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Biomedical subjects

D E Clarke

Publications and source records attributed to D E Clarke.

134 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Histochemical fluorescence studies on noradrenaline accumulation by Uptake 2 in the isolated rat heart.

1. The distribution of noradrenaline accumulated by Uptake(2) (Iversen, 1965) in the isolated perfused rat heart has been observed using histochemical fluorescence microscopy.2. On the basis of the technique used, noradrenaline seems to be predominantly associated with the cardiac muscle cells, but sympathetic nerves and other cardiac structures also serve as retention sites.3. Phenoxybenzamine, normetanephrine and perfusion with noradrenaline at 20 degrees C all decreased noradrenaline accumulation.4. Lowered temperature significantly increased the perfusion pressure and significantly decreased the [(14)C]-sorbitol space in perfused hearts.5. The implications of these results are discussed.

Animals↗

The role of perceived overprotectiveness in recovery 3 months after myocardial infarction.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that overprotectiveness of patients after myocardial infarction (MI) by the spouse has a negative effect on recovery. METHODS: Subjects were 52 male patients who were admitted to one of four area hospitals with a first documented myocardial infarction (MI) and their wives. While in hospital, patients were interviewed by a research nurse who rated the patient's emotional distress on a scale from 1 to 10. Patients completed a Family APGAR and a self-efficacy scale for cardiac patients estimating their level of functioning in 3 months. Wives also completed a Family APGAR, an estimate of their husbands' functioning in 3 months using the self-efficacy scale, and Zung Depression and Anxiety scales. At 3 months post-MI, patients completed the following questionnaires: Family APGAR, self-efficacy scale for cardiac patients regarding current functioning, Zung Anxiety and Depression scales, and the Psychosocial Adaptation to Illness Scale. Perceived overprotectiveness and criticism were measured using the Influential Relationships Questionnaire. The Goldman Specific Activity Scale was used to quantify cardiac recovery. Wives completed the same questionnaires as at the first assessment. RESULTS: Perceived overprotectiveness was positively correlated with patients' anxiety and depression, with perceived criticism from their wives, and correlated negatively with quality-of-life. However, it was not related to the patients' confidence in their functional abilities or to cardiac functional classification at 3 months. Wives who were perceived as overprotective had been less optimistic about their husbands' functional recovery immediately after the MI. Patients who perceived themselves to be overprotected at 3 months had also been less optimistic about their functional recovery when assessed a few days post-MI. CONCLUSIONS: Although perceived overprotectiveness is part of a negative emotional experience for the male patients, it does not appear to be related to perceived functional abilities or cardiac functional classification at 3 months post-MI. Whether the perceived overprotectiveness studied here is a function of the patient's overall emotional state or the wife's actual behavior or a combination of both is an area for future research.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Subchronic toxicity of atorvastatin, a hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, in beagle dogs.

The toxicity of atorvastatin (AT), an inhibitor of hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG), was evaluated in beagle dogs. In 4 studies [2-wk rising dose (daily increasing doses for 1 wk; maintenance for 1 wk), 12-wk rising dose (daily dosing with weekly increases in dose), 2-wk toxicity (daily dosing for 2 wk; 3 dose levels), 13-wk toxicity (daily dosing for 13 wk; 3 dose levels)], dogs received up to 400 mg/kg orally. Doses of 180 mg/kg induced moribundity, necessitating euthanasia. Weight losses up to 26% were seen at doses > or = 150 mg/kg. Decreases in cholesterol levels were dose-related. Alanine and/or aspartate aminotransferase were increased at doses > or = 80 mg/kg; alkaline phosphatase was increased at doses > or = 150 mg/kg. Histopathologic findings were seen at > or = 150 mg/kg and included hepatocellular eosinophilia related to increased smooth endoplasmic reticulum and cholangiohepatitis and cholecystitis at 150 mg/kg in the 2-wk toxicity study; hepatocellular degeneration, centrilobular bridging, cholecystitis, hemorrhage in gallbladder and brain, demyelination of optic nerve, and skeletal muscle necrosis at > or = 280 mg/kg in the 12-wk rising dose study; and erosion and hemorrhage in large intestine, hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis, and inflammation and necrosis of gallbladder epithelium at 320 mg/kg in the 2-wk rising dose study. Doses up to 80 mg/kg for 13 wk did not induce histopathologic lesions in examined organs. AT effectively lowered serum cholesterol in normal lipidemic dogs. Toxicity at AT in dogs was similar to that with other inhibitors of HMG except that lenticular changes were not seen, significant hepatic, testicular, or neurological toxicity was associated only with high doses at AT, and skeletal muscle changes similar to those described in rats and rabbits were identified.

Animals↗