Rate of cerebrospinal fluid formation, resistance to reabsorption of cerebrospinal fluid, brain tissue water content, and electroencephalogram during desflurane anesthesia in dogs

Propofol decreases intraocular pressure (IOP) and the IOP response to laryngoscopy and intubation, but the mechanisms responsible for this effect have not been reported. The present study examined the effect of propofol on IOP, intraocular fluid formation and outflow facility, and intraocular compliance. Twenty-two white New Zealand rabbits were anesthetized with halothane (0.8%-1.0% inspired concentration) in nitrous oxide (2 L/min) and oxygen (1 L/min). Muscle paralysis was established with pancuronium, and the lungs were mechanically ventilated through a tracheal tube. Twelve rabbits examined under these conditions served as controls. In the treatment group (n = 10), 6 mg/kg propofol followed by 18 mg.kg-1 x h-1 propofol intravenously was added to halothane/nitrous oxide/oxygen anesthesia. In both groups, a series of intraocular infusions was made via a 30-gauge needle in the anterior chamber, and IOP, the rate of aqueous humor formation (Fa), and trabecular outflow facility (Ctr) were determined using conventional analysis. These same measures, as well as intraocular compliance, were determined using a new method of analysis adapted from the manometric technique for determining cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. IOP was 11.3 +/- 1.8 mm Hg (mean +/- SD) in halothane-anesthetized controls and decreased to 9.4 +/- 2.2 mm Hg when propofol was added to halothane anesthesia (P < 0.05). By conventional analysis, Fa was 2.82 +/- 0.94 microL/min and Ctr was 0.121 +/- 0.044 microL.min-1 x mm Hg-1 in controls. After addition of propofol, Fa decreased by 24% to 2.15 +/- 0.62 microL/min (P < 0.05) and Ctr decreased by 18% to 0.099 +/- 0.034 microL.min-1 x mm Hg-1 (P < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Salt-tolerant and thermostable alkaline protease from Bacillus subtilis NCIM no. 64

The proteolytic activity produced by a Bacillus subtilis isolated from a hot spring was investigated. Maximum protease production was obtained after 38 h of fermentation. Effects of various carbon and nitrogen sources indicate the requirement of starch and bacteriological peptone to be the best inducers for maximum protease production. Requirement for phosphorus was very evident, and the protease was secreted over a wide range of pH 5-11. The partially purified enzyme was stable at 60 degrees C for 30 min. Calcium ions were effective in stabilizing the enzyme, especially at higher temperature. The enzyme was extremely salt tolerant and retained 100% activity in 5M NaCl over 96 h. The molecular weight of the purified enzymes as determined by SDS-PAGE was 28,000. The enzyme was completely inactivated by PMSF, but little affected by urea, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and sodium tripoly phosphate.     

Large specimen bone embedment and cement line staining

Undecalcified embedment of large bone specimens is often challenging. A method is presented here that is suitable for methacrylate embedment of sections of canine vertebrae while retaining the ability to localize tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activity. Specimens also retained tetracycline labelling, and sectioned preparations were readily stained with routine bone procedures. A modification of the Bodian silver stain, used for examining the nerves and spinal cord in these specimens, provided a useful stain for canaliculi and cement lines in trabecular and cortical bone. This stain is advantageous when both bone and nerve tissue are of interest, as in spinal fusion studies.     

Magnetic resonance findings in skeletal muscle tears

Magnetic resonance (MR) images of skeletal muscle tears can clearly delineate the severity of muscle injury. Although MR imaging is seldom necessary in patients with acute muscle trauma, it can be helpful in deciding on clinical management. The two major MR findings in acute muscle tears are deformity of the muscle and the presence of abnormal signal reflecting hemorrhage and edema. In acute tears, methemoglobin within the extravascular blood causes high-signal areas on both T1- and T2-weighted images. With partial tears, the blood may dissect in a distinctive linear pattern along the muscle bundles and fibers. As healing begins, the muscle signal diminishes, first on the T1-weighted images and then on the T2-weighted images. When there is residual abnormal signal on images obtained more than several months after the injury, it is presumed to represent hemorrhage from recurrent tears. In patients with a questionable history of a remote injury, the clinical presentation may be that of persistent pain or a soft tissue mass. In these cases MR imaging may identify the cause of the pain and can exclude a neoplasm by proving that the mass is a hypertrophied or retracted muscle. Thus, MR imaging has a limited, but occasionally important role in selected patients with skeletal muscle tears.