OBJECTIVE: Aquaporin (AQP) is a recently discovered protein that regulates water homeostasis. The present study examines changes in AQP 1 and 4 in kaolin induced experimental hydrocephalic rats to elucidate the pathophysiology of water homeostasis in the disease. METHODS: Hydrocephalus was induced by percutaneous intracisternal injection of kaolin. The brain parenchyma and choroid plexus were obtained at 3, 7, 14 and 30 days after injection. Protein expressions of AQP 1 and 4 were measured by western blot, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) stains. RESULTS: In the choroid plexus of the kaolin-induced hydrocephalus group, AQP 1 expression identified by western blot exhibited sharp decrease in the early stage (55% by the 3rd day and 22% by the 7th day), but indicated a 2.2-fold increase in the later stage (30th day) in comparison with control groups. In the parenchyma, a quantitative measurement of AQP 4 expression revealed variable results on the 3rd and 7th days, but indicated expression 2.1 times higher than the control in the later stage (30th day). In addition, the IHC and IF findings supported the patterns of expression of AQP 1 in the choroid plexus and AQP 4 in the parenchyma. CONCLUSION: Expression of AQP 1 decreased sharply in the choroid plexus of acute hydrocephalus rats and increased at later stages. Expression of AQP 4 in the brain parenchyma was variable in the early stage in the hydrocephalus group, but was higher than in the control in the later stage. These findings suggest a compensating role of AQPs in water physiology in hydrocephalus.
Animals ; Aquaporin 1* ; Aquaporins ; Blotting, Western ; Brain* ; Choroid Plexus* ; Choroid* ; Coloring Agents ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; Homeostasis ; Hydrocephalus ; Immunohistochemistry ; Kaolin ; Physiology ; Rats* ; Water

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of Armillariella tabescens on cisplatin chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal tract reaction.

METHODSForty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into control group, model group, low dose Armillariella tabescens group, middle dose Armillariella tabescens group, high dose Armillariella tabescens group and ondansetron group. The rats were injected intraperitoneally with cisplatin to induce pica, and observe the effect of Armillariella tabescens on consumption of kaolin, food, water and body weight.

RESULTS24-72 h after cisplatin administration, in the middle dose Armillariella tabescens group, the high dose Armillariella tabescens group and the ondansetron group, the kaolin intake was significantly lower than that in the model group, respectively (P<0.05). The most significant difference was between the high dose Armillariella tabescens group [(0.58 +/- 0.23) g/24 h] and the control group [(2.16 +/- 0.98) g/24 h] at 24 h after cisplatin administration. The variables, such as consumption of food during 48-72 h (P<0.05), water during 48-72 h (P<0.05), and body weight at 72 h (P<0.05) in the middle dose Armillariella tabescens group were significantly higher than those in the model group, but no statistically significant difference between the ondansetron group and the model group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSArmillariella tabescens can effectively inhibit the cisplatin-induced pica response, and the middle dose Armillariella tabescens group is significantly better than the model group in improving the food intake reduction, water intake reduction and body weight loss.

Agaricales ; chemistry ; Animals ; Antiemetics ; therapeutic use ; Antineoplastic Agents ; toxicity ; Biological Therapy ; methods ; Body Weight ; Cisplatin ; toxicity ; Drinking ; Eating ; Kaolin ; Male ; Ondansetron ; therapeutic use ; Pica ; chemically induced ; therapy ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

BACKGROUNDAlthough low-molecular-weight heparin has replaced unfractionated heparin to become the primary anticoagulation drug for treatment of acute coronary syndrome, there is no convenient bedside monitoring method. We explored the best laboratory monitoring method of low-molecular-weight heparins (enoxaparin, dalteparin, and nadroparin) by use of the Sonoclot coagulation analyzer to monitor the activated clotting time.

METHODSA total of 20 healthy volunteers were selected and 15 ml of fasting venous blood samples were collected and incubated. Four coagulants, kaolin, diatomite, glass bead, and magnetic stick, were used to determine the activated clotting time of the low-molecular-weight heparins at different in vitro anti-Xa factor concentrations. A correlation analysis was made to obtain the regression equation. The activated clotting time of the different low-molecular-weight heparins with the same anti-Xa factor concentration was monitored when the coagulant glass beads were applied.

RESULTSThe activated clotting time measured using the glass beads, diatomite, kaolin, and magnetic stick showed a linear correlation with the concentration of nadroparin (r = 0.964, 0.966, 0.970, and 0.947, respectively). The regression equation showed that the linear slopes of different coagulants were significantly different (glass beads 230.03 s/IU, diatomite 89.91 s/IU, kaolin 50.87 s/IU, magnetic stick could not be calculated). When the concentration of the anti-Xa factor was the same for different low-molecular-weight heparins, the measured activated clotting time was different after the application of the glass bead coagulant.

CONCLUSIONSThe glass bead coagulant is most feasible for monitoring the in vitro anticoagulation activity of nadroparin. The different effects of different low-molecular-weight heparins on the activated clotting time may be related to the different anti-IIa activities.

Adult ; Anticoagulants ; pharmacology ; Blood Coagulation ; drug effects ; Blood Coagulation Tests ; Coagulants ; pharmacology ; Female ; Glass ; Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Kaolin ; pharmacology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nadroparin ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes of protein kinase C (PKC) activity and its role in the development of presyrinx state in rabbits.

METHODSPresyrinx state was established in 56 rabbits by intra-cisternal injection of kaolin. At 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after the injection, the water content in the upper cervical spinal cord was measured, its pathological changes observed microscopically and the PKC activity determined with substrate phosphorolysis kinase assay.

RESULTSSpinal cord edema occurred in rabbits one day after kaolin injection, with water content of (68.35-/+0.70)%, which increased to (72.70-/+0.88)% on day 3, reaching the peak level of (72.92-/+0.86)% on day 7, followed by gradual decline after 3 weeks [(70.03-/+0.77)%]. The membrane PKC activity increased from 5.67-/+0.26 pmol.mg(-1).min(-1) on day 1 after the injection to reach the peak level on day 7 (13.27-/+3.15 pmol.mg(-1).min(-1)), which was maintained till day 14 with subsequent decrease to 8.85-/+1.56 pmol.mg(-1).min(-1) on day 21. The cytoplasmic PKC activity showed changes of a reverse pattern.

CONCLUSIONIn rabbits with experimental presyrinx state, PKC translocation and activation is involved in ischemic spinal edema.

Animals ; Female ; Kaolin ; Male ; Protein Kinase C ; metabolism ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation ; Spinal Cord ; enzymology ; Syringomyelia ; chemically induced ; enzymology

OBJECTIVETo isolate the bioflocculant-producing bacteria from activated sludge and investigate the flocculating characteristics of the newly isolated bioflocculant.

METHODSBacteria were screened from activated sludge samples to isolate bioflocculant-producing bacteria. Flocculating activity was used as a measure of the flocculating capability of the bioflocculant.

RESULTSA novel bioflocculant-producing bacterium was isolated, which was identified to belong to genus Aeromonas and named as Aeromonas sp. N11. Flocculating activity increased in the presence of K+, Na+, or Ca2+. The highest flocculating activities for kaolin suspension were obtained in acidic pH ranges, and optimum pHs for it were 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 with 1 mmol/L K+, Ca+, and Na+ present, respectively. The highest flocculating activities for soil suspension were observed at pH 8.0. The bioflocculant had a good flocculating activity and could achieve a flocculating activity of 92.4% for kaolin suspension at a dosage of only 1 mgxL(-1), and its activity in kaolin suspension was decreased by only 9.2% after heating at 100 degrees C for 60 min.

CONCLUSIONThe bioflocculant produced by Aeromonas sp. N11 has strong flocculating activity and high stability, which affords high possibility of its practical use.

Aeromonas ; metabolism ; Culture Media ; Flocculation ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Kaolin

BACKGROUND: All currently available nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit both cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 and exhibit many complications. It has been suggested that the anti-inflammatory and also most of the analgesic effects of NSAlDs result from an inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolites synthesised via cyclooxygenase-2. In the present study, the extent of analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of ibuprofen (a non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor), indomethacin (a selective cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitor) and NS-398 (a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor) are investigated in on acute model of arthritis in rats by a behavior test and pathologic examination. METHODS: Arthritis was induced with 2% kaolin and 3% carrageenan into the right knee joint cavity under enflurane anesthesia (2 - 4%). Before and after the injection, rats were allowed to walk freely through a pathway, constructed to record weight load by means of 8 weight sensors attached to 8 plates which function independently. Weight bearing, the weight of rat and the diameter of the knee joint were measured serially before and after the injection. At 6 hours after the injection, ibuprofen, indomethacin and NS-398 were injected intraperitoneally (1, 5 and 25 mg/kg/ml). RESULTS: In the control group, weight bearing decreased maximally and the weight bearing ratio increased maximally at 6 hours after inflammation and the diameter ratio increased maximally 1 day after inflammation. There were improvements in weight bearing with ibuprofen, indomethacin and NS-398 in a dose-dependent manner at 8, 10 and 12 hours after induction of arthritis. NS-398 demonstrated better analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects than ibuprofen or indomethacin at a low dose (1 mg/kg). In contrast to NS-398, significant analgesic effects of indomethacin on the behavior test was not shown at a low dose. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor plays an important role as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug.
Anesthesia ; Animals ; Arachidonic Acid ; Arthritis* ; Carrageenan ; Cyclooxygenase 1 ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; Enflurane ; Ibuprofen* ; Indomethacin* ; Inflammation ; Kaolin ; Knee Joint ; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases ; Rats* ; Weight-Bearing

BACKGROUND: High-dose aprotinin has been reported to enhance the anticoagulant effects of heparin during cardiopulmonary bypass ; hence, som authors have advocated reducing the dose of heparin in patients treated with aprotinin. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The ACT was measured before, during and after cardiopulmonary bypass, with Hemochron 801 system using two activators of celite (C-ACT) and kaolin (K-ACT) as surface activator. From June, 1996 to February, 1997, 22 adult patients who were scheduled for elective operation were enrolled in this study. RESULT: The ACT without heparin did not differ between C-ACT and K-ACT. At 30 minutes after anticoagulation with heparin and cardiopulmonary bypass, the average C-ACT was 928+/-400 s; K-ACT was 572+/-159s (p<0.05). After administration of protamine, C-ACT was 137+/-26 s; K-ACT was 139+/-28s, which were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that the significant increase in the ACT during heparin-induced anticoagulation in the presence of aprotinin was due to the use of celite as surface activator, rather than due to enhanced anticoagulation of heparin by aprotinin. We conclude that the ACT measured with kaolin provides better monitoring of cardiac surgical patients treated with high dose aprotinin than does the ACT measured with celite. The patients treated with aprotinin should receive the usual doses of heparin.
Adult ; Aprotinin* ; Cardiopulmonary Bypass ; Diatomaceous Earth* ; Heparin ; Humans ; Kaolin*

BACKGROUND: The fixed dose regimen with activated coagulation time (ACT) is the most commonly employed method for determining the required dosage of heparin and protamine during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). MATERIAL AND METHOD: We performed a prospective study on a fixed dose regimen for analyzing adequate dosages of heparin and protamine, the incidence of heparin resistance and heparin-induced thrombocyt openia, factors affecting ACT during CPB, and changes of ACT during aprotinin usage. 300 units/kg of heparin were administered to patients, and ACTs were measured after 5 mins. ACTs were checked at 10 mins and 30 mins after the onset of CPB, and then at 30 min intervals thereafter. If the measured ACT was under 400 secs, we added 100 units/kg of heparin. The heparin was reversed with 1 mg of protamine for each 100 units administered. If the measured ACT was longer than 130 secs 30 mins after protamine administration or if there was definitive evidence of a coagulation defect, we administered a further 0.5 mg/kg of protamine. RESULT: We studied 80 patients (50 adults and 30 children) who underwent open heart surgery (OHS) at Seoul National University Hospital. Preoperative ACT was 114.3+/-19.3 secs in adults, and 119.5+/-18.2 secs in children. There were no differences in preoperative ACT due to age, body weight, body surface area, or sex. The preoperative ACT was not influenced by a positive past history of OHS. Ten adults (20%) and 3 pediatric patients (10%) needed additional doses of heparin to maintain the ACT above 400 secs. Additional protamine administration was needed in 9 adults (18%) and 10 children (33%). Heparin resistance was found in only two adults. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia was detected in 2 adults and 1 child. During CPB, ACT was prolonged. 12 adult patients received a low dose of aprotinin and showed longer celite activated ACT compared to the control group.The kaolin activated ACT showed a lower tendency than the celite activated ACT in aprotinin users. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, fixed dose regimen of heparin and protamine can be used without significant problems, but the incidence of need of additional dosage remains unsatisfactory.
Adult ; Aprotinin ; Body Surface Area ; Body Weight ; Cardiopulmonary Bypass* ; Child ; Diatomaceous Earth ; Heparin* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Kaolin ; Prospective Studies ; Seoul ; Thoracic Surgery ; Thrombocytopenia

An experimental model was devised to elucidate the role of spinal blockade in post-traumatic syringomyelia. 38 White adult rabbits were divided into four groups:in Group 1, eight animals received traumatic injury only to the midthoracic area via the weight-drop method but no further treatment;in Group 2, 12 animals received a traumatic injury following injection of 100mg kaolin suspended in 1cc normal saline into subarachnoid space at the midthoracic trauma level;in Group 3, nine animals received traumatic injury following injection of 200mg kaolin in 1cc of normal saline into subarachnoid space;in Group 4, nine animals without injury received an injection of 00mg kaolin in 1cc normal saline solution into subarachnoid space at the midthoracic level. The subjective criteria for syrinx formation were the presence of a definite round cyst having a smooth margin and an upper or lower extension of more than 2cm from the injured site. Syrinx formation was seen in 12.5% in Group 1, 41.7% in Group 2, 55.5% in Group 3 , and 0% in Group 4(p<0.05). In subarachnoid space, the specimen of trauma and kaolin groups showed neutrophils infiltration and obstruction of subarachnoid space on acute stage. The pathologic changes in subarachnoid space on chronic stage were infiltration of kaolin-laden macrophages and chronic arachnoiditis. In parenchyma, hemorrhagic necrosis of the cord, edema, microinfarcts and liquefaction of hematoma were found on acute stage, and multiple cysts in white mater, cell-debris-laden macrophages in the cyst, formation of foam cells, microcysts, and large yst were shown. In Group 4, the same findings as other groups were shown in the subarachnoid space, but in the parenchyma there was no cyst formation. The results suggest that subarachnoid block secondary to adhesive arachnoidities is important in initiating the extension of the syringomyelia cavity that have already formed at the time of initial injury.
Adhesives ; Adult ; Animals ; Arachnoid ; Arachnoiditis ; Edema ; Foam Cells ; Hematoma ; Humans ; Kaolin ; Macrophages ; Models, Theoretical ; Necrosis ; Neutrophil Infiltration ; Neutrophils ; Rabbits ; Sodium Chloride ; Subarachnoid Space ; Syringomyelia*

Morphological changes in the ependymal lining of the hydrocephalic brain included stretching and tearing of the ependyma, thickening and gliosis of the subependymal layer, progressive loss of cilia and microvilli from the ependymal surface, and widening of the extracellular space. In the CT scan of the brain, periventricular low density was one of the common findings in hydrocephalus. The present experiment was performed to investigate not only the ultrastructural changes of the ventricular walls in hydrocephalus but also the morphological basis of periventricular lucency detected in the brain CT scan of the hydrocephalic patients. Hydrocephalus was induced in rats by intracisternal injection of thick kaolin suspension after surgical exposure of atlanto-occipital membrane. Lateral wall of the lateral ventricle was examined with transmission electron microscope in 3 different groups(6 rats at 1 week after the hydrocephalus, 8 at 2 weeks, and 4 at 8 weeks). The results were as follows: 1) Ultrastructural changes of the ependymal lining in hydrocephalic rat were flattening of ependymal cell and its nucleus, loss of cilia and microvilli from the ependymal surface, widening of the junctional complex, vacuoles and enlargement of cisternal space of rough endoplasmic reticulum in cytoplasm, and thicking and gliosis of subependymal layer. 2) These changes became more severe with longer duration of hydrocephalus. 3) Widening of junctional complex was considered to be the morphological basis for migration of ventricular cerebrospinal fluid into the periventricular white matter with resultant periventricular low density in the CT scan of the brain.
Animals ; Brain ; Cerebrospinal Fluid ; Cilia ; Cytoplasm ; Endoplasmic Reticulum, Rough ; Ependyma ; Extracellular Space ; Gliosis ; Humans ; Hydrocephalus ; Kaolin ; Lateral Ventricles ; Membranes ; Microvilli ; Rats* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Vacuoles