BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Peritoneal interstitial fibrosis and hyalinizing vasculopathy were induced by peritoneal dialysis and other associated conditions (e.g., uremia). A quantitative method for peritoneal biopsy evaluation is required to investigate possible causative factors and severity of the peritoneal dialysis-related peritoneal alterations. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREME...

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic factor in solid tumors. However, its role in angiogenesis in pituitary adenoma is controversial. Angiogenesis in solid tumors including pituitary adenoma is commonly evaluated by microvascular density (MVD). Here, we evaluated MVD and the role of VEGF in vascular architecture in 51 pituitary adenomas (24 nonfunctioning, 13 prolact...

PURPOSE Several studies have investigated the changes in retinal vessel diameter during physiological stress or pathologic conditions. These studies were principally based on individual fundus photographs and as such did not allow the evaluation of vessel dynamics over time. The research objective was to detail the time course and amplitude changes in the diameter of arteries and veins across a...

BACKGROUND Restenosis and consequent adverse cardiac events are increased in diabetics undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Use of intracoronary stents may ameliorate such risks; however, factors influencing the likelihood of restenosis after stent deployment in this high-risk patient subgroup are unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS We retrospectively analyzed all stented diabetic patients...

Separation of red blood cells and plasma in microcirculatory vessels produces a cell-free layer at the wall. This layer may be an important determinant of blood viscosity and wall shear stress in arterioles, where most of the hydraulic pressure loss in the circulatory system occurs and flow regulatory mechanisms are prominent. With the use of a newly developed method, the width of the cell-free...

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the interactive influence of sympathetic activation and supplemental nitric oxide (NO) on brachial artery distensibility vs. its diameter. It was hypothesized that 1) sympathetic activation and NO competitively impact muscular conduit artery (brachial artery) mechanics, and 2) neurogenic constrictor input affects conduit vessel stiffness independe...

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the interactive influence of sympathetic activation and supplemental NO on brachial artery distensibility versus its diameter. It was hypothesized that a) sympathetic activation and nitric oxide competitively impact muscular conduit artery (brachial artery) mechanics, and b) neurogenic constrictor input affects conduit vessel stiffness independent...