Periodontal repair in dogs: effect of transforming growth factor-beta 1 on alveolar bone and cementum regeneration.

BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) represents a family of growth-modulating proteins with fundamental roles in connective tissue and bone development. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential for regeneration of alveolar bone and cementum following surgical implantation of recombinant human TGF-beta 1 (rhTGF-beta 1). METHOD: Bilateral, critical size, supra-alveolar periodontal defects in 5 beagle dogs were surgically implanted with rhTGF-beta 1 in a calcium carbonate carrier (CaCO3) or with carrier alone. The animals were euthanized at 4 weeks postsurgery and block-biopsies of the defects were processed for histologic and histometric analysis. RESULTS: Surgical implantation of rhTGF-beta 1 resulted in minimal, if any, stimulation of alveolar bone or cementum regeneration. Linear bone and cementum regeneration in rhTGF-beta 1-treated defects was 1.2+/-0.6 and 0.01+0.01 mm, respectively. Corresponding values for the controls were 1.0+/-0.6 and 0.01+/-0.03 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that, under the conditions (dose, carrier, defect type) evaluated here, treatment of periodontal defects in beagle dogs with rhTGF-beta 1 may be of limited clinical benefit.

Periodontal repair in dogs: effect of recombinant human transforming growth factor-beta1 on guided tissue regeneration.

This study evaluated alveolar bone and cementum regeneration following surgical implantation of recombinant human transforming growth factor-beta1 (rhTGF-beta1) in conjunction with guided tissue regeneration (GTR). Supraalveolar, critical size, periodontal defects were surgically created around the 3rd and 4th mandibular premolar teeth in right and left jaw quadrants in 5 beagle dogs. Alternate jaw quadrants in consecutive animals received rhTGF-beta1, in a CaCO3/hydroxyethyl starch carrier with GTR, or carrier with GTR alone (control). 20 microg of rhTGF-beta1 in buffer solution was incorporated into approximately 0.8 ml of carrier for each defect scheduled to receive rhTGF-beta1. Animals were sacrificed at week 4 postsurgery and tissue blocks were harvested and processed for histometric analysis. Clinical healing was generally uneventful. Minor membrane exposures were observed. Defects with membrane exposure displayed an inflammatory infiltrate underneath the membrane. Bone regeneration of trabecular nature, apparent in all animals, was generally limited to the very apical aspect of the defects. Cementum regeneration was limited without obvious differences between experimental conditions. Comparing rhTGF-beta1, to control defects, statistically significant differences were found for area (1.8+/-0.4 and 1.3+/-0.6 mm2, respectively; p<0.05) and density (0.3+/-0.1 and 0.2+/-0.03, respectively; p<0.05) of alveolar bone regeneration. Observed differences are small and represent a clinically insignificant potential for enhanced regeneration in this preclinical model. Within the limitations of study, it may be concluded that rhTGF-beta1 has a restricted potential to enhance alveolar bone regeneration in conjunction with GTR.

The effect of urethral introducer tip catheters on the incidence of urinary tract infection outcomes in spinal cord injured patients.

PURPOSE: We attempted to determine whether an introducer tip catheter reduces urinary tract infection in spinal cord injured patients on intermittent catheterization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The introducer tip catheter bypasses the colonized 1.5 cm. of the distal urethra. Enrolled patients were prospectively entered into the study in alternate groups depending on whether they reflex voided: group 1--on intermittent catheterization with the introducer tip catheter but not voiding spontaneously or wearing an external urinary catheter, group 2--same as group 1 but using a nonintroducer tip catheter; group 3--on intermittent catheterization with the introducer tip catheter, voiding by reflex and wearing an external urinary catheter, and group 4--same as group 3 but using a nonintroducer tip catheter. RESULTS: Statistical significance was shown when comparing patients using versus not using the introducer tip catheter regardless of whether an external urinary catheter was worn (p = 0.0121). A greater difference was noted between patients using and not using the introducer tip catheter in the intermittent catheterization only group (p = 0.0093). CONCLUSIONS: The introducer tip catheter decreased urinary tract infections in hospitalized men with spinal cord injury on intermittent catheterization.

Selecting the appropriate urinary diversion procedure in the spinal cord injured: a poignant reminder.

Lower urinary tract reconstruction has been performed on the spinal injured population at our institution since 1988. Careful pre-operative evaluation including a detailed history, physical examination and radiographic and/or urodynamic studies are usually obtained to determine which type of procedure would be most beneficial for each individual patient. Typically, patients receive either a cutaneous (i.e., Kock or Indiana) diversion or undergo a form of bladder augmentation (usually ileocystoplasty). Pre-operative findings and the patient's history are carefully considered prior to choosing the appropriate procedure. Occasionally, a particular finding influences the decision. We describe a patient who received a hemi-Kock ileocystoplasty with a continent abdominal stoma who, in retrospect, would have benefitted from a supravesical diversion.

Fluorourodynamic and clinical evaluation in males following construction of a Kock ileal-urethral reservoir.

OBJECTIVES: Since 1986, we have offered the option of lower urinary tract reconstruction with the Kock ileal-urethral reservoir in selected male patients requiring diversion. This study provides insight into the functional characteristics of the Kock ileal-urethral reservoir and its effect on continence. METHODS: Twenty-four of the initial 225 male patients undergoing this procedure at our institution were evaluated by fluorourodynamics within 2 years of neobladder construction. Information regarding continence was also obtained by means of a patient interview and questionnaire. RESULTS: The average resting neobladder pressure was 8.5 cm H2O (range, 0 to 18). Reservoir capacity averaged 741 cc (range, 225 to 1400). Afferent nipple failure with bilateral grade II vesicoureteral reflux was noted in 1 patient (4%). Unsatisfactory daytime continence was seen in 2 patients (8%). Unsatisfactory nighttime continence was seen in 6 patients (25%). Patient satisfaction was high with an average rating of 8.6 on a scale of 1 to 10. CONCLUSIONS: Fluorourdynamic data demonstrate a low-pressure, high-capacity reservoir with a low incidence of reflux. The rate of continence is acceptable and patient satisfaction is excellent. The Kock ilealurethral reservoir is an excellent alternative to standard diversion for the male patient undergoing cystectomy.

Studies on the corpuscles of Stannius of Botia lohachata.

The corpuscles of Stannius of Botia lohachata are made up of numerous large lobules, each of which is bounded by a septum and contains two types of cells. The secretory granules are PAS- and AF-positive, indicating that 1,2 glycol groups and non-sulphated mucoid substances are present. Detached cells in the lobule lumen are suggestive of holocrine secretion. The possibility of the existence of more than one secretory product is discussed.