Auricular Vein Research Articles

The Maternal Diet with Fish Oil Might Decrease the Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response in Sows, but Increase the Susceptibility to Inflammatory Stimulation in their Offspring.

Simple SummaryFish oil is rich in long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA), which play an important role in the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory response. In the present study, increasing n-3 LC-PUFA in the maternal diet with fish oil from the 84th day of gestation until the 16th day of lactation decreased the oxidative stress and inflammatory response in sows and enhanced the parameters related to the antioxidative capacity. However, the inflammatory response of suckling piglet increased pre-/post-lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. We concluded that the maternal diet with fish oil might decrease the oxidative stress and inflammatory response in sows, and enhance the antioxidative ability but increase the susceptibility to inflammatory stimulation in their progenies.The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the maternal diet with fish oil on the oxidative stress and inflammatory response in sows, and the protective effect on the piglets suckling the sows fed the diet with fish oil in the context of inflammatory stimulation. Twelve sows were divided into two groups. Sows were fed soybean oil diet (SD) or soybean oil + fish oil diet (FD) from gestation to lactation period. The blood samples of sows were collected from the auricular vein at the 16th day of lactation. One piglet was selected from each litter on the 14th day after birth. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected into the neck muscle after pre-treatment blood samples were collected from the anterior vena cava of piglets. The blood samples of piglets were collected at 5 h and 48 h post-LPS injection from the front cavity vein. Liver samples were collected at 48 h post-LPS injection. The FD diet significantly increased the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the plasma of lactating sow, decreased the levels of alkaline phosphatase(AKP) and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α) in the plasma of lactating sows, and increased the level of immunoglobulin G(IgG) in the colostrum and interleukin-10(IL-10) in the milk (p < 0.05). In the FD group, the levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) significantly increased in the plasma of piglets at 48 h post-LPS injection (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the relative expression of GSH-Px mRNA was decreased in the FD group (p < 0.05). However, the levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6(IL-6) in the plasma of piglets were significantly higher in the FD group pre- and post-LPS injection (p < 0.05). The ratio of the phosphonated extracellular regulated protein kinases to the extracellular regulated protein kinases (p-ERK/ERK) protein in the livers of piglets was decreased (p < 0.05), but the expression of nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) mRNA and the ratio of the phosphonated inhibitor of NF-κB to the inhibitor of NF-κB (p-IκB-α/IκB-α) protein was increased in the livers of piglets (p < 0.05). These results indicate that a maternal diet with fish oil might decrease the oxidative stress and inflammatory response in sows, and enhance the antioxidative ability but increase the susceptibility to inflammatory stimulation in their progenies.

Abnormal Formation of External Jugular Vein and its Repercussions.

External jugular vein is formed by joining of posterior division of retromandibular vein and posterior auricular vein and common facial vein drain into internal jugular vein.Variations are not uncommon and these are more often observed in veins than in arteries. Aim of the study is to report the prevalence of unique variation of formation of external jugular vein.Head and neck of 6 cadavers (12 sides) fixed in 10% formalin were dissected in the department of anatomy AIIMS Rishikesh for the variant formation of external jugular vein.Abnormal formation of external jugular vein was detected in 1 cadaver on left side. The mean age of the cadavers was 70 years. The retromandibular vein divided into anterior and posterior divisions 2.5 cm below the angle of mandible. The facial, after travelling for 6 cm below the mandible, along with anterior and posterior divisions abnormally joined to form the external jugular vein. This is unique and rare finding.External jugular vein is used for assessment of venous pressure in right atrium and for catheterization. The variation may give false value of pressure due to facial vein draining into it, also create difficulty in catheterization. In addition to this, these veins are also used for various other procedures like carotid endarterectomy and for oral reconstruction surgeries. Thus facial vein and external jugular vein variations are of paramount importance to head and neck surgeons, anatomists and anesthetist.

High-Resolution Episcopic Imaging for Visualization of Dermal Arteries and Nerves of the Auricular Cymba Conchae in Humans

Therapeutic applications of auricular vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) have drawn recent attention. Since the targeted stimulation process and parameters depend on the electrode–tissue interaction, the lack of structural anatomical information on innervation and vascularization of the auricle restrain the current optimization of stimulation paradigms. For the first time, we employed high-resolution episcopic imaging (HREM) to generate histologic volume data from donated human cadaver ears. Optimal parameters for specimen preparation were evaluated. Anatomical 3D vascular and nerve structures were reconstructed in one sample of an auricular cymba conchae (CC). The feasibility of HREM to visualize anatomical structures was assessed in that diameters, occupied areas, volumes, and mutual distances between auricular arteries, nerves, and veins were registered. The selected region of CC (3 × 5.5 mm) showed in its cross-sections 21.7 ± 2.7 (mean ± standard deviation) arteries and 14.66 ± 2.74 nerve fibers. Identified nerve diameters were 33.66 ± 21.71 μm, and arteries had diameters in the range of 71.58 ± 80.70 μm. The respective occupied area showed a share of, on average, 2.71% and 0.3% for arteries and nerves, respectively, and similar volume occupancy for arteries and nerves. Inter-centroid minimum distance between arteries and nerves was 274 ± 222 μm. The density of vessels and nerves around a point within CC on a given grid was assessed, showing that 50% of all vessels and nerves were found in a radial distance of 1.6–1.8 mm from any of these points, which is strategically relevant when using stimulation needles in the auricle for excitation of nerves. HREM seems suitable for anatomical studies of the human ear. A 3D model of CC was established in the micrometer scale, which forms the basis for future optimization of the auricular VNS. Obviously, the presented single cadaver study needs to be validated by additional anatomical data on the innervation and vascularization of the auricle.

Anesthesia of laboratory animals in manufacturing of diagnostic and preventive biomedicines

Preparations such as XilaVet, Zoletil 100 as well as Aeranne (Isoflurane) are successfully applied for animal anesthesia in veterinary practice. We assessed a possibility of using parenteral narcosis with Zoletil 100 in combination with muscle relaxant Xila for producer-rabbits involved in manufacturing of natural rabbit serum subsequently deployed for production of diagnostic serum and immunoglobulin preparations. Administration of preparations into auricular vein is easy to do, while animals are sedated immediately allowing for safe fixation on restraining table and causing no additional stress for biomodels. This type of narcosis provides for expected depth of anesthesia and its maintenance until the end of blood-letting procedure. Parameters characterizing the state of cardiovascular system due to anesthetic products remained within the permitted limits. These preparations do not reduce heart beat rate allowing for collecting sufficient blood volumes. Application of inhalation anesthesia with Aeranne in laboratory animals provides for the specified depth of anesthesia and its maintenance until the end of the whole procedure. However, it requires specialized equipment and highly trained personnel with appropriate skills. Usage of Xila as a mono narcosis is not recommended as exhibits weak analgesic effects and strong hypotensive activity by decreasing quantity of collected blood volume. It was found that anesthetics such as Xila, Zoletil 100, Aeranne did not affect specific activity of immune sera in case of total dehematizing procedure. Moreover, antibody titers were not declined throughout entire observation (12 months) period and complied with the requirements of regulatory documentation. In addition, a feasibility of replacing old-fashioned anesthesia method with diethyl ether for a combination of safer contemporary preparations of Zoletil 100 and Xila was demonstrated while manufacturing tableted chemical cholera vaccine in experimental series with suckling rabbits used at diverse stages of raw material verification during surgical interventions. Xila, Zoletil 100, and Aeranne examined by us had no impact on the amount of blood obtained from donor-animals, immunological properties of the sera and ready-to-use diagnostic preparations. Such drugs were safe for all-age animals that comply with the requirements to anesthesia of animal biomodels and producer-animals in manufacturing of immunobiological preparations. Thus, our study allowed to conduct experiments with laboratory animals in a more humane manner.

Removal of a migrating catheter in the retroauricular vein: a case report

A fractured catheter in the posterior auricular vein is exceedingly rare. Imaging revealed that it was migrating freely and currently overlapped the temporal bone. With multidisciplinary cooperation, general anesthesia, and three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) for guidance, the catheter was removed uneventfully.

Unusual Termination of the Facial Vein into External Jugular Vein and its Clinical Implication

The superficial veins of the neck are used for cannulation, either for intravenous infusion or for central venous pressure monitoring. Variations in the venous system from the normal pattern are relatively common. We present some unusual variations of the facial vein draining into the external jugular vein instead of draining into the internal jugular vein. The external jugular vein usually begins just behind the angle of the mandible by the union of the posterior auricular vein with the posterior division of the retromandibular vein and then descends obliquely across the sternocleidomastoid muscle and, just above the clavicle, pierces the deep fascia and drains into the subclavian vein. External jugular vein gives a reliable estimate of central venous pressure. The variation may give false value of pressure due to facial vein draining into it, also may create difficulty in catheterization. It’s very important not only for anatomists but also for head and neck surgeons to be aware of the possible anatomical variation in the formation of external jugular Vein and its clinical implications.

Nursing and training of pigs used in renal transplantation studies.

The pig is commonly used in renal transplantation studies since the porcine kidney resembles the human kidney. To meet the requirements of intense caretaking and examination without stress, a 2-week socialisation and training programme was developed. Conventional cross-breed pigs (n = 36) with high health status were trained for 15 min/day in a four-step training programme before kidney transplantation. The systematic training resulted in calm animals, which allowed for ultrasound examination, blood sampling and urine sampling without restraint. When a 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine polymer-coated jugular catheter introduced via the auricular vein was used for post-operative blood sampling, clotting was avoided. To assess renal function, urinary output was observed and creatinine and cystatin C were measured; the latter was not found to be useful in recently transplanted pigs. The results presented contribute to the 3Rs (refine, reduce, replace).

Determination of portal vein tumor thrombus blood supply using in vivo cellular magnetic resonance imaging in a rabbit model.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the anatomic configuration of the blood vessels that contribute to portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT), a common complication of hepatocellular carcinoma, in VX2 rabbits.Materials and methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated and labeled using superparamagnetic iron oxide particles in vitro. Twenty-four rabbits were injected with the VX2 tumor via the portal vein to establish the PVTT model. The rabbits (n=6/treatment group) were randomly assigned into four groups. Rabbits of groups A, B and C received an infusion of iron-labeled MNCs via the hepatic artery, the portal vein or the auricular vein, respectively, whereas rabbits of group D received an injection of normal saline via the auricular vein 7 days after the injection of VX2 tumors. MRI was performed, and the signal intensity (SI) of the PVTTs was measured on T2-weighted images (T2WIs) 1 day after the transfusion of iron-labeled cells.Results: The SI of PVTTs, as measured on T2WIs, in rabbits of groups A, B, C and D was 241.400 (172.350, 364.825), 221.150 (203.775, 318.225), 590.200 (363.325, 728.875) and 568.050 (474.725, 705.150), respectively. Our data showed a significant decrease in the SI of PVTTs in rabbits of groups A and B compared with rabbits of groups C and D (group A vs group C, U=4.000, p=0.025; group A vs group D, U=2.000, p=0.010; group B vs group C, U=4.000, p=0.025; group B vs group D, U=1.000, p=0.006). There was no significant difference in the SI of PVTTs in rabbits of group A and B.Conclusion: Our results indicated that the portal vein and the hepatic artery supplied blood flow to the PVTT in rabbits.

Rapid Diagnostic Test of Red Sea Bream Iridoviral Disease (RSIVD) in Grouper &lt;i&gt;Epinephelus&lt;/i&gt; Sp. Based on Serological Co-Agglutination and Molecular Study

Red sea bream iridoviral disease (RSIVD) infection is known as a contagious disease in the marine aquaculture commodities mainly on grouper (Epinephelussp.)which causes a high mortality rate. Symptoms of disease were weak, darker skin and swollen spleen of fish. The aim of this study was to create and apply a rapid diagnostic test supported by molecular analysis. Field trials on a mass mortality outbreaks were identified in the city of Tanjungpinang, Indonesia. Serum anti RSIV was obtained by immunizing of the vaccine RSIV intraperitoneally on rabbits with graded doses per week was 0.5, 1, 2 and3mL, to boost antibody titers. In the fifth week, serum was harvested via the auricular vein; serum was purified to obtain immunoglobulin G(IgG)then was coupling with protein A ofStaphylococcus aureus at the same volume(kit co-agglutination RSIVD). Field samples of spleen were taken from the normal fish and suspected fish then crushed and suspended with PBS pH 7.2, and centrifuged at 8.000 rpm for 15 min. Fifty microliters of RSIVDco-agglutination kit and 50 µL of spleen supernatant were reacted on the sterile glass object. The results showed sandy agglutination after 10 min for positively infected spleen, and no agglutination in the samples of healthy fish (negative) as well as in control with PBS (negative). Confirmation testing by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primer forward 1-F (5’-CTC-AAA-CAC-TCT-GGC-TCA-TC-3’) and reverse 1-R (5’-GCA-CCA-ACA-CAT-CTC-CTA-TC-3’) had a band of 570 bp. Sequencing results showed the similarity of 99% identity with RSIV. Testing with RSIVD co-agglutination kit showed the advantages such as cheap, fast and an accurate in diagnosing the red bream iridoviral disease (RSIVD).

Efficiency evaluation and safety monitoring of tailored rapid potassium supplementation strategy for fatal severe hypokalemia.

Stringent regulations have been established for the intravenous administration of potassium to avoid hyperkalemia in the clinic. The standard approach, however, often does not work well for treating severe hypokalemia. In the present study, a rabbit model of hyperkalemia was used to develop an tailored rapid potassium supplementation strategy and the effectiveness and safety of this new strategy were assessed. A total of 20 rabbits with induced severe hypokalemia were randomly divided into two equal treatment groups. All of the animals were injected with 3% KCl through the auricular marginal veins by a micro-injection pump; the target serum potassium concentration was 4 mmol/l. The conventional treatment group was administered a continued potassium infusion at the standard infusion rate of 0.4 mmol/kg/h. The tailored rapid supplementation group was treated in two steps: First, a loading dose of potassium was rapidly injected for 5 min and this step was repeated until the serum potassium concentration was increased to 3.5 mmol/l. After this increase in serum potassium concentration, a sustained potassium infusion at a constant dose was performed. Electrocardiogram, blood pressure, respiratory rate, serum potassium concentration, urine volume and vital signs were monitored in real-time. No hyperkalemia occurred in any of the two the groups. However, compared with the conventional group, the tailored rapid group had a significantly shorter duration of potassium infusion and arrhythmia, and a higher survival rate. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that the tailored rapid potassium supplementation strategy shortened the time of hypokalemia and is a safe and better treatment option to remedy life-threatening arrhythmia caused by severe hypokalemia with a high success rate.

Effects of compound lobelia oral liquid on acute pharyngitis rabbits model.

AimsExplore the effect of compound lobelia oral liquid on acute pharyngitis rabbits model caused by ammonium hydroxide, evaluate its curative effect.MethodsAcute pharyngitis rabbit model was prepared by ammonia spray at pharyngeal. After 1 h of the last administration, score the pharyngeal tissue symptoms of rabbits under the condition of naked eyes (score according to the score criteria). Then, take blood from the marginal auricular vein for routine blood tests and serum TNF-α level measure. Take pharyngeal tissue for HE staining, and observe its pathological changes under the microscope.ResultsCompared with the blank group, the pharyngeal tissue symptom score and serum TNF-α level in the model group were significantly increased (P < 0.01). The results of blood routine showed that the number of white blood cells and lymphocytes in the model group increased significantly (P < 0.01), and neutrophilic granulocyte percentage decreased significantly (P < 0.01). The infiltration of inflammatory cells in the pharynx tissue was obvious and pathological changes were observed. Compared with the model group, large, middle and small doses of compound lobelia oral liquid group could reduce the scores of pharyngeal tissue symptoms in rabbits with acute pharyngitis induced by ammonia. The large and middle dose compound lobelia oral liquid group could significantly reduce serum TNF-α level and neutrophilic granulocyte percentage, significantly increase the number of white blood cells and lymphocytes (P < 0.01); The small dose compound lobelia oral liquid group could significantly reduce the number of white blood cells and lymphocytes (P < 0.01), there was an increasing tendency to neutrophils and a decreasing tendency to serum TNF-α, but no statistical significance. The large, middle and small doses of compound lobelia oral liquid group all could improve the pathological changes of pharyngeal tissue inflammatory infiltration.ConclusionCompound lobelia oral liquid has a good effect on rabbit acute pharyngitis model caused by ammonia.

Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway impedes the restoration of neurological function following hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in a neonatal rabbit model.

Hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD), frequently occurring in infancy and childhood, is a major cause of mortality and severe neurologic impairment. This study was performed to examine the effect of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway on HIBD in a neonatal rabbit model. Uterine artery occlusion was used to establish HIBD models in neonatal rabbits, which were then subjected to sham operation, dimethyl sulfoxide (2 mL) or LY294002 (inhibitor of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, 6.4 μg/kg). Behavioral neurological assessment was performed in neonatal rabbits delivered by cesarean section, after which serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) level and cerebral water content were determined. The level of cleaved caspase-3 level and apoptosis of neurons were observed by immunohistochemistry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Furthermore, the expression of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway- and apoptosis-related factors was examined. In neonatal rabbits, HIBD increased the fetal death rate; reduced neurological scores of posture, righting reflex, and deglutition reflex; elevated serum NSE levels, cerebral water content, cleaved caspase-3-positive expression in hippocampal CA1 region and apoptotic neurons; inactivated PI3K/Akt signaling pathway as well as reduced Bcl-2 expression and increased BAD and Bax expression. Notably, the treatment of LY294002 further aggravated neurological impairment in neonatal rabbits in response to HIBD. Following the HIBD caused by intrauterine asphyxia, the LY294002 administered through auricular vein infusion into pregnant rabbits exacerbates neurological impairment of neonatal rabbits, suggesting that inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway may serve as a candidate therapeutic target for neurological recovery.

Determination of Levels of IgE and IgG and the Activity of Complement Comparatively in Blood and Lymph in the Experimental Arthus and Overy Phenomenon

The aim of investigation was the determination of the levels of IgE, IgG and complement activity in the blood and lymph in the experimental Arthus and Overy phenomenon. Experiments were carried out on 27 chinchilla rabbits (weight 2.5-3kg) in three series. To reproduce the Arthus phenomenon, rabbits were sensitized by subcutaneous administration of 1 ml of horse serum to the scapular region every 5 days; after the fifth injection in the injection area of horse serum the necrosis was observed. To obtain the Overy phenomenon, a resolving dose of horse serum was injected subcutaneously in a sensitized animal, and an Evans blue was introduced into the auricular vein. In this case, the injection area is colored blue. The blood necessary for the experiment was taken from the marginal auricular vein of the rabbit, and lymph – from the thoracic lymphatic duct. The levels of IgE and IgG and the activity of the complement comparatively in the blood and lymph in the experimental Arthus and Overy phenomenon were studied. The experiments were carried out on 27 rabbits of the «Chinchilla» breed in two series. The studied parameters of IgE and IgG and complement activity in blood and lymph of intact animals served as control. The results of the study showed that the level of IgG in the Arthus phenomenon increases and IgE decreases. While at the Overy phenomenon, on the contrary, the level of IgE increases and the level of IgG decreases. The titer of complement in immune complex reactions is sharply reduced; it indicates the involvement of complement with IgG elimination of the allergen.

Evaluation of iodine contrast-induced acute kidney injury via different injection routes using BOLD-MRI

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the severity of acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by iodine contrast agent injection via the renal artery, ear vein, and femoral artery in a rabbit model.Methods: Blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance (MR) scans were performed at 24 h prior to contrast injection and 1, 24, 48, and 72 h after injection. Iodixanol injection dose was 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 g iodine/kg, respectively. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression was determined, and the BOLD-MRI parameter R2* was used to express tissue oxygenation. Increases in R2* levels reflect reductions in tissue oxygenation. Analyses including R2* value, dose response, histology, and HIF-1α were conducted.Result: Injection of 1.0 g iodine/kg into the left renal artery resulted in significant increases in renal R2* values after 24 h. This was equivalent to the change of R2* after 2.0 g iodine/kg femoral artery injection. Renal injury scores and HIF-1α expression scores were significantly increased at 24 h. The R2* values exhibited a positive linear correlation with histological injury scores. The maximum effects occurred 24 h after iodixanol injection and returned to baseline levels within 72 h.Conclusions: The renal injury induced by 1.0 g iodine/kg iodixanol through renal artery injection was more significant than that caused by the same dose of femoral artery and auricular vein injection, while similar to that caused by 2.0 g iodine/kg femoral artery injection.

A case of unilateral fenestration of the external jugular vein in a male cadaver with a review of existing literature

Introduction: Neck veins are increasingly used in autologous tissue transfers, diagnostic procedures, and intravenous therapies. Thus, knowledge of variation in their anatomy is of huge clinical importance in modern medicine. There have been several case reports of variation in the external jugular vein (EJV) anatomy, but fenestration remains one of the rarest anomalies reported. Case Report: During dissection of an embalmed 80-year-old male cadaver, unilateral (left-sided) fenestration of the EJV was noted. Shortly after the union of the retromandibular and posterior auricular veins, the EJV bifurcated, forming medial and lateral divisions. These descended superficially to sternocleidomastoid muscle before reuniting inferior to its posterior border in the posterior triangle of the neck and draining into the subclavian vein. No structures passed through the fenestration. A review of existing literature found five reports of unilateral EJV fenestration. Of note, ours is the only case where the anomaly has occurred in a male. Conclusion: Fenestration of the EJV is a rare anatomical anomaly. This case report contributes to the limited body of evidence regarding the true incidence of this variant. Further research will be beneficial in building a more comprehensive evidence base regarding anatomical variants of the EJV.

Undivided Retromandibular Vein Leading to the Absence of External Jugular Vein

AbstractWe report a case of undivided retromandibular vein (RV) that was associated with the absence of external jugular vein (EJV). This variation in the jugular venous system was observed on the right side of the neck of a male cadaver. The posterior auricular vein drained into the RV, which joined the facial vein resulting in a common trunk. This common trunk then drained directly into the internal jugular vein (IJV) thus bypassing the whole venous drainage area of the EJV. It is believed that the knowledge about the venous variations, as in the present case, is enlightening to the clinicians. The preoperative evaluation of the venous system is essential to prevent complications like catastrophic bleeding and embolism. The knowledge may guide the emergency physician for a quicker cannulation of the veins.

Review of the Variations of the Superficial Veins of the Neck.

The venous drainage of the neck can be characterized into superficial or deep. Superficial drainage refers to the venous drainage of the subcutaneous tissues, which are drained by the anterior and external jugular veins (EJVs). The brain, face, and neck structures are mainly drained by the internal jugular vein (IJV). The superficial veins are found deep to the platysma muscle while the deep veins are found encased in the carotid sheath. The junction of the retromandibular vein and the posterior auricular vein usually form the EJV, which continues along to drain into the subclavian vein. The anterior jugular vein is usually formed by the submandibular veins, travels downward anterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), and drains either into the EJV or the subclavian vein. Other superficial veins of the neck to consider are the superior, middle, and inferior thyroid veins. The superior thyroid and middle thyroid veins drain into the IJV whereas the inferior thyroid vein usually drains into the brachiocephalic veins.

Experimental research on individual-specific rapid potassium supplementation strategy for fatal severe hypokalemia

To explore the effectiveness and safety of the individual-specific rapid potassium supplementation strategy, and to provide experimental basis for treating fatal severe hypokalemia. An acute fatal severe hypokalemia model was reproduced in 20 healthy adult Japanese big ear white rabbits with half lethal dose (LD50) of barium chloride (BaCl2) solution 168 mg×5 mL-1×kg-1. The rabbits were divided into conventional potassium supplementation group and individual-specific rapid potassium supplementation group according to random number table method with 10 rabbits in each group. All the animals were injected with 3% KCl through the auricular marginal veins by a micro-injection pump, and the target plasma potassium concentration was 4 mmol/L. The rabbits in conventional potassium supplementation group were administered continuously potassium infusion at the standard infusion rate of 0.4 mmol×kg-1×h-1. And those in the individual-specific rapid potassium supplementation group were treated in two steps: first, a loading dose of potassium was rapidly injected within 5 minutes, and this step was repeated until the plasma potassium concentration increased to 3.5 mmol/L; second, a sustaining dose of potassium infusion was continued at the rate of 0.4 mmol×kg-1×h-1 after the increase in plasma potassium concentration. The changes in electrocardiogram, blood pressure, respiratory rate (RR), plasma potassium concentration, urine potassium concentration, urine volume, potassium content in extracellular fluid (ECF) and other parameters were monitored. The potassium supplementation, potassium excretion and potassium cross cell status were recorded. Adverse reactions and 7-day death were observed. Since the BaCl2 administration, the plasma potassium concentration of all experimental rabbits were significantly lower than baseline at 0.5 hour, which was decreased below 2.5 mmol/L at 2.0 hours when the ventricular arrhythmias appeared, indicating the reproduction of fatal severe hypokalemia model was successful. There was no significant difference in gender, weight, baseline heart rate (HR), RR, mean arterial pressure (MAP), blood gas analysis or K+, Na+, Cl- levels between the two groups. Compared with baseline levels, MAP was significantly decreased and RR was significantly increased before potassium supplementation in both groups, but the parameters were improved significantly and restored to the baseline after potassium supplementation. There was no significant difference in MAP or RR during potassium supplementation between the two groups. The amount of potassium supplementation in two groups showed no significant differences. However, compared with the conventional potassium supplementation group, in the individual-specific rapid potassium supplementation group, the increase in plasma potassium concentration, urine potassium concentration, and the increase in potassium content in ECF were significantly increased [the increase in plasma potassium concentration (mmol/L): 2.40±0.33 vs. 1.51±0.75, urine potassium concentration (mmol/L): 164.94±18.07 vs. 108.35±19.67, the increase in potassium content in ECF (mmol): 1.17±0.16 vs. 0.73±0.35], the duration of potassium infusion was shortened (hours: 2.1±0.7 vs. 4.7±1.4), the total urine volume, renal excretion of potassium, and the amount of transcellular potassium shift were significantly decreased [total urine volume (mL): 6.40±1.78 vs. 13.60±4.69, renal excretion of potassium (mmol): 1.04±0.26 vs. 1.46±0.51, amount of transcellular potassium shift (mmol): 1.39±0.21 vs. 1.84±0.62], the duration of arrhythmia was shortened (minutes: 19.60±8.92 vs. 71.80±9.84), with statistically significant differences (all P < 0.05). Hyperkalemia did not occur in both groups. The rabbits of the individual-specific rapid potassium supplementation group were all alive, while 4 died in the conventional potassium supplementation group, and statistically significant difference was found between the two groups (P < 0.01). These data demonstrate that the individual-specific rapid potassium supplementation strategy can shorten the time for correcting hypokalemia, which is a better option to reverse life-threatening arrhythmia caused by severe hypokalemia, with a high rescue success rate. The process of potassium supplement is safe and effective.

Effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-toll-like receptor 4-tumor necrosis factor-α targeted pathway on hyperglycemia induced myocardium inflammation and oxidative stress

To investigate the potential effects and mechanism on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-toll-like receptor 4-tumor necrosis factor-α (PPARγ-TLR4-TNF-α) targeted pathway on hyperglycemia induced myocardium inflammation and oxidative stress. Thirty-two Japanese healthy adult rabbits were randomly divided into four groups with 8 rabbits in each group: normal control group (NC group), diabetes mellitus group (DM group), diabetes mellitus + pioglitazone 4 mg×kg-1×d-1 and 8 mg×kg-1×d-1 groups (DM+PGZ 4 mg and 8 mg groups). DM model was reproduced by alloxan of 150 mg/kg through auricular vein injection. On the same day of successful DM model reproduction, the diabetic rabbits were fed with corresponding dose of pioglitazone in DM+PGZ 4 mg and 8 mg groups, but the rabbits in NC group were not challenged. After 8 weeks of feeding, venous blood of left jugular vein bifurcation and myocardium tissue were harvested respectively for the determination of inflammation and oxidative stress parameters. TNF-α, interleukin-1 (IL-1), adiponectin (ADP), nitric oxide (NO) and total nitric oxide synthase (NOS) levels were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was determined by colorimetric method, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was determined by hydroxylamine method, malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined by thiobarbituric acid colorimetric method, and catalase (CAT) activity was determined by UV spectrophotometry method. In addition, the mRNA expressions of TNF-α and TLR4 were determined by real-time quantitate reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). (1) IL-1 and TNF-α in serum and myocardium of model rabbits were significantly increased, ADP was significantly decreased, and the mRNA expressions of TNF-α and TLR4 in myocardium were significantly increased, indicating a significant inflammatory reaction. The inflammatory reaction in pioglitazone intervention groups was significantly reduced, TNF-α and IL-1 levels in serum and myocardium of DM+PGZ 4 mg and 8 mg groups were significantly decreased as compared with those of DM group [serum: TNF-α (ng/L) was 268.33±46.57, 261.34±33.73 vs. 331.40±69.05, myocardium: TNF-α (ng/L) was 144.72±26.90, 139.59±14.59 vs. 177.48±27.40; serum: IL-1 (ng/L) was 24.40±2.56, 23.35±3.13 vs. 30.08±5.44, myocardium: IL-1 (ng/L) was 21.26±2.85, 20.54±2.75 vs. 24.78±3.60, all P < 0.05], and ADP levels were significantly increased [serum (μg/L): 19.64±8.85, 20.54±7.47 vs. 15.45±3.06, myocardium (μg/L): 10.31±2.22, 11.49±3.42 vs. 7.76±1.77, all P < 0.05], and the mRNA expressions of TNF-α and TLR4 in myocardium were significantly decreased (TNF-α mRNA: 0.15±0.05, 0.14±0.06 vs. 0.25±0.09; TLR4 mRNA: 0.57±0.17, 0.40±0.18 vs. 0.75±0.35, all P < 0.05). (2) Oxidative stress in serum and myocardium of model rabbits was significantly increased, SOD, NO, and total NOS levels were significantly decreased while the serum CAT and MDA levels were significantly increased without effect on MPO. Compared with the DM group, SOD and NO levels in serum and myocardium were significantly increased in DM+PGZ 4 mg and 8 mg groups [serum: SOD (U/L) was 571.39±40.85, 609.28±54.47 vs. 535.10±37.08, myocardium: SOD (U/mg) was 55.74±8.12, 53.60±9.87 vs. 42.26±12.34; serum: NO (μmol/L) was 2.95±0.51, 2.99±0.43 vs. 2.03±0.78, myocardium: NO (nmol/mg) was 1.95±0.37, 2.11±0.26 vs. 1.56±0.33, all P < 0.05], the serum MDA levels were significantly decreased (μmol/L: 20.11±2.34, 19.70±2.02 vs. 23.07±3.06, both P < 0.05), while no significant effect on CAT. There was no significant difference in parameter of inflammatory and oxidative stress between the two pioglitazone intervention groups. 4 mg×kg-1×d-1 pioglitazone could activate PPARγ-TLR4-TNF-α targeted pathway, thus inhibit inflammatory and oxidative stress factors expression, and down-regulate hyperglycemia induced myocardium inflammatory and oxidative stress level, but the effect did not show a dose dependent manner.

Effects of platelet-rich plasma on angiogenesis and osteogenesis-associated factors in rabbits with avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains various growth factors and cytokines that can enhance the recovery of the damaged tissues. The present study aimed to examine the effects of PRP on the recovery of avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH), and to provide novel insights into the clinical treatment of this disease. A total of 24 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into the normal control group, ANFH model and PRP-treated groups (n =1 2 each). Blood samples were extracted from the auricular vein at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after establishing the model to determine the hemorheological indexes, as well as the content of serum osteocalcin bone Gla-protein (BGP) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In addition, femoral head tissue was collected, with part of it used for hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining to observe the histological changes. The remaining was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of alkaline phosphatase (AKP), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGF-B) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Compared with the model group, PRP treatment significantly improved the hemorheological indexes, as well as significantly increased the contents of BGP and VEGF. In the PRP group, the expression levels of TGF-β1, bFGF, BMP-2 and PDGF-B were significantly upregulated, while AKP expression was downregulated compared with the model group. Furthermore, PRP evidently improved the histological structure of the ANFH tissue. PRP was able to improve the hemorheological indexes following femoral neck fracture, repair the local blood vessels, and promote the expression of osteoblast-associated and angiogenesis-associated factors, which suggested a high efficiency in repairing ANFH.