Functional aspects of dexamethasone upregulated nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in C2C12 myotubes.

Three days of treatment with the glucocorticoid dexamethasone (1 nM-1 microM) induced a concentration-dependent up-regulation of muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) in C2C12 mouse myotubes (EC50 = 10 +/- 7.3 nM), as assessed by [3H]alpha-BuTx binding. The maximum increase in binding amounted 148 +/- 17.

The general anesthetic propofol inhibits transmembrane calcium current in chick sensory neurons.

The action of propofol on voltage-gated calcium channels was investigated in cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons from chick embryos. The Ca2+ current was measured by using the patch-clamp technique in whole cell configuration. Low-voltage-activated (LVA) and high-voltage-activated (HVA) Ca2+ currents were selected by means of appropriate stimulation protocols.

Clinical concentrations of edrophonium enhance desensitization of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

The principal acetylcholinesterase inhibitors used in clinical practice, edrophonium, neostigmine, and pyridostigmine, differ in their abilities to reverse profound neuromuscular block. This difference may reflect differential inhibition of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) itself. To investigate this possibility, we studied the effects of these drugs on the function of nAChR (alpha 2 beta gamma delta subtype expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes) using a whole-cell voltage clamp technique.

Extracellular pancuronium affects sodium current in chick embryo sensory neurones.

1. The action of pancuronium on transmembrane sodium conductance was investigated in dorsal root ganglion neurones of chick embryos. The Na+ current was measured by use of the patch-clamp technique in whole-cell configuration.

K+ channels in PC12 cells are affected by propofol.

The effect on K+ currents (IK) of the general anaesthetic propofol (PR) (2,6-diisopropylphenol) was tested in undifferentiated clonal pheochromocytoma (PC 12) cells using the patch-clamp technique in whole-cell and single-channel configurations. PR decreased macroscopic IK amplitudes in a concentration-dependent way from 50 microM to 1 mM. The blocking effect was unchanged by repetitive depolarizing pulses and it was independent of the holding potential.

Haemodynamic effects of vecuronium.

Three hundred and twenty adults (ASA grade I, both sexes), received diazepam 10 mg by mouth (50% received atropine 7 micrograms kg-1 in addition) i.m. 45 min before operation.

Effective treatment of verapamil intoxication with 4-aminopyridine in the cat.

To study the value of 4-aminopyridine as an antidote to verapamil intoxication, we subjected 12 adult cats to verapamil poisoning by administering doses of 4.0-25.0 mg/kg verapamil by intravenous infusion.

Plasma protein concentration and recovery from anaesthesia in man.

The effect of the concentration of plasma protein on the recovery from anaesthesia induced by equipotent doses (UD95) of thiopentone and Althesin was studied in 48 patients. The recovery time (RT) wa plotted against the concentrations of total plasma proteins (TPP) and albumin (Al). A small decrease in TPP concentration from normal range affected the recovery time minimally; a small decrease in TPP concentration from a low basal value markedly increased the recovery time with both agents.

[Modified Ayre's T system for the elimination of environmental pollution].

A modified Ayre T system for the elimination of anaesthetic gas and vapour pollution from operating theatres is described.

[Effect of proteinemia on recovery: a comparison between thiopentone and alphaxolone (althesin)].

The effect of proteinaemia and albuminaemia changes on recovery time following administration of an equipotent dose (DPC95) of thiopentone and alphaxolone has been evaluated. The study was carried out on two groups of 24 patients premedicated with atropine alone. Recovery time was more closely related to variations in albuminaemia compared to variations in total proteins: this results that albumins are the main binding-site of i.

[Elimination of anesthetic gases and vapors from operating rooms. System for passive conveyance of gases to the outside].

Mathematical calculations were employed in an assessment of the resistances associated with a passive outward conveyance system for the removal of anesthetic gases and fumes from operating theatres. It was found that the magnitude of such resistances was not enough to interfere with the patient's respiratory dynamics.