The effects of tabernanthine on serotonin (5-HT) levels were determined in several brain areas of rats exposed to various simulated altitudes (1800, 5200, 7000 m). The 5-HT synthesis inhibitor, ...para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), was used to dissociate the effects occurring at synthesis and release levels. Tabernanthine antagonized the decrease in hypothalamic 5-HT levels induced by a 7000 m hypoxia and also suppressed the decrease in PCPA-induced depletion observed at 5200 and 7000 m in the hypothalamus, the striatum and the rest of the brain. It was assumed that tabernanthine stimulates different steps of 5-HT metabolism. These effects, revealed by hypoxia, are related to other peripheral and central properties of this drug.
Rupture of a Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm into the pulmonary infundibulum with ventricular septal defect was diagnosed by M mode echocardiography The differential diagnosis was prolapse of an aortic ...valve cusp associated with ventricular septal defect. The relevant features were the presence of an echo anterior to the anterior aortic wall. This echo was related to the aortic valve as a small posterior movement was recorded at aortic valve closure. Systolic fluttering of the pulmonary valve suggested a degree of subvalvular obstruction. Diastolic fluttering was related to the aortic regurgitation immediately below the pulmonary valve. This case confirms the hypothesis that the anterior echo produced by the aortic valve is in fact the left anterior coronary cusp.
