Improved rat liver preservation by hypothermic continuous machine perfusion using polysol, a new, enriched preservation solution.

For experimental machine perfusion (MP) of the liver, the modified University of Wisconsin solution (UW-G) is most often used. In our search for an enriched MP preservation solution, Polysol was developed. Polysol is enriched with various amino acids, vitamins, and other nutrients for the liver metabolism. The aim of this study was to compare Polysol with UW-G for MP preservation of the liver. Rat livers were preserved during 24 hours with hypothermic MP using UW-G (n = 5) or Polysol (n = 5). Hepatocellular damage (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], alpha-glutathione-S-transferase [alpha-GST]) and bile production were measured during 60 minutes of reperfusion (37 degrees C) with Krebs-Henseleit buffer. Control livers were reperfused after 24 hours of cold storage in UW (n = 5). MP using UW-G or Polysol showed less liver damage when compared with controls. Livers machine perfused with Polysol showed less enzyme release when compared to UW-G. Bile production was higher after MP using either UW-G or Polysol compared with controls. In conclusion, machine perfusion using Polysol results in better quality liver preservation than cold storage with UW and machine perfusion using UW-G.     

Muscarinic Receptors Activate Calcium Channels and Calcium Dependent Potassium Channels in NIE-115 Neuroblastoma Cells

Abstract: Responses of NIE-115 neuroblastoma cells to application of carbachol were studied using intracellular recording techniques. Activation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors by carbachol resulted in a depolarization of the cells. The response was blocked by pirenzepine (1 μM) and by CoCl₂ (5 mM), verapamil (10 μM) and gallopamil (10 μM), and prolonged by quinine (5 mM). It is suggested that muscarinic receptors increase the membrane calcium permeability, and that the influx of calcium activates calcium dependent potassium channels.     

Bradykinin-induced release of thromboxane B2 into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of guinea pigs: relationship to airflow obstruction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of thromboxane A₂ in bradykinin-induced airflow obstruction in guinea pig in vivo. Airway insufflation pressure (P_i) was measured to assess airflow obstruction and the thromboxane B₂ (a stable metabolite of thromboxane A₂) concentration in bronchoalvelolar lavage fluid was determined by radioimmunoassay. The animals were pretreated with propranolol (1 mg/kg i.v.) and suxamethonium (5 mg i.v.) prior to bradykinin administration. Bradykinin instillation into the trachea (300 nmol) induced a P_i increase (47.5 ± 8.3 cm H₂O versus 23.8 ± 1.5 in sham) and significant thromboxane B₂ release into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (79 ± 19 pg/ml versus 19 ± 6 in sham). A thromboxane synthase inhibitor (OKY-046, 30 mg/kg i.v.; ((E-E)-3-[p(1H-imidazole-1-yl-methyl) phenyl]-2-propenoic acid hydrochloride mono-hydrate)) or a thromboxane A₂ receptor antagonist (ICI192,605, 0.5 mg/kg i.v.; (4-(Z)-6-(2-o-chloro-phenyl-4-o-hydroxyphenyl-1,3-dioxan-cis-5-yl)hexenoic acid)) reduced the P_i increase evoked by bradykinin (38.7 ± 3.8 and 40.6 ± 3.8 cm H₂O, respectively). OKY-046 abolished the thromboxane B₂ release. A platelet-activating factor receptor antagonist, WEB2086 (1 mg/kg i.v.; (3-[4-(chlorophenyl)-9-methyl-6H-thienol [3,2-f][1,2,4]trizolo-[4,3-a][1,4] diazepin-2-yl]1-4-(4-morpholinyl)-1-propanon) did not significantly affect any measured parameter. We conclude that, in guinea pigs, bradykinin-induced airway effects are associated with a local thromboxane A₂ release.     

Multiple myeloma presenting with Hemophilus influenzae septic arthritis: case report and review of the literature.

This article reports a case of pyogenic arthritis with Hemophilus influenzae in a previously healthy woman. This infection was the initial manifestation of an underlying serious systemic illness, multiple myeloma. Certain laboratory parameters as well as the causative organism suggested the underlying disease. Although infections are common in patients with known multiple myeloma, certain infections can provide a hint to concomitant serious systemic diseases and thus facilitate their early diagnosis.     

Shb null allele is inherited with a transmission ratio distortion and causes reduced viability in utero.

SHB is an Src homology 2 domain-containing adapter protein that has been found to be involved in numerous cellular responses. We have generated an Shb knockout mouse. No Shb-/- pups or embryos were obtained on the C57Bl6 background, indicating an early defect as a consequence of Shb- gene inactivation on this genetic background. Breeding heterozygotes for Shb gene inactivation (Shb+/-) on a mixed genetic background (FVB/C57Bl6/129Sv) reveals a distorted transmission ratio of the null allele with reduced numbers of Shb+/+ and Shb-/- animals, but increased number of Shb+/- animals. The Shb- allele is associated with various forms of malformations, explaining the relative reduction in the number of Shb-/- offspring. Shb-/- animals that were born were viable, fertile, and showed no obvious defects. However, Shb+/- female mice ovulated preferentially Shb- oocytes explaining the reduced frequency of Shb+/+ mice. Our study suggests a role of SHB during reproduction and development.