Citations

AbstractVEGF induces vascular permeability (VP) in ischemic diseases and cancer, leading to many pathophysiological consequences. The molecular mechanisms by which VEGF acts to induce hyperpermeability are poorly understood and in vivo models that easily facilitate real-time, genetic studies of VP do not exist. In the present study, we report a heat-inducible VEGF transgenic zebrafish (Danio rerio) model through which VP can be monitored in real time. Using this approach with morpholino-mediated gene knock-down and knockout mice, we describe a novel role of phospholipase Cβ3 as a negative regulator of VEGF-mediated VP by regulating intracellular Ca2+ release. Our results suggest an important effect of PLCβ3 on VP and provide a new model with which to identify genetic regulators of VP crucial to several disease processes.

The Fontan procedure is now considered the final common pathway for patients with anatomical or functional single ventricle. These patients initially have their systemic and pulmonary circulations in parallel, supported by one functional ventricular chamber. The ultimate goal with this procedure is to separate the two circulations, to prevent mixing of venous and arterial blood, and to provide adequate tissue oxygenation. The objective of this article is to review the Fontan procedure with its various modifications and refinements since its introduction to clinical practice in 1971, by Fontan and Baudet.

We report an anomalous right coronary artery origin from the pulmonary artery presenting in an adult patient.