Effect of an alpha-blocker (Nicergoline) and of a beta-blocker (Acebutolol) on the in vitro biosynthesis of vascular extracellular matrix.

The effect of an alpha-blocking agent and of a beta-blocking agent on the biosynthesis of extracellular matrix macromolecules of the arterial wall was investigated. Rabbit aorta explants were cultured up to 48 hours with radioactive proline, lysine or glucosamine. In presence of these drugs, at concentration shown to be effective for the inhibition of platelet-endothelial cell interactions (10(-7) M), the incorporation of 14C proline in total macromolecular proline was higher than in macromolecular hydroxyproline suggesting a relatively higher rate of biosynthesis of non-collagenous proteins as compared to collagens.

Pseudointima in inflow and outflow conduits of a left ventricular assist system: possible role in clinical outcome.

Activation of blood coagulation and thromboemboli have been shown to present significant clinical risks in patients supported with an left ventricular assist system (LVAS). The interaction of pseudointima (PI) with blood in the conduits of the device could be involved in these clinical complications. Our aim was to study the morphology of the PI versus duration of circulatory support.

Effect of variation in systemic blood flow on plasma TNF-alpha in a pig model with left ventricular assist device.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) release has been implicated in a sepsis-like syndrome following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This also may be important in patients who have had a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implanted. This report investigates the effect of reducing systemic blood flow on hemodynamic response, mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO(2)), and the release of TNF-alpha.

Intestinal tissue oxygenation and tumor necrosis factor-alpha release during systemic blood flow changes in pigs with left ventricular assist devices.

We previously demonstrated that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) increased following a reduction in systemic blood flow to 60% or less of the original cardiac output using a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of reducing systemic blood flow on tissue oxygenation in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the consequences of this on TNF-alpha release. LVADs were implanted in 9 pigs.

New agents for the treatment of infarcted myocardium.

Local delivery of angiogenic growth factors for the treatment of myocardial ischemia has been well documented in various animal models, and clinical trials are now in progress. Our strategy was radically different, based on selective protection of some of the growth factors naturally present within the injured tissue. This protection was obtained by applying a chemically defined substitute for Dextran called RGTA11 (for ReGeneraTing Agent).