Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in postmenopausal women decreases cardiac mortality and improv... more Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in postmenopausal women decreases cardiac mortality and improves endothelial function. The endothelium regulates vascular tone and growth by releasing such factors as nitric oxide and endothelin-1. To determine whether ERT alters the balance between the total oxidized products of nitric oxide and endothelin-1. Single-arm, before-after clinical trial. Outpatient clinical research center of an academic medical center. 15 postmenopausal women. Treatment with 17 beta-estradiol for 6 months and a 10-day course of methoxyprogesterone every 3 months. Plasma nitric oxide and endothelin-1 levels were measured at baseline and after 6 months of ERT. The mean baseline nitric oxide level was 27.5 nmol/mL (range, 20.3 to 34.8 nmol/mL) and increased by a mean of 7.2 nmol/mL (range, 0.2 to 14.1 nmol/mL) (P = 0.04). The mean baseline plasma endothelin-1 level was 16.4 pg/mL (range, 12.0 to 20.8 pg/mL) and decreased by a mean of 3.9 pg/mL (range, 0.4 to 7.8 pg/mL) (P = 0.04). The mean baseline ratio of nitric oxide to endothelin-1 was 2.0 (range, 1.3 to 2.8) and increased by 1.2 (range, 0.1 to 2.2) (P = 0.03). ERT results in an increased ratio of nitric oxide to endothelin-1. This may be one mechanism by which ERT provides cardiovascular benefit.
The possible relationship between body weight, food preferences, and plasma neurotransmitters was... more The possible relationship between body weight, food preferences, and plasma neurotransmitters was investigated in 96 healthy volunteers. The volunteers were divided into groups according to sex, body mass index, and food preferences. In all groups fasting platelet-poor plasma (PPP) norepinephrine and serotonin (5-HT) were examined. PPP-5-HT was low in obese individuals (mean +/- SD: 51.7 +/- 34.6 nmol/L) in comparison with lean individuals (94.31 +/- 85.2 nmol/L; P < 0.01), in lean male carbohydrate cravers (22.7 +/- 16.4 nmol/L) in comparison with protein cravers (132.9 +/- 80.6 nmol/L; P < 0.005) and noncravers (64.7 +/- 51.7 nmol/L; P < 0.05), and in obese male carbohydrate cravers (34 +/- 22.7 nmol/L) in comparison with obese male protein cravers (98.8 +/- 28.4 nmol/L; P < 0.001). In conclusion, PPP-5-HT might be seen as a peripheral indicator of processes linked with food consumption and food preferences.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 1992
The influence of the different phases of the menstrual cycle on platelet-poor plasma norepinephri... more The influence of the different phases of the menstrual cycle on platelet-poor plasma norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5HT) was examined in 17 normal volunteers. The examinations were performed consecutively during 3 phases of the ovulatory cycle: 1) follicular phase, 2) ovulation, and 3) luteal phase. This investigation was initiated after a preliminary study in 51 volunteers showed wide and consistent variations of plasma NE and 5HT during the different phases of the cycle. Since in this first group the determinations had not been performed consecutively in the same subjects, and the changes observed in the different phases of the cycle could reflect interpersonal variations, the determinations were performed consecutively in a second group, concomitantly with serum estradiol (E2) and LH measurements. The results showed a decrease in plasma 5HT from the follicular phase [144.3 +/- 69.3 nmol/L (+/- SD)] to ovulation (55.7 +/- 41.4; P less than 0.001) and a subsequent increase in the luteal phase (141.3 +/- 96.4; P less than 0.01). The nadir in plasma 5HT showed an inverse correlation with serum LH (r = -0.07). Plasma NE increased from the follicular phase (1226.5 +/- 475.1 pmol/L) to ovulation (1694.0 +/- 564.4; P = 0.027) and reached a maximum in the luteal phase (2335.0 +/- 728.2; P = 0.0034). This rise correlated positively with serum E2. In conclusion, plasma 5HT and NE vary with the different phases of the menstrual cycle. Plasma NE rises during ovulation and seems to to correlate positively with serum E2 levels. Plasma 5HT reaches a nadir during ovulation and correlates inversely with serum LH.
Multiple factors are involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension in the obese individual To eval... more Multiple factors are involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension in the obese individual To evaluate the role of a decrease in sympathetically mediated thermogenesis and the effect of the correlation between the plasma leptin and daily urinary nitric oxide levels on obesity-related hypertension. We evaluated three groups: 25 obese hypertensive patients (age 45.7 +/- 1.37 years, body mass index 34.2 +/- 1.35 kg/m2, systolic/diastolic blood pressure 155 +/- 2.9/105 +/- 1.3, mean arterial pressure 122 +/- 1.50 mmHg); 21 obese normotensive patients (age 39.6 +/- 1.72, BMI 31.3 +/- 0.76, SBP/DBP 124 +/- 2.1/85.4 +/- 1.8, MAP 98.2 +/- 1.80); and 17 lean normotensive subjects (age 38.1 +/- 2.16, BMI 22.1 +/- 0.28, SBP/DBP 117 +/- 1.7/76.8 +/- 1.5, MAP 90.1 +/- 1.50). We determined basal resting metabolic rates, plasma insulin (radio-immunoassay), norepinephrine (high performance liquid chromatography) in all subjects. Thereafter, 14 obese hypertensives underwent a weight reduction diet. A...
A method of treatment of recurrent acute otitis media with polythene middle ear ventilation tubes... more A method of treatment of recurrent acute otitis media with polythene middle ear ventilation tubes in young children is presented. 56 ears in which infection had persisted for one to six months despite antibiotic therapy and multiple myringotomies were included in the study. The tubes were inserted under topical anaesthesia and cure within one week was obtained in 73 per cent of ears. In another 9 per cent the otorrhoea stopped within 3 weeks, but in 18 per cent reinsertion of the tube became necessary and in this latter group 11 per cent resolved in two weeks following adenoidectomy as well. In 7 per cent the problem remained unresolved. Therefore with this regimen a total of 93 per cent of recurrent infections settled. It is emphasized that the ventilation tube should remain 'in situ' for over 3 months.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2015
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is known to be associated with fetal complications. I... more Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is known to be associated with fetal complications. It recently was suggested to be associated possibly with preeclampsia (PET) as well. The objective of this study was to investigate that possibility. The study group included 78 women (54 singleton and 24 twin pregnancies) who had been diagnosed with ICP based on clinical presentation, elevated liver enzymes, and elevated total bile acids (>10 μmol/L). Disease severity was based on total bile acids levels as being severe (>40 μmol/L), moderate (20-40 μmol/L), or mild (10-20 μmol/L). The course of disease was reviewed carefully in each case. The control groups were comprised of apparently healthy women with singleton (n = 200) and twin (n = 100) pregnancies that were drawn randomly from a computerized registry of all the deliveries in our institution during the study period. The total incidence of PET was significantly higher for the patients with ICP who had singleton and twin pregnancies compared with the control groups (singletons: 7.4% vs 1.5%; P < .05; twins: 33.3% vs 6.2%; P < .05, respectively). The incidence of severe PET was also significantly higher in both singleton (11-fold) and twin (8-fold) pregnancies compared with control subjects. Severe ICP, but not mild ICP, was a major risk factor for PET among women with either singleton or twin pregnancies. The timing of the initial presentation of ICP had no effect on PET incidence rates. Preeclampsia occurred usually 2-4 weeks after the diagnosis of ICP, and proteinuria preceded elevated blood pressure in all cases. Moreover, the total bile acid levels among 33 women who were diagnosed as having PET, but not ICP, were within normal range. ICP increases the incidence of PET; severe disease was a major risk factor for preeclampsia. Therefore, we strongly suggest including routine evaluation for preeclampsia in the treatment of women with moderate and severe ICP.
Impulsiveness and aggressiveness may be the most common behavioral correlates of central serotone... more Impulsiveness and aggressiveness may be the most common behavioral correlates of central serotonergic dysfunction. The aim of this study was to determine whether clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic agent with a potent serotonergic antagonistic activity, affects impulsiveness and aggression. Its effects on serum lipids, platelet-poor plasma serotonin (5-HT), and norepinephrine (NE) levels were also studied. Thirty neuroleptic-resistant chronic schizophrenic patients, maintained on clozapine for 1 year, were evaluated for aggressiveness, impulsiveness, and suicidality in comparison with 30 chronic schizophrenic patients maintained on classical antipsychotic agents for the same period of time. Clozapine treatment was associated with less impulsiveness (p < 0.05), aggressiveness (p < 0.01) and fewer suicidal attempts (p < 0.05). Serum triglycerides and plasma NE levels were significantly higher (p < 0.01 and p < 0.0001, respectively) in the patients treated with clozapin...
Aspergillus japonicus is an efficient degrader of phenolics and carbohydrates present in a mixtur... more Aspergillus japonicus is an efficient degrader of phenolics and carbohydrates present in a mixture of soluble lignocarbohydrate complexes extracted from wheat straw. Trichoderma sp. attacked part of the carbohydrate but hardly affected the aromatic portion of this solution. Polyporus versicolor had a complex effect; polymerization of low-molecular-size phenolics accompanied the degradation of aromatic and carbohydrate polymers. The addition of xylose to the medium facilitated depolymerization of lignin by the fungi tested and prevented the polymerization of low-molecular-size fractions of lignocarbohydrate complexes by P. versicolor. P. versicolor, in contrast to A. japonicus and Trichoderma sp., also excreted into the medium considerable amounts of laccase, but only in the absence of endogenous or exogenous carbohydrates. Apparently, laccase is involved in polymerization rather than degradation of lignin in this organism. A number of extracellular glycanases were also secreted by t...
The Israel Medical Association journal : IMAJ, 2002
Multiple factors are involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension in the obese individual To eval... more Multiple factors are involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension in the obese individual To evaluate the role of a decrease in sympathetically mediated thermogenesis and the effect of the correlation between the plasma leptin and daily urinary nitric oxide levels on obesity-related hypertension. We evaluated three groups: 25 obese hypertensive patients (age 45.7 +/- 1.37 years, body mass index 34.2 +/- 1.35 kg/m2, systolic/diastolic blood pressure 155 +/- 2.9/105 +/- 1.3, mean arterial pressure 122 +/- 1.50 mmHg); 21 obese normotensive patients (age 39.6 +/- 1.72, BMI 31.3 +/- 0.76, SBP/DBP 124 +/- 2.1/85.4 +/- 1.8, MAP 98.2 +/- 1.80); and 17 lean normotensive subjects (age 38.1 +/- 2.16, BMI 22.1 +/- 0.28, SBP/DBP 117 +/- 1.7/76.8 +/- 1.5, MAP 90.1 +/- 1.50). We determined basal resting metabolic rates, plasma insulin (radio-immunoassay), norepinephrine (high performance liquid chromatography) in all subjects. Thereafter, 14 obese hypertensives underwent a weight reduction diet. A...
To investigate the potential toxicity to the retina of gentamicin injected near surgically thinne... more To investigate the potential toxicity to the retina of gentamicin injected near surgically thinned scleral areas in a rabbit model. Experimental study. Scleral scraping to half thickness was performed in the superotemporal scleral area in both eyes of adult rabbits (n = 10). Gentamicin sulfate was injected subconjunctivally to the right eye and saline to the left eye, which always served as a control eye. Four weeks after the procedure, electroretinography (ERG) was performed to assess retinal function. Then, the eyes were enucleated and prepared for histologic evaluation of structural damage. In four eyes of two additional rabbits, vitreous gentamicin concentrations were measured using a fluorescence polarization assay. Dark- and light-adapted ERG responses and histopathologic damage. Dark- and light-adapted ERG responses in all rabbits were similar in the experimental and control eyes. Gentamicin levels were more than 10 microg/ml after subconjunctival injection of gentamicin with scraping and 0.29 microg/ml after subconjunctival injection of gentamicin with no scraping. Histopathologic examination revealed significant local damage to the photoreceptors adjacent to the area of scraping and subconjunctival injection. A significantly lesser degree of damage was seen if gentamicin was injected in pigmented rabbits or in albino rabbits, but only 4 weeks after scleral scraping. Increased penetration of gentamicin through thinned sclera may lead to toxic levels of the drug in a localized area adjacent to the site of injection. These toxic effects are also influenced by the degree of pigmentation and acute inflammation.
Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in postmenopausal women decreases cardiac mortality and improv... more Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in postmenopausal women decreases cardiac mortality and improves endothelial function. The endothelium regulates vascular tone and growth by releasing such factors as nitric oxide and endothelin-1. To determine whether ERT alters the balance between the total oxidized products of nitric oxide and endothelin-1. Single-arm, before-after clinical trial. Outpatient clinical research center of an academic medical center. 15 postmenopausal women. Treatment with 17 beta-estradiol for 6 months and a 10-day course of methoxyprogesterone every 3 months. Plasma nitric oxide and endothelin-1 levels were measured at baseline and after 6 months of ERT. The mean baseline nitric oxide level was 27.5 nmol/mL (range, 20.3 to 34.8 nmol/mL) and increased by a mean of 7.2 nmol/mL (range, 0.2 to 14.1 nmol/mL) (P = 0.04). The mean baseline plasma endothelin-1 level was 16.4 pg/mL (range, 12.0 to 20.8 pg/mL) and decreased by a mean of 3.9 pg/mL (range, 0.4 to 7.8 pg/mL) (P = 0.04). The mean baseline ratio of nitric oxide to endothelin-1 was 2.0 (range, 1.3 to 2.8) and increased by 1.2 (range, 0.1 to 2.2) (P = 0.03). ERT results in an increased ratio of nitric oxide to endothelin-1. This may be one mechanism by which ERT provides cardiovascular benefit.
The possible relationship between body weight, food preferences, and plasma neurotransmitters was... more The possible relationship between body weight, food preferences, and plasma neurotransmitters was investigated in 96 healthy volunteers. The volunteers were divided into groups according to sex, body mass index, and food preferences. In all groups fasting platelet-poor plasma (PPP) norepinephrine and serotonin (5-HT) were examined. PPP-5-HT was low in obese individuals (mean +/- SD: 51.7 +/- 34.6 nmol/L) in comparison with lean individuals (94.31 +/- 85.2 nmol/L; P &lt; 0.01), in lean male carbohydrate cravers (22.7 +/- 16.4 nmol/L) in comparison with protein cravers (132.9 +/- 80.6 nmol/L; P &lt; 0.005) and noncravers (64.7 +/- 51.7 nmol/L; P &lt; 0.05), and in obese male carbohydrate cravers (34 +/- 22.7 nmol/L) in comparison with obese male protein cravers (98.8 +/- 28.4 nmol/L; P &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, PPP-5-HT might be seen as a peripheral indicator of processes linked with food consumption and food preferences.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 1992
The influence of the different phases of the menstrual cycle on platelet-poor plasma norepinephri... more The influence of the different phases of the menstrual cycle on platelet-poor plasma norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5HT) was examined in 17 normal volunteers. The examinations were performed consecutively during 3 phases of the ovulatory cycle: 1) follicular phase, 2) ovulation, and 3) luteal phase. This investigation was initiated after a preliminary study in 51 volunteers showed wide and consistent variations of plasma NE and 5HT during the different phases of the cycle. Since in this first group the determinations had not been performed consecutively in the same subjects, and the changes observed in the different phases of the cycle could reflect interpersonal variations, the determinations were performed consecutively in a second group, concomitantly with serum estradiol (E2) and LH measurements. The results showed a decrease in plasma 5HT from the follicular phase [144.3 +/- 69.3 nmol/L (+/- SD)] to ovulation (55.7 +/- 41.4; P less than 0.001) and a subsequent increase in the luteal phase (141.3 +/- 96.4; P less than 0.01). The nadir in plasma 5HT showed an inverse correlation with serum LH (r = -0.07). Plasma NE increased from the follicular phase (1226.5 +/- 475.1 pmol/L) to ovulation (1694.0 +/- 564.4; P = 0.027) and reached a maximum in the luteal phase (2335.0 +/- 728.2; P = 0.0034). This rise correlated positively with serum E2. In conclusion, plasma 5HT and NE vary with the different phases of the menstrual cycle. Plasma NE rises during ovulation and seems to to correlate positively with serum E2 levels. Plasma 5HT reaches a nadir during ovulation and correlates inversely with serum LH.
Multiple factors are involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension in the obese individual To eval... more Multiple factors are involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension in the obese individual To evaluate the role of a decrease in sympathetically mediated thermogenesis and the effect of the correlation between the plasma leptin and daily urinary nitric oxide levels on obesity-related hypertension. We evaluated three groups: 25 obese hypertensive patients (age 45.7 +/- 1.37 years, body mass index 34.2 +/- 1.35 kg/m2, systolic/diastolic blood pressure 155 +/- 2.9/105 +/- 1.3, mean arterial pressure 122 +/- 1.50 mmHg); 21 obese normotensive patients (age 39.6 +/- 1.72, BMI 31.3 +/- 0.76, SBP/DBP 124 +/- 2.1/85.4 +/- 1.8, MAP 98.2 +/- 1.80); and 17 lean normotensive subjects (age 38.1 +/- 2.16, BMI 22.1 +/- 0.28, SBP/DBP 117 +/- 1.7/76.8 +/- 1.5, MAP 90.1 +/- 1.50). We determined basal resting metabolic rates, plasma insulin (radio-immunoassay), norepinephrine (high performance liquid chromatography) in all subjects. Thereafter, 14 obese hypertensives underwent a weight reduction diet. A...
A method of treatment of recurrent acute otitis media with polythene middle ear ventilation tubes... more A method of treatment of recurrent acute otitis media with polythene middle ear ventilation tubes in young children is presented. 56 ears in which infection had persisted for one to six months despite antibiotic therapy and multiple myringotomies were included in the study. The tubes were inserted under topical anaesthesia and cure within one week was obtained in 73 per cent of ears. In another 9 per cent the otorrhoea stopped within 3 weeks, but in 18 per cent reinsertion of the tube became necessary and in this latter group 11 per cent resolved in two weeks following adenoidectomy as well. In 7 per cent the problem remained unresolved. Therefore with this regimen a total of 93 per cent of recurrent infections settled. It is emphasized that the ventilation tube should remain &#39;in situ&#39; for over 3 months.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2015
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is known to be associated with fetal complications. I... more Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is known to be associated with fetal complications. It recently was suggested to be associated possibly with preeclampsia (PET) as well. The objective of this study was to investigate that possibility. The study group included 78 women (54 singleton and 24 twin pregnancies) who had been diagnosed with ICP based on clinical presentation, elevated liver enzymes, and elevated total bile acids (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;10 μmol/L). Disease severity was based on total bile acids levels as being severe (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;40 μmol/L), moderate (20-40 μmol/L), or mild (10-20 μmol/L). The course of disease was reviewed carefully in each case. The control groups were comprised of apparently healthy women with singleton (n = 200) and twin (n = 100) pregnancies that were drawn randomly from a computerized registry of all the deliveries in our institution during the study period. The total incidence of PET was significantly higher for the patients with ICP who had singleton and twin pregnancies compared with the control groups (singletons: 7.4% vs 1.5%; P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .05; twins: 33.3% vs 6.2%; P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .05, respectively). The incidence of severe PET was also significantly higher in both singleton (11-fold) and twin (8-fold) pregnancies compared with control subjects. Severe ICP, but not mild ICP, was a major risk factor for PET among women with either singleton or twin pregnancies. The timing of the initial presentation of ICP had no effect on PET incidence rates. Preeclampsia occurred usually 2-4 weeks after the diagnosis of ICP, and proteinuria preceded elevated blood pressure in all cases. Moreover, the total bile acid levels among 33 women who were diagnosed as having PET, but not ICP, were within normal range. ICP increases the incidence of PET; severe disease was a major risk factor for preeclampsia. Therefore, we strongly suggest including routine evaluation for preeclampsia in the treatment of women with moderate and severe ICP.
Impulsiveness and aggressiveness may be the most common behavioral correlates of central serotone... more Impulsiveness and aggressiveness may be the most common behavioral correlates of central serotonergic dysfunction. The aim of this study was to determine whether clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic agent with a potent serotonergic antagonistic activity, affects impulsiveness and aggression. Its effects on serum lipids, platelet-poor plasma serotonin (5-HT), and norepinephrine (NE) levels were also studied. Thirty neuroleptic-resistant chronic schizophrenic patients, maintained on clozapine for 1 year, were evaluated for aggressiveness, impulsiveness, and suicidality in comparison with 30 chronic schizophrenic patients maintained on classical antipsychotic agents for the same period of time. Clozapine treatment was associated with less impulsiveness (p < 0.05), aggressiveness (p < 0.01) and fewer suicidal attempts (p < 0.05). Serum triglycerides and plasma NE levels were significantly higher (p < 0.01 and p < 0.0001, respectively) in the patients treated with clozapin...
Aspergillus japonicus is an efficient degrader of phenolics and carbohydrates present in a mixtur... more Aspergillus japonicus is an efficient degrader of phenolics and carbohydrates present in a mixture of soluble lignocarbohydrate complexes extracted from wheat straw. Trichoderma sp. attacked part of the carbohydrate but hardly affected the aromatic portion of this solution. Polyporus versicolor had a complex effect; polymerization of low-molecular-size phenolics accompanied the degradation of aromatic and carbohydrate polymers. The addition of xylose to the medium facilitated depolymerization of lignin by the fungi tested and prevented the polymerization of low-molecular-size fractions of lignocarbohydrate complexes by P. versicolor. P. versicolor, in contrast to A. japonicus and Trichoderma sp., also excreted into the medium considerable amounts of laccase, but only in the absence of endogenous or exogenous carbohydrates. Apparently, laccase is involved in polymerization rather than degradation of lignin in this organism. A number of extracellular glycanases were also secreted by t...
The Israel Medical Association journal : IMAJ, 2002
Multiple factors are involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension in the obese individual To eval... more Multiple factors are involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension in the obese individual To evaluate the role of a decrease in sympathetically mediated thermogenesis and the effect of the correlation between the plasma leptin and daily urinary nitric oxide levels on obesity-related hypertension. We evaluated three groups: 25 obese hypertensive patients (age 45.7 +/- 1.37 years, body mass index 34.2 +/- 1.35 kg/m2, systolic/diastolic blood pressure 155 +/- 2.9/105 +/- 1.3, mean arterial pressure 122 +/- 1.50 mmHg); 21 obese normotensive patients (age 39.6 +/- 1.72, BMI 31.3 +/- 0.76, SBP/DBP 124 +/- 2.1/85.4 +/- 1.8, MAP 98.2 +/- 1.80); and 17 lean normotensive subjects (age 38.1 +/- 2.16, BMI 22.1 +/- 0.28, SBP/DBP 117 +/- 1.7/76.8 +/- 1.5, MAP 90.1 +/- 1.50). We determined basal resting metabolic rates, plasma insulin (radio-immunoassay), norepinephrine (high performance liquid chromatography) in all subjects. Thereafter, 14 obese hypertensives underwent a weight reduction diet. A...
To investigate the potential toxicity to the retina of gentamicin injected near surgically thinne... more To investigate the potential toxicity to the retina of gentamicin injected near surgically thinned scleral areas in a rabbit model. Experimental study. Scleral scraping to half thickness was performed in the superotemporal scleral area in both eyes of adult rabbits (n = 10). Gentamicin sulfate was injected subconjunctivally to the right eye and saline to the left eye, which always served as a control eye. Four weeks after the procedure, electroretinography (ERG) was performed to assess retinal function. Then, the eyes were enucleated and prepared for histologic evaluation of structural damage. In four eyes of two additional rabbits, vitreous gentamicin concentrations were measured using a fluorescence polarization assay. Dark- and light-adapted ERG responses and histopathologic damage. Dark- and light-adapted ERG responses in all rabbits were similar in the experimental and control eyes. Gentamicin levels were more than 10 microg/ml after subconjunctival injection of gentamicin with scraping and 0.29 microg/ml after subconjunctival injection of gentamicin with no scraping. Histopathologic examination revealed significant local damage to the photoreceptors adjacent to the area of scraping and subconjunctival injection. A significantly lesser degree of damage was seen if gentamicin was injected in pigmented rabbits or in albino rabbits, but only 4 weeks after scleral scraping. Increased penetration of gentamicin through thinned sclera may lead to toxic levels of the drug in a localized area adjacent to the site of injection. These toxic effects are also influenced by the degree of pigmentation and acute inflammation.
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