Cardioprotection stimulated by resveratrol and grape products prevents lethal cardiac arrhythmias in an animal model of ischemia and reperfusion

Purpose: To evaluate the preventive cardioprotective effects of resveratrol and grape products, such as grape juice and red wine, in animal model of cardiac ischemia and reperfusion. Methods: Male Wistar rats orally pretreated for 21-days with resveratrol and grape products were anesthetized and placed on mechanical ventilation to surgically induce cardiac ischemia and reperfusion by obstruction (ischemia) followed by liberation (reperfusion) of blood circulation in left descending coronary artery. These rats were submitted to the electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis to evaluate the effects of pretreatment with resveratrol and grape products on the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias (VA), atrioventricular block (AVB) and lethality (LET) resulting from cardiac ischemia and reperfusion. Results: It was observed that the incidence of AVB was significantly lower in rats pretreated with resveratrol (25%), grape juice (37.5%) or red wine (12.5%) than in rats treated with saline solution (80%) or ethanol (80%). Similarly, incidence of LET was also significantly lower in rats pretreated with resveratrol (25%), grape juice (25%) or red wine (0%) than in rats treated with saline solution (62.5%) or ethanol (75%). Conclusion: These results indicate that the cardioprotective response stimulated by resveratrol and grape products prevents the lethal cardiac arrhythmias in animal model of ischemia and reperfusion, supporting the idea that this treatment can be beneficial for prevention of severe cardiac arrhythmias in patients with ischemic heart disease.(AU)

Cardioprotective effects of pharmacological blockade of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Purpose To evaluate whether the attenuation of mitochondrial Ca2+ overload produced by pharmacological blockade of mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) protects the myocardium against injuries caused by cardiac ischemia and reperfusion (CIR). Methods CIR was induced in adult male Wistar rats (300-350 g) by occlusion of the left anterior descendent coronary artery (10 min), followed by reperfusion (120 min). Rats were treated with different doses of MCU blocker ruthenium red (RuR), administered 5 min before ischemia or reperfusion. Results In untreated rats, the incidences of ventricular arrhythmias (VA), atrioventricular block (AVB) and the lethality (LET) induced by CIR were 85%, 79% and 70%, respectively. In rats treated with RuR before ischemia, the incidences of VA, AVB and LET were significantly reduced to 62%, 25% and 25%, respectively. In rats treated with RuR after ischemia, the incidences of VA, AVB and LET were significantly reduced to 50%, 25% and 25%, respectively. Conclusion The significant reduction of the incidence of CIR-induced VA, AVB and LET produced by the treatment with RuR indicates that the attenuation of mitochondrial Ca2+ overload produced by pharmacological blockade of MCU can protect the myocardium against injuries caused by CIR.(AU)

Dysautonomia in a bitch with hypothyroidismˆien

Background: Thyroid hormones have important effects on the cardiovascular system, of which the main ones are the in-crease in the heart response to the autonomic sympathetic nervous system. Heart rate variability is a non-invasive method of assessing autonomic heart modulation, thus being an important form of evaluation in patients with thyroid dysfunctions. This study aimed to report electrocardiographic and heart rate variability data of a dog with hypothyroidism that presented a parasympathetic dysfunction.Case:A 7-year-old female Dalmatian dog was admitted for clinical evaluation in Fortaleza, Brazil. According to the owner, she had been apathetic for a year, had gained weight, always had a sad expression, and her hair was generally brittle and opaque. On physical examination, skin lesions were observed at the end of the spine, extending to the tail region, with the latter showing total alopecia. Low T4 levels confirmed the diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism. Then, a 24-h Holter monitoring was performed, which showed that the animal had sinus arrhythmia associated with moments of second-degree sinoatrial block and rare moments of sinus tachycardia. In addition, moments of premature multifocal ventricular extra-systoles and 1st-degree atrioventricular block were observed.Based on the Holter results, heart rate variability (HRV) was calculated. Regarding the HRV in the frequency domain, 32.16 was obtained in the low frequency (LF) band, 67.84 in the high frequency (HF) band, and the LF / HF ratio was 0.46, with a total power of 5205. As for the HRV in the time domain, RMSSD was 117, pNN50 was 62.64 and SDNN was 384. This showed an increase in the parasympathetic activity of the heart and, due to this increased activity, a...(AU)

Dysautonomia in a bitch with hypothyroidismˆien

Background: Thyroid hormones have important effects on the cardiovascular system, of which the main ones are the in-crease in the heart response to the autonomic sympathetic nervous system. Heart rate variability is a non-invasive method of assessing autonomic heart modulation, thus being an important form of evaluation in patients with thyroid dysfunctions. This study aimed to report electrocardiographic and heart rate variability data of a dog with hypothyroidism that presented a parasympathetic dysfunction.Case:A 7-year-old female Dalmatian dog was admitted for clinical evaluation in Fortaleza, Brazil. According to the owner, she had been apathetic for a year, had gained weight, always had a sad expression, and her hair was generally brittle and opaque. On physical examination, skin lesions were observed at the end of the spine, extending to the tail region, with the latter showing total alopecia. Low T4 levels confirmed the diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism. Then, a 24-h Holter monitoring was performed, which showed that the animal had sinus arrhythmia associated with moments of second-degree sinoatrial block and rare moments of sinus tachycardia. In addition, moments of premature multifocal ventricular extra-systoles and 1st-degree atrioventricular block were observed.Based on the Holter results, heart rate variability (HRV) was calculated. Regarding the HRV in the frequency domain, 32.16 was obtained in the low frequency (LF) band, 67.84 in the high frequency (HF) band, and the LF / HF ratio was 0.46, with a total power of 5205. As for the HRV in the time domain, RMSSD was 117, pNN50 was 62.64 and SDNN was 384. This showed an increase in the parasympathetic activity of the heart and, due to this increased activity, a...

Arritmias no uso da dexmedetomina em cães / Arrhythmias in the use of dexmedethine in dogs

A dexmedetomidina é um fármaco agonista a-2 adrenérgico utilizado na anestesiologia veterinária, devido a suas propriedades sedativas e analgésicas. Existem preocupações quanto aos seus efeitos colaterais, principalmente cardiovasculares, dentre eles arritmias. As quais podem comprometer o débito cardíaco e a perfusão tecidual. As arritmias que podem ser observadas com o uso da dexmedetomidina são: bloqueio átrio ventricular de 1º, 2º e 3º grau; arritmia sinusal, e pausa sinusal. Dentre elas a de maior ocorrência é o bloqueio atrioventricular, principalmente o de 2º grau. Essas alterações são dose-dependentes, estudos demonstram que doses de 1 µg /kg podem desencadear a ocorrência de bradiarritmias. O tratamento das arritmias atrioventriculares envolve a administração de anticolinérgicos, antiarrítmicos e no caso de alterações desencadeadas pelo uso da dexmedetomidina a aplicação de um antagonista a-2 adrenérgico. Esta revisão tem como objetivo discorrer sobre as arritmias em cães ocasionadas pelo uso da dexmedetomidina.

Dexmedetomidine is a α-2 adrenergic agonist drug used in veterinary anesthesiologydue to its sedative and analgesic properties. There are concerns about its side effects, especially cardiovascular, among them arrhythmias. These may compromise cardiac output and tissue perfusion. The arrhythmias that may be observed with the use of dexmedetomidine are: ventricularatrium blockade of 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree; sinus arrhythmia, and sinus pause. Among them, the most frequent occurrence is atrioventricular block, especially the second degree. These changes are dose-dependent, studies have shown that doses of 1 μg/kg can trigger the occurrence of bradyarrhythmias. Treatment of atrioventricular arrhythmias involves the administration of anticholinergics, antiarrhythmics and in the case of changes triggered by the use of dexmedetomidinethe application of a α-2 adrenergic antagonist. This review aims to discuss the arrhythmias in dogs caused by the use of dexmedetomidine.

Arritmias no uso da dexmedetomina em cães / Arrhythmias in the use of dexmedethine in dogs

A dexmedetomidina é um fármaco agonista a-2 adrenérgico utilizado na anestesiologia veterinária, devido a suas propriedades sedativas e analgésicas. Existem preocupações quanto aos seus efeitos colaterais, principalmente cardiovasculares, dentre eles arritmias. As quais podem comprometer o débito cardíaco e a perfusão tecidual. As arritmias que podem ser observadas com o uso da dexmedetomidina são: bloqueio átrio ventricular de 1º, 2º e 3º grau; arritmia sinusal, e pausa sinusal. Dentre elas a de maior ocorrência é o bloqueio atrioventricular, principalmente o de 2º grau. Essas alterações são dose-dependentes, estudos demonstram que doses de 1 µg /kg podem desencadear a ocorrência de bradiarritmias. O tratamento das arritmias atrioventriculares envolve a administração de anticolinérgicos, antiarrítmicos e no caso de alterações desencadeadas pelo uso da dexmedetomidina a aplicação de um antagonista a-2 adrenérgico. Esta revisão tem como objetivo discorrer sobre as arritmias em cães ocasionadas pelo uso da dexmedetomidina.(AU)

Dexmedetomidine is a α-2 adrenergic agonist drug used in veterinary anesthesiologydue to its sedative and analgesic properties. There are concerns about its side effects, especially cardiovascular, among them arrhythmias. These may compromise cardiac output and tissue perfusion. The arrhythmias that may be observed with the use of dexmedetomidine are: ventricularatrium blockade of 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree; sinus arrhythmia, and sinus pause. Among them, the most frequent occurrence is atrioventricular block, especially the second degree. These changes are dose-dependent, studies have shown that doses of 1 μg/kg can trigger the occurrence of bradyarrhythmias. Treatment of atrioventricular arrhythmias involves the administration of anticholinergics, antiarrhythmics and in the case of changes triggered by the use of dexmedetomidinethe application of a α-2 adrenergic antagonist. This review aims to discuss the arrhythmias in dogs caused by the use of dexmedetomidine.(AU)

Principais alterações no eletrocardiograma em cães / Main changes in electrocardiogram in dogs

O eletrocardiograma (ECG) é considerado o método de auxílio ao diagnóstico das afecções cardíacas mais utilizado na medicina veterinária, sendo dinâmico e não-invasivo de avaliação do coração. São avaliadas as ondas elétricas através das características de duração, amplitude e deflexão que podem variar de acordo com a espécie, porte, sexo, idade e raça do animal. O conhecimento da prevalência das afecções cardíacas em cães é de fundamental importância para o clínico de pequenos animais, pois auxilia na formulação de diagnósticos diferenciais e no estabelecimento de um plano terapêutico adequado. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar a frequência das principais alterações no eletrocardiograma de cães atendidos pelo serviço de eletrocardiografia do Hospital Veterinário ETAVE de Fortaleza, Ceará. A amostra foi composta por 518 cães, destes, 216 machos e 352 fêmeas, atendidos no Hospital Veterinário – ETAVE de Fortaleza - CE, no período de setembro de 2016 a setembro de 2018. Os animais foram selecionados a partir da indicação clínica, exame pré-anestésico e pré-cirúrgico, sendo submetidos a avaliação física e clínica. Com isso, conclui-se que as alterações mais frequentemente encontradas foram, complexo QRS de baixa amplitude, bloqueio atrioventricular de 1º grau e taquicardia supraventricular prematura, presentes em pelo menos dois dos grupos de alterações estudados. O ECG é um importante recurso diagnóstico que pode ajudar tanto na detecção quanto no controle das afecções cardíacas, que se não controladas e tratadas podem levar o animal à morte.

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is considered the most widely used method of diagnosis of cardiac diseases in veterinary medicine, being a dynamic and non-invasive evaluation of the heart. The electric waves are evaluated through the characteristics of duration, amplitude and deflection that can vary according to the species, size, sex, age and race of the animal. The knowledge of the prevalence of cardiac affections in dogs is of fundamental importance for the clinician of small animals, as it assists in the formulation of differential diagnoses and in the establishment of an adequate therapeutic plan. Thus, the objective of this study is to present the frequency of the main alterations in the electrocardiogram in dogs attended by the electrocardiography service of the ETAVE Veterinary Hospital of Fortaleza, Ceará. The sample consisted of 518 dogs, of these 216 males and 352 females, attended at the Veterinary Hospital - ETAVE of Fortaleza - CE, from September 2016 to September 2018. The animals were selected from the clinical indication, anesthetic and pre-surgical, being submitted to physical and clinical avaliation. Thus, we conclude that the changes most frequently found were low-amplitude QRS complex, first-degree atrioventricular block, and premature supraventricular tachycardia, present in at least two of the groups of alterations studied. The ECG is an important diagnostic feature that can help both detect and control cardiac conditions, which, if uncontrolled and treated, can lead to death.

Principais alterações no eletrocardiograma em cães / Main changes in electrocardiogram in dogs

O eletrocardiograma (ECG) é considerado o método de auxílio ao diagnóstico das afecções cardíacas mais utilizado na medicina veterinária, sendo dinâmico e não-invasivo de avaliação do coração. São avaliadas as ondas elétricas através das características de duração, amplitude e deflexão que podem variar de acordo com a espécie, porte, sexo, idade e raça do animal. O conhecimento da prevalência das afecções cardíacas em cães é de fundamental importância para o clínico de pequenos animais, pois auxilia na formulação de diagnósticos diferenciais e no estabelecimento de um plano terapêutico adequado. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar a frequência das principais alterações no eletrocardiograma de cães atendidos pelo serviço de eletrocardiografia do Hospital Veterinário ETAVE de Fortaleza, Ceará. A amostra foi composta por 518 cães, destes, 216 machos e 352 fêmeas, atendidos no Hospital Veterinário ETAVE de Fortaleza - CE, no período de setembro de 2016 a setembro de 2018. Os animais foram selecionados a partir da indicação clínica, exame pré-anestésico e pré-cirúrgico, sendo submetidos a avaliação física e clínica. Com isso, conclui-se que as alterações mais frequentemente encontradas foram, complexo QRS de baixa amplitude, bloqueio atrioventricular de 1º grau e taquicardia supraventricular prematura, presentes em pelo menos dois dos grupos de alterações estudados. O ECG é um importante recurso diagnóstico que pode ajudar tanto na detecção quanto no controle das afecções cardíacas, que se não controladas e tratadas podem levar o animal à morte. (AU)

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is considered the most widely used method of diagnosis of cardiac diseases in veterinary medicine, being a dynamic and non-invasive evaluation of the heart. The electric waves are evaluated through the characteristics of duration, amplitude and deflection that can vary according to the species, size, sex, age and race of the animal. The knowledge of the prevalence of cardiac affections in dogs is of fundamental importance for the clinician of small animals, as it assists in the formulation of differential diagnoses and in the establishment of an adequate therapeutic plan. Thus, the objective of this study is to present the frequency of the main alterations in the electrocardiogram in dogs attended by the electrocardiography service of the ETAVE Veterinary Hospital of Fortaleza, Ceará. The sample consisted of 518 dogs, of these 216 males and 352 females, attended at the Veterinary Hospital - ETAVE of Fortaleza - CE, from September 2016 to September 2018. The animals were selected from the clinical indication, anesthetic and pre-surgical, being submitted to physical and clinical avaliation. Thus, we conclude that the changes most frequently found were low-amplitude QRS complex, first-degree atrioventricular block, and premature supraventricular tachycardia, present in at least two of the groups of alterations studied. The ECG is an important diagnostic feature that can help both detect and control cardiac conditions, which, if uncontrolled and treated, can lead to death. (AU)

Eletrocardiografia em cadelas submetidas à mastectomia unilateral total / Electrocardiogram in bitches submitted to unilateral total mastectomy

Background: The frequency of oncological diseases in companion animals has increased in recent years, mainly due tothe longer longevity of dogs. The neoplasms are not only open by the presence of the tumor and its location, but also byparaneoplastic syndromes, which are disorders that occur due to the production of substances by the tumor that cause.In addition to causing local changes and damages, oncological diseases may also result in injuries at distant sites, suchas paraneoplastic syndromes, which, if untreated, may result in death of animals. The present study aimed to investigatewhether female dogs with mammary tumors demonstrate electrocardiographic changes, and if so, to investigate whetherthese cease after removal of the tumor, and to relate the type of tumor with the occurrence of arrhythmias.Materials, Methods & Results: Eighteen female dogs, aged between 4 and 14 years, underwent electrocardiogram 24 hprior to undergoing a total unilateral mastectomy. After removal of the tumor, electrocardiograms were again performed 24(M24), 48 (M48), and 72 (M72), as well as 14 days (M14d) after surgery. Histological analysis of the neoplasms showedthat 55% of the tumors were benign, with predominance of adenoma (38%), and 45% were malignant, with predominanceof adenocarcinoma (22%). The following rhythms and arrhythmias were observed: normal sinus rhythm (37.2%), sinusarrhythmia (62.8%), wandering pacemaker (26%), 1st degree atrioventricular block (AVB; 5%), premature ventricularcomplex (PVC; 10%), and T-wave > 25% of R-wave (25%); more than one change could occur simultaneously. Out of theevaluated electrocardiographic parameters, a significant difference was observed in the QT interval between the followingtimepoints: M24 (204 ± 18), M48 (204 ± 22), and M72 (203 ± 23), as well as Mbasal (192 ± 15) and M14d (178 ± 43).Discussion: Regarding the observed rhythms, arrhythmias, and changes, respiratory sinus arrhythmia was the normal predominant... (AU)

Eletrocardiografia em cadelas submetidas à mastectomia unilateral total / Electrocardiogram in bitches submitted to unilateral total mastectomy

Background: The frequency of oncological diseases in companion animals has increased in recent years, mainly due tothe longer longevity of dogs. The neoplasms are not only open by the presence of the tumor and its location, but also byparaneoplastic syndromes, which are disorders that occur due to the production of substances by the tumor that cause.In addition to causing local changes and damages, oncological diseases may also result in injuries at distant sites, suchas paraneoplastic syndromes, which, if untreated, may result in death of animals. The present study aimed to investigatewhether female dogs with mammary tumors demonstrate electrocardiographic changes, and if so, to investigate whetherthese cease after removal of the tumor, and to relate the type of tumor with the occurrence of arrhythmias.Materials, Methods & Results: Eighteen female dogs, aged between 4 and 14 years, underwent electrocardiogram 24 hprior to undergoing a total unilateral mastectomy. After removal of the tumor, electrocardiograms were again performed 24(M24), 48 (M48), and 72 (M72), as well as 14 days (M14d) after surgery. Histological analysis of the neoplasms showedthat 55% of the tumors were benign, with predominance of adenoma (38%), and 45% were malignant, with predominanceof adenocarcinoma (22%). The following rhythms and arrhythmias were observed: normal sinus rhythm (37.2%), sinusarrhythmia (62.8%), wandering pacemaker (26%), 1st degree atrioventricular block (AVB; 5%), premature ventricularcomplex (PVC; 10%), and T-wave > 25% of R-wave (25%); more than one change could occur simultaneously. Out of theevaluated electrocardiographic parameters, a significant difference was observed in the QT interval between the followingtimepoints: M24 (204 ± 18), M48 (204 ± 22), and M72 (203 ± 23), as well as Mbasal (192 ± 15) and M14d (178 ± 43).Discussion: Regarding the observed rhythms, arrhythmias, and changes, respiratory sinus arrhythmia was the normal predominant...

Presença de Leishmania sp. e Dirofilaria immitis em / Tumor Venéreo Transmissível Canino cutâneo / Presence of Leishmania sp. and Dirofilaria immitis in Cutaneous Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor

Background: Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (CTVT) is a neoplasm transmitted by implantation of its cells into genitaland extragenital organs, while Heartworm and Visceral Leishmaniasis are zoonosis transmitted by hematophagous insectsthat are often underdiagnosed in asymptomatic animals. Coinfection by the agents of these parasitosis is well documented,however, the association of both diseases with the CTVT is still unusual. Thus, it was aimed to report a case of incidentalidentification of microfilariae of D. immitis and amastigotes forms of Leishmania sp. in cutaneous CTVT by cytology in anasymptomatic dog for the parasitosis.Case: A 6-year-old, male, mongrel, sexually intact dog from the city of Patos, Paraiba, Brazil, was presented with a cutaneouscircumscribed tumoral lesion in a region adjacent to the right olecranon, with an ulcerated surface of reddish color, havingareas of necrosis inside and larvae (myiasis), draining bloody secretion. The material was collected for cytological analysis,which proved to be Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (CTVT) with the presence of amastigote forms of Leishmania sp.and microfilariae of D. immitis among neoplastic cells. Blood count, serum urea, creatinine and albumin, ALT, AST, FA,CK, Na+, K+, Ca++, CK-MB, Troponin I (cTnI), Snap 4Dx Plus (Idexx®), Snap Leishmania (Idexx®), and Knott’s test wereperformed, plus chest radiography, blood pressure measurements and electrocardiogram (ECG). The alterations found corresponded to normochromic normocytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, microfilariae in the Knott test, increaseof CK, CK-MB and cTnI, positivity for Erlichia sp., Anaplasma sp., Leishmania sp. and Dirofilaria immitis. Furthermorecardiomegaly on radiographs and sinus arrhythmia associated with atrioventricular block (AVB) of the first degree on theECG. Euthanasia was performed after necropsy, in which adult worms were...

Presença de Leishmania sp. e Dirofilaria immitis em / Tumor Venéreo Transmissível Canino cutâneo / Presence of Leishmania sp. and Dirofilaria immitis in Cutaneous Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor

Background: Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (CTVT) is a neoplasm transmitted by implantation of its cells into genitaland extragenital organs, while Heartworm and Visceral Leishmaniasis are zoonosis transmitted by hematophagous insectsthat are often underdiagnosed in asymptomatic animals. Coinfection by the agents of these parasitosis is well documented,however, the association of both diseases with the CTVT is still unusual. Thus, it was aimed to report a case of incidentalidentification of microfilariae of D. immitis and amastigotes forms of Leishmania sp. in cutaneous CTVT by cytology in anasymptomatic dog for the parasitosis.Case: A 6-year-old, male, mongrel, sexually intact dog from the city of Patos, Paraiba, Brazil, was presented with a cutaneouscircumscribed tumoral lesion in a region adjacent to the right olecranon, with an ulcerated surface of reddish color, havingareas of necrosis inside and larvae (myiasis), draining bloody secretion. The material was collected for cytological analysis,which proved to be Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (CTVT) with the presence of amastigote forms of Leishmania sp.and microfilariae of D. immitis among neoplastic cells. Blood count, serum urea, creatinine and albumin, ALT, AST, FA,CK, Na+, K+, Ca++, CK-MB, Troponin I (cTnI), Snap 4Dx Plus (Idexx®), Snap Leishmania (Idexx®), and Knotts test wereperformed, plus chest radiography, blood pressure measurements and electrocardiogram (ECG). The alterations found corresponded to normochromic normocytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, microfilariae in the Knott test, increaseof CK, CK-MB and cTnI, positivity for Erlichia sp., Anaplasma sp., Leishmania sp. and Dirofilaria immitis. Furthermorecardiomegaly on radiographs and sinus arrhythmia associated with atrioventricular block (AVB) of the first degree on theECG. Euthanasia was performed after necropsy, in which adult worms were...(AU)

Cardioprotective effect of preconditioning is more efficient than postconditioning in rats submitted to cardiac ischemia and reperfusion

Purpose: To investigate the cardioprotective effects of ischemic preconditioning (preIC) and postconditioning (postIC) in animal model of cardiac ischemia/reperfusion. Methods: Adult rats were submitted to protocol of cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) and randomized into three experimental groups: cardiac I/R (n=33), preCI + cardiac I/R (n=7) and postCI + cardiac I/R (n=8). After this I/R protocol, the incidence of ventricular arrhythmia (VA), atrioventricular block (AVB) and lethality (LET) was evaluated using the electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis. Results: After reestablishment of coronary blood flow, we observed variations of the ECG trace with increased incidence of ventricular arrhythmia (VA) (85%), atrioventricular block (AVB) (79%), and increase of lethality (70%) in cardiac I/R group. The comparison between I/R + preIC group with I/R group demonstrated significant reduction in VA incidence to 28%, AVB to 0% and lethality to 14%. The comparison of I/R + postIC group with I/R group was observed significance reduction in AVB incidence to 25% and lethality to 25%. Conclusion: The preconditioning strategies produce cardioprotection more efficient that postconditioning against myocardial dysfunctions and lethality by cardiac ischemia and reperfusion.(AU)

Cardioprotective effect of lipstatin derivative orlistat on normotensive rats submitted to cardiac ischemia and reperfusion

Purpose: To evaluate in vivo animal model of cardiac ischemia/reperfusion the cardioprotective activity of pancreatic lipase inhibitor of the orlistat. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were anesthetized, placed on mechanical ventilation and underwent surgery to induce cardiac I/R by obstructing left descending coronary artery followed by reperfusion to evaluation of ventricular arrhythmias (VA), atrioventricular block (AVB) and lethality (LET) with pancreatic lipase inhibitor orlistat (ORL). At the end of reperfusion, blood samples were collected for determination of triglycerides (TG), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB). Results: Treatment with ORL has been able to decrease the incidence of VA, AVB and LET. Besides that, treatment with ORL reduced serum concentrations of CK and LDL, but did not alter the levels of serum concentration of TG, VLDL and HDL. Conclusion: The reduction of ventricular arrhythmias, atrioventricular block, and lethality and serum levels of creatine kinase produced by treatment with orlistat in animal model of cardiac isquemia/reperfusion injury suggest that ORL could be used as an efficient cardioprotective therapeutic strategy to attenuate myocardial damage related to acute myocardial infarction.(AU)

Reversible atrial fibrillation following Crotalinae envenomation

Abstract Background Cardiotoxicity is a documented complication of Crotalinae envenomation. Reported cardiac complications following snake envenomation have included acute myocardial infarction, electrocardiogram abnormalities and arrhythmias. Few reports exist describing arrhythmia induced by viper envenomation and to our knowledge none describe arrhythmia induced by Crotalinae envenomation. This report concerns the first known case of atrial fibrillation precipitated by rattlesnake bite. Case presentation A 73-year-old Caucasian man with a past medical history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and a baseline first-degree atrioventricular block presented to the emergency department following a rattlesnake bite to his left lower leg. He developed pain and swelling in his left leg two-hour post-envenomation and subsequently received four vials of Crotalidae polyvalent immune fab (ovine). At three-hour post-envenomation following transfer to the intensive care unit, an electrocardiogram revealed new-onset atrial fibrillation. An amiodarone drip was started and the patient successfully converted to normal sinus rhythm approximately six hours after he was found to be in atrial fibrillation. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed mild concentric left ventricular hypertrophy and an ejection fraction of 72%. He was discharged the following day with no hematological abnormalities and a baseline first-degree atrioventricular block. Conclusion This is the first documented case of reversible atrial fibrillation precipitated by Crotalinae envenomation. In patients with pertinent risk factors for developing atrial fibrillation, physicians should be aware of the potential for this arrhythmia. Direct toxic effects of venom or structural and electrophysiological cardiovascular abnormalities may predispose snakebite patients to arrhythmia, warranting extended and attentive cardiac monitoring.

Reversible atrial fibrillation following Crotalinae envenomation

Background Cardiotoxicity is a documented complication of Crotalinae envenomation. Reported cardiac complications following snake envenomation have included acute myocardial infarction, electrocardiogram abnormalities and arrhythmias. Few reports exist describing arrhythmia induced by viper envenomation and to our knowledge none describe arrhythmia induced by Crotalinae envenomation. This report concerns the first known case of atrial fibrillation precipitated by rattlesnake bite. Case presentation A 73-year-old Caucasian man with a past medical history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and a baseline first-degree atrioventricular block presented to the emergency department following a rattlesnake bite to his left lower leg. He developed pain and swelling in his left leg two-hour post-envenomation and subsequently received four vials of Crotalidae polyvalent immune fab (ovine). At three-hour post-envenomation following transfer to the intensive care unit, an electrocardiogram revealed new-onset atrial fibrillation. An amiodarone drip was started and the patient successfully converted to normal sinus rhythm approximately six hours after he was found to be in atrial fibrillation. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed mild concentric left ventricular hypertrophy and an ejection fraction of 72%. He was discharged the following day with no hematological abnormalities and a baseline first-degree atrioventricular block. Conclusion This is the first documented case of reversible atrial fibrillation precipitated by Crotalinae envenomation. In patients with pertinent risk factors for developing atrial fibrillation, physicians should be aware of the potential for this arrhythmia. Direct toxic effects of venom or structural and electrophysiological cardiovascular abnormalities may predispose snakebite patients to arrhythmia, warranting extended and attentive cardiac monitoring.(AU)

Reversible atrial fibrillation following Crotalinae envenomation

Background Cardiotoxicity is a documented complication of Crotalinae envenomation. Reported cardiac complications following snake envenomation have included acute myocardial infarction, electrocardiogram abnormalities and arrhythmias. Few reports exist describing arrhythmia induced by viper envenomation and to our knowledge none describe arrhythmia induced by Crotalinae envenomation. This report concerns the first known case of atrial fibrillation precipitated by rattlesnake bite. Case presentation A 73-year-old Caucasian man with a past medical history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and a baseline first-degree atrioventricular block presented to the emergency department following a rattlesnake bite to his left lower leg. He developed pain and swelling in his left leg two-hour post-envenomation and subsequently received four vials of Crotalidae polyvalent immune fab (ovine). At three-hour post-envenomation following transfer to the intensive care unit, an electrocardiogram revealed new-onset atrial fibrillation. An amiodarone drip was started and the patient successfully converted to normal sinus rhythm approximately six hours after he was found to be in atrial fibrillation. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed mild concentric left ventricular hypertrophy and an ejection fraction of 72%. He was discharged the following day with no hematological abnormalities and a baseline first-degree atrioventricular block. Conclusion This is the first documented case of reversible atrial fibrillation precipitated by Crotalinae envenomation. In patients with pertinent risk factors for developing atrial fibrillation, physicians should be aware of the potential for this arrhythmia. Direct toxic effects of venom or structural and electrophysiological cardiovascular abnormalities may predispose snakebite patients to arrhythmia, warranting extended and attentive cardiac monitoring.(AU)

Dogs poisoned with Nerium oleander fresh leaves: clinical and electrocardiographic findings / Cães intoxicados com folhas frescas de Nerium oleander: achados clínicos e eletrocardiográficos

Nerium oleander is distributed worldwide, mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. These shrubs are frequently used as ornamental plants. However, they contain more than 30 cardiac glycosides that can cause serious toxic effects in dogs. The objective of this study was to report the clinical and electrocardiographic alterations in dogs experimentally poisoned with N. oleander. Ten adult, healthy, mixed-breed dogs weighing 10-25kg and aged 3-6 years were selected for the study. We orally administered 0.25g kg-1 of fresh ground leaves of N. oleander to the dogs. No dog died after the ingestion, but all exhibited signs of poisoning such as vomiting, sialorrhea, nausea, apathy, conjunctiva congestion, dehydration, abdominal pain, tremors, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and tenesmus. Electrocardiogram revealed occurrence of several types of arrhythmias: sinus bradycardia, second-degree atrioventricular block, paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular premature complexes. Systolic blood pressure, as well as heart rate, decreased in the first 24 hours. The present study concluded that a single dose of 0.25g kg-1 of N. oleander green leaves is sufficient to cause a moderate intoxication in dogs, with nonspecific clinical changes mainly related to the digestive system and heart rate, thus demonstrating the importance of this type of intoxication in the list of differential diagnoses of small animals routine.

O Nerium oleander é uma planta com ampla distribuição mundial, principalmente em regiões tropicais e subtropicais. Esses arbustos são frequentemente usados como plantas ornamentais e possuem mais de 30 glicosídeos cardíacos causadores do quadro clínico de intoxicação em caninos. Sabendo-se disso, este artigo teve por objetivo a avaliar as alterações clínicas e eletrocardiográficas, nos animais intoxicados experimentalmente com N. oleander. Foram utilizados 10 cães adultos, hígidos, sem raça definida, com 10 a 25kg de peso, de 3 a 6 anos de idade. Os animais receberam uma única dose de 0,25g kg-1 de peso, de folhas frescas de N. oleander. Nenhum dos animais do experimento veio a óbito. Os sinais clínicos observados foram vômito, sialorréia, náuseas, apatia, conjuntiva ocular congesta, desidratação, dor abdominal, tremores, diarreia, inapetência e tenesmo. Pela análise do eletrocardiograma encontraram-se arritmias como: bradicardia sinusal, bloqueios atrioventriculares de segundo grau, taquicardia ventricular paroxística e complexo ventricular prematuro. A pressão arterial sistólica diminui nas primeiras 24 horas, assim como a frequência cardíaca. Concluiu-se com o presente estudo que uma única dose de 0,25g kg-1 de folhas verdes de N. oleander é suficiente para causar um quadro moderado de intoxicação em cães, com alterações clínicas inespecíficas principalmente relacionadas ao sistema digestório e no ritmo cardíaco, mostrando a importância deste tipo de intoxicação na lista de diagnósticos diferenciais da rotina de pequenos animais.

Dogs poisoned with Nerium oleander fresh leaves: clinical and electrocardiographic findings / Cães intoxicados com folhas frescas de Nerium oleander: achados clínicos e eletrocardiográficos

Nerium oleander is distributed worldwide, mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. These shrubs are frequently used as ornamental plants. However, they contain more than 30 cardiac glycosides that can cause serious toxic effects in dogs. The objective of this study was to report the clinical and electrocardiographic alterations in dogs experimentally poisoned with N. oleander. Ten adult, healthy, mixed-breed dogs weighing 10-25kg and aged 3-6 years were selected for the study. We orally administered 0.25g kg-1 of fresh ground leaves of N. oleander to the dogs. No dog died after the ingestion, but all exhibited signs of poisoning such as vomiting, sialorrhea, nausea, apathy, conjunctiva congestion, dehydration, abdominal pain, tremors, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and tenesmus. Electrocardiogram revealed occurrence of several types of arrhythmias: sinus bradycardia, second-degree atrioventricular block, paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular premature complexes. Systolic blood pressure, as well as heart rate, decreased in the first 24 hours. The present study concluded that a single dose of 0.25g kg-1 of N. oleander green leaves is sufficient to cause a moderate intoxication in dogs, with nonspecific clinical changes mainly related to the digestive system and heart rate, thus demonstrating the importance of this type of intoxication in the list of differential diagnoses of small animals routine.(AU)

O Nerium oleander é uma planta com ampla distribuição mundial, principalmente em regiões tropicais e subtropicais. Esses arbustos são frequentemente usados como plantas ornamentais e possuem mais de 30 glicosídeos cardíacos causadores do quadro clínico de intoxicação em caninos. Sabendo-se disso, este artigo teve por objetivo a avaliar as alterações clínicas e eletrocardiográficas, nos animais intoxicados experimentalmente com N. oleander. Foram utilizados 10 cães adultos, hígidos, sem raça definida, com 10 a 25kg de peso, de 3 a 6 anos de idade. Os animais receberam uma única dose de 0,25g kg-1 de peso, de folhas frescas de N. oleander. Nenhum dos animais do experimento veio a óbito. Os sinais clínicos observados foram vômito, sialorréia, náuseas, apatia, conjuntiva ocular congesta, desidratação, dor abdominal, tremores, diarreia, inapetência e tenesmo. Pela análise do eletrocardiograma encontraram-se arritmias como: bradicardia sinusal, bloqueios atrioventriculares de segundo grau, taquicardia ventricular paroxística e complexo ventricular prematuro. A pressão arterial sistólica diminui nas primeiras 24 horas, assim como a frequência cardíaca. Concluiu-se com o presente estudo que uma única dose de 0,25g kg-1 de folhas verdes de N. oleander é suficiente para causar um quadro moderado de intoxicação em cães, com alterações clínicas inespecíficas principalmente relacionadas ao sistema digestório e no ritmo cardíaco, mostrando a importância deste tipo de intoxicação na lista de diagnósticos diferenciais da rotina de pequenos animais.(AU)

Holter monitoring (24-h electrocardiography) of Holstein calves

Background: Twenty-four h electrocardiographic monitoring is a noninvasive method of assessing cardiac rhythm. Holter monitoring in farm animals can help assessing heart rate variability and its relationship with stress and production. Several authors have reviewed the normal cardiac rhythm of bovines, but there is little information on heart rhythm in calves. The goal of this research is to elucidate which cardiac rhythms may be considered physiological in Holstein calves, from 3 to 6 months old. Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty-four h ambulatory electrocardiography (Holter monitoring) was performed in 10 male Holstein calves, with ages ranging from 3 to 6 months old. The animals came from private farms in São Paulo state and were housed in a semi-open stall during the study. The animals had their hair clipped from the third to the fifth intercostal spaces on both sides of the chest, from the sternal region to the glenohumeral joint, and seven electrodes were positioned in a diagonal configuration. Decoding of the recordings was performed using specialized software and in order to minimize digital mistakes, all of the beats marked as ectopic by the software were manually revised by the authors. Mean heart rate was 83.2 ± 11.06 beats per min (bpm), maximum heart rate was 147.1 ± 11.05 bpm, and minimum heart rate was 53.7 ± 7.45 bpm. In 90% of the calves, normal sinus [...](AU)