1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin-D3 treatment reduces cardiac hypertrophy and left ventricular diameter in spontaneously hypertensive heart failure-prone (cp/+) rats independent of changes in serum leptin.

A number of investigators have observed insufficient 25-hydroxyvitamin D status in patients with congestive heart failure, suggesting a role for vitamin D insufficiency in the pathogenesis of this disorder. We have observed cardiac hypertrophy and collagen accumulation in rats deficient in vitamin D and in the hearts of vitamin D-receptor knockout mice. Our studies indicate that absence of vitamin D-mediated signal transduction and genomic activation results in cardiomyocytes overstimulation including increased contractility.

1,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 actions on cell proliferation, size, gene expression, and receptor localization, in the HL-1 cardiac myocyte.

The steroid hormone 1,25(OH)(2)-vitamin D(3) [1,25D] has been shown to affect the growth and proliferation of primary cultures of ventricular myocytes isolated from neonatal rat hearts. The research presented here shows that the vitamin D receptor [VDR] is present in murine cardiac myocytes (HL-1 cells), and that 1,25D affects the growth, proliferation and morphology of these cells. In addition we show that 1,25D effects expression of ANP, myotrophin, and c-myc.

Characterization of heart size and blood pressure in the vitamin D receptor knockout mouse.

Our previous studies showed vitamin D deficiency results in increased cardiac contractility, hypertrophy and fibrosis and has profound effects on heart proteomics, structure and function in rat. In this study we found that the heart in vitamin D receptor knockout (VDR-KO) mice is hypertrophied. Six homozygous VDR knockout (-/-), six wild type (+/+) and six heterozygous (+/-) mice were fed a diet containing 2% Ca, 1.

Heart extracellular matrix gene expression profile in the vitamin D receptor knockout mice.

1alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25D] deficiency and vitamin D receptor [VDR] genotypes are risk factors for several diseases and disorders including heart diseases. Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling mediated by matrix metalloproteinases [MMPs] contributes to progressive left ventricular remodeling, dilation, and heart failure. In the present study, we used high-density oligonucleotide microarray to examine gene expression profile in wild type [WT] and vitamin D receptor knockout mice (VDR KO) which was further validated by RT-PCR.

Endogenous IL-1 receptor antagonist protein (IRAP) regulates schistosome egg granuloma formation and the regional lymphoid response.

This study examined the role of IL-1 receptor antagonist protein (IRAP) in the regulation of the immune/inflammatory response to schistosome eggs. Initial screening for IRAP-specific mRNA transcripts by reverse transcriptase and primer-directed polymerase chain reactions suggested significant endogenous IRAP synthesis in lungs with Schistosoma mansoni egg-induced hypersensitivity granulomas but not in normal lungs or lungs with non-immune bead granulomas. Direct detection using mIRAP-specific antibodies corroborated the RNA studies.

Evolving T cell responses in murine schistosomiasis. Th2 cells mediate secondary granulomatous hypersensitivity and are regulated by CD8+ T cells in vivo.

The dynamics of T cell maturation and regulation were examined during the granulomatous response to Schistosoma mansoni eggs under conditions of primary (PRIM), secondary vigorous (VIG), and secondary immunomodulated (MOD) immunity. The patterns of VIG and MOD GR (GR) formation were established in naive CBA mice by transfer of lymphoid cells from S. mansoni-infected donors at the VIG and MOD stages of infection.

Role of IL-4 and IFN-gamma in Schistosoma mansoni egg-induced hypersensitivity granuloma formation. Orchestration, relative contribution, and relationship to macrophage function.

A well defined model of T cell-mediated hypersensitivity-type granulomatous inflammation induced by Schistosoma mansoni eggs was used to assess the role of IL-4 and IFN-gamma in granuloma development. Synchronized pulmonary granulomas were induced and isolated from S. mansoni-infected mice during vigorous (8 wk) and modulated (20 wk) stages of the disease.

Psychopharmacologic issues in the diagnosis and treatment of organic mental disorders.

The psychiatrist in a medical setting must have in-depth knowledge in three specific areas. It is vitally important that he or she be able to recognize organic mental disorders caused by medical conditions and medications. The psychiatrist should also be thoroughly familiar with the appropriate psychotropic medications available to treat these disorders.

Psychopharmacologic approach to the medically ill patient.

Generally, there are few absolute contraindications to the use of somatic psychiatric therapies in the medically or surgically ill. A knowledge of psychotropic drugs, of their predictable effects on organs, of their interactions with other medications, and of the idiosyncratic reactions that they often produce allows the consultation psychiatrist to treat the seriously ill patient safely. Close collaboration with other consultants is essential to maximize therapeutic benefits.

The value of prophylactic antibiotic therapy during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Prophylactic antibiotics have been recommended during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the hope of preventing septic complications. However, their effectiveness has not been proved clinically. In this study, the ability of the pancreas to secrete ampicillin, gentamicin and clindamycin after a single intravenous dosage, given prior to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in 12 patients, was examined.

Hyperosmolality caused by percutaneously absorbed glycerin in a burned patient.

Hyperosmolality complicating the management of burned patients has multiple etiologies. Sepsis, hyperglycemia, renal failure, electrolyte disturbances, shock, and substances absorbed from the burn wound may be contributing factors. Chemicals, such as propylene glycol, within bacteriostatic topicals may also lead to hyperosmolality.

Histochemical localization of cytochrome oxidase in gastric mucosa.

A cytochemical technique for localizing cytochrome oxidase activity, based upon the oxidative polymerization of 3,3-diaminobenzidine (DAB) to an osmiophilic reaction product, has been employed to test the possibility of extramitochondrial cytochrome oxidase in gastric mucosa. Deposition of reaction product was found to be exclusively localized within mitochondris; in particular, no reaction product was observed at the apical plasma membrane. Measurements of the effect of DAB on acid secretion revealed a biphasic action consisting of an initial stimulation followed by inhibition.