1. In pure gelatin solutions the conductivity of the solution increases with increasing concentrations, regardless of the hydrogen ion concentration. The actual value of the specific conductivity is greater at that reaction where the degree of ionization is greater. 2. The addition of gelatin in increasing concentrations to a 0.6 per cent sodium chloride solution affects the conductivity of tha...

Fluid shear modulates many biological properties. How shear mechanosensing occurs in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and is transduced into cytoskeletal change remains unknown. Cochlin is an ECM protein of unknown function. Our investigation using a comprehensive spectrum of cutting-edge techniques has resulted in following major findings: (1) over-expression and down-regulation of cochlin incre...

Previous human studies demonstrated that lead exposure may modify the metabolism of catecholamines and of hormones controlled by the hypothalamo-pituitary axis and may affect the kallikrein-kinin system. This paper reports unpublished data on the plasma renin activity of lead-exposed workers; these results are in agreement with those of previous human and experimental studies suggesting that th...

The classical renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is activated by renin that is secreted from the juxtaglomerular cells of the afferent arteriole, which cleaves angiotensinogen (Agt), synthesized and released by the liver. This leads to the generation of a potent biologically active peptide, angiotensin II (AngII), which contributes to blood pressure regulation and sodium homeostasis. Recent studies...

The IOP reduction and regulation system performs certain specific functions: it can be used to lower (or raise) IOP in a controlled way; it responds rapidly to maintain a selectable, set, minimum IOP under variable flow demands; and it reduces the rapid dynamic increases in IOP resulting from loads applied to the eye. The system has been tested and evaluated in the laboratory with a small test ...

During the course of our studies into the control of fluid extravasation from the splenic vasculature, we found that intrasplenic inhibition of NO biosynthesis caused an increase in systemic blood pressure. The present experiments were designed to investigate the mechanisms underlying this novel observation. There was an increase in mean arterial pressure when the nonspecific NO inhibitor N(G)-...

Type B and non-A, non-B intercalated cells are found within the connecting tubule and the cortical collecting duct. Of these cell types, type B intercalated cells are known to mediate Cl- absorption and HCO3- secretion largely through pendrin-dependent Cl-/HCO3- exchange. This exchange is stimulated by angiotensin II administration and is also stimulated in models of metabolic alkalosis, for in...