Polymorphonuclear leukocytes promote neurotoxicity through release of matrix metalloproteinases, reactive oxygen species, and TNF-alpha.

As the first immune cells to infiltrate the nervous system after traumatic PNS and CNS injury, neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes, PMNs) may promote injury by releasing toxic soluble factors that may affect neuronal survival. Direct neurotoxicity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cytokines released by PMNs was investigated by culturing dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells with PMN-conditioned media containing MMP inhibitor (GM6001), ROS scavengers, or tumor necrosis factor alphaR (TNF-alphaR) neutralizing antibody. Although DRGs exposed to PMN-conditioned media had 53% fewer surviving neurons than controls, neuronal cell loss was prevented by GM6001 (20 micromol/L), catalase (1000 U/mL), or TNF-alphaR neutralizing antibody (1.

Lack of prostaglandin effect on sodium balance and hyperreninemia in adrenalectomized rats.

Glucocorticoids are known inhibitors of prostaglandin production. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostacyclin (PGI2) are promoters of natriuresis and renin release. Excessive prostaglandin production, therefore, might contribute to the altered sodium balance and renin release observed in primary adrenal insufficiency.

Conjugated estrogens reduce endothelial prostacyclin production and fail to reduce postbypass blood loss.

Intravenous conjugated estrogens correct bleeding times and reduce bleeding in uremia, gastrointestinal telangiectasias, and liver disease. One study found a similar benefit in patients undergoing open heart surgery. The mechanism by which conjugated estrogens improve bleeding times is unknown.

Effect of minoxidil on platelet function and the synthesis of prostaglandins in platelets.

At the 12.5 micrograms level, minoxidil prevents the irreversible aggregation of platelets by 2 x 10(-6) mol/L adenosine diphosphate (ADP). Levels of minoxidil greater than 12.

Effects of hypothyroidism and short-term aging on whole blood thromboxane and arterial prostacyclin synthesis.

Hypothyroidism results in decreased platelet aggregation and has unique effects on the development of atherosclerosis and angina pectoris. Because prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 profoundly influence platelet function and vascular tone and are thought to be important in the development of atherosclerosis and angina pectoris, we studied the effects of hypothyroidism in rats on the in vitro elaboration of prostacyclin passively by aortic tissue and of thromboxane A2 by thrombin-stimulated whole blood. Hypothyroidism induced by iodine 131 (given at age 7 weeks) persistently caused a mild decrease in platelet count (P less than 0.