Laboratory and Basic Science Research Commons^™

Effect Of Photoperiod On Developmental Morphology And Enolase Isoenzyme Immunohistochemistry In Rat And Djungarian Hamster Superficial Pineal Glands, Chalmer D. Mcclure

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The best understood functional activity of the pineal gland is its diurnal production of melatonin in response to environmental lighting cues. Several enzymes of the melatonin pathway respond to daily photoperiod changes, for example hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT) and serotonin N-acetyltransferase (SNAT). Increased levels of the glycolytic enzyme neuron-specific enolase (NSE) are thought to reflect increased physiological demands placed on neurons and neuroendocrine tissues. Homodimer non-neuronal enolase isoenzyme (NNE) is immunolocalized to cells, and the hybrid enolase (consisting of subunits from NSE and NNE) has been seen in cerebellar stellate and basket cells. Although not rate limiting, concentrations of both NSE and …

In Vitro Evaluation Of Cancer Patient Immune Responses Following Infusion Of Radiolabeled Murine Monoclonal Antibody, Kelly A. King

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Several monoclonal antibody (MAb) types derived from mice have been developed specifically for the use of targeting human tumors. The specificity of these murine MAb’s for their respective tumor antigens is very high making them potentially good immunotherapeutic agents for cancer treatment and diagnosis. A limiting factor in using these murine MAb’s in patients is the development of human anti-mouse antibody (HAMA). The presence of HAMA may reduce the effectiveness of MAb for tumor targeting. If patient sensitization could be quickly detected following the initial infusion of MAb, then future infusion could be altered or terminated to prevent further sensitization. …

Enhancement Of Intratumor Antibody Distribution With A Bifunctional Antibody Delivery System And With Hyperthermia, Karen Lynn King

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The intratumor distribution of a new monoclonal antibody-hapten-based delivery system was examined. From two marine antibodies, Hybritech, Inc. has developed a bifunctional antibody (BPA) with specificities against CEA (ZCE-025 or GEM 231) and against one of two derivatives of [¹¹¹In]-benzyl-EDTA (CHA 255), EOTUBE or BLEDTA IV, to form ZCE/CHA or CEM/CHA. BFA accumulates in CEA-expressing tissue and clears from non-antigenic tissues prior to administration of an [¹¹¹In]-hapten.

Using five groups of nude mice bearing human colon tumor xenografts (T380), we evaluated different carriers of [¹¹¹In]-EOTUBE to prelocalized ZCE/CHA. We administered all antibodies and haptens …

Regulation Of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Synthesis By Retinoic Acid And Dexamethasone, Kerby C. Oberg

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Fetal rat lung (FRL) cells incubated in the presence of retinoic acid or dexamethasone exhibit altered ¹²⁵I-epidermal growth factor (EOF) binding capacity. Retinoic acid enhances ¹²⁵I-EGF binding 3-fold following 24 hours of 37° incubation. In contrast, FRL cells incubated in the presence of dexamethasone display a 2-fold reduction in ¹²⁵I-EGF binding capacity. The change in binding capacity, induced by either hormone, was due to alterations in the average number of receptors per cell as determined by Scatchard analysis of ¹²⁵I-EGF binding. In the absence of retinoic acid or dexamethasone, FRL cells were calculated to have approximately …

Regeneration Of Meissner Corpuscles In Diabetic Mice Following Median Nerve Crush, Bonnie J. Forrester

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The hyperglycemic metabolic condition found in diabetes mellitus leads to the development of sensory neuropathies and causes delayed and incomplete neuronal regeneration. Diabetic sensory neuropathy has been shown to contribute to the impairment of light touch and low frequency vibratory perception. It is proposed that the regeneration of receptors that detect these sensations will be delayed and incomplete in diabetic animals with uncontrolled hyperglycemia. This study addresses the effects of diabetes on the regeneration of Meissner corpuscles, distal sensory endings that perceive light touch and low frequency vibration.

Corpuscles from 60 diabetic mice, and their age-matched, non-diabetic littermates, were examined …

The Prenatal Development Of The "Synaptic" Structures In The Guinea Pig Pineal Gland, Zhongrong Luo

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Pineal "synaptic" ribbons are a heterogeneous population of organelles. In addition to "synaptic" ribbons (SR) sensu stricto, which are electron-dense rods, "synaptic" spherules (SS) and intermediate forms (IMF) are present. The SS are electron-dense spherical structures, the diameter of which is two to three times the width of the SR. The IMF appear as irregularly formed structures. The SR, SS and IMF are surrounded by electron-lucent vesicles. Their function and origin are unknown and also a knowledge of their prenatal development is lacking. In order to gain an insight into the development of the "synaptic structures, the pineal glands …

The Inhibition Of Bone Formation Occurring Under Weightlessness : The Effect Of Skeletal Unloading On Serum Levels Of A Bone-Derived Growth Factor, Jean D. Sibonga

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

A deleterious effect of spaceflight on human health is the loss of bone associated with the prolonged lack of gravitational stress on the skeleton. A potential for bone loss is indicated by the hypercalciuria and decreased heel bone density determined in Skylab astronauts. Histological studies of juvenile laboratory rats in actual spaceflight and in simulation models document a suppression of bone formation with little alteration of bone resorption. The mechanism for net bone loss needs to be defined in order to develop measures for its prevention or correction.

Skeletal growth factors, which may mediate coupling and locally regulate bone volume …

Age-Related Changes In Meissner Corpuscles Of Diabetic Mice As Observed By Electron Microscopy, Vicky R. Ras

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Light touch and low-frequency vibration sense are often impaired in diabetic patients. Meissner corpuscles are distally located mechanoreceptors that respond to these stimuli. Peripheral sensory neuropathy in diabetes progresses from distal to proximal, therefore, Meissner corpuscles are ideally suited to study diabetic neuropathy in the C57BL/Ks (db/db) mouse.

Corpuscles from the forepaw digital pads of 9 diabetic and 9 nondiabetic littermates were studied by electron microscopy. These were divided into 3 age groups; 2.5 months, 10 months, and 17 months old.

Ultrastructural changes observed within various receptor components were myelin figures, multivesicular bodies, vacuoles, basal lamina duplication, abnormal and enlarged …

Decreased Triiodothyronine Binding To The Hepatic Nuclear Thyroid Hormone Receptor In The Diabetic Mouse, Thomas J. Dewind

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The diabetic C57BL/KsJ-db m mouse has abnormal thyroid hormone levels and indications of thyroid hormone resistance. To investigate the basis of these abnormalities, the hepatic nuclear thyroid hormone receptor was extracted with 0.4 M KCl, 1.1 mM MgCl₂, 20 mM Tris/HCl, pH 7.9 from hepatocyte nuclei of normal C57BL/KsJ, heterozygous C57BL/KsJ-db m (db/m), and diabetic C57BL/KsJ-db m (db/db) mice. Normal and heterozygous mice were grouped together as the controls. Triiodothyronine (T₃) binding studies at 4°C using nitrocellulose filtration to separate free T₃ from receptor bound T₃ demonstrated an …

Electromagnetic Field Variations In The Activation Of Bone Cell Synthesis, Gary Ketcherside

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

[Abstract Not Included]

Hyperosmotic Modification Of Brain Extracellular Space And Blood-Brain Barrier In The Rat As Observed By Electron Microscopy, Susan A. Meacham

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The highly selective permeability of cerebral blood vessels, termed the blood-brain barrier, is due to endothelial tight junctions (zonulae occludentes). Hyperosmotic solutions reversibly open the blood-brain barrier. The purpose of this study is to determine the immediate effect of hyperosmotic arabinose perfusion upon the cerebrovascular endothelium, the morphology of the cerebral cortex, and the cortical extracellular space.

Twelve adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into three groups of four animals each: control, intermediate, and extreme. Controls were perfused with a Tyrode's solution prewash followed by trialdehyde fixative. The intermediate group received a prewash of 740 mmol/kg arabinose followed by the …

Insulin And Glucagon Responses To Dietary Protein In Diabetic And Nondiabetic Men, Monica L. Blomstedt

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Five men with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and fourteen nondiabetic men, were given test meals with soy protein, casein or additional carbohydrate in place of protein. Blood levels of insulin, glucagon, glucose and lipids were measured at fasting, one-half hour and two hours postprandial. To all meals, the nondiabetic subjects responded with a quick rise of the insulin level which decreased at two hours. In contrast, the diabetics showed a significantly lower insulin response at one-half hour (p < 0.05), but a tendency to higher levels at two hours. The same pattern was observed in the insulin to glucagon ratio. No significant difference between the meals was found in regard to insulin or glucagon responses, suggests that a sustained, although delayed postprandial insulin response, may be a precursor to the higher cholesterol and increased risk for cardiovascular disease among diabetics.

Effect Of Disulfiram On The Urinary Excretion Of The Serotonin Metabolites 5-Hydroxytryptophol And 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid In Problem Drinkers, Mark D. Harding

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Problem drinkers (N=7) were given 500mg disulfiram daily for one week. Urine was collected before and after disulfiram intake. 5-Hydroxytryptophol (5-HTOL) was determined by a modification of the method of Davis et al. and adapted to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with an electrochemical detector setting of 0.75V. 5-Hydroxy-indoleacetic acid (5- HIAA) was determined using the HPLC method of Shihabi et al. (1980). Urinary excretion of 5-HTOL in ug/gm creatinine before and after disulfiram was 25.4± 3.3 and 110.5± 27.1 respectively, p < 0.02. 5-HIAA in mg/gm creatinine before and after disulfiram was 4.9±0.9 and 3.6±0.8 respectively, p > 0.16. The data shows that disulfiram administration alters serotonin metabolism resulting in increased 5-HTOL which is known to increase …

Fasting Plasma Amino Acids In Relation To Serum Lipids In Human Male Subjects, Helen G. Mendiola

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The association of fasting plasma amino acids with serum lipids was studied in 23 healthy human male subjects with ages ranging from 31 to 62 years (45±9, mean± SD). There were 12 normocholesterolemic (serum cholesterol = 183±17 mg/dL) and 11 hypercholesterolemic (271±27 mg/dL) subjects. Venous blood samples were drawn three times at weekly intervals. Plasma amino acids were determined by ion-exchange chromatography, and serum cholesterol and triglycerides by enzymatic methods. Hypercholesterolemic subjects had significantly higher lysine and lower serine levels than normocholesterolemic subjects (p < .05). Serum cholesterol levels were positively correlated with plasma levels of lysine, ornithine and the lysine/arginine ratio (p < .04); and negatively correlated with phenylalanine and urea (p < .05). Serum triglyceride levels were positively correlated with plasma levels of lysine, glutamic acid, and valine (p <. 02); and negatively correlated with serine, glutamine, and asparagine (p < .04). These results add support to the hypothesis that specific plasma amino acids are associated with the metabolism of serum lipids.

The Effects Of Certain Oral Bacteria On The In Vitro Growth Of Bacteroides Gingivalis, Steven G. Morrow

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The effect of nine gram positive and grain negative cocci and bacilli, which are indigenous to the oral cavity, on the in vitro growth of Bacteroides gingivalis was examined in this study. A pure culture of B. gingivalis is was obtained from the American Type Culture Collection. The nine oral test organisms were Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacteriurn hofmanii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Branhamella catarrhalis, and Escherichia coli. The effect on the growth of B. gingivalis of the nine test organisms was evaluated on a solid medium by use of …

The Effect Of Dietary Fat Level On Tumor Development And Immunity In Balb/C Mice Fed Casein Of Wheat Gluten As Protein And Challenged With Herpes Type 2-Transformed Cells, Helen Drakou

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

A high percentage of fat in the diet has been implicated through epidemiological studies in several human cancers. Studies in experimental animals have produced evidence that increasing the fat in the diet decreases the animal’s ability to restrict tumor development and growth. In previous work done in this laboratory with BALB/c mice injected with herpes simplex Type 2-transformed mouse cells (H238), the effects of a diet which greatly enhanced tumor growth was compared with one which restricted tumor growth. The latter, a low (5%) fat, low protein diet, in which the protein was casein, was also found to produce a …

Sprague-Dawley Rats Fed Milk Or Beef Protein : Differences In Response To 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine Carcinogenesis, Stanley W. L. Ng

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Colon cancer is responsible for a high percentage of cancer deaths in developing countries, and there is convincing epidemiological evidence that meat protein and fat in the diet increase the incidence of this form of cancer. An animal tumor model which has been used by many investigators interested in colon cancer is the 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-rat or DMH-mouse tumor model. In previous work done in this laboratory the DMH-BALB/c mouse tumor model was used to compare the production of colon tumors in mice fed a diet using non-fat powdered milk as a source of protein with those in mice fed beef …

A Semiquantitative Analysis Of The Chorda Tympani Taste Pathway In The Rat Brain With The 2-Deoxyglucose Method, Charles L. Hardison

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This thesis is based on a semiquantitative analysis of four nuclear relay centers [nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), parabrachial nucleus (PBN), ventroposteromedial nucleus (VPM), gustatory neocortex (GNC)] in the chorda tympani nerve pathway. Metabolic changes were examined by the 2-deoxyglucose method in which one chorda tympani nerve was chemically stimulated and its contralateral side lesioned. Coronal sections of four taste centers were prepared for autoradiography and Nissl staining. Densities of the autoradiograms were determined by means of a video based image processor. Relative differences in the optical density ratios of the stimulated versus lesioned nuclear grey matter areas to white matter …

An Immunochemical Analysis Of Alcoholic Hyaline And Its Relationship To Keratin Intermediate Filaments, David L. Drexler

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Alcoholic Hyaline (AH) and keratin intermediate filaments possess ultrastructural, biochemical and immunochemical similarities. This study compares human AH, human stratum corneum keratin (HSCK) and normal human liver cytokeratin (HCK) by quantitative immunochemical means, using polyclonal as well as monoclonal antibodies. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were employed, as well as "immunoblotting" and immunocytochemical techniques. HCK was isolated using Triton X-100 and "high-salt” buffers and exhibited seven major polypeptide bands on SDS-PAGE (41-58 kd). Antisera were made toward HCK and the two major HCK bands. Other immunochemicals included antisera toward AH, the three major AH bands, and HSCK, as well as 3 …

Interaction Of Putative Estrogens And The Estrogen Receptor System In Leydig Cells In The Balb/C Mouse Testis Resulting In The Initiation Of Dna Synthesis, R. Lloyd Juriansz

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Continuous administration of estrogens for 7-9 months, both steroidal and nonsteroidal, to male BALB/c mice, leads to the formation of testicular Leydig cell tumors. Three days following the subcutaneous implantation of a pellet of estrogen in cholesterol, there is a peak in the incorporation of ³H-tymidine into the DNA of the interstitial cells. These effects are hypothesized to be mediated by the estrogen receptor system in the Leydig cell. Common experimental techniques for the measurement of hormone binding, such as dextran coated charcoal treatment, proved to be impossible to employ in this system, therefore a procedure was developed using …

A Rapid Concentration And Identification Technique For Human Malaria Infections Using A Mouse Model, Donald D. Barton

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Red blood cells infected with malaria parasites experience a change in density making them lighter (less dense). This paper reports a new, rapid diagnostic technique using this change in density in the infected red blood cell. It is not only easy to use, but it is also compatible with the technological conditions found where the malaria problem is most acute - in many developing countries of the world. A small sample of blood drawn from a simple finger stick can be concentrated and examined microscopically for malaria parasites within 10 minutes. The thick film slide preparation, presently used, takes a …

Cryptosporidiosis In The Immunosuppressed Mouse And In Cell Culture, Mercy Prabhu Das

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Cryptosporidiosis is a parasitic infection primarily of animals that has been recently recognized as an important disease in immunocompromised humans. Most cases to date have occurred in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Persons with abnormal humoral or cellular immune function, and even normal subjects, have also been affected.

To determine whether or not mice, when experimentally immunosuppressed, would develop cryptosporidiosis, a test was designed using the AKR/J strain. This strain was selected because, it was previously reported that it was the strain shown to respond most readily to the production of disease caused by the opportunistic protozoan, Pneumocystis carinii …

The Role Of The Salivary Glands In Uptake Of Fluoride In Teeth And Bone, Robin E. Vance

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The cariostatic capability of fluoride is generally recognized, in addition, it may also have a beneficial effect on bone. Fluoride is thought to exercise its cariostasis through a local effect on teeth, however, the possibility exists that fluoride exerts its action through a systemic mechanism. Fluoride uptake by rat teeth and its effectiveness as a cariostatic substance was studied in parotidectomized, submaxillariectomized, and totally sialoadenectomized animals (both parotid and submaxillary glands removed). The uptake of fluoride in bone was also quantitated for comparison purposes.

Rats were injected daily with 15 micromoles of fluoride dissolved in 0.1 ml saline. The rats …

The Effects Of Maternal Administration Of Methadone On Beta-Endorphin Content In The Brain And Pituitary Of The Rat Progeny, Randall L. Braun

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Methadone is often used in the maintenance and detoxification of opioid-dependent pregnant women. This use of methadone during pregnancy is known to be associated with teratogenic effects observed in the progeny. The present study is an attempt to gain insight into possible pathophysiologic mechanism(s) responsible for these teratogenic effects: specifically, a relationship between maternal methadone administration and the content of the endogenous opioid peptide, beta-endorphin, in the brain and pituitary of the rat progeny.

In brief, nulliparous mature female Sprague-Dawley rats received daily injections (5 mg./kg.) of methadone hydrochloride (methadone-treated) or a similar volume of physiological saline (controls), treatment started …

The Effect Of Dietary Alpha - Linolenic Acid On Apparent Risk Factors Of Cardiovascular Disease, Kelvin D. Lindbeck

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Eight healthy male lacto-ovo-vegetarian subjects averaging 28.0 ± 3.6 years of age (22 to 53 years) were fed a diet rich in α-linolenic acid (18:3 ω 3) for four weeks. Arterial blood pressure and body weight were recorded each week. Plasma 6-keto-prostaglandin F_1α (6-keto- PGF_1α ), thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂), total cholesterol, triglyceride, and total phospholipid fatty acid composition were analyzed at 0, 2 and 4 weeks.

Systolic blood pressure increased significantly between weeks 0 and 1 (106.5 ± 2.7 mmHg to 114.0 ± 3.7 mmHg; p < 0.003), but decreased to 107.3 t 2.6 mrHg (p < 0.02) at week 2. There was an insignificant increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressures after four weeks. There was no significant change in either total cholesterol or triglyceride levels during the four weeks.

Plasma 6-keto-PGF_1α levels increased significantly from 60.13 ± …

Distribution And Proportion Of Immunoreactive Neuron Specific Enoclase Containing Cells In The Rat Pineal Gland, Alfonso Miranda C.

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The distribution and proportion of cytoplasm containing immunoreactive neuron specific enolase (NSE) in the rat pineal have been investigated. Step serial sections of the pineal glands of 7 male Sprague-Dawley rats were stained for NSE using an indirect immunoperoxidase method. The volumes of the pineals and of the regions containing reactive cells were derived from the distance between sections and the sum of the corresponding sectional areas of camera lucida drawings. The proportion of the NSE areas actually consisting of NSE reactive cytoplasm was measured using an image array processor.

Cytoplasm reactive for NSE was consistently localized to the posterior …

The Relationship Between Chemical Leavening Agents And Three Gastric Indices In Rats Subjected To Restraint Stress, Holly E. Bartelmann

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Male Sprague-Dawley rats fed diets of enriched yeast-leavened biscuits had no discernible advantage over those fed enriched chemically-leavened biscuits in three gastric indices studied. Restraint-stress administered to half of each dietary group was ineffectual in producing gastric ulcers, but did produce gastric color and appearance changes in fifty-eight per cent of the group receiving the chemically-leavened diet.

Thiamin and riboflavin-retention analyses done on various baked products produced conflicting results. Yeast-leavened products retained less thiamin and riboflavin than chemically-leavened products, but which chemical leavening agent was best for vitamin retention was different for each vitamin.

The Effect Of Hypercholesterolemia On The Membrane Lipids, 3-0-[¹⁴C] Methylglucose Transport, And 2,3-Diphosphoglycerate Levels In Rat Erythrocytes, Edwin J. Lester Jr.

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

An increase in dietary cholesterol and cholic acid will produce hypercholesterolemia in rats. For ten months, two groups of rats (six in each group) were fed commercial rat pellets (control group) or rat pellets plus cholesterol (1%) and cholic acid (0.25%) (experimental group). A blood sample from each animal was divided into three aliquots for three separate experiments on the erythrocytes: a membrane cholesterol and phospholipid determination, a 3-0-[¹⁴C] methylglucose (30MG) transport determination, and a 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3 DPG) determination. The 30MG transport and 2,3 DPG aliquots were each incubated in the same five concentrations of 30MG and glucose …

A Morphometrical Analysis Of The Guinea Pig Placenta After Chronic Exposure To Carbon Monoxide, Marcella J. Woolsey

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

We used morphometric analysis to determine if placental structure is modified by carbon monoxide, Camm-Hartley guinea pigs were exposed throughout gestation to chronic conditions of carbon monoxide (averaging about 180 parts per million). Maternal weight, placental weight, fetal weight, and fetal length were recorded at the time of placental fixation. Using a computerized image analyzer on photomicrographs obtained through light microscopy, we measured maternal and fetal percent vessel volumes, surface areas, and vessel numbers. Maternal vessel numbers and surface area remained basically unchanged but decreased slightly. Maternal percent volume decreased 15%. However, fetal capillary number increased 35% (p < 0.01) from a control value of 2325 ± 184 per mm² (SE …

The Effect Of Folic Acid Supplementation On Gingival Healing After Oral Hygiene Therapy, Marilyn J. Wankier

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

To determine the effect of folic acid supplementation on gingival healing after oral hygiene therapy, eight teeth (#3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14) of sixteen human subjects with moderate levels of gingival irritation were studied. Clinical parameters included measurement of gingival fluid, pocket depth, bleeding upon probing, and plaque. Serum and red blood cell folic acid levels were determined using radioimmunoassay (RIA). Based on clinical parameters and serum folate levels, two similarly matched groups were established. The teeth were scaled and polished. Brushing and flossing instructions were given.

After one week of oral hygiene therapy alone, the experimental …