PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

B Card

Publications and source records attributed to B Card.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

VACM-1 receptor is specifically expressed in rabbit vascular endothelium and renal collecting tubule.

The vasopressin-activated calcium-mobilizing (VACM-1) protein is a novel arginine vasopressin (AVP) receptor that shares sequence homology with a cullin multigene family but not with the AVP receptors. To characterize the VACM-1 receptor, we examined its tissue-specific expression using Northern blot, RT-PCR, and immunostaining analyses. Northern blot hybridization identified a 6. 4-kb cRNA species that was expressed in the rabbit kidney medulla, brain, heart, and ovaries. In human tissue, VACM-1 mRNA is a larger (7.5 kb) cRNA found in the kidney, brain, heart, placenta, and skeletal muscle. VACM-1-specific RT-PCR products were detected in mRNA from rabbit kidney medulla, brain, heart, and mesenteric arteries. No expression of VACM-1 could be detected in rabbit aorta, gastrointestinal tract, or liver. Coimmunostaining with anti-VACM-1 antibodies (Ab) and a specific vascular endothelial cell marker, CD31 monoclonal Ab, localized VACM-1 expression to the vasculature in specific tissues. We identified the kidney cells expressing VACM-1 receptor by coimmunostaining with the following monoclonal Ab, which recognize epitopes in specific segments of the nephron: rct-30 Ab, reactive against the cortical and medullary collecting tubule (CT) cells; mr-omct Ab, reactive against the mitochondria-rich cells of the outer medullary CT; and an Ab specific against the loop of Henle segment. These studies indicated that the VACM-1 receptor is expressed only in the medullary CT. Kidney coimmunostaining with anti-VACM-1 and CD31 Ab identified VACM-1-receptor expression in glomeruli and medullary vascular bundles. These results demonstrate that the novel VACM-1 receptor, expressed in many organs, is localized to the endothelial cells. In the kidney, it is also expressed in the medullary CT cells. Thus VACM-1 may be involved in the regulation of endothelial permeability and water transport in the CT.

Animals↗

Daily requirement for pyridoxine supplements in chronic renal failure.

Vitamin B6 deficiency was evaluated in 37 patients with chronic renal failure and in 71 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD) or intermittent peritoneal dialysis (PD). Vitamin B6 deficiency was assessed by the in vitro activity of erythrocyte glutamic pyruvic transaminase (EGPT), without (basal) and with (stimulated) the addition of pyridoxal-5-phosphate to the assay, and the EGPT index (stimulated activity ./. basal activity). Basal and stimulated EGPT activities were below normal in the HD patients, and the EGPT index was increased in each group of patients, indicating vitamin B6 deficiency. Supplemental pyridoxine hydrochloride was given to 30 HD patients who received 1.25 to 50 mg/day (37 studies), 6 PD patients who were given 1.25 or 2.5 mg/day (7 studies), and 8 nondialyzed patients with mild to severe renal failure who received 2.5 mg/ day. In all HD patients, 10 or 50 mg/day of pyridoxine hydrochloride rapidly corrected the abnormal EGPT index and maintained normal values; with supplements of 5.0 mg/day or less, the index was often abnormal, particularly in those who were septic or taking pyridoxine antagonists. In PD patients and nondialyzed patients with renal failure, 2.5 mg/day of pyridoxine hydrochloride was inadequate to correct rapidly the abnormal index in all patients. These findings suggest that HD patients should receive 10 mg/day of supplemental pyridoxine hydrochloride (8.2 mg/day pyridoxine). PD patients and patients with chronic renal failure should receive about 5.0 mg/day of supplemental pyridoxine hydrochloride (4.1 mg/day pyridoxine). When sepsis intervenes or vitamin B6 antagonists are taken, 10 mg/day of pyridoxine hydrochloride may be a safer supplement for all patients.

Adult↗

Nutritional management of the adult patient undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

Until the last few years, maintenance peritoneal dialysis (PD) often was associated with progressive wasting due to frequent episodes of peritonitis, loss of considerable amounts of protein into the dialysate, and poor nutritional intake. Recently, available techniques have made PD a feasible alternative for the long-term care of the patient with end-stage renal failure. The incidence of peritonitis has been markedly reduced, and protein loss is only 4 to 20 gm. per dialysis treatment. Preliminary studies have shown no differences in the nutritional status of patients undergoing PD or hemodialysis, although both groups have evidenced malnutrition. In the patient undergoing PD, daily intakes of 1.2 to 1.5 gm. protein and 35 kcal per kilogram body weight are recommended. During times of stress, parenteral administration of nutrients may be necessary. Dietary supplements may often be required chronically. Careful studies are needed to difine the nutritional needs of the patient undergoing PD.

Dietary Carbohydrates↗