RESUMO
The present study was undertaken to determine if changes in the serotonergic central nervous system can be reflected by urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels. Cerebral, spinal and urinary levels of 5-HIAA were determined and compared in rats whose cerebral 5-HIAA concentration had been depleted by nucleus raphe dorsalis and medialis lesion or increased by L-tryptophan loading. Since no differences were observed in the urinary excretion of 5-HIAA we conclude that this parameter cannot be used to detect changes in the serotonergic central nervous system.
Assuntos
Química Encefálica , Carbidopa/farmacologia , Ácido Hidroxi-Indolacético/urina , Núcleos da Rafe/fisiologia , Triptofano/farmacologia , Animais , Córtex Cerebral/análise , Ácido Hidroxi-Indolacético/análise , Masculino , Ratos , Ratos Endogâmicos , Serotonina/análise , Medula Espinal/análiseRESUMO
A fatal case of mepivacaine poisoning in a newborn infant is reported. Regional brain tissue concentrations of mepivacaine were determined by a sensitive and specific gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method. The brain tissue levels in this patient were higher than those previously reported, possibly due to alkalosis occurring several hours prior to the infant's death.