bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of Platelet-Activating Factor in Glucose Uptake and Utilization of Different Tissues
Authors: Ottlakán A. 
Published: April 2003

The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the role of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in influencing the glucose metabolism of selected rat tissues. The in vivo glucose utilization rate in different tissues assessed by the 2-deoxyglucose tracer technique was determined 80 min following the intravenous injection of human serum albumin in saline or intravenous administration of a known amount (130 ng/100 g BW) of PAF. PAF administration resulted in significant hyperglycemia (8.89 ± 0.29 mmol/l) and increased the in vivo glucose utilization rate by the polymorphonuclear leukocytes (435%), monocytes (218%), liver (58%), lung (53%), intestine (52%) and spleen (51%). Owing to the accentuated hyperglycemia the metabolic clearance rate (MCR) for glucose was also calculated; this rate is an indicator of the avidity of tissues for this metabolite. There were significantly elevated MCR values in the polymorphonuclear leukocytes (211%), monocytes (229%), spleen (79%), intestine (71%) and liver (67%). These findings indicate that tissue glucose metabolism is deeply affected by the administration of PAF and according to data obtained it is thought that this mediator may also be involved in the upregulation of host defense-related cellular functions.
Effect of Albendazole Sulfoxide Solution on the Scolices and the Hepatobiliary System
Authors: Erzurumlu K. , Hokelek M. , Baris S. , Sahin M. , Birinci A. , Amanvermez R. , Tac K. 
Published: April 2003

The use of scolocidal solutions in the hepatobiliary system may result in caustic sclerosing cholangitis. In this study, the effectivenes of a biological metabolite of albendazole, albendazole sulfoxide, on scolices and the hepatobiliary system was evaluated. In the in vitro study, it was found that 100 µg/ml albendazole sulfoxide solution had strong scolocidal effect in 15 min. In the in vivo study, two experimental groups, each consisting of 8 rabbits aged 3–4 months and weighing 2,500 ± 250 g, 100 µg/ml albendazole sulfoxide and normal saline were given into the biliary tract. ALP, GGT, SGOT and SGPT values on days 7, 30 and 60 were not found to be significantly increased compared to preoperative values. Total bilirubin values were high in the working group 7 and 30 days postoperatively and on day 30 in the control group, returning back to normal levels on day 60 in both groups. Histopathological evaluation of the liver parenchyma and the biliary system on day 60 revealed no differences between the groups. Consequently, albendazole sulfoxide solution may be used intraoperatively for scolocidal purposes.
Mitochondrial Injuries in Rat Lungs Preserved for 17 h: An Ultrastructural Study
Authors: Ueda M. , Kosaka S. , Hirata T. , Fukuse T. , Suzuki Y. , Hitomi S. , Wada H. 
Published: April 2003

Mitochondria of the small vasculature endothelial cells were examined in preserved rat lungs before and after reperfusion, and the ultrastructural changes were correlated with pulmonary function after reperfusion. Rat lungs were flushed with perfusate and prostaglandin E1 and divided into five groups (n = 5 in each group): group A, normal control group; group B, University of Wisconsin solution; group C, Euro-Collins solution; group D, ET-Kyoto solution, and group E, new ET-Kyoto solution. After preservation at 4°C for 17 h, the left lungs were reperfused at 37°C for 60 min. Tissue was sampled and mitochondria of the small vasculature endothelial cells were ultrastructurally analyzed by transmission electron microscopy before and after reperfusion. The ultrastructure of the mitochondria was well maintained in groups A, B and E before and after reperfusion. In group C, the number of severely degenerated mitochondria in the sectional area of 100 μm<sup>2</sup> before reperfusion was 18.0 ± 3.9, which was significantly larger than in the other groups (p < 0.01), and the total number of mitochondria significantly decreased with reperfusion (from 24.8 ± 3.5 to 8.2 ± 2.4, p < 0.05). In group C, the shunt fraction, mean pulmonary arterial pressure and the wet-dry ratio of the lung tissue after reperfusion C were significantly higher than in the other groups (p < 0.05; 76.3 ± 1.5%, 54.8 ± 4.2 mm Hg, and 20.6 ± 2.5, respectively). A positive correlation was found between the percentage of the mitochondrial degeneration before reperfusion and the physiological parameters after reperfusion. Mitochondrial damage associated with cold ischemia is probably involved in lung injury caused by cold preservation and reperfusion.
Prevention of Anastomotic Tumour Take by On-Table Colon Washout with Povidone-Iodine
Authors: Basha G. , Penninckx F. , Mebis J. , Geboes K. , Yap P. 
Published: April 2003

The presence of organic material in the intestinal lumen is reported to interfere with the efficacy of cancericidals when used in low concentrations to prevent anastomotic recurrence in colorectal cancer surgery. We aimed at investigating the efficacy of intra-operative whole-colon washout using povidone-iodine in an experimental model of anastomotic tumour growth. A large inoculum of highly ‘tumorigenic’ carcinoma cells was instilled in the colonic lumen of Fischer rats. The whole-colon water washout was intended to remove the luminal organic material. This was followed by irrigation of increasing concentrations of povidone-iodine up to 5% with or without additional incubation for 10–20 min. Five animals died after 30 min incubation with povidone-iodine 5%. Tumour take was observed in all control animals including after irrigation with physiological saline. Increasing the povidone-iodine concentration from 1 to 5% reduced the rate of tumour take, but not significantly. The anastomotic tumour growth was significantly reduced after tumour cell inoculation followed by whole-colon lavage and luminal incubation for 20 min with povidone-iodine 5%. Application of intra-operative whole-colon washout to remove the luminal ‘organic material’ followed by luminal application of povidone-iodine 5% for a sufficient incubation time could reduce the risk of anastomotic recurrence in colorectal cancer surgery.
Effects of Suramin on Anastomotic Colon Tumors in a Rat Model
Authors: Lauwers P. , Hubens G. , Hendriks J. , Vermeulen P. , Schuerwegh A. , Stevens W.J. , De Clerck L.S. , Dirix L. , van Marck E. , Hubens A. , Eyskens E. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> The development of antiangiogenic drugs offers new promise in the treatment of malignancy. Suramin has been reported to inhibit tumor growth by blocking angiogenesis and has been used in clinical trials. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of suramin on colonic anastomotic tumors in the rat. <i>Methods:</i> (a) Colonic anastomotic tumor was induced in 120 WAG/RIJ rats. Half of the animals were given 100 mg/kg of suramin intraperitoneally at the time of tumor induction. Rats were sacrified after 2, 4 and 8 weeks; tumor take and tumor weight were evaluated. (b) The number of red blood cell clusters per ×400 field was counted in each tumor. (c) A lymphocyte transformation test was performed in four groups of animals, 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after tumor implantation and/or suramin administration. <i>Results:</i> (a) A significant enhancement of tumor growth was observed in the suramin-treated animals. (b) This was accompanied by a significant increase in functional blood vessels. (c) Suramin-treated rats had markedly decreased lymphocyte stimulation, pointing to a possible immunosuppressive effect. <i>Conclusions:</i> The growth of an anastomotic colon tumor is rather enhanced by a single intraperitoneal administration of 100 mg/kg suramin in the rat, possibly by an unexpected immunosuppressive effect.
In situ Perfusion of the Liver Enhances the Efficiency of Retrovirus-Mediated Gene Transfer to Hepatocytes
Authors: Tomori H. , Shiraishi M. , Muto Y. 
Published: April 2003

To increase the efficiency of retrovirus-mediated gene transfer targeting an individual’s liver in vivo, the liver was perfused in situ with the retrovirus vector during hepatic cold ischemia. Four weeks prior to gene transfer, the spleen was transpositioned to the left subcutaneous position to develop a portosplenic shunt, which was performed in order to prevent intestinal congestion during hepatic ischemia. Traditional retrovirus vectors (1 × 10<sup>5</sup> CFU/ml) which encode genes for the <i>Escherichia coli</i> β-galactosidase (LacZ) were used in this study. Twenty-four hours after partial hepatectomy (70%), the remnant liver was surgically isolated, perfused with 1 ml of vector solution through the portal vein, and kept in contact with the vector for 30 min under cold ischemia (group 1). Hepatic ischemia could thus be performed without any intestinal congestion, due to the preestablished portosystemic shunt. In group 2, the liver was perfused with 1 ml of vector solution through the portal vein without in situ perfusion of the liver. Animals were sacrificed 1, 3, 7 and 28 days after gene transfer. In X-gal staining, the transferred LacZ was detected positive in 10–15% of the hepatocytes only in group 1, 3 days after gene transfer. Graft histology and a liver function test showed no difference between both groups 24 h after gene transfer. In conclusion, in situ perfusion of the liver greatly enhanced the efficacy of retrovirus-mediated gene transfer, targeting an individual’s liver in vivo.
Balloon Catheter for Induction of Labor in Nulliparous Women with Prelabor Rupture of the Membranes at Term
Authors: Wolff Kerstin , Swahn Marja-Liisa , Westgren Magnus 
Published: April 2003

The balloon catheter method has been described as an effective method for cervical ripening hitherto used exclusively before rupture of the membranes. We found it of interest to perform a pilot study of the balloon catheter method after rupture of the membranes. In 18 nulliparous women, with an unripe cervix (Bishop score ≤5) 48 h after prelabor rupture of the membranes at term, cervical ripening was performed using a 26-gauge balloon catheter. Seventy six percent of these women delivered vaginally. Clinical and neonatal outcome data did not differ as compared with term pregnant women who entered labor spontaneously or had a ripe cervix (Bishop score >5) and labor induced with ocytocin within 48 h after prelabor rupture of the membranes. Despite visualization of a pool of amniotic fluid in the vagina on speculum examination on admission, there was a high proportion of patients with an intact forebag observed during the birth process. This preliminary report indicates that the balloon catheter method might be a well-tolerated, safe, and effective method for induction of labor <i>after</i> rupture of the membranes at term.
Low in vitro Thyrotropic Activity of a Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Molecule in the First Trimester during Pregnancy
Authors: Yamada Hideto , Furuta Itsuko , Kato Emi H. , Fujimoto Seiichiro 
Published: April 2003

Rat thyroid cell strain FRTL-5 is widely used to analyze thyroid stimulators, and responds to purified hCG with increased cyclic AMP production. The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro thyrotropic activity of an immunological hCG molecule according to gestational age during normal pregnancy using the FRTL-5 cell culture system. Sera were collected from 7 normal nonpregnant control and a total of 72 normal pregnant women. Seventy-two pregnant women consisted of 40 women in the first trimester (7–14 weeks’ gestational age (GW) (group I)), 16 women in the second trimester (15–28 GW, group II), and 16 women in the third trimester (29–40 GW, group III). Concentrations of serum hCG and FT<sub>4</sub> of group I were higher than those of groups II and III (p < 0.001). In the in vitro assay, the supernatants were subjected to radioimmunoassay for cAMP. In order to analyze in vitro thyrotropic activity of an immunological hCG molecule, cAMP accumulation rate expressed as cAMP accumulation (n<i>M</i>) divided by maternal serum concentration of hCG (IU/ml) was determined in all three groups. By regression analyses, a statistically significant positive correlation was observed between serum hCG concentration and cAMP accumulation in group I (r = 0.399; p < 0.05), group II (r = 0.915; p < 0.0001) and group III (r = 0.671; p < 0.01). cAMP accumulation rate in group I (0.355 ± 0.022, mean ± SE) was significantly low when compared with group II (0.508 ± 0.051) (p < 0.01) and group III (0.556 ± 0.063) (p < 0.001). Thus, it was found for the first time that the in vitro thyrotropic activity of an immunological hCG molecule in the first trimester was lower than those of the second and the third trimesters. In terms of the in vitro thyrotropic activity, an immunological hCG molecule in the first trimester differs from that of the later trimesters.
Regional Localization of Immunoreactive c-<i>fos</i> and Prolactin in Human Endometrium during the Normal Menstrual Cycle
Authors: Reis Fernando M. , Ribeiro Maria Fávia M. , Spritzer Poli Mara 
Published: April 2003

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the cyclic changes and regional localization of immunoreactive c-fos and prolactin (PRL) in the human endometrium, using immunohistochemistry. Immunoreactive PRL was found in the epithelium of 9.1% of the proliferative specimens and in 55.6% of the secretory specimens (p < 0.05, Fisher’s exact test). In the endometrial stroma, immunoreactive PRL was present in 9.1 and 66.7% of the proliferative and secretory samples, respectively (p < 0.01). Immunoreactive c-fos predominated in the stroma and was identified in 54.5% of the specimens in the proliferative phase, but in only 7.1% of those in the secretory phase (p < 0.05). The progesterone/estradiol ratio was lower in the patients expressing immunoreactive c-fos (median = 13.1 ng/ml) compared to those who did not (median = 84.5 ng/ml, p < 0.05). We conclude that immunoreactive c-fos is found mostly in stromal cells during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle, and is sharply reduced during the secretory phase, when the endometrium is under progesterone stimulation – attested by PRL production.
Evaluation of Serum ProlactinLevels in Patients with Endometriosisand Infertility
Authors: Gregoriou G. , Bakas P. , Vitoratos N. , Papadias K. , Goumas K. , Chryssicopoulos A. , Creatsas G. 
Published: April 2003

The aim of this study was to clarify the significance of serum prolactin concentrations in patients with infertility and endometriosis. Forty patients with infertility and laparoscopically proven endometriosis were recruited into the study. Basal serum prolactin levels and prolactin levels after TRH administration were measured. The mean basal serum prolactin concentrations were 12.5, 16.5, 19.5, and 26.5 ng/ml and those after thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) administration were 88.3, 114.2, 125.3 and 138.8 ng/ml in patients with stages I, II, III and IV endometriosis, respectively. A statistically significant relationship was found between the basal serum prolactin levels as well as those after TRH injection and the stage of the endometriosis. The patients were divided in two groups. Group I consisted of 20 patients who did not receive any treatment, while group II consisted of 20 patients who were initially treated with GnRH analogues for 24 week and subsequently with several therapeutic schemes in order to improve their fecundity. The pregnancy rate was not different between the two groups. The patients, however, who did not become pregnant had higher serum prolactin concentrations after TRH administration as compared to those who conceived. We conclude that occult hyperprolactinemia may be a cause of infertility in patients with endometriosis.
Changes of β-1,4-Galactosyltransferase with the Development of Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Kubushiro Kaneyuki , Ma Jun , Fukuchi Takeshi , Banno Kouji , Muramatsu Yuko , Tsukazaki Katsumi , Nozawa Shiro 
Published: April 2003

To elucidate the mechanism of the type 2 carbohydrate chain accompanying the development of endometrial cancer, we studied the expression of β-1,4-galactosyltransferase (β-1,4GT) in normal endometrial and endometrial cancer tissues. An immunohistochemical study revealed that β-1,4GT was diffusely positive in the cytoplasm of endometrial cancer cells, and that the level of its expression was increased compared with that in normal endometrium. Also, β-1,4GT mRNA corresponding to 4.7 kb was very low in normal endometrium, while an intense signal was detected in endometrial cancer. Our results suggest that the increase of β-1,4GT contributes to the expression of the type 2 carbohydrate chain in endometrial cancer.
Evaluation of Fetal Heart Rate Patterns during the Second Stage of Labor through Fetal Oximetry
Authors: Salamalekis E. , Vitoratos N. , Loghis C. , Panayotopoulos N. , Kassanos D. , Creatsas G. 
Published: April 2003

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and accuracy of fetal pulse oximetry during the second stage of labor in cases with abnormal fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns with reference to postpartum acid-base status and Apgar scores. Forty-eight parturients with normal and 20 parturients with abnormal FHR tracings during the second stage of labor were monitored by fetal pulse oximetry and postpartum umbilical artery pH, pO<sub>2</sub>, pCO<sub>2</sub> values and 1- and 5-min Apgar scores. The mean SpO<sub>2</sub> value was 55.47 ± 9.95% in cases with normal and 52.55 ± 16.42% in cases with abnormal FHR patterns. A significant correlation was noted between fetal SpO<sub>2</sub> and umbilical artery pH in cases with normal (r = 0.76, p < 0.05) as well as in cases with abnormal FHR patterns (r = 0.78, p < 0.05). No significant correlation was found between fetal SpO<sub>2</sub> and Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min in cases with normal FHR patterns. On the contrary a significant correlation was noted in cases with abnormal FHR patterns. A normal FHR pattern alone is reassuring. In cases with abnormal FHR, fetal pulse oximetry is an objective method for distinguishing a hypoxic fetus.
Activation of Ca<sup>2+</sup>-Activated K<sup>+</sup> Channels in Human Myometrium by Nitric Oxide
Authors: Shimano Miho , Nakaya Yutaka , Fukui Rijin , Kamada Masaharu , Hamada Yoko , Maeda Kazuhisa , Aono Toshihiro 
Published: April 2003

To investigate the mechanism of human uterine smooth muscle relaxation, the activation of Ca<sup>2+</sup>-activated K<sup>+</sup> channels in cultured myometrial cells obtained from human pregnant myometrium at term by nitric oxide was evaluated at the single cell level using the patch-clamp technique. The open probability of the K<sup>+</sup> channel after the addition of 3 × 10<sup>–3</sup> <i>M</i> isosorbide dinitrate, a nitric oxide donor (0.116 ± 0.048) was significantly higher than that before the addition (0.059 ± 0.032; n = 9, p < 0.01). In myometrial cells pretreated with lipopolysaccharide, activation of K<sup>+</sup> channels was also noted after the addition of <i>L</i>-arginine (10<sup>–4</sup> <i>M</i>; open probability increased from 0.179 ± 0.076 to 0.380 ± 0.105, n = 9, p < 0.01: 10<sup>–3</sup> <i>M</i>; open probability increased from 0.073 ± 0.050 to 0.242 ± 0.098, n = 12, p < 0.01). Either 10<sup>–3</sup> <i>M</i> N-nitro-<i>L</i>-arginine-methyl-ester, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, or 10<sup>–6</sup> <i>M</i> methylene blue, an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase, abolished activation of the K<sup>+</sup> channel by 10<sup>–3</sup> <i>M</i> <i>L</i>-arginine in pretreated myometrial cells with lipopolysaccharide. Application of 10<sup>–3</sup> <i>M</i> <i>L</i>-arginine to the intracellular surface of an excised inside-out patch in the myometrial cells pretreated with lipopolysaccharide failed to increase Ca<sup>2+</sup>-activated K<sup>+</sup> channel activity, suggesting that the activation was mediated by intracellular messengers. These results indicate that nitric oxide should control human myometrial relaxation during pregnancy via activation of Ca<sup>2+</sup>-activated K<sup>+</sup> channels.
Coexistence of a Heterotopic Pregnancy Associated with a Homolateral Ovarian Cyst in a Patient Submitted to Elective Abortion
Authors: Dessole Salvatore , Ruiu Giovanni Antonio , Cherchi Pier Luigi 
Published: April 2003

The authors describe the case of a right tubal pregnancy of delayed diagnosis in a 31-year-old nullipara, who was submitted to voluntary termination during the 7th week of pregnancy and who presented a homolateral ovarian cyst. Two weeks later the patient presented pelvic pain and intraperitoneal fluid layer, while plasma β-hCG was 1,262 IU/ml. The case history was complicated by recent termination surgery and presence of an ovarian cyst, but a plasma β-hCG assay and transvaginal ultrasonography oriented the diagnosis towards a previously unrevealed heterotopic pregnancy. The fallopian tube and the ovarian cyst were removed by laparoscopy. The case points out to the fact that, though rare, heterotopic pregnancy must always be considered one of the possible complications of spontaneous pregnancy.
Vascular Reactivity to Angiotensin II and Eicosanoid Production in the Human Placenta from Term and Preterm Pregnancy
Authors: Cruz M.A. , Domínguez A. , Gallardo V. , Carrasco G. , Miguel P. , González C. 
Published: April 2003

Isolated human placental cotyledons from normal term (37–40 weeks of gestation) and preterm (26–36 weeks of gestation) labor were perfused in vitro, and the effect of angiotensin II (ANG II) and its interaction with prostanoids was measured. In the preterm group, ANG II caused greater maximal increases in perfusion pressure than in normal term pregnancies without affecting sensitivity. Also, preparations from normal term pregnancies showed a marked development of tachyphylaxis compared to placentae from preterm pregnancies. Indomethacin (10<sup>–6</sup> <i>M</i>) increased the maximum pressor response to ANG II by 33.6% in normal term, however, in preterm placentas a 39.2% reduction was observed. Infused ANG II 10<sup>–6</sup> <i>M</i>) decreased the concentrations of thromboxane B<sub>2</sub> and 6-keto-PGF<sub>1α</sub> in both pregnancy groups, but this effect was not statistically different from the baseline values. In the current study, we show that the placenta of preterm pregnancies in basal conditions produce 7.6 times as much thromboxane as the normal term placenta (2,800 ± 470 vs. 366.5 ± 62 pg/min, respectively), without significant change in prostacyclin levels (preterm 88.6 ± 11.0 vs. Term 100.6 ± 30.7 pg/min). These observations provide evidence that the contribution of basally released thromboxane from placental tissue appears to contribute to abnormalities in the regulation of fetoplacental hemodynamics in premature pregnancies.