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Biomedical subjects

S Rocco

Publications and source records attributed to S Rocco.

60 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Expression of type 1 angiotensin II receptors in human aldosteronomas.

Type 1 angiotensin II (AII) receptors (AT1 receptors), besides stimulation of aldosterone secretion, seem to transduce the growth factor-like activity of AII on glomerulosa cells. Although a local renin-angiotensin system and AII synthesis have been found in human adrenals and aldosteronomas, it is unclear whether aldosteronomas express AT1 receptors. Utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) with primers complementary to both genomic and cDNA sequences of human AT1 receptor, we have amplified and cloned a 734 bp fragment of the AT1 coding region. This DNA, after cloning and sequencing, was used for Northern analysis. Total RNA was extracted from 5 non-tumorous adrenals and 5 aldosteronomas. AT1 mRNA (approximately 2.4 kb) was expressed in all the aldosteronomas tested. Densitometric analysis of AT1 signals, corrected by beta actin expression, when compared to non-tumorous adrenals, did not show significant differences. AT1 receptor density and affinity in cell membrane obtained from 9 non-tumorous adrenal cortex and 8 aldosteronomas were also studied. 125I-AII was used as ligand and Dup 753 as AT1 antagonist: AT1 receptor density and affinity were not significantly different in aldosteronomas vs non-tumorous adrenal cortex. In conclusion, the expression of AT1 gene and the formation of an apparently normal receptor suggest that AT1 receptor should have a role in aldosteronoma cell biology.

Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The problem of the aged person living alone: a methodological proposal for a pilot project of the aged person's and university student's cohabitation].

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the outcome of a promotion program for the cohabitation between healthy living-alone-old person and university student. The study aimed to highlight the benefits of both the parts in terms of psyco-physical behaviour of the old subject and of logistic and financial support for the student. The survey was carried out between 1998 and 2000 on voluntary couples of old person-university student living in Padua. The study quantified the level of satisfaction of the material needs of the both parts and it also showed the affective relationship established between the old people and the young subjects.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Role of ketanserin in the treatment of primary hyperaldosteronism].

Ketanserin (Ket), a 5HT-2 serotoninergic receptor antagonist, is currently used as an antihypertensive agent. In our previous studies, both in vitro and in vivo when administered as bolus i.v. in subjects with primary aldosteronism (IAP), Ket exhibited an inhibitory action on aldosterone secretion. Therefore in the present study we investigated, in IAP patients, the effects of chronic treatment with Ket on blood pressure and mineralocorticoid secretion. Ket was administered at increased doses of 20 and 40 mg twice daily per os for 30 days and the following parameters were evaluated: blood pressure, heart rate, ur. aldosterone, pl. aldosterone both basal and after ACTH and angiotensin II (AII) stimulation, PRA, and atrial natriuretic factor (ANF). Our study demonstrated that Ket is a powerful blood pressure lowering agent with no relevant side effects and no variations of heart rate. Ur and pl aldosterone levels did not change during therapy; correspondingly, Ket did not modify ACTH or AII-induced stimulation. ANF levels, basally elevated in this syndrome, increased during Ket treatment. This new and interesting aspect deserves further evaluation. In conclusion Ket showed an effective antihypertensive effect in this syndrome, even if steroidogenesis inhibition does not seem to be a relevant component of its antihypertensive effect.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Combined treatment with amphotericin-B and granulocyte transfusion from G-CSF-stimulated donors in an aplastic patient with invasive aspergillosis undergoing bone marrow transplantation.

Granulocyte transfusions from G-CSF stimulated donors were added to standard anti-infective treatment in preparation for and during allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in a young man affected by very severe acute aplastic anemia and invasive aspergillosis. Nine concentrates with a mean neutrophil content of 18.7 x 10(9)/L (2.6 x 10(8)/kg patient b.w.) were transfused before and after marrow infusion. An impressive clinical improvement was noticed after each granulocyte transfusion, although this was not always paralleled by a neutrophil increase in the peripheral blood. Engraftment (N > 0.5 x 10(9)/L and Plt > 25 x 10(9)/L) was verified at +16 and +40 days, respectively. The patient is currently in complete hematological and microbiological remission 14 months after transplantation. Granulocyte apheresis from G-CSF stimulated donors provides a high number of activated neutrophils. At the dose given (300 micrograms/day) donor tolerance to G-CSF was excellent. This new approach is indicated when life-threatening infections develop in patients exposed to prolonged severe neutropenia.

Acyclovir↗