[In vitro evaluation of lubrication properties of a suction catheter].

Background: Lubrication is an important factor for passage of a suction catheter through a tracheal tube. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of lubricants on resistance against removal of a suction catheter from a tracheal tube in an experimental setting.

Methods: A tracheal tube (I.

Contribution of interaction between nitric oxide and cyclooxygenases to the production of prostaglandins in carrageenan-induced inflammation.

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandins (PGs) are crucial mediators contributing to generation of inflammatory responses and pain. This study was designed to investigate the effects of peripherally released NO on cyclooxygenase (COX) expression/activation and production of PGs in carrageenan-induced inflammation.

Methods: A microdialysis probe was implanted subcutaneously into the skin of hind paws of rats.

[Evaluation by undergraduate medical students of clinical clerkships in the Department of Anesthesiology].

Background: Clerkships for undergraduate clinical training were introduced in Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine in 2002.

Methods: Questionnaire surveys by 5 steps Likert measure were conducted by asking the students about the evaluation of each department or division, and overall evaluation was obtained after the clerkships. The questionnaire consisted of 12 questions on 1) orientation; 2) learning chances and provision of teaching materials; 3) feedback, learning promotion and teaching attitude; 4) coordination of human relationship between medical staff and students; and 5) overall evaluation of teacher's physician.

The activation of 5-HT(3) receptors evokes GABA release in the spinal cord.

We carried out experiments using a microdialysis method to determine whether activation of 5-HT(3) receptors increases the concentration of GABA in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Intrathecal perfusion of a selective 5-HT(3) receptor agonist, 1-phenylbiguanide (0.3, 1.

Antihyperalgesic and side effects of intrathecal clonidine and tizanidine in a rat model of neuropathic pain.

Background: Although intrathecal clonidine produces pronounced analgesia, antinociceptive doses of intrathecal clonidine produce several side effects, including hypotension, bradycardia, and sedation. Intrathecal tizanidine, another alpha(2)-adrenergic agonist, has provided antinociception without producing pronounced hemodynamic changes in animal studies. However, it has been unclear whether antihyperalgesic doses of intrathecal clonidine and tizanidine produce hypotension and bradycardia in a neuropathic pain state.

Intracerebroventricular morphine produces antinociception by evoking gamma-aminobutyric acid release through activation of 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 receptors in the spinal cord.

Background: It has been generally considered that supraspinal morphine activates the serotonergic descending inhibitory system and releases serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) in the spinal cord, producing antinociception through activation of 5-HT receptors. The involvement of a spinal gamma-aminobutyric acid-mediated (GABAergic) system is also suggested in supraspinal morphine antinociception. It has been reported that spinal GABAergic system contributes to 5-HT3 receptor-mediated antinociception.