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T Brill

Publications and source records attributed to T Brill.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Inducible nonviral gene expression in the treatment of osteochondral defects.

OBJECTIVE: The repair of osteochondral defects with chondrocytes genetically modified to express desired growth factors promises great potential in orthopaedic therapy. Controlled expression of the transgenes is required in many instances. The objective of the present study was to demonstrate the inducibility of tetracycline-responsive transgene expression in osteochondral defects in the knee joint filled with genetically modified chondrocyte implants. METHODS: An expression plasmid containing the lacZ gene under the control of the minimal CMV promoter fused to the Tet-responsible element (TRE) as well as the reverse transactivator (rtTA2s-M2) was constructed and used to transfect isolated articular chondrocytes from New Zealand white rabbits. rtTA2s-M2 binds to the TRE in the presence of tetracycline and leads to the transcription of the transgene. Different concentrations of DNA and various DNA:lipid ratios were tested to determine best transfection conditions. Transfection efficiency and inducibility were analysed by histochemical analysis and flow-cytometry. To evaluate the system in vivo, collagen-sponges were seeded with transfected autologous chondrocytes and implanted in osteochondral defects in the knees of NZW-rabbits. Gene expression was induced by doxycycline and 3 weeks later, LacZ-expression in isolated knee joints was evaluated in histological sections by X-gal staining. RESULTS: In vitro 13.5% (+/-1.32) of induced primary chondrocytes were LacZ-positive, while non-induced controls showed a background-staining in 0.6% (+/-0.2). In vivo, upon doxycycline treatment, induction of lacZ-gene-expression could be demonstrated in chondrocytes in 3-week-old, well-integrated implants. CONCLUSION: For the first time, tetracycline-inducible gene expression is demonstrated to work in the treatment of osteochondral defects. This demonstrates the feasibility for a gene therapy-assisted approach using controlled expression of therapeutic growth factors from transplanted genetically modified chondrocytes.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed2000

Uptake of radiolabeled 2'-fluoro-2'-deoxy-5-iodo-1-beta-D-arabinofuranosyluracil in cardiac cells after adenoviral transfer of the herpesvirus thymidine kinase gene: the cellular basis for cardiac gene imaging.

BACKGROUND: Gene therapy is a promising approach for the treatment of cardiac diseases. Coexpression of therapeutic genes with a suitable marker gene would allow for the noninvasive imaging of successful gene transfer and expression via radiolabeled marker substrates. In the present study, such an approach was first applied to cardiac tissue. METHODS AND RESULTS: The combination of the herpesvirus thymidine kinase reporter gene (HSV1-tk) and radiolabeled 2'-fluoro-2'-deoxy-5-iodo-1-beta-D-arabinofuranosyluracil (FIAU) was evaluated. H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts were infected in vitro with a replication-defective HSV1-tk-containing adenovirus and a negative control virus. The intracellular uptake of [(14)C]FIAU increased with increasing multiplicity of infection and with time after infection. Uptake in negative controls remained <15% of positive controls. Additionally, vectors were applied intramyocardially in Wistar rats. The marker substrate [(125)I]FIAU was injected intravenously 3 days later, and animals were killed after 24 hours. Autoradiographically, regional transgene expression was clearly identified in animals receiving the adenovirus containing HSV1-tk (3. 4+/-2.2-fold increase of radioactivity at vector administration site compared with remote myocardium), whereas nonspecific uptake in negative controls was low (<10% of positive controls). CONCLUSIONS: Using an adenoviral vector, HSV1-tk can be successfully expressed in cardiac cells in vitro and in vivo, yielding high uptake of radiolabeled FIAU. The results suggest that imaging transgene expression in the heart is feasible and may be used to monitor gene therapy noninvasively.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed2000

Enhanced cardiac contractility after gene transfer of V2 vasopressin receptors In vivo by ultrasound-guided injection or transcoronary delivery.

BACKGROUND: Systemic levels of arginine vasopressin (AVP) are increased in congestive heart failure, resulting in vasoconstriction and reduced cardiac contractility via V(1) vasopressin receptors. V(2) vasopressin receptors (V2Rs), which promote activation of adenylyl cyclase, are physiologically expressed only in the kidney and are absent in the myocardium. Heterologous expression of V2Rs in the myocardium could result in a positive inotropic effect by using the endogenous high concentrations of AVP in heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: We tested gene transfer with a recombinant adenovirus for the human V2R (Ad-V2R) to stimulate contractility of rat or rabbit myocardium in vivo. Ultrasound-guided direct injection or transcoronary delivery of adenovirus in vivo resulted in recombinant receptor expression in the myocardial target area, leading to a substantial increase in [(3)H]AVP binding. In 50% of the cardiomyocytes isolated from the directly injected area, single-cell shortening measurements detected a significant increase in contraction amplitude after exposure to AVP or the V2R-specific desmopressin (DDAVP). Echocardiography of the target myocardial area documented a marked increase in local fractional shortening after systemic administration of DDAVP in V2R-expressing animals but not in control virus-treated hearts. Simultaneous measurement of global contractility (dP/dt(max)) confirmed a positive inotropic effect of DDAVP on left ventricular function in the Ad-V2R-injected animals. CONCLUSIONS: Adenoviral gene transfer of the V2R into the myocardium increases cardiac contractility in vivo. Heterologous expression of cAMP-forming receptors in the myocardium could lead to novel strategies in the therapy of congestive heart failure by bypassing the desensitized beta-adrenergic receptor-signaling cascade.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed1999

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of vecuronium in rats with systemic inflammatory response syndrome: treatment with NG-monomethyl-L-arginine.

BACKGROUND: Insufficient detoxification caused by nitric oxide-related inhibition of cytochrome P450 may be important for metabolism of numerous drugs, including vecuronium. The present study investigated the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of vecuronium in rats with inflammatory liver dysfunction. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 56) were randomly allocated into two groups: In the sepsis group, liver inflammation was established by injection of 56 mg/kg heat-killed Corynebacterium parvum; control rats received the solvent. At day 4, groups were subdivided according to treatment with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (250 mg/kg) or placebo. The aminopyrine breath test was performed to assess cytochrome P450 activity. Rats were anesthetized with propofol and mechanically ventilated. Duration of action of vecuronium (1.2 mg/kg) was measured by evoked mechanomyography (stimulation of the sciatic nerve, contraction of the gastrocnemius muscle). In seven rats of each subgroup a 50% neuromuscular blockade was established by a continuous vecuronium infusion. Vecuronium plasma levels were measured and plasma clearance of vecuronium was calculated. Nitric oxide synthesis was assessed by measuring nitrite/nitrate serum levels. RESULTS: In sepsis/placebo rats, vecuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade was prolonged (144% of contro/placebo), vecuronium plasma levels at 50% neuromuscular blockade were increased (122% of control/placebo), and plasma clearance was decreased (68% of control/placebo). N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine therapy in rats with sepsis improved cytochrome P450 activity and plasma clearance of vecuronium, shortened duration of action of vecuronium, but did not alter the elevated vecuronium plasma levels. CONCLUSIONS: A systemic inflammatory response syndrome with liver dysfunction results in decreased sensitivity to and a decreased elimination of vecuronium. Modulation of nitric oxide synthesis may be a strategy that can be used in the future to improve xenobiotic metabolism in sepsis.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMed1999

Hand parameter differences between psychiatric patients and normal controls: a preliminary evaluation.

The basic assumption of this study was that it is possible to identify unusual hand features in the hands of unusual populations, and that a combination of certain unusual hand features can be associated with mental illness. One hundred and seventeen people were studied in two groups: 63 mental patients (40 males, 23 females) hospitalized in the Abarbanel Hospital, Israel, and a control group of 54 people (27 males, 27 females). Twelve hand parameters were studied, and 11 of them were found to be significantly different. Out of them, 7 show the significant result of p < 0.001. The results of this study suggest that the features of the hand may be considered as a part of the phenomenon of minor physical anomalies which are apparently neurodevelopmental markers. It suggests also the desirability of further research in this area.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis improves detoxication in inflammatory liver dysfunction in vivo.

Inflammatory stimulation of the liver induces nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis and suppression of detoxication. In this study the effect of NO biosynthesis on cytochrome P-450 (CYP) enzyme activity was investigated by comparing in vivo and in vitro assays. To establish liver inflammation, CD rats were injected with Corynebacterium parvum (C. parvum) suspension. After 5 days NO biosynthesis was highly induced as indicated by increased NO2- plus NO3- serum concentrations. At the same time the aminopyrine breath test (ABT), measuring CYP activity in vivo, was reduced to 42% and the in vitro assay of aminopyrine turnover was suppressed to 12% of NaCl- injected controls. When C. parvum-injected animals were treated with the NO synthase inhibitor NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), CYP activities significantly improved with an ABT of 76% and an in vitro aminopyrine turnover of 47% of controls. Neither C. parvum injections nor L-NMMA treatment resulted in a significant change of CYP protein concentrations. These data indicate that suppression of xenobiotic metabolism can be attenuated by inhibition of NO biosynthesis during an ongoing process of inflammation.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[Carbon dioxide stunning for the slaughter of turkeys].

In an experimental study on stunning of 460 turkeys in a CO2 enriched atmosphere (60-70% CO2 in air), as a more animal protecting and more economic alternative to conventional electrical stunning, the following results are obtained: all animals show respiratory arrest within 100 seconds. After being dipped in a CO2 enriched atmosphere for a few seconds the turkeys show head shaking and forced respiration which has to be considered as a strain the animals are conscious of. The meat hygienic results after CO2 stunning are much better than after electrical stunning.

Abattoirs↗
PubMed1996

[Clinical investigations of an i.m. combination anesthesia with fentanylclimazolam/xylazine and postoperative i.v. antagonism with naloxone/sarmazenil/yohimbine in guinea pigs].

Aim of the study was the clinical use of a completely antagonisable anaesthesia in guinea pigs. The dosage based on experimental studies. Fentanyl, climazolam and xylazine (0.05/2.0/2.0 mg/kg) were injected i.m. for combination anaesthesia and naloxone, sarmazenil and yohimbine (0.03/0.3/2.0 mg/kg) i.v. were used for antagonisation. 18 guinea pigs (17 female, one male) with an average body weight of 1177 g aged between eight months and five years were anaesthetised for various surgical procedures. The following clinical parameters were measured: body temperature, muscle relaxation, analgesia, hyperacusia, righting-, interdigital- and palpebral reflex. After antagonisation the return of righting reflex, the appearance of muscle trembling, the first walking without ataxia and the first food uptake were observed. The investigations showed that this kind of anaesthesia is suitable for surgical procedures in the guinea pig and is very safe because of the complete antagonisation of the depressing respiratory and circulatory effects of anaesthesia.

Anesthesia, General↗
PubMed1996

[Isoflurane anesthesia in rabbits in a closed anesthetic system].

Using the Stephens anaesthetic apparatus-which is a closed system with an in-circuit, nonprecision vaporizer-and isoflurane as anaesthetic gas, 18 rabbits were anaesthetized and showed sufficient hypnosis, analgesia, and muscle relaxation during bone surgery. Induction of anaesthesia was achieved with intravenous propofol and all rabbits were intubated afterwards. During the following isoflurane inhalation anaesthesia the mean arterial blood pressure decreased considerably (compared to control measures before induction), the heart rate remained the same or showed a slight increase, and the respiratory rate decreased. The arterial pO2 decreased corresponding to the respiratory depression after propofol induction and increased again during spontaneous ventilation with 100% oxygen. The changes in arterial pCO2 and pH were representative for a rise in the CO2-stimulation threshold. A moderate metabolic acidosis could be seen due to preanaesthetic excitement of the animals. Recovery time was short (between one and 11 minutes) and no signs of excitation could be detected. The consumed volume of isoflurane was 0.80 ml/kg BW/h.

Anesthesia, Closed-Circuit↗
PubMed1994

Inhibition of cytochromes P4501A by nitric oxide.

Inflammatory stimulation of the liver leads to the induction of nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis. Because NO binds to the catalytic heme moiety of cytochromes P450 (CYPs), we investigated whether NO interferes with specific CYP-dependent metabolic pathways. In a first experimental approach V79 Chinese hamster cells genetically engineered for stable expression of rat and human CYP1A1 and -1A2 were used. Incubation with the NO donors sodium nitroprusside and S-nitrosylacetylpenicillamine led to a concentration-dependent inhibition of all four CYP enzymes. CYP1A1 was more sensitive to the inhibitory effect of NO than CYP1A2. In the second part of the study, endogenous NO synthesis was induced in rat hepatocytes by incubation with a mixture of cytokines and endotoxin. Concurrently, as NO production in hepatocytes increased within 24 hr, a decrease in CYP1A1-dependent benzo[a]pyrene turnover was observed to almost undetectable levels. The competitive inhibitor of NO synthesis, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine, was able to significantly restore CYP1A1 activity in the presence of cytokines and endotoxin. Inhibition of hepatocellular CYP activity by NO was predominantly due to a direct effect on the enzymes. However, NO-dependent inhibition of CYP expression at a transcriptional level was also demonstrated. Our results indicate that inhibition of NO biosynthesis in patients suffering from systemic inflammatory response syndromes may help to restore biotransformation capacity of the liver.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

[CO2/O2 anesthesia for the castration of male piglets (preliminary results)].

Introduction of anaesthesia with CO2/O2 (60% to 40%) is possible within 90 and 120 seconds. There are moderate to excessive excitations occurring as part of state II of anaesthesia. Anaesthesia (during castration) in CO2/O2-atmosphere produces excellent analgesia and relaxation. The duration of castration surgery is much shorter under CO2-anaesthesia than without anaesthesia. Blood cortisol levels are significantly higher after castration without CO2-anaesthesia. About 5 minutes after CO2/O2-anaesthesia and castration surgery, piglets are already awake and standing.

Anesthesia, Inhalation↗