[Influence of social environments on brain aging].

To investigate influence of social activity on normal brain aging, we studied the social activity score, cognitive functions, self-rating depression scale, cerebral blood flow (CBF), MRI and motor function in the normal elderly people living in different social environments. There was no difference in risk factors for stroke, MRI findings and CBF between the two groups. However, the subjects living in a home for elderly showed significantly lower social activities than those living with families. Cognitive functions and motor function were lower, and SDS was higher in subjects living in retirement house than those living with families. The social environment including social activities closely related to life style may significantly influence brain aging with regard to silent brain infarctions or risk factors for stroke.

Effect of single oral administration of nilvadipine on cerebral blood flow in chronic cerebral infarction.

UNLABELLED: The effect of nilvadipine, a newly developed calcium antagonist, on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was investigated in 7 patients with chronic cerebral infarction. rCBF was measured by the 133Xenon inhalation method. Patients were given a single dose of 4 mg of nilvadipine after the first measurement of rCBF, and the second measurement was done one hour after the administration. All patients had hemiparesis and 2 of them had mild to moderate mental deterioration, but all patients could walk to the outpatient clinic by themselves. RESULTS: (1) rCBF of the affected side significantly increased by 22.7% after single oral administration of nilvadipine (p < 0.05). The increase of rCBF was significantly marked in frontal regions of the affected hemispheres. (2) No significant changes in blood pressure or end tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide were observed during the examination. These results indicate that nilvadipine has a potent selective vasodilatory action on the cerebral arteries in patients with cerebral infarction.

Effects of nicorandil on regional cerebral blood flow in patients with chronic cerebral infarction. Preliminary communication.

The effect of a single oral dose of nicorandil (N-2-(hydroxyethyl)-nicotinamide nitrate, CAS 65141-46-0) on the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was studied in 9 patients with cerebral infarction. The rCBF was measured by the Xe-133 inhalation method before and after a single oral 10 mg dose of nicorandil. Mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) was mildly but significantly decreased. PeCO2 did not change significantly. Mean rCBF was significantly increased by 20.9% after administration of nicorandil (p less than 0.05). No significant correlation between percentage change in the MABP and percentage change in the rCBF was observed. These results indicate that nicorandil is not just a coronary vasodilator, but also possesses beneficial effects on the cerebral circulation in patients with cerebral infarction.

The effect of enalapril maleate on cerebral blood flow in chronic cerebral infarction.

UNLABELLED: The influence of long-term oral administration of enalapril maleate (an angiotensin II-converting enzyme inhibitor) on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was studied in 10 patients with chronic cerebral infarction. The rCBF was measured by a 133Xe inhalation method before and after a mean of sixty-five days' administration of 5 mg of enalapril. RESULTS: Mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) was mildly decreased in 6 patients, but the average change in MABP was not significant (Endtidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PeC02) was not changed significantly. The mean rCBF was increased by 8% after administration of enalapril (0.05 less than p less than 0.1) There was no significant correlation between percent change in MABP and the percent change in rCBF. These results indicate that enalapril has not only antihypertensive action but also a beneficial effect on the cerebral circulation in patients with chronic cerebral infarction.