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Biomedical subjects

A Battler

Publications and source records attributed to A Battler.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

The effect of low molecular weight heparin (fragmin) on myocardial neutrophil accumulation and infarct size in a rat model of myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Heparin molecules possess immunomodulating properties, which are thought to complement their established antithrombotic activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the antiinflammatory properties of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) can attenuate polymorphonuclear neutrophil accumulation and infarct size in a rat model of myocardial infarction. METHODS: Myocardial infarction was induced by ligating the left main coronary artery. LMWH (fragmin 500 anti-FXa u/kg) or vehicle (saline) were administered subcutaneously thirty minutes prior to coronary artery occlusion. Significant anticoagulant activity was attained with LMWH for more than eight hours. Twenty-four hours later, neutrophil accumulation and infarct size were determined by measuring left ventricular free wall myeloperoxidase and residual creatine kinase activity, respectively. RESULTS: As compared with rats administered vehicle, myeloperoxidase activity was insignificantly decreased in rats treated with LMWH (1.24 +/- 0.28 u/g vs 1.66 +/- 0.15 u/g, P = 0.16. Infarct size was also not significantly different between the groups (62.48 +/- 3.5% and 50.67 +/- 7.2% of left ventricular free wall with vehicle and LMWH, respectively, P = 0.1). CONCLUSION: The authors conclude that LMWH does not significantly reduce myocardial neutrophil accumulation and infarct size twenty-four hours after myocardial infarction in the rat.

Animals↗

Exogenous insulin-like growth factor II enhances post-infarction regional myocardial function in swine.

OBJECTIVES: Insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) promotes cardiac myocyte growth and contractility in vitro. This study was designed to investigate the effect of exogenous IGF-II on regional myocardial function at the area of infarct in the pig. METHODS: Myocardial infarction was induced in 12 female anaesthetized pigs by affigel blue beads, embolizing microvessels of the left anterior descending coronary artery distribution. In the experimental group (n = 6), IGF-II (0.12 microgram.kg-1 in two animals and 0.6 microgram.kg-1 in four) was incorporated into the beads and delivered by them to the infarct area. Myocardial function was followed echocardiographically, and the excised heart was analysed immunohistochemically and histopathologically. RESULTS: Myocardial function in injured zones, inversely related to an echocardiographic segmental wall motion score (mean +/- SEM), was similar between the two groups at baseline, but at 4 weeks post-infarction was significantly (P = 0.008) reduced in the control group (0.58 +/- 0.38 vs 3.42 +/- 0.84), in contrast to nearly baseline values in the experimental group (0.58 +/- 0.33 vs 1.17 +/- 0.42, P = 0.41). Cardiac performance in injured segments was significantly better after myocardial injury in the experimental group (P = 0.04). Tissue samples from both groups (4 weeks post-infarction), stained with haematoxylin and eosin demonstrated peri-infarct myocyte hypertrophy, corresponding to regions selectively stained by an antibody for CD56, which highlights growing cardiac myocytes. By image analysis semi-quantification, staining for CD56 was significantly (P = 0.04) higher in the peri-infarct region of the experimental group, as compared with controls (106.5 +/- 2.8 vs 92 +/- 4.4 gray level units). Microvessels stained for von-Willebrand factor were similar in number in both groups (P = 0.8), as were mesenchymal cells stained for vimentin (P = 0.7). CONCLUSIONS: Exogenous IGF-II, delivered to the infarct area ameliorates regional cardiac function in the pig, perhaps by inducing peri-infarct myocyte growth.

Animals↗

Beneficial effect of nitroglycerin on arterial rethrombosis after thrombolysis. Results from a rabbit thrombosis model.

BACKGROUND: Although nitroglycerin (NTG) is commonly administered to patients with acute myocardial infarction, its effect on concomitant thrombolytic therapy has not been fully elucidated. We examined whether NTG administration further optimizes thrombolysis with rt-PA, combined with aspirin and heparin. METHODS AND RESULTS: Blood clots were produced in a rabbit femoral artery with endothelial damage and distal stenosis. rt-PA was administered in repeated bolus i.v. injections of 0.3 mg.kg-1 every 10 min for 50 min. Femoral artery flow was measured continuously for 2 h. Fourteen rabbits were randomized into two groups (group A and B), both receiving aspirin (i.v. 17 mg.kg-1) and heparin (i.v. 200 units.kg-1) prior to the first rt-PA bolus injection. NTG was administered in group B only, 10 min prior to the first rt-PA bolus, at 10 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 for 130 min. Reperfusion at the end of the 120 min observation period occurred in 5/7 group A and 6/7 group B rabbits (P = ns). In 3/7 group A rabbits, re-flow was achieved but persistent re-occlusion subsequently developed in 1/3 and oscillatory re-flow and re-occlusion cycles (cyclic re-flow) with subsequent patency developed in the remaining two rabbits. These flow patterns were not observed in any of group B rabbits. Overall patency duration was significantly prolonged with NTG (group B; 578/840 min) compared to controls (group A; 258/840 min) (P < 0.001). The mean recanalization time (group A; 30.8 +/- 9.3 vs group B; 22.5 +/- 4.7 min, P = 0.16) as well as mean rt-PA boluses needed to achieve complete recanalization (group A; 4.3 +/- 0.7 vs group B; 3.3 +/- 0.6 boluses/rabbit, P = 0.3) did not differ between groups. However, NTG infusion was associated with increased restored femoral flow following recanalization (expressed as % of stenotic flow value over observation time) compared to control group (P = 0.025 by repeated measures ANOVA). CONCLUSION: Adding NTG to a thrombolytic regimen with rt-PA, aspirin and heparin increases the magnitude of restored flow and total patency duration following recanalization in a rabbit model of arterial thrombosis.

Animals↗

Noninvasive evaluation of microcirculatory hemodynamic changes during hemorrhage followed by saline or blood transfusion.

The purpose of the study was to examine the ability of a system combining laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF), photoplethysmograph (PPG), and transcutaneous oxygen tension (tc-PO2) to follow changes in the microcirculation during hemorrhage and following blood or saline return, and to test the hypothesis that such changes precede and might predict changes in the systemic blood pressure. Measurements were performed on the skin of anesthetized rabbits (n = 10) during mild (0-8%), moderate (9-24%), and severe (25-30% of blood volume) hemorrhage, and following complete volume restitution by blood or saline. We found the following: 1) hemorrhage caused typical changes in the LDF, PPG, and tc-PO2 signals that could be formulated by mathematical models, 2) these signals identified blood as being more efficient than saline for volume restitution following hemorrhage, and 3) microcirculatory changes precede and might predict systemic hemodynamic events.

Acute Disease↗

Angiographic follow-up of coronary artery ectasia.

Of 1,125 patients catheterized over a period of 8 years, 68 (6%) had coronary ectasia. Twenty-five of them were catheterized at least twice and constituted the study group. The time between the first and last catheterization ranged from 2 to 8 years (mean +/- SD = 4.2 +/- 1.6). Coronary ectasia was more frequent in males (88%). The frequency of involvement was: the right coronary (47%), the left circumflex (30%), the left anterior descending (21%) and the left main arteries (2%). Proximal segments were most frequently involved (48%). Diffuse involvement was found in 29%. Severity of ectasia progressed in 6 segments (14%) and 2 new ectatic segments appeared over the follow-up period. During that period, 2 patients had myocardial infarction, 1 of them due to a total occlusion of an ectatic segment. There were no deaths. In conclusion, coronary ectasia has a relatively benign course.

Adult↗

Alteration of lipid profile in hyperlipidemic rabbits by allicin, an active constituent of garlic.

BACKGROUND: The effect of garlic on the serum lipid profile has been the subject of controversy. This study was therefore designed to examine the effects of allicin, an active constituent of garlic, on the lipid profile in a rabbit model. METHODS: Allicin was produced by reacting alliin, synthesized in our laboratory, with purified alliinase. Nineteen New Zealand White rabbits were fed a cholesterol-rich diet (0.25% cholesterol) for 18 weeks. Ten rabbits received freshly produced allicin (3 mg/kg orally) starting at 8 weeks, and nine received placebo. There was no significant difference between the lipid profiles of the two groups at baseline up to 8 weeks. RESULTS: From day 28 of allicin supplementation a significant difference was found between the allicin and placebo groups in the graph regression lines describing the influence of allicin on serum cholesterol: Y = 41.39 + 8.69 multiplied by day (control) versus Y = -877.24 + 17.67 multiplied by day (allicin). The same trend was found for low-density lipoprotein concentrations: Y = 10.3 + 8.4 multiplied by (control) versus Y = -750.4 + 15.7 multiplied by day (allicin). The serum high-density lipoprotein levels also differed significantly between the groups: Y = 20.29 + 0.24 multiplied by day (control) versus Y = -109.9 + 1.65 multiplied by day (allicin). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that allicin has a beneficial effect on the serum lipid profile in hyperlipidemic rabbits, and should be further tested clinically.

Animals↗

Absent left circumflex coronary artery.

This is the first reported case of a coronary artery anomaly in which the left circumflex artery was absent. The lateral and posterior aspects of the left ventricle were supplied by a large diagonal artery and a very long right coronary artery which continued along the atrioventricular groove.

Coronary Angiography↗

Endothelin and myocardial ischemia.

Endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor with a wide range of effects on the heart. Changes in myocardial and circulating levels of endothelin have been described in various experimental models of myocardial ischemia, and in humans with acute myocardial infarction and different forms of angina pectoris. The role played by endothelin in the different states of myocardial ischemia is unclear. However, myocardial damage has been shown to be reduced in several experimental models of myocardial infarction by administering agents that block the action of endothelin. The aim of this review article is to present the current literature concerning the interaction between endothelin and the various forms of myocardial ischemia, and to explore the significance of such interactions.

Angina Pectoris↗

Low molecular weight heparin (Fragmin) prevents early reocclusion following femoral artery thrombolysis with rt-PA in rabbits.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of low molecular weight heparin Fragmin on thrombolysis with tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) and to compare its effect to that of standard heparin. A rabbit thrombosis model was used, consisting of a blood clot produced in an isolated femoral artery segment with superimposed endothelial damage and distal stenosis. Thirty rabbits were randomized to three treatment groups with rt-PA (30 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 for 60 min and no additional therapy), rt-PA with i.v. standard heparin (200 IU.kg-1 bolus and then 70 IU.kg-1 hourly) and rt-PA with s.c. Fragmin (a single dose of 500 IU.kg-1) prior to rt-PA administration. In six of 10 rabbits given rt-PA only, recanalization was observed which was persistent in three. In eight of 10 rabbits given rt-PA with intravenous heparin, reflow was achieved, which was persistent in three. Fragmin resulted in recanalization in eight of 10 rabbits, with persistent patency in each recanalized rabbit. Reflow time was not shortened with either standard heparin or Fragmin compared with rt-PA alone (64 +/- 41, 56 +/- 18, 50 +/- 23 min respectively), (P = 0.7). Persistent reocclusion after reflow was not observed with Fragmin (0/8) but was present with both standard heparin (5/8, P = 0.03 vs Fragmin) and rt-PA alone (3/6, P = 0.05 vs Fragmin). Thus, in the femoral artery of the rabbit, Fragmin, unlike standard heparin, was found to prevent reocclusion following rt-PA thrombolysis.

Animals↗

A closed-chest pig model of sustained ventricular tachycardia.

The goal of this study was to develop and explore a closed-chest animal model of sustained VT. Seven of 11 domestic pigs had successful induction of myocardial infarction by injection of agarose gel microbeads into the left anterior descending coronary artery through an inflated balloon angioplasty catheter. Four of the first five pigs died and seem to represent a "learning experience." During a 3- to 50-day follow-up period, each pig underwent 1-3 electrophysiological studies. Sustained, monomorphic VT was induced 1-4 times in 5 of the 7 pigs (a total of 19 episodes), was reproducible during the same study in all pigs, and could be repetitively induced during successive studies in some. Ventricular fibrillation was induced less frequently (nine episodes) and was successfully terminated by DC shock in eight episodes. We conclude that a closed-chest pig model of VT is feasible and is associated with a relatively high induction rate of sustained, monomorphic, and reproducible VT and a relatively low mortality rate.

Animals↗

Does external ultrasound accelerate thrombolysis? Results from a rabbit model.

BACKGROUND: Prior in vitro and in vivo studies have reported that external ultrasound accelerates thrombolysis at intensities too low to have a direct effect on clot dissolution in the absence of a thrombolytic agent. The present study was undertaken to examine the ultrasound effect on thrombolysis and reocclusion in a rabbit thrombosis model. METHODS AND RESULTS: Blood clots were produced in a femoral artery segment with endothelial damage and distal stenosis. Recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rTPA) was infused at 30 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 for 60 minutes. Femoral artery flow was measured every 5 minutes for 2 hours. Rabbits were randomized to four groups with continuous wave ultrasound on or off with or without intravenous injection of 17 mg/kg aspirin (+US/-US/+Asp/-Asp). Ultrasound frequency and intensity were 1 MHz and 6.3 W/cm2. In seven of eight and five of five rabbits given rTPA and -US/-Asp or -US/+Asp, respectively, reflow was observed, persisting to the end of the observation period. In five of nine and four of five rabbits given rTPA and +US/-Asp or +US/+Asp, reflow was achieved, but persistent reocclusion was subsequently observed in five of five and two of four of these rabbits, respectively. Overall, femoral artery patency was worse and reocclusion occurred more often when ultrasound was added to rTPA (P = .002 by nonparametric ANOVA). However, initial reflow occurred more rapidly with ultrasound exposure (21 +/- 10 and 33 +/- 6 minutes for the +US/+Asp and +US/-Asp groups, respectively) compared with without ultrasound (46 +/- 13 and 74 +/- 14 minutes for the -US/+Asp and -US/-Asp groups, respectively) (P = .03 by ANOVA). CONCLUSIONS: Although time to initial reflow was shortened by ultrasound, it was associated with less reperfusion and more reocclusion in this model. A possible explanation for these results is ultrasound-induced platelet activation counterbalancing its thrombolysis-accelerating effect.

Animals↗

Electrical injury in the femoral artery of rabbits as a model for arterial thrombosis: a pilot study.

Electrical stimulation was delivered to the femoral artery of 20 rabbits to examine whether endothelial injury results in a consistent formation of arterial thrombosis. The arterial patency was monitored throughout the experiment by flowmeter and was visualized by femoral angiography in 5/20 cases. The arterial segments remained totally occluded in 7/20 (35%), partially occluded in 9/20 (45%), and patent in 4/20 (20%) rabbits following stimulation with 200 microA anodal current for 180 minutes. The average time of electrical stimulation needed to achieve total occlusion (n = 7) was 110 +/- 49 minutes. Alternating occlusion and recanalization of the artery (cyclic flow variation) was observed in 12 rabbits, with total occlusion ensuing in 6/12 cases. Intravenous administration of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (20 micrograms/kg/min for sixty minutes) resulted in femoral reflow and subsequent reocclusion in 2/5 cases. Histopathologic examination disclosed arterial thrombi composed of platelets, fibrin, and red blood cells. Thus, according to these data this technique was found to induce arterial thrombosis following electrical stimulation of the rabbit femoral artery but was inconsistent regarding the arterial patency.

Animals↗