bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secretagogue stimulation enhances NBCe1 (electrogenic Na+/HCO3− cotransporter) surface expression in murine colonic crypts
Authors: Yu Haoyang , Riederer Brigitte , Stieger Nicole , Boron Walter F. , Shull Gary E. , Manns Michael P. , Seidler Ursula E. , Bachmann Oliver
Published: September 2009

A Na+/HCO3− cotransporter (NBC) is located in the basolateral membrane of the gastrointestinal epithelium, where it imports HCO3− during stimulated anion secretion. Having previously demonstrated secretagogue activation of NBC in murine colonic crypts, we now asked whether vesicle traffic and exocytosis are involved in this process. Electrogenic NBCe1-B was expressed at significantly higher levels than electroneutral NBCn1 in colonic crypts as determined by QRT-PCR. In cell surface biotinylation experiments, a time-dependent increase in biotinylated NBCe1 was observed, which occurred with a peak of +54.8% after 20 min with forskolin ( P < 0.05) and more rapidly with a peak of +59.8% after 10 min with carbachol ( P < 0.05) and which corresponded well with the time course of secretagogue-stimulated colonic bicarbonate secretion in Ussing chamber experiments. Accordingly, in isolated colonic crypts pretreated with forskolin and carbachol for 10 min, respectively, and subjected to immunohistochemistry, the NBCe1 signal showed a markedly stronger colocalization with the E-cadherin signal, which was used as a membrane marker, compared with the untreated control. Cytochalasin D did not change the observed increase in membrane abundance, whereas colchicine alone enhanced NBCe1 membrane expression without an additional increase after carbachol or forskolin, and LY294002 had a marked inhibitory effect. Taken together, our results demonstrate a secretagogue-induced increase of NBCe1 membrane expression. Vesicle traffic and exocytosis might thus represent a novel mechanism of intestinal NBC activation by secretagogues.
Stimulation of stellate cells by injured acinar cells: a model of acute pancreatitis induced by alcohol and fat (VLDL)
Authors: Siech Marco , Zhou Zhengfei , Zhou Shaoxia , Bair Bernd , Alt Andreas , Hamm Stefan , Gross Hans , Mayer Jens , Beger Hans G. , Tian Xiaodong , Kornmann Marko , Bachem Max G.
Published: September 2009

Mechanisms leading to acute pancreatitis after a fat-enriched meal combined with excess alcohol are incompletely understood. We have studied the effects of alcohol and fat (VLDL) on pancreatic acinar cell (PAC) function, oxidative stress, and repair mechanisms by pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) leading to fibrogenesis. To do so, PAC (rat) were isolated and cultured up to 24 h. Ethanol and/or VLDL were added to PAC. We measured PAC function (amylase, lipase), injury (lactic dehydrogenase), apoptosis (TUNEL, Apo2.7, annexin V binding), oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation (conjugated dienes, malondialdehyde, chemoluminescence); we also measured PSC proliferation (bromodeoxyuridine incorporation), matrix synthesis (immunofluorescence of collagens and fibronectin, fibronectin immunoassay), and fatty acids in PAC supernatants (gas chromatography). Within 6 h, cultured PAC degraded and hydrolyzed VLDL completely. VLDL alone (50 μg/ml) and in combination with alcohol (0.2, 0.5, and 1% vol/vol) induced PAC injury (LDL, amylase, and lipase release) within 2 h through generation of oxidative stress. Depending on the dose of VLDL and alcohol, apoptosis and/or necrosis were induced. Antioxidants (Trolox, Probucol) reduced the cytotoxic effect of alcohol and VLDL. Supernatants of alcohol/VLDL-treated PAC stimulated stellate cell proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis. We concluded that, in the presence of lipoproteins, alcohol induces acinar cell injury. Our results provide a biochemical pathway for the clinical observation that a fat-enriched meal combined with excess alcohol consumption can induce acinar cell injury (acute pancreatitis) followed by repair mechanisms (proliferation and increased matrix synthesis in PSC).
Allogenic stem cell therapy improves right ventricular function by improving lung pathology in rats with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Umar Soban , de Visser Yvonne P. , Steendijk Paul , Schutte Cindy I. , Laghmani El Houari , Wagenaar Gerry T. M. , Bax Wilhelmina H. , Mantikou Eleni , Pijnappels Daniel A. , Atsma Douwe E. , Schalij Martin J. , van der Wall Ernst E. , van der Laarse Arnoud
Published: September 2009

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic lung disease that leads to right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy (RVH), remodeling, and failure. We tested treatment with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) obtained from donor rats with monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH to recipient rats with MCT-induced PAH on pulmonary artery pressure, lung pathology, and RV function. This model was chosen to mimic autologous MSC therapy. On day 1, PAH was induced by MCT (60 mg/kg) in 20 female Wistar rats. On day 14, rats were treated with 106 MSCs intravenously (MCT + MSC) or with saline (MCT60). MSCs were obtained from donor rats with PAH at 28 days after MCT. A control group received saline on days 1 and 14. On day 28, the RV function of recipient rats was assessed, followed by isolation of the lungs and heart. RVH was quantified by the weight ratio of the RV/(left ventricle + interventricular septum). MCT induced an increase of RV peak pressure (from 27 ± 5 to 42 ± 17 mmHg) and RVH (from 0.25 ± 0.04 to 0.47 ± 0.12), depressed the RV ejection fraction (from 56 ± 11 to 43 ± 6%), and increased lung weight (from 0.96 ± 0.15 to 1.66 ± 0.32 g), including thickening of the arteriolar walls and alveolar septa. MSC treatment attenuated PAH (31 ± 4 mmHg) and RVH (0.32 ± 0.07), normalized the RV ejection fraction (52 ± 5%), reduced lung weight (1.16 ± 0.24 g), and inhibited the thickening of the arterioles and alveolar septa. We conclude that the application of MSCs from donor rats with PAH reduces RV pressure overload, RV dysfunction, and lung pathology in recipient rats with PAH. These results suggest that autologous MSC therapy may alleviate cardiac and pulmonary symptoms in PAH patients.
Coupling between the blood lactate-to-pyruvate ratio and MCA Vmean at the onset of exercise in humans
Authors: Rasmussen Peter , Madsen Camilla A. , Nielsen Henning B. , Zaar Morten , Gjedde Albert , Secher Niels H. , Quistorff Bjørn
Published: September 2009

Activation-induced increase in cerebral blood flow is coupled to enhanced metabolic activity, maybe with brain tissue redox state and oxygen tension as key modulators. To evaluate this hypothesis at the onset of exercise in humans, blood was sampled at 0.1 to 0.2 Hz from the radial artery and right internal jugular vein, while middle cerebral artery mean flow velocity (MCA Vmean) was recorded. Both the arterial and venous lactate-to-pyruvate ratio increased after 10 s ( P < 0.05), and the arterial ratio remained slightly higher than the venous ( P < 0.05). The calculated average cerebral capillary oxygen tension decreased by 2.7 mmHg after 5 s ( P < 0.05), while MCA Vmean increased only after 30 s. Furthermore, there was an unaccounted cerebral carbohydrate uptake relative to the uptake of oxygen that became significant 50 s after the onset of exercise. These findings support brain tissue redox state and oxygenation as potential modulators of an increase in cerebral blood flow at the onset of exercise.
Microgravity alters respiratory abdominal and rib cage motion during sleep
Authors: Sá Rui Carlos , Prisk G. Kim , Paiva Manuel
Published: September 2009

The abdominal and rib cage contributions to tidal breathing differ between rapid-eye-movement (REM) and non-NREM sleep. We hypothesized that abdominal relative contribution during NREM and REM sleep would be altered in different directions when comparing sleep on Earth with sleep in sustained microgravity (μG), due to conformational changes and differences in coupling between the rib cage and the abdominal compartment induced by weightlessness. We studied respiration during sleep in five astronauts before, during, and after two Space Shuttle missions. A total of 77 full-night (8 h) polysomnographic studies were performed; abdominal and rib cage respiratory movements were recorded using respiratory inductive plethysmography. Breath-by-breath analysis of respiration was performed for each class: awake, light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep. Abdominal contribution to tidal breathing increased in μG, with the first measure in space being significantly higher than preflight values, followed by a return toward preflight values. This was observed for all classes. Preflight, rib cage, and abdominal movements were found to be in phase for all but REM sleep, for which an abdominal lead was observed. The abdominal leading role during REM sleep increased while deep sleep showed the opposite behavior, the rib cage taking a leading role in-flight. In μG, the percentage of inspiratory time in the overall breath, the duty cycle (TI/TTot), decreased for all classes considered when compared with preflight, while normalized inspiratory flow, taking the awake values as reference, increased in-flight for light sleep, deep sleep, and REM. Changes in abdominal-rib cage displacements probably result from a less efficient operating point for the diaphragm and a less efficient coupling between the abdomen and the apposed portion of the rib cage in μG. However, the preservation of total ventilation suggests that short-term adaptive mechanisms of ventilatory control compensate for these mechanical changes.
Improving Enrichment of Circulating Fetal DNA for Genetic Testing: Size Fractionation Followed by Whole Gene Amplification
Authors: Jorgez Carolina J. , Bischoff Farideh Z.
Published: September 2009

Objective: Among the pitfalls of using cell-free fetal DNA in plasma for prenatal diagnosis is quality of the recovered DNA fragments and concomitant presence of maternal DNA (>95%). Our objective is to provide alternative methods for achieving enrichment and high-quality fetal DNA from plasma. Methods: Cell-free DNA from 31 pregnant women and 18 controls (10 males and 8 females) were size separated using agarose gel electrophoresis. DNA fragments of 100–300, 500–700 and 1,500–2,000 bp were excised and extracted, followed by whole genome amplification (WGA) of recovered fragments. Levels of β-globin and DYS1 were measured. Results: Distribution of β-globin size fragments was similar among pregnant women and controls. Among control male cases, distribution of size fragments was the same for both β-globin and DYS1. Among maternal cases confirmed to be male, the smallest size fragment (100–300 bp) accounted for nearly 50% (39.76 ± 17.55%) of the recovered DYS1-DNA (fetal) and only 10% (10.40 ± 6.49%) of β-globin (total) DNA. After WGA of plasma fragments from pregnant women, DYS1 sequence amplification was best observed when using the 100–300 bp fragments as template. Conclusions: Combination of electrophoresis for size separation and WGA led to enriched fetal DNA from plasma. This novel combination of strategies is more likely to permit universal clinical applications of cell-free fetal DNA.
Differential Expression and Activity of 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase in Human Placenta and Fetal Membranes from Pregnancies with Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Authors: Wächter Regula , Masarik Lukas , Bürzle Marc , Mallik Ajit , von Mandach Ursula
Published: September 2009

Objectives: To study the expression and the function of the 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme 1 (11β-HSD1) and 2 (11β-HSD2) in placenta and the fetal membranes from pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and from controls. Methods: Amnion, chorion, decidua and cotyledon were separated from placenta; mRNA was analyzed by TaqMan real-time technology and proteins by Western blot; enzyme activities were measured by the conversion of 3H-cortisol to 3H-cortisone and vice versa. Results: Predominant mRNA expression (p < 0.001) was found for 11β-HSD1 in chorion and for 11β-HSD2 in decidua and cotyledon. In pregnancies with IUGR, 11β-HSD1 was upregulated in chorion (mean ΔCt 11β-HSD:18S mRNA 193.5 vs. 103.0 in controls respectively, p < 0.05) and 11β-HSD2 was downregulated in decidua (mean ΔCt 11β-HSD2:18S mRNA 0.18 vs. 15.88 in controls respectively, p < 0.05). 11β-HSD1 protein levels were reduced in amnion and 11β-HSD1 and 11β-HSD2 oxidase activity in decidua and cotyledon were reduced from pregnancies with IUGR. Conclusion: Reduced synthesis or activity of 11β-HSD1 or 2 in cases of IUGR is shown in some but not in all tissues. The local mRNA expression of 11β-HSD1 in chorion may reflect a mechanism on the post-transcriptional gene regulation to stimulate the formation of cortisone in IUGR. To provoke increasing activity with oxidase stimulators could be a future therapy in cases of IUGR.
Selenoprotein P, Rather than Glutathione Peroxidase, as a Potential Marker of Septic Shock and Related Syndromes
Authors: Forceville X. , Mostert V. , Pierantoni A. , Vitoux D. , Le Toumelin P. , Plouvier E. , Dehoux M. , Thuillier F. , Combes A.
Published: September 2009

Background/Aims: Oxidative stress is involved in sepsis-related endothelium dysfunction. Selenoprotein-P (Sel-P), the main plasma selenoprotein, may have high antioxidant potential, and binds to endothelium. We hypothesize that, in septic shock, and similar syndromes such as systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), Sel-P binds massively to endothelium, causing a drop in Sel-P plasma concentration. Methods: Plasma Se, Sel-P and albumin concentrations, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were measured in patients with septic shock and SIRS with organ failure (S group, n = 7 and n = 3, respectively) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and compared to non-SIRS patients (NS group, n = 11) and healthy volunteers (HV group, n = 7). Results: On ICU admission, plasma Sel-P concentrations were 70% lower in the S group than in the other groups [15 (10–26) vs. 44 (29–71) and 50 (45–53) nmol/l] and were lower in nonsurviving septic-shock patients. GPx activity did not differ between groups. Sel-P was significantly lower before ICU death in the 3 deceased patients of the S group (septic shock) than in the 3 patients of the non-SIRS group. Conclusions: Early decrease in Sel-P plasma concentrations was specifically observed in septic shock and was similar in SIRS patients whereas GPx activity remained unchanged. Further studies are needed to determine whether Sel-P can be an early marker of septic shock linked to microvascular injury.
Perfluorocarbon Dosing when Starting Partial Liquid Ventilation: Haemodynamics and Cerebral Blood Flow in Preterm Lambs
Authors: Davies Mark W. , Dunster Kimble R. , Wilson Kathy , Colditz Paul B.
Published: September 2009

Background: Very preterm neonates can have severe lung disease and are prone to brain injury if cerebral blood flow fluctuates. Partial liquid ventilation (PLV) may benefit the lung disease, but it is unknown whether the administration of intratracheal perfluorocarbon when starting PLV affects haemodynamics or cerebral blood flow. Objectives: To determine if haemodynamics or cerebral blood flow are affected in preterm lambs receiving a dose of perfluorocarbon when starting PLV. Methods: Sixteen preterm lambs were randomised to either PLV or conventional mechanical ventilation. An intratracheal loading dose of 30 ml/kg of perfluorocarbon liquid (PLV group) or air (sham group) was instilled over 20 min. Data were collected continuously for 30 min from the start of dosing. Results: Cortical cerebral blood flow velocity, measured continuously with laser Doppler, was increased in the PLV group during the administration of perfluorocarbon and immediately thereafter (p = 0.0026); the highest mean increase in the PLV group was 27%. There was no difference in cortical cerebral blood flow variability (p = 0.96). There was a slightly lower mean arterial blood pressure in the PLV group; the heart rate did not differ between groups. The PaCO2 was higher in the PLV group at 30 min – the difference between groups was not statistically significant (difference between means = 5.5 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval –2.7 to 13.7). Conclusions: Preterm lambs receiving a dose of tracheal perfluorocarbon at the start of PLV have an increased cortical cerebral blood flow velocity, but no change in cortical cerebral blood flow variability.
Impact of Oxygen Saturation Targets and Oxygen Therapy during the Transport of Neonates with Clinically Suspected Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Shivananda Sandesh , Kirsh Joel , Whyte Hilary E. , Muthalally Koshy , McNamara Patrick J.
Published: September 2009

Background: Although guidelines for mechanical ventilation, cardiovascular support and intravenous prostaglandin are well established, there is a lack of consensus regarding SpO2 targets and safety of oxygen administration during transport of neonates with suspected congenital heart disease (CHD). In many centers, an SpO2 range of 75–85% is targeted but there is no published evidence of the clinical consequences of this approach. Objective: To determine the effect of average SpO2 range and oxygen administration during neonatal transport on clinical markers of cardiovascular instability. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on neonates with suspected CHD who presented at community hospitals. Based on average SpO2 during transport, neonates were categorized into three distinct groups: group I (SpO2 <75%), group II (SpO2 75–85%), group III (SpO2 >85%). The severity and proportion of neonates with hypoxemia, metabolic and lactic acidosis on arrival at level III NICU were compared. A comparison was also made between oxygen requirement and indicators of cardiorespiratory instability. Results: Seventy-five neonates were studied and 14 (19%), 38 (50%) and 23 (31%) neonates were allocated to groups I, II and III, respectively. Therapeutic interventions during the transport stabilization process included oxygen (n = 53, 71%), mechanical ventilation (n = 56, 75%) and prostaglandin E1 (n = 63, 84%). The severity or proportion of neonates with hypoxemia, elevated lactate or metabolic acidosis was similar between the groups. Neonates receiving an oxygen requirement of FiO2 >70% had lower arterial SpO2 on arrival. A provisional diagnosis of CHD and/or PPHN (p = 0.01) and neonates receiving inotropes (p = 0.005) were independent risk factors for cardiovascular instability. Conclusion: If congenital heart disease is strongly suspected oxygen should be cautiously weaned to maintain a minimum SpO2 >75%. Neonates receiving >70% oxygen are at greatest risk of metabolic acidosis or critical hypoxemia and may benefit from expedited transfer to a cardiac center.
Developmental Abnormality of the Retina Caused by Postnatal Administration of Cytosine Arabinoside
Authors: Shimada M. , Wakaizumi S. , Kusunoki T.
Published: September 2009

Suckling mice were injected with 30 or 50 mg cytosine arabinoside/kg body weight 2, 3 and 4 days after birth. Within 6 h after the first injection, a number of pyknotic nuclei were found at the inner portion of the undifferentiated nuclear layer of the retinas. 24 h after the final injection, the retinas of these mice showed the large cavity resulting from necrosis of undifferentiated cells and the rosettes in the nuclear layer. The retinas of 20-day-old treated mice showed conspicuous abnormalities with many rosettes in the outer nuclear layer, heterotopic cell mass in the inner plexiform layer, and irregular arrangement of the ganglion cells. 240 days later, histological abnormalities in the retinas of the treated mice were considerably improved except for rosettes, which were still numerous but changed into arch-like structures.
Effect of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin on Blood Free Fatty Acids, Glucose and on the Release of Free Fatty Acids from Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue in Various Groups of Newborns and Adults
Authors: Melichar V. , Rážová M. , Dyková H. , Vízek K.
Published: September 2009

After administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG; 500 IU/kg intramuscularly), the blood concentration of free fatty acids increases within 30 min in 1-day-old full-term, premature and small-for-date newborns. This effect does not appear in 1-day-old newborns of diabetic mothers with insulin-dependent diabetes, in 7-day-old newborns nor in adults. Glucose concentration rises in all groups of newborns, and no effect is observed in adults. In the in vitro study, HCG increases lipolysis in newborns’ adipose tissue. This effect was not observed in adults.
Activity of Some Enzymes of Carbohydrate Metabolism in Human Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue in Newborns, Infants and Adults
Authors: Willgerodt H. , Vízek K. , Rážová M. , Melichar V.
Published: September 2009

The activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, pyruvate kinase (PK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was measured in human adipose tissue (AT) of newborns aged 0–2 and 2–48 h, of 3- to 5-month-old infants and of adults. AT was sampled by means of a special needle from the gluteal region without anesthesia. We observed significantly higher activity of the two pentose phosphate shunt enzymes when calculated on protein content and wet weight basis in newborns as compared to infants and adults. There were no differences for PK and LDH between newborns and adults when the values were calculated for the soluble protein. The protein concentration of the AT decreased significantly during the development.
Changes in the Alkaline Phosphatase Activity of Granulocytes from the First to the Sixth Day of Life in Newborns
Authors: Nagy P. , Szabó I. , Csaba I.
Published: September 2009

GAP activity was studied in 40 newborns, from the first to the sixth day of life after normal pregnancy and labor. Evaluation of GAP activity was performed in stained blood smears by the method of Kaplow. The results of this study indicate, that GAP activity on the first day of life was higher (121.0 ± 16.7 GAP score) than on the sixth day (68.6 ± 12.0 GAP score). The authors, discussing the possible cause of the increased alkaline phosphatase activity in granulocytes during the first day of life, cannot exclude the possibility that the GAP activity is influenced by estrogens of maternal origin.
Developmental Aspects of Galactose-1-Phosphate Uridylyltransferase in Rat Intestine
Authors: Koo Catherine , Rogers Shirley , Segal Stanton
Published: September 2009

Kinetic and developmental characteristics of rat jejunal galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase have been examined. Km values for the substrates galactose-1-phosphate and uridine diphosphate (UDP) glucose were the same for both the newborn and adult rat enzymes, although the Vmax of the enzyme in newborns was about threefold higher than that of the adult rat. Equal enzyme activity was present in the villus, crypt cells and the muscularis of adult jejunum. The specific activity of the enzyme remained relatively uniform (V about 20 nmoles/min/mg protein) until 18 days of age when the velocity of the reaction began to decrease. The adult value at 42 days of age is about one fifth of that in the young. The pattern of change of specific activity was compared with that for galactokinase and UDP-galactose-4-epimerase, and the observations suggest separated regulatory factors for each enzyme. The total activity of the galactose-metabolizing enzymes in jejunum was also calculated. In the young, transferase has the highest activity, but in the adult, epimerase activity is highest. Jejunal galactokinase activity is low throughout the developmental period which suggests that phosphorylation of galactose may be the limiting step in intestinal metabolism of the sugar.
Glutamine Synthetase and Glutamyltransferase in Developing Chick and Rat Tissues
Authors: Herzfeld Annemarie , Raper Suzanne M.
Published: September 2009

Concomitant determination of γ-glutamine-hydroxylamine-glutamyltrans-ferase (GT) and γ-glutamyl hydroxamate synthetase (GS) activities in chick retina, brain and liver between the 13th day of incubation and a day after hatching showed that while both activities increased late in incubation, in neural tissues their rises were not simultaneous throughout development; in liver both activities were already high on the 14th day of incubation and changed in parallel thereafter. GS and GT activities could be evoked prematurely in all three tissues by cortisol, but GT activity showed higher responses to the hormone. GT and GS were separable by differential solubilization in chick liver but not in retina of chick or rat. The wide spread of the ratios of GT:GS activities in homogenates of a number of chick and rat tissues (1:1 to 73:1) indicates that the GS reaction is not catalyzed by the same protein that catalyzes the GT reactions. Relative amounts of GT(T) (free of GS activity) and of variants of GS (with different competences to catalyze the GT reaction) may govern the changes between the two activities during development and their distribution among different adult tissues in chick and rat.
Development of the Neonate Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)
Authors: Hulsey T.K. , Palotay J.L. , Dhindsa D.S.
Published: September 2009

This study describes the postnatal growth and development of the opossum (Didelphis virginiana). Measurements were made weekly on 6 young opossums between 50 and 189 days following birth. These measurements included: total length, length of ear and tail, and length of front and rear appendages. Body weight measurements were extended to 233 days. The mean body weight at 50 days was 14.1 g, which increased rapidly to 2,560 g at 233 days.
Pressure Volume Curves of Lamb Lungs and the Lecithin-Sphingomyelin Ratios of Lung Fluid
Authors: Egberts J. , Rethmeier H.B.
Published: September 2009

Pressure-volume curves were made of lungs from non-distressed, from asphyxiated and from distressed lambs. The curves of the non-distressed animals differed from the curves of the asphyxiated and of the distressed group. Eleven stability indices were calculated and the summation of these in situ surfactant characteristics was used for individual respiratory distress syndrome diagnosis. Low values (< 2) of lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratios in lung fluid were found before the 130th day of gestation, but a steep increase of the L/S ratio was present after that period. Postnatal RDS was found in low L/S ratio cases, whereas normal lung stability was noticed in animals with L/S ratios > 2. It is concluded that the prenatal L/S ratio in lung fluid of lambs is of predicting value in RDS experiments and fits well with lung stability characteristics.
Changes in Tissue Glycogen of Recovering Asphyxiated Newborn Monkeys
Authors: Rivera, jr. Americo , Martinez-de Jesus Jose , Myers Ronald E.
Published: September 2009

Newborn rhesus monkeys were used to investigate the relation between the duration of total asphyxia and the magnitude of the postasphyctic cerebral glycogen hyperdeposition response. The latter has been observed to occur following episodes of total asphyxia lasting 12.5 min and to be maximal at 12 h into the recovery period. The changes in glycogen contents of other vital organs were also studied. A minimum duration of 9 min of total asphyxia was required for the first elicitation of the cerebral glycogen hyperdeposition response. The magnitude of the response once elicited did not vary whatever the duration of the asphyxia beyond 9 and up to 30 min. During the actual episodes of total asphyxia, the glycogen content of the brain diminished more rapidly and completely than did that of kidney or heart. The hepatic, pulmonary and muscle glycogen contents did not change significantly either during asphyxia or during the recovery period.
Histological Observations on Epidermal Development in Fetal Mice Subject to Intrauterine Growth Retardation Due to Maternal Infections with Coxsackievirus B3
Authors: Lansdown A.B.G.
Published: September 2009

Infection of mice with Coxsackievirus B3 on the 8th day of pregnancy resulted in fetal growth retardation. A histological examination of interscapular back skin of infected fetuses revealed an immature pattern of differentiation at 18 days gestation with the epidermis being appreciably thinner than normal, but equivalent to that of a 15-day fetus. The pattern of keratinization as demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy, and the deposition of epidermal phospholipid were normal in these retarded fetuses but less well developed. Retarded keratinization in the infected fetuses was related to abnormal amniotic fluid compositions due to reduced maternal health resulting from virus-induced pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.
Relationship between Body Size, Thermal Balance and Thermal Insulation of Term Infants under Various Ambient Conditions
Authors: Sulyok E. , Jéquier E. , Prod’hom L.S.
Published: September 2009

A gradient layer direct calorimetric study was made on the thermal balance of small-for-date, appropriate-for-date and large-for-date term newborn infants during the first 2 days of life. At ambient temperatures of 28 and 32 °C, the dry and total heat losses per kilogramme body weight were inversely related to body weight. There was a negative correlation between metabolic rate per kilogramme and body weight, whereas in terms of surface area the correlation became positive. A similar tendency without statistical significance was observed at an ambient temperature of 37 °C. In a cool environment (28 °C), a significant positive correlation was found between body weight and ambient or total thermal insulations. Tissue and total insulations were inversely related to the metabolic rate. It was concluded that small-for-date newborn infants are handicapped not only by the unfavourable surface-to-mass ratio but also by the limited specific body thermal insulation.
Acetylcholinesterase and Butyrylcholinesterase of Developing Human Brain
Authors: Kaplay Suresh S.
Published: September 2009

Acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuchE) activities were studied in 20,000 g supernatant (S) and pellet (P) fractions of cerebrum1, caudate nucleus and cerebellum regions of human brain between the gestational ages of 20 and 40 weeks. On a per gram wet tissue basis, cerebrum and cerebellum had 60% and caudate nucleus had 80% of AchE activity present at 20–22 weeks as compared to 38–40 weeks of gestation. Specific activity (SA) of AchE did not change appreciably with gestational age in any of the P fractions. In S fractions of cerebrum and cerebellum there was about a 1.5-fold increase during this period. BuchE SA and activity per gram tissue in P and S fractions of cerebrum and cerebellum increased by 1.5- to 3-fold and decreased by about the same order of magnitude in caudate nucleus, during 20–40 weeks of gestation.
Changes in the Organs of Pigs in Response to Feeding for the First 24 h after Birth
Authors: Widdowson E.M. , Crabb D.E.
Published: September 2009

Organs and muscles of unfed newborn piglets, and of littermates given only water or suckled for 24 h, and suckled for 10 days have been weighed and analysed. Some organs, notably the pancreas, adrenals and kidneys, were found to grow extremely rapidly during the first 24 h after birth in response to food, and then to gain weight more slowly over the next 9 days. Others, the liver, spleen, brain and skeletal muscles gained more weight per day between days 1 and 10 than they did during the first 24 h. The gain in weight is due primarily to incorporation of protein into existing cells and not to rapid cell division.
Ontogenetic Development of Deiodinase and Aminotransaminase in Rat Thyroid Gland
Authors: Knopp J. , Fáberová A.
Published: September 2009

Thyroid aminotransaminase and deiodinase in the infant rat were examined during the postnatal period of life. Both enzymes were found on the first day after delivery with various activities, low the deiodinase and high the aminotransaminase. The activity of enzymes increased during the third postnatal week. These changes of enzymes probably represent changes in the functional state of the hormonogenesis in the thyroid gland which maturates in this period of life.
Diminished Enhancement of Hepatic UDP Glucuronyl Transferase (Bilirubin) by Phenobarbital during Pregnancy in the Rat
Authors: Vaisman Sergio L. , Lee Kwang-sun , Gartner Lawrence M.
Published: September 2009

UDP glucuronyl transferase (bilirubin) (UDPGT) was studied in liver homogenates of pregnant and nonpregnant adult female rats. No change in maternal liver UDPGT activity was observed during pregnancy. Administration of phenobarbital (PB) for the 3 days preceding enzyme assay increased UDPGT activity in nonpregnant rats by 61.8%. The same treatment of pregnant rats produced a similar increase in UDPGT activity measured on the 5th, 7th and 9th day of gestation. After day 9, the extent of this PB-mediated increase in hepatic UDPGT activity progressively decreased, and by the 21st day of gestation the increase was only 19.0 %. This observation of reduced response of UDPGT (bilirubin) after PB administration during late pregnancy in the rat, may be significant in understanding the mechanism of neonatal glucuronyl transferase deficiency as well as drug metabolism in mother and fetus.
β2-Microglobulin in Colostral Secretions
Authors: Voglino Gian Franco , Ponzone Alberto
Published: September 2009

β2-Microglobulin concentrations were determined in 78 maternal and 21 neonatal colostrum samples collected on various days post partum. Maternal concentrations were highest (about 50-fold those observed in normal blood) on the 1st day, falling to a steady level similar to that of normal blood by the end of the 1st week. Neonatal levels, on the other hand, increased as secretion proceeded. The highest value (about 5-fold that of normal serum) was noted in a 22-day-old subject. It is suggested that β2-microglobulin production is characteristically associated with colostrum secretion and that colostrum itself has the highest concentration of the protein.
Plasma Osmolality in the Early and Late Neonatal Period with Particular Reference to Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Mestyán Ildikó , Horváth Magdolna , Mestyán J.
Published: September 2009

Data on postnatal changes of plasma osmolality were collected on two groups of newborn infants. Group I consisted of 114 normal full-term infants in whom measurements were performed in cord blood and peripheral venous blood at 12, 24 and 48 h after birth. It has been found that plasma osmolality does not change within the first 48 h, but is maintained at the level of cord plasma. The infants comprising group II were admitted to a referral unit at different postnatal ages for observation or treatment of transient neonatal disturbances. The majority of the infants and particularly those followed through the late neonatal period were low birth weight infants. Neither of the infants studied required intravenous therapy known to affect plasma osmolality. Blood samples were taken at admission and at different time intervals thereafter. Time at which blood was withdrawn varied in the individual infant. In 95 plasma samples, besides osmolality, sodium concentration was also measured. In this group of infants, after the first 3 days, plasma osmolality steadily fell with postnatal age reaching a minimum between 18–21 days. The fall in plasma osmolality was accompanied by a parallel decline of plasma sodium. The two variables were significantly correlated. It is concluded that the decrease in plasma osmolality of low birth weight infants represents profound adaptive changes of osmolal homeostasis in the late neonatal period. The possible mechanisms underlying the total osmotic pressure changes, such as expansion of extracellular volume, sodium loss, immaturity of kidney function are discussed.
Corticosteroid Influence in the Postnatal Development of Monoamine Oxidase Activity in the Young Rats
Authors: Parvez H. , Gripois D. , Parvez S.
Published: September 2009

Developmental changes in total activity of enzyme monamine oxidase (MAO) were studied in heart, liver, kidney and lung of normal young rats and rats adrenalectomized at birth. Determination of total enzyme activity was made utilizing 14C-tryptamine as a substrate. MAO activity was measured during 20 days of postnatal life in normal and adrenalectomized young rats. Adrenalectomy was followed by transitory alterations in the enzyme development. MAO activity in the heart of adrenalectomized rats was higher than their respective controls. Adrenalectomy decreased enzyme activity in liver and lung. The preadministration of hydrocortisone to adrenalectomized young rats restored MAO activity to normal levels in all the tissues studied. The possible mechanisms for corticosteroid action in the development of MAO activity have been discussed.
Haematological Values in Healthy Full-Term Nigerian Newborn Infants
Authors: Effiong C.E. , Taiwo O. , Odeniyi O.O. , Mellits E.D.
Published: September 2009

A study of haematological levels (haematocrits, reticulocyte and white cell counts) in healthy singleton full-term Nigerian neonates has shown significantly lower values than those of some previous reports but similar to others. The mean haematocrit of 60.8% on the 1st day dropped quite rapidly to 39.3% by the 4th week of birth. The mean reticulocyte count ranged from 3.8 to 1.9% on the 1st and 5th postnatal days, respectively. Adult level of less than 1 % was reached on the 6th day. Mean leucocyte count on the 1st day for males (12,400/mm3) was significantly lower than that for females (15,860/mm3). The mean total white cell count stabilized by the 3rd day at approximately 9,000/mm3 and showed no significant differences between the sexes beyond the 1st day values. The polymorphonuclear leucocytes and lymphocytes formed 61 and 36%, respectively, on the 1st day but by the 3rd day the lymphocytes were the predominant white cells.
Glucose Disappearance Rate, Insulin Response and Growth Hormone Response in the Small for Gestational Age and Premature Infant of Very Low Birth Weight
Authors: Salle B. , Ruitton-Uglienco A.
Published: September 2009

The purpose of the present investigation was to study the disappearance rate of intravenously administered glucose, plasma insulin, plasma growth hormone (GH) and their responses to an intravenous glucose load in 29 infants who were small for gestational age (SGA). The findings were compared to those in 19 premature babies of similar birth weight who were appropriate for gestational age (AGA); in all the weights were below 2,000 g. The babies were divided in two groups according to their age when tested, at < 24 and 25–48 h. SGA infants cleared glucose more rapidly than AGA infants (p < 0.01) whose clearance rates were similar to those previously reported in normal full-size and full-term newborns. Arterial insulin values before glucose loading were similar in all groups. The insulin response to glucose was poor in both SGA and AGA infants, but there was no significant difference between these two groups of infants. The response in the two groups at 24 and 25–48 h was similar. In 8 SGA babies insulin response was studied shortly after glucose injection to determine β-cell release, but there was no significant difference of insulin level before and after glucose administration. In 5 AGA and 8 SGA babies insulin response was studied simultaneously in portal vein and aorta. In AGA babies the insulin response was completely different in the two vessels with a high response in the vein; on the contrary, in SGA infants response was variable. Growth hormone levels were high before test in SGA and AGA; after a glucose load the plasma GH levels increase, but the response was identical in SGA and AGA.
Post-Natal Development of Factor II (Pre-Prothrombin and Prothrombin) in Man
Authors: Schettini Franco , de Mattia Domenico , Mautone Angela , Altomare Maria
Published: September 2009

Postnatal development of factor II molecule has been evaluated by three different methods in infants and children from 15 days to 7 years of age. The immunochemical determination of factor II showed that the plasma levels of this factor reached the lowest adult values between 4–7 months of age and rose slowly for all the first year; after this age the plasma concentration was steady. The adult range was reached from 15 to 120 days of age when the factor II was evaluated by the method of Owren and Aas (19) and by staphylocoagulase reagent.
Ontogenic Development of the Responsiveness in cAMP Synthesis to LH and PGE1 and Gonadotropin Receptors in the Rat Ovary
Authors: Kolena J.
Published: September 2009

Incubation of ovaries derived from rats aged 9, 13, 16, and 20 days with LH resulted in a significant rise in cAMP synthesis. The ovaries from 2- and 5-day-old rats were, however, unresponsive to stimulation by LH. By contrast, prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) evoked a sharp response in ovarian synthesis of cAMP even in 2-day-old rats. In order to determine why neonatal ovaries do not respond to LH, gonadotropic receptors have been studied. HCG binding sites were present in homogenates of untreated and gonadotropins primed rat ovaries. The specificity of this 125I-HCG binding was demonstrated by the competition of unlabeled HCG and LH for binding sites and failure of such binding to occur in specimens obtained from control tissues. FSH, ACTH and growth hormone were not able to compete significantly for 125I-HCG binding. The HCG receptor is present in ovaries during the whole postnatal period. The results suggest that the unresponsiveness of neonatal rat ovaries to LH is not caused by later maturation of gonadotropic receptors.
A Micropuncture Study of the Development of Renal Function in the Young Rat
Authors: Dlouhá Helena
Published: September 2009

Total kidney function and function of individual surface nephrons were measured under hypotonic saline load conditions in young rats 22-, 30- and 42-days old. The highest values of urine now rate and GFR were found in 30-day-old rats. The water reabsorption was higher in 42-day-old rats than in two younger groups. This decreased fractional reabsorption of water in younger animals was detectable already in the late proximal tubule and in the early distal tubule. Fractional reabsorption of sodium was significantly lower at the age of 22 and 30 days than at the age of 42 days in both late proximal tubule and in the early distal one.
Dental and Craniofacial Development in the Normal and Growth-Retarded Human Fetus
Authors: Luke D.A.
Published: September 2009

Craniofacial and dental development were examined in 32 human fetuses, 22–42 weeks of gestational age, nine of which were classified as light-for-dates (LFD). Statistically significant differences were detected between the LFD and the normal group with respect to upper and lower jaw size and cranial base length but not in the case of neurocranial length, orbital height or deciduous molar crown size. The structures which are least affected by intrauterine growth retardation are those whose growth rate is normally either low throughout the second half of gestation or falls substantially during the 10 weeks prior to term.
Pyruvate and Oxaloacetate Metabolism in the Kidney Cortex of Developing Sheep
Authors: Edwards Elizabeth M. , Dhand Usha K. , Jeacock Marjorie K. , Shepherd D.A.L.
Published: September 2009

The activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, pyruvate kinase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (GTP), pyruvate carboxylase and citrate (si)-synthase were determined in kidney cortex tissue from developing lambs aged between 72 and 170 days conceptual age. The rate of carbohydrate production by kidney cortex slices was also measured. A marked increase was found in the activity of citrate (si)-synthase, pyruvate carboxylase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (GTP) and malate dehydrogenase during this period whilst pyruvate kinase activity declined. Gluconeogenesis was demonstrated only in tissue from lambs after birth.
A Convenient Neonatal Model for Developmental Studies Requiring Artificial Diets
Authors: Aprille J.R. , Rulfs J.
Published: September 2009

Making use of several advantages of the neonatal rabbit over other species, we have established and evaluated a mammalian model for studying environmental and dietary influences on developmental phenomena under carefully defined conditions. In the model, neonates can be maintained for 7–10 days by once-daily tube feedings of an artificial diet of controlled composition. Weight gain is below that of nursing littermates, but organ development and the development of cellular respiration is comparable in both groups. The model is technically convenient and particularly well-suited to studies of developing biochemical pathways.
Fetal Hilar Cells and Leydig Cells in Early Pregnancy
Authors: Zondek L.H. , Zondek T.
Published: September 2009

17 pairs of fetal ovaries and 26 pairs of fetal testes from 10 to 20 weeks of gestation have been examined for the presence of hilar cells or Leydig cells. Maternal plasma human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) levels were also determined in these cases. It was found that high HCG levels appeared to have little effect on the formation of ovarian hilar cells which were present in small numbers in a proportion of cases from the 13th week onwards. In contrast to these findings, the testicular Leydig cells were noted to be present in large numbers during similar periods of gestation and with similar plasma HCG levels. It is, therefore, assumed that the fetal ovary responds in a less marked manner than the fetal testis to stimulation by HCG during the second quarter of pregnancy.
Age-Dependent Cardiovascular Effects of Afferent Stimulation in Neonatal Pigs
Authors: Buckley N.M. , Gootman P.M. , Gootman N. , Reddy G.D. , Weaver L.C. , Crane L.A.
Published: September 2009

Postnatal development of heart rate (HR), mean aortic pressure and arterial flow responses to carotid baroreceptor stimulation (CS) or inhibition (BCCO), and to sciatic nerve stimulation (SNS), was studied in 60 newborn piglets under halothane-N2O anesthesia. There was no HR change in most piglets during CS or BCCO, but tachycardia was observed during high frequency or intensity SNS and after bilateral vagotomy. In younger animals, smaller pressor effects were observed during high frequency or intensity SNS than in older ones. There were also age-dependent changes in femoral and renal flows and resistances to CS, BCCO, SNS or bilateral vagotomy. The results indicate postnatal maturation of regulatory mechanisms for HR and peripheral flow.
Alterations in the Rate of Fetal and Placental Development as a Consequence of Early Maternal Protein/Calorie Restriction
Authors: van Marthens E.
Published: September 2009

The in utero growth rates have been determined for the body, brain, and the placenta in the rat. The accumulation of cell number (DNA content) and protein content in the cerebrum and the placenta were investigated during normal development. When rats were exposed to a severe reduction in protein/calorie intake during the first 10 days of pregnancy and the fetal growth rates were compared to those of the normal control animals, highly significant differences were observed. Pregnant rats, which were restricted in their protein/calorie intake during the early part of pregnancy, significantly prolonged the gestation time. When this increase of in utero time is taken into consideration and the offspring are compared at the time of natural birth, the data presented demonstrate the possibility of in utero catch up growth. The variations, in fetal development within the same litter and across litters, demonstrate a considerable plasticity during normal development in utero.
Measurement of Placental Blood Flow in the Pig and Its Relation to Placental and Fetal Weight
Authors: Wootton R. , McFadyen I.R. , Cooper J.E.
Published: September 2009

In 12 pregnant sows (Sus scrofa domestica), containing 144 live fetuses, placental blood flow was measured by the indicator fractionation technique using radioactive microspheres. In 8 of these litters, which contained 96 live fetuses, placental blood flow was obtained in absolute units. Significant positive correlations were observed between placental blood flow and placental weight, between placental blood flow and fetal weight, and between placental weight and fetal weight. It is clear that the runt, by comparison with his littermates, has a low birthweight in association with a small placenta and a low placental blood flow.