心外膜射频消融犬Bachmann束对心房颤动诱发的影响

目的 :研究阻断 Bachmann束 （BB）对心房颤动 （AF）诱发的影响。方法 :对 10只实验犬行心外膜 BB射频消融术。阻断 BB前后分别从左右心耳行快速短阵刺激以诱发 AF,并比较 AF阈值与持续时间。结果 :在刺激方式与强度相同的情况下阻断 BB前后 AF阈值与持续时间相差无统计学意义 （P>0 .0 5 ）。结论 :阻断 BB对 AF诱发率无明显影响 ,提示在 AF启动与维持机制中作用可能不同     

阵发性房室结及房室折返性心动过速导致的人心房有效不应期的变化

目的 :探讨阵发性房室结折返性心动过速 （AVNRT）和房室折返性心动过速 （AVRT）对人心房有效不应期（ERP）的影响。方法 :对 86例住院进行电生理检查和 （或 ）导管射频消融术中出现自发或诱发的 AVNRT和 AVRT患者 ,分别于 AVNRT和 AVRT发生前及发生终止后在 5 0 0 ,4 0 0和 30 0 ms等不同基础周长下测量心房 ERP。结果 :阵发性 AVNRT和 AVRT持续时间分别为 14± 6 m in及 14± 7min。AVNRT和 AVRT终止后即刻心房 ERP缩短 ,与各自心动过速前相比均 P<0 .0 1。该缩短改变可以在 5 m in内恢复。结论 :阵发性 AVNRT和 AVRT可以使人心房 ERP缩短 ,造成短暂心房电重构     

增龄对健康犬心房、肺静脉电生理特性的影响

目的 :探讨犬肺静脉 （PV）、心房电生理特性随年龄变化特点。方法 :健康杂种犬 15只按年龄分成 3个阶段组 :老、中、幼龄组 ,每组 5只。经锁骨下、股静脉穿刺和房间隔穿刺放置导管 ,采用刺激诱发心房纤颤 （AF） ,标测肺静脉PV、上腔静脉 （SVC）、左、右心房电位 ,测量各自有效不应期 （ERP）、功能不应期 （FRP） ,传导时间。结果 :3组AF诱发率分别为幼龄组 0 %、中龄组 2 0 %、老龄组 10 0 % ;起源于PV的AF占 83.3% ,其它为 16 .7% ;ERP :老龄犬PV的ERP显著短于幼龄组 ,为 132± 38msvs2 34± 5 1ms（P <0 .0 1） ,老龄组的PV的ERP显著短于心房的ERP ,为 132± 38msvs2 0 0± 34ms（P <0 .0 5 ） ;老龄犬组SVC的ERP显著短于幼龄组 （P <0 .0 5 ）。老、中、幼 3组PV起搏部位发生递减性传导百分率分别为 89%、33%、31% ,传导时间延长分别为 92± 5 5ms、2 7± 31ms、2 2± 38ms,老龄组与后两者比较均有非常显著差异 （P <0 .0 1）。结论 :PV电生理特点随年龄变化 ,电重构集中发生在老龄阶段 ,主要表现为不应期显著缩短和递减性传导 ,可能是PV致AF的主要原因。     

迷走神经刺激和乙酰胆碱灌注对心房肌电生理特性的影响

研究在体情况下迷走神经刺激(VNS)和乙酰胆碱(Ach)灌注对心房肌不同部位的电生理影响,并探讨其诱发心房颤动(AF)的机制。10只杂种犬自身随机对照,运用单相动作电位(MAP)记录技术,同步记录10只开胸犬的右心耳(RAA)、高位右房(HRA)、低位右房(LRA)、左心耳(LAA)、高位左房(HLA)、低位左房(LLA)的MAP,分别给予切断迷走神经、VNS、Ach灌注(分别做为对照组、VNS刺激组、Ach灌注组)后,观察诱发AF的情况和动作电位时程APD50、APD90和APD离散(dAPD)的变化。结果:10只犬在VNS刺激和Ach灌注同时,右心耳单一刺激分别有7只和6只犬诱发AF;VNS明显缩短APD50、APD90,其中RAA缩短最明显(APD50从72±5ms到19±4ms,APD90从136±7ms到43±5ms,P<0.001);Ach灌注也明显缩短APD50和APD90,与VNS相比,LLA的APD90缩短更明显(47±6msvs62±8ms,P<0.01);VNS明显升高心房肌APD50和APD90的离散(17±5msvs7±3ms,25±7msvs8±5ms,P<0.01)。结论:VNS和Ach灌注可引起APD缩短和离散升高,但影响的部位和程度稍有差异,都易诱发AF。     

心房肌易损性与阵发性心房颤动的发生机制

目的探讨左、右心房肌复极,及其易损性与阵发性心房颤动(AF)的发生与维持机制。方法应用单相动作电位(MAP)技术记录14只犬左、右心房肌的复极达90%动作电位时程(APD90),通过S1S2程序刺激,同时记录心房有效不应期(ERP)及相对不应期(RRP),观察反复心房激动(RAF,在S1S2的早搏刺激后,发生2个以上的连续心房活动,从心房刺激到RAF第一个激动的间期必须小于250 ms)及AF的诱发。结果14只犬S1S2间期递减至130±32 ms时,可出现RAF,随后当S1S2间期缩短为110±28 ms时AF发作。AF发作前大多数可记录到RAF(66.7%);共诱发出15阵RAF,左房11阵,右房4阵,左房RAF的发生率明显多于右房(P<0.05);共诱发出18阵AF,左房诱发出12阵,右房诱发出6阵。左房的AF诱发率明显多于右房(P<0.05)。结论AF发作前多伴有RAF发作;RAF是易发生阵发性AF的特征性表现,代表心房的易损性;左右心房易损性不同。     

持续心房颤动时肺静脉口部有效不应期变化的时间进程及其逆转

为探讨持续心房颤动 (AF)肺静脉有效不应期 (ERP)变化的时间进程及其逆转 ,运用起搏方法建立AF模型 ,在起搏前和起搏后的第 1 ,2 ,3,4 ,5 ,6 ,7d对左上肺静脉口、左下肺静脉口、右上肺静脉口及右下肺静脉口的ERP进行测定。采用S1 S2 程序刺激 ,基础起搏周长 (S1 S1 )分别为 4 0 0 ,35 0 ,30 0 ,2 5 0 ,2 0 0ms,S2 为 2 0 0ms,以 5ms的步长递减。程序刺激结合猝发刺激对上述心房结构进行AF的诱发 ,记录AF的发生频率。上述相同方法对起搏停止后 1 ,2 ,3,4 ,5 ,6 ,2 4h 4个肺静脉口的ERP进行测定。结果 :各个基础起搏周长下 4个肺静脉口的ERP在AF后 1 ,2 ,3,4 ,5 ,6 ,7d逐渐缩短 ,且较AF前明显缩短 ,P <0 .0 5 ;AF终止后 4个肺静脉口的ERP逐渐延长 ,但AF终止后 0 ,1 ,2 ,3,4 ,5 ,6hERP与AF前相比仍有明显缩短 ,P <0 .0 5 ;AF终止后 2 4hERP基本恢复到AF前水平 ,随着AF持续时间的延长 4个肺静脉口AF的诱发率逐渐增高 ,与AF前相比 ,AF后 1 ,2 ,3,4 ,5 ,6 ,7dAF的诱发率明显增高 ,P <0 .0 5。结论 :随着AF持续 ,肺静脉的ERP逐渐缩短 ,AF的诱发率逐渐增高 ,AF终止后缩短的ERP逐渐延长致AF前水平。     

房间隔单线消融防治犬实验性心房颤动的研究

为探讨房间隔单线消融治疗心房颤动 (AF)的可行性 ,选用 13只犬 ,在静脉滴注乙酰甲胆碱下 ,用心房快速起搏诱发持续性 AF(持续时间 >15 min)。经皮穿刺静脉 ,在 X线透视下用 7F温控 4极同步导管介导射频能量线性消融卵圆窝前方的宽厚房间隔。观察消融前、后 AF的诱发率及电生理参数变化。结果显示消融前所有犬均可诱发持续性 AF。消融前 2只犬死亡。间隔消融后 8只犬不再诱发 AF,1只犬诱发持续性心房扑动 (AFL) ,再消融三尖瓣环和下腔静脉间心肌后 AFL消失。另 2只仍可诱发 AF。消融后卵圆窝心房有效不应期 (ERP)较消融前延长(113± 9ms vs67± 7ms,P<0 .0 5 ) ,其余部位消融前后 ERP无显著性差异。结果初步提示房间隔单线消融能够防治实验性 AF的发生 ,对于临床上有相似特点的 AF消融房间隔可能有效。     

人类自发的阵发性心房颤动导致的心房有效不应 …

探讨人类自发的阵发性心房颤动 (AF)导致的心房有效不应期 (ERP)及其频率适应性的变化。对 12例在我院进行心腔内电生理检查和 或射频消融术且术中出现阵发性AF的患者 ,于AF发生前及AF终止后分别以基础周长 5 0 0 ,40 0和 30 0ms的刺激测量心房ERP。结果 :AF持续时间为 8.9± 2 .0min ,以周长为 5 0 0 ,40 0和 30 0ms行S1 S1 刺激 ,在AF发生前 ,ERP分别为2 2 3± 39,2 13± 33和 2 0 1± 2 1ms ,AF终止后 ,ERP分别为 189± 32 ,186± 35和 180± 2 3ms ,其缩短率分别为 15 .5 %± 4.0 % ,12 .9%± 3.1%和 10 .8%± 3.0 % ,与AF发生前相比 ,P均 <0 .0 1。心房ERP在低频率时的缩短程度大于在高频率时 ,各起搏周长下ERP缩短的程度比较具有显著统计学差异 (P <0 .0 5 )。AF终止后 10minERP恢复至AF前水平。结论 :人类几分钟的阵发性AF可使ERP缩短 ,并且可造成ERP频率适应不良     

人类自发的阵发性心房颤动导致的心房有效不应期及其频率适应性的变化

探讨人类自发的阵发性心房颤动 (AF)导致的心房有效不应期 (ERP)及其频率适应性的变化。对 12例在我院进行心腔内电生理检查和 或射频消融术且术中出现阵发性AF的患者 ,于AF发生前及AF终止后分别以基础周长 5 0 0 ,40 0和 30 0ms的刺激测量心房ERP。结果 :AF持续时间为 8.9± 2 .0min ,以周长为 5 0 0 ,40 0和 30 0ms行S1 S1 刺激 ,在AF发生前 ,ERP分别为2 2 3± 39,2 13± 33和 2 0 1± 2 1ms ,AF终止后 ,ERP分别为 189± 32 ,186± 35和 180± 2 3ms ,其缩短率分别为 15 .5 %± 4.0 % ,12 .9%± 3.1%和 10 .8%± 3.0 % ,与AF发生前相比 ,P均 <0 .0 1。心房ERP在低频率时的缩短程度大于在高频率时 ,各起搏周长下ERP缩短的程度比较具有显著统计学差异 (P <0 .0 5 )。AF终止后 10minERP恢复至AF前水平。结论 :人类几分钟的阵发性AF可使ERP缩短 ,并且可造成ERP频率适应不良     

老年阵发性房颤患者体表心电图f-f间期变化与房颤持续时间及心房电重构的关系

目的 :研究老年阵发性房颤 （PAF）患者体表心电图 f- f间期变化与房颤持续时间及心房电重构的关系。方法 :选择无心房扩大 ,患有初发或新近发生的 PAF的老年人 ,于随访期前后分别进行 2 4 h Holter监测 ,同意者行心脏电生理检查测右房有效不应期 （ERP） ,随访半年。结果 :入选 32例 ,有 9例于随访期前后行心电生理检查 ,5例失访。采集到以下数据 :2 4 h房颤发作次数 （N）较基线没有显著变化 （2 4± 4 vs 2 4± 4 ,P>0 .0 5 ） ;2 4 h房颤发作累计时间 （TT）显著延长 （2 36± 32 m in vs 2 89± 31min,P<0 .0 1） ;最长一次发作持续时间 （L T）无显著差异 （4 2± 12min vs 4 5± 12 min,P>0 .0 5 ） ;2 4 h平均持续时间 （MT）显著延长 （8.1± 1.2 m in vs 10 .2± 1.6 min,P<0 .0 1） ;平均 f- f间期 （Mf- f）显著缩短 （0 .15± 0 .0 2 s vs0 .11± 0 .0 1s,P<0 .0 5 ）。ERP与对照相比显著缩短 （2 0 8± 11ms vs191± 8ms,P<0 .0 1）。Δ ERP与 Δf- f呈直线正相关 :r=0 .8839,P<0 .0 1,Δ TT与 Δ f- f直线正相关 :r=0 .76 0 4 ,P<0 .0 1,ΔMT与 Δ f- f直线正相关 :r=0 .76 0 ,P<0 .0 1。结论 :老年 PAF患者体表心电图 f- f间期缩短可作为预测老年人 PAF持续时间延长和反映心房发生电重构的有效指标。     

Three layer functional model and energy exchange concept of aging process

Relying on a certain degree of abstraction, we can propose that no particular distinction exists between animate or living matter and inanimate matter. While focusing attention on some specifics, the dividing line between the two can be drawn. The most apparent distinction is in the level of structural and functional organization with the dissimilar streams of ‘energy flow’ between the observed entity and the surrounding environment. In essence, living matter is created from inanimate matter which is organized to contain internal intense energy processes and maintain lower intensity energy exchange processes with the environment. Taking internal and external energy processes into account, we contend in this paper that living matter can be referred to as matter of dissipative structure, with this structure assumed to be a common quality of all living creatures and living matter in general. Interruption of internal energy conversion processes and terminating the controlled energy exchange with the environment leads to degeneration of dissipative structure and reduction of the same to inanimate matter, (gas, liquid and/or solid inanimate substances), and ultimately what can be called ‘death.’ This concept of what we call dissipative nature can be extended from living organisms to social groups of animals, to mankind. An analogy based on the organization of matter provides a basis for a functional model of living entities. The models relies on the parallels among the three central structures of any cell (nucleus, cytoplasm and outer membrane) and the human body (central organs, body fluids along with the connective tissues, and external skin integument). This three-part structural organization may be observed almost universally in nature. It can be observed from the atomic structure to the planetary and intergalactic organizations. This similarity is corroborated by the membrane theory applied to living organisms. According to the energy nature of living matter and the proposed functional model, the decreased integrity of a human body's external envelope membrane is a first cause of the structural degradation and aging of the entire organism. The aging process than progresses externally to internally, as in single cell organisms, suggesting that much of the efforts towards the restoration and maintenance of the mechanisms responsible for structural development should be focused accordingly, on the membrane, i.e., the skin. Numerous reports indicate that all parts of the human body, like: bones, blood with blood vessels, muscles, skin, and so on, have some ability for restoration. Therefore, actual revival of not only aging tissue of the human body's membrane, but the entire human body enclosed within, with all internal organs, might be expected. We assess several aging theories within the context of our model and provide suggestions on how to activate the body's own anti-aging mechanisms and increase longevity. This paper presents some analogies and some distinctions that exist between the living dissipative structure matter and inanimate matter, discusses the aging process and proposes certain aging reversal solutions.     

Unusual responses of nocturnal pineal melatonin synthesis and secretion to swimming: Attempts to define mechanisms

Abstract: The effect of swimming at night on rat pineal melatonin synthesis was compared with that of light exposure at night. Rats were forced to swim at 0030 hr (lights out at 2000 hr) and sacrificed by decapitation 15 and 30 min later, immediately after swimming. Other groups of animals were exposed to white light (650μW/cm²) for 15 and 30 min at same time. Swimming caused a rapid and highly significant drop in the melatonin content in the pineal gland; however, the activity of N-acetyltransferase (NAT), the supposed rate limiting enzyme in the melatonin production, was not changed. Despite the drop in pineal melatonin levels, serum concentrations of the indole remained elevated in the rats that swam. In contrast, melatonin levels in the pineal and serum of light exposed rats fell precipitously, accompanied by a significant suppression of NAT activity. Since we anticipated that the strenuous exercise associated with swimming may induce release of artrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) from the heart, which in turn could cause the release of pineal melatonin, in a second study we injected physiological saline intravenously to stretch the cardiac muscle and release ANP. Three milliliters of normal saline was injected during the day into the jugular vein of anesthetized rats that were pretreated with isoproterenol to stimulate pineal melatonin production. Animals were killed 15 min after the saline injection, and pineal NAT activity and pineal melatonin levels were measured. The saline injections caused no alteration in the elevated levels of either NAT or melatonin. These data suggest that the disparity in pineal NAT activity (which was high) and pineal melatonin (which was low), in animals swum at night, may not be caused by ANP which is released during strenuous exercise such as swimming.     

Melatonin and photoperiodic time measurement: Seasonal breeding in the sheep

Abstract: Well-established circadian physiology supports the view that photoperiodic time measurement utilizes the coincidence between the presence of light and a photosensitive phase of a 'biological clock' to alter reproductive status—the so-called external coincidence model of seasonal breeding. In this review, we examine the mechanism whereby photoperiod interacts with presumed suprachiasmatic nuclei activity to allow endogenous melatonin to normally synchronize reproductive activity to the optimal time of year. The Romney Marsh sheep is particularly explored as an experimental model. It is suggested that the on/off activity of seasonal reproduction may be a robust mechanism able to be predictably manipulated by the judicious use of the light/dark cycle and exogenous melatonin, but firmly based on circadian principles.     

The immunoneuroendocrine role of melatonin

Abstract: A tight, physiological link between the pineal gland and the immune system is emerging from a series of experimental studies. This link might reflect the evolutionary connection between self-recognition and reproduction. Pinealectomy or other experimental methods which inhibit melatonin synthesis and secretion induce a state of immunodepression which is counteracted by melatonin. In general, melatonin seems to have an immunoenhancing effect that is particularly apparent in immunodepressive states. The negative effect of acute stress or immunosuppressive pharmacological treatments on various immune parameters are counteracted by melatonin. It seems important to note that one of the main targets of melatonin is the thymus, i.e., the central organ of the immune system. The clinical use of melatonin as an immunotherapeutic agent seems promising in primary and secondary immunodeficiencies as well as in cancer immunotherapy. The immunoenhancing action of melatonin seems to be mediated by T-helper cell-derived opioid peptides as well as by lymphokines and, perhaps, by pituitary hormones. Melatonin-induced-immuno-opioids (MHO) and lymphokines imply the presence of specific binding sites or melatonin receptors on cells of the immune system. On the other hand, lymphokines such as -γ-interferon and interleukin-2 as well as thymic hormones can modulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland. The pineal gland might thus be viewed as the crux of a sophisticated immunoneuroendocrine network which functions as an unconscious, diffuse sensory organ.     

Serological survey of HIV and syphilis in pregnant women in Madagascar

Objectives Peripartal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, leads to severe consequences for newborns. Preventive measures require awareness of the maternal infection. Although HIV and syphilis testing in Madagascar could be theoretically carried out within the framework of the national pregnancy follow‐up scheme, the required test kits are rarely available at peripheral health centres. In this study, we screened blood samples of pregnant Madagascan women for HIV and syphilis seroprevalence to estimate the demand for systemic screening in pregnancy. Methods Retrospective anonymous serological analysis for HIV and syphilis was performed in plasma samples from 1232 pregnant women that were taken between May and July 2010 in Ambositra, Ifanadiana, Manakara, Mananjary, Moramanga and Tsiroanomandidy (Madagascar) during pregnancy follow‐up. Screening was based on Treponema pallidum haemagglutination tests for syphilis and rapid tests for HIV, with confirmation of positive screening results on line assays. Results Out of 1232 pregnant women, none were seropositive for HIV and 37 (3%) were seropositive for Treponema pallidum. Conclusions Our findings are in line with previous studies that describe considerable syphilis prevalence in the rural Madagascan population. The results suggest a need for screening to prevent peripartal Treponema pallidum transmission, while HIV is still rare. If they are known, Treponema pallidum infections can be easily, safely and inexpensively treated even in pregnancy to reduce the risk of transmission.     

Response of rat pineal melatonin to calcium, magnesium, and lithium is circadian stage dependent

Abstract: Herein we documented the response of pineal melatonin production to electrolytes known to be effective on pineal function in view of a possible circadian stage dependence. We studied the release of melatonin by perifused rat pineal glands at 2 different circadian stages corresponding to the middle of the light and dark periods, i.e., respectively, 7 and 19 HALO (Hours After Light Onset, L:D = 12:12). The initial efflux rates were, as expected, much higher in the perifusates of glands removed from rats sacrificed during the dark phase than of those removed during the light phase. After 3 hr of perifusion, melatonin release reached similar levels which were found constant up to the 8th hr of perifusion, whatever the circadian stage. Perifusion of the glands with physiological concentrations for the rat of calcium (5.2 mmol/1) and magnesium (1.34 mmol/1) resulted in a stimulatory effect on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed in the middle of the dark period (19 HALO), whereas no effects were observed on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed during the light (7 HALO). Lithium (0.28 and 0.55 mmol/1) was ineffective on melatonin release in pineal glands removed 7 and 19 HALO. Our results show differences in the initial efflux rates of melatonin and in the response of perifused pineal glands to calcium and magnesium according to the circadian stage.     

Variabilité des concentrations plasmatiques de l’angiotensinogène et risque d’hypertension artérielle chez le rat transgénique

Aim

Genetic polymorphisms of the human angiotensinogen gene are frequent and may induce up to 30% increase of plasma angiotensinogen concentrations with a blood pressure increase of up to 5 mmHg. Their role for the pathogenesis of human arterial hypertension remains unclear. High plasma angiotensinogen levels could increase the sensitivity to other blood pressure stressors.

Methods

Male transgenic rats with a 9-fold increase of plasma angiotensinogen concentrations and male non-transgenic rats aged 10 weeks were treated or not with NG-Nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester for 3 weeks in their drinking water (n = 3/group). Systolic blood pressure and body weight were measured at baseline and at the end of the study when left ventricular weight and ventricular expression of angiotensin I-converting enzyme and procollagen Iα1 were determined (polymerase chain reaction).

Results

At baseline, transgenic rats had +18 mmHg higher bood pressure and –8% lower body weight compared to non-transgenic rats (P < 0.05) without significant changes for the vehicle groups throughout the study (P > 0.05). NG-Nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester increased blood pressure, left ventricular weight and left ventricular weight indexed for body weight by +41%, +17.6% and +18.6% (P < 0.05) in transgenic and +25%, +5.3% and +6.7% (P > 0.05) in non-transgenic rats compared to untreated animals, respectively. Cardiac gene expression showed no differences between groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Increased plasma angiotensinogen levels may sensitize to additional blood pressure stressors. Our preliminary results point towards an independent role of angiotensinogen in the pathogenesis of human hypertension and associated end-organ damage.