Using computer based data acquisition and analysis system for nasal potential difference measurement in cystic fibrosis

Nasal potential difference (PD) measurement has been used as a diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis (CF). It has been shown that large differences in reproducibility of nasal PD measurement can exist between different study sites. These differences reduce the validity of studies. In our study we tried to measure nasal PD values for a group of Turkish CF patients by using a computer based data acquisition system, which could eliminate the bias due to using different voltmeters

The effect of taurine on mesenteric blood flow and organ injury in sepsis

Endotoxin decreases mesenteric blood flow and inflicts organ injury via free radicals. We investigated whether taurine, an endogenous antioxidant and vasodilator, could attenuate the deleterious effects of endotoxin in a mouse model of sepsis. Swiss albino mice were allocated into four groups and treated either with taurine (150 mg/kg, i.p. at 0th, 8th, 16 th h) or its solvent sterile saline (NaCl 0.9%, w/v) while E. coli endotoxin (20 mg/kg, i.p.) or its solvent saline were also given at 8 th h. At 24th h the animals were anaesthetized and the mesenteric blood flow was measured by using perivascular ultrasonic Doppler-flowmeter. The animals were then exsanguinated, the spleen, liver, and kidneys were isolated for histopathological examination. Thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS), glutathione, and myeloperoxidase activity were determined in the liver samples. Endotoxin significantly decreased the mesenteric blood flow and glutathione levels in liver while TBARS and myeloperoxidase activity were increased. However, taurine did not block the deleterious effects of endotoxin nor it did attenuate the histopathological injury. Therefore, we concluded that endotoxin-induced organ injury via free radicals is resistant to blockade by taurine. © 2007 Springer-Verlag

Tezosentan Attenuates Organ Injury and Mesenteric Blood Flow Decrease in Endotoxemia and Cecal Ligation and Puncture

Background: Decreased mesenteric blood flow and multiple organ injury due to free radicals are the consequences of septic shock. Since the blockade of endothelin receptors was reported to exert beneficial effects, we investigated the effects of tezosentan, a novel dual endothelin receptor antagonist, in two different experimental models of septic shock induced either by the injection of Escherichia coli endotoxin (ETX, 20 mg/kg, i.p.) or by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Study design: Swiss albino mice received tezosentan (10 mg/kg, i.p.) or its solvent saline (0.9% NaCl, w/v) twice at 2 and 22 h after ETX or CLP. At 24 h, the animals were anesthetized and the mesenteric blood flow was monitored for 15 min by using perivascular ultrasonic Doppler flowmeter. Then the animals were exsanguinated, and spleen, liver, and kidneys were isolated accordingly for histopathological examination. Thiobarbituric acid reacting substances and glutathione and myeloperoxides activities were also determined in the liver. Results: In both ETX and CLP models, there was a decrease in mesenteric blood flow which was blocked by tezosentan. Similarly, tezosentan significantly attenuated the histopathological injury inflicted by both models. Although the glutathione levels were decreased and thiobarbituric acid reacting substances and myeloperoxidase activity were increased by ETX and CLP, tezosentan has failed to block these alterations in a consistent manner. However, a significant interaction between CLP and tezosentan with regard to myeloperoxidase activity and glutathione should be taken as partial evidence to explain the underlying mechanism of protection offered by tezosentan against liver injury. Conclusions: Therefore, we concluded that tezosentan, by working via mechanisms mostly other than the blockade of free radical induced damage, is a useful treatment option for combating the deleterious effects of septic shock such as mesenteric ischemia as well as liver, spleen, and kidney injury. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Electrophysiological features of telocytes

Telocytes (TCs) are interstitial cells described in multiple structures, including the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, urinary tract, uterus, and heart. Several studies have indicated the possibility that TCs are involved in the pacemaker potential in these organs. It is supposed that TCs are interacting with the neighboring muscular cells and their network contributes to the initiation and propagation of the electrical potentials. In order to understand the contribution of TCs to various excitability mechanisms, it is necessary to analyze the plasma membrane proteins (e.g., ion channels) functionally expressed in these cells. So far, potassium, calcium, and chloride currents, but not sodium currents, have been described in TCs in primary cell culture from different tissues. Moreover, TCs have been described as sensors for mechanical stimuli (e.g., contraction, extension, etc.). In conclusion, TCs might play an essential role in gastrointestinal peristalsis, in respiration, in pregnant uterus contraction, or in miction, but further highlighting studies are necessary to understand the molecular mechanisms and the cell-cell interactions by which TCs contribute to the tissue excitability and pacemaker potentials initiation/propagation