Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation - Volume 23, issue 2,3,4

Authors: Zhang, Jian | Fu, Shiming | Liu, Shuying | Mao, Ting | Xiu, Ruijuan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of an extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves (EGb 761) on hypertension and its possible mechanisms in the view of cerebral microcirculation. Twenty normotensive rats and 24 SHR rats were used. Surgical preparation was made to produce a cranial window for observation of the capillary network on the cerebral cortex. The intravital videomicroscopy equipped with digital image processing system and laser Doppler flowmeter were used for this study. The arterial blood pressure, red cell velocity (V), microvacular diameter (D), number of open capillaries (OCN), circulating endothelial cells (CEC) in blood, relative blood flow …(Flow) and frequency (Fc), amplitude (AMP) of vasomotion were measured. The obtained data were compared between EGb‐treated rats that received per os 100 mg/kg/d for 9 days and placebo control rats. Untreated SHR rats showed very severe dysfunction in the microcirculation with high blood pressure (213±16.7 mmHg). The blood pressure decreased significantly to 153±20 mmHg in EGb‐treated SHRs group, compared with those of untreated rats (p<0.01). Both normotensive and hypertensive rats increased the blood flow velocity and LDF flow after EGb‐treatment. The vasomotion property, the CEC and OCN changed greatly in EGb‐treated SHR rats, but no significant difference was observed in normotensive rats. It was suggested that EGb 761 had therapeutic effect on SHR rats by increasing blood perfusion, regulating vasomotion function, opening efficiently capillaries and releasing the peripheral resistance. The injured vascular endothelium of SHR rats was also partly reversed by EGb‐treatment. It was concluded that EGb 761 could be used to regulate hypertension and to protect the cerebral microcirculatory function. Show more

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 133-138, 2000

Authors: Sun, Bao‐Liang | Xia, Zuo‐Li | Yang, Ming‐Feng | Qiu, Ping‐Ming

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on cerebral vasospasm and neural damage following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in rats. It was found that the regional cerebral blood flow decreased immediately and persistently after SAH in SAH rats. The latency of somatosensory evoked potential delayed progressively. The nitric oxide levels in serum and brain tissue decreased and increased, respectively, after SAH. Ginkgo biloba extract effectively antagonized the changes of above parameters. It was concluded that somatosensory evoked potential is useful for the judgement of cerebral ischemic damage during cerebral vasospasm after SAH. Decrease in serum nitric …oxide and increase in brain tissue nitric oxide are important factors leading to cerebral vasospasm and neural damage, respectively, after SAH. Ginkgo biloba extract relieves cerebral vasospasm and cerebral ischemic damage by reversing the pathological alteration of nitric oxide. Show more

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 139-144, 2000

Authors: Zhao, Hong | Zhu, Cheng | Li, Xiufeng | Dong, Xi | Zhuang, Fengyuan | Wang, Xiong | Stoltz, Jean‐François

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The aim of this work was to study the effects of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) on the interaction between lymphocyte function‐associated antigen‐1 (LFA‐1) and intercellular adhesive molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) by micropipette technique. A pair of cells, i.e., a human lymphocyte or a SKW‐3 cell (human T cell leukemia), LFA‐1 was expressed on which cellular surfaces, and a RBC coupled with ICAM‐1, were the carriers for LFA‐1 and ICAM‐1. The adhesion probabilities of this pair of cells were mediated by specific interactions between ICAM‐1 and LFA‐1. Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation resulted in the significant increase in the adhesion probability compared to the resting lymphocyte. TMP …treatment can inhibit such increase and even make the adhesion probability lower than the resting state. While the LFA‐1 expression has not changed significantly with PHA stimulation or with TMP treatment, which indicated that TMP inhibiting effects was realized by a possible conformation change. Show more

Keywords: Leukocyte adhesion, ICAM‐1/LFA‐1, micropipette, tetramethylpyrazine

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 145-151, 2000

Authors: Minamiyama, M. | Chang, L.‐G.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Effects of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) and that of extracts of Charthamus tinctorius L. (CTL) on the macro‐ and microcirculation in rabbit mesentery were studied. The intestinal arterial blood flow (Qa) was measured using an electromagnetic flowmeter, together with the arterial blood pressure (Pa). The inner diameter and red cell velocity in single arteriole in the mesentery were measured by a video‐image technique and a dual‐slit photometric method, respectively. Using the measured diameter and red cell velocity, the arteriolar blood flow (Qm) was calculated. Both the Qa and Qm decreased when Pa was decreased after the intravenous administration of TMP, CTL, Nicardipine, …Phentolamine and acetylcholine (Ach). Changes in Qa and Qm with changes in Pa were analyzed, and it was found that (i) both the Pa–Qa and Pa–Qm curves, during the administration of TMP or CTL, show different patterns from those during the administration of Nicardipine or Phentolamine; (ii) the Pa–Qa and Pa–Qm curves after the administration of TMP or CTL show similar patterns with those after the administration of Ach. Show more

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 153-158, 2000

Authors: Tigno, Xenia T. | Gumila, Elinor

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Water extract fractions of leaves from Artemisia vulgaris L. (commonly known as mugwort) were tested for their effects on tissue damage brought about by ischemia‐reperfusion injury in the rat mesentery. Male Sprague–Dawley rats, 200–300 grams in weight were divided into two groups, control and treatment (AV) group. All rats were anesthetized with ketamine HCl administered intramuscularly, tracheotomized and cannulated in one carotid artery and one jugular vein. After a midline abdominal incision, the mesenteric area was exteriorized and observed using videomicroscopy. After baseline observations of systemic blood pressure, heart rate, venular diameters and leukocyte adhesion along venules, the mesenteric artery …and vein were occluded for 10 minutes. Prior to occlusion, A. vulgaris‐treated animals were given a bolus injection of a 1% w/v solution of extracts, while the control group received saline. Monastral Blue dye was also administered before the occlusion at a dose of 30 mg/kg via the jugular vein in order to assess transendothelial leakage. Hemodynamic and cellular parameters were measured immediately after the release of occlusion and at 10 minute intervals thereafter. Results show that the extracts had no significant effects on mean blood pressures and heart rates, but appeared to significantly reduce leukocyte adherence and transendothelial leakage while improving flow in the ischemia‐reperfused organ. The extract fractions contain yomogin, which has been previously shown to inhibit iNOS activity, and may therefore explain the anti‐inflammatory property of the plant. Show more

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 159-165, 2000

Authors: Tigno, Xenia T. | de Guzman, Florecita | Flora, Anna Ma. Theresa V.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Artemisia vulgaris L. is widely used in the Philippines for its anti‐inflammatory properties. The plant was cultivated and mature leaves were collected and washed. The dried leaves were extracted with both distilled water and chloroform. NMR data were obtained using a Varian Unity 500 MHz spectrophotometer. High and low‐resolution mass spectra were obtained on a Finnigan MAT 96 high resolution gas chromatograph/mass spectrophotometer with a MAT ICIS operating system. The leaves yielded 2 sesquiterpene lactones and a novel aromatic compound. Two partition fractions from the aqueous extracts and four partition fractions from the chloroform extracts were tested on male Sprague–Dawley …rats using both the in situ mesenteric circulation and the isolated perfused mesentery. In the isolated perfused rat mesentery, administration of 10% w/v solutions of water extract fractions FGN 63‐1 and FGN 63‐2 of A. vulgaris were highly effective in reversing the hypertensive action induced by norepinephrine, but they did not change the regional mesenteric pressures when given at baseline. In the intact rat, injection of 10 mg/ml of FGN 63‐1 and chloroform extract FGN 64‐2 did not significantly alter baseline blood pressures, but were able to reverse the increase in mean systolic and diastolic pressures induced by norepinephrine. The same fractions did not exert any significant effect on heart rate in either the normotensive or hypertensive states. The present data suggest that aqueous and chloroform extracts from leaves of A. vulgaris have anti‐hypertensive actions but have no significant effects on cardiovascular hemodynamics under basal conditions. Show more

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 167-175, 2000

Authors: Iwo, Maria Immaculata | Soemardji, Andreanus Andaja | Retnoningrum, Debbie Sofie | Sukrasno, | U, Uu Mar.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The immunostimulating effect of “Pule” (Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br., Apocynaceae) bark extracts was studied in BALB/c mouse. The extracts were administered orally, once a day for 7 consecutive days. The results showed that at the same doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) the aqueous extract had higher phagocytic index (1.39–1.79) than the ethanolic extracts (0.81–0.93) in normal mice. The aqueous extract at 50 mg/kg b.w. also enhanced phagocytic activity of immunosuppressed mice significantly (P<0.01). At 50 and 100 mg/kg b.w. the extract prevents the decrease of immune system induced by prednisone. The aqueous extract at 100 mg/kg b.w. increased …lytic activity of peritoneal exudate cells against Escherichia coli significantly (P<0.05). At the doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg b.w. the aqueous extract had no effect on primary antibody level. The aqueous extract at 50 mg/kg b.w. induced the cellular immune response while at 100 mg/kg b.w. inhibited the delayed type of hypersensitivity reaction. Show more

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 177-183, 2000

Authors: Sukardiman, | Darwanto, Agus | Tanjung, Mulyadi | Darmadi, Made Oka

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The cytotoxic activity of flavonoid from Temu Kunci (Kaempferia pandurata) was tested by brine shrimp lethality test and cell culture of human mammary carcinoma. This compound is pinostrobin, and has antitumor activity. However, the critical biochemical target of these pinostrobin has not been identified. In our present studies, we used DNA topoisomerase I which was isolated from human tumor. This result showed that pinostrobin inhibited DNA topoisomerase I activity. Pinostrobin may be interfere with DNA breakage‐reunion reaction by stabilizing a key covalent intermediate between DNA and the enzyme, resulting in the cleavage DNA. An inhibition in the activity of DNA …topoisomerase I is suggesting that this could be a possible mechanism of pinostrobin from Temu Kunci for the cytotoxicity observed in cell culture of human mammary carcinoma. Show more

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 185-190, 2000

Authors: Niimi, Hideyuki | Yamaguchi, Saburo | Hu, Qing‐Hua | Zhuang, Feng‐Yuan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The present experiment attempted to evaluate the effect of electrical acupuncture on the cerebral microcirculation in anesthetized rats, using fluorescence videomicroscopy. Changes in the pial arteriolar diameter under acute hemorrhagic hypotension were examined quantitatively. The present results suggest that acupuncture may be effective in improving the cerebral microcirculation in hemorrhagic hypotension.

Keywords: Acupuncture, hemorrhagic hypotension, vasodilation, cerebral microcirculation

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 191-195, 2000

Authors: Oda, Masaya | Han, Jing‐Yan | Nakamura, Masahiko

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Functional and morphological alterations of microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) would lead to microcirculatory disturbances, thereby providing a basis for the development of a disease state. Clinically endotoxemia frequently encountered in a variety of diseases is considered to be a trigger to develop the microcirculatory disorders such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and multiple organ failure (MOF), both of which feature the end stage of severe systemic disease. Experimentally intravital microscopy reveals that continuous venous infusion of endotoxin (LPS) causes a low flow state in the rat mesenteric microcirculatory unit. By vital stain with monastral blue B (MBB), the microvascular ECs …are focally positive for MBB at the postcapillary venular site, where leukocytes adhere and extravasate. As shown in the histamine‐induced diapedesis by transmission electron microscopy, the MBB‐positve venular ECs may correspond to the contracted ECs, enabling the polymorphonuclear leukocytes and erythrocytes to extravasate through the widened gaps between the contracted ECs. Actin filaments proven in the microvascular ECs by electron microscopy may play a modulating role in this neutrophil diapedesis. In the process of gastric ulcer formation under restrained stress to the rat, the ECs of microvessels in the gastric mucosa, particularly of the mucosal capillaries and postcapillary venules directly innervated by the cholinergic nerves, are altered by the stress‐induced overstimulation of the autonomic nerves, inducing the diapedesis of leukocytes and erythrocytes followed by hemorrhagic and ischemic injuries in the gastric mucosa. Liver cirrhosis also accompanies endotoxemia. The most prominent electron microscopic alterations of hepatic microvasculature are a decrease of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae (SEF) both in diameter and in number, and the formation of basement membranes beneath the hepatic sinusoidal ECs. These ultrastructural changes would be induced by a most potent vasoconstrictor endothelin (ET)‐1 through the overexpressed ETA and ETB receptors on the hepatic stellate cells and the sinusoidal ECs, contributing to the development of portal hypertension as well as to the disturbance in excretion of endotoxin into the bile canaliculi via the hepatocytes from the circulating sinusoidal blood to prevent endotoxemia. Show more

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 199-211, 2000

Authors: Jin, Lirong | Jin, Huiming | Zhang, Guoping | Xu, Guizhi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper aimed to investigate the effect of lumbrokinase on the anticoagulation and fibrinolysis in treating cerebral infarction. Lumbrokinase was used in patients with cerebral infarction. Patients were randomly divided into treatment group (n=31) and control group (n=20). Single blind method was used in this investigation. The Chinese stroke score was used to evaluate the results of treatment before and after administration of lumbrokinase. Kaolin partial thromboplastin time (KPTT), prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen content, vWF content were analyzed, and tissue plasminogen activator (t‐PA) activity, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) activity, D‐dimer level were assayed. In both groups, the stroke score decreased …after administration, but in the treatment group, it was more obvious. In the treatment group, KPTT was prolonged, t‐PA activity and D‐dimer level increased, while the content of fibrinogen decreased significantly. There were no significant changes of PT and PAI activity in both groups. It is concluded that lumbrokinase is beneficial to the treatment of cerebral infarction. The effect of lumbrokinase is related to the inhibition of intrinsic coagulation pathway and the activation of fibrinolysis via an increase of t‐PA activity. Show more

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 213-218, 2000

Authors: Freisleben, Hans‐Joachim

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Ischemia and reperfusion were studied in isolated working rat hearts and in exarticulated rat hind limbs. Free radicals are known to be generated in ischemia/reperfusion and to propagate complications. To reduce reperfusion injury, conditions were ameliorated including the treatment with antioxidants, lipoate or dihydrolipoate. In isolated working rat hearts, cardiac and mitochondrial parameters are impaired during hypoxia and partially recover in reperfusion. Dihydrolipoate, if added into the perfusion buffer at 0.3 μM concentration, keeps the pH higher (7.15) during hypoxia, as compared to controls (6.98). This compound accelerates and stabilizes the recovery of the aortic flow. With dihydrolipoate, ATP synthesis …is increased, ATPase activity (ATP hydrolysis) reduced, intracellular creatine kinase activity maintained and thus phosphocreatine contents are higher than in controls. For exarticulated rat hind limbs, the dihydrolipoate group contained 8.3 μM in the modified reperfusate. Recovery of the contractile function was 49% vs. 34% in controls and muscle flexibility was maintained whereas it decreased by 15% in the controls. Release of creatine kinase from cells was significantly lower with dihydrolipoate. Lipoate/dihydrolipoate effectively reduced reperfusion injury in isolated working rat hearts and in exarticulated rat hind limbs after extended ischemia. Finally, the compound was successfully applied in an in vivo pig hind limb model. Show more

Keywords: Dihydrolipoic acid, lipoic acid, hypoxia, ischemia, reoxygenation, reperfusion injury

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 219-224, 2000

Authors: Mehra, N.K. | Jaini, R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Takayasu's arteritis (TA) and thrombangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) are idiopathic, inflammatory arteriopathies with strong indications for the involvement of autoimmunity and host genetic factors in their immunopathogenesis. The exact etiology of these arteriopathies still remains unknown even after almost nine decades of their description. A series of immunogenetic studies conducted worldwide seeking to define genetic factors in governing immune response in these diseases have yielded conflicting results on the involvement of HLA molecules. While an association of HLA‐B5 or its molecular subtypes with Takayasu's arteriitis has been emphasized in patients from Japan, Korea and India, no such association has been …reported in Mexican and North American patients. On the other hand, a limited data is available on the association of HLA antigens with Buerger's disease. In this article, we provide an overview of the immunogenetics of Buerger's disease and Takayasu's arteriitis in the context of studies in North Indian patients and those in other ethnic groups. Our studies indicate a positive association of Takayasu's arteriitis with the HLA‐B5 molecule with no preferential association with its two major subtypes. In Buerger's disease, we have observed a strong positive association with HLA‐DRB1* 1501 consistent with the findings in Japanese patients. These results suggest an important role of HLA linked factors in governing susceptibility to both arteriopathies. Show more

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 225-232, 2000

Authors: Yuwono, Hendro S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is caused mainly by an alteration in the elasticity of venous walls and the dysfunction of venous valves. The diagnosis and treatment for CVI management are discussed in this paper.

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 233-237, 2000

Authors: Puruhito,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Microcirculatory disturbances lead to chronic ulceration of the leg, and this symptom is a sign of a chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), caused by increased leg vein pressure and continous changes in vein pressure, which need medical treatment, and if a chronic capillary reaction present, treatment by applying a graduated compression bandage of the leg is mandatory. Subcutaneous tissue hypoxaemia and interstitial edema lead to worsening of the ulcer and need intensive and systematic wound care, because unhealed chronic wound with trophic changes of the skin is the major cause of further CVI changes of the leg. As chronic venous disease …has complex etiologic basis, it needs diagnostics and treatment modality based on various approaches, and that microcirculatory pathophysiological approach should be considered in all kinds of the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. Microcirculation pathology should be used as an approach in the treatment regiment of CVI, whilst the basic pathophysiology of the venous diseases, which is known as one of the causes of CVI. This approach will give better results of treatment and other pathologic disturbances which were caused by chronic vitious circle chain processes. Show more

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 239-242, 2000

Authors: Nageswari, K. | Banerjee, R. | Gupte, R.V. | Puniyani, R.R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The physiological changes occurring during exercise and its possible consequences have been receiving considerable attention lately. In this paper, we studied the changes in hemorheological and microcirculatory parameters, before and after the exercise, in the subjects undergoing mild exercise (n=20). A cycle ergometer adjusted at 2.5 kilopounds was used for 15 minutes. The whole blood viscosity showed a significant increase after exercise at all shear rates (0.512–51.2/s) except at the high shear rate (94.5/s). However, the significant level was more (P<0.005) at low shear rates (0.512–4.39/s). A significant elevation in plasma viscosity was observed after the exercise (P<0.0008). Red cell …rigidity showed a significant increase after the exercise (P<0.001) while red cell aggregation and hematocrit failed to show any significant change. Microcirculatory studies showed a significant increase in the basal perfusion level after exercise (P<0.0002) when compared to the resting state value. There was a significant decrease in reactive hyperaemia perfusion index after exercise (P<0.0007). Hence, it is evident from this study that short‐term exercise significantly alters hemorheological and microcirculatory parameters. Show more

Keywords: Exercise, hemorheology, microcirculation, viscosity, perfusion

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 243-247, 2000

Authors: Jia, Shidong | Zhu, Fuxiang | Li, Hongwei | He, Fuchu | Xiu, Ruijuan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Antiangiogenesis strategy has been widely recognized as a viable approach to fight cancer. Considering the high cost and inconvenience of protein therapy of endostatin (ES), which is a potent antiangiogenic protein, we attempted to explore the inhibitory effect of ES gene therapy on tumor growth and metastasis. In this experiment, Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC)‐bearing C57/BL mice were used to evaluate the antitumor effect of ES gene therapy and its impairment of tumor neovasculature. The data showed that the ectopic ES in circulation expressed by intramuscular administration of formulated ES‐encoding plasmid DNA significantly suppressed primary tumor growth and lung metastasis in …LLC‐bearing C57/BL mice. Hence, our results demonstrated the inhibitory effect of ES gene therapy on angiogenesis‐dependent tumor growth and metastasis. Show more

Keywords: Tumor, angiogenesis, endostatin, gene therapy

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 251-257, 2000

Authors: Zhao, Ke‐seng | Liu, Jie | Yang, Gui‐yuan | Jin, Chunhua | Huang, Qiaobing | Huang, Xuliang

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper aimed to study the mechanism of vascular hyporeactivity during severe hemorrhagic shock. Rats were divided into control and shock group. Membrane potential of arteriolar strips was measured with intracellular recording method and membrane potential changes in arteriolar smooth muscle cells (ASMC) were recorded with membrane potential sensitive fluorescent dye (DiBAC4) and confocal microscopy. Hyperpolarization of ASMC membrane appeared at the late stage of shock, which correlated to low vasoreactivity. Glybenclamide, an inhibitor of KATP channel reversed the hyperpolarizing effect. S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), a donor of NO, in a higher concentration (400 mol/l) caused membrane hyperpolarization in control and …shock group, which was completely reversed by application of Tiron, a scavenger of O2 − . The hyperpolarizing effect of SNAP was decreased by ODQ, glybenclamide and (or) charybdotoxin. It is concluded that hyperpolarization of ASMC leads to vascular hyporeactivity. Peroxynitrite (OONO− ) involves in the development of hyperpolarization in severe shock. The production of cGMP and activation of KATP and KCa channel contribute to the hyperpolarizing effect of OONO−· . Show more

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 259-267, 2000

Authors: Amatyakul, Supatra | Patumraj, Suthiluk | Niimi, Hideyuki

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The effect of adrenomedullin (AM) on the cardiac performance and coronary flow were studied in an isolated perfused rat heart model based on the modified Langendorff method. The heart rate (HR), electrocardiogram (ECG), left ventricular contraction (LVC) (dP/dt), and coronary flow (CF) were measured before and after the application of AM. The effect of AM on the coronary flow was examined in the model with and without endothelial degradation, using different inhibitors such as NG ‐nitro‐L‐arginine, glibenclamide, and indomethacin. The present results indicated that AM increased HR and CF, but decreased LVC significantly, while it had no effect on ECG. …The vasodilatory effect of AM was discussed in views of endothelial‐dependence due to nitric oxide and K+ channel activation. Show more

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 269-275, 2000

Authors: Taher, Akmal | Birowo, Ponco | Kamil, Siti Tersiani | Shahab, Nouval

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The primate model has been used for investigations on the physiology and pharmacology of erection. Recent in vitro investigations indicate that nitric oxide (NO)‐donor act as the mediator of penile erection, but it is unclear whether NO‐donor could enhance the relaxation effect of sildenafil on diabetic penile smooth muscle. To determine the relaxation effect of NO‐donor on diabetic penile smooth muscle, we studied strips of corpus cavernosum tissue obtained from 15 diabetic cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis). Contraction was induced on isolated strips of corporal smooth muscle by norepinephrine; then relaxation was assessed with the administration of two agents: selective phosphodiesterase …type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor (sildenafil citrate) and S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), an NO‐donor, and combination of both agents. Analysis of variance was used to compare the responses to the different agents under various treatments. It was concluded that NO‐donor could not enhance the relaxation effect of sildenafil on corpus cavernosum of diabetic monkey. Show more

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 277-281, 2000

Authors: Kakiailatu, Frits A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper aimed to evaluate the significance of nitric oxide (NO) in the physiology of the penis. Pudendal arteries and penile cavernous tissue of the Macaca nemestrina pertaining to NO were examined in the view of molecular biology and physiology. The results showed that potential resources of NO were in the neuron, sinusoidal endothelium and corporal smooth muscle cells of the penis. NO exerted a host of functional roles by binding with specific molecular targets. It was concluded that NO exerts a significant role in physiology, especially in the microcirculation of the penis, as the principal mediator of erectile function.

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 283-286, 2000

Authors: Huang, Yimin | Liu, Danjing | Sun, Suqin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper investigated the mechanism for the rheological dysfunction of red blood cell (RBC) caused by free radicals. Normal RBCs were collected from healthy volunteers. Fenton system was added to the RBCs and allowed to react for 30 minutes in vitro. The RBC membrane molecules were damaged due to the free radicals reaction. It was found that: (1) The protein configurations changed such as the ratio decreasing in α‐helix and increasing in both of β‐sheet and coiled‐coil; (2) –P=O/–P–O chemical group ratio in phospholipids increases; (3) the molecular rotational correlation times of proteins and lipids were extremely elevated; (4) the …membrane shear elastic modulus was significantly enhanced. The present results support that the chemical structure changes led by free radicals are ultimately responsible for the reduction in molecular fluidity of RBC membrane. Show more

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 287-290, 2000

Authors: Niimi, Hideyuki | Nageswari, Kolammal | Ranade, Geetanjali | Yamaguchi, Saburo | Yamakawa, Takashi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The present study investigated microcirculatory characteristics of the cerebral neovasculature induced in mice, using basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF). The nylon‐mesh sandwich (collagen gel/growth factor in bovine serum albumin embedded in between two nylon‐mesh pieces) was used to induce angiogenesis. After different days of incubation, the observations of neocapillaries were done on the upper surface of the nylon‐mesh, using fluorescence video‐microscopy. The neocapillary diameter, red cell velocity, and the neocapillary density were evaluated based on the video‐image. The neocapillaries were visible on the upper surface of the mesh on the 6th day after the …incubation, and red cells started to flow from the day 7. The neocapillary red cell velocity increased with days after incubation, but its level was less than that of the pre‐existing capillaries. The neocapillary diameter decreased as the neocapillaries got matured. The neocapillary density was dependent on the doses of bFGF and PDGF. The neocapillary diameter did not alter with the higher concentration as well as with different growth factors. Both bFGF and PDGF showed an increase in red cell velocity at high concentration. Show more

Keywords: Angiogenesis, growth factors, cerebral microcirculation, intravital observation

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 293-301, 2000

Authors: Wang, Renzhi | Zhang, Xuefeng | Zhang, Jian | Xiu, Ruijuan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is most promising in therapeutic angiogenesis for ischemic vascular disease. This paper aimed to study VEGF gene therapy for the treatment of cerebral ischemia. The glial cell was chosen as the target cell for gene transfer, and the expression of VEGF was studied in vitro. VEGF plasmid/liposome complexes were constructed by mixing VEGF plasmid with liposome, and then cultured C6 glioma cells were transfected with these complexes by lipofectamine method. As control, the same kind of cells were exposed to liposome only. Immunohistochemistry was performed to both groups at 24, 48 and 72 hours after …transfection. The transfected cells expressed VEGF significantly higher than the control. The present result demonstrated the feasibility of choosing the glial cell as the target cell for VEGF gene transfer, and found the rationale for the cerebral VEGF gene therapy. Show more

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 303-306, 2000

Authors: Suzuki, Yoshio | Fujita, Mitsugu | Mizutani, Nobuhiko | Seki, Yukio | Kimura, Masaaki | Kajita, Yasukazu | Takayasu, Masakazu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Effect of nitric oxide (NO) on vasomotor tone of cerebral parenchymal arterioles was studied in rats. Then, the role of NO was clinically investigated in the pathogenesis of progressive cerebral vascular occlusive disease, moyamoya disease. In rat, the cerebral arterioles, about 30–60 μm in diameter, were dilated by L‐arginine, a precursor of NO, at concentrations as low as 0.1 μmol with maximal dilation of 14% at 100 μmol. The arterioles were constricted by NG ‐monomethyl‐L‐arginine (L‐NMMA), a NO synthesis inhibitor. Superoxide dismutase, which seems to protect NO from inactivation, increased sensitivity of L‐arginine. Compared with control specimens of …cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) obtained from 16 patients, concentrations NO metabolites in the CSF of 23 patients with moyamoya disease were significantly higher. NO metabolites concentrations obtained during initial surgery decreased during a second, contralateral procedure. NO plays an important role in the regulation of basal tone of cerebral parenchymal arterioles and contributes to the increase in collateral circulation in cerebral occlusive disease like moyamoya disease. Vascular bypass surgery can reduce NO metabolites together with abnormal collateral circulation. Show more

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 307-312, 2000

Authors: Yamaguchi, Saburo | Yamakawa, Takashi | Niimi, Hideyuki

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Intra‐carotid injections of degradable starch microspheres (DSMs) can induce DSM embolism‐reperfusion in the level of cerebral arterioles. Vascular responses of cerebral arterioles to repeated DSM embolism (ischemia)‐reperfusion were examined when DSMs were injected twice through a carotid artery with a time interval of 30 min. Arteriolar diameter was measured from images of arterioles filled with rhodamine‐B isothiocyanate dextran and red cell velocity was measured with a dual window technique using FITC‐labeled red cells as a flow tracer. DSM embolization induced ischemia (flow reduction including stasis) for approximately 10 min in the level of microvessels (arterioles). Cerebral arterioles began to dilate …immediately after embolism induced by the DSM injection and vasodilation was sustained until reperfusion. After reperfusion the arteriole began to constrict and the arteriolar diameter returned to the initial diameter level at approximately 20 min after the DSM injection. The arteriolar diameters for the second DSM embolism showed a similar response to those for the first embolism in 7 out of 8 cats. It can be concluded that the vascular response of cerebral arterioles to the second embolism‐reperfusion could not be affected by the first embolism‐reperfusion. Show more

Keywords: Repeated embolism‐reperfusion, vascular response, cerebral microcirculation, cat

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 313-319, 2000

Authors: Sun, Bao‐Liang | Xia, Zuo‐Li | Yan, Zhen‐Wen | Chen, Yu‐She | Yang, Ming‐Feng

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of blockade of cerebral lymphatic drainage on cerebral ischemic damage. Seventy six Wistar rats were divided randomly into middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) group and MCAO plus cerebral lymphatic blockade (MCAO+CLB) group for the experiment. The contents of water and electrolytes, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the ischemic brain tissue were detected at 24, 48 and 72 hours after the operation. The morphologic examination was also performed. In MCAO group, contents of water, sodium and calcium in the ischemic brain tissue increased significantly at any …time after the operation. The SOD activity decreased while the MDA content increased markedly. The morphologic findings showed severe damage of ischemic brain tissue and neurons. In MCAO+CLB group, the above parameters were altered more obviously. The present observation suggests that blockade of cerebral lymphatic drainage may deteriorate ischemic brain damage after MCAO. Show more

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 321-325, 2000

Authors: Ikomi, Fumitaka | Ohhashi, Toshio

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The intraluminal lymphatic pressure in rabbit lumbar lymphatic trunks was determined. To estimate the lymphatic pressure, graphical analysis was performed from lymph outflow pressure–flow rate relationship and lymph infusion pressure–flow rate relationship. A direct measurement technique with a T‐tube was also carried out to measure the pressure in the lumbar lymphatic. The rabbit leg was passively rotated at 0.3 Hz in the diameter of 8 cm to enhance the lymphatic pump activity of the leg. The estimated pressure and measured pressure in the lymphatics were 6.50 and 7.14±2.38 cmH2 O, respectively. It was confirmed that similar values could be obtained …from these two methods. The lymphatic pumping in the leg may affect a distribution of pressure in the lumbar lymphatic system. Show more

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 329-333, 2000

Authors: Casley‐Smith, Judith R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This review starts with a brief description of the pioneering work done by J.R. Casley‐Smith when he looked at the pathophysiological changes that occur, and transport from the blood vessels, through the interstitium to the lymphatics and lymphatic uptake, with the electron microscope. Collaboration with, and further work by many colleagues producing a better understanding of lymphatic drainage, have led to this work being applied in the treatment of lymphoedema.

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 335-343, 2000

Authors: Nagata, Hiroshi | Hokari, Ryota | Suzuki, Hidekazu | Miura, Soichiro | Sekizuka, Eiichi | Ishii, Hiromasa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Macrophages beneath the marginal sinus in the lymph nodes may play a role in defense against microorganism. The purpose of this study was to directly visualize the parasinus macrophages in the mesenteric lymph node. Fluorescent latex particles were injected into the appendix submucosa of rats. The mesenteric lymph node was epi‐illuminated and observed with a fluorescent microscope. Fluorescent particles entered the marginal sinus of the mesenteric lymph node through the afferent lymphatic vessels, and distributed diffusely all over the marginal sinus. The particles became aggregated and interspersed 3 hr after injection, suggesting that particles were incorporated by phagocytes. The number …of these particle‐laden phagocytes increased up to 12 hr after injection, and then declined. Some phagocytes migrated rapidly within the marginal sinus. Morphology of these phagocytes in cell suspension was consistent with macrophages. In conclusion, we successfully visualized parasinus macrophages in vivo, which incorporated foreign bodies and migrated within the marginal sinus. Show more

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 345-348, 2000

Authors: Zhang, Jian | Li, Hongwei | Xiu, Ruijuan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Male Wistar rats (n=12) with the mesenteric preparation were used to quantitatively investigate the characteristics of wave‐like propagation of spontaneous rhythmical lymphatic motion and to explore the mechanism of microlymphatic valve on the activity of lymphatic motion. The dynamical behaviors of collecting lymphatics were visualized by a closed circuit TV system. The frequency, amplitude, and phase angle of the diameter oscillation, the spreading speed of peristaltic wave and the contractile index (CI) of rhythmical lymphatic motion were measured and calculated by the image processing system. The lymphatic segment between two adjacent valves, named by lymphangion, was a basic unit …of microlymphatic activity. The present results revealed that there was a wave‐like propelling of the contractile activity progressively from one lymphangion to the next. No significant characteristic differences were observed from the two adjacent lymphangion units except the increasing contractile index. The motion wave propagation from upstream over a valve to down stream led to a significant phase angle change. The pacemaker site of lymphatic motion seemed to be at the inlet side of the valve in each lymphangion unit. The contractile motion wave propagated just within each lymphangion unit. The lymph flow over the valve converted the pressure changes between two adjacent lymphangions and stimulated a new contraction wave at the next inlet site of valve. The endothelium response to wall tension and shear stress alteration near the inlet valve site might be one of the pacemaking mechanisms of lymphatic motion. Show more

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 349-353, 2000

Article Type: Other

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 23, no. 2,3,4, pp. 355-360, 2000