Oxyphenbutazone
Vascular Capacitance
Electric Organ
Exocytosis
Gymnotiformes
Membrane Potentials
Electric Injuries
Chick cochlear hair cell exocytosis mediated by dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels. (1/313)
1. A semi-intact preparation of the chick basilar papilla was developed to study calcium-dependent neurotransmitter release by tall hair cells (avian equivalent of cochlear inner hair cells). 2. Tall hair cell depolarization resulted in changes in cell membrane capacitance (DeltaC(m)) that reflected cell surface area increases following synaptic vesicle exocytosis and provided a surrogate measure of neurotransmitter release. Both calcium current (I(Ca)) and DeltaC(m) were reversibly blocked by cobalt, and exhibited a similar bell-shaped dependency on voltage with a peak response around -10 mV. 3. Pharmacological agents selective for L-type calcium channels were employed to assess the role of this channel type in neurotransmitter exocytosis. Nimodipine, a dihydropyridine (DHP) antagonist, suppressed I(Ca) and blocked DeltaC(m). Conversely, the DHP agonist Bay K 8644 increased both I(Ca) and DeltaC(m) amplitude nearly 3-fold. These findings suggest that chick tall hair cell neurotransmitter release is mediated by calcium influx through L-type calcium channels. (+info)The actions of barium and strontium on exocytosis and endocytosis in the synaptic terminal of goldfish bipolar cells. (2/313)
1. We investigated the properties of Ca2+-sensitive steps in the cycling of synaptic vesicles by comparing the actions of Ca2+, Ba2+ and Sr2+ in the synaptic terminal of depolarizing bipolar cells isolated from the retina of goldfish. FM1-43 fluorescence and capacitance measurements demonstrated that exocytosis, endocytosis and vesicle mobilization were maintained when external Ca2+ was replaced by either Ba2+ or Sr2+. 2. The rapidly releasable pool of vesicles (RRP) was equivalent to 1.5 % of the membrane surface area when measured in the presence of 2.5 mM Ca2+, but only 0.4 % in 2.5 mM Sr2+. The relative sizes of the RRP in Ca2+, Sr2+ and Ba2+ were 1.0, 0.28 and 0.1, respectively. We conclude that a smaller proportion of docked vesicles are available for fast exocytosis triggered by the influx of Sr2+ or Ba2+ compared to Ca2+. 3. The slow phase of exocytosis was not altered when Ca2+ was replaced by Ba2+, but it was accelerated 1.6-fold in Sr2+. The peak concentrations of Ca2+, Sr2+ and Ba2+ (measured using Mag-fura-5) were approximately 4, approximately 14 and approximately 60 microM, respectively. The order of efficiency for the stimulation of slow exocytosis was Ca2+ approximately Sr2+ > Ba2+. 4. Exocytosis was prolonged after the influx of Sr2+ and Ba2+. Sr2+ was cleared from the synaptic terminal with the same time constant as Ca2+ (1.3 s), but Ba2+ was cleared 10-100 times more slowly. Although Ba(2+) stimulates the slow release of a large number of vesicles, it did so less efficiently than Ca2+ or Sr2+. 5. The recovery of the membrane capacitance was equally rapid in Sr2+ and Ca2+, demonstrating that the fast mode of endocytosis could be triggered by either cation. (+info)T-type Ca(2+) channels mediate neurotransmitter release in retinal bipolar cells. (3/313)
Transmitter release in neurons is thought to be mediated exclusively by high-voltage-activated (HVA) Ca(2+) channels. However, we now report that, in retinal bipolar cells, low-voltage-activated (LVA) Ca(2+) channels also mediate neurotransmitter release. Bipolar cells are specialized neurons that release neurotransmitter in response to graded depolarizations. Here we show that these cells express T-type Ca(2+) channel subunits and functional LVA Ca(2+) currents sensitive to mibefradil. Activation of these currents results in Ca(2+) influx into presynaptic terminals and exocytosis, which we detected as a capacitance increase in isolated terminals and the appearance of reciprocal currents in retinal slices. The involvement of T-type Ca(2+) channels in bipolar cell transmitter release may contribute to retinal information processing. (+info)Clinical evaluation of defibrillation efficacy with a new single-capacitor biphasic waveform in patients undergoing implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. (4/313)
AIMS: Improvements in the size and shape of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) might be obtained by using one capacitor instead of the series connection of two capacitors traditionally used in ICDs. The aim of this study was to determine whether a biphasic waveform delivered from a single 336 microF capacitor had the same defibrillation efficacy as a standard biphasic waveform. METHODS AND RESULTS: Randomized, paired defibrillation threshold testing was acutely performed in 54 patients undergoing ICD implantation. A standard 140 microF 80% tilt biphasic waveform (two 280 microF capacitors connected in series) was compared with an experimental biphasic waveform delivered from a single 336 microF capacitor at either 60% tilt (33 patients) or 80% tilt (21 patients). All waveforms had a 60/40 phase1/phase2 duration ratio. Compared with the standard waveform, the 60% tilt experimental waveform had a lower delivered energy (6.7 +/- 2.8 vs 7.9 +/- 3.3 joules, P<0.02), lower peak voltage (218 +/- 43 vs 333 +/- 68 V, P<0.01), and a slightly longer pulse duration (13.4 +/- 1.4 vs 10.7 +/- 1.1 ms, P<0.01). Conversely, the 80% tilt experimental waveform had a higher delivered energy (9.1 +/- 3.5 vs 6.3 +/- 2.4 joules, P<0.01), a lower peak voltage (234 +/- 44 vs 302 +/- 51 V, P<0.01) and a much longer pulse duration (25.7 +/- 2.5 vs 1.13 +/- 1 ms, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Waveforms delivered from a large capacitance are feasible but require a lower tilt. This technique may allow smaller, thinner ICDs without jeopardizing defibrillation success. (+info)Glucose sensing based on interdigitated array microelectrode. (5/313)
A micro glucose sensor consisting of an interdigitated array gold microelectrode was developed. The interdigitated array structure, which has 10 microns band width and 10 microns band gap, was fabricated in a small region (2.5 x 5 mm2) on a quartz substrate. Glucose oxidase was chemically fixed onto the electrode surface through self-assembled monolayer of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid; ferroceneacetic acid was used as electron mediator. Electrochemical properties of the glucose oxidase-immobilized microelectrode were investigated by cyclic voltammogram measurements. Results confirmed that the reductive ferroceneacetic acid generated at counter electrode diffuses through a narrow band gap (10 microns) and can reach the working electrode surface. (+info)Low threshold T-type calcium current in rat embryonic chromaffin cells. (6/313)
1. The gating kinetics and functions of low threshold T-type current in cultured chromaffin cells from rats of 19-20 days gestation (E19-E20) were studied using the patch clamp technique. Exocytosis induced by calcium currents was monitored by the measurement of membrane capacitance and amperometry with a carbon fibre sensor. 2. In cells cultured for 1-4 days, the embryonic chromaffin cells were immunohistochemically identified by using polyclonal antibodies against dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) and syntaxin. The immuno-positive cells could be separated into three types, based on the recorded calcium current properties. Type I cells showed exclusively large low threshold T-type current, Type II cells showed only high voltage activated (HVA) calcium channel current and Type III cells showed both T-type and HVA currents. These cells represented 44 %, 46 % and 10 % of the total, respectively. 3. T-type current recorded in Type I cells became detectable at -50 mV, reached its maximum amplitude of 6.8 +/- 1.2 pA pF(-1) (n = 5) at -10 mV and reversed around +50 mV. The current was characterized by criss-crossing kinetics within the -50 to -30 mV voltage range and a slow deactivation (deactivation time constant, tau(d) = 2 ms at -80 mV). The channel closing and inactivation process included both voltage-dependent and voltage-independent steps. The antihypertensive drug mibefradil (200 nM) reduced the current amplitude to about 65 % of control values. Ni(2+) also blocked the current in a dose-dependent manner with an IC(50) of 25 microM. 4. T-type current in Type I cells did not induce exocytosis, while catecholamine secretion by exocytosis could be induced by HVA calcium current in both Type II and Type III cells. The failure to induce exocytosis by T-type current in Type I cells was not due to insufficient Ca(2+) influx through the T-type calcium channel. 5. We suggest that T-type current is expressed in developing immature chromaffin cells. The T-type current is replaced progressively by HVA calcium current during pre- and post-natal development accompanying the functional maturation of the exocytosis mechanism. (+info)Effect of basal lamina of ovarian follicle on T- and L-type Ca(2+) currents in differentiated granulosa cells. (7/313)
Patch clamp experiments were conducted to study the effects of basal lamina (basement membrane) of chicken ovarian follicle on membrane Ca(2+) currents in differentiated chicken granulosa cells in a homologous system. The whole cell patch clamp technique was used to simultaneously monitor membrane capacitance (an indirect measure of total cell surface area) and currents flowing through voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels (using Ba(2+) as the charge carrier). Membrane capacitance was smaller in cells incubated on intact basal lamina than in control cells (incubated on tissue culture-treated plastic substratum). Granulosa cells expressed both T- and L-type Ca(2+) currents, and the amplitudes of the currents in cells incubated on intact basal lamina were significantly lower than those of control cells. Also, granulosa cells incubated on intact basal lamina were found to have significantly lower T- or L-type Ca(2+) current densities than control cells. Intact basal lamina that had been stored for 12 mo produced effects on T- and L-type Ca(2+) currents similar to those caused by freshly isolated basal lamina. The basal lamina was solubilized completely in one step and used to coat glass coverslips (uncoated glass coverslips served as controls). Granulosa cells incubated on coverslips precoated with solubilized basal lamina assumed spherical shape similar to those incubated on intact basal lamina. Similar to the observations made for intact basal lamina, the solubilized basal lamina suppressed T- and L-type Ca(2+) currents in the differentiated granulosa cells. Moreover, fibronectin, laminin, and type IV collagen, obtained from commercial sources, attenuated T- and L-type Ca(2+) currents in the differentiated granulosa cells. This interplay between basal lamina and Ca(2+) currents may be one mechanism that subserves the effects of the matrix material on metabolic functions of granulosa cells. (+info)Retardation of cochlear maturation and impaired hair cell function caused by deletion of all known thyroid hormone receptors. (8/313)
The deafness caused by early onset hypothyroidism indicates that thyroid hormone is essential for the development of hearing. We investigated the underlying roles of the TRalpha1 and TRbeta thyroid hormone receptors in the auditory system using receptor-deficient mice. TRalpha1 and TRbeta, which act as hormone-activated transcription factors, are encoded by the Thra and Thrb genes, respectively, and both are expressed in the developing cochlea. TRbeta is required for hearing because TRbeta-deficient (Thrb(tm1/tm1)) mice have a defective auditory-evoked brainstem response and retarded expression of a potassium current (I(K,f)) in the cochlear inner hair cells. Here, we show that although TRalpha1 is individually dispensable, TRalpha1 and TRbeta synergistically control an extended array of functions in postnatal cochlear development. Compared with Thrb(tm1/tm1) mice, the deletion of all TRs in Thra(tm1/tm1)Thrb(tm1/tm1) mice produces exacerbated and novel phenotypes, including delayed differentiation of the sensory epithelium, malformation of the tectorial membrane, impairment of electromechanical transduction in outer hair cells, and a low endocochlear potential. The induction of I(K,f) in inner hair cells was not markedly more retarded than in Thrb(tm1/tm1) mice, suggesting that this feature of hair cell maturation is primarily TRbeta-dependent. These results indicate that distinct pathways mediated by TRbeta alone or by TRbeta and TRalpha1 together facilitate control over an extended range of functions during the maturation of the cochlea. (+info)Oxyphenbutazone is a non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that has been used in the past for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. It works by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which is involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins, chemicals that mediate inflammation, pain, and fever.
However, due to its potential for serious side effects such as gastrointestinal ulcers, bleeding, and kidney damage, as well as interactions with other medications, oxyphenbutazone is no longer commonly used in many countries. It has been largely replaced by newer NSAIDs that have a more favorable safety profile.
It's important to note that the use of oxyphenbutazone should be under the strict supervision of a healthcare professional and should only be taken as directed, as it can cause potentially serious side effects even at therapeutic doses.
Electric capacitance is a measure of the amount of electrical charge that a body or system can hold for a given electric potential. In other words, it is a measure of the capacity of a body or system to store an electric charge. The unit of electric capacitance is the farad (F), which is defined as the capacitance of a conductor that, when charged with one coulomb of electricity, has a potential difference of one volt between its surfaces.
In medical terms, electric capacitance may be relevant in the context of electrical stimulation therapies, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or functional electrical stimulation (FES). In these therapies, electrodes are placed on the skin and a controlled electric current is applied to stimulate nerves or muscles. The electric capacitance of the tissue and electrodes can affect the distribution and intensity of the electric field, which in turn can influence the therapeutic effect.
It is important to note that while electric capacitance is a fundamental concept in physics and engineering, it is not a commonly used term in medical practice or research. Instead, terms such as impedance or resistance are more commonly used to describe the electrical properties of biological tissues.
Vascular capacitance is a term used in physiology to describe the ability of blood vessels, particularly veins, to expand and accommodate changes in blood volume. It is the measure of the volume of blood that a vessel can hold for each unit increase in pressure. A larger capacitance means that the blood vessels can store more blood at lower pressures.
In simpler terms, vascular capacitance refers to the compliance or distensibility of the blood vessels. When the heart pumps blood into the arteries, some of it is immediately used by the body's tissues for various functions, while the remaining blood is stored in the veins until needed. The more compliant or distensible the veins are, the greater their capacity to store blood and maintain a relatively stable blood pressure.
Therefore, vascular capacitance plays an essential role in regulating blood pressure and ensuring adequate blood flow to various organs and tissues in the body. Factors that can affect vascular capacitance include age, overall health status, and certain medical conditions such as heart failure or cirrhosis of the liver.
An Electric organ is a specialized electric tissue found in some groups of fish, most notably in the electric eels and electric rays. It consists of modified muscle or nerve cells called electrocytes, which are capable of generating and transmitting electrical signals. These organs are used for various purposes such as navigation, communication, and hunting. In electric eels, for example, the electric organ can generate powerful electric shocks to stun prey or defend against predators.
Electric conductivity, also known as electrical conductance, is a measure of a material's ability to allow the flow of electric current through it. It is usually measured in units of Siemens per meter (S/m) or ohm-meters (Ω-m).
In medical terms, electric conductivity can refer to the body's ability to conduct electrical signals, which is important for various physiological processes such as nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction. Abnormalities in electrical conductivity can be associated with various medical conditions, including neurological disorders and heart diseases.
For example, in electrocardiography (ECG), the electric conductivity of the heart is measured to assess its electrical activity and identify any abnormalities that may indicate heart disease. Similarly, in electromyography (EMG), the electric conductivity of muscles is measured to diagnose neuromuscular disorders.
Exocytosis is the process by which cells release molecules, such as hormones or neurotransmitters, to the extracellular space. This process involves the transport of these molecules inside vesicles (membrane-bound sacs) to the cell membrane, where they fuse and release their contents to the outside of the cell. It is a crucial mechanism for intercellular communication and the regulation of various physiological processes in the body.
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are invisible forces that result from the interaction between electrically charged objects. They are created by natural phenomena, such as the Earth's magnetic field, as well as by human-made sources, such as power lines, electrical appliances, and wireless communication devices.
EMFs are characterized by their frequency and strength, which determine their potential biological effects. Low-frequency EMFs, such as those produced by power lines and household appliances, have frequencies in the range of 0 to 300 Hz. High-frequency EMFs, such as those produced by wireless communication devices like cell phones and Wi-Fi routers, have frequencies in the range of 100 kHz to 300 GHz.
Exposure to EMFs has been linked to a variety of health effects, including increased risk of cancer, reproductive problems, neurological disorders, and oxidative stress. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential health risks associated with exposure to EMFs and to establish safe exposure limits.
Electric stimulation, also known as electrical nerve stimulation or neuromuscular electrical stimulation, is a therapeutic treatment that uses low-voltage electrical currents to stimulate nerves and muscles. It is often used to help manage pain, promote healing, and improve muscle strength and mobility. The electrical impulses can be delivered through electrodes placed on the skin or directly implanted into the body.
In a medical context, electric stimulation may be used for various purposes such as:
1. Pain management: Electric stimulation can help to block pain signals from reaching the brain and promote the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by the body.
2. Muscle rehabilitation: Electric stimulation can help to strengthen muscles that have become weak due to injury, illness, or surgery. It can also help to prevent muscle atrophy and improve range of motion.
3. Wound healing: Electric stimulation can promote tissue growth and help to speed up the healing process in wounds, ulcers, and other types of injuries.
4. Urinary incontinence: Electric stimulation can be used to strengthen the muscles that control urination and reduce symptoms of urinary incontinence.
5. Migraine prevention: Electric stimulation can be used as a preventive treatment for migraines by applying electrical impulses to specific nerves in the head and neck.
It is important to note that electric stimulation should only be administered under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, as improper use can cause harm or discomfort.
Gymnotiformes is not a medical term, but a taxonomic category in biology. It refers to a order of ray-finned fishes also known as knifefish or Neotropical eels. These fish are characterized by their elongated, eel-like bodies and the ability to generate electric fields for navigation and communication. They are primarily found in freshwater environments of Central and South America.
Membrane potential is the electrical potential difference across a cell membrane, typically for excitable cells such as nerve and muscle cells. It is the difference in electric charge between the inside and outside of a cell, created by the selective permeability of the cell membrane to different ions. The resting membrane potential of a typical animal cell is around -70 mV, with the interior being negative relative to the exterior. This potential is generated and maintained by the active transport of ions across the membrane, primarily through the action of the sodium-potassium pump. Membrane potentials play a crucial role in many physiological processes, including the transmission of nerve impulses and the contraction of muscle cells.
Electric impedance is a measure of opposition to the flow of alternating current (AC) in an electrical circuit or component, caused by both resistance (ohmic) and reactance (capacitive and inductive). It is expressed as a complex number, with the real part representing resistance and the imaginary part representing reactance. The unit of electric impedance is the ohm (Ω).
In the context of medical devices, electric impedance may be used to measure various physiological parameters, such as tissue conductivity or fluid composition. For example, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) uses electrical impedance to estimate body composition, including fat mass and lean muscle mass. Similarly, electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a medical imaging technique that uses electric impedance to create images of internal organs and tissues.
Electric injuries refer to damage to the body caused by exposure to electrical energy. This can occur when a person comes into contact with an electrical source, such as a power line or outlet, and the electrical current passes through the body. The severity of the injury depends on various factors, including the voltage and amperage of the electrical current, the duration of exposure, and the path the current takes through the body.
Electric injuries can cause a range of symptoms and complications, including burns, cardiac arrest, muscle damage, nerve damage, and fractures or dislocations (if the victim is thrown by the electrical shock). In some cases, electric injuries can be fatal. Treatment typically involves supportive care to stabilize the patient's vital signs, as well as specific interventions to address any complications that may have arisen as a result of the injury. Prevention measures include following safety guidelines when working with electricity and being aware of potential electrical hazards in one's environment.
Electrophysiology is a branch of medicine that deals with the electrical activities of the body, particularly the heart. In a medical context, electrophysiology studies (EPS) are performed to assess abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and to evaluate the effectiveness of certain treatments, such as medication or pacemakers.
During an EPS, electrode catheters are inserted into the heart through blood vessels in the groin or neck. These catheters can record the electrical activity of the heart and stimulate it to help identify the source of the arrhythmia. The information gathered during the study can help doctors determine the best course of treatment for each patient.
In addition to cardiac electrophysiology, there are also other subspecialties within electrophysiology, such as neuromuscular electrophysiology, which deals with the electrical activity of the nervous system and muscles.