0000000000590894
AUTHOR
Kai Schmidt
Erythropoietin restores the anemia-induced reduction in radiosensitivity of experimental human tumors in nude mice
Abstract Purpose The effect of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) on the radiosensitivity of human tumor xenografts growing in anemic and nonanemic nude mice was studied. Methods and materials Anemia was induced by total body irradiation ([TBI], 2 × 4 Gy) of mice before tumor implantation into the subcutis of the hind leg. The development of anemia was prevented by rhEPO (750 U/kg s.c.) given 3 times weekly starting 2 weeks before TBI. Fourteen days after fractionated TBI (tumor volume of approx. 40 mm 3 ), single-dose irradiation of the tumor with varying doses was performed so that in full dose–response relationship for the probability of tumor cure was obtained. Results Radiation-i…
Lisuride, a dopamine D2 receptor agonist, and anticraving drug expectancy as modifiers of relapse in alcohol dependence
Due to a central role of dopamine in mediating ethanol intake and dependence, the authors tested lisuride, a dopamine D2 receptor agonist, for relapse prevention in alcoholics. Psychological and neuroendocrine determinants of outcome were also assessed within the study. This double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study comprised 120 alcoholics who were subjected to an intend-to-treat analysis (ITT). After hospital detoxification, patients received an outpatient rehabilitation program and either the study medication or placebo for 6 months and follow-up for another 6 months without medication. Pharmacological and psychological effects on relapse and times to first drink were assessed us…