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V Gill

Publications and source records attributed to V Gill.

46 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

An arginine vasotocin-like neuropeptide is present in the nervous system of the marine mollusc Aplysia californica.

Radioimmunoassays and high pressure liquid chromatography have been used to demonstrate the presence of an arginine-vasotocin-like peptide (AVT) in the anterior ganglia of Aplysia. Previously, AVT, using similar methods, was found to be present only in vertebrates. AVT when perfused over the abdominal ganglion (10(-6)-10(-12)M) was found to increase the bursting activity of R15, to decrease the bursting activity of L3-L6 and to increase the CNS's suppressive influence over the gill withdrawal reflex evoked by siphon stimulation. The AVT present in the nervous system of Aplysia may mediate long-term suppression of gill reflex behaviors induced by factors such as satiation and, as well, regulate the activity of certain neurosecretory neurons.

Animals↗

Measurement of methylglyoxal in rat tissues by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography.

INTRODUCTION: Increased methylglyoxal formation due to insulin resistance has been implicated in the development of essential hypertension and in type-2 diabetic complications in animal models. Methylglyoxal is a highly reactive aldehyde, which binds sulfhydryl and amino groups of membrane proteins forming conjugates, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which alter membrane function, leading to increased blood pressure and oxidative stress. We have shown elevated aldehyde conjugates in tissues of hypertensive rats which may be formed primarily from methylglyoxal. Our objective was to develop a specific method to measure methylglyoxal in rat tissues. METHOD: This method involves preparation of plasma, blood and tissue homogenates, solid phase extraction of methylglyoxal, derivitization using o-phenylenediamine, further purification of derivatized products by solid phase extraction and quantification by electrospray ionization liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (ESI/LC/MS). RESULTS: Methylglyoxal was highest in aorta followed by heart, liver, kidney and blood in that order in Sprague-Dawley rats. Levels of methylglyoxal in plasma were about an order of magnitude lower than that in tissues, but above the concentration used for the lowest calibration standard. DISCUSSION: We have successfully developed an ESI/LC/MS method for quantification of methylglyoxal in rat tissues. The high selectivity of this method offers an advantage over other methods based on fluorescence. This method will allow the evaluation of methylglyoxal in essential hypertension and type-2 diabetes.

Animals↗

Streptococcal endocarditis: single vs. combination antibiotic therapy and role of various species.

Forty-eight patients with 51 episodes of infective endocarditis caused by streptococci were studied in a comparison of the efficacy of single antibiotic therapy versus that of combination therapy. There was no statistical difference in terms of clinical course, toxicity, and mortality between the group given a single drug and that given combination therapy. However, one patient experienced two relapses, in both instances after high-dose penicillin therapy. The species and antibiotic susceptibilities of the infecting organisms were determined. The majority of isolates were alpha-hemolytic, with Streptococcus sanguis recovered most commonly. Streptococcus bovis and group B beta-hemolytic streptococci were the next most frequent isolates.

Adult↗

Mycoplasma pneumoniae meningoencephalitis complicated by diplopia.

We report a case of Mycoplasma pneumoniae meningoencephalitis in which the primary neurologic manifestation was diplopia. Other neurologic findings included bilateral Babinski signs, mental confusion, and bladder incontinence. The patient responded to a course of minocycline and made an uneventful recovery. We report the first known case of Mycoplasma meningoencephalitis with diplopia.

Adult↗

Klebsiella pneumoniae splenic abscess.

Splenic abscesses may be solitary or multiple and are unusual infections. Signs and symptoms are variable and do not always include left upper quadrant pain or tenderness, as the Case Report illustrate. Abscesses of the spleen may occur as a result of endocarditis or from hematogenous seeding from a distant focus of infection. Computed tomographic scan of the spleen is the diagnostic method of choice. We report a case of multiple splenic abscesses caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae that resulted from a Klebsiella urinary tract infection and was successfully managed with antibiotic therapy and splenectomy.

Abscess↗