Addition of carvedilol to University Wisconsin solution improves rat steatotic and nonsteatotic liver preservation.

Here we examine the effect of adding carvedilol (CVD) to University of Wisconsin (UW) solution on the preservation of steatotic and nonsteatotic livers during cold ischemia and after normothermic reperfusion. We used an isolated perfused rat liver model. The following protocols were evaluated.

The antioxidant role of bile pigments evaluated by chemical tests.

Bilirubin, biliverdin and their serum albumin complexes were tested as oxyradical scavengers (superoxide generated by the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system and peroxyl radical-trapping antioxidant ability). As superoxide scavengers the free bile pigments showed activities near to that of serum albumin, higher than the water soluble vitamin E analog Trolox and lower than ascorbic acid. The peroxyl radical-trapping antioxidant abilities of the tested bile pigments were much higher than those of the serum albumin and of the same order as their serum albumin complexes.

Tissular prostanoid release, phospholipase A2 activity, and lipid peroxidation in pancreas transplantation.

Free radical species have been implicated as important agents in ischemia-reperfusion injury associated to transplantation procedures. This study was carried out to investigate the possible relationship between phospholipase A2 activity (PLA2), lipoperoxidation, and the changes in arachidonic acid metabolism during ischemia reperfusion injury in pancreas transplantation, as well as the effect of a free radical scavenger such as superoxide dismutase on these changes. For this purpose male Lewis rat groups (n = 7) were classified as follows: group I--control; group II--syngenic pancreas transplantation after 15 min preservation in Collins solution at 4 degrees C; group III--syngenic pancreas transplantation after 18 hr preservation in the same conditions; group IV--same as III but with administration of SOD (i.

Increase in PGE2 and TXA2 in the saliva of common migraine patients. Action of calcium channel blockers.

PGE2 and TXA2 levels and their modulation by nicardipine, a calcium blocking agent, have been studied in patients suffering from migraine. The levels of both metabolites were determined in saliva obtained during the migraine attacks, during the intervals between attacks, and after 2 months of treatment with nicardipine (20 mg every 8 h.) or placebo.

The effect of BW775C on respiratory distress in the rat induced by arachidonic acid.

BW775C, an inhibitor of the lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase pathways, inhibits the respiratory distress induced by arachidonic acid in rats. The degree of respiratory distress was measured in terms of respiratory rate using electrodes implanted at each side of the thorax. Indomethacin, an inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase pathway, failed to influence the respiratory distress induced by arachidonic acid.