Ketamine-induced cardiac depression is associated with increase in [Mg2+]i and activation of p38 MAP kinase and ERK 1/2 in guinea pig.

This study investigated the signaling pathways responsible for ketamine-induced cardiac depression in guinea pigs. The left ventricular development pressure (LVDP), velocity of the change in pressure (dP/dt), and heart rate (HR) accompanied with the total magnesium efflux ([Mg]e) were measured simultaneously in perfused hearts. The level of activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK 1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase.

Immunosuppressants inhibit hormone-stimulated Mg2+ uptake in mouse distal convoluted tubule cells.

Immunosuppressants such as cyclosporinA and FK506 (tacrolimus) are widely prescribed to treat numerous disorders and to treat organ transplant recipients. However, cyclosporine A and FK506 are both known to produce hypomagnesaemia. The mechanism of this effect is still unclear.

alpha(1)-Agonists-induced Mg(2+) efflux is related to MAP kinase activation in the heart.

The stimulation of the alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor with phenylephrine results in the significant extrusion of Mg(2+) from the rat heart and cardiomyocytes. Phenylephrine-induced Mg(2+) extrusion is prevented by the removal of extracellular Ca(2+) or by the presence of Ca(2+)-channel blockers such as verapamil, nifedipine, or (+)BAY-K8644. Mg(2+) extrusion is almost completely inhibited by PD98059 (a MAP kinase inhibitor).

Calixarene derivative as a tool for highly sensitive detection and oriented immobilization of proteins in a microarray format through noncovalent molecular interaction.

One important factor in fabricating protein microarray is to immobilize proteins without losing their activity on a solid phase. To keep them functional, it is necessary to immobilize proteins in a way that preserve their folded structural integrity. In a previous study, we developed novel Calixarene derivatives for the immobilization of proteins on the surface of a glass slide (1).

Evaluation of fluorescence hs-CRP immunoassay for point-of-care testing.

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) is one of acute phase respondents that has been used to monitor infection and inflammation episodes. Recent studies have shown that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a potential risk predictor for future atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Methods: We previously developed a fluorescence-based immunochromatographic method for measuring hs-CRP concentrations (i-CHROMAtrade mark hs-CRP assay) in blood.