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Biomedical subjects

D A Cameron

Publications and source records attributed to D A Cameron.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Double cones as a basis for a new type of polarization vision in vertebrates.

Many invertebrates and vertebrates are sensitive to the polarization of light. The biophysical basis of invertebrate polarization sensitivity is an intrinsic dichroism, the alignment of chromophores along the photoreceptor microvilli. But such dichroism to axially propagating light is not present in vertebrate photoreceptors, whose chromophores are free to rotate in the plane of the outer-segment disc membranes, and a biophysical mechanism responsible for vertebrate polarization sensitivity has not been established. We hypothesize that the roughly elliptical cross-sectioned double-cone inner segment acts as a birefringent, polarization-sensitive dielectric waveguide, and that the double cone mosaic generates a 'polarization contrast' neural image. Here we confirm three predictions derived from these hypotheses: (1) 90 degrees periodicity for polarization sensitivity; (2) polarization sensitivity maxima corresponding to the absolute orientation of the axes of the double-cone inner-segment cross-sections; and (3) action spectrum for polarization sensitivity corresponding to the absorption spectrum of the double cones. We also present evidence for a polarization-opponent neural encoding in vertebrates.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Effects of posture, Valsalva maneuver and respiration on atrial flutter rate: an effect mediated through cardiac volume.

The effects of passive upright tilting from 0 degrees to +60 degrees (n = 27), Valsalva maneuver (n = 16) and respiration (n = 10) on the rate of atrial flutter were studied in 27 patients. After tilting to +60 degrees, the atrial flutter cycle length shortened in all patients from 247.5 +/- 7 to 236.7 +/- 6.9 ms (range of shortening 1 to 21 ms, p less than 0.001). The Valsalva maneuver (strain of 40 mm Hg) shortened the flutter cycle length during the strain (phase 2) from 242.2 +/- 4.6 to 230.5 +/- 5 ms (range of shortening 2 to 19 ms, p less than 0.001). In 10 patients whose respiration was monitored, the flutter cycle length consistently prolonged during inspiration and shortened during expiration. Combined beta-adrenergic and muscarinic receptor blockade in six patients did not significantly alter the flutter cycle length at rest or the effects of the various maneuvers on the changes in flutter cycle length. This study revealed that the atrial flutter cycle length can be shortened by passive upright tilting, the strain phase of the Valsalva maneuver and expiration. Changes in flutter cycle length were independent of autonomic tone, implying that by decreasing cardiac volume, these maneuvers affect characteristics of the atrial flutter circuit, thereby producing dynamic changes in the rate of atrial flutter.

Atrial Flutter↗
PubMed1991

Clinical and laboratory aspects of the three-part sectional denture.

The three-part sectional denture is becoming increasingly popular in the treatment of partially dentate patients who present with particular problems. It is a design concept which can be very successful if used with care, but is prone to failure if certain aspects of design and construction are overlooked. A discussion of pertinent clinical and laboratory details is presented, illustrated by a case where the patient's requirements were very specific.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Q fever encephalitis.

Encephalitis is a rare but documented complication of acute Q fever. We report here the case of a 48-year-old lady who presented with an acute illness characterised by influenza-like symptoms, pneumonia and neurological disturbance but in whom the serology was suggestive of chronic rather than acute Q fever.

Canada↗
PubMed1990

The loss of circadian rhythm for intact parathyroid hormone and nephrogenous cyclic AMP in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

The measurement of serum intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) (1-84) over a 24-h period has shown the existence of a circadian rhythm in normal males which is absent in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. The physiological significance of this observation is reflected in the presence of parallel changes in nephrogenous cyclic adenosine monophosphate (N-cAMP) in normals which are also absent in primary hyperparathyroidism. Serum calcium, adjusted for variations in albumin concentrations, showed a transient fall in normal subjects prior to the nocturnal rise in PTH (1-84). A similar transient fall in serum adjusted calcium was observed in the hyperparathyroid patients. Serum phosphate showed a circadian rhythm in normal subjects, and an attenuated rhythm persisted in primary hyperparathyroidism. These data suggest that both ionic factors and higher centres play important roles in the fine control of PTH (1-84) secretion.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

The mechanism of flutter interval alternans.

The mechanism of atrial flutter alternans was investigated by observing the effects of ventricular systole on flutter intervals in a patient with atrioventricular dissociation. Interval measurements were made both from atrial electrograms recorded from an esophageal electrode, and from surface ECG recordings. Flutter cycle intervals that occurred during a well-defined period subsequent to ventricular systole were consistently prolonged by up to 30 msec relative to the baseline flutter cycle interval. This prolongation was observed in two vastly different electrode configurations, implying that motion artifact was not predominantly responsible. We concluded that, by altering the characteristics of the flutter reentry circuit, transient increases in atrial volume and/or pressure arising during ventricular systole were responsible for the lengthening of the flutter cycle intervals.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

The magnitude, time course and spatial distribution of current induced in salamander rods by cyclic guanine nucleotides.

1. Cyclic GMP was introduced into isolated salamander rods through a tight-seal electrode attached to the inner segment while the outer segment was held in a suction electrode; nucleotide-induced membrane current was recorded by both electrodes. After 3-15s of nucleotide exposure the cells were stimulated with intense, brief flashes, which suppressed 90-95% of the induced membrane current. 2. The magnitude of the induced light-sensitive current depended little on the pipette cyclic GMP concentration in the range 10-20 nM: the mean whole-cell current magnitude was 1256 +/- 160 pA (mean +/- 2 S.E.M., n = 41). 3. Experiments and analyses addressed hypotheses about the nature of the magnitude limitation on the induced current. It was shown that the spatial distribution of nucleotide, the residual series resistance of the whole-cell electrode, and the diminution of the ion gradients driving the induced current did not limit the current magnitude by more than 20%. 4. In contrast, the hypothesis that outer segment internal longitudinal resistance severely limits the magnitude of the cyclic GMP-induced current was supported by experiments in which various lengths of the outer segment were drawn into the suction electrode. These showed that the ratio of nucleotide-induced light-sensitive current collected by the suction electrode to that collected by a whole-cell electrode decreased steeply as a function of outer segment length excluded from the suction electrode, having an apparent space constant of 5-7 microns. 5. A cable model of the rod was developed and used to analyse the magnitude of the nucleotide-induced currents. The data are consistent with an outer segment longitudinal resistance of 1-4 M omega microns-1, and a maximum (space-clamped) light-sensitive current density of 313 pA microns-1, equivalent to a total induced current of 7200 pA (23 microns outer segment). 6. A diffusion model was developed and combined with the non-linear cable model to provide an account for the time course of the induced membrane currents. The results are consistent with an effective longitudinal diffusion coefficient of cyclic GMP in the outer segment of 3-10 microns2 s-1, and Hill coefficient of 2-3 for the cyclic GMP gating of the light-sensitive conductance. 7. 8-Bromo-cyclic GMP also caused the light-sensitive membrane current to increase to about the same magnitude as did cyclic GMP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1990

The circadian rhythm of intact parathyroid hormone-(1-84): temporal correlation with prolactin secretion in normal men.

Serum PTH-(1-84), PRL, and adjusted calcium concentrations were determined at 30-min intervals for a 24-h period in six normal adult men. PTH-(1-84) and PRL both exhibited two peaks of increased secretion [1600-1900 and 0200-0600 h for PTH-(1-84); 2000-2200 and 0400-0800 h for PRL]. For each subject there was a striking similarity in the magnitude of secretion of the two hormones and a consistent temporal relationship. Thus, the maximum correlation coefficients of 0.62-0.83 were obtained for the six subjects when the PRL surge lagged that of PTH-(1-84) by 0.5-3.5 h. In contrast, the correlation between PTH-(1-84) and adjusted calcium was weaker (r = -0.36 to -0.66) and showed no consistent temporal relationship (0.0-10.5 h). These data support the concept of higher center control of PTH-(1-84) secretion with the possible involvement of factors common to the control of PRL secretion.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Isoproterenol induction of vasodepressor-type reaction in vasodepressor-prone persons.

The ability of isoproterenol to induce symptoms and laboratory findings of a vasodepressor reaction was tested in 48 patients, ages 17 to 74, divided into 4 groups according to the reason for their referral. Group 1 comprised 12 patients with vasodepressor syncope, group 2 had 8 patients with syncope of unknown origin, group 3 included 11 patients with syncope due to seizures in 2 and ventricular tachycardia in 9, group 4 had 17 patients with various arrhythmias not associated with syncope. Isoproterenol boluses were administered starting at 2 micrograms and increased in 2-micrograms steps to a maximum of 8 micrograms at 0 degree and +60 degrees. The responses at 0 degrees were all normal. At +60 degrees a vasodepressor reaction consisting of syncope or near syncope, hypotension and bradycardia was produced by isoproterenol (mean dose 6.0 +/- 0.26 micrograms) in 8 patients from group 1 (66.6%), 4 from group 2 (50%), 0 from group 3 and 4 from group 4 (23.5%). Three of the 4 patients in group 4 had a remote history of classic vasodepressor syncope. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the test were 73 and 85%, respectively, while the predictive accuracy of a test with positive or negative outcome were 69 and 89%, respectively. Muscarinic receptor blockade with atropine in 4 patients prevented isoproterenol-induced bradycardia but not hypotension or symptoms of fainting. Beta-adrenergic receptor blockade with propranolol inhibited all aspects of the isoproterenol-induced faint. Thus, the administration of isoproterenol during a passive upright tilt may identify persons who suffer from or are prone to a vasodepressor reaction.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

The protective effect of vagus nerve stimulation on catecholamine-halothane-induced ventricular fibrillation in dogs.

Parasympathetic neural activity modulates some ventricular arrhythmias in man. Therefore, a canine model of arrhythmias produced by the interaction of halothane and catecholamines was used to study the effects of vagal stimulation on the induction of ventricular fibrillation. The dose of catecholamine required to induce ventricular fibrillation was determined during a constant heart rate. Vagal stimulation reversibly raised the norepinephrine dose that produced ventricular fibrillation from 16.4 +/- 2.4 to 30.0 +/- 3.8 micrograms (p less than 0.001, n = 10), and the epinephrine dose from 15.5 +/- 2.0 to 22.5 +/- 2.6 micrograms (p less than 0.001, n = 5). Following atropine, vagal stimulation failed to raise the threshold dose of norepinephrine (16.8 +/- 2.4 vs. 18.3 +/- 3.3 micrograms, nonsignificant, n = 6) or epinephrine (15.5 +/- 2.0 vs. 16.0 +/- 2.3 micrograms, nonsignificant, n = 5). Ligation of the cervical vagus nerves did not affect the epinephrine threshold dose (16.3 +/- 3.3 vs. 17.5 +/- 2.7 micrograms, nonsignificant, n = 5). Following elevation of basal vagal tone by morphine premedication, the norepinephrine threshold of 53.0 +/- 9.2 micrograms declined by a nonsignificant amount to 46.5 +/- 11.5 micrograms after vagotomy (nonsignificant, n = 5). Thus resting vagal tone does not prevent catecholamine-halothane-induced ventricular fibrillation, whereas increasing vagal tone by electrical stimulation substantially protects against this arrhythmia. The protection is mediated through a muscarinic cholinergic receptor.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Modulation of an idioventricular rhythm by vagal tone.

A 28 year old man with a stable permanent idioventricular rhythm of 80 to 85 beats/min, with all the characteristics of a pacemaker, is described. This pacemaker was slowed by maneuvers that enhanced vagal tone, including carotid sinus massage, the postrelease phase of the Valsalva maneuver and phenylephrine. The pacemaker was also slowed by a cholinesterase inhibitor (edrophonium hydrochloride) and accelerated by a muscarinic receptor blocking drug (hyoscine butylbromide). The actions of these maneuvers and agents were independent of sympathetic tone as propranolol pretreatment did not alter their effects. Similarly, propranolol did not affect the pacemaker rate. The pacemaker was not dependent on a slow inward current because verapamil did not affect its rate. The pacemaker accelerated in response to increased sympathetic tone induced by exercise and upright tilting and to the adrenergic agonist isoproterenol. The pacemaker was localized to the high posterior septal region of the left ventricle underneath the mitral valve. This report describes in a man an idioventicular pacemaker that is innervated by sympathetic and vagal fibers and responsive to alterations in tone of both limbs of the autonomic nervous system. It offers the first clear proof that a ventricular pacemaker can be innervated and controlled by the vagus nerve and provides its location.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Rat carcinoma cells in long-term, serum-free culture provide a continuing supply of collagenase.

Neoplastic, epithelial cells derived from a spontaneously-arising rat mammary carcinoma have been cultured in a defined medium, in the absence of serum, continuously, for over 2 years. The medium is a mixture of Ham's F12 and Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's media supplemented with insulin, transferrin and bovine serum albumin. The cells have retained their potential to produce tumours and, in culture, a true vertebrate collagenase. This system provides a continuing supply of vertebrate collagenase through the application of recently developed methods.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Osteoclasts and the resorption of bone by transplanted mammary carcinoma in rats.

Rat mammary tumour cells were grafted to parietal bones as an experimental model to study the nature of bone resorption around metastatic carcinomas in the skeleton. After periods of growth of from 6 to 56 days bones and tumours were removed and embedded in epoxy resin. The appearances were compared with those found when whole parathyroid glands were grafted in similar positions. Tumours were evident in all animals at the time of death and some were palpable five days after grafting. In 15 of the 21 animals with tumour, osteoclasts and resorption were found, and in only two of these were the tumour cells not separated from the bone surfaces. In 6 animals killed between 6 and 12 days after grafting there was new bone formation without resorption. There were osteoclasts and resorption under the grafted parathyroid glands which were always separated from the resorbing cells by fibrous tissue. The appearances of the bone surfaces under the tumours and the parathyroid glands suggested that the resorption in both situations was similar, was brought about by the secretion of a locally active agent and mediated by osteoclasts. This is further support for the role of osteoclasts in bone resorption around metastatic carcinomas.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Neurite-promoting factors from embryonic neurons.

Dissociated chick embryo peripheral and central nervous system cultures enriched for neurons by differential adherence, defined medium and cytosine arabinoside release to the culture environment molecular species which enhance the performance of neurons in limiting conditions. Culture medium conditioned by the neurons can be depleted of substrate-attached material by serial passage on poly-D-lysine substrate, leaving in the medium factors which promote neurite outgrowth on poly-D-lysine. The substrate-attached material which enhances neuron survival and neurite extension is heat- and trypsin-labile but is not affected by prior treatment with antisera to mouse NGF, human plasma fibronectin or laminin. The autostimulation phenotype displayed by neurons may play a role in neuronal survival or axonal growth during neuronal development.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

On-line epicardial mapping of intraoperative ventricular arrhythmias: initial clinical experience.

An on-line automatic mapping system was developed for beat by beat display of epicardial activation during ventricular tachycardia induced at the time of cardiac surgery. A sock array of 110 button electrodes was used to record and display local activation on a video monitor at 8.3 ms intervals. On instant replay in slow motion, epicardial pacing sites were accurately localized to the nearest electrode. Local unipolar electrograms were also recorded, first from the sock array, then from an array of 16 transmural needle electrodes. The epicardial display was verified by retrospective manually derived maps using the recorded epicardial electrograms. In four patients with coronary artery disease and recurrent inducible ventricular tachycardia, earliest epicardial activation was located on slow motion replay within 1 minute. Subendocardial sites of early activation were located within 10 minutes by replay of electrograms from the needle array before ventriculotomy. Transmural and endocardial resection of these sites prevented inducibility of the tachycardia on postoperative electrophysiologic study in three of the four patients. There has been no clinical recurrence of ventricular tachycardia after 3 to 14 months of follow-up despite cessation of antiarrhythmic therapy in three of the patients. This technique has unique advantages over existing mapping methods. It provides beat by beat display of activation sequences so that clinical tachycardias that are short in duration or pleomorphic in configuration now become amenable to mapping. In addition, it markedly shortens total time on cardiopulmonary bypass.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Rape--a survey of victims presenting at a district hospital.

Thirty-three victims of alleged forcible rape who presented at Jubilee Community Hospital, near Hammanskraal, Tvl, during the 10-week period 14 February - 30 April 1982 were interviewed, examined, treated and followed up by the author. The victims, their reactions, the assailants, the circumstances of the rape and the medicolegal evidence are analysed.

Adolescent↗