TaiCatoxin (TCX), a complex toxin isolated from Taipan snake venom, is believed to have a specific blocking activity on voltage-dependent cardiac calcium channels. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of TCX on a broad range of heart muscle cell functions, i.e. electrophysiology, contractility, automaticity and the related biochemical modifications. Myocyte-enriched cultures were prepared from newborn rat heart ventricles. The transmembrane potentials were recorded with glass microelectrodes. The contractions were monitored photometrically. TCX decreased the action potential amplitudes, mainly by lowering the plateau. The action potential duration and the contraction parameters were decreased. Although TCX has a minor overall negative chronotropic effect, it evoked transient but severe arrhythmias and prolonged changes in the intercellular electrical coupling. Moreover, the action of TCX appeared to be dose-dependent. These effects are consistent with a specific blockade of the L-type, voltage-dependent calcium channels, but effects of other components of the toxin complex cannot be excluded. TCX also exhibits phospholipase A2 activity leading to the release of Iysophospholipids and FFA (acyl CoA and acyl carnitine), which have detrimental effects on cellular integrity and function.

Action Potentials↗

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[Comparison of 3 different approaches to central veins in total parenteral nutrition].

The authors report their experience related to a series of 96 consecutive central venous catheters location through subclavian, right internal jugular, basilic and cephalic veins for TPN administration. Because of the specific complications reported, they are in favour of the trans-basilic peripheral approach for a short term TPN; the internal jugular or the subclavian way are indicated for long term ones. In addition, they stress the importance to limit the use of multilumen catheters just when absolutely necessary, due to the increased infection percentage.

Catheterization, Central Venous↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Research on the degree of bacteriological pollution of the surface waters of the province of Forli].

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Bacteria↗