Sex Differences in Brain Thyroid Hormone Levels during Early Post-Hatching Development in Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata).

Thyroid hormones are closely linked to the hatching process in precocial birds. Previously, we showed that thyroid hormones in brain had a strong impact on filial imprinting, an early learning behavior in newly hatched chicks; brain 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) peaks around hatching and imprinting training induces additional T3 release, thus, extending the sensitive period for imprinting and enabling subsequent other learning. On the other hand, blood thyroid hormone levels have been reported to increase gradually after hatching in altricial species, but it remains unknown how the brain thyroid hormone levels change during post-hatching development of altricial birds. Here, we determined the changes in serum and brain thyroid hormone levels of a passerine songbird species, the zebra finch using radioimmunoassay. In the serum, we found a gradual increase in thyroid hormone levels during post-hatching development, as well as differences between male and female finches. In the brain, there was clear surge in the hormone levels during development in males and females coinciding with the time of fledging, but the onset of the surge of thyroxine (T4) in males preceded that of females, whereas the onset of the surge of T3 in males succeeded that of females. These findings provide a basis for understanding the functions of thyroid hormones during early development and learning in altricial birds.

Involvement of nucleotide diphosphate kinase 2 in the reopening of the sensitive period of filial imprinting of domestic chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus).

Filial imprinting is a behavior characterized by the sensitive or critical period restricted to the first few days after hatching. Once the sensitive period is closed, it is widely believed that chicks can never be imprinted under natural conditions. Previously, we showed that the exogenous injection of T3 reopened the sensitive period which was already closed. That study suggested that T3 functioned by way of a rapid non-genomic action; however, the molecular mechanism of how T3 reopens the sensitive period remains unknown. Here, we show that the phosphorylation level of nucleotide diphosphate kinase 2 (NDPK2) was upregulated following T3 injection. Pharmacological deprivation of the kinase activity of NDPK hampered the molecular process prerequisite for the reopening of the sensitive period of filial imprinting. Moreover, it is shown that the kinase activity of NDPK2 participates in the priming process by T3 signaling which endows the potential for learning. Our data indicate that NDPK2 plays a crucial role downstream of T3 action and that its phosphorylation is involved in the non-genomic signaling during imprinting.

Remifentanil temporarily improves renal function in adult patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing orthopedic surgery.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to confirm the renal protective effect of remifentanil-based anesthesia in perioperative adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: A total of 90 non-dialysis perioperative adult patients with CKD, with preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate from creatinine (eGFRcreat) values of lower than 50 ml/min/1.73 m(2), who had undergone orthopedic surgery under general anesthesia were retrospectively selected. The subjects were divided into two groups according to whether or not remifentanil was used for anesthesia management: group R, in which remifentanil was used for anesthesia management (n = 45), and group NR, in which remifentanil was not used for anesthesia (n = 45). eGFRcreat was measured pre-surgery (pre), 7 days after surgery (day-7), and 14 days after surgery (day-14). RESULTS: In group R, both day-7 eGFRcreat (52.2 ± 17.0 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) and day-14 eGFRcreat (49.7 ± 15.5 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) were significantly higher than the pre eGFRcreat (40.7 ± 7.5 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) (day-7: p < 0.01; day-14: p < 0.01). In group NR, on the other hand, pre eGFRcreat (37.8 ± 7.6 ml/min/1.73 m(2)), day-7 eGFRcreat (41.2 ± 10.9 ml/min/1.73 m(2)), and day-14 eGFRcreat (40.2 ± 10.5 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) values were similar. Furthermore, both day-7 eGFRcreat and day-14 eGFRcreat were significantly higher in group R than in group NR (day-7: p < 0.01; day-14: p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that anesthesia management using remifentanil may have a renal protective effect in perioperative adult CKD patients undergoing orthopedic surgery.

[Postoperative pain management using subcutaneous fentanyl and ketamine after abdominal gynecologic surgery].

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous opioid is one way of managing postoperative pain in patients undergoing anticoagulant therapy. We have evaluated the safety and the efficacy of postoperative pain management using subcutaneous fentanyl and ketamine after abdominal gynecologic surgery. METHODS: Written informed consent was obtained from 50 ASA physical status 1 or 2 female patients aged between 20 and 65. Patients were randomized to one of 5 groups. Group 1, 2 and 3 received 25, 35 and 50 microg x h(-1) subcutaneous fentanyl infusion, respectively. Group 4 received 25 microg x h(-1) fentanyl and 2 mg x h(-1) ketamine subcutaneously; group 5 received 25 microg x h(-1) fentanyl and 4 mg x h(-1) ketamine subcutaneously. General anesthesia was administered to all patients. Two hours after induction, subcutaneous infusion of fentanyl and ketamine was started in the patients and discontinued 24 hours after the operation. All patients were assessed twice, at 4 hours and at 24 hours after operation. Blood gas analysis was performed. Number of analgesic administration required during the 24 hours after operation was recorded. Groups 1, 2, 3 and groups 1, 4, 5 were evaluated as one group, respectively. Group differences were analyzed by variance analysis. Differences of analgesic administration were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: As to anesthetic requirement during the 24 hours after operation, there were no significant differences among treatment groups. With respect to blood gas analysis, only individuals receiving subcutaneous 25 microg x h(-1) fentanyl and 4 mg x h(-1) ketamine maintained high PaO2 4 hours after the operation (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend administration of 25 microg x h(-1) fentanyl and 4 mg x h(-1) ketamine subcutaneously, which maintains high Pao2 and requires less analgesic.

[Comparison of 8 mg and 10 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine during spinal anesthesia for cesarean section in Japanese parturients].

BACKGROUND: Hypotension after spinal anesthesia for cesarean section is common and may result in serious complications despite the use of uterine displacement and volume preloading. Adequate amount of hyperbaric bupivacaine for Japanese parturients whose frames are generally smaller than those of Caucasian counterparts have not yet been examined. We compared the analgesic efficacy and the incidence of hypotension with 8 mg versus 10 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine during spinal anesthesia for cesarean section in Japanese parturients. METHODS: Thirty six parturients were randomly divided into two groups, one receiving 8 mg (n = 19) and the other receiving 10 mg (n = 17) hyperbaric bupivacaine. Sensory block level and the incidence of hypotension were evaluated from the time of injection to delivery. Hypotension was defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure below 100 mmHg and to less than 80% of the baseline value. RESULTS: 15 minutes after spinal injection, the difference in sensory block level was not significant. Ten minutes after the spinal anesthesia, in 79% of 8 mg group and in 88% of 10 mg group, sensory block level reached T 4. Hypotension occurred in 19 parturients (7 in 8 mg group and 12 in 10 mg group). The incidence of hypotension was significantly lower in 8 mg group (37%) than in 10 mg group (71%). There were no significant differences either in neonatal Apgar scores or umbilical blood gas pH. CONCLUSIONS: Injection of 8 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine is preferable than 10 mg in spinal anesthesia for cesarean section to obtain adequate analgesic efficacy and to avoid maternal hypotension.

[Vocal cord palsy after the use of a laryngeal mask airway].

A 58-year-old woman underwent oophorectomy for an ovarian tumor. Anesthesia was maintained with epidural block, and propofol and fentanyl anesthesia using a laryngeal mask airway. After the operation, she complained of hoarseness and difficulty in swallowing. Right vocal cord palsy was found by a ENT surgeon. The condition returned to normal two months after the operation. We have to have in mind that vocal cord palsy may occur even if we use a laryngeal mask airway. At least we have to pay attention to intra-cuff pressures and the position of the laryngeal mask airway.

[Anesthetic factors that influence pH of neonatal umbilical artery from mothers in severe gestosis during cesarean section under sevoflurane anesthesia].

Twenty-two patients complicated with severe gestosis underwent cesarean section. General anesthesia was induced with intravenous thiopental and suxamethonium and maintained with sevoflurane below 1.5% with 40-50% oxygen and 50-60% nitrous oxide. Mean artery pressure at and after the induction as well as at the delivery, expired maternal sevoflurane concentrations at the delivery and neonate birth weight were measured for statistical analyses in relation with neonates pH of umbilical artery. Mean artery pressure at the delivery and neonates birth weight influence neonates pH of umbilical artery.