Release of ANP and fat oxidation in overweight persons during aerobic exercise in water.

Exercise in water compared to land-based exercise (LE) results in a higher release of natriuretic peptides, which are involved in the regulation of exercise-induced adipose tissue lipolysis. The present study was performed to compare the release of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and free fatty acids (FFA) during prolonged aerobic water-based exercise (WE) with the release after an identical LE. 14 untrained overweight subjects performed 2 steady state workload tests on the same ergometer in water and on land.

[Therapeutic muscle training].

The needs and motives for a therapeutically oriented muscle training programme are quite varied. The attainment of the maximum possible muscle strength is not the decisive goal, but instead the achievement of motoric function permitting optimal performance during daily physical activities, supporting active participation in sports during leisure time, compensating for deficits in the musculo-skeletal system and counteracting a series of disturbances and limitations in general health. The following goals fall into the realm of a therapeutic muscle training programme: maintenance as well as improvement of muscle function--stabilization of the joints--increase in joint mobility--maintenance of the function of the total skeletal system--support of kinesthetics and body consciousness--promotion of emotional stability--prophylaxis of injury--improvement of the preconditions for total body training.

A highly sensitive and rapid radioimmunoassay for the determination of arginine8-vasopressin.

A highly sensitive radioimmunossay for arginine8-vasopressin (argipressin; INN) measurement was developed using Amberlite XAD 2 resin columns to extract arginine8-vasopressin from acidified human plasma. Arginine8-vasopressin was determined by a rapid radioimmunoassay method (2 x 20 h) using a specific antibody and 125I-labelled antigen. The bound fraction was separated by adsorption of the free fraction onto bovine serum albumin-coated charcoal; this resulted in low unspecific binding of less than 2%.

[Muscle training by electrostimulation].

Repeated electrical stimulation of skeletal muscles with intact innervation can lead to increased muscular performance. This form of treatment is employed, for example, in atrophy prophylaxis, re-establishment of lost muscular power, and selective strengthening of isolated muscles or muscle groups, and has also been recommended for sport-related performance training. For the most part, it represents an adjuvant measure to active exercise.

[The diuretic effect of a bath. Study in healthy pregnant females and patients with edema and gestosis].

The effect of a 40 minute thermoneutral bath on diuretic function and blood volume in a total of 27 pregnant women (13 healthy and 14 pregnant women with edema rsep. EPH-gestosis) was investigated. In both groups water immersion led to a significant increase of urine flow, natriuresis, kaliuresis, osmotic and free water clearance.

Role of atrial natriuretic factor, cyclic GMP and the renin-aldosterone system in acute volume regulation of healthy human subjects.

The role of the atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), its second messenger cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), and the counteracting renin-aldosterone system in acute volume regulation was investigated in 25 healthy human subjects. Central volume stimulation by 1-h head-out water immersion (WI) into a thermoneutral water-bath increased plasma levels of ANF (mean +/- SEM) from 6.0 +/- 0.

Pharmacokinetics of methotrexate during regional hyperthermia in a pig model.

In the pig model, regional hyperthermia in the gluteus was combined with the infusion of 150 mg MTX over a period of 100-120 min. The pharmacokinetic data reveal that this approach is capable of simulating the situation that is necessary and achievable in medium-dose MTX therapy of human tumours. Under MTX infusion, serum levels in the region of 10(-5) M are attained.

[Training and conditioning in atopic patients following high altitude climate therapy].

The subjective and objective values have changed after a four weeks treatment in high mountain areas under cool climatic conditions. "Terrainkuren" (mountain walking under guidance of a therapist) under cool climatic- and body temperature conditions show besides training results (in sport medicine) also favourable thermoregulatory adaptations. Improvements of the endurance training can be objectivated by means of the reduced heart frequency and the decrease in lactit acid under standardized physical exercises.

An investigation of the microcirculation of the human tympanic membrane with laser-Doppler flowmetry.

The present investigation was performed to evaluate the use of laser-Doppler flowmetry as a means for measuring the blood flow of the microcirculation of the human tympanic membrane. The blood cell flux in the microvascular bed of the normal tympanic membrane was measured in healthy subjects. The laser-Doppler output signals continuously recorded showed a steady value ranging from 70 to about 120 V, as well as spontaneous oscillations (or rhythmical active vasomotion).

The effects of external CO2 application on human skin microcirculation investigated by laser Doppler flowmetry.

The effects of an aqueous solution of CO2 applied to a small skin site were investigated by means of a laser Doppler flowmeter. The circulatory response to CO2 was an increased blood flow, reaching a maximum level within approximately 2-3 minutes. In addition there was a marked stimulation of rhythmical vasomotion, especially an increase in amplitudes.

Intra- and extravascular volume changes in the human forearm after static hand grip exercise.

Studies have been conducted to evaluate intra- and extravascular volume changes and blood flow in the exercising human forearm by means of (1) combining plethysmographic and scintigraphic methods, (2) an indirect procedure using the relationship of blood flow and volume change from reactive hyperemia. A static hand grip exercise of 60% maximal voluntary contraction and 30 s duration increased the forearm volume by 3.03 +/- 0.

On electrolyte determinations in the pituitary and pineal gland: is there a diurnal rhythm?

At four different times during the day determinations of the electrolyte content of the anterior and posterior pituitary as well as of the pineal had been carried out by means of atomic absorption spectroscopy. There are significant differences in the sodium and potassium content between these organs. There are also distinct changes in the adenohypophysial Na+, K+ and Mg++ content between the light and the dark period.