CHANGES OF ENDOTHELIN-1 CONTENT AND BLOOD RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES IN CRUSH SYNDROME.

This study describes hematocrit values and quantitative changes in plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels according to the severity of crush syndrome (CS) compression and decompression periods. The experiments were carried out on 50 randomly selected 200-250 gr mass Wistar rats with the use of the standard crush syndrome modeling method. The plasma level of ET-1 was determined by the immuneenzyme method with the use of ELISA REDEAR URIT 660. Hematocrit was determined using the standard method and measured according to tube column divisions. Our data show that ET-1 and hematocrit values rise commensurate with an increased duration of compression, and especially decompression periods. In CS, elevation of ET-1 concentrations and hematocrit values leads to significant microcirculation disturbances in parallel with longer and more severe compression and decompression periods. Specifically, the ET-1 concentration was significantly elevated, possibly in response to activation of surface endothelial В (ET-B) receptors located in the vessel endothelium. These receptors, in turn, have a vasodilative effect due to nitrogen oxide synthesis induction and vascular smooth muscle relaxation. The rise in hematocrit values during crush syndrome is associated with plasmorrhagia induced by trauma and toxic (rhabdomyolysis) shock.

CHANGES OF LIPOPEROXIDATION AND ANTIOXIDATIVE ENZYMES DURING CRUSH-SYNDROME MODELLING.

Crush-syndrome (CS) is characterized by numerous pathological deviations due to the soft tissue damage and their further reperfusion. The aim of the study was to investigate pro- and antioxidative processes during different regimens of crush syndrome. The experiment was carried out on randomly selected 200-250gr. mass 50 laboratory rats using crush syndrome modeling classical method. Investigations were conducted at various stages of compression and decompression period. Activity of antioxidant enzymes - total ceruloplasmin, oxidized ceruloplasmin was determined in blood serum. LOO. and free oxygen species were as well determined with the use of relevant methods. According to our findings we can conclude that: - Lipoperoxidation intensity increases in compliance with crush syndrome duration; - Short-term (3-hour) compression causes enhancement of lipoperoxidation however, in further 1 hour decompression there is revealed a trend toward normalization of processes. Lipoperoxides and free oxygen species content decreases and the antioxidant enzymes activity is almost restored; - Long lasting compression (6 hours) leads to severe disorders in the body (total ceruloplasmin impaired production and after 6 hours from decompression antioxidant enzymes inactivation).

Rare recurrence of seizures in children with episodes of febrile seizures associated with herpesvirus 6 infection.

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is one of the recently discovered herpesviruses. Primary HHV-6 infection is a causative agent of roseola infantum and is frequently associated with nonspecific febrile seizures in children under the age of 3 years. The goal of our study was the investigation of HHV-6 infection in children with febrile seizures and to evaluate consequent seizures after the first episodes of febrile seizures associated vs. not associated with primary herpesvirus 6 infection during 12 months time period. 25 children with (study group) and 25 without (control group) HHV-6 infection have been investigated. Laboratory investigations included detection of anti-HHV-6 specific IgM and IgG antibodies by ELISA and of HHV-6 DNA by polymerase chain reaction ("home-made" PCR as well as Chemicon Light Diagnostics Oligo-Detect Assay). The clinical severity of the febrile seizures was not statistically different between the study and control groups. The recurrence rate was higher in the study group. Our study shows that s first febrile seizure associated with the primary HHV-6 infection corresponds to the reduced risk of development of recurrent seizures.