S1P(4) receptor mediates S1P-induced vasoconstriction in normotensive and hypertensive rat lungs.

This study aimed to identify receptors mediating sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)-induced vasoconstriction in the normotensive and chronic hypoxia-induced hypertensive rat pulmonary circulation. In isolated perfused lungs from normoxic rats, infusion of S1P caused a sustained vasoconstriction, which was not reduced by combinational pretreatment with the dual S1P(1 and 3) receptor antagonist VPC23019 and the S1P(2) receptor antagonist JTE013. The S1P(4) receptor agonists phytosphingosine-1-phospate and VPC23153, but not the dual S1P(1 and 3) receptor agonist VPC24191, caused dose-dependent vasoconstrictions.

Depressive symptoms in pulmonary arterial hypertension: prevalence and association with functional status.

Background: In patients with left-heart disease, depressive symptoms have a significant impact on functional status and quality of life. The prevalence of depressive symptoms, and their impact on patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is understudied.

Objective: The authors investigated the prevalence of depressive symptoms in PAH and their correlation with physical functioning.

Identification of novel resident pulmonary stem cells: form and function of the lung side population.

Resident lung stem cells function to replace all lineages of pulmonary tissue, including mesenchyme, epithelium, and vasculature. The phenotype of the lung side population (SP) cells is currently under investigation; their function is currently unknown. Recent data suggest lung SP cells are an enriched tissue-specific source of organ-specific pulmonary precursors and, therefore, a source of adult stem cells.

Community-acquired pneumonia and sepsis.

Sepsis is a frequent and often fatal complication of pneumonia. This article discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of sepsis in the setting of pneumonia. Particular consideration is given to the role of mechanical ventilation in amplifying organ dysfunction in sepsis and to treatments that have positive effects on sepsis mortality and respiratory dysfunction.

Clinical utility of blood cultures drawn from central vein catheters and peripheral venipuncture in critically ill medical patients.

Study Objective: To determine the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of blood cultures obtained through a central vein catheter compared with peripheral venipuncture.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: A medical ICU (19 beds) from a university-affiliated urban teaching hospital.