Cardiovascular research
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Cardiovascular research · Nov 1998
Potential paracrine role of the pericardium in the regulation of cardiac function.
Both coronary and endocardial endothelium regulate cardiac contractile function via paracrine pathways. We investigated whether pericardial fluid (PF) and pericardial mesothelial cells (PMC) could exert a similar paracrine action. ⋯ In addition to its mechanical role, the pericardium may contribute to the integration and the regulation of cardiovascular function via a paracrine mechanism.
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Cardiovascular research · Nov 1998
Hydrogen peroxide induced impairment of post-ischemic ventricular function is prevented by the sodium-hydrogen exchange inhibitor HOE 642 (cariporide).
Sodium-hydrogen exchange (NHE) activation is a major mechanism of cardiac injury produced by ischemia and reperfusion. In addition, NHE may mediate the direct effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in normally perfused hearts. The present study was done to determine whether H2O2 at low concentrations producing mild myocardial depression affects post-ischemic recovery of function and to determine the ability of the NHE inhibitor HOE 642 to modulate this effect. ⋯ Our results show that very low concentrations of H2O2 significantly impair recovery of function in this rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion. Moreover, our results suggest that this effect is likely dependent on NHE activity and can be prevented by treatment with the NHE inhibitor HOE 642.
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Cardiovascular research · Aug 1998
Comparative StudyChronic effects of early started angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition and angiotensin AT1-receptor subtype blockade in rats with myocardial infarction: role of bradykinin.
The long-term effects and mechanisms of early started angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition post myocardial infarction (MI) are not well understood. Chronic effects of early ACE inhibition on hemodynamics, left ventricular diastolic wall stress and remodeling were, therefore, compared to that of angiotensin AT1-receptor subtype blockade in rats with experimental myocardial infarction. The contribution of bradykinin potentiation to both ACE inhibitor and angiotensin AT1-receptor subtype blockade was assessed by cotreatment of rats with a bradykinin B2-receptor antagonist. ⋯ Treatments starting 30 min after coronary artery ligation, with either quinapril or losartan, reduced preload only in rats with large MI. Despite this unloading of the heart, structural dilatation was not prevented by this early treatment. Only quinapril improved cardiac performance and reduced left ventricular weight and this effect was abolished by cotreatment with Hoe-140, suggesting an angiotensin II blockade-independent, but bradykinin potentiation-dependent, mechanism.
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Cardiovascular research · Jun 1998
ReviewFifteen years experience with finger arterial pressure monitoring: assessment of the technology.
We review the Finapres technology, embodied in several TNO-prototypes and in the Ohmeda 2300 and 2300e Finapres NIBP. Finapres is an acronym for FINger Arterial PRESsure, the device delivers a continuous finger arterial pressure waveform. Many papers report on the accuracy of the device in comparison with intra-arterial or with noninvasive but intermittent blood pressure measurements. ⋯ Arterial state can be monitored by observing the behaviour of the Physiocal algorithm. We conclude that Finapres accuracy and precision usually suffice for reliable tracking of changes in blood pressure. Diagnostic accuracy may be achieved with future application of corrective measures.
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Cardiovascular research · Jun 1998
Morphological and functional changes in coronary vessel evoked by repeated endothelial injury in pigs.
We examined the morphological changes induced by repeated endothelial denudation in coronary artery (CA), as well as functional changes in the endothelium-dependent and smooth muscle responses to various vasoactive agents during the process of intimal thickening. ⋯ Repeated CA endothelial injury and regeneration induce the change of morphology and vascular reactivity in the denuded portion regardless of atherogenic diet. This study strongly suggests that intimal thickening caused by repeated endothelial injury and regeneration induces specific vascular responses to vasoactive agents. Moreover, it is also suggested that during the progression of intimal thickening, increased vascular smooth muscle contraction and decreased endothelium-dependent dilation appear in a stimulus-dependent manner, often leading to severe coronary vasoconstriction accompanied with definitive ECG ST change.