Emotional reactivity and sympatho-adrenal activity in the rat (author's transl)

Using the open-field test, differences in emotional reactivity were shown in male rats of several albino strains. These behavioural differences were then investigated in relation to physiological differences. It was found that, under resting conditions, sympatho-adrenomedullary activity as estimated by urinary catecholamine excretion and adrenal catecholamine content is lower in the more emotionally reactive rats. The resting heart rate is correspondingly slower in these animals though they show the same noradrenaline cardiac concentration as the nonreactive rats. These data suggest that high defecating rats in the open-field exhibit a lower sympathetic tonus, possibly linked, however, with a higher parasympathetic tonus.     

Prise en charge des patients porteurs de stimulateurs cardiaques ou défibrillateurs automatiques implantables traités par irradiation

An increasing number of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices benefit from radiotherapy, warranting specific collaborative management between both radiation oncologists and cardiologists. Interactions between electromagnetic fields, secondary particles and cardiac implantable electronic devices may result in transient and reversible malfunctions with significant consequences depending on the underlying cardiac pathology and the level of patient's cardiac implantable electronic devices dependency. Numerous international guidelines on patients’ management have been proposed and all agree on a total cumulated dose limit at the battery of 5 Gy and on the need for an initial as well as repeated evaluation over time, up to 6 months after the last radiation. The analysis of the published data revealed relatively rare incidence of significant adverse events. The most recent international guidelines underline the feasibility and safety of radiotherapy for cardiac implantable electronic devices holders, with the need for systematic local protocol in all radiotherapy centers.