A comparative study of the cardiac troponin inhibitory factor (TNI) from mammalians

Troponin inhibitory factor, TNI, was prepared by affinity chromatography from different mammalian hearts. (i) Structure. These different TNI have the same M.W. (28000), which is higher than that found in rabbit skeletal muscle (23000). Nevertheless they differ with respect of their charge as shown by alkaline urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis using cardiac TNI which has previously been bound to an excess of skeletal troponin Ca²⁺-binding factor. These changes do not correlate with the PO₄ content of TNI. They are associated with structural differences demonstrated by peptide mapping of the unfolded molecule after papain treatment. The structure of cardiac TNI from rat and rabbit differs clearly from that of crow and pig. (ii) Biological activity. These different TNI have the same inhibitory effect on skeletal actomyosin. ATPase, the same content of PO₄ and the same ability to be phosphorylated in-vitro by a bovine heart c-AMP-dependent protein kinase.     

Effects of chronic nicotine exposure on contractile enzyme-histochemical and biochemical properties of fast- and slow-twitch skeletal muscles in the rat

Nicotine-exposed and control rats were compared with respect to contractile, enzyme-histochemical and biochemical properties of fast- and slow-twitch skeletal muscles in order to elucidate the mechanisms underlying previously observed effects of tobacco smoking on skeletal muscle. The nicotine was administered in drinking water, since this approach has been shown to result in a plasma nicotine pattern similar to that seen in tobacco smokers. In a pilot study, fibre-type proportions and mitochondrial enzyme activities tended to change in the slow-twitch soleus muscle after 9 weeks of nicotine exposure in a way similar to that previously reported in tobacco smokers. In the present study, the duration of nicotine exposure was more prolonged (18 weeks) and the number of studied animals was increased. In this series neither contractile, enzyme-histochemical nor biochemical properties were affected by the nicotine exposure. It is thus concluded that prolonged nicotine exposure has no significant effect on the skeletal muscle characteristics studied, and that other aetiological agent(s) for the observed differences in such characteristics between smokers and non-smokers should be searched for.     

Effect of contraction on lymphatic,venous, and tissue electrolytes and metabolites in rabbit skeletal muscle

Summary The effect of muscle contraction on lymphatic and plasma [K⁺], [Na⁺], [Ca²⁺], [Mg²⁺], [Cl^–], [P_i], [lactate] ([Lac^–]); [creatine] ([Cr]), ideal osmolality (OSM), and [protein] was evaluated in femoral venous blood and lymph specimens sampled from the calf muscles of rabbits before, in the course of, and after contractions. In addition, total [K⁺], [Na⁺], [Ca²⁺], [Mg²⁺], [Cl^–], and [H₂O] were analyzed in the muscle tissue. To facilitate lymph sampling both hind limbs were passively flexed and extended, in imitation of natural running movements, by an electrically driven crank. The muscles of one side also performed superimposed rhythmic isotonic contractions. Before contractions, lymphatic [K⁺], [Na⁺], [Ca²⁺], [Mg²⁺], [Lac^–], [Cr], and OSM did not significantly differ from corresponding femoral venous concentrations, [Cl^–], and [P_i] were significantly higher, [protein] significantly lower in the lymph than in the plasma. During contractions lymphatic [K⁺], OSM, [Lac^–], and [P_i] were raised significantly more in the lymph compared with the plasma concentrations. [Na⁺], [Cl^–], [Ca²⁺], and [Mg²⁺] showed only small changes in the course of contractions and thereafter, and they were altered in a similar way in the lymph and plasma. It was suggested that lymphatic and interstitial concentrations were in equilibrium. Comparing inactive with active muscles, the latter lost K⁺ but gained Na⁺, Cl^–, and H₂O, whereas minimal changes occurred in the [Ca²⁺] and [Mg²⁺]. The changes were discussed in connection with the hypothesis that electrolyte shifts might be involved in the activation of the muscular non-proprioceptive interstitial nerve endings which appear to play a role in reflexogenic cardiovascular and respiratory control.A preliminary report of this work has been given elsewhere [33]Supported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft     

Eccentric and posteccentric contractile behaviour of skeletal muscle a comparative study in frog single fibres and in humans

Summary Eccentric and posteccentric force behaviour in human skeletal muscle and in isolated frog muscle fibres was studied by imposing stretch-and-hold loading conditions during contractions with maximal voluntary effort or under tetanic stimulation in the isolated preparations. The investigations on human muscle were made on the forearm flexors of a group of kayak racers (n = 16; age: 17–22 years) and of schoolgirls (n = 15; age: 17–18 years) with both groups participating in a strength-training programme over 4 (kayak racers) or 3 (girls) months. Half of the training regime consisted of eccentric elements. In the isolated muscle fibres, it could be shown that in the posteccentric hold phase the enhanced force decayed exponentially to the original isometric value with a mean time-constant of 0.35 s (10°C) and of 0.23 (20°C). In the forearm flexor of human subjects similar results were obtained not only qualitatively but even quantitatively (time constant of posteccentric force decay: 0.25–0.37 s). Strength training in both groups did not lead to an enhancement in maximal isometric force alone [mean increase in force 17 (SD 10)%], a well-known and generally accepted fact, but also to a parallel shift in eccentric [21 (SD 10)%] and posteccentric force level. The close similarity between the findings in isolated muscle fibres and in human muscle in situ suggests that the eccentric and posteccentric behaviour must be primarily ascribed to the contractile properties of the muscle fibres themselves. A three-element muscle model with variable visco-elastic properties would appear to be most suitable for simulating the experimental findings.     

Regeneration pattern of cardiac and skeletal muscle after transplantation into a skeletal muscle bed in rats

Background: The ability of skeletal muscle to regenerate after injury is well established. In contrast, cardiac muscle is incapable of regeneration and recovery after injury. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the regeneration pattern of cardiac and skeletal muscle after transplantation into a skeletal muscle bed in rats. Methods: The following group of transplants were performed at the site prepared by removing the host extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle. The first group consisted of cardiac muscle transplanted as one piece or after mincing into 1-mm pieces. The second group included cotransplants of cardiac and skeletal muscle minces that were intermixed. Entire EDL muscle or minced EDL muscle were also transplanted for comparison. Rats were sacrificed 3–30 days after transplantation for morphological analysis. Results: The results demonstrated that skeletal muscle transplants underwent rapid regeneration, and by 30 days the entire muscle was filled with regenerated myofibers. In transplants of cardiac muscle significant inflammation, myocardial degeneration and necrosis were observed. In spite of the necrosis and fibrosis, the presence of a few regenerated myotubes in the outer region was observed. In cardiac and skeletal muscle cotransplants, the inflammation was restricted to cardiac tissue; however, by 30 days the entire contransplant was filled with regenerated myotubes and myofibers. Conclusions: These results show that skeletal muscle is capable of growth, regeneration, and integration with the cardiac muscle after cotransplantation. Combination of skeletal and cardiac muscle may prove useful in defining the cellular processes necessary for enhancing cardiac repair after injury. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

慢性高输出量型心功能不全发展过程中心室舒、缩功能和顺应性的变化及其与心泵功能的关系

本文研究了大鼠慢性高输出量型心功能不全发展过程中心室舒,缩功能和顺应性的变化规律及其与心泵功能的关系。疾病模型采用动静脉造瘘(ACF)加单侧肾动脉缩窄(RAS)的方法建立。本实验中,全部ACF+RAS大鼠均呈现出慢性高输出量型心功能不全的特征,在静息状态下心脏指数(CI)显著升高,而心泵贮备功能(CORF)却不同程度地降低。结果表明:随心泵功能的恶化,心室的舒、缩功能进行性降低,心室的舒张顺应性显著升高,心室的舒,缩性能和顺应性在心功能不全发展的不同阶段对心泵功能所起的作用不同。     

A comparative study of magnetic-activated cell sorting, cytotoxicity and preplating for the purification of human myoblasts

Although cultured myoblast transplantation has been extensively studied as a gene complementation approach to muscular dystrophy treatment, clinical success has still been limited. The inability to adequately isolate and purify myoblasts presents a major limitation to the production of sufficient myoblasts for engrafting purposes. This study attempted to purify myoblasts from primary culture by magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS), complement-mediated cytotoxicity, and a preplating technique. As a result of positive myoblasts selection by MACS, the average percentage of myoblasts in mixed culture was increased from 30.0% to 41.7%. We observed both myoblast lysis and fibroblast lysis after complement-mediated cytotoxicity. Enrichment of myoblasts in mixed culture was found to increase to 83.1% by using the preplating technique. In addition, higher purification (92.8%) was achieved by following the preplating technique with MACS. Thus, preplating in combination with magnetic-activated cell sorting allows for a rapid and effective isolation of myoblasts from human muscle tissue.     

Heart failure: a model of cardiac and skeletal muscle energetic failure

Chronic heart failure (CHF), the new epidemic in cardiology, is characterized by energetic failure of both cardiac and skeletal muscles. The failing heart wastes energy due to anatomical changes that include cavity enlargement, altered geometry, tachycardia, mitral insufficiency and abnormal loading, while skeletal muscle undergoes atrophy. Cardiac and skeletal muscles also have altered high-energy phosphate production and handling in CHF. Nevertheless, there are differences in the phenotype of myocardial and skeletal muscle myopathy in CHF: cardiomyocytes have a lower mitochondrial oxidative capacity, abnormal substrate utilisation and intracellular signalling but a maintained oxidative profile; in skeletal muscle, by contrast, mitochondrial failure is less clear, and there is altered microvascular reactivity, fibre type shifts and abnormalities in the enzymatic systems involved in energy distribution. Underlying these phenotypic abnormalities are changes in gene regulation in both cardiac and skeletal muscle cells. Here, we review the latest advances in cardiac and skeletal muscle energetic research and argue that energetic failure could be taken as a unifying mechanism leading to contractile failure, ultimately resulting in skeletal muscle energetic failure, exertional fatigue and death.     

Effect of BAY K8644 on cytosolic calcium transients and contraction in embryonic cardiac ventricular myocytes

Cytosolic calcium transients were recorded from spontaneously beating chick embryonic myocardial cell aggregates loaded with the fluorescent [Ca²⁺]_i indicator, indo-1. Calcium transients rose rapidly from an end-diastolic [Ca²⁺]_i of 230±18 nM to a peak systolic [Ca²⁺]_i of 619±34 nM (n=21). Relaxation of the transients was slow, and continued throughout diastole. Bay K8644 (0.5 M) markedly prolonged the action potential and caused similar prolongation of the calcium transients. Calcium transients in the presence of Bay K8644 had an inflection on their rising phase, which was followed by a more gradual increase that continued until the membrane had repolarized to a negative potential of –15 to –30 mV. Bay K8644 caused marked elevation of peak systolic [Ca²⁺]_i to 955±56 nM (P<0.002), with concomitant elevation of end-diastolic [Ca²⁺]_i to 400±36 nM (P<0.002). Optical recordings of contraction showed changes similar to those in the calcium transient: the initial upstroke of the contraction was followed by a more gradual second component, which gave the contraction a half-dome appearance. The time to peak [Ca²⁺]_i and the time to peak contraction increased linearly with action potential duration (APD₅₀). The effects of Bay K8644 were simulated, in part, by CsCl (7.5 mM), which produced equivalent prolongation of the action potential and calcium transients. However, CsCl did not elevate diastolic [Ca²⁺]_i. To determine the mechanism of the diastolic [Ca²⁺]_i, increase, Bay K8644 was applied to aggreagates rendered quiescent by tetrodotoxin. Bay K8644 caused a graded increase in [Ca²⁺]_i, which was followed by resumption of spontaneous beating. Bay K8644 can therefore increase [Ca²⁺]_i in the absence of action potentials. We conclude that the duration of the calcium transient and its companion contraction are tightly coupled to the duration of the action potential in chick embryonic myocardial cells. Besides increasing action potential duration, Bay K8644 has the further effect of elevating diastolic [Ca²⁺]_i, which appears to contribute to the positive inotropic effect.     

Regulation of dihydropyridine receptor levels in skeletal and cardiac muscle by exercise training

To examine the influence of exercise training on the expression of dihydropyridine (DHP)-sensitive Ca²⁺ channels in skeletal and cardiac muscle, we have determined DHP receptor levels by [³H]PN200-110-binding and immunoblot analysis in homogenates and microsomal fractions of slow- and fast-twitch muscles and heart from rats subjected to a 12-week programme of moderate endurance training. We found that exercise increases the amount of DHP receptor in homogenates of the slow-twitch soleus (42%) and the fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (60%). Comparable increases in DHP receptor density with training were also observed in the microsomal fractions isolated from both skeletal muscles; these increases were not due to differences in the membrane composition of the microsomal fractions, since the relative proportion of specific enzyme markers was not affected by exercise training. Levels of DHP receptor were not modified in cardiac muscle as a result of the exercise programme. These data suggest an up-regulation of the DHP receptor in the skeletal muscle as a consequence of exercise training, which may play a role in the adaptation of skeletal muscle to increased contractile activity.     

A twin study of cardiac reactivity and its relationship to parental blood pressure

The cardiac reactivity of 40 monozygotic and 40 dizygotic pairs of young male twins was monitored during psychological challenge, as afforded by a video game. The observed pattern of variation could not be accounted for solely by environmental factors. In fact, a simple genetic model that implicated additive genetic effects, along with those stemming from individual environments, best fitted the data. In addition, cardiac reactions were substantially greater for subjects whose parents both had relatively elevated blood pressure. Overall, these data suggest individual differences in cardiac reactivity have a heritable component, and that high reactivity may be a precursor of elevated blood pressure.     

A comparative study of the skeletal morphology of the temporo-mandibular joint of children and adults

Background: The skeletal morphology of the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) is constantly remodeled. Aims and Objectives: A comparative study was undertaken to determine and characterize the differences in the skeletal morphology of TMJ of children and adults. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 30 children cadavers and 30 adult volunteers. Parameters that could reflect TMJ skeletal morphology were measured with a new technology combining helical computed tomography (CT) scan with multi-planar reformation (MPR) imaging. Results: Significant differences between children cadavers and adults were found in the following parameters ( P Conclusion: There are significant differences of TMJ skeletal morphology between children and adults.     

Individualization of a syndrome with mental deficiency, macrocranium, peculiar facies, and cardiac and skeletal anomalies

The authors report four unrelated girls presenting mild mental deficiency and a distinct malformation syndrome, mainly consisting of short stature, macrocranium, peculiar facies with prominent forehead, hypertelorism and exophthalmos, cardiac anomalies and cutis laxa with characteristic wrinkled palms and soles, typical ribs, small vertebral bodies and slender long bones. All were sporadic cases of non-consanguineous parents of advanced age at their births, suggesting a de novo autosomal dominant mutation.     

成人心传导系统的增龄性超微结构

目的　观察成人心传导系统超微结构的增龄性变化。方法　采用纵切法分别对窦房结、房室结及房室束取材 ;以横切法取房室束 ,透射电镜观察。结果　 (1)从 2 8岁开始、随年龄增长窦房结和房室结的P细胞发生退行性变 ,表现为线粒体肿胀、空泡及髓鞘样变性、细胞体积变小 ,脂褐素大量增大 ,肌节紊乱、肌丝溶解 ,细胞出现脂肪变性、萎缩、凋亡等变化。T细胞见电子密度有明显区别呈明细胞和暗细胞两种 ,暗细胞线粒体大 ,嵴增多 ,显示功能活跃状态 ,明细胞反之 ;(2 )间质纤维、脂肪组织也伴随逐渐增多 ;(3)房室束的增龄性变化主要表现为束细胞线粒体萎缩及纤维组织逐渐增多 ,束带增宽。结论　采用电镜技术 ,发现心传导系统的细胞分子水平的增龄性变化比光镜下细胞水平提前约 10年。     

Plasma biomarkers of oxidative and AGE-mediated damage of proteins and glycosaminoglycans during healthy ageing: A possible association with ECM metabolism

The aim of this study was to examine whether oxidative and AGE-mediated processes correlates with the metabolic changes of proteoglycans (PGs) and proteins during physiological ageing. The age and gender-associated changes of PGs metabolism were evaluated by plasma chondroitin sulfates (CS), dermatan sulfates (DS) and heparan sulfates and heparin (HS/H). We found a linear age-related decline in CS, DS and HS/H, the first one being the predominant plasma GAG during ageing. The possible deleterious effect of oxidative phenomenon on proteins’ and proteoglycans’ metabolism during ageing process was analyzed by plasma carbonyls (PCO) and thiols (PSH) as well as by total antioxidant capacity (TAS). An age-dependent increase in PCO and decrease in PSH concentrations were found, both strongly correlated with decreasing with age plasma TAS. Intensity of glycation was assessed by circulating N^?-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) and endogenous secretory receptor for AGE (esRAGE), both of them founding associated with ageing. Moreover, all markers of oxidative and AGE-mediated damage correlated with CS and DS level and could be contributing factors to age-related changes of these GAG types. Thus, plasma CS and DS could become promising biomarkers of human ageing to date, owning to its close association with oxidative status and glycation processes.     

Model study of the spread of electrotonic potential in cardiac tissue

This model study describes the electrotonic response of a cable model of cardiac tissue stimulated at one point. The stimulus is applied intracellularly in the form of a 2ms pulse of current of near threshold amplitude. The attenuation of the electrotonic potential with distance and its mode of propagation along the cable are compared for equivalent passive, continuous and discontinuous cables. The three structures have the same basic physical and electrical characteristic and they differ either with respect to being active or passive or to the presence or absence of intercellular gap junctions. In the continuous cable a just subthreshold stimulus produces a local active response which propagates more slowly and is attenuated less rapidly with distance than in a passive cable. The spatial decrement of the local response in a discontinuous cable is faster than in a continuous cable of equal average resistivity. It is suggested that the larger time constant of the foot of the action potential observed in the longitudinal direction in cardiac muscle could be due in part to the electrotonic spread of the local response from the site of stimulation.     

心肌梗塞后泵功能的恢复及其机制的实验研究

造成大鼠不同范围的心肌梗塞(MI)后,动态观察不同时期的静息和容量负荷状态下泵功能恢复的规律及其代偿机制。结果证明:(1)梗塞范围(IS)小于左室的46%时,泵功能都有自动恢复的可能性。IS越小,恢复越快、越好。IS超过46%时未见恢复;(2)在IS相同的条件上,静息状态的泵功能远较负荷状态的泵功能恢复得好;(3)MI后,泵功能代偿机制的代偿效应与IS呈反比。如IS超过46%,任何代偿机制均难以发挥效应。     

A comparative flow study of the Omniscience and the Bj?rk-Shiley cardiac valve prostheses

The pressure-flow rate characteristics of two new convex-concave pivoting disc prosthetic heart valves are evaluated in vitro. The Omniscience and Bj?rk-Shiley prostheses are chosen since both use curved occluders with similar dynamic function, but with different occluder curvature and eccentricity. The Omniscience prosthesis is shown to have consistently less pressure loss, and therefore less energy loss, over a range of steady state and pulsatile flow rates. The enhanced flow characteristics of the Omniscience valve are attributed to the larger opening angle of the occluder, the method of retaining the occluder, in the valve frame, the smaller curvature of the occluder, the smaller pivot-axis eccentricity, and the smaller profile thickness of the occluder. The valves are also tested in the closed position, with steady state pressure gradients causing leakage or backflow. This data is compared with the pulsatile pressure-flow rate data to gain insight into the nature of regurgitation. The total regurgitation of the pivoting disc valves are thought to be strongly dependent upon both the maximal opening angle of the occluder and the radial clearance between the disc and the valve orifice. Both the Omniscience valve and the Bj?rk-Shiley valve are found to have nearly equal volumes of total regurgitation.     

Lumbar shape characterization of the neural arch and vertebral body in spondylolysis: A comparative skeletal study

The lumbar vertebral shape is an important causative factor in spondylolysis (SP). However, a complete characterization of this shape, that would shed light on its pathophysiology enhance its earlier diagnosis, is still missing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the shape distinctiveness of the lumbar (L1-L5) vertebral body (VB) and neural arch (isthmus, lamina, vertebral canal, spinous, and transverse processes) in SP. Using a three-dimensional (3D) digitizer, the VB length, width, height, and sagittal wedging as well as the lengths of the isthmus, lamina spinous, and transverse processes of all lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5) were measured from 115 male skeletons with bilateral SP at L5 and compared with 120 normal ones. Compared with the normal group, the following results were indicated in SP [analysis of variance (ANOVA), P < 0.05]: the VB's are significantly longer at the superior surfaces of L1-L4 and inferior surfaces of L1-L3 (total mean difference = 7.61 mm and 3.94 mm, respectively), and wider at the superior surfaces of L1-L4 and inferior surfaces of L1-L5 (total mean difference = 10.06 mm and 12.90 mm, respectively); The L5 VB is significantly shorter posteriorly (mean difference = 3.05 mm) and more lordotic (+1° of dorsal wedging); L5 is manifested with longer lamina (mean difference = 1.85-2.18 mm), longer isthmus (mean difference = 3.24-4.69 mm), and longer and wider vertebral canal (mean differences = 3.64 mm and 1.13 mm, respectively); The L2-L5 spinous processes are significantly longer (total mean difference = 7.45 mm). Clinically, detecting the aforementioned unique lumbar vertebral morphometric features in individuals suffering from chronic low back pain may facilitate the early diagnosis of SP.