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Cardiovascular Parameters (cardiovascular + parameter)
Selected AbstractsRegional cerebral blood flow responses to hyperventilation during sevoflurane anaesthesia studied with PETACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2010L. SCHLÜNZEN Background: Arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) is an important factor controlling cerebral blood flow (CBF) in neurosurgical patients. It is still unclear whether the hypocapnia-induced decrease in CBF is a general effect on the brain or rather linked to specific brain regions. We evaluated the effects of hyperventilation on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in healthy volunteers during sevoflurane anaesthesia measured with positron emission tomography (PET). Methods: Eight human volunteers were anaesthetized with sevoflurane 1 MAC, while exposed to hyperventilation. During 1 MAC sevoflurane at normocapnia and 1 MAC sevoflurane at hypocapnia, one H215O scan was performed. Statistical parametric maps and conventional regions of interest analysis were used for estimating rCBF differences. Results: Cardiovascular parameters were maintained constant over time. During hyperventilation, the mean PaCO2 was decreased from 5.5 ± 0.7 to 3.8 ± 0.9 kPa. Total CBF decreased during the hypocapnic state by 44%. PET revealed wide variations in CBF between regions. The greatest values of vascular responses during hypocapnia were observed in the thalamus, medial occipitotemporal gyrus, cerebellum, precuneus, putamen and insula regions. The lowest values were observed in the superior parietal lobe, middle and inferior frontal gyrus, middle and inferior temporal gyrus and precentral gyrus. No increases in rCBF were observed. Conclusions: This study reports highly localized and specific changes in rCBF during hyperventilation in sevoflurane anaesthesia, with the most pronounced decreases in the sub cortical grey matter. Such regional heterogeneity of the cerebral vascular response should be considered in the assessment of cerebral perfusion reserve during hypocapnia. [source] Anandamide mediates hyperdynamic circulation in cirrhotic rats via CB1 and VR1 receptorsBRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 7 2006L Moezi Background and purpose: Hyperdynamic circulation and mesenteric hyperaemia are found in cirrhosis. To delineate the role of endocannabinoids in these changes, we examined the cardiovascular effects of anandamide, AM251 (CB1 antagonist), AM630 (CB2 antagonist) and capsazepine (VR1 antagonist), in a rat model of cirrhosis. Experimental approach: Cirrhosis was induced by bile duct ligation. Controls underwent sham operation. Four weeks later, diameters of mesenteric arteriole and venule (intravital microscopy), arterial pressure, cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) flow were measured after anandamide, AM251 (with or without anandamide), AM630 and capsazepine administration. CB1, CB2 and VR1 receptor expression in SMA was assessed by western blot and RT-PCR. Key results: Anandamide increased mesenteric vessel diameter and flow, and cardiac output in cirrhotic rats, but did not affect controls. Anandamide induced a triphasic arterial pressure response in controls, but this pattern differed markedly in cirrhotic rats. Pre-administration of AM251 blocked the effects of anandamide. AM251 (without anandamide) increased arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance, constricted mesenteric arterioles, decreased SMA flow and changed cardiac output in a time-dependent fashion in cirrhotic rats. Capsazepine decreased cardiac output and mesenteric arteriolar diameter and flow, and increased systemic vascular resistance in cirrhotic rats, but lacked effect in controls. Expression of CB1 and VR1 receptor proteins were increased in cirrhotic rats. AM630 did not affect any cardiovascular parameter in either group. Conclusions and implications: These data suggest that endocannabinoids contribute to hyperdynamic circulation and mesenteric hyperaemia in cirrhosis, via CB1 - and VR1-mediated mechanisms. British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 149, 898,908. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706928 [source] Combined Oral Contraceptives do not Influence Post-Exercise Hypotension in WomenEXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 5 2002Karen Birch The aim of the present study was to examine the pattern of cardiovascular recovery from exercise in 15 women (age, 20.3 ± 1.4 years; body mass, 61.5 ± 4.3 kg) across two phases of oral contraceptive (OC) use: 21 days of consumption and 7 days of withdrawal. Cardiovascular recovery was measured in the supine position for 60 min following 30 min of exercise at 60% maximal rate of oxygen consumption (V,O2,max). Central and peripheral haemodynamics were assessed during consumption and withdrawal of the OC pill using occlusion plethysmography, Doppler flowmetry and echocardiography. Significant hypotension occurred following exercise (P < 0.05), returning to baseline values after 60 min. The peak hypotension occurred 5 min into recovery. Cardiac output and heart rate were elevated for 60 min following exercise (P < 0.05), whilst stroke volume remained at baseline values. Heart rate was greater throughout recovery during consumption compared to withdrawal (P < 0.05); however, although there was a trend for greater responses during consumption, phase of OC use did not affect the other central cardiovascular variables (P > 0.05). Post-exercise blood flow parameters were not significantly affected by exercise or OC phase; however, calf blood flow was greater, and resistance to flow lower during consumption (P > 0.05). The pattern of post-exercise fluctuations in cardiovascular parameters may differ from those seen in men, whilst oestrogen variation may influence research findings. [source] Respiratory Changes in Vasovagal SyncopeJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 6 2000ARVINDER S. KURBAAN M.D. Respiratory Changes in Vasovagal Syncope. introduction: Respiratory changes accompany the cardiovascular changes during head-up. tilt test-induced vasovagal syncope. Methods and Results: Using the 45-minute 60° head-up Westminster protocol, 29 patients were studied (mean age 53.9 ± 20.0 years; 19 females). Two groups resulted: tilt-induced vasovagal syncope positive and negative. The cardiorespiratory parameters blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), tidal volume, and minute volume were measured. Comparisons of the cardiorespiratory parameters were made within the positive group and negative group, and then between the two groups. There were 14 in the positive group and 15 in the negative group. Baseline measurements were normalized to 1.0. Comparing the late tilt periods between the positive and negative groups, there were differences in BP (P < 0.002), HR (P < 0.002), tidal volume (P < 0.05), and minute volume (P < 0.002). In the positive group comparing early with late intervals: BP l.11 ± 0.09 versus 0.49 ± 0.17, P < 0.0001; HR 1.18 ± 0.12 versus 0.85 ±0.35, P < 0.009; tidal volume 1.39 ± 0.34 versus 2.17 ± 1.00, P < 0.015; and minute volume 1.24 ± 0.26 versus 3.3 ± 2.03, P < 0.0025. There were no comparable cardiorespiratory changes in the negative group. Conclusion: There were significant differences in the respiratory and cardiovascular parameters measured between those who were positive and those who were negative for tilt-induced vasovagal syncope. Within the positive group, in addition to the falls in HR and BP, there were significant increases in minute volume and tidal volume during late tilt. This suggests that there may be a role for respiratory sensors in vasovagal syncope that may permit earlier and hence possibly more effective therapy for selected patients. [source] Evaluation of a primary care-oriented brief counselling intervention for obesity with and without orlistatJOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 4 2006W. S. C. POSTON Abstract. Objective., There is a significant need for an obesity treatment model suitable for the primary care environment. We examined the effectiveness of a brief counselling intervention alone, in combination with orlistat, and drug-alone in a 12-month randomized-clinical trial at a medical school obesity centre. Methods., Participants (N = 250) with body mass index (BMI) ,27 were randomized. Changes in body weight, lipids, blood pressure and serum glucose were examined. Drug adherence and attendance were also evaluated. Results., Completers analysis was conducted on 136 participants with data at baseline, 6 and 12 months and intention-to-treat analyses (ITT) for the total sample. Amongst completers, participants in the drug only (P = 0.012) and drug + brief counselling (P = 0.001) groups lost more weight (mean ± SD: ,3.8 ± 5.8 kg and ,4.8 ± 4.4 kg, respectively) than participants in the brief counselling only group at 6 months (,1.7 ± 3.3 kg), but there were no significant group differences at 12 months. ITT model results were similar to completers at 6 months and remained significant at 12 months, but the weight losses were more modest (<3 kg) for both groups receiving orlistat. For brief counselling alone, participants gained weight (1.7 ± 4.2 kg). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) parameter changes were negligible. Conclusions., Pharmacotherapy alone or combined with brief counselling resulted in modest weight losses that had minimal impact on cardiovascular parameters, but were greater than brief counselling alone. Whilst brief interventions and primary pharmacotherapy have been suggested as viable treatments for implementation in primary care settings, our study suggests that such minimal interventions provide minimal benefits. [source] Negative impact of systemic catecholamine administration on hepatic blood perfusion after porcine liver transplantationLIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 2 2005Arianeb Mehrabi Catecholamines are often administered during and after liver transplantation (LTx) to support systemic perfusion and to increase organ oxygen supply. Some vasoactive agents can compromise visceral organ perfusion. We followed the hypothesis that the vasculature of transplanted livers presents with a higher sensitivity, which leads to an increased vulnerability for flow derangement after application of epinephrine (Epi) or norepinephrine (NorEpi). Hepatic macroperfusion and microperfusion during systemic Epi or NorEpi infusion were measured by Doppler flow and thermodiffusion probes in porcine native, denervated, and transplanted livers (n = 16 in each group). Epi or NorEpi were infused (n = 8 in each subgroup) in predefined dosages (low dose = 5 ,g/kg/minute and high dose = 10 ,g/kg/minute) over 240 minutes. Systemic cardiocirculatory parameters were monitored continuously. Hepatic perfusion data were compared between all groups at comparable time points and dosages. In all native, denervated, and transplanted liver groups, Epi and NorEpi induced an inconsistent rise of mean arterial pressure and heart rate shortly after onset of infusion in both dosages compared with baseline. No significant differences of cardiovascular parameters at comparable time points were observed. In native livers, Epi and NorEpi induced only temporary alterations of hepatic macrocirculation and microcirculation, which returned to baseline 2 hours after onset of infusion. No significant alterations of hepatic blood flow were detected after isolated surgical denervation of the liver. By contrast, transplanted livers showed a progressive decline of hepatic macrocirculation (33,75% reduction) and microcirculation (39,58% reduction) during catecholamine infusions in a dose-dependent fashion. Characteristics of liver blood flow impairment were comparable for both vasoactive agents. In conclusion, pronounced disturbances of hepatic macrocirculation and microcirculation were observed during systemic Epi and NorEpi infusion after LTx compared with native and denervated livers. Microcirculation disturbances after LTx might be explained by impairment of hepatic blood flow regulation caused by an increased sensitivity of hepatic vasculature after ischemia-reperfusion and by lengthening of vasopressor effects caused by reduced hepatocyte metabolism. Clinicians should be aware of this potentially hazardous effect. Therefore, application of catecholamines after clinical LTx should be indicated carefully. (Liver Transpl 2005;11:174,187.) [source] Uterine blood flow responses to ICI 182 780 in ovariectomized oestradiol-17,-treated, intact follicular and pregnant sheepTHE JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2005Ronald R. Magness Oestrogen dramatically increases uterine blood flow (UBF) in ovariectomized (Ovx) ewes. Both the follicular phase and pregnancy are normal physiological states with elevated levels of circulating oestrogen. ICI 182 780 is a pure steroidal oestrogen receptor (ER) antagonist that blocks oestrogenic actions in oestrogen-responsive tissue. We hypothesized that an ER-mediated mechanism is responsible for in vivo rises in UBF in physiological states of high oestrogen. The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of an ER antagonist on exogenous and endogenous oestradiol-17, (E2,)-mediated elevations in UBF. Sheep were surgically instrumented with bilateral uterine artery blood flow transducers, and uterine and femoral artery catheters. Ovx animals (n= 8) were infused with vehicle (35% ethanol) or ICI 182 780 (0.1,3.0 ,g min,1) into one uterine artery for 10 min before and 50 min after E2, was given (1 ,g kg,1i.v. bolus) and UBF was recorded for an additional hour. Intact, cycling sheep were synchronized to the follicular phase using progesterone, prostaglandin F2,(PGF2,) and pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG). When peri-ovulatory rises in UBF reached near peak levels, ICI 182 780 (1 or 2 ,g (ml uterine blood flow),1) was infused unilaterally (n= 4 sheep). Ewes in the last stages of pregnancy (late pregnant ewes) were also given ICI 182 780 (0.23,2.0 ,g (ml uterine blood flow),1; 60 min infusion) into one uterine artery (n= 8 sheep). In Ovx sheep, local infusion of ICI 182 780 did not alter systemic cardiovascular parameters, such as mean arterial blood pressure or heart rate; however, it maximally decreased ipsilateral, but not contralateral, UBF vasodilatory responses to exogenous E2, by ,55,60% (P < 0.01). In two models of elevated endogenous E2,, local ICI 182 780 infusion inhibited the elevated UBF seen in follicular phase and late pregnant ewes in a time-dependent manner by ,60% and 37%, respectively; ipsilateral , contralateral effects (P < 0.01). In late pregnant sheep ICI 182 780 also mildly and acutely (for 5,30 min) elevated mean arterial pressure and heart rate (P < 0.05). We conclude that exogenous E2,-induced increases in UBF in the Ovx animal and endogenous E2,-mediated elevations of UBF during the follicular phase and late pregnancy are partially mediated by ER-dependent mechanisms. [source] Bonfils semirigid endoscope for guidance during percutaneous tracheostomyANAESTHESIA, Issue 7 2006U. Buehner Summary We report on the use of the Bonfils semirigid scope for endoscopic guidance during percutaneous dilational tracheostomy. Forty patients requiring percutaneous dilational tracheostomy on the General or Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit were enrolled in this study. We used the ,45 degree curved distal tip' scope in the first 15 patients, evaluating its ease of use, optical quality of focus and image resolution as well as light intensity on a 10-point scale. We evaluated straight and curved versions of it in another 15 and 10 patients, respectively. We examined the impact on ventilation and cardiovascular parameters. In all patients (n = 40) visualisation of the procedure was satisfactory. There were no clinically significant changes in ventilatory or cardiovascular parameters. The image quality for most patients received a score of 7,10. The Bonfils scope provides a practical alternative to flexible bronchoscopes in this setting. [source] Influence of Age on Linear and Nonlinear Measures of Autonomic Cardiovascular ModulationANNALS OF NONINVASIVE ELECTROCARDIOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Michael K. Boettger M.D. Background: Age has been identified as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In addition, autonomic imbalance toward sympathetic preponderance has been shown to facilitate the occurrence of heart disease. Here, we aimed to assess autonomic modulation of cardiovascular parameters during normal ageing applying well-established linear and novel nonlinear parameters. Methods: Linear and nonlinear measures of heart rate variability and complexity as well as measures of QT interval variability and baroreflex sensitivity were obtained from a total of 131 healthy, medication-free participants from a continuous age range between 20 and 90 years, who were allocated to three different age groups. Results: Heart rate variability and complexity significantly decreased with age, while regularity of heart rate time series increased. In addition, QT interval variability linearly increased with age, while baroreflex sensitivity showed a pronounced decrease. Overall, concerning effects of ageing, linear and nonlinear parameters showed equal differentiation between groups. Conclusion: These data indicate a shift of autonomic balance toward sympathetic predominance in higher age groups, limiting the reactiveness of the cardiovascular system to adjust to different demands and increasing the risk for developing tachyarrhythmias. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(2):165,174 [source] More pronounced inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2, increase in blood pressure, and reduction of heart rate by treatment with diclofenac compared with celecoxib and rofecoxibARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 1 2006Burkhard Hinz Objective Recent findings suggest that permanent blockade of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) is one factor contributing to the cardiovascular side effects of selective COX-2 inhibitors (coxibs) and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The present study compared the extent and time course of COX-2 inhibition and the effects on cardiovascular parameters (changes in blood pressure and heart rate) between various antirheumatic doses of diclofenac, celecoxib, and rofecoxib in healthy elderly volunteers. Methods A randomized, parallel-group study was conducted in volunteers receiving 75 mg diclofenac twice daily, 200 mg celecoxib twice daily, or 25 mg rofecoxib once daily for 8 days. Blood samples were obtained predose and at specified time points postdose, on days 1 and 8, for assay of drug plasma concentrations and COX-2 inhibition. Lipopolysaccharide-induced prostaglandin E2 synthesis was measured ex vivo as an index of COX-2 activity in human whole blood. Results COX-2 inhibition was significantly less pronounced after treatment with celecoxib and rofecoxib than with diclofenac. Maximal inhibitions after a single dose and at steady state, respectively, were as follows: 99% and 99% with diclofenac, 70% and 81% with celecoxib, and 56% and 72% with rofecoxib. At steady state, only diclofenac caused virtually complete COX-2 inhibition over the whole dose interval, and this corresponded to the highest increase in systolic blood pressure and greatest reduction in heart rate. Conclusion Diclofenac elicited the most pronounced COX-2 inhibition, blood pressure elevation, and suppression of heart rate. It is assumed that the extent and time course of intravascular COX-2 inhibition may determine the differential profile of cardiovascular side effects associated with NSAIDs and coxibs, but this has to be proven in future studies. [source] Combination of Inhaled Nitric Oxide Therapy and Inverse Ratio Ventilation in Patients with Sepsis-Associated Acute Respiratory Distress SyndromeARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 11 2000Kazufumi Okamoto Abstract: Inverse ratio ventilation (IRV) is a ventilatory technique that uses an inspiratory to expiratory ratio (I:E) greater than 1:1. We studied the effects of mechanical ventilation with an I:E of 1:3, 1:1, and 2:1 on arterial oxygenation in 10 patients with sepsis-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). At each I:E, patients received 0 and 4 ppm of inhaled nitric oxide (INO) in random order for 30 min. Respiratory and cardiovascular parameters were measured. Of the 10 patients studied, 7 responded to IRV and 3 did not. An increase in the I:E and the addition of INO significantly improved arterial oxygenation in the responders (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.006, respectively). The combination of an increase in the I:E and INO had an additive effect on arterial oxygenation. The combined use of IRV and INO is a more effective method of avoiding hypoxemia than either INO or IRV alone. [source] Influence of exposure to electromagnetic field on the cardiovascular systemAUTONOMIC & AUTACOID PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2005J. H. Jeong Summary 1 We examined whether extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) affect the basal level of cardiovascular parameters and influence of drugs acting on the sympathetic nervous system. 2 Male rats were exposed to sham control and EMF (60 Hz, 20 G) for 1 (MF-1) or 5 days (MF-5). We evaluated the alterations of blood pressure (BP), pulse pressure (PP), heart rate (HR), and the PR interval, QRS interval and QT interval on the electrocardiogram and dysrhythmic ratio in basal level and dysrhythmia induced by , -adrenoceptor agonists. 3 In terms of the basal levels, there were no statistically significant differences among control, MF-1 and MF-5 in PR interval, QRS interval, mean BP, HR and PP. However, the QT interval, representing ventricular repolarization, was significantly reduced by MF-1 (P < 0.05). 4 (,)-Dobutamine (,1 -adrenoceptor-selective agonist)-induced tachycardia was significantly suppressed by ELF-EMF exposure in MF-1 for the increase in HR (,HR), the decrease in QRS interval (,QRS) and the decrease in QT (,QT) interval. Adrenaline (nonselective , -receptor agonist)-induced dysrhythmia was also significantly suppressed by ELF-EMF in MF-1 for the number of missing beats, the dysrhythmic ratio, and the increase in BP and PP. 5 These results indicated that 1-day exposure to ELF-EMF (60 Hz, 20 G) could suppress the increase in HR by affecting ventricular repolarization and may have a down-regulatory effect on responses of the cardiovascular system induced by sympathetic agonists. [source] Reduced endothelial progenitor cells and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation as evidence of endothelial dysfunction in ocular hypertension and primary open-angle glaucomaACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 1 2010Gian Paolo Fadini Abstract. Purpose:, This study aimed to assess vascular endothelial function in patients with ocular hypertension (OHT) or primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) by measuring: (a) endothelium-dependent flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, and (b) circulating endothelial progenitor cells, which are believed to support the integrity of the vascular endothelium. Methods:, We enrolled 25 patients with OHT, 23 with POAG and 26 control subjects, all of whom were aged < 65 years and had no medical history of cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular risk factors. All subjects underwent a complete ophthalmological examination, biochemistry study, assessment of cardiovascular parameters, brachial artery ultrasound assessment of endothelium-dependent FMD, generic circulating progenitor cell (CPC) and circulating endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) count with the use of flow cytometry. Results:, Flow-mediated vasodilation values differed significantly in OHT (4.5 ± 1.1%; p = 0.021) and POAG (4.0 ± 0.9%; p = 0.003) patients compared with controls (7.7 ± 0.8%). The CD34+ KDR+ EPC count was markedly lower in OHT (28.0 ± 5.0; p < 0.001) and POAG (24.3 ± 3.4; p < 0.001) patients compared with controls (73.1 ± 8.1). Neither FMD not EPCs differed significantly between OHT and POAG patients. No significant differences in CPC count or cardiovascular parameters were found among OHT or POAG patients and controls. The levels of CD34+ KDR+ EPCs were directly correlated (p = 0.043) with FMD, and inversely correlated (p = 0.032) with baseline intraocular pressure in OHT and POAG patients. Conclusions:, Both OHT and POAG patients without cardiovascular risk factors have previously unreported severely reduced circulating EPCs and reduced FMD, both of which are indicators of endothelial dysfunction and increased risk of cardiovascular events. [source] Relationship between ocular pulse amplitude and systemic blood pressure measurementsACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 3 2009Matthias C. Grieshaber Abstract. Purpose:, This study aimed to determine whether ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) measured with dynamic contour tonometry (DCT) is related to systemic blood pressure (BP) parameters. Methods:, Blood pressure was measured continuously and simultaneously with OPA in one randomly selected eye in 29 healthy subjects. Systemic parameters of interest were: systolic and diastolic BPs and their difference (BP amplitude), and left ventricle ejection time (LVET; defined as the time between the diastolic trough and the incisural notch in the BP curve). In addition, the axial length (AL) of the eye was measured. Associations between OPA, AL and systemic cardiovascular parameters were analysed in a multivariate regression model. Results:, Measurements of OPA ranged from 1.0 mmHg to 4.9 mmHg (mean 2.3 ± 0.9 mmHg, median 1.9 mmHg). In a univariate analysis with one predictor at a time, means of intraocular pressure (IOP) (p = 0.008), AL (p = 0.046) and LVET (p = 0.037) were significantly correlated with OPA, whereas systolic and diastolic BPs and their amplitude were not. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that mean IOP (p < 0.005), AL (p = 0.01) and LVET (p = 0.002) all independently contributed to OPA. Conclusions:, The OPA readings measured with DCT in healthy subjects were not related to BP levels and amplitude. It seems that the OPA strongly depends on the time,course of the cardiac contraction. Regulating mechanisms in the carotid system as well as scleral rigidity may be responsible for dampening the direct effect of BP variations. [source] GINKGO BILOBA EXTRACT CAUSES DECREASE IN HEART RATE IN AGED SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RATSCLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2007Y Kubota SUMMARY 1We previously reported that Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) improves cardiovascular function in young spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In the present study, changes in the cardiovascular parameters of aged SHR were examined following a 4-week diet of GBE. 2Feeding with GBE significantly decreased the heart rate and blood flow velocity in the tails of aged SHR. The contractile and relaxation responses were unchanged in isolated aortas and mesenteric arteries of aged SHR fed the GBE diet. The GBE diet did not influence the protein levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase or soluble guanylyl cyclase in the aortas. 3These findings indicate that in aged SHR, the ingestion of GBE may cause bradycardia without a beneficial effect on the vascular relaxation response. Intake of GBE as a supplement in elderly hypertensive patients should be carefully monitored. [source] EFFECT OF BAY 41-2272 IN THE PULMONARY HYPERTENSION INDUCED BY HEPARIN,PROTAMINE COMPLEX IN ANAESTHETIZED DOGSCLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1-2 2007Cristiane F Freitas SUMMARY 1BAY 41-2272 is a potent activator of the nitric oxide-independent site of soluble guanylate cyclase and has been recently introduced as a new therapeutic agent to treat chronic pulmonary hypertension (PH) in neonatal sheep. Because the in vivo heparin,protamine interaction may lead to severe PH, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of BAY 41-2272 in the PH induced by heparin,protamine interaction in anaesthetized dogs. 2Sixteen male dogs (10 mongrel dogs and six Beagles) were anaesthetized and instrumented for acquisition of mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP), heart rate (HR), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), cardiac index (CI) and indices of systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance (ISVR and IPVR, respectively). Plasma cGMP levels and Spo2 were evaluated. 3Intravenous administration of heparin (500 IU/kg) followed 3 min later by protamine (10 mg/kg) caused marked PH, as evaluated by the increase in MPAP, PCWP and IPVR. This was accompanied by a significant fall in MABP and a transient increase in HR. Infusion of BAY 41-2272 (10 µg/kg per h, starting 10 min before heparin administration) augmented plasma cGMP levels and slightly and significantly increased HR and CI, without affecting the other cardiovascular parameters. The elevation in IPVR, MPAP and PCWP triggered by the heparin,protamine interaction was significantly reduced in animals exposed to BAY 41-2272. 4In vehicle-treated dogs, the Spo2 values decreased significantly at the peak of the PH and this was significantly attenuated by treatment with BAY 41-2272. In addition, BAY 41-2272 (10 µmol/L) had no effect on the activated partial thromboplastin time of citrated plasma after the addition of heparin,protamine. 5In conclusion, BAY 41-2272 was effective in reducing canine PH induced in vivo by the heparin,protamine interaction, thus indicating its potential in the treatment of this type of disorder. [source] CYTIDINE 5,-DIPHOSPHOCHOLINE RESTORES BLOOD FLOW OF SUPERIOR MESENTERIC AND RENAL ARTERIES AND PROLONGS SURVIVAL TIME IN HAEMORRHAGED ANAESTHETIZED RATSCLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 5-6 2006M Sertac Yilmaz SUMMARY 1The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) or intravenous (i.v.) administration of cytidine 5˘-diphosphocholine (CDP-choline) on superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and renal artery (RA) blood flow, along with the cardiovascular parameters and survival time of anaesthetized rats under conditions of haemorrhagic shock. 2Rats were anaesthetized with urethane (1.25 g/kg, i.p.) and acute haemorrhage was mimicked by the withdrawal of a total volume of 2,2.1 mL blood/100 g bodyweight over a period of 20 min. The CDP-choline was injected i.c.v. (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mmol) or i.v. (250 mg/kg) after the end of haemorrhage. Blood pressure, heart rate, SMA and RA flow values and the survival time of rats were recorded. Changes in blood flow were estimated by laser-Doppler flowmetry. 3The haemorrhage procedure decreased the blood pressures of rats by 60% and limited their survival time to 22 ± 2 min. Both SMA and RA flow decreased to approximately 25% of initial values at the end of the haemorrhage procedure. 4The i.c.v. administration of CDP-choline (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mmol) increased blood pressure and partially reversed the hypotension in a dose- and time-dependent manner. At 1.5 and 2.0 mmol, i.c.v., CDP-choline completely restored the decreased flow of the RA and transiently reversed hypoperfusion of the SMA. It also produced an almost fourfold increase in the survival time of rats. 5The i.v. administration of CDP-choline (250 mg/kg) also completely, but transiently, restored SMA and RA flow, whereas it increased blood pressure by only 40% compared with control values. The survival time of rats in the i.v. CDP-choline group was doubled that of control. 6These results indicate that both centrally and peripherally injected CDP-choline can restore SMA and RA flow, together with a partial reversal of hypotension and an increase in the survival time of rats. [source] Increased Cerebral Blood Flow And Cardiac Output Following Cerebral Arterial Air Embolism In SheepCLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 11 2001David J Williams SUMMARY 1. The effects of cerebral arterial gas embolism on cerebral blood flow and systemic cardiovascular parameters were assessed in anaesthetized sheep. 2. Six sheep received a 2.5 mL injection of air simultaneously into each common carotid artery over 5 s. Mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, end-tidal carbon dioxide and an ultrasonic Doppler index of cerebral blood flow were monitored continuously. Cardiac output was determined by periodic thermodilution. 3. Intracarotid injection of air produced an immediate drop in mean cerebral blood flow. This drop was transient and mean cerebral blood flow subsequently increased to 151% before declining slowly to baseline. Coincident with the increased cerebral blood flow was a sustained increase in mean cardiac output to 161% of baseline. Mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate and end-tidal carbon dioxide were not significantly altered by the intracarotid injection of air. 4. The increased cardiac output is a pathological response to impact of arterial air bubbles on the brain, possibly the brainstem. The increased cerebral blood flow is probably the result of the increased cardiac output and dilation of cerebral resistance vessels caused by the passage of air bubbles. [source] Relationship of peak growth hormone to cardiovascular parameters, waist circumference, lipids and glucose in HIV-infected patients and healthy adultsCLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 6 2009Janet Lo Summary Objective, Relative growth hormone (GH) deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with HIV. The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships of GH to metabolic and anthropometric parameters in HIV patients and non-HIV controls. Design, Peak GH and metabolic parameters were assessed in a cross-sectional study of 191 HIV patients and 62 age and BMI-matched healthy controls. Methods, Peak GH was assessed by GHRH/arginine stimulation testing. Results, HIV patients demonstrated similar BMI, but increased waist circumference (WC) and reduced peak GH to GHRH/arginine compared with control subjects [median = 12·4 (interquartile range: 6·3,24·8) vs. 21·3 (8·8, 34·5) ,g/l, P = 0·006, HIV vs. control]. Among HIV and non-HIV groups, peak GH was inversely associated with WC (rho = ,0·44, P < 0·0001; rho = ,0·63, P < 0·0001; HIV patients and controls, respectively), blood pressure (rho = ,0·17, P = 0·02; rho = ,0·36, P = 0·004), triglycerides (rho = ,0·37, P < 0·0001; rho = ,0·43, P = 0·001), glucose (rho = ,0·34, P < 0·0001; rho = ,0·30, P = 0·02), insulin (rho = ,0·43, P < 0·0001; rho = ,0·60, P < 0·0001) and CRP (rho = ,0·29, P < 0·0001; rho = ,0·59, P < 0·0001). Among HIV patients, the inverse association between peak GH and fasting glucose remained significant (, = ,0·006 mmol/l change in glucose per ,g/l change in GH, P = 0·004) controlling for age, gender, race, BMI, WC, protease inhibitor (PI) and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Similarly, the inverse association between peak GH and triglycerides remained significant (, = ,0·01 mmol/l change in triglycerides per ,g/l change in GH, P = 0·02) controlling for age, gender, race, BMI, WC, PI and lipid-lowering medications. HIV men with peak GH < 7·5 ,g/l demonstrated higher BMI, WC, SBP, triglycerides, glucose and CRP. Conclusions, Reduced GH secretion is independently associated with dyslipidaemia and higher glucose, among HIV patients with abdominal fat accumulation. [source] |