A single bout of exercise influences natural killer cells in elderly women, especially those who are habitually active

The purpose of our study was to examine the effects of a single exercise bout on the natural killer (NK) cell count and activity in physically active elderly people, sedentary elderly people, and sedentary young people. Eight elderly women who trained by walking (age, 64 +/- 1 years; Vo(2peak), 32.2 +/- 1.1 ml.kg(-1).min(-1)), 8 age-matched untrained women (63 +/- 1 years, 28.8 +/- 1.0 ml.kg(-1).min(-1)), and 8 young untrained women (25 +/- 1 years, 37.6 +/- 1.6 ml.kg(-1).min(-1)) were studied. Blood samples were taken before, immediately after, and 2 hours after a 30-minute bout of exercise at an intensity equivalent to 70-75% of Vo(2peak). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and the NK cell count and activity were analyzed. The NK cell count of the elderly sedentary group immediately after exercise was significantly higher than those of the elderly women who walked and young sedentary women, whereas no significant interaction was detected in NK cell activity and NK cell activity per cell number among the 3 groups. Consequently, an intrinsic defect in the cytotoxic ability of NK cells appeared in sedentary elderly people but not in active elderly people who perform habitual exercise.     

Serum leptin levels in patients with sideropenic and pernicious anemia: the influence of anemia treatment

Leptin is a 16 kDa protein hormone involved in food intake, energy expenditure regulation and numerous other physiological processes. Recently, leptin has been demonstrated to stimulate hematopoietic stem cells in vitro. The aim of our study was to measure serum leptin and erythropoietin levels in patients with sideropenic (n = 18) and pernicious anemia (n=7) before and during anemia treatment. Blood samples for the blood count, leptin and erythropoietin determinations were obtained by venepunction at the time of the diagnosis of anemia and after partial and complete anemia recovery. The relationships of serum leptin levels to erythropoietin levels and blood count parameters were also studied. No significant differences in serum leptin levels between the groups studied were found. The serum leptin levels in none of groups were modified by treatment of anemia (basal levels, the levels during treatment and after anemia recovery were 13.1+/-14.5 vs 12.8+/-15.6 vs 12.0+/-14.8 ng/ml in patients with sideropenic anemia and 7.8+/-8.5 vs 9.5+/-10.0 vs 8.9+/-6.6 ng/ml in patients with pernicious anemia). The erythropoietin levels were higher at the time of anemia in both groups and decreased significantly after partial or complete recovery. Serum leptin levels in both groups correlated positively with the body mass index. No significant relationships were found between serum leptin levels and erythropoietin values or various parameters of the peripheral blood count. We conclude that serum leptin levels in patients with sideropenic and pernicious anemia positively correlate with the body mass index but are not influenced by the treatment of anemia.     

Human basophils express CD22 without expression of CD19.

BACKGROUND:Even modern automatic cell counters cannot count basophils precisely. Therefore, we need a rapid, accurate, precise, and easy method for counting basophils. METHODS:Using flow cytometry, basophils (CD22+/CD19-) and B cells (CD22+/CD19+) were counted. Within a large lymphocyte light scatter gate, % basophils (G%baso) and % B cells (G%B) were determined from the total count. Another method of analysis was to make two regions (R1 for basophils and R2 for B cells) and to determine in those the % basophils (R1%baso) and % B cells (R2%B) without gating. The flow cytometric basophil counts of the blood of 21 normal controls and 43 chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients were compared with manual basophil count (Ma%baso) and basophil count by Coulter electronic cell counter (Hialeah, FL) (Auto%baso). CD22+/CD19- cells were sorted by a FACSCalibur (Becton Dickinson, San Jose, CA). RESULTS:The G%baso of all samples was 4.66 +/- 5.35%, and R1%baso was 4.23 +/- 4.88%, and they were well-correlated (r = 0.996, P < 0.001). The G%B of all samples was 1.55 +/- 1.68%, and R2%B was 1.59 +/- 1.67%, and they were also well-correlated (r = 0.993, P < 0.001). Their correlation was better in normal controls than in CML. G%baso was well-correlated to Ma%baso (r = 0.827) and Auto%baso (r = 0.806), and R1%baso was well-correlated to Ma%baso (r = 0.831) but showed poor correlation to Auto%baso (r = 0.734). Auto%baso revealed the poorest correlation to Ma%baso (r = 0.692). The sorted CD22+/CD19- cells were all basophils (99.48 +/- 0.30%), and they revealed CD13, CD33, and dim CD45 expression, whereas CD3, CD14, CD16, and HLA-DR were not detected on them. CONCLUSIONS: We discovered a specific marker combination to identify basophils (CD22+/CD19-), and we suggest that flow cytometric analysis using these markers is an easy, reliable, and accurate method of basophil counting.     

Haemocompatibility of extracorporeal circulation technique with autooxygenation: influence on platelet function and homologous blood requirement.

Forty male patients: group A-autooxygenation and group B-bubble oxygenator used in extracorporeal circulation (ECC) were studied to evaluate the haemocompatibility of 2 types of ECC. The Plt count dropped significantly in group B patients: -73% of initial value vs only -27% in group A, (p less than 0.001). In both groups a rise in BTG was shown, but higher in group B, p less than 0.001. At the end of CPB aggregation decreased only slightly in group A after epinephrine and 4-ADP, and decreased hardly in group B with the significant difference between two groups (p less than 0.02 and p less than 0.001, respectively). In group A the mean blood loss was 278 +/- 49 ml/m2 and 483 +/- 67 ml/m2 in group B, p less than 0.001. The mean blood transfusion in group A and B was 198 +/- 82 ml/m2 and 427 +/- 85 ml/m2, respectively (p less than 0.001). We are positive that the elimination of artificial oxygenator from the ECC diminished markedly the decline in Plt count and Plt activation during CPB.     

Calf blood flow during prolonged tilt in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and after cardiac transplantation

In severe congestive heart failure (CHF), abnormal reflex control of calf blood flow during brief head-up tilt that appears to normalize after transplantation (HTX) may be present during prolonged observation also. Therefore, we studied the effect of prolonged (30 min) 50 degrees head-up tilt on calf skeletal muscle blood flow measured by the local (133)Xe washout method in CHF and after HTX and in patients with the presence vs. absence of native right atrium (+PNA and -PNA, respectively). During brief head-up tilt, skeletal muscle blood flow increased 13 +/- 42% in 9 severe CHF patients in contrast to a -28 +/- 22% decrease (P < 0.01) in 11 control subjects, -24 +/- 30% decrease in 15 moderate CHF patients (P < 0.05), -25 +/- 14% decrease in 12 patients with recent HTX (P < 0.01), and -21 +/- 24% decrease in 8 patients with distant HTX (P = 0.06). However, during sustained tilt, blood flow declined to similar levels of that in the other groups in severe CHF. HTX -PNA vs. +PNA showed blunted skeletal muscle vasomotor control (P < 0.05) and a higher systolic blood pressure (139 +/- 14 vs. 125 +/- 15 mmHg, P < 0.05) and heart rate (92 +/- 10 vs. 83 +/- 8 beats/min, P < 0.05). Thus paradox vasodilatation of calf skeletal muscle in severe CHF is present only during brief but not prolonged tilt. This may be one explanation of the rare presence of orthostatic intolerance in CHF and implies only a minor possible role for the abnormality in edema pathogenesis. Removal of all right atrium in HTX has an important hemodynamic impact that may possibly affect later clinical outcome.     

Changes in regional cerebral blood flow distribution during postexercise hypotension in humans.

This investigation compared patterns of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during exercise recovery both with and without postexercise hypotension (PEH). Eight subjects were studied on 3 days with randomly assigned conditions: 1) after 30 min of rest; 2) after 30 min of moderate exercise (M-Ex) at 60-70% heart rate (HR) reserve during PEH; and 3) after 30 min of light exercise (L-Ex) at 20% HR reserve with no PEH. Data were collected for HR, mean blood pressure (MBP), and ratings of perceived exertion and relaxation, and rCBF was assessed by use of single-photon-emission computed tomography. With the use of ANOVA across conditions, there were differences (P < 0.05; mean +/- SD) from rest during exercise recovery from M-Ex (HR = +12 +/- 3 beats/min; MBP = -9 +/- 2 mmHg), but not from L-Ex (HR = +2 +/- 2 beats/min; MBP = -2 +/- 2 mmHg). After M-Ex, there were decreases (P < 0.05) for the anterior cingulate (-6.7 +/- 2%), right and left inferior thalamus (-10 +/- 3%), right inferior insula (-13 +/- 3%), and left inferior anterior insula (-8 +/- 3%), not observed after L-Ex. There were rCBF decreases for leg sensorimotor regions after both M-Ex (-15 +/- 4%) and L-Ex (-12 +/- 3%) and for the left superior anterior insula (-7 +/- 3% and -6 +/- 3%), respectively. Data show that there are rCBF reductions within specific regions of the insular cortex and anterior cingulate cortex coupled with a postexercise hypotensive response after M-Ex. Findings suggest that these cerebral cortical regions, previously implicated in cardiovascular regulation during exercise, may also be involved in PEH.     

Characterization of semen collected from beagles and captive Japanese black bears (Ursus thibetanus japonicus)

This study characterized semen collected from the Japanese black bear, Ursus thibetanus aponicus, to provide information on semen cryopreservation for artificial breeding. Preliminary studies using a beagle dog as the model species showed that sperm concentration and total sperm count were lower in semen collected by electroejaculation than in semen collected by digital manipulation, but that sperm motility, viability and morphology were similar. Characterization of semen obtained from Japanese black bears by electroejaculation under general anesthesia revealed that semen volume and total number of spermatozoa collected were lower; but that sperm concentration, motility, viability and morphology were equivalent to those reported in other ursids. When semen was collected via a catheter inserted into the urethra during the stimulation for ejaculation, the sperm concentration, total sperm count and motility were relatively higher than when semen was collected directly in a test tube. Specific normal semen characteristics (mean +/- SEM) were pH, 7.6 +/- 0.0; volume, 0.212 +/- 0.038 mL; sperm concentration, 361 +/- 100 x 10(6)/mL; total sperm count, 84.0 +/- 32.2 x 106; +++ motility, 30 +/- 5%; motility, 77 +/- 3%; viability 77 +/- 2%; and abnormal morphology, 11+/- 2%. These results suggest that semen can be collected from Japanese black bears by electroejaculation.     

The duration of ovulation in pigs, studied by transrectal ultrasonography, is not related to early embryonic diversity

The duration of ovulation in pigs was studied by transrectal ultrasonography. The number of preovulatory follicles was counted on both ovaries at 30-minute intervals from 36 hours after the onset of estrus (Group A: naturally ovulating sows that were group-housed and were inseminated and caged during scanning) or 40 hours after treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (Group B: tethered sows that had been induced to ovulate but were not inseminated). The duration of ovulation was (mean+/-SD) 1.8+/-0.6 hours (range 0.75 to 3.25) in Group A (n=13) and 4.6+/-1.7 hours (range 2.0 to 7.0) in Group B (n=8). The difference was significant (P<0.01). In Group A and B sows, respectively, the course of ovulation, expressed as the relation between the relative follicle count (percentage of the maximum follicle count; Y) and the time (percentage of the duration of ovulation; X) was: Y = 104.3( *)e(-0.023( *)X) (R(2)=0.95) and Y = 98.9( *)e(-0.018( *)X) (R(2)=0.92). The onset of ovulation occurred at approximately two-thirds of the duration of the estrus (Group A: 67+/-6%; Group B: 60+/-10%). Group A sows were artificially inseminated and were slaughtered at 98+/-8 hours (range 77 to 110) after ovulation. The difference between the maximum follicle count and the corpora lutea count was zero or only 1 in 81% (21 26 ) of the ovaries. Embryonic diversity (within-litter SD of the number of nuclei or of the number of cell cycles) was not related to the duration of ovulation, neither at the level of ovary nor of sow (P>0.05). In conclusion, transrectal ultrasonography was found to be an appropriate nonsurgical method of studying the duration of ovulation in pigs. The duration of ovulation varied both between sows and between groups of sows, and was not related to early embryonic diversity.     

Nifedipine in hypertensive emergencies.

The effects and safety of using oral nifedipine 10-20 mg as acute antihypertensive treatment were studied in a single-blind placebo-controlled study of 25 consecutive patients with very high blood pressure requiring emergency reduction. In addition the effect of this treatment on cerebral blood flow was investigated using xenon-133 in 10 patients randomly allocated to receive oral nifedipine or intravenous clonidine. Whereas placebo did not alter the blood pressure, oral nifedipine significantly reduced the systolic and diastolic blood pressures in all 25 patients (from 221 +/- 22/126 +/- 14 mm Hg to 152 +/- 20/89 +/- 12 mm Hg after 30 minutes, p less than 0.001). Heart rate increased from 74 +/- 11 to 84 +/- 11 beats/minute (p less than 0.01); this effect was inversely related to age (r = -0.65, p less than 0.01). The falls in systolic and diastolic blood pressures were closely related to the blood pressures before treatment ) r = 0.67, p less than 0.001 for systolic, and r = -0.58, p less than 0.01 for diastolic values). No serious unwanted effects were observed. Measurement of cerebral blood flow after nifedipine showed an increase in flow in four out of five patients. Clonidine, by contrast, reduced cerebral blood flow in all patients by up to 28%. Nifedipine is a simple, effective, and safe alternative drug for managing hypertensive emergencies, especially when continuous monitoring of the patient cannot be guaranteed.     

Reproductive endocrine functions in men with primary hypothyroidism: effect of thyroxine replacement

Reproductive endocrine functions were studied in men with primary hypothyroidism during the hypothyroid phase and after achieving euthyroid status with thyroxine substitution therapy. Hypergonadotropism [luteinising hormone (LH), 18.7 +/- 7.3 IU/l; follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), 6.3 +/- 2.0 IU/l], low serum testosterone (6.1 +/- 2.8 nmol/l), low serum sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG; 13.2 +/- 2.0 nmol/l) and subnormal testosterone response to human chorionic gonadotropin hCG; (30% increase in serum testosterone following hCG) observed during the hypothyroid phase were restored to normal (LH, 7.2 +/- 2.0 IU/l; FSH, 2.7 +/- 0.9 IU/l; testosterone, 12.9 +/- 2.7 nmol/l; SHBG, 26.5 +/- 8.4 nmol/l, and 2-fold increase in serum testosterone following hCG) with thyroxine substitution therapy. Some improvement in sperm count and motility was also observed.     

Short-term passive smoking causes endothelial dysfunction via oxidative stress in nonsmokers

Recent studies have shown that passive smoking impairs vascular endothelial function and induces oxidative stress in humans. However, in most of the previous human data regarding tobacco-induced pathophysiology, vascular endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress have been separately assessed. This study was designed to determine the association between the acute effect of passive smoking on vascular endothelial function and in-vivo oxidative stress status. We studied 30 healthy male Japanese volunteers (32 +/- 7 years) including 15 habitual smokers and 15 nonsmokers. After baseline echocardiographic, hemodynamic recording, and blood sampling, subjects were exposed to passive smoking for 30 min. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation was measured by using % flow-mediated vasodilation (%FMD) of the brachial artery and plasma levels of 8-isoprostane was measured by enzyme immunoassay before and after the passive smoking exposure. Baseline %FMD was lower (4.3% +/- 1.2% vs. 10.9% +/- 3.1%, p < 0.001) and baseline plasma 8-isoprostane level was higher (41.5 +/- 5.8 pg/mL vs. 26.9 +/- 5.4 pg/mL, p < 0.001) in smokers than those in nonsmokers. The %FMD and 8-isoprostane level did not change after passive smoking in smokers. In nonsmokers, however, the %FMD decreased (to 5.0% +/- 1.9%, p < 0.001) and the 8-isoprostane level increased (to 37.8 +/- 9.6 pg/mL, p < 0.001) significantly after 30 min passive smoking exposure, equivalently to the levels of smokers. Sixty corrected samples before and after passive smoking exposure in all patients showed a significant negative correlation between the % FMD and the plasma 8-isoprostane levels (n = 60, r = -0.69, p < 0.001). Even 30 min of passive smoking rapidly impairs vascular endothelial function, which is associated with oxidative stress. Our data provide the pathophysiological insight for the recent epidemiological evidence about the increased risk of coronary heart disease among nonsmokers exposed to passive smoking.     

Prognostic significance of erythroblasts in burns

Changes in hematopoiesis that occur in humans after a burn injury may have important effects on morbidity and mortality. In patients with a variety of severe diseases, the presence of erythroblasts in peripheral blood is known to be indicative of a poor prognosis. However, the prognostic significance of erythroblasts in peripheral blood of burn patients has not yet been estimated. This study included 464 consecutive burn patients, of whom 81 did not survive their injuries (17.5 percent). Together with erythroblasts in blood, data on age, sex, total burn surface area, third-degree burn, inhalation trauma, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, and hemoglobin were studied. The mortality rate of patients with erythroblasts in peripheral blood (n = 53) amounted to 56.6 percent (n = 30; total burn surface area, 39 percent), which is significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the mortality rate of patients without erythroblasts (12.4 percent, n = 51; total burn surface area, 18.69 percent). None of the 10 patients with more than 1000 erythroblasts x 10/liter survived. The detection of erythroblasts in the peripheral blood of burn patients is highly predictive of death, with the odds ratio after adjustment for the other known prognostic factors being 8.3 (95 percent confidence interval, 4.5 to 15.3). Erythroblasts were detected for the first time on average 10 +/- 4 days (median, 6 days) after admission and 13 +/- 6 days (median, 7 days) before death. Detection of erythroblasts in burn patients is of high prognostic power with regard to in-hospital mortality, providing physicians with a strong prognostic method with which to identify seriously threatened patients. It seems attractive to think about an incorporation of erythroblasts into further refinements of burn scores.     

Study on mechanisms of a haemostatic effect of 1 deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (desmopressin) in uraemic patients.

The effect of 1 deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) on blood platelet serotonin and some parameters of haemostasis was investigated. DDAVP was administered intravenously in a dose of 0.4 micrograms/kg BW to 16 uraemic patients maintained on chronic haemodialysis in a double-blind crossover study compared with placebo. The bleeding time was significantly shortened after DDAVP administration from 21.3 +/- 8 minutes to 11.5 +/- 6 minutes (p less than 0.001). VIII: Ag increased from 239.1 +/- 94% to 473 +/- 293% (p less than 0.01). Euglobulin lysis time was shortened from 238 +/- 101 to 148 +/- 84 minutes (p less than 0.005). The platelet serotonin level was significantly reduced from 532 +/- 141 to 366 +/- 88 ng/10(9) platelets (p less than 0.02). There were no changes in haematocrit, platelet count, VIII: C levels and blood serotonin concentrations after DDAVP administration. In placebo group there were no changes in all investigated parameters. Our data indicate that DDAVP shortens prolonged bleeding time in uraemic probably by means of the serotonergic mechanism. Further studies are needed to confirm this suggestion.     

Effect of naturally occurring triterpenoids glycyrrhizic acid, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid and nomilin on the immune system.

The effect of naturally occurring triterpenoid compounds such as glycyrrhizic acid, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, and nomilin on the immune system was studied using Balb/c mice. Intraperitoneal treatments with 5 doses of these terpenoid compounds were found to enhance the total white blood cells (WBC) count. In ursolic acid, oleanolic acid and nomilin treated animals the maximum total WBC count was observed on the 6th day, while in glycyrrhizic acid treated animals it was observed only on the 9th day after the drug treatment. In ursolic acid, oleanolic acid and nomilin treated animals the percentage of increase in the total WBC count was to 91.48 +/- 4.6%, 135.75 +/- 6.4% and 117.33 +/- 17.9% respectively. In the glycyrrhizic acid treated animals the total WBC count was increased to 114.9 +/- 18%. Bone marrow cellularity and alpha-esterase positive cells were also enhanced by the treatment with these terpenoids. Treatment with various triterpenoids along with antigen produced an enhancement in the specific antibody titre and the number of plaque forming cells (PFC) in the spleen. Triterpenoids remarkably inhibited delayed type hypersensitivity reaction (DTH). These results indicate the immunomodulatory activity of naturally occurring triterpenoids such as glycyrrhizic acid, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid and nomilin.     

Cytogenetic disorders iin patients with chronic hepatitis B and C

The chromosomal apparatus of peripheral blood lymphocytes was studied in 19 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 17 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Significant changes in cytogenetic indices were revealed in the both groups. Incidence of aberrant cells in CHC exceeded significantly that in CHB (15.3 +/- 1.5% vs 11.1 +/- 0.9% respectively; P < 0.05). Frequencies of aberration per cell and chromatid fragments were also significantly higher in CHC compared with both CHB and practically normal donor groups.     

Comparative effects of vasodilator drugs on flow distribution and venous return

Systemic vascular effects of hydralazine, prazosin, captopril, and nifedipine were studied in 115 anesthetized dogs. Blood flow (Q) and right atrial pressure (Pra) were independently controlled by a right heart bypass. Transient changes in central blood volume after an acute reduction in Pra at a constant Q showed that blood was draining from two vascular compartments with different time constants, one fast and the other slow. At three dose levels producing comparable reductions in systemic arterial pressure (30-40% at the highest dose), these drugs had different effects on flow distribution and venous return. Hydralazine and prazosin had parallel and balanced effects on arterial resistance of the two vascular compartments, and flow distribution was unaltered. Captopril preferentially reduced arterial resistance of the compartment with a slow time constant for venous return (-26 +/- 6%, -30 +/- 6%, -50 +/- 5% at 0.02, 0.10, and 0.50 mg X kg-1 X h-1, respectively; means +/- SEM) without altering arterial resistance of the fast time-constant compartment. Blood flow to the slow time-constant compartment was increased 43 +/- 14% at the highest dose, and central blood volume was reduced 108 +/- 15 mL. In contrast, nifedipine had a balanced effect on arterial resistance with the lowest dose (0.025 mg/kg) but caused a preferential reduction in arterial resistance of the fast time-constant compartment at higher doses (-38 +/- 4% and -55 +/- 2% at 0.05 and 0.10 mg/kg, respectively). Blood flow to the slow time-constant compartment was reduced 36 +/- 5% at the highest dose of nifedipine, and central blood volume was increased 66 +/- 12 mL. Total systemic venous compliance was unaltered or slightly reduced by each of the four drugs. These results add further evidence to the hypothesis that peripheral blood flow distribution is a major determinant of venous return to the heart.     

长春瑞滨联合卡铂化疗治疗晚期肺癌的临床观察

目的:探讨长春瑞滨联合卡铂化疗对晚期肺癌的治疗效果和安全性。方法:选取我院肿瘤科收治的晚期肺癌患者60例,根据不同治疗方案分为实验组与对照组,每组各30例患者。比较两组患者治疗前后的CEA、CA50、CYFRA21-1水平、白细胞计数及T淋巴细胞亚群CD4+、CD8+水平的变化。结果:治疗前,两组患者的CEA、CA50、CYFRA21-1水平、白细胞计数及T淋巴细胞亚群CD4+、CD8+水平比较均无统计学差异(P0.05)。治疗后,实验组的CEA、CA50、CYFRA21-1、CD8+水平均明显低于对照组,而白细胞计数及T淋巴细胞亚群CD4+、CD4+/CD8+水平均显著高于对照组,差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:与放疗相比,长春瑞滨联合卡铂化疗能显著提高晚期肺癌的疗效,且不降低患者的细胞免疫。     

Improved oxygenation in ischemic hamster flap tissue is correlated with increasing hemodilution with Hb vesicles and their O2 affinity

The aim of this study was to test the influence of oxygen affinity of Hb vesicles (HbVs) and level of blood exchange on the oxygenation in collateralized, ischemic, and hypoxic hamster flap tissue during normovolemic hemodilution. Microhemodynamics were investigated with intravital microscopy. Tissue Po2 was measured with Clark-type microprobes. HbVs with a P50 of 15 mmHg (HbV15) and 30 mmHg (HbV30) were suspended in 6% Dextran 70 (Dx70). The Hb concentration of the solutions was 7.5 g/dl. A stepwise replacement of 15%, 30%, and 50% of total blood volume was performed, which resulted in a gradual decrease in total Hb concentration. In the ischemic tissue, hemodilution led to an increase in microvascular blood flow to maximally 141-166% of baseline in all groups (median; P < 0.01 vs. baseline, not significant between groups). Oxygen tension was transiently raised to 121 +/- 17% after the 30% blood exchange with Dx70 (P < 0.05), whereas it was increased after each step of hemodilution with HbV15-Dx70 and HbV30-Dx70, reaching 217 +/- 67% (P < 0.01) and 164 +/- 33% (P < 0.01 vs. baseline and other groups), respectively, after the 50% blood exchange. We conclude that despite a decrease in total Hb concentration, the oxygenation in the ischemic, hypoxic tissue could be improved with increasing blood exchange with HbV solutions. Furthermore, better oxygenation was obtained with the left-shifted HbVs.     

Neurotensin-like immunoreactivity (NTLI) concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid of children and its alteration in a febrile aseptic meningitis

Neurotensin-like immunoreactivity (NTLI) concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of normal children and patients with febrile aseptic meningitis, aged 7 months to 15 years, were studied. The NTLI concentrations in CSF of 27 children with normal CSF findings were 160.1 +/- 54.6 pg/ml (mean +/- S.D.). The NTLI concentration in CSF of 26 patients in an acute phase of aseptic meningitis was 110.6 +/- 51.1 pg/ml which was significantly (P less than 0.01) lower than the controls. These patients had a mean temperature of 101.4 +/- 1.5 degrees F which remained elevated for an average of 3.5 days. The NTLI concentrations in CSF of 23 patients in a recovery phase (after blood and CSF findings became normal with no fever) were 166.5 +/- 57.8 pg/ml, which did not differ significantly from the normal. There were no statistical correlations between the NTLI concentration in CSF and the protein concentration or total cell count in CSF. These results suggest that NTLI concentration changes during a febrile aseptic meningitis and that it may be associated with thermoregulation.