Showing papers by "University of Luxembourg published in 1983"

Altered calcium and sodium metabolism in red blood cells of hypertensive man: assessment by ion-selective electrodes.

Abstract: Free intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i, sodium [Na+]i and potassium [K+]i were assessed in freeze-thawed human red blood cells (RBC) by ion-selective electrodes. After metabolic depletion by 30 mM 2-desoxy-glucose, [Ca2+]i increased faster and to significantly higher values in RBC from 16 patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension (mean diastolic blood pressure 111 +/- 10 mmHg) than in the RBC of 24 normotensives. The rate of [Ca2+]i increase was 7.0 +/- 3.6 versus 3.7 +/- 4.0 mumol/h/l cells (P less than 0.01) for the first 24 h and 8.1 +/- 4.8 versus 6.4 +/- 3.5 mumol/h/l cells for the following 24 h. [Na+]i before and after 24 h incubation was significantly higher in hypertensives, whereas basal [Ca2+]i and [K+]i before and after incubation were the same in both groups. After Ca loading by ionophore A 23187, the maximum rate of [Ca2+]i extrusion was not significantly lower in intact RBC from hypertensives than in those from normotensives (59.5 +/- 7.8 versus 87.9 +/- 18.1 mumol/min/l cells). These results indicate disturbances in RBC Ca metabolism similar to those observed earlier for Na and K. If generalized, the defect could lead to raised [Ca2+]i in smooth muscle and sympathetic nerve tissue, thus causing increased vascular tone and probably catecholamine release with subsequent arterial hypertension.

[A slide program on hypertension and obesity: a simple method of patient information].

Abstract: It is well established that information on their disease is one of the prerequisites for improvement of patients' compliance with therapy. The authors have therefore developed a simple slide program presenting information on hypertension and obesity. Consisting of 52 slides, it was shown in the central waiting room of the medical outpatient department at the University Hospital, Zurich. In order to assess learning, 841 patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire. 485 had seen the program and 356 served as controls with the program switched off. Four main results emerged: 1. The percentage of subjects scoring greater than or equal to 4 correct answers (of a maximum of 5) rose significantly from 22.6% to 64.2%. 2. The number of incorrect answers (maximum 3) remained unchanged. 3. Learning decreased with age. 4. Occupation did not have a significant effect on learning. The results clearly show that the program represents an effective method of teaching patients and may therefore serve to improve compliance with therapy.