Electrical stimulation structurally affects the tissues of the rectum and anus of nulliparous rats.

Considering that the muscles of the anus perform a critical role in maintaining continence, losses in their structure can negatively affect the physiological control of the intestinal contents. Anorectal electro-stimulation (ARES) has been reported to have a positive effect on the functionality of treated patients, but how ARES affects the structural tissues of the anorectal segment remains unknown. Because the study of how ARES structurally affects human tissues is not possible, this study aimed to clarify these effects in a murine model, which has a similar anorectal segment (structure and physiology) to humans.

Gene expression of endothelin receptors in replaced rheumatic mitral stenotic valves.

Objectives: Rheumatic fever is a highly prevalent disease in Brazil, and it poses a major public health problem. It is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in childhood and adolescence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the gene expression of ET-3 and its receptors, in replaced rheumatic mitral valves.

Amplification of the genes that codify endothelin-1 and its receptors in rheumatic mitral valves.

Background: Cardiopathies are high prevalence conditions. Among them, rheumatic carditis is of high relevance in developing countries. Left cardiac chamber changes are associated to endothelial dysfunction and ET-1 levels increase.

Endothelin-1 levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Background: Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of endothelin-1 (ET-1) were measured in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) after aneurysmal rupture and compared with levels of ET-1 in volunteers. We analyze the relationship between levels of ET-1 in both CSF and plasma with the risk of developing cerebral vasospasm (CVS).

Methods: Cerebrospinal fluid and blood samples were collected from 30 selected patients after SAH and from 10 healthy volunteers who were used as control.