Evaluation of Antioxidant Parameters in Rats Treated with Sevoflurane

SummaryBackground and objectivesSevoflurane is a halogenated fluorinated ether that undergoes hepatic biotransformation through cytochrome P4502E1. Halogenated ethers undergoing biotransformation by P4502E1 can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), weakening the antioxidant defense mechanism. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the activity of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes and sevoflurane.MethodsAnimals were divided in four groups: Group 1 – control: 100% oxygen (1 L.min-1 for 60 min during five consecutive days); Group 2 – 4.0% sevoflurane in 100% oxygen (1 L.min-1 for 60 minutes during five consecutive days); Group 3 – isoniazid (i.p.), 50 mg.kg-1/day for four consecutive days, followed by 100% oxygen (1 L.min-1 for 60 minutes during four consecutive days); Group 4 – intraperitoneal isoniazid, 50 mg.kg-1 daily for four days, followed by 4.0% sevoflurane in 100% oxygen (1 L.min-1 for 60 minutes during five days). Twelve hours after the last exposure to sevoflurane, animals were sacrificed and their blood was collected through the portal vein for analysis of antioxidant enzymes.ResultsAn increase in the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and a decrease in the activity of catalase were observed, especially in the group of animals pre-treated with isoniazid. Changes in the activity of glutathione peroxidase were not observed.ConclusionsThe interaction between sevoflurane and cytochrome P450 2E1 with enzymatic inducers can lead to oxidative stress with prolonged and repetitive exposure

Atmospheric effects on extensive air showers observed with the Surface Detector of the Pierre Auger Observatory

Atmospheric parameters, such as pressure (P), temperature (T) and density, affect the development of extensive air showers initiated by energetic cosmic rays. We have studied the impact of atmospheric variations on extensive air showers by means of the surface detector of the Pierre Auger Observatory. The rate of events shows a ~10% seasonal modulation and ~2% diurnal one. We find that the observed behaviour is explained by a model including the effects associated with the variations of pressure and density. The former affects the longitudinal development of air showers while the latter influences the Moliere radius and hence the lateral distribution of the shower particles. The model is validated with full simulations of extensive air showers using atmospheric profiles measured at the site of the Pierre Auger Observatory.Comment: 24 pages, 9 figures, accepted for publication in Astroparticle Physic

The Fluorescence Detector of the Pierre Auger Observatory

The Pierre Auger Observatory is a hybrid detector for ultra-high energy cosmic rays. It combines a surface array to measure secondary particles at ground level together with a fluorescence detector to measure the development of air showers in the atmosphere above the array. The fluorescence detector comprises 24 large telescopes specialized for measuring the nitrogen fluorescence caused by charged particles of cosmic ray air showers. In this paper we describe the components of the fluorescence detector including its optical system, the design of the camera, the electronics, and the systems for relative and absolute calibration. We also discuss the operation and the monitoring of the detector. Finally, we evaluate the detector performance and precision of shower reconstructions.Comment: 53 pages. Submitted to Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section