Localization of sulphonylurea receptor proteins SUR2A and SUR2B and/or SUR1 in rat kidney

To further explore precise expression and localization of sulphonylurea receptor isoforms SUR2A and SUR2B [SUR1] in rat kidney, total RNA was isolated from the kidney tissue using the TRIzol kit. Three different primer sets designed against SUR isoforms were used in reverse transcriptase reactions. Western blotting was done on membrane fractions obtained from kidney tissues using the primary antisera for SUR2A and SUR2B [SUR1]. Paraformaldehyde fixed kidney sections were immunostained with SUR2A and SUR2B [SUR1] primary antisera. Sections were developed with DAB as a chromogen. RT-PCR results demonstrated mRNA consistent with SUR1 isoform to be the only identifiable transcript. Western blotting could not identify any protein consistent with SUR2A or SUR2B [SUR1] but recognized instead a smaller 55kD protein of unknown identity. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated a differential staining pattern whereby SUR2A was localized to the mesangial cells, intra- and extrarenal blood vessels and smooth muscles. In contrast, SUR2B [SUR1] was localized only to distal nephron epithelia. Intense immunoreactivity was localized to the thick ascending limb and as well as in the outer and inner medullary collecting ducts, both. Our results demonstrate differential and highly localized expression pattern of sulphonylurea receptor proteins SUR2A and 2B [SUR1] in rat kidney with implications for drug design

comparison of red-green color vision deficiency between medical and non-medical students in Pakistan

To investigate the prevalence of red-green color vision deficiency [CVD] among medical and dental students compared with non-medical students. This descriptive, cross-sectional study compared the prevalence of CVD between medical and non-medical Pakistani students. A total of 926 medical and dental students from Baqai Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan were compared with 7288 non-medical students from Nadirshaw Edulji Dinshaw University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan, and Pakistan Air Force [PAF] Public Schools [Muree and Sargodha], Pakistan. Standard Ishihara color vision charts were used, which provided an accurate assessment of CVD. More than 3 mistakes from plates 10-17 identified students as having red green CVD. The study was carried out from September 2003 to December 2008. The overall prevalence of CVD in the study population was 2.75%. They were no significant differences between male students in engineering college versus medical college [2.7% versus 4.4%, p=0.125], or between schools and universities [3.1% versus 3.1%, p=0.930]. A small proportion of the Pakistani population suffers from red-green CVD, more prominent in males. We found no differences between students in engineering college versus medical college, or between schools and universities in different geographical locations within Pakistan

Frequency of external hernias in Ayub teaching hospital Abbottabad

Hernia is a protrusion of a viscous or a part of a viscous through an abnormal opening in wall of its containing cavity. Different external hernias present differently and ultimate treatment is surgical, which is most commonly performed elective operation in the world. The objectives were to know the age and gender wise frequency of external hernias in Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad. This retrospective study was conducted at the surgical units of Ayub Teaching Hospital during June 2004 to June 2005. Records of all cases of hernias operated in Ayub Teaching Hospital during June 2004 to June 2005 were retrieved from the operation registers of the entire three surgical units available at the operation theatres. The data was collected on a proforma and was analysed by SPSS-16. Of the 1063 cases, 982 [92.38%] were male and 81 [7.62%] were female. Right Inguinal Hernia [RIH] was the most frequent as expected, i.e., 44.12%, followed by Left Inguinal Hernias [LIH] 18.72%. Least common hernias were femoral hernias with a frequency of 0.85%. It is concluded that 85% hernias occur in the groin, with 12% incisional and only 3% hernias occur elsewhere. To reduce the rate of complications, health education is the most important intervention. For future health planning maintenance of disease register can not be over emphasized

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors impair recombinant human erythropoietin induced erythropoiesis in patients with chronic renal failure

To investigate the effects of angiotensin converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers [ARBs] and other anti-hypertensive agents on recombinant human erythropoietin [rHuEPO] in chronic renal failure [CRF] patients. The present study was conducted at the Nephrology Department, Khan Research Laboratories Hospital and Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan during March 2004 to February 2005. One hundred patients, 55 males and 45 females [age range 13-78 years] were divided into 2 groups. Group-I patients received rHuEPO and ACE inhibitors/ARBs while Group-II patients received rHuEPO with other antihypertensives such as calcium channel blockers or beta-adrenergic receptor blockers. Monthly increment in hematocrit [HCT%] was monitored in both groups for 4 continuous months. One-way ANOVA on Dunn's, univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to determine any significant improvement in erythropoiesis between the 2 treatment groups. Monthly increase in HCT% was significantly greater in the group that was treated with rHuEPO and antihypertensives other than ACE inhibitors/ARBs compared with that treated with ACE inhibitors/ARBs, an effect observed even at a higher dose of rHuEPO, and the patients were iron replete. The present data from our population confirms that ACE inhibitors/ARBs interfere with rHuEPO therapy for treatment of anemia in CRF. The ACE inhibitors/ARBs inhibit erythropoiesis induced by rHuEPO in CRF patients, therefore, simultaneous use of ACE inhibitors/ARBs and rHuEPO should be carried out with caution

Anelectroencephalographic study of effects of harmidine on unanaesthetized rabbits

Effects of various doses of harmidine, a harmala alkaloide, were evaluated on EEG of unanaesthetized rabbits. Harmidine produced activation [desynchronization] of EEG. Administration of harmidine after reserpine also produced de - synchronization, most probably through its direct stimulant effect. Harmidine pretreatment converted the reserpine synchronization into desynchronization. This effect of harmidine could also be through its direct stimulant effect on reticular activating system [R.A.S.] and most probably, also through its M.A.O. inhibitory effect. Further work is suggested

Dimensions of depression in heroin addicts

"Depression is common in heroin addicts. The analysis of the nature of depression was undertaken in 55 heroin addicts at entrance and after detoxification in a drug treatment programme, by a structured interview and assessment based on Beck's inventory. It was found that, aged, literate, married, escalated, using less quantity for longer period of abused substance constituted the most depressive group of addicts. Marked improvement was noted after detoxification without use of any specific antidepressant pharmacotherapy"