Effects of CO2 exposure on distribution of various forms of iron and copper in guinea-pig tissues

The effects on iron and copper distribution and metabolism of exposure to high levels of CO2 were studied in the guinea-pig. Mature, male animals were placed in an atmosphere of 15% CO2, 21% O2 (balance N2), and sacrificed from 1 h to 1 week thereafter. Total iron and copper concentrations of blood, liver, spleen and bone, as well as concentrations of heme and ferritin iron, were measured together with blood hematocrit, reticulocytes, plasma hemoglobin, plasma ceruloplasmin and copper concentrations. The results show clearly that rapid and sustained red cell damage or hemolysis ensued several h from the start of CO2 treatment. This resulted in loss of iron and copper from the blood, an influx of both elements into liver, spleen and bone, and a rise in plasma ceruloplasmin. Influx of iron into liver and spleen caused an accumulation of ferritin, the main site for iron storage in cells. Following the effect on red cells, there was an accumulation of heme iron, and a decreased hematocrit, best explained by a depressed activity of the reticuloendothelial and erythropoietic systems. A period of adaptation succeeded these events, in which all blood parameters and most tissue values returned to normal, despite the continuing presence of high CO2. The only changes not reversed were the elevations in liver, spleen and bone iron stores. These remained high, with a net accumulation of greater than 2 mg iron, or 3-4 times more than originally present. The results indicate that at least in the guinea-pig, high CO2 exposure results in red cell damage and other events leading to an accumulation of additional iron in the body; also, that iron accumulated as ferritin and hemosiderin in liver and spleen may not be readily available to restore blood hemoglobin concentrations on an acute basis.     

Erythrocyte magnesium and HLA groups]

Red blood cell Magnesium levels were determined in 351 unrelated male subjects with known HLA groups. Significantly lower values are observed among subjects carrying BW 35 allele. Furthermore, significant variations are also noted according to the constitution of HLA-B groups with respect to BW 4 and BW 6 public specificities. This observation brings to light other variations among the subjects carrying B 8 allele.     

Effects of CO2 exposure on distribution of various forms of iron and copper in guinea-pig tissues

Summary The effects on iron and copper distribution and metabolism of exposure to high levels of CO₂ were studied in the guinea-pig. Mature, male animals were placed in an atmosphere of 15% CO₂, 21% O₂ (balance N₂), and sacrificed from 1 h to 1 week thereafter. Total iron and copper concentrations of blood, liver, spleen and bone, as well as concentrations of heme and ferritin iron, were measured together with blood hematocrit, reticulocytes, plasma hemoglobin, plasma ceruloplasmin and copper concentrations. The results show clearly that rapid and sustained red cell damage or hemolysis ensued several h from the start of CO₂ treatment. This resulted in loss of iron and copper from the blood, an influx of both elements into liver, spleen and bone, and a rise in plasma ceruloplasmin. Influx of iron into liver and spleen caused an accumulation of ferritin, the main site for iron storage in cells. Following the effect on red cells, there was an accumulation of heme iron, and a decreased hematocrit, best explained by a depressed activity of the reticuloendothelial and erythropoietic systems. A period of adaptation succeeded these events, in which all blood parameters and most tissue values returned to normal, despite the continuing presence of high CO₂. The only changes not reversed were the elevations in liver, spleen and bone iron stores. These remained high, with a net accumulation of >2 mg iron, or 3–4 times more than originally present. The results indicate that at least in the guinea-pig, high CO₂ exposure results in red cell damage and other events leading to an accumulation of additional iron in the body; also, that iron accumulated as ferritin and hemosiderin in liver and spleen may not be readily available to restore blood hemoglobin concentrations on an acute basis.Acknowledgments. We gratefully acknowledge the technical assistance of Joan R. Moor and Lakshmi Vulimiri with these studies, and the support of Grants No. 17249 and HL22410 from the U.S. Public Health Service.     

Semen electrolytes in normal and infertile subjects. II. Zinc

Summary Zinc levels in seminal plasma of normal subjects are compared with those of oligospermic, asthenospermic and azoospermic. A linear direct relationship seems to exist between zinc in seminal plasma and motility of spermatozoans. The possible implications of this are discussed.Acknowledgment. Authors are thankful to Mr P. Gopinath, Assistant Professor in Physiology, for valuable criticism on the article and to Mr N.T. Pabani for technical assistance.     

Erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxidation in iron deficiency anemia

Erythrocytes from normal subjects and from cases of iron deficiency anemia were exposed to hydrogen peroxide and the extent of membrane lipid peroxidation studied. Significantly less peroxidation was observed in intact anemic erythrocytes compared to normal. However, when isolated membrane lipids were subjected to peroxidation, there was no significant difference between the two groups. It is unlikely that lipid peroxidation per se plays a major role in the reported decrease in red cell life-span in iron deficiency.     

Erythrocytäre Anionenkonzentrationen bei renaler Insuffizienz

Summary In chronic renal insufficiency, concentrations of chloride and inorganic phosphate in human red blood cells are elevated. There is no correlation between serum non-protein nitrogen and the anionic concentrations of red blood cells. Positive correlations exist between corresponding cellular and extracellular anionic concentrations.     

Erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxidation in iron deficiency anemia

Summary Erythrocytes from normal subjects and from cases of iron deficiency anemia were exposed to hydrogen peroxide and the extent of membrane lipid peroxidation studied. Significantly less peroxidation was observed in intact anemic erythrocytes compared to normal. However, when isolated membrane lipids were subjected to peroxidation, there was no significant difference between the two groups. It is unlikely that lipid peroxidation per se plays a major role in the reported decrease in red cell life-span in iron deficiency. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A2025146 00003     

The effect of guanethidine treatment of testicular blood flow and testosterone production in rats

Testicular blood flow was measured by means of Xenon-133 clearance in control rats and rats treated with guanethidine for 3 weeks. Plasma and testis testosterone concentrations were also measured, and the effect of hCG-treatment was examined. No difference in testicular blood flow between the control group and the guanethidine-treated group was found. However, in guanethidine-treated rats, plasma and testis testosterone concentrations after hCG-treatment were significantly decreased. The results may indicate that adrenergic nerves are involved in the regulation of Leydig cell function.     

The effect of guanethidine treatment of testicular blood flow and testosterone production in rats

Summary Testicular blood flow was measured bymeans of Xenon-133 clearance in control rats and rats treated with guanethidine for 3 weeks. Plasma and testis testosterone concentrations were also measured, and the effect of hCG-treatment was examined. No difference in testicular blood flow between the control group and the guanethidinetreated group was found. However, in guanethidine-treated rats, plasma and testis testosterone concentrations after hCG-treatment were significantly decreased. The results may indicate that adrenergic nerves are involved in the regulation of Leydig cell function.     

Changes in plasma enzyme concentrations in response to blood substitution with perfluorocarbon emulsion in the conscious rat

The effects of near total blood replacement with the proprietary perfluorocarbon (PFC)-based emulsion, Fluosol-DA 20%, on plasma concentrations of 2 enzymes, lactate dehydrogeanse (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), have been examined in conscious, chronically catheterized rats. A pronounced fall in both plasma LDH (p less than 0.05) an ALP (p less than 0.01) occurred in response to exchange-transfusion. However, at 6 h following blood replacement, plasma concentrations of both enzymes had risen to values significantly greater than those measured immediately before perfusion. The observed changes in plasma LDH and ALP after blood replacement with Fluosol-DA indicated alterations in normal functioning of tissues from which these enzymes originate.     

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP): specific receptors and adenylate cyclase activation in a human prolactin-secreting pituitary tumor]

Receptors for the Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) were characterized in particles enriched in plasma membranes obtained from a human prolactin-secreting pituiatry tumor. Native VIP inhibited competitively the binding of 125I-VIP to the particles and stimulated cyclic AMP production; both these effects were observed at concentrations of VIP as low as 10(-11)-10(-10) M, which are compatible with VIP concentrations in the hypothalamopituitary portal blood.     

The effects of tryptophol on immune responses and its implications toward trypanosome-induced immunosuppression

Summary Daily administrations of tryptophol to laboratory rodents resulted in significantly depressed antibody production to heterologous red blood cell challenge, but did not alter cellular-mediated responses to oxazalone. These results suggest that trypanosome-produced tryptophol may account for the immunodepression observed during trypanosomiasis.     

Effect of periodate oxidation of glycoconjugates of lymphocyte membranes on the immune response in vitro]

Mouse spleen cells treated with sodium periodate for 10 min. at 4 degrees C are stimulated to undergo blastogenesis and to incorporate thymidine. The effect of such treatment on the antibody response in vitro induced by Sheep red blood cells has been evaluated. Periodate-induced proliferation is accompanied by a marked inhibition of the immune response to this antigen. At concentrations leading to mitogenesis, no cytotoxic effect of periodate was observed and treated cells survived well on tissue culture. Cell recoveries from samples treated with periodate at the optimal mitogenic dose, were markedly enhanced when harvested at different days after culturing wheras lower antibody forming cells numbers wereconsistently observed during the culture period.     

Interaction of cortisol and epinephrine in the regulation of leucine kinetics in man

To assess the interaction of the two major stress hormones epinephrine and cortisol in the regulation of leucine kinetics in man, epinephrine (50 ng/kg/min) was infused either alone or in combination with cortisol (2 micrograms/kg/min) into two groups of 6 postabsorptive normal male subjects during 180 min. Plasma leucine concentrations decreased by 28% (p less than 0.05) from baseline during epinephrine treatment (plasma levels 515 pg/ml); this was due to a decrease of leucine appearance (determined by 1-13C-leucine infusions) by 23% (p less than 0.025); leucine oxidation decreased by 29% (p less than 0.05). However, when plasma cortisol concentrations were elevated to supraphysiological levels (16.3 mumol/l) during epinephrine administration, the decreases of leucine plasma concentrations, appearance and oxidation were abolished. Plasma glucose and FFA concentrations were similarly elevated during both kinds of treatment. Since leucine appearance represents a measurement of total body protein breakdown and leucine disappearance into non-oxidative pathways reflects protein synthesis, the data indicate that plasma epinephrine concentrations during severe stress exert a protein anabolic effect in man which may counteract catabolic properties of elevated plasma cortisol.     

Gluconolactonase: a zinc containing metalloprotein

Summary A metal analysis of bovine hepatic gluconolactonase indicates the presence of at least 1 atom of tightly bound zinc per enzyme subunit in this hexameric protein. Other divalent metals are present in lesser quantities and are subject to removal by EDTA. Activation energies for the manganese and magnesium catalyzed reactions are 5.3 and 11.0 kcal/mole, respectively.     

The effects of parabiotic union with a normal partner on the blood tissue of the b/b rat suffering from an inheritable anemia

Summary The parabiotic union of a b/b rat, suffering from a red blood cell anemia, with a normal partner will restore to normal the functioning of this type of blood cell. The effect of parabiotic union is evident for several weeks following the separation of the parabiotic partners. It would be logical to conclude that the normal partner supplies a factor absent in the anemic animal needed for normal functioning of the red cell.     

The effect of anesthetics on the basal secretion of immunoreactive growth hormone in rats]

The authors investigated basal levels of plasma immunoreactive growth-hormone in the rat (R-GH) after administration of 3 different anesthetic drugs: urethan, chloral hydrate and gamma-hdroxy-butyrate (GHB). Lowest R-GH concentrations (5 +/- 3 ng/ml) are observed after urethan; they are significantly higher (15 +/- 4 ng/ml) after chloral hydrate but this anesthetic also causes hyperglycemia (210 +/- 30 mg/100 ml). Normal blood glucose levels are observed under GHB narco-analgesia which elicits a clear-cut R-GH secretory episode (70 +/- 5 ng/ml); basal values (12 +/- 3 ng/ml) are maintained for several hours thereafter.     

Increased urinary excretion of cyclic nucleotides in X-linked hypophosphatemic (Hyp) mice

Hyp mice, a model for human X-linked hypophosphatemia, had elevated urinary cyclic AMP, cyclic GMP, and magnesium excretion compared to normal mice. The data suggest a renal origin of the urinary cyclic nucleotides. No significant differences in plasma cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP were observed between genotypes.     

Components of biological,including seasonal,variation in hematological measurements and plasma fibrinogen concentrations in normal humans

This study has been carried out in order to examine the components of biologicalaand, in particular, seasonal variation in hematologic measurements in normal humans. Toward this end, 26 normal volunteers had monthly blood samplings during one calendar year for determination of number of red blood cells (RBC) and platelets, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), MC Hb (MCH), MC Hb concentration (MCHC), RBC distribution width (RDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), plateletcrit (PCT), and plasma fibrinogen concentrations. The data were analyzed by means of spectral analyses of a group of time series or a single time series, and by means of repeated measures analyses of variance. Most of the hematologic variables show seasonal rhythms, such as annual rhythms or harmonics, which are expressed as a group phenomenon. An important part of the variance (>15%) in Ht, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, number of platelets, MPV and plasma fibrinogen was explained by a yearly variation. The peak-trough differences (expressed as a percentage of the mean) in the yearly variations in number of RBC, Ht, MCV, MCH, MCHC and RDW were very low (all<8.5%). Number of platelets (14.4%) and plasma fibrinogen values (28%) showed a high-amplitude yearly variation. All hematological variables, except MCHC, show a high interindividual variability which exceeds by far the intraindividual variability.     

Changes in red blood cell choline and choline-bound lipids with oral lithium

The influence of oral lithium on the concentration of red blood cell choline (Ch), lecithin, glycerophosphorylcholine (GPCh) and phosphorylcholine (PCh) was studied. The concentration of RBC Ch was significantly elevated and the concentration of lecithin, GPCh and PCh significantly depressed in 16 patients on oral lithium compared to 9 age-matched controls. We conclude that lithium markedly depletes the red blood cell of choline containing compounds including lecithin. These changes may be responsible for both the therapeutic efficacy and the toxicity of lithium.