Rivastigmine in Parkinson's disease dementia

Rivastigmine Regulates the HIF-1α/VEGF Signaling Pathway to Induce Angiogenesis and Improves the Survival of Random Flaps in Rats

Random skin flaps are frequently used to repair skin damage. However, the ischemic and hypoxic necrosis limits their wider application. Rivastigmine, a carbamate cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI), has also been shown to reduce ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) and inflammation. This study was performed to examine the effect of rivastigmine on flap survival. Sixty male Sprague–Dawley rats with a modified McFarland flap were randomly divided into three groups: control group, 1 ml of solvent (10% DMSO + 90% corn oil); low-dose rivastigmine group (Riv-L), 1.0 mg/kg; and high-dose rivastigmine group (Riv-H), 2.0 mg/kg. All rats were treated once a day. On day 7, the skin flap survival area was measured. After staining with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), the pathological changes and microvessel density (MVD) were examined. The expression of inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18, CD34, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was examined by immunohistochemical staining. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were examined to determine the degree of oxidative stress. Lead oxide/gelatin angiography showed neovascularization and laser Doppler blood flowmetry showed the blood filling volume. Rivastigmine significantly increased the flap survival area and improved neovascularization. CD34, VEGF, and HIF-1α expression were increased, These changes were more pronounced in the Riv-H group. Treatment with rivastigmine reduced the level of MDA, improved SOD activity, and reduced expression of IL-1β and IL-18. Our results indicate that Rivastigmine can increase angiogenesis and significantly improve flap survival.

Plasma butyrylcholinesterase concentrations in psittacine birds: reference values, factors of variation, and association with feather-damaging behavior

Butyrylcholinesterase is a glycoprotein enzyme used in the diagnosis of toxicosis by cholinesterase-inhibitor agents like organophosphates and carbamates. In animals, butyrylcholinesterase concentrations have been shown to vary depending on numerous factors such as age, sex, diet, and season of sampling. To establish reference values of plasma butyrylcholinesterase concentrations in common psittacine species, plasma butyrylcholinesterase concentrations were measured in 1942 companion psittacine birds. The birds were classified by age, sex, season, health status, and the presence of feather-damaging behavior. A significant difference was observed among species, with eclectus parrots (Eclectus roratus) having the lowest and African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) having the highest reference values. Plasma butyrylcholinesterase concentrations varied by age, health status, and season but not by sex. Concentrations were significantly higher during autumn and spring than during winter and summer, and significantly lower in healthy birds than in sick birds. No significant association between butyrylcholinesterase concentrations and feather-damaging behavior could be established except in lovebirds (Agapornis species). Further research is needed to better understand the effect of nutritional and hormonal factors on butyrylcholinesterase concentrations in psittacine birds and its possible effect on bird cognition.