Effect of NMDA receptor antagonist on naloxone-precipitated withdrawal signs in cholestatic mice

The ability of NMDA antagonist MK-801 to block the expression of opioid-like withdrawal signs was examined in bile duct-ligated mice and the signs were compared with sham operated and unoperated animals. Administration of MK-801 (0/1 mg/kg), 10 min prior to naloxone challenge, significantly reduced the investigated withdrawal signs (jumping, diarrhoea, grooming and climbing) in bile duct-ligated animals. Chronic administration (five consecutive days) of MK-801 (0/1 mg/kg) also decreased all the withdrawal signs in the experimental animals. In an independent series of experiments, the effect of acute and chronic administration of MK-801 on tail-flick latency was investigated in bile duct-ligated animals. Pretreatment with the drug significantly decreased the antinociception induced by bile duct ligation in the mice. The results of this study support evidence for the involvement of the NMDA receptor in yopioidergic-dependent manifestations in a model of obstructive cholestasis. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery Associated with Ventricular Septal Defect and Mitral Stenosis

We report a case of a child with ventricular septal defect, mitral stenosis, and patent ductus arteriosus, who was also found to have anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery. Preoperative diagnosis allowed successful surgical correction.     

Toxic effect of tumor necrosis factor on tumor vasculature in mice

Stereoscopic observation via an implanted sight glass in mice bearing transplanted methylcholanthrene-induced A-cells showed tumorivascular hemorrhage at 1-2 h after tumor necrosis factor (TNF) administration, congestion at 4-6 h, and hemorrhage, congestion, and blood circulation blockage at 24 h. Histological examination after TNF administration to mice bearing similar methylcholanthrene-induced A-cell transplants showed thrombus formation in the tumor vasculature at 4 h and thereafter. Suppression of this thrombus formation with heparin had no apparent influence on the necrotic response, tumor growth inhibition or complete cure rate following TNF administration to mice bearing the methylcholanthrene-induced A-cell tumors. The results suggest that direct toxicity of TNF on tumor vasculature is a factor in the overall antitumor mechanism of TNF.     

Use of low-vault posterior chamber collagen copolymer phakic intraocular lenses for the correction of myopia: a 3-year follow-up

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology - Phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) models have indicated an association between cataract formation and inadequate vaulting. In this...     

Chemical Composition and Immuno‐Modulatory Effects of Urtica dioica L. (Stinging Nettle) Extracts

The purpose of this work was to determine the chemical profile of stinging nettle and to provide an insight into the mechanisms by which it ameliorates the immune response. Qualitative and quantitative liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analyses indicated that phenolic acids (5‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid as dominant) and flavonol glycosides (rutin, isoquercitrin, and kaempferol 3‐O‐glucoside) are present in the aerial parts, while lignans (secoisolariciresinol, 9,9′‐bisacetyl‐neo‐olivil and their glucosides) were detected in the root. Herb and root extracts expressed selective inhibition toward cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase branches in human platelets: root extracts were better at inhibiting thromboxane production, while herb extracts were more specific toward inhibition of 12‐lipoxygenase pathway. Stinging nettle extracts mildly increased monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 and growth‐related oncogene release from nonstimulated intestinal epithelial cells, stimulating MyD88/NF‐κB/p38 signaling, hence preserving the epithelial integrity and enhancing intestinal steady‐state defense. Additionally, root extract reduced lipopolysaccharide‐induced monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1/growth‐related oncogene secretion and cyclooxygenase‐2 expression in intestinal epithelial cells, thus showing the potential protective effect against tissue damage caused by inflammation processes. These observations suggest that stinging nettle is an interesting candidate for the development of phytopharmaceuticals or dietary supplements for cotreatment of various inflammatory diseases, particularly inflammatory bowel diseases. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analysis of photoproducts, free radicals, and particulate debris generated during in vivo argon laser myoplasty.

Catheter-guided laser myoplasty in a closed ventricle has been advocated for the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, ablation of arrhythmogenic foci, and transmyocardial laser revascularization of ungraftable regions of ischemic myocardium. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nature of particulate debris and photoproducts generated in vivo. Accordingly, cardiopulmonary bypass was established in four dogs without active cooling and an apical left ventricular vent was placed. In two dogs, a laser catheter was inserted into the cardioplegia-arrested left ventricle through the left atrial appendage and across the mitral valve. In the other two dogs the laser catheter was inserted into a perfused, fibrillating left ventricle retrograde across the aortic valve. Myocardial ablation of the ventricular septum was performed using continuous argon-ion laser irradiation (8-10 watts, 4-11 minutes) and blood samples were drawn through the ventricular vent. The final ablation in each dog was done during a separate ventricular flush with a chemical "spin trap" capable of detecting free radicals. Analysis of ventricular effluent revealed levels of carboxyhemoglobin and hydrogen cyanide which were well below accepted clinical toxic limits. Microparticulate debris (2-300 femtoliter) was not detected. Evidence of trace free radical generation was suggested in one of four dogs. In conclusion, closed ventricular argon laser myoplasty did not generate clinically significant levels of the toxic photoproducts we measured, or microparticulate debris. These in vivo findings suggest that the clinical application of catheter-based laser myoplasty will not be limited by the generation of these toxic photoproducts or microembolic debris.