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Over-nutrition with cafeteria diet leads to glycemic control failure and subsequent obesity. Bariatric surgery remains the ultimate treatment option, and when complemented with specific dietary protocol, it may mitigate the effects of oxidative stress induced by a cafeteria diet. The study measured antioxidant marker activity: superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and ceruloplasmin (CER), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and lipid peroxidation marker concentrations: lipofuscin (LS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), in the plasma of 56 Sprague-Dawley rats fed with a cafeteria (HFS) or a control (CD) diet and subjected to duodenojejunal omega switch (DJOS) or control (SHAM) surgery. The diet change after the surgery (CD/HFS or HFS/CD) strongly influenced SOD activity in DJOS- and SHAM-operated rats, but SOD activity was always higher in SHAM-operated rats. Every dietary protocol used in the study increased CER activity, except for the CD/CD combination. Cafeteria diet consumed before or after either of surgeries led to decrease in TAC levels. DJOS and no change in diet reduced MDA levels. DJOS reduced LS levels, but its beneficial effect was deteriorated by selected dietary protocols. The cafeteria diet negatively affected the positive impact of DJOS surgery, but SOD, CER, MDA, and LS were significantly lower in rats that underwent DJOS, suggesting that eight weeks of dietary treatment before and after the surgery did not totally dilapidate the effects of the bariatric treatment.

WstępCholecystokinina (CCK) należy do hormonów peptydowych układu pokarmowego regulujących trawienie lipidów i białek, a ponadto jest ośrodkowym neurotransmiterem/neuromodulatorem. Po podaniu dożylnym wywołuje efekt resuscytacyjny u szczurów we wstrząsie krwotocznym. Ze względu na fakt, iż CCK może wpływać bezpośrednio i pośrednio na czynność ośrodka sercowo-naczyniowego, celem pracy było zbadanie działania pochodnej siarczanowej oktapeptydu CCK (CCK-8) podawanej do komory bocznej mózgu (intracerebroventricularly – icv) w fazie hamowania czynności układu współczulnego we wstrząsie krwotocznym.Materiał i metodyBadania przeprowadzono u samców szczurów szczepu Wistar w znieczuleniu ogólnym (ketamina [100 mg/kg]/ksylazyna [10 mg/kg]), u których wywołano nieodwracalny wstrząs krwotoczny (0% przeżycia 2 h) ze średnim ciśnieniem tętniczym (mean arterial pressure – MAP) 20–25 mmHg. W 5 min krytycznej hipotensji szczurom podawano icv CCK-8 (5, 15 nmol) lub 0,9% roztwór NaCl (5 μl).WynikiKrwotok prowadził do obniżenia ciśnienia tętna (pulse pressure – PP), częstości rytmu serca (heart rate – HR) oraz wzrostu nerkowego (renal vascular resistance – RVR) i krezkowego oporu naczyniowego (mesenteric vascular resistance – MVR). W grupie kontrolnej nie stwierdzono wzrostu badanych parametrów układu krążenia, a średni czas przeżycia wynosił 32,5 ± 5,1 min. CCK-8 wywoływała zależne od dawki spadki MAP, PP i HR ze wzrostem RVR i MVR, a także skracała czas przeżycia w porównaniu ze zwierzętami kontrolnymi.WnioskiOśrodkowo działająca CCK-8 wywołuje działanie depresyjne na układ krążenia u szczurów we wstrząsie krwotocznym.

Rehabilitation in osteoarthritis (OA) patients aims to reduce joint pain and stiffness, preserve or improve joint mobility, and improve patients’ quality of life. This study evaluated the effects of the 21-day individually adjusted general rehabilitation program in 36 OA patients 90 days after hip or knee replacement on selected interleukins (IL) and cytokines using the Bio-Plex® Luminex® system. Serum concentrations of almost all selected anti/pro-inflammatory markers: IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, IL-15, and of some chemokines: macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1α/CCL3), and RANTES/CCL5, and of eotaxin-1/CCL11, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) significantly increased, whereas basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF basic) significantly decreased after the 21-day general rehabilitation. The levels of interferon-γ induced protein 10 (IP-10), MIP-1β/CCL4, macrophage/monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2 (MCAF)), granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) remained unchanged. There were no changes in pro-inflammatory cytokines levels: tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and IL-12 (p70)) after the 21-day general rehabilitation, indicating the stable and controlled inflammatory status of osteoarthritis patients. Significantly higher levels of anti-inflammatory factors after 21 days of moderate physical activity confirm the beneficial outcome of the applied therapy. The increased level of IL-6 after the rehabilitation may reflect its anti-inflammatory effect in osteoarthritis patients.

Wstęp:Pobudzenie ośrodkowego układu histaminergicznego wywołuje działanie resuscytacyjne u szczurów we wstrząsie krwotocznym. Skoro podawana dożylnie bombezyna wykazuje podobne działanie, a receptory bombezynowe są obecne w strukturach ośrodkowego układu nerwowego, odpowiedzialnych za regulację czynności układu krążenia, celem pracy było zbadanie wpływu zablokowania receptorów bombezynowych na efekty krążeniowe wynikające z podania do komory bocznej mózgu (icv) histaminy we wstrząsie krwotocznym u szczurów.Materiał i metody:Badania przeprowadzono u szczurów, samców szczepu Wistar w znieczuleniu ogólnym (ketamina 100 mg/kg + ksylazyna 10 mg/kg, dootrzewnowo). Zastosowano model odwracalnego wstrząsu krwotocznego ze średnim ciśnieniem tętniczym (MAP) 30–35 mmHg. Niezwłocznie po zakończeniu krwawienia podawano icv antagonistów receptorów bombezynowych/0,9% roztwór NaCl, a 5 min później tą samą drogą histaminę (50 nmol) bądź 0,9% roztwór NaCl.Wyniki:Utrata krwi prowadziła do obniżenia ciśnienia tętna (PP), częstości rytmu serca (HR) i przepływu krezkowego krwi (MBF). Histamina wywoływała działanie presyjne ze wzrostem PP i MBF. Efekty działania histaminy były częściowo hamowane przez [D-Phe12,Leu14]-bombezynę i BIM 23042, odpowiednio nieselektywnego antagonistę receptorów bombezynowych oraz selektywnego blokera receptorów bombezynowych typu 1 (BB1). W grupach kontrolnych nie stwierdzono wpływu antagonistów receptorów bombezynowych na mierzone parametry układu krążenia.Wnioski:Endogenne peptydy bombezynopodobne, działając poprzez receptory BB1, mogą wpływać na wywoływane przez ośrodkowo działającą histaminę działanie resuscytacyjne we wstrząsie krwotocznym u szczurów.

The survival of erythrocytes in the circulating blood depends on their membranes’ structural and functional integrity. One of the mechanisms that may underlie the process of joint degeneration is the imbalance of prooxidants and antioxidants, promoting cellular oxidative stress. The study is aimed at observing the effects of the 21-day general rehabilitation program on the erythrocytes redox status and serum ST2 marker in patients after knee or hip replacement in the course of osteoarthritis. Erythrocytes and serum samples were collected from 36 patients. We analyzed the selected markers of the antioxidant system in the erythrocytes: catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (glutathione disulfide reductase (GR, GSR)), total superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione transferase (GST) activity, and cholesterol and lipofuscin (LPS) concentration. In serum, we analyzed the concentration of the suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) marker. After the 21-day general rehabilitation program, the total SOD and GPx activity, measured in the hemolysates, significantly increased ( p < 0.001 ) while LPS, cholesterol, and ST2 levels in serum significantly decreased ( p < 0.001 ). General rehabilitation reduces oxidative stress in patients after knee or hip replacement in the course of osteoarthritis. Individually designed, regular physical activity is the essential element of the postoperative protocol, which improves the redox balance helping patients recover after the s4urgery effectively.

Imbalance in prooxidant-antioxidant equilibrium plays an important role in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Postoperative rehabilitation significantly improves the functional activity of patients with OA. We aimed to assess the effect of the general 21-day postoperative rehabilitation on the oxidative stress markers in patients after total hip arthroplasty or knee replacement. Patients (n =41) started individually designed postoperative rehabilitation ca. 90 days after endoprosthesis implantation. We used the six-minute walk test (6MWT) to quantify the changes in their exercise capacity. We analyzed the oxidative stress markers: total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), Cu-Zn-superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) and ceruloplasmin (Cp) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) and lipofuscin (LPS) concentration in patients serum to asses changes in the oxidative stress intensity. We found that after 21-days postoperative rehabilitation program: the average distance walked by patients increased by 69 m; TAC increased by 0.20 ± 0.14 mmol/l; both SOD isoforms activities increased by 1.6 (±1.7) and 1.72 (±1.5) NU/ml, respectively; but Cp activity decreased by 1.8 (0.7-3.7) mg/dl. Also, we observed lower concentrations of lipid peroxidation markers: by 19.6 ± 24.4 μmol/l for MDA and by 0.4 ± 0.5 RF for LPS. A 21-day postoperative rehabilitation program effectively reduces oxidative processes, which helps the patients after total hip or knee replacement in a successful recovery.

Obesity and high-fat diet (HF) are prevalent causes of oxidative stress (OS). Duodenal-jejunal omega switch (DJOS) is a bariatric procedure used for body mass reduction, extensively tested in animal models. We studied the long-term impact of bariatric surgery and an HF diet on the oxidative stress markers in erythrocytes and heart muscles of rats. We analyzed superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in DJOS or SHAM (control) operated rats fed with different dietary protocols (control diet (CD) and high-fat diet (HF)), before and after the surgery (CD/CD, HF/HF, CD/HF, and HF/CD). We observed higher erythrocytes CAT, GST and GPx activity in DJOS-operated (vs. SHAM) rats fed with an HF/HF diet. For DJOS-operated rats, erythrocytes CAT and GPx activity and MDA concentration were significantly lower in CD/CD group. We observed increased heart muscle GR activity in SHAM-operated rats (vs. DJOS bariatric surgery) fed with an HF/HF diet. Change from HF to CD diet increased heart muscle GPx activity after DJOS bariatric surgery. Heart muscle SOD activity was lower in HF/HF and CD/CD groups after DJOS bariatric surgery (vs. SHAM). DJOS surgery significantly reduced heart muscle MDA concentration in HF/HF and HF/CD groups (vs. SHAM). We conclude that the selected dietary patterns had a stronger impact on oxidative stress markers in erythrocytes and heart muscle than DJOS bariatric surgery.

WstępPobudzenie ośrodkowego układu histaminergicznego wywołuje działanie resuscytacyjne w modelu wstrząsu krwotocznego, podczas gdy neuropeptyd Y (NPY) podawany do komory bocznej mózgu (icv) powoduje efekt depresyjny w stanie hipotensji krwotocznej. Mając na uwadze, iż na neurony histaminergiczne jądra guzowo-suteczkowatego mają wpływ neurony wytwarzające NPY zlokalizowane w jądrze olbrzymiokomórkowym tylnym podwzgórza, celem pracy było zbadanie (1) efektów krążeniowych antagonisty receptorów typu 1 dla NPY (Y1) we wstrząsie krwotocznym oraz (2) możliwego udziału układu histaminergicznego w tych efektach.Materiał i metodyBadania przeprowadzono u szczurów samców szczepu Wistar w znieczuleniu ogólnym przy użyciu ketaminy i ksylazyny, u których wywoływano nieodwracalny wstrząs krwotoczny ze średnim ciśnieniem tętniczym (MAP) 20–25 mmHg oraz wskaźnikiem przeżycia 2 h 0%. Niezwłocznie po indukcji wstrząsu dokonywano pre-medykacji icv antagonistami receptorów histaminowych H1 i H2 chlorfenyraminą (50 nmol) i ranitydyną (50 nmol), antagonistą/odwrotnym agonistą receptorów H3/4 tioperamidem bądź 0,9% roztworem NaCl. Po pięciu minutach zwierzętom podawano icv antagonistę receptorów Y1 BIBP 3226 (64 nmol/kg).WynikiBIBP 3226 wywoływał wzrosty MAP, ciśnienia tętna (PP) oraz nerkowego przepływu krwi (RBF), powodował także wzrost do 100% wskaźnika przeżycia 2 h. Chlorfenyramina hamowała zmiany MAP, PP i RBF wywoły-wane przez BIBP 3226 oraz zmniejszała do 0% wskaźnik przeżycia 2 h. W odróżnieniu do tego ranitydyna i tioperamid nie wykazywały wpływu na działanie BIBP 3226.WnioskiZablokowanie ośrodkowych receptorów Y1 wywołuje efekt presyjny u szczurów we wstrząsie krwotocznym. Działanie to odbywa się przy udziale układu histaminergicznego.

Retinopathy of prematurity belongs to the group of proliferative retinopathies. It affects preterm infants with very low birth weight, treated with high concentrations of oxygen. It is estimated that retinopathy of prematurity leads to blindness in approximately 50,000 children per year worldwide. There were two epidemics of retinopathy of prematurity in the 50s and 70s of the last century. Another increase in the incidence, referred to as the third epidemic in the literature, has been observed in recent years in developing countries. So far, high oxygen concentrations used in adjuvant oxygen therapy have been considered to be the major risk factor for retinopathy of prematurity. There are, however, reports on the development of the disease in patients who received no oxygen therapy. Low birth weight and early gestational age are well-known risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity. Other important risk factors include sex, multiple pregnancy, intraventricular haemorrhage and blood transfusions. The disease can be prevented by screening performed by an ophthalmologist within a few weeks after birth. Laser retinal photocoagulation, which is primarily aimed to inhibit fibrovascular proliferation, is the standard therapy in infants with retinopathy of prematurity. Surgical treatment is necessary in the case of disease progression despite laser photocoagulation. Attempts are also made to use vascular endothelial growth factor blockers. The aim of the paper is to present the pathomechanism and the main factors involved in the development of retinopathy of prematurity as well as the current therapeutic approaches for this disease. This information is intended to help family doctors update their knowledge on retinopathy of prematurity.

BACKGROUND A number of studies have documented the influence of cigarette smoking on hearing. However, the association between sex and hearing impairment in smokers as measured by otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) has not been clearly established. The aim of this study was to analyze sex-specific effects of smoking on hearing via conventional and ultra-high-frequency pure tone audiometry (PTA), and OAEs, specifically spontaneous OAEs, click-evoked OAEs, and distortion-product OAEs. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 84 healthy volunteers aged 25-45 years (mean 34), among them 46 women (25 non-smokers and 21 smokers) and 38 men (16 non-smokers and 22 smokers). The protocol of the study included otoscopic examination, tympanometry, low-, moderate-, and ultra-high-frequency PTA, evaluation of spontaneous click-evoked (CEAOEs) and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), assessment of the DP-grams for 2f1-f2 (f1 from 977 to5 164 Hz), and input/output function at L2 primary tone level of 40-70 dB SPL. RESULTS Smokers and non-smokers did not differ significantly in terms of their hearing thresholds assessed with tone audiometry. Male smokers presented with significantly lower levels of CEAOEs and DPOAEs than both male non-smokers and female smokers. CONCLUSIONS Smoking does not modulate a hearing threshold determined with PTA at low, moderate, and ultra-high frequencies, but causes a significant decrease in OAE levels. This effect was observed only in males, which implies that they are more susceptible to smoking-induced hearing impairment. Sex-specific differences in otoacoustic emissions level may reflect influences of genetic, hormonal, behavioral, and/or environmental factors.

Sery należą do produktów o wysokiej zawartości tłuszczu, białka i innych związków nieorganicznych. Są wyrobem spożywczym, który może różnić się jednostkowo w zależności od swojego pochodzenia, warunków wytwarzania, flory mikrobiologicznej i aktywności enzymatycznej. Wszystkie te parametry mogą oddziaływać na skuteczność analityczną, w konsekwencji stanowiąc utrudnienie w oznaczaniu stężenia histaminy w serach. Do głównych czynników wpływających na powstawanie w produktach spożywczych amin biogennych, w tym histaminy, należą: obecność bakterii (LAB), kultury starterowe, dostępność wolnych aminokwasów, okres dojrzewania sera, aktywność proteolityczna, pH, temperatura i stężenie NaCl. Nie wykazano korelacji pomiędzy niekorzystnymi skutkami a zawartością amin w żywności. Można przypuszczać, że stężenie histaminy powyżej 100 mg/kg w produktach spożywczych nie jest zalecane. Dzięki ścisłym reżimom technologicznym podczas produkcji żywności częstość zatruć pokarmowych histaminą, wynikających z zanieczyszczeń bakteryjnych, jest sporadyczna.

WstępReceptory histaminowe H3 występują w ośrodkowym i obwodowym układzie nerwowym, w tym na zakończeniach pozazwojowych układu współczulnego. Działają głównie jako presynaptyczne auto- i heteroreceptory, są odpowiedzialne za regulację syntezy oraz wydzielania histaminy i innych neurotransmiterów/neuromodulatorów. Celem pracy było zbadanie wpływu zablokowania receptorów H3 na czynność układu krążenia podczas fazy hamowania aktywności układu współczulnego w modelu wstrząsu krwotocznego u szczurów.Materiał i metodyBadania przeprowadzono u szczurów samców szczepu Wistar, w znieczuleniu ogólnym przy użyciu ketaminy i ksylazyny (100 mg/kg + 10 mg/kg dootrzewnowo), u których wywołano nieodwracalny wstrząs krwotoczny ze średnim ciśnieniem tętniczym (MAP) 20-25 mmHg (wskaźnik przeżycia 2 h: 0%). W 5 min krytycznej hipotensji zwierzętom podawano dożylnie antagonistę receptorów H3 JNJ 5207852 bądź 0,9% roztwór NaCl.WynikiKrwotok prowadził do obniżenia ciśnienia tętna (PP) i częstości rytmu serca (HR). JNJ 5207852 (1 i 5 mg/kg) wywoływał długotrwałe wzrosty MAP, PP i HR, a także zwiększenie do 100% wskaźnika przeżycia 2 h (5 mg/kg). Chemiczna sympatektomia wykonana przy użyciu 6-hydroksydopaminy (50 mg/kg przez trzy kolejne dni) hamowała zmiany MAP, PP i HR wywoływane przez JNJ 5207852 (5 mg/kg) i zmniejszała do 0% wskaźnik przeżycia 2 h.WnioskiAntagonista receptorów histaminowych H3 JNJ 5207852 wywołuje efekt resuscytacyjny u szczurów we wstrząsie krwotocznym, a jego mechanizm działania związany jest z aktywnością pozazwojowych neuronów układu współczulnego.

Background The benefits of IT surgery are based on incretin effects. In this study we show the influence of high fat diet (HFD) used both before and after surgery, on ileal transposition (IT) effects. Methods Forty-eight male rats were assigned to two groups: HFD and control diet (CD) fed rats. After eight weeks, HFD and CD fed rats were randomly assigned to two types of surgery: IT and SHAM, then for 50% of animals of each group the diet was changed, whereas the other 50% received the same type of diet. Eight weeks after surgery the incretin level, glucose tolerance as well as body mass and insulin level were assessed. Results GLP-1 plasma concentration was significantly higher in the IT operated CD/CD group compared to fasting state and did not differ significantly from the SHAM operated CD/CD animals. IT influenced the glucose stimulated PYY plasma level when compared with SHAM operated animals in the CD/HFD group, where the PYY plasma level was higher than in the SHAM operated animals. The effect of IT as well as of pre and postoperative diet on GIP plasma levels were insignificant. The IT group members maintained on the CD were characterised by a lower fasting glucose level, both pre and postoperatively, compared with the SHAM operated animals. The effect of IT on the fasting glucose level in groups preoperatively maintained on an HFD was insignificant. Conclusions IT surgery itself seems to have rather limited incretin effects in rats, whose obesity is the result of HFD.

Purpose. To study the effect of duodenal-jejunal omega switch (DJOS) in combination with different dietary patterns on the retinol-binding protein (RBP4), fetuin-A, and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) plasma levels and their hepatic gene expressions in rats. Methods. A high-fat diet (HF) was given to 28 rats and 28 more were fed with a control diet (CD) for 2 months. After that, half of each group underwent either DJOS or SHAM surgery. For the next 2 months, half of the animals in each operation group were kept on the same diet as before and half of them had the diet changed. After 16 weeks of the experiment RBP4, fetuin-A, and FGF21 plasma levels as well as liver Rbp4, Ahsg, and Fgf21 gene expressions were measured. Results. DJOS had a reductive impact on plasma levels of RBP4, fetuin-A, and FGF21 and Rbp4, Ahsg, and Fgf21 relative gene expression in the liver when compared to SHAM. The HF/HF group expressed significantly higher RBP4 and fetuin-A plasma levels in comparison to the control. The HF diet used before and/or after surgery led to upregulation of Rbp4, Ahsg, and Fgf21 relative gene expression. The lowest levels of analyzed parameters were observed in the CD/CD group. Conclusions. The efficiency of DJOS surgery, measured by hepatokines’ plasma levels and their gene expressions in the liver, depends on the type of diet applied before and after surgery. Manipulation of dietary patterns can lead to marked improvements in metabolic profile after DJOS surgery.

WstępLeptyna podawana do komory bocznej mózgu (icv) wywołuje efekt resuscytacyjny u szczurów we wstrząsie krwotocznym; w działaniu tym uczestniczy układ histaminergiczny. Celem obecnej pracy było zbadanie możliwego udziału receptorów histaminowych H3 w wywoływanym przez leptynę wpływie na układ krążenia we wstrząsie.Materiał i metodyBadania przeprowadzono u szczurów, samców szczepu Wistar w znieczuleniu ogólnym przy użyciu ketaminy i ksylazyny (100 mg/kg + 10 mg/kg dootrzewnowo), u których wywołano nieodwracalny wstrząs krwotoczny ze średnim ciśnieniem tętniczym (MAP) 20–25 mmHg (wskaźnik przeżycia dwugodzinnego: 0%). W 5 min krytycznej hipotensji zwierzętom podawano icv leptynę (20 µg) bądź 0,9% roztwór NaCl (5 µl).WynikiUtrata krwi prowadziła do obniżenia ciśnienia tętna (PP) i częstości rytmu serca (HR). Leptyna wywoływała długotrwałe wzrosty MAP, PP i HR, a także podwyższenie do 100% wskaźnika przeżycia dwugodzinnego. Premedykacja odwrotnym agonistą receptorów H3/częściowym agonistą receptorów H4 klobenpropitem (42,5 nmol, icv), ale nie neutralnym antagonistą receptorów H3 VUF 5681 (50 nmol, icv), hamowała zmiany MAP i PP wywoływane przez leptynę, jednak bez wpływu na wskaźnik przeżycia dwugodzinnego we wstrząsie.WnioskiReceptory histaminowe H3 mogą wpływać na efekt resuscytacyjny wywoływany przez ośrodkowo działającą leptynę we wstrząsie krwotocznym u szczurów.

Histamine, acting centrally as a neurotransmitter, evokes a reversal of hemorrhagic hypotension in rats due to the activation of the sympathetic and the renin–angiotensin systems as well as the release of arginine vasopressin and proopiomelanocortin-derived peptides. We demonstrated previously that central nicotinic cholinergic receptors are involved in the pressor effect of histamine. The aim of the present study was to examine influences of centrally administrated histamine on acetylcholine (ACh) release at the posterior hypothalamus—a region characterized by location of histaminergic and cholinergic neurons involved in the regulation of the sympathetic activity in the cardiovascular system—in hemorrhage-hypotensive anesthetized rats. Hemodynamic and microdialysis studies were carried out in Sprague–Dawley rats. Hemorrhagic hypotension was induced by withdrawal of a volume of 1.5 ml blood/100 g body weight over a period of 10 min. Acute hemorrhage led to a severe and long-lasting decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and an increase in extracellular posterior hypothalamic ACh and choline (Ch) levels by 56% and 59%, respectively. Intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) administered histamine (50, 100, and 200 nmol) dose- and time-dependently increased MAP and HR and caused an additional rise in extracellular posterior hypothalamic ACh and Ch levels at the most by 102%, as compared to the control saline-treated group. Histamine H1 receptor antagonist chlorpheniramine (50 nmol; i.c.v.) completely blocked histamine-evoked hemodynamic and extracellular posterior hypothalamic ACh and Ch changes, whereas H2 and H3/H4 receptor blockers ranitidine (50 nmol; i.c.v.) and thioperamide (50 nmol; i.c.v.) had no effect. In conclusion, centrally administered histamine, acting via H1 receptors, increases ACh release at the posterior hypothalamus and causes a pressor and tachycardic response in hemorrhage-hypotensive anesthetized rats.

Langerhans cell histocytosis is a rare disease. LCH is reported mainly in children aged less than 15 years, however it may appear at any age. In this work, the case of 17-month boy is reported. The boy was admitted to the pediatric ophthalmology department in order to diagnose the swelling and bruising in the lower part of left orbit, which had lasted for one month before. The clinical status, various imaging techniques' results (MRI, TK and PET) and immunohistochemistry led to the final diagnosis of multisystem LCH (spread to masticator muscle and zygomatic bone). After the pharmacological therapy the total remission was achieved. Since four years the child is regularly controlled by oncologists and hematologists with no relapse reported.

Centrally acting leptin induces the activation of the sympathetic nervous system with a pressor effect in normotensive rats. The purpose of the study was to examine central leptin-evoked action in critical haemorrhagic hypotension. In anaesthetized male Wistar rats subjected for irreversible haemorrhagic shock with mean arterial pressure (MAP) 20-25 mmHg haemodynamic parameters and plasma concentrations of adrenaline and noradrenaline were measured. Leptin given intracerebroventricularly (20 μg) evoked long-lasting rises in MAP and heart rate (HR), with a subsequent increase in renal, mesenteric and hindquarters blood flows and a 100% survival at 2 h. MAP and peripheral blood flow changes were inhibited by a pre-treatment with α(1)- and α(2)-adrenoceptor antagonists prazosin (0.5 mg/kg) and yohimbine (1 mg/kg), while β-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol (1 mg/kg) blocked leptin-induced HR changes, without influence on MAP, peripheral blood flows and survival. Twenty min after leptin treatment, there were higher plasma concentrations of noradrenaline, but not adrenaline, in comparison with the saline-treated control group. In conclusion, centrally acting leptin induces a long-lasting pressor effect with an improvement in the survival rate in haemorrhage-shocked rats. The effect may be associated with the activation of the sympathetic nervous system.

Background Overexpression and enhanced release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been detected in various types of allergic inflammation, including asthma. Aim To further evaluate the pattern of systemic release of VEGF in atopic allergy, free circulating VEGF was measured in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR). Methods The concentrations of VEGF and its soluble receptors (sVEGF-R1 and VEGF-R2) in plasma were measured in patients with PAR sensitized to house dust mites and the healthy subjects. Results No significant differences were found between PAR patients and healthy subjects with respect to plasma levels of VEGF and its receptors. Conclusions It seems that free circulating VEGF may not be elevated in PAR patients. Moreover, on the basis of the present study as well as the earlier ones, it appears likely that systemic release of VEGF varies among patients with distinct clinical manifestation of atopy; may depend on severity/activity and the extent of inflammatory response.

Rats lesioned shortly after birth with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA; 134 μg icv) represent a near-ideal model of severe Parkinson's disease because of the near-total destruction of nigrostriatal dopaminergic fibers. There are scarce data that in Parkinson's disease, activity of the central histaminergic system is increased. The element manganese, an essential cofactor for many enzymatic reactions, itself in toxic amount, replicates some clinical features similar to those of Parkinson's disease. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of neonatal manganese exposure on 6-OHDA modeling of Parkinson's disease in rats, and to determine effects on histamine content in the brain of these rats in adulthood. Manganese (MnCl₂·4H₂O; 10,000 ppm) was included in the drinking water of pregnant Wistar rats from the time of conception until the 21st day after delivery, the age when neonatal rats were weaned. Control rats consumed tap water. Other groups of neonatal rat pups, on the 3rd day after birth, were pretreated with desipramine (20 mg/kg ip 1 h) prior to bilateral icv administration of 6-OHDA (60 or 134 μg) or its vehicle saline-ascorbic (0.1%) (control). At 2 months after birth, in rats lesioned with 60 or 134 μg 6-OHDA, endogenous striatal dopamine (DA) content was reduced, respectively, by 92 and 98% (HPLC/ED), while co-exposure of these groups to perinatal manganese did not magnify the DA depletion. However, there was prominent enhancement of histamine content in frontal cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and medulla oblongata of adult rat brain after 6-OHDA (60 and 134 μg) injection on the day 3rd postnatal day. These findings indicate that histamine and the central histaminergic system are altered in the brain of rats lesioned to model Parkinson's disease, and that manganese enhances effects of 6-OHDA on histamine in brain.

The aim of this study was to determine histamine content in the brain and the effect of histamine receptor antagonists on behavior of adult rats lesioned as neonates with the serotonin (5-HT) neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT). At 3 days after birth Wistar rats were pretreated with desipramine (20 mg/kg ip) before bilateral icv administration of 5,7-DHT (37.5 μg base on each side) or saline-ascorbic (0.1%) vehicle (control). At 10 week levels of 5-HT and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) were determined in frontal cortex, striatum, and hippocampus by an HPLC/ED technique. In the hypothalamus, frontal cortex, hippocampus and medulla oblongata, the level of histamine was analyzed by an immunoenzymatic method. Behavioral observations (locomotion, exploratory-, oral-, and stereotyped activity) were performed, and effects of DA receptor agonists (SKF 38393, apomorphine) and histamine receptor antagonists S(+)chlorpheniramine (H(1)), cimetidine (H(2)), and thioperamide (H(3)) were determined. We confirmed that 5,7-DHT profoundly reduced contents of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in the brain in adulthood. Histamine content was also reduced in all examined brain regions. Moreover, in 5,7-DHT-lesioned rats the locomotor and oral activity responses to thioperamide were altered, and apomorphine-induced stereotype was intensified. From the above, we conclude that an intact central serotoninergic system modulates histamine H(3) receptor antagonist effects on the dopaminergic neurons in rats.

Recently we reported that an efferent vagal fibre-mediated cholinergic protective pathway, activated by melanocortins acting at brain melanocortin MC(3) receptors, is operative in a condition of short-term myocardial ischemia/reperfusion associated with a high incidence of severe arrhythmias and death. Here we investigated melanocortin effects, and the role of the vagus nerve-mediated cholinergic protective pathway, in a rat model of prolonged myocardial ischemia/reperfusion associated with marked inflammatory and apoptotic reactions, and a large infarct size. Ischemia was produced in rats by ligature of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min. At the end of the 2-h reperfusion, western blot analysis of the inflammatory and apoptotic markers tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), c-jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and caspase-3, as well as of the anti-apoptotic extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK 1/2), was performed in the left ventricle. In saline-treated ischemic rats there was an increase in TNF-alpha levels and in the activity of JNK and caspase-3 accompanied, despite an appreciable ERK 1/2 activation, by a large infarct size. Intravenous treatment, during coronary artery occlusion, with the melanocortin analog [Nle(4), D-Phe(7)]alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-alpha-MSH) produced a reduction in TNF-alpha levels and in the activity of JNK and caspase-3, associated with marked activation of the pro-survival kinases ERK 1/2, and consequent attenuation of infarct size. Bilateral cervical vagotomy blunted the protective effects of NDP-alpha-MSH. These results indicate that melanocortins modulate the inflammatory and apoptotic cascades triggered by prolonged myocardial ischemia/reperfusion, and reduce infarct size, seemingly by activation of the vagus nerve-mediated cholinergic protective pathway.

LIGHT (homologous to lymphotoxins, exhibiting inducible expression, and competing with herpes simplex virus (HSV) glycoprotein D for herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM), a receptor expressed by T lymphocytes) has been involved in various autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. LIGHT induces the expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8), which is up-regulated in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). To determine circulating soluble LIGHT concentration and its relationship with IL-8 concentration in patients with CSU. Concentrations of LIGHT, IL-8, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined in plasma or serum of CSU patients by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. LIGHT plasma concentration was significantly higher in moderate–severe CSU patients as compared with the healthy subjects, but not with mild CSU patients. There were significant correlations between increased LIGHT and IL-8 concentrations, but not with increased CRP in CSU patients. Enhanced plasma concentrations of soluble LIGHT and its association with IL-8 concentration suggest the role of LIGHT in systemic inflammatory activation in CSU patients. We hypothesize that LIGHT-mediated immune–inflammatory response plays a role in severe phenotypes of the disease.

Rats lesioned shortly after birth with 6-OHDA have been proposed to be a near-ideal model of severe Parkinson's disease, because of non-lethality of the procedure, near-total destruction of nigrostriatal dopaminergic fibers, and near-total dopamine (DA) denervation of striatum. There are scarce data that in Parkinson's disease, activity of the central histaminergic system is increased. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine histamine content in the brain and the effect of histamine receptor antagonists on behavior of adult rats. At 3 days after birth, Wistar rats were pretreated with desipramine (20.0 mg/kg ip) 1 h before bilateral icv administration of the catecholaminergic neurotoxin 6-OHDA (67 microg base, on each side) or saline-ascorbic acid (0.1%) vehicle (control). At 8 weeks levels of DA and its metabolites L: -3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) were estimated in the striatum and frontal cortex by HPCL/ED technique. In the hypothalamus, hippocampus, frontal cortex, and medulla oblongata, the level of histamine was analyzed by immunoenzymatic method. Behavioral observations (locomotion, exploratory-, oral-, and stereotyped-activity) were additionally made on control and 6-OHDA neonatally lesioned rats. Effects of DA receptor agonists (SKF 38393, apomorphine) and histamine receptor antagonists (e.g., S(+)chlorpheniramine, H(1); cimetidine, H(2); thioperamide, H(3) agonist) were determined. We confirmed that 6-OHDA significantly reduced contents of DA and its metabolites in the brain in adulthood. Histamine content was significantly increased in the hypothalamus, hipocampus, and medulla oblongata. Moreover, in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats behavioral response was altered mainly by thioperamide (H(3) antagonist). These findings indicate that histamine and the central histaminergic system are altered in the brain of rats lesioned to model Parkinson's disease, and that histaminergic neurons exert a modulating role in Parkinsonian 6-OHDA-lesioned rats.

To determine whether noradrenergic nerves might have a modulatory role on the sensitivity or reactivity of histaminergic receptor systems in brain, behavioral effects of the respective histamine H1, H2 and H3 antagonists S(+)chlorpheniramine, cimetidine and thioperimide in control adult rats were compared to the effects in adult rats that had been lesioned as neonates with the noradrenergic neurotoxin DSP-4. On the 1st and 3rd days after birth rat pups were treated with either saline or DSP-4 (50 mg/kg sc), then returned to their home cages with the dam. At 8 weeks when rats were tested, S(+)chlorpheniramine (10 mg/kg ip) was found to increase locomotor activity in intact and DSP-4 lesioned rats, while cimetidine (5 mg/kg, ip) and thioperimide (5 mg/kg, ip) increased activity several-fold solely in the DSP-4 group. Exploratory activity, nociceptive activity, and irritability were little altered by the histamine antagonists, although oral activity was increased by thioperimide in intact and lesioned rats, and by cimetidine or S(+)chlorpheniramine in DSP-4 rats. High performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection was used to determine that DSP-4 produced a 90% reduction in frontal cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus, with a 90% elevation of NE in cerebellum--reflecting reactive sprouting of noradrenergic fibers consequent to lesion of noradrenergic tracts projecting to proximal brain regions. These findings indicate that perinatal noradrenergic fiber lesioning in rat brain is associated with an altered behavioral spectrum by histamine H1, H2 and H3 receptor antagonists, thereby implicating histaminergic systems as modulators of noradrenergic systems in brain.

Biogenic mono-, di- and poly-amines are widely distributed among living organisms. The amines fulfil many important functions in the human body both in the periphery and brain. Some authors suggest that foods rich in biogenic amines, especially histamine, present high health hazards for consumers. However, this is conditional on a range of other factors. The alimentary tract is well equipped with enzymes that inactivate amines and the blood–brain barrier prevents them entering the brain from the circulation. Oxidative deamination, methylation, acetylation and transglutamylation are the degradation pathways which operate efficiently in the stomach, intestines and liver. Particularly important is oxidative deamination. Food histamine poisoning or cheese reaction, manifested itself in patients treated with drugs that inhibit amine oxidases or in patients showing an enterocytic diamine oxidase deficit. It is rather food allergy, which should worry us more, as endogenous histamine release from mast cells is more dangerous. Preventive measures should be undertaken against increases in food allergies.

Melanocortin peptides induce neuroprotection in acute and chronic experimental neurodegenerative conditions. Melanocortins likewise counteract systemic responses to brain injuries. Furthermore, they promote neurogenesis by activating critical signaling pathways. Melanocortin-induced long-lasting improvement in synaptic activity and neurological performance, including learning and memory, sensory-motor orientation and coordinated limb use, has been consistently observed in experimental models of acute and chronic neurodegeneration. Evidence indicates that the neuroprotective and neurogenic effects of melanocortins, as well as the protection against systemic responses to a brain injury, are mediated by brain melanocortin 4 (MC

Under conditions of heat stress and hyperosmotic dehydration, both animals and humans reduce thermoregulatory evaporation and regulate deep body temperature at elevated levels. Regarding the mechanisms, the main role in producing these thermoregulatory changes during dehydration is attributed to the increased osmolality of body fluids, although the role of the decreased plasma volume without changes in plasma osmolality (hypovolemia/isosmotic dehydration) has not been so far investigated. There are also controversial experimental results regarding the effects of dehydration on heat stress-induced cutaneous vasodilation. Therefore, this paper studied the effects of hypovolemia/isosmotic dehydration on cardiorespiratory responses to hyperthermia and its physical treatment in 17 anaesthetized adult rabbits. The animals were divided into two groups: normovolemic group (NV; n = 10) and hypovolemic group (HV; n = 7). In the HV group, hypovolemia/isosmotic dehydration (decrease in plasma volume by 16.1 +/- 1.2%) was induced by furosemide (5 mg kg-1 i.v.) without change in measured plasma Na+ concentration. Hyperthermia (the rise in body temperature (BT) to 42 degrees C by a gradual body surface heating) caused significant increase in minute ventilation (VE) in both groups. However, VE values were significantly higher in the HV rabbits compared to the NV animals despite the lower breathing frequency (p < 0.05). The panting was absent in the HV rabbits at the BT of 42 degrees C, unlike the NV animals. From cardiovascular variables, the vasoconstrictor response in visceral (mesenteric) region during hyperthermia in hypovolemic/isosmotic animals was attenuated (p < 0.05), whereas the heat stress-induced cutaneous vasodilation was not influenced by hypovolemia. Recovery of the BT by body surface cooling was accompanied by further increase in VE in the NV group, whereas VE decreased (p < 0.05) in the HV animals. Cooling led to recovery of the cardiovascular parameters. There were found no significant cardiorespiratory differences between the groups (NV:HV) during cooling. The lower frequency of breathing and attenuation of the mesenteric vasoconstriction during exogenous hyperthermia are present not only during hyperosmotic dehydration induced by water deprivation, but they also occur under conditions of furosemide-induced isosmotic dehydration/hypovolemia in rabbits. The heat stress-induced cutaneous vasodilation regarding its biological importance was not influenced by hypovolemia/isosmotic dehydration. Therefore, it is suggested that hypovolemia alone is sufficient to produce described respiratory, thermoregulatory and cardiovascular changes in dehydrated rabbits during exogenous hyperthermia, whereas hyperosmolality is not a requisite.

BACKGROUND Activation of cell-mediated immunity by soluble interleukin-2 receptor alpha (sIL-2Ralpha) release is well documented. The aim of this study was to measure serum concentrations of sIL-2Ralpha in patients with autoimmune and non-autoimmune thyroid disorders in different stages of thyroid function, before and after administration of l-thyroxine (l-T4) and its discontinuation as well as before and during methimazole administration. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 80 females: 16 with Graves' disease, 15 with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and subclinical hypothyroidism, 14 with Hashimoto's thyroiditis with fibrosis and clinical hypothyroidism, 20 after subtotal thyroidectomy following nodular non-toxic goitre and 15 healthy controls. Patients were examined at two different time points. Serum concentrations of sIL-2Ralpha were measured with the use of enzyme immunoassay technique. RESULTS Souble IL-2Ralpha serum concentration increased in patients with untreated Graves' disease and decreased after methimazole treatment. In Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the sIL-2Ralpha level was within the normal range, in Hashimoto's thyroiditis with clinical hypothyreosis it was low and after l-T4 administration it increased in both patient groups. After thyroidectomy, patients treated with l-T4, had increased levels of sIL-2Ralpha which decreased after discontinuation of therapy. There were a significant positive correlation between sIL-2Ralpha and free thyroxine in patients with (i). Graves' disease both before and after methimazole administration, (ii). Hashimoto's thyroiditis (with subclinical hypothyroidism) both before and after l-T4 therapy, (iii). Hashimoto's thyroiditis with fibrosis and (iv). overt hypothyroidism before l-T4 administration and in individuals during long-term l-T4 treatment (after subtotal thyroidectomy). CONCLUSION Serum sIL-2Ralpha concentration in autoimmune thyroid diseases depends on thyroid function. In both autoimmune and non-autoimmune thyroid diseases, thyroxine stimulates the release of sIL-2Ralpha.

Activation of the histaminergic system is characteristic of response to the action of adverse or potentially dangerous stimuli that disturb circulatory homeostasis, such as dehydration and changes in blood pressure. Previous study demonstrates that inhibition of histamine N-methyltransferase, which catabolizes histamine released from neurons, leads to the increase in endogenous central histamine concentrations and to the reversal of critical hemorrhagic hypotension. In the present study, the influence of intraperitoneal loading with histamine precursor L-histidine on central cardiovascular regulation was studied in a model of irreversible pressure-controlled hemorrhagic shock. Experiments were carried out in male Wistar rats anesthetized with ketamine/xylazine subjected to critical hemorrhagic hypotension of 20 to 25 mmHg, which resulted in the death of all control saline-treated animals within 30 min. L-histidine administered in 5 min of critical hypotension produced dose-dependent increases in mean arterial pressure and heart rate (100-500 mg/kg), and a 100% survival rate of 2 h (500 mg/kg), whereas in normotensive animals, it did not influence cardiovascular parameters. The resuscitating effect of L-histidine (500 mg/kg) was associated with increases in histamine concentrations in the cerebral cortex (0.97 +/- 0.11 nmol/g of wet tissue vs. 0.67 +/- 0.22 nmol/g of wet tissue; P

Purpose Endovascular application of ionizing radiation is a promising but still not sufficiently studied means of restenosis prevention. To test the effects of radiation on restenosis, and especially their dependence on whether the angioplasty was followed by stent implantation or not, we performed an in-stent versus no-stent intravascular brachytherapy study in an animal model. Balloon-based, continuous and self-centering, liquid 32 P sources seemed the most convenient for the purpose. Method The radial dose distribution around angioplasty balloons filled with solutions of Na 2 H 32 PO 4 was calibrated by thermoluminescence dosimetry, both in the absence and presence of stents. The animal experiments were performed on rabbits with induced hypercholesterolemia. The balloons containing 32 P were introduced into iliac artery immediately after stent implantation or after angioplasty alone. Radiation effects were evaluated postmortem by comparing thickness of various components of the artery wall. Results In the presence of titanium stents (TTS), irradiation with 16 Gy dose at 1.0 mm from the balloon surface was no less effective in reducing hypertrophy in every active layer of the artery wall than without a stent. Conclusion In the animal model, IVBT basing on P 32 liquid sources was no less effective in the stented arteries than in the nonstented ones.

Objective and Design: Activation of the histaminergic system is associated with mobilisation of compensatory mechanisms in response to the action of stimuli which disturb homeostasis. Therefore, the effects of endogenous histamine in central cardiovascular regulation were studied in a rat model of irreversible haemorrhagic hypotension.¶Material: Cardiovascular parameters were measured in 66 and central histamine concentrations in 12 male Wistar rats anaesthetised with ketamine/xylazine.¶Treatment: Haemorrhage-shocked rats with mean arterial pressure (MAP) 20–25 mmHg were injected intracerebroventricularly (icv) with histamine N-methyltransferase inhibitor SKF 91488 after icv pre-treatment with H1, H2 and H3 histamine receptor antagonists – chlorpheniramine (100 nmol), ranitidine (200 nmol) and thioperamide (100 nmol), respectively, or saline.¶Methods: Arterial pressure and heart rate (HR) changes were monitored within 2 h after icv treatment, or to death if it occurred earlier. Histamine concentrations were measured using enzyme immunoassay. ANOVA followed by a test of Neuman-Keules, and Fisher's exact test were used to compare the results.¶Results: SKF 91488 produced dose-dependent, significantly higher compared to normovolaemic animals, increases in MAP and HR with the improvement in survival rates. The action of SKF 91488 (100 μg) was associated with an increase in endogenous histamine concentrations in the cerebral cortex (1.19 ± 0.09 vs. 0.77 ± 0.21 nmol/g; p < 0.05), hypothalamus (5.62 ± 0.68 vs. 4.18 ± 0.45 nmol/g; p < 0.01) and medulla oblongata (0.53 ± 0.17 vs. 0.29 ± 0.05 nmol/g; p < 0.05) in comparison to saline-treated animals. SKF 91488-induced effects were inhibited by chlorpheniramine, whereas neither ranitidine nor thioperamide influenced the action.¶Conclusion: Endogenous central histamine, after SKF 91488 treatment, via activation of H1 receptors produces reversal of hypotension, with improvement in the survival rate at 2 h after treatment, in rats subjected to critical haemorrhagic hypovolaemia.

Purpose: Liquid sources of radiation delivered in angioplasty balloons may be a convenient self-centering device used for prevention of in-stent restenosis. To test the effectiveness of this method an intravascular brachytherapy study was performed using 32P liquid sources in an animal model. Methods: The radial dose distribution around angioplasty balloons filled with solutions of Na 2H 32PO 4 was calibrated by thermoluminescence dosimetry. The animal experiments were performed in rabbits with induced hypercholesterolemia. The balloons containing 32P were introduced into iliac arteries immediately after stent implantation. Estimated 7–49 Gy doses required 30–100 min irradiations. Radiation effects were evaluated by comparing the thickness of various components of the artery wall. Results: Doses of 7, 12, 16 or 49 Gy on the internal artery surface required 30–100 min of irradiation. The dose of 49 Gy at "zero" distance corresponding to 16 Gy at 1.0 mm from the balloon surface reduced hypertrophy in every layer of the arterial wall: in the intima the cross-sectional areas were 0.13 versus 0.91 mm 2, in the media were 0.5 versus 0.46 mm 2 and in the adventitia were 0.04 versus 0.3 mm 2 (p

The histaminergic system consists of neurons located in tuberomammillary nucleus of the posterior hypothalamus. It affects many functions of the central nervous system, including regulation of the brainstem cardiovascular center. In this paper, we present current review of the literature concerning the role of the histaminergic system in the cardiovascular regulation in haemorrhagic hypotension. Experimental studies demonstrate that in both, normotension and critical hemorrhagic hypotension, histamine, acting as a central neurotransmitter, evokes the pressor effect. Interestingly, increases in mean arterial pressure are significantly higher in hypovolaemic than in normovolaemic animals. Many lines of evidence support the hypothesis that in haemorrhagic shock, the histaminergic system is able to activate neural and humoral compensatory mechanisms involving the sympathetic nervous and renin-angiotensin systems, arginine vasopressin and proopiomelanocortin-derived peptides. We suggest that the histaminergic system could be a new target for treatment of hemorrhagic hypotension.

The recent investigations point out the significant role of oxidative stress in the development of thyroid gland disease. The present study was designed to investigate the variation of oxidative stae in women with non-autoimmunological subclinical hyperthyroidism.The study was conducted on 20 females with non-autoimmunological subclinical hyperthyroidism and 15 healthy women. Manganase-containing superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) and extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) plasma activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) plasma concentration were measured.EC-SOD plasma activity was significantly higher in women with subclinical hyperthyroidism when compared with the control group (13.3 +/- 2.1 vs. 10.9 +/- 1.4 NU/ml; p0.05), unlike Mn-SOD (4.2 +/- 0.5 vs. 4.0 +/- 1.0 NU/ml). MDA plasma concentration increased significantly in women with subclinical hyperthyroidism (3.5 +/- 1.2 vs. 2.0 +/- 0.6 micromol/l; p0.05).The increased EC-SOD plasma activity may reflect disturbances of oxidative state in subclinical hyperthyroidism. Parallel increase of MDA plasma concentration may indicate enhancement of lipid peroxidationin in patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism.

UNLABELLED INTRODUCTION. Hyperthyroidism in the course of Graves-Basedow disease leads to intensification of oxidative processes and increased production of free oxygen radicals. It results in abnormal oxidative status of the organism. OBJECTIVES Aim of this work was to assess the dynamics of oxidative status changes in women with Graves-Basedow disease before and after treatment with thiamazole. PATIENTS AND METHODS Studies were carried out in 20 women with newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism in the course of Graves-Basedow disease and in 15 healthy women. Measurements of activity of antioxidant enzymes--superoxide dismutase (cytosolic copper/zinc isoform--Cu/ZnSOD, mitochondrial manganese isoform--MnSOD and extracellular copper/zinc isoform--EC-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), as well as of malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were performed twice, i.e. before the treatment and after 3-7 months of thiamazole therapy (euthyroidism). RESULTS Before the treatment, higher MnSOD plasma activity and lower EC-SOD activity were observed in women with hyperthyroidism in comparison with the control group, whereas the erythrocyte Cu/ZnSOD activity did not differ between the groups. Besides, women with hyperthyroidism had higher GPx activity in red blood cells. In this group studies have demonstrated higher plasma MDA levels, without any differences between the groups in MDA levels in red blood cells. After thiamazole therapy no differences could be demonstrated in MnSOD, EC-SOD, Cu/ZnSOD and GPx activities and MDA level between the groups. CONCLUSIONS Women with hyperthyroidism in the course of Graves-Basedow disease experience abnormal oxidative status of the organism, and induction of euthyroidism after therapy with thiamazole results in resolution of these abnormalities.

1 Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Silesia, Piekarska 18, 41-902 Bytom, Poland 2 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Medical University of Silesia, H. Jordana 19, 41-808 Zabrze, Poland, Fax: ++48 32 2722362, e-mail: jjochem@poczta.onet.pl 3 Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

The central neuronal systems associated with cardiovascular regulation in haemorrhagic shock can be functionally divided into two groups. The first one includes opioid peptides, which inhibit the activity of cardiovascular centre neurones and initiate the sympathoinhibitory phase of regulation in hypovolaemia. The second group consists of non-opioid systems demonstrating anti-shock properties, such as the melanocortinergic. cholecystokininergic, thyreoliberinergic, cholinergic and histaminergic systems. In the present paper, we review recent data concerning the role of the melanocortins in cardiovascular regulation in haemorrhagic shock. Melanocortin peptides, proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides which have His-Phe-Arg-Trp sequence, are secreted in large amounts in the sympathoinhibitory phase of cardiovascular regulation in shock. Exogenous melanocortins. such as melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSHs). adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and many ACTH fragments induce a long-lasting pressor effect with an increase in the survival rate in haemorrhage-shocked rats. The mechanisms of their action include centrally mediated activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the "cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway". which leads to an increase in the peripheral resistance and suppression of the transcription nuclear factor appaB-dependent systemic inflammatory response. respectively. Moreover, acting peripherally, the melanocortins stimulate secretion of glucocorticoids, normalise the blood levels of nitric oxide and inhibit free radical generation in haemorrhagic shock. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm the usefulness of the melanocortins in the treatment of haemorrhagic shock in humans.

In inflamed bowel there is sustained local secretion of histamine not only from activated mast cells but also from some infiltrating cells. Released histamine acting through different receptors may exert variety of effects. H1 receptors mediate inflammatory effects i.e. smooth muscle and endothelial cell contractions, increased vascular permeability, but also antibody production; H2 and H4 receptors are involved in modulation of cytokine production and various immunomodulatory effects including eosinophil and mast cell chemotaxis and calcium influx in these cells, neutrophil chemotaxis, which affect inflammatory responses. Thus many, if not all events that are triggered by histamine could in consequence contribute to the severity of disease. Accordingly, elicited by histamine shift of Thl/Th2 towards Th2 potentiates inflammatory changes and makes the tissue more prone to some infections and tumors, normally eliminated by Thl dependent mechanisms. Preferential H4 receptor location on immune cells and recently reported anti-inflammatory effect of its highly specific antagonist administered in vivo in mouse model of peritonitis, suggest that the question of whether H4 antagonists will be used as anti-inflammatory drugs in human clinic will soon get an answer.

Respiratory and thermoregulatory responses to hyperthermia during isosmotic dehydration/hypovolemia were studied in 17 anaesthetized adult rabbits divided into two groups: normovolemic group (NV; n=10) and hypovolemic group (HV; n=7). Hypovolemia/isosmotic dehydration (a decrease in plasma volume by 16.1+/-1.2%) was induced by furosemide (5 mg kg(-1) i.v.). During hyperthermia (the rise in body temperature to 42 degrees C by a gradual body surface heating), the HV rabbits had lower (P0.05) respiratory frequency and higher (P0.05) tidal volume than the NV animals. The panting was absent in the HV rabbits at the BT of 42 degrees C, unlike the NV animals. The lower respiratory frequency and the absence of panting during exogenous hyperthermia in dehydrated animals are present not only during hyperosmotic dehydration induced by water deprivation [Doris, P.A., Baker, M.A., 1981. Hypothalamic control of thermoregulation during dehydration. Brain Res. 206 (1), 219-222], but they also occur in the furosemide-induced isosmotic dehydration/hypovolemia.

Objective and design:Histamine is a potent stimulator of arginine vasopressin (AVP) release and therefore, the role of AVP was studied in the reversal of critical haemorrhagic hypotension induced by endogenous central histamine after inhibition of histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT) activity in rats. Material:In 48 ethylurethane-anaesthetised male Wistar rats cardiovascular parameters and plasma hormone concentrations were measured. Treatment:Haemorrhage-shocked rats with mean arterial pressure (MAP) 20–25 mmHg were injected intracerebroventricularly (icv) with HNMT inhibitor metoprine (20 μg) after pre-treatment with V1a, V1b and V2 receptor antagonists – [β-mercapto-β,βcyclopentamethylenepropionyl1, O-me-Tyr2,Arg8]AVP (10 μg/kg; iv), SSR149415 (10 mg/kg; ip) and [adamantaneacetyl1,O-Et-D-Tyr2,Val4, aminobutyryl6,Arg8,9]AVP (10 μg/kg; iv), respectively, or saline. Methods:MAP, heart rate (HR) and regional haemodynamics were monitored within 2 h after treatment or to death if it occurred earlier. Plasma hormone concentrations were measured using enzyme immunoassays. ANOVA followed by Neuman-Keules test, and Fisher’s exact test were used to compare the results. Results:Metoprine produced a long-lasting increase in MAP, HR, renal, hindquarters and mesenteric blood flows, and a 100% survival at 2 h (P < 0.05 vs. the control group). The action was associated with increased plasma AVP concentration (587.5 ± 98.9 vs. 387.3 ± 125.2 pg/ml; P < 0.05) in comparison to the control group as measured at 20 min after treatment. V1a, but not V1b and V2, receptor antagonist inhibited metoprine-induced haemodynamic effects, with no influence on survival at 2 h. SSR149415 did not influence ACTH and adrenaline plasma concentrations in the metoprine-treated group. Conclusion:AVP, acting via V1a receptors, is involved in endogenous central histamine-induced reversal of critical haemorrhagic hypotension in rats.

We investigated the effect of leptin on systemic nitric oxide (NO) production, arterial pressure, renal hemodynamics and renal excretory function in the rat. Leptin (1 mg/kg) was injected intravenously and mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), renal blood flow (RBF) and renal cortical blood flow (RCBF), were measured for 210 min after injection. Urine was collected for seven consecutive 30-min periods and blood samples were withdrawn at 15, 45, 75, 105, 135, 165 and 195 min after leptin administration. Leptin had no effect on MAP, HR, RBF, RCBF and creatinine clearance, but increased urine output by 37.8% (0–30 min), 32.4% (31–60 min) and 27.0% (61–90 min), as well as urinary sodium excretion by 175.8% (0–30 min), 136.4% (31–60 min) and 124.2% (61–90 min). In contrast, leptin had no effect on potassium and phosphate excretion. Plasma concentration of NO metabolites, nitrites+nitrates (NOx), increased following leptin injection at 15, 45, 75 and 105 min by 27.7%, 178.1%, 156.4% and 58.7%, respectively. Leptin increased urinary NOx excretion by 241.6% (0–30 min), 552.6% (31–60 min), 430.7% (61–90 min) and 88.9% (91–120 min). This was accompanied by increase in plasma and urinary cyclic GMP. These data indicate that leptin stimulates systemic NO production but has no effect on arterial pressure and renal hemodynamics.

The increase in central histamine concentrations after inhibition of histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT) activity is associated with the reversal of critical haemorrhagic hypotension, therefore the present study examines cardiac and regional haemodynamic effects of HNMT inhibitor metoprine in haemorrhage-shocked rats.Cardiovascular parameters were measured in 72 and central histamine concentrations in 12 male Wistar rats anaesthetised with ketamine/xylazine.Metoprine (5, 15 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to normotensive and critically-hypotensive rats with mean arterial pressure (MAP) 20-25 mmHg. Haemorrhage-shocked rats were pre-treated intracerebroventricularly with histamine H(3) receptor agonist R(-)-alpha-methylhistamine (10 microg) or saline.MAP, heart rate (HR) and cardiac and regional haemodynamics were monitored within 2 h after treatment, or to death if it occurred earlier. Histamine concentrations were measured using enzyme immunoassay. ANOVA followed by Neuman-Keules test, and Fisher's exact test were used to compare the results.Bleeding resulted in an extreme decrease in cardiac index (CI), an increase in total peripheral resistance index (TPRI) and the death of control animals within 30 min. Metoprine induced increases in MAP and HR which were significantly higher in hypotensive than in normotensive animals. The resuscitating effect of metoprine (15 mg/kg) was associated with a rise in CI, a decrease in TPRI, and a 100% survival at 2 h. TPRI changes resulted from decreased renal, hindquarters and mesenteric vascular resistance. R(-)-alpha-methylhistamine inhibited metoprine-induced increases in endogenous histamine concentrations in the cerebral cortex (0.89 +/- 0.12 vs. 1.25 +/- 0.29 nmol/g of wet tissue; P0.05), hypothalamus (4.37 +/- 0.42 vs. 5.74 +/- 0.47 nmol/g of wet tissue; P0.01) and medulla oblongata (0.39 +/- 0.07 vs. 0.65 +/- 0.28 nmol/g of wet tissue; P0.05), diminished haemodynamic effects and decreased the survival rate at 2 h to 33% (P0.05 vs. the saline-pre-treated group).The results support the hypothesis that histaminergic system activation leads to mobilisation of compensatory mechanisms in haemorrhagic hypotension.

Background Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a member of growth factor with a variety of known activities, including angiogenesis promotion and antiapoptotic action. It prevents acute graft-versus-host disease after bone marrow transplantation and prolongs allogenic graft survival in rats. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between serum HGF concentration and the grade of acute cellular rejection of heart transplant. Methods We studied 68 male heart recipients. All of them received triple-drug immunosuppression: cyclosporine A, prednisone, and azathioprine or mycofenolate mofetil. All patients were without signs of heart failure. Blood samples were taken before elective ambulatory endomyocardial biopsy. Biopsy specimens were graded with the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation scale. Acute cellular rejection grade 3A and higher were considered as significant. Measurement of serum HGF was made by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results We found a positive relationship between serum HGF levels and grade of cellular rejection. As an indicator for the detection of cell rejection processes, HGF with cutoff 2000 pg/ml seems to be useful. Conclusions The results of this study demonstrate that HGF can be useful as an indicator for heart graft cell rejection.

An increase in endogenous central histamine concentration after inhibition of histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT) activity reverses critical hypotension and improves the survival of rats in haemorrhagic shock. The purpose of the study was to examine the involvement of the sympathetic nervous system in this endogenous central histamine-induced resuscitation. Experiments were carried out in ethylurethane-anaesthetised male Wistar rats subjected to haemorrhagic hypotension (mean arterial pressure MAP 20-25 mmHg), which led to the death of all control animals within 30 min. The HNMT inhibitor metoprine (20 micro g; i.c.v.) administered 5 min after establishing the critical hypotension increased the endogenous histamine concentration, measured 20 min after treatment, in the hypothalamus (534.33+/-67.52 vs. 423.98+/-54.17 ng/g wet tissue; P0.05) and medulla oblongata (53.12+/-9.78 vs. 39.58+/-11.16 ng/g wet tissue; P0.05). These responses were accompanied by plasma levels of noradrenaline and adrenaline 2.7 and 1.7 times higher respectively than in the control group ( P0.01). Metoprine evoked dose-dependent (5, 10, 20 micro g; i.c.v.) rises in MAP and heart rate (HR) that were significantly higher than those in normotensive animals, and resulted in a 100% survival rate at 2 h after treatment (20 micro g; i.c.v.). The resuscitative effect was associated with rises in renal, hindquarters and mesenteric blood flows. The nicotinic cholinoceptor antagonist hexamethonium (3 mg/kg; i.v.) attenuated the MAP and HR changes, whereas the muscarinic cholinoceptor blocker methylatropine (2 mg/kg; i.v.) attenuated only the pressor effect. Metoprine-induced MAP and regional haemodynamic effects were also reduced by alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonists prazosin (0.5 mg/kg; i.v.) and yohimbine (1 mg/kg; i.v.), while the beta-adrenoceptor blocker propranolol (1 mg/kg; i.v.) diminished only HR changes. Ganglionic transmission inhibitors and adrenoceptor antagonists did not influence the survival rate at 2 h in the metoprine-treated groups. Bilateral adrenal demedullation diminished the pressor effect of metoprine, however, without influence on HR and survival at 2 h after treatment. In conclusion, the study demonstrates the activation of the sympathetic nervous system elicited by endogenous central histamine in haemorrhage-shocked rats and confirms its involvement in histamine-induced resuscitation.

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between local ischaemic preconditioning and the effectiveness of fractionated radiotherapy. The rat serum, bone marrow, and small intestine were examined for oxidative changes induced by total body irradiation with gamma rays with applied local ischaemic preconditioning immediately before irradiation. Serum concentrations of TBA-RS examined 12 hours after the last irradiation did not reveal any differences among the groups of animals analyzed. Twenty-four hours after the last dose of irradiation, the serum concentrations of TBA-RS varied in particular groups (P