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Biomedical subjects

M Koltai

Publications and source records attributed to M Koltai.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Zaprinast, cicletanine, and verapamil attenuate overdrive pacing-induced myocardial ischemia in conscious rabbits.

In conscious rabbits equipped with right ventricular electrode and left ventricular polyethylene catheters, zaprinast and cicletanine, inhibitors of phosphodiesterase (PDE) V and PDEs I and V, respectively, as well as verapamil, a Ca2+ channel blocker, decreased intracavital ST-segment elevation induced by ventricular overdrive pacing (VOP). Zaprinast and cicletanine attenuated VOP-induced QT reduction and increase in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), whereas verapamil increased LVEDP. These results suggest that inhibition of cGMP-PDEs can protect heart against ischemia.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Cicletanine attenuates overdrive pacing-induced global myocardial ischemia in rabbits: possible role of cardiac cyclic nucleotides.

BACKGROUND: This study examined whether cicletanine, an antihypertensive drug with cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitory effect, could alleviate ventricular overdrive pacing-induced myocardial ischemia in chronically instrumented rabbits. METHODS: An electrode-catheter implanted into the right ventricle was used for pacing (500 bpm over 5 min) and for measuring intracavital ST-segment elevation and ventricular effective refractory period (VERP). PQ and QT intervals were measured in the chest-lead ECG, and dP/dtmax as well as left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were recorded through a left intraventricular catheter. In separate groups, mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) was monitored from the right carotid artery. Experiments were performed on conscious rabbits after a week of convalescence. In anesthetized, open-chest rabbits, samples were taken from the left ventricle before and after drug treatment and/or overdrive pacing for determination of cGMP and cAMP contents by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Intravenous cicletanine, 30 mg/kg body weight, did not change resting MABP, dP/dtmax, and LVEDP, but it did reduce heart rate and prolonged PQ and QT intervals and VERP. Overdrive pacing produced intracavital ST-segment elevation, increased LVEDP, and decreased dP/dtmax and MABP. Cicletanine administered 15 minutes before pacing significantly attenuated ST-segment elevation, increased LVEDP, and decreased dP/dtmax and MABP. In anesthetized animals, cicletanine itself slightly increased cardiac cGMP and cAMP contents. Overdrive pacing moderately increased cGMP and profoundly elevated cAMP, and in overpaced rabbits, cicletanine further increased cGMO and markedly attenuated cAMP content increased by overdrive pacing. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that in correlation with alterations of cardiac cycle nucleotide contents, cicletanine protects the heart against pacing-induced myocardial ischemia.

Animals↗

Platelet-activating factor in septic shock.

Septic shock induced by endotoxins of Gram-negative bacteria, or toxins of Gram-positive bacteria and fungi, deserves particular interest because of its high mortality rate. In experimental animals, treatment with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin of Gram-negative bacteria) mimics the symptoms of septic shock. Thus, this treatment has become an important method in animal models of septic shock. Endotoxin induces release of platelet-activating factor and cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor and interleukins. Platelet-activating factor derived from macrophages, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and platelets is a potent phospholipid inflammatory mediator that increases cell adhesion and activates endothelial cells by direct effect or through formation of toxic oxygen species and arachidonic acid metabolites, such as thromboxane A2 and leukotriene B4. Platelet-activating factor interacts with cytokines, and this interaction leads to an autocatalytic amplification of inflammatory mediator release. The release of inflammatory mediators by interaction of platelet-activating factor with cytokines is characterized by bell-shaped concentration-effect curves. For example, in a certain concentration range, platelet-activating factor or cytokines induce a mediator release that is proportional to the stimulation. However, over-stimulation may lead to a decrease of mediator release or a prevalence of the release of a single mediator. Down-regulatory processes may be brought about by platelet-activating factor-induced prostacyclin or adenosine release that activates adenylate cyclase and increases intracellular cyclic adenosine 3'5'-monophosphate concentrations. Down-regulation may protect inflammatory and endothelial cells from overstimulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Involvement of PAF in atherogenesis. Brief review.

Crucial points have been recently explored between formation, release and breakdown of PAF and atherosclerotic plaque formation. Experimental and clinical studies suggest that an autocatalytic feedback network among PAF, cytokines and growth factors contributes to atherogenesis. This novel approach to atherogenesis deserves future therapeutical importance.

Animals↗

Adrenalectomy aggravates ischemic brain edema in female Sprague-Dawley rats with carotid arteries ligated.

The effect of adrenalectomy has been investigated in a model of global cerebral ischemia. After bilateral carotid ligation the mortality rate was increased in adrenalectomized rats, and this effect was prevented by glucocorticoid pre-treatment. Adrenalectomy accelerated the appearance of the symptoms of cerebral ischemia, resulting in a moderate aggravation of brain edema and in a significant decrease in the concentration of high-energy phosphate esters. Our findings support the view that endogenous glucocorticoids may play a role in the amelioration of ischemic brain injuries in rats.

Adrenalectomy↗

Effect of cicletanine on reperfusion-induced arrhythmias and myocardial ion contents: a comparison with furosemide.

We studied the effects of cicletanine, a furopyridine antihypertensive drug, and furosemide, a loop diuretic, on ventricular arrhythmias, such as sustained ventricular fibrillation (VF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT), and myocardial ion content in Langendorff rat hearts subjected to 30 min global ischaemia then 10 min reperfusion. Myocardial Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations were measured by washout technique and atomic absorption spectrophotometry before and after ischaemia and reperfusion. Drugs were either perfused (acute treatment) or orally gavaged daily to the rats for 14 days before isolation of their hearts (chronic treatment). Under in vitro conditions 10(-5), 3 x 10(-5), 10(-4) or 3 x 10(-4) M of cicletanine reduced the incidence of sustained VF and VT from the control values of 91% and 100% to 83% and 100%, 50% (P less than 0.05) and 67%, 33% (P less than 0.01) and 50% (P less than 0.05), 25% (P less than 0.01) and 41% (P less than 0.05), respectively. Chronic treatment with 3, 10, 30 or 100 mg.kg-1.day-1 of cicletanine also resulted in a dose-dependent anti-arrhythmic effect. Neither acute (10(-5), 3 x 10(-5) and 10(-4) M) nor chronic furosemide treatment (3, 10 and 30 mg.kg-1.day-1) influenced the incidence of arrhythmias. Acute treatment with cicletanine or furosemide did not change myocardial ion concentrations, in non-ischaemic hearts, while chronic treatment with 30 mg.kg-1.day-1 furosemide significantly reduced myocardial Na+, K+ and Mg2+ content and increased Ca2+ concentration. Both acute and chronic cicletanine treatments attenuated ischaemia/reperfusion-induced myocardial Na+ and Ca2+ gains and K+ loss, while furosemide did not.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Cicletanine improves myocardial function deteriorated by ischemia/reperfusion in isolated working rat hearts.

The effect of cicletanine, a novel furopyridine antihypertensive drug was compared with that of nitrendipine, a dihydropyridine slow calcium channel blocker, on cardiac function and reperfusion-induced ventricular arrhythmias in isolated working rat hearts subjected to 10-min ischemia induced by ligation of the left main coronary artery followed by 10-min reperfusion. Before ischemia, cicletanine and nitrendipine, perfused at concentrations of 3 x 10(-5), 6 x 10(-5), 10(-4), and 2 x 10(-4) or 10(-8) M, respectively, did not influence heart rate (HR), LV developed pressure (LVDP), its first derivative (LVdP/dtmax), and LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), whereas aortic flow (AF) was decreased by 2 x 10(-4) M cicletanine only. Coronary flow (CF) remained unchanged by various cicletanine concentrations but was slightly increased by nitrendipine. In the concentration range of 3 x 10(-5)-10(-4) M, cicletanine improved AF either in ischemia or during reperfusion, whereas 2 x 10(-4) M had no such effect. Nitrendipine slightly attenuated ischemia/reperfusion-induced decrease in AF. Cicletanine and nitrendipine enhanced LVDP during ischemia. Ischemia-induced deterioration of LVdP/dtmax was reduced by cicletanine, during reperfusion, but this parameter was reduced by nitrendipine and the highest cicletanine concentration. Cicletanine decreased LVEDP significantly during ischemia and reperfusion, but nitrendipine had no such effect. All cicletanine concentrations reduced the incidence of irreversible ventricular fibrillation (VF) during reperfusion, an effect roughly concentration dependent in the range of 3 x 10(-5)-10(-4) M, whereas nitrendipine had no influence on arrhythmias.

Animals↗

Histamine potentiates human platelet aggregation induced by platelet-activating factor.

Using human platelet-rich plasma (PRP) we found that histamine concentration-dependently potentiated platelet aggregation induced by platelet-activating factor (PAF). When added separately, neither histamine nor chloropyramine, a competitive antagonist of H1 receptors, influenced platelet aggregation, however BN 52021, a specific PAF receptor antagonist, concentration-dependently inhibited the response. Chloropyramine reduced the potentiating effect of histamine on PAF-induced platelet aggregation, and when it was coadministered with BN 52021, inducing 63% inhibition of PAF-induced aggregation, the histamine-potentiated PAF response was completely abolished. This observation draws attention to the importance of cooperation between histamine and PAF in mediation of platelet aggregation in human PRP, and points to the powerful antiaggregatory effect of BN 52021 combined with an antagonist of H1 receptors.

Diterpenes↗

Effect of cicletanine on overpacing-induced ST-segment elevation in conscious rabbits. A comparison with verapamil.

We compared the effects of cicletanine (10 mg/kg i.v.) and verapamil (0.1 mg/kg i.v.) on heart rate, ventricular effective refractory period, systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure and overpacing-induced ST-segment elevation detected by right ventricular intracavital electrogram in conscious rabbits. Cicletanine significantly reduced overpacing-induced ST-segment elevation, which is an indicator of myocardial ischemia, and heart rate, but did not influence blood pressure and ventricular effective refractory period. Verapamil did not significantly influence ventricular effective refractory period, blood pressure or heart rate, but reduced the ST-segment elevation induced by frequency loading. These results suggest that acute treatment with cicletanine induces an anti-ischemic effect in the overpaced heart of conscious rabbits.

Animals↗

[Inflammation of the small pelvis caused by Actinomycosis infection].

Authors report their observations obtained in the course of treatment of 36 patients suffered from pelvic Actinomycosis. The course of disease of patients treated with pelvic inflammatory disease during a period of five years was compared with the occurrence at IUD users and non-users. The interdependence of occurrence of Actinomycosis, as well as previous deliveries, abortions and the period of use of IUD was investigated retrospectively. Difference was made between primary and secondary Actinomycosis. Authors investigated the methods of diagnostics of Actinomycosis and those of prevention and treatment. It was stated that because of pelvic Actinomycosis at IUD users the surgical intervention was not higher than the PID caused by other pathogenic. microorganisms.

Actinomycosis↗

Effect of BN 50739, a new platelet activating factor antagonist, on ischaemia induced ventricular arrhythmias in isolated working rat hearts.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate the role of platelet activating factor (PAF) in myocardial ischaemia by using BN 50739, a new specific PAF receptor antagonist with a hetrazepine framework. DESIGN: Isolated working rat hearts were subjected to regional ischaemia, induced by ligation of the left main coronary artery for 30 min, followed by reperfusion. BN 50739 was applied at concentrations of 10(-7), 10(-6), 10(-5) and 5 X 10(-5) M, and its effects on the incidence of ischaemia induced and reperfusion induced ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation and heart functions, such as heart rate, coronary flow, aortic flow, left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), its first derivative (LVdP/dtmax), and left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), were determined. EXPERIMENTAL MATERIAL: Studies were performed on isolated working hearts of male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 300-360 g. Hearts were perfused with BN 50739 dissolved in dimethylsulphoxide. Control hearts were perfused with the vehicle. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Regional ischaemia triggered ventricular arrhythmias showing high incidence between 12 and 20 min with peak appearance at 16 min. BN 50739 induced dose dependent protection against ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation: incidences declined from their respective control values of 91% and 75% to 33% (p less than 0.05) and 8% (p less than 0.05) after exposure to 10(-5) M, and to 25% (p less than 0.05) and 8% (p less than 0.05) after exposure to 5 X 10(-5) M concentrations. Reperfusion of the ischaemic myocardium resulted in an immediate appearance of ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation, but these were not suppressed by the PAF antagonist. Regional ischaemia slightly reduced heart rate, markedly decreased coronary flow, aortic flow, LVDP and LVdP/dtmax, and increased LVEDP. With the exception of LVEDP, these variables were not influenced by the drug. BN 50739, applied at a concentration of 5 X 10(-5) M, reduced LVEDP significantly during the whole ischaemic period. CONCLUSIONS: Under in vitro conditions PAF is likely to be involved in the genesis of ischaemia induced ventricular arrhythmias since BN 50739, a specific PAF receptor antagonist, exerts a protective effect against these rhythm disturbances. This suggests that PAF antagonists may have benefit in the clinical management of acute myocardial ischaemia.

Animals↗

Platelet activating factor (PAF). A review of its effects, antagonists and possible future clinical implications (Part I).

This review is an attempt to summarise recent data on platelet activating factor (PAF) and PAF antagonists from 1988 to the present. This period saw a burst in research activity focused predominantly on the effect of PAF in various organs. The effect of PAF and its antagonists was further intensively studied in vitro on isolated platelets, leucocytes, macrophages and endothelial cells. From these and earlier data, based on the catastrophe theory of Thom and Zeeman, a new concept on the interaction between PAF and various cytokines could be recognised as an important mechanism of action of the phospholipid mediator, suggesting the existence of an autocatalytic feedback network through which PAF can influence cellular function under certain pathophysiological conditions. This mechanism can be regarded as the culmination of our recent knowledge on the role of PAF, and may influence the possible clinical implications of PAF antagonists in the near future. It is recognised that PAF is released in shock and ischaemic states, and that PAF antagonists can protect the heart and brain against ischaemic injury. Therefore, in contrast to the previous period, which was predominantly devoted to the elucidation of the role of PAF in immediate hypersensitivity reactions, studies performed on cerebral, myocardial and intestinal ischaemia as well as in various shock conditions have concentrated on entirely new aspects of the effect of PAF antagonists, emphasising the significance of the inflammatory process and cell-to-cell interactions in these pathophysiological states. This has led to a re-evaluation of the experimental data previously accumulated. At the same time, these new trends in PAF and PAF antagonist research have explored further possibilities for the application of PAF antagonists in clinical practice. Attention has been focused on the physiological role of PAF as a signal molecule, especially between the neuroendocrine system and related sensory organs. The recognition of the significance of PAF in mammalian reproduction is fascinating and may lead to new clinical applications of PAF antagonists. It appears probable that, like eicosanoids, PAF is involved in a great variety of membrane-dependent processes that play a fundamental role in the maintenance of homeostasis. PAF research has provided several potent natural and synthetic antagonists which may facilitate the clinical application of these drugs in the near future.

Animals↗

Effect of iloprost on reperfusion-induced arrhythmias and myocardial ion shifts in isolated rat hearts.

Isolated hearts excised from normotensive (NT) and spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats subjected to transient normothermic global ischemia were used to study the effect of chronic treatment with iloprost on reperfusion-induced arrhythmias and myocardial ion shifts. After 30 min of ischemia, iloprost given s.c. in doses of 10, 50, 100 and 200 micrograms/kg per day for 14 days reduced the incidence of reperfusion-induced ventricular fibrillation (VF) in isolated hearts from the control value of 91 to 83, 75, 50 (P less than 0.05) and 25% (P less than 0.01) respectively, in NT rats. In the SH groups, the incidence of VF was also reduced from 100 to 75, 58, 33 (P less than 0.01) and 17% (P less than 0.001), respectively, with 10, 50, 100 and 200 micrograms/kg per day of iloprost. A similar reduction was observed in the incidence of reperfusion-induced ventricular tachycardia (VT). Ischemia and reperfusion caused significant changes in myocardial ion contents, i.e. an increase in Na+ and Ca2+ and a decrease in K+ and Mg2+ concentrations. The myocardial water content was also increased in parallel to the Na+ gain. The effect of iloprost given s.c. in doses of 50 and 200 micrograms/kg per day for 14 days was also measured on myocardial ion contents after 15- or 30-min ischemia and 30-min ischemia plus 10-min reperfusion. The higher iloprost dose significantly reduced the myocardial Na+, Ca2+ and water gains and the loss of K+ induced by ischemia and reperfusion in the NT and SH groups, while the decrease in Mg2+ content was alleviated only in SH rats. The results suggest that long-term iloprost treatment reduces the incidence of reperfusion-induced VF and VT by preventing Na+, Ca2+ and water accumulation as well as K+ and Mg2+ loss from myocardial tissue.

Animals↗