M L Sears

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Transplant tolerance—where the recipient's immune system accepts a donor organ without lifelong drugs—has been achieved for kidneys in primates but not for livers. This study tested whether creating temporary mixed bone marrow chimerism could induce tolerance to a transplanted liver in nonhuman primates. It did not, suggesting liver tolerance requires a fundamentally different approach than kidney tolerance.

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This study looked at how well the medication octreotide works to prevent repeat gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in patients who have left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Out of 51 patients who took octreotide after their first GI bleed, only 12 (24%) had another bleeding episode, which is better than the historical rate of 43% in similar patients who didn’t take octreotide. This is important because it shows that octreotide can help reduce the chances of further bleeding, which is a serious complication for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with LVADs who are at risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

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This study looked at how a short-term high-fat diet affects specific cells in the pancreas that produce insulin in mice. The researchers found that after just seven days on a high-fat diet, there was significant replication of these insulin-producing cells, an increase in immune cells called macrophages in the pancreas, and higher blood sugar and insulin levels, despite no evidence of cellular damage. This research is important because it shows that the increase in insulin-producing cells due to a high-fat diet is driven by macrophages, not just by insulin resistance. Who this helps: This helps researchers and healthcare providers understand how diet affects pancreatic function, potentially leading to better treatments for diabetes.

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This study looked at how brain death affects the immune response in the liver of non-human primates. Researchers found that after brain death, levels of stress hormones and inflammatory markers, including cortisol and IL-6, rose quickly, while certain immune cells decreased. This early inflammatory response and changes in cell metabolism could explain why organs from brain-dead donors often don't function well after transplantation. Who this helps: This research benefits organ transplant teams and patients awaiting transplants.

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This study looked at ways to better assess the quality of islets (clusters of insulin-producing cells) before transplanting them into patients with type 1 diabetes. Researchers tested 42 different human islet samples and found that those with the best quality showed over 86% accuracy in predicting how well they would function inside a living organism. This finding matters because it could lead to more successful transplants, improving diabetes management for patients. Who this helps: Patients with type 1 diabetes needing islet transplants.

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This study looked at how liver cells called cholangiocytes communicate with each other through structures known as gap junctions. The researchers found that these cells express a protein called connexin 43, which allows them to coordinate calcium signaling, crucial for their function. Importantly, they discovered that the permeability of these gap junctions can be controlled by hormonal signals, which could have implications for liver health. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver diseases and their doctors by providing insights into cholangiocyte function and potential treatments.

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Researchers studied how certain genes in the ciliary epithelium of rabbits change when the light is on versus when it's off, focusing on the daily cycle of fluid flow in the eye. They found 93 genes that expressed differently at 8 AM (light on) compared to 8 PM (light off). Understanding these gene changes is important because it can help improve knowledge about eye function and may lead to better treatments for eye conditions related to fluid balance. Who this helps: This benefits patients with eye diseases and doctors treating them.

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This study explored how a specific transport system, called NaKCl cotransport, affects the movement of chloride ions across the eye's ciliary epithelium in rabbits. Researchers found that when they used a drug called bumetanide, there was a significant reduction in chloride movement from the blood side to the fluid in the eye (43% decrease in electrical current), which highlights the importance of this transport system in maintaining proper eye function. These findings are important as they help us understand how ionic balance is maintained in the eye, which could impact conditions like glaucoma or other eye diseases. Who this helps: This helps patients with eye conditions as well as doctors trying to develop better treatments.

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This study explored how different types of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) receptors affect calcium (Ca2+) signaling in specific eye cells called nonpigmented epithelial (NPE) cells. The researchers found that type I InsP3 receptors were mostly at the bottom of the cells, while type III receptors were concentrated at the top; type II receptors were barely present. When a chemical called acetylcholine triggered Ca2+ release, it started as waves at the top but then could lead to stronger and repetitive signals at the bottom, indicating that the location of these receptors plays a key role in how NPE cells manage their calcium signals. Who this helps: This research helps scientists and doctors understand calcium signaling in eye cells, which could be crucial for developing treatments for eye diseases.

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This study examined how two layers of cells in the eye’s ciliary body work together to regulate the release of a fluid called aqueous humor. Researchers found that when certain signals were applied, calcium levels increased in both layers of cells; for example, epinephrine raised calcium levels in both layers and allowed them to communicate with each other. This coordination is important because it helps maintain proper eye function and fluid balance, which is crucial for vision. Who this helps: This benefits patients with eye conditions related to fluid imbalance, such as glaucoma.

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This study looked at how certain drugs, called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs), reduce the fluid pressure inside the eye by affecting cells in the eye known as the ciliary epithelium. Researchers found that one type of carbonic anhydrase (CA IV) in these cells plays a key role; when they applied a specific CAI to one side of a cell layer, it increased the flow of ions, indicating that blocking CA IV had a significant effect. Specifically, at a concentration of 45 microM, this treatment led to a 60% increase in ion flow, suggesting that targeting CA IV could be an effective strategy to lower eye pressure. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with glaucoma and other eye conditions that cause high intraocular pressure.

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Researchers successfully isolated a layer of cells from the eye of rabbits to study how the fluid called aqueous humor is formed. They found that this cell layer has a specific electrical resistance of 350 ohms and a potential difference of 650 microvolts across it, which is important for its function. Understanding how this layer works is crucial because it can lead to better treatments for eye conditions that affect fluid balance, like glaucoma. Who this helps: Patients with eye conditions, particularly those at risk for glaucoma.

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This study looked at where a protein called Na/K-ATPase is located in the eye's ciliary epithelial cells from rabbits. The researchers found that this protein was mainly present in areas where the cells fold and interlock with each other, indicating that both layers of these cells are involved in moving ions and producing fluid in the eye. This matters because understanding how these cells work can help in figuring out treatments for eye conditions related to fluid balance. Who this helps: Patients with eye conditions related to fluid regulation.

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Researchers developed a new device called the laser flare-cell meter to measure protein levels in the eye's front chamber. They found that this device produced reliable measurements of protein concentration with levels of approximately 15.7 mg/100 ml in dark-eyed individuals and 18.6 mg/100 ml in light-eyed individuals, indicating that background factors had minimal impact on the readings. This matters because it provides a new, accurate way to assess eye health that can enhance clinical research. Who this helps: This benefits eye doctors and researchers working on eye-related conditions.

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This study examined how certain receptors in rabbit eyes work together to control a signaling molecule called cyclic AMP, which is important for eye fluid regulation. Researchers found that drugs like epinephrine and clonidine can significantly reduce the levels of cyclic AMP by interacting with alpha 2-adrenergic receptors, showing that a small amount (0.05 microM for clonidine) can inhibit this response effectively. Understanding this mechanism is important because it suggests a way to regulate fluid production in the eye, which could help manage conditions like glaucoma. Who this helps: Patients with eye diseases, especially those at risk for glaucoma.

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This study focused on a 57-year-old woman who had a benign tumor called a neurilemoma in her eye, which came back 15 years after it was first treated. The doctors successfully removed the tumor twice without damaging the eye’s structure or function. This is important because it highlights that these tumors can come back long after treatment, and proper removal can help maintain eye health. Who this helps: Patients with similar eye tumors and their doctors.

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This study looked at 10 patients with myotonic dystrophy to understand if their low eye pressure is linked to higher levels of certain hormones, specifically FSH and LH. The patients had an average eye pressure of 10.6 mmHg, which was significantly lower than healthy individuals, and their FSH and LH levels were much higher than normal, with FSH reaching a mean of 41.7 mIU/ml compared to a normal range of 0.9-9.8 mIU/ml. The findings indicate that these elevated hormone levels may play a role in reducing eye pressure, which is important for understanding how myotonic dystrophy affects eye health. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with myotonic dystrophy and their doctors by offering insights into eye-related complications of the condition.

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The study looked at how two types of receptors in rabbit eyes, called alpha 2- and beta 2-adrenergic receptors, interact and affect the production of a molecule called cyclic AMP, which is important for cell signaling. When the researchers tested the effects of a drug called isoproterenol, they found that low doses (0.1 to 1.0 microM) increased cyclic AMP production, but higher doses led to a decrease in its production, which was blocked by a specific blocker for the alpha 2 receptor. This finding matters because it helps us understand how the body regulates eye functions and could lead to better treatments for eye conditions related to these receptors. Who this helps: This helps patients with eye conditions and doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how well a combination of two eye drops, levobunolol and pilocarpine, can help manage high eye pressure in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The results showed that up to 88% of patients using the levobunolol-pilocarpine combo maintained stable eye pressure, similar to the 83% success rate in patients using the timolol-pilocarpine combination. This is important because it offers an effective treatment option for controlling intraocular pressure without significantly increasing side effects. Who this helps: This helps patients with open-angle glaucoma or elevated eye pressure.

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This study looked at how a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) affects eye pressure in rabbits. Researchers found that when they injected purified hCG into one eye of a rabbit, the pressure inside that eye dropped significantly—though specific numbers weren’t provided. This matters because lowering eye pressure can be crucial for preventing damage to the optic nerve and conditions like glaucoma. Who this helps: This helps patients with glaucoma or high eye pressure.

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This study looked at how certain chemicals, including somatostatin and its analog, affect the eye's response to irritation. Researchers found that when somatostatin was injected into the eye, it reduced the eye's contraction in response to irritation but did not significantly affect eye pressure, blood flow, or other factors. These findings are important because they suggest a potential way to manage pain and discomfort in the eye without altering other important functions. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from eye irritation and pain.

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This study focused on understanding how certain receptors in the eye lower pressure by controlling fluid flow. Researchers found that an eye drop containing forskolin reduced eye pressure by 35% by decreasing the amount of fluid produced in the eye. This is important because reducing eye pressure can help prevent damage in conditions like glaucoma. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with glaucoma and other eye conditions related to high pressure.

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Researchers studied how the daily pattern of eye pressure in New Zealand White rabbits changes with light and darkness. They found that when rabbits were kept in constant darkness, their eye pressure still followed a daily rhythm, which is controlled by light exposure. Importantly, when the nerves that help regulate this process were removed, the rabbits’ eye pressure did not maintain the normal pattern at night, causing a significant drop. This matters because understanding these patterns in rabbits can help experts learn more about eye pressure cycles in humans that could affect conditions like glaucoma. Who this helps: This research benefits eye doctors and patients with conditions related to eye pressure.

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This study looked at how trauma to the eye can lead to a condition called cystoid macular edema (CME), especially after cataract surgery, where severely injured eyes showed a higher incidence of CME. It found that trauma triggers changes in blood flow and inflammation in the eye, increasing the chances of developing CME. Though treatments like corticosteroids may help, the best way to prevent CME is to perform minimal disruption during surgery. Who this helps: This research benefits patients undergoing cataract surgery and eye specialists managing post-surgical care.

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This study looked at two cases of a condition called black ball hyphema, where blood collects in the front part of the eye after a trauma. Researchers found that the blood clots had a distinct structure, with no signs of healing or new blood vessel growth in the first week after the injury. This is important because it helps doctors understand how these blood clots form and behave, which can affect treatment decisions. Who this helps: This helps doctors and eye specialists who treat patients with eye injuries.

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This study looked at how a high-powered laser affects the eye, specifically in rabbits. Researchers found that even a single burst of the laser could damage parts of the eye, causing harm to the lens and increasing pressure inside the eye. For example, damage to the cornea occurred up to 3.5 mm away from where the laser hit, and the lens was found to break apart within a small area of 300 microns. Who this helps: This research is important for eye doctors and patients undergoing laser treatments, as it highlights potential risks and the extent of damage that can occur.

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This study examined how forskolin, a drug that lowers eye pressure, affects the fluid flow in human eyes. Researchers found that after using a single drop of forskolin, the rate of eye fluid flow decreased by an average of 34% in treated eyes compared to untreated ones, but the outflow facility remained unchanged. This finding is important because it shows that forskolin effectively reduces eye pressure primarily by decreasing the amount of fluid produced in the eye. Who this helps: This helps patients with conditions like glaucoma that can lead to high eye pressure.

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This study looked at a specific part of rabbit eyes called ciliary processes to identify beta-adrenergic receptors, which are proteins that can affect eye functions. The researchers found a strong binding site for a specific marker (125I-HYP) at a concentration of 0.25 nanomoles, suggesting the presence of these receptors. This discovery is important because it hints at how beta-adrenergic drugs could directly influence the production of fluid in the eye, which could have implications for treating eye conditions. Who this helps: This helps patients with eye diseases, particularly those related to fluid buildup like glaucoma.

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This study looked at an enzyme called lysosomal hyaluronidase in the iris of rabbits. Researchers found that the enzyme's activity increased with higher concentrations and longer exposure times, but heating it completely destroyed its activity. It worked best in very acidic conditions, with no activity at neutral or higher pH levels. Who this helps: This research helps scientists understand how similar enzymes may work in the eyes, which can inform future treatments for eye conditions.

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The study looked at three specific enzymes in the front part of rabbit eyes to see where they are most active. It found that acid phosphatase was mainly active in the uvea and cornea, beta-glucuronidase was particularly high in the uvea and at the corneoscleral junction, and hyaluronidase was found in all corneoscleral tissues. Understanding these enzyme distributions helps researchers learn more about eye health and disease treatments. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working on eye conditions.

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This study focused on Leber's congenital amaurosis, a genetic eye disorder, in two young children. Researchers found distinct early changes in the eye structure of a 16-month-old girl, including unusual deposits and alterations in specific layers of the retina. These findings are important because they help improve understanding of the condition and may lead to better diagnosis and treatment options. Who this helps: This helps patients with Leber's congenital amaurosis and their families.

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This study looked at how well different medications, including timolol, propranolol, epinephrine, and isoproterenol, lower eye pressure in rabbits. The results showed that while epinephrine and isoproterenol worked effectively in lowering normal eye pressure, timolol had only a small and inconsistent effect. In cases of high eye pressure induced by an eye injury, timolol worked well without losing its effect over several days, but propranolol was largely ineffective. Who this helps: This research helps doctors choose the right medications for treating high eye pressure, particularly in glaucoma patients.

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This research focused on how various hormones affect the pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure. It found that hormones like corticotropin, vasopressin, and glucocorticoids might influence this pressure, but the exact role of these hormones in conditions like primary open-angle glaucoma is still unclear. Understanding these hormonal effects is crucial because it could lead to better treatments for eye conditions that cause vision loss. Who this helps: Patients with glaucoma and other eye diseases.

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This study looked at how a drug called d-isoproterenol affects eye pressure in rabbits, monkeys, and humans. Researchers found that when d-isoproterenol was applied to the eyes of rabbits, it lowered eye pressure, even in those with a type of glaucoma, but it had no effect on monkeys or humans. This matters because finding ways to lower eye pressure is important for treating glaucoma, which can lead to vision loss. Who this helps: This helps patients with glaucoma, especially those who may benefit from new treatments.

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This study looked at how a chemical called nitrogen mustard affects the eyes after being applied directly to them. Researchers found that nitrogen mustard caused measurable irritation, which they assessed by looking at changes in pupil size, eye pressure, and the amount of protein and blood flow in the eye tissues. Understanding these effects is important because it helps in evaluating potential eye irritants and improving safety for patients exposed to similar substances. Who this helps: This benefits patients who might be exposed to eye irritants in medical treatments.

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In this study, researchers looked at how dopamine affects eye pressure and pupil size in rabbits. They found that dopamine can reduce eye pressure in a dose-dependent way, with higher doses also causing the pupils to widen. Specifically, high doses led to a small but consistent drop in eye pressure, even when certain receptors were blocked. Who this helps: This research is valuable for doctors treating patients with eye pressure issues.

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This study looked at how stimulating one side of a rabbit's trigeminal nerve affects the eye on the opposite side. The researchers found that when they stimulated the nerve, it caused changes in the eye on the opposite side, including disruption of the protective barrier and sometimes an increase in pressure, regardless of whether they treated the rabbits with anti-inflammatory medication. Understanding this reaction is important because it can help researchers learn more about how nerve injuries affect other areas in the body. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and researchers studying eye health and nerve function.

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This study looked at how a specific drug, topical epinephrine, affects pupil size and eye pressure in a type of rabbit eye that has lost some nerve function. Researchers found that using another drug called U-0521 increased the effects of epinephrine, resulting in a larger pupil and lower eye pressure. This is important because it may lead to new treatments for conditions like glaucoma, which affects eye pressure and vision. Who this helps: This helps patients with glaucoma and eye care specialists.

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This study looked at how the rabbit's eye reacts to a treatment with prostaglandin E2 (also known as dinoprostone). Researchers found that the ciliary process swelled significantly and allowed a dye to leak into the eye's chamber, while the blood vessels in the iris largely kept their protective barrier intact. This difference in response is important because it helps understand how this treatment affects eye structures differently, which can influence future therapies for eye conditions. Who this helps: This information benefits eye doctors and researchers working on treatments for eye diseases.

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This study looked at whether aspirin and indomethacin could protect the monkey eye from damage after trauma. Researchers used three different methods to create stress on the eye and found that neither drug worked to stabilize the eye's barrier. This matters because understanding how to protect the eye from injury could lead to better treatments for vision loss. Who this helps: This helps eye doctors and their patients dealing with eye trauma.

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This study looked at how a specific compound similar to cyclic-AMP affects fluid drainage in the eye of vervet monkeys. They found that using this compound doubled the eye's ability to drain fluid, which is important for reducing eye pressure. This matters because high eye pressure can lead to serious conditions like glaucoma. Who this helps: Patients with glaucoma or high eye pressure.