PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

R Krishnan

Publications and source records attributed to R Krishnan.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

HLA DPB1 genotyping in Australian aborigines by amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis.

The HLA-DPB1 alleles in 93 Australian aborigines, from two geographically separate areas within Australia, were studied by AFLP analysis. There was a restricted range of DPB1 alleles seen in the aboriginal population, and the distribution of alleles varied between the two aboriginal groups. DPB1*0501 was the most common allele in the aborigines from the Central Desert, whereas DPB1*0401 was the most frequent allele in the Northern Coast aborigines. A new AFLP pattern was observed, and was found to correspond to the allele DPB1*2201, recently identified by SSO analysis. The DPB1 allele frequency distribution for both of the aboriginal groups was different from that seen for the Australian Caucasoid population.

Alleles↗

Stereochemistry of 2'-5' linked nucleic acids: crystal and molecular structure of ammonium adenylyl-2',5'-adenosine tetrahydrate: a core fragment of 2'-5' oligo A's produced by interferon induced adenylate synthetase.

The preponderance of 3'-5' phosphodiester links in nucleic acids is well known. Albeit less prevalent, the 2'-5' links are specifically utilised in the formation of 'lariat' in group II introns and in the msDNA-RNA junction in myxobacterium. As a sequel to our earlier study on cytidylyl-2',5'-adenosine we have now obtained the crystal structure of adenylyl-2',5'-adenosine (A2'p5'A) at atomic resolution. This dinucleoside monophosphate crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with a = 7.956(3) A, b = 12.212(3) A and c = 36.654(3) A. CuK alpha intensity data were collected on a diffractometer. The structure was sloved by direct methods and refined by full matrix least squares methods to R = 10.8%. The 2' terminal adenine is in the commonly observed anti (chi 2 = 161 degrees) conformation and the 5' terminal base has a syn (chi 1 = 55 degrees) conformation more often seen in purine nucleotides. A noteworthy feature of A2'p5'A is the intranucleotide hydrogen bond between N3 and O5' atoms of the 5' adenine base. The two furanose rings in A2'p5'A show different conformations - C2' endo, C3' endo puckering for the 5' and 2' ends respectively. In this structure too there is a stacking of the purine base on the ribose O4' just as in other 2'-5' dinucleoside structures, a feature characteristically seen in the left handed Z DNA. In having syn, anti conformation about the glycosyl bonds, C2' endo, C3' endo mixed sugar puckering and N3-O5' intramolecular hydrogen bond A2'p5'A resembles its 3'-5' analogue and several other 2'-5' dinucleoside monophosphate structures solved so far. Striking similarities between the 2'-5' dinucleoside monophosphate structures suggest that the conformation of the 5'-end nucleoside dictates the conformation of the 2' end nucleoside. Also, the 2'-5' dimers do not favour formation of miniature classical double helical structures like the 3'-5' dimers. It is conceivable, 2-5(A) could be using the stereochemical features of A2'p5'A which accounts for its higher activity.

2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase↗

Expression and cellular localization of retinol-binding protein messenger ribonucleic acid in bovine blastocysts and extraembryonic membranes.

A cDNA clone encoding retinol-binding protein (RBP) was isolated from a bovine conceptus cDNA library by use of an antiserum specific for bovine conceptus RBP (bcRBP). The RBP cDNA clone, designated bcRBP-700, is 732 bp in length and codes for a protein whose predicted amino acid sequence is identical to that of bovine plasma RBP. The size of the RBP mRNA transcript in bovine chorioallantois was approximately 1.4 kb as determined by Northern blot analysis. Expression of the protein and its mRNA in expanding bovine conceptuses (Day 13) and extraembryonic membranes (Day 45) was determined by immunocytochemistry with anti-bcRBP serum and in situ hybridization with 35S-labeled bcRBP-700 cDNA. Strong immunostaining for RBP and hybridization signals for RBP mRNA were observed in trophectoderm of tubular but not spherical Day 13 blastocysts. RBP mRNA was localized in epithelial cells lining the chorion, allantois, and amnion at Day 45 of pregnancy. In addition, RBP mRNA was detected in cotyledons, the sites of chorionic attachment to the uterine endometrium and physiological exchange between the embryo and its mother. Expression of RBP in expanding conceptuses, developing extraembryonic membranes, and sites of fetal-maternal attachment suggests that the extraembryonic membranes regulate retinol transport and availability within the conceptus.

Allantois↗

Pre-admission assessment clinics: an answer to non-attendance for ENT operations.

Non-attendance by patients for elective surgery with insufficient time to find replacement leads to wasted theatre time and wasted resources. The introduction of pre-admission clinics at the North Riding Infirmary, Middlesbrough has alleviated this problem and has led to considerable financial savings. A 12 month prospective study has shown an increase in operations performed from 3738 to 3944. Financial savings have not been taken into consideration in this publication.

Elective Surgical Procedures↗

Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia associated with massive L-tryptophan ingestion.

A 51-year-old woman developed acute febrile illness with respiratory failure following intake of L-tryptophan. An open lung biopsy specimen established the histopathologic nature of the lung lesion as bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP). There was no evidence of other known causes usually associated with BOOP. Her condition improved with corticosteroid therapy. The entity of BOOP now should be added to the growing list of illnesses associated with the use of L-tryptophan.

Bronchiolitis Obliterans↗

Treatment of social phobia with clonazepam and placebo.

Clonazepam and placebo were administered in a double-blind pilot study to 75 outpatients with social phobia. The mean maximum dose of clonazepam was 2.4 mg/day at endpoint (range, 0.5 to 3 mg). Treatment was continued for up to 10 weeks. The results of an intent-to-treat analysis indicated superior effects of clonazepam on most measures. Response rates for clonazepam and placebo were 78.3 and 20.0%. Drug effects were apparent on performance and generalized social anxiety, on fear and phobic avoidance, on interpersonal sensitivity, on fears of negative evaluation, and on disability measures. Significant differences were evident by week 1, 2, or 6, depending upon the rating scale used. Clonazepam was well tolerated in general, although unsteadiness and dizziness were more severe and persistent than was the case for placebo subjects.

Adult↗

A BamHI repeat element is predominantly associated with the degenerating neo-Y chromosome of Drosophila miranda but absent in the Drosophila melanogaster genome.

In Drosophila miranda, females have two X1 and two evolving X2 chromosomes, and males have one of each of these two X chromosomes and a Y chromosome. In males, the homologue of the X2 chromosome, the neo-Y chromosome, is attached to the Y chromosome and is under the process of degenerative evolution. We have examined a developmentally regulated X2/neo-Y chromosome-linked gene, 549mr, of D. miranda and found that the neo-Y chromosome-linked copy of this gene (549mr-NY) contains an insertional DNA. We discovered that sequences similar to those in the insertional DNA are present in multiple copies in the genome of both sexes of D. miranda but are more abundant in the males. The insertional DNA also identified a 1.1-kilobase BamHI repeat that is present in at least 6-fold excess in the male genome as compared to the female. This BamHI repeat and similar DNA sequences are predominantly concentrated on the evolving neo-Y chromosome, but very few are found on the homologous X2 and other chromosomes. The BamHI repeat also hybridizes with 2.0- and 1.8-kb RNAs and many other RNA species, which together are also approximately 6-fold greater in males. No sequences similar to the BamHI repeat are found in Drosophila melanogaster. Moreover, the BamHI repeat is not homologous to P, copia, or other D. melanogaster transposable elements. This repeat, named the NY element, may be involved in gene disruption and the process of degenerative evolution of the neo-Y chromosome.

Animals↗

Effects of enalapril and hydralazine treatment and withdrawal upon cardiovascular hypertrophy in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that effects of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors upon resistance vessel structure are responsible for their ability to cause long-term reduction in blood pressure. DESIGN: Stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive (SHRSP) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were treated with enalapril or hydralazine from 4 to 15 weeks of age. Effects upon tail-cuff blood pressure, left ventricular hypertrophy and structural indices of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and its resistance vessels were assessed at 11 weeks of treatment and up to 11 weeks post-treatment. METHODS: Left ventricular hypertrophy was assessed by left ventricular weight:body weight ratios. Evidence of vascular structural change was obtained from tissue weight:body weight ratios, levels of RNA, DNA and expression of alpha-actin and elastin messenger (m)RNA. RESULTS: The effects of enalapril and hydralazine upon left ventricular hypertrophy in SHRSP were consistent with their respective effects upon blood pressure. Both drugs prevented the development of medial hypertrophy in SMA and resistance vessels. This was accompanied by substantial reductions in RNA:DNA ratios. Alpha-actin mRNA levels were not affected by either drug but elastin mRNA levels were reduced by both drugs. During the first 12 days post-treatment there was evidence of structural change in SMA accompanying the increases in blood pressure but importantly not in the resistance vessels. CONCLUSION: The effects of enalapril upon left ventricular hypertrophy and mesenteric arterial hypertrophy are totally consistent with responses to blood pressure and the persistence of structural changes post-treatment does not underlie the ability of the ACE inhibitors to persistently suppress hypertension.

Animals↗

Dosage compensation of a retina-specific gene in Drosophila miranda.

The X1R chromosome of Drosophila miranda and the 3L autosome of Drosophila melanogaster are thought to have originated from the ancestral D chromosomal element and therefore may contain the same set of genes. It is expected that these genes will be dosage compensated in D. miranda because of their X linkage. To test these possibilities and to study evolution of the dosage compensation mechanism, we used the 3L-linked autosomal head-specific gene 507 ml of D. melanogaster to isolate the homologous gene (507mr) from a D. miranda genomic library. In situ hybridization showed that gene 507 is located at the 12A region of the X1R chromosome of D. miranda, indicating that the chromosomal homology deduced by cytogenetic means is correct. Restriction analysis and cross-specific DNA and RNA blot hybridization revealed the presence of extensive restriction pattern polymorphism and lack of sequence similarity in some areas of the 507mr and 507 ml DNA, including the 3' portion of the transcribed region. However, the 5' portion of the transcribed region and the DNA sequences, located approximately 0.8 kb upstream and 3 kb downstream from the 507 ml gene showed a high degree of similarity with the DNA sequences of comparable regions of the 507mr gene. In both species gene 507 codes for a highly abundant 1.8 kb RNA which is expressed in the retina of the compound eye. Although in D. miranda the males have one and the females have two copies of the 507 gene, the steady-state levels of the 507 mRNA in both sexes were found to be similar, indicating that gene 507 is dosage compensated in D. miranda.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alcohol Dehydrogenase↗

The identification of 14 alpha,17 beta-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one monohydrate and 14 alpha,17 beta-dihydroxyandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one monohydrate, metabolites of androstenedione in Mucor piriformis.

The microorganism Mucor piriformis transforms androst-4-ene-3,17-dione into a major and several minor metabolites. X-ray crystallographic analysis of two of these metabolites was undertaken to determine unambiguously their composition and chirality. Crystals belong to the orthorhombic space-group P2(1)2(1)2(1), with a = 7.199(4) A and a = 6.023(3) A, b = 11.719(3) A and b = 13.455(4) A, c = 20.409(3) A and c = 20.702(4) A for the two title compounds, respectively. The structures have been refined to final R values of 0.060 and 0.040, respectively.

Androstadienes↗

Elastofibroma: disturbed elastic fibrillogenesis by periosteal-derived cells? An immunoelectron microscopic and in situ hybridization study.

Monospecific antibodies to elastic tissue components have been used for immunoelectron microscopy of two examples of elastofibroma. The elastic-staining fibers typically seen in these lesions exhibited a variety of morphologies with differing ratios of the amorphous and microfibrillar components usually seen in elastic fibers. The amorphous elastic material in these fibers had variable affinity for ionic stains and exhibited several substructural morphologies. Despite this, each form reacted specifically with anti-elastin antibodies. Most of the elastic fibers were associated with relatively large numbers of 12-nm diameter microfibrils that were typical of those associated with normal elastic fibers, and were specifically reactive with monospecific antibodies to microfibril-associated glycoprotein. In situ hybridization studies with a cRNA probe for human elastin confirmed that active elastin biosynthesis was occurring patchily within the lesions. The appearances and staining characteristics of the elastic tissue elements, the morphology of the cells, and the structure of the collagen fibers in these lesions were shown to have many features in common with those of normal periosteum. It is proposed that elastofibromas arise from the periosteum as a result of chronic irritation and that the different elastic fiber morphologies represent disturbances of elastic fibrillogenesis by periosteal-derived cells.

Aged↗

Study of the seminal vesicles in acute epididymitis.

Although it has been suggested that seminal vesiculitis is present in patients with epididymitis, it has not been proven. We performed rectal ultrasound assessment of the seminal vesicles in 18 consecutive patients with epididymitis. The seminal vesicles on the same side as the epididymitis was significantly enlarged in 75% of cases; 92% of these enlarged vesicles returned to normal size in 12 weeks. A persistently enlarged seminal vesicle was associated with unresolved epididymitis, and further bacteriological studies in these cases demonstrated continued Chlamydia infection in some patients over 35 years of age.

Acute Disease↗

Elastin gene expression in elastotic human breast cancers and epithelial cell lines.

Elastosis is a prominent feature of the desmoplastic reaction in many invasive breast cancers. It is widely held that the elastic tissue is produced by fibroblastic cells of the breast stroma, but several studies have suggested that it derives from breast cancer epithelium. In studies directed to examining the mechanisms regulating desmoplasia in breast cancers, cell lines of human breast cancer derivation have been shown to synthesize immunoreactive tropoelastin in cell culture. Stromal fibroblasts, grown out from breast cancers, produced as much elastin as did nuchal ligament fibroblasts at similar passages. The human breast cancer cell lines, grown under similar conditions, produced elastin in culture at rates equivalent to 1.6-15% of those of the control fibroblastic cells. These included two estrogen receptor positive and one estrogen receptor negative cell types. Northern blot analysis of total RNA showed the presence, under high stringency conditions, of a 3.5-kilobase elastin mRNA band in both the fibroblastic cells and the cancer cell lines. In situ hybridization, with an elastin complementary RNA probe (prepared from a short segment of the translated region of human elastin mRNA), has been carried out on a selection of 21 invasive ductal breast cancers and 9 normal breast samples. It has been found that, while fibroblastic cells of the stroma and of the periductal region are responsible for elastin synthesis in most breast cancers, the malignant epithelium is a source of the elastin in the desmoplastic tissue of a significant proportion of such neoplasms. Vascular endothelium also expresses the elastin gene in some breast cancers. The elastotic elastin may have different cellular origins in different portions of a single ductal breast cancer. The results indicate that elastosis in breast cancers is very likely to be a complex process with multifactorial regulatory mechanisms. Subclassifying cancers according to the cellular source of the desmoplastic elastin, on the basis of in situ hybridization of elastin mRNA, may provide insights into the prognostic significance of elastosis in breast cancers.

Adult↗