Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) of rat pulmonary arteries in vitro occurs in four phases. Initial vasodilation (phase 1), is followed by transient contraction (phase 2), further vasodilation (phase 3) and finally a second sustained contraction (phase 4). We have investigated the role of ET-1 in HPV using the ETA receptor antagonist CI-1020. Small rat pulmonary arteries (SPA, n=32, diameter=454+/-22 microM) were mounted in a wire myograph. Two contractions to 80 microM KCl ensured response reproducibility and relaxation to 10 microM acetyl choline following constriction with 100 microM prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) to indicate endothelial integrity. A control hypoxic response was produced following priming with 5 microM PGF2alpha. Vessels (n=8) were then exposed to either vehicle or CI-1020 (1, 10 or 100 microM) for 30 min in the dark before re-exposure to PGF2alpha and hypoxia. Responses were standardized as a percentage of contraction to 80 mM KCl. Vehicle caused an increase in phase 2 of HPV of +2.51+/-4.20% (expressed as difference between pre- and post-drug values). CI-1020 (1, 10 and 100 microM) caused a significant reduction in phase 2 of HPV of -9. 76+/-1.40%, -9.23+/-2.30% and -7.96+/-1.70%, respectively (P<0.05). These results suggest that phase 2 of HPV in rat SPA is attributed, in part, to the action of ET-1 at the ETA receptor.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Two case reports of deaths on industrial premises attributed to 1,1,1-trichloroethane.

Two fatal poisonings resulting from exposure to 1,1,1-trichloroethane are described. Each case occurred at a separate workplace where the solvent was used as a degreasing agent. These cases are considered in light of other 1,1,1-trichloroethane poisonings reported to Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate. Factors common to these and other incidents are discussed.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A mortality study of carbon black workers employed at five United Kingdom factories between 1947 and 1980.

Mortality in 1422 male carbon black process workers with at least 12 months exposure was recorded from 1947 to 1980. Excess deaths from lung cancer, which were not statistically significant, were observed but interpretation is complicated by the incompleteness of data on the populations from two of the five factories studied. The highest excesses of lung cancer were in the two factories with incomplete data, which also had the lowest measured dust levels (though these were high). Furthermore, the duration of employment of lung cancer decedents was slightly less than for individually matched internal controls. Excess lung cancer after the tenth anniversaries of first exposure was 10 observed, 5.1 expected for the two factories with incomplete data; and 11 observed, 7.9 expected, for the other three factories.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Adult-onset Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome presenting as cortical dementia.

The authors examined behavioral and pathophysiologic substrates in a patient with adult-onset Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome who presented with insidious cognitive decline but no motor impairment. The authors combined longitudinal case history and serial neuropsychologic testing with functional neuroimaging (positron emission tomography), structural neuroimaging (magnetic resonance imaging), and brain tissue analyses. Serial assessments of a 29-year-old woman showed progressive dementia. Marked cognitive and behavioral deficits were seen on neuropsychologic testing, corresponding to striking cortical abnormalities on positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and histopathologic studies. Typical motor manifestations of the disorder did not emerge until the patient was 34 years old, 5 years after the onset of cognitive symptoms. Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of progressive cortical dementia in a young adult, even in the absence of motor dysfunction.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Abnormal esophageal manometry in globus hystericus.

Globus hystericus means the "hysterical ball or lump in the throat," and is generally assumed to be of psychic origin. True dysphagia is usually absent. Twelve patients with the globus syndrome were studied at the Esophageal Motility Laboratory of the Saint Luke's Hospital of Cleveland. An organic cause for their symptomatology was ruled out by physical examination, laryngoscopy, esophagoscopy and cineesophagograms. Ten patients showed significant elevations in esophageal resting pressures and nine had evidence of disordered motor activity in the body of the esophagus. Knowing from previous investigations that a suprasternal discomfort may be elicited from stimulation of the esophagus at different levels, we propose that the globus sensation is a referred one coming from the hypertonic and frequently incoordinated body of the esophagus.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Environmental control systems in a spinal injuries unit: a review of 10 years' experience.

In 1979 a 30-bed spinal injuries unit was opened at Burwood Hospital in Christchurch, New Zealand. The design of the building included built-in environmental control facilities for tetraplegic patients. This paper outlines 10 years of experience with environmental controls in a hospital setting, and discusses some of the problems encountered. Special mention is made of ease of setting up equipment, patient interface switches, patient acceptance, and a major upgrade and modification of the original control system. Although not utilized as much as originally anticipated, a definite need for environmental controls with the spinal injuries unit has become firmly established.

Activities of Daily Living↗