Repeated recall of learned immunosuppression: evidence from rats and men.

Akin to other physiological responses, the immune system can be modified, via Pavlovian or behavioral conditioning. It is unknown, however, whether and to what extent learned immune responses can be repeatedly recalled over time. Here we demonstrate in both rats and humans that repeated contingent pairing of a novel taste (conditioned stimulus, CS) together with the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine A as unconditioned stimulus (US) leads to the acquisition of a learned immunosuppression.

Intense vasoconstriction in response to aspirate from stented saphenous vein aortocoronary bypass grafts.

Objectives: We sought to identify soluble vasoconstrictor substances that are released during stent implantation into saphenous vein aortocoronary bypass grafts.

Background: Atherosclerotic saphenous vein aortocoronary bypass grafts are particularly vulnerable to plaque rupture. Protection devices prevent particulate debris from being embolized.