Biomedical subjects

M Filip

Publications and source records attributed to M Filip.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

An endogenous neuroprotectant substance, 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (1MeTIQ), prevents the behavioral and neurochemical effects of cocaine reinstatement in drug-dependent rats.

Drug abuse disorder is induced by a variety of substances and results from their interaction with the brain reward system. It is characterized by a high frequency of relapse, usually associated with to craving. In this study we investigated the effects of 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, an endogenous compound with antidopaminergic and neuroprotective activity, on cocaine-induced reinstatement in cocaine-dependent, self-administering rats. 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (50 mg/kg i.p.) completely inhibited the expression of reinstatement of cocaine self-administration and accompanying neurochemical changes induced by a single priming cocaine dose (10 mg/kg i.p.). The priming cocaine dose inhibited dopamine metabolism in the structures containing nerve endings (frontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and striatum) but not in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area. A behaviorally active dose of 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline administered 30 min before a priming dose of cocaine significantly increased the dopamine concentration in the limbic structures, and strongly inhibited dopamine metabolism in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area. Cocaine also inhibited noradrenaline and serotonin metabolism, and 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline abolished the inhibition in noradrenaline metabolism, while it intensified the inhibition of serotonin metabolism. Our results strongly support the view that 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, an endogenous compound, has considerable potential as a drug for combating substance abuse disease through the attenuation of craving.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

[Anterior uveal malignant melanoma with subconjunctival extension--a clinical case].

The authors present the case of a patient with intraocular tumour and secondary glaucoma, which has been surgically treated for acute angle-closure glaucoma in a local hospital. Patient sits for examination at the clinic 11 months after surgery. Multiple conjunctiva pigmented metastasis are present at physical examination. Chosen therapeutic approach: exenteration.

Ciliary Body↗

PubMed2005

A lymphoid conjunctival tumor--clinical aspects; therapeutical options.

A female woman, 34 years old, having a history of 10 years of conjunctival allergy, came to our Clinic for a pale pink mass lesion, occupying both the upper and the lower fornices. The therapeutical and also investigational approach was to excise all suspected tissue and to biopsy to determine if benign or malignant (clinically indistinguishable). The conjunctival biopsy revealed a non-Hodgkin malignant conjunctival MALT lymphoma. A complete medical check-up performed by a hematologist-oncologist confirmed that the disease was localized. In this case, of ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma with localised disease, we took into account local treatment: external beam radiation therapy, topical use of chemotherapy agents and biologic therapy (subconjunctival injections with interferon-alpha). Systemic chemotherapy was avoided. Interesting results were obtained with

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed2004

[Cataract surgery in Romania--2003].

AIM: to evaluate cataract surgery performed in Romania analyzing: --the number of cataract surgery performed in 2003; --the surgical technique used: intracapsular extraction, extracapsular extraction, phacoemulsification; --the number and type of intraocular lenses used; --the number of ophthalmologists that performed cataract surgery; MATERIAL AND METHOD: --a questionnaire was sent to all ophthalmologists which do cataract surgery. RESULTS: --38,000 surgeries for cataract were performed in 2003; --the surgical techniques used were : Phacoemulsification (18,000 cases), classic extracapsular extraction ( 19,000 cases) and intracapsular extraction (1000 cases); --28,500 rigid and 8,000 foldable intraocular lenses were implanted; - 223 ophthalmologists perform cataract surgery in Romania.

Cataract Extraction↗

PubMed2003

[Post-operatory biometry and refraction results estimated and refraction surprises--clinical study].

Preoperative biometry has a major influence on the success or failure of IOL implantation procedures. The paper wishes to demonstrate the significance of this manoeuvre for the refraction and visual outcome and for the postoperative satisfaction rate of the patients. The clinical study has rulled out for one year period and a number of 239 patients suffered a IOL implantation procedure (cataract or lens extraction for refractive purposes). The preoperative biometry was always necessary. We used one of the existing IOL power calculation formula (SRK II, SRK T, Holladay). The surgeon decided about the IOL power, always after discussing with the patient their postoperative refractive expectations. The postoperative refraction was, in the majority of cases, the estimated refraction and the errors were similar with those from the literature. Refractive surprises of several diopters were registered in high myopic and hyperopic eyes or in cases of coexisting ocular diseases which have modified the anatomical parameters of the eye. In conclusion, small errors in calculation can have large effects on visual outcome. This problem will be solved in the future, because the field is evolving rapidly driven by a new understanding of the anatomy of the eye and new hardware for measuring that anatomy.

Biometry↗

PubMed2003

Dry eye syndrome. Etiological and therapeutic aspects.

"Dry eye syndrome" is a common disorder of the tear film that results from inadequate tear production, excessive tear evaporation or abnormality in mucin or lipid components of the tear film. A number of 53 patients suffering from dry eye syndrome were followed up for a period of 18 months. The study group was heterogeneous, including a lot of conditions accompanied by dry eye syndrome: Syogren's syndrome, lupus erythematous, ocular rosacea, patients with systemic treatments with antidepressants, betablockers, diuretics, oral contraceptives, glaucomatous patients with topical beta-blockers, postmenopausal women, aging people, computer users and long-term contact lens wearers. The therapeutical options were dictated by the severity of the syndrome: substitution therapy, treatment of the underlying eyelid diseases, modifying of the environmental conditions and treatment of the complications in the most severe cases. The new pathological approach is innovative and it may provide a real therapeutical measure for this condition: topical A Cyclosporine and androgen drops.

Dry Eye Syndromes↗

PubMed2002

The effect of amphetamine sensitization on mouse immunoreactivity.

Recent studies indicate a role of the immune system in the behavioral effects of amphetamine in rodents. In the present study we attempted to find a connection between the behavioral changes induced by repeated, intermittent administration of amphetamine and some immunological consequences of sensitization to amphetamine in mice. Male Albino Swiss mice were treated repeatedly (for 5 days) with amphetamine (1 mg/kg, i.p.). On day 9, they received a challenge dose of amphetamine (1 mg/kg). Acute administration of amphetamine increased their locomotor activity by ca. 40%. In animals treated repeatedly with amphetamine, the challenge dose of the psychostimulant induced behavioral sensitization, i.e. the higher locomotor activation as compared with that after its first administration to mice. Immune functions were evaluated by the ability of splenocytes to proliferate and to produce cytokines such as interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10. Acute amphetamine administration significantly decreased, by ca. 30% and 25%, the proliferation of splenocytes in response to an optimal and a suboptimal dose of concanavalin A (Con A), respectively, and increased their ability to produce IL-4. Chronic intermittent treatment with amphetamine significantly decreased, by ca. 65% and 50%, the proliferative response of T cells to an optimal and a suboptimal dose of Con A, respectively, and diminished by 20% the metabolic activity of splenocytes. The above data showed that both acute and chronic amphetamine administration diminished some aspects of the cell-mediated immunity; nevertheless, immunosuppression was particularly evident in amphetamine-sensitized mice. Our findings seem to indicate possible importance of monitoring and correcting immune changes in the therapy of amphetamine addiction.

Amphetamine↗

PubMed2002

Effects of 5-HT1B receptor ligands microinjected into the accumbal shell or core on the cocaine-induced locomotor hyperactivity in rats.

The present study was designed to examine the effect of 5-HT1B receptor ligands microinjected into the subregions of the nucleus accumbens (the shell and the core) on the locomotor hyperactivity induced by cocaine in rats. Male Wistar rats were implanted bilaterally with cannulae into the accumbens shell or core, and then were locally injected with GR 55562 (an antagonist of 5-HT1B receptors) or CP 93129 (an agonist of 5-HT1B receptors). Given alone to any accumbal subregion, GR 55562 (0.1-10 microg/side) or CP 93129 (0.1-10 microg/side) did not change basal locomotor activity. Systemic cocaine (10 mg/kg) significantly increased the locomotor activity of rats. GR 55562 (0.1-10 microg/side), administered intra-accumbens shell prior to cocaine, dose-dependently attenuated the psychostimulant-induced locomotor hyperactivity. Such attenuation was not found in animals which had been injected with GR 55562 into the accumbens core. When injected into the accumbens shell (but not the core) before cocaine, CP 93129 (0.1-10 microg/side) enhanced the locomotor response to cocaine; the maximum effect being observed after 10 microg/side of the agonist. The later enhancement was attenuated after intra-accumbens shell treatment with GR 55562 (1 microg/side). Our findings indicate that cocaine induced hyperlocomotion is modified by 5-HT1B receptor ligands microinjected into the accumbens shell, but not core, this modification consisting in inhibitory and facilitatory effects of the 5-HT1B receptor antagonist (GR 55562) and agonist (CP 93129), respectively. In other words, the present results suggest that the accumbal shell 5-HT1B receptors play a permissive role in the behavioural response to the psychostimulant.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

[Laser in glaucoma treatment ; 1-year personal experience].

THE AIM OF THE PAPER: The paper establishes the role of the laser treatment in the complex treatment of glaucoma and realizes a comparison between our clinical results and the results from the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Along a period of one year, we have treated a number of 117 glaucoma patients: Open angle glaucoma (POAG), angle closure glaucoma (ACG), normal tension glaucoma (NTG) and symptomathic narrow anterior chamber. The complex treatment consists of medication, laser and/or surgery. To treat the patients, we have used the VISULAS 532 Combi laser, manufactured by Zeiss. RESULTS: The results are presented in a synthetic way for different pathological entities and different methods of laser treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In glaucoma, laser treatment represents a step between the medical treatment and surgery and is a very good alternative when the medication in inefficient or is not well tolerated. Our results are, in majority, similar with those from the literature.

Glaucoma↗

PubMed2002

New concepts in etiology, clinic and management of postoperative endophthalmitis.

THE AIM OF THE PAPER: In the last few years, as a result of the continuing changing of the ethiological, clinical and therapeutical aspects of the postoperative endophthalmitis, there are a lot of efforts to find the adequate means to prevent and to treat this severe complication of cataract surgery. So, the paper presents the most actual therapeutical approaches in the field. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The goals of treatment of postoperative endophthalmitis are: to regain vision and to save the bulb. From the prophylactic techniques, preoperative povidone-iodine antisepsis is the most recommended procedure for decreasing the risk of endophthalmitis related to surgery. The main elements of the modern treatment of endophthalmitis are medical treatment by intravitreal injections or by systemic drugs and surgical treatment with vitrectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Although endophthalmitis remains a potential cause of visual loss, both medical therapies and surgical techniques have evolved so that prognosis is not always as negative as it used to be.

Cataract Extraction↗

PubMed2002

[Particular aspects of treatment in diabetic eye cataract].

The knowing of the ocular consequences of diabetes is essential for the evaluation of the risk factors for the cataract surgery. The clinical study was made on a total number of 19 diabetic patients (3 with insulin dependent diabetes and the rest with noninsulin dependent diabetes), which were operated for cataract from september 2001 till march 2002. Preoperatory preparation presumed a good metabolic control of diabetes and a very carefully examination of the retina. The surgical technique was the extracapsular cataract extraction, followed by the implantation of a posterior chamber IOL, respectively phacoemulsification with the implantation of a foldable lens. The presence of a proliferative diabetic retinopathy, of a rubeosis iridis, of the neovascularization of the angle, or the preexistence of the vitreoretinal surgery (vitrectomy) were the main factors which dictated the anatomical and functional postoperatory prognosis. In conclusion, evenly the diabetic patient is a highly risk patient, the adequate preoperator preparation, the right treatment and a carefully follow-up could assure the success of the surgery in those cases.

Cataract↗

PubMed2001

Differential regulation of the mesoaccumbens circuit by serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2A and 5-HT2C receptors.

Serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(2C) receptors (5-HT(2A)Rs and 5-HT(2C)Rs), which innervate the dopamine mesoaccumbens pathway, may play an important role in the behavioral effects of cocaine. To test this hypothesis, the present study measured cocaine-evoked locomotor activity after bilateral microinjection of selective 5-HT(2A)R and 5-HT(2C)R antagonists into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) or the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell. Locomotor activity was measured after intracranial microinjection of saline (0.2 microl/side), the selective 5-HT(2A)R antagonist R-(+)-alpha-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenylethyl)]-4-piperidine methanol (M100907) (0.1 or 0.3 microg. 0.2 microl(-1). side(-1)), or the selective 5-HT(2C)R antagonist 8-[5-(2,4-dimethoxy-5-(4-trifluoromethylphenylsulfon-amido)phenyl-5-oxopentyl)]-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decane-2,4-dione hydrochloride (RS 102221) (0.05-0.5 microg. 0.2 microl(-1). side(-1)) followed by an injection of saline (1 ml/kg, i.p.) or cocaine (10 mg/kg, i.p.). Microinjection of M100907 (0.1-0.3 microg/side) into the VTA or RS 102221 (0.15-0.5 microg/side) into the NAc shell attenuated cocaine-induced hyperactivity in a dose-related manner. However, hyperactivity evoked by cocaine was not altered by microinjection of RS 102221 into the VTA or M100907 into the NAc shell. No changes in basal activity were observed after microinjection of M100907 or RS 102221 into either brain region. These findings are the first to demonstrate that the behavioral effects of cocaine are generated in part by activation of 5-HT(2A)Rs in the VTA and by activation of 5-HT(2C)Rs in the NAc shell. The selective regulation of the mesoaccumbens circuit by 5-HT(2A)Rs and 5-HT(2C)Rs implicates these 5-HT receptors as important in the behavioral outcomes of systemic cocaine administration.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Role of 5-HT(1B) receptors in the sensitization to amphetamine in mice.

The present study was designed to determine how 5-HT(1B) receptor ligands affected the development or the expression phase of sensitization to the amphetamine-induced locomotor response in mice. Mice were treated repeatedly (for 5 days) with amphetamine (2.5 mg/kg) in combination with either vehicle, N-[3-[3-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]-4-methoxyphenyl]-2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-carboxamide hydrochloride (SB 216641; an antagonist of 5-HT(1B) receptors), 3-(1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridyl)-5-propoxypyrrolo[3,2-b]pyridine (CP 94,253; an agonist of 5-HT(1B) receptors), or SB 216641+CP 94,253; afterwards, on day 10, they received a challenge dose of amphetamine (2.5 mg/kg). In another experiment, mice were given either vehicle or amphetamine (2.5 mg/kg) for 5 days, and were then challenged with amphetamine (2.5 mg/kg) in combination with vehicle, SB 216641, or CP 94,253 on day 10. Locomotor hyperactivity induced by acute administration of amphetamine (day 1) was dose-dependently inhibited by SB 216641 and enhanced by CP 94,253, but not affected by a combination of SB 216641+CP 94,253. The 5-HT(1B) receptor ligands affected similarly the behavioral response to the challenge dose of amphetamine on day 10 (ca. 55-110% more potent than the response to its first administration) when they were combined with the psychostimulant during the development phase (days 1-5) of sensitization. On the other hand, neither SB 216641 nor CP 94,253 administered together with the challenge dose of amphetamine (day 10) affected its behavioral hyperactivity effect in mice treated repeatedly (days 1-5) with the psychostimulant alone. Our results suggest that 5-HT(1B) receptors may play a permissive role in the development, but not expression, of behavioral sensitization, as well as in the acute locomotor response to amphetamine in mice.

Amphetamine↗

PubMed2001

Effect of serotonin (5-HT)1B receptor ligands on cocaine sensitization in rats.

Recent studies have shown that antagonists of serotonin (5-HT)1B receptors attenuate cocaine-induced locomotor hyperactivity, whereas agonists enhance reinforcing and discriminative stimulus effects of the psychostimulant. The present study was designed to determine how 5-HT1B receptor ligands affected the development or the expression phase of sensitization to the cocaine-induced locomotor response in rats. In Experiment 1, rats were treated repeatedly (for 5 days) with cocaine (10 mg/kg) in combination with either saline, GR 127935 (5-HT1B antagonist), CP 94,253 (5-HT1B agonist) or GR 127935 + CP 94,253. On day 10, they received a challenge dose of cocaine (10 mg/kg). In Experiment 2, animals received either saline or cocaine (10 mg/kg) for 5 days, and were then challenged with cocaine (10 mg/kg) in combination with saline, GR 127935, CP 94,253 or GR 127935 + CP 94,253, on day 10. In Experiment 3, rats received either saline, cocaine or CP 94,253 for 5 days; on day 10 they received challenge doses of CP 94,253 or cocaine. In rats treated repeatedly with cocaine, the locomotor hyperactivity induced by a challenge dose of the psychostimulant was about twice as high as that observed after its first administration. The effect evoked by cocaine challenge was further increased in animals treated repeatedly with CP 94,253 + cocaine, but not with GR 127935 + CP 94,253 + cocaine. No difference was observed in the response to cocaine challenge in rats treated repeatedly with cocaine or GR 127935 + cocaine (Experiment 1). In animals treated repeatedly with the psychostimulant, the behavioral response to a challenge dose of cocaine was dose-dependently increased when that drug was combined with CP 94,253, but not with GR 127935 + CP 94,253. No difference was observed in the locomotor response of rats challenged with cocaine or GR 127935 + cocaine (Experiment 2). When rats were treated repeatedly with cocaine, a challenge dose of CP 94,253 produced an about threefold increase in the locomotor effect compared to the animals treated likewise with saline (Experiment 3). Our results indicate that 5-HT1B receptors are involved in neither the development nor the expression of sensitization to cocaine-induced locomotor hyperactivity. On the other hand, they also show that pharmacological activation of 5-HT1B receptors enhances both phases of this phenomenon, and that repeated administration of cocaine leads to an increased functional reactivity of these receptors.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Role of 5-hydroxytryptamine1B receptors and 5-hydroxytryptamine uptake inhibition in the cocaine-evoked discriminative stimulus effects in rats.

Mesolimbic dopamine pathways play a critical role in the behavioural effects of cocaine in rodents. Nonetheless, research has also demonstrated involvement of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) transmission in these effects. The present study investigated the ability of selective 5-HT1B receptor ligands and a 5-HT reuptake inhibitor to substitute for or to alter (enhance or antagonise) the discriminative stimulus effects of cocaine. Male Wistar rats were trained to discriminate cocaine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) from saline (i.p.) in a two-choice, water-reinforced fixed ratio (FR) 20 drug discrimination paradigm. In substitution tests, the selective 5-HT1B receptor agonist 3-(1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridyl)-5-propoxypyrrolo[3,2-b]pyridine (CP 94253; 2.5-5 mg/kg, i.p.) and the 5-HT reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine (5-10 mg/kg, i.p.) elicited ca. 40 and 0% drug-lever responding, respectively. In combination experiments, CP 94253 (2.5-5 mg/kg) given with submaximal doses of cocaine (0.3-2.5 mg/kg) produced a leftward shift in the cocaine dose-response curve; pretreatment with CP 94253 (5 mg/kg) prior to a dose of cocaine (2.5 mg/kg) which elicited lower than 40% drug-lever responding, caused full substitution. Fluoxetine (5 and 10 mg/kg) given in combination with a submaximal dose of cocaine (2.5 mg/kg) produced a 100% drug-lever responding. Pretreatment with the 5-HT1B receptor antagonists N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl)-1,1'-biphenyl-4 carboxamide (GR 127935; 0.5-5 mg/kg, s.c.) and 3-(3-dimethylamino)-propyl)-4-hydroxy-N-[4-(4-pyridinyl)-phenyl]benzamide (GR 55562; 1 mg/kg, s.c.) failed to modulate the dose-effect curve for cocaine (0.6-5 mg/kg). On the other hand, GR 127935 (5 mg/kg) and GR 55562 (1 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the enhancement of cocaine discrimination evoked by a combination of CP 94253 (5 mg/kg) or fluoxetine (5 mg/kg) and cocaine (2.5 mg/kg). These results indicate that 5-HT1B receptors are not directly involved in the cocaine-induced discriminative stimuli in rats. On the other hand, they indicate that pharmacological stimulation of 5-HT receptors--that also seem to be a target for fluoxetine-mediated increase in 5-HT neurotransmission--can enhance the overall effects of cocaine.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

[Laser phacoemulsification--a method of cataract surgery].

Today, ultrasound phacoemulsification is the most used method of cataract surgery. Because the side effects (injury of corneal endothelium and other nearly tissues), was tried to find alternative energy forms. Erbium laser was proven to be the most effective method among all of these.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

On the role of serotonin2A/2C receptors in the sensitization to cocaine.

Apart from showing involvement of dopamine, recent studies also indicate a role of serotonin (5-HT) in the behavioral effects of cocaine in rodents. In the present study we investigated the role of 5-HT2A/2C receptors in the development or expression of sensitization to cocaine in rats, using ketanserin, an antagonist at these receptors. Since ketanserin also shows a high affinity for alpha1-adrenoceptors, prazosin, a comparative antagonist at those receptors was also examined. Male Wistar rats were treated repeatedly (for 5 days) with cocaine (10 mg/kg) in combination with either vehicle, or ketanserin (1-3 mg/kg) or prazosin (3 mg/kg); afterwards, on day 10, they received a challenge dose of cocaine (10 mg/kg). In another experiment, the animals were given either with vehicle or cocaine (10 mg/kg) for 5 days, and were then challenged with cocaine (10 mg/kg) in combination with vehicle, or ketanserin (1-3 mg/kg) or prazosin (3 mg/kg) on day 10. Acute administration of cocaine increased the locomotor activity in rats; that hyperactivation was inhibited by ketanserin (3 mg/kg), but not by prazosin. In animals treated repeatedly with cocaine, the locomotor hyperactivity induced by a challenge dose of the psychostimulant was ca. 2-3 times higher than that after its first administration. No difference was observed in the response to cocaine challenge in rats treated repeatedly with cocaine, ketanserin+cocaine, or prazosin+cocaine. In animals treated repeatedly with the psychostimulant, the behavioral response to a challenge dose of cocaine was dose-dependently decreased when the drug was combined with ketanserin, but not with prazosin. The above findings indicate a role of 5-HT2A/2C receptors (but not alpha1-adrenoceptors) in the acute locomotor hyperactivity, as well as in the expression (but not development) of cocaine sensitization. Since chronic use of cocaine by humans may lead to psychoses or craving for this drug of abuse, our findings also seem to indicate possible importance of 5-HT2A/2C receptor antagonists in the therapy of cocaine addiction.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

[Verification of a surgical technique using a new biotitanium cage in degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine--experimental study].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Authors performed experimental PLIF operations on cadavers to verify appropriate shape and size of cage made from bioactive titan material. The approach for application into intervertebral space of the lumbar spine and appearance on X-ray and CT scans was also investigated. MATERIAL: In experiment on cadavers five implantations of interbody cages were performed, two of them in interbody space L3/L4 and three of them in L4/L5. Subtotal discectomy and end platec preparation was done before cage insertion. Our type of cage is made from bioactive titan material and fastened in the application instrument that we developed for this purpose. METHOD: To verify operational approach we used midline incision and opened spinal canal through laminectomy, partial hemilaminectomy or partial medial facetectomy. This phase was followed by discectomy and end plates preparation. Stability of inserted cages in intervertebral space is ensured by rotation and anchorage of cage wings in end plates. Operated motion segment was taken out and evaluated by X-rays and CT scans. RESULTS: The operational approach through partial hemilaminectomy and partial medial facetectomy was fully sufficient for cage application with respect to operated segment. All implantations were successful and position of cages satisfactory. Thanks to less robust gripping instrument the approach was more thrifty compared to glass-ceramic cage and comparable with commercially produced cages that we have experience with (Spine Tech, Stryker, Comesa). Due to cage radio opaque, proper position of cages is easy to control on X-ray and CT scans and allows good peroperative monitoring by X-ray magnifier. DISCUSSION: Usage of bioactive materials in spinal surgery started by introduction of glass ceramics. Based on our experience we determined suitable indications. To eliminate some of te disadvantages of glass ceramics (mainly mechanical properties), a cage made from bioactive material was developed. This type of cage does not require bone harvesting to fill the cage. This fact results in better comfort for patient in postoperative period and eliminates complications from bone graft harvesting. Bioactive surface of the cage with osseo conductive and osseo integrative features creates prerequisites for solid fusion without bone grafts. Titanium material guarantees mechanical strength and makes possible to produce a wide range of shapes and sizes. Strength of the material enables more advantageous gripping of cage in application instrument. The cage is well visible on X-ray and in MRI scans artifacts are considerably reduced. Operational approach and technique are similar to other commercially produced cages and the extent of destabilization is limited to minimum. CONCLUSION: Experimentally we repeatedly verified operational approach, suitable shape and applicability of bioactive titanium cage into intervertebral space. For clinical use bioactive titanium could be a possible way how to replace bone grafts. For spinal surgeons it represents a chemically and mechanically stable material capable of interaction in an environment where it is implanted. Even in difficult conditions the level of osseo integration is high.

Cadaver↗