Effect of the snake venom component crotamine on lymphatic endothelial cell responses and lymph transport.

Objective: The pathology of snake envenomation is closely tied to the severity of edema in the tissue surrounding the area of the bite. Elucidating the mechanisms that promote the development of such severe edema is critical to a better understanding of how to treat this life-threatening injury. We focused on one of the most abundant venom components in North American viper venom, crotamine, and the effects it has on the cells and function of the lymphatic system.

Cartiotonic steroids affect monolayer permeability in lymphatic endothelial cells.

Edema is common in preeclampsia (preE), a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Cardiotonic steroids (CTSs) such as marinobufagenin (MBG) are involved in the pathogenesis of preE. To assess whether CTSs are involved in the leakage of lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC), we evaluated their effect on monolayer permeability of LECs (MPLEC) in culture.

Dichotomous effects on lymphatic transport with loss of caveolae in mice.

Aim: Fluid and macromolecule transport from the interstitium into and through lymphatic vessels is necessary for tissue homeostasis. While lymphatic capillary structure suggests that passive, paracellular transport would be the predominant route of macromolecule entry, active caveolae-mediated transcellular transport has been identified in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) in vitro. Caveolae also mediate a wide array of endothelial cell processes, including nitric oxide regulation.

The isolation and characterization of a new snake venom cysteine-rich secretory protein (svCRiSP) from the venom of the Southern Pacific rattlesnake and its effect on vascular permeability.

A novel snake venom cysteine-rich secretory protein (svCRiSP), Hellerin, was purified from C. o. helleri venom using sequential reverse phase and cation-exchange chromatography.

Dilated Blood and Lymphatic Microvessels, Angiogenesis, Increased Macrophages, and Adipocyte Hypertrophy in Lipedema Thigh Skin and Fat Tissue.

Background And Aim: Lipedema is a common painful SAT disorder characterized by enlargement of fat primarily in the legs of women. Case reports of lipedema tissue samples demonstrate fluid and fibrosis in the interstitial matrix, increased macrophages, and adipocyte hypertrophy. The aims of this project are to investigate blood vasculature, immune cells, and structure of lipedema tissue in a cohort of women.