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Aim: In the present study, we describe the effects of deep tissue massage on systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure., Materials and Methods: The study involved 263 volunteers (12% males and 88% females), with an average age of 48.5. Overall muscle spasm/muscle strain was described as either moderate or severe for each patient. Baseline blood pressure and heart rate were measured via an automatic blood pressure cuff. Twenty-one (21) different soothing CDs played in the background as the deep tissue massage was performed over the course of the study. The massages were between 45 and 60 minutes in duration. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance with post-hoc Scheffe's F-test., Results: Results of the present study demonstrated an average systolic pressure reduction of 10.4 mm Hg (p<0.06), a diastolic pressure reduction of 5.3 mm Hg (p<0.04), a mean arterial pressure reduction of 7.0 mm Hg (p<0.47), and an average heart rate reduction of 10.8 beats per minute (p<0.0003), respectively., Conclusions: Additional scientific research in this area is warranted.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that ma huang induces a pressor response in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat and identify the alpha (1)-adrenoceptor subtype pathway(s) involved in the mediation or modulation of these effects., Design: Prospective vehicle controlled study., Setting: University research laboratory., Subjects: Intact chest preparation; adult mongrel cats., Interventions: In separate experiments, the effects of phentolamine, the alpha-adrenergic antagonist; prazosin, a selective alpha (1)-adrenoceptor antagonist; BMY 7378, a selective alpha (1) D-subtype adrenoceptor antagonist; 5-methyl-urapidil, the selective alpha (1)A-subtype adrenoceptor antagonist; and chloroethylclonidine, an alpha (1)B-subtype and (1) D-subtype adrenoceptor antagonist, were investigated on pulmonary arterial responses to ma huang and other agonist agents in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat., Measurements and Main Results: Under constant flow conditions, lobar arterial perfusion pressure and systemic pressure were continuously monitored, electronically averaged, and permanently recorded. In the feline vascular bed of the isolated left lower lobe, ma huang induced a dose-dependent vasopressor response that was not significantly attenuated following administration of 5-methyl-urapidil. However, the responses to Ma huang were significantly reduced after administration of phentolamine, prazosin, BMY 7378, and chloroethylclonidine., Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that ma huang has potent vasopressor activity in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat and that this response may be mediated or modulated by both alpha (1)B-subtype and (1)D-subtype adrenoceptor sensitive pathways.

Background: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is an uncommon, but not rare manifestation of dorsal medullary lesions which has less commonly been described as arising de novo or significantly worsening following surgical resection of the lesion. Methods: We present a case and review the English literature regarding dorsal medullary lesions and post-operative OH, focusing on the population of patients who develop new or significantly worsened OH after surgery with the hope that this information can be used to counsel patients. Results: A 34-year old hypertensive woman was diagnosed with Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome during evaluation for headache. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and cervical spine revealed three posterior fossa hemangioblastomas and a resultant cervical syrinx. She was taken to surgery for resection of two of the posterior fossa hemangioblastomas, one of which was adherent to the obex. Post-operatively, the patient had significant OH requiring treatment. At the three month post-operative assessment, she was off all blood pressure medications. Conclusions: OH is an uncommon manifestation of dorsal medullary lesions and can rarely show significant worsening in severity following surgical resection of the lesion. Medical management in conjunction with physical rehabilitation may potentially result in recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Availability of opiate substances through physicians and on the street has led to a rise in dependence and in addiction resulting in countless numbers of people hooked on these drugs. Long-term use of these agents results in reduction of endogenous supply of opiate replaced by these exogenous compounds. A technique known as Ultrarapid Detoxification (UROD) has been developed and appears more promising than conventional modalities. UROD has been modified over 3 decades resulting in a safe and an effective general anesthetic that results in hemodynamically stable withdrawal without manifestation of central nervous system hyperarousal. A cornerstone of this technique involves clonidine, which stimulates reuptake of catecholamines and allows for large doses of opioid antagonist to be delivered without significant changes in heart rate or blood pressure, displacing the opiate. Though techniques vary from center to center, safety should be paramount with the technique performed in an intensive care unit with trained professional anesthesiologists. Psychosocial issues should be evaluated by a trained addictionalist and most people will succeed from the UROD procedure without experiencing the horrible withdrawal syndrome. Patients must have realistic goals and be prepared to deal with psychosocial issues post-procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]