bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced sympathetic nervous activity after intravenous propranolol in ischaemic heart disease: plasma noradrenaline splanchnic blood flow and mixed venous oxygen saturation at rest and during exercise
Authors: HANSEN JØRGEN FISCHER , HESSE BIRGER , CHRISTENSEN NIELS JUEL
Published: March 2008

Abstract. To study the mechanisms by which acute beta‐adrenergic blockade may change the activity of the sympathetic nervous system we have measured haemody‐namic responses including splanchnic blood flow in twenty‐three patients with ischaemic heart disease at rest and during supine exercise before and after i.v. injection of 0.039 mmol (10 mg) dl‐propranolol.

After propranolol both at rest and on exercise blood pressure, cardiac output and heart rate decreased, while splanchnic vascular resistance increased; mixed venous oxygen saturation decreased whilst arterial oxygen saturation and oxygen uptake were unchanged. Plasma noradrenaline increased after propranolol, values correlating with mixed venous oxygen saturation and splanchnic vascuIar resistance, both at rest and during exercise before and after propranolol, only at rest was there any correlation with arterial blood pressure. The increase in sympathetic nervous activity after propranolol may be due to a reduction in cardiac output and thereby alteration of the metabolic state (oxygen or related factors) in tissues. Afferent neural signals from the tissues may play a significant role in the regulation of sympathetic nervous activity.
Serum prolactin levels in eighty patients with sarcoidosis
Authors: NAKAO KIYOHIDE , NOMA KEIZO , SATO BUNZO , YANO SABURO , YAMAMURA WICH , TACHIBANA TERUO
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Serum prolactin levels were measured by radio‐immunoassay in eighty patihts (thirty‐four males, forty‐six females) with sarcoidosis before treatment. In twelve patients (15%) serum prolactin levels were more than two standard deviations above the mean of normal subjects. Hyperprolactinaemia was found most frequently (22%) in patients with radiological stage 11; however, 14% of patients with stage I also had elevated serum prolactin levels.

In most cases serum prlactin levels fell to within the normal range after treatment with corticosteroid in parallel with improvement of intrathoracic lesions. These findings suggest that hyperprolactinaemia may be due to hypothalamic involvement by sarcoid granulomata.

We conclude that the measurement of basal serum prolactin levels using radioimmunoassay is a sensitive and practical method for screening patients with sarcoidosis for hypothalmic lesions.
Bile acid pattern in human amniotic fluid
Authors: DÉLÈZE G. , PAUMGARTNER G. , KARLAGANIS G. , GIGER W. , REINHARD M. , SIDIROPOULOS D.
Published: March 2008

Abstract Individual bile acids were determined in twenty‐nine amniotic fluid specimens obtained from twenty‐six women between the 32nd and 41st week of gestation. Total bile acid concentration ranged from 0.4 to 4.8μmol/1 with a mean of 1.57μmol/l. Besides the two major bile acids of man, cholic acid and chenodeoxy‐cholic acid, 3β‐hydroxy‐5‐cholenoic acid was found in all, lithocholic acid in ten and deoxycholic acid in nine of the twenty‐nine amniotic fluid samples. 3β‐Hydroxy‐5‐cholenoic acid averaged 39.8% of total bile acids during 32–37 weeks of gestation and 20.2% at term (P<0.01). These findings point towards important differences between fetal and adult bile metabolism and may reflect maturation of hepatic bile acid biosynthesis near term.
Atraumatic method of renal blood flow estimation by 133XenoninhaIation and its application to transplanted kidneys
Authors: SCHMITZ‐FEUERHAKE INGE , FALKENRECK‐HERBST INGRID , COBURG A. J. , WONIGEIT K. , GERHARD K. , PRÉVÔT H.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Non‐invasive measurement of organ blood flow can be achieved by tracing the elimination patterns of 133Xe administered by inhalation. An adaption of the method for the estimation of renal blood flow was developed. The 133Xe is accumulated in the tissue by re‐breathing for 1 min and the time course of its washout from the kidney is followed for 14 min thereafter. Normal values were determined in ten dogs and forty‐five healthy human volunteers. In man they were similar to results obtained with 131I‐hippuran clearance. When flow rates were between 250 and 600 ml/100 g/min the correlation coefficient was 0.84. Only in cases' with high cortex flow rates (>600 ml/100 g/min) did the inhalation method give values higher than those determined by the 131I‐hippuran clearance. In dogs the results closely correlated with results obtained by direct intra arterial xenon injection (r = 0.96). The value of the inhalation method in routine examination of patients with kidney transplants and its suitability for the early detection of ongoing rejection is demonstrated.
On the mechanism of glucose release from the muscle of juvenile diabetics in acute insulin deficiency
Authors: WICKLMAYR MATTHIAS , DIETZE GÜNTHER
Published: March 2008

Abstract. In fifty‐three healthy subjects and twenty‐three juvenile diabetics the measurement of arterial and deep venous glucose concentrations showed that the substrate was taken up by the tissues of the forearm of all the healthy subjects and released from it in all the diabetic ones. In six of the diabetics glucose output was accelerated almost five‐fold during the intrabrachial arterial administration of metaproterenol (1.62 nmol/min), indicating that basal glucose release from muscle may result from enhanced glycogenolysis during acute insulin deficiency. In line with this view a reduction of glucose uptake by muscle was observed in six healthy subjects receiving metaproterenol infusion. However, since the production of lactate by the forearm appeared to be smaller in the diabetics, the basal glucose output could also partly be due to impaired glycolysis. These data suggest that the glucose released from muscle during acute insulin deficiency may be of clinical importance, especially when the rate of glycogenolysis is further stimulated by, for example, enhanced catechola‐mine drive.
Magnesium metabolism in patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: BODDY K. , ROBERTSON I. , MAHAFFY M. E. , KATOCH D. S. , MURRAY R. G. , DUNN F. G. , HUTTON I.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. 1. The oral absorption of magnesium, its myocardial uptake and exchangeable magnesium have been studied in patients with coronary heart disease and controls using the radioactive isotope magnesium‐28.

2. No significant difference in oral absorption or myocardial uptake was found between patients and controls.

3. The exchangeable magnesium per kg body weight was significantly lower in the patients than in the controls.
Acid‐base and gas tension of cerebrospinal fluid in Nigerians and tetanus patients
Authors: ELEGBELEYE O. O. , FEMI‐PEARSE D.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The acid‐base balance and gas tension of the cerebrospinal fluid of eight tetanus patients and twelve control subjects were studied. Tetanus patients had metabolic acidosis which was severely reflected in the cerebrospinal fluid. While the cerebrospinal fluid pH is lower than that of the arterial blood there was no difference between the acid‐base and gas tension of the cerebrospinal fluid of Nigerians and the Caucasians. The severe metabolic acidosis of the cerebrospinal fluid of tetanus patients might be one of the causes of sudden deaths seen in these patients.
Variations in apolipoproteins B and A, during the course of myocardial infarction
Authors: AVOGARO P. , BON G. BITTOLO , CAZZOLATO G. , QUINCI G. B. , SANSON A. , SPARLA M. , ZAGATTI G. C. , CATURELLI G.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The plasma apolipoproteins B and AI, and plasma lipids and lipoproteins, were studied in fifteen patients with acute myocardial infarction.

In the days immediately after acute infarction there was a decrease in total cholesterol, low density lipopro‐tein‐cholesterol, total apolipoprotein‐B, low density lipoprotein apolipoprotein‐B and high density lipoprotein apolipoprotein AI. High density lipoprotein‐cholesterol remained unchanged.

In the same period the total triglycerides, very low density lipoprotein‐protein, very low density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein apolipoprotein‐B and very low density lipoprotein apolipoprotein AI were increased. A reduction of the apolipoprotein ratio CII/ CIII occurred after the acute phase.

After 25–30 days all these values regained their baseline values.
A comparative study of two methods of measurement of fractional calcium absorption: results in normal individuals and patients with various disturbances of calcium metabolism
Authors: JUTTMANN J. R. , RUIS A. M. , HAGENOUW‐TAAL J. C. W. , LOCKEFEER J. H. M. , BIRKENHÄGER J. C.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Two methods of measurement of fractional calcium absorption have been compared in the same individuals. There is a significant correlation between fractional 47Ca absorption as measured with a blood counting method and with an external counting method after intravenous and oral administration of 47Ca (P < 0.001). Two varieties of the external counting method, namely with intervals of 2 h and of 7 days between the i.v. and oral doses, have been compared. In a group of twenty‐one patients with chronic renal failure (not on haemodialysis), 47Ca absorption as measured by external counting was significantly lower than in the control group (P< 0.001). When put on a dialysis programme a group of six patients showed a significant increase of the fractional 47Ca absorption (P< 0.01).
Studies on the effects of propranolol on plasma catecholamine levels in patients with essential hypertension
Authors: RAHN K. H. , GIERLICHS H. W. , PLANZ G. , PLANZ R. , SCHOLS M. , STEPHANY W.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The influence of the beta receptor blocking agent propranolol on plasma catecholamine concentrations was studied in eight patients with essential hypertension. The study was of single blind crossover design. Propranolol given in oral doses ranging from 60 to 240 mg daily for a period of 3 weeks decreased blood pressure and heart rate. The beta‐adrenergic blocking agent caused plasma catecholamine levels to increase both at rest and during bicycle exercise. Chromatographical analysis showed that concentrations of noradrenaline as well as of adrenaline rose during treatment with propranolol. However, dopamine‐beta‐hydroxylase activity in plasma was not altered. Furthermore, the urinary excretion of noradrenaline, adrenaline and 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy mandelic acid did not change during beta receptor blockade.

The results are compatible with the assumption that antihypertensive doses of propranolol by decreasing cardiac output cause an activation of the sympatho‐adrenal system.
Lnterlaboratory comparison of radioimmunological parathyroid hormone determination*
Authors: Ziegler R.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. An inter‐laboratory study of serum immuno‐reactive PTH (iPTH) determinations using standardized sera has been performed in order to check the value of the assays for the diagnosis of hyperparathyroid states, The results demonstrate: (1) that most of the cooperating laboratories (eleven of twelve) were able to discriminate between normal and grossly elevated PTH‐values; (2) that direct comparison of values from different laboratories indicates very poor agreement; (3) that PTH values cannot be interpreted without a description of the characteristics of the assay used; (4) that the introduction of standard sera is advantageous and should be undertaken; (5) that determination of iPTH in serum samples is far from being a routine method when compared with radioimmunoassays for hormones like insulin, growth hormone, etc.; the difficulties being due to lack of standardized reagents and peculiarities in the metabolism of the hormone.
Serum lipoprotiens in four European communities: a quantitative comparison
Authors: LEWIS B. , CHAIT A. , SIGURDSSON G. , MANCINI M. , FARINARO E. , ORIENTE P. , CARLSON L. A. , ERICSSON M. , MICHELI H. , POMETTA D.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations have been measured in 985 men and women sampled from communities in London, Naples, Uppsala and Geneva. This was done to define normal ranges, detect inter‐population differences, and relate such differences to levels of lipids in the major lipoprotein classes of plasma. Cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations showed substantial differences between the four populations; levels of these lipids showed parallel trends, which were attributable to differences in low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein concentrations. By contrast, high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations showed little or no interpopulation differences. Geographical differences in serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels were not correlated with variation in the prevalence of obesity.
Renal glomerular and tubular impairment during strenuous exercise in young women
Authors: POORTMANS J. R. , VANCALCK B.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Creatinine, total protein, albumin and β2‐microglobulin were measured in the urine of fifteen healthy women before and after strenuous short‐term exercise. The heavy intermittent load produced an increased urinary excretion of total protein, albumin and β2‐microglobulin, while creatinine was unaffected. The renal clearance of albumin and β2‐microglobulin showed very high values after stopping the exercise. However, 45 min after the end of exercise, total protein returned to initial values while albumin and β2‐microglobulin remained high. The urinary ratio between β2‐microglo‐bulin and albumin is higher in urine collected after exercise than in normal proteinuria. This implies that postexercise proteinuria is of glomerular and tubular origin.
Plasma zinc after myocardial infarction
Authors: WALKER BARRY E. , HUGHES STEPHEN , SIMMONS ADRIAN V. , CHANDLER GEOFFREY N.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Plasma levels of zinc and albumin have been measured for eight consecutive days in patients suffering chest pain due to myocardial infarction or myocardial ischaemia. A substantial diurnal variation has been found in both controls and patients. Plasma zinc falls after myocardial infarction reaching the lowest level on day 2, thereafter returning to normal by day 8. The lowest plasma zinc levels occur within 48 h of a myocardial infarction and in some patients herald the development of a serious cardiac arrhythmia. Plasma albumin falls progressively after myocardial infarction, being lowest on day 8. The fall in plasma zinc is not totally explained by the fall in plasma albumin.
Sex steroids and sex‐hormone binding globulin in males with chronic alcoholism
Authors: LINDHOLM J. , FABRICIUS‐BJERRE N. , BAHNSEN M. , BOIESEN P. , HAGEN C. , CHRISTENSEN T.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Thirty men with chronic alcoholism were studied. Biopsies of the liver and testis were performed in all. Serum concentrations of total and non‐protein bound (free) testosterone and oestradiol, dlhydrotesto‐sterone and sex‐hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were determined. Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone concentrations were normal in most patients, whereas oestradiol and free oestradiol were above normal in approximately 50% of the patients. None of the hormones measured differed significantly between patients with and without cirrhosis. SGBG was significantly higher in men with severely reduced spermatogenesis compared to those with intact germinal epithelium, but there was no difference between men with and without cirrhosis. No relation could be demonstrated between clinical signs of hypogonadism and any of the hormones measured. The results support the view that hormonal and sexual disturbances may occur in chronic alcoholism independent of the presence of liver disease.
Immunoreactive‘ TSH’ in urinary concentrates of Graves' disease patients: a radioimrnunoassay artefact
Authors: HERLE ANDRÉ J. VAN , ORGIAZZI JACQUES , GREIPEL MARGARET A. , SLUCHER JEAN A. , HONBO KEN S.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. A double antibody radioimmunoassay was used to analyse immunoreactive thyrotrophin in urinary concentrates from fourteen patients with hyperthyroid‐ism due to Graves' disease, in three subjects with primary hypothyroidism, and in six normal subjects. Immunoreactive thyrotrophin was detectable in eleven subjects with Graves' disease, in one subject with primary hypothyroidism, and in four normal subjects. The mean urinary thyrotrophin concentration was significantly higher in Graves' disease (492 ± 99.9 μU/24h (SEM) (n= 11)) than in normal subjects ((177 ± 26.4 μU/ 24 h (SEM) (n = 4) (P<0.01)). The fact that bioassay‐able thyrotrophin was undetectable in urinary concentrates in Graves' disease and that radioimmunoassay of other polypeptide hormones in urine can be influenced nonspecifically, led to the suspicion that the immunoreactive thyrotrophin measured in urinary concentrates was an assay artefact. This was strongly supported by the absence of a radioimmunoassayable thyrotrophin in urinary concentrates after extensive dialysis (96 h) without loss of added 131I‐labelled thyrotrophin, differences between the elution pattern on Sephadex G‐100 columns of 131I‐labelled thyrotrophin and the immunoreactive thyrotrophin detected after chromato‐graphy of the urinary concentrates on the same column, and the ability of different salts in various concentration to mimic dose‐response curves in the radioimmunoassay for thyrotrophin as well as for thyroglobulin. In addition, since urinary proteins and IgG levels were elevated in concentrates of Graves' disease when compared with normal subjects, it has been suggested that the filtering mechanism of kidney is affected in Graves' disease, a disorder which has recently been associated with circulating antigen—antibody complexes.
Interactions of calcium, magnesium and atropine on exocrine pancreatic secretion in man
Authors: HOTZ J. , GOEBELL H. , ZIEGLER R.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The effects of the intravenous administration of atropine or magnesium on pancreatic secretion which has been stimulated by secretin and induced hypercal‐caemia have been studied in man.

In the presence of secretin (0.5 CU/kg.h) the infusion of Ca2+ (0.3 mmol/kg.105 min) resulted in an increase in secretion of enzymes by 100–200%, and in that of Ca2+ and Mg2+ by 50–100% without affecting fluid and bicarbonate secretion.

The additional injection of atropine (0.5 mg i.v. and 0.5 mg s.c.) were followed by a prompt fall in enzymes but not in Ca2+ and Mg2+ to the secretin‐stimulated values.

The additional infusion of Mg2+ (0.12 mmol/kg.45 min) to the Ca2+‐infusion did not alter the secretion of enzymes, Ca2+ or Mg2+ compared with the calcium infusion alone.

It is suggested that the hypercalcaemic stimulus depends on an intact innervation of the acinar cells.

In these experiments the secretion of Ca2+ and Mg2+ seem to originate mainly from extracellular fluxes.
Effects of increased left ventricular work, hypoxia, or coronary ligation on hearts from rats at high altitude
Authors: OPIE L. H. , DUCHOSAL FRANCINE , MORET P.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Isolated perfused hearts from rats acclimatized to Jungfraujoch (altitude 3454 m) were less resistant to the effects of high levels of heart work or mild hypoxia than hearts from litter mates reared at Geneva (340 m). However, in response to coronary artery ligation hearts from acclimatized rats were better able to maintain tissue contents of adenosine triphosphate, phosphocre‐atine and glycogen. A projected explanation for the increased biochemical resistance to ischaemia was a relative increase in the coronary flow rate. The data support the hypothesis that exposure to high altitude helps to protect the heart against coronary occlusion by an increased resistance developing as a result of increased sensitivity to high levels of heart work and hypoxia.
Human colonic adenylate cyclase: effects of bile acids
Authors: SIMON BERND , CYZGAN PETER , STIEHL ADOLF , KATHER HORST
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Three different bile acids—deoxycholic acid. chenodeoxycholic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid‐were tested for their capacity to stimulate the adenylate cyclase in human colonic mucosa.

This enzyme system was found to be sensitive towards vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and prostaglandin E2. These three bile acids were ineffective in activating the human cyclase system over a wide concentration range tested. Concentrations above 1 × 10‐‐5 mmol/l induced a dosedependent inhibition of basal enzyme activity. These results suggest that bile‐acid induced diarrhoea is not associated with activation of the membrane‐bound adenylate cyclase system at least in man.
The detection of cysteine‐homocysteine mixed disulphide in plasma of normal fasting man
Authors: GUPTA VATSALA J. , WILCKEN D. E. L.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Cysteine‐homocysteine mixed disulphide, formed in the degradation of methionine, is detected routinely in the plasma of fasting patients homozygous for homocystinuria and in some obligate heterozygotes. It has not hitherto been identified in the plasma of normal fasting man. Using a highly cross‐linked resin with lithium citrate buffers on a JEOL Amino Acid Analyser, we have detected the mixed disulphide in every one of the plasma samples from twenty normal fasting subjects. The mean concentration was 3.25 μnol/l (SD 0.85, N = 20), with a range of from 1.68 to 4.85 μmol/l. The other neutral and acidic amino acids were within the accepted normal range. The study shows that circulating homocysteine is normally not immediately transformed to cystathionine or remethylated, to methionine; some combines with cysteine to form measurable amounts of mixed disulphide. Since homocysteine may produce endothelial damage, the present findings could be relevant to an understanding of the pathogenesis of vascular disease.
Fat loading tests in haemorrhagic hyperlipidaemia in rabbits
Authors: KERTTULA YRJÖ
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Repeated daily bleedings (15 ml/day/kg body wt) caused hyperlipidaemia in rabbits, the rise of tri‐glycerides being 15–fold in 4 days. When the red cells which had been withdrawn were reinjected daily no increase of triglycerides ensued, whereas the reinjections of serum did not prevent the development of hyperlipidaemia. These results indicate that the primary cause of haemorrhagic hyperlipidaemia is the loss of red cells while the loss of serum proteins has no significance in this respect.

Both in normal and in hyperlipidaemic rabbits, the elimination of intravenously administered fat emulsion was found to conform to a single exponential function throughout the concentration range studied (9–11 mmol/ 1 above starting level). The fractional removal rate (k value) was significantly lower in hyperlipidaemic than in normal animals. Reinjection of serum without blood cells did not correct the k value, whereas reinjection of blood cells returned the fractional removal rate to normal

In most experiments a negative correlation was found between the triglyceride concentration and the log k. In the most severe anaemia such a correlation was not present, possibly suggesting a defect in the elimination mechanisms.
Double‐blind study of interferon administration in renal transplant recipients
Authors: WEIMAR W. , SCHELLEKENS H. , LAMEIJER L. D. F. , MASUREL N. , EDY V. G. , BILLIAU A. , SOMER P. DE
Published: March 2008

Abstract. In a double‐blind trial renal allograft recipients were treated with fibroblast interferon preparations for 3 months in an attempt to prevent viral infections. Interferon therapy did not reduce the overall incidence of viral infections. No adverse effects were noted on liver function, platelet counts. or leucocyte counts, or acute rejection episodes.
Maternal serum and amniotic fluid levels of human placental lactogen in gestational diabetes
Authors: LOLIS D. , TZINGOUNIS V. , KASKARELIS D.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Human placental lactogen (hPL) levels were measured radioimmunologically in maternal serum and in amniotic fluid between the 37th and 39th weeks of gestation in sixteen gestational diabetic and thirty normal pregnant women. There was no significant difference in maternal serum hPL levels between diabetic (6.1 μg/ml) and normal pregnant women (6.4 μg/ml). In contrast, the diabetic group was found to have significantly (P< 0.001) higher concentrations of amniotic fluid hPL (1.2 μg/ml) than normal pregnant women (0.8 μg/ml).
The relation between insulin and adipocyte insulin receptors during treatment of human obesity*
Authors: BAXTER D. , STANTON K. , LAZARUS N. R. , KEEN H.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Seventeen obese patients were submitted to 1 week's severe then 3 months moderate dietary restriction. The glycaemic and insulinaemic response to oral glucose was measured at baseline, after 1 week and at 3 months, and the results related to adipocyte insulin receptors estimated from fat biopsies taken on each occasion and to the weight lost.

Adipocyte insulin binding was found to be significantly inversely correlated with the insulinaemic response to oral glucose (r = ‐0.54, P< 0.05), an inverse relationship maintained even after weight loss had been achieved and displayed within as well as between subjects. Variation of 125I‐insulin binding to adipocytes was related to receptor number and not to receptor affinity and could not be accounted for by differences in 125I‐insulin degradation. Adipose cell size did not correlate significantly either with the insulinaemic response or with cell surface receptor density.

The findings suggest: (1) that a significant proportion of obese subjects are not hyperinsulinaemic and that their metabolic response to weight reduction may differ from that of those who are hyperinsulinaemic; (2) that reduced insulin binding to adipocytes in the obese reflects hyperinsulinaemia, when present, and not adiposity as such; (3) that the degree of insulinaemia is a major determinant of the cell surface receptor density.
Relationship of the activity of the bone isoenzyme of serum alkaline phosphataseto urinary hydroxyproline excretion in metabolic and neoplastic bone diseases
Authors: ŠTĚPáN J. , PACOVSKÝ V. , HORN V. , SILINKOVÁ‐MÁLKOVÁ E. , VOKROUHLICKÁ O. , KONOPÁSEK B. , FORMÁNKOVÁ J. , HRBA J. , MAREK J.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. A significant correlation between the activity of the bone isoenzyme or serum alkaline phosphatase and the urinary hydroxyproline excretion in osteomalacia, osteoporosis, primary hyperparathyroidism with osteo‐dystrophy, Paget's disease, secondary bone tumours, and in a control group was found (P< 0.001). This close correlation was not observed between these variables in patients with active acromegaly. Diagnosis determined from these indices of formation and turnover of bone matrix agreed with that established by histological and histochemical examination of bone, by X‐ray investigation of the skeleton, and by the radionuclear 85Sr test. The relationship between the activity of bone isoenzyme and urinary hydroxyproline excretion differed in metabolic bone diseases with a high bone turnover, in patients with osteoporosis and in patients with early osteoclastic bone metastases.
Studies on the turnover of endogenous cathodal trypsinogen in man
Authors: BORGSTRÖM ANDERS , OHLSSON KJELL
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The concentration in serum of cathodal trypsinogen has been studied in certain clinical and experimental situations. The concentration correlated with pancreatic amylase activity. Low levels were found in patients with malabsorption due to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. The concentration rose after endo‐scopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographic examinations (ERCP). After ERCP, however, no trypsin was detected complexed with protease inhibitors, as is generally found in acute pancreatitis. The trypsinogen concentration in serum also rose in renal failure indicating a renal elimination route for the endogenous trypsinogen.
Lecithin: cholesterol acyl transfer rate and high density lipoproteins in plasma during dietary and cholestyramine treatment of type Ila hyperlipoproteinaemia
Authors: WALLENTIN LARS
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Changes in the lecithin:cholesterol acyl transfer rate and the concentrations of lipids and high density lipoprotein lipids in plasma were studied during dietary and cholestyramine treatment of type IIa subjects. Samples were obtained from twenty subjects before and 2 months after the start of a cholesterol lowering diet. Sixteen subjects were studied 1 month after the addition of cholestyramine treatment to the dietary regimen.

During 2 months of dietary modification the mean concentrations of cholesterol, phospholipids and low density lipoprotein cholesterol were reduced by 10%. In the high density lipoprotein fraction there was a 10% mean increase of the cholesterol but no change of the mean phospholipid concentration. There were no changes of the mean triglyceride concentration or the mean fractional or molar lecithin:cholesterol acyl transfer rates in plasma.

One month after the addition of cholestyramine to the diet there were further reductions in the mean plasma concentrations of cholesterol by 22.5%, phospholipids by 12% and low density lipoprotein cholesterol by 32%. The mean triglyceride concentration and the mean concentration and composition of the high density lipoprotein fraction were unchanged. The mean fractional Iecithin :cholesterol acyl transfer rate was increased by 30%. The type IIa subjects with high molar lecithin: cholesterol acyl transfer rates during the diet showed increments of molar lecithin:cholesterol acyl transfer rates during cholestyramine therapy.

Interpretations of these findings in relation to lipoprotein metabolism are discussed.
Blood‐brain barrier permeability during shortlasting intravascular hyperosmolality
Authors: PAULSON OLAF B. , HERTZ MARIANNE M.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Blood‐brain barrier permeability for 24Na+and 36Cl‐ ions and for 3HOH was studied during isoosmolality and during shortlasting intravascular hyperosmolality in twenty‐five patients using the double indicator single injection method. Hyperosmolality was induced by a rapid injection into the internal carotid artery of 8 ml of one of the following hypertonic solutions: 5% saline, 25% mannitol or a contrast medium of the metrizoat group (Isopaque‐amine 280®. The extractions of the small sodium and chloride ions remained unchanged and essentially zero indicating that ‘opening’ of the blood‐brain barrier did not occur. The blood‐brain barrier permeability to water remained unchanged during hyperosmolality, but the extraction of 3HOH increased when mannitol and especially when Isopaque‐amine 280®was used as hypertonic agent corresponding to the lower water concentration in these solutions.
Effect of portacaval shunt on biliary cholesterol and bile salt secretion in normal rats
Authors: BUTZOW G. H. , DAMMANN H. C. , CZOK G.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. In order to assess the role of bile secretion in the serum cholesterol lowering effect of a portacaval anastomosis in rats, bile flow rate, bile salt and cholesterol secretion in bile were determined. The study comprised five groups of animals: (1) rats with portacaval shunt receiving cholesterol free food ad libitum; (2) sham‐operated and pair‐fed controls; (3) unoperated, pair‐fed controls; (4) unoperated controls on cholesterol free diet ad libitum; and (5) unoperated controls on normal laboratory rat chow ad libitum. Bile flow rate showed no difference in any of the groups on cholesterol free diet. Bile salt secretion was significantly elevated in shunted animals (87.1 ± 7.0 nmol/min) as compared with pair‐fed sham‐operated (64.7 ± 20.0 nmol/min) and unoperated controls (56.0 ± 22.3 nmol/inin). Biliary cholesterol output tended to be higher in shunted animals but this was not statistically significant. The data indicate that the atrophied rat liver in shunted animals is able to maintain a normal bile flow and to increase bile salt secretion. Thus, the serum cholesterol lowering action of a portocaval anastomosis may be partly due to an increased cholesterol catabolism to bile salts.
Humoral hypercalcaemia in a patient with renal‐cell carcinoma
Authors: POWELL DAVID , MCPARTLIN JOSEPH , SKRABANEK PETR
Published: March 2008

Abstract. In a patient with hypercalcaemia secondary to a renal‐cell carcinoma, a concentration gradient of bio‐activity was detected between the tumour effluent vein and the peripheral venous blood that was capable of stimulating adenylate cyclase in bone cells. Immuno‐reactive PTH was undetectable in the tumour effluent and in the peripheral blood. It is concluded that a non‐parathyroid humoral factor whose action involved cyclic AMP stimulation was responsible for the hypercalcaemia.
Operationally defined single‐ and double‐stranded DNA antigens in the Farr assay: diagnostic value
Authors: COUTURE FRANÇOIS , BEAULIEU ANDRÉ , RAPTIS LEDA , MÉNARD HENRI‐ANDRÉ
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The specificity of the Farr assay for the detection of antibodies to double‐stranded (ds) DNA is highly dependent on the properties of the radiolabelled antigen. Since dsDNA is notoriously difficult to prepare free of single‐stranded (ss) regions, we have examined the feasibility of using in vitro 125 I‐labelled calf thymus DNA separated in predominantly ss and ds fractions upon hydroxyapatite chromatography as antigens in the ammonium sulphate assay. Characterization of these defined antigens showed for the ‘ss fraction’: a sedimentation coefficient of 7S, molecular weights between 0.05 and 0.25 times 10 6 daltons and the presence of 34% ss‐regions. The corresponding values for the ‘ds fraction’ were: 9.5S, 0.2‐1.5 times 106 daltons and 10% ss regions. Using each of these 125I‐labelled DNA fractions, the ammonium sulphate test was performed on a variety of sera from patients with rheumatic and immunological diseases. The results show that 80% of the sera from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) sera have dsDNA binding over 2 standard deviations of the normal mean and that this binding is always higher than that to the ss‐antigen. On the other hand, a minority of non‐SLE sera gave a slightly abnormal binding with the ds‐antigen but in contrast to SLE sera, these always had a higher binding value with the ss‐antigen. Furthermore, when the binding of SLE and of these non‐SLE sera was tested against a perfectly double‐stranded DNA preparation of Adenovirus serotype 2, SLE sera still gave high values, whereas the binding of non‐SLE sera was abolished. Taken altogether, these results suggest that these two operationally defined DNA antigens can, when used simultaneously, provide a specific serological diagnosis. These data also support the idea that the presence of true anti‐dsDNA binding in a human sera is an exclusive SLE feature.
Hepatic disposal of endogenous growth hormone and prolactin in man
Authors: BRATUSCH‐MARRAIN PAUL , BJÖRKMAN OLA , WALDHÄUSL WERNER , WAHREN JOHN
Published: March 2008

Abstract. In order to examine the role of the liver in the disposal of endogenous growth hormone and prolactin, the hepatic uptake of both pituitary hormones was determined directly in healthy men in the basal state (n = 12) and after stimulation of growth hormone and prolactin production by an intravenous arginine load (30 g/30 min; n = 5) and exercise (n = 3). The hepatic venous catheter technique was employed.

Uptake of growth hormone from the splanchnic bed in the basal state was 0.16 &pM 0.07 μg/min and increased to 2.37 ± 0.81 (SE) μg/min following arginine infusion in parallel with a rise in arterial serum growth hormone concentrations from basal, 0.9 ± 0.2 ng/ml, to 13.8 ± 3.5 ng/ml. Splanchnic fractional extraction and clearance rate exhibited an increase from 20 ± 3% and 1.97 ± 0.36 ml/kg.min in the basal state to 32 ± 10% and 3.63 ± 0.61 ml/kg.min, respectively, following arginine loading. Similar data were obtained in the studies employing exercise as a growth hormone stimulant (splanchnic uptake, 1.99 ± 0.89 μg/min; fractional extraction, 40 ± 2%; splanchnic clearance rate, 3.42 ± 0.06 ml/kg.min). In contrast, no significant uptake of endogenous prolactin by the liver was demonstrated, either in the basal state or during the arginine induced rise in serum prolactin concentrations from a basal (6.8 ± 0.5 ng/ml) to a stimulated concentration (20.2 ± 5.1 ng/ml).

These results indicate a major role for the liver in growth hormone metabolism, accounting for approximately 50% of total growth hormone clearance, but not in prolactin disposal. This indicates that the hormones have different sites of action and different metabolic fates.
Lipid deposition in kidneys in experimental liver disease: a study in dogs with choledochocaval anastomosis
Authors: BLOMHOFF J. P. , HOVIG T. , STOKKE K.T. , HOLME R. , BERGAN A. , ØSTREM T. , GJONE E.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. To study the ultrastructural changes in kidneys in an experimental model with an increase in the plasma concentration of lipoproteins rich in free cholesterol and phospholipids, cholecystectomy and choledochocaval anastomosis were performed in four dogs. In three dogs the glomeruli were markedly abnormal with deposition of osmiophilic material mainly in the subendothelial regions. The isolated glomeruli contained increased amounts of free cholesterol and phospholipids. In these dogs the plasma concentrations of free cholesterol and phospholipids rose markedly and cholesteryl esters fell. Abnormal plasma lipoprotein particles ultrastructurally similar to those seen in human cholestatic liver disease and in familial deficiency of the enzyme lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) were found. Large myelin structures in the low density lipoprotein (LDL) range were especially prominent. Serum creatinine and urea concentrations were normal.

In the fourth dog there was complete obstruction of the bile duct at the suture line, and changes in plasma lipids and lipoproteins were less pronounced. Large myelin structures were not present in LDL. The glomerular ultrastructure and lipid content were normal.

This study demonstrates that lipid is deposited in the glomeruli in dogs when plasma lipoproteins rich in free cholesterol and phospholipids are present in increased concentration. The results suggest that the large myelin structures found in the subendothelial regions of the glomeruli originate from similar particles present in plasma LDL by filtration.
Meal induced increase in serum triglycerides has no effect on lymphocyte response to mitogens
Authors: SOPPI E. , VIIKARI J. , ESKOLA J. , RUUSKANEN O.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The effect of a standardized heavy meal on the lymphocyte transformations induced by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A) and PPD tuberculin was studied. The meal significantly increased the serum triglycerides (P < 0.01), while it had no effect on cholesterol or high density lipoproteincholesterol levels. The increase in serum triglycerides did not affect lymphocyte transformation induced by phytohaemagglutinin or concanavalin A in whole blood microcultures. A slight decrease was observed when lymphocytes were stimulated with one out of three concentrations of PPD tuberculin (P < 0.05). However, there was no correlation with the increase of triglycerides and decrease in lymphocyte transformation. Our observation shows that physiological changes in serum triglycerides do not affect the capacity of lymphocytes to respond to mitogenic stimulation, and the whole blood micromethod for lymphocyte stimulation to screen the capacity of cell‐mediated immunity does not depend on the meal schedule of the patients.
Effects of gastrointestinal hormones on fasting gallbladder storage patterns in man
Authors: BJÖRNSSON ó. G. , ADRIAN T. E. , DAWSON J. , McCLOY R. F. , GREENBERG G. R. , BLOOM S. R. , CHADWICK V. S.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Gallbladder storage and emptying patterns were studied in fasting normal subjects by a duodenal perfusion technique using indocyanine green as a biliary marker. Fasting gallbladder storage patterns were very variable but a more uniform biliary output with net storage of about 40% of the biliary marker was observed during a simulated interprandial state (2–4 h after meals) produced by a low dose intravenous infusion of secretin and caerulein. With this background hormonal stimulation, infusion of bovine pancreatic polypeptide to achieve physiological interprandial levels promoted further gallbladder storage of bile. Bovine pancreatic polypeptide produced storage by a major effect on the gallbladder rather than on the liver, common bile duct or sphincter of Oddi since a reduction of biliary output was not observed during bovine pancreatic polypeptide infusion in cholecystectomized subjects. Bovine pancreatic polypeptide had a separate effect on the pancreas, reducing trypsin output in both normal and cholecystectomized subjects.
Beneficial effect of practolol in preventing adrenaline‐induced systemic and myocardial metabolic changes
Authors: HERBACZYŃSLA‐CEDRO K. , CEREMUŹYŃSKI L. , BRONISZEWSKA‐ARDELT B. , WOŹNIEWICZ B.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the beta blocking agent, practolol, is able to modify some of the metabolic and hormonal responses and the local myocardial changes evoked by an excess of adrenaline similar to that seen after acute coronary occlusion. Adrenaline (1.2 μg/kg/min) and practolol (1 mg/kg) were infused concurrently to anaesthetized intact dogs for 5 h. Blood free fatty acid and triiodothyronine levels were measured initially and after 2,4 and 5 h of infusion. At the end of the infusion the myocardium was subjected to biochemical, histoenzymatic and electron microscopic examination. The results were compared with those obtained in dogs infused with adrenaline alone and with saline alone.

Practolol reduced the adrenaline‐induced increase in free fatty acids and a fall in triiodothyronine in the blood. Myocardial acetate accumulation and ATP decrease were both reduced by practolol. Histoenzymatic and electron microscopic changes were less. These effects of practolol upon systemic and myocardial disturbances induced by the excess of adrenaline indicate that it might be effective in modifying any excessive adrenergic response which may occur in acute myocardial infarction.
Regional differences and effect of weight reduction on human fat cell metabolism
Authors: SMITH ULF , HAMMERSTEN JAN , BJÖRNTORP PER , KRAL JOHN G.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The metabolism of adipocytes from severely obese patients was investigated before and after weight was reduced by jejuno‐ileal by‐pass. After weight reduction lipolysis and glucose incorporation into triglycerides were decreased as was the cell size. The effect of submaximal concentrations of insulin on glucose incorporation increased with weight reduction implying increased cellular insulin sensitivity.

The rate of glucose incorporation and basal lipolysis in the adipocytes correlated directly with the fasting plasma insulin level before weight reduction. After weight reduction there was a positive correlation between the decrease in glucose metabolism and the reduction in the plasma insulin level. These data support the concept that plasma insulin may be important for the long‐term regulation of glucose metabolism and lipolysis in fat cells.

In other patients with normal body weight, studies on regional differences in adipocyte metabolism showed that fat cells from the subcutaneous abdominal region responded better to both noradrenaline and insulin than femoral fat cells. The differences between these sites were less pronounced during incubation with isopropylnoradrenaline, suggesting there was increased α‐receptor activity in the femoral region.

Adipocytes in the abdominal subcutaneous region are thus metabolically much more active than those in the femoral region. This might explain why several blood parameters such as arterial free fatty acid and glycerol levels correlate with lipolysis of abdominal but not femoral cells and why plasma insulin and triglyceride levels correlate with abdominal but not femoral fat cell size. Also, the responsiveness of adipocytes in the abdominal region may explain why cells in this region decreased more in size than those in the femoral region during weight reduction.
Abnormal cation composition and transport in erythrocytes from hypertensive patients
Authors: ADEROUNMU A. FADEKE , SALAKO L. A.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Red cell sodium and potassium were determined in 100 untreated subjects with uncomplicated essential hypertension and compared with the values from 908 healthy normotensive control subjects. Red cell sodium concentration (expressed as mmol/l of erythrocytes) was significantly higher in hypertensive than in normotensive subjects. Red cell potassium concentration (in mmol/l of erythrocytes) was not significantly different in the two groups. Passive efflux of red cell potassium into buffered isotonic sucrose solution determined in eight hypertensive and nine normotensive subjects showed a lower potassium efflux rate in the hypertensive subjects. Comparison of active sodium efflux in sixteen hypertensive and fourteen normotensive subjects showed that ouabain‐sensitive active sodium efflux was higher in red cells of normotensive than in those of hypertensive subjects.
Distribution of β‐endorphin in normal and schizophrenic human brains
Authors: LIGHTMAN STAFFORD L. , SPOKES ERNEST G. , SAGNELLA GIUSEPPE A. , GORDON DAVID , BIRD EDWARD D.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. β‐Endorphin was measured by radioimmunoassay in post‐mortem human brains. Samples of brain were taken from five discrete areas, both from control brains and brains of schizophrenic patients. No difference in β‐endorphin levels was found in these two groups of brains. β‐Endorphin was confirmed to be widely distributed in the brain, but there were considerable differences in the concentrations in different areas.
Radioimmunoassay for type III procollagen peptide and its application to human liver disease
Authors: ROHDE HEILWIG , VARGAS LING , ECKHARTHAHN  , KALBFLEISCH HEINRICH , BRUGUERA MIGUEL , TIMPL RUPERT
Published: March 2008

Abstract. A sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay was developed for the precursor‐specific peptide segment located at the amino end of bovine type III procollagen. Human material showed high cross‐reactivity in this assay. Two forms of human procollagen peptides were detected in body fluids. The larger peptide (45K) was found in serum and ascites, and resembled the whole precursor‐specific segment which is presumably released from human type III procollagen by a single enzymatic cleavage. The smaller peptide (10K) was found mainly in urine indicating that further degradation of circulating procollagen peptides is required prior to their passage through the kidney.

Compared to peptide concentrations in normal human serum, two to twenty‐fold increases were observed in all patients with alcoholic liver disease, in fifteen of seventeen patients with acute hepatitis, and in ten of fourteen patients with chronic active hepatitis. Much higher levels were detected in ascites fluid. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases showed far smaller elevations of the serum peptide. In alcoholic liver disease peptide levels correlated well with inflammation and necrosis observed in liver biopsies, but not with other laboratory parameters.