The Role of Cardiac N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors in Heart Conditioning-Effects on Heart Function and Oxidative Stress.

As well as the most known role of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in the nervous system, there is a plethora of evidence that NMDARs are also present in the cardiovascular system where they participate in various physiological processes, as well as pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of preconditioning and postconditioning of isolated rat heart with NMDAR agonists and antagonists on heart function and release of oxidative stress biomarkers. The hearts of male Wistar albino rats were subjected to global ischemia for 20 min, followed by 30 min of reperfusion, using the Langendorff technique, and cardiodynamic parameters were determined during the subsequent preconditioning with the NMDAR agonists glutamate (100 µmol/L) and (RS)-(Tetrazol-5-yl)glycine (5 μmol/L) and the NMDAR antagonists memantine (100 μmol/L) and MK-801 (30 μmol/L).

Preconditioning with PDE1 Inhibitors and Moderate-Intensity Training Positively Affect Systemic Redox State of Rats.

Taken into consideration that oxidative stress response after preconditioning with phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDEIs) and moderate physical activity has still not been clarified, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of PDEIs alone or in combination with physical activity, on systemic redox status. The study was carried out on 96 male rats classified into two groups. The first group included animals exposed only to pharmacological preconditioning (PreC) maneuver (sedentary control (CTRL, 1 ml/day saline, = 12), nicardipine (6 mg/kg/day of NIC, = 12), vinpocetine (10 mg/kg/day of VIN, = 12), and nimodipine (NIM 10 mg/kg/day of, = 12).

The influence of folic acid-induced acute kidney injury on cardiac function and redox status in rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of acute kidney injury caused by high doses of folic acid on cardiac function and markers of oxidative stress in serum and isolated rat heart. Isolated hearts of Wistar albino rats (divided into two groups: control and folic acid group) were perfused according to Langendorff technique at basal coronary perfusion pressure CPP of 70 cm HO. After a stabilization period, CPP was lowered to 60 cm HO and then gradually increased to 80, 100, 120 and finally decreased to 40 cm HO in order to establish coronary autoregulation.

The perfusion of cisplatin and cisplatin structural analogues through the isolated rat heart: The effects on coronary flow and cardiodynamic parameters.

The therapeutic use of cisplatin for the treatment of solid tumours is associated with organ toxicity. Amongst those, the cardiotoxicity is an occasional but very serious and severe side effect. To prevent or reduce these negative effects, many cisplatin analogues have been synthesized and evaluated in terms of being a less toxic and more effective agent.

Differentiation between opiate addicts in relation to judicial problems.

Introduction: Some research results point to significant benefit in the use of methadone substitution treatment in reduction of criminogenic activities in opiate addicts, as in positive affect on their somatic and mental state.

Objective: The objective of the study was to indicate factors which lead to criminogenic activities in addicts with judicial problems before entering substitute, methadone program.

Methods: Addicts were divided into two groups: addicts who had judicial problems before they entered substitution methadone program (group A-46 addicts) and addicts withoutjudicial problems (group B-20 addicts).

Quality of life of schizophrenic patients treated with haloperidol depot and injection preparation of long-lasting risperidone.

Introduction: In the last decades psychiatric patients' quality of life attracts great attention of researchers. Improving the quality of life of schizophrenic patients is increasingly becoming an imperative in pharmacological therapy.

Objective: Analysis of certain aspects of quality of life in patients with schizophrenia treated with depot formulations of a typical antipsychotic (haloperidol) and injection preparation of a long-acting atypical antipsychotic (risperidone).