Effects of prostaglandin analogs on blood flow velocity and resistance in the ophthalmic artery of rabbits / Efeitos dos análogos da prostaglandina na velocidade do fluxo sanguíneo e resistência na artéria oftálmica de coelhos

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of prostaglandin analogs on blood flow in the ophthalmic artery of clinically healthy rabbits. Methods: Fifty-five clinically healthy New Zealand white rabbits were divided into six groups, and the left eyes were treated for four weeks with the preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAK) only or a topical formulation of different prostaglandin analogs (bimatoprost BAK, tafluprost BAK-free, travoprost BAK, travoprost POLYQUAD, and latanoprost BAK). Color Doppler imaging was performed before and after the treatments. The mean values of the peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end diastolic velocity and the resistive index (RI) were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the differences pre- and post-treatment for each drug and post-treatment among the drugs. Results: The prostaglandin analogs did not affect PSV. Bimatoprost BAK, travoprost POLYQUAD, and latanoprost BAK did not change RI. Tafluprost BAK-free and travoprost BAK therapy resulted in similar reductions in RI. No significant differences pre- and post-treatment were found when BAK was administered alone. Conclusion: The prostaglandin analogs tafluprost BAK-free and travoprost BAK improved blood flow in the ophthalmic artery in healthy New Zealand white rabbits, which suggests that these drugs enhance the prevention of the progression the progression of glaucoma.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos dos análogos da prostaglandina (PGAs) no fluxo sanguíneo da artéria oftálmica em coelhos. Métodos: Cinquenta e cinco coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia clinicamente saudáveis foram divididos em seis grupos para tratamento com formulação tópica de diferentes APGs (bimatoprosta BAK, tafluprosta BAK-free, travoprosta BAK, travoprosta POLYQUAD e latanoprosta BAK) e formulações contendo apenas o conservante cloreto de benzalcônio (BAK). Foi realizada ultrassonografia com Doppler antes e após os tratamentos. Os valores do pico da velocidade sistólica (PSV) e da velocidade diastólica final foram obtidos e o índice de resistência (RI) foi então calculado. A análise estatística foi realizada para comparar as diferenças entre cada droga no pré e pós-tratamento, além das diferenças no pós-tratamento entre as drogas. Resultados: Estes colírios PGAs não afetaram o PSV. A bimatoprosta com o conservante BAK, travoprosta com o conservante POLYQUAD e latanoprosta com o conservante BAK não alteraram o RI. Já o tratamento com tafluprosta sem conservante (BAK-free) e travoprosta com o conservante BAK promoveram redução similar dos valores do RI. Não houve diferença significativa na comparação entre valores pré e pós-tratamento quando BAK foi administrado isoladamente. Conclusão: Os PGAs tafluprosta BAK-free e travoprosta BAK melhoraram o fluxo sanguíneo na artéria oftálmica em coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia sugerindo que estes medicamentos possam contribuir na prevenção da progressão do glaucoma.

Improvement of pregnancy rate by intrauterine administration of dexamethasone and recombinant human leukemia inhibitory factor at the time of embryo transfer in cattle

Bovine embryos (day 5) were cultured to day 10 with or without 100 ng/mL PGF2α in medium supplemented with control; 100 nM Dex; 1,000 U/mL recombinant human leukemia inhibitory factor (rhLIF); or Dex+rhLIF. Although the rates to development to the blastocyst were not significantly different among groups, the hatching rate after additional culture with Dex +/or rhLIF was significantly higher in all supplemented groups than the control (p < 0.05). In the presence of PGF2α, the hatching rate was significantly restored in all supplemented groups relative to the group treated with only PGF2α and the control (p < 0.05). Embryo transfer (ET) was performed with blastocysts (day 7). PGF2α levels of control recipient cows were significantly higher in the circulatory blood samples collected 60 min after ET than in samples collected 60 min before ET (p < 0.005), and were decreased in cows injected with loading medium supplemented with Dex+rhLIF (p < 0.005). Pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the ET group that received supplemented embryo-loading medium than in the non-supplemented control (p < 0.05). The intrauterine administration of Dex and rhLIF at ET prevented increased PGF2α in circulatory blood and resulted in enhanced pregnancy rate.

Effect of volume replacement during combined experimental hemorrhagic shock and traumatic brain injury in prostanoids, brain pathology and pupil status / Efeito da reposição volêmica durante o choque hemorrágico combinado com traumatismo craniencefálico sobre prostanóides, patologia cerebral e status pupilar

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the main cause of trauma-related deaths. Systemic hypotension and intracranial hypertension causes cerebral ischemia by altering metabolism of prostanoids. We describe prostanoid, pupilar and pathological response during resuscitation with hypertonic saline solution (HSS) in TBI. Method Fifteen dogs were randomized in three groups according to resuscitation after TBI (control group; lactated Ringer’s (LR) group and HSS group), with measurement of thromboxane, prostaglandin, macroscopic and microscopic pathological evaluation and pupil evaluation.Result Concentration of prostaglandin is greater in the cerebral venous blood than in plasma and the opposite happens with concentration of thromboxane. Pathology revealed edema in groups with the exception of group treated with HSS.Discussion and conclusion There is a balance between the concentrations of prostaglandin and thromboxane. HSS prevented the formation of cerebral edema macroscopically detectable. Pupillary reversal occurred earlier in HSS group than in LR group.

O traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE) é a principal causa de morte relacionada ao trauma. O choque hemorrágico e hipertensão intracraniana causam isquemia cerebral alterando o metabolismo de prostanóides. Neste estudo, relatamos o comportamento dos prostanóides, resposta pupilar e patologia durante a reposição volêmica com solução salina hipertônica (SSH) no TCE. Método Quinze cachorros foram randomizados em três grupos (controle, grupo de Ringer lactato e grupo de SSH) e foram avaliados tromboxane, prostaglandina, avaliação patológica macroscópica e microscópica e status pupilar.Resultado A concentração de prostaglandina é maior no sangue cerebral em comparação ao plasma, e o inverso ocorre com o tromboxane. A patologia revelou edema em todos os grupos, com exceção do grupo tratado com SSH.Discussão e conclusão Existe um equilíbrio entre concentrações cerebrais e plasmáticas de prostaglandina e tromboxane. A SSH protegeu o cérebro da formação de edema pós traumático.

Analysis of Clinical Effectiveness of Tafluprost by Ocular Pulse Amplitude

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical effectiveness of tafluprost used in the treatment of glaucoma, using ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) measurements with dynamic contour tonometry (DCT). METHODS: Sixty patients (119 eyes) with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) or primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) treated with tafluprost or other eyedrops were investigated in the present study. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured with Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT), and OPA was measured with DCT, before and after treatment, retrospectively. RESULTS: In 20 patients treated with tafluprost, IOP decreased from 17.1 mm Hg before treatment to 13.0 mm Hg 3 months after treatment (24.0% descent rate), and OPA decreased from 2.35 to 1.57 (33.2% descent rate). For 20 patients who switched from another monotherapy to tafluprost, IOP decreased from 15.7 mm Hg to 13.2 mm Hg from 15.7 mm Hg (15.3%) and OPA from 2.38 to 1.69 (27.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Tafluprost used to treat glaucoma has a large OPA and IOP lowering effect and, therefore can be applied to patients who have a large OPA with glaucoma progression in spite of well controlled IOP.

Controle da síntese de prostaglandina F2 ALFA no endométrio bovino in vitro / In vitro control of prostaglandin F2a synthesis in bovine endometrium

A síntese de prostaglandina F2alfa(PGF2 alfa) endometrial, resulta de uma complexa cascata de eventos intracelulares que ocorrem de maneiraaltamente coordenada. A síntese de PGF2 alfa pode ser estimulada napresença da melitina e do forbol 12,13 dibutirato (PDBu). O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar se a produção basal e a estimulação aguda de PGF2 alfa são dependentes da síntese de proteínas. No experimento 1, explantes obtidos de fêmeas bovinas (n=2), cíclicas, não lactantes, no dia 15 do ciclo estral foram incubados em quadruplicata, com meio de cultivo (KHB) ou KHB suplementado com PDBu 10(elevado a -6)M, melitina 10(elevado a -6)M ou melitina 10(elevado a-5)M. Amostras do meio foram coletadas 0 e 60 minutos após os tratamentos e as concentrações de PGF2 alfa foram mensuradas por radioimunoensaio. Com 60 minutos após os tratamentos houve aumento das concentrações médias de PGF2 alfa(P<0,06) em resposta ao tratamento com PDBu comparado ao grupo KHB e melitina. No experimento2, explantes endometriais de fêmeas bovinas (n=4), não gestantes,no 17° dia do ciclo estral, pesando de 80 a 100mg foram incubados em KHB suplementado com 0, 50, 100 ou 200mg/mL de CHX e 0 ou 100ng/mL de PDBu em um arranjo fatorial 2 x 4, em quadruplicata. Amostras do meio foram coletadas 0 e 60 minutos após os tratamentos e as concentrações de PGF2 alfa foram mensuradas por radioimunoensaio. A integridade dos explantes endometriais tratados com CHX foi avaliada por cortes histológicos. Foi observado aumento na produção de PGF2 alfa em resposta ao tratamento com PDBu(P<0,01), entretanto, não houve diferenças na produção de PGF2 alfa pelos tecidos tratados com diferentes concentrações de CHX, associadas ou não ao PDBu. A integridade histológica dos explantes foi preservada. Conclui-se que a produção basal e a estimulação aguda da síntese de PGF2 alfa não são dependentes da síntese de novas proteínas.

Synthesis of endometrial prostaglandin F2 a (PGF2 a) results from acomplex cascade of highly coordinated intracellular events. Production of PGF2 a can be stimulated by mellitin and 12, 13 phorbol dibutyrate(PDBu). Objective of the present study was to verify whether basal or stimulated synthesis of PGF2 a was dependent on de novo protein synthesis. In Experiment 1, endometrial explants from cyclic, non-lactating cross-bred beef cows (n=2) on day 15 of the estrous cycle were incubated in quadruplicate in culture KHB culture medium or medium supplemented with 10(involution-6)M PDBu, 10(involution-6)M melittin or 10(involution-5)M melittin. Medium samples were collected immediately and 60 minutes after treatment administration and concentration of PGF2 a in medium were measured by radioimmunoassay. Concentrations of PGF2a in medium were higher (P<0.06) after treatment with PDBu in comparison with control and melittin. In Experiment 2, endometrial explants from cyclic, non-lactating cross-bred beef cows (n=4) on day17 of the estrous cycle were incubated in quadruplicate in medium supplemented with 0, 50, 100 or 200mg cyclohexamide (CHX) and 0or 100ng/ml PDBu, in a 4 x 2 factorial arrangement. Medium sampleswere collected immediately and 60 minutes after administration of treatments and concentrations of PGF2 a measured by radioimmunoassay. Endometrial integrity was was evaluated by histology. Treatment with PDBu stimulated production of PGF2 a(P<0.01), regardless of concentration of CHX used. The CHX did not affect production of PGF2 a, either in the presence or absence of PDBu. Histological integrity of explants was preserved. It was concluded that both basal and PDBu-stimulated PGF2 a productionare not dependent on new protein sythesis.

Therapeutic termination of second trimester pregnancy: a comparison of extra-amniotic Foley's catheter balloon alone with the combined use of Foley's catheter balloo and extra-amniotic instillation of prostaglandin F2-alpha

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy, safety, adverse effects and cost effectiveness of extra-amniotic Foley's catheter balloon alone [group-I] with the combined use of Foley's catheter balloon and extra-amniotic prostaglandin F2-alpha [group-II] for termination of second trimester pregnancy. Material and It was a comparative randomised trial carried out in obstetrics and gynaecology unit of Postgraduate Medical Institution, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, during 2002. Patients were randomly allocated to group-I, having odd admission numbers and group-II, having even admission numbers. Sixty-three patients having gestational age between 14 to 28 weeks and cervical score less than 4 were enrolled in the study, 33 for group-I and 30 for group-II. Indications for termination were either intra-uterine foetal death or congenital malformations incompatible with life. Both the groups had a size-16-F Foley's catheter passed through the internal OS and its balloon distended with 30 millilitres of distilled water. Group-II patient in addition received extra-amniotic prostaglandin F2-alpha [0.25mg/ml diluted solution], one ml at hourly interval, through the same catheter, till the expulsion of the balloon. Mean induction to products expulsion interval was significantly shorter in the combined use of Foley's catheter balloon and extra-amniotic prostaglandin F2-alpha [PGF2-alpha] compared to the use of Foley's catheter balloon alone [16.50 +/- 8.823 versus 37.76 +/- 11.019 hours, P<0.005]. The rate of successful uterine evacuation within 24 hours was also significantly higher in group-II [86.66% versus 6.06%, P<0.01]. The incidence of vomiting [10%], diarrhoea [6.66%] and uterine pain [10%] in group-II was not statistically significant [P>0.05], but the frequency of temperature of 100OF was significantly higher in group-I [23.64%] compared to group-II [3.33%]. Group-II patient had shorter average hospital stay [1.533 +/- 0.57 versus 2.766 +/- 0.567 days, P<0.005] and lower mean hospital expenses [Rupees 1139.99 +/- 276.80 compared to 1383.33 +/- 284.16, P<0.05]. Complete abortion rate was similar between the two groups. The combined use of Foley's catheter balloon and extraamniotic PGF2-alpha is more rapid, safe and cost effective method for induction of therapeutic termination of second trimester pregnancy, resulting in greater number of successful uterine evacuation within 24 hours, than the Foley's catheter balloon alone

Comparison of pressure lowering effect of latanoprost and a combination of timolol - pilocarpine eye drops in patients insufficiently controlled with B adrenergic antagonists

To compare the effect pressure [IOP] of latanoprost monotherapy and timololpilocarpine in patients with glaucoma or oclular hypertension with inadequately controlled IOP on topical B adrenergic antagonists. This was randomized, observer masked, 6 weeks study performed on 112 patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension and IOP of at least 22 mmHg on treatment with timolol 0.5 percent twice daily of at least 21 days. The patients were randomized into two parallel groups: either to latanoprost 0.005 percent once daily or to combination of timolol pilocarpine. Changes in mean diurnal IOP from baseline to the 6 week visit were determined. Switching from timolol 0.5 percent to latanoprost 0:005 percent once daily caused a statistically significant reduction in mean IOP [P < 0.001], and switching from timolol to timolol-pilocarpine twice daily caused a statistically significant reduction in mean diurnal IOP [P < 0.001].Latanoprost monotherapy was at least as effective as combination of timolol-pilocarpine twice daily treatment in reducing IOP in patients not adequately controlled on B adrenergic antagonists

The Effects of Radiation Using Ho-166 on Endothelial Function in a Porcine Coronary Model

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It has been reported that intracoronary radiation therapy (ICRT) using a Ho-166 coated balloon inhibits restenosis of porcine coronary arteries. However, the consequences of ICRT on coronary artery endothelial function are unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of ICRT using a Ho-166 balloon on coronary artery endothelial function and vasomotor reactivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female pigs (25-35 kg) were orally premedicated daily with aspirin (100 mg) and ticlopidine (250 mg) for the duration of the study. Under sterile conditions with local anesthesia of the skin provided by 2% lidocaine, an arteriotomy of the left carotid artery was performed, an 8 Fr sheath was inserted, and intraarterial heparin sodium (10,000 IU) was injected. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the coronary artery main branch was selected through an 8 Fr guiding catheter for coronary artery overdilation injury (balloon to artery ratio, 1.3:1) and ICRT. A Ho-166 coated balloon prepared to deliver 20 Gy at a depth of 2 mm from the balloon surface was used for ICRT. The coronary artery main branch in each pig was randomly assigned to either balloon injury (Group I) or balloon injury plus ICRT (Group II). Coronary artery segments were taken from the animals at 0 week (n=8), 4 weeks (n=6) and 8 weeks (n=8) after the intervention. Data in each group denote the relative ratio compared to non-injured coronary artery and are expressed as mean +/- standard error of mean. RESULTS: The degree of KCl-induced contractile response (g) was not different between the two groups at 0 and 4 weeks, but was significantly decreased in group II compared to group I at 8 weeks (I:1.04+/-0.06, II:0.79+/-0.07, p=0.014). In rings precontracted with prostaglandin F 2alpha (PGF 2alpha), the degree of NO-dependent relaxation (%) induced with substance P was significantly decreased in group II compared to group I at 0 week (I:0.93+/-0.33, II:0.47+/-0.31, p=0.03), but the difference between the two groups was not significant at 4 and 8 weeks. In rings precontracted with PGF 2alpha and LAME in the presence of indomethacin, the degree of EDHF-induced relaxation (%) using substance P was not different between the two groups at 0, 4 and 8 weeks; nor was the degree of sodium nitroprusside-induced endothelium independent relaxation (%) in depolarized conditions with PGF 2alpha. CONCLUSION: Endothelial function of the porcine coronary artery is only transiently impaired after ICRT using a Ho-166 coated balloon. Therefore this therapy can be used as an effective method to prevent restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Pharmacological effect of diazepam on uterine smooth musciles in non-pregnant and pregnant rats

The effect of diazepam on spontaneous uterine contractility was studied in-situ in both non-pregnant rats and pregnant rats at days 20 of gestation [GD20]. The effect of these drugs were given 15 minutes after injection of diazepam. The uterine response was identified in terms of frequency [number of bursts/10 minutes] and amplitude [micro V/10 minutes] of uterine contraction. Diazepam [0.25-4 mg/kg i.v.] showed significant [P < 0.05], dose-dependent tocolytic effect in both non-regnant and pregnant rats with greater effect in pregnant rats as reflected by greater reduction of both frequency and amplitude of uterine contraction. The dose of diazepam that produced 50% reduction in the amplitude of uterine contraction [ID50] in non-pregnant rats was 1.9 mg/kg compared to 0.4 mg/kg in pregnant rats. The ID50 ratio for diazepam in non-pregnant and pregnant rats was about 4.75. In both non-pregnant and pregnant rats, diazepam [1 mg/kg] markedly antagonized the uterotonic effects of oxytocin [1 IU/kg] and PGF2alfa was found to be greater on the muscles of pregnant rats. However, such antagonism did not result in complete loss of the uterotonic activity of oxytocin and PGF2alfa as their [after diazepam] on both frequency and amplitude of uterine contraction were still significantly higher than just before oxytocin and PDSGF2alfa [effect of diazepam alone]. The effect of diazepam was also examined in-vitro on isolated non-pregnant rat uterus. It was found that diazepam in concentrations ranging from 0.125-16 microg/ml produced significant concentration-dependent reduction in the height of contraction elicited by either acetylcholine [1 micro g/ml] or KCl [2.2 mg/ml]. The concentration of diazepam that produced 50% reduction of acetylcholine and KCl responses [IC50] were 1.8 microg/ml and 0.75 micro g/ml respectively. In the presence of flumazenil, diazepam produced nearly the same relaxant effect on acetylcholine-induced contraction with an IC50 value of 2 microg/ml which was not significantly different from that obtained in the absence of flumazenil [1.8 micro g/ml]. In KCl depolarized uterine horns, diazepam [2 micro g/ml] with rightward shift of the concentration response curve of CaCl2, indicating a Ca2+ antagonistic activity for diazepam. It could be concluded that pretreatment with diazepam during near term pregnancy may lead to serious complications during the process of labour-induction by oxytocin or PGF2alfa

Study on the Mechanism of Hypoxic Induced Vasodilatation and Vasoconstriction

BACKGROUND: Although hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPC) and hypoxic coronary vasodilatation (HCD) have been recognized by many researchers, the precise mechanism remains unknown. As isolated arteries will constrict or relax in vitro in response to hypoxia, the oxygen sensor/transduction mechanism must reside in the arterial smooth muscle, the endothelium, or both. Unfortunately, much of the current evidence is conflicting, especially concerning to the dependency of HPC and HCD on the endothelium and the role of the K+ channel. Therefore, this experiment was attempted to clarify the dependency of HPC and HCD on the endothelium and the role of the K+ channel on HPC and HCD. METHODS: HPC was investigated in isolated main pulmonary arteries precontracted with norepinephrine (NE). HCD was investigated in isolated left circumflex coronary artery precontracted with prostaglandin F2 alpha. Vascular rings were suspended for isometric tension recording in an organ chamber filled with Krebs-Henseleit solution. Hypoxia was induced by gassing the chamber with 95% N2 +5% CO2, which was maintained for 15 - 25 min. RESULTS: 1)Hypoxia elicited a vasoconstriction in NE-precontracted pulmonary arteries with endothelium, but a vasodilatation in PGF 2 alpha-precontracted coronary arteries with and without endothelium. There was no difference between the amplitude of the HPC and HCD induced by two consecutive hypoxic challenges and the effect of normoxic and hyperoxic control Krebs-Henseleit solution on subsequent response to hypoxia. 2)Inhibition of NO synthesis by the treatment with Nw-nitro-L-arginine reduced HPC in pulmonary arteries, but inhibition of the cyclooxygenase pathway by treatment with indomethacin had no effect on HPC and HCD, respectively. 3)Blockades of the TEA-sensitive K+ channel abolished HPC and HCD. 4)Apamin, a small conductance Ca2+/-activated K+ (KCa) channel blocker, and iberiotoxin, a large conductance KCa channel blocker, had no effect on the HCD. 5)Glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channel blocker, reduced HCD. 6)Cromakalim, an K(ATP) channel opener, relaxed the coronary artery precontracted with prostaglandin F2 alpha. The degree of relaxation by cromakalim was similar to that by hypoxia and glibenclamide reduced both hypoxia- and cromakalim-induced vasodilations. 7)Verapamil, a Ca2+ entry blocker, caffeine, a Ca2+ emptying drug; and ryanodine, an inhibitor of Ca2+ release from SR, reduced HPC, respectively. CONCLUSION: HPC is dependent on the endothelium and is considered to be induced by inhibition of the mechanisms of NO-dependent vasodilation while HCD is independent of the endothelium and is considered to be induced by activation of the K(ATP) channel.

effect of short term chronic administration of piracetam, maprotiline and their combination on prostaglandin F2 cyclic AMP and hepatorenal functions in rats

Four groups, each of six adult male albino rats received daily the antidepressant maprotiline 13.5 mg/kg, or the nootropic piracetam 450.0 mg/kg, or the combination of both treatments or the vehicle orally for 4 weeks, respectively. Twenty four hours after the last dose, blood samples were obtained for the colorimetric estimation of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase [GPT], alkaline phosphatase [AP], creatinine and the radioimmunoassay [RIA] of circulating cyclic 3',5' adenosine monophosphate [cAMP] and prostaglandin PGF 2 alpha. Cerebral levels of PGF 2 alpha were also determined by RIA. All treatments did not pathologically change the level of serum GPT, AP or creatinine. However, they potently reduced circulating cAMP by about 90%, but markedly elevated circulating PGF 2 alpha to about 3 folds control values. On the other hand, brain level of PGF 2 alpha was not affected by maprotiline but was elevated by 43% and 128% over control values in response to piracetam and its combination with maprotiline, respectively. It was concluded that this drug combination did not adversely affect the hepatorenal function. The probable role of PGF 2 alpha in the mechanism of the nootropic action of piracetam may indicate that its combined administration with the antidepressant maprotiline may be advantageous but should be carefully monitored

Thromboxane in complicated and uncomplicated hypertension

This work comprised 77 hypertensive patients as well as 14 healthy normotensive age matched subjects as a control group. They were categorized into uncomplicated hypertension [group I], hypertension complicated by coronary artery disease [group II], and hypertension complicated by acute cerebral infarction [group III]. They were submitted to full clinical assessment, ECG, abdominal sonography, routine laboratory investigations, plasma renin activity, plasma thromboxane B2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha. Echocardiography and CT brain scan were done whenever indicated. 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha level was significantly reduced in group I, while thromboxane B2 level showed no difference, however, the ratio TXB2/6.K.PGF1 alpha was significantly higher when compared with controls. In hypertensive patients complicated by coronary artery disease [group II] while both thromboxane B2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha levels showed no significant difference compared with either controls or group I, the ratio TXB2/6.K.PGF1 was significantly higher. In hypertensive patients complicated by cerebral infarction [group III] both thromboxane B2 level and the ratio TXB2/6.K.PGF1 alpha level were significantly higher when compared with either controls, group I or group II patients. However, 6.K.PGF1 alpha showed no significant difference when compared with these groups. In the three studied groups both TXB2 and 6.K.PGF1 alpha were positively correlated with either systolic, diastolic or mean blood pressure. Also, TXB2 and 6.K.PGF1 alpha levels were positively correlated to each other. In this study, the plasma renin activity showed no significant difference between the controls and any of the three studied groups

study on the effect of prostaglandin F2 alpha on blood glucose in normal, diabetic and stressed rats

The aim of the present work was to study the effect of prostaglandin F2 alpha on blood glucose level in normal and diabetic rats and to study its protective effect against stress-induced hyperglycemia and alloxan-induced diabetes. The results obtained showed that injection of prostaglandin F2 alpha reduced the ether stress-induced hyperglycemia, while it has no significant effect on plasma glucose level in normal and diabetic rats. The results showed that it has no protective effect against alloxan-induced diabetes. Interpretation of these results suggested that prostaglandin F2 alpha might act through stimulation of insulin release

Calcium and prostaglandins in blood and uterine muscle in normal and abnormal uterine actions

Uterine activity integral [UAI] together with plasma and uterine muscle calcium ions, PGF2 alpha and PGE2 were estimated in 32 primigravidae of those admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of El-Menia University Hospital and delivered by cesarean section. Seven women showed normal uterine action, 15 showed hypotonic uterine action, and 10 showed hypertonic uterine action. The study showed that PGE2 alpha and calcium ions levels increased in blood and uterine muscle during labor, especially in the hypertonic state and decreased in the hypotonic contractions, whereas, PGE2 showed no significant changes. These changes could incriminate PGF2 alpha and calcium ions in the pathogenesis of these abnormal uterine actions

Estimation of prostaglandin E2 and 6-Keto-prostaglandin F1 in cases of chronic tonsillitis

This study was carried out on 50 patients suffering from chronic tonsillitis of different age groups. Prostagl and in E2 and 6-ketoprostagl and in F1 were estimated in the tissue of tonsils by radioimmunoassay methods. It was concluded that the young age groups [4 - 7 years] had higher levels of prostagl and in E2 and 6-ketoprostagl and in F1. The young age groups [4 - 7 years and 8 - 12 years] had higher levels of prostagl and in E2 more than 6-ketoprostagl and in F1, the older age group [13 - 18 years] had higher levels of 6-ketoprostagl and in F1 than prostagl and in E2. The levels of prostagl and in E2 were higher than the levels of 6-ketoprostagl and in F1 in the tissues of tonsils; while in plasma 6-ketoprostagl and in, F1 was higher than prostagl and in E2. Prostagl and in E2 was secreted from lymphocytes of tonsils

Prostaglandin catabolism and ulcerative colitis: effect of sulphasalazine, 5-aminosalicylic acid and other drugs

1. Evidence is presented for the occurrence of type 1 prostaglandin 15-hidroxydehydrogenase in human rectal mucosa. No evidence of the presence of type 2 dnzyme was found. 2. A 15-keto-prostaglandin reductase, responsible for the breakdown of 13, 14-dihydro 15-keto prostaglandins to 13, 14-dihydro prostaglandins, was also present in human rectal mucosa. 3. Ulcerative colitis patients catabolized prostaglandins to the same extent as the control group. PGE was catabolized significantly better than PGF2 alfa. 4. 5-Aminosalicylic acid and sulphapyridine did not affect prostaglandin catabolism. Sulphasalazine, methilsulphasalazine, indomethacin, flurbiprofen, disodium cromoglycate, sodium salicylate and carbenoxolone sodium inhibited prostaglandin catabolism to the same extent in both groups.Salicylazosulphadimidine was a more potent inhibitor of PGE1 catabolism than of PGF2alfa. 5. The increased prostaglandin synthesis reported for ulcerative colitis patients was not paralleled by increased catabolism, a fact possibly contributing to the accumulation of such compounds in the diseased state

effect of streptozotocin on body temperature, serum glucose and circulating prostaglading PGF 2a in rabbits and its modification by pyogenic inducer

Previous studies have indicated the hypoglycemic effects of the antipyretic salicylates and the hyperglycaemia accompanying pyrogenic fever. The present investigation was conducted to further study the relationship between hyperglycemia and pyrogenic fever in relation to circulating prostaglandins [PGF2 alpha]. For this purpose the rectal temperature, the serum levels of glucose and PFG2 alpha were determined in groups of rabbits treated with streptozotocin [SAB vaccin 2 X 107 microorg./kg i.v.] or their combination. The changes in the tested parameter were followed up for one week after treatment. The results showed that both STZ and TAB vaccin induced hyperglycemia accompanied by transient rise in circulating PGF2 alpha. STZ did not appreciably affect normal rectal temperature, but slightly antagonized the hyperthermic effect of TAB vaccin. The study indicated the role of PGF2 alpha in the mediation of the very early thermal and biochemical events in pyrogenic fever

Prostaglandina F2 alfa comparada con placebo en reflujo gastroensofágico: evaluación clínica y manométrica / Prostaglandin F2 alpha compared with placebo in gastroesophageal reflux: clinical and manometric assesment

Los factores que controlan la competencia de la unión gastroesofágica, han sido estudiados cuidadosamente en la última década. Aunque no se ha identificado la presencia anatómica de un enfínter gastroesofágico inferior en el hombre, existe una zona manométricamente definida de alta presión en el esófago distal. La magnitud de la presión de este esfínter, tiene una buena correlación con la incidencia de reflujo gastroesofágico patológico. Las acciones de prostaglandina F2 alfa sobre la contracción de la musculatura lisa son bien conocidas. Más importantes, sin embargo son las pocas publicaciones que enfocan la acción de prostaglandina F2 alfa sobre la contracción del esfínter esofágico inferior. Hemos desarrollado este trabajo, para investigar los efectos de esta sustancia sobre síntomas y los cambios en la manometría esofágica, en dos grupos de pacientes, que ingresan a un estudio aleatorio y dobre ciego con prostaglandina F2 alfa o placebo. La ingestión oral de prostaglandina F2 alfa, no muestra ningún cambio en la presión del esfínter esofágico inferior en comparación con el placebo. Los hallazgos clínicos, sin embargo sugieren que esta sustancia podría ser un agente útil en el alivio sintomático de esta patología. El mecanismo responsable de esta acción es desconocido. Sugerimos que puediera estar involucrada una acción citoprotectora, pero se requiere mayor investigación para dilucidarlo