Shortening of primary cilia length is associated with urine concentration in the kidneys

The primary cilium, a microtubule-based cellular organelle present in certain kidney cells, functions as a mechano-sensor to monitor fluid flow in addition to various other biological functions. In kidneys, the primary cilia protrude into the tubular lumen and are directly exposed to pro-urine flow and components. However, their effects on urine concentration remain to be defined. Here, we investigated the association between primary cilia and urine concentration. Methods: Mice either had free access to water (normal water intake, NWI) or were not allowed access to water (water deprivation, WD). Some mice received tubastatin, an inhibitor of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), which regulates the acetylation of α-tubulin, a core protein of microtubules. Results: WD decreased urine output and increased urine osmolality, concomitant with apical plasma membrane localization of aquaporin 2 (AQP2) in the kidney. After WD, compared with after NWI, the lengths of primary cilia in renal tubular epithelial cells were shortened and HDAC6 activity increased. WD induced deacetylation of α-tubulin without altering α-tubulin levels in the kidney. Tubastatin prevented the shortening of cilia through increasing HDAC6 activity and consequently increasing acetylated α-tubulin expression. Furthermore, tubastatin prevented the WD-induced reduction of urine output, urine osmolality increase, and apical plasma membrane localization of AQP2. Conclusions: WD shortens primary cilia length through HDAC6 activation and α-tubulin deacetylation, while HDAC6 inhibition blocks the WD-induced changes in cilia length and urine output. This suggests that cilia length alterations are involved, at least in part, in the regulation of body water balance and urine concentration.

Increased Thrombogenicity in Chronic Renal Failure in a Rat Model Induced by 5/6 Ablation/Infarction

PURPOSE: Abnormalities in hemostasis and coagulation have been suggested in chronic renal failure (CRF). In this study, we compared processes of thrombus formation between rats with CRF and those with normal kidney function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CRF was induced by 5/6 ablation/infarction of the kidneys in Sprague-Dawley rats, and surviving rats after 4 weeks were used. Ferric chloride (FeCl3)-induced thrombosis in the carotid artery was induced to assess thrombus formation. Whole blood clot formation was evaluated using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM). Platelet aggregation was assessed with impedance platelet aggregometry. RESULTS: FeCl3-induced thrombus formation was initiated faster in the CRF group than in the control group (13.2±1.1 sec vs. 17.8±1.0 sec, p=0.027). On histological examination, the maximal diameters of thrombi were larger in the CRF group than in the control group (394.2±201.1 µm vs. 114.0±145.1 µm, p=0.039). In extrinsic pathway ROTEM, the CRF group showed faster clot initiation (clotting time, 59.0±7.3 sec vs. 72.8±5.0 sec, p=0.032) and increased clot growth kinetics (α angle, 84.8±0.2° vs. 82.0±0.6°, p=0.008), compared to the control group. Maximal platelet aggregation rate was higher in the CRF group than in the control group (58.2±0.2% vs. 44.6±1.2%, p=0.006). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that thrombogenicity is increased in rats with CRF. An activated extrinsic coagulation pathway may play an important role in increasing thrombogenicity in CRF.

Hydration status affects osteopontin expression in the rat kidney

Osteopontin (OPN) is a secretory protein that plays an important role in urinary stone formation. Hydration status is associated with the development of urolithiasis. This study was conducted to examine the effects of dehydration and hydration on OPN expression in the rat kidney. Animals were divided into three groups, control, dehydrated, and hydrated. Kidney tissues were processed for light and electron microscope immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization, and immunoblot analysis. Dehydration induced a significant increase in OPN protein expression, whereas increased fluid intake induced a decrease in protein expression. Under control conditions, OPN protein and mRNA expression were only detected in the descending thin limb (DTL). Dehydration induced increased expression in the DTL and the development of detectable expression in the thick ascending limb (TAL). In contrast, OPN expression levels declined to less than the controls in the DTL after hydration, while no expression of either protein or mRNA was detectable in the TAL. Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated that hydration status altered tubular ultrastructure and intracellular OPN expression in the Golgi apparatus and secretory cytoplasmic vesicles. These data confirm that changes in oral fluid intake can regulate renal tubular epithelial cell OPN expression.

Role of Ammonia Transporters in the Kidney with Ureteral Obstruction / 대한내과학회지

Recent studies have identified a new family of ammonia transporters, Rh B glycoprotein (Rhbg) and Rh C glycoprotein (Rhcg). Rhbg and Rhcg are expressed in the collecting duct system of the kidney. Although it remains controversial whether Rhbg contributes to renal ammonia transport, Rhcg expression parallels ammonia excretion in a variety of experimental models. Kim et al. made an animal model of unilateral ureteral obstruction and demonstrated a decrease in urinary ammonia excretion. Immunohistochemistry with quantitative morphometric analysis revealed that total intensity of Rhcg expression significantly decreased in the obstructed kidney, but did not change in the non-obstructed kidney. These results suggest that decreased Rhcg is likely to cause for the impaired renal ammonia excretion in unilateral ureteral obstruction.

Expression of E-cadherin in pig kidney

E-cadherin is a cell adhesion molecule that plays an important role in maintaining renal epithelial polarity and integrity. The purpose of this study was to determine the exact cellular localization of E-cadherin in pig kidney. Kidney tissues from pigs were processed for light and electron microscopy immunocytochemistry, and immunoblot analysis. E-cadhedrin bands of the same size were detected by immunoblot of samples from rat and pig kidneys. In pig kidney, strong E-cadherin expression was observed in the basolateral plasma membrane of the tubular epithelial cells. E-cadherin immunolabeling was not detected in glomeruli or blood vessels of pig kidney. Double-labeling results demonstrated that E-cadherin was expressed in the calbindin D28k-positive distal convoluted tubule and H(+)-ATPase-positive collecting duct, but not in the aquaporin 1-positive, N-cadherin-positive proximal tubule. In contrast to rat, E-cadherin immunoreactivity was not expressed at detectable levels in the Tamm-Horsfall protein-positive thick ascending limb of pig kidney. Immunoelectron microscopy confirmed that E-cadherin was localized in both the lateral membranes and basal infoldings of the collecting duct. These results suggest that E-cadherin may be a critical adhesion molecule in the distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct cells of pig kidney.

TonEBP and SMIT expression in human placenta / 대한해부학회지

Tonicity-responsive enhancer binding protein (TonEBP) is a signal transcription factor of transporters such as sodium-myo-inositol cotransporter (SMIT), aldose reductase. TonEBP has a variety of functions such as control of intracellular osmolytes and immunomodulating. It is known that TonEBP is abundant in the placenta, but location and function aren't known. The aim of this study is to describe the localization of TonEBP in the placenta. We assayed the immunohistochemistry of TonEBP and performed in situ hybridization of SMIT in normal human full term placenta. In normal human full term placenta, TonEBP was in villous trophoblasts, extravillous trophoblasts and some endothelial cells. The result of the in situ hybridization of SMIT was similar to that of immunohistochemistry of TonEBP. Neither TonEBP nor SMIT was present in TonEBP knockout mouse placenta. This shows TonEBP is a key factor in SMIT transcription. TonEBP may play an important role in transporting of inositol to fetus in placenta.

Aesthetic Microsurgical Reconstruction of Extremities

The aim of extremity reconstruction has focused on early wound coverage and functional recovery but rarely aesthetics. As the quality of life improves, however, the request for aesthetics has been growing. The authors has conducted retrospective reviews on the 86 cases that had extremity reconstruction using free flap, considering the characteristics of parts that had been assessed in primary operation between May 1996 and December 2010. Aesthetic grading was performed in four categories; color, texture, contour and marginal scar. Recipient sites were 42 hands, 19 feet, 14 lower extremities excluding feet and 10 upper extremities apart from the hand. Types of free flap were 16 latissimus dorsi free flaps, 13 anterolateral thigh free flaps, 12 dorsalis pedis free flaps, 8 transvers rectus abdominis free flaps, 7 gracillis free flaps, and 5 superficial temporal fascia free flaps. Total flap necrosis was seen in 8 cases(9.3%) and partial necrosis in 5 cases(5.8%). Secondary revision was done in 24 cases(27.9%) and the most common revision, debulking was done in 14 cases(16.3%). The authors has considered cosmetic aspects along with wound coverage and functional recovery in primary reconstruction. The results of aesthetic grading was 16.2 out of 20, and the secondary revision rate was reduced.

Mechanisms of the Effects of Acidosis and Hypokalemia on Renal Ammonia Metabolism

Renal ammonia metabolism is the predominant component of net acid excretion and new bicarbonate generation. Renal ammonia metabolism is regulated by acid-base balance. Both acute and chronic acid loads enhance ammonia production in the proximal tubule and secretion into the urine. In contrast, alkalosis reduces ammoniagenesis. Hypokalemia is a common electrolyte disorder that significantly increases renal ammonia production and excretion, despite causing metabolic alkalosis. Although the net effects of hypokalemia are similar to metabolic acidosis, molecular mechanisms of renal ammonia production and transport have not been well understood. This mini review summarizes recent findings regarding renal ammonia metabolism in response to chronic hypokalemia.

Complete Septal Extension Graft using Porous High-Density Polyethylene Sheet or Septal Cartilage in Unilateral Cleft Lip Nasal Deformities: Photogrammetric Analysis

PURPOSE: Complete septal extension grafts have been widely used in rhinoplasty for effective projection of the short retruded columella in Asian patients. Autologous septal cartilages and porous high-density polyethylene sheets are frequently used as septal extension grafts. This study was conducted to compare the postoperative results of porous polyethylene sheets and septal cartilages used for correction of unilateral cleft lip nasal deformities by using photogrammetric analysis. METHODS: This study investigated a total of 49 patients with cleft lip nasal deformities who underwent corrective surgery, and were followed up for at least 6 months. Septal cartilages were used in 39 patients, and porous polyethylene sheets were used in 10 patients. In all patients, through the open rhinoplasty, complete septal extension grafts were sutured to the caudal margin of the septal cartilage, and the alar cartilage was sutured with suspension. The cleft side alar cartilage was overcorrected by approximately 3 - 5 mm. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated by using photogrammetric analysis. Five indices and 4 angles were measured on their photographs taken before and after the surgery. In patients with unilateral cleft lip nasal deformities, symmetry was also evaluated by means of columellar length index. RESULTS: The postoperative values obtained in photogrammetric analysis showed improvements in comparison with the preoperative ones. The polyethylene group produced more improved outcomes than the septal cartilage group but also resulted in more complications at the same time. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicates that complete septal extension grafts are efficient for the correction of unilateral cleft lip nasal deformities. However, since postoperative complications occur more frequently in the polyethylene group than in the septal cartilage group, caution is advised in using porous high-density polyethylene sheets in patients with cleft lip nasal deformities.

The Importance of Septoplasty in The Treatment of Nasal Bone and Grade I Septal Fracture: Estimation with Acoustic Rhinometry

PURPOSE: Nasal bone fractures are often classified as minor injury. However, the incidence of posttraumatic nasal deformity remains alarmingly high. It is because of unnoticed septal fracture. This study was conducted to determine the necessity of septoplasty for patients with nasal bone fracture accompanying grade I septal fractures. METHODS: Among 105 patients with nasal bone fractures, 52 who had grade I septal fracture were diagnosed based on physical examination and computed tomography. Patients' age ranged from 14 to 65 years (mean 29.25 years), and 35 were male and 17 female. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to surgical treatment METHODS: patients who underwent closed reduction only (group 1, n=28) and those who underwent simultaneous closed reduction and septoplasty (group 2, n=24). The treatment outcomes were evaluated by comparing changes in nasal airway volume measured by acoustic rhinometry before the surgery, 3 months and 6 months after the surgery according to the timing of surgical repair and surgical treatment methods. RESULTS: Nasal airway volume increased after the surgery by 17.8% in 3 months after the surgery, 25.2% in 6 months in group 1 and by 22.7% in 3 months, 35.8% in 6 months in group 2. The increase in airway volume after the surgery by 26.3% in 3 months after the surgery, 34.2% in 6 months after the surgery in operation within 1 week after trauma and by 12.1% in 3 months, 22.2% in 6 months after the operation later 1 week after trauma. The difference was statistically significant. Three patients in group 1 complained of intermittent nasal obstruction, two of whom showed a decrease in nasal airway volume by acoustic rhinometry. CONCLUSION: Most patients with nasal bone fractures accompanying grade I septal fractures have been treated with closed reduction in clinical settings. However, the results of this study suggest that septoplasty be performed after a correct diagnosis of septal fracture is made through comprehensive physical examination and computed tomography. Septoplasty is important to obtain more favorable outcomes and reduce complication.

Expression of Occludin in Porcine Renal Epithelial Cells / 대한해부학회지

Occludin is a cell adhesion molecule that is abundantly expressed in the kidney. However, the expression pattern in various renal epithelial cells is not well established. The purpose of this study was to determine the cellular localization along the tubular epithelial cells in the kidney. Kidneys from adult pigs crossbred of Yorkshire, Landrace and Duroc (three breeds) were processed for immunohistochemistry. Thiazide sensitive sodium chloride cotransporter (TSC), Na+-KATPase bat1, calbindinD28k, and H+-ATPase were used to identify the thick ascending limb, distal convoluted tubule, connecting tubule, and collecting duct, respectively. In the pig kidney, occludin was expressed in the apical domain of the tubular epithelial cells. The immunoreactivity of occludin was strongest in the collecting duct, and then gradually decreased in the connecting tubule, distal convoluted tubule, and thick ascending limb. Occludin expression was weak in the thin limbs of the loop of henle and in the proximal tubule in the pig kidney. These results suggest that occludin may be a major adhesion molecule in distal tubular epithelial cells and play a critical role in maintaining epithelial polarity of these nephron segments.

Comparison of Treatment Effect of the Dried Bovine Amniotic Membrane and the Cultured Allogenic Keratinocytes in the Partial Thickness Burn Management

PURPOSE: In the partial thickness burn management, despite of several advantages, the use of human amniotic membrane has been limited. The authors applied dried bovine amniotic membrane(DBAM) to overcome disadvantages of amniotic membrane for partial thickness burn and to compare the effectiveness of cultured allogenic keratinocytes(CAK) that have been recently used for the management of burn. METHODS: From August 2007 to May 2008, 16 patients with partial thickness burn were assigned to this study. The ages ranged from 12 to 59, with the average of 38. Either DBAM or CAK were applied, and the secondary dressing was removed on the following day. To compare treatment effect, time for epithelization, Vancouver scar scale and chromameteric results were evaluated. RESULTS: The time for epithelization was 10.1 days and 9.1 days in DBAM and CAK, respectively, which are shorter than the previous 2-3 weeks. At the follow up Vancouver scar scale was 2.8 in DBAM and 3.0 points in CAK, both of which showed good results. The results of chromameter showed that the L*, a*, and b* values of the area applied DBAM were 60.1, 13.6, and 13.3, respectively, and the values of the area applied CAK were 60.1, 12.4, and 12.4, respectively. It was found that the skin color of the healed area after burn was darker, the redness was higher, and the yellowness was lower. After dressing, no significant side effects were observed, and in the cases of applying CAK, it was inconvenient as the moving area had to be fixed. CONCLUSION: As CAK, DBAM has several advantages such as the shortening of the epithelization period, reduction of scar and pigmentation, and convenient application, etc., it is an effective method for the partial thickness burn management.

Expression of Rh Glycoproteins in the Mammalian Kidney

Ammonia metabolism is a fundamental process in the maintenance of life in all living organisms. Recent studies have identified ammonia transporter family proteins in yeast (Mep), plants (Amt), and mammals (Rh glycoproteins). In mammalian kidneys, where ammonia metabolism and transport are critically important for the regulation of systemic acid - base homeostasis, basolateral Rh B glycoprotein and apical/basolateral Rh C glycoprotein are expressed along the distal nephron segments. Data from experimental animal models and knockout mice suggest that the Rh glycoproteins appear to mediate important roles in urinary ammonia excretion.

Applied Anatomy of Pectoralis Major Muscle: Surface Anatomy Related to Female Breast

The most important factor for breast augmentation is to dissect the accurate size of implantation pockets. This study was performed to investigate the anatomical association of the pectoralis major muscle(PMM) with the female breast shape for improving the success rate of mammoplasty. This study included 60 women(120 breasts) in their twenties to thirties who were imaged by CT between September 2006 and December 2007. On reconstructed 3D CT images, 6 points in the area of the PMM were selected as fiducial points, and the PMM contour and the correlation of the PMM with the nipple were analyzed using the imaginary lines connecting individual points. As the volume increased, the lateral and inferior borders of the PMM moved to the superomedial side from the nipple. As the ptosis degree increased, the density became lower, and the lateral and inferior borders of the PMM moved to the superomedial side of the nipple. However, there was no significant correlation between age and PMM contour. The results of this study suggest that the PMM contour may change according to the volume, ptosis and density of the breast. This study can provide objective information for breast surgery, thereby increasing the success rate of mammoplasty.

Localization of E-cadherin Along the Nephron Segments in the Rat Kidney / 대한해부학회지

E-cadherin is a cell adhesion molecule that is expressed abundantly in the kidney. However, the expression pattern in various renal epithelial cells is not well established. The purpose of this study was to determine the cellular localization along the nephron segments in the rat kidney. Kidneys from adult Sprague Dawley rats were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and processed for immunohistochemistry. Bumetanide-sensitive Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter (BSC1), thiazide-sensitive Na+/Cl- cotransporter (TSC), calbindin D28k, and H+-ATPase were used to identify the thick ascending, distal convoluted stubule, connecting tubule, and collecting duct, respectively. In the rat kidney, Ecadherin was expressed mainly in the basolateral domain of the collecting duct and papillary surface epithelial cells. The expression level of E-cadherin changed gradually in the connecting tubule and became moderate in the distal convoluted tubule, thick ascending limb, and loop of Henle. The S1 and S2 segment of the proximal tubule showed weak immunoreactivity. However, E-cadherin was not expressed in the S3 segment of the proximal tubule in the rat kidney. These results suggest that E-cadherin is a major adhesion molecule in the collecting duct and papillary surface epithelium, and that E-cadherin may play a critical role in maintaining the epithelial polarity of these nephron segments.

A Pig to Canine Auxiliary Hepatic Xenotransplantation Model: Prevention of Hyperacute Rejection via Blocking the Kupffer Cells and Regulating the Complement Family

PURPOSE: We designed a pig to canine liver xenotransplantation model to study the diverse immunologic and hemodynamic consequences that follow xenotransplantation and hyperacute rejection. METHODS: The animals were divided into two groups: the cobra venom factor and Gadolinium chloride treatment group (CVF+Gd group) (3 cases) and the control group (3 cases). The donor pig's whole liver was harvested, and then the harvested pig's whole liver was transplanted into a dog after the dog underwent left hepatectomy. After reperfusion of the graft, blood samples were taken 20, 40 and 60 minutes after reperfusion, and the liver, lung and kidney tissues were taken 1 hour after reperfusion. RESULTS: In the control group, the grafts showed a patchy hypoperfused liver surface and it felt rubbery solid compared to the CVF+Gd group. The serum total protein, albumin, fibrinogen and platelets decreased abruptly and there were no significant differences between the two groups. The serum PT, PTT and FDP were increased in both groups and the CVF+Gd group showed a more obtuse slope than the control group. We could not find any intravascular pathologic changes on the microscopic findings of the graft. Only scant intravascular fibrin deposition was found. Hepatocellular vacuolization and sinusoidal dilatation were also found. There were patches of necrosis without any zonal distribution, intrasinusoidal neutrophil sequestration and interstitial hemorrhage. These findings were milder in the CVF+Gd group. CONCLUSION: The pig to canine partial auxiliary liver xenotransplantation model is feasible and it is a good model before starting to perform pig to primate liver xenotransplantation. In the CVF+Gd group, pathologic findings like patch hepatocyte necrosis etc. were less severe. As there were no corresponding vascular pathologic findings, these findings are not the direct effect of CVF and gadolinium treatment, and so other factors like Ischemia- reperfusion injury should be considered.

Accuracy of Indirect Anthropometry on Cast Model of The Nose: Comparison with Direct Anthropometry

PURPOSE: We measured linear distances, angles and inclinations on the cast models of the noses, and compared these indirect measurements with the direct measurements obtained from the nose in order to validate the accuracy of the indirect anthropometry using the cast model. METHODS: Subjects were 50 males and 50 females, medical students in twenties(mean 27.1 years). Cast models were made from the alginate impression material and the plaster. In direct anthropometry, 16 linear, 7 angular, and 2 inclination measurements between 11 landmarks on the nose were obtained using sliding caliper, spreading caliper, and fabric tape measure. At the same time, the same measurements were obtained from the cast models of the same people. Total 25 measurements were compared, and tested by the independent t-test of SPSS. RESULTS: The standard values of Korean nose in twenties were obtained. 24 measurements except the columellar labial angle were not statistically different between the indirect anthropometry and the direct anthropometry. CONCLUSION: Indirect anthropometry on the cast model of the nose revealed no significant difference from the anthropometric measurement statistically, accounting for 24 in 25 measurements(96%). There are two possible reasons that caused the difference of columellar labial angle between direct and indirect anthropometry. First, the columellar labial angle could be decreased by protrusion of the lips which resulted from contracting mouth in which an drinking straw had been applied on the mouth corner for patients' respiration during making cast model. Second, it is generally known that the columellar labial angle could be measured larger when soft tissues were pressed by protractor in direct anthropometry. Using a drinking straw with greater diameter, and scheming respiration through the nostrils that patients don't feel discomfort, the more accurate data would be obtained from the indirect anthropometry using the cast models of the noses.

Augmentation of Pyriform Margin Using Porous High-Density Polyethylene Sheet In Unilateral Cleft Lip Nasal Deformity

PURPOSE: The common deformity after the correction of unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity is nasal asymmetry, and it is caused by the hypoplasia of the pyriform aperture. To correct this, many procedures have been applied, but still many problems are present. Authors performed the inlay and onlay insertion of porous high density polyethylene sheet(1mm thickness Medpor(R) sheet) in the hypoplastic pyriform margin of cleft side and obtained satisfactory results. METHODS: 11 cases were performed and the mean follow up period was 15.1 months. Their mean age was 23.6 years. Under general anesthesia, bilateral pyriform margin was exposed. Medpor(R) sheets in "match stick" like shaped were inlay inserted, and kidney shaped were onlay inserted fixating with two 6mm titanium screws. After the surgery, the results was evaluated by photogrammetric analysis. On the basal view, the distance from the subalare and labiale superius' to the transverse baseline connecting the both cheilions was measured from the cleft side and the non-cleft side. Then, the postoperative symmetry was assessed by obtaining the cleft side against the non-cleft side as proportion index, defined as lateral and medial upper lip contour index. RESULTS: There were 2 infections. The cause was because the inserted implant was too long and thus protruded to the base of nasal cavity. The lateral upper lip contour index was from 95.49 to 103.27, and medial upper lip contour index was from 90.92 to 100.49, it was statistically increased, and thus the symmetry was improved. However clinically mild depression remained at nostril floor. CONCLUSION: Authors performed porous high density polyethylene sheet inlay and onlay insertion for the hypoplasia of the pyriform margin in unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity. It was found that depressed pyriform margin and upper lip were corrected effectively except for the nostril floor, for which an additional soft tissue augmentation would be necessary. The inlay insertion has risk of protrusion, thus the guideline of the use of artificial prosthesis should be observed strictly.

The Usefulness of Endotoxin for Detection of Mucosal Injury in Intestinal Obstruction

PURPOSE: The treatment outcome of an intestinal obstruction depends on the early recognition and emergent operation of a strangulated intestinal obstruction. Endotoxin is a lipopolysaccharide component of the cell wall of gram negative bacteria that normally exist in the intestinal lumen. When a strangulated obstruction occurs, the endotoxin passes transluminally into the peritoneal cavity and blood stream. A disruption of the mucosal barrier is an important putative cause in this pathogenesis. This study investigated the relationship between the endotoxin level and progress of an intestinal obstruction to a strangulated obstruction. METHODS: 25 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (200~250 g) were divided into 3 groups, the control group, simple obstruction group, and closed loop obstruction group. An intestinal obstruction was induced using a silk tie. Blood samples and obstructed bowel wall specimens were obtained at 24, 48 and 72 hours after surgery. The endotoxin and IL-6 levels were examined, and all specimens were reviewed by a pathologist for mucosal damage after H-E staining. RESULTS: In the obstruction groups, dilated bowel loops at the proximal end of the obstruction site was identified but there were no ischemic changes. The endotoxin and IL-6 levels were similar regardless of the obstruction types and times. There were no differences between the three groups in the degree of mucosal damage. However, according to the endotoxin level, the groups with an endotoxin level < 0.2 EU/ml showed mild mucosal damage. The severity of mucosal damage increased with increasing endotoxin level. CONCLUSION: There is a positive relationship (r(2)=0.673, P-value=0.002) between the endotoxin level and mucosal damage. This suggests the possibility of using endotoxin as a predictive factor for the detection of mucosal injury in an intestinal obstruction. However, a larger scale will be needed to confirm the statistical significance.

Localization of Heat Shock Protein 72 in Potassium-deprivated Rat Kidney / 대한해부학회지

Heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) appears to play an important role in cell survival in the hypertonic conditions of the renal medulla. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of potassium deprivation on renal HSP72 expression. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed potassium deficient diet for 2 weeks. Kidney tissues were preserved by in vivo perfusion with paraformaldehyde-lysine-periodate (PLP) and processed for Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry. Serum potassium concentration and urine osmolality decreased in potassium deprivated animals. In control kidneys, HSP72 immunostaining was observed mainly in the inner medulla in almost all cells including the inner medullary collecting duct and papillary surface epithelial cells. In potassium deprivated kidneys, HSP72 expression decreased dramatically in the inner medulla. However, strong HSP72 immunostaining remained in some inner medullary collecting duct and papillary surface epithelial cell. These results demonstrated that potassium deprivation induced down regulation of HSP72 in the renal medulla, at least in part, through cell-specific manner.