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PGs
Selected Abstracts2327: Preservative free tafluprost 0.0015% in the treatment of patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma: results of a multi-center open-label observational studyACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010I LANZL Purpose Efficacy, tolerability and safety of the novel preservative-free prostaglandin tafluprost 0.0015% were investigated. Methods Data were collected in a non-interventional prospective multi-center observational open label study. IOP readings were recorded for each eye at baseline (prior therapy or untreated) and 12 weeks after changing or initiating treatment with preservative-free tafluprost. Change in IOP was evaluated over the study period for all patients and for specific pre-treatment subgroups. Local comfort was measured using a 5 step scale. All adverse events were recorded. Results Data from 2123 patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension were eligible for the final evaluation. In all patients preservative-free tafluprost lowered IOP from 19.5+4.4 mmHg at baseline to 16.4+2.9 mmHg after 12 weeks. Preservative-free tafluprost also lowered IOP significantly in all monotherapy-subgroups: Na,ve patients (N=440): 22.6+3.9 mmHg to 16.7+2.7mmHg; betablockers (N=307): 20.3+3.5 mmHg (baseline) to 16.7+2.6 mmHg (week 12); CAI's (N=158): 19.0+3.6 mmHg to 16.0+2.6 mmHg; PG's (N=447): 16.8+2.9 mmHg to 15.8+2.6 mmHg. Local comfort was rated as 'very good' or 'good' by 85.6% of patients at the final visit. Only few adverse events occurred during the treatment period. Conclusion Preservative-free tafluprost was effective, well tolerated and safe in a broad patient population. Local comfort and patient satisfaction improved after change of medical treatment in the vast majority of patients. Commercial interest [source] Advances in mechanisms of postsurgical gastroparesis syndrome and its diagnosis and treatmentJOURNAL OF DIGESTIVE DISEASES, Issue 2 2006Ke DONG Postsurgical gastroparesis syndrome (PGS) is a complex disorder characterized by post-prandial nausea and vomiting, and gastric atony in the absence of mechanical gastric outlet obstruction, and is often caused by operation at the upper abdomen, especially by gastric or pancreatic resection, and sometimes also by operation at the lower abdomen, such as gynecological or obstetrical procedures. PGS occurs easily with oral intake of food or change in the form of food after operation. These symptoms can be disabling and often fail to be alleviated by drug therapy, and gastric reoperations usually prove unsuccessful. The cause of PGS has not been identified, nor has its mechanism quite been clarified. PGS after gastrectomy has been reported in many previous studies, with an incidence of approximately 0.4,5.0%. PGS is also a frequent complication of pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD), and the complication occurs in the early postoperative period in 20,50% of patients. PGS caused by pancreatic cancer cryoablation (PCC) has been reported about in 50,70% of patients. Therefore, PGS has a complex etiology and might be caused by multiple factors and mechanisms. The frequency of this complication varies directly with the type and number of gastric operations performed. The loss of gastric parasympathetic control resulting from vagotomy contributes to PGS via several mechanisms. It has been reported that the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) may play a role in the pathogenesis of PGS. Recent studies in animal models of diabetes suggest specific molecular changes in the enteric nervous system may result in delayed gastric emptying. The absence of the duodenum, and hence gastric phase III, may be a cause of gastric stasis. It was thought that PGS after PPPD might be attributable, at least in part, to delayed recovery of gastric phase III, due to lowered concentrations of plasma motilin after resection of the duodenum. The damage to ICC might play a role in the pathogenesis of PGS after PCC, for which multiple factors are possibly responsible, including ischemic and neural injury to the antropyloric muscle and the duodenum after freezing of the pancreatoduodenal regions or reduction of circulating levels of motilin. As the treatment of gastroparesis is far from ideal, non-conventional approaches and non-standard medications might be of use. Multiple treatments are better than single treatment. This article reviews almost all the papers related to PGS from various journals published in English and Chinese in recent years in order to facilitate a better understanding of PGS. [source] Formation and resolution of ankylosis under application of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) to class III furcation defects in catsJOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2005D. Takahashi Objectives:, Periodontal regeneration under application of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) is compromised by ankylosis. Ankylosis disappearance following application of BMP has been observed in the case of a small defect, which might be beneficial change for periodontal regeneration. However, the histological observation of ankylosis disappearance has not been demonstrated in a large defect. The purpose of this present study was to confirm resolution of ankylosis during periodontal regeneration by recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) applied to class III furcation defects. Material and methods:, Class III furcation defects were created in the premolars of six adult cats. The rhBMP-2 material, prepared by applying rhBMP-2 to a combination of polylactic acid,polygricolic copolymer and gelatin sponge (PGS; 0.33 µg rhBMP-2/mm3 PGS) or control material containing only PGS, was implanted into each defect. The cats were killed at 3, 6 or 12 weeks after surgery and serial sections were prepared for histological and histometrical observation. Results:, Ankylosis was observed in some of the rhBMP-2/PGS group at 3 and 6 weeks, but not at 12 weeks. At 6 weeks, osteoclast-like cells were visible in the rhBMP-2/PGS group with ankylosis. Residual PGS was evident between the bone and root surface in the rhBMP-2/PGS group without ankylosis at 3 weeks. Conclusions:, Resolution of ankylosis by osteoclast-like cells possibly occurred under application of rhBMP-2. Residual PGS might play an important role in preventing ankylosis formation. [source] Levator ani trigger point injections: An underutilized treatment for chronic pelvic pain,NEUROUROLOGY AND URODYNAMICS, Issue 1 2007Carolyn F. Langford Abstract Aims We conducted this study to examine the role of trigger point injections in females with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) of at least 6 months duration and specific levator ani trigger points. Methods This prospective study included 18 consecutive female patients with CPP and specific palpable levator ani trigger points. Pain was evaluated before and after trigger point injection on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Patient global satisfaction (PGS) and cure rates (PGC) were also measured by a VAS on a scale of 0,100%. The trigger points were identified manually by intravaginal palpation of the levator ani bilaterally. A mixture of 10 cc of 0.25% bupivacaine, 10 cc of 2% lidocaine and 1 cc (40 mg) of triamcinolone was used for injection of 5 cc per trigger point. A 5.5, Iowa trumpet pudendal needle guide was used for injection. All but one injection were performed in the office setting without sedation. Pelvic floor muscle exercises were taught for use after injection. Success was defined as a decrease in pain as measured by a VAS of 50% or more, as well as PGS and PGC scores of 60% or greater. There was a mean follow up of 3 months after trigger point injection. Results Thirteen of 18 women improved with the first trigger point injection resulting in a comprehensive success rate of 72%. Six (33%) of 18 women were completely pain free. Conclusion In the management of CPP, a non-surgical office-based therapy such as trigger point injections can be effective in selected patients. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:59,62, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] FISH analysis of 15 chromosomes in human day 4 and 5 preimplantation embryos: the added value of extended aneuploidy detectionPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 1 2007E. B. Baart Abstract Objective Screening for an increased number of chromosomes may improve the detection of abnormal embryos and thus contribute to the capability of preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) to detect the embryo(s) for transfer in IVF with the best chance for a healthy child. Good-quality day 4 and 5 embryos were analyzed after cryopreservation for the nine chromosomes mostly recommended for screening (13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22, X and Y), next to six additional chromosomes which are less well studied in this context (1, 2, 7, 6, 10 and 17). Method The copy numbers of 15 chromosomes were investigated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in three consecutive rounds. The proportion of aneuploid and mosaic embryos was determined and compared in retrospect to results in case only the recommended probe set had been analyzed. Results A total of 52 embryos from 29 infertile women were analyzed. Screening the embryos for six additional chromosomes increased the proportion of abnormal embryos from 67 to 81% (P = 0.03), owing to an increase in mosaic embryos. Conclusion All but one of the meiotic aneuploidies found in this study would have been detected by the probe set most frequently used in PGS clinics. However, aneuploid cell lines originating from mitotic errors could be detected for almost all chromosomes, so screening of six additional chromosomes mainly increased the proportion of mosaic embryos. The added value of screening for six additional chromosomes in PGS for clinical practice will remain undetermined as long as the fate of mosaic embryos after transfer is unclear. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Starch source, screw configuration and injection of steam into the barrel affect the physical quality of extruded fish feedAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 3 2010Mette Sørensen Abstract This experiment investigated the physical qualities (,Holmen' durability; ,tumbling box' durability; and pellet strength, length and diameter) of extruded fishmeal-based feeds produced using different starch sources, screw configurations, with or without steam injected in the barrel. The starch sources tested were native or pre-gelatinized potato starch (PGS), wheat starch (WS), whole wheat (WW) or a combination of WS and WW. Screw configurations were a polygon element, followed by two left-pitched segments, Polygon_2L; a polygon, followed by one left-pitched and one right-pitched element, Polygon_LR; and no polygon section, alternating left- and right-pitched elements, LRLR. Starch source and screw configuration affected the physical quality the most. Pellets produced with LRLR had the highest ,Holmen' durability (76%), hardness (30 N) and the least diameter (5.3 mm). The lowest durability (37%) and hardness (22 N) were obtained with Polygon_LR. Potato starch yielded higher expansion than cereal starch. The highest ,Holmen' durability was seen for PGS (79%), while WS yielded the lowest value (44%). Injection of steam reduced hardness and ,Holmen' durability, but provided a minor overall contribution to physical quality compared with the starch source and screw configuration. ,Holmen' durability appeared to be suitable to unveil variation (37,79%) in physical quality, while ,Tumbling box' durability (98.4,98.8%) did not prove efficient. [source] Clinical characteristics and outcomes for a modern series of primary gliosarcoma patientsCANCER, Issue 5 2010Seunggu J. Han BS Abstract BACKGROUND: Primary gliosarcoma (PGS) is a rare central nervous system tumor with limited experience reported in the literature. In the current study, the authors present a modern series of confirmed PGS cases treated in the era of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), after the accepted glioblastoma management of resection, radiation, and temozolomide. METHODS: Using a retrospective review, patients with confirmed PGS were identified (1996-2008). Cases were determined to be PGS by central pathology review using the 2007 World Health Organization criteria. Extensive chart review was performed to gather clinical and pathologic data on these cases. RESULTS: All but 1 patient had undergone a preoperative MRI, with 1 patient receiving a computed tomography scan due to a cardiac pacemaker. A total of 10 patients received radiotherapy with concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide chemotherapy, and 8 patients received radiotherapy alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents. In 2 patients, the history of adjuvant treatment could not be confirmed. The overall median survival was 13.9 months (range, 2.2-22.9 months). Patients with gliosarcomas resembling meningioma were found to have a significantly prolonged median survival compared with patients harboring gliosarcoma resembling glioblastoma multiforme (16 months vs 9.6 months; P = .011). However, no difference in survival was noted between patients who received concurrent radiotherapy and temozolomide compared with those who did not (10.4 months vs 13.9 months; P = .946). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study support previous hypotheses that there are 2 distinct types of PGS. The type mimicking the appearance of a meningioma appears to carry a significantly more favorable prognosis, most likely due to an increased chance at achieving macroscopic total resection. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society. [source] Post-earthquake bridge repair cost and repair time estimation methodologyEARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 3 2010Kevin R. Mackie Abstract While structural engineers have traditionally focused on individual components (bridges, for example) of transportation networks for design, retrofit, and analysis, it has become increasingly apparent that the economic costs to society after extreme earthquake events are caused at least as much from indirect costs as direct costs due to individual structures. This paper describes an improved methodology for developing probabilistic estimates of repair costs and repair times that can be used for evaluating the performance of new bridge design options and existing bridges in preparation for the next major earthquake. The proposed approach in this paper is an improvement on previous bridge loss modeling studies,it is based on the local linearization of the dependence between repair quantities and damage states so that the resulting model follows a linear relationship between damage states and repair points. The methodology uses the concept of performance groups (PGs) that account for damage and repair of individual bridge components and subassemblies. The method is validated using two simple examples that compare the proposed method to simulation and previous methods based on loss models using a power,law relationship between repair quantities and damage. In addition, an illustration of the method is provided for a complete study on the performance of a common five-span overpass bridge structure in California. Intensity-dependent repair cost ratios (RCRs) and repair times are calculated using the proposed approach, as well as plots that show the disaggregation of repair cost by repair quantity and by PG. This provides the decision maker with a higher fidelity of data when evaluating the contribution of different bridge components to the performance of the bridge system, where performance is evaluated in terms of repair costs and repair times rather than traditional engineering quantities such as displacements and stresses. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Structural and functional comparison of 15S - and 15R -specific cyclooxygenases from the coral Plexaura homomallaFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 17 2004Karin Valmsen It has been known for 30 years that the gorgonian coral Plexaura homomalla contains either 15S- or 15R -configuration prostaglandins (PGs), depending on its location in the Caribbean. Recently we showed that the 15R -PGs in the R -variety of P. homomalla are formed by a unique cyclooxygenase (COX) with 15R oxygenation specificity [Valmsen, K., Järving, I., Boeglin, W.E., Varvas, K., Koljak, R., Pehk, T., Brash, A.R. & Samel, N. (2001) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA98, 7700]. Here we describe the cloning and characterization of a closely related COX protein (97% amino acid sequence identity) from the S -variety of P. homomalla. Functional expression of the S -variant COX cDNA in Sf9 insect cells followed by incubation with exogenous arachidonic acid resulted in formation of PG products with > 98% 15S -configuration. Mutational analysis was performed on a suggested active site determinant of C-15 oxygenation specificity, position 349 (Val in all S -specific COX, Ile in 15R -COX). The 15S -COX Val349 to Ile mutant formed 35% 15R- PGs, while the reverse mutation in the 15R -COX (Ile349Val) led to formation of 70% 15S- products. This establishes position 349 as an important determinant of the product stereochemistry at C-15. Our characterization of the enzyme variants demonstrates that very minor sequence divergence accounts for the content of epimeric PGs in the two variants of P. homomalla and that the differences do not arise by isomerization of the products. [source] Ambient pH controls the expression of endopolygalacturonase genes in the necrotrophic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorumFEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 2 2003Pascale Cotton Abstract In the necrotrophic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, secretion of polygalacturonases (PGs) and decrease of the environmental pH via oxalic acid production are considered as the main pathogenicity determinants. In order to evaluate the relationship between these two aspects of the infection process, we analyzed the expression of the endoPG-encoding genes pg1,3. Transcription of pg1,3 was not carbon regulated but was strictly controlled by pH and highly favored in a narrow range of acidic pH. During plant infection, a pH gradient was established in relation to oxalic acid secretion. Transcripts of pg1,3 were localized to the zone of colonization of healthy tissues while transcripts of genes encoding other lytic enzymes were restricted to the more acidic zones of the infected tissues. Our results show that progressive acidification of the ambient medium by the fungus is a major strategy for the sequential expression of pathogenicity factors. [source] Negative Association Between Helicobacter pylori Infection and Reflux Esophagitis in Older Patients: Case-Control Study in JapanHELICOBACTER, Issue 1 2000Ken Haruma Background. Recent studies have clarified a close association between H. pylori infection and gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer, but there is little information concerning the relationship between H. pylori infection and reflux esophagitis (RE). We investigated the relationship between H. pylori, RE, and corpus gastritis. Subjects and Methods. Ninety-five patients with RE and 190 sex- and age-matched asymptomatic healthy controls demonstrating no localized lesions in the upper GI tract were studied and evaluated for H. pylori infection, histologic gastritis, serum gastrin, and pepsinogens (PGs). Results.H. pylori infection was significantly lower in RE patients than in asymptomatic controls (41% vs. 76%, p < .01). Histologic gastritis of both the antrum and corpus was significantly less frequent (antrum; p < .01, corpus; p < .01), and serum levels of PGI and the PG I/II ratio were significantly higher in RE patients than in controls (PGI; p < .05, PG I/II ratio; p < .01). When the subjects were divided into two age groups (59 years of age and younger and 60 years of age and older), a significant difference was found only among patients over 60 years of age (29% vs. 85%, p < .01). Among subjects in this age group, gastritis in both the antrum and corpus were significantly milder in RE patients than in controls. Although the prevalence of H. pylori infection was similar between the two groups of patients under 59 years of age, corpus gastritis was significantly milder in patients than in controls (p < .05). Conclusions. A significantly low prevalence of H. pylori infection was found in RE patients over 60 years of age but not in those under 59 in comparison with sex- and age-matched controls. The relative lack of corpus gastritis might play a role in the pathogenesis of RE in our population through preservation of the acid secretion area. [source] The ecdysteroidogenic P450 Cyp302a1/disembodied from the silkworm, Bombyx mori, is transcriptionally regulated by prothoracicotropic hormoneINSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2005R. Niwa Abstract During larval and pupal development of insects, ecdysone is synthesized in the prothoracic gland (PG). Although several Drosophila genes, including Halloween P450 genes, are known to be important for ecdysteroidogenesis in PG, little is known of the ecdysteroidogenic genes in other insects. Here we report on Cyp302a1/disembodied (dib-Bm), one of the Halloween P450s in the silkworm Bombyx mori that is a carbon-22 hydroxylase. dib-Bm is predominantly expressed in PG and its developmental expression profile is correlated with a change in the ecdysteroid titre in the haemolymph. Furthermore, dib-Bm expression in cultured PGs is significantly induced by treatment with prothoracicotropic hormone. This is the first report on the transcriptional induction of a steroidogenic gene by the tropic hormone in insects. [source] Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis and actions by genistein in human prostate cancer cells and by soy isoflavones in prostate cancer patientsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 9 2009Srilatha Swami Abstract Soy and its constituent isoflavone genistein inhibit the development and progression of prostate cancer (PCa). Our study in both cultured cells and PCa patients reveals a novel pathway for the actions of genistein, namely the inhibition of the synthesis and biological actions of prostaglandins (PGs), known stimulators of PCa growth. In the cell culture experiments, genistein decreased cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA and protein expression in both human PCa cell lines (LNCaP and PC-3) and primary prostate epithelial cells and increased 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) mRNA levels in primary prostate cells. As a result genistein significantly reduced the secretion of PGE2 by these cells. EP4 and FP PG receptor mRNA were also reduced by genistein, providing an additional mechanism for the suppression of PG biological effects. Further, the growth stimulatory effects of both exogenous PGs and endogenous PGs derived from precursor arachidonic acid were attenuated by genistein. We also performed a pilot randomised double blind clinical study in which placebo or soy isoflavone supplements were given to PCa patients in the neo-adjuvant setting for 2 weeks before prostatectomy. Gene expression changes were measured in the prostatectomy specimens. In PCa patients ingesting isoflavones, we observed significant decreases in prostate COX-2 mRNA and increases in p21 mRNA. There were significant correlations between COX-2 mRNA suppression, p21 mRNA stimulation and serum isoflavone levels. We propose that the inhibition of the PG pathway contributes to the beneficial effect of soy isoflavones in PCa chemoprevention and/or treatment. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Age-related changes in human meniscal glycosaminoglycansINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY, Issue 4 2004Gareth Blackburn Introduction With an increased human lifespan, a major challenge is now to ensure a concomitant increase in healthspan. Meniscal damage and degradation are common and are strongly correlated with subsequent osteoarthritis. Indeed, meniscal damage has been identified in about 60% of people over 60. Markers of pathology will facilitate intervention but first require normal age-related changes to be established. Methods Undamaged vascular and avascular regions of medial and lateral human menisci were comminuted and the tissue extracted into 4- m GuHCl and subject to associative CsCl density gradient centrifugation. Aggrecan and the small leucine rich PGs (SLRPs) were isolated and their GAG profiles examined by HPAEC fingerprinting, following enzyme depolymerization, and by an NMR spectroscopy. Results and discussion Analysis of aggrecan and the SLRPs show that there is a complex and dynamic pattern of KS, CS and DS abundance and distribution within human menisci, which changes with age. The abundance of SLRPs is higher in the avascular than vascular tissues, however, this is not reflected in the abundance of aggrecan which is present at similar levels in both tissue regions. The data show no other significant differences between medial and lateral and between vascular and avascular tissue regions. Analysis of the sulfation pattern of CS following digestion by ACII lyase, shows that in both aggrecan and SLRPs the 4-sulfation level falls with age from 20 to 35% in young tissues to 10,20% in older. Subsequent analyses following ABC lyase depolymerization, to include DS, shows very significant change with age from CS + DS 4-sulfation levels of ca. 40,55% in young tissue to ca. 15,30% in older. The difference between these datasets represents the contribution made by 4-sulfated DS. Thus, analysis of the difference suggests that DS makes a decreasing contribution to the CS/DS profile with age. Indeed, this is confirmed by an NMR analysis of these samples. Analysis of the resonances in the region 1.95,2.2 p.p.m. (ref to TSP) allows the estimation of the contribution made by DS, CS and KS. These data show that, in aggrecan, the contribution made by DS chains falls from ca. 10% in younger tissues to ca. 2,4% in older tissues. NMR analysis also shows that KS levels fall with age from ca. 15,20% in younger tissues to 5,10% in older tissues. Analysis of the structure of the KS chains shows chains with a structure similar to that of in articular cartilage but that at all ages there are very low levels of fucosylation (ca. 1,5%). Previous studies of age-related changes in CS/DS and KS structures have shown significant changes in the first 17 years of life, with only modest nonpathological changes after that time. These data from meniscal tissues do not show such a dramatic halting of normal age-related changes. Indeed, the data show gradual age-related changes in DS, CS and KS abundance and structure throughout life. These baseline age-related changes data will now allow the analysis of pathology-related changes. [source] Disc structure function and its potential for repairINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES, Issue 1 2002J. Melrose The intervertebral disc (IVD) is the largest predominantly avascular, aneural, alymphatic structure of the human body. It provides articulation between adjoining vertebral bodies and also acts as a weight-bearing cushion dissipating axially applied spinal loads. The IVD is composed of an outer collagen-rich annulus fibrosus (AF) and a central proteoglycan (PG)-rich nucleus pulposus (NP). Superior and inferior cartilaginous endplates (CEPs), thin layers of hyaline-like cartilage, cover the ends of the vertebral bodies. The AF is composed of concentric layers (lamellae) which contain variable proportions of type I and II collagen, this tissue has high tensile strength. The NP in contrast is a gelatinous PG-rich tissue which provides weight-bearing properties to the composite disc structure. With the onset of age, cells in the NP progressively die as this tissue becomes depleted of PGs, less hydrated and more fibrous as the disc undergoes an age-dependent fibrocartilaginous transformation. Such age-dependent cellular and matrix changes can decrease the discs' biomechanical competence and trauma can further lead to failure of structural components of the disc. Annular defects are fairly common and include vertebral rim-lesions, concentric (circumferential) annular tears (separation of adjacent annular lamellae) and radial annular tears (clefts which initiate within the NP). While vascular in-growth around annular tears has been noted, evidence from human post-mortem studies indicate they have a limited ability to undergo repair. Several experimental approaches are currently under evaluation for their ability to promote the repair of such annular lesions. These include growth of AF fibrochondrocytes on a resorbable polycaprolactone (PCL) bio-membrane.1 Sheets of fibrochondrocytes lay down type-I collagen and actin stress fibres on PCL. These matrix components are important for the spatial assembly of the collagenous lamella during annular development and correct phenotypic expression of cells in biomatrices.1 An alternative approach employs preparation of tissue engineered IVDs where AF and NP cells are separately cultured in polyglycolic acid and sodium alginate biomatrices, either separately or within a manifold designed to reproduce the required IVD dimensions for its use as a prospective implant device.2 AF and NP cells have also been grown on tissue culture inserts after their recovery from alginate bead culture to form plugs of tissue engineered cartilage.3 A key component in this latter strategy was the stimulation of the high density disc cell cultures with osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1) 200 ng/mL.3 This resulted in the production of tissue engineered AF and NP plugs with compositions, histochemical characteristics and biomechanical properties approaching those of the native disc tissues.2,3 Such materials hold reat promise in future applications as disc or annular implants. The introduction of appropriate genes into disc cells by gene transduction methodology using adenoviral vectors or ,gene-gun' delivery systems also holds considerable promise for the promotion of disc repair processes.4 Such an approach with the OP-1 gene is particularly appealing.5 The anchoring of discal implants to vertebral bodies has also been evaluated by several approaches. A 3D fabric based polyethylene biocomposite holds much promise as one such anchorage device6 while biological glues used to seal fibrocartilaginous structures such as the AF and meniscus8 following surgical intervention, also hold promise in this area. Several very promising new experimental approaches and strategies are therefore currently under evaluation for the improvement of discal repair. The aforementioned IVD defects are a common cause of disc failure and sites of increased nerve in-growth in symptomatic IVDs in man and are thus often sources of sciatic-type pain. Annular defects such as those described above have formerly been considered incapable of undergoing spontaneous repair thus a clear need exists for interventions which might improve on their repair. Based on the rapid rate of progress and the examples outlined above one may optimistically suggest that a successful remedy to this troublesome clinical entity will be developed in the not so distant future. References 1JohnsonWEBet al. (2001) Directed cytoskeletal orientation and intervertebral disc cell growth: towards the development of annular repair techniques. Trans Orthop Res Soc26, 894. 2MizunoHet al. (2001) Tissue engineering of a composite intervertebral disc. Trans Orthop Res Soc26, 78. 3MatsumotoTet al. (2001) Formation of transplantable disc shaped tissues by nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus cells: biochemical and biomechanical properties. Trans Orthop Res Soc26, 897. 4NishidaKet al. (2000) Potential applications of gene therapy to the treatment of intervertebral disc disorders. Clin Orthop Rel Res379 (Suppl), S234,S241. 5MatsumotoTet al. (2001) Transfer of osteogenic protein-1 gene by gene gun system promotes matrix synthesis in bovine intervertebral disc and articular cartilage cells. Trans Orthop Res Soc26, 30. 6ShikinamiY , Kawarada (1998) Potential application of a triaxial three-dimensional fabric (3-DF) as an implant. Biomaterials19, 617,35. [source] A comparative analysis of the differential spatial and temporal distributions of the large (aggrecan, versican) and small (decorin, biglycan, fibromodulin) proteoglycans of the intervertebral discJOURNAL OF ANATOMY, Issue 1 2001JAMES MELROSE This study provides a comparative analysis of the temporal and spatial distribution of 5 intervertebral disc (IVD) proteoglycans (PGs) in sheep. The main PGs in the 2 and 10 y old sheep groups were polydisperse chondroitin sulphate and keratan sulphate substituted species. Their proportions did not differ markedly either with spinal level or disc zone. In contrast, the fetal discs contained 2 slow migrating (by composite agarose polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, CAPAGE), relatively monodisperse chondroitin sulphate-rich aggrecan species which were also identified by monoclonal antibody 7-D-4 to an atypical chondroitin sulphate isomer presentation previously found in chick limb bud, and shark cartilage. The main small PG detectable in the fetal discs was biglycan, whereas decorin predominated in the 2 and 10 y old IVD samples; its levels were highest in the outer annulus fibrosus (AF). Versican was most abundant in the AF of the fetal sheep group; it was significantly less abundant in the 2 and 10 y old groups. Furthermore, versican was immunolocalised between adjacent layers of annular lamellae suggesting that it may have some role in the provision of the viscoelastic properties to this tissue. Versican was also diffusely distributed throughout the nucleus pulposus of fetal IVDs, and its levels were significantly lower in adult IVD specimens. This is the first study to identify versican in ovine IVD tissue sections and confirmed an earlier study which demonstrated that ovine IVD cells synthesised versican in culture (Melrose et al. 2000). The variable distribution of the PGs identified in this study provides further evidence of differences in phenotypic expression of IVD cell populations during growth and development and further demonstrates the complexity of the PGs in this heterogeneous but intricately organised connective tissue. [source] Timing of ibuprofen use and bone mineral density adaptations to exercise trainingJOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 6 2010Wendy M Kohrt Abstract Prostaglandins (PGs) are essential signaling factors in bone mechanotransduction. In animals, inhibition of the enzyme responsible for PG synthesis (cyclooxygenase) by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) blocks the bone-formation response to loading when administered before, but not immediately after, loading. The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to determine whether the timing of NSAID use influences bone mineral density (BMD) adaptations to exercise in humans. Healthy premenopausal women (n,=,73) aged 21 to 40 years completed a supervised 9-month weight-bearing exercise training program. They were randomized to take (1) ibuprofen (400,mg) before exercise, placebo after (IBUP/PLAC), (2) placebo before, ibuprofen after (PLAC/IBUP), or (3) placebo before and after (PLAC/PLAC) exercise. Relative changes in hip and lumbar spine BMD from before to after exercise training were assessed using a Hologic Delphi-W dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) instrument. Because this was the first study to evaluate whether ibuprofen use affects skeletal adaptations to exercise, only women who were compliant with exercise were included in the primary analyses (IBUP/PLAC, n,=,17; PLAC/PLAC, n,=,23; and PLAC/IBUP, n,=,14). There was a significant effect of drug treatment, adjusted for baseline BMD, on the BMD response to exercise for regions of the hip (total, p,<,.001; neck, p,=,.026; trochanter, p,=,.040; shaft, p,=,.019) but not the spine (p,=,.242). The largest increases in BMD occurred in the group that took ibuprofen after exercise. Total-hip BMD changes averaged ,0.2%,±,1.3%, 0.4%,±,1.8%, and 2.1%,±,1.7% in the IBUP/PLAC, PLAC/PLAC, and PLAC/IBUP groups, respectively. This preliminary study suggests that taking NSAIDs after exercise enhances the adaptive response of BMD to exercise, whereas taking NSAIDs before may impair the adaptive response. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research [source] CREB-dependent cyclooxygenase-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 expression is mediated by protein kinase C and calciumJOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2006Hung Pham Abstract Cellular production of prostaglandins (PGs) is controlled by the concerted actions of cyclooxygenases (COX) and terminal PG synthases on arachidonic acid in response to agonist stimulation. Recently, we showed in an ileal epithelial cell line (IEC-18), angiotensin II-induced COX-2-dependent PGI2 production through p38MAPK, and calcium mobilization (J. Biol. Chem. 280: 1582,1593, 2005). Agonist binding to the AT1 receptor results in activation of PKC activity and Ca2+ signaling but it is unclear how each pathway contributes to PG production. IEC-18 cells were stimulated with either phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (PDB), thapsigargin (TG), or in combination. The PG production and COX-2 and PG synthase expression were measured. Surprisingly, PDB and TG produced PGE2 but not PGI2. This corresponded to induction of COX-2 and mPGES-1 mRNA and protein. PGIS mRNA and protein levels did not change. Activation of PKC by PDB resulted in the activation of ERK1/2, JNK, and CREB whereas activation of Ca2+ signaling by TG resulted in the delayed activation of ERK1/2. The combined effect of PKC and Ca2+ signaling were prolonged COX-2 and mPGES-1 mRNA and protein expression. Inhibition of PKC activity, MEK activity, or Ca2+ signaling blocked agonist induction of COX-2 and mPGES-1. Expression of a dominant negative CREB (S133A) blocked PDB/TG-dependent induction of both COX-2 and mPGES-1 promoters. Decreased CREB expression by siRNA blocked PDB/TG-dependent expression of COX-2 and mPGES-1 mRNA. These findings demonstrate a coordinated induction of COX-2 and mPGES-1 by PDB/TG that proceeds through PKC/ERK and Ca2+ signaling cascades, resulting in increased PGE2 production. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Expression of MMP-9, MMP-10 and TNF-, and lack of epithelial MMP-1 and MMP-26 characterize pyoderma gangrenosumJOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 12 2007Ville Bister Background:, Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a non-infectious, autoimmune, chronic ulcer of the skin, often co-existing with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated as mediators of tissue destruction in chronic cutaneous and intestinal wounds. Methods:, Twenty-four skin biopsies with clinically and histologically confirmed PG and acute wounds were immunostained for MMP-1, -7, -8, -9, -10 and -26; tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and -3 and tumor necrosis factor-, (TNF-,). Results:, MMP-1 was generally expressed by keratinocytes distal from the wound edge, whereas MMP-10 was detected abundantly in the epithelium. MMP-26 was positive in 42% at the migratory front. Abundant stromal expression was evident for MMP-1, -9 and -10, TIMP-1 and -3 and TNF-,. In acute wounds, stromal MMP-1, -9 and -10 and TNF-, were sparse. Conclusions:, Unlike in normally healing cutaneous wounds, MMP-1 and -26 were detected bordering the wound in only a minority of PGs and their lack may thus retard epithelial repair. Particularly, MMP-9 and -10 and TNF-, would be suitable therapeutic targets as they may contribute to the degradation of provisional matrices needed for migration in healing wounds. The presence of MMP-1, -9, -10 and -26 in both PG and IBD ulcers may suggest a similar pathogenesis for cutaneous and mucosal inflammation. [source] Anti-inflammatory effect of retinoic acid on prostaglandin synthesis in cultured cortical astrocytesJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2008Eric Kampmann Abstract Prostanoids are important mediators of inflammation and pain signaling. Although it is now well accepted that astrocytes participate in inflammatory reactions in the CNS, the molecular regulation of this activity is still largely unknown. Specifically, the regulation of prostanoid synthesis by this type of glia remains to be resolved. Recent evidence suggests that the transcriptional regulator retinoic acid (RA) is involved in regulation of the immune response. We have investigated the expression pattern of the enzymes that catalyze prostanoid and leukotriene synthesis in cultured cortical astrocytes, their stimulation by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and their regulation by RA. The data indicate that astrocytes are an important source of prostaglandins (PGs) and that RA reduces their inflammatory biosynthesis. LPS treatment induced the expression of enzymes for the production of arachidonic acid and PGs but caused down-regulation of a PG degrading enzyme and of leukotriene synthesizing enzymes that compete with PG synthesis. Consequently, the secretion of the PGE2 was highly increased after LPS exposure. RA counteracted the inflammatory regulation of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 mRNA and protein in astrocytes and thereby reduced the synthesis of PGE2 by approximately 60%. In the absence of LPS, RA enhanced the expression of COX-1 mRNA. In conclusion, RA might be effective in suppressing inflammatory processes in the brain by inhibiting PG synthesis. [source] Interleukin-1, Induces Cyclooxygenase-2 and Prostaglandin E2 Synthesis in Human Neuroblastoma CellsJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2000Involvement of p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase, Nuclear Factor- Abstract: Prostaglandins (PGs), which are generated by the enzymatic activity of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and -2, modulate several functions in the CNS such as the generation of fever, the sleep/wake cycle, and the perception of pain. Moreover, the neuronal induction of COX-2 has been linked to neuroinflammatory aspects of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The regulation of COX expression in neuronal cells is only partly understood and has been mainly linked to synaptic activity. In pathophysiological situations, however, cytokines may be potent stimulators of neuronal COX expression. Here we show that interleukin (IL)-1, induces COX-2 mRNA and protein synthesis and the release of PGE2 in the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH. We further demonstrate that both a free radical scavenger and an inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) reduce IL-1,-induced synthesis of COX-2. IL-1, induces p38 MAPK phosphorylation and activation of the nuclear factor-,B independently from each other. Our data suggest that IL-1,-induced COX-2 expression in SK-N-SH cells is regulated by different mechanisms, presumably involving mRNA transcription and mRNA stability. The ability of p38 MAPK to augment COX-2 expression in human neuroblastoma cells, as shown here, suggests that p38 MAPK may be involved in neuronal expression of COX-2 in AD. [source] The distribution of cyclooxygenase-1 in human temporomandibular joint samples: an immunohistochemical studyJOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 6 2001H. Yoshida Cyclooxygenase-1,2 (COX-1,2) or prostaglandin (PG) H synthase, is the first enzyme of the pathway in which arachidonic acid is oxidized to PGs. Thus, we examined the expression of COX-1 in 16 human temporomandibular joint (TMJ) samples with internal derangement and in 10 control specimens by an immunohistological technique using paraffin-embedded tissue and specific antihuman COX-1 polyclonal antibody. There was obvious distinction of COX-1 immunoreactivity between the control specimens and internal derangement cases, at the endothelial cells and fibroblasts, in the region of posterior and/or anterior loose connective tissues and synovial membrane. The findings of the present study suggest that COX-1 might be an important mechanism for maintaining normal homeostasis at the endothelial cells and fibroblasts with internal derangement of TMJ. [source] Distribution pattern of versican, link protein and hyaluronic acid in the rat jreiodontal ligament during exjreimental tooth movementJOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 1 2002R. Sato The ability of the jreiodontal ligament (PDL) to rapidly remodel is the basis of orthodontic tooth movement. During the tooth movement, matrix proteoglycans (PGs) may play important roles in spatial, mechanical and biological aspects for the maintenance and repair of the PDL. The aim of this study was to characterize the distribution of a large hyaluronic acid (HA)-binding proteoglycan, versican, link protein (LP) and HA in the rat molar PDL during exjreimental tooth movement by histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. Exjreimental tooth movement was jreformed according to Waldo's method. Histologically, regressive changes, such as decrease of fibroblasts and collagen fibers and exudative change of edema were observed in the compressive side and progressive changes, such as proliferation of fibroblasts and collagen fibers, in the strain side one day after treatment. By 3 days after tooth movement, regressive or progressive changes were not observed in either side. Using monoclonal antibodies specific to versican core protein or LP, the positive immunoreactivity for both molecules was constantly observed throughout the PDL. After the exjreimental force was applied to the tooth, however, the immunostainings of versican and LP became significantly intense only in the compressive side but decreased in the strain side. The intensity in the compressive side was strongest one day after the force was applied and gradually diminished thereafter. HA of both sides did not change during exjreimental tooth movement. Since HA is present in the PDL, large amounts of versican and LP expressed in the compressive side may create large hydrated aggregates via their association with HA that dissipates the compressive force applied to this tissue. [source] Influence of interleukin-1, and hyaluronan on proteoglycan release from equine navicular hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilageJOURNAL OF VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 2 2000Frean Proteoglycan (PG) release, in response to recombinant human interleukin-1, (rh-IL-1,), was measured in cartilage explants obtained from the equine distal sesamoid bone (navicular bone). Fibrocartilage from the surface of the navicular bone apposing the deep digital flexor tendon and hyaline cartilage from the surface of the navicular bone articulating with the middle phalanx were labelled with 35SO4. Hyaline cartilage from the distal metacarpus was used as a control tissue. Following radiolabel incorporation, the three cartilage types were treated with rh-IL-1, (100 U/mL) in the presence of hyaluronan (0.2, 2, 20, 200 and 2000 ,g/mL). rh-IL-1,-Induced PG release was measured by scintillation assay of PG-bound radiolabel. Increases in PG release of 94% (P < 0.01), 101% (P < 0.05) and 122% (P < 0.05), in response to rh-IL-1,, were noted in fibrocartilage, navicular hyaline cartilage and metacarpal hyaline cartilage, respectively. Hyaluronan (0.2 ,g/mL) significantly reduced rh-IL-1,-induced PG release in metacarpal hyaline cartilage (P < 0.01). In fibrocartilage and navicular hyaline cartilage, hyaluronan did not reduce PG release and at some concentrations appeared to increase PG release, although this was not statistically significant. These experiments show that (i) fibrocartilage and hyaline cartilage of the navicular bone release PGs in response to rh-IL-1,, and (ii) hyaluronan does not prevent rh-IL-1,-induced breakdown of navicular bone cartilage. [source] Quantitative analysis of spatial proteoglycan content in articular cartilage with Fourier transform infrared imaging spectroscopy: Critical evaluation of analysis methods and specificity of the parametersMICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE, Issue 5 2010L. Rieppo Abstract Objective: To evaluate the specificity of the current Fourier transform infrared imaging spectroscopy (FT-IRIS) methods for the determination of depthwise proteoglycan (PG) content in articular cartilage (AC). In addition, curve fitting was applied to study whether the specificity of FT-IRIS parameters for PG determination could be improved. Methods: Two sample groups from the steer AC were prepared for the study (n = 8 samples/group). In the first group, chondroitinase ABC enzyme was used to degrade the PGs from the superficial cartilage, while the samples in the second group served as the controls. Samples were examined with FT-IRIS and analyzed using previously reported direct absorption spectrum techniques and multivariate methods and, in comparison, by curve fitting. Safranin O-stained sections were measured with digital densitometry to obtain a reference for depthwise PG distribution. Results: Carbohydrate region-based absorption spectrum methods showed a statistically weaker correlation with the PG reference distributions than the results of the curve fitting (subpeak located approximately at 1,060 cm,1). Furthermore, the shape of the depthwise profiles obtained using the curve fitting was more similar to the reference profiles than with the direct absorption spectrum analysis. Conclusions: Results suggest that the current FT-IRIS methods for PG analysis lack the specificity for quantitative measurement of PGs in AC. The curve fitting approach demonstrated that it is possible to improve the specificity of the PG analysis. However, the findings of the present study suggest that further development of the FT-IRIS analysis techniques is still needed. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Alteration of urothelial-mediated tone in the ischemic bladder: Role of eicosanoids,NEUROUROLOGY AND URODYNAMICS, Issue 3 2004Kazem M. Azadzoi Abstract Aims Previously we showed that ischemia alters bladder smooth muscle contractility in the rabbit. This study investigates the role of urothelium and eicosanoid-release in ischemic bladder smooth muscle instability. Materials and Methods Male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into treated (n,=,12) and age-matched control (n,=,10) groups. The treated group underwent balloon endothelial injury of the iliac arteries, and then received 4 weeks of cholesterol diet, followed by 4 weeks of regular diet. The control group received a regular diet for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, blood flow for both the iliac arteries and the bladder as well as bladder oxygen tension were recorded. In one-half of each ischemic and control bladder, the urothelium was removed. Bladder tissues were processed for organ bath and enzyme-immunoassay (EIA) of prostaglandins (PGs) and leukotrienes (LTs). Results A significant decrease in iliac arterial blood flow, bladder wall blood flow, and bladder oxygen tension was found in the treated group. Bladder ischemia increased the frequency and amplitude of baseline spontaneous smooth muscle contractility. Ischemic tissues with urothelium (Uro+) demonstrated significant increases in the contractile response to electrical field stimulation (EFS) and carbachol relative to control Uro+ tissues. Urothelial removal increased smooth muscle contraction in the control tissues but had no significant effect in the ischemic/hypoxic tissues. Contraction of control tissues without urothelium (Uro,) was similar to contraction of ischemic Uro+ tissues. Contractions of ischemic Uro+ and control Uro, tissues were unchanged after treatment with the cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor indomethacin, while they were significantly reduced by the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitor NDGA. EIA showed no change in PGs release from the ischemic urothelium, but significant increase in PGF2-, and thromboxane A2 release from the ischemic suburothelial tissue. Ischemia increased the release of LTB4, LTC4, and LTE4 from both urothelium and suburothelial tissue. Conclusions Our studies suggest loss of urothelial-mediated tone and LTs-mediated smooth muscle instability in the chronically ischemic/hypoxic bladder. Neurourol. Urodynam. 23:258,264, 2004. Published 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The Role of the Endometrium in Endocrine Regulation of the Animal Oestrous CycleREPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 1 2008T Krzymowski Contents A critical analysis of the results of research in the function of the endometrium was carried out and a view point presented. The role of the endometrium in endocrine regulation of the oestrus cycle can be summarized as follows: 1. The transfer of prostaglandin F2, (PGF2,) from the uterus to an ovary, which causes luteolysis, occurs mainly via the lymphatic pathways. 2. The system of retrograde transfer of PGs enables PGF2, and PGE2 to reach the myometrium and endometrium with arterial blood at high concentration. In the luteal phase, PGF2,, together with the increasing concentration of progesterone, constricts the arterial vessels of the uterus; in the follicular phase and in early pregnancy, PGE2 together with oestrogen and embryonic signals, relaxes the arterial vessels. In addition, this system protects the corpus luteum from premature luteolysis during the cycle and luteolysis during early pregnancy. 3. In days 10,12 of the cycle, the blood flow in the uterus decreases by 60,70% in pigs and around 90% in sheep. This causes ischaemia and local hypoxia confirmed by the presence of hypoxia inducible factor and thus remodelling of the endometrium commences. 4. The pulsatile elevations in PGF2, concentration occurring in the blood flowing out of the uterus during the period of luteolysis and the next few days, do not result from increased PGF2, synthesis as suggested in numerous studies. They are the effect of excretion of PGF2, and its metabolites together with lymph and venous blood and tissue fluids in which prostaglandin accumulates. [source] Expression of Cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 in the Porcine Endometrium during the Oestrous Cycle and Early PregnancyREPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 3 2006A Blitek Contents Cyclooxygenase (COX) is the rate-limiting enzyme that catalyses the initial step in prostaglandins (PGs) production. In the present studies, endometrial COX-1 and COX-2 expression throughout the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy was analysed in pigs using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot and immunohistochemistry. There were no changes in messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression for COX-1 in cyclic pigs. In pregnant animals, mRNA levels of this enzyme increased on days 22,25 (p < 0.001). However, no upregulation of COX-1 protein was detected. Quantification of COX-2 mRNA expression during the oestrous cycle revealed significant increases on days 10,12 and 14 (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01 vs days 2,4, respectively). Protein levels were also increased on day 14 when compared with days 2,12 and 18,20 after oestrus. In pregnant animals, the patterns of both COX-2 mRNA and protein expression were similar. Messenger RNA levels were higher on days 16 and 22,25 (p < 0.01 vs day 10). Moreover, the protein content tended to increase on days 16 and 22,25. COX-1 and COX-2 were localized in the luminal and glandular epithelium as well as in the uterine stroma. In contrast to COX-1, a positive immunostaining reaction for COX-2 was detected only on days 12,16 after ovulation and on days 14,16 of pregnancy. In conclusion, these results indicate specific patterns of COX-1 and COX-2 expression in the porcine endometrium throughout the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy. COX-2 rather than COX-1 seems to be the primary enzyme responsible for modulated PGs production at the time of luteolysis in cyclic and during implantation in pregnant animals. [source] Striated Perineal Muscles: Location of Autonomic, Sensory, and Somatic Neurons Projecting to the Male Pig Bulbospongiosus MuscleTHE ANATOMICAL RECORD : ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 11 2009Maddalena Botti Abstract The location, number, and size of the neurons innervating the bulbospongiosus muscle (BSM) were studied in male pigs, by means of Fast Blue (FB) retrograde transport. After injection of FB into the left BSM, labeled neurons were found bilaterally in the L2-S4 sympathetic trunk ganglia (STGs), in the caudal mesenteric ganglia (CMGs), in the microganglia of the pelvic plexus (PGs), in a dorsolateral area with respect to the central canal of S1-S3 segments of the spinal cord (SC) and in the S1-S4 ipsilateral and S2-S3 contralateral spinal ganglia (SGs). The mean number of labeled FB cells was 3,122 ± 1,968 in STGs, 979 ± 667 in CMGs, 108 ± 104 in PGs, 89 ± 39 in SC and 77 ± 23 in SGs. The area of the multipolar neurons was 852 ± 22 ,m2 in the STGs, 878 ± 23 ,m2 in the CMGs and 922 ± 31 ,m2 in the PGs. The multipolar SC neurons had an area of 1,057 ± 38 ,m2, while pseudounipolar SG cells had dimensions of 2,281 ± 129 ,m2. Our research enables us to highlight two peculiarities regarding the innervation of the boar BSM: the very high number of labeled autonomic neurons and the particular localization of the motor somatic nucleus. Anat Rec, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Airway proteoglycans are differentially altered in fatal asthmaTHE JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2005Marcus de Medeiros Matsushita Abstract It has been suggested that airway remodelling is responsible for the persistent airway obstruction and decline in lung function observed in some asthmatic patients. The small airways are thought to contribute significantly to this functional impairment. Proteoglycans (PGs) are important components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the lungs. Besides controlling biophysical properties of the ECM, they play important roles in the regulation of some cytokines. Increased subepithelial PG deposition in the airways of mild asthmatics has been reported. However, there are no data on the PG content in small airways in asthma. This study has compared the content and distribution of PGs in large and small airways of patients who died of asthma with those in control lungs. Immunohistochemistry and image analysis were used to determine the content of lumican, decorin, biglycan, and versican in large (internal perimeter >6 mm) and small (internal perimeter ,6 mm) airways of 18 patients who had died of asthma (A) and ten controls (C). The results were expressed as PG area (µm2)/epithelial basement membrane length (µm). The main differences between asthmatics and controls were observed in the small airways. There was a significant decrease in decorin and lumican contents in the external area of small airways in asthmatics (decorin: A = 1.05 ± 0.27 µm, C = 3.97 ± 1.17 µm, p = 0.042; lumican: A = 1.97 ± 0.37 µm, C = 5.66 ± 0.99 µm, p = 0.002). A significant increase in versican content in the internal area of small and large airways in asthmatics was also observed (small: A = 7.48 ± 0.84 µm, C = 5.16 ± 0.61 µm, p = 0.045; large: A = 18.38 ± 1.94 µm, C = 11.90 ± 2.86 µm, p = 0.028). The results show that PGs are differentially expressed in the airways of fatal asthma and may contribute to airway remodelling. These data reinforce the importance of the small airways in airway remodelling in asthma. Copyright © 2005 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||