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R Giorgi

Publications and source records attributed to R Giorgi.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

[Efficacy of magnesium in a case of neonatal pulmonary hypertension refractory to the usual therapies].

We describe a premature baby with X pentasomy, having a severe pulmonary hypertension secondary to perinatal asphyxia and hyaline membrane disease which appeared to be refractory to conventional treatments (hyperventilation, tolazoline, prostacyclin). Oxygenation and pulmonary hypertension rapidly improved after starting magnesium sulphate infusion (loading dose: 20 mg/kg e.v. of elementary Mg, followed by continuous infusion of 2-4 mg/kg/hr during 6 days). The therapy was associated with hypermagnesemia (5-7 mg/100 ml) and transitory side effects (hypocalcemia, muscular and bladder paresis, bradycardia without hemodynamic decompensation). We suggest that magnesium therapy might be considered in newborns with severe and persistent pulmonary hypertension.

Asphyxia Neonatorum↗

1,2-Cyclomethylenecarboxylic monoamide hydroxamic derivatives. A novel class of non-amino acid angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.

A series of monoamidic derivatives of cis- and trans-1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic and 1,2-cyclopentanedicarboxylic acids bearing either a carboxylic, sulfhydrylic, or hydroxamic group in the side chain were synthesized and evaluated in vitro for their inhibitory activity against angiotensin converting enzyme. The compounds were designed as potential ACE inhibitors of novel structure, assuming that a monoamidic residue of an 1,2-cyclomethylenedicarboxylic acid could be an alternative structure to the acylproline moiety, the carboxyl-terminal portion common to various ACE inhibitors. The most active compounds were found in the hydroxamic derivatives of cyclohexane series; within this series of derivatives a marked increase of potency was caused by alkylation of the amidic nitrogen with a methyl or ethyl group. Therefore enantiomers of the selected hydroxamic derivatives of cis- and trans-1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid were prepared by two different chiral synthetic routes and evaluated in vitro for their ACE inhibitor potencies. The active enantiomers both of the cis series (21a, 21c) and trans series (16b, 16d) were found to have all R configuration at the C-2 and R or S configuration at the C-1, while in the classical ACE inhibitors S configuration at the terminal carboxylate (corresponding to the C-1 of our compounds) is strictly required for activity. The most potent compound of the series was (1S,2R)-cis-2[[[2-(hydroxyamino)-2-oxoethyl]methylamino]carbonyl] cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (21a) with an IC50 value of 7.0 nM compared with the value of 3.0 nM for captopril. Further 21a was shown to be highly selective and competitive ACE inhibitor. These results indicate that this non-amino acid structure of inhibitors meets the ACE active site requirements for the binding. The binding compatibility of the most active compounds with a model of ACE active site was evaluated by molecular modeling techniques.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗

Analgesic effect evoked by low molecular weight substances extracted from Crotalus durissus terrificus venom.

Crude venom obtained from Crotalus durissus terrificus (Cdt) was tested for its possible analgesic effect in mice. Subcutaneous (s.c.), intraperitoneal (i.p.) or oral (p.o.) administration of the venom caused an antinociceptive effect in mice as measured by the acetic acid-induced writhing method and the hot plate test. The antinociceptive activity was dose and time dependent and persisted after neutralization of the venom with a specific antivenin. It was demonstrated that the factor(s) has an apparent mol. wt of less than 3000 and that its antinociceptive effect is abolished by trypsin treatment. The demonstration that morphine enhances the analgesic effect of Cdt venom and naloxone antagonizes this effect suggests an endorphin-like activity for the factor(s) herein described.

Analgesics↗

Low incidence of GvHD and rejection after pharmacological ex vivo modulation of bone marrow in 2-3 antigens mismatched BMT.

2-3 antigens mismatched BMT were performed on 32 children without a matched sibling donor. In the light of previous in vitro studies, which suggested a role of Vincristine and Methilprednisolone ex vivo treatment in modulating alloreactivity of T cells, bone marrow was treated with such a pharmacological cocktail before being infused. Acute GVHD 2 degrees to 4 degrees degree occurred in 46% of cases, chronic GVHD in 28%, graft failure in 13%. There was no significant difference between 2- and 3-antigens mismatched BMT as far as GVHD and graft failure are concerned.

Bone Marrow↗

Pyrrolobenzodiazepines and related systems. 2. Synthesis and biological properties of isonoraptazepine derivatives.

The synthesis of some derivatives and analogues of 12,13,14,14a-tetrahydro-9H,11H-pyrazino-[2,1-c]pyrrolo[1,2- a][1,4]benzodiazepine (isonoraptazepine) is reported. The new derivatives have been subjected to pharmacological tests for evaluation of antidepressant effects. Neurobehavioral assays were also carried out to acquire data on neurotoxicity and sedative action. Isonoraptazepine analogues and derivatives lacked the pharmacological activity of mianserin and aptazepine and showed properties similar to imipramine. Molecular modeling studies revealed structural similarities between isonoraptazepine derivatives and imipramine, thus explaining the similar pharmacological profile found in some of the tests employed. Based on pharmacological data the title compounds cannot be regarded as alpha 2 presynaptic adrenoceptors antagonists. In vitro studies for receptor binding gave support to this observation. The above studies lead us to conclude that isonoraptazepine derivatives are conformationally restricted analogues of imipramine, but their antidepressant activity cannot be correlated to inhibition of 5HT uptake. Among the derivatives tested, 7b and 8e show some affinity for the d-fenfluramine receptor site, a serotonin presynaptic site connected with anorectic activity.

Animals↗

Different rate of chromosome breakage in human fibroblast strains after storage in liquid nitrogen.

Cytogenetic investigation was carried out on fibroblasts stored in liquid nitrogen during a period of 7-99 months. Cell strains were from 9 individuals, 2 of whom were affected by xeroderma pigmentosum group C (XPC), and 2 XPC heterozygotes. In cell samples from 3 normal subjects and from 1 patient, high frequencies of abnormal mitoses were observed at the first passage after thawing, which returned to normal values after a few subcultures. The most frequent lesions were chromosome gaps and breaks. The cells damaged the most were those from one XP patient. These findings indicate that cells from some individuals are hypersensitive to clastogenic factors acting during freezing and thawing procedures. This sensitivity could be related to the genetic constitution, although the XP homozygous condition is not an essential or sufficient factor.

Adolescent↗

Trisomy 21 mosaicism in two subjects from two generations.

In the course of a chromosome fragility investigation on the cancer prone hereditary disorder xeroderma pigmentosum, a low proportion of cells with a 47,XY,+21 karyotype was found in lymphocyte cultures of a patient not showing any Down syndrome symptom. The presence of trisomy 21 mosaicism was demonstrated also in peripheral blood of the healthy father and confirmed by "chromosome painting" that allowed a rapid detection of chromosomes 21 on metaphase cells and interphase nuclei. The trisomic cell line was not detected in fibroblast cultures. The analysis of chromosome 21 heteromorphism indicated that in both subjects the mosaic could result from either a diploid or an aneuploid zygote. Since in the trisomic cell line of the father and the son the extra chromosome 21 seems to be the same, a predisposition toward mitotic errors (non-disjunction or anaphase lagging) may be postulated, leading to the recurrent gain or loss of a specific chromosome 21. In order to test the hypothesis of an abnormal mitotic behaviour of the chromosome 21, we investigated the centromere separation index and the DNA restriction pattern in Southern blots probed with satellite DNA sequences specific for chromosome 21 centromere. Both the approaches did not reveal any peculiar feature that may account for the genetically determined proneness to mitotic error observed in the family.

Adult↗

Chromosome rearrangements in normal fibroblasts from xeroderma pigmentosum homozygotes and heterozygotes.

Chromosome analysis was carried out in cultured fibroblasts from unaffected skin of five unrelated xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) patients and nine family members. Structural chromosome changes were observed in cultures from all examined individuals. Furthermore, in one XPD patient and in one XPC patient and his parents, cytogenetically abnormal clones were detected. Some of these clones were present starting from the primary explant. This cytogenetic pattern is similar to that observed in an XPC patient previously studied by us. The analysis of breakpoint distribution from clonal and non-clonal chromosome rearrangements showed that some breakpoints were more frequent and common to different families or to different family members although definite evidence of preferential involvement of chromosome bands was not obtained. This investigation indicates that there is a consistent tendency toward chromosome instability in XP mutation carriers. The instability could be related to the multiple chromosome anomalies characterizing skin tumors in XP subjects.

Adolescent↗

Effects of Croton zehntneri aqueous extracts on some cholinergic- and dopaminergic-related behaviours of laboratory rodents.

The effects of aqueous Croton zehntneri leaf and branch extracts, orally administered, on some dopaminergic- and cholinergic-related behaviours were studied in rats and mice. The leaf extract did not modify apomorphine-induced stereotypic behavior, haloperidol-induced catalepsy and active avoidance/escape responses. The branch extract reduced stereotypy but did not interfere with catalepsy and active avoidance behavior. Both extracts were capable of increasing the tremor induced by oxotremorine.

Animals↗

Pyrrolobenzodiazepine and related systems. I. Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of new 5,6-dihydro-4H-pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,4]benzodiazepine derivatives.

Some new 5,6-dihydro-4H-pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,4]benzodiazepine derivatives substituted at the 5 position have been synthesized and tested to evaluate their antidepressant and neuropsychopharmacological activities. The antinociceptic action of these compounds has been also assayed. The introduction of an ethoxycarbonyl group at the 4 position generally decreased the antidepressant effect.

Analgesics↗

Non-steroidal antiinflammatory agents. VII. Synthesis and antiinflammatory activity of 5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo [1,2-b] [1,2,5]benzotriazepine-11-acetic acid and its 10-aroyl derivatives.

The synthesis of 5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo [1,2-b] [1,2,5]benzotriazepine-11-acetic acid and its 10-aroyl derivatives is reported. Compounds were evaluated for antiinflammatory activity by the carrageenin-induced rat paw edema method. Antinociceptic activity was tested by the hot plate and Randall-Selitto tests. General neuropsychopharmacological effects were also screened. All test compounds showed antiinflammatory effect comparable to that of tolmetin.

Analgesics↗

Research on psychotropic agents. III. Antidepressant activity and neuropsychobehavioural effects of new 5H-Pyrrolo[1,2-b][1,2,5]benzotriazepine derivatives.

The synthesis of 5H-pyrrolo[1,2-b][1,2,5]benzotriazepine derivatives related to imipramine and aptazepine antidepressant agents is reported. Pharmacological screening on new tricyclic derivatives showed that in some cases antidepressant effects at equimolecular dose with imipramine are associated with sedative-muscle relaxant activities and antinociception.

Animals↗

Clonal chromosome rearrangements in a fibroblast strain from a patient affected by xeroderma pigmentosum (complementation group C).

We report the results of DNA repair studies and cytogenetic investigations in a patient presenting acute phothosensitivity and cancerous skin lesions. In lymphocytes and fibroblasts a reduced level of unscheduled DNA synthesis after UV irradiation was found and the presence of xeroderma pigmentosum, complementation group C, mutation was demonstrated by complementation analysis. In lymphocyte and fibroblast cultures the frequency of spontaneous chromosome gaps and breaks was normal, whereas the frequency of chromosome rearrangements was higher than expected. In fibroblasts from the 4th to the 18th passage of the culture, 4 reciprocal translocations with a clonal distribution were identified. The rearranged chromosomes were Nos. 2, 13, 14 and 15, Nos. 2 and 13 being both involved in 3 different translocations with breakpoints at 2q21, 2q31, 2p23 and 13q31, 13q12 or 3. The biological significance of this finding is discussed in view of a possible correlation with the DNA repair defect and a possible relevance in tumor development of specific chromosome rearrangements.

Adult↗

Synthesis, neuropsychopharmacological effects and analgesic-antiinflammatory activities of pyrrole analogues of lefetamine.

The synthesis of pyrrole analogues of the analgesic drug lefetamine is reported. These derivatives bear the 1-phenyl-2-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)ethylamino moiety. Compounds were evaluated for analgesic activities in mice by the hot plate and Randall-Selitto tests. Antiinflammatory activity was tested by the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema method. General neuropsychopharmacological effects were also screened. The most interesting compound, N,N-dimethyl-1-phenyl-2-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)ethylamine, showed an analgesic effect comparable to that of lefetamine, but devoid of the neurotoxicity of this drug.

Animals↗