Beneficial effects of coronary venous retroinfusion of superoxide dismutase and catalase on reperfusion arrhythmias, myocardial function, and infarct size in dogs

The efficacy of coronary venous retroinfusion of superoxide dismutase and catalase was studied in anesthetized closed chest dogs with 90-min left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion followed by 3-h reperfusion. In group A, superoxide dismutase (2.5 mg/kg) and catalase (2.5 mg/kg) were administered by a 30-min continuous right atrial infusion beginning 15 min before reperfusion and supplemented by a bolus injection of superoxide dismutase (2.5 mg/kg) and catalase (2.5 mg/kg) through the great cardiac vein immediately before reperfusion. The treatment in group B was similar to that in group A, except that the bolus injection was into the right atrium. In the control group (group C), saline was administered in the same manner as in group A. Infarct size, expressed as a percentage of the risk area, was significantly smaller in group A (11.3 +/- 8.9%) than in groups B (31.3 +/- 21.1%) and C (43.0 +/- 16.9%; p less than 0.05). Regional function of the ischemic zone measured by two-dimensional echocardiography exhibited significantly (p less than 0.05) greater recovery after 3-h reperfusion in group A (30.3 +/- 8.4%) versus groups B (12.5 +/- 13.7%) and C (12.1 +/- 11.7%). Moreover, there were significantly fewer postreperfusion ventricular arrhythmias in group A as compared with groups B and C. The results of this study indicate that coronary venous retroinfusion is an effective method for delivery of superoxide dismutase and catalase.     

Development of Nephropathy in Diabetic Patients with a Single Kidney

Six diabetic patients with either a nephrectomy or a congenitally single kidney, and who later developed diabetic nephropathy, are described. They represent about 3 % of our diabetic population with nephropathy, and are the only patients in our clinic population known to have single kidneys. A reduced renal mass may augment the renal glomerular hyperfiltration associated with diabetes mellitus and increase the risk of later developing nephropathy.     

THE RELATIVE REACTION WITHIN LIVING MAMMALIAN TISSUES : V. (b) INFLUENCE OF LYMPH-INSOLUBLE TISSUE MATERIALS ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE COLORATION WITH SOME PHTHALEIN INDICATORS.

The influence of lymph-insoluble tissue materials upon the colors manifested by phthalein indicators has been tested by comparing the hue of sections of various organs, stained by immersion in colored lymph, with the hue of the surrounding fluid. The reaction has been brought to approximate that of life by a greater or less saturation of the material with carbon dioxide. No evidence has been obtained of indicator errors referable to the association of the phthaleins with tissue substances. The inferences to be derived from the experiments, and from others detailed in a preceding paper, are discussed. The results of them all are in essential agreement. They demonstrate that the observed hues in tissues vitally stained with phenol red, brom cresol purple, and chlor phenol red cannot be laid to indicator errors resulting from an association of the phthalein with tissue materials. The fact is of special note in connection with organs which exhibit, when stained, the colors indicative of an outspoken acidity. The findings constitute a control upon the influence of the tissue materials on the colors manifested by the phthalein indicators when used as vital stains; but they leave untouched the problem of the influence of tissue activities upon the coloration.     

THE RELATION OF THE LIVER TO FAT METABOLISM : I. EFFECT OF LIVER LACK ON FAT COMBUSTION AND THE RESPIRATORY QUOTIENT.

Fat combustion is carried on adequately in rabbits deprived of the liver or brought into a condition of extreme liver insufficiency. Even 24 hours after hepatectomy fat combustion goes on as well as in the normal animal. Evidently the liver plays no essential part in the breaking down of fat.     

Using a notification card to improve communication between community pharmacists and general practitioners.

A pilot scheme was set up to evaluate a notification card to be used by community pharmacists when referring patients to their general practitioner, with the aim of improving communication. Six community pharmacists and 15 general practitioners took part in the study. During the 18 month study period 120 cards were issued by pharmacists. The majority of patients (71%) advised to see their general practitioner by the pharmacist did so. Fourteen cards (12%) were issued for suspected adverse drug reactions. The card was received positively by patients, doctors and pharmacists.