PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

R L Pardy

Publications and source records attributed to R L Pardy.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Fiber type and regional differences in oxidative capacity and glycogen content in the hamster diaphragm.

The purpose of this study was to define variability of the oxidative capacity and glycogen content between different fiber types and regions of the hamster diaphragm. Using histochemical and microphotometric techniques, the oxidative capacity (identified by nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide tetrazolium reductase reaction end product) and glycogen levels (identified by the periodic acid-Schiff stain test) were examined in three myofibrillar ATPase (M-ATPase) fiber types and four diaphragmatic regions: sternal, anterior costal, thoracic surface of the crural (thor/crur), and abdominal surface of the crural (abd/crur). Most regional differences were found between the crus and the rest of the diaphragm. There were no differences in the oxidative capacity between diaphragmatic regions in the types 1 and 2a fibers, but the type 2b fibers in the thor/crur region had the greatest oxidative capacity and the 2b fiber in the sternal region had the lowest oxidative capacity. There were differences in glycogen content between diaphragmatic regions for all of the three M-ATPase fiber types. Variability in oxidative capacity between fiber types was demonstrated in all regions except the thor/crur region. Variation in glycogen content between fiber types was only demonstrated in the two surfaces of the crus. The type 2b fiber demonstrated the most differences from types 1 and 2a fibers in oxidative capacity and glycogen content in the different diaphragmatic regions, whereas the types 1 and 2a fibers demonstrated few differences from each other in these features across the different diaphragmatic regions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aminosalicylic Acid↗
PubMed1991

Improved respiratory muscle endurance of highly trained cyclists and the effects on maximal exercise performance.

Insufficient respiratory muscle endurance (RME) may be one of the factors limiting ventilation during peak athletic performance. Our purpose was to determine whether the RME of highly trained cyclists could be enhanced and if so, to determine the effects of improved RME on their maximal exercise performance. Ten male cyclists (maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) greater than 60 ml/kg-1) began the study by performing 3 tests. These were VO2max, RME measured as maximal sustainable ventilatory capacity (MSVC) and maximal exercise endurance (tlim) measured by an endurance cycling test to exhaustion at 90% of their maximal power output. Five subjects then completed 4 weeks of isocapnic hyperpnea training (16 session) and 5 subjects were controls. Following this training interval, each subject repeated the initial tests. After the RME training, the MSVC increased from 155 +/- 11 to 174 +/- 12 l/min (p = 0.004) for the training subjects while there was no change in the controls (155 +/- 26 and 150 +/- 34 l/min). There were no changes for any of the 10 subjects in either the maximal exercise performance (VO2max = 66.1 +/- 4.7 to 66.5 +/- 4.8 ml.kg-1) or the maximal exercise endurance (tlim = 335 +/- 79 to 385 +/- 158 sec). In conclusion, 4 weeks of respiratory muscle endurance training increased respiratory muscle endurance but had no effect on the maximal cycling performance of highly trained cyclists.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Normal values and ranges for ventilation and breathing pattern at maximal exercise.

Assessment of the breathing pattern at maximal exercise in patients is limited because the range of ventilatory responses (minute ventilation; tidal volume; respiratory rate) at maximal exercise in normal humans is unknown. We studied 231 normal subjects (120 women; 111 men) equally distributed according to age from 20 to 80 years. Each subject performed a progressive incremental cycle ergometer exercise test to their symptom-limited maximum. Mean ventilation at the end of exercise (Vemax) was significantly higher in men (mean +/- SD, 97 +/- 25 L/min) than in women (69 +/- 22 L/min) (p less than 0.001). Minute ventilation at the end of exercise as a fraction of predicted maximal voluntary ventilation (Vemax/MVV) for all subjects was 0.61 +/- 0.14 (range, 0.28 to 1.02). There was no difference in Vemax/MVV between men (0.62 +/- 0.14) and women (0.59 +/- 0.14). Tidal volume at the end of exercise (Vtmax) was higher in men (2.70 +/- 0.48 L) than in women (1.92 +/- 0.41 L) (p less than 0.001). Any differences in Vtmax between men and women disappeared when Vtmax was corrected for baseline FVC. Respiratory rate at the end of exercise (RRmax) was 36.1 +/- 9.2 breaths per minute for all subjects. There was no difference in RRmax between men and women. The Vemax correlated best with carbon dioxide output at the end of exercise (r = 0.91; p less than 0.001) and with maximal oxygen uptake (r = 0.90; p less than 0.001) for all subjects. This study of a large group of subjects has demonstrated the wide range of possible breathing patterns which are adopted during exercise and has provided a wide range of "normal" responses which must be taken into consideration when maximal ventilatory data from exercise tests are analyzed.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Respiratory muscle weakness and dyspnea in thyrotoxic patients.

Dyspnea on exertion is a frequently reported symptom of thyrotoxicosis. In the majority of cases, there is no obvious cause of dyspnea, but as skeletal myopathy is also common in thyrotoxic patients, it has been postulated that increased dyspnea could be secondary to respiratory muscle weakness. We sought to determine whether thyrotoxic patients were in fact more dyspneic on exertion than age- and sex-matched controls, and if so, whether the increased dyspnea was secondary to respiratory muscle weakness. The study group consisted of 12 thyrotoxic patients and 12 control subjects matched for age and gender. We measured lung volumes, compliance, elastic recoil, respiratory muscle strength, maximal exercise performance, and the intensity of breathlessness (modified Borg scale) at various levels of exercise in all subjects. The respiratory muscles were weaker in patients than controls. This weakness improved in treated patients (p less than 0.05) with concomitant increases in VC, IC, and TLC (all p less than 0.05). Despite this, we found no differences in breathlessness intensity scores between patients and controls or in patients before and after successful antithyroid therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Respiratory muscle fiber morphometry. Correlation with pulmonary function and nutrition.

To examine the relationship between nutrition, pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and respiratory muscle morphometry, we compared physiologic data and muscle morphometry obtained from internal intercostal, external intercostal, and latissimus dorsi muscle biopsies in 68 patients who were having a thoracotomy. We stained the biopsies for myosin ATPase and measured the proportions and diameters of the type 1 and type 2 fibers. There were more qualitative changes in the external intercostal muscles than in the other two, and some of these changes related to the incidence of malignancy. There were more type 1 fibers in the external intercostal (64 +/- 10 percent) and internal intercostal muscles (59 +/- 12 percent) than in the latissimus dorsi (44 +/- 13 percent) (p less than 0.005). The mean diameter of the type 2 fibers in the external intercostal muscles was less (44 mu +/- 7 mu) than the diameter in the latissimus dorsi (51 mu +/- 9 mu) and the internal intercostal muscles (52 mu +/- 8 mu) (p less than 0.01). The diameters of both fiber types were greater in men than in women. There was no significant relationship between measures of pulmonary function or respiratory muscle strength and muscle fiber proportions and diameters. There were significant correlations between the percentage of ideal body weight and type 1 and type 2 fiber diameters. We conclude that sex and nutrition influence respiratory muscle morphometry.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1990

Recovery of the ventilatory and upper airway muscles and exercise performance after type A botulism.

We studied six patients with type A botulism to determine the degree of initial respiratory compromise and to quantitate the time course and extent of recovery of the ventilatory and upper airway muscles and exercise performance. The VM weakness was identified in all patients early after botulism. Upper airway muscle weakness was also common, requiring intubation for airway protection in one patient. Recovery of VM and upper airway muscle strength occurred in all patients, predominantly over the first 12 weeks but continued up to one year in several. A similar time course of improvement was noted for exercise performance. Ventilatory limitation was an unusual cause for exercise limitation. By 12 months, lung function, VM and upper airway muscle strength and exercise performance had returned to normal in all but one patient. We conclude that VM and upper airway muscle weakness occurs in most patients with clinically significant type A botulism.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Recovery after unilateral phrenic injury associated with coronary artery revascularization.

Hemidiaphragmatic paralysis occurs in some patients following CAB surgery, possibly related to an intraoperative stretch or cold-induced phrenic injury. To determine the time and extent of recovery of phrenic nerve function, we studied five patients with left phrenic paresis or paralysis after CAB. The FVC, FEV1, Pmax and PEmax pressures, latency of conduction and amplitude of CDAP with phrenic nerve stimulation, and diaphragmatic excursion during fluoroscopy were measured for 12 months after CAB. Left phrenic paralysis was substantiated in four of five patients, and paresis was present in the other patient. Recovery of the left phrenic nerve occurred in all patients, complete in one and partial in four, but was delayed and continued for up to 12 months. We conclude that phrenic nerve recovery is delayed after CAB-associated injury and may be incomplete up to 14 months later, in keeping with rates of regeneration of other peripheral nerves.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1989

Proportions and sizes of muscle fiber types in the hamster diaphragm.

This study demonstrated that there was interanimal and interregional variability of proportions and sizes of the muscle fiber types in the hamster diaphragm. Muscle fiber type proportions and sizes were determined for each side (right, left), surface (abdominal, thoracic), and region (sternal, anterior costal, posterior costal, crural) in six hamsters. There was marked regional and surface-to-surface variability and some interanimal variability in proportions and sizes of fiber type within the hamster diaphragm. The sternal and costal regions were relatively homogeneous. However, there were differences in both proportions and sizes of fiber types between the thoracic surface of the crural region and the abdominal surface of the crural region. These two surfaces of the crural region differed from the rest of the diaphragm. For muscle fiber type proportions, type 2a fibers demonstrated the most interanimal variability. Muscle fiber size varied little between animals.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Diaphragmatic weakness and paralysis.

Diaphragmatic weakness implies a decrease in the strength of the diaphragm. Diaphragmatic paralysis is an extreme form of diaphragmatic weakness. Diaphragmatic paralysis is an uncommon clinical problem while diaphragmatic weakness, although uncommon, is probably frequently unrecognized because appropriate tests to detect its presence are not performed. Weakness of the diaphragm can result from abnormalities at any site along its neuromuscular axis, although it most frequently arises from diseases in the phrenic nerves or from myopathies affecting the diaphragm itself. Presence of diaphragmatic weakness may be suspected from the complaint of dyspnea (particularly on exertion) or orthopnea; the presence of rapid, shallow breathing or, more importantly, paradoxical inward motion of the abdomen during inspiration on physical examination; a restrictive pattern on lung function testing; an elevated hemidiaphragm on chest radiograph; paradoxical upward movement of 1 hemidiaphragm during fluoroscopic imaging; or reductions in maximal static inspiratory pressure. The diagnosis of diaphragmatic weakness is confirmed, however, by a reduction in maximal static transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdimax). The diagnosis of diaphragmatic paralysis is confirmed by the absence of a compound diaphragm action potential on phrenic nerve stimulation. There are many causes of diaphragmatic weakness and paralysis. In this review we outline an approach we have found useful in attempting to determine a specific cause. Most frequently the cause is either a phrenic neuropathy or diaphragmatic myopathy. Often the neuropathy or myopathy affects other nerves or muscles that can be more easily investigated to determine the specific pathologic basis, and, by association, it is presumed that the diaphragmatic weakness or paralysis is secondary to the same disease process.

Diaphragm↗
PubMed1989

Diaphragmatic plate electrode stimulation of the hamster diaphragm.

We developed a new technique of diaphragmatic stimulation by apposing plate electrodes directly against the diaphragm (DPS) in adult Golden Syrian hamsters. The electrophysiological and the mechanical responses to DPS were compared with those with phrenic nerve stimulation. In four animals, evaluation of the electromyogram before and after curare demonstrated that plate electrode stimulation occurred via the phrenic nerve filaments. In four animals, similar transdiaphragmatic pressure was produced at maximal current with DPS and phrenic nerve stimulation. Using DPS increasing current beyond a certain level resulted in recruitment of muscles besides the diaphragm. In six animals, an external abdominal pressure of 15 cmH2O produced maximal transdiaphragmatic pressure, suggesting that the diaphragm was contracting near optimal position with this external abdominal pressure. In another four animals the twitch and pressure-frequency characteristics with the use of DPS were found to be reproducible over a 2-h period. We conclude that DPS is an effective method of diaphragmatic stimulation and should prove to be a valuable technique to study the diaphragm in long-term studies of small rodents.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1989

Long-term follow-up of symptoms, pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and exercise performance after botulism.

Respiratory muscle weakness occurs commonly at presentation in patients with botulism. Although clinical improvement occurs over several months, symptoms such as fatigue and dyspnea persist in many patients in the long term. To determine whether continued respiratory muscle weakness might contribute to these symptoms, we compared lung function tests, respiratory muscle strength, and exercise performance in 13 patients 2 years after type B botulism. We found that residual symptoms including dyspnea and fatigue were common in botulism patients at 2 years postintoxication. Lung function tests had returned to normal in all patients. Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures were similar between botulism patients and control subjects. Evaluation of individual results showed evidence of inspiratory muscle weakness in four of 13 patients with botulism (Plmax less than 65% predicted). Maximal oxygen consumption and maximal workload during exercise were reduced in botulism patients in comparison to control subjects. During exercise, botulism patients had a more rapid and shallow breathing pattern and a higher dyspnea score at a given minute ventilation in comparison to control subjects. Reasons for premature exercise termination in botulism patients were multifactorial. Although respiratory muscle weakness may have been contributory in some patients, most appeared to be limited by reduced cardiovascular fitness, leg fatigue, or reduced motivation.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Maximal static respiratory pressures in the normal elderly.

To determine if a relationship exists between maximal static respiratory pressures measured at the mouth and age greater than 55 yr, and if so, whether regression equations can be derived that accurately reflect this, we measured maximal inspiratory (Plmax) and expiratory (PEmax) pressures in 64 normal women and 40 normal men older than 55 yr of age. We found no relationship between PImax and PEmax and age greater than 55 yr (all r squared values less than 0.14). We tested the reproducibility of our measurements of PImax and PEmax in 13 and 12 subjects, respectively, on three separate occasions. Repeated measures analysis showed no significant differences in these measurements. Using the measurements obtained in this large study, we calculated 95% confidence limits for PImax and PEmax values in men and women older than 55 yr of age. The 95% confidence limits for PImax in men were 55 to 161 cm H2O, and 26 to 124 cm H2O in women. The 95% confidence limits for PEmax in men were 90 to 256 cm H2O, and 46 to 184 cm H2O in women. We conclude that given the large interindividual variation, a cross-sectional study such as this or other previous studies may not be able to reveal age-dependent changes unless very large numbers are used, and even then potential for bias exists. However, with the small intraindividual coefficients of variation in repeated measurements of PImax and PEmax, a longitudinal study may provide more pertinent information.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

Prediction of maximal oxygen uptake and power during cycle ergometry in subjects older than 55 years of age.

One hundred twenty-eight healthy volunteers (81 women, 47 men) older than 55 yr of age were studied with an incremental progressive cycle ergometer test to a symptom-limited, maximal tolerable work load. Mean (+/- SD) age was 66 +/- 6 yr in women and 66 +/- 5 years in men. Subjects with a history of ischemic heart disease, diabetes, pulmonary disease, or neuromuscular disease were excluded. Smokers were included, but all subjects had normal FEV1 and FVC. The objective of the study was to compare measured values of VO2max and Wmax in this older population with previously published predicted values based on subjects of all ages. We found that Wmax observed exceeded Wmax predicted by 9.5 +/- 22% (mean +/- SD) and that VO2max observed exceeded VO2max predicted by 17.5 +/- 22%. Because of this systematic underestimate of VO2max and Wmax by the previous prediction equations, we constructed new prediction equations for use in subjects older than 55 yr of age using height, weight, age, and sex as variables. We conclude that these new prediction equations more accurately predict Wmax and VO2max in subjects older than 55 yr of age because they are based solely on subjects in this age group.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1989

Pathologic changes and contractile properties of the diaphragm in corticosteroid myopathy in hamsters: comparison to peripheral muscle.

Corticosteroids have been shown to produce a myopathy of peripheral skeletal muscle, characterized predominantly by Type II fiber atrophy. To determine if similar histologic and histochemical changes occur in the diaphragm and whether the in vitro contractile properties of this muscle are adversely affected by steroids, we studied two groups of hamsters. The experimental group received triamcinolone while a control group received saline, both given daily for 3 wk as i.m. injections. Soleus (Sol) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles and costal diaphragm muscle sections were stained for histologic (hematoxylin and eosin, modified Gomori trichrome) and histochemical (myosin ATPase, succinate dehydrogenase [SDH]) analysis. Muscle fiber proportions and cross-sectional areas (CSA) were measured from myosin ATPase sections. In vitro studies of isometric contractions were carried out on small strips of costal diaphragm, measuring maximal isometric twitch (Pt) and tetanus (Po) tensions, time to peak tension (TTP), half relaxation time (1/2 RT), force-frequency relationship, and fatigue characteristics (60 Hz tetani; duty cycle, 0.5). Triamcinolone treatment resulted in no change in muscle fiber proportions. There was no effect on Type I fiber CSA; however, there was Type IIa (Sol, EDL) and Type IIb (diaphragm, EDL) fiber atrophy in triamcinolone-treated animals. Pt and Po (normalized for weight) of diaphragm strips were not different. There was a prolongation in TTP and 1/2 RT, a left shift in the force-frequency curve, and a reduced fatiguability of triamcinolone-treated diaphragm (P less than 0.05). We conclude that a steroid myopathy could be explained by a loss of muscle mass (Type IIb fiber atrophy) rather than an intrinsic impairment in contractile function.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1989

An effective combination of anaesthetics for 6-h experimentation in the golden Syrian hamster.

The anaesthetics described for use in hamsters to date are suitable for the performance of short-term experimentation. However, an anaesthetic regimen was required which would provide a stable preparation for 6 h and hence, a suitable combination was developed. In the first set of experiments, the effect of anaesthetics (chloralose, urethane, and pentobarbital) were examined alone and in combination on arterial blood measurements. In the second set of experiments the effect of the combination of anaesthetics on arterial blood measurements and minute ventilation was examined for up to 6 h. Chloralose, urethane and pentobarbital when used alone in the hamster were considered inadequate for our needs. Chloralose did not produce adequate surgical anaesthesia whereas urethane and pentobarbital resulted in marked respiratory depression. Urethane also produced a trend towards metabolic acidosis. In contrast, the combination of agents resulted in surgical anaesthesia and the arterial blood measurements were adequate. Further, the use of the combination of anaesthetics in hamsters resulted in a stable preparation where arterial blood measurements and minute ventilation were maintained in a good range for up to 6 h. The combination of chloralose, urethane and sodium pentobarbital in hamsters should prove useful in long-term non-recovery experimentation which requires early surgical intervention, minimal respiratory depression and an even depth of anaesthesia.

Anesthesia↗
PubMed1989

Respiratory muscle performance in normal elderly subjects and patients with COPD.

We studied the reproducibility of tests of RM performance in normal elderly subjects and compared their performance with that of patients with COPD. The RM strength was measured as MIP and MEP. The RM endurance was measured using a two-minute incremental threshold loading test. The max load, the average Ppk as %MIP at max load and the Pmean at max load were taken as measures of respiratory muscle endurance. The MIP, but not MEP, was less in COPD patients than in normal subjects (p less than 0.05). There was a small increase in between visits, in MIP in the normal subjects. All measures of RM endurance were much lower in the COPD group than in the normal elderly (p less than 0.05). We conclude that (1) RM strength and endurance are reproducible in normal elderly subjects and patients with COPD, (2) that COPD subjects have decreased RM strength and endurance compared with normal elderly subjects, and (3) that in COPD subjects RM endurance is compromised more than RM strength.

Aged↗