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Biomedical subjects

J Bernheim

Publications and source records attributed to J Bernheim.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Effect of sodium and chloride depletion on urinary prostaglandin F2 alpha excretion in potassium loaded rats.

Previous studies have shown that the urinary excretion of prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha is stimulated by potassium (K) loading. Because changes of sodium chloride (NaCl) intake also affect renal PG production, in this study we investigated the interaction between the effect of K and that of concomitant reduction of Na and Cl intake. The urinary excretion of PGF2 alpha and PGE2 was measured in 12 groups of female rats on normal, high or low K intake. Na and Cl intake were adjusted so that rats had normal intake (controls, C), were selectively Cl depleted (CD), selectively Na depleted (ND) or Na and Cl depleted (NCD). In rats with normal K intake, urinary PGF2 alpha was not modified by changes of Na or Cl intake, whereas PGE2 was increased in by Cl depletion (in both NCD or CD groups). Potassium chloride loading increased urinary PGF2 alpha and selective Na depletion (ND group) induced a further increase. On the other hand, PGF2 alpha was not stimulated when K load was associated with Cl depletion. Urine PGF2 alpha was directly correlated with plasma aldosterone and urinary kallikrein. Urinary PGE2 did not change with K-loading. The results suggest that PGF2 alpha participates in the renal adaptation to KCl-loading but not when K is accompanied by non-Cl anions.

Aldosterone↗
PubMed1992

Assessment of combined 24,25(OH)2D3 and 1 alpha (OH)D3 therapy for bone disease in dialysis patients.

An increasing body of experimental data suggests a role for 24,25(OH)2D3 in bone metabolism. The present study was carried out to assess a possible therapeutic role of this vitamin D metabolite in renal osteodystrophy. Twenty-two chronic dialysis patients, most of whom were previously maintained on 1 alpha (OH)D3 therapy, received additional treatment with 10 micrograms/day 24,25(OH)2D3 and were compared to 19 patients receiving 1 alpha (OH)D3 alone. Analysis of transiliac bone biopsies obtained at study entry and following 10-16 months of treatment revealed that the combined therapy produced a decrease in bone turnover. Specifically, the addition of 24,25(OH)2D3 inhibited an increase in trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) and suppressed osteoclastic parameters. Thus BV/TV increased from 26.2 +/- 8.6 to 32.1 +/- 7.5% (p < 0.01) in the 1 alpha (OH)D3 group, but it remained unchanged in the combined therapy group. In contrast, the eroded surface (ES/BS), the osteoclast surface (Oc.S/BS), and the osteoclast numbers were significantly suppressed in patients receiving both 24,25(OH)2D3 and 1 alpha (OH)D3, as compared with those receiving 1 alpha (OH)D3 alone (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001, respectively). These improvements were independent of changes in 1 alpha (OH)D3 dosage. The extent of bone aluminium deposits was unrelated to the administration of 24,25(OH)2D3 or to its effect. 24,25(OH)2D3 therapy was not associated with any adverse effects.

24,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3↗
PubMed1992

Altered prostaglandin synthesis and impaired sodium conservation in the kidneys of old rats.

1. The aim of this investigation was to study the role of prostaglandins in the impaired Na+ conservation of the ageing kidney. 2. We measured the urinary excretion of thromboxane B2, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha and prostaglandin E2 in young (3-4 months) and old (20-21 months) rats after 12, 24 and 36 h of Na+ deprivation. In a separate protocol, we measured prostanoid synthesis by isolated glomeruli, cortical homogenates, medullary slices and papillary slices from young and old rats in basal conditions and after 15 days of dietary Na+ deprivation. 3. In the acute study, urinary excretion of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha and prostaglandin E2 decreased in young but not in old rats. Urinary excretion of prostaglandin E2 was lower in old rats, but did not vary significantly with Na+ deprivation. 4. In old rats, thromboxane B2 synthesis was increased in all the portions of the kidney except the medulla. Production of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha was elevated in glomeruli and tended to increase in the cortex. Prostaglandin E2 synthesis was also elevated in the cortex. Thromboxane B2 synthesis tended to increase in the medulla and was enhanced in the papilla. After Na+ deprivation, only glomerular prostaglandin E2 synthesis increased in young rats. In old rats, cortical and papillary synthesis of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha increased, whereas prostaglandin E2 synthesis did not change. 5. The results suggest increased thromboxane synthesis in the ageing kidney. Increased prostacyclin and prostaglandin E2 synthesis may be an attempt to counteract enhanced thromboxane production.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗
PubMed1992

Adriamycin nephropathy: a model to study effects of pregnancy on renal disease in rats.

The influence of pregnancy on the evolution of primary renal disease is still a matter of controversy. Hypertension and derangement of renal function may occur. The pathophysiology of these complications is poorly understood. In the present study, we assessed the influence of pregnancy on the evolution of adriamycin (Adr) nephropathy. Four groups of animals were studied: 1) control virgin rats (C), 2) normal pregnant rats (NP), 3) virgin rats with nephropathy (Adr), and 4) pregnant rats with nephropathy (Adr-P). Inulin clearance measured at the end of pregnancy in awake rats was similar in NP (1.68 +/- 0.20 ml/min) and C (1.39 +/- 0.03 ml/min). In Adr-P rats, it tended to decrease (1.22 +/- 0.7 vs. 1.93 +/- 0.44 ml/min in Adr rats). Mean arterial pressure was increased in Adr-P rats (137 +/- 2.5 vs. 95 +/- 3.2 mmHg in NP; P < 0.001). Urinary protein excretion was 216 +/- 61 mg/day in Adr-P compared with 28.7 +/- 18 mg/day in Adr (P < 0.001). A significant increase in the glomerular thromboxane B2-to-prostaglandin E2 ratio was found in Adr-P rats (1.15 +/- 0.26 vs. 0.52 +/- 0.12 in Adr rats; P < 0.03). In NP rats, no change was observed. Kidneys and placentas were normal on light and electron microscopy. Thus pregnant rats with adriamycin nephropathy developed a clinical picture with several features of preeclampsia. Changes in glomerular prostanoid synthesis might play a role in the development of this complication.

Anesthesia↗
PubMed1992

Stimulation of renal prostanoid synthesis by potassium loading in the rat.

In vitro we measured the urinary excretion and synthesis of prostaglandins (PGE2, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, thromboxane B2 and PGF2 alpha) by isolated glomeruli, cortical homogenates, medulla and papilla in KCl-loaded rats (KCl+, average K intake: 17 mmol/day for 20 days) and in rats loaded with non-Cl K salts (KCl-, average K intake: 21 mmol/day) as compared with control rats. In 2 separate groups of rats (KCl+ and KCl-) the urinary excretion of prostaglandins was measured after variations of K intake from an average of 4 to 20 mmol/day in 5-day periods. Glomerular PGE2 synthesis tended to decrease in KCl+, whereas it increased in KCl- rats. 6-Keto-PGF1 alpha and TXB2 did not vary, and PGF2 alpha decreased in both K-loaded groups. In the cortex, KCl loading decreased PGE2 synthesis. In KCl-, cortical TXB2 decreased. In the medulla, KCl loading increased the synthesis of TXB2 and PGF2 alpha, but not that of PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha. In KCl- rats, TXB2 but not PGF2 alpha increased and PGE2 synthesis was also elevated. In the papilla, TXB2 synthesis increased in both KCl+ and KCl- rats. The urinary excretion of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and TXB2 increased in both KCl+ and KCl- rats, whereas PGF2 alpha increased only in KCl+ rats. The changes of glomerular prostaglandin synthesis during K loading could dilate the glomerular vasculature, in keeping with the known vasoactive effects of the cation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aldosterone↗
PubMed1992

Spontaneously remitting minimal change nephropathy preceding a relapse of Hodgkin's disease by 19 months.

A 35-year-old women was diagnosed as suffering from Hodgkin's disease, lymphocytic predominant, based on a biopsy of an enlarged axillary lymph node. She was classified as stage IIA. Subtotal nodal irradiation resulted in a full remission. Ten months later she presented with a full blown nephrotic syndrome. Renal biopsy disclosed minimal change nephropathy. Despite extensive investigation no evidence of a relapse of the lymphoma was found. Whilst undergoing the investigation her proteinuria began to decrease and during the next 5 months it totally disappeared with no specific treatment being administered. Fourteen months after complete cessation of the proteinuria a left parasternal mass appeared. Biopsy confirmed a relapse of Hodgkin's lymphoma. The patient fully responded to chemotherapy and local irradiation. Noticeably, during the relapse and currently after a 3.5 year follow up period the patient has remained free of proteinuria. A review of the literature yielded altogether 14 cases in which the course of minimal change nephropathy did not run in parallel to that of the lymphoma. These are discussed in detail.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

CAPD peritonitis--initial presentation as an acute abdomen with a clear peritoneal effluent.

Accepted criteria for the diagnosis of peritonitis in CAPD include: 1. symptoms and signs of peritoneal irritation; 2. a cloudy effluent with white blood cell (WBC) count greater than 100/microliters and; 3. a positive culture. In fact, the earliest suggestive sign of peritonitis is a turbid effluent. However, symptomatology of peritoneal irritation may precede the development of a cloudy fluid. We hereby report on two CAPD patients with culture proven peritonitis whose initial presentation was that of an acute abdomen. Although diffuse rebound tenderness was elicited the initial effluent, after an overnight dwell, was clear with a WBC count of 80 and 70/microliters, respectively. Working diagnoses on admission included a ruptured cyst and a perforated peptic ulcer. Both patients were in line for a laparotomy. After a period of 7 and 12 hours, respectively the ensuing effluents turned turbid with WBC counts of 6,400 and 2,500/microliters. Cultures eventually grew Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus viridans. Appropriate antibiotic treatment resulted in full recovery.

Abdomen, Acute↗
PubMed1991

[Splenic subcapsular hematoma and long-term hemodialysis].

Uremic patients, or those on maintenance hemodialysis, are at increased risk for spontaneous bleeding. Manifestations include retroperitoneal, costal, hepatic, renal, pericardial, mediastinal and subdural hemorrhages. We describe 2 patients on chronic hemodialysis, a 45-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman. Each developed a subcapsular hematoma of the spleen, diagnosed by sonography and CT scan. They were conservatively managed by low-dose heparin, bed rest and careful monitoring. Frequently repeated ultrasound and CT scans demonstrated complete resolution of the hematomas after 2 and 4 months, respectively.

Bed Rest↗
PubMed1991

Effect of the prostacyclin analogue iloprost in sodium-depleted rats pretreated with captopril.

Previous studies have shown that administration of captopril to sodium-depleted rats decreases the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and blunts the increase in glomerular prostacyclin synthesis normally occurring in response to sodium depletion. To clarify the relationship between these two responses, iloprost, a stable analogue of prostacyclin, was administered to Na-depleted, captopril-treated (LNC) rats. At a dosage not affecting systemic blood pressure (12.5 ng/kg/min), iloprost increased GFR in LNC rats by 25% (from 0.26 +/- 0.03 to 0.35 +/- 0.03 ml/min/100 g body wt, P less than 0.01), without significant effects on renal plasma flow. No effect was observed in control rats. The results suggest that altered prostacyclin synthesis could contribute to the decrease of GFR in this model.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Two point analysis 15-minute 14C-urea breath test for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection.

The value of a two point analysis (double sample) 14C-urea breath test in diagnosing Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection in patients with suspected acid peptic disease has been studied and compared to histology and to a rapid agar plate urease test in 76 patients. Using the histological finding of HP as the gold standard, the 14C-breath test was positive in 59 of the 61 histologically confirmed infected patients and in 3 of the 15 noninfected ones, giving a sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 80%. In 12 patients, a smaller dose of 3 mu Ci 14C-urea was used. The results correlated well with those in whom the higher dose of 10 mu Ci was used. We conclude that a two point 14C-urea breath test with analysis at 5 and 15 min is effective in diagnosing HP infection thus obviating the need for endoscopy and biopsy.

Breath Tests↗
PubMed1991

Cetirizine: more than an antihistamine?

Cetirizine, a metabolite of hydroxyzine, is an antihistamine with as distinguishing features: 1) exquisite anti-H1 specificity: cetirizine appears unique in being devoid of action on receptors other than the H1 receptor; 2) potency: at unit dose it is the most potent antihistamine in the skin and the lung; 3) absence of metabolism. These three characteristics suggest that cetirizine be considered the choice H1 antagonist for experiments on the immediate allergic reaction. Cetirizine additionally in vitro inhibits the migration of eosinophils, and in vivo, in the skin, the infiltration by eosinophils that is characteristic for the late phase allergic reaction. Other antihistamines are less active or inactive with respect to this property. According to several lines of evidence, the effect of cetirizine on eosinophils is unlikely to be due to H1 antagonism, but is more likely a novel property of the compound.

Allergens↗
PubMed1991

Cutaneous responses to histamine, compound 48/80, and codeine in patients with chronic renal failure.

Pruritus is a common symptom associated with chronic renal failure (CRF). But increased plasma histamine levels and skin mast cell proliferation previously reported in these patients did not correlate with the intensity of the pruritus. Since increased mast cell releasability was described in chronic idiopathic urticaria, we attempted to examine whether this mechanism could explain pruritus in patients with CRF. Twenty-five patients with end stage renal failure were skin tested with histamine, codeine, and compound 48/80. There were nine patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, eight patients on hemodialysis, (tested both before and after dialysis) and eight patients with advanced CRF. Wheal area after intradermal injection of three concentrations of the above substances was measured. In general, the wheal areas in all patients with CRF were either similar to or smaller than those of the control group who were without renal impairment. In conclusion, patients with CRF with or without dialysis therapy demonstrated unchanged or decreased skin test responses to histamine, codeine, and compound 48/80. Increased mast cell releasability cannot explain the pruritus in patients with CRF.

Adult↗