Correlations between plasma atrial natriuretic polypeptide (ANP) levels and hemodynamic parameters were studied in the central circulation of 12 patients with angina pectoris. The average plasma ANP level determined in the aorta was found to be 619 +/- 140 pg/ml. The plasma ANP levels showed a significant positive correlation with mean pulmonary arterial (PA) pressure, right ventricular pressure, and with cardiac index. In contrast, there was no significant correlation between plasma ANP levels and other hemodynamic variables including atrial pressure. These results suggest that hemodynamics other than the atrial pressure may have some role in modulating ANP secretion in certain pathological states.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Platelet function tests in thrombotic cerebrovascular disorders.

A variety of platelet function tests were performed in patients with four forms of obstructive cerebrovascular disease (CVD); transient ischemic attacks (TIA), reversible ischemic neurological deficit (RIND), cerebral infarct, and cerebral embolism of cardiac source in rheumatic valvular heart disease (RVHD). Platelet studies included platelet aggregation induced by ADP and ristocetin, spontaneous platelet aggregation, von Willebrand factor (VIII:vWF), platelet aggregation enhancing factor (PAEF), and percentage of large platelets (megathrombocytes). Serial testing was carried out in acute stroke patients. The effect of aspirin therapy was also evaluated. A clear difference in results was observed between patients with cardiogenic embolism and those with other forms of CVD. In patients with TIA, RIND, and cerebral infarct, platelet aggregation, both induced and spontaneous, was enhanced along with elevation of plasma VIII:vWF and PAEF, and increased percentage of megathrombocytes. In patients with cardiogenic embolism, however, these studies were negative except for percent megathrombocytes. This value was increased in the embolic patients with RVHD in comparison with non-embolic patients with RVHD. Increase in platelet aggregation to ADP and percent megathrombocytes developed slowly over a week following stroke. Induced and spontaneous platelet aggregation, and percent megathrombocytes could be normalized with 600 mg aspirin p.o. These studies suggest that a systemic increase of hyperaggregable platelets and of plasma activators of platelet function exists in thrombotic CVD and may be related to its pathogenesis, while local hemodynamic factors may be more important in the thrombogenesis of cardiogenic embolism.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Interrelation of left ventricular function and myocardial ultrastructure as assessed by endomyocardial biopsy: comparative study of hypertrophic and congestive cardiomyopathies.

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Biopsy↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Reduction in pulmonary varix size after mitral valve replacement.

A 48-year-old female was admitted to our hospital for examination of an abnormal shadow in the right lung field. She had a systolic murmur (4/6) over the apex and the chest radiograph revealed cardiac enlargement with three round opacities in the right lung field. Cardiac catheterization showed marked mitral regurgitation and large pulmonary varices. Pulmonary varix caused by mitral regurgitation was diagnosed. The size of the pulmonary varix was reduced with improvement of pulmonary artery wedge pressure one month after mitral valve replacement. We conclude that pulmonary varices can decrease in size secondary to lowering of left atrial pressure within one month after operation.

Female↗

PubMedDate not supplied

An experimental study on cellular immunity and protein-calorie malnutrition.

The effect on cellular immunity of the administration of the non-specific immunopotentiator BCG and/or a streptococcal agent was studied in 90 non-cancer bearing Wistar rats under different nutritional support. The number of immunocompetent cells and the non-specific function of the immunocompetent cells significantly decreased in acute malnutrition. The non-specific immunopotentiator BCG and streptococcal agent activated the peritoneal macrophages, to a remarkable extent, but depressed spleen cell blastoid transformation, thymus index and peripheral lymphocyte count in the starved rat group. In rats who received BCG under intravenous hyperalimentation (IVH), the absolute macrophage counts went down as the quantity of amino-acid administered decreased. The acquired immunodeficiency due to acute malnutrition is evident and the effect obtained with an immunopotentiator is considered to be related to the nutritional status of the host. The adequate administration of protein-calorie is required for the effective use of the immunopotentiator.

Amino Acids↗