Relation of beta-casomorphin to apnea in sudden infant death syndrome.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the most common cause of death in infants and its pathogenesis is complex and multifactorial. The aim of this review is to summarize recent novel findings regarding the possible association of beta-casomorphin (beta-CM) to apnea in SIDS, which has not been widely appreciated by pediatricians and scientists. beta-CM is an exogenous bioactive peptide derived from casein, a major protein in milk and milk products, which has opioid activity.

Autism and Schizophrenia: Intestinal Disorders.

We examined Dohan's hypothesis that schizophrenia is associated with the absorption of "exorphins" contained in gluten and casein. In addition, because of the work of Reichelt et al. (Reichelt, K.

Increased tail artery vascular responsiveness to angiotensin II in cold-treated rats.

Chronic exposure of rats to cold for 1-3 weeks results in a mild form of hypertension. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been implicated in this model of cold-induced hypertension. Previously we have characterized the vascular responsiveness in cold-acclimated animals, using aortic tissue, and recent studies have focused on the thermoregulatory responses of angiotensin II (AngII), utilizing the tail artery of the rat.

Body fluid distribution in rats with cold-induced hypertension.

The purpose of this experiment was to determine body fluid distribution during chronic cold exposure and to further understand the mechanism of cold-induced hypertension. Blood pressures, hematocrit, and the plasma, blood, and extracellular fluid volumes were measured in rats at intervals of 1, 3, and 5 weeks after exposure to cold (5 degrees C). Resting systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures measured by direct arterial cannula were significantly elevated in a time-dependent manner over the duration of cold exposure.

Reduction of cold-induced hypertension by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides to angiotensinogen mRNA and AT1-receptor mRNA in brain and blood.

Rats exposed chronically to mild cold (5 degrees C/41 degrees F) develop hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy. This provides a unique model of hypertension that is environmentally induced. The blood renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been shown to play a role in both initiating and maintaining the high blood pressure (BP) in cold-induced hypertension.