Ventricular fibrillation threshold during acute ischemia in hypertrophied rat hearts

Summary Ventricular fibrillation threshold was significantly lower in hypertrophied hearts than in normal hearts. Ischemia produced by coronary occlusion reduced fibrillation threshold in both normal and hypertrophied hearts, but the maximum reduction in fibrillation theshold was observed earlier in hypertrophied hearts.     

Sodium-dependence of sustained force in potassium contracture of cat ventricle

Summary Following exposure to low-Na solution, the initial phase of K-contracture in cat ventricle is prominent while the second (sustained) phase is markedly attenuated. Monensin, a Na-specific ionophore, enhances the second phase of K-contracture following exposure to low-Na solution.This study is supported by NIH grant HL-19044 and a Grantin-Aid from the American Heart Association-Greater Miami Affiliate.The authors wish to thank Ms Diane Rodman for invaluable technical assistance.     

Ventricular fibrillation threshold during acute ischemia in hypertrophied rat hearts

Ventricular fibrillation threshold was significantly lower in hypertrophied hearts than in normal hearts. Ischemia produced by coronary occlusion reduced fibrillation threshold in both normal and hypertrophied hearts, but the maximum reduction in fibrillation threshold was observed earlier in hypertrophied hearts.     

The metabolic products ofPenicillium patulum and their probable interrelationship

Zusammenfassung Ausser Patulin, Gentisinsäure und 6-Methylsalicylsäure wurden die folgenden Verbindungen als Metaboliten vonP. patulum Stamm 2159A gefunden: 6-Formylsäure, 3-Oxyphthalsäure, Pyrogallol,p-Oxybenzoesäure und Anthranilsäure. Eine aliphatische Vorstufe von Patulin und eine Substanz vom Depsidtypus konnten noch nicht näher identifiziert werden. Die möglichen Stoffwechselzusammenhänge zwischen diesen Verbindungen wurden diskutiert.

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Supported by a grant (NSF-G2914) from the National Science Foundation.     

Effects of sympathetic stimulation on ventricular refractory periods in cats with acute coronary artery ligation

Summary Ventricular refractory periods shorten in the ischemic area following acute coronary artery ligation. Subsequent bilateral sympathetic nerve stimulation reduces disparity in refractory periods across normal, border (peri-ischemic) and ischemic areas.This work was supported by NIH Research Grants HL 19044 and HL 21735, NIH Biomedical Research Support Grant DRR No. S07-05363 and a Grant-in-Aid from the American Heart Association, Florida Affiliate, Broward County Chapter. Dr Gaide is the recipient of NIH New Investigator Research Award HL 27680.     

Relaxation by glucagon of potassium contracture in cat ventricle

Summary Glucagon reduces K⁺-contracture, increases peak active force, but does not alter time to peak force and relaxation of the isometric twitch of cat ventricle.This study was supported by a grant-in-aid from the Florida Heart Association-Suncoast Chapter, National Institute of Health Research grant HL 19044 and NSRA Awards HL 05849 and HL 07188.The authors wish to thank Mr William Fitterman for his valuable technical and illustrative assistance.     

Recent advances in the genetics of schizophrenia

The genetic etiology of schizophrenia, a common and debilitating psychiatric disorder, is supported by a wealth of data. Review of the current findings suggests that considerable progress has been made in recent years, with a number of chromosomal regions consistently implicated by linkage analysis. Three groups have shown linkage to 1q21-22 using similar models, with HLOD scores of 6.5, 3.2, and 2.4. Other replicated loci include 13q32 that has been implicated by two independent groups with significant HLOD scores (4.42) or NPL values (4.18), and 5p14.1-13.1, 5q21-33, 8p21-22, and 10p11-15, each of which have been reported as suggestive by at least three separate groups. Different studies have also replicated evidence for a modest number of candidate genes that were not ascertained through linkage. Of these, the greatest support exists for the DRD3 (3q13.3), HTR2A (13q14.2), and CHRNA7 (15q13-q14) genes. The refinement of phenotypes, the use of endophenotypes, reduction of heterogeneity, and extensive genetic mapping have all contributed to this progress. The rapid expansion of information from the human genome project will likely further accelerate this progress and assist in the discovery of susceptibility genes for schizophrenia. A greater understanding of disease mechanisms and the application of pharmacogenetics should also lead to improvements in therapeutic interventions. Received 11 May 2001; received after revision: 20 July 2001; accepted 18 September 2001     

Effects of sympathetic stimulation on ventricular refractory periods in cats with acute coronary artery ligation

Ventricular refractory periods shorten in the ischemic area following acute coronary artery ligation. Subsequent bilateral sympathetic nerve stimulation reduces disparity in refractory periods across normal, border (peri-ischemic) and ischemic areas.