Cardioprotective solutions exposure for 1 hour in hypoxia and low temperatures affects vascular reactivity differently

Abstract Introduction: Heart preservation benefits cardiac performance after operations decreasing morbidity but the contribution of the vascular reactivity has been neglected. Objective: We evaluated whether cardioprotective solutions, Krebs-Henseleit (KH), Bretschneider-HTK (BHTK), St. Thomas No. 1 (STH-1), and Celsior (CEL), affect vascular reactivity. Methods: Aortic rings from Wistar rats were used in two protocols. First, the rings were exposed to BHTK, STH-1 or CEL for 1 hour of hypoxia at 37 °C. Second, the rings were exposed to 10 °C or 20 °C for 1 hour under hypoxia. After treatment, the rings were immersed in KH at 37 °C, endothelial integrity was tested and concentration-response curves to phenylephrine were performed. Results: In the first protocol, the solutions did not damage the endothelium; CEL and BHTK reduced KCl-induced contractions but not STH-1; only CEL and BHTK reduced vascular reactivity; there was a positive correlation between Rmax and KCl concentration. At 20 °C, 1 hour under hypoxia, the solutions produced similar KCl-induced contractions without endothelial damage. CEL, BHTK and STH-1 decreased vascular reactivity. At 10 °C, STH-1 increased reactivity but CEL and BHTK decreased. After 1 hour under hypoxia in CEL or BHTK solutions, reactivity was similar at different temperatures. At 20 °C, endothelial damage after exposure to STH-1 produced more vasoconstriction than CEL and BHTK. However, at 10 °C, endothelial damage after CEL and BHTK exposure elicited more vasoconstriction while STH-1 showed a small vasoconstrictor response, suggesting endothelial damage. Conclusion: STH-1 decreased reactivity at 20 °C and increased at 10 °C. CEL promoted greater endothelial modulation at 10 °C than at 20 °C, while STH-1 promoted higher modulation at 20 °C than at 10 °C. Vascular tone was reduced by CEL and BHTK exposure, also depending on the KCl concentration.

Passive Cigarette Smoking Impact on Blood Pressure Response to Epinephrine and Felypressin in 1K1C Hypertensive Rats Treated or not with Atenolol / Impacto do Tabagismo Passivo na Resposta Pressórica à Epinefrina e Felipressina em Ratos Hipertensos 1K1C Tratados ou não com Atenolol

Abstract Background: Cigarette smoking is usually associated with hypertension and may modify vasoconstrictor response. Objective: The present study aimed to analyze and compare the interaction of passive cigarette smoking and hypertension on epinephrine and felypressin blood pressure effects after intravascular injection. Method: 45-day male Wistar rats had the main left renal artery partially constricted and the right kidney removed (1K1C model). Rats were placed in the chamber for exposition to passive cigarette smoking (10 cigarettes) during 10 min (6 days a week). Hypertensive rats received atenolol (90 mg/kg/day) by gavage for two weeks. Hypotensive and hypertensive response, response duration and heart rate were recorded from direct blood pressure values. The significance level was 5%. Results: Passive cigarette smoking increased maximal hypertensive response to epinephrine in normotensive and 1K1C-atenolol treated rats and to felypressin only in 1K1C-atenolol treated rats; it also reduced epinephrine hypotensive response. Epinephrine increased heart rate in normotensive and hypertensive passive smokers or non-smoker rats. Comparing the two vasoconstrictors, epinephrine showed greater hypertensive response in normotensive smokers, 1K1C-atenolol treated smokers and non-smokers. However, in normotensive-nonsmoker rats, felypressin showed a greater and longer hypertensive effect. Conclusions: Our results suggest that passive cigarette smoking may reduce epinephrine vasodilation and increase hypertensive response when compared to felypressin. Therefore, felypressin may be safe for hypertensive patients to avoid tachycardia and atenolol interaction, but for normotensive and non-smoker patients, epinephrine may be safer than felypressin.

Resumo Fundamento: O tabagismo geralmente está associado à hipertensão e pode modificar a resposta vasoconstritora. Objetivo: O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar e comparar a interação do tabagismo passivo e hipertensão sobre os efeitos da epinefrina e felipressina na pressão arterial após injeção intravascular. Métodos: Ratos Wistar machos de 45 dias tiveram a artéria renal principal esquerda parcialmente obstruída e o rim direito removido (modelo 1K1C). Os ratos foram colocados na câmara para exposição ao tabagismo passivo (10 cigarros) durante 10 minutos (6 dias por semana). Ratos hipertensos receberam atenolol (90 mg/kg/dia) por gavagem durante duas semanas. A resposta hipotensora e hipertensiva, a duração da resposta e a frequência cardíaca foram registradas a partir da medida dos valores diretos da pressão arterial. O nível de significância foi de 5%. Resultados: O tabagismo passivo aumentou a resposta hipertensiva máxima à epinefrina em ratos normotensos e ratos 1K1C tratados com atenolol e à felipressina apenas em ratos 1K1C tratados com atenolol; também reduziu a resposta hipotensiva à epinefrina. A epinefrina aumentou a frequência cardíaca em ratos fumantes passivos ou não-fumantes, normotensos e hipertensos. Comparando os dois vasoconstritores, a epinefrina apresentou maior resposta hipertensiva em fumantes normotensos, ratos 1K1C fumantes e não fumantes tratados com atenolol. No entanto, em ratos normotensos e não fumantes, a felipressina apresentou um efeito hipertensivo maior e mais prolongado. Conclusões: Nossos resultados sugerem que o tabagismo passivo pode reduzir a vasodilatação da epinefrina e aumentar a resposta hipertensiva quando comparado à felipressina. Portanto, a felipressina pode ser segura para pacientes hipertensos, com o objetivo de evitar a interação entre taquicardia e atenolol, mas para pacientes normotensos e não-fumantes, a epinefrina pode ser mais segura que a felipressina.

Evaluation of relaxant responses properties of cinnamon essential oil and its major component, cinnamaldehyde on human and rat corpus cavernosum

ABSTRACT Cinnamomum cassia (Cinnamon) is a well-known traditional medicine with therapeutic benefits for centuries. We evaluated the effects of cinnamon essential oil (CEO) and its main component cinnamaldehyde (CA) on human corpus cavernosum (HCC) and rat CC. The essential oil of cinnamon was analyzed for the confirmation of the oil profile. HCC specimens from patients undergoing penile prosthesis surgery (age 48-69 years) were utilized for functional studies. In addition, erectile responses in anesthetized control and diabetic rats were evaluated in vivo after intracavernosal injection of CEO and CA, and rat CC strips were placed in organ baths. After precontraction with phenylephrine (10µM), relaxant responses to CEO and CA were investigated. CA (96.9%) was found as the major component. The maximum relaxation responses to CEO and CA were 96.4±3.5% and 96.0±5.0% in HCC and 97.5±5.5% and 96.8±4.8% in rat CC, respectively. There was no difference between control and diabetic rats in relaxation responses to CEO and CA. The relaxant responses obtained with essential oil and CA were not attenuated in the presence of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, and soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor (sGS) in CC. In vivo, erectile responses in diabetic rats were lower than in control rats, which was restored after intracavernosal injection of CEO and CA. CEO and CA improved erectile function and relaxation of isolated strips of rat CC and HCC by a NO/cGMP-independent mechanism. Further investigations are warranted to fully elucidate the restorative effects of CEO and CA on diabetic erectile dysfunction.

The antimicrobial activity of ephedrine and admixture of ephedrine and propofol: an in vitro study / A atividade antimicrobiana de efedrina e da combinação de efedrina e propofol: um estudo in vitro

Abstract Introduction Propofol and Ephedrine are commonly used during anesthesia maintenance, the former as a hypnotic agent and the later as a vasopressor. The addition of propofol to ephedrine or administration of ephedrine before propofol injection is useful for decreasing or preventing propofol related hemodynamic changes and vascular pain. This in vitro study evaluated the antibacterial effect on common hospital-acquired infection pathogens of ephedrine alone or combined with propofol. Material and method The study was performed in two stages. In the first, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of propofol and ephedrine alone and combined was calculated for Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and a clinical isolate of Acinetobacter spp. at 0, 6, 12 and 24 h, using the microdilution method. In the second stage, the same drugs and combination were used to determine their effect on bacterial growth. Bacterial solutions were prepared at 0.5 MacFarland in sterile 0.9% physiological saline and diluted at 1/100 concentration. Colony numbers were measured as colony forming units.mL-1 at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12th hours. Results Ephedrine either alone or combined with propofol did not have an antimicrobial effect on Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa and this was similar to propofol. However, ephedrine alone and combined with propofol was found to have an antimicrobial effect on Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter species at 512 mcg.mL-1 concentration and significantly decreased bacterial growth rate. Conclusion Ephedrine has an antimicrobial activity on Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter species which were frequently encountered pathogens as a cause of nosocomial infections.

Resumo Introdução Propofol e efedrina são fármacos comumente usados durante a manutenção da anestesia, o primeiro como agente hipnótico e o segundo como vasopressor. A adição de propofol à efedrina ou a administração de efedrina antes da injeção de propofol é útil para diminuir ou prevenir alterações hemodinâmicas e dor vascular relacionadas ao propofol. Este estudo in vitro avaliou o efeito antibacteriano de efedrina, isolada ou em combinação com propofol, em patógenos comuns implicados em infecção hospitalar. Material e método O estudo foi feito em duas etapas. Na primeira, a concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) de propofol e de efedrina isolada e em combinação foi calculada para Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e um isolado clínico de Acinetobacter spp às 0, 6, 12 e 24 horas, com o método de microdiluição. Na segunda etapa, o mesmo fármaco e sua combinação foram usados para determinar seus efeitos no crescimento bacteriano. As soluções bacterianas foram preparadas em soro fisiológico a 0,9% em 0,5 McFarland e diluídas a uma concentração de 1/100. Os números das colônias foram medidos como ufc.mL-1 às 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 e 12 horas. Resultados Efedrina isolada ou em combinação com propofol não apresentou efeito antimicrobiano sobre E. coli, E. faecium ou P. aeruginosa, um resultado semelhante ao de propofol. Porém, efedrina isolada e em combinação com propofol apresentou efeito antimicrobiano sobre Staphylococcus aureus e Acinetobacter spp, em concentração de 512 mcg.mL-1, e redução significativa da taxa de crescimento bacteriano. Conclusão Efedrina tem atividade antimicrobiana em S. aureus e Acinetobacter spp, patógenos frequentemente identificados como causa de infecções nosocomiais.

Reactividad vascular in vitro y estudio morfométrico de venas safenas utilizadas como bypass coronario: técnica "no-touch" versus convencional / In vitro vascular reactivity and morphometric study of saphenous veins graft used as coronary bypass: "no-touch" versus conventional technique

Resumen Introducción: Prolongar la permeabilidad de los injertos utilizados en bypass coronario es un desafío constante. Objetivo: Comparar anatomofuncionalmente venas safenas humanas (VSH) extraídas con técnica convencional (TC) vs técnica "no-touch" (NT). Material y Método: Estudio experimental. Se diseccionó VSH con TC y NT en el pabellón de cirugía cardiaca del Hospital Regional de Antofagasta. Las muestras de VSH fueron seccionadas en anillos de 3 mm y conservados en cámaras de órganos aislados con solución Ringer-Krebs. Para evaluar la vasomotilidad se administró norepinefrina (10-6M), papaverina (10-4M), acetilcolina (10-6M) y nitroprusiato de sodio (10-5M). Un segmento de las muestras fue fijado en formalina al 10%, procesado con técnica histológica y analizado bajo microscopía óptica. Las muestras fueron teñidas con hematoxilina-eosina, Verhoeff y orceína. El análisis estadístico fue realizado mediante el software Prism Graphad. Resultados: Reactividad vascular: La vasoconstricción inducida por noradrenalina fue significativamente superior en anillos del grupo NT vs TC (p < 0,0001). La vasodilatación producida por papaverina y acetilcolina fue superior en el grupo NT (p < 0,004) y (p < 0,0003), respectivamente. Estudio morfométrico: El grupo NT presentó túnica muscular (0,755 vs 0,680 mm), adventicia (0,5600 vs 0,4663 mm) y pared total (1,344 vs 0,962 mm) más gruesa que el grupo TC. No hubo diferencias significativas respecto el número de vasa vasorum. Conclusión: El grupo NT responde significativamente mejor a estímulos vasoconstrictores y vasodilatadores. Los resultados se asocian con las diferencias morfométricas.

Introduction: Prolonging of the grafts permeability used in coronary bypass is a constant challenge. Objective: To compare anatomical and functional human saphenous veins (VSH) extracted "No touch" (NT) technique vs conventional technique (TC). Materials and Methods: Experimental study. VSH dissected with CT and NT in the Regional Hospital of Antofagasta cardiac surgery ward. VSH samples were sectioned into 3 mm rings and preserved in isolated organs chambers with Krebs-Ringer solution. To evaluate the vasomotor activity, norepinephrine (10-6M), papaverine (10-4M), acetylcholine (10-6M) and sodium nitroprusside (10-5M) was administered. A segment of samples was fixed in 10% formalin, processed and histological analyzed under light microscopy technique with hematoxylin-eosin, Verhoeff and orceína. Statistical analysis was performed using the Prism software Graphad. Results: Vascular Reactivity: norepinephrine-induced vasoconstriction was significantly higher in the group rings NT vs TC (p < 0.0001). Vasodilation was higher with papaverine and acetylcholine in the NT group (p < 0.004) and (p < 0.0003), respectively. Morphometric study: The NT group presented muscularis (0.755 vs 0.680 mm), adventitious (0.5600 vs 0.4663 mm), and total wall (1.344 vs 0.962 mm) thicker than the TC group. No significant differences in vasa vasorum number identified. Conclusion: The NT group vasoconstrictor and vasodilator responds significantly better. Results correlate with morphometric differences.

Microcirculation improvement after short-term infusion of vasopressin in septic shock is dependent on noradrenaline

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of vasopressin on the microcirculation and to develop a predictive model to estimate the probability of microcirculatory recruitment in patients with septic shock. METHODS: This prospective interventional study included patients with septic shock receiving noradrenaline for less than 48 hours. We infused vasopressin at 0.04 U/min for one hour. Hemodynamic measurements, including sidestream dark-field imaging, were obtained immediately before vasopressin infusion, 1 hour after vasopressin infusion and 1 hour after vasopressin withdrawal. We defined patients with more than a 10% increase in total vascular density and perfused vascular density as responders. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02053675. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were included, and nine (50%) showed improved microcirculation after infusion of vasopressin. The noradrenaline dose was significantly reduced after vasopressin (p=0.001) and was higher both at baseline and during vasopressin infusion in the responders than in the non-responders. The strongest predictor for a favorable microcirculatory response was the dose of noradrenaline at baseline (OR=4.5; 95% CI: 1.2-17.0; p=0.027). For patients using a noradrenaline dose higher than 0.38 mcg/kg/min, the probability that microcirculatory perfusion would be improved with vasopressin was 53% (sensitivity 78%, specificity 77%). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with septic shock for no longer than 48 h, administration of vasopressin is likely to result in an improvement in microcirculation when the baseline noradrenaline dose is higher than 0.38 mcg/kg/min.

Uso oportuno de vasoprotectores en choque séptico / Timely use of vasoprotectors in septic shock

El estado de choque septico es una afección grave que ocurre en presencia de una posible infección con posterior fallo multiorgánico, corresponde a una de las primeras causas por las que pacientes son ingresados a la unidad de cuidado intensivo y ocurre con mayor frecuencia en pacientes de edad avanzada por ello es de vital importancia la temprana identificación, manejo guiado mediante metas y la acertada resolución, para ello se establece el oportuno uso de vasopresores como parte de la terapia...AU)

The state of septic shock is a serious condition that occurs in the presence of a possible infection with subsequent multi-organ failure, corresponds to one of the first causes for which patients are admitted to the intensive care unit and occurs more frequently in elderly patients. advanced, therefore, it is vitally important the early identification, guided management through goals and the correct resolution, for this the opportune use of vasopressors is established as part of the therapy ... AU)

Validation of an instrument regarding nursing intervention in patients in vasoactive therapy / Validación de instrumentos para intervención de la enfermería en el paciente pasando por terapia vasoactiva / Validação de instrumento para intervenção de enfermagem ao paciente em terapia vasoativa

ABSTRACT Objective: to validate the content of a Standard Operational Procedure, regarding nursing interventions in emergency patients treated with vasoactive drugs. Method: methodological study, carried out from December 2015 to January 2016. Content validity was determined by 16 experts (13 nurses, 2 pharmacists and one biomedical scientist), who judged it through a four-point Likert scale. The items were evaluated in terms of: feasibility, objectivity, simplicity, clearness, pertinence and accuracy. The Content Validity Index was applied, accepting the value ≥ 0.90. Results: two rounds of evaluation were required to achieve the minimum index. The items were reviewed regarding writing, dilution, indication and replacement interval. The instrument was validated with 33 items and with total Content Validity Index of 0.99. Conclusion: the instrument was considered appropriate, fractionally and globally, for nursing care for the patient treated with vasoactive drugs in emergency, in a safe and reliable way.

RESUMEN Objetivo: validar el contenido del Procedimiento Operacional Estándar para la intervención de la enfermería en el paciente que usa fármacos vasoactivos en la emergencia. Método: estudio metodológico, realizado entre diciembre de 2015 y enero de 2016. La validación del contenido fue determinada mediante la escala tipo Likert de cuatro puntos por 16 jueces, de los cuales 13 eran enfermeros, dos farmacéuticos y uno biomédico. Los apartados se clasificaron en: ejecutabilidad, objetividad, simplicidad, claridad, pertinencia y precisión. Se aplicó el Índice de Validez de Contenido con la aceptación del valor ≥ 0,90. Resultados: se necesitaron dos rondas de validación para alcanzar el índice. Los apartados se alteraron en la redacción, la dilución, la indicación y el intervalo de cambio. El instrumento se validó con 33 tópicos y con Índice de Validez del Contenido total de 0,99. Conclusión: los resultados se consideran adecuados separadamente, y de manera global, para que el enfermero cuide del paciente usuario de fármacos vasoactivos de forma segura y confiable en la emergencia.

RESUMO Objetivo: validar o conteúdo do Procedimento Operacional Padrão, para intervenção de enfermagem ao paciente em uso de fármacos vasoativos na emergência. Método: estudo metodológico, realizado de dezembro de 2015 a janeiro de 2016. A validação de conteúdo deu-se por 16 juízes, sendo 13 enfermeiros, dois farmacêuticos e um biomédico, que o julgaram por meio da escala tipo Likert de quatro pontos. Os itens foram avaliados em: exequibilidade, objetividade, simplicidade, clareza, pertinência e precisão. Aplicou-se o Índice de Validade de Conteúdo, aceitando-se o valor ≥ 0,90. Resultados: foram necessárias duas rodadas de validação para atingir o índice. Os itens foram alterados: na redação, diluição, indicação, intervalo de troca. O instrumento foi validado com 33 itens e com Índice de Validade de Conteúdo total de 0,99. Conclusão: considerou-se adequado, separadamente, e de maneira global, para que o enfermeiro possa cuidar do paciente em uso de fármacos vasoativos na emergência, de forma segura e confiável.

Effects of Continuous and Accumulated Exercise on Endothelial Function in Rat Aorta / Efeitos do Exercício Acumulado e Contínuo sobre a Função Endotelial em Aorta de Ratos

Abstract Background: The practice of exercise in short bouts repeated throughout the day may be an alternative strategy to lift people out of physical inactivity. Objective: to evaluate if accumulated exercise, as occurs in continuous exercise training, improve endothelial function in rat aorta. Methods: Wistar male rats were divided into three groups: continuous exercise (CEx, 1 hour on the treadmill) or accumulated exercise (AEx, 4 bouts of 15 minutes / day) for 5 days/week for 8 weeks, or sedentary (SED). During the training period, body weight gain and increase in exercise performance were recorded. On sacrifice day, aorta was dissected into rings (3-5 mm) and mounted on the organ bath. Results: Fitness was significantly greater in CEx and AEx rats as compared with SED animals. In addition, compared with the SED group, CEx animals had a lower body mass gain, and the aorta obtained from these animals had reduced contractile response to norepinephrine and greater acetylcholine-induced relaxation. These results were not observed in ACEx animals. Conclusions: Both CEx and AEx improved fitness, but only CEx led to reduced body weight gain and improved endothelial function.

Resumo Fundamento: A prática de exercícios em sessões curtas que se repetem ao longo do dia pode ser uma alternativa para tirar as pessoas da inatividade física. Objetivo: Verificar se o exercício acumulado, tal como ocorre com o treinamento com exercício contínuo, melhora a função endotelial na aorta de ratos. Métodos: Ratos Wistar machos foram divididos em 3 grupos: treinamento com exercício contínuo (ExC; 1 hora em esteira) ou com exercício acumulado (ExA; 4 sessões de 15 minutos ao longo do dia) por 5 dias/semana, durante 8 semanas, ou grupo sedentário (SED). Durante o treinamento, foram registrados o ganho de peso corporal e desempenho na esteira. No dia do sacrifício, anéis (3-5 mm) da aorta foram obtidos e montados em banho de órgãos. Resultados: Animais ExC e ExA mostraram aptidão física significativamente maior em comparação com os SED. Paralelamente, em comparação com SED, animais ExC tiveram menor ganho de massa corporal, e aortas retiradas desses animais mostraram respostas contrácteis à noradrenalina reduzidas e maior relaxamento induzido pela acetilcolina. Esses resultados não foram observados no grupo ExA. Conclusões: Tanto o ExC quanto o ExA melhoraram a aptidão física, mas somente o ExC foi capaz de reduzir o ganho de peso corporal dos animais e melhorar a função endotelial.

Avaliação dos efeitos vasculares e expressão de mRNA de receptores de drogas vasoconstritoras em leito arterial mesentérico de ratos normotensos, diabéticos, hipertensos renais um-rim, um clip (1R-1C) e 1R-1C diabéticos / Vascular reactivity and vasoconstrictor drugs receptors RNAmexpression on mesenteric artery bed of normotensive, diabetic, 1K-1C hypertensive and 1K-1C hypertensive-diabetic rats

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar e comparar a reatividade vascular de agentes vasoconstritores presentes nas soluções anestésicas locais (Adrenalina - vasoconstrição e vasodilatação; Felipressina - vasoconstrição), nas doses de 80, 160, 320, 640 e 1280ng (adrenalina) ou 0,25; 0,5; 1; 2 e 4 x10-3UI (felipressina), em leito arterial mesentérico deratos normotensos, diabéticos, hipertensos renais um-rim, um-clip (1R-1C) e hipertensos1R-1C-diabéticos. E correlacionar tal reatividadecom expressão de RNAm dos receptores 1A e 2- adrenérgicos, V1A para vasopressina e AT1A, AT1Be AT2 para angiotensina II visando verificar se a hipertensão arterial e o diabetes mellitus provocam alteração em modelo indutivo e isogênico. Ratos Wistar pesando 110-160g, foram anestesiados com mistura de quetamina e xilazina (50+10mg/ml/kg de peso), tiveram seu abdômen aberto e receberam um clip de prata com abertura 0,25mm na artéria renal esquerda, removendo-se cirurgicamente o rim direito (ratos 1R-1C). Após 14 dias, receberam injeção subcutânea de estreptozotocina (50 e 60mg/kg de peso) para indução do diabetes mellitus sendo a glicemia testada pela veia caudal previamente aos experimentos (diabéticos). Após 30-42 dias da implantação do clip, todos os grupos foram novamente anestesiados e implantou-se cânula de polietileno (PE-50) na artéria carótida esquerda para registro direto da pressão arterial. Após registro da pressão os animais tiveram a artéria principal mesentérica exposta e canulada. O leito arterial mesentérico foi então isolado e colocado em banho com solução nutritiva de Krebs a 37ºC. O cateter foi conectado ao sistema de registro computadorizado (PowerLab®) utilizando software específico (Chart 5Pro ®). Analisaram-se: a pressão máxima (vasoconstrição) e mínima (vasodilatação), o tempo necessário para atingir esse valor, duração total da resposta, integral e integral sobre a linha de base. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância de medidas repetidas (ANOVA), seguida do teste de Holm-Sidak (distribuição normal) ou de Mann-Whitney (nãoparamétrico), quando apropriado, nível de significância de 5%. Todas as respostas máximas de vasoconstrição apresentaram comportamento dose-dependente, contudo, para os quatro grupos estudados, a resposta vasoconstritora para adrenalina foi significativamente superior à felipressina (p<0,05). Diabetes e hipertensão reduziram a resposta vasoconstritora da adrenalina e da felipressina, valores de integral sobre a linha de base, respectivamente para grupo controle, diabético, hipertenso e hipertenso-diabético: 2462±465; 1511±236; 2542± 5456 e 3749±819mmHg.s (p<0,05) para adrenalina e 3749 ± 708; 746 ± 103; 1647 ± 422; 1359 ± 591 mmHg.s (p<0,05) para felipressina. Tanto o diabetes quanto a hipertensão, associadas ou não, aumentaram significativamente o tempo para atingir a pressão máxima de vasoconstrição e a duração (p<0,05). As artérias mesentéricas de ratos diabéticos, hipertensos e diabéticos-hipertensos apresentaram expressão significativamente aumentada dos receptores 1Aadrenérgico, AT1B e AT2 para angiotensina II (p<0,05), enquanto receptor AT1A estava com a expressão aumentada apenas nos grupos diabéticos. A expressão do receptor 1A-adrenérgico é discrepante com os achados funcionais, o que pode ser justificado pela fase crônica da doença em que a PCR foi realizada. É possível correlacionar os dados obtidos com a menor atividade vasoconstritora da felipressina observada clinicamente. A maior sensibilidade às moléculas vasoconstritoras pode explicar a maior tendência de pacientes diabéticos desenvolverem hipertensão. A partir dos dados obtidos pode-se concluir que a adrenalina é o vasoconstritor mais potente que a felipressina e ambas as moléculas tem seus efeitos reduzidos em pacientes hipertensos e diabéticos, o que reforça a indicação de se utilizar anestésicos locais associados a vasoconstritores nestas populações.(AU)

The main goal of this study wasto evaluate and compare vasoconstrictor agents present in local anesthetic solutions (Epinephrine - vasoconstriction and vasodilation, Felypressin - vasoconstriction) vascular reactivity on mesenteric artery bed of normotensive, diabetic, renal hypertensive one-kidney-one-clip (1K1C) and hypertensive 1K1C diabetic rats. Dosagesstudied were 80, 160, 320, 640 and 1280ng (epinephrine) or 0,25; 0,5;1; 2 and 4 x 10-3UI (felypressin). Also, we aimed to correlate artery response with RNAm expression of 1A and 2-adrenoceptors, V1A vasopressin receptor and AT1A, AT1B e AT2 angiotensin receptors, in order to verify if arterial hypertension and diabetes can lead to alterations on a inductive and isogenic model. Wistar male rats weighing 110-160g were anaesthetized with a mixture of ketamine and xylazine (50+10mg/ml/kg), had their abdominal cavity opened and a silver clipwith 0.25-mm gap was implanted in the main left kidney artery, the right kidney was surgically removed (1K1C-rats). After 14 days, they received a subcutaneous injection of streptozotocin (50 and 60 mg/ml/kg) for inducing diabetes, whereas the glycemia was tested via the tail vein prior to surgery (diabetic rats). Around 30-42 after the clip was implanted, all the groups were anaesthetized again and a polyethylene (PE-50) cannula was implanted on the left carotid artery for direct arterial pressure register. After registering the pressure, the animals had their main mesenteric artery exposed and cannulated. The mesenteric artery bed was then isolated and transferred to a bath with Krebs nutritive solution at 37ºC. The catheter was connected to the computer register system (PowerLab®) using a specific software (Chart 5Pro ®). The following parameters were analyzed: maximum (vasoconstriction) and minimal pressure (vasodilating), the amount of time necessary to achieve this number, total duration of the reaction, integral and integral over baseline. The data was submitted to analysis of variance of repeated measures (ANOVA), followed by a Holm-Sidak (normal distribution) test or Mann Whitney (parametrics) test when suitable, with a significance level of 5%. All maximum vasoconstriction results presented dosage-dependant behavior, however, for the four groups tested, the vasoconstrictive result for epinephrine was significantly superior to felypressin (p<0,05). Diabetes and hypertension significantly reducedepinephrine and felypressin vasoconstrictor responses, integral above baseline, respectively, for control, diabetic, hypertensive and hypertensive-diabetic groups:2462±465; 1511±236; 2542± 5456 e 3749±819 mmHg.s (p<0.05, epinephrine) and 3749 ± 708; 746 ± 103; 1647 ± 422; 1359 ± 591 mmHg.s (p<0.05, felypressin). Both diabetes and hypertension, associated or not, significantly increased time necessary to achieve maximum vasoconstrictor response and its duration (p<0,05). Diabetic, hypertensive and hypertensive-diabetic mesenteric arteries presented 1A-adrenoceptor, AT1B and AT2 angiotensin II-receptor gene expression significantly increased when compared with control group (p<0,05), while AT1Areceptor presented this pattern only in diabetic groups.1A-adrenoceptor gene expression did not confirm functional data, probably due to chronic disease state in wich PCR was performed. A partir dos dados obtidos pode-se concluir que a adrenalina é o vasoconstritor mais potente que a felipressina e ambas as moléculas tem seus efeitos reduzidos em ratos hipertensos e diabéticos não tratados, o que reforça a indicação de se utilizar anestésicos locais associados a vasoconstritores nestas populações.Its possible to correlate our datawith reducedvasoconstrictor activity of felypressinin clinical use. Increased sensibility and receptor population for vasoconstrictor endogenous molecules could explain diabetic populations tendency to develop arterial hypertension. Our results suggest that epinephrine is more potent than felypressin and both vasoconstrictors presents reduced effects on diabetic and hypertensive patients, what reinforces vasoconstrictor associated with local anesthetic use in this population.(AU)

Mechanisms involved in the vasorelaxant effects produced by the acute application of amfepramone in vitro to rat aortic rings

Amfepramone (diethylpropion) is an appetite-suppressant drug used for the treatment of overweight and obesity. It has been suggested that the systemic and central activity of amfepramone produces cardiovascular effects such as transient ischemic attacks and primary pulmonary hypertension. However, it is not known whether amfepramone produces immediate vascular effects when applied in vitro to rat aortic rings and, if so, what mechanisms may be involved. We analyzed the effect of amfepramone on phenylephrine-precontracted rat aortic rings with or without endothelium and the influence of inhibitors or blockers on this effect. Amfepramone produced a concentration-dependent vasorelaxation in phenylephrine-precontracted rat aortic rings that was not affected by the vehicle, atropine, 4-AP, glibenclamide, indomethacin, clotrimazole, or cycloheximide. The vasorelaxant effect of amfepramone was significantly attenuated by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and tetraethylammonium (TEA), and was blocked by removal of the vascular endothelium. These results suggest that amfepramone had a direct vasorelaxant effect on phenylephrine-precontracted rat aortic rings, and that inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and the opening of Ca2+-activated K+ channels were involved in this effect.

Chikungunya: un reto para los servicios de salud de la República Dominicana / Chikungunya: a challenge for the Dominican Republic's health services

Desde diciembre de 2013, la Región de las Américas se enfrenta por primera vez a una epidemia de chikungunya. Los casos iniciales se registraron en el Caribe francés y, debido al comercio y la movilización de personas, esta epidemia no tardó en llegar a la República Dominicana, cuya población es de 10 millones de habitantes y comparte con Haití la isla La Española. En este artículo se difunde información extraída de diversos artículos y documentos oficiales sobre el virus, la infección y la epidemia de chikungunya, que han sido de gran ayuda para orientar la respuesta en la República Dominicana y pueden ser útiles para mejorar tanto el conocimiento como las actuaciones frente a la epidemia de los trabajadores del sector salud de la Región. Se destaca la importancia que revisten las investigaciones realizadas en países y territorios afectados del océano Índico, como la isla de Reunión, durante la epidemia declarada entre 2005 y 2007, cuando se registró una tasa de ataque mayor de 30%, se identificaron los grupos de riesgo, las formas graves y atípicas de la infección, la transmisión vertical del virus, las formas crónicas, que pueden provocar dolores recurrentes durante tres años, y las defunciones directa o indirectamente relacionadas con el virus chikungunya. Por su alta tasa de ataque, el virus chikungunya se convierte en un reto sin precedentes para los ministerios de salud, que exige una adecuada organización de los servicios de salud, la priorización de la atención a los grupos de riesgo y a los pacientes con formas graves de la enfermedad, así como una adecuada comunicación social y respuesta intersectorial.

The Region of the Americas has been affected since December 2013 by a chikungunya epidemic for the first time. Although the first cases were recorded in the French Caribbean, the epidemic quickly spread to the Dominican Republic due to trade and people movements. The Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, has a population of 10 million. This article contains information from a range of different publications and official documents about the chikungunya virus infection and epidemic. These papers were extremely helpful for guiding the response to the epidemic in the Dominican Republic and may also be useful for enhancing knowledge of the virus and responses among health workers elsewhere in the region. Particular attention is drawn to the important research undertaken in countries and territories affected by the epidemic in the Indian Ocean area. This is the case, for example, of the island of La Réunion, where the epidemic had an attack rate of more than 30% between 2005 and 2007. Researchers were able to identify risk groups, severe and atypical forms of the infection, cases of vertical transmission, chronic disease causing recurrent pain over three years, and directly- or indirectly-related deaths from the virus. Given its high attack rate, the chikungunya virus has emerged as an exceptional challenge for health ministries and calls for appropriate organized responses from the health services, prioritization of care for risk groups and patients exhibiting severe forms of the disease, and effective social communication and intersectoral actions.

Vascular O-GlcNAcylation augments reactivity to constrictor stimuli by prolonging phosphorylated levels of the myosin light chain

O-GlcNAcylation is a modification that alters the function of numerous proteins. We hypothesized that augmented O-GlcNAcylation levels enhance myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and reduce myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) activity, leading to increased vascular contractile responsiveness. The vascular responses were measured by isometric force displacement. Thoracic aorta and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from rats were incubated with vehicle or with PugNAc, which increases O-GlcNAcylation. In addition, we determined whether proteins that play an important role in the regulation of MLCK and MLCP activity are directly affected by O-GlcNAcylation. PugNAc enhanced phenylephrine (PE) responses in rat aortas (maximal effect, 14.2±2 vs 7.9±1 mN for vehicle, n=7). Treatment with an MLCP inhibitor (calyculin A) augmented vascular responses to PE (13.4±2 mN) and abolished the differences in PE-response between the groups. The effect of PugNAc was not observed when vessels were preincubated with ML-9, an MLCK inhibitor (7.3±2 vs 7.5±2 mN for vehicle, n=5). Furthermore, our data showed that differences in the PE-induced contractile response between the groups were abolished by the activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AICAR; 6.1±2 vs 7.4±2 mN for vehicle, n=5). PugNAc increased phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT-1) and protein kinase C-potentiated inhibitor protein of 17 kDa (CPI-17), which are involved in RhoA/Rho-kinase-mediated inhibition of myosin phosphatase activity. PugNAc incubation produced a time-dependent increase in vascular phosphorylation of myosin light chain and decreased phosphorylation levels of AMP-activated protein kinase, which decreased the affinity of MLCK for Ca2+/calmodulin. Our data suggest that proteins that play an important role in the regulation of MLCK and MLCP activity are directly affected by O-GlcNAcylation, favoring vascular contraction.

Norepinephrine infusion increases urine output in children under sedative and analgesic infusion / Infusão de noradrenalina aumenta o débito urinário de crianças recebendo drogas sedoanalgésicas

Objective: to evaluate the effects of early norepinephrine (NE) infusion in children submitted to mechanical ventilation (MV) requiring continuous sedative and analgesic infusion. Methods: double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial enrolling children (1 month to 12 years of age) admitted to a Brazilian PICU and expected to require MV and continuous sedative and analgesic drug infusions for at least five days. Children were randomized to receive either norepinephrine (NE) (0.15 mcg/kg/min) or normal saline infusion, started in the first 24 hours of MV, and maintained for 72 hours. We compared hemodynamic variables, fluid intake, renal function and urine output between groups. Results: forty children were equally allocated to the NE or placebo groups, with no differences in baseline characteristics, laboratorial findings, PRISM II score, length of MV, or mortality between groups. The average norepinephrine infusion was 0.143 mcg/kg/min. The NE group showed higher urine output (p = 0.016) and continuous increment in the mean arterial pressure compared to the baseline (p = 0.043). There were no differences in the remaining hemodynamic variables, fluid requirements, or furosemide administration. Conclusion: early norepinephrine infusion in children submitted to MV improves mean arterial pressure and increases urine output. These effects were attributed to reversion of vasoplegia induced by the sedative and analgesic drugs. .

Objetivo: avaliar os efeitos da infusão de noradrenalina (NA) em crianças submetidas a ventilação mecânica (VM) requerendo infusão contínua de sedoanalgesia. Métodos: estudo duplo cego, randomizado e placebo controlado envolvendo crianças de 1 mês a 12 anos, admitidas em uma UTI pediátrica brasileira com a expectativa de necessidade de VM e sedoanalgesia por, no mínimo, 5 dias. As crianças foram randomizadas a receber infusão de NA (0,15 mcg/kg/min) ou solução salina, iniciadas nas primeiras 24 horas de VM e mantidas por 72 horas. Comparamos as variáveis hemodinâmicas, oferta hídrica, função renal e débito urinário entre os dois grupos. Resultados: 40 crianças foram alocadas aos grupos NA e placebo, sem diferenças nas características basais, achados laboratoriais, escore PRISM II, tempo de VM ou mortalidade. A infusão média de NA foi 0,143 mcg/kg/min. O grupo NA apresentou maior débito urinário (p = 0,016) e aumento constante da pressão arterial média quando comparado aos níveis basais (p = 0,043). Não se observou diferenças nas demais variáveis hemodinâmicas, reposição hídrica ou no uso de furosemida. Conclusão: infusão precoce de NA em crianças submetidas a VM em uso sedoanalgesia promove aumento na pressão arterial média e aumento da diurese. Esses efeitos são atribuídos à reversão da vasoplegia induzida pelas drogas sedativas e analgésicas. .

Effects of different frequencies of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on venous vascular reactivity

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a type of therapy used primarily for analgesia, but also presents changes in the cardiovascular system responses; its effects are dependent upon application parameters. Alterations to the cardiovascular system suggest that TENS may modify venous vascular response. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of TENS at different frequencies (10 and 100 Hz) on venous vascular reactivity in healthy subjects. Twenty-nine healthy male volunteers were randomized into three groups: placebo (n=10), low-frequency TENS (10 Hz, n=9) and high-frequency TENS (100 Hz, n=10). TENS was applied for 30 min in the nervous plexus trajectory from the superior member (from cervical to dorsal region of the fist) at low (10 Hz/200 μs) and high frequency (100 Hz/200 μs) with its intensity adjusted below the motor threshold and intensified every 5 min, intending to avoid accommodation. Venous vascular reactivity in response to phenylephrine, acetylcholine (endothelium-dependent) and sodium nitroprusside (endothelium-independent) was assessed by the dorsal hand vein technique. The phenylephrine effective dose to achieve 70% vasoconstriction was reduced 53% (P<0.01) using low-frequency TENS (10 Hz), while in high-frequency stimulation (100 Hz), a 47% increased dose was needed (P<0.01). The endothelium-dependent (acetylcholine) and independent (sodium nitroprusside) responses were not modified by TENS, which modifies venous responsiveness, and increases the low-frequency sensitivity of α1-adrenergic receptors and shows high-frequency opposite effects. These changes represent an important vascular effect caused by TENS with implications for hemodynamics, inflammation and analgesia.

Avaliação in vitro das propriedades antimicrobianas de vasopressores / In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial features of vasopressors / Evaluación in vitro de las propiedades antimicrobianas de vasopresores

Justificativa e objetivo: os medicamentos administrados como perfusão intravenosa podem ser contaminados durante as várias etapas de produção ou preparação. No entanto, estudos sobre os efeitos antibacterianos de vasopressores são muito raros. Este estudo investiga a atividade antimicrobiana in vitro das formas de vasopressores usados clinicamente. Materiais e métodos: atividades antimicrobianas in vitro de substâncias vasopressoras de diferentes concentrações foram investigadas com o uso da técnica de microdiluição. Os microrganismos empregados no teste foram: Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis ATCC 911, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 43251, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus cereus 702 Roma, Mycobacterium smegmatis ATCC607, Candida albicans ATCC 60193 e Saccharomyces cerevisiae RSKK 251. Os ensaios antibacterianos foram feitos em caldo de cultura Mueller-Hinton (pH 7,3) e os ensaios antifúngicos em solução tampão de base nitrogenada para levedura (pH 7,0). Resultados: duas preparações diferentes de dopamina mostraram atividade antimicrobiana. Nenhuma outra substância do estudo mostrou qualquer atividade antimicrobiana. Conclusões: em nossa opinião, os efeitos antibacterianos da dopamina podem ser vantajosos para inibir a propagação de contaminação bacteriana durante a preparação das soluções para perfusão. Contudo, salientamos a importância do seguimento rigoroso das diretrizes de esterilização dos equipamentos e de assepsia durante todos os procedimentos feitos em unidades de terapia intensiva. .

Background: Drugs administered as intravenous infusion may be contaminated during several stages of production or preparation. However studies focusing on antibacterial effects of vasopressor drugs are very rare. This study investigates the in vitro antimicrobial activity of the clinically used forms of vasopressors. Materials and methods: In vitro antimicrobial activities of vasopressor drugs of different concentrations were investigated by using the micro dilution technique. Microorganisms used in the test were Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis ATCC 911, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 43251, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus cereus 702 Roma, Mycobacterium smegmatis ATCC607, Candida albicans ATCC 60193, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae RSKK 251. Antibacterial assays were performed in Mueller-Hinton broth at pH 7.3 and antifungal assays were performed in buffered Yeast Nitrogen Base at pH 7.0. Results: Two different dopamine preparations showed antimicrobial activity. No other study drug showed any antimicrobial activity. Conclusions: In our opinion, dopamine's antibacterial effects may be advantageous for inhibiting the spread of bacterial contamination during the preparation of the infusion solutions. However, it is important that strict guidelines regarding the need for sterile equipment and deliverables be adhered to during all procedures performed in the intensive care units. .

Justificativa y objetivo: Los medicamentos administrados como perfusión intravenosa pueden ser contaminados durante las diversas etapas de producción o preparación. Sin embargo, son muy raros los estudios existentes sobre los efectos antibacterianos de los vasopresores. Este estudio investiga la actividad antimicrobiana in vitro de las formas de vasopresores usados clínicamente. Materiales y métodos: Actividades antimicrobianas in vitro de sustancias vasopresoras de diferentes concentraciones fueron investigadas con el uso de la técnica de microdilución. Los microrganismos usados en el test fueron: Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis ATCC 911, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 43251, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus cereus 702 Roma, Mycobacterium smegmatis ATCC607, Candida albicans ATCC 60193 y Saccharomyces cerevisiae RSKK 251. Los ensayos antibacterianos se hicieron en un caldo de cultivo Mueller-Hinton (pH 7,3) y los ensayos antifúngicos en una solución tapón de base nitrogenada para levadura (pH 7,0). Resultados: Dos preparaciones diferentes de dopamina mostraron actividad antimicrobiana. Ninguna otra sustancia del estudio mostró alguna actividad antimicrobiana. Conclusiones: En nuestra opinión, los efectos antibacterianos de la dopamina pueden ser ventajosos para inhibir la propagación de la contaminación bacteriana durante la preparación de las soluciones para perfusión. Sin embargo, destacamos la importancia del seguimiento riguroso de las directrices de esterilización de los equipos y de asepsia durante todos los procedimientos realizados en las unidades de cuidados intensivos. .

Antihypertensive and vasorelaxant effects of ethanol extract of stem barks from Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam in rats.

Administration of ethanol extract of stem bark from Z. rhoifolium (EEtOH-ZR) induced hypotension associated with a dual effect in heart rate in normotensive rats. This response was highlighted in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In rat superior mesenteric artery rings, the cumulative addition of EEtOH-ZR (0.1–750 µg/mL) on a phenylephrine-induced pre-contraction (10-5 M) promoted a vasorelaxant effect by a concentration-dependent manner and independent of vascular endothelium. A similar effect was obtained on KCl-induced pre-contractions (80 mM). EEtOH-ZR attenuated contractions induced by cumulative addition of CaCl2 (10-6–3 × 10-2 M) in depolarizing medium without Ca2+ only at 500 or 750 µg/mL. Likewise, on S-(–)-Bay K 8644-induced pre-contractions (10-7 M), the EEtOH-ZR-induced vasorelaxant effect was attenuated. EEtOH-ZR (27, 81, 243 or 500 µg/mL) inhibited contractions induced by cumulative addition of phenylephrine (10-9 - 10-5 M) in endothelium-denuded preparations or by a single concentration (10-5 M) in a Ca2+-free medium. The involvement of K+ channels was evaluated by tetraethylammonium (3 mM); the EEtOH-ZR-induced vasorelaxation was not attenuated. Thus, calcium influx blockade through voltage-operated calcium channels (CaVL) and inhibition of calcium release from intracellular stores are probably underlying EEtOH-ZR-induced cardiovascular effects.

Treinamento resistido controla a pressão arterial de ratos hipertensos induzidos por l-NAME / Resistance training controls arterial blood pressure in rats with L-NAME- induced hypertension

FUNDAMENTO: A hipertensão arterial é uma síndrome multifatorial, crônica, causada tanto por fatores congênitos ou adquiridos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos do treinamento físico resistido (TR) sobre pressão arterial, reatividade e morfologia vascular de ratos hipertensos induzidos por L-NAME. MÉTODOS: Ratos Wistar machos (200-250 g) foram divididos em 3 grupos: normotenso sedentário (NS), hipertenso sedentário (HS) e hipertenso treinado (HT). A hipertensão foi induzida pela administração de L-NAME (40 mg/kg) na água de beber por 4 semanas. A pressão arterial foi avaliada antes e após o TR. O TR foi realizado utilizando 50% de 1RM, em 3 séries de 10 repetições, 3 vezes por semana, durante quatro semanas. A reatividade vascular foi mensurada em artéria mesentérica superior por curvas concentração resposta ao nitroprussiato de sódio (NPS) e fenilefrina (FEN). Além disso, foram realizadas análises histológicas e estereológicas. RESULTADOS: O TR inibiu o aumento das pressões arteriais média e diastólica. Foi observada uma redução significativa na resposta máxima e na potência da FEN entre os grupos HS e HT. A análise histológica evidenciou aspecto normal para as túnicas íntima, média e adventícia em todos os grupos. Não houve diferença significativa nas áreas do lúmen, da túnica média e total das artérias dos grupos HS e HT em relação ao NS. A razão parede/lúmen arterial do grupo HS apresentou diferença significativa em relação ao NS (p < 0,05), mas esta não foi diferente do HT. CONCLUSÕES: O TR foi capaz de prevenir a elevação da pressão arterial sob as condições deste estudo. Este controle parece envolver a regulação de mecanismo vasoconstritor e a manutenção do diâmetro luminal de ratos hipertensos induzidos por L-NAME.

BACKGROUND: Arterial hypertension is a multifactorial chronic condition caused by either congenital or acquired factors. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Resistance Training (RT) on arterial pressure, and on vascular reactivity and morphology, of L-NAME-treated hypertensive rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats (200 - 250 g) were allocated into Sedentary Normotensive (SN), Sedentary Hypertensive (SH) and Trained Hypertensive (TH) groups. Hypertension was induced by adding L-NAME (40 mg/Kg) to the drinking water for four weeks. Arterial pressure was evaluated before and after RT. RT was performed using 50% of 1RM, 3 sets of 10 repetitions, 3 times per week for four weeks. Vascular reactivity was measured in rat mesenteric artery rings by concentration-response curves to sodium nitroprusside (SNP); phenylephrine (PHE) was also used for histological and stereological analysis. RESULTS: Resistance training inhibited the increase in mean and diastolic arterial pressures. Significant reduction was observed in Rmax (maximal response) and pD2 (potency) of PHE between SH and TH groups. Arteries demonstrated normal intima, media and adventitia layers in all groups. Stereological analysis demonstrated no significant difference in luminal, tunica media, and total areas of arteries in the SH and TH groups when compared to the SN group. Wall-to-lumen ratio of SH arteries was significantly different compared to SN arteries (p<0.05) but there was no difference when compared to TH arteries. CONCLUSIONS: RT was able to prevent an increase in blood pressure under the conditions in this study. This appears to involve a vasoconstrictor regulation mechanism and maintenance of luminal diameter in L-NAME induced hypertensive rats.

Effects of terlipressin and naloxone compared with epinephrine in a rat model of asphyxia-induced cardiac arrest

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hemodynamic and metabolic effects of terlipressin and naloxone in cardiac arrest. METHODS: Cardiac arrest in rats was induced by asphyxia and maintained for 3.5 minutes. Animals were then resuscitated and randomized into one of six groups: placebo (n = 7), epinephrine (0.02 mg/kg; n = 7), naloxone (1 mg/kg; n = 7) or terlipressin, of which three different doses were tested: 50 µg/kg (TP50; n = 7), 100 µg/kg (TP100; n = 7) and 150 µg/kg (TP150; n = 7). Hemodynamic variables were measured at baseline and at 10 (T10), 20 (T20), 30 (T30), 45 (T45) and 60 (T60) minutes after cardiac arrest. Arterial blood samples were collected at T10, T30 and T60. RESULTS: The mean arterial pressure values in the TP50 group were higher than those in the epinephrine group at T10 (165 vs. 112 mmHg), T20 (160 vs. 82 mmHg), T30 (143 vs. 66 mmHg), T45 (119 vs. 67 mmHg) and T60 (96 vs. 66.8 mmHg). The blood lactate level was lower in the naloxone group than in the epinephrine group at T10 (5.15 vs. 10.5 mmol/L), T30 (2.57 vs. 5.24 mmol/L) and T60 (2.1 vs. 4.1 mmol/L). CONCLUSIONS: In this rat model of asphyxia-induced cardiac arrest, terlipressin and naloxone were effective vasopressors in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and presented better metabolic profiles than epinephrine. Terlipressin provided better hemodynamic stability than epinephrine. .