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Papers by babeth rabinowitz

Research paper thumbnail of Prostaglandin E1 Electrophysiological Safety in Patients With Congestive Heart Failure and Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease

American Journal of Therapeutics, 1997

Prostaglandin E ( 1 ) (PGE ( 1 ) ), the active ingredient of the drug alprostadil-alpha-cyclodext... more Prostaglandin E ( 1 ) (PGE ( 1 ) ), the active ingredient of the drug alprostadil-alpha-cyclodextrin, has been effective in mitigating the clinical manifestations of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). PGE ( 1 ) often is administered to patients with the potential for developing serious arrhythmias, presenting potential safety hazards if the drug caused or potentiated arrhythmias. However, PGE ( 1 ) has antiadrenergic properties and, theoretically, might have an antiarrhythmic action. Therefore, the effect of PGE ( 1 ) on frequency and severity of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias was evaluated from 48-hour electrocardiographic recordings in patients receiving PGE ( 1 ) therapy for severe PAOD. No significant effects on arrhythmia frequency or severity, and no evidence of proarrhythmia, was apparent after PGE ( 1 ) administration.

Research paper thumbnail of Prostaglandin E1 in Heart Disease

American Journal of Therapeutics, 1997

Research paper thumbnail of Frequency and clinical significance of anomalous origin of septal perforator coronary artery

The American Journal of Cardiology, 1986

Research paper thumbnail of Frequency and prognostic significance of secondary ventricular fibrillation complicating acute myocardial infarction

The American Journal of Cardiology, 1993

Research paper thumbnail of Anti-ischemic drugs reduce size of reversible defects in dipyridamole/submaximal exercise TI-201 SPECT imaging

J Nuclear Cardiology, 1997

Research paper thumbnail of Limb ischemia preconditions the heart against reperfusion tachyarrhythmia

American Journal of Physiology Heart and Circulatory Physiology, Oct 1, 1997

Oxman, Tatyana, Michael Arad, Rodica Klein, Natalie Avazov, and Babeth Rabinowitz. Limb ischemia ... more Oxman, Tatyana, Michael Arad, Rodica Klein, Natalie Avazov, and Babeth Rabinowitz. Limb ischemia preconditions the heart against reperfusion tachyarrhythmia. Am. J. Physiol. 273 (Heart Circ. Physiol. 42): H1707-H1712, 1997.-We investigated the hypothesis that a cardioprotective, antiarrhythmic effect might be obtained by brief ischemia of a remote part of the body before ischemia of the heart. Regional ischemia (RI) was induced in isolated Langendorff-perfused rat hearts: group I, 30-min RI and reperfusion (control hearts; n ϭ 18); group II, 5-min RI before 30-min RI (a reference group of ''classic'' ischemic preconditioning; n ϭ 12); and group III, ischemic preconditioning with in vivo 10-min limb ischemia (LI) before 30-min RI in the perfused heart (n ϭ 20). A significant decrease in reperfusion arrhythmia was found in groups II and III compared with group I (P Ͻ 0.02). Release of norepinephrine (NE) and prostacyclin was higher in hearts from animals pretreated with LI (P Ͻ 0.05). Prostacyclin increased in all groups at minute 1 of reperfusion, but there was no correlation to the antiarrhythmic effect. NE increased at the beginning of reperfusion after 30 min of ischemia; this release was significantly diminished after preconditioning with LI (P Ͻ 0.05). We further investigated the role of NE in preconditioning with LI using drug interventions. Pretreatment with exogenous NE protected against tachyarrhythmia. Reserpine given 24 h before LI partially abolished the antiarrhythmic effect of LI preconditioning. However, the ␣ 1 -adrenoreceptor blocker prazosin did not prevent the effect of LI preconditioning on either ischemic or reperfusion tachyarrhythmia. Therefore, brief ischemia of an extremity protects against reperfusion tachyarrhythmia. One of the humoral mediators involved in this response appears to be NE; others remain to be identified. ischemia at distance; cardioprotection; arrhythmia; humoral mediators; norepinephrine

Research paper thumbnail of Noninvasive assessment of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure by the response of the transmitral a-wave velocity to a standardized valsalva maneuver

Data Revues 00029149 V86i2 S0002914900008559, May 9, 2011

Impaired relaxation is frequently masked by elevated filling pressures, resulting in a pseudonorm... more Impaired relaxation is frequently masked by elevated filling pressures, resulting in a pseudonormal flow pattern (E/A >1.0). Because the E/A wave ratio increases as filling pressures rise, it is generally assumed that patients with an E/A ratio of <1.0 (impaired relaxation pattern) have relatively low filling pressures. Nevertheless, patients with an E/A ratio of <1.0 can have as profoundly elevated filling pressures as patients with a pseudonormal or restrictive filling pattern. Because left ventricular (LV) pressure during end-diastole essentially determines atrial afterload, the response of the A-wave velocity to a reduction of atrial afterload by a standardized Valsalva maneuver should allow estimation of LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) regardless of the baseline Doppler flow pattern. This was tested in 20 consecutive patients who were studied by pulse-wave Doppler echocardiography during cardiac catheterization. There was a close correlation between LVEDP and the change in A-wave velocity during the Valsalva maneuver (r ‫؍‬ 0.85, SEE 6.7 mm Hg) regardless of the baseline E/A ratio. In patients with a LVEDP of <15 mm Hg the A wave decreased by 21 ؎ 15 cm/s. In patients with a LVEDP of >25 mm Hg the A wave increased by 18 ؎ 13 cm/s. The change in the E/A ratio during Valsalva correlated fairly with LVEDP (r ‫؍‬ ؊0.72, SEE 8.8 mm Hg), the baseline E/A ratio correlated poorly, and scatter was substantial (r ‫؍‬ 0.46, SEE 11.2 mm Hg). Just as elevated filling pressures can mask impaired relaxation, the impaired relaxation pattern can mask the presence of elevated filling pressures. This can be revealed by testing the response of the A wave to the Valsalva maneuver, allowing estimation of LVEDP independent of the baseline E/A ratio. ᮊ2000

Research paper thumbnail of Myocardial and plasma levels of adenosine 3':5'-cyclic phosphate. Studies in experimental myocardial ischemia

Chest Journal, Jul 1, 1975

Alterations in myocardial and plasma levels of adenosine 3&amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;:5&amp;amp... more Alterations in myocardial and plasma levels of adenosine 3&amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;:5&amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;-cyclic phosphate (cyclic AMP) were studied following clamping of the aorta or coronary artery occlusion in 30 dogs. Plasma cyclic APM levels increased markedly after thoracotomy but returned to control levels two hours later. Complete arrest of aortic flow (clamping) induced a significant early increase in the myocardial cyclic AMP levels of all animals studied. No increase was noted following pretreatment with propranolol or sham-occlusion. After localized coronary occlusion, only modest and insignificant changes occurred in plasma cyclic AMP levels in anesthetized animals and also in conscious dogs. The present study suggests that adrenergically mediated changes in tissue cyclic AMP content are an early manifestation of both generalized and local myocardial ischemia, while the plasma cyclic AMP level is a relatively insensitive indicator of small coronary occlusions.

Research paper thumbnail of Acute myocardial infarction with isolated ST-segment elevation in posterior chest leads V 7�9

J Amer Coll Cardiol, 1999

OBJECTIVESThis study was done to determine whether electrocardiographic (ECG) isolated ST-segment... more OBJECTIVESThis study was done to determine whether electrocardiographic (ECG) isolated ST-segment elevation (ST↑) in posterior chest leads can establish the diagnosis of acute posterior infarction in patients with ischemic chest pain and to describe the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of these patients.BACKGROUNDThe absence of ST↑ on the standard 12-lead ECG in many patients with acute posterior infarction hampers the early diagnosis of these infarcts and thus may result in inadequate triage and treatment. Although 4% of all acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients reveal the presence of isolated ST↑ in posterior chest leads, the significance of this finding has not yet been determined.METHODSWe studied 33 consecutive patients with ischemic chest pain suggestive of AMI without ST↑ in the standard ECG who had isolated ST↑ in posterior chest leads V7 through V9. All patients had echocardiographic imaging within 48 h of admission, and 20 patients underwent coronary angiography.RESULTSAcute myocardial infarction was confirmed enzymatically in all patients and on discharge ECG pathologic Q-waves appeared in leads V7 through V9 in 75% of the patients. On echocardiography, posterior wall-motion abnormality was visible in 97% of the patients, and 69% had evidence of mitral regurgitation (MR), which was moderate or severe in one-third of the patients. Four patients (12%), all with significant MR, had heart failure, and one died from free-wall rupture. The circumflex coronary artery was the infarct related artery in all catheterized patients.CONCLUSIONSIsolated ST↑ in leads V7 through V9 identify patients with acute posterior wall myocardial infarction. Early identification of those patients is important for adequate triage and treatment of patients with ischemic chest pain without ST↑ on standard 12-lead ECG.

Research paper thumbnail of therapy by clinical markers of reperfusion The distinction between coronary and myocardial reperfusion after thrombolytic

Research paper thumbnail of Synthesis of prostaglandins (PGE2 and PGF2α) in organ cultures from ischemic endocardium and epicardium of dogs

Research paper thumbnail of Early T wave inversion after thrombolytic therapy predicts better coronary perfusion: Clinical and angiographic study☆

Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Aug 31, 1994

This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that early inversion of T waves after thrombolyt... more This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that early inversion of T waves after thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction predicts patency of the infarct-related artery with high Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) perfusion flow and better in-hospital outcome. Although numerous studies have demonstrated a strong association between early resolution of ST segment elevation after acute myocardial infarction and successful thrombolysis, little is known about early changes in T waves after thrombolytic therapy. Ninety-four consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) were studied with admission and predischarge radionuclide ventriculography and with coronary angiography within 72 h of admission. Patient stratification was based on the presence or absence of early (within 24 h) T wave inversion. Early T wave inversion was associated with a higher patency rate of the infarct-related artery (90% vs. 65%, p &lt; 0.02) and less severe residual stenosis ([mean +/- SD] 73 +/- 27 vs. 83 +/- 22, p = 0.06), and when only TIMI perfusion grade 3 was considered, the difference was even greater (77% vs. 41%, p &lt; 0.001). Patients with early inversion of T waves had a lower peak creatine kinase value ([mean +/- SD] 678 +/- 480 vs. 1,076 +/- 620, p &lt; 0.01), and although a similar percent of patients with and without early T wave inversion had a normal ejection fraction (&gt; or = 55%) on admission, a higher percent of patients with early inversion had a normal ejection fraction at hospital discharge (71% vs. 44%, p &lt; 0.03). Early T wave inversion anticipated a more benign in-hospital clinical course with a lower incidence of adverse cardiac events (10% vs. 33%, p &lt; 0.02). Early inversion of T waves in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with thrombolytic therapy suggests patency of the infarct-related artery, better perfusion grade and left ventricular function and a more benign in-hospital course.

Research paper thumbnail of Modulation of cardiac A1-adenosine receptors in rats following treatment with agents affecting heart rate

Molecular and cellular biochemistry, 2002

Effects of chronic treatment affecting heart rate on A1 adenosine receptor levels and their funct... more Effects of chronic treatment affecting heart rate on A1 adenosine receptor levels and their functions were studied. Treatment of rats with isoproterenol for 10 days accelerated heart rate and increased the level of adenosine receptors, in both the atria and ventricles. Negative dromotropic response of isolated heart to adenosine was enhanced in isoproterenol-treated rats. Similar results were obtained following treatment with atropine sulfate, or swimming training but not after treatment with thyroxine. On the other hand, treatment with amiodarone, which normally causes a decrease in heart rate, also increased the level of adenosine receptors in both atria and ventricles. The sensitivity of the isolated heart to the negative dromotropic and chronotropic effects of adenosine was not enhanced in the amiodarone treated rats. Similar results were obtained following treatment with propranolol, while treatment with PTU (6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil) increased adenosine sensitivity in the isola...

Research paper thumbnail of A system for the measurement of drop volume of intravenous solutions

[1989] Proceedings. Computers in Cardiology, 1990

Research paper thumbnail of A prospective national survey of management and clinical outcome of acute myocardial infarction in Israel, 2000

The Israel Medical Association journal : IMAJ, 2003

Little information is available on the clinical practice and implementation of guidelines for tre... more Little information is available on the clinical practice and implementation of guidelines for treating acute myocardial infarction patients in Israel. To assess patient characteristics, hospital course, management, and 30 day clinical outcome of all AMI patients hospitalized in Israel during a 2 month period in 2000. We conducted a prospective 2 month survey of consecutive AMI patients admitted to 82 of 96 internal medicine departments and all 26 cardiac departments operating in Israel in 2000. Data were collected uniformly by means of a hospital and 30 day follow-up form. During the survey 1,683 consecutive patients with a discharge diagnosis of AMI were included. Their mean age was 66 years; 73% were male. The electrocardiographic pattern on admission revealed ST elevation, non-ST elevation and an undetermined ECG in 63%, 34% and 4% of patients respectively. Aspirin and heparin were given to 95% of patients. Beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were given to ...

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of oral magnesium therapy on exercise tolerance, exercise-induced chest pain, and quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease

The American journal of cardiology, 2003

Previous studies have demonstrated that magnesium supplementation improves endothelial function i... more Previous studies have demonstrated that magnesium supplementation improves endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the impact on clinical outcomes, such as exercise-induced chest pain, exercise tolerance, and quality of life, has not been established. In a multicenter, multinational, prospective, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial, 187 patients with CAD (151 men, 36 women; mean +/- SD age 63 +/- 10 years, range 42 to 83) were randomized to receive either oral magnesium 15 mmol twice daily (Magnosolv-Granulat, total magnesium 365 mg provided as magnesium citrate) (n = 94) or placebo (n = 93) for 6 months. Symptom-limited exercise testing (Bruce protocol) and responses given on quality-of-life questionnaires were the outcomes measured. Magnesium therapy significantly increased intracellular magnesium levels ([Mg]i) in a substudy of 106 patients at 6 months compared with placebo (35.5 +/- 3.7 vs 32.6 +/- 2.9 mEq/L, p = 0.0151). M...

Research paper thumbnail of In vivo assessment of the inotropic and toxic effects of oxidized ouabain

Basic research in cardiology

Oxidized ouabain, a product of the oxidative cleavage of the rhamnose ring in ouabain has been fo... more Oxidized ouabain, a product of the oxidative cleavage of the rhamnose ring in ouabain has been found to have a higher inotropic toxic ratio in cultured cardiac myocytes. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of oxidized ouabain in comparison with ouabain in intact animals. Drugs were infused to healthy cats; the positive inotropic effect, and the time-course of development of arrhythmia were followed and recorded until death. Oxidized ouabain was associated with a higher increase in arterial blood pressure, a mean increase of 41 +/- 19% as compared with 21 +/- 8% in the ouabain group (p < 0.10). There were no significant differences in maximal increases of dP/dt or dP/dt/P (65 +/- 29%, 28 +/- 10% for oxidized ouabain and 49 +/- 16%, 27 +/- 11% for ouabain, respectively). The mean doses causing persistent arrhythmia (toxic dose) were 93 +/- 23 micrograms/kg of oxidized ouabain vs 39 +/- 14 micrograms/kg of ouabain. Lethal arrhythmias were produced by 2...

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Intravenous Isosorbide Dinitrate on Filling Pressures and Pump Function in Patients with Refractory Pump Failure

Developments in Cardiovascular Medicine, 1980

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Uncomplicated Acute Myocardial Infarction on Biochemical Parameters of Stress and Sexual Function

Psychosomatics, 1991

The blood levels of several &quot;stress indicators&quot; (prolactin [PRL], growth hormon... more The blood levels of several &quot;stress indicators&quot; (prolactin [PRL], growth hormone [hGH], total catecholamines, and adenosine 3&#39;,5&#39;-cyclic monophosphate [cAMP]) were measured in men during the first 2 weeks of uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and during a 3-month follow-up period. PRL levels were significantly elevated during the first day, and hGH was elevated during the week after the AMI. The levels returned to the control baseline values thereafter. The levels of the total catecholamines and cAMP in blood remained normal throughout the study period. Sexual function during the 3-month follow-up was measured in 29 patients, using a specially designed questionnaire. Impotence was found in five patients and decreased libido in four. No correlation was noted between PRL values, the other stress indicators, and sexual dysfunction. A trend toward increased incidence of sexual dysfunction was found among patients with recurrent AMI.

Research paper thumbnail of Protaglandins and the antiarrhythmic effect of preconditioning in the isolated rat heart

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, 1996

Our study evaluated the relationship between the endogenous production ofprostacyclin and the ant... more Our study evaluated the relationship between the endogenous production ofprostacyclin and the antiarrhythmic effect of ischemic preconditioning against ischemic and reperfusion-induced tachyarrhythmia. Langendorffperfused rat hearts underwent 30 rain regional ischemia with reperfusion. Preconditioning was induced by a single episode of 5 min ischemia and 15 min reperfusion. Prostaglandin 6-keto Flc ~ (a stable metabolite ofprostacyclin) was determined in the coronary effluent.

Research paper thumbnail of Prostaglandin E1 Electrophysiological Safety in Patients With Congestive Heart Failure and Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease

American Journal of Therapeutics, 1997

Prostaglandin E ( 1 ) (PGE ( 1 ) ), the active ingredient of the drug alprostadil-alpha-cyclodext... more Prostaglandin E ( 1 ) (PGE ( 1 ) ), the active ingredient of the drug alprostadil-alpha-cyclodextrin, has been effective in mitigating the clinical manifestations of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). PGE ( 1 ) often is administered to patients with the potential for developing serious arrhythmias, presenting potential safety hazards if the drug caused or potentiated arrhythmias. However, PGE ( 1 ) has antiadrenergic properties and, theoretically, might have an antiarrhythmic action. Therefore, the effect of PGE ( 1 ) on frequency and severity of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias was evaluated from 48-hour electrocardiographic recordings in patients receiving PGE ( 1 ) therapy for severe PAOD. No significant effects on arrhythmia frequency or severity, and no evidence of proarrhythmia, was apparent after PGE ( 1 ) administration.

Research paper thumbnail of Prostaglandin E1 in Heart Disease

American Journal of Therapeutics, 1997

Research paper thumbnail of Frequency and clinical significance of anomalous origin of septal perforator coronary artery

The American Journal of Cardiology, 1986

Research paper thumbnail of Frequency and prognostic significance of secondary ventricular fibrillation complicating acute myocardial infarction

The American Journal of Cardiology, 1993

Research paper thumbnail of Anti-ischemic drugs reduce size of reversible defects in dipyridamole/submaximal exercise TI-201 SPECT imaging

J Nuclear Cardiology, 1997

Research paper thumbnail of Limb ischemia preconditions the heart against reperfusion tachyarrhythmia

American Journal of Physiology Heart and Circulatory Physiology, Oct 1, 1997

Oxman, Tatyana, Michael Arad, Rodica Klein, Natalie Avazov, and Babeth Rabinowitz. Limb ischemia ... more Oxman, Tatyana, Michael Arad, Rodica Klein, Natalie Avazov, and Babeth Rabinowitz. Limb ischemia preconditions the heart against reperfusion tachyarrhythmia. Am. J. Physiol. 273 (Heart Circ. Physiol. 42): H1707-H1712, 1997.-We investigated the hypothesis that a cardioprotective, antiarrhythmic effect might be obtained by brief ischemia of a remote part of the body before ischemia of the heart. Regional ischemia (RI) was induced in isolated Langendorff-perfused rat hearts: group I, 30-min RI and reperfusion (control hearts; n ϭ 18); group II, 5-min RI before 30-min RI (a reference group of ''classic'' ischemic preconditioning; n ϭ 12); and group III, ischemic preconditioning with in vivo 10-min limb ischemia (LI) before 30-min RI in the perfused heart (n ϭ 20). A significant decrease in reperfusion arrhythmia was found in groups II and III compared with group I (P Ͻ 0.02). Release of norepinephrine (NE) and prostacyclin was higher in hearts from animals pretreated with LI (P Ͻ 0.05). Prostacyclin increased in all groups at minute 1 of reperfusion, but there was no correlation to the antiarrhythmic effect. NE increased at the beginning of reperfusion after 30 min of ischemia; this release was significantly diminished after preconditioning with LI (P Ͻ 0.05). We further investigated the role of NE in preconditioning with LI using drug interventions. Pretreatment with exogenous NE protected against tachyarrhythmia. Reserpine given 24 h before LI partially abolished the antiarrhythmic effect of LI preconditioning. However, the ␣ 1 -adrenoreceptor blocker prazosin did not prevent the effect of LI preconditioning on either ischemic or reperfusion tachyarrhythmia. Therefore, brief ischemia of an extremity protects against reperfusion tachyarrhythmia. One of the humoral mediators involved in this response appears to be NE; others remain to be identified. ischemia at distance; cardioprotection; arrhythmia; humoral mediators; norepinephrine

Research paper thumbnail of Noninvasive assessment of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure by the response of the transmitral a-wave velocity to a standardized valsalva maneuver

Data Revues 00029149 V86i2 S0002914900008559, May 9, 2011

Impaired relaxation is frequently masked by elevated filling pressures, resulting in a pseudonorm... more Impaired relaxation is frequently masked by elevated filling pressures, resulting in a pseudonormal flow pattern (E/A >1.0). Because the E/A wave ratio increases as filling pressures rise, it is generally assumed that patients with an E/A ratio of <1.0 (impaired relaxation pattern) have relatively low filling pressures. Nevertheless, patients with an E/A ratio of <1.0 can have as profoundly elevated filling pressures as patients with a pseudonormal or restrictive filling pattern. Because left ventricular (LV) pressure during end-diastole essentially determines atrial afterload, the response of the A-wave velocity to a reduction of atrial afterload by a standardized Valsalva maneuver should allow estimation of LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) regardless of the baseline Doppler flow pattern. This was tested in 20 consecutive patients who were studied by pulse-wave Doppler echocardiography during cardiac catheterization. There was a close correlation between LVEDP and the change in A-wave velocity during the Valsalva maneuver (r ‫؍‬ 0.85, SEE 6.7 mm Hg) regardless of the baseline E/A ratio. In patients with a LVEDP of <15 mm Hg the A wave decreased by 21 ؎ 15 cm/s. In patients with a LVEDP of >25 mm Hg the A wave increased by 18 ؎ 13 cm/s. The change in the E/A ratio during Valsalva correlated fairly with LVEDP (r ‫؍‬ ؊0.72, SEE 8.8 mm Hg), the baseline E/A ratio correlated poorly, and scatter was substantial (r ‫؍‬ 0.46, SEE 11.2 mm Hg). Just as elevated filling pressures can mask impaired relaxation, the impaired relaxation pattern can mask the presence of elevated filling pressures. This can be revealed by testing the response of the A wave to the Valsalva maneuver, allowing estimation of LVEDP independent of the baseline E/A ratio. ᮊ2000

Research paper thumbnail of Myocardial and plasma levels of adenosine 3':5'-cyclic phosphate. Studies in experimental myocardial ischemia

Chest Journal, Jul 1, 1975

Alterations in myocardial and plasma levels of adenosine 3&amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;:5&amp;amp... more Alterations in myocardial and plasma levels of adenosine 3&amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;:5&amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;-cyclic phosphate (cyclic AMP) were studied following clamping of the aorta or coronary artery occlusion in 30 dogs. Plasma cyclic APM levels increased markedly after thoracotomy but returned to control levels two hours later. Complete arrest of aortic flow (clamping) induced a significant early increase in the myocardial cyclic AMP levels of all animals studied. No increase was noted following pretreatment with propranolol or sham-occlusion. After localized coronary occlusion, only modest and insignificant changes occurred in plasma cyclic AMP levels in anesthetized animals and also in conscious dogs. The present study suggests that adrenergically mediated changes in tissue cyclic AMP content are an early manifestation of both generalized and local myocardial ischemia, while the plasma cyclic AMP level is a relatively insensitive indicator of small coronary occlusions.

Research paper thumbnail of Acute myocardial infarction with isolated ST-segment elevation in posterior chest leads V 7�9

J Amer Coll Cardiol, 1999

OBJECTIVESThis study was done to determine whether electrocardiographic (ECG) isolated ST-segment... more OBJECTIVESThis study was done to determine whether electrocardiographic (ECG) isolated ST-segment elevation (ST↑) in posterior chest leads can establish the diagnosis of acute posterior infarction in patients with ischemic chest pain and to describe the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of these patients.BACKGROUNDThe absence of ST↑ on the standard 12-lead ECG in many patients with acute posterior infarction hampers the early diagnosis of these infarcts and thus may result in inadequate triage and treatment. Although 4% of all acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients reveal the presence of isolated ST↑ in posterior chest leads, the significance of this finding has not yet been determined.METHODSWe studied 33 consecutive patients with ischemic chest pain suggestive of AMI without ST↑ in the standard ECG who had isolated ST↑ in posterior chest leads V7 through V9. All patients had echocardiographic imaging within 48 h of admission, and 20 patients underwent coronary angiography.RESULTSAcute myocardial infarction was confirmed enzymatically in all patients and on discharge ECG pathologic Q-waves appeared in leads V7 through V9 in 75% of the patients. On echocardiography, posterior wall-motion abnormality was visible in 97% of the patients, and 69% had evidence of mitral regurgitation (MR), which was moderate or severe in one-third of the patients. Four patients (12%), all with significant MR, had heart failure, and one died from free-wall rupture. The circumflex coronary artery was the infarct related artery in all catheterized patients.CONCLUSIONSIsolated ST↑ in leads V7 through V9 identify patients with acute posterior wall myocardial infarction. Early identification of those patients is important for adequate triage and treatment of patients with ischemic chest pain without ST↑ on standard 12-lead ECG.

Research paper thumbnail of therapy by clinical markers of reperfusion The distinction between coronary and myocardial reperfusion after thrombolytic

Research paper thumbnail of Synthesis of prostaglandins (PGE2 and PGF2α) in organ cultures from ischemic endocardium and epicardium of dogs

Research paper thumbnail of Early T wave inversion after thrombolytic therapy predicts better coronary perfusion: Clinical and angiographic study☆

Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Aug 31, 1994

This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that early inversion of T waves after thrombolyt... more This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that early inversion of T waves after thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction predicts patency of the infarct-related artery with high Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) perfusion flow and better in-hospital outcome. Although numerous studies have demonstrated a strong association between early resolution of ST segment elevation after acute myocardial infarction and successful thrombolysis, little is known about early changes in T waves after thrombolytic therapy. Ninety-four consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) were studied with admission and predischarge radionuclide ventriculography and with coronary angiography within 72 h of admission. Patient stratification was based on the presence or absence of early (within 24 h) T wave inversion. Early T wave inversion was associated with a higher patency rate of the infarct-related artery (90% vs. 65%, p &lt; 0.02) and less severe residual stenosis ([mean +/- SD] 73 +/- 27 vs. 83 +/- 22, p = 0.06), and when only TIMI perfusion grade 3 was considered, the difference was even greater (77% vs. 41%, p &lt; 0.001). Patients with early inversion of T waves had a lower peak creatine kinase value ([mean +/- SD] 678 +/- 480 vs. 1,076 +/- 620, p &lt; 0.01), and although a similar percent of patients with and without early T wave inversion had a normal ejection fraction (&gt; or = 55%) on admission, a higher percent of patients with early inversion had a normal ejection fraction at hospital discharge (71% vs. 44%, p &lt; 0.03). Early T wave inversion anticipated a more benign in-hospital clinical course with a lower incidence of adverse cardiac events (10% vs. 33%, p &lt; 0.02). Early inversion of T waves in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with thrombolytic therapy suggests patency of the infarct-related artery, better perfusion grade and left ventricular function and a more benign in-hospital course.

Research paper thumbnail of Modulation of cardiac A1-adenosine receptors in rats following treatment with agents affecting heart rate

Molecular and cellular biochemistry, 2002

Effects of chronic treatment affecting heart rate on A1 adenosine receptor levels and their funct... more Effects of chronic treatment affecting heart rate on A1 adenosine receptor levels and their functions were studied. Treatment of rats with isoproterenol for 10 days accelerated heart rate and increased the level of adenosine receptors, in both the atria and ventricles. Negative dromotropic response of isolated heart to adenosine was enhanced in isoproterenol-treated rats. Similar results were obtained following treatment with atropine sulfate, or swimming training but not after treatment with thyroxine. On the other hand, treatment with amiodarone, which normally causes a decrease in heart rate, also increased the level of adenosine receptors in both atria and ventricles. The sensitivity of the isolated heart to the negative dromotropic and chronotropic effects of adenosine was not enhanced in the amiodarone treated rats. Similar results were obtained following treatment with propranolol, while treatment with PTU (6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil) increased adenosine sensitivity in the isola...

Research paper thumbnail of A system for the measurement of drop volume of intravenous solutions

[1989] Proceedings. Computers in Cardiology, 1990

Research paper thumbnail of A prospective national survey of management and clinical outcome of acute myocardial infarction in Israel, 2000

The Israel Medical Association journal : IMAJ, 2003

Little information is available on the clinical practice and implementation of guidelines for tre... more Little information is available on the clinical practice and implementation of guidelines for treating acute myocardial infarction patients in Israel. To assess patient characteristics, hospital course, management, and 30 day clinical outcome of all AMI patients hospitalized in Israel during a 2 month period in 2000. We conducted a prospective 2 month survey of consecutive AMI patients admitted to 82 of 96 internal medicine departments and all 26 cardiac departments operating in Israel in 2000. Data were collected uniformly by means of a hospital and 30 day follow-up form. During the survey 1,683 consecutive patients with a discharge diagnosis of AMI were included. Their mean age was 66 years; 73% were male. The electrocardiographic pattern on admission revealed ST elevation, non-ST elevation and an undetermined ECG in 63%, 34% and 4% of patients respectively. Aspirin and heparin were given to 95% of patients. Beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were given to ...

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of oral magnesium therapy on exercise tolerance, exercise-induced chest pain, and quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease

The American journal of cardiology, 2003

Previous studies have demonstrated that magnesium supplementation improves endothelial function i... more Previous studies have demonstrated that magnesium supplementation improves endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the impact on clinical outcomes, such as exercise-induced chest pain, exercise tolerance, and quality of life, has not been established. In a multicenter, multinational, prospective, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial, 187 patients with CAD (151 men, 36 women; mean +/- SD age 63 +/- 10 years, range 42 to 83) were randomized to receive either oral magnesium 15 mmol twice daily (Magnosolv-Granulat, total magnesium 365 mg provided as magnesium citrate) (n = 94) or placebo (n = 93) for 6 months. Symptom-limited exercise testing (Bruce protocol) and responses given on quality-of-life questionnaires were the outcomes measured. Magnesium therapy significantly increased intracellular magnesium levels ([Mg]i) in a substudy of 106 patients at 6 months compared with placebo (35.5 +/- 3.7 vs 32.6 +/- 2.9 mEq/L, p = 0.0151). M...

Research paper thumbnail of In vivo assessment of the inotropic and toxic effects of oxidized ouabain

Basic research in cardiology

Oxidized ouabain, a product of the oxidative cleavage of the rhamnose ring in ouabain has been fo... more Oxidized ouabain, a product of the oxidative cleavage of the rhamnose ring in ouabain has been found to have a higher inotropic toxic ratio in cultured cardiac myocytes. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of oxidized ouabain in comparison with ouabain in intact animals. Drugs were infused to healthy cats; the positive inotropic effect, and the time-course of development of arrhythmia were followed and recorded until death. Oxidized ouabain was associated with a higher increase in arterial blood pressure, a mean increase of 41 +/- 19% as compared with 21 +/- 8% in the ouabain group (p < 0.10). There were no significant differences in maximal increases of dP/dt or dP/dt/P (65 +/- 29%, 28 +/- 10% for oxidized ouabain and 49 +/- 16%, 27 +/- 11% for ouabain, respectively). The mean doses causing persistent arrhythmia (toxic dose) were 93 +/- 23 micrograms/kg of oxidized ouabain vs 39 +/- 14 micrograms/kg of ouabain. Lethal arrhythmias were produced by 2...

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Intravenous Isosorbide Dinitrate on Filling Pressures and Pump Function in Patients with Refractory Pump Failure

Developments in Cardiovascular Medicine, 1980

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Uncomplicated Acute Myocardial Infarction on Biochemical Parameters of Stress and Sexual Function

Psychosomatics, 1991

The blood levels of several &quot;stress indicators&quot; (prolactin [PRL], growth hormon... more The blood levels of several &quot;stress indicators&quot; (prolactin [PRL], growth hormone [hGH], total catecholamines, and adenosine 3&#39;,5&#39;-cyclic monophosphate [cAMP]) were measured in men during the first 2 weeks of uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and during a 3-month follow-up period. PRL levels were significantly elevated during the first day, and hGH was elevated during the week after the AMI. The levels returned to the control baseline values thereafter. The levels of the total catecholamines and cAMP in blood remained normal throughout the study period. Sexual function during the 3-month follow-up was measured in 29 patients, using a specially designed questionnaire. Impotence was found in five patients and decreased libido in four. No correlation was noted between PRL values, the other stress indicators, and sexual dysfunction. A trend toward increased incidence of sexual dysfunction was found among patients with recurrent AMI.

Research paper thumbnail of Protaglandins and the antiarrhythmic effect of preconditioning in the isolated rat heart

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, 1996

Our study evaluated the relationship between the endogenous production ofprostacyclin and the ant... more Our study evaluated the relationship between the endogenous production ofprostacyclin and the antiarrhythmic effect of ischemic preconditioning against ischemic and reperfusion-induced tachyarrhythmia. Langendorffperfused rat hearts underwent 30 rain regional ischemia with reperfusion. Preconditioning was induced by a single episode of 5 min ischemia and 15 min reperfusion. Prostaglandin 6-keto Flc ~ (a stable metabolite ofprostacyclin) was determined in the coronary effluent.