Preliminary evaluation of cocarboxylase on myocardial protection of the rat heart.

The presence of cocarboxylase (CC) is essential for the oxidation of pyruvate to acetylcoenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) and its subsequent degradation by means of the Krebs cycle. We compared the effects of various concentrations of CC in a cardioplegic solution on the survival and hemodynamic and metabolic recovery of 23 isolated, working rat hearts subjected to 60 minutes of hypothermic (23 degrees C) ischemic arrest. Group 1 (N = 6) consisted of hearts infused with the basic cardioplegic solution (Tyers' solution with glucose), to which no CC was added. In group 2 (N = 6) CC was added at 0.1 ml/L to the cardioplegic solution. In group 3 (N = 5) CC was added at 1 ml/L, and in group 4 (N = 6) CC was added at 10 ml/L. The cardioplegic infusions were performed at a pressure of 40 mm Hg for 2 minutes just before arrest; 30 minutes later they were performed again for 1 minute. Only two hearts (33.3%) recovered in group 1 whereas five recovered in group 2, five (100%) in group 3, and five (83.3%) in group 4. The recovery of hemodynamic performance as a percentage of preischemic control values showed marked improvement in the CC groups, especially group 3, when compared with group 1. The metabolic variables in the CC groups were also markedly improved, with significantly (p less than .05) decreased levels of tissue lactate and increased levels of creatine phosphate compared with those in group 1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Beneficial effects of cocarboxylase in the treatment of experimental myocardial infarction in dogs.

Cocarboxylase, or thiamine pyrophosphate, is an essential coenzyme in the catabolism of pyruvate. The authors evaluated the effects of a stable cocarboxylase solution in the treatment of an experimentally created acute myocardial infarction in 14 healthy mongrel dogs. The left anterior descending artery was ligated for 60 minutes and data were collected at the following points: A) prior to ligation, B) 15 minutes after ligation, C) 30 minutes after ligation, and D) 60 minutes after ligation. In one group (Group II), cocarboxylase (150 mgm/kg) was given systematically via a central line 15 minutes and 45 minutes after ligation, while in Group I an equal amount of D5W was given. Hemodynamic data include heart rate, systolic and mean arterial pressure, pulmonary wedge pressure, right arterial pressure, and cardiac output. Myocardial O2 consumption was determined by the method of Rooke and Feigl. Electrocardiographic data were also monitored throughout the experiment. In both groups, preligation (point A) hemodynamic data were similar. In Group II, there were beneficial hemodynamic changes versus Group I (expressed as percentage recovery of hemodynamic performance from preligation) at points C and D, with significant (P less than 0.05) decreases in heart rate, increased stroke volume, decreased systemic vascular resistance, and decreased myocardial O2 consumption. EKG criteria also showed improvement in Group II versus Group I. In conclusion, this experiment suggests that cocarboxylase may be beneficial to ischemic canine myocardium by virtue of its favorable systemic hemodynamic effects.

Kaposi's sarcoma of the eyelid as the initial manifestation of AIDS.

Early recognition and identification of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) ocular manifestations are mandatory if proper precautions are to be taken. Kaposi's sarcoma is a well-known manifestation of the disease; however, the initial presentation of the lesion on the eyelid is rare. Such a case is presented in order to alert ophthalmologists to this. It is suggested that all eyelid lesions in suspect patients should be regarded as potentially related to AIDS.

Anterior eyewall perforation during subconjunctival cataract block.

A patient was given a new type of subconjunctival block in preparation for cataract surgery. During the insertion of the needle subconjunctivally, the anterior eyewall was inadvertently perforated, resulting in a tiny retinal tear and focal retinal detachment. The cataract surgery, including intraocular lens implantation, was carried out without further problems. The retinal tear and tiny detachment were repaired the next day by argon laser photocoagulation. The visual result was excellent. To our knowledge, this is the first report of anterior eyewall perforation occurring with the use of this new subconjunctival anesthetic block.

Urolithiasis on absorbable and non-absorbable suture materials in the rabbit bladder.

Absorbable and non-absorbable suture materials were evaluated for calculi formation and tissue reactivity in the rabbit bladder. Five-O chromic, polydioxinone and polypropylene sutures were used to close cystostomies made in New Zealand white rabbits. Bladders were evaluated at 15, 30, 60 and 90 days. Calculi formed on all sutures tested and the persistence of calculi appeared to be dependent on the longevity of the suture material used. This data suggests that the use of non-absorbable suture material in urologic surgery may contribute to calculus formation.