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R Cerutti

Publications and source records attributed to R Cerutti.

48 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Cord blood cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoprotein electrophoresis in 124 Italian infants.

Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and lipoproteins (by electrophoresis on agarose gel) were determined in the cord blood of 124 Italian infants (Verona area). The mean TC and TG values, when compared with the values reported in other studies, turned out to be remarkably uniform, suggesting common genetic determinants in the modulation of blood lipids; no sex differences were observed. The TG distribution curve was skewed, overlapping the adult pattern. Cord blood TC and TG were not modified by the presence of perinatal factors. Both beta and alpha bands (on agarose gel electrophoresis) were present in all the cases. The pre-beta band was clearly detectable in 90% of the cases; it was barely visible for TG values below 20 mg/100 ml; occasionally a discrepancy between the intensity of the pre-beta band and the cord blood TG was observed, indicating a variable lipid composition of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). In 4% of the cases a small band at the origin of the electrophoretic run was observed, consistent with the presence of chylomicrons. In the serum of both a newborn infant and its mother we detected a double band migrating in the pre-beta region. This finding confirms the hypothesis of a familial transmission of this abnormality.

Cholesterol↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Digital radiography in urography].

The clinical utility was evaluated of a computed radiographic system in urography. The system (FCR 101, Philips Medical Systems, Inc., Shelton, CT) is based on a photo-stimulatable phosphor screen (imaging plate) for X-ray image detection and storage. The X-ray information recorded on the imaging plate is converted into digital from and processed by means of a computer. After processing is completed, the digitized image is reversed back to analogic signals, which modulate the intensity of a laser beam scanning the image on a single-emulsion film (Fuji CR 633). Two hundred IVP's were obtained in four groups, of 50 patients each, with normal azotemic values by rapid infusion of a low osmolality contrast medium (iopamidol 150 mgI/ml). While conventional radiographs were performed on the first group of patients with the injection of 0.6 gI/kg body weight of contrast medium, digital examinations were carried out, in the remaining three groups, with the injection of 0.6, 0.3 and 0.12 gI/kg, respectively. The digital images were processed with the "Abdomen-routine" program. A specific algorithm was implemented in order to reduce the excessive contrast resolution of the bladder, which is due to the characteristics of the nonionic contrast medium and enhanced by the reading program. The image details were evaluated by two observers and then statistically analyzed with nonparametric tests. Statistical analysis did not show any difference in the quality of digital and screen-film images. Image processing improved some inadequate images, by reducing the contrast resolution of the bladder, and allowed a better detection of some details. Low doses (0.3 gI/kg) of a low osmolality (150 mgI/kg) contrast medium were enough to obtain good images. Another biological advantage was obtained by a consistent radiation dose reduction (about 40%).

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Renal genetic mechanisms of essential hypertension.

Human essential hypertension is a polygenic disease whose phenotypic expression is modulated by the environment. Though the kidney could play a major role in the initiation and maintainment of hypertension, many questions remain open. Rat models of primary hypertension provided the substantial information with experiments on kidney cross-transplantation showing that at least a portion of hypertension could be transplanted with the kidney in all strains where such experiment has been carried out. Data consistent with those of rats have also been obtained in humans. Many abnormalities in kidney function and cell membrane on transport have been described in hypertensive rats and humans but the logical sequence of events going from a genetic-molecular abnormality to a cellular abnormality which causes hypertension via a modification of kidney function is difficult to prove. We established this sequence in Milan hypertensive rats using a variety of experimental techniques such as the study of isolated kidney and renal cell function, cell membrane ion transport, cross-immunisation with membrane proteins, molecular biology, genetic crosses and manipulation. Such study led to the identification of a polymorphism in the cytoskeletal protein adducin and to the demonstration of its role in blood pressure control. Recently, alpha-adducin variants have been associated to both human primary hypertension and salt sensitive hypertension. Finally, recent findings strongly support the hypothesis that adducin variants may affect kidney function by modulating the overall capacity of the tubular epithelial cells to transport ions through both a modification in the assembly of actin cytoskeleton, and a modulation of sodium pump activity.

Animals↗