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T S Larsen

Publications and source records attributed to T S Larsen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Reduced coronary reserve in response to short-term ischaemia and vasoactive drugs in ex vivo hearts from diabetic mice.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to compare the coronary flow (CF) reserve of ex vivo perfused hearts from type 2 diabetic (db/db) and non-diabetic (db/+) mice. METHODS: The hearts were perfused in the Langendorff mode with Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer (37 degrees C, pH 7.4) containing 11 mmol L(-1) glucose as energy substrate. The coronary reserve was measured in response to three different interventions: (1) administration of nitroprusside (a nitric oxide donor), (2) administration of adenosine and (3) production of reactive hyperaemia by short-term ischaemia. RESULTS: Basal CF was approximately 15% lower in diabetic when compared with non-diabetic hearts (2.1 +/- 0.1 vs. 2.6 +/- 0.2 mL min(-1)). The maximum increase in CF rate in response to sodium nitroprusside and adenosine was significantly lower in diabetic (0.6 +/- 0.1 and 0.9 +/- 0.1 mL min(-1) respectively) than in non-diabetic hearts (1.2 +/- 0.1 and 1.4 +/- 0.1 mL min(-1) respectively). Also, there was a clear difference in the rate of return to basal CF following short-term ischaemia between diabetic and non-diabetic hearts. Thus, basal tone was restored 1-2 min after the peak hyperaemic response in non-diabetic hearts, whereas it took approximately 5 min in diabetic hearts. CONCLUSION: These results show that basal CF, as well as the CF reserve, is impaired in hearts from type 2 diabetic mice. As diabetic and non-diabetic hearts were exposed to the same (maximum) concentrations of NO or adenosine, it is suggested that the lower coronary reserve in type 2 diabetic hearts is, in part, because of a defect in the intracellular pathways mediating smooth muscle relaxation.

Adenosine↗

Measurement of coronary flow reserve in isolated hearts from mice.

AIM: Langendorff-perfused murine hearts are increasingly used in cardiovascular research, but coronary cardiovascular haemodynamics vary considerably from one research group to another. The aim of this study was to establish an isolated, retrogradely perfused mouse heart preparation for the simultaneous measurement of left ventricular haemodynamics and of coronary flow (CF). METHODS: Heart rate was controlled by right atrial pacing (480 beats min(-1)) and heart temperature was kept constant. Accurate flow values of <0.5 mL min(-1) could be determined, and this methodology was then used to study the stability of this preparation, as well as coronary response to vasoactive drugs and to short-term ischaemia. RESULTS: The CF and maximum systolic pressure were well maintained over a 2-h perfusion period, both showing a 10% decline per hour. Sodium-nitroprusside (endothelium-independent) and adenosine (endothelium-dependent) increased CF relatively modest (30-50% above baseline values). Short-term no-flow ischaemia caused a transient 40-50% increase in CF on reperfusion. Peak reflow occurred approximately 15 s after start of reperfusion and flow returned to baseline during the following 1-2 min. Increased coronary blood flow following infusion of vasoactive drugs (nitroprusside or adenosine) or short-term ischaemia were associated with minor changes in ventricular pressure development. CONCLUSIONS: Blood flow and haemodynamics can readily be determined in this isolated perfused mouse heart model, but CF reserve is relatively small, compared with blood-perfused organs.

Adenosine↗

Complete genome sequence of a multiple drug resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi CT18.

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. typhi) is the aetiological agent of typhoid fever, a serious invasive bacterial disease of humans with an annual global burden of approximately 16 million cases, leading to 600,000 fatalities. Many S. enterica serovars actively invade the mucosal surface of the intestine but are normally contained in healthy individuals by the local immune defence mechanisms. However, S. typhi has evolved the ability to spread to the deeper tissues of humans, including liver, spleen and bone marrow. Here we have sequenced the 4,809,037-base pair (bp) genome of a S. typhi (CT18) that is resistant to multiple drugs, revealing the presence of hundreds of insertions and deletions compared with the Escherichia coli genome, ranging in size from single genes to large islands. Notably, the genome sequence identifies over two hundred pseudogenes, several corresponding to genes that are known to contribute to virulence in Salmonella typhimurium. This genetic degradation may contribute to the human-restricted host range for S. typhi. CT18 harbours a 218,150-bp multiple-drug-resistance incH1 plasmid (pHCM1), and a 106,516-bp cryptic plasmid (pHCM2), which shows recent common ancestry with a virulence plasmid of Yersinia pestis.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Lead and zinc in sediments and biota from Maarmorilik, West Greenland: an assessment of the environmental impact of mining wastes on an Arctic fjord system.

Lead and zinc levels in sediments and biota from the fjord system surrounding the lead/zinc mine at Maarmorilik, West Greenland, were investigated to evaluate the impact of waste rock and marine-deposited tailings on the marine biota. Concentrations of metal in the sediment were up to 8,922 +/- 622 microg g(-1) (dry wt.) for lead and 19,351+/- 476 microg g(-1) (dry wt.) for zinc. Levels of lead and zinc were also elevated in a suite of monitor organisms. The feeding modes of the organisms were used to explain the sources of metals to the organisms. After closure of the mine, the concentrations of metals in the upper centimetres of the sediments decreased, and a decreased impact of metals on the brown alga Fucus distichus was observed. However, the metals in the sediments still affect the marine biota in the area.

Animals↗

Genome organisation and chromatin structure in Escherichia coli.

We have analysed the complete sequence of the Escherichia coli K12 isolate MG1655 genome for chromatin-associated protein binding sites, and compared the predicted location of predicted sites with experimental expression data from 'DNA chip' experiments. Of the dozen proteins associated with chromatin in E. coli, only three have been shown to have significant binding preferences: integration host factor (IHF) has the strongest binding site preference, and FIS sites show a weak consensus, and there is no clear consensus site for binding of the H-NS protein. Using hidden Markov models (HMMs), we predict the location of 608 IHF sites, scattered throughout the genome. A subset of the IHF sites associated with repeats tends to be clustered around the origin of replication. We estimate there could be roughly 6000 FIS sites in E. coli, and the sites tend to be localised in two regions flanking the replication termini. We also show that the regions upstream of genes regulated by H-NS are more curved and have a higher AT content than regions upstream of other genes. These regions in general would also be localised near the replication terminus.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Glucose metabolism in perfused mouse hearts overexpressing human GLUT-4 glucose transporter.

Glucose and fatty acid metabolism was assessed in isolated working hearts from control C57BL/KsJ-m+/+db mice and transgenic mice overexpressing the human GLUT-4 glucose transporter (db/+-hGLUT-4). Heart rate, coronary flow, cardiac output, and cardiac power did not differ between control hearts and hearts overexpressing GLUT-4. Hearts overexpressing GLUT-4 had significantly higher rates of glucose uptake and glycolysis and higher levels of glycogen after perfusion than control hearts, but rates of glucose and palmitate oxidation were not different. Insulin (1 mU/ml) significantly increased glycogen levels in both groups. Insulin increased glycolysis in control hearts but not in GLUT-4 hearts, whereas glucose oxidation was increased by insulin in both groups. Therefore, GLUT-4 overexpression increases glycolysis, but not glucose oxidation, in the heart. Although control hearts responded to insulin with increased rates of glycolysis, the enhanced entry of glucose in the GLUT-4 hearts was already sufficient to maximally activate glycolysis under basal conditions such that insulin could not further stimulate the glycolytic rate.

Animals↗

Myocardial metabolism and efficiency after warm continuous blood cardioplegia.

BACKGROUND: Warm continuous blood cardioplegia (WCBCP) has been recommended during prolonged cardiac arrest to minimize functional deterioration. Myocardial metabolism and efficiency after this cardioplegic modality are not well described. METHODS: Substrate oxidation, blood flow, and myocardial function were measured before, during, and after 3 hours of WCBCP in 7 pigs. RESULTS: Free fatty acid and glucose oxidation decreased by 60% +/- 3.8% and 94% +/- 1.2%, respectively, during cardioplegia (both p < 0.05) and increased to 62% +/- 28% and 122% +/- 62% of baseline during the early recovery phase (p < 0.05 for glucose). One hour after WCBCP oxidation rates were similar to baseline. The transient postcardioplegic increase in substrate oxidation was associated with a 43% +/- 23% elevation of oxygen consumption (MVO2) compared with baseline and a 62% +/- 18% increase in myocardial blood flow. Cardiac output and mean arterial pressure did not change significantly after WCBCP, although myocardial function (stroke work, left ventricular end-systolic pressure, end-diastolic pressure, contractility, and efficiency) was depressed (p < 0.05). End-diastolic pressure and contractility improved from early to late phase of recovery, whereas the other indicators of ventricular function remained depressed. CONCLUSIONS: Myocardial substrate oxidation was preserved after 3 hours of WCBCP, although ventricular function was moderately impaired. Thus, WCBCP with a seemingly normal substrate and oxygen supply was associated with a reduced cardiac efficiency.

Animals↗

Glucose-insulin-potassium reduces infarct size when administered during reperfusion.

Coronary reperfusion improves ventricular function and survival after infarction, but the metabolic conditions at this time may not be optimal to protect the heart. The objective of this study was to evaluate if metabolic support with glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) administered at the time of coronary reperfusion could elicit the same cardioprotection as GIK infusion during the entire ischemia/reperfusion period. Three groups of anesthetized, open-chest rats were subjected to 30 minutes of regional ischemia and 180 minutes of reperfusion. Groups 1 (controls) and 2 (GIK(IR)) received saline or GIK, respectively, throughout the whole experimental period, whereas a third group (GIK(R)) received GIK from the onset of reperfusion only. Infarct size was significantly reduced in the GIK-treated groups, compared with controls (GIK(IR) 44 +/- 5% and GIK(R) 45 +/- 5% vs. control 66 +/- 4%; P < 0.05). Postischemic recovery of cardiac function improved when GIK was only administered during the reperfusion phase. Furthermore, infusion of GIK resulted in reduced plasma concentrations of free fatty acids and increased plasma glucose (both P < 0.05) compared with controls. This study demonstrates that glucose-insulin-potassium administration at the onset of the postischemic reperfusion period is as cardioprotective as administration of GIK during the entire ischemia/reperfusion period.

Animals↗

Altered metabolism causes cardiac dysfunction in perfused hearts from diabetic (db/db) mice.

Contractile function and substrate metabolism were characterized in perfused hearts from genetically diabetic C57BL/KsJ-lepr(db)/lepr(db) (db/db) mice and their non-diabetic lean littermates. Contractility was assessed in working hearts by measuring left ventricular pressures and cardiac power. Rates of glycolysis, glucose oxidation, and fatty acid oxidation were measured using radiolabeled substrates ([5-(3)H]glucose, [U-(14)C]glucose, and [9,10-(3)H]palmitate) in the perfusate. Contractile dysfunction in db/db hearts was evident, with increased left ventricular end diastolic pressure and decreased left ventricular developed pressure, cardiac output, and cardiac power. The rate of glycolysis from exogenous glucose in diabetic hearts was 48% of control, whereas glucose oxidation was depressed to only 16% of control. In contrast, palmitate oxidation was increased twofold in db/db hearts. The hypothesis that altered metabolism plays a causative role in diabetes-induced contractile dysfunction was tested using perfused hearts from transgenic db/db mice that overexpress GLUT-4 glucose transporters. Both glucose metabolism and palmitate metabolism were normalized in hearts from db/db-human insulin-regulatable glucose transporter (hGLUT-4) hearts, as was contractile function. These findings strongly support a causative role of impaired metabolism in the cardiomyopathy observed in db/db diabetic hearts.

Animals↗

Different tolerance to hypothermia and rewarming of isolated rat and guinea pig hearts.

We examined the effect of hypothermia and rewarming on myocardial function and calcium control in Langendorff-perfused hearts from rat and guinea pig. Both rat and guinea pig hearts demonstrated a rise in myocardial calcium ([Ca]total) in response to hypothermic perfusion (40 min, 10 degrees C), which was accompanied by an increase in left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP). The elevation in [Ca]total was severalfold higher in guinea pig than in rat hearts, reaching 12.9 +/- 0.8 and 3.1 +/- 0.6 micromol.g dry wt-1, respectively. The rise in LVEDP, however, was comparable in the two species: 62.5 +/- 2.5 (guinea pig) and 52.5 +/- 5.1 mm Hg (rat). Following rewarming, [Ca]total remained elevated in guinea pig, whereas a moderate decline in [Ca]total was observed in the rat (13.6 +/- 1.9 and 2.2 +/- 0.3 micromol.g dry wt-1, respectively). Posthypothermic values of LVEDP were also significantly higher in guinea pig compared to rat hearts (42.5 +/- 6.8 vs 20.5 +/- 5.1 mm Hg, P < 0.027). Furthermore, whereas rat hearts demonstrated a 78 +/- 7% recovery of left ventricular developed pressure, there was only a 15 +/- 7% recovery in guinea pig hearts. Measurements of tissue levels of high energy phosphates and glycogen utilization indicated a higher metabolic requirement in guinea pig than in rat hearts in order to oppose the hypothermia-induced calcium load. Thus, we conclude that isolated guinea pig hearts are more sensitive to a hypothermic insult than rat hearts.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

The isolated working mouse heart: methodological considerations.

Our aim was to develop a working isolated murine heart model, as the extensive use of genetically engineered mice in cardiovascular research requires development of new miniaturized technology. Left ventricular (LV) function was assessed in the isolated working mouse heart perfused with recirculated oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer (37 degrees C pH 7.4) containing 11.1 mM glucose and 0.4 mM palmitate bound to 3% albumin. The hearts worked against an afterload reservoir at a height equivalent to 50 mmHg, and heart rate was controlled by electrical pacing of the right atrium. LV pressure was measured with a micromanometer connected to a small steel cannula inserted through the apex of the heart. The experimental protocol consisted of two interventions. First, following instrumentation and stabilization, the preload reservoir was raised from a pressure equivalent of 7 to 22.5 mmHg, while pacing at 390 beats.min-1. Thereafter the height of the preload reservoir was set to 10 mmHg, and the pacing rate was varied from 260 to 600 beats.min-1. Aortic and coronary flows were measured by timed collections of effluent from the afterload line and that dripping from the heart, respectively [aortic+coronary flow=cardiac output (CO)]. Elevation of LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) from approximately 5 to 10 mmHg resulted in a twofold increase in average cardiac power [product of LV developed pressure (LVDevP) and CO], whereas myocardial contractility (first derivative of LV pressure, dP/dt) and LVDevP (LV systolic pressure-LVEDP) increased only minimally (5-10%). Measured LVEDP was lower than the equivalent height of the preload reservoir by an amount that was related to the heart rate. Cardiac power, LVDevP and dP/dt were stable at heart rates up to 400 beats.min-1, but declined markedly with higher rates, consistent with the decrease in LVEDP. Thus, cardiac power was reduced to 50% of its maximum value when stimulated at approximately 500 beats.min-1, and at even higher rates there was little ejection. By systematic manipulation of the height of the preload reservoir and heart rate, we conclude that LV afterload and preload can be assessed only by high-fidelity measurement of intraventricular pressures. The heights of the afterload column and the preload reservoir are unreliable and potentially misleading indicators of LV afterload and preload.

Animals↗

Glucose and fatty acid metabolism in the isolated working mouse heart.

Although isolated perfused mouse heart models have been developed to study mechanical function, energy substrate metabolism has not been examined despite the expectation that the metabolic rate for a heart from a small mammal should be increased. Consequently, glucose utilization (glycolysis, oxidation) and fatty acid oxidation were measured in isolated working mouse hearts perfused with radiolabeled substrates, 11 mM glucose, and either 0.4 or 1.2 mM palmitate. Heart rate, coronary flow, cardiac output, and cardiac power did not differ significantly between hearts perfused at 0.4 or 1.2 mM palmitate. Although the absolute values obtained for glycolysis and glucose oxidation and fatty acid oxidation are significantly higher than those reported for rat hearts, the pattern of substrate metabolism in mouse hearts is similar to that observed in hearts from larger mammals. The metabolism of mouse hearts can be altered by fatty acid concentration in a manner similar to that observed in larger animals; increasing palmitate concentration altered the balance of substrate metabolism to increase overall energy derived from fatty acids from 64 to 92%.

Animals↗

Changes in the serum lipid profile in man during 24 months of arctic residence.

The influence of the severe climate and geographical conditions at the Svalbard archipelago (78-79 degrees N) on serum lipid levels were measured in Caucasian miners who had arrived from the southern part of Ukraine and Russia (48 degrees N). The persons included in the study were randomly divided in five groups according to their time of living (1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months) at Svalbard. Blood sampling took place during a two week period in January, when the Svalbard archipelago is into its polar night. General elevated levels of triglycerides were found in group I-III (1, 3 and 6 months stay), whereas the values measured in group IV and V (12 and 24 months stay) were somewhat lower. This apparent decline in triglycerides was paralelled by generally elevated levels of HDL cholesterol. The serum level of phospholipids was similar in all groups. All the level of free fatty acids was apparently higher in groups IV and V, particularly 18:3 and 16:1. These results may be indicative of a rise in triglyceride consumption after about a 12 month stay in the archipelago. Besides, the elevated levels of 18:3 and 16:1 fatty acids imply dietary modifications of the serum fatty acids.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

The role of glycolysis in myocardial calcium control.

Because glycolysis is thought to be important for maintenance of cellular ion homeostasis, the aim of the present study was to examine the role of glycolysis in the control of cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i) and cell shortening during conditions of increased calcium influx. Thus, [Ca2+]i and unloaded cell shortening were measured in fura-2/AM loaded rat ventricular myocytes. All cells were superfused with Tyrode's solution containing glucose and pyruvate (to preserve oxidative metabolism), and glycolysis was inhibited by iodoacetate (IAA, 100 microM). Calcium influx was increased, secondary to an increase in intracellular sodium, by addition of veratrine (1 microgram/ml), or directly by either elevating [Ca2+]o from 2 to 5 mM or by exposing the cells to isoproterenol (1 to 100 nm). Veratrine exposure caused a time-dependent increase in both diastolic and systolic [Ca2+]i that resulted in cellular calcium overload and hypercontraction. The rate of increase in [Ca2+]i was more rapid in IAA-treated than in untreated myocytes, leading to a 13+/-3 v 5+/-2% increase (P<0.05) in diastolic [Ca2+]i after 5 min of exposure. The corresponding increases in systolic [Ca2+]i were 43+/-6 and 24+/-5% (P<0.05). Elevated [Ca2+]o resulted in increased [Ca2+]i transient amplitudes and cell shortening. These responses were each attenuated by inhibiting glycolysis, so that the increase was 38+/-5 v 68+/-9% ([Ca2+]i transient amplitude, P<0.05) and 41+/-11 v 91+/-18% (cell shortening, P<0.05). Inhibition of glycolysis did not, however, affect the increase in calcium transient or cell shortening during addition of isoproterenol. We conclude that glycolysis plays an essential role in the maintenance of intracellular calcium homeostasis during severe calcium overload. Glycolysis was also essential for signalling the inotropic effect that accompanied elevation in extracellular calcium, while the changes in intracellular calcium following administration of isoproterenol were not influenced by glycolysis in the present model.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

Glucose and fatty acid oxidation by the in situ dog heart during experimental cooling and rewarming.

BACKGROUND: Reduced myocardial function after hypothermia may be metabolic in origin, but the relationship between myocardial metabolism and the various components of hypothermia-mediated dysfunction has not been thoroughly investigated. METHODS: In the present study we measured myocardial uptake and oxidation of glucose and oleate in mongrel dogs undergoing cooling to 25 degrees C followed by rewarming to 37 degrees C, using radiolabeled substrates. RESULTS: Segment work index declined from 39.3 +/- 5.1 to 15.1 +/- 2.4 mm Hg in response to cooling from 37 degrees to 25 degrees C and did not recover completely on rewarming (27.2 +/- 4.2 mm Hg, p < 0.05). Oleate uptake declined from 3,251 +/- 619 to 1,043 +/- 356 nmol.min-1.100 g-1 (p < 0.05) when the dogs were cooled from 37 degrees to 25 degrees C. Simultaneously, oxidation rate fell from 1,089 +/- 158 to 354 +/- 83 nmol.min-1.100 g-1 (p < 0.05). On rewarming, oleate uptake was restored to prehypothermic values, whereas its rate of oxidation remained depressed (480 +/- 129 nmol.min-1.100 g-1; p < 0.05). Uptake and oxidation of glucose also declined significantly during cooling. However, both uptake and oxidation of glucose recovered fully on rewarming. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study demonstrate a reduced capacity to oxidize fatty acids by the myocardium during rewarming after hypothermia.

Animals↗

A rapidly activating sustained K+ current modulates repolarization and excitation-contraction coupling in adult mouse ventricle.

1. The K+ currents which control repolarization in adult mouse ventricle, and the effects of changes in action potential duration on excitation-contraction coupling in this tissue, have been studied with electrophysiological methods using single cell preparations and by recording mechanical parameters from an in vitro working heart preparation. 2. Under conditions where Ca(2+)-dependent currents were eliminated by buffering intracellular Ca2+ with EGTA, depolarizing voltage steps elicited two rapidly activating outward K+ currents: (i) a transient outward current, and (ii) a slowly inactivating or 'sustained' delayed rectifier. 3. These two currents were separated pharmacologically by the K+ channel blocker 4-amino-pyridine (4-AP). 4-AP at concentrations between 3 and 200 microM resulted in (i) a marked increase in action potential duration and a large decrease in the sustained K+ current at plateau potentials, as well as (ii) a significant increase in left ventricular systolic pressure in the working heart preparation. 4. The current-voltage (I-V) relation, kinetics, and block by low concentrations of 4-AP strongly suggest that the rapid delayed rectifier in adult mouse ventricles is the same K+ current (Kv1.5) that has been characterized in detail in human and canine atria. 5. These results show that the 4-AP-sensitive rapid delayed rectifier is a very important repolarizing current in mouse ventricle. The enhanced contractility produced by 4-AP (50 microM) in the working heart preparation demonstrates that modulation of the action potential duration, by blocking a K+ current, is a very significant inotropic variable.

4-Aminopyridine↗

Stimulation of carbohydrate metabolism reduces hypothermia-induced calcium load in fatty acid-perfused rat hearts.

In the present study we examined the impact of glycolysis and glucose oxidation on myocardial calcium control and mechanical function of fatty acid-perfused rat hearts subjected to hypothermia rewarming. One group (control) was given glucose (11.1 mM) and palmitate (1.2 mM) as energy substrates. In a second group glycolysis was inhibited by iodoacetate (IAA, 100 microM) and replacement of glucose with pyruvate (5 mM), whereas in the third group glucose oxidation was stimulated by administration of dichloroacetate (DCA, 1 mM) and insulin (500 microU/ml). All groups showed a rise in myocardial calcium ([Ca]total in response to hypothermia (10 degrees C). However, [Ca]total was significantly lower both in IAA- and DCA-treated hearts, as compared to controls (2.20 +/- 0.22 and 2.94 +/- 0.20 v 3.83 +/- 0.29 nmol/mg dry wt., P < 0.025). The reduced calcium load in the treated hearts was correlated with higher levels of high energy phosphates. Following rewarming control and DCA-treated hearts still showed elevated [Ca]total, whereas IAA-treated hearts [Ca]total was not different from the pre-hypothermic value. All groups showed a reduction in cardiac output following rewarming. Furthermore, the control group, in contrast to both IAA- and DCA-treated hearts, showed a significant reduction in systolic pressure. These results show that hypothermia-induced calcium uptake in glucose and fatty acid-perfused rat hearts was reduced by two different metabolic approaches: (1) inhibition of glycolysis by IAA while simultaneously by-passing the glycolytic pathway by exogenous pyruvate: and (2) stimulation of glucose oxidation by DCA. Thus, glycolytic ATP is not an essential regulator of sarcolemmal calcium transport under the present experimental conditions. Instead, we suggest that a change in oxidative substrate utilization in favour of carbohydrates may improve myocardial calcium homeostasis during hypothermia and rewarming.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗