Tachycardia evoked from insular stroke in rats is dependent on glutamatergic neurotransmission in the dorsomedial hypothalamus.

Background And Purpose: Damage to the insula results in cardiovascular complications. In rats, activation of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in the intermediate region of the posterior insular cortex (iIC) results in sympathoexcitation, tachycardia and arterial pressure increases. Similarly, focal experimental hemorrhage at the iIC results in a marked sympathetic-mediated increase in baseline heart rate.

Autonomic and cardiovascular consequences resulting from experimental hemorrhagic stroke in the left or right intermediate insular cortex in rats.

Damage to the insular cortex (IC) results in serious cardiovascular consequences and evidence indicates that the characteristics are lateralized. However, a study comparing the effects of focal experimental hemorrhage between IC sides was never performed. We compared the cardiovascular, autonomic and cardiac changes produced by focal experimental hemorrhage (ICH) into the left (L) or right (R) IC.

Functional topography of cardiovascular regulation along the rostrocaudal axis of the rat posterior insular cortex.

Cardiovascular (CV) representation has been identified within the insular cortex (IC) and a lateralization of function previously suggested. In order to further understand the role of IC on cardiovascular control, the present study compared the CV responses evoked by stimulation of N-metil-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the right and left posterior IC at different rostrocaudal levels. Intracortical microinjections of NMDA were performed into the IC of male Wistar rats anaesthetized with urethane (1.

Cerebral hemodynamic changes after wartime traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with the severest casualties from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). From October 1, 2008, the U.S.

Bedside assessment of stroke and stroke mimics.

Following ischemic stroke, interventions to bring about reperfusion must be implemented within the recognized timeframe; this means that timely clinical recognition of this condition is vital. The process of diagnosis begins with the initial bedside assessment of the patient to be followed by appropriate imaging studies. However, because reperfusion therapy may be attended by significant adverse consequences, and since imaging may be negative for many hours after stroke onset, the clinician must be aware of conditions that mimic cerebral ischemia.

Association of leukocyte count with progression of aortic atheroma in stroke/transient ischemic attack patients.

Background And Purpose: Leukocyte count is an independent predictor of stroke. We investigated the association between leukocyte count and progression of aortic atheroma over 12 months in stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients.

Methods: Consecutive ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack patients underwent 12-month sequential transesophageal echocardiography and were assessed for total and differential leukocyte counts on admission.

Aortic arch atheroma progression and recurrent vascular events in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Background: It is not known whether progression of aortic arch (AA) atheroma is associated with vascular events in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Methods And Results: AA atheroma was detected on baseline transesophageal echocardiogram in 167 consecutive patients who had prevalent stroke or TIA. Of these, 125 consented to a follow-up transesophageal echocardiogram at 12 months.

Protective effects of beta-blockers in cerebrovascular disease.

Objective: Because activated sympathetic tone is associated with poorer outcome after stroke, we investigated whether beta-blocker treatment was associated with lesser stroke severity and improved outcome.

Method: We prospectively studied 111 patients with stroke. Stroke severity on presentation gauged by Canadian Neurologic Scale (CanNS) and medication use verified from medical records.

Changes in cardiac thrombus status after cerebral ischemia.

Background And Purpose: Intracardiac thrombi are a potential source of cerebral embolism. The disposition of intracardiac thrombi in ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients was investigated over a 10-month period using omniplanar transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

Methods: One hundred and five patients underwent TEE examination at <1 month and again at 9-12 months (mean 10 months) after symptom onset.

Risk factors for progression of aortic atheroma in stroke and transient ischemic attack patients.

Background And Purpose: Aortic atheroma is an independent risk factor for stroke and undergoes temporal progression. Clinical and risk factor associations of such progression are unknown. Hyperhomocysteinemia has been linked with atherosclerosis, including that in the cerebral vasculature.