5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE-INDUCED CONTRACTION OF THE MARMOSET AORTA IS MEDIATED BY A 5-HT1-LIKE RECEPTOR

1. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) exerts both contractile and relaxant effects in the marmoset isolated aorta, actions that are unaffected by the 5-HT₂ antagonist ketanserin. The aim of the present study was to define the receptors mediating the contractile activity of 5-HT in the marmoset aorta.
2. Contractile responses were elicited in aortic rings that were either: (i) precontracted submaximally with the thromboxane A₂ agonist U44069 in order to amplify the responses; or (ii) exposed to N ^ω-nitro- L -arginine (100 μmol/L) plus LY 53857 (0.1 μmol/L; a 5-HT₂ receptor antagonist shown previously to inhibit relaxation). The effect of 5-HT on adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) formation was also investigated.
3. The effects of agonists and antagonists comprised: (i) agonist potencies in the order 5-carboxamidotryptamine > 5-HT > sumatriptan > 8-hydroxy-2-(di- n -propylamino)tetralin; (ii) inhibition of contractile action of 5-HT by the 5-HT_1D antagonist GR 127935; (iii) a contractile response to methysergide; (iv) a lack of effect of tropisetron, an antagonist of 5-HT₃ and 5-HT₄ receptors; and (v) inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation by 5-HT (in the presence of LY 53857), indicative of negative coupling to adenylate cyclase.
4. The above effects fulfil the criteria for a 5-HT₁-like receptor. In view of the previous finding that this contractile response is insensitive to ketanserin, it is concluded that the contractile effects of 5-HT in the marmoset aorta are mediated exclusively by a 5-HT₁-like receptor.     

Veränderungen des vegetativen Nervensystems der Parotis nach Einwirkung von Antihypertensiva (Guanacline)

Summary The effect of Guanacline on the autonomic innervation of the parotid gland of rats was studied in 70 female Wistar rats by means of electron microscopy and a cytocytochemical method (demonstration of catecholamine fluorescence after Falck). Guanacline was given intraperitoneally in a daily dose of 50 mg/kg or. 100 mg/kg body weight. To study the possible influence of hypertony on the changes in the autonomic nervous system, observations were also made on rats with hypertony with and without administration of Guanacline for comparison. In addition, the ganglion cervicale superior was studied by the same methods. The model of the ultrastructural alterations is characterized by the following signs: destruction of the granular vesicles in the terminal axons, degeneration of the mitochondria and appearance of lysosome-like bodies both in the axons and in the cytoplasm of the Schwann cells; appearance of osmiophilic bodies in the cytoplasm of the ganglion cells with destruction of the ganglion cells (70% after 6 weeks of the experiment), and lymphocytic infiltration. The depletion of biogenic amines in the sympathetic nerve fibers is parallelled by the destruction of the granular vesicles. The changes result only from the administration of Guanacline, and are not seen in rats with hypertony if Guanacline is not administered. Guanacline is thought to cause direct cytotoxic damage to the autonomic innervation of the parotid gland. The cytotoxic effect occurs at the site f resorption of substances. The changes in the parenchyma gland represent a secondary effect on the receptor tissue.

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Herrn Prof. Dr. G. Bruns, Jena, zum 60. Geburtstag gewidmet.

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Mit Unterstützung durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.     

Mine Blast Injuries - Our Experience

Background

The sudden increase in incidence and magnitude of mine blast injuries prompted us to highlight the problem and its management.

Methods

The cases of mine blast injuries occurring during mining and demining in a particular geographical area were analysed. Total 27 cases of mine blast injuries occurred during mining or demining operations in a period of 13 months.

Results

Various body regions were involved in the mine blast injuries but the main brunt was borne by feet and legs followed by multiple body regions due to splinters. 14 patients underwent below knee (BK) amputation while 4 patients required through knee (TK) amputations. The effect of blast was so severe that most of the cases required 2 to 5 times wound debridements. The initial aggressive debridement / open stump amputation saved the limb and life of all patients.

Conclusion

A mine blast causes extensive injuries and psychological trauma. Management is needed urgently, surgery is difficult, and amputation is often inevitable. Maximum lives and limbs can be saved with aggressive debridement, repeated inspections and dressings under anaesthesia and definitive closure at optimum time.Key Words: Amputation, Antipersonnel mine, Crush syndrome, Debridements, Mine blast injury, Secondary missiles, Shrapenels     

Breastfeeding and the introduction of solids in Australian infants: data from the 2001 National Health Survey

OBJECTIVE: To present estimates on rates of breastfeeding and timing of introduction of solid foods to Australian children, 1998-2001. METHODS: Analysis of data from the 2001 Australian National Health Survey (NHS) using lifetable methods. Infant feeding questions were asked by personal interview in respect to 1,883 children aged under three years of age. RESULTS: At discharge from hospital, 83.3% of infants were breastfeeding, which is similar to estimates from the 1995 NHS. At 13 weeks postpartum, 64.3% were breastfeeding, 49.0% at 25 weeks and 24.9% were continuing to breastfeed at one year. At 25 weeks, 18.4% of infants were fully breastfed. Solid food was being offered regularly to 15.2% of infants at 13 weeks and 88.0% by 26 weeks. CONCLUSION: Fewer than 50% of infants are receiving breast milk at six months, which is considerably lower than the 80% figure recommended by the latest Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents. Very few Australian infants are being exclusively breastfed for the recommended six months. Infant feeding practices in Australia appear to have remained unchanged between 1995 and 2001.     

How to calculate standard errors for population estimates based on Australian National Health Survey data

The National Health Surveys (NHS), conducted regularly by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, are designed to obtain benchmark information on a range of health-related issues and to enable the monitoring of health trends over time. Confidentialised Unit Record Files (CURFs), containing detailed individual-level NHS data, are available from the ABS. When using the CURF data to make an estimate relating to the Australian population, the precision of the estimate should also be calculated, but due to the complexity of the survey design and the limited survey design information in the CURF, this is not straightforward. This paper explains three different methods for calculating standard errors for population estimates obtained using CURF data: (i) using the estimates of relative standard errors published by the ABS; (ii) using the replicate weights provided by the ABS in the CURF; and (iii) assuming the survey design is a simple random sample. The most appropriate method will depend on which survey is being analysed and the type of population estimate; this is discussed in detail. Worked examples for each method using data from the 2001 NHS CURF are provided, together with Stata 9 code illustrating the implementation of each method.     

SPECT study of the fluid distribution in the intra-abdominal space during intraperitoneal treatment of ovarian cancer

Only limited progress has been achieved in the treatment of ovarian cancer, the most common fatal gynaecological malignancy. Peritoneal dialysis with drugs known to be effective in ovarian cancer and large intraperitoneal fluid volumes (Belly Bath) have been used. The two critical determinants for a successful intraperitoneal chemotherapy programme are: (1) complete accessibility of the drug to all tumour-bearing areas; and (2) drug penetration into the residual tumour masses. We show that the scintigraphic technique in tomographic mode after administration of MAA-99Tcm-containing dialysate is a valuable adjunct for evaluation of patients undergoing intraperitoneal chemotherapy.