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Alpha1A- and alpha1D-adrenoceptors are the major functional subtypes of renal alpha1-adrenoceptors in streptozotocin-induced diabetic and normal Sprague-Dawley rats

Armenia, Sattar MA, Abdullah NA, Khan MA, Johns EJ

Auton Autacoid Pharmacol, 2008 Jan;28(1):1-10.
PMID: 18257746 DOI: 10.1111/j.1474-8673.2007.00412.x

1 The present study investigated the effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtypes in rat renal resistance vessels. 2 Studies on renal haemodynamics were carried out 7 days after the last streptozotocin. Changes in renal blood flow were recorded in response to electrical stimulation of the renal nerve (RNS) and a range of adrenergic agonists; noradrenaline (NA), phenylephrine (PE) and methoxamine (MTX), either in the absence or the presence of nitrendipine (Nit), 5-methylurapidil (MEU), chlorethylclonidine (CEC) or BMY 7378. 3 In non-diabetic animals, Nit, MEU and BMY 7378 significantly attenuated renal vasoconstriction induced by adrenergic agonists, while CEC showed a significant accentuation in RNS-induced responses without having a significant effect on responses to adrenergic agonists. In diabetic rats, renal vasoconstriction was also significantly reduced in Nit-, MEU- and BMY 7378-treated groups and CEC potentiated RNS-induced contractions caused a change similar to that observed in non-diabetic rats. BMY 7378 significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated the PE- and MTX-induced vasoconstrictions but did not cause any significant (P > 0.05) alteration in the RNS- and NA-induced responses. 4 The results showed functional co-existence of alpha(1A)- and alpha(1D)-adrenoceptors in the renal vasculature of SD rats irrespective of the presence of diabetes. A possible minor contribution of prejunctional alpha-adrenoceptor subtype has also been suggested in either experimental group, particularly possible functional involvement of alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor subtypes in non-diabetic SD rats.

Matched MeSH terms: Electric Stimulation
Effect of acute unilateral renal denervation on renal hemodynamics in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Abdulla MH, Sattar MA, Salman IM, Abdullah NA, Ameer OZ, Khan MA, et al.

Auton Autacoid Pharmacol, 2008 Apr-Jul;28(2-3):87-94.
PMID: 18598290 DOI: 10.1111/j.1474-8673.2008.00421.x

1 This study was undertaken to characterize the renal responses to acute unilateral renal denervation in anaesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) by examining the effect of acute unilateral renal denervation on the renal hemodynamic responses to a set of vasoactive agents and renal nerve stimulation. 2 Twenty-four male SHR rats underwent acute unilateral renal denervation and the denervation was confirmed by significant drop (P < 0.05) in renal vasoconstrictor response to renal nerve stimulation along with marked diuresis and natriuresis following denervation. After 7 days treatment with losartan, the overnight fasted rats were anaesthetized (sodium pentobarbitone, 60 mg kg(-1) i.p.) and renal vasoconstrictor experiments were performed. The changes in the renal vasoconstrictor responses were determined in terms of reductions in renal blood flow caused by renal nerve stimulation or intrarenal administration of noradrenaline, phenylephrine, methoxamine and angiotensin II. 3 The data showed that there was significantly (all P < 0.05) increased renal vascular responsiveness to the vasoactive agents in denervated rats compared to those with intact renal nerves. In losartan-treated denervated SHR rats, there were significant (all P < 0.05) reductions in the renal vasoconstrictor responses to neural stimuli and vasoactive agents as compared with that of untreated denervated SHR rats. 4 The data obtained in denervated rats suggested an enhanced sensitivity of the alpha(1)-adrenoceptors to adrenergic agonists and possible increase of AT(1) receptors functionality in the renal vasculature of these rats. These data also suggested a possible interaction between sympathetic nervous system and renin-angiotensin system in terms of a crosstalk relationship between renal AT(1) and alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtypes.

Matched MeSH terms: Electric Stimulation
Influence of cisplatin-induced renal failure on the alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtype causing vasoconstriction in the kidney of the rat

Khan AH, Sattar MA, Abdullah NA, Johns EJ

Eur J Pharmacol, 2007 Aug 13;569(1-2):110-8.
PMID: 17559832

This study investigated whether the alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtype(s) mediating the vasoconstrictor actions of the renal sympathetic nerves were altered in rats with cisplatin-induced renal failure. Male Wistar Kyoto rats were used and half received cisplatin (5 mg/kg i.p.) to induce renal failure and were taken for study 7 days later. The renal blood flow reductions caused by electrical renal nerve stimulation and close intra-renal administration of noradrenaline, phenylephrine and methoxamine were determined before and after amlodopine (AMP), 5-methylurapidil (MeU), chloroethylclonidine (CEC) or BMY 7378. Water intake and creatinine clearance were decreased (P<0.05) by 40-50% while fractional excretion of sodium was increased two-fold in the cisplatin treated rats. Mean arterial pressure was higher, 110+/-2 versus 102+/-3 mmHg and renal blood flow was lower, 10.7+/-0.9 versus 18.9+/-0.1 ml/min/kg in the renal failure rats (both P<0.05). AMP, MeU and BMY 7378 decreased (all P<0.05) the adrenergically induced renal vasoconstrictor responses in the renal failure groups by 30 to 50% and in normal rats by 20 to 40%. In the presence of CEC, renal nerve stimulation and noradrenaline and methoxamine induced renal vasoconstrictor responses were enhanced (all P<0.05) in the renal failure but not in the normal rats. These data showed that alpha(1A)- and alpha(1D)-adrenoceptors were the major subtypes in mediating adrenergically induced renal vasoconstriction but there was no substantial shift in subtype in renal failure. The contribution of alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor subtypes either pre- or post-synaptic appeared to be raised in the renal failure rats.

Matched MeSH terms: Electric Stimulation
Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity causes altered renal hemodynamics in Wistar Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive rats: role of augmented renal alpha-adrenergic responsiveness

Hye Khan MA, Abdul Sattar M, Abdullah NA, Johns EJ

Exp. Toxicol. Pathol., 2007 Nov;59(3-4):253-60.
PMID: 17764917

The pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced renal failure is related to reduced renal blood flow due to severe tubular damage and enhanced renovascular resistance. It is also known that alpha(1)-adrenoceptors, the major subtype of alpha-adrenoceptors in renal vasculature play the pivotal role in regulating renal hemodynamics. With this background, we have hypothesized that the altered renal hemodynamics and enhanced renovascular resistance in cisplatin-induced renal failure might be caused by the altered alpha-adrenergic responsiveness with a possible involvement of alpha(1)-adrenoceptors in the renal vasculature. In a unique experimental approach with anesthetized rats, this study has therefore examined if there is any shift in the renovascular responsiveness to renal nerve stimulation and a series of alpha-adrenergic agonists in Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats with cisplatin-induced renal failure in comparison with their body weight-matched normal controls. Thirty-two male rats of both WKY (n=16) and SHR (n=16) origin with body weight 236+/-7.9 g received cisplatin (5mg/kg i.p.). The renal failure was confirmed in terms of significantly reduced renal blood flow, reduced creatinine clearance, increased fractional excretion of sodium, increased kidney index (all P<0.05) and tubular damage. After 7 days of cisplatin, the overnight fasted rats were anesthetized (sodium pentobarbitone, 60 mg/kg i.p.) and renal vasoconstrictor experiments were done. The changes in the vasoconstrictor responses were determined in terms of reductions in renal blood flow caused by electrical renal nerve stimulation or intrarenal administration of noradrenaline, phenylephrine and methoxamine. It was observed that in the cisplatin-treated renal failure WKY and SHR rats there were significant (all P<0.05) reductions in the renal blood flow along with significantly (P<0.05) higher renal adrenergic responsiveness as compared with their non-renal failure controls. The data showed that in the renal failure WKY and SHR rats, the altered renal hemodynamics might be caused by an augmented renal adrenergic responsiveness. The results obtained further led us to suggest that the augmented renal adrenergic responsiveness in the cisplatin-induced renal failure rats were possibly mediated by the alpha(1)-adrenoceptors.

Matched MeSH terms: Electric Stimulation
Fulltext Functional subtypes of renal alpha1-adrenoceptor in diabetic and non-diabetic 2K1C Goldblatt renovascular hypertension

Armenia A, Sattar MA, Abdullah NA, Khan MA, Johns EJ

Acta Pharmacol Sin, 2008 May;29(5):564-72.
PMID: 18430364 DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7254.2008.00788.x

This study investigates the subtypes of the alpha1-adrenoceptor mediating the adrenergically-induced renal vasoconstrictor responses in streptozotocin-induced diabetic and non-diabetic 2-kidney one clip (2K1C) Goldblatt hypertensive rats.

Matched MeSH terms: Electric Stimulation
Functional subtypes of renal alpha1-adrenoceptor in spontaneously hypertensive rats with streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetic nephropathy

Khan MA, Sattar MA, Abdullah NA, Abdulla MH, Salman IM, Kazi RN, et al.

Kidney Blood Press Res, 2009;32(5):349-59.
PMID: 19844130 DOI: 10.1159/000249149

This study investigated the impact of hypertension combined with diabetic nephropathy on rat renal alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtype composition.

Matched MeSH terms: Electric Stimulation
Neuromuscular effects of candoxin, a novel toxin from the venom of the Malayan krait (Bungarus candidus)

Nirthanan S, Charpantier E, Gopalakrishnakone P, Gwee MC, Khoo HE, Cheah LS, et al.

Br J Pharmacol, 2003 Jun;139(4):832-44.
PMID: 12813007

1 Candoxin (MW 7334.6), a novel toxin isolated from the venom of the Malayan krait Bungarus candidus, belongs to the poorly characterized subfamily of nonconventional three-finger toxins present in Elapid venoms. The current study details the pharmacological effects of candoxin at the neuromuscular junction. 2 Candoxin produces a novel pattern of neuromuscular blockade in isolated nerve-muscle preparations and the tibialis anterior muscle of anaesthetized rats. In contrast to the virtually irreversible postsynaptic neuromuscular blockade produced by curaremimetic alpha-neurotoxins, the neuromuscular blockade produced by candoxin was rapidly and completely reversed by washing or by the addition of the anticholinesterase neostigmine. 3 Candoxin also produced significant train-of-four fade during the onset of and recovery from neuromuscular blockade, both, in vitro and in vivo. The fade phenomenon has been attributed to a blockade of putative presynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) that mediate a positive feedback mechanism and maintain adequate transmitter release during rapid repetitive stimulation. In this respect, candoxin closely resembles the neuromuscular blocking effects of d-tubocurarine, and differs markedly from curaremimetic alpha-neurotoxins that produce little or no fade. 4 Electrophysiological experiments confirmed that candoxin produced a readily reversible blockade (IC(50) approximately 10 nM) of oocyte-expressed muscle (alphabetagammadelta) nAChRs. Like alpha-conotoxin MI, well known for its preferential binding to the alpha/delta interface of the muscle (alphabetagammadelta) nAChR, candoxin also demonstrated a biphasic concentration-response inhibition curve with a high- (IC(50) approximately 2.2 nM) and a low- (IC(50) approximately 98 nM) affinity component, suggesting that it may exhibit differential affinities for the two binding sites on the muscle (alphabetagammadelta) receptor. In contrast, curaremimetic alpha-neurotoxins have been reported to antagonize both binding sites with equal affinity.

Matched MeSH terms: Electric Stimulation
The contribution of adrenoceptor subtype(s) in the renal vasculature of diabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats

Armenia A, Munavvar AS, Abdullah NA, Helmi A, Johns EJ

Br J Pharmacol, 2004 Jun;142(4):719-26.
PMID: 15172958

1. Diabetes and hypertension are both associated with an increased risk of renal disease and are associated with neuropathies, which can cause defective autonomic control of major organs including the kidney. This study aimed to examine the alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtype(s) involved in mediating adrenergically induced renal vasoconstriction in a rat model of diabetes and hypertension. 2. Male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), 220-280 g, were anaesthetized with sodium pentobarbitone 7-day poststreptozotocin (55 mg x kg(-1) i.p.) treatment. The reductions in renal blood flow (RBF) induced by increasing frequencies of electrical renal nerve stimulation (RNS), close intrarenal bolus doses of noradrenaline (NA), phenylephrine (PE) or methoxamine were determined before and after administration of nitrendipine (Nit), 5-methylurapidil (5-MeU), chloroethylclonidine (CEC) and BMY 7378. 3. In the nondiabetic SHR group, mean arterial pressure (MAP) was 146+/-6 mmHg, RBF was 28.0+/-1.4 ml x min(-1) x kg(-1) and blood glucose was 112.3+/-4.7 mg x dl(-1), and in the diabetic SHR Group, MAP was 144+/-3 mmHg, RBF 26.9+/-1.3 ml(-1) min x kg(-1) and blood glucose 316.2+/-10.5 mg x dl(-1). Nit, 5-MeU and BMY 7378 blunted all the adrenergically induced renal vasoconstrictor responses in SHR and diabetic SHR by 25-35% (all P<0.05), but in diabetic rats the responses induced by RNS and NA treated with 5-MeU were not changed. By contrast, during the administration of CEC, vasoconstrictor responses to all agonists were enhanced by 20-25% (all P<0.05) in both the SHR and diabetic SHR. 4. These findings suggest that alpha(1A) and alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor subtypes contribute in mediating the adrenergically induced constriction of the renal vasculature in both the SHR and diabetic SHR. There was also an indication of a greater contribution of presynaptic adrenoceptors, that is, alpha(1B)-, and/or alpha(2)-subtypes.

Matched MeSH terms: Electric Stimulation/methods
External laryngeal nerve in thyroid surgery: recognition and surgical implications

Aina EN, Hisham AN

ANZ J Surg, 2001 Apr;71(4):212-4.
PMID: 11355727

Injury to the external laryngeal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve during thyroid surgery is not uncommon. Most surgeons tend to avoid rather than expose and identify the external laryngeal nerve (ELN). The aim of the present study was to analyse the frequency and types of ELN crossing the avascular space in relationship to the structures to the upper pole of the thyroid and related thyroid pathology.

Matched MeSH terms: Electric Stimulation
Fulltext Age-dependent atrial arrhythmic phenotype secondary to mitochondrial dysfunction in Pgc-1β deficient murine hearts

Valli H, Ahmad S, Chadda KR, Al-Hadithi ABAK, Grace AA, Jeevaratnam K, et al.

Mech Ageing Dev, 2017 Oct;167:30-45.
PMID: 28919427 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2017.09.002

INTRODUCTION: Ageing and several age-related chronic conditions including obesity, insulin resistance and hypertension are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and represent independent risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Atrial arrhythmogenesis was investigated in Langendorff-perfused young (3-4 month) and aged (>12 month), wild type (WT) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ coactivator-1β deficient (Pgc-1β-/-) murine hearts modeling age-dependent chronic mitochondrial dysfunction during regular pacing and programmed electrical stimulation (PES).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The Pgc-1β-/- genotype was associated with a pro-arrhythmic phenotype progressing with age. Young and aged Pgc-1β-/- hearts showed compromised maximum action potential (AP) depolarization rates, (dV/dt)max, prolonged AP latencies reflecting slowed action potential (AP) conduction, similar effective refractory periods and baseline action potential durations (APD90) but shortened APD90 in APs in response to extrasystolic stimuli at short stimulation intervals. Electrical properties of APs triggering arrhythmia were similar in WT and Pgc-1β-/- hearts. Pgc-1β-/- hearts showed accelerated age-dependent fibrotic change relative to WT, with young Pgc-1β-/- hearts displaying similar fibrotic change as aged WT, and aged Pgc-1β-/- hearts the greatest fibrotic change. Mitochondrial deficits thus result in an arrhythmic substrate, through slowed AP conduction and altered repolarisation characteristics, arising from alterations in electrophysiological properties and accelerated structural change.

Matched MeSH terms: Electric Stimulation
Serotonergic treatment normalizes midbrain dopaminergic neuron increase after periaqueductal gray stimulation

Tan SZK, Temel Y, Chan AY, Mok ATC, Perucho JAU, Blokland A, et al.

Brain Struct Funct, 2020 Sep;225(7):1957-1966.
PMID: 32594260 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02102-w

Electrical stimulation of the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray (dlPAG) in rats has been shown to elicit panic-like behaviour and can be a useful as an unconditioned stimulus for modelling anticipatory fear and agoraphobia in a contextual fear conditioning paradigm. In this study, we further analysed our previous data on the effects of escitalopram (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, SSRI) and buspirone (a 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist) on dlPAG-induced anticipatory fear behaviour in a rat model using freezing as a measure. We then attempted to unravel some of the interactions with dopamine signalling using tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry to probe the effects on dopaminergic neurons. We showed that acute treatment of escitalopram, but not buspirone, was effective in reducing anticipatory freezing behaviour, while chronic administrations of both drugs were effective. We found that the dlPAG stimulation induced increase number of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) which was reversed in both chronic buspirone and escitalopram groups. We further found a strong positive correlation between the number of dopaminergic neurons and freezing in the VTA and showed positive correlations between dopaminergic neurons in the VTA and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) in escitalopram and buspirone groups, respectively. Overall, we showed that chronic treatment with an SSRI and a 5-HT1A agonist reduced anticipatory freezing behaviour which seems to be associated, through correlative studies, with a reversal of dlPAG stimulation induced increase in number of dopaminergic neurons in the VTA and/or SNpc.

Matched MeSH terms: Electric Stimulation
Renal sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity in early streptozotocin-induced diabetic kidney disease

Salman IM, Ameer OZ, Sattar MA, Abdullah NA, Yam MF, Abdullah GZ, et al.

Neurourol Urodyn, 2011 Mar;30(3):438-46.
PMID: 21284025 DOI: 10.1002/nau.21007

We assessed the role of renal sympathetic nervous system in the deterioration of renal hemodynamic and excretory functions in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

Matched MeSH terms: Electric Stimulation
Characterization of renal hemodynamic and structural alterations in rat models of renal impairment: role of renal sympathoexcitation

Salman IM, Ameer OZ, Sattar MA, Abdullah NA, Yam MF, Najim HS, et al.

J Nephrol, 2010 5 4;24(1):68-77.
PMID: 20437405 DOI: 10.5301/jn.2010.6

BACKGROUND: Renal sympathetic innervation plays an important role in the control of renal hemodynamics and may therefore contribute to the pathophysiology of many disease states affecting the kidney. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the role of the renal sympathetic nervous system in the early deteriorations of renal hemodynamics and structure in rats with pathophysiological states of renal impairment.

METHODS: Anesthetized Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with cisplatin-induced acute renal failure (ARF) or streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus (DM) were subjected to a renal hemodynamic study 7 days after cisplatin and STZ administration. During the acute study, renal nerves were electrically stimulated, and responses in renal blood flow (RBF) and renal vascular resistance (RVR) were recorded in the presence and absence of renal denervation. Post mortem kidney collection was performed for histopathological assessment.

RESULTS: In innervated ARF or DM rats, renal nerve stimulation produced significantly lower (all p<0.05, vs. innervated control) renal vasoconstrictor responses. These responses were markedly abolished when renal denervation was performed (all p<0.05); however, they appeared significantly higher compared with denervated controls (all p<0.05). Kidney injury was suppressed in denervated ARF, while, irrespective of renal denervation, renal specimens from DM rats were comparable to controls.

CONCLUSIONS: Renal sympathoexcitation is involved in the pathogenesis of the renal impairment accompanying ARF and DM, and may even precede the establishment of an observable renal injury. There is a possible enhancement in the renal sensitivity to intrarenal norepinephrine following renal denervation in ARF and DM rats.

Matched MeSH terms: Electric Stimulation
Conformational properties of serum albumin binding sites in rats with different behaviour in the open field test

Gryzunov YA, Koplik EV, Smolina NV, Kopaeva LB, Dobretsov GE, Sudakov KV

Stress, 2006 Mar;9(1):53-60.
PMID: 16753933

In this study, the hypothesis was tested that behaviour of rats under the open field test condition and effects of subsequent acute stress relate to conformational properties of the main plasma carrier protein, albumin.To evaluate albumin properties, fluorescence intensity of a molecular probe CAPIDAN (N-carboxyphenylimide of dimethylaminonaphthalic acid) at N (at pH 7.4) and F (at pH 4.2) albumin conformations was measured and the N-F signal ratio was calculated. The data obtained showed that CAPIDAN fluoresces selectively from albumin in rat serum and its fluorescence is sensitive to binding of fatty acids and some other ligands to albumin. Behaviour of 78 Wistar male rats was characterized from the fraction of time taken for exploratory and ambulatory activity during the open field test. In rats not subjected to stress (n = 40), a negative correlation was revealed between open field activity and CAPIDAN N-to-F ratio for albumin (r = - 0.55, p < 0.0005). In the group of rats subjected to acute stress (immobilization plus stochastic electrocutaneous stimulation) the correlation between behavioural activity and the albumin conformational properties was significantly positive (r = 0.59, p < 0.0001): the CAPIDAN albumin fluorescence ratio increased in the highly active rats and decreased in the low-activity rats. The mechanisms of the observed effects may involve differences in nonesterified fatty acid production during stress.

Matched MeSH terms: Electric Stimulation
Evaluation of semen collected by electroejaculation from captive lesser Malay chevrotain (Tragulus javanicus)

Haron AW, Ming Y, Zainuddin ZZ

J. Zoo Wildl. Med., 2000 Jun;31(2):164-7.
PMID: 10982126

Thirteen sexually mature captive male lesser Malay chevrotains (Tragulus javanicus) were each anesthetized twice with tiletamine-zolazepam for electroejaculation. Viable spermatozoa were collected from all animals. The semen was creamy, milky, pale yellowish, or watery. The mean values for ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, and percentages of sperm motility, normality and viability were 23.7 +/- 2.5 microl, 366.9 +/- 127.8 x 10(6) spermatozoa/ml, 40.0% +/- 3.1%, 71.4% +/- 1.6%, and 59.6% +/- 2.1%, respectively. Semen pH was 7-8. No adverse effects of electroejaculation were noted. These are the first reported values for semen of lesser Malay chevrotain. Electroejaculation should be usable for routine semen collection in this species.

Matched MeSH terms: Electric Stimulation
Inhibition of gastrointestinal release of acetylcholine by quercetin as a possible mode of action of Psidium guajava leaf extracts in the treatment of acute diarrhoeal disease

Lutterodt GD

J Ethnopharmacol, 1989 May;25(3):235-47.
PMID: 2747259

The electrically stimulated guinea-pig ileum and spontaneously contracting guinea-pig ileum preparations were employed in studies on the effects of an alcoholic extract and two flavonoid compounds, quercetin and quercetin-3-arabinoside, extracted from the leaves of Psidium guajava. The extract showed a morphine-like inhibition of acetylcholine release in the coaxially stimulated ileum, together with an initial increase in muscular tone, followed by a gradual decrease. The morphine-like inhibition was found to be due to quercetin, starting at concentrations of 1.6 micrograms/ml. The glycoside did not show any such action at concentrations of up to 1.28 mg/ml. The extract inhibited spontaneous contractions in the unstimulated ileum with a concentration-response relationship.

Matched MeSH terms: Electric Stimulation
Effect of semen collection methods on the quality of pre- and post-thawed Bali cattle (Bos javanicus) spermatozoa

Sarsaifi K, Rosnina Y, Ariff MO, Wahid H, Hani H, Yimer N, et al.

Reprod. Domest. Anim., 2013 Dec;48(6):1006-12.
PMID: 23808560 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12206

This study was conducted to evaluate the response of Bali bulls (Bos javanicus) to different semen collection methods and their effects on fresh and post-thawed semen quality. The collection methods employed were electro-ejaculation (EE), transrectal massage (RM) and RM followed by EE (RM + EE). A total of 25 untrained Bali bulls (age between 2 and 4 years old) were subjected to the different semen collection methods. Fresh semen samples from all the 25 bulls were evaluated for volume, pH, general motility, live/dead ratio and abnormality using the conventional method. For fresh and frozen samples collected by EE and RM from 10 bulls, computer-assisted semen analysis system was used for precise quantitative measurement of motility, velocity and forward progression. Accucell photometer was used to measure sperm concentration in all samples, regardless fresh and frozen. Semen samples were obtained 100% of the attempts using EE, 84% using RM and 96% using RM + EE. There were no differences among the collection methods for fresh semen quality characteristics, including motility, morphology and viability, but pH and volume were higher for EE than RM and RM + EE. Higher sperm concentration was observed in semen collected by RM than the other two methods. Different age groups (2-3 and >3-4 years old) of the bulls did not show significant differences in volume, pH, sperm concentration, percentages in motility, live/dead ratio and normal sperm morphology. The quality of semen for general and progressive motility, VAP, VSL and VCL and acrosomal integrity after thawing was higher for RM than EE. In conclusion, Bali bulls appeared to respond best to EE and the combination of RM + EE than RM, as a method of semen collection, with a shorter time of stimulation required. Differences in age of the Bali bulls did not affect the semen quality.

Matched MeSH terms: Electric Stimulation
Latah: an Indonesian startle syndrome

Bakker MJ, van Dijk JG, Pramono A, Sutarni S, Tijssen MA

Mov Disord, 2013 Mar;28(3):370-9.
PMID: 23283702 DOI: 10.1002/mds.25280

The nature of culture-specific startles syndromes such as "Latah" in Indonesia and Malaysia is ill understood. Hypotheses concerning their origin include sociocultural behavior, psychiatric disorders, and neurological syndromes. The various disorders show striking similarities despite occurring in diverse cultural settings and genetically distant populations. They are characterized clinically by exaggerated startle responses and involuntary vocalizations, echolalia, and echopraxia. Quantifying startle reflexes may help define Latah within the 3 groups of startle syndromes: (1) hyperekplexia, (2) startle-induced disorders, and (3) neuropsychiatric startle syndromes. Twelve female Latah patients (mean age, 44.6 years; SD, 7.7 years) and 12 age-, sex- and socioeconomically matched controls (mean age, 42.3 year; SD, 8.0) were studied using structured history taking and neurological examination including provocation of vocalizations, echolalia, and echopraxia. We quantified auditory startle reflexes with electromyographic activity of 6 left-sided muscles following 104-dB tones. We defined 2 phases for the startle response: a short latency motor startle reflex initiated in the lower brain stem <100/120 ms) and a later, second phase more influenced by psychological factors (the "orienting reflex," 100/120-1000 ms after the stimulus). Early as well as late motor startle responses were significantly increased in patients compared with controls (P ≤ .05). Following their startle response, Latah patients showed stereotyped responses including vocalizations and echo phenomena. Startle responses were increased, but clinically these proved insignificant compared with the stereotyped behavioral responses following the startle response. This study supports the classification of Latah as a "neuropsychiatric startle syndrome."

Matched MeSH terms: Electric Stimulation
Fulltext Mathematical modeling of subthreshold resonant properties in pyloric dilator neurons

Vazifehkhah Ghaffari B, Kouhnavard M, Aihara T, Kitajima T

Biomed Res Int, 2015;2015:135787.
PMID: 25960999 DOI: 10.1155/2015/135787

Various types of neurons exhibit subthreshold resonance oscillation (preferred frequency response) to fluctuating sinusoidal input currents. This phenomenon is well known to influence the synaptic plasticity and frequency of neural network oscillation. This study evaluates the resonant properties of pacemaker pyloric dilator (PD) neurons in the central pattern generator network through mathematical modeling. From the pharmacological point of view, calcium currents cannot be blocked in PD neurons without removing the calcium-dependent potassium current. Thus, the effects of calcium (I(Ca)) and calcium-dependent potassium (I(KCa)) currents on resonant properties remain unclear. By taking advantage of Hodgkin-Huxley-type model of neuron and its equivalent RLC circuit, we examine the effects of changing resting membrane potential and those ionic currents on the resonance. Results show that changing the resting membrane potential influences the amplitude and frequency of resonance so that the strength of resonance (Q-value) increases by both depolarization and hyperpolarization of the resting membrane potential. Moreover, hyperpolarization-activated inward current (I(h)) and I(Ca) (in association with I(KCa)) are dominant factors on resonant properties at hyperpolarized and depolarized potentials, respectively. Through mathematical analysis, results indicate that I h and I(KCa) affect the resonant properties of PD neurons. However, I(Ca) only has an amplifying effect on the resonance amplitude of these neurons.

Matched MeSH terms: Electric Stimulation
External laryngeal nerve in thyroid surgery: is the nerve stimulator necessary?

Aina EN, Hisham AN

Eur J Surg, 2001 Sep;167(9):662-5.
PMID: 11759734 DOI: 10.1080/11024150152619282

OBJECTIVE: To find out the incidence and type of external laryngeal nerves during operations on the thyroid, and to assess the role of a nerve stimulator in detecting them.
DESIGN: Prospective, non-randomised study.
SETTING: Teaching hospital, Malaysia.
SUBJECTS: 317 patients who had 447 dissections between early January 1998 and late November 1999.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Number and type of nerves crossing the cricothyroid space, and the usefulness of the nerve stimulator in finding them.
RESULTS: The nerve stimulator was used in 206/447 dissections (46%). 392 external laryngeal nerves were seen (88%), of which 196/206 (95%) were detected with the stimulator. However, without the stimulator 196 nerves were detected out of 241 dissections (81%). The stimulator detected 47 (23%) Type I nerves (nerve > 1 cm from the upper edge of superior pole); 86 (42%) Type IIa nerves (nerve < 1 cm from the upper edge of superior pole); and 63 (31%) Type IIb nerves (nerve below upper edge of superior pole). 10 nerves were not detected. When the stimulator was not used the corresponding figures were 32 (13%), 113 (47%), and 51 (21%), and 45 nerves were not seen. If the nerve cannot be found we recommend dissection of capsule close to the medial border of the upper pole of the thyroid to avoid injury to the nerve.
CONCLUSION: Although the use of the nerve stimulator seems desirable, it confers no added advantage in finding the nerve. In the event of uncertainty about whether a structure is the nerve, the stimulator may help to confirm it. However, exposure of the cricothyroid space is most important for good exposure in searching for the external laryngeal nerve.

Matched MeSH terms: Electric Stimulation

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