Rabbit erythropoiesis was studied during recovery from chronic anaemia induced by bleeding. Adult rabbits were made anaemic by daily removal of 10 ml of blood per Kg of body weight, through intracardiac puncture, resulting in a significant stimulation of erythropoiesis. After 14 days, bleeding was stopped and the erythropoietic response was studied during the period of recovery. Peripheral blood and bone marrow were analysed for the two weeks following the last bleeding. While levels of red blood cells and haemoglobin returned to normal values by day 6 of recovery, bone marrow erythroblasts decreased gradually until they reached the normal range by day 11. Once bleeding was stopped, there was a significant decrease in the number of circulating reticulocytes, with a concomitant increase in the number of their marrow counterpart. This suggests that release of reticulocytes from bone marrow into the circulation was temporarily blocked. There was also a rapid shift towards normocytic production and the disappearance of macrocytosis. Non-erythroid cells responded very rapidly during recovery, reaching normal values in both peripheral blood and bone marrow 3 days after the last bleeding. Our results show that under the experimental conditions described here, (i) the rabbit haemopoietic system is able to respond to dramatically different physiological stages, and (ii) since the kinetics of most parameters during the period of recovery, both in peripheral blood and bone marrow, were different from those observed during the induction of anaemia, it is possible that the mechanisms operating under both conditions are different.
A tissue culture method is described for micropropagation and callus formation from Solanum chrysotricum axillary bud explants in Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium, supplemented with various growth regulators. Induction of rooted plants were initiated only when indol-3 acetic acid (IAA) was present as an auxin in combination with either of two cytokinins: kinetin (KN) or benzyladenine (BA); however, the combination of IAA (0.1 mg.lt.-1) + BA (0.2 mg.lt.-1) was found to be best suited for morphogenesis purposes. Alternatively, callus tissue formation was influenced in presence of naphthalene acetic acid; which in combination with kinetin (NAA 0.1 mg.lt.-1 + KN 0.2 mg.lt.-1) exhibit the best response studied. The plant material obtained by this procedure is proposed for pharmacological and chemical studies of this important antimycotic plant remedy.
Four patients with hydrocephalus secondary to neurocysticercosis, were evaluated making a comparative analysis of their pre- and post-operative state. The results showed that intracranial hypertension "per se" does not generate changes in the hypothalamopituitary axis function. The cortisol response to its appropriate stimulus was subnormal indicating that the intracranial hypertension affects the adrenocorticotrophic or the ACTH system.
The effects of three extracts from barks of Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd) Poir, Leguminosae, on the growth rate of two human cell lines were investigated. The plant material was extracted with petroleum ether, ethylacetate and butanol, and the obtained products were evaluated in their ability to modify growth of WI38 normal embryonic fibroblasts, and KB cells from a nasopharyngeal carcinoma in tissue culture conditions. The ethylacetate and butanol extracts produced growth rate inhibition with a different pattern depending on the cell line studied; in contrast, the petroleum ether extract markedly increased proliferation of the same cells in vitro.
The mechanisms by which Clostridium difficile causes diarrhoea are unknown. The expression of putative virulence factors by 44 Clostridium difficile strains isolated from patients with and without diarrhoea was studied. Toxins A and B were tested in CHO and MRC-5 cells, respectively; adherence was measured in two substrates: HEp-2 cells and polystyrene plates. The in vitro expression of toxins A and B by strains isolated from patients with diarrhoea was not significantly different from that by strains isolated from patients without diarrhoea. The ability of adherence to both HEp-2 cells and polystyrene by strains isolated from patients with diarrhoea was not significantly different when compared with strains isolated from patients without diarrhoea; however, strains isolated from adults with diarrhoea seem to adhere to a greater extent to both substrates than strains isolated from adults without diarrhoea. Twenty three strains which did not produce toxins A and B were tested for enterotoxicity in rat small intestine. Eight such strains induced fluid accumulation and seven of them were isolated from children. Adherence to cells and to polystyrene might be an important virulence factor in strains causing diarrhoea in adults; whereas the production of toxins other than A and B might be an important pathogenic mechanism in strains causing diarrhoea in children.
We prepared supernatants of Concanavalin-A activated human lymphocytes containing high titers of leukocyte migration inhibition factor (LIF). A pool of these supernatants was filtered thorough sephadex 6-100 as well as a pool of supernatants from parallel non activated cultures. A migration assay was carried out for each activated fraction, using as control migration the same fraction from non activated supernatants. In this way we found a fraction from activated supernatants with high LIF activity. We assayed the effect of this LIF containing fraction on a yeast endocytosis assay by polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells. We found that the LIF containing fraction increased the number of endocytic PMN in about 80%. This effect was absent from control supernatant and from other fractions from activated supernatant but without LIF activity. The LIF containing fraction did not increase the average number of endocytosed yeast per cell nor the ability to reduce NBT. The endocytosis enhancing effect was blocked by the specific LIF blocker N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. We conclude that LIF can increase the endocytic activity of PMN cells.
Five patients were studied with the diagnosis of secondary hydrocephaly to neurocysticercosis. Valvular dysfunction was observed due to the obstruction of the ventricular catheter caused by cysticercus cysts. The Biomed System was used in four cases and the Hakim System in one. Valvular dysfunction was observed in patients within a period of 18 to 24 months after derivation, they also had a history of several valvular dysfunctions. The diagnosis was made upon extraction of the catheter where the cyst was found to be attached to the ventricular brush. Subsequent evolution has not been satisfactory. The reasons for this complication are of a hydrodynamic and pharmacological nature and are also due to the growth of the cyst. This complication is not often suspected, therefore we recommend that in cases of frequent valvular dysfunction and asymmetrical hydrocephaly, studies like iodine-tomography or magnetic resonance be carried out in order to rule out this factor.
Peripheral arterial obstructive disease has been treated with ultrasound ablation. Thirty two patients (pts), mean age 67 +/- 10 years underwent angiosonoplasty, with a prototype ultrasonic system, due to severe claudication (31%), rest pain (44%), rest pain and ulceration (25%). Angiosonoplasty was successful in 26/32 (81%) stenoses, (1/2 iliac, 9/2 femorals, 11/12 popliteal, 5/6 tibial). Angiography before and after angiosonoplasty confirmed that the lesions were successfully opened, (81%, p less than 0.05). A mean of 3 +/- 2 passes were required to adequately remove sufficient plaque. Balloon angioplasty was used in combination with angiosonoplasty in 11/32 (34%) occluded vessels. Complications included groin hematoma in 4 pts (12%) and vascular spasm in two patients (6%). Within 24 hours, 27/32 (94%) pts were discharged clinically improved. Reocclusion occurred in 4 pts (12%) immediately after the procedure. Ankle brachial indices significantly increased from 0.52 +/- 0.10 before to 0.70 +/- 0.12 after (p less than 0.05). In conclusion, the use of ultrasound energy to ablate atherosclerotic plaque would appear safe, and has shown no restenosis and a low incidence of complications over a six month period.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the metabolic control of the type I diabetic patients seen from 1984 to 1988. We analyzed the results of HbA1, height velocity and weight gain. Results showed that from 1984 1985 a 90% of diabetics were in poor metabolic control with HbA1 > 11% (good control < 11%). For 1988 the percentage of poor controlled patients descended to 78%. On the other hand, these patients observed a significant decrease in height velocity and weight gain compared with diabetics with HbA1 < 11% (p < 0.005 and p < 0.001). In addition, diabetics in poor metabolic control were under 10 and 3 number percentiles of the weight and growth diagrams. Finally, we found a significant correlation between HbA1 and height velocity as well as HbA1 and weight gain (r = -0.77 and r = -0.79; p < 0.001 for both). Our results showed that a great percent of our patients were in poor metabolic control with a decreased height velocity and weight gain.
In order to evaluate captopril effectiveness in the treatment of glomerular albuminuria in nondiabetic patients, an initial study was carried out in 16 patients with proteinuria greater than 1 gr/1, administering captopril, 50 mg/day during a 4 month follow-up period. During that time, urinary albumin levels significantly descended (p < 0.001), with a concomitant rise in serum albumin. We conclude that captopril can be effective as a part of the treatment of albuminuria associated with nephropathy of non diabetic origin.
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDYTo measure the seric levels of zinc and copper in healthy and in hepatic damaged rats when an inflammatory stimulus is applied.RESEARCH DESIGN2 x 2 factorial design.SUBJECTSFisher *44 strain rats, healthy and with chronic hepatic damage.MEASUREMENTSSerum levels of Zn and Cu were determined in the different experimental conditions.RESULTSBasal Zn levels were found diminished in rats with hepatic damage as compared with healthy ones (p < 0.05), whereas Cu levels were found increased in hepatic damaged rats as compared with healthy ones (p < 0.05). Application of an inflammatory stimulus decreased Zn and increased Cu levels in healthy rats as compared to their basal conditions (p < 0.05), whereas no statistically significant variations were found in the group of rats with hepatic damage when comparing their serum levels before and after inflammatory stimulation.CONCLUSIONSRats with liver damage present alterations in their Zn and Cu levels under basal conditions. Rats with liver damage, submitted to an inflammatory stimulus, do not modify their serum Zn and Cu levels.
1. An experimental model system was developed in the rabbit to study the transport of iron and the erythropoietic response to chronic bloodletting. 2. This model presents certain novel features as the capacity to measure total red blood cell production and total hemoglobin production in a daily basis. 3. Daily red blood cell production and output of hemoglobin are directly proportional to the volume of blood extracted. The limits of the erythropoietic response were determined. 4. When only minimal bloodletting was performed (3-6 ml blood/kg body weight) a normocytic response was obtained; with the removal of larger volumes of blood, a switch to macrocytic anemia was observed. Cats and guinea pigs responded in a similar fashion. 5. After induction of macrocytic anemia, the diameter of erythroid precursor cells in the bone marrow of the long bones increased and their numbers increased 11.5-fold.
An eleven year old boy was referred because of sudden loss of consciousness, muscular weakness, poor general health, severe hypoglycemia with seizures and hepatomegaly. Response to oral glucose and galactose increased blood lactic acid and glucose at different times. Fasting values of blood lactic was normal, but glucose was found at 33 mg/dl. Similar test made up two hours after feeding revealed hyperlactatemia (35-50 mg/dL) and hyperglycemia (129 mg/dL). Glucagon did not result in a rise of glucose at fasting or feeding. Hepatic glycogen content was found 15 gm/100 mg of tissue. The enzyme activities revealed a deficiency of the liver debranching enzyme while leukocytes had normal enzyme activity. Hepatic biopsy showed liver fibrosis. The present case had the clinical characteristics of severe form of glycogen storage disease. A low carbohydrate and high protein diet was indicated in order to increase the gluconeogenic precursors. Although debranching enzyme deficiency is almost always benign a high carbohydrate diet induced a more severe expression of the disease.
Cryptosporidium sp was searched prospectively by means of the Ziehl-Nielsen acid fast staining of stools in 403 samples obtained from patients with diarrhea (n =/152) or other non-gastrointestinal diseases (n =/152) in a six month period. Cryptosporidium was present in 11/304 samples (3.6%), 9 (81%) were taken from patients with diarrhea. Oocysts were detected in 5% of stools form malnourished (II or III) children with diarrhea; 10/11 (91%) with positive-cryptosporidium stools occurred in children less than one year of age. Cryptosporidium was present with increased frequency in malnourished children with diarrhea (p < 0.05).
To find out if a second dose of O. streptacantha may enhance its hypoglycemic effect, three tests were performed in fasting condition to 8 type II diabetic subjects and 6 healthy individuals. The tests were as follows: A. 500 g of broiled stems of O. streptacantha were given orally initially and two hours later. B. Only the initial dose. C. Control test with water. Serum glucose and C peptide were measured every two hours from 0 to 6 hours. In diabetic patients a significant (P < 0.01 vs control) decrease of serum glucose reaching from 41 to 46% less than initial value, was noticed in tests A and B, without differences between them. C peptide did not change. In healthy subjects serum glucose and C peptide did not significantly differ between tests. A second dose of O. streptacantha, two hours after the first one, did not improve its hypoglycemic activity.
The erythrocyte (Ca2+,Mg2+)-ATPase activity from 12 hypertensive and 14 normotensive subjects have been compared. No differences were found in the calcium-ATPase activity from both studied groups. When the calcium-ATPase assay was carried out in the presence of EGTA, we observed a partial stimulatory effect of the activity, but a blunted stimulation by calmodulin in both membrane preparations. When the EGTA was removed and a total concentration of calcium (100 uM) was kept constant in the incubation media, calmodulin stimulated the ATPase four fold over the non stimulated conditions in both studied groups. It is concluded that the use of EGTA buffers in the assay of the calcium-ATPase in the erythrocyte membrane of normotensive and hypertensive patients, must be used with caution, since a different enzyme sensitive to EGTA in the normotensive and the hypertensive membranes could give an erroneous interpretation of the results. This condition could partially explain the controversies in recent reports investigating the (Ca2+,Mg2+)-ATPase activity and calcium transport in different cell systems isolated from hypertensive patients.
The technique used by our group for the extraction of the canine autoperfused heart-lung block is described. This was used in 30 dogs, having a success rate of 24 total extractions and function times from 30 minutes to 13 hours." The complications observed were: arterial rupture upon cannulation, aortic rupture upon binding, ventricular fibrillation before completing extraction, and bleeding of the block with subsequent emptying of the reservoir. It is concluded that the technique described is adequate for the extraction of the canine block, although it is still necessary to know better its hemodynamic, biochemical and respiratory behavior.
Seroepidemiologic and clinical studies of amoebiasis require improved methods for the detection and titration of anti-Entamoeba histolytica (Eh) trophozoite antibodies. We have developed a Dot-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Dot-ELISA) to titrate anti-Eh antibodies in human serum and colostrum. The anti-Eh serum IgG antibody titers from healthy individuals and from patients with amoebic liver abscess obtained, with our Dot-ELISA were similar to those obtained with a standard ELISA, but the background values were lower. Significant anti-Eh sIgA antibody titers were found in seven out of 42 colostrum samples of mothers of newborn children with diarrhea. Our Dot-ELISA is rapid, inexpensive, and might be used for the diagnosis of individuals and in seroepidemiologic studies of amoebiasis.
