It has previously been suggested that ghrelin mediates GH-independent biologic activities on the heart. We investigated the acute effects on cardiac contraction of a single iv administration of human ghrelin (in a dose of 1 microg/kg) in severe untreated GH deficient subjects. Prior to the ghrelin infusion, an echocardiographic examination was performed at rest (baseline), after physiologic saline and during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) to exclude a preexisting (subclinical) myocardial dysfunction. To evaluate the acute cardiac effect of infusion and during DSE the velocity of left ventricular (LV) wall contraction was measured continuously by echocardiography. Despite severe GH deficiency we observed in all subjects a normal cardiac function at rest after physiologic saline and during DSE. No acute changes in cardiac performance or cardiac parameters could be observed after a single iv dose of ghrelin. Also, no important increase in GH secretion was detected after ghrelin administration. Our study suggests that, in contrast to hexarelin, a single iv administration of ghrelin in a physiological dose has no acute effects on cardiac function in severe GH deficiency. This suggests that GH-independent effects of ghrelin play no important role in the acute regulation of cardiac function in man.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Clinical value of Doppler ultrasound in the first two months after kidney transplant.

The ability of PI measurements to differentiate between acute rejection and ATN was investigated in 37 patients, who were frequently examined by duplex Doppler after kidney transplant. Absolute PI values as well as increase in PI were recorded and the clinical course was correlated with these pulsatility measurements. PI values were evaluated in 70% of patients undergoing acute rejection. However, in the majority of patients with ATN, the PI was evaluated from the start and continued to rise to an average of 8 days post-transplant. This rise in PI in patients with ATN suggests that pulsatility measurements are unreliable tests to differentiate acute rejection from ATN in the early post-transplant period.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A clinical molecular scanner: the Melanie project.

We developed an expert system to analyze and interpret protein maps. This system, Melanie (medical electrophoresis analysis interactive expert), can distinguish between normal and cirrhotic liver and identify various types of cancer on the basis of protein patterns in biopsy specimens. Our findings suggest that some diseases associated with toxic compounds or modifications of the human genome can be diagnosed by expert systems that analyze protein maps. The combination of protein mapping and computer analysis could result in a clinically useful "molecular scanner". The massive amount of information analyzed and stored in such studies requires new strategies, including centralized databases and image transmission over networks. Increased understanding of protein expression and regulation will enhance the importance of the human genome project in medicine and biology.

Computer Systems↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Inhibition of plasmatic renin activity by potassium].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Regional Royal College of Physicians conference. Nottingham, September 1994.

The September 1994 Regional Royal College of Physicians Conference was held in the newly refurbished Postgraduate Medical Education Centre at the Nottingham City Hospital. Over 100 participants enjoyed a broadly based programme where topical issues in many of the specialty areas of general medicine were discussed and posters of local research were displayed. The presentations were given by both local and national experts and were of a uniformly high standard.

Family Practice↗