Platelets play an important role in various thrombotic diseases, including myocardial infarction. Because red wine consumption is inversely associated with death due to ischemic heart diseases, the effects of grape components on platelet function have been extensively investigated. Grape seed extracts (GSEs) reportedly inhibit platelet aggregation; however, the underlying mechanism has not been elucidated. We discovered that GSEs inhibit platelet aggregation induced by collagen and thrombin-receptor agonist peptide and increase basal levels of tyrosine phosphorylation, which was also observed in the presence of a protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) inhibitor. An in vitro phosphatase assay indicated that GSE dose dependently inhibited PTP-1B and Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 activity, which positively regulates platelet aggregation. We propose that GSEs inhibit platelet aggregation by inhibiting tyrosine phosphatase activity. Moreover, we showed that GSE ingestion inhibited platelet aggregation in mice without enhancing tail bleeding, implying that GSE supplementation might be beneficial to prevention of thrombotic diseases.
Non-metallic flash-type stimulators for monitoring visual evoked potential, named as the Fiber-Eyes, are proposed. Conventional VEP stimulators are comprised of LEDs and the print circuits, i.e. metallic materials, inside the stimulator. Proposed Fiber-Eyes are made from plastic optical fibers, silicone rubber, and external light source. Thus the Fiber-Eyes can be used together with CT scanning without interference in the image due to not use of the metallic parts during neurosurgical operations. They do not also radiate heat because the flash light for stimulus is supplied through the fibers, and thus it can avoid desiccation of the bulbar conjunctiva of patient in the operation.I.
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