Bladder Membranes Research Articles

Is the Porcine Urinary Bladder Matrix an Effective Option in Extensive Skin Defect?

<h3>Purpose</h3> Extensive skin defects (ESD) with exposed bone, cartilage, or tendon are challenging to manage. We hypothesize that using the Urinary Bladder Membrane (UBM) would result in better coverage of exposed tendon and bone compared to the standard skin grafting techniques. <h3>Methods</h3> This was a retrospective study of patients who had ESD treatment with UBM from 2017 to 2020 at different institutions. Descriptive variables were collected. Descriptive statistics were analyzed. <h3>Results</h3> Thirteen patients (mean age of 55.8 years) met inclusion criteria. Ten skin defects were full-thickness (76.9%), and three were partial-thickness (23.1%). All defects were reconstructed with MatriStem UBM following the manufacturer's recommendations. 84% of patients had complete ESD complete resolution, and 23.1% had a partial resolution. None of the patients required skin grafting procedure. The mean duration for complete healing was 3.5 weeks (range, 2 to 9 weeks), with a longer healing duration associated with the wound's depth, uncontrolled diabetes, and peripheral vascular diseases. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The use of the UBM for tissue regeneration shows promising results in the resolution of full-thickness and partial-thickness skin defects. Further controlled prospective clinical trials are recommended to compare the UBM to the other available techniques.

PD16-07 REASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF LOWER URINARY TRACT OBSTRUCTION ON UROTHELIAL TISSUE: EVALUATION VIA HOLEP AND ANIMAL STUDY

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022PD16-07 REASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF LOWER URINARY TRACT OBSTRUCTION ON UROTHELIAL TISSUE: EVALUATION VIA HOLEP AND ANIMAL STUDY Young-Min Yang, Katsumi Shigemura, Koki Maeda, Yuzo Nakano, and Masato Fujisawa Young-Min YangYoung-Min Yang More articles by this author , Katsumi ShigemuraKatsumi Shigemura More articles by this author , Koki MaedaKoki Maeda More articles by this author , Yuzo NakanoYuzo Nakano More articles by this author , and Masato FujisawaMasato Fujisawa More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002548.07AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: There is a debate that the volume and morphology of the prostate do not completely correlate with the micturition status. That is, Schafer nomogram, asessing lower urinary tract obstruction and the severity, may not be directly lead to good outcome of urination status after Holmium-Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP). So, we re-assessed Schafer nomogram in HoLEP. And we created a benign prostatic hyperplasia model mouse, and evaluated how the increase in prostate volume affects inflammtion and function in prostate and bladder, and searched for new marker to evaluate bladder function. METHODS: We collected 320 patients who underwent HoLEP from April 2005 to March 2021 in Kobe university hospital. We retrospectively assess the relationship between Schafer nomogram and surgical outcome such as change of maximum flow rate (MFR, ml/s), average flow rate (AFR, ml/s) and residual urine volume (RUV, ml) from pre- to post-operation, and prostate volume (ml) and resected prostate weight (g). Next, we made a mouse prostatic hyperplasia model by testosterone propionate after castration, we evaluated to correlation between prostate volume, and the expressions of α1 -adrenoreceptor and TGF-β in prostate glands and those of β-3 receptor and Rho in bladder membrane. RESULTS: As to the HoLEP data, there was no significant difference of change of MFR (p=0.1044), AFR (p=0.2186) and RUV (p=0.5978) from pre- to post-HoLEP. However, there was significant difference of prostate volume and resected prostate weight among Schafer nomogram: prostate volume (p=0.009) and resected prostate weight (p=0.0007). In animal study, there was no difference in body weight among the individuals. The mean prostate weight was 75 ± 27 mg in the control group, 101.9 ± 1.7 mg in the castration group, and 130 ± 19 mg in the testosterone propionate group. There was no significant prostate volume difference between the castration group and the control group (p = 0.5) but was between the testosterone propionate group and the control group (p<0.05). Immunostaining showed a significant correlation between prostate volumes, and α1-adrenoreceptor expression in prostate gland, and expressions of β3 receptor and Rho in bladder. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstarted that he Schafer classification has not completely evaluated the degree of obstruction, so a new index for evaluating the degree of obstruction is required. And animal study showed that Rho expression in baldder membrane may reflects the degree of obstruction. Further evaluation needs to be performed for a definitive conclusion. Source of Funding: none © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e271 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Young-Min Yang More articles by this author Katsumi Shigemura More articles by this author Koki Maeda More articles by this author Yuzo Nakano More articles by this author Masato Fujisawa More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

Characterization of the N6-etheno-bridge method to assess extracellular metabolism of adenine nucleotides: detection of a possible role for purine nucleoside phosphorylase in adenosine metabolism.

The goal of this study was to determine the validity of using N6-etheno-bridged adenine nucleotides to evaluate ecto-nucleotidase activity. We observed that the metabolism of N6-etheno-ATP versus ATP was quantitatively similar when incubated with recombinant CD39, ENTPD2, ENTPD3, or ENPP-1, and the quantitative metabolism of N6-etheno-AMP versus AMP was similar when incubated with recombinant CD73. This suggests that ecto-nucleotidases process N6-etheno-bridged adenine nucleotides similarly to endogenous adenine nucleotides. Four cell types rapidly (t1/2, 0.21 to 0.66h) metabolized N6-etheno-ATP. Applied N6-etheno-ATP was recovered in the medium as N6-etheno-ADP, N6-etheno-AMP, N6-etheno-adenosine, and surprisingly N6-etheno-adenine; intracellular N6-etheno compounds were undetectable. This suggests minimal cellular uptake, intracellular metabolism, or deamination of these compounds. N6-etheno-ATP, N6-etheno-ADP, N6-etheno-AMP, N6-etheno-adenosine, and N6-etheno-adenine had little affinity for recombinant A1, A2A, or A2B receptors, for a subset of P2X receptors (3H-α,β-methylene-ATP binding to rat bladder membranes), or for a subset of P2Y receptors (35S-ATP-αS binding to rat brain membranes), suggesting minimal pharmacological activity. N6-etheno-adenosine was partially converted to N6-etheno-adenine in four different cell types; this was blocked by purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNPase) inhibition. Intravenous N6-etheno-ATP was quickly metabolized, with N6-etheno-adenine being the main product in naïve rats, but not in rats pretreated with a PNPase inhibitor. PNPase inhibition reduced the urinary excretion of endogenous adenine and attenuated the conversion of exogenous adenosine to adenine in the renal cortex. The N6-etheno-bridge method is a valid technique to assess extracellular metabolism of adenine nucleotides by ecto-nucleotidases. Also, rats express an enzyme with PNPase-like activity that metabolizes N6-etheno-adenosine to N6-etheno-adenine.

Tactile Ring: Multi-Mode Finger-Worn Soft Actuator for Rich Haptic Feedback

This paper presents a novel finger-worn actuator capable of generating three distinctive haptic effects: static pressure, high-frequency vibration, and an impact. Our new design makes this multi-mode feedback with a single actuator possible in a small form factor. A ring-shaped air bladder made with soft silicone is inflated or deflated to generate feedback on the finger. The airflow is controlled by a pair of air valves connected to a compressed air tank. Besides static pressure, the actuator can generate high-frequency vibration with high acceleration and crisp impact feedback due to fast controllability of the valves with a strong air source and a lightweight bladder membrane. In addition, our special design and fabrication of the bladder - a combination of stretchable and non-stretchable membrane layers in the ring - allows for stronger feedback. Rendering algorithms for three kinds of feedback are also presented. The performance of the system and the characteristics of the feedback are thoroughly examined using a series of measurement experiments, revealing that the system can generate a static force up to 6.3 N, the vibration up to 2.2 g magnitude and 250 Hz frequency, and an impact with less than 5 ms of latency. The whole system weighs only 255 grams (4.5 grams for the actuator and 250 grams for the controller). Finally, we demonstrate the wearability of the system by integrating the modules into a self-contained haptic device in the form of a wristlet.

Study on the preparation and physicochemical properties of fish swim bladder membrane

To manufacture fish swim bladder membrane material by crosslinking techniques, and to explore its physical and chemical properties and cytotoxicity. After decellularization, the swim bladders were randomly divided into two groups. The swim bladders were treated with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC)/N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) crosslinking method, surface hole making, and freeze-drying in crosslinking group, and only surface hole making and freeze-drying in non-crosslinking group. The physical and chemical properties of the materials were observed, including microstructure by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical properties (tensile strength and breaking elongation) by universal tensile machine, hydrophilicity by contact angle measuring instrument, porosity by ethanol infiltration method, degradation performance in vitro and thermal stability test, and the components of materials by infrared spectrum analysis. Mouse fibroblasts (L929) were cultured with the extracts of two groups of materials in order to determine the cytotoxicity of materials by using cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) method. The porous structure and rough surface of materials were observed by SEM. Compared with the non-crosslinking group, the tensile stress of the crosslinking group was higher, the breaking elongation was lower, and the porosity increased, showing significant differences ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in contact angle between the two groups ( P>0.05). The degradation was faster within the first 7 days and then tended to be smooth in the two groups. But the degradation rates of crosslinking group were significantly lower than those of non-crosslinking group ( P<0.05). Differential scanning calorimeter showed that the denaturation temperature of the crosslinking group was (75.2±1.3)℃, which was significantly higher than that of the non-crosslinking group [(68.5±0.4)℃] ( t=4.586, P=0.002). Compared with the non-crosslinking group, the crosslinking group produced new C=O bond and N-H bond, and no other new groups were introduced into the cross-linking group. CCK-8 method showed that the absorbance values of the crosslinking group and the non-crosslinking group were not significant when compared with the positive control group ( P>0.05). The fish swim bladder membrane obtained by crosslinking treatment with EDC/NHS method has good physical and chemical properties, no cytotoxicity, and is expected to be used as a dura mater repair material.

Right Atrial Tumor Resection and Reconstruction with Use of an Acellular Porcine Bladder Membrane

Malignant cardiac tumors typically have a grave prognosis; their resection with negative margins is optimal. We present the case of a 21-year-old woman in whom we surgically resected a primary cardiac sarcoma and reconstructed the right atrium with use of a porcine urinary bladder membrane-the MatriStem(®) Surgical Matrix PSMX. The patient recovered uneventfully. Six months postoperatively, the right atrial wall had retained its integrity. In addition to our patient's case, we discuss the benefits of using the MatriStem membrane in cardiac reconstruction.

Chenopod salt bladders deter insect herbivores

Trichomes on leaves and stems of certain chenopods (Chenopodiaceae) are modified with a greatly enlarged apical cell (a salt bladder), containing a huge central vacuole. These structures may aid in the extreme salt tolerance of many species by concentrating salts in the vacuole. Bladders eventually burst, covering the leaf in residue of bladder membranes and solid precipitates. The presence of this system in non-halophytic species suggests additional functions. I tested the novel hypothesis that these bladders have a defensive function against insect herbivores using choice, no choice, and field tests. Generalist insect herbivores preferred to feed on leaves without salt bladders in choice tests. In no choice tests, herbivores consumed less leaf matter with bladders. In a field test, leaves from which I had removed bladders suffered greater herbivory than adjacent leaves with bladders. Solutions containing bladders added to otherwise preferred leaves deterred herbivores, suggesting a water-soluble chemical component to the defense. This bladder system has a defensive function in at least four genera of chenopods. Salt bladders may be a structural defense, like spines or domatia, but also have a chemical defense component.

"Studies on Polarizability and Effective Pressure of Aqua Guard Water, Aqua Fina Water, Pepsi and Thums up Across Urinary Bladder Membranes of Goat"

Water is an integral part of life. Water plays many roles in biological systems. Acid-base balance of the body is primarily maintained by proper urination. Development of pressure, sustenance of pressure and finally release of pressure across urinary bladder membranes is the normal pattern of urination. Passive collection and active expulsion of urine is the primary function of the bladder. Bladder surface should not interact with urine as regards passive collection is concerned. After experiencing certain value of pressure, it begins to interact which finally leads to expulsion of urine with drastic change in polarizability. Use of aquaguard water, aquafina water and cold drinks (Pepsi ,Thums up etc.) are becoming fashion of the modern society. These liquids differ minutely in their physical properties but interactional behavior is quite significant. Hydrodynamic and electro-osmotic permeability measurements of these liquids have been carried out across urinary bladder membranes. Methodology of non equilibrium thermodynamics have been used to explain the data. It has been found that thumsup produces maximum change in polarizability as compared to other permeants.

L-Ascorbic acid biosensing assay from enzyme-immobilized pig bladder membrane as a novel platform

An L-ascorbic acid biosensing assay was developed using the enzyme-immobilized pig bladder membrane and dissolved oxygen electrode. The ascorbate oxidase immobilized with chitosan was bound to bladder membrane by glutaraldehyde as a crosslinking agent. The phosphate buffer (100 mM, pH = 5.0), glutaraldehyde concentration (15%), 0.035 mg enzyme loading, and 20–30 °C were established as the optimum test conditions. This biosensor exhibited a response time of 80 s, a generous linear range of 0.010 mM to 0.88 mM with a detection limit of 10 μM, repeatability (3.1%, n = 20), recoveries (98.7–102%), and good stability with a shelf-life of more than 3 months. The reproducibility of fabrication of the biosensors was investigated by using three different membranes (R.S.D. = 3.0%). The comparison of the analytical performance between the published and the proposed biosensor methods was made. This biosensor has been applied to determine the L-ascorbic acid content in real samples, and the results are in agreement with those obtained by a commercial colorimetric ascorbic acid assay kit.

A Biosensor Based on Swim Bladder Membrane as Substrate for Determination of Glucose

A Biosensor Based on Swim Bladder Membrane as Substrate for Determination of Glucose

Spinal Cord Repair and Regeneration: The Application of Bioadhesives and Extracellular Matrix Bioscaffolds

Extracellular matrices (ECM) derived from urinary bladder membrane (UBM) have demonstrated substantial potential for applications in tissue repair and reconstruction. However, these materials are limited by the requirement of suturing following surgery. In this paper, the coalescence of UBM with an advanced surgical adhesive demonstrated a suitable alternative to sutures for wound closure, prevention of fluid leakage and improvement of cell growth. This novel bioadhesive contains favourable characteristics that are suitable for tissue repair, support of cell growth, and influence cellular microenvironments that are biocompatible with peripheral nerve regeneration in the spinal cord.

425 BOTULISM TOXIN TYPE A INJECTIONS IN THE NEUROGENIC BLADDER LESSONS THE SEVERITY OF AUTONOMIC DYSREFLEXIA IN THREE PERSONS WITH SCI DURING URODYNAMICS

You have accessJournal of UrologyBladder and Urethra: Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology1 Apr 2011425 BOTULISM TOXIN TYPE A INJECTIONS IN THE NEUROGENIC BLADDER LESSONS THE SEVERITY OF AUTONOMIC DYSREFLEXIA IN THREE PERSONS WITH SCI DURING URODYNAMICS Cynthia Trop, Christina Yen, Giuseppe Galea, Marinella Galea, William Bauman, and Jill Wecht Cynthia TropCynthia Trop Bronx, NY More articles by this author , Christina YenChristina Yen Bronx, NY More articles by this author , Giuseppe GaleaGiuseppe Galea Bronx, NY More articles by this author , Marinella GaleaMarinella Galea Bronx, NY More articles by this author , William BaumanWilliam Bauman Bronx, NY More articles by this author , and Jill WechtJill Wecht Bronx, NY More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2011.02.515AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is caused by a massive sympathetic discharge triggered by a stimulus below the level of the spinal cord injury, commonly caused by bladder distention or irritation. It is assumed that treatment with botulism toxin A reduces the incidence of AD by reducing neurogenic detruser overactivity. The study objective was to compare changes in beat to beat mean arterial pressure (MAP) during clinical urodynamics, prior to and 6 weeks post botulism toxin A injections in three spinal cord injured individuals. METHODS Three individuals with chronic SCI (>1 yr), T3 and above had botulism toxin A injections during which three hundred units of botulism were injected under cystoscopic guidance into the bladder in 30 locations. Urodynamics were performed prior to treatment and 6 weeks post to evaluate for detrusor hyperreflexia, during which BP was monitored continuously. Data are reported as percent changes in MAP. DESIGN Interventional, prospective, observational. RESULTS All three subjects exhibited a reduction in the percent change in MAP from baseline to maximum cystometric capacity (MCC)(Table 1.0). There were no significant changes pre and post testing in volume infused or detrusor pressure at MCC. Although subjects 1 and 3 experienced AD during urodynamics both pre and post treatment, (change in MAP > 20%); the severity of the AD was greatly reduced post treatment in both cases. Subject 2 did not experience AD pre or post treatment, but change in MAP during post treatment urodynamics was reduced from change in MAP during pre treatment urodynamics. CONCLUSIONS Our preliminary findings suggest that intravesical botulism toxin A injections help alleviate elevations of blood pressure by decreasing detrusor muscle contractility. We suggest that by inhibiting acetylcholine release in the bladder membrane, botulinum toxin A injections help reduce the afferent discharge from the distended bladder, thus decreasing the incidence and severity of AD. © 2011 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 185Issue 4SApril 2011Page: e171-e172 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2011 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Cynthia Trop Bronx, NY More articles by this author Christina Yen Bronx, NY More articles by this author Giuseppe Galea Bronx, NY More articles by this author Marinella Galea Bronx, NY More articles by this author William Bauman Bronx, NY More articles by this author Jill Wecht Bronx, NY More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

The Dictyostelium type V myosin MyoJ is responsible for the cortical association and motility of contractile vacuole membranes

The contractile vacuole (CV) complex in Dictyostelium is a tubulovesicular osmoregulatory organelle that exhibits extensive motility along the actin-rich cortex, providing a useful model for investigating myosin-dependent membrane transport. Here, we show that the type V myosin myoJ localizes to CV membranes and is required for efficient osmoregulation, the normal accumulation of CV membranes in the cortex, and the conversion of collapsed bladder membranes into outwardly radiating cortical CV tubules. Complementation of myoJ-null cells with a version of myoJ containing a shorter lever arm causes these radiating tubules to move at a slower speed, confirming myoJ's role in translocating CV membranes along the cortex. MyoJ-null cells also exhibit a dramatic concentration of CV membranes around the microtubule-organizing center. Consistently, we demonstrate that CV membranes also move bi-directionally on microtubules between the cortex and the centrosome. Therefore, myoJ cooperates with plus and minus end–directed microtubule motors to drive the normal distribution and dynamics of the CV complex in Dictyostelium.

Urinary bladder membrane permeability differentially induced by membrane lipid composition

The permeability barrier of the urothelium (covering the mammalian urinary tract) has stimulated interest in the role of the luminal membrane in the barrier function. To know how membrane lipids may affect the permeability barrier we prepare endocytic vesicles of different lipid composition entrapping a fluorescent dye (HPTS) and its quencher (DPX) using a dietary strategy (rats fed with commercial, oleic acid- or linoleic acid-enriched diets) followed by endocytosis induction. Vesicular leakage was measured by a fluorescence requenching technique. The results showed (1) endocytosed vesicles can release their content; (2) a linoleic acid-rich diet did not change either the mechanism of leakage or the amount of released material relative to the control; and (3) a oleic acid-rich diet greatly affected the mechanism of release. Thus, the dietary fatty acids can modify the urothelial cell physiology altering the pathway of endocytosed urinary fluid.

Long‐term nitric oxide deficiency causes muscarinic supersensitivity and reduces β3‐adrenoceptor‐mediated relaxation, causing rat detrusor overactivity

Overactive bladder is a complex and widely prevalent condition, but little is known about its physiopathology. We have carried out morphological, biochemical and functional assays to investigate the effects of long-term nitric oxide (NO) deficiency on muscarinic receptor and beta-adrenoceptor modulation leading to overactivity of rat detrusor muscle. Male Wistar rats received N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) in drinking water for 7-30 days. Functional responses to muscarinic and beta-adrenoceptor agonists were measured in detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) strips in Krebs-Henseleit solution. Measurements of [(3)H]inositol phosphate, NO synthase (NOS) activity, [(3)H]quinuclidinyl benzilate ([(3)H]QNB) binding and bladder morphology were also performed. Long-term L-NAME treatment significantly increased carbachol-induced DSM contractile responses after 15 and 30 days; relaxing responses to the beta(3)-adrenoceptor agonist BRL 37-344 were significantly reduced at 30 days. Constitutive NOS activity in bladder was reduced by 86% after 7 days and maintained up to 30 days of L-NAME treatment. Carbachol increased sixfold the [(3)H]inositol phosphate in bladder tissue from rats treated with L-NAME. [(3)H]QNB was bound with an apparent K(D) twofold higher in bladder membranes after L-NAME treatment compared with that in control. No morphological alterations in DSM were found. Long-term NO deficiency increased rat DSM contractile responses to a muscarinic agonist, accompanied by significantly enhanced K(D) values for muscarinic receptors and [(3)H]inositol phosphate accumulation in bladder. This supersensitivity for muscarinic agonists along with reductions of beta(3)-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxations indicated that overactive DSM resulted from chronic NO deficiency.

Advanced finite-element modelling of a 32-panel soccer ball

The current paper details the development of a finite-element model of a manually stitched, textile reinforced 32-panel soccer ball used in elite competition. The model included material anisotropy, a stiffer region representative of the polyester fibre based stitching, and a latex bladder membrane which was pressurized through inflation. A stiffness proportional damping coefficient was included within the material model to describe kinetic energy loss characteristics. The model was validated through experimental impact testing at speeds representative of play. It was found that the combined effects of material anisotropy, panel stitching, and panel configuration had a profound effect on the impact characteristics of the ball.

Synthesis of TiO 2 nanotube networks from the mineralization of swim bladder membrane in supercritical CO 2

In this work, a green route to prepare TiO 2 nanotube networks using swim bladder (SB) membrane as a bio-template was reported. In this method, the SB membrane was first dried with CO 2 extraction, which resulted in the fibrous structures of SB membrane. With the CO 2-dried SB membrane as bio-template, TiO 2 were obtained via the surface sol–gel reaction of titanium isopropoxide on the fibers of SB membrane in supercritical CO 2, followed by the removal of SB membrane calcined at 600 °C. The resulting TiO 2 was characterized with scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. It was indicated that ordered anatase nanotube networks were produced. Compared to the conventional sol–gel method, the protocol adopted in this work could produce TiO 2 nanotubes with regular and ordered structures.

Peculiarities of Signal Transduction from Arginine-Vasopressin Receptors Located on the Apical Surface of Epithelial Cells of the Frog Urinary Bladder and on the Amoeba Outer Membrane

Mechanisms of action of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) on water transport across the wall of urinary bladder of the frog R. temporaria L. and the outer membrane of the amoeba A. proteus were considered. AVP and its functional analogs were added to the basolateral and apical surfaces of the frog urinary bladder membrane and to the amoeba outer surface. In amoeba the AVP effect was evaluated from action on frequency of contractions of contractile vacuole that represents its organ of water—electrolyte homeostasis. It was shown that the system of signal transduction from the apical AVP receptors differed considerably from that located on the basolateral membrane and had a marked similarity with the system of signal transduction from AVP-sensitive structures on the outer membrane of amoeba. The urinary bladder apical membrane as well as the amoeba outer membrane has a mixed type of sensitivity to AVP with unidirectional (not antagonistic like on the basolateral membrane) involvement of systems coupled to receptors of the V1 and V2 type. We suggest that the system of signal transduction from apical AVP receptors corresponds to the earlier stage of evolutionary development.

Laser Capture Microdissection Combined with RNA in vitro Linear Amplification Detecting the Relevant Genes of Bladder Cancer

Objective: Laser capture microdisection has become indispensable to the analysis of the difference of gene expression between human bladder transitional cell and bladder transitional cell carcinoma (BTCC). However, to obtain sufficient RNA from laser-capture microdissected cells is quite difficult. The study was designed to determine a feasible technical routine to isolate transitional cells from bladder membrane, separate carcinoma cells from stromal cells and to amplify the RNA isolated from laser-capture microdissected cells. Methods: Bladder transitional cell were obtained from frozen sections of bladder membrane applying LCM, by the same token, BTCC cells from frozen sections of BTCC tissue. Then RNA was extracted and linearly amplified in vitro. The expression levels of β-actin in primary total RNA and amplified RNA were detected using RT-PCR. Results: That RNA integrity was good after LCM was confirmed by control experiment I; By control experiment II, the correlation between the number of LCMshooting and RNA quantity under arranged conditions was preliminarily confirmed. About 0.5-2.5 kb RNA fragments were obtained after RNA amplification and β-actin levels were integral. Conclusion: Laser capture microdissection combined with RNA linear amplification in vitro can be successfully applied to obtain pure objective cells for research. The integrity of the amplified RNA is good and can be employed in further research.

An optical glucose biosensor based on glucose oxidase immobilized on a swim bladder membrane

An optical glucose biosensor using a swim bladder membrane as an enzyme immobilization platform and an oxygen-sensitive membrane as an optical oxygen transducer has been developed. During the enzymatic reaction, glucose is oxidized by glucose oxidase with a concomitant consumption of dissolved oxygen resulting in an increase in the fluorescence intensity of the optical oxygen transducer. The fluorescence intensity is directly related to the glucose concentration. The effects of pH, temperature, buffer concentration, and selectivity have been studied in detail. The immobilized enzyme retained 80% of its initial activity after being kept for more than 10 months at 4 degrees C. The glucose biosensor has been successfully applied to the determination of glucose content in human blood serum and urine samples.