Live/real time three-dimensional trans esophageal echocardiographic findings in amplatzer ASD closure devices in adults

Six female patients aged from 19 to 73 years, with ostium secundum atrial septal defect underwent closure procedure with Amplatzer septal occluder device. Three-dimensional Echocardiography [3D-TEE] was done during the procedure or one day after the procedure. 3D-TEE provides incremental value over Two- dimensional trans-esophageal echocardiography in measuring Amplatzer septal occluder disc sizes and correlates well with manufacture device size. 3D-TEE will surely prove to increase the technical efficiency and it will become an important tool for the interventionists for periprocedural evaluation of device closures

Acute administration of Zn, Mg, and thiamine improves postpartum depression conditions in mice

Background: Postpartum depression [PPD] affects approximately half of new mothers. Chronic exposure to progesterone during pregnancy and its withdrawal following delivery increases depression and anxiety. In addition, there are complex interactions between hormones, neurotransmitters, and trace elements. Zinc [Zn] and magnesium [Mg] in Auence the nervous system by impacting synaptic neurotransmis-sion in the brain. Thiamine [Vit B[1]] deficiency results in a high percentage of depressive behaviors. Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species in pregnancy are implicated in the pathogenesis of major depression

Methods: We examined the effects of different combinations of Zn, Mg, and Vit B[1] in an animal model of PPD. ZnCl, MgCl, and thiamine-HCl were administered to PPD-induced mice. Depression, anxiety-related behavior, and total antioxidant capacity [TAC] were assessed. Depression and anxiety-like behavior were evaluated by the forced swimming test [FST] and elevated plus-maze, respectively

Results: The acute combined administration of Zn, Mg, and Vit B[1] significantly decreased immobility time in FST, increased the percentage of both time spent in-and entries to open arms in the elevated plus-maze, and augmented TAC

Conclusion: Our data suggest that acute administration of combined treatment with Zn, Mg, and Vit B[1] on postpartum day 3 improves depressive symptoms and anxiety-like behaviors. Our evaluation of TAC is in accordance with behavioral results

Persistent sciatic artery presenting as blue toe: diagnostic dilemma

A persistent sciatic artery [PSA] results from lack of regression of the fetal arterial blood supply of the leg and is often combined with an abnormally developed superficial femoral artery. Here in we would like to present a 63 year old woman presenting for the first time with blue toe and on further evaluation diagnosis of PSA was made. Our case illustrates that a complete physical examination and comprehensive evaluation of the peripheral arterial system of the lower limb including possible persistence of sciatic artery is essential in patients presenting as blue toe before embarking on a surgical or other type of interventional procedure

Lead exposure changes gastric acid secretion in rat: role of nitric oxide [No]

Sub chronic exposure to lead in rats slows gastric emptying, but little is known about the effects of lead on gastric secretion. This study was designed to investigate the effects of lead on gastric acid secretion and its possible mechanisms in rats. Lead acetate was dissolved in drinking water in a concentration of 1%. Sodium acetate-containing water with a molar concentration similar to lead was also prepared. We had nine groups of animals [n=8]; four of them were exposed to lead for 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks [Pbl, Pb2, Pb3 and Pb4 groups, respectively]. Sodium acetate solution was given to another four groups for 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks [Nal, Na2, Na3 and Na4 groups, respectively]. Gastric secretion was collected by washout technique and its acid output was measured in the basal [Basal Acid Output, BAO], vogotomy [Vagotomized Acid Output, VAO], and vagally stimulated [Vagally Stimulated Acid Output, VSAO] states using titrator instrument. Nitric oxide [NO] metabolite of gastric tissue was determined by Griess micro assay method to evaluate the possible mechanism of lead effect on gastric secretion. VSAO was significantly less in Pbl and Pb2 groups than Nal and Na2 ones respectively [1.75 +/- 0.17, 2.10 +/- 0.30 vs. 5.79 +/- 0.20, 6.18 +/- 0.27 micromol/15min] [P=0.001, P=0.001] BAO was significantly more in Pb3 and Pb4 groups than Na3 and Na4 ones respectively [2.77 +/- 0.37, 2.80 +/- 0.31 vs. 1.73 +/- 0.16, 1.79 +/- 0.34 micromol/15min] [P=0.01, P=0.02], but it was the same after vagotomy. VSAO was more in Pb3 and Pb4 groups than their Na counterparts [P=0.001, P=0.0001] NO metabolite of gastric tissue was more in all Pb groups in comparison to their Na counterparts [P=0.0001]. In this study, it seems that lead exposure, via NO mechanism, has different effects on acid secretion. Nitric oxide in small and large amounts decrease and increase gastric acid secretion, respectively

Lead exposure changes gastric motility in rats: role of nitric oxide [no]

Abdominal colic, constipation and delay in gastric emptying are symptoms of lead poisoning, but there is scant information about the effect of lead on gastric motility. In the present study, we investigated the effect of lead acetate on gastric motility in rats. Animals were divided into nine groups [n=8]; four groups were exposed to lead acetate solution [1%] for 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks [Pb1, Pb2, Pb3, and Pb4 groups, respectively]. Sodium acetate solution was given to another four groups for 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks [Na1, Na2, Na3, and Na4 groups, respectively] and the control group had free access to tap water. Gastric motility was measured in the basal and acetylcholine [Ach]-stimulated states using a physiograph instrument. Nitric oxide metabolite of gastric tissue was determined by Griess micro-assay. There were no significant differences between basal and Ach-stimulated gastric motility in Pb1, Pb2, Na1, and Na2 groups. However, it was significantly greater in Pb3 and Pb4 groups when compared with Na3 and Na4 groups in both basal and Ach-stimulated states [P<0.05]. In addition, nitric oxide metabolite of gastric tissue was more in all Pb groups in comparison with their Na counterparts [P<0.05]. We found that lead exposure could affect gastric motility via the nitric oxide pathway

effects of cholestasis and cirrhosis on gastric acid and pepsin secretions in rat: involvement of Nitric Oxide

The liver has major role in the organism homeostasis, interactions with other systems, synthesis and metabolism of bile production, drug detoxification and hormone inactivation. Cholestasis can be defined as an impairment of the bile flow which can lead to hepatocytes necrosis and finally cirrhosis. Some studies reported a gastric acid secretion reduction in cirrhotic subjects, while others reported normal production gastric acid secretion. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of cholestasis and cirrhosis on gastric acid and pepsin secretions and its possible mechanism in rat. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups [n=8]: control, cholestasis, sham cholestasis, cirrhosis and sham cirrhosis. Laparotomy was done under general anesthesia and then bile duct ligation [BDL] was performed. After 2 and 4 weeks in cholestasis and cirrhosis groups respectively, gastric content was collected by wash-out technique. Basal and stimulated acid an pepsin secretions were measured by using titration and the Anson method respectively in all groups. In order to measure stimulated acid and pepsin secretions, pentagastrin [25 micro g/kg, i.p.] was used. Nitric Oxide [NO] metabolites of gastric tissue were determined by Griess microassy method. Acid and pepsin secretions were significantly reduced in cholestatic and cirrhotic rats in comparison with control and sham groups [P< 0.01]. NO metabolite of gastric tissue was significantly increased in cholestatic and cirrhotic rats [P> 0.01]. Reducing of gastric acid and pepsin output in cholestatic and cirrhotic rats may be due to increasing in NO content of gastric tissue

effect of [teucrium polium l.] extracts on insulin release from in situ isolated perfused rat pancreas in a newly modified isolation method: the role of ca[2+] and k[+] channels

[Teucrium polium L] [TP] has been long recommended in Iranian folk medicine for its anti-diabetic activities. We attempt here to evaluate the effect of TP extract on insulin secretion in rat pancreas. Rat pancreas was isolated in situ and perfused with Krebs solution containing low glucose [LG, 2.8 mM] or high glucose [HG, 16.7 mM] as perfusate. The aqueous extract [Aq. E] and methanolic extract [Met. E] of TP aerial parts and two partition fractions of Met. E were added to perfusate to evaluate insulin release. Diazoxide [DZX] and verapamil [VPM] were also used for assessing the probable mechanism of the effects. In each experimental group, the peak and baseline of insulin levels in effluent samples were compared. The GC/MS analysis was carried out to detect active ingredients in the extracts. Adding Met. E to the LG caused a significant increase [P<0.05] in insulin release from the basal level of 0.17 +/- 0.05 micro g/1 to a peak value of 3.94 +/- 1.29 micro g/1, when Met. E was introduced to the HG, there was a further protracted stimulation of insulin release from 2.15 +/- 1.35 micro g/1 to 6.16 +/- 0.52 micro g/1. Both DZX and VPM when added separately to the LG, led to inhibition of Met. E induced insulin secretion. The Aq. E and fractions had no significant effect on insulin secretion. Only in the Met. E, the component 5-hydroxy-4.7-dimethoxyflavone [apigenin-4,7-dimethylether] was detected. It can be concluded that the insulinotropic properties of TP extracts can be attributed to the presence of apigenin existing only in Met. E, but not in Aq. E and fractions. Moreover, certain types of K[+] and Ca[2+] channels take part in this effect

effect of acute consumption of paraoxon on basal and Pentagastrin-Stimulated Gastric acid and pepsin secretion in rats

Paraoxon is an organophosphate. Organophosphate inhibit acetylcholinestrase enzyme and cause nicotinic and muscarinic sings. There is no study on our knowledge regarding the effect of these substances on gastric acid and pepsin secretion. In the present study, the effect of acute consumption of paraoxon on gastric acid and pepsin secretion has been investigated. In the present study 30 female N-mari rats weighing 200-250gr were used. The first group [paraoxon] received 0.5mg/kg paraoxon intraperitonealy. The second group [alcohol] received the dozes of ethyl alcohol [96%] and the third group [control] received no drug. Animals were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of 50mg/kg Sodium thiopental. After trachesotomy and laparatomy gastric secretions were collected with a tube via duodenum. Pentagastrin [25 micro g/kg. ip] was used as gastric stimulator. Acid and pepsin secretions were measured by titration and Anson methods respectively. Stages of measurement were basal, stimulated. and re-basal. The basal acid secretion in control, alcohol and paraoxon groups was 7.6 +/- 0.26, 7.46 +/- 0.4 and 7.03 +/- 0.28 micro mol/15min respectively that shows no significant difference among three groups. Although following pentagastrin-stimulation acid secretion was significantly more than basal stage in all groups, but there was significantly more secretion in control than alcohol subjects. But there was no difference between control and paraoxon or alcohol and paraoxon groups in this regard. Regarding pepsin secretion, there was significantly more secretion in alcohol subjects than others in all measured stages. In comparison to control group, acute paraoxon has no effect on basal acid pepsin secretion, while acute alcohol caused a significant increase in basal acid/pepsin secretion

Garlic effects on gastric acid and pepsin secretions in rat

Garlic [Allium Satiyum] is a plant widely used in traditional medicine. Its anti-hypertensive, lipid lowering, oxidative activities, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties have been proven. It has a tonic effects on stomach but its effects on gastric secretion is not known. To investigate the effect of garlic extract on basal and pentagastrin stimulated gastric acid and secretions in rats. Garlic extract stimulates gastric gland causing increased production/release of basal acid and pepsin level. Garlic acid mask pentagastrin stimulatory response and causes decrease in acid and pepsin secretary level. Two group of wistar rats [12 in each group] weighing 200-250gm were used. The first group was considered as study group and received garlic extract, the second group was considered as control. Animal were anesthetized with an intraperitoneal injection of sodium thiopental [50 mg/kg] and after tracheotomy and ligation of cervical esophagus, laparotomy was done. A cannula was placed in stomach through duodenum and 1ml of normal saline was injected in to stomach in each group. After 30 minutes their stomach were emptied. Next in study group 1ml garlic extract [100 mg/kg] and in control group 1ml normal saline were introduced into stomach. After 15 min 1ml normal saline was injected in both groups and immediately all gastric contents were collected in both groups by wash out technique and basal secretions of acid and pepsin were measured. In order to measure pentagastrin effect on gastric secretions, 25 micro gram/kg pentagastrin was used in both groups. Basal acid secretion in study group showed a significant increase in comparison to control group with P value <0.001 [15.6 +/- 1.63 micro mol/15 min in case group vs 4.1 +/- 0.36 micro mol/15min]. Basal pepsin secretion in study group showed a significant increase in comparison to control group with P value <0.001 [7.27 +/- 0.15 micro gm/15min in case group vs 5.62 +/- 0.12 micro gm/15min]. On pentagastrin stimulation, acid secretion in control group showed a significant increase in comparison to its basal value with P value <0.001 [10.14 +/- 1.34 micro mol/15min in vs 4.1 +/- 0.36 micro mol/15 min] but its value decreases in study group [10.5 +/- 1.89 micro mol/15min basal value]. In control group following pentagastrin stimulation, pepsin secretion showed a significant increase in comparison to its basal value with P value <0.001 [6.9 +/- 0.12 micro gm/15min in case group vs 5.62 +/- 0.12 micro gm/15min], while in study group there is no significant difference from its basal value [7.03 +/- 0.03 micro gm/15 min vs 7.27 +/- 0.15 micro gm/15 min basal value]. Garlic extract have a stimulatory effect on acid and pepsin secretion. The possible mechanism cloud be: a] Increase in parietal or chief cell activities due to Ach release. b] Due to its stimulatory effect on histamine release. However, on pentagastrin stimulation acid secretion decline and pepsin level remain same in study group and this effect may be due to rapid emptying of gastric acid stock or due to inhibition of gastric activity because of attachment of some components in garlic extracts to gastrin receptors on parietal cells

Effect of thyroid hormones on distension - induced gastric acid and pepsin secrertions in rats

Thyroid hormones are known to influence acid and pepsin secretion, though the exact mechanism is not fully understood. In this study, distension-stimulated acid and pepsin secretions in hypo- and hyperthyroid rats were compared with controls. Materials and Each group consisted of 8 N-mari rats of both sexes, weighing 246.6 +/- 9.2 g. Hypo- and hyperthyroid states were induced by administration of methimazole [500 mg/L H2O] and thyroxin [200 micro g/L H2O] respectively, in drinking water. All animals were deprived of food, but not of water 24 hours before the experiments. After anesthetization with sodium thiopental [50 mg/kg body weight, ip], tracheotomy and laparatomy, gastric secretions were collected through a cannula introduced via the duodenum. Gastric distension was induced by the injection of Ringer solution in stomach [1.5 cm3/100 g body weight]. Acid secretions, which were measured by automatic titrator in the hypothyroid, hyperthyroid and control groups were 8 +/- 0.2, 14.6 +/- 1.9 and 10.2 +/- 0.1 micro mol/15 min, respectively. Pepsin secretions were 4.4 +/- 0.5, 9.09 +/- 0.4 and 6.1 +/- 0.1 mg/15 min. in respective groups. There were statistically significant differences in both series between control and the other two groups. The results from the measurements of thyroid-stimulating hormones and T4 hormones showed that increased or decreased thyroid function can significantly affect gastric distension-induced acid and pepsin secretion