The role of oxygen free radical and free radical scavenger in septic and hemorrhagic shock

The roles of oxygen free radical (O2-), lipoperoxide (LPO) and free radical scavenger were clinically and experimentally studied in septic and hemorrhagic shock. The reduction of hepatic tissue blood flow (TBF) were equalized in two groups (40-55% of normal level) and rats were subdivided into 3 groups: untreated, normal saline (NS) continuous IV and superoxide dismutase: SOD + catalase (S/c) continuous IV as free radical scavenger. The change of TBF, destruction of mitochondrial structure and elevation of LPO were prevented by S/c in Et shock. No significant effect by S/c was observed in hemorrhagic shock. The neutrophil derived O2- was markedly elevated in Et shock animals as well as septic shock patients but no significant change was noted in hemorrhagic shock animals or non septic shock patient. SOD and catalase were effective for neutrophil derived O2- in septic shock whereas little beneficial effect was noted in hemorrhagic or non septic shock.     

Primary neurons of the lateral line nerves and their central projections in hagfishes

The hagfish lateral line system was studied by horseradish peroxidase transganglionic transport. The anterior lateral line nerve innervates the group of lateral line canals situated anteriorly to the eye, and the posterior lateral line nerve innervates the group of canals situated posteriorly to the eye. Although both nerves pass through the muscle fascia at the same point, each runs a different course to the brain. The anterior lateral line nerve runs near the trigeminal nerve and its ganglion is closely attached to the trigeminal ganglion, but both systems are completely independent. The posterior lateral line nerve runs independently of any other cranial nerve and makes a peculiar U-turn at the point of entry to the brain capsule. The anterior lateral line ganglion contains both cutaneous sensory cells (small to large cells) and lateral line sensory cells (small cells); from this ganglion projections run to both the trigeminal sensory nucleus (fine and thick fibers) and medial nucleus of the area acousticolateralis (fine fibers). The posterior lateral line ganglion contains only small lateral line cells that project fine fibers to the medial nucleus of the area acousticolateralis. There are no efferent components in this lateral line system, and its only afferent terminal field is the medial nucleus of the area acousticolateralis.     

Selective projections of cholecystokinin-8 immunoreactive fibers to galanin immunoreactive sympathetic preganglionic neurons in a teleost, Stephanolepis cirrhifer.

In the cellular column of sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPNs) of the filefish Stephanolepis cirrhifer, neurons containing galanin (GAL) form a distinct population projecting specifically to non-adrenergic postganglionic neurons in the celiac and cranial sympathetic ganglia. The present study showed that virtually all of the GAL-immunopositive SPNs made contact with many nerve terminals immunopositive for cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8). GAL-negative preganglionic neurons made contact with only 26% of this type of nerve terminal; CCK-8-immunopositive nerve fibers appeared to project selectively to GAL-immunopositive SPNs with projections to specific targets. The CCK-8-positive nerve fibers might be of primary sensory origin, and participate in the visceral reflexes.     

Platelet aggregation inhibitors from the seeds of Swietenia mahagoni: inhibition of in vitro and in vivo platelet-activating factor-induced effects of tetranortriterpenoids related to swietenine and swietenolide

The ether extract from the seeds of Swietenia mahagoni Jacq. (Meliaceae) was found to inhibit platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced platelet aggregation. Systematic separation of the extract afforded twenty eight tetranortriterpenoids related to swietenine and swietenolide. Among them, several new compounds, named swietemahonin A, D, E, and G and 3-O-acetylswietenolide and 6-O-acetylswietenolide, showed a strong inhibition against PAF-induced aggregation in vitro and in vivo assays.     

Cardiopulmonary function in long-term survivors of childhood Hodgkin's lymphoma: a pilot study

Twelve patients who had received mantle radiotherapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma during childhood underwent cardiopulmonary testing 7 years or more after the initial diagnosis and treatment. All but one patient had been asymptomatic. Results of echocardiography, pulmonary function tests, or exercise studies were abnormal in 9 of the 12 patients. Long-term follow-up of cardiopulmonary function will be important to determine the ultimate significance of these abnormalities. These potential complications must be considered in planning prospective therapeutic studies in children with Hodgkin's disease.     

Inhibitory effect of erythromycin on interleukin 8 production by 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-stimulated THP-1 cells.

We have recently reported that long-term administration of erythromycin at a low dose reduced the number of neutrophils and concentrations of interleukin 8 (IL-8) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in patients with chronic lower respiratory tract disease. To investigate the mechanism of action of erythromycin, we evaluated its effect on IL-8 production in the 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-stimulated human monocytic cell line THP-1. Erythromycin at a concentration of 10 micrograms/ml significantly reduced IL-8 production by THP-1 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (10 ng/ml) and 1% normal human serum compared with the amount produced by untreated cells (untreated cells, 2,448 pg/ml; erythromycin-treated cells, 872 pg/ml). Our results suggest that erythromycin may impair IL-8 production by alveolar macrophages, ultimately reducing neutrophil accumulation in the airspace.