Development of a phantom and assessment of (141)Ce as a surrogate radionuclide for flood field uniformity testing of gamma cameras

This paper describes an indigenous method for development and deployment of rechargeable liquid filled phantom with newly proposed radionuclide (141)Ce for determination of extrinsic uniformity of gamma cameras. Details about design of phantom, neutron irradiation of cerium targets, chemical processing of (141)Ce, charging of phantom with (141)Ce solution and their performance evaluation are presented. Suitability of (141)Ce in quality assurance of gamma cameras used in in-vivo diagnostic imaging procedures has been amply demonstrated.

Distribution and Translocation of 141Ce (III) in Horseradish

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Rare earth elements (REEs) are used in agriculture and a large amount of them contaminate the environment and enter foods. The distribution and translocation of (141)Ce (III) in horseradish was investigated in order to help understand the biochemical behaviour and toxic mechanism of REEs in plants.

METHODS

The distribution and translocation of (141)Ce (III) in horseradish were investigated using autoradiography, liquid scintillation counting (LSC) and electron microscopic autoradiography (EMARG) techniques. The contents of (141)Ce (III) and nutrient elements were analysed using an inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES).

RESULTS

The results from autoradiography and LSC indicated that (141)Ce (III) could be absorbed by horseradish and transferred from the leaf to the leaf-stalk and then to the root. The content of (141)Ce (III) in different parts of horseradish was as follows: root > leaf-stalk > leaf. The uptake rates of (141)Ce (III) in horseradish changed with the different organs and time. The content of (141)Ce (III) in developing leaves was greater than that in mature leaves. The results from EMARG indicated that (141)Ce (III) could penetrate through the cell membrane and enter the mesophyll cells, being present in both extra- and intra-cellular deposits. The contents of macronutrients in horseradish were decreased by (141)Ce (III) treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

(141)Ce (III) can be absorbed and transferred between organs of horseradish with time, and the distribution was found to be different at different growth stages. (141)Ce (III) can enter the mesophyll cells via apoplast and symplast channels or via plasmodesmata. (141)Ce (III) can disturb the metabolism of macronutrients in horseradish.

Validation of IC-VIEW fluorescence videography in a rabbit model of mesenteric ischaemia and reperfusion

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Mortality in mesenteric ischaemia can be reduced by an optimised extent of resection. Up to now, no technique supplementing a surgeon's experience has achieved clinical acceptance. Besides a qualitative interpretation, the new technique of computer-assisted laser-fluorescence videography affords quantification of staining intensities. The aim of this study was to investigate the scientific value of this technique in mesenteric ischaemia in a rabbit model of controlled mesenteric ischaemia and reperfusion.

METHODS

We used an established rabbit model of mesenteric ischaemia (group I, n=6) and reperfusion (group II, n=6). In each animal, three loops (each of 10 cm) of the small intestine were clamped (group I, 40 min; group II, 60 and 20 min reperfusion). For further evaluation, all loops were divided into five segments of 2 x 2 cm (total number of investigated areas, n=180). Measurement of vascular patency was performed by laser-fluorescence videography (pixel intensity per second). As standard, we used radioactive microspheres (impulse per minute per gram). In addition, the extent of ischaemic tissue damage was identified by histological examination. Statistical data were analysed by using regression analysis to define the regression coefficient r.

RESULTS/FINDINGS

Laser-fluorescence videography and the microsphere technique demonstrated a close and linear correlation: ischaemic segments, r=0.90+/-0.07; reperfusion segments, r=0.85+/-0.02; overall, r=0.92+/-0.07. There was no reproducible correlation to cellular damage in histology.

INTERPRETATION/CONCLUSION

Computer-assisted laser-fluorescence videography is a feasible, reliable, and valid experimental method for the detection of mesenteric blood supply and intestinal microcirculation. Clinical application is conceivable in mesenteric ischaemia and infarction as well as the operative transposition of intestine. As limiting values to identify the irreversible necrosis are not yet defined, further studies have to analyse the clinical impact more precisely.

Lung albumin accumulation is spatially heterogeneous but not correlated with regional pulmonary perfusion

The contribution of pulmonary perfusion heterogeneity to the development of regional differences in lung injury and edema is unknown. To test whether regional differences in pulmonary perfusion are associated with regional differences in microvascular function during lung injury, pigs were mechanically ventilated in the prone position and infused with endotoxin (Escherichia coli 055:B5, 0.15 microg. kg(-1). h(-1); n = 8) or saline (n = 4) for 4 h. Extravascular albumin accumulation and perfusion were measured in multiple approximately 0.7-ml lung regions by injecting pigs with radiolabeled albumin and radioactive microspheres, respectively. Extravascular albumin accumulation was spatially heterogeneous but not correlated with regional perfusion. Extravascular albumin accumulation was greater in dorsal than ventral regions, and regions with similar albumin accumulation were spatially clustered. This spatial organization was less evident in endotoxemic than control pigs. We conclude that there are regional differences in lung albumin accumulation that are spatially organized but not mediated by regional differences in pulmonary perfusion. We speculate that regional differences in microvascular pressure or endothelial function may account for the observed distribution of extravascular albumin accumulation.

Revascularisation of fresh compared with demineralised bone grafts in rats

Revascularisation of bone grafts is influenced by both the anatomical origin and the pre-implantation processing of the graft. We investigated the revascularisation by entrapment of 141Ce (cerium)-labelled microspheres in large, fresh and demineralised syngeneic grafts of predominantly cancellous (iliac bone) or cortical (tibial diaphysis) bone three weeks after heterotopic implantation in rats. The mean (SD) 141Ce deposition index (counts per minute (cpm) of mg recovered implant/cpm of mg host iliac bone) was higher in fresh iliac bone grafts, 0.98 (0.46) compared to that of demineralised iliac bone, 0.32 (0.20), p < 0.001, and fresh tibial bone grafts, 0.51 (0.27), p = 0.007. We found no significant difference in the mean 141Ce deposition index between fresh tibial bone grafts and demineralised tibial bone grafts, 0.35 (0.42), p = 0.4, or between demineralised tibial grafts and demineralised iliac bone grafts, p = 0.8. The results suggest that whereas fresh cancellous grafts are revascularised more completely than fresh cortical grafts, there is no difference in the revascularisation of demineralised cancellous and cortical grafts. In addition, fresh cancellous bone is revascularised more completely than demineralised cancellous bone, whereas there is no difference between fresh and demineralised cortical bone.

Non-invasive quantification of liver perfusion with dynamic computed tomography and a dual-input one-compartmental model

Various liver diseases lead to significant alterations of the hepatic microcirculation. Therefore, quantification of hepatic perfusion has the potential to improve the assessment and management of liver diseases. Most methods used to quantify liver perfusion are invasive or controversial. This paper describes and validates a non-invasive method for the quantification of liver perfusion using computed tomography (CT). Dynamic single-section CT of the liver was performed after intravenous bolus administration of a low-molecular-mass iodinated contrast agent. Hepatic, aortic and portal-venous time-density curves were fitted with a dual-input one-compartmental model to calculate liver perfusion. Validation studies consisted of simultaneous measurements of hepatic perfusion with CT and with radiolabelled microspheres in rabbits at rest and after adenosine infusion. The feasibility and reproducibility of the CT method in humans was assessed by three observers in 10 patients without liver disease. In rabbits, significant correlations were observed between perfusion measurements obtained with CT and with microspheres (r=0.92 for total liver perfusion, r=0.81 for arterial perfusion and r=0.85 for portal perfusion). In patients, total liver plasma perfusion measured with CT was 112+/-28 ml.min(-1).100 ml(-1), arterial plasma perfusion was 18+/-12 ml.min(-1).100 ml(-1) and portal plasma perfusion was 93+/-31 ml.min(-1).100 ml(-1). The measurements obtained by the three observers were not significantly different from each other (P>0.1). Our results indicate that dynamic CT combined with a dual-input one-compartmental model provides a valid and reliable method for the non-invasive quantification of perfusion in the normal liver.

Implementation of a Tc-99m and Ce-139 scanning line source for attenuation correction in SPECT using a dual opposing detector scintillation camera

Image degradation during single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) due to attenuation and Compton scatter of photons can cause clinical image artifacts and will also result in inaccurate quantitative data. Therefore attenuation correction methods recently received wide interest. Transmission imaging can be performed to obtain the attenuation coefficients of a nonhomogeneous attenuating medium accurately. The aim of this study was firstly to evaluate the imaging characteristics of the scanning line source assembly. The results obtained with Tc-99m and Ce-139 were compared. Secondly the calculated attenuation coefficients were compared with known values from literature, using Tc-99m and Ce-139 as transmission sources. Lastly the method of acquiring simultaneous transmission and emission data was investigated. This study shows that an attenuation coefficient map can be obtained using a scanning line source for transmission imaging with a dual opposing detector camera. The imaging characteristics of Tc-99m and Ce-139 as transmission sources are similar. The resolution obtained with the Ce-139 line source was poorer than that obtained with the Tc-99m line source. A linear relationship was found between CT numbers and attenuation coefficients for transmission images using both Tc-99m and Ce-139 line sources. The attenuation coefficient value for water was underestimated by 1% using the Tc-99m transmission source and underestimated by 10% using Ce-139 as transmission source. This underestimation of attenuation coefficient values was also obtained in the human study. A myocardial perfusion study processed without and with attenuation correction clearly demonstrated the effect of the attenuation correction in the inferior myocardial region. The potential of using a scanning line source as transmission source with a dual opposing detector camera has been demonstrated in this study. The transmission source, Ce-139 was successfully introduced in this investigation for simultaneous acquisition of transmission and emission data.

[Combined intraoperative and external irradiation of the celiac artery in the rabbit: the effects on the blood flow of the gastric mucosa]

AIM

To demonstrate changes in gastric mucosal blood flow caused by intraoperative radiotherapy of the celiac artery combined with external radiotherapy of the upper abdomen in a rabbit model. The study was designed to identify a possible correlation between a radiation-induced reduction in mucosal blood flow and the induction of gastric ulcer.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Intraoperative radiation doses of 0 or 30 Gy were given to the celiac artery in rabbits. After a delay of 14 days external radiotherapy of the upper abdomen with 3 x 4 Gy/week to a maximum total dose of 40 Gy was initiated. Gastric mucosal blood flow was assessed by intraventricular injection of radioactively-labelled microspheres (15 microns) followed by measurement of radioactivity in the mucosa. The injections were performed at various time intervals between 2 and 63 days after intraoperative radiation.

RESULTS

Intraoperative radiotherapy, including sham-intraoperative radiation, resulted in a transitory reduction of mucosal blood flow by about 50% of the control value on day 7 (Figure 3). After a temporary recovery by day 14, a marked and permanent reduction in blood flow was assessed after week 6. This time corresponds to the time of development of gastric ulcer.

CONCLUSIONS

A relationship between the time of ulcer development and of reduced gastric mucosal blood flow was observed after combined intraoperative and external radiotherapy. The mechanical component of intraoperative treatment has to be emphasized. Reduced blood flow was also seen after intraoperative radiotherapy alone, without an induction of ulcer by this treatment. Hence additional mucosal damage by external radiation must be present for the induction of gastric ulcer.

Autoradiography-based cytochemical detection of ecto-ATPase, ecto-ADPase, 5'-nucleotidase, and extracellular adenosine production, employing 141Ce3+ as a capturing agent

A method for the visualization of the ecto-nucleotidase enzyme activities present on the cell surface, employing 141Ce3+ as a capturing and labelling agent, is described. Phosphate ions precipitated at the cell surface can be detected by coating the cells with an autoradiographic emulsion, followed by light microscopical inspection of the formed silver grains. The activities of ecto-ATPase, ecto-ADPase and 5'-nucleotidase were detected by this approach in four different cell lines. Parallel biochemical measurements of the activities of the corresponding enzymes were carried out in order to validate, evaluate, and optimize the cytochemical detection. The finding that Ce3+ ions are inhibitory to ecto-ATPase provided evidence for the necessity of carefully establishing appropriate reaction conditions for the cytochemical determination of ecto-nucleotidases. The application of this method to the indirect detection of extracellular adenosine production from substrates like ATP has also been documented. It allows a cytochemical determination of adenosine formed through cascade nucleotide dephosphorylation. This newly described method is of high sensitivity and potentially of value for a variety of applications, including not only cytochemistry but also cell biology, and molecular biology studies.

Drug effects on intraocular pressure and vascular flow in the bovine perfused eye using radiolabelled microspheres

A novel technique is described in which the effect of the beta-adrenoceptor antagonists timolol and carteolol, and the vasodilators sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and verapamil on intraocular pressure (IOP) and the distribution of ocular flow in the bovine arterially perfused eye is investigated using radiolabelled microspheres. At maximum IOP-reducing dose timolol was found to significantly reduce perfusion in the choroid and, at higher dose, it was found to significantly reduce perfusion in the iris. By contrast, a maximal IOP-reducing dose of carteolol markedly reduced perfusion in the iris, ciliary body and choroid. Vasoconstriction induced by carteolol was not inhibited by the alpha-antagonist phentolamine. Against a background of vascular tone induced by noradrenaline, SNP and verapamil were found to significantly increase perfusion in the iris, ciliary body and choroid. The effects of these drugs upon the vasculature of the bovine perfused eye are varied and complex and may not bear a direct relationship to their ocular hypotensive effect.

Influence of dearterialization on distribution of absolute tumor blood flow between hepatic artery and portal vein

BACKGROUND

Conflicting results have been obtained regarding blood flow distribution to liver tumors. The emphasis on portal vein perfusion has had a great impact on the design of treatment protocols.

METHODS

Double microsphere technique with reference organ sampling was used for the measurement of hepatic artery and portal vein blood flow of an implanted liver tumor in 42 rats after permanent dearterialization and repeated dearterialization (2 hours/day) compared with untreated sham-operated controls.

RESULTS

Portal venous blood flow constituted 16% of total tumor blood flow and slightly increased after permanent and repeat dearterializations, though the elevation was not statistically significant as compared with sham-treatment (P > 0.05). In another 3 groups, the treatment was extended to 10 days, and tumor blood flow was measured in central and peripheral parts separately. Arterial blood flow further decreased in tumor periphery and was still lower in the tumor center (P < 0.01 versus tumor periphery), and portal blood flow declined concomitantly to 4% of total tumor blood perfusion. However, no difference in portal blood flow between the tumor center and periphery could be demonstrated (P > 0.05). Furthermore, portal supply increased neither in tumor periphery nor in tumor center after both permanent and repeated dearterialization (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The authors' results showed that portal blood flow did contribute to tumor circulation, but made up only 16% of blood flow when tumors were small and declined to 4% of entire tumor blood supply when tumors became large. Portal perfusion also declined as tumors grew larger and did not compensate for the withdrawal of tumor arterial blood supply after dearterialization.

Revascularization of calvarial, mandibular, tibial, and iliac bone grafts in rats

Some studies have suggested that membranous bone grafts undergo less resorption than endochondral grafts, and faster revascularization of the former has been proposed as the explanation. We studied fresh syngeneic full-thickness bone grafts from calvaria, mandibula, tibia diaphysis, and iliac bone implanted in the back muscles of young Lewis rats. As a measure of the quantity of cancellous bone in grafts before implantation, the ratio of the total area of soft-tissue spaces to the total area of the graft was measured histomorphometrically. Revascularization in grafts 3 weeks postoperatively was evaluated by deposit of 141Ce-labeled microspheres. Both the quantity of cancellous bone (before implantation) and the revascularization (3 weeks postoperatively) were greater in the mandibular and iliac bone grafts than in the calvarial and tibia diaphyseal grafts. The results suggest that the anatomical area of harvest of bone graft is important regarding early revascularization, but the results do not support the theory that different embryological mode of development is the cause since mandibula (high 141Ce index) and calvaria (low 141Ce index) are of membranous origin and iliac bone (high 141Ce index) and tibia (low 141Ce index) are of endochondral origin. The difference in revascularization between the different grafts may be explained by differences in quantity of cancellous bone since cancellous bone is revascularized faster than cortical bone.

Radiation-induced systemic and local bone tumors: two types of late effects with possible different origins?

Bone sarcomas may be induced throughout the skeleton (systemic) in mice by relatively low internal alpha-particle doses that are distributed over the whole skeleton. The induction of local (periosteal) bone sarcomas after paratibial deposition of insoluble radiocolloids required much higher doses, and in addition high energies of emitted particles. Paratibial deposition of alpha-particle-emitting radiocolloids of 227Th and 228Th resulted in formation of both local and systemic bone sarcomas. The latter were most probably induced by the released radium daughters of the thorium isotopes and were distributed about the skeleton. Paratibial injections with beta-particle emitters 144Ce+ 144Pr (29 kBq per mouse) showed an incidence of local bone sarcomas of more than 80%. An estimation of the local effective doses led to values of more than 1000 Gy for the beta-particle emitter 144Ce and around 150 Gy for the thorium isotopes. Thus induction of local bone sarcomas required doses considerably greater than those needed for systemic bone sarcomas. The local induction of bone sarcomas has been reported for high-energy beta particles using similar high doses of 144Ce+ 144Pr in rats and for external 90Sr+ 90Y irradiation in mice. We conclude that the processes involved in the induction of local and systemic bone sarcomas by radiation may be quite different.

The effect of irradiation on blood flow through rabbit submandibular glands

Microspheres labelled with radioactive isotopes were used to study blood flow through irradiated rabbit submandibular glands before and after injection of pilocarpine. The blood flow through the submandibular glands was measured by the microsphere technique with satisfactory accuracy. A single radiation dose of 13.1 Gy at 3 months of age reduced blood flow through the whole gland significantly 4 months later, and even more at 10 months after irradiation. However, the relative blood flow (per gram of gland tissue) was almost unaffected at both 4 and 10 months post-irradiation with 13.1 Gy because of the simultaneous reduction of gland parenchyma.

Nitric oxide influences blood flow distribution in renovascular hypertension

Endothelium-derived nitric oxide contributes to the regulation of regional blood flow. Inhibition of endothelium-derived nitric oxide synthesis increases blood pressure and vascular resistance. Using the substrate antagonist N omega-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester to block endothelium-derived nitric oxide synthesis, we tested the hypothesis that, in two-kidney, one clip renovascular hypertension, endothelium-derived nitric oxide plays an increased role in maintaining blood flow to the nonclipped kidney and other visceral organs compared with normotensive controls. This could be due to increased vascular shear stress, a primary stimulus for endothelium-derived nitric oxide synthesis, after the onset of hypertension. In hypertensive rats with mild renal artery stenosis, basal renal blood flow normalized by kidney weight was similar in the nonclipped and clipped kidneys. Basal blood pressure of controls was 98 +/- 2 mm Hg compared with 145 +/- 3 mm Hg in the two-kidney, one clip hypertensive rats. N omega-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester increased blood pressure by 20 +/- 2 and 43 +/- 3 mm Hg in control and hypertensive rats, respectively. Compared with normotensive controls, basal resistance was higher in all organ beds in the hypertensive rats including brain, heart, intestine, and kidney. With the exception of the renal circulation, the increase in vascular resistance after N omega-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester was greater in hypertensive rats compared with normotensive controls. In the hypertensive rats, N omega-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester caused a similar increase in vascular resistance in both the nonclipped and clipped kidneys, and this was not different from normotensive controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Metaphase chromosome aberrations as markers of radiation exposure and dose

Chromosome aberration frequency provides the most reliable biological marker of dose to detect acute accidental radiation exposure. Significant radiation-induced changes in the frequency of chromosome aberrations can be detected at very low doses (Lloyd et al., 1992). In animal studies chromosome aberrations provide a method to relate exposure to cellular dose. Using an in vivo/in vitro approach, aberrations provided a biological marker of dose from radon progeny exposure, which was used to convert exposure, work level months (WLM) to dose in grays (Gy) delivered to rat tracheal epithelial cells. Injection of Chinese hamsters with 144Ce, which produced a low-dose rate exposure of bone marrow to low-linear energy transfer (LET) radiation, increased the cell sensitivity for the induction of chromatid exchanges by subsequent external 60Co exposure. Our paper provides information on using molecular chromosome probes to "paint" chromosomes and score chromosome damage. This approach illustrates how technical advances make it possible to understand the mechanisms involved in the formation of chromosome aberrations. These studies demonstrate the usefulness of chromosome damage as a biological marker of dose and cellular responsiveness.

Closed versus open medullary nailing of femoral fractures. Blood flow and healing studied in rats

In rats, bilateral closed femoral fractures were produced. On the left side, closed intramedullary nailing was done, and on the right side, the nail was inserted by an open procedure. The healing process of the fractures was evaluated at 4, 8, and 12 weeks, bone and muscle blood flows were also determined. Reaming had no acute impact on bone blood flow, while reaming and fracture halved total bone flow (P < 0.04), and reduced cortical diaphyseal flow to approximately one quarter (P < 0.01). No differences were found between the open and closed methods. At 4 weeks, the bending moment, rigidity, and fracture energy of the fractures treated by closed medullary nailing were greater than those treated by open nailing. The fracture energy was still greater at 8 weeks, while no differences were seen in bending moment and rigidity. At 12 weeks, however, there were no differences in the mechanical parameters. Bone blood flows in both the cortical diaphysis and callus area were increased at 4 and in the callus area at 8 weeks in bones treated by the open method. No differences were found at the end of the experiment. Muscle blood flow was not different in the two limbs, and was constant during the experimental period. We conclude that femoral fractures treated by closed nailing heal better in the initial phase compared with those that have been openly nailed. This difference cannot be explained by an impaired muscle or bone blood flow due to open surgery.

Blood flow and mechanical properties of healing bone. Femoral osteotomies studied in rats

In male Wistar rats, a transverse osteotomy at the midshaft of the femur was made, and the acute effects on bone flow were measured before and after reaming. Flow and mechanical variables in the healing bones were measured at 4, 8, and 12 weeks following osteotomy. Osteotomy reduced total bone blood flow by about 50 percent, and cortical flow in the diaphysis by approximately 40 percent. Cortical flow was equally diminished in the mid-diaphysis and in the osteotomy area, and no differences between the proximal and distal diaphyseal flows were found. Reaming of the osteotomized bones did not lead to any further flow reduction. At 4 weeks, total bone flow was more than doubled; increases were found in every segment of the fractured bone, and a more than 10-fold increase in the callus area was seen. At the end of the experiment, the femurs had regained 83 percent of their normal strength, 88 percent of normal rigidity and 78 percent of normal fracture energy. At this time total bone flow was marginally increased, flows in the proximal and the distal diaphyses were almost normalized, while a nearly 3-fold increase was still found in the callus area. Flow in the callus area gradually decreased during healing, and regression analysis demonstrated a negative correlation between callus flow and mechanical properties.

Osteosarcoma of the nude rat. A model for experimental magnetic resonance imaging studies of bone tumors

A 144cerium-induced osteosarcoma was transplanted to athymic nude rats (Han:rnu/rnu). Nineteen of the tumor-bearing animals were used to demonstrate the characteristics of the osteosarcoma on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in comparison with a group of nine animals that had not received any tumor transplant. The tumor-free animals showed homogeneous results in the measurements of their lower legs (T1, 800-898 mseconds; T2, 33-45 mseconds). The osteosarcomas of the tumor-bearing rats were clearly demonstrated and delineated from adjacent structures by MRI at tumor volumes between 0.3 and 7.5 cm3. A significant increase in T1 and T2 relaxation times was found, which corresponded to the increase in tumor volume. T1 relaxation times decreased slightly when tumor volumes reached greater than 5 cm3, whereas T2 relaxation times remained constant at tumor volumes greater than 2.5 cm3. Histologic changes in the structure of the tumors, occurring naturally during their growth, were proven by immersion-fixed sections embedded in paraffin and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. The water content of small and large tumors was determined by lyophilization and heat drying. Both histologic changes and differences in water content were reflected in the variations of relaxation times.

Pulmonary neoplasms in rats that inhaled cerium-144 dioxide

The lung neoplasms induced in rats by inhaled, internally deposited 144CeO2 were described and classified using histologic criteria. F344 rats were exposed once or repeatedly by inhalation to 144CeO2 and observed for their life span. There was significant life shortening only in those rats with the highest radiation doses. In these rats, there was a high percentage of squamous cell carcinomas of the lung, as well as much lower percentages of adenocarcinomas of the lung, hemangiosarcomas of the lung, and pleural mesotheliomas. At lower doses, adenocarcinomas were the most predominant tumor. These adenocarcinomas were subdivided based on their histologic pattern: alveolar, papillary, tubular, or undifferentiated. Neither the mode of exposure (single or repeated) nor the sex of the rat influenced the lung tumor incidence or tumor type. The lung neoplasms induced by this beta-emitting radionuclide are similar in nature to those induced by alpha-emitting radionuclides deposited in the lung in rats. However, the radiation-induced squamous cell carcinomas of the lung differ from those induced by heavy particle loads of nonradioactive compounds. The radiation-induced squamous cell carcinomas occur in higher incidence and have a more malignant behavior than those induced by heavy particle loads.

Blood flow in chronic Achilles tendinosis. Radioactive microsphere study in rabbits

Cerium-labeled microspheres were used for blood-flow measurements in 7 New Zealand white rabbits with exercise-induced chronic Achilles paratenonitis and tendinosis. The blood flow increased 1.9 times more on the exercised side as compared with the contralateral, unexercised (control) side with respect to both the tendon and the paratenon. The blood flow of the tendon of the exercised leg showed a strong correlation with the blood flow in the paratenon of the ipsilateral side (r = 0.81). We concluded that the relative contribution of blood from the paratenon to the tendon remained unaltered in the exercised tendon and that degeneration of the tendon cannot be primarily explained by chronic circulatory impairment.

Healing of colonic anastomoses: comparative experimental study of glued, manually sutured, and stapled anastomoses

In 10 pigs a nonsutured, glued colonic anastomosis was constructed with a modified stapling device without staples and compared with an EEA-stapled anastomosis and a one-layer-sutured anastomosis concerning radiologic appearance, breaking strength, circulation, and collagen concentration. 141Ce-labeled microspheres were used for measurements of the anastomotic blood flow before the animals were sacrificed on the 4th postoperative day. The breaking strength was recorded and an anastomotic index calculated. No leakage was found. The anastomotic width did not differ between the groups, but the interindividual variation was more prominent in the sutured group. The handsewn and stapled anastomoses were stronger than the glued anastomosis (P = 0.0009 and 0.0054, respectively). There was an increase in the anastomotic circulation in all of the anastomoses, but no differences were seen between groups. The collagen concentration was independent of the technique used.

Prone position reverses gravitational distribution of perfusion in dog lungs with oleic acid-induced injury

Although oxygenation improves in patients with the adult respiratory distress syndrome and in animals with oleic acid- (OA) induced acute lung injury when they are turned from the supine to the prone position, the mechanism(s) by which this improvement occurs is not known. Several groups have speculated that this improvement results from preferential edema accumulation in the dorsal lung regions and redistribution of perfusion away from these regions when the patients are turned to the prone position. We used radiolabeled microspheres to measure the regional distribution of perfusion (Qr) to the dorsal, mid, and ventral lungs of eight dogs in vivo in the supine and prone positions, before and after inducing acute lung injury with OA, and correlated the Qr observed after injury with the degree of regional extravascular lung water (EVLWr). Before OA, Qr increased along the gravitational gradient when the animals were supine but was more uniformly distributed when they were prone. After OA, Qr again followed a gravitational gradient when the animals were supine but was preferentially distributed to the nondependent regions when they were prone. EVLWr was similar in all regions, regardless of whether OA was injected when the animals were supine or prone. The gravitational Qr gradient is markedly reduced in the prone position, both before and after lung injury. The prone position-induced improvement in oxygenation is not the result of redistribution of Qr away from areas in which edema preferentially develops.

Gut retention of metals in rats

In sucklings, a high fraction of orally administered metals and radionuclides is retained in the gut. The location of elements in the gut is of interest because of their potential local health effect. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the influence of chelation therapy on gut retention and location of cadmium, mercury, and cerium in suckling rats. Radionuclides 115mCd, 203Hg, and 141Ce were administered orally to 6-d-old rats. Chelating agent Zn-DTPA (3.64 mmol/kg) was administered to animals that received 115mCd or 141Ce and Na-DMPS (375 mumols/kg) to those that received 203Hg, immediately and 24 h or 24 and 48 h after radionuclide administration. Radioactivity was determined in the whole body and gastrointestinal tract 6 d later. Both early and delayed chelation treatment very effectively reduced whole body retention, and this was mainly owing to reduced gut retention. Although chelation therapy reduced gut retention of administered radionuclides 3-30 times, the site of metal accumulation and retention in the intestine remained unchanged. For all 3 radionuclides, both after early and delayed therapy, the site of metal accumulation was always the lower part of small intestine-ileum.

Comparison between measurements of maternal placental blood flow with dynamic placental scintigraphy and radioactive microspheres

Two methods for measurements of maternal placental blood flow were compared, dynamic placental scintigraphy using 113mIndium and the radioactive microsphere distribution technique which was the reference method. These methods were both used before and after the blood flow was altered by a noradrenaline infusion in pregnant monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). The change of the blood flow values obtained by the two methods were compared. A statistically significant correlation between the two methods was found (r = 0.90, p less than 0.01). It is concluded that dynamic placental scintigraphy can be used as a technique for clinical measurements of relative changes of the maternal placental blood flow.

Evaluation of nonradioactive, colored microspheres for measurement of regional myocardial blood flow in dogs

Measurement of regional myocardial blood flow (RMBF) is crucial in experimental studies of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion in dogs. The standard measurement technique uses radioactive microspheres; however, not all institutions are able to dispose of radioactive waste and therefore cannot make use of this method. We tested a new, nonradioactive microsphere, labeled with colors instead of nuclides. Simultaneous blood flow measurements with two nuclide-labeled and two colored microspheres were performed after coronary occlusion in dogs. Both techniques show a within-method correlation of r greater than 0.98. Duplicate variability for paired RMBF values in 80 samples was 8.7 +/- 0.1% when computed with radioactive microspheres and 13.2 +/- 1.8% when computed with colored microspheres. There was a good correlation in the measurement of RMBF between the radioactive- and colored-microsphere methods (r = 0.98). The best-fitting linear regression line was expressed by the formula: Colored-microsphere RMBF = 1.11 (radioactive-microsphere RMBF)-0.02. When measured by colored microspheres, RMBF was approximately 8% higher than when computed with radioactive microspheres for blood flow values of 0-2 ml/min/g. When blood flow was increased pharmacologically to levels of 2-7.5 ml/min/g, colored microspheres yielded blood flow values 39% higher than the values computed by radioactive microspheres. We conclude that the nonradioactive, colored-microsphere method correlates with the radioactive technique, but at high flows, it yields values greater than those obtained with radioactive microspheres.

Cochlear blood flow increases after systemic hemodilution: comparison of simultaneous laser Doppler flowmetry and radioactive microsphere measurements

Guinea pig cochlear blood flow was measured before and after systemic normovolemic hemodilution with high molecular weight dextran. Absolute determinations of blood flow (in the cochlea, brain, kidney and lung) were accomplished by use of radioactive-labeled (85Sr or 141Ce) microspheres. Relative measurements of the cochlear blood flow changes were made simultaneously by the use of a laser Doppler flowmeter. The flowmeter probe was placed on the first cochlear turn. Hemodilution to an average systemic hematocrit of 20% increased cochlear blood flow by 250% as measured with microspheres. The laser Doppler instrument significantly underestimated the actual flow increase giving an indication of 148%. Furthermore, the data, when analyzed on an individual trial basis, showed a very poor correlation between the two methods. The theoretical basis for these findings in relation to the use of the laser Doppler instrument is discussed.

Cardiac cryosurgery: regional myocardial blood flow of ventricular cryolesions

Cryosurgery is one of three methods introduced recently for the treatment of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Cryothermic exposure ablates arrhythmogenic ventricular myocardium, and produces a dense fibrous scar with a sharp border to histologically normal tissue. Myocardial blood flow in the region of the cryolesion, however, has not been quantitated. The purpose of this study was to measure regional blood flow within and around the cryolesion in an attempt to identify ischemic zones that might become arrhythmogenic. Left ventricular cryolesions were created in eleven adult dogs. Two weeks later, the animals underwent radioactive tracer microsphere injection for quantitation of regional myocardial blood flow. The fibrotic cryolesion demonstrated a significantly depressed blood flow (0.44 +/- 0.07 ml/min/g) compared to blood flow in control tissue (1.36 +/- 0.12 ml/min/g) (P less than 0.001). A 1-mm strip of myocardium immediately adjacent to the cryolesion, as well as other myocardium surrounding and subjacent to the cryolesion, did not show a significant decrease in regional blood flow. The border between the fibrotic cryolesion and the surrounding myocardium is, therefore, sharply defined not only in terms of histology but also in regards to regional blood flow. These data lend further support to the safe clinical use of cryothermia in the treatment of refractory ventricular tachycardia.

Hemodynamic characterization of chronic bile duct-ligated rats: effect of pentobarbital sodium

Systemic and splanchnic hemodynamics of the chronic bile duct-ligated rat were characterized by radioactive microspheres. Conscious and pentobarbital sodium-anesthetized, bile duct-ligated and sham-operated rats had cardiac output and regional organ blood flows determined. The conscious bile duct-ligated rat compared with the sham-operated showed a hyperdynamic circulation with an increased cardiac output (153.3 +/- 9.8 vs. 112.6 +/- 6.0 ml/min, P less than 0.005) and portal tributary blood flow (21.32 +/- 1.43 vs. 12.79 +/- 1.47 ml/min, P less than 0.005). Pentobarbital sodium anesthesia induced marked hemodynamic changes in both sham-operated and bile duct-ligated rats. The latter group was especially sensitive to its effects; thus, comparison of cardiac output and portal tributary blood flow between anesthetized bile duct-ligated and sham-operated rats showed no significant differences. We conclude that the rat with cirrhosis due to chronic bile duct ligation is an excellent model for hemodynamic investigations but should be studied in the conscious state, since pentobarbital sodium anesthesia eliminates the hyperdynamic circulation.

Spinal cord blood flow measured with microspheres following spinal cord injury in the rat

A decrease in spinal cord blood flow (SCBF) is a known sequela of spinal cord injury. The radioactive microsphere technique permits repeated measurement of spinal cord blood flow (SCBF) and cardiac output (CO) in the same experimental animal. The purpose of this study was to adapt the radioactive microsphere technique for use in the rat extradural clip compression injury model used in our laboratory. Thirteen adult Wistar rats were anaesthetized and ventilated. Mean systemic arterial pressure (MSAP) was recorded continuously. Control animals (n = 8) did not have a surgical procedure whereas the injured animals (n = 5) underwent a C7-T1 laminectomy followed by a one minute, 50 gram extradural clip compression injury at T1. Radioactive microspheres were used for two blood flow and CO determinations in both groups. MSAP fell 59% in the injured animals (p less than 0.01), but this was not accompanied by significant changes in heart rate or CO. There was a 50% reduction in SCBF in the injured cord (p less than 0.02), and there were significant reductions in cerebral blood flow (p less than 0.05) and cerebellar blood flow (p less than 0.02) following spinal cord injury.

The influence of age on the efficiency of delayed therapy with Ca-DTPA for cerium in rats

The influence of age on the effectiveness of chelation therapy starting 24 h after cerium administration was studied in 2- and 6-week-old rats. 141Ce was administered IP, followed after 24 and 48 h by IP administration of trisodium calcium diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (Ca-DTPA). The whole body and organ retention of 141Ce was determined 6 days after its administration. The chelation therapy significantly reduced cerium retention in both age groups but was more efficient in older animals. This age-related effect was, however, less pronounced than after immediate treatment with DTPA observed in our previous experiments, indicating that age as one of the factors which influence the efficacy of chelation treatment is probably more important in conditions of early than in conditions of delayed therapy.

Measurement of blood flow through surgical anastomosis using the radioactive microsphere technique

Two different radioactive microspheres (141Ce and 46Sc) were used to measure blood flow to an area of the large intestine in dogs before and after a surgical resection was performed with surgical staples. The healing of an anastomosis is theoretically related to the blood flow to the anastomotic site. Blood flow studies were conducted in three dogs using this technique. The average blood flow preoperatively was 0.558 mL/minute per gram and 1.04 mL/minute per gram postoperatively. The standard deviation was +/- 0.16. These results indicate a statistically significant (P less than .05) increase in blood flow at the anastomotic site six days after anastomosis when compared with the blood flow to the same area before any surgical procedures.

Movement and absorption of major minerals and water in ovine gastrointestinal tract

Movement of calcium, chloride, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and water in the intestine of sheep was determined with cerium-141 as an unabsorbed reference substance. Net secretion of phosphorus and sodium, but not of potassium and calcium, was observed to the rumen. Water disappeared from the omasum and was secreted in the abomasum. Chloride secretion occurred in the omasum and more in the abomasum. Extensive secretion in the duodenum increased flows of sodium and potassium 8 to 9 times; of calcium, chloride, and phosphorus 3 to 6 times; of magnesium 1.3 times; and of water 12 times. Reabsorption was rapid in the small intestine, the major site of disappearance of all ions. Rates of disappearance decreased with increasing distance from the pylorus. Little further net disappearance of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, or potassium was found in the large intestine, whereas water, sodium, and chloride disappearance continued. Overall absorption of sodium, potassium, and chloride was approximately 90%, of phosphorus 63%, of calcium 38%, and of magnesium 71%. This study highlights the importance of endogenous secretions in mineral absorption in the sheep.

Digestion and absorption of protein along ovine gastrointestinal tract

Digestion and absorption of protein were determined in ovine gastrointestinal tract with cerium-141 as an unabsorbed reference substance. Nitrogen flows changed little in rumen and reticulum, but in the proximal small intestine flows increased because of secretion of .9 g nitrogen per day per kg body weight. This secretion included trypsin, chymotrypsin, elastase, and carboxypeptidases A and B; maximal activity was in proximal segments of the small intestine and decreased with distance from the pylorus. Activity of chymotrypsin decreased more rapidly than that of trypsin. Amino acid flows reflected the influx of protein in the duodenum; absorption was approximately 55% in the terminal ileum. No major changes of proportions of individual amino acids were observed. Overall nitrogen absorption was 72.6% of which 6% was in the large intestine. The major soluble protein fraction in the gastrointestinal tract consisted of peptides with molecular weight 7,000 to 14,000 daltons. Soluble high molecular weight protein was observed only in rumen and duodenum. Low molecular weight peptides and amino acids accumulated only in the proximal small intestine. Solubilization of protein and breakdown of peptides of 7,000 to 14,000 molecular weight appear to be rate limiting for protein absorption in sheep.

Digestion and absorption of lipids and bile acids in sheep fed stearic acid, oleic acid, or tristearin

Sheep were fed diets containing 7.5% added stearic acid, oleic acid, or tristearin for 21 days. In addition, 50 microCi/kg cerium-141 was included for the last 10 days on experimental diets as an unabsorbed reference substance. In the rumen dietary triglycerides were approximately 50% hydrolyzed, and hydrogenation resulted in saturation of the free fatty acid fraction. Some net synthesis of phospholipids, presumably microbial phospholipids, occurred in the rumen. In the intestine immediately distal to the pylorus, extensive secretion of bile acids, cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides, free fatty acids, and lipase occurred. This resulted in doubling of fatty acid fluxes through the duodenum. These endogenous secretions were reabsorbed rapidly however, with the major site of lipid and bile acid absorption in the region .6 to 4 m distal to the pylorus. Additional but less absorption occurred in the more distal segments of the small intestine. Overall absorption of stearic acid, oleic acid, and tristearin supplements was in the range 60 to 70%, and no differences were apparent between fats. Unsaturated fatty acids were over 90% absorbed as compared with 55 to 65% for saturated fatty acids. No significant effect of any of the supplements was observed on ruminal total volatile fatty acids, ratios of volatile fatty acids, or on overall cellulose or caloric digestion.

Effects of anesthetics on regional hemodynamics in normovolemic and hemorrhaged rats

Twenty-nine male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups based on anesthetic exposure, i.e., awake animals and those receiving anesthesia produced by chloralose-urethan, pentobarbital, or by midcollicular brain stem transsection. Before and after hemorrhage (30% of the estimated blood volume), cardiac output (CO) and regional blood flows were measured by the microsphere method. Arterial blood gases and lactate (L) and pyruvate (P) were also determined. CO and regional blood flows were greatest and the L/P ratio was least in awake animals both before and after hemorrhage. In normovolemic rats, the frequency of altered values (as compared with those in awake animals) was similar for all anesthetic techniques, whereas the CO and regional blood flow responses to hemorrhage were altered less frequently in decerebrated animals. Decerebration may be the preferable procedure if the intent is to produce responses in anesthetized animals similar to those in awake rats. If the intent is to study hemodynamics in a specific organ, the selection of an anesthetic technique should be guided by the individual anesthetic effects on that particular tissue.

Evolution of portal hypertension and mechanisms involved in its maintenance in a rat model

In rats with portal hypertension induced by partial ligation of the portal vein, we have recently demonstrated an increased portal venous inflow that becomes an important factor in the maintenance of portal hypertension. The sequence of events that leads into this circulatory disarray is unknown. We evaluated chronologically the chain of hemodynamic changes that occurred after portal hypertension was induced by partial ligation of the portal vein. In this model it is possible to follow, from the initiation of the portal-hypertensive state, the interaction between blood flow and resistance in the portal system as well as the relation between the development of portal-systemic shunting and the elevated portal venous inflow. The study was performed in 45 portal-hypertensive rats and in 29 sham-operated rats. Blood flow and portal-systemic shunting were measured by radioactive microsphere techniques. The constriction of the portal vein was immediately followed by a resistance-induced portal hypertension characterized by increased portal resistance (9.78 +/- 0.89 vs. 4.18 +/- 0.71 dyn X s X cm-5 X 10(4), mean +/- SE, P less than 0.01), increased portal pressure (17.7 +/- 0.9 vs. 9.5 +/- 0.6 mmHg, P less than 0.001), and decreased portal venous inflow (3.93 +/- 0.26 vs. 6.82 +/- 0.49 ml X min-1 X 100 g body wt-1, P less than 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Intestinal circulation during inhalation anesthesia

This study was designed to evaluate the influence of inhalational agents on the intestinal circulation in an isolated loop preparation. Sixty dogs were studied, using three intestinal segments from each dog. Selected intestinal segments were pumped with aortic blood at a constant pressure of 100 mmHg. A mixture of 86Rb and 9-microns spheres labeled with 141Ce was injected into the arterial cannula supplying the intestinal loop, while mesenteric venous blood was collected for activity counting. A very strong and significant correlation was found between rubidium clearance and microsphere entrapment (r = 0.97, P less than 0.0001), suggesting that the shunting of 9-microns spheres through the intestines reflects the arteriovenous shunting of blood. Nitrous oxide anesthesia was accompanied by a higher vascular resistance (VR), lower flow (F), rubidium clearance (Cl-Rb), and microspheres entrapment (Cl-Sph) than pentobarbital anesthesia, indicating that the vascular bed in the intestinal segment was constricted and flow (total and nutritive) decreased. Halothane, enflurane, and isoflurane anesthesia were accompanied by a much lower arteriovenous oxygen content difference (AVDO2) and oxygen uptake than pentobarbital or nitrous oxide. Compared with pentobarbital, enflurane anesthesia was not accompanied by marked differences in VR, F, Cl-Rb, and Cl-Sph; halothane at 2 MAC decreased VR and increased F and Cl-Rb while isoflurane increased VR and decreased F. alpha-Adrenoceptor blockade with phentolamine (1 mg . kg-1) abolished isoflurane-induced vasoconstriction, suggesting that the increase in VR was mediated via circulating catecholamines.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Measurement of solid feed consumption patterns in neonatal rats by 141Ce-radiolabeled microspheres

Dams nursing litters of Fischer 344 rats were allowed access to feed containing nonabsorbable 141Ce-labeled NEN-TRAC microspheres for 24-hr intervals during the later half of a 28-day nursing period. Neonatal solid feed consumption began during the third week of nursing and rose to peak amounts as high as 2.1 times normal adult levels on a gram consumed per kilogram body weight per day basis at 28 days of age, with an average daily feed consumption (g kg-1 day-1) of approximately 1.5 times that normally eaten by adults. Feed consumption in lactating females peaked at concentrations as high as 3.2 times and averaged approximately 2.5 times the amount normally consumed by nonpregnant adult females of comparable age. These results should be considered when interpreting the results observed in reproduction studies when exposure is via feed. Effects which could be attributed to "enhanced neonatal sensitivity" may, in fact, merely reflect the toxicity resulting from increased chemical exposure. It is thus clear that, if reproduction studies are to be conducted at or near the MTD, adjustment of dietary concentration of test agents during lactation is necessary to maintain target dose levels and to prevent overexposure.

Role of humoral factors in the intestinal hyperemia associated with chronic portal hypertension

The role of neural, metabolic, physical, and humoral factors in the intestinal hyperemia associated with chronic portal hypertension was examined by use of the rat portal vein stenosis model. Intestinal blood flow and splenic pulp pressure were increased, while systemic arterial pressure and total vascular resistance were reduced in portal vein-stenosed rats as compared with controls. The reduction in total vascular resistance was entirely due to a fall in precapillary resistance and was accompanied by an increase in intestinal capillary pressure, which exceeded that produced by acute portal pressure elevation to the same level. Arteriovenous shunting of 15-micron microspheres was four times higher in portal-hypertensive rats. Cross-perfusion of control intestinal preparations with arterial blood from portal-hypertensive rats produced a 30% increase in blood flow. Plasma glucagon levels in portal-hypertensive rats were three times higher than in controls. Intra-arterial infusion of glucagon (at a rate that achieved the concentration measured in portal-hypertensive animals) produced a 20% reduction in intestinal vascular resistance. The results of these studies indicate that humoral factors, including glucagon, are primarily responsible for the hyperemia associated with portal hypertension.

Use of impedance plethysmography to continually monitor bone marrow blood flow

Methods for measuring bone-blood flow are often time-consuming, tedious, single-point measurements which require sacrifice of the animal. An impedance plethysmographic technique is described which can be used to quantify temporal bone marrow blood flow changes. Results obtained with the impedance technique compare favorably with the data from simultaneously administered microspheres. Injection of sympathomimetic drugs produced measurable responses: isoproterenol caused a significant increase in bone marrow blood flow within 1 min and levarterenol decreased bone marrow blood flow. Data obtained with impedance plethysmography suggest that the technique is feasible for multiple measurements on the same animal and that the technique can be used to study acute or chronic changes in bone marrow blood flow following various experimental treatments.

Regional blood flow in rats after a single low-protein, high-carbohydrate test meal

It was previously observed that a single low-protein, high-carbohydrate test meal results in increased in vitro thermic activity of brown adipose tissue. In the present study, we have examined whether such a meal increases the in vivo thermic activity, estimated from measurement of the rate of blood flow. With radioactively labeled microspheres, blood flows into brown fat and several other tissues were determined in meal-deprived (n = 11) and meal-fed (n = 11) rats. The microspheres were injected into the heart of anesthetized animals about 2-2.5 h after the test meal, one injection in the resting state and one during maximal norepinephrine stimulation. In the resting state, blood flow per gram tissue more than doubled in the brown fat (P less than 0.05) and was increased more than 50% in the heart (P less than 0.01) of the fed group. Blood flows into liver and retroperitoneal white fat were reduced by 40 (P less than 0.01) and 30%, respectively, in the fed group. During norepinephrine infusion, significant meal-associated increases in blood flow were evident only in brown fat (P less than 0.05) and the soleus muscle (P less than 0.05), whereas a significant decrease was observed in the liver (P less than 0.05). No statistically significant meal-associated changes in norepinephrine-stimulated blood flow were found in the other tissues examined (i.e., heart, gastrocnemius, and diaphragm muscles, kidneys, white fat, spleen, and adrenals). Our in vivo data thus support the view that brown fat plays a role in the thermic effect of a meal.

Clearance of 9-micron spheres and rubidium in the intestinal circulation

Rubidium clearance and 9-micron-sphere entrapment were studied and compared in isolated intestinal preparations under various physiological conditions in 10 dogs anesthetized with intravenous pentobarbital sodium. The chosen intestinal segment was pumped with aortic blood at a constant rate and pressure of about 90-100 mmHg. The temperature of the isolated loop was maintained at 37-38 degrees C with an electrical pad. A mixture of 86Rb and 9-micron-spheres labeled with 141Ce was injected into the arterial cannula supplying the intestinal loop while mesenteric venous blood was collected for activity counting. Three to four intestinal segments were used from each dog. The following three experimental conditions were randomly used for each intestinal segment preparation: 1) a mesenteric venous pressure (MVP) equaling 0 cmH2O and warmed normal saline infused into the lumen of segment; 2) an MVP equaling 0 cmH2O and 5% glucose in saline infused into the intestinal lumen; and 3) the reservoir with venous blood elevated to provide an MVP equaling 17 cmH2O and warmed normal saline infused into the intestinal lumen. A very strong and significant correlation was found between rubidium and microsphere clearances (r = 0.99, P less than 0.0001). Rubidium extraction was inversely associated with blood flow through the intestinal segment (r = 0.49, P = 0.02), while microsphere entrapment (extraction) was independent from intestinal blood flow (r = 0.16). The data suggest that the shunting of 9-micron spheres through tissue reflects the arteriovenous shunting of blood and, therefore, can be used as a tool to study the nutritive and nonnutritive blood flows in tissues.

Blood flow in normal and dystrophic hamsters during nonshivering thermogenesis

The genetically dystrophic line of hamsters (BIO 14.6) has a significantly reduced capacity for nonshivering thermogenesis (NST) when compared with age-matched normal animals. Of those tissues contributing most to NST, three are altered in the dystrophic hamster (brown fat and cardiac and skeletal muscle). This study has used regional blood flows in response to isoproterenol (a potent stimulator of NST) as a measure of the potential contribution of these tissues to NST. Both isoproterenol-induced O2 consumption and cardiac output were lower in the dystrophic hamsters (13.0 +/- 0.4 vs. 18.2 +/- 0.68 ml O2 X g-0.67 X h-1 and 2.10 +/- 0.10 vs 2.98 +/- 0.16 ml X g-0.67 X min-1, respectively). Tissue blood flow was measured to brown fat, heart, skeletal muscle, liver, kidneys, adrenals, skin, and white fat. Isoproterenol was found to increase blood flows to brown fat, skeletal muscle, and cardiac muscle in normal animals and to brown fat and skeletal muscle in dystrophic hamsters, suggesting that these tissues contribute to NST. However, when corrected for body weight differences, blood flows during isoproterenol infusion to skeletal muscle and to cardiac muscle did not significantly differ between normal and dystrophic animals (2.71 +/- 0.29 vs. 3.33 +/- 0.42 and 2.81 +/- 0.25 vs. 1.85 +/- 0.24 ml X 100 g body wt-1, respectively). In contrast, normal brown adipose tissue had significantly elevated blood flows (3.50 +/- 0.39 vs. 2.28 +/- 0.27 ml X 100 g body wt-1). Thus these observations provide in vivo support for the conclusion that the reduced NST capacity of dystrophic hamsters is due, in large part, to a reduced thermogenic contribution of brown fat.

Portal-systemic shunting and the hemodynamic effects of nitroglycerin in the rat

A hemodynamic response to oral nitroglycerin has been used recently to estimate the extent of portal systemic shunts in humans. We studied the hemodynamic effects of this drug in the rat with partial portal vein ligation, a model in which portal hypertension develops and the extent of portal-systemic collaterals can be measured. Two to ten days after the initial procedure, shunted and sham-operated controls received a continuous infusion of nitroglycerin into a jugular vein, the ileocolic vein, or intrajejunally. The response of systolic arterial pressure to intravenous nitroglycerin was similar in shunted and sham animals. The cumulative dose-response curve showed an earlier and more pronounced response in shunted rats receiving nitroglycerin intraportally, suggesting a marked increase in bioavailability. When the arterial response to nitroglycerin, infused intraportally at 1 microgram/kg X min, was compared to the extent of ileocolic shunting, measured with radioactive microspheres, a close correlation (r = 0.84) was seen; shunting values ranged from 0% (sham) to 97%. Additionally, in shunted rats a more pronounced response to intraportal, compared to intrajejunal, infusion suggested a contribution of the intestine to the first-pass elimination of the drug. The bioavailability of intraportal and intrajejunal nitroglycerin is influenced by the extent of portal systemic collaterals. A significant reduction in portal vein pressure in response to nitroglycerin seen in this animal model supports its testing as a therapeutic agent in portal hypertension.

Physiologic isolation of the canine proximal fibular epiphysis on a vascular pedicle

In order to create a model for epiphyseal growth plate transplantation by microvascular technique, a well-defined donor site was established. Dissection of latex-injected adult and juvenile dogs established the vascular supply to the proximal canine fibula. By isolating 7 cm of proximal fibula on the popliteal vessels, the nutrient supply to the epiphyses, metaphysis, and diaphysis is retained. This preserves the nutrient arterial supply to the fibula originating from the cranial tibial artery, the caudal tibial artery, and the small blood vessels from these to the epiphysis. Perfusion of the graft through the defined vascular pedicle was confirmed using 141Ce-labeled microspheres. These results showed a perfusion of the established graft that was as great as or greater than the control, unoperated side. It is concluded that the technique described for isolation can be used for developing a model for vascularized transplantation of epiphyseal growth cartilage in canines.

Cardiac output measurements with thermodilution and radioactive microspheres. A comparative study in cats

Thermodilution and radioactive microsphere measurements are both commonly used methods for determination of cardiac output in experimental animals. However, no comparison has been made of these methods for cardiac output determination, which is why this study was made. In cats 65 simultaneous measurements of cardiac output with the two methods were performed. No difference in mean values was found and the coefficient of correlation was 0.955 (P less than 0.001). Only eight out of the 65 measurements differed more than 10%. Thermodilution measurements are suitable for repeated determinations and when immediate data are wanted. On the other hand radioactive microsphere measurements are preferable when data on tissue blood flow and blood flow distribution are desired as well. The high correlation found seems to allow cardiac output measurements with these two methods to be grouped together.

Factors affecting the capture of dietary nitrogen by micro-organisms in the forestomachs of the young steer. Experiments with [15N]urea

For a period of at least 2 weeks before an experimental collection each of four young steers received total daily intakes consisting of approximately (g/kg) 600 straw and 400 concentrates with the nitrogen provided mainly as urea and in which the main energy source was starch (tapioca) for diet 1 and glucose for diet 2. Concentrates were given twice daily at about 09.00 and 17.00 hours, straw at 17.00 hours only. The value for the ratio, rumen-degradable N: metabolisable energy (g/MJ) in the daily intake was estimated to be approximately 1.2. On the day that an experimental collection was to be made the urea normally given in the feed at 09.00 hours was labelled with 15N. This urea and sometimes the appropriate energy source were added either as a single dose (SD) at 09.00 hours or in three equally-divided doses (DD) at 09.00, 11.00 and 13.00 hours. Treatments, given in a Latin-square design, were: (A), starch (SD) + urea (SD); (B), starch (SD) + urea (DD); (C), glucose (SD) + urea (DD); (D), glucose (DD) + urea (DD). Doses of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and 144Ce (as cerous chloride) were given as markers with the urea. After these doses were given, samples of abomasal and duodenal digesta were taken periodically for 72 h. It appeared that virtually all the PEG had left the rumen by this time and mean recovery of 144Ce relative to PEG was approximately 90%. From recoveries of non-ammonia-15N (microbial 15N) at the abomasum, estimated relative to PEG, values for mean fractional efficiencies of conversion of urea-N to microbial-N were calculated to be 0.59, 0.59, 0.40 and 0.41 for treatments A, B, C and D respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Measure of blood flow by the multiple radioactive microsphere technique in radiated gastrointestinal tissue

In this study, two different radioactive microspheres were used to measure blood flow of an irradiated segment of small intestine in four dogs before, and 12 days after, irradiation with 2000 rad. The technique and implications are discussed. Using multiple radioactive microspheres, the study demonstrated an increased blood flow in irradiated tissues twelve days after a single dose of 2000 rad. There was also an increase in blood flow to adjoining nonradiated segments of intestine in the same animal. These observations may be of significance in clinical applications of radiation therapy and surgery. A major surgical concern is the impaired healing of irradiated tissue in the immediate postradiation period. The mechanism of this has generally implicated decreases in the perfusion of irradiated tissue. No decrease in blood flow was shown in this study, suggesting that other mechanisms, e.g., stem cell depletion, should be considered. Further studies of this type are recommended to increase understanding of the blood flow in irradiated tissue.