Publications by authors named "BRICKER N"

The present manuscript focuses on a putative natriuretic hormone. It includes the history of a long-term search for the pure molecule, ranging from partial purification to synthesis. It includes a description of seven different bioassay systems used, a resume of the sequential steps in purification, and a summary of a series of experimental protocols employed in the effort to define the biologic properties of the inhibitor of sodium (Na) transport.

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Toll-like receptors (TLRs) enable metazoans to mount effective innate immune responses to microbial and viral pathogens, as well as to endogenous host-derived ligands. It is understood that genetic background of the host can influence TLR responsiveness, altering susceptibility to pathogen infection, autoimmunity and cancer. Macrophage stimulatory protein (MSP), which activates the receptor tyrosine kinase recepteur d'origine nantais (RON), promotes key macrophage functions such as motility and phagocytic activity.

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Background: Mechanisms of amphibian diseases are not characterized as well as those in domestic mammalian species. Antemortem laboratory testing is limited in frogs, presenting a diagnostic challenge to zoos, laboratories, and exotic veterinarians.

Objective: This study aimed to characterize blood cells and splenic cells from 2 anuran species based on characteristics identified by Wright staining, cytochemical staining, and immunochemical analysis and on histologic examination of spleens.

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Hormonal regulation of salt excretion and water balance by the kidneys is well documented. Before 1961, it was widely believed that the glomerular filtration rate and the steroid hormone aldosterone controlled sodium balance in the body. In 1961, deWardener et al.

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Clinical and experimental data relating to the functional capacity of the surviving nephrons of the chronically diseased kidney for the most part support the thesis that these nephrons retain their essential functional integrity regardless of the nature of the underlying form of chronic Bright's disease. There are instances in which specific alterations of function correlate with pathologic involvement of a particular site of the nephron but these appear to represent the exceptions, and in general the more advanced the disease becomes, the less evident are the differentiating features. Studies on dogs with unilateral renal disease indicate that the functional capacity of the nephrons of the diseased kidney parallels that of the nephrons of the contralateral normal kidney.

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At least three independent groups of natriuretic hormones have been isolated over the past ten years. Two, atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), are proteins and the third is made up of digitalis-like substances (DLS). The present report concerns the isolation, substantial purification and biologic actions of an entirely different natriuretic hormone (NH) which appears to be steroidal in nature and an isomer of cortisone.

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Normal and uremic conscious rats that had been maintained on a low-protein diet were given oral protein or carbohydrate loads, and clearance studies were performed. Both the normal and uremic animals demonstrated a approximately 30% increase in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in response to the protein bolus, but no significant increase in GFR was seen following the carbohydrate bolus. Similar studies were performed in uremic rats on a standard protein diet.

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Among the potential modulators of transtubular sodium transport is the putative natriuretic hormone. Widespread efforts are underway to isolate this substance in pure form. The present studies describe a series of experiments directed to this goal.

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An in vitro approach to the study of single nephron function in uremia has been employed in evaluating the control of fluid reabsorption by the renal superficial proximal straight tubule (PST). Isolated segments of PSTs from the remnant kidneys of uremic rabbits (stage III) were perfused in vitro and their rate of fluid reabsorption compared with normal PSTs and with PSTs derived from the remnant kidneys of nonuremic rabbits (stage II). All segments were exposed to a peritubular bathing medium of both normal and uremic rabbit serum thereby permitting a differentiation to be made between adaptations in function which are intrinsic to the tubular epithelium and those which are dependent upon a uremic milieu.

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Resistance of the chronically diseased kidney to vasopressin has been proposed as a possible explanation for the urinary concentrating defect of uremia. The present studies examined the water permeability and adenylate cyclase responsiveness of isolated cortical collecting tubules (CCT) from remnant kidneys of uremic rabbits to vasopressin. In the absence of vasopressin the CCTs of both normal and uremic rabbits were impermeable to water.

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Previous studies from this laboratory demonstrated that secondary hyperparathyroidism in dogs with chronic renal disease may occur, at least in part, as a consequence of the need for progressive adaptation in renal phosphorus (P) excretion that occurs as glomerular filtration rate falls. However, the studies were of relatively short duration. Moreover, no information emerged regarding a potential role of calcium malabsorption in the pathogenesis of secondary hyperparathyroidism.

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We examined the salt-losing tendency of chronic renal failure in five patients with glomerular filtration rates varying from 5.2 to 16.0 ml per minute.

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