An in vivo pharmacological evaluation of pardoprunox (SLV308)--a novel combined dopamine D(2)/D(3) receptor partial agonist and 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist with efficacy in experimental models of Parkinson's disease.

Partial D(2/3) dopamine (DA) receptor agonists provide a novel approach to the treatment of the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) that may avoid common dopaminergic side-effects, including dyskinesia and psychosis. The present study focussed on the in vivo pharmacological and therapeutic characterisation of the novel D(2/3) receptor partial agonist and full 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist pardoprunox (SLV308; 7-[4-methyl-1-piperazinyl]-2(3H)-benzoxazolone monochloride). Pardoprunox induced contralateral turning behaviour in rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine-induced lesions of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) (MED=0.03mg/kg; po). In 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated common marmosets, pardoprunox dose-dependently increased locomotor activity (MED=0.03mg/kg; po) and decreased motor disability (MED=0.03mg/kg; po). The effects of pardoprunox were reversed by the D(2) antagonist sulpiride. In contrast pardoprunox attenuated novelty-induced locomotor activity (MED=0.01mg/kg; po), (+)-amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion (MED=0.3mg/kg; po) and apomorphine-induced climbing (MED=0.6mg/kg; po) in rodents. Pardoprunox also induced 5-HT(1A) receptor-mediated behaviours, including flat body posture and lower lip retraction (MED=0.3mg/kg; po) and these were reversed by the 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist WAY100635. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that pardoprunox possesses dopamine D2/3 partial agonist effects, 5-HT1A agonist effects and reduces parkinsonism in animal models. functional DA D(2) receptor partial agonist activity and is effective in experimental models predictive of efficacy in PD. The presence of functional 5-HT(1A) agonist activity might confer anti-dyskinetic activity and have effects that control neuropsychiatric components of PD.

Endovascular stent-graft repair of primary aortocaval fistula with an abdominal aortoiliac aneurysm.

A primary aortocaval fistula is present in less than 1% of all abdominal aortic aneurysms. Until recently, surgical repair was the only method of treatment and was associated with a high incidence of morbidity and mortality. With the rapid development of aortic stent-graft technique, endovascular stent-graft repair may offer an alternative to the management of this often fatal condition. We report a case of an aortoiliac aneurysm with an aortocaval fistula successfully treated with endovascular stent-grafting. The unique hemodynamic changes, technical problems, and complications associated with this case are discussed, and the literature is reviewed.

Day-case arteriography.

Outpatient femoral arteriography has been carried out in 100 consecutive patients presenting with evidence of peripheral vascular disease. Patients have been observed for seven hours in an observation ward bed. No bleeding or other complications have been encountered. The cost-saving to the hospital is approximately 60.00 pounds per case. More importantly, the service to patients has been improved, with less chance of last minute cancellation due to unavailability of a surgical bed.

Deficient slowing of the heart among very heavy social drinkers.

Very heavy social drinkers demonstrated less slowing of their heart rate than controls while exhaling after a maximal inhalation. While this suggests defective autonomic control of the heart, clarification of the mechanism and significance of this reflex and its impairment must await sophisticated study.

The abnormal heart rate response to a deep breath in borderline labile hypertension: a sign of autonomic nervous system dysfunction.

A group of patients with borderline or labile hypertension were prospectively recruited and asked to take a deep breath while lying supine and being monitored by electrocardiography. Their attenuated heart rate responses were sharply abnormal, demonstrating an excessively rapid rate throughout but without quickening on inspiration nor slowing with expiration. It is suggested that this further demonstrates inadequate autonomic control, sympathetic and parasympathetic, of the heart in labile hypertension and even at a moment when the patient's blood pressure is normal.