The inhalational anesthetic isoflurane has been shown to protect against renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Previous studies demonstrated that isoflurane modulates sphingolipid metabolism in renal proximal tubule cells. We sought to determine whether isoflurane stimulates sphingosine kinase (SK) activity and synthesis of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in renal proximal tubule cells to media...

Incubation of membrane fragments bearing acetylcholine receptors from Torpedo californica under an atmosphere of 3% halothane, 1% chloroform, or 6% diethyl ether greatly facilitates the carbamoylcholine-induced structural transition of the acetylcholine receptor reflected by alterations in the rate of binding of (125)I-labeled alpha-bungarotoxin. The half-time of this ligand-induced conformatio...

This is a critical review of the reports of postoperative jaundice and liver necrosis that have been published during the past twenty-five years. Postoperative liver damage has the following causes: transmitted, provoked, or coincidental viral infections; acute sepsis and septicaemic states; blood transfusion; widespread vasoconstriction with hypotension lasting more than twenty-four hours; all...

In October 2001, two inhalational anthrax and four cutaneous anthrax cases, resulting from the processing of Bacillus anthracis-containing envelopes at a New Jersey mail facility, were identified. Subsequently, we initiated stimulated passive hospital-based and enhanced passive surveillance for anthrax-compatible syndromes. From October 24 to December 17, 2001, hospitals reported 240,160 visits...

Isoflurane, the most widely used inhalational anesthetic, releases inorganic fluoride during its metabolism by the cytochrome P450 system. Recent experimental data indicate that when cultured proximal tubular cells are exposed to inorganic fluoride, they become relatively resistant to myoglobin- and ATP depletion-mediated attack. The present study was undertaken to assess whether isoflurane ane...

Eleven known cases of bioterrorism-related inhalational anthrax (IA) were treated in the United States during 2001. We retrospectively compared 2 methods that have been proposed to screen for IA. The 2 screening protocols for IA were applied to the emergency department charts of patients who presented with possible signs or symptoms of IA at Inova Fairfax Hospital (Falls Church, Virginia) from ...

Using succinylcholine and inhalation agents for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy is extremely risky. Those risks include heart failure, cardiac dysrhythmias, rhabdomyolysis and malignant hyperthermia. Even in emergent situations, such as intraoperative bronchospasm, succinylcholine and inhalational agents are often considered contraindicated. Nevertheless, if intraoperative bronchospas...

This review assesses the extent to which sevoflurane fulfills the requirements of the ideal inhalational agent for use in neuroanesthetic practice. Sevoflurane's pharmacokinetic profile is outlined. Data from animal and human studies are used to discuss its effects on cerebral hemodynamics, central nervous system monitoring, and cardiovascular parameters. Where possible, sevoflurane is compared...