Exercise-induced changes of Factor VIII complex in healthy subjects and in type-I diabetics: relation between growth hormone and Von Willebrand Factor increments

This work aims to study the exercise-induced changes of Factor VIII Complex both in healthy subjects and in type I diabetics without vascular complications, and to investigate the possible relations between growth hormone and Von Willebrand's Factor response to exercise. Results show that maximal exercise performed by cycle ergometer causes a significant increment of the procoagulant subunit (VIII:C) and of Von Willebrand Factor (VIII:RiCoF) both in healthy controls and in type I diabetics, whereas a slight increment of Factor VIII-Related antigen (VIIIR:Ag) is observed only in diabetics. The shape of the mean GH response to exercise parallels the one of Von Willebrand's Factor: however, the presence of VIII:RiCoF increments also in GH non-responders supports the conclusion that growth hormone is not the only factor involved in the regulation of Von Willebrand's Factor exercise-induced increase.

Acute effects of chewable nifedipine on hemodynamic responses to upright exercise in patients with prior myocardial infarction and effort angina

To evaluate the hemodynamic effects of nifedipine on anginal patients during exercise in the upright position, a placebo (P) and 20 mg of nifedipine were administered in a double-blind random sequence to ten patients presenting with exertional angina and a healed myocardial infarction. All patients had previously undergone coronary angiography. The effects of nifedipine in the upright position at rest, at the anginal threshold, and at the maximal level of exercise were studied. Nifedipine decreased systemic vascular resistances in upright position and increased the cardiac index. It reduced the severity of angina and allowed a higher physical work capacity without anginal symptoms. The most important beneficial effect of nifedipine appears to be the reduction in afterload, but an improvement of left ventricular function cannot be ruled out.

Sudden occlusion of a saphenous vein bypass graft relieved by direct injection of nitroglycerin

An unusual case of sudden occlusion of a saphenous vein bypass graft to the right coronary artery, during a coronary angiographic study, is presented. Such occlusion was relieved by direct intragraft nitroglycerin injection, as typically happens in case of coronary arterial spasm. A possible pathogenetic mechanism, based on the present knowledge of platelet aggregation and the role of the powerful vasoactive agent Thromboxane A2, is discussed.

Sodium nitroprusside in the treatment of Prinzmetal's variant angina

A patient had attacks of Prinzmetal's angina, resistant to sublingual nitrates in high doses and to a calcium antagonist. All the crises wee resolved by sodium nitroprusside therapy. This report suggests that nitroprusside merits further evaluation in the treatment of Prinzmetal's angina, particularly in cases resistant to usual therapy in which the evolution towards myocardial infarction is very likely.

Immunity to Candida albicans induced by Listeria monocytogenes

Immunity to Candida albicans was studied in Swiss-Webster white female mice. Lethal and sublethal infections with C. albicans did not enhance immunity to a subsequent Listeria monocytogenes challenge. Mice sensitized to L. monocytogenes and then challenged with C. albicans intravenously were able to reduce the population of C. albicans in their kidneys after being boosted (rechallenged) with L. monocytogenes. However, the acquired cellular immunity so induced was very short-lived. Both C. albicans-sensitized and nonsensitized control mice showed an immediate-type and delayed-type skin test response to the cell wall antigen(s) of C. albicans but not to the cytoplasmic antigen(s). There did not appear to be any correlation between increase in skin test response and progression of the candida infection in mice.