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Biomedical subjects

J A Breyer

Publications and source records attributed to J A Breyer.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

Localization of p35 (annexin I, lipocortin I) in normal adult rat kidney and during recovery from ischemia.

The 35-kDa protein (p35, lipocortin I, annexin I), originally discovered as a Ca(++)-dependent substrate for the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase, binds Ca++ and phospholipids, is developmentally regulated in embryos and has restricted expression in adults. Immunohistochemistry of normal rat kidney shows that p35 is enriched in epithelia of Bowman's capsule, the macula densa, and medullary/papillary collecting ducts, suggesting that p35 is related to specialized renal functions. Light staining is observed in the thick ascending limb; elsewhere, immunoreactivity is nil. Since renal recovery from ischemia involves both hyperplasia and hypertrophy and reportedly is accelerated by EGF, we examined p35 distribution during this process. After 48 hours of recovery, both the distribution and amount of renal p35 are altered. Immunoblots show p35 levels increased at least threefold in whole-kidney homogenates. The expression of p35 is still highly restricted in recovering kidneys; however, the thick ascending limb now stains heavily. This is the first documentation of alterations in annexin levels during a pathophysiologic response. However, our attempts to discern effects of exogenous EGF on the recovery from ischemia were negative for both mitotic index and renal function assays.

Animals

Diabetic nephropathy in insulin-dependent patients.

Diabetic nephropathy is a serious complication of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) that affects 30% to 40% of IDDM patients with a predictable time of onset. Epidemiologic data suggest that either a genetic susceptibility, perhaps for hypertension (HTN), or an environmental exposure selects out that subset of IDDM patients and destines them to develop diabetic nephropathy. Hopefully, assessing glomerular hyperfiltration, urinary albumin excretion rate (AER), glycemic control, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and perhaps early morphologic changes will allow early identification of this high-risk group of IDDM patients before overt nephropathy is present. Once nephropathy appears, renal function inexorably declines, although the natural history of this progression may be changing with earlier therapeutic intervention. IDDM patients with nephropathy suffer a high mortality rate compared with IDDM patients without nephropathy or with nondiabetic end-stage renal disease patients. This is primarily due to malignant atherosclerotic disease manifested as coronary, peripheral, and cerebral arterial disease. Therapeutic interventions of demonstrated benefit in slowing the rate of decline of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) include blood pressure control and low-protein diets. Strict blood sugar control or treatment with aldose reductase inhibitors, converting enzyme inhibitors (CEIs), or inhibitors of advanced glycosylation end-product formation are of possible benefit, but are awaiting clinical trial results.

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1

Elemental mercury vapour toxicity, treatment, and prognosis after acute, intensive exposure in chloralkali plant workers. Part II: Hyperchloraemia and genitourinary symptoms.

Exposure to elemental mercury vapour is known to influence renal function; however, severe renal disease has not been consistently identified. Eleven men were evaluated for renal disease after acute, massive mercury poisoning. Significant hyperchloraemia was identified in this group of patient and a reversible renal tubular defect was suggested by low normal serum bicarbonate, a normal serum anion gap and a positive urinary anion gap. The only other evidence of renal dysfunction was transient, mild proteinuria in one of the 11 patients. During this same time period, neuropsychological impairment was identified on a test of cognitive and visual-motor function, 'Trailmaking B', in seven of the 11 patients. Additionally, dysuria and ejaculatory pain occurred without evidence of urological disease. These complaints were more frequent in those patients with impairment on 'Trailmaking B' suggesting a neurological basis for these symptoms. The findings of this study support earlier observations that the brain rather than the kidney is the critical target organ after elemental mercury vapour exposure.

Adult

Nontuberculous mycobacterial peritonitis during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: case report and review of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are responsible for an increasing proportion of mycobacterial disease. Peritonitis due to NTM is an unusual but treatable complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Its presentation is similar to that of typical bacterial peritonitis, but special culture techniques are required to avoid a delay in diagnosis. Successful treatment depends on early catheter removal, drainage of fluid collections, and appropriate use of antimicrobial agents. We report a case of Mycobacterium fortuitum peritonitis in a patient undergoing CAPD, and review all previously reported cases. Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are summarized based on available literature.

Adolescent

Page kidney: case report and review of the literature.

Page kidney is caused by the accumulation of blood in the perinephric or subcapsular space, resulting in compression of the involved kidney, renal ischemia, and high renin hypertension. Most patients are young hypertensives with a remote history of blunt trauma to the abdomen or back. We describe a case of acute Page kidney following a renal biopsy in a patient with underlying IgA nephropathy. In addition to the new-onset hypertension, this patient developed a significant decline in renal function due to the inability of the contralateral diseased kidney to compensate. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound were valuable in making this diagnosis. Medical and surgical therapeutic options were considered. This report also reviews all previously described cases of Page kidney.

Adult

The epidermal growth factor precursor isolated from murine kidney membranes. Chemical characterization and biological properties.

To understand the biology and the biochemistry of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) precursor in normal tissues we partially purified the EGF precursor from mouse kidney. The precursor was purified by affinity chromatography, using wheat germ lectin and antibodies to murine EGF. The EGF precursor is a glycosylated integral membrane protein of apparent molecular mass of 140-150 kDa. The solubilized EGF precursor is biologically active as evidenced by its ability to compete with 125I-labeled EGF for binding to the EGF receptor in intact fibroblasts and its ability to stimulate the growth of cells dependent on EGF for growth. The EGF precursor from mouse kidney can be proteolytically processed by the EGF-associated arginine esterase into a smaller fragment (97 kDa) that retains both immunologic sensitivity to EGF antiserum and biological activity. Extensive digestion of the EGF precursor with pepsin liberates a biologically and immunologically active protein of approximately the size of mature EGF.

Animals

Segmental distribution of epidermal growth factor binding sites in rabbit nephron.

The kidney possesses epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors and is a major site of synthesis for the EGF precursor, prepro-EGF. To examine the segmental localization of EGF receptors in the rabbit kidney, we characterized 125I-labeled EGF binding to micro-dissected rabbit nephron segments. Specific binding constituted 70-80% of total binding and was saturable with an apparent Kd of 8 nM. Kinetic studies (0 degrees C) revealed an association t1/2 of 20.7 min and a dissociation t1/2 of 27 min. Competition studies revealed that 125I-EGF binding was inhibited by unlabeled EGF or its homologue transforming growth factor-alpha, but not by parathyroid hormone or insulin. Mapping studies showed specific 125I-EGF binding (attomoles per centimeter) was highest in proximal straight tubules, followed by proximal convoluted tubules, cortical collecting ducts, inner medullary collecting ducts, outer medullary collecting ducts, and distal convoluted tubules. Specific binding to glomeruli was also observed. Interestingly, no specific binding of 125I-EGF to thick ascending limbs, a site of EGF precursor synthesis, was observed. These studies suggest potential sites of action for EGF in the rabbit kidney.

Animals

Epidermal growth factor inhibits the hydroosmotic effect of vasopressin in the isolated perfused rabbit cortical collecting tubule.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a 53-amino acid polypeptide which is a potent mitogen for cultured cells. The kidney has recently been shown to be a major site of synthesis for the EGF precursor. EGF infusions in sheep result in a diuresis and natriuresis despite a fall in GFR, suggesting a direct tubular effect. Using in vitro microperfusion of rabbit cortical collecting tubules (CCTs) at 37 degrees C, we examined the effect of EGF on the transepithelial voltage (Vt) and arginine vasopressin (AVP)-stimulated hydraulic conductivity (Lp). Pretreatment with peritubular EGF at concentrations from 10(-8) to 10(-12) M resulted in a 50% inhibition of both AVP- and 8-chlorophenythio-cyclic AMP-stimulated peak Lp. This effect was reversed by the protein kinase C inhibitor, staurosporine, but unaffected by indomethacin. CCTs with an initially negative Vt, depolarized after exposure to bath EGF. 10(-8) M EGF applied from the lumen had no effect on either Lp or Vt. Specific binding of 20 nM 125I-EGF to microdissected CCTs was also demonstrated. These results suggest that EGF can modulate both salt and water transport in the CCT via a receptor linked to protein kinase C activation.

Alkaloids