The effect of thrombosis-related laboratory values on mortality in COVID-19 infection

OBJECTIVE

COVID-19 may cause thrombosis in both venous and arterial systems. Familiarity with the signs and symptoms of thrombosis and its treatment is essential in treating COVID-19 infection and its complications. D-Dimer and mean platelet volume (MPV) are measurements related to the development of thrombosis. This study investigates whether MPV and D-Dimer values could be used to determine the risk of thrombosis and mortality in the COVID-19 early stages.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

424 patients who were COVID-19 positive, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, were randomly and retrospectively included in the study. Demographic and clinical characteristics such as age, gender, and length of hospitalization were obtained from the digital records of participants. Participants were divided into living and deceased groups. The patients' biochemical, hormonal, and hematological parameters were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

White blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, and monocytes were significantly different in the two groups (p-value <0.001), and their values were lower in the living group than in the deceased group. MPV median values did not differ according to prognosis (p-value = 0.994). While the median value was 9.9 in the survivors, it was 10 in the deceased. Creatinine, procalcitonin, ferritin, and the number of hospitalization days in living patients were significantly lower than in patients who died (p-value <0.001). Median values of D-dimer (mg/L) differ according to prognosis (p-value <0.001). While the median value was 0.63 in the survivors, it was found as 438 in the deceased.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results did not show any significant relationship between the mortality of COVID-19 patients and their MPV levels. However, a significant association between D-Dimer and mortality in COVID-19 patients was observed.

The significance of a novel inflammatory biomarker, presepsin, in predicting disease prognosis in patients with COVID-19

OBJECTIVE

This study aims at determining the significance of a novel inflammatory biomarker, presepsin, in predicting disease prognosis in patients with COVID-19.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study was concluded at the University Hospital between April and August 2020. The study involved 88 COVID-19 patients (48 men and 40 women). The patients were categorized into two groups: the patients admitted to the COVID-19 clinic, described as the moderate COVID-19 patients (Group-1; n=44), and those admitted to the internal medicine outpatient clinic, who were the mild COVID-19 patients (Group-2; n=44). The groups were compared using inflammatory markers: presepsin, C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio, Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio, and procalcitonin.

RESULTS

Serum presepsin levels (195.29 vs. 52.12 pg/ml) were significantly higher in the Group-1 compared to the Group-2 (p=0.001). The gender distribution and average age were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). While ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase, D-Dimer, platelet lymphocyte ratio, C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio (p=0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation ratio, C-Reactive Protein and presepsin were significantly higher in the Group-1 compared to Group-2 (p<0.05), while hemoglobin and lymphocyte were significantly lower in the Group-1 than in Group-2 (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum presepsin levels were found to be significantly higher in moderate clinical group COVID-19 patients compared to mild group. Presepsin, a new inflammatory biomarker, may be useful in predicting the prognosis and early treatment of COVID-19 infection.

Predictors of disease severity, clinical course, and therapeutic outcome in COVID-19 patients: our experience with 1,700 patients

OBJECTIVE

Our study aimed at investigating the impacts of demographic, hematological, and biochemical factors on the clinical course and the prognostic outcome in adult COVID-19 patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study was performed in the internal medicine departments of two hospitals, and data were extracted from the medical files of 1,700 adult COVID-19 patients (836 females, 49.2%; 864 males, 50.8%) with an average age of 48.23 ± 16.68 (range: 18-93). Clinical data included baseline descriptives, prior medical history, admission date, treatment, and hematological and biochemical blood test results. The relationship between the survival, length of hospitalization, hematological, and biochemical parameters was investigated.

RESULTS

Advanced age (p<0.001), presence of at least on comorbid disease (p=0.045), increased length of hospitalization (p=0.006), elevated white blood cell (p=0.001) and neutrophil (p=0.002) counts, increased serum levels of glucose (p=0.027), blood urea nitrogen (p<0.001), AST (p=0.006), LDH (p<0.001), CRP (p>0.001), and D-dimer (p=0.001). In contrast, diminution of serum levels of albumin (p<0.001), ALT (p=0.028), calcium (p=0.022), and platelet count (p=0.010) were associated with increased mortality. There was a positive and weak relationship between serum D-dimer levels and length of hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data imply that identifying and validating indicators that predict COVID-19 disease progression to improve health outcomes is crucial. Age, comorbidities, immunological response, radiographic abnormalities, laboratory markers, and signs of organ dysfunction may all predict poor outcomes individually or collectively. Identifying characteristics that predict COVID-19 problems is critical to guiding clinical management, improving patient outcomes, and allocating limited resources.

Predictive value of systemic immune-inflammation index for cerebral reperfusion and clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing endovascular treatment

OBJECTIVE

The systemic immune inflammation (SII) index has been an excellent prognostic indicator in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). In this study, we assessed the utility of the SII in predicting the prognosis and reperfusion status of patients with AIS who underwent endovascular treatment (EVT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

123 consecutive AIS patients were enrolled in our study. The receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to determine the cut-off value of SII for predicting unsuccessful cerebral reperfusion. Multivariate logistic regression analysis analyzed the association between SII and unsuccessful reperfusion rate after EVT.

RESULTS

The median value of SII was significantly higher in patients with unsuccessful reperfusion compared to patients with successful reperfusion [2,029 (1,217-2,771) vs. 1,172 (680-2,145) respectively, p=0.003)]. A ROC curve analysis showed that the best cut-off value of SII for predicting unsuccessful reperfusion status was 1,690, with sensitivity and specificity of 71% and 69%, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.673 (95% CI; 0.552-0.793). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that SII ≥ 1,690 value was an independent predictor of unsuccessful cerebral reperfusion and unfavorable clinical outcome after EVT (Hazard ratio - H.R.=3.713, 95% CI: 1.281-10.76, p=0.016, HR=2.28, 95% CI: 1.06-4.88, p=0.035, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

We suggested that SII is a potential indicator to predict the unsuccessful cerebral reperfusion and unfavorable clinical outcome for patients with AIS undergoing EVT.

The novel biomarker, neopterin, can predict the severity of COVID-19

OBJECTIVE

SARS-CoV-2 infection primarily affects T-lymphocytes, particularly CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. However, there is a need for simpler and less expensive laboratory tests with predictive values comparable to CD4+ cell counts. Thus, the goal of this study was to investigate the role of neopterin levels in predicting intensive care and mortality in coronavirus disease patients in 2019.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 87 hospitalized patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19. Patients were divided into two groups: those receiving intensive care (Severe COVID-19; S-COVID-19) and those receiving non-intensive care (Moderate COVID-19; M-COVID-19). Patients' clinical characteristics, serum neopterin levels, and other laboratory data were compared across groups.

RESULTS

The average age was 63.9±155.2 years, and 44 (%) of the participants were male. WBC (p = 0.008), neutrophil (p = 0.002), HDL (p = 0.009), ferritin, calcium, albumin, LDH, APTT, lymphocyte, INR, D-dimer, troponin, prothrombin time sedimentation, and PaO2 (p = 0.001) were all associated with death. The neopterin level in the M-COVID-19 group was 3 (min-max; 3.1-5.9) and 3.2 (2.3-7) in the S-COVID-19 group, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.456). Gender differences between groups were not significant (p = 0.183). According to the ROC analysis, if parameters such as age, D-Dimer, troponin, ferritin, albumin, LDH, CRP, procalcitonin, and PaO2 exceed the cut-off values and lymphocyte levels are below, it can predict the need for intensive care and mortality in COVID-19 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Although we did not find statistically significant results with neopterin in terms of mortality in COVID-19 individuals in our study, more thorough, prospective, randomized controlled studies with expanded patient populations at various phases of the disease are needed.

The role of neutrophil albumin ratio in predicting the stage of non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

Inflammation forms the basis of cancer development and progression. It causes changes in complete blood count parameters, such as neutrophil counts. Low albumin levels are associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. We aimed to investigate the association between neutrophil to albumin ratio (NAR) and the stage of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

257 NSCLC patients (24 females and 198 males) were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 (n=61) included patients with early stage cancer (stage 1 and 2), while group 2  (n=196) included those with advanced stage cancer (stage 3 and 4). Demographic data, neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet, white blood cell counts (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), ferritin and albumin levels at the time of diagnosis were recorded. The NAR of 2 groups were compared.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the lymphocyte count (2.0 vs. 2.0 103/mm3) and platelet count (291 vs. 311 103/mm3) of the two groups (p > 0.05). ESR (38.8 vs. 57.5 mm/h), CRP (158 vs. 57 mg/l), ferritin (85 vs. 261 ng/ml), WBC count (8.6 vs. 10.6 103/mm3), neutrophil count (5.6 vs. 7.5 103/mm3), albumin values (2.9 vs. 3.7 gr/dl), and (p < 0.05) NAR levels (1.6 vs. 2.3) (p < 0.05) were significantly higher in group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

NAR can be used in predicting the stage of NSCLC.

Sleep and Physical Performance: A Case Study of Collegiate Women's Division 1 Basketball Players

In this work, we present a case study to evaluate the connections between sleep, training load, and the perceptions of physical/emotional state of a collegiate, division 1 Women's basketball team. The study took place during the off- (3 weeks) and pre-season (6 weeks) while sleep was tracked using WHOOP wearable straps. Training load was recorded by the strength coach and athletes. Short Recovery and Short Stress (SRSS) questionnaire was used to evaluate the perceptions of athletes on their own emotional and physical states. Our results showed that heart rate measurements are associated with stress levels and recovery perception. We also discovered that the training load was not linked to the sleep variables without the considerations of athletic performance. However, training load may alter perceived stress and recovery which requires further exploration.

EFFECTS OF VITAMIN D ANALOGS ON ERYTHROPOIESIS-STIMULATING AGENT DASAGE AND SECONDARY ANEMIA IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

To investigate the effects of Vitamin D Analogs, paricalcitol and alphacalcidol, on hemoglobin levels and erythropoietin-stimulating agents' dosage in hemodialysis patients with chronic renal failure. A total of 310 patients under hemodialysis treatment for chronic renal failure were included in this retrospective multicenter study. Data on serum parathormone and hemoglobin levels, erythropoietin-stimulating agents' doses, C-reactive protein, calcium and phosphate levels were collected from medical records to comparatively evaluate paricalcitol, alphacalcidol and no treatment groups. Apart from significantly higher levels for hematocrit in patients treated with paricalcitol compared to pre-treatment values (32.3(3.8) vs. 34.1(3.1) p=0.007), pre-treatment and post-treatment values for biochemical parameters were similar in paricalcitol and alphacalcidol groups including ESA dose. A significant increase in parathormone levels (p=0.000 for each) while a significant decrease in calcium (p=0.003 and 0.040, respectively), Hb (p=0.001 and 0.009, respectively) and hematocrit (p=0.001 and 0.021, respectively) levels were determined in paricalcitol and alphacalcidol treated patients compared with untreated patients. Also, phosphate levels in alphacalcidol treated patients were significantly higher (p=0.018) than untreated patients. Our findings revealed insufficient suppression of parathormone levels and there of lower hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, but similar ESA dosage among CRF patients treated with Vitamin D analogs compared with untreated patients.

Kinetically Selective Inhibitors of Histone Deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) as Cognition Enhancers

Kinetically selective inhibitors of HDAC2 enhanced learning and memory in a CK-p25 mouse model of neurodegeneration.

Aiming towards the development of novel nootropic therapeutics to address the cognitive impairment common to a range of brain disorders, we set out to develop highly selective small molecule inhibitors of HDAC2, a chromatin modifying histone deacetylase implicated in memory formation and synaptic plasticity. Novel ortho-aminoanilide inhibitors were designed and evaluated for their ability to selectively inhibit HDAC2 versus the other Class I HDACs. Kinetic and thermodynamic binding properties were essential elements of our design strategy and two novel classes of ortho-aminoanilides, that exhibit kinetic selectivity (biased residence time) for HDAC2 versus the highly homologous isoform HDAC1, were identified. These kinetically selective HDAC2 inhibitors (BRD6688 and BRD4884) increased H4K12 and H3K9 histone acetylation in primary mouse neuronal cell culture assays, in the hippocampus of CK-p25 mice, a model of neurodegenerative disease, and rescued the associated memory deficits of these mice in a cognition behavioural model. These studies demonstrate for the first time that selective pharmacological inhibition of HDAC2 is feasible and that inhibition of the catalytic activity of this enzyme may serve as a therapeutic approach towards enhancing the learning and memory processes that are affected in many neurological and psychiatric disorders.

The effects of L type calcium channels on the electroencephalogram recordings in WAG/RIJ rat model of absence epilepsy

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy is one of the most important central nervous system disorder and 1% of the total world population suffers from this disorder which require a chronic drug treatment. Most of the researchers suggested that excessive calcium entry into neurons is the main triggering event in the initiation of epileptic discharges but the role of L type calcium channels has not been clarified in absence epilepsy.

AIM

In this study, it is aimed to investigate the antiepileptic effects of nifedipine, an L type calcium channel blocker and BAY K8644, an L type calcium channel opener in a genetic model of absence epilepsy in WAG/Rij rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty two WAG/Rij rats were allocated into four groups; sham (only saline injected), only nifedipine (an L type calcium channel blocker) injected group (40 µg/2 µl; 60 µg/2 µl; 80 µg/2 µl), only BAY K8644 (1,4 Dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-5-nitro-4-trifluoromethyl- phenyl-3-pyridine carboxylic acid methyl ester) (L-type Ca2+-channel activator) injected group (40 µg/2 µl; 60 µg/2 µl; 80 µg/2 µl) and combination of their most effective doses BAY K8644 (60 µg/2 µl) after nifedipine (60 µg/2 µl) injected group. All agents were given by intracerebroventricular injection. The beta, alpha, theta and delta wave ratios of electroencephalogram recordings and the frequency and duration of SWDs (spike and wave discharges) were analyzed and compared between four groups.

RESULTS

Nifedipine increased the number and duration of spike wave discharges whereas BAY K8644 decreased both of them. When BAY K8644 was given after nifedipine, there was no significant difference with control group.

CONCLUSIONS

L type calcium channels play an activator role on spike wave discharges and have positive effects on the duration and frequency.

The presence of Helicobacter pylori in cervical preinvasive lesions

PURPOSE

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is believed to play a role in several gynecological and obstetric pathologies since the cervical mucosa resembles the gastric environment. The microorganism is expected to infect the upper genital tract via the oral-genital and fecal-genital routes.

METHODS

We studied 35 cases with benign, ASCUS, ASC-H, LSIL and HSIL pap-smear results. The presence of H. pylori in the uterine cervix and active infection were investigated with the H. pylori stool antigen test. Biopsy specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Warthin-Starry stains to find H. pylori in cervical tissue. Seroprevalence was investigated by using ELISA for H. pylori IgG and IgA.

RESULTS

The H. pylori seroprevalence was 65.7%; further, 17.1% of the cases had an active infection. H. pylori was not found in the cervix or the cervicovaginal secretions.

CONCLUSION

The cervix is not a reservoir for H. pylori, and the microorganism does not appear to be transmitted through the fecal-genital route.

Characteristics and medical management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are chronic, progressive, systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases that lead to serious disability. The objective of this study was to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients with RA and AS who were treated in tertiary hospitals in Turkey and to analyze their current medical management. A total of 562 RA and 216 AS patients were evaluated. The mean age of RA patients was 52.1 +/- 12.6 years. The female to male ratio was 3.7:1. Of the RA patients, 72.2% had positive rheumatoid factor (RF), 62.9% had high C-reactive protein, and 75.2% had radiological erosion. The ratio of patients with Disease Activity Score (DAS) 28 >3.2 was 73.9% and of those with Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) > or =1.5 was 20.9%. There was a statistically significant increase in RF positivity and HAQ scores in the group with higher DAS 28 score. Frequency of extraarticular manifestations was 22.4%. The ratio of the patients receiving disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) was 93.1%, and 6.9% of the patients were using anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocking agents. In AS, the mean age of the patients was 38.1 +/- 10.6, and the female to male ratio was 1:2.5. The time elapsed between the first symptom and diagnosis was 4.3 years. The ratio of peripheral joint involvement was 29.4%. Major histocompatibility complex, class I, B 27 was investigated in 31.1% of patients and the rate of positivity was 91%. In 52.4% of the patients, Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) was > or =4. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Bath AS Functional Index, and peripheral involvement were significantly higher in the group with BASDAI > or =4. Frequency of extraarticular involvement was 21.2% in AS patients. In the treatment schedule, 77.5% of AS patients were receiving sulphasalazine, 15% methotrexate, and 9.9% anti-TNF agents. Despite widespread use of DMARD, we observed high disease activity in more than half of the RA and AS patients. These results may be due to relatively insufficient usage of anti-TNF agents in our patients and therefore these results mostly reflect the traditional treatments. In conclusion, analysis of disease characteristics will inform us about the disease severity and activity in RA and AS patients and could help in selecting candidate patients for biological treatments.

Effect of hypothyroidism on the purinergic responses of corpus cavernosal smooth muscle in rabbits

AIMS

Several studies have reported evidence of hormonal abnormalities in 25-35% of impotent men. Hypothyroidism has been reported to occur in 6% of impotent men. In the present study, we examined purinergic relaxation responses in hypothyroidism in an experimental rabbit model and compared them with controls to evaluate the possible involvement of the purinergic pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study comprised 20 male New Zealand white rabbits. The rabbits were divided into two equal groups. We tested the effects of ATP, alpha beta ATP, and adenosine precontracted with phenylephrine on the isolated corpus cavernosum preparations from control and hypothyroid rabbits. We also evaluated the effects of ATP, alpha beta ATP, and adenosine on the cGMP levels in the isolated corpus cavernosum preparations from control and hypothyroid rabbits.

RESULTS

T3, T4, and testosterone levels were significantly lower in hypothyroid rabbits. ATP, alpha beta ATP, carbachol, and electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced frequency-dependent relaxation responses in the isolated rabbit corpus cavernosum strips precontracted with phenylephrine reduced significantly (P<0.05). Adenosine-induced relaxation responses did not change significantly in hypothyroid rabbits.

CONCLUSION

Reduction of relaxation response in hypothyroid rabbits corpus cavernosum can depend on a decreased release of nitric oxide (NO) from nitrergic nerves and endothelium.

Investigation of the relaxant effects of propofol on ovalbumin-induced asthma in guinea pigs

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Because the incidence of asthma appears to be increasing, the importance of proper perioperative management of individuals with asthma will also continue to increase. Although its mechanism of smooth muscle relaxation is unknown, propofol has been associated with less bronchoconstriction during anaesthetic induction. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible mechanism of these effects and the effects of propofol on the isolated trachea preparations from control and ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs.

METHODS

Adult male guinea pigs, weighing 280-330 g, were randomly allocated to two experimental groups, each consisting of 10 animals. Ten guinea pigs were sensitized by intramuscular injections of 0.30 mL of a 5% (w/v) ovalbumin/saline solution into each thigh (0.6 mL total) on days 1 and 4, whereas the remaining 10 served as controls receiving a total of 0.6 mL distilled water on days 1 and 4 as placebo. The isolated trachea preparations were mounted in tissue baths with modified Krebs-Henseleit solution and aerated with 95% oxygen and 5% carbon dioxide. We tested the effects of propofol (10(-7)-10(-3) M) on resting tension and after precontraction with carbachol and histamine on isolated trachea preparations from control and ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs. We also tested the effect of propofol on isolated trachea preparations precontracted with carbachol and histamine in the absence and presence of different inhibitors or antagonists. We investigated propofol responses in tracheal smooth muscle precontracted with CaCl2.

RESULTS

Propofol (10(-7)-10(-3) M) produced a concentration-dependent relaxation of isolated tracheal preparations precontracted by carbachol (10(-6) M) and histamine (10(-6) M) in both groups. Preincubation with N(w)-nitro L-arginine methyl ester (3x10(-5) M), indomethacin (10(-5) M) or propranolol (10(-4) M) did not produce a significant alteration on propofol-induced relaxation responses (P>0.05), while preincubation with tetraethylammonium (3x10(-4) M) significantly decreased the propofol-induced relaxation responses in both groups (P<0.05). Propofol (10(-7)-10(-3) M) induced concentration-dependently relaxations in isolated trachea rings precontracted with CaCl2 in both the control and ovalbumin-sensitized groups.

CONCLUSION

Propofol induced concentration-dependent relaxations in precontracted, isolated trachea smooth muscle of guinea pigs in both the control and ovalbumin-sensitized groups. These relaxations were independent of epithelial function and stimulation of beta adrenergic receptors. Opened Ca2+-sensitive K+ channels and inhibited L-type Ca2+ channels can contribute to these relaxations.

The incidence and management of acute and chronic rejection after living donor liver transplantation

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is a good alternative to cadaveric liver transplantation for end-stage liver disease. Herein we report the outcome of 132 LDLTs performed between 1999 and 2005, with special emphasis on the incidence and management of acute and chronic rejection. Among the LDLT population a first acute rejection episode (ARE) was clinically suspected in 24% and proven by liver biopsy in 11%. According to the Banff classification, 50% of AREs were grade 1, and 50%, grade 2. There was no grade 3 AREs. The first ARE occurred between 7 days and 23 months posttransplantation (mean 97 days, median 70 days). Ninety-seven percent (31/32) of the AREs occurred within the first year after transplantation and 3% (1/32) in the second year. Among the patients with ARE, 23% developed a second ARE between 4 and 11 months. A third ARE was detected in 8% of patients after month 18. All AREs responded to adjustment of immunosuppressive doses or steroid boluses. Chronic rejection (CR) was detected in 2%. In conclusion, the incidences of ARE and CR are consistent with the previously reported data. Acute and chronic rejections seem to be mild and easily manageable clinical conditions. Our results also showed a significant difference between clinically suspected and biopsy-proven ARE emphasizing the importance of indicated liver biopsies in the management of the LDLT population.

Vasorelaxant effect of opioid analgesics on the isolated human radial artery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Arterial grafts are prone to vasospasm. Opioid analgesics are commonly used in the perioperative course of cardiac surgical procedures. Therefore, we investigated the direct effects of morphine, meperidine, fentanyl and remifentanil on the human radial artery.

METHODS

Radial artery segments, obtained from 20 patients, were precontracted with phenylephrine. Using the organ bath technique, the endothelium-independent vasodilatation was tested in vitro by addition of cumulative concentrations of morphine, meperidine, fentanyl and remifentanil in separate organ baths, in the presence or absence of naloxone. Indomethacin and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester was added to all organ bath in order to determine the effects of prostaglandins and nitric oxide, respectively.

RESULTS

Morphine (10(-8) - 10(-4) mol L-1), meperidine (10(-10) - 10(-6) mol L-1), fentanyl (10(-10) - 10(-6) mol L-1) and remifentanil (10(-8) - 10(-4) mol L-1) caused a concentration-dependent vasorelaxation in the human being artery rings. The relaxations in the presence of naloxane did not change. The maximal relaxant effects of meperidine and fentanyl were significantly greater than those of morphine and remifentanil (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that morphine, meperidine, fentanyl and remifentanil produce concentration-dependent and endothelium-independent relaxations in human being radial artery rings. Meperidine and fentanyl are more potent relaxant agents than morphine and remifentanil in the human being radial artery in vitro.

Interactive effect of sevoflurane with isradipine or indomethacin on spontaneous contractile activity of isolated pregnant rat myometrium

Volatile anesthetics, calcium antagonists and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit contractile activity of myometrial smooth muscle. The aim of this study was to investigate the interactive effect of sevoflurane with isradipine or indomethacin on spontaneous contractile activity of myometrial strips isolated from pregnant rats. The myometrial strips were excised from rats (250-300 g) at 19-21 days of gestation and mounted in tissue baths for recording of isometric tension. Sevoflurane (0.5 to 3 MAC) inhibited the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous myometrial contractions in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05). Sevoflurane responses were repeated in the presence of isradipine (a dihydropyridine-type calcium channel blocker) and indomethacin (a non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor). Pretreatment with isradipine (10(-6) M) or indomethacin (10(-7) M), concentrations that themselves had no effect on spontaneous contractility, significantly increased the inhibitor responses to sevoflurane on amplitude and frequency of myometrial contractions, beginning at 1 MAC (P<0.05). Blockade of calcium channels in myometrial smooth muscle may increase the inhibitor effect of sevoflurane. Further work is needed to determine the cellular mechanism(s) of this interaction.

Differentiation of adrenal adenomas (lipid rich and lipid poor) from nonadenomas by use of washout characteristics on delayed enhanced CT

BACKGROUND

We describe nonenhanced, early contrast-enhanced, and delayed contrast-enhanced computed tomographic (CT) features and contrast washout characteristics of lipid-poor and lipid-rich adrenal adenomas and nonadenomas to determine the role of these methods in distinguishing one type from the other.

METHODS

Sixty-five patients with 77 adrenal masses (16 lipid-poor and 37 lipid-rich adenomas and 24 nonadenomas) were consecutively examined with dynamic helical CT. Nonenhanced CT was followed by early enhanced CT at 5, 10, 15, and 30 min delays after administration of contrast material.

RESULTS

The difference between the mean nonenhanced and early contrast-enhanced values of the lipid-poor adenomas and nonadenomas was statistically significant, but the ranges of the values were overlapping. The lipid-poor adenomas had lower mean attenuation values than those of nonadenomas on delayed contrast-enhanced scans at each delay time, but these differences did not reach statistical significance. Even though the relative percentage washout of the lipid-poor adenomas was lower than that of lipid-rich adenomas, it was remarkably different from that of the nonadenomas.

CONCLUSIONS

The absolute or relative percentage washout of contrast material on delayed contrast-enhanced CT is a highly specific test for the differentiation of lipid-poor and lipid-rich adrenal adenomas from adrenal nonadenomas.

Computed tomography findings of primary serous papillary carcinoma of the peritoneum in women

With the aim to describe preoperative computed tomography (CT) findings, the clinical, histopathological, and CT findings of the 12 consecutive patients with a confirmed diagnosis of primary peritoneal serous papillary carcinoma (PPSPC) were retrospectively evaluated. Of the 12 patients with a mean age of 57.5 +/- 10.3 years, ten (83.3%) were postmenopausal. Serum Ca-125 levels were elevated in all patients. Ten (83.3%) had Stage III and two (16.7%) patients had Stage IV disease and none of the excised ovaries had deep parenchymal involvement. The most common CT findings were the omental (n = 11), mesenterial (n = 11) and parietal peritoneal involvements (n = 10), and variable amount of ascites (n = 10). Pelvic peritoneal involvement in four (33.3%) patients was so extensive that it resembled a mass in the Douglas pouch. Thickening of the wall of gastrointestinal viscera (n = 9), lymphadenopathy (n = 5) and pleural effusion (n = 5) were the other CT findings and calcification was seen in only three (25.0%) patients. Although, none of them was characteristic, CT features of diffuse peritoneal, omental and mesenterial involvement especially in middle-aged or elderly postmenopausal women with normal-size ovaries in the absence of an identifiable primary site in conjunction with elevated level of serum CA-125 should suggest the possibility of PPSPC.

A microbial chip combined with scanning electrochemical microscopy

A microbial chip for bioassay was fabricated and its performance was characterized by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). The microbial chip was prepared by spotting a suspension of Escherichia coli on a polystyrene substrate by using a glass capillary pen. The respiration activity of the E. coli spot was imaged with SECM by mapping the oxygen concentration around the spot. The SECM images of the microbial chips clearly showed spots with lower reduction currents, indicating that E. coli in the spots uptake oxygen by respiration. The bactericidal effects of antibiotics (streptomycin and ampicillin) were measured using the E. coli-based microbial chip, and discussed in comparison with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determined by an agar plate dilution method.

Prevention of postoperative adhesion formation in rat uterine horn model by nimesulide: a selective COX-2 inhibitor

BACKGROUND

Pelvic surgery is one of the main causes of intraperitoneal (i.p.) adhesions that create various medical problems including pelvic pain, bowel obstructions and female infertility. A rat model was used to investigate the efficacy of nimesulide, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, in the prevention of adhesion formation.

METHODS

Fifty Wistar-Albino rats underwent bilateral uterine horn injury with a unipolar cautery. Study groups were as follows: (i) control group, no adjuvant therapy; (ii) i.p. Ringer's lactate group, 2 ml Ringer's lactate solution was instilled i.p.; (iii) i.p. Ringer's lactate plus nimesulide group, 1 ml Ringer's lactate plus 1 ml nimesulide (0.5 mg/ml) were given i.p.; (iv) intramuscular (i.m.) nimesulide group, 1 ml i.m. nimesulide (0.5 mg/ml) was given preoperatively for 5 days; and (v) i.p. nimesulide group, 1 ml nimesulide (0.5 mg/ml) was instilled i.p. At the end of the study all animals were killed, and a standard adhesion scoring system was applied by a blinded examiner.

RESULTS

The mean adhesion extent in study groups was as follows: 1.33 +/- 0.76 in control group, 1.40 +/- 0.90 in i.p. Ringer's lactate group, 0.75 +/- 0.70 in i.p. Ringer's lactate plus nimesulide group, 0.25 +/- 0.44 in i.m. nimesulide group and 0.31 +/- 0.70 in i.p. nimesulide group. The mean +/- SD adhesion severities of control, i.p. Ringer's lactate, i.p. Ringer's lactate plus nimesulide, i.m. nimesulide, and i.p. nimesulide groups were 0.58 +/- 0.35, 0.30 +/- 0.41, 0.27 +/- 0.3, 0.12 +/- 0.28 and 0.15 +/- 0.35 respectively. The lowest adhesions were found in the groups treated with nimesulide i.m. and nimesulide i.p. ( P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that preoperative i.m. or postoperative i.p. administration of nimesulide to the site of injury reduced the formation of postoperative adhesions in a rat uterine horn model.

Chloride channel blockers 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino) benzoic acid and anthracene-9-carboxylic acid inhibit contractions of pregnant rat myometrium in vitro

OBJECTIVE

We compared in vitro relaxant effect of chloride channel modulators, such as 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino) benzoic acid (NPPB) and anthracene-9-carboxylate (9-AC), and beta(2)-adrenergic agonists, such as ritodrine, in pregnant rat myometrium.

METHODS

Isolated myometrial strips were obtained from eight pregnant rats, and the strips were mounted in organ baths for recording isometric tension. The effects of 10(-8)-10(-4) M ritodrine, 10(-6)-3 x 10(-4) M NPPB, and 10(-6)-10(-3) M 9-AC on spontaneous contractions were recorded.

RESULTS

Ritodrine (10(-8)-10(-5) M) completely inhibited the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous contractions in myometrial strips isolated from pregnant rats in a concentration-dependent manner, but the relaxant effect of ritodrine at 10(-4) M concentration resulted in tachyphylaxis. The chloride channel blocker NPPB (10(-6)-3 x 10(-4) M) and the chloride transport inhibitor 9-AC (10(-5)-10(-3) M) decreased the amplitude of spontaneous myometrial contractions in a concentration-dependent manner; the maximum inhibition produced by the highest tested concentration of each drug was 43.8% and 42.1% of the original degree of spontaneous contractions, respectively. The frequency of myometrial contractions was significantly inhibited by NPPB and 9-AC beginning with the concentration of 10(-4) M.

CONCLUSION

NPPB and 9-AC appear to be effective relaxants of pregnant rat myometrium. These effects of NPPB and 9-AC might be therapeutically advantageous in clinical management of preterm labor.

Inhibitor effect of omeprazole in isolated human myometrial smooth muscle

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of omeprazole, an H+-K+-ATPase inhibitor, in myometrial smooth muscle strips from women undergoing elective caesarean section at term. Isolated myometrial strips taken with informed consent were obtained from eight pregnant women undergoing elective caesarean section at term (not in labour) and mounted in organ baths for recording of isometric tension. We recorded the effect of increasing concentrations of omeprazole on spontaneous and Ca2+-induced contractions of myometrial smooth muscle and on contractions of myometrial smooth muscle pretreated with indomethacin (3 x 10(-6) M) and L-NAME (3 x 10(-5) M). Omeprazole (10(-4)-10(-3) M) decreased the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous contractions in a time- and concentration-dependent manner in all myometrial smooth muscle isolated from pregnant women. The decrease in amplitude of contractions in myometrial smooth muscle reached statistical significance beginning from the concentration of 3 x 10(-4) M. Addition of indomethacin (3 x 10(-6) M) and L-NAME (3 x 10(-5) M) in to the organ baths 30 min before did not change relaxation responses to omeprazole. When 8 mM Ca2+-precontracted in Ca2+-free medium myometrial smooth muscle were exposed to increasing concentrations of omeprazole (10(-5)-10(-3) M), omeprazole produced relaxation responses in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, reaching statistical significance at 10(-4) M. These results show: (1) omeprazole time- and concentration-dependently decreased spontaneous contractile activity in myometrial smooth muscle isolated from pregnant women, (2) omeprazole-induced relaxations was not influenced by indomethacin and N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), suggesting that it is not mediated by cyclooxygenase products and nitric oxide, and (3) omeprazole brought about time- and concentration-dependently relaxation of myometrial smooth muscle precontracted by 8 mM Ca2+ in Ca2+-free medium. This effect of omeprazole may be due to blockade of the calcium channels.

Hepatic adenomatosis: gadolinium-enhanced dynamic MR findings

Hepatic adenomatosis is a rarely encountered liver disease. It is an entity distinct from hepatocellular adenoma and is characterized by the presence of more than 10 hepatic adenomas. We present the multiplanar and multiphasic dynamic magnetic resonance findings of hepatic adenomatosis in a 15-year-old adolescent who developed transfusional hemosiderosis and had received anabolic steroids for the treatment of aplastic anemia.

Injury caused by deeply penetrating knife blade lodged in infratemporal fossa

Knife-inflicted, deeply penetrating head and neck trauma is an uncommon life-threatening injury and a challenging problem. An examination of the neurovascular and systemic physical status is a first requirement and the decision as to which approach to adopt for the removal of the blade is of critical importance. Here we report a rare case of a pre-auricular stab wound with the knife blade deeply lodged in the extracranial infratemporal fossa. Radiological investigations showed that the knife blade had entered from the temporomandibular joint and become lodged through the anterior margin of foremen magnum below the petrosal bone. Minimal left vocal cord paresis, left palatal weakness and a slight deviation of the tongue towards the left side were observed. The other neurological and systemic physical evaluations were normal. Simple withdrawal of the blade in the operating room did not cause serious neurovascular injury. Here we discuss and compare the expanded exposure of anatomical structures for blade removal and simple withdrawal in similar injuries.

In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of JTE-907, a novel selective ligand for cannabinoid CB2 receptor

JTE-907 [N-(benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)-7-methoxy-2-oxo-8-pentyloxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxamide] was evaluated in vitro and in vivo as a novel selective ligand for cannabinoid receptor of peripheral type (CB2). The compound binds with high affinity to human CB2 or mouse CB2 expressed on CHO cell membrane and to rat CB2 on splenocytes. The K(i) affinities for human, mouse, and rat CB2 were 35.9, 1.55, and 0.38 nM, respectively. The selectivity ratio for the CB2 receptors compared with central nervous type receptors (CB1) of human (expressed on CHO cells), and mouse and rat CB1 on cerebellum were 66, 684, and 2760, respectively. JTE-907 showed concentration-dependent increase of forskolin-stimulated cAMP production in CHO cells expressing human and mouse CB2 in vitro, i.e., JTE-907 behaved as an inverse agonist, which is in contrast to Win55212-2 that reduces cAMP as an agonist. JTE-907 dosed orally inhibited carrageenin-induced mouse paw edema dose dependently. The same in vivo effect was observed with other cannabinoid receptor ligands such as SR144528, Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and Win55212-2. This is the first report that a CB2-selective inverse agonist, JTE-907, has an anti-inflammatory effect in vivo, and how the inverse agonist showed the same effect as Win55212-2 and Delta(9)-THC is discussed.

Effects of intravenous anesthetic agents on pregnant myometrium

Emergent or elective surgical procedures under general anesthesia may be required during pregnancy for some patients. For this reason, effects of anesthetics on uterine contractions are important. General anesthesia is not limited to the administration of inhalation agents, since induction and maintenance of anesthesia usually involve intravenous administration of different anesthetic agents. The effects of these agents on uterine contractions and blood flow are very important. The unexpected relaxation or contraction of myometrium can be harmful to fetus and continuing pregnancy. Our aim in this study is to investigate the effects of intravenous anesthetic agents on uterine contractions. In our study, we examined the effects of ketamine, propofol and midazolam on contractions of isolated pregnant rat myometrium. We observed that exposure to propofol, ketamine and midazolam at the concentrations of 10(-5)-10(-4) M decreased spontaneous contractile activity in myometrial strips isolated from pregnant rats. There was statistically significant difference between the control and all strips exposed to propofol, ketamine and midazolam in the contraction amplitude and integrated area under the contraction curve.

Effects of endothelin-1 and calcium channel blockers on contractions in human myometrium. A study on myometrial strips from normal and diabetic pregnant women

OBJECTIVE

We studied the effect of endothelin (ET)-1 on spontaneous contractions and the effects of nimodipine and isradipine on ET-1-induced contractions in myometrial tissue from normal and diabetic pregnant women.

STUDY DESIGN

We isolated myometrial strips from seven normal pregnant and seven gestational diabetic women undergoing elective cesarean section at term. Three sets of experimental studies were performed with three myometrial strips obtained from every woman and mounted in organ baths for recording of isometric tension. In the first set, the effect of increasing concentrations of ET-1 (10(-11)-10(-8) M) on spontaneous contractions was recorded. In the second and third sets, effects of increasing concentration of nimodipine (10(-6)-3.10(-5) M) and isradipine (10(-5)-3.10(-4) M), respectively, on contractions following pretreatment with 10(-8) M ET-1 were recorded.

RESULTS

ET-1, beginning from 10(-9) M and 10(-10) M, significantly increased the amplitude of contractions in normal and diabetic strips, respectively. ET-1, beginning from 10(-9) M, also increased the frequency of contractions in normal and diabetic strips. The amplitude of contractions was significantly higher in diabetic strips as compared with normal strips at 10(-9) and 10(-8) M. There was no significant difference in the frequency of contractions between normal and diabetic strips. ET-1 at 10(-8) M also increased the basal tone of all normal and diabetic strips. Nimodipine, beginning from 10(-6) M and 3.10(-6) M, and isradipine, beginning from 10(-5) M and 3.10(-5) M, significantly decreased the amplitude of contractions in normal and diabetic strips, respectively. Nimodipine at 10(-5) M and 3.10(-5) M and isradipine at 3.10(-4) M significantly decreased the frequency of contractions in normal strips. Nimodipine, except at 3.10(-5) M, and isradipine did not significantly decrease the frequency of contractions in diabetic strips.

CONCLUSION

Gestational diabetes increases ET-1-induced contractile response in human myometrium. The contractile effect of ET-1 in normal and diabetic myometrium is mediated partly by dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels since it is significantly reduced by nimodipine and isradipine. The promising data from this study warrant clinical studies on the definitive place of nimodipine and isradipine in the treatment of preterm labor, especially in a diabetic woman, to avoid metabolic complications of beta-mimetic tocolytics.

Inhibitory effects of isradipine on spontaneous and oxytocin- and carbachol-stimulated contractions of rat myometrium

Our aim was to investigate the effect of isradipine, a second-generation calcium channel blocker, on spontaneous and oxytocin- and carbachol-stimulated contractions of myometrium isolated from nonpregnant and pregnant rats. Amplitude, frequency, duration and integrated area of spontaneous and oxytocin- and carbachol-stimulated contractions of nonpregnant and pregnant rat myometrium were compared before and after the treatment with isradipine (10(-6) to 10(-4) mol/l). Isradipine inhibited contractions of myometrial strips isolated from nonpregnant and pregnant rats in a concentration-dependent manner, with a significant effect on the amplitude (10(-5) to 10(-4) mol/l) and integrated area (3 x 10(-6) to 10(-4) mol/l) of spontaneous and oxytocin- and carbachol-stimulated contractions. Isradipine induced similar concentration-dependent effects on the frequency and duration of spontaneous and carbachol-stimulated contractions at higher concentrations (3 x 10(-5) to 10(-4) mol/l) but had no effect on frequency and duration of oxytocin-stimulated contractions. Isradipine appears to be an effective relaxant in rat myometrium. This effect of isradipine may become therapeutically advantageous in clinical application for preterm labor.

Effect of endothelin-1 on spontaneous contractions and effects of nimodipine and isradipine on endothelin-1-induced contractions in myometrial strips isolated from normal pregnant and preeclamptic women

BACKGROUND

To examine the effect of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on spontaneous contractile activity and the effects of nimodipine and isradipine on ET-1-induced contractile responses in myometrial strips isolated from normal pregnant and preeclamptic women.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

. Isolated myometrial strips were obtained from seven normal pregnant and seven preeclamptic women undergoing elective cesarean section and the strips were mounted in organ baths for recording of isometric tension. The effect of increasing concentration of ET-1 on spontaneous contractions and effects of increasing concentration of nimodipine and isradipine on ET-1-induced contractions were recorded.

RESULTS

ET-1 dose-dependently (10(-11)-10(-8) M) increased the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous contractions in all myometrial strips obtained from normal pregnant and preeclamptic women. The increase in the amplitude of contractions in preeclamptic strips was significantly higher than that of normal strips. The increase in amplitude of contractions in normal and preeclamptic strips reached statistical significance beginning from the concentrations of 10(-9) M and 10(-11) M, respectively. ET-1 (10(-8) M) also increased the basal tone of all myometrial strips isolated from normal pregnant and preeclamptic women. When ET-1 (10(-8) M)-contracted myoinetrial strips were exposed to increasing concentrations of nimodipine (10(-6)-3x10(-5)M) and isradipine (10(-5)-3x10(-4) M), nimodipine and isradipine dose-dependently decreased the amplitude and frequency of contractions.

CONCLUSIONS

The increase in contractile response with ET-1 was significantly higher in myometrial strips isolated from preeclamptic women compared to those of myometrial strips isolated from normal pregnant women. These increases in contractile response are at least in part mediated by dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels, since they were significantly reduced in the presence of increasing concentrations of nimodipine and isradipine.

Changes in the nitric oxide system of rat myometrium during midgestation and delivery at term

The aims of this study were to investigate whether a nitric oxide (NO) system is present in the pregnant rat myometrium and whether it differentially inhibits myometrial contractility during midgestation and delivery at term. Myometrial strips were obtained from eight rats at midgestation (day 16) and eight rats during delivery at term, and mounted in an organ bath for assessment of isometric tension. There were scarce spontaneous contractions with gradually increased amplitude that ceased after short periods at midgestation, whereas the frequency of spontaneous contractions increased and were regular, and the amplitude of contractions became stable and long lasting during delivery. Spontaneous and carbachol- induced contractions were decreased by L-arginine and increased by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) at midgestation and delivery, but much higher concentrations of L-arginine and L-NAME were required to obtain this effect at delivery. These results show: (1) that there is basal and carbachol-stimulated production of NO in pregnant rat myometrium; (2) that the L-arginine-NO system inhibits myometrial contractility; (3) that the effect of the L-arginine-NO system is elevated at midgestation and decreased during delivery; and (4) that the L-arginine-NO system may contribute to uterine quiescence during gestation and the initiation of labour at term.

Effects of nimodipine and isradipine on endothelin-1-induced contraction of pregnant rat myometrium

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of nimodipine and isradipine on endothelin-1-induced contractions of isolated pregnant rat myometrium. Endothelin-1 at 10(-10)-10(-8) M dose-dependently increased the amplitude and frequency of contractions and decreased the duration of contractions. Basal tone of myometrium was increased with the higher endothelin-1 concentrations (10(-9) and 10(-8) M). After pretreatment for 30 min with 10(-6) M nimodipine or 10(-5) M isradipine, amplitude and duration of endothelin-1-induced contractions were significantly decreased, but frequency of myometrial contractions increased markedly. However, neither agent abolished the stimulating effect of higher endothelin-1 concentrations (10(-9) and 10(-8) M) on the basal tone. Our study showed that phasic activity is inhibited by nimodipine and isradipine, whereas tonic activity is not inhibited. The contraction of myometrial strips isolated from the pregnant rat may be modulated by endothelin-1, and this effect is only partly modulated by dihydropyridine-type Ca2+ channels. The remaining resistance to nimodipine- and isradipine-induced inhibition may be explained by pregnancy-associated changes in the other electrophysiological and biochemical factors.

Effect of additional testosterone on purinergic responses in isolated rabbit corpus cavernosum strips

Recently, it has been demonstrated that the endothelium of corpus cavernosum (CC) plays an important role on smooth muscle relaxation, which is crucial to initiate and maintain erection. We investigated the effect of long-lasting additional testosterone propionate (TP) therapy on endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxations of isolated rabbit CC. Isolated CC strips were mounted in organ baths and isometric tension was recorded. Addition of a specific inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis, NG-nitro-L-arginin methyl ester (L-NAME), into the organ bath had no effect on the relaxation responses to adenosine (ADO), adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in isolated CC strips precontracted with phenylepherine, but completely inhibited relaxation responses produced by ADP. Adenosine and adenine nucleotides relaxed the phenylepherine-induced contractile response in control strips with the potency order: ADO (62.8 +/- 3.2%) > ATP (37.1 +/- 5.2%) > ADP (25.8 +/- 2.5%). The relaxation responses to ADO, ATP and SNP in isolated rabbit CC strips were not significantly altered by additional TP therapy. The relaxation responses produced by ADP were significantly enhanced following 1 and 2 months TP therapy as compared with controls. However, in the group treated with TP for 2 months followed by a 2 months drug-free period, relaxation responses were significantly reduced compared to 1 and 2 months treatment groups, and approached control values. Increased relaxation responses to ADP following 1 and 2 months additional TP therapy may be a result of increased endothelial purinergic receptor density, or it may be due to stimulation and/or release of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) by TP.

Effects of sympathectomy on endothelin-1 and histamine responses of rabbit carotid artery

1. The effects of chronic sympathectomy on contractile responses of rabbit common carotid artery was studied in vitro. 2. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), histamine, KC1 and papaverine concentration-response curves of sympathectomized and sham-operated (control) vessels were recorded and analyzed. Effects of endothelium removal also were investigated. 3. The contractions elicited by ET-1 and histamine in sympathectomized preparations did not change when compared with controls. Papaverine, which produces endothelium-independent relaxation, and KC1, which produces endothelium-independent contraction, did not differ from controls. No significant difference was observed between the contractile responses of sympathectomized vessels and those of control vessels to ET-1 and histamine after the removal of endothelium. 4. These results indicate that chronic sympathectomy did not affect the sensitivity to exogenous ET-1 and histamine of the vascular smooth muscle.

Effect of deferoxamine and sympathectomy on vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage

We examined the effects of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and treatment with deferoxamine (DFO) or sympathectomy on vascular smooth muscle function, as well as the underlying mechanisms involved, by recording the responses to nor-adrenaline and serotonin in isolated carotid arteries in vitro. All studies were performed before and 7 days after SAH. An experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage model was created in rabbits by injecting autologous arterial blood into the subarachnoid space of the rabbits via cisterna magna punction. During the chronic stage of vasospasm following SAH deferoxamine (DFO) was given to the animals and cervical and periarterial sympathectomy was performed in the other groups of animals. In isolated carotid arteries noradrenaline (10(-8) to 10(-4) mol/l) and serotonin (10(-8) to 10(-4) mol/l) produced concentration-dependent contractions. These contractile responses were significantly enhanced in animals 7 days after SAH compared to controls and did not return to control values in carotid arteries obtained from animals treated with DFO or sympathectomy for 7 days after SAH. These results show that SAH causes supersensitivity in the carotid as well as cerebral arteries during the first week after SAH and could contribute to the development of cerebral vasospasm. Both treatment with DFO and sympathectomy after SAH did not reduce the contractile responses to noradrenaline and serotonin in the carotid arteries. In conclusion, treatment with DFO or sympathectomy during the chronic stage of vasospasm after SAH did not affect the vascular responses of the extradural part of the carotid artery to vasoactive substances.

Diagnostic value of renal arteriography in polyarteritis nodosa

Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN) is a rare disease in childhood. No single pattern of clinical presentation characterizes this disease, but abdominal pain, central or peripheral nervous system disease, arthritis, myalgia and skin lesions occur at some time during the course of the illness. In this case a 16-year-old boy who presented with abdominal pain, elevated sedimentation rate associated with hypertension, and a high level of renin, all of which were detected during his hospitalization, suggested the diagnosis of PAN, and renal angiography was performed. Characteristic renal aneurysms were visualized and the diagnosis was confirmed.

Altered endothelium-mediated relaxation by sympathectomy in isolated rabbit carotid artery rings

The influence of cervical and periarterial sympathectomy on endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent relaxations of the mature rabbit carotid artery was studied in vitro. The responses to adenosine, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and substance P in sympathectomized and control rabbit carotid artery rings were recorded and analyzed. The effects of endothelium removal were also investigated. The maximal relaxation achieved by substance P, which produces endothelium-dependent relaxation, was significantly inhibited in 3 weeks in postsympathectomy arterial preparations as compared to controls. Adenosine and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, which produce endothelium-independent relaxation, elicited similar relaxation in all tissues. These results demonstrated that the response to substance P was impaired by cervical and periarterial sympathectomy. The decreased maximum response to substance P may be the result of a decreased NK-1 receptor subtype density or excitation/response coupling, or it may be due to an impaired production and/or liberation of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF).