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Biomedical subjects

Dieter Müller

Publications and source records attributed to Dieter Müller.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Two-year follow-up of subthalamic deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease.

We studied 48 patients after bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) who were evaluated 6 months after the surgical procedure using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) in a standardized levodopa test. Additional follow-up was available in 32 patients after 12 months and in 20 patients after 24 months. At 6 months follow-up, STN-DBS reduced the UPDRS motor score by 50.9% compared to baseline. This improvement remained constant at 12 months with 57.5% and at 24 months with 57.3%. Relevant side effects after STN-DBS included intraoperative subdural hematoma without neurological sequelae (n = 1), minor intracerebral bleeding with slight transient hemiparesis (n = 1), dislocation of impulse generator (n = 2), transient perioperative confusional symptoms (n = 7), psychotic symptoms (n = 2), depression (n = 5), hypomanic behaviour (n = 2), and transient manic psychosis (n = 1). One patient died because of heart failure during the first postoperative year. The current series demonstrates efficacy and safety of STN-DBS beyond the first year after surgical procedure. Complications of STN-DBS comprise a wide range of psychiatric adverse events which, however, were temporary.

Electric Stimulation↗
PubMed2003

[Conjugation reactions of ciprofibrate with human and laboratory animals].

An open problem of the lipid lowering agent ciprofibrate (rac-2-[4-(2,2-dichlorocyclopropyl)-phenoxy]-2-methylpropanoic acid, CAS 52214-84-3) is its metabolism concerning the conjugation with amino acids and glucuronic acid. It could be solved by syntheses of the needed reference compounds--unknown up to now--and administration of ciprofibrate to volunteers and rats. Unexpectedly the conjugation compounds with amino acids are stable in vitro and in metabolism. There was no evidence for any conjugation reaction with amino acids by investigating samples of urine and faeces. On the contrary the urine of humans contains 90-97% of beta-O-acylglucuronide, whereas rat urine shows only 10% of the calculated amount.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed2003

Can xipamide or tacrolimus inhibit the glucuronidation of mycophenolic acid in rat liver slices?

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of tacrolimus (Tac) and xipamide (X) on mycophenolic acid (MPA) glucuronidation in precision-cut rat liver slices. To assess a possible effect of these two drugs, the influence of the anti-inflammatory drug niflumic acid (NA)--a well-known inhibitor for MPA glucuronidation in human liver microsomes--was used as a standard. MPA and its main metabolite mycophenolic acid glucuronide (MPAG) were determined by means of high-performance liquid chromatography. MPA glucuronidation rate showed a significant linear correlation (p = 0.012) with MPA concentrations from 15.61 up to 124.88 microM in the medium. That means, the enzyme(s) responsible for the glucuronidation of MPA worked far below Km-value. With all MPA concentrations tested, neither the addition of Tac (31.30 nM) nor of X (28.25 nM) influenced the glucuronidation of MPA. In comparison, NA at a concentration of 70.92 nM showed a marked inhibitory effect (by 72%). The present pilot-study indicates that precision-cut rat liver slices are a suitable in vitro model to characterize the glucuronidation of MPA to its primary metabolite MPAG and interferences with other substances.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

In vitro induction of cytochrome P4503A1-mRNA and testosterone hydroxylation in precision-cut liver slices from male and female rats.

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A is constitutively highly expressed in the liver. Thus detection of induction might be more difficult than shown for scarcely expressed CYP families. In this paper the suitability of rat liver slices to prove CYP3A inducibility was demonstrated. CYP3A dependent basal testosterone hydroxylation (TH) at positions 15beta, 6beta and 2beta was lower in liver slices from female than male rats, but was more markedly induced by 10(-6) M dexamethasone (DEX) within 24 h (mean induction factors 12.5, 18.3 and 140, respectively, for female slices and 3.7, 2.3 and 3.5, respectively, for male slices). Basal expression of CYP3A1-mRNA was stable in vitro until 24 h and did not differ between male and female rats. In liver slices from male rats this mRNA was induced about 14 fold by both DEX and pregnenolone 16alpha-carbonitrile (PCN) within 24 h. In one sample of a female rat a similar range of CYP3A1-mRNA induction was reached by DEX. Altogether, CYP3A induction can be detected more sensitively in liver slices from female than male rats, if TH rates are used as indicators. With liver slices from male rats CYP3A1-mRNA reacts more sensitively to inducers than TH.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Developmental changes in glutathione S-transferase isoforms expression and activity in intrasplenic fetal liver tissue transplants in rats.

The aim of the present study was to characterise developmental changes in glutathione S-transferase (GST) isoforms expression and in glutathione conjugation capacity in intrasplenic liver tissue transplants. For this purpose, syngenic fetal liver tissue suspensions were transplanted into the spleens of adult male Fischer 344 rats. Three days, 1, 2, 4 weeks, 2, 4, 6 months and 1 year later, transplant-recipients and control animals were sacrificed and class alpha, mu and pi GST isoforms expression and GST activities using the substrates o-dinitrobenzene and 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene were assessed in livers and spleens. In the hepatocytes of the adult livers no class pi, but a distinct class alpha and mu GST expression was seen. The bile duct epithelia were class pi GST positive. Fetal livers displayed almost no class alpha and mu, but a slight class pi GST expression. The same pattern was seen in 3-day-old intrasplenic liver tissue transplants. Up to 2 weeks after surgery the class alpha and mu GST expression increased in the hepatocytes of the transplants, whereas the immunostaining for class pi GST disappeared. No remarkable changes were seen thereafter. Normal conjugation capacities were observed with the livers of both groups of rats. Control spleens displayed only low GST activities. From 2 months after transplantation on activities were significantly higher in transplant-containing spleens than in respective control organs with a further increase up to one year after grafting. These results show that intrasplenically transplanted fetal liver cells proliferate and differentiate into mature cells displaying a GST expression pattern with respective enzyme activities similar to adult liver.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Glucuronidation of 4-methylumbelliferone and 4-hydroxybiphenyl and in vitro induction of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B12-mRNA in precision-cut rat liver slices.

Fresh rat liver slices were used to demonstrate the glucuronidation of the model substrates 4-methylumbelliferone (MU) and 4-hydroxybiphenyl (HB). Both glucuronidation reactions proved to be more stable than cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenations. After an incubation time of 48 h there was no decrease in MU glucuronidation rate, whereas HB glucuronidation was stable until 24 h, and then decreased by about 50% until 48 h. The technique of quantitative competitive RT-PCR was used to determine the expression of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B12-mRNA (UGT2B12-mRNA) in precision-cut rat liver slices. Constitutive levels of UGT2B12-mRNA were measurable. Following 24 h culture of rat liver slices in the presence of phenobarbital, the level of UGT2B12-mRNA increased about twofold, which corresponds to the inducibility in vivo. The addition of beta-naphthoflavone had no influence. The results show that precision-cut liver slices are not only suitable for the detection of an in vitro induction of cytochrome P450-mRNAs, which is characterized by high induction factors, but also of poor induction effects, e.g. on UGT2B12-mRNA, provided that the respective mRNA is exactly quantified.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Ultrastructural changes in hepatocytes of precision-cut rat liver slices after incubation for 24 and 48 hours.

Hepatocytes of precision-cut rat liver slices were studied by means of transmission electron microscopy after long-term incubation (24-48 h) in comparison with freshly prepared slices, indicating reversible and irreversible intracellular alterations of the cells. After 24 h incubation the morphological image in transversal sections of slices is characterised by a central zone of damaged and necrotic cells flanked by two to several superficial layers of viable cells. This is typical of a diffusion gradient of oxygen tension and nutrient content from the surface to the centre of the slices. In adapted cells on the surface of the slices we observed an organelle-free layer of fine granular material in the apical cytoplasm followed by parallel oriented stacks of rough endoplasmic reticulum near by. Mitochondria of essentially normal appearance in adapted cells did not contain flocculent densities, which were observed in damaged cells only. The cytoplasm of parenchymal cells consisted of defined areas of clear cytoplasmic material containing numerous branching tubular profiles of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, presumably in the regions with depleted glycogen aggregates. Subcellular signs of necrosis are destroyed mitochondria, dilated endoplasmic reticulum free of ribosomes and clumping of chromatin in the nucleus of hepatocytes. No appreciable differences of the cell organelles were observed between 24 and 48 h of incubation, but the incidence and intensity of signs of necrosis increased with the duration of incubation and the thickness of the slices. The process of these changes may reflect the phenomenon of cellular adaptation and of hypoxic cellular injury in the periphery and the centre of the slices, respectively.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2003

Evaluation of 2-year-old intrasplenic fetal liver tissue transplants in rats.

Liver cell transplantation into host organs like the spleen may possibly provide a temporary relief after extensive liver resection or severe liver disease or may enable treatment of an enzyme deficiency. With time, however, dedifferentiation or malignant transformation of the ectopically transplanted cells may be possible. Thus, in the present study syngenic fetal liver tissue suspensions were transplanted into the spleen of adult male rats and evaluated 2 years thereafter in comparison to orthotopic livers for histopathological changes and (as markers for preneoplastic transformation) for cytochrome P450 (P450) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) isoform expression. Because inducibility of P450 and GST isoforms may be changed in preneoplastic foci, prior to sacrifice animals were additionally treated either with beta-naphthoflavone, phenobarbital, dexamethasone, or the respective solvent. In the 2-year-old grafts more than 70% of the spleen mass was occupied by the transplant. The transplanted hepatocytes were arranged in cord-like structures. Also few bile ducts were present. Morphologically, no signs of malignancy were visible. With all rats, transplant recipients as well as controls, however, discrete nodular structures were seen in the livers. Due to age, both livers and transplants displayed only a low P450 2B1 and 3A2 and GST class alpha and mu isoform expression. No immunostaining for P450 1A1 was visible. At both sites, beta-naphthoflavone, phenobarbital, or dexamethasone treatment enhanced P450 1A1, P450 2B1 and 3A2, or P450 3A2 expression, respectively. No immunostaining for GST class pi isoforms was seen in the transplants. The livers of both transplant recipients and control rats, however, displayed GST pi-positive foci, corresponding to the nodular structures seen histomorphologically. Compared to the surrounding tissue, these foci also exhibited a more pronounced staining for GST class alpha and mu isoforms and a stronger inducibility of the P450 1A1 expression due to beta-naphthoflavone. In conclusion, in contrast to the livers, no preneoplastic foci seem to appear in the intrasplenic transplants even 2 years after transplantation. This may be due either to the protection of these transplants by the orthotopic livers or to the different humoral and nerval influences at the ectopic site.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Characterization of VIP and PACAP receptors in cultured rat penis corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells and their interaction with guanylate cyclase-B receptors.

Penile corpus cavernosum smooth muscle relaxation can be induced by both cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP-elevating agents, but possible interactions between these two signalling pathways are still poorly understood. Using in vitro cultured rat penile corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (CCSM) cells, we have characterized the local expression and functional activities of receptors for the cAMP-elevating peptides, PACAP and VIP, and for the cGMP-elevating peptides, CNP and ANP. Stimulation of the cells with various concentrations of PACAP(-27/-38) or VIP resulted in rapid and dose-dependent increases in cyclic AMP levels. RT-PCR analyses revealed gene expression of PAC(1) and VPAC(2) but not of VPAC(1) receptors in the cells. The natriuretic peptide, CNP, and the nitric oxide donor, sodium nitroprusside, were capable of enhancing cyclic GMP formation, indicating the presence of membrane-associated in addition to soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) activities in these cells. Findings that cyclic GMP formation was preferentially activated by CNP but not by the related peptide, ANP, were consistent with RT-PCR analyses, demonstrating gene expression of the CNP receptor, GC-B, but not of the ANP receptor, GC-A, in these cells. Prior exposure of the cells to 10(-8) M PACAP resulted in a marked down-regulation of GC-B activity, whereas sGC was not affected. These findings provide functional and molecular evidence for the presence of three receptors, PAC(1), VPAC(2) and GC-B, involved in cyclic nucleotide signalling in penile CCSM cells. The observed cross-talk of the PACAP/VIP receptors with GC-B but not with sGC may have implications for the therapy of erectile dysfunction.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Expression and inducibility of cytochrome P450 isoforms in 1-year-old intrasplenic liver cell transplants in rats.

Syngenic fetal liver tissue suspensions were transplanted into the spleens of 60- to 90-day-old male Fischer 344 inbred rats. Transplant recipients were compared with age-matched control rats. One year after surgery, the animals were treated orally with beta-naphthoflavone (BNF), phenobarbital (PB), dexamethasone (DEX) or the respective solvents 24 or 48 h before being killed. Expression of cytochrome P450 (P450) isoforms in spleens and orthotopic livers was assessed by immunohistochemistry and P450-dependent monooxygenase functions by the model reactions ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation (EROD), ethoxycoumarin O-deethylation (ECOD), pentoxyresorufin O-depentylation (PROD) and ethylmorphine N-demethylation (EMND). Spleens of control animals displayed almost no expression of P450 isoforms and P450-mediated monooxygenase functions. Similar to liver, in the transplanted hepatocytes no P450 1A1 but distinct P450 2B1 and 3A2 expression was observed. Furthermore, the transplant-containing spleens displayed significant EROD, ECOD, PROD and EMND activities. Similar to normal liver, BNF treatment enhanced P450 1A1 and 2B1, PB induced P450 2B1 and 3A2, and DEX induced P450 3A2 expression in the transplanted hepatocytes. Correspondingly, in the transplant-containing spleens EROD, ECOD and PROD activities were significantly enhanced following BNF treatment, EROD, ECOD, PROD and EMND activities after PB administration, and EMND activity by DEX treatment. These results demonstrate that hepatocytes originating from fetal liver tissue suspensions can survive in the spleen at least for 1 year. They have differentiated into adult hepatocytes and even 1 year after transplantation express different P450 isoforms which are inducible by BNF, PB and DEX, corresponding to normal adult liver.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Budipine provides additional benefit in patients with Parkinson disease receiving a stable optimum dopaminergic drug regimen.

BACKGROUND: The complex pharmacological profile of the antiparkinsonian drug budipine influences neurotransmission beyond the dopaminergic system. Previous studies have demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of budipine on motor symptoms in insufficiently treated patients with Parkinson disease. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the efficacy of 20 mg of budipine, 3 times daily, in addition to a stable, prior, optimum-titrated dopaminergic substitution consisting of a combination of levodopa and a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor, bromocriptine mesylate, and optional selegiline hydrochloride in 99 patients with idiopathic Parkinson disease in a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. RESULTS: Budipine significantly (P<.001) decreased the Columbia University Rating Scale sum score (median, 15.0; 95% confidence interval, 11.3-17.0) compared with placebo (median, 4.3; 95% confidence interval, 3.0-7.5) at study end point. Budipine reduced Columbia University Rating Scale subscores for tremor, rigidity, and akinesia. CONCLUSION: The additional application of budipine provides further therapeutic benefit in subjects with Parkinson disease receiving a stable, prior, optimum-titrated dopaminergic drug regimen because of the hypothetical positive impact of budipine on altered nondopaminergic neurotransmission in patients with Parkinson disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Preparative two-dimensional gel electrophoresis at alkaline pH using narrow range immobilized pH gradients.

A reproducible high-resolution protein separation method is the basis for a successful differential proteome analysis. Of the techniques currently available, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis is most widely used, because of its robustness under various experimental conditions. With the introduction of narrow range immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strips (also referred to as ultra-zoom gels) in the first dimension, the depth of analysis, i.e. the number of proteins that can be resolved, has increased substantially. However, for poorly understood reasons isoelectric focusing on ultra-zoom gels in the alkaline region above pH 7 has suffered from problems with resolution and reproducibility. To tackle these difficulties we have optimized the separation of semipreparative amounts of proteins on alkaline IPG strips by focusing on two important phenomena: counteracting water transport during isoelectric focusing and migration of dithiothreitol (DTT) in alkaline pH gradients. The first problem was alleviated by the addition of glycerol and isopropanol to the focusing medium, leading to a significant improvement in the resolution above pH 7. Even better results were obtained by the introduction of excess of the reducing agent DTT at the cathode. With these adaptations together with an optimized composition of the IPG strip, separation efficiency in the pH 6.2-8.2 range is now comparable to the widely used acidic ultra-zoom gels. We further demonstrated the usefulness of these modifications up to pH 9.5, although further improvements are still needed in that range. Thus, by extending the range covered by conventional ultra-zoom gels, the depth of analysis of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis can be significantly increased, underlining the importance of this method in differential proteomics.

2-Propanol↗
PubMed2002

Post-translational modification detection using metastable ions in reflector matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry.

In addition to protein identification, characterization of post-translational modifications (PTMs) is an essential task in proteomics. PTMs represent the major reason for the variety of protein isoforms and they can influence protein structure and function. Upon matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) most post-translationally modified peptides form a fraction of labile molecular ions, which lose PTM-specific residues only after acceleration. Compared to fully accelerated ions these fragment ions are defocused and show in reflector mass spectra reduced resolution. A short time Fourier transform using a Hanning window function now uses this difference in resolution to detect the metastable fragments. Its application over the whole mass range yields frequency distributions and amplitudes as a function of mass, where an increased low frequency proportion is highly indicative for metastable fragments. Applications on the detection of metastable losses originating from carboxamidomethylated cysteines, oxidized methionines, phosphorylated and glycosylated amino acid residues are presented. The metastable loss of mercaptoacetamide detected with this procedure represents a new feature and its integration in search algorithms will improve the specificity of MALDI peptide mass fingerprinting.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2002

Dyskinesias and grip control in Parkinson's disease are normalized by chronic stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus.

Deep-brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus appears to reduce levodopa-induced dyskinesias, but whether this effect is caused by the reduction of the total levodopa ingestion or represents a direct effect on the motor system is unknown. Precision grip force of grasping movements and levodopa-induced dyskinesias was analyzed in 10 parkinsonian patients before and after 3 months of deep-brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus. Peak grip force was abnormally increased before surgery in the off-drug state and, particularly, in the on-drug state (sensitization). This grip force upregulation normalized with chronic deep-brain stimulation in both conditions (desensitization). Peak-dose dyskinesias also improved, and off-dystonia was completely abolished. Mean dosage of dopaminergic drugs was reduced, but force overflow and dyskinesias were equally improved in 2 patients without a reduction. Despite the same single levodopa test dose, force excess and levodopa-induced dyskinesias were drastically reduced after 3 months of deep-brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus. This indicates that direct effects of deep-brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus on levodopa-induced dyskinesias are likely to occur. Grip force overflow is a promising parameter to study the desensitizing effect of chronic deep-brain stimulation on levodopa-induced dyskinesias.

Dose-Response Relationship, Drug↗
PubMed2002

Leydig cells of the human testis possess astrocyte and oligodendrocyte marker molecules.

It has been established, that Leydig cells of the human testis possess neuroendocrine properties and are therefore a member of the diffuse neuroendocrine (paraneuron) system. In the present study, we examined whether Leydig cells of adult (51-86 year of age) and developing (between the 15th and 36th week of gestation) human testes are immunopositive for glial cell-specific antigens such as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), galactocerebroside (GalC), cyclic 2',3'-nucleotide-3'-phosphodiesterase (CNPase), A2B5-antigen (A2B5) and O4-antigen (O4). With the use of Western blots and dot blot analyses, respectively, GFAP, CNPase, GalC, A2B5 and O4 were found in whole testes and Leydig cell protein extracts of adult men. Corresponding immunohistochemical studies revealed presence of these antigens in the cytoplasm of Leydig cells both of adult testes and testes during prenatal development. Some differences in staining intensity of single antigens were observed probably depending on the functional and/or developmental stage of the single cells. In addition, GFAP-, GalC- and CNPase-immunopositivity was found in numerous Sertoli cells of the seminiferous tubules. Moreover, some connective tissue cells (compartmentalizing cells or Co-cells) of the intertubular space showed immunopositivity for CNPase, A2B5 and GalC. The results obtained show that Leydig cells of the human testis, in addition to their endocrine, neuronal and neuroendocrine features, possess qualities of both astrocytes and oligodendrocytes and thus show qualities of multipotential cells. Leydig cells probably differentiate to a phenotype that is characteristic for cells in the developing nervous system. Furthermore, the established immunohistochemical similarities are consistent with the assumption that foetal and postnatal Leydig cells are of common origin.

2',3'-Cyclic-Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases↗
PubMed2002

In vitro investigation of a standardized dried extract of Citrullus colocynthis on liver toxicity in adult rats.

A standardized extract of Citrullus colocynthis used as an oral natural laxative in folk medicine was tested for its influence on liver function parameters in vitro. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) dependent production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under the influence of Citrullus colocynthis extract was investigated by means of stimulated lipid peroxidation (LPO), H2O2 formation and amplified chemiluminescence in rat liver microsomes. In rat liver 9000 x g supernatants 4 monooxygenase reactions mediated by different CYP forms were measured. Putative hepatotoxic effects of Citrullus colocynthis extract were measured by means of potassium and GSH concentrations in and LDH leakage from precision-cut rat liver slices. For possible hepatoprotective effects the influence of the extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced changes of these parameters was investigated. Citrullus colocynthis extract in concentrations higher than 10 microg/ml incubation mixture proved to inhibit lipid peroxidation and ROS-production as well as CYP1A-, 2B- and 3A-dependent reactions with typical substrates. In contrast, H2O2 production was not reduced under the influence of the extract, a slight but significant increase was seen. Citrullus colocynthis extract was found to be free of hepatotoxic effects in concentrations up to 100 microg/ml incubation mixture when liver slices were incubated in William's medium E for 22 hours. All viability parameters used were not influenced by the extract of Citrullus colocynthis. Carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity could not be prevented or alleviated. Moreover, the damage was sometimes enhanced by higher extract concentrations.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Central nervous system-specific glycosylation of the type A natriuretic peptide receptor.

Physiological effects of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) are thought to be mediated by binding to and activation of a widely expressed membrane receptor, termed guanylyl cyclase (GC)-A. During comparative analyses of ANP receptor expression in various rat and bovine tissues, by UV light-induced affinity cross-linking to (125)I-ANP, we uncovered a size heterogeneity of GC-A, detectable as a 130-kDa protein in peripheral and as a 122-kDa protein in central nervous system tissues. This heterogeneity could be explained by differences in N-linked glycosylation, because treatments with N-glycosidase F reduced the apparent molecular weights of both receptor variants to the same value of 116,000. As judged by displacement experiments, the two receptor glycoforms did not differ in their binding affinities for natriuretic peptides. Assessments of GC activities did not reveal any difference in ANP-induced generation of the second messenger, cyclic GMP. The examination of GC-A expression in brain during ontogeny revealed an alteration of the apparent molecular mass during early postnatal development from the 130-kDa to the 122-kDa form, suggesting a change in oligosaccharide processing. This study provides a reliable method for characterizing GC-A expression and identifies, for the first time, a differential glycosylation of this receptor in vivo.

Aging↗