Determinants of influenza vaccination uptake among hospital healthcare workers

Influenza vaccination of health care workers is recommended for their own protection and that of their patients. There is serendipitous protection for their contacts outside of work. Influenza vaccination uptake has been historically poor. A questionnaire study of healthcare staff at a tertiary referral hospital was carried out to evaluate knowledge of and attitudes to influenza and its vaccine. There was a 36% response rate to the questionnaire, but with reasonably proportionate representation of the various occupational groups. The mean acceptance of vaccine in respondents was 30%; however the vaccination rate for the hospital in 2003 was 16.2% indicating that non-vaccinees were under represented in the study sample.. Vaccine uptake increased with age. Occupationally, doctors, clerical and catering/household staff had higher than mean reported uptake of vaccine. Nurse respondents reported vaccine uptake of 22%. The role of these factors is examined in determining vaccine acceptance. A strong belief in the effectiveness of influenza vaccine was shown to be the strongest predictor of vaccine uptake with 66% of this group taking vaccine. A maximum score in an 8-question knowledge test was only associated with a 51% vaccine uptake. Implications for campaigns to improve uptake are discussed.

Proximal renal tubular acidosis

The proximal tubule reabsorbs approximately 80% of the filtered load of bicarbonate. Defects in the process of bicarbonate reabsorption result in loss of bicarbonate and proximal renal tubular acidosis. Global proximal tubule dysfunction is known as the Fanconi's syndrome. Both isolated proximal renal tubular acidosis and the Fanconi's syndrome can result from inherited defects or can be acquired. This review will discuss the mechanisms that cause defects in proximal tubule bicarbonate transport as well as the common causes of isolated proximal renal tubular acidosis and the Fanconi syndrome.

Botulinum Toxins Inhibit the Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)-Stimulated Increase in Rabbit Cortical Collecting-Tubule Water Permeability

The mammalian renal collecting duct increases its water permeability in response to antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH causes cytoplasmic endosomes containing the water channel, aquaporin 2 (AQP 2), to fuse with the apical membrane so that the water permeability of the tubule increases many times above baseline. SNARE proteins are involved in the docking and fusion of vesicles with the cell membrane in neuron synapses. Whether these proteins are involved in the fusion of vesicles to the cell membrane in other tissues is not entirely clear. In the present study, we examined the role of SNARE proteins in the insertion of water channels in the collecting-duct response to ADH by using botulinum toxins A, B and C. Toxins isolated from clostridium botulinum are specific proteases that cleave different SNARE proteins and inactivate them. Tubules were perfused in vitro with botulinum toxin in the perfusate (50 nM for A and B and 15 nM for C). ADH (200 pM) was then added to the bath after baseline measurements of osmotic water permeability (P(f)) and the change in P(f) was followed for one hour. Botulinum toxins significantly inhibited the maximum P(f) by approximately 50%. Botulinum toxins A and C also decreased the rate of rise of P(f). Thus, SNARE proteins are involved in the insertion of the water channels in the collecting duct.

The sharing health care initiative: Issues in design of the evaluation of a national program of demonstration projects for self-management of chronic conditions

This paper aims to consider the key issues in defining and measuring elements for evaluation of the national program of the Sharing Health Care Initiative (SHCI), and to describe the design of the national evaluation framework. Key parts of the chronic disease self-management literature and the evaluation literature were reviewed. The implications of the literature for design of the national evaluation are outlined. Three key issues needed to be addressed in the national evaluation of the SHCI - a program of diverse demonstration projects funded to develop generic self-management approaches. First, a guiding principle of the national evaluation was identification of common project features for analysis against some standard impact and outcome measures, to allow aggregated and comparative analysis. Second, strong emphasis on process evaluation was critical in order to allow analysis of which elements were successful and which were not. Third, the national evaluation was focused more broadly than efficacy at the program participant level; it also covered factors that are likely to contribute to development of self-management programs in the Australian context. The focus of the national evaluation of the SHCI was clearly defined in line with its national role, and reflecting its focus on providing information for future policy options to most effectively develop chronic condition self-management approaches in Australia. Comprehensive evaluation of a range of factors beyond efficacy at the individual client level is needed to assist in understanding the potential effectiveness of population-based implementation of interventions with well-demonstrated efficacy.

Diffusional water permeability (PDW) of adult and neonatal rabbit renal brush border membrane vesicles

We have shown that there is a maturational increase in osmotic water permeability (Pf) of rabbit renal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV). The purpose of the present study was to further investigate the changes in proximal tubule water transport that occur during postnatal development. Diffusional water permeability (PDW) has not been measured directly in adult or neonatal BBMV. We validated the method described by Ye and Verkman (Simultaneous optical measurement of osmotic and diffusional water permeability in cells and liposomes. Biochemistry 28:824-829, 1989) to measure PDW in red cell ghosts and liposomes, to examine the maturational changes in PDW in BBMV. This method utilizes the sensitivity of 8-aminonaphtalene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid (ANTS) fluorescence to the D2O-H2O content of the solvent. ANTS-loaded neonatal (11 days old) and adult BBMV were rapidly mixed with two volumes of isoosmotic D2O solution using a stopped-flow apparatus at 5 degrees -37 degrees C. PDW was lower in neonatal than adult BBMV at 5 degrees (3.77 +/- 0.34 vs. 5.35 +/- 0.43 mm/sec, respectively, p<0.05) and 20 degrees C (7.03 +/- 0.40 vs. 9.04 +/- 0.25 mm/sec, respectively, p<0.001), but was not different at 30 degrees and 37 degrees C. The activation energy (Ea) was higher in neonatal than in adult BBMV (9.29 +/- 0.56 kcal/mol vs. 6.46 +/- 0.56 kcal/mol, p<0.001). In adult BBMV, PDW was inhibited by 0.5 mM HgCl2 by 46.6 +/- 3.6%, while it was not affected in neonatal BBMV (p<0.001). The results indicate that PDW can be measured in rabbit renal BBMV. There are significant changes in water transport across the apical membrane during postnatal development, consistent with a maturational increase in channel-mediated water transport.

Ontogeny of rabbit proximal tubule urea permeability

Urea transport in the proximal tubule is passive and is dependent on the epithelial permeability. The present study examined the maturation of urea permeability (P(urea)) in in vitro perfused proximal convoluted tubules (PCT) and basolateral membrane vesicles (BLMV) from rabbit renal cortex. Urea transport was lower in neonatal than adult PCT at both 37 and 25 degrees C. The PCT P(urea) was also lower in the neonates than the adults (37 degrees C: 45.4 +/- 10.8 vs. 88.5 +/- 15.2 x 10(-6) cm/s, P < 0.05; 25 degrees C: 28.5 +/- 6.9 vs. 55.3 +/- 10.4 x 10(-6) cm/s; P < 0.05). The activation energy for PCT P(urea) was not different between the neonatal and adult groups. BLMV P(urea) was determined by measuring vesicle shrinkage, due to efflux of urea, using a stop-flow instrument. Neonatal BLMV P(urea) was not different from adult BLMV P(urea) at 37 degrees C [1.14 +/- 0.05 x 10(-6) vs. 1.25 +/- 0.05 x 10(-6) cm/s; P = not significant (NS)] or 25 degrees C (0.94 +/- 0.06 vs. 1.05 +/- 0.10 x 10(-6) cm/s; P = NS). There was no effect of 250 microM phloretin, an inhibitor of the urea transporter, on P(urea) in either adult or neonatal BLMV. The activation energy for urea diffusion was also identical in the neonatal and adult BLMV. These findings in the BLMV are in contrast to the brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) where we have previously demonstrated that urea transport is lower in the neonate than the adult. Urea transport is lower in the neonatal proximal tubule than the adult. This is due to a lower rate of apical membrane urea transport, whereas basolateral urea transport is the same in neonates and adults. The lower P(urea) in neonatal proximal tubules may play a role in overall urea excretion and in developing and maintaining a high medullary urea concentration and thus in the ability to concentrate the urine during renal maturation.

Effect of dipyridamole on serum and urinary phosphate in X-linked hypophosphatemia

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is characterized clinically by rickets, hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphaturia. Conventional treatment of XLH with oral phosphate and vitamin D is associated with hypercalcuria and nephrocalcinosis. Recently, intravenous and oral dipyridamole has been reported to decrease fractional excretion of phosphate in adults with idiopathic hyperphosphaturia. Our objective was to determine whether oral dipyridamole therapy reduces urinary phosphate excretion and increases serum phosphate concentration in children with XLH. A prospective study was performed in six children with XLH. The average age of the patients at the start of the study was 12.5+/-1.0 years. The effects of 12 weeks of oral dipyridamole therapy, at 4.4+/-0.4 mg/kg body weight per day, on serum phosphorous, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D, osteocalcin, tubular maximum for phosphate reabsorption (TmP/GFR), urinary calcium excretion, and cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) excretion, were compared to baseline levels. Our results show that there was no change in serum phosphorous concentration or TmP/GFR after 12 weeks of dipyridamole therapy. Dipyridamole therapy also had no effect on serum PTH, serum 1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin levels, urinary calcium or cAMP excretion. We therefore concluded that in children with XLH, a 12-week course of dipyridamole had no effect on serum phosphorous or its urinary excretion. Dipyridamole therapy is unlikely to improve the bone disease in children with XLH.

Rapid removal of vancomycin by continuous veno-venous hemofiltration

We describe a 14-year-old girl with staphylococcal (coagulase-negative) ventriculo-peritoneal shunt infection, who developed oliguric acute renal failure and was found to have a serum vancomycin concentration of 250 microg/ml. Since only about 10%-50% of vancomycin is bound to protein in blood, we employed continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) with a high ultrafiltration rate (1,800 ml/h) for increased convective clearance to remove vancomycin, which may have contributed to the acute renal failure. At the end of 38 h of CVVH, the vancomycin concentration had decreased in an exponential manner to 27 microg/ml. Over the subsequent 3-4 days, her renal function improved and the vancomycin concentration decreased further to <5 microg/ml. In conclusion, we believe that a high serum vancomycin concentration may be nephrotoxic and demonstrate that CVVH can be used effectively to remove vancomycin in children with acute renal failure.

Effects of 20-HETE and 19(S)-HETE on rabbit proximal straight tubule volume transport

The kidney has the highest abundance of cytochrome P-450 of all extrahepatic organs. Within the kidney, the highest concentration of cytochrome P-450 is found in the proximal tubule. Whether 20- or 19(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), the major P-450 metabolites of arachidonic acid in the proximal tubule, affect transport in this segment has not been previously investigated. We examined the direct effects of 20- and 19(S)-HETE on volume absorption (J(v)) in the rabbit proximal straight tubule (PST). Production of 20-HETE by rabbit PST was demonstrated by incubating microdissected tubules with [(3)H]arachidonic acid and separating the lipid extract by HPLC. There was significant conversion of [(3)H]arachidonic acid to 20-HETE in control tubules that was inhibited by 10(-5) M N-methylsulfonyl-12,12-dibromododec-11-enamide (DDMS). Addition of exogenous 20-HETE had no effect on PST volume transport. However, inhibition of endogenous production of 20-HETE using DDMS stimulated transport. In the presence of DDMS, 20-HETE inhibited PST J(v). 19(S)-HETE in the bathing solution stimulated PST J(v) alone and in the presence of DDMS. Thus omega- and omega-1-hydroxylase products of arachidonic acid have direct effects on PST transport. Endogenous production of 20-HETE may play a role in tonic suppression of transport and may therefore be an endogenous regulator of transport in the proximal tubule.

Maturation of proximal straight tubule NaCl transport: role of thyroid hormone

We have recently demonstrated that the rates of both active and passive proximal straight tubule (PST) NaCl transport in neonatal rabbits were less than in adults. In this segment NaCl entry across the apical membrane is via parallel Na(+)/H(+) and Cl(-)/OH(-) exchangers, which increases in activity with maturation. The present in vitro microperfusion study examined whether thyroid hormone plays a role in the maturational increase in PST NaCl transport. Neonatal and adult PST were perfused with a high-chloride-low bicarbonate solution without organic solutes, simulating late proximal tubule fluid. Thyroid hormone-treated neonates had a higher rate of PST total and passive NaCl transport. In 8-wk-old animals that were hypothyroid since birth, the maturational increase in total and passive NaCl transport was prevented. Thyroid treatment for 4 days in hypothyroid 8-wk-old rabbits increased the rate of both total and passive NaCl transport. The maturational increases in both Na(+)/H(+) and Cl(-)/OH(-) exchange activities were blunted in 8-wk-old hypothyroid animals and increased to control levels with thyroid treatment. This study demonstrates that thyroid hormone is a factor responsible for the maturational increase in both active and passive PST NaCl transport.

Maturational changes in rabbit renal basolateral membrane vesicle osmotic water permeability

We have recently demonstrated that while the osmotic water permeability (Pf) of neonatal proximal tubules is higher than that of adult tubules, the Pf of brushborder membrane vesicles from neonatal rabbits is lower than that of adults. The present study examined developmental changes in the water transport characteristics of proximal tubule basolateral membranes by determining aquaporin 1 (AQP1) protein abundance and the Pf in neonatal (10-14 days old) and adult rabbit renal basolateral membrane vesicles (BLMV). At 25 degrees C the Pf of neonatal BLMV was significantly lower than the adult BLMV at osmotic gradients ranging from 40 to 160 mOsm/kg water. The activation energies for osmotic water movement were identical in the neonatal and adult BLMV (8.65 +/- 0.47 vs. 8.86 +/- 1.35 kcal x deg(-1) x mol(-1). Reflection coefficients for sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate were identical in both the neonatal and adult BLMV and were not different from one. Mercury chloride (0.5 mM) reduced osmotic water movement by 31.3 +/- 5.5% in the adult BLMV, but by only 4.0 +/- 4.0% in neonatal vesicles (P < 0.01). Adult BLMV AQP1 abundance was higher than that in the neonate. These data demonstrate that neonatal BLMV have a lower Pf and AQP1 protein abundance than adults and that a significantly greater fraction of water traverses the basolateral membrane lipid bilayer and not water channels in neonates compared to adults. The lower Pf of the neonatal BLMV indicates that the basolateral membrane is not responsible for the higher transepithelial Pf in the neonatal proximal tubule.

Food ads on TV: a health hazard for children?

OBJECTIVE

To examine the nutritional quality of food in television food advertisements that are targeted at children.

METHOD

We videotaped 42 hours of children's programs and analysed the food advertisements' content and nutrient composition using the New Zealand Food Composition Database.

RESULTS

Of 269 food advertisements, 63% were for foods 'high in fat and/or sugar'. Children who ate only the advertised foods would eat a diet too high in fat, saturated fat, protein, free sugars and sodium. Furthermore, their diets would have suboptimal levels of fibre and suboptimal intakes of a number of important micronutrients (depending on age), including magnesium, selenium and vitamin E. The food products advertised on this channel rarely included nutritious low-cost foods that are necessary for food security in low-income groups. There were also no food advertisements that included any of the healthy foods consumed by Maori and Pacific peoples.

CONCLUSIONS

Food advertisements targeted at children generally reflect the dietary pattern associated with an increased risk of obesity and dental caries in childhood; and cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancers in adulthood.

Neonatal and adult rabbit renal brush border membrane vesicle solute reflection coefficients

The interaction between solute and water in epithelial transport is represented by the solute reflection coefficient. Because the osmotic water transport process changes in the rabbit proximal tubule during maturation, there is a potential for the solute reflection coefficients to also undergo maturational changes. In the present study, we directly examined solute reflection coefficients in neonatal and adult brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) using the stop-flow light-scattering technique. Reflection coefficients for NaCl, KCl, NaHCO3 and urea were found to be identical in the neonatal and adult BBMV and were not different from 1. Thus, although the water transport pathway undergoes changes in the proximal tubule during maturation, there is no evidence for changes in solute and water interaction. Because the reflection coefficients are not different from 1, there is no evidence for solvent drag in the proximal tubule apical membrane in either the neonatal or adult tubule.

Neonatal rabbit proximal tubule basolateral membrane Na+/H+ antiporter and Cl-/base exchange

The present in vitro microperfusion study examined the maturation of Na+/H+ antiporter and Cl-/base exchanger on the basolateral membrane of rabbit superficial proximal straight tubules (PST). Intracellular pH (pHi) was measured with the pH-sensitive fluorescent dye 2', 7'-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein in neonatal and adult superficial PST. Na+/H+ antiporter activity was examined after basolateral Na+ addition in tubules initially perfused and bathed without Na+. Neonatal Na+/H+ antiporter activity was approximately 40% that of adult segment (9.7 +/- 1.5 vs. 23.7 +/- 3.2 pmol. mm-1. min-1; P < 0.001). The effect of bath Cl- removal on pHi was used to assess the rates of basolateral Cl-/base exchange. In both neonatal and adult PST, the Cl-/base exchange activity was significantly higher in the presence of 25 mM HCO-3 than in the absence of HCO-3 and was inhibited by cyanide and acetazolamide, consistent with Cl-/HCO-3 exchange. The proton flux rates in the presence of bicarbonate in neonatal and adult tubules were 14.1 +/- 3.6 and 19.5 +/- 3.5 pmol. mm-1min-1, respectively (P = NS), consistent with a mature rate of Cl-/HCO-3 exchanger activity in neonatal tubules. Basolateral Cl-/base exchange activity in the absence of CO2 and HCO-3, with luminal and bath cyanide and acetazolamide, was greater in adult than in neonatal PST and inhibited by bath DIDS consistent with a maturational increase in Cl-/OH- exchange. We have previously shown that the rates of the apical membrane Na+/H+ antiporter and Cl-/base exchanger were approximately fivefold lower in neonatal compared with adult rabbit superficial PST. These data demonstrate that neonatal PST basolateral membrane Na+/H+ antiporter and Cl-/base exchanger activities are relatively more mature than the Na+/H+ antiporter and Cl-/base exchangers on the apical membrane.

Acute renal failure due to obstruction in Burkitt lymphoma

Acute renal failure in Burkitt lymphoma is commonly the result of tumor lysis syndrome. We present a 15-year-old boy who developed hypertension, seizures, and acute renal failure due to extrinsic compression of the bladder and ureters by a large retrovesical Burkitt lymphoma. The causes of acute renal failure in Burkitt lymphoma and the incidence of acute urinary obstruction in this disease are reviewed.

Delayed methotrexate clearance in a patient with sickle cell anemia and osteosarcoma

A 15-year-old girl with homozygous sickle cell anemia (HbSS) and osteosarcoma is described. Delayed clearance of methotrexate (MTX) after the second course of high-dose MTX (HDMTX) led to the development of renal and hepatic toxicities. Rescue was accomplished with high-dose leucovorin, intravenous carboxypeptidase G2, and thymidine. Although the renal and hepatic abnormalities resolved, focal tonic-clonic seizures developed, accompanied by abnormal brain imaging. Four weeks after this episode, all clinical and biochemical abnormalities resolved. Preexistent end-organ damage associated with HbSS may compromise the ability to deliver high-dose chemotherapy with curative intent in patients with malignant disease.

Maturational changes in rabbit renal brush border membrane vesicle urea permeability

Urea transport in the proximal tubule is thought to occur by passive diffusion through the lipid bilayers of the cell membranes. The lipid composition of cell membranes changes during maturation and may directly affect urea permeability of proximal tubule membranes. The present study examined the maturation of urea transport in rabbit renal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV). BBMV from adult and neonatal (9- to 11-d-old) New Zealand white rabbits were loaded with 500 mM urea and mixed with an iso-osmotic mannitol solution using a stop-flow instrument. Vesicle shrinkage, due to efflux of urea, was followed with light scattering and urea permeability was calculated from an exponential fit of the data. Urea permeability was significantly lower in the neonatal BBMV than the adult at 25 degrees C (0.34+/-0.04 x 10(-6) versus 0.56+/-0.03 x 10(-6) cm/sec;p < 0.001, n=7) and 37 degrees C (0.45+/-0.04 x 10(-6) versus 0.66+/-0.03 x 10(-6) cm/sec; p=0.001, n=7). There was no effect of 250 microM phloretin on urea permeability in either adult or neonatal BBMV at either temperature. The activation energy for urea diffusion was higher in the neonatal than the adult BBMV. Because the maturational increase in urea permeability could potentially be due to a sodium-dependent urea transporter in the adult BBMV, the sodium dependence of urea uptake in adult BBMV was examined. There was no difference in urea permeability in the presence or absence of 20 mM NaCl. Permeability of the lipid-soluble molecule, glycerol, was also found to be the same in the neonatal and adult BBMV. Urea transport in the apical membrane of neonatal and adult proximal tubules is not phloretin sensitive, a finding consistent with diffusion of urea via the lipid bilayer. The rate of urea diffusion is lower in neonatal membranes and may be an important factor in overall urea excretion. This may also play a role in developing and maintaining a high medullary urea concentration and thus the ability to concentrate the urine during renal maturation.

Inhibition of proximal convoluted tubule transport by dopamine

BACKGROUND

Dopamine can produce a natriuresis and diuresis independent of changes in renal hemodynamics. However, previous studies have failed to demonstrate an inhibition of transport by dopamine in intact proximal convoluted tubules.

METHODS

Rabbit proximal convoluted tubules were perfused in vitro with an ultrafiltrate-like solution and bathed in a serum-like albumin solution.

RESULTS

In the present study, the addition of 10-5 M dopamine to the lumen or bath of proximal convoluted tubules perfused in vitro had no effect on transport. In proximal convoluted tubules, addition of 10-6 M bath norepinephrine increased the rate of volume absorption from 0.65 +/- 0.08 to 0.93 +/- 0.08 nl/mm. min (P < 0.01). Addition of 10-5 M luminal dopamine in the presence of bath norepinephrine inhibited the rate of volume absorption to 0.72 +/- 0.10 nl/mm. min (P = 0.01). The inhibition in the rate of volume absorption by luminal dopamine in the presence of bath norepinephrine was completely blocked by the DA1 antagonist, SCH 23390. The DA1 agonist luminal 10-5 M fenoldopam also inhibited volume absorption in the presence of bath norepinephrine, but the DA2 agonist luminal 10-5 M quinpirole was without effect. Bath 10-5 M dopamine had no effect on volume absorption in the presence of bath norepinephrine.

CONCLUSION

Dopamine has no direct epithelial action on the proximal convoluted tubule. However, luminal dopamine antagonizes the stimulation in transport produced by norepinephrine. These studies suggest that luminal dopamine may play a role to modulate sodium transport in the presence of renal nerve activity.

Maturational changes in rabbit renal brush border membrane vesicle osmotic water permeability

We have recently shown that the osmotic water permeability (Pf) of proximal tubules from neonatal rabbits is higher than that of adults (AJP 271:F871-F876, 1996). The developmental change in Pf could be due to differences in one or more of the components in the path for transepithelial water transport. The present study examined developmental changes in water transport characteristics of the proximal tubule apical membrane by determining Pf and aquaporin 1 (AQP1) expression in neonatal (10-14 days old) and adult rabbit renal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV). AQP1 abundance in the adult BBMV was higher than the neonatal BBMV. At 25 degrees C the Pf of neonatal BBMV was found to be significantly lower than the adult BBMV at osmotic gradients from 50 to 250 mOsm/kg water. The activation energy for osmotic water movement was higher in the neonatal BBMV than the adult BBMV (9.19 +/- 0.37 vs. 5.09 +/- 0.57 kcal . deg-1 . mol-1, P < 0.005). Osmotic water movement in neonatal BBMV was inhibited 17.9 +/- 1.3% by 1 mm HgCl2 compared to 34.3 +/- 3.8% in the adult BBMV (P < 0.005). These data are consistent with a significantly greater fraction of water traversing the apical membrane lipid bilayer in proximal tubules of neonates than adults. The lower Pf of the neonatal BBMV indicates that the apical membrane is not responsible for the higher transepithelial Pf in the neonatal proximal tubule.

Maturation of rabbit proximal straight tubule chloride/base exchange

The present in vitro microperfusion study compared the mechanism and rates of NaCl transport in neonatal and adult rabbit proximal straight tubules. In proximal straight tubules perfused with a late proximal tubular fluid and bathed in a serumlike albumin solution, the rate of volume absorption (JV) was 0.54 +/- 0.10 and 0.12 +/- 0.05 nl.mm-1.min-1 in adults and neonates, respectively (P < 0.05). With the addition of 10(-5) M bath ouabain, JV decreased to 0.27 +/- 0.07 and -0.03 +/- 0.04 nl.mm-1.min-1 in adult and neonatal tubules, respectively (P < 0.05), consistent with lower rates of active and passive NaCl transport in the neonatal proximal straight tubule. The effect of luminal sodium and chloride removal on intracellular pH was used to assess the relative rates of Na+/H+ and Cl-/base exchange. The rates of Na+/H+ and Cl-/base exchange were approximately fivefold less in neonatal proximal straight tubules than adult tubules. In both neonatal and adult proximal straight tubules, the rate of Cl-/base exchange was not affected by formate, bicarbonate, or cyanide and acetazolamide, consistent with Cl-/OH- exchange. These data demonstrate an increase in proximal straight tubule NaCl transport during postnatal renal development.

Toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and in vitro hemodialysis clearance of ifosfamide and metabolites in an anephric pediatric patient with Wilms' tumor

PURPOSE

We evaluated the in vitro hemodialysis ratio and subsequent toxicity and pharmacokinetics of ifosfamide in an anephric patient with Wilms' tumor.

METHODS

An in vitro model was used to determine the extraction ratio of ifosfamide by dialysis. The toxicity and plasma concentrations of ifosfamide, chloroacetaldehyde, and 4-hydroxyifosfamide were then determined over 24 h after a single 1.6 g/m2 dose of ifosfamide. Plasma concentrations were also measured before and after ten dialysis sessions during four courses of ifosfamide therapy.

RESULTS

The in vitro hemodialysis model showed that ifosfamide was cleared with an extraction ratio of 86.7+/-0.5% and remained constant even at low concentrations of drug. The mean decrease in vivo following hemodialysis for ifosfamide, chloroacetaldehyde, and 4-hydroxyifosfamide were 86.9%, 77.2%, and 36.2%, respectively. The pharmacokinetic parameters for ifosfamide using model-independent methods were calculated: Vd = 0.23 l/kg, t1/2 = 4.8 h, and ClT = 3.30 l/h per m2. Ifosfamide-associated neurotoxicity was noted within hours of drug administration and improved rapidly following hemodialysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study suggest that the pharmacokinetics of parent ifosfamide may not be substantially altered in patients with renal failure. Hemodialysis was shown to remove ifosfamide, chloroacetaldehyde, and 4-hydroxyifosfamide from the blood stream. Hemodialysis was also shown to reverse ifosfamide-related neurotoxicity.

Effect of luminal angiotensin II on rabbit proximal convoluted tubule bicarbonate absorption

The present in vitro microperfusion study examined the effect of luminal angiotensin II on proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) volume absorption and bicarbonate transport. Neither 10(-11) M, 10(-10) M, nor 2 x 10(-8) M luminal angiotensin II significantly affected PCT transport. When tubules were first perfused with enalaprilat to inhibit endogenous angiotensin II production, addition of 10(-10) M luminal angiotensin II increased volume absorption (0.72 +/- 0.08 vs. 0.86 +/- 0.07 nl x mm(-1) xmin(-1), P < 0.01) and bicarbonate transport (52.3 +/- 3.7 vs. 67.9 +/- 4.2 pmol x mm(-1) min(-1), P < 0.01). Addition of 10(-6) M losartan, an AT1 inhibitor, to the luminal perfusate inhibited volume absorption (0.95 +/- 0.14 vs. 0.72 +/- 0.11 nl x mm(-1) x min(-1), P < 0.05) and bicarbonate transport (65.0 +/- 7.3 vs. 54.7 +/- 9.2 pmol x mm(-1) x min(-1), P < 0.05). Addition of 10(-4) M luminal PD-123319, an AT2 inhibitor, was without effect. In tubules perfused with 10(-4) M luminal enalaprilat and 10(-4) M luminal PD-123319, addition of 10(-10) M luminal angiotensin II in the experimental period resulted in a stimulation in volume absorption (0.61 +/- 0.08 vs. 0.81 +/- 0.10 nl x mm(-1) x min(-1), P < 0.01) and bicarbonate transport (49.9 +/- 6.3 vs. 77.4 +/- 14.3 pmol x mm(-1) x min(-1), P < 0.01). In tubules perfused with 10(-6) M losartan and 10(-4) M enalaprilat, addition of luminal 10(-10) M angiotensin II resulted in no change in transport. These data are consistent with endogenous angiotensin II affecting PCT bicarbonate transport in vitro via luminal AT1 receptors.

Maturational changes in rabbit renal cortical phospholipase A2 activity

Several studies have demonstrated that the neonatal kidney has a markedly attenuated response to parathyroid hormone (PTH); however, the cause for this blunted response is unknown. PTH stimulated cAMP production by 215 +/- 18% in neonatal proximal tubule suspensions compared to a 35 +/- 7% increase in adult proximal tubules. Thus, neonatal proximal tubules have functioning PTH receptors and a greater adenylate cyclase response than the adult segment. In adult proximal tubules, PTH stimulates phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity and the inhibition of Na,K-ATPase activity by PTH is blocked by inhibitors of PLA2. We examined whether maturational changes in renal cortical activity could play a role in the attenuated response to PTH in the neonatal proximal tubule. Compared to adults, neonates had a lower renal cortical cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2) activity, assessed as the release of 14C-arachidonic acid (AA) from labeled phosphatidyl choline (0.44 +/- 0.10 vs. 0.74 +/- 0.06% 14C-AA released/min/mg protein, P < 0.05) and microsomal PLA2 activity (0.32 +/- 0.03 vs. 1.20 +/- 0.13% 14C-AA released/min/mg protein, P < 0.001). The protein abundance of cPLA2 was not different between the neonatal and adult renal cortex as assessed by immunoblot assay. Thus, the difference in activities must be due to a difference in regulation of cPLA2. Annexin 1 (lipocortin 1) has been shown to inhibit PLA2 activity by binding to phospholipid substrate. Annexin 1 protein abundance was higher in neonatal than in adult renal cortex (P < 0.001). Thus, the lower activity of PLA2 in the neonatal tubules may be due in part to higher expression of annexin 1. PLA2 activation by PTH, -8-bromo-cAMP and PMA was assessed as 3H-AA release from prelabeled suspensions of neonatal and adult proximal tubules. PTH (10(-7) M), 8-bromo-cAMP (10(-4) M) and PMA (5 x 10(-8) M) significantly increased 3H-AA release from adult tubules (P < 0.05) but had no effect on neonatal tubules (P = NS). Thus, PTH, 8-bromo-cAMP and PMA stimulated PLA2 in adult but not neonatal proximal tubules. In conclusion, the maturational changes in renal cortical PLA2 activity may be a factor in the blunted response of neonatal proximal tubules to PTH.

Extubation failure due to post-extubation stridor is better correlated with neurologic impairment than with upper airway lesions in critically ill pediatric patients

The incidence of post-extubation stridor (PES) in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and the need for reintubation is not known. Predictors of success on a subsequent extubation attempt and the efficacy of dexamethasone treatment prior to a subsequent extubation attempt are not established. In a prospective randomized double blind-controlled study in two PICU's in a university children's hospital setting, of 5,566 admissions over 35-months, we identified 32 patients who failed primary extubation and were reintubated for PES. Twenty-six patients were enrolled in the study and three subsequently excluded. Twelve were randomized to receive dexamethasone and 11 received sodium chloride placebo. Fifteen patients succeeded study extubation and eight failed. Of those receiving dexamethasone, nine patients succeeded and three failed. Of those receiving placebo, six patients succeeded and five failed. There was a poor correlation between anatomical abnormalities of the airway and failure of study extubation. Extubation failure was better correlated with neurologic impairment in the patients. We present a stridor score and demonstrate that it is an excellent predictor of success versus failure for the study extubation. Dexamethasone pre-treatment did not reduce stridor score. We are unable to conclude if dexamethasone pre-treatment reduces extubation failure. We speculate that neurologic impairment leads to extubation failure in critically ill pediatric patients.

Cystic fibrosis presenting with hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis in a previously healthy adolescent

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an exocrine disease affecting multiple organ systems. Patients with CF usually present with respiratory or gastrointestinal abnormalities. This study presents a case of a previously healthy 17-yr-old man who was diagnosed with CF after presenting with metabolic alkalosis and hypokalemia. The defect associated with CF is in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR), which acts primarily as a chloride channel. Partially functional CFTR may be associated with less severe pulmonary and gastrointestinal manifestations, as in the case presented. Dysfunctional CFTR in the sweat ducts of CF patients are responsible for excessive chloride and sodium losses, especially in warm weather. Hypokalemia seen with heat stress is secondary to sweat as well as renal potassium wasting. Metabolic alkalosis is maintained by the excessive sweat sodium chloride losses which leads to extracellular fluid (ECF) volume contraction and chloride depletion. Generation of alkalosis may be related to dysfunctional CFTR in the kidney, but is most likely secondary to hypokalemia with ECF volume contraction. Finally, one must consider CF when confronted with hypokalemia and alkalosis in a previously healthy patient.

Developmental changes in rabbit juxtamedullary proximal convoluted tubule water permeability

The mammalian proximal tubule reabsorbs the bulk of the glomerular filtrate in a nearly isosmotic fashion due to the high osmotic water permeability (Pf) of this segment. Although the characteristics of proximal tubule water transport have been studied in the adult proximal tubule, little is known about the neonatal segment. The present study directly measured the Pf and diffusional water permeability (PDW) of neonatal (10 +/- 2 day old) and adult rabbit juxtamedullary proximal convoluted tubules (PCT) using in vitro microperfusion. The Pf of neonatal juxtamedullary PCT was greater than the Pf of adult juxtamedullary PCT. In contrast, the PDW was not different between the two groups. The Pf and PDW values of both neonatal and adult tubules were inhibited to the same degree by p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate and had identical activation energies. The transepithelial reflection coefficients of NaCl and NaHCO3 were also found to be similar in both the neonatal and adult proximal tubules. Thus neonatal and adult juxtamedullary PCT have many characteristics of water transport that are identical; however, neonatal Pf is three to five times that of the adult value. This difference in Pf with identical PDW values may give an insight into the transepithelial pathway for water movement in the neonatal tubule.

Clearance of ticarcillin-clavulanic acid by continuous venovenous hemofiltration in three critically ill children, two with and one without concomitant extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Three children were receiving ticarcillin-clavulanic acid by continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH). Two of them were also receiving concomitant extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We collected ultrafiltrate hourly to determine the clearance of ticarcillin-clavulanic acid by CVVH. Serum concentrations were also determined at the midpoint of each ultrafiltrate collection. All samples were collected over one dosing interval. The volume of distribution of ticarcillin and clavulanic acid was 0.26 +/- 0.01 and 0.69 +/- 0.23 L/kg, respectively. Total body clearance of ticarcillin, determined from the elimination rate constant and volume of distribution, was 0.038 +/- 0.003 L/kg/hour and for clavulanic acid was 0.18 +/- 0.03 L/kg/hour. The sieving coefficients for ticarcillin and clavulanic acid were 0.83 +/- 0.11 and 1.69 +/- 0.19, respectively. We attempted to estimate the clearances by ECMO, but the result was uninterpretable.

Maturation of rabbit proximal convoluted tubule chloride permeability

Chloride transport in the rabbit proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) has components of active, transcellular, and passive, paracellular transport. The preferential reabsorption of bicarbonate and organic solutes by the early proximal tubule leaves the luminal fluid with a higher chloride concentration than that in the peritubular capillaries. Previous studies have suggested that solute permeability of the paracellular pathway may be higher in the neonatal PCT and that the neonatal proximal tubule reabsorbs solutes by passive mechanisms to a greater extent than the adult segment. A higher chloride permeability would provide a mechanism for the greater rate of passive NaCl transport by the neonatal proximal tubule. The purpose of the present in vitro microperfusion study was to directly examine the chloride permeability of neonatal and adult PCT. Superficial and juxtamedullary, neonatal and adult PCT were perfused with a high chloride perfusate without organic solutes, simulating late proximal tubular fluid, at 20 degrees C, and bathed in a serum-like albumin solution. Chloride concentrations in the perfusate and the collected fluid were measured by electrometric titration. Neonatal juxtamedullary PCT chloride permeability (PCl) was significantly lower than adult juxtamedullary PCT PCl (0.15 +/- 0.25 x 10(-5) cm/s versus 5.23 +/- 0.57 x 10(-5) cm/s, p < 0.001). The PCl of neonatal superficial PCT was not different from that of adult superficial PCT (0.81 +/- 0.48 x 10(-5) cm/s versus 0.05 +/- 0.62 x 10(-5) cm/s). Thus, there is a maturational increase in juxtamedullary PCT PCl, whereas superficial PCT PCl remains very low. The passive diffusion of chloride in neonatal PCT is extremely low and is not a mechanism to explain a higher rate of passive NaCl transport in this segment.

Stimulation of proximal convoluted tubule phosphate transport by epidermal growth factor: signal transduction

The present study investigated the signal-transduction pathway responsible for the epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation of phosphate transport (JPhos) in the rabbit proximal convoluted tubule (PCT). Genistein, 10(-4) M, bath and lumen, an inhibitor of EGF receptor tyrosine kinase activity, blocked the EGF effect on JPhos, consistent with a role for tyrosine kinase in the signal-transduction pathway. Both staurosporine (5 x 10(-8) M) and calphostin C (10(-8) M), inhibitors of protein kinase C, blocked the EGF stimulation of JPhos, indicating that protein kinase C is involved in EGF signaling. Intracellular calcium (Ca2+i) concentrations were measured in perfused tubules using fura PE3 to determine whether changes in Ca2+i were also part of the signaling pathway. After addition of 3 nM EGF, there was no change in Ca2+i, suggesting that stimulation of protein kinase C is not from phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis by phospholipase C-gamma. To determine whether phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is involved, the inhibitor mepacrine was used. Mepacrine (5 x 10(-5) M) had no direct effect on PCT transport but blocked the stimulatory effect of EGF on JPhos. PLA2 activity, assessed as free arachidonic acid release from proximal tubules in suspension, increased by 18.8% with 3 nM EGF. Thus the stimulation of JPhos by EGF is mediated via a signal-transduction pathway involving tyrosine kinase, protein kinase C, and PLA2.

Heterogeneity of chloride/base exchange in rabbit superficial and juxtamedullary proximal convoluted tubules

Active transcellular NaCl transport in the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) is via apical parallel Na/H and Cl/base exchange. The mechanism of Cl/base exchange remains unclear. The present in vitro microperfusion study examined the mechanism of Cl/base exchange in superficial and juxtamedullary PCT by examining the rate of change in intracellular pH in response to luminal Cl removal. In superficial PCT the rate of Cl/base exchange was 24.0 +/- 2.3 without formate, 36.4 +/- 6.6 with 10 microM formate (P < 0.05), and 43.6 +/- 2.8 pmol.mm-1.min-1 (P < 0.001) with 1 mM luminal formate. Cl/base exchange was inhibited by luminal 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS) in the presence and absence of formate. In juxtamedullary PCT, Cl/base exchange was 22.2 +/- 3.8 without formate and 25.0 +/- 5.4 pmol.mm-1.min-1 in the presence of 1 mM luminal formate [P = not significant (NS)]. Cl/base exchange was inhibited by luminal DIDS in juxtamedullary PCT. The rates of Cl/base exchange in both superficial and juxtamedullary PCT were not affected by 0.1 mM acetazolamide and 2 mM cyanide and were the same in the presence and absence of HCO3/CO2, consistent with Cl/OH rather than Cl/HCO3 exchange. To examine the effect of formate on PCT transport, tubules were perfused with a high-Cl solution without organics simulating late proximal tubular fluid. In superficial PCT net volume absorption (JV) was 0.00 +/- 0.05 in the absence of formate and 0.14 +/- 0.06 nl.mm-1.min-1 in the presence of 1 mM formate (P < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Hyperphosphatemia in tumor lysis syndrome: the role of hemodialysis and continuous veno-venous hemofiltration

We report a 4-year-old boy who developed tumor lysis syndrome complicated by severe hyperphosphatemia and acute renal failure, following chemotherapy for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Despite successful treatment of hyperphosphatemia with hemodialysis, there was an immediate rebound in the high serum phosphorus level. The patient underwent a second treatment with hemodialysis which was then followed by continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH). CVVH maintained his serum phosphorus at a stable level until his renal function improved. CVVH can be used in conjunction with hemodialysis to successfully treat the hyperphosphatemia associated with tumor lysis syndrome.

Effects of epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor-alpha on rabbit proximal tubule solute transport

The present in vitro microperfusion study examined the direct effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) on rabbit proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) solute transport. Tubules were perfused with an ultrafiltrate-like solution and bathed in an ultrafiltrate-like solution containing albumin. Albumin binding studies showed that both growth factors were highly protein bound with a free fraction of EGF of 0.31 +/- 0.04% and TGF-alpha of 1.08 +/- 0.15%. EGF at concentrations from 3 x 10(-11) M to 3 x 10(-8) M stimulated phosphate transport (JPhos) in a dose-dependent fashion but did not affect volume absorption (Jv) or bicarbonate transport (JtCO2). At 3 x 10(-7) M, EGF stimulated PCT Jv and JtCO2 in addition to the stimulation in JPhos. TGF-alpha stimulated Jv, JtCO2, and JPhos, but its effects were seen at a concentration that was 100-fold lower than that where EGF affected PCT transport. At 3 x 10(-13) M, TGF-alpha stimulated JtCO2, and at 3 x 10(-12) M, TGF-alpha also stimulated Jv and JPhos. EGF receptor downregulation with 3 x 10(-8) M EGF was able to block the effect of 3 x 10(-10) M TGF-alpha on Jv and JtCO2. Neither luminal EGF nor TGF-alpha had an effect on PCT transport. PCT bicarbonate and mannitol permeabilities were also not affected by either growth factor. These results demonstrate that EGF and TGF-alpha have direct effects on PCT solute transport.

Maturation of proximal tubular acidification

Neonatal juxtamedullary proximal convoluted tubules (PCTs) transport bicarbonate at one-third the rate of adult rabbit PCTs. The lower rate of bicarbonate transport could be due to a greater permeability of the neonatal PCT to bicarbonate or to a lower rate of active bicarbonate transport. This review discusses potential factors which could result in a lower rate of bicarbonate transport by the neonatal PCT. In isolated perfused PCT, bicarbonate permeability is lower in neonatal than adult PCT, and thus it does not account for the lower rate of bicarbonate transport in neonatal PCT. In the adult PCT, apical proton secretion occurs via the Na+/H+ antiporter and H(+)-ATPase; basolateral bicarbonate exit occurs via the Na(HCO3)3 symporter. The activity of transporters can be ascertained by measuring intracellular pH with the fluorescent dye BCECF. Apical Na+/H+ antiporter, apical H(+)-ATPase and basolateral Na(HCO3)3 symporter activity are all significantly lower in neonatal PCT. The factors which stimulate PCT maturation are unknown, however glucocorticoids have been postulated to play an important role in this process. Administration of dexamethasone to pregnant does results in higher rates of PCT volume absorption, bicarbonate transport, Na+/H+ antiporter and Na(HCO3)3 symporter activities than in PCT from vehicle-treated controls. Thus, the lower rate of neonatal PCT bicarbonate transport is due to lower activities of the apical Na+/H+ antiporter, apical H(+)-ATPase and basolateral Na(HCO3)3 symporter. Glucocorticoids may be an important factor in the maturation of PCT acidification.

Glucocorticoids stimulate rabbit proximal convoluted tubule acidification

Glucocorticoids have an important role in renal acidification; however, a direct effect of glucocorticoids on proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) acidification has not been directly demonstrated. In the present in vitro microperfusion study PCT from animals receiving dexamethasone (600 micrograms/kg twice daily for 2 d and 2 h before killing) had a significantly higher rate of bicarbonate absorption than did controls (92.0 +/- 13.3 vs 59.9 +/- 3.2 pmol/mm.min, P < 0.01). To examine if glucocorticoids had a direct epithelial action, dexamethasone was added to the bath of PCT perfused in vitro. After 3 h of incubation in paired experiments 10(-6) M and 10(-5) M dexamethasone resulted in an approximately 30% stimulation in the rate of bicarbonate absorption. 10(-7) M dexamethasone and 10(-6) M aldosterone had no effect on bicarbonate absorption. The stimulation of acidification by 10(-5) M dexamethasone was blocked by actinomycin D and cycloheximide. These data are consistent with a direct effect of glucocorticoids on PCT acidification, and this effect is dependent upon protein synthesis.

Prenatal glucocorticoids stimulate neonatal juxtamedullary proximal convoluted tubule acidification

The rate of neonatal proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) HCO3 absorption is lower than that of adult animals. The present in vitro microperfusion study examined whether prenatal dexamethasone (60 micrograms/kg daily to the doe for 3 days before delivery) would accelerate the maturation of neonatal juxtamedullary PCT acidification. Control neonates studied within 48 h of birth had a urine pH of 7.06 +/- 0.15 and a urine HCO3 concentration of 34.3 +/- 7.0 meq/l. Animals receiving dexamethasone had a urine pH of 6.47 +/- 0.11 and a urine HCO3 concentration of 10.1 +/- 4.0 meq/l, both of which were significantly lower than control (P less than 0.01). In juxtamedullary PCTs perfused in vitro, volume absorption was 0.27 +/- 0.03 nl.mm-1.min-1 in controls and 0.39 +/- 0.02 nl.mm-1.min-1 in dexamethasone-treated animals (P less than 0.05). HCO3 absorption was stimulated in the dexamethasone group (52.6 +/- 4.6 vs. 34.1 +/- 6.3 pmol.mm-1.min-1, P less than 0.05); however, glucose transport was not significantly affected (24.8 +/- 1.3 in dexamethasone vs. 21.5 +/- 3.5 pmol.mm-1.min-1 in controls). Intracellular pH was measured using 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyflourescin to examine whether prenatal dexamethasone stimulated the apical Na(+)-H+ antiporter and the basolateral Na(HCO3)3 symporter. Apical Na(+)-H+ antiporter proton flux was 108.5 +/- 14.2 pmol.mm-1.min-1 in the control group and 250.7 +/- 31.3 pmol.mm-1.min-1 in the dexamethasone group (P less than 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I on rabbit proximal convoluted tubule transport

This in vitro microperfusion study examined the effects of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) on proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) transport. Tubules were perfused with an ultrafiltrate-like solution and bathed in a serum-like albumin solution. Neither a physiologic (5 x 10(-10) M), nor a pharmacologic (5 x 10(-8) M) dose of growth hormone had an effect on PCT phosphate or bicarbonate transport, or volume absorption. Addition of 5 x 10(-9) M and 5 x 10(-8) M IGF-I, but not 5 x 10(-10) M IGF-I, to the bathing solution resulted in an increase (12-15%) in phosphate transport, but no change in volume absorption or bicarbonate transport. Addition of IGF-I to the luminal perfusate also stimulated phosphate transport. The effect was noted at a concentration of 5 x 10(-11) M IGF-I (27% stimulation) and was maximal at a concentration of 5 x 10(-10) M IGF-I (46% stimulation). There was no effect of luminal IGF-I on volume absorption or bicarbonate transport. These data indicate that growth hormone has no direct effect on PCT transport. In the PCT, IGF-I stimulates phosphate transport specifically and acts via both basolateral and apical membranes. However, the magnitude of the maximal response to the luminal addition of IGF-I was threefold greater than that measured upon addition of the hormone to the bath, and the stimulation occurred at a 100-fold lower concentration. These data are consistent with IGF-I mediating the in vivo stimulation of phosphate transport by growth hormone.

Role of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and NaK ATPase in the inhibition of proximal tubule transport with intracellular cystine loading

Cellular cystine loading with cystine dimethyl ester inhibits volume absorption, transepithelial potential difference, glucose transport, and bicarbonate transport in proximal convoluted tubules perfused in vitro. This study examined the roles of ATP and NaK ATPase in this in vitro model of the Fanconi syndrome of cystinosis. Intracellular ATP was measured using the luciferin-luciferase assay. Intracellular ATP was reduced by 60% in proximal convoluted tubules incubated with 0.5 mM cystine dimethyl ester for 15 min at 37 degrees C (P less than 0.001). Incubation of cystine loaded tubules with 1 mM exogenous ATP increased intracellular ATP to levels not significantly different than that of controls. On the other hand, Vmax NaK ATPase activity was unchanged even though the incubation times and the concentration of cystine dimethyl ester were doubled to 30 min and 1 mM, respectively. In proximal convoluted tubules perfused in vitro, 0.5 mM cystine dimethyl ester resulted in an 89% inhibition in volume absorption (0.81 +/- 0.14 to 0.09 +/- 0.09 nl/mm.min), while there was only a 45% inhibition in volume absorption (P less than 0.01) due to cellular cystine loading in the presence of 1 mM lumen and bath ATP (0.94 +/- 0.05 to 0.52 +/- 0.11 nl/mm.min). These data demonstrate that proximal tubule cellular cystine loading decreases cellular ATP concentration, but does not directly inhibit NaK ATPase activity. The inhibition in transport and decrease in intracellular ATP due to cellular cystine loading was ameliorated by exogenous ATP. These data are consistent with cellular ATP depletion playing a major role in the inhibition of proximal tubule transport due to intracellular cystine loading.

Developmental changes in rabbit juxtamedullary proximal convoluted tubule bicarbonate permeability

The bicarbonate transport rate in neonatal rabbit juxtamedullary proximal convoluted tubules (JMPCT) is lower than that in adults. The reduced rate of transport could be due to a decrease in active bicarbonate transport or an increase in the passive permeability of the tubule to bicarbonate. The present in vitro microperfusion study directly measured the bicarbonate permeability of neonatal and adult JMPCT. Bicarbonate permeability was measured at both slow and fast perfusion rates to simulate the neonatal and adult proximal tubule flow rates, respectively. At 38 degrees C in tubules perfused at 3 nL/min, bicarbonate permeability was 0.29 +/- 0.11 x 10(-5) cm/s in neonates and 1.70 +/- 0.49 x 10(-5) cm/s in adult PCT (p less than 0.05). At a perfusion rate of 10 nL/min, bicarbonate permeability was 0.11 +/- 0.27 x 10(-5) cm/s in neonatal PCT and 2.31 +/- 0.15 x 10(-5) cm/s in adult PCT (p less than 0.05). These results demonstrate that bicarbonate permeability in neonatal JMPCT is significantly lower than that in adult JMPCT. Thus, the lower rate of bicarbonate transport in neonatal PCT is entirely due to a lower rate of active bicarbonate transport.

The attitude of parents to the use of computer-assisted interviewing in a child psychiatry service

Before undergoing interview, parents reported that a computer-assisted interview would lack the friendly and personal approach of one conducted by a clinician but, after completing the interview, parents showed more acceptance of the procedure. Computer-assisted interviewing has the potential to play an important role in the collection of clinically relevant information from both parents and children referred to child psychiatry services.