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Medical Sciences	75%

Selected Abstracts

A new temperature-sensitive contrast mechanism for MRI: Curie temperature transition-based imaging

CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING, Issue 1 2007
F. Settecase
Abstract A temperature-sensitive MRI contrast mechanism is proposed based on the physical property, the Curie temperature (Tc), at which a ferromagnetic material transitions to paramagnetic state and vice versa. To evaluate the feasibility of this new contrast mechanism, experiments were performed with solid gadolinium metal, which has a Tc of 20°C. In phantom and ex vivo experiments, the magnetic susceptibility artifact area decreased with increasing temperature transitioning across Tc (p,<,0.05). Similar results would be expected for a variety of ferromagnetic substances with substance-specific Tc values. Temperature-sensitive MRI contrast agents harnessing this mechanism may be used to (1) indicate regional attainment of specific temperatures in thermotherapy, (2) render an accumulated contrast agent more or less visible by the external application of appropriate heating or cooling, or (3) quantify tissue temperature based on MR image characteristics and magnetic susceptibility artifact caused by a ferromagnetic,paramagnetic transitioning substance. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Astrocytic calcium signals induced by neuromodulators via functional metabotropic receptors in the ventral respiratory group of neonatal mice

GLIA, Issue 8 2009
Kai Härtel
Abstract A controlled, periodic exchange of air between lungs and atmosphere requires a neuronal rhythm generated by a network of neurons in the ventral respiratory group (VRG) of the brainstem. Glial cells, e.g. astrocytes, have been shown to be supportive in stabilizing this neuronal activity in the central nervous system during development. In addition, a variety of neuromodulators including serotonin (5-HT), Substance P (SP), and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulate respiratory neurons directly. If astrocytes in the VRG, like their neuronal neighbors, are also directly stimulated by neuromodulators, they might indirectly affect the respiratory neurons and consequently the respiratory rhythm. In the present study, we provide support for this concept by demonstrating expression of NK1-R, TRH-R, and 5-HT2 -R in astrocytes of the VRG with immunohistochemistry. Additionally, we showed that the external application of the neuromodulators 5-HT, SP, and TRH activate calcium transients in VRG astrocytes. Consequently, we postulate that in the VRG of the neonatal mouse, neuromodulation by SP, TRH, and serotonin also involves astrocytic calcium signaling. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Multiple effects of mefenamic acid on K+ currents in smooth muscle cells from pig proximal urethra

BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 8 2003
N Teramoto
The effects of mefenamic acid on both membrane potential and K+ currents in pig urethral myocytes were investigated using patch-clamp techniques (conventional whole-cell, cell-attached, outside-out and inside-out configuration). In the current-clamp mode, mefenamic acid caused a concentration-dependent hyperpolarization, which was inhibited by preapplication of 1 ,M glibenclamide. In the voltage-clamp mode, mefenamic acid induced an outward current that was blocked by glibenclamide even in the presence of iberiotoxin (IbTX, 300 nM) at ,50 mV. ATP-sensitive K+ channels (KATP channels) could be activated in the same patch by mefenamic acid and levcromakalim, with the same unitary amplitude and the similar opening gating at ,50 mV in cell-attached configuration. In outside-out recording, external application of mefenamic acid activated intracellular Ca2+ -activated IbTX-sensitive large-conductance K+ channels (BKCa channels). Mefenamic acid (30 ,M) activated spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs). In contrast, mefenamic acid (100 ,M) increased sustained outward currents, diminishing the activity of STOCs. Over the whole voltage range, mefenamic acid caused opposite effects on the membrane currents in the absence and presence of 5 ,M glibenclamide. In the presence of 10 mM 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), mefenamic acid only increased the outward currents. These results indicate that mefenamic acid increases the channel activities of two distinct types of K+ channels (i.e. BKCa channels and KATP channels) and decreased 4-AP-sensitive K+ channels in pig urethral myocytes. British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 140, 1341,1350. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705524 [source]

Penile and clitoral stimulation for faecal incontinence: external application of a bipolar electrode for patients with faecal incontinence

COLORECTAL DISEASE, Issue 1 2004
F. A. Frizelle
Abstract Objective, The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a novel pudendal nerve stimulator on clinical and anorectal manometric parameters in patients with faecal incontinence. Method, Retrospective cohort analysis of consecutive patients presenting with faecal incontinence who had failed initial conservative treatment and were not suitable for surgical intervention in a university hospital incontinence clinic. Biofeedback using a pudendal nerve stimulator comprising a bipolar electrode applied to the base of the clitoris or penis. Electrical pulse voltage was self-titrated and defined periods of treatment were prescribed. Anorectal manometry and Cleveland incontinence scores were assessed. Results, There was a significant reduction in incontinence symptom score after pudendal nerve stimulator treatment in the 42 patients treated and who had a complete set of data (median age 57 years (range 37,81); 39 female, 3 male). This was accompanied by significant improvements (P < 0.05) in anal sphincter tone, maximal tolerated rectal volume and the sustained rectoanal inhibitory reflex. Conclusions, An externally applied pudendal nerve stimulator improves symptoms and physiological evidence of faecal incontinence but long-term follow up is not available for these patients. [source]