Effects of acetylcholine on lung liquid production by in vitro lungs from fetal guinea pigs

Lungs from near-term fetal guinea pigs (61 +/- 2 days of gestation) were supported in vitro for 3 h; lung liquid production was monitored by a dye dilution method. Untreated preparations produced lung liquid with no significant changes (ANOVA; regression analysis) (rates in successive hours, initial study: 1.37 +/- 0.30, 1.36 +/- 0.30, and 1.28 +/- 0.27 mL.kg-1 body weight.h-1; n = 6). Preparations given acetylcholine at 10(-4) (n = 6), 10(-5) (n = 6), and 10(-6) M (n = 18) during the middle hour showed marked and significant fluid reabsorption (p < 0.025-0.0005); 10(-8) M acetylcholine was without effect. Reductions were linearly related to log concentration of acetylcholine (r = 0.97; theoretical threshold, 1.0 x 10(-7) M acetylcholine). Atropine, at 10(-5) M, greatly reduced responses to acetylcholine, and all reabsorptions were abolished; 10(-4) M atropine completely abolished all responses to acetylcholine; atropine alone had no effect (based on 48 studies). The alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonist phentolamine (1.78 x 10(-5) M) abolished the effects of 10(-6) M acetylcholine, but had no effect alone (based on 48 studies); the beta-adrenoreceptor antagonist propranolol (10(-5) M) had no effect on responses to 10(-6) M acetylcholine (based on 24 studies). It is suggested that acetylcholine at physiological levels can produce lung liquid reabsorption by activating muscarinic receptors and releasing catecholamines within the lungs; these catecholamines act via alpha-receptors. This raises the possibility of neural controls of lung liquid reabsorption during the early stages of delivery or neonatal life.

Approaches to the risk assessment of fumonisins in corn-based foods in Canada

The presence of fumonisins and associated mycotoxins from Fusarium moniliforme in corn-based foods has recently become a concern in North America and elsewhere. Monitoring of various corn based foods and food commodities for fumonisins is ongoing in both the USA and Canada, and the results can be used for preliminary exposure assessments. The role of Fusarium moniliforme and the fumonisins in some diseases of livestock has been established. Considerable information is available on the mechanism of action of the fumonisins. With the availability of increased quantities of pure fumonisins, several subchronic toxicity studies, designed to establish dose response characteristics in rodents have now been completed. However, since concerns about the chronic toxicity of the fumonisins have not yet been adequately addressed, a tolerable daily intake cannot be established at this time. With the information at hand it is, nevertheless, possible to arrive at an interim risk assessment, which can be used to make interim risk management decisions. A total of 361 samples, covering 4 years of a Canadian survey, have been analyzed to date. Of these, 64 contained > or = 0.1 micrograms/g fumonisin B1, and 10 contained > or = 1 microgram/g. The 'all persons' estimate for the intake of fumonisins from these foods was < 0.089 micrograms/kg bw for 5-11 year-old children, and lower for other age groups. Based on an assessment of the available information on the toxicity of fumonisins, it can be concluded that these estimated intakes are unlikely to pose a health risk.

Free-floating but immobile ball thrombus in left atrium: diagnosis aided by transoesophageal echocardiography

A patient in whom a free-floating but immobile ball thrombus developed in the left atrium in association with mitral stenosis is reported. Certain unusual echocardiographic findings are described.

Modulation of human gingival fibroblast cell metabolism by methyl mercaptan

Methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) is a malodorous compound whose levels are elevated in mouth and crevicular air of individuals with active periodontal disease. Since it may play a role in the disease process, its effects were evaluated using human gingival fibroblast cultures and viable porcine unkeratinized oral mucosal tissue sections. Results showed that the protein content of CH3SH-exposed cell cultures pulsed with [14C]-labelled glycine and proline was decreased by approximately 25%. Furthermore, this deleterious effect was irreversible in test cultures subsequently incubated for 24 h in a control 95% air/5% CO2 mercaptan-free environment. The supporting slab-gel electrophoresis profiles yielded evidence that exposure to CH3SH caused an alteration in collagen metabolism and a pooling of Type I procollagens. In addition, DNA synthesis was suppressed in CH3SH-exposed cultures by 44.1% at the 24 to 26 h peak of DNA synthesis. This is a true inhibition and not a shift in peak of maximum DNA synthesis as the shape and location of time-course curves of control and test systems is very similar. Proline transport study using [14C]-proline indicated a reduction in proline transport in the range of 40 to 50% in cultures exposed for 24 to 30 h to CH3SH. Significantly even 15 min exposure to 6.7 ng CH3SH/ml of incubating atmosphere suppressed proline transport by approximately 24%. This indicates that even brief exposure to low concentrations of CH3SH has a significant adverse effect on proline transport. Fluorescent staining of tissue sections exposed to mercaptan indicated that the agent elevated the number of cells stained with vital dye.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Streptococcus zooepidemicus (Lancefield group C) septicaemia in Hong Kong

The clinical findings relating to 11 patients in Hong Kong (HK) and to 43 patients described elsewhere, all with Streptococcus zooepidemicus septicaemia, are reviewed. There was a particular association with cardiovascular disease (27%) with seven cases of endocarditis, three of abdominal aortic aneurysm and two of deep venous thrombosis. Associations not previously reported included two cases of pharyngitis and two patients with persistent post-operative fever. The overall mortality was 22%. Both human and porcine strains of S. zooepidemicus from HK did not hydrolyse aesculin in contrast to the aesculin-positive biotypes reported previously. HK strains also had very mucoid colonies and capsules of hyaluronic acid were seen in electron micrographs. Samples of chromosomal DNA, extracted by means of HindIII restriction endonuclease, of strains from human beings and pigs were identical. The MIC of penicillin for all strains was less than or equal to 0.03 mg/l but the MBC for all was greater than 32 mg/l. Penicillin alone is generally sufficient for cure but combination with an aminoglycoside may be indicated in seriously ill patients. In our locality, pigs were incriminated as a possible source of human infection whereas consumption of contaminated dairy products is important elsewhere.

Modulation of in vitro monocyte cytokine responses to Leishmania donovani. Interferon-gamma prevents parasite-induced inhibition of interleukin 1 production and primes monocytes to respond to Leishmania by producing both tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin 1

Cytokines produced by mononuclear cells are important regulatory and effector molecules and evidence has been presented to support a role at least for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in host defense against Leishmania. In the present study, we examined the production of TNF-alpha and interleukin 1 (IL-1) by resting and IFN-gamma-primed peripheral blood monocytes infected in vitro with Leishmania donovani. Monocytes produced neither IL-1 nor TNF-alpha during challenge with Leishmania. Cells preinfected with Leishmania synthesized normal amounts of TNF-alpha, but had diminished production of IL-1 in response to stimulation with either S. aureus or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The induction by S. aureus or LPS of IL-1 beta mRNA accumulation in infected cells was normal despite diminished intracellular or supernatant IL-1 protein and bioactivity. Thus, inhibition of IL-1 production by Leishmania most probably reflected diminished translation of IL-1 beta mRNA. Pretreatment of cells with IFN-gamma abrogated infection-induced inhibition of IL-1 production and primed cells for the production of both IL-1 and TNF-alpha upon subsequent exposure to Leishmania. These results indicate that L. donovani has evolved the capacity to infect mononuclear phagocytes, without stimulating the production of two potentially host-protective monokines. The ability of IFN-gamma to prime monocytes to produce TNF-alpha and IL-1 in response to infection with Leishmania and to prevent inhibition of IL-1 production may have implications for immunotherapy with this lymphokine.

Amitosis in human donor corneal endothelium--a serendipity?

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Posterior corneal folds and endothelial cell damage in human donor eyes

Posterior folds in human donor corneas stored as whole eyes in moist chambers, or isolated in McCarey-Kaufman medium at 4 degrees C, have been studied by light and scanning electron microscopy to determine whether or not endothelial cells on the folds are damaged. Extensive, often irreversible cell damage was found associated with most of the folds. Hence posterior folds in donor corneas are of importance in that they indirectly reduce the quality of the donor cornea for transplantation.

Parasite-accessory cell interactions in murine leishmaniasis. II. Leishmania donovani suppresses macrophage expression of class I and class II major histocompatibility complex gene products

In the present study, we examined the modulation of MHC class II and class I gene products on BALB/c macrophages infected with the obligate intracellular protozoan Leishmania donovani. Our findings indicated that this organism suppressed macrophage expression of both classes of MHC antigens. These effects varied somewhat, depending on whether cells were in the basal state or were stimulated with interferon-gamma. Thus, class II density on interferon-gamma-treated infected macrophages was suppressed by as much as 90%, relative to lymphokine-stimulated control cells. Induction of H-2K and H-2D by lymphokine treatment of infected macrophages was also markedly reduced. In the basal (non-lymphokine-treated) state, infected cells also showed reduced expression of H-2K and H-2D, but not I-A or I-E. The latter result was related to minimal levels of class II molecules on normal, in vitro cultured macrophages. Suppression of MHC gene products correlated with both the duration and intensity of leishmania infection and could not be overcome by increasing doses of interferon-gamma. Culture of cells under conditions of cyclooxygenase inhibition completely abolished elevated synthesis of prostaglandin E2 by infected macrophages and augmented their responsiveness to lymphokine induction of class II antigens by 60 to 80%. These results indicate that L. donovani is capable of subverting a critical macrophage accessory function required for the induction of T lymphocyte immunity. This mechanism could account, at least in part, for defective parasite-specific cell-mediated immunity seen during infections with this protozoan.

Parasite-accessory cell interactions in murine leishmaniasis. II. Leishmania donovani suppresses macrophage expression of class I and class II major histocompatibility complex gene products

In the present study, we examined the modulation of MHC class II and class I gene products on BALB/c macrophages infected with the obligate intracellular protozoan Leishmania donovani. Our findings indicated that this organism suppressed macrophage expression of both classes of MHC antigens. These effects varied somewhat, depending on whether cells were in the basal state or were stimulated with interferon-gamma. Thus, class II density on interferon-gamma-treated infected macrophages was suppressed by as much as 90%, relative to lymphokine-stimulated control cells. Induction of H-2K and H-2D by lymphokine treatment of infected macrophages was also markedly reduced. In the basal (non-lymphokine-treated) state, infected cells also showed reduced expression of H-2K and H-2D, but not I-A or I-E. The latter result was related to minimal levels of class II molecules on normal, in vitro cultured macrophages. Suppression of MHC gene products correlated with both the duration and intensity of leishmania infection and could not be overcome by increasing doses of interferon-gamma. Culture of cells under conditions of cyclooxygenase inhibition completely abolished elevated synthesis of prostaglandin E2 by infected macrophages and augmented their responsiveness to lymphokine induction of class II antigens by 60 to 80%. These results indicate that L. donovani is capable of subverting a critical macrophage accessory function required for the induction of T lymphocyte immunity. This mechanism could account, at least in part, for defective parasite-specific cell-mediated immunity seen during infections with this protozoan.

Persistently elevated AFP and AChE in amniotic fluid from a normal fetus following demise of its twin

Intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) in one of twins at 12 weeks of gestation was accompanied by markedly elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) at 17 and 18 weeks. Amniotic fluid AFP from the healthy surviving twin's sac at 18.5 and 23 weeks was also greatly increased along with a positive acetylcholinesterase (AChE) band. Persistently elevated AFP and positive AChE so long after fetal demise--6.5 and 11 weeks post IUFD--has not, to our knowledge, been previously described. In similar cases, high level ultrasound and careful placental examination at birth should be utilized to search for fetal abnormalities or multiple pregnancy with IUFD.

Effect of hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan on the permeability of oral mucosa

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) are the volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) that were investigated for a possible role in the etiology of periodontal disease. The results show that the permeability of porcine non-keratinized sublingual mucosa is increased by up to 75% or 103% following exposure to H2S and CH3SH, respectively. The effect may be attributed to VSC reaction with tissue components resulting in alteration in the integrity of the tissue barrier. The increase in permeability of the mucosa to [35S]-Na2SO4 was dependent on both the time of exposure and concentration of VSC in the head-space. The [35S]-H2S was retained by the mucosal tissue and was able to penetrate the intact layers consisting of non-keratinized epithelium, basal membrane, and connective tissue. Treatment of the mucosa with 0.22% ZnCl2, either prior to or after exposure to CH3SH, nullified the effect of CH3SH and restored the permeability to a state similar to that observed in control 95% air/5% CO2 systems.

Curious neurologic sequelae in galactosemia

Two siblings with classic transferase deficiency galactosemia that was detected at birth have been treated with lactose restriction since the neonatal period. Both patients developed a unique and progressive neurologic syndrome of mental retardation, tremor, and ataxia. Careful review of the family history and medical records, the absence of metabolic disturbances other than those related to galactosemia, and the aggregate physical findings and neurodiagnostic studies ruled out other neurologic disorders in these siblings. It is therefore proposed that these patients represent a subgroup of transferase-deficient galactosemic patients, who develop characteristic neurologic sequelae with conventional dietary management. The existence of this subgroup should be considered in evaluations of therapeutic responses in cohorts of patients with galactosemia. Further, galactosemia should be included in the differential diagnosis of tremor and ataxia in the setting of mental retardation.

The preparation of glomeruli from renal biopsy specimens for scanning electron microscopy

A method for the preparation of human renal biopsy specimens for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is described. This involves glomerular isolation by fine needle dissection and the simultaneous processing of 10 or more specimens in a specially designed tissue cassette. The method is simple and reliable with minimal glomerular loss during processing. Processed glomeruli appear intact under the SEM. They have clean surfaces with minimal extraneous deposits. Surface topography of the glomerulus is clearly seen and changes of the podocytes in glomerular diseases can be readily studied.

Transverse Bragg-reflector injection lasers

A GaAs-GaAlAs injection laser has been tested that confines light in the lateral dimension (normal to junction plane) by a multilayer Bragg reflector. In the past, light has been confined as a result of the higher-index guiding region and resulting evanescent fields.

The endothelial function of donor corneas: effects of delayed enucleation and refrigeration

The endothelial viability of rabbit corneas subjected to various forms of cadaveric and moist chamber storage was evaluated by means of the specular microscope and the rate of stromal deturgescence during a temperature reversal response. Delays in the postmortem enucleation and refrigeration of potential donor corneas was shown to be detrimental to the functioning of the endothelium. To best preserve the endothelial function of donor corneas, the eyes should be removed as soon after death as possible and refrigerated at 4 degrees C. Refrigerated cadaveric storage was found not to be a substitute for early enucleation and refrigeration of the corneas. The limitations in the use of the rate of stromal deturgescence during a temperature reversal response as a quantitative indicator of endothelial function are discussed.

Fructose-induced hyperuricemia: observations in normal children and in patients with hereditary fructose intolerance and galactosemia

After the infusion of fructose, 0.25 g/kg body wt, the mean peak plasma uric acid level was 5.4 +/- 0.7 (SEM) mg/100 ml in six normal children and was not significantly increased compared with that of the mean basal value of 4.1 +/- 0.5 mg/100 ml. The mean blood inorganic phosphate (Pi) levels were significantly less than the mean fasting value after fructose. Blood glucose, lactic acid, and fructose levels were significantly increased after fructose, but serum magnesium levels did not change. In two patients with hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) the peak blood uric acid levels were 12.1 and 7.6 mg/100 ml, respectively, after fructose. In both patients the blood glucose concentrations decreased 69 and 26 mg/100 ml below the fasting levels after fructose. The serum Pi level decreased 2.3 and 1.2 mg/100 ml below fasting values, decrements greater than the mean decrement in serum Pi of 0.8 +/- 0.2 mg/100 ml which occurred in six normal children. The mean uric acid excretion, expressed as milligrams per mg urinary creatinine, was 0.6 +/- 0.1 (SEM) before fructose in the normal children and increased significantly to 1.0 +/- mg/mg creatinine after fructose. In two patients with HFI the uric acid excretion increased four- to fivefold after fructose administration; the increased uric acid excretion in HFI exceeded that of normal children. In three patients with galactosemia, increases in blood uric acid levels after galactose ingestion were similar to those in normal children after fructose, but less than those in patients with HFI after fructose. The serum Pi levels decreased less in galactosemic patients after galactose administration than in patients with HFI after fructose infusion. These studies support the hypothesis that fructose-induced hyperuricemia results from degradation of adenosine monophosphate. This effect appears to be specific for fructose. The lack of hyperruricemia in galactosemia patients after galactose ingestion may be explained by the observation that galactose is phosphorylated more slowly than fructose.

Thermal decomposition in the solid state

The foundation of solid state decomposition kinetics is based on the well known theory of nucleation and nucleus growth put forward by Jacobs and Tompkins. It has now been shown that all the kinetic equations thus derived can be represented by a general differential form: ������������������������� dα/dt = kα1-p(1-α)1-q in which α, t and k are respectively the fractional decomposition, time and rate constant; while p and q are parameters lying between zero and unity inclusively. A method has been suggested to find p and q experimentally, thereby enabling one to find the appropriate kinetic form for the chemical decomposition. The conventional method involves the testing of various existing equations to the decomposition data. Different equations are found to fit over different ranges of the decomposition curve so that it is difficult to decide which is the correct kinetic equation for a particular reaction. The present approach however eliminates this complication.