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Biomedical subjects

C J Vaughan

Publications and source records attributed to C J Vaughan.

27 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Vascular effects of statins in stroke.

BACKGROUND: Recent clinical trials and meta-analyses of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) have demonstrated a reduction in ischemic stroke in patients with a history of coronary artery disease both with and without elevations of serum cholesterol. This review summarizes clinical trials of these compounds and their recent impact on stroke and explores the underlying vascular mechanisms of their actions. SUMMARY OF REVIEW: Use of statins in patients with vascular disease has been shown to lower the incidence of stroke by approximately 30%. Statins exhibit a number of antiatherosclerotic and antithrombotic properties that likely underlie the recently observed reductions in cerebrovascular disease. Statins reduce inflammatory, proliferative, and thrombogenic processes in plaque, making it less likely to rupture. Additionally, they reverse the endothelial dysfunction and platelet activation accompanying hypercholesterolemia and may reduce the tendency to thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: Hypercholesterolemia has reemerged as a risk factor for ischemic stroke. Statins protect against thromboembolic stroke through multiple beneficial effects within the vascular milieu. Further data are awaited to support the growing importance of cholesterol as a risk factor for ischemic stroke and the benefits of statin therapy in patients with cerebrovascular disease.

Blood Vessels↗
PubMed1997

Localization of dopamine D1A receptor protein and messenger ribonucleic acid in rat adrenal cortex.

Pharmacological, physiological, and autoradiographic studies have suggested the presence of dopamine receptors in the adrenal gland. Dopaminergic ligands have been shown to modulate adrenocortical aldosterone biosynthesis and secretion as well as adrenomedullary catecholamine production and release. Using a combination of light microscopic immunochemistry and in situ amplification and hybridization, the present study sought to determine the site-specific expression of the recently cloned D1A receptor subtype in rat adrenal gland. Light microscopic immunohistochemistry was conducted using polyclonal antisera raised to the putative rat D1A receptor. Immunoreactive product was detected using an avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase method. D1A receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) was detected using a transcription-based isothermal in situ amplification and hybridization approach using receptor-specific mRNA oligonucleotide probes. The amplified product was localized using an alkaline phosphatase 4-nitro blue tetrazolium chloride/5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-phosphate technique. This combined experimental approach, using both receptor subtype-selective antibodies and oligonucleotide probes, allows for the site-specific localization of the D1A receptor subtype, which would otherwise not be possible with the pharmacological methods currently available. The D1A receptor protein and mRNA were expressed solely in the zona glomerulosa of the rat adrenal gland, with no signal evident in any of the other cortical layers or in the medulla. Such a distribution raises the possibility that the D1A receptor subtype could modulate, at least in part, some of the known effects of dopamine on aldosterone secretion.

Adrenal Cortex↗
PubMed1994

The use of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in the evaluation of racial differences in blood pressure.

Ethnic differences in 24h blood pressure profiles exist, and 24h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring shows that blacks have a higher nocturnal blood pressure associated with a small diurnal change in pressure. Studies in adolescents suggest that these diurnal differences antedate adulthood. Nocturnal blood pressure may be independently important in the pathogenesis of left ventricular hypertrophy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

An evaluation of intravenous digital subtraction angiography in assessing lower limb ischaemia.

Intravenous digital subtraction angiography (IV DSA) is a relatively simple, minimally invasive technique which can be performed on an out-patient basis. On the other hand it lacks the clarity and definition of conventional angiography (CA). This paper evaluates the usefulness of IV DSA in planning intervention in lower limb ischaemia. Between January 1988 and June 1989, 492 IV DSAs were performed on patients with peripheral vascular disease. The results of the DSA were compatible with the clinical impression in 480 cases and management was planned accordingly. In 12 (2.4%) the DSA was inconclusive (failure to confirm clinical findings in three, insufficient information in six, technical failure in three), and CA was performed. This resulted in six patients having an arterial reconstruction who would not otherwise have done so. One hundred and six of the 480 cases routinely had a CA, in addition to the IV DSA prior to planned angioplasty or intra-arterial thrombolysis. These provided a direct comparison between the two techniques. In 99 (93%) the findings of the two procedures were identical. Significant lesions (not seen on DSA) were identified by CA in four patients, (false: -ve 3.8%) two of which were successfully dealt with by angioplasty. In two patients lesions were not confirmed (false: +ve 1.9%) and in one, disease progression was noted. Thus of the 106 patients, two (1.9%) were found to have lesions on CA, but not on IV DSA, which were successfully treated. IV DSA is satisfactory in most patients with lower limb ischaemia. Its imperfections are more than outweighed by its simplicity and patient acceptability.

Aged↗