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Biomedical subjects

R Uusitalo

Publications and source records attributed to R Uusitalo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Cellular and plasma fibronectin in the aqueous humour of primary open-angle glaucoma, exfoliative glaucoma and cataract patients.

PURPOSE: To compare the concentrations of cellular fibronectin (cFN), plasma fibronectin (pFN), tenascin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the aqueous humour in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), exfoliative glaucoma (EXFG) or cataract (control group). METHODS: The concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassays in the aqueous humour of patients with EXFG (n = 26), POAG (n = 29) or cataract (control group, n = 13). RESULTS: The pFN concentrations of the three patient groups differed significantly from each other (p = 0.0004 in a non-parametric analysis of variance). In multiple comparisons EXFG patients showed significantly higher pFN levels than POAG patients (p < 0.05) or cataract patients (p < 0.01). the cFN level was also significantly higher in EXGF patients than in POAG patients (p < 0.05) or cataract patients (p < 0.05). The pFN or cFN concentrations of the POAG group did not differ from those of the control group. Neither tenascin nor CGRP was detected in the aqueous humour of any of our patients. CONCLUSIONS: The significantly higher aqueous humour pFN concentration in exfoliative glaucoma may be a consequence of disruption of the blood-aqueous barrier and may further add to an increased outflow resistance.

Aged↗

Lectin binding in normal, scarred, and keratoconus corneas.

PURPOSE: Keratoconus is characterized by central thinning and an increased curvature of cornea. Scarring of cornea accompanies the disease as it proceeds, and the ultimate treatment is keratoplasty. The pathogenesis of keratoconus is still unknown, and therefore we studied normal, keratoconus, and scarred corneas by a panel of lectin conjugates. METHODS: The following lectin conjugates were used: concanavalin A (Con A), Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), peanut agglutinin (PNA), Ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA-I), wheat-germ agglutinin (WGA), Helix aspersa agglutinin (HAA), Psophocarpus tetragonolobus agglutinin (PTA), soybean agglutinin (SBA), Griffonia simplicifolia agglutinin-I-B4 (GSA-I-B4), Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA-I), and Lotus tetragonolobus agglutin (LTA) conjugates, differently recognizing saccharide residues in glycoconjugates. RESULTS: One of the keratoconus corneas was badly scarred, whereas no scars were seen on histopathologic examination in other keratoconus corneas. In all keratoconus corneas, discontinuities or breaks (defects) were seen in the Bowman's layer. DBA and HAA conjugates, both blood group A reactive, reacted with corneal and conjunctival epithelium, blood vessels, and endothelium in blood groups A and AB. The blood group B-reactive GSA-I-B4 conjugate reacted with corneal and conjunctival epithelium, blood vessels, and endothelium only in specimens with blood group B. The blood group O-reactive UEA-I conjugate revealed the apical epithelial cells and blood vessels in all blood groups, whereas LTA conjugate, also blood group O reactive, reacted with all structures in cornea and conjunctiva despite blood groups. HAA and DBA conjugates reacted with defects in keratoconus corneas, SBA and RCA-I conjugates with defect area in keratoconus and scar region in scarred corneas, and PNA and WGA conjugates with the scar region of scarred keratoconus and scarred corneas. No other differences in the binding of lectins between normal, scarred, and keratoconus corneas were seen. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the blood group status influences lectin binding in cornea. Furthermore, the difference in lectin binding to defects in keratoconus corneas (HAA and DBA conjugates) and to scar regions in scarred corneas (PNA and WGA conjugates) suggests that the defects in keratoconus are not solely the results of scarring.

Adolescent↗

Birth injuries: incidence and predisposing factors.

The incidence of birth-associated major injuries among 14.265 live born infants during seven years is presented. The occurrence of major trauma was 3.16% or 441 injuries in 437 children. The most usual injury was fracture of the clavicle, which occurred in 3.0%, after that brachial plexus injury with occurrence of 0.11%, and fracture of long bones with 0.03%. In addition to that there was one child with facial nerve palsy. Four children had two birth injuries each. The most important causes of brachial plexus injury were macrosomia and shoulder dystocia. Eight of 16 children with brachial plexus injury had shoulder dystocia and six of 16 macrosomia. The frequency of macrosomia in our material of 14.265 children was 4.7%, which is much higher than earlier reports by other authors.

Birth Injuries↗

Suppression of experimental autoimmune uveitis in guinea pigs by ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid, corticosteroids, and cyclosporin.

In the present study, footpad immunization using purified bovine retinal S-antigen mixed with complete Freund's adjuvant was used to induce experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) in guinea-pigs. The EAU-control group, receiving no treatment, was compared with test animals which received topically and systemically administered ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) or subcutaneous and topical corticosteroid treatment, as well as a test group which received cyclosporin A subcutaneously. The severity of the uveal inflammation was clinically evaluated by slit lamp examination. The phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity and the protein content of the aqueous humour as well as the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the ciliary body were also determined. Serum antibodies to retinal S-antigen were followed using an immunoassay technique. Topical or subcutaneous EDTA significantly reduced the ocular inflammatory response to S-antigen induced autoimmune uveitis in the guinea-pigs. The best clinical suppression of EAU was obtained in the group treated subcutaneously with EDTA. Steroid treatment also suppressed the inflammatory processes in the eyes but was not as effective as EDTA or cyclosporine A. PLA2 activity in the aqueous humour and the MPO levels measured from iris-ciliary body homogenate were significantly lower in the groups treated subcutaneously with EDTA or cyclosporin A as compared with the untreated EAU-controls. The guinea-pigs treated subcutaneously with EDTA and cyclosporin A showed the lowest antiserum titres to retinal S-antigen. The prevention of PLA2 activity in aqueous humour after EDTA treatment correlated well with the milder inflammatory response in the eye. Based on the present study, it is therefore suggested that EDTA both locally and systematically reduces the S-antigen induced inflammatory response by decreasing the formation of inflammatory mediators derived from the arachidonic acid cascade.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Suppression of experimental autoimmune uveitis in guinea-pigs by inhibition of phospholipase A2.

Retinal S-antigen mixed with complete Freund's adjuvant was used to induce experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) in guinea-pigs. Guinea-pigs receiving no treatment, was compared with test animals which received topically and systemically administered KLM-583B, a phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitor, or subcutaneous (sub. cut) and topical corticosteroid treatment, as well as a test group which received cyclosporin A suc. cut. The best clinical suppression of EAU was obtained in the group treated suc. cut with KLM-538B. Steroids also suppressed the inflammation in the eyes but was not as effective as KLM-583B or cyclosporine A. PLA 2 activity in the aqueous humour and the myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels measured from iris-ciliary body were significantly lower in the groups treated suc. cut. with KLM-583B or cyclosporin A. Guinea-pigs treated suc. cut. with KLM-583B and cyclosporin A had the lowest antiserum titres to retinal S-antigen.

Animals↗

Phospholipase A2, leukotriene C4 and prostaglandin E2 levels in aqueous humour of guinea pigs with experimental S-antigen induced autoimmune uveitis.

Purified S-antigen was used to induce experimental autoimmune uveitis in 42 guinea pigs. 16 animals were used as controls. Footpad immunization with fresh bovine S-antigen in physiologic saline mixed with complete Freunds's adjuvant induced a clinical disease in 95% of the eyes in test animals. In aqueous humour the increase in phospholipase-A2 and proteins as well as myeloperoxidase measured from iris-ciliary blocks correlated well with the severity of uveitis evaluated by clinical grading. Leukotriene C4 and prostaglandin E2 were only elevated in aqueous humour drawn from eyes showing a mild form of uveitis. Neither leukotriene C4 nor prostaglandin E2 were detected in eyes graded as clinically moderate or severe. In serum samples phospholipase A2, leukotriene C4, prostaglandin E2 and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase were measured. Of these biochemical parameters, only gamma glutamyl transpeptidase was significantly elevated in test animals with experimental autoimmune uveitis. Histological analysis revealed focal mononuclear cell infiltrations in the choroid. Mononuclear as well as polymorphonuclear cell infiltration was seen predominantly in the pars plana region of the ciliary body of test animals with uveitis. Simultaneous destruction of the outer segments of the photoreceptor layer was seen.

Animals↗

Histochemistry of adenylate cyclase activity in the anterior segment of the eye: a methodological evaluation with biochemical background.

A histochemical technique for adenylate cyclase activity suitable for both light and electron microscopy is described. This technique is based on the Sr2+ capture reaction using adenylylimidodiphosphate as the substrate. The precipitated strontium phosphate is converted to lead phosphate, which is electron-dense for electron microscopy and can also be made visible by light microscopy. Different fixatives and fixation times were tested; paraformaldehyde at a concentration of 1% for 5 min demonstrated the enzyme activity best. The enzyme was protected and-or stimulated during all stages with isoproterenol, 5-guanylylimidodiphosphate, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Numerous capturing agents (Pb2+, Co2+, Ce2+, Ba2+, Cd2+, and Sr2+) were tested. Strontium chloride (10 mM) produced the best result, inhibiting the enzyme less than 50%. The others gave inconsistent results. By this technique, adenylate cyclase activity was localized on the cell membranes of the deep layers of the rabbit corneal epithelium, on the endothelium, and on the cell membranes of the non-pigmented epithelium in the ciliary processes. These sites correspond well with earlier autoradiographic localization of beta-adrenergic receptors in the rabbit eye.

Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors↗

Ultrastructural localization of retinal S-antigen in the rat.

Using a peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunohistochemical technique, the light and electron microscopical localization of retinal S-antigen was demonstrated in the rat retina, using antisera to bovine and guinea pig S-antigen. Comparable localization of S-antigen was observed with both antisera, although in our hands, the antiserum to bovine S-antigen gave more intense immunostaining. By light microscopy, the most intense immunoreactivity to retinal S-antigen was seen in the outer segment of the photoreceptor layer. Some immunostaining was also demonstrated surrounding the cell bodies of the outer nuclear layer. The inner segment of photoreceptors was virtually devoid of immunoreactivity. Ultrastructurally, immunoreactivity to S-antigen was demonstrated mainly on the inner surfaces of the visual discs of the rods. The plasma membranes of the outer segment of the rods were stained as well. Immunoreactivity surrounding the cell bodies of the outer nuclear layer was ultrastructurally localized on plasma membranes. The inner segment of the photoreceptor layer, other parts of the retina, or any eye structures other than retina showed no immunoreactivity. The relationship of retinal S-antigen to other cell components in the retina and the possible mechanisms of the autoimmune uveal diseases are discussed.

Animals↗

Comparison of the effects of adrenergic agonists and alpha-, beta 1-, beta 2-antagonists on the intraocular pressure and adenylate cyclase activity in the ciliary processes of the rabbit.

The hypotensive effect of different adrenergic agonists and antagonists were screened both in normo- and hypertensive rabbit eyes. The drugs were applicated topically and intraocular pressure (IOP) was monitored constantly with a manometric method. Subsequently the inhibitory effect of the antagonists on isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in the ciliary processes was analyzed in vitro. In normotensive eyes agonist isoproterenol (beta) and antagonists labetalol (alpha beta), metoprolol (beta 1) and acebutolol (beta 1) decreased significantly IOP. In hypertensive eyes only isoproterenol and labetalol decrease IOP markedly. Timolol (beta) did not decrease IOP, although it inhibited adenylate cyclase activity as actively as labetalol. The other antagonists showed no inhibitory effect on in this respect. The results indicated that alpha-activity (labetalol, alpha beta) seems to potentiate the beta-activity (timolol, beta) in decreasing IOP. Whether this alpha-effect is a presynaptic effect (adrenergic denervation destroys it) is not yet clear. Similarly the beta 1-effect (metoprolol), without affecting adenylate cyclase activity, decreased IOP as well. This might be due to pre-synaptic release of endogenous transmitter(s) which in turn stimulate post-synaptic adenylate cyclase and induce the decreased IOP. Besides this, the possible role of blood vessels and CNS must also be kept in mind.

Acebutolol↗

Decreased ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity in rabbit lymphocytes during experimental lens-induced uveitis.

An experimental uveitis was produced by immunizing albino and pigmented rabbits with heterologous (rat) lens protein six times at two-week intervals. After sensitization the anterior lens capsules were disrupted in an operation. After operation the rabbits were examined repeatedly with a slit-lamp. On the seventh day after operation the animals were sacrificed and both eyes were enucleated. The inflammatory reaction in the uveal tract was verified histopathologically. Thymus and spleen lymphocytes were purified using BSA-gradients. Ecto-5'-nucleotidase (AMP-ase) activity on the intact lymphocytes was measured biochemically and B-cells were counted using the fluorescent anti-IgG technique. Purified spleen and thymus lymphocytes were also analyzed using transmission electron microscopy. The AMP-ase activity of purified spleen lymphocytes was significantly decreased in albino rabbits suffering from experimental lens-induced uveitis when compared to that observed in control animals. The AMP-ase activity was also decreased in pigmented rabbits suffering from a very mild uveitis. Moreover, a decreased AMP-ase activity was observed in albino rabbits which were only immunized but not operated on and did not show any signs of uveitis. Differences in neither the B-cell proportions nor the ultrastructure of the purified lymphocytes could be observed in any of these experimental groups. It is proposed that the biochemical change in spleen lymphocytes observed in the present work is a reflection of the general immunological state which in certain conditions may lead to uveitis.

5'-Nucleotidase↗

Electron microscopic identification of trigeminal nerve fibers in the ciliary body and the iris.

The trigeminal nerve fibers in the ciliary body and the iris have been identified electron microscopically by using intra-axonally transported horseradish peroxidase injected into the trigeminal ganglion. The tracer revealed unmyelinated fiber profiles in the stroma of the ciliary body and the iris. These were not found to be associated with any particular organ but rather may terminate as free endings. Large profiles of varicosities contained mitochondria. Thin profiles, containing neurotubules, probably represent axons between the varicosities or endings. An interaction between the sensory and the autonomic peripheral fibers in the anterior uvea is suggested.

Animals↗

Ultrasonographic biometry in congenital glaucoma.

Method 'A' ultrasonographic biometry was performed on 23 patients with congenital glaucoma. The axial lengths of these eyes were significantly greater as compared to the 7 fellow eyes with normal intraocular pressures of the same patients and 10 eyes of 5 patients with megalocornea of the same age. Some of the borderline cases showed an increase of axial length during follow-up not attributable to normal growth. After successful surgery an early decrease of the axial length up to 0.8 mm could be seen. The change occurred in post-equatorial measurements. It is concluded that ultrasonographic biometry is a very valuable additional technique for the diagnosis and postoperative follow-up of congenital glaucomas.

Biometry↗

Intraaxonal transport of horseradish peroxidase in the sympathetic nervous system.

Following a single injection of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) of the rabbit, the uptake and anterograde transport of this label was confirmed in the ganglion cell bodies, postganglionic axons, and preterminal and terminal ending axons in the ciliary processes of the eye. From the same injection site the intraaxonal HRP reaction product was demonstrated in myelinated axons, presumably by retrograde transport. Intracytoplasmic HRP was identified in large, single membrane-bound, dense vesicles predominantly in perinuclear orientation. Intraaxonal HRP appeared throughout, either within single membrane-bound round or oblong vesicles of variable sizes and densities. Frequently, the HRP vesicles in the axons revealed elaborate membranous subunits. A limited number of whole axons or axon fascicles were diffusely stained with HRP reaction product at or near the injection site. This phenomenon may be the result of membrane injury to neurons. The HRP label was found in small amounts in axons and terminals in the ciliary processes of the eye as early as 4 h following injection into the SCG, indicating a rapid anterograde transport of HRP from a single extracellular source. Likewise the HRP label disappeared from the ganglion cell bodies and processes by the 6th day following injection. Presence of numerous HRP-labeled myelinated and non-myelinated axons in the SCG confirms the bidirectional transport of HRP in the sympathetic nervous system.

Animals↗