Increased brainstem angiotensin-I levels in chronic 2 KIC hypertensive rats.

A study was undertaken on the role of brainstem renin-angiotensin system in maintenance of hypertension in chronic renovascular hypertensive rats. Hypertension was induced by unilateral renal artery clamping, while the contralateral kidney was left intact (2 KIC). Blood pressure (BP), plasma renin activity (PRA) and brainstem angiotensin (ang-I) levels were measured after 24 days, in hypertensive and sham-operated animals. In separate subgroups of these animals, the effect of intracerebroventricular administration of captopril on the parameters listed was studied. The results showed high ang-I levels in 2 KIC rats as compared to controls (P less than 0.05). Captopril administration (500 micrograms/50 microliters icv) caused a fall in BP and increase in brainstem ang-I levels (P less than 0.01). In control animals, however, captopril produced a rise in BP without any significant change in brainstem ang-I levels. Peripheral plasma renin activity was normal, despite significant sodium retention in 2 KIC rats. The results are suggestive of activation of brainstem renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in chronic 2 KIC hypertension.

Factors associated with the course and outcome of schizophrenia a multicentred follow-up study : result of five year follow-up.

This paper describes the results of a five year follow up study on factors associated with the course and outcome of schizophrenia conducted in 3 centers (Lucknow, Madras and Vellore) under the auspices of the Indian Council of Medical Research. 386 patients who satisfied well defined criteria of diagnosis and inclusion and exclusion criteria were studied. All patients were regularly followed up. 287 patients had complete follow up after 5 years. After 2 years, most of the active symptoms had subsided. At 5 year follow up, about 67% of the patients showed good outcome. Regular drug compliance, short duration of illness, absence of economic difficulties, absence of dangerous behaviour and delusions of presecution at intake; presence of agitation at intake; acute onset, absence of schizoid traits in personality, low level of education, rural background and lower age of onset were significantly related to good outcome. A combination of 8 factors could correctly predict the outcome in 80% of patients. The implications of the above findings are discussed.