Experimental biology and medicine
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The initial diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in the United States was made because of the facial features common to the first cohort of patients. This article reviews the development of an FAS mouse model whose craniofacial features are remarkably similar to those of affected humans. The model is based on short-term maternal treatment with a high dosage of ethanol at stages of pregnancy that are equivalent to Weeks 3 and 4 of human gestation. ⋯ For example, microarray comparisons of sensitive and resistant embryonic cell populations have been made, as have in situ studies of gene expression patterns in the populations of interest. Studies that illustrate agents that are effective in diminishing or exacerbating ethanol's teratogenesis have also been helpful in determining mechanisms. Among these agents are antioxidants, sonic hedgehog protein, retinoids, and the peptides SAL and NAP.
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Exp. Biol. Med. (Maywood) · Jun 2005
Propofol is cardioprotective in a clinically relevant model of normothermic blood cardioplegic arrest and cardiopulmonary bypass.
The general anesthetic propofol has been shown to be cardioprotective. However, its benefits when used in cardioplegia during cardiac surgery have not been demonstrated. In this study, we investigated the effects of propofol on metabolic stress, cardiac function, and injury in a clinically relevant model of normothermic cardioplegic arrest and cardiopulmonary bypass. ⋯ Propofol treatment reduced measurable hemodynamic dysfunction after cardioplegic arrest when compared to untreated controls. In conclusion, propofol protects the heart from ischemia-reperfusion injury in a clinically relevant experimental model. Propofol may therefore be a useful adjunct to cardioplegic solutions as well as being an appropriate anesthetic for cardiac surgery.