Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation - Volume 29, issue 3-4

Authors: Abarquez, Jr., Ramon F.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Hypertension is not an isolated problem. Co‐morbidities of smoking, obesity, diabetes and dyslipidemia are all associated with microvascular disease (MVD) with abnormal PET scan and endothelial dysfunction. MVD may contribute to left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) via an imbalance between hyperplasia and apoptotic signals. Digitalis and other anti‐hypertensive agents have anti‐apoptotic action and MVD blunting effects, respectively. Heart failure progression must then be based on the preservation of myocyte integrity. Indeed, altered contractility appears to be a consequence of rather than the cause of myocyte deterioration. LV systolic dysfunction improvement is already a late strategy. Furthermore, the efficacy of anti‐hypertension therapy …may be limited in restoring LV diastolic function. Recognition of the role of apoptosis and MVD may initiate a paradigm shift in clinical practice. Show more

Keywords: Microvascular disease, hypertension syndrome, apoptosis

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 29, no. 3-4, pp. 295-300, 2003

Authors: Yoshida, Masashi | Wakabayashi, Go | Ishikawa, Hideki | Kameyama, Kaori | Shimazu, Motohide | Tanabe, Minoru | Kawachi, Shigeyuki | Kumai, Koichiro | Kubota, Tetsuro | Otani, Yoshihide | Saikawa, Yoshiro | Sano, Katsuko | Kitajima, Masaki

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: A possible defensive mechanism in the basal region of the gastric mucosa was hypothesized in the present study. In vivo microscopy was performed to observe the basal region after thermal injury to the back skin of rats. A donor of nitric oxide, 3‐morpholinosydnonimine hydrochloride (SIN‐1), or a serine protease inhibitor, camostat mesilate, was administered. Anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) neutralizing antibody was administered 5 hours after thermal injury (anti‐VEGF group). Post‐capillary venules could be observed in the basal region of the gastric mucosa (PV‐BGM). The PV‐BGM was dilated 5 hours after thermal injury, and it was reduced by the administration …of SIN‐1 or pre‐treatment with camostat mesilate. In the control group, the erosions did not reach the basal region of the gastric mucosa. Most of the erosions healed within 72 hours. Delayed healing was observed in the anti‐VEGF group. In this group, exudation and congestion in the basal region were observed at 24 hours, and ulcer formation was observed at 72 hours after thermal injury. It is thus hypothesized that blood flow of the PV‐BGM increases when superficial mucosal circulation is disturbed. The PV‐BGM can contribute to defensive mechanisms in the basal region of gastric mucosa. The abnormal healing process may disturb the defensive mechanism at the base of the gastric mucosa, thereby resulting in ulcer formation. Show more

Keywords: Microcirculation, stomach, burn, thermal injury, erosion, vascular endothelial growth factor

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 29, no. 3-4, pp. 301-312, 2003

Authors: Amatyakul, Supathra | Chakraphan, Daroonwan | Chotpaibulpan, Siriporn | Patumraj, Suthiluk

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: To examine the effect of vitamin C on blood flow in diabetic dental pulp, the animal model of streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats (i.v. injection of STZ 55 mg/kg BW) was used. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats weighing 200–250 g were divided into 3 groups: non‐diabetes (CON), diabetes (STZ), and diabetes supplemented by vitamin C (STZ+Vit C). Vitamin C was supplemented by drinking water (1 g/l). At 12 weeks (wks) and 24 wks after the STZ injection, the laser Doppler flow‐meter (Model ALF 21, USA) was used to measure pulpal blood flow (PBF) while the animals were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital (50 mg/kg …BW). The experimental results showed that at 12 and 24 wks after the STZ injection, hyperglycemia hypertension and loss of body weight were significantly developed. Simultaneously, decreased plasma vitamin C level was demonstrated significantly in STZ rats. The reduction of pulpal blood flow (PBF) in the lower incisors was observed in STZ rats at both monitored time points. Interestingly, the supplementation of vitamin C for 24 wks restored PBF. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that long‐term supplementation of vitamin C, a natural antioxidant, could markedly prevent the diabetic‐induced reduction in PBF. Show more

Keywords: Diabetes, laser Doppler flowmeter, pulpal blood flow, vitamin C

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 29, no. 3-4, pp. 313-319, 2003

Authors: Tosukhowong, P. | Sangwatanaroj, S. | Jatuporn, S. | Prapunwattana, P. | Saengsiri, A. | Rattanapruks, S. | Srimahachota, S. | Udayachalerm, W. | Tangkijvanich, P.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: An imbalance between oxidative damage and antioxidative protection in association with the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis has been suggested. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between plasma lipids, the antioxidant system and oxidative damage in Thai patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). Sixty‐one patients (40 males, 21 females), who were angiographically defined as having CAD and were clinically stable, participated in this study. Thirty‐two healthy subjects (20 males, 12 females) served as normal controls. The investigation included the measurements of plasma lipid profiles and plasma total antioxidative status (TAS) such as plasma vitamin E erythrocyte glutathione …(GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) and total plasma total protein thiols (P‐SH). In patients with CAD, erythrocyte GSH and GPx were significantly lower than those found in controls. However plasma TAS and vitamin E were not significantly different between groups. Patients with CAD also had higher MDA and lower P‐SH levels than the controls, which represents the oxidative damage products of lipid and proteins. Multiple regression analysis revealed negative correlations between GSH and cholesterol, GSH and low density lipoprotein (LDL), vitamin E and MDA, as well as P‐SH and MDA. This study demonstrated the status of oxidative stress in patients with stable CAD. Since oxidative stress is the imbalance between the total oxidants and antioxidants in the body, any single oxidant/antioxidant parameter may not reflect the overall oxidative stress system. Thus, in patients with CAD, diets with various types of antioxidants may be more beneficial in increasing antioxidant activity than any particular antioxidant supplementation. Show more

Keywords: Antioxidant system, coronary artery disease, oxidative stress, Thai patient

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 29, no. 3-4, pp. 321-329, 2003

Authors: Jariyapongskul, Amporn | Patumraj, Suthiluk | Niimi, Hideyuki

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Endothelial function of cerebral microvessel in diabetes was evaluated using streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats (blood glucose of ≥300 mg/dl). At 36 weeks after STZ injection, the rats were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital. The cerebral microcirculation in control and STZ groups was directly observed, using intravital fluorescence videomicroscopy. To evaluate the endothelial function in vivo, the number of leukocytes adhering to postcapillary venules were counted, and cerebral arteriolar responses to acetylcholine (ACh) and nitroglycerine (NTG) were examined. The results showed that the leukocyte adhesion to cerebral postcapillary venular endothelium increased significantly in STZ‐rats, compared with control rats. The vasodilatory responses of …cerebral arterioles (20–30 μm) to ACh decreased significantly in STZ‐rats, compared with control rats (p<0.01), but the responses to NTG did not alter in diabetes. These results indicate that the impaired responses should occur on the endothelial cell. In conclusion, endothelial dysfunction induced in diabetes are characterized by impaired endothelium‐dependent vasodilation and increased leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. Show more

Keywords: Cerebral microcirculation, diabetes, endothelial dysfunction, intravital microscopy, leukocyte adhesion, vasodilation

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 29, no. 3-4, pp. 331-335, 2003

Authors: Sun, Bao‐liang | Zhang, Su‐ming | Xia, Zuo‐li | Yang, Ming‐feng | Yuan, Hui | Zhang, Jian | Xiu, Rui‐juan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Secondary cerebral ischemic injury is a major cause of mortality and disability from subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). In this study, the protective effects of nimodipine were investigated. Rat SAH models were divided into a sham‐operated group, a saline‐controlled, and a nimodipine‐treated group by an endovascular piercing method. Nimodipine, 100 μg/kg BW was injected intraperitoneally 30 minutes before operation and was repeated every 6 hours. Dynamic changes in cortical regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) using a laser Doppler flow‐meter probe, and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) were estimated. Brain water content, sodium, potassium and calcium contents at different time points were determined. rCBF, …latency of SEP, brain water and electrolyte contents did not statistically change in sham‐operated rats. In saline‐controlled rats, rCBF decreased immediately after SAH, and stabilized at low levels within 24 hours. The latency of SEP delayed gradually after SAH. Brain water and sodium increased, while potassium decreased at 6 hours and 24 hours. Brain calcium content increased significantly from 1 hour to 24 hours after induction of SAH. Extents of alterations of the above parameters caused by SAH in the nimodipine‐treated group were less than those in the saline‐controlled group, statistically. In conclusion, nimodipine partly prevents a decrease in cerebral blood supply and attenuates secondary cerebral ischemic injury after SAH. Show more

Keywords: Subarachnoid hemorrhage, brain edema, cerebral blood flow, electrophysiology, nimodipine

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 29, no. 3-4, pp. 337-344, 2003

Authors: Xia, Zuo‐li | Sun, Bao‐liang | Yang, Ming‐feng | Yuan, Hui | Qiu, Ping‐ming | Chen, Yu‐She

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Disputes on the significance of cerebral lymphatic drainage pathways under physiological and pathophysiological conditions still exist. The purpose of this experiment is to investigate the influence of cerebral lymphatic blockage on cerebral blood flow and cortex somatosensory evoked potential. Wistar rat cerebral lymphatic blockage models were established by removing cervical lymphatic nodes after obstructing their input and output tubes. Animals were divided randomly into a sham‐operated group and a cerebral lymphatic‐blockage group. Regional cerebral blood flow in different regions of the cortex were detected using a laser‐Doppler flowmeter probe, and cortex evoked potential was detected using an electromyogram and evoked …potential instrument before the operation, then 1 day, 5 days and 7 days after the operation. Results showed that the sham operation had no obvious effect on regional cerebral blood flow and the latency of somatosensory evoked potential. From 1 day to 7 days after cerebral lymphatic obstruction, regional cerebral blood flow in different cortical regions decreased markedly (P<0.01). Latency of somatosensory evoked potential was significantly delayed on the 5th and 7th day after blockage of cerebral lymphatic drainage (P<0.01). We concluded that cerebral lymphatic drainage may play an important role in maintaining the equilibrium of the internal environment of the brain, and blockage of this pathway results in cerebral ischemia. Show more

Keywords: Cerebral lymphatic drainage, cerebral blood flow, electrophysiology

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 29, no. 3-4, pp. 345-349, 2003

Authors: Wei, R. | Han, J.J. | Bai, B. | Ren, D.L. | Chen, B. | Yang, M.F. | Xia, Z.L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study aimed to correlate plasmatic tissue‐type plasminogen activator (t‐PA) levels and activity with parameters of artery blood flow and vessel walls, nail fold microcirculation, hemorheology, serum glucose, and lipids. Thirty healthy volunteers (female/male 12/18) aged 40–60 (average 46) were included in the study. In citrate venous blood, the following parameters were determined: carotid mean velocity, carotid intimal‐medial‐thickness (IMT), capillary circulation parameters, hemorheology index, serum glucose, and lipids. Analysis of data showed that t‐PA concentration was positively and significantly correlated with total cholesterol, triglycerides, and serum glucose (P<0.05, P<0.05, and P<0.01), but t‐PA activity showed no correlation with them; among …the hemorheology factors investigated, t‐PA concentration showed the strongest positive correlation with both whole blood viscosity and reduced blood viscosity at high and low shear rate separately (P<0.01), t‐PA activity showed no correlation with any hemorheology factors; t‐PA concentration showed no correlation with any investigated nail fold capillary parameters, whereas t‐PA activity was significantly and negatively associated with capillary loop number (P<0.05); t‐PA concentration and activity was not associated with values of carotid maximum intimal‐medial‐thickness (mIMT) and mean velocity or systolic, diastolic blood pressure (P>0.05). But subjects with mIMT 1.0 mm showed higher t‐PA levels compared with those with mIMT < 1.0 mm (P<0.05) and decreased carotid mean velocity (P<0.01). These findings suggest that multiple vascular disease risk factors would influence the t‐PA level; t‐PA concentration does not parallelize with t‐PA activity. Show more

Keywords: Tissue‐type plasminogen activator (t‐PA), nail fold microcirculation, hemorheology, carotid duplex scanning, serum glucose and lipids

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 29, no. 3-4, pp. 351-356, 2003

Authors: Espiritu, Romeo B. | Sy, Grace T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Diabetic maculopathy seen in the Philippines, specifically, the associated factors, the various lesions seen on fluorescein angiography, and the visual acuity associated with these lesions were characterized using 127 patients (254 eyes) with diabetic retinopathy based on the fluorescein angiography done at the Eye Referral Center in 1993. Results showed that 116 (91.34%) patients have maculopathy, the majority of which is bilateral (84.25%). Age (p=0.675), sex (p=0.357), hypertension (p=0.742), duration of diabetes (p=0.778) and myopia (p=0.742) were not significantly associated with maculopathy. However, severity of retinopathy (p=0.001) was significantly associated with it. Fluorescein angiographic findings are macular staining (83.86%), perifoveal …capillary dropout or macular ischemia (10.76%), and preretinal traction and membrane (5.38%). Microaneurysm (72.65%) is the most common lesion associated with macular staining, followed by capillary leakage (4.04%), cystoid macular edema (3.59%), perifoveal capillary dropout with microaneurysm (2.24%), and capillary with microaneurysm leakage (1.34%). Exudates are associated with microaneurysm, perifoveal capillary dropout or a combination of the two. Vision was found to be marginally statistically different between the normal and maculopathy group (p=0.0505). The worst vision was seen in macular ischemia and preretinal traction and membrane, with mean visual acuity of 0.18 and 0.25, respectively. It is concluded that severity of retinopathy is the only variable significantly associated with maculopathy in this study. Good vision does not necessarily indicate a normal macula. Detailed examination and fluorescein angiography should be carried out, regardless of duration of diabetes. Show more

Keywords: Diabetic maculopathy, fluorescein angiography, retinopathy, vision

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 29, no. 3-4, pp. 357-365, 2003

Authors: Wang, Cheng | Li, Hongwei | Li, Ailing | Zhang, Jing | Xiu, Ruijuan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper aimed at investigating the properties of cultured cardiomyocytes using microcirculatory and molecular technology to culture cardiomyocytes from different parts of the neonate Wistar rat's heart and record their spontaneous pulsation under time‐lapse video microscopy, then analyze their activity and inspect their survival rate and apoptotic rate under natural and nitric oxide conditions. The pulsation frequency in cardiomtocytes of different parts in heart are: 78.5±11.0 beats/min in the atrium, 88.4±6.3 beats/min in the left ventricle, 90.3±7.9 beats/min in the right ventricle and 115.3 ±11.4 beats/min in the cardiac apex, respectively, with an average frequency of 81.3 beats/min. Different concentrations …of nitric oxide showed no effect on the frequency of cardiomyocyte pulsation. The survival rates of the above cardiomyocytes are 96.0%, 95.0%, 95.0%, and 95.3% respectively and 95.0% for the whole heart. The apoptotic rates are 1.3%, 1.1%, 4.8%, and 1.8% respectively and 5.1% for the whole heart. Different concentrations of nitric oxide had no effect on these results. Our study showed that cultured myocardial cells from different parts of the heart displayed various pulsation frequencies, and the frequency of the cardiac apex is the highest while the atrium is lowest. We also found that there is no statistically significant difference in the survival rates and apoptotic rates of different parts of the heart, and that nitric oxide has no effect on the beating frequency, survival rates or apoptotic rates of the cardiomyocytes in vitro. Show more

Keywords: Cardiomyocytes, beating rate, nitric oxide

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 29, no. 3-4, pp. 369-374, 2003

Authors: Li, Ailing | Li, Hongwei | Zhang, Jing | Jin, Gang | Xiu, Ruijuan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study was designed to observe the effect of tumor conditioned medium (TCM) on the proliferation and apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs were exposed to TCM from breast carcinoma cell line MDA‐MB‐231, then we measured their proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle distribution by MTT and flow cytometery (FCM). Following the stimulation of TCM, HUVECs showed higher pro‐mitogenic and anti‐apoptotic ability than did the negative control group (ECGF‐free medium with 20% FBS), but a similar ability to the positive control group (medium with ECGF and 20% FBS). From these results, we can conclude that breast carcinoma cell …line MDA‐MB‐231 could secret soluble pro‐angiogenic factors that induce HUVEC angiogenic switching, including cell cycle progression, proliferation and growth. The role and character of these factors remain to be further studied. Show more

Keywords: Tumor conditioned medium, endothelium, proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 29, no. 3-4, pp. 375-382, 2003

Authors: Li, Ailing | Li, Hongwei | Jin, Gang | Xiu, Ruijuan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study was designed to comprehensively analyze the differential expression of proteins from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to tumor conditioned medium (TCM) and to identify the key regulator in the cell cycle progression. The HUVECs were exposed to TCM from breast carcinoma cell line MDA‐MB‐231, then their cell cycle distribution was measured by flow cytometer (FCM). The role of protein in cell cycle progression was detected via two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) and western blotting. Following the stimulation of TCM, HUVECs showed a more cells in the S phase than did the negative control group (ECGF‐free medium …with 20% FBS), but the HUVECs' level was similar to the positive control group (medium with 25 μg/ml ECGF and 20% FBS). Increased expression of cyclin D1 /E and some changes in other related proteins occurred after incubation with TCM. From our results, we can conclude that breast carcinoma cell line MDA‐MB‐231 may secrete soluble pro‐angiogenic factors that induce the HUVEC angiogenic switch, during which the expression of cell cycle regulator cyclin D1 /E increases and related proteins play an important role in this process. Show more

Keywords: Tumor conditioned medium, endothelium, cell cycle, 2‐DE, Western blot

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 29, no. 3-4, pp. 383-390, 2003

Authors: Sun, Bao‐liang | Zhang, Su‐ming | Xia, Zuo‐li | Yang, Ming‐feng | Yuan, Hui | Zhang, Jian | Xiu, Rui‐juan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of L‐arginine (L‐Arg) on cerebral blood perfusion and vasomotion (perfusion motion) in microvessels following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Rat noncraniotomy SAH models were used and animals were divided into sham‐operated, saline‐treated, and L‐Arg‐treated groups. L‐Arg was injected intraperitoneally 30 minutes before the operation and repeated every 6 hours, with a single dose of 0.5 g/kg bw. Dynamic changes in regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) and vasomotion within 24 hours were measured using a laser Doppler flow‐meter probe. Serum nitric oxide (nitrite/nitrate) and plasma endothelin‐1 levels were also measured at different time …points within 24 hours. Morphologic changes in neurons in the hippocampus CA1 region were examined. SAH gave rise to an immediate and persistent decrease in CBF in saline‐treated rats. Abnormal vasomotions with decreased frequency and amplitude were observed. Serum nitric oxide decreased, while plasma endothelin‐1 increased significantly. Neurons in the hippocampus CA1 region were severely damaged. The above pathological alterations in the L‐Arg‐treated group were alleviated. It was concluded that L‐Arg, which increases cerebral blood perfusion and improves vasomotions of microvessels by enhancing nitric oxide levels and decreasing endothelin‐1 levels in blood, exerts a protective effect on secondary cerebral ischemic injury following experimental SAH. Show more

Keywords: Subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral vasospasm, cerebral microcirculation, L‐arginine, nitric oxide, endothelin‐1

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 29, no. 3-4, pp. 391-400, 2003

Authors: Ong, Karolyn | Dimacali, Kristine | Quintos, Ricardo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In the interest of creating readily transfusable blood, we have developed a method of covalently bonding methoxy polyethylene gylcol (mPEG) to the erythrocyte membrane to mask antigens which would otherwise cause immunorejection in unmatched blood transfusions. Previous studies have reported the ability of mPEG to mask erythrocyte antigens without significantly affecting viability, morphology, deformability, and other membrane functions. Our spectrophotometric analysis of modified erythrocytes has shown that as well as its other properties, mPEG‐coated red blood cells can still take up oxygen, while remaining antigenically silent.

Keywords: Erythrocyte, agglutinability, oxygen carrying ability, methoxy polyethylene glycol

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 29, no. 3-4, pp. 401-407, 2003

Authors: Tigno, Xenia T. | Selaru, I.K. | Angeloni, S.V. | Hansen, B.C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Ghrelin, leptin and adiponectin are three hormones which are frequently associated with metabolism, obesity and appetite. Recently, it has been shown that they may possess other physiologic roles, specially in connection with the circulation. Ghrelin infusion increases forearm blood‐flow in a dose‐dependent manner. Leptin has been shown to be involved not only in thermogenesis but angiogenesis as well. Adiponectin, apart from its insulin‐sensitizing action, appears to modulate inflammation by inhibiting monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. Six monkeys, which had been classified as being in the pre‐diabetic state, where administered a triglyceride lowering regimen. Microvascular function was assessed using a laser …Doppler flow‐meter during a temperature provocation test. Percent change in flow from baseline following temperature elevation, as well as percent change in flow/degree rise in temperature were used to evaluate microvascular reserve and reactivity. Using univariate analysis, it appears that increased perfusion is significantly correlated with adiponectin, followed by leptin. Flow was also positively correlated with ghrelin, but the relationship did not attain significance. As expected, flow was also negatively and significantly correlated with fibrinogen. Trends show that flow was also negatively correlated to circulating triglyceride levels (p=0.08). The data indicate that the three hormones appear to possess microvascular actions that may impact on their other physiologic functions. Show more

Keywords: Microcirculation, laser Doppler flow, adiponectin, ghrelin, leptin

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 29, no. 3-4, pp. 409-416, 2003

Authors: Jariyapongskul, Amporn | Nakano, Atushi | Yamaguchi, Saburo | Nageswari, Kolammal | Niimi, Hideyuki

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The maturity of pericytes in cerebral neocapillaries induced by two different growth factors: basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), was examined using an immunohistochemical staining technique. Cerebral angiogenesis was induced in mice by implanting a sandwich system of bFGF/PDGF gel and nylon‐mesh over the exposed cortex. On 28th day after incubation, a small volume of cerebral tissue with the nylon‐mesh was isolated and stained using tetramethyl rhodamine isothiocyanate (TRITC)‐labeled secondary antibody to the primary antibody against NG2 proteoglycan and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐labeled Griffonia simplicifolia (GS)‐lectin. Using a confocal laser microscopic system, we observed the cerebral …neocapillaries on the upper surface of the nylon‐mesh and evaluated the maturity of pericytes stained with NG2 based on the fluorescence immunohistological images. The pericyte appeared rich in neocapillaries induced by PDGF. It was suggested that pericytes might play a key role in the regulation of blood flow in neovessels. Show more

Keywords: Cerebral neocapillary, pericyte, confocal laser microscopy, blood flow regulation

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 29, no. 3-4, pp. 417-421, 2003

Authors: Sridulyakul, P. | Chakraphan, D. | Bhattarakosol, P. | Patumraj, S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: To compare the level of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression produced in heart and lung vascular tissue, the protein content was determined using Western blot analysis with the enhancement of image processing. Heart and lung extracts from 12 and 24 weeks from control (CON) and streptozotocin‐induced diabetic (DM) rats were collected for Western blot analysis. Using monoclonal antibody against rat eNOS protein (140 kDa), the eNOS‐protein bands were detected with enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL; Amersham) and exposured to film (Hyperfilm‐ECL; Amersham). Images of eNOS bands on each film were then scanned and saved to digital files. Using Global Lab Image …software, the number of pixels in each digital file was counted and calibrated for eNOS‐protein content. For the CON and DM groups, the mean values of eNOS‐protein contents were calculated and expressed as a percentage of total protein content, 5 μg. It was found that the eNOS level in DM hearts was significantly decreased, as compared to age‐matched CON hearts. On the other hand, eNOS levels in DM lungs was increased, compared to CON lungs. Therefore, it may be concluded that high, not low, flow‐mediated eNOS expression is a good measure of hyperglycemic‐induced endothelial dysfunction. Show more

Keywords: Endothelial dysfunction, diabetes, nitric oxide synthase, Western blot, image analysis

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 29, no. 3-4, pp. 423-428, 2003

Authors: Jatuporn, Srisakul | Sangwatanaroj, Somkiat | Saengsiri, Aem‐orn | Rattanapruks, Sopida | Srimahachota, Suphot | Uthayachalerm, Wasan | Kuanoon, Wanpen | Panpakdee, Orasa | Tangkijvanich, Pisit | Tosukhowong, Piyaratana

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare the short‐term effects of an intensive lifestyle modification (ILM) program on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant systems in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Twenty‐two patients in the control group continued to receive their conventional treatment with lipid‐lowering drugs, whereas 22 patients in the experimental group were assigned to intensive lifestyle modification (ILM) without taking any lipid‐lowering agent. The ILM program comprised dietary advice on low‐fat diets, high antioxidants and high fiber intakes, yoga exercise, stress management and smoking cessation. After 4 months of intervention, patients in the experimental group revealed a statistically …significant increase in plasma total antioxidants, plasma vitamin E and erythrocyte glutathione (GSH) compared to patients in the control group. There was no significant change in plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), a circulating product of lipid peroxidation, in either group. We concluded that the ILM program increased circulating antioxidants and reduced oxidative stress in patients with CAD. Show more

Keywords: Lipid peroxidation, antioxidants, lifestyle, diet, coronary artery disease

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 29, no. 3-4, pp. 429-436, 2003

Authors: Yang, Ming‐feng | Sun, Bao‐liang | Xia, Zuo‐li | Zhu, Liang‐zhen | Qiu, Ping‐ming | Zhang, Su‐ming

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Decreased levels of nitric oxide play a role in the development of cerebral ischemia secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The protective effect of L‐arginine on brain edema following SAH was investigated in this study. Rats were divided randomly into a sham‐operated, a SAH+saline group and a SAH+L‐arginine group. At different time points, brain water content was determined using the wet and dry weight compared method. Brain sodium content, potassium content and calcium content were detected using an atomic absorption spectral photometer. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) were also detected. It was found that rat SAH models were successfully replicated. In the …SAH+saline group, brain water and sodium content were significantly higher at 6 h and 24 h than those in the sham‐operated group, while brain potassium content was statistically lower than that in the sham‐operated group. Brain calcium content increased from 1 h to 24 h after induction of SAH. SEP latency progressively delayed. In the SAH+L‐arginine group, increases in brain water content, sodium content and calcium content, as well as decreases in brain potassium content, were not as obvious as in the SAH+saline group. L‐arginine partly prevented a delay in SEP latency. In conclusion, L‐arginine, a substrate of nitric oxide synthesis, may relieve brain edema in rats with experimental SAH. Show more

Keywords: Subarachnoid hemorrhage, brain edema, somatosensory evoked potential, L‐arginine

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 29, no. 3-4, pp. 437-443, 2003

Authors: Nakano, Atushi | Sugii, Yasuhiko | Minamiyama, Motomu | Niimi, Hideyuki

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: A new technique using particle image velocimetry (PIV) has been developed to evaluate the detailed velocity profiles of red cells flowing in microvessels. The microcirculation in rat mesentery was directly observed using high‐speed videomicroscopy, and the images of red cells flowing in the mesenteric arterioles were recorded simultaneously with the arterial blood pressure. Based on the high‐speed videomicroscopic images obtained, velocity vectors in single or branched arterioles were evaluated to obtain velocity profiles across the cross‐section of arterioles. It was shown that in single and straight arterioles the velocity profile was blunt with a pit at the central region, and …its pit was marked in bifurcation. The present technique enables us to analyze red cell velocity profiles up to 0.8 μm in the spatial resolution and 1 msec in the time interval. Show more

Keywords: Arterioles, mesentery, particle image velocimetry (PIV), red blood cell, velocity profile, videomicroscopy

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 29, no. 3-4, pp. 445-455, 2003

Authors: Jayavanth, Sanjay | Singh, Megha

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The erythrocyte aggregation and deformability of blood samples obtained from normal subjects and malaria patients are determined by microscopic imaging and laser aggregometry techniques, and optical hemorheometer, respectively. By these techniques several parameters are determined but four parameters, aggregate sedimentation velocity (ASV), effective number of cells (ENC), process completion time (PCT) and mean filtration time (MFT), show significant variation in malaria patients compared to that of healthy subjects. For malaria severity analysis artificial neural network (ANN), based on feedforward‐error back‐propagation algorithm in a supervisory training mode is proposed. This network is first trained for different number of epochs ranging from …20 to 50 by set of patterns and at 30 epochs training session the minimum mean square error (MSE) between desired and actual output is obtained. By applying the same procedure the test patterns belonging to normal, non‐severe, severe, and highly severe malaria (NSM, SM and HSM) are identified. The results show that malaria with high severity is classified accurately (100%). The success of classification for non‐severe and mildly‐severe malaria ranges from 60% to 80%. Show more

Keywords: Malaria, erythrocyte aggregation, deformability, artificial neural network, severity classification

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 29, no. 3-4, pp. 457-468, 2003

Authors: Futrakul, Narisa | Siriviriyakul, Prasong | Panichakul, Tasanee | Butthep, Punnee | Patumraj, Suthiluk | Futrakul, Prasit

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Glomerular endothelial cell dysfunction (GED) with defective release of vasodilator has been delineated in nephrosis (NS) in vivo and in vitro studies. In NS with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), an immunocirculatory balance may be impaired due to defective anti‐inflammatory cytokine. This study aimed at simultaneous determination of both proinflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor alpha) and an anti‐inflammatory cytokine (interleukin‐10) in NS with FSGS. An endothelial cell cytotoxicity (ECC) was also examined using nephrotic serum. It was shown that (1) the initial endothelial cell cytotoxicity was significantly different from the control, (2) ratio between tumor necrosis alpha and interleukin‐10 was significantly …elevated, and (3) intrarenal hemodynamics was changed significantly. Show more

Keywords: Glomerular endothelial dysfunction, cytokine, endothelial cell cytotoxicity, nephrosis, focal segmental glomerulo‐ sclerosis

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 29, no. 3-4, pp. 469-473, 2003

Article Type: Other

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 29, no. 3-4, pp. 475-482, 2003