Halothane Anesthesia Research Articles

Tadalafil pretreatment attenuates doxorubicin-induced hepatorenal toxicity by modulating oxidative stress and inflammation in Wistar rats

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely used anticancer agent, but its clinical application is limited by significant off-target hepatorenal toxicity. Tadalafil (TAD), a selective phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor used mainly for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension, has shown potential in reducing oxidative stress. This study investigated TAD's chemoprotective effects and underlying mechanisms in DOX-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats over 12 days. Eight groups of six rats each were orally pretreated with sterile water, silymarin (SIL), or TAD one hour before receiving intraperitoneal injections of 2.5 mg/kg DOX. On the 13th day, the rats were humanely sacrificed under inhaled halothane anesthesia, and serum was collected for hepatic and renal function tests, while liver and kidney tissues were analyzed for antioxidant enzyme activity, pro-inflammatory cytokines assay, and histopathological evaluation. DOX successfully induced hepatorenal toxicity, evidenced by significant increases (p<0.001, p<0.0001) in serum K+, urea, and creatinine levels, along with decreases in HCO3-, TCa2+, and Cl-. Tissue analysis showed reduced SOD, CAT, GST, and GPx activities, with elevated MDA and GSH levels. TAD pretreatment significantly ameliorated these biochemical alterations (p<0.05, p<0.001, p<0.0001), suggesting its potential as an effective chemoprophylactic adjuvant in the development of DOX-induced hepatorenal toxicity.

Advantages of Newer Inhalational Anesthetic Agents over the Older Agents

The objective of anesthesia is to facilitate surgery at minimal risk to the patient and to ensure optimal recovery following the procedure. Sevoflurane is a potent nonexplosive newer inhalational anesthetic agent that has several advantages. Various side effects like arrhythmia, hepatotoxicity, and delayed recovery limit the use of older agent halothane in many western countries. However, we do not have such studies done in our country. This prospective study was carried out in the Department of Anesthesia, Analgesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from September 2009 to June 2011, to analyze the advantages of newer inhalational agents over the older agents. A total of 60 patients were recruited in this study: 30 in Sevoflurane and 30 in Halothane group. We assessed hemodynamics and recovery after sevoflurane and halothane anesthesia. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) and the heart rate (HR) at 15 minutes interval were similar in both groups except at 75 minutes, when both MAP and HR were significantly higher in the halothane group as p=0.003 and p=0.001 respectively. Emergence time was 10.85 min. in the sevoflurane group and 15.13 min. in the halothane group (p&lt;0.001). The mean BAMSE score and time to complete (TMT-A) at half an hour after recovery was significantly higher (29.3) (p=0.014) and significantly less (40.9 sec.) (p&lt;0.001) in sevoflurane group. Our data suggests that sevoflurane is a better anesthetic agent than halothane in terms of balanced hemodynamics, shorter emergence time and early cognitive recovery. CBMJ 2024 July: vol. 13 no. 02 P: 227-234

Metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity: Possible central serotonergic and noradrenergic system involvement

Background: Metronidazole is a synthetic 5-nitroimidazole antibiotic. It remains a first-line therapy for anaerobic, parasitic, and bacterial infections in human and veterinary medicine. However, Metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity is a rising challenge. The mechanism of neurotoxicity induction is still unknown. Objective: To investigate a possible interference of metronidazole with central monoaminergic mechanisms using the Forced Swim Test. Methods: sixty adult rats were divided into 10 groups (n=10 for metronidazole and saline, n=5 for other groups). Group 1 = 5 ml/kg normal saline; Group 2 = 50 mg/kg metronidazole; group 3= 15 mg/kg imipramine; Group 4 =15 mg/kg imipramine + 50 mg/kg metronidazole. Group 5 = 5 mg/kg fluoxetine; Group 6 received 5 mg/kg fluoxetine + 50 mg/kg metronidazole; Group 7 = labetalol 10 mg/kg; Groups 8, 9 and 10 received labetalol 10 mg/kg + 50 mg/kg metronidazole, PCPA (p-chlorophenylalanine) 100 mg/kg and PCPA 100 mg/kg + 50 mg/kg metronidazole daily X 28 days. On day 28, FST was done 1h after the respective treatments. On day 29, blood samples were collected under halothane anesthesia for hematological assessment. Results: Immobility time increased (P&lt;0.01) in the groups treated with metronidazole, labetalol, PCPA, labetalol + metronidazole, and PCPA+ metronidazole. Swimming was reduced by metronidazole, PCPA, metronidazole + PCPA and metronidazole + labetalol. Metronidazole + labetalol reduced climbing. These effects were not reduced by co-treatment with imipramine or fluoxetine. White blood cell count increased (p&lt;0.01) in all treatment groups. Lymphocyte percent increased in the metronidazole-treated groups. Conclusion: Interference with postsynaptic central monoaminergic neurotransmission and immunomodulation may contribute to metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity.

Hepatoprotective effect of methanol fruit extract of Punica granatum L in highly active antiretroviral therapy-induced toxicity in Wistar rats

Prolonged use of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has been linked to toxicity, particularly hepatotoxicity. There are few effective drugs for HAART patients that promote hepatic cell regeneration and prevent liver injury. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the hepato-protective activity of Methanol fruit extract of Punica granatum (MFEPG) in HAART-administered rats. Thirty rats weighing between 150–200 g were randomly divided into six groups and each group comprised of five rats. Distilled water was given to the rats in group one. Only HAART was given to the rats in group two. MFEPG at doses of 100 and 400 mg/kg was given to the rats in groups three and four. MFEPG dosages of 100 and 400 mg/kg along with HAART were given to the rats in groups five and six, respectively. All treatments were via oral gavage daily for 40 days. Under halothane anesthesia, all rats were sacrificed on day 41. Liver tissues were utilized for lipid peroxidation marker; Malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant enzymes; Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) and histological evaluation, while blood samples were examined for biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, ALP, Total cholesterol, Total protein, and Albumin). The HAART-treated group exhibited a significantly higher amount of the lipid peroxidation end product; MDA, and significantly lower levels of antioxidant enzymes; SOD, and CAT. Liver enzymes and total cholesterol were significantly increased with a significant reduction in Total protein and Albumin levels in the HAART-treated group. Conversely, the liver function biomarkers were returned to normal levels in the HAART and MFEPG-treated groups. Histopathological studies revealed that when HAART-exposed rats were treated with MFEPG, both the biochemical and histological results significantly improved. Thus, the antioxidant activity of MFEPG provides protection against HAART-induced liver oxidative damage. More research is needed to determine the safety of using MFEPG in humans.

Methanol Crude Peel Extract of P. granatum Prevents Oxidative Damage in Kidneys of Rats Exposed to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy.

Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has been linked to oxidative damage to kidney cells leading to renal disease in people living with HIV/AIDS on HAART treatment. The toxic effects of HAART affect the patients' quality of life leading to poor adherence to their regimen. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the nephron-protective activity of methanol crude peel extract of Punica granatum (MPEPG) in HAART-administered Wistar rats. Thirty male albino Wistar rats weighing between 180-200g were randomly divided into six groups of five rats each. Group one served as normal control and was given distilled water only. Group two serves as a negative control and was given HAART at a dosage of 64 mg/kg. Groups 3 and 4 were given 100 and 400 mg/kg of MPEPG, respectively, while groups 5 and 6 were given MPEPG dosages of 100 and 400 mg/kg along with HAART, respectively, for 40 days. The rats were sacrificed under halothane anaesthesia, and the kidneys were removed for histological evaluation, while blood samples were analyzed for biochemical parameters. In the HAART (TLD) treated group, there was a significantly high amount of MDA and a lower level of the antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT. Biochemical analysis revealed that animals treated with HAART (TLD) had significantly higher levels of urea and creatinine, which are biomarkers of kidney damage than the normal control animals. In contrast, all the kidney function markers were returned to normal levels in the HAART-treated group after administration of methanol crude peel extract of P. granatum. The kidney tissues of animals given HAART had considerable structural damage as revealed by histopathological studies. When HAART-exposed rats were treated with MPEPG, both the biochemical and histological results significantly improved. Methanol crude peel extract of P. granatum provided effective protection against kidney oxidative injury brought on by HAART because of its anti-oxidant and free radical scavenging properties.

Effects of sub-chronic oral administration of hydromethanolic stem extract of Costus afer Ker Gawl. (Costaceae) on body weight, relative organ weight (ROW) and histopathology of selected organs in rats

Adverse effects of plant extracts on body weight, relative organ weight and histopathology are important indicators of toxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of the hydromethanolic stem extract of Costus afer Ker Gawl. (Costaceae). OECD (2008) Guideline 425 was used to evaluate oral acute toxicity of the extract. Sub-chronic oral administration of the extract on body weight, relative organ weight (ROW) and histopathology of selected organs in Wistar rats were evaluated using OECD 1995 guideline 407. Forty Wistar rats of both sexes were divided into 4 groups. Rats in control group (Group I) received 1 ml/kg/day distilled water while Groups II, III and IV rats received 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day of the extract respectively for 28 days. All treatments were administered orally. The rats were sacrificed under light halothane anaesthesia on the 29th day and the target organs were harvested, weighed and examined macroscopically for any morphological changes and microscopically for any lesions. There were no significant changes in mean body weights of rats and relative organ weights of selected organs in the extract treated groups when compared with the control group (distilled water). Although histological features of the brain, heart, stomach mucosa, lungs, spleen, ovaries and uterus in the extract treated groups were similar to those of control, slight to moderate renal and hepatic necrosis and necrosis of secondary spermatogenic cells at doses of 500 mg/kg and above of the extract were observed in the kidneys, liver and testes respectively. Caution should be exercised on sub-chronic administration of this extract as it may be toxic to the kidneys, liver and testes.

Differences in Halothane and Isofluran Anesthesia on Hemodynamic Status

Background: Halothane and Isoflurane are two frequent inhalation agents used as maintenance anesthesia during surgery. After experiencing anesthesia, many patients experience decreased hemodynamic status as pressure blood, respiration, and pulse. Because that study this expected could determine proper anesthesia for use.&#x0D; Purpose : evaluates differences in hemodynamic status post-anesthesia consequence use of halothane and isoflurane.&#x0D; Method research: Study this is a study with quasi pre-post design experiment with a control group design. The sample study is all patients undergoing Installation Surgery at Sele Be Solu Hospital, Sorong City, which uses the general anesthesia technique with inhalation of halothane or isoflurane for as many as 21 people. Instrument study use sheet observation to measure pressure, blood, respiration, and pulse During surgery.&#x0D; Research Results: The Wilcoxon test obtained a score of 0.157 on the pressure blood respondent after getting anesthesia halothane and respondents after getting anesthesia isoflurane, i.e., 0.007. significance of 1.000 and 0.317 on pulse respondents who got anesthesia halothane and isoflurane. Significance of 1.000 and 0.083 on respiration respondents who got anesthesia halothane and isoflurane. Mann Whitney test shows changes in blood pressure, pulse, and respiration in anesthetized respondents who used halothane and isoflurane score significance of 0.784, 0.576, and 0.307.&#x0D; Conclusion: There is a difference in blood pressure at first and end anesthesia use of isoflurane. No, there is a difference in frequency pulse, initial pulse, and respiration anesthesia, and end anesthesia use isoflurane.No there is a difference in pressure blood, pulse, and respiration at the beginning and end anesthesia use halothane. There is no difference in blood pressure, pulse, and respiration after general anesthesia uses isoflurane and halothane.

Comparison of Sevoflurane and Halothane Anesthesia Cognitive Function in Adult

Background: Patients reach their full cognitive and psychomotor potential during the intermediate period of recovery. We still utilize Halothane, which has a delayed recovery profile, despite the fact that rapid clearance drugs like Sevoflurane have a positive impact on early cognitive recovery, which permits early mobility and reduces post-surgical complications. Objective: The study's goal was to promote the use of sevoflurane over halothane by contrasting the two anesthetics' effects on patients' cognitive functioning after surgery. Method: The prospective randomized comparative study was carried out in the Department of Anaesthesia, Analgesia and Intensive Care Medicine, between the period of September 2021 to June 2022. Study population was the patients of either sex, aged between18-50 years, ASA-I and II, patients undergoing elective surgery by general anaesthesia, lasting for 1 hour or more and remaining 24 hours after surgery. A total number of 100 patients were divided into two groups. 50 patients were in Sevoflurane group and 50 in Halothane group. Results: Group- Sevoflurane had a considerably faster emergence time (10.85 min vs. 15.13 min, P0.001) than Group- Halothane. Group- Sevoflurane had a mean BAMSE score of 29 at baseline and showed no change by the conclusion of the observation period, but Group- Halothane saw their scores both drop and then recover. Patients in Group- Sevoflurane finished the (TMT-A) 30 minutes after regaining consciousness in a considerably shorter amount of time (40. 9 seconds vs. 55. 8 seconds, P 0.001). Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups after 1.5 hours, 2.5 hours, or 3.5 hours. Conclusion: So the study concludes that adult patient of sevoflurane group experienced an early post-operative cognitive recovery than halothane group. Though sevoflurane is costly, considering the benefits of patients in terms of early cognitive recovery that causes less postoperative complications and shorter hospital stay, sevoflurane should be used instead of halothane.

On the Functional Role of Gamma Synchronization in the Retinogeniculate System of the Cat.

Fast gamma oscillations, generated within the retina, and transmitted to the cortex via the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), are thought to carry information about stimulus size and continuity. This hypothesis relies mainly on studies conducted under anesthesia and the extent to which it holds under more naturalistic conditions remains unclear. Using multielectrode recordings of spiking activity in the retina and the LGN of both male and female cats, we show that visually driven gamma oscillations are absent for awake states and are highly dependent on halothane (or isoflurane). Under ketamine, responses were nonoscillatory, as in the awake condition. Response entrainment to the monitor refresh was commonly observed up to 120 Hz and was superseded by the gamma oscillatory responses induced by halothane. Given that retinal gamma oscillations are contingent on halothane anesthesia and absent in the awake cat, such oscillations should be considered artifactual, thus playing no functional role in vision.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Gamma rhythms have been proposed to be a robust encoding mechanism critical for visual processing. In the retinogeniculate system of the cat, many studies have shown gamma oscillations associated with responses to static stimuli. Here, we extend these observations to dynamic stimuli. An unexpected finding was that retinal gamma responses strongly depend on halothane concentration levels and are absent in the awake cat. These results weaken the notion that gamma in the retina is relevant for vision. Notably, retinal gamma shares many of the properties of cortical gamma. In this respect, oscillations induced by halothane in the retina may serve as a valuable preparation, although artificial, for studying oscillatory dynamics.

Оцінка рівня експресії HIF1A та паренхіматозно-стромальних відношень після травматичного впливу повітряної ударної хвилі на печінку

The purpose of the study was to investigate, analyze and evaluate the expression level of HIF1A and parenchymal-stromal relations after traumatic air shock wave exposure to the liver. Materials and methods. The material for the study was the liver of 30 male rats, weighing 177.5 ± 15.8 g. All animals were randomly divided into three groups: group 1 consisted of intact rats (n - 6), group 2 – control (halothane anesthesia with fixation) (n - 12), group 3 (n - 12) – experimental animals (halothane anesthesia with fixation, traumatic single action of an air shock wave with an excess pressure of 31.6 ± 4.8, which was generated in the device developed by us). In order to study the reactive changes in the liver after exposure to an air shock wave, an immunohistochemical method was used to study the expression of the hypoxia marker HIF1A and a morphometric analysis of parenchymal-stromal relations on the 7th and 30th day of the experiment. Results and discussion. The studied expression of the transcription factor HIF1A in the liver after exposure to an air shock wave by the immunohistochemical method showed a relationship with the consequences that occur after the injury (alteration, inflammation, regeneration), as well as with the observation period and distribution in the liver parenchyma. Despite the diffuse injury of the liver, which occurs after a low-intensity exposure to an air shock wave, we record a high threshold of resistance of liver cells to the action of this traumatic factor. The absence of HIF1A expression in the liver one month after exposure to an air shock wave is a direct indication of the restoration of the functioning of specialized liver cells, despite the initial significant diffuse changes at the level of the microcirculatory channel of the liver lobules. Research has repeatedly shown the high regenerative potential of the liver, despite the factors of influence, toxic, mechanical, and others. Understanding the spatial response of liver cells to external and internal factors will allow us to assess the adaptive capabilities of the metabolism of hepatocytes that are in different conditions of blood supply, which will expand our knowledge about the pathogenesis of the post-traumatic period and offer new therapeutic tools for their correction. Conclusion. Morphometric analysis of parenchymal-stromal relations of the liver after a single exposure to an air shock wave showed a significant decrease in the area of hepatocytes by 8% and a significant increase in the area of connective tissue by almost 2.4 times on the 30th day of the post-traumatic period in comparison with the control group of animals. Evaluation of the level of expression of the transcription factor HIF1A in the liver at the stages of the post-traumatic period showed that moderate expression was characteristic of the subcapsular area of the liver in the early post-traumatic period. On the 30th day of the post-traumatic period, the accumulation of the HIF1A marker in the liver of the experimental group of animals was not statistically significant compared to the control group

The impact of anesthetic drugs on hemodynamic parameters and neurological outcomes following temporal middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats.

The induction of ischemic stroke in the experimental model requires general anesthesia. One of the factors that can be effective in the size of ischemic brain lesions and neurological outcomes is the type of anesthesia. So, the current study was designed to compare the impacts of the most important and widely used anesthetics including halothane, isoflurane, and chloral hydrate on the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) outcomes. Adult Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups as follows: (1) MCAO + halothane group, (2) MCAO + isoflurane group, and (3) MCAO + chloral hydrate group. After 24 h, the mortality rate, infarct size, tissue swelling, neurological function, hemodynamic, and arterial blood gas parameters were assessed. Our finding showed that 60 min MCAO rats anesthetized with chloral hydrate significantly increased mortality rate, infarct size, tissue swelling, and neurological deficits compared with halothane and isoflurane anesthetics after 24 h of MCAO. Also, chloral hydrate caused a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure and arterial pO2 compared to halothane and isoflurane anesthetics. On the basis of the current data, we concluded that chloral hydrate increased cerebral infarct volume and neurological outcomes and reduced hemodynamic and metabolic parameters compared with halothane and isoflurane-anesthetized rats temporal MCAO.

Mutations in Complex I of the Mitochondrial Electron-Transport Chain Sensitize the Fruit Fly (Drosophila melanogaster) to Ether and Non-Ether Volatile Anesthetics.

The mitochondrial electron transport chain (mETC) contains molecular targets of volatile general anesthetics (VGAs), which places carriers of mutations at risk for anesthetic complications. The ND-2360114 and mt:ND2del1 lines of fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) that carry mutations in core subunits of Complex I of the mETC replicate numerous characteristics of Leigh syndrome (LS) caused by orthologous mutations in mammals and serve as models of LS. ND-2360114 flies are behaviorally hypersensitive to volatile anesthetic ethers and develop an age- and oxygen-dependent anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity (AiN) phenotype after exposure to isoflurane but not to the related anesthetic sevoflurane. The goal of this paper was to investigate whether the alkane volatile anesthetic halothane and other mutations in Complex I and in Complexes II-V of the mETC cause AiN. We found that (i) ND-2360114 and mt:ND2del1 were susceptible to toxicity from halothane; (ii) in wild-type flies, halothane was toxic under anoxic conditions; (iii) alleles of accessory subunits of Complex I predisposed to AiN; and (iv) mutations in Complexes II-V did not result in an AiN phenotype. We conclude that AiN is neither limited to ether anesthetics nor exclusive to mutations in core subunits of Complex I.

Comparison of the Qualities of Sevoflurane and Halothane in Paediatric Anaesthesia

Comparison of the Qualities of Sevoflurane and Halothane in Paediatric Anaesthesia

A RANDOMIZED CONTROL STUDY COMPARING EMERGENCE CHARACTERS OF DESFLURANE WITH HALOTHANE IN PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS UNDERGOING GENERAL ANAESTHESIA.

Background: Emergence agitation (EA) was described at rst by Eckenhoff et al in the early 1960s. EA has been described as a dissociated state of consciousness in which the child is inconsolable, irritable, uncooperative, typically thrashing, crying, moaning or incoherent. Although EA is usually self-limited and occurs within the rst 30-minutes of recovery in PACU, but it can last up to 2 days and lead to physical damage, disconnection of intravenous catheters, removing of dressing or drainage tube and monitoring devices. Although, numerous medications have been studied to prevent or reduce EA in children, no special preventive method has been shown to be highly superior. Aims and objectives: The aim of this study is to compare the emergence characters of Desurane with Halothane. The primary objective is to compare the Emergence characters using PAED (Pediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium) score. The secondary objective is : 1) To compare the recovery characters(Time to recover) using Steward Recovery Scores. 2) To compare the PACU discharge criteria meeting time with Modied Aldrete Score. 3) To assess post operative Pain, nausea, vomiting, shivering. Materials and Methods: This Randomized interventional study (single blinded) was conducted in Institute of child health and hospital for children, egmore from October 2019 to December 2019. 70 Pediatric patients based on the parent article, Comparison of Emergence and Recovery characteristics of Sevourane, Desurane, and Halothane in Pediatric Patients undergoing General Anaesthesia, authored by Welborn ,Hannallallah Published AnesthAnalg. 1996 Nov;83(5):917-20. Result: Recovery time, Emergence Agitation, Time to reach discharge criteria and post operative complications were compared. Post anaesthesia Emergence Agitation was higher in Desurane group compared to Halothane group which was statistically signicant. Desurane resulted in faster recovery, early Emergence than Halothane which was statistically signicant. This is due the fact that Desurane has very low Blood Gas Solubility index which results in rapid emergence and thus Emergence Agitation. Though time to reach discharge criteria was not much prolonged in Halothane group, study showed statistically signicant difference between two groups. Post operative complications is not statistically signicant between two groups. Conclusion: In our study Post anaesthesia Emergence Agitation was signicantly higher in Desurane group compared to Halothane group. Desurane anaesthesia resulted in rapid Emergence, early recovery compared to Halothane anaesthesia .

Effect of Escitalopram on the Number of DCX-Positive Cells and NMUR2 Receptor Expression in the Rat Hippocampus under the Condition of NPSR Receptor Blockade.

Background: Neuropeptide S (NPS) is a multifunctional regulatory factor that exhibits a potent anxiolytic activity in animal models. However, there are no reports dealing with the potential molecular interactions between the activity of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and NPS signaling, especially in the context of adult neurogenesis and the expression of noncanonical stress-related neuropeptides such as neuromedin U (NMU). The present work therefore focused on immunoexpression of neuromedin U receptor 2 (NMUR2) and doublecortin (DCX) in the rat hippocampus after acute treatment with escitalopram and in combination with selective neuropeptide S receptor (NPSR) blockade. Methods: Studies were carried out on adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats that were divided into five groups: animals injected with saline (control) and experimental individuals treated with escitalopram (at single dose 10 mg/kg daily), escitalopram + SHA-68, a selective NPSR antagonist (at single dose 40 mg/kg), SHA-68 alone, and corresponding vehicle control. All animals were sacrificed under halothane anaesthesia. The whole hippocampi were quickly excised, fixed, and finally sliced for general qualitative immunohistochemical assessment of the NPSR and NMUR2 expression. The number of immature neurons was enumerated using immunofluorescent detection of doublecortin (DCX) expression within the subgranular zone (SGZ). Results: Acute escitalopram administration affects the number of DCX and NMUR2-expressing cells in the adult rat hippocampus. A decreased number of DCX-expressing neuroblasts after treatment with escitalopram was augmented by SHA-68 coadministration. Conclusions: Early pharmacological effects of escitalopram may be at least partly connected with local NPSR-related alterations of neuroblast maturation in the rat hippocampus. Escitalopram may affect neuropeptide and DCX-expression starting even from the first dose. Adult neurogenesis may be regulated via paracrine neuropeptide S and NMU-related signaling.

A Comparative Study of Sevoflurane with Halothane as Inhalational Anaesthetic Agent in Paediatric Patients

Introduction: Inhalational anaesthesia is commonly used in paediatric patients. The study was designed to compare sevoflurane and halothane anaesthesia in the neonate and paediatric patients and to assess the haemodynamic status of both agents during induction, maintenance and recovery of anesthesia. Material and Methods: We studied 60 patients aged between 1 day to 7 years. All routine and emergency surgery were included. Children were randomly selected between two groups receiving halothane and sevoflurane. Induction time, intubating condition and haemodynamic changes were recorded. Results: Induction of anaesthesia was smooth in both groups but induction was smooth in the sevoflurane group. Maintenance of anaesthesia was smooth in both groups but recovery was rapid in the sevoflurane group. There was no unwanted side effect.

Impact of head-up tilt on expiratory negative airway pressure ventilation-induced cardiovascular hemodynamics in the halothane-anesthetized intact microminipigs.

Elevation of the head and expiratory negative airway pressure (ENAP) ventilation can both significantly alter cardiovascular hemodynamics. The impact of head-up tilt (HUT) position on mechanically regulated ENAP ventilation-induced hemodynamics was assessed in microminipigs under halothane anesthesia (n = 4) in the absence and presence of adrenergic blockade. Supine ENAP ventilation increased cardiac output, but decreased mean right atrial, systolic pulmonary arterial, and mean left atrial pressures without significantly altering heart rate or aortic pressure. With HUT, the magnitude of ENAP ventilation-induced reduction in right and left atrial pressures was attenuated. HUT minimally altered ENAP ventilation-induced increase in cardiac output and reduction in pulmonary arterial systolic pressure. In addition, with up to 10cm of HUT there was a significant increase in mean right atrial pressure with and without the ENAP ventilation, whereas HUT did not alter the other hemodynamic variables irrespective of ENAP ventilation. These observations suggest that head elevation augments venous return from the brain irrespective of the ENAP ventilation. Additional studies with pharmacological adrenergic blockade revealed that ENAP ventilation-induced increases in cardiac output and decreases in pulmonary systolic pressure were minimally altered by sympathetic nerve activity, irrespective of the head position. However, the observed ENAP ventilation-induced decreases in right and left atrial pressures were largely dependent upon adrenergic activity. These experimental findings may provide insight into future clinical application of HUT and ENAP for patients with head injury and hypotension.

Kidney cell DNA damage caused by combined exposure to volatile anaesthetics and 1 Gy or 2 Gy radiotherapy dose in vivo.

Patient immobilisation with volatile anaesthetics (VA) during radiotherapy is sometimes unavoidable. Although it is known that both VAs and ionising radiation can have nephrotoxic effects, there are no studies of their combined effects on DNA damage. The aim of this in vivo study was to address this gap by investigating whether 48 groups of healthy Swiss albino mice (totalling 240) would differ in kidney cell DNA damage response (alkaline comet assay) to isoflurane, sevoflurane, or halothane anaesthesia and exposure to 1 Gy or 2 Gy of ionising radiation. We took kidney cortex samples after 0, 2, 6, and 24 h of exposure and measured comet parameters: tail length and tail intensity. To quantify the efficiency of the cells to repair and re-join DNA strand breaks, we also calculated cellular DNA repair index. Exposure to either VA alone increased DNA damage, which was similar between sevoflurane and isoflurane, and the highest with halothane. In combined exposure (VA and irradiation with 1 Gy) DNA damage remained at similar levels for all time points or was even lower than damage caused by radiation alone. Halothane again demonstrated the highest damage. In combined exposure with irradiation of 2 Gy sevoflurane significantly elevated tail intensity over the first three time points, which decreased and was even lower on hour 24 than in samples exposed to the corresponding radiation dose alone. This study confirmed that volatile anaesthetics are capable of damaging DNA, while combined VA and 1 Gy or 2 Gy treatment did not have a synergistic damaging effect on DNA. Further studies on the mechanisms of action are needed to determine the extent of damage in kidney cells after longer periods of observation and how efficiently the cells can recover from exposure to single and multiple doses of volatile anaesthetics and radiotherapy.

The Effect of Inhaled Anesthetic Halothane on Liver Cells (Experimental Study of Halothane Toxic Effect in BalbC Mice)

Adverse effects of halothane on the liver range from liver dysfunction to hepatitis, and are more frequent following repeated use. Medical personals are in risk of chronic exposure of wasted halothane. However, there are limited literatures about this effect based on time exposure. To identify and analyze the liver cells changes of halothane exposure to liver cells of Balb/C mice. This experimental study used randomized post-test only control group design in 30 male BalbC mice given 0.011 mg/weight halothane 3 hours daily for two weeks (group 1), four weeks (group 2), six weeks (group 3), six weeks followed by 2 weeks of halothane free (group 4), and without exposure (control group). The liver tissues were HE stained and observed for enlarge, karyorrhexis, and karyolitic of the nucleus. Immunohistochemistry was undertaken to count the percentage of cytocrome-P450 stained brown colour and scored based on its intensity. The difference among groups and between each group were statistically significant (p&lt; 0.05), except between group 2 and 4 (p = 0.078), and between group 3 and 4 (p = 0.522). The difference of cytocrome-P450 expression among groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.266). There was statistically significant difference of abnormal liver cell nucleus changes in groups with different time of halothane exposure (p = 0.000) while no statistically significant difference of cytocrome-P450 expressions (p = 0.266) was found. The nucleus changes were gradually increased with the time of exposure.

Tramadol abuse and addiction

BackgroundAddiction to controlled or prescription drugs is an increasing health burden in most countries and Nigeria is not an exception. Tramadol abuse is a menace in Nigeria. There are few reports on the health consequences of tramadol addiction in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.AimThe aim of the study was to determine and educate the public on the effects of tramadol addiction on learning, memory, and organ damage.Materials and methodsAdult rats were randomly assigned into four groups,n=5. Group 1 received 5 ml/kg of 0.9% normal saline orally, while groups 2, 3, and 4 were administered 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of tramadol daily for 28 days, respectively. Behavioral tests (Y-maze and Morris water maze) were conducted on the first and last weeks of the experiment. On the 29th day, the animals were sacrificed under halothane anesthesia and organs were excised for histological examination. The results were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (GraphPad Prism 6).ResultsThe behavioral assessments revealed dose-dependent aggression, anxiety, and spasms. Also, a reduction in escape latency in the Morris water maze and increased alternations in the Y-maze occurred to various degrees in the treated groups compared with the control. Different grades of histological abnormalities occurred in the brain, liver, and kidneys of treated rats.ConclusionTramadol misuse can lead to learning and memory impairment in addition to long-term organ damage involving the brain, liver, and kidneys.