Anesthesia and analgesia
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Jul 2007
Comparative StudyThe mechanism behind the inhibitory effect of isoflurane on angiotensin II-induced vascular contraction is different from that of sevoflurane.
Angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced vascular contraction is mediated both by a Ca(2+)-mediated signaling pathway and a Ca(2+) sensitization mechanism. We recently demonstrated that sevoflurane inhibits the contractile response to Ang II, mainly by inhibiting protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation that regulates myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity, without significant alteration of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in rat aortic smooth muscle. The current study was designed to determine the mechanisms by which isoflurane inhibits Ang II-induced contraction of rat aortic smooth muscle. ⋯ These results suggest that, unlike sevoflurane, the inhibitory effect of isoflurane on Ang II-induced contraction is mainly mediated by attenuation of the Ca(2+)-mediated signaling pathway.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Jul 2007
Case ReportsPneumothorax after coracoid infraclavicular brachial plexus block.
Several variations on the technique for infraclavicular brachial plexus block have been described. The coracoid infraclavicular technique has become popular because of easily identified landmarks, reliable distribution of blockade, and low risk of respiratory complications such as pneumothorax. We report a case of pneumothorax in a patient after a coracoid infraclavicular brachial plexus block. Subtleties in landmark identification and measurement may affect the risk of pneumothorax.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Jul 2007
Comment Letter Comparative StudyLateral or posterior popliteal approach for sciatic nerve block: difference is related to the anatomy.