The x-ray picture of pulmonary circulation in the course of acute myocardial infarct

A study was made of the time course of lesser circulation (LC) in 80 patients with acute transmural myocardial infarction and in 20 patients with chronic coronary heart disease with the help of chest x-ray. A possibility of preclinical detection of left ventricular insufficiency was confirmed. The capacity of roentgenography to reflect objectively the time course of LC disorder and its correlation with primary determination of a degree of changes, age, cardiac sizes, the expression of aortic atherosclerosis, pleurocardiac reactions and site of myocardial infarction were defined.     

Effect of alcoholic intoxication on the lymphatic bed of the heart]

Cardiac lymphatic bed was studied in 120 male corpses at the age of 17--55 years, normal and of those died from alcohol intoxication and from cardiac ischemia. The methods of intratissue injection of coloured masses, impregnation after V. V. Kuprianov, histological and histochemical investigations were applied. Data in figures were obtained by means of a grid for cyto-, histo- and stereometric investigations and by a scanning integrant microspectrophotometer sim-2. Statistical data were obtained by a computer "Mir". It was demonstrated that the cardiac lymphatic system responds in a definite way to alcohol intoxication. Four forms of structural state in the lymphatic bed elements were revealed, specific density of its different components was calculated. A certain connection was noted to occur between morphological changes under the effect of toxic doses of alcohol; there was also a reaction of compensatory-adaptive elements of lymphodynamics. A number of pathological changes in cardiac tissues resulting in heart insufficiency were presented. Peculiarities in poisoning phases were demonstrated morphologically.     

Disorders of the deamination of nitrogenous compounds in the heart muscle in experimental atherosclerosis

The development of alimentary hypercholesterolemia in rabbits (confirmed by morphometric, electrophysiological and biochemical data) was accompanied by a decrease of the serotonin, benzylamine and tyramine deamination rates in heart muscle mitochondria. At the same time a qualitatively new reaction of cadaverine deamination could be seen in the mitochondria. The data obtained suggest that impairment of deamination of the nitrogenous compounds in atherosclerosis may be due to reversible qualitative modification (transformation) of mitochondrial monoamine oxidase activity. Some of the drugs which decrease the level of lipids in blood serum of hypercholesterolemic rabbits abolished and prevented the impairment of deamination of nitrogenous compounds.     

Various characteristics of the structure of the cardiac lymphatic bed and the morphofunctional basis of its insufficiency

Structural peculiarities of the cardiac lymphatic bed have been studied, as well as its adaptive and pathological changes under physical load, acute and recurrent coronary insufficiency under conditions of mechanical blockade of the lymph outflow from the organ, which have been modelled in dogs and rabbits. The cardiac lymphatic bed is injected with various staining masses and investigated stereoangioscopically in translucent preparations, in semithin slices and electron microscopically. The rearrangement of lymphatic capillaries and vessels revealed is of stereotypical character. The degree of manifestation and correlation of morphofunctional reactions, characterizing development of insufficiency of the cardiac lymphatic vessels is mainly determined by intensity and exposition of pathological effects, exercised on it, while etiologic factors are of less importance.     

Hematolymphatic transport in skin, subcutaneous tissue and superficial lamina of the fascia of the lower leg in varicose veins]

The lymphatic bed of the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the lower leg from 20 operated patients was studied by light and electron microscopy and by phlebographic methods. Three stages of development of the disease were examined: without complicated form of varicose veins, complicated form, and postthrombophlebitic syndrome. Morphological features of the state of the lymphatic bed of the skin, subcutaneous connective tissue and fascia of the lower leg in the initial stage of disease show the fine structure changes of lymphatic vessels and capillary walls interpreted as a compensation phenomenon. It seems that the structure alterations of endotheliocytes of lymphatic capillaries and the connective tissue surrounding them found in this study in the complicated form of the disease and the postthrombophlebitic syndrome are the basis of the mechanism of transport-resorption insufficiency of the lymph vessels' terminal flow paths.     

High Fat High Cholesterol Diet (Western Diet) Aggravates Atherosclerosis,Hyperglycemia and Renal Failure in Nephrectomized LDL Receptor Knockout Mice: Role of Intestine Derived Lipopolysaccharide

A high fat meal, frequently known as western diet (WD), exacerbates atherosclerosis and diabetes. Both these diseases are frequently associated with renal failure. Recent studies have shown that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) leaks into the circulation from the intestine in the setting of renal failure and after WD. However, it is not clear how renal function and associated disorders are affected by LPS. This study demonstrates that circulatory LPS exacerbates renal insufficiency, atherosclerosis and glucose intolerance. Renal insufficiency was induced by 2/3 nephrectomy in LDL receptor knockout mice. Nx animals were given normal diet (Nx) or WD (Nx+WD). The controls were sham operated animals on normal diet (control) and WD (WD). To verify if LPS plays a role in exaggerating renal insufficiency, polymyxin (PM), a known LPS antagonist, and curcumin (CU), a compound known to ameliorate chronic kidney disease (CKD), was given to Nx animals on western diet (Nx+WD+PM and Nx+WD+CU, respectively). Compared to control, all other groups displayed increased circulatory LPS. The Nx+WD cohort had the highest levels of LPS. Nx group had significant renal insufficiency and glucose intolerance but not atherosclerosis. WD had intense atherosclerosis and glucose intolerance but it did not show signs of renal insufficiency. Compared to other groups, Nx+WD had significantly higher cytokine expression, macrophage infiltration in the kidney, renal insufficiency, glucose intolerance and atherosclerosis. PM treatment blunted the expression of cytokines, deterioration of renal function and associated disorders, albeit not to the levels of Nx, and was significantly inferior to CU. PM is a non-absorbable antibiotic with LPS binding properties, hence its beneficial effect can only be due to its effect within the GI tract. We conclude that LPS may not cause renal insufficiency but can exaggerate kidney failure and associated disorders following renal insufficiency.     

Bioaccumulation of cadmium: toxicity in Mugil cephalus

A series of 12 lethal and sublethal concentrations of Cd were applied in seawater to determine LC50 for two sizes of fish. Fries were found to be more sensitive to Cd toxicity than juveniles. During 2, 4, 6 and 8 week exposure periods to graded Cd concentrations, mortality increased but no significant effect on growth occurred. From subacute experiments, the MATC for fries and juveniles were 0.05-0.02 ppm Cd2+/1 and 2-0.1 ppm Cd2+/1, respectively. Liver was found to accumulate the highest concentration of Cd followed by gill, muscle, alimentary canal and finally the heart.     

The effect of a 3-hydroxypyridine-class antioxidant on disorders of the microcirculatory system in experimental dyslipoproteinemia and its alimentary correction

The effect of antioxidant (AO) of the 3-hydroxypyridin class on microcirculatory system (MC) disorders of rabbits with dyslipoproteinemia (DLP) and its alimentary correction (the standard ration--9 months) was studied. Aorta, the intestinal mesentery microcirculatory bed, the microvessels adrenergic innervation, erythrocyte morphology were examined. The various lipoprotein fractions and lipid peroxidation (LP) products were studied in venous blood. After AO including into atherogenic diet (ATD) the lipid homeostasis disorders, the LP activation, MC disturbances, anomalous erythrocyte form appearance and atherosclerosis changes in aorta were less pronounced. Under the AO influence when DLP was corrected the initial level of lipid metabolism and LP restored, the MC disorders and the atherosclerosis changes in aorta regressed in a shorter period of time. The interrelation was observed between the DLP level, the structural and functional MC disorders and the extent of aorta atherosclerosis. Thus, DLP and LP correction at the early stages of pathological process can lead to the disappearance of MC disorders, what seems important for the prevention of atherosclerosis. The role of the LP activation in MC disorders in DLP and mexidol effect on them, especially in complex with DLP correction were evaluated.     

Interrelation of heart rhythm disorders in acute myocardial ischemia with the activity of the limbic and noradrenergic systems

Experiments on white rats were made to study the time-course of the electric activity in the limbic structures and Locus Coeruleus (LC) under ligation of the coronary artery, and the effect of the coagulation of these structures on heart rhythm disorders in acute myocardial ischemia. It was established that during the period that preceded the development of heart rhythm disorders, the most conspicuous changes were seen in the electric activity of the anterior amygdaline nucleus and LC, whereas the coagulation of the amygdalae prevented to a considerable measure development of different forms of arrhythmia. The authors suggest that in acute myocardial ischemia, these structures are directly related to heart rhythm disorders, while the LC is likely to play a role of the hyperactive determinant structure.     

Detection of autophagy in tissue by standard immunohistochemistry: possibilities and limitations

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is currently the standard method to monitor autophagy in tissue. Because TEM is labor intensive, we recently questioned whether marker proteins could be found for unambiguous detection of autophagy in tissue using standard immunohistochemical techniques. Our findings indicated that the identification of autophagy-specific biomarkers for tissue is highly compromised due to lack of differential gene expression. In this respect, TEM remains an indispensable technique for evaluation of autophagy in situ. Nevertheless, immunohistochemical staining of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) appeared to be a valuable technique to detect autophagosome formation in tissue but only when this protein is overexpressed, e.g., in GFP-LC3 transgenic animals. Furthermore, demonstration of granular cytoplasmic ubiquitin inclusions by immunohistochemistry may be an attractive technique to measure autophagic cell degeneration in some human pathologies such as neurodegenerative diseases, heart failure and atherosclerosis.     

多重干预RAAS对大鼠慢性心功能不全心室重构及血钾的影响

目的探讨多重干预RAAS对大鼠慢性心功能不全心室重构及血钾的影响。方法实验采用缩窄大鼠腹主动脉法建立慢性压力负荷致心功能不全动物模型,选6周龄20只雌性SD大鼠,随机分4组(每组5只),B组(手术模型组)、C组(卡托普利组)、D组(卡托普利+缬沙坦组)、E组(卡托普利+缬沙坦+螺内酯组),另随机抽取5只同龄雌性SD大鼠假手术作为对照(A组)。给药8周后用Doppler超声心动图检测大鼠心脏结构和心功能各项参数的变化,放射免疫法测定血浆AngⅡ,ALDO浓度,并生化检测血钾水平。结果腹主动脉结扎后第9周,与A组比较,B组舒张末期室间隔厚度(IVSTD)、舒张末期左室后壁厚度(LVPWTD)、相对室壁厚度(RWT)、左室重量(LVM)、左室重量与体重比(LVM/BW)均显著提高(P<0.05);C、D、E组与B组相比,LVM,LVM/BW下降显著(P<0.05)。各药物干预组(C、D、E)血浆AngⅡ,ALDO水平明显低于B组(P<0.05),以联合应用螺内酯组明显。各药物干预组与A组和B组相比较,血钾水平差异无显著性(P>0.05)。结论联合应用卡托普利、缬沙坦及螺内酯多重干预RAAS能明显改善大鼠慢性心功能不全心室重构,对血钾无明显影响。     

Effects of antihypertensive agents on blood velocity: implications for atherogenesis.

Heart rate and blood velocity are major determinants of flow disturbances at arterial bifurcations. Since endothelial damage due to flow disturbances is thought to be significant in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, the effects of drugs on these parameters have to be considered in the selection of medications to prevent atherosclerosis. To determine the effects of antihypertensive drugs on heart rate and blood velocity 15 patients with hypertension were treated with placebo, hydrochlorothiazide, nadolol, propranolol and hydralazine in sequence. The doses given produced significant changes in heart rate and blood pressure, and Doppler ultrasonographic recording of aortic blood velocity showed that there were significant changes in peak blood velocity. Nadolol and propranolol produced significantly lower values of heart rate x blood velocity than placebo, hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide.     

Dynamics of the cAMP and cGMP content of the heart in transient coronary insufficiency in rats

Experiments made on 127 white random-bred male rats weighing 200 +/- 10 g with transitory coronary insufficiency (TCI) with varying duration of myocardial ischemia (MI) have revealed consistent changes in the heart cAMP and cGMP. During MI, there was a biphasic variation in the concentration of cyclic nucleotides: an initial appreciable increase in the concentration was replaced by its lowering. At the same time the time course of cGMP content was more mobile in nature as compared to cAMP Reperfusion made at an early period (within the first 40 min) did not normally bring about the normalization of heart content of cyclic nucleotides whose concentration time course depended on the duration of the preceding MI. The pattern of changes in the concentration of cyclic nucleotides in the heart in TCI correlated to a significant degree with the previously described time course of the activity of the sympath- and cholinergic mechanisms by which heart work, contractile function and rhythm are controlled during TCI.     

Antiatherogenic action of corn oil in experimental atherosclerosis]

Therapeutic effect of corn oil was studied in rabbits with alimentary atherosclerosis. Corn oil was administered (2 ml/kg, 30 days) after the completion of cholesterol diet unlike studies, where they were administered simultaneously. Total cholesterol, apoB-lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides decreased more intensively in rabbits fed by corn oil than in control group. No changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were observed. The most pronounced effect was noted in aorta morphological analysis: an aorta damage degree was 4.8% as compared with 52.9% in the control group. The results show that available plant oils with omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), in particular corn oil, may as well as omega-3 PUFA be used as the base for antiatherogenic preparations.     

Pathomorphologic characteristics of the regional lymph nodes in hydronephrosis]

The dependence of pathomorphological changes in the regional lymphatic ganglia of the dog's kidney upon the duration of experimental hydronephrosis is shown. The development of necrosis in some of them points out indirectly to the participation of the renal lymphatic system in carrying off the urine saturated with toxic products persisting in it for a long period. Increased dilatation of intermediate and medullary sinuses is connected with continuous inflow of the lymph that contributes to its congestion and then leads to the retrograde flow. A mechanical obstraction appears on the way of lymph and this fact aggravates mechanical insufficiency of the lymph circulation. At the same time this particular case is lymphogenic sclerosis, which is induced by acumulation of disturbed metabolism products in the intermediate tissue brought by the lymph.     

Morphology of lymphatics of the mammalian heart with special reference to the architecture and distribution of the subepicardial lymphatic system

The subepicardial lymphatic system in the rat and dog heart has been investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy. Following application of hydrogen peroxide, the epicardium was removed with a forceps under a dissecting microscope. The subepicardial region contained a well-developed lymphatic system which consisted of the main lymphatic trunks and lymphatic capillaries. The lymphatic trunks of large diameters ran from the apex of the heart to its base. The subepicardial lymphatic capillaries were ramified and anastomosed with each other to form a relatively dense network which extended over the entire surface of both ventricles. These networks joined the main lymphatic trunks. Further, some similar networks were connected with the underlying myocardial lymphatic capillaries.     

Hypertrophy of the heart; electrocardiographic distinction between physiologic and pathologic enlargement

Electrocardiograms of marathon runners were examined to study hypertrophy of the heart due to prolonged physical exertion and to differentiate this from hypertrophy due to various disease states, especially essential hypertension, aortic valvular disease and coarctation of the aorta. The electrocardiogram of the marathon runners was characterized by a slow cardiac rate, high voltage of the QRS complexes and T waves in the standard and/or precordial leads with normal R/T ratios. There was moderate enlargement of the heart as observed on teleoroentgenogram. These findings are characteristic of physiologic hypertrophy of the heart and should be suspected among patients having a history of athletics calling for endurance. Immediately after running, all waves showed an increased voltage and the heart size decreased. The concept of the secondary T wave in hypertension as a part of the left ventricular strain pattern was challenged by the observation that the increased voltage of the R waves in lead V5 and other leads seen in marathon runners and in certain patients with hypertension, aortic stenosis, aortic insufficiency and coarctation of the aorta were not necessarily associated with typical discordant S-T segments and T waves. There was a higher incidence of dyspnea, angina pectoris and cardiac enlargement among hypertensive patients with discordant T waves than among hypertensive patients without these changes. Thus it is felt that the discordant waves are primary and are not merely secondary to the increased area of the R waves. Primary T waves suggest myocardial disease, possibly anoxia of the subendocardium.     

Mitochondrial enzymes in circulating lymphocytes during hemosorption for experimental hypercholesterolemia

The status of some dehydrogenases (succinate dehydrogenase, mitochondrial alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase and beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase) was studied in the course of long-term oral administration of cholesterol to rabbits. The data obtained indicate that within the first weeks of cholesterol administration there was a decrease in enzymatic activity of the dehydrogenases under study that mirrored the impairment of energy function of mitochondria. After experiments were initiated, alimentary hypercholesterolemia led to imbalance of anabolism and catabolism bearing resemblance to the status of oxidative processes in the Krebs cycle. There is every reason to believe that such a complex of changes in the dehydrogenases during hypercholesterolemia is characteristic for the initial stages of atherosclerosis. Elimination of cholesterol from the body by single hemosorption results in a tendency towards making the circulating lymphocytes egress from hypoxia. It is inferred that study of enzymatic activity of dehydrogenases should be used for the diagnosis of and the assessment of therapeutic measures for atherosclerosis under experimental and clinical conditions.     

Lymphatic bed of the main bronchi in normal human subjects and in venous stasis]

The lymphatic bed of the main human bronchi has been studied in normal conditions and at venous stagnation. Different methods both with injections and without injections have been applied. Definite regularities in changes occurring in the lymphatic bed of the main human bronchi at venous congestion have been stated. The changes occurring in the lymphatic bed of the mucous membrane of the main human bronchi seem to be a response to those metabolic processes which develop at decompensative heart diseases.