Effects of 5-Hydroxytraptamine on Aggregation,Release Reaction and Mobilization of Cytosolic Free Calcium Concentration in Rabbit Normal and Washed Single Platelets

In rabbit platelet rich plasma (PRP), 5-hydroxytraptamine (5-HT,0.03～3μmol/L) induced decrease in light transmission (DLT) dose-de pendently with centralization, as revealed by electron microscopy. However, 5-HT did not induced platelet aggregation and release reaction. 5-HT-induced DLT was inhibited by methysergide (0.3～30μmol/L), indomethacin (0.3～10μmol/L) and PGE_1 (0.01～0.3μmol/L) in a dose-dependent manner, but not EGTA(0.3～3mmol/L). Collagen(Coll), arachidonic acid (AA), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and a stable thromboxane A2 analoge(STA_2) also induced DLT before aggregation by themselves, which was also inhibited by PGE_1, but not inhibited by EGTA except for Coll However,Coll-, AA-, STA_2-and ADP-induced DLT were reduced by pretreatment of PRP with 5-HT dose-depen-dently. The duration of DLT by Coll and AA were decreased from 151.4±5.93 sec and 15(?)38±0.60sec to 45.44±4.04 sec and 9.00±1.25 sec respectively ((?)±s(?) P<0.01), but not by ADP and STA_2, 3μmol/L of ADP-and 0.3μmol/L of STA_2-induced aggregation which was not accompanied with release reaction were enhanced by 5-HT pretreatment, but in those (Coil 5μg/ml, AA 100～200μmol/L and STA_2 1～3 μmol/L) with release reaction, the amount of adenosine triphosphate(ATP)were suppressed significantly (P<0.001) by 5-HT pretreatment without the effect on the magnitude of aggregation, The mobilization of cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca~(2+)]i) was observed after 5-HT treatment in single washed platelet, the results indicated that the basic level of [Ca~(2+)] i was 64.78±3.24nmol/L and this level was increased dose-dependently and significantly at 30 sec after administration of 5-HT and the time of peak value of [Ca~(2+)] i was at 90～100 sec.The similar time courses of suppression of ATP released during aggregation, in cases of Coll(5μg/ml), AA (200μmol/L) and STA_2(3μmol/L), by 5-HT were also found in the present experiment.     

The influx of Ca and the release of noradrenaline evoked by the stimulation of presynaptic nicotinic receptors of chick sympathetic neurons in culture are not mediated via L-, N-, or P-type calcium channels

We have shown earlier that nicotinic agonists induce the release of noradrenaline from chick sympathetic neurons in culture in two ways: (a) by activating the postsynaptic nicotinic receptors on nerve cell bodies, giving rise to spreading electrical activity and opening of voltage operated calcium channels in neuronal processes; (b) by activating the presynaptic nicotinic receptors on neuronal processes. In the present work, we investigated the contribution of various pathways to the observed Ca²⁺ influx and subsequent noradrenaline release. Sympathetic neurons in culture were stimulated either by the nicotinic agonist dimethylphenylpiperazinium or electrically, in the presence or absence of tetrodotoxin and of specific blockers of calcium or nicotinic channels, and the effects on [Ca²⁺]_i in the area of neuronal processes and on noradrenaline release were measured. Under control conditions, the N-type channel blocker ω-conotoxin (0.1 μmol/1) diminished the release of noradrenaline and the increase of intraterminal Ca²⁺ by 48% and 55%, respectively, whereas the L-type channel blocker (+)Bay k 8644 (1 μmol/1) diminished the release of noradrenaline by 25% and the increase of [Ca²⁺]_i by 39%. The P-type channel blocker ω-agatoxin (0.3 μmol/1) had no effect. The effects of the L-type channel ligands were complex and could only be explained on the assumption that, at high concentrations, these drugs also act as nicotinic antagonists. Tetrodotoxin blocked the Ca²⁺ response evoked by electrical stimulation whereas DMPP applied in the presence of tetrodotoxin still evoked an increase of [Ca²⁺]_i and the release of noradrenaline (27% and 30% of control without tetrodotoxin, respectively). These residual responses were not blocked by any of the calcium channel blockers used or by their combination. Apparently, a substantial part of the influx of Ca²⁺ induced by the activation of presynaptic nicotinic receptors is not carried by the N-, L- or P-type channels and probably occurs directly via the open channels of nicotinic receptors.     

Treatment of labial fenestration of maxillary central incisor

Abstract A case of external inflammatory root resorption and labial fenestration in a maxillary central incisor is presented. The root canal was dressed with pure calcium hydroxide mixed with normal saline for 1 month before it was obturated with gutta percha and apicoectomy surgery undertaken to attempt primary closure of the fenestration. The PDL and the fenestration healed uneventfully.     

Osteoporosis and Coronary Atherosclerosis in Asymptomatic Postmenopausal Women

Estrogen deficiency is a risk factor for osteoporosis and coronary artery disease. Osteoporosis can be evaluated by measuring bone mineral density (BMD). Coronary atherosclerotic burden can be evaluated by measuring coronary calcium using electron beam computed tomography (EBT) of the heart. We compared coronary calcium scores in 45 asymptomatic postmenopausal women with normal and low BMD. BMD of the lumbar spine and proximal femur was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and coronary calcium was measured quantitatively by EBT. Women were divided into control, osteopenia, and osteoporosis groups based on the T score of the lumbar spine. Women were similar in age, years since menopause, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). BMD ± SD (g/cm²) of L1–L4 was 0.96 ± 0.11, 0.83 ± 0.03, and 0.73 ± 0.05, in control, osteopenia, and osteoporosis group, respectively. The total coronary calcium score ± SD (relative units) was 41.9 ± 83.1, 115.1 ± 181.9, and 221.7 ± 355.4 for control, osteopenia, and osteoporosis group, respectively; the score was significantly higher in the osteoporosis than in the control group. This study provides initial data suggesting that women with osteoporosis may have a higher risk of developing coronary atherosclerosis.     

EFFECT OF CROSS-FOSTERING ON NEONATAL SODIUM BALANCE AND ADULT BLOOD PRESSURE IN THE SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RAT

1. The aim of the present study was to compare electrolyte handling in naturally reared neonatal spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with those reared by a Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat foster mother (denoted SHRX), as cross-fostering SHR pups to a WKY rat dam lowers adult blood pressure in the SHR. 2. The electrolyte content of WKY rat and SHR dams’ milk was determined and electrolyte intake and urinary excretion rates were calculated in both naturally reared and cross-fostered WKY rat and SHR pups. 3. The milk sodium concentration fell in both strains (WKY rat: 31.8 ± 2.0 to 15.2 ± 1.2 mmol/L; SHR 31.9 ± 2.5 to 18.2 ± 1.6 mmol/L; P < 0.001), as did potassium (P < 0.001), over lactation, but there were no differences between strains. Calcium and magnesium concentrations increased (P< 0.001), although SHR dam's milk contained less calcium (P < 0.001) than that of WKY rat dams during the third week of lactation. 4. Spontaneously hypertensive rat pups ingested less milk (P<0.05) than WKY rat pups; therefore, their cumulative sodium intake over postnatal days 4–15 was significantly lower than that of WKY rat pups (WKY rat vs SHR: 84.4 ± 3.6 vs 59.7 ± 2.6 μmol/g bodyweight, respectively; P < 0.05) and fostered SHRX pups (77.7 ± 7.0 μmol/g bodyweight; P < 0.05). Potassium and magnesium intakes were comparable between SHR, WKY rat and SHRX pups, but SHR pups ingested significantly less calcium than either WKY rat pups (136.1 ± 6.4 vs 200.1 ± 9.5p, mol/g bodyweight, respectively; P<0.05) or SHRX pups (200.0 ± 18.0 μmol/g bodyweight; P<0.05). 5. These data show that the neonatal SHR experiences a period of sodium deficiency during the developmental stage when cross-fostering is effective in lowering blood pressure. This is consistent with the reported up-regulation of the renin-angiotensin system observed in SHR at this time and may have a long-term influence on blood pressure.     

Flip side of synaptic plasticity: Long-term depression mechanisms in the hippocampus

There is growing interest in the phenomenon of long-term depression (LTD) of synaptic efficacy that, together with long-term potentiation (LTP), is a putative information storage mechanism in mammalian brain. In neural network models, multiple learning rules have been used for LTD induction. Similarly, in neurophysiological studies of hippocampal synaptic plasticity, a variety of activity patterns have been effective at inducing LTD, although experimental paradigms are still being optimized. In this review the authors summarize the major experimental paradigms and compare what is known about the mechanisms of LTD induction. Although all paradigms appear to initiate a cascade of events leading to an elevated level of Ca²⁺ postsynaptically, the extent to which these paradigms involve common expression mechanisms has not yet been tested. The authors discuss several critical experiments that would address this latter issue. Numerous questions about the properties and mechanisms of LTD(s) in the hippocampus remain to be answered, but it is clear that LTD has finally arrived, and will soon be attracting attention equal to its flip side, LTP. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

兔心肌挫伤心功能障碍与心肌细胞内Ca2+和线粒体ATP酶的变化

目的：探讨心肌细胞内游离钙([Ca^2 ]i)和心肌ATP酶变化在心肌挫伤（MC）后心功能障碍发生机制中的意义。方法：随机选取兔36只，分为6组：正常对照、伤后2、4、8、12、24h，每组6只。经右颈总动脉插管至左心室测左室压力。采用BIM-II型生物撞击机致成MC模型。在上述时相点测定左室压力，并测定心肌细胞内[Ca^2 ]i和心肌匀浆组织及线粒体ATP酶活力。结果：心脏收缩/舒张功能受到损害，心肌细胞内[Ca^2 ]i升高，心肌匀浆组织及线粒体ATP酶下降，相关分析表明心功能障碍与心肌细胞内[Ca^2 ]i含量升高呈明显负相关，与ATP酶活性降低呈明显正相关。结论：MC后心脏功能下降，心肌细胞内[Ca^2 ]i含量升高和ATP酶活性下降可能是其原因之一。     

黄芪对SHR心肌SERCA表达及血管平滑肌钙离子水平影响的初步探讨

目的:探讨黄芪注射液对SHR心肌SERCA的表达及血管平滑肌钙离子含量的影响.方法:将19只自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)与16只Wistar-kyoto大鼠(WKY)随机各分为空白对照组、低黄芪剂量组、中黄芪剂量组、高黄芪剂量组四组,分别每天腹腔注射0.9ml生理盐水和0.9ml、1.2ml、1.8ml的黄芪注射液共8周,再测量大鼠心肌中SERCA的表达和血管平滑肌钙离子含量.结果:SHR生理盐水组心肌SERCA在蛋白水平的表达,较WKY生理盐水组明是下降;SHR大剂量黄芪组心肌SERCA在蛋白水平的表达,较SHR生理盐水组明显升高.SHR生理盐水组血管平滑肌钙离子水平明显高于WKY组:SHR大剂量黄芪组血管平滑肌钙离子水平较SHR生理盐水组明显降低.结论:大剂量黄芪注射液能显著增加SHR心肌SERCA在蛋白水平的表达,能明显的减少SHR血管平滑肌钙离子的水平.     

Prevalence of silent myocardial ischemia in asymptomatic individuals with subclinical atherosclerosis detected by electron beam tomography

BACKGROUND: Electron beam tomography coronary calcium imaging is an evolving technique for the early detection of coronary atherosclerosis, and recent studies have established its prognostic value in asymptomatic individuals. The relationship of coronary artery calcium scores (CAC) to obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) has been poorly studied but is clinically relevant because it determines which individuals are likely to benefit from revascularization procedures. Hence, we prospectively evaluated the prevalence of myocardial ischemia in asymptomatic patients with cardiovascular risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 864 asymptomatic patients with no previous CAD but with cardiovascular risk factors, referred for electron beam tomography coronary calcium imaging to our institution over an 18-month period. From this group, 220 consecutive patients (85% men; mean age, 61 +/- 9 years; age range, 31-84 years) with moderate to severe atherosclerotic disease (coronary calcium score > or =100 Agatston units) were prospectively evaluated by technetium 99m sestamibi single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Patients were followed up (mean follow-up, 14 months) and data regarding their subsequent clinical management recorded. Of the 220 patients, 119 had moderate atherosclerosis (CAC score of 100-400 Agatston units) and 101 had severe atherosclerosis (CAC score > or =400 Agatston units). Abnormal SPECT findings were seen in 18% of patients with moderate atherosclerosis (n = 21) and 45% of patients with severe atherosclerosis (n = 45). Increasing severity of atherosclerosis was related to increasing ischemic burden (summed difference score = 1 +/- 0.2 for CAC score of 100-400 Agatston units and 3.2 +/- 0.5 for CAC score > or =400 Agatston units). In a multivariate linear regression model incorporating risk factors, CAC was the only predictor of silent ischemia. CONCLUSION: In comparison to previously published data, we detected a higher prevalence of silent ischemia even in patients with moderate coronary atherosclerosis (18%). This may reflect the differing risk factor profile of our patient population. When coronary calcium screening is used to preselect asymptomatic patients with cardiovascular risk factors for myocardial perfusion imaging, the optimum coronary calcium score threshold will depend on the population prevalence of risk factors and asymptomatic obstructive CAD.     

Ca^＋＋对链霉素抗原—抗体反应的抑制作用

为探讨临床中使用钙制剂抢救链霉素过敏休克病人有良好效果的原因,由被动血凝试验、被动皮肤过敏试验和ELISA法证实,Ca~( )可以抑制链霉素抗原-抗体的反应。这种抑制作用是通过Ca~( )链霉素抗原结合,封闭链霉素抗原决定簇来加以实现的。