Protective effect of 4-hydroxy-TEMPO, a low molecular weight superoxide dismutase mimic, on free radical toxicity in experimental pancreatitis

Rats develop acute pancreatitis when infused iv for 3 h with cerulein (10 micrograms/kg/h). Autopsies of the pancreas seen by light microscope show interstitial edema, acinar cells vacuolization, and leukocyte margination in pancreatic capillaries; under electron microscope, severe damage concerning mitochondrial and zymogen granules structures are apparent. Particularly, swelling of the mitochondria and disruption of mitochondrial cristae was observed as well as formation of large vacuoles arising from zymogen granules and liposome fusion. A significant increase of lipid hydroperoxide level in the pancreatic tissue was observed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 4-hydroxy-TEMPO--a low-mol-wt superoxide dismutase mimic--in a rat cerulein model of acute pancreatitis, with the expectation that free radical mediated hydroperoxide formation and tissue damage may be reduced significantly. Twenty-one male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Group 1 (n = 5) served as a control and was infused iv for 3 h with physiologic saline; Group 2 (n = 8) was infused i.v. for 3 h with cerulein 10 micrograms/kg/h; and Group 3 (n = 8) infused i.v. both with cerulein and 4-hydroxy-TEMPO 22.6 mg/kg/h. Pancreatic tissue damage was quantified by measuring lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) level, the weight of the organ, and by light and electron microscopic examination. 4-hydroxy-TEMPO penetration across cellular membrane barriers was quantified by ESR spectrometric measurements of 4-hydroxy-TEMPO concentration in pancreatic tissue samples and pancreatic juice as well. Administering 4-hydroxy-TEMPO to rats resulted in preventing both lipid hydroperoxide formation and severe morphological damage. 4-hydroxy-TEMPO crossed cellular membrane barriers and was excreted to pancreatic juice. Infusion of 4-hydroxy-TEMPO appears to prevent pancreatic injury caused by free radicals in experimental cerulein pancreatitis.

Microsurgical evaluation of experimental pancreatitis after allopurinol: a secretory serological and morphological study

The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the efficacy of allopurinol in rat cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis, by studying amylase and lipase concentrations in bile-pancreatic juice and serum, blood leukocytes, and pancreatic histology. Supramaximal doses of cerulein, injected intraperitoneally twice with a 1-h interval (50 micrograms/kg), caused a reduction in juice amylase and lipase, high levels of the two enzymes in serum, leukocytosis, and severe histological damage to the pancreas, including the presence of diffuse cellular necrosis. These responses were not substantially altered by cotreatment with allopurinol (40 mg/kg i.p. twice with a 1-h interval) or by posttreatment with allopurinol (60 mg/kg i.p. 3 h after cerulein). In contrast, pretreatment with allopurinol (40 mg/kg allopurinol, 1 h, 20 mg/kg allopurinol + 50 micrograms/kg cerulein, 30 min, 40 mg/kg allopurinol, 30 min, 50 micrograms/kg cerulein) had a clear protective effect on pancreatic morphology and function, as shown by higher juice amylase and lipase values, lower serum amylase and lipase concentrations, and an almost normal histological picture of the pancreas. We concluded that allopurinol is effective in preventing the acute pancreatitis caused by administration of supramaximal doses of cerulein, by blocking the free radical generation in pancreatic tissue.

A double-blind comparison of bisoprolol and captopril for treatment of essential hypertension in the elderly

The aim of the study was to compare the antihypertensive efficacy and safety of a new beta blocker with high beta 1 selectivity, bisoprolol, with captopril in 28 elderly patients, aged over 65 years, with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension (WHO classes I and II). After a placebo run-in period of 4 weeks, the patients were randomly allocated to receive bisoprolol (5 mg od) or captopril (25 mg bid) (double-dummy technique) for 6 weeks, according to a crossover double-blind design, with a 4-week washout period between the two active treatments. The doses were doubled after 2 weeks if the supine blood pressure was greater than 160/95 mmHg. In basal conditions and after 2, 4, and 6 weeks of each treatment, the blood pressure and heart rate were assessed both in the supine and erect positions. At the same time, the side effects and quality of life were investigated by a checklist and a self-assessment questionnaire. Standard laboratory tests and a resting ECG tracing were performed before and after each active treatment. The data from 24 patients (4 dropouts) showed a significant antihypertensive effect of both treatments (p less than 0.01) with a reduction of diastolic blood pressure to values less than or equal to 95 mmHg in 75% (18/24) of the patients treated with bisoprolol and in 83.3% (20/24) of those treated with captopril, without significant differences between the two drugs. Bisoprolol also produces a marked but symptom-free reduction of heart rate compared with captopril (p less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Airborne pollen on the Romagna coast]

Data are reported of a study on airborne pollen diffusion carried out in the area of Cesena (Emilia Romagna) during the years 1984-85-86 to create a pollen calendar. The seasonal trend of Graminacee, Fagacee, Betulacee, Chenopodiacee, Urticacee, Oleacee, Composite, Plantaginacee, Salicacee concentration has been investigated using the method of daily, weekly and mobile mean which provides the elimination of interferences brought about by atmospheric phenomena.

Combined digoxin-molsidomine therapy in congestive heart failure following acute myocardial infarction

The acute hemodynamic effects of combining administration of digoxin (DIG)(0.01 mg/kg intravenously) with molsidomine (MLS)(4 mg sublingually) were compared with those of DIG and MLS considered alone in 12 patients with congestive heart failure following acute myocardial infarction. The patients were classified into two subgroups, A (cardiac index [CI] less than or equal to 2.2 L/min/m2 and B (CI greater than 2.2 L/min/m2), to verify differences between the responses to the three drug regimens. MLS significantly reduced systolic blood pressure from 121.2 +/- 12.3 (mean +/- SD) to 111.7 +/- 10.9 mm Hg (p less than 0.01) after 60 min, mean right atrial pressure (RAP) from 6.2 +/- 3.6 to 2.4 +/- 2.1 mm Hg (p less than 0.0001), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP) from 20.6 +/- 2.1 to 12.2 +/- 2.8 mm Hg (p less than 0.0001), and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI) significantly increased after 60 min. DIG induced a significant reduction in heart rate, RAP, PAP, and LVFP from 20.1 +/- 2 to 14.3 +/- 2.7 mm Hg (p less than 0.0001) after 90 min. Stroke volume index (SVI) increased from 24.7 +/- 4.2 to 27.7 +/- 3.1 ml/beat/m2 (p less than 0.001) and LVSWI from 25.9 +/- 7.2 to 31.9 +/- 5.4 g X m/m2 (p less than 0.0001). The combination of DIG and MLS produced a reduction in RAP, PAP, and LVFP greater than that achieved with either agent alone, with a further shift of the ventricular function curve to the left, thereby leading to an improvement in cardiac performance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Amides of amino acids and peptides as antifungal agents]

The synthesis of pyrazolyl-amides of aminoacids and peptides is described. The chemicals were tested for antifungal activity against wheat powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis DC.), cucumber powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum DC.), wheat brown rust (Puccinia recondita Rob. ex Desm. f. sp. tritici Erikss et Henn.), celery leaf spot (Septoria Apii Briosi ed Cav. Chest.) and collar rot (Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn). Some of these compounds showed antifungal activity.

[Derivatives of 4-nitroso-aminopyrazole as antifungal agents]

The synthesis of 4-nitroso-5-amminopyrazoles and of 4-nitroso-5-pyrazolylurethans and -ureas is described. The chemicals were tested for antifungal activity against Erysiphe graminis, Erysiphe cichoracearum, Puccinia recondita, Septoria apii and Rhizoctonia solani. A number of the described compounds showed some antifungal activity.