Adaptation to intermittent high altitude hypoxia (IHAH) increases tolerance of the isolated neonatal rat heart to ischemia and potentiates protection induced by ischemic preconditioning. In addition to the protective effect, IHAH significantly reduces growth of the animals. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to find out whether low body weight per se might influence cardiac sensitivit...

Immune mechanisms contribute to cerebral ischemic injury. Therapeutic immunosuppressive options are limited due to systemic side effects. We attempted to achieve immunosuppression in the brain through oral tolerance to myelin basic protein (MBP). Lewis rats were fed low-dose bovine MBP or ovalbumin (1 mg, five times) before 3 h of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). A third group of animal...

The prevention of BBB breakdown and the subsequent vasogenic edema are important parts of the medical management of ischemic stroke. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ischemic tolerance effect of Rosmarinus officinalis leaf hydro-alcoholic extract (RHE). Five groups of animals were designed: sham (underwent surgery without MCAO) and MCAO groups, the MCAO groups were pretreated or...

Electroacupuncture, the integration of traditional Chinese acupuncture and modern electrotherapy, has been used for clinical treatment of cerebral ischemic disease in both eastern and western countries; however, the mechanism underlying its effects is still unknown. It is well known that excessive glutamate results in neuronal excitotoxicity after ischemic stroke. Previous studies have indicate...

The ability of diving mammals to forage at depth on a breath hold of air is dependent on gas exchange, both in the lung and in peripheral tissues. Anatomical and physiological adaptations in the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, blood and peripheral tissues contribute to the remarkable breath-hold capacities of these animals. The end results of these adaptations include efficient venti...