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Cardioprotective effect of nicorandil in histidine-tryptophan-ketoglurate solution during the cold storage of isolated hearts.

We compared the efficacy of using histidine-tryptophan-ketoglurate (HTK) solution with that of University of Wisconsin (UW) solution for heart preservation in an isolated rat heart preparation. Nicorandil (NCR) exerts its action as an ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener at low extracellular potassium concentrations, and HTK solution has a low potassium concentration. Therefore, we also investigated the efficacy of using HTK solution with NCR following 12-hr preservation. Hearts isolated from male Wistar rats were mounted on a Langendorff apparatus to estimate baseline aortic flow (AF), coronary flow (CF), cardiac out-put (CO), heart rate (HR), systolic pressure (SP), aortic mean pressure, and the rate-pressure product (RPP). The hearts were divided into four groups: group 1, 8-hr storage in UW solution; groups 2 and 3, 8- or 12-hr storage in HTK solution, respectively; and group 4, 12-hr storage in HTK solution with NCR. They were arrested and stored at 4 degrees C in each preservation solution. Following storage, they were reperfused and postpreservative function was measured to assess cardiac functional recovery. Concentrations of creatine phosphokinase, troponin-T, and lactate in the coronary perfusate were measured. Frozen tissue samples from groups 3 and 4 were analyzed for adenylate content and cGMP. The myocardial water content was also measured. The recovery of AF, CF, CO, SP, and RPP in group 2 was significantly improved compared with that in group 1 (P<0.05). The recovery of AF, CF, CO and HR in group 4 was significantly better than that in group 3 (P<0.05). Creatine phosphokinase leakage in group 2 and troponin-T leakage in group 4 were significantly reduced (P<0.05 vs. groups 1 and 3, respectively). Total adenine nucleotides and the adenylate energy charge in group 4 were well sustained (P<0.05 vs. group 3). These results suggest that HTK solution is more effective than UW solution for cardiac preservation, and that NCR provides still better protection.

Adenosine↗

A rapid, simple, and cost-effective method for screening liver preservation solutions in the rat.

BACKGROUND: Rat liver transplantation models or isolated liver perfusion models are currently used for assessing efficacy of liver preservation methods. We tested the hypothesis that hepatocellular enzymes released into the washout solution after preservation may predict hepatic function during reperfusion and could thus be alternatively used for evaluating efficiency of liver preservation solutions. Furthermore, we applied this approach for assessing the role of Kupffer cells (KC) in preservation-induced liver damage. METHODS: After preservation in University of Wisconsin (UW) or Euro-Collins (EC) solution, rat livers were washed with Ringer-lactate solution. Correlations between enzymes released into the washout solution and hepatocyte functional parameters determined during reperfusion on using a blood-free perfusion model were investigated. RESULTS: In UW-preserved livers, acid phosphatase (ACP) activity correlated negatively with bile flow (R = -0.904), taurocholate intrinsic clearance (R = -0.841), and bromosulfophthalein excretion (R = -0.831). Both alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase activities correlated with the functional parameters investigated. In EC-stored livers, correlation was also found between ACP activity and bile flow (R = -0.666). Livers stored in UW solution exhibited approximately 3 times lower washout activities of enzymes studied than livers stored in EC solution. Mitochondria isolated from UW-stored livers exhibited significantly better function than those isolated from EC-stored livers. Blockade of KC did not influence enzyme release into the washout solution. CONCLUSIONS: Determination of ACP, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase activities in the washout solution can be used as a rapid, simple, and cost-effective way for screening liver preservation solutions. The results also suggest that KC were not involved in preservation-induced liver damage.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Effects of Eurocollins solution as aortic flush for the procurement of human pancreas.

BACKGROUND: Belzer solution is considered to be the best preservation media used for pancreas transplantation; however, its high cost accounts for approximately 14.5% of all resources allocated by the Brazilian government toward each pancreatic transplant. The objective of the present study was to test a reduction of Belzer solution during pancreas harvest, thereby lowering procedural cost. METHODS: The patients received pancreas-kidney transplantations during the period from January 2003 to August 2004. Patients were divided into two groups. Patients assigned to Group A (n=30) received only Belzer solution (2 L through the aorta artery), whereas patients in Group B (n=16) were perfused first with 1 L of Eurocollins solution followed by 1 L of Belzer solution. The two groups were assessed for differences in the following clinical parameters: the need for insulin replacement or antifungal and anticytomegalovirus treatment, pancreatitis, acute cellular rejection, graft vascular thrombosis, fistulas, intra-abdominal collection, graft loss, deaths, pancreatic ischemia time, and average hospitalization time. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed in any of the parameters analyzed (P<0.05). The use of Eurocollins solution, followed by Belzer solution during pancreas harvesting, did not result in differences in graft survival or functionality, postsurgical complications, or patient survival and hospitalization time, when compared to the use of Belzer solution alone. CONCLUSIONS: Perfusion with 1 L of Eurocollins solution followed by 1 L of Belzer solution during pancreas harvesting seems to be a simple and efficient alternative for reducing the costs of the harvesting process.

Adenosine↗

[Effect of infusion of hypertonic-hyperoncotic solution on cardiovascular function in surgery of the abdominal aorta during the perioperative period].

INTRODUCTION: When blood flow is decreased, as in prolonged hypovolaemia and hypotension, or in the course of transversal clamping of the aorta during aortic reconstruction, nutritive tissue perfusion can also fall below the critical level. AIM: The objective of this study was to analyse the effects of hypertonic-hyperoncotic solution on cardiovascular function during reconstruction of the abdominal aorta. METHOD: This prospective randomised study included 40 patients. All patients underwent surgery of the abdominal aorta under general endotracheal anaesthesia. Based on the type of solution infused from the time of clamping to the moment of the removal of the transversal aortic clamp, the patients were divided into two groups of 20. The study group was infused with a small volume of hypertonic-hyperoncotic solution, while the controls were administered infusions of isotonic solution. Patients with a preoperative creatinine level over 130 micromol L(-1) and an ejection fraction of less than 40% were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Cardiac output increased from 5.67 +/- 2.95 to 7.05 +/- 3.39 L min(-1) in the study group, in comparison to the controls, where it increased from 4.98 +/- 2.06 to 5.99 +/- 3.02 L min(-1) (p = 0.004). Central venous pressure increased from 8.75 +/- 3.67 to 9.30 +/- 2.77 mm Hg in the study group, in comparison to the controls, where the values decreased from 6.84 +/- 2.73 to 6.45 +/- 2.50 mm Hg (p = 0.022). Diastolic pulmonary artery pressure increased from 15.92 +/- 5.61 to 16.65 +/- 6.53 mm Hg in the study group, in comparison to the controls, where it decreased from 12.65 +/- 4.28 to 11.85 +/- 3.91 mm Hg (p = 0.021). The amount of given crystalloids 24 hours after the removal of the aortic clamp totalled 2562.5 +/- 485.82 mL in the study group, versus 3350 +/- 727.29 mL in the control group (p = 0.000). The amount of given human albumins 24 hours after the removal of the aortic clamp totalled 30 +/- 49.74 mL in the study group versus 100 +/- 4.34 mL in the control group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION Haemodynamic stability of patients and adequate organ perfusion during surgery are achieved through the infusion of hypertonic-hyperoncotic solution, which maintains optimal values of: cardiac output, mixed venous oxygen saturation, and delivery of oxygen, while reducing alveolo-arterial oxygen difference. The balance of fluids, 24 hours after the removal of the aortic clamp, was maintained with the aid of hypertonic-hyperoncotic solution, while isotonic solution produced an excess of over 1000 mL of fluid in the control patients. Hypertonic-hyperoncotic solution increases cardiac output considerably more than does isotonic solution, and its application significantly reduces the accumulation of crystalloid solutions and human albumins.

Aorta, Abdominal↗

[Streaming gravity-osmotic effect for a series of two flat polymeric membranes oriented horizontally and ternary non-ionic solutions].

In this paper the results of study flux graviosmotic effect for a double-membrane system, in which two (Ml and M(r)), microporous and symmetrical flat polymeric membranes (Nephrophane and Cellulose IMP-1) separate three compartments (l, m, r) containing the heterogeneous and binary (aqueous glucose or ethanol solutions) or ternary (glucose solutions in 0.75 mole.l-1 aqueous ethanol solution or ethanol solutions in 0.1 mol.l-1 aqueous glucose solution) non-ionic solutions. In this system the solution concentrations fulfill the condition Ckl > Ckm > Ckr. The inter-membrane compartment (m) consists of the infinitesimal layer of solution. The volume of compartment m and external compartment (l and r) fulfill the conditions Vm-->0 and Vl = Vr-->infinity respectively. The calculations of flux graviosmotic effect for configurations A and B of the double-membrane osmotic-diffusive cell were elaborated. In configuration A solution was placed in compartment below membrane M(r) and water above membrane Ml. In configuration B solution was placed in compartment above membrane Ml and water below membrane Ml. These calculated results are interpreted in terms of the convective instability that increases the diffusive permeability coefficients of complexes: concentration boundary layers/membrane Ml or M(r)/concentration boundary layer.

Diffusion↗

New organ preservation solutions.

In 1969 we described a method for kidney preservation that used a brief flush with a new "intracellular" solution followed by ice storage. This paper stimulated research into optimizing solution composition culminating in the UW solution which is now the accepted standard. Further developments in the design of solutions for hypothermic organ preservation have proceeded along several paths, including: (1) modification and simplification of UW solution, (2) investigation of organ specific requirements, (3) addition of pharmacologic agents particularly calcium antagonists to flush solutions, (4) the concept of "microperfusion" for control of acidosis, (5) the use of solutions containing polyethylene glycol, and (6) the use of a terminal rinse solution. Broadly speaking, the results of these studies have shown that it is possible to improve upon the UW solution by simplification, eliminating several of the components, and that sodium variants, and pharmacological additives, such as chlorpromazine, may yield better results in experimental and clinical trials. It has also been found that there are special requirements for individual organs, rendering the concept of a universal solution unlikely. Of the promising new ideas, microperfusion and polyethylene glycol have been found to be very effective for heart preservation yielding for the first time virtually perfect 24-hour preservation. The concept of a terminal rinse to diminish reperfusion injury has strong experimental support and awaits clinical evaluation.

Adenosine↗

Evaluation of hypothermic heart preservation with University of Wisconsin solution in heterotopically and orthotopically transplanted canine hearts.

In simple cold storage of the heart, 4 hours has been proved to be a clinically safe ischemic time. The University of Wisconsin solution has been reported to extend cold ischemic time in preservation of the liver, kidney, and pancreas. The purpose of this study is to clarify the safe cold ischemic time in heart preservation with University of Wisconsin solution experimentally in heterotopically and orthotopically transplanted canine hearts. In heterotopic heart transplantation, 120 minutes after reperfusion, maximum slope of the left ventricular end-systolic pressure-volume relationship was recovered to 94% +/- 13% in the 4-hour simple cold preservation group with GIK solution and 104% +/- 11% in the 8-hour simple cold preservation group with University of Wisconsin solution but was not recovered in the 8-hour simple cold preservation with GIK solution and 16-hour simple cold preservation with University of Wisconsin solution groups. One hundred twenty minutes after reperfusion, myocardial tissue blood flow measured by laser Doppler flowmeter was recovered to 90% +/- 19% after 4 hours with simple cold preservation with GIK solution and 98% +/- 9% after 8 hours with simple cold preservation with University of Wisconsin solution but was not recovered after 8 hours with simple cold preservation with GIK solution and 16 hours with simple cold preservation with University of Wisconsin solution.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine↗

Prolonging myocardial preservation with a modified University of Wisconsin solution containing 2,3-butanedione monoxime and calcium.

The University of Wisconsin solution is an effective preservative for cold storage of the cardiac allograft. In an earlier study we showed that addition of calcium and 2,3-butanedione monoxime, a reversible inhibitor of myocardial contracture, further improved preservation of the rabbit heart. In this study we investigated the following: (1) the effects of different concentrations of 2,3-butanedione monoxime and calcium on function of the preserved rabbit heart, (2) how heart preservation is affected when 2,3-butanedione monoxime and calcium are added to the St. Thomas' Hospital and Stanford solutions, and (3) how 2,3-butanedione monoxime and calcium, at optimal concentrations in University of Wisconsin solution, affect hearts preserved up to 48 hours. Rabbit hearts were flushed with preservative and stored at 4 degrees C for 24, 30, 40, or 48 hours. Myocardial function was assessed during 60 minutes of isolated reperfusion, and myocardial adenine nucleotide content was measured after completion of reperfusion. Three concentrations of 2,3-butanedione monoxime (15, 30, and 60 mmol/L) in the University of Wisconsin solution were studied in hearts preserved for 30 hours. Storage with 2,3-butanedione monoxime at 30 mmol/L resulted in significantly better left ventricular developed pressure (p < 0.01), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (p < 0.01), rate of left ventricular pressure rise (p < 0.01), coronary flow (p < 0.05), rate-pressure product (p < 0.001), and adenine nucleotide regeneration (p < 0.05) than with 60 mmol/L, although function was not significantly different when the osmolarity of the solutions was equalized. There was significant reduction in end-diastolic volume (p < 0.05) and adenine nucleotide recovery (p < 0.01) when 2,3-butanedione monoxime was lowered to 15 mmol/L. Decreasing the calcium concentration from 1.0 to 0.1 mmol/L also had a deleterious effect on myocardial function (p < 0.05). The addition of 30 mmol/L 2,3-butanedione monoxime and 1.0 mmol/L calcium to the St. Thomas' or Stanford solutions improved preservation of the heart when compared with the unmodified solutions, but to a lesser degree than with the modified University of Wisconsin solution. After 24 to 48 hours of storage in University of Wisconsin solution containing 30 mmol/L 2,3-butanedione monoxime and 1.0 mmol/L calcium, there was substantial improvement in developed pressure (p < 0.001), end-diastolic volume (p < 0.05), and rate pressure product (p < 0.001), although there was little effect on heart rate and coronary flow, when compared with the unmodified University of Wisconsin solution.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adenosine↗

Efficacy of oxygenated University of Wisconsin solution containing endothelin-A receptor antagonist in twenty-four-hour heart preservation.

BACKGROUND: The University of Wisconsin solution has been proven to be effective for prolonged heart preservation. However, 24-hour heart preservation by simple cold immersion in University of Wisconsin solution has been disappointing. We have performed hypothermic low-pressure continuous coronary perfusion with oxygenated University of Wisconsin solution for experimental prolonged heart preservation. However, the high potassium concentration of University of Wisconsin solution combined with prolonged ischemia has detrimental effects on endothelial function, which increases coronary tone during preservation and after reperfusion. The severe vasoconstriction and tissue edema result in damage to the coronary microcirculation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether hypothermic low-pressure continuous coronary perfusion technique with oxygenated University of Wisconsin solution containing a selective endothelin-A receptor antagonist (FR139317) would increase the effectiveness of the perfusion technique and improve postischemic cardiac function, both minimizing tissue edema and suppressing vasoconstriction. METHODS AND RESULTS: Preischemic and postischemic cardiac function of isolated rabbit hearts was evaluated with a Langendorff apparatus. The hearts were divided into three groups (n = 7 each): group I (hypothermic low-pressure continuous coronary perfusion with University of Wisconsin solution), group II (hypothermic low-pressure continuous coronary perfusion with oxygenated University of Wisconsin solution), and group III (hypothermic low-pressure continuous coronary perfusion with oxygenated University of Wisconsin solution containing 10 mg/L of FR139317). Preservation was performed for 24 hours. The initial perfusion pressure for continuous coronary perfusion was set at 5 mm Hg. Measurement of percentage of tissue water content and ultrastructural examination of the myocardium was then performed. In groups I, II, and III, the perfusion pressures at the end of the 24-hour preservation period increased from 5 mm Hg to 12.2 +/- 2.5, 8.1 +/- 1.3, and 5.4 +/- 0.8 mm Hg (p < 0.05), respectively. Percent recovery rate of cardiac output was 56.6 +/- 2.8, 82.3 +/- 8.2, and 93.3 +/- 6.0 (p < 0.05), respectively. And percent recovery rate of coronary flow was 55.5 +/- 8.1, 80.0 +/- 8.0, and 94.3 +/- 9.4 (p < 0.05), respectively. A significant inverse correlation was found between continuous coronary perfusion pressure at the end of preservation and the recovery rate of cardiac output (r = 0.85, p < 0.05). Tissue water content was significantly higher in group I than in groups II and III. These effects were inhibited by oxygenation of the University of Wisconsin solution (group II) and by the addition of the selective endothelin-A receptor antagonist (FR139317) (group III). Damage to coronary circulation was reduced by oxygenation and the addition of endothelin-A receptor antagonist during prolonged heart preservation. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that hypothermic low-pressure continuous coronary perfusion technique with oxygenated UW solution containing endothelin-A receptor antagonist (FR139317) maintained coronary circulation by suppressing tissue edema and vasoconstriction during preservation, which improved postischemic functional recovery.

Adenosine↗

Effects of hypertonic solution on action potential and input resistance in the guinea-pig ventricular muscle.

The effects of hypertonic solution on action potential and input resistance were studied using the guinea-pig ventricular muscle. Hypertonic solutions containing excess (150 and 300 mOsm/liter) sucrose, glucose, NaCl, Na2SO4, or LiCl produced a prolongation of action potential duration (APD) followed by a gradual shortening. These solutions increased the input resistance of the preparation. The prolongation of APD began immediately after the onset of perfusion with hypertonic solution and peaked within about 10 min, while the late shortening of APD developed progressively. On introducing the isotonic solution after the osmotic challenge, APD initially shortened and then gradually prolonged toward the control level. Slightly hypertonic solutions containing excess 30 or 75 mM sucrose prolonged APD, to some extent. It is concluded that the hypertonic solution exerts early and late effects on APD in guinea-pig ventricular muscle. The early effect, which is responsible for the APD prolongation, seems to be directly related to the development of cell dehydration. The hypertonic solutions produced a slight increase in the resting potential, and sucrose- and glucose-hypertonicity depressed the rising phase of the action potential. These effects can be explained by the cell dehydration and associated changes in the intracellular ion concentrations. The increase in input resistance produced by hypertonic solutions was accompanied by an enhanced spatial decay of electrotonic potentials along the muscle bundle, as determined by the two microelectrode method, suggesting that the electrical resistance of the internal current pathway increases under hypertonic conditions.

Action Potentials↗

Lung retrieval from cadaver donors with nonbeating hearts: optimal preservation solution.

BACKGROUND: We have previously studied the time course of pulmonary cell viability, ultrastructural damage, and adenine nucleotide metabolites after circulatory arrest in a rat model to investigate the feasibility of lung retrieval for transplantation from cadavers. This study was designed to investigate the effect of hypothermic flush and subsequent 4-hour storage with either modified Euro-Collins or University of Wisconsin solution on lungs retrieved 4 hours after death. METHODS: Ninety-six Sprague-Dawley rats were sacrificed by intraperitoneal injection of pentobarbital. Control lungs were flushed immediately after sacrifice and stored for 4 hours. Rats in the experimental groups were sacrificed, and then their lungs were either ventilated with 100% oxygen or not ventilated for 4 hours before flushing with either Euro-Collins or University of Wisconsin solution followed by 4-hour hypothermic storage. At the end of the storage period, all right lungs were maintained at -70 degrees C and used to determine wet-to-dry weight ratios and adenine nucleotide levels with high-pressure liquid chromatography. Left lungs were assessed for viability with trypan blue dye exclusion. The effect on viability of flushing with Carolina rinse solution after storage was also assessed. RESULTS: The percentage of viable cells in the control group after 4-hour hypothermic storage was 74% +/- 2% in Euro-Collins solution-flushed lungs and 78% +/- 2% in University of Wisconsin solution-flushed lungs. This result was virtually identical to that of lungs retrieved after 4 hours of in situ oxygen ventilation followed by 4 hours of hypothermic storage. Nonventilated cadaver lungs had substantially less viability. Adenosine triphosphate levels were significantly higher in the control group than in the oxygen-ventilated group, which were higher still than those in the nonventilated group. Adenosine triphosphate levels were consistently higher in University of Wisconsin solution-flushed lungs compared with Euro-Collins solution-flushed lungs in all groups. Total adenine nucleotide levels had a similar pattern. Wet-to-dry ratios were significantly lower in the control group (Euro-Collins = 6.27 +/- 0.46, University of Wisconsin = 4.63 +/- 0.07) compared with the oxygen-ventilated (Euro-Collins = 9.80 +/- 0.44, University of Wisconsin = 10.96 +/- 0.60) and nonventilated (Euro-Collins = 9.44 +/- 0.26, University of Wisconsin = 11.54 +/- 1.16; p < 0.0001) groups. CONCLUSIONS: Four hours of circulatory arrest before 4 hours of hypothermic storage had no additional adverse impact on lung viability compared with lungs subjected to 4 hours of hypothermic storage alone, provided nonperfused lungs were ventilated with 100% oxygen. Adenine nucleotide levels were well maintained in oxygen-ventilated cadaver lungs, more so in University of Wisconsin solution-flushed lungs compared with Euro-Collins solution-flushed lungs.

Adenine Nucleotides↗

Effects of ion concentration and pH on hydroxyapatite deposition from aqueous solution onto titanium by the thermal substrate method.

A new hydrocoating method (the thermal substrate method) has been proposed for coating calcium phosphates, such as hydroxyapatite, onto titanium substrates in an aqueous solution. The influences of several solution properties on the thermal substrate method were examined. The solutions used included 3 mmol dm(-3) Ca(H(2)PO(4))(2) and 7 mmol dm(-3) CaCl(2) as a reference concentration solution. The ion concentration was changed from 0.1 to 2 times with respect to the reference concentration. The experimental studies were conducted under the following conditions: temperature = 140 degrees C, heating time = 10-20 min., pH = 4-8 and Ca/P = 0.0167-16.7. The type of precipitate changed, depending on the pH and ion concentration. In the reference solution with pH > 6, predominantly hydroxyapatite was precipitated onto titanium. By contrast, only CaHPO(4) was formed in the solution of pH 4. In the solution with an ion concentration of one-tenth the reference solution, CaHPO(4) was also precipitated. The addition of H(3)PO(4) to the 0.1-times solution accelerated the precipitation rate of HA. It is suggested that the PO(4) (3-) concentration was insufficient to form HA in the Ca/P = 1.67 solution.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 promotes osteogenesis within atelopeptide type I collagen solution by combination with rat cultured marrow cells.

We evaluated the combination effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and cultured rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in atelopeptide type I collagen (AC) solution on osteogenesis in a diffusion chamber (DC) to develop a bone substitute having consistent osteogenic capability for clinical applications. The cultured MSCs were obtained by 10-day primary culture of fresh bone marrow cells of Fischer rats. We prepared three groups of DCs: AC solution with rhBMP-2, AC solution with cultured MSCs, and AC solution with rhBMP-2 and cultured MSCs. The prepared combined solutions were injected into DCs, which were subcutaneously implanted into the backs of syngeneic rats. DCs were harvested after 2, 4, or 8 weeks and analyzed for bone-forming capability by determining histological and osteoblastic biochemical markers. De novo bone formation was observed both inside and outside of the membrane filter of DCs in the group of AC solution with rhBMP-2 and cultured MSCs. The alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin content in the group of AC solution with rhBMP-2 and cultured MSCs were significantly higher than those in the group of AC solution with cultured MSCs at any time. These findings indicate that AC aqueous solution is a useful material not only as a carrier of rhBMP-2 but also as a cell-anchorage for differentiation and proliferation of MSCs. Therefore, this study suggests that clinical repairs of bone defects are feasible using injectable AC solution with rhBMP-2 and cultured MSCs as a bone substitute.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Delayed fracture of Ni-Ti superelastic alloys in acidic and neutral fluoride solutions.

Hydrogen-related degradation of the mechanical properties of a Ni-Ti superelastic alloy has been examined by means of delayed fracture tests in acidic and neutral fluoride solutions and hydrogen thermal desorption analysis. Delayed fracture took place in both solutions; the time to fracture was shorter in the acidic solutions than in the neutral solutions with the same fluoride concentration. The time to fracture was reduced in both solutions when applied stress exceeded the critical stress for martensite transformation. In the acidic solutions, Ni-Ti superelastic alloy underwent general corrosion and absorbed substantial amounts of hydrogen. Fractographic features suggested that the delayed fracture in the acidic solutions was attributable to hydrogen embrittlement, whereas in the neutral solutions, a different fracture mode appeared associated with localized corrosion only in the vicinity of the fracture initiation area. In the neutral solutions, the amount of absorbed hydrogen was much less than that in the acidic solutions, and the delayed fracture was likely to be induced by active path corrosion accompanying hydrogen absorption. The results of the present study imply that the hydrogen-related degradation of performance of Ni-Ti superelastic alloys occurs in the presence of fluoride.

Corrosion↗

Prediction of solute sorption by polyvinyl chloride plastic infusion bags.

The time course of the sorption of drugs by polyvinylchloride infusion bags has been approximated using a diffusion model in which the plastic is assumed to act as an infinite sink. This model appears to be suitable for estimation of storage times relevant to clinical usage and enables the magnitude of the uptake in a specific time to be described by a single parameter, referred to as the sorption number. This parameter is defined by the plastic-infusion solution partition coefficient, the diffusion coefficient in the plastic, the fraction un-ionized in solution, the volume of the infusion solution, and the surface area of the plastic. An approximation of the model allows a ready estimation of the sorption number from the fraction remaining in solution at a given time. The sorption number can be extrapolated to allow prediction of the effects of time, plastic surface area, solution volume, and solution pH on fractional solute loss. A reasonable correlation was established between the logarithm of this parameter and the logarithm of the octanol-water partition coefficients of various solutes. The model allows the fraction of a solute remaining in a plastic infusion bag at a given storage time to be estimated from the octanol-water partition coefficient of the solute and other readily available data.

Adsorption↗

The influence of eye solutions on blinking and ocular comfort at rest and during work at video display terminals.

The aim of this work was to study blink frequency changes and levels of ocular discomfort during work at a video display terminal, and the effects on these parameters of augmented or reduced humidification of the ocular surface. Blink rate was measured from recordings of the electrical signal evoked by the contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle. Blink rate and interblink intervals were analyzed at rest and during performance of a task with a computer (playing a card game) for 10 or 30 min in steady environmental conditions and during application of a continuous stream of air to the face. In two separate sessions, the effect of pretreatment with humidifying ocular solutions of different elastoviscosity (balanced salt solution or elastoviscous 0.1% Hylan A solution) was assayed. At the end of each experimental period, the subjects marked the level of ocular discomfort experienced on a 0-10 cm visual analogue scale. The blink frequency at rest (12.4+/-1.2 blinks min-1) was reduced significantly (to 10.3+/-1.1 blinks min-1) by pretreatment with elastoviscous eyedrops both with and without air applied to the face. This effect was not obtained with balanced salt solution. During performance of the visual task for 10 or 30 min, basal blink rate decreased significantly, to about 40% of the control value. Neither application of an air jet on the face nor application of eye solutions of different viscosity modified this reduced blink rate.A low degree of ocular discomfort developed after performance of the visual task that was enhanced by air application to the face. This discomfort was reduced by pretreatment with ocular solutions, the elastoviscous eye solution being more efficient than the balanced salt solution. Interblink interval duration was also more regular after treatment with the elastoviscous solution. These data suggest that blink rate at rest is maintained in part by activation of sensory receptors of the cornea and conjunctiva, which are stimulated by desiccation of the ocular surface. Reduction of eye blink frequency elicited by the performance of a visual task with a computer appears to depend on central neural mechanisms that are quite independent of peripheral sensory inputs. The reduction of blink frequency consecutive to computer use was associated with a sensation of discomfort that was attenuated more effectively by elastoviscous eyedrops than by regular balanced salt solution.

Adult↗

Improved stability of Drosophila larval neuromuscular preparations in haemolymph-like physiological solutions.

Neuromuscular preparations from third instar larvae of Drosophila are not well-maintained in commonly used physiological solutions: vacuoles form in the muscle fibers, and membrane potential declines. These problems may result from the Na:K ratio and total divalent cation content of these physiological solutions being quite different from those of haemolymph. Accordingly haemolymph-like solutions, based upon ion measurements of major cations, were developed and tested. Haemolymph-like solutions maintained the membrane potential at a relatively constant level, and prolonged the physiological life of the preparations. Synaptic transmission was well-maintained in haemolymph-like solutions, but the excitatory synaptic potentials had a slower time course and summated more effectively with repetitive stimulation, than in standard Drosophila solutions. Voltage-clamp experiments suggest that these effects are linked to more pronounced activation of muscle fiber membrane conductances in standard solutions, rather than to differences in passive muscle membrane properties or changes in postsynaptic receptor channel kinetics. Calcium dependence of transmitter release was steep in both standard and haemolymph-like solutions, but higher external calcium concentrations were required for a given level of release in haemolymph-like solutions. Thus, haemolymph-like solutions allow for prolonged, stable recording of synaptic transmission.

Animals↗

Effect of base precursors on water and electrolyte transport during oral hydration solution perfusion in secreting rat intestine.

In situ steady-state, single-pass small intestine perfusions in rats were carried out to compare the effect of the bicarbonate and citrate World Health Organization oral rehydration solutions and a base precursor-free solution on intestinal water and electrolyte transport after inducing intestinal secretion with purified heat-stable Escherichia coli enterotoxin. When toxin was not perfused, the rates of water, sodium, and bicarbonate absorption were significantly greater from the bicarbonate-containing solution than from the citrate or base precursor-free solutions. Chloride absorption was greater from the base precursor-free solution, but this might reflect the higher chloride concentration of the perfusate. When toxin was perfused, there was no significant difference among the solutions in the rates of water, potassium, or chloride absorption. Sodium absorption occurred at significantly greater rates from both the bicarbonate and the base precursor-free solutions than from the citrate solution. Base precursor-containing solutions may not provide any advantage over a base precursor-free solution in stimulating water and sodium absorption in 5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate mediated acute diarrhea.

Administration, Oral↗