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Biomedical subjects

I Gay

Publications and source records attributed to I Gay.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Rat costochondral chondrocytes produce 17beta-estradiol and regulate its production by 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3).

Prior studies have shown that 17beta-estradiol (17beta-E(2)) regulates growth plate chondrocyte maturation and differentiation. This study examines the hypothesis that 17beta-E(2) is a local regulator of rat costochondral growth plate chondrocytes by determining whether these cells express aromatase mRNA and enzyme activity, produce 17beta-E(2), and regulate 17beta-E(2) production by vitamin D(3) metabolites in a gender-specific and cell-maturation-dependent manner. Aromatase gene expression was assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and northern analysis of total RNA from male and female chondrocytes. Aromatase specific activity was measured in cell layer lysates of confluent male and female rat costochondral resting zone (RC) and growth zone (GC) cartilage cells that had been treated for 24 h with 1alpha, 25(OH)(2)D(3), 24R,25(OH)(2)D(3), or transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1. 17beta-E(2) released into the culture media of treated cells was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Female RC cells expressed the highest levels of aromatase mRNA compared with male RC cells and both male and female GC cells. Aromatase activity was present in male and female cells and was 1.6 times greater in female RC cells than female GC cells; male RC and GC cells displayed comparable levels. All cultures produced 17beta-E(2), with a 2.5-fold greater production by female RC cells than female GC cells or either cell type from male rats. Treatment of cultures with 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) caused a dose-dependent increase in 17beta-E(2) production by female RC (1.5-fold greater than control cells) and female GC (threefold greater than control cells) cells. In contrast, 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) had no effect on male GC cells and increased production in male RC cells by only 10% at the highest concentration of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) used. Neither 24R, 25(OH)(2)D(3) nor TGF-beta1 had an effect on 17beta -E(2) production. These results support our hypothesis and indicate that 17beta-E(2) is most likely a local regulator of rat costochondral growth plate chondrocytes.

24,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3↗

Activation of latent transforming growth factor beta1 by stromelysin 1 in extracts of growth plate chondrocyte-derived matrix vesicles.

Previous studies have shown that matrix vesicles isolated from cultures of costochondral growth zone chondrocytes and treated with 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1alpha,25(OH)2D3] can activate recombinant human latent transforming growth factor beta1 (rhTGF-beta1). It is unknown what enzyme or other factor in the extracellular organelles is responsible for the activation. This study tested the hypothesis that enzymes present in matrix vesicles can activate latent TGF-beta1 and that this is regulated by 1alpha,25(OH)2D3. To do this, we examined the ability of matrix vesicle extracts to activate small latent rhTGF-beta1. In addition, enzymes previously determined to be present in matrix vesicles were screened for their ability to activate small latent rhTGF-beta1. Recombinant human matrix metalloproteinase 2 (rhMMP-2; 72 kDa gelatinase), rhMMP-3 (stromelysin 1), purified human plasminogen, and purified urokinase (plasminogen activator) were each tested at varying concentrations. To assess the role of cell maturation, we used a cell culture model in which chondrocytes are derived from two distinct zones of rat costochondral cartilage, the resting zone and the growth zone. Matrix vesicles were isolated from these cultures and then tested. The results showed that extracts of matrix vesicles produced by both growth zone and resting zone chondrocytes were able to activate small latent rhTGF-beta1. The effects were dose and time dependent, with greater activity being found in extracts of matrix vesicles from the growth zone chondrocyte cultures. Only rhMMP-3 was able to activate small latent rhTGF-beta1, indicating that stromelysin-1, but not MMP-2, plasminogen, or urokinase, was involved. As observed in the extracts, the effect of rhMMP-3 was time and dose dependent. When anti-MMP-3 antibody was added to matrix vesicle extracts from both cell types, activation of small latent rhTGF-beta1 was dose-dependently blocked. Neither 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 nor 24R,25(OH)2D3 had a direct effect on activation of small latent rhTGF-beta1 by the extracts. However, when intact matrix vesicles were treated with 1alpha,25(OH)2D3, their ability to activate small latent rhTGF-beta1 was increased. Inhibition of phospholipase A2 with quinacrine blocked the 1alpha,25(OH)2D3-dependent effect. These results suggest that the ability of 1alpha,25(OH)2D3-treated matrix vesicles to activate small latent TGF-beta1 is via action of the secosteroid on the matrix vesicle membrane, not on the enzymes responsible for activating latent TGF-beta1. Because matrix vesicles isolated from growth zone chondrocytes have been shown to contain increased phospholipase A2 activity after treatment with 1alpha,25(OH)2D3, it is likely that this secosteroid promotes loss of membrane integrity through phospholipase A2-dependent formation of lysophospholipids, resulting in the release of MMP-3 into the matrix, where latent TGF-beta1 is stored. Taken together, the results of the current study show that matrix vesicles produced by growth plate chondrocytes contain MMP-3, that this enzyme is at least partially responsible for activation of small latent TGF-beta1 in the matrix, and that 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 regulates MMP release from matrix vesicles.

Animals↗

Ion microscopy in biology.

Ion microscopy, a mass spectrometry based isotopic imaging technique, is uniquely suited for ion transport related problems in biological systems. Due to its high sensitivity, it can image the transport and distribution of both major and minor elements (isotopes) at subcellular resolutions. The images of major elements such as K, Na, CI, etc., can be viewed directly and recorded in real-time from the microchannel plate-fluorescent screen detector of the instrument. The low concentration physiologically important elements, such as Ca, need about one minute of integration for good quality imaging. The isotopic imaging capability of ion microscopy provides a unique approach for the use of stable isotopes as tracers. In this way, one can image both the endogenous and the transported isotopes independently. Strict cryogenic sample preparations are essential for ion transport studies. Correlative imaging of the same cell with laser scanning confocal microscopy and ion microscopy can positively identify smaller cytoplasmic compartments such as the Golgi apparatus in calcium images. We have identified the Golgi apparatus as a calcium storing organelle. Another unique application of ion microscopy is the imaging of boron from boronated drugs used in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) of cancer. Ion microscopy is capable of rapid screening of potential drugs for BNCT. This critical information is essential for the fundamental understanding of BNCT. Ion microscopy is now at the stage where it can provide previously unattainable answers to important biomedical questions.

Animals↗

Manometry and electromyography of the pharyngeal muscles in patients with dysphagia.

Simultaneous recording of the electromyographic activity of the pharyngeal muscles and the intraluminal pressure in the upper sphincter zone was performed routinely in patients with swallowing problems for the first time, to our knowledge. This technique was found to be very useful for the localization of the "site of lesion." The procedure is safe, easy to master, and causes minimal inconvenience. It can reveal, in the most direct way, whether the disturbance is in the hypopharyngeal musculature (represented by the inferior constrictor muscle), in the cricopharyngeal muscle (spasm or lack of relaxation), or in the synchronization between them. Simultaneous recording of intraluminal pressure adds valuable information about the mechanical events associated with electromyographic activity. It was found that in pathologic cases there is quite often no correlation between the electrical and mechanical events. Thus, simultaneous recording of both electrical and mechanical events is essential for the understanding of the pathophysiology of disturbances of deglutition.

Adult↗

Electromyography of the inferior constrictor and cricopharyngeal muscles during swallowing.

Electromyography (EMG) of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor (IC) and the cricopharyngeal (CP) muscle was recorded in 18 patients with swallowing and/or aspiration problems who were candidates for cricopharyngeal myotomy. The EMG recordings were compared to those of 13 "normal" subjects who did not suffer from such problems. Differences in EMG activity between the control group and the patient group were considered with respect to the clinical symptoms in the patient group. Recording of EMG in the CP and IC muscles is relatively safe, useful, and easily mastered. The technique may provide important information regarding the function of some of the muscles involved in deglutition.

Adult↗

Posttraumatic gustatory rhinorrhea.

We describe a case of gustatory rhinorrhea in which gustatory stimuli caused nasal obstruction and secretion simulating cerebrospinal rhinorrhea. This disorder was presumably caused by faulty regenerated parasympathetic nerve fibers reaching the nasal mucosa or, possibly, by a congenital condition. The characteristics of this disorder are compared with other autonomic disorders of the head and neck.

Autonomic Nervous System Diseases↗

Upper airway obstruction in Hunter syndrome.

Patients with Hunter syndrome may have symptoms of hoarseness, stridor and breathing difficulties as a result of laryngeal and tracheal involvement. In planning their evaluation, we must prefer non-invasive methods as X-ray or CT scan, and avoid doing endotracheal intubation or bronchoscopies. Review of adult cases in the literature and description of the only case of a child with Hunter syndrome having life-threatening complications of his upper airways is discussed in this report. In this case and in the literature we cannot exclude intubation or bronchoscopy as a serious aggravating factor, causing further narrowing of the larynx.

Bronchoscopy↗

Metastatic carcinoma to the temporal bone.

We present a case report of a woman with adenocarcinoma of the breast and metastasis to the temporal bone. The diagnosis of metastasis to the temporal bone may be difficult to make, for the symptoms and findings may mimic those of chronic infection. A high-resolution computed tomography scan is mandatory for complete investigation.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Detection of ABO(H) blood group antigens: a study in tissue culture.

The association between malignant transformation and the loss of ABO(H) blood group antigens was documented by several authors. Most of the work was done on paraffin sections, though a small portion was performed on fresh frozen tissues. We suggest that the specific red cell adherance (SRCA) test can be applied to tissues cultivated in tissue culture for determination of malignant transformation. This study supports this assumption.

ABO Blood-Group System↗

Ear involvement in human brucellosis.

A case report of mixed-type hearing loss following brucella infection is presented. Damage to the ear in brucellosis is well documented in the Polish literature whereas, surprisingly, it is not mentioned in the otolaryngologic and microbiologic English literature. Otolaryngologists should be aware of possible ear damage in brucellosis, in order to be helpful in the diagnostic process, with the aim of starting antibiotic treatment as soon as possible, in order to prevent irreversible ear damage.

Acute Disease↗