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Biomedical subjects

S Bank

Publications and source records attributed to S Bank.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

C3a receptor on dibutyryl-cAMP-differentiated U937 cells and human neutrophils: the human C3a receptor characterized by functional responses and 125I-C3a binding.

The anaphylatoxic peptide C3a is part of a basic immunological defense mechanism, the complement system. Research on the human C3a receptor and signal transduction is hampered by the lack of a suitable human cell or cell line. We screened tumor cell lines and human blood cells for a C3a-dependent increase in cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and analyzed this reaction in a fura-2/AM fluorescence assay for cells in suspension. U937 cells, when differentiated with dibutyryl-cAMP (Bt2cAMP), and purified human neutrophils reacted in a dose-dependent fashion to C3a and a C3a analogue synthetic peptide. We found complete homologous desensitization of this response and no heterologous desensitization to human C5a. Pertussis toxin totally blocked the increase in [Ca2+]i, indicating the possible involvement of a G-protein. Single-cell analysis by digital imaging fluorescence microscopy indicated that neutrophilic granulocytes responded to C3a. In binding studies with Bt2cAMP-differentiated U937 cells and human granulocytes, the 125I-C3a binding was displaced by C3a, yielding one class of C3a binding sites with dissociation constants (Kd) in the low nanomolar range. We identified myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) as the second messenger possibly causing the [Ca2+]i increase and the release of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase as one secretory cell response. By functional and binding studies we demonstrated the expression of the C3a receptor on Bt2-cAMP-differentiated U937 cells and human neutrophils and characterized parts of the C3a signal pathway. Our data support a physiological concept in which C3a might be more important than presently thought.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗
PubMed1992

P amylase is always greater than S in spot urine of normal subjects. Diagnostic implications.

Single random samples of urine were collected from 50 control subjects; 27 patients with chronic pancreatitis; 19 with acute pancreatitis; 6 with acute on chronic pancreatitis; five in the recovery phase of acute attack; four patients with pseudocysts. Salivary (S) and pancreatic (P) amylase values were measured by cellulose acetate electrophoresis. The P amylase values always exceeded those of S amylase in the control specimens. In acute pancreatitis, both the lower and upper levels of total and P amylase were considerably higher than in the controls, and these high values tended to return to normal during the recovery phase of acute pancreatitis. The S amylase values were often very low or undetectable during the acute phase. Values for P amylase exceeded control values in patients with pseudocysts even in the presence of chronic pancreatitis. In chronic calcific pancreatitis, S amylase was higher than P amylase. We conclude that P amylase is always greater than S amylase in normal urine specimens, and a change in this pattern may be helpful in diagnosing various forms of pancreatitis.

Amylases↗
PubMed1992

Fungemia with Torulopsis glabrata after endoscopic biliary stent replacement.

We report a patient with disseminated cholangiocarcinoma who developed systemic fungemia subsequent to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and stent replacement. Despite intensive systemic antifungal therapy with iv amphotericin B, the patient developed multiple complications and eventually succumbed to her underlying disease. Cultures of the removed stent and blood were positive for the same organism, Torulopsis glabrata. In an immunocompromised host during ERCP manipulation, fungal pathogens should be considered in post-stent septicemia.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

Is colonoscopy safe in the early postcolectomy period?

Colonoscopy was performed preoperatively and 1, 2, 3 and 7 days following a left hemicolectomy with a primary anastomosis in 11 dogs. The remaining colon and anastomosis were adequately visualized. Maximal intraluminal pressures achieved were from 15 to 35 mmHg. No leakage of air or intra-abdominal abscesses were present. In ten patients undergoing colonoscopy for lower gastrointestinal symptoms, the pressures were similarly measured. Although pressures were slightly higher in patients, averaging 30 mmHg, the results suggest that colonoscopy can be safely performed during the early postcolectomy period.

Air↗
PubMed1991

Pneumatic dilation in patients with achalasia with a modified Gruntzig dilator (Levine) under direct endoscopic control: results after 5 years.

From 1985 to 1990, 62 patients have undergone pneumatic dilatation with the modified Gruntzig (Levine) dilator in the treatment of achalasia. A single dilatation with a 30-mm balloon dilator was successful in 85% of the patients. Nine patients required additional procedures. One elected for operative surgical repair, and eight patients underwent a second dilatation with a 35-mm balloon dilator. One patient required a third procedure with a 40-mm dilator. Two patients developed dysphagia for solids after pneumatic dilatation, and did not demonstrate delay or obstruction to the passage of technetium on follow up study. We have described this syndrome as dysfunctional dysphagia, and believe that it is related to the rapid ingestion of a food bolus, and is relieved by eating smaller portions at a slower rate. This is to be differentiated from reflux esophagitis and/or stricture secondary to reflux. One patient required bougie dilatation of a stricture, and three other patients were treated with omeprazole, ranitidine, or antacids with relief of reflux symptoms. The safety and efficacy of the procedure of pneumatic dilatation under direct endoscopic control with the modified Gruntzig dilator has been demonstrated in patients from 8 to 93 yr old, and in patients who have had prior Heller myotomy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Adenocarcinoma of the pancreas producing pancreatitis and pancreatic abscess.

Pancreatic abscess is a severe complication of pancreatitis usually caused by alcohol, gallstones, abdominal trauma, or prior operative procedures. Pancreatic cancer is a rare cause of acute pancreatitis and an extremely rare cause of pancreatic abscess. We report three patients with pancreatic abscess caused by cancer who experienced a prolonged, complicated course with delay in diagnosis and substantial morbidity.

Abscess↗
PubMed1990

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in nonulcer dyspepsia. Importance of stratification according to age.

Helicobacter pylori (formerly Campylobacter pylori) is causally related to active antral gastritis and is highly associated with duodenal and gastric ulcers. However, the relationship of H pylori to nonulcer dyspepsia is less clear. We determined the presence of H pylori in unselected patients who were undergoing upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy, and we found a prevalence of 37% in 110 patients with nonulcer dyspepsia that was similar to previous data. Patients with nonulcer dyspepsia who had H pylori were found to be significantly older than patients with nonulcer dyspepsia who did not have H pylori. In addition, when stratified according to age, we detected an increased prevalence of H pylori in patients with nonulcer dyspepsia with increasing age, similar to that reported for asymptomatic control populations. This finding casts doubt as to the causal role of H pylori for most patients with nonulcer dyspepsia and stresses the importance of considering epidemiologic factors, such as age, when evaluating the role of H pylori in specific disease states.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1989

Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for the quantification of the C4 isotypes (C4A and C4B) in human plasma.

Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were developed to determine the concentration of the isotypes of the fourth component of human complement (C4A and C4B) in human plasma. In the case of C4A a monoclonal antibody against a common determinant of the alpha chain was used to capture the protein. The bound antigen was then detected with a biotinylated monoclonal antibody reacting exclusively with the C4A isotype, followed by peroxidase labeled avidin. For the quantification of C4B, C4B-specific monoclonal antibodies were coated onto a microtitration plate in order to capture the protein. Bound antigen was then detected with a biotinylated monoclonal antibody directed against C4 followed by peroxidase labeled avidin. The assays, which were rapid, selective and specific for C4A and C4B, respectively, provide an alternative to gel electrophoresis and blot procedures for the study of unexpressed alleles ('null alleles') at each of the C4 loci.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1989

Safety of endoscopy in the immediate postoperative period following gastric anastomosis.

The safety of gastrointestinal endoscopy in the immediate postoperative period following partial gastrectomy was assessed in ten dogs. Endoscopy was performed preoperatively and at 1, 2, 3, and 7 days postoperatively. The mean pressures required to perform an adequate endoscopy varied from 17 to 20 mm Hg. Following partial gastrectomy, the abdominal wall was closed with a zipper to facilitate inspection of the gastric anastomosis. No leakage of air or intra-abdominal abscesses were seen following endoscopy. The results of this study suggest that endoscopy can be safely performed in the immediate postgastrectomy period.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Role of reactive oxygen metabolites in early cardiopulmonary changes of acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis.

The role of reactive oxygen metabolites in extrapancreatic organ dysfunction associated with acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis was studied in dogs. Experimental pancreatitis was induced by the intraductal infusion of activated trypsin and taurocholate. Cardiac output, pulmonary and systemic blood pressure, pulmonary wedge pressure, central venous pressure, heart rate, blood gases and serum amylase were measured. Cardiac index, pulmonary and systemic vascular resistance, and the right and left stroke work were calculated. Systemic arterial and venous blood pressure and cardiac index gradually declined over 6 hr, while pulmonary mean blood pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance increased. Pretreatment of pancreatitis with catalase and superoxide dismutase prevented the rise in mean pulmonary blood pressure, moderated the rise in pulmonary vascular resistance, and decreased the rate and extent of the fall in cardiac index. These data suggest that reactive oxygen metabolites may play some role in the extraabdominal organ manifestations of acute pancreatitis.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1989

Effects of the cholecystokinin receptor antagonist L-364,718 on experimental pancreatitis in mice.

The effects of the cholecystokinin receptor antagonist L-364,718 was studied in a model of mild pancreatitis induced in mice by repeated injections of the secretagogue caerulein and in a lethal form of pancreatitis induced by feeding mice an ethionine-supplemented choline-deficient diet. L-364,718 prevented the caerulein-induced rise in serum amylase and pancreatic weight in a dose-dependent manner, the most effective dose being 0.1 mg/kg body wt. L-364,718 also prevented the caerulein-induced pancreatic inflammation as seen by light microscopy. L-364,718 offered no protective effects as determined by changes in serum amylase, pancreatic weight, histology, or mortality in the ethionine-supplemented choline-deficient diet model.

Amylases↗
PubMed1989

Resolution of intestinal cryptosporidiosis after treatment of AIDS with AZT.

Intestinal cryptosporidiosis commonly results in severe protracted diarrhea that contributes significantly toward morbidity and mortality in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. No satisfactory therapy for cryptosporidiosis currently exists. We describe a patient with severe secretory diarrhea and malabsorption who had clinical, microbiologic, and histologic resolution of cryptosporidiosis after therapy with zidovudine.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗