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  • 1
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Anatomy and embryology 202 (2000), S. 247-255 
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Key words Enteric neurons ; Interstitial cells of Cajal ; Smooth muscle cells ; Guinea-pig ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Tachykinin receptors NK1r, NK2r and NK3r bind tachykinins with different affinities and share pharmacological and molecular differences among animal species. NK1r, NK2r, NK3r and tachykinin (SP/NKA) distribution was studied by immunohistochemistry in the ileum of mouse since no data are available for this species. The results were then compared to those obtained in the rat and guinea pig either by us or by others to ascertain interspecies similarities and/or differences. NK1r- and NK3r-immunoreactivity (IR) were detected in neurons and NK1r-IR in the interstitial cells of Cajal at the deep muscular plexus. At variance with rat and guinea pig, NK1r-IR was also found in the myoid cells of the villi, while NK2r-IR was never detected in nerve varicosities. This latter datum suggests that the NK2r does not play a presynaptic role in the mouse. Unexpectedly, a high NK2r-IR and the presence of NK3r-IR were observed at the inner portion of the circular muscle layer in the mouse as well as in the rat and guinea pig, demonstrating a subregional distribution of these receptors. Tachykinin distribution did not show noticeable species-related differences. The present findings show species-related differences in the tachykinin receptor distribution that might be related to a different tachykinin controlof intestinal motility.
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  • 2
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Key words Nerve repair ; Nerve fiber regeneration ; Sciatic nerve ; Muscle-vein-combined graft ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Clinical data have shown that a vein segment filled with fresh skeletal muscle can be considered a good autologous grafting conduit for the repair of peripheral nerve lesions. In this study, the long-term morphological organization of rat sciatic nerve fibers regenerated along a muscle-vein-combined graft conduit is further analysed by light and electron microscopy. Regenerated nerve fibers were organized into fascicles of various sizes that were clearly delimited by perineurial-like shells made by long and thin cytoplasmic processes of perineurial-like bipolar cells and by densely packed collagen fibrils. Grafted skeletal muscle fibers were still detectable among nerve fiber fascicles. However, in spite of the persistence of skeletal muscle along the graft, regenerated nerve fibers showed a good morphological pattern of regeneration, providing further evidence that the muscle-vein-combined grafting technique represents an effective surgical alternative to the classical fresh nerve autograft for the repair of peripheral nerve defects.
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  • 3
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Key words GABAB receptor ; CNS ; Dorsal root ganglia ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The anatomical distribution of the GABAB receptor (GBR) splice variants GBR1a and 1b in the CNS has not previously been studied. In the present study, distribution of the splice variants was mapped using immunohistochemistry. Polyclonal antibodies against splice variant unique epitopes were raised in rabbits. Affinity purified antibodies were used according to routine immunohistochemical procedures in sections from the rat CNS or dorsal root ganglia (DRG). The staining intensity was high in the cerebral cortex but lower in basal ganglia and the hippocampus. In the cerebellum, there was a marked difference in the distribution of GBR1a- and 1b-like immunoreactivity (LI). GBR1a-LI was preferentially localised in the granule cell layer whilst GBR1b-LI was mostly found in Purkinje cells and in the molecular layer. Cell bodies of the deep cerebellar nuclei stained for the GBR1a antibody while terminals surrounding the cell bodies were strongly labelled with the GBR1b antibody. A similar pre- vs postsynaptic pattern was seen in several nuclei ventral or caudal to the cerebellum (e.g. the cochlear nucleus, the facial nucleus, the spinal cord) but not in regions rostral to the cerebellum. In the spinal cord, strong labelling for both antibodies was seen in the dorsal horn. The GBR1b but not the GBR1a antibody stained tanycytes in the epithelium of the 3rd ventricle and in the central canal at the brain stem level. DRG neurons were positive for both the GBR1a and 1b antibody, but the former stained the cells much more intensely. Satellite cells were labelled with the GBR1b antibody. The most important aspect of these findings is that in some nuclei, GBR1b may mediate inhibition of transmitter release while in the same regions, GBR1a may mediate postsynaptic inhibition. Further, the observations support previous findings that GBR1b is the predominant splice variant in Purkinje cells.
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  • 4
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key words Hypothermia ; Immunohistochemistry ; Microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) ; Rat ; Spinal cord injury
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Systemic hypothermia has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects in experimental ischemic CNS models caused by vascular occlusions. The present study addresses the question as to whether systemic hypothermia has similar neuroprotective qualities following severe spinal cord compression trauma using microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) immunohistochemistry combined with the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method as marker to identify neuronal and dendritic lesions. Fifteen rats were randomized into three equally sized groups. One group sustained thoracic laminectomy, the others severe spinal cord compression trauma of the T8-9 segment. The control group contained laminectomized animals submitted to a hypothermic procedure in which the esophageal temperature was reduced from 38 °C to 30 °C. The two trauma groups were either submitted to the same hypothermic procedure or kept normothermic during the corresponding time. All animals were sacrificed 24 h following the surgical procedure. The MAP2 immunostaining in the normothermic trauma group indicated marked reductions in MAP2 antigen in the cranial and caudal peri-injury zones (T7 and T10, respectively). This reduction was much less pronounced in the hypothermic trauma group. In fact, the MAP2 antigen was present in almost equally sized areas in both the hypothermic groups independent of previous laminectomy alone or the addition of trauma. Our study thus indicates that hypothermia has a neuroprotective effect on dendrites of rat spinal cords subjected to compression trauma.
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  • 5
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Acta neuropathologica 100 (2000), S. 75-81 
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key words Fas ; Fas ligand ; Rat ; Spinal cord ; Trauma
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract This immunohistochemical study evaluated Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) in the rat nervous system and their changes in the spinal cord subjected to compression. Normal spinal cord showed a low level of Fas and FasL immunoreactivity in the white matter except in the corticospinal tracts. Fas and FasL immunoreactivity seemed to be located in axons and their myelin sheaths. Other regions of the nervous system did not show immunoreactivity to Fas and FasL. Moderate and severe compression injury of the spinal cord resulted in a reduction of Fas and FasL immunoreactivity in the white matter of injured T8–9 segments at 4 h and a complete loss at 1 day after trauma. This was seen even in the remaining white matter. In contrast, increased immunoreactivity to Fas and FasL was present in the cranial T7, caudal T10 (moderate injury) and T12 (severe injury) segments at day 4 with most intense staining were seen at day 9 after trauma. Increased Fas and FasL immunoreactivity may have pathophysiological implications for the development of secondary injuries after trauma to the spinal cord. Fas-FasL interactions may for instance be involved in apoptosis of oligodendrocytes which occurs as a delayed phenomenon after trauma to the spinal cord. The integrity of myelin sheaths may in this way be jeopardized by apoptosis of oligodendrocytes.
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  • 6
    ISSN: 1432-1211
    Keywords: Key words Vβ13 ; CD4/CD8 ratio ; Rat ; Tcrb ; Polymorphism
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract. Three rat BV13S1 alleles (T-cell receptor β-chain variable gene 13) were characterized by new BV13S1-allele specific monoclonal antibodies (18B1 and 17D5) and sequence analysis of expressed and genomic BV13S1. Two alleles were functional and designated BV13S1A1 present in strains LEW, BUF, PVG, and BV13S1A2 present in BN and WF. Their products differed by six amino acids, two of them in complementarity-determing region (CDR)1 and one in CDR2. A third nonfunctional allele, BV13S1A3P, was found in strains F344 and DA. Apart from a single nucleotide insertion, it was identical to BV13S1A2. All 12 rat strains tested showed association of TCRBC1 with BV8S2/4 alleles but not with the BV13S1 alleles, which may reflect a different gene order of the rat BV compared to mouse. BV13S1A1-encoded T-cell receptors (TCRs) which bind both monoclonal antibody (mAb) 18B1 and mAb 17D5 are over-represented in the CD4 lymphocyte subset. BV13S1A2-encoded TCRs which are stained by mAb 18B1 but not by mAb 17D5 show a slight CD8-biased expression. Preferential usage of BV13S1A1-positive TCRs by CD4 but not by CD8 cells in (LEW×WF)F1 hybrids and cosegregation of BV13SA1 and increased frequency of BV13S1 TCR-positive CD4 cells in a (LEW×BN)×BN backcross suggest structural differences of the two allelic products as the reason for their contrasting CD4/CD8 subset bias.
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  • 7
    ISSN: 1432-0738
    Keywords: Key wordsα2u-Globulin ; Diethylstilbestrol ; Endocrine disrupter ; Rat ; Screening
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract α2u-Globulin (AUG) is a major rat urinary protein, which has a molecular weight of 16 kDa (kidney type) or 19 kDa (native type). The biosynthesis of this protein is under multi-hormonal regulation. In this study, we investigated changes in serum AUG level and their association with changes in the reproductive organs of male rats after the administration of the estrogenic chemical, diethylstilbestrol (DES) at doses ranging from 0.01 mg/kg per day to 100 mg/kg per day by gavage for 14 days. Our aim was to establish basic data for the development of a new screening method for endocrine disrupting chemicals based on serum AUG levels. DES treatment decreased the weight of testes in a dose-dependent manner; and was accompanied by atrophic histopathological changes in testes. Testis weights were significantly decreased by the group given 1 mg/kg per day DES; however, histopathological abnormalities were found in the group given 0.1 mg/kg per day DES. In four of five animals in the group given 1 mg/kg per day there was no significant decrease in testis weight and only a slight or moderate degeneration of the pachytene spermatocytes. Despite these findings, serum AUG levels in this group decreased markedly, while the serum AUG level markedly decreased even in the animals with no histopathological change in the 1 mg/kg per day or 0.1 mg/kg per day groups with no histopathological change also showed decreased serum AUG level. These results suggest that the serum AUG level may be a sensitive parameter for detecting the activity of estrogenic chemicals in intact male rats. Although a uterotropic assay has been proposed for immature female or ovariectomized female rats and is currently undergoing validation studies internationally, there is no screening method for estrogenic chemicals in intact male animals. More data on AUG changes by treatment with other estrogenic chemicals are needed in order to determine the sensitivity and specificity of this response to estrogens. Nonetheless, an AUG-based screening test for estrogenic chemicals may be useful owing to its applicability to conventional toxicity studies and an apparently higher sensitivity of this parameter compared to organ weight change or histology of testis in intact male rats and applicability to conventional toxicity studies.
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  • 8
    ISSN: 1432-0738
    Keywords: Key words Flutamide ; Androgen antagonist ; Rat ; Enhanced OECD Test Guideline 407 ; Endocrine disrupters
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract In association with the international validation project to establish a test protocol for the `Enhanced OECD Test Guideline 407', we performed a preliminary 28-day, repeated-dose toxicity study of flutamide, a non-steroidal androgen antagonist, and assessed the sensitivity of a list of parameters for detecting endocrine-related effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Seven-week-old CD(SD)IGS rats were divided into four groups, each consisting of 10 males and 10 females, and administered flutamide once daily by oral gavage at doses of 0 (control), 0.25, 1 and 4 mg/kg body weight/day. Male rats were killed 1 day after the 28th administration. Female rats were killed on the day they entered the diestrus stage in the estrous cycle following the last treatment. Male rats receiving flutamide at dose levels of 1 and 4 mg/kg showed lobular atrophy of the mammary gland and a decrease in epididymal weight. In addition, 4 mg/kg flutamide-treated males exhibited raised serum testosterone and estradiol levels and decreased weight of the accessory sex glands. In females, a slight prolongation of the estrous cycle was also observed in the 4 mg/kg flutamide-treated group. No dose-related changes could be detected by haematology, serum biochemistry and sperm analysis. Thus, among the parameters tested in the present experimental system, the weight of endocrine-linked organs and their histopathological assessment, serum hormone levels, and estrous cycle stage allowed the detection of endocrine-related effects of flutamide.
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  • 9
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Experimental brain research 130 (2000), S. 100-104 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Key words NF-κB ; p65 ; Hippocampal neurons ; Glia ; Astrocytes ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  NF-κB is found in many neuronal cell types in different states of activity. This study aimed to define which conditions induce constitutive NF-κB activity in cultured hippocampal neurons using activity-specific antibody staining. In co-culture with astroglia, hippocampal neurons were devoid of activated NF-κB. In these co-cultures, NF-κB could not be activated via kainate or glutamate. In contrast, separating neurons from the glial compartment resulted in a time-dependent increase of activated neuronal NF-κB. In this line, activation of NF-κB by kainate or glutamate is very effective in freshly separated cultures, but inhibited when the cultures are reassembled after stimulation. These findings suggests that a neuronal-glial interaction may regulate gene expression via NF-κB.
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  • 10
    ISSN: 1437-9813
    Keywords: Key words Fetal transplantation ; Proliferation ; Adrenal glands ; Addisonian crisis ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The present study investigated the histologic maturation, proliferative capacity, and steroid production of fetal adrenal transplants (Tx) in adrenalectomized rats. A pair of fetal adrenal glands (18–20 days of gestation) was transplanted into the omentum of syngeneic Lewis rats (n=45). Four weeks later, in 5 animals the grafts were excised for morphologic evaluation. Proliferation was investigated by immunohistochemical staining for KI-67 protein and quantified by the proliferation index (PI = positive cells/100 counts). All other hosts (Tx; n = 40) underwent bilateral adrenalectomy (AE) to induce Addisonian crisis. Postoperatively, survival and concentrations of potassium, sodium, aldosterone, and corticosterone were recorded for 6 months. These data were compared to controls (C = only AE; n = 30) and a sham group (S; n = 10). At the end of the study period all surviving hosts were killed for histologic examination of grafts. At 4 weeks post-Tx the adrenal grafts demonstrated a distinct zona glomerulosa and frequent proliferation with a PI of 0.084, comparable to normal control (0.092). Following AE survival was significantly prolonged in Tx (86% vs 12% of C, P 〈 0.05). Control animals developed severe hyponatremia and hyperkalemia, whereas in Tx only transient signs of Addisonian crisis were recorded. Levels of aldosterone dropped within 7 days in the Tx and C groups, but returned to normal for Tx within 8 weeks. Corticosterone levels of Tx animals fell to 25% within week, but steadily increased to 70% by the end of the study. At 6 months, grafts revealed a mature adrenocortical structure with little proliferative activity, which was comparable to controls. In a syngeneic rat model fetal adrenal transplants thus mature and proliferate to provide sufficient steroid production for adrenalectomized hosts.
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  • 11
    ISSN: 1437-9813
    Keywords: Key words Congenital diaphragmatic hernia ; Hypoplastic lung ; Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) ; Antenatal glucocorticoids ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of antenatal glucocorticoid therapy on smooth-muscle-cell (SMC) DNA synthesis in the pulmonary arteries (PA) in a nitrofen-induced congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) rat model following nitrofen administration on day 9.5 of gestation. Antenatal dexamethasone (DEX) was given intraperitoneally on days 18.5 and 19.5 of gestation. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was injected via a jugular vein into the dam 1 h before the fetuses were killed by cesarean section at term. The fetuses were divided into three groups: group I (n = 10): normal controls; group II (n = 10): nitrofen-induced CDH; group III (n = 10): nitrofen-induced CDH with antenatal DEX treatment. Immunostaining of the lungs with anti-BrdU antibody was obtained by a standard avidin-biotin complex method. The number of immunopositive cells in the PA media and adventitia were counted using an image analyzer and analyzed statistically. The number of BrdU-immunopositive cells in the media was significantly increased in group II (16.83 ± 3.01) compared to groups I (9.16 ± 2.20) and III (6.83 ± 1.70) (P 〈 0.01). There was no significant difference between groups I and III. The number of BrdU-immunopositive cells in the adventitia was not significantly different between the three groups. Antenatal DEX treatment inhibits SMC DNA synthesis in PA media in CDH lungs. This may be a possible mechanism by which antenatal DEX prevents structural PA changes in nitrofen-induced CDH in rats.
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  • 12
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Pediatric surgery international 16 (2000), S. 485-487 
    ISSN: 1437-9813
    Keywords: Key words Duodenum ; Apoptosis ; Fetus ; Rat ; Duodenal atresia
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Duodenum is thought to go through a solid-core stage followed by recanalization during its development. This study investigates the role of apoptosis in normal duodenal development, especially during widening of the lumen, and hence, the possible role of apoptosis in duodenal atresia (DA). Twenty-four time-mated Sprague-Dawley rats were killed from day 13 to day 20 of gestation. Duodenums of 3 fetuses were chosen randomly from each rat and processed. Apoptosis was determined by the terminal deoxytransferase-mediated biotin dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) technique (ApopTag). Apoptosis count and cross-sectional areas were measured with an image analyzer (MetaMorph). The number of apoptotic cells per unit area duodenum peaked on day 15 for the mucosal/submucosal layer and on day 14 for the muscular/mesenchymal layer. The maximal number of apoptotic cells per cross-section of duodenum was between 7 and 8. The cross-sectional areas of the duodenal wall and lumen increased exponentially between day 17 and day 19 while duodenal-wall thickness remained relatively constant throughout duodenal development. The localization, timing, and intensity of apoptosis do not suggest that apoptosis is responsible for the widening of the duodenal lumen; enlargement of the lumen is related to the increase in duodenal circumference. Apoptosis thus may not be involved in the pathogenesis of DA.
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  • 13
    ISSN: 1437-7799
    Keywords: Key words VEGF ; Glomeruli ; Ribonuclease protection assay ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a selective endothelial growth factor which potently enhances microvascular permeability. In the kidney, VEGF mRNA is known to be highly expressed in visceral epithelial cells in glomeruli. However, the physiological role of VEGF in glomerular function and its involvement in the pathogenesis of proteinuria are not clear. The present studies were designed to determine whether altered expression of VEGF mRNA was observed in the course of puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) nephrosis in rats (a model of human minimal change nephrosis). Methods. The message level of VEGF in isolated glomeruli of PAN nephrosis rats was measured using a ribonuclease protection assay. Results. VEGF expression began to decrease 4 days after PAN injection and could not be detected in the nephrotic stage of PAN nephrosis (on days 8 and 16). In the remission of stage of PAN nephrosis (on day 28), mRNA was restored to the control level. Conclusions. According to our results, a functional defect in the VEGF expression of visceral epithelial cells was observed in PAN nephrosis. VEGF could be a functional marker of visceral epithelial cells, and the loss of normal expression of VEGF after damage to visceral epithelial cells could affect glomerular endothelial cell function in PAN nephrosis.
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  • 14
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Pediatric surgery international 16 (2000), S. 285-292 
    ISSN: 1437-9813
    Keywords: Key words Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) ; Rat ; Immunohistochemistry ; Distribution
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The present study systematically investigated the expression and distribution of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) classes I and II in the rat. About 150 native tissue probes from eight adult Lewis rats were taken, representative for most organs, tissues, and the vascular system. MHC expression was analyzed by two monoclonal antibodies (mAb) generated against the non-polymorphic determinants of rat MHC class I (Ox-18) and class II (Ox-6). Immunoreactivities were compared to those of different endothelial (HIS52, TLD-3A12, Ox-43, REHA-1 antigen), histiocytic (ED1, ED2), B-cell (RLN-9D3), and T-cell (MRC Ox-52) markers. A nonspecific mAb (MR12/53) served as a negative control. Pretested concentrations on various tissues and the alkaline phosphatase-anti-alkaline phosphatase technique allowed semiquantitative evaluation of serial cryostat tissue sections. MHC class I expression was detected on most immunocompetent cells. Endothelial cells were stained heterogeneously along the vascular system and the organ-specific microcirculation. Furthermore, some organs showed staining of parenchymal cells. MHC class II was found on all immunocompetent cells positive for the B-cell marker and about 15% of cells positive for the histiocytic markers. Besides the well-known expression of MHC class II in the outer zone of the renal proximal tubule, further organ-specific cell forms were found positive. In conclusion, the present study outlines tissue-specific distribution of MHC I/II and implies that each organ carries a variable immunologic burden that needs to be considered for any transplantation model.
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  • 15
    ISSN: 1436-2023
    Keywords: Key words Adriamycin ; Rat ; Embryo ; VATER association ; Synovial joint ; Bones ; Limbs ; Vertebra ; Sirenomelia
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The adriamycin-induced rat model of the Vertebral, Anorectal, Tracheo-Esophageal, Radial and Renal (VATER) association produces a variety of vertebral, rib, and limb abnormalities. This study was designed to document accurately the nature of these abnormalities and to determine whether synovial joints are affected. Fetuses from pregnant Sprague Dawley rats that had received intraperitoneal injections of 1.75 mg/kg of adriamycin on days 6–9 or 10–13 of gestation were harvested. Double-stained skeletal preparations and histological sections were examined for vertebral, rib, and limb anomalies. The incidence of anomalies was high in the group treated on gestational days (GD) 6–9, while it was low in the GD 10–13 group. The length and thickness of the long bones were reduced, with bowing and reduction in their endochondral ossification. Sirenomelia occurred in the group treated on GD 6–9, and was often associated with a short tail and anal atresia. The joint cavities, and intra-articular structures such as menisci and the cruciate ligaments developed normally from the mesenchymal interzone. These data indicate that adriamycin inhibits skeletal growth and differentiation without any interference in the differentiation of the mesenchymal interzone, thus producing normal synovial joints.
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  • 16
    ISSN: 1432-0843
    Keywords: Key words 7-Hydroxymethotrexate ; Methotrexate ; Maximum tolerated dose ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Purpose: After more than 50 years of methotrexate (MTX) treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), it is currently believed that as long as dose escalations are followed by adequate leucovorin rescue guided by monitoring MTX serum concentrations, hydration and urinary alkalinization, high-dose MTX (HD-MTX) can be tolerated without life-threatening toxicity. However, our recent experimental animal studies of the major metabolite of MTX, 7-OH-MTX, indicate that this concept may have some limitations. Animals with levels of 7-OH-MTX of 1 mM, which is below the levels routinely found in patients on HD-MTX, demonstrate intolerable toxicity and some animals die within 8 h. Electron microscopy indicates that endothelial cell and platelet functions are perturbed. Since animal data are lacking, and interspecies differences not known, we wanted to investigate the maximum tolerated doses of MTX and 7-OH-MTX in a rat model of short-term effects. The maximum tolerated dose was chosen instead of LD50 for reasons of animal welfare. Methods: We infused MTX and 7-OH-MTX into anaesthetized male Wistar rats and monitored the animals for 8 h. The drugs were given as a bolus plus continuous infusion. The dose-finding ranges were 1.8–11.3 g/kg MTX and 0.1–1.2 g/kg 7-OH-MTX. Results: The maximum tolerated dose was between 3 and 5 g/kg for MTX and lower than 0.1 g/kg for 7-OH-MTX. The mean serum concentrations of MTX and 7-OH-MTX in animals that did not survive the 8-h period were 21.9 and 1.6 mM, respectively. The animals that received the highest MTX or 7-OH-MTX doses and concentrations died after sudden reductions in heart rate and blood pressure. Conclusions: We demonstrated a lower maximum tolerated dose of 7-OH-MTX than of MTX in rats after 8 h. The 7-OH-MTX concentrations were in the therapeutic range after HD-MTX. If the rat/human interspecies differences are not large, our data may indicate that HD-MTX regimens should not be further dose intensified, due not so much to the effects of MTX as to those of 7-OH-MTX.
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  • 17
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Journal of cancer research and clinical oncology 126 (2000), S. 27-32 
    ISSN: 1432-1335
    Keywords: Key words Heart irradiation ; Plasma enzyme levels ; Myocardial enzyme levels ; Rat ; AbbreviationsCK creatine kinase ; LDH lactate de-hydrogenase ; AST aspartate aminotransferase ; ALT alanine aminotransferase ; α-HBDHα-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Plasma levels of myocardial enzymes present after local heart irradiation were studied in a rat model. The purpose was to investigate whether, within days after irradiation, these enzyme levels change to such an extent that they may be helpful in assessing the severity of cardiac damage after radiotherapy. Therefore, activities of creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (α-HBDH) were determined in the plasma and left ventricular myocardium of rats following local heart irradiation with a single dose of 20 Gy. A dose of 20 Gy is known to cause irreversible cardiac damage and to reduce survival times of the animals. Cardiac enzyme assays were performed directly after and twice daily for up to 2 weeks after radiation. Plasma CK, LDH, AST and α-HBDH levels were increased between 2 h and 24 h after irradiation. Plasma ALT levels remained unchanged. Myocardial enzyme levels, measured between 24 h and 16 days after radiation, did not differ between irradiated and control animals, although acute (first 12 h) reductions were observed in the irradiated group. The elevated enzyme levels in plasma appeared to correlate with the acutely reduced myocardial enzyme levels. Although irradiation with a dose of 20 Gy induced acute rises of cardiac enzyme levels in plasma, it is doubtful that fractionated radiation, as applied clinically for treatment of solid tumors, will induce plasma enzyme elevations that are large enough to indicate the extent of cardiac damage occurring acutely or chronically.
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  • 18
    ISSN: 1432-198X
    Keywords: Key words Apoptosis ; Ceramide ; Development ; Kidney ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Ceramide is emerging as an important hydrophobic sphingolipid involved in cell differentiation and apoptosis. Since apoptosis plays a significant role in cellular remodeling during renal morphogenesis, we measured ceramide content and apoptosis in the fetal (18 days gestation), neonatal (3, 7, and 14 days postnatal), and adult rat kidney. In addition, to determine whether developmental changes in ceramide content are tissue-specific, we compared renal ceramide content with that in lung and liver. Ceramide was measured by the diacylglycerol kinase assay, and apoptosis was determined by the TUNEL technique. Renal ceramide content fell over 100-fold from the fetus to the 7th postnatal day. Renal apoptosis paralleled ceramide content, with a greater than 300-fold decrease in apoptosis from fetal to adult life. Ceramide content of the lung and liver was significantly less than that of the kidney, and changed less with maturation. We conclude that maturational changes in ceramide content are tissue-specific, and that the high rate of apoptosis in the developing kidney may be related to the elevated ceramide content.
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  • 19
    ISSN: 1432-198X
    Keywords: Key words Metabolic acidosis ; Growth ; Growth hormone ; Insulin-like growth factor-I ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Growth impairment induced by chronic metabolic acidosis is associated with an abnormal growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) axis. To examine the potentially beneficial effects of IGF-I on acidosis-induced growth impairment and the influence of GH and IGF-I treatment on the GH/IGF-I axis, three groups of acidotic young rats (untreated, AC, n=12; treated with recombinant human GH, GH, n=8; treated with recombinant human IGF-I, IGF-I, n=8) were studied, and compared with nonacidotic rats fed ad libitum (C, n=9)) or pair-fed with the AC group (PF, n=12). After 14 days of acidosis and 7 days of treatment, growth rate, hepatic abundance of 4.7-kilobase (kb) and 1.2-kb GH receptor transcripts and 7.5-kb and 1.8- to 0.8-kb IGF-I transcripts, serum GH-binding protein (GHBP), and IGF-I concentrations (mean±SEM) were analyzed. Significant decreases of 4.7-kb GH receptor [26±2 vs. 49±6 arbitrary densitometry units (ADU)] and 7.5 kb IGF-I (41±3 vs. 104±10 ADU) transcripts and low serum GHBP (25±1 vs. 32±1 ng/ml) and IGF-I (279±50 vs. 366±6 nmol/l) levels were found in the AC compared with the C rats. The majority of these alterations were also observed in PF rats. Compared with acidotic untreated rats, GH and IGF-I therapy produced no improvement in growth rate. GH treatment normalized the levels of IGF-I mRNA, aggravated the acidosis-related inhibition of the GH receptor gene, and did not modify the serum levels of GHBP and IGF-I. In contrast, IGF-I administration depressed the hepatic expression of all GH and IGF-I transcripts and normalized serum IGF-I concentrations. Our results confirm that sustained metabolic acidosis alters the GH/IGF-I axis, in part because of associated malnutrition, and induced growth retardation that is resistant to GH therapy. Our study also shows that administration of IGF-I does not accelerate the growth of acidotic rats, suggesting a peripheral mechanism, at the level of target tissues, is responsible for the resistance to the growth-promoting actions of GH and IGF-I.
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  • 20
    ISSN: 1432-119X
    Keywords: Endothelin-A receptor ; Endothelin-B receptor ; Rat ; Pulmonary fibrosis ; Immunohistochemistry ; Quantitative PCR
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: AbstractPulmonary fibrosis is characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition with concomitant loss of gas exchange units, and endothelin-1 (ET-1) has been implicated in its pathogenesis. Increased levels of ET-1 from tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage have been reported in patients with pulmonary fibrosis and in animal models after intratracheal bleomycin. We characterized the cellular distribution of alveolar ET receptors by immunohistochemistry in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in the rat and determined the regulation by bleomycin of ET receptor mRNA expression in isolated alveolar macrophages and rat lung fibroblasts. We found significant increases in the numbers of fibroblasts and macrophages at day 7 compared to day 28 and control animals. ETB receptor immunoreactivity was observed on fibroblasts and invading monocytes. Isolated fibroblasts expressed both ETA and ETB receptor mRNA, and ETA receptor mRNA was upregulated by bleomycin. Isolated resident alveolar macrophages expressed neither ETA nor ETB receptor mRNA which were also not induced by bleomycin. We conclude that, while ETB receptor stimulation of fibroblasts and monocytes recruited during bleomycin-induced lung injury exerts antagonistic effects on fibroblast collagen synthesis, the observed increase in the number of fibroblasts in vivo and upregulation of fibroblast ETA receptor mRNA by bleomycin in vitro point to a predominance of the profibrotic effects of ET receptor engagement.
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  • 21
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    Psychopharmacology 148 (2000), S. 146-152 
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Alprazolam ; Drug discrimination ; Benzodiazepines ; Antidepressant ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: The triazolobenzodiazepine alprazolam has a unique clinical profile compared to most other benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam, chlordiazepoxide), in that it is used to treat panic disorder and is effective in depression, two disorders that are usually treated with anti-depressants. Previous drug discrimination studies suggested that alprazolam has stimulus properties in common with antidepressants. Objective: In the present study, the discriminative stimulus properties of alprazolam were investigated to test more conclusively the role of benzodiazepine receptors and whether alprazolam has stimulus properties in common with antidepressants. Methods: Male Wistar rats (n=12) were trained to discriminate between alprazolam (2.0 mg/kg, PO) and vehicle in an operant two-lever drug discrimination procedure under a tandem VI40”-FR10 schedule of reinforcement. Generalization and antagonism tests were carried out under 2 min extinction. Results: In generalization tests, a number of benzodiazepines (alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, midazolam, lorazepam) and the barbiturate pentobarbital substituted completely, while zolpidem and abecarnil substituted partially for alprazolam. In contrast, no significant degree of generalization to the antidepressants imipramine and fluvoxamine and the putative antidepressants buspirone and flesinoxan was found. In antagonism studies alprazolam could be antagonized (almost) completely by flumazenil, partially by pentylenetetrazole, but not by methyl 6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM), N-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxamide (FG-7142) and picrotoxin. Conclusions: These results show that the discriminative stimulus properties of alprazolam are mediated by benzodiazepine receptors and that the finding that antidepressants share discriminative stimulus effects with alprazolam may have limited generality.
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  • 22
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words 5-HT1A agonist ; Intrinsic activity ; Efficacy ; Irreversible antagonism ; Lower-lip retraction ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: Maximal responses are often used as a measure of intrinsic activity or efficacy, but cannot be directly equated to efficacy. Using irreversible antagonists, estimates of efficacy can be obtained that may be less dependent on specific conditions. Objectives: To characterize the intrinsic activity of serotonin (5-HT)1A agonists by examining the effects of an irreversible antagonist on their ability to produce 5-HT1A receptor-mediated responses. Methods: The effects of N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ) on the ability of 5-HT1A agonists to produce lower-lip retraction (LLR) in rats were studied. Results: In the absence of EEDQ, each 5-HT1A agonist produced full effects, the rank order of potency being: S 14506 〉 8-OH-DPAT 〉 buspirone 〉 ipsapirone. EEDQ decreased the number of 5-HT1A binding sites and shifted the dose–response curves (DRCs) of each agonist either to the right or, at higher EEDQ doses, to the right and downward. The manner in which these shifts occurred, however, differed among the compounds. For each agonist, all DRCs obtained after different doses of EEDQ were fitted to models proposed by Furchgott and Black and Leff, and the results indicated the following rank order of efficacy: ipsapirone 〈 buspirone ≈ 8-OH-DPAT 〈 S 14506. 5-HT1A agonist-induced LLR appears to be mediated by 5-HT1A receptors, because the 5-HT1A antagonist, WAY 100635, shifted the agonist DRCs to the right in a parallel and dose-related manner, with pA2 values ranging from 7.8 to 8.1. Moreover, pretreatment with WAY 100635 protected against the antagonist activity of EEDQ. Conclusions: The results suggest that the effects of EEDQ on the ability of 5-HT1A agonists to produce LLR in rats may be useful to obtain estimates of their apparent efficacy at 5-HT1A receptors.
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  • 23
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    Psychopharmacology 148 (2000), S. 209-216 
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Methamphetamine ; Drug-discrimination ; Dopamine ; Cocaine ; GBR-12909 ; Nomifensine ; Bupropion ; Chloro-PB ; Chloro-APB ; NPA ; 7-OH-DPAT ; SCH-23390 ; Spiperone ; cis-Flupenthixol ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: Dopamine plays a major role in the behavioral effects of methamphetamine. Objective: In the present experiments, the effects of different dopaminergic agonists, antagonists, and uptake inhibitors were evaluated in rats discriminating methamphetamine from saline. Methods: In Sprague-Dawley rats trained to discriminate 1.0 mg/kg methamphetamine, i.p., from saline under a fixed-ratio schedule of food delivery, the ability of various dopaminergic agonists and uptake inhibitors to substitute for methamphetamine was evaluated. Subsequently, the ability of various dopaminergic antagonists to block the discriminative-stimulus effects of the training dose of methamphetamine was tested. Results: The dopamine-uptake inhibitors cocaine (10.0 mg/kg), nomifensine (3.0 mg/kg), GBR-12909 (18.0 mg/kg), and bupropion (30.0 mg/kg) fully substituted for the 1.0 mg/kg training dose of methamphetamine. Chloro-APB (SKF-82958), a full agonist at D1 dopamine receptors, produced about 85% methamphetamine-appropriate responding, but the dose required (0.18 mg/kg) markedly decreased rates of responding. Chloro-PB (SKF-81297), another agonist at D1 receptors with a lower intrinsic activity than Chloro-APB, produced only partial generalization (maximum about 55%) at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg. Full substitution for the training dose of methamphetamine was observed with 0.03 mg/kg of the D2 agonist NPA and 0.56 mg/kg of the D3/D2 agonist 7-OH-DPAT. Both NPA and 7-OH-DPAT markedly decreased rates of responding at these doses. The D1 antagonist SCH-23390 (0.056 mg/kg), the D2 antagonist spiperone (0.18 mg/kg), and the mixed D1,D2 antagonist cis-flupenthixol (0.56 mg/kg) all completely blocked the discriminative-stimulus actions of the training dose of methamphetamine. Conclusions: The present findings in rats support previous research findings in other species indicating a major role of dopamine in the discriminative-stimulus effects of methamphetamine. These findings further indicate involvement of dopamine uptake sites as well as D1 and D2 receptors.
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  • 24
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Drug discrimination ; Olanzapine ; Clozapine ; Chlorpromazine ; Haloperidol ; Thioridazine ; Raclopride ; Risperidone ; Scopolamine ; Ritanserin ; Atypical antipsychotic ; Neuroleptic ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: Analysis of the preclinical behavioral effects of atypical antipsychotic agents will provide a better understanding of how they differ from typical antipsychotics and aid in the development of future atypical antipsychotic drugs. Objectives: The present study was designed to provide information about the discriminative stimulus properties of the atypical antipsychotic olanzapine. Methods: Rats were trained to discriminate the atypical antipsychotic olanzapine (either 0.5 mg/kg OLZ or 0.25 mg/kg OLZ, i.p.) from vehicle in a two- lever drug discrimination procedure. The atypical antipsychotic clozapine fully substituted for olanzapine in both the 0.5-mg/kg OLZ group (99.3% drug lever responding [DLR]) and the 0.25-mg/kg OLZ group (99.9% DLR). The typical antipsychotic chlorpromazine also substituted for olanzapine in both the 0.5-mg/kg OLZ group (87.5% DLR) and in the 0.25-mg/kg OLZ group (98.9% DLR); whereas, haloperidol displayed partial substitution for olanzapine in the 0.5-mg/kg OLZ group (56.1% DLR) and in the 0.25-mg/kg OLZ group (76.4% DLR). The 5.0-mg/kg dose of thioridazine produced olanzapine-appropriate responding in the 0.5-mg/kg OLZ group (99.6% DLR), but only partial substitution was seen with the 0.25-mg/kg OLZ training dose (64.0% DLR). The atypical antipsychotics raclopride (53.9% DLR) and risperidone (60.1% DLR) displayed only partial substitution in the 0.5-mg/kg OLZ group. Both the muscarinic cholinergic antagonist scopolamine (90.0% DLR) and the 5-HT2A/2C serotonergic antagonist ritanserin (86.0% DLR) fully substituted for olanzapine in the 0.5-mg/kg OLZ group. Conclusions: In contrast to previous discrimination studies with clozapine-trained rats, the typical antipsychotic agents chlorpromazine and thioridazine and the serotonin antagonist ritanserin substituted for olanzapine. These results demonstrate that there are differences in the mechanisms underlying the discriminative stimulus properties of clozapine and olanzapine. Specifically, olanzapine’s discriminative stimulus properties appear to be meditated in part by both cholinergic and serotonergic mechanisms.
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  • 25
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Nicotine ; Drug discrimination ; Self-administration ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: The cellular effects of nicotine underlying its addictive liability are thought to be mediated by neuronal nicotinic receptors (nACHRs) in the central nervous system. It is believed that densely expressed β2-containing nACHRs in the central nervous system are responsible for these actions, but few data are available that can directly assess subtype mediation of nicotine’s acute subjective and reinforcing effects. Objective: The present study compared the effects of the competitive nACHR antagonist erysodine and the noncompetitive antagonist mecamylamine in rats trained to discriminate or self-administer nicotine. Methods: Adult male rats were trained to disciminate 0.4-mg/kg injections of nicotine from vehicle in a two-lever procedure of food-maintained behavior, or to self-administer 0.03-mg/kg injections of nicotine under fixed-ratio 5 or progressive-ratio schedules of reinforcement. Additional rats were trained under a food-maintained procedure of lever pressing. Results: Erysodine (0.3–10 mg/kg) and mecamylamine (0.1–1.0 mg/kg) blocked nicotine discrimination, although only erysodine produced the rightward shift that would be predicted of a competitive antagonist. Erysodine (0.32–32 mg/kg) and mecamylamine (0.32–3.2 mg/kg) also selectively reduced nicotine self-administration on a fixed-ratio schedule and lowered break points on a progressive-ratio schedule. Conclusions: Based on the known affinity of erysodine for α4β2 nACHRs and its selectivity relative to α7 and α1β1γδ receptors, the present data support a critical role of β2-containing nACHR constructs in the discriminative and reinforcing actions of nicotine.
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  • 26
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    Psychopharmacology 148 (2000), S. 243-250 
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Attention ; Scopolamine ; Mecamylamine ; Oxotremorine ; Physostigmine ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: This study tried to determine the relative roles of muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic receptors in attentional processing. Methods: The effects of cholinoceptor agonists and antagonists, and of an anticholinesterase, were studied on performance of rats in a five-choice serial reaction time task. Results: Scopolamine (0.1 mg/kg) and mecamylamine (5.0 mg/kg) produced deficits in accuracy and reaction time, respectively. This may suggest a differential role for the two types of cholinoceptors in information processing. Combinations of sub-threshold doses of scopolamine (0.01–0.03 mg/kg) and mecamylamine (0.5–1.6 mg/kg), which alone did not affect accuracy or reaction time, did not produce significant deficits in attention. However, the pattern of effects after combined treatment suggested that the differential deficits seen with these drugs alone remained. The anticholinesterase physostigmine (0.1 mg/kg) and the non- selective muscarinic agonist oxotremorine (0.03 mg/kg) induced severe behavioural disruption at doses that appeared to be relatively well tolerated in previous studies; this precluded the derivation of accuracy and response time data at these doses. At lower doses, neither physostigmine (0.05 mg/kg) nor oxotremorine (0.003 mg/kg) significantly affected any performance measure; this may reflect the ability of both drugs to indirectly or directly activate presynaptic muscarinic receptors that inhibit acetylcholine release, respectively. Conclusions: Both muscarinic and nicotinic cholinoceptors may be important in attention but they may serve different roles in information processing; this hypothesis could be tested using tasks that place different emphasis on different stages of information processing.
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  • 27
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Morphine ; Opioid receptor ; NMDA ; Tolerance ; Rat ; Tail flick
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: Pairings of a sweet taste and injection of morphine result in a learned avoidance of that taste and learned analgesic tolerance. This avoidance is mediated by the drug’s peripheral effect, while learned tolerance involves activation of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Exposure to a sweet taste also reduces morphine analgesia. We studied whether this taste-mediated reduction was reversed by an NMDA or peripheral opioid receptor antagonist. Objectives: To determine whether an intraoral infusion of saccharin would modulate morphine analgesia in rats, and to study the contribution of NMDA as well as peripheral opioid receptors to this modulation. Methods: Six experiments used the rat’s tail-flick response to study the effect of an intraoral infusion of a sodium saccharin solution on morphine analgesia, and the effects of the quaternary opioid receptor antagonist methylnaltrexone as well as the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 on this modulation of analgesia. Results: An intraoral infusion of saccharin reduced the analgesic effects of an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of morphine across a range of doses (experiment 1a), which was not attributable to an influence on tail-skin temperature (experiment 1b). This reduction was mediated by opioid receptors in the periphery and activation of NMDA receptors because morphine analgesia was reinstated by an i.p. injection of either methylnaltrexone (experiment 2a) or MK-801 (experiment 3a), which was not due to the effect of methylnaltrexone (experiment 2b) or MK-801 (experiment 3b) on morphine analgesia in the absence of saccharin. Conclusions: These results document evidence for an antagonism of morphine analgesia by actions of the drug at peripheral opioid receptors and excitatory amino-acid activity at NMDA receptors. They are discussed with reference to the aversive motivational effects of peripheral opioid receptors and pain facilitatory circuits.
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  • 28
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    Psychopharmacology 149 (2000), S. 115-120 
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Opiate ; Withdrawal ; Place aversion ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: Administration of low doses of opiate antagonists to morphine-dependent rats produces an aversive response as measured by a conditioned place aversion, but the time course of such a learned aversion is largely unknown. Objectives: The purpose of this experiment was to examine the time course for the expression of a place aversion to opiate withdrawal. Methods: Morphine-dependent rats were tested in a three-chamber place- aversion apparatus. The conditioning phase consisted of three pairings of either naloxone (15 µg/kg s.c.) or vehicle with two compartments, with the most similar time allotments during the preconditioning test. During the testing phase, rats were again allowed to explore the entire apparatus. Different groups were tested at 24 h, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks post-conditioning (morphine-free tests). Results: A robust place aversion was recorded at every time point tested, including at 16 weeks. In previously published work, placebo-pelleted rats tested with naloxone at the same dose failed to show a place aversion and nondependent rats showed a stable lack of aversion at tests up to 56 days. Dependent animals without naloxone also failed to show a place aversion at any of those time points. Conclusions: In the absence of any active intervention, the place aversion produced by opiate withdrawal is very long lasting and provides a model for protracted abstinence that may be useful for delineating the neurobiological substrate for vulnerability to relapse.
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  • 29
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    Psychopharmacology 149 (2000), S. 181-188 
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Acoustic startle response ; Prepulse inhibition ; Sensorimotor gating ; Schizophrenia ; Dopamine ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: Prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle is the reduction in startle response to an intense auditory stimulus when this stimulus is immediately preceded by a weaker prestimulus. Prepulse inhibition occurs normally in humans and experimental animals, but schizophrenic persons often exhibit a marked impairment in this measure. Previous studies have shown that dopamine (DA)-dependent neuronal mechanisms are involved in the modulation of prepulse inhibition. Objective: Experiments were conducted in rats to elucidate further the involvement of DA-ergic mechanisms in prepulse inhibition. Results: In line with previous studies, the indirect DA agonist, amphetamine, was shown to decrease prepulse inhibition. A close reverse relationship over time between DA overflow in the nucleus accumbens and prepulse inhibition was obtained using a technique allowing concomitant measurement of these parameters in awake, freely moving rats. This effect was more pronounced in amphetamine-treated rats compared to rats treated with equimolar doses of cocaine, which increased DA overflow without affecting prepulse inhibition. In other experiments, the combined treatment with subthreshold doses of the selective DA D1 agonist, SKF 38393, and the selective DA D2 agonist, quinpirole, was also shown to decrease prepulse inhibition. Finally, the selective DA D2 antagonist, raclopride, was shown to enhance prepulse inhibition. Conclusions: In line with previous studies, it is concluded that DA neurotransmission is involved in the modulation of prepulse inhibition and that the ventral part of the mesostriatal DA system may serve an important role in this modulation. Furthermore, the possibility is discussed that the discrepant results on prepulse inhibition obtained with amphetamine and cocaine may disclose functionally relevant differences in their mechanisms of action, and that the enhancement of prepulse inhibition induced by some antipsychotics in rats may reflect their propensity to induce adverse mental effects in humans.
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  • 30
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Prefrontal cortex ; Dopamine ; Anxiety ; Drug discrimination ; Pentylenetetrazol ; Chlordiazepoxide ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: The prefrontal cortical (PFC) dopamine (DA) system has been implicated in anxiety-related behavioral changes, but direct, unequivocal support for this idea is sparse. Objectives: The present aim was to study the functional significance of prefrontal DA using the pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) discrimination model of anxiety. A comparison was made with its role in the cue of the anxiolytic drug chlordiazepoxide (CDP). Methods: Two groups of rats were trained to discriminate either PTZ (20 mg/kg, s.c.) or CDP (10 mg/kg, i.p.) from saline using an operant drug discrimination procedure. After prolonged training, half of each group was used to assess biochemical changes induced by both drugs in different sub areas of the PFC. For the remaining rats, discrimination training continued and generalization tests with PTZ and CDP were performed. Rats were then provided with bilateral guide cannulae aimed at the ventromedial (vm) PFC, and the effects of local infusions of DAergic drugs on discriminative performance were evaluated. Results: CDP did not affect PFC DA activity, but PTZ increased the DOPAC/DA ratio in the vmPFC selectively. Generalization tests showed that the cues of PTZ and CDP were dose dependent. In PTZ-trained rats, infusions of the DA receptor antagonist cis-flupenthixol into the vmPFC blocked the PTZ cue dose dependently, whereas the agonist apomorphine partially generalized to this cue. In CDP-trained rats, neither drug antagonized or generalized to the CDP cue, showing that PFC DA is not critically involved in the CDP cue and that local pharmacological manipulations of PFC DA do not affect discriminative abilities per se. Conclusions: The DAergic innervation of the PFC is directly involved in the behavioral effects of PTZ, suggesting a role for it in anxiety.
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  • 31
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Keywords Novelty ; Context ; Environment ; Stress ; 6-OHDA ; Rotational behavior ; Striatum ; Nucleus accumbens shell ; Caudate ; Amphetamine ; Dopamine ; Glutamate ; Aspartate ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: We have previously shown that environmental novelty enhances the behavioral activating effects of amphetamine and amphetamine-induced expression of the immediate early gene c-fos in the striatal complex, particularly in the most caudal portion of the caudate. In contrast, we found no effect of novelty on the ability of amphetamine to induce dopamine (DA) overflow in the rostral caudate or in the core of the nucleus accumbens. Objectives: The twofold aim of the present study was to determine the effect of environmental novelty on (1) amphetamine-induced DA overflow in the shell of the nucleus accumbens and in the caudal portions of the caudate, and (2) glutamate and aspartate overflow in the caudal portions of the caudate. Methods: Two groups of rats with a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesion of the mesostriatal dopaminergic system received amphetamine (0.5 mg/kg, i.v.) in physically identical cages. For one group, the cages were also the home environment, whereas, for the other group, they were a completely novel environment. In vivo microdialysis was used to estimate DA, glutamate, and aspartate concentrations. Results: Environmental novelty enhanced amphetamine-induced rotational behavior (experiments 1–3) but did not alter amphetamine-induced DA overflow in either the shell of the nucleus accumbens (experiment 1) or the caudate (experiment 2). In addition, the ability of environmental novelty to enhance amphetamine-induced behavioral activation was not associated with changes in glutamate or aspartate efflux in the caudate (experiment 3). Conclusions: The present data indicate that the psychomotor activating effects of amphetamine can be modulated by environmental context independent of its primary neuropharmacological actions in the striatal complex.
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  • 32
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    Psychopharmacology 151 (2000), S. 219-225 
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Keywords Amphetamine ; Wheel running ; Behavioral sensitization ; Pharmacological sensitization ; Novelty ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: This study explored whether repeated injections of amphetamine (AMP), which increase general locomotion, also increase acute wheel running, a highly structured, rewarding, motor behavior not correlated with other locomotor activities. Objectives: The experiments determine how 1–5 mg/kg d-AMP affects wheel running and see if, over repeated injections, the AMP effects show context specific sensitization. Methods: In experiment 1, 2 mg/kg AMP or saline (SAL) was injected on days 1, 3, 6, 8, and 10 to male Sprague-Dawley rats with either limited or no wheel experience. 20 min after the injection animals were tested in an open field for 5 min and then in a running wheel for 1 h. Rats were injected with SAL or AMP on the days following testing. On days 13 and 15, animals were tested for conditioning (following SAL) and sensitization (following AMP). In experiment 2, the effects on wheel running of repeated 1, 2, or 5 mg/kg AMP were tested. Results: In experiment 1, AMP (2 mg/kg) elevated open field ambulation but suppressed wheel running. Limited wheel experience potentiated the AMP-induced suppression. At test, the suppression of running was found to be context specific. In experiment 2, 1 mg/kg did not affect running, while 2 and 5 mg/kg resulted in dose-dependent running suppression. Acquisition and test AMP dose both influenced the running suppression at test; context had a marginal influence. Conclusions: The degree of running suppression induced by repeated AMP is determined by both psychological (the injection context) and pharmacological (the acquisition dose) factors. This AMP-induced running suppression is consistent with the sensitization of stereotyped behavior.
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  • 33
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Fentanyl ; mu opioids ; Drug discrimination ; Training dose ; pA2 analysis ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: Discriminative stimulus effects of mu opioids vary systematically as a function of training dose. Differences among training doses may arise from multiple mechanisms. Objectives: In vivo apparent pA2 analyses were used to examine the contributions of opioid mechanisms to stimulus control by low and high training doses of the mu opioid fentanyl. Methods: Saline and one of two doses of fentanyl, administered s.c., were established as discriminative stimuli in two groups of rats (low training dose group: 0.01 mg/kg; high training dose group: 0.04 mg/kg). Generalization tests and in vivo apparent pA2 analyses were used to evaluate receptor mechanisms of stimulus control. Results: Fentanyl, etonitazene, methadone, and morphine evoked full fentanyl generalization in both groups but were more potent in the low-dose group. Spiradoline and d-amphetamine did not evoke generalization in either group. Naltrexone antagonized stimulus and rate-altering effects of fentanyl in both groups, with apparent pA2 values of 7.6 in the low-dose group and 7.5 in the high-dose group. Nalbuphine and nalorphine evoked full generalization in the low-dose group but less than 40% generalization in the high-dose group. In the high-dose group, nalbuphine and nalorphine antagonized the stimulus and rate-altering effects of fentanyl with apparent pA2 values of 5.3 and 6.1, respectively, demonstrating lower efficacy mu actions. Conclusions: Changes in fentanyl training dose preserved the mu opioid selectivity of stimulus control but altered the intensity of the transduced mu opioid stimulus required for generalization. These differences in intensity of the fentanyl stimulus determined whether low efficacy mu opioids would evoke or antagonize fentanyl generalization.
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  • 34
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words ACTH ; Corticosterone ; GABA ; Noradrenaline ; Adrenaline ; Stress ; Rat ; Diazepam
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: Gabolysat PC60 is a fish protein hydrolysate with anxiolytic properties commonly used as a nutritional supplement. Objective: The diazepam-like effects of PC60 on stress responsiveness of the rat pituitary-adrenal system and on sympathoadrenal activity were studied. Methods: The activity of the pituitary-adrenal axis, measured by plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (B) of the sympathoadrenal complex, measured by circulating levels of noradrenaline (NA) and adrenaline (A), and the gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) content in the hippocampus and the hypothalamus were investigated in male rats which received daily, by an intragastric feeding tube, for 5 days running either diazepam (1 mg/kg) or PC60 (300 or 1200 mg/kg). Controls received only solvent (carboxymethylcellulose 1%). Six hours after the last force-feeding, the rats were subjected to 3 min ether inhalation or 30 min restraint and killed by decapitation 30 min after ether stress or at the end of restraint. Results: Baseline plasma levels of ACTH, B, NA and A were not affected by either diazepam or PC60. Both ether- and restraint-induced release of ACTH, but not B, were similarly and drastically reduced by diazepam and PC60 (1200 mg/kg). Both diazepam and PC60 (1200 mg/kg) deleted restraint-induced NA and A increases. Both treatments also reduced the ether-induced rise of A. Basal levels of GABA were significantly increased in both the hippocampus and the hypothalamus in PC60-treated rats and only in the hippocampus in diazepam-treated ones. In controls, ether inhalation as well as restraint increased GABA content of these two brain structures. In contrast, such stress procedures performed in PC60-treated rats reduced GABA content slightly in the hippocampus but significantly in the hypothalamus. In diazepam-treated rats, GABA content of the hypothalamus was unaffected by stresses but that of the hippocampus was slightly decreased. Conclusions: Present data suggest diazepam-like effects of PC60 on stress responsiveness of the rat pituitary adrenal axis and the sympathoadrenal activity as well as GABA content of the hippocampus and the hypothalamus under resting and stress conditions. These effects of PC60 agree with anxiolytic properties of this nutritional supplement, previously reported in both rats and humans.
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  • 35
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words  m-Chlorophenylpiperazine ; Drug discrimination ; Ethanol withdrawal ; Anxiety ; 17β-estradiol ; Sex difference ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: The serotonergic system plays a role in regulation of anxiety and ethanol withdrawal (EW). Nevertheless, few studies have assessed sex differences in serotonergic effects on EW. Objectives: This study examined sex differences in the anxiogenic stimu-li induced by a serotonin (5-HT)1b/2 agonist, meta- chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP), prior to ethanol and during EW. Methods: Gonadectomized or sham-operated adult male and female rats and 17β-estradiol (2.5 mg, 21-day release, s.c.) -replaced ovariectomized (OVX) rats were trained to discriminate mCPP (1.2 mg/kg, i.p.) from saline in a two-lever choice task for food. Latency to the first lever press and mCPP lever selection were measured following mCPP (0–1.2 mg/kg). Rats then received chronic ethanol-containing liquid diet (6.5%) for 10 days and were tested for mCPP lever selection 12 h and 36 h after removal of ethanol. Results: Fewer sham female and β-estradiol-replaced OVX rats selected the mCPP lever than male or OVX rats, and showed an increased initiation latency after mCPP injection. During EW (12 h and 36 h), fewer sham female and β-estradiol-replaced OVX rats responded on the mCPP-lever after saline injection as well as after mCPP challenge than male or OVX rats. Castration did not alter any response of male rats to mCPP. Conclusions: (1) mCPP discrimination is a useful measure of EW in male and female rats; and (2) sham female and β-estradiol-replaced OVX rats are less sensitive to the discriminative stimulus prior to and during EW, but more sensitive to impaired behavioral initiation induced by mCPP than male or OVX rats.
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  • 36
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words 8-OH-DPAT ; WAY 100635 ; 5 ; 7-Dihydroxytryptamine ; Attention ; Impulsivity ; Pre- and postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptor ; Dorsal raphe ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: Whilst several studies have investigated the role of serotonergic receptor subtypes in learning and memory, relatively few studies have examined their role in attentional processes. Objective: The present study investigated the role of pre- and postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors on rats’ attentional performance in the five-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRT). Methods: Hungry rats were trained in the 5-CSRT task to detect brief (0.5 s) flashes of light presented randomly in one of five locations with a fixed intertrial interval of 5 s paced by the rat. We studied the effects of 8-OH-DPAT, a 5-HT1A receptor agonist, at various subcutaneous (SC) doses (10–100 µg/kg) on measures of rats’ discriminative accuracy (the index of attentional functioning) and various behavioural indices of response control and motivation. Manipulations of basic task parameters, intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) to deplete forebrain 5-HT and treatments with a selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY 100635 were made in order to determine the behavioural and neural specificity of the effects of 8-OH-DPAT. Results: A dose of 100 µg/kg, but not lower doses, significantly reduced choice accuracy and increased errors of omission, latencies to respond correctly and to collect food reward and premature responses. All these effects were completely blocked by WAY 100635, injected SC 5 min before 8-OH-DPAT at doses from 10–100 µg/kg. WAY 100635 by itself had no effect in the task. Dimming the visual stimuli to one-third of the usual brightness did not modify the effect of 8-OH-DPAT on choice accuracy. Prolonging the stimuli from 0.5 to 1.0 s reversed 8-OH-DPAT’s effect on choice accuracy but did not modify the other effects on rats’ performance. An ICV injection of 150 µg 5,7-DHT, which depleted forebrain serotonin by 90%, reversed 8-OH-DPAT’s effect on choice accuracy but did not modify the effects on errors of omission and latency to make correct responses. Similar effects were found by infusing 1.0 µg/0.5 µl WAY 100635 in the dorsal raphe 5 min before 8-OH-DPAT. 8-OH-DPAT increased the latency to collect the reinforcement; this effect was attenuated by ICV 5,7-DHT and completely antagonized by WAY 100635 in the dorsal raphe. Rats treated with 5,7-DHT or 8-OH-DPAT showed more premature responses and these effects were markedly reduced by the combined treatment. Conclusions: The results suggest that stimulation of presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors is involved in the ability of 8-OH-DPAT to cause attentional dysfunction and enhance impulsivity while slowing of responding and increase in errors of omission mainly depend on stimulation of postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors.
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  • 37
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    Urological research 28 (2000), S. 141-146 
    ISSN: 1434-0879
    Keywords: Key words Kidney ; Nitric oxide ; Ischemia-reperfusion injury ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract In this study we attempted to clarify the release of nitric oxide (NO) and its role in the ischemia-reperfusion rat kidney. After right nephrectomy, male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: one sham operated and three groups who underwent ischemia (30 min) and reperfusion of the left renal artery. Thirty minutes prior to ischemia-reperfusion, two groups were injected intraperitoneally with 10 and 30 mg/kg of NG-nitro-l-arginine methylester (L-NAME). Real-time monitoring of blood flow and NO release in the rat kidney was measured with a laser Doppler flowmeter and an NO-selective electrode, respectively. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were measured 1 and 7 days after the induction of ischemia-reperfusion. Clamping of the renal artery decreased blood flow to 1–5% of the basal level measured before clamping. After removal of the clip, the blood flow of the 30 mg/kg L-NAME rats was significantly lower than that of the controls. Immediately following the clipping of the renal artery, NO release rapidly increased. After removing the clip, NO release immediately returned to three-quarters of the basal level. Serum creatinine and BUN levels of the ischemia-reperfusion rats were slightly but not significantly higher and those of 30 mg L-NAME rats were significantly higher than those of the control or ischemia-reperfusion rats 1 day and 7 days after ischemia-reperfusion. Our data suggest that NO acts as a cytoprotective agent in ischemia-reperfusion injury of the rat kidney.
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  • 38
    ISSN: 1434-0879
    Keywords: Key words Castration ; Epidermal growth factor ; Insulin-like growth factor I ; Prostate ; Testosterone ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) are strong inducers of proliferation to prostate cells cultured in serum-free medium. Accordingly we wanted to study the growth of the prostate gland in castrated rats after treatment with EGF, IGF-I and testosterone. Castrated Wistar rats were treated with growth factors (EGF 35 μg/rat per day; IGF-I 350 μg/rat per day) or testosterone (2 mg/rat per day) for 3 days either immediately after or 10 days after castration. Prostate tissue was examined by stereological and immunohistochemical techniques and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Treatment with EGF inhibited the involution of the prostate (P 〈 0.05), whereas treatment with IGF-I did not affect the prostate involution as compared to castrated controls. EGF treatment significantly increased the endogenous rat EGF in the ventral prostate, but cellular proliferation was not affected. Testosterone treatment increased the weight of the prostate, by increase of all tissue components of the prostate, and significantly increased cellular proliferation. Systemic administration of EGF but not IGF-I decreased the involution of the rat prostate induced by castration. Compared with testosterone, the effects of EGF treatment on the prostate involution were moderate, and the effects of EGF were not related to cellular proliferation.
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  • 39
    ISSN: 1434-0879
    Keywords: Key words Bladder ; Rat ; Aging ; Obstruction ; Cystometrics
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Bladder dysfunction in the aging population is a significant problem. However the concomitant presence of other diseases in many patients can make it difficult to distinguish between changes in bladder function and other influences. The present study was designed to study, in aging rats, bladder function and the effect of partial bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) on bladder function. Cystometrics were performed in awake, female Fischer 344 rats of four age groups (6, 12, 18 and 24 months) following subcutaneous implantation of a mediport catheter. Cystometric evaluations were carried out in control rats or those subject to three weeks of BOO. Bladder compliance significantly decreased with aging, which reflected an increase in threshold pressure without changes in bladder capacity. Partial BOO caused development of severe bladder instability. Following BOO, bladder capacity and compliance were significantly increased in all age groups. Threshold pressure was lower in obstructed animals, except for 6-month rats. Younger animals were able to generate a higher contraction pressure to compensate for the BOO, whereas older animals did not. Using an awake model of cystometric measurement, we have demonstrated that aging, by itself can affect bladder function. Furthermore, aged animals respond differently to BOO than younger animals. These results demonstrate that both aging and disease can contribute to bladder dysfunction, and suggest that treatment of bladder dysfunction may require a combination of therapies targeted to multiple etiologies.
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  • 40
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    Child's nervous system 16 (2000), S. 451-456 
    ISSN: 1433-0350
    Keywords: Keywords Intracranial pressure ; CSF dynamics ; Infusion test ; Rat ; H-Tx rat ; Outflow resistance
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Although the hydrocephalic H-Tx rat is a widely used model, data on the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics in hydrocephalic rats are rare or – as the pressure volume index (PVI) – not available. We used hydrocephalic and nonhydrocephalic H-Tx rats, a stock with a high percentage of inherited hydrocephalus, for the evaluation of such data. In addition, a new, simple mathematical algorithm (”dynamic infusion test”), which has not formerly been used in animal experiments, was used as a pathophysiological model of CSF dynamics. Compared with classical methods for evaluation of these data, the dynamic infusion test gives a deeper insight into the relation between ICP and CSF dynamics. It was found that the resistance to outflow (ROF) in hydrocephalic rats was at least twice that in nonhydrocephalic rats. The PVI measured was similar in hydrocephalic and nonhydrocephalic animals, but clearly higher than the values reported in the literature. This may be attributable to the fact that the classically used bolus test, in contrast to the ”dynamic infusion test”, is representative only for the CSF compartment which is directly exposed to the bolus application.
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  • 41
    ISSN: 1432-2277
    Keywords: Key words Small bowel transplantation ; Monoclonal antibody ; Rat ; Rejection ; Flow cytometry
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract This study assessed the effect of an anti-rat CD4 monoclonal antibody (OX38) on heterotopic small bowel allograft rejection. Fully allogeneic small bowel transplants were performed in the PVG-to-DA-rat strain combination. Animals received either i) short course (days –1, 0 and 1) of 1 mg/kg per day OX38, ii) short course of 5 mg/kg per day or iii) extended course (days –2, –1, 0, 1, 2 and twice weekly thereafter) of 1 mg/kg per day. Both the high dose (13 days) and extended low-dose (12 days) courses prolonged graft survival compared to untreated control animals (7 days). The low-dose, short-course treatment had no effect. Similar regimens were given to animals that did not receive transplants and in which peripheral blood CD4+ cell counts fell to between 20 and 55 % of pretreatment levels and 20–30 % of binding sites were blocked. In summary, anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody therapy delayed rejection of rat small bowel allografts; however, long-term survival was not achieved.
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  • 42
    ISSN: 1432-2307
    Keywords: Keywords 7 ; 12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene ; Rat ; Submandibular gland ; Adenocarcinoma Myoepithelial cell
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  In an attempt to induce adenocarcinoma containing myoepithelial cells (MECs) in the rat submandibular gland, we injected 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) dissolved in acetone into the glands of rat pups at the age of 10 days. In both male and female pups, the glands, including their developing terminal secretory units, contained far greater numbers of cells positive for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) than did adult glands. A single administration of 1% DMBA (0.05 ml/130 g b.w.) did not produce adenocarcinoma, but did induce occasional sarcomas, such as rhabdomyosarcoma and fibrosarcoma, in 2 months. Most glands regenerated with minimal scar formation. Microscopically, these glands were atypical in that they contained increased numbers of PCNA-positive cells, underdeveloped granular ducts, and striated ducts surrounded by MECs positive for alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA). Though these features were also observed in the regenerated glands after acetone injection, the number of PCNA-positive cells was relatively high in the glands of DMBA-treated females, especially in the terminal secretory unit. The second DMBA injection at 10 weeks of age produced adenocarcinoma made up of αSMA-positive MECs and keratin 19-positive duct cells. Such MEC-associated adenocarcinoma was induced in the glands of more than half the female but not the male animals. Replacement of either of the double DMBA treatments with acetone, or DMBA treatment, single or double, of adult glands did not produce adenocarcinoma, but did produce sarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These results suggest that (1) at least two genetic mutations are necessary for induction of adenocarcinoma with MECs in the rat submandibular gland, (2) the mutation is efficiently introduced to pup glands whose terminal secretory units exhibit extreme proliferative activity, and (3) the second mutation is difficult to introduce in male glands, whose proliferative activity is relatively low, and/or transformed cells need some female hormone after the mutation to propagate.
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  • 43
    ISSN: 1432-2277
    Keywords: Key words Small bowel transplantation ; Split tolerance ; FK 506 ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Functional long-term allograft survival after experimental small bowel transplantation (SBT) is limited by chronic rejection. Initial application of high-dose FK 506 has been shown to induce stable long-term graft function. In order to examine whether this long-term function is associated with donor-specific tolerance, we analyzed the functional status of recipient T cells in vivo and in vitro. One-step orthotopic SBT was performed in the allogeneic Brown Norway (BN)-to-Lewis rat strain combination. FK 506 was given daily at a dose of 2 mg/kg from days 0–5 in the rejection model and from days 0–9 in the long-term functional model. Mean survival time in the rejection model was 98 ± 2.8 days. Histological examination of these small bowel allografts disclosed signs of chronic rejection. In contrast, all animals of the long-term functional model survived long term ( 〉 250 days) without clinical signs of chronic rejection. The latter model, furthermore, produced evidence of donor-specific tolerance. Whereas heterotopic Dark Agouti (DA) hearts were rejected regularly within 7 days, BN hearts survived indefinitely ( 〉 70 days). In vitro, mixed leukocyte reactivity of CD4 + T cells was similarly strong against donor (BN) antigens as against third-party (DA) antigens. The split tolerance revealed by our in vivo and in vitro results enabled acceptance of both the small bowel allograft without signs of chronic rejection and of donor-specific heart allografts.
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  • 44
    ISSN: 1432-2277
    Keywords: Key words Implantation model ; Aortic valves ; Valve dysfunction ; Rejection ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Structural failure of heart valve allografts may be related to technical factors or immunological reactions. To circumvent nonimmunological factors a new rat implantation model was developed to study whether alloreactivity results in histopathological changes and valve dysfunction. Syngeneic (WAG-WAG, DA-DA) and allogeneic (WAG-BN, WAG-DA) transplantation was carried out using this new technique, and the function of explanted valves was assessed 21 days later by retrograde comptence testing. Additionally, grafts were examined using standard histological and immunohistochemical techniques. There was no leakage during retrograde injection in nine of tem syngeneic and two of ten allogeneic grafts. Microscopically, syngeneic valves appeared normal without fibrosis or intimal thickening, although CD8+ lymphocytes and macrophages were found in necrotic myocardial rim and adventitia. In contrast, allogeneic valves were deformed and noncellular, with extensive infiltration of CD4+, CD8+ and CD68+ cells in adventitia and media. Absence of fibrosis and intimal thickening in syngeneic transplanted valves indicated circumvention of nonimmunological factors. Allogeneic valve transplantation induces cellular infiltration in the graft with subsequent graft failure.
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  • 45
    ISSN: 1432-2277
    Keywords: Key words Hypoxia-reoxygenation ; JNK1/SAPK1 ; Rat ; Hepatocytes
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Organ injury after ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) remains one of the most important limiting factors in liver surgery and transplantation. Oxygen-free radical (OFR) generation is considered a major cause of this damage. JNK1/SAPK1, a member of MAPK family, regulates cell adaptation to stressful conditions. The aim of this study was to determine if hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) can activate JNK1/SAPK1 and if OFR are involved in this activation. Primary cultured rat hepatocytes isolated from other liver cells and blood flow were submitted to warm and cold H/R phases mimicking surgical and transplant conditions. JNK1/SAPK1 was activated by both warm and cold H/R. Deferoxamine (1 mM), di-phenyleneiodonium (50 μM) and N-acetylcysteine (10 mM) significantly inhibited this kinase activation.
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  • 46
    ISSN: 1432-2277
    Keywords: Key words Kidney transplantation ; Rat ; Chronic rejection ; Cytomegalovirus ; Adhesion molecules
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated that both cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and prolonged cold ischemia of the allograft (CI) are associated with chronic rejection of renal transplants. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of CMV infection, of CI and of the combination of both, on the progression of chronic rejection, and to obtain a more detailed insight in their effects on the expression of adhesion molecules. Therefore, a rat transplantation model was used. Lewis recipients of renal allografts (with and without CI) from MHC-incompatible Brown Norway rats were inoculated with rat CMV or left uninfected. CMV infection alone resulted in an increased influx of CD4+ cells and macrophages early after infection, and in an increase in glomerular sclerosis and intima proliferation. CI caused an increase in infiltrating NK cells and an effect on intimal proliferation, glomerular sclerosis, and tubular atrophy. When CMV infection and CI were combined, an additive effect could be measured. This was however not the case for the function of the kidney. The creatinin showed a synergistic effect of the two influencing factors. Due to the CMV infection, an increase in CD49 d cells was detected. CI resulted in an increase in CD18 cells and an increase in the expression of CD62P on vessels, and CD54 and CD44 on tubules. When CMV infection and CI were combined, all the effects caused by CMV and CI alone were present in an additional way.¶The results of the present study suggest that special attention should be paid to the recipient of an ischemically injured graft when either the donor or the recipient is CMV-infected. The patterns seen in histology, the infiltration of leukocytes and the expression of adhesion molecules, suggest that CI and CMV infection both have an effect on rejection, but act by different mechanisms.
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  • 47
    ISSN: 1432-2307
    Keywords: Key words T-type calcium channel blockade ; Mibefradil ; Myocardial infarction ; Cardiac remodeling ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Fibrillar collagen accumulates within the interstitium and around coronary arteries following cardiac failure and is responsible for abnormal myocardial stiffness and reduced coronary performance associated with impaired cardiac function. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of long-term treatment with the T-type calcium channel antagonist mibefradil on myocardial remodeling and cardiac function after chronic myocardial infarction (MI). MI was induced by permanent ligation of the left coronary artery in male Wistar rats. Animals were assigned to sham-operated, placebo-treated or mibefradil-treated (10 mg/kg per day p.o.) MI groups. Treatment with mibefradil was started either 7 days before, 24 h after, or 7 days after ligation and continued for 6 weeks after MI. At this time point, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and cardiac contractility (dP/dtmax) were measured in conscious rats. Morphometric parameters were determined in picrosirius red-stained hearts: total heart weight (THW), interstitial and perivascular collagen volume fraction (ICVF, PCVF), myocardial infarct size (IS), vascular perimeter (VP), inner vascular diameter (IVD) and media thickness (MT). Six weeks after MI, MAP and dP/dtmax were decreased, and LVEDP was increased in placebo-treated animals. In mibefradil-treated animals whose treatment started 7 days before or 24 h after MI, MAP and dP/dtmax were higher, and LVEDP was lower than in placebo-treated controls. THW, ICVF, PCVF and MT were higher in placebo-treated animals. Mibefradil treatment resulted in higher ICVF and IS, higher VP and IVD (when started 7 days before MI) and lower PCVF and MT (when started 7 days before or 24 h after MI) than were observed in placebo-treated controls. Chronic treatment with mibefradil reduced interstitial and perivascular fibrosis and improved cardiac function in MI-induced heart failure in rats. Cardiac remodeling was best prevented when treatment was begun before the ischemic event.
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  • 48
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    Psychopharmacology 148 (2000), S. 106-110 
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Interferon ; Depression ; Forced swimming test ; Locomotor activity ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Objectives: We examined the immobility of the forced swimming test induced in an animal model by human interferon (IFN), which has often been reported to induce depression in clinical use. Methods: In the present study, we examined the effects of human IFNs on results of the forced swimming test in rats. Results: Single intravenous (IV) administration of human IFN-α (6×104 IU/kg), but not of human IFN-β or -γ, significantly increased immobility time in the forced swimming test in rats. Repeated administration of human IFN-α (6×103 IU/kg) also significantly increased the immobility time. On the other hand, none of the rat IFNs (rat IFN-α, -β and -γ, 6×104 IU/kg, IV) changed the immobility time. Neither human IFNs nor rat IFNs changed the locomotor activity of rats. Conclusions: These findings suggest that human IFN-α has a greater potential for inducing increase of the immobility in the rat forced swimming test than human IFN-β and -γ, and that the effect of human IFN-α might not be mediated through IFN-α/β receptors.
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  • 49
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Opiate receptor ; Antinociception ; Habituation ; Novelty ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: There is now extensive evidence demonstrating that exposure to novel stimuli induces hypoalgesia and that this effect habituates over repeated exposure to the stimuli. Moreover, it has been shown that administration of the nonselective opiate receptor antagonist naloxone can attenuate the rate of habituation of novelty-induced hypoalgesia. Objectives: The present experiments were conducted to determine the relative influence of different opiate receptor subtypes in the attenuation of the habituation of novelty-induced hypoalgesia. Methods: In experiments 1–3, different groups of male, Wistar rats (275–300 g) were administered vehicle, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0-nmol doses of the µ-selective antagonist Cys2-Tyr3-Orn5-Pen7-amide (CTOP), the δ-receptor selective antagonist naltrindole, or the κ-selective antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI). In experiment 4, animals were administered vehicle, 5, 25 or 75-nmol doses of nor-BNI. All injections were delivered to the right lateral ventricle 30 min prior to exposure to a novel hot-plate apparatus (48.5°C), once a day for eight consecutive days. Results: Paw-lick latencies in vehicle-treated animals were long during the initial exposures and declined over repeated tests, suggesting the habituation of novelty-induced hypoalgesia. The rate of habituation was significantly attenuated by administration of 1.0-nmol and 2.0-nmol doses of CTOP, by a 2.0-nmol dose of naltrindole, but was unaffected by all doses of nor-BNI. Conclusions: These results support the involvement of the µ and δ, but not the κ, opiate receptor subtypes in the habituation of novelty-induced hypoalgesia.
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  • 50
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Benzodiazepine ; Operant ; Force ; Tolerance ; Chronic ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: Several benzodiazepines (BZs) have been shown to increase the peak force of operant responses at doses that increased, decreased, or had no effect on response rate, suggesting that operant response force may be a sensitive index of BZs’ effects rather than solely a correlate of rate-dependent effects. In addition, contingent tolerance to the rate-dependent effects of BZs has been reported, but the degree of contingent tolerance that develops when the critical variable of the task is force of the response has not been explored. Objectives: These experiments examined the effects of acute and repeated oral administration of diazepam (DZ) and midazolam (MZ) on a force-differentiation task to explore the importance of task requirements on the development of contingent tolerance. Methods: Two groups of rats were trained to press a force-sensing operandum, and responses having peak forces falling within fixed lower and upper limits [low force (8–10 g) or high force (40–50 g)] were reinforced with water. Acute effects of the oral administration of DZ (0.3, 1.0, 3.0, 10.0, 30.0 mg/kg) and MZ (same doses) were determined for the discriminated-force task before and after a repeated-administration procedure. Results: When administered acutely, both drugs increased the peak force of responses in a dose-related manner and concomitantly reduced the proportion of reinforced responses, with MZ exhibiting greater potency. For the next 36 days, one group received drug before experimental sessions and the other group received drug after the experimental session. A second dose–effect determination demonstrated that rats chronically dosed with DZ or MZ pre-session displayed more contingent tolerance to alterations in peak force than rats that had received 36 drug injections post- session, where there was no opportunity to practice the force-discrimination response while under the drug state. Conclusions: These results suggest that perceptual motor difficulty of the task rather than effort may be an important variable in predicting the degree of contingent tolerance that develops. Additionally, these results suggest that both behavioral and pharmacological mechanisms are involved in the development of drug tolerance to the BZs.
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  • 51
    ISSN: 1438-8359
    Keywords: Key words: Halothane ; Dopamine release ; Dopamine uptake ; Microdialysis ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Purpose. In our previous microdialysis study, sevoflurane or isoflurane anesthesia significantly decreased the extracellular level of dopamine in rat striatum in vivo. On the other hand, other investigators demonstrated that halothane anesthesia either increased or did not affect the extracellular dopamine level. To explore the differences among these volatile anesthetics, the effects of halothane and nitrous oxide on the striatal dopamine level were reinvestigated. Methods. Halothane alone, nitrous oxide with or without halothane, or drugs known to affect the dopaminergic pathway were administered to rats. Microdialysates were collected every 20 min and directly applied to an on-line high-performance liquid chromatograph without any pretreatment. The effects of halothane on respiratory and cardiovascular variables were monitored. Results. General anesthesia with halothane alone de-creased the dialysate (extracellular) concentration of dopamine but increased that of dopamine metabolites. Nitrous oxide alone slightly increased dopamine metabolites in dialysates but did not affect the halothane-induced decrease in extracellular dopamine. Apomorphine and haloperidol reproduced reported results, confirming the adequacy of our methodology. Nomifensine- or methamphetamine-induced increase in extracellular dopamine was augmented by halothane. Conclusion. These results suggest that halothane po-tently enhances striatal dopamine release and activates the reuptake or metabolic process, which is consistent with our previous results for sevoflurane or isoflurane. Volatile anesthetics interfere with dopamine regulation, at least in the rat striatum.
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  • 52
    ISSN: 1530-0358
    Keywords: Pravastatin ; ras p21 isoprenylation ; Colon carcinogenesis ; Flat colon tumor ; Azoxymethane ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract PURPOSE: The effect of pravastatin, an inhibitor ofras p21 isoprenylation, on the gross type of colon tumors induced by azoxymethane was investigated in Wistar rats. METHODS: Rats received ten weekly subcutaneous injections of 7.4 mg/kg body weight of azoxymethane and intraperitoneal injections of 10 or 20 mg/kg body weight of pravastatin every other day until the end of the experiment at Week 45. RESULTS: Administration of pravastatin at both dosages had no significant effect on the incidence of colon tumors but significantly increased the incidence of rats with adenomas only. In contrast to the elevated adenomas in control rats, flat adenomas were significantly more prevalent in rats given pravastatin. Pravastatin at both doses significantly decreased the labeling index, but not the apoptotic index, of elevated adenomas, whereas it significantly decreased the labeling index but increased the apoptotic index of flat adenomas. Administration of pravastatin at both dosages also significantly decreased the amounts of membrane-associatedras p21 in colon tumors. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that theras oncogene may be closely related to the development of adenocarcinomas from adenomas and the development of elevated or polypoid tumors of the colon.
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  • 53
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    Medical & biological engineering & computing 38 (2000), S. 42-48 
    ISSN: 1741-0444
    Keywords: Bowel sounds ; Rat ; Motility ; Body acoustics ; Signal detection ; Signal characterisation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract This study is aimed at detecting gastrointestinal sounds (GIS) and correlating their characteristics with gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. The central hypotheses are that GIS generation depends on the motility patterns and the mechanical properties of the gut, and that changes in those result in measurable differences in GIS. An animal model which included both healthy rats and those with small bowel obstruction (SBO) was developed. The acoustic bursts, of GIS were detected by amplitude thresholding the signal envelope. Three methods of envelope estimation were proposed and evaluated. Envelope estimation using a Hilbert transform was found to produce the best results in the current application. The duration and dominant frequency of each detected GIS event was estimated and clear differences between healthy and diseased rats were discovered. In the control state, GIS events were found to consistently be of relatively short duration (3–65ms). Although the majority of events in the SBO state had similar short duration, infrequent longer events were also detected and appeared to be pathognomonic. Long duration events (〉100 ms) occurred in each of seven obstructed, but in none of 14 non-obstructed, cases (p〈0.001). It is concluded that GIS analysis may prove useful in the non-invasive, rapid, and accurate diagnosis of SBO.
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  • 54
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    Annals of biomedical engineering 28 (2000), S. 128-134 
    ISSN: 1573-9686
    Keywords: Hippocampus ; Vigilance states ; Paired-pulse ; Dentate gyrus ; Dentate granule cells ; Evoked response ; Rat ; In vivo studies ; Perforant path ; Maturation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine , Technology
    Notes: Abstract This study examined the effect of normal development and vigilance state on the modulation of dentate granule cell activity in the freely moving rat at 15, 30, and 90 days of age across three vigilance states: quiet waking, slow-wave sleep, and rapid eye movement sleep. Using paired-pulse stimulation, the paired-pulse index (PPI) was obtained for the dentate evoked field potentials elicited by the stimulation of the medial perforant path. Although significant differences in PPI values were observed during development, no significant vigilance state related changes were obtained. Preweaning infant rats, i.e., 15-day old, exhibited significantly less early (interpulse intervals, IPI= 20–50 ms) and late (IPI = 300–1000 ms) inhibition, and less facilitation (IPI = 50–150 ms) when compared to the 90-day old adult rats during all three vigilance states. PPI values obtained from the 30-day old group fell intermediate between the 15- and 90-day old animals. These changes in PPI values provide a quantitative measure of changes in the modulation of dentate granule cell excitability during normal maturation. They can now can be used to evaluate the impact of various insults, such as prenatal protein malnutrition or neonatal stress, on hippocampal development. © 2000 Biomedical Engineering Society. PAC00: 8717Nn, 8719La, 8719Nn
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  • 55
    ISSN: 1573-9686
    Keywords: Heart ; Left ventricle ; LV contractility ; ESPVR ; Pig ; Rat ; Magnetic resonance imaging
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine , Technology
    Notes: Abstract The end systolic pressure–volume relation (ESPVR) has been shown to be a relatively load independent measure of left ventricular (LV) contractility. Recently, several single-beat ESPVR computation methods have been developed, enabling the quantification of LV contractility without the need to alter vascular loading conditions on the heart. Using a single-beat ESPVR method, which has been validated previously in humans and assumes that normalized elastance is constant between individuals of a species, we studied the effects of myocardial infarction on LV contractility in two species, the rat and the pig. In our studies, LV pressure was acquired invasively and LV volume determined noninvasively with magnetic resonance imaging, at one week postinfarction in pigs and at 12 weeks postinfarction in rats. Normalized systolic elastance curves in both animal species were not statistically different from that of humans. Also, the slope of the ESPVR $$\left( {E_{es} } \right)$$ decreased significantly following infarction in both species, while the volume-axis intercept $$\left( {V_0 } \right)$$ was unaffected. These results indicate that a single-beat ESPVR method can be used to measure the inotropic response of the heart to myocardial infarction, and that the basis for this method (i.e., constant normalized elastance) is applicable to a variety of mammalian species. © 2000 Biomedical Engineering Society. PAC00: 8719Uv, 8761Lh, 8719Hh, 8719Rr, 8719Ff
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  • 56
    ISSN: 0219-1032
    Keywords: c-Fos ; Dopamine ; D1 ; Hippocampus ; Rat ; Synaptic Plasticity
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract While dopamine is likely to modulate hippocampal synaptic plasticity, there has been little information about how dopamine affects synaptic transmission in the hippocampus. The expression of IEGs including c-fos has been associated with late phase LTP in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. The induction of c-fos by dopaminergic receptor activation in the rat hippocampus was investigated by using semiquantitative RT-PCR and immuno-cytochemistry. The hippocampal slices which were not treated with dopamine showed little expression of c-fos mRNA. However, the induction of c-fos mRNA was detected as early as 5 min after dopamine treatment, peaked at 60 min, and remained elevated 5 h after treatment. Temporal profiles of increases in c-fos mRNA by R(+)-SKF-38393 (50 μM) and forskolin (50 μM) were similar to that of dopamine. An increase in [cAMP] was observed in dopamine-, SKF-, or forskolin-treated hippocampal slices. By immunocytochemical studies, control hippocampal cells showed little expression of c-Fos immunoreactivity. However, when cells were treated with dopamine, an increase in the expression of c-Fos immunoreactivity was observed after treatment for 2 h. The treatment of hippocampal neurons with R(+)-SKF38393 (50 μM) or forskolin (50 μM) also induced a significant increase in c-Fos expression. These results indicate that the dopamine D1 receptor-mediated cAMP dependant pathway is associated with the expression of c-Fos in the hippocampal neurons. These data are consistent with the possible role of endogenous dopamine on synaptic plasticity via the regulation of gene expression. Furthermore, these results imply that dopamine might control the process of memory storage in the hippocampus through gene expression.
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  • 57
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    Annals of biomedical engineering 28 (2000), S. 1101-1115 
    ISSN: 1573-9686
    Keywords: Time–frequency analysis ; Coherence ; Cross correlation ; Nonstationary persistent signals ; Central pattern generator ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine , Technology
    Notes: Abstract We present a novel time-varying phase spectrum (TVPS) method to quantify the dynamics of coevolution of two persistent nonstationary coupled signals. Based on the TVPS, an instantaneous intersignal phase shift is defined within the primary frequency range in which the two signals are highly correlated. The TVPS is estimated using a fixed-window method or an adaptive-window method. In the latter method, the window length changes dynamically and automatically as a function of change in frequency of the signals. The effects of altering window types and lengths on the accuracy of the estimation of the primary phase shift is assessed by analyzing synthesized linear chirp signals with decaying amplitude and constant relative phase shift or decaying amplitude and changing relative phase shifts. The methods developed are also used for determining the evolution of the primary phase shift among ventral root activities during fictive locomotion in an in vitro rat spinal cord preparation. The analyses indicate that the TVPS method in conjunction with the determination of the primary frequency range, allows determination of both the evolution of the coupling strength and the evolution of the phase shift between two persistent nonstationary rhythmic signals in the joint time–frequency domain. An adaptive window reduces the estimation bias and the estimation variability. © 2000 Biomedical Engineering Society. PAC00: 0230-f, 8780Tq
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  • 58
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    European journal of applied physiology 83 (2000), S. 310-319 
    ISSN: 1439-6327
    Keywords: Key words Motor unit ; Mechanomyography ; Evoked contraction ; Medial gastrocnemius muscle ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Acoustic phenomena accompanying contractions of single motor units (MUs) have previously received little attention. Therefore, in the present study, the mechanomyographic (MMG) signals during evoked contractions of single MUs have been recorded from the medial gastrocnemius muscle of the rat. A piezoelectric transducer immersed in a paraffin-oil pool was used for the measurement of these signals. Muscle fibre action potentials, tension and MMG were recorded in parallel during twitch (the weakest) and fused tetanic (the strongest) MU contractions. It was observed that the onset of the MMG signals was coincident with the beginning of the increase in tension for both the twitch and tetanus. Weaker MMG signals than those accompanying the beginning of the first phase of the fused tetanus were seen during the beginning of the relaxation after tetanic contraction. During contraction and relaxation, MMG signals were characterised by the reverse-direction of the first extreme phase, positive and negative, respectively. No MMG signals were observed when the tension was constant during the fused tetanus. The amplitude of MMG signals was correlated with both the tension increase and the velocity of tension increase during both the twitch and the fused tetanus. The strongest MUs (fast fatiguable) generated MMG signals of the highest amplitude. MMG signals were not detected for some of the weakest slow MUs (with tension increases of ≤2 mN). These results indicate a strong correlation between the MMG and the change of tension. Therefore, we believe that MMG signals are generated by muscle deformation that occurs during the contraction of MU muscle fibres. We conclude that the number of active muscle fibres, their topography, and their localisation in relation to the muscle surface (which is variable for different types of MUs) influence these MMG phenomena.
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  • 59
    ISSN: 1615-3146
    Keywords: Key Words Spinal cord compression ; Autoradiography ; Blood flow ; ATP ; Glucose ; Lactate ; Bioluminescence ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Many data are available concerning spinal cord blood flow (SCBF) and metabolism on various models and timing after spinal cord injury, however, detailed information on their exact relationship in the same injury model is lacking. This relationship is a crucial factor in the understanding of the pathophysiology of spinal cord trauma. Rats were subjected to lumbar laminectomy or lumbar spinal cord compression trauma. 3 hours later, changes in SCBF were evaluated autoradiographically and changes in ATP, glucose and lactate levels were analyzed using substrate-specific bioluminescence techniques. Measurements were performed at the lesion site (segment L4), adjacent segments (L3 and L5) and at remote thoracic segments (Th8 to Th9). Laminectomy alone did not change SCBF, both in thoracic and lumbar segments. In contrast, ATP levels were significantly reduced and lactate levels were increased at the lesion site and in adjacent lumbar segments at 3 hours after laminectomy, whereas glucose levels were not significantly changed. In animal subjected to additional compression trauma, SCBF was significantly reduced in segments L3, L4 and L5 paralleled by a significant ATP reduction and lactate increase. Glucose levels did not differ significantly from controls 3 hours after compression injury. This metabolic profile was also reflected in the remote thoracic segments. In contrast, SCBF was not reduced in thoracic segments of traumatized animals. The observation that ATP was already significantly reduced and lactate increased in laminectomized segments and in remote thoracic regions after trauma signals that metabolic changes are sensitive indicators to spinal stress. The fact that posttraumatic metabolic profile differs from the pattern of hemodynamic and metabolic changes induced by ischemia, suggests posttraumatic mediators may be involved in the different regulation of the energy producing machinery.
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  • 60
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    Anatomy and embryology 179 (1989), S. 221-226 
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: GABA ; Immunocytochemistry ; Gastrointestinal tract ; Epithelium ; Enteroendocrine cells ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Frozen sections of the corpus ventriculi, antrum pyloricum, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon from animals perfusion fixed with glutaraldehyde were treated with an antiserum specific for glutaraldehyde-fixed GABA and processed by the peroxidase antiperoxidase method. Semithin plastic sections from the antrum pyloricum were treated similarly. Stained cells appeared in the epithelium of all segments examined except the corpus ventriculi. The highest density of cells was observed along the major curvature of the antrum pyloricum. Here they were located in the bottom half of the gastric glands. Many of the cells showed a process extending towards the glandular lumen. No significant staining in the epithelium appeared when the antiserum was preincubated with glutaraldehyde-GABA complexes, nor when the anti-GABA serum was exchanged with anti-glycine or preimmune serum. The present findings and previous physiological data suggest that GABA may play a role in gut endocrine regulation.
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  • 61
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Pyramidal tract ; Rat ; Development ; Axon loss ; Myelination
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary A quantitative electron microscopic analysis was undertaken of the development of the pyramidal tract, at the level of the third cervical spinal segment, in rats ranging in age from the day of birth to three months old. The axon number was calculated as the product of axon density, determined in a systematic random sample of electron micrographs, and tract area. During the first postnatal week the tract contains thin unmyelinated axons and growth cones. Growth cones are abundant in neonatal rats, but can still be observed occasionally at the end of the first postnatal week, indicating a continuous addition of pyramidal tract axons during the first postnatal week. Myelination starts around P10. By the end of the first postnatal month approximately 50% of the axons have already been myelinated. Myelination proceeds during further maturation, but in the three month old rat 28% of the axons are still unmyelinated. The total number of axons increases rapidly after birth up to 153 000 at the fourth postnatal day. Subsequently, the number of axons is reduced by nearly 50% to 79 000 in the adult rat. The axon loss is most prominent during the second postnatal week, when 32 000 axons are climinated, but continues for several weeks at a slower rate.
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  • 62
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    Anatomy and embryology 180 (1989), S. 207-212 
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Thyrotroph (TSH cell) ; Anterior pituitary ; Immunogold electron microscopy ; Postnatal development ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Thyrotrophs (TSH cells) of the rat anterior pituitary identified by immunogold electron microscopy were classified into three subtypes according to their morphological characteristics: Immature type TSH cells are oval with a few small secretory granules (50–100 nm in diameter) and poorly developed cell organelles. These cells are frequently found in the neonatal stage between birth and 10 days of age. The intermediate type is polygonal or stellate, containing a moderate number of medium sized secretory granules (80–120 nm in diameter) and moderately or well developed cell organelles. Cells of this type are often found between 10 and 30 days of age. Mature type cells are large and polygonal in shape, and contain many large secretory granules (120–180 nm in diameter) and well developed cell organelles. Cells of the last type are frequently found at more than 30 days of age. At 45 days of age the mature type TSH cells make up about 70% of all TSH cells. The proportion of immature type cells was shown to decrease while the proportion of the mature type TSH cells increases, as the animal grows.
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  • 63
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    Anatomy and embryology 180 (1989), S. 243-257 
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus ; Synapse formation ; Synaptic glomerulus ; Rat ; Electron microscopy
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Synapse formation and maturation were examined in the rat dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) from birth to adulthood. Examination of animals, whose ages were closely spaced in time, showed that the maturation of the synaptic organization of the nucleus takes place chiefly during the first 3 weeks of postnatal life. This period of maturation may be divided into 3 broad stages. During the first stage, which spans the first 4 days of life, there are only a few immature synapses scattered throughout the nucleus; occasionally aggregates of 3 or 4 synapses are encountered. Dendrodendritic synapses first appear at the end of this stage. The second stage, which lasts from the end of the first stage through day 8, is characterized by intensive synaptogenesis as well as extensive growth and degeneration. For the first time, large boutons resembling retinal terminals form multiple synaptic contacts with dendrites and dendritic protrusions; these synaptic arrangements are partially covered by glial processes. A feature characteristic of the developing dLGN during the first 2 postnatal weeks, and particularly during the second stage, is the presence of membrane specializations that resemble vacant postsynaptic densities. These specializations, which may be unapposed or opposite another neuronal process, decrease in frequency as the number of synapses increases. It is not known whether these densities are converted to synapses or whether they result from loss of presynaptic elements. The third stage in the process of synaptogenesis, which spans a period between days 10 and 20, is characterized by myelination and by the diminution of growth cones, degenerating profiles and vacant postsynaptic densities. There is also a very significant increase in the number and maturation of synapses including synaptic glomeruli. However, it is not until the end of this stage that synapses appear qualitatively indistinguishable from synaptic arrangements identified in adult animals.
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  • 64
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    Anatomy and embryology 179 (1989), S. 449-456 
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Corticospinal tract ; Development ; Myelination ; Pyramidal tract ; Anterograde tracing ; Electronmicroscopy ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Horseradish-peroxidase was used to anterogradely label and thus to trace the growth of corticospinal axons in rats ranging in age from one day to six months. Three to eight HRP-gels were implanted in the left cerebral hemisphere of the cortex. In each spinal cord three levels were studied, the cervical intumescence (C5), the mid-thoracic region (T5) and the lumbar enlargement (L3). The methodology employed for the electron microscopic visualization of HRP has been described previously (Joosten et al. 1987a). The outgrowth of labelled unmyelinated corticospinal tract axons in the rat spinal cord primarily occurs during the first ten postnatal days. The outgrowth of the main weve of these fibres is preceded by a number of pathfinding axons, characterized by dilatations at their distal ends, the growth cones. By contrast, later appearing unmyelinated axons, which presumably grow along the pathfinding axons, do not exhibit such growth cones. The first labelled pioneer axons can be observed in the cervical intumescence at postnatal day one (P1), in the mid-thoracic region at day three (P3) and in the lumbar enlargement at day five (P5). Prior to the entrance of the axons, the prospective corticospinal area or the pre-arrival zone is composed of fascicles consisting of unlabelled, unmyelinated fibres surrounded by lucent amorphous structures. During the outgrowth phase of the corticospinal fibres some myelinated axons could be observed within the outgrowth area even before day 14. These axons, however, were never labelled. These findings strongly suggest that the outgrowth area, which is generally denoted as the pyramidal tract, contains other axons besides the corticospinal fibres (and glial cells). The process of myelination of the labelled corticospinal tract axons in the rat spinal cord starts rostrally (C5) at about day 14 and progresses caudally during the third and fourth postnatal weeks. Although myelination seems to be largely complete at day 28 at all three spinal cord levels, some labelled unmyelinated axons are still present in the adult stage.
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  • 65
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Melatonin synthesis ; Pineal gland ; Rat ; “Synaptic” ribbons ; Sympathetic stimulation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Melatonin metabolism in the mammalian pineal gland is under the clear influence of sympathetic fibers originating in the superior cervical ganglia (SCG). Previous studies suggested that pineal “synaptic” ribbons (SR) as well are regulated by the gland's sympathetic innervation. To gain more insight into the mechanisms involved, we examined the effects of sympathetic stimulation on SR number and on the activity of melatonin forming enzymes, serotonin N-acetyltransferase (NAT) and hydoxyindole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT). The SCG in adult male rats were stimulated electrically during daytime for either 15 or 120 min. Immediately following stimulation, the glands were removed and processed for electron microscopy and for the determination of NAT and HIOMT activities. No differences in pineal SR number, size or location were found in rats stimulated with either parameters when compared with sham-stimulated or control animals. While the activity of HIOMT remained unchanged, the activity of NAT was also unaltered following 15 min of stimulation, but was augmented approximately three-fold in animals stimulated for 120 min. It is concluded that if SR in the rat pineal gland are under sympathetic control, the regulation is different from that involved in melatonin formation.
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  • 66
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    Acta neuropathologica 79 (1989), S. 149-153 
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Lead ; Rat ; Cerebellum ; Particle-induced X-ray emission (micro-PIXE)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary The distribution of lead in the cerebellum of suckling Sprague-Dawley rats was examined using a nuclear microprobe for elemental mapping of tissue sections (particle-induced X-ray emission, 3-μm beam of 2.5 MeV protons; micro-PIXE). The rats were injected intraperitoneally with a lead-containing vehicle or vehicle only from ages 1 to 14 days. The calculated doses were 7.8 (low-dose) and 15.6 (high-dose) μg lead/g body weight. The rats were killed at 20 days of age. The vascular system was rinsed quickly with 0.15 M ammonium acetate to obtain determinations of intra-parenchymal lead with minimal influence of lead bound to erythrocytes and plasma proteins. Brains were frozen in propane/propylene in liquid nitrogen. Cryostat sections, 15 μm thick, were air dried on formvar coats that covered a hole, 15 mm in diameter, in a plastic disc, and were used for lead analysis by micro-PIXE. Very low concentrations of lead were found in the brain of controls. Lead levels in homogenates from cerebrum and cerebellum measured by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) were: low-dose 1.2–2.2 μg/g wet weight and high-dose 1.4–2.4 μg/g wet weight. The lead levels measured with the micro-PIXE method were in good agreement with the levels found with AAS. Lead was present in the cerebellar white matter in two to three times higher amounts than in the cortical grey (low-dose white matter 11–18 μg/g dry weight, grey matter 2.0–5.5 μg/g dry weight). This was true for both low and high dose exposed rats. Lead concentrations in rats subjected the high-dose lead exposure were approximately 60% higher than those in low-dose exposed rats. Concentrations were lower in the Purkinje cell layer than in other parts of the cortex. These new findings on the distribution of lead in suckling rats are discussed in relation to the pathogenesis of experimental lead encephalopathy.
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  • 67
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    Acta neuropathologica 78 (1989), S. 264-269 
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Skeletal muscle ; Regeneration ; Growth factors ; Growth hormone ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Against the background of the importance of growth hormone (GH) for normal muscle growth, a study was performed to investigate whether lack of GH after hypophysectomy affects the cell proliferation and the local production of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in the early stages of muscle regeneration in adult rats. The level of IGF-I in the serum of hypophysectomised rats was reduced to about 30% of that of controls. The incorporation of [methyl-3H]thymidine into the regenerating muscle showed a peak 6 days after the operation and then gradually declined to the end of the period of study 30 days after initiation of regeneration by ischemic necrosis. The DNA content rose to a maximum level after 6–8 days, and remained high after 30 days. There was no major difference in the incorporation of [3H]thymidine in regenerating muscle of hypophysectomised and control rats, but the DNA concentration in the regenerating muscles of hypophysectomised rats was significantly reduced after 30 days. There was a corresponding reduction in the number of nuclei per muscle fibre, indicating that hypophysectomy has a small effect on the cell proliferation during the early stages of muscle regeneration. Immunohistochemical demonstration of IGF-I in the regenerating muscle revealed the transient presence of immunoreactive material in satellite cells and myotubes after 6 to 8 days of regeneration but no immunoreactivity after 30 days. No obvious difference was observed between hypophysectomised and control rats, indicating that the endogenous production of IGF-I in regenerating skeletal muscle can occur independently of GH.
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  • 68
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Somatostatin ; Immunohistochemistry ; Aganglionosis ; Man ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary The distribution of somatostatin-like immunoreactive (SOM-LI) nerves was elucidated immunohistochemically in the gut tissues from patients with Hirschsprung's disease and congenital aganglionosis rats. In the normoganglionic human colon, SOM-LI nerve cell bodies were found to a greater extent in the submucous plexus and to a lesser extent in the myenteric plexus. However, they were rarely observed in both the plexuses of the oligoganglionic segment. SOM-LI nerve fibres were widely distributed in the aganglionic bowel. The circular muscle layer of the distal aganglionic segment was densely innervated by SOM-LI nerve fibres which are probably derived from the extrinsic, hypertrophic nerve bundles. A decreased number of the intramuscular nerves fibres were seen in the proximal aganglionic segment. In the colon and rectum from adult and 21-day-old rats, SOM-LI cell bodies were numerous in both plexuses. On the other hand, enteric neurons were completely lacking from the colon and rectum of congenital aganglionosis rats of 21 days old. No neuronal elements staining for SOM were disclosed in these aganglionic segments of mutant rats. A possible origin and pathophysiological role of the extrinsic nerve fibres containing SOM in the diseased bowel are discussed. It is concluded that SOM-LI nerves in the human distal colon comprise both intrinsic and extrinsic elements, while SOM nerves in the rat colon and rectum are of only intrinsic origin.
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  • 69
    ISSN: 1432-1432
    Keywords: Carcinoembryonic antigen ; Evolution ; Gene family ; Human ; Rat ; Synonymous substitutions ; Silent molecular clock ; Evolutionary trees
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary Various rodent and primate DNAs exhibit a stronger intra- than interspecies cross-hybridization with probes derived from the N-terminal domain exons of human and rat carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-like genes. Southern analyses also reveal that the human and rat CEA gene families are of similar complexity. We counted at least 10 different genes per human haploid genome. In the rat, approximately seven to nine different N-terminal domain exons that presumably represent different genes appear to be present. We were able to assign the corresponding genomic restriction endonuclease fragments to already isolated CEA gene family members of both human and rat. Highly similar subgroups, as found within the human CEA gene family, seem to be absent from the rat genome. Hybridization with an intron probe from the human nonspecific cross-reacting antigen (NCA) gene and analysis of DNA sequence data indicate the conservation of noncoding regions among CEA-like genes within primates, implicating that whole gene units may have been duplicated. With the help of a computer program and by calculating the rate of synonymous substitutions, evolutionary trees have been derived. From this, we propose that an independent parallel evolution, leading to different CEA gene families, must have taken place in, at least, the primate and rodent orders.
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  • 70
    ISSN: 1432-0738
    Keywords: Cadmium ; Zinc ; Neonate ; Thymus ; Birth weight ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The effects of cadmium exposure during pregnancy (by means of daily subcutaneous injections of 4.4 μmol/kg to the mother) on the neonates were investigated. No effect was observed on fetal or neonatal body weights, nor on neonatal liver weights. These parameters were examined up to 5 weeks after birth. The weight of neonatal thymuses was decreased 7 and 14 days after birth due to cadmium exposure of the mothers as compared with controls. This may be caused by zinc deficiency, because zinc concentrations in fetal and neonatal livers after cadmium exposure were found to be very low 20 days after conception and 5 h after birth. Cadmium concentration in neonatal liver decreased; however, cadmium in malignant liver increased as age increased. In the mother, cadmium was transferred to the milk, as it was demonstrated in the stomach contents of the pups. Simultaneous administration of zinc in amounts equimolar to cadmium did not have any noticeable effect on the amount of cadmium transferred to the fetus or on cadmium concentrations in any of the organs investigated. It could not prevent zinc deficiency in fetal and neonatal liver. In addition, growth retardation of the thymus from exposed pups could not be prevented by zinc administration.
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  • 71
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    Archives of toxicology 63 (1989), S. 320-324 
    ISSN: 1432-0738
    Keywords: Cadmium ; Rat ; Mechanical strength of bones
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The mechanical properties of the bones of young, adult and old rats administered various concentrations of cadmium were measured to prove the direct effect of cadmium on the bones of young rats. The young rats were divided into three subgroups, which were administered 0 (control), 5 and 10 ppm cadmium, respectively. The adult rats were subdivided into six groups, administered 0, 10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 ppm cadmium, respectively. The old rats were divided into three subgroups, which were administered 0, 80, and 160 ppm cadmium, respectively. The length of the administration was 4 weeks in every group. The decrease in the mechanical strengths of bones of young rats administered with cadmium was observed. On the other hand, no change in mechanical strength of bones was observed in the case of adult and old rats, administered up to 160 ppm cadmium. The correlation between the cadmium in bones and the decrease in the strength of the bone shows that cadmium directly affects the mechanical properties of bones of young rats.
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  • 72
    ISSN: 1432-0738
    Keywords: Tellurium ; Rat ; Toxicology ; Immunomodulator ; Drug
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Male and female Sprague Dawley rats were injected intraperitoneally for 4 weeks with ammonium trichloro (dioxyethylene-0-0′-) tellurate, an immunomodulating drug at closes ranging from 3 to 24 mg/kg/week. Routine laboratory examinations included body weight, food consumption, clinical chemistry and hematological examinations. At termination of the experiment, all rats were sacrificed and subjected to a detailed necropsy. Few mortalities were recorded during the course of the study. Clinical signs included hind limb paresis and paraphimosis. A garlic odor pervaded the room. Body weight and food consumption were adversely affected in a dose-related manner. Effects were elicited on the hematological system; changes being noted in the platelet and leukocyte counts as well. Clinical chemistry evaluation revealed signs of hepatoxicity, especially in the female treated groups. The level of beta-globulin was increased. At necropsy organs were found to have a grayish-blue discoloration. Tellurium related histopathological changes were observed in the eyes, liver, thymus, bone marrow, heart and kidneys. An attempt has been made to compare the toxicity of this drug with other tellurium-containing compounds. A good correlation was found. Novel effects of the drug were retinopathy and replacement of bone marrow by bony or fibrous tissue. The possibility that some of the effects may have been elicited due to selenium-vitamin E deficiency has been considered.
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  • 73
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    Archives of toxicology 63 (1989), S. 43-46 
    ISSN: 1432-0738
    Keywords: Styrene ; Testes ; Rat ; Enzymes ; Toxicity
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Styrene was administered through gavage to adult male rats for 60 days. At the lower dose of 200 mg/ kg/day no overt signs of testicular toxicity were observed, while at the higher dose of 400 mg/kg/day activities of some marker enzymes for testicular function were found to be altered significantly, along with a decrease in spermatozoa number. Histopathological studies revealed marked degeneration of seminiferous tubules and lumen devoid of sperms, further confirming testicular toxicity of styrene. The present study suggests an overall sensitivity of the male reproductive system towards styrene exposure.
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  • 74
    ISSN: 1432-0738
    Keywords: Methylmercury ; Protein synthesis ; Dorsal root ganglion ; Two-dimensional electrophoresis ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Dorsal root ganglia from control and methylmercury(MeHg)-treated rats were incubated in vitro with 35S-methionine ant the proteins synthesized were analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis. The double labelling method, in which proteins of control dorsal root ganglia labelled in vitro with 3H-leucine were added to each of the two samples as an internal standard, was used to minimize unavoidable errors arising from the resolving procedure itself. The results obtained showed that the effect of MeHg on the synthesis of proteins in dorsal root ganglia was not uniform for individual protein species in the latent period of MeHg intoxication. Among 200 protein species investigated, 157 showed inhibition of synthesis close to that of the total proteins in the tissue (68% of the control). Among the remaining protein species, 20 showed real stimulation of synthesis, whereas 7 were moderately inhibited and 16 were inhibited more strongly than the total proteins in the tissue. These results suggest that the effect of MeHg on the synthetic rates for protein species in dorsal root ganglia differs with the species, and that unusual elevation or reduction of the synthesis of some protein species caused by MeHg may lead to impairment of normal nerve functions.
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  • 75
    ISSN: 1432-2307
    Keywords: Hyperoxia ; Lung broncho-vascular reaction ; Electron microscopy ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary In order to clarify the early phenomena involved in the lung reaction to hyperoxia, twenty adult male rats were exposed to 100% oxygen at 1 ATA. Morphological pulmonary lesions were detectable after only 24 h hyperoxia, and included vasoconstriction and perivascular oedema, bronchiolar constriction, and pericyte reaction. The lesions were irregularly scattered within the lung parenchyma and occurred preferentially in areas centred on bronchiolo-vascular stems. Even at the latest stages, pulmonary heterogeneity was obvious, from the coexistence of areas damaged at different times. Neuro-epithelial-bodies were found under the bronchiolar epithelium; the morphological aspect of the neuro-endocrine cells observed was consistent with hyperoxia-induced modulation of their secretory activity. Taken together, our findings show the speed of development of hyperoxia-induced pulmonary changes and raise some pathogenic considerations.
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  • 76
    ISSN: 1432-2307
    Keywords: Keratin ; Mammary neoplasms ; Mouse ; Rat ; Immunohistochemistry
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Using immunoperoxidase staining of monoclonal antibody 312C8-1 against 51 000 dalton human keratin polypeptide, immunolocalization was observed in frozen sections of normal tissue and mammary tumours of adult female mice and rats. In normal tissue, the epitope was recognized in myoepithelial cells of the mammary, sweat and salivary glands, and in basal and suprabasal cells of the epidermis. However, the antibody did not react with luminal epithelial cells of the above glands or with mesenchymal cells. In spontaneous mammary tumours of mice, marker-positive tumour cells were distributed only in the outer layer of adenocarcinoma Type A, while they were scattered in some foci of adenocarcinoma Type B, and encircled the epithelial foci of pregnancy dependent tumours (plaque). All layers of epidermoid structures in adenoacanthoma revealed positivity. In rat mammary tumours induced by local dusting with 7, 12-dimethylbenz(α)anthracene (DMBA) powder, the staining pattern of benign tumours was comparable to that of the normal mammary gland. But, in addition to basally situated cells, marker-positive tumour cells were found scattered in the foci of adenocarcinoma, and were not restricted to basal cells in squamous cell carcinoma. The marker was not found in sarcomatous tissue. This antibody can therefore also be applied to rodents, and the staining pattern can be used to identify the epithelial subclass specific marker in normal tissue and in mammary tumours.
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  • 77
    ISSN: 1432-0738
    Keywords: 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid ; Biogenic amines ; Brain ; Cerebrospinal fluid ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Effects of single subcutaneous doses of sodium 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate (2,4-D-Na) on biogenic amines and their acidic metabolites in rat brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography. After 200 mg/kg 2,4-D-Na, the cerebral concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was increased slightly and that of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) roughly 3-fold between 1 and 8 h after the administration. There was also a tendency towards slightly lowered dopamine (DA) levels. No statistically significant changes in brain concentrations of noradrenaline (NA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA) or tryptophan (TRY) were found. At the same time, however, the maximal increase in DOPAC, HVA and 5-HIAA concentrations in the CSF was 2.3–5.8-fold. The dependency of biogenic amines and metabolites on 2,4-D-Na dose was studied by injecting s.c. 0, 10, 30 and 100 mg/kg and sacrificing the rats at 2 h. In the brain, there was a dose-dependent increase in concentrations of 5-HIAA (at the two highest doses) and HVA (at the highest dose) while in the CSF those of all three acidic metabolites increased at the two highest doses. The 10 mg/kg dose had no effect. The results agree with the hypothesis that 2,4-D inhibits the organic acid transport out of the brain, which should then result in increased cerebral levels of acidic metabolites of biogenic amines, but it may also have effects on the activity of serotoninergic and dopaminergic neurones.
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  • 78
    ISSN: 1432-1351
    Keywords: Rat ; Melatonin ; Circadian rhythm ; 5-hydroxytryptophan
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Summary The rhythm in melatonin production in the rat is driven by a circadian rhythm in the pineal N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity. Rats adapted to an artificial lighting regime of 12 h of light and 12 h of darkness per day were exposed to an 8-h advance of the light-dark regime accomplished by the shortening of one dark period; the effect of melatonin, triazolam and fluoxetine, together with 5-hydroxytryptophan, on the reentrainment of the NAT rhythm was studied. In control rats, the NAT rhythm was abolished during the first 3 cycles following the advance shift. It reappeared during the 4th cycle; however, the phase relationship between the evening rise in activity and the morning decline was still compressed. Melatonin accelerated the NAT rhythm reentrainment. In rats treated chronically with melatonin at the new dark onset, the rhythm had already reappeared during the 3rd cycle, in the middle of the advanced night, and during the 4th cycle, the phase relationship between the evening onset and the morning decline of the NAT activity was the same as before the advance shift. In rats treated chronically with melatonin at the old dark onset or in those treated with melatonin 8 h, 5 h and 2 h after the new dark onset during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd cycle, respectively, following the advance shift, the NAT rhythm reappeared during the 3rd cycle as well but in the last third of the advanced night only. Neither triazolam nor fluoxetine together with 5-hydroxytryptophan administered around the new dark onset facilitated NAT rhythm reentrainment after the 8-h advance of the light-dark cycle.
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  • 79
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    Pflügers Archiv 413 (1989), S. 217-224 
    ISSN: 1432-2013
    Keywords: Rat ; Kidney ; Uptake ; Transport ; α-Ketoglutarate ; Luminal ; Basolateral ; Production
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract In order to establish the characteristics of net renal transport and utilization of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) in the rat, we have precisely quantified the renal blood flow, the urinary flow and the rates of α-KG delivery, filtration, reabsorption or secretion, excretion, uptake or production by an in vivo rat kidney preparation. In normal rats, α-KG uptake was higher than α-KG reabsorption at both endogenous and elevated plasma α-KG concentrations; thus, a net peritubular transport, which was the main supplier of α-KG to the renal cells, took place. Saturation of reabsorption and peritubular transport of α-KG occurred at blood α-KG concentrations about 30 and 150 times above normal, respectively. Acute metabolic acidosis was found to have no effect on renal handling of α-KG. At endogenous plasma α-KG concentrations, alkalosis converted net renal uptake into net renal production of α-KG resulting in addition of α-KG by the renal cells both to blood and to the luminal fluid. Elevation of blood α-KG concentration restored the renal uptake of α-KG. This uptake, which was entirely accounted for by the peritubular transport of α-KG, reached a maximum which was lower than that observed in normal and acidotic rats.
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  • 80
    ISSN: 1432-2013
    Keywords: Rat ; Skeletal muscle ; Development ; Ionic conductances ; Denervation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The development of membrane ionic conductances of rat extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle fibers was studiedin vitro using intracellular recordings. At 7–8 days after birth, the potassium conductance (GK) dominated the total membrane conductance while the chloride conductance (GC1) was very low. A rapid increased of GC1 towards adult values was observed after few days (12–14 day old rats), whereas GK did not decrease up to day 23. Denervation at 7–8 days after birth suppressed the maturation of the electrical parameters measured, and 15 days after the nerve crush, GC1 was just detectable. These results suggest that the maturation of the electrical properties, and in particular that of the resting chloride conductance in mammalian striated muscle fibers, occurs during the first weeks of postnatal life and is dependent on innervation.
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  • 81
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    Journal of cancer research and clinical oncology 115 (1989), S. 47-52 
    ISSN: 1432-1335
    Keywords: Alkylation ; Alkyl guanines ; Pancreas DNA ; Nitrosamines ; Acinar cells ; Duct cells ; Hamster ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary The activation of 3H-labeled N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine ([3H]BOP) by pancreas acinar and duct tissue from Syrian hamsters and MRC-Wistar rats in vitro was measured as DNA alkylation. Hamster tissue was incubated with [3H]BOP (0.1 mM; 20 μCi/ml) for 2 h. Initial levels of alkylation were similar, 41.7±3.7 (acinar) and 51.5±7.8 (duct) dpm/μg DNA. Alkylation persisted for longer in duct (t/2〉46 h) than in acinar tissue (t/2=6 h). The faster repair of alkylation in acinar tissue was not due to acinar cell death. In rat duct tissue the level of alkylation 2 h after incubation (38.9±4.5 dpm/μg DNA) was similar to that in hamster ducts but declined more rapidly (t/2=27 h). Hamster and rat acinar and duct tissue was incubated with BOP followed by [3H]thymidine to measure DNA synthesis. BOP stimulated DNA synthesis in hamster but not in rat duct tissue or hamster acinar tissue. These data support the hypothesis that the duct tissue is the target tissue for BOP in Syrian hamsters.
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  • 82
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    Archives of gynecology and obstetrics 244 (1989), S. 151-155 
    ISSN: 1432-0711
    Keywords: Placenta ; Glycogen ; Triglyceride ; Cold ; Fasting ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary The effect of exposure to cold (+2°C, 3 and 24 h) and fasting (1, 2 and 3 days) on placental glycogen and triglyceride content was investigated in rats pregnant for 20 days. The stimuli did not affect the level of glycogen in the placenta. The level of triglycerides remained unchanged in the rats exposed to cold. It rose after only one day of fasting and then levelled out on the 2nd and 3rd days. Fasting, but not exposure to cold produced hypoglycemia and elevation of the plasma free fatty acids level. We conclude that activation of the adrenergic system during exposure to cold does not interfere with the glycogen and triglyceride content of the placenta. Prolonged hypoglycemia also does not affect the placental glycogen level although it increases the accumulation of neutral fat.
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  • 83
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: α-melanocyte ; stimulating hormone ; Dopamine receptors ; Rat ; Hypothalamus
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Release of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) from slices of rat hypothalamus superfused with artificial cerebro-spinal fluid (ACSF) was quantified by radioimmunoassay. Addition of 10-6 M quinpirole, a D2-dopamine receptor agonist, to the superfusion medium caused a significant (P 〈 0.001) reduction in the amount of α-MSH released upon depolarisation with 50 mM potassium from 319 ±37% to 110 ±16% of basal release in normal ACSF (mean ±S.E.M.). Basal peptide release in the presence of quinpirole was unaffected. Sulpiride, a D2-dopamine receptor antagonist, at a concentration of 10-6 M, induced a significant (P 〈 0.05) increase of both basal and potassium-stimulated α-MSH release to 203 ±21% and 447 ±88% of basal release in normal ACSF respectively. The latter increases were abolished when sulpiride and quinpirole were added in combination. SK&F 38393-A and SCH 23390, a D1-dopamine agonist and antagonist respectively, had no significant effect on either basal or potassiumstimulated α-MSH release. It is proposed that endogenous dopamine exerts an inhibitory control on α-MSH release from the rat hypothalamus via D2-dopamine receptors and that in isolated hypothalamic slices there is a tonic inhibition of peptide release due to the activity of this system.
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  • 84
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Collateral sprouting ; Nerve regeneration ; Mechanoreceptors ; C-fibers ; Plasma extravasation ; Evans blue ; Skin ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary The capacity of the saphenous nerve for collateral sprouting was examined by electrophysiological recordings of the activity of low threshold mechanoreceptors and plasma extravasation after C-fiber stimulation in rats. When the sciatic nerve was sectioned neonatally or in adults little evidence was obtained for collateral sprouting of either mechanoreceptors or fibers involved in plasma extravasation in the intact saphenous nerve0 In rats where the sciatic nerve was sectioned and the saphenous nerve was crushed either neonatally or in adults, expansive regenerative reinnervation by thin fibers, but not mechanoreceptors, was observed particularly in glabrous skin. Saphenous crush alone did not cause expansive regenerative reinnervation. The results indicate that much of the collateral sprouting or regenerative reinnervation of the skin observed in morphological studies may represent the presence of fibers not responding to the stimuli used in the present study. It is also suggested that some observations of collateral sprouting may represent changes in responsiveness to stimulation of skin areas with overlapping innervation territories.
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  • 85
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    Experimental brain research 76 (1989), S. 141-152 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Abducens motoneurones ; Intracellular recordings ; HRP staining ; Membrane properties ; Somato-dendritic organization ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary The electrical and morphological properties of abducens motoneurones were investigated in the rat with intracellular recordings and intracellular HRP-staining. Motoneurones were identified by their antidromic response to electrical stimulation of the lateral rectus muscle. The antidromic action potential was followed by a delayed depolarization and an after hyperpolarization lasting 20 ms to 45 ms. The whole neurone input resistance (RN) calculated from I/V curves, was found to lie between 2 MΩ and 15 MΩ with a bimodal distribution (mean values 4.9 MΩ and 12 MΩ). In some cases, anomalous rectification was observed with low current intensities. Prolonged hyperpolarizing current pulses revealed the presence of a time dependant inward rectification and slow rebound depolarization. The intensity/frequency curves suggest the existence of three ranges of discharge. The average intensity frequency slope during the steady state was 43 imp/s/ nA. Eight abducens motoneurones were intracellularly labelled with HRP and fully reconstructed. The soma (23 μm to 40 μm in diameter) gave off 5 to 7 primary dendrites. The general organization and extension of the dendritic trees depended on the location of the soma within the abducens nucleus. The mean diameter of primary dendrites was 4.17 μm with similar average values in all motoneurones. The soma size of abducens motoneurones was not correlated with either the size of the proximal tree or the whole neurone input resistance.
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  • 86
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Parvalbumin ; GABA ; Nonpyramidal cell ; Monoclonal antibody ; Lectin ; Cerebral cortex ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Monoclonal antibody VC1.1 is shown to stain selectively a subpopulation of GABAergic neurons in the rat cerebral cortex. Almost all VC1.1 immunoreactive cells were also GABA-like immunoreactive (GABA-LI) and parvalbumin (PV) immunoreactive, whereas they were about 30% and 65% of GABA-LI and PV-positive cells in the parietal cortex and about 13% and 32% in the occipital cortex, respectively. Although a few VC1.1 positive cells showed somatostatinlike and/or cholecystokinin-like immunoreactivities, they were exceptional (less than 1% of VC1.1 positive cells). Furthermore about 90% of VC1.1 positive cells were also stained with a lectin, Vicia villosa agglutinin, with a specific affinity for terminal N-acetylgalactosamine.
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  • 87
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Inhibition ; Hippocampal formation ; Development ; GABAergic neurons ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Glutamate decarboxylase (GAD)-positive and Golgi impregnated local circuit neurons of the hippocampal formation of five day old rats were examined in light and electron microscopic preparations. The ultrastructural features of these neurons were similar in both the dentate gyrus and CA1 area of Ammon's horn. Somata displayed a perikaryal cytoplasm rich in organelles but lacked organized Nissl bodies. Most nuclei showed intranuclear infoldings of varying degrees but no intranuclear sheets or rods were found. Somata and dendrites were contacted by relatively immature axon terminals that formed mainly symmetric synapses. The axons of local circuit neurons in both the dentate gyrus and Ammon's horn formed symmetric synapses with somata and dendrites of the principal neurons in these regions. Thus, both GAD-positive and Golgi-impregnated terminals of local circuit neurons were observed to form synapses with pyramidal and granule cells. These terminals were usually small and contained relatively few pleomorphic synaptic vesicles. The results show that a circuitry for inhibition is established in the 5 day old dentate gyrus and Ammon's horn, even though the local circuit neurons lack some of the typical adult ultrastructural features at this age.
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  • 88
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Steroid receptor ; CRF ; Neurotensin ; Enkephalin ; CCK ; PHI ; VIP ; Somatostatin ; TRH ; Dopamine ; Immunohistochemistry ; Arcuate nucleus ; Hormones ; Neurosecretion ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of male albino rats was analyzed for the presence of glucocorticoid receptor-like immunoreactivity (GR-LI) in neuropeptide containing neurons. Using immunohistochemistry, coronal sections trough the entire PVN were double-stained with a mouse monoclonal antibody against GR and one of the following antisera: rabbit antiserum to corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), neurotensin (NT), enkephalin (ENK), cholecystokinin (CCK), thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), galanin (GAL), peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), somatostatin (SOM) or tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). For comparison the occurrence of GR-LI in NT-, SOM-, NPY- or TH-positive neurons of the arcuate nucleus was also studied. Our results indicate that GR-LI is present in the parvocellular part of the PVN but not in its magnocellular portion. Virtually every parvocellular neuron in the PVN containing one of the above mentioned peptides was also positive for GR, with the exception of SOM neurons, of which only about two thirds showed detectable levels of GR-LI. All TH-positive, presumably dopamine neurons in the PVN were GR-positive. In the arcuate nucleus all TH- and NPY-positive neurons as well as a large proportion of the SOM- and NT-immunoreactive neurons contained GR-LI. The results indicate that in the PVN, in addition to the CRF neurons, certain peptidergic neurons in the parvocellular part of the PVN, without any established role in the control of ACTH synthesis and release, may also be under glucocorticoid control. This seems to be the case also for most arcuate neurons.
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  • 89
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    Experimental brain research 78 (1989), S. 164-173 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Glia ; GFAP ; Brainstem ; Spinal cord ; Immunocytochemistry ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary The topographical mapping of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-immunoreactivity was performed in coronal serial sections of the rat mesencephalon, rhombencephalon and spinal cord. Relative to a background of poor or moderate overall staining of the mesencephalon, the interpeduncular nucleus, substantia nigra and the periaqueductal grey matter were prominent by their intense GFAP-immunoreactivity. The pons and particularly the medulla contained more GFAP-labelled elements compared with the mesencephalon. The spinal trigeminal nucleus and Rolando substance were distinguished by their intense staining. Large fibre tracts were usually poor in immunoreactive GFAP. In a concluding discussion, findings relevant to the GFAP-mapping of the whole rat CNS are evaluated with regard to possible reasons underlying the observed differential distribution of GFAP-immunoreactivity.
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  • 90
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Cardiopulmonary vagal reflex ; Bezold-Jarisch reflex ; Excitatory amino acid ; Caudal ventrolateral medulla ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary The importance of the caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM) in mediating vagal cardiopulmonary (Bezold-Jarisch reflex) reflex activity was studied in urethane-anaesthetized rats. Unilateral electrolytic lesion of the CVLM markedly attenuated Bezold-Jarisch reflex responses (hypotension and bradycardia) elicited by intravenous injections of 5-HT. Bilateral lesion of the CVLM virtually abolished the reflex responses. Microinjection of the excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptor antagonist kynurenate (KYN), but not the inactive analogue xanthurenate, into the CVLM markedly attenuated the reflex responses to 5-HT. The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, MK-801 also markedly attenuated reflex activity. Furthermore, lesions, KYN and MK-801 all tended to elevate resting blood pressure and to reduce resting heart rate. These findings support the hypothesis that the CVLM is an important medullary locus mediating cardiovascular reflex integration and that an EAA synapse in the CVLM is important in the cardiopulmonary reflex arc.
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  • 91
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    Experimental brain research 78 (1989), S. 214-218 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Nigral grafts ; Adrenal grafts ; Rotation ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Separate groups of rats with unilateral 6-OHDA lesions of the nigrostriatal pathway received intrastriatal foetal (E14) substantia nigra suspension grafts, intrastriatal postnatal (P22–25) adrenal medulla suspension grafts using either collagenaseor trypsin-based dissociation procedures, intraventricular adrenal medulla grafts, or remained with lesions alone. Rats with nigral or adrenal suspension grafts, but not rats with adrenal solid grafts, showed reduced apomorphine-induced rotation in comparison with lesion rats. The nigral graft group alone showed substantial reduction of amphetamine-induced rotation, and this was the only group manifesting good long-term graft survival. These results indicate that nigral and adrenal grafts do not have comparable mechanisms of functional action, and suggest that adrenal grafts can ameliorate apomorphine-induced rotation by a non-specific mechanism.
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  • 92
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    Experimental brain research 78 (1989), S. 233-242 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Hoppocampus ; Granule cells ; Long lasting inhibition ; Frequency habituation ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary In paired pulse stimulation experiments the mechanism underlying frequency habituation of postsynaptic potentials in dentate granule cells of rat hippocampal slices was studied by measuring extra and intracellular potentials as well as changes in extracellular calcium ([Ca2+]0) and potassium concentrations ([K+]0). Orthodromic stimulation of the perforant path induced in most granule cells a late, slow hyperpolarization (SH), lasting for up to 1.2 s. During the SH the membrane conductance was increased by up to 40%. The reversal potential of the SH was around -90 mV and varied with the [K+]0. Frequency habituation was seen in all cells with the SH, whereas cells which display frequency potentiation had no SH. Lowering of [Ca2+]0 reversed paired pulse induced frequency habituation into frequency potentiation at [Ca2+]0 levels where the SH disappeared. Phaclofen blocked the SH and reversed frequency habituation into frequency potentiation. Elevating [Mg2+]0 also reversed frequency habituation into frequency potentiation and reduced the SH. We conclude that the SH represents a late, slow IPSP which is responsible for frequency habituation in dentate granule cells. We noted that during repetitive stimulation the SH soon started to fade. This effect can in part be attributed to extracellular K+-accumulation as suggested by the K+-dependence of the slow IPSP and the observations of changes in [K+]0 during repetitive stimulation. This could explain why frequency habituation reverses into frequency potentiation during repetitive stimulation.
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  • 93
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    Experimental brain research 76 (1989), S. 646-650 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Glutamate binding sites ; Autoradiography ; Vestibular nuclei ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Quantitative autoradiography has been used to characterize l-[3H] glutamate binding sites and to describe their distribution in frozen sections of rat vestibular nuclei. Scatchard plots and Hill coefficients of glutamate binding suggest that glutamate interacts with a single population of sites having a KD of about 126 nM and a capacity of 2.5 pmol/mg of protein. Although the level of glutamate binding was not very high compared to the highest levels described for some other brain regions, it was nonetheless substantial. The sites were distributed unevenly in the four vestibular nuclei and their distribution correlated well with the projection areas of the vestibular nerve, which has been described as a glutamate-mediated pathway. The highest numbers of glutamate binding sites were observed in the medial vestibular nuclei. This technique provides a very sensitive assay for characterizing the pharmacological subtypes of glutamate binding in the vestibular nuclei and for analyzing changes in these sites during development or after deafferentation of the vestibular nuclei.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 94
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    Experimental brain research 76 (1989), S. 656-661 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Central chemoreceptor ; Carbon dioxide ; Nucleus tractus solitarius ; Nucleus ambiguus ; Cardiopulmonary control ; Brain slice ; Intracellular recording ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary To identify central sites of potential CO2/H+-chemoreceptive neurons, and the mechanism responsible for neuronal chemosensitivity, intracellular recordings were made in rat tissue slices in two cardiopulmonary-related regions (i.e., nucleus tractus solitarii, NTS; nucleus ambiguus, AMBc) during exposure to high CO2. When the NTS was explored slices were bisected and the ventral half discarded. Utilizing such “dorsal” medullary slices removed any impinging synaptic input from putative chemoreceptors in the ventrolateral medulla. In the NTS, CO2-induced changes in firing rate were associated with membrane depolarizations ranging from 2–25 mV (n = 15). In some cases increased e.p.s.p. activity was observed during CO2 exposure. The CO2-induced depolarization occurred concomitantly with an increased input resistance ranging from 19–23 MΩ (n = 5). The lower membrane conductance during hypercapnia suggests that CO2-induced depolarization is due to a decreased outward potassium conductance. Unlike neurons in the NTS, AMBc neurons were not spontaneously active and were rarely depolarized by hypercapnia. Eleven of 12 cells tested were either hyperpolarized by or insensitive to CO2. Only 1 neuron in the AMBc was depolarized and it also showed an increased input resistance during CO2 exposure. Our findings suggest that CO2/H+-related stimuli decrease potassium conductance which depolarizes the cell and increases firing rate. Although our in vitro studies cannot guarantee the specific function of these cells, we believe they may be involved with brain pH homeostasis and cardiopulmonary regulation.
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  • 95
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    Experimental brain research 74 (1989), S. 41-46 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Cortico-cortical neurons ; Sensorimotor cortex ; Glutamate and aspartate immunoreactivity ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Retrograde transport of tracers and immunocytochemistry have been used to determine if association and callosal neurons in the primary motor and somatosensory cortex of rats contain high levels of glutamate or aspartate and may, thus, use these amino acids as neurotransmitter. After tracer injections in these areas, about 65% of the retrogradely labeled neurons in layer V in the ipsilateral or contralateral hemisphere are immunopositive for glutamate. Lower percentages of double-labeled neurons are found in layers III, VI, and II. Similar results are obtained when sections are processed for aspartate immunoreactivity. About 90% of retrogradely labeled neurons are immunopositive in sections incubated with a mixture of both glutamateand aspartate antisera. These results suggest that a large fraction of cortico-cortical neurons are immunoreactive for either one amino acid but not for both. It is proposed that neurons with high levels of one amino acid use this as neurotransmitter; high levels of glutamate and aspartate are likely to be present in a fraction of neurons which may release both amino acids or a substance closely related to these.
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  • 96
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Extincton ; Nonreward ; Adrenoceptor ; Noradrenaline ; Stress ; Sympathetic nervous system ; 6-hydroxydopamine ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary We tested whether the stress of nonreward has neurochemical effects on noradrenergic neurones which resemble those reported for other forms of stress. Rats trained to run in a straight runway for food reward were subjected to either 1 or 10 extinction trials. Half the rats in each group were injected before the start of acquisition with IP 6-hydroxydopamine to deplete peripheral noradrenaline stores. All animals were killed immediately after their final test in the runway, together with untrained controls. Noradenaline depletion had no behavioural or neurochemical effects. The rate of extinction in the 10-trial group, which was indexed by the slope of the linear regression of running time on trial, correlated negatively with both alpha2 and beta-adrenoceptor number (Bmax). There were no differences between groups in cerebral cortical noradrenaline content, or alpha2 or beta-adrenoceptor binding. These results substantially conflict with those predicted from Stone's hypothesis relating beta-adrenoceptor sensitivity to the behavioural response to stress. A further finding was that alpha2, but not beta-adrenoceptor number, negatively correlated with levels of noradrenaline in the tissue, suggesting that noradrenaline is less involved in the regulation of beta than in that of alpha2-adrenoceptors.
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  • 97
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Caudate-putamen ; Neural plasticity ; Nigrostriatal projection ; Sensory deprivation ; Vibrissae ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary The influence of unilateral removal of vibrissae on the crossed and uncrossed nigrostriatal projections was examined with the horseradish peroxidase tract tracing technique. Hemivibrissotomy mainly affected the projections arising from the rostral part of the substantia nigra. One to three days after clipping the vibrissae, rats were found to have more labeled neurons in the crossed projection to the caudate-putamen (CPU) on the same side as vibrissae removal than in the crossed projection to the CPU opposite to vibrissae removal. A reversed asymmetry was seen in rats examined 4–20 days after vibrissae removal. These animals had more labeled cells in the crossed and uncrossed projections terminating in the CPU opposite to the shaved side, i.e. in the hemisphere deprived of vibrissal sensory input. This time-course of neural alterations is similar to that of the recovery from behavioral asymmetries seen after hemivibrissotomy. Similar time-dependent alterations in the nigrostriatal projection had been found after unilateral injection of 6-OHDA into the substantia nigra.
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  • 98
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    Experimental brain research 77 (1989), S. 499-506 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Temporal/entorhinal area ; Memory processing ; Neurotransmitters ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether effects of temporo-entorhinal disconnections on acquisition and retention of a visual discrimination task might be associated with neurochemical dysfunctions. The results revealed that the present lesions impaired both acquisition and retention of the discrimination task. This impairment was accompanied by decreased glutamergic activity in both temporal and entorhinal cortices. No changes were seen in levels of acetylcholine or GABA. Further, the distribution of glutamate/ aspartate was related to both regional and hemispheric differences. The results are discussed in terms of a highly integrative role of the lateral entorhinal cortex and in terms of other putative neurotransmitter systems involved in the function of memory.
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  • 99
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Ventrobasal thalamic neurones ; Noxious mechanical stimulation ; Orofacial receptive fields ; Trigeminal sensory complex ; Tractotomy ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Single units were recorded, using extra-cellular glass microelectrodes, in the ventrobasal complex of the thalamus of rats under halothane-nitrous oxide anaesthesia. The animals had previously undergone a large bilateral section of the trigeminal sensory complex just above the obex to deprive the caudal part of the trigeminal sensory complex (subnucleus caudalis) of its trigeminal afferents. As observed on frontal slices our lesions impaired the whole descending tract and, in most cases, the intratrigeminal pathways between the rostral and the caudal part of the complex. Forty-seven units responding to a somatic mechanical noxious stimulation applied to the trigeminal area were recorded in these conditions. Forty-two of these had a receptive field (or at least a part of it) in or around the oral and nasal cavities, and 5 in the peripheral part of the face. These data confirm the hypothesis that the rostral part of the trigeminal sensory complex participates in pain sensory pathways, as a first relay site between nociceptive primary afferents coming from oral, perioral and perinasal areas, and the ventrobasal complex of the thalamus. In addition, they suggest that the intra-trigeminal pathways are not essential for the transmission of these nociceptive inputs, to the lateral thalamus.
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  • 100
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    Psychopharmacology 97 (1989), S. 35-39 
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Delta-sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP) ; Paradoxical sleep (PS) ; Phosphorylated analogue of DSIP ; Rat ; Sleep substance ; Slow wave sleep (SWS)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Continued 10-h nocturnal intracerebroventricular infusion of 0.5 nmol P-DSIP, the phosphorylated analogue of delta-sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP), significantly increased slow wave sleep (22%) and paradoxical sleep (81%) in unrestrained rats. The increase in the amount of sleep was largely due to an increase in the number of sleep episodes. Larger and smaller doses were ineffective in doses ranging from 0.025 to 25 nmol. The sleep-promoting potency of P-DSIP was 5 times greater than that of DSIP compared by the same assay.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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