Role of kappa opioid receptors during stress responsiveness in rats

Effects of kappa opioid agonist, ketocyclazocine (KCZ) and its antagonist, M(r) 2266, were evaluated on some stress responses in rats. KCZ (1 or 10 mg/kg, ip) dose-dependently attenuated cold restraint stress (CRS)-induced gastric ulcer formation. Similar gastric cytoprotection was also seen with KCZ (1 or 10 micrograms/rat, icv). Pretreatment of rats with M(r) 2266 (0.3 mg/kg, ip) clearly antagonized the ulceroprotective effects of both ip and icv KCZ. KCZ effects on the gastric mucosa during CRS were also reduced by naltrexone (5 mg/kg, ip) pretreatment. KCZ (1 or 10 mg/kg, ip) also attenuated the plasma corticosterone response to CRS and these effects were blocked by M(r) 2266 (0.3 mg/kg) pretreatment. These results indicate kappa opioid receptor involvement during stress reactions and also suggest possible opioidergic interactions during CRS.

Central histaminergic involvement during stress in rats

Effects of some drugs modulating central histaminergic (HA) transmission were evaluated on restraint stress (RS)-induced gastric ulcerogenesis, plasma corticosterone and immune responses in rats. RS for (i) 6 hr or (ii) 24 hr at room temperature, and (iii) 3 hr at 4 degrees C (CRS) all induced gastric mucosal erosions and elevated plasma corticosterone levels, the effects with the latter two RS procedures being most consistent. Pretreatment of rats with neuronal HA depletor, alpha-FMH (100 mg/kg, ip) attenuated both ulcer severity and corticosterone response, during both 24 hr RS and CRS. Similar effects were also seen with the mast cell degranulator, C-48/80 (10 micrograms/kg, i.c.v.) treatment. Further, the H1-blocker, pheniramine (25 mg/kg, ip) but not the centrally acting H2-blocker, zolantidine (5 mg/kg, ip) produced clearcut attenuations in both stress markers, during the experimental stressors. In rats immunized in SRBC, 24 hr RS (and not CRS) significantly prevented the humoral immune responses to the antigen. alpha-FMH, C 48/80 and pheniramine but not zolantidine, reversed this response during 24 hr RS. The results indicate a central HA ergic involvement in the visceral, endocrinal and immune responses during RS and suggest the probable role of both neuronal as well as extraneuronal (mast cell) HA and activation of H1-receptors in the mediation of these effects.

Mechanism of anti-stress activity of Ocimum sanctum Linn, eugenol and Tinospora malabarica in experimental animals

Effects of restraint stress (RS) and its modulation by O. sanctum (Os), eugenol and T. malabarica (Tm) were evaluated on some biochemical and biophysical parameters in rats. RS induced elevations in blood glucose and urea levels, were unaffected by either Os, eugenol or Tm pretreatment. However, both Os and eugenol lowered RS-induced cholesterol levels. RS also caused a generalized increase in enzyme activity and Os, eugenol or Tm effectively lowered the RS-induced elevations in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase. RS also induced (a) increased membrane protein clusterization, (b) increased membrane fluidity and (c) reduced membrane thickness--in RBC membrane, whereas, the effects on the synaptosomal membrane were less marked. The RS-induced changes in RBC membrane dynamics were attenuated/reversed by Os, eugenol or Tm, in a differential manner. These biochemical and membrane changes during Rs and their modulation by the adaptogens are discussed in light of the possible mechanisms of action of these agents, during such aversive stimuli.

Eye camps--providing medical coverage to the under privileged

The eye camps make a very important contribution to both curative and preventive eye health care. In addition to serving the under privileged they also lessen the burden on the existing hospitals. Planning of such camps has been described vis-a-vis description of three camps done in far-flung areas.

Mitral annular calcification in untreated chronic renal failure

Clinical, biochemical, radiological and echo-cardiographic (echo) evaluation was done prospectively in 50 patients of untreated end stage chronic renal failure (CRF). While clinically congestive cardiac failure (CCF) was diagnosed in 24%, low ejection fraction on echo was found in only 16%. Echo in these cases showed evidence of cardiac chamber dilatation in most (mean LVID (D) 54.1 +/- 6.51 and (S) 36.4 +/- 6.9 mm, but parameters of cardiac functions were normal in most. Mitral annular calcification (MAC) was detected on echo in 26%. On comparing patients with MAC (Group I) and those without MAC (Group II), the aetiological factor found more frequently in Group I was diabetes (61.5% vs 35.1%, P less than 0.05). Clinical features such as older age (mean age 54 years vs 45.5 years), severe hypertension, and grade IV and above murmur (15.2% vs none) were more common among group I patients. However, the difference was not statistically significant. Parameters of calcium metabolism were similar in the two groups. Conduction disturbances (30.7% vs 5.4%) were significantly more common in Group I (P = 0.05). The mitral regurgitation due to MAC was of no haemodynamic significance. Complications of MAC syndrome were rare.

Population policy forum. Beginning with individual women

When IPPF was formed in 1952, its driving force was concern for women, for women's health and women's reproductive rights. 40 years on, those same issues are still at the heart of IPPF's policies and programs. Marge Berer has made a plea for a feminist approach within international family planning, and IPPF is in complete agreement that women's needs and choices should be paramount. All individuals and couples must have the basic human right to decide freely and responsible the number and spacing of their children. Women must also have the right to receive full information and counselling to choose their contraceptive method. Our secretary general, Dr. Halfdan Mahler, stresses that if family planning is to be effective, it must always begin with the individual, taking the whole issue of reproductive health into consideration. Men must share the responsibility for sexual behavior and family planning, and real equality will only be attained when women are empowered to regulate their own fertility. As nongovernmental health care organizations, IPPF's member associations offering services in 133 countries are able to work towards the principles of informed choice and voluntary family planning--even where governments may not be giving women the choices they deserve.

Role of histaminergic mechanisms in the regulation of some stress responses in rats

The involvement of histaminergic mechanisms in the regulation of some stress responses was studied in rats. The brain neuronal histamine (HA) depletor, alpha-fluoromethyl histidine (alpha-FMH), at doses (50 or 100 mg/kg) which markedly lower brain HA, significantly attenuated the gastric ulcer formation and the elevation in plasma corticosterone in response to cold restraint stress (CRS). alpha-FMH also appreciably reduced gastric mucosal HA content. The H1-antagonist, pheniramine (25 mg/kg), attenuated both the gastric mucosal and endocrine response to CRS, while the effects of the H2-antagonist, cimetidine (200 mg/kg), were on the plasma corticosterone levels. These results are discussed in light of complex HA-ergic mechanisms in the maintenance of physiological homeostasis during stress.

Effects of stress on immune responsiveness, gastric ulcerogenesis and plasma corticosterone in rats: modulation by diazepam and naltrexone

Effects of restraint stress (24 hr at room temperature) were evaluated on some immunological, visceral and endocrinal responses in rats. In animals sensitized with sheep RBC (SRBC), restraint stress (a) prevented the booster-induced rise in anti-SRBC antibody titre, (b) induced gastric mucosal erosions, and (c) elevated plasma corticosterone, when compared to non-stressed controls. Diazepam (1 or 10 mg/kg) consistently attenuated the effects of stress on all three parameters studied. The opioid antagonist, naltrexone (1 or 5 mg/kg) tended to aggravate these stress-induced effects. These concurrent biological changes during stress and their modulation by drugs are discussed in light of a possible correlation between endocrinal, immunological and visceral changes during such aversive stimuli.

Sudden death caused by coronary artery aneurysms: a late complication of Kawasaki disease

The authors describe three cases (two blacks and one Latin American) of sudden death caused by late complications of Kawasaki disease (mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome). At autopsy each heart contained multiple coronary artery aneurysms with luminal stenosis caused by intimal hyperplasia and thrombi. Although virtually all fatal cases of Kawasaki disease occur within six months of the onset of symptoms, there have been other reported deaths up to 14 years after the acute illness. The coronary artery aneurysms of Kawasaki disease may persist and cause death years after the acute illness.

Recovery from anesthesia. Hemodynamic consequences of emergence

Attempts to attenuate the hemodynamic "emergence response" depend upon the availability and use of "real-time" physiological monitors. Such devices increase our diagnostic acuity and accuracy during this critical and labile period. Future investigation is needed to determine the effects of monitoring on morbidity and mortality, and is likely to lead to the development of guidelines and standards of care for the transport of emerging patients from the operating room to the PACU.

Serum anti-gliadin antibody profile in childhood protracted diarrhoea due to coeliac disease and other causes in a developing country

Serum anti-gliadin antibody (AGA) titres were estimated by diffusion in a gel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in children with coeliac disease (n = 11), protracted diarrhoea of non-coeliac causes (n = 110), acute gastroenteritis (n = 20), protein energy malnutrition (n = 20), and asymptomatic, well-nourished children (n = 66). The mean IgG and IgA AGA titres were significantly higher (p less than 0.001) in children with coeliac disease than in any other groups. There was no significant difference (p greater than 0.01) in AGA titres in relation to age, nutritional status, or severity of villous injury. In patients with coeliac disease AGA titres showed a good correlation with disease activity. The specificity and sensitivity of the assay are discussed.