1 The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of cardiac output on distribution and elimination kinetics of the marker compound sorbitol. 2 The disposition kinetics of sorbitol were investigated after rapid intravenous injection and arterial sampling in nine patients who had undergone cardiac catheterization whereby the cardiac output was measured. 3 A minimal circulatory model consisting of pulmonary and systemic subsystems, both of which were characterized by an inverse Gaussian transit time density function, fitted the data very well. The method involves numerical inverse Laplace transform of the model equations. 4 The mixing clearance introduced as a novel non‐compartmental parameter of distribution dynamics was significantly correlated with cardiac output. The steady‐state volume of 14 l matched the extracellular volume. The systemic extraction ratio of 23% may reflect the fractional liver blood flow. 5 This pharmacokinetic model can be applied when an independent observation of cardiac output is available. In contrast to the conventional compartmental (or sum of exponential) approach it contains fewer adjustable parameters which can be more readily interpreted in physiological terms.

The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) is a multifunctional cell-surface receptor that binds and mediates the endocytosis of several structurally and functionally distinct ligands. Involved in a variety of biological processes, including the regulation of the coagulation-fibrinolysis balance, the lipoprotein metabolism, cellular migration, proliferative processes and degenerative diseases, it has very recently become an interesting candidate for functional studies of the development of atherosclerosis. We investigated the individual cellular LRP gene expressions in 100 patients with angiographically confirmed severe coronary obstructions (myocardial infarction, patients with coronary angioplasty and patients with coronary bypass). Using a competitive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis we measured the specific LRP mRNA levels in monocytes from venous blood. In comparison with 110 unselected controls (122.1 ag/cell) the patient group demonstrated significantly higher LRP message levels (171.92 ag/cell). We found the most evident increase in the coronary angioplasty group (+43.5%). Investigating the intraindividual range of expression in healthy controls over a period of 4 weeks, we found nearly constant individual levels. Our results demonstrate a significant correlation of increased LRP mRNA levels with atherosclerotic processes (P<0.001), suggest an important implication of the LRP in atherosclerotic vascular processes, and emphasize the inclusion of LRP investigations in risk constellation studies.

Immunological tests were performed in 34 patients undergoing hydrotherapy according to Kneipp. IgM, alpha2-macroglobulin and complement factor C3 concentrations were increased after this treatment, but not in ten healthy volunteers. Specific antibody activities (staphylococci, E. coli, streptococci) remained unchanged. After intracutaneous testing with different protein and bacterial antigens reactions were significantly more intense (diameter of reaction) after hydrotherapy, while total number of reacting patients remained the same. Pokeweed stimulation ratio was increased in the lymphocyte transformation test, while PHA and PPD stimulation rates remained unaltered.

From our findings, it appears highly probable that ocular arterial occlusion is caused by paradoxical embolism. PFO should be taken into account in establishing a diagnosis, including diagnosis in elderly patients.

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