Effect of GABA-ergic mechanisms on synaptosomal NO synthesis and the nitrergic component of NANC relaxation in rat ileum.

Background: γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) acts on specific neural receptors [A, B and C(Aρ)] to modulate gastrointestinal function. The precise role of GABA receptor activation in the regulation of presynaptic nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in nerve terminals is unknown.

Methods: Rat ileal nerve terminals were isolated by differential centrifugation.

Prophylaxis of contrast material-induced nephropathy in patients in intensive care: acetylcysteine, theophylline, or both? A randomized study.

Purpose: To prospectively compare the protective effect of acetylcysteine, theophylline, and both agents combined in patients who are admitted to the intensive care unit with at least one risk factor for contrast material-induced nephropathy and who receive at least 100 mL of iodinated contrast medium.

Materials And Methods: Institutional ethics review board approval and informed consent were obtained. A total of 91 patients (mean age, 58.

Characterizing voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels coupled to VIP release and NO synthesis in enteric synaptosomes.

In enteric synaptosomes of the rat, the role of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels in K(+)-induced VIP release and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis was investigated. Basal VIP release was 39 +/- 4 pg/mg, and cofactor-substituted NO synthase activity was 7.0 +/- 0.