Long-acting PGE2 and Lisinopril Mitigate H-ARS.

Thrombocytopenia is a major complication in hematopoietic-acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS) that increases the risk of mortality from uncontrolled hemorrhage. There is a great demand for new therapies to improve survival and mitigate bleeding in H-ARS. Thrombopoiesis requires interactions between megakaryocytes (MKs) and endothelial cells. 16, 16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 (dmPGE2), a longer-acting analogue of PGE2, promotes hematopoietic recovery after total-body irradiation (TBI), and various angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors mitigate endothelial injury after radiation exposure. Here, we tested a combination therapy of dmPGE2 and lisinopril to mitigate thrombocytopenia in murine models of H-ARS following TBI. After 7.75 Gy TBI, dmPGE2 and lisinopril each increased survival relative to vehicle controls. Importantly, combined dmPGE2 and lisinopril therapy enhanced survival greater than either individual agent. Studies performed after 4 Gy TBI revealed reduced numbers of marrow MKs and circulating platelets. In addition, sublethal TBI induced abnormalities both in MK maturation and in in vitro and in vivo platelet function. dmPGE2, alone and in combination with lisinopril, improved recovery of marrow MKs and peripheral platelets. Finally, sublethal TBI transiently reduced the number of marrow Lin-CD45-CD31+Sca-1- sinusoidal endothelial cells, while combined dmPGE2 and lisinopril treatment, but not single-agent treatment, accelerated their recovery. Taken together, these data support the concept that combined dmPGE2 and lisinopril therapy improves thrombocytopenia and survival by promoting recovery of the MK lineage, as well as the MK niche, in the setting of H-ARS.

4(α-L-RHAMNOSYLOXY)-BENZYL ISOTHIOCYANATE, A BIOACTIVE PHYTOCHEMICAL THAT DEFENDS CEREBRAL TISSUE AND PREVENTS SEVERE DAMAGE INDUCED BY FOCAL ISCHEMIA/REPERFUSION.

Natural compounds are a promising source to treat several pathologies. The present study shows the in vivo pharmacological beneficial effect of 4(α-L-rhamnosyloxy)-benzyl isothiocyanate (glucomoringin isothiocyanate; GMG-ITC) obtained from glucomoringin (GMG; 4(α;-L-rhamnosyloxy)- benzyl glucosinolate), purified from Moringa oleifera seeds and hydrolyzed by myrosinase enzyme (β-thioglucoside glucohydrolase; E.C. 3.2.1.147). Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (CIR) was induced in rats according to a classic model of carotid artery occlusion for a time period of 1 h and the reperfusion time was prolonged for seven days. GMG-ITC (3.5 mg GMG/ml plus 30 µl enzyme/rat; one ml i.p./rat) was administered 15 min after the beginning of ischemia and daily. The results clearly show that GMG-ITC possesses the capability to counteract the CIR-induced damage reducing TNF-alpha release, IκB-alpha cytosolic degradation/NFκBp65 nuclear translocation, as well as several other direct or indirect markers of inflammation (phospho-ERK p42/44, p-selectin) and oxidative stress (inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS), MMP-9). GMG-ITC was shown to exert neuroprotective properties in preventing CIR-induced damage and the related cascade of inflammatory and oxidative mediators that exacerbate the progression of this disease in an experimental rat model. Our results clearly show that the tested phytochemical GMG-ITC possesses the capability to counteract CIR-induced damage.

The effects of proresolution of ellagic acid in an experimental model of allergic airway inflammation.

Asthma is a disease of airway inflammation characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophilic inflammation, and hypersecretion of mucus. Ellagic acid, a compound derived from medicinal plants and fruits, has shown anti-inflammatory activity in several experimental disease models. We used the classical experimental model, in BALB/c mice, of sensibilization with ovalbumin to determine the effect of ellagic acid (10 mg/kg; oral route) in the resolution of allergic airways response. Dexamethasone (1 mg/kg; subcutaneous route) was used as a positive control. The control group consisted of nonimmunized mice that received challenge with ovalbumin. Ellagic acid and dexamethasone or vehicle (water) were administered before or after intranasal allergen challenge. Ellagic acid accelerated the resolution of airways inflammation by decreasing total leukocytes and eosinophils numbers in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), the mucus production and lung inflammation in part by reducing IL-5 concentration, eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) activity, and P-selectin expression, but not activator protein 1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways. In addition, ellagic acid enhanced alveolar macrophage phagocytosis of IgG-OVA-coated beads ex vivo, a new proresolving mechanism for the clearance of allergen from the airways. Together, these findings identify ellagic acid as a potential therapeutic agent for accelerating the resolution of allergic airways inflammation.

Thrombolytic along with anti-platelet activity of crinumin, a protein constituent of Crinum asiaticum.

Several anticoagulants, anti-platelet and thrombolytic medications are used for the treatment of thrombotic disorders. Anti-coagulants and anti-platelet agents prevent the formation of blood clots but do not dissolve existing clots, whereas thrombolytic agents are able to dissolve a clot but emboli can form even after successful treatment. Thus, none of them provide a permanent and complete solution. In this regard a single molecule that could both dissolve the clot and prevent the formation of new clots would be useful in the treatment of thrombotic diseases. Crinumin, a stable and active (in many adverse conditions) serine protease, shows plasmin-like fibrinolytic activity and inhibits platelet aggregation and P-selectin exposure, as established by photography, phase contrast microscopy, whole blood optical Lumi-aggregometry and flow cytometry. Crinumin could be an efficient and inexpensive therapeutic agent for the treatment and prevention of thromboembolic diseases.

The effect of ellagic acid on platelet activation as measured by the quantification of P-selectin using flow cytometry.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ellagic acid on platelet expression via the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway by examining its effects on platelet activation and comparing them with known COX inhibitors in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Ellagic acid is a major compound found in certain fruits and nuts. It has been attributed as having anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenging, and coagulation properties as well as effects on tumor genesis in multiple forms of cancer. We assessed the similarities of ellagic acid to known COX-2 specific and nonspecific COX inhibitors by examining their effects on platelet activation via use of P-selectin flow cytometry. Compared with the vehicle group, both the ellagic acid (P = .035) and the ketorolac (P = .038) groups demonstrated a significant decrease in platelet activation (P = .026). Furthermore, compared with all other groups, ellagic acid plus ketorolac group showed a significant decrease in platelet activation (P = .01). Our findings suggest that ellagic acid is likely a nonspecific COX inhibitor. It also suggests that combining ellagic acid with a known nonspecific COX inhibitor such as ketorolac may cause a significant decrease in platelet activity and an increase in blood loss.

Survival of baboon biotin-X-N-hydroxysuccinimide and (111)In-oxine-labelled autologous fresh and lyophilized reconstituted platelets.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, platelets can be stored in the liquid state at 22 degrees C for only 5 days. Platelets frozen with 6% dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) can be stored at -80 degrees C for 2 years, and platelets frozen with 5% DMSO can be stored at -150 degrees C for 3 years. Studies are being conducted to determine the effects of lyophilization of platelets. In the present study, we assessed the survival of autologous lyophilized-reconstituted platelets in the baboon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied fresh baboon platelets and baboon platelets that had been treated with paraformaldehyde, frozen, lyophilized, thawed and reconstituted. Aliquots of these platelets were labelled with (111)In-oxine or biotin-X-N-hydroxysuccinimide (biotin-X-NHS) before autotransfusion, and measurements were made of the in vivo recovery and lifespan. We also evaluated the response of fresh and lyophilized platelets to in vitro agonists by measuring the level of platelet surface markers and heterotypic aggregates in the peripheral blood following the autotransfusions. RESULTS: The (111)In-oxine- or biotin-X-NHS-labelled lyophilized, reconstituted platelets exhibited survival times of less than 15 min. These platelets did not respond to stimulation with agonists to decrease platelet GPIb and increase platelet P-selectin and platelet GPIIb-IIIa levels 1 min post-transfusion and they accumulated more procoagulant factor V than did the fresh platelets. CONCLUSIONS: Lyophilized reconstituted baboon platelets labelled with (111)In-oxine or biotin-X-NHS before autotransfusion exhibited an in vivo circulation time of less than 15 min. Further study of the lyophilized, reconstituted platelets is required to evaluate their haemostatic function.

In vitro effects of poly-N-acetyl glucosamine on the activation of platelets in platelet-rich plasma with and without red blood cells.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to assess the effect of poly-N-acetyl glucosamine fiber slurry on plasma clotting proteins, platelets, and red blood cells in the clotting of the blood. METHODS: Citrate phosphate dextrose whole blood was stored at 22degreesC for 48 hours to prepare platelet-poor plasma, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and PRP plus red blood cells with hematocrit values of 20%, 35%, and 45% with and without an equal volume of poly-N-acetyl glucosamine fibers (1 mg/mL 0.9% NaCl). RESULTS: Thromboelastogram data show that poly-N-acetyl glucosamine fibers (p-GlcNAc) significantly reduced the R time in platelet-poor plasma, PRP, and PRP supplemented with red blood cells. Poly-N-acetyl glucosamine fibers increased, but not significantly, Annexin V and factor X binding to platelets, platelet microparticles, and red blood cell Annexin V binding. Poly-N-acetyl glucosamine fibers increased the production of thromboxane B2 by PRP. CONCLUSION: Poly-N-acetyl glucosamine slurry activates platelets.

Comparison of aerosol therapy with different perfluorocarbons in surfactant-depleted animals.

OBJECTIVE: The study investigates the effectiveness of aerosol treatment on gas exchange and pulmonary inflammatory reaction using perfluorocarbons with different molecular structure and vapor pressure. DESIGN: Experimental, prospective, randomized, controlled study. SETTING: Experimental laboratory at a university hospital. SUBJECTS: Twenty anesthetized neonatal piglets assigned to four groups. INTERVENTIONS: After establishment of lung injury by bronchoalveolar lavage, piglets either received aerosolized FC77 (n = 5), perfluorooctylbromide (n = 5), or FC43 (n = 5, 10 mL x kg(-1) x hr(-1) for 2 hrs) or intermittent mandatory ventilation (control, n = 5). Thereafter, animals were supported for another 6 hrs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Pao2 significantly improved in the perfluorocarbon groups compared with control (p < .01). Final Pao2 (mean +/- SEM) was FC77, 406 +/- 27 mm Hg; perfluorooctylbromide, 332 +/- 32 mm Hg; FC43, 406 +/- 19 mm Hg; control, 68 +/- 8 mm Hg. Paco2 and mean pulmonary arterial pressure were lower in all perfluorocarbon groups compared with control. The ratio of terminal dynamic compliance to total compliance was significantly higher in the FC77 than in the FC43, perfluorooctylbromide, and control groups. Relative gene expression of interleukin-1beta, interleukin-8, P-selectin, E-selectin, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in lung tissue was determined by TaqMan real time polymerase chain reaction normalized to hypoxanthineguanine-phosphoribosyl-transferase and was shown to be reduced by all perfluorocarbons. CONCLUSIONS: Aerosol treatment with all the perfluorocarbons investigated improved gas exchange and reduced pulmonary inflammatory reaction independently from molecular structure and vapor pressure of the perfluorocarbons. Although differences in vapor pressure and molecular structure may account for varying optimal dosing strategies, several different perfluorocarbons were shown to be principally suitable for aerosol treatment.

Anti-oxidant ebselen delays microvascular thrombus formation in the rat cremaster muscle by inhibiting platelet P-selectin expression.

Ebselen, a seleno-organic compound showing glutathione per-oxidase-like activity, has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Since selenium deficiency is thought to be associated with an increased incidence of vascular thrombosis, we studied the effect of ebselen on blood cell aggregate formation and vessel occlusion in vivo. In individual microvessels of rat cremaster muscle preparations, photochemically induced thrombus formation was analyzed in detail using intravital fluorescence microscopy. In ebselen-pretreated animals (30 mg/kg ip), venular thrombus formation was significantly delayed (50% vessel occlusion: 535+/-34 s; initial stasis: 872+/-82 s; complete occlusion: 908+/-87 s) as compared to vehicle-treated controls (416+/-42; 612+/-49; 647+/-51). Moreover, ebselen significantly prolonged the kinetics of arteriolar thrombus formation and even completely prevented blood cell aggregate and thrombus formation in 88.9% of all arterioles studied (p<0.05 vs controls: 37.5%). Anti-thrombotic properties of ebselen could also be observed in a model of ferric chloride-induced microvascular thrombosis, with a low dose (5 mg/kg ip) being as effective as a high dose pretreatment (30 mg/kg ip). As assessed by flow cytometry of platelet P-selectin immunfluorescence, whole blood isolated from ebselen-treated animals revealed a significantly lower fraction of P-selectin expressing platelets when compared with that of DMSO-treated controls. In addition, oxidant stress-induced upregulation of P-selectin on isolated platelets was found dose-dependently inhibited by increasing concentrations of ebselen (10-100 micro M). Moreover, ebselen dose-dependently inhibited H(2)O(2)-induced platelet-leukocyte aggregate formation in whole blood in vitro, suggesting that the anti-thrombotic effect of ebselen is achieved by attenuation of P-selectin dependent platelet-leukocyte aggregation. Thus, ebselen represents preventive and therapeutic value for disorders with increased risk for oxidant stress-associated thrombotic events.

An in vitro and in vivo evaluation of autologous platelet concentrate in oral reconstruction.

A platelet concentrate, when combined with calcified thrombin, produces a platelet gel that has been used to achieve hemostasis and modulate bone growth and wound healing. The recovery of high concentrations of viable platelets and their resulting growth factor levels represents the most important factor in the clinical utility of a platelet concentrate because only functional platelets can release the growth factors that are necessary to induce tissue growth and bone regeneration. The SmartPReP system's efficiency in recovery of platelets from a sample of whole blood averaged 70.6%, almost twice that of various manual techniques using laboratory centrifuges. Platelet concentrates prepared by the SmartPReP system had a viability equal to platelet concentrates prepared for transfusion as measured by hypotonic stress, platelet aggregation, and p-selectin. A series of clinical case studies demonstrates the use of autologous platelet gel in oral surgery.

Inhibition of factor Xa reduces ischemic brain damage after thromboembolic stroke in rats.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Factor Xa (FXa) is a key coagulation protease and target for novel antithrombotic agents for prevention and treatment of diverse thromboembolic disorders. In the present study we describe the effect of a novel, potent, and selective FXa inhibitor, DPC602, on brain damage and neurobehavioral consequence in a rat thromboembolic model of stroke. METHODS: Thromboembolic stroke was induced in rats by placement of an autologous clot into the middle cerebral artery. RESULTS: Laser-Doppler monitoring of cerebral blood flow demonstrated that DPC602 (8 mg/kg, single IV/IP bolus pretreatment) markedly improved cerebral blood flow after thromboembolic stroke by 25% to 160% (n=6; P<0.001) at 1 to 6 hours. DPC602 demonstrated concentration- and time-dependent reductions in infarct size, with maximal effect (89% reduction; n=14; P<0.001) at the highest dose over controls. Neurological function was also significantly improved in DPC602-treated rats at days 1, 3, and 7 (n=13; P<0.01). DPC602 treatment did not cause cerebral hemorrhage, assessed by free hemoglobin in the ischemic brain tissues. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that anticoagulation with a selective FXa inhibitor might ameliorate the extent of ischemic brain damage and neurological deficits after a thromboembolic event. Enhanced clot dissolution and early reperfusion may account for the cerebrovascular-protective effect of the drug.

Glucocorticoid-induced differential expression of the sialylated and nonsialylated Lewis(a) epitopes and respective binding sites in human nasal polyps maintained under ex vivo tissue culture conditions.

We characterized the anti-inflammatory effects of budesonide on the expression of adhesion molecules involving Lewis(a) (Le(a)) epitope, its sialylated derivative (sLe(a)), and their respective binding sites in human nasal polyposis. By computer-assisted microscopy, we quantitatively characterized the level of histochemical expression of L- and P-selectins, sialylated and nonsialylated Le(a) epitopes, and their respective binding sites in both surface epithelium and glandular epithelium of human nasal polyps obtained from surgical resection, maintained under ex vivo tissue culture conditions for 24 hours, and treated or not with budesonide. Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) were chosen as methodological controls, because data already published in the literature clearly indicated budesonide-mediated effects on ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels of expression. The present data show that budesonide significantly modified the levels of expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, and to a lesser extent that of P-selectin, in the surface and glandular epithelia. Budesonide markedly decreased the levels of expression of the binding sites for both Le(a) and sLe(a), while those of Le(a) and sLe(a) remained globally unchanged. In conclusion, the present study documents that glucocorticoid-induced effects can encompass receptors for Le(a) epitopes different from E- and P-selectins on epithelial cells of human nasal polyps.

Autologous transfusion recovery of WBC-reduced high-concentration platelet concentrates.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the recovery and survival of high-concentration platelets (HCPs) compared to standard apheresis platelets (APCs) in a double-label autologous human system. METHODS: Nine HCP units paired with APC units were stored, labeled with either 51Cr and 111In, and returned, and recovery and survival were determined. Standard in vitro platelet biochemical and functional parameters were monitored over the storage period and evaluated in a secondary analysis. RESULTS: Three each HCP units containing more than 2.2 x 10(11), 1.5 x 10(11) to 2.1 x 10(11), and 0.8 x 10(11) to 1.1 x 10(11) platelets in 59.4 +/- 2.5 mL were stored for 1, 2, or 5 days, respectively, and simultaneously with matched APC units (3.8 x 10(11) platelets, 282 mL). Recoveries were 72.3 +/- 8.6, 60.8 +/- 14.6, and 52.5 +/- 6.7 percent for HCPs, respectively; and 59.4 +/- 6.4 percent for APCs (p=0.37). HCP survivals were 202.0 +/- 14.9, 204.9 +/- 10.2, and 162.6 +/- 17.0 hours; APC survivals were 155.4 +/- 20.3 hours (p=0.001). Secondary analysis with P-selectin added as a predictor in the model resulted in significant difference in recoveries for Day 1 HCPs versus Day 5 APCs (p=0.024) with no difference shown for HCPs on Days 2 or 5 versus APCs. No significant difference was found in survival (p=0.16). CONCLUSION: HCPs may be stored 24 hours for high yield, 48 hours for intermediate yield, and up to 5 days for yields less than 1.6 x 10(11) platelets per bag with equivalent to superior recovery and survival of platelets in the autologous transfusion model compared to APCs.

Beneficial effects of tempol, a membrane-permeable radical scavenger, in a rodent model of splanchnic artery occlusion and reperfusion.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of tempol, a membrane-permeable radical scavenger, in rats subjected to splanchnic artery occlusion shock (SAO). Rats subjected to SAO developed a significant decrease in mean arterial blood pressure, a significant increase in tissue myeloperoxidase activity, and a marked injury to the distal ileum. SAO shock resulted in 100% mortality at 2 h after reperfusion. At 60 min after reperfusion, a marked increase in the immunoreactivity to nitrotyrosine and to poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase was observed in the necrotic ileum of rats with SAO. Staining of sections of the ileum obtained from SAO-shocked rats with anti-intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) and anti-P-selectin antibodies resulted in diffuse staining. Tempol (30 mg/kg bolus injection 5 min prior to reperfusion, followed by an infusion of 30 mg/kg/h intravenously) attenuated 1) the infiltration of the reperfused intestine with neutrophils, 2) the lipid peroxidation, 3) the production of peroxynitrite, 4) the degree of P-selectin and ICAM-1 staining in tissue sections from SAO-shocked rats, 5) histological signs of bowel injury, and 6) mortality at 2 h after reperfusion. Taken together, our results clearly demonstrate that the intracellular radical scavenger tempol reduces the intestinal injury of rats subjected SAO shock.

Quantitative measurement of P- and E-selectin adhesion molecules in acute pancreatitis: correlation with distant organ injury.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether expression of P- and E-selectin molecules is associated with the development of systemic organ manifestations in acute pancreatitis (AP). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Overproduction of inflammatory cytokines in AP induces expression of adhesion molecules, which may lead to increased leukocytic infiltration and tissue damage. Understanding the temporal expression of these molecules could afford better measures for therapeutic intervention. METHODS: Acute pancreatitis was induced in 30-day-old female C57/ bI/6J mice by feeding a choline-deficient/ethionine-supplemented diet (n = 95). Mice were divided into three groups. Group I (n = 35) was used to study the biochemical and histologic manifestations of AP and to evaluate the neutrophilic infiltration by myeloperoxidase activity and immunofluorescence. Groups II (n = 35) and III (n = 25) were used to evaluate expression of P- and E-selectin by the dual radiolabeled monoclonal antibody technique. RESULTS: Biochemical and histologic evidence of AP developed in all mice. The inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha gradually increased in serum as early as 18 hours, reaching more than 800-fold background levels by 72 hours. Biphasic P-selectin expression in the lung was seen with peaks at 24 and 48 hours; E-selectin expression peaked at 48 hours. CD18-positive leukocytes and increased myeloperoxidase activity in the lung were demonstrated at 24 hours, correlating with the onset of selectin upregulation. Histologic scoring of lung tissue demonstrated mild damage at 24 hours, with progressive injury occurring from 48 to 72 hours. CONCLUSIONS: In AP, the production of inflammatory cytokines precedes up-regulation of P- and E-selectin, whose expression coincided with the increased infiltration of CD18-positive cells and neutrophil sequestration in lung tissue. Temporally, these events correlate with evidence of histologic pulmonary injury and underscore the role of adhesion molecules as mediators of pathophysiologic events. This mechanistic pathway may afford novel therapeutic interventions in clinical disease by using blocking agents to ameliorate the systemic manifestations of AP.

Persantine attenuates hemorrhagic shock-induced P-selectin expression.

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), a phenomenon that is associated with conditions such as organ transplantation, trauma, vascular disease, and stroke, involves the recruitment of activated and adherent leukocytes that subsequently mediate tissue injury. Endothelial cell adhesion molecules such as P-selectin mediate I/R-induced leukocyte recruitment and allow the adherent leukocytes to damage the vascular wall and parenchymal cells. This study examines the influence of dypiridamole (persantine) on hemorrhagic shock (H/S)-induced P-selectin expression. H/S was induced in C57BL/6 mice by withdrawing blood to drop the mean arterial blood pressure to 30 to 35 mm Hg for 45 minutes. The mice were resuscitated by infusing the shed blood and Ringer's lactate (50% shed blood volume). In vivo P-selectin expression was determined using a dual monoclonal antibody technique in the heart, lung, liver, kidneys, stomach, small bowel, and colon of a control group, a hemorrhagic shock group, and a hemorrhagic shock group that was pretreated with Persantine (Boehringer, Ingelheim, Ingelheim, Germany). H/S significantly (P < 0.01) increased P-selectin expression in all regional vascular beds of untreated mice. Persantine treatment largely prevented the H/S-induced P-selectin expression in the same vascular beds. Persantine significantly attenuates the upregulation of P-selectin in the hemorrhagic shock model.

In vitro efficacy of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist in blocking platelet function in plasma of patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an important complication following administration of heparin. Platelet activation and aggregation induced by heparin/platelet factor 4/immunoglobulin complexes are thought to be the underlying mechanism for this condition, so it was hypothesized that abciximab (a humanized murine monoclonal antibody directed against the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor) would prevent heparin-induced platelet aggregation and activation in plasma from patients with HIT. Platelet aggregation was tested in vitro with platelet-poor plasma (obtained from 23 patients with HIT), platelet-rich plasma (from normal donors with known reactivity), heparin (0.5 U/ml), and ascending doses of abciximab (0.07-0.56 microg/ml). The ability of abciximab to prevent platelet activation was also evaluated using flow cytometry (P selectin expression, mepacrine release, microparticle formation) and platelet factor 4 immunoassay. In vitro, abciximab inhibited heparin-induced platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent fashion (IC50 0.103 microg/ml) and inhibited microparticle formation, the expression of P-selectin, release of mepacrine and platelet factor 4. These findings suggest that abciximab may be useful in treatment of patients with HIT and warrants further clinical evaluation.

Effects of omega-3 fatty acids and/or antioxidants on endothelial cell markers.

BACKGROUND: Increased expression of cell adhesion molecules and increased procoagulant activity of the vascular endothelium have been postulated to characterize dysfunctional endothelium. The cellular effects of n-3 fatty acids (n-3 FAs) and antioxidants are still not clarified. METHODS: In a randomized, factorial two-by-two design study, we have investigated 41 male smokers with hyperlipidaemia before and after 6 weeks of supplementation with either n-3 FAs (4.8 g daily) or placebo with the addition of antioxidants (150 mg of vitamin C, 75 mg of vitamin E and 15 mg of beta-carotene daily) or placebo with regard to the effects on some endothelial cell markers: thrombomodulin (sTM), von Willebrand factor (vWF), tissue plasminogen activator antigen (tPAag) and soluble forms of the cell adhesion molecules E-selectin, P-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1). RESULTS: In the n-3 FA group, significant reductions in the plasma levels of vWF (P = 0.034) and sTM (P < 0.001) were demonstrated compared with placebo, whereas increased levels were found for E-selectin (P = 0.001) and VCAM-1 (P = 0.010). In the antioxidant group, no differences in changes were noted for any of the variables. CONCLUSION: The reduction in the levels of sTM and vWF with n-3 FA supplementation could indicate an improvement with regard to the haemostatic markers of endothelial dysfunction, whereas the simultaneous increase in the soluble forms of E-selectin and VCAM-1 may suggest an adverse effect on the inflammatory system. The antioxidants seem to be neutral in their effect on these endothelial cell markers in our study population of smokers. The interpretation of the soluble forms of these molecules are, however, still debatable.

Evaluation of platelet adhesion and activation on materials for an implantable centrifugal blood pump.

A totally implantable centrifugal artificial heart has been developed in which a pivot bearing supported centrifugal pump is used as a blood pump. The following have been adopted as blood contacting materials in our pump: titanium alloy (Ti-6A1-4V) for the housing and impeller, alumina ceramic (Al2O3) for the male pivots, and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (PE) for the female pivots. Greater antithrombogenicity is required for an implantable blood pump. To examine the thrombogenicity of these materials, we evaluated in vitro platelet adhesion and activation, which may play key roles in thrombogenesis on foreign surfaces. Ti-6A1-4V, Al2O3, and PE were compared with polycarbonate (PC), silicone carbide (SiC), and pure titanium (pTi). Platelet adhesion was assessed using monoclonal antibody (CD61) directed against glycoprotein IIIa. Platelet activation was evaluated by measuring P-selectin (GMP-140) released from irreversibly activated platelets. Each material with a surface area of 16.6 cm2 was incubated with 2.5 ml of plasma or 2.5 ml of heparinized fresh whole blood for 3 h at 37 degrees C. The optical density (OD) at a wavelength of 450 nm for CD61 was 0.93+/-0.35 in PC, 0.34+/-0.13 in PE, 0.27+/-0.13 in pTi, 0.26+/-0.01 in Al2O3, 0.21+/-0.04 in SiC, and 0.12+/-0.12 in Ti-6A1-4V. The GMP-140 levels of the tested materials were not significantly different from the control value (45.9+/-7.2 ng/ml). These results indicate that Al2O3, PE, and Ti-6A1-4V, which are incorporated into our implantable centrifugal pump, have satisfactory antithrombogenic properties in terms of platelet adhesion. However, platelet activation by any material was not observed under the static condition in this study.