Effects of malnutrition and hyperalimentation on wound healing.

The effects of malnutrition and hyperalimentation on wound healing were studied in rats. Progressive weight loss occurred in rats given a protein-free diet, and there was a significant reduction in the mechanical strength of sutured skin and abdominal wounds in rats starved of protein for seven weeks. There was also a significant, but less pronounced, reduction in the tensile strength of colonic anastomoses in severely malnourished rats. Malnourished rats given oral supplements of amino acids for seven days before and after operation had a consistently positive nitrogen balance, and these rats had a significantly higher daily caloric intake than did untreated and normal rats. Amino acid therapy was associated with a significant improvement in the tensile strength and collagen content of abdominal wounds, but it had no measurable effect on the healing of skin wounds or colonic anastomoses. The results suggest that visceral and parietal tissues do not respond in a uniform manner to malnutrition or hyperalimentation, and further studies are required to determine whether or not hyperalimentation has a useful role in the enhancement of wound healing in malnourished subjects.     

Effects of intra-amniotic isoxsuprine on amino acid placental transfer in rats

Direct administration of isoxsuprine to the rat fetus increases placental transfer of 35S-methionine and this increase is statistically significant on day 17 as compared with intraperitoneal administration and controls (p less than 0.01; p less than 0.05). In contrast, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups on day 16.     

妊娠期营养不良对大鼠糖、脂代谢及子代出生体重的影响

目的 研究妊娠期营养不良(营养过剩及营养不足)对大鼠糖、脂代谢及子代出生体重的影响.方法 Wistar大鼠从确定妊娠第1天起按摄入食物的不同,分别分为高脂高热量组、正常饮食组及低热量饮食组,每组10只.比较孕鼠妊娠期体重变化以及妊娠晚期血清甘油三酯、高密度脂蛋白、低密度脂蛋白、空腹血糖、胰岛素的水平、口服葡萄糖耐量试验和胰岛素释放试验结果的差异,观察各组子代出生体重及仔鼠巨大儿和低体重的发生率.采用单因素方差分析、LSD或DunnettT3检验、卡方检验进行统计学分析.结果 高脂高热量饮食组大鼠妊娠期体重明显增加,妊娠晚期血清甘油三酯及低密度脂蛋白分别为(1.68±0.13) mmol/L及(0.57±0.04) mmol/L,均高于正常饮食组[(0.78±0.08) mmol/L及(0.35±0.07) mmol/L),P均＜0.01],而高密度脂蛋白低于正常饮食组[(0.56±0.06) mmol/L与(1.09±0.08) mmol/L,P＜0.05];低热量饮食组甘油三酯、低密度脂蛋白及高密度脂蛋白分别为[(0.47±0.06) mmol/L、(0.21±0.06) mmol/L及(0.42±0.05) mmol/L],均低于正常饮食组(P均＜0.05).营养不良组(高脂高热量饮食组和低热量饮食组)孕鼠均出现了糖耐量受损,口服葡萄糖耐量试验和胰岛素释放试验异常;高脂高热量饮食组鼠妊娠晚期空腹血糖高于正常饮食组[(6.63±0.53) mmol/L与(4.90±0.26) mmol/L,P＜0.05],低热量饮食组空腹血糖为(4.18±0.26) mmol/L,与正常饮食组比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).3组孕鼠妊娠晚期空腹血清胰岛素水平比较,差异均无统计学意义.高脂高热量饮食组子代平均出生体重高于正常饮食组[(6.14±0.31)g与(5.73±0.26)g,P＜0.05],仔鼠巨大儿发生率高于正常饮食组[19.20％(19/99)与7.84％(8/102),P＜0.05];低热量饮食组子代平均出生体重为(4.54±0.23)g,低于正常饮食组(P＜0.05),仔鼠巨大儿发生率为13.40％(11/76),高于正常饮食组(P＜0.05);低体重儿发生率高于正常饮食组[15.90％(13/76)与3.92％(4/102),P＜0.05];仔鼠总数量少于正常饮食组(76只与102只)(P＜0.05),高脂高热量饮食组仔鼠总数量为99只,少于正常饮食组,但差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 妊娠期营养不良可引起大鼠妊娠期脂质代谢异常、糖耐量受损和胰岛素抵抗,同时也对子代出生体重,包括仔鼠巨大儿及低体重儿的发生率产生不良影响.     

Maternal and transplacental pharmacokinetics of cefazolin.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the intrapartum pharmacokinetics of cefazolin, including delivery to amniotic fluid (AF) and fetal compartments, and to ascertain that adequate cefazolin concentrations are attained to exceed the mean concentration inhibiting 90% (MIC(90)) of group B streptococcus strains. METHODS: Cefazolin (1 g) was administered intravenously at five separate time intervals (0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours) before elective cesarean at term to 26 women with intact membranes and with no significant infections or cardiovascular, liver, or renal disease. Samples of maternal blood, cord blood, and AF were obtained at the time of delivery. Exact collection times relative to cefazolin infusion were noted. Amniotic fluid contaminated with blood or meconium was excluded. Cefazolin concentration was measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography. RESULTS: All maternal and cord plasma cefazolin levels, except one, were above the MIC(90) for Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus). For AF, all cefazolin levels, except two, were above the MIC(90). CONCLUSIONS: Cefazolin concentrations greater than or equal to the MIC(90) for group B streptococcus were attained in nearly all maternal, fetal, and AF samples. This information, together with the knowledge that there is rare resistance of group B streptococcus to cefazolin, supports the use of cefazolin as a better alternative than clindamycin or erythromycin for group B streptococcus prophylaxis in patients with a nonanaphylactic penicillin allergy.     

孕鼠血清高胆酸水平对胎鼠大脑组织形态的影响

目的 探讨孕鼠血清高胆酸水平对胎鼠大脑组织形态的影响.方法将30只清洁级成年SD孕鼠随机分为A、B、C 3组,每组10只.在妊娠第13～20天,A组孕鼠每天1次腹腔注射纯胆酸5.5 mg·kg-1·d-1(高胆酸);B组孕鼠每天1次腹腔注射纯胆酸1.4 mg·kg-1·d-1(低胆酸);C组同步注射等量生理盐水.妊娠第21天剖腹取胎,测定胎鼠体重及记录死亡率.测定孕鼠和胎鼠血清总胆酸水平,采用酶联免疫吸附试验测定血神经元特异烯醇化酶(NSE)水平.同时,胎鼠断头取脑,采用光镜和电镜观察胎鼠大脑组织的病理改变.结果 (1)3组孕鼠及胎鼠血清胆酸水平分别为:A组(22.3±8.1)μmol/L,(28.8±8.1)μmol/L;B组(9.8±3.6)μmol/L,(9.3±3.5)μmol/L;C组(3.6±1.8)μmol/L,(4.0±1.2)μmol/L.3组间相互比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).孕鼠血清总胆酸水平与胎鼠血清总胆酸水平呈正相关关系(r=0.875,P＜0.01).(2)胎鼠死亡率在A、B、C组中分别是30.1%,16.9%和7.1%,3组间相互比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).(3)A、B、C组胎鼠血清NSE水平分别为(31.9±13.1),(13.9±5.9)和(9.3±3.9)ng/L,A组明显高于B组及C组(P＜0.01);B组与C组比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).胎鼠血清NSE水平与总胆酸水平呈正相关(r=0.758,P＜0.01).(4)胎鼠大脑皮层组织光镜下病理改变:A、B组胎鼠均表现为不同程度的大脑皮层组织层次紊乱,神经元变性坏死,密度降低,胞核固缩深染.胎鼠神经元变性面积积分在A、B、C组中分别是(1.4±0.6),(1.5±0.7)和(0.7±0.3),A组和B组明显高于C组(P＜0.01);A组与B组比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).胎鼠神经元变性面积积分与胎鼠血清NSE水平的r为0.282(P＞0.05).胎鼠神经元坏死面积积分在A、B、C组中分别是(1.8±0.7),(0.9±0.4)和(0.6±0.3),A组明显高于B组和C组(P＜0.05);B组与C组比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).胎鼠神经元坏死面积积分与胎鼠血清NSE水平呈正相关关系(r=0.798,P＜0.01).(5)胎鼠神经细胞透射电镜下病理改变:A、B组胎鼠均表现为不同程度的神经细胞核膜双层结构模糊,核固缩及核仁消失,染色质浓缩;内质网和线粒体数目减少,残留线粒体肿胀破坏,嵴空化消失.胎鼠神经细胞内线粒体数密度(Nv)在A、B、C组中分别是(21.9±9.0),(45.5±13.1)和(36.1±12.1)μm-3.A组明显低于B组和C组(P＜0.01);B组与C组比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).胎鼠神经细胞内线粒体平均体积((V))在A、B、C组中分别是(7.0±1.8),(5.7±1.6)和(3.2±1.2)×10-4μm3.A组和B组明显高于C组(P＜0.01);A组与B组比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 孕鼠血清中胆酸可使胎鼠脑组织出现明显的病理改变,低水平胆酸主要导致神经细胞变性和线粒体体积增大,而高水平胆酸主要导致神经细胞坏死和线粒体数目减少.胎鼠血清NSE水平与总胆酸水平呈正相关关系.     

Effects of chronic hypoxia and protein malnutrition on growth in the developing chick

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine how chronic hypoxia and/or protein malnutrition in ovo affect growth in developing chicks. STUDY DESIGN: Chicken eggs were incubated under normoxic (21% oxygen; n = 30 eggs) or hypoxic (14% oxygen; n = 80 eggs) conditions. Hypoxia was imposed from day 0 (n = 38 eggs), day 10 (n = 22 eggs), or from day 0 to 10 (n = 20 eggs). Protein malnutrition alone (n = 20 eggs) or in combination with hypoxia (n = 24 eggs) was induced by removal of 10% of the estimated total albumin content of the egg. Embryos/chicks were killed and weighed at day 10, 15, or immediately after hatch; organs were removed and weighed. RESULTS: Embryos to which hypoxia was imposed from day 0 weighed less than control embryos at day 10, which stayed the same until hatch (64.67% +/- 3.56% egg mass vs 69.36% +/- 3.90% [mean +/- SD]; P <.05). Malnourished chicks at day 15 and at hatch (63.42% +/- 4.28%; P <.05) weighed less than control chicks, as did malnourished plus hypoxia chicks (59.74% +/- 3.41%; P <.001). Malnourished plus hypoxia chicks weighed less than malnourished chicks alone (P <.05). Embryos that were hypoxic from day 0 to 10 weighed less than control embryos at day 15 (P <.05), but not at hatch. At hatch, neither hypoxia nor malnutrition decreased crown-rump length. Brain and heart weights were increased in both malnourished groups, but not chicks that were hypoxic from day 0. CONCLUSION: Chick embryos exposed to malnutrition show asymmetric growth restriction with relative sparing of the brain and heart. Early growth restriction that was induced by hypoxia from the beginning of incubation is reversed by the restoration of normoxia at mid incubation.     

Maternal gestational protein-calorie restriction decreases the number of glomeruli and causes glomerular hypertrophy in adult hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVE: This work analyzed the renal function and structure in offspring rats that were submitted to maternal protein-calorie restriction during prenatal or lactation periods. STUDY DESIGN: Kidneys from adult offspring were studied. Animals from mothers that were submitted to food restriction were separated in 3 groups: control, prenatal restriction, and lactation restriction. Blood pressure, microalbuminuria, and glomerular filtration rate were determined. Kidney cortical remodeling was analyzed with stereology; volume-weighted glomerular volume and the number of glomeruli were estimated. RESULTS: Adult prenatal restriction offspring showed enhanced microalbuminuria, decreased glomerular filtration rate, and hypertension; their kidneys showed a smaller number of hypertrophied glomeruli than control and lactation restriction animals. CONCLUSION: Maternal prenatal protein-calorie restriction in rats causes kidney disease in adult offspring, which is characterized by hypertension and renal dysfunction and suggests secondary kidney remodeling because of an impairment of glomerulogenesis.     

Toxic effect of bile acid ingestion in rats.

Ingestion of raw bile from some grass carp fish has been reported to be associated with impairment of renal function in some Chinese people. 5 alpha-cyprinol, the main bile alcohol in these fish, has been suggested as the toxic compound causing electrolyte imbalance. In this study, we attempted to determine whether oral administration of pure bile acids also affects the electrolyte balance in rats. Twenty-four female Long-Evans rats weighing 200-250 g were used. Conscious cannulated animals were prepared and studied with gastric intubation of 15%, 4.8 mL/kg of sodium cholate (SC), sodium deoxycholate (SD), and water; there were three groups of eight rats in each. A drastic drop in blood pressure, elevation of the ST segment of the EKG, increases in plasma potassium, hydrogen, blood urea nitrogen, and oxygen partial pressure were found. All rats treated with bile acids died within 24 hours. Six SD rats and three SC rats died within eight hours after oral administration of bile acid. It is concluded that the effects of feeding rats bile acids are very similar to the toxic action seen after ingestion of grass carp bile.     

Effect of albumin on transplacental transfer and distribution of rosiglitazone and glyburide.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this investigation were (i) to determine the rate and extent of rosiglitazone transfer across term human placenta, and (ii) to determine the effect of human serum albumin (HSA) on rosiglitazone and glyburide transfer and distribution. METHODS: These aims were achieved by utilizing the technique of dual perfusion of placental lobule (DPPL). Each hypoglycemic drug was coperfused with the marker compound antipyrine (AP). In each experiment, the [3H]-isotope of the hypoglycemic drug and the [14C]-isotope of AP were added to enhance the detection limits of each drug. Human serum albumin (HSA) was added to both the maternal and fetal circuits in the experiments in which it was investigated. RESULTS: Transplacental transfer of rosiglitazone and glyburide from the maternal to fetal circuits in media devoid of HSA was similar. However, the addition of HSA to the maternal and fetal circuits had different effects on the transfer and distribution of the two drugs, though their binding to HSA (99.8%) was almost identical. HSA increased the maternal (M) to fetal (F) transfer of rosiglitazone, as revealed by an increase in its F/M concentration ratio from 0.17 +/- 0.01 (in the absence of albumin) to 0.33 +/- 0.07 (p < 0.001). Moreover, the addition of albumin decreased the amount of rosiglitazone retained by placental tissue from 539 +/- 148 to 60 +/- 8 ng/g (p < 0.001). Conversely, the addition of HSA to the perfusion media resulted in a decrease in glyburide transfer, as revealed by the change of its F/M concentration ratio from 0.09 +/- 0.02 (in the absence of albumin) to 0.03 +/- 0.01 (p < 0.01). However, similar to rosiglitazone, glyburide retention by the tissue decreased from 103 +/- 26 to 19 +/- 6 ng/g (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that the binding of the two drugs to albumin, though similar, is only one of the factors that could affect their placental transfer and distribution.     

Effects of aging on the hypothalamic-hypophyseal-gonadal axis in female rats.

The failure of reproductive function in aged rats could be due to deficiencies at the level of the ovary, pituitary, hypothalamus, or higher brain centers. The classic explanation that the ovary is depleted of follicles does not receive adequate support on the basis of histologic studies of aged ovaries. Basal serum gonadotropin levels change with increasing age in female rats. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels rise while serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels fall. Likewise, the characteristic response to castration is markedly altered in aged female rats with a reduced secretion of FSH and a minimal elevation of LH. However, the pituitaires of these animals are still caapable of responding to exogenous LH-releasing hormone with a delayed LH response whose magnitude simulates that seen in younger female animals. With increasing age there is decreased pituitary and/or hypothalamic sensitivity to the feedback action of estradiol. These data are consistent with the postulation that there is an altered hypothalamic-hypophyseal function in aged rats.     

Effects of norepinephrine on renal function in chronically hypoxic rats.

The sympathetic nervous system is activated in response to altitude hypoxia and activation of renal sympathetic nerves may cause vasoconstriction and fluid retention. However, renal excretion does not differ significantly between rats exposed to high altitude hypoxia and control rats. We hypothesize that renal response to norepinephrine (NE) is altered after chronic hypoxia. Female Wistar rats weighing 200 to 220 g were exposed to hypoxia in an altitude chamber (5,500 m, 380 torr) 15 hours/day for 4 weeks (HA, high altitude). Our findings showed that systemic infusion of NE (300 micrograms.kg-1.hr-1) produced less diuresis/natriuresis in HA rats that in sea level (SL) controls. With mechanical elevation of arterial blood pressure, both SL and HA rats showed no significant difference in their response to pressure diuresis. Direct intrarenal arterial NE (10 micrograms.kg-1.hr-1) administration reduced renal function more in HA rats than in SL rats. Intrarenal arterial administration of L-arginine (100 micrograms.kg-1.hr-1) did not alter the renal action of NE in HA rats. However, with intrarenal arterial infusion of phosphoramidon (100 micrograms.kg-1.hr-1), NE increased renal response in HA rats to almost the same level as that in SL rats. These results suggest that HA rats may have either an excess renal action of antidiuretic and antinatriuretic factors or an insufficient renal action of diuretic and natriuretic factors during NE administration.     

Effects of Anethum graveolens L. on fertility in male rats

ABSTRACT

Objectives The effects of Anethum graveolens seed extract on fertility of male rats were investigated.

Methods Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups according to the treatment they received during 42 days: control, low dose (0.5 g/kg) and high dose (5 g/kg) of aqueous extracts, and low dose (0.045 g/kg) and high dose (0.45 g/kg) of ethanol extracts of Anethum graveolens seed. Sperm count and motility and testosterone concentration were measured. Sections of the testes, epididymis, and seminal vesicles were stained with peroxidase-conjugated lectins of Ulex europaeus agglutinin, peanut agglutinin, Dolichos biflorus agglutinin, soy bean agglutinin and concanavalin A. The treated male rats were mated with females and the crown-rump lengths and weights of their newborn pups were measured.

Results No significant differences in sperm count, sperm motility or testosterone concentration were observed in the experimental groups. However, female rats did not become pregnant after mating with rats given the high dose of the ethanol extract. The distribution of terminal sugars on the epithelial surface of the reproductive structures decreased in the experimental groups.

Conclusion Anethum graveolens extract decreased fertility rate by modifying some terminal sugars on the cell surface of male reproductive organs involved in sperm maturation, capacitation and oocyte recognition.     

Effects of mefenamic acid on menstrual hemostasis in essential menorrhagia.

Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors decrease menstrual blood loss by 30% to 50% in patients with essential menorrhagia. To obtain insight into their mechanism of action, we measured menstrual blood loss in menorrhagic women, who were receiving mefenamic acid (500 mg, three times daily) (n = 6) or placebo (n = 5) in a double-blind way. In addition we studied the morphology of early menstrual hemostasis. The subjects' uteri were extirpated in the first 24 hours of menstruation, and light and electron microscopy were used to perform morphologic and morphometric studies. In the group treated with mefenamic acid mean menstrual blood loss was decreased by 40%. In uteri of the women treated with mefenamic acid hemostatic plugs were further transformed, and fewer vessels without a plug were observed than in uteri of the group receiving placebo. These data suggest that mefenamic acid may act through an improvement of platelet aggregation and degranulation and through increased vasoconstriction.     

Effects of pantothenic acid supplement on secretion of steroids by the adrenal cortex in female rats

Purpose  

The effect of pantothenic acid (PaA) supplementation on adrenal secretion of corticosterone and progesterone in female rats was investigated.