Cardiovascular function

The family of apelin peptides is derived from a single gene, activate a single G-protein-coupled receptor and are substrates for the angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2). Apelins regulate cardiovascular function and fluid homeostasis. The apelin receptor also functions as a co-receptor for infection of CD4-positive cells by human immunodeficiency vims ( HIV). 

Sinnegger-Brauns MJ, Hetzenauer A, Huber IG et al (2004) Isoform-specific regulation of mood behavior and pancreatic (3-cell and cardiovascular function by L-type Ca2+channels. J Clin Invest 113 1430-1439... 

Wang R (2002) Carbon monoxide and cardiovascular functions. CRC Press, Baca Raton... 

KC706 stabilizes the inactive conformation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase p38a, a protein kinase involved in inflammatory reactions and cardiovascular functions. KC706 therefore holds the potential to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease and cardiovascular disease. This compound is currently being tested in phase II clinical trials with patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. 

An arrhythmia may occur as a result of heart disease or from a disorder that affects cardiovascular function. Conditions such as emotional stress, hypoxia, and electrolyte imbalance also may trigger an arrhythmia An electrocardiogram (ECG) provides a record of the electrical activity of the heart. Careful interpretation of the ECG along with a thorough physical assessment is necessary to determine the cause and type of arrhythmia The goal of antiarrhythmic drug therapy is to restore normal cardiac function and to prevent life-threatening arrhythmias. 

Cytokines influence several cardiovascular functions through a variety of mechanisms [33, 37, 38]. Additional studies are necessary to clarify the roles of cytokines... 

In the early phase of serious intraabdominal infections, attention should be given to preserving major organ system function. With generalized peritonitis, large volumes of intravenous (IV) fluids are required to maintain intravascular volume, to improve cardiovascular function, and to ensure adequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation. Adequate urine output should be maintained to ensure appropriate fluid resuscitation and to preserve renal function. A common cause of early death is hypovolemic shock caused by inadequate intravascular volume expansion and tissue perfusion. 

Electrolytes are involved in many metabolic and homeostatic functions, including enzymatic and biochemical reactions, maintenance of cell membrane structure and function, neurotransmission, hormone function, muscle contraction, cardiovascular function, bone composition, and fluid homeostasis. The causes of electrolyte abnormalities in patients receiving PN may be multifactorial, including altered absorption and distribution excessive or inadequate intake altered hormonal, neurologic, and homeostatic mechanisms altered excretion via gastrointestinal and renal losses changes in fluid status and fluid shifts and medications. 

Caffeine and other methylxanthines affect cardiovascular function by directly modifying contractility of the heart and blood vessels and, indirectly, by influencing neurotransmission in the CNS and peripheral nervous system. 

The increasing scientific attention devoted to caffeine in recent years9 reflects not only its popularity and widespread use, but also concern that it may have detrimental physiological effects and interest in its impact on psychological functioning and behavior. Health concerns have focused primarily on cardiovascular function.4-10 Early studies suggested that caffeine consumption may increase the risk of some cardiovascular problems.11-12 However, more recent studies provide little support for this concern, with the possible exception of blood pressure.13 Lipid profiles appear to be unaffected by habitual caffeine consumption.1417 Moreover,... 

Hasenfratz, M., Jaquet, F., Aeschbach, D., and Battig, K., Interactions of smoking and lunch with the effects of caffeine on cardiovascular functions and information processing. Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental 6(4), 277-284, 1991. 

Cardiovascular Effects. There is currently considerable scientific debate as to whether there is a causal relationship between lead exposure and hypertension. Another area of controversy is whether African Americans are more susceptible to the cardiovascular effects of lead than are whites or Hispanics. The evidence from both occupational studies and large-scale general population studies (i.e., National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [NHANES II], British Regional Heart Study [BRHS]) is not sufficient to conclude that such a causal relationship exists between PbB levels and increases in blood pressure. The database on lead-induced effects on cardiovascular function in humans will be discussed by presenting a summary of several representative occupational studies followed by a discussion of the findings from the large-scale general population studies. 

The brain has an absolute dependence on the blood for its immediate supply of oxygen and energy substrates. Interruption of oxygen or substrate supply by compromise of pulmonary or cardiovascular function or metabolic factors results in encephalopathy and, if prolonged, neuronal cell death. The brain uses approximately 20% of the total oxygen supply of the body. While glucose remains the primary energy substrate for the brain, alternative substrates maybe used under certain circumstances (see Ch. 31). 

With generalized peritonitis, large volumes of IV fluids are required to restore vascular volume, to improve cardiovascular function, and to maintain adequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation. 

Effect of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, S-ethylisothiourea, on cultured cells and cardiovascular functions of normal and lipopolysaccharide-treated rabbits, J. Biochem. (Tokyo) 119 (1996), p. 553-558... 

Phosgene poisoning may cause respiratory and cardiovascular failure which results in low plasma volume, increased hemoglobin concentration, low blood pressure, and an accumulation of fluid in the lungs. There is no antidote for phosgene, and treatment consists of support of respiratory and cardiovascular functions. 

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is an important enzyme for the regulation of blood pressure, ft exists in two forms the somatic form has 1277 amino acids, while the sperm cell form has 701 amino acids. The somatic form consists of two domains the carboxy-terminal (C) domain and the amino-terminal (N) domain. The sperm cell form consists of only the C domain. Studies have shown that the C domain is the dominant angiotensin converting site for controlling blood pressure and cardiovascular functions. 

The medulla (myelencephalon) is the most caudal part of the brain stem, and is continuous with the spinal cord. It contains several cranial nerve nuclei and part of the reticular formation, which regulates cardiovascular function, respiration, and skeletomotor tone (figure 2.8). The reticular formation consists of several nuclei that form the core of the entire... 

Physioiogicai There is an extensive literature that deals with the effects ginseng on CNS function, but effects are also seen in neuroendocrine function, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, the immune system, and cardiovascular function (Gillis 1997). Ginsenosides induce a decrease in heart rate and have biphasic effects on blood pressure, with decreases preceded by a slight increase (Kaku et al. 1975). Ginsenoside Rgl had the most potent effects on blood pressure. Little or no effect is observed on respiration. 

Keywords Candidate gene cardiovascular functional genomics pharmacogenomics single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). 

Open-heart st/rgeAy- Administer large doses (0.5 to 3 mg/kg) of morphine IV as the sole anesthetic or with a suitable anesthetic agent. The patients are given oxygen and cardiovascular function is not depressed by morphine, as long as adequate ventilation is maintained. Ml pain-8 to 15 mg administered parenterally. For very severe pain, additional smaller doses may be given every 3 to 4 hours as needed. Rectal - 10 to 30 mg every 4 hours as needed or as directed by physician. 

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