Anesthesiology
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Dexmedetomidine is only approved for use in humans as an intravenous medication. An oral formulation may broaden the use and benefits of dexmedetomidine to numerous care settings. The authors hypothesized that oral dexmedetomidine (300 mcg to 700 mcg) would result in plasma concentrations consistent with sedation while maintaining hemodynamic stability. ⋯ Oral administration of dexmedetomidine in doses between 300 and 700 mcg was associated with decreases in heart rate and mean arterial pressure. Despite low oral absorption, the 700-mcg dose scheme reached clinically relevant concentrations for possible use as a sleep-enhancing medication.
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Acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3) upregulation has been reported in dorsal root ganglion neurons after incision and contributes to postoperative nociception. This study hypothesized that upregulation of ASIC3 in incised tissues is induced by nerve growth factor through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway. ⋯ Acid-sensing ion channel 3 overexpression in incisions contributes to postoperative guarding and mechanical nociception. Bidirectional transport of ASIC3 between incised tissues and dorsal root ganglion neurons occurs through the sciatic nerve. Nerve growth factor regulates ASIC3 expression after plantar incision through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway.