Muscle involvement in the scleroderma syndromes
Article Abstract:
Scleroderma is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, in which the body makes antibodies against its own tissues. Scleroderma is primarily characterized by hardening of the skin, inflammation of tissues surrounding blood vessels, calcium deposits, and Raynaud's phenomenon (vessel constriction causing bluish skin tone following exposure to cold). However, other symptoms have been observed in patients with scleroderma, and some are shared by people with other rheumatic diseases or those with poorly defined ''overlap'' syndromes or connective tissue diseases. Muscle involvement is not specifically part of the symptoms strictly required for diagnosis of scleroderma, but it is often found in these patients. To better determine the relation between muscle involvement and other symptoms of scleroderma and connective tissue diseases, muscle disease in 14 patients with scleroderma or similar syndromes was evaluated. Muscle involvement most often featured symmetrical weakness of the proximal musculature (surrounding the trunk area), and this usually started several years after the onset of scleroderma. Microscopic analysis showed polymyositis (inflammation of muscle tissues) and scleroderma-associated vascular disease. These features were not associated selectively with any other particular symptom of scleroderma. In general, the results suggested that polymyositis followed vascular inflammation in multiple tissues. The specific nature of the muscle inflammation and the possible mechanisms underlying scleroderma and related diseases are discussed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Archives of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-9926
Year: 1990
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Effects of ouabain on the isolated human uteroplacental vasculature
Article Abstract:
Ouabain appears to cause arteries and veins in the placenta to contract. This could affect the fetus adversely. Ouabain is a drug with effects similar to digitalis. It is used to treat heart arrhythmias as well as heart failure. Researchers tested the effect of ouabain on fetal arteries and veins taken from biopsy samples of human placentas. Nitric oxide caused the arteries and veins to relax and this effect was blocked by ouabain. However, ouabain had no effect on tissue samples of arteries and veins taken from adult women.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1998
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Relaxation of isolated human myometrial muscle by beta2-adrenergic receptors but not beta1-adrenergic receptors
Article Abstract:
Beta2-adrenergic receptors may play an exclusive role in relaxing the myometrium, the uterine muscle. Although both beta1-adrenergic receptors and beta2-adrenergic receptors are found in the myometrium at term, only the latter mediate relaxation after the introduction of isoproterenol. Researchers observed no relaxation after administering the beta1-antagonist CGP-20712A.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1998
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