5-Hydroxytryptamine-induced contraction of human isolated umbilical artery and its dependence on cellular and extracellular Ca++.

The contribution of intra- and extracellular Ca++ during KCl- and 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced contractions was investigated in human isolated umbilical arteries obtained from cords of normal full-term deliveries. In normal solution, nifedipine caused dose-dependent relaxations of the arteries contracted by high K+ (80 mM) and 5-hydroxytryptamine. The IC50 value of nifedipine on KCl-induced contractions was about 9 times lower than that on 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced contractions.

Larynx cancer and prostaglandins.

Prostaglandin levels in serum, tumor specimens, and normal larynx mucosa were measured before and after laryngectomy in 43 patients with larynx cancer. Related findings described elsewhere in the literature are discussed.

Effects of verapamil, papaverine, sodium nitrite, and hydralazine on ethyl alcohol-induced contraction of the isolated human umbilical artery.

In this in vitro study, the vasodilator effects of certain drugs such as verapamil, papaverine, sodium nitrite and hydralazine on ethyl alcohol-induced contractions were investigated in the isolated human umbilical artery. Ethyl alcohol caused dose dependent contractions in this tissue. Papaverine, sodium nitrite and hydralazine were found to be effective.