4,5,9,10-Tetrahydro-1,4-ethanobenz[b]quinolizine as a prodrug for its quinolizinium cation as a ligand to the open state of the TCP-binding site of NMDA receptors.

A new derivative of 4,5,9,10-tetrahydro-1,4-ethanobenz[b]quinolizine (2) has been designed as a prodrug for its quinolizinium cation (1) that is a potent antagonist of the TCP-binding site of NMDA receptors at the open state. The 11C-labeled 2 showed high accumulation of radioactivity in the brain in an in vivo biodistribution study. The speculation of 2 as a prodrug of 1 has been proven by the fact that 1 was observed in a high ratio to 2 in an analysis by RP-HPLC of the brain homogenates.

[Sweet's syndrome: report of two cases (author's transl)]. / Síndrome de Sweet. Presentación de dos casos.

In 1964 Sweet described a new syndrome, characterized by the association of fever, neutrophilic leukocytosis, erythematous plaque affecting the extremities, neck and face, with histologically verified polymorphonuclear perivascular dermal infiltrates and a rapid response to corticosteroids. Although some 100 cases have since then been described the pathogenesis remains obscure. We present two cases which showed all criteria for Sweet's syndrome, in which the initial presentation of acute onset with fever, multiple skin lesions and especially the poor general state on one, made use at first think of an infectious process such as staphylococcal or gonococcal sepsis, in which case diagnosis must be differential. Only when the causal agent is known and an early skin biopsy is done can correct diagnosis and treatment be established.

[Tricuspid endocarditis in heroin addicts (author's transl)]. / Endocarditis tricuspídea en los heroinómanos.

Two cases of tricuspid endocarditis due to Staphylococcus aureus in two young heroin addicts are reported. In one of them there was concomitant aortic valve involvement. The clinical picture was typical. Tricuspid and aortic valve vegetations were demonstrated by cardiac ultrasonography. The relatively good prognosis of tricuspid endocarditis due to Staphylococcus aureus was confirmed in one of the cases in whom an excellent response to therapy with cephalothin and gentamicin was obtained. Simultaneous aortic involvement worsens the prognosis considerably. The clinical features characteristic of endocarditis in heroin addicts are reviewed, with emphasis in those that permit to distinguish them from endocarditis in the general population. Although only indirect data are available the disease will probably be seen with increasing frequency in Spain.