Surgical thoracic sympathectomy induces structural and biomechanical remodeling of the thoracic aorta in a porcine model.

Background: Sympathetic innervation exerts marked effects on vascular smooth muscle cells, including a short-term homeostatic (vasoconstrictor) and a direct trophic action promoting differentiation. However, the role of sympathetic nervous system in long-term structural and functional modulation of the aortic wall is yet undefined.

Methods: Six Landrace pigs underwent bilateral thoracic sympathectomy from the stellate to T8 ganglion, whereas 10 pigs underwent sham operation.

Malignant pleural effusion and talc pleurodesis. Experimental model regarding early kinetics of talc particle dissemination in the chest after experimental talc pleurodesis.

Purpose: Talc remains a commonly used agent for pleurodesis malignant pleural effusion. Nevertheless, it is associated with a 3-9% incidence of pulmonary reactions ranging from simple pneumonitis to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The underlying lung pathology and the size and rate of talc particle dissemination have been implicated as the cause of these complications.

The effects of hypothyroidism on the mechanical properties and histomorphological structure of the thoracic aorta.

This experimental study investigates the effects of hypothyroidism on the descending thoracic aorta. Hypothyroidism was induced in 20 male Wistar rats by administering 0.05% of 6-n propyl 2-thiouracil (PTU) in their drinking water for 8 weeks.

Hypothyroidism and the aorta. evidence of increased oxidative DNA damage to the aorta of hypothyroid rats.

Background: Although it has been suggested that the hypometabolic state is associated with a decrease in oxidative stress, literature data are controversial, revealing an individuality of oxidant status in relation to tissue properties and responsiveness. Hypothyroidism has profound direct and indirect actions on the vascular system, inducing characteristic hemodynamic changes while the aorta represents an important determinant of vascular performance. This study aims to examine the oxidant status on the aorta in chronic experimental hypothyroidism.