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Biomedical subjects

R Bacchus

Publications and source records attributed to R Bacchus.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Acute stress increases thyroid hormone levels in rat brain.

BACKGROUND: In experimental animals, exposure to uncontrollable stress induces a number of behavioral and biochemical changes that resemble symptoms seen in human depression and other psychiatric conditions. The present study used a yoked design to examine the effects of uncontrollable footshock stress on brain thyroid hormones in male and female rats. METHODS: Animals in one group received 15 trials where footshock could be terminated by pressing a lever (escapable shock). Rats in a second group received the same amount of shock, but had no control over shock termination (inescapable shock). Control rats received no shock. RESULTS: No significant differences were found among the three groups, for either males or females, in whole brain levels of thyroxine (T4) 3 hours after the footshock session. In contrast, significant group differences in brain levels of triiodothyronine (T3) were found for both males and females. In males, brain T3 was elevated by 21% in the inescapable shock group when compared to controls (p < .012). In females, brain T3 increased by 19% in the escapable shock group when compared to controls (p < .026). Plasma levels of both T3 and T4 were at control levels for all groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide the first demonstration that brain T3 levels change rapidly in response to acute stress. The data further suggest that the effects of stress controllability on brain T3 levels may be different for males and females.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1985

HLA polymorphisms in Saudi Arabs.

The HLA-A, -B, -C, -DR, Bf and GLO phenotypes of 109 unrelated Saudi Arab males have been determined. HLA-A and -B antigen frequencies were compared with data reported for European Caucasoids and various Arab populations. Most similarities in antigen frequencies were seen between Saudi Arab and Iraqi populations. A high frequency of Bw50 was observed in Saudi Arabs. The frequencies of HLA-DR antigens in Saudi Arabs were compared to European Caucasoids. HLA-DR7 was at high frequency in Saudi Arabs. Linkage disequilibria between alleles of HLA loci was examined. Many instances of previously reported antigen associations were seen in Saudi Arabs, together with a number of associations which have not been described elsewhere. HLA-Cw6-Bw50-DR7-BfS0.7 is suggested as being a common haplotype in Saudi Arabs.

Complement Factor B↗
PubMed1979

Bromocriptine suppression of TRH-stimulated prolactin and thyrotrophin release and accompanying inhibition of bromocriptine induced growth hormone release by TRH in normal man.

Six normal fasting males received on four separate occasions in random order (1) a placebo tablet followed 60 min later by 200 microgram of TRH intravenously (2) bromocriptine 2.5 mg orally followed by TRH intravenously (3) bromocriptine 2.5 mg orally followed by a placebo injection and (4) placebo tablet followed by placebo injection. Plasma prolactin and TSH responses to TRH were decreased following bromocriptine pretreatment. The rise of plasma growth hormone after bromocriptine was inhibited by TRH. The rise in plasma FSH seen after TRH injection was not influenced by bromocriptine pretreatment. Circulating LH and insulin concentrations were unaffected by any drug administration. These results suggest a dopaminergic influence on prolactin and TSH release in normal men, an inhibitory effect of TRH on bromocriptine stimulated growth hormone secretion, and no dopaminergic modulation of basal insulin secretion.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Diuretic and clinical effects of low-dose furosemide in congestive heart failure patients.

A dose of 20 mg furosemide in congestive heart failure patients produces a significant diuretic and natriuretic effect. The peak effect was observed within 60-120 minutes in most patients. Twenty-four congestive heart failure patients were hospitalized for evaluation and management. Two withdrew from the study, and in three there was a prolonged (several months) remission of manifestations of congestive heart failure. The remaining 19 patients were treated with 40 mg furosemide per day for a four-week period. Six required 80 to 120 mg furosemide per day, and 13 were controlled on 40 mg per day. On 20 mg twice per day, one of the 13 patients dropped out voluntarily, two required a higher dose of furosemide, and 10 were controlled on this regimen for a four-week period. When dosage was reduced to 20 mg per day, five of the ten patients were controlled for an additional four weeks or longer, and five required higher doses of furosemide. Results of this study suggest that in congestive heart failure patients, 20 mg furosemide per day has significant diuretic and natriuretic properties. It also demonstrates that a number of patients with cardiac decompensation can be controlled on a relatively low dosage of furosemide and that periodic reevaluation of clinical status and diuretic requirements for maintenance therapy is of critical importance in management of patients with congestive heart failure.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The Sunnybrook Gallstone Study: a double-blind controlled trial of chenodeoxycholic acid for gallstone dissolution.

The Sunnybrook Gallstone Study was a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of chenodeoxycholic acid treatment over 2 years in 160 patients with radiolucent gallstones. Sixty-four patients received 750 mg daily, 53 received 375 mg daily and 43 received placebo. Total dissolution of gallstones occurred in 10.9% of patients on 750 mg daily, 13.2% of those on 375 mg daily and in no patient on placebo. The drug was tolerated well. Diarrhea severe enough to cause withdrawal from the study occurred in two patients. No patient developed clinically significant hepatotoxicity. Serum cholesterol rose 10% or more above baseline after 2 years in 33% of patients treated with chenodeoxycholic acid and in 30% of those on placebo. Cholecystectomy was performed in 10.9% of patients on 750 mg daily, 17% on 375 mg daily and 13.6% on placebo. Chenodeoxycholic acid given at these doses dissolved radiolucent gallstones safely but the efficacy was limited.

Adult↗