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Biomedical subjects

R Smolik

Publications and source records attributed to R Smolik.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1986

Response of the cardiovascular system to catecholamines in rats given small doses of lead.

Experiments were done in order to assess the influence of low level lead poisoning in rats upon the responses of the rat cardiovascular system to perturbation by norepinephrine, epinephrine, and isoproterenol administration. Wistar rats were given lead acetate (50.0 mg/kg) via stomach tube once weekly for 5 weeks. Control rats were given sodium acetate similarly; both groups of rats were on a regular animal food diet during the experiment. At the end of the sixth week 2 types of responses were determined. Under urethane anesthesia, the response of mean arterial pressure and heart rate in control and lead-poisoned animals to various catecholamines was measured. Also the response of perfusion pressure in isolated mesenteric vessels, to catecholamines, was measured for vessels having been obtained from control and lead poisoned animals. Our results indicate that lead-treated rats, as compared to controls, have augmented and prolonged pressor responses to epinephrine and norepinephrine; less pronounced depression of arterial pressure in response to epinephrine and isoproterenol; and more pronounced tachycardia in response to isoproterenol. In the lead-treated rats, more pronounced vasoconstriction was observed in the perfusion studies upon administration of exogenous norepinephrine. Small doses of lead intensified alpha receptor response, diminished beta receptor response in blood vessels, and increased positive chronotropic action of isoproterenol.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme levels in patients with silicosis.

In a group of control subjects, the mean serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) level was 38.1 +/- 10.6 nmol/min X ml (n = 30), and in a group of silicosis patients the mean serum ACE level was 45.2 +/- 16.0 (n = 26). Thirteen of these patients were classified as having nodular silicosis, and their mean serum ACE level was 44.2; 10 of these patients were classified as having progressive massive fibrosis, and their mean serum ACE level was 39.4. Three of these patients had confirmed silicotuberculosis, and their serum ACE levels were 63, 67, and 77 (mean = 69); these serum ACE levels are somewhat higher than those having been reported for patients with acute sarcoidosis. Thus, when serum ACE levels are being used to assist in distinguishing between silicosis and sarcoidosis, the possibility of silicotuberculosis must be also considered when high serum ACE levels are encountered.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Effect of vibration on red cell metabolism.

In investigating the influence of vibrational energy on the metabolism of the erythrocyte, it was hypothesized that under conditions of normal PaO2 and SaO2 in arterial blood, vibration induced vasoconstriction would decrease local blood flow and induce hypokinetic hypoxia. This decreased blood flow and therefore decreased delivery of oxygen to the tissue would markedly lower tissue PO2 (hypokinetic hypoxia), which would influence the energetics and metabolism of the erythrocyte. The metabolism of the red blood cell (RBC) was evaluated by measuring the enzymatic activities of PFK (2.7.1.11), PGI (5.3.1.9), PK (2.7.1.40), and aldolase (4.1.3.13) from the anaerobic glycolytic cycle and D-G-6-P (1.1.1.49) from the pentose cycle. Also measured were the levels of ATP and 2,3 DPG and the in-vitro production of lactic acid. In the group of workers showing early changes (vibration angioneurosis) associated with the vibration syndrome, changes in RBC metabolism were demonstrated. Statistically significant were increases of PFK, PK and the production of lactic acid, indicating the activation of anaerobic glycolysis. Furthermore statistically significant were the increased 2,3 DPG and decreased ATP levels.

2,3-Diphosphoglycerate↗
PubMed1983

Circulating immune complexes and antiglobulins (IgG and IgM) in asbestos-induced lung fibrosis.

Thirty-nine asbestos workers were examined with respect to the presence of IgG and IgM antiglobulins and circulating immune complexes. The overall incidence of raised levels of IgM antiglobulins and immune complexes was 63 and 28%, respectively. In the group positive for immune complexes, IgM antiglobulins were found more frequently than in those asbestos workers lacking immune complexes. However, all cases with the highest levels of IgM antiglobulins had normal or only slightly elevated levels of immune complexes. IgG antiglobulin levels were not elevated in asbestos workers. Asbestos workers with IgG antinuclear antibodies had the highest incidence of elevated levels of immune complexes.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

[Serum alpha 1-antitrypsin level in copper miners].

The level of alpha 1-antitrypsin in blood serum in copper miners was examined. Among 278 subjects not a single case of total insufficiency was found, whereas the partial insufficiency of this inhibitor was found in 4.3% of subjects. The studies of the total correlation indicated high indices of the ratio between alpha 1-antitrypsin level and lungs vital capacity in those with bronchitis, which would suggest that the decreased efficiency of the respiratory tract results form the hereditary insufficiency of this inhibitor.

Adult↗