Authors: HAUTMANN RICHARD , LEHMANN ALFRED , KOMOR SIBYLLE
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The renal papilla in man has been shown to contain a high concentration of oxalate (5.5 i‐ 0.8 mmole/kg wet weight, mean SEM, n=7 kidneys), and that there is a significant concentration gradient between oxalate in the papilla and that of the medulla (0.44 0.08, P c 0.05) and the cortex (0.3 f 0.06, P c 0.05). Significant calcium and sodium gradients between renal papilla and medulla and cortex were confirmed and parallel that of oxalate. Potassium showed a significant decrease in the papilla (33.1 f 0.9)as compared to the medulla (42.1 f 1.9, P ˜0.05). The concentrations of oxalate and calcium in the papilla were respectively 25‐fold and 6‐fold higher than the urinary concentrations of oxalate and calcium. It is concluded that these high concentrations of oxalate and calcium in the renal papilla are related to the formation of Randall's plaques and may be an essential factor in the pathogenesis of renal stones which is still far from clear.
The effect of antacids on the occurrence of bile acid and aspirin‐induced gastric lesions in rats
Authors: MORGAN R. J. , NELSON L. M. , RUSSELL R. I. , PLEVIN T.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Taurodeoxycholic acid increases the incidence of aspirin induced gastric bleeding in rats and in vitro is well bound by Aludrox (aluminium hydroxide) and poorly bound by Maalox (aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide). We studied the relevance of this binding, as demonstrated in vitro, by observing the effect of the antacids on the occurrence of taurodeoxycholic acid and aspirin‐induced bleeding in vivo in rats.

Six groups of fasting male Sprague‐Dawley rats (n= 24) were intubated and given either water, Aludrox or Maalox and, 30 min later, aspirin or aspirin plus taurodeoxycholic acid. 4 h later the stomachs were examined and rats were scored positive if a lesion greater than 1 mm across was found (incidence of bleeding); a lesion scoring system was also used (severity of bleeding).

The incidence of bleeding was increased from 63% with aspirin to 92% with aspirin plus taurodeoxycholic acid (P < 0.05). The incidence was reduced to 33% and 67% respectively by Aludrox and to 29% (P < 0.05) and 71% by Maalox. The severity of bleeding (median lesion score, quartiles in parentheses) was increased from 3 (l; 6.5) (aspirin) to 10.5 (6; 15) (aspirin plus taurodeoxycholic acid); P < 0.001. These were reduced to 0.5 (0; 3); P < 0.02 and 5 (05; 9‐5); P < 0.05 respectively by Aludrox and to 0 (0; 3); P < 0.02 and 3 (2;8); p < 0.02 by Maalox.

The severity of bleeding was reduced by both antacids but the effect appeared to be mainly on the aspirin rather than the bile acid component of the damage.
Effects of a standardized wheat bran preparation on biliary lipid composition and bile acid metabolism in young healthy males
Authors: HUIJBREGTS A. W. M. , BERGE‐HENEGOUWEN G. P. VAN , HECTORS M. P. C. , SCHAIK A. VAN , WERF S. D. J. VAN DER
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The effects of adding bran to the normal diet on biliary lipid composition and bile acid metabolism in a group of young healthy males was studied. A chemically standardized coarse wheat bran product, with serum lipid lowering properties, in a dose of 0–5 kg‐1 body weight per day was used. Bran feeding for 4 or 8 weeks did not change biliary lipid and biliary bile acid composition. Faecal bile acid and neutral sterol composition was similar before and after 8 weeks of bran. Bile acid kinetics, measured by double isotope dilution after simultaneous injection of [3H]cholic acid and [14C]deoxychoIic acid, showed only minor differences before and during bran ingestion. The most surprising finding was an increase in 7α‐dehydroxyl‐ation fraction (input of deoxycholic acid divided by synthesis of cholic acid) in six out of seven subjects after 4 weeks of bran and in all four subjects after 8 weeks of bran. In conclusion, the bran product we used is not effective in lowering the biliary cholesterol saturation in healthy young males. Nor does it reduce deoxycholate input in our subjects even after 8 weeks of bran.
An in‐vivo study of renal cadmium and hypertension
Authors: CUMMINS PETER E. , DUTTON JACK , EVANS COLIN J. , MORGAN WYNFORD D. , SIVYER ARTHUR , ELWOOD PETER C.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. A comparative study of renal cadmium burdens in a group of thirty hypertensive patients undergoing treatment and in a group of thirty matched controls is reported, both groups being volunteers selected from a non‐occupationally exposed population. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible involvement of cadmium in the aetiology of hypertension at the chronic low levels of environmental exposure. Renal cadmium levels were measured in vivo, using the technique of partial‐body neutron activation analysis. The results showed that the mean renal cadmium level in the hypertensive group [3‐3 mg (SD 2–3)], was not significantly different from that [4‐4 mg (SD 2–7)], in the normotensive group. Whether the level in the hypertensives depends on the treatment is open to question and will be the subject of further investigation. In addition, the results confirm that kidney cadmium levels are elevated in smokers.
Prostaglandin E2 in jejunal fluids and its potential diagnostic value for selecting patients with indomethacin‐sensitive diarrhoea
Authors: BUKHAVE K. , RASK‐MADSEN J.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Since prostaglandins (PGs) appear to be important in the pathogenesis of secretory diarrhoea, a radioimmunoassay for determination of PGE2 was applied to purified samples of jejunal fluids aspirated at the ligament of Treitz. Studies on validation of the assay system included quantification of PGE2 following alkali‐treatment of the samples, variation of the sample volume, and fractionation of immunoreactive‐and tracer PGE2. In addition, the specificity of the assay system was confirmed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry.

In healthy volunteers (n= 22) the PGE2 concentration range was 5–205 pg/ml (99% confidence limits). Alcohol addicts (n= 27) with diarrhoea or steator‐rhoea had PGE2 levels within the normal range. Values beyond the 99% upper confidence limit were observed in ten out of seventeen patients with chronic diarrhoea (205–340 pg/ml) and two out of fifteen patients with intermittent diarrhoea (265 and 275 pg/ml) classified as irritable bowel syndrome. In six patients with high PGE2 concentrations indomethacin treatment (25 mg × 4 daily) halved the associated diarrhoea and reduced PGE2 concentrations to normal levels. Subsequently, a double‐blind multiple randomized clinical trial was carried out in two single patients. Indomethacin proved to be effective in preventing diarrhoea only in the patient with a raised PGE2 level (P< 0.005).
Multivariate analysis of clinical and biological data in cirrhotic patients: application to prognosis
Authors: EKINDJIAN O. G. , DEVANLAY M. , DUCHASSAING D. , LELUAN G. , KAMMERER J. , FOUET P. , AUGET J. L. , ACCARIO J. M.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. One hundred and thirty‐one patients underwent clinical and biological investigations with the following determinations performed on the same day; presence or absence of ascites, icterus and/or encepha‐lopathy, coagulation study, biochemical determinations including albumin, transferrin and immuno‐globulins immunoassays. The principal component analysis of biological data showed two sets of highly representative and inversely correlated data; one included coagulation tests, albumin and transferrin, and the other included immunoglobulin A/transferrin ratio, immunoglobulin A and total bilirubin.

Clinical and biological data were computed using discriminant analysis between dead and survivors. Six parameters were then selected (total bilirubin, ence‐phalopathy, factor V, AST, antithrombin III and transferrin) giving a correct prognosis in 81.6% (31 /38) of cases in a test sample. Neither ascites nor immuno‐globulins were useful for the estimation of the prognosis.
Cytophotometry of liver cells from ethanol‐fed rats: ethanol causes increased polyploidization and protein accumulation
Authors: GAUB J. , FAUERHOLDT L. , KEIDING S. , KONDRUP J. , PETERSEN P. , WANTZIN G. LANGE
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Cellular protein and DNA content were determined by Feulgen‐Naphthol Yellow S cytophotometry on isolated liver cells from rats fed ethanol for 2–6 months. It was found that the parenchymal liver cells after ethanol feeding contained 13% more protein than cells of the same ploidy class from controls; that the average parenchymal cell in ethanol‐fed rats contained 16% more protein than in controls due to the increased occurrence of polypoloid cells; that the protein accumulation develops over 2 months, does not progress thereafter and disappears after a few days of reduced ethanol intake; that the tendency to form polyploid cells is accentuated during liver regeneration.

It is suggested that the effect of alcohol on microtu‐bular function, which is regarded as the cause of the protein accumulation, may also bring about increased polyploidization.
Serum galactosylhydroxylysyl glucosyltransferase in acute myocardial infarction and during subsequent collagen scar formation
Authors: ANTTINEN HENRIK , JÄRVENSIVU PEKKA M. , SAVOLAINEN EEVA‐RIITTA
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Changes in serum galactosylhydroxylysyl glucosyltransferase, an enzyme catalysing one of the intracellular post‐translational modifications in collagen biosynthesis, were studied in twenty‐four patients with acute myocardial infarction. The enzyme activity was monitored for 18 days from the onset of infarction, and at least a two‐peaked pattern was observed. The first peak corresponded to the stage of acute myocardial injury, there being a highly significant correlation between the maximal values for serum glucosyltransferase and a‐hydroxybutyrate dehydro‐genase. An average decrease in serum glucosyltransferase activity of 41% was noted during the following 24 h.

A new gradual rise in serum glucosyltransferase activity, interpreted as indicating myocardial collagen scar formation, was observed 5 days after the onset of infarction, when the serum enzyme activities indicating myocardial injury had already declined. The average daily values for serum glucosyltransferase between 6 and 18 days correlated highly significantly with the maximal value for serum a‐hydroxybutyrate dehydro‐genase, which serves as a relative estimate of the size of the original myocardial infarction area. The data further suggest that certain other factors including heart failure and/or various drug treatments may also affect the magnitude of this second peak.
High density lipoprotein and other lipoproteins in normolipidaemic and hypertriglyceridaemic (type IV) men with coronary artery disease
Authors: MOBERG B. , WALLENTIN L.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The aim was to investigate whether a low concentration of high density lipoprotein (HDL) may be used as a risk indicator in normolipidaemic (n.l.) subjects, and whether a reduced HDL concentration constitutes an additional risk factor in hyperlipopro‐teinaemia. Eighty‐two men with angiographically documented coronary artery disease (CAD) were studied. The majority of the CAD men was either n.l. (n= 38) or had type IV hyperlipoproteinaemia (n= 22). These two groups were compared separately to one group of healthy n.l. subjects (n= 44), and one group of healthy subjects with type IV hyperlipoproteinaemia (n= 29).

In about 50% of n.l. CAD men the HDL‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) was lower than the 15th percentile (0.90 mmol/1) of n.l. controls, and about 65% of n.l. CAD men had ratios of HDL‐C/total plasma cholesterol (C) lower than 0.17, the 15th percentile of n.l. controls. Almost all type IV subjects had reduced HDL‐C levels and decreased ratios of HDL‐C/C, whether they had obvious CAD or not. Thus, in normolipidaemia, but not in type IV hyperlipoproteinaemia, a low HDL‐C level may be used as an additional risk factor for CAD development.
Abnormal haem biosynthesis in chronic alcoholics
Authors: McCOLL KENNETH E. L. , MOORE MICHAEL R. , THOMPSON GEORGE G. , GOLDBERG ABRAHAM
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The activities of six of the enzymes of haem biosynthesis have been examined in eleven chronic alcoholics admitted to hospital for alcohol withdrawal. The mitochondrial enzymes delta‐aminolae‐vulinic acid (ALA) synthase, coproporphyrinogen oxidase and ferrochelatase were monitored in peripheral leucocytes and the cytosolic enzymes ALA dehydratase, uroporphyrinogen‐1 ‐synthase and uro‐porphyrinogen decarboxylase in peripheral erythro‐cytes. Compared with control subjects the activity of the initial and rate controlling enzyme of the pathway, ALA synthase, was increased (P < 0.01) and the activities of ALA dehydratase and uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase depressed (P < 0.01, P < 0.02 respectively) on the day after admission but all returned to normal by the tenth to twentieth days after alcohol withdrawal. This stimulation of ALA synthase and inhibition of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase explains the mechanism by which chronic alcohol ingestion may precipitate cutaneous hepatic porphyria.

Two of the alcoholics were anaemic without evidence of haematinic deficiency and this was associated with depressed ferrochelatase activity and iron and porphyrin accumulation. The anaemia and related biochemical abnormalities in these two subjects were all corrected with alcohol withdrawal. It is proposed that inhibition of ferrochelatase activity is the biochemical basis of alcohol related sideroblastic anaemia.
Pituitary‐testicular function in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver
Authors: BAHNSEN M. , GLUUD C. , JOHNSEN S. G. , BENNETT P. , SVENSTRUP S. , MICIC S. , DIETRICHSON O. , SVENDSEN L. B. , BRODTHAGEN U. A.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. In forty‐two patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis and without recent alcohol ingestion the pituitary‐testicular function was studied in an effort to relate the endocrine abnormalities with the degree of liver cell dysfunction, evaluated on a quantitative basis. Compared with values in twenty‐one healthy controls, we found significantly elevated serum oes‐trone, oestradiol, follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and prolactin (P <0middot;01). Serum dehydro‐epiandrosterone and dehydroepiandroster‐one sulphate were significantly reduced in the cir‐rhotics (P < 0.01), whereas serum testosterone was not significantly different from that in the controls. Raised levels of sex‐hormone binding globulin were found in 71% (22/31) of the patients (median 8 times 10‐8 mol/1, range 3–17 times 10‐8 mol/1). The incidence of gynaeco‐mastia (38%), cutaneous spiders (67%), testicular atrophy (24%) and reduced axillary hair (71%) was without significant relation to raised levels of sex‐hormone binding globulin or progressively reduced liver function. In the presence of clinical or hormonal hypo‐gonadism we found evidence of a state of primary hypogonadism together with an inadequate secretion of gonadotropins. The state of hyperoestro‐genaemia and the concentration of gonadotropins were significantly correlated to the hepatic synthesis of coagulation factors.
Effects of weight reduction on plasma lipoproteins and adipose tissue metabolism in obese subjects
Authors: SORBRIS RALPH , PETERSSON BENGT‐GORAN , NILSSON‐EHLE PETER
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The relationship between obesity and alterations in adipose tissue metabolism and lipid transport was studied in fourteen obese subjects before and after a weight reduction of 4–22 kg. Blood glucose and plasma insulin patterns after peroral glucose intake improved significantly, and plasma glucagon levels decreased markedly after treatment. Plasma trigly‐ceride and total cholesterol levels were not altered, but there was a 20% (P < 0.05) increase in HDL concentrations. Plasma free fatty acid and glycerol concentrations decreased, in parallel to a decrease in lipolysis rate, in vitro. Lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase activities in postheparin plasma, as well as the intravenous fat tolerance test, were normal and did not change significantly after weight loss. Lipoprotein lipase activity in adipose tissue, expressed per cell, was elevated and did not change after weight reduction. Also, the enzyme activity did not increase after glucose intake before or after treatment.

The lack of effect on lipoprotein lipase activity and regulation in combination with significant improvements of other aspects of lipid and glucose transport is consistent with the view that alterations in LPL activity and regulation may represent an early and possibly primary defect in the development of obesity.
Regulation of biosynthesis of trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen by nutritional and hormonal factors in the rat
Authors: STÖCKMANN F. , SÖLING H. D.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Experimental diabetes is associated with decreased pancreatic amylase activity resulting from reduced amylase synthesis and increased amounts of trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen. The effects of different diets and of experimental diabetes on the synthesis of chymotrypsinogen and trypsinogen in rat pancreas were studied by measuring the incorporation of [4,5‐3H]leucine into these proteins by specific im‐munoprecipitation and simultaneous determination of the specific radioactivity of the pancreatic leucine pool. In addition the effect of acute glucagon treatment on the synthesis of these enzymes was examined. In rat pancreas two trypsinogens and one chymotrypsinogen were found. There was no precursor‐product relationship between the two trypsinogens. Changes in the rate of synthesis affected both isoenzymes to the same extent. Starvation was associated with a decreased rate of synthesis of total pancreatic protein, chymotrypsinogen and trypsinogen. A protein‐rich diet led to an increased rate of synthesis of chymotrypsinogen and trypsinogen, but not of total protein. A carbohydrate‐rich diet diminished the amounts of pancreatic chymotrypsinogen and trypsinogen and the rates of synthesis of these enzymes, whereas a fat‐rich diet had no significant effects on these parameters.

Diabetes was associated with increased amounts of chymotrypsinogen and trypsinogen in the pancreas. This resulted from a dramatic increase in their rates of synthesis, whereas that of total pancreatic protein showed no significant change. The same pattern was observed in diabetic adrenalectomized rats or diabetic rats receiving the same amount of a standard diet as non‐diabetic controls. Treatment of rats with glucagon for 6 or 12 h led to a marked decrease of the amounts of pancreatic zymogens, whereas the rates of synthesis of chymotrypsinogen and trypsinogen were only slightly diminished.
Minor dietary effects on HDL in physically active men
Authors: KIENS B. , GAD P. , LITHELL H. , VESSBY B.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. In a preceding prospective study an increased high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol and apolipoprotein (apo) A‐I concentration occurred in healthy, non‐obese, initially sedentary men, aged 30–44 years, after 3 months of physical training. Dietary history data revealed an increase in the absolute amount of fat‐intake. In the present study we investigated whether a changed fat intake would influence the levels of lipoproteins, especially the HDL fraction, in twenty‐three regularly conditioning men, aged 30–44 years, with a maximal aerobic capacity of 53.4 ml/kg x min‐1± 0.8, mean ± SE. Ten subjects participated in an experimental group and thirteen in a control group. The experimental group studied before, after 4 weeks on a fat‐rich diet (fifty‐four energy‐% fat, twenty‐nine energy‐% carbohydrate) and after 4 weeks on a fat‐poor diet (twenty‐nine energy‐% fat, fiftythree energy‐% carbohydrate).

The data reveal that these large dietary changes did not influence HDL‐cholesterol concentrations (1.71 ± O.10, 1.69± 0.12, 1.59± 0.13 mmol/l, mean ± SE, during ordinary, fat‐rich and fat‐poor diet, respectively) and only influenced apo A‐I levels to a minor degree after the fat‐poor diet (1 34 ± 6.1, 134f7.1 and 123 ± 4.7 arbitrary units, mean values ± SE) during ordinary, fat‐rich and fat‐poor diet, respectively). No changes were observed in the controls before and after 8 weeks. During the study training habits and body weight were constant.

These findings show that large variations in the intake of dietary neutral fat only to a minor extent influence the level of HDL‐cholestrerol and apo A‐I in physically active subjects.
Sodium status and the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system in compensated liver disease
Authors: SELLARS L. , SHORE A. C. , WILKINSON R. , JAMES O. F. W. , ROBSON V.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Exchangeable sodium, plasma renin activity, plasma angiotensin II and plasma aldosterone were measured in forty‐six control subjects, nineteen patients with chronic non‐cirrhotic liver disease and twenty patients with compensated cirrhosis (i.e. without ascites or oedema). In the three groups respectively, mean exchangeable sodium (mmol/kg lean body mass) was 53 (SD = 3), 50 (SD = 5) and 52 (SD = 8). Mean plasma renin activity (pmol 1‐1 min‐1) was 3.2, 3.1 and 3.0 supine and 6.2, 6.2 and 5.1 erect. Mean plasma angiotensin I1 (pmol 1‐I) was 7.3, 5.8 and 6.6 supine and 10.6, 7.9 and 9.0 erect. Mean plasma aldosterone (pmol 1‐I) was 82, 64 and 77 supine and 188, 133 and 121 erect. There were no significant differences among the mean values of any of these variables. These findings indicate that, on the basis of exchangeable sodium measurements, sodium retention is not present in compensated liver disease and that the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system is essentially normal.
Adenylate cyclase activity and cAMP content of human platelets in uraemia
Authors: VLACHOYANNIS J. , SCHOEPPE W.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. We investigated the effects of uraemia and haemodialysis on the basal activity of adenylate cyclase and the cyclic‐AMP content of human platelets in patients with end‐stage renal insufficiency, patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis, and as controls healthy voluntary subjects.

Basal adenylate cyclase activity in terminal renal disease (creatinine clearance less than 15 ml/min/1·73 m2) was 824 ± SEM 57, in comparison to the healthy subjects with 453 ± SEM 28 (P< 0·001). We also found significant elevation (P< 0·001) of platelet cAMP levels as compared to the controls. Basal adenylate cyclase activity and platelet cAMP levels were approximately normal in the dialysed patients.

These results show that uraemic toxins adversely affect the platelet AC‐cAMP system, possibly causing impaired platelet aggregation and the bleeding diathesis of uraemia.
The effects of sodium nitroprusside on cerebral blood flow and cerebral venous blood gases
Authors: HENRIKSEN LEIF , PAULSON OLAF B. , LAURITZEN MARTIN
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral venous blood gases were studied in seven patients before, during and after intravenous sodium nitroprusside infusion. The 133Xe intra‐arterial injection method was used for the CBF measurements. A dose of sodium nitroprusside (mean 1·0 mg, mean infusion time 20 min), which reduced mean arterial blood pressure by a mean of 17%, resulted in a 13% decrease in CBF (P<0·05). Measurements obtained 5 and 20 min after termination of the sodium nitroprusside infusion showed no signs of a hyperaemic rebound effect. Arterial PCO2, metabolic rate of oxygen, arterio‐venous oxygen difference and venous PO2 remained unchanged during and after infusion. It is concluded that sodium nitroprusside has a minor effect on cerebral haemodynamics, an effect that might be mediated by the sympathetic nervous system.
The effect of lymphokines on proliferation and collagen synthesis of cultured human synovial cells
Authors: PARROTT DAVID P. , GOLDBERG RONALD L. , KAPLAN STEPHEN R. , FULLER GEORGE C.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Human mononuclear cell supernatants were obtained by incubating 3 times 106 cells per ml of Dulbecco's modified Eagles medium at 37°C for 24 h or 48 h, either in presence or absence of phytohaemagglutinin. After removal of intact cells, the supernatants were dialysed and diluted (1:1, 1:2, 1:5, 1:10) again using the above medium. The diluted supernatants, containing a final concentration of 10% (v/v) human platelet‐factor poor serum, were found to stimulate the proliferation of human synovial cells in culture and to increase both the total amount of collagen and the percentage of Type III collagen synthesized by these cells. Incubation of the mononuclear cells in presence of phytohaemagglutinin appeared to further enhance the stimulatory effects of the supernatants upon the synovial cells. Since activated mononuclear leucocytes such as lymphocytes and macrophages are present in rheumatoid synovia, this study suggests that factors released from activated mononuclear leucocytes may play an important role in the proliferation of rheumatoid synovial tissue and development of the pannus.
Bile salt transport in intestinal lymph of the rat
Authors: BECKETT GEOFFREY J. , PERCY‐ROBB IAIN W.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The concentrations of conjugated cholate and chenodeoxycholate have been measured in samples of rat thoracic duct lymph, portal and systemic blood. Both these bile salts were present in lymph. After administration of a corn oil meal the flux of both these bile salts in lymph increased significantly (P < 0.001; Student's t test), the cholate flux rising from 0.9 ± 0.6 nmol/h (mean ± SD) to 3.5 ± 1.1 nmol/h postprandially and the chenodeoxycholate flux rising from 2.5 ± 0.8 to 4.6 ± 1.6 nmol/h. This postprandial increase in bile salt flux was due to both an increase in bile salt concentration and an increased lymph flow which rose significantly (P= 0.007) from 0.5 ± 0.2 to 0.7 ± 0.2 ml/h.

Biliary drainage significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the flux of cholate and chenodeoxycholate in lymph to 0.08 ± 0.05 and 0.17 ± 0.10 nmol/h respectively. These biliary drained animals produced no significant rise (P > 0.1) in bile salt flux when fed the corn oil meal.

The ratio of the concentrations of conjugated cholate to chenodeoxycholate in systemic and portal blood was 1.9:1 and 3.3:1 respectively. In contrast, this bile salt ratio was only 0.44:1 in lymph.

These studies show that bile salts, in particular chenodeoxycholate, can pass directly from the intestine into lymphatics thus establishing an enterolymphatic circulation of bile salts.
Skin content and plasma transport of vitamin A and β‐carotene in chronic renal failure
Authors: VAHLQUIST A. , BERNE B. , BERNE C.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The serum and cutaneous concentrations of β‐carotene and vitamin A and the serum concentrations of retinol‐binding protein (RBP) and prealbumin were investigated in ten patients with chronic renal failure. The serum β‐carotene concentration was lower in the patients (1.3 ± 0.7 μmol/l) than in the twenty‐two healthy controls (2.4 ± 0.9; P < 0.01). The skin carotene concentration was also lower in patients than in controls (18.7 ± 5.5 v. 24.6 ± 9.9 nmol/g protein; P < 0.05). By contrast, the patients' mean concentration of vitamin A in the skin was twice that of the healthy controls (11.0 ± 4.8 v. 5.9 ± 1· (nmol/g protein; P < 0.005) and in serum 3 times that of the controls (4.8 ± 1.7 v. 1.8 ± 0.3 μmol/l; P < 0.001). The increase of serum vitamin A was accompanied by a rise in the RBP concentration, but the concentrations of vitamin A‐esters and prealbumin remained in the normal range. It is suggested that vitamin A may accumulate in the skin as a result of an increased transfer of the vitamin by RBP. A possible relationship between high skin levels of vitamin A and uraemic skin symptoms is discussed.
Insulin receptor binding increased by high carbohydrate low fat diet in non‐insulin‐dependent diabetics
Authors: WARD G. M. , SIMPSON R. W. , SIMPSON H. C. R. , NAYLOR B. A. , MANN J. I. , TURNER R. C.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. In comparison to a traditional low carbohydrate diet (LC), the effect of an isocaloric high carbohydrate, high fibre diet (HC) upon the insulin binding to mononuclear blood cells of seven non‐insulin‐dependent diabetics was examined. Each subject, in random order, took both diets for 6 weeks each. There was no significant difference in weight during either dietary period, but a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the monocyte insulin binding activity on the HC diet (tracer specific binding: 4.2% HC; 3.5% LC). This was accompanied by a significantly (P<0.02) lower fasting plasma glucose concentration (LC = 7.1 mmol/l; HC = 6.1) without a significant change in the fasting plasma insulin level. In contrast to the usual low carbohydrate diet, a high carbohydrate diet tends to correct the lowered insulin receptor status observed in maturity‐onset diabetics.
The value of plasma prolactin levels in the prediction of the responsiveness of growth hormone secretion to bromocriptine and TRH in acromegaly
Authors: LAMBERTS S. W. J. , LIUZZI A. , CHIODINI P. G. , VERDE S. , KLIJN J. G. M. , BIRKENHÁGER J. C.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The mechanism of the inhibition of growth hormone secretion in response to bromocriptine and the ability of thyrotropin releasing hormone to stimulate growth secretion in acromegaly is unknown. In the present study the relationship between the plasma prolactin concentration of untreated acromegalic patients and the reaction of growth hormone to thyrotropin releasing hormone and bromocriptine was investigated.

Plasma prolactin levels were elevated in thirty‐three (42%) of seventy‐nine untreated acromegalic patients. Seventeen patients had mildly elevated prolactin levels, but in sixteen the plasma prolactin concentration was higher than 30 ng/ml. Bromocriptine (2.5 mg) inhibited growth hormone secretion by more than 50% in 22% of the normoprolactinaemic, in 53% of the mild hyperprolactinaemic and in 88% of the patients with a prolactin level above 30 ng/ml (P<0.01 v. normoprolactinaemic; P<0.01 v. mildly elevated prolactin levels). An increase of growth hormone secretion by more than 100% of the basal value in response to thyrotropin releasing hormone was observed in 44% of the normoprolactinaemic, in 59% of the mildly hyperprolactinaemic and in 75% of the clearly hyperprolactinaemic patients; (P<0.01 v. normo‐and mildly hyperprolactinaemic patients).

Conclusion: An increased plasma prolactin concentration in patients with acromegaly is accompanied in most patients by a higher sensitivity of growth hormone secretion to bromocriptine.
The determination of aminopyrin elimination for control of the metabolic capacity of the liver in man
Authors: HAUSTEIN K.‐O. , HÜLLER G. , SENSING HELGA
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The kinetics of plasma and breath elimination of aminopyrine after 14C‐aminopyrine given orally were studied using an open one‐compartment model and first order rates of elimination. The study comprises eight healthy volunteers and two groups with histologically verified chronic liver diseases (cirrhosis, n= 12, and chronic aggressive hepatitis, n= 12). Elimination rates from plasma and breath were significantly reduced in the group with cirrhosis, but only so in chronic aggressive hepatitis when they were expressed relative to each other.

Monomethylaminopyrine was eliminated more rapidly compared to aminopyrine, and the rate of formaldehyde formation was positively correlated to the excretion rate of CO2 (r= 0.53, P<0.002). No correlation was found with clinical or other laboratory data in the groups of liver diseases studied.

The test is a quantitative indicator of the drug metabolizing mixed function oxidases of the endoplasmatic reticulum of the liver, and may reflect the degree of damage to this system in chronic liver disease.
Effect of nitroglycerin on pulmonary perfusion distribution and gas exchange of normal subjects
Authors: NEMERY BENOÎT , VANDERLINDEN‐MAHIEU SONIA , PIRET LOUIS , BRASSEUR LUCIEN , FRANS ALBERT
Published: March 2008

Abstract. In eight healthy subjects we assessed the effects of 3 mg sublingual nitroglycerin on lung distribution of ventilation and perfusion using 133Xe (sitting, supine and lateral decubitus) and on alveolo‐arterial O2 and CO2 partial pressure differences [(PAo2–Pao2), (Paco2–PAco2)] and physiological dead space to tidal volume ratio (VD/VT) (sitting).

In all studied positions, nitroglycerin induced a significant decrease in uppermost perfusion indices, and a significant increase in dependent perfusion indices, without changing the distribution of ventilation. Significant increases in (Paco2–PAco2) and VD/VT were observed up to 60 min after nitroglycerin. No changes in (PAo2–Pao2) occurred, except for a transient decrease due to transient hyperventilation following nitroglycerin.

The redistribution of pulmonary perfusion after nitroglycerin may be attributed to the passive effects of lowered pulmonary vascular pressures, and to possible action on extra‐alveolar vessels. The evolution of the indices of pulmonary gas exchange is compatible with the observed redistribution of ventilation/perfusion relationships.
Ammonia uptake by skeletal muscle in the hyperammonaemic rat
Authors: HOD G. , CHAOUAT M. , HASKEL Y. , LERNAU O. Z. , NISSAN S. , MAYER M.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. A two‐stage surgical occlusion of the portal vein was employed to produce hyperammonaemia in the rat. The procedure resulted in a significant rise of arterial blood ammonia level from 70·5 ± 6·5 μmol/l (mean ± SEM, n= 10) to 214·0 ± 37·7 μmol/l and in a rise of venous blood ammonia from 65·0 ± 9·4 μmol/l to 122·2 ± 7·4 μmol/l during the first day following the complete vein occlusion. A marked increase of the arteriovenous difference of ammonia concentration from virtually zero in sham‐operated controls to 72 ± 9 (n= 8) μmol/l in rats 1 day after the surgical manipulation suggested uptake of ammonia by skeletal muscle. Rat muscle glutamine synthetase activity increased from 0·46 ± 0·06 u/mg (n= 7) in controls to 2·7 ± 0·3 u/mg (n= 7) on the fourth day following portal vein ligation, and muscle branched chain amino acids aminotransferase increased from 0·2 ± 0·05 u/mg in controls to 0·96 ± 0·1 u/mg (n= 7) during the first day of ligation. Glutamine dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase activities were not affected by the surgical procedure. These observations suggest that ammonia trapping in skeletal muscle is coupled to glutamine formation via amination of glutamic acid. This conclusion was further supported by the finding that ammonia uptake correlated (r= 0·92) with enahnced release of glutamine from muscle and that treatment with methionine sulfoximine, a potent inhibitor of glutamine synthetase, changed the arteriovenous difference of glutamine from –0·92 ± 0·01 mmol/l in ligated animals (net release) to ± 0·12 ± 0·01 mmol/l (net uptake) in ligated and inhibitor‐treated animals. Similarly, the inhibitor also abolished the arterio‐venous difference of ammonia.

Thus, the animal model of hyperammonaemia and the muscle enzyme assays reveal that skeletal muscle is involved in the regulation of blood ammonia level by conversion of ammonia, via glutamic acid, to glutamine.
Erythrocyte organic phosphates and whole blood oxygen affinity in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Authors: AGRAFIOTIS ATHANASE , CAMUS FRANÇOISE , ROTTEMBOURG JACQUES , EUGENE LILIANE , LEGRAIN MARCEL
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Whole blood oxygen affinity, erythrocyte pH and organic phosphates were studied in five anaemic untransfused patients with end stage renal disease undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Decreased whole blood oxygen affinity with increased adenosine triphosphate and normal 2.3 diphosphoglycerate (DPG) values were observed. Normal and stable serum phosphate and permanent mild metabolic acidosis may be important factors contributing to maintain DPG levels within the normal range despite anaemia. Continous dialysis avoids cyclic fluctuation of blood oxygen affinity as described during and after dialysis sessions in patients on maintenance haemodialysis.
Mechanism of hepatic bicarbonate secretion and bile acid independent bile secretion
Authors: MATHISEN ØSYSTEIN , RÆDER MORTEN
Published: March 2008

Abstract. To examine hepatic bicarbonate transport and bile acid independent bile secretion, bile was sampled via a T‐tube inserted into the common bile duct of anaesthetized pigs. Secretin was infused intravenously at a rate of 2.7 C.U./kg body weight h‐1 (large dose) or 0.45 C.U./kg body weight h‐1 (small dose). Hepatic water and electrolyte secretion were studied during systemic acid‐base disturbances while secretin was continuously administered. Systemic acidosis reduced the rate of NaHCO3 secretion which fell in proportion to changes in plasma pH, by 9% and 2% per 0.1 pH unit for the large and small dose of secretin, respectively. Plasma pCO2 and bicarbonate concentration had little influence on NaHCO3 secretion. Consequently, plasma pH appeared to be the main determinant of hepatic NaHCO3 secretion during acid‐base changes. Secretion of 1 mol NaHCO3 was accompanied by an isotonic solution containing water and 0.25 mol NaCl. After secretin infusion, 14C‐erythritol clearance increased in proportion to bile flow. Bicarbonate secretion is determined by a gradient limited H+‐pump at the contraluminal cell. During secretin stimulation bile acid independent bile secretion is osmotically driven by bile NaHCO3 flux.
Plasma haemostatic factors and diabetic retinopathy
Authors: DORNAN T. L. , RHYMES I. L. , CEDERHOLM‐WILLIAMS S. A. , RIZZA C. R. , PEPYS M. B. , BRON A. J. , TURNER R. C.
Published: March 2008

Abstract.Plasma coagulation factors were measured in twelve male insulin‐dependent diabetics with no retinopathy, ten with background and ten with proliferative retinopathy and ten non‐diabetics. Factor VIII pro‐coagulant activities (VIII:C), ristocetin co‐factor activities and factor VIII‐related antigen concentrations (VIIIR:ag) were significantly related to the severity of diabetic retinopathy (P< 0.025, trend test). The mean ratio of VIII:C/VIIIR:ag was lower in the diabetics with proliferative retinopathy than in the other groups of diabetics (P< 0.05) or the controls (P< 0.02). Concentrations of α2macroglobulin and α1antitrypsin were highest in diabetics with proliferative retinopathy (0.1 >P<0.05, trend test) but mean prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times and mean concentrations of α2antiplasmin, plasminogen activator and antithrombin III were similar in all groups. Concentrations of the platelet‐specific protein β thromboglobulin, though higher in diabetics than controls (P< 0.005), were not related to retinopathy. The plasma concentrations of coagulation factors did not correlate with creatinine clearance and there were no significant differences between groups in concentrations C‐reactive protein; this suggests that the raised concentrations of coagulation factors in diabetics with retinopathy were not a result of associated nephropathy or an ‘acute phase protein’ response to diabetic tissue damage. Increased coagulation activity in diabetics may contribute to the development of retinopathy.
Angiogenic and growth factors in human amnio‐chorion and placenta
Authors: BURGOS H.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Human amnio‐chorionic membranes and placenta maintained in culture release factors with angiogenic and mitogenic capacities at concentrations corresponding to nanogram amounts of protein. Angiogenic activity of amnio‐chorion and placenta‐conditioned media was assessed by their ability to stimulate neovascularisation in the dorsal subcutaneous fascia in the rat and the chorio‐allantoic membrane in the chick embryo. Mitogenic characteristics were assessed by their ability to initiate DNA synthesis in cells at resting state, unstimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes and serum‐deprived 3T3 fibroblasts. These growth promoting factors can be isolated from amnio‐chorion and placenta‐conditioned media mostly as factor‐protein complexes of high molecular weight (higher than 100000 daltons) by gel filtration, and dissociated by magnesium chloride in components of low molecular weight including molecules readily diffusable through dialysis membranes of 2000 molecular weight cutoff. Presence of angiogenic and mitogenic factors in amnio‐chorion suggests they might play a role in wound healing when amniotic membranes are used as biological dressings, besides the role they may play, in conjunction with placental factors, in embryonic and foetal development.
Hormone and metabolite profiles in alcoholic liver disease
Authors: STEWART A. , JOHNSTON D. G. , ALBERTI K. G. M. M. , NATTRASS M. , WRIGHT R.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Circulating hormone and metabolite profiles have been studied in ten patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, five patients with alcoholic hepatitis and/or fatty liver, and nine normal controls over a 12‐h period of meals and activity. Blood glucose was elevated throughout the day in both cirrhotic and non‐cirrhotic alcoholics (mean 12‐h glucose; controls 5.38 ± 0.16 (SEM) mmol/l; cirrhotics 6.98 ± 0.30 mmol/l, P < 0.001; non‐cirrhotics 7.18 ± 0.26 mmol/l, P < 0.001). Non‐cirrhotic alcoholics had an exaggerated insulin response to meals, whereas cirrhotic patients had hyperinsulinaemia throughout the day (mean 12‐h insulin; controls 16.3 ± 2.3 mU/l; cirrhotics 35.8 ± 6.6 mU/l, P < 0.02). Growth hormone levels were elevated only in patients with cirrhosis (mean 12‐h growth hormone, 7.06 ± 1.35 v. 0.85 ± 0.17 μg/l, P < 0.001). Serum Cortisol was persistently elevated in cirrhotics but only in the evening in non‐cirrhotic alcoholics. Lactate and pyruvate responses to meals were exaggerated in non‐cirrhotic patients whereas in cirrhotics, levels were persistently raised. Blood glycerol was elevated in all alcoholic patients whereas ketone body levels were normal. Hypertriglyceridae‐mia was observed only in non‐cirrhotic patients. No relationship between the endocrine and metabolic state was observed in either cirrhotic or non‐cirrhotic patients.
Functionally inactive apolipoprotein E3 in a type III hyperlipoproteinaemic patient
Authors: HAVEKES LOUIS M. , LEUVEN JAN A. GEVERS , CORVEN EMILE VAN , WIT ELLY DE , EMEIS JEF J.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Type III hyperlipoproteinaemia (HLP) is, amongst others, characterized by the E2/2 phenotype as determined by isoelectric focusing of apolipoprotein E. However, one of our clinically symptomatic type III HLP patients showed a E3/3 phenotype.

After complexation with phospholipid vesicles, apo E from this patient was, in contrast with apo E from a type IV HLP patient (E3/4 phenotype), unable to compete with low density lipoprotein (LDL) for binding to the specific LDL receptors on cultured human fibroblasts. This defect in binding to the LDL receptor was not due to an impaired lipid binding capability. The clinical symptomatic type III hyperlipoproteinaemia of our patient is probably due to a functionally inactive apo E3.
Quality control in parathyroid hormone radioimmunoassays: a multicentre study performed by the European Parathyroid Hormone Study Group
Authors: MINNE HELMUT W.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. This paper reports the results of the second collaborative study of radioimmunological parathyroid hormone (PTH) determination in twenty‐two serum samples, performed by twenty‐four laboratories in the European PTH Study Group (EPSG). It demonstrates that radioimmunoassay systems can yield results that are clinically relevant in the differential diagnosis of hypercalcaemia. However, it also emphasizes, that numerical values, generated by a spectrum of different immunoassay systems cannot be compared directly. Numerical values can be compared, if the same reagents and method, provided as a kit, are used.

Using their ‘in house’ reagents, fourteen out of twenty laboratories discriminated between low and normal iPTH serum, eleven of them between normal and marginal hyperparathyroid sera, seventeen of them between normal and grossly hyperparathyroid sera. Four laboratories agreed to a ranking order of serum samples, which was expected to cover all ranges on an average standard calibration curve, six were mistaking once, and ten two or more times.

Using the kit, all participants but one discriminated between sera with low, normal, marginal and grossly elevated PTH and all agreed to the above ranking order of these sera.

As far as these criteria are concerned, there was no relation between the quality of results, obtained with ‘in house’ reagents, and differences in antisera (but one, which was an anti human 1–34 PTH antiserum), methods of tracer preparation, and peptides used for tracer preparation. But only few laboratories, using bovine PTH standards were able to satisfy the above described conditions, whereas all of the laboratories, using human PTH standard preparations, did so with minor exceptions.
Infusion of cholecystokinin octapeptide in man: relation between plasma cholecystokinin concentrations and gallbladder emptying rates
Authors: MATON PAUL N. , SELDEN A. CLARE , FITZPATRICK MARGARET L. , CHADWICK VINTON S.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. To establish the sensitivity of the gallbladder in relation to plasma concentrations of cholecystokinin, a dose‐response study was performed in five normal volunteers. Cholecystokinin octapeptide was infused in ascending incremental dose sequence, interval blood samples taken for estimation of plasma hormone concentrations and gallbladder emptying rates monitored continuously using 99mTc‐HIDA. In five other volunteers, gallbladder emptying rates following a liquid fat meal were measured. Infusion rates of 0·0, 0·75 ± 0·2, 6·8 ± 0·5, 23·8 ± 1·6 and 66·1 ± 2·5 pmol cholecystokinin kg‐1h‐1 produced plasma concentrations of <3·0 (undetectable), <3·0, 6·6 ± 1·8, 13·3 ± 1·5 and 26·9 ± 2·9 pmol l‐1 respectively and gallbladder emptying rates (% min‐1) of 0·0, 0·0, 0·14 ± 0·15, 1·57 ± 0·38 and 4·29 ± 1·12. Following the fat meal, peak plasma cholecystokinin concentrations reach 30 pmol l‐1 and gallbladder emptying rates (% min‐1) are 3·86 ± 1·01.

We conclude that the threshold of the gallbladder to circulating cholecystokinin octapeptide is around 6 pmol l‐1, but that infusions which result in plasma levels of around 25 pmol l‐1 produce gallbladder emptying rates comparable with those seen after oral fat. This suggests that the gallbladder is equally sensitive to endogenous and exogenous cholecystokinin and that plasma concentrations observed after oral fat can entirely account for the gallbladder response.
Beta‐adrenergic regulation of cyclic adenosine 3‘,5’ monophosphate accumulation in human gastric epithelial glands. Inhibitory effect of somatostatin
Authors: BOIGE N. , DUPONT C. , CHENUT B. , GESPACH C. , ROSSELIN G.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The action of catecholamines and somatostatin on cyclic adenosine 3′,5′ monophosphate (cyclic AMP) formation in human isolated gastric glands is reported.

We show that: (1) there is a beta 2 receptor‐mediated stimulation of cyclic AMP production in fundus. Catecholamines act with the order of potencies isoproterenol (ED50= 50 nmol l‐1) > epinephrine (ED50= 0·1 μmol l‐1) > norepinephrine (ED50= 5 μmol l‐1). Their action is completely reversed by propranolol at doses 103 times lower than practolol, while unaffected by phentolamine; (2) isoproterenol and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) have additive effects on cyclic AMP in fundic glands whereas no additivity is observed between histamine and isoproterenol; this, together with the absence of catecholamine effect in antral glands, suggests that the beta 2 receptor is located on parietal cells; (3) somatostatin (1 μmol l‐1) non‐competitively inhibits the stimulation by catecholamines but does not affect VIP and histamine stimulations.

These results suggest a physiological stimulatory effect of catecholamines on gastric acid secretion in man, through a beta 2 receptor coupled to the cyclic AMP system, regulated by somatostatin.