Peritoneal mesothelial cells produce cytokines in a murine model of peritonitis.

Background: Many of the effector mechanisms that characterize peritonitis are generated by neutrophils and macrophages. However, it is now appreciated that peritoneal mesothelial cells can also produce mediators of inflammation when grown in culture. This study tested the hypothesis that peritoneal mesothelial cells produce inflammation-related cytokines in a murine model of peritonitis.

Zymosan induces nitric oxide production by peritoneal mesothelial cells.

Introduction: The production of nitric oxide is an important peritoneal defense mechanism. We have evaluated the effect of various putative stimulants on nitric oxide production by peritoneal mesothelial cells.

Methods: Wistar rats were randomized to either a control group or a peritonitis group (5 mg zymosan intraperitoneally).

Glutamine: metabolism and application in nutrition support.

Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the body. It is avidly consumed by rapidly dividing cells, such as those lining the gut, because its 5-carbon skeleton can provide energy whilst the nitrogen molecules support the synthesis of nucleic acids. Patients who are maintained using conventional solutions of parenteral nutrients become depleted in glutamine, which has led to the reclassification of glutamine as a conditionally essential nutrient.

The role of glutathione in intestinal dysfunction.

Glutathione plays an important cytoprotective role in the gut. Animal studies have demonstrated that the provisions of glutathione precursors are protective for different types of free-radical-mediated cellular injury. There is a need to clarify the potential role of glutathione supplementation in ischemia-reperfusion injury and inflammatory bowel disease.

Myeloperoxidase response to peritonitis in an experimental model.

Introduction: Patients with peritonitis often exhibit systemic manifestations of sepsis, especially in the lungs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the local and systemic effects of the neutrophil response to peritonitis in a rat model.

Methods: Fifty Wistar rats were randomized to either a control group or a peritonitis group (5 mg zymosan intraperitoneal).

Role of specific amino acids in nutritional support.

Attempts have been made over the past decade to evaluate the role of specific amino acids in the nutritional support of surgical patients. Particular attention has been paid to the branched-chain amino acids, glutamine, and a collection of compounds that have been referred to as 'immunonutrients'. The present review provides an overview of the rationale behind the use of these nutrients and reviews information about their role in patients undergoing surgery.

A prospective randomized trial of enteral glutamine in critical illness.

Objective: To assess the influence of enteral glutamine on the incidence of severe sepsis and death in critically ill patients.

Design: This two-armed clinical trial was triple blind (patients, attending staff, research nurse).

Setting: The 10 bed general ICU at Royal Perth Hospital, Western Australia.

Culturing mouse peritoneal mesothelial cells.

Obtaining normal cells has become increasingly important for use in comparative genetic analytical techniques to examine alterations in gene expression during transformation and progression into malignancy. Normal mesothelial cells are not currently available in cell banks and are essential for comparison of genetic expression analysis in current mouse mesothelioma models. The purpose of this investigation was to extract normal mouse peritoneal mesothelial cells using minimal culture techniques to obtain sufficient cells for gene expression analysis.

Glutathione.

Glutathione (GSH) is an ubiquitous thiol-containing tripeptide that plays a key role in cell biology. It modulates cell response to redox changes associated with the reactive oxygen species, detoxifies the metabolites of drugs; regulates gene expression and apoptosis, and is involved in the transmembrane transport of organic solutes. Polymorphism has been observed in key enzymes of GSH metabolism and some alleles have been associated with an impaired redox buffer system downsteam diseases, and susceptibility to ischaemia.

A low-morbidity murine model of peritonitis.

Purpose: Peritonitis continues to be a major source of mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. The aim of this study was to develop a nonfatal model of bacterial peritonitis in mice so that we could study aspects of the pathobiology and treatment of peritonitis in an in vivo model.

Methods: Mice were inoculated via a midline laparotomy with 0.

Influence of glycine on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Background: It has been reported that glycine may protect donor small intestine against hypothermic ischemia before transplantation. This is consistent with the documented role of glycine as a natural cytoprotectant.

Objective: Using an in vivo rodent model, we sought to determine whether exposure to a 20% glycine solution reduces the extent of warm ischemia-reperfusion injury.

The management of patients with the short bowel syndrome.

The surgeon is invariably the primary specialist involved in managing patients with short bowel syndrome. Because of this they will play an important role in co-ordinating the management of these patients. The principal aims at the initial surgery are to preserve life, then to preserve gut length, and maintain its continuity.