The Romanian Society ofPhysiological Sciences

Romanian College ofPhysicians

University of Medicine and Pharmacy“Iuliu Hatieganu” Cluj‑Napoca«Oxidative Stress in Medicine»
Association

The 10th Congress of the Romanian Societyof Physiological Sciences

Physiology
from experiment to medical practice

ABSTRACT VOLUME

Cluj‑Napoca
June 5‑7, 2008

Honorary President:
Ion Hăulică (Iaşi)SRSF President:
Marius Sabău (Tg. Mureş)Honorary Presidium:Francisc Schneider (Arad)
Valeriu Nestianu (Craiova)
Petru Derevenco (Cluj‑Napoca)
Mircea Dorofteiu (Cluj‑Napoca)
Congress Presidents:
President of the Scientific Committee
President of the Organizing Committee
Adriana Mureşan (Cluj‑Napoca)
Remus Orăsan (Cluj‑Napoca)
Scientific Committee:
Carmen Bunu (Timişoara)
Georgeta Mihalaş (Timişoara)
Anca Bădărău (Bucharest)
Aurel Nechita (Galaţi)George Chaldakov (Bulgaria)
Virgil Păunescu (Timişoara)
Petrişor Cismaş (Oradea)
Gheorghe Petrescu (Iaşi)Manole Cojocaru (Bucharest)
Manuela Pumnea (Sibiu)
Dragan Djuric (Serbia)
Oliver Ratz (Slovacia)
Dan Dobreanu (Tg. Mureş)Aurel Saulea (Chişinău)Smaranda Gotia (Timişoara)
Simona Slătineanu (Iaşi)Maria Grama (Sibiu)
Olivera Stanojlović (Serbia)
Maria Iancău (Craiova)
Vladimír Strbák (Slovacia)
Ileana Ion (Constanţa)Simona Tache (Cluj‑Napoca)
Vladimir Jakovljevic (Serbia)
Leila Tekaya (Tunis)
Rodica Mateescu (Timişoara)
Leon Zăgrean (Bucharest)
Organizing Committee:
Cristina Bidian
Irina ChişSimona Clichici
Doina Daicoviciu
Ion David
Nicoleta Decea
Hana Decean
Adriana Filip
Florinela Cătoi‑Galea
Natalia Giurgea
Adela Joantă

Cezar Login
Daniela Mitrea
Teodora Mocan
Remus Moldovan
Adriana Mureşan
Remus Orăsan
Lavinia Sabău
Ramona Simedrea‑StanciuŞoimiţa Suciu
Simona Tache
Carmen Tatu (Timişoara)
Ioana Todea

ABSTRACTS
1. Study of Antioxidant Enzymes Activities
in Red Blood Cells Under Acute Hyperbaric
Exposure
Cecilia Adumitresi, N. Ceamitru, Ileana Ion, Ninela Radulescu,
Cristina Farcas, Carmen Ciufu, Loredana Pazara
Physiology and Pathophysiology Departments, Faculty of
Medicine, “Ovidius” University Constanta, Romania
Simulated diving implies progressive increase of pres‑sure according to the depth, low temperature and lightintensity, use of respiratory mixtures, increased pressure of
the gaseous components etc. All these conditions lead to thehyperbaric stress. Exposure to higher then normal oxygen
concentration produces a disturbance of the balance between
reactive oxygen species production and antioxidant defense
mechanisms. The present study puts forth the measurementof superoxid‑dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR),and glucose 6‑phosphate dehidrogenase (G‑6PD) activities inorder to appreciate the red blood cells antioxidant enzymatic
response. Experiments were performed on Guineea pigs
divided into four groups: control group (M), test group (TA)
exposed to plain air at 6 ATA, TN group subjected to Nitrox
at the same pressure and TC group confined to hyperbaric
chamber without exposure to hyperbaric stress. The results
showed a significant change of SOD, GR and G‑6PD activities.
The organism exposure to hyperbaric stress during a unitary
simulated diving at 6 ATA induces a significant increase of thefree radicals production, proven by the changes in antioxidant
enzyme concentrations.

2. The correlation between cardiovascularrisk factors, arterial stiffness and left
ventricular diastolic function patientswith hypertension
Lucia Agoston‑Coldea¹, Teodora Mocan2, DL. Rusu¹, C.
Bobar¹, L. Poanta¹, DL. Dumitrascu¹¹ Department of Medical Sciences;² Department of Normal Morphology and Functions, “Iuliu
Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj‑Napoca,
Romania
Background and aim. It is well known that left ventricular
diastolic function declines in the elderly, especially in patientswith cardiovascular risk factors. The study aims determine
the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors, arterial
stiffness and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patientswith hypertension arterial with preserved left ventricularejection fraction using newly developed ultrasonic strain
imaging and carotid ultrasonography.
Methods. We performed a cross-sectional study includ‑ing 105 (52 men and 53 women) patients with hyperten‑sion mean age 58.05 (12.44). Left ventricular systolic anddiastolic functions were evaluated by measuring transmitral
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)flow velocity, mitral annular motion velocity using pulsed
Doppler, tissue velocity. Subclinical atherosclerosis also wasdetermined by measuring the intimae – media thickness andstiffness of the left and right common carotid arteries using
B- and M-mode by ultrasonography. The dosages of lipids
were measured by enzymatic method and the dosages of
apolipoproteins were measured by immunoturbidimetricmethods.
Results. The diastolic mitral annular motion velocity iscorrelated with apolipoprotein B (r=0.64, p<0.05), and LDLcholesterol (r=0.54, p=0.05) plasma levels, and apoB/apoA-I
ratio (r=0.58, p<0.05). The diastolic transmitral flow velocity
is correlated with hypertension, without associated withlipids and apolipoproteins. The stiffness of carotid arteriescorrelated with diastolic mitral annular motion velocity(r=0.65, p<0.05) and with apoB/apoA-I ratio level (r=0.62,
p<0.05). No significant correlation was obtained between
the intimae – media thickness and echocardiographicalparameters that define systolic and diastolic function ofleft ventricle.
Conclusions. These results suggest that the cardiovascularrisk factors interact with arterial stiffness and left ventricularrelaxation in patients with hypertension. The modern noninvasive imagistic exploration describes a useful method forearly tracking of subclinical atherosclerosis.

3. INTERVENTION OF EXTRARENAL DIALYSIS ANDRENAL TRANSPLANT ON THE CONCENTRATIONOF HOMOCYSTEINE AND OXIDATIVE SPECIESAngela Antonescu1, Mariana Mureşan1, Otilia Micle1,
Liana Micle1, Luciana Dobjanschi1, Camelia Mraz1, M.
Dorofteiu2
University of Oradea, Medicine and Pharmacy Faculty, Oradea,
Romania;2“Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy,
Cluj‑Napoca, Romania

1

Introduction. Increased total homocysteine is very
common in renal patients. We have intended to prove theassociations between the level of homocysteine and theoxidative stress in patients submitted to hemodialysis andrenal transplant.
Material and method. The research was performed on 30
patients submitted to hemodialysis from the Clinical Hospital
Oradea – Department of Nephrology, and 25 patients withrenal transplant during five months after the surgery. Before
and after the hemodialysis the concentration of homocys‑
teine (total serum homocysteine was measured using the
enzymatic homocysteine assay on Hitachi 912 instrument),of MDA (with tiobarbituric acid) and carbonylated proteins(guanidin method) were assessed. In the same time the levelof ceruloplasmin, the most important antioxidant plasmatic
factor was measured (Ravin method). We also estimated thelevel of creatinine,urea cholesterol and triglycerides during3

Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
those months. We made the same investigation on thepatients with renal transplant.All results were compared toa control group.
Results. Before and after the hemodialysis the homocys‑
teine concentration was significantly elevated in the bloodof the studied patients. The patients before hemodialysis
had an increased level of MDA in comparison to the control
group. Hemodialysis changed in little measure the level of
MDA. The carbonylated proteins had also a high concen‑
tration in patients in comparison to the control group but
after hemodialysis no remarkable difference was noticed.
The concentration of ceruloplasmin in the serum of renal
patients before hemodialysis was lower in comparison
to the control group. After hemodialysis the values weresimilar to those before the intervention. The level of serum
homocysteine is increased in patients with renal transplant.
The patients with renal transplant have an increased levelof MDA in comparison to the control group.The concentra‑tion of ceruloplasmin in the serum of this patients is lower
compared to the control group.
Conclusions. Concentrations of homocysteine in renal pa‑
tients after hemodialysis are high. A high level of homocysteine
is associated with oxidative stress in those patients.

4. Alterations of some parameters of theclotting system and of the fibrinolysis
system, and alterations of plasma lipids
in patients with newly diagnosed diabetes,
before and after treatment

5. Acid‑base balance parameters modifi‑
cations in acute carbon monoxide (CO)poisoning
Mariana Artino1, Anca Bădărău1, Cătălina Ciornei1,2, Raluca
Papacocea1, A. Georgescu2, Antoaneta Pungă1, Doina Al‑
exandru2, Corina Valentin2, D. Ferechide1, M. Lupuşoru1
Department of Physiology I, UMF “Carol Davila” Bucharest
Emergency Department, Emergency Universitary Hospital
Bucharest, Romania

1

2

Usually, for the great majority of the toxic substances, theso named „glorious age” is shorter than CO’s which is longer,
necessiting a continuously observation and analyze. This isdue to the CO action as an erythrocyte poison, blocking the
Hemoglobin by HbCO generation; it also acts as a cellular poisonin CNS, especially on respiratory centers, but also as a general
toxic, due to cellular respiratory enzymes blockage. The pres‑ent study was done on acute CO poisoned patients, with thepH, PCO2, HCO3 concentration, HbO2 concentration, HbCO
concentration, and base excess (BEb, BEecf) measurements.
The study was performed in the Emergency Departmentof The Bucharest Emergency University Hospital and it in‑cluded 41 patients, both males and females, in between 17
and 85 years old, divided in 2 groups:‑the 1st group between
40 and 85 years old, and the 2nd group between 17 and 40
years. The measurements were done at the admission, andafter 6 hours. The results of our study are concordant withthose of Alper Sevine, MD et al‑2005.

Mariana Artino, Anca Bădărău, Cătălina Ciornei, Raluca
Papacocea

6. A parallel study of salivary and serum
enzymes in renal conditions

Department of Physiology I, UMF ”Carol Davila” Bucharest,
Romania

Anca Badarau1, Doina Patrichi2, Mariana Artino1, Gratiela
Mihai1, Catalina Ciornei1, Raluca Papacocea1

The intact and functional noninjured vascular endothelia
by external agents, present nontrombogenic properties dueto their property to synthesize compounds with antithrom‑
bocyte, anticlotting and fibrinolytic activities (Cucuianu etal., 1994).
The action of various stimuli (hyperlipidemia, diabetes) can
induce endothelial damages and producing of thrombi.
Originating from these literature data we proposed to
examine a series of clotting system parameters (APTT – thepartial thromboplastine activated time; PT – prothrombin
time; fibrinogen – derived from PT; the platelets counting) andfibrinolysis parameters (the euglobulin lysis time – ELT).
The obtained results showed that patients with newly diag‑
nosed diabetes do not present modifies in clotting‑ fibrinolysis
system, but only an increase cholesterol and triglycerides level.
After ten weeks treatment, when the glycosilated hemoglobin
level return to normal, a low significant decrease in platelets
number, cholesterol and triglyceride level appears.

4

Department of Physiology I, UMF “Carol Davila “ Bucharest
Department of Internal Medicine and Nephrology, Clinical Hos‑pital of Nephrology “Dr. Carol Davila” Bucharest, Romania

1

2

The oxidative stress describes the imbalance between
the antioxidant defense of the organism and the pro‑oxidantburden in favour of pro‑oxidants. Pro‑oxidants are highly reac‑
tive molecules able to induce cellular damage by oxidation ofcellular components. It was clearly established that oxidative
stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of renal conditions.
We have studied the behavior of serum and salivary
glutamic‑oxalacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic‑pyruvic
transaminase (GPT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as
indicators of cellular damage and oxidative status.
The study was performed on patients admitted to theNephrology Unit at “Dr Carol Davila” Hospital in Bucharest.
The results of our study show significant increase in thesalivary GOT and GPT compared to the control lot and virtu‑
ally no change in the serum GOT and GPT. Both the serum
and the salivary LDH increased significantly compared to the
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
control group. These enzymatic changes, especially in thesaliva, indicate that these enzymes could serve as relevantmarkers of renal disease.

7. Hematological alterations in acutecarbon monoxide poisoning
Anca Bădărău1, Cătălina Ciornei1,2, A. Georgescu2, Mariana
Artino1, D. Ferechide1, Antoaneta Pungă1, M. Lupuşoru1,
Silvia Nica2, I. Lazăr1, Mioara Zamfir2, Sorin Constantin2,
Nicoleta Ferariu1
Department of Physiology I UMF „Carol Davila” Bucharest;
Emergency Department, Emergency Universitary Hospital
Bucharest, Romania

1

2

Carbon monoxide intoxications are accidental and theyusually take place in domestic environment. The carbon
monoxide enters the body using respiratory pathway but
once entered in the blood flow it is dissolved in plasma,
replacing the oxygen from hemoglobin and generating
carboxihemoglobin (HbCO). The CO body elimination is done
slowly, in between 12‑24 hours, using also the respiratory tract,
therefore the resulting measurements from the Emergency
Department of the Bucharest Emergency University Hospi‑
tal were done immmediately after the hospital addmision,
at 6 hours and at 24 hours, as well. The monitoring of thehematological parameters showed an increased number ofleucocytes and an increased number of erythrocytes at ad‑dmision in both age groups ( the 1st group – from 40 to 85
years, the 2nd from 18 to 40 years old); at 6 hours, both, theleucocyte and the erythrocyte numbers decrease in a low
significant pattern. The hemoglobin concentration signifi‑
cantly decreases in 6 hours in both age groups. A significant
decrease in hematocrit value at 6 hours is noticed in the 2nd
age group versus the 1st one and versus the initial value. The
platelets number at the addmision in both age groups was
normal and significantly decreased in the 1st group after 6hours. The literature data in this matter are not sufficient,
therefore the comparison is difficult, but in accordance toAlper Sevine, MD, et al. ‑2005.

8. The investigation of anaemic syndrome
in inflammatory bowel disease
Daniela Badea, M. Badea, Cristina Petrică, Amelia
Genunche‑Dumitrescu,
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova, Romania
Introduction. The pathogenesis of the anaemic syndrome
in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is complex. It can begenerated by the chronic inflammation, by the repeatedblood loss, by the malabsorption of the folic acid and B12
vitamin. Besides, the anemia may preexist at the debut of
the intestinal.

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Material and method. We have evaluated a number of
42 patients with IBD during a period of 5 years, out of which
26 were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 16 with
the Chron disease (CD).
Results. Out of these ones, 12 of the patients with UC
and 6 with CB presented anaemia (Hb under 13.5g/dl inmen’s case and under 11.5 g/dl in women’s case). It wasdetermined the Ht value, Hb eritrocytes indices, the numberof reticulocytes, the total capacity of iron bounding (CTLF),
the latent capacity of iron bounding (CLLF), the transferine
saturation (TS), the feritine and reactive C proteine. The
medium Hb value in the lot of patients with anaemia was of
8.3±1.6g/dl and Ht value was of 28±3.5%. The median valueof eritrocytes indices was: VEM 87±13fl, CHEM 29.45±5.3%,
HEM 30.14±4.65 pg, reticulocyte count 0.9±0.5%. CRP usedas surrogate for IL‑6 seric level is frequently elevated above(8.5 mg/dl), chi2=4.65, p=0.53 versus CRP level in patients
without anemia. Serum iron concentration was 40±7.2µg/dl
and CTLF 250±82µg/dl. In 11 of 18 anaemic patients (chi2=3.51,
p<0.055), the intestinal disease was active. In 5 of 7 patientswith anaemia without active disease, the investigations andthe epidemiologic study suggests an associated cause of
the anaemia (iron deficiency). In one case, the eritrocytes
indices suggests macrocytosis and anaemia is remitted after
treatment with folic acid and B12 vitamin.
Conclusion. The anaemia follows frequently IBD in 37.75%
percentage. The increased prevalence of the anaemia in IBD
may be justified in a way by the local socio‑economic condi‑
tions. The anemia is correlated with the activity degree ofthe disease.

9. the RECURRENT BACTERIAN Infections in
the evolution of multiple myeloma
Daniela Badea, M. Badea, Cristina Petrică, Amelia
Genunche‑Dumitrescu
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova, Romania
Introduction. Recurrent bacterian infections are a major
cause of illness and are the most frequent cause of deathin‑patients with advanced myeloma.
Material and method. The study included 94 patients(58 men and 36 women) with multiple myeloma followed up
between October 1985 and June 2007. The age range was
45 to 83 years (mean age, 65,9 years).
Results. 58,82% patients had a monoclonal IgG, 23.52%
had IgA, 14.7% had only light chain in urine, 1.47% had
IgD and 1.47% was nonsecretory myeloma. Over a medianfollow‑up of 27.8 months, the study group presented 164
febrile episodes longer than 3 days and in 116 of them the
etiology was identified. Only 29,41% of patients did notpresent infectious episodes in their course of disease, mostof them being alive, 85% (17 from 20) versus 52.08% (25from 48) but don’t reach the level of significance. 58.1% of
the infection episodes occurred in the first 3 months after5Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
diagnosis and chemotherapy initiation, 33.72% occurred in
the relapsing phase and 8.13% in the plateau phase. Strepto‑
coccus pneumonia and Hemophilus influenzae, are the mostcommon pathogens in previously untreated, non‑neutropenic
myeloma patients 76% versus 24% in neutropenic patientswith refractory disease p< 0.046. However, in neutropenic
patients and in those with refractory disease, Staphylococ‑
cus aureus and gram‑negative bacteria are the predominantorganisms 63% versus 18% p< 0.049. Repetitive infections
with the same localization occurred in 3 patients, 2 of themwith a favorable local cause. 13.95% of patients had infection
at first presentation, but only 6.95% are systemic. Polyclonal
hypogammaglobulimemia less than 1 gr./dl occurred in 50%
of cases, 75% of these presenting infectious manifestations
versus 50% of the rest of patients (Yates corrected = 3.54; p<
0.059); granulocytopenia <1000/mm3 was present in 26,47%of the infectious episodes. 82.35% of the infectious episodes
had bacterial etiology, Gram positive/negative germs being
involved in 71.43% of cases. 16.17% of episodes had viraland 1.47% had fungal etiology. Respiratory tract infections
represent 76.47%; cutaneous infections 8.82%, genito‑urinary
tract infections 14.7% and 2.68% other localization. Infection
associated other complication in 26.47% of cases and was
involved in 52.63% of decease.
Conclusion. Infection is frequent in MM patients, occurring
mostly in the first three months after the initiation of therapy
and it has prevalently bacterial etiology. Polyclonal hypogam‑
maglobulimemia correlates to the risk of infection. Infection isthe cause of death in more than 50% of cases. The prophylaxis
and rapid therapy of the infectious episodes may ameliorate
both the quality of life and the duration of survival of the pa‑
tients with MM.

10. THE EVALUATION OF VIRUSOLOGY AND GLU‑COSE METABOLISM IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONICVIRAL HEPATITIS
Daniela Badea, M. Badea, Cristina Petrică, Amelia
Genunche‑Dumitrescu
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova, Romania
Introduction. Chronic viral hepatitis (HC) is a inflammatory
disease in which the clinical and paraclinical manifestations
persist at least 6 months in evolution.
Objectives. This study analysed the prevalence of viraland glucose metabolism disorders in patients with HC in‑
duced by B or C virus.
Material and methods. We have studied a number of
68 patients with HC; the average age of this group was
48,2±3,2 years and for diagnostic it was necessary the his‑
tory, the determination of viral markers (B or C) and in somecases, the hepatic biopsy, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT),
biochemical parameters (GOT, GPT).
Results. In our study, the etiology of HC was: B virus in
36 patients (52,94%), C virus in 22 patients (32,36%), B and6

C virus in 4 patients (5,88%), and 6 patients (8,12%) was
diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis type II, characterised
by ATC LKM1 (evidentiated by ELISA method).
The glucose metabolism disorders was distinguished in
12 patients (33,33%) with HCB virus, in 10 patients (45,45%)
with HCC virus and none of the patients with B and C virus.
Patients with HCC virus, that presented disorders of glucidic
metabolism, from which 8 were males and 2 females. From
22 patients with disorders of glucidic metabolism associatedwith liver damage, type II diabetes mellitus was found in 16
patients and only 8 patients required insulin.
Conclusions: HC with C virus frecvently associated withglucose metabolism disorders, comparated with HC with
B virus and B and C virus HC. The most important ethyo‑
pathogenetic mechanism seems to be insulino‑resistance.
In HC type C, B are very important in the evaluation of theviral replication for the diagnosis, the initiated therapy, thefollowing and the evaluation of the therapy.

11. SERIC AND SALIVARY TRANSAMINASE LEVELSAND AST/ALT RATIO IN ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS
Daniela Bădiţă1, Adina Olteanu1, George Bădiţă2, Monica
Dragomir1
Department of Physiology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine,
Bucharest, Romania
2
Department of Infectious Diseases, “Carol Davila” University of
Medicine; “Matei Bals” National Institute of Infectious Diseases,
Bucharest, Romania

1

We compare the values of serum and salivary transaminases
and the mean values of serum and salivary transaminases inhealthy versus alcoholic hepatitis subjects.
We assessed, by means of dry chemistry (VITROS assay),the level of transaminases in matched samples of sera andsaliva from 35 healthy patients (control group) and 27 patientswith alcoholic hepatitis (AH group). The data were processedby means of Student test and variables regression.
Seric and salivary transaminase levels in AH patientswere significantly higher than in healthy subjects. Salivary
AST and ALT levels followed serum changes. We noticed
that in saliva of healthy patients AST has higher values than
ALT, opposite to the serum situation. In healthy subjects
salivary AST was correlated with the seric values, but in AH
patients we found no significant correlations between sericand salivary ALT and AST. Seric AST/ALT ratio was higher, butsalivary AST/ALT ratio decreased significantly in AH groupcompared to control group.
Our results suggest that the increase of serum AST, ALT and
AST/ALT ratio may be suggestive for diagnosis of AH. Salivary
AST and ALT levels could be used for the diagnosis and follow
up in AH patients, as an alternative to seric tests.

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences

12. In aged rats, long‑term hypothermia
reduces infarct volume after focal
Ischemia
TA. Bălşeanu1,2, V. Sfredel1, M. Iancău1, A. Popa‑Wagner2
Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy
of Craiova, Romania;
2
Department of Neurology, University of Greifswald, Ger‑
many

1

Stroke is a major cause of disability in aged humans, forwhich no neuroprotective measures are available. In animalstudies is now accepted that short‑term hypothermia consis‑
tently reduces infarct size, so a viable alternative to conventional
neuroprotective therapies is brain/body cooling, or hypothermia.
Still, efficient neuroprotection requires long‑term, regulated
lowering of whole body temperature. Focal cerebral ischemia
was produced by reversible occlusion of the right middle ce‑
rebral artery in 17 month‑old male Sprague Dawley rats. After
stroke, the aged rats were exposed for 2 days to a mixture of air
and a mild inhibitor of oxidative phosphorylation, hydrogensulfide (H2S), which resulted in sustained, deep hypothermia(30.8±0.7°C). Long‑term hypothermia led to a 50% reduction
in infarct size. At the transcription level, hypothermia caused
a reduction in the mRNA coding for caspase 12, NF‑kappa B
and grp78 in the peri‑infarcted region, suggesting an overall
decrease in the transcriptional activity related to inflammation
and apoptosis. Behaviorally, hypothermia was associated with
better performance on tests that require complex sensorimo‑
tor skills, in the absence of obvious neurological deficits orphysiological side‑effects, in aged rats. Conclusions: prolonged,
H2S‑induced hypothermia is a simple and efficacious method
to limit damage inflicted by stroke in aged rats.

13. Corelations intre stresul oxidative
si nivelul endotelinei I in evaluarea
disfunctiei endoteliale in patients withrheumatoid arthritis
Doina Baltaru1, Irina Chis2, Adriana Muresan2, MI. Un‑
gureanu3, Nicoleta Decea2¹ Spitalul Militar de Urgenţă “Constantin Papilian”, Cluj‑Napoca
2
Physiology Department, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
3
Student, 5th year, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine andPharmacy, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
Background. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated withan increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Endothelial dys‑function represents the earliest stage of atherosclerosis.
Purpose. To investigate endothelial function and levelsof vascular oxidative stress in patients with RA, in order tohighlight the fact that endothelial dysfunction and oxidative
stress increase are two major causes of increased mortalityof cardiovascular causes in RA.
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Methods. Twenty RA patients and twenty matchedhealthy controls were studied. Pulse wave velocity (PWV)
was measured in all subject. Serum levels of lipid peroxides(LP), carbonylated proteins (CP), ceruloplasmin (C), donor
hidrogen ability (DHA) and endotheline were determinedin all subjects.
Results. Results (mean±SD) in RA patients and control,
respectively, were as follows: PWV was significantly increased (versus P=), corelated with a significantly increased productionof LP (1,73±0,34 nmol/ml versus 1,35±0,2 nmol/ml P<0,01)
and CP (2,58±0,72 nmol/mg versus 1±0,2 nmol/mg P<0,001)
and a significantly decreased serum antioxidant capacity: C(28,5±8,74 mg% versus 32,73±4,9 mg% P<0,01) and DHA(41,4±10,5 % versus 50±1,5 % P<0,001).
Conclusion. Patients with RA have an altered endothelial
activity and an increase in oxidative stress, which aggavates
endothelial dysfunction, and this must lead to an efficientlong‑term therapy, in order to reduce cardiovascular‑caused
death in RA.

14. NO ADDITIONAL BENEFIT FROM THE COM‑
BINATION OF ISOFLURANE PRECONDITIONING
AND POSTCONDITIONING
D. Barglazan1, Nicoleta Mirica1, V.Ordodi2, G. Gheorghiu3,
Andreea Raducan1, Oana Duicu1, O. Fira‑Mladinescu1, C.
Macarie3, D. Sandesc3, A. Cristescu1, Danina Muntean1
Department of Pathophysiology, “Victor Babes” University of
Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, R0mania
2
Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, “Victor Babes”
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, R0mania
3
Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, County
Hospital, Timisoara, Romania

1

There is accumulating evidence that volatile anesthet‑ics induce myocardial preconditioning when given prior toischemia and they also protect the heart at the very onset ofreperfusion, an effect referred to as anesthetic postcondition‑
ing. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether
combination of isoflurane pre‑ and postconditioning would
result in additive cardioprotection. Anaesthetized rats (n =4‑6/group) subjected to 30 min ischemia by coronary artery
ligation and 2 h reperfusion were randomized to receive: (i)no additional intervention (Ctrl); (ii) preconditioning by 3
episodes of 5 min isoflurane (2.1%) interspersed with three
10 min washout episodes (Iso‑Pre); (iii) postconditioning with
isoflurane (2.1%) started 1 min prior to and administeredfor 15 min at reperfusion (Iso‑Post); (iv) the combination ofboth protocols (Iso‑Pre‑Post). Animals were instrumented
for hemodynamic measurements and infarct size was mea‑
sured by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Myocardial
injury expressed as the percent of infarct to risk area ratio(I/R%) was significantly reduced in both Iso‑Pre (16±7%)
and Iso‑Post (19±10%) when compared to the Ctrl group(47±11%, mean±SD; both p<0.05). Combination of both7

Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
protocols resulted in a further albeit non‑significant reduc‑tion of infarct size (12±8%, mean±SD; P NS vs. Iso‑Pre/Post;
p<0.05 vs. Ctrl). In the in vivo model of regional ischemia in
rat heart, combination of isoflurane preconditioning andpostconditioning offered no additional cardioprotection
over either intervention alone.

15. WATER CHANNEL PROTEINS: FROM THEIRDISCOVERY IN CLUJ‑NAPOCA IN 1985 TO THE
2003 NOBEL PRIZE IN CHEMISTRY AND THEIR IM‑
PLICATIONS IN PHYSIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
Gh. Benga
Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, “Iuliu Hatieganu”
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
The first water channel protein (WCP) from the human
red blood cell (RBC) membrane was discovered in 1985 in
Cluj‑Napoca by Benga and coworkers, after a decade of sys‑
tematic investigations on the human RBC water permeability.
This discovery was reported in two landmark publications in
1986 (Benga et al., Biochemistry 25: 1535‑1538; Eur J Cell Biol
41: 252‑262) and in several reviews between 1988 – 2005.
This protein was re‑discovered by chance by the group ofAgre, who found its water channel function in 1992. In 2003
Agre was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, while ourcontribution was overlooked by the Nobel Committee. As
can be seen at www.ad‑astra.ro/benga the recognition of ourpriority in the discovery of the first WCP is growing.
WCPs were later called aquaporins (AQPs) and the first
WCP mentioned above was called AQP1. In the next decade
the molecular structure of AQP1 was deciphered and over
300 members of the aquaporin family were discovered inbacteria, plants, animals and humans. In man and mammals
there are 13 aquaporins, involved in essential physiologicalprocesses: concentration of urine, secretion of cerebrospinal
fluid, of ocular fluids, of saliva etc. Despite knowledge of theirmolecular structure their physiological raison d’etre in RBC
is still only speculated upon. Based on comparative studies
of WP in various species’ RBCs we found the physiologicalsignificance of AQP1 in RBCs.
We also have the priority in the discovery of the pathologi‑
cal implications of water channel proteins in diseases suchas epilepsy (Benga and Morariu, Nature, 265:636‑638, 1977)
and muscular dystrophy.
There are many pathological implications of aquaporins: incardiovascular diseases, renal diseases, nephrogenic diabetes
insipidus, brain edema, cataract etc.

16. The biological Information System – A
New Challenge?

If the information is necessary to keep order in the or‑
ganic structure, than the absence of the information or theirmisrepresentation can induce diseases. The transmission wayof the information is limited. Results that the abundance of
the information can produce diseases.
The informational phisiopatology has two distinctive lines:
on one hand the substance and energy which are carried bypathogen factor disturb the transmission and processing of theinformation; by the other hand the information of pathogen
factor disturbs the processing of this information.
The functional diseases, where the anatomic modifica‑tion is not put into value represents the programme disturbs,
which can cause structural disturbs.
The modern pathology could not resolved some problems
which were taken into account from the energetically andsubstance point of view. Maybe we must take into accountthe pathology from the informational point of view. Maybe
the human pathology must be considered from the infor‑
mational point of view.

17. EFFECTS OF SPIRULINA ADMINISTRATIONON THE METABOLISM AND HEMATOLOGICALPARAMETERS IN MICE
Rodica Berlean, C. Roşioru
Faculty of Biology and Geology, “Babes‑Bolyai” University,
Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
Cyanobacteria genus Spirulina brought attention as
supplement in human and animal food, because of thehigh contents of proteins, vitamins, essential amino acids,
minerals, essential fatty acids and antioxidants. We report
here certain effects of Spirulina on metabolic and hemato‑
logical parameters in mice (Mus musculus, var. albicans). The
control group (C) consumed a standard diet consisting ofconcentrated fodder comprising all the essential nutrientsand the required amount of vitamins and minerals. The
experimental groups consumed for 2 weeks a fodder inwhich fish flour was replaced with 3% Spirulina powder (F1)and 8% Spirulina (F2), respectively. We noticed the increaseof reticulocyte count, which means an intensification ofhematopoiesis, related to enhanced bioavailability of ironfrom Spirulina, as compared to other vegetal or animal
sources. A 3% concentration of Spirulina in food stimulated
specific immunity, while 8% Spirulina stimulated unspecificimmunity. The low concentration of Spirulina had hyper‑
glycemic and hypocholesterolemic effects, while the highconcentrations produced hypoglycemia and a decreasedcholesterol concentration. As a general statement, we may
say that Spirulina doesn’t demonstrate toxicological effects
if administered in optimal dose, adapted to the physiologi‑
cal properties of the organism.

Liana Gabriela Bera, Manuela Pumnea, Manuela Mihalache
University “Lucian Blaga” Sibiu, Faculty of Medicine, Romania
8

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences

18. VARIATIONS OF THE AIRFLOW SHAPE AFTERVOLUNTARY HYPERVENTILATION
T. Besleaga2, P. Calabrese1, V. Vovc2, P. Baconnier2, I.
Moldovanu3
Laboratory PRETA UJF, Grenoble, France
Biophysics, Information and Human Physiology department
3
Department of Neurology, State Medical and Pharmaceutical
University “N Testemitanu”, Chisinau, Moldova

1

2

Background: The maintaining of hypocapnia after volun‑tary hyperventilation was described in anxious subjects withpsychogenic disturbances of respiration. They have frequently
chronic respiratory alkalosis and hypocapnia with a variety
of symptoms and made sometimes difficulties in diagnostic.
We suppose that the airflow shape variations after voluntary
hyperventilation are in close relationship with the rate of theCO2 in expiratory air after voluntary hyperventilation.
Methods: We recorded airflow, percent of CO2 in respired
air, thoracic and abdominal movements in 20 healthy subjects
in voluntary hyperventilation test. The experimental protocol
was: the normal respiration – 3 minutes; Hyperventilation at therest period frequency – 3 minutes, the FETCO2 were decreasing
with 1% and the posthyperventilation period –10 minutes.
Analysis: The harmonic analysis was applied to divide
respiratory flux signals in harmonics. The first four sinusoids
supply sufficient information to describe and to reproduce
the airflow shape. The multivariate statistics methods wereapplied to calculate distances between characteristics of theharmonics in different periods of test.
Results: The recovery of airflow shape after voluntary
hyperventilation corresponds with the return of the FETCO2
to the rest values. At this time interval the variations of the
airflow shape diminished and became more similar withthe rest period.
Conclusions: The recovering of the airflow shape reflects
the changes of the relationship of the regulatory mechanismsof the breathing and can be used in analysis of respirationin patients with behavioural breathlessness.

19. THE INFLUENCE OF PARTICULATE AIR POL‑
LUTANTS ON OXIDANTS/ ANTIOXIDANTS BAL‑
ANCE
Cristina Bidian1, L. Fârcal2, Simona Tache1, R. Moldovan1,
C. Login1
Physiology Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
2
Toxicology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,Cluj‑Napoca

1

Our study intends to explore the changes of oxidant/antioxi‑
dant (O/AO) balance generated by the exposure to particulate
air pollutants (bentonite). Experiments were performed onwhite, male, Wistar rats, having an average weight about 150±20
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)g, divided in 6 experimental groups, as follows: C group (n =10) – control group, without exposure to bentonite particle,
housed in normal environmental conditions; 1st group (n = 10)– acute exposure (a single intranasal inoculation); 2nd group(n = 10) – acute exposure (a single intratracheal inoculation);
3rd group (n = 10) – chronic intranasal exposure (7 exposures);
4th group (n = 10) – chronic intranasal exposure (7 exposures),associated to vitamin E administration (7 intraperitoneal ad‑
ministrations), in order to evaluate the antioxidant effect of
this product; 5th group (n = 10) – chronic exposure by ventila‑
tion (28 days). Acute exposure to air pollutants produced: anincrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) level in serum for bothgroups, values being significantly higher for the 1st group ascompared to control group; insignificant changes regarding
carbonyl proteins (CP) level in serum for 1st group and a signifi‑
cant increase in the 2nd group; distinctly significant decreasein hydrogen donor (HD) ability of the serum for the 1st groupand highly significant decrease for the 2nd group; highly sig‑
nificant decrease in thiol groups (SH) level in serum for bothgroups as compared to control group. Chronic exposure to
air pollutants led to: a significant increase in MDA serum level
regarding the 4th and the 5th group, and a distinct significant
increase for the 3rd group as compared to control group; highly
significant increase in CP serum level for all of three groups;
highly significant decrease of the HD ability of the serum forthe 3rd group and distinctly significant decrease in the 4thgroup and significant increase in the 5th group; insignificant
decrease in SH groups serum level in the 3rd group, significant
decrease in the 4th group and a distinctly significant increase
for in the 5th group as compared to control group. Conclusions:
1. Particulate air pollutants caused O/AO balance disturbances,being unfavorable to AO. 2. Acute exposure determined anincrease in oxidative stress parameters, especially in the groupwith intratracheal inoculation and a significant decrease in AO
defense. 3. Chronic exposure led to a significant increase inoxidative stress markers and to a decrease in AO defense for allgroups, excepting the group exposed by ventilation. 4. Chronic
intranasal exposure to air pollutants associated to vitamin E
administration caused different changes of the O/AO balance,
namely increases in MDA and CP levels and decreases of HD
and SH groups. These findings suggest the pro‑oxidant effectof vitamin E in the dosage used in our experiment.

20. INTERACTIONS BETWEEN ENDOTHELINS ANDANGIOTENSIN AT THE LEVEL OF THE SMOOTH
VASCULAR MUSCLE
W. Bild1,2, Veronica Bild 2, IR. Popescu2, I. Haulică2
University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Department of
Physiology
2
Laboratory of Experimental and Applied Physiology of the
Romanian Academy, Iasi Department

1

A series of studies have associated the vasoconstrictive
effects of angiotensin II and of endothelins as being syner‑9Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
gistic or at least additive, in several pathological situations
like pre‑eclampsia or cerebral ischemia induced by stroke.
However, less information is available in what concerns thecooperative or antagonist effects at the level of the vascularsmooth muscle.
In the first series of experiments various combinationsof doses of angiotensin II (Sigma) and endothelin 1 (Sigma)
were administered in an isolated organ bath, using several
types of arteries.
It has been demonstrated that the association of endo‑
thelin‑1 10‑9 M in pre‑treatment with angiotensin II induced astatistically significant increase (25±7%, n=6) of angiotensin
contraction. The effect was dose‑dependent, and the tracingof a dose‑effect curve was possible. The effect was indepen‑
dent of the presence or absence of the vascular endothelium,
being similar on both types of preparations.
In order to differentiate between a specific effect on
the angiotensin contraction and an eventual non‑specificmusculotropic effect that stimulates contraction, the experi‑mental protocol described above was applied in the same
conditions on a phenylephrine‑induced contraction (10‑6M). Endothelin‑1 administration did not induce significant
increases of the phenylephrin contraction, independent of
the presence or absence of the vascular endothelium in the
preparation (n=6).
The same protocol was applied using as contracting agent
40 mM KCl. It has been demonstrated that pre‑incubation
with endothelin‑1 will increase in a dose‑dependent manner
the potassium‑induced contraction.
The results obtained may lead to a series of hypotheses: a.
ETA receptor is present on the rat aorta and other rat arteries
and its interaction with the vasoconstricting AT1 might bepurely quantitative, the affect of the simultaneous admin‑
istration being additive; b. endothelin‑1 and angiotensin II
shows interactions at the level of the receptors or intracellular
mediation, inducing synergistic effects of the vascular smoothmuscle; c. KCl contraction is increased by simple addition of
the contractile effects of endothelin.

21. Inflammation, Oxidative and Haemodynamic
Stress in Chronic Ischaemic Heart Failure– from Research to Clinical Interest
S. Blaga
Medical Clinic I, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu
Hatieganu”, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
The inflammation, together with the oxidative stress,
participates to the maladaptative cardiovascular remodela‑tion and apoptosis – necessary conditions for initiation andprogression of chronic heart failure of ischaemic aetiology.
The haemodynamic stress represents, in this context, theexpression of existent cardiocirculatory abnormalities.
Proinflammatory citokynes, especially tumor necrosis
factor α, interleukin 6, interleukin 1, together with C reac‑
10

tive protein represent not only a pathogenetic process inheart failure, but also a target for conventional treatment(angiotensin converting enzyme, betablockers, angiotensin
receptor blockers, aldosteron antagonists, statins).
The levels of the natriuretic peptides and of some result‑ing biomarkers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, lipid
peroxides, carbonilate proteins) increase the accuracy of the
dianosis and prognosis of chronic heart failure of ischaemic
aetiology and offers at the same time the support for a guided
pharmacotherapy.
The triangle – inflammation, oxidative stress and haemo‑
dinamic stress – represents, together with the neurohormonal
activity (sympatoadrenergic, renin‑angiotensin‑aldosteron
and arginin‑vasopresin systems), an expression of plurisys‑temic abnormalities in chronic heart failure of ischaemic
aetiology, having also a pathogenetic, diagnostic, prognostic
and therapeutic value.

22. INFLUENCE OF OZONE ON EXERCISE CAPACITY
Cecilia Boboş, Simona Tache, Cristina Bidian, R. Moldovan“Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy,
Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
Obiectives: The effects of exercise with or without
exposure to ozone (O3) and of exposure to O3 alone on leu‑
cocyte count, phagocytic index, phagocytic activity and on
peroxidase activity were followed up in rats.
Material and methods: The investigations were carriedout on three groups of 10 male albino Wistar rats weinghing
170±20 g, for 28 days. Group I and Group II were daily sub‑jected to treadmill running exercise to exhaustion. Group I
and Group II were daily exposed to O3. Venous blood samples
were taken before exercise with or without exposure to O3
and before exposure to O3 alone, on the 1st day and following
exercise with or without exposure to O3 and after exposure
to O3 alone, on the 14th and 28th day.
Results: Leucocyte count increased after exposure to O3
as compared with the 1st day and decreased in the groups
exposed to exercise with or without exposure to O3 during theexperiment, as compared with the 1st day. Phagocytic index
decreased during the experiment in the groups exposed toexercise with or without exposure to O3, and the exposure toO3 alone caused significant increases of phagocytic index on
the 14th and 28th days, as compared with the 1st day. Significant
increases of phagocytic activity occurred after exercise withor without exposure to O3 and after exposure to O3 alone.
Peroxidase activity increased was induced by exercise andexercise with exposure to O3, but the exposure to O3 alonecaused decreases of peroxidase activity.
Conclusions: 1. Intermitent exposure to O3 and exercise
produced a general immune non specific and moderate reac‑tion causing the decrease of leucocyte count and phagocytic
index and significant increases of phagocytic activity andnon significant increases of peroxidase activity. 2. Intermitent
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
exposure to O3 increased the general immunity non specificwith the rice of the leucocyte count and significant increasesof phagocytic index and phagocytic activity.

23. The effect of lamotrigine on anxiety
in rats
Corina Bocsan, Anca Buzoianu, Claudia Militaru, Z. Major,
Anca Gavris

as other groups. In open field test lamotrigine increased thepercentage of time spent in central squares comparative with
control group and increased the number of squares explorated
by the animals comparative with control group.
Conclusion: Lamotrigine can have a possible anxiolytic
effect in high dose, but is necessary to investigate this effectin several other studies. This study suggest the potential ad‑
vantage for the treatment of refractory anxiety disorders.

Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu”
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania

24. QUANTIFICATION OF TOTAL ANTIOXIDANTSTATUS IN HORSES

Introduction. Many anticonvulsant drugs are used indisorders other than epilepsy. Anticonvulsants can have amarked analgesic effect both in human and experimental
animals, and some have been also reported to possessanxiolytic properties in animals1. Lamotrigine, a new anti‑
convulsant drug, is reported to be effective in posttraumaticstress disorders and mania2. Some experimental studies
reveald that antiepileptic drugs can influence spontaneous
behavior in rats or mice.
Aim of the study: In the following study we assessed theeffect of anticonvulsant lamotrigine on behavior and motor
activity of animals.
Material and method: We used 50 white females Wistar
Bratislava rats, weight 100 to 160 g, randomized in 5 groups:
a control group injected with saline solution, a group treatedwith diazepam, a known anxiolytic drug, in dose of 1 mg/kg
and 3 groups treated with different doses of lamotrigine (20mg/kg, 10 mg/kg respectively 1 mg/kg). The substances were
injected intraperitoneally, in the same volume, 0.5 ml/100
g, two hours before the animal were tested. We analyzed
spontaneous behavior of animals in two different tests foranxiety study: elevated plus maze and open field, for a periodof 5 minutes for each test. In elevated plus maze test we
counted the number of entries in open and closed arms andthe total number of the entries, the time spent in open andclosed arms, the number of rears and fecal boli, the numberof urination. We also calculated the percentage of the timespent in open and closed arms. In open field we counted thetotal number of rears, the number of central and peripheral
squares explored by the animals, the time spent in central andperipheric squares and the number of fecal boli the numberof urination, and also we calculate the percentage of the timespent in central and peripheral squares. The obtained data
were statistical analysed using SPSS programs. We considereda statistical significance at p<0.05. The experimetal protocol
was conducted in conformity with the Declaration of Helsinki
about animal studies.
Results: Lamotrigine in high dose does not influence thenumber of entries in open arms, but increased the time spentin open arms comparative with control group, in elevatedplus maze test. The number of fecal boli and number of rears
are reduced in gropus treated with lamotrigine. The animals
treated with small dose have the same spontaneous behavoir

P. Bolfă

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine,
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
The evaluation of oxidative stress in the horse has been
limited primarily to ischemia‑reperfusion injury of the gas‑
trointestinal tract, recurrent airway obstruction, exercise,osteoarthritis, equine motor neuron disease, and pituitary parsintermedia dysfunction. We investigated 23 equine infectious
anemia virus (EIAV) infected horses and 10 healthy horses ascontrol, belonging to private farms, both males and females,with ages between 2 and 25 years. Blood samples were taken
by punturing the jugular vein, without a clott preventing
agent, for the sera. Randox total antioxidant status (TAS) kit
was used for the assessment of the integrated antioxidant
system from horse sera. The total antioxidant status in theinvestigated horses was increased in seropositive cases,
with a mean of 5.74 mmol/l with a standard deviation of
0.44, when compared to the EIAV negative horses, with amean value of 5.32 mmol/l and a standard deviation of 0.47.
Even though the differences between the numeric values inhealthy horses comparatively to the EIAV infected ones are notvery significant, there is a visible increasing tendency in theseropositive ones. Besides the typical clinical manifestationof EIA in the infected horses, there are present paraclinicalsigns of the oxidative stress.

25. Clinical utility of neurophysiologic
examinations in amyotrophic lateralsclerosis (ALS) prognostic
Claudia Borza, Georgeta Mihalas, Rodica Mateescu
Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy“Victor Babes” Timisoara, Romania
The degenerative, progressive modifications of motor
system components in ALS have a genetic cause in 10% of
the patients.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of (elec‑
tromyography) EMG examination and NCV (nerve conduc‑tion velocity) determination in patients with ALS. The study
group consisted of 62% female patients, with mean age
40‑55 years old.
11

Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
Results: the fasciculations, hand muscles amyotrophy,
the motor deficit and the decrease of muscular force werethe main clinical signs in this disease. It was also noticed
the presence of central motor neuron syndrome. In 60%of the patients the image of RMN revealed an atrophy of
motor cortex.
In these patients an EMG neurogen recording type
was found and a decreased amplitude of motor evoked
potentials in NCV study. The value of motor conduction
velocity for corresponding nerve was at inferior rate ofnormal interval.
Conclusion: The EMG recording, neurogenic type is char‑acterized by a spontaneous activity in resting state, fibrilationand fasciculation potentials, and during contraction a low
recrutation pattern and high amplitude and duration potentials
were record. The intensity of denervation and the decrease of
motor conduction velocity correlated with the clinical signs
expressed a negative prognostic of the disease.

26. Normal and abnormal in medicine:
epidemiological assessment of choles‑
terol levels in medical practice
Irina Brumboiu1, Ligia Ursu2, G. Simionca3, E. Chelaru4
Epidemiology Department of “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of
Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
2
Hospital of Infectious Diseases, Cluj‑Napopca, Romania
3 st
1 year intern in Anatomopthology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” Universityof Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
4 nd
2 year student at “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy Cluj‑Napoca, Romania

1

The objective of this paper was to create a model forevaluation of cholesterol levels in medical current activity.
We analyzed comparatively the levels of total cholesteroland high‑density lipoprotein (HDL) in 244 patients withatheromatous cardiovascular diseases and in 2301 subjects
without cardiovascular pathology, identified between 2003
and 2007.
In cardiovascular patient group the average value ofcholesterol was 230.1 mg% and 225.2 mg% in non cardiovas‑
cular subjects. The HDL for male patients with cardiovasculardisease was agglomerated around 35‑39 mg% and around50‑54 mg% for male without cardiovascular diseases. For
women, the pattern was much more complex with a mul‑timodal distribution of the cardiovascular female patients,
placed in the high level area of HDL values.
In medical practice the cut‑off cholesterol values are
more complex to be established and more evaluations
are necessaries. Usual assessment of normal and abnormalcholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels can be used for deci‑sion analysis of the necessity of a treatment or the risk ofcomplications.

12

27. NITRIC OXIDE IN EXHALED AIR OF PATIENTSWITH BRONCHIAL HYPERRESPONSIVENESS AS
MARKERS OF AIRWAYS INFLAMMATION
Carmen Bunu, C. Tatu, F. Mirea, G. Tanasie, V. Paunescu
Department of Physiology and Immunology, University of Medi‑cine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes” Timisoara, Romania
The study evaluated the correlations between airways
hyperresponsiveness and nitric oxide (NO) levels in exhaled
air in bronchial inflammation process in allergic patients.
Based on the questionnaire methods, in accordancewith the international criteria, 145 subjects were included
into this study as allergic patients with mild and moderateasthma±allergic rhinitis, without corticotherapy for at least
2 months. The bronchial Methacholine provocation test was
performed in patients having FEV1 ≥ 60% or distal obstructive
syndrome. Methacholine solution was inhaled in progressively
increasing doses, starting from 0.075 mg/ml to 15 mg/ml, andbronchial hyperreactivity was assessed by PC20 value. Nitricoxide level in the exhaled air (FENO) was measured using
the computer NOXIMETER device, which determines thisconcentration every 2 minutes of forced respiration.
The mean severity degree of bronchial hyperreactivity inMethacholine testing was 3.26±2.6 mg/ml. The ACT score at
the biginning of the study was 14.37±2.4. NO from exhaled
air was correlated (significant correlation index r = 0.51)
with the degree of bronchial hyperreactivity, and FENO wasdetermined between 5 and 173 ppb.
In conclusion, the bronchial Methacholine provocation test
(indirect marker of inflammation) is significantly correlatedwith FENO (direct marker of inflammation), but separately,
none of these tests has significant specificity and sensibility,
which results in more complex approaches that are required
for the assessment of bronchial inflammation.

28. Blood‑brain barrier in neurologic
disorders
Magda Maria Buraga, Ioana Buraga, Raluca Papacocea,
Ioan Buraga
Physiology Department, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
A neurovascular unit consisting of endothelial cells, neu‑rons, and glia that regulates the blood‑brain barrier.
Knowledge of the blood‑brain barrier is of importancefor the following reasons: Understanding of brain function;
Pathophysiology of neurologic disorders; Drug delivery to thebrain; Important functions of the blood‑brain barrier are: 1.
Physical or anatomical barrier for protection of the brain fromblood milieu; 2. Biochemical barrier for selective transport;
3. Regulatory interface for metabolism or modification ofblood‑ or brain‑borne substances.

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
Disorders of the brain that involve the blood‑brain barrier
are: AIDS‑encephalopathies, autoimmune disorders, CNS injuries,
stroke, degenerative neurologic disorders: Alzheimer disease,mitochondrial encephalopathies, epileptic seizures, infections:meningitis, multiple sclerosis, stress, brain tumors.
Little or no pinocytosis occurs across the capillary en‑
dothelial cells, but pinocytic activity during a seizure cancompromise this barrier. In general, immune cell invasion
across the blood‑brain barrier is highly restricted and carefully
regulated. An invasion of activated white blood cells can createa proinflammatory local environment in the CNS, leading toimmune‑mediated diseases of the nervous tissue.
Blood‑brain barrier permeability can also be opened
pharmacologically or osmotically. Various chemical andpharmacological factors increase the permeability of theblood‑brain barrier. Knowledge of these factors iis importantfor devising strategies for manipulation of this barrier.
Clinical applications are mainly focused on the assess‑ment of the integrity of the blood‑brain barrier and on the
manipulation of the blood‑brain barrier as an aid to drugdelivery to the brain.

29. Possible Synergism between Norepi‑
nephrine and Serotonin in the Pathogen‑esis of Essential Tremor: A Study on the
Animal Model
Ovidiu Burta, Syed Minnatullah Qadri, Olivia Ligia Burta
Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine andPharmacy, Oradea University, Romania
Essential tremors are one of the most common move‑
ment disorders in neurology. However, their mechanism
is not well understood. Experimental and clinical studies
clearly suggest the role of neurotransmitters like serotonin,
gamma amino butyric acid, norepinephrine, dopamine andglutamic acid in the pathogenesis of tremors. The present
study was undertaken to investigate the role of serotonin
and norepinephrine synergism. Imipramine, a tricyclic anti
depressant drug that inhibits the reuptake of serotonin
and norepinephrine, on harmaline induced tremors in rats.
Amitriptyline is another drug of the tricycylic antidepres‑sant class but has a different mechanism of action. Fourgroups of wistar albino rats weighing 100 ± grams were
injected with harmaline (10mg/kg, intraperitoneally) for
inducing experimental tremor. The animals in groups 2, 3
and 4 were orally administered imipramine in prophylactic
form at doses of 30, 60 and 90 mg/kg respectively, half anhour before harmaline administration. The rats in the group1, however, served as control and received only water. The
latency of onset, intensity or amplitude and the durationof tremor were recorded. A similar protocol was applied toamitriptyline as well. Random electromyography readings
demonstrated the significant increase in amplitude of tremors
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)in imipramine and amitriptyline treated rats. Imipramine
was found to have a significant exacerbating effect on the
duration of tremor in a dose dependent manner. The ampli‑
tude of tremor also showed dose dependant augmentation.
Amitriptyline on the other hand, had no effect on tremor andno effects on the intensity, duration of onset and durationof tremor. It showed similar results as in the control group.
Electromyography readings recorded a similar pattern as in
the case of the control group. Our study strongly suggests
the role of serotonin and epinephrine acting in a synergistic
mechanism. We recommend the use of advance biochemicaland physiologic analysis in neuroscience to further elucidate
the mechanism.

30. THE EFFECTS OF TOPIRAMATE ON ACUTEANXIETY MODELS IN RATS
Anca Buzoianu, C. Bocsan, C. Militaru, Z. Major
Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu”
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Objectives: in this study we analyzed the effects of
topiramate on acute model of anxiety.
Material and method: We used 50 white females Wistar
Bratislava rats randomized in five groups: a control grouptreated with saline solution, one group treated with diazepam
1 mg/kg and three tested grups, treated with topiramate indifferent doses: 100 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg. We
performed two specific tests to study anxiety (open fieldand elevated plus maze).
Results. In elevated plus maze test topiramate in all threedoses increased time spent in open arms. In medium dose topi‑
ramate increased number of entries in both arms comparativewith low dose. In open field test topiramate increased numberof squares explorated by animals and increased time spentand the percentage of the time in central squares.
Conclusion. Topiramate can have some anxiolytic proper‑
ties and suggest the potential advantage for the treatmentof refractory anxiety disorders. Further studies are necessary
to evaluate these properties of topiramate.

31. THE INFLUENCE OF THE RESISTANCE TRAIN‑ING OVER THE AEROBIC EFFORT CAPACITY AND
THE BODY COMPOSITION AT SPORTSMEN
Mirela Lucia Calina1, Denisa Enescu‑Bieru1, B. Catalin2
The Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of
Craiova, Romania
2
Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Phar‑macy Craiova, Romania

1

The purpose of our work was to present the evolution of
the aerobic effort capacity and of the body composition at alot of sportsmen after they performed resistance training.

13Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
The study was done on 10 students that practise athletics,
from the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Craiova, which
performed for a month a training programme in the resort
Paraul Rece that is situated at an altitude of 1000 metres.
The students´ aerobic effort capacity and body compo‑
sition were evaluated at the beginning and after 30 day of
training.
We used a cycloergometre maximum effort test to deter‑mine indirectly VO2 max, PWC170 (physical working capacity
at a cardiac frequency of 170/min) and some somatometricparameters (height, weight, abdominal perimeter and sub‑cutaneous tissue thickness) to measure indirectly the bodycomposition (adipose tissue, muscular mass).
In the end we noticed an important increase of the VO2
max from 58,6 to 63,8 ml/kg and of PWC170 from 1414,75 to
1548,15 kgm and a decrease of the abdominal perimeterfrom 89,75 to 88,55 cm and of the adipose tissue from 13,1
to 12,3%, the weight and muscular mass were not modified
at none of the students.
In conclusion, the resistance training induced a significant
increase of the aerobic effort capacity and of some somato‑
metric parameters (abdominal perimeter, adipose tissue),emphasizing the positive role of training over the aerobic
effort capacity and body composition and the correlation
between these two characteristics.

32. DISCRIMINATION – FRIEND OR FOE FOR
VISUAL STORAGE?
B. Catalin3, D. Georgescu2, D. Alexandru2, Ioana Streata1,
N. Velicu3, TA. Balseanu1, V. Gheorman3, Maria Iancau1
Department of Physiology
Department of Medical Informatics
3
Students, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova,
Romania

1

2

We have tried to develop a method to evaluate the visualstorage capacity and the discrimination power of colors foreach subject. First, we have tested the discrimination powerby asking the subjects to mark (count) the number of colors,that were presented on the monitor. To test the storage
capacity for color identification, we have made an original
software, that stimulates (presents) a particular color. The
subjects, were asked to identify the presented color, from a
range of 220 other colors with the same hue. We tested, in
this way, 36 subjects for all the base colors ( red, green, blue
and yellow ).Subjects had to identify a particular color foreach hue, different for each subject, but the same for the all
period of testing. After the stimulation, the subject identified
a color that he/she thought was the same color, as the one
presented to him/her. We measured the difference between
the stimulus color and the identify one. We have computed:
regression slope for the entire duration for each subject, thehistogram for the error factor for the entire group for eachtesting day, the standdard deviation for the error obtained.
14

33. Quantification of macrophages and
iNOS positive cells in visceral and sub‑cutaneous adipose tissue of nonobese
and obese humans
C. Cătoi1, Adriana Florinela Cătoi Galea2, RF. Galea3, Alina
Parvu4
1
Pathology Department University of Agricultural Sciences andVeterinary Medicine Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
2
Physiology Department
3
Second Surgical Clinic
4
Pathophysiology Department “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of
Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania

Background. The concept of adipose tissue endocri‑
nology has been transformed by recognizing infiltrated
macrophages as a source of inflammatory signals released
from the adipose tissue, as well as a paracrine regulator of
adipose tissue metabolism, thereby controlling the metabolicchanges associated with obesity. Recent studies demonstratethat macrophage numbers and/or macrophage inflamma‑
tory gene expression in white adipose tissue are positively
correlated with adipocyte size and body mass index (BMI)
in mice and negatively correlated with weight loss in obese
humans. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in
adipose tissue is significantly up‑regulated. Although endo‑
thelial nitric oxide synthase appears to be the predominant
NO synthase isoform in adipose tissue under physiologicalconditions, iNOS gene expression is up‑regulated in obesity
due to increased tissue and plasma cytokine levels. Elevated
iNOS‑derived NO production in hypertrophic fat tissue may
promote obesity by enhancing lipid storage and by decreas‑
ing lipolysis.
Material and method. We studied a group consisted of
10 patients (7 women and 3 men) with a BMI ranging from62,28 and 26,98 kg/m2. Six patients with BMI ≥40 kg/m2
underwent silastic ring vertical gastroplasty in the Second
Surgical Clinic from Cluj‑Napoca. Tissue samples taken fromthe subcutaneous and visceral fat were analysed. We quanti‑
fied the number of macrophages and the iNOS positive cells
using immunohistochemical technique.
Results. The number of iNOS positive cells and macro‑phages per mm2 of 4 microns thick sections was higher inwomen in comparison with men. In morbidly obese patientsthe number of iNOS positive cells/mm2 and macrophages/
mm2 was higher in the visceral vs. subcutaneous fat. A highly
significant positive correlation was found between adipocites/
mm2 and macrophages/mm2 (r=0,70, p<0,0001), and iNOS
positive cells/mm2 respectivelly from the visceral fat (r=0,85,
p<0,0001). Also, there was a significant positive correlation
between positive iNOS cells/mm2 and the macrofages/mm2
from the same tissue (r=0,70, p<0,0001). We found a positive
correlation between macrophages/mm2 and iNOS positive
cells/mm2 in the subcutaneous fat.
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
Conclusions. Visceral adipose tissue seems to be a more
important source of inflammation in comparison with the
subcutaneous one. Inflammation is more intense in female vs.
male even in cases of women with lower BMI in comparison
with men.

34. COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF DIFFER‑
ENT CARDIOPLEGIC SOLUTIONS ON THE ELEC‑TRICAL AND MECHANICAL FUNCTION OF RATVENTRICULAR MYOCARDIUM FIBRE
Oana Maria Căpraru, M. Perian, Gh. Bărbat, D. Dobreanu
Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Targu Mures, Romania
Background: Cold crystalloid cardioplegia protects the
myocardium by hypothermia and electromechanical arrest,
both of which reduce the myocardium’s metabolic demands
and thus, prolong its tolerance to ischemia. The goal of thestudy is to evaluate the effects of two cardioplegic solutions
on a working rat heart model and their capacity to minimize
reperfusion damages.
Matherial and method: We evaluated two cardioplegic
solutions (Sabax and St. Thomas’ Hospital) on two lots of 10
rats each, recording the contraction force and the action
potential of the papillary muscle before administrating the
cardioplegic solution, during the cardioplegia and after
removing the solution. The recordings were made using a
Hugo‑Sachs Plugsys system and classical glass microelectrodes.
We measured the maximum amplitude of the contraction
and the action potential duration at 50% and 90% from the
maximum amplitude; also spontaneous action potentials
werw measured.
Results: Within this experiment we observed differ‑ences regarding the time and temperature necessary forthe instalation of cardioplegia, the differences of the action
potential duration and the contraction amplitude. We obtained
statistically semnificant differences regarding the following
parameters: temperature of induction in St. Thomas was 17˚C
and in Sabax 29˚C (p<0.001), induction time St. Thomas 5’35˝‑ Sabax 1’ (p<0.001), full postcardioplegic recovery STH 20o‑ Sabax 2’30˝, APD90 at St. Thomas increases with 15% ‑ at
Sabax increases with 45% (p<0,001), APD50 at St. Thomas
increases with 77% – at Sabax increases with 36% (p<0,001).
When we used St. Thomas we observed in most of the cases
arrhythmias some of them sustained and rapid, and whenusing Sabax we did not record any arrhythmias.
Conclusion: We may conclude that Sabax cardiolpegic
solution is a better choice to St. Thomas Hospital since theinduction of the cardioplegia is faster, at an adequate tem‑
perature. The recovery is faster and there are no arrhythmias.
The recovery to the inital contraction force is better whenusing Sabax cardioplegic solution.

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)35. ADAPTIVE CAPACITY OF CARDIOVASCULARSYSTEM: INDIRECT ASSESSMENT METHODS
E. Chelaru1, Irina Brumboiu2
2nd year student at “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
2
Epidemiology Department of Iuliu Hatieganu” University of
Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj‑Napoca, Romania

1

The paper presents an indirect evaluation of the way inwhich the cardiovascular system reacts to the environmental
conditions in Romania. The study highlights a time span oftwenty years. Data used were selected from World HealthOrganization (WHO) official reports and organized with theaim of showcasing the evolution in time of cardiovasculardiseases as well as the local situation in a European context.
The assessment included cardiovascular disease mortality
rates, morbidity (by heart attack, stroke) rates while also a
correlation with their influencing factors (alcohol, tobacco,
average income). To summarize, Romania can be includedin the high level area of mortality caused by cardiovascularconditions, which represent the main cause of death through‑out the last decades.

36. ACTION OF MILLIMETER WAVES IN PERIPH‑
ERAL FORMATION
Victoria Chihai, Svetlana Lozovanu
Department of Physiology and Medical Rehabilitation, State
Medical and Pharmaceutical University „Nicolae Testemitanu”,
Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Background. The millimeter waves are utilized in non– invasive treatment with analgesic effects. The power ofthe penetration for the millimeter waves are 0,5 millimeter.
The goal of this investigation was the study of the millimeterwaves in the cutaneous receptors.
Methods. Were investigated 60 healthy persons, divided
in 2 groups and experimental animals (frogs). The applicationof the millimeter waves was effectuated with generating
set of the millimeter waves, time of application – 15 min.,frequency 8 Hz, power 10mW/cm2, λ – 5,6 mm. The reobase
and cronaxie were determinate in the healthy persons group,
the time of the reflex was appreciated in the animals group– pre‑ and post‑ application millimeter waves.
Results. During the application of the millimeter waves
the cronaxie decreases in healthy persons group and the timeof the reflex decreases too in the animals group.
Conclusion. Based on own investigations are exposing theprobability of effect achieving of millimeter waves mediatedby tissue cell activation, especially, cutaneous cells whichindirectly by releasing of biological active components are
modulating reactivity and excitability of peripheral nerves
terminations.

15Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences

37. Behavior of some oxidative stress pa‑
rameters in patients with unstable angina
pectoris and metabolic syndrome
Roxana Chiorescu¹, S. Blaga¹, Luminiţa Vida Simiti¹,
Anca Cristea¹, Şoimiţa Suciu², Adriana Mureşan², Nico‑leta Decea²
Medical Clinic I, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu
Hatieganu”, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
2
Physiology Department,University of Medicine and Pharmacy“Iuliu Hatieganu”, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
1

The aim of the study was to evaluate the behavior of someoxidative stress parameters in patients with unstable angina
pectoris (UAP) and metabolic syndrome.
The study included 40 patients with UAP admitted to theMedical Clinic I Cluj‑Napoca in the period 1st January 2005 – 1stJuly 2006. The diagnosis of angina pectoris was made basedon the current criteria of the European Society of Cardiology.
The assessment of the studied cases included, in addition to
the identification of traditional risk factors, the behavior ofsome oxidative stress markers: malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid
peroxides (LP), carbonylated proteins (CP) and hydrogen
donor capacity of plasma (HD%). The metabolic syndrome
was diagnosed by the criteria proposed by IDF 2005.
Patients with UAP and metabolic syndrome had statisti‑cally significantly higher LP values compared to the patientswith UAP but without metabolic syndrom (mean value: 2,49nmol/ml versus 1,73 nmol/ml, p=0,007). Antioxidant capac‑
ity of plasma appreciated by HD% values was statisticallysignificantly lower to the patients with UAP and metabolic
syndrome compared to the control group (mean value: 41,16(%)
versus 51,53 (%), p=0,03).
Patients with angina pectoris show statistically significantly
variation in the values of some oxidative stress markers. These
data support the view that the metabolic syndrome canincrease cardiovascular risk in patients with UAP.

38. Liver tissue oxidative stress and therole of polyphenol administration in a
rat model of diabetes mellitus
Irina Chis1, Ramona Simedrea1, MI. Ungureanu2, AdrianaMuresan1, Natalia Giurgea1, ID. Postescu3, Adriana Marton2,
Nicoleta Decea1
Department of Phsyiology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of
Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
2
Student, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of
Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
3
Oncologic Institute “I.Chiricuta” Cluj‑Napoca, Romania

1

Background and Purpose: Polyphenols are compounds withpotential beneficial effects in health, but also in chronic diseases,
such as diabetes mellitus. The aim of our study is to assess theireffects on the oxidative stress in the liver tissue of diabetic rats.
16

Materials and methods: Two groups of rats, each one
consisting of 10 animals, were used in the study. Diabetes
was induced in both groups with Streptozotocin, injected ina dose of 50 mg/kg. After diabetes was induced, the second
group received 100 mg/kg polyphenols, by gavage, for aperiod of 10 days. At the end of this period, the markers ofoxidative stress were assayed in liver tissue homogenates:
thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), carbonylated
proteins and hydrogen donor capacity.
Results: The levels of TBARS and carbonylated proteins
showed a significant decrease in group II, when comparedto group I, while hydrogen donor capacity was higher ingroup II than in group I.
Conclusion: Oxidative stress is present in the liver tissueof diabetic rats, but our study showed that it can be positively
influenced by polyphenols administration, which can create
the premises of a therapy that should prevent liver lesions
in the evolution of diabetes mellitus.

39. STUDY CONCERNING THE PROBABILITY OF
DISTRIBUTING THE DESCENDANTS BY THEIRGENDER
L. Chitimia, E. Chitimia, E. Armenescu, A. Musetescu
Physiology Chair of the Faculty of General Medicine of Titu
Maiorescu University
Objective: establishing the probability of distributing
the descendants by their gender.
Material and method: The study has been performedby the Physiology Chair of the Faculty of General Medicine ofTitu Maiorescu University. In this retrospective observational
study there were interviewed 83 subjects, aged over 20, thisway obtaining the number of descendants and their distri‑bution according to their gender, for parents, their children
and grandparents, taking into consideration the number oflive born children.
It was taken into consideration all possible categories
of siblings, either single child or having a sibling or moresiblings.
For a total of 546 sets of descendants, it was calculated
the distribution according to their gender as a percentage ofthe total number of descendants (% boys=number of boys/
boys + girls; %girls=number of girls/boys + girls), for all three
generations, as well as the average number of descendantsof each generation.
Results: The total number of men and women showed in
the studied generations a distribution of 942 (53%) men and
838 (47%) women, this result being in concordance with thestatistic data regarding the child birth in our country.
It was evaluated the distribution according to the genderof the interviewed persons, as well as the repartition of thedescendants according to the distribution by their genderof the members of the anterior generations, which was as

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
follows: 19% equal distribution, 43% ‑ male prevalence, 38%
female prevalence.
It is interesting to notice the decrease of the average
number of set of descendants from 3.5 to 1.5.
The number of set of descendants is in concordance with
Gauss’ Curve, two being the maximum value of this curve.
Discussion and conclusions: It is confirmed the decreaseof the average number of members per set of descendants
per generation. The study allows to establish the probabilityof distribution of the descendants according to their genderin the framework of general population and for 3 generations(with a statistical weight of 4:2:1), having an error margin forless than 1.5%.

40. Particularities of the right ventricle
haemodynamic in high afterloadCătălina Ciornei, Anca Bădărău, Mariana Artino, Raluca
Papacocea
Department of Physiology I, UMF „Carol Davila” Bucharest,
Romania
We choose to study the right ventricle haemodynamic
in high afterload because the pathologic situations of theright heart are of theoretic and practic importance and thebibliographic data are quite reduced. Most bibliographic
data are obtained from experimental studies on animals,
and almost no clinic studies.
Material and methods: We studied 235 files of patients
who had undergone cardiac catheterization in the Depart‑
ment of Catheterism of the “C. C. Iliescu” Institute in Fundeni,
Bucharest. The patients were divided in study groups, as
following:
A study group with primary (idiopathic) pulmonary
hypertension (HTPP), and patients with different types ofsecondary pulmonary hypertension (HTP). We studied thefollowing parameters: mean pressure in the right atrium; end
diastolic pressure in the right ventricle; peak systolic pressurein the right ventricle; minimum, mean and maximum pres‑sures in the pulmonary artery; total, capilary and arteriolar
pulmonary resistance.
Results: The central venuos pressure is close to nor‑mal in primary pulmonary hypertension (HTPP). In all thesecondary pulmonary hypertension cases there has been
observed a predictible variability of the pulmonary resistence,in comparison with patients with HTPP. The peak systolicpressure in the right atrium is high in all the cases with highafterload of the right ventricle, but significantly higher thanthe patients with secondary HTP. The capilary pulmonarypressure is significantly higher in all cases with secondary
HTP than primary HTP.
Conclusions: The alterations in the lusitropic functionof the right ventricle is more important in cases with HTPP
than in patients with primary HTP. The cardiac remodellingof the right ventricle is different in the two situations of HTP
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)(primary and secondary) due to the different type of workloadof the right ventricle. In all chronic secondary HTP cases, theimpact on the right ventricule and the pulmonary circulationis the same, different from HPTT, acute secondary HTP, andpulmonary embolism.

41. STUDY OF THE GUSTATIVE SENSATION TO
SALT TO HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS
P. Cismaş‑Petrişor, M. Cismaş‑Petrişor, Andreea
Cismaş‑Petrişor, GC. Badale, Ioana Scrobotă
Physiology Department, University of Oradea, Romania
The salt intake is closely connected to the hydrical one
and it is under control of the appetite for salt addition isregulated by the gustative analyzer; almost all the ingested
salt being absorbed at the digestive level.
In consumers who use salt in excess and for a long time,
the sensitivity of the salt taste dimishes by a total adapta‑
tion phenomenon;consequently the salt ingestion becomes
quantitatively uncontrollable.
The possibility of salty taste reconversion is difficult, thepsycho‑sensorial phenomenon of excessive salt ingestion
being part of the local culinary habits and tradition.
Almost the whole quantity ingested is absorbed by anactive mechanism at the level of the intestinal epithelium,
stimulated by aldosteron. Experts accept that an excess ofthe salt ingestion is a risk factor associated to essential arte‑
rial hypertension, it’s frequently within general population
to the salt consumption which can, partly, affect the bloodpressure by the impact upon the transport system by thecell membrane.
The aim of this study was to analyze the behavior of thegustative sensation to salt, in a population presenting an
increased hypertensive risk, in conditions of a high long‑termsalt intake.

42. In vitro and in vivo assessment of theefficiency of photodynamic therapy withtetrasulphophenil‑porphyrin
Simona Clichici1, Maria Perde‑Schrepler2, Adriana Filip1,
Doina Daicoviciu1, Piroska Virag2, Eva Fischer-Fodor2, Ioana
Brie2, Rodica Mariana Ion3, C. Login1, Adriana Muresan1
Department of Phsiology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” Univ. of Medicine
and Pharmacy Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
2“Prof. Dr. I. Chiricuta” Oncology Institute Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
3
National R&D Institute of Chemistry and Petrochemistry‑ ICECHIM,
Bucharest, Romania

1

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising treatment
not only for a variety of solid malignancies, but also for some
nontumoral disorders. The antitumoral effects of PDT aredetermined especially by the generation of cytotoxic reactive
oxygen species (SRO), leading to tumor cells’ distruction by17

Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
apoptosis or necrosis. 5,10,15,20‑tetrasulphophenil‑porphyrin(TPPS), a synthetized photosensitizer (ICECHIM Bucharest),
was evaluated for in vitro and in vivo PDT efficiency. For thein vitro study, 2 tumor cells lines were used: HeLa and WM35.
Dark cytotoxicity and phototoxicity were assessed, using
TPPS concentrations ranging from 50 to 5000 μg/ml. Irradia‑
tion was performed using a LED system (0.9 J/cm2, λ=615nm). After 24 hours incubation with the photosensitizer,
photodynamic effect was obtained in both cell lines, with adose‑ dependent decrease of cell survival. Dark toxicity was
more important in WM35 cells (IC50 = 818.9 μg/ml). After light
exposure, HeLa cells showed higher sensitivity, with a 50%
decrease of cell survival at 324.5 μg/ml TSPP while for WM35
it was 535.8 μg/ml. In vitro, PDT with TPPS was more efficientfor the HeLa cells. In vivo, we assessed the efficiency of the
PDT with TPPS on Walker carcinoma 256. We compared thecapacity of TPPS to generate ROS and the cytotoxic effects
in the tumor with those of well‑studied photosensitizers. We
performed several series of experiments on male Wistar rats,
200‑250 g, bearing Walker tumor, treated with PDT eitherwith 5‑ aminolevulinic acid (ALA), 250mg/kg, or with TPPS,
10 mg/kg, after a period of incubation of 3 hours or 24 hours.
We measured the indirect markers of oxidative stress (TBARS,
carbonylated proteins), the antioxidant capacity (hydrogen
donors, sulfhydryl groups), in plasma and tumor, in cor‑
relation with the histological modifications in the tumor, 3h, 6 h, 24 h, 14 days after PDT. The results indicate that the
maximum efficiency for the PDT with TPPS, quantified by
SRO generation, appears after 24 h of incubation with TPPS.
The cytotoxic effects are more important 24 hours after PDT
with TPPS, at both intervals of incubation.
In conclusion, PDT with TPPS offers, in vivo, better results
than PDT with ALA, further investigations being useful forclinical applications.

43. Manifestations of the disseminatedintravascular coagulation syndromein patients with acute leukemia
Ioana Coralia Codreanu1, Rodica Păcurar2, Doina Nicola2,
Anca Isac3, Ioana Ioniţă3, Hortensia Ioniţă3
The Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy Oradea, Discipline:
Biochemistry, Romania

1

The Municipal Clinic Hospital, Laboratory of Hematology,Timişoara, Romania
2

The University of Medicine and Pharmacy, „Victor Babeş”,
Discipline: Hematology, Timişoara, Romania
3

Introduction: Acute leukemias result from the malig‑nant transformation of a lymphoid or myeloid progenitor
followed by cell replication and expansion of the malignant
clone. The predominant feature of neoplasic cells in acuteleukemias is the maturation defect leading to the increase18

in number of myeloblasts (in acute myeloblastic leukemias)and lymphoblasts (in acute lymphoblastic leukemias). The
state of hypercoagulability shown by patients with acuteleukemia is induced by the release of tissue factors in leu‑
kemic cells. These are linked by factor VII in the presence of
calcium, activating factor X (extrinsic pathway), inducing
the formation of thrombin and finally fibrin. The thrombin
also activates factors V and VIII which lead to the aggrega‑tion of platelets.
Objectives: By carrying out this study we aim at pointing
out the importance of a precocious diagnosis of coagulation
troubles occurring in patients with acute leukemias, mainly inthose with disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome,
which in time leads to a drop in the survival rate for thesepatients. We also aim at underlining the importance of aprecocious administration of the anticoagulation therapy
with heparin preparations for patients with acute leukemia
and manifestations of consumptive coagulopathy.
Material and method: We have studied a group of 100
patients with acute leukemias (myeloblastic and lympho‑
blastic). The laboratory tests carried out for indicating thepresence of disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome
were represented by: number of red blood cells, number ofthrombocytes, Quick time, APTT, lysis time of the euglobulinclot, level of the fibrinogen, the fibrin monomers test andthe D‑dimers test.
Results: The disseminated intravascular coagulation
syndrome occurred in a larger percentage in patients withacute myeloblastic leukemias (46% of the cases, especially inpatients with acute premyelocytic leukemia) than in patientswith acute lymphoblastic leukemias who presented manifesta‑
tions of consumptive coagulopathy in 37% of the cases.
Conclusions: Manifestations of disseminated intravascular
coagulation syndrome may occur frequently in patients withacute leukemias. The precocious diagnosis of consumptive
coagulopathy and the quick setting up of anticoagulation
therapy led to the increase of the survival rate for patientswith acute leukemias under study who presented modifica‑
tions of hemostatis.

44. Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) – implications in physiology, clini‑
cal pathology and therapeutics
L. Coman1, Anca Bădărău1, H. Păunescu2, A. Zugravu2,
Oana Andreia Coman2
Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy“Carol Davila” Bucharest, Romania
2
Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Universityof Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, Romania
1

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key mediatorin the complex pathway of angiogenesis and an enhancer ofvascular permeability. It is a protein with at least 6 isoforms,
VEGF 165 being the most important as angiogenic. Lack ofFiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
VEGF gene is incompatible with life. VEGF has 2 tyrosine‑kinasetype membrane receptors VEGFR‑1 and VEGFR‑2, the last one
responsible of the angiogenic effect.
Hypoxia is the main stimulus for VEGF mRNA production.
The expression of VEGF mRNA is increased by other growth
factors such as fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth
factor, insulin‑like growth factor‑1. A friendly environment
for proliferation, migration and increase of life time of en‑
dothelial cells is created.
In clinical pathology VEGF was identified as a progression
factor in diabetic retinopathy, age related macular degen‑eration (ARMD), in breast, gastric and colon cancer and inrheumatoid arthritis.
Pharmacological blocking of VEGF actions leads to asignificant inhibition of vascular neoformation process.
VEGF antagonists in clinical use are either monoclonal anti‑
bodies (bevacizumab), antibody derivatives (ranibizumab),oligonucleotides (pegabtanib) or orally available moleculesthat inhibit tyrosine‑kinases stimulated by VEGF (sunitinib,
sorafenib, axitinib, pazopanib).

45. Study of phototoxic effects of ALA and
TSPP on primary human keratinocytes andcarcinoma cell cultures. The evaluationof cytotoxic and phototoxic effects ofchitosan on cell cultures
Rodica Cosgarea1, Simona Senila1, Ioana Baldea1, Mirela
Susan1, Simina Dreve2, Mariana Ion3
Dermatology Clinici, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Romania
2
INCDTIM Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
3
ICECHIM Bucharest, Romania

1

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non surgical method
for treating non melanoma skin cancer and precancerous
lesions which consist in a combination of a topical photosensitizer substance and exposure to red light.
The aim of study was to test the effect of photodynamic
therapy (PDT) on the normal and tumoral cell cultures,
obtained from biopsy of normal skin and small fragmentsof basal cell carcinoma. The photo sensitizer substances
was 5‑aminolevulinic acid and 5,10,15,20‑tetra‑(p‑sulpho‑nate‑phenyl)‑porphirin. Testing of toxicity was performedby the viability and proliferation cell assay MTS and theapoptosis on the cultures cell incubated with photo sen‑sitizer substances and exposure to red light. Evaluation of
the cytotoxicity of chitosan on the studied cultures was
performed initialy using the viability assay on the normal
human fibroblasts cultures and we observed the effectsof concomitent exposure to the chitosan, photo sensitizer
substances and red light.

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)46. EVALUATION OF GLUTATHIONE PEROXI‑DASE AND MALONDIALDEHYDE IN AUTISTICCHILDRENS
Elena Cristina Crăciun1, Maria Dronca2, S. Paşca2, R. Rusu2,
Elena Predescu3
Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratory Depart‑
ment, Faculty of Pharmacy
2
Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine
3
Pediatric Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine„Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
1

It is suggested that autism may result from an interac‑tion between genetic, environmental, and immunologicalfactors, with oxidative stress as a mechanism linking theserisk factors. Several studies have suggested alteration in theactivity of antioxidant enzymes in autism.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the whole blood
glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and plasma malondi‑
aldehyde (MDA) level in autistic children. We investigated 30
children (age 5.6±0.55) with typical autism, clinical evaluatedwith CARS (40.11±1.10), registered at the Pediatric Psychiatry
Clinic in Cluj‑Napoca. GPx in whole blood was measured with
Cobas Mira Plus analyzer by using Ransel kit (Randox Labo‑ratories Ltd.) and plasma MDA by isocratic HPLC system withfluorescence detector and Chromsystems kit (Chromsystems
Instruments Chemicals GmbH).
In this study we found a statistically significant positive
correlation between whole blood GPx activity (45.59±2.16
U/gHb) and plasma MDA concentration (0.21±0.009 μM/L),
r=0.45, P=0.01. These results suggest that the oxidative
stress, reflected by the MDA level, could influence the GPx
activity.

47. PERSPECTIVES AND LIMITS OF PHOTODY‑NAMIC THERAPY IN DERMATOLOGY
M. Crisan, R. Cosgarea, D. Vornicescu, A. Filip, C. Melincovici,
A. Chindris, B. Bosca, R. Bucur, D. Crisan“Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy,
Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
Photodynamic therapy is a recently used method thathas successfully been applied in the treatment of digestive,
pulmonary, genital and also cutaneous tumors. The method isthus a viable option and plays an important role in the therapy
of precancer and nonmelanoma skin cancer. Recent studies
that have used different photosynthetisers either topicallyor generally administered, combined with compatible lightsources, highlight positive results in the case of acne, psoriasis,
warts, cutaneous lymphoma, photoaging, cancer etc.
The use of photodynamic therapy in our country at thismoment is rather low, being still in an experimental phase. The
article synthesizes the accepted and the possible indications
19

Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciencesof PDT, the new perspectives of usage, and briefly analyses
the success rate of the therapy in each pathology type.

49. EPR investigation of antioxidant activityof some grape skin and seeds extracts

48. THE POSSIBILITY OF REDUCTION OF THE
SALIVARY OXIDATIVE STRESS AFTER SHORTTERM TREATMENT WITH C VITAMIN

G. Damian1, Dina Petrisor1, V. Miclaus2, Claudia Cimpoiu2,
Anamaria Hosu2, ID. Postescu3

Camelia Dalai1, Adriana Pirte1, Mariana Muresan1, Otilia
Micle1, Liana Micle1, C. Dalai1, M. Dorofteiu2
University of Oradea, Medicine and Pharmacy Faculty, Oradea,
Romania2“Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy,
Cluj‑Napoca, Romania

1

Introduction. Recent medical and dental research inthis area regarded the prevention of ROS mediated diseaseby using antioxidants. In this study we assessed the level ofthe salivary oxidative stress in persons with dental caries andif the administration of vitamin C improves the antioxidant
capacity and also if there are measured modifications oftransaminases, phosphatase, LDH or C‑reactiv protein (CRP)
in saliva.
Material and method. Thirty two adult divided into 2
groups, one group with a single tooth with a carious process,non‑smokers, and the other one with multiple cavities, wereselected for the study. The first group took 200 mg vitamin C
3 times a day, for 3 weeks. For proving the salivary and serum
oxidative stress we established the level of MDA utilizing themethod with tiobarbituric acid and ceruloplasmin with Ravinmethod. GOT and GPT, alkaline and acid phosphatase, LDH
and CRP were determined out of saliva on analyzer Hitachi
912, Roche Diagnostic, Switzerland, using reactive Greiner
Diagnostic, Germany. The obtained results were compared
to a control group of 15 volunteers with no dental lesions
or restorations.
Results. Salivary MDA was significantly increased at thegroup with a single tooth with a carious process and withmultiple cavities. The same thing was observed in blood
sample on those groups. The results proved the strong
antioxidant effect of vitamin C even in small doses. Salivary
levels of MDA were reduced. The tissues destruction fromdental cavities and periodontitis is testified by the increase ofsalivary transaminases, and the presence of a inflammatory
reaction is pointed out by the increased concentrations of
LDH and CRP. The presence of bone reshaping caused by
the studied dental lesions is reflected by the variations ofalkaline and acid salivary phosphatase.
Conclusions. Increased level of MDA and lower salivary
ceruloplasmin level was caused by the carious process. We
observed the protective effects of vitamin C in saliva forthe prevention of oral inflamations. Due to these we sug‑gest a dietary supplementation with C vitamin.The level of
GOT, GPT, LDH, CRP indirectly indicates the presence of an
inflammatory process.
20

Faculty of Physics, “Babeş‑Bolyai” University, Cluj‑Napoca,
Romania2
Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, “Babeş‑Bolyai”
University, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
3“I. Chiricuta” Oncological Institute, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania

1

Production of free radicals in cells and body tissues has
been correlated with cancer and many other disease of aging.
The presence of micronutrient phytochemical compounds– antioxidants‑ is now being recognized as playing an importantrole in disease prevention because of their effect on oxidative
damage. Also, antioxidants are potent scavengers of free radicals
and serve as inhibitors of neoplastic processes. A large numberof synthetic and natural antioxidants have been demonstrated
to induce beneficial effects on human health and disease pre‑vention. Grapes and wines are known as powerful antioxidantsources and its are used as active substance combinations for
producing cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions. Seeds
and skin ethanolic extracts three of different types of red grape
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Burgund from Recaş winery(Romania) were prepared using two extraction methods. Theirantioxidant activity was evaluating by EPR and UV‑VIS spec‑
troscopy. In both methods 2, 2‑ diphenyl‑ 1‑ picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) and 4‑hydroxy‑ 2,2,6,6‑tetramethylpiperidin – N‑ oxyl
(TEMPOL) were used as sources of stable free radicals. The
UV‑vis spectrophotometer was used to determine the concen‑
tration of DPPH in methanol. The decrease of absorbance wasmeasured at 0 minute, 1 minute, and every 5 minutes at 515
nm for 2 hours or until the absorbance became steady. Also,
the ethanolic solutions of DPPH and TEMPOL were mixed withextracts and the changes in the intensity signals were monitored
by EPR for a 30 minutes. Subsequently the experimental EPR
spectra were double‑integrated and the relative concentrationof TEMPOL and DPPH, was determined.
The results show that all extracts, especially seeds extracts
possess very high antioxidant activity in both assay withsome differences among types of grape, seeds and skin. A
correlation between free radical activity and total antioxidant
capacity of seeds and skin extract was observed.

50. The predictive value of von Willebrand
Factor (vWF) in diabetics with complica‑tions
Ramona Dan, Delia Tertan
Physiology - Pathophysiology Department, Faculty of Medicine
and Pharamcy, Oradea, Romania
Background. The biggest multimeric molecule of the hu‑
man being is implicated in the last years in studies concerning
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
its quality as a predictive marker of endothelial dysfunction.
Our objective consisted in determination of vWFf and tofind out whether it can be considered a predictive marker ofmicro/macroangiopathical manifestations in diabetics.
Methods. This secvential study was performed on 130
diabetics‑60 typeI, 70 type II and22 non‑ diabetics in thecontrol group. The concentration of vWF was confined byenzyme‑linked‑immuno‑sorbent‑assay ELISA with antihuman an‑
tivWF antibodies of rabbits, dilution 1/400of phosphated salt.
Results. The highest values of vWF were noticed indiabetics with stroke, followed by ischaemic cardiopathy
and myocardial infarction. Its concentration increases sig‑
nificantly if the number of complications is higher.There isno correlation between vWF and peripheral arterial diseaseor retinopathy.
Discussion. The strong correlation of vWF with stroke, isch‑aemic cardiopathy, nephropathy may be due to the advanced
glycosylation end‑products, source of cellular stimulation thatinduces an increase of permeability by synthesis of cytokines;
therefore, the production of procoagulant factor increases,
followed by the thickening of the basal membrane.

51. Olive leaf extract attenuates etha‑
nol‑induced gastric lesions in rats
Dekanski D1, Janićijević‑Hudomal S2, Piperski V3, Petričević
S1, Mitrović DM4
R&D Institute, Galenika a.d. Beograd, Serbia
Medical School Pristina (Kosovska Mitrovica), Serbia
3
Medical Academy, US Medical School, Beograd, Serbia
4
Medical School Beograd, Serbia

12

Olive leaf extract (OLE) possesses, among other, antioxida‑
tive properties, but whether it influences the gastric defense
mechanism and gastroprotection against ethanol‑induced
gastric lesions remains unknown. Previous studies demon‑
strated that the damaging action of absolute ethanol could
be attributed to the enhancement in the reactive oxygen
species (ROS) and the ROS‑dependent increase in lipid per‑oxidation and inhibition of antioxidative enzyme activity. In
this study we investigated the protective effect of OLE, anatural antioxidant, on gastric mucosal damage induced byabsolute ethanol in rats.
We applied three different doses of OLE intragastrically(i.g.) 30 minutes prior to absolute ethanol administration.
One hour after i.g. applied ethanol, areas of gastric lesions
were measured by planimetry using ImageJ computer
programme. Ulcer index (UI) and percent of inhibition of
UI in relation to the control ethanol group were calculated.
Furthermore, we compared the effects of applied OLE on
gastric mucosal lesions with effects of i.g. pretreatment of
H2 receptor antagonist, ranitidine. Histological evidence ofgastric mucosal lesions was also obtained.
Absolute ethanol treatment caused severe gastricsubmucosal haemorrhage, and this finding was confirmed
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)histologicaly. Pretreatment with OLE (40, 80 and 120 mg/kg),
as well as with ranitidine (50 mg/kg), significantly (p<0,001)
attenuated gastric lesions induced by absolute ethanol. Per‑
cents of inhibition in UI were 62%, 82% and 71%, respectively.
The protective effect of OLE was similar to that obtained withranitidine which inhibited UI for 76%.
Our results suggest that OLE exerts a potent gastroprotec‑
tive activity against ethanol‑induced gastric lesions in rats.

52. Combining Severity and Socio‑Emotional
Impact for the Psoriasis Evaluation. Defi‑
nition and automatic assessment
Hana Decean1, M. Ivanovici2, R. Orasan1, V. Buzuloiu3“Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
2“Transilvania “ University Brasov, Romania
3“Politechnica” University Bucharest, Romania

1

We defined a global score for the evaluation of psoriasis
that combines the severity measured by the PASI score withthe socio‑emotional impact of the disease. We compute the
new score by correlating the severity parameters of the PASI
score (area, redness, scaliness and thickness) with the locationof the psoriatic region. Consequently, we obtain a higher‑level
relevance score - from the point of view of the psychologicalimpact of the disease on the patient - that is able to provide
a complete picture for the disease evaluation.
Depending on the location of the lesion, the socio‑emo‑
tional impact is different. Therefore, we divided the wholebody surface in three regions and - in order to create an
objective and patient‑independent metric - we associatedto each of them a certain degree of inconvenience causedby the occurrence of the lesions. These regions are as fol‑lows: region 1: the head, the hands and the genitals, region
2: the arms and the legs and region 3: the rest of the humanbody. The corresponding degrees of inconvenience are as
3, 2 and 1 respectively. In this way, for two similar lesions(same affected area, same redness, scaliness and thickness)
the formula we propose gives larger values for region 1, thanfor region 2 or 3, reflecting the fact that the patient is moresocially and emotionally affected if the lesion is situated inregion 1 than in region 3 (e.g. the patient is more sociallyand emotionally affected if the same lesion is located on
the face than on the leg).
We compare the score we defined against other scoresand show that our score offers a more relevant picture forthe psoriasis evaluation. We are currently working on de‑veloping an automatic assessment software and hardware
tool, in order to improve the speed and the precision of thepsoriasis evaluation process. The prototype of this automatic
assessment tool is built out of on‑the‑shelf components(digital photo camera, laptop) and uses image processing
techniques for the parameters measurement and localizationof the affected skin regions.
21

Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
The score we propose is more relevant because it correlatesskin‑level severity with the location of the psoriatic regions,and thus capturing the implications at the psychological level.
The automatic assessment tool we develop is very useful for
creating and maintaining a complete electronic record of thepatient, to evaluate the response to the treatment both inevery day clinical practice and in the new therapy studies.

53. THE IMPACT OF STRESS AND EXERCISE ON
THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
Petru Derevenco
Academy of Medical Sciences, Cluj Branch, Romania
The objective of this review is twofold: 1. to report sometrends and perspectives of the cardiovascular physiology withfocus on adaptation to exercise and stress; 2. to summarize
the researches performed by our team in this topic.
Main problems concerning cardiovascular physiology:
principles of preventive cardiology; individual adaptive pe‑culiarities; severe exercise and distress as risk factors for the
cardiovascular system; cardiac arrest and sudden death inathletes; stress syndromes and psychosomatic cardiovascular
disturbances; modern methods to explore the cardiovascularsystem; impact of the sympathoadrenal hyperactivationon the heart and vessels elicited by intense exertion andpsychoemotional stress; cardiovascular system and doping;cardiovascular reactivity in physical and mental distress.
Researches made by our team on various groups of sub‑jects have outlined the typological features of cardiovascular
reactions during occupational stress, cardiovascular changes
elicited by administration of some pharmacological substances,cardiovascular reactions during hyperbaric stress, psychosomatic
peculiarities in coronary disease, hyperkinetic syndrome inyoung athletes, stress as a distinct risk factor for the heart.
Experiments on rats described the cardiovascular reac‑
tions produced by training and the cardiovascular changes
reported in animals subjected to exercise and/or chemical
sympathectomy.
A theoretical work outlines features of the neuroendocrine
control of circulation during exercise.
The last section deals with the management of distress andsevere exercise, which appeals as well to the life style of sub‑jects as to their physical and psychosocial environment.

54. Protective effects of L‑cysteine against
60
Co γ‑rays induced damages in human
lymphocytes
T. Dicu1, V. Foris2, I. Brie2, IV. Cernea3, ID. Postescu2
Faculty of Environmental Science, “Babeş‑Bolyai” University,
Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
2
Institute of Oncology “Prof. I. Chiricuta”, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
3
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “I. Hatieganu”, Cluj‑Napoca,
Romania1

22

Thiol‑containing antioxidants such as L‑cysteine is a sourceof cysteine for the synthesis of the endogenous antioxidant
glutathione (GSH) which is depleted by ionizing radiation.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential anti‑oxidant effects of different doses of L‑cysteine against 60Co
γ‑rays‑induced damage in human lymphocytes. Samples ofhuman lymphocytes from 2 different donors were incubatedwith L‑cysteine (450 μg/ml, 180 μg/ml or 90 μg/ml) for 30
minutes before being irradiated in vitro with γ‑rays (2 Gy).
The DNA damage and repair in lymphocytes were evaluatedusing alkaline single‑cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE). Using
the tail factor and lesion score, the two most specific cometparameters, the radiation‑induced damage was found tobe significantly different (p < 0.01) from control, both in theabsence and presence of L‑cysteine. DNA repair was analyzed
by incubating the irradiated cells at 37°C and 5% CO2 for 2h.
The application of 450 μg/ml L‑cysteine significantly reduced
the level of DNA damage (p<0.05) against control, after 2 hof repair process.
The results suggest radioprotective effects after treatment
with L‑cysteine in human lymphocytes. We conclude with the
hypothesis that L‑cysteine may protect the cells indirectly
by donating cysteine for GSH synthesis.

55. APELIN EFFECTS ON RAT PORTAL VEIN
TONE
M. Dinca1, AC. Mihai1, L. Vata1, IL. Dumitriu1, B. Gurzu1, M.
Costuleanu2, Gh. Petrescu1
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine
Department of Physiopathology, Faculty of Dentistry
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr T Popa” Iasi

1

2

Literature data suggested that apelin (AP), an endogenous
ligand of the APJ receptor, is involved in the regulation ofvascular tone. We studied the effects of AP13 and interac‑tions between AP13 and phenylephrine (Phe) or angiotensin
II (Ang II) on rat portal vein rings (PV). The experiments were
performed in endothelium‑denuded or endothelium‑intact
PV in the presence of 10 µM N(G)‑nitro L‑arginine methyl
ester or 10 µM aminoguanidine. AP13 does not modify byitself the PV tone. Pretreatment with AP13 decreased theAng II‑induced contractions mainly by an NO mediatedmechanism. On the other hand, AP (cumulative dose, 1nM‑ 10µM) relaxed PV precontracted with 10µM Phe (Emax =56.41±3.18%). Blocking NO synthesis decreased AP‑induced
relaxation of Phe precontracted PV rings, L‑NAME being
significantly powerful on endothelium denuded (up to 90%)
than endothelium intact rings (up to 60%). Our results sustain
the hypothesis that AP13 could increase the activity of bothconstitutive and inducible NOSs on either endothelium‑intact
or endothelium‑denuded rat.

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences

56. EFFECTS OF CISPLATIN, VITAMIN C AND SE‑
LENIUM CO‑TREATMENT ON Hematologicalparameters in ratsĐačić Dragana1, Đuričić Danijela1, Žižić Jovana1, Milošević
Marijana1, Ognjanović I. Branka1, Štajn Š. Andraš1, Žikić V.
Radoslav1, Saičić S. Zorica2 and Marković D. Snežana1
Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Universityof Kragujevac, Serbia
2
Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research“Siniša Stanković”, University of Belgrade, Serbia
1

Cisplatin is one of the most active cytotoxic agens in
the treatment of cancer. However, cisplatin has serious toxic
effects in organism. The aim of this study was to evaluate
effects of cisplatin and antioxidants (vitamin C and selenium)co‑treatment on hematological parameters in rats. In our
experiments six groups of male Wistar albino rats were used.
Group I – untreated (control); group II ‑ cisplatin treatment(7.5 mg/kg bw, i.p.); group III ‑ vitamin C treatment (500mg/kg bw, i.p.); group IV ‑ selenium treatment (6 mg/kg
bw, i.p.); group V – vitamin C + cisplatin treatment; group
VI ‑ selenium + cisplatin treatment. In all cases animals
sacrificed after 3 days of treatment. Blood samples weretaken at the day of sacrifice. The packed cell volume (Htc),
concentration of hemoglobin (Hb), number of erythrocytes(Ercs), leucocytes (Lcs) and platelets (Plts), percentage of
reticulocytes (Rtcs), as well Heinz bodies formation were
followed. The results showed that cisplatin (II) induced
significantly higher concentration of Hb and lower numberof Plts compared to control group (I). Vitamin C (III) andSe (IV) treatments induced also higher concentration of
Hb. Co‑treatment with Vitamin C + cisplatin (V) and Se +cisplatin (VI) elevated concentration of Hb, the percentage
of Rtcs and lowered the number of Lcs compared to control
group. Vitamin C treatment alone (III), or in co‑treatment withcisplatin (V) elevated Heinz bodies formation, suggestingoxidative damage of red blood cells. According to presented
data, the high, acute doses of cisplatin, vitamin C and Se
alone or in co‑treatment mainly altered differentiation andfunction of red blood cells in rats.

57. EFFECTS OF ACUTE AND REPEATED IMMOBILIZA‑TION STRESS ON OXYGEN CONSUMPTION OF THE
ISOLATED INTERSTICIAL RATS’ TESTES CELLS
MC. Djelic1, ZZ. Kojic1, SA. Andric2, TS. Kostic2
Laboratory for testing Tissue Respiration, Institute of Physiology,
School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
2
Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology and Signaling, DBE,
Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Serbia

1Stress, such as trauma and injury, is known to cause
severe functional dysfunctions in various tissues; however,there is little information on tissue‑specific cell respiration in
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)

response to stress. The aim of this study was to investigate
the effects of acute and repeated immobilization stress on
oxygen consumption of the isolated intersticial rats’ testes
cells (ISC). The ISC testes cells were isolated using modified
method Anakwe et all. The oxygen consumption of ISC testes
was measured using Clarck type electrode, which was donein two phases of respiration: in phase V4 (without ADP) andin phase V3 (with ADP). Repeated immobilization stressinduced a fall in oxygen consumption in both phases of ISC
rat’ testes respiration (‑10% V4, ‑4% V3) but this inhibitionof respiration wasn’t statistically significant. Acute immo‑
bilization stress induced decrease in oxygen consumption
in both phases of ISC rats’ testes respiration (‑49% V4, ‑31%
V3) which was statistically significant (p<0.05). Our datasuggest that acute and repeated immobilization stress
reduce oxygen consumption of ISC testes cells. However
the mechanisams by which immobilization stress induces
mitochondrial disfunction as well as mechanisms whichdevelop an adaptive response to repeated immobiliza‑tion remain unclear, so that further investigations of thismechanisms are required.

58. CONCENTRATION DEPENDENT INHIBITORYEFFECT OF DIPROPYLENTRIAMINE (A NITRICOXIDE DONOR) ON OXYGEN CONSUMPTION OF
ISOLATED RATS’ TESTIS INTERSTITIAL CELLS
MC. Djelic1, ZZ. Kojic1, SA. Andric2, TS. Kostic2
Laboratory for testing Tissue Respiration, Institute of Physiology,
School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
2
Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology and Signaling, DBE,
Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Serbia

1

The messenger role of nitric oxide (NO) in immobilizationstress‑induced inhibition of testicular steroidogenesis has
been previously suggested. Nitric monoxide (NO) regulates
many physiological processes in testes such as chang‑ing permeability of blood‑testis barrier, sperm maturing,
sperm moving as well as apoptose of germ testes cells.
The effects of NO on the oxygen consumption in testes
cells have not been studied yet. The aim of this study was
to examine the effect of nitric oxide donor, DPTA/NO, on
oxygen consumption of the isolated rats’ testis interstitialcells. Rats’ testis interstitial cells (ISC) were isolated ac‑
cording to Anakwe method (1985). The effect of DPTA wastested in the absence of ADP (state 4 of respiration) andin the presence of ADP (state 3). Measurement was donein triplicate for each concentration. Our results show that
DPTA/NO inhibits oxygen consumption of ISC in mannerthat could be concentration dependent. Because of thelimitted number of measurment this wasn’t fully proved
and additioanal expremiments are needed.

23

Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences

59. EFFECTS OF ESTRADIOL ON ERYTHROCYTESCONCENTRATION ReACTIVE OXYGEN AND NI‑
TROGEN SPECIES IN PREECLAMPSIA
Nataša Z. Ðorđević1, Goran M. Babić2, Snežana D. Marković1,
Branka I. Ognjanović1, Andraš Š. Štajn1, Radoslav V. Žikić1,
Zorica S. Saičić3Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Kragujevac,
Serbia2
Clinics of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Centre, Kragu‑
jevac, Serbia
3
Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research“Siniša Stanković”, University of Belgrade, Serbia
1Preeclampsia is a specific syndrome of human pregnancy,and characterized by hypertension and proteinuria. Thereis substantial evidence that the diverse manifestations ofpreeclampsia derive from pathologic changes within thematernal vascular endothelium. Oxidative stress might beinvolved in the endothelial dysfunction in preeclampsia.
Because morbidity and mortality rates in preeclampsia
increase with the increase of gestational age it is provides
justification for medically indicated labour induction. Estra‑
diol has significant role in the final remodelling of the cervix
before medical induction of labour. The aim of this study wasto evaluate antioxidative effects of estradiol in erythrocytesof women with preeclampsia. Intramuscular injectionsof 10 mg 17 beta‑estradiol were given to 20 women withpreeclampsia (36‑37 weeks gestation) three days. Venous
blood was obtained before (control) and 24 hours after each
injection during three days estradiol therapy. Concentrationof estradiol was assayed in serum. In erythrocytes were as‑sayed markers of oxidative stress: concentrations of super‑oxide anion (O2.‑), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitrite (NO2‑),
peroxynitrite (ONOO‑) and lipid peroxide (LPO). Results ofthis study showed that concentration of serum estradiol did
not change during therapy. Erythrocytes concentration of
H2O2, NO2‑ and ONOO‑ decreased, while O2.‑ and LPO levels
did not change during of estradiol therapy. Those results
suggest that in preeclampsia short‑term estradiol therapy
is very effective in protection of erythrocytes from oxidative
stress, and indicate antioxidative role of estradiol.

60. Homocysteine, Folic Acid and Coro‑nary Artery Disease: Possible Impact on
Prognosis and Therapy
D. Djuric1, V. Jakovljevic2, D. Hrncic1, A. Rasic‑Markovic1,
O Stanojlovic1
Institute of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, Universityof Belgrade, Serbia
2
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University ofKragujevac, Serbia

124Within the past four decades, the efforts of investigators
worldwide have established the amino acid homocysteine(Hcy) as an important factor in arteriosclerosis and ageing.
The amino acid homocysteine is a unique candidate forthe study of different age‑related pathological conditions,
namely vascular diseases, dementia disorders and late‑life
depression, due to its multiple roles in different pathways
leading to atherosclerosis and neurotoxicity. Especially, therole of homocysteine in predicting risk for atherothrombotic
vascular disease has been evaluated in several observa‑
tional studies in a large number of patients. These studies
show that the overall risk for vascular disease is small, withprospective, longitudinal studies reporting a weaker as‑sociation between homocysteine and atherothrombotic
vascular disease compared to retrospective case‑control
and cross‑sectional studies. Furthermore, randomised
controlled trials of homocysteine‑lowering therapy havefailed to prove a causal relationship. On the basis of theseresults, there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend
routine screening and treatment of elevated homocysteine
concentrations with folic acid and other vitamins to prevent
atherothrombotic vascular disease.

61. Systematic “ in vitro” examination of
the photostability of a set of sunscreen lo‑
tions and their chemical active agents
Simina Dreve, Marcela Corina Rosu, Crina Ramona Suciu,
E. Indrea
National Institute for R&D of Isotopic and Molecular Technolo‑gies, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
The photostability of a random set of available sunscreen
lotions and their active ingredients are examined spectro‑
scopically. The sunlight exposure was simulated and the
UVa and UVB radiation also. Loss of filtering efficacy canoccur because of possible photochemical modificationsof the sunscreen active agents. Changes in absorption isdetermined by agents in sunscreen lotions also leads toa reduction of the expected photoprotection of humanskin. The active ingredients were investigated in aqueous
media and in organic solvents (methanol, ethanol) and incombination with chitosan protective gel and with vitamins.
The UV absorption features are affected by the nature of thesolvents with properties closely related to oil‑in‑water (o/w)
or water‑in‑oil (w/o) emulsions actually used in sunscreen
formulations, and by the presence of molecular oxygen.
The photostabilities of the combined chemical ingredientsand their photodegradation in the presence of the physicalfilter TiO2 were also explored.

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences

62. EFFECTS OF CISPLATIN, VITAMIN C ANDSELENIUM CO‑TREATMENT ON Redox statusin PLASMA AND red blood cells of ratsĐuričić Danijela1, Đačić Dragana1, Obradović Ana1, Đorđević
Nataša1, Ognjanović I. Branka1, Štajn Š. Andraš1, Žikić V.
Radoslav1, Saičić S. Zorica 2 and Marković D. Snežana1
Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Universityof Kragujevac, Serbia
2
Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research“Siniša Stanković”, University of Belgrade, Serbia
1

Cisplatin is one of the most active cytotoxic agens in thetreatment of cancer. However, cisplatin has serious oxida‑
tive and toxic effects on blood cells. The aim of this study
was to compare redox status of plasma and red blood cells(RBC) in cisplatin and antioxidants (vitamin C and selenium)co‑treated rats. In our experiments six groups of male Wistar
albino rats were used. Group I – untreated (control); group II‑ cisplatin treatment (7.5 mg/kg bw, i.p.); group III ‑ vitamin C
treatment (500 mg/kg bw, i.p.); group IV ‑ selenium treatment(6 mg/kg bw, i.p.); group V – vitamin C + cisplatin treatment;group VI ‑ selenium + cisplatin treatment. In all cases animals
sacrificed after 3 days of treatment. Blood samples were taken
at the day of sacrifice. The concentrations of parameters
followed in plasma and RBC were: reactive oxygen species(ROS) ‑ superoxide anion (O2.‑) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2);
reactive nitrogen species (RNS) ‑ nitrite (NO2‑), 3‑nitrotyrosine(3‑NT, as peroxynitrite indicator) and hydroxylamine (HA, asnitroxyl ion indicator). The results showed that in plasma ofcisplatin (II) treated group concentrations of O2.‑ and 3‑NT
were lower, while H2O2 level was higher, compared to control
group (I). Vitamin C + cisplatin (V) treatment was followedby higher NO2‑ concentration. All treatments induced lower
HA concentration in plasma. In RBC, all treatments were fol‑
lowed by higher H2O2 level and lower HA level, compared
to control group (I). In conclusion, the high, acute doses ofcisplatin, vitamin C and Se alone or in co‑treatment, altered
ROS and RNS levels in plasma and RBC of rats.

63. DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MUSCLE DIS‑FUNCTION STUDYOana M. Duicu, O. Firă‑Mladinescu, Andreea M. Raducan,
Silivia N. Mirica, DM. Barglazan, Germaine Savoiu‑Balint,
M. Hancu, A. Cristescu
University of Medicine and Pharmacology „Victor Babeş” Ti‑misoara, Pathophysiology Department
Aim. The aim of this study is the in vivo evaluation of
muscular system contractile function, using an experimental
device which measures the passive and active tension ofskeletal muscle.
Materials and methods. The device and method permit
a noninvasive evaluation of the responce force (tension) gen‑
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)erated in soleus muscle in rats (Sprague Dewlay, 200‑250g).
We analyze the skeletal muscle response to transversal
deformation induced by moving the pressure rod of theisometric force transducer perpendicular to the muscle.
The transversal deformation is measured by a movementtransducer. Obtained data are recorded and analyzed by acomputational system. The method can be used for muscle
tone evaluation under basal conditions, but also duringcontraction. The parameter recorded by the present device
is the muscle tension induced by the transversal deformation(the passive tension), respectively the muscle contraction
induced by the electrical stimulation.
Results and discussion. Recorded data in different
experimental conditions are plotted as the length – force
curve, specific for skeletal muscle. The device and method
allow the reproductible and accurate method of the trans‑versal deformation response force, both in physiological anddisfunctional muscle state.

64. GASTROINTESTINAL MOTILITY DISORDERSIN LIVER CIRRHOSIS
DL. Dumitrascu
2nd Medical Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Liver cirrhosis is a complex disease involving many sys‑
tems of the body. The motility of the gastrointestinal tract isfrequently impaired. The most common changes are: esopha‑
geal hypomotility of the body, low LES pressure, delayed
gastric emptying, decreased gall bladder ejection fraction,
slow intestinal transit. The main pathogenic mechanism forthese changes is the autonomic neuropathy, but endocrine
disorders can also induce motility alterations. The alcoholic
etiology is frequently responsible for the autonomic neu‑
ropathy. We review the motility disorders in liver cirrhosis
and show different manometric changes.

65. RENIN ANGIOTENSIN SYSTEM EFFECTS ON
DIESEL EXHAUST ‑ INDUCED ENHANCEMENTOF AIRWAY HYPERRESPONSIVENESS ON SEN‑SITIZED RATS
IL. Dumitriu, I. Ciureanu, B. Gurzu, Gh. Petrescu
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of
Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr T Popa”, Iasi, Romania.
Diesel exhaust (DE) constituents could modulate theairways reactivity by some possible mechanisms. The ac‑
tivation of renin angiotensin system (RAS) plays significant
roles in the progression of various pulmonary diseases. We
examined the involvement of RAS in the regulatory effects
of DE on the antigen induced airway hyperresponsiveness.
For this purpose the effects of DE extract (DEE) on ovalbumin(OVA) – induced contractions were assessed in presence of25

Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
10 μM angiotensin II (Ang II) on bronchial rings obtained
from OVA sensitized rats treated orally with 30 mg/kg/day
losartan (a blocker of Ang II type 1 receptor – AT1) on thelast week of sensitization protocol. DEE was collected intochilled impingers containing phosphate‑buffered saline.
Contractile responses were expressed as percentages fromcontrol contractions obtained with acetylcholine (10 μM).
Our results showed that DEE amplified (more than 2 times)
OVA ‑ induced bronchoconstriction. Pretreatment with 10
μM Ang II in the presence of DEE augmented OVA contractile
effects from 140.35±3.97% to 166.43%±5.17%. Treatment ofsensitized rats with losartan reduced effects of DEE alone orwith Ang II by 1.4 and 2.1 times. These findings suggest that
DEE enhanced allergen – induced bronchoconstriction on
OVA – sensitised rats being in agreement with epidemiological
data and results of toxicity studies in experimental animals
about the possible health risk of DE exposure.

66. THEOPHYLLINE EFFECTS ON BRONCHIAL
RENIN ANGIOTENSIN SYSTEM ACTIVATION BY
ANTIGEN SENSITIZATION AND CHALLENGE
IL. Dumitriu, B. Gurzu, SM. Slatineanu
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of
Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr T Popa” Iasi, Romania
The renin angiotensin system plays important roles inpathogenesis of various pulmonary diseases. The present
study was designed to determine effects of angiotensino‑gen (Aogen) and its metabolization pathways on isolated
rat pulmonary vein. Aogen 1µ induced contractions were
quantified in the presence or in the absence of pepstatin
A (a renin inhibitor, 10 µM), captopril (an ACE inhibitor, 10µM), chymostatin (a chymase inhibitor, 10 µM), amastatin (anaminopeptidase‑A and ‑M inhibitor) or losartan (a specific AT1
blocker, 10 µM). On all rings, Aogen 1µ induced contractions
were only reduced by pepstatin A (with one third) or captopril(with at least 35%), amplified by amastatin (with 11,72±7.03%)
and totally prevented by losartan. The Aogen contractile ef‑
fects were powerfully on vessels obtained from ovalbumin
sensitized rats (after challenge) but these differences were
blocked by chimostatin which did not significantly modify
Aogen induced contractins on normal rats. The enzymes
effects were not influenced by the the presence or absenceof intact endothelium. We suggested that angiotensin
production within the pulmonary vein walls is increased bysensitization as a result of chimase involvement.

67. DISBALANCE BETWEEN PROOXIDANT AND
ANTIOXIDANT MECHANISMS IN LIVER IN ACUTE
PARACETAMOL INTOXICATION
Dušan Mladenović1, Tatjana Radosavljević1, Milica Ninković2,
Danijela Vučević1, Ivan Grbatinić1, Rada Ješić‑Vukićević3,
Vera Todorović4
26

Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Universityof Belgrade, Serbia
2Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy,
Belgrade, Serbia
3Institute of Digestive Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia
4Institute for Medical Research, Department of Experimental
Pathology and Cytology, Belgrade, Serbia

1

The aim of our study is to investigate the role and dynamics
of oxidative stress in liver injury caused by acute paracetamol
intoxication in mice. Male Swiss mice (n=45) were divided
into following groups: 1. control (n=21), that received saline,
2. paracetamol‑treated group (n=24) in a dose of 300 mg/kg
intraperitoneally. Animals were sacrificed by cervical dislo‑
cation 6, 24 and 48 h after administration. Blood samples
were collected from the right ventricle of the heart and liver
samples were excised for determination of oxidative stressparameters. Liver malondialdehide and nitrite levels weresignificantly increased 6 h after paracetamol administration(p<0.05) and it continued to increase within 48 h (p<0.01).
Similar time course of rise in plasma malondialdehyde
concentration was detected. Liver superoxide dismutase
activity was significantly lower at all time intervals (p<0.01).
However, manganese superoxide dismutase activity wassignificantly increased within 6 h (p<0.01), while its activity
showed a progressive decline 24 and 48 h after paracetamol
administration (p<0.01). Sulfhydryl group level in the liver
was increased 24 h after paracetamol administration, while
its level was decreased within next 24 h. Our results indi‑cate that oxidative stress plays an important role in earlyparacetamol‑induced liver injury. Liver antioxidant capacity
is increased within 24 h, at first due to an adaptive increasein manganese superoxide dismutase activity, and then due
to an increase in sulfhydryl group level.

68. THE ROLE OF PHYSICAL TRAINING OVER
THE CARDIOVASCULAR PARAMETERS AT A LOT
OF STUDENTS
Denisa Enescu‑Bieru1, Mirela Lucia Calina1, B. Catalin2
The Faculty of Physical Education and Sport ‑ University of
Craiova, Romania
2
Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Phar‑macy Craiova, Romania

1

The aim of our study was to present the evolution of
the cardiovascular function at a lot of 30 students from atechnique faculty – students who normally do not practicesport activities (14 females, 16 males) with ages between
20‑24 years, which participated at several trainings during
a period of one year.
We evaluated the cardiovascular function using the in‑dex of the Ruffier test (test of physical condition evaluation– fitness), whose normal values are less than 10, a score thatshows a medium cardiovascular function.
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
We observed the test values in 2 phases: phase I ‑ at the
beginning of the training; phase II ‑ at the ending of the training
period. At the beginning of the training the Ruffier index (IR) was:
13,55 at 82,5% of females and 11,45 at 80,3% of males. During
the study period we observed some neurovegetative changes(arrhythmia, high blood pressure). After the year of trainings, thevalues of IR were: 8,71 at 81,3 % of females and 6,99 at 85,7 % ofmales. The lot of students was presented a good adaptability
to sport activities, because after one year they presented anincrease, so an improve of the cardiovascular function.

69. A STUDY ON NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL TESTPARAMETERS FOR SPORTSMEN
Denisa Enescu‑Bieru1, B. Catalin2, F. Romanescu2, D.
Georgescu2, Simona Gusti2, Veronica Sfredel2, B. Stoleru2,
M. Georgescu2, V. Nestianu2, Germina Cosma1, C. Fortan1,
C. Popescu1, Maria Iancau1
1
2

University of Craiova, Romania
University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania

We have initiated neuroelectrophysiological researchfor sportsmen in order to establish data, which illustrates
the stage of sportive training, for use in training program
adequate for each sportsman.
A test group of 18 was used: fencers, volleyball andhandball players. We recorded: speed of motor conduction(VCM), cortical somestezic evoked potentials (SEP), surface
electromiogram (EMGs). VCM was determined with an EMG/EP
Nihon‑Kohden system, stimulating the median nerve at 3 levels:radio‑carpian joint, the elbow joint and the bicipital groove.
Cortical SEP were obtained by stimulating the same nerve,at the radio‑carpian joint, by summing/averaging 300‑500
answers. The EMGs recording allowed the computing of over
40 parameters (software ‑ V. Nestianu, F. Romanescu).
From the multitude of answers we have selected andstatistically interpreted only those that have contributed to
a complex appreciation of neuromuscular functionality.

70. Tumor vascular response to photo‑
dynamic therapy with 5-aminolevulinicacid and chitosan in rats bearing Walker
carcinoma
Adriana Filip1, Simona Clichici1, Adriana Muresan1, Doina
Daicoviciu1, Liliana Rogojan2, Soimita Suciu1, C. Login1,
Rodica Cosgarea2, Simina Dreve4
Physiology Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
2
Morphopathology Departament, Cluj County Clinical Hospital3
Dermantology Clinic, Catedra de Dermatologie, “Iuliu Hatieganu”
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
4
National Institute for R&D of Isotopic and Molecular Technolo‑gies, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania

1

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Photodynamic therapy (PDT) ‑ mediated oxidative stresselicits direct tumor cell damage as well as microvascular injury(release of vasoactive molecules, platelet aggregation andvascular occlusion) within exposed tumors.
Aim: To investigate the influence of PDT with porphyrins
and chitosan hydrogels based composites on vascular systemof the tumor.
Methods: Rats with subcutaneous Walker carcinosarcoma
256 were randomly divided into groups as follows: group 1.
neither drug, nor light; group 2. light only on the tumors;group 3. rats treated with i. p. 5‑ALA (250 mg/kg b.w.) before
irradiation; group 4. rats given an i. p. 5 ‑ ALA incorporated
in 1.5 mg/kg b.w. chitosan and irradiation; group 5. treatedwith 1.5 mg/mg b.w. chitosan and irradiation. Red light (atfluence rate 100 J/cm2 and pulse frequency rate 10 kHz) at
680 nm was delivered to tumors for 15 minutes 3 h after
drug administration. The tumor vascular responses to PDT
were evaluated at 24 hours by morphological studies andmonitoring the VEGF and nitric oxide (NO) levels in bloodand tumor and MMP 2 and 9 activity in tumor tissue.
Results: The PDT with 5‑ALA is associated with decreased
VEGF level (348.57±64.58 vs. 546.00±134.52 pg/100 mg tissue
in group 1, p<0.05) and morphologic alterations of vascularsystem in tumor tissue. CS association to ALA PDT or CS alone
increased the VEGF levels and reduced the activity of MMP
2 comparative with group 2, p<0.05).
Conclusion: The antitumor action of PDT using ALA asa photosensitizer is caused partly by photodamaging effectmediated by vascularization disturbances in tumor tissue. CS
promotes tumor angiogenesis and the association with PDT
must be carefully taken into consideration.

71. ABNORMALITIES OF VASOMOTOR FUNCTION
OF PULMONARY ARTERIES ENDOTHELIUM IN
PATIENTS WITH MILD COPD
Ovidiu Fira‑Mladinescu, Lavinia Noveanu, Corneluţa
Fira‑Mlădinescu, Voicu Tudorache, Georgeta Mihalaş,DaninaMunteana
University of Medicine and Pharmacology „Victor Babeş” Ti‑misoara, Romania
The alteration of endothelial‑dependent vascular relaxation
was clearly demonstrated on pulmonary arteries in patientswith end‑stage COPD. However, some recent studies reported
that functional abnormalities in pulmonary vessels can also
occur in early, nonhypoxemic stages of COPD. Therefore,
the present study was designed (i) to investigate in vitro
the endothelial vasomotor function in pulmonary arterial
preparation prelevated from smokers and patients with mild
COPD; and (2) to evaluate the smoking involvement in theappearance of functional pulmonary vascular abnormalities
in COPD patients, and its potential mechanism of action at thelevel of the pulmonary endothelium. We studied the vascular
reactivity in pulmonary artery rings from patients undergoing27

Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
lung resection. Our results indicate impaired relaxation to
endothelial‑dependent vasodilatator acetylcholine only inpatients with mild COPD (% relation induced by 10‑5 M ACh
were 42.30±17.50 in nonsmokers, respectively 38.80±14.50
in smokers, versus 23.10±13.50 in COPD patients, p = 0.04).
Relation induced by ACh was found to be significantly as‑sociated with FEV1 (r = 0.54, p = 0.006) and with FEV1\FVC(r =0.60, p = 0.002). In conclusion, functional abnormalities
present only in mild COPD are rather the consequence ofthe chronic inflammatory process than of the direct actionof cigarette smoke components.

72. Characteristics feature of a ventilatorys
functionals exploration in professional
exposure to the organic solvents
Melania Forogau1, Lavinia Davidescu2
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Oradea, Romania
2
Pneumoftiziology Hospital, Oradea, Romania

1

Aim: The study of relationship between professional
exposure to the organic solvents ( UNIFLEX 640 ) which arein occupational surrounding, in concentration which exceed
the limited value of exposure (LVE) with 160 % and modifica‑tion of ventilatory parameters.
Material and method: It’s have been made ventilatory
functionals tests with an ALPHA III Spirometers on 110 em‑
ployee from a factory where the main activity is making andprocessing the footwear and parts of a footwear. During thepractise their jobs, the workers, used in open circuit adhesive(glue) UNIFLEX 640, which is a mixture from organic volatilecompounds in variable proportions ( acetone,ethylacetone,ethyl
acetate, cyclohexan), and who moreover the other effects,
excert on mucous membranes (inclusive the bronchial one)
intens and irritating effect.
Results: From 110 persons, respiratory functional investi‑
gated, with ages between 18‑54 years old, 82 persons (74,54%)
are been female and 28 persons (25,45%) are been male, 48
persons (43,63%) are originate from urban environment and62 persons (56,36%) are from rural environment.
Among these persons 17 individuals are active smokers(15,45%) and 93 individuals are non‑smokers. From functional
respiratory point of view, 23 persons (20,9%) have been pre‑sented pulmonary debits and volumes in physiological limits,and 87 persons (79,1%) presented the pathological values.
The ventilatory functionals changes, emphasize troughstandard spirometry, are integrated in two categorys: a)Changes of a small airways (diminuthon of H.E.F 50 lower
than 80 %) – distal obstructive syndrom present on 64 sub‑jeets (73,56%). b) Changes of a big airways – obstructive
ventilatory disfunction (diminution FEV 1 lower than 80 %)on 23 persons (26.44%).
Conslusions: 1. Professional exposure intense andprolonged to the organic solvents, over the L.V.E. in occu‑
pational surrounding, cause pathological changes of P.F.V.,
28

made during the work‑time on the important category of
employee. 2. The active smoker state, amplify, the respiratory
irritating effect of organic solvents, through existence of aseveral values more diminished on the respiratory functionalparameters, both the small airways and big airways. 3. It isnecessary to supervise the respiratory functions, of a subjects
who spread their activity in a organic solvents environment,
both on the occasion of a employment medical examinationand periodically medical examinations.

73. ASSOCIATION BETWEEN TYPE 1 DIABETESMELLITUS ANTIBODIES AND ANTITHYROIDANTIBODIES AT CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC AU‑TOIMMUNE THYROIDITIS
A. Gherbon, L. Noveanu, G. Mihalaş
Department of Physiology, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania
Objective: evaluation of association between type 1 dia‑betes mellitus (IDDM) antibodies and antithyroid antibodies atchildren with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis and IDDM.
Research and design: we studied 54 children aged
14.46±2.4 years, 87.03% girls and 12.97% boys (F/M ratio
6.7/1) (X2=59.26, p<0.001). We evaluated glucidic metabolism
and thyroid gland.
Results: We noticed a frequent association between higher
thyroid antiperoxidase and antitireoglobulin antibodies withGAD + (AB antiTPO +GAD + 71.42% vs. AB antiTPO +ICA +35.6 %, p=0.0002, OR=4.38; AB antiTg +GAD + 67.22% vs. AB
antiTg +ICA + 24.28 %, p<0.001, OR=6.31). We also noticed
significant differences between patients with positive andnegative antiTPO antibodies related with current and early
age of diabetes mellitus (p<0.001).
Conclusions: we noticed frequent association between
antithyroid antibodies with GAD + vs. ICA +, which suggestthat GAD is involved in autoimmune association at patientswith IDDM, because early age of diabetes mellitus was smallerat patients with positive antiTPO antibodies, it is necessary
to determinate the possibility of association of autoimmune
diseases, especially for thyroid diseases (higher risk for thosewith autoimmune chronic thyroiditis for hypotiroidism) forall patients with IDDM.

74. PREVALENCE OF METABOLIC SYNDROME AND
ITS IDENTIFICATION CRITERIA BY SEX AT TEENS
A. Gherbon, L. Noveanu, G. Mihalaş
Department of Physiology, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania
Objective: study of metabolic syndrome (MS) prevalence
at students, aged 20±2 years.
Research design and methods: from 518 students, 22
have MS (14 boys and 8 girls).
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
We evaluated: lifestyle and stress level with questionnairemethod; lipid profile; systolic and diastolic blood pressure;fasting glycemia; abdominal circumference and body massindex.
Results: We noticed a preponderance of MS at boys
(63,63% vs. 37,37%). Main possible factors which determinate
MS were nutrition with glucoses and lipids (95,45% cases),sedentary (63,63% cases) and medium stress (59,09% cases).
Of all criteria used for MS definition, the most important was
abdominal circumference (90,9%), follow by fasting glycemia(86,36%), HDLc concentration (81,81%), blood pressure levels(54,54%), and trygliceride concentration (22,72%). In addition,
13 cases (3 girls and 10 boys) presented only 2 criteria out of
5 for MS diagnosis.
Conclusions: at teens, MS is predominant to boys; thepresence of MS indicates a higher risk for cardiovascularmorbidity‑mortality, especially for atherosclerotic cardiovasculardisease; application of sanitary education measurements is
imposed in population for MS prevention at teens (weight
reduction, physical exercise, dietetic nutrition).

75. The Role of Risk Factors and Vaso‑
active Mediators in the Promotion ofEndothelial Disfunction in Peripheral
Atherosclerotic Vascular Lesions
Claudia Gherman, A. Mironiuc, A. Andercou, L. Palcau, H.
Silaghi, I. Constantinescu, D. Sacui
2nd Surgical Clinic, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine andPharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
The peripheral arterial disease of the lower limb, constituteone of the most important manifestation of systemic ath‑
erosclerosis, with a large extent, extremely severe evolutive
potential, and, at this moment, with limited and incomplete
treatment possibilities.
This survey has had as purpose the assessment of cardiovas‑
cular, dislipidemic and toxic factors’ contribution in initiationand evolution of atherosclerotic lesions, the assessment ofendothelial disfunction in atherosclerotic patients, as well as
the contribution of these factors in pre‑ and postoperative
evolution of the patients with occlusive peripheral arterial
disease of the lower limb.
The survey’s results demonstrated which factors havebeen identified as risk factors in occlusive peripheral arterial
disease. The effectuated analysis showed a high proportionin patients in which coexist, one of the atherosclerotic car‑diovascular patients or the presence of more than one risk
factor was observed.
The extensive analysis of the inflammatory component
in atherosclerosis allowed us to establish the role played by
the studied parameters regarding the endothelial activity
both in the early stages of atherosclerosis and in its different
evolutive stages.
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)76. The oxidative stress evaluated in inter‑mittent hypobaric hypoxia conditions
Steliana Ghibu1, Elena Cristina Crăciun2, C. Morgovan3,
Nicoleta Decea4, Cristina Mogoşan1, Adriana Mureşan4
Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Physiopathology,
Faculty of Pharmacy, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
2
Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and ClinicalLaboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
3
Department of Pharmaceutical Marketing, Faculty of Pharmacy,
Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
4
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cluj‑Napoca,
Romania1

It is known that the conditions of ischemia‑reperfusion
and hypoxia‑reoxygenation represent an important sourceof reactive oxygen species. The purpose of this study was toinvestigate the oxidative stress (OS) induced by intermittent
hypobaric hypoxia (IHH) and the impact of the associatedantioxidants therapy. The rats devised in six groups (10rats/group) were treated intraperitonelly with NaCl 0.9%
(CH, CN), 50mg/kg/day alpha‑lipoic acid (LA) (LAH, LAN)and intramuscularly with 50mg/kg/day vitamin E (EH, EN),for 14 days. A week after the start of the treatment, CH, LAH,
EH groups were exposed for 7 days to hypobaric hypoxia
equivalent to 2500m altitude, followed by a daily sequenceof reoxigenation. During this period CN, LAN, EN groups
were maintained in normoxia (N) conditions. Subsequently,
the plasma OS was determined by the measurement of lipids
and proteins oxidation and by the antioxidant status. After
IHH conditions, malondialdehyde (MDA) was increased with~20% and plasma proteins carbonyl content with ~45%, at
CH as compared to CN. The treatment with LA and vitamin
E reduces (p<0.01) plasma lipid peroxidation but does not
influence the protein carbonyl content. Equally the bodyweight evolution and the hematocrit values were influenced
by IHH. The results obtained suggest that the OS occurs in IHH
conditions and that the LA and vitamin E therapy attenuates
essentially plasma lipid peroxidation.

77. CAROTID STENOSIS: EVALUATION AND
MANAGEMENTElena Gligor, D. Gligor, Victoria Ossian, Maria Ilea, Car‑men Sfrangeu
Department of Pathophysiology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” Universityof Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
Background. Carotid atherosclerotic disease is respon‑sible for a significant proportion of major strokes and death.
Aggressive medical management of vascular risk factors
can reduce both coronary and cerebrovascular events inpatients with carotid disease. We studied the associations
between changes in carotid arteries and new myocardial
infarction or stroke.
29Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
Methods. The carotid arteries were evaluated noninvasive
measurements, with high‑resolution B‑mod imaging andDoppler ultrasonography in 20 subjects (symptomatic[S]=12,
asymptomatic[AS]=8),45‑65 years of age and with vascularrisk factors. One longitudinal image of the common carotid
artery and three longitudinal images of the internal carotid
artery were acquired. We also evaluated the relative impor‑tance of intima‑media thickness (as a continuous variable)
as compared with traditional risk factors.
Results. The mean age of the participants was 55 years
and 65 percent were men and 20 percent current smoker;
60 % subjects had both a myocardial infarction and astroke. Increased intima‑media thickness, may reflect theconsequences of past exposure to risk factors. The additionof measurements of intima‑media thicknes to vascular risk
equations may help identify asymptomatic persons who
would benefit from aggressive preventive measures. Non‑invasive testing of the carotid arteries reveals a stenosis of
0‑100 %(10 % with occlusion).
Conclusions. Recommeendations for the treatment:
medical, carotid stenting and carotid endarterectomy.

78. Incorporated Sarcolemmal Omega‑3
Fatty Acids Shorten Rat Papillary Muscle
Action Potentials in Cold Crystalloid
Cardioplegia
Cristina Goga1, M. Perian2, Marieta Gabriela David1, S.
Lupascu1, Gh. Barbat2, D. Dobreanu2
Student, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Targu Mures
Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Targu Mures, Romania
1

2

Objectives: Diets enriched with omega‑3 polyunsatu‑
rated fatty acids (ω‑3 PUFA) leads to increased incorporation
into the sarcolema and reduces the risk of sudden deathpresumably by preventing life‑threatening arrhythmias. The
potential prevention of cardioplegia related arrhythmiasby ω‑3 PUFA is unknown. We tested the effects of dieteticincrease of cellular membrane composition in ω‑3 PUFA on
rat myocardium action potentials (AP) subjected to cold
crystalloid cardioplegia (CP).
Materials and methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were
fed a ω‑3 PUFA ethyl‑esters diet (5g/Kg standard food or areference diet for 30 days. LV isolated papillary muscles (PM)were subjected to 30 minutes of CP, using cold (8 degree C)
St. Thomas Hospital No.2 cardioplegic solution, followed by
30 minutes of reperfusion.
Results: ω‑3 PM had reduced postCP depolarization ve‑
locities (dV/dt) than control PM (14,161±0,991 vs. 12,086±2,382,
p=0,0173, t Student test) and reduced AP durations at 50%(APD50, 0,013±0,004 vs. 0,016±0,003s, p=0,0292, t Student test)
and 90% repolarization APD90, 0,101±0,037 vs. 0,141±0,041s,
p=0,022, t Student test).
30

Conclusions: Dietary ω‑3 PUFA lead to altered depo‑larization and AP shortening following cold crystalloid
cardioplegia. The block of depolarization is one of the mostpowerful mean of reducing cell excitability. AP shortening
is associated with reduced occurrence of triggered activity
based on early afterdepolarizations. Increasing sarcolemmal
ω‑3 PUFA content arises as a potent candidate for arrhythmia
prevention in CP.

79. The effects of oxytocin on autonomic
nervous system activation in cold pres‑sor test
I. Goganau, D. Zahiu, S. Ioan, AM. Zagrean, R. Braga
Center for Excellence in Neuroscience, Department of Physiology,“Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest,
Romania
Oxytocin is known for its effects during labor and lactation,
but recent studies underlie its effects upon other physiological
functions. Our aim was to investigate the effect of oxytocin
administration on the autonomic nervous system balance.
To induce task related changes in heart rate variability weused a cold pressor test (CPT). The subjects (20‑25 years
old volunteers) were asked to immerse the non‑dominant
hand in a cold water bath at 3‑4˚C. Using Biopac Acquisition
System, we monitored the electrocardiogram, heart rate(HR) and contra‑lateral hand’s skin blood flow. From thesemeasurements, HR variability parameters were calculated:coefficient of variation, low and high frequency power
spectra of the ECG. All subjects underwent 2 CPT ‑ sessions
each after 30 minutes from the intranasal administration of
24 IU of either oxytocin or placebo. CPT activated sympa‑
thetic activity in all subjects, increasing HR and RR intervalvariability. Oxytocin administration was related to a lower
sympathetic activity as shown by the power spectral analysis.
Oxytocin modified the sympathetic – vagal balance towards
the vagal component and reduced the amplitude of cutane‑
ous vasoconstriction after hand immersion in cold water,compared to placebo. We consider that oxytocin might playa role in modulating cardiac rhythm in response to stressful
tasks as CPT induced pain. (This study was supported fromCNCSIS A1200/2007 grant).

80. CONTROL OF GASTRIC ACID SECRETION AND
THERAPEUTIC IMPLICATIONS
SR. Gotia1, SL. Gotia1, O. Fira‑Mladinescu2
Department of Physiology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
2
Department of Pathophysiology, “Victor Babes” University of
Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania

1

The aim of the study was to review the mechanisms of gastricacid secretion correlated with therapeutic implications.
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
The importance of vagal nerves on gastric secretion wasdemonstrated by Pavlov’s studies and vagotomy. Gastrin,
histamine, and acetylcholine stimulate acid secretion, via a
range of pathways which activate proton pump (H+/K+ ATP‑ase).
Prostaglandin E2 inhibits acid secretion, somatostatin inhibits
gastrin release. Aspirin inhibits the enzyme cyclo‑oxygenase
and PG formation.
Highly specific muscarinic M1‑receptor antagonists(pirenzepine), histamine2–receptor antagonists (cimetidine)
are powerful inhibitors of gastric acid secretion used in gas‑
tric ulcer treatment. Duodenal and gastric ulceration have
two main causes: infection with Helicobacter pylori (Hp)and use of non steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NAIDS)as aspirine.
Helicobacter pylori may induce the suppression of so‑
matostatin secretion, the release of histamine, gastrin, andproinflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL‑8, IFN gama) that stimulate
gastrin and histamine releasing. The Hp eradication abolishes
hyperchlorhidria, hypergastrinemia in duodenal ulcer patients,
is successful in healing and prevention of ulcer recurrence,and Hp ‑ related gastric carcinogenesis.

81. PSYCHIC AND SOMATIC MODIFICATONSASSOCIATED TO MENSTRUAL CYCLE
SR. Gotia1, S.L. Gotia1, C. Gurban2
Department of Physiology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
2
Department of Pathophysiology, “Victor Babes” University of
Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania

1

The aim: to evaluate the incidence of psychic and somatic
modifications correlated with menstrual cycle.
Material: The study carried out on 28 girls with themean age of 20.551±1.088, with normal body parameters.
Was used a questionnaire with 25 questions regarding
body parameters, symptoms and medication associatedto menstrual cycle, risky behaviors for health (smoking,alcohol, coffee use).
Results: The menstruation was regulated (67.85% ofcases), with the mean of duration 5±1 days. The discomfort
associated to menstrual cycle was: the increase and painof breast 89.28%, respectively 82.14% of cases, dizziness,swoon (21.43%), headache (8%), abundant perspiration(25.83%), and liquid use increased (32.14%), during themenstruation. Only 3.58% from girls used anti‑pain therapy,
and 10.72% used anti‑baby therapy. Psychic symptoms
correlated with menstruation: melancholy (64.28%), tired‑
ness (57.14%), depression (32.15%), and premenstrual
sleeplessness (21.43%).
Conclusions: The young girls presented the menstrual
cycle discomfort, but only in a few cases the medication
was used. The education of girls can be beneficial and will
improve the life quality.
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)82. THE DIAGNOSTIC APPLICATIONS OF SALIVA:A REVIEW.
SL. Gotia1, SR. Gotia1, O. Diucu2
Department of Physiology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
2
Department of Pathophysiology, “Victor Babes” University of
Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania

1

The assay of saliva is an increasing area of research with
implications for basic and clinical purposes. As a diagnostic
fluid, saliva offers some distinctive advantages: whole saliva
can be collected non‑invasively, no special equipment isneeded for collection, and analysis of saliva may provide acost‑ effective approach for the screening of large popula‑tions. Saliva analyses have been used mainly in dentistry toassess the caries risk, by measuring saliva buffer capacityand bacterial contents.
Saliva is mainly utilized for research and diagnostic
purpose in Sjögren and Beçhet syndrome, benignant andmalignant oral tumors.
Saliva investigation for diagnostic purposes has been
proposed in: viral and bacterial infections (HIV, hepatitis
virus C and A); p53 (a tumor suppressor protein) antibody
can be early detected in sera and saliva patients diagnosed
with oral squamous cell carcinoma; testing for salivary anti‑
bodies against Helicobacter pylori; monitoring of drugs andhormones systemic levels.
In conclusions, saliva is a biological fluid that offers
several opportunities in diagnosis, toxicology, and in fo‑
rensic science.

83. SMOKING AND SALIVARY ANTIOXIDANT
CAPACITY
SL. Gotia1, SR. Gotia 1, A. Raducan2, N. Mirica2, O. Fira
Mladinescu2
Department of Physiology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
2
Department of Pathophysiology, “Victor Babes” University of
Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania

1

Smoking represents a significant source of oxidative
stress. Saliva possesses protection mechanisms for oxida‑
tive attack.
The purpose: to investigate the smoking effect onsalivary antioxidant capacity, appreciated by glutathionelevel (GSH).
Material: There were recruited 10 non‑smoker persons and10 smoker subjects (smoking more than 10cigarettes/day formore than 2 years). Un‑stimulated whole saliva samples wereobtained in the morning, after two hours of tooth brushingand smoking. Salivary flow was noted and GSH was performedby DTNB method, in 1‑2 hours after saliva collection, in order
to avoid the GSH release from destroyed cells.
31Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
Results: Salivary flow was 0.414 ml/min. to non‑smoker and
GSH level was higher (92.92 microM/L), than into the smokergroup (61.69 microM/L). In smoker group was observed: highlevels of salivary flow (0.53 ml/min.), desquamated epithelial
cells, and the decrease of cell viability under 90%. Early after
one cigarette smoking the salivary flow and GSH increased
but later these parameters decreased.
Conclusion: Smoking modified the GSH levels and can
produced noxious effects on oral cavity.

84. ZINC AND BONE ALP – PROMOTES PROLIF‑ERATION OF OSTEOBLAST IN POSTMENOPAUSALOSTEOPOROSIS.
C. Gurban 1, SL. Gotia2, I. Radulov 3, I. Savescu3, SR. Gotia2
Biochemistry Departemnt, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
2
Physiology Department, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
3
University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinar Medicineof Banat, Faculty of Agriculture, Agrochemistry Department,
Timisoara, Romania.
1

Objective: To analyze Bone‑ALP (bone specific alkaline
phosphatase) in serum and bone levels of Zinc2+ in post‑
menopausal women with osteoporosis.
Methods: There were investigated: cohort I, (46 cases, under
15 years of menopause), cohort II (22 cases, over 15 years ofmenopause). The Bone‑ ALP serum levels were measured by
ELISA technique and by the bone flame atomic absorption
spectrometry (FAAS), for the Zinc2+bone levels.
Results: In cohort I, Bone‑ ALP was 13.76±0.6 μg/ml andbone levels of Zn2+ were 7.31±0.43 μg/g bone, higher thanin cohort 2. In control group (20 cases without osteoporosis)
serum Bone‑ALP were 8.68±0.44 μg/ml and bone Zn2+levels
were 10.78±0.25 μg/g bone.
Conclusions: Increased bone‑ALP in serum demonstrates
osteoblast’s and bone turnover activation. The bone remodel‑ling inbalance in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis
is produced by decreased bone formation and increasedbone resorption.

85. INVOLVEMENT OF APELIN IN REGULATION
OF PULMONARY VESSELS AND AIRWAYS RE‑
ACTIVITY
B. Gurzu1, IL. Dumitriu1, Gh. Petrescu1, U. Simonsen2
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of
Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr T Popa”, Iasi, Romania
2
Department of Pharmacology, University of Aarhus, Denmark

1

Recent data suggested that intrapulmonary activationof the renin‑angiotensin system takes part in the develop‑
ment of various pulmonary diseases. We studied if antigen
sensitization and challenge could modify locally synthesis
32

of angiotensin (Ang) II and to what extent locally produced
Ang II modulates bronchial reactions on allergic rats. For
these both Ang I ‑induced contractions and Ang I effects
on either acetylcholine (ACh)‑induced bronchoconstric‑tion or relaxation of 10 µM Ach preconstricted bronchi byterbutaline were studied on rat main bronchi rings. Studies
were performed in absence or presence of losartan (an AT1
receptors blocker), captopril (an angiotensin I converting
enzyme inhibitor) and chymostatin (a chymase inhibitor).
We compared results obtained from bronchi of sensitizedchallenged rat (SCRB) with results obtained from normal
rat bronchi (NRB). Our data showed that Ang I ‑induce con‑tractions were amplified by 20‑25% on SCRB as comparedwith NRB. The maximal brochoconstrictor effect of ACh was
amplified by 15% on NRB and by 25‑30% on SCRB. Ang I
shift to the right the terbutaline dose‑response curve anddecreased maximal effect by 35% on NRB and to a half on
SCRB. Ang I effects were blocked by losartan and decreasedby captopril. Chymostatin reduced Ang I effects only on SCRB.
There were no differences between Ang I effects on NRB after
captopril versus SCRB after simultaneous administration of
captopril+chymostatin. So, brohoconstrictor effects of Ang I
are mediated mainly by AT1 receptors and via the Ang II locallysynthesized by the bronchial wall RAS. These data revealed
that locally produced Ang II is a critical factor governing
bronchial tone opening the possibility for novel therapeutictargets in the management of allergic airway disease.

86. THE STUDY OF ELECTRICAL AND VASCULARCEREBRAL ACTIVITY TO A LOT OF PATIENTS WITHANXIOUS DEPRESSIVE SYNDROME
Alice Gusti1, Simona Gusti2, Constanta Iliescu3, Carme
Vacarau3, Nicoleta Stoicea4
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education andSport, University of Craiova
2
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of
Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova
3
Hospital Rosiorii de Vede, Department of Internal Medicine
4
Ohio State University, USA

1

We studied clinical and paraclinical to a lot of 28 patientswith anxious depressive syndrome, 20‑40 years old, female
prevalent, at first medical examination. We have determined
the sodium, potassium, ionic calcium and magnesium bloodlevels. We have recorded EEG on a Biosript 2000 and havestudied the cerebral irrigation using the non‑invasive methodof Doppler (D) ultrasounds vascular exploration. We haveused a Sonopan UDP‑10 with pulsatile emission of 8 MHz
connected to a poliinscriptor 6 NEK‑4 (made in Germany) torecord the D. curves on carotid arteries. We have calculated
and statistically processing the classic parameters of a control
lot of 40 helthy (clinical and biological) people.
We have remarked the decrease of systolic speed with
14% and increase of resistance index with 21% because of
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
cerebral vascular and general hipertonicity (on an average
blood pressure of 150/90 mmHg to 30% of examined pa‑
tients). We have noticed the presence of theta wave to 40%
of studied lot (insignificantly correlation, r=0,26 to D. curves
parameters). We remarked to 80% of the studied patients low
levels of blood calcium and magnesium and clinical signs ofspasmophilia, significantly correlated r=0,86 with theta waves,paroxysm spikes and sharp slow waves on spontaneous andespecially hyperpneea EEG.

87. CLINICAL, RADIOLOGICAL AND CEREBRALVASCULAR ASPECTS TO A LOT OF TEXTILE
WORKERS
Simona Gusti1, Iuliana Andrei2, Alice Gusti3, F. Romanescu1,
Constanta Iliescu4, Carmen Vacaru4
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of
Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova
2
Clinic Hospital No 2, Physiokinetotherapy Department,
Craiova3
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education andSport, University of Craiova
4
Hospital of Rosiorii de Vede, Department of Internal Medi‑cine

1

We have used clinical and paraclinical examination to a lotof 28 textile workers in Craiova Clothing Factory, 30‑55 years
length of service. We used the Doppler (D) ultrasound vascular
exploration. The workers evinced headache, reduction in neckmobility, dizziness, low intellectual capacity; 75% of textile
workers showed radiological aspect of cervical spondylosis,
explained through strain from static positions.
We used a Vasodop sonde with pulsatile emission of 4MHz, connected to a PC to record, calculate and statisticallyprocess the classic parameters on common carotid arteries.
These parameters of workers lot were compared to a control
lot of 40 healthy (clinical and biological) people, the same age
as textile workers. We noticed a reduced of systolic speed with
18% and an increase of resistance index with 23%, explained
through hipertonicity of large and medium cerebral bloodvessels, determined to vertebro –basilar simpaticotonia andmechanical compression of vertebral artery. After a month of
specific physio‑kineto‑therapy these parameters and clinicalsimptomatology indicate an improvement.

88. Actual data concerning the interac‑tions between reactive species of oxygen,nitrogen and carbon
I. Haulica1, W. Bild2, Daniela Boisteanu2, I. R. Popescu1,
Oana Arcan1
Laboratory of Experimental and Applied Physiology of the
Romanian Academy, Iasi department
2
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, Iasi

1

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)The discovery of the biological ambivalence of the oxidative
stress, accompanied by its numerous metabolic, functionaland structural consequences prompted a large number ofclinical and experimental investigations concerning theradical cascade induced by various normal and pathologicalstressing aggressions. It has been initially determined thatthe intensity of the biochemical reactions that partiallyreduce the O2, generating reactive species (O2•, H2O2, OH•,1O2) are depending both of the pro‑oxidating enzymes(NADPH‑oxidase, xanthinoxidase, myeloperoxidase) and of
the involvement of the defensive systems represented by
the antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, GSH‑peroxydase
and reductase). Significant amounts of free radicals result
also from the mitochondrial energogenetic reactions or fromthe hepatic detoxification phenomena that involve the P450
cytochrome. Endogenous ozone itself, as physiological gas
produced in vivo (Gunnen, 2005), even without being a free
radical, breaks into molecular oxygen (O2) and singlet oxygen(1O2) thus intensifying the lipid peroxidation and alterationof cellular proteins.
From the functional point of view it has been establishedthat in normal conditions, radical production and detoxification
are in a balanced state. The predominance of oxygen reac‑
tive species on the antioxidating enzymes induces multiple
cellular and molecular oxidative alterations, with various
degrees of cellular structural and functional consequences(protein, DNA and lipid degradation, apoptosis, inflamma‑
tory reactions etc).
During the last two decades, the radical cascade of O2 wascompleted by the metabolic interferences occurring between
some of its components and the reactive species of nitrogen(NO, NO2, N2O3, ONOO•) resulted from the metabolization of
L‑Arginine through the shunted urea pathway in the presenceof molecular oxygen and NO synthases present in almost all
tissues and organs. Unlike small concentrations of NO, which,as main radical species, neutralizes free radicals of oxygen, large
amounts of the same molecule contribute to the synthesis ofnitrates, nitrites, nitrosothiols and mainly peroxynitrite, withpotent toxic actions, that induce nitrosative stress.
On the functional plane, it has been demonstrated that
NO has dual biological effects, dependent on concentrationand specific reactivity of the tissues. In low physiologicalconcentrations, NO contributes to the regulation of local
vasodilatation, modulates the cardiovascular and cerebral
circulation, platelet aggregation, antiproliferative and anti‑
bacterian effects through the activation of the intracellular
guanylatecyclase – cGMP system. In large concentrations,
NO becomes toxic, due the oxidation or nitrosation of theproteins containing aminoacids like tyrosine, cysteine, glu‑
tathione etc.
Through a similar mechanism, dependent of the activationof the guanylatecyclase – cGMP couple, NO accomplishes therole of gaseous chemical mediator within both the cerebral
nitrinergic nervous fibers and the peripheral terminations
from the digestive system and the genital organs.
33

Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
A growing interest is given to the activation of CSE(cistationin‑γ‑liase) that releases hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from
L‑cysteine, having vasorelaxing properties, being an activatorof the KATP channels and possibly gaseous neurotransmitterin the digestive tract or cerebro‑vascular. In its turn, H2S byactivating the hemoxigenase favors CO release, resulting
from heme degradation.

Sufficient experimental proof support during the lastyears the involvement of carbon monoxide (CO) in the re‑actions produced by the stressful exertions and in several
cardiovascular, pulmonary, neuropsychic or renal diseases.
CO synthesis and release in the tissues depends on the pres‑ence of heme resulted from hemoglobin degradation andenzymatic activity of hemeoxygenase.

Fig. 1 – Interdependence between radical species of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon
ADC – agmatine decarboxilase; ODC – ornitine decarboxilase; NOS – nitroxidsintethase;
HO – hemoxigenase; RNOS – reactive species of nitrogen
Continuous line – radicalar cascade activation
Discontinuous line – inhibitory effects
34

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
Altering by oxidation the carbon bounds of heme, theheme‑oxygenase releases equimolar amounts of CO, bilirubin
and Fe2+, involved in its turn in the Fenton reaction, whichfurther activates the radical cascade of O2 that synthesizes
HO from H2O2. Thus, CO2 became, from a poisonous gas,a factor of self‑regulation in several important functions(cardiac and cerebral neuro‑vascular) of the organism. As an
example, hypoxia induced by vascular disturbances intensi‑
fies, by the excess CO, the multiple metabolic, cerebral andcardiovascular imbalances produced by the reactive speciesof oxygen and nitrogen.
The main interactions and direct or indirect cumulative
phenomena between the three categories of radical spe‑
cies take place both within the cardiovascular system andalso in various other neuroeffector territories, including thebrain. In the next figure is presented their succession andinterdependency (Fig. 1).
The two facets of the effect produced by radical species
regard first of all the free radicals of molecular oxygen. Theirdirect and indirect actions, that generate oxidative stress, areproduced at the level of the aerobic cells throughout theorganism by three main pathways: 1) predominant oxidant
generation; 2) decrease of the antioxidant protection; 3)
failure of the reparatory capacity.
Indifferent of the causes and production mechanism,
the stressing aggressions induce degradative reactions ina cascade that involves the radical species of nitrogen andcarbon, previously mentioned.

89. MODULATORY EFFECTS OF L – ARGININE ON
SEIZURES INDUCED BY D, L – HOMOCYSTEINE– THIOLACTONE IN RATS
Hrnčić Dragan1, Rašić ‑ Marković Aleksandra2, Šušić
Veselinka2, Stanojlović Olivera1 and Djurić Dragan1
Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University ofBelgrade2
Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Belgrade, Serbia

1

The results from a number of experimental models of
seizures provided evidence that the effects of nitric oxide(NO) on seizure phenomena depended on the seizure model
used, the type and the dose of drugs employed, the animal
age and strain. Therefore, the role of NO in seizure develop‑
ment is still unclear. Homocysteine is endogenous agent thatacts as an excitatory amino acid by activating metabotropic
glutamate and N‑methyl‑D‑aspartate receptors and increases
oxidative stress and apoptosis. The aim of the present study
was to determine effects of L – Arginine, NO donor, on seizures
induced by D, L homocysteine – thiolactone (HcT) in rats.
Adult male Wistar albino rats were intraperitoneally (i.p.)
treated with HcT 8 mmol/kg and observed for seizure behav‑
ioral manifestations during next 90 min. Increasing doses of
L – arginine (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg, i.p., n=6 per group) or
saline (n=7) were injected 30 min prior to HcT administration.
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Seizure behavior was assessed by incidence of seizures andduration of latency (time from administration of HcT to thefirst seizure epizode).
Applied doses of L – arginine had no effect on HcT seizure
incidence. L‑ arginine in dose of 600 mg/kg significantly
prolonged latency to HcT seizures (p<0.05) when comparedwith saline –injected rats. The two lower doses of L – arginine(150 and 300 mg/kg) had no statistically significant effects
on latency of these seizures.
Results of this study indicate that L‑ arginine displays
modulatory and slight anticonvulsive effects on seizures
induced by HcT in adult rats.

90. PRELIMINARY ANATOMO‑FUNCTIONAL COR‑
RELATIONS REGARDING THE MECHANISMS OF
ENDOTHELIUM‑DEPENDENT RELAXATION IN
THE RAT MESENTERIC ARTERIAL BED
L. Hurjui, I. L. Serban, D. Tucaliuc, D. Paduraru, D. N. Serban
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, Iasi
The importance of endothelium‑derived hyperpolarizing
factor (EDHF) in endothelium‑dependent relaxation (EDR) is
influenced by multiple factors, including vascular territory andcaliber, as well as pre‑existing tone and its determining factors.
Using isometric myography we noticed that in rat mesen‑teric resistance arteries (2nd order branches) EDHF‑mediatedrelaxation is increased when precontraction is induced byprostaglandin F2α (PGF) compared to phenylephrine (PHE)and we investigated the participation of certain K+ channels(Serban IL & Serban DN (2006) J Muscle Res Cell Motil 26(1):71).
Here we extend the study on more proximal vascular frag‑ments from mesenteric arcade and from 1st order branches.
The EDHF component is stronger distally only when precon‑
traction is induced by PHE. Moreover, morphometric analysis
shows a strong inverse correlation between the magnitudeof EDHF response and arterial caliber. Other authors haveshown that EDHF increases in relative importance distally,
but we show that this change in EDR profile depends upon
the contracting agent used, with implications regarding thephysiological relevance of data refering to EDHF and nitricoxide as mediators of EDR in resistance arteries. Work sup‑ported by grants PNCDI‑2/ID‑1156 and PFCI‑86.

91. ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE
PERCEPTION OF LUMINOUS STIMULI OF DIFFER‑
ENT WAVELENGTHS
M. Iancau, D. Georgescu, B. Catalin, D. Alexandru, M.
Georgescu, F. Romanescu, V. Sfredel, A. Balseanu, S. Mitran,
D. Enescu‑Bieru, V. Nestianu
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova, Romania
Visual evoked potentials (VEP) uses black‑white TV
monitors or LEDs for stimulation. Few studies concern
35Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Scienceswith influences of luminous stimuli wavelengths on VEP
parameters. This study analyzes the influence of color on
stimulation, using as luminous stimulus an LCD monitor,
capable of offering the desired wavelengths (blue, red,green, yellow) under computer commands. Tested group
was made up of 29 volunteers, oftalmologicaly healthy orwith properly corrected refraction errors (21 girls,8 boys,
ages 19‑22 years). VEP recording was made through patternreversal stimulation (vertical bars), visual field of 15 degrees
30’ (each bar=15’). 100‑150 stimulations were made, binocu‑
lar, with a random frequency between 0.5‑1.5 Hz to avoid
habituation. Derivations Fz‑OL5, Fz‑Oz, Fz‑OR5 were used
for recording VEP, extracting the evoked answer throughaveraging and statistically analyzing latencies for N75 andP100 waves. Values for obtained latencies are: yellow N75:
73‑74ms, P100: 100‑101ms; green N75: 75‑76ms, P100:
103‑105ms; red N75: 77‑78ms, P100: 108‑109ms; blue N75:
78‑79ms, P100: 109‑112ms. Comparative analysis of laten‑
cies yielded highly significant values for “p” for blue‑yellow,
red‑yellow stimulations and significant values for blue‑green,
red‑green stimulations.

92. Analytical method for heart sounds
processing
I. Iancu, V. Sfredel
Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy
of Craiova, Romania
Heart sounds are complex nonstationary signals. The
time plot of the heart sound (phonocardiogram) displays theamplitude of the sound at each instant, but no information
about the energy is displayed. The best method to compute
sound energy is joint time‑frequency distribution. A heart
energy signature is essentially a high‑resolution 2D spectro‑
graphic image. The purpose of this work was to applied the
Wigner‑Ville joint time‑frequency distribution to the heartsounds study and to describe a pattern for the physiologicaland pathological sounds.
Heart sounds were recorded by the microphone stetho‑
scope from the equipment of the biological signals acquisi‑
tions system BIOPAC Lab Pro. The experimental lot had 8
healthy young humans, 2 patients with atrial septal defectand 2 patients with ventricular septal defect.
The processing of the experimental data was assured by
MATLAB. The results were graphically displayed in a proper
manner to construct a pattern of energy distributions intime‑frequency plane for each individual case.
Conclusions. The frequency analyses of the heart sounds
allow us to describe a pattern for the normal heart soundand the murmurs. This procedure is a noninvasive, low costand represent a proper method for the computer assisted
diagnosis and monitoring.

36

93. Spectral analyses of the blood glu‑
cose time series
I. Iancu1, M. Moţa2, V. Sfredel1
Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy
of Craiova, Romania
2
Department of Diabetes and Nutrition Disease, University of
Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania

1

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the blood
glucose dynamics in healthy humans and in mellitus dia‑betes patients using time series of the glucose recorded by
the continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS). The
experimental lot was composed of: 3 healthy humans, 3
type I diabetic patients treated by insulin pump and 8 typeI diabetic patients treated with insulin in intermittent injec‑
tions. The patients with insulin pump have displayed an
acceptable control of the blood glucose value. The patientstreated by classic intermittent insulin injections have showna poor control of the blood glucose value. For each patient
the glucose values were recorded at 5 minute intervals for 72
hours with CGMS. A time frequency distribution of a signal
provides information about how the spectral content of thesignal evolves with time.
The results have indicated a great variability of thespectral frequency for the type 1 diabetic patients treatedby classic intermittent insulin injections, a mean variability
for the type 1 diabetic patients with insulin pump and a re‑duced variability at healthy humans. This findings may havesignificant clinical implication in diagnosis of the mellitus
diabetes, in blood glucose monitoring and the managementof the diabetes therapy.

94. THE STUDY OF URODYNAMIC TESTS TO A LOT
OF WOMEN WITH URINARY INCONTINENCE
Constanta Iliescu1, Simona Gusti2, Carmen Vacaru1, L.
Iliescu3
Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Rosiorii de Vede
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of
Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, Romania
3
Department of Urology, Clinical Hospital Fundeni, Bucharest

1

2

The authors made complex clinical and paraclinical stud‑ies on a lot of 73 female patients with urinary incontinence,
30‑80 years old, between 1997‑ 2006. Beside anamnesis
data, neurological examination, urinanalysis, intravenous
urography, vestibular and vaginal cytology, transvaginalultrasound, there were made the following urodynamic tests:
cistomanometry, determination of pressure and urethrallength and residual urine.
We noticed a decrease of the urethral length by 21% to thestudied lot and the decrease of maximum urethral pressure by
68% as compared to the values of the witness lot, and thesewere important factors that caused the urinary incontinence
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
and indicated the therapeutically surgical treatment. The
surgical procedure by vagino‑ligamentopexy Burch proved
to be very good for both a short and long period of time.
Urodynamic invbestigations established the diagnosis,
including the ethiological one, and according to this thetreatment and the prognostic evaluation.

95. THE EFFICACY AND TOLERABILITY OF OLAN‑
ZAPINE IN THE CASE OF ALCOHOLDEPENDENTPATIENTS
D. Ionescu1, C. Cristescu2, E. Galca3
Department of Toxicology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy“Victor Babes”, Timisoara, Romania
2
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine andPharmacy “Victor Babes”, Timisoara, Romania
3
Psychiatry Department, Municipal Hospital of Lugoj, Timis
area, Romania
1

Aim: Exist the evidence that dysfunction of dopaminergictransmission is involved in the pathogenesis of alcoholism.
Olanzapine belongs to a new group of atypical antipsychot‑
ics, whose receptor profile is different. In the treatment of
alcoholism, olanzapine could have an “anticraving” effect andimprove psychosocial functioning, quality of life, self‑control
ability, and adherence to treatment. A 12‑week, double blind
study comparing olanzapine and placebo treatment together
with cognitive‑behavioural psychotherapy, was carried out todetermine the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of olanzapine
in the treatment of alcoholism.
Methods: A total of 85 alcohol‑dependent patients wereassigned to 12 weeks’ treatment with either olanzapine orplacebo. Starting with one tablet of 5 mg/day, the dose could
be increased weekly up to a maximum of 15 mg/day according
to patient’s response. Alcohol consumption, craving, adverse
events, and changes in the biochemical markers of heavy
drinking and possible toxicity were also evaluated.
Results: We did not find significant differences in thesurvival analysis between placebo and olanzapine treatedpatients (Kaplan‑Meier log rank =0.41, df = 1, p = 0.50). 15(38.9%) patients treated with olanzapine relapsed comparedwith 8 (39%) of those receiving placebo (χ2 = 0.51, df =1, p =0.50). Although some adverse events (weight gain, increased
appetite, drowsiness, constipation, and dry mouth) were
found more frequently in the olanzapine lot, differences
did not reach statistical significance in comparison withthe placebo lot.
Conclusions: Olanzapine was well tolerated, as the rateof adverse events was low, and it was safe; because it did
not interfere with the normalization of biochemical markers
of alter liver function. Alcohol‑dependent patients showed
good adherence and compliance with the treatment protocol,
but we found no differences in relapse rate or other drinking
variables when comparing olanzapine with placebo‑treatedpatients.
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)96. The Importance of Thrombelastog‑
raphy in Monitoring Patients Receiving
Fibrinolytic Drugs
Ileana Ion1, N. Ceamitru2, Elvira Craiu3, Cecilia Adumitresi1,
Cristina Farcas1, Ninela Rădulescu1, Carmen Ciufu2, Lar‑edana Hanzu Pazara2 Florina Bâtcă1
Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” Uni‑
versity Constanta, Romania
2
Pathophysiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius”
University Constanta, Romania
3
Cardiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” Uni‑
versity Constanta, Romania

1

Thrombelastography is a valuable method for the studyof coagulation disorders and to assess the efficiency of theuse of anticoagulating substances.
The purpose of the present study was to high‑light thehaemostatic changes using thrombelastography in patientswith myocardial infarction, receiving streptokinase andheparin.
The results showed that the streptokinase induces morebrutally and fast the state of hypocoagulation even in thefirst 24 hours after the installation of the heart‑attack, while
the heparin treatment provides slow a state of minimal hy‑
pocoagulation, but so necessary to prevent the thrombotic
complications of myocardial infarction.
The study demonstrates the efficiency of the treatment
in both approaches and declares the thrombelastography
a non‑invasive method, as the standard method to evaluate
the patients suffering from myocardial infarction.

97. Photodynamic Therapy and the oxida‑
tive stress for cellular organelles
Rodica‑Mariana Ion
ICECHIM, Bucharest; “Valahia” University, Targoviste
Photodynamic treatment (PDT) is an emerging therapeu‑
tic procedure for the management of cancer, based on theuse of photosensitizers [1]. In the presence of oxygen, thecombination of visible light and a photosensitizer causes
generation of singlet oxygen and other cytotoxic reactive
oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide anions and theextremely reactive hydroxy radical [2]. These results indicatethat photosensitizer‑generated singlet oxygen exposure can
induce in vitro and in vivo cells destruction, and that spe‑cific subcellular targets of PDT (which can differ for various
sensitizers) are determinants for activation after oxidative
stress. Oxygen radicals are continuously generated within
mammalian cells, this being a consequence of the use ofoxygen in aerobic respiration. The ROS generated may oxi‑dize a variety of biomolecules within the cell, loaded witha photosensitizer. The high reactivity of these ROS restricts
their radius of action to 5–20 nm from the site of their genera‑37

Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciencestion. Superoxide is generated within the mitochondria andis sequentially reduced to hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl
radicals. We can use photodynamic treatment (PDT) as amodel of induction of oxidative stress in particular cellularcompartments. Different photosensitizers have different
intracellular localization, and therefore may attack different
organelles in the cell. PDT may damage proteins, lipids, DNA,and a variety of small molecules in the cell. Oxidative assault
may cause modifications of the side chains of amino acids
within a protein. In particular, the side chains of cysteine, his‑
tidine, methionine, tryptophan and tyrosine are susceptible
to ROS‑induced modifications.
The first‑generation sensitizers are porphyrin based andvary in lipophilicity and hydrophilicity. Treatment depth var‑
ies with the wavelength of light that activates the sensitizer
used, and the second‑generation sensitizers are activatedat longer wavelengths, allowing for a 30% increase in treat‑ment depths.
In this paper, we use oxidation‑sensitive fluorescent probes
in order to visualize localization and propagation of oxidative
stress in the living cell. The probes are used in combination
with various photosensitizers and specific fluorescent stains
for cellular organelles. In this way we can correlate the initial
localization and propagation of oxidative stress with dynamics
of cellular organelles. In addition to the development of new
photosensitizers, continued improvements in clinical PDT will
come from the translation of information generated fromstudies examining basic mechanisms of this procedure.

98. L‑ARGININE: NO SYSTEM AND OXIDATIVESTRESS: FROM BASIC SCIENCES TO APPLIED
CLINICAL INVESTIGATIONS
Vladimir Lj. Jakovljević1,3 and Dragan M. Djurić2,3Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University ofKragujevac, Serbia
2Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, University ofBelgrade, Serbia
3
Serbian Association for Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular
Biology Research, Serbian Physiological Society1

L‑arginine/NO system is bioregulatory sistem who plays
important role in cardiovascular homeostasis. The main
product of that metabolic pathway is nitric oxide (NO), who
has a great impact on cardiovascular homeostasis: induced
active dilation, inhibits platelet aggregation, leukocyte ad‑hesion, vascular smooth muscle cells migratin, i.e. has many
protective cardiovascular effects. On the other hand, two
crucial problems with NO are: short half‑life and rapid bio‑inactivation by reactive oxygens species (ROS) and forming
reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Cellular damage by reactive
oxygen species (ROS) such as O2‑ or hydroxyl radicals (OH‑) is asignificant causal factor involved in heart diseases, especiallyduring myocardial ischemia‑reperfusion. Many authors haveprovided extensive evidence that free radicals are produced
38

and released from the ischemic heart and they are additionallyintensive in the reperfusion period. One of the possible mecha‑
nisms in ROS mediated cardiovascular diseases is lowering ofvasodilatory substances produced in the endothelium, among
which nitric oxide (NO) is most important. The bioactivity ofendothelium‑derived NO is impaired in cardiovascular diseases,caused in part by the increased vascular production of O2‑ andits reactive intermediates – hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore,
rapid restoration of the blood flow increases the level of tissue
oxygenation which causes the second burst of ROS genera‑tion that leads to the reperfusion injury. Regarding this data,
we tried to connect our basic exeperiments in isolated heartwith some clinical events where oxidative stress is involved.
One part of our basic investigation was to assess the effectsof Vitamin C and Folic acid on coronary flow (CF) and nitrite
outflow (NO) alone or under inhibition of nitric oxide synthasein isolated rat heart. The hearts of male Wistar albino rats
(n=12, 8 weeks, BM 180‑200 g) were perfused according toLangendorff technique at constant perfusion pressure condi‑
tions (CPP, 40‑120 cm H2O). The experiments were performed
during control conditions, in the presence of: a) Vitamin C (100μM) or Vitamin C plus L‑NAME (30 μM) and b) Folic acid (100μM) or Folic acid plus L‑NAME. The results showed that applied
vitamins have different effects on isolated rat heart and opposite
interaction with NO‑system. On the other hand, the aim of ourclinical study was to examine parameters of oxidative stressand its response on different types of supplementation in top
sportsmen. The testing was made in 43 top‑level competitors
in rowing (n=13), cycling (n=10) and taekwondo sport (n=20).
All sportsmen were selected for the national teams according
to the selection criteria. Different type of supplementation
at all sportsmen has not statistically significant difference indynamic of parameters oxidative stress at rowers and cyclist
in dependence of applied therapy, while in taekwondo existed
statistically significant difference in concentration of TBARS,
which suggest us that the type of sport and training activity(anaerobic compared to aerobic) affects oxidative stress, as wellas on its dynamic in sternous exercise. [This work is supportedby Ministry of Science and Enviromental Protection, Republic of
Serbia (Number 145014)].

99. HIPPOPHAEA RHAMNOIDES INTERFERES WITH
INSULIN RELEASE VIA L‑TYPE Ca2+ CHANNEL‑ME‑
DIATED PATHWAY IN RAT ISLET β‑CELLS.
Adela Elena Joanta1, SV. Sarlea1, Nicoleta Decea1, M. Bojan1,
Carmen Socaciu2, R. Moldovan1, S. Hobai3“Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
2
University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine,Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
3
University of Medicine and Pharmacy Targu Mures, Romania

1

Aims: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) continues to be a world publichealth problem, having a cascade of complications such as
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciencescardiovascular disease, chronic renal failure, retinal damage,nerve damage, and microvascular damage, which may cause
erectile dysfunction (impotence) and poor healing of wounds.
Recent studies showed that complications are generated by the
Oxidative Stress induced by the hyperglycaemia. Polyunsaturated
fatty acids, such as oleic acid have an antioxidant effect, being
found in high concentration in Hippophaea rhamnoides. Our
aim is to explore the in vivo molecular mechanism of action ofoleic acid by using molecular modeling simulation software,
Molegro Virtual Docker (MVD) and to observe the antioxidant
effect of Hippophaea rhamnoides extract in different circum‑
stances related to insulin release from rat islet β‑cells.
Methods: Experiments were performed on white, male, Wistar
rats, organized as follows: group 1: control‑standard diet, group2: rats fed a diet enriched in sea buckthorne: (Hippophaea rham‑
noides), group 3: rats fed a diet enriched in sea buckthorne andglucose, group 4: rats treated with L‑type Ca 2+ channel blocker(Nifedipine), fed a diet enriched in sea buckthorne and glucose,group 5: rats treated with Nifedipine, fed a diet enriched in glu‑cose. Glycemia level, oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxides)
and antioxidant defence (superoxiddismutase) were assesesed
from pancreas after 1 and 2 weeks of experiment.
Results: It was noticed a significant increase in glycemia
level in group 5 as compared to group 4. These data suggest
through an indirect manner that Hippophaea rhamnoides
stimulates Ca2+ influx through L‑type Ca2+ channels in β‑cells,followed by insulin release. Also, it was observed an increase inoxidative stress markers and a decrease in antioxidant defenceof the analysed tissues in animals from group 3 and 5. A possibil‑
ity is that long‑term exposure to fatty acids from Hippophaea
rhamnoides, corelated to glucose administration could induce
long‑lasting elevation of Ca2+, thereby evoking the Ca2+ toxicity
and consequent dysfunction of islet β‑cells. By using the MVD
software we’ve observed the in vivo binding mechanism of oleic
acid and its antioxidant effects on oxidative dammaged cells andalso the best binding positions for the best antioxidant effect.
Conclusion: Present data suggest that the fatty acids
consisted in Hippophaea rhamnoides interferes with insulin
release via L‑type Ca2+ channel‑mediated pathway in rat islet
β‑cells. A new approach regarding fitotherapeutical alterna‑
tives in diabetes mellitus has to be considered.

100. THE PITUITARY‑ADRENAL RESPONSE TOSTRESS
Ramona Moldovan‑Jurcău1, Ioana Jurcău2, C. Login3
Pathophysiology Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of
Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca
2
Oromaxilofacial Surgical Clinic, Children’s Clinical Hospital,
Cluj‑Napoca
3
Physiology Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca

1

Although the biologic significance of the pituitary‑adrenal
response to stress may still be subject of speculation, the phe‑
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)nomen itself has been studied exhaustively. All severe physicaldamage induces a marked and abrupt increase in blood ACTH,
followed shortly by increase in plasma cortisol and aldosteron.
The response to psychical stress is more complex. When indi‑viduals cope psychologically during stress, the pituitary‑adrenal
function doesn’t increase. The pathway, by which CRH neurons
are finally activated to release CRH, varies by the type of stress.
The magnitude of plasma ACTH responses to stress varies atdifferent times of the day stress, due possibly to the effect of
circadian rhytmicity. There is a glucocorticoid protection instress, through two different but related mechanisms. At basal
levels, the glucocorticoids have permissive effects, to „prime”
homeostatic defence mechanisms. Stressed organisms withbasal levels of glucocorticoids which are unable to increase
the levels in response to stress, can tolerate mild stress but
sucomb to severe stress. At higher stress‑induced levels, they
suppress various activated homeostatic defence mechanisms,
apparently preventing them from overshooting and damag‑
ing the organism. When an impaired HPA axis cannot increase
glucocorticoid activity in response to stress, activated but
unrestrained defence mechanisms overshoot and damage orkill the organism. The cortisol level evolution in stress is parallelwith that of CRH and has some common parts with ACTH.

101. COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF PHYSICALAND SURGICAL STRESS
Ramona Moldovan‑Jurcău1, Ioana Jurcău2, C. Login3
Pathophysiology Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of
Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca
2
Oromaxilofacial Surgical Clinic, Children’s Clinical Hospital,
Cluj‑Napoca
3
Physiology Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca

1Introduction. The present research follows the compara‑tive evaluation of physical and surgical stress. The model ofphysical stress (PS) was an intense short time physical exercise.
The model of surgical stress (SS) was molar dental extraction.
We chose two types of parameters: psychological – the anxiety,and of the oxidative stress – the malondialdehide. Results: 1.
the anxiety was significantly increased, in PS and SS, at 30
min before stress compared with 24 h before (PS, p<0.01; SS,
p<0.005) and 24 h after (PS, p<0.005; SS, p<0.001) the stress;
2. the malondialdehide increased, from 30 min before to 24
h after stress, not significantly for PS and significantly for SS(p<0.01); 3. the parameter values of the SS group were signifi‑
cantly increased compared with the PS group, at 24 h before(p<0.001 for anxiety), 30 min before (p<0.005 for anxiety andp<0.01 for malondialdehide) and 24h after the stress (p<0.01
for anxiety and p<0.05 for malondialdehide); 4. at all the mo‑ments of the study, the parameters values were higher than
the reference values. Conclusions: 1. for the human being,both PS and SS are stressful, but SS is more stressful than PS;
2. anxiety and malondialdehide are good stress markers.
39

Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences

102. MODULATING EFFECTS OF SYNTHETIC BILE
SALT ON SOME LIPID PARAMETERS IN HEALTHY
AND DIABETIC RATS
S. Kojic‑Damjanov1, M. Djeric1, M. Mikov2
Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Centre for Laboratory Medicine,
Novi Sad, Serbia
2Medical Faculty Novi Sad, Institute for Pharmacology, Toxicol‑
ogy and Clinical pharmacology, Novi Sad, Serbia

1

Recent findings that bile acids and their salts are important
endogenous signal molecules, primarily of nuclear farnesoid X
receptors, indicate a their role in lipid metabolism regulationand change a way of their further investigations. We examined
influence of synthetic bile salt, sodium‑monoketocholate(Na‑MKHA), on lipid parameters of healthy (n=30) and diabetic(n=30; two‑time intraperitoneal application of 100 mg/kg
b.w. of Aloxane) Wistar rats. Seven‑day peroral (p.o.), subcu‑
taneous (s.c.) and intravenous (i.v.) application of 2 mg/kg
b.w. of Na‑MKHA was followed up. Results were compared
to corresponding control groups (CG, n=5) of healthy anddiabetic rats receiving 10 ml/kg b.w. of physiological saline
p.o. Lipid status parameters were determined using standard
biochemical methods. Seven‑day application of Na‑MKHA
provoked significant decrease in total (CG 1.93±0.45 mmol/l;p.o. 1.21±0.14 mmol/l, ‑37.31%, p< 0.01; s.c. 1.38±0.05 mmol/l,‑28.50%, p< 0.05; i.v. 1.13±0.08 mmol/l, ‑41.45%, p< 0.01) and
LDL cholesterol (CG 0.49±0.31 mmol/l; p.o. 0.03±0.04 mmol/l,‑93.88%; s.c. 0.04±0.04 mmol/l, ‑91.84%; i.v. 0.03±0.07 mmol/l,‑93.88%; p< 0.02 respectively) in diabetic rats. In healthy animals,
LDL‑cholesterol significantly decreased (CG 0.28±0.08 mmol/l;s.c. 0.10±0.15 mmol/l; ‑64.29%, p< 0.05), while changes in totalcholesterol were not significant. HDL‑cholesterol decreased
both in healthy (CG 0.91±0.16 mmol/l; i.v. 0.63±0.12 mmol/l,‑30.77%, p< 0.02) and diabetic (CG 1.08±0.13 mmol/l; s.c.
0.87±0.06 mmol/l, ‑19.44%, p< 0.02; i.v. 0.77±0.06 mmol/l,‑28.70%, p< 0.01) rats. Triglycerides significantly increased inhealthy (CG 0.53±0.09 mmol/l; s.c. 1.63±0.39 mmol/l, 207.55%,
p< 0.001; i.v. 0.87±0.11 mmol/l, 64.15%, p< 0.001) and insig‑
nificantly changed in diabetic rats. Further examinations areneeded to evaluate possible modulation effects of synthetic
bile salts on lipid metabolism in humans.

103. ENHANCED HYPOLIPIDEMIC EFFECTS OF
LOVASTATIN BY SODIUM‑MONOKETOCHOLATEIN HEALTHY RATS
S. Kojic‑Damjanov1, M. Djeric1, M. Mikov2
Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Centre for Laboratory Medicine,
Novi Sad, Serbia
2Medical Faculty Novi Sad, Institute for Pharmacology, Toxicol‑
ogy and Clinical pharmacology, Novi Sad, Serbia

1

Due to new discoveries in physiological transport mecha‑
nisms of bile acids and their effects on transmembrane transport,
40

recent few years, synthetic bile acid derivates are intensively
investigated as potent transmucous transporters. The aim of
this study was to examine the influence of seven‑day peroral
application of synthetic sodium salt of monoketocholic acid
(Na‑MKHA; 2 mg/kg b.w.), hypolipidemic agent lovastatin (LOV;
20 mg/kg b.w.) and combination of LOV (20 mg/kg b.w.) and
Na‑MKHA (2 mg/kg b.w.) on lipid parameters of healthy male
Wistar rats (n = 15). Control group (CG) (n=5) received 10 ml/kg
b.w. of physiological saline per os. Lipid parameters were de‑termined using standard biochemical methods. Monotherapy
with Na‑MKHA and LOV provoked insignificant changes intotal cholesterol (CG 1.43±0.18 mmol/l; Na‑MKHA 1.65±0.66
mmol/l. 15.38%; LOV 1.43±0.11 mmol/l, 0.00%) triglycerides(CG 0.53±0.09 mmol/l; Na‑MKHA 0.63±0.18 mmol/l, 18.87%;
LOV 0.52±0.10 mmol/l,‑1.89%), HDL‑cholesterol (CG 0.91±0.16mmol/l; Na‑MKHA 0.87±0.37 mmol/l, ‑4.40%; LOV 0.82±0.07
mmol/l, ‑9.89%), LDL‑cholesterol (CG 0.28±0.08 mmol/l; Na‑MKHA
0.49±0.40 mmol/l, 75.00%; LOV 0.37±0.05 mmol/l, 32.14%)
and non‑HDL cholesterol (CG 0.52±0.08 mmol/l; Na‑MKHA
0.78±0.40 mmol/l, 50.00%; LOV 0.60±0.07 mmol/l, 15.38%).
In combined application of LOV and Na‑MKHA, the effectsof LOV were significantly enhanced, commpared to both CG
and application of LOV, for HDL‑cholesterol (0.55±0.15 mmol/l;‑39.56% and ‑32.93%; p<0.01 respectively), LDL‑cholesterol(0.75±0.30 mmol/l; 167.86%, p<0.02 and 102.70%, p<0.05;),
and non‑HDL‑cholesterol (0.99±0.33 mmol/l;9.038%, p<0.02
and 65.00%, p<0.05). This stimulating effect, Na‑MKHA isprobably achieved by intensified transmembrane transportand enhanced lovastatin transport via specific bile acidtransport systems.

104. Oxidative Stress – Spatial Orientation
CORRELATION in Sleep Apnea: an Experimen‑
tal Model
C. Login1, Adriana Băban2, Adriana Mureşan1, Şoimita Suciu1,
Simona Clichici1, Dorina Login3 , R. Moldovan1, Nicoleta Decea1,
Ramona Moldovan‑Jurcău4, Ioana Jurcău5, S. Dărăbanţ6
Physiology Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
2
Psychology Department, “Babes‑Bolyai” University, Cluj‑Napoca
3
Mental Health Center, County Hospital, Deva, Romania
4
Physiopathology Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of
Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
5
Oromaxilofacial Surgical Clinic, Children’s Clinical Hospital,
Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
6 nd
2 year student, Medicine Faculty, “Iuliu Hatieganu” Universityof Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania

1

Introduction. Sleep apnea is a condition characterized
by repeated episodes of apnea or hypopnea during sleep. It
affects 1‑5% of the adult men. It has serious consequenceson their attention, memory, spatial orientation etc. Oxidative
stress represents an imbalance between the oxidants andantioxidants. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
during sleep apnea, and they play an important role in the
ethiopathogenic mechanism of the cognitive‑behavioral
changes induced by sleep apnea.
Material and method. Twenty male Wistar rats (weight
140‑180 gr.), divided in two groups had been used. Group I(control) was maintained at normal atmospheric pressure for
two weeks. Group II (experimental) was exposed to intermit‑
tent hypoxia (baric chamber, 640 mmHg – 1500m altitude
equivalent) also for two weeks. Their spatial orientation wasassessed using Morris Water Maze during the last day of theexperiment. Blood samples were taken on the first and on
the last day and oxidative stress and antioxidant defense
markers (malondyladehide, carbonylated proteins, hydrogen
donor capacity, sulhydryl groups and nitric oxide) had been
appreciated. Also, in the last day of the experiment the animals
have been sacrificed, and cerebral tissue samples were taken
in order to determine the same oxidative stress parameters.
Result. There was a statistically significant increase in theoxidative stress markers (MDA) between the two groups, on
the 14th day; also, during the experiment, the oxidative stressmarkers levels augmented for the IInd group; a statisticallysignificant correlation between oxidative stress markers andspatial orientation was identified.
Conclusions. (1) hypoxia induces oxidative stress inserum and in brain tissue; (2) ROS determine a decrease of
the spatial orientation capacity.

105. CARBON NANOTUBES FOR APPLICATIONSIN NANOMEDICINE
D. Lupu, AR. Biris, Stefania Simon, I. Misan
INational Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic
and Molecular Technologies, Cluj-Napoca
The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are small objects formed
from a hexagonal network of carbon atoms rolled up in ashape of a perfect cyllinder, with diameters from 0.7 nm toa few nanometers, 10000 times less than the hairbreadth.
CNTs can be obtained with one, two or more walls, depen‑
ding on the synthesis conditions. Recently, the possibility ofmulti-component molecular targeting of surface receptors
and subsequent photo-thermal destruction of cancer cells
was demonstrated by using single-walled carbon nanotubes(SWNTs). This effect is based on the property of SWNTs
to heat rapidly by absorption of infra-red laser radiation,
which doesn’t cause any tissue damage. This could leadto a new class of cancer therapeutic systems.
The optical properties of SWNTs are strongly dependent
on their diameter – the applications in nanomedicine riseproblems for diameter selective syntheses, purification andfunctionalization of SWNTs to obtain stable suspensions
in aqueous media, suitable for applications. Among thesynthesis methods of carbon nanotubes, the catalytic
chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) is the most suitable forextension to large scale.The demand of carbon nanotubes
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)is increasing rapidly as they play a significant role in na‑
notechnology. Our group developed an original version
of CCVD based on induction heating, which show someadvanteges as compared to the classical outer furnacetechnique. The paper describes the related aspects forcatalytic synthesis of carbon nanotubes, purification andcharacterization methods used to prove the high qualityof the products.

106. Symptoms of anxiety and depression
influence the oxidant status in surgery
patients
Diana Marcoci, Marina Amarascu, T. Daianu, Maria Vrabete
Pathophysiology Department, University of Medicine andPharmacy, Craiova, Romania
The psychological care of patients before and after surgicalintervention is a component of quality of life. We observed andnoted that the anxiety or/and depression appear frequently
in surgical patients also, in their relatives. If, to the surgicalpatients the psychological symptoms are corelated to their
biological status, for their relatives emotional stress is theessential part of their behaviour.
Objectives. To evidentiate the role of emotional stressassociated to anesthetic surgical stress for increasing thedefence poststress reactivity of organism.
Methods. Patients (25 cases) and their relatives (10members) completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression
Scale. Relatives answered an open question to explore theperceived impact of plastic surgery on their own lives.
Results. Patients’ relatives reported more troubling andlife‑altering experiences than the patients and their anxiety
symptoms were higher.
Conclusions. The small number of participants in thisstudy limits the generalisability of our results. The psycho‑
logical needs of relatives are equal or greater than that ofthe patients.

107. The valuation of the blood level ofthe Na+, K+, Cl‑, Ca++, and Mg++ in healthy andgrafted with Walker 256 carcinoma Wistar
rats correlated with daily deuterium
depleted water intake
I. Marcus1, B. Sevastre1, D. Mărculescu2, Gh. Pop3, Al. Pop1
USAMV Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
RAAN Drobeta Turnu‑Severin, Romania
3
DSV Oradea, Romania

1

2

The importance of the deuterium depleted water in cellbiology, came first in the 80’s.The deuterium depleted water canbe produced by boiling the water many times or rather withelectrical fission. In this process a lot of hydrogen gas springup, which must be burned. Deuterium, an isotope of hydrogen,41

Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
is part of the water in the nature and it is very important in
human and animal organism. The biochemical reactions inanimals or humans are slower in deuterium rich fluid, maybe
because the connection between the deuterium atoms. The
research workers thinks that in absence of deuterium cells
get some kind of shock, but while the healthy ones can adapt
very fast to the new situation, the tumors cells can’t, so they
will die. On the other hand, deuterium depleted water canblock the cell division (mitosis), but this can be harmful forthe healthy cells too. Researches with mice in which humantumors was transplanted proved that, while they were drink‑ing deuterium depleted water, the tumor became smaller oreven disappeared. The mice in the control group died. The
replacement of tap water with deuterium depleted water in adrinking water for the mice diminishes the growth rate of thetumors, and the slight increase in the deuterium concentra‑tion stimulates tumour cells proliferation. But there is anotherproblem with this type of water, because in the proccess of
distillation, the very important minerals and trace elements
disappears. The goal of this experiment is to investigate if
the daily deuterium depleted water intake, for a period of
six months, affect significantly the balance of some essential
plasma minerals in healthy and Walker 256 carcinoma bearing
rats (Na+, K+, Cl‑, Ca++, and Mg++), minerals which play a very
important role in normal and tumor cells biology, affecting
their capacity of proliferation and mitosis. The experiment
was achieved on twenty Wistar rats, distributed in four groups,
each of them containing five adult animals. During the experi‑ment, all the animals were evaluated from the clinical point ofview, by weekly measuring of body weight, tumour volume
and some aspects of the animal behaviour. In the period ofexperiment the animals were nourished by standard food.
After six months from the beggining of the experiments, theanimals were killed, under narcose with ether, and the blood
samples were gathered by heart punction. From the plasma
samples obtain by blood centrifugation were measured themineral components investigated (Na+, K+, Cl, Ca++ and Mg++),by means of semiautomatic devices STAT‑FAX 1904 Plus.The
results obtained permit us to come to the conclusion that,comparatively with the reference groups, the greatest differ‑ences regarding the plasma mineral components measured
affect the group four, which was inoculated with Walker 256
carcinoma and which consumed daily the deuterium depleted
water. The way of the differences recorded in plasma samples
were, predominantly, negatives and affected all the mineralcomponents investigated. Thus, in group four (W 256 + DDW),
comparatively with the reference groups one (R), two (DDW)
and three (W 256), the percentage differences were nega‑tive for Ca++ (‑7,90%, ‑1,17%, ‑21,13%), Cl+ (‑6,25%, ‑18,97%,‑10,93%), K+ (‑14,87%, ‑21,61%, ‑36,21%) and positive for Na+(21,04%, 48,9%, 24,16%). There is no any evidence that the daily
deuterium depleted water intake influence the balance of theNa+, K+, Cl‑, Ca++, and Mg++ in healthy animals, but disordersof this minerals were noticed at the animals inoculated with
Walker 256 carcinoma, correlated with the DDW intake. [This42

study was supported by a CNCSIS Grant, Thema 11/2005, Cod
CNCSIS 790, and with the kindly assistance of RAAN, Drobeta
Turnu Severin].

108. Rest and postural tremor in the
power spectral structure in patientswith Parkinson’s disease
Jelena Marić1, Suzana Blesić1, Sladjan Milanović1,
Nataša Dragašević2, Tihomir Ilić3, Vladimir Kostić2, Miloš
Ljubisavljević4.
Institute for Medical Research, Belgrade, Serbia
Institute of Neurology, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Medical School,
University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
3Outpatient Neurological Service, Military Medical Academy,
Belgrade, Serbia
4
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Unite Arab Emirates
University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

1

2

It has recently been suggested that frequency harmonics
found in power spectra of pathological tremors may contain
information on dynamical properties of tremors, with eachfinite frequency band (mode) corresponding to a fluctuation
period of a single independent source of oscillation. It was thus
shown earlier, in the case of Parkinson’s disease (PD) tremor,that the first two modes of oscillation display different patternsof dynamic behaviour. The aim of the present study was toinvestigate possible difference between the dynamic oscillatory
behaviour of the rest and the postural tremor in PD.
We have studied the time series of hand tremor move‑ments PD by applying the classical Fourier analysis and thedetrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) method, to distinguishbetween their power spectra frequency bands. The analysis ofthese tremor series revealed the type of dynamic behaviour
that can help differentiate between different modes. The ap‑
plication of DFA analysis helped us also distinguish between
neural mechanisms active in rest and postural tremor in PD
patients, as well as discerning difference of tremors in PD,
when compared to hand oscillations in healthy subjects. Ourfindings suggest that pathological tremors in movement
disorders may entail multiple oscillatory circuits that underlie
the complexity of their initiation and development.

109. MODULATORY EFFECT OF ETHANOL ON
HOMOCYSTINE INDUCED EPILEPSY IN RATS
Aleksandra Rasic‑Markovic1, Dragan Hrncic1, Helena
Loncar‑Stevanovic1, Dragan Djuric1, Veselinka Susic2
Tatjana Radosavljević3 and Olivera Stanojlovic1
Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, Schoolof Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
2
Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts,
3
Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Universityof Belgrade, Serbia

1

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
Clinical and experimental studies implicated positive
relation between hyperhomocysteinemia and convulsions.
Numerous studies have shown that in central nervous system,
ethanol can exert depressant as well as excitatory effect.
The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of etha‑
nol on behavioral manifestations of homocysteine‑induced
epilepsy in rats.
Two‑moth old, male Wistar rats were divided into following
groups: 1. Control, saline‑injected (C), 2. Homocysteine‑thio‑lactone (H; 8.0 mmol/kg), 3. groups that received ethanol in
doses: 0.5 g/kg, E0.5; 1 g/kg, E1 and 2 g/kg, E2; and 4. groups
that received ethanol, in doses 0.5‑2 g/kg, 30 minutes prior
to homocysteine (E0.5H; E1H and E2H). All the substances wereapplied intraperitoneally. Convulsive behavior was assesed
by incidence, latency, number of seizure episodes per rat andintensity of seizure episodes, during 90 min. Seizure severity
was described by a descriptive scale with grades 0‑4.
There were no behavioral signs of seizure activity ingroups C, E0.5, E1, E2. In animals pretreated with ethanol theincidence of convulsions were decreased E0.5H (83.33%); E1H(87.71%); E2H (62.5%) comparing to the H group (100%), but
not significantly. Latencies to the first seizures were increased
in a dose dependent manner, in all EH groups, comparing
to the H group, but statistical significance was attained onlyin E2H (p<0.01). The median seizure grade was higher in H
comparing to the E2H group (p<0.05). The number of seizure
epizodes in all EH groups were decreased, but not significantly,
comparing to the H group.
These results suggest that ethanol decreases seizure
susceptibility to homocysteine induced seizures in rats indose dependant manner.

110. PREVALENCE OF THE CARDIOVASCULARCOMPLICATIONS IN NON‑INSULIN DEPENDENTDIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS (NIDDM)
Rodica Mateescu1, Claudia Borza1, Gabriela Negrisanu2
Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy,
Timisoara, Romania
1

3 Internal Medicine Department, University of Medicine andPharmacy, Timisoara, Romania

2 rd

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of
cardiovascular complications in the NIDDM patients. The study
group consisted of 72 patients with NIDDM. The patient mean
age was 58± 17 years. We evaluated the presence of cardiac
signs (heart ischemia and arterial hypertension) and vascularsigns (diabetic arteriopathy). The hypertension was present
in 68% of the subjects, was found to be statistically significant
risk factor for coronary disease (52% of the subjects). The
HTA appeared in patients over 60 years old, obese and withthe duration of IDNNM over than 10 years The cardiac insuf‑
ficiency was present in 16,2% of the subjects and the heart
rhythm disturbances and conduction block were present in
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)15% of the subjects. The presence of vascular complications
was correlated with the heart ischemia. The HTA and smoking
represent the major risk factors for the vascular complications
appearance in diabetic patients.

111. OXIDATIVE STRESS IN DIABETIC NEPHROPA‑
THY FROM DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 2
D. Matei1, C. Moldovan1, M. Mureşan1, L. Micle, O. Micle1,O.
Burtă1, A. Mureşan2
Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy
Oradea2
Physiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy
I. Hatieganu, Cluj‑Napoca

1

Aims: Increase formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
induced by hyperglicemia has been sugested to contributeto the development of diabetes mellitus complications, in‑cluding nephropathy. The purpose of this study was to test
the hypothesis that in diabetic nephropathy from diabetes
mellitus type 2, there was oxidative stress, due to the accu‑
mulation of ROS and decrease of antioxidant capacity and thelevel of oxidative stress is more augmented in subjects withmicro and macroalbuminuria by comparison with subjects
with normoalbuminuria.
Methods: We quantified the level of oxidative stress bymeasuring the concentration of malondialdehyde, carbonyl‑
ated proteins and ceruloplasmin in three groups of subjects(two study groups and a control group) suffering from dia‑
betic nephropathy as a complication of diabetes mellitus
type 2. The control group included 14 healthy subjects. The
first experimental group included 21 patients ( 62,85±8,82
years, mean duration of diabetes mellitus 6,95±5,02 years,
52,4% insulin‑dependent and 47,6% noninsulin‑dependent)with diabetes mellitus type 2 and normoalbuminuria. The
second experimental group included 15 subjects (69,66±8,32
years, mean duration of diabetes mellitus 9,06±5,29 years, allinsulindependent) with diabetic nephropathy (micro andmacroalbuminuria). Malondialdehyde concentration wasestablished by a colorimetric method with thiobarbituric acid,carbonylated proteins by a spectrophotometric method withdinitrophenil hydrazine and ceruloplasmin by a colorimetricmethod (Ravin).
Results: We obtained a significant increased level ofglycosilated hemoglobin (HbA1c), malondialdehyde andcarbonylated proteins in study groups by comparison withthe control group (p< 0,001). The concentration of malo‑ndialdehyde and carbonylated proteins in the second study
group were significant increased in comparison with the firststudy group (p= 0,05). A significant decrease of ceruloplas‑
min concentration was noted only between the first study
group and control group (p< 0,05) but not between the two
exprimental groups.
Conclusions: These results demonstrated that there wasoxidative stress in diabetic nephropathy and its level increased
43Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Scienceswith the stage of diabetic nephropathy. Oxidative stress could
be a common pathogenetic factor of the complications ofdiabetes mellitus, including nephropathy.

112. OXIDATIVE/ANTIOXIDANT STATUS IN HEALTHY
ADULTS AND CHILDREN(p<0.01). The activity of the two intraerythrocyte enzymes(SOD, and GSH‑Px) were also decreased (p<0.001; p<0.05).
Conclusion: In CHC patients exists a marked imbalance be‑
tween reactive species of oxygen (ROS) and antioxidants.

Liana Micle, Otilia Micle, Mariana Mureşan, Daniela Matei,
M. Dorofteiu

114. EXTRACELLULAR VERSUS INTRACELLULARADMINISTERED ANGIOTENSIN II – INDUCEDCONRACTIONS ON RAT PORTAL VEIN RINGS

University of Oradea, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutics,
RomaniaAC. Mihai1, L. Vata1, IL. Dumitriu1, B. Gurzu1, M. Costuleanu2,
Gh. Petrescu1

Aim: The purpose of this research was to compare theoxidative/antioxidative status in healthy children versus
healthy adults.
Methods: We evaluated 37 healthy children (age 10‑11)
and 25 healthy adults. The children were divided in 2 groups:
16 children which perform regular light exercise and 21 which
do not perform organized exercise. Blood samples were taken
and malondialdehyde, carbonyl protein and ceruplasmin
levels in serum assessed.
Results: The children compared to the adults have signifi‑
cant reduced carbonylated protein concentrations (p<0.02),
and also elevated levels of ceruplasmin, explained by the pre‑dominance of anabolism of proteins necessary in the processof growth in children. There are no differences between the 3serum parameters in the 2 groups of healthy children.

113. OXIDATIVE STRESS AND ANTIOXIDANT
DEFENSE IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPA‑TITIS C
Otilia Micle, Liana Micle, Mariana Muresan, Mircea
Dorofteiu
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutics, University of Oradea,
Romania
Aims: Hepatitis C virus produces a persistent infection.
Tissue damage is mainly caused by immunopathologicalmechanisms, but studies demonstrate the important roleof ROS (reactive species of oxygen) also. The purpose of ourstudy was to evaluate the oxidant/antioxidant balance inpatients with chronic hepatitis C.
Method: The antioxidant response of the organism wastested by assessing the levels of SOD (superoxide dismutase)and GSH‑Px (glutathione peroxidase) in the red blood cells
using Randox Laboratories Ltd. reagents (Cat. No. SD 125,
Cat. No. SR 505) on Cobas Mira Plus analyser. Serum levelsof ceruloplasmin (CER) and two markers of oxidative stress:
malondialdehide (MDA) and carbonyl proteins (CP) were alsomeasured. Our research was performed on 54 patients withchronic hepatitis C (CHC). We compared them to a group of
39 blood donors.
Results: MDA and CP levels were considerably increasedin CHC patients (p<0.001; p<0.01). CER levels were decreased
44

Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of
Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr T Popa” Iasi, Romania

1

Department of Physiopathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Universityof Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr T Popa” Iasi, Romania

2

We studied the contractile effects of angiotensin II (AngII) on the rat portal vein rings without endothelium. Ang II
was delivered either directly on the organ bath or intracel‑lularly by the means of liposomes (LAngII). The results wereexpressed as the percentages of the control contraction (40mM KCl; mean ± S.E.M). LAngII induced contractions wereof 120.46 ± 8.06%. On the other hand, 0.1 microM Ang II
produced contractions of 121.43 ± 6.83%. Both Ang II andlosartan, administered either extracellular in the organ bathor intracellular by the means of liposomes, inhibited thecontractions induced by intracellular Ang II. The inhibitory
effects of losartan on LAngII‑induced contractions weredose‑dependent. Thus, 10 microM losartan strongly blocked(10.01 ± 1.41%) and 1 microM losartan partially blocked(39.73 ± 5.35%) the LAngII‑induced effects. LLOS significantly
inhibited the LAngII contractile effects (38.51 ± 8.92%). Our
results revealed that LAngII partially inhibited the contrac‑
tions induced by extracellular administered Ang II (42.42 ±
3.29%). On the other hand, 0.1 microM Ang II also inhibitedthe contractile effects induced by LAngII (67.42 ± 0.76%),
although a little bit less. In conclusion, even if the participa‑tion of cell membrane angiotensin receptors (AT) cannot be
excluded, the contractions induced by Ang II administeredintracellularly are mainly mediated by intracellular AT sensi‑
tive to losartan.

115. THE EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF THE
PHYSICAL EXERCISE EFFECTS ON VASCULAR
REACTIVITY
G. Mihalas, L. Noveanu
Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy“V. Babes” Timisoara, Romania
Reactivity study of thoracic aorta vascular rings in isolatedorgan bath proved to be useful for validation of several study
methods investigating effects of cigarette smoke exposure
on endothelial‑dependent vasodilatation. Utilization of
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciencessupplementary aspects, such as: (i) evaluation of vasodila‑
tor effect to adenosine, (ii) evaluation of “NO endothelial
reserve” in presence of L‑NAME, as well as (iii) assessmentof spontaneously relaxing response in case of a prolonged
contraction to phenylephrine, proved to be very useful for
confirmation of endothelial dysfunction. Oxidative stress was
one of the mechanisms by which cigarette smoke induced
endothelial dysfunction, which reduced NO bioactivity at thelevel of arterial wall. Physical exercise performed on trend‑millby 8 guinea pigs for 12 weeks, which were simultaneously
exposed to cigarette smoke, led to an increased NO bioavail‑ability in the vascular wall, at least by increasing “NO reserve”,
a mechanism revealed by amplification of L‑NAME inhibitor
effect on endothelial‑dependent vasodilatation. Duration,
intensity and type of physical exercise we used proved to becorrect for the declared purpose of increasing the vasodila‑
tor endothelial‑dependent response at the level of guinea
pig thoracic aorta, also knowing the fact that this effect is
temporary and depends on animal species and artery type.

116. IS C PROTEIN REACTIVE A PREDICTIVE FAC‑TOR IN PREECLAMPSIA?
D. Mihu1, N. Costin1, Carmen Mihaela Mihu2, Lavinia
Sabau3, R. Ciortea1“Dominic Stanca” Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Iuliu
Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj‑Napoca,
Romania2
Hystology Department. “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
3
Physiology Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania

1

Aim: Determination of C protein reactive (CRP) an sensi‑
tive marker of inflammation in preeclampsia compared withnormal pregnancy and the study of the relation between CRP
and the severity of preeclampsia.
Material and Method: It were included in the study 40
pregnant women with preeclampsia and 40 healthy pregnant
women, both groups being in the last trimester of pregnancy.
CRP was measured using the imunoturbiometric method.
Results: CRP in serum was significantly higher (p<0.001)
in preeclampsia (5.69±1.8 mg/l) compared with normal preg‑nancy (2.89±1.2 mg/l). In pregnant women with preeclampsia,
CRP was significantly correlated with the values of diastolicblood pressure, proteinuria and uric acid. Moreover, CRP wasinversly correlated with birth weight of newborns.
Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that serum CRP
was incresed in preeclampsia and represents a marker ofthe severity of preeclampsia and birth weight of newborns.
Because the determination of serum CRP is rapid and has arelative low price, this marker can be used in medical practiceat pregnant women with preeclampsia in order to establish
the diagnosis and the prognostic of this disease.

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)117. THE ANXIOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF GABAPENTIN
IN RATS
FC. Militaru, AD. Buzoianu, AD. Gavris, IC. Bocsan, Z.
Major
Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, University of Medicine
and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu” Cluj Napoca, Romania
Purpose of the study. This study was designed to explore
the anxiolytic activity of gabapentin in experimental rats.
Preliminary results shows its secondary role in the treatment
of several behavioral disorders and are promising for thetreatment of refractory anxiety disorders.
Methods used. Fifty Wistar Bratislava rats were divided
into five groups: control, saline solution, diazepam 1mg/kg,
gabapentin 2mg/kg and gabapentin 4mg/kg. The changes
in behavior were evaluated by open‑field (OF) and Elevatedplus‑maze (EPM) methods.
Results. Open field model: a significant increase in therearing behavior of the animals was observed with the 4mg/kg
of gabapentine compared with the group control. Elevatedplus‑maze: a significant increase in the rearing behavior of
the animals and in the time spent in the open arms wasobserved with the 4 mg/kg of gabapentine compared withthe group control.
Conclusions. This study show that gabapentin at low
dose may have anxiolytic properties and suggest the po‑tential advantage for the treatment of refractory anxiety
disorders.

118. L‑ARGININE REDUCED RENAL VASCULARRESISTANCE IN COMBINED MODEL OF EXPERI‑MENTAL HYPERTENSION AND ACUTE RENALFAILURE
Zoran Miloradović, Đurđica Jovović, Nevena Mihailović‑Stano‑jević, Jelica Grujić Milanović, Milan Ivanov, Slađan Milanović,
Gordana Kuburović, Jasmina Marković‑Lipkovski
Institute for Medical Research, Belgrade, Serbia
Objective. The exact role of nitric oxide (NO) in the renal
ischemia is still controversial and dual effect of L‑arginine
supplementation on tubular injuries was demonstrated.
Goal of our study was to examine effects of nitric oxide
donor, L‑arginine, on hemodynamics and tubular injury inthe combined model of experimental hypertension / acuterenal failure (ARF).
Methods. Our experiment was performed in adult
spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In the ARF groups
the right kidney was removed, and the rats were subjected
to renal ischemia by clamping the left renal artery for 40
minutes. Experimental group received L‑Arginine (2g/kg
b.m.) by gavage, during 3 days before the period of ischaemia.
The SHAM group was consisted of right nephrectomized
rats and received tap water via the same way. Mean arterial
45

Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
pressure (MAP) and renal blood flow (RBF) were measured
and renal vascular resistance (RVR) was calculated 24 hours
after reperfusion. Histological examination of the left kidney
was performed also.
Results The MAP was markedly decreased in the
ARF+L‑Arg group in comparison to ARF group (130.25±3.75 vs.
141.86±12.04 mmHg). The RBF rose (1.67±0.26 vs. 1.16±0.22
ml/min/100g) and the RVR significantly dropped (67.81±7.04
vs. 148.87±26.85 mmHg.min.100g./ml) in the ARF+L‑Arg group
vs. ARF. Widespread tubular necrosis in the corticomedullaryzone, huge number of PAS positive casts in distal tubuli andintensity of interstitial oedema, were similar between the
ARF groups.
Conclusions Our results suggest that L‑Arginine supple‑
mentation failed to reduce tubular injury, despite its evident
improvement of systemic and renal hemodynamics. This lead
us to conclude, that in the combined model of experimen‑
tal hypertension / acute renal failure, NO seems to act as a
double‑egged sword, with improvement of renal vasocon‑
striction and detrimental, due to its cytotoxic effects.

119. Physiological tremor in conditions
orthostatic tests
V. Minciună
Republican Center for Medico‑Social Rehabilitation, Republicof Moldova
In our previous researches we have shown, that activa‑tion of a mechanical reflex unequally changes characteristics
of a physiological tremor in different age groups (Saulea A.,
Minciuna V., 2007). At young men the stimulation of extensor
muscles leads to substantial increase in density of oscillations
on all frequency spectrum while at elderly persons the densityof oscillations with high frequency and low amplitude grows(insignificantly) in general.
The purpose of the present research was the analysisof changes of characteristics of a physiological tremor at
the further stimulation of the central nervous system bysimultaneous activation of a mechanical reflex and carryingout orthostatic tests.
In researches 14 young volunteers (aged 21.9±0.71 years
old) and 15 elderly persons (aged 71.3±2.09 years old) havebeen included. Tremorometry has been performed on all
persons included in the research initially, on the first andfourth minute after carrying out orthostatic tests, by change
of a position of a body on 450.
The spectral energy of the tremor, determined by meth‑ods based on principles of acceleration with subsequent
application of Fourier analysis, has made 15219.3±2350.80
ms2 at young men after 5 minutes in lying position, and theaverage density of oscillations in a 0‑50 Hz frequency range
was on a level of 71.1±9.16 oscillations. At elderly persons

46

the spectral energy of a tremor has made 12100.3±386.28
ms2, and average density – 31.8±1.06 oscillations.
Orthostatic test at young men promoted increase ofspectral energy of a tremor in 1.3 times, owing to increase ofdensity of oscillations in 1.5 times. The density of oscillations
in a 14‑18 Hz frequency segment has significantly risen ‑ in 1.8
times. In three minutes after the end of the test parameters
the practically would come back to an initial level.
At elderly persons orthostatic test promoted occurrenceof the tendency of decrease in analyzed parameters on thefirst minute and of their authentic decrease in 1.2 times on
the fourth minute after the end of test, due to reduction in
1.4 times of density of oscillations in 7‑13 Hz and 14‑18 Hz
frequency ranges.
Thus, at elderly persons apparently the inhibition of syn‑optic transmission takes place, at the attempt of the further
stimulation of central oscillatory structures.

120. INHIBITION OF MITOCHONDRIAL PERME‑ABILITY TRANSITION IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH
THE ENHANCEMENT OF SEVOFLURANE‑INDUCEDPOSTCONDITIONING
Nicoleta Mirica1, V. Ordodi2, D. Barglazan1, Andreea
Raducan1, G. Gheorghiu3, Oana Duicu1, C. Hentia3, O.
Fira‑Mladinescu1, D. Sandesc3, A. Cristescu1, Danina
Muntean1
Department of Pathophysiology, “Victor Babes” University of
Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
2
Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, “Victor Babes”
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
3
Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, County
Hospital, Timisoara, Romania

1

Administration of cyclosporin A (CsA) before the postisch‑emic reperfusion reduces myocardial damage by preventing
the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transitionpore (PTP). We thought to investigate if the cardioprotective
effect of sevoflurane‑induced postconditioning could befurther augmented by the administration of CsA at reperfu‑
sion. Anaesthetized rats were subjected to 30 min regional
ischemia and 120 min reperfusion and randomized to thefollowing groups (n = 4‑6/group): (1) no intervention (Ctrl);(2) postconditioning with sevoflurane (2,5%) administeredfor 15 min at reperfusion (Sevo‑Post); (3) CsA 10 mg/kg
given i.v. 5 min before the onset of reperfusion (CsA)and (4)postconditioning with both Sevo and CsA (Sevo‑CsA‑Post).
Hemodynamic parameters were continuously recorded andinfarct size was measured by triphenyltetrazolium chloride
staining and expressed as % of area at risk. Postconditioning
with sevoflurane reduced infarct size from 46±5% (mean±SD)
in Ctrl group to 24±9% (P < 0,05). CsA alone at reperfusion was
not protective (51±8%; P NS vs. Ctrl) whereas in association
with sevoflurane (Sevo‑CsA‑Post) was not able to significantly
improve the anti‑infarct protection elicited by anaesthetic
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
postconditioning (19±7%; P NS vs Sevo‑Post, P < 0,05 vs Ctrl).
Anaesthetic postconditioning with sevoflurane when com‑bined with CsA postconditioning did not provide additional
protection against the postischemic myocardial injury.

121. The thrombosis of intern carotid
artery’s stent
Smaranda Mitran1, Iulia Tudorascu2, Valerica Tudorica3
Physiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy,
Craiova, Romania
2
Pathophysiology Department, University of Medicine andPharmacy, Craiova, Romania
3
Neurology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy,
Craiova, Romania

1

An alternative of endarterectomy to older patients is
to place stents in order to keep opened the intern carotid
artery. The thrombosis of the stent is a rare complication ofthis procedure (less than 1%).
We present the case of N.M., 63 years old, to whom, in
2005, after an ischemic vascular accident of the right hemi‑
sphere, it has been placed a stent into the right carotid, atthe origin of the intern carotid. In 2008 he complained of
distal brachial left paresthesis, chest pain and then dizzi‑
ness and sight disturbances. After clinical and paraclinicalinvestigations, performed at the Neuropsychiatry Hospitalof Craiova, the diagnosis was: left hemihypoesthesis syn‑drome, possibly a second ischemic vascular accident on thesame territory. Doppler echography showed the complete
thrombosis of the stent. Suddenly, despite the complete andcorrect treatment with anticoagulants and antiagregants,
with no significant dislipidemy, the patient presented left
facial‑ brachial motor deficiency and then, left hemiplegia.
He was transferred to Cardio‑Vascular Surgery Clinic of Cluj
for surgically removal of the thromb. After angio‑NMR it was
discovered the obstruction of intern carotid artery in C4‑C1
territory. Surgical intervention was considered a big risk sothey were used only drugs and a rehabilitation program,with a good response.

122. DISBALANCE BETWEEN PROOXIDANT AND
ANTIOXIDANT MECHANISMS IN LIVER IN ACUTE
PARACETAMOL INTOXICATION
Dušan Mladenović1, Tatjana Radosavljević1, Milica Ninković2,
Danijela Vučević1, Ivan Grbatinić1, Rada Ješić‑Vukićević3,
Vera Todorović4
Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Universityof Belgrade, Serbia
2Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy,
Belgrade, Serbia
3Institute of Digestive Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia
4Institute for Medical Research, Department of Experimental
Pathology and Cytology, Belgrade, Serbia

1

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)The aim of our study is to investigate the role and dynamics
of oxidative stress in liver injury caused by acute paracetamol
intoxication in mice. Male Swiss mice (n=45) were divided
into following groups: 1. control (n=21), that received saline,
2. paracetamol‑treated group (n=24) in a dose of 300 mg/kg
intraperitoneally. Animals were sacrificed by cervical dislo‑
cation 6, 24 and 48 h after administration. Blood samples
were collected from the right ventricle of the heart and liver
samples were excised for determination of oxidative stressparameters. Liver malondialdehide and nitrite levels weresignificantly increased 6 h after paracetamol administration(p<0.05) and it continued to increase within 48 h (p<0.01).
Similar time course of rise in plasma malondialdehyde
concentration was detected. Liver superoxide dismutase
activity was significantly lower at all time intervals (p<0.01).
However, manganese superoxide dismutase activity wassignificantly increased within 6 h (p<0.01), while its activity
showed a progressive decline 24 and 48 h after paracetamol
administration (p<0.01). Sulfhydryl group level in the liver
was increased 24 h after paracetamol administration, while
its level was decreased within next 24 h. Our results indi‑cate that oxidative stress plays an important role in earlyparacetamol‑induced liver injury. Liver antioxidant capacity
is increased within 24 h, at first due to an adaptive increasein manganese superoxide dismutase activity, and then due
to an increase in sulfhydryl group level.

123. OXIDATIVE LIVER INJURY IN ACUTE ETHANOLINTOXICATION
Dušan Mladenović1, Tatjana Radosavljević1, Milica
Ninković2, Danijela Vučević1, Rada Ješić‑Vukićević3, Vera
Todorović4
Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Universityof Belgrade, Serbia
2Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy,
Belgrade, Serbia
3Institute of Digestive Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia
4Institute for Medical Research, Department of Experimental
Pathology and Cytology, Belgrade, Serbia

1

The aim of our study was to investigate the role of oxidative
stress in ethanol‑induced liver injury during binge drinking.
Male Swiss mice (n=32) were divided into following groups:
1. control (C, n=8), saline‑treated, 2. ethanol‑treated group (E,n=24) in 5 repetitive doses of 2 g/kg by orogastric tube at 12h‑intervals. Animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation
6, 24 and 48 hrs after ethanol administration (E6, E24 and E48
groups respectively) and blood samples from the right sideof the heart and liver samples were collected for determi‑
nation of oxidative stress parameters. At all time intervals
malondialdehyde and nitrite levels in liver and plasma weresignificantly increased in comparison with control group(p<0.05). Initial rise in reduced glutathione level was foundin the liver 6 hrs after ethanol treatment (p<0.05), with47

Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciencesprogessive decline within 48 hrs (p<0.05). Total superoxide
dismutase activity (SOD) was significantly decreased at all timeintervals after ethanol treatment in comparison with control
group (p<0.01). In contrast, mitochondrial SOD activity was
found to be elevated in E6 and E24 groups (p<0.01 and p<0.05
respectively), while its activity progressively declined within
48 hrs (p<0.01). Our results suggest that lipid peroxidation
and reactive nitrogen species play an important role in liver
injury induced by binge ethanol drinking. Antioxidant capacityof hepatocytes is partly increased within 6 hrs after ethanol
treatment, due to increased mitochondrial SOD activity andglutathione content. After this period antioxidant defense
mechanisms progressively decline.

124. Serum proteins, serum hemoglobin
level and anastomotic leakage in pa‑
tients with large bowel resections forcolo‑rectal cancer.
Teodora Mocan, C. Iancu, Dana Todea‑Iancu, LC. Mocan,
FV. Zaharie, F. Mihăileanu, O. Bala, Lucia Agoşton-Coldea,
L. Vlad“Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy,
Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
Background: To measure the risk and prognosis factor
potential of anemia and hipoproteinemia for anastomotic
leakage after colorectal resections following colo‑rectal cancer
and to elucidate possible physiopathological mechanismsof their interference.
Patients and Methods: 993 patients who underwent
large bowel resection and primary anastomosis without atemporary diverting stoma at the Surgical University Hospital
No.3 (Cluj‑Napoca, Romania) were retrospectively reviewed.
Pre‑operative serum protein and hemoglobin levels as well
as all available epidemiological, clinical, exploratory data forthe entire admission period were collected.
Results: A total of 32 (3.22 percent) anastomotic leaks
were confirmed. After univariate and multivariate analysis
pre‑operatory hipoproteniemia (S‑ proteins<60g/dl) andanemia (S Hb<11mg/dl) remained significant prognosis fac‑
tors for fistula development. R.o.c.(receiver operating curve)
analyses revealed a cut‑off of 55g/dl for S‑proteins(Se=61.6%,
Sp=84.2%, +LR=3.9 ; ‑LR=0.5 ) for our data. The area undercurve calculated was 0.703 (0.616‑0.781), p = 0.0024. Impact
of pre‑operative S‑proteins showed the decreasing impact
on fistula occurrence as we incresed cut‑off limits from 55
g/dl to 60 g/dl(Se=61.5%, Sp=73.7%, +LR=2.3 ; ‑LR=0.5) to
80g/dl(Se=92.3%, Sp=10.5%, +LR=1.03 ; ‑LR=0.7), and up to
85g/dl(Se=92.3%, Sp=0.9%, +LR=0.9 ; ‑LR=8.8). Pre‑operative
Serum Hemoglobin levels (SHL) returned a cut‑off of 9.4mg/
dl(Se= 64.0 %; Sp=64.7%, +LR=1.8; ‑LR=0.5). Analyses revealeda decreasing prediction Specificity as we increased cut‑off
levels from 9.4mg/dl to 11 mg/dl (Se=80.0%, Sp=30.6%,48+LR=1.2; ‑LR=0.6) and up to 17 mg/dl (Se=100.0%, Sp=0.2%,+LR=1.0; ‑LR=0.0). AUC for Serum Preoperative Hemoglobin
level was 0.616 (0.573‑657), with a p value of 0.028.
Discussions: We propose lack of essential amino acids
for collagen synthesis and deterioration of patient’s im‑
munocompetence as two physiopathological pathways for
S‑Protein action. Insufficient perfusion and oxygenation of
the anastomotic edges might be the interference mechanismof low S‑Hemoglobin levels.
Conclusions: Our study shows that a value of S‑proteins
lower than 55 g/l and s‑Hb lower than 9.4 mg/dl can be consider
as predictive marker for anastomotic leak dehiscence.

125. LATE VENTRICULAR POTENTIALS IN POSTIN‑FARCTION HEART FAILURE
Ioana Mozoş, M. Hâncu, Camelia Costea, A. Cristescu
Department of Pathophysiology, University of Medicine andPharmacy „Victor Babeş” Timişoara, Romania
Ventricular arrhythmia and cardiac death can be pre‑dicted by late ventricular potentials (LVP). Considering thehigh incidence of sudden death due to cardiac arrhythmias
in heart failure patients, it is the aim of this study to assess
LVP in postinfarction heart failure patients.
32 chronic myocardial infarction patients underwent
signal averaged ECG (SA‑ECG). The first group enrolled 16
patients with chronic myocardial infarction and heart failure(NYHA III class), aged: 68±11 years and a left ventricle ejec‑tion fraction (LVEF): 53±11%. The second group included
16 chronic myocardial infarction patients, without signs ofheart failure, aged: 62±15 years, with a LVEF: 44±16%. LVP
were considered as present if two of the following criteria
were positive: SA‑QRS (signal averaged ECG QRS duration)>120 ms, LAS40 (“low amplitude signal”: duration of thelow‑amplitude signal (<40 μV) in the terminal portion of theaveraged QRS complex) >38 ms, RMS40 (root mean squareof the terminal 40 ms of the filtered QRS) <20 μV.
There were no significant differences considering: LVP
incidence between the two groups (3‑18,75% of the chronic
myocardial infarction patients and 4‑25% of the heart failure
patients had LVP), SA‑QRS values (132±22 ms and 127±23
ms; p=0,707), LAS40 (52±30 ms and 68±34 ms; p=0,74) and
RMS40 (20±13 μV; 13±6 μV, p=0,97) between the patientsof the two groups.
Heart failure does not significant increase ventriculararrhythmia risk in chronic myocardial infarction patients if
the LVEF is > 40%.

126. GLOBAL OR PRECORDIAL DISPERSION IN
CHRONIC MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION?
Ioana Mozoş, Camelia Costea
Department of Pathophysiology, University of Medicine andPharmacy „Victor Babeş” Timişoara, Romania
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
QT dispersion QT (QTd) is a marker for ventricular ar‑
rhythmias and sudden cardiac death. It is calculated as thedifference between maximal and minimal QT interval dura‑tion. The question is: how many leads do we have to use?
Should we consider all 12 ECG leads or are the 6 precordial
leads enough?
50 chronic myocardial infarction patients were includedin the study, undergoing: 12 lead ECG and signal averaged
ECG (SA‑ECG). QTdp (QTd using only the 6 precordial leads):
130±110ms, QTdpc (heart rate corrected QTdp): 29±21ms,
QTmp (the mean value of the QT interval in the precordial
leads): 396±134 ms, QTd (calculated using all 12 ECG leads):
159±111ms, QTdc (heart rate corrected QTd): 34±24 ms and
QTm (the mean value of the QT interval duration in all 12 ECG
leads): 413±87 ms were assessed.
There were statistical significant differences between QTd
and QTdp (p=0,0035), between QTdc and QTdpc (p=0,0022),
but not between QTm and QTmp (p=0,674). QTd and QTdc cor‑
related with the following SA‑ECG parameters: SA‑QRS (SA‑ECG
QRS duration: r=0,46; 0,47) and RMS40 (root mean square of
the terminal 40 ms of the filtered QRS: r=‑0,37; ‑0,29).
QTm and QTmp have the same significance. QTd and
QTdc are better predictors of arrhythmia risk than QTdp and
QTdpc. Precordial leads could record only local potential
variations.

127. CONTRIBUTION OF MONOAMINE OXIDASEDERIVED REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES TO ISCH‑
EMIA‑REPERFUSION INJURY OF THE RAT HEART
Danina Muntean1, Valentin Ordodi2, Nicoleta Mirica1, Dragos
Barglazan1, Andreea Raducan1, Roberta Menabo3,4, Nina
Kaludercic4, Marcella Canton4, Fabio Di Lisa3,4
Department of Pathophysiology, “Victor Babeş” University of
Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
2
Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, “Victor Babeş”
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
3
Istituto Neuroscienze CNR, 4Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche
Sperimentali, Università di Padova, Italy1

Mitochondria derived reactive oxygen species (ROS)
display dual roles as homeostatic signaling molecules via
their tightly regulated minimal production and mediators oftissue injury when they are highly released. The respiratory
chain in the inner mitochondrial membrane is considered
the major site for ROS generation. This process can be also
contributed by other mitochondrial enzymes, such as mono‑aminooxidases (MAO) located in the outer mitochondrial
membrane. Recent experimental studies have demonstrated
the contribution of MAO derived ROS to myocardial injury
caused by ischaemia/reperfusion injury and the protective
effects afforded by irreversible and reversible MAO inhibitors
both in vitro and in vivo. Acute and chronic administrationof moclobemide, an reversible MAO‑A inhibitor, significantly
reduced ischemia cell death and the incidence of malignant
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)arrhythmias in rat hearts. On the other side, one of theprocesses clearly dependent on small ROS generation is
the phenomenon of ischemic preconditioning (IPC), which
confers cardioprotection by decreasing the deleterious burstof oxyradicals occurring upon the post‑ischemic reperfusionof the heart. IPC‑induced protection was completely blunted
when IPC was bracketed with clorgyline, an irreversible MAO‑A
inhibitor. In conclusion, the present findings suggest that in
rat hearts MAO A plays a predominant role in ROS formation
during ischemia/reperfusion. MAO inhibition limits reperfu‑
sion injury, whereas MAO activity is likely to modulate theself‑defense mechanisms underlying ischemic precondition‑
ing related protection.

128. Effects of tocopherols on protea‑
some activity in THP‑1 monocytes
Adelina Munteanu1, Roberta Ricciarelli2, Sara Massone2,
Jean‑Marc Zingg3
Physiology Department, “Carol Davila” University, Bucharest,
Romania2
Dip. Medicina Sperimentale, University of Genoa, Genoa,
Italy
3
Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Universityof Bern, Bern, Switzerland

1

Background: The anti‑retroviral protease inhibitor,
ritonavir, stimulates CD36 scavenger receptor expression in
THP‑1 monocytes by inhibiting the proteasome activity, andα‑tocopherol co‑treatment can prevent these effects.
Results: Ritonavir leads to cellular proteasome inhibition,
increasing the level of oxidative stress in THP‑1 monocytes.
Since α‑tocopherol can reduce oxidative stress, it appears
likely that normalization of CD36 over‑expression is a con‑sequence of scavenging free radicals produced after protea‑
some inhibition by ritonavir. Indeed, a strong proteasome
inhibitor, ALLN, produced levels of oxidative stress similar to
those induced by ritonavir; however, α‑tocopherol was able
to reverse only the effect of ritonavir, and not that of ALLN.
Accordingly, α‑tocopherol could normalize the amounts of
3‑nitrotyrosine‑modified proteins only after ritonavir, andnot after ALLN treatment. In the absence of any protea‑
some inhibitor, intrinsic cellular proteasome activity was notmodulated by α‑tocopherol; however, some natural vitamin
E analogues and synthetic derivatives could significantly
inhibit cellular proteasome activity.
Conclusions: Since in our experimental system theoxidative stress is reduced by α‑tocopherol only when theproteasome is inhibited by ritonavir, with no effect on theproteasome activity suppressed by ALLN, it is concluded
that α‑tocopherol normalizes proteasome activity througha mechanism that does not involve the antioxidant propertyof the vitamin.

49Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences

129. EXPERIMENTAL STUDY REGARDING THE
ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTITUMOR ACTIVITY OF
NATURALLY OCCURING POLYPHENOLS
Adriana Muresan1, Soimita Suciu1, ID. Postescu2, G. Damian3,
D. Colcear1, N. Pop4, M. Paul5
Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie”I.Hatieganu” Cluj‑Napoca,
Departamentul de Fiziologie
2
Institutul Oncologic “I. Chiricuta”Cluj‑Napoca
3
Universitatea Babes‑Bolyai Cluj‑Napoca, Departamentul de
Fizica4
Universitatea de Stiinte Agricole si Medicina Veterinara
Cluj‑Napoca, Departamentul de Horticultura
5
Institutul de Cercetare si Instrumentare Analitica INCDO‑INOE
2000, Cluj‑Napoca
1

Cancer is one of the most frequent diseases in humanpopulation and one of the most frequent causes of death. In
tumor initiation, promotion and progression there are a lot of
pathological factors involved, including reactive oxygen species(ROS). Antioxidants are viewed as potential chemopreventive
agents and, on the other hand, could influence the effects
of anticancer drugs. Plant derived natural products, such as
polyphenols, possess diverse pharmacological properties,
among which antioxidant activity. Regarding these aspects,
we evaluated the antitumor and the antioxidant activity of theseed extract of Burgund Mare de Recas grape variety against
Ehrlich ascites carcinoma(EAC)‑bearing Swiss albino mice. The
anti‑tumor activity of GSE was assessed by measuring thetumor volume and by counting the tumor cells. Oxidative stressparameters (total thiobarbituric reactive reactive substances,(TBARS) in the plasma were measured. The results indicatethat GSE does not possess antitumor activity against Ehrlich
ascitic carcinoma, does not interfere with the antitumor effectsof doxorubicin in EAC‑bearing mice and decreases the lipid
peroxidation induced by doxorubicin treatment.

130. THE LEVEL OF OXIDATIVE STRESS IN PREG‑
NANCY AND IN UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD
Mariana Mureşan1, Otilia Micle1, Liana Micle1, Liana Antal1,
Luciana Dobjanschi1, I. Muresan1, M. Dorofteiu2
1
2

University of Oradea, Medicine and Pharmacy Faculty
University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj ‑Napoca

Background. Pregnancy is a physiological condition which
is characterized by an increased oxygen consumption and indifferent organs and also in the fetoplacentar unit
The aim of our the study was to point out the markers ofoxidative stress during different ages of pregnancy and in
the umbilical cord blood during delivery.
Materials and methods. The research was performed
upon 60 pregnant women treated at the Obstetric Gynecology
Clinical Hospital Oradea, at the 30th week, at the 38th weekof pregnancy and in the 4th day after delivery. The markers
50of oxidative stress assessed by us were MDA (method withtiobarbituric acid ), carbonylated proteins (CP)( a guanidinehydroclorid method),and like the most important antioxidant
plasmatic factor the level of circulating ceruloplasmin ( theRavin method).We also determined the same parametersfrom umbilical cord blood during delivery. All results werecompared to a control group. Supplimentary, biochemistry
determination such as glycemia, uric acid ASAT, ALAT andbilirubin was also done.
Results. The levels of MDA, CP were increased in the at
30th week and the 38th week of pregnancy compared to thecontrol group.The ceruloplasmin concentration was highest
in the 30th week and in the 4th day after delivery.The resultsin the umbilical cord blood revealed a high level of MDA,CPand a low concentration of the ceruloplasmin in comparison
to reference. The biochemistry parameters were between
normal ranges.
Conclusions. Lipid peroxidation was increased in preg‑
nant women during delivery, but in umbilical cord blood washighest. This is perhaps due to umbilical cord compression
in the period of delivery or is due to the reperfusion of thepulmonary tissue. Another explanation can be that in the pe‑
riod of delivery the labor effort and the increase oxygenation
during intensive breathing determine production of a highlevel of ROS.The activity of ceruloplasmin was higher

131. Variations of surface EMG parameters– function of age and neurological pa‑
thology
FM. Romanescu1, A. Neştianu2, Valeria Carmen Albu3, P.
Badea4, Denisa Enescu‑Bieru5, V. Neştianu1
Physiology Dept., University of Medicine and Pharmacy of
Craiova2
Physiopathology Dept, University of Medicine and Pharmacy
of Craiova
3
Neurology Dept., University of Medicine and Pharmacy of
Craiova
4
Biostatistics Dept, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of
Craiova
5
Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of
Craiova1

In aged subjects (above 50 years old) versus young (20‑30
years), intercept values for most of parameters, percentual
exhausting threshold (PET), absolute exhausting level and
PET/intercept ratio are much higher than those found in a
lot of ill subjects with peripheral neuropathies compared tohealthy subjects,
This opposed reactivity between old, respectively ill
subjects is probably due to a particular loss of white fibers
versus red muscular fibers.

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences132. Antioxidative enzyme activities in red
blood cells of CISPLATIN, VITAMIN C ANDSELENIUM CO‑TREATED rats
Nikolić Dragana1, Todorović Ivana1, Obradović Ana1, Đorđević
Nataša1, Ognjanović I. Branka1, Štajn Š. Andraš1, Žikić V.
Radoslav1, Saičić S. Zorica2 and Marković D. Snežana1
Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Universityof Kragujevac
2
Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research“Siniša Stanković”, University of Belgrade, Serbia
1

Cisplatin is the very active cytotoxic agens in the treat‑ment of cancer. However, cisplatin has serious oxidative
and toxic effects in organism. The aim of this study was tocompare antioxidative enzyme activities in red blood cells(RBC) of cisplatin and antioxidants (vitamin C and selenium)co‑treated rats. In our experiments six groups of male Wistar
albino rats were used. Group I – untreated (control); group II‑ cisplatin treatment (7.5 mg/kg bw, i.p.); group III ‑ vitamin C
treatment (500 mg/kg bw, i.p.); group IV ‑ selenium treatment(6 mg/kg bw, i.p.); group V – vitamin C + cisplatin treatment;group VI ‑ selenium + cisplatin treatment. In all cases animals
sacrificed after 3 days of treatment. Blood samples were taken
at the day of sacrifice. The activities of antioxidative enzyme
followed were: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT),glutathione peroxidase (GSH‑Px), glutathione reductase (GR)and glutathione‑S‑transferase (GST). The results showed that
cisplatin (II) treatment was followed by higher GSH‑Px and
GST activities, compared to control group (I). Vitamin C (III),Se (IV), vitamin C + cisplatin (V) and Se + cisplatin treatments
induced significantly higher GSH‑Px activity. SOD activity
was lower in vitamin C (III) and Se + cisplatin (VI) co‑treatedgroups. GR and GST activities were lower in RBC of vitamin C+ cisplatin (V) and Se + cisplatin (VI) co‑treated rats. Applied
treatments did not alter CAT activity. In conclusion, the high,acute doses of cisplatin induced higher GSH‑Px and GST
activities only, while antioxidants alone or in co‑treatment
with cisplatin were followed by alteration of SOD, GSH‑Px,
GR and GST activities in RBC of rats.

133. ISOLATION AND CULTURE OF MESENCHYMALSTEM CELLS FOR DIFFERENTIATION TOWARD
ENDOTHELIAL LINEAGE
DC. Nistor, IR. Siska, G. Tanasie, C. Bunu, C. Tatu, F. Mirea,
D. Plesca, G. Mihalas, V. Paunescu
Physiology‑Immunology Department, “Victor Babes” Universityof Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Romania
Objectives. 1. Isolation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC)
from bone marrow. 2. Culture of isolated MSC. 3. MSC charac‑terization. 4. MSC differentiation toward endothelial lineage.
4. Culture of endothelial‑like cells obtained. 5. Validation ofendothelial features of the obtained cells.
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Material and method. MSC were isolated form humanbone marrow using three disting methods: adherence onplastic surfaces, RosetteSep method, and isolation using
MACS‑direct CD105 progenitor isolation kit. The isolated cells
were cultured on three different media. Characterization ofcells obtained in culture was performed using evaluation
methods of quantitative parameters (concentration, recovery
rate, viability, immunephenotyping using flowcytometry),and qualitative parameters (clonogenic capacity and cellularexpansion). MSC differentiation toward endothelial lineage
was induced by VEGF supplemented culture medium. In orderto validate the endothelial characteristics, contrast phasemicroscopy was used, together with immunohistochemical
analysis of CD31 and von Willebrand factor, and PCR analysis
of KDR, VE‑chaderin and eNOS.
Results. It is possible to isolate bone marrow‑derived
MSC using all three methods. The cells isolated and cultured
in specific media exhibit the feature characteristic of MSC.
Utilization of VEGF supplemented media for 7 days can induce
transformation of MSC in endothelial‑like cells.
Conclusions. Plastic adherence method is the bestisolation method for MSC. Cell culture and expansion of
MSC in VEGF medium lead to occurrence of endothelial‑likecells within 7 days. The resulting endothelial‑like cells arefunctionally immature.
Discussions. Increasing duration of culture in VEGF
medium or flow chamber conditions could probably induce
functional maturation of cells.

134. Adaptive reactions of tissues, acti‑
vated after an electrocution injury
M. Novac, Oana Taisescu, Ana-Maria Kese, Maria Vrabete
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cariova, Romania
Electrocution injury (EI) activates pathophysiologicalmechanisms into the two points: entrance and exit of elec‑
tricity flow. Our prospective study, approved by the EthicalCommittee of UMF Craiova, intended to evidentiate theparticularities of pathophysiological mechanisms, spontane‑
ously activated for tissues repairing vs. patients who needof skin grafts.
Objectives: To evidentiate the specificity of the postinjury
reactions (locally and generaly), depending on intensity androute, of electricity flow, by means of biological values. To
evaluate the parameters, refflecting the efficacy of patho‑
physiological mechanisms, in the first 4 hours (early phase),
postinjury.
Methods: We observed 30 patients (18‑50 aged) withelectrocution injuries, compared to a control one: 20 cases,
without lesions. To each of them we prelevated blood samples
from the venous effluent, belonging to the region of theentrance point of electric flow and determinated the follow‑
ing values: Cytokines: IL1, TNF alfa, Coagulability Index (CI).
oxidative stress index (OSI), Hb, Ht, Leukocytes, Erhytrocytes
and Thrombocytes at T1 (4 hours) and T2, (outcome).
51

Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
Results: Statistically assured (p<0,05) evidentiated thesemnificative values of CI. To patients in hypercoagulability
status (10%), the extension of necrosis, or necessity of zone
amputations were observed and to those with hypocoagu‑
lability (40%): the evolution was to MODS.
Conclusions: The values of OSI beggin to rise at 4 hours
after postelectrical injury, and their continuosly increasing,express a bad prognosis, sustaining the extension of cell
necrosis and apoptosis.

135. THE PASSIVE EXPOSURE OF GUINEA PIGSTO CIGARETTE SMOKE CAN INDUCE A SYSTEMIC
ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION
L. Noveanu1, O. Fira Mladinescu2, F. Mirea1, V.Ordodi1, G.
Savoiu2, V. Pantea1, A.Sturza1, G. Mihalas1
Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy“V. Babes” Timisoara, Romania
2
Department of Physiopathology, University of Medicine andPharmacy “V. Babes” Timisoara, Romania
1

A number of 12 guinea pigs, females, 4-8 weeks, weredivided in 2 groups: control (n = 6) and chronic exposed
to cigarette smoke (n = 6), using 3 cigarettes/hour, at 20
min time interval, twice per day, total duration of 12 weeks.
Endothelium‑dependent relaxing response was assessed using
the dose – response curves to 10‑9 M – 10‑ 4 M acetylcholine(ACh), on 10‑5M phenilephrine (PE) ‑ induced basal precon‑
traction. Endothelium‑independent relaxing response wasassessed using the dose – response curves to 10‑9 M – 10‑4M
sodium nitroprusside (SNP), on 10‑5M PHE‑induced basal
precontraction. Chronic exposure to cigarette smoke induced
a decrease of endothelial‑dependent vasodilator response toACh (p < 0,001) in both thoracic aorta and pulmonary rings,
but produced no change of endothelial‑independent vaso‑
dilator response to SNP. Endothelial dysfunction was better
expressed at the level of pulmonary artery (p < 0,03). Decreaseof endothelium‑dependent vasodilator response induced bychronic exposure to cigarette smoke was highly expressedin case of pulmonary artery (≈ 4 x vs control), compared tothoracic aorta (≈3 x vs. control). Considering the proposed
experimental model, in vitro study of chronic exposure
to cigarette smoke proved to be feasible for investigatingsmoking‑induced endothelial dysfunction.

136. BLOOD TYPE EVOLUTION AND TRANSFUSIONCOMPATIBILITY IN DOG POPULATION SAMPLESFROM A TRANSYLVANIAN AREA
L. Ognean
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Scienceand Veterinary Medicine Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
A heterogeneous population of dogs (n=129) from central
Transylvanian area, composed of 30 breeds, has been blood
52

typed and transfusion compatibility accessed, with tube ag‑
glutination method, making use of SHIGETA blood typing
kits, containing 4 monoclonal antibodies.
Agglutination reaction intensity evaluation, revelledhigh medium values (+++; ++++), the recorded data indi‑cated that the SHIGETA monoclonal antibodies offer a good
detection of each type of red blood cell antigen from thisantigenic system.
In the frequency evolution of blood phenotypes thedominant weight corresponds to the blood types with theB antigen: 1.1B (45,73%), 1(‑) B (24,80%) and 1.2B (22,48%).
Blood types including the association between the antigens
A and B were also identified but had a very low frequency:
1.1AB (6,20%) and 1.2AB (0,77%).
Breed distribution revelled a close ratio of the blood types
1(‑)B (50%) and 1.1B (41,67%) in German Shepard, respectively
1(‑)B (46,15%) and 1.2B (41,67 %) in English Bulldog, whileother breeds had the blood type 1.1B dominant (100% for
the Asian Shepard, 77,78% for Rottweiller, 70% for Romanian
Shepard and 43% for half‑breed dogs). A very heterogeneous
population sample of 37 dogs, had also two dominant blood
types with B antigen (1.2B and 1.1B), equally represented(32,43%), alongside the 1.2AB (2,70%) blood type had been
indicated.
The transfusion compatibility evaluation, revelled theGerman Shepard to be an important source of potential
donors because of its high number of individuals 1(‑)B
positive (50%).
Comparison of the data with the DEA system, confirms
the high transfusion compatibility level of this blood type,by the important ratio of DEA1 negative dogs found in its
composition.

137. CIRCADIAN RHYTHM OF BLOOD PRESSURE
Adina Olteanu, Daniela Bădiţă, Monica Dragomir
Department of Physiology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine,
Bucharest, Romania
Humans greatly vary in their biochemical and physiologic
status over a 24‑hour period due to the existence of a numberof circadian rhythms. Blood pressure and heart rate typicallyfollow a circadian rhythm, usually including an early morning
surge, sometimes exaggerated in the hypertensive patient. The
main modulators of this rhythm are the autonomic nervous
system, and the renin‑angiotensin system. Derangements inautonomic nervous system activity, sleep‑disorders breath‑ing, and alterations in sleep architecture and duration arecauses of changes in the circadian blood pressure profile. The
nondipping pattern of circadian blood pressure variability isclinically important since studies suggest that these patients
have an increase in cardiovascular morbidity.
Several strategies are available for suppressing the morn‑ing surge of blood pressure, including use of alpha‑blocker
and of a long‑acting angiotensin II receptor blocker.
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
Diuretics restore nocturnal blood pressure decline similar
to sodium restriction, which suggests that the kidneys andsodium metabolism play important roles in the genesis of
the circadian rhythm of blood pressure.
On the basis of these observations, it may be necessary
to reconsider the way antihypertensive drugs are prescribedto obtain smooth, 24‑hour blood pressure control, respecting
the circadian pattern of blood pressure.

138. OSTEOPENIA AND PERIODONTAL DISEASE:
MARKERS AND POSSIBLE CORRELATIONS
CD. Olteanu1, R. Cîmpeanu2, V. Cristea3, A. Crăciun4, A.
Mureşan5
Catedra de Ortodonţie, UMF „Iuliu Haţieganu” Cluj‑Napoca
Catedra de Reabilitare Orală, UMF „Iuliu Haţieganu”
Cluj‑Napoca
3
Catedra de Imunologie, UMF “Iuliu Haţieganu” Cluj‑Napoca
4
Catedra de Biochimie, UMF “Iuliu Haţieganu” Cluj‑Napoca
5
Catedra de Fiziologie, UMF “Iuliu Haţieganu” Cluj‑Napoca

1

2

The most abundant non‑collagenous protein in theskeleton is represented by osteocalcin, a protein thatfunctionally is vitamin K dependent. We evaluated boneformation markers, such as osteocalcin, in healthy andosteopenic women, with or without periodontal disease.
Additionally, we measured total alkaline phosphatase;despite not being a specific bone marker, it does assist inreflecting bone mineralization.
Bacterial plaque and local inflammation are essential
in the evolution of periodontal disease. Studies of thisdisease have indicated increased proinflammatory cyto‑kines in the crevicular liquid. In our research we intended
to quantify some inflammatory cytokines – IL‑1β, IL‑6 andTNFα in the serum, in order to evaluate to which extent a
local inflammation (in the oral cavity – such as periodontal
disease) may influence the cytokines levels in serum, at thesystemic level.
The aims of this study were: (1) To evaluate the levelsof osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase in healthy andosteopenic women, with or without periodontal disease;(2) To investigate whether osteopenia may accelerate or
be associated with periodontal disease; (3) To evaluate theconcentrations of proinflammatory cytokines in serum of
healthy subjects and women with periodontal disease, inorder to investigate to which extent a local inflammation
may influence the level of proinflammatory cytokines atsystemic level.
Our results show lower levels of osteocalcin and alkaline
phosphatase in osteopenic women, a statistically non‑significant
correlation between osteopenia and periodontal disease
and a significant higher concentration of proinflammatory
cytokines in serum of women with periodontal disease com‑paring with healthy subjects.

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)139. Progeria: Ethiopathogeny and thera‑
peutical perspective
Ileana Olteanu1, Diana Crişan2, A. Kozan2, Maria Crişan3
Catedra de Biochimie, UMF „Iuliu Hatieganu”, Cluj‑Napoca
Student MG II, UMF „Iuliu Haţieganu” Cluj‑Napoca
3
Catedra de Histologie, UMF „Iuliu Hatieganu”, Cluj‑Napoca

1

2

Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome is a rare genetic
condition characterized by an accelerating aging process ofthe tissues and systems in children, generally leading to death
at approximately 13 years of age due to myocardial infarction
or stroke. There are certain theories which may explain thepremature aging in children, such as: the telomere theory,the synthesis of a defective DNA‑helicase, and also the free
radical theory or oxidative stress, which can result in cell
damage and progeroid syndroms. The review summarizes
both the clinical characteristics of the condition as well as theunderlying mutation in the Lamin A gene that results in thisphenotype. Finally, discussion on diagnosis, therapy (genetic
engineering, farnesyltransferaze inhibitors), prevention of thedisease, and mechanisms involved in its development.

140. RESTING PARIETAL TENSION INFLUENCES
THE AMPLITUDE OF EDHF RESPONSE IN ISOLATEDRESISTANCE ARTERIES
C. Oprisa, I. L. Serban, E. S. Tucaliuc, S. E. Hogas, D. N.
SerbanUniversity of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, Iasi,
Romania
The profile of mechanisms involved in endothelium‑de‑pendent relaxation (EDR) is influenced by various factors(species, age, sex, hormonal status, vasodilating agent, ter‑ritory & caliber), but little is known regarding the influenceof parietal tension. We investigated the effect of distension
upon EDHF response, using isometric myography of rings
from primary branches of mesenteric artery obtained
from male Wistar rats. Rings were checked for absence of
myogenic response to stretch and for complete EDR by 10‑5
M carbachol when precontracted by 10‑5 M phenylephrine.
Each ring was re‑equilibrated under a resting tension (RT)of either 0.5, 1 or 1.5 g, and the EDHF component of EDR
induced by carbachol (10‑7‑10‑4 M) was tested (in presenceof 10‑4 M L‑NAME and 10‑5M indomethacin). EDHF response
was analysed as time‑integrated (10 min.) residual active
tension (% of precontraction; mean±SEM; n=6). The EDHF
response to 10‑5 M carbachol (44.7±2.1% at 1 g) becomes more
prominent (p<0.01) at higher RT (28.1±1.8%), but remains
similar (p>0.1) at lower RT (48.5±3.7%). The antagonism be‑
tween myogenic response and EDHF is well known, but here
we highlight a different facet, showing the release/action of
EDHF is potentiated by passive stretch. Work supported by
grants PNCDI‑2/ID‑1156 and PFCI‑86.
53

Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences141. ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION AND INFLAM‑
MATION DETERMINED BY HEMODIALYSIS: A
COMPARISON BETWEEN HEMOPHAN AND
POLYAMIDE DIALYSERS
RA. Orăşan1, IM. Paţiu1, S. Răcăşan1, M. Gherman‑Căpri‑oară2
Nefromed Dialysis Centers, Centrul de Dializa Cluj, Cluj‑Napoca,
Romania2
UMF „Iuliu Haţieganu” Cluj‑Napoca, Clinica de Nefrologie„Mihai Manasia” Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
1

Objective. Endothelial dysfunction and chronic inflamma‑
tory syndrome are increased in chronic hemodialysis patients
when compared to general population. The direct influenceof the dialyser membrane type on endothelial function andinflammation is less known.
Patients and method. Patients receiving chronic hemo‑
dialysis at Nefromed Dialysis Center Cluj were included in the
study; the exclusion criteria were: central venous catheter,
ischemic cardiopathy, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, ath‑
erosclerotic carotidian plaques, statines treatment, neoplasia,
infections, hemoglobin<9g/dl. Flow mediated vasodilatation
endothelium dependent (for endothelial dysfunction‑FMV),
nitroglycerin induced endothelium independent vasodilata‑tion (NIV), involving ultrasonografic brachial artery measure‑ments, and C reactive protein (CRP) were done before andafter 2 consecutive hemodialysis, using 2 types of dialysers(hemophan/polyamide) in randomized order. More, 2 groups‑ 20 chronic hemodialysed patients each, were compared; firstgroup included constant users of hemophan dialysers whilesecond included constant users of polyamide dialysers. CRP,
ferritine and serum albumins, from February to November
2007, were compared between the 2 groups.
Results. Hemodialysis using both types of dialysers did
not seem to significantly affect FMV, NIV and CRP, whencompared to baseline values. But FMV tended to increase
after using the hemophan dilayser (from 6,96±2,16% to10,95±1,94%, p=0,06), with possible significance of decreased
endothelial dysfunction while the polyamide dialyser did not
produce this effect (de la 11,03±2,30% la 9,62±2,46%, NS).
Between the 2 types of dialysers there were no significant
differences concerning FMV, NIV, and CRP. The 2 groups ofpatients constantly dialysed with hemophan or polyamide
did not have significant differences in CRP, ferritine andserum albumin.
Conclusions. Hemodialysis per se does not seem to bea major cause of inflammation or endothelial dysfunction
in chronic hemodialysis patients, regardless of the dialyser
used (hemophan or polyamide) by measuring CRP and VMF.
Long term evaluation of some inflammation and nutrition
parameters (CRP, ferritine and serum albumin) does notshow significant modifications between patients constantly
dialysed with hemophan or polyamide dialysers.
54

142. Histaminergic Receptor Blockage inChronic Urticaria
R. Orăsan, Daniela‑Rodica Mitrea, Hana Decean, AdrianaMureşanDepartment of Physiology, UMF Cluj‑Napoca
Histamine is primarily viewed as harmful because of its keyrole in allergic and inflammatory disorders. There is, however,growing evidence for the beneficial functions of histamine,
particularly regarding the initiation and modulation of in‑nate and adaptive immune responses. It is very important
to clearly distinguish between the effects of histamine inperipheral tissues and in the central nervous system. All of
the histamine in the peripheral tissues is released by mast
cells, except the stomach. It is therefore understandable why,
the newest insights on the biology of histamine come fromstudies on mast cells and mast cell functions.
Although histaminergic receptors were discovered approxi‑
mately 100 years ago, there are still many unknown aspects
with regard to their effects in chronic urticaria. H1, H3 and H4
receptors are involved in allergic reactions in different ways.
H1 receptors are closely linked with vasodilatation andsubsequent oedema, and the stimulation of afferent C‑nerve
fibers which cause itching and sneezing. They also contributeto smooth muscle contraction of the bronchi, and activationof mast cells, macrophages and antigen‑presenting cells.
H3 and H4 receptors contribute to mast cell degranula‑tion. In addition, H3 receptors increase microvascular perme‑ability in the skin and inhibit norepinephrine release from
sympathetic nerve endings, potentially leading to oedema
and nasal congestion. H4 receptors facilitate pruritus andthe recruitment of inflammatory cells.
Medications that block a combination of H1, H3 and H4
receptors will represent in future a new “third generation”
of antihistamine medications.

143. Modulation of hipocampal synaptic
currents and intracellular Ca levels bysomatostatin analogues
K. Orban‑Kis1,2, K. Antal1, A. Simon1, Gy. Keri3, T. Szilagyi2,
J. Kardos1, Zs. Emri1
1
Dept. of Neurochemistry, Inst. of Biomol. Chem., HAS, Budapest
2
Dept. of Physiology, Univ. of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tg. Mures
3
Peptide Biochem. Research, Semmelweis Univ., HAS, Budapest
Somatostatin (SST) mediates its diverse physiologicaleffects in the hippocampus through a family of four G-proteincoupled receptors (sstr1-sstr4) showing distinct subcellular
localization. Their functions have not been characterized well,
due to the lack of specific ligands for all subtypes. TT-232, a‘non-classical’ SST analogue, shows a strong antiproliferative
effect, induces apoptosis in several tumors and cancer cell lines.
TT-232 was shown to displace [125I]SST specifically boundto hippocampal synaptic membranes with an IC50 value of
0.1nM. Docking calculations disclosed binding interactions
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
between TT-232 and type II (sstr1 and sstr4) receptor subtypes.
To identify those sstr subtypes that are activated by TT-232,
pharmacologically isolated excitatory (EPSC) and inhibitory(IPSC) postsynaptic currents have been recorded from CA3
hippocampal cells. Sandostatin affected neither miniature(mEPSCs, mIPSCs) nor spontaneous (sEPSCs, sIPSCs) post‑
synaptic currents. SST decreased the frequency of mEPSCs(32.9±15.9%) without affecting their amplitude and did noteffect mIPSCs, but decreased both the frequency (75.8±1.0%)
and amplitude (28.61±16.7%) of sEPSCs and also decreased thefrequency (52.65±3.0%) and the amplitude (39.87±10.4%) ofsIPSCs. Effects of TT-232 on EPSCs were similar to the effect of
SST: TT-232 decreased mEPSC frequency (37.9±10.1%) with‑out affecting its amplitude and decreased sEPSC frequency(75.74±11.9%) and amplitude (18.23±6.4%). In contrast to
SST, TT-232 did not affect mIPSCs and decreased only sIPSCs
frequency (39.71±3.5%) without affecting their amplitude. In
slices loaded with the cell-permeable form of a Ca2+ ion-sensi‑
tive dye Fluo-4AM only SST and sandostatin (but not TT-232)
induced intracellular Ca2+ ion transients in hilar or CA3 cells(1.8±0.8 or 2.8±0.8, n=5). [This work was supported by grants
Center of Excellence on Biomolecular Chemistry QLK2-CT-200290436 and NKFP Medichem2 1/A/005/2004].

144. EXPERIMENTAL MODEL FOR THE IN VIVO STUD‑IES OF REGIONAL ISCHEMIA‑REPERFUSION INJURY
AND CARDIOPROTECTION IN RODENT HEARTS
V. Ordodi1, Nicoleta Mirica2, D. Barglazan2, A. Raducan2, F.
Mic4, Danina Muntean2, V. Paunescu3
Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, “Victor Babes”
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
2
Department of Pathophysiology, “Victor Babes” University of
Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
3
Department of Physiology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
4
Department of Pathology, County Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
The aim of the present work was to develop an experimental
model of regional ischemia in rat and rabbit hearts in order tofurther conduct in vivo studies of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)
injury and to test for several cardioprotective strategies. Afterintubation carotid artery is cannulated for recording meanarterial pressure and a peripheral ECG lead is used to monitor
heart rate. A lateral thoracotomy followed by pericardiotomy are
performed. A 5.0/3.0 suture is passed under the left descending
coronary artery and threaded through a small plastic tube tocreate a snare occluder. The snare is tightened and clamped to
occlude the proximal coronary artery for 30 min of prolonged
ischemia followed by removing of the clamp and 120 min ofreperfusion. Cardioprotective strategies which are tested areeither ischemic preconditioning which consists of brief episodesof non‑lethal ischemia alternated with short reperfusions prior
to the prolonged ischemia or postconditioning where a seriesof brief mechanical coronary artery occlusions and reperfusions
are applied at the very onset of the post‑ischemic reperfu‑

1

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)sion. Alternatively, the effects of pharmacological pre‑ andpostconditioning (drugs applied before or after the ischemic
episode) might be tested, with special interests for the use ofvolatile anesthetics as cardioprotective agents.

145. THE DECREASE OF ENDOTHELIAL‑DEPENDENTVASODILATATION AT ASYMPTOMATIC TEENAGERS
WITH HIGH PREVALENCE OF ATEROSCLEROTICRISK FACTORS
V. Pantea1, Lavinia Noveanu1, Adriana Gherbon1, Al. Caraba1,
Georgeta Mihalaş1
1
Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy„Victor Babeş” Timişoara, Romania
2
Department of Medical Semiology III, University of Medicine
and Pharmacy „Victor Babeş” Timişoara, Romania

The NO‑dependent vasodilator response which takes
place at one of the conductance arteries can be evalu‑
ated both in vitro and in vivo. The acute tangential stressvariation in a post‑occlusive reactive hyperemia which wasechographically estimated by dynamic determination of thebrachial artery vascular diameter is named flow‑mediatedvasodilatation (FMD%).
Our study was made on 32 male subjects and 32 female
subjects with the average age of 19±0,46, all medical students
at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Phar‑macy ”Victor Babeş” Timişoara. They were selected to have
≥2 cardiovascular risk factors, one of them had to be major(smoking, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia).
The average values of FMD% were 7,6±3,56% for malesubjects and 6,19±2,95 for females. We considered as vas‑
cular vulnerability a value of FMD%<11%. We could see thisin 41% male subjects and 38% females. Values of FMD<11%were moderately associated with smoking (OR=3,01, p=0,21)
and with a low level of HDL cholesterol <40mg/dl (OR=3,79,
p=0,11) and also moderately correlated with the systolic
arterial blood pressure (r=0,47, p<0,001) and the smoking
severity estimated with Fagerström test.(r=0,52, p=0,008).
In conclusion, smoking represents a major risk factor
which affects precocious the teenager’s endothelium, appar‑
ently healthy, but with high prevalence of risk factors which
depend on their lifestyle.

146. THE STUDY OF LIVER AND PORTAL VENOUS
SYSTEM REACTIVITY IN PATIENTS HYPERLIPIDEMIA
BEFORE AND AFTER STATIN TREATMENT
R. Papacocea1, T. Papacocea2, M. Buraga1, A. Badarau1, M.
Artino1, I. Stefanescu1„Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Depart‑
ment of Physiology I, Bucharest, Romania
2
St. Pantelimon Emergency Hospital, Clinic of Neurosurgery,
Bucharest, Romania

155

Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
The echographical study of liver and venous portal circu‑
lation represents essential steps of ecographical diagnosis.
The chronical hyperlipidemia (hypercholesterolemia) isoften associated with liver structure and portal circulation
changes. We’ve studied some echographical parametersin 12 patients with hypercholestrolemia, before and after
statin treatment.
The follow‑up was done for 12 month treatment, withechographical evaluation in 3, 6, 9 and 12 month compara‑tive with initial parameters.
We appreciated the changes in liver dimensions or vas‑
cularization and the reactivity of portal circulation in several
clinical manoeuvers.

147. AN ANALYSE OF BLOOD IMMUNE PARAMETERS
IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONICAL HYPERCHOLES‑TEROLEMIA AND/OR PRIMARY HYPERTENSIONWITH AN PREVIOUS TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC AT‑TACK (TIA)
T. Papacocea2, R. Papacocea1, M. Buraga1, A. Badarau1, M.
Artino1, C. Ciornei1„Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Depart‑
ment of Physiology I, Bucharest, Romania
2
St. Pantelimon Emergency Hospital, Clinic of Neurosurgery,
Bucharest, Romania

1

The hypercholesterolemia and/or hypertension its a com‑mon patient pattern in daily medical practice.
We’ve studied inflammatory blood tests (CRP, leucocyte
counting, VSH, fibrinogen TNFα, IL6) in 32 patients admitted
in hospital, with neurological sufference which was diagnose
as TIA and were divided in three groups: hypertension alone,
hypercholesterolemia and hypertension with hypercholester‑
olemia; the follow up was done for 12 month treatment, withblood tests evaluation before and after 12 month treatment,
comparative with initial parameters.
The comparisons between the inflammatory tests showedthat some of these can be identified as risk markers in different
types of patients; anyway, the CRP seems to be a significant
element for all three categories of investigated patients.

148. EFFECT OF SIMVASTATIN ON NITRIC OXIDESYNTHESIS AT DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 2
PATIENTS
AE Pârvu1, L. Duma2, M. Coca2, A. Uifălean1, AM. Molnar3
Pathophysiology Department‑ Iuliu Hatieganu Medicine andPharmacy University, Cluj Napoca, Romania
2
Diabetes Centre,Clinical Hospital Cluj, Romania
3
Public Health Institute Cluj Napoca, Romania

1

In addition to cholesterol‑lowering effect, statins have im‑munomodulatory and anti‑inflammatory properties, though56

complex mechanisms. Such a mechanism is the simultane‑
ous stimulation of eNOS and inhibition of iNOS. In diabetes
mellitus type 2 (DM2) increase inflammatory mediators influ‑
ence eNOS and iNOS. iNOS produces an excess of NO that
finally becomes toxic. The aim of the study was to evaluatesimvastatin inhibitory effect on induced NO synthesis at DM2
patients. In the study were included 67 subjects with DM2,
hospitalized in 2006‑2007, 47‑77 year of age (48 female/19
male), and a negative control group of 20 healthy subjects.
NO synthesis was evaluated by the measurement of it’s’ me‑tabolites nitrites and nitrates, using Griess reaction. We also
evaluated serum cholesterol, trygliceride, HDL, creatinine and
BMI. Before simvastatin treatment, all DM2 subjects had anincreased serum nitrite/nitrate and cholesterol concentration,with no significant differences related to the age or gender.
After three moths of simvastatin (10mg/day) treatment, se‑rum nitrite/nitrate and cholesterol concentration decreased
significantly. In conclusion, simvastatin may be useful therapy
in DM2 patient, not only for cholesterol lowering, but also to
reduce toxic effects of induced NO excess.

149. EXPERIMENTAL MODELS OF CARDIOPLEGIAIN ISOLATED LANGENDORFF HEARTS
M. Perian, Adriana Prundean, Crina Manole, D. Do‑
breanuObjective. Considering the continous developpmentof cardiac surgery techniques, the researches for optimal
protocols of cardioplegia are of high interrest at this moment.
Our study is providing a comparison between two different
cardioplegia protocols using Sabax solution.
Methods. Two groups of 15 Whistar male rats were usedin the study. After general anesthesia with Ketamine+Xylasine
the hearts were prelevated from thoracic cavity. In the firstgroup, the heart was stopped and kept in cold (+5 Celsius
degrees) Sabax solution. After 3 hours of cardioplegic arrest,
the hearts were perfused with Krebs‑Henseleit solution at 37
Celsius degrees. ECG and left ventricle contractile force wererecorded. In the second group, after cardioplegic arrest thehearts were continously perfused with Sabax cardioplegic
solution at +15 Celsius degrees. After 3 hours a perfusion
with Krebs‑Henseleit at +37 degrees was established. Con‑
tractile force and ECG were recorded. We also monitored theoccurence of ventricular arrhythmias necssitating overdrive
suppresion or defibrillation.
Results and conclusions. In the first group the inductionof cardioplegic arrest was quick (1 min. and 37 secs. mean),the full recovery was noticed at about 17 minutes (± 3min)and the arrhythmic events rate was at 63%. In the second
group the cardioplegic arrest occured later, probably also
because of higher temperature, the full recovery time hadno significant difference from the first group, but the ar‑rhythmias rate was only 35 %.

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences150. INTRAPULMONARY ACTIVATION OF THE
RENIN‑ANGIOTENSIN SYSTEM INDUCED BYSENSITIZATION
BC. Petrescu1, IL. Dumitriu2, B. Gurzu2, S. Ispas‑Jouron2, L. Vata2,
ID. Caruntu3, FE. Zugun4, P. Plămădeala5, SM. Slatineanu2
Department of Ophtalmology, Faculty of Bioingineering
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine
3
Department of Histology, Faculty of Dentistry4
Department of Immunology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of
Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr T Popa”, Iasi, Romania
5“St. Maria” Pediatric Emergency Hospital Iasi, Romania

1

2

Recent data suggested that intrapulmonary activation of
the renin‑angiotensin system takes part in the development ofvarious pulmonary diseases. We studied if antigen sensitizationand challenge could modify locally synthesis of angiotensin(Ang) II and to what extent locally produced Ang II modulates
bronchial reactions on allergic rats. For these both Ang I ‑in‑duced contractions and Ang I effects on either acetylcholine(ACh)‑induced bronchoconstriction or relaxation of 10 µM
Ach preconstricted bronchi by terbutaline were studied on
rat main bronchi rings. Studies were performed in absence orpresence of losartan (an AT1 receptors blocker), captopril (anangiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitor) and chymostatin(a chymase inhibitor). We compared results obtained frombronchi of sensitized challenged rat (SCRB) with results ob‑
tained from normal rat bronchi (NRB). Our data showed that
Ang I ‑induce contractions were amplified by 20‑25% on SCRB
as compared with NRB. The maximal brochoconstrictor effectof ACh was amplified by 15% on NRB and by 25‑30% on SCRB.
Ang I shift to the right the terbutaline dose‑response curveand decreased maximal effect by 35% on NRB and to a half on
SCRB. Ang I effects were blocked by losartan and decreasedby captopril. Chymostatin reduced Ang I effects only on SCRB.
There were no differences between Ang I effects on NRB after
captopril versus SCRB after simultaneous administration of
captopril+chymostatin. So, brohoconstrictor effects of Ang I
are mediated mainly by AT1 receptors and via the Ang II locallysynthesized by the bronchial wall RAS. These data revealed that
locally produced Ang II is a critical factor governing bronchial
tone opening the possibility for novel therapeutic targets inthe management of allergic airway disease.

151. CARDIOVASCULAR MECHANISMS OF THY‑
ROID HORMONES
AE. Petrica1, C. Petrica2
Emergency Hospital Craiova, Romania
Department of Physiopathology, University of Medicine andPharmacy Craiova, Romania

1

2

The heart is a major target organ for thyroid hormone action,and marked changes occur in cardiac function in patients withhypo‑ or hyperthyroidism. The biologically relevant thyroid
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)hormone is T3. T3‑ induced changes in cardiac function can
result from direct or indirect T3 effects. Direct effects result
from T3 action in the hart itself and are mediated by nuclear or
extranuclear mechanisms. Extranuclear T3 effects, which occur
independent of nuclear T3 receptor binding and increases inprotein synthesis, influence primarily the transport of aminoacids, sugars and calcium across the cell membrane. Nuclear
T3 effects are mediated by the binding of T3 to specific nuclear
receptor proteins, which results in increased transcription ofT3‑responsive cardiac genes. The T3 receptor is a member ofthe ligand‑activated transcription factor family and is encodedby cellular erythroblastosis A (c‑erb A) genes. T3 also leads
to an increase in the speed of diastolic relaxation, which is
caused by the more efficient pumping of the calcium ATPaseof the sarcoplasmic reticulum. This T3 effect results fromT3‑induced increases in the level of the mRNA coding for the
sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase protein, leading toan increased number of calcium ATPase pump units in thesarcoplasmic reticulum.

152. APOPTOSIS IN THE CONTROL OF INFLAM‑
MATION
C. Petrica1, D. Badea2, M. Badea3, A. Petrica4
Department of Physiopathology
Department of Physiology
3
Department of Haematology
4
Resident, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova,
Romania
Delayed neutrophil apoptosis has been associatedwith several acute and chronic inflammatory diseases andappears to be largely mediated by excessive production of
granulocyte colony‑stimulating factor and granulocyte/mac‑
rophage colony‑stimulating factor (GM‑CSF). The induction ofneutrophil apoptosis during the resolution of a neutrophilic
inflammatory response can be mimicked in vitro by culturing
the cells in the absence of sufficient concentration of survival
factors, a process called spontaneous apoptosis.
Mechanisms that control the accumulation of neutrophils
at sites of inflammation most likely involve all events thanlimit the synthesis of neutrophil survival factors in inflamma‑
tory and structural cells. Intracellular inhibitors of cytokine
signaling expressed in neutrophils are the Src homology
domain 2 (SH2)‑containing tyrosine phosphatase‑1 (SHP‑1)and cytokine‑inducible SH2‑containing protein‑1. Inhibitionof GM‑CSF‑mediated survival by simultaneous activation ofFas receptors was significantly reduced in SHP‑1‑deficientneutrophils, indicating that SHP‑1 is important in limiting
antiapoptotic signals. The role of SHP‑1 in regulating neutophil
numbers was obtained by the observation that this phos‑
phatase is overespressedin patients with severe neutropenia.
Increased enzymatic SHP‑1 may block cytokine effects that areimportant for both antiapoptosis and differentiation, resulting
in low neutrophil numbers.

1

2

57

Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences153. VITAMIN C AS AN ANTIOXIDANT IN HUMAN
BIOLOGY
C. Petrica1, D. Badea2, M. Badea3, A. Petrica4, S. Danoiu1
Department of Physiopathology
Department of Physiology
3
Department of Haematology
4
Resident, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova,
Romania
In humans, vitamin C acts as an electron donor foreight different enzymes. At least for some of the enzymes,
ascorbate adds electrons sequentially with formation of theascorbyl radical intermediate. Three enzymes participate incollagen hydroxylation, thereby greatly increasing stabilityof the collagen molecule triple helix structure. Two othervitamin C dependent enzymes are necessary for synthesisof carnitine The remaining three vitamin C dependent en‑
zymes have the following functions: one participates in thebiosynthesis of norepinephrine from dopamine, one adds
amide groups to peptide hormones and one modulates
tyrosine metabolism.
Vitamin C can be oxidized by many species that havepotential to be involved in human diseases. The relevant
species, which receive electrons and are reduced by vitaminC, can be divided into several classes: 1)Compounds with
unpaired electrons (radicals) such as oxygen related radicals(superoxide, hydroxyl radical, peroxyl radicals), are sometimes
termed reactive oxygen species. 2)Compounds that arereactive but are not radicals, including hypochlorous acid,nitrosamines.3) Compounds that are formed by reaction witheither of the first two classes and then react with vitamin C.
An example is formation of the alpha tocopheroxyl radical,
which is generated when exogenous radical oxidants interact
with alpha tocopherol in LDL. The tocopheroxyl radical can be
reduced by ascorbate back to alpha tocopherol. 4)Transition
metal‑mediated reactions involving iron and copper.

1

2

154. N‑ACETYLCYSTEINE EFFECTS ON REACTIVEOXYGEN SPECIES AND NITRIC OXIDE PRODUC‑TION IN EXPERIMENTAL RAT BURN INJURY
L. Pleşca‑Manea, A. Bărăcan
Department of Pathophysiology, UMF Cluj‑Napoca
The local and systemic inflammatory response to thermal
injury resulting in both local burn tissue damage and deleteri‑ous systemic effects on all other organ systems distant fromthe burn area itself. The objective of our study is to observe
the effects of N‑acetylcysteine (NACC) on the production ofNO and ROS in rat burn injury.
In the present study, 50 male rats ( 200 g ) were arranged
into five groups as follows: group 1 ( control group ); group2 ( recived Ketamine intraperitoneally ( i.p.) 50 mg/kg bodyweight ); group 3 ( recived i.p. ketamine 50 mg/kg and NACC
58

200 mg/kg ); group 4 ( the animal’s back hair was shaved
off and the shaved skin area – 30% total body surface area
– was then immersed into a hot water bath 95°C 10 s, after
anesthesia – ketamine 50 mg/kg i.p. ); group 5 ( recived i.p.
ketamine 50 mg/kg and NACC 200 mg/kg, and after that wasburned like group 4 ). Immediately after the burn, 50 ml/kg
sterile Ringer lactate was given i.p.
At 24 h after burn, blood samples were collected for
determination of serum NO and malondialdehide.
We conclude that NACC increase NO and decrease malo‑ndialdehide serum concentrations in burn rats.

155. INCCORECT TREATMENT OF CAVITIES CAUSESSALIVARY OXIDATIVE STRESS
Adriana Pirte1, Camelia Dalai1, C. Dalai1, Mariana Muresan1,
Otilia Micle1, Liana Micle1, Alina Venter1, M. Dorofteiu2
University of Oradea, Medicine and Pharmacy Faculty, Oradea,
Romania2
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj –Napoca, Roma‑nia

1

Background. In recent years, there has been an expansion
in medical and dental research concerned with free radicals
and antioxidant defense mechanism. The aim of the study
was to point out the existance of the concordance between
the level of the salivary reactive oxigen species and electro‑
microscopical changes at the level of the marginal periodont,
due to inappropriate stomatological intervention.
Materials and methods. There have been studied 65
individuals; students from the specialisation dental medecine
at Medicine and Pharmacy Faculty of Oradea. They are allaged between 20‑30 years, non‑smokers. Out of them, 25
had improper obturations with composite materials and 25
had inappropriate dentures. At the same time, a group of 15
individuals with no restauration has been studied.The level of
MDA was determined with TBA method and the concentra‑tion of ceruloplasmin determined with Ravin method. The
salivary uric acid was also measured. Together with the testingof the oxidative stress for the two groups of subjects,it havebeen determined acid, alkaline phosphatase. Ingathering of
the pathological and normal tissues have been made fromindividuals aged between 20 and 30 years, in order to bestudied at the Transmission Electonic Microscope (TEM), type
Jeol JEM 1010 from The Centre of Electronic Microscopy ofBabeş Bolyai University in Cluj‑Napoca, Romania.
Results. The research made in cases of individuals withincorrect obturations from composite materials and withinappropriate dentures have shown an increase, even if
not significant, of the MDA with incorrect dentures (p<0,2).
In cases of individuals with incorrect obturations fromcomposite materials and with inappropriate dentures theceruloplasmine has more decreased values compared tothose of the control group. (p<0,001). Individuals with incor‑
rect obturations using composite materials had a decreased
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
enzymatic activity of the acid phosphatase as compared tothe control group (p<0,5).
Conclusions. Individuals with obturations made using
composite materials and incorrect dentures are associatedwith an increase salivary SRO. The presence of vascular leasions
in the electromicroscopical field, of leucocytes, macrophages,
mastocytes, desmosoms, fibroblasts and altered collagen
fybres represent microscopic signs of the inflamation.

156. AUTONOMIC DYSFUNCTION IN SYSTEMICSCLERODERMA
L. Poanta, C. Tiboc, LD. Rusu, L. Coldea-Agoston, S. Rednic,
DL. Dumitrascu
Univeristy of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu“ ClujNapoca, Romania
Introduction: a significant relationship between auto‑
nomic nervous system function and cardiovascular mortality,
including sudden death, has been reported. Loss of heart
rate variability (HRV) is a well known predictor of mortality
in patients after myocardial infarction and with chronic heart
failure, but there are recent evidences also in scleroderma(SSc) patients. In the last years, heart rate turbulence (HRT)
was also discussed to assess cardiac function and dysfunc‑tion in scleroderma.
Methods: we aimed to analyze the parameters of HRV and
HRT in 10 consecutive patients with established diagnosis
of diffuse systemic sclerosis according to ACR. They were
subjected to routine examination: ECG, 24‑hour ECG, echo‑
cardiography, chest X ray and pulmonary function tests.
Results: HRV parameters were altered in 6 (60%) patients,
despite the fact that echocardiography showed minor changes
with normal ejection fraction in all the cases. There were no
major arrhythmias on 24‑hour ECG recording. Turbulence onset(TO) was over 0%, with normal values for turbulence slope(TS) in all the patients with premature ventricular beats.
Discussion: sympathetic dysfunction occurs before
severe cardiac involvement in SSc is manifest or diagnosed.
The assessment of such abnormalities is of potential clinicaland prognostic relevance. It may be obtained by a feasible
and non‑invasive diagnostic approach – a 24‑hour ECG
recording with spectral analysis of HRV.

157. Oxidative Stress level and the Mor‑phological Modifications in Anaerobic
Efforts with Rats
NH. Pop1, C. Login1, R. Moldovan1, Nicoleta Decea1, Doinita
Crisan2“Iuliu Hateganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Depart‑
ment of Physiology
2“Iuliu Hateganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, De‑partment of Anatomy

1

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)This study aims at indicating the level of oxidative stressand the morphological modifications (of the liver, the kidneys,
the myocardium and skeletal muscles) after anaerobe physicaleffort on the treadmill with male Wistar rats. The study has
been conducted over a period of 30 days on 20 rats. These
have been randomly divided into 2 groups of 10 rats each.
The first group was established as the control group (CG),the second one as the exercise group (EG). Rats run withapproximately 7% of their body weight on their back at apreliminary velocity of 1m/s. After 30 seconds the velocity is
increased at 1.25 m/s and after another 30 seconds switchedback to the preliminary velocity. This cycle is repeated until
the rats reach exhaustion. For the oxidative stress markers(MDA, antioxidant capacity) are assessed. For the indicationof the morphological changes tissue and blood samples havebeen taken at the beginning and at the end of the study inorder to facilitate a comparison.

158. MODULATORY ACTIVITY of ANTIOXIDANTS
in ASSOCIATED TREATMENTS with DOXORU‑
BICIN
ID. Postescu1, P. Virag1, M. Achim2, C. Tatomir1, E. Fisch‑
er‑Fodor1, O. Soritau1
Institute of Oncology “Prof. I. Chiricuta”, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “I. Hatieganu”, Cluj‑Napoca,
Romania1

2

Doxorubicin is a chemotherapeutic agent broadly usedin the treatment of a large variety of solid and hematologicalmalignancies. Nonetheless, the drug clinical use is restricted
due to frequent induction of dose‑dependent cardiotoxic
side‑ effects following the generation of reactive oxygen
species, this because the production of free radicals is
involved in doxorubicin action,both in terms of antitumor
effects and cardiotoxicity. Therefore, an immediate ap‑
proach against doxorubicin prooxidative effects might be
the combination of drug delivery with antioxidants. We
investigated the influence of two natural products, grape
seed (Vitis vinifera, Burgund mare) hydroethanolic extract(BM) and a tocotrienols‑rich palm oil (PO), on doxorubicin
toxicity in normal and tumor cultured cells,in vitro. Bothpreparates were given in subtoxic doses, 30 min. before
doxorubicin administration. The polyphenols containing,
Bm extract diminished the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin,
in a dose‑dependent relationship, in normal cells, at 24 and48h without weakening,even increasing, its antiproliferative
activity on tumor cells.On contrary, lyposoluble PO, as asource of tocotrienols, displayed non‑selective cytoprotective
action on both normal and tumor cells. These results do notstill elucidate dilema whether the concurrent administrationof antioxidants during cancer chemotherapy is beneficial
or contraindicated.

59Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences

159. The Oxidative Stress in Helicobacter
Pylori Infection
Gabriela Preda, Cristina Farcas, Cecila Adumitresi, Ninela
Radulescu, Gabriela Lilios, Carmen Ciufu, Loredana Pazara,
Ileana Ion, Natalia Rosoiu, Mihaela Buriu
Physiology and Pathophysiology Departments, Faculty of
Medicine, “Ovidius” University Constanta
The oxidative stress has been implicated in a wide variety
degenerative processes, diseases and syndromes.
Helicobacter Pylori, a causative gram‑negative bacteria forchronic active gastritis and the major pathogen if duodenal
ulcer disease, also is a class I carcinogen for the develop‑
ment of gastric adenocarcinoma. The study included 50
subjects whom had Helicobacter Pylori positive serology.
We evaluated plasmatic transferrinn and ceruloplasmin as
markers of the endogenous antioxidant, and erythrocyte
sedimentation rate, total and different leucocyte count, C‑ reactive protein, fibrinogen, C3 complement as marker of
inflammation. Levels of major antioxidant proteins, transferrin(iron‑binding protein) and ceruloplasmin (copper‑binding
protein) in the serum were significantly reduced in Helicobacter
Pylori infection. Our data suggested that Helicobacter Pylori
infection is an inflammatory condition with developmentof oxidative and proteolytic stress.

160. Dislipidemia, one of the most impor‑tant cardiovascular factors of risk, isit always necessary to treat it?
Manuela Pumnea, Liana Bera, G. Diaconu, R. Ruicănescu
Departament of Physiology, University of Medicine Sibiu
This article raises the argue about a frequent situation:
healthy pacients who make an usual control and afterwards
the results suggest the diagnosis of dislipidemia. This con‑trol is usually prescripted by the family physician and after
interpreting the results, it is necessary to visit a specialist
physician for a control.
What is it to be done? We have to use the protocol and in
this context we have to know the answer at some questions.
It is important to have the information about the pacient’s
sex, age, weight, height, diet habits, professional activities,
extraprofessional activities, some sport activities, smoker
or nonsmoker, alchool. All the questions which includ thepresented facts were asked during the medical history.
We have made the study on 30 patients, aged between
30‑45 years old, male and female, especially male, smokers,
no schedule for meals, their diet is rich in lipids, but refined,
intense professional activities, normal weight raported toheight, no sport activities or no constant activities, consum‑
ing alchool.
The laboratory results showed high levels for seric
cholesterol and other seric lipids. The terapeutical scheme
60

included diet and treatment regarded to laboratory results.
Diet was accepted by the pacients, but the treatment wasdifficultly accepted.
Concerning the diet, it was important that the lipids ap‑
port and the sweets were reduced. The specific treatment
with statins or fibrats was applied for high levels at laboratory
results. During the treatment programm the pacients and thephysicians worked as a team. The laboratory results after 3
months of treatment and diet showed normal values.
The question is: What do we have to do further on? Diet,
treatment or both?
We consider absolutely necessary to maintain the diet.
The treatment will be introduced if necessary, only if thelaboratory tests show the need.

161. Water and electrolitic disbalance
during exertional heat stress in young
males and effects of acclimation
Radakovic S. Sonja1, Maric Jelena2, Jevtic Miodrag1,
Surbatovic Maja1, Radjen Slavica1, Marjanovic Milan1,
Milivojevic Mladen1
1
2

Military Medical Academy, Crnotravska 17, Belgrade, Serbia
Institute for Medical Research, Belgrade, Serbia

Background/aim: Exertional heat stress is common
problem in athletes and military services. The aim of thisstudy was to exemine changes in body water and serum
concentrations of some electrolits in young males duringexertional heat stress (EHST) as well as effects of 10‑dayspassive or active acclimation in climatic chamber.
Methods: 40 males with high aerobic capacity, performed
EHST either in cool (20 ºC, 16 ºC WBGT), or hot (40 ºC, 29 ºC
WBGT) environment, unacclimatized, or after 10 days ofpassive or active acclimation. The subjects were allowed todrink tap water ad libitum during EHST. Mean skin (Tsk) andtympanic (Tty) temperatures and heart rates (HR) measured
physiological strain, while sweat rate (SwR), and serum con‑centrations of sodium, potassium and osmolality measuredchanges in water and electrolite status. Blood samples werecollected before and immediately after EHST.
Results: EHST in hot conditions induced physiologicalheat stress (increase in Tty, HR, and SwR), with significant
decrease in serum sodium concentration (140.6±1.52 be‑fore vs 138.5±1.0 mmol/l after EHST, p<0.01) and osmolality(280.7±3.8 vs 277.5±2.6 mOsm/l, p<0.05) in unacclimatizedgroup. Acclimated subjects suffered no such effects of ex‑
ertional heat stress, despite almost the same degree of heatstrain, measured by Tty, HR and SwR.
Conclusions: In fit young males, 10‑days passive or active
acclimation in climatic chamber can prevent disturbancesin water and electrolitic balance, i.e. decrease of serum so‑dium concentrations and osmolality induced by exertional
heat stress.

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences162. NEUROPROTECTION IN GERBIL MODEL OF
CEREBRAL ISCHEMIA: MORPHOLOGICAL AND
BEHAVIORAL STUDY
Lidija Radenovic1, Vesna Selakovic2, Branka Janac3, Pavle
R. Andjus1
Center for Laser Microscopy, Institute of Physiology and Bio‑chemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Serbia
2Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy,
Belgrade, Serbia
3Institute for Biological Research, Belgrade, Serbia

1

The purpose of this study was time frame evaluation of thepotential neuroprotective effect of MK‑801, a non‑competitive
NMDA antagonist, on neuronal damage in the Mongolian
gerbil model of global cerebral ischemia. The common ca‑
rotid arteries of gerbils were occluded for either 5, 10, or 15
minutes. Gerbils were given MK‑801 (3 mg/kg i.p.) or saline
immediately after the occlusion in normothermic conditions.
On days 4th, 14th and 28th after reperfusion, neuronal damage
was examined by laser scanning confocal microscopy in the
hippocampal CA3 region and striatum. Slices were stained withhaematoxylin/eosin, fluorescent Nissl stain and fluorescentmembrane tracer DiI. Neuroprotection was determined byquantifying the degree of cell loss, reduction of morpho‑
logically damaged cells and the degree of preservation ofrecognizable neuroanatomical pathways after the ischemic
insult. As expected, the degree of the hippocampal and stria‑
tal neuronal loss was closely associated with the duration ofischemic insult. Striatal neuronal damage was mainly locatedin the dorsolateral part and affected medium‑seized spiny
striatal projection neurons. Already four days after reperfusion
neuronal damage in the tested brain structures was mild, but
visible. The best neuroprotective MK‑801 effect was observedin conditions when the neuronal damage in striatum and CA3
hippocampal region was most severe ‑ on the 28th day after
15‑min ischemia. Gerbils were also tested in open field forlocomotor and stereotypic activity 24 h, 48 h, 4 days, 7 days,
14 days, 21 days, and 28 days after reperfusion. Sessions were
60 min in duration, with 10 minutes intervals. Ischemic gerbils
quickly developed spontaneous locomotion and stereotypic
hyperactivity, with expected reduction of resting time. The
most evident effect was registered in gerbils submitted to
15‑min ischemia, whose locomotor and stereotypic activity
were increased and then returned to nearly normal values
after 7 days. When MK‑801 was administrated immediately
after ischemia, hyperactivity decreased at doses that had noeffect on locomotion in sham‑operated gerbils. Behavioral
suppression was observed from first tested day (24 h) until
the final 28 day after the operation. Also, MK‑801 effects
the gerbils with different duration of ischemia (5, 10, or 15min) in the same way. These findings suggest that sustained
ischemia‑induced hyperactivity is related to abnormalities
in NMDA glutamatergic function. Thus, as judged by mor‑
phological as well as by behavioral data MK‑801 showed a
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)neuroprotective effect in the gerbil model of global cerebral
ischemia

163. THE ROLE OF OXIDATIVE STRESS IN ACUTECADMIUM‑INDUCED LIVER INJURY
Tatjana Radosavljević1, Dušan Mladenović1, Milica Ninković2,
Danijela Vučević1, Tamara Šljivančanin1, Ivan Grbatinić1,
Rada Ješić‑Vukićević3
Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Universityof Belgrade, Serbia
2Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy,
Belgrade, Serbia
3Institute of Digestive Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia

1

Although it is known that reactive oxygen species play animportant role in chronic cadmium hepatotoxicity, the roleof oxidative stress in acute cadmium intoxication is still not
fully understood. The aim of our study was to investigate thepossible role of prooxidant/antioxidant disbalance in acutecadmium‑induced liver injury. Male Wistar rats (n=16) weredivided into following groups: 1. control (n=7), saline‑treated,
2. cadmium‑treated group (n=9) in a single dose of 2.5 mg/kg
intraperitoneally. 24 hrs after administration, blood samples
from the right side of the heart and liver samples werecollected for determination of oxidative stress parameters.
Malondialdehyde concentration was significantly increased
in both plasma and liver after cadmium administration(p<0.01). Moreover, activity of both superoxide dismutase
isoenzymes was increased in cadmium‑treated group, but
this rise was more pronounced in copper/zinc superoxide
dismutase activity (p<0.01). Reduced glutathione level inliver and plasma concentration of sulfhydryl groups were
not significantly changed by cadmium. Our results suggestthat lipid peroxidation plays an important role in acutecadmium‑induced liver injury. Antioxidant capacity of he‑patocytes is partly increased due to an adaptive increase of
superoxide dismutase activity.

164. PROOXIDANT AND ANTIOXIDANT MECHA‑NISMS IN LINDANE‑INDUCED LIVER INJURY
Tatjana Radosavljević1, Vladimir Jakovljević2, Dušan
Mladenović1, Danijela Vučević1, Aleksandra Rašić‑Marković3,
Dragan Hrnčić3, Dragan Djurić3, Veselinka Šušić3 andOlivera Stanojlović3
Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Universityof Belgrade, Serbia
2
Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Universityof Kragujevac, Serbia
3
Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University ofBelgrade, Serbia

1

The aim of our study was to investigate the role and dynam‑
ics of oxidative stress in early phase of acute lindane‑induced
61

Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
liver injury in rats. Male Wistar rats (n=32) were divided
into following groups: 1. control (C, n=8), saline‑treated, 2.
dimethylsulfoxide‑treated group (D, n=8), 3. lindane‑treatedgroup (L, n=16) in a dose of 8 mg/kg intraperitoneally. Animals
were sacrificed 30 min (L0.5, n=8) and 4 hrs after lindane admin‑
istration (L4, n=8). Liver tissue was excised and blood samples
were collected from the right side of the heart for evaluationof oxidative stress parameters. Thiobarbituric acid‑reactive
substances, markers of lipid peroxidation, were increased inboth plasma and liver of lindane‑treated groups at all timeintervals (p<0.01). Plasma superoxide anion concentration
was significantly increased 30 min after lindane administra‑tion (p<0.01). In next 4 hrs its concentration returns to control
values. In contrast, hydrogen peroxide concentration was
significantly increased 4 hrs after lindane administration(p<0.01), while no change of its concentration was found in
L0.5 group compared with C and D groups. Significant eleva‑
tion of liver and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD)
activity was found only 4 hrs after lindane administrationin comparison with C and D groups (p<0.01). Lindane did
not induce significant change of liver and erythrocyte cata‑lase activity. Plasma nitrite concentration was significantly
increased in L0.5 and L4 groups in comparison with control
groups (p<0.01), indicating the role of reactive nitrogenspecies in acute lindane‑induced hepatotoxicity.
In conclusion, our study suggests that lindane induces
reactive oxygen/nitrogen species formation and lipid peroxi‑
dation in early phase of lindane hepatotoxicity. Additionally,
antioxidant capacity of hepatocytes increases within 4 hrs
after lindane intoxication, due to an adaptive increase in
SOD activity.

165. EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT EXERCISE PROGRAM
ON BLOOD MARKERS OF OXIDATIVE STRESS IN
YOUNG WOMEN
Dragan Radovanovic1, Vladimir Jakovljevic2, Tatjana
Cvetkovic3, Aleksandar Ignjatovic4, Natasa Veselinovic1,
Sonja Dodur1
Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Nis,
Serbia2
Faculty of Medicine, University of Kragujevac, Serbia
3
Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, Serbia
4
Faculty of Pedagogy Jagodina, University of Kragujevac,
Serbia1

Introduction: Increased aerobic metabolism during
exercise is a potential source of oxidative stress. Only a few
studies have investigated and compared different aerobic
exercise programs and their relations to pro‑oxidant andantioxidant activities.
Aim: The aim of this study was to compare biomarkers ofoxidative stress: lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and total
antioxidants in blood, as well as functional variables, before
and after 12 weeks of two different exercise programs.
62

Methods: Blood samples were collected from seven young
women who performed pilates training as low‑intensity aero‑
bic exercise and from seven young women who performed
tae‑bo training as high‑intensity aerobic exercise. Samples
were analyzed for lipid peroxidation byproduct malondial‑
dehyde MDA, enzyme catalase CAT, protein carbonyls andsulphydryls and total antioxidant status TAS. The results were
statistically evaluated by the by the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks
Test and Mann‑Whitney U Test.
Results: There were no significant differences in any
functional or biomarkers parameters between groups before
training program at beginning of study. After 12 weeks CAT
increased in both group but increase was significantly higher
with pilates training, whereas TAS increased significantly
higher with tae‑bo training. Both training programs increased
values of MDA, protein carbonyls and sulphydryls, but there
were no significant differences between groups. Significant
differences in VO2max between groups were observed at
the end of study.
Conclusion: There was evidence of oxidative stress after
both pilates and tae‑bo training program. Biomarkers of oxi‑
dative stress in blood increased after both 12 weeks training
program. Due to different metabolic demands of pilates andtae‑bo training, we can conclude that both training types
induced oxidative stress and action effects of O2 is not only
mechanism for exercise‑induced oxidative stress.

166. ISOFLURANE‑INDUCED POSTCONDITION‑
ING IS NOT ENHANCED BY THE INHIBITION OF
MITOCHONDRIAL PERMEABILITY TRANSITION
AT REPERFUSION
Andreea Raducan1, Nicoleta Mirica1, V. Ordodi2, D. Barglazan1,
G. Gheorghiu3, Oana Duicu1, C. Hentia3, O. Fira‑Mladinescu1,
D. Sandesc3, A. Cristescu1, Danina Muntean1
Department of Pathophysiology
Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, “Victor Babes”
University of Medicine and Pharmacy
3
Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, County
Hospital, Timisoara, Romania

1

2

Recent studies suggested that inhibition of the mito‑
chondrial permeability transition pore with cyclosporin A(CsA) before reperfusion reduces myocardial injury and also
mediates the protective effects of anaesthetic postcondi‑
tioning. The present study was aimed at investigating if
the cardioprotective effect of isoflurane postconditioning
could be further augmented by CsA administration at thevery onset of reperfusion. Anaesthetized rats (n = 4‑6 pergroup) were subjected to 30 min regional ischemia bycoronary artery occlusion and 120 min reperfusion wererandomized to the following groups: (1) no intervention(Ctrl); (2) postconditioning with isoflurane (2,1%) started
1 min prior to and administered for 15 at reperfusion
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences(Iso‑Post); (3) CsA 10 mg/kg given i.v. 5 min before the onsetof reperfusion (CsA) and (4) Iso‑Post plus CsA in the sameadministration (Iso‑Post‑CsA). Heart rate, blood pressure andlead II electrocardiogram were continuously recorded andinfarct size was measured by triphenyltetrazolium chloride
staining. Infarct size (% of area at risk) was reduced from39±13% (mean±SD) in Ctrls to 16±10% in the Iso‑Post group(P < 0,05). Administration of CsA at reperfusion neither
decreased infarct size (42±12%; P NS vs. Ctrl) nor further
enhanced the antinecrotic protection elicited by isoflurane
postconditioning (Iso‑Post‑CsA, 18±8%; P NS vs Iso‑Post).
Combination of two cardioprotective stimuli, isoflurane andCsA, did not result in greater preservation of myocardium
during the postischemic reperfusion.

167. Correlations Between Personality
Types and Noise Stress in Seamen
Ninela Rădulescu, Ileana Ion, Ceamitru N., Cecilia
Adumitresi, Cristina Farcaş, Carman Ciufu, Loredana
Hanzu‑Pazara
Physiology and Pathophysiology Department – Faculty of
Medicine, “Ovidius” University, Constanta
Excessive exposure to noise has always been equatedwith hearing loss. Today, hearing conservation programs are
ubiquitous among most noise exposed workers, and seemto be effective in the prevention of hearing loss.
The aim of the study was to establish the relations be‑
tween the type of personality, noise levels onboard shipping
vessels and urinary vanilmandelic acid (VMA) values formaritime personnel.
We determined the types of personality for the studied
batches (deck and engine crew) using specific questionnaires.
Also, we measured noise levels in different vessels compart‑ments. Urinary vanilmandelic acid determinations took placeat the beginning and the end of the voyages.
Our results proved significant modifications of urinary
VMA levels, associated with noise levels onboard shipping
vessels. We also tried to establish the relation between noise
stress and personality types of the maritime personnel.

168. THE EFFECTS OF CIGARETTE SMOKE EX‑
POSURE ON NORMAL AND OVALBUMINE SEN‑SITIVIZED MICE
C. Roman1, L. Noveanu1, G. Mihalaş1, A. Gherbon1, V. Tu‑
dorache2, M. Marc2, T. Vancu
Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy„Victor Babeş” Timişoara
2
Department of Pneumology, University of Medicine andPharmacy „Victor Babeş” Timişoara
1tion of inflammatory mechanisms in the airways, especiallyin the lower ones. The pulmonary lesions are the results ofboth toxic particles exposure and inflammatory activity,
which determine the activation of reparatory mechanisms.
COPD is the result of unbalance in these mechanisms. We
have studied the effects of cigarette smoke exposure in two
groups of 6 mice each. One of the groups has in addition
been sensitivized with Ovalbumine. We had also a group of
6 mice as wittness. The exposure was realised daily for twomonths. Afterwards the lungs were taken for histopathol‑ogy and trachea for testing its senzitivity to Metacholine,
Phenoterol and Athropine.
Results: The contractile response to Metacholine wasmore intense in the ovalbumine+cigarette smoke groupthan in that exposed only to cigarette smoke. There was nodifference between groups regarding the response to Phe‑noterol. The ovalbumine+cigarette smoke group showed abigger response to Athropine than the group exposed only
to cigarette smoke. This group’s response to Atropine wasless important than that of the wittness group.

169. RESPIRATORY LESIONS DUE TO CIGARETTE
SMOKE EXPOSURE ON NORMAL AND OVALBU‑MINE SENSITIVIZED MICE
C. Roman1, L. Noveanu1, G. Mihalaş1, A. Gherbon1, V. Tu‑
dorache2, L. Vasile3, T. Vancu
Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy„Victor Babeş” Timişoara
2
Department of Pneumology, University of Medicine andPharmacy „Victor Babeş” Timişoara
3
Department of Histology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy„Victor Babeş” Timişoara
1

Cigarette smoke exposure determines the activationof inflammatory mechanisms in the airways, especially inthe lower ones. Tracheal and pulmonary lesions are theresults of unbalance between reparatory mechanisms andinflammatory activity caused by toxic particles exposure.
COPD is the result in these mechanisms. We have studied
the effects of cigarette smoke exposure in two groupsof 6 mice each. One of the groups has in addition been
sensitivized with Ovalbumine. We had also a group of 6
mice as wittness. The exposure was realised daily for twomonths. Afterwards the lungs and trachea were taken forhistopathology.
Results: Histopathological studies showed an extended
inflammatory process, afecting the whole tracheal wall,
increased angiogenesis associated with chondrolysis of
cartilage. Tracheal mucosa presented epithelial ulcers.The
lungs had panacinar emphysema with extended distructionsof interalveolar septum, increased anthracosis, catarrhal
lymphadenitis and sinusal histiocytosis.

Actual data suggests that COPD is in most cases the resultof pollutant exposure. This exposure determines the activa‑
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)63Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences170. Lipoperoxides and Ceruloplasminchanges during Normal Pregnancy
Mihaela Rudeanu, Adriana Muresan, C. Login, Nicoleta
Decea
Physiology Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine
and Pharmacy, Cluj‑Napoca
Introduction. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are thecause or the consequence of certain pathological changes,
and they should be accepted as an aggression pathway for alarge number of pathological entities. The literature indicatesthat during pregnancy an increase peroxidation level canbe reached, in parallel with the increase of the serum lipid
level. Ceruloplasmin is and endogenous antioxidant.
Material and Method. Two groups of female pregnant
Wistar rats had been used (10 animals in each group). First
group – control; second group – pregnant rats. Blood
samples were obtained in the 7th, 14th and 21st day of gesta‑tion. Lipoperoxides (MDA, thyobarbituric acid method) andceruloplasmin (CP, Ravin method) level were assessed.
Results. For the control group (I) we obtained the follow‑
ing results: MDA=1.87±0.12 nmol/ml, CP=31.2±1.25 mg%;for the pregnant group (II) we had the following results:
day 7: MDA=3.18±0.12 nmol/ml, CP=39.1±2.08 mg%; day
14: MDA=4.15±0.21 nmol/ml, CP=49.16±2.11 mg%; day 21:
MDA=4.62±0.32 nmol/ml, CP=52±2.25 mg%.
Conclusions. 1. There was a statistical significant increase in
the serum lipoperoxides level during pregnancy; 2. Also, there
was a significant increase in the serum ceruloplasmin level.

171. ERYTHROCYTE SUPEROXID DISMUTASE(SOD) AND INTERLEUKIN17(IL17) IN ANEMIAAND ERYTHROPOIETIN RESPONSIVENESS OF
HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS
A. Rusu1, D. Zalutchi1, E. Craciun2, A. Cristea3, R. Rahaian3,
IM. Patiu4, M. German-Caprioara1
Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie Iuliu Hatieganu, Clinica
de Nefrologie Mihai Manasia, Cluj Napoca, Romania
2
Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie Iuliu Hatieganu, Catedra
de Biochimie, Cluj Napoca, Romania
3
Spitalul Clinic Judetean de Urgenta, Departamentul de Imu‑
nologie, Cluj Napoca, Romania
4
Nefromed Dialysis Center, Cluj Napoca, Romania

1

Hemodialysis patients have increased oxidative stressand proinflammatory cytokines secretion. Both may playa role in anemia and erythropoietin resistance. The aimof this study was to examine the role of erythrocyte SOD
and IL17 in anemia and erythropoietin responsiveness inhemodialysis patients.
54 hemodialysis patients were included. Acute infections,blood loss, absolute iron deficiency were excluded. Hemoglo‑bin, hematocrit, feritine, transferine saturation, erythrocyte
64

SOD and IL17 were measured. Functional iron deficiency
was defined as transferine saturation<20%. Erythropoietin(rHuEPO) responsiveness index was calculated (rHuEPOUI/
week/hematocrit). A poor response to rHuEPO was defined
as rHuEPO responsiveness index>200. Statistical analysis was
performed with Sigma Stat.
SOD correlated with hemoglobin (p=0.0018,R 0.337), andwith rHuEPO responsiveness (p=0.0122,R 0.319). Patientswith SOD<150U/ml had lower hemoglobin than those with
SOD>150U/ml (9.6±0.3vs.11.0±0.3g/dl,p<0.001), higher
rHuEPO dose (100.0±47.0vs.50.6±26.8U/kg/week,p=0.004)
and increased rHuEPO responsiveness index (246.6±21.
5vs.147.6±16.7,p<0.001). IL17 negatively correlated withhemoglobin (R0.503,p<0.001) and with transferine satura‑tion (R0.306,p=0.01) and positively correlated with rHuEPO
responsiveness index (R0.416,p<0.001).
In conclusion, low SOD and increased IL17 are correlatedwith low hemoglobin, high rHuEPO doses and poor response
to rHuEPO; moreover increased IL17 is correlated with de‑creased iron biodisponibility in hemodialysis patients.

172. The effects of red grape polyphe‑
nols in female rats with experimentallyinduced menopause
Lavinia I. Sabau1, Doina Daicoviciu1, Adriana Muresan1,
D. Postescu2, R. Moldovan1
Physiology Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu”University of Medicine
and Pharmacy, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania

1“Prof. Dr. Ioan Chiricuta” Institute of Oncology, Cluj‑Napoca,
Romania2

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of red
grape polyphenol extract in menopause. The results showedthat serum and aortic tissue levels of reactive oxygen species
are significantly higher in ovariectomized rats with standard‑
ized food than in rats with false ovariectomy with standardized
food. The serum and aortic tissue levels of reactive oxygen
species decreased significantly in ovariectomized rats with
supplemental red grape polyphenol extract compared toovariectomized rats with standardized food. The conclusion
was that red grape polyphenol extract reduces significantly
the oxidative stress in serum and aortic tissue in rats withexperimentally induced menopause. The cardiovasculardiseases that occur in menopause are due in part to oxidative
stress. These data suggest that red grape polyphenol extract,
due to its antioxidant effect, can be use to decrease the riskof cardiovascular disease in menopause.

173. AGE‑RELATED CHANGES OF THE INTEGRALACTIVITY OF THE MOTOR SYSTEM.
A. Saulea¹, S. Romanov², B. Dragan¹, Z. Aleksanyan³, V. Min‑ciuna¹, S. Lozovanu¹, V. Rotaru¹, M. Zaiat¹, D. Osadci¹
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences¹ Department of Physiology and Medical Rehabilitation, State
Medical and Pharmaceutical University „N. Testemitanu”, Chi‑sinau, R. Moldova² Pavlov Institute of Physiology of Russian Academy of Sciences,
St‑Petersburg, Russian Federation³ Institute Human Brain of Russian Academy of Sciences,
St‑Petersburg, Russian Federation
Background: The force produced by a muscle undervoluntary isometric contraction is based on two mechanisms:
the firing frequency and the recruitment of the motor units.
The variation of the firing rates of the motor units occurs
simultaneously for all the motor units within a muscle, andeven in different muscles acting on the same joint, according
to the phenomenon of ‘common drive’. The ‘final common
drive’ of the pyramidal and extrapyramidal systems are con‑nected to spinal motor neurons, thus the parameters of theisometric effort can be used to appreciate integral activityof the motor system.
Methods: We are investigated 45 healthy subjects, divided
in 3 groups: 1st group – age 15,1±0,32; 2nd group ‑ 25,0±2,54;
3rd group ‑ 63,8±3,85. The mechanomyogram (MMG) wasrecorded during sustained isometric contraction at 100 %MVC (maximal voluntary contraction). Visual feedback wasused to insure the contraction force constant, on average.
Results: The PSD (power density spectra) of the effort
fluctuations increase significantly in range of 0‑20 Hz. The
minimal PSD was recoded in rage of 2‑4 Hz. The PSD inrange of 0‑2 Hz significantly outrun the PSD in ranges of
4‑7 and 8‑15 Hz.
For aging people the high frequency range of the effort
fluctuations decreased. This can be related with the de‑creasing of the impulses conduction speed through motor
circuits. It found out the decreasing of the amplitude rangeof the spectral compounds with frequency higher then 5
Hz, probably, as result of decreasing of the account of motor
system neurons
Conclusion: The analysis of parameters of isometric ef‑
fort allows presenting the structure of integrated activity of
motor system and its changes with aging.

174. Parameters of myocardial and vas‑
cular smooth muscle contractility inrats adapted to hypobaric hypoxia
A. Saulea, V. Ojog
“N. Testemiţanu” State University of Medicine and Pharmacy,Chişinău, Republic of Moldova
Repeated adaptive exposition to altitude hypoxia is usedin the medical practice as a primary prophylactic approachto cardiovascular diseases, in the training process of athletes
and cosmonauts, as well as for the treatment of psychological,
vegetative, dermatological and various other conditions.

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Aim of the present paper was to assess the reactivity of
the cardiac and of the vascular smooth muscle (portal vein)
to extracellular changes of Ca2+ concentration in animals
adapted to hypobaric hypoxia.
Methods employed were determination of contractile
activity parameters of left ventricle papillary muscle fascicles,
as well as of portal vein longitudinal preparations. Adaptive
hypobaric hypoxia exposure of male Wistar rats was acquired
in a barochamber, at 5,500 m simulated altitude, 6 hours aday, 5 days a week, for a total of 40 days. All assessments werecarried out 15‑18 hours after the last hypoxia exposure.
Results of the study showed that hypoxia adaptationinduces an increase of cardiac mass on account of the rightventricle. Contraction amplitude and speed, relaxation speed
and relaxation index of the papillary muscles also show anevident increase tendency, yet lacking statistical coverage.
If a high contraction rate is imposed, the inotropic effectis greater in adapted animals, same as the reactivity to
extracellular changes of Ca2+. The depression of myocardial
contractility induced by emotional pain‑related stress is lessevident in hypoxia‑adapted animals.
In the group of hypoxia‑adapted animals, the param‑
eters of portal vein preparations spontaneous contractions
are visibly lower. Vascular smooth muscle reactivity is also
decreased under modified Ca2+ concentrations, from 2.5 to
1.25, 7.5 and 10.0 mM, respectively. The lower intensity at
which these structures function supports this conclusion.
Contractions of the portal vein preparations obtained fromanimals with portal hypertension are much more intensethan those of control animals, while hypoxia adaptation
diminishes contractility parameters.
In conclusion, hypobaric hypoxia adaptation contributes toan increase of myocardial contractility parameters and largely
diminishes the cardiac effects of emotional stress. Contrac‑
tion parameters of the portal vein are appear diminishedsubsequently to hypoxia adaptation, even in animals withportal hypertension. These opposing changes of myocardium,
respectively of portal vein contractility are a consequence of
homeostasis maintenance in the systemic circulation, underconditions of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction.

175. Characteristics of physiologicaltremor, evaluated by accelerometric
tremometry
A. Saulea, V. Minciună
“N. Testemiţeanu” State Medical and Pharmaceutical University,Chişinău
Physiological tremor is induced by the action of tworhythmically distinct components (Stiles, 1980, Elble, 1990,
Loscher et al., 1993). The first, load‑independent component,
is significantly modulated by the firing sequences of thealpha‑gamma spinal loop in the self‑synchronization frequency
interval (8‑12/7‑13 Hz). The second, load‑dependent, compo‑
65Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
nent, includes factors pertaining to hand mechanics and to themechanical reflex (15‑30 Hz). The possibility to discriminate
a third component – load‑independent oscillations within
the 15‑30 Hz frequency range determined by the activity of
the central oscillator, fixed in conditions of postural tremor(Halliday et al., 1999), is being discussed lately.
Aim of the study was to determine characteristics of thehand physiological tremor in resting conditions, as well asof the postural tremor.
Subjects and methods. Physiological tremor was as‑
sessed by means of tremometry, using PAMT‑1‑type piezoac‑
celerometers, in 59 young subjects, aged between 18 and26 (mean age 20.2±0.34 yrs.) Determined parameters were
spectral energy of tremor (POWER) and oscillation density
over 5 frequency intervals within the 0‑50 Hz range: 0‑3 Hz,
4‑7 Hz, 7‑13 Hz, 14‑18 Hz, and 19‑50 Hz.
Results: Spectral energy (POWER) of resting physiologicaltremor was 2065.9±329.57 ms2. The number of fixed vibrationsof finger phalanges was 152.3±5.15 oscillations per 10 sec.
65.6% of these oscillations were registered within the 7‑13
Hz interval; 22.6% of the vibrations had frequencies below 7
Hz, while 11.8% showed frequencies above 14 Hz.
Activation of the mechanical reflex through imposition ofa visually controlled horizontal position of the hand resulted in
the increase of the tremor spectral energy up to 16530.0±1332.1
ms2, due to a 7.8‑fold increase of the oscillation density. The
indicators were found to be in a direct, statistically significant
dependence (P<0.01) for all considered frequency intervals.
The correlation coefficient varied from 0.306 for the 0‑3 Hz
frequency interval to 0.779 for the 7‑13 Hz interval. The oscil‑lation density increase was the most impressive for the 7‑13
Hz interval (3.3‑fold), for the 14‑18 Hz interval (11.8‑fold), andfor the 19‑50 Hz interval (19.8‑fold), respectively.
Conclusions. The increase in the density of oscillations
within the 14‑50 Hz frequency range when assessing iso‑tonic postural physiological tremor confirms the presenceof load‑independent oscillations of central origin in thisarea (15‑30 Hz) of the frequency range. Augmentation of
the oscillation density over the 7‑13 Hz frequency interval
could also be explained through the activation by overly‑
ing motor structures of the spinal alpha‑gamma loop in theself‑synchronization frequency interval.

176. ANATOMY OF BREATHING IN NEONATES WITH
CONGENITAL DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIAS

There are three prerequisites for normal lung development,
namely sufficient intrathoracic space, normal fetal breathing
movements and sufficient amniotic fluid.
Breathing is a highly coordinated abdominal and thoracic
process.
The diaphragm is the major muscle of inspiration, respon‑sible for some 67 % of vital capacity.
During inspiration the central tendon of the diaphragmand the cupolae move downward.
The associated downward displacement of the abdominal
viscera is permitted by the extensibility of the abominal wall
but the limit of this extensibility is soon reached.
The ventilatory muscles must also work during sleep when
the pharingeal muscles relax and upper airways resistanceincreases.
Immediately after birth dramatic remodeling of thepulmonary vasculature occurs to effect an abrupt reductionof pulmonary vasculature resistance.
The flatter configuration of the neonatal diaphragm, thepresence of abdominal viscera in thorax, pulmonary hypoplasia
and the defect of the diaphragm in babies with congenital
diaphragmatic hernias means that the diaphragm is poten‑
tially less effective in compressing the abdominal contents
and expanding the lower thorax during ventilation.

177. ENDOTHELIUM SYSTEM
FA. Schneider, Daniela Motoc
Vestern University ”Vasile Goldis” Arad
The endothelium extend continuously in the intimal
surface of the entire vascular tree.
In the adult human is composed of 1 to 6x1013 cells andhas a surface area of approximately 5000 m2 and 1kg net
mass. Play a key role in cardiovascular homeostasis and in the
optimization of the all functional system because: influence
blood flow; regulate the diffusion of substancesss and celles;
participate in the process of coagulation and fibrinolysis; haveselective phagocytic activity; metabolic control actiivities;
secrete substances involved in humoral control.

178. HYPERPOLARIZATION OF VASCULAR SMOOTH
MUSCLE IN THE FRAME OF ENDOTHELIUM‑DE‑
PENDENT VASODILATION
DN. Serban, IL. Serban

Nadia Schmidt , Gabriela Zaharie , F. Stamatian , AdrianaMuresan3, Carmen Micu1, Emilia Maguran1

University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, Iasi,
Romania

Anatomy and Embryology Departement, UMF “Iuliu Hatieganu”,
Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
2 st
I Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, UMF “Iuliu Hatie‑ganu”, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
3
Physiology Department, UMF “Iuliu Hatieganu”, Cluj‑Napoca,
Romania

As we always pinpoint, voltage‑dependent L‑type calcium
channels (Cav1.2) are essentially involved in the contractile
responses of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) to a variety
of stimuli, thus any VSM hyperpolarization should havean antagonistic effect upon contraction. Based on recent
data from various laboratories and on our own results, we

1

1

66

2

2

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
question here the true functional relevance of this logicalantagonism in the context of endothelium‑dependent
relaxation (EDR). The major relaxing agents released by theendothelium, e.g. nitric oxide (NO), prostacyclin (PGI2) andthe so‑called endothelium‑derived hyperpolarizing factors(EDHF: epoxy‑eicosatrienoic acids, anandamide, K+, H2O2,
atrial natriuretic peptide C) act upon VSM via diverse mecha‑
nisms to reduce cytosolic calcium and calcium sensitivity of
the contractile mechanism. We emphasize that all of them
determine VSM hyperpolarization by activating various K+
channels (voltage‑dependent Kir and Kv; ATP‑dependent
KATP, calcium‑dependent KCa). Moreover, within EDR thereis activation of endothelial KCa of low and medium con‑ductance, combined with electrotonic propagation of theresulting hyperpolarization to VSM via gap junctions. We
analyze the way this complex endothelio‑muscular com‑munication network is used in EDR (induced by vasoactive
agents, flow‑dependent, longitudinally propagated), witha focus on the changes in local blood flow that these EDR
mechanisms actually subserve. Work supported by grants
PNCDI‑2/ID‑1156 and PFCI‑86.

179. THE ROLE OF THE MHC CLASS I‑ RELATEDRECEPTOR, FCRN, FOR THE MAINTAINANCE OF
LEVELS OF AUTOANTIBODIES AGAINST TYPE VII
COLLAGEN AND BLISTERING IN EXPERIMENTAL
EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA ACQUISITA
Alina Sesarman1,2, A. G. Sitaru3, F. Olaru1,2, D. Zillikens2,
C. Sitaru2
Department of Experimental Biology, Babes‑Bolyai University,
Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
2
Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University of
Luebeck, Germany
3Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of
Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany

1

Epidermolysis bullosa aquisita (EBA) is a blistering
disease caused by autoimmunity against type VII collagen.
Passive transfer of autoantibodies, or immunization withautologous type VII collagen induces EBA in mice. In thisstudy, we investigated the role of FcRn for the maintenanceof levels of antibodies against type VII collagen and blisteringin EBA. For this purpose, rabbit antibodies against murine
type VII collagen were passively transferred in FcRn deficient(FcRn‑/‑) and wild type mice. Levels of pathogenic IgG weresignificantly reduced in FcRn‑/‑ compared with WT mice asrevealed by ELISA. Analysis of serum levels of IgG induced in
FcRn‑/‑ and WT mice by immunization with type VII collagenconfirmed the results of the passive transfer experiment.
Importantly, the extent of blistering disease after injectionof IgG against type VII collagen was significantly reducedin FcRn‑/‑ compared to WT animals. Mutant and WT micereceiving normal rabbit IgG did not develop skin lesions. Our
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)data demonstrate that FcRn maintains levels of pathogenic
autoantibodies against type VII collagen and thereby promotes
tissue injury in experimental EBA. Therefore, modulation of
FcRn function using inhibitors may reduce pathogenic IgGlevels in vivo, offering therapeutic benefit for autoimmune
diseases with an IgG etiology.

180. Peucedanum officinale antioxidant
effect in ovariectomisated rats.
B. Sevastre1, Iulia Prodan1, Nicoleta Decea2, I. Marcus1, M.
Tamas2, C. Deliu3
University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hateganu”
3
Institute of Biological Research, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania

12

Peucedanum officinale, (fam. Apiaceae), belongs to a large
group of medicinal plants, spread around the world, used forwide range therapeutic purposes. In Romania, Peucedanumis represented not only by P. officinale, but a large number of
species; those plants contain various therapeutic compounds,
mainly polyphenols, a large category of bioactive compounds
that include the flavonoids and coumarins. Menopausal
syndrome is major issue of public health related to increasedoxidative stress and various metabolic dieses. Phytotherapy
is a valuable addition to classical substitutive therapy, various
plant compounds proved a significant antioxidant effect. The
study was carried out on ovariectomisated adult female rats;
the ameliorating effect of Peucedanum officinale extract wasassessed by hematological investigations, serum biochemistry,oxidative stress markers, by measuring the total body, anduterine weight. Quantitative analysis revealed a significant
content of phenols, flavonoids and coumarins, strongly related
to the harvesting location, mainly concentrated in rhizome.
Coumarins from Peucedanum officinale were totally harmlessno cumulative toxic effect has been found. Hematology wasalso, in normal limits for all experimental groups. Ovariectomy
was associated with increasing in body weight and significant
uterine atrophy; coumarins did not have any influence. There
was increase in serum alkaline phosphatase, following ovari‑ectomy, but their decrease due to Peucedanum treatment,
was not statistically covered. Other blood enzymes in study(GGT, ASAT and ALAT) reveal no difference among groups instudy, so were the other biochemical compounds (triglycerides,
cholesterol, urea, creatinine, glucose, total bilirubin, total
protein, and calcium). Peucedanum officinale proved to beeffective in down regulation the intensity of oxidative stress(the therapy was highly effective, the values in Peucedanum
treated group were significant lower than in group subjectof ovariectomy, and even lower than in control!); therefore
it might be a valuable remedy as complementary therapy inelderly female patients.

67

Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences181. THE ELECTROENCEPHALORAPHIC DYNAM‑ICS AT CHILDREN WITH BRAIN DEATH
V. Sfredel1, A. Malos2, H. Traila3, S. Danoiu1, M. Manea1, SI.
Mitran1, AT. Balseanu1, D. Georgescu1, M. Iancau1
The Physiology Department of the University of Medicine andPharmacy, Craiova, Romania
2
ATI Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova,
Romania3
The Physiology Department of the University of Pitesti, Pitesti,
Romania1

Object: The object of this work is to follow the dinamics
of EEG on children with severe, postraumatic brain anguish,
who fulfilled the clinical criterias of brain death.
Our hypotesis is that the electrical activity of the brain
suffers a progresive supression and that if the first record‑
ing shows izoelectrical line the following one will show thesame activity.
Material and methods: We have monitorized the brain
electrical activity during a period of time of 8‑12 hours at 5children with ages between 6‑14 years. The subjects had
catastrophal brain damages which from the clinical pointof view fulfilled the brain death criteria. The EEG recording
was made on 8 channels whith the maximal amplificationof 20mv/cm.
Results: we have made an average of 4 recordings for eachsubject, during a period of 48 hours. The initial EEG has shown
slow, diffuse brain activity on the low voltage delta and theta
bands for 4 of the subjects. The EEG became flat in a variable
amount of time (from 12 to 36 hours) after which the brain
death was electroencephalographicaly confirmed.
At a single subject of age 6, the initial EEG was flat in allderivations. The surprise was the following recording madeafter 8 hours, in which the EEG shown hipovolted, diffuse,slow brain activity. The activity was continued in the follow‑
ing recordings taken after 12, 24 and 48 hours.
Unfortunately, after 48 hours the child has suffered ces‑sation of heartbeat and couldn’t be resuscitated.
Conclusions: At children, the brain death diagnosis re‑quires EEG recordings after at least 8 hours. The supressionof cerebral electrical activity is settleing slower at children incomparison to adults. A first recording with a flat EEG is notbindingly followed by other flat recordings. The supressionof the electrical brain activity can be momentary.

182. Phytochemical antioxidants andtheir involvement in oxidative stresssignalling
Carmen Socaciu
Department of Agrifood Chemistry and Biochemistry, Universityof Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj‑Napoca,
Romania
68

The progressive rise of cellular oxidative stress, due to thealtered redox homeostasis appears to be one of the hallmarksof the processes which regulate gene transcription in physi‑
ology and physiopathology. Reactive oxygen (ROS), beside
nitrogen (RNS) species, function as cell signalling messengers
which involves transcription factors (NF‑κB and HIF‑1α), andinfluence directly the cell genetic and metabolic regulation.
The basic mechanisms which mediate the redox concepts inchemical‑biological interactions are discussed as well thepathways leading to the generation of ROS/RNS.
The antioxidant defence mechanisms, a complex systemthat includes intracellular enzymes, non‑enzymatic scaven‑gers and dietary components, control the production andturnover of ROS. In a healthy cell, the antioxidant systems
control pro‑oxidants turnover, keeping their concentrations
under a critical threshold, while the oxidative stress induce
imbalances between the production and removal of ROS. The
pathways for ROS scavenging in plants involve signal trans‑
ductions which are able to sense ROS via mitogen‑activatedprotein (MAP) kinases and calmodulin.
A special attention in this review will be given to the nutri‑tional non‑enzymatic antioxidant factors, such as secondary
metabolites of plants, known as phytochemicals Depending on
their hydrophilicity, redox potential, molecular derivatizationor supramolecular aggregation and distribution in the planttissues (fruits, leaves, roots, etc.) antioxidant phytochemicals(AoxP) can be absorbed differently and their action at cellularlevel can be modulated. The most health‑protective AoxP(e.g carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid, phenolics) will
be presented and structure‑activity relationships will be
discussed. Also, the advanced methodologies to extract,
separate and identify these molecules as well to measure
their antioxidant capacity are reviewed.
The different/alternative ways of AoxP involvement of inoxidative stress signalling versus the objectivity/relevanceof the in silico//in vitro/in vivo measurement data are criti‑
cally evaluated.

183. Antioxidant effects of general an‑
esthesia
I. Sosea, B. Bran, T. Daianu, Maria Vrabete
Department of Pathophysiology, UMF Craiova, Romania
Several reports sustain that inhalational anesthetics(sevoflurhane, narcothan, a.s.o.) have genotoxicity effects,
consisting in nucleo‑cytoplasmatic disturbances. Anotherauthors appreciate that general intravenous anesthesia could
restaurate the reduced glutathion content of erhytrocytes
and leukocytes, and activate the intracellular pathways of
apoptosis for alterated cells.
Objectives. To evidentiate the quantitative and qualita‑
tive aspects of blood cells and to determine the seric valueof reduced glutathion (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences(TAC) of serum, during the intra (t1) and postaanesthetic
period (at 24 hours later: t2).
Methods. It were observed 30 patients (21 male and 9
women, aged 18‑50 years old), divided into control group(10 cases) without anesthesia and group of study (20 cases),
to whom it was administered intravenous anesthesia withpropofol (0,5 mg/kgc+atracurium 0,5 mg/kgc+fentanyl 0,05
mg/kgc).The values of GSH were measured from blood samples.
Blood smears (coloured Giemsa) were studied into the lightmicroscopy and in atomic force microscopy (AFM).
Results. GSH values at t1 are higher than for t2. TAC
presented normal values and blood cells were modified, inpostoperative period.
Conclusions. The increasing of GSH values, intraopera‑
tive, could express a strong activity of blood cells and a goodmonitoring of patients by anesthesiologist, theese ones,
together, making possible the activity of specific scavengers,
against the excess of the reactive O2 species.

184. THE EFFCTS OF CATHECOLAMINS UPON
THE THROMBOCYTOPOIESIS IN NORMOBARIC
AND HYPOBARIC CONDITIONS
Ramona Simedrea, Irina Chis, Natalia Giurgea,
M. Dorofteiu
Physiology Departament, University of Medicine and Pharmacy“Iuliu Hatieganu” Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
We tried to assess the effects of α‑1 and β‑adrenergic
receptors blocking upon thrombocytopoiesis in normobaric
conditions and under the hypobaric hypoxia. The experiments
were performed on 50 Wistar white rats. For the evolutionof thrombocytopoiesis the number of blood platelets, theadhesivity and the proportion of circulating platelets aggre‑
gates were established. With Propanolol, the β‑receptors were
blocked in normoxic and hypoxic animals. Other 2 groupsof rats were treated with Doxazosin, an α‑1‑blocker. Hypoxia
was induced in the barochamber, at an athmospheric pres‑sure of 380 mmHg. We have chosen a period of 14 days forthe exposure of animals to the hypoxia because this while
provokes a reduction of the circulating number of platelets.
Our results demonstrate indirectly that thrombocytopoiesis
is under control of sympathetic division.

185. BEHAVIORAL, ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHIC
AND METABOLIC CHANGES IN RAT MODELS OF
GENERALISED SEIZURES
Olivera Stanojlović, Dragan Hrnčić
Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Institute of Medical Physiology,
School of Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia
Epilepsy is one of the commonest neurological disor‑ders with prevalence of 1‑2% in general population. The
problem of epilepsy is actualized by the fact that more thenFiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)

30% of epilepsy patients are refractory to monotherapy.
The basis for adequate exploration of epileptogenesis
and antiepileptic treatments is development of animalmodels of epilepsy.
Aspects of an experimental seizure that could be discussed
are behavioral observation, chronic electroencephalographic(EEG) recordings and biochemical parameters. Incidence isa number of convulsing rats out of total number of animals
in group, latency is defined as a time to the first seizure re‑sponse and the last seizure behavior parameter is intensityof seizures. Seizure intensity could be assessed by descrip‑
tive rating scale with grades defined to cover all seizure
manifestations in model.
Prerequisite for EEG recordings are implantation of corti‑
cal electrodes in stereotaxic frame. An EEG apparatus with amodified output degree enabling to transfer output signals
to the input circuit of 8‑channel, 12‑byte AD card is used in
our laboratory with software NeurosciLaBG‑EEG. Analysis of
EEG includes visual observation of the recorded traces andsubsequently spectral analysis (Fast Fourier transformation).
Typical and characteristic signs of epilepsy in EEG are spikes
and spike – wave complexes. Metabolic changes could betracked in serum or in different brain structures by appropri‑ate biochemical methods.
Representative models of epilepsy developed in ourlaboratory are generalized epilepsies induced by metaphit(1‑[1(3isothiocyanatophenyl)‑cyclohexyl] piperidine),lindane (γ –hexacholocyclohexane) and homocysteine– induced epilepsy. Metaphit is a phencyclidine analogue
and in dose of 10 mg/kg, i.p. is suitable for making rats
susceptible for audiogenic reflex seizures (intense audio
stimuli of 100±5dB and 5‑8 kHz). Three typical seizure sever‑ity grades are defined in metaphit seizures (wild running,clonic and tonic seizure). Lindane is an organochlorine
pesticide which interacts with the picrotoxine site within
the GABAA receptor chloride channel. Correlation between
EEG and motor phenomena in these models of seizures has
been observed. Namely, each behavioral grades has own
EEG pattern. We have suggested that seizures induced bylindane in dose of 8 mg/kg may be used as a suitable modelof generalized seizures. Homocysteine is natural sulphur– containing amino acid known as important cardiovascularrisk factor as well as risk factor for numerous neurologicaldisorders. According to our results, dose of 8 mmol/kg, i.p.
is the most appropriate for inducing seizures in adult rats.
EEG and behavioral exact correlation couldn’t be estab‑lished in homocysteine epilepsy in contrast to previously
mentioned models.
Results of EEG and behavioral analyses obtained in ex‑
perimental epilepsy models are precious for understanding
the epileptic initiation and propagation as well as for further
development of potential antiepileptic drugs.

69Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences186. CELL VOLUME REGULATION ‑ PHYSIOLOGICALAND PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS

187. Study on the antioxidant and antitu‑
mor effects of palm oil tocotrienols

V. Štrbák

S. Suciu, D. Daicoviciu, S. Clichici, L. Sabau, M. Achim, D.
Colcear, A. Muresan

Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of
Sciences, Bratislava
Keeping volume within certain limits is a prerequisite
for cell integrity, survival and proper function. Cell volume
changes induced by anisosmotic environment, hormones,
oxidative stress or substrate uptake have received increasing
attention as stimulus for a variety of intracellular functions
and phenomena. Volume perturbations occur as a conse‑
quence of changes of intracellular osmolyte concentration,and such changes are an integral part of many physiologicalprocesses: regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell mi‑
gration, cell metabolism and secretion. Secretory response
is of special interest: in general way cell swelling evokes andshrinking inhibits exocytotic secretion. Swelling induces animmediate secretory burst of peptides stored in secretory
vesicles with dynamics which is indistinguishable from thatinduced by natural secretagogue. Secretion of essentially allso packaged hormones, including pituitary, hypothalamic,
pancreatic, heart etc. is stimulated by cell swelling. Peculiari‑ties of swelling‑induced secretion indicate involvement of theunique signalling pathway independent from the extra‑ andintracellular Ca2+ and several other intracellular mediators,
and resistance to physiological inhibitors.
Swelling induces also secretion from different parts ofneuron; axons, dendrites and bodies. Cell swelling‑induced
exocytosis possesses limited selectivity, cells specifically in‑volved in water and salt regulation retain their specific response
to osmotic stimuli; neurons of the hypothalamic supraoptic
and paraventricular nuclei release oxytocin, vasopressin andangiotensin II and III in response to hyperosmotic stimulation.
This atypical response related to their regulatory role could be
obviated by GdCl3 and at these conditions general unspecificresponse (exocytosis) to swelling‑inducing stimuli emerged.
Swelling‑induced hormone secretion has pathophysiologicalimplications: A shift to anaerobic glycolysis and production of
metabolites occurring in ischemia results in the increased intracel‑lular osmolarity and swelling. Uncontrolled release of peptides
and proteins could play an important role in the pathophysiol‑
ogy of ischemia and could be a source of mediators of local or
remote preconditioning when factors released at the place ofischemia have protective effect against ischemia‑reperfusion
injury. Disruption of mechanosensitive gating in magnocellular
neurosecretory cells results in an inadequate secretory response(e.g. stimulation instead of inhibition and vice versa) of hormones
engaged in water and salt regulation and development of the
syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone
well known by clinicians which could be induced also experi‑mentally by brain infarction.
Acknowledgements: The work was supported by the project2/6158/26 of the Grant Agency of Ministry of Education and
Slovak Academy of Sciences (VEGA), project APVV 0235‑06 andproject of CE SAV (CENDO).
70“Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy ClujNapoca, Romania
Background: Cancer research represents a world‑widepriority since cancer is still one of the leading causes ofdeath. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have a role in tumor
initiation, promotion and progression. Therefore, there is a
growing interest in finding naturaly occuring antioxidants
to counteract the effects of ROS.
Aim: to evaluate the antitumor and the antioxidant activ‑
ity of palm oil with a high tocotrienol content.
Materials and methods: 72 Ehrlich ascites carcinoma(EAC)‑bearing mice were used in the experiment; they weredivided in 3 groups: group I controls ( EAC), group II: EAC +doxorubicin, group III (n=24): EACe + doxorubicin + palm oil.
Average survival time AST and increase in average life span IALS
were calculated. Hematological and oxidative stress parameters
were measured in plasma and heart homogenate.
Results: AST and IALS were increased in palm oil treatedanimals; the highest values were found in mice treated withdoxorubicin and palm oil in association. Levels of oxidative
stress parameters in heart homogenate were decreased bypalm oil administration in doxorubicin treated group.
Conclusions: Tocotrienol rich palm oil seems to haveantitumor effects and to possess a sinergistic effect to that of
doxorubicin against EAC. Tocotrienol rich palm oil decreases
the lipid peroxidation induced by doxorubicin treatment inheart homogenate.

188. INTERNEURON INFLUENCE ON COINCIDENCE
DETECTION
T. Szilágyi, J. Metz, K. Orbán‑Kis
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dept. of Physiology, Tg.
Mureş, Romania
Neurons usually work together to compute and process
information, and neural assemblies arise from synaptic in‑teractions and neural circuits. Beside the rate code, basedon the average discharge rate, coincidence detection uses
the timing of the action potentials as an additional coding
dimension to bind distributed neurons into functionallycoherent assemblies. The kinetics of the postsynaptic po‑tentials is critically influencing the coincidence detection
capability of neurons.
We have studied the influence of GABAergic inhibitory
interneurons on coincidence detection, using the Neuron
computerised modelling environment. In single compart‑
ment simulation the general effect of feed‑forward andfeed‑back inhibition was compared. Feed‑forward inhibition,
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciencesby shortening the excitatory postsynaptic potentials, favoredcoincidence detection. Feed‑back inhibition served more asa general gain controller.
The effect of different classes of interneurons was studied
on morphologically detailed hippocampal pyramidal cell
modells. Bistratified cells were simulated as inhibitory synaptic
inputs on the apical and basal dendritic domains, basket
cells targeted the soma and axo‑axonic cells the axon initial
segment. Bistratified cells influenced directly the excitatory
inputs and enhanced coincidence detection. Basket cells andaxo‑axonic cells behaved more like gain controllers, setting
the threshold for action potential generation and therefore
influenced the amount of coincident excitation necessary
for output spike generation.

189. Hypobaric hypoxia and physical exe‑
cise capacity
Simona Tache1, Alina Mirela Martoma2, R. Moldovan1,
Nicoleta Decea1
Physiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy„Iuliu Haţieganu” from Cluj‑Napoca
2
MAI from Braşov
1

Background and aims. Sportive exercise is a complex
stress – physical, psychoemotional and environment stress‑ for human organism. The Olympic Games 1968, in Ciudat
de Mexico, attracted the attention to altitude training effects
regarding athletic performance on the field and at sea level.
Our research attempted to clarify the altitude effects on
performances in endurance on aerobe efforts and in sprint
or anaerobe efforts.
Methods. Two skiers groups: a. 10 performance athletes,with average age of 18,3 years; b. 10 mountain gendarmes,
with average age of 26,7 years. The aerobe and anaerobe
athletes` exercise capacities were indirectly established, before
and after the training at 2 weeks. The oxidants/antioxidantsbalance was established on the basis of oxidative stress andantioxidants indicators.
Results. In both groups, after the training and altitude hy‑
pobaric hypoxia exposure, the aerobe and anaerobe exercise
capacities, the oxidative stress, antioxidants defense capacity andhematological indicators increased significantly. The increases
are significant, in both pre –and post‑ altitude exposures.
Conclusions. The aerobe and anaerobe exercise capacities of
performance skiers` group were increased significantly, comparedwith the mountain gendarmes, in both pre‑ and post‑ altitude
exposure. The moderate altitude and training exposured deter‑
mined oxidative stress, antioxidants, defense and hematologicalindicators significant increases, for both groups.

190. Pathophysiological mechanisms in‑volved in hematological disturbancesin rheumatoid arthritis
Citto Taisescu, Amelia Gaman
Pathophysiology Dept., UMF Craiova, Romania
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by chronical in‑
flammation that begins and predominates in the synovial
membrane and by the varied hematological disturbances
like: anemia, leukopenia, leukocytosis, eosinophilia, throm‑
bocitosis or thrombocytopenia.
The mechanism of anemia is mixed: the diminution of
red blood cells production, the incapacity to compensate
erythrocytes death (by diminution of erythropoietin due toinhibitory action of proinflammatory cytokines as: IL1, IFNγ1,
IFNγ2, TNFα) excessive iron collecting in the macrophagefrom where it can’t be used in hemoglobin synthesis diverse
degrees of hemolysis, small enteral hemorragies owed toanti‑inflammatory drugs consumption, diminution of eryth‑rocytes life through an increase erythrocytic phagocytosis
owed to macrophage system stimulation.
The leukocytosis may appear in chronical inflammation asa result of cortico‑therapy, leukopenia and neutrophilia areusually present in Felty syndrome as a result of hypersplen‑ism (in which anemia and thrombocytopenia are associated)
excessive migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, orbone marrow deficiency.
At leukocytosis are also frequently associated functional
disturbances of neutrophiles (low response at chemotaxis
stimulus) as a result of IgG settling on the polymorphonuclear
membrane or as a result of the immune complex in cytoplasma; eosinophylia and thrombocytosis are usually related withthe aggressive stages of diseases; in thrombocitosis are
involved chronical inflammation, repeated hemorragies
and corticotherapy.
We studied 44 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)54,11±10,58 years old divided in four groups: 20% with firststage of RA, 57% with second stage, 9% third stage and 14%
with fourth stage of RA.
We found as most frequently hematological disturbances:an anemic syndrome with a mixed mechanism. Eosinophilia
and thrombocitosis were less associated with aggressive
stages of diseases.

191. Comparative study of Nitric Oxide
Synthase (iNOS) activity in circulating
neutrophils cells, after ischaemic pre‑conditioning, in surgical patients vs.
healthy subjects.
Oana Taisescu1, Alina Parvu2, T. Daianu1, Maria Vrabete1
1
2

Pathohysiology Dept., UMF Craiova, Romania
UMF Cluj, Romania

This study of clinical pathophysiology, accepted by the
Ethics Committee of University of Medicine and Pharmacy‑ Hospital no.1 Craiova, represents a component of a program,
about: implications of Reactive O2 (ROS) and Nitric Species(RNS) in postoperative wound healing, because of the imbal‑
ance appearance, between: antioxidant/oxidant systems.
71

Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
Objectives. To compare Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS)
and peroxidase activity, in circulating neutrophils cells ofsurgical patients, in early postoperative period, comparatively
to control. To design the profile of enzymatic control uponsmooth and skeletal muscle submitted to preconditionning
exercises: cycles of Ischaemia/Reperfusion.
Methods. 20 patients (16 men and 4 women, age 30‑50
years) were observed in early postoperative status, observing
surgical ischaemic preconditioning manoeuvres, intraoperative.
To 10 healthy volunteers we produced preconditioning exercises:
repetitive 10‑15 ischaemia/ reperfusion cycles/hour. Blood sam‑pling were used to measure cNOS, iNOS and peroxidase activity,in circulating neutrophils. Nitrite and nitrate were determinatedby using chemiluminescence detection from blood samples (novel automated method to measure total antioxidant response
against potent free radical reactions.(Oczan E, 2003).
Results. The values obtained were expressed as medianand interquartile range (IQR) and analyzed with nonparametricMann Whitney test. PMN isolated, had incresed peroxidase
activity, but not iNOS. Plasma NO levels eliberated from PMN,
were increased in surgical patients vs.control.
Conclusions. As a preliminary study (small number of sub‑jects ), the results evidentiate an increased peroxidase activity
in circulating PMN, associated to an increased number of neu‑
trophils and their migration, in early postoperative phase.

192. Temporal changes in plasma glutathi‑
one, in patients receiving blood units.
Oana Taisescu1, B. Bran1, Ana Maria Kese1, Maria Vrabete2
Dept. Pathophysiology, UMF Craiova, Romania
This prospective study is included in research theme of
Pathophysiology Dept. about the implications of exogenous
factors, participating in modifying of the extracellular bal‑ance between oxidant/antioxidant systems, with effects onpatients evolution.
Objectives. To investigate the role of blood administra‑tion upon the glutathione eliberation, as a compensatory
mechanism to neutralize stress oxidative production, in the
6th‑15th days postoperative.
Methods. We observed 25 patients (burns), age: 25‑45
years, 13 women and 12 men appreciated with APACHE and
SOFA scores at inclusion (t1), after 4‑12 h (t2), and 12‑14 days(t3) postoperative.The study was approved by Ethical Com‑
mitment. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A:12
patients, receiving crystalloid, colloidal solutions, parenteraland enteral feeding, with protein intake of 1‑1,5 g/kg andconventional amino acid solutions (Fresenius, Kabiven), vi‑
tamin and additional trace elements (32 microgr. Se). Group
B: 13 patients, who received blood: 1 unit/daily, Vitalipid(vit A+ vit E and vit C). Reference group (control) included
10 healthy volunteers. We measured the total glutathionelevel and its reduced fraction in plasma, to all patients, inthe three pases: t1,t2, t3.
72

Results. Indicated (p<0,05) that the intensity of oxida‑
tive stress,to patients receiveing blood, is variable and total
glutathione values are maintained, because of the newerhythrocytes that take up superoxide from plasma, andneutralized it (Flaring UB, Rooyackers OE, 2005).
Conclusions. Glutathione has variable values in whole
blood and plasma, depending on quantities and ability oferhytrocytes to scavenge of free radicals, associated to its
production in blood cells.

193. STEM CELLS BASED ARTICULAR RECON‑STRUCTION IN ANIMAL MODELSG. Tanasie1,3, R.F.Tatu2, S. Anghel3, V. Paunescu3, M.
Buncean3, M. Tascau4, C. Tatu1,3, M. Dreucean4, C. Bunu1,
C. Igna5, V. Paunescu1
Department of Physiology and Immunology, University of
Medicine and Pharmacy Victor Babes Timisoara, Romania
2
Orthopedic Departments, University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Victor Babes Timisoara, Romania
3
Laboratory of Immunology, Clinical County Emergency Hospital
Timisoara, Romania
4
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Polytechnic University
Timisoara, Romania
5
Department of Surgery, USAMVB Timisoara, Romania
1

The aim of present study was optimization of the in vitro
seeding procedures for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) culture
on 3D matrices and in vivo evaluation of these combined
implants, using a joint defect model in dogs.
MSCs were isolated from bone marrow of 15 dogs andseeded on to atelo‑collagen and collagen‑polylactic matri‑ces. The in vitro adherence of MSCs was evaluated. For thein vivo study, the cartilage defects on the femoral condyls
were surgically performed, and assessed by 3D CT scan. The
walking analysis was also performed using the Zebris device.
Clinical and arthroscopic examination, as well as radiologicalassessment has been performed after 120 days in order toevaluate the healing process.
The results indicated better cells adherence on collagen‑poly‑glycolic matrices. In 80% animals of the experimental groups,
the cartilage was partially restored in the area of implant,
compared with control group in which was noticed lack of
cartilage healing. The walking registrations confirmed theincomplete restoration of the process. Histological aspects
are concordant with the clinical and imaging data.

194. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCHES AND CINICAL APLI‑CATIONS IN THE TREATMENT OF PSORIASIS VULGARISAND PSORIATIC ARTRITHYS WITH BIOLOGICALSA. Tataru1, D. Predeteanu212

University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences

Previosly we obtained and characterized a polyphenols
containing extract from grape seeds, variety Burgund Mare
(BM). Here we report the effects of these natural product onlipid peroxidation and matrix metalloproteinases, MMP‑2
and MMP‑9, in vitro, levels.
The influence of BM on lipid peroxidation induced by
Doxorubicin administration resulted in a dose‑dependent
decrease of lipid peroxides levels in normal cells (Hfl‑1) versus
a corresponding enhancenment in tumor cells (Mls).
The effect of BM on matrix metalloproteinases, MMP‑2
and MMP‑9 was investigated in normal cells (Hfl‑1) andcocultures: normal (Hfl‑1) + metastatic cells (M1/15). As re‑vealed by zymography method, MMP‑2, latent form was more
responsive and significantly increased (2 fold) in cocultures
versus normal cells. After BM treatment the protein levels
lowered bellow the initial values in Hfl‑1.
On contrary, MMP‑9 was more sensitive to the treatment
with xantin/xantinoxidase, a free radical generating system,
when occurred the activated form of this proteases. Bothform, latent and activated, were decreased after BM addition
in a dose‑effect relationship.
These results demonstrate the antioxidant and antiinvasion
potential properties of the polyphenolic extract, BM.

Material and method: Fresh bone marrow aspirates are
obtained by drilling the iliac crest; MSCs are isolated, selected
and cultured. In order to induce differentiation towards car‑diomyocytes, we used both continuous and discontinuous
stimulation with ascorbic acid. This differentiation agent waschosen for the purpose of avoiding the use of 5‑azacytidine,
which is extremely toxic and has mutagenic potential. Parallel
studies used unstimulated MSCs cultures, as well as 5‑aza‑
cytidine stimulated cell cultures, as negative and positive
control, respectively. During the entire period of this study,
all cell cultures were observed under microscope. After 42days of culture, flowcytometric analysis was performed on
unstimulated MSCs, for expression of the following mark‑ers: CD34, CD45 and CD90, CD105, CD73 (markers of MSCs
phenotype). After 6 weeks of MSCs culture in presenceof ascorbic acid, quantitative PCR was performed (part ofthese investigation were developed with the help of Blut‑
spendedienst Institute, Frankfurt am Main, Germany). RNA
isolation used Trizol technique, while reverse transcription
used Quiagene kit. By PCR reaction (Progene Technologies
thermocycler) we intended to identify expression of genesthat code myogenin and MYF5 myogenic factor, whose
activities are characteristic for muscular cells.
Results: During the third week of stimulation, the firstchanges appeared: the cells organized in radial aspect colonies,
adherent to the culture flask surface, both in cell culturescontinuously stimulated, and discontinuously stimulated,the delay between them being of approximately 4‑5 days.
Syncytium grouping was noticed during the forth week. From
the flowcytometric point of view, the hematopoietic markers
showed negative (CD34, CD45), and the MSCs characteristic
markers showed 66.32% expression for CD90, 36.56% forCD105, and 86.52% for CD73. The PCR results for myogenin
indicate occurrence of a fluorescent signal between cycles 38
and 40, but the signal for myogenic factor MYF‑5 was much
weaker than in case of 5‑azacytidine use.
Conclusion: Microscopic and molecular biology data
showed that ascorbic acid can be a potent agent, capable
to induce both morphologic differentiation, and RNA syn‑thesis changes, modifying the expression profile of some
genes characteristic to muscle cells, induction being weakercompared to the response to 5‑azacytidine.

196. Ascorbic acid involvement in MSCs dif‑ferentiation towards cardiomyocytes

197. THE USE OF ACE INHIBITORS DOESN’T
CHANGE RENAL PHYSIOLOGY

Carmen Tatu, Gabriela Tanasie, V. Ciocotisan, CA. Tatu, RF.
Tatu, Daniela Puscasiu, Carmen Bunu

Felicia Tirlea, Dorina Maria Farcas, Ligia Olivia Burta, O.
Burta, Anita Modi

University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes” Timisoara,
Romania

Faculty Of Medicine and Pharmacy Oradea

The authors presented the pathogenetic conexions be‑
tween psoriasis vulgaris and psoriatic arthritys.Based on thisdata, we presented the molecular mechanisms of action ofdifferent new biological therapies like efalizumab, etanercept,
inliximab, adalimumab. We emphasised the importance ofanti‑TNf‑alfa biologicals in the treatment of both diseases.
Like clinical application we presented 6 clinical cases ofpsoriasis vulgaris treated by Efalizumab, with some goodresults and with some adverse effects like I
nfections andthe switch od a vulgar psoriasis to a pustular one.

195. ANTIOXIDANT and ANTIINVASIVE ACTIVITY
of GRAPE SEED (VITIS VINIFERA) EXTRACT
C. Tatomir1, G. Chereches1, D. Daicoviciu2, ID. Postescu1
Institute of Oncology “Prof. I. Chiricuta”, Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “I. Hatieganu”, Cluj‑Napoca,
Romania12

Introduction: Self‑renewal capacity and differentiation
potential towards several cellular lineages are the theoreticaland practical bases of MSCs use in cellular therapy.

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Aim: ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) Inhibitors
are largely used for hypertension and heart failure; they
are also renoprotective, slowing the progression of renal
diseases towards renal failure by reducing proteinuria. We
evaluated their effect on the renal function.MATERIAL AND
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Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
METHODS:The study included 30 patients with chronic
glomerular diseases, with proteinuria, hematuria and hy‑
pertension.They were divided in 3 groups, each of themreceiving either 10 mg of Enalapril, 2 mg of Trandolapril or
20 mg of Fosinopril for 30 days.We evaluated the glomerular
filtration rate with Cockroft‑Gault formula, the changes inserum creatinine, proteinuria, blood pressure in the begin‑ning, at 15 and 30 days of therapy.RESULTS:GFR had a mean
decrease of 17,4%(from 101,6 ml/min to 83,9). The decrease
was constant in Enalapril patients; in Fosinopril patients, GFR
increased at 15 days, but decreased at 30 days;in Trandolapril
patients, GFR decreased at 15 days and had a slight increase
after one month. Serum creatinine increased, but the values
were not statistically significant(p<o,o5).In Enalapril patients,
it had a slow, constant elevation; with Fosipril, it decreases
at 15 days and normalizes at 30 days; with Trandolapril, it
rises at 15 days and is maintained after 30 days. Proteinuria
decreased with 43% and the blood pressure decreased
from 154,4/94 to 143,9/84,2 mmHg after one month of ACE
inhibitors.CONCLUSION:The glomerular filtration rate andserum creatinine remain in the physiological limits during
the therapy with ACE inhibitors. The changes in their values
are not statistically significant.

198. oxidative stress in plasma and red
blood cells of CISPLATIN, VITAMIN C ANDSELENIUM CO‑TREATED rats
Todorović Ivana1, Nikolić Dragana1, Obradović Ana1, Đorđević
Nataša1, Ognjanović I. Branka1, Štajn Š. Andraš1, Žikić V.
Radoslav1, Saičić S. Zorica2 and Marković D. Snežana1
Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Universityof Kragujevac

1

Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research“Siniša Stanković”, University of Belgrade, Serbia
2

Cisplatin is the very active cytotoxic agens in the treatmentof cancer. However, cisplatin has serious oxidative and toxic
effects in organism. The aim of this study was to compare ef‑
fects of cisplatin and antioxidants (vitamin C and selenium)co‑treatment on lipid peroxidation, glutathione status andvitamin C level in blood of rats. In our experiments six groups
of male Wistar albino rats were used. Group I – untreated(control); group II ‑ cisplatin treatment (7.5 mg/kg bw, i.p.);group III ‑ vitamin C treatment (500 mg/kg bw, i.p.); group IV‑ selenium treatment (6 mg/kg bw, i.p.); group V – vitamin C +cisplatin treatment; group VI ‑ selenium + cisplatin treatment.
In all cases animals sacrificed after 3 days of treatment. Blood
samples were taken at the day of sacrifice. The concentrationof lipid peroxides (TBARS), reduced (GSH) and oxidized formsof glutathione (GSSG), and vitamin C were followed in plasma
and red blood cells (RBC). The results showed that in plasma
cisplatin (II), vitamin C (III), Se (IV), vitamin C + cisplatin (V)and Se + cisplatin (VI) treatments induced significantly higher
74

concentration of TBARS and no change in glutathione status,
compared to control group (I). Cisplatin treatment (II) lowered,
while Se (IV), vitamin C + cisplatin (V) and Se + cisplatin (VI)treatments induced significantly higher concentration ofvitamin C in plasma. In RBC, Se (IV), vitamin C + cisplatin (V)and Se + cisplatin (VI) treatments induced significantly higher
concentration of TBARS, compared to control group (I). All
treatments were followed by lower GSH and higher GSSG
concentrations. Vitamin C (III), Se (IV), vitamin C + cisplatin(V) and Se + cisplatin (VI) treatments were followed by higher
concentration of vitamin C in RBC. In conclusion, the high, acutedoses of cisplatin, vitamin C and Se alone or in co‑treatment,
altered glutathione status mainly in RBC, while vitamin C
concentration affected in plasma of rats.

199. Immunocytochemical Characteriza‑tion of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
CI. Tomuleasa¹,², Olga Soriţãu², DR. Ciucã¹, S. Şuşman¹,
Emöke Pall³, Eva Fischer², Maria Perde‑Schreppler², Piroska
Virág², Ioana Brie², V. Lung‑Illes¹, V. Foris¹,²¹ “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy,
Cluj‑Napoca, Romania² “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuţã “ Institute of Oncology, Cluj‑Napoca³ University of Veterinary Medicine, Romania
Introduction: Mesenchymal stem cells are non‑he‑matopoietic cells with self‑renewal potential that can dif‑ferentiate into a variety of cell types, such as osteoblasts,
condrocytes, adipocytes or neuronal cells. These cells
posses a multilineage differentiation potential due to thepresence of certain cellular transcription factors like theproteic homeodomaine Nanog. The transcription factor
Oct 3/4 and it’s cofactor SOX2 are stimulated and therefore
the differentiation process is inhibited. Adult stem cells also
have specific specific cell surface markers, like the glycopro‑
teins SSEA‑1 and SSEA‑4, and a more intense Phosphatase
Alkaline activity, in comparison with other stem cell types,
such as embryonal ones.
Material and Mehods: Mesenchymal stem cells wereisolated from the bone marrow of CD1 mice and suspended
in complete DMEM. We used culture medium DMEM with
20% Fetal Calf Serum, Penicillin‑Streptomycin, L‑Glutamine
and Non‑Esential Aminoacids. Apart from the classi‑cally obtained adult stem cells, we have also characterized
multipotent cells from other non‑marrow tissues, like thehuman placenta.
Using monoclonal antibodies we characterized theseprogenitor cells by identifying their specific surface markers
SSEA‑1, SSEA‑4, Oct 3/4, Nanog and SOX2. The monospecificantibody technique of Anti‑Alkaline Phosphatase FITC staining
also demonstrated the presence of this specific isoenzyme.
Results: It is well known that cells loose progenitor surface
antigen expression in time, once the differentiation process
takes place. Due to the positive immunofluorescence stain‑
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
ings, the presence of the proteic markers mentioned above
clearly demonstrates that the cells suspended in complete
DMEM from both CD1 bone marrow and human placenta
are indeed mesenchymal, self‑renewing and multipotentent
progenitor cells.
Conclusion: Because future medicine will probably
involve adult stem cells in various treatment settings, theresults presented in this study are a step forward having animportant impact on the future of regenerative medicine
in Cluj‑Napoca.

200. THE L‑NAME‑INSENSITIVE ENDOTHELI‑
UM‑DEPENDENT RESPONSE IS BIPHASIC IN RATMESENTERIC ARTERY AND ITS BRANCHES
ES. Tucaliuc, IL. Serban, C. Oprisa, MM. Hogas, DN. Ser‑ban
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, Iasi,
Romania
When nitric‑oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase
are blocked, endothelium‑dependent relaxation (EDR)of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) is accompanied by atransient hyperpolarisation, both attributed to a diffus‑
ible factor (EDHF) and somehow related to endothelial
hyperpolarization, which propagates to VSM and within,
via gap junctions. Other authors have shown (Harrington
LS et al. (2007) Am J Physiol 293(3):H1682‑8) that sustained
EDR in resistance arteries may be entirely mediated byNO, but our recent research reveals a different picture. We
used isometric myography combined with recording of
membrane potential in VSM cells, in rings from mesentericarcade and first order branches, obtained from male Wistar
rats. Each ring was precontracted by 10‑5 M phenylephrine
and checked for complete EDR by 10‑5 M carbachol. Further
tests were performed in presence of 10‑4 M L‑NAME. In rings
precontracted with phenylephrine (10‑7‑10‑5 M) treated withcarbachol (10‑7‑10‑4 M) we observed a biphasic and/or poly‑phasic EDR, which was analyzed as time‑integrated residual
active tension (% of precontraction level; mean±SEM; n=6)
and correlated with changes in VSM membrane potential.
Data show that this l‑NAME‑insensitive component of
EDR is physiologically relevant and more prominent withlower levels of precontration. Work supported by grants
PNCDI‑2/ID‑1156 and PFCI‑86.

201. Pathophysiological mechanisms,
activated in women, treated with anti‑oxidants, before surgical intervention,
for breast cancer.
Iulia Tudorascu (Brujan), Corina Nicolae, Liliana Dabuleanu,
Maria Vrabete Maria
Dept. Pathophysiology, UMF Craiova, Romania
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Long duration and great extension of surgical interven‑tions, in patients with breast cancer induce an oxidative
stress associated to a progressively decreasing of Hb oxygen
saturation (SaO2Hb), “deoxygenation”, in early postoperative
period, because of hemodynamic management, applyied fornormovolemic replacement
Objectives: To evaluate the corelation between, SaO2Hb,
intensity of oxidative stress, and wound healing, in early
postoperative period. To evidentiate the correlation between
oxidative stress and clinical manifestations evaluated, bymeans of SOFA and APACHE scores.
Methods: We realize a prospective study upon 60
patients from Surgery Department nr.2 (Hospital nr. 1
Craiova), who needed of surgical interventions for breast
tumors. The patients were divided into three groups:
control, (10 cases) with benign breast tumors, group A(25 cases) receiving an antioxidant diet, before surgicalintervention and group B (25 cases), without any kind oftherapy management. Local and general morpho‑clinicalaspects (expressed by scores) and values of: SaO2Hb,
oxidative stress index (OSI), cytokines (IL1, TNF alfa), andindex of plasma coagulability (IPC), were determinated in
the preoperative (t1), at 48 hours, after intervention (t2)and to the outcome (t3).
Results: Results (p<0,05) evidentiated that modifications,of several parameters such as: IOS, IPC and Sao2Hb, are cor‑
related to organic dysfunctions (MODS), for 4,9% cases, andalterated SOFA, APACHE scores were considered markers to
predict bad healing of surgical wound.
Conclusions: Values of OSI, IPC and SaO2Hb could be
used to predict the evaluation of tissular dysfunction, or
cells inadaptation.

202. EFFECTS OF ANTIGEN CHALLENGE ON
ANGIOTENSIN SYNTHESIS BY ISOLATED RAT
PULMONARY VEINS
L. Vata1, BM. Gurzu2, AC. Mihai1, IL. Dumitriu1, B. Gurzu1,
Gh. Petrescu1
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine;
Department of Physiopathology, Faculty of Dentistry; Universityof Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr T Popa” Iasi

1

2

The renin angiotensin system plays important roles inpathogenesis of various pulmonary diseases. The present
study was designed to determine effects of angiotensino‑gen (Aogen) and its metabolization pathways on isolated
rat pulmonary vein. Aogen 1µ induced contractions were
quantified in the presence or in the absence of pepstatin
A (a renin inhibitor, 10 µM), captopril (an ACE inhibitor, 10µM), chymostatin (a chymase inhibitor, 10 µM), amastatin (anaminopeptidase‑A and ‑M inhibitor) or losartan (a specific AT1
blocker, 10 µM). On all rings, Aogen 1µ induced contractions
were only reduced by pepstatin A (with one third) or captopril
75

Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences(with at least 35%), amplified by amastatin (with 11,72±7.03%)
and totally prevented by losartan. The Aogen contractile ef‑
fects were powerfully on vessels obtained from ovalbumin
sensitized rats (after challenge) but these differences were
blocked by chimostatin which did not significantly modify
Aogen induced contractins on normal rats. The enzymes
effects were not influenced by the the presence or absenceof intact endothelium. We suggested that angiotensin
production within the pulmonary vein walls is increased bysensitization as a result of chimase involvement.

203. Antioxidant desequillibrium: a possible
predictor for organism’s evolution and theresistance to therapy apperance, in post‑
operative period, in surgical patients
Maria Vrabete1, Alina Parvu2, H. Parvanescu1, B. Bran1,
Iulia Tudorascu (Brujan)112

Dept. Pathophysiology, Plastic Surgery, UMF Craiova
Dept. Pathophysiology. UMF Cluj‑Napoca

Fluid derived from central aria of an altered tissue is richin pro‑inflammatory cytokines (TNF‑α, interleukin‑1, IL6, IL10),
reactive oxygen species and is associated to macrophageactivation, growth factors releasing, and great lymphocytes’
infiltrations. Radicalic atacks could change the evolution of
the local adaptive response and directed it to: SIRS, sepsis,
may be death, because of the reducing of total plasma
antioxidant capacity and of the increasing of organism
resistance to therapy.
Objectives: To observe the values of antioxidant capacityof plasma after the initial atack of free radicals, in early post‑
operative period at 4 h: t1, and at 48‑72 h: t 2. To express theeffects of antioxidant therapy, by means of oxidative stressindex (OSI). To observe if oxidative desequillibrium could
extend, at a distance, into the healthy (“naïve”) vascular en‑
dothelium cells, inducing the same alterative morpho‑clinicalmodifications.
Methods: Clinical study included: 50 patients, age: 40‑60
years, submitted to a mild surgical stress, divided into threegroups: A: 10 cases (control), group B: 28 cases: infectiousecomplications, at risk, group C: 12 cases, SIRS: 5 cases: septic
shock: 4 cases and death: 3 cases. For each group scores: SOFA
and APACHE, were calculated and from blood samples wedetermined the levels of circulating proinflamatory cytokines(IL6, IL10, TNF alfa), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitricoxid (NO) and OSI calculated.
Results: Cellular oedema is the most important clinical sign,
corelated to local and/or generalised morphological distur‑bances and to OSI increasing. The organism’s resistance against
antibio‑or/and corticoidal therapy, seems to appear at t2.
Conclusions: Wound nonhealing or nonsurvival of surgicalpatients, could be predicted from the postoperative phase,by using the following parameters: cytokines, TAC and OSI.
76

204. IRON CONTENT IN SERUM, PULMONARY
AND AORTA TISSUE OF RABBITS WITH EXPERI‑MENTAL ATHEROSCLEROSISDanijela Vučević1, Dušan Mladenović1, Ivan Milovanović1,
Tatjana Radosavljević1, Snežana Žunić‑Božinovski1, DanicaĐarmati2, Branislav Pešić1, Gordana Đorđević‑Denić1
Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Universityof Belgrade, Serbia
2
Health Protection Institute of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia

1

Having in mind the importance of iron as a catalyser ofsome oxidants production, we examined the iron content inserum, pulmonary and aorta tissue of rabbits with experi‑mental atherosclerosis induced by hypercholesterolemic diet
(4% solution of crystalline cholesterol in edible oil). For thisstudy three groups of rabbits were used: C ‑ control groupfed a standard diet for this species (n=15), O ‑ control groupfed on an oil‑containing diet (n=15) and Ch ‑ experimentalgroup fed on a hypercholesterolemic diet (n=15). Experimental
atherosclerosis was pathohistologically confirmed. Iron con‑tent was quantified by atomic absorptive spectrophotometry.
After two‑months of treatment, highly significant increaseof iron content was registrated in serum of O and Ch group(p<0.01) compared to control group. Decrease of iron con‑tent was registrated in pulmonary tissue of O and Ch groupcompared to C group (p<0.01 and p<0.05 respectively). In
comparison with O group iron content in pulmonary tissueof Ch group was highly significantly (p<0.01) increased. In
comparison with both control groups iron content in aorta
tissue was highly significantly (p<0.01) increased in Ch group.
In comparison with C group iron content in aorta tissue was
highly significantly (p<0.01) decreased in O group. Our find‑ings indicate a possible role of iron in the pathogenesis ofexperimental atherosclerosis.

205. Neuroprotection by ebselen and
MK‑801 in cerebellar granule cell culturessubjected to oxygen‑glucose deprivation
and reoxygenation
AM. Zagrean, A. Spataru, R. Braga, L. Zagrean
Center for Excellence in Neuroscience, Department of Physiology,
Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest,
Romania
Cellular redox regulation involves the maintenance of adelicate balance between the advantageous and detrimental
effects of reactive species of oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen(RNS), as they are active players both in cell signaling and,while in excess, in the genesis of pathologic conditions,such as those associated with ischemia‑reperfusion. The
overproduction of reactive species is accepted as an un‑derlying mechanism of cellular injury in brain ischemia,
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
resulting from intricate actions of energetic deprivation andconsecutive glutamate‑dependent excitotoxicity. Ebselen(2‑phenyl‑1,2‑ benzisoselenazol‑3(2H)‑one) is a seleno‑organic
glutathione peroxidase mimetic with antioxidant activity,that prevent the lipid peroxidation provoked by glutamate
excitotoxicity in primary neuronal cultures. Despite thatebselen proved to be a potential therapy for stroke, recent
evidence shows that selenium compounds, including ebselen,increase cytoplasmic Ca2+ by opening Ca2+ release chan‑nels on endoplasmic reticulum membrane, contributing
to cellular Ca2+ overload and Ca2+‑dependent glutamate
release. In the present study, we have investigated theneuroprotective potential of ebselen during oxygen‑glucose
deprivation (OGD) and reoxygenation in primary culturesof rat cerebellar granule neurons, in the presence or ab‑
sence of (5S,10R)‑(–)‑5‑Methyl‑10,11‑dihydro‑5H‑dibenzo­[a,d]­cyclo­hepten‑5,10‑imine hydrogen maleate (MK‑801),
a potent non‑competitive NMDA receptor antagonist,
known to decrease cytosolic calcium in excitotoxic condi‑
tions. Cerebellar granule cells, derived from 6‑day‑old rats
and grown in culture for 7 days, were exposed to OGD for
2 hours, followed by 20 hours of reoxygenation. Ebselen(3uM) was present in the exposure medium continuously
during OGD and reoxygenation, combined or not with
MK‑801 (1uM) during OGD. The effect of MK‑801 was also
observed as a single treatment in OGD. Cellular outcome
was assessed throughout the 20 hours of reoxygenation
by dynamic measurement of propidium iodide (PI) fluo‑
rescence using a fluorescent plate reader. The progress ofneuronal response showed that both ebselen and MK‑801
displayed significant neuroprotective effects when pres‑ent as a single treatment, with a more potent effect fromebselen. Moreover, the combined treatment with ebselen
and MK‑801 resulted in a stronger neuroprotective effectthan each compound alone. Our findings sustain the useof combined treatment against oxidative stress and NMDA
receptor‑dependent excitotoxicity as a more successful
neuroprotection strategy.

206. The role of visual evoked potentials
in monitoring of ophtalmic affections
D. Zaharia¹, LC. Tataru², A. Stratone³
The Faculty of Medical Bioengineering, University of Medicine
and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa” Iași, Romania
2
Department of Ophtalmology, Public Health Authority GalaTi,
Romania3
Function testings, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Gr. T.
Popa Iași, Romania

1

Our study has been carried out on a number of 14 patientsby means of an EB Neuro Myto, LED, Flash pattern at a 2 Hz
frequency, the coherent mediation at 500 st, 1‑100 frequency
band, 500 ms data acquisition equipment.

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Clinical examination: the visual acuity, the intraoculartension, the examination of the anterior segment, the pupil‑lary reactions, the iridocorneean angle, the biomicroscopicalaspect of the posterior segment has been deteminated.
The psychophysical exploration has resumed to theappreciation of the color vision.
The laboratory paraclinical exploration revealed thelipidique profile, the glucidic profile and the C protein reactiv,
the visual evoked potential and the oculoorbitary zone, by
employing the ultrasound.
79% of the patients had their lipidique profile modified,
36% the glucidic profile, 21% ‑ the C protein reactiv.
The examinated group had diverse ophtalmic affections:
optic neuropaties, intraocular hypertension, glaucoma, am‑aurosis fugax, amblyopia, the optic atrophies.
The record of the visual evoked potential (VEP) detected,
in all the studied cases, changes of latency, amplitudine andform of the P100 waves.
The beginning of an ocular affection triggers more often
than not, at an early stage, gradually or all of a sudden thedamage of the prereceptive, receptive, postreceptive or
cortical segments belonging to the analyzing visual complex,by all means indispensable structurally and functionally forthe sight process.
The interpretation of the visual evoked potential (VEP)
can provide new data regarding the risk of an ocular pathol‑ogy, only in correlation with other paraclinical investigations(laboratory, imaging and functionally), all in the context of aunique clinical case, individualised, with unique evolution,with or without treatment.
All in all, the exploration of visual evoked potentials(VEP)
represents a uninvasive and an invaluable investigation inmonitoring the ophtalmological affections, in some caseseven in early stages.
The obvious clinical ophtalmic affections may have insome cases VEP in normal limits, but other affections withinsidious commencement and evolution might be accom‑
panied by changes of VEP even in early stages, orientating
the physician in diagnosis and therapeutic conduct.
Dinamic recorders of the VEP in these cases reveal dataof paramount importance about the evolution of the disease
and the efficiency of the treatment.

207. LIPOPEROXIDES ‑ OXIDATIVE STRESS MARKERSFOR NEWBORN WITH PERINATAL ASPHYXIA
Gabriela Zaharie1, Melinda Matyas1, Adina Muresan2,
Monica Popa1
1
2

Neonatology Department, UMF Cluj‑Napoca
Physiology Department, UMF Cluj‑Napoca

Last years asphyxia and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
pathogenesis impleads oxidativ stress due to some char‑acteristic features of central nervous system that increase
vulnerability to reactive oxygen species.
77Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
Objective: This study aims to asses lipoperoxides innewborn with perinatal asphyxia.
Material and method: Study group is represented byterm newborns with birth asphyxia from Neonatology De‑
partment Gynecology I Clinic Cluj, during january 2005‑june
2006. Lipoperoxides were determined dynamicaly first andthird day of life. EPI INFO6 was used for statistics.
Results: Study group included 15 term newborns of
38.91±0.70 weeks of gestation, birth weight of 3391±380.90
grams. Term newborns had: mild asphyxia 45.45%, moderateasphyxia 19.19% and severe asphyxia 36.36%. Oxygen con‑centration needed in the first day of life was 30.18±10.06%
in comparison to 24.82±4.98% in third day of life (p=0.0258).
Lipoperoxides value‑MDA was higher in third day of life
(4.72±1.97nmol/ml) in comparison to first day of life (4.46±2.09nmol/l).
Conclusions: Lipoperoxides represent an oxidative
stress marker in perinatal asphyxia newborn, an importantmorbidity, mortality and neurological consequnces cause
in surviving cases.

208. THE EVOLUTION OF ANTIOXIDANT ERYTH‑ROCITE ENZIMES AND OXIDATIVE STRESS MARK‑ERS IN HEMODIALYSIS PACIENTS
Delia Zalutchi1, E. Craciun2, Ioana Dansoreanu4, Ioan Mihai
Patiu5, Adriana Muresan3, Mirela Gherman Caprioara1
Departament of Nephrology and Dialysis ˝Mihai Manasia˝
Cluj Napoca
2
Departament of Biochemistry UMF, Cluj Napoca University of
Medicine and Phamacy “Iuliu Hatieganu” Cluj Napoca
3
Departament of Physiology, UMF Cluj Napoca
4
UMF ‘’Iuliu Hatieganu” Cluj Napoca
5
Nefromed Dialysis Center

1

The aim of the study was to evaluate the oxidative stressmarkers malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonil proteine, cerulo‑
plasmine and erytrocite enzimes superoxid dismutase ( SOD)
and glutation peroxidase (GPx) in hemodialysis patients.
These markers and enzimes were investigated in 70 HD
patients and 30 healty volunteers.After one year we inves‑tigated the same antioxidant enzymes on distinct groupof 30 HD pacients from the initial group before and after
hemodialysis.
The MDA levels were enhanced in HD patients compared
to controls (2,085±0,691 vs 0,959±0,380 p=0,000514).We also
found enhaced levels of carbonil proteine (1,160±0,422 vs
0,963±0,436 p=0,00956) and ceruloplasmine in HD patiens
compare with controls (24,4±8,9 vs 37,4±0,1 p=0,001).
In HD pacients were found enhanced activities of both
enzymes SOD(1514±392,35 vs1261,14±124,48, p=0,0012)
and GPx (4146±18,8 vs716±15,43, p=0,004) compared tocontrols.
There were significant differences in the levels of antioxi‑
dant enzymes before and after hemodialysis (1353±485,93
78

vs 1120±335,72 p=0,0006) respectively ( 43,9±21,89 vs
38,5±12,03, p=0,02).The levels were lower after the hemo‑
dialysis session.
Our data led us to conclude that hemodialysis is an
important source of oxidative stress, the oxidative stressmarkers levels MDA and carbonil proteine being higher in
HD patients compared with controls.The levels of antioxidant
enzymes increase at the study group compared whith controls(possible adaptative,enzymatic induction or as a result of aefficient hemodialysis session).
The hemodialysis influences the evolution of theseantioxidant enzymes.

209. DYNAMIC OF NO PRODUCTION DURING
MAXIMAL EXERCISE IN ELITE ATHLETS
Miroljub Zlatkovic1, Vladimir Jakovljevic2, Jelena Zlatkovic3,
Dragan Djuric4
Republic Sport Institution, Belgrade
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University ofKragujevac
3
Faculty for molecular biology, University of Belgrade
4
Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, University ofBelgrade, Serbia

12Regularly taken carefully designed (as for intensity,
duration and individually determined factors) physical ac‑
tivity has favorable effect on health and working ability andperformance. However, unwanted effects of such physicalactivity have been noticed with professional athletes as wellas with “non‑athletes”, which is the consequence of reactive
oxigenous species.
The aim of the research is to state the dynamics of profilechanges of oxidative stress lactat levels and the nitrogenous
substances produced in consequence to produced NO related
to progressive and dosed physical effort with top level ath‑
letes, as well as relations with the measured cardiovascularand respiratory parameters.
Participants will be exposed to progressive maximum
ergonomic test. In the course of the test cardio‑respiratory
parameters will be observed(ECG, arterial pressure, heartrate, maximal oxygen uptake and ratio between CO2 andO2) in exhaled air.
Lactat level, nitrogenous substances super oxide anion
radicals and methaemoglobine will be measured in peripheral
vessels blood using biochemical methods.
It will be done in the state of participants’ being still, in
the last 10 seconds of each ergonomic stage, at the mo‑ment of breakdown as well as in the 90th and 180th secondof recovery. Data will be compared and analyzed and thelevel of physical effort calculated (VO2 max., O2 ml/kg., heartrate, lactat level) at which oxidative stress parameters show
harmful influence (NO‑, O2‑, MetHb).
Statistical processing will be done according to appropri‑ate statistic methods.
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences210. HOSPITAL WASTEWATER: ENVIRONMENTALRISK AND GUIDELINE MANAGEMENT
M. Popa1, D. Curseu1, DM. Sirbu1, Z. Moldovan2
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Envi‑ronmental Health, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
2
National Institute of Research and Development for Isotopic
and Molecular Technology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

1

Hospital complexes use for their activities and their
hygiene, great volumes of water which are then rejected,
fill of micro-organisms of which some are multiple resistant,heavy metals, toxic chemicals and sometimes radioactive
chemicals. The wastewater from health care units is still
an essential problem of Public Health in Romania because
they are often discharged into the municipal sewage system
without any kind of preliminary treatment. The aim of thisstudy was to count the products entering the hospital andto study their risk on the environment, to characterize theeffluents from the chemical and microbiological point of viewand to propose a strategy adapted to improve the quality of
the rejections. A hospital wastewater which discharges thetotal volume of effluents from the various departments into
the urban wastewater network without pre-treatment, from a
University Hospital from Cluj-Napoca, with a capacity of 175
beds, has been selected. All the results confirm the existenceof hazardous substances in the studied hospital effluents,and hence the need to elaborate guideline management inorder to have a healthier environment. The harmful effects
related to their wastewater should be a subject to consider
for the all hospitals managers in our country.

211. CADMIUM AND COPPER IN THE ORGANSAND BLOOD IN EXPERIMENTAL INTOXICATIONWITH CADMIUM
D. Curşeu, D. Sîrbu, M. Popa
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, Depart‑
ment of Environmental Health, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Industrial and agricultural development has resulted
in the continuous increase of environmental exposure to
cadmium since the end of the 19th century. Cadmium isconsidered to be one of the most dangerous environmental
pollutants; it has a very long biological half-life in humans,
estimated to be 10-30 years.
The distribution of cadmium and copper in the bloodand organs, including the critical ones: liver and kidneys, wasdetermined in experimental intoxication with cadmium interms of the essential bioelement, copper, supply. The experi‑
ment was carried out on 60 white male rats, separated into
four lots: I controls; II deprived of copper; III intoxicated with
CdCl2; IV deprived of copper and intoxicated with CdCl2. In
the animals intoxicated with cadmium, copper blood levels
were low as compared to the controls, running parallel to the
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)accumulation of copper in the liver, kidneys, testicles, myocar‑
dium and spleen. Copper deficiency in cadmium intoxication
lowered copper blood levels and favored the accumulationof cadmium in the organs investigated, as compared to theintoxicated animals on a normal diet. Increase of the cadmium
dose administered also augmented copper concentrations in
the organs but with low copper/cadmium ratio values.

212. SCREENING TOOL FOR OVERWEIGHT AND
OBESITY PREDICTION IN YOUNG PEOPLE
DM. Sirbu1, M. Popa1, D. Curseu1, Cristina Chakirou2
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Environ‑mental Health, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
2
Public Health Authority, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

1

Obesity in Europe has reached epidemic proportions. Its
prevalence has tripled in the last two decades, and if no action
is taken there will be an estimated 150 million obese adults(20% of the population) and 15 million obese children andadolescents (10% of the population) in the WHO European
Region by 2010. Of particular concern is the increasing inci‑
dence of child and adolescent obesity. Being overweight orobese during this period of life is a health concern in itself,
but can also lead to physical and mental health problems inadult, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension,
diabetes, osteoarthritis, increased risk of cancer, low selfesteem and depression. Difficulties in treating obesity andmaintaining weight loss are well documented. Indeed, preven‑tion appears to be the most promising way of overcoming
this growing epidemic. The aims of the study was to assess
an inexpensive and easy-to-perform method of screening
for weight categories that may lead to health problems, todiscuss some management strategies in order to reduce theprevalence of obesity over time, and some e-Health obesityinterventions which have considerable potential to support
health promotion messaging and behavior improvement.

213. Correlations between plasma levelsof endothelin-1, flow mediated dilation(FMD) and lipid parameters in hyperten‑sive patients
Claudia Borza1, Germaine Savoiu2, Lavinia Noveanu1,
Corina Gorun2,3, Alina Pacurari3, Lelia Susan3, Georgeta
Mihalas1
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes”, Timisoara,
Physiology Department
2
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes”, Timisoara,
Pathophysiology Department
3
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes”, Timisoara,
Clinical Medical IV

1

Aim: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor
peptide produced in endothelial cells and it is an important79

Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
factor in the development of vascular dysfunction and car‑diovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate
endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in thebrachial artery, the plasma levels of endothelin-1 and lipid
parameters in a group of hypertensive patients.
Material and methods: The study was performed on
78 hypertensive patients (mean age 57.16 ± 9.69 years). We
determined total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C and LDL-C
in all patients. Endothelial function was assessed by meansof flow mediated dilation (FMD) on brachial artery, using B– mode ultrasonography and by determination of endothelin-1
using Enzyme Immunometric Assay (EIA).
Results: The mean value for FMD was 8.00 % ± 3 % andthe mean value for ET-1 was 14.36 pg/ml, between them weobserved a moderate correlation (r = -0.471, p < 0.05). We
found a weak but significant correlation between FMD andsystolic arterial hypertension (r = - 0.125, p < 0.05), between
FMD and diastolic arterial hypertension (r = -0.237, p < 0.05),
between FMD and HDL cholesterol (r = 0.368, p < 0.05), be‑tween FMD and LDL cholesterol (r = - 0.403, p < 0.05) andbetween FMD and triglycerides (r = - 0.325, p < 0.01). We
observed a moderate but significant correlation between
FMD and total cholesterol (r = - 0.511, p < 0. 01) and between
FMD and endothelin-1 (r = -0.471, p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Endothelial dysfunction is present in hyper‑
tensive patients and we observed that FMD values correlateswith lipid parameters and with ET-1 levels in hypertensive
patients. We can consider that FMD is an important functional
marker and also ET-1 is a biochemical marker for endothelial
dysfunction in atherosclerosis.

214. DETERMINATION OF TOTAL CATECHINSFROM HYDROLYZABLE TANNINS, IN SOME RED
GRAPE VARIETIES, BY SPECTROPHOTOMETRICALMETHOD
Pop Nastasia, Anca Babeş, C. Bunea, Tiberia Pop
University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine
Cluj-Napoca, Romania
The latest studies outlined the important role of polyphenols,
catechins, tannins, procyanidins, anthocyanins from grapes
and wines, especially from red variety. These compounds are
antioxidant effect, who favoring the biochemical reactions
which protect the cardiovascular system and also have anantiviral and bactericidal role. The aim of this paper was todeterminate the variations of catechins content in differ‑ent parts of grapes (rachis, seeds, peel, must). The grapes
varieties taken for study are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,
Burgund mare (grape wine varieties) and Muscat Hamburg(table grape variety). The grapes were harvested at complete
maturity, from two viticultural areas: West Carpathian Area
(Timiş-Recaş) and South Carpathian Area (Dealul Mare-Merei).
The fresh grapes were separated in different solid parts: rachis,grape skins, seeds and must. The rachis, peel and seeds were80

dried at 65°C, made powder and stocked at 25°C. The must
was filtrated and preserved in refrigerator. The polyphenolicconstituents were extracted from the plant material by aseries of successive extraction. The extracts obtained wereanalyzed spectrophotometrically at 510 nm. for determinate
the catechins content from hydrolyzable tannins. The biggest
quantity of total catechins was in seeds and in rachis and thesmaller ones were in skin grape and in must for all varieties.
The researches prove out that seeds and rachis represent an
important staple source for antioxidant extracts.

215. Alpha-Tricalcium phosphate cement:‘‘in vitro’’ cytotoxicity
D. Stojanović 1, Đ. Janačković 1, Z. Kojić 2, M. Colic3, M.
Jokanovic4
Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Belgrade
Institute of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, Belgrade
3
Institute of Medical Research, MMA, Belgrade, Belgrade4
Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universityof Nis, Serbia

1

2

An investigation was made of the in vitro cytotoxic ef‑
fect of calcium phosphate cement based on a-tricalcium
phosphate, immersed in different concentrations (200mg/ml – 0.01 mg/ml) in simulated body fluid (SBF), basedon the ISO-10993 ‘‘Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices’’
standard. The culture medium was mouse fibroblast L929
cells in contact with diluted cement extracts. Testing forcytotoxicity was performed by adding dilutions of calcium
phosphate cement extract to a L929 cell culture. The positive
and negative controls used were, respectively, a 0.04 vol%phenol solution and Saligal (5mm). Each concentration of
the tested extracts was made in triplicate. The material’s
cytotoxic potential was expressed by an index of cytotoxic‑
ity (IC50 (%)), which represents the concentration of theextract that suppresses the formation of cell colonies by 50%
in comparison to the control. The results revealed that thecalcium phosphate cement used was cytotoxic and that thematerial’s cytotoxicity decreased the lower concentration of
the cement was immersed in SBF.

216. Physiological environmental of the
body and biomaterials: Skin irritation testof alpha-tricalcium phosphate
D. Stojanović1, Đ. Janačković1, M. Djelic2, Z. Kojić2, M.
Jokanovic3
Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Belgrade
Institute of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, Belgrade3
Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universityof Nis, Serbia

1

2

A biomaterial is any material, natural or man-made, thatcomprises whole or part of a living structure or biomedical
Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
device which performs, auguments, or replaces a naturalfunction. Biomaterials are used in: heart valves, blood vessel
prostheses, joint replacements, bone plates, bone cement,
artificial ligaments and tendons, dental implants for tooth
fixation, skin repair devices, cochlear replacements, contactlenses etc. Biomaterials must be compatible with the body,and there are often issues of biocompatibility which must be
resolved before a product can be placed on the market andused in a clinical setting. This study examined the irritation
potential for a single topical application of an alpha-trical‑
cium phosphate, synthesized in our laboratory by modifiedhydrothermal method. Albino rabbits were studied as test
subjects, as specified in the Federal Hazardous Substance
Act (FHSA) as an appropriate animal model for evaluating
potential skin irritants.
Three healthy, previously unused New Zealand White
rabbits of either sex and free from irritation or other der‑matological lesions that could interfere with the test werechosen for this study. The animals were individually housedin stainless steel suspended cages and managed according
to standard operating procedures. The back of each animal
was clipped free of fur with an electric clipper 24 hours before
testing. Alpha/TCP (tablet 5x2 mm or paste) was applied oneach rabbit under a double layer of gauze in an area of skinapproximately 10 x 5 cm square. Solution of Xilol (2.5%) andhypoallegenic tape was used as positive and negative control,
respectively. After 24 hour exposure, the gauze was removed.
The test sites were gently sponged with deionized water in
an attempt to remove any remaining test article residue. The
test sites were evaluated 24 hours and 72 hours following
removal of the gauze. Each test site was examined for dermal
reaction in accordance with the FHSA recommended Draize
scoring criteria (erythema and edema). The primary irritationindex (the sum of the scored reactions divided by a factor
representing the number of scoring intervals multiplied by
the number of test parameters multiplied by the numberof rabbits) was calculated following the test completion.
Irritation scores of alphaTCP (tablet and paste) from Draize
technique using rabbit model revealed that there was no
significant toxicity / irritability (PII=0.0) as compared to
the negative control (PII =0.0). Positive control did causesignificant skin irritation in acute irritation test using Draize
technique in rabbit model (PII=0.9). In conclusion, this study
demonstrated that alpha tricalcium phosphate cannot be
considered a primary irritant to the skin.

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)217. Physiological environment of the
body and biomaterials: A Qualitative histo‑
pathological analysis of Tissue Reaction
Associated with Subcutan Implantation ofalfa-Tricalcium phosphate, Dental Ceramic,and Hydroxyapatite Bioceramics in Rats
D. Stojanović1, D. Marinkovic2, G. Tasić3, Đ. Janačković1, Z.
Kojić4, M. Jokanovic5
Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Belgrade
Institute of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Bel‑
grade
3
Institute of Neurosurgery, Clinical Center of Serbia
4Institute of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, Belgrade
5
Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universityof Nis, Serbia

1

2

It is well documented that several ceramic biomaterials
are highly compatible and non-immunogenic with host tis‑sues. Recent studies have demonstrated the need for further
investigation of these devices in vivo to further elucidate thepossible mechanisms involved in biocompatibility. The aimof this study was to assess the biocompatibility of an alphatricalcium phosphate (aTCP), which was originally synthesis
in our laboratory by modified hydrothermal method (45 MPa),by qualitative histopathological analysis of tissue reaction
associated with subcutan implantation of alfa-tricalcium
phosphate, dental ceramic (DC), and hydroxyapatite (HAP)
bioceramics in rats. A tablets (diameter 5 x 2 mm) of aTCP,
DC and HAP were implanted into 10 adult male Wistar rats
subcutaneously. At 2. weeks and 12. weeks post-implanta‑tion, the tissue reactions were analyzed histopatological (5μm, hematoxylin & eosin). Histopathological study of theimplants in the subcutaneous space revealed similar findings
for three different implants. Two weeks after implantationslight infiltration of inflammatory cells (macrophages, neu‑
trophils) was noted histological for all examined calcium
phosphate ceramics. Twelve weeks after implantation an
extensive angiogenesis and collagen fibers production
were prominent finding for all types of implanted calcium
phosphate ceramics. An understanding of the interaction
between ceramics and the physiological environment of
the human body is important in devising effective ceramic
implants used in various treatment applications.

81

AUTHORS INDEX
Achim M.
Adumitresi C.
Agoston-Coldea L.
Albu CV.
Aleksanyan Z.
Alexandru D.
Amarascu M.
Andercou A.
Andjus PR.
Andras SS.
Andrei I.
Andric SA.
Anghel S.
Antonescu A.
Antal K.
Antal L.
Arcan O.
Armenescu E.
Artino M
Baban A.
Babes A.
Babic GM.
Baconnier P.
Badale GC.
Badarau A.
Badea D.
Badea M.
Badea P.
Badita G.
Bala O.
Baldea I.
Balseanu AT.
Baltaru D.
Baracan A.
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59, 703, 37, 60, 63
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29
61
51
33
23
72
3
54
50
33
16
4, 5, 17, 55, 56
40
80
24
9
17
4, 17, 18, 55, 56
5, 6, 52, 57, 58
5, 6, 57, 58
50
6
48
19
7, 14, 35, 68
758
15, 3015
7, 25, 46, 49, 55, 62
37
8
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10, 1642
3
10
10, 13, 451033
38
10, 43, 79
19
30, 7668, 72, 76
17, 22, 74
11, 1519
72
12, 51, 72, 73, 80
12
12
12, 55, 56
60
13, 7313, 43, 73
10, 13, 45
21
9
13
49
15
55
57
13, 14, 27, 35
14
14
3, 37, 63
2279
12, 1573
15
19
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7, 16, 69
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53
20
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Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
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4, 5, 17, 56
45
17
17
17
74
3, 37, 63, 60
26
17, 27, 40, 70
56
18
50, 70
80
18
18
5
29
19, 2727
48
45
22, 4453
19, 29, 64, 78
37
19, 53, 59
19, 5316, 6453
7, 25, 46, 48, 62
37
79
62
75
23, 2541, 68, 71
17, 27, 64, 70, 73
20, 5820, 5020
58, 687840
30
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67, 71
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Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Dekanski D.
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67
22
60
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49
22
76
23, 40, 80
24, 25, 51, 74
76
24, 35, 38, 42, 61, 78
3, 50
15, 30, 56
62
3, 20, 44, 50, 58, 69
64
42
6, 52
72
19, 24, 27
19
7, 25, 31, 46, 62
56
3, 25, 59
22, 26, 32, 44, 57, 75
23, 2554
13, 35, 50
93, 37, 60, 63
73
5
4, 5
17, 19, 27
7, 25, 27, 30, 31, 46,
52, 62
27
17, 59, 74
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Georgescu D.
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14, 27, 35, 68
27, 3546
7, 62
14
28, 55, 63
29
54, 64, 78
29
16, 69
29
29
30
30
79
30 31 32
30 31 3247, 61
32
22, 26, 32, 44, 57, 75
75
32 33
27, 3625, 4837, 639, 33
46, 623875
53
20
24, 34, 42, 61, 69
35
7, 14, 27, 35, 68
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36
72
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29
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18
57
45
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24, 38, 61, 62, 78
61
80, 81
21
47, 6160
38
80, 8145
39, 404954
5451, 7223, 80, 81
40
23
42
53
45
5
60
42
9, 17, 27, 39, 40, 59,64
42
15, 64
74
30
41
4, 5
7
66
10, 13, 45
68
68
56
63
41
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41, 6742, 6081

Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
Marjanovic M.
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49
70
55
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3, 20, 43, 44, 50, 58
3, 20, 44, 50, 58
66
22, 44, 75
4
48
45
8
10, 27, 28,44, 51, 52,
55, 63, 79
45
40
45
42, 45
11, 13, 45
60
76
45
23
46, 64, 65
13
12, 51, 52
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66
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46, 49, 55, 62, 7, 27
7, 16, 17, 27, 29, 40,
43, 50, 53, 54, 64, 66,
70, 77, 78
50
3, 20, 43, 44, 50, 58
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43
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27, 35, 50
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75
51, 7447, 61
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27, 28, 44, 52, 55,
63, 7925, 51, 74
52
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Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
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18
12, 51, 55, 72
17, 7415, 30, 56
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45, 64, 70
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52, 79
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66
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Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
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7, 16
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48
19
941, 51, 68, 71, 72,
75 76
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Official Journal of the Romanian Society of Physiological Sciences
Zillikens D.
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Fiziologia ‑ Physiology  2008.18.2(58)