Assessment of trazodone-induced cardiotoxicity after repeated doses in rats.

Trazodone (TRZ) is an antidepressant drug commonly used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Although some studies demonstrated the adverse effects of TRZ related to cardiovascular system, the conflicting results were observed in these studies. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the cardiac adverse effects of TRZ in rats at repeated doses in our study. In accordance with this purpose, TRZ was administered orally to rats at 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg doses for 28 days. Electrocardiogram records, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-myoglobin band, cardiac troponin-T (cTn-T) levels, DNA damage in cardiomyocytes, and histologic view of heart tissues were evaluated. In addition, glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured to determine the oxidative status of cardiac tissue after TRZ administration. Heart rate was decreased, PR interval was prolonged, and QRS and T amplitudes were decreased in 20 mg/kg TRZ-administered group compared to the control group. Serum AST and cTn-T levels were significantly increased in 10 and 20 mg/kg TRZ-administered rats with respect to control rats. DNA damage was significantly increased in these groups. Additionally, degenerative histopathologic findings were observed in TRZ-administered groups. Although there was no difference in MDA levels between groups, GSH levels were significantly decreased in 10 and 20 mg/kg TRZ-administered groups compared to the control group. Our results have shown that TRZ induced cardiotoxicity in rats dose-dependently. It is assumed that oxidative stress related to GSH depletion may be accompanied by these adverse effects.

Origin of the radial and ulnar arteries: variations in 81 arteriograms.

In a retrospective review of 81 upper extremity arteriograms, 8 (9.8%) origin anomalies of the major arteries were detected. High origin of the radial artery from the brachial artery was the most frequent variation, found in 7 (8.6%) cases representing 87.5% of all variations in this series. In one case, the left ulnar artery originated from the axillary artery, accounting for 12.5% of the variations. These anomalous origins of the upper extremity arteries can be explained on the basis of the embryologic development. It is important for the surgeons and radiologists to be aware of the possible arterial variations in order to prevent complications during surgical and diagnostic procedures.

A bilateral location anomaly of the parotid gland (case report).

During an anatomic dissection of the parotid region inferiorly located parotid glands were noted on both sides. Because within the glands lies the external carotid artery, retromandibular vein and the facial nerve, surgeons should have detailed knowledge of the anatomy of this region and possible variations to avoid risk of damaging, especially the facial nerve. Also the unusual location of the gland may be confused with pseudomass during CT or MRI.

Variant origin of the ulnar artery.

Axillary origin of the ulnar artery was observed during an angiographic examination of the upper extremity. The ulnar artery originated from the axillary artery at the level of the anterior and posterior circumflex humeral arteries. No additional anomalies were observed. Accurate knowledge about unusual patterns of the arteries of the upper extremities is important in order to be aware of hidden hazards during diagnostic and therapeutic preparations.