Spinal vs. supraspinal antinociceptive activity of the adenosine A(1) receptor agonist cyclopentyl-adenosine in rats with inflammation.

The adenosine A(1) receptor is involved in spinal cord antinociception. As its role at supraspinal sites is not well known, we studied the systemic effects of its agonist N-cyclopentyl-adenosine (CPA) in single motor units from adult-spinalized, intact and sham-spinalized rats. CPA was not effective after spinalization, but it was very effective in intact animals (ID50: 92+/-1.

Cyclophotocoagulation: experimental investigations of dosage problems.

Background: During cyclophotocoagulation, transsclerally applied laser light reduces the aqueous-producing structures of the eye. One problem using this therapy is patient-specific dosage of the applied laser energy. The aim of our investigations was to obtain information about intensity and distribution of tissue destruction in the coagulation area.

Flow visualization in the Baylor total artificial heart.

To analyze the flow patterns of the left and right blood chambers of the total artificial heart (TAH), flow visualization studies were performed. Two setup levels were used for the flow visualization studies. For estimating the global flow patterns, the pumps were illuminated using incandescent light, and the patterns were recorded by either videotape or photography.

A fluid dynamic analysis of a rotary blood pump for design improvement.

The proper design of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) requires an understanding of the pump's fluid dynamic and biocompatible properties. A hydraulically efficient system minimizes the power required for pumping. Biocompatibility refers to the ability to pump blood with minimal hemolysis and thrombus formation.

Increased toxicity of the antitumor drug cyclophosphamide in mice in the presence of the volatile anesthetic agent halothane.

Exposure of mice to 0.5% halothane in air, which is close to a maintenance concentration in man, after an IP dose of cyclophosphamide produced an increase in the lethality of cyclophosphamide. The LD50 (30 day) for cyclophosphamide without halothane was 251 mg/kg; with 2 h subsequent exposure to halothane it was 152 mg/kg; and with 20 h subsequent exposure to halothane it was 158 mg/kg.