Wurm,M.; Woess,C.; Libiseller,K.; Beer,B.; Pavlic,M.; Bioartificial liver (BAL) systems can take over liver functions in patients undergoing liver failure until transplantation. Recently, a novel prototype rotary BAL has been developed using small human hepatocytes (SH). This study investigated the metabolism of opiates morphine and methadone in the BAL and their influence on the basic cell culture parameters, viability, and growth of SH. Opiates may be present in patients due to pain therapy, anticancer treatment, or drug abuse. [Read More]

Pavlic,M.; Schubert,B.; Libiseller,K.; Oberacher,H.; A convenient mass spectrometric approach for the identification of toxicologically relevant compounds in tablets and tablet residues is presented. For comprehensive forensic-toxicological analysis electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was accomplished in positive as well as in negative ion mode on a quadrupole-quadrupole-time-of-flight instrument. Dissolved samples were introduced into the mass spectrometer by flow-injection. Mass spectra as well as tandem mass spectra were acquired. A data-dependent acquisition strategy was used to switch between the mass spectrometric modes. [Read More]

Beer,B.; Schubert,B.; Oberguggenberger,A.; Meraner,V.; Hubalek,M.; Oberacher,H.; There is substantial evidence that circulating estrogens promote the proliferation of breast cancer. Consequently, adjuvant hormonal treatment strategies targeting estrogen action have been established. Such hormonal therapies include selective estrogen receptor modulators, such as tamoxifen, which interfere at the estrogen receptors directly, or non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors, such as anastrozole and letrozole, which inhibit estrogen synthesis through blocking the aromatase, a key enzyme of estrogen production. [Read More]

Huemer,H.P.; Lassnig,C.; Nowotny,N.; Irschick,E.U.; Kitchen,M.; Pavlic,M.; Benzodiazepines are drugs widely used as tranquilizers and in various other indications. We treated Balb/c mice with diazepam and infected them with cowpox (CPXV) and vaccinia virus (VACV). Disease index, weight loss and the antibody response were determined. Additionally the influence of different benzodiazepines on the mitogen response of human peripheral blood lymphocytes and spleen cells was tested. Diazepam led to earlier disease onset, prolonged duration of symptoms, higher weight loss and overall disease index in VACV infected mice. [Read More]

Oberacher,H.; Scheithauer,R.; Parson,W.;

Labor&More 2010 2(10):20-24