Cordycepin suppresses vascular inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress of arterial smooth muscle cell in thoracic aortic aneurysm with VEGF inhibition

BACKGROUND

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a type of common and serious vascular disease, in which inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress are strongly involved in the progression. Cordycepin, a bioactive compound from Cordyceps militaris, exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. This study aimed to address the role and mechanism of cordycepin in TAA.

METHODS

The thoracic aortas were perivascularly administrated with calcium chloride (CaCl₂), and human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) were incubated with angiotensin II (Ang II) to simulate the TAA model in vivo and in vitro, respectively. The effect and mechanism of cordycepin in TAA were explored by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), western blot, biochemical test, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays.

RESULTS

Cordycepin improved the CaCl₂-induced the aneurysmal alteration and disappearance of normal wavy elastic structures of the aorta tissues, TAA incidence and thoracic aortic diameter in rats, and Ang II-induced the cell viability of HASMCs. Cordycepin reversed the CaCl₂-induced the relative protein expression of cleaved caspase 9, cleaved caspase 3, interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-1β, and the relative levels of glutathione (GSH), malonaldehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vivo, or Ang II-induced these changes in vitro. Mechanically, cordycepin reduced the relative protein expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the Ang II-induced HASMCs. Correspondingly, overexpression of VEGF increased the levels of the indicators involved in apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress, which were antagonized with the cordycepin incubation in the Ang II-induced HASMCs.

CONCLUSION

Cordycepin inhibited apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress of TAA through the inhibition of VEGF.

Antidiarrheal effect of the ethanol extract from Scutellaria barbata and its effect on the contraction of jejunum smooth muscles

Scutellaria barbata (S. barbata), a traditional herbal medicine used in southern China, possesses anti-inflammatory, antitumor, spasmolytic and expectorant effects. However, there are not many recent studies on its gastrointestinal effects. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiarrheal effect of the ethanol extract of S. barbata (SBE) and its effect on the isolated jejunum smooth muscle.

METHODS

The antidiarrheal effect of SBE (doses: 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) on castor oil-induced diarrhea was investigated in vivo. The effect of SBE (0.01-10 mg/mL) on spontaneous or acetylcholine chloride (ACh, 10μM)/KCl (60mM)-induced contraction of isolated rabbit jejunum smooth muscle was examined in vitro. The possible spasmolytic mechanism of SBE (1 and 3mg/mL) was analyzed by accumulating CaCl₂ in a Ca²⁺-free high-K⁺ (60mM) solution.

RESULTS

SBE (125, 250 and 500mg/kg) could delay the initial semi-solid onset time of mice and also reduce the diarrhea index in vivo. Furthermore, SBE (0.01-10mg/mL) could alleviate the spontaneous or ACh/KCl-induced contraction in vitro. SBE (1 and 3mg/mL) also inhibited the contraction induced by CaCl₂, and the concentration-response curves of CaCl₂ moved downward and to the right, similar to those of verapamil (0.01 and 0.1μM).

CONCLUSIONS

SBE exerts antidiarrheal and spasmolytic effects, which provides a pharmacological basis for its use in functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Salinization triggers a trophic cascade in experimental freshwater communities with varying food-chain length

The application of road deicing salts in northern regions worldwide is changing the chemical environment of freshwater ecosystems. Chloride levels in many lakes, streams, and wetlands exceed the chronic and acute thresholds established by the United States and Canada for the protection of freshwater biota. Few studies have identified the impacts of deicing salts in stream and wetland communities and none have examined impacts in lake communities. We tested how relevant concentrations of road salt (15, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 mg Cl^- /L) interacted with experimental communities containing two or three trophic levels (i.e., no fish vs. predatory fish). We hypothesized that road salt and fish would have a negative synergistic effect on zooplankton, which would then induce a trophic cascade. We tested this hypothesis in outdoor mesocosms containing filamentous algae, periphyton, phytoplankton, zooplankton, several macroinvertebrate species, and fish. We found that the presence of fish and high salt had a negative synergistic effect on the zooplankton community, which in turn caused an increase in phytoplankton. Contributing to the magnitude of this trophic cascade was a direct positive effect of high salinity on phytoplankton abundance. Cascading effects were limited with respect to impacts on the benthic food web. Periphyton and snail grazers were unaffected by the salt-induced trophic cascade, but the biomass of filamentous algae decreased as a result of competition with phytoplankton for light or nutrients. We also found direct negative effects of high salinity on the biomass of filamentous algae and amphipods (Hyalella azteca) and the mortality of banded mystery snails (Viviparus georgianus) and fingernail clams (Sphaerium simile). Clam mortality was dependent on the presence of fish, suggesting a non-consumptive interactive effect with salt. Our results indicate that globally increasing concentrations of road salt can alter community structure via both direct and indirect effects.

A combination of additives can synergically decrease acrylamide content in gingerbread without compromising sensory quality

BACKGROUND

The present study tested whether replacement of the leavening agent ammonium carbonate by sodium hydrogen carbonate in combination with calcium cation and acidifying agent will synergically decrease acrylamide (AA) content in gingerbread.

RESULTS

The type of leavening agent and the presence of Ca²⁺ and citric acid accounted for 33.6%, 13.2% and 53.2% of the explained variability of the AA content, respectively (P < 0.01). The AA content in gingerbread produced with (NH₄ )₂ CO₃ alone was 186.5 µg kg^-1 . Irrespective of other tested additives, NaHCO₃ decreased (P < 0.05) AA content to 42% compared to (NH₄ )₂ CO₃ . Combination of NaHCO₃ + CaCl₂ + citric acid in dough reduced (P < 0.05) AA content below the limit of detection (25 µg kg^-1 ). The AA content in gingerbread (y; µg kg^-1 ) decreased with an increasing number of additives used (x) according to the equation y = 158.8 - 47.94x (r² = 0.42; P < 0.0001). A comprehensive sensory analysis did not indicate any significant deterioration (P > 0.05) in the organoleptic quality of gingerbread produced using calcium cation and citric acid.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that the combination of additives NaHCO₃ /Ca²⁺ /citric acid synergically decreases AA content in gingerbread without compromising the sensory quality. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of calcium chloride treatments on calcium content, anthracnose severity and antioxidant activity in papaya fruit during ambient storage

BACKGROUND

There have been no reports on the effects of preharvest calcium application on anthracnose disease severity, antioxidant activity and cellular changes during ambient storage of papaya, and therefore the objective of this study was to investigate these effects.

RESULTS

Higher calcium concentrations (1.5 and 2% w/v) increased calcium concentration in the peel and pulp tissues, maintained firmness, and reduced anthracnose incidence and severity. While leakage of calcium-treated fruit was lower for 1.5 and 2% calcium treatments compared to the control, microscopic results confirmed that pulp cell wall thickness was higher after 6 days in storage, for the 2% calcium treatment compared to the control. Calcium-treated fruit also had higher total antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds during storage.

CONCLUSION

Calcium chloride, especially at higher concentrations, is effective in maintaining papaya fruit quality during ambient storage. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Osteoprotegerin Prevents Development of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), which commonly occur among elderly individuals, are accompanied by a risk of rupture and subsequent high mortality. Establishment of medical therapies for the prevention of AAAs requires further understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of this condition. This report details the possible involvement of Osteoprotegerin (OPG) in the prevention of AAAs through inhibition of Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). In CaCl₂-induced AAA models, both internal and external diameters were significantly increased with destruction of elastic fibers in the media in Opg knockout (KO) mice, as compared to wild-type mice. Moreover, up-regulation of TRAIL expression was observed in the media by immunohistochemical analyses. Using a culture system, both the TRAIL-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and the chemoattractive effect of TRAIL on SMCs were inhibited by OPG. These data suggest that Opg may play a preventive role in the development of AAA through its antagonistic effect on Trail.

[ANTIARRHYTHMIC EFFECTS OF 2-ETHYL-6-METHYL-3-HYDROXYPYRIDINE HEMISUCCINATE IN COMPARISON TO MEXIDOL.]

Based on the results of experiments on nonlinear white awake male rats it is established that 2-ethyl-6-methyl-3-hydroxypyridine hemisuccinate and mexidol exhibit a pronounced antiarrhythmic (antifibrillatory) activity on the calcium chloride arrhythmia model. The maximum effect was observed for hemisuccinate 2-ethyl-6-methyl-3-hydroxypyridine. This substaned; unlike mexidol, also showed high activity on the model of aconitine arrhythmia, which is typical of class I antiarrhytmics. Mexidol did not show this activity. Consequently, 2-ethyl-6-methyl-3-hydroxypyridine hemisuccinate possesses a wider therapeutic spectrum than the well-known antiarrhythmic drugs of class I (lidocaine, procainamide) and is comparable in this respect with class IV drug verapamil.

The effects of CaCl2 and CaBr2 on the reproduction of Daphnia magna Straus

Concentrated CaCl2 and CaBr2 salt solutions of densities up to 2.3 kg L-1 are regularly used to control hydrostatic pressure in oil wells during special operations in the exploration and production of natural gas and crude oil. Various concentrations of high density salts are frequently left in mud pits near the drilling site as waste, polluting fresh and ground waters by spillage and drainage. The toxic effects of these salts have already been observed. This study investigated the effects of CaCl2 and CaBr2 on water flea Daphnia magna Straus in a 21-day reproduction test. The three tested concentrations of CaCl2 (240, 481, and 1925 mg L-1) caused a significant dose-response decrease of reproduction (p<0.001). With CaBr2 (533 and 1066 mg L-1), only aborted eggs were produced, demonstrating the embryotoxicity of the substance. The results suggest that high concentrations of the tested chemicals are harmful to Daphnia's reproduction and could reduce its abundance.

Elevated protein kinase C-δ contributes to aneurysm pathogenesis through stimulation of apoptosis and inflammatory signaling

OBJECTIVE

Apoptosis of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) is a prominent pathological characteristic of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). We have previously shown that SMC apoptosis stimulates proinflammatory signaling in a mouse model of AAA. Here, we test whether protein kinase C-δ (PKCδ), an apoptotic mediator, participates in the pathogenesis of AAA by regulating apoptosis and proinflammatory signals.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Mouse experimental AAA is induced by perivascular administration of CaCl(2). Mice deficient in PKCδ exhibit a profound reduction in aneurysmal expansion, SMC apoptosis, and transmural inflammation as compared with wild-type littermates. Delivery of PKCδ to the aortic wall of PKCδ(-/-) mice restores aneurysm, whereas overexpression of a dominant negative PKCδ mutant in the aorta of wild-type mice attenuates aneurysm. In vitro, PKCδ(-/-) aortic SMCs exhibit significantly impaired monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 production. Ectopic administration of recombinant monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 to the arterial wall of PKCδ(-/-) mice restores inflammatory response and aneurysm development.

CONCLUSIONS

PKCδ is an important signaling mediator for SMC apoptosis and inflammation in a mouse model of AAA. By stimulating monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression in aortic SMCs, upregulated PKCδ exacerbates the inflammatory process, in turn perpetuating elastin degradation and aneurysmal dilatation. Inhibition of PKCδ may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for AAA.

Inhibitory effects and mechanisms of physiological conditions on the activity of enantiomeric forms of an α-helical antibacterial peptide against bacteria

Enantiomeric amphipathic α-helical antibacterial peptides were synthesized and their biophysical and biological properties under different physiological conditions were studied. In the absence of physiological factors, the L- and D-peptides exhibited similar antimicrobial activities against a broad spectrum of bacteria, even against clinical isolates with resistance to traditional antibiotics. However, in the presence of NaCl, CaCl₂ or human serum albumin (HSA) at physiological concentrations, the enantiomers revealed bacterium-species dependent attenuations in antibacterial activity. In the presence of salts the electrostatic interaction between the peptides and the biomembrane was inhibited. Salts, especially CaCl₂ weakened the ability of the peptides to permeabilize the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, as determined by a 1-N-phenylnaphthylamine uptake assay. HSA exhibited variable inhibitory effects on the activity of the peptides when incubated with different bacterial strains. The peptides showed different binding association abilities to HSA at different molar ratios, regardless of their chirality, resulting in reduced peptide biological activity. The D-peptide performed better than its L-enantiomer in all conditions tested because of its resistance to proteolysis, and may therefore represent a promising candidate for development as a therapeutic agent.

Skin necrosis after intravenous calcium chloride administration as a complication of parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism: report of four cases

Intravenous (i.v.) calcium chloride is usually given to treat symptomatic hypocalcemia; however, the extravasation of calcium solution may cause soft tissue and skin necrosis. After parathyroidectomy and autotransplantation for secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with end-stage renal failure, i.v. calcium infusion is often necessary to treat severe postoperative hypocalcemia. We reviewed 371 patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism between January 2000 and June 2005, 96 of whom received i.v. calcium postoperatively for symptomatic hypocalcemia. We report the cases of three (3%) of our own patients and of one patient referred to our hospital, who suffered skin necrosis after i.v. calcium solution administration. These reports show that i.v. calcium should be administered into large veins, or via a central line, and diluted in an appropriate volume of solution. Moreover, the calcium solution infusion should be ceased if the patient complains of tenderness over the injection site. If skin necrosis develops, we suggest early debridement and a simple split thickness skin graft to repair the skin defect. We report our experience to remind surgeons of the danger of calcium chloride injection and to discuss ways of preventing and treating this complication.

[Evaluation of the hazard of soil-polluting chemicals upon exposure of experimental animals]

The experimental study of the biological activity of the modified calcium chloride produced by a Volgograd plant and that of ash-and-slag of the pharmaceuticals resulting after combustion of a pyrolytic mixture of filtration burning could establish various hazards of these substances.

Skin and soft tissue necrosis from calcium chloride in a deicer

Calcium chloride salt is the principle ingredient of many commercially available deicers. Calcium chloride melts snow and ice by its osmotic action. We present a case of skin and soft tissue necrosis associated with the use of a calcium chloride-containing deicer. Although calcium chloride is known to produce soft tissue necrosis if it extravasates during intravenous administration, necrosis and skin sloughing has rarely been described after topical exposure to this salt. Calcium chloride likely produces tissue injury from the heat liberated by mixing calcium chloride with water (exothermic reaction) and from direct calcium deposits in the skin (calcinosis cutis) and soft tissue.

Comparison of Fos expression within the ferret's spinal trigeminal nuclear complex evoked by electrical or noxious-thermal pulpal stimulation

Fos-like immunoreactivity (Fos-LI) was used as a marker of trigeminal neurons that responded to tooth pulp stimulation. The activation of intradental afferents was produced by electrical stimulation of the ferret's intact canine tooth, whereas natural stimuli that activate predominantly Adelta (5 mol/L CaCl2 applied to dentin) or C fibers (slow heating of the intact tooth) were used to stimulate the 2 populations of afferents selectively. Electrical stimulation evoked Fos-LI in ipsilateral dorsomedial of the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc), dorsomedial and ventrolateral of the transition zone between subnucleus interpolaris and caudalis (Vi/Vc), and the the paratrigeminal nucleus (Pa5). Osmotic stimulation evoked Fos-LI in the ipsilateral dorsomedial Vc and Vi/Vc. The spatial distribution of Fos labeling after heat stimulation was dependent on the duration and location of the stimulus application. Repeated heating of the maxillary canine for 30 minutes evoked labeling bilaterally in ventrolateral Vi/Vc. Stimulation of the maxillary and mandibular canines with heat pulses for 1 hour produced labeling in the ipsilateral dorsomedial Vc, dorsomedial Vi/Vc, and the Pa5. None of the stimulating procedures did evoke Fos expression in regions rostral to Vi/Vc. Regardless of the pulpal stimulation procedures, a similar number of Fos-positive neurons was found in the nucleus of solitary tract and the ventrolateral medulla. Although Fos expression does not reveal all neurons that respond to noxious pulpal stimulation, it marks many neuronal regions that contain neurons that respond to pulpal stimulation and injury. Our results suggest that a population of neurons in Vc and Vi/Vc contribute to painful sensations originating from the dentition.

PERSPECTIVE

We demonstrated that the trigeminal nucleus caudalis and the transitional zone between trigeminal interpolaris and caudalis mediate painful sensation in the dental pulp. Both trigeminal regions might be therapeutic targets for dental pain in the future.

Cytogenetic damage in shallot ( Allium cepa) root meristems induced by oil industry "high-density brines"

Saturated water solutions of calcium chloride, calcium bromide (densities 1.30 kg x dm(-3) and 1.61 kg x dm(-3), respectively) and their 1:1 mixture have been commonly used as oil industry "high-density brines." In our experiment they were added to tap water in amounts appropriate to achieve concentrations of 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, and 0.1 mol x dm(-3) to study their cytotoxic effect on the root tip cells of shallot ( Allium cepa L. var. ascalonicum). All tested solutions in concentrations of 0.075 and 0.1 mol x dm(-3) caused significant inhibition of shallot root growth. CaBr (2) showed this effect in concentration 0.05 mol x dm(-3). The investigated solutions in all concentrations applied decreased mitotic activity in root tip cells. The most of mitotic abnormalities were the consequence of spindle failure and chromosome stickiness. Furthermore, the cell microtubules were investigated by indirect immunofluorescence to confirm that most abnormalities observed were the consequence of spindle failure. The present study, as well as previously done Lemna tests and Chlorella tests showed that investigated samples have certain effects on plants, so constant control of their presence in the environment is needed.

Dietary manipulation to reduce aerial ammonia concentrations in nursery pig facilities

Two 4-wk trials (preliminary study) and three 5-wk trials (major study) were conducted to determine the effects of adding Yucca schidigera extract or anhydrous calcium chloride to nursery diets on the growth performance of nursery pigs and aerial ammonia concentration. The pigs were weaned between 13 and 15 d of age and had an initial BW of 3 to 6 kg. In each trial, pigs were allotted to three identical pig nursery rooms that were environmentally regulated. There were three diets (one diet per room): 1) control, containing 23% CP; 2) control plus 125 ppm of Yucca schidigera extract; and 3) control plus 1.95% anhydrous calcium chloride. Growth performance was recorded weekly. Aerial ammonia concentration was measured daily using aspiration detector tubes and during the last week of each trial using diffusion tubes. Manure samples were collected twice a week during the experimental period to determine ammonia and N concentrations and pH. Plasma urea concentration was determined in blood samples collected from the pigs at the end of each trial. Data were analyzed using split-plot and Latin square designs for the preliminary and major studies, respectively. Feed intake was similar among pigs fed all three diets. There were no differences in ADG and ADG/ADFI (G/F) between pigs fed the control diet and pigs fed the yucca extract diet (P > or = 0.41). In all trials, pigs fed the calcium chloride diet had lower ADG and G/F than pigs fed the other two diets (P < 0.05). In the preliminary study, aerial ammonia tended to be greater in the rooms in which pigs were fed the control diet than in the rooms with pigs fed the yucca extract diet (P = 0.08) and the calcium chloride diet (P = 0.11). In the major study, aerial ammonia increased weekly (diet x week; P < 0.001) in all rooms. In the 4th wk, ammonia concentrations were greater (P < 0.001) in the rooms in which pigs were fed the control diet than in the rooms in which the other two diets were fed. Dietary treatment had no effect on plasma urea concentration (P > or = 0.10), manure ammonia and N concentrations (P > or = 0.50), and manure pH (P > or = 0.78). Although aerial ammonia concentrations were relatively low, the addition of Yucca schidigera extract or calcium chloride to the diet of nursery pigs reduced ammonia concentrations in the nursery rooms.

Influence of CaCl(2) on the foliar biomass and quality of tobacco leaves

The aim of the present work was to determine the influence of different CaCl(2) dosages on foliar biomass and quality of tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum L. var. Tennesse 86). Plants were grown under controlled conditions and submitted to regular fertilization with macro- and micronutrients. The CaCl(2) was applied to the nutrient solution at 1.25 mM (T1), 2.5 mM (T2), and 5 mM (T3). The results indicated that, under the experimental conditions of this work, the application of 1.25 mM of CaCl(2) favored the growth and development of the leaves, this leading to improved biomass production in tobacco leaves. The increase in foliar biomass in treatment T1 could largely be a result of the stimulation of NO(3)(-) assimilation. However, this situation has negative consequences for tobacco quality, given that the T1 treatment augmented the NO(3)(-) concentration and the foliar concentration of nicotine (both effects being harmful for human consumption) and decreased the concentration of reducing sugars in leaves of tobacco plants compared with those of T2 and T3. Finally, a close and directly proportional relationship was found in our experiment between the parameters of foliar-biomass production, total N concentration, chlorophyll concentration, and decline in quality.

Calcinosis cutis following the administration of intravenous calcium therapy

Calcinosis cutis, the cutaneous deposition of calcium salts in the dermis, can occur through a variety of pathogenetic mechanisms, and can be associated with both normal and elevated calcium levels. Iatrogenic causes of calcinosis cutis include extravasation of intravenously administered calcium chloride or calcium gluconate, and traumatic deposition of calcium in the skin, subsequent to electromyography or electroencephalography. We report two cases of calcinosis cutis following intravenous infusion of a calcium-containing salt.

Effects of calcium chloride on grafted internal mammary artery flow after cardiopulmonary bypass

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of calcium chloride (CaCl2) administration on blood flow through the grafted left internal mammary artery (IMA) after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

DESIGN

Single-arm prospective study.

SETTING

University-affiliated hospital operating room.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty adult patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass graft surgery with IMA graft.

INTERVENTIONS

IMA flow was measured noninvasively with a laser Doppler flow probe placed around the IMA, and measurements were recorded for 10 seconds and averaged. After separation from CPB under stable hemodynamics, baseline IMA flow was measured. CaCl2, 15 mg/kg, was administered intravenously over 1 minute. Blood pressure, left atrial pressure, heart rate, and IMA flow were then measured at 1, 5, and 10 minutes. Coronary perfusion pressure and IMA vascular resistance were calculated.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

After CaCl2 administration, IMA blood flow significantly decreased from baseline at 1, 5, and 10 minutes (from 28+/-9 mL/min to 19+/-8 mL/min, 22+/-6 mL/min, and 25+/-4 mL/min), with gradual return toward baseline over time. Blood pressure, coronary perfusion pressure, and IMA vascular resistance significantly increased at 1 and 5 minutes after CaCl2. Left atrial pressure and heart rate remained unchanged. No systolic regional wall motion abnormalities were detected on transesophageal echocardiography.

CONCLUSIONS

CaCl2, administered as a bolus dose after separation from CPB, transiently but significantly reduces IMA flow and can potentially trigger vasospasm, increasing the risk for myocardial ischemia or infarction in susceptible patients. Further studies are needed to determine whether this effect also occurs with nitrosodilators or phosphodiesterase inhibitors.

Calcium chloride sprays decrease physiological disorders following long-term cold storage of apple

Field experiments were carried out at the Horticultural Research Institute, and in five commercial apple orchards, located in southwest Finland including the Aland Islands during 1994 and 1995. The experimental cultivars were Melba, Raike, Red Atlas, Akerö, Aroma, and Lobo. The treatments were untreated control and preharvest calcium chloride (CaCl2) sprays at Ca 2.0 g/l. Fruit samples were stored for two to six months at 2-4 degrees C and 85-95% RH. The percentage of the incidence of physiological disorders of stored apples was scored. Fruit macronutrients, firmness, diameter and juice titratable acidity and percentage of soluble solids were determined. Only a few nutrient effects in the flesh of the apple cultivars were a result of CaCl2 sprayings. Preharvest CaCl2 sprays increased fruit firmness and the titratable acidity but decreased soluble solids, soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio, and the incidence of physiological storage disorders of some cultivars. When looking at the mean of all cultivars, CaCl2 sprayings increased titratable acidity and decreased soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio after four months of storage during 1995 and reduced the incidence of physiological disorders after three months of storage during 1994 and after four months of storage in 1995.

Effect of cardiopulmonary bypass and calcium administration on the splanchnic circulation

Gastrointestinal complications following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are associated with high mortality rates. The identification of prolonged CPB time and calcium administration as independent predictors of gastrointestinal complications suggests decreased splanchnic perfusion as a possible mechanism. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated splanchnic organ perfusion during CPB and after calcium chloride administration. Mongrel dogs were studied under anesthesia and were cannulated for bypass. CPB was begun at 37 degrees C, and the heart was fibrillated and vented. After 30 min, CPB temperature was reduced to 25 degrees C for 1 h with the heart arrested through cold crystalloid cardioplegia. After rewarming to 37 degrees C for 30 min, the heart was cardioverted, and CPB was weaned off. Calcium chloride (10 mg/kg) or saline was administered. Organ blood flow was determined with radiolabeled microspheres at baseline, during CPB, and after weaning from CPB. Splanchnic organ blood flow did not decrease during any phase of CPB. Calcium chloride administration after CPB had no effect on splanchnic organ blood flow. While gastrointestinal injury may result from CPB, this study suggests that the mechanism of injury is not decreased by splanchnic organ perfusion during bypass. While calcium chloride can cause pancreatic injury, the responsible mechanism is not calcium-induced hypoperfusion.

Prevention of cellular edema directly caused by hypothermic cardioplegia: studies in isolated human and rabbit atrial myocytes

OBJECTIVES

This study tested the hypothesis that edema during hypothermic cardioplegia is caused by the hypotonicity of the perfusate at cold temperatures.

METHODS

The volume of isolated human and rabbit atrial myocytes was measured by video microscopy under nonischemic conditions. Each cell served as its own control.

RESULTS

After equilibration in 37 degrees C physiologic buffer (Tyrode's solution), exposure to 9 degrees C St. Thomas' Hospital solution for 20 minutes caused human atrial cells to swell by 20% and rabbit atrial cells to swell by 10%. Cell volume fully recovered on rewarming in 37 degrees C physiologic solution. Cell swelling was due to the composition of St. Thomas' Hospital solution rather than hypothermia alone. Exposure to 9 degrees C physiologic solution did not significantly affect cell volume. Swelling of myocytes was largely prevented by replacing most of the Cl- in St. Thomas' Hospital solution with an impermeant anion so that the product of the concentrations of K+ and Cl- were the same as in the physiologic solution.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that cell swelling during hypothermic cardioplegia is caused in part by the composition of the cardioplegic solution. The volume of cardiac myocytes appears to follow a Donnan equilibrium in the cold, and the perfusate KCl product determines water movement. Thus, the tonicity of hyperkalemic cardioplegic solutions can be adjusted to a physiologic value by replacing most Cl- by an impermeant anion. Following this simple principle, a reformulation of cardioplegic solutions may be able to minimize iatrogenic myocardial edema.

[Dynamic left intraventricular obstruction after reconstructive mitral valve surgery]

A 71-years-old patient, undergoing mitral valve repair for degenerative valvulopathy and correction of pectus excavatus experienced a cardiogenic shock after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. The shock occurred after calcium chloride administration and was unresponsive to inotropic drugs. Transoesophageal echocardiography showed left ventricular outflow tract obstruction due to systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve. Discontinuation of inotropic drugs and volume expansion restored the haemodynamic status. By its haemodynamic effects calcium chloride can cause left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, recognized by transoesophageal echocardiography.

Calcinosis cutis following calcium chloride electrode paste application for auditory-brainstem evoked potentials recording

Circumscribed calcification in the dermis (calcinosis cutis) has been reported following electroencephalographic and electromyographic studies at sites of electrode placement following application of an electrode paste containing calcium chloride. Prolonged exposure and skin microabrasions seem to increase the risk of this rare complication of electrode placement, which has not been previously reported following auditory brainstem evoked potential recordings. We report the appearance of localized dermal calcifications at the sites of electrode placement (forehead and retroauricular areas) following auditory brainstem evoked potential recordings in two children, aged 3 and 2 years, respectively. In both cases the electrodes were applied after gentle scrubbing with an ethanol-impregnated gauze and interposition of a calcium chloride bentonite magma paste. The recording took about 1 hour. Erythematous macules and plaques ranging from 4 to 12 mm in diameter, studded with small stony excrescences, appeared at the areas of electrode application 1 and 5 days later, respectively. Histopathologic study of 4 mm punch biopsy specimens showed amorphous dermal deposits of calcium salts. There was superficial ulceration and transepidermal elimination of the calcium deposits, as well as a foreign body tissue reaction in the surrounding dermis. In both patients small stony pellets were extruded during the healing process, which took 11 and 9 weeks, respectively, and left no scars.

Skin injuries afflicting three oil workers following contact with calcium bromide and/or calcium chloride

Calcium bromide brine is a highly concentrated aqueous solution of calcium bromide and calcium chloride. It is used extensively in the oil industry. This solution and its components are recognized as causes of skin injury and information is available from the manufacturers on their safe use and handling. Two patients who were injured following unprotected skin exposure to this solution and one patient who was injured following exposure to calcium chloride powder are reported. All sustained skin injuries characterised by an absence of pain and a delayed clinical appearance of the full extent of the injury. Furthermore healing was complicated by graft loss or was slow. Although organic bromine compounds are recognized as a cause of skin injuries, no previous reports of such injuries to humans secondary to calcium chloride or bromide exposure were found in the medical literature. Our experience with these patients is described.

Effect of calcium addition and acidification on the quality characteristics of canned okra (Hibiscus esculentus L)

A study was conducted on calcium chloride treatments of canned okra acidified by adding either acetic, citric, lactic, malic or tartaric acids or by lactic fermentation. The quality of the processed okra was determined by physical, chemical, microbiological and sensory analyses after a two month storage period at room temperature. The results indicated the possibility of processing high quality canned okra by small canneries, with low cost equipment and low energy requirements. The acidification procedures ensure minimal risk of botulism.

Adverse effects of crystalloid cardioplegia and slow cooling for protection of immature rat hearts

BACKGROUND

Studies on the benefit of methods for protection of the hypertrophied immature myocardium are rare and controversial.

METHODS

We assessed the effects of (1) rapid cooling by topical hypothermia alone, (2) slow prearrest cooling by coronary perfusion hypothermia, and (3) cardioplegic cardiac arrest with St. Thomas' Hospital solution no. 2 for protection of isolated immature rat hearts (age, 28 days) during 8 hours of global ischemia at 10 degrees C. Myocardial hypertrophy was induced noninvasively by lifelong feeding of a low iron diet. Recovery of left ventricular function, metabolism, and myocardial fine structure were assessed.

RESULTS

In hypertrophied hearts, protection by topical hypothermia alone resulted in significantly improved postischemic recoveries of maximum left ventricular pressure and rate of pressure rise compared with the method of slow cooling or application of cardioplegia (40.6% +/- 5.0% and 38.1% +/- 5.9%, mean +/- standard error of the mean; p < 0.05). The same pattern of recovery was observed among nonhypertrophied control hearts. Regardless of the method of protection, hypertrophied hearts revealed a significantly larger interstitial space at the end of reperfusion than control hearts. In hypertrophied hearts, postischemic adenosine triphosphate concentrations were higher with topical hypothermia alone for protection than with the other methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Rapid cooling by topical hypothermia alone provides superior protection of hypertrophied immature rat hearts as compared with slow prearrest cooling. Application of St. Thomas' Hospital cardioplegic solution no. 2 does not improve protection and even hinders postischemic functional recovery.

Development of ventricular fibrillation after intravenous calcium chloride administration in a patient with supraventricular tachycardia

The i.v. administration of calcium before or shortly after treatment of supraventricular tachycardia with verapamil has been suggested to counteract a hypotensive response to verapamil. We discuss the case of a patient who presented to the emergency department with an accelerated wide-complex tachycardia and minimal symptoms. Immediately after i.v. administration, of 1 g calcium chloride as pretreatment for verapamil administration, ventricular fibrillation developed. Emergency physicians should be aware of potential dangers after the administration of i.v. calcium preparations when trying to prevent known hypotensive side effects of i.v. verapamil administration.

Calcinosis cutis following liver transplantation: a complication of intravenous calcium administration

Calcinosis cutis may be a complication of administration of intravenous calcium solutions. We report four patients who developed calcinosis cutis following orthotopic liver transplantation, all of whom had received calcium chloride solutions intravenously during surgery. There was no evidence of extravasation of the solutions. A gradual improvement of the lesions was seen in the subsequent months. This complication of intravenous calcium infusions is probably related to the large amounts of blood-derived products and of calcium salts administered during surgery.

Time course of perfusion-induced myocardial edema resolution in rats

Previous studies have demonstrated that crystalloid coronary perfusion can cause myocardial edema, but the time required for resolution of this edema has not been defined. Accordingly, studies were conducted in 30 rats. Myocardial edema was induced by coronary perfusion with 20 cc/kg of Plegisol (294 mOsm/liter) during aortic occlusion, which produced diastolic arrest. This was followed by whole blood reperfusion, which restored normal contractile function. Duration of reperfusion in minutes was zero (group 0, n = 6), one (group 1, n = 6), five (group 5, n = 6), or fifteen (group 15, n = 6). A control group (n = 6) was studied without edema or reperfusion. Data included heart weight and myocardial water content. Left ventricular pressure-volume curves were measured in groups 1, 5, and 15. Myocardial water content increased significantly from 75.7 +/- 0.5% (SD) in the control group to 79.7 +/- 1.1% (P < 0.05) in group 0 and then decreased significantly to 77.3 +/- 0.7, 75.2 +/- 1.4, and 75.3 +/- 1.6% in groups 1, 5, and 15, respectively. Water content in group 1 was also significantly greater than in groups 5 and 15. Heart weight changes were not statistically significant. Normalized pressure-volume relationships shifted rightward with increasing reperfusion time, but changes were not statistically significant. We conclude that edema induced by crystalloid coronary perfusion of the arrested heart resolves in the beating heart after less than 5 min of blood reperfusion.

Tolerance of epicardial coronary endothelium and smooth muscle to hyperkalemia

Results of previous studies have suggested that high K+ concentrations in cardioplegic solutions may be detrimental to coronary endothelium in perfused hearts, as determined from changes in the coronary flow rate, but the direct functional changes in endothelium secondary to hyperkalemia have not been fully studied. To determine the effect of the K+ concentration in a physiologic solution (Krebs') and in St. Thomas' cardioplegic solution, and the effect of exposure time on endothelium and smooth muscle, porcine coronary artery rings were set up in organ baths under a physiologic pressure. The effect of exposure to Krebs' solution containing 5.9 or 50 mmol/L K+ or to St. Thomas' solution containing 16 or 50 mmol/L K+, for either 2 hours (group I) or 4 hours (group II), was examined. The solutions were continuously aerated with 95% oxygen and 5% carbon dioxide to exclude the effects of ischemia and hypoxia. The rings were then washed and contracted with K+ (25 mmol/L). The ability to release endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) in response to an EDRF stimulus (substance P) was used as an index of endothelial function. Smooth muscle function was evaluated in terms of the K(+)-induced contraction force and the relaxation induced with glyceryl trinitrate, in addition to the maximal substance P-induced relaxation. The maximal relaxation induced by substance P did not decrease by incubation with 50 mmol/L K+ in any group (p > 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Haemodynamic evaluation of retrograde versus anterograde delivery of cardioplegic solution in aortic valve replacement

A total of 44 patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement received either anterograde (20 patients) or retrograde (24 patients), cold St Thomas's Hospital cardioplegia. The patients were similar with respect to age, sex, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular-aortic pressure gradient, cross-clamping time and mean dose of cardioplegia. After surgery, there were no differences in enzyme release, low cardiac output syndrome, rhythm disturbances or clinical outcome between the two groups. Analysis of the postoperative haemodynamic data, however, suggests better preservation of left ventricular contractility with retrograde delivery of cardioplegic solution.

Oral administration of calcium salts for treatment of hypocalcemia in cattle

Milk fever is usually treated by i.v. administration of 8 to 10 g of Ca. Oral Ca salts have been suggested as an alternate treatment for milk fever. In our studies, plasma Ca concentration changes effected by various oral Ca preparations were compared. Solutions were administered by oral drenching of cows, and blood was obtained hourly. Calcium chloride increased plasma Ca better than Ca propionate, which increased plasma Ca better than Ca carbonate. A CaCl2 gel formulation increased plasma Ca better than Ca carbonate, but not as well as did Ca propionate. Concentrated solutions of Ca as CaCl2 increased plasma Ca better than diluted solutions. Rumen bypass of Ca salts increased plasma Ca concentration more than when Ca salts were placed into the rumen. Oral administration of 50 g of Ca as CaCl2 raised plasma Ca concentrations to the same extent as 4 g of Ca as CaCl2 given i.v. We also examined effects of oral Ca salts on plasma Ca concentrations of hypocalcemic periparturient cows and found that oral Ca treatment could treat mild cases of hypocalcemia. We also caution that CaCl2 use must be limited because excessive amounts cause severe metabolic acidosis.