Pielonefrite xantogranulomatosa em rim em ferradura: relato de um caso / Xantogranulomatous pyelonephritis in a horseshoe kidney: a case report

Os autores descrevem um caso de pielonefrite xantogranulomatosa em rim em ferradura numa paciente de 8 anos de idade. Na revisäo da literatura recente os casos dessa doença predominam em adultos, na quarta e quinta décadas, sendo ressaltada a baixa incidência em crianças, bem como a inexistência de relatos da associaçäo de rim em ferradura com pielonefrite xantogranulomatosa. Foi enfatizada a utilizaçäo de diversos métodos de diagnóstico por imagem e a associaçäo com a história clínica e exames laboratoriais para o estabelecimento do diagnóstico definitivo, que em alguns casos só pode ser definido após o tratamento cirúrgico e o exame histopatológico

Distribución biológica de un extracto neuroactivo obtenido de la anémona Bunodosoma granulífera / Biological distribution of neuroactive extract obtained bunodosoma granulifera anemone

Se estudió la distribución biológica del extracto ácido acético-acetónico de Bunodosoma granulífera. Se analizó la afectación de la biodistribución de los polipéptidos radioiodados en función de la pureza radioquímica, la dosis y el tiempo, previa inyección i.p. en ratones. La detección de radioactividad en el cerebro, a partir de los 5 min de inyectado el animal, permite suponer la posible acción del veneno en el sistema nervioso central. (AU)

Distribución biológica de un extracto neuroactivo obtenido de la anémona Bunodosoma granulífera / Biological distribution of neuroactive extract obtained bunodosoma granulifera anemone

Se estudió la distribución biológica del extracto ácido acético-acetónico de Bunodosoma granulífera. Se analizó la afectación de la biodistribución de los polipéptidos radioiodados en función de la pureza radioquímica, la dosis y el tiempo, previa inyección i.p. en ratones. La detección de radioactividad en el cerebro, a partir de los 5 min de inyectado el animal, permite suponer la posible acción del veneno en el sistema nervioso central.

Immunohistochemical localization of nuclear 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine receptor proteins in rat tissues studied with antiserum against C-ERB A/T3 receptor.

We have previously raised an anti-c-erb A peptide antibody (designated 4B II) which immunoprecipitated in vitro transcription/translation products of c-erb A alpha 1 and beta. 4B II could recognize nuclear T3 receptor (NT3R) without distinction between difference in species and tissues. Using 4B II, we studied immunohistochemical localization of NT3R proteins in various tissues of the rat. Cryostat sections (4-6 microns) of selected rat tissues were incubated with 4B II at 4C overnight, followed by fluorescein-isothyocianate-conjugated anti-rabbit immunoglobulin G for 60 min at 25 C. The cellular localization of fluorescence in all tissues examined was exclusively nuclear. Under the same conditions, control sections stained with antiserum which had previously absorbed with c-erb A peptide or inactive serum showed no specific staining. In the brain the large nuclei, supposed to be neuronal, were strongly stained in the cerebral cortex and the granular layer of the cerebellum. In the kidney, cells in the glomerulus, the distal, but not the proximal, tubules, and the collecting ducts exhibited nuclear staining. Nuclear fluorescence was observed homogeneously in the heart and liver, but the intensity was much weaker in the latter. Less intense fluorescence was seen in the testis and spleen, although specific immunostaining was clearly observed in the nuclei of spermatocytes, Leydig cells, and the heads of the sperms in the testis, and many lymphocytes in the spleen. Nuclei of follicular cells of the thyroid exhibited very strong fluorescence, suggesting existence of plenty of NT3R proteins. The anterior pituitary showed strong immunostaining in most nuclei, and clear nuclear fluorescence was also detected in the intermediate lobe of the pituitary. The present study showed that NT3R distributes selectively in certain types of cells in many tissues and that the content of NT3R proteins seems to correlate with the concentration of c-erb A mRNA alpha 1 and beta among many organs.

Presence of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid in rat tissues and evidence for its production from anthranilic acid in the brain.

As assessed by HPLC with electrochemical detection, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-HANA) was found to be present in the rat brain and peripheral organs. The highest concentrations were measured in the kidney (86 fmol/mg of tissue) and spleen (56 fmol/mg of tissue), whereas the adrenal gland, liver, heart, and several forebrain areas (hippocampus, striatum, parietal cortex, thalamus, amygdala/pyriform cortex, and frontal cortex) contained less 3-HANA (between 15 and 22 fmol/mg of tissue). Slightly lower concentrations of 3-HANA were found in the brainstem and the cerebellum. The metabolic disposition of 3-HANA was examined in tissue slices which were incubated in Krebs-Ringer buffer at 37 degrees C in vitro. Incubation for up to 2 h did not affect 3-HANA concentration in brain tissue. However, inhibition of 3-HANA degradation by the specific 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid oxygenase blocker 4-chloro-3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (4-Cl-3-HANA; 10 microM) resulted in a rapid (within 2.5 min) doubling of 3-HANA levels in slices from cerebral cortex. No further increases were observed after incubations of up to 120 min. Exposure of cortical slices to 3-HANA's putative bioprecursors, 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) and anthranilic acid (ANA), in the absence of 4-Cl-3-HANA resulted in rapid, transient increases in 3-HANA production. Maximal 3-HANA synthesis from ANA exceeded the maximal effect of 3-HK by approximately 11-fold.2+ In the presence of 4-Cl-3-HANA, 1 mM ANA produced 9.0 +/- 0.3 and 89.0 +/- 9.3 (5 min) or 51.6 +/- 7.9 and 187.5 +/- 11.2 (120 min) fmol of newly synthesized 3-HANA/mg of brain tissue, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Plasma, tissue, and urine carnitine concentrations in healthy adult cats and kittens.

Mean carnitine concentrations [( carnitine]) were higher (P less than 0.05) in adult cats than in kittens for skeletal muscle (total and free carnitine), myocardium (free carnitine), and urine (total and free carnitine). The free/total carnitine ratio was lower (P less than 0.05) in kittens than in adults for liver, myocardium, and urine. Carnitine concentrations were similar between genders in kittens, but in adult cats, [carnitine] in plasma (total, free, and esterified carnitine) and liver (total and free carnitine) were higher (P less than 0.05) in female than in male cats. Total and free plasma [carnitine] were correlated to total and free liver [carnitine], respectively. Skeletal muscle [carnitine] was not correlated to plasma [carnitine]. Correlations in [carnitine] between plasma and myocardium, kidney, or urine were inconsistent.

Effect of dietary homocysteine on copper status in rats.

The effect on copper status of diets containing homocysteine, an intermediate in the transsulfuration pathway of methionine metabolism, was investigated in rats. Two groups of six male weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were provided with deionized water and pair-fed diets that were adequate (14.0 mg/kg) or deficient (1.3 mg/kg) in Cu to groups fed diets similarly adequate or deficient in Cu but containing DL-homocysteine (10 g/kg). Hemoglobin concentration, tissue Cu levels and the activities of the Cu-dependent enzymes--ceruloplasmin, superoxide dismutase and cytochrome c oxidase--were markedly lowered by Cu-deficient diets and by homocysteine. These dietary treatments also lowered the activity of glutathione peroxidase and produced concomitant increases in the activity of manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase and iron levels in the liver. However, dietary homocysteine decreased hepatic Mn and low Cu diets decreased cardiac iron content. Moreover, both dietary treatments significantly lowered kidney Fe levels. Homocysteine increased heart, liver and kidney weights (g/100 g body tissue) and greatly elevated the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in heart tissue. These results indicate that dietary homocysteine can markedly lower Cu status in rats and result in tissue redistribution of Fe and increased cardiac levels of TBARS, a measure of lipid peroxidation.

Dermal vascular IgA deposits in IgA nephropathy secondary to alcohol abuse.

Skin, kidney and liver samples were investigated from 103 people with evidence of alcohol abuse at forensic autopsy. The diagnosis of alcohol abuse was based on clinical history, post mortem blood alcohol level and liver pathology. The findings confirmed the frequent widespread vascular IgA deposition in individuals with evidence of alcohol abuse. The frequency of IgA deposition in superficial small vessels of the dermis was not significantly different between individuals with IgA nephritis (16/85) and without such pathology (7/38). Based on these results, it can be inferred that had a pre-mortem skin biopsy been performed, it would not have had clinical usefulness in predicting the renal disease.

Severe deficiency of docosahexaenoic acid in peroxisomal disorders: a defect of delta 4 desaturation?

In confirmation of previous findings, patients with Zellweger's syndrome had extremely low levels of docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 omega 3) in the brain, liver, and kidneys. The other product of delta 4 desaturation, 22:5 omega 6, was also very significantly decreased, as were the ratios 22:6 omega 3/22:5 omega 3 and 22:5 omega 6/22:4 omega 6, especially in the brain and liver of the Zellweger patients. The infant with pseudo-Zellweger's syndrome also had very low levels of 22:6 omega 3 and of the ratio 22:6 omega 3/22:5 omega 3 in all tissues, especially in the brain, where the index 22:5 omega 6/22:4 omega 6 was also very significantly reduced. The ratio 22:6 omega 3/22:4 omega 6 was markedly decreased in all tissues, in Zellweger's as well as in pseudo-Zellweger's syndrome. The findings reported here strongly reinforce the hypothesis of a new enzymatic defect in peroxisomal disorders involving the desaturation of long polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially of the omega 3 family.

Presence of the plasma membrane proteolipid (plasmolipin) in myelin.

Plasma membrane proteolipid (plasmolipin), which was originally isolated from kidney membranes, has also been shown to be present in brain. In this study, we examined the distribution of plasmolipin in brain regions, myelin, and oligodendroglial membranes. Immunoblot analysis of different brain regions revealed that plasmolipin levels were higher in regions rich in white matter. Plasmolipin was also detected in myelin, myelin subfractions, and oligodendroglial membranes. Immunocytochemical analysis of the cerebellum revealed that plasmolipin was localized in the myelinated tracts. Plasmolipin levels in myelin were enriched during five successive cycles of myelin purification, similar to the enrichment of myelin proteolipid apoprotein (PLP) and myelin basic protein (MBP). In contrast, levels of Na+,K(+)-ATPase and a 70-kDa protein were decreased. When myelin or white matter was extracted with chloroform/methanol, it contained, in addition to PLP, a significant amount of plasmolipin. Quantitative immunoblot analysis suggested that plasmolipin constitutes in the range of 2.2-4.8% of total myelin protein. Plasmolipin, purified from kidney membranes, was detected by silver stain on gels at 18 kDa and did not show immunological cross-reactivity with either PLP or MBP. Thus, it is concluded that plasmolipin is present in myelin, possibly as a component of the oligodendroglial plasma membrane, but is structurally and immunologically different from the previously characterized myelin proteolipids.

Polarization of gelsolin and actin binding protein in kidney epithelial cells.

Vasopressin regulates transepithelial osmotic water permeability in the kidney collecting duct and in target cells in other tissues. In the presence of hormone, water channels are inserted into an otherwise impermeable apical plasma membrane and the apical surface of these cells is dramatically remodelled. Because cytochalasin B and D greatly reduce the response of these cells to vasopressin, actin filaments are believed to participate in the events leading to an increase in transepithelial water permeability. Modulation of the actin filamentous network requires the concerted action of specific actin regulatory proteins, and in the present study we used protein A-gold immunocytochemistry to localize two important molecules, gelsolin and actin binding protein (ABP), in epithelial cells of the kidney inner medulla. Gelsolin and, to a lesser extent, ABP were concentrated in clusters in the apical cell web of principal cells of the collecting duct. Aggregates of gold particles were often associated with the cytoplasmic side of plasma membrane regions forming surface extensions or microvilli. The basolateral plasma membrane was labeled to a much lesser extent than the apical plasma membrane. In the thin limbs of Henle, ABP was localized over the apical plasma membrane in ascending limbs, but gelsolin labeling was weak in these cells. In thin descending limbs, the pattern of labeling was completely reversed, with abundant apical gelsolin labeling but only weak ABP immunolabeling. Although the significance of the distribution of actin regulatory proteins in thin limbs is unknown, the abundance and the predominantly apical polarization of both ABP and gelsolin in principal cells of the collecting duct is consistent with a role of the actin cytoskeleton in the mechanism of vasopressin actin.

Efecto del ejercicio físico agudo sobre la distribución y el metabolismo de la vitamina A / Effect of acute physical exercise on the distribution and metabolism of vitamin A

Se evaluó el efecto del ejercio físico agudo sobre la distribución y el metabolismo de la vitamina A en un modelo experimental animal. Se estudiaron las concentraciones plasmáticas, hepaticas, renales, testiculares y de glándulas suprarrenales de la vitamina A y de sus principales formas moleculares: retinol y ésteres de retinol, en animales sometidos a ejercicio físico durante 2 h sin previo entrenamiento. Se observó una disminución en la concentración hepática y testicular de la vitamina A y un incremento de ésta en los riñones de los animales ejercitados. Se demostró, además, el incremento del catabolismo hepático del retinol bajo las condiones experimentales

Similarities between metallothionein and low molecular weight testicular cadmium-binding protein.

The incorporation of 35S-cysteine and 3H-glutamic acid was studied in mouse hepatic and renal metallothionein and in testicular cadmium-binding protein of similar molecular weight. Preferential incorporation of 35S-cysteine over 3H-glutamic acid was observed not only in hepatic and renal metallothionein, but also in testicular cadmium-binding protein. When the antigenic reactivity of these proteins was compared, all three proteins reacted with the metallothionein antibody. These similarities suggest that the low molecular weight testicular cadmium-binding protein is apparently metallothionein.

Sex difference in inhalation toxicity of p-dichlorobenzene (p-DCB) in rats.

The organ distribution and toxicity of p-dichlorobenzene (p-DCB) were compared in male and female rats after inhalation of 500 ppm of p-DCB for 24 h in a whole-body chamber. Concentrations of p-DCB in the serum, liver, kidney and fatty tissues were measured by gas chromatography at intervals during and up to 24 h after the treatment. Though no significant differences in the serum levels were observed between male and female rats, the p-DCB values in the livers of female rats were significantly higher than those of male rats. Conversely, significantly higher levels were found in the kidneys of male than of female rats. The distribution results thus appeared to correlate with the fact that nephrotoxic changes were observed only in male rats and that the appearance of minor hepatotoxic changes was limited to females.

Positive- and negative-ion mass spectrometry and rapid clean-up of some carbamate pesticides.

Positive-ion electron impact (PIEI), positive-ion chemical ionization (PICI) and negative-ion chemical ionization (NICI) mass spectra of 9 carbamate pesticides are presented. In the PIEI mode, the spectra showed small molecular peaks, intense or base peaks due to M - CH3NHCO + H and peaks at m/z 58 due to CH3NHCO. In the PICI mode, peaks due to M + H, M + C2H5, M - CH3NHCO + 2H, CH3NHCO(m/z 58) and M-28 appeared. The cations at m/z 58 found in both PIEI and PICI modes seem very useful for screening of a carbamate. In the NICI mode, the spectra showed peaks due to M - CH3NHCO and characteristic anions appearing at mass numbers higher than molecular ones, which were probably due to dimerization of [M - CH3NHCO]-followed by hydrogen attachment. Carbamates, which had been added to urine, plasma, whole blood, the liver, kidney and brain, could be rapidly isolated by use of Sep-Pak C18 cartridges with chloroform as an elution solvent. They could be detected by wide-bore capillary gas chromatography with a SPB-5 column, with satisfactory separation from impurities in their underivatized forms.

Interstitial albumin-bound dye concentrations in mice with a protein-rich effusion.

Levels of intravenously injected Evans blue dye in eluates of the lung and kidney, an index of interstitial fluid albumin concentration, together with water content of these tissues and levels of serum albumin were measured in Ha-icr mice with a tumor cell-induced protein-rich peritoneal effusion. By the fourth day after the intraperitoneal injection of tumor cells, when mean serum albumin levels had fallen to 76% of control values, mean albumin bound dye concentrations in lung and kidney had decreased to 63 and 58%, respectively, of control values. By the tenth day when serum albumin levels had decreased further to 67% of control values, albumin-bound dye concentrations in the lung and kidney had decreased to 58 and 43%, respectively, of control values. During this 10-day period the water content of the lung remained unchanged whereas that of the kidney had decreased by 7%. These observations suggest that the reduction in serum albumin which results from an abnormal distribution of this protein into a nonvascular compartment is accompanied, as in other models of hypoalbuminemia, by a more than proportionate reduction in interstitial albumin concentration in the lung and kidney.

Age related changes in weight and the concentrations of zinc and copper in the brain of the adult rat.

Two groups of adult male rats aged 15 weeks and 49 weeks, 15 rats in each group, were analysed for the concentrations of the trace elements zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in serum, liver, kidney, and five parts of the brain (cortex, corpus striatum, hippocampus, midbrain + medulla, and cerebellum). All organs increased in weight from 15 weeks to 49 weeks. In all parts of the brain, except for corpus striatum, there was a significant increase of the weights. The dry weight (% of wet) increased in all parts of the brain. In serum, the Zn and Cu concentrations increased from 15 weeks to 49 weeks. In the liver, both concentrations decreased and in the kidney the concentrations increased with increasing age. The Zn concentrations increased in cortex and corpus striatum and decreased in cerebellum and hippocampus. The Cu levels increased in all parts of the brain with the largest changes in corpus striatum. For rats aged 49 weeks, a significant correlation was found between the Cu concentrations of corpus striatum or midbrain + medulla and the fluid consumption. The findings of the present study reveal a dynamic age-related pattern of changes in the concentrations of Zn and Cu in different organs of the adult rat. This stresses the need of age-matching as an important control in experiment studies.

Biological monitoring for occupational cadmium exposure: the urinary metallothionein.

The relationship between urinary metallothionein and kidney and liver cadmium levels was examined in 68 active and retired smelter workers. Metallothionein was analyzed by a radioimmunoassay and liver and kidney cadmium levels were determined by in vivo neutron activation. Four workers suffered from severe renal dysfunction and excreted high amounts of total protein and beta 2-microglobulin and greater than 1 mg metallothionein/g creatinine. In the remaining 64 workers the urinary metallothionein levels correlated significantly with the cadmium levels in both liver and kidney. Similarly, in these individuals urinary metallothionein was significantly related to cadmium in blood and urine. These results demonstrate that urinary metallothionein is a sensitive biological indicator of cadmium exposure and body burden, before the onset of severe renal dysfunction.

Toxicity and tissue residue depletion of levamisole hydrochloride in young goats.

Toxicity and tissue residue depletion studies were conducted in young goats, using an oral drench formulation of levamisole hydrochloride. In the target animal toxicity study, 3 groups of 5 goats each were given levamisole orally to provide approximately 11.88, 23.76, or 35.64 mg of levamisole HCl/kg/d for 3 consecutive days; a fourth group of 5 goats served as untreated controls. Blood samples were taken for analysis of levamisole 1 day prior to dosing and 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 days following the third dose. At the 35.64-mg/kg dose, 2 of 5 goats responded with typical cholinergic signs of toxicosis on each of the 3 days of dosing. The times for the onset of clinical signs of toxicosis ranged from 18 to 63 minutes, with an average duration of 32 minutes. Administration of 23.76 mg of levamisole HCl/kg resulted in hyperactive behavior in 1 of 5 goats only on the first day of dosing; no abnormal behavior was observed in any of the 5 goats following the second or third dose of levamisole HCl at 23.76 mg/kg. Untoward effects were not seen in the 5 goats dosed at 11.88 mg of levamisole HCl/kg or in the controls during the 3-day dosing period or in the following 7-day observation period. Overall, the observed signs of toxicosis did not become more severe, affect more goats, or persist for a longer period on subsequent dosing days.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Localization of renin substrate in fetoplacental tissue.

Specific polyclonal rabbit anti-human renin substrate-antibodies were used in order to study the distribution of renin substrate immunoreactivity in human fetal and placental tissue. Renin substrate was immunohistochemically detected in human decidua and placenta, as well as in 19 weeks old human fetal liver and kidney. The presence of renin substrate in fetoplacental tissue supports the concept of a locally functioning renin-angiotensin system.