bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Alcohol Consumption in Denmark after the Tax Reduction on Spirits
Authors: Grittner Ulrike , Gustafsson Nina-Katri , Bloomfield Kim
Published: September 2009

Aims: This paper examines changes in alcohol consumption in Denmark between 2003 and 2006 after the excise tax on spirits in Denmark was lowered by 45% on October 1, 2003 and travelers’ allowances for the import of alcohol were increased on January 1, 2004. Methods: Cross-sectional and panel data from Denmark from 2003 to 2006 were analyzed. Samples were collected by telephone interviews using random digit dialing. Results: Panel data for Denmark revealed that alcohol consumption remained relatively stable. Similar results were found in the Danish cross-sectional data. It appears that ‘substitution’ rather than increased importation occurred. Conclusion: We found no evidence to support earlier research stating that decreased prices and increased availability is related to higher alcohol consumption. This could be partly because (1) Denmark has reached a ‘saturation’ level of consumption over the past 30 years and (2) the survey mode of data collection did not capture specific subpopulations who might have increased their consumption. It may be necessary to examine other indicators of alcohol use or alcohol-related harm in order to fully assess the consequences of such changes in alcohol availability.
Serum Uric Acid for Risk Stratification of Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Brodov Yafim , Chouraqui Pierre , Goldenberg Ilan , Boyko Valentina , Mandelzweig Lori , Behar Shlomo
Published: September 2009

Objectives: In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), elevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels may predict worse cardiovascular outcomes. It is known that SUA levels are influenced by renal function. We aimed to assess the predictive value of SUA while taking into account patients’ renal function. Methods: The primary end point (PEP) risk, including fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) or sudden death, was assessed by SUA quintiles before and after adjustment for the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in 2,796 nondiabetic CAD patients enrolled in the Bezafibrate Infarction Prevention study. Results: The PEP risk increased from the lowest (11.8%) to highest SUA quintile (18.0%), p < 0.005, respectively. After adjustment for age, sex, smoking, prior MI, metabolic syndrome variables, NYHA classes II–IV, heart rate and treatment with bezafibrate, diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, β-blockers, calcium channel blockers and antiplatelets, the highest SUA quintile exhibited the highest PEP risk [hazard ratio (HR): 1.47 (95% CI: 1.06–2.04)]. Patients in the highest – compared with those in the lowest – quintiles continued to demonstrate an increased PEP risk [HR: 1.46 (95% CI: 1.04–2.06)], even after additional adjustment for the eGFR. Conclusion: In nondiabetic patients with CAD, elevated SUA levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiac events, independent of renal function.
Evaluation of Estrogen Treatment in an Immunodeficient Mouse Endometriosis Model
Authors: Colette Sébastien , Defrère Sylvie , Lousse Jean-Christophe , Van Langendonckt Anne , Loumaye Ernest , Donnez Jacques
Published: September 2009

Background/Aims: Endometriosis is known to be an estrogen-dependent disease. However, only a few studies have analyzed the effect of estrogen treatment in mice xenotransplanted with human endometrium. The objective of this study was to adapt a previously developed heterologous murine model to the study of estrogens and test the impact of estrone treatment on endometriosis development. Methods: Human proliferative endometrium was xenotransplanted into the peritoneal cavity of castrated immunodeficient mice. These mice were treated with estrogens by means of subcutaneous estrone-releasing pellets. The effect of estrone on estradiol level, uterine histology and endometriosis development was evaluated after 21 days. Results: Bioactivity of estrone pellets and their metabolization into estradiol were demonstrated. However, there was no impact on endometriosis development (no difference in lesion number, weight, size or fluorescence). This lack of response was not due to absence of estrogen receptor expression, since strong expression was found in all lesions harvested. Surprisingly, castrated nontreated mice presented with lesions showing high proliferative activity, similar to lesions found in treated mice (around 30%). Conclusion: The high proliferation observed in lesions recovered from ovariectomized nontreated mice questions the utility of using estrogens in heterologous murine models.
Effect of Metopirone on the Synthesis of Lung Surfactant in Does and Fetal Rabbits
Authors: Vidyasagar D. , Chernick Victor
Published: September 2009

The possible role of endogenous corticosteroids in the induction of synthesis of lung surfactant in both maternal and fetal rabbits was investigated. Metopirone (SU 4885), which specifically inhibits B hydroxylation in the adrenal gland, thus preventing endogenous cortisol production was used in this study. Pregnant rabbits received one of four treatment regimens: saline, metopirone, cortisone or metopirone plus steroid for 6 days before delivery. Studies of the lungs of the adult rabbits revealed that lung weights and percent dry weight were not influenced by drug injection. However, lung DNA content (mg/g) in the metopirone-treated group was higher than the control group, indicating an increase in cell number. Compared to the saline-treated group there was a significant decrease in lung phosphohpid content in the other three groups (p < 0.005). A decrease in lung lecithin and phosphatidylethanolamine was also noted in these three groups indicating that the inhibition was in the early steps of biosynthesis of lung lecithin. The specific activity of 14C-labelled palmitate in lung lecithin was not altered by drug treatment indicating that saturated fatty acid incorporation into lung lecithin is not influenced by metopirone, steroid or a combination of both drugs. Quasi-static deflation pressure-volume characteristics of the lung were also similar in all groups. However, lungs of animals receiving both metopirone and steroid had a small but statistically significant decrease in minimum surface tension (p < 0.05). The change in surface tension did not correlate with a change in lung retractive forces or with lung lipid content and was, therefore, of dubious biological significance. Metopirone administration to pregnant rabbits did not alter surface active properties in the fetus from the 26th to the 29th day of gestation when compared to control fetuses. At day 30-31 gestation the offsprings of metopirone-treated rabbits had lung total phospho-lipid and lecithin contents, and deflation pressure-volume curves similar to control group, but minimum surface tension of minced lung extracts were high in about 60 % of the fetal lungs studied (p < 0.05). These results suggest that endogenous steroid production may play a significant role in the maturation of the fetal lung.
DNA Synthesis from the β-Carbon of Serine by Fetal and Mature Human Liver
Authors: Sturman John A. , Gaull Gerald E. , Räihä Niels C.R.
Published: September 2009

Incorporation of radioactivity from L,-3-14C-serine into DNA was at least 2-fold higher in fetal human liver slices (413 ± 34 dpm/mg wet weight/h) than in mature human liver slices (213 ± 21 dpm/mg wet weight/h); the incorporation into RNA by fetal human liver slices (49 ± 6 dpm/mg wet weight/h) was 10-fold lower than into DNA. These incorporations were not limited by endogenous methionine. When the serine concentration of the liver slices is taken into consideration, the synthesis of DNA utilizing the (3-carbon atom of serine was 4-fold higher in fetal human liver slices than in mature human liver slices. Those results suggest that the modified pathways of transsulfuration of methionine metabolism and remethylation of homocysteine to methionine may be an adaptation by the human fetus for diverting the β-carbon atom of serine into de novo synthesis of DNA.
Effect of Temperature on Growth of Newborn Rabbits
Authors: Sokal Myron , Sinclair John
Published: September 2009

The effect of cold exposure upon rabbits was investigated in order to study the interrelationships of food intake, growth and metabolic rate. Newborn rabbits were raised in two groups at environmental temperatures that produced a 50–100 % difference in metabolic rate. No difference in growth rate or milk intake was apparent. Nucleic acid and protein content of several organs were measured and were similar. The paradox of a similarity in weight gain between the groups in the face of a similar intake of milk but different oxygen consumptions is discussed.
PAH Clearance, Sodium Excretion, and PAH Extraction Ratio in Acidotic Near-Term Lambs Treated with Hypertonic Sodium Bicarbonate
Authors: Phelps Date L. , Omori Keiichiro , Oh William
Published: September 2009

The electrolyte changes and renal hemodynamic adjustment to hypertonic sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) correction of a metabolic acidosis were studied in 4 neonatal lambs and in 2 controls. PAH clearance increased from 0.92 to 1.65 ml/min/kg (p < 0.05), urine flow from 0.37 to 0.61 ml/min/kg (p < 0.05), and Na excretion from 8.4 to 23.7 μEq/min/kg (p < 0.05) during the NaHCO3 infusion. These increases were transient and returned to pre-infusion levels following NaHCO3 infusion. Calculation of Na intake and output revealed a net retention of 5.1 mEq/kg in the study lambs which was reflected in a rise of serum Na and osmolarity (Osm) during the post-NaHCO3-infusion period. The extraction ratio of sodium p-aminohippurate (EPAH) and its relationship to arterial pH were studied in 4 additional lambs. The EPAH did not change with metabolic acidosis but for unknown reasons, the infusion of NaHCO3 resulted in a temporary depression of EPAH (p < 0.001).
Tissue Glycogen and Blood Glucose and Fructose Levels in the Pig Fetus during the Second Half of Gestation
Authors: Randall G.C.B. , L‘Ecuyer C.
Published: September 2009

Tissue glycogen levels in the liver, cardiac ventricle, lung, thigh muscle, kidney and placenta were determined in pig fetuses of 60–112 days gestational age. Liver glycogen levels increased earlier in gestation than suggested by previous reports although the maximum rate of deposition occurred between 100 and 107 days. The time of deposition of muscle glycogen was similar to that of the liver. Lung glycogen levels peaked between 70 and 90 days but then fell rapidly in late gestation. Cardiac levels were similar at all ages studied. Blood fructose levels were high in younger fetuses but levels were lower in older fetuses and were falling rapidly between 107 and 112 days. Maternal blood contained only traces of fructose. Fetal blood glucose levels were lower than maternal levels and appeared to be more closely related to maternal levels than to the gestational age of the fetuses.
Isoelectric Focusing of Non-Specific Esterases of Developing Human Brain in Thin-Layer Polyacrylamide Gels
Authors: Papiha S.S. , Burn J.
Published: September 2009

Isoelectric focusing in thin-layer polyacrylamide gels shows differences between the non-specific esterase patterns of human fetal and adult brains. This heterogeneity is as expected from starch gel electrophoresis. The discrepancy with the only previous report on this subject is discussed, and is attributed to differences in the experimental conditions employed.
Cyclic AMP in Developing Muscle of the Rhesus Monkey: Effect of Prostaglandin E2
Authors: Bocek R.M. , Young M.K. , Beatty C.H.
Published: September 2009

Cyclic AMP levels, measured by a competitive protein-binding assay and by a prelabeling technique with adenine-14C, were determined on fetal, infant, and adult heart, diaphragm, and skeletal muscle of the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta); the effect of PGE2 on cyclic AMP accumulation was also studied. The levels of cyclic AMP were higher in the three types of muscle from 150-day fetuses (91% of term) than in adult muscles and even higher at 78–100 days fetal age, and histological evidence indicated that by 65 days gestation, the majority of the rhesus skeletal muscle cells are in the myotube stage. These data agree with the observation in cell cultures that a decrease in cyclic AMP is correlated with fusion of myoblasts to form myotubes. PGE2 (2.8 μM) stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in all the fetal series, even in the earliest series (47% of term), as well as in all the adult series.
Fibrinolysis, Fibrinogen and Thrombin Time in Newborns
Authors: Hrodek O. , Mydlil V. , Housková J. , Velišková V.
Published: September 2009

Comparative experiments were made on blood samples collected with and without addition of a potent fribrinolysis-blocking agent in newborn infants aged up to 12 h. Prevention of the in vitro fibrinolysis resulted in a diminished frequency of an abnormal euglobulin clot lysis time, but there was no significant difference in fibrinogen levels and in the frequency and degree of a prolonged thrombin time. These results indicate that the prolongation of thrombin time in newborn infants cannot be prevented by blocking the in vitro fibrinolysis. The significance of these findings is discussed with regard to the possible existence of an abnormal ‘fetal fibrinogen’.
In vitro Metabolism of Red Blood Cells from Newborn and Adult Goats
Authors: Agar N.S. , Harley J.D.
Published: September 2009

The erythrocytes of newborn and adult goats were studied with respect to GSH stability, GSH regeneration, levels of ATP and 2,3-DPG, glucose consumption and activities of nine different enzymes of Embden-Meyerhof and pentose phosphate pathways of glucose metabolism. Red cells from newborn goats had significantly higher levels of ATP and 2,3-DPG. The activities of all the enzymes measured were also significantly greater in the newborn. It is suggested that newborn goats possess red blood cells that are metabolically more active than those of adult goats.
Histological Structure of the Thyroid Gland in the Newborn
Authors: Larroche J.C.
Published: September 2009

Histological features of the thyroid gland in the newborns have been described under several circumstances; gestational age, length of survival, and under particular clinical status such as hypotrophy (intrauterine growth retardation), Cesarean section delivery and hydrops fetalis. Gestational age does not modify significantly the histological aspect of the thyroid, while birth process and adjustment to extrauterine life induce dramatic changes such as severe depletion of colloid for about 24 h, followed by a massive repletion after the first day of life. A few exceptions to this phenomenon are described. Thyroid glands of hypotrophic infants and of infants delivered by cesarean section exhibit colloid-filled vesicles already within the first day. Thyroid glands of hydrops fetalis have a reverse tendency. This phenomenon might be secondary to multiple exchange transfusions.
The Villous Stems of the Human Placenta
Authors: Papalia-Early A. , Gruenwald P.
Published: September 2009

Dissection and graphic reconstruction of villous stems of human placentas has shown that the allegedly typical pattern, namely, one single villous stem and one maternal arterial ostium supplying each lobule, is not the usual state. More often, portions of one villous stem supply several lobules, and several stems take part in the formation of one lobule. This, together with the previously demonstrated location of arterial ostia at the interlobular areas, leads to the concept that arterial ostia, usually in close association with large anchoring villi, form a network at the base of the placenta which determines the distribution of the lobules.
Effects of Early Postnatal X-Irradiation on the Cerebellum Correlated with Adult Motor Performance in Rats
Authors: Lynch A. , Dobbing John , Adlard B.P.F. , Smart J.L.
Published: September 2009

In experiment I the whole head of infant rats was X-irradiated (600 rad) at one of the following postnatal ages: 6, 8, 10, 12 or 16 days. Adult body weight was not affected by early treatment. Cerebellar weight was reduced by 51% in adulthood after irradiation at 6 days, but was progressively less affected by the later treatments. Forebrain weight was reduced significantly (by 7%) only after 6-day irradiation. There were permanent changes in certain brain enzyme activities (particularly cerebellar acetylcholinesterase) after 6-day irradiation. Early treatment was associated with impaired performance in adulthood in tests of motor co-ordination. These behavioural changes were particularly marked in 6-day irradiated animals who also showed the greatest alterations in cerebellar size and acetylcholinesterase activity. In experiment II 6-day-old rats were X-irradiated (600 rad) either to the whole head or forebrain (with the cerebellum shielded). Results of motor co-ordination tests in adulthood suggested that the behavioural deficits in the whole head-irradiated animals were largely a function of damage to the cerebellum.
Concentrations of Zinc, Cobalt, Bromine, Rubidium and Gold in Maternal and Cord Blood Serum
Authors: Alexiou D. , Grimanis A.P. , Grimani Maria , Papaevangelou G. , Papadatos C.
Published: September 2009

Concentrations of zinc, cobalt, bromine, rubidium and gold have been determined by neutron activation analysis in 18 maternal and umbilical cord blood sera as well as in 7 healthy non-pregnant women who served as controls. The concentrations of essential trace elements (zinc and cobalt) were significantly lower while levels of non-essential trace elements were similar (bromine and rubidium) or increased (gold) in sera of pregnant as compared to sera of non-pregnant women. The mean value of zinc in the umbilical cord was 1.9 times higher than that of mothers. However, no correlation exists between the values of zinc in maternal and umbilical cord blood sera. These data support the hypothesis that zinc is actively transported from mother to fetus through the placenta.
Plasma Immunoreactive Calcitonin Levels in Pregnant Ewes and Their Lambs
Authors: Garel Jean-Michel , Savajol Hélène , Barlet Jean-Pierre
Published: September 2009

A radioimmunoassay for ovine calcitonin (CT) using a porcine system and talcum powder separation has been developed. A guinea pig antiserum to partially purified porcine CT was highly specific for CT and was capable of detecting 5 pg of porcine CT. The antiserum cross-reacted significantly with sheep, bovine and horse CT but not with rat, rabbit, human and salmon CT. Plasma CT levels in the jugular vein of pregnant ewes were higher in the last 40 days of gestation than in control ewes. A calcium load given orally (10 mg/kg body weight) in newborn lambs did not change the plasma calcium level but increased the plasma CT concentration.
Relations between Birth Weight and Learning Ability in Young Rabbits
Authors: Teng E.L. , Harel S. , Hartzler J. , Shapira Y. , Quilligan E. , Van der Meulen J.P.
Published: September 2009

Performance on visual discrimination learning was studied in 41 rabbit pups mainly in relation to their birth weight, but also as functions of their neonatal motor development and weight gain between birth and training time. Partial placental vascular ligation was performed on some fetuses to increase the number of small-for-gestational-age pups. No relation was found between learning ability and either birth weight or rate of motor development. Low birth weight showed some association with slightly delayed motor development, but resulted in no lasting motor handicap. Between two subgroups of low birth weight pups, those who showed substantial weight gain by training time learned faster than those who remained relatively small.
Endocrine and Metabolic Changes Associated with Periods of Spontaneous Hypoxia in Fetal Sheep
Authors: Jones C.T. , Ritchie J.W.K.
Published: September 2009

Periods of spontaneously occurring hypoxia have been observed in fetal sheep. These were associated with increases in the fetal plasma concentration of glucose, lactate, free fatty acids, ACTH and corticosteroids (for a fetus close to term). These changes are similar to those observed during experimentally induced hypoxia. Hypoxia may be a mechanism by which plasma metabolites and ACTH are increased in fetal sheep under physiological conditions, particularly during labour.
Indication of Increase of the Lecithin/Sphingomyelin (L/S) Ratio in Lung Fluid of Lambs Maternally Treated with Metabolite VIII of Bisolvon®
Authors: Egberts J. , Fontijne P. , Wamsteker K.
Published: September 2009

Metabolite VIII of Bisolvon (Met. VIII) was administered to six pregnant ewes (i.m. daily 5 or 10 mg/kg for 7–9 days). The treatment was started at the 116th/117th or 117th/118th day of gestation and in one case the drug was given to the fetus (i.v. 2 mg/ml/ h). Fetal lung fluid obtained from chronically implanted catheters was used for the estimation of the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio. The maternal treatment with Met. VIII resulted in a significantly increased growth of the L/S ratio compared to the control group (n = 4). In three lambs a sharp increase of the L/S ratio was noticed during the last days of Met. VIII treatment. The time gap between first treatment and noticeable effect was 6–8 days. It is postulated that the noticed increase of L/S ratio is the consequence of Met. VIII treatment and very unlikely the result of a release of glucocorticoticoids.
Acid-Base Changes of Mature and Premature Neonates following Exchange Transfusion
Authors: Hervei Sarolta , Malik Teréz , Rötfalusy Mária
Published: September 2009

The changes of acid-base values of 60 mature and premature neonates treated by exchange transfusion were followed. It could be shown that the blood conserves having acidic pH values caused no acidosis if the acid-base balance of the patients had been normal before transfusion. An existing acidosis frequently increased significantly in the first day of life of the mature but also in the later days in premature neonates. Thus, the determination of acid-base state prior and after transfusion of such patients seems to be important. In the case of pronounced acidosis its correction and also the control of the acid-base values after the exchange transfusion are necessary.
Carnitine Transferases in Brown Fat of Newborn and Developing Primates
Authors: Hahn Peter , Beatty Clarissa H. , Bocek Rose Mary
Published: September 2009

Carnitine acetyl (CAT) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) activities were determined in skeletal muscle, heart, liver and brown fat of fetal and adult monkeys. CAT activity was highest in brown adipose tissue at all ages, but there was no significant change with age. Muscle CAT activity was lowest and also not related to age. In both heart and liver, however, there was a significant (p < 0.01) increase with age. CPT activity, on the other hand, did not differ from organ to organ or with age. In brown fat from newborn dead human babies CAT activity was between 100 and 270 nmol/mg protein/min, much higher than in a spontaneously aborted 1,500-gram fetus (25 nmol). The highest CAT activity in newborns was found in muscle.
Rat Fetal Brown Adipose Tissue in vitro: Effects of Hormones and Ambient Temperature
Authors: Frohlich J. , Hahn P. , Kirby L. , Webber W.
Published: September 2009

Interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT) from fetal rats was maintained in Eagle’s minimal essential medium for 6–24 h at 37 or 25 °C. Pyruvate kinase (PK), cytoplasmic and mitochondrial α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPK) activities were determined at the start and end of incubation. During prenatal development, the activities of all enzymes, except PK, increased significantly. During incubation at 37 °C, PEPK activity decreased by about 60% in 24 h. The other enzyme activities also fell to a lesser extent. Only the mitochondrial enzyme remained unchanged. Both glucagon and insulin significantly slowed down the fall in PEPK activity. Norepinephrine added every hour for 6 h increased PEPK activity, but only in BAT from fetal rats weighing less than 3.5 g. Incubation at 25 °C largely prevented the decrease in enzyme activities seen at 37 °C. Fetal liver reacted in the opposite way. At 37 °C, PEPK activity increased while at 25 °C it decreased. However, postnatal liver responded to incubation temperature like fetal BAT. It is postulated that the initial level of PEPK (high in fetal BAT and postnatal liver and low in prenatal liver) plays a role in the in vitro response.
Heat Losses in Newborn Infants of Different Body Size Measured by Direct Calorimetry in a Thermoneutral and a Cold Environment
Authors: Kajtár P. , Jéquier E. , Prod’hom L.S.
Published: September 2009

Small-for-date infants (less than the 10th weight percentile, group I), appropriate-for-date (between the 10th and the 90th percentile, group II), and large-for-date infants (above the 90th percentile, group III) were exposed to ambient temperatures (Ta) of 28 and 32 °C in a direct calorimeter. Total heat losses (&Rdot; + Ċ + Ė) expressed per unit body surface were similar in the three groups, but when expressed per kg of body weight, (&Rdot; + Ċ + Ė) were more elevated in group I than in groups II and III. At 28 °C Ta (&Rdot; + Ċ + Ė) was 4.35 ± 0.15, 3.6 ± 0.1, and 3.04 ± 0.09 W/kg in groups I, II and III, respectively. Metabolic rate was higher at 28 than at 32 °C in the three groups. Heat storage (⋅) at 28 °C was negative in the three groups; at 32 °C, ⋅ was negative in group I, but thermal equilibrium was reached in groups II and III (⋅  = 0). Thermal body insulation between the three groups was not significantly different. In order to practically determine the dry heat losses of a newborn infant a cooling constant of 5.7·W·m––2·°C ––1 was calculated. Our results show that at low Ta, the surface-body mass ratio of small-sized infants plays a more important role in inducing a negative thermal balance, than a lack of stimulation of heat production or an inefficient thermal body insulation.
Changes in Blood Glucose, Free Fatty Acids and Amino Acids in Low Birth-Weight Infants Receiving Intravenous Fat Emulsion
Authors: Mestyán J. , Rubecz I. , Soltész Gy.
Published: September 2009

The responses of blood glucose and lactate, plasma free fatty acids, amino acids and urea level to Intralipid supplementation in two groups of infants parenterally fed with 5 and 10% glucose were investigated. In both groups of infants blood glucose obtained by the end of the 6-hour Intralipid infusion period and over the following 2 h exceeded the values prior to fat supplementation. The response in the free fatty acid level was less pronounced and recovered more rapidly in infants receiving 10% glucose than in those given a 5% solution. Urea level tended to increase in the 10% glucose group, possibly as a consequence of an increased urea production. Total plasma amino acids and 17 individual amino acids measured were found to be lowered in response to Intralipid. The observed changes in blood nutrients and metabolites were interpreted as the metabolic consequences of an accelerated gluconeogenesis induced by intravenous fat emulsion.
Glycerol Metabolism in the Pregnant and Virgin Rats
Authors: Gilbert M. , Ricquier D.
Published: September 2009

The parameters of in vivo glycerol kinetic curves were determined after a single injection of glycerol-1-14C in pregnant and in virgin rats. The half-life of glycerol was found to be 9 min in pregnant rats and 17 min in virgin rats. There was no significant difference between the absolute turnover rates. The glycerol plasma space cannot be appreciated. The distribution volume expressed in milliliter of plasma appeared to be very high indicating that glycerol was not distributed only in the plasma. Glycerol was found to be a precursor of glucose and this conversion seemed to proceed more rapidly in the pregnant rat than in the virgin rat.
Agent-Determined Type of Maternal Influence on Induced Cleft Palate in Mice
Authors: Larsson K.S. , Marsk L. , Svanberg-Larsson A. , Tesh J.M.
Published: September 2009

The maternal influence on induced cleft palate frequency, as revealed by reciprocal crosses, was investigated after treatment with triamcinolone or cortisone. Mouse blastocysts from the CBA and A/Jax strains were transferred to pseudopregnant A/Jax and CBA foster mothers and in addition CBA X A/Jax and A/Jax X CBA embryos were raised in pseudopregnant CBA foster mothers. According to the period of maximum sensitivity revealed by a time response study triamcinolone was injected as a single dose (2 mg/kg, i.m.) on day 11 at 8 a.m. when the precocious development of transferred fetuses had been taken into account. A predominant uterine factor slightly modified by the fetal genome was found. This was in contrast to the effect of the 4-day treatment with cortisone (62.5 mg/kg i.m.) where, as also previously has been shown, cytoplasmic factors in the embryos were accountable for the magnitude of the teratogenic response. An increased corticoid elimination from the resistant CBA fetuses might explain the maternal influence on triamcinolone treatment but would not be responsible for the influence on cortisone-induced cleft palate frequency.
Epithelium and Associated Lymphocytes of Developing Human Fetal Appendix
Authors: Haar Jack L.
Published: September 2009

The epithelium and lamina propria of the human fetal appendix between 7.5 and 18 weeks of gestation was examined with electron microscopy. At 7.5 weeks the epithelium was composed of stratified columnar cells; scattered mesenchymal cells appeared in the lamina propria. By 13.5 weeks of gestation the epithelium was composed of simple columnar cells with a microvillous surface, goblet cells containing numerous mucinogen granules and argentaffin cells with elongated electron-dense granules. Also at 13.5 weeks of gestation some free lymphocytes were observed within the lamina propria as well as an occasional migrating lymphocyte within the epithelium between the columnar cells. At 18 weeks of gestation the simple columnar epithelial cells were tightly packed, the goblet cells were secretory and lymphocytes again appeared singly within the epithelium and lamina propria. No evidence of groups of lymphocytes or developing primary follicles within the lamina propria was observed in this study.
Effects of Vaginal Delivery and Caesarian Section on Plasma Renin Activity and Angiotensin II Levels in Human Umbilical Cord Blood
Authors: Lumbers Eugenie R. , Reid G.C.
Published: September 2009

High levels of angiotensin II were found in umbilical venous blood of babies delivered vaginally (40.3 pg·ml––1) and vaginally with epidural anaesthesia (66.8 pg·ml––1); low levels of angiotensin II were found in umbilical venous blood of babies delivered by Caesarian section (7.5pg·ml––1) and in the peripheral blood of normal adults (7.92 pg·ml––1). There were no significant differences between these groups in the levels of plasma renin activity (PRA), although the mean values of PRA showed trends similar to those described for angiotensin II. It is suggested that the increase in PRA may account, in part, for the high levels in angiotensin II seen following vaginal delivery, but additional factors may also be involved.
Whole and Disaturated Lung Phosphatidylcholine in Cortisol-Treated, Intrauterine Growth-Retarded and Twin Control Lambs at Different Gestational Ages
Authors: Brumley G.W. , Knelson J.H. , Schomberg D.W. , Crenshaw, jr. C.
Published: September 2009

Lambs 116–124 days gestation infused in utero for 72 h with cortisol showed, when compared to twin controls, more mature lung histology and pressure-volume relationships. 32P orthophosphate incorporation into whole lung phosphatidylcholine (PC) was increased in the four cortisol-treated lambs at 116–117 days but not at 121,123, and 124 days gestation. 14C palmitate incorporation into PC or disaturated phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) was not enhanced at 116–117 days gestation. At 121 days in a cortisol-treated and at 128 days in a growth-retarded lamb fetus not treated with cortisol, a larger quantity of DSPC was present although the incorporation of 14C palmitate into DSPC per milligram DNA was the same. This indicated that the synthesis of DSPC had been initiated in the cortisol-treated and growth-retarded animals prior to the controls and at the time of sacrifice both were incorporating 14C palmitate at a similar rate suggesting similar rates of synthesis.
Site of Horseradish Peroxidase Transport by the Small Intestine of the Neonatal Rat
Authors: Stradley R.P. , Yeary R.A.
Published: September 2009

The absorption of horseradish peroxidase was estimated in 10-day-old rats by measuring plasma peroxidase levels following intraduodenal administration. Peak levels occurred 45 min after injection. Plasma peroxidase levels, 45 min after injection into five ligated segments along the small intestine, were significantly lower in rats with distal segments than in rats with proximal segments. This indicates that the proximal small intestine, including the duodenum, may play a significant role in nonantibody macromolecular transport as well as in immunoglobulin absorption.
Thyroxine Effect upon Activity of Uridine Kinase in Developing Rat Cerebellum
Authors: Weichsel, jr. Morton E.
Published: September 2009

Experimental hyperthyroidism in the neonatal rat is known to accelerate cerebellar DNA biosynthesis resulting ultimately in a deficit in cell number at maturity. Because of the known shift to an earlier age in the developmental curve for cerebellar thymidine kinase activity in rats treated with thyroxine, we studied the activity of uridine kinase and DNA biosynthesis during rat cerebellar development under hyperthyroid conditions. Body weight and cerebellar wet weight in treated animals were noted to be significantly decreased below control values on days 4 and 12, respectively. Cerebellar DNA was significantly elevated above control values on days 4 and 6 (132 and 129 % of control, respectively). Subsequently, DNA content fell significantly below control values through day 18. Uridine kinase activity was found to be increased significantly above control values at ages 2, 4, and 6 days (maximum 119% of control at age 4 days) following which activity fell significantly below control values by 15 days of age. Uridine kinase activity from both treated and control animals fell only moderately after the time of peak activity between 9 and 15 days of age, although the peak of the developmental curve for the enzyme appeared earlier in the treated animals. The data show a less pronounced early stimulation of cerebellar uridine kinase by thyroxine compared with previously reported thyroxine enhancement of thymidine kinase activity, although both enzymes are affected by thyroxine throughout cerebellar ontogenesis. The study thus provides evidence that uridine kinase is sensitive to hormonal stimulation during early stages of active cerebellar cell division, and that the enzyme may relate most closely in brain to the synthesis of RNA as well as the sustaining of cell function after the most active phase of cellular proliferation. In addition, the study emphasizes the use of enzyme-hormone relationships during development to provide information concerning critical interrelationships between metabolic pathways contributing to nucleic acid biosynthesis.
Placental Abnormalities in Victims of the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Authors: Naeye Richard L.
Published: September 2009

Placentas from 79 victims of the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) were compared with placentas from 30,640 controls who survived in a search for evidences of infections or other disorders that might have damaged the SIDS victims before birth. Placentas from the SIDS victims had an increased frequency of acute funisitis, acute chorioamnionitis, lymphocytic infiltration of the decidua and macrophages in the fetal membranes. The acute funisitis and chorioamnionitis were associated with preterm deliveries and were probably related to amniotic fluid bacterial infections which are a common cause of premature delivery.
Effect of Cortisone or L-Triiodothyronine Administration to Pregnant Rats on the Activity of Fetal Intestinal Disaccharidases and Lysosomal Acid β-Galactosidase
Authors: Jumawan Jocelyn , Celano Paul , Horowitz Carolyn , Lau Herbert , Koldovsky Otakar
Published: September 2009

Activities of maltase, sucrase, lactase and acid-β-galactosidase were studied in jejunum and ileum of term rat fetuses obtained by cesarian section. Female rats were either untreated or injected daily in the last (3rd) week of pregnancy with cortisone acetate (10 or 50 mg/100 g body weight) or L-triiodothyronine (20 or 50 μg/100g body weight). Two other control groups were injected with appropriate solvents. Cortisone or T3 treatment to mothers increased sucrase and maltase activity in jejunum and ileum of the offspring. Generally, higher doses of hormone were more effective. Lactase activity was increased by 25% in the jejunum by the higher dose of cortisone. Both doses of cortisone increased ileal lactase. Jejunal acid-β-galactosidase activity was decreased in fetuses of T3-treated mothers.
Effect of Progesterone on the Initiation of Respiration of the Newborn
Authors: Pulkkinen M.O. , Kero P.
Published: September 2009

On the 30th day of pregnancy, the experimental fetuses in 19 rabbits were injected intraperitoneally with 0.1–1.0 mg progesterone (P). The control fetuses in the contralateral uterine horn were treated with the solvent, sesame oil. Both the experimental and control fetuses were delivered lOmin after treatment by hysterotomy to measure the P concentration of their lung tissue and observe their respiration during the initial 2 h of postnatal life. In comparison with the controls, the experimental newborns had greatly elevated P levels and showed typical respiratory distress syndrome, confirmed by histology.
Ontogeny of Human Lysozyme
Authors: Klockars M. , Reitamo S. , Adinolfi M.
Published: September 2009

Using the immunoperoxidase method, major changes in the distribution of lysozyme (LZM) were found to occur during fetal development. At 10 weeks of gestation LZM was detected for the first time in the proximal tubules of the kidney. This generally coincides with the reported appearance of LZM in fetal blood and amniotic fluid. The enzyme was observed in lung macrophages and in mononuclear cells of the lamina propria of the small intestine in fetuses 12 and 16 weeks old, respectively. At about 18–20 weeks, LZM-positive mononuclear cells were detected in other tissues tested, such as liver, spleen and thymus. Paneth cells were found to be specifically stained at about 20 weeks of gestation. The timing of the appearance of LZM in the various tissues is discussed in relation to the functional maturation of each organ and the ontogeny of this enzyme in other species.
Disaccharidase and Lysosomal Enzyme Activities in Amniotic Fluid, Intestinal Mucosa and Meconium
Authors: Antonowicz I. , Milunsky A. , Lebenthal E. , Shwachman H.
Published: September 2009

Brush border membrane bound disaccharidases (sucrase and maltase) and lysosomal enzyme (α-glucosidase, (β-D-fucosidase and N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase) activities were studied in amniotic fluid (AF). The above enzymes except N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase showed a decrease in activity with gestational age beginning at about the 19th week. The activities of sucrase and maltase correlate with the morphological maturation of fetal intestinal mucosa. The distribution of disaccharidases and lysosomal α-glucosidase in AF and intestinal mucosa showed different patterns suggesting that these enzymes originate in diverse fetal tissues.
Effects of Testosterone and Estradiol on Ratios of Adult to Fetal Hemoglobin in Cell Cultures of Human Fetal Liver
Authors: Congote Fernando , Bruno Flavia , Solomon Samuel
Published: September 2009

The effects of testosterone and 17β-estradiol on the synthesis of fetal and adult hemoglobins have been studied using a short-term primary cell culture system of human fetal liver at midgestation. There was a significant 23% increase in incorporation of 59Fe into adult hemoglobin relative to the total after the addition of 5 × 10––8M testosterone. 17β-Estradiol (10––6M) lowered the incorporation of 59Fe by 21%. β-Globin chain synthesis, measured as 3H- or 14C-leucine incorporation into globin chains, was identical in control and testosterone-treated cells and only slightly lower when 17β-estradiol was added. For this reason the observed changes in adult hemoglobin resulting from the action of testosterone and 17β-estradiol are caused by an indirect effect either in the final hemoglobin assembly or by small changes in the γ/α-chain ratio which may be undetected by the methodology used.
Effect of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and LH-Releasing Hormone (LHRH) on Testosterone Production In Vivo, in Fetal Rabbit Testis in Late Gestation
Authors: Veyssière Georges , Berger Michel , Jean-Faucher Christiane , de Turckheim Marc , Jean Claude
Published: September 2009

Plasma and testicular testosterone were measured by radioimmunoassay in the 29-day-old rabbit fetus receiving an injection of saline solution, LH or LHRH. 30 min following the injection of 5 μg LH into the umbilical vein, testosterone levels were significantly increased by 287% in the plasma and 293% in the testis, compared with controls receiving saline solution. The injection of 2 μg of LHRH under the same conditions significantly increased testicular testosterone by 256% and plasma testosterone by 746%. The results show that the fetal rabbit testis, at the end of gestation, is capable of responding to LH stimulation. The hypophyso-testicular axis is apparently functional at this stage of gestation, as shown by the response to LHRH.
Perinatal Development of Bilirubin UDP-Glycosyltransferase Activities in Rat Liver
Authors: Fevery J. , De Wolf-Peeters C. , De Vos R. , Desmet V. , Heirwegh K.P.M.
Published: September 2009

Bilirubin UDP-glucuronyltransferase and UDP-xylosyltransferase activity could already be demonstrated in rat liver from day 19 of fetal life onwards (4 days before birth). Bilirubin-glucuronide was present in hepatocytes of 21-day-old fetal liver strongly suggesting that the enzyme detected in vitro was really active in vivo. This further supports the theory that secretion from the cell is also immature. The known deficiency of UDP-glucose dehydrogenase in fetal and neonatal rat liver could lead to decreased intracellular concentrations of UDP-glucuronic acid and possibly to increased concentrations of UDP-glucose. However, no glucosides were present in the fetal hepatocytes.
F2α Prostaglandin Levels in Mothers and Infants of Different Gestational Periods
Authors: Vlontzou K. , Hadjigeorgiou E. , Constantinides D. , Chrissikou M. , Nicolopoulos D.
Published: September 2009

53 mother-neonate couples, of different gestational ages, were studied for PGF2α, levels in the mother’s blood at the beginning of the first stage of labor and in the umbilical cord blood. PGF2α levels were found to be increased in all neonates compared to their mothers and in the blood of the mothers of prematures compared to the mothers of the post-mature babies. No correlation could be found between the gestational age of the neonate and the umbilical cord levels of PGF2α.
Prostaglandin-Forming Cyclooxygenase in Renal Medulla of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats during Development
Authors: Stygles V.G. , Smith W.L. , Reinke D.A. , Hook J.B.
Published: September 2009

Increased activity of prostaglandin synthetase in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) during development has previously been reported. The investigations reported herein utilized an immunofluorescent technique to qualitatively assess the activity of the first enzyme in the PGE2 biosynthetic pathway, the prostaglandin-forming cyclooxygenase (PG-C), in SHR kidneys during development. PG-C antigenicity increased from 4 to 15 weeks in both SHRs and Wistar Kyoto normotensive rats. However, in agreement with our previous in vitro data no difference in PG-C was observed between strains at any age.
Change in Cochlear Response in an Animal Model of Otitis Media with Effusion
Authors: Dai Chenkai , Gan Rong Z.
Published: September 2009

Our previous studies confirm that middle ear mobility is reduced in the presence of otitis media with effusion (OME). Variations in middle ear function may result in changes in cochlear response in OME ears. With the long-term goal of evaluating cochlear function in OME ears, the aim of this study was to measure the displacement of the basilar membrane (BM) in guinea pig ears with OME. Vibrations of the BM at the apex and basal turn were measured in an in vitro preparation extracted 3 and 14 days after injection of lipopolysaccharide in the middle ear of guinea pigs. The results show that the displacement sensitivity of the BM at the apex and the basal turn to sound pressure in the ear canal was reduced up to 25 dB at their characteristic frequencies, respectively. Cochlear gain with respect to umbo movement was also changed in ears with OME in both groups. This study provides data for analysis of the change of BM vibration in a guinea pig OME model.
Positive End Expiratory Pressure: Effects on Lung Mechanics of Premature Lambs
Authors: Shaffer Thomas H. , Koen Peter A. , Moskowitz Gordon D. , Ferguson James D. , Delivoria-Papadopoulos Maria
Published: September 2009

Pulmonary mechanics were determined at 0, 3, 6, and 10 cm H2O positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) in premature lambs at a mean gestational age of 134 days. Functional residual capacity increased (p < 0.005) by 7% (1.6 ml/kg) per cm H2O PEEP. Dynamic lung compliance and specific compliance significantly decreased by 10% (0.11 ml/cm H20/kg) and 9% (0.00511/cm H2O) per cm H2O PEEP, respectively, for PEEP above 3 cm H2O level. Inspiratory lung resistance increased significantly (p < 0.05) only between 0 and 6 cm H2O PEEP while expiratory lung resistance increased (p < 0.05) between 0 cm H2O PEEP and all higher levels. The data suggest that PEEP in excess of 3 cm H2O produces undesirable effects on lung mechanics in premature lambs. These results may be important in predicting contraindications and potential complications of positive pressure breathing in the newborn.
Angiotensin-I-Converting Enzyme Activity in Term and Premature Infants
Authors: Bender John W. , Davitt Mary Kate , Jose Pedro
Published: September 2009

Cord blood angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) activity was examined in 21 term and 21 premature infants Values were significantly higher in premature infants than in term infants. Cord blood ACE activity was found to have a significant negative correlation with birth weight and gestational age. ACE activity measured from peripheral blood during the first 24 h of life was higher in premature than term infants but similar to levels in maternal and adult controls. It was not possible to predict those premature infants who would develop respiratory distress syndrome on the basis of cord blood ACE activity. However, ACE may serve as a marker for maturation of the pulmonary vascular endothelial cell.
Balance of Net Base in the Rat
Authors: Wamberg S. , Hansen A.C. , Engel K. , Kildeberg P.
Published: September 2009

The balance of net base in groups of male weanling Wistar rats exposed to sustained oral loads of net base were studied. In response to dietary loads of sodium bicarbonate (approx. 50 mmol·kg––1·day––1) an average increment in the mean rate of retention of net base of 21.8 mmol·kg––1·day––1 was observed in the absence of significant changes in the blood ‘base excess’. Following withdrawal of sodium bicarbonate, mean rates of gastrointestinal absorption, renal excretion, and retention of net base promptly returned to control values, accumulated net base being retained in the body, presumably as skeletal sodium carbonate. In response to equimolar loads of net base in the form of trisodium citrate, a similar, albeit less pronounced, rise in the rate of retention of net base occurred.