Soluble selectin profiles associated with severe trauma.

Severe trauma acts as a trigger for the complex cascade of postinjury events leading to the release of different mediators and the development of generalized inflammation. Selectins are a family of adhesion proteins that are responsible for the adherence of polymorphonuclear neutrophils to the endothelium. This interaction plays an important role in the development of severe complications after multiple trauma. The aim of the present study is to follow the sequential alterations in circulating selectin levels after severe injury and to evaluate the clinical significance of these mediators in monitoring prognosis and outcome. Thirty four severely traumatized patients were entered into the study. Serum sE-selectin, plasma sP-selectin and sL-selectin concentrations were measured and an APACHE II score was calculated on admission to the intensive care unit and during the subsequent 5 days. The patients were divided into survivors and nonsurvivors. Initial soluble P- and E-selectin concentrations were significantly elevated in all trauma patients. The highest values of these adhesion molecules were measured in all the observed days in patients with poor prognosis and outcome. In survivors we found a systematic decrease in the sP-selectin concentrations. On admission, the sL-selectin concentrations in all trauma patients were decreased. There were stable, very low values in nonsurvivors and a slow increase in circulating L-selectin in patients who survived. The pattern of soluble selectins in patients with severe trauma is characterized by increased levels of P- and E-selectin and a decreased concentration of L-selectin. These findings suggest a widespread microvascular endothelial activation on injury in the early posttraumatic period, which may be associated with increased neutrophil-endothelial adhesion, neutrophil extravasation and migration. We suppose that these parameters of endothelial cell activation/injury may be useful as another early prognostic factor in severe trauma.

The influence of angiotensin on central effect of acetylcholine in rats.

The influence of angiotensin on the central action of acetylcholine was studied in rats. It was shown that the action of acetylcholine was enhanced in animals treated simultaneously with angiotensin. Above phenomena were accompanied with the increase of "free" and "bound" acetylcholine in the brain of angiotensin treated rats. These observations indicate an interaction between angiotensin and acetylcholine in the CNS.

The activity of cathepsin A and cathepsin D in the serum of persons acutely intoxicated with ethanol and chronic alcoholics.

The activity of cathepsin A, cathepsin D and other enzyme-markers of liver damage (ASPAT, ALAT, GGTP, LDH, AP) were measured in the serum of persons acutely intoxicated with ethanol and chronic alcoholics. Persons acutely intoxicated with ethanol had the unchanged activity of cathepsin A and cathepsin D while it increased in the chronic alcoholic serum.

Acetylcholinesterase activity in the rat brain during nephrogenic arterial hypertension and after angiotensin administration.

The activity of acetylcholinesterase was assessed in the rat brain in nephrogenic hypertension and after angiotensin administration. No significant differences were found in relation to corresponding control groups.