Hypercapnia-induced cerebral and ocular vasodilation is not altered by glibenclamide in humans.

Carbon dioxide is an important regulator of vascular tone. Glibenclamide, an inhibitor of ATP-sensitive potassium channel (K(ATP)) activation, significantly blunts vasodilation in response to hypercapnic acidosis in animals. We investigated whether glibenclamide also alters the cerebral and ocular vasodilator response to hypercapnia in humans.

[Measuring cesium 137 concentrations in surgical specimen of gynecologic tumors and breast milk, amniotic fluid and in umbilical cords, 6 years after Chernobyl].

In the present study, the cesium 137 content in various human tissues was examined 6 years after the Chernobyl reactor catastrophe. The measurements were performed with a gamma-ray spectrometer by means of a germanium/lithium detector. The median of cesium 137 was 20 mBq/ml in mother's milk, 60 mBq/ml in amniotic fluid, 105 mBq/g in umbilical cords, 51 mBq/g in ovarian tumours, and 140 mBq/g in mammary carcinomas.

[Pharmacokinetics of carboplatin after intraperitoneal administration].

The concentration-profile of the antineoplastic agent carboplatinum in serum and intraperitoneal-fluid (IPF) of six female patients was studied. Pharmacokinetical analysis showed a rapid distribution-phase between both compartments within the first 4h after administration (t1/2 serum = 4.4 h, t1/2 IPF = 3.

[Results of preventive screening of chimney sweeps].

In a prospective study, 18 chimney sweeps aged between 21 and 57 years were examined with the aim of detecting the presence of heavy metals in the blood and urine, and identifying cardiopulmonary diseases. Elevated concentrations of cadmium were found in three cases, and of lead in two cases, the concentrations being such that damage to health could not be excluded. None of the chimney sweeps showed any signs of bronchial hyper-reactivity or coronary heart disease.

Poly(ADP-ribose)-synthesis and excision repair in light sensitive skin disorders.

Several data suggest a relationship of poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) synthesis to DNA repair and the influence of some trace elements on the semiconservative and unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS). Previously we found certain alterations in the UV-light induced UDS and in the contents of trace elements in the lymphocytes of patients with light sensitive skin disorders. In the recent study in polymorphic light eruption, cutaneous porphyrias and xeroderma pigmentosum the PAR synthesis and zinc, copper and manganese contents in the chromatin of the lymphocytes (measured by neutron activation analysis) were investigated.