Protective effects of dexmedetomidine on ischaemia-reperfusion injury in an experimental rat model of priapism

Radioprotective effects of α2-adrenergic receptor agonist dexmedetomidine on X-ray irradiation-induced pancreatic islet cell damage

Comprehensive epidemiological analyses conducted in the last 30 years have revealed a link between radiation and DM. We aimed to determine the effects of dexmedetomidine pretreatment on radiation-induced pancreatic islet cell damage. Twenty-four rats were divided into three groups: group 1 (control group), group 2 (only X-ray irradiation group), and group 3 (X-ray irradiation + dexmedetomidine). We observed necrotic cells with vacuoles accompanying loss of cytoplasm in the islets of Langerhans, extensive edematous areas, and vascular congestions in group 2. In group 3, we observed a decrease in necrotic cells in the islets of Langerhans, and edematous areas and vascular congestion was also reduced. We determined a decrease in β-cells, α-cells, and D-cells in the islets of Langerhans in group 2 compared to the control group. In group 3, β-cells, α-cells, and D-cells were elevated compared to group 2. Ionizing radiation may induce DM. Dexmedetomidine appears to exert a radioprotective effect.

The Effects of Dexmedetomidine on Abdominal Aortic Occlusion-Induced Ovarian Injury via Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) induced ovarian damage is caused by various diseases such as ovarian torsion, ovarian transplantation, cardiovascular surgery, sepsis, or intra-abdominal surgery. I/R-related oxidative damage can impair ovarian functions, from oocyte maturation to fertilization. This study investigated the effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX), which has been shown to exhibit antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, on ovarian I/R injury. We designed four study groups: group 1 (n = 6): control group; group 2 (n = 6): only DEX group; group 3 (n = 6): I/R group; group 4 (n = 6): I/R + DEX group. Then, ovarian samples were taken and examined histologically and immunohistochemically, and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured. In the I/R group MDA levels, caspase-3, NF-κB/p65, 8-OHdG positivity, and follicular degeneration, edema, and inflammation were increased compared to the control group (p = 0.000). In addition, GSH levels were significantly decreased in the I/R group compared to the control group (p = 0.000). On the other hand, in the I/R + DEX treatment group MDA levels, caspase-3, NF-κB/p65, 8-OHdG positivity, follicular degeneration, edema, and inflammation findings were decreased than in the I/R group (p = 0.000, p = 0.005, p = 0.005, p = 0.001, p = 0.005, respectively). However, GSH levels increased significantly in the I/R + DEX treatment group compared to the I/R group (p = 0.000). DEX protects against ovarian I/R injury through antioxidation and by suppressing inflammation and apoptosis.

A case of priapism following intrathecal morphine injection in a dog

Background

Priapism refers to prolonged erection unrelated to sexual stimulation, with severe sequelae unless treated. In humans, it is a rare complication associated with epidural or spinal opioid administration. Its pathophysiology is unclear. This is the first report of priapism following neuraxial anesthesia in dog.

Case Description

An intrathecal morphine injection (30 mcg/kg) at L5-L6 for postoperative analgesia was given at the end of surgery for removal of cutaneous mastocytomas of the abdomen and left axillary lymphadenectomy. Painless penile erection occurred 2 hours later and lasted 6 hours, before spontaneously resolving 7-8 hours after the injection. No pain or other adverse events (e.g., nausea, urinary retention, and itching) were recorded. Recovery was complete without treatment.

Conclusion

Painless, self-resolving priapism is a rare complication associated with intrathecal morphine injection in dogs.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection as a Determining Factor to the Precipitation of Ischemic Priapism in a Young Patient with Asymptomatic COVID-19

COVID-19 is a disease characterized by respiratory distress, systemic inflammation, multiple organ dysfunction and coagulation disorders, chiefly pulmonary embolism, and deep venous thrombosis. In this case report, we discuss a peculiar case of ischemic priapism in a 36-year-old patient with asymptomatic COVID-19 and no other plausible causes of thrombophilia and/or alternative causes of priapism, as well as discussing possible explanations for such remarkable findings and comparing them to analogous cases recorded in literature. The patient was unsuccessfully treated via cavernous blood aspiration and required several shunting procedures, with no further recurrences and negative testing for pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, and other causes of thrombophilia.