Dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus plantarum and β-glucan affects immune parameters in the tench (Tinca tinca) fry

The aim of the experiment was to examine the effect of a diet enriched with Lactobacillus plantarum and/or β-glucan on the immune parameters in the juvenile tench (Tinca tinca). Fish were fed for 14 days different diets (phase 1 of the experiment), a dry commercial starter feed in the control group or the same feed supplemented with: 1% β-1,3/1,6-glucan in group G, 108 cfu L. plantarum g-1 in group L, 1% β-1,3/1,6-glucan + 108 cfu L. plantarum g-1 in group G+L. During consecutive 14 days all fish were fed the commercial feed alone (phase 2). The stimulating effects of the tested preparations was evaluated twice, at the end of each experimental phase. Dietary supplementation of β-1,3/1,6-glucan considerably improved the humoral innate immune response (activity of lysozyme and total Ig) and the pinocytotic activity of phagocytes. Supplement of L. plantarum improved the ability of the head kidney phagocytes (RBA) to carry out oxygen burst in L and G+L groups. A similar effect was observed for the killing activity of phagocytes (PKA) from the head kidney after the stimulation of A. hydrophila, and the effect persisted for two weeks after the commercial feed regime was resumed. A significant increase in the proliferative activity of B lymphocytes originating from the head kidney was observed in groups L and G+L. The study has revealed that the addition of the tested G+L synbiotic to dry diet stimulates the innate immune response mechanisms in the juvenile tench.

Arterial hypertension and remodeling of the right ventricle

BACKGROUND

In case of long-term and physiological loads (e.g. during pregnancy or regular athletics training), reversible morphological changes occur in the heart - cardiomyocytes undergo hypertrophy, however, this is not accompanied by impairment of left ventricular function or myocyte metabolism. However, in the course of various pathological processes, as time goes by, gradually permanent morphological changes occur. These changes are referred to as remodeling of the heart muscle, which, regardless of the primary cause, can lead to the development of chronic heart failure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was performed on post-mortem material of 35 human hearts obtained from forensic sections and anatomopathological sections of people who died of non-cardiac causes (mainly traffic accidents, suicide attempts, strokes, acute infections); material was fixed in a 4% formalin solution. The hearts were subjected to macro- and microscopic assessment. During microscopic assessment the features of remodeling were evaluated.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

In vivo and echocardiographic tests, as well as macroscopic evaluation of post-mortem material, suggest the presence of some kind of right ventricular muscle remodeling, however classic microscopic observations, presented in this study do not provide such unambiguous evidence. Thus, the question arises: why and how the right ventricular function is disturbed, sometimes at early stages of arterial hypertension.

Development of the interatrial wall during the ontogenesis of foetuses and children up to one year of age

BACKGROUND

The foramen ovale, present in foetal interatrial septum, plays an important role during foetal life. During delivery, foramen ovale closes and becomes fossa ovalis, starting the pulmonary circulation. The aim of our study was to describe the growth of the interatrial wall and changes in location of the foramen ovale, and fossa ovalis during the ontogenesis in the human hearts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was performed on post-mortem material obtained from 92 human hearts from 22nd week of foetal life up to 1 year of age, fixed in a 4% formalin solution.

RESULTS

The interatrial wall size in the studied development period was greater in the horizontal than in the vertical dimension. During ontogenesis up to 1 year old, the anterior and inferior parts of the interatrial wall increased their shares considerably by 8% and 6%, respectively. The percentage participation of foramen ovale in the interatrial wall construction in the foetal period formed more than 50% of its size and fairly decreased reaching in infants about 39%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that during ontogenesis, from the foetal period to infancy, the parts of the interatrial wall increase their dimensions unevenly. The foramen ovale growth is smaller, compared to the rest of the interatrial wall development. On the basis of our data we can assume that the foramen ovale centre tends to be found in the postero-inferior quadrant of the interatrial wall (foetuses) and in postero-superior quadrant of the interatrial wall - in infants.

Metric analysis of the lumbar region of human vertebral column

Detailed measurement of lumbar spine, despite the many years of study, still provides new information, especially due to low back pain, which is increasing and unresolved worldwide health problem. This review includes historical background and evolution of measurement methods. The paper also focused on searching optimal animal model of lumbar spine and summarizes current knowledge and essential tips. In addition, practical application of lumbar metric analysis was presented. This summary is a starting point for further consideration.

Resonances in forward π+π− photoproduction on hydrogen

We show that the cross section of the Δ(1230) production in the γp → pπ+ π− reaction at forward angles and with unpolarized photons can be described in terms of gauge invariant one pion t-channel exchange amplitudes. Proper description of the polarized cross sections requires, however, the inclusion of contributions from the baryon exchanges.

Characterization of lake minnow Eupallasella percnurus semen in relation to sperm morphology, regulation of sperm motility and interpopulation diversity

Sperm morphology and regulation of sperm motility of lake minnow Eupallasella percnurus, an endangered cyprinid, were investigated. Milt characteristics from two isolated populations of E. percnurus were compared to characterize the interpopulation diversity. Electron microscopic studies revealed that E. percnurus spermatozoa comprise simple, uniflagellate, anacrosomal aquasperm with species-specific features as an eccentrically located implantation of nuclear fossa and eccentric insertion of flagellum. Sperm motility was significantly inhibited by relatively low ion concentrations (150, 150 and 8 mM for NaCl, KCl and CaCl2 , respectively). Sperm maintained a high motility rate over a wide pH range (5.5-10.5), which may reflect adaptation to a highly variable environment. The two E. percnurus populations were markedly different in milt volume, sperm concentration, seminal plasma pH, sperm motility and beat cross frequency, which may result from genetic differences and environmental conditions.

Precise determination of the f0(600) and f0(980) pole parameters from a dispersive data analysis

We use our latest dispersive analysis of ππ scattering data and the very recent K(ℓ4) experimental results to obtain the mass, width, and couplings of the two lightest scalar-isoscalar resonances. These parameters are defined from their associated poles in the complex plane. The analytic continuation to the complex plane is made in a model-independent way by means of once- and twice-subtracted dispersion relations for the partial waves, without any other theoretical assumption. We find the f(0)(600) pole at (457(-13))+14))-i(279(-7)(+11)) MeV and that of the f(0)(980) at (996 ± 7)-i(25(-6)(+10)) MeV, whereas their respective couplings to two pions are 3.59(-0.13)(+0.11) and 2.3 ± 0.2 GeV.

The initial zones of the atrioventricular node: really neglected anatomical features of potential clinical significance?

The constant evolution of medical knowledge and accompanying development of diagnostic and treatment possibilities for arrhythmias and conduction disturbances has reawakened interest in the structure and function of the conduction system of the human heart, especially in the region of the atrioventricular (AV) junction and within the junction itself. Of the large number of studies dealing with the AV junction few focus on the initial zones of the AV node. These were described for the first time by Tawara in 1906. Similarly, Anderson et al. distinguished two origins of the AV node, the left one running towards the basis of the mitral valve and the right one leading towards the tricuspid valve. The differences in length and scale could be the result of the adoption of different reference points. The study was carried out on the material of 50 human hearts, of both sexes and ranging in age from 22 to 93, which were fixed in 10% formalin and 98% ethanol solution. The tissue obtained was fixed in the 10% formalin solution and, after being sunk in the paraffin, was cut into layers of about 10 mum thick. According to the age of the hearts, every 10(th) or 6(th) section was stained by the Masson-Goldner method. The preparations were examined under a LEICA 2000 and BIOLAR 2 microscope at magnifications of 2x to 400x. Each of the 50 examined hearts contained the atrioventricular node and its initial parts. We observed that the initial zone of the AV node is created by an assembly of cells typical for a conduction system that can create three groups that are initially independent of each other and are always arranged around the AV nodal artery. In all the hearts examined we found at least two initial parts of the node: the superior and inferior. These two groups were present in 45 hearts (90%). In the last 5 cases (10%) there was also a middle group. No cases were found either with a single initial group or without any initial groups. In the sections examined the superior group appeared to be first in 27 hearts (54%), while in 23 cases (46%) the inferior group was first. The length of each group was measured from its first appearance to its first direct contact with the second part. The length of the superior part varied from 0.15 to 2.91 mm (mean 0.90 +/- 0.6 mm), the inferior from 0.11 to 2.41 mm (mean 0.88 +/- 0.6 mm) and the middle from 0.67 to 2.21 mm (mean 1.04 +/- 0.7 mm). As mentioned above, in all 50 hearts there was a direct connection between the atrial muscle and the upper origin of AV node. Furthermore, in all sections (100%) the same part of the interatrial septal muscle was connected to the compact part of the node. Additionally, in 3 cases (6%) we were able to observe direct connections between the muscle fibres running from the fasciculus limbicus inferior to the initial zone of the AV node: in 2 cases (4%) with the superior group and in 1 case (2%) with the inferior group. In 8% of the material the atrial muscle of the supra-orificial zone made direct contact with the superior initial group and the compact zone of the node and in 10% there was contact between the suborificial muscle and the inferior group and the compact part of the node. This configuration was not observed in relation to the middle and inferior groups.

Potentiatied antitumor effectiveness of combined chemo-immunotherapy with interleukin-12 and 5-fluorouracil of L1210 leukemia in vivo

In this study we investigated the efficacy of a combination of IL-12 and 5-FU, a chemotherapeutic exerting several immunomodulatory effects, in murine L1210 leukemia. Mice inoculated with 1 x 10(5) leukemia cells were treated with a single dose of 5-FU (50 mg/kg) and seven daily doses of IL-12 (100 ng/dose), and were observed for survival. Treatment with IL-12 or 5-FU given alone produced moderate anti-leukemic effects. However, combination of both drugs resulted in a significant prolongation of mouse survival time. Importantly, there were 70% of long-term (>60 days) survivors among mice treated with both agents simultaneously. Moreover, we observed 100% of long-term survivors when mice were treated with a minimally increased dose of IL-12 (170 ng) in combination with 5-FU (50 mg/kg). The antileukemic effects were completely abrogated in scid/scid mice and in mice depleted of peritoneal macrophages and significantly decreased after administration of anti-CD3+, anti-CD4+ or anti-CD8+ monoclonal antibodies. Administration of anti-NK1.1 antibodies did not decrease the antileukemic effects indicating that NK cells are not important effectors of this treatment regimen. Collectively, these results indicate that the combination of IL-12 and 5-FU is inducing strong antileukemic responses that are dependent on the presence and activity of macrophages and T lymphocytes and warrant further studies of combined chemo-immunotherapy with IL-12.

[Effect of group psychotherapy on changes in symptoms and personality traits in patients with anxiety syndromes]

Psychotherapy remains the most efficient form of treatment in neurotic and personality disorders. It is a process whereby the therapist can influence and change the patient's personality. As a result, patients are able to better understand their experiences and behavior and are given a chance to be freed from symptoms. The goal of the present study was to establish the relationship between group psychotherapy and specific symptom clusters, and to follow changes in the personality structure of patients of both genders diagnosed according to ICD-10 classification. The Symptoms Questionnaire and the Personality Factor test were used to determine the severity of symptoms and study personality traits. The study group consisted of 115 patients (76 women and 39 men) with neurotic or personality disorders, participating in group therapy at the Day Care Unit of the Department of Psychiatry, Pomeranian Academy of Medicine in Szczecin between 1992 and 1998. Four groups were formed depending on the diagnosis according to ICD-10 classification: anxiety disorders--F41; somatic disorders--F45; neurotic disorders--F48; and personality disorders--F60 (Table 1). Treatment started and ended with a CV Questionnaire, Symptoms Questionnaire and Personality Factor test. Group psychotherapy was in the open form and the duration of treatment was 12 weeks with 2 sessions per day. In order to detect any improvement in mental health and symptoms, patients were given the Symptoms Questionnaire on a weekly basis. Statistics were done with the SPSS software package. It was found that the global intensity of symptoms before treatment was highest in patients with somatic form of the disorder. In this group after therapy, the intensity of symptoms was lowest, probably because of conversion of primary to secondary anxiety. A considerable decrease in the intensity of symptoms may also be explained by stronger motivation of these patients to benefit from therapy because of their severe symptoms. A link between the clinical diagnosis according to ICD-10 and some symptoms reported by the patients was noted. Thus, the Symptoms Questionnaire could be a useful tool precisely revealing specific symptoms in some disorders. No statistically significant differences on the Symptoms Questionnaire scale based on ICD-10, nor any differences in personality traits were found. The personality traits were different for men and women before and after therapy. As for hysterical symptoms, improvement was greater in women. After psychotherapy, the structure of personality traits improved in both sexes (Fig. 1). An essential alleviation of symptoms was found at the beginning and at the end of treatment (Table 2). The main conclusions are: 1. Group psychotherapy is an efficient method of treatment for patients who suffer from anxiety-related disorders. 2. The Symptoms Questionnaire and Personality Factor test were very useful for assessing the results of psychotherapy. 3. Alleviation of symptoms during treatment differed between men and women in 3 out of 13 symptom clusters and no significant differences between disorders according to ICD-10 were found. Consequently, these criteria are of little value for preliminary evaluation of therapeutic success. 4. Alleviation of symptoms was observed at the beginning and end of treatment. Symptom severity remained constant in the middle part of treatment.

Two essential amino acids, L-lysine and L-histidine, in five types of experimental seizures

L-Lysine (250-2,000 mg/kg) and L-histidine (1,000-2,000 mg/kg) significantly raised the electroconvulsive threshold. D-Histidine (1,000 mg/kg) was completely ineffective in this regard. Both amino acids were generally inactive in pentetrazole-, picrotoxin- and aminophylline-induced seizures, though L-histidine (2,500 mg/kg) significantly reduced the number of mice with clonic convulsions in the pentetrazole test. Also, L-lysine (2,500 and 3,000 mg/kg) significantly diminished mortality rate in aminophylline-induced seizures. In addition, L-lysine (2,500-3,000 mg/kg) and L-histidine (2,000-2,500 mg/kg) delayed the onset of aminophylline- and picrotoxin-evoked convulsions. L-Lysine and L-histidine (both up to 1,000 mg/kg) did not affect amygdala-kindled seizures in rats. The results indicate that some of indispensable amino acids may play a role in the inhibitory transmission in the central nervous system. A possibility arises that appropriate diet may be an important supportive factor in the treatment of some epileptic patients, probably suffering from generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Direct stimulation of macrophages by IL-12 and IL-18--a bridge too far?

A novel pathway of autocrine macrophage activation based on a positive feedback loop involving interleukin (IL)-12, IL-18 and IFN-gamma has recently been suggested. However, the macrophage isolation technique employed to describe the above phenomenon does not allow obtaining a pure population of macrophages casting some doubt to its existence. In the present study, we show that even minor contamination with lymphoid cells of a pure population of macrophage-like cells (Raw 264.7) results in a marked production of nitric oxide after stimulation with both IL-12 and IL-18. Neither macrophage-like cells nor lymphoid cells were capable of secreting high amounts of nitric oxide after stimulation with IL-12 and/or IL-18. Based on these observations we hypothesize that proposed autocrine feedback loop of macrophage activation is rather paracrine in nature and involves direct stimulation of residual lymphoid cells to secrete IFN-gamma that is then capable of activating macrophages.

Potentiation of the anti-tumour effects of Photofrin-based photodynamic therapy by localized treatment with G-CSF

Photofrin-based photodynamic therapy (PDT) has recently been approved for palliative and curative purposes in cancer patients. It has been demonstrated that neutrophils are indispensable for its anti-tumour effectiveness. We decided to evaluate the extent of the anti-tumour effectiveness of PDT combined with administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) as well as the influence of Photofrin and G-CSF on the myelopoiesis and functional activity of neutrophils in mice. An intensive treatment with G-CSF significantly potentiated anti-tumour effectiveness of Photofrin-based PDT resulting in a reduction of tumour growth and prolongation of the survival time of mice bearing two different tumours: colon-26 and Lewis lung carcinoma. Moreover, 33% of C-26-bearing mice were completely cured of their tumours after combined therapy and developed a specific and long-lasting immunity. The tumours treated with both agents contained more infiltrating neutrophils and apoptotic cells then tumours treated with either G-CSF or PDT only. Importantly, simultaneous administration of Photofrin and G-CSF stimulated bone marrow and spleen myelopoiesis that resulted in an increased number of neutrophils demonstrating functional characteristics of activation. Potentiated anti-tumour effects of Photofrin-based PDT combined with G-CSF observed in two murine tumour models suggest that clinical trials using this tumour therapy protocol would be worth pursuing.

Interleukin 12 and indomethacin exert a synergistic, angiogenesis-dependent antitumor activity in mice

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown to reduce the incidence and mortality from colorectal cancer. It has recently been demonstrated that these drugs are capable of suppressing the production of pro-angiogenic factors from tumor cells. The mechanisms of antitumor action of interleukin 12 include the enforced secretion of anti-angiogenic factors and stimulation of antitumor immunity. Therefore, we hypothesized that the combination of a model nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug--indomethacin and interleukin 12--would result in enhanced angiogenesis-dependent antitumor effects against a colon-26 carcinoma cells transplanted into syngeneic mice. As expected the combined administration of both agents simultaneously resulted in a strengthened antitumor activity that was manifested as a retardation of tumor growth and prolongation of mouse survival. Importantly some mice were completely cured after the combined treatment. As administration of interleukin 12 and indomethacin resulted in enhanced inhibition of angiogenesis it seems possible that prevention of new blood vessel formation is one of the mechanisms responsible for the observed antitumor effects.

Protection by conventional and new antiepileptic drugs against lindane-induced seizures and lethal effects in mice

Toxic effects caused by the organochlorine xenobiotic lindane may result from too excessive antiscabicidal treatment and in cases of accidental or intentional poisoning. Predominant symptoms of lindane intoxication concern the central nervous system, e.g. different manifestation of hyperexcitability and epileptiform activity. The inhibition of GABA-ergic neurotransmission seems to be responsible for the convulsant activity of lindane. This study was intended to compare the protective activity of conventional and new antiepileptic drugs against convulsions and lethal effects elicited by lindane administration in mice. Diazepam, clonazepam and phenobarbital protected against full seizure pattern and lethal effects evoked by lindane. Carbamazepine, phenytoin, gabapentin, felbamate and lamotrigine inhibited only lindane-induced tonic convulsions and mortality. It may be concluded that apart from benzodiazepines, phenobarbital and, to a lesser extent, carbamazepine, phenytoin, gabapentin, felbamate and lamotrigine could be used in lindane poisoning. Vigabatrin proved completely ineffective against seizures or lethal effects elicited by lindane.

Influence of melatonin upon the protective action of conventional anti-epileptic drugs against maximal electroshock in mice

Melatonin (50 mg/kg; 60 min before the test) significantly raised the electroconvulsive threshold in mice. The protective action of melatonin (50 mg/kg) in the electroconvulsive threshold test was reversed by aminophylline, picrotoxin and bicuculline. Melatonin at the subconvulsive dose of 25 mg/kg potentiated the anticonvulsive activity of carbamazepine and phenobarbital (ED50 values were significantly decreased from 12.1 to 8.3 and from 18.9 to 11.8 mg/kg, respectively). No potentiation was observed in the case of valproate and diphenylhydantoin (their ED50s were changed from 253 to 249 and from 10.3 to 9.7 mg/kg, respectively). Melatonin did not influence the plasma or brain levels of anti-epileptics studied, so a pharmacokinetic interaction is not probable. Melatonin (25 mg/kg) alone and its combinations with carbamazepine or phenobarbital, providing a 50% protection against maximal electroshock, were devoid of significant motor adverse effects, but caused strong long-term memory deficit. Consequently, it does not seem to be a good candidate for the treatment of epilepsy.

Effect of 5-fluoroindole-2-carboxylic acid (an antagonist of the NMDA receptor-associated glycine site) on the anticonvulsive activity of conventional antiepileptic drugs

5-Fluoroindole-2-carboxylic acid, an antagonist of the glycine site within the NMDA receptor complex, administered intraperitoneally in doses of 150 and 200 mg/kg, 120 min before electroconvulsions, significantly raised the convulsive threshold from 6.8 to 7.9 and 8.3 mA, respectively. At lower doses, it did not influence the threshold. However, lethality was observed 24h after administration of the threshold-elevating doses of this glycine site antagonist. 5-Fluoroindole-2-carboxylic acid (100 mg/kg), applied together with carbamazepine, valproate or phenobarbital, significantly reduced their ED50 values against maximal electroshock - from 13.9 to 7.5 mg/kg, from 291 to 242 mg/kg, and from 18.6 to 11.1 mg/kg, respectively. At the dose of 50 mg/kg, it also potentiated the protective activity of carbamazepine. However, 5-fluoroindole-2-carboxylic acid, up to 100 mg/kg, did not affect the anti-convulsive activity of diphenylhydantoin. When applied at doses equal to their ED50 values against maximal electroshock-induced convulsions, carbamazepine (13.9 mg/kg), phenobarbital (18.6 mg/kg) and valproate (291 mg/kg) did not affect the motor performance of mice in the chimney test. 5-Fluoroindole-2-carboxylic acid (100 mg/kg produced a significant motor impairment, at 50 mg/kg it did not affect the motor performance. The combined treatment of 5-fluoroindole-2-carboxylic acid (100 mg/kg) with carbamazepine, phenobarbital or valproate, providing a 50% protection against maximal electroshock, resulted in motor impairment. Only the combination of 5-fluoroindole-2-carboxylic acid (50 mg/kg) with carbamazepine (8.6 mg/kg) did not significantly influence this parameter. Almost all of the antiepileptic drugs studied, when administered at doses equal to their ED50 values against maximal electroshock, did not influence retention in the passive avoidance task, which is a measure of long-term memory. Only valproate (291 mg/kg) worsened long-term memory. The combined treatment of 5-fluoroindole-2-carboxylic acid (100 mg/kg) with carbamazepine or phenobarbital, providing a 50% protection against maximal electroshock, did not affect the retention. The combination of 5-fluoroindole-2-carboxylic acid (100 mg/kg) with valproate (242 mg/kg) caused a significant impairment of long-term memory and mortality of 50% of animals 24h following the administration. The results suggest that the blockade of the strychnine-insensitive glycine site may lead to an enhancement of the protective activity of some conventional antiepileptic drugs, which is associated with pronounced side-effects and lethality in some cases.

GYKI 52466 [1-(4-aminophenyl)-4-methoxy-7,8-methylenedioxy-5H-2,3-benzodiazepine hydrochloride] and the anticonvulsive activity of conventional antiepileptics against pentetrazol in mice

Excitatory amino acids participate in the generation of seizure activity. Consequently, the effects of GYKI 52466 [1-(4-aminophenyl)-4-methoxy-7,8-methylenedioxy-5H-2,3-benzodiazepine hydrochloride], an antagonist of glutamate-mediated events, on the protective activity of conventional antiepileptic drugs against pentetrazol were studied. GYKI 52466 (up to 10 mg/kg, i.p.) did not affect the clonic phase of pentetrazol (injected s.c. at its CD97 of 90 mg/kg) convulsions. Only the antipentetrazol activity of valproate (100 mg/kg) was enhanced by GYKI 52466 (10 mg/kg)--the percentage of mice protected was significantly increased from 20 to 90%. The anticonvulsive activity of clonazepam (at 0.01), ethosuximide (at 50), and phenobarbital (at 2.5 mg/kg) was not modified by GYKI 52466 (up to 10 mg/kg). The combination of valproate (100 mg/kg) with GYKI 52466 (10 mg/kg) did not affect the performance of mice evaluated in the chimney test. However, this combination resulted in significant memory deficits, measured in the passive avoidance task. In no case did GYKI 52466 (10 mg/kg) affect either total or free plasma levels of antiepileptic drugs (as measured by immunofluorescence), so a pharmacokinetic interaction is not probable. Finally, the interaction of the non-NMDA receptor antagonist with antiepileptic drugs does not seem promising in the pentetrazol test, recognized as a model of human myoclonic epilepsy.

[Comparison of combined treatment for venous ulcers in postphlebitic syndrome and use of PGE-1--introductory remarks]

We have included PGE-1 to the clinical management of varicose ulcers of the leg. We found the results very interesting and promising. The literature on using PGE-1 for this disease entity is rather poor and the biomechanics is still unclear.

Influence of nicardipine, nimodipine and flunarizine on the anticonvulsant efficacy of antiepileptics against pentylenetetrazol in mice

Among three calcium channel inhibitors, only nicardipine (10-40 mg/kg) significantly inhibited clonic seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol administered at its CD97 (convulsive dose 97%) of 81 mg/kg, subcutaneously. Nimodipine and flunarizine (both up to 80 mg/kg) did not suppress pentylenetetrazol-induced clonic seizures per se. Co-administration of nicardipine (5 mg/kg) resulted in a significant enhancement of the protective potency of either ethosuximide (50 mg/kg) or valproate (100 mg/kg) against clonic seizures in this test. Similar effects were noted in case of combined treatment of nimodipine (20-40 mg/kg) with these antiepileptics. On the contrary, flunarizine (up to 20 mg/kg) did not modify the anticonvulsive action of these antiepileptic drugs. Moreover, none of the studied calcium channel inhibitors influenced the protective activity of clonazepam (0.01 mg/kg). The antiepileptic drugs, administered alone in above doses, were ineffective against pentylenetetrazol-induced clonic convulsions. In case of ethosuximide and valproate, the motor performance in the chimney test was worsened by co-administration of nimodipine (40 mg/kg). We found no pharmacokinetic interactions (at least in relation to the plasma levels of ethosuximide and valproate) that could explain the observed results. Thus, we conclude that a combination of some calcium channel inhibitors and antiepileptic drugs may provide more efficient protection against experimental seizures which may bear a potential clinical significance.

[Evaluation of pyralgin usefulness in premedication of patients before stomatological treatment]

Pyralgin (metamizole sodium) usefulness was tested in premedication of 90 patients subjected to processing of hard tooth tissues by grinding or drilling. The results of the study demonstrated that about 2/3 of the patients failed to observe any difference in the painfulness of the procedure with and without premedication with Pyralgin. In 1/3 of the patients Pyralgin reduced pain, improved wellbeing and raised the emotional status during the procedure. This effect might be regarded as a placebo result.