血管活性肠肽及其受体与胆囊胆固醇结石患者胆囊排空的相关研究

目的　探索胆囊胆固醇结石患者胆囊排空与血浆和胆汁血管活性肠肽 (VIP)的浓度及其胆囊壁VIP受体 (VIP R)表达的关系以及在胆囊结石形成中的意义。方法　采用B超测定胆囊排空功能 ,同时抽空腹静脉血及胆囊结石手术病人胆汁放免测定VIP浓度 ,免疫组化测定VIP R的表达。结果　胆囊结石病人胆囊排空障碍 ;血浆VIP浓度正常人为 ( 8.2 8± 0 .98)ng/L ,胆囊结石病人为 ( 15 .64± 2 .5 1)ng/L ,显著升高 ( P <0 .0 1) ;胆汁VIP高于血浆VIP ;空腹容积越大 ,血浆VIP(P <0 .0 5 )和胆汁VIP(P <0 .0 1)浓度越高 ,VIP R表达越强。结论　胆囊排空功能在胆囊结石形成中起重要作用 ,胆囊结石病人胆囊排空障碍与VIP明显相关 ,空腹容积与VIP及其受体明显正相关     

幽门螺杆菌与胆囊结石形成关系的研究

目的研究胆囊幽门螺杆菌感染与胆囊结石形成的关系. 方法采用对照研究方法,对35例单纯胆囊结石(实验组)和25例单纯胆囊息肉样病变(对照组)的胃幽门螺杆菌(Helicobacter pylori,Hp)进行检测,用PCR方法检测2组患者的胆汁及结石Hp细胞毒素相关基因抗原(cagA). 结果 2组患者胃Hp感染率分别为51.4% (18/35)、48.0%(12/25),差异无显著性(χ2=0.069,P=0.793).实验组胆汁标本中 cagA7例阳性(20.0%,7/35),结石标本中1例阳性(2.9%,1/35),对照组胆汁标本无一例阳性,2组胆汁cagA检出率差异有显著性(χ2=5.822,P=0.016),胆汁中cagA检出情况与胃幽门螺杆菌感染有关(χ2=3.886,P=0.049). 结论幽门螺杆菌DNA存在于胆囊结石患者的胆汁及结石中,与胃Hp感染有关,胆囊Hp感染与胆囊结石形成有关.     

胆囊黏膜G蛋白偶联胆汁酸受体1表达与胆囊结石致石胆汁关系的研究

目的 研究胆囊结石患者胆囊黏膜G蛋白偶联胆汁酸受体1 (GPBAR1)表达与致石胆汁形成的关系.方法 收集34例胆囊结石病和15例无胆石对照患者的胆囊黏膜、囊壁、胆汁、静脉血.HE常规染色病理检查胆囊壁,免疫组化染色法检测胆囊壁GPBAR1、黏蛋白1(MUC1)和黏蛋白5AC(MUC5AC)的表达水平;RT-PCR反应检测胆囊黏膜GPBAR1、MUC1和MUC5AC的基因表达水平;检测术前血清和胆囊胆汁的主要脂质成分等.结果 胆囊结石组胆囊HE染色均呈慢性炎症表现;胆囊结石组GPBAR1、MUC5AC的蛋白和mRNA表达均较对照组明显升高(61.34±8.06比43.05±7.83,P＜0.01; 52.11±9.62比45.05±9.27,P＜0.05;0.87±0.07比0.80±0.09,P＜0.05;1.04±0.22比0.8±0.17,P＜0.01).胆囊结石组血清总胆固醇水平和胆汁总胆固醇浓度、总胆固醇摩尔百分比、胆固醇饱和指数、黏蛋白浓度均较对照组明显升高(5.07±1.64比3.62±1.42,P＜0.01;17.23±3.67比12.47±2.31,P＜0.01;7.47±0.65比5.05±0.24,P＜0.01;1.03±0.58比0.69±0.38,P＜0.01;92.02±20.89比76.36±19.71,P＜0.05);而胆汁总胆汁酸浓度、胆汁酸摩尔百分比较对照组明显降低(162.68±20.19比180.21±26.05,P＜0.05; 71.28±1.84比73.29±0.96,P＜0.01).胆囊结石组胆囊GPBAR1 mRNA表达与胆汁总胆汁酸水平负相关(γ=-0.341,P＜0.05),GPBAR1表达与胆汁总胆汁酸水平和总脂质水平均负相关(γ=-0.365,P＜0.05;γ=-0.403,P＜0.05).结论 GPBAR1在胆囊结石患者胆囊黏膜表达增强,介导胆汁酸吸收,可能与致石胆汁形成有关.     

胆囊结石与胆囊收缩素受体(CCK-A)和血管活性肠肽(VIP)的关系研究

目的探讨胆囊动力学异常在胆囊结石形成中的作用.方法随意选择胆囊结石患者35例,胆囊息肉样病变患者25例,正常对照30例.B超测空腹胆囊容积.放射免疫法测定血浆中血管活性肠肽(VIP)的浓度,逆转录-聚合酶链反应(rt-PCR)法测胆囊黏膜中胆囊收缩素(CCK-A)受体表达数目.结果①胆囊结石组胆囊空腹体积明显大于其它两组(F=3.45,P=0.039);②胆囊结石组胆囊收缩率明显低于其它两组 (F=5.747,P=0.005);③三组之间餐后VIP升高量无明显差异 (F=0.768,P=0.47);④胆囊结石组胆囊收缩素(CCK-A)受体表达明显低于胆囊息肉样病变组(t′=4.390,P=0.022),差异具有显著性.结论①胆囊结石组空腹胆囊体积增大与其胆囊结石形成有关; ②胆囊结石组胆囊收缩功能下降导致结石形成;③胆囊收缩素(CCK-A)受体表达低,使胆囊收缩功能减弱,促进胆囊结石的形成;④血管活性肠肽(VIP)与胆囊结石的形成无明显关系.     

胆囊结石患者CCK受体mRNA测定的临床意义

目的:探讨胆囊结石患者缩胆囊素(CCK)受体基因表达及其与胆囊排空功能的关系.方法:术前用B超测定100例胆囊结石患者和50例胃癌无胆囊结石患者的胆囊排空功能.胆囊壁CCK受体mRNA表达的测定用RT-PCR法.结果:胆囊结石组CCK受体mRNA表达(0.59±0.11)明显低于对照组(0.91±0.06)(P<0.01),该基因表达的降低与胆囊结石胆囊排空功能损害有关.胆囊结石患者的胆囊平滑肌细胞膜CCK受体mRNA表达与胆囊残余指数(RV/FV×100%)呈负相关(Y=0.61-0.45X,r=-0.65,P<0.01).结论:胆囊结石患者CCK受体基因表达下调与胆囊排空功能的损害有关.     

胆囊黏膜ABCA1的表达和胆囊胆固醇息肉发病关系的研究

目的：研究ABCA1在胆囊黏膜的表达及其表达与胆囊胆固醇息肉发病的关系。方法：收集因胆囊疾患而行腹腔镜胆囊切除术病人的胆石、胆汁、胆囊黏膜及胆囊壁全层组织共计42例,其中胆囊胆固醇息肉15例,胆囊胆固醇结石15例,对照组12例（胆囊腺瘤5例,非胆固醇胆囊结石7例）。分别测定胆石胆固醇含量、胆汁胆固醇、胆汁酸、磷脂的浓度;实时PCR定量检测胆囊黏膜ABCA1、LXRα、RXRα的mRNA表达：胆囊壁全层组织做病理切片;免疫组化显示ABCAl蛋白在胆囊黏膜的表达．结果：胆固醇息肉组胆汁胆固醇饱和指数为1．0±0．2,较对照组胆固醇饱和指数0．6±0．3明显增高,其差别有统计学显著性（P〈0．01）。免疫组化显示ABCA1在胆囊黏膜上皮细胞有明显表达。息肉组、结石组和对照组胆囊黏膜ABCAI、LXRa、RXRα mRNA相对表达量比较,各组之间差异无统计学意义。结论：胆囊黏膜ABCA1的表达可能并不是导致胆囊胆固醇息肉发病的重要原因。     

胆囊疾病患者胆囊组织中血管活性肠肽受体mRNA的表达研究

目的检测胆囊结石、胆囊息肉患者胆囊组织中血管活性肠肽受体1（VIP1R）及受体2（VIP2R）mRNA表达的改变,并与正常胆囊组织对照.方法采用RT-PCR技术检测25例胆囊结石、8例胆囊息肉及7例肝移植供体胆囊组织中血管活性肠肽受体1（VIP1R）及血管活性肠肽受体2（VIP2R）mRNA的表达.结果与正常对照组相比,胆囊结石组及胆囊息肉组血管活性肠肽受体2（VIP2R）mRNA的表达明显升高（其中胆囊息肉组t=2.242,P＜0.05;胆囊结石组t=2.263,P＜0.05）,而血管活性肠肽受体1（VIP1R）mRNA表达无明显变化.结论血管活性肠肽受体2（VIP2R）mRNA的异常表达在胆囊结石及胆囊息肉的形成过程中有一定作用.     

胆囊结石家族史对胆囊排空功能的影响

目的 探讨有胆囊结石家族史者的胆囊排空功能的改变。方法 自2012年11月至2013年3月,在我院住院患者中,选择胆囊结石患者亲属中未罹患胆石症者作为实验组,选择无胆囊结石家族史且未罹患胆石症者作为对照组,以B超仪测量并比较两组间的空腹胆囊容积、餐后胆囊残余容积及胆囊排空率。 结果 实验组与对照组比较,其空腹胆囊容积及餐后最小胆囊容积均无显著统计学差异,但实验组餐后胆囊排空率较小（82.9%±10.2% vs 87.5%±3.9%,P＜0.05）,两组胆囊收缩均于80 min左右达到最大程度。结论 有胆囊结石家族史者胆囊排空功能明显减弱,提示胆囊结石发病具有家族遗传性的其中一个原因可能是胆囊排空功能障碍。     

胆囊动力学变化对胆囊结石形成的作用

目的 探讨胆囊动力学变化对胆囊结石形成的作用.方法 收集2007年8月至12月武警安徽省总队医院行LC患者的临床资料.根据胆囊结石中胆固醇的含量,将39例胆囊结石患者分为胆色素结石组(13例)、胆固醇结石组(13例)和混合性结石组(13例),分别检测胆囊收缩功能,胆囊壁缩胆囊素受体含量及活性,并将胆囊无结石、炎症的正常者设为对照组(13例).结果 (1)胆囊排空率、胆囊壁缩胆囊索受体含量及活性:胆色素结石组>混合性结石组>胆固醇结石组.(2)胆囊壁缩胆囊素受体含量及活性与胆囊排空率呈正相关(r=0.969,0.938,P<0.01);与结石中胆固醇含量呈负相关(r=-0.949,-0.979,-0.987,P<0.01).结论 胆囊结石中胆固醇含量与胆囊动力、缩胆囊素受体关系密切,可能是胆固醇通过影响缩胆囊素而降低了胆囊动力,促进了胆固醇结石的形成.     

胆囊动力学变化对胆囊结石形成的作用

目的 探讨胆囊动力学变化对胆囊结石形成的作用.方法 收集2007年8月至12月武警安徽省总队医院行LC患者的临床资料.根据胆囊结石中胆固醇的含量,将39例胆囊结石患者分为胆色素结石组(13例)、胆固醇结石组(13例)和混合性结石组(13例),分别检测胆囊收缩功能,胆囊壁缩胆囊素受体含量及活性,并将胆囊无结石、炎症的正常者设为对照组(13例).结果 (1)胆囊排空率、胆囊壁缩胆囊索受体含量及活性:胆色素结石组>混合性结石组>胆固醇结石组.(2)胆囊壁缩胆囊素受体含量及活性与胆囊排空率呈正相关(r=0.969,0.938,P<0.01);与结石中胆固醇含量呈负相关(r=-0.949,-0.979,-0.987,P<0.01).结论 胆囊结石中胆固醇含量与胆囊动力、缩胆囊素受体关系密切,可能是胆固醇通过影响缩胆囊素而降低了胆囊动力,促进了胆固醇结石的形成.     

Vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction during major abdominal surgery

Background : We investigated the vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction (MT) with hypotension due to prostacyclin (PGI₂) release in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a combined general and epidural anesthesia. Methods : In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study we administered 400 mg ibuprofen (i.v.) in 42 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. General anesthesia was combined with epidural anesthesia (T4-L1). Before as well as 5, 15, 30, 45, and 90 min after MT we recorded plasma osmolality, hemodynamics and measured 6-keto-PGFlα (stabile metabolite of PGI₂), TXB₂ (stabile metabolite of thromboxane A₂) active renin, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Catecholamine levels were assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results : Following MT, arterial hypotension occurred along with a substantial PGI₂ release. This was completely abolished by ibuprofen administration. Although plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α (1133 (708) vs. 60 (3) ng/L, median (median absolute deviation), P=0.0001, placebo vs. ibuprofen) remained significantly elevated, blood pressure was restored within 30 min after MT in the placebo group. At the same point in time plasma concentrations of TXB² (164 (87) vs. 58 (1) ng/L, P=0.0001), epinephrine (46 (33) vs. 14 (6) ng/L, P=0.001), AVP (41 ± (18) vs. 12 (7) ng/L, P=0.0004), and active renin (27 (12) vs. 12 (4) ng/L, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in placebo-treated patients. Conclusion : Under combined general and epidural anesthesia arterial hypotension following MT due to endogenous PGI₂ release is associated with enhanced release of AVP, active renin, epinephrine and thromboxane A₂, presumably contributing to hemodynamic stability within 30 min after MT.     

A comparison of the inhibitory effects of four volatile anaesthetics on the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, a substrate for CYP2E1, in rabbits

Background: Halothane inhibits in vitro and in vivo activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1. There are several fluorinated volatile anaesthetics besides halothane, and most of them are defluorinated by CYP2E1. It is unclear whether other fluorinated anaesthetics inhibit the in vivo activity of CYP2E1.
Methods: We compared the inhibitory effects of therapeutic concentrations of four inhalational anaesthetics, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on chlorzoxazone metabolism in rabbits receiving artificial ventilation.
Results: All four inhalational anaesthetics decreased arterial blood pressure and increased plasma chlorzoxazone concentration. However, no significant differences in the plasma chlorzoxazone concentration were found between the four anaesthetics. The estimated chlorzoxazone clearance increased after beginning inhalation with all four agents, but no significant difference in clearance was noted between agents.
Conclusions: At therapeutic concentrations, the in vivo inhibitory effect on chlorzoxazone metabolism was similar for all four inhalational anaesthetics examined, even though their chemical characteristics and extent of hepatic metabolism differ considerably.     

A Teaspoon Pump for Pumping Blood with High Hydraulic Efficiency and Low Hemolysis Potential

Abstract: Virtually all blood pumps contain some kind of rubbing, sliding, closely moving machinery surfaces that are exposed to the blood being pumped. These valves, internal bearings, magnetic bearing position sensors, and shaft seals cause most of the problems with blood pumps. The original teaspoon pump design prevented the rubbing, sliding machinery surfaces from contacting the blood. However, the hydraulic efficiency was low because the blood was able to "slip around" the rotating impeller so that the blood itself never rotated fast enough to develop adequate pressure. An improved teaspoon blood pump has been designed and tested and has shown acceptable hydraulic performance and low hemolysis potential. The new pump uses a nonrotating "swinging" hose as the pump impeller. The fluid enters the pump through the center of the swinging hose; therefore, there can be no fluid slip between the revolving blood and the revolving impeller. The new pump uses an impeller that is comparable to a flexible garden hose. If the free end of the hose were swung around in a circle like half of a jump rope, the fluid inside the hose would rotate and develop pressure even though the hose impeller itself did not "rotate"; therefore, no rotating shaft seal or internal bearings are required.     

Microspheres Based Detoxification System: A New Method in Convective Blood Purification

Abstract: A variety of protein-bound or hydrophobic substances, accumulating as a result of pathologic conditions such as exogenous or endogenous intoxications, are removed poorly by conventional detoxification methods because of low accessibility (hemodialysis), insufficient adsorption capabilities (hemosorption), low efficiency (peritoneal dialysis), or economic limitations (high-volume plasmapheresis). Combining advantages of existing methods with microspheric technology, a module-based system was designed. Major operating parameters of the latter can be modified to allow for adjustment to individual clinical situations. An extracorporeal blood circuit including a plasmafilter is combined with a secondary high-velocity plasma circuit driven by a centrifugal pump. Different microspheric adsorbers can be combined in one circuit or applied in sequence. Thus, a prolonged treatment can be tailored using specially designed selective adsorber materials. Comparing this system with existing methods (high-flux hemodialysis, molecular adsorbent recycling system), results from our in vitro studies and animal experiments demonstrate the superior efficiency of substance removal.     

Tissue perfusion in relation to cardiac output during continuous positive-pressure ventilation and administration of propranolol or verapamil

Background : Our objective was to determine whether administration of propranolol or verapamil modifies the hemodynamic adaptation to continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV), in particular the regional distribution of cardiac output (CO).
Methods : General hemodynamics and regional blood flows assessed by microsphere technique (15 (μm) were recorded in 16 anesthetized pigs during spontaneous breathing (SB) and CPPV with 8 cm H₂O end-expiratory pressure (CPPV8) before and after intravenous administration of propranolol (0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.15 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8) or verapamil (0.1 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8).
Results : CPPV8 depressed CO by 25% without shifts in its relative distribution with the exception of a noteworthy increase in adrenal perfusion. Propranolol increased arterial blood pressure, and due to a fall in heart rate, CO dropped by 25%. The kidneys and, to a lesser extent, the splanchic region and central nervous system received increased fractions of the remaining CO at the expense of skeletal muscle flow. Similar patterns were seen during SB and CPPV8 such that the combination of propranolol and CPPV8 depressed CO by 50%. The circulatory effects of verapamil were less evident but myocardial perfusion tended to increase.
Conclusions : The combination of propranolol or verapamil with CPPV does not result in any specific hemodynamic interaction in anesthetized pigs, except that the combined effect of propranolol and CPPV may severely reduce CO.     

Volatile anaesthetics reduce adhesion of blood platelets under low-flow conditions in the coronary system of isolated guinea pig hearts

Background : Inhibitory effects of volatile anaesthetics on platelet aggregation have been demonstrated in several studies. However, the influence of volatile anaesthetics on intracoronary platelet adhesion has not been elucidated so far.
Methods : Isolated hearts of guinea pigs were perfused with buffer in the absence or presence of volatile anaesthetics (0.5 and 1 MAC) at constant coronary flow rates of 5 ml/min for 25 min, then 1 ml/min for 30 min and again 5 ml/min for 10 min. Before, during and after low-flow perfusion, a bolus of human platelets was applied into the coronary system. To simulate thrombogenic conditions, 0.3 U/ml human thrombin was infused during low-flow perfusion and reperfusion. The number of platelets sequestered to the endothelium was calculated from the difference between coronary in- and output of platelets. The myocardial production of lactate and consumption of pyruvate and coronary perfusion pressure were also determined.
Results : At a flow rate of 5 ml/min only about 3% of the applied platelets did not emerge from the coronary system, in any group. In contrast, 13.1±1.2% (mean±SEM) of infused platelets became adherent in low-flow perfusion in the control group without anaesthetic. The adherence was reduced with each 1 MAC isoflurane (to 6.2±1.2%), sevoflurane (to 4.4±0.9%) or halothane (to 3.2±1.5%) (each P <0.05 vs. control). Volatile anaesthetic, 0.5 MAC, did not inhibit platelet adhesion to a statistically significant extent in any case. Perfusion pressure and metabolic parameters were not statistically different between the control and the hearts exposed to anaesthetics.
Conclusion : Volatile anaesthetics in a concentration of 1 MAC can reduce the adhesion of platelets in the coronary system under reduced flow conditions. This action does not arise from vasodilation or inhibition of ischaemic stress.     

Bariatric Surgery in Some "Central and East-European (former Eastern bloc)"Countries - Current Status and Prediction for the Next Millennium

Background: Obesity is increasing globallly, including in the formerly "Eastern Bloc" countries. Methods: A survey was made of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results: In the 8 East and Central European countries studied, with total population 300 million, roughly 43% of the population was overweight (BMI 25-30), 23% obese (BMI > 30), with about 15 million people morbidly obese (BMI > 40). From 0-10 morbidly obese individuals/100,000/year undergo bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Most countries were found to provide inadequate treatment for obesity.The majority of the morbidly obese are not treated effectively. However, health-care awareness of obesity and bariatric surgeons are slowly increasing.     

Is the recovery profile of mivacurium independent of the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with normal plasma cholinesterase activity?

Background: The duration of action of muscle relaxants is poorly correlated to the rate of decay of their plasma concentration. The plasma concentration of mivacurium may rapidly decrease below its active concentration because of the extensive hydrolysis of mivacurium. By inflating a tourniquet on one upper limb for 3 min after the administration of atracurium, mivacurium or vecuronium, we studied the influence of the initial decline of their plasma concentration on their effect. Methods: In 50 patients anaesthetised with thiopental, isoflurane and fentanyl, the effect of bolus doses of 0.15 or 0.25 mg . kg^?1 mivacurium (MIV 15, MIV 25), 0.3 or 0.5 mg . kg^?1 atracurium (ATR 30, ATR 50) and 0.06 or 0.1 mg . kg^?1 vecuronium (VEC 06, VEC 10) were measured on both arms (evoked response of the adductor pollicis to train-of-four stimulation every 12 s), a tourniquet being applied on one arm just before and during 3 min after the muscle relaxant bolus. Results: Tourniquet inflation of 3 min almost abolished the neuromuscular effect of mivacurium. In the vecuronium groups and in the ATR 50 group, tourniquet inflation did not modify the maximum degree of depression of the twitch response. Also, the duration of action of vecuronium was unaffected by the tourniquet. In the ATR 30 group, times to return of the twitch response to 25% (duration 25%) and 75% (duration 75%) of control response were significantly shorter in the cuffed arm, 23 min vs 27 min, and 41 min vs 45 min, respectively. In the ATR 50 group, only duration 25% was significantly shorter in the cuffed arm (41 min vs 45 min). Conclusion: The results suggest that the rate of decline of the plasma concentration of mivacurium is so rapid, that a very low and almost clinically ineffective concentration is present as soon as 3 min after its administration. The results also indicate that the recovery from a mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade is not influenced by the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with genotypically normal plasma cholinesterase.     

Membranes in Artificial Organs

Abstract: Membrane processes play a pivotal and enabling role in modern replacement therapy for acute and chronic organ failure and in the management of immunologic diseases. In fact, virtually all contemporary extracorporeal blood purification methods employ membrane devices, and the next generation of artificial organs and tissue engineering therapies are almost certain to be similarly grounded in membrane technology. In this short essay, we comment on the similarities and differences among synthetic membranes and their natural counterparts and also provide a critical overview of the demographics and technology of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, apheresis, oxygenation, and emerging membrane technologies and applications.     

Influence of dopexamine hydrochloride on haemodynamics and regulators of circulation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background: Catecholaminergic support is often used to improve haemodynamics in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Dopexamine is a synthetic vasoactive catecholamine with beneficial microcirculatory properties. Methods: The influence of perioperative administration of dopexamine on cardiorespiratory data and important regulators of macro- and microcirculation were studied in 30 patients undergoing Whipple pancreaticduodenectomy. The patients received randomized and blinded either 2 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1 of dopexamine (n=15) or placebo (n=15, control group). The infusion was started after induction of anaesthesia and continued until the morning of the first postoperative day. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and catecholamine plasma levels were measured from arterial blood samples. Measurements were carried out after induction of anaesthesia, 2 h after onset of surgery, at the end of surgery, 2 h after surgery, and on the morning of the first postoperative day. Results: Cardiac index (CI) increased significantly in the dopexamine group (from 2.61±0.41 to 4.57±0.78 1 · min^?1 · m^?2) and remained elevated until the morning of the first postoperative day. Oxygen delivery index (DO₂I) and oxygen consumption index (VO₂I) were also significantly increased in the dopexamine group (DO₂I: from 416±91 to 717±110 ml/m² · m²; VO₂I: from 98±25 to 157±22 ml/m² · m²), being significantly higher than in the control group. pHi remained stable only in the dopexamine patients, indicating adequate splanchnic perfusion. Vasopressive regulators of circulation increased significantly only in the untreated control patients (vasopressin: from 4.37±1.1 to 35.9±12.1 pg/ml; ET-1: from 2.88±0.91 to 6.91±1.20 pg/ml). Conclusion: Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery may profit from prophylactic perioperative administration of dopexamine hydrochloride in the form of improved haemodynamics and oxygenation as well as beneficial influence on important regulators of organ blood flow.