Significant Elevation Of Plasma Research Articles

Failure to correct the metabolic defect by renal allotransplantion in Fabry's disease.

Plasma neutral glycolipid levels and plasma and leukocyte alpha-galactosidase activities were measured serially before and after renal allotransplantation in two men, aged 47 and 45 years, with renal failure due to Fabry's disease. The patients were followed posttransplantation for 92 and 64 weeks, respectively. No significant elevation of plasma or leukocyte alpha-galactosidase activities above levels in untreated men with Fabry's disease or decrease in the levels of trihexosyl ceramide was observed in either patient. The results do not support the use of renal allotransplantation for enzyme replacement in Fabry's disease.

Response of the interrenal gland of rainbow trout ( Salmo gairdneri) to stress

Exposure of trout to environmental hexavalent chromium (0.02 and 0.2 mg/liter of water) for 1 week caused a significant elevation of plasma “cortisol” as determined by fluorescence in sulfuric acid. Fish exposed to these concentrations for 2 and 3 weeks had plasma levels similar to those of controls. Fish exposed to 20 or 30 mg Cr +6/liter for 3 days had elevated plasma “cortisol” that returned to control levels after 6, 7, or 10 days' exposure. Forced exercise for one-half-hour periods twice daily for 1 and 2 weeks did not give rise to elevated plasma “cortisol” if samples were obtained 24 hours after the last exercise period. Fish forced to swim for 2 or 4 hours and sampled immediately did have plasma “cortisol” levels significantly above those of controls. Animals treated with exogenous cortisol by implanting pellets in the body cavity had plasma “cortisol” levels of more than 100 μg/100 ml. Fasted fish so treated for 1 week had higher liver glycogen stores and excreted more waste nitrogen than did control fish. Plasma glucose was not elevated in treated fish. Animals similarly treated but fed during the experimental period had liver glycogen stores and nitrogen excretion rates similar to those of controls. A comparison of data for control groups obtained during different months of the year strongly indicates that there is a seasonal variation in plasma“cortisol” levels. The effect of chronic low-level stress in elevating plasma cortisol is transitory and plasma “cortisol” levels in trout do not appear to be a useful indicator of the existence of chronic stressful conditions.