Bladder function in the aged rat: a functional and morphological study.

This study was designed to characterize urinary bladder function in the aged rat (27 months of age). For comparative purposes, two different control groups were included into the experimental protocol: normal 6-month old and hyperdiuretic 6-month old rats. Increased threshold volume for micturition and increased bladder mass were found in both aged and hyperdiuretic rats.

A simplified in vitro preparation of the corpus cavernosum as a tool for investigating erectile pharmacology in the rat.

This work describes a simple technique for the assessment of corpus cavernosum function in a species, the rat, representing a convenient model for basic research. We obtained measurable and reproducible responses to different pharmacological agents as well as to electrical field stimulation. In view of the present results we conclude that isolation of the erectile tissue together with the septum may constitute a valuable experimental tool for investigating both local erectile mechanisms and the action of drugs, in the rat corpus cavernosum.

Mild balanoposthitis.

Aim: To identify and study cases of mild balanoposthitis (MBP) with penile pathology among patients observed at a dermatology clinic over an 18-month period.

Materials: The study included 321 patients with penile pathology. The term MBP was used to describe balanoposthitis of a localised, inflammatory nature with few, non-specific symptoms and a tendency to become chronic or recur.

Undulin RNA and protein expression in normal and fibrotic human liver.

We have analyzed the distribution, gene expression and cellular origin of undulin, a large extracellular matrix glycoprotein associated with mature collagen fibrils, in human liver by immunohistochemistry, Northern-blot analysis and in situ hybridization. In normal liver, undulin was distributed as densely packed fibers in portal tract stroma, and as fine fibers along sinusoids, and around central veins. Undulin ribonucleic acid expression was low in normal liver, and confined to mesenchymal cells of portal tract stroma, vessel walls and perisinusoidal space.

Effects of brefeldin A on aggrecan core protein synthesis and maturation in rat chondrosarcoma cells.

In this paper, the effects of the fungal metabolite, brefeldin A, on the synthesis and maturation of aggrecan core protein precursor were studied in rat chondrosarcoma chondrocytes. The aggrecan core protein precursor was partially identified in total protein pools isolated from cell extracts based on its selective cleavage at a single site by the restriction protease factor Xa. During a 2-h labeling period with [3H]serine as precursor, brefeldin A inhibited the synthesis of mature aggrecan from its aggrecan core protein precursor consistent with an inhibition of chondroitin sulfate chain elongation and sulfation as described in the accompanying paper (Calabro, A.

Differential effects of brefeldin A on chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronan synthesis in rat chondrosarcoma cells.

Brefeldin A, a fungal metabolite, interferes with vesicular transport causing disassembly of the Golgi complex with redistribution of Golgi components to the endoplasmic reticulum, and isolation of the trans-Golgi cisternae from the trans-Golgi network. We examined the effects of brefeldin A on the synthesis of hyaluronan and chondroitin sulfate by chondrocytes from the Swarm rat chondrosarcoma. Hyaluronan synthesis continues at a constant rate in the presence of brefeldin A for at least 8 h, and is therefore independent of vesicular transport.

Anophthalmia and benomyl in Italy: a multicenter study based on 940,615 newborns.

Following the report on clusters of anophthalmia and microphthalmia in England and Wales and their possible relation to the pesticide Benomyl, we analyzed the situation in Italy for the period 1986 to 1990 using data from the Italian registries of congenital malformations and national data on Benomyl use. Of 940,615 consecutive births, 33 cases of clinical anophthalmia and 78 cases of microphthalmia were reported (birth prevalence: 0.35 and 0.

Human polyreactive and monoreactive antibodies: effect of glycosylation on antigen binding.

The present experiments were initiated to determine whether the carbohydrate portions of antibody molecules contribute to polyreactivity. Cell lines making human monoclonal polyreactive or monoreactive antibodies of the immunoglobulin (Ig) M, IgG and IgA isotypes were treated with tunicamycin to block N-linked glycosylation of the proteins. Analysis of the secreted native and non-glycosylated proteins revealed a > 95% inhibition of [3H]mannose incorporation.

X-linked mental retardation, microcephaly, and growth delay associated with hereditary bullous dystrophy macular type: report of a second family.

We report on 2 patients with mental retardation and bullous dystrophy, macular type. The observation of the condition in a male and his maternal uncle is consistent with recessive X-linkage. Due to the rarity of the condition, nosologic definition was difficult before the birth of the propositus.

Carotid artery endarterectomy in patients with contralateral carotid artery occlusion: perioperative hazards and late results.

The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the perioperative hazards and late results of internal carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in patients with and without contralateral internal carotid artery occlusion. From March 1980 to April 1990, 375 consecutive patients underwent 439 CEAs at the First Department of Vascular Surgery of Padova Medical School. Patients were divided into two groups; group 1 (61 patients) had contralateral internal carotid artery occlusion and group 2 (314 patients) did not (378 CEAs, 64 bilateral).

High-resolution separation of disaccharide and oligosaccharide alditols from chondroitin sulphate, dermatan sulphate and hyaluronan using CarboPac PA1 chromatography.

Recent literature indicates that specific glycosaminoglycan structures are involved in various biological processes, such as anticoagulation, growth factor activation and viral infection. The initial step in the structural analysis of glycosaminoglycans is a definitive compositional analysis of its characteristic disaccharide repeat structures. Current chromatographic or electrophoretic procedures may have limitations in analysing glycosaminoglycan samples that are in low abundance, contain novel structures that need to be further characterized, or are metabolically labelled from radioactive precursors as a result of biosynthetic experiments.

Influence of capsaicin-sensitive afferent fibers on acetic acid-induced chronic gastric ulcers in rats.

Accumulating evidence indicates that capsaicin-sensitive afferent fibers play a pivotal role in acute gastroprotection. However, whether they also influence healing of chronic gastric ulcers is still unknown. The effects of ablation of sensory neurons on acetic acid-induced chronic gastric ulcers in rats were investigated at morphologic and biochemical levels by computerized imaging analysis of the ulcerated area, histologic examination, and neuropeptide determination.

Differential expression of matrix-metalloproteinase-1 and -2 genes in normal and fibrotic human liver.

Altered degradation of extracellular matrix has been implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. We investigated levels and cellular sites of gene expression of two major collagen-degrading enzymes, matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 (fibroblast type-interstitial collagenase) and MMP-2 (72-kd gelatinase, type IV collagenase) in five normal and 18 fibrotic human livers as well as in cultured human hepatic fat-storing cells by Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization. Fat-storing cells expressed both MMP-1 and MMP-2 RNA in vitro.

Uronic acid-containing glycosaminoglycans and keratan sulfate are present in the tectorial membrane of the inner ear: functional implications.

The tectorial membrane is a gel-like, acellular connective tissue overlying the microscopic organ of Corti--the auditory sensory structure. It is instrumental in the sound-synchronous deflection of the stereocilia of the hair cells, a central event in auditory transduction. It is well established that collagen, primarily type II, constitutes the major protein of the tectorial membrane, with smaller amounts of types IX and XI also present.

Ultrastructural analysis of the cavernous and dorsal penile nerves in experimental diabetes.

The present study was designed to investigate whether experimental diabetes determines structural changes in peripheral nerves involved in reflexogenic erection, namely the cavernous and the dorsal nerve of the penis. Myelinated axons were examined in the dorsal nerve of the penis from rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes (3- and 6-month duration). Morphometric analysis disclosed a significant decrease of myelinated fibre size most likely due to a progressive axonal atrophy.

Use of prostaglandin E1 in the treatment of sexual impotence after heart transplantation: initial clinical experience.

Many patients report problems of impotence after heart transplantation, which definitely impairs their quality of life. Ten men, with a mean age of 41 years, were evaluated for persistent erection problems after heart transplantation by measurement of nocturnal penile tumescence using a Rigiscan. Three men had a positive response, and their disturbances were therefore considered to have a psychological basis; seven men had a negative or only weakly positive response, and their impotence was attributed to organic causes.

Electrical stimulation of the dorsal nerve of the penis evokes reflex tonic erections of the penile body and reflex ejaculatory responses in the spinal rat.

An animal model using the spinal rat was characterized. Electrical stimulation of the dorsal nerve of the penis elicited reflex tonic erections of the penile body and reflex bulbospongiosus muscle activity, flips and ejaculations. The tonic erections of the penile body are independent from contractions of the bulbospongiosus muscle and appear to be the result of a neurovascular process.

Clinical assessment of low molecular weight heparin effects in peripheral vascular disease.

This study was carried out, using the double-blind method vs placebo, on 36 patients suffering from stage II peripheral vascular disease (PVD) according to Leriche, to check the clinical and hemorrheologic effects of the administration of a new low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). After a one-month washout period, the patients were randomly assigned either to the group treated with the LMWH (15,000 aXaU/day sc) or to the group treated with indistinguishable placebo. At the start of the study and after three and six months of treatment, clinical, instrumental, and laboratory tests were performed to assess local and systemic efficacy and tolerance.

Prostaglandin E1 diluted solution: preparation technique and stability evaluation.

The authors describe their prostaglandin E1 dilution method for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction. Preparation stability was investigated. Results suggest that PGE1 diluted solution can last as long as 90 days, while decreased concentrations of PGE1 are detected after three months.

Effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on electrically evoked erection in the rat.

This study was designed to investigate whether experimental diabetes in rats could functionally affect reflexogenic erection. Erection was elicited by means of electrical stimulation of the dorsal nerves of the penis and recorded as intracorporeal pressure. Rats were examined 1, 3 and 6 months after diabetes induction by streptozotocin.

Analysis of water-macromolecule proton magnetization transfer in articular cartilage.

These studies were designed to establish which structural elements of cartilage are responsible for proton magnetization transfer between water (Hf) and macromolecules (Hr) observed in MRI studies on articular cartilage. Saturation transfer techniques were used to monitor magnetization transfer in vitro on samples of the two major constituents of cartilage: collagen and proteoglycan. Articular cartilage samples were also evaluated in vitro before and after the removal of the proteoglycan fraction.

Omphalocele and gastroschisis: a collaborative study of five Italian congenital malformation registries.

During 1984-1989, 116 cases of omphalocele and 42 cases of gastroschisis were detected among 736,760 consecutive births in the area covered by five Italian congenital malformation registries. The prevalence rate was 1.6 per 10,000 for omphalocele and 0.