The role gap junction channels play in the normal and abnormal functioning of the vascular wall is the subject of much research. The biophysical properties of gap junctions are an essential component in understanding how gap junctions function to allow coordinated relaxation and contraction of vascular smooth muscle. This study reviews the properties thus far elucidated and relates those proper...

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, characterized by altered permselectivity of the glomerular filter, is a common chronic renal disorder in children. Most patients are steroid sensitive and respond to therapy with remission of proteinuria (steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome). Revised Guidelines for treatment of these patients were published recently(1). Approximately 10-20% children with nephroti...

Changes in streaming and membrane potentials measured across a commercial microporous polysulfone membrane as a result of the adsorption of differently charged macromolecules were studied. Measurements were carried out with different NaCl solutions M) and their mixtures with a polyanion (dextran sulfate or DS) and a polycation (diethylaminoethyl or DEAE-dextran). From electrokinetic and electro...

In this study, we present a new concept in chemically stabilized ionic liquid membranes: an ionic liquid organosilica (ILOS) membrane, which is an organosilica membrane with ionic liquid-like properties. A silylated ionic liquid was used as a precursor for synthesis. The permselectivity, permeation mechanism, and stability of the membrane in the H₂/toluene binary system were then compared with ...