The effect of the initial (controlled) tonus of the arterial vessels on the correlation of arterial pressure and cardiac output during a pressor reaction to a rapid blood volume increase in rats]

A considerable decrease in pressor responses to polyglykine at an elevated arterial tone and constant increase of cardiac output occurred in anesthetised rats. Vascular and cardiac mechanisms of the interrelationship are discussed.     

Endoscopic perforator vein division with ablation of superficial reflux improves venous hemodynamics

Plant responses to high salt stress have been studied for several decades. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these responses still elude us. In order to understand better the molecular mechanism related to NaCl stress in plants, we initiated the cloning of a large number of NaCl-induced genes in Arabidopsis. Here, we report the cloning of a cDNA encoding a novel Ca2+-binding protein, named AtCP1, which shares sequence similarities with calmodulins. AtCP1 exhibits, in particular, a high degree of amino acid sequence homology to the Ca2+-binding loops of the EF hands of calmodulin. However, unlike calmodulin, AtCP1 appears to have only three Ca2+-binding loops. We examined Ca2+ binding of the protein by a Ca2+-dependent electrophoretic mobility shift assay. A recombinant AtCP1 protein that was expressed in Escherichia coli did show a Ca2+-dependent electrophoretic mobility shift. To gain insight into the expression of the AtCP1 gene, northern blot analysis was carried out. The AtCP1 gene had a tissue-specific expression pattern: high levels of expression in flower and root tissues and nearly undetectable levels in leaves and siliques. Also, the expression of the AtCP1 gene was induced by NaCl treatment but not by ABA treatment. Finally, subcellular localization experiments using an AtCP1:smGFP fusion gene in soybean suspension culture cells and tobacco leaf protoplasts indicate that AtCP1 is most likely a cytosolic protein.     

The light chain of CD98 is identified as E16/TA1 protein

The 80/40-kDa CD98 protein complex was purified using an anti-CD98 heavy chain monoclonal antibody coupled to Sepharose beads. Eluted proteins were subjected to preparative SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and protein corresponding to the 40-kDa CD98 light chain was excised. Following proteolysis with trypsin, a peptide fragment was sequenced by mass spectrometry. The nine residues obtained were identical to established C-terminal sequences of the human E16 and rat TA1 proteins, suggesting that TA1/E16 protein is the CD98 light chain. Consistent with this, anti-TA1/E16 antibodies specifically immunoblotted the approximately 35-40-kDa light chain present upon immunoprecipitation of the human CD98 complex. Furthermore, anti-CD98 heavy chain antibody specifically co-immunoprecipitated hemagglutinin-tagged light chain from cells transfected with hemagglutinin-tagged E16 cDNA. In conclusion, the CD98 light chain is identical to the TA1/E16 protein, based on partial amino acid sequence identity, antibody cross-reactivity, genetic reconstitution evidence, similar molecular size, and comparable cell distribution.     

Poly(1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone) hydrogels as vitreous substitutes: histopathological evaluation in the animal eye

A homopolymer of 1-vinyl-2 pyrrolidinone and its copolymer with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, both cross-linked with divinyl glycol, were produced as possible substitutes for the vitreous body of the eye. The hydrated polymers behaved like viscoelastic gels, displaying excellent physical and optical properties. The sterile gels (0.7-1.5 ml) were injected into the vitreous cavity of rabbits, which previously underwent gas-mediated vitrectomy. Clinically, the eyes were quiet, with the exception of transient opacities in the vitreous. After 4 weeks, the operated eyes were enucleated and subjected to histopathological analysis using light and transmission electron microscopy. The common feature in all sections was the invasion of inflammatory cells. Vacuoles containing granular material, assumed to be polymer, were seen in the intercellular spaces of the neural retina, in the retinal pigment epithelium cells, and in macrophages. These findings indicated the fragmentation and phagocytosis of synthetic gels. It appeared that the biodegradation of the internalized polymers did not proceed further, however, the fate of polymers and their usefulness as vitreous substitutes should be investigated through long-term experiments.     

Arteriovenous fistulas aggravate the hemodynamic effect of vein bypass stenoses: an in vitro study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of arteriovenous fistulas combined with varying degrees of stenosis on distal bypass hemodynamics and Doppler spectral parameters. METHODS: In an in vitro flow model bypass stenoses causing 30%, 55%, and 70% diameter reduction were induced 10 cm upstream of a fistula with low outflow resistance. Flow and intraluminal pressure were measured proximal to the stenosis and downstream of the fistula. The waveform parameters peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, pulsatility index, and pulse rise time were determined from midstream Doppler spectra obtained 10 cm downstream of the fistula. All measurements were carried out with open and clamped fistula. RESULTS: At 30% diameter reducing stenosis opening of the fistula induced a 12% systolic pressure drop across the stenosis but had no adverse effect on the Doppler waveform parameters. At 55% stenosis the pressure drop increased from 16% to 31% after fistula opening. This increased pressure drop was associated with a further reduction in peak systolic velocity, a decrease in pulsatility index, and an enhanced pulse rise time prolongation. Fistula opening at 70% stenosis increased the systolic pressure drop from 31% to 48% and had significant impact on all waveform parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Distal arteriovenous fistulas enhance pressure loss across stenoses and affect downstream velocity waveform configuration. The presence of a combined fistula and a stenosis mimics the distal hemodynamic conditions of a more severe stenosis. Assessment of the hemodynamic impact of fistulas must be undertaken in the evaluation of in situ vein bypass stenoses.     

Significance of mild cytologic atypia in women infected with human immunodeficiency virus

This study examined the cross over between alcoholics and habitual gamblers. A group of Alcoholics Anonymous members (n = 30) and a group of pathological gamblers (Gamblers Anonymous members) (n = 23) and self-identified habitual gamblers (n = 21) were asked to respond to two inventories--the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS, Lesieur & Blume, 1987) and the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI-2, Miller, 1994). Results of our analyses suggested there were not significant degrees of cross over.