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K Marten

Publications and source records attributed to K Marten.

25 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Swelling of capillary endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes in the ischaemic myocardium of artificially arrested canine hearts.

To establish whether coronary perfusion with cardioplegic solutions results in better intraischaemic structural preservation of endothelial cells than of cardiomyocytes, we determined intraischaemic swelling of these two cell types in hearts differently arrested during global ischaemia at 5 degrees C. Cardiac arrest was induced in situ by aortic cross clamping or by additional coronary perfusion with various cardioplegic solutions. Parameters for cellular swelling were determined, i.e. barrier thickness of capillary endothelial cells and sum of the volume fractions (V(V)) of free sarcoplasm and mitochondria (V(VSp) + V(VMi)) in cardiomyocytes. In order to test the intraischaemic relative increase of cellular volume in both cell types, regression analyses were performed. The results show that the relative intraischaemic volume increase was similar in both cell types after perfusion with histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution, and significantly less pronounced in capillary endothelial cells after perfusion with University of Wisconsin solution. In hearts arrested with St. Thomas' Hospital solution, a significantly higher volume increase was determined in capillary endothelial cells. Thus, capillary endothelium does not generally show a higher structural preservation than cardiomyocytes during ischaemia. Instead, volume regulation in both types of cells depends on the type of cardioplegic solution used. These results should be taken into consideration in human transplantation medicine.

Adenosine↗

Structural protection of the myocardial capillary endothelium by different forms of cardiac arrest and subsequent global ischemia at 5 degrees C.

BACKGROUND: In transplantation surgery sufficient myocardial protection achieved by cardioplegic cardiac arrest and deep hypothermia is a prerequisite for successful resumption of donor heart function. Intraischemic damage of the endothelium combined with capillary compression may lead to the "no-reflow phenomenon" during reperfusion, resulting in insufficient cardiac resuscibility. METHODS: We evaluated the endothelial ultrastructure after various common forms of cardiac arrest and subsequent ischemia in deep hypothermia. Canine hearts were arrested by aortic cross clamping and surface cooling with Tutofusin' (ACC) or by coronary perfusion with Custodiol (histidine tryptophane ketoglutarate, HTK solution), with University of Wisconsin solution (UW), or with St. Thomas' Hospital solution. After extirpation the hearts were incubated at 5 degrees C in the solution used for cardiac arrest. Myocardial samples were taken immediately after cardiac arrest and after 2h, 4h, 6h, and 10 h of global ischemia. The degree of structural damage was evaluated by a scoring system. Endothelial swelling was determined as the mean barrier thickness of the capillary endothelium. RESULTS: At all selected time points our results show that 1) after cardioplegia with St. Thomas' solution, the degree of endothelial cell swelling was higher than after aortic cross clamping; 2) using HTK or UW solution, the endothelial ultrastructure was better preserved than after aortic cross clamping or using St. Thomas' solution, whereby HTK was slightly better than UW; 3) using UW solution, endothelial cell swelling was a little (up to 10%) but significantly less than after HTK perfusion. CONCLUSIONS: With respect to the intraischemic structural preservation of endothelial cells, UW or HTK solution combined with deep hypothermia promises adequate protection, compared with other clinically used methods tested.

Animals↗

Using self-view television to distinguish between self-examination and social behavior in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus).

In mirror mark tests dolphins twist, posture, and engage in open-mouth and head movements, often repetitive. Because postures and an open mouth are also dolphin social behaviors, we used self-view television as a manipulatable mirror to distinguish between self-examination and social behavior. Two dolphins were exposed to alternating real-time self-view ("mirror mode") and playback of the same to determine if they distinguished between them. The adult male engaged in elaborate open-mouth behaviors in mirror mode, but usually just watched when played back the same material. Mirror mode behavior was also compared to interacting with real dolphins (controls). Mark tests were conducted, as well as switches from front to side self-views to see if the dolphins turned. They presented marked areas to the self-view television and turned. The results suggest self-examination over social behavior.

Animal Communication↗

MRI in the evaluation of müllerian duct anomalies.

OBJECTIVE: Müllerian duct anomalies (MDAs) result from nondevelopment or nonfusion of the müllerian ducts and occur in 1-5% of women. Accurate diagnosis of the various subtypes is of great importance as MDAs are frequently associated with a broad variety of clinical symptoms. Recently, evidence arose that MRI might play a major role in diagnosis of MDAs. We present four cases of diverse subtypes of MDAs and the corresponding MRI findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients (n = 4) with clinical suspicion of MDAs were examined with MRI. Coronal and transaxial T1- and T2-weighted images were acquired. Diagnosis was made and patients were grouped according to the American Fertility Society's classification. Patients underwent laparoscopy or laparotomy in order to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: MRI revealed MDAs in all patients. In detail, one patient was diagnosed with hypoplastic uterus, one with unicornuate uterus with a noncommunicating rudimentary horn, one with bicornuate uterus bicollis with a double vagina and one with septate uterus. MRI diagnosis was correct in all cases, as confirmed by subsequent surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: MRI is a valuable tool in diagnosis of MDA subtypes. Its use will help to spare patients mutilating surgery and to prevent pregnancy-associated complications.

Adult↗