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Biomedical subjects

I Bergmann

Publications and source records attributed to I Bergmann.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Release of [hydroxyproline3]-kinins by tissue kallikreins of pig, rat and man.

To determine the susceptibility of kininogens containing the recently described [Hyp3]-bradykinin moiety to cleavage by tissue kallikreins, we have studied the release of [Hyp3]-kinins from heat inactivated human plasma by purified tissue kallikreins. Kallikreins from man and pig were employed and compared with purified rat urinary kallikrein which is known to have a different cleavage specificity. Kinins released were separated by a modified reversed phase HPLC method and quantitated by bioassay and radioimmunoassay. Human urinary kallikrein and hog tissue kallikreins released 85-90% of the total kinins as Lys-bradykinin and 10-15% as [Hyp3]-Lys-bradykinin. In contrast, rat urinary kallikrein released 77% as bradykinin, 22% as [Hyp3]-bradykinin and negligible amounts of [Hyp3]-Lys-bradykinin from the identical substrate source indicating that rat tissue kallikreins prefer the Lys-Arg-bond within both unhydroxylated and hydroxylated kininogens. Therefore, hydroxylation of human kininogens apparently does not affect their ability to serve as substrates for tissue kallikreins with different cleavage specificities.

Animals↗

Complete nucleotide sequence of infectious Coxsackievirus B3 cDNA: two initial 5' uridine residues are regained during plus-strand RNA synthesis.

A full-length reverse-transcribed, infectious cDNA copy of coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) was used to determine the nucleotide sequence of this cardiotropic enterovirus. Comparison of the nucleotide sequence and the deduced amino acid sequence of the viral precursor polyprotein with the sequences of other group B coxsackieviruses (CVB1 and CVB4) demonstrates a high degree of genetic identity. They share about 80% homology at the nucleotide level and about 90% when the amino acid sequences of the polyproteins are compared. The potential processing sites of the coxsackievirus polyproteins, as deduced from alignment with the poliovirus sequence, are conserved among these enteroviruses with the exception of the cleavage sites between VP1 and 2Apro and between polypeptides 2B and 2C. Comparison of the 5' termini of the enteroviral genomes reveals a high degree of identity, including the initial 5' consensus UUAAAACAGC, suggesting essential functions in virus replication. An important finding concerning the molecular basis of infectivity was that both recombinant CVB3 cDNA and in vitro-synthesized CVB3 RNA transcripts are infectious, although two initial 5' uridine residues found on the authentic CVB3 RNA were missing. Here, we report that cDNA-generated CVB3, as well as CVB3 generated by in vitro-synthesized RNA transcripts, regains the authentic initial 5' uridine residues during replication in transfected cells, indicating that the picornaviral primer molecule VPg-pUpU may be uridylylated in a template-independent fashion. The generation of virus or virus mutants with infectious recombinant CVB3 cDNA and in vitro-synthesized infectious CVB3 transcripts should provide a valuable means for studying the molecular basis of the pathogenicity of this cardiotropic enterovirus.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Retroperitoneal varicose veins simulating lymph nodes.

A case of retroperitoneal varicose veins simulating neoplastic masses in a patient with unknown portal hypertension is presented. The radiological modalities of choice in differential diagnosis are briefly discussed. The use of contrast-enhanced computed tomography is recommended.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Rapid selection of genetic and antigenic variants of foot-and-mouth disease virus during persistence in cattle.

Rapid evolution of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is documented during persistent infections of cattle. The carrier state was established experimentally with plaque-purified FMDV of serotype C3. Virus was recovered from the esophageal pharyngeal area of the animals up to 539 days postinfection. Analysis of capsid proteins by electrofocusing and by electrophoretic mobility of the genomic poly(C)-rich tract suggested heterogeneity in several isolates and sequential dominance of viral subpopulations. Nucleotide sequences of the VP1-coding region of the parental FMDV C3 clones and of seven isolates from the carrier cattle showed point mutations that represented rates of fixation of mutations of 0.9 X 10(-2) to 7.4 X 10(-2) substitutions per nucleotide per year; 59% of the base changes led to amino acid substitutions, some of which were located within residues 135 to 151, a region involved in neutralization of FMDV. In the esophageal pharyngeal fluid samples, FMDV C3-neutralizing activity was present. Antigenic variation was demonstrated with monoclonal antibodies raised against FMDV C3. Two isolates from carrier cattle differed from the parental virus by 10(2)- or 10(3)-fold decreased reactivity with neutralizing monoclonal antibodies. We suggest that persistent, inapparent infections of ruminants, in addition to being a reservoir of virus, may promote the rapid selection of antigenically variant FMDVs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The use of N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine (MPG) for preparation and storage of platelets.

The SH group containing drug MPG which inhibits platelet aggregation in a reversible manner was used as a cytoprotective substance in some experiments on preparation and storage of human platelets for transfusion. In vitro (n = 6): concentration, morphology score, HSR and aggregation of stored platelets were measured after simulating in vitro the post transfusional conditions by resuspension of stored platelets in fresh drawn plasma (pH 7.4, 37 degrees C). In vivo (n = 2): Autologous platelets stored for 48 h at 22 degrees C were labelled with 111In and retransfused. The results obtained from platelets prepared and stored in plasma containing MPG were compared with those obtained from control platelets without MPG.

Blood Platelets↗

[In vitro study of platelet concentrate preparations from whole blood using N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine].

The sulfhydryl group containing drug N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine (MPG) which inhibits platelet aggregation in a reversible manner permits to prepare platelet concentrates in non-siliconized glass containers at pH 7.4. Resuspension of platelets is possible immediately after centrifugation. In vitro platelets tests were carried out after washing out the MPG in MPG-free plasma. Thereafter, no inhibitory effects on platelet functions were found. Platelets concentrated in presence of MPG were significantly better with respect to yield, maintenance of discoid shape, aggregability, and hypotonic shock response compared with control platelets concentrated in absence of MPG.

Blood↗

Evaluation of preoperative blood tests for predicting deep vein thrombosis after total hip replacement.

Determinations of the total calcium content and aggregability of the platelets as well as tests of coagulation and fibrinolysis were carried out on 93 patients before undergoing total hip replacement. All patients received low dose heparin, solely or combined with dihydroergotamine. Twenty-six patients developed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) detected by the labelled fibrinogen uptake test and confirmed by ascending phlebography. Only a few tests, among them the total calcium content of platelets, showed a statistical difference between the patients who subsequently developed DVT and those who did not. Combination of several tests by a multivariate statistical analysis programme proved to have more predictive value than the analysis of single tests.

Adult↗

Urinary kallikrein excretion in healthy young infants.

Nineteen healthy hospitalized children aged between 3 weeks and 10 years and 20 others aged between one month and 16 years have been investigated for their excretion rate of active and total urinary kallikrein. Twelve hour urine samples were obtained between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. and blood was drawn at the end of the urine collection period. Urinary kallikrein activity was measured by a synthetic substrate and a direct RIA and urinary sodium excretion, urine volume and plasma renin activity (PRA) were determined. Urinary kallikrein activity was found to be between 0 and 6 micrograms/24h and constituted approximately 10-20% of total kallikrein. When urinary kallikrein excretion rate was correlated with the sodium excretion rate the relationship was found to be positive and significant as was the correlation found between urine volume and urinary kallikrein excretion rate. No correlation could be found between PRA and urinary kallikrein excretion. Although a tendency of higher total kallikrein excretion was seen in older children, the amount excreted from all children per kilogram body weight was constant at 0.8 microgram/kg.

Child↗

Chromogenic substrate autography: a method for detection, characterization, and quantitative measurement of serine proteases after sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis or isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gels.

A chromogenic substrate autography is described which allows characterization and quantification of serine proteases in crude systems after sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis or isoelectric focusing. Separation of samples containing proteases by either method is followed by an overlay of the gels on an indicator film prepared by incorporation of a suitable paranitroanilide substrate into agarose. Positions of the proteases are revealed by the formation of yellow-colored zones which can be quantified by densitometry at 405 nm. The technique proved suitable for determination of molecular weights, isoelectric points, and quantitative measurements of amidolytic activities of urokinase, tissue plasminogen activator, tissue and plasma kallikrein, and thrombin in biological fluids and purified preparations.

Animals↗

[Measurement of the calcium content of thrombocytes as a contribution to the recognition of a disposition to thrombosis].

Calcium content of platelets from 57 patients undergoing total hip replacement was measured preoperatively. 13 patients developed deep vein thrombosis (D.V.T.) as recognized by 125I-fibrinogen technique and confirmed phlebographically. Preoperatively this group of patients exhibited a significant lower mean platelet calcium content than the group without postoperative D.V.T. It seems to be possible that special platelet parameters could hint an increased risk from postoperative D.V.T.

Adult↗

[Detection of the incidence of increased sensitization to molds in patients with bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis].

The incidence of sensibilization against extracts of moulds produced by VEB SSW Dresden was investigated by intracutaneous tests in 354 persons (controls and patients - adults and children - with bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis). Even in the nonallergic controls the tests were positive in 20-30%. Patients with asthma and rhinitis were significantly more often positive than controls with Mucor, Cladosporium and mixed-mould. There was no difference between the groups with Aspergillus and Penicillium. Testing with extract of mixed-mould is not effective. Positive results with the individual moulds were not excluded although the test with mixed-mould was negative. There was no essential difference in the incidence of sensibilization between adults and children with bronchial asthma using mould extracts of VEB SSW Dresden.

Adolescent↗