Browsing by Subject "Veterinary Medicine"
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Item Adenosine Receptor Blockade Increases Lactate and Purine Release But Does Not Affect Functional Recovery in Isolated Rabbit Myocardium(1995-12-01) Wang, Sheng; Downey, H. Fred; He, Miao-Xiang; Mallet, Robert T.Wang, Sheng, Adenosine Receptor Blockade Increases Lactate and Purine Release but does not Affect Functional Recovery in Isolated Rabbit Myocardium Master of Science (Biomedical Sciences), December 1995; 67 pp; 3 tables; 8 figures; bibliography, 121 titles. This study tests the hypothesis that endogenous adenosine mediates recovery of cardiac function in ischemia/reperfused rabbit hearts. Isolated isovolumic rabbit hearts perfused at constant pressure was subjected to mild ischemia (perfusion pressure 50 cm H2) or moderate ischemia (perfusion pressure 30 cm H2O) for 90 min followed by 60 min of reperfusion. In treated hearts, infusion of 100 μM 8-p-sulfophenyl theophylline (SPT) was initiated 20 min before ischemia and maintained throughout the experiment. Adenosine receptor blockade did not affect left ventricular function assessed from pressure-heart rate product (PRP). Lactate release increased to 152 ± 24% of baseline during mild ischemia and 259 ± 26% of baseline during moderate ischemia in untreated hearts. Lactate release was markedly elevated at baseline, ischemia and reperfusion by SPT treatment (p [less than] 0.05 compared to untreated). Purine nucleoside release was 4.1 ±0.7 nmol · min-1 · g-1 in SPT treated group and 1.8 ± 0.24 nmol · min-1 · g-1 in untreated group during moderate ischemia (P [less than] 0.05). Myocardial efficiency was significantly lower in the SPT treated hearts (240 ± 11 mmHg · g=1 · μl-1 O2) compared to untreated hearts (300 ± 22 mmHg · g-1 · μl-1 O2) during reperfusion after moderate ischemia. In conclusion, adenosine receptor blockade stimulates glycolysis in normoxic and ischemic myocardium, but does not affect post-ischemic functional recovery.Item Age Related Changes in Rabbit Cornea: Permeability and Membrane Properties(1994-12-01) Tai-Lee, Ke; Clark, Abbot F.; Gracy, Robert W.; McConathy, Walter J.Ke, Tai-Lee, Age Related Changes in Rabbit Cornea: Permeability and Membrane Properties. Doctor of Philosophy (Biochemistry), December, 1994, 139 pp., 26 tables, 13 illustrations, bibliography, 117 titles. This investigation was designed to characterize age-related changes in corneal function and biochemical structure. The specific aims were to: 1) systematically assess changes in permeability to compounds of different molecular weights and lipophilicities, 2) examine differences in tissue binding by utilizing a theoretical transport model, and 3) evaluate the biochemical changes in lipid composition and distribution. Experiments to compare young (six weeks) versus old (three to four years) rabbit corneal permeability were carried out utilizing an in vitro diffusion model. Changes in corneal transmembrane resistance, permeability to various compounds, and metabolic capability were examined by various analytical techniques. In addition, a theoretical penetration model which took into account stromal binding was studied. Corneal lipid composition and distribution were assessed by HPLC and GC. in corneal transmembrane resistance, permeability to various compounds, and metabolic capability were examined by various analytical techniques. In addition, a theoretical penetration model which took into account stromal binding was studied. Corneal lipid composition and distribution were assessed by HPLC and GC. Permeabilities of selected compounds with different physicochemical properties were evaluated in young and old intact and denuded (wounded) rabbit corneas. With age, the membrane permeability significantly decreased in parallel with an increase in transmembrane resistance. Age-related changes in activities of esterase and phosphatase were also found. For some compounds, the aged corneas exhibited longer lag times in penetration studies. This suggested that the binding constant in the cornea from older animals was higher than in young animals. Maximum binding capacity from theoretical model calculations correlated well with experimental results in the young corneal stroma but correlation was less rigorous for old corneal stroma. Age-related changes in lipid composition and distribution in corneas were observed and provide indirect evidence for a decrease in membrane fluidity (decrease in the ratio of phosphatidylcholine/sphingomyelin) in the aged cornea. Results indicate that the aging process in the cornea is associated with changes in biochemical structural matrix including membrane lipid composition and physical properties such as fluidity (microviscosity). Functional correlations include changes in: 1) transmembrane resistance, 2) membrane permeability, 3) enzymatic activities (esterase and phosphatase), and 4) binding properties of the cornea. A possible mechanism for understanding and developing an intervention for age-related changes in the cornea is postulated.Item An Analytical Study of the Perceptions, Prevention Strategies, Treatment and Economic Impact of Equine West Nile Virus(2004-06-01) Galvan, Robert; Lurie, Sue; Singh, Karan; Gonzalez, AdelaGalvan, Robert, M.P.H., M.S. An Analytical Study of the Perceptions, Prevention Strategies, Treatment and Economic Impact of Equine West Nile Virus. Doctor of Public Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences, June 2004, 109 pp., 16 Tables, 15 Figures, 47 Titles. Since the introduction of the West Nile Virus (WNV) in the United State in 1999, WNV has been the cause of disease and deaths in humans, wild birds, zoo birds, and horses. In 2002, more than 15,000 equines in 40 states were diagnosed with illness associated with WNV. Approximately one third of those horses died or were euthanized (Campbell et al, 2002). Horses are infected with the WNV more often than humans or any other mammal. It is becoming on e of the fastest growing health threats to horses nationwide. Texas responded to the discovery of WNV by expanding their surveillance systems in the eastern counties of the state (Texas Department of Health, 2003). Positive reports for WNV were announced in 2002, which prompted an increase in public education and equine vaccination recommendations. Although much has been reported on the economic impact WNV has on human health and hospital care facilities, documentation is lacking on these issues in the equine population. Understanding the biology, epidemiology, economic impact, and how WNV affects the equine industry are important aspects to public health programs and prevention activities. The objectives of this study are to: (1) examine WNV cases in the equine population in Texas in order to better understand the distribution of clinical disease, signs, treatments and outcomes; (2) to provide information regarding the perceptions, knowledge, concerns, and treatment of the WNV by Texas veterinarians; and (3) to determine the economic impact of the WNV on the equine population in the state. A 14 question survey was mailed to licensed veterinarians in Texas in an effort to gather information about their perceptions and beliefs of the WNV, recommended treatment preferences, and the estimated cost of treatment. Outcomes included case fatality rate, descriptive data, veterinarians’ knowledge of WNV, veterinarians’ beliefs/perceptions of WNV, and the economic impact of WNV. Descriptive analyses were performed by using SPSS version 11. The methods used for analysis of WNV data were primarily simple descriptive statistics including summations and frequencies. A cross-tabulation was performed between the results of Questions 1, 2, and 3 and a variable created to approximate the number of veterinarians that actually treated cases of WNV (treat). A cross-tabulation and Chi-square analysis was performed between the treatment variables (treat) and derived variables of Questions 1, 2, and 3 to examine differing beliefs and knowledge between veterinarians who had treated WNV and those who had not. Seven hundred of 4,177 surveys returned yielded a response rate of 16.8 percent. Among the veterinarians, 73.4% (514/691) believed that they are receiving or received enough training and/or education concerning WNV. The vaccination regimen is believed to be effective and reliable by 56.1% (393/691) of the respondents. There were 1,256 cases of equine WNV reported confirmed via laboratory testing. There were also 766 cases reported that were not confirmed via laboratory testing. Among the 2,022 diagnosed cases, 257 were vaccinated against WNV prior to illness; and, 159 cases were vaccinated after signs of illness. A total of 441 horses died as either a direct cause of the disease or by owner or veterinarian elected euthanasia. The most common criteria used to decide euthanasia in these horses was prolonged recumbency as reported by 44.2% (87/197) or the veterinarians. Fifty-two percent (233/488) of the veterinarians did not recommend prevention strategies to equine owners. The cost of vaccination regimen was reported by 63% (269/434) of the veterinarians to be $25 or less. The results of the survey suggest that there could be a need for WVN education among veterinarians in areas of prevention, control, and treatment. Future studies should be conducted to examine owner perceptions, knowledge and beliefs of WNV vaccinations and prevention strategies. Values for lost horses were not solicited in the survey, thus, a total economic impact could not be completely estimated. However, a formula to approximate the aggregate economic impact of the WNV on the Texas equine industry was employed.Item Characterization of the Myo-inositol Efflux Pathway in Cultured Bovine Lens Epithelial Cells(1997-12-01) Reeves, Rustin E.; Victoria Rudick; Robert Easom; Thomas YorioReeves, Rustin E., Characterization of the Myo-inositol Efflux Pathway in Cultured Bovine Lens Epithelial Cells. Doctor of Philosophy (Biomedical Sciences), December, 1997, 173 pp., 1 table, 28 figures, bibliography, 94 titles. The basic cellular requirement of volume regulation utilizes many different channel and transport pathways working on concord to maintain a constant cell volume. Among these are distinct pathways spontaneously activated by changes in cell volume that modulate the gain or loss of certain organic osmolytes, such as myo-inositol (MI). The major goal of this dissertation is to characterize and identify the mechanism involved in the MI effux pathway and explore its relationship with intracellular polyol accumulation in cultured bovine lens epithelial cells (BLECs). Hypertonic exposure of BLECs causes an increase in MI uptake and aldose reductase enzymatic activity, two events which ultimately influence osmolyte efflux. A biphasic efflux pathway induced by rapid cell swelling (hypotonic-induction) was demonstrated in BLECS switched from hypertonice to physiologic medium. Also, intracellular polyol accumulation from galactose exposure resulted in enhanced activation of the MI efflux pathway (polyol-induction). Chloride channel inhibitors effectively blocked MI efflux suggesting a relationship between anion (chloride) movement and intracellular MI loss from cell to medium. Expression of a chloride channel regulatory protein, pICln, was demonstrated by Northern blot analysis in cultured BLECs. Hypertonic exposure upregulates the expression of pICln mRNA while hypotonicity downregulates expression. The volume-sensitivity for transcription of PICln mRNA in BLECs lends strong support for its role in both anion and osmolyte loss associated with the MI efflux pathway. The MI efflux pathway functions as a “relief value” in cell volume regulation by providing a conduit to alleviate intracellular osmotic stress. The mechanism which evolved to function under normal cellular circumstances in relief of excessive accumulation of intracellular osmolytes (i.e. polyols), may, by design, inadvertently promote the loss of essential intracellular volume and nonvolume regulatory organic solutes. Ironically, under certain pathological conditions, this mechanism, designed to protect the cell from intracellular osmotic stress, may instead be detrimental to the cell by promoting the excessive loss of osmolytes essential for normal cell function.Item Delta Opiod Receptor: Parasympathetic Location and Changing Phenotypes in Canine Heart(2007-07-01) Deo, Shekhar H.; James L. Caffrey; H. Fred Downey; Michael SmithDeo, Shekhar H., Delta Opioid Receptor: Parasympathetic Location and Changing Phenotypes in Canine Heart. Doctor of Philosophy (Integrative Physiology), July 23, 112 pp, 4 tables, 24 figures. Delta opioid receptors (DOR) have long been implicated in the complex mechanism of ischemic preconditioning (IPC). Repeated arterial occlusion of the SA node artery in IPC protocol progressively raised the nodal encephalin concentrations and improved vagal transmission during a subsequent extended occlusion. This vagatonic effect was reversed by the DOR-1 antagonist, BNTX. The present thesis tested whether the IPC protocol, the prolonged occlusion or a combination of both was required to demonstrate the vagotonic effect. The study also tested whether the evolution of the vagotonic effect during occlusion might be attributed to erosion of completing vagolytic effects. A progressive improvement in vagal transmission was observed during the IPC protocol. The vagotonic effect was not observed during sham occlusions or during occlusions in animals pretreated with a DOR-1 antagonist. Following the IPC protocol, exogenous MEAP reduced vagal transmission under both normal and occluded conditions. The magnitude of the vagolytic effects was however significantly reduced and eroded further over time compared to time matched shams. The loss of the response was not altered by prior DOR-1. The magnitude of the vagolytic effects was however significantly reduced and eroded further over time compared to time matched shams, however the failure of DOR-1 blockade to slow that process suggests that the PC mediated erosion is independent of receptor activation by DOR-1 agonists. Although DORs are associated with IPC, their precise location remains unconfirmed. DOR and autonomic markers vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) were labeled in tissue sections and synaptosomes from canine atrium and SA node. Synapsin I verified the neural character of labeled structures. Acetylcholine and norepinephrine content indicated both cholinergic and adrenergic synaptosomes are present. VAChT and TH signals indicated more than 80% of synapsin positive synaptosomes were cholinergic and less than 8% were adrenergic. Western blots of synaptosomal extracts confirmed by two DOR bands at molecular weights corresponding to reports for DOR monomers and dimmers. The preferential association of DORs with cholinergic nerve terminals supports the hypothesis that post-ganglionic prejunctional DORs regulate local vagal transmission within the heart.Item Dysfunctional Control of Coronary Blood Flow in Renovascular Hypertension(1999-06-01) Kline, Geoffrey Philip; Gwirtz, Patricia A.; Shi, Xiangrong; Raven, Peter B.Kline, Geoffrey Philip, Dysfunctional Control of Coronary Blood Flow in Renovascular Hypertension Doctor of Philosophy (Biomedical Sciences), June 1999, 98 pp, 2 tables, 10 figures, references, 142 titles. This study was designed to determine the effects of renovascular hypertension (RVH) on coronary vasoreactivity in conscious, chronically instrumented dogs. Six dogs were instrumented to measure left ventricular pressure, +dP/dtmax, heart rate, mean aortic pressure, circumflex blood flow (CBF), and cardiac output. In order to examine endothelial-dependent and independent coronary vasodilation, intracoronary injections of actylcholine (Ach), bradykinin (BDK), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were studied before and after induction of RVH in the presence and absence of nitric oxide (NO) blockade. After RVH, resting CBF was significantly reduced (P [less than] 0.05). In the normotensive state, NO-blockade significantly reduced the coronary vasodilation to Ach and BDK (P [less than] 0.05), but not SNP. After RVH, the coronary vasodilation to Ach, BDK, and SNP were reduced (P[less than] 0.05). After RVH, NO-blockade further reduced the coronary vasodilation to BDK (P [less than] 0.05), but not Ach. Thus, RVH resulted in an impairment of both endothelial-dependent and –independent coronary vasodilation. It also appears that during RVH the endothelium retains the ability to produce/release NO to some, but not all, stimuli. In order to examine the possibility that β-adrenergic mediated coronary vasodilation is impaired after RVH, intracoronary injections of norepinephrine (NE), isoproterenol (ISO), and terbutaline (TRB) were administered. These drugs all caused dose dependent increases in CBF before and after RVH. After RVH, the coronary vasodilatory responses to NE, ISO and TRB were significantly reduced (P [less than] 0.05). β1-blockade with intracoronary atenolol (1 mg) reduced the ISO-induced increases in CBF and had no effect on TRB responses (P [less than] 0.05). β2-blockade with intracoronary ICI-118,551 (1 mg) reduced the ISO-induced coronary vasodilation and abolished TRB responses (p[less than] 0.05). During β2-blockade, ISO-induced increases in CBF were not different after RVH. Therefore, these data indicate that β1-adrenergic mediated coronary vasodilation is preserved after RVH, whereas, β2-mediated is not. We conclude that 1) RVH results in an impairment of both endothelial-dependent and –independent coronary vasodilation; 2) RVH results in an impairment of β2-adrenergic mediated coronary vasodilation.Item Effects of Testosterone on Obesity-Related Cardiac Hypertrophy and Fibrosis(2009-08-01) Wilson, Ana Kaye; Joan F. Carroll; James L. Caffrey; Robert T. MalletWilson, Ana Kaye. Effects of testosterone on obesity-related cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Master of Science (Integrative Physiology), August 2009, 71 pp, 3 tables, 6 figures. Both testosterone and obesity are known to increase renin-angiotensin system activity, leading to cardiovascular dysfunction. This study determined the interactive effects of obesity and testosterone on left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiac fibrotic factors. Male New Zealand White rabbits were fed a lean or 10% added fat diet. After 12 weeks, fat-fed rabbits exhibited increased left ventricular weight (6.05±0.16 vs. 4.75±0.10 g, respectively, p≤0.05) and cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area compared to lean rabbits (372.3±19.0 vs. 305.0±13.4μm2, respectively; p≤0.01). These effects were attenuated by both castration and treatment with the angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker, losartan. Obese rabbits did not exhibit increased myocardial collagen as expected. However, castration and losartan treatment increased matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity in obese rabbits. Despite the effects of castration hypertrophy and MMP-2 activity, castration did not attenuate plasma renin activity of aldosterone. These data suggest that testosterone contributes to obesity-related left ventricular hypertrophy and decreases collagen degradation, independent of renin activity.Item Epidemiology and Diagnostic Testing of Tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis) Infection in Ungulates in a Texas Zoo(1998-06-01) Hodges, Connie M.; Bidaut-Russell, Michelle; Licciardone, John C.; Murnane, ThomasTuberculosis infection among ungulates with Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) in a Texas zoo resulted in epidemiological assessment and testing of 161ungulates because of concerns about the validity of tuberculosis infection in the zoo. Three intradermal tests and one serological test were used to assess M.bovis infection : 1)the comparative cervical tuberculin test (CCT) consisting of biologically balanced bovine purified protein derivative (PPD) and avian PPD; 2) the single cervical bovine PPD tuberculin (BPDD); 3) the Tuberculin-Mammalian (MOT) intradermal tuberculin; and 4) the serological blood tuberculosis test (BTB). All four tests were evaluated. Validity (i.e. sensitivity and specificity), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were measured. The MOT followed by the BPPD were the most sensitive tests, correctly identifying 100% and 67%, respectively of tuberculosis infected/exposed ungulates. The BTB test was the third order of recommendation followed by the combined CCT and BTB (CCT+BTB) tests, where a positive result in either test denoted a positive response. The CCT test ranked last, as this test had the lowest sensitivity and would have allowed tuberculosis infection to remain in the zoo.Item Functional Heterogeneity in Canine Coronary Resistance Arteries(1994-06-01) Parker, James Bruce; Peter B. Raven; Patricia A. Gwirtz; James CaffreyParker, James B., Functional Heterogeneity in Canine Coronary Resistance Arteries. Doctor of Philosophy (Biomedical Sciences), June, 1994, 89 pages, 21 illustrations, bibliography, 82 titles. Two thirds of the coronary vascular resistance resides in the smallest arteries and investigators have hypothesized that they may respond differently to endogenous vasoactive substances. The arterial responses to norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and adenosine were evaluated in large ([greater than] 700 μm, n=24), intermediate (400 600 μm, n=24), and small arteries (μm, n=24). Maximal vessel lumen diameter (Dmax) was determined in CA++ free medium. A reference diameter (84 ± 4.3% of Dmax) was established by re-equilibration in medium containing 2.0 mM Ca++. Arterial maximal responses as a percentage of Dmax to norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and adenosine are given in table 1: Table 1; Large % of Dmax; Inter. % of Dmax; Small % of Dmax; Norepinephrine; 41 ± 2.3; 50 ± 4.2; 83 ± 2.4; Acetylcholine; 96 ± 2.7; 88 ± 3.9; 78 ± 1.9; Adenosine; 71 ± 1.8; 81 ± 4.2; 96 ± 1.4. The sensitivity of canine coronary arteries to norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and adenosine in terms of ED50’s are given in table 2: Table 2; Agonists; Large ED50 μM; Inter. ED50 μM; Small ED50 μM; Norepinephrine; 0.037 ± 0.002; 0.078 ± 0.004; no response; acetylcholine; 0.028 ± 0.003; 0.087 ± 0.005; 0.309 ± 0.03; Adenosine; 0.295 ± 0.002; 0.095 ± 0.004; 0.035 ± 0.03. These data indicate that canine arterial responses to the native agonists norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and adenosine are heterogeneous and that neural control predominates in the larger “transport” arteries while local control predominates in the smaller “distributive” arteries. Responses of small and intermediate isolated canine coronary arteries (lumen diameter 147±42μm, and 531±37μm respectively) to norepinephrine were evaluated after pharmacological or mechanical interruption of endothelial relaxing activity. Following with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N-Nitro-L-Arginine Methylester (L-NAME) 10^-5 M the small and intermediate vessels spontaneously constricted to 73±4.1% of Dmax indicating a significant basal release of nitric oxide. After L-NAME or endothelial disruption graded additions of norepinephrine now reduced the vessel diameter in previously unresponsive small arteries. These data suggest that the weak and equivocal response of coronary resistance arteries to norepinephrine results from the competitive dilatory influence of endothelial derived nitric oxide production and not to the absence of norepinephrine receptors.Item Identification and Characterization of Caveolins in Mouse Macrophages(2002-12-01) Gargalovic, Peter; Dory, Lad; Basu, Alakananda; McConathy, WalterPeter Gargalovic, Identification and Characterization of Caveolins in Mouse Macrophages. Doctor of Philosophy (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology), December 2002, 206 pp., 3 tables, 41 illustrations, references, 296 titles. The understanding of the mechanisms which control macrophage-lipid management, and their accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions, is of significant importance. Caveolins are proteins associated with cholesterol-rich membrane domains and are intimately linked to the regulation of lipid metabolism and transport. The expression and function of caveolin proteins in three macrophage cell types: thioglycollate-elicited mouse peritoneal macrophages, resident mouse peritoneal macrophages and the J774 macrophage cell line. Data in this work establish that the primary macrophages express caveolin-1 and -2, while J774 cells express only caveolin-2. Immunofluorescence microscopy studies indicate that caveolins in primary macrophages do not colocalize, with caveolin-1 being present on the cell surface and cavelon-2 in the Golgi compartment. Analysis of macrophages also showed that caveolin-1, but not caveolin-2, is present in detergent insoluble lipid raft membranes. While caveolin expression in macrophages is not regulated by sterols, both caveolin isoforms can be secreted from cholesterol-loaded macrophages in the presence of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Secreted caveolins are part of the complex that has a density similar to HDL, which suggests their association with HDL and potentially a role in HDL-mediated reverse cholesterol transport. The examination of caveolin expression in macrophages shows that caveolin-1, but not caveolin-2 expression is highly upregulated by agents that induce apoptosis in these cells. Induction of caveolin-1 expression precedes DNA fragmentation, is independent of caspase activation, and correlates with the exposure of phosphatidylserine on the cell surface. Importantly, immunofluorescence analysis determined that caveolin-1 in lipid rafts colocalizes extensively with phosphatidylserine present on the surface of apoptotic cells. This study thus identifies caveolin-1 as a specific and early marker of the macrophage apoptotic phenotype. Findings here strongly implicate the involvement of caveolin-1 and lipid rafts in the changes of plasma membrane lipid composition as well as involvement in efficient clearance of apoptotic cells by a phosphatidylserine-mediated mechanism.Item Mechanisms of Right Ventricular Oxygen Supply/Demand Balance in the Concious Dog(2000-06-01) Hart, Bradley; H. Fred Downey; Patricia A. Gwirtz; James L. CaffreyHart, Bradley Joe. Mechanisms of Right Ventricular Oxygen Supply/Demand Balance in the Conscious Dog Doctor of Philosophy (Biomedical Sciences), August,2000, 119 pp, 4 tables, 13 figures, references, 79 titles. No data exist in the literature describing the myocardial oxygen supply/demand relationship of the right ventricle in a conscious, anaesthetized animal. A novel technique developed in our laboratory enables us to collect right ventricular (RV) venous blood samples from conscious dogs to determine RV myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2). RV oxygen supply/demand balance was examined in conscious dogs, chronically instrumented to measure right coronary blood flow (RCBF), segmental shortening (%SS) and RV pressure (RVP) during increases and decreases in RV myocardial oxygen demand. Right ventricular MVO2 and O2 extraction (O2E2) were determined; RCBF, RVP, dP/dt, and %SS were recorded concomitantly. Acute increases in RV MVO2 were accomplished by atrial pacing (200 beats/min), increasing RV afterload by 65%, infusion of isoproterenol (0.1 μg/kg/min, i.v.), and by conducting a submaximal exercise routine (70-75% of maximum VO2). An acute decrease in RV MVO2 was created by propranolol administration (1 mg bolus, i.c.). During acute increases in RV MVO2, the extraction reserve is utilized primarily; flow is not affected in the absence of direct vasodilatory effects of the intervention. A decrease in RV oxygen demand is associated with a further increase in the RV extraction reserve. Since RV O2E increases linearly with increases in RV MVO2, these data show that changes in RV venous O2 tension can occur with little or no change in RCBF. LC resistance is very sensitive to alterations in LC venous pO2; therefore, there appear to be significant differences between the left and right ventricles concerning the matching of oxygen supply with myocardial oxygen demand.Item Regulation of Myocardial Blood Flow and Function During Exercise in Dogs(1995-06-01) Kim, Song-Jung; Patricia A. Gwirtz; Peter B. Raven; James L. CaffreyIntroduction. Background. Coronary circulation during exercise. Coronary blood flow is regulated primarily by local metabolic mechanisms according to the oxygen and nutrient needs of the heart (2, 4, 19). The local “metabolic signal” involves vasoactive metabolites, such as adenosine, released from myocytes in direct proportion to myocardial work (Figure 1). However, other external factors are superimposed on local regulatory mechanisms and can substantially modulate coronary blood flow. One of these modulatory factors is the sympathetic nervous system. Sympathetic vasoconstriction mediated by α-adrenergic receptors in the coronary circulation has been shown to oppose metabolic vasodilation and limit oxygen supply to the myocardium during physiologic and pathophysiological cardiac stresses, such as exercise and myocardial hypoperfusion (1, 6, 7, 8, 10-14, 17, 18, 21). This limitation on myocardial oxygenation appears to impose a restriction on the increase in regional left ventricular subendocardial contractile function during submaximal exercise (7). In this regard, studies have shown that removing this α1-constrictor tone leads to an increase in coronary blood flow and, as a result, regional contractile function (8). This adrenergic coronary constriction during exercise is mediated by neutrally released norepinephrine, not by circulating catecholamines (8). Endothelial-mediated control of coronary vascular tone. Recent investigations indicate that another factor involved in modulating coronary blood flow is the vascular endothelium. The endothelium exerts an influence on vascular smooth muscle vasomotor tone by releasing an endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) or nitric oxide (NO), which is derived from the amino acid L-arginine by nitric oxide synthase (5, 22). Synthesized NO diffuses into the underlying vascular smooth muscle to activate cytosolic guanylate cyclase (GC), thereby stimulating the intracellular accumulation of cyclic GMP (cGMP). This is illustrated in Figure 2. NO is released by the stimulation of muscarinic receptors on endothelial cells by acetylcholine, as well as by other agonists or physical stimuli (e.g., shear stress) at the interface between blood and endothelial cell surface (15). During exercise, for example, the work output of the normal heart may increase several-fold by the stimulation of sympathetic nerves to heart. The increased work output of the heart increases myocardial oxygen demand. Consequently, the coronary circulation undergoes vasodilation due to local metabolic mechanisms. The elevation in shear stress caused by increases in coronary blood flow triggers release of NO from the endothelium because of the extremely pulsatile nature of the flow. Therefore, it is likely that during exercise, release of NO by shear stress and by neurohormonal stimuli, concomitant with local release of metabolites, contributes to coronary dilation. These vasodilatory influences counteract a sympathetic α-adrenergic coronary constriction, which limits the increase in coronary blood flow and cardiac performance. Accordingly, coronary vascular smooth muscle tone during exercise is modulated by the endothelium, which responds to the increased shear stress and adrenergic stimulation, which provides the major extrinsic input.Item T-Helper Cell Responses in Lungs After Immunization and Chronic Respiratory Disease; And Their Association With Pulmonary Inflammation(2001-05-01) Jones, Harlan P.; Simecka, Jerry; Dimitrijevich, S. Dan; Goldfarb, Ronald H.The purpose of these studies was to characterize T helper cell responses in the lungs of mice after immunization and chronic respiratory infection. CD4+ T cells were the major population of T cells resident in the lung in comparison to CD8+ T cells. Polyclonal activation of resident CD4+T cells produced abundant levels of IL-4 in comparison to IFN-γ, indicating that Th2 cells were the major sub-population of CD4+ T cells. In contrast, resident CD8+ T cells were the sole producer of IFN-γ by naïve T lymphocytes. Furthermore, the distribution of T cells was similar between BALB/c, C3H/HeN, C57BL/6 and DBA/2N strains of mice. However differences in the distribution of CD8+T cells, as well as the levels of IL-4 and IFN-y production produced by resident T cells were found between C57 and the other strains of mice tested. These results demonstrate that host genetic factors may be involved in determining host susceptibility to respiratory disease. Differences in the intensity of antigenic stimulation provoke changes in the type of T cell response generated. Intranasal immunization with influenza (FLU) vaccine antigen alone initiated solely an antigen-specific Th2-like response. In contrast, the addition of the potent mucosal adjuvant cholera toxin (CT) in combination with FLU antigen induced not only resident Th2 responses, but also induced antigen-specific Th1-like responses. This change corresponded with a dramatic increase in the number of CD4+ T cells in the lung. Thus, intense immunization of respiratory T cells enhanced resident T helper cell responses, but also promoted the activation of Th1 responses. Chronic respiratory infection also elicited changes in the resident population of T cells consistent with pulmonary inflammatory immune responses. At early stages of infection, CD4+, but not CD8+ T cells increased in number within inductive respiratory lymphoid tissues (lower respiratory nodes [LRNs]). Between day 7 and 14 however, there was a dramatic increase in the number of CD4+ T cells in the lung. Interestingly, CD8+ T cells also increased in the lungs, suggesting their activation along mucosal sites during mycoplasma infection. Mycoplasma-specific IL-4 and IFN-γ production also increased in a tissue-specific/time-dependent manner. IL-4 production was initially observed in the LRNs, whereas significant levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ was produced in both tissues 14 days after infection. In comparison, IFN-γ was the predominate cytokine, produce at 14 days coinciding with pulmonary inflammation. Suggesting that intense activation promoted changes in the resident pulmonary Th2 environment, and possible is a major component of pulmonary inflammatory immune responses. Both CD4+ and CD8= T cells were shown to have a role in modulation of disease severity during mycoplasma disease. Observation of gross pulmonary lesions reveal that mycoplasma infected mice treated with anti-CD8 antibody showed increase clinical signs of disease and pronounced gross pulmonary lesions. Additionally the number of total mononuclear cells increased dramatically in the absence of CD8+ T cells. Thus, CD8+ T cells may have a regulatory role in controlling resident CD4+ T cells that increased 14 days after infection. Chemokine production is known to mediate the recruitment of lymphocytes to enhance the initiation of immunity as well as be responsible for modulating inflammatory responses. We find that mycoplasma increase the number of dendritic cells in the lung 14 days after infection, and stimulated the production of dendritic cell-derived ABCD-1 chemokine. Also, β-chemokine MIP-1α and MIB-1β production was observed during intense immunization as well as during mycoplasma infection. These results provide evidence for a potential mechanism through which changes in resident pulmonary T cell responses occur given the intensity of the immune response generated.Item The Effects of Elevated Glucose Upon Na+/K+-ATPase in Bovine Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells(1994-12-01) Crider, Julie Y.; Thomas Yorio; John Lane; Edward OrrCrider, Julie Y., The Effects of Elevated Glucose Upon Na+/K+-ATPase in Bovine Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. Doctor of Philosophy (Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacology), December, 1994, 154 pp., 14 tables, 31 illustrations, bibliography, 288 titles. Bovine retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells were cultured under 1, 4.5 and 10 g/l glucose conditions in order to characterize the effects of hyperglycemia upon Na+/K+-ATPase. Functional activity of Na+/K+-ATPase was measured as ouabain-sensitive Rb+ uptake. 3H ouabain was used to assess binding characteristics of Na+/K+-ATPase. The major contributors to rubidium (mRb+) uptake activity were the ouabain-sensitive Na+/K+-ATpase and a bumetanide-sensitive NA+/K+/Cl- cotransporter. Dose response curves for ouabain and bumetanide produced IC50 values for 86Rb+ uptake of 60-100 nM and 120 nM, respectively. At elevated glucose concentrations, the aldose reductase inhibitor (ARI) AL-1576 stimulated 86Rb+ uptake upon chronic treatment. A sensitive new nonradioactive Rb+ uptake assay was developed which utilized suppressed conductivity detection and provided several advantages over the radioactive method. The average ouabain IC50 value was confirmed to be 100nM and was not significantly affected by elevated glucose concentrations. The bumetanide sensitive component was responsible for approximately 30% of Rb+ uptake at all glucose concentrations. Potassium efflux out of the cells was observed that was sensitive to the Na+/K+/Cl- cotransport inhibitor bumetanide. Elevated glucose appeared to increase Rb+ transport through potassium channels was also reduced Rb+ uptake indicating a decrease in Na+/K+-ATPase activity. Bovine RPE cells exposed to both high glucose and AL-1576 for one month showed mild stimulation of Rb+ uptake compared to the activity in high glucose alone. Ouabain and strophanthidin inhibition of 3H ouabain binding, in bovine RPE cells, appeared to be unaffected by hyperglycemia. The average IC50 values for these compounds were 5.02 x 10^-8 M, respectively. The results of this study indicate that Na+/K+-ATPase activity in bovine RPE is decreased by hyperglycemic state, and can be stimulated by treatment with an aldose reductase inhibitor administered from the onset of the hyperglycemic insult.Item The Effects of Hyperlipidemia and Hypoglycemia on Myocardial Contractile Function and Oxygen Utilization During Coronary Hypoperfusion(1998-08-01) Hart, Bradley Joe; Downey, H. Fred; Mallet, Robert T.; Smith, Michael B.Hart, Bradley Joe, The Effects of Hyperlipidemia and Hypoglycemia on Myocardial Contractile Function and Oxygen Utilization During Coronary Hypoperfusion Master of Science (Biomedical Sciences), August, 1998, 85 pp., 1 table, 5 figures, references, 51 titles. This study was designed to determine the effects of elevated fatty acid and lowered glucose concentrations on myocardial contractile function and substrate selection during hypoperfusion. Coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) was lowered in the left anterior descending coronary artery of open-chest anesthetized dogs. Glucose uptake, fatty acid uptake, and percent segment shortening (%SS) were determined with normal arterial FFA concentrations (Group 1) or with elevated concentrations (Groups 2 and 3). When glucose was removed by dialysis in Group 3, FFA uptake increased and glucose uptake decreased relative to Group 1 at 40 mmHg CPP (p [less than] 0.05). Oxygen consumption significantly increased (p [less than] 0.05); however, %SS was unchanged. Thus, although the myocardium switches from fatty acid to glucose metabolism to increase oxygen utilization efficiency during hypoperfusion, blocking this switch does not contribute to a further decrease in myocardial contractile function.Item The Effects of Pyruvate on Oxidative Stress and Myocardial Energetics During Cardioplegic Arrest and Reperfusion(2005-10-01) Knott, E. Marty; Robert T. Mallet; James Caffrey; Jerry SimeckaKnott, E. Marty, The Effects of Pyruvate on Oxidative Stress and Myocardial Energetics During Cardioplegic Arrest and Reperfusion Doctor of Philosophy (Integrative Physiology), October 2005, 118 pp, 1 tables, 17 figures, references, 130 titles. Cardioplegic arrest for bypass surgery imposes global ischemia on the myocardium generating oxyradicals which contribute to post surgical cardiac dysfunction. Early clinical trials have demonstrated that pyruvate-fortified cardioplegia reduces myocardial energy and improves mechanical recovery in patients undergoing elective cardiopulmonary bypass for coronary artery bypass grafting. This study was designed to determine the effects of the natural carbohydrate, pyruvate, on oxidative stress, myocardial energy state, and activities of myocardial metabolic enzymes during and immediately following cardiopulmonary bypass. In the first set of experiments, in situ swine hearts were arrested for 60 min with a 4:1 mixture of blood and crystalloid cardioplegia solution containing 188 mM glucose alone (control) or with additional 23.8 mM lactate or 23.8 mM pyruvate, then reperfused for 3 min with cardioplegia-free blood. Glutathione redox state (GSH/GSSG) and phosphocreatine phosphorylation potential were determine from measurements of myocardial metabolites in left ventricular heart tissue snap frozen at 45 min arrest and 3 min reperfusion. Coronary sinus 8-isoprostane indexed oxidative stress. Pyruvate-fortified cardioplegia decreased oxidative stress, lowering 8-isoporstane content accumulate during arrest and reperfusion. Phosphorylation potential was maintained in all groups during arrest but fell upon reperfusion in the control and lactate and cardioplegia groups. Use of pyruvate cardioplegia during arrest prevented the decline in phosphorylation potential during reperfusion. Pyruvate cardioplegia doubled GSH/GSSG during arrest as compared to lactate, but GSH/GSSG fell during reperfusion all 3 groups. Pyruvate proved to be an effective antioxidant and energy yielding fuel in the setting of carioplegic arrest and reperfusion. From these data, we hypothesized that pyruvate would protect oxidant-sensitive enzymes from inactivation. To test this hypothesis, in situ swine hearts were arrested for 60 min with control cardioplegia and reperfused for 3 min with cardioplegia-free blood alone or with co-infusion c. 12 mM pyruvate. Activities of oxidant-sensitive enzymes, 8-isoprostane content, and energy and antioxidant metabolites were measured in left ventricular myocardium snap-frozen at 45 min arrest and 3 min reperfusion. At 3 min reperfusion, glutathione redox state fell by 70% while 8-isoprostane content increased 75%. Pyruvate administration during reperfusion suppressed oxidative stress, maintained glutathione redox state, and enhanced phosphocreatine phosphorylation potential. Aconitase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities fell during arrest; creatine kinase and phosphofructokinase were inactivated upon reperfusion. Pyruvate protected creatine kinase and reactivated aconitase, which are at least partially mitochondrial enzymes, but did not modify the cytosolic enzymes glucose 6-phosphofructokinase. We conclude that 1) pyruvate-fortified cardioplegia and administration of pyruvate during early perfusion increase the antioxidant state of the heart and reduce oxidative stress occurring as a result of cardioplegic arrest and reperfusion; 2) pyruvate bolsters the myocardial energy state during early reperfusion when administered during cardioplegic arrest or during reperfusion; 3) Cardioplegic arrest and reperfusion inactivated several key metabolic enzymes. Pyruvate administration during reperfusion, the period of most intense oxidative stress, increases the activity of two mitochondrial enzymes during early reperfusion when compared to control. These investigations provide likely mechanisms for the ability of pyruvate-fortified cardioplegia to reduce myocardial injury and improve post-surgical cardiac performance in patients undergoing CPB. More research must be done to solidify pyruvate’s role as a cardioprotective intervention during CPB.