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W Weissenhofer

Publications and source records attributed to W Weissenhofer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

Correlations between endotoxin, interferon-gamma, biopterin and serum phospholipase A2-activities during lethal gram negative sepsis in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To establish a standardised reproducible animal model of intraperitoneal sepsis, and to investigate early immunoserological responses to find a mediator-based system for evaluation and grading of diffuse peritonitis in patients DESIGN: Prospective experimental study SETTING: 4 Teaching hospitals, Germany and Austria MATERIAL: 42 LEW. 1W rats, 12 of which acted as controls INTERVENTIONS: Gram negative sepsis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 6 ml of a mixture of Escherichia coli (K1:H+) 10(10) organisms/ml, autogenous haemoglobin 2.9 ml (haemoglobin concentration 3%), 0.9% sodium chloride 3 ml, and suspension 0.1 ml. Control rats were given physiological saline 6 ml alone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Concentrations of endotoxin, interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), and biopterin, and serum phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the septic and control rats in concentrations of endotoxin (EU/ml) (median (interquartile range) 21.85 (2.02-159.5) compared with 0, p < 0.0001; IFN-gamma (pg/ml) 1263.0 (271.0-7575.0) compared with 101.0 (89.0-141.0), p < 0.0001; biopterin (nmol/L) 111.0 (66.4-156.3) compared with 53.7 (38.3-67.6), p < 0.001; and PLA2 (U/L) 163.0 (125.8-209.0) compared with 112.5 (88.5-126.5) p < 0.01. CONCLUSIONS: Measurements of concentrations of endotoxin, IFN-gamma, pteridines, and PLA2 activity may well be adequate markers for early recognition of sepsis, and perhaps for grading it during the first 6 hours after induction. The allow a clear distinction to be made between septic and non-septic disorders in 87% of cases.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Evidence that immunosuppression is an intrinsic property of the alpha-fetoprotein molecule.

Among the proteins that comprise the albumin family, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the only member which exhibits immunoregulatory properties. However, some investigations have argued that AFP-mediated immunosuppression is not an inherent property of the molecule itself, but is instead, hypothesized to be either a function of a low molecular weight inhibitor bound to AFP or to a post-translational modification of the protein. AFP cannot be isolated from natural sources in quantities sufficient for the detailed biochemical and functional analyses required to resolve these issues. We have therefore produced recombinant forms of the protein (rAFP) by cloning the cDNA's for mouse and human AFP in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic expression systems. As described in this report, we were able to abundantly express rAFP's in bacterial, baculovirus and yeast expression systems. Recombinant proteins derived from each expression system were recognized by polyclonal and monoclonal anti-AFP antibodies as determined by immunoblot analysis. Pure recombinant protein samples, as characterized by polyacrylamide gel analyses, N-terminal sequencing and FPLC and HPLC chromatography, were evaluated for their immunoregulatory properties in murine and human in vitro immunological assays. The results of these studies establish that rAFP is functionally equivalent to natural fetal derived AFP molecules. Importantly, the data reported here demonstrate that AFP-mediated immunoregulation is an activity intrinsic to the molecule itself and cannot be attributed to either putative non-covalently bound moieties or to post-translational modifications such as glycosylation and sialylation. These studies provide a basis for initiating detailed investigations into the potential clinical usefulness of AFP as an immunotherapeutic agent.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1978

The effective placement of Miller-Abbott-tubes under endoscopic guidance. Technical improvements.

In an earlier publication, the intestinal placement of Miller-Abbott-tubes using routine gastroscopic equipment was proposed for the conservative treatment of intestinal obstruction. In addition to the technical advices presented at this early stage of personal experience, we now recommend to 1. insert the tube primarily through the nostrils, 2. extract the tip through the mouth, 3. grasp the leading ligature of the tube tip extracorporally by means of the biopsy instrument and 4. guide the tube tip to the target area by orogastric approach. This technical improvement excludes difficulties in respect to patient cooperation or other special disadvantages and made 26 intestinal intubations in an uninterrupted series an easy and worthwhile procedure.

Endoscopy↗
PubMed1976

[Massive hemorrhage caused by acute solitary gastric erosion Dieulafoy. Change of prognosis due to preoperative endoscopy (author's transl)].

In this report of three successfully operated cases of acute solitary gastric erosion--Ulcus Dieulafoy (U.D.), the anatomical and clinical characteristics of this rare gastric lesion are discussed. Due credit is given to reports of the literature. As born out by experience, conservative treatment of bleeding U.D. is usually lethal. Judged from statistical evaluation, surgical intervention has proven to be unsuccessful in many cases. This is directly related to the problem of intraoperative localisation, which, in turn, may lead to illadvised procedures. With acurate localisation of the lesion, surgical management yields good to excellent results. Acute endoscopy as a routine procedure in gastrointestinal hemorrhage in our experience is the key to success, leading to a possibly decisive change in the prognosis of U.D.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1976

[Intestinal placement of Miller-Abbott-tubes under endoscopic guidance (author's transl)].

Based on experiences with 9 treatments in 7 cases of intestinal obstruction, the technique of endoscopic transgastric guidance of Miller-Abbott-tubes is reported. On our service, the above mentioned method was applied in the treatment of intestinal obstruction observed in cases of advanced malignant lesions as well as in patients with intestinal obstruction in the early postoperative period. Apparative aids and technical guidelines are accentuated. The method requires a team consisting of at least one physician and three assistents with clearly defined competence. Success also depends on the selection of material used. Special problems arise in the treatment of patients following partial gastrectomy. Routine X-rays are important in order to control the course of treatment and to documentate the result. The inclusion of endoscopic aids resulted in successful intestinal intubation in all cases treated. The utilization of recommended guidelines seemingly rules out technical failure in the attempt of placing the tube in the desired anatomic position.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Turnover of amino acids in sepsis and starvation: Effect of glucose infusion.

The catabolism of glucose and amino acids has been studied in the normal, the fasted, and the fasted septic dog. The fasted septic dog oxidized more glucose and alanine, and had more gluconeogenesis from alanine and the five tritiated amino acids--glutamate, threonine, phenylalanine, leucine, and valine--as compared to the normal and equally fasted dog. Thus the total body protein catabolic state was characterized in biochemical terms. In contrast, following glucose infusion, the fasted septic animal responded much like the fasted animal in terms of decreased animo acid gluconeogenesis and decreased plasma concentrations of amino acids, fats and fat products, but considerably increased the oxidation of alanine. The increased alanine oxidation appeared to be primarily related to increased tissue clearance and increased plasma concentration. There was some suggestive evidence for enhanced oxidation of the tritiated amino acids including leucine and valine during glucose infusion. The protein catabolic state secondary to this sort of sepsis in dogs only on per os fluid support appears to be best characterized as a glucose catabolic state with alanine being oxidized directly. Such states are known to be ones of enhanced metabolic rate secondary to enhanced synthetic processes generally. This is probably related to enhanced sympathetic nervous system release of glucagon with insulin being normally responsive to glucose because of a normal plasma epinephrine.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1976

[Temporary gastrostomy as an alternative procedure for nasogastric suction].

Based on personal experience with 70 cases of temporary tube gastrostomy - used as an alternative procedure to nasogastric suction in 50 cases and as a double-purpose tube in 20 cases of radical esophagectomy - pertinent problems concerning indication, technique, advantages, and possible complications are presented. The results indicate that temporary gastrostomy is a safe procedure, reduces cardiopulmonary disorders, and increases the patient's comfort. The procedure is therefore strongly recommended for patients with poor cardiopulmonary reserve and for the age group above 60 years. Temporary gastrostomy is also indicated in younger patients, if prolonged gastric distension with the necessity of decompression is anticipated.

Adult↗
PubMed1975

[Nonocclusive mesenteric vascular disease following atrio-ventricular block and pacemaker treatment. Gangrene of small and large bowel with occlusion of inferieor mesenteric artery (author's transl)].

A case of nonocclusive mesenteric vascular disease consequential to a low cardiac output syndrome in a patient with a temporary pacemaker is reported. Preexisting occlusion of the inferior mesenteric artery resulted in a total gangrene of small and large bowel. Experimental findings suggest that this occlusion could have resulted in a compensatory increase of blood flow in the superior mesenteric artery. The possibility is discussed that the preexisting necessary increase of superior mesenteric blood flow could be followed by equally increased sensitivity of regional organic systems in non-occlusive mesenteric vascular disease.

Abdomen, Acute↗
PubMed1975

Lyophilized veins studied by scanning electron microscopy.

Human saphenous veins were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The intention was to analyze the suitability of lyophilized homologous veins for homografting when no autologous venous material is available for replacement of obstructed arterial segments. Cross-sectioned specimens revealed the intimal layer of the venous wall to be compactly structured, while the median and external parts were found to be loosely organized and contained numerous cavities. The luminal surface coat displayed the typical aspects of an intact endothelium with occasional fine deposits of fibrin. Defects of the inner layer were only rarely observed, and are caused when the endothelium was stuck to the PVC catheter prior to lyophilization. From a morphological point of view, lyophilized veins seem to be sutiable for replacement of arterial segments. Based on our findings suggestions are made for optimal preparation of the venous material.

Freeze Drying↗