Browsing by Subject "Other Physiology"
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Item A Clinical Research Study Involving the Use of Erythropoietin in Perioperative Patients Undergoing Surgery for Gynecologic Cancer(2002-07-01) Larson, Sharon Beth; Richardson, Barbara; Martin, MichaelThe purpose of this internship practicum report is to analyze the pathophysiology and impact of anemia in low-income gynecologic cancer patients. The report also assesses the impact of erythropoietin on hemoglobin levels prior to gynecologic cancer surgery. This report is based on a clinical research study to determine whether or not erythropoietin will mitigate the suppression of bone marrow inherent to the gynecologic cancer population and alleviate some of the symptoms and side effects of the anemia.Item Characterization of the Serotonin Receptors in the Long Posterior Ciliary Artery of the Bovine Eye(2000-08-01) Landry, Theresa A.; Quist, Eugene; Martin, Michael; Pang, Iok-HouLandry, Theresa A., Characterization of the Serotonin Receptors in the Long Posterior Ciliary Artery of the Bovine Eye. Doctor of Philosophy (Biomedical Science), August 2000, 14 pp., 5 tables, 29 illustrations, bibliography, 104 titles. Vascular disease and vasospasm are implicated in the etiology of glaucoma. The long posterior ciliary (LPCA) is the major blood supply for the ciliary body including the ciliary processes that produce aqueous humor. Information about the pharmacological control of this vessel would be helpful in understanding its normal and pathologic function. Serotonin (5-HT) is a neurotransmitter that effectively constricts the LPCA. The objective of this research is to identify the serotonin receptor subtype responsible for the 5-HT induced vasoconstriction of the LPCA and to characterize the cellular mechanisms that mediate that contraction. Ring segments of the LPCA were dissected from bovine eyes and mounted on tungsten triangles attached to a force transducer. Changes in vascular tension were measured and recorded using a physiography recorder. Dose response curves with 5-HT, 5-HT 1-like agonist, 5-CT, and 5-HT2 agonist, α-methyl-5-HT, indicate that the 5-HT 1-like receptor contributed about 15.13% to the contraction and the 5-HT2 receptor contributed to 61.61%. The EC50 for the three agonists were 283 nM (5-HT), 336 nM (5-CT), and 1.7 μM (α-methyl-5-HT). Inhibition curves with selective antagonists indicate that the IC50 is (5-HT 1-like antagonist) and ketanserin (5-HT2 antagonist). Following incubation of the rings with diltiazem 10 μM or nifedipine 10μM, the response to 5-HT was reduced 65.*% and 61.7% respectively. Incubation in calcium free PB produced similar results. Ryanodine inhibited the 5-HT contraction by 58.1% and caffeine inhibited the response 100%. PKC inhibitors bisindolymaleimide II 1 μM, disindolylamalemide II 10 μM, chelerythrine 25 μM and H-7 5 μM decreased the 5-HT response by19.8%, 55.7%, 31.1% and 61.5% respectively. Incubation of the ring segments with one of three PLC antagonists, 2-NCDC 70 μM, U73122 0.5μM, or neomycin 5 mM, prior to the addition of 1 μM serotonin, significantly reduced the contraction of each vessel, p [less than] 0.0001. The 5-HT-induced vasoconstriction of the LPCA of the bovine eye is mediated through activation of both 5-HT2 and 5-HT 1-like receptors. The contraction is dependent on the mobilization of calcium and is mediated in part through PLC activated intracellular calcium release from IP3 sensitive stores.Item Endothelin-1 Mediated Regulation of Extracellular Matrix Collagens- A Role in Pathology of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma(2007-11-01) Rao, Vidhya Ramachandiran; Thomas Yoroi; Neeraj Agarwal; Raghu KrishnamoorthyEndothelin -1 Mediated Regulation of Extracellular Matrix Collagens –A role in Pathology of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma. Vidhya R. Rao, Doctor of Philosophy. (Pharmacology and Neuroscience), November, 2007, 157 pp., 3 tables, 18 figures. Summary. Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is a progressive optic neuropathy characterized by loss of retinal ganglion cells, optic nerve degeneration and characteristic extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling of the optic nerve head. An increase in collagen type I and VI is observed at the level of lamina cribosa (LC), a distinct connective tissue region of optic nerve in POAG subjects. Extensive ECM remodeling with enhanced collagen deposition observed in POAG is consistent with the pathology of fibrosis. Mechanisms contributing to ECM remodeling in POAG is not known. Endothelin-1(ET-1), a potent vaso-active peptide plays a key role in glaucoma pathology. Intra-vitreal administration of ET-1 in animal models results in optic neuropathy, RGC apoptosis, axonal transport block and ONA activation. An upregulation of ET-1 and ETB receptors is observed in glaucomatous LC and animal models of glaucoma and ET-1 mediated detrimental effects in POAG appears to be mediated by ETB receptors. ET-1 initiatives and maintains enhanced collagen synthesis and deposition in various tissues under pathological conditions and is recognized as a potent profibrotic factor. In the present study we hypothesized that ET-1 increases extracellular matrix collagen deposition in lamina cribrosa and this change in ECM contributes to optic nerve fibrosis. We have demonstrated that cells of lamina cribrose (LC) cells, express functional ETA and ETB receptors. ET-1 increases intracellular calcium mobilization via ETA receptors and increases NO release by mechanisms involving both ETA and ETB receptors. Consistent with POAG pathology we have observed an upregulation ETB receptors in LC cells in response to chronic treatment with ET-1. LC cells also express prepro-ET-1, the primary gene transcript of ET-1. We have demonstrated for the first time that ET-1 exerts its profibrotic effects by enhancing collagen type I and type VI mRNA, protein synthesis, deposition and secretion in LC cells. ET-1 enhanced collagen deposition in LC cells appears to involve both ETA and ETB receptors, as both of the receptor antagonist, individually inhibit ET-1 mediated collagen synthesis. We have demonstrated that ET-1 also exerts its profibrotic effects in vivo by enhancing collagen deposition in rat optic nerve head. We have also observed an apparent decrease in ET-1 mediated collagen VI deposition in optic nerve heads of ETB deficient transgenic rats suggesting that ET-1 mediated collagen VI synthesis involves ETB receptor activation. In conclusion, endothlein-1 stimulates collagen synthesis and deposition both in vitro in LC cells as well as in vivo at the level of rat optic nerve head. ET-1 mediated increase in collage synthesis at the level of optic nerve head could render a fibrotic mechanism that contributes to the progression of POAG.Item Modulation of GABAA Receptor Function by Tyrosine Phosphorylation(1998-05-01) Fang, Mingjun; Glenn Dillon; Thomas Yorio; Eugene E. QuistMingjun, Fang. Modulation of GABAA Receptor Function by Tyrosine Phosphorylation. Master of Science (Biomedical Sciences), May, 1998, 32 pp., 6 illustrations, bibliography, 42 titles. The goal of this study was to determine the modulation of GABAA receptor function by tyrosine kinase phosphorylation, and to detect which subunit is phosphorylated to alter the GABA-induced chloride currents. From previous studies, we suggested that protein tyrosine phosphorylation may maintain GABAA receptor function. Here we tested the hypothesis that tyrosine phosphorylation modulates other GABAA receptor subtypes e.g., α1β2γ2 and α6β2γ2, and subsequently attempted to determine which subunit(s) may be phosphorylated. Our results support the hypothesis that PTK phosphorylation may maintain GABAA receptor function. In addition, we suggest this tyrosine phosphorylation occurs at the γ2 subunit of the receptor.Item Physiologic and Anatomic Changes in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment an Effective Non-Surgical Alternative Therapy?(2005-05-01) White, Heath D.; Williams, Stuart; Cruser, des Anges; Stoll, ScottWhite, Heath D., D.O., M.S. Physiologic and Anatomic Changes in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment an Effective Non-surgical Alternative Therapy? Master of Science (Clinical Research and Education – OMM), May 2005, 110 pp., 4 tables, 5 figures, references, 46 titles. Objective: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), caused by compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, has a prevalence that ranges between 0.53 and 16.3 with medical costs exceeding $2 billion annually. The goal of this clinical trial was to assess for physiologic and anatomic changes in CTS in response to OMT. Physiologic changes were measured with nerve conduction studies (NCS). Anatomic changes were measured with magnetic resonance imaging. Methods: This prospective, randomized, controlled, blinded clinical trial phased to evaluate 50 subjects randomized between two treatment groups, OMT and placebo sub-therapeutic ultrasound. Eligibility criteria included adults between 21 and 70 with a clinical diagnosis of CTS and increased conduction latency of the median nerve. Outcome measures were median motor and sensory conduction distal latencies. Subjects received six treatments. NCS were conducted at entry to the study (baseline), midpoint, and endpoint. Results: Thirty-seven of a planned 50 subjects were randomized to groups. Thirty-one subjects were included in the final data analysis. Preliminary analysis found no significant difference in NCS values over the three testing intervals. Evaluation for effect(s) of multiple treatment providers by analyzing the single treatment provider with the greatest number of subjects found significant improvement in some NCS values for the OMT group. This study was funded by the Osteopathic Research Center, and approved by the UNTHSC Institutional Review Board. Conclusions: The results of this preliminary analysis indicate the possibility for improvement of CTS with OMT, but no conclusive statements about the efficacy of OMT can be made. This preliminary study enabled us to identify multiple areas in the research design and methodology that may be improved, and provides the framework for future studies.Item Sustained δ1-Opioid Receptor Stimulation Down Regulates δ2-Opioid Receptor Responses(2005-05-01) Deo, Shekhar H.; James L. Caffrey; Michael Smith; H. Fred DowneyDeo, Shekhar., Sustained δ1-opioid receptor stimulation down regulates δ2-opioid receptor responses. Master of Science (Integrative Physiology), May 2005, 49 pp., 2 tables, 8 figures, references, 25 titles. Ultra-low doses of methionine-enkephalin-arginine-phenylalanine (MEAP) improve vagal transmission (vagotonic) and decrease the heart rate by the stimulating δ1-opioid receptors (OR) within the sinoatrial (SA) node. Higher doses of MEAP (5 nmol/min) acting on δ2-opioid receptors interrupt vagal transmission (vagolytic) and reduce the decline in heart rate. Repeated occlusion of the SA node artery produced a vagotonic response during a subsequent prolonged ischemia that was reversed by selective δ1-opioid receptor antagonist, 7-benzylidenaltrexone (BNTX). 2-Methyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,12,12aα-octahydro-quinolino[2,3,3-g]isoquinoline (TAN-67); a selective δ1-OR agonist has been used experimentally to mimic ischemic preconditioning in the heart. The following study was designed to test the hypothesis that sustained δ1-opioid receptor stimulation reduces the δ2-opioid receptor response. The cervical vagi were isolated and ligated and the right vagus was stimulated at frequencies chosen to produce a two-step decline in heart rate of about 25 and 50 beats per min (bpm). A microdialysis probe was introduced into the SA node such that the porous window was in the nodal interstitium. In study one, the selective δ2-OR agonist, deltorphin II was introduced (1.67 nmol/min) into the dialysis inflow to evaluate the δ2-OR response before and after the infusion of TAN-67 (1.67 nmol/min). The vagolytic effect (% inhibition) of deltorphin after TAN-67 infusion was significantly reduced during both low (76% to 22%) and high (80% to 21%) frequency vagal stimulation. In study two, BNTX (1.67 nmol/min), a selective δ1-OR antagonist was mixed with TAN-67 (1.67 nmol/min) in an equimolar ratio and introduced into the dialysate inflow. By blocking the effects of TAN-67, BNTX preserved the deltorphin response suggesting that the earlier attrition of the response was mediated by δ1-receptor activity. In study three, TAN-67 was omitted to perform a time control study. Unexpectedly, some loss of δ2-response was apparent in the absence of added TAN-67, So study 4 was designed in which BNTX (1.67 nmol/min) was infused for the period of time similar to that of saline in study 3. Like study 2, BNTX prevented the loss of the deltorphin response, suggesting that the attenuated response seen in study 3 was also mediated by δ1-activity. Two additional studies were conducted to determine the effects of TAN-67 alone and the duration of the experiment without prior exposure to deltorphin. Another time control was conducted in which the initial deltorphin evaluation prior to the vehicle treatment was omitted. In that study (Study 5) a very robust vagolytic response was observed when deltorphin was first tested after 2.5 hours. In study six, TAN-67 was substituted for saline and the subsequent δ2-evaluation at 2.5 hour was eroded compared to that in study 5. When BNTX was added to deltorphin after erosion of the vagolytic response, the vagolytic response was not restored. This observation support the conclusion that sustained δ1-stimulation desensitizes or down regulates δ2-mediated responses through a heterologous mechanism. Collectively the six studies support the conclusion that the loss of δ2-mediated vagolytic response was a result of reduction in the number of δ2-receptors mediated by sustained δ1-receptor stimulation.