Isolation and in vitro culture of trypanosomes from Leptodactylus ocellatus from the Atlantic Forest in a new experimental culture medium

The purpose of this study was to verify the in vitro development of Trypanosoma sp. isolated from Leptodactylus ocellatus frogs under a new protocol using a biphasic medium composed of Novy, McNeal, and Nicolle (NNN) blood agar medium as a solid phase and liver infusion, brain heart infusion, and tryptose (LIBHIT) medium as a liquid phase. Blood forms, collected by cardiac puncture or after the maceration of different organs, were inoculated in culture tubes containing the biphasic medium composed by NNN and LIBHIT. Trypanosomes were observed 4 days postinoculation; most bloodstream trypomastigotes had differentiated into epimastigotes and amastigotes by this time. Trypomastigotes were again observed in older cultures (7 days). Parasites were successfully subcultured for 8 mo in this medium and successfully cryopreserved. The present study provides a new protocol medium for the isolation and culture of anuran trypanosomes.

High-resolution comprehensive radiation hybrid maps of the porcine chromosomes 2p and 9p compared with the human chromosome 11

We are constructing high-resolution, chromosomal 'test' maps for the entire pig genome using a 12,000-rad WG-RH panel (IMNpRH2(12,000-rad))to provide a scaffold for the rapid assembly of the porcine genome sequence. Here we present an initial, comparative map of human chromosome (HSA) 11 with pig chromosomes (SSC) 2p and 9p. Two sets of RH mapping vectors were used to construct the RH framework (FW) maps for SSC2p and SSC9p. One set of 590 markers, including 131 microsatellites (MSs), 364 genes/ESTs, and 95 BAC end sequences (BESs) was typed on the IMNpRH2(12,000-rad) panel. A second set of 271 markers (28 MSs, 138 genes/ESTs, and 105 BESs) was typed on the IMpRH(7,000-rad) panel. The two data sets were merged into a single data-set of 655 markers of which 206 markers were typed on both panels. Two large linkage groups of 72 and 194 markers were assigned to SSC2p, and two linkage groups of 84 and 168 markers to SSC9p at a two-point LOD score of 10. A total of 126 and 114 FW markers were ordered with a likelihood ratio of 1000:1 to the SSC2p and SSC9p RH(12,000-rad) FW maps, respectively, with an accumulated map distance of 4046.5 cR(12,000 )and 1355.2 cR(7,000 )for SSC2p, and 4244.1 cR(12,000) and 1802.5 cR(7,000) for SSC9p. The kb/cR ratio in the IMNpRH2(12,000-rad) FW maps was 15.8 for SSC2p, and 15.4 for SSC9p, while the ratio in the IMpRH(7,000-rad) FW maps was 47.1 and 36.3, respectively, or an approximately 3.0-fold increase in map resolution in the IMNpRH(12,000-rad) panel over the IMpRH(7,000-rad) panel. The integrated IMNpRH(12,000-rad) andIMpRH(7,000-rad) maps as well as the genetic and BAC FPC maps provide an inclusive comparative map between SSC2p, SSC9p and HSA11 to close potential gaps between contigs prior to sequencing, and to identify regions where potential problems may arise in sequence assembly.

Effects of an individually ventilated cage system on the airway integrity of rats (Rattus norvegicus) in a laboratory in Brazil

The ventilation method used in the management of laboratory rats is important in maintaining their health. Rats kept under general diluting ventilation (GDV) are exposed to high levels of pollutants present in the environment (dust, airborne bacteria, etc.) or those pollutants produced by animal metabolism and excretion inside the boxes (e.g. ammonia and carbon dioxide). These pollutants may contribute to respiratory pathologies. An alternative experimental ventilation system for laboratory animal housing using intracage ventilation technology (individually ventilated cage system, IVC) was developed. In this system, ammonia levels decreased and rats exhibited better reproductive performance and a lower incidence of pneumonia than rats maintained under GDV. Using two different levels of air speed (0.03-0.26 m/s: IVC(1); 0.27-0.80 m/s: IVC(2)), the effects of IVC were compared with GDV (control) in Wistar rats in terms of respiratory mucus properties, on the nasal epithelium (as measured by quantitative morphometry) and on the lungs (as determined by the cellular composition obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage). Mucus of the respiratory system was evaluated using the following techniques: rheology (viscoelasticity) by microrheometer, in vitro mucociliary transportability (frog palate) and contact angle (an indicator of adhesivity). Also, membrane transepithelial potential difference was measured as a biomarker of airway integrity. After bedding was changed, ammonia concentrations inside the cages on day 3 were significantly higher for GDV than for IVC(1) and IVC(2). The potential-difference values for IVC(1), IVC(2) and GDV in the epiglottis and in the trachea also showed differences. Although some significant differences were observed across the three groups in counts of some cell types, the intragroup results were highly variable among individuals and inconsistent between sexes. No significant differences in the other parameters were found across groups. These results establish that rats maintained under GDV in relatively unregulated conditions are exposed to factors that can lead to deleterious effects on the ciliated epithelium of the airways, and that these effects can be prevented by the use of IVC.

Characterisation of two mutations in the ABCD1 gene leading to low levels of normal ALDP

A variety of mutations have been identified in the X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) gene, none of which is prevalent. In this work we describe a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based strategy specially suited to the molecular characterisation of mutations in index cases. After RT-PCR amplification of the X-ALD transcript a conformation-sensitive gel electrophoresis analysis is performed followed by sequencing of the fragments with altered mobility. Two X-ALD patients were studied using this strategy. In both cases, splice site mutations were found. The first patient studied has a single base substitution at the first position of the invariant GT dinucleotide donor splice site of intron 8. In spite of this alteration, small quantities of correctly spliced mRNA molecules were easily detected. In agreement with these data, a small amount of ALDP was found by western blotting analysis. An alteration at the -1 position of the donor splice site of exon 1 was detected in the second patient. This mutation results in the utilisation of a cryptic 5' splice site within intron 1. Nevertheless, this transition also allows for some correct splicing. Western blotting analysis revealed the existence of normal-migrating ALDP. However, as expected, the levels of this protein were greatly decreased. Taken together, our data suggest that some less severe or late-onset forms of X-ALD associated with splice mutations result from the production of small amounts of normal ALDP. It is proposed that the quantification of ALDP levels in these patients could provide important insights concerning the correlation between clinical phenotype and amount of normal ALDP.

Fibrous capsule formation in response to ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene treated with peptides that influence adhesion

A wide variety of hard tissue substitute materials for reconstruction have been designed for use in dental and orthopaedic procedures. Most of the literature provides information on the osteocompatibility of these materials, and not on soft tissue compatibility. The bone bonding strength of the materials is relatively high, but there seems to be a lack of bonding properties with soft tissue which results in the formation of fibrous encapsulation. This lack of soft tissue bonding can lead to implant failure. Therefore in order to study how artificial materials may remain in the body for long periods of time and remain functional, it is vital to understand the fibrous tissue encapsulation process. Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene coated with RGD, RGE, Poly-L-Lysine, or saline was implanted into Sprague Dawley rats either intraperitoneally or subcutaneously for 12 weeks. Aseptic surgical techniques were followed according to standard laboratory procedures. Blood was collected weekly for the first 8 weeks and at 12 weeks, and analyzed for lactate dehydrogenase activity to assess muscle wasting and compatibility. Lactate dehydrogenase activity was elevated at weeks one and two for groups implanted with materials, in comparison to control unoperated animals. From weeks 3-12, the LDH activity was similar in all groups indicating that there was no adverse response to the implanted material. The implants were harvested at the end of 12 weeks, and the fibrous capsule was screened histologically to determine thickness and cell types at the interface. The results clearly showed that the implants that were placed subcutaneously had a less extensive fibrous and vascular tissue formation, than those implanted intraperitoneally. The results also indicated that the location of the implant intraperitoneally, determined the extent of the fibrous tissue formation. The implanted materials coated with RGD and Poly-L-Lysine had thicker fibrous capsule formation than RGE coated implanted at both the subcutaneous and intraperitoneal sites. The results also suggest that the implant-interface contained fewer inflammatory cells when the implants were placed subcutaneously. The overall results indicate that more than surface charge or coating govern the formation of fibrous tissue in vivo.

Muscular herniation of the lower extremities

Fascial defects are encountered infrequently by physicians who manage disorders of the lower extremities. The correct diagnosis of this condition is important, because the treatment is forthright and will bring the patient relief from symptoms. This article reviews the literature and attempts to aid the clinician in understanding this condition and its treatment. Two illustrative cases are presented.

Differential distribution of elastic system fibers in control and bronchoconstricted intraparenchymatous airways in the guinea-pig lung

The elastic system fibers were studied at the light microscopic level by using Weigert's resorcin-fuchsin method after oxidation. This study was designed to describe the distribution of these fibers in intrapulmonary guinea-pig airways and to characterize their conformational changes during bronchoconstriction induced by methacholine aerosol. Airways present a palisade of elastic system fibers just beneath the epithelial basement membrane; these fibers are also present in the adventitial connective tissue. Thin fibers link the fibers located in the palisade among themselves and also connect them to those fibers located in the bronchial adventitial tissue, by traversing the airway smooth muscle. During bronchoconstriction, the fibers located beneath the epithelial basement membrane are divided into two components: one follows the epithelial invaginations towards airway lumen, while the other population remains attached through airway smooth muscle to the fibers located in the adventitial connective tissue. At the ultrastructural level, the findings corroborated those of the light microscopy and in addition, disclosed that typical mature elastic fibers and also elaunin fibers attach directly to the basal lamina, a feature that has not been reported previously in other tissues studied. This configuration is compatible with the idea that fibers of the elastic system restrict the mucosal folding during bronchoconstriction, and may also provide energy to restore airway configuration to its normal status after contraction.

Organization of collagen and elastic fibers studied in stretch preparations of whole mounts of human visceral pleura

Fibers of the collagenous and elastic systems are most relevant in the double mechanical action of visceral pleura (VP), i.e. volume limitation and the generation of elastic recoil pressure. In this work we studied the organization of these fibrous components of VP in two situations: normal lungs and bullous disease. We employed histochemical methods on conventional histological slides and on thin spreads of whole mounts of visceral pleura. In addition, the scanning electron microscope was also used. According to our results, pleural function is made possible by the combination of both the elastic and collagenous fiber systems, each one having as intrinsic organizational pattern. Marked alterations of pleural bullous structure are observed with changes in lung volume. Fibers of the elastic and collagenous systems are clearly interdependent elements. Collagenous fibers are interwoven in a plaited structure that closely resembles the osiers of a wicker basket, indicating that collagen fibers allow for lung volume increase up to a point of maximal stretching of the system. The pleural contribution to lung elastic recoil pressure originates from the elastic network which turns back to its resting position when inspiratory pressures are negligible. The pleural immobility in bullous disease is associated with an almost complete absence of elastic fibers and the presence of very thick collagen fibers, suggestive of a cicatricial process, devoid of any characteristic pattern of distribution.

Urban air pollution enhances the formation of urethane-induced lung tumors in mice

This paper investigates the association between air pollution and lung neoplasia in an animal model. The experimental exposures were done in two locations with different air pollution profiles: a polluted area (downtown São Paulo) and a "clean" environment (Atibaia). Swiss mice were employed and urethane (3 g/kg) was used as carcinogenic substance. Two experiments were performed: Experiment I was designed to verify whether air pollution acts as initiator and/or promoter of lung cancer, using 300 mice; Experiment II employed 250 animals and aimed to verify if the effects of air pollution on the development of lung tumors was dose dependent. A significant effect of air pollution in augmenting lung carcinogenecity induced by urethane was observed. This effect was shown to be dose-dependent and reproducible on two different occasions. In addition, morphometric studies revealed that pollution may influence tumor phenotype. These results support the hypothesis that air pollution plays a significant role in the development of lung tumors.

The role of the collagenous and elastic system fibers in modulating bronchoconstriction

The distribution and conformational changes of the fibers of the collagenous and elastic systems in guinea pig airways after a contractile agonist challenge are described. We observed a distinct pattern of behavior within the mucosal fibers during bronchoconstriction. Part of the fibers of the two systems tend to follow the epithelial invaginations towards the airway lumen, while the remaining ones seem to be attached to the internal smooth muscle. These layers of fibers in the mucosa are interconnected to one another and to the adventitial network by slender fibers. We suggest that the configuration and behavior of these fibers during bronchoconstriction may contribute to airway reopening after the contractile stimulus has ceased. The possible role of this mechanism in the pathophysiology of human asthma is discussed.

Prenatal diagnosis of GM2-gangliosidosis B1 variant

Prenatal diagnosis in a pregnancy at risk for a juvenile B1 variant of GM2-gangliosidosis was carried out. The biochemical study of the cultured amniocytes and the affected fetal brain is reported. The results obtained show that the sulphated artificial substrate can be used in the diagnosis of B1 variant, but not the neutral one. The accumulation of GM2-ganglioside in the fetal brain of the B1 juvenile form and an infantile form of GM2-gangliosidosis (0 variant) was compared.

Quantitative pathology of nasal passages in rats exposed to urban levels of air pollution

In order to assess the adverse effects of urban levels of air pollution, rats were used as biological indicators in a chronic exposure experiment. Animals were housed for 6 months in the center of São Paulo (the largest South American town) and compared to controls kept for the same period in a clean area. Pollution levels were obtained from a state air pollution monitoring station, 200 m distant from exposure location, which provided the levels of CO, SO2, particulates, and ozone. The nasal septum was submitted to quantitative analysis of morphological and histochemical parameters, comprising the measurement of volume of epithelium and lamina propria per unity of surface of basal lamina, the amount of mucus stored in the surface epithelium, the volume densities of neutral and acidic mucus in the lamina propria glands, and the densities of secretory and ciliated cells in the epithelium. The results obtained in the present investigation suggest that chronic exposure to urban levels of air pollution induces secretory hypertrophy, combined with a shift toward acidic mucus secretion and ciliary damage. The results are consistent with the idea that prolonged exposure to low levels of air pollution deteriorates respiratory defenses against infectious agents and may cause an increase in respiratory morbidity and perhaps mortality.

[Cellularity of distal pulmonary parenchyma in rats by the bronchoalveolar lavage method in acute pancreatitis]

The induction of pancreatitis by injecting the taurocholate acid 2.5% solution into the rat's hepatic duct. Ten rats formed the normal control group, nine rats the two hours pancreatitis group and eight rats the eight hours pancreatitis group. The comparison of the groups has shown a significant increase in the numbers of macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes in the broncho-alveolar lavage of pancreatitis group (p < 0.05) indicating an acute inflammatory pneumopathy.

Clinical evaluation of flexor tendon function in the small finger

Patients frequently present to the emergency department with hand injuries. Standard examination includes testing each digit for flexor function. The flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) to the small finger has been shown to have variable anatomy and clinical examination. We prospectively examined 100 subjects (200 hands) for small finger FDS function by standard and modified testing. We found that 70 small flexors (35%) showed absent FDS by standard testing, whereas only eight fingers (4%) had absent FDS by modified testing. FDS function to the small finger is frequently unilateral. We conclude that modified testing is the only way to accurately test for small finger FDS function and that the use of this simple clinical examination may prevent unnecessary referral to a hand surgeon.

Regeneration of enzymatic activity after sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and zinc acetate staining: the example of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 5-phosphatase

Regeneration of enzyme activity after sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis was investigated with a purified inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 5-phosphatase. In order to avoid silver or Coomassie blue staining, we have used zinc acetate. This staining procedure was sensitive, rapid, and reversible provided that zinc cations are chelated and activity is extracted after diffusion out of the gel. The method allows some gel lane staining and identification of the enzyme based on catalytic activity.

Rat brain inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase. Ca2(+)-sensitivity, purification and antibody production

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) 3-kinase catalyses the ATP-dependent phosphorylation of InsP3 to inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (InsP4). InsP3 3-kinase was purified from rat brain by Blue-Sepharose, phosphocellulose and calmodulin (CaM)-Sepharose affinity chromatography. The purified enzyme was stimulated by Ca2+/CaM by 3-6-fold as compared with the activity measured in the presence of EGTA. Rat brain InsP3 3-kinase activity was associated with two silver-stained bands of about equal activity which migrated with an apparent Mr of 50,000 on SDS/polyacrylamide gels. InsP3 3-kinase activity from rat brain could be immunoprecipitated by an antiserum against the SDS/PAGE-purified 50,000-Mr protein doublet. InsP3 kinase activity from bovine brain and the InsP3 5-phosphatase activity from rat brain were not immunoprecipitated. On Western blot, the human brain crude InsP3 3-kinase reacted specifically, but less strongly than the rat brain enzyme, with the antiserum.

Identification of the bovine brain Ins(1,4,5)P3 5-phosphatase after SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

Ins(1,4,5)P3 5-phosphatase catalyzes the dephosphorylation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 in the 5-position. In a high speed soluble fraction of bovine brain, there are two soluble 5-phosphatases: type I and type II. The purified Ins(1,4,5)P3 5-phosphatase type I exhibits a major silver-stained band of 43 kDa on denaturing (SDS) gels. It is possible to extract the 5-phosphatase activity form a duplicate lane after gel electrophoresis. The 43 kDa region contains the extractable Ins(1,4,5)P3 5-phosphatase activity.

Soluble and particulate Ins(1,4,5)P3/Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 5-phosphatase in bovine brain

Ins(1,4,5)P3 5-phosphatase catalyses the dephosphorylation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 in the 5 position. At 1 microM Ins(1,4,5)P3, 10-15% of total activity of a bovine brain homogenate was measured in the soluble fraction, whereas 85-90% was in the particulate fraction. Particulate activity could be solubilized by cholate or, to a lower extent, by 2 M KCl. Two soluble enzymes (type I and type II) could be fractionated by DEAE-Sephacel chromatography. Soluble activities have been further purified by blue-Sepharose, Sephacryl S-200 and phosphocellulose chromatography. Specific activities reached 10-30 mumol.min-1 mg protein-1 for type I and were 10-20 times lower for type II. Type I and type II Ins(1,4,5)P3 5-phosphatase displayed different Km values and molecular masses, as estimated by gel filtration. Type I dephosphorylated both Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4; in contrast, type II specifically dephosphorylated Ins(1,4,5)P3 but not Ins(1,3,4,5)P4. Type I Ins(1,4,5)P3 5-phosphatase eluted as a single peak of activity with an apparent molecular mass of 51 kDa when gel filtration was performed in the presence of cholate. This molecular mass is identical to the molecular mass estimated for the particulate Ins(1,4,5)P3 5-phosphatase that was solubilized by cholate. Km values for Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 obtained with type I Ins(1,4,5)P3 5-phosphatase were 11 microM and 1 microM, respectively. Similar values were obtained with particulate Ins(1,4,5)P3 5-phosphatase. In conclusion, the catalytic domains of type I and particulate Ins(1,4,5)P3 5-phosphatase activity may be very similar, if not identical, but different from type II phosphatase.

Sodium taurocholate effect on beta-glucosidase activity: a new approach for identification of Gaucher disease using the synthetic substrate and leucocytes

In this work we have studied the leucocytes and sera of 3 Gaucher patients, 4 obligate heterozygotes, 11 brothers and sisters of patients and 11 controls. Beta-glucosidase activity with 4-M-U-beta-glucopyranoside has been assayed at different pH's, in the presence of pure sodium taurocholate. At pH 4.5 and 5.0 sodium taurocholate activates the beta-glucosidase of control leucocytes, but inhibits the residual enzyme present in Gaucher leucocytes. The ratio of beta-glucosidase activity in the presence and absence of this effector seems to be a good approach to the diagnosis of Gaucher disease and it has proved indispensible in one patient's diagnosis. The apparent Km of beta-glucosidase determined for the same substrate, at pH 4.5 and 5.5 in the presence of sodium taurocholate showed markedly lower values in the patients than in the controls. An increased serum acid phosphatase activity, previously described as a secondary alteration in Gaucher disease, has also been studied and seems to be a useful complementary test, particularly when its age dependence is taken into account.

Age dependency of serum acid phosphatase in controls and Gaucher patients

Serum acid phosphatase activity has been used as a complementary test for the diagnosis of Gaucher's disease. This study suggests that phosphatase activity is age dependent. The use of controls in the patients' age is strongly recommended.

[Gallbladder calculi: cholesterol concentration and its radiologic correlates]

Cholesterol concentration in the gallstones of 84 patients obtained by surgery is studied and radiologic correlation of the stones (lucency and opaqueness) is established with relation to cholesterol concentration. We conclude that 70% of gallstones in our population, contain greater than or equal to 80% of cholesterol and the radiographic appearance of stones in functioning gallbladder is a good method to predict cholesterol content in gallstones.