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Biomedical subjects

A Gillies

Publications and source records attributed to A Gillies.

15 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Simultaneous in situ hybridisation of native mRNA and immunoglobulin detection by conventional immunofluorescence in paraffin wax embedded sections.

AIMS: The development of a technique for simultaneous in situ hybridisation for native mRNA and conventional immunofluorescence for cytoplasmic antigens in routine pathology specimens. METHODS: Cocktails of synthetic deoxyoligonucleotides coding for immunoglobulin J chain and kappa light chain were 3' end labelled enzymatically with digoxigenin using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase. Native mRNA sequences were "unmasked" using proteolytic digestion with proteinase K and hybrid detection was achieved with an alkaline phosphatase labelled anti-digoxigenin antibody. Alkaline phosphatase was visualised with Fast red/naphthol AS-MX phosphate. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) conjugated anti-isotype antibodies were used simultaneously at the detection stage to identify the isotype production by individual plasma cells in endoscopic duodenal biopsy specimens. RESULTS: The IgA plasma cells of the lamina propria were identified by immunofluorescence and hybrids were detected in the anticipated plasma cell population by Fast red visualisation. The reaction product was visible in bright field or ultraviolet illumination which allowed FITC and Fast red labels to be visualised together under ultraviolet light at 490 nm. Dual labelled cells were clearly visible. Morphology was well preserved throughout. CONCLUSIONS: This technique permits the demonstration of specific mRNA species in cells expressing immunoglobulin. It combines all the advantages of non-radioactive synthetic oligonucleotide probes and conventional immunofluorescence techniques in routine formol-saline fixed and paraffin wax embedded sections with good retention of morphology.

Antigens↗
PubMed1991

Intracatheter streptokinase for recurrent peritonitis in CAPD.

Intracatheter streptokinase (SK) is advocated as effective treatment with minimal adverse effects in both recurrent bacterial peritonitis and catheter fibrin blockage in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. We reviewed 35 instillations in 20 patients noting a high (86%) side effect profile consisting of fever, onset of turbid dialysis effluent and/or abdominal pain. SK probably releases fibrin clot containing bacteria, leukocytes and debris from the colonized catheter into the peritoneal cavity causing a "peritonitis-like syndrome" of 1 to 3 days duration. Fungal peritonitis occurred after SK in 2 patients. Failure of SK therapy was encountered in Staphylococcus epidermidis infection (p less than 0.05 versus other organisms), which may be related to its protective capsular polysaccharide slime and ability to adhere to plastic prosthetic devices. SK, in this study, was useful treatment in relapsing bacterial peritonitis (50% overall cure) but failed to correct catheter malfunction.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Hypertension and asthma: psychological aspects.

Essential hypertensive and asthmatic patients, plus normal non-clinical controls, were compared on a number of psychological measures in order to identify the relationship between psychological distress, coping strategies and compliance behaviour. The hypothesised relationship between chronic clinical ailments and psychological distress was confirmed. The association between the presence of physical symptoms in the symptomatic condition, asthma, and greater psychological distress was also confirmed. The coping strategies adopted by the patients did not discriminate between the two clinical groups. Compliance with medication was negatively correlated with measures of psychological distress. Compliance with an appropriate healthy lifestyle was not correlated with medication compliance, although it too was negatively correlated with other measures of psychological distress.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1978

The effect of labetalol in the treatment of severe drug-resistant hypertension.

Twenty-two hypertensive patients from a large clinic, who were resistant to conventional therapy, were entered into this study. Most patients previously had received beta-blocking drugs, thiazide diuretics, alpha-methyl-dopa, or vasodilator drugs (hydrallazine or prazosin) which failed to control their blood pressure. The therapy with vasodilator drugs was discontinued, and the therapy with labetalol (a drug with both alpha-blocking and beta-blocking effect) was commenced. Subsequently, as the blood pressure came under control, other drugs that the patients were taking were also withdrawn. In 13 of the 22 patients, labetalol enabled the blood pressure to be controlled at acceptable levels. In six patients, the response was not considered to be sufficient to justify continuation of labetalol therapy. In three patients, the drug was withdrawn because of postural hypotension in one patient, intractable diarrhoea in another, and an allergic-type skin rash in the third. In certain patients, postural changes in blood pressure were observed, but this rarely produced symptoms. It is suggested that, if blood pressure control is not achieved with a thiazide diuretic and a beta-blocking drug, then labetalol should be introduced and the beta-blocking drug should be withdrawn.

Aged↗
PubMed1978

Hypertension treated by salt restriction.

31 patients with a diastolic blood-pressure between 95 and 109 mm Hg have been treated for two years with a regimen involving a moderate restriction of salt in the diet. The results are compared with those in a control group and in a drug-treated group. Salt restriction has reduced the diastolic blood-pressure by 7.3+/-1.6 mm Hg, a result similar to that in patients treated with antihypertensive drugs. In the untreated group the diastolic blood-pressure rose by 1.8+/-1.1 mm Hg. Most patients did not achieve the desired amount of salt restriction and a stricter adherence to the diet might have caused further falls in blood-pressure. Excessive salt intake is probably a major cause of the epidemic of hypertension in "civilised" countries and a reduction in salt intake may help to control the epidemic. In persons with a diastolic blood-pressure between 90 and 105 mm Hg salt restriction should be tried before drugs.

Blood Pressure↗
PubMed1978

Treatment of mild hypertension.

1. A total of 206 patients, elderly males with hypertension (diastolic blood pressure 95--110 mmHg) were followed for periods varying from 1 to 5 years, 107 patients with diastolic blood pressure less than 95 mmHg were followed over the same period, and 101 patients with diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 110 mmHg were also followed. 2. The mortality of each group and the effect of therapy for hypertension on mortality has been compared. 3. The incidence of myocardial infarct in the group treated with thiazide diuretics is greater than in the other groups. 4. It would appear unlikely that therapy will improve the prognosis in elderly people with mild hypertension.

Benzothiadiazines↗
PubMed1977

A simplified approach to the treatment of hypertension.

A new beta-adrenoreceptor blocking drug (timolol) was used in two clinical studies. In the first double blind study administration of hydrochlorothiazide and timolol reduced the mean (formula: see text) blood pressure by 23 mm Hg, compared with a fall of nine mm Hg with administration of hydrochlorothiazide and a placebo. Plasma potassium (K+) levels fell with the administration of hydrochlorothiazide alone, but rose back to control values when patients were given timolol. In the second study (patient blind), Moduretic (hydrochlorothiazide, 50 mg and amiloride, 5 mg) and timolol were given once daily. The mean blood pressure fell by 20 +/- 2 mm Hg allowing hypertension to be controlled by this once-daily regimen; the control persisted throughout the day. Plasma potassium (K+) levels fell slightly after treatment with Moduretic, but the fall was not as great as with hydrochlorothiazide. Of the 65 patients who entered these studies, 35 had not been previously treated and had diastolic blood pressure between 105 mm Hg and 130 mm Hg. In 18 patients the diastolic blood pressure was reduced below 95 mm Hg after treatment with a diuretic alone, in 15 patients treatment with a diuretic and timolol (5 mg to 20 mg) reduced the diastolic blood pressure below 95 mm Hg. In two patients, the diastolic blood pressure was between 95 mm Hg and 100 mm Hg. The response achieved with a relatively simple therapeutic regimen that can be administered once daily suggests that the therapy of most hypertensive patients could be supervised by paramedical personnel.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Factors controlling the release of renin. A micropuncture study in the cat.

Blood was collected by micropuncture from the efferent arteriole and superficial venules of the cat's kidney. Blood samples were also collected from the femoral artery and the renal vein. The blood renin concentrations (ng A1 m1-1 2h-1) in a basal state were 37.2 +/- 3.5 (S.E.M.) (n equal to 60) (artery), 32.5 +/- 5.2 [7] (efferent arteriole), 53.5 +/- 4(116) (superficial venule), 54.2+/- 5.4 (43) (renal vein). The corresponding values after haemorrhase were 389 +/- 98 (21), 345 +/- 115 (6), 963 +/- 208 (37), 907 +/- 290 (17), ng A1 m1-1 2h-1. The efferent arteriolar renin did not differ from that in the artery but the concentrations in superficial venular blood and renal vein were higher than arterial concentration. Thus renin entered the circulation between the efferent arteriole and the superficial venule. The blood renin concentration of different superficial venules at a steady arterial renin concentration varied markedly. Into certain venules there appeared to be little or no renin secretion, into others a marked renin secretion, suggesting a heterogeneity of renin secretion by the different nephrons. When the flow of tubular fluid to the macula densa of a group of nephrons was blocked, the renin concentration fell and was significantly less than the renin concentration in venules draining non blocked nephrons and less than in the renal vein. These results suggest that the juxtaglomerular apparatus of the nephrons do not release renin in a synchronous fashion. The release appears to be episodic and is inhibited when flow to the macula densa is ceased. This implies that a high sodium concentration at the macula densa stimulates renin release.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

A role of frusemide in resistant hypertension.

Five patients who were resistant to their antihypertensive drug therapy were admitted to hospital. Four had marked falls in blood pressure and an associated loss of weight. This fall in blood pressure was able to be repeated outside hospital by adding frusemide to their other drug therapy. Certain hypertensive patients become resistant to their antihypertensive therapy, owing to the accumulation of sodium. Thiazides may not have sufficient natriuretic properties to correct this accumulation. In these circumstances, frusemide may allow the hypertension to be controlled.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

The intrarenal release of renin in the rat.

1. A technique was developed to measure renin concentration in nanolitre volumes of blood. 2. The renin concentration in renal venous blood was higher that in renal arterial blood. 3. The renin concentration in blood from the efferent arteriole was less than in blood from the renal artery and renal vein. 4. Renin enters the circulation distal to the efferent arteriole. 5. The release of renin into the interstitium would allow local formation of angiotensin and the system could act as an intrarenal control mechanism.

Animals↗