Effect of cilostazol in experimental model of degloving injuries in rat limbs

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effect of the cilostazol on the evolution of partially avulsed flaps, using experimental model of cutaneous degloving in rat limbs. Methods: A controlled and randomized experimental study was carried out in which the blood flow and the percentage of flap necrosis were evaluated. We compared the study group, which received cilostazol, and the control group, which received enteral saline solution in the postoperative period. The blood flow in the flap was evaluated through Laser Doppler flowmetry, and a planimetry using the IMAGE J® software was employed for the calculation of the area of necrosis. Results: Enteral administration of cilostazol was associated with a higher mean blood flow in all regions of the flap, with a statistically significant difference in the proximal and middle regions (p<0.001) and a lower percentage of necrotic area in the flap (p<0.001). Conclusion: Postoperative enteral administration of cilostazol increased blood flow and decreased the total area of necrosis of avulsed cutaneous flaps of rat limbs.

In-office bleaching effects on the pulp flow and tooth sensitivity – case series

Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) is a noninvasive method capable of evaluating variations in pulp blood flow (PBF) and pulp vitality. This method has thus far not been used to assess changes in blood flow after in-office bleaching. The aim of this case series report was to measure changes in PBF by LDF in the upper central incisor of three patients submitted to in-office bleaching. The buccal surfaces of the upper arch were bleached with a single session of 35% hydrogen peroxide gel with three 15-min applications. The color was recorded using a value-oriented Vita shade guide before in-office bleaching and one week after the procedure. The tooth sensitivity (TS) in a verbal scale was reported, and PBF was assessed by LDF before, immediately, and one week after the bleaching session. The lower arch was submitted to dental bleaching but not used for data assessment. A whitening degree of 3 to 4 shade guide units was detected. All participants experienced moderate to considerable TS after the procedure. The PBF readings reduced 20% to 40% immediately after bleaching. One week post-bleaching, TS and PBF were shown to be equal to baseline values. A reversible decrease of PBF was detected immediately after bleaching, which recovered to the baseline values or showed a slight increase sooner than one week post-bleaching. The LDF method allows detection of pulp blood changes in teeth submitted to in-office bleaching, but further studies are still required.

Idosos vítimas de trauma: doenças preexistentes, medicamentos em uso no domicílio e índices de trauma / Elderly victims of trauma: preexisting conditions, medications taken at home and indexes of trauma / Ancianos víctimas de trauma: condiciones preexistentes, medicamentos tomados en el hogar e índices de trauma

Objetivou-se identificar o perfil sociodemográfico de idosos vítimas de trauma, caracterizar doenças preexistentes e medicamentos utilizados no domicílio; calcular índices de trauma e desfecho clínico. Estudo retrospectivo e exploratório, com a análise de dados secundários de um banco de dados de um hospital geral terciário, entre 2008 e 2010. Foram estudados 131 idosos, média de idade 69,9 anos, 73,3% homens, 55,1% casados, 54,7% aposentados; 65,6% possuíam doenças preexistentes e 48,9% usavam medicamentos no domicílio. Houve representatividade de quedas (31,3%), seguidas por atropelamento (28,2%), com cabeça/pescoço sendo a região mais acometida (59,5%). Prevaleceu o trauma moderado (44,3%), com condições de sobrevida após o evento (80,2%). Houve associação entre mecanismo do trauma e doença preexistente (p=0,01) e entre mecanismo do trauma e sexo (p=0,03). O conhecimento das variáveis envolvidas com idosos vítimas de trauma possibilita aos profissionais de saúde o planejamento de medidas preventivas, visando aprimorar sua assistência.

The objective was to identify the sociodemographic profile of the elderly victims of trauma, to characterize preexisting conditions and medications taken at home, and to calculate indices of trauma and clinical outcomes. This is a retrospective and exploratory analysis from a database of a general hospital between 2008 and 2010. There were studied 131 elderly, mean age 69.9 years, 73.3% male, 55.1% married, 54.7% retired, 65.6% had preexisting conditions and 48.9% used drugs at home. There was a representative number of falls (31.3%), followed by running over (28.2%), with the head/neck region being the most affected (59.5%). Moderate trauma prevailed (44.3%), with conditions of survival after the event (80.2%). There was an association between mechanism of trauma and preexisting disease (p=0.01) and between mechanism of trauma and sex (p=0.03). The knowledge of the variables involved with the elderly victims of trauma enables healthcare professionals to plan preventive measures aimed at improving the assistance. Key words: Aged; Wounds and Injuries; Disease; Drug Utilization.

Se objetivó identificar el perfil sociodemográfico de ancianos víctimas de trauma, caracterizar condiciones preexistentes y medicamentos tomados en casa, y calcular índices de trauma y evolución clínica. Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo y exploratorio de una base de datos de un hospital general terciario entre 2008 y 2010. Se estudiaron 131 ancianos, media of 69,9 años, 73,3% hombres, 55,1% casados, 54,7% jubilados, 65,6% tienen condiciones preexistentes y 48,9% estaban tomando medicación en casa. Hubo representación de las caídas (31,3%), seguido de atropello (28,2%). La región cabeza/cuello fue el más afectado (59,5%). Prevaleció trauma moderado (44,3%), con condiciones de supervivencia después del evento (80,2%). Se observó una asociación entre mecanismo de lo trauma y enfermedad previa (p=0,01) y entre mecanismo de lo trauma y sexo (p=0,03). El conocimiento de las variables que intervienen con ancianos víctimas de trauma permite a los profesionales de la salud planificar medidas preventivas para mejorar su asistencia.

Comparação entre a Dopplermetria e o fluxo livre da artéria torácica interna de cães com e sem o uso de noradrenalina / Comparison between the Doppler flowmetry and the free flow of dog's internal thoracic artery with and without use norepinephrine

OBJETIVO: Este trabalho objetiva estudar comparativamente o fluxo livre e a dopplerfluxometria da artéria torácica interna de cães anestesiados com e sem a administração de noradrenalina endovenosa contínua. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi constituída de 10 cães mestiços, nos quais foram dissecadas as artérias torácicas internas direita e esquerda e avaliado seu fluxo; primeiramente, pela dopplerfluxometria e depois pelo fluxo livre. Foram registrados a pressão arterial média e o diâmetro das artérias no início do procedimento. As verificações do fluxo pelos dois métodos ocorreram em três tempos: tempo zero, 10 e 25 minutos. Após a primeira verificação no tempo zero, iniciou-se a infusão contínua de noradrenalina no átrio direito; as avaliações aos 10 e 25 minutos foram feitas da mesma forma que na primeira vez, nas mesmas artérias e pelos dois métodos, anotando-se os resultados, assim como a pressão arterial média correspondente. RESULTADOS: Os resultados da verificação de fluxo, entre Dopplermetria e fluxo livre, apresentaram-se similares; sendo os primeiros, nos tempos zero, 10 e 25 minutos, respectivamente, 183, 237 e 230,1 ml/min, comparados aos segundos, 168,6, 226,8 e 226,4 ml/min (P=0,285). A média das pressões arteriais dos três tempos e o diâmetro médio das artérias não apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os métodos, portanto, não influenciaram na comparação dos resultados. CONCLUSÃO: As avaliações, tanto da dopplerfluxometria quanto do fluxo livre, foram semelhantes nos três tempos verificados.

OBJECTIVE: This work aims to study comparatively the free flow and the Doppler flowmetry of the internal thoracic artery in anesthetized dogs, with and without continuous intravenous administration of norepinephrine. METHODS: The sample was made up of ten mongrel dogs, which dissected the left and right internal thoracic arteries and evaluated your stream; first, by Doppler flowmetry and then by free flow. The mean arterial pressure and the diameter of the arteries at the beginning of the procedure were registered. The workflow checks by two methods occurred in three times: time zero, 10 and 25 minutes. After the first check in time zero, the continuous infusion of norepinephrine in the right atrium; other checks were made in the same way that the first time, to 10 and 25 minutes, in the same arteries and by two methods, each one in his artery, noting the results, as well as the corresponding average blood pressure. RESULTS: The results of the scan of the stream, between Doppler flowmetry and free flow, there were similar; being the first, zero times, ten and twenty-five minutes, respectively, 183, 230.1 and 237 ml/min compared to seconds, 168.6, 226.8 and 226.4 ml/min (P = 0.285). The mean arterial pressures of three times and the average diameter of the arteries, showed no statistically significant differences between the methods, so did not influence on the comparison of the results. CONCLUSION: The evaluations, both from Doppler flowmetry and free flow, were similar in three times checked.

Effects of thyroxine replacement on endothelial function and carotid artery intima-media thickness in female patients with mild subclinical hypothyroidism

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested an association between subclinical hypothyroidism and coronary artery disease that could be related to changes in serum lipids or endothelial dysfunction. METHODS: Thirty-two female subclinical hypothyroidism patients were randomly assigned to 12 months of L-thyroxine replacement or no treatment. Endothelial function was measured by the flow-mediated vasodilatation of the brachial artery, as well as mean carotid artery intima-media thickness, and lipid profiles were studied at baseline and after 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: The mean ( ± SD) serum thyroid-stimulating hormone levels in the L-thyroxine replacement and control groups were 6.09±1.32 and 6.27 ± 1.39 μUI/ml, respectively. No relationship between carotid artery intima-media thickness or brachial flow-mediated vasodilatation and free T4 and serum thyroid-stimulating hormone was found. The median L-T4 dose was 44.23 ± 18.13 μg/day. After 12 months, there was a significant decrease in the flow-mediated vasodilatation in the subclinical hypothyroidism control group (before: 17.33 ± 7.88 to after: 13.1 ±4.75 percent, p =0.03), but there were no significant differences in flow-mediated vasodilatation in the L-thyroxine treated group (before: 16.81 ± 7.0 to after: 18.52 ± 7.44 percent, p = 0.39). We did not find any significant change in mean carotid intimamedia thickness after 12 months of L-thyroxine treatment. CONCLUSION: Replacement therapy prevents a decline in flow-mediated vasodilatation with continuation of the subclinical hypothyroidism state. Large prospective multicenter placebo-controlled trials are necessaryto investigate endothelial physiology further in subclinical hypothyroidism patients and to define the role of L-thyroxine therapy in improving endothelial function in these patients.

Short-Term Effects of Ginkgo biloba Extract on Peripapillary Retinal Blood Flow in Normal Tension Glaucoma

PURPOSE: Based on the vascular theory of glaucoma pathogenesis, we wanted to evaluate the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) on peripapillary blood flow in patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG). METHODS: Thirty patients with NTG were randomly placed in the GBE-treated or control groups. The GBE-treated group received 80 mg GBE orally, twice a day for four weeks, and the control group received a placebo twice a day for four weeks. Complete ocular examinations including visual field, Heidelberg retina flowmeter, and systemic examinations were performed on the first study day and on the day treatment was completed. RESULTS: After GBE treatment, the mean blood flow, volume, and velocity increased at almost all points, and there was a statistically significant increase in blood flow at almost all points, in comparison to the placebo. Blood volume significantly increased only in the superior nasal and superior temporal neuroretinal rim areas. GBE also significantly increased blood velocity in areas of the inferior temporal neuroretinal rim and superior temporal peripapillary area. CONCLUSIONS: GBE administration appears to have desirable effect on ocular blood flow in NTG patients.

Short-Term Effects of Ginkgo biloba Extract on Peripapillary Retinal Blood Flow in Normal Tension Glaucoma

PURPOSE: Based on the vascular theory of glaucoma pathogenesis, we wanted to evaluate the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) on peripapillary blood flow in patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG). METHODS: Thirty patients with NTG were randomly placed in the GBE-treated or control groups. The GBE-treated group received 80 mg GBE orally, twice a day for four weeks, and the control group received a placebo twice a day for four weeks. Complete ocular examinations including visual field, Heidelberg retina flowmeter, and systemic examinations were performed on the first study day and on the day treatment was completed. RESULTS: After GBE treatment, the mean blood flow, volume, and velocity increased at almost all points, and there was a statistically significant increase in blood flow at almost all points, in comparison to the placebo. Blood volume significantly increased only in the superior nasal and superior temporal neuroretinal rim areas. GBE also significantly increased blood velocity in areas of the inferior temporal neuroretinal rim and superior temporal peripapillary area. CONCLUSIONS: GBE administration appears to have desirable effect on ocular blood flow in NTG patients.

Anestesia peribulbar com ropivacaína: estudo da ação vasoconstritora / Ropivacaine in peribulbar anesthesia: vasoconstrictive properties / Anestesia peribulbar con ropivacaína: estudio de la acción vasoconstrictora

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A anestesia peribulbar pode reduzir o fluxo sanguíneo ocular (FSO) por elevação da pressão intraocular (PIO) ou ação de fármacos. A ropivacaína tem baixa toxicidade e ação vasoconstritora intrínseca ainda não comprovada sobre vasculatura ocular. Medidas da amplitude de pulso ocular (APO) permitem avaliação indireta do FSO. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar, via FSO, a ação vasoconstritora da ropivacaína em anestesia peribulbar. MÉTODO: Quarenta olhos submetidos a bloqueio peribulbar com 7 mL de solução anestésica, sem vasoconstritor, foram separados aleatoriamente em dois grupos: ropivacaína (n = 20) e bupivacaína (n = 20). Foram avaliados PIO, pressão de perfusão ocular (PPO), APO, variáveis hemodinâmicas e grau de acinesia antes e aos 5 e 10 minutos após bloqueio peribulbar. Para avaliação dos parâmetros oculares, utilizou-se tonômetro de contorno dinâmico. A sedação foi idêntica nos dois grupos. RESULTADOS: Não houve variação significativa dos parâmetros hemodinâmicos e da intensidade de bloqueio motor entre os grupos. Aos 5 e 10 minutos houve diferença de PIO, PPO e APO entre os grupos (p < 0,05). A variação da PIO aos 5 e 10 minutos foi, respectivamente, de -0,88 por cento e -4,54 por cento com ropivacaína e 17,61 por cento e 16,56 por cento com bupivacaína. A alteração da PPO após 5 e 10 minutos foi de 1,5 por cento e 4,2 por cento com ropivacaína, e de -7 por cento e -6 por cento com bupivacaína. A APO variou -55,59 por cento e -59,67 por cento com ropivacaína aos 5 e 10 minutos, e -34,71 por cento e -28,82 por cento com bupivacaína. CONCLUSÕES: A ropivacaína reduziu mais intensamente a amplitude de pulso ocular, apesar das pequenas alterações de PIO e PPO. A diminuição do fluxo sanguíneo ocular pela ropivacaína pode ser atribuída ao seu efeito vasoconstritor.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Peribulbar anesthesia can reduce ocular blood flow (OBF) by increasing intraocular pressure (IOP) or due to the action of drugs. Ropivacaine has low toxicity and intrinsic vasoconstrictive properties, yet to be proven on the ocular vasculature. Measurements of ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) allow the indirect evaluation of the OBF. The objective of the present study was to evaluate through the OBF the vasoconstrictive properties of ropivacaine in peribulbar anesthesia. METHODS: Forty eyes undergoing peribulbar anesthesia with 7 mL of anesthetic solution without vasoconstrictor were randomly divided into two groups: ropivacaine (n = 20) and bupivacaine (n = 20). The IOP, ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), OPA, hemodynamic parameters, and the degree of akinesia before and 5 and 10 minutes after the blockade were evaluated. A dynamic contour tonometer was used to evaluate ocular parameters. Sedation was similar in both groups. RESULTS: A significant variation in hemodynamic parameters and intensity of the motor blockade was not observed between groups. Differences in IOP, OPP, and OPA (p < 0.05) were observed between both groups at 5 and 10 minutes. The variation of IOP at 5 and 10 minutes was -0.88 percent and -4.54 percent, respectively with ropivacaine, and 17.61 percent and 16.56 percent with bupivacaine. The change in OPP after 5 and 10 minutes was 1.5 percent and 4.2 percent with ropivacaine, and -7 percent and -6 percent with bupivacaine. Ocular pulse amplitude varied -55.59 percent and -59.67 percent with ropivacaine at 5 and 10 minutes, and -34.71 percent and -28.82 percent with bupivacaine. CONCLUSIONS: Ropivacaine reduced more intensely the ocular pulse amplitude despite little changes in IOP and OPP. The reduction in ocular blood flow caused by ropivacaine can be attributed to its vasoconstrictive effect.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: La anestesia peribulbar puede reducir el flujo sanguíneo ocular (FSO) por elevación de la presión intraocular (PIO) o por la acción de fármacos. La ropivacaína tiene una baja toxicidad y una acción vasoconstrictora intrínseca que todavía no ha sido comprobada sobre la vasculatura ocular. Medidas de la amplitud del pulso ocular (APO) permiten una evaluación indirecta del FSO. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar, vía FSO, la acción vasoconstrictora de la ropivacaína en la anestesia peribulbar. MÉTODO: Cuarenta pacientes, sometidos a bloqueo peribulbar con 7 mL de solución anestésica, sin vasoconstrictor, fueron divididos aleatoriamente en dos grupos: Ropivacaína (n = 20) y bupivacaína (n = 20). Se evaluaron PIO, presión de perfusión ocular (PPO), APO, variables hemodinámicas y el grado de acinesia antes y a los 5 y 10 minutos posteriores al bloqueo peribulbar. Para la evaluación de los parámetros oculares, se utilizó el tonómetro de contorno dinámico. La sedación fue idéntica en los dos grupos. RESULTADOS: No se registró variación significativa de los parámetros hemodinámicos y de la intensidad del bloqueo motor. A los 5 y 10 minutos, se registró una diferencia de PIO, PPO y APO entre los grupos (p < 0,05). La variación de la PIO a los 5 y 10 minutos fue, respectivamente, de -0,88 por ciento y -4,54 por ciento con ropivacaína y de 17,61 por ciento y 16,56 por ciento con bupivacaína. La alteración de la PPO después de 5 y 10 minutos fue de 1,5 por ciento y 4,2 por ciento con ropivacaína, y de -7 por ciento y -6 por ciento con bupivacaína. La APO varió -55,59 por ciento y -59,67 por ciento con ropivacaína a los 5 y 10 minutos, y -34,71 por ciento y -28,82 por ciento con bupivacaína. CONCLUSIONES: La ropivacaína redujo más intensamente la amplitud del pulso ocular, a pesar de las pequeñas alteraciones de PIO y PPO. La disminución del flujo sanguíneo ocular por la ropivacaína puede ser atribuida a su efecto vasoconstrictor.

Hypocapnia Attenuates, and Nitrous Oxide Disturbs the Cerebral Oximetric Response to the Rapid Introduction of Desflurane

The aim of this study was to develop a nonlinear mixed-effects model for the increase in cerebral oximetry (rSO2) during the rapid introduction of desflurane, and to determine the effect of hypocapnia and N2O on the model. Twelve American Society of Anesthesiologist physical status class 1 and 2 subjects were allocated randomly into an Air and N2O group. After inducing anesthesia, desflurane was then increased abruptly from 4.0 to 12.0%. The PET(CO2), PET(DESF) and rSO2 were recorded at 12 predetermined periods for the following 10 min. The maximum increase in rSO2 reached +24-25% during normocapnia. The increase in rSO2 could be fitted to a four parameter logistic equation as a function of the logarithm of PET(DESF). Hypocapnia reduced the maximum response of rSO2, shifted the EC50 to the right, and increased the slope in the Air group. N2O shifted the EC50 to the right, and reduced the slope leaving the maximum rSO2 unchanged. The N2O-effects disappeared during hypocapnia. The cerebrovascular reactivity of rSO2 to CO2 is still preserved during the rapid introduction of desflurane. N2O slows the response of rSO2. Hypocapnia overwhelms all the effects of N2O.

Differences in functional and structural properties of segments of the rat tail artery

The investigation of resistance vessels is generally costly and difficult to execute. The present study investigated the diameters and the vascular reactivity of different segments of the rat tail artery (base, middle, and tail end) of 30 male Wister rats (EPM strain) to characterize a conductance or resistance vessel, using a low-cost simple technique. The diameters (mean ± SEM) of the base and middle segments were 471 ± 4.97 and 540 ± 8.39 µm, respectively, the tail end was 253 ± 2.58 µm. To test reactivity, the whole tail arteries or segments were perfused under constant flow and the reactivity to phenylephrine (PHE; 0.01-300 µg) was evaluated before and after removal of the endothelium or drug administration. The maximal response (Emax) and sensitivity (pED50) to PHE of the whole tail and the base segment increased after endothelium removal or treatment with 100 µM L-NAME, which suggests modulation by nitric oxide. Indomethacin (10 µM) and tetraethylammonium (5 mM) did not change the Emax or pED50 of these segments. PHE and L-NAME increased the pED50 of the middle and the tail end only and indomethacin did not change pED50 or Emax. Tetraethylammonium increased the sensitivity only at the tail end, which suggests a blockade of vasodilator release. Results indicate that the proximal segment of the tail artery possesses a diameter compatible with a conductance vessel, while the tail end has the diameter of a resistance vessel. In addition, the vascular reactivity to PHE in the proximal segment is nitric oxide-dependent, while the tail end is dependent on endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor.

Role of nitric oxide and prostaglandin in the maintenance of cortical and renal medullary blood flow

This study was undertaken in anesthetized dogs to evaluate the relative participation of prostaglandins (PGs) and nitric oxide (NO) in the maintenance of total renal blood flow (TRBF), and renal medullary blood flow (RMBF). It was hypothesized that the inhibition of NO should impair cortical and medullary circulation because of the synthesis of this compound in the endothelial cells of these two territories. In contrast, under normal conditions of perfusion pressure PG synthesis is confined to the renal medulla. Hence PG inhibition should predominantly impair the medullary circulation. The initial administration of 25 µM kg-1 min-1 NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester produced a significant 26 percent decrease in TRBF and a concomitant 34 percent fall in RMBF, while the subsequent inhibition of PGs with 5 mg/kg meclofenamate further reduced TRBF by 33 percent and RMBF by 89 percent. In contrast, the initial administration of meclofenamate failed to change TRBF, while decreasing RMBF by 49 percent. The subsequent blockade of NO decreased TRBF by 35 percent without further altering RMBF. These results indicate that initial PG synthesis inhibition predominantly alters the medullary circulation, whereas NO inhibition decreases both cortical and medullary flow. This latter change induced by NO renders cortical and RMBF susceptible to a further decrease by PG inhibition. However, the decrease in medullary circulation produced by NO inhibition is not further enhanced by subsequent PG inhibition.

Prevention of no flow/slow reflow phenomenon in primary PCI by Nicorandil.

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of Nicorandil in preventing no-flow/slow reflow phenomenon in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing primary PCI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 2004 to October 2005, 29 patients underwent a primary percutaneous coronary intervention and stenting with nicor-andil as a protocol drug at a dose of 1 mg/hour - this drug was titrated upwards to maximum tolerated dose, with a 2 mg intracoronary bolus given after balloon inflation during PCI. LAD was the infarct related artery in 62% of cases. 72.4% of them had a TIMI thrombus grade of 5. The corrected TIMI frame count following primary percutaneous intervention in the Nicorandil arm was 19.54 + 8.7. None of the patients had a no flow or slow reflow phenomenon with this protocol. One patient developed a subacute stent thrombosis necessitating a revascularization. At a mean follow up of 251 +/- 96.7% days, MACE was not reported in the other patients. Thirty four patients underwent a primary percutaneous coronary intervention and stenting without nicorandil as an adjuvant drug. Some of these patients were retrospectively assessed. They have been followed up for 285.4 +/- 264.6 days. LAD was the infarct related artery in 61.8% of cases while 79.5% of them had a TIMI thrombus grade of 5. The corrected TIMI frame count in this group was 23.9 +/- 17.5 (p <0.56). MACE was reported in 5 of these patients. The mean TIMI frame count for these 5 patients was 40.5 +/- 29.2. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors were given to all patients in both groups. The choice of the agent used was left to the discretion of the operator. CONCLUSION: Nicorandil prevents no-flow/slow reflow phenomenon in patients undergoing primary PCI for acute myocardial infarction. This is shown by a lower corrected TIMI frame count in the nicorandil arm (p < 0.56). Reduction in the incidence of no-flow/slow reflow phenomenon translates into a lower MACE. The drug is safe and does not require intensive monitoring. It must be started early and electively in patients undergoing a primary PCI as a strategy to prevent no-flow rather than to treat this phenomenon.

Systemic and regional hemodynamic effects of enalaprilat infusion in experimental normotensive sepsis

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors have been shown to improve splanchnic perfusion in distinct shock states. We hypothesized that enalaprilat potentiates the benefits of early fluid resuscitation in severe experimental sepsis, particularly in the splanchnic region. Anesthetized and mechanically ventilated mongrel dogs received an intravenous infusion of live Escherichia coli over a period of 30 min. Thereafter, two interventions were performed: fluid infusion (normal saline, 32 mL/kg over 30 min) and enalaprilat infusion (0.02 mg kg-1 min-1 for 60 min) in randomized groups. The following groups were studied: controls (fluid infusion, N = 4), E1 (enalaprilat infusion followed by fluid infusion, N = 5) and E2 (fluid infusion followed by enalaprilat infusion, N = 5). All animals were observed for a 120 min after bacterial infusion. Mean arterial pressure, cardiac output (CO), portal vein blood flow (PVBF), systemic and regional oxygen-derived variables, and lactate levels were measured. Rapid and progressive reductions in CO and PVBF were induced by the infusion of live bacteria, while minor changes were observed in mean arterial pressure. Systemic and regional territories showed a significant increase in oxygen extraction and lactate levels. Widening venous-arterial and portal-arterial pCO2 gradients were also detected. Fluid replacement promoted transient benefits in CO and PVBF. Enalaprilat after fluid resuscitation did not affect systemic or regional hemodynamic variables. We conclude that in this model of normotensive sepsis inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme did not interfere with the course of systemic or regional hemodynamic and oxygen-derived variables.

Evidence for a role of nitric oxide in hindlimb vasodilation induced by hypothalamic stimulation in anesthetized rats

Em animais anestesiados a EE do hipotálamo produz um padrão de ajustes cardiovasculares caracterizado por hipertensão arterial, taquicardia, vasodilatação muscular e vasoconstrição mesentérica, entretanto, os mecanismos periféricos envolvidos nestes ajustes cardiovasculares ainda não foram completamente esclarecidos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar os mecanismos periféricos responsáveis pela redistribuição de fluxo sanguíneo produzidas pela EE do hipotálamo. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que 1) em ratos anestesiados a EE do hipotálamo produziu hipertensão arterial, taquicardia, vasoconstrição no leito mesentérico e acentuada vasodilatação dos membros posteriores; 2) a combinação do bloqueio farmacológico de receptores a1 e a2 adrenérgicos com fentolamina mais adrenalectomia bilateral reduziu a vasoconstrição mesentérica e a vasodilatação dos membros posteriores. Nestes animais o bloqueio da síntese de NO com L-NAME provocou nova redução significante da vasodilatação dos membros posteriores; 3) a administração de L-NAME, previamente o bloqueio farmacológico com fentolamina mais adrenalectomia bilateral, reduziu as respostas de vasoconstrição mesentérica e de vasodilatação dos membros posteriores. Estes resultados sugerem a existência de pelo menos três possíveis mecanismos responsáveis pela vasodilatação dos membros posteriores induzida pela EE do hipotálamo: 1) ativação de receptores b-adrenérgicos por catecolaminas liberadas pela medula adrenal; 2) redução do tono vasoconstritor simpático e 3) um terceiro mecanismo que utiliza NO como mediador.

Short-lasting systemic and regional benefits of early crystalloid infusion after intravenous inoculation of dogs with live Escherichia coli

We investigated the systemic and regional hemodynamic effects of early crystalloid infusion in an experimental model of septic shock induced by intravenous inoculation with live Escherichia coli. Anesthetized dogs received an intravenous infusion of 1.2 x 10(10) cfu/kg live E. coli in 30 min. After 30 min of observation, they were randomized to controls (no fluids; N = 7), or fluid resuscitation with lactated Ringer's solution, 16 ml/kg (N = 7) or 32 ml/kg (N = 7) over 30 min and followed for 120 min. Cardiac index, portal blood flow, mean arterial pressure, systemic and regional oxygen-derived variables, blood lactate, and gastric PCO2 were assessed. Rapid and progressive cardiovascular deterioration with reduction in cardiac output, mean arterial pressure and portal blood flow (about 50, about 25 and about 70 percent, respectively) was induced by the live bacteria challenge. Systemic and regional territories showed significant increases in oxygen extraction and in lactate levels. Significant increases in venous-arterial (about 9.6 mmHg), portal-arterial (about 12.1 mmHg) and gastric mucosal-arterial (about 18.4 mmHg) PCO2 gradients were also observed. Early fluid replacement, especially with 32 ml/kg volumes of crystalloids, promoted only partial and transient benefits such as increases of about 76 percent in cardiac index, of about 50 percent in portal vein blood flow and decreases in venous-arterial, portal-arterial, gastric mucosal-arterial PCO2 gradients (7.2 ± 1.0, 7.2 ± 1.3 and 9.7 ± 2.5 mmHg, respectively). The fluid infusion promoted only modest and transient benefits, unable to restore the systemic and regional perfusional and metabolic changes in this hypodynamic septic shock model.

Blood flow measurements in rats using four color microspheres during blockade of different vasopressor systems

The use of colored microspheres to adequately evaluate blood flow changes under different circumstances in the same rat has been validated with a maximum of three different colors due to methodological limitations. The aim of the present study was to validate the use of four different colors measuring four repeated blood flow changes in the same rat to assess the role of vasopressor systems in controlling arterial pressure (AP). Red (150,000), white (200,000), yellow (150,000), and blue (200,000) colored microspheres were infused into the left ventricle of 6 male Wistar rats 1) at rest and 2) after vasopressin (aAVP, 10 æg/kg, iv), 3) renin-angiotensin (losartan, 10 mg/kg, iv), and 4) sympathetic system blockade (hexamethonium, 20 mg/kg, iv) to determine blood flow changes. AP was recorded and processed with a data acquisition system (1-kHz sampling frequency). Blood flow changes were quantified by spectrophotometry absorption peaks for colored microsphere components in the tissues evaluated. Administration of aAVP and losartan slightly reduced the AP (-5.7 ± 0.5 and -7.8 ± 1.2 mmHg, respectively), while hexamethonium induced a 52 ± 3 mmHg fall in AP. The aAVP injection increased blood flow in lungs (78 percent), liver (117 percent) and skeletal muscle (>150 percent), while losartan administration enhanced blood flow in heart (126 percent), lungs (100 percent), kidneys (80 percent), and gastrocnemius (75 percent) and soleus (94 percent) muscles. Hexamethonium administration reduced only kidney blood flow (50 percent). In conclusion, four types of colored microspheres can be used to perform four repeated blood flow measurements in the same rat detecting small alterations such as changes in tissues with low blood flow.

Does prolonged semi-erection in prepubertal high flow priapism result in increased penile size?

High flow priapism is a rare pathology resulting mainly from trauma to the perineum leading to arterial-lacunar fistula. Management includes arterial embolization using absorbable material, as well as conservative approach. In this case, the effect of prolonged semi-erection in prepubertal high flow priapism on increased penile size is discussed

Hemodynamic response to skull pins application in children: effect of lignocaine infiltration of scalp.

BACKGROUND: Skull pins application following local anesthetic infiltration of scalp obtunds hemodynamic changes in adults. No such study is available in children. METHODS: 30 children undergoing elective suboccipital craniectomy with skull pins fixation, were randomly allocated either to control group I, or lignocaine group II. Whereas in group I, pins were applied without any scalp infiltration. In group II, pins were applied 1 min. after scalp infiltration with 0.5% lignocaine (plain) at each pin site. RESULTS: Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were recorded during pinning (peak increase),1,4,7 and 10 min later, and were compared with the baseline (parameters recorded approximately 20 min. after intubation). Mean arterial pressure in group I peaked from 77.0 +/- 9.19 to 113.87 +/- 13.7mmHg (P<0.001) and remained significantly high throughout the study period. In Group II peak increase in mean arterial pressure was from 91.64 +/- 16.39 to 101.85 +/- 15.87 mmHg (P<0.01) and remained high till 1 min. only. Pins placement resulted in significant increase in heart rate only during pinning (peak increase) and up to 1 min. in both the groups (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In children, skull pins placement 1 min. after scalp infiltration with 0.5% lignocaine plain fails to prevent the hemodynamic changes arising during pins placement (peak change) and up to 1 min. after pins placement. However, the technique successfully blocks these changes beyond 1 min. post skull pins fixation.

Quantitative assessment of coronary flow reserve by the variables of time-intensity curve with myocardial contrast echocardiography / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The reliability and reliable indexes of quantitative assessment of coronary flow reserve (CFR) by using time-intensity curve (TIC) via myocardial contrast echocardiography were investigated. The TIC variables were obtained by employing acoustic densitometry (AD) technique before and after acetylcholine (Ach) injection in 12 dogs. Meanwhile, the correlation between these variables and CFR was analyzed. Among the variables derived from TIC, peak intensity (PI), area under the curve (AUC) and descending slope (DS) were increased significantly (P < 0.05) with the increase of coronary blood flow after Ach injection. Conversely, time-to-peak (TP), half-time of descent (HT), and mean-transit-time (MTT) were decreased remarkably (P < 0.0001). The PI and AUC ratios from post- to pre-Ach injection were strongly associated with CFR with the correlation coefficient (r) being 0.8366 and 0.8824, respectively. It is reliable by using the variables derived from TIC with myocardial contrast echocardiography to quantitatively evaluate regional myocardial CFR. The PI and AUC ratios from post- to pre-Ach injection are the reliable indexes for quantitative assessment of CFR.

Effect of a short course of indomethacin on gastric mucosal blood flow using endoscopic laser-Doppler velocimetry.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a short course of indomethacin on gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF). METHODS: Patients with musculo-skeletal pain of recent origin and were prescribed a short course of therapy with indomethacin (25 mg tid for 7 days) were studied Baseline measurements of GMBF were carried out using endoscopic laser-Doppler velocimetry prior to starting indomethacin. At sites on the antrum, incisura, lesser and greater curvatures, and fundus. GMBF measurements were repeated after indomethacin therapy, as above and also on sites of erosions, it any. RESULTS: Baseline GMBF at sites on the antrum, incisura, greater and lesser curvatures, and fundus were (mean) 8.6, 7.9, 8.8, 8.5 and 8.7 volts, respectively. Post-therapy values did not differ from the corresponding baseline values (8.7, 8.5, 8.6, 8.6 and 8.3 volts, respectively). However, ten of the 16 patients developed gastric mucosal erosions and the mean GMBF on these sites of erosion was significantly reduced (6.6 +/- 1.3 volts, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A short course of indomethacin therapy produces a patchy decrease in blood flow in the gastric mucosa and erosions were seen in these areas.