Reducing creatine kinase-MB levels following oxytocin administration during ischemia-reperfusion periods in isolated rat heart

Creatine kinase is a cardiac biomarker that is used for the assessment of ischemic injuries and myocardial infarction. The present study was designed to evaluate effects of oxytocin administration during ischemia and reperfusion periods on CK-MB levels in the coronary effluent of isolated rat heart and the possible role of oxytocin receptor, nitric oxide [NO], prostacyclin and mitochondrial ATP-dependent potassium channels in this regard. Male wistar rats [n=8] were anesthetized with sodium thiopental and their hearts were transferred to a Langendorff perfusion apparatus. All animals were randomly divided into nine groups as follow; in the ischemia-reperfusion group, hearts underwent 30 min of regional ischemia followed by 120 min of reperfusion. In oxytocin group, hearts were perfused with oxytocin 5 min after ischemia induction for 25 min. In other groups, 35 min prior to oxytocin perfusion, atosiban [a non-specific oxytocin receptor blocker], L-NAME [an NO synthase inhibitor], indomethacin [a non-specific cyclooxygenase blocker] and 5-HD [a specific mKATP channel blocker] were perfused for 10 min. In all groups, we measured CK-MB levels in the coronary effluent at the end of reperfusion. Moreover, coronary flow [mL/min] was measured at baseline, during ischemia period and 60 and 120 min after reperfusion. Oxytocin administration significantly reduced CK-MB level in oxytocin group as compared to ischemia-reperfusion group. Administration of atosiban, L-NAME, indomethacin and 5-HD prior to oxytocin perfusion abolished the effects of oxytocin on CK-MB levels. Administration of oxytocin during ischemia and reperfusion periods deceased CK-MB levels but infusion of atosiban, L-NAME, 5-HD and indomethacin inhibited oxytocin from exerting its effects

Effects of Abdominal Breathing on State Anxiety, Stress, and Tocolytic Dosage for Pregnant Women in Preterm Labor

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of abdominal breathing on state anxiety, stress and tocolytic dosage for pregnant women in preterm labor. METHODS: The participants were 60 pregnant women in preterm labor who were hospitalized from April to July, 2009. Thirty participants were assigned to the experimental group and 30 to the control group. None of them had any other complications except preterm labor. The modified Mason's breathing technique was used with the experimental group 3 times a day for 3 days. Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire and chart review, and analyzed with the SPSS 13.0 WIN program. RESULTS: "State anxiety of the experimental group will be lower than that of the control group" was supported. "Stress of the experimental group will be lower than that of the control group" was supported. "The Ritodrine dosage for the experimental group will be lower than that of the control group" was supported. "The Atosiban dosage for the experimental group will be lower than that of the control group" was supported. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that abdominal breathing is an effective nursing intervention for pregnant women in preterm labor.

Randomized controlled study comparing nifedipine and atosiban for tocolysis in preterm labor

To compare the effectiveness and the safety of Nifedipine versus Atosiban as a tocolytic agent in preterm labor. This prospective randomized comparative study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Antenatal Ward of King Khalid Military City Hospital [KKMCH], Northern Region, Saudi Arabia. It included eighty pregnant women diagnosed with preterm labor at 24 -33 gestational weeks and requiring tocolysis. They were randomized to receive Nifedipine orally [n=40] or Atosiban intravenously [n=40] for tocolysis. The primary outcome measure [examining the tocolytic effectiveness] was the proportion of women undelivered by 48 hours and 7 days from the commencement of treatment. Secondary outcome measure [examining the tocolytic safety] was perinatal morbidity and mortality, and maternal safety outcomes. Delivery was delayed for 48h and seven days in 87.5% and 72.5% respectively, of women in the nifedipine group compared with 85% and 75% respectively, of women in the Atosiban group [no statistical significant difference]. Women receiving Nifedipine were significantly more likely to experience flushing [p < 0.001] with no significant differences in other maternal side effects between the two groups. The neonatal outcomes were not significantly different in the two groups. Nifedipine was as effective as Atosiban in delaying preterm birth. Both tocolytic agents were found to be well tolerated by both mother and fetus with a comparable neonatal outcome. Considering the great saving on direct drug costs in the Nifedipine group, Nifedipine may be considered for use as a first-line tocolytic agent