Technetium species induced in maize as measured by phosphorimager.

Leaves of plants have the ability to accumulate the long-lived fission product (99)Tc. In the present work, an attempt was made to separate and characterize technetium species formed in maize grown on soil contaminated with Tc(VII)O(4)(-) solution. Data obtained from selective extraction, a Phosphorimager and liquid scintillation were employed.

Effects of aspirin on embolization in an arterial model of laser-induced thrombus formation.

This model of arterial thrombosis induced by laser was used to evaluate the effect of aspirin (Aspegic) on embolization. A partial occlusion was induced in small mesenteric arterioles (diameter 35-40 microns) with an Argon Laser. The laser induced the formation of a vessel wall lesion with damage of endothelial cells. Thrombus formed within seconds after the laser lesion and grew rapidly. Embolization began within the minute following the laser flash. Thrombus formation and embolization were repetitive phenomena. The duration of embolization was 6.50 +/- 0.84 min in the control group. Then the thrombus became stable and partially obstructed the vessel lumen. The administration of aspirin at three doses (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) by intramuscular injection, 15 min before the laser injury, induced three different phenomena: (1) an increase of the number of laser injuries required for the thrombus formation; (2) a dose-dependent decrease in the duration of embolization, and (3) a dose-dependent decrease in the number of emboli. The highest dose injected induced the strongest reduction in the duration of embolization and the number of emboli.