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Biomedical subjects

H Böttcher

Publications and source records attributed to H Böttcher.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Adhesion molecules in patients after lung transplantation.

Leukocyte adhesion molecules, such as intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and its ligands, are involved in inflammatory processes of the lung. For ICAM-1, differential expression during different kinds of complications after transplantation has been proposed. We analyzed the role of ICAM-1, CD18, CD11a, CD11b, and CD11c during episodes of rejection or infection in patients after lung transplantation and compared the results to episodes without apparent complication. A total of 98 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples and 90 serum samples were analyzed. ICAM-1, CD18, CD11a, CD11b, and CD11c expressions were detected immunocytochemically on alveolar macrophages. Soluble ICAM-1 was quantified in serum and BAL. In the control group, 49.8 +/- 18% of macrophages stained positive for CD11b. During rejection, the mean of cells showing CD11b on the surface was significantly higher (64.6 +/-11.4%) with no difference compared to episodes of infection (59.7 +/-22.7). All other epitopes were not expressed differently with regard to a normal clinical course or episodes of infection and rejections. In summary, assessment of ICAM-1 and corresponding ligands did not allow for a reliable discrimination between episodes of rejection or infection in lung transplantation.

Adolescent↗

Crohn's disease mimicking sarcoidosis in bronchoalveolar lavage.

Granulomatous disorders like sarcoidosis or Crohn's disease are commonly associated with extrapulmonary or extraintestinal manifestations which occasionally may represent the only symptoms. We describe a 28-year-old female patient suffering from atypical erythema nodosum and arthritis. Although the chest x-ray was unremarkable bronchoalveolar lavage revealed lymphocytic alveolitis with an elevated CD4/CD8 ratio of 8 and 11.4 at repeated examinations suggesting a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Further diagnostic workup included endoscopy of the bowel. The macroscopic aspect and histology of the terminal small bowel and colon ascendens indicated Crohn's disease. The patient recovered on steroids and sulfasalazine. Six months later she developed a perianal abscess for which she needed surgery supporting the diagnosis of Crohn's disease. This is the first case of a significantly (>6) elevated CD4/CD8 ratio in Crohn's disease previously regarded as highly specific for sarcoidosis.

Adult↗

SAR of novel biarylmethylamine dopamine D4 receptor ligands.

SAR for a novel series of dopamine D4 receptor ligands is shown. Very selective, highly potent compounds like 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)-4-(3-(3-thienyl)-benzyl)-piperazine (5f) and 2-(4-(1-fluorenylmethyl)-1-piperazinyl)-pyrimidine (8c) were obtained.

Animals↗

[The value of a fabric-coated self-expanding stent in iliac arterial occlusions or aneurysms--the primary and long-term results].

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to analyze the primary and long-term results of implanting self-expanding covered nitinol stents (EndoPro I) in iliac arteries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 48 EndoPro (length 8.3 +/- 4.2 cm) were implanted in 39 patients. In 22 cases (group A) the implantation was performed after excimer laser-assisted recanalization (PTLA) of long iliac occlusions (mean 9.8 +/- 3.9 cm). Other indications were aneurysmatic lesions (n = 16) and one arterial perforation (group B). RESULTS: In 21 of 22 patients of group A the patency of the blood vessel was successfully restored. In all cases of group B the aneurysmatic lesions were finally excluded. This was correlated with a clinical improvement of at least one grade (Rutherford criteria) in 86.4% of patients (group A). The primary patency rate based on clinical examination (treadmill test) and color-coded Doppler was evaluated at 6 (89.7%), 12 (87.1%), and 24 (84.2%) months follows up, respectively. Subacute thromboses occurred in two, relevant restenoses in three cases (group A). In three of these 5 cases the vessel segment was successfully reopened by PTLA or rt-PA thrombolysis, leading to secondary patency rates of 94.9% at 6 and 92.1% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: In cases of relevant dissection following PTLA of long pelvic artery occlusions implantation of covered stents is effective to stabilize the results. Furthermore, the device is well applicable to seal arterial ruptures or aneurysms.

Adult↗

Non-conventional role of lysosomal acid phosphatase in olfactory receptor axons: co-localization with growth-associated phosphoprotein-43.

Olfactory receptor neurons undergo a continuous turnover in adult mammals. It is largely unknown how their axons invade the olfactory bulb and induce synaptic re-organization in glomeruli. Here, the cytochemical localization of lysosomal acid phosphatase has been studied in olfactory bulbs of adult rats and mice. The enzyme has been identified by specific substrate, inhibitors and absence in lysosomal acid phosphatase-knockout mice. Lysosomal acid phosphatase is located in primary and secondary lysosomes, which are unevenly distributed in the olfactory nerve layer and among olfactory glomeruli. In consecutive sections of glomeruli, the intensity of lysosomal acid phosphatase immunoreactivity co-varied with that of growth-associated phosphoprotein. Electron microscopically, differential lysosomal acid phosphatase staining in glomeruli corresponded to different proportions of labelled and unlabelled axons. Quantification revealed that lysosomal acid phosphatase labelling was strongest in non-synaptic profiles of terminal axons, while it was weak in or even missing from most synaptic profiles. Hence, growing olfactory axons apparently carry more lysosomal acid phosphatase than those which have established synaptic contacts. Following olfactory deafferentation both lysosomal acid phosphatase activity and growth-associated phosphoprotein-43 are lost from glomeruli, suggesting that both proteins are expressed in olfactory sensory axons during growth, while lysosomal acid phosphatase is apparently not a marker of anterograde terminal degeneration.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Direct microcalorimetry as a technique in cell cultures.

In vitro studies of energy metabolism in isolated cells contribute to improved knowledge of human energy metabolism under normal and pathological conditions. In every cellular system energy is taken up, metabolized and finally transformed into heat, which is dissipated into the environment. Thus, energy turnover of isolated cells can be assessed by microcalorimetric determination of their heat production. Microcalorimeters of the thermopile heat conduction type facilitate direct physical determination of thermogenesis with a sensitivity of 0.2 microW; 10(4)-10(5) cells being sufficient for one measurement. Peltier elements are sandwiched between the sample and a precisely thermostated heat sink, creating a detectable voltage proportional to the heat production. For adequate interpretation of the results, simultaneous biochemical investigations of relevant metabolic pathways are required. Up to now, numerous studies with blood cells, skeletal and heart muscle cells, hepatocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts and adipocytes have been performed in relation to various diseases and under the influence of certain hormones and pharmacological agents.

Animals↗

Decreased white fat cell thermogenesis in obese individuals.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether white adipocyte thermogenesis and energy metabolism are reduced in obese individuals. SUBJECTS: Eight lean and 15 obese men and women; BMI 19-41. DESIGN: Isolated subcutaneous adipocytes were maintained in agarose gel for 20h under basal conditions and subsequently for 10h after stimulation with 1 microM isoprenaline. Direct microcalorimetry was performed continuously over 30h while biochemical measures were obtained after 0, 20, 25 and 30h. MEASUREMENTS: Total cellular thermogenesis, oxygen consumption, glycolysis, lipolysis, triglyceride/FFA substrate cycle, adenine nucleotides, DNA content as basis of reference. RESULTS: Under basal and stimulated conditions, thermogenesis (5.6 and 8.6 microW/microgDNA, respectively; P < 0.0001) correlated negatively (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively) with the BMI and positively with O2 and glucose consumption, lactate, glycerol, FFA release and FFA re-esterification. Reduced basal lactate production with increased BMI (P < 0.05) indicates a more aerobic adipocyte metabolism in obese individuals. Negative correlation between BMI and stimulated triglyceride/FFA substrate cycle activity (P < 0.01) explains the decreased hormone induced adipocyte heat production in the obese. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that a reduction of total body energy expenditure, which is discussed to cause obesity, can be associated with distinct metabolic alterations at a cellular level. However, since the estimated total body fat cell thermogenesis does not exceed 7% of the resting metabolic rate, the observed decrease of adipocyte heat production in the face of augmented BMI can only in part be responsible for the development of obesity.

Adipocytes↗

A new microcatheter enables microcalorimetric assessment of thermogenesis after stimulation in cell cultures.

A new, inexpensive technique facilitates the observation of long-lasting effects (> 2 h) of thermogenic agents on cell cultures. A special microcatheter enables addition of hormones or pharmacologic agents to biological samples during microcalorimetric analysis using a ThermoMetric ThermalActivityMonitor without removing the sample ampoules from the measuring position. Technical modification of the calorimeter is not required. Baseline stability with the connected catheter is +/- 0.2 microW over 10 h. The error of the method of catecholamine induced thermogenesis in white adipocytes is 13.4% (C.V.).

Adipocytes↗

Microbial oxidation of ebastine.

The microbial oxidation of ebastine to carebastine was investigated. Among the 15 micro-organisms examined, only the Cunninghamella strains showed the desired biotransformation. Cunninghamella blakesleeana oxidised the substrate within 7 days, via the intermediates alcohol and aldehyde, mainly to carebastine, the corresponding carboxylic acid. Optimisation of the culture conditions increased the yield from initially 10% up to a reproducible 40%. For the synthesis of carebastine a substrate concentration of 200 mg/l, a starting pH of 5.0 and the addition of 1% poly(vinyl alcohol) is favourable. The results achieved in experiments with shaking flasks are transferable to the fermentation scale and yielded 270 mg carebastine in a 3-1 fermentation of 600 mg ebastine. The progress of the reaction was detected by TLC and HPLC, the products were identified by mass spectrometry and NMR.

Biotransformation↗

[Experimental results of excimer-laser-PTA in an experimental ex vivo vascular model].

PURPOSE: To evaluate parameters and characteristics of excimer-laser-angioplasty on ex-vivo vessel models. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 450 tissue ablations were performed on pig aortas, human arteries and fibrin-fixed plaque material. A pulsed 308nm-XeCl-laser delivering 120 ns pulses was tested. Ablations were analysed depending on frequency (10-40 Hz), energy density (30-70 ml/mm2), catheter-material-angle (0-90 degrees) and object-catheter-distance (0-40 mm). RESULTS: Vessel recanalisation speeds of up to 0.5 mm/s were achieved on fibrosed to slightly calcified human vessel models. In perforation tests on normal to slightly fibrosed human vessel walls and vessels of pigs ablation speeds of 0.01-0.5 mm/s were measured. Perforations on calcified vessels were successful in 50% of cases after two minutes application time. Vessel perforations were not detected without the support of mechanical power. At catheter-material angles < or = 30 degrees a minor damage of the intima could be found. There was no evidence of necrosis or coagulation in our studies. CONCLUSION: In-vitro tests of human plaque material yield reproducible vessel recanalisation distances of up to 25 mm at a variable speed from 0.1-0.2 mm/s.

Angioplasty, Laser↗

Microcalorimetric and biochemical investigations of thermogenesis and metabolic pathways in human white adipocytes.

OBJECTIVE: Validation of a novel culture technique for human white adipocytes, facilitating direct microcalorimetry and simultaneously performed biochemistry for 3 days. DESIGN: Subcutaneous adipocytes were cultured in a 3-dimensional matrix of agarose gel. Biochemical measures were obtained every 24 h, while thermogenesis was continuously monitored for 72 h. DNA content of the cultures served as reference. SUBJECTS: 73 men and women undergoing uncomplicated surgery. MEASUREMENTS: Cell viability (LDH release), total cellular thermogenesis, oxygen consumption, glycolysis, lipolysis (basal, catecholamin-stimulated) triglyceride/free fatty acid substrate cycle, adenine nucleotides, insulin-induced thermogenesis. RESULTS: LDH release was 0.4% of total LDH per hour. Cellular ATP, ADP and AMP (3.77, 0.39 and 0.06 nmol/microgramDNA, resp.) were constant. The rates of glucose consumption, lactate and pyruvate production and basal glycerol release (56.4, 43.1, 2.7 and 28.1 nmol/microgramDNA.h, resp.) were stable during 72 h. Isoprenaline (1 microM) enhanced lipolytic rate by the same extent at any time of the study (glycerol release 67.8 nmol/microgramDNA.h). FFA release (initially 26.0 nmol/ microgramDNA.h) declined during the experiment, due to an increase of reesterfication rate. Unstimulated heat production was 6.5 microW/microgramDNA, 68% of which were of oxidative origin. Insulin (0.1 microM) induced thermogenesis was 8.8 microW/ microgramDNA. CONCLUSION: The results were in accordance with data from human white adipocytes in suspensions. However, in contrast to fat cell suspensions, gel cultured adipocytes were viable for 3 days without metabolic alterations.

Adipocytes↗

Determination of gaseous and dissolved oxygen in a closed fat cell culture system.

A novel method facilitates the determination of O2 content in the gas phase and in the culture medium of closed cell culture systems: Total O2 was swept out for 3 min by a stream of N2 under atmospheric pressure and carried to the measuring unit of a PBI Dansensor TIA-111-LV oxygen sensor, creating a peak-shaped signal, which was integrated over time. From the peak area, gas flow (determined by a Rotameter flow meter), and actual gas pressure and temperature, O2 content was calculated. The precision of the method was 1.1% (CV), recovery was 97.7%. O2 uptake was measured in white adipocytes, isolated by the collagenase method and cultured in a 3D matrix of agarose gel. As a basis of reference, DNA content of the cultures (9.5 pg/cell) was determined by a fluorimetric method. The viability of the cells was not affected by O2 determination, as shown by the maintenance of cellular adenine nucleotide content during the analytic procedure. The decline of O2 content in the cultures was constant over 72 h. The mean rate of cellular O2 consumption was 34.1 mumol/micrograms DNA.h.

Adipocytes↗

Identification of the Ulex europaeus agglutinin-I-binding protein as a unique glycoform of the neural cell adhesion molecule in the olfactory sensory axons of adults rats.

Histochemical localization of two lectins, Ulex europaeus agglutinin-I (UEA-I) and Tetragonolobus purpureus (TPA), was studied in the olfactory bulb of adult rats. In contrast to TPA, UEA-I detected a fucosylated glycoprotein that is only present in the surface membranes of olfactory sensory cells including the whole course of their neurites up to the final arborization in glomeruli. Immunoblotting revealed that UEA-I binds specifically to a protein of 205 kDa, while TPA stains several other glycoproteins. Affinity chromatography with the use of a UEA-I column identified the 205 kDa protein as a glycoform of neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM), specific for the rat olfactory sensory nerves.

Agglutinins↗

Recurrent nasopharyngeal tumors: preliminary clinical results with interventional MR imaging--controlled laser-induced thermotherapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-controlled laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT) in the treatment of recurrent head and neck tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal tumors (squamous cell carcinoma [n = 4], pleomorphic adenoma [n = 2]) underwent LITT with local anesthesia. A 7-F introducing sheath was inserted into the center of the tumor followed by a specially designed laser emitter. Therapy was monitored on-line with MR thermometry, and the amount of necrosis was estimated with dynamic and static contrast material-enhanced sequences. RESULTS: All procedures were well tolerated with use of local anesthesia, with no clinically relevant side effects. MR thermometry depicted up to 15-mm-diameter areas of less signal intensity near the laser tip. Coagulative necrosis was achieved in all patients (volume range, 4-28 cm3), and clinical symptoms were reduced in four. CONCLUSION: MR imaging-controlled LITT may be a safe, minimally invasive alternative in the treatment of recurrent head and neck tumors.

Adenoma, Pleomorphic↗

[Development of adenocarcinoma in a retrorectal pre-sacrococcygeal hamartoma].

Among the different pathologic structures of the presacrococcygeal space retrorectal cystic hamartomas are uncommon lesions. These cysts are most likely derived from remnants of the embryonic tailgut although an association to teratomas may exist. We describe the clinicopathologic features of a retrorectal cystic hematoma with malignant transformation in a 60 year old female patient. The literature is reviewed and etiology, diagnosis and operative management are discussed.

Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous↗

[Laser-induced thermotherapy of liver metastases with MRI control. Prospective results of an optimized therapy procedure].

In a prospective study MR-guided laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT) of liver metastases was optimized and the clinical parameters evaluated. Seventeen patients (4 women, 13 men) with a total of 29 lesions underwent LITT in 25 sessions through 1 March 1994. Twelve of them suffered from colorectal carcinomas, 5 from other primary tumors. Under local anesthesia a maximum of 5 lesions per patient were treated. For MR-guided LITT a neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet laser (Nd-YAG 1064 nm) with energy varying from 3 to 7.5 W was used. Energy and application time were defined through a computer program; they varied, dependent on the lesion size, location and consistency. To monitor the progress of LITT two special thermosensitive MR sequences (Thermo-Turbo-FLASH and FLASH-2D sequences) were individually optimized, whereby the increase in temperature correlates with an increase in signal loss. All procedures were well tolerated without significant early or late side effects. In only one patient was minimal air documentated in the pleural cavity with spontaneous resorption. Patients were dismissed without complaints after 24-h hospitalization. The control parameters of the contrast-enhanced dynamic MRI documented at optimal response a hypointense signal around the tip of the laser applicator, in accordance with laser-induced necrosis. In lesions 20 mm or smaller, nearly 100% tumor necrosis was achieved and in lesions larger than 20 mm, only 50%. Follow-up evaluation 6 months after treatment shows a significantly better response in lesions with a diameter of 20 mm or smaller, with a local tumor control rate of 66%. In lesions larger than 20 mm only a local tumor control rate of 35% could be achieved. Laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT) represents a new, minimally invasive technique for tumor destruction and a high response rate in small liver metastases.

Adult↗

Postnatal development of glial fibrillary acidic protein, vimentin and S100 protein in monkey visual cortex: evidence for a transient reduction of GFAP immunoreactivity.

In the cerebral cortex of some species, the gradual appearance of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is often interpreted as reflecting the parallel maturation of neuronal connectivity. We studied the postnatal maturation of astrocytes in the primary visual cortex of Callithrix jacchus using antibodies against GFAP, vimentin and S100 protein as immunohistochemical markers. In the cortical grey matter of this species, the overall GFAP-immunoreactivity (IR) as measured by image analysis is high at birth (130% of the adult value), decreases until about 3 months (80%) and increases again towards adult values (100%). Vimentin-IR was high at birth, and declined towards 3 months and later. In contrast, S100-IR augmented postnatally in neuropil, and showed a laminar shift of maximum IR from layer IV to supragranular layers during ontogenesis. The decrease of GFAP-IR is predominantly due to changes in density of GFAP-positive (+) astrocytes within cortical tissue (newborn: 18,600 GFAP+astrocytes/mm3; 1 month: 11,600/mm3; 3 months: 5,700/mm3; adult: 10,200/mm3), while the overall number of astrocytes remained relatively constant as shown by the number of S100-positive astrocytic cell bodies. At times of low GFAP-IR a reduced area density of intermediate filaments was found in astrocytes by electron microscopy. The period of reduced GFAP-expression coincides with the time of prominent synapse remodeling in the visual cortex of marmosets. These data suggest that GFAP-expression may depend on functional conditions rather than time-dependent maturation.

Aging↗