ABSTRACT
INTRODUTION: The gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor is an important pharmacological target of alcohol. The phamacological characteristics of the receptor are largely determined by its subunit composition. Compared with all other alpha subtypes, the alpha6- containing receptors are more sensitive to GABA and less sensitive to benzodiazepines. The purpose of this study was to address a role for GABAAalpha6 receptor subunit gene in the development of alcohol dependence. The differential manifestation of alcohol withdrawal symptoms related to GABAAalpha6 polymorphism in patients treating with benzodiazepines was also examined. METHODS: Eighty-seven inpatients with alcohol dependence, and sixty healthy controls were evaluated using CIWA-Ar scale. Each patient was genotyped for GABAAalpha6 subunit. Association between GABAAalpha6 polymorphism and severity of withdrawal symptom were determined. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in GABAAalpha6 receptor genetic type and allelic distribution between the alcohol dependent and control subject. Tremor was more severe in CC than TT type. TT type had higher degree of anxiety, agitation and headache than CC type. The GABAAalpha6 C allele increased the average score of tremor significantly, and T allele increased that of agitation. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that GABAAalpha6 genetic polymorphism was not associated with alcohol dependence and with severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. But in benzodiazepine treated patients, GABAAalpha6 polymorphism and allelic type show the difference in severity of each withdrawal symptom. These differences of severity are partly responsible for the unique pharmacological properties associated with the GABAAalpha6 subunit.
Subject(s)
Humans , Alcoholism , Alleles , Anxiety , Benzodiazepines , Dihydroergotamine , gamma-Aminobutyric Acid , Headache , Inpatients , Polymorphism, Genetic , Receptors, GABA , Substance Withdrawal Syndrome , TremorABSTRACT
Prognosis and biologic behavior of malignant ovarian tumors have been assessed by clinical staging, morphological grading and many other variables. Recently DNA ploidy measured by flow cytometry has been suggested as an additional important indicator of the tumor behavior and prognosis. The author measured DNA ploidy, S-phase fraction and DNA Index in 36 patients of epithelial ovarian tumors(17 were malignant, and 19 were borderline) by flow cytometric analysis of paraffin embedded tumor blocks. Comparing with FIGO stage, tumor grade, histologic type and others, the author investigated the clinical significance of the results of flow cytometric analysis. The results obtained as follows : (continue)
Subject(s)
Humans , DNA , Flow Cytometry , Paraffin , Ploidies , PrognosisABSTRACT
Sodium nitroprusside given by intravenous drip has been used to control hypertensive crises since 1929. Its evanescent action makes it suitable for controlled hypotension during general anesthesia with enflurane. The patients (n=10) were all undergoing Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation for the operative treatment of scoliosis or spinal stenosis. Hemodynamic variables were obtained during administration of sodium nitroprusside. Mean arterial pressure was decreased to 50-60mmHg, while cardiac output, central venous pressure, systemic vascular resistance showed only minor changes. The average dosage of sodium nitroprusside (ug/kg/ min), plotted against age, showed a significant correlation (p<0.05, r= -0.63). The amonut of whole blood transfused during operation was 5.7+/-2.2 units (mean+/-SD) and postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit (11.19+/-1.21g/dl, 33.49+/-3.79%, respectively, mean+/-SD) were singificantly lowered than preoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit (12.94+/-1.78g/dl, 37.22+/-4.88%, respectively, mean+/-SD) (hemoglobin: p<0.004, hematoorit: p<0.006).