硫化砷对骨肉瘤细胞生长和凋亡的影响

目的 研究硫化砷对骨肉瘤细胞生长和凋亡的影响，并探讨其可能的机制。方法 应用噻唑蓝（MTT）比色法检测细胞生长抑制率、倒置显微镜观察细胞形态、AnnexinV法检测细胞凋亡、逆转录-聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）法检测bcl-2及bax基因的表达，观察硫化砷对骨肉瘤细胞株MG-63诱导凋亡的作用。结果 硫化砷可明显抑制MG-63细胞的增殖，1．0mg／L浓度的硫化砷作用24h后，MG-63细胞的抑制率可达26．43％。倒置显微镜观察被硫化砷抑制的MG-63细胞呈典型的凋亡改变．流式细胞仪检测凋亡率与硫化砷处理时间、处理浓度呈正相关。在硫化砷的作用下，MG-63细胞的bcl-2表达下调，而bax表达无明显改变．结论 硫化砷可有效地诱导骨肉瘤细胞凋亡，bcl-2表达下调是诱导细胞凋亡的重要机制。     

肿瘤坏死因子相关凋亡诱导配体诱导前列腺癌细胞凋亡的研究

目的 研究肿瘤坏死因子相关凋亡诱导配体(TRAIL)对前列腺癌细胞的凋亡诱导作用。方法 10μg/L-100μg/L的TRAIL处理培养的PC-3M细胞4～24h后，采用Annexin-V荧光染色、透射电镜、原位末端转移酶标记技术(TUNEL)检测肿瘤细胞凋亡；流式细胞术和MTT比色检测凋亡率、细胞生长抑制率与TRAIL的时间、浓度依赖关系。结果10μg/L～100μg/L TRAIL作用4～24h，肿瘤细胞出现典型的凋亡形态学改变，随着TRAIL浓度的增加或药物作用时间的延长，肿瘤细胞凋亡率也增加，为13．8％～79．6％，同时细胞生长抑制率出现明显增加，药物作用8h为7．5％～37．9％，12h为16．7％～87．9％，24h为39．7％～97．6％。结论 TRAIL能够迅速和显著地诱导PC-3M细胞凋亡，可能成为晚期前列腺癌治疗的新方法。     

NS-398对骨肉瘤细胞的作用及其对Survivin表达的影响

目的：观察选择性环氧合酶-2抑制剂NS-398对人骨肉瘤细胞系MG-63的凋亡的影响及其对survivin基因表达的影响。方法：体外培养骨肉瘤细胞系MG-63，应用MTT法研究不同浓度NS-398对骨肉瘤细胞系MG-63的凋亡诱导作用，流式细胞仪检测细胞周期的改变及凋亡率的变化，RT-PCR法分析NS-398对骨肉瘤细胞系MG-63中survivin基因表达的影响。结果：NS-398可诱导骨肉瘤细胞系MG-63发生凋亡，并具有剂量依赖性，在NS-398浓度为200μmol／L时，对细胞生长有明显的抑制作用。流式细胞仪检测显示NS-398引起MG-63细胞凋亡率增加。RT-PCR分析显示经NS-398作用后的骨肉瘤细胞系MG-63表达survivin较用药前明显下降。结论：NS-398对骨肉瘤细胞系MG-63有杀伤作用，其作用可能通过抑制survivin的表达，促进肿瘤细胞的凋亡而实现。     

化疗药上调DR4、DR5表达体外逆转人骨肉瘤对TRAIL的耐受

目的研究肿瘤坏死因子相关凋亡诱导配体（TRAIL）与化疗药对人骨肉瘤的联合作用及其受体（TRAILR）在人骨肉瘤中的表达间的关系。方法应用细胞计数、AO／EB染色、流式细胞术等方法比较检测阿霉素、顺铂、甲氨喋呤、紫杉醇单独作用和与TRAIL联合作用于MG-63及骨肉瘤组织的细胞毒效应；应用原位杂交、Western Blot方法检测人骨肉瘤细胞系MG-63及新鲜骨肉瘤组织用药前后TRAILR的表达。结果阿霉素、顺铂和紫杉醇增强死亡受体的表达，且与TRAIL联合作用诱导人骨肉瘤细胞凋亡的效率显著强于单用。结论阿霉素、顺铂、紫杉醇通过上调DR4、DR5表达逆转人骨肉瘤对TRAIL的耐受。     

TRALL联合IFN-γ诱导骨肉瘤细胞凋亡实验研究

目的观察干扰素(IFN)-γ协同肿瘤坏死因子相关凋亡诱导配体(TRAIL)诱导骨肉瘤细胞(MG-63)凋亡的作用,初步探讨协同作用机制,并观察联合用药时对成纤维细胞的毒性作用。方法应用相差显微镜和电镜观察MG-63细胞经TRAIL、IFN-γ及TRAIL联合IFN-γ作用后细胞形态学变化;进行四唑盐比色试验观察不同实验组MG-63细胞和成纤维细胞抑制率;流式细胞仪观察细胞凋亡情况;逆转录-聚合酶链反应法观察IFN-γ作用后TRAIL膜受体表达情况。结果TRAIL联合IFN-γ应用时,随着IFN-γ作用时间的延长,细胞悬浮、空泡化等现象逐渐明显,且在作用24小时最为显著,电镜显示细胞凋亡的特征性变化;联合用药组细胞抑制率较单独TRAIL组增加,两者有显著性差异(P<0.01);联合用药组细胞凋亡率显著增加(P<0.01);应用IFN-γ前后,TRAIL死亡受体(DR)4的相对表达量增加,IFN-γ作用24小时表达量最大,两者有显著性差异(P<0.01);联合用药组对成纤维细胞的毒性,与单独TRAIL组相比没有显著增加(P>0.05)。结论IFN-γ可协同TRAIL诱导MG-63细胞凋亡,DR4表达量增加可能是协同作用的缘故。联合用药不会增加对成纤维细胞的毒副反应。     

蛋白酶体抑制剂MG132诱导骨肉瘤细胞凋亡及其对p27Kip1蛋白表达的影响

目的探讨蛋白酶体抑制剂Z-LLL-CHO(MG132)对人骨肉瘤MG-63细胞诱导凋亡的作用及其对p27Kip1蛋白表达的影响。方法分别以不同浓度的蛋白酶体抑制剂MG132培养p53突变型人骨肉瘤MG-63细胞、正常二倍体成纤维细胞WI-38和p53野生型人骨肉瘤U2OS细胞。通过MTT法检测不同培养时间的细胞增殖活力、琼脂糖凝胶电泳检测细胞凋亡、流式细胞仪定量检测不同时间的细胞凋亡发生率、Westernblot检测p27Kip1表达情况。结果MG132能选择性抑制人骨肉瘤MG-63和U2OS细胞生长,IC50分别为(0.92±0.06)μmol/L及(0.33±0.05)μmol/L,均低于二倍体成纤维WI-38细胞(9.13±0.12)μmol/L。1μmol/LMG132处理MG-63细胞24h后,DNA琼脂糖凝胶电泳可检测到典型的“阶梯状”DNA条带,而WI-38细胞则为基因组DNA。流式细胞仪于1μmol/LMG132作用12h后检测到明显的亚G1峰(凋亡细胞峰),且存在时效关系。Westernblot发现,处理后p27Kip1蛋白表达明显上调。结论蛋白酶体抑制剂MG132在体外可选择性诱导人骨肉瘤MG-63细胞凋亡。p27Kip1蛋白在诱导MG-63细胞凋亡中可能起重要作用。     

TRAIL联合IFN-γ诱导骨肉瘤细胞凋亡实验研究

目的 观察干扰素(IFN)-γ协同肿瘤坏死因子相关凋亡诱导配体(TRAIL)诱导骨肉瘤细胞(MG-63)凋亡的作用,初步探讨协同作用机制,并观察联合用药时对成纤维细胞的毒性作用.方法 应用相差显微镜和电镜观察MG-63细胞经TRAIL、IFN-γ及TRAIL联合IFN-γ作用后细胞形态学变化;进行四唑盐比色试验观察不同实验组MG-63细胞和成纤维细胞抑制率;流式细胞仪观察细胞凋亡情况;逆转录-聚合酶链反应法观察IFN-γ作用后TRAIL膜受体表达情况.结果 TRAIL联合IFN-γ应用时,随着IFN-γ作用时间的延长,细胞悬浮、空泡化等现象逐渐明显,且在作用24小时最为显著,电镜显示细胞凋亡的特征性变化;联合用药组细胞抑制率较单独TRAIL组增加,两者有显著性差异(P<0.01);联合用药组细胞凋亡率显著增加(P<0.01);应用IFN-γ前后,TRAIL死亡受体(DR)4的相对表达量增加,IFN-γ作用24小时表达量最大,两者有显著性差异(P<0.01);联合用药组对成纤维细胞的毒性,与单独TRAIL组相比没有显著增加(P>0.05).结论 IFN-γ可协同TRAIL诱导MG-63细胞凋亡,DR4表达量增加可能是协同作用的缘故,联合用药不会增加对成纤维细胞的毒副反应.     

塞来昔布协同顺铂P13K/Akt途径诱导骨肉瘤MG-63细胞凋亡的实验研究

目的 探讨环氧化酶-2(COX-2)选择性抑制剂塞来昔布对人骨肉瘤MG-63细胞增殖和凋亡的影响及作用机制.方法 塞来昔布(50 μmol/L或100 μmol/L)和(或)顺铂(10 μg/ml)作用骨肉瘤MG-63细胞48 h后,MTT法测定细胞增殖的抑制率,电子显微镜和流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡,RT-PCR法检测基因水平COX-2表达变化,Western blot检测COX-2及凋亡相关蛋白表达变化.P13K抑制剂Wortmannin作用MG-63细胞48 h,检测蛋白表达变化.结果 塞来昔布导致MG-63细胞阻滞在G1期,通过激活半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶(caspase)-9的内源性凋亡途径诱导细胞凋亡;顺铂单药作用后骨肉瘤MG-63细胞凋亡率为5.93%,而联合应用塞来昔布50μmol/L或100 μmol/L后,凋亡率分别为6.66%和37.15%,与顺铂联合具有明显的协同作用;COX-2蛋白表达未降低.塞来昔布联合顺铂明显降低P13K/Akt、survivin、Bcl-2的表达,检测到caspase-9、caspase-3的激活和PARP裂解片段.Wortmannin作用MG-63细胞48 h,检测到pAkt(Thr308)、Bcl-2、survivin表达下调.结论 塞来昔布可通过非COX-2途径诱导骨肉瘤MG-63细胞凋亡,与P13K/Akt、survivin、Bcl-2蛋白相关,并且PI3K/Akt途径在survivin、Bcl-2表达调控中发挥重要作用.这可能是塞来昔布药物干预的中心环节.     

三氧化二砷抗人骨肉瘤细胞株MG-63的实验分析

目的:探讨三氧化二砷(Arsenic Trioxide,As2O3)对人成骨肉瘤细胞株MG-63的抑制作用及机制.方法:将MG-63细胞于37℃,5％ CO2等实验条件下传代培养,等细胞进入对数生长期后再进行操作.采用以下实验方法:MTT检测:将MG-63细胞接种于96孔板,测定As2O3对MG-63细胞的半数抑制浓度(IC50),然后测定药物终浓度分别为0、As2O3的IC50、对MG-63细胞的抑制率.结果:MTT法测定As2O3对MG-63细胞的IC50为2.15μmol/ml,IC50浓度的As2O3MG-63细胞的抑制率分别为(52.20±0.19)％结论:低浓度的As2O3抑制骨肉瘤细胞增殖和诱导凋亡的能力均有明显增强.     

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 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.     

Synergistic interaction between the effects of propofol and midazolam with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity in rabbits

Background: It has been shown that the depressive effects of both propofol and midazolam on consciousness are synergistic with opioids, but the nature of their interactions on other physiological systems, e. g. respiration, has not been fully investigated. The present study examined the effect of propofol and midazolam alone and in combination with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity (PNA) and whether such interactions are additive or synergistic. Methods: PNA was recorded in 27 anaesthetised and artificially ventilated rabbits. In three groups, propofol, fentanyl and midazolam were administered intravenously in incremental doses to construct dose-response curves for the depressant effects of each one on PNA. In another two groups, the effect of pretreatment with either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. on the effects of propofol and fentanyl respectively on PNA were studied. Results: Propofol and fentanyl caused a dose-dependent depression of PNA with complete abolition at the highest total doses of 16 mg · kg^?1 i. v. and 32 μg · kg^?1 i. v., respectively. In contrast, midazolam in incremental doses to a total of 0.8 mg · kg^?1 reduced mean PNA by 63%, but approximately 12% of PNA remained at a total dose as high as 6.4 mg · kg^?1. The mean ED₅₀s, calculated from dose-response curves, were 5.4 mg · kg^?1, 3.9 μg · kg^?1 and 0.4 mg · kg^?1 for propofol, fentanyl and midazolam, respectively. Initial doses of either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. acted synergistically with subsequent doses of either propofol or fentanyl to abolish PNA at total doses of 8 mg · kg^?1 and 8 μg · kg^?1, respectively. Conclusion: Fentanyl has a synergistic interaction with both propofol and midazolam on PNA and hence potentially on respiration.     

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.