阻塞性黄疸大鼠肝组织细胞凋亡及相关基因bcl-2、bax的表达

目的　探讨阻塞性黄疸肝损害的调控机制。方法　用末端脱氧核苷酸转移酶介导生物素标记(TUNEL)技术和免疫组织化学方法检测 4 0只阻塞性黄疸大鼠肝脏组织细胞凋亡状态及凋亡相关基因bcl 2和bax蛋白的表达。结果　胆总管结扎后 ,随结扎时间的延长细胞凋亡增加 ,结扎 14d后细胞凋亡达高峰 ,凋亡指数 (AI)达 5 8.2 3± 1.5 8,各组AI差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 )。在阻塞性黄疸过程中 ,bcl 2蛋白表达越强 ,bax蛋白表达越弱 ,AI亦越少。结论　bcl 2和bax蛋白均参与了阻塞性黄疸肝组织中细胞凋亡的调节。     

诱生型一氧化氮合酶在阻塞性黄疸肝损害中的调控作用

目的：通过体内、外实验，探讨诱生型一氧化氮合酶（iNOS）在阻塞性黄疸肝损害中的调控作用。方法：（1）　体外实验：采用胶原酶原位肝灌注法分离大鼠肝细胞，行原代培养后，用iNOS抑制剂SMT作用于肝细胞，50μmol/L 甘氨鹅脱氧胆酸钠(GCDC) 作用后用流式细胞术（FCM）及原位末端标记法（TUNEL）检测肝细胞凋亡情况。（2）体内实验：结扎大鼠胆总管, 结扎后3，7，14，21d, 分别用TUNEL法及免疫组化SABC法检测大鼠肝组织细胞凋亡状态及iNOS蛋白的表达。结果：（1） 随SMT浓度的增加，肝细胞的凋亡明显减少。（2）大鼠胆总管结扎后随结扎时间的延长细胞凋亡指数(AI)升高，结扎14d后AI达高峰。iNOS蛋白表达越强, 则AI越高。结论：iNOS参与阻塞性黄疸肝细胞凋亡的调节，并在阻塞性黄疸肝损害的发生和发展中起重要作用。     

阻塞性黄疸大鼠肝细胞凋亡及蛋白激酶C信号通道的调控作用

目的探讨阻塞性黄疸肝损害的调控机制。方法采用胶原酶原位肝灌注法获取大鼠肝细胞，行原代培养，用蛋白激酶(PK)C激动剂帕斯酶埃(PMA)、拮抗剂切勒斯埃作用于肝细胞，再用50μmol／L甘氨鹅脱氧胆酸钠(GCDC)作用后行流式细胞术(FCM)及用末端脱氧核苷酸转移酶(TdT)介导的脱氧核苷酸(duTP)缺口末端标记技术(TUNEL)检测肝细胞凋亡情况。结扎大鼠胆总管后3、7、14、21d处死大鼠，用TUNEL技术及免疫组织化学方法检测阻塞性黄疸大鼠肝脏组织细胞凋亡状态及PKC蛋白的表达。结果随PMA浓度的增加，肝细胞的凋亡明显增加。随Chelerythrine的增加，肝细胞的凋亡明显减少。大鼠胆总管结扎后随结扎时间的延长细胞凋亡指数(AI)增加，结扎14d后AI达高峰。PKC表达越强，AI就越高。结论PKC信号通道参与了阻塞性黄疸肝细胞凋亡的调节，并在阻塞性黄疸肝损害的发生和发展中起重要作用。     

蛋白激酶C在阻塞性黄疸肝损伤中的作用及果糖防治机制的研究

目的探讨阻塞性黄疸肝损害的调控机制。方法采用胶原酶原位肝灌注法获取大鼠肝细胞，行原代培养。(1)用蛋白激酶C(protein kinase C，PKC)激动剂PMA、拮抗剂Chelerythrine作用于肝细胞，再用50μmol／L甘氨鹅脱氧胆酸钠(glycochenodeoxycholate，GCDC)作用后行FCM及TUNEL检测肝细胞凋亡情况；(2)使用不同浓度果糖(Fructose)作用于肝细胞，100μmol／L的GCDC作用后行FCM及TUNEL检测；(3)结扎大鼠胆总管，有和无果糖喂养后3d、7d、14d、21d处死大鼠，分别用TUNEL技术及SAN2法检测阻塞性黄疸大鼠肝脏组织细胞凋亡状态及PKC蛋白的表达。结果(1)随PMA浓度的增加，肝细胞的凋亡明显增加，随Chelerythrine的增加，肝细胞的凋亡明显减少；(2)经果糖作用后，100μmol／L的GCDC致肝细胞的凋亡率明显减少，且随果糖作用浓度的增加肝细胞凋亡率减少；(3)大鼠胆总管结扎后，无果糖作用时，随结扎时间的延长，细胞凋亡指数(AI)增加，结扎14d后AI达高峰，PKC蛋白表达越强，AI就越高。有果糖作用时，PKC蛋白在14d、21d表达较无果糖作用时明显减少，凋亡指数较无果糖作用时均明显减少。结论蛋白激酶C信号通道参与了阻塞性黄疸肝细胞凋亡的调节，并在阻塞性黄疸肝损害的发生和发展中起重要作用。果糖通过抑制PKC的表达在阻塞性黄疸肝损伤中起保护作用。     

蛋白激酶 C信号通道在阻塞性黄疸肝损害发生发展中的作用

目的 探讨阻塞性黄疸肝损害的调控机理。方法（1）采用胶原酶原位肝灌注法获取大鼠肝细胞，行原代培养，用蛋白激酶C（PKC）激动剂帕斯酶埃（PMA）、拮抗剂切勒埃（cheleryhrine)作用于肝细胞，再用50μmol/L甘氨鹅脱氧胆酸钠（GCDC）作用后行流行细胞术（FCM）及用末端脱氧核苷酸转移酶（TdT)介导的脱氧核苷酸（dUTP)缺口末端标记技术（TUNEL）检测肝细胞凋亡情况。（2）分别于结扎大鼠胆总管后3d、7d、14d及21d处死大鼠，用TUNEL技术及免疫组织化学方法检测阻塞性黄疸大鼠肝脏组织细胞凋亡状态及PKC蛋白的表达。结果（1）随PMA浓度的增加，肝细胞的凋亡明显增加，随Chelerythrine的增加，肝细胞的凋亡明显减少。（2）大鼠胆总管结扎后随结扎时间的延长细胞凋亡指数（AI）增加，结扎14d后AI达高峰。PKC蛋白表达越强，AI就越高。结论 蛋白激酶C信号通道参与了阻塞性黄疸肝细胞凋亡的调节，并在阻塞性黄疸肝损害的发生和发展中起重要作用。     

阻塞性黄疸大鼠法尼酯衍生物X受体表达及加味大柴胡汤作用的研究

目的:研究法尼酯衍生物X受体(FXR)对胆汁酸代谢的作用,以及加味大柴胡汤对FXR的表达的影响.方法:制作急性阻塞性黄疸大鼠模型,分为7、14、21 d 3个时段,每个时段又分为胆总管结扎 加味大柴胡汤组、胆总管结扎 TUDCA、胆总管结扎组 生理盐水组、假手术 生理盐水组等4组,每组6只.生化检测ALT、TB、TBA、ALP;免疫组化法检测FXR蛋白表达.结果:胆道梗阻后,随梗阻时间的延长,FXR表达减弱.血清TBA、ALT、ALP、TB含量明显增加.加味大柴胡汤使FXR表达上调,血清TBA、ALT、ALP、TB明显下降,肝脏病变减轻.结论:阻塞性黄疸时FXR表达可调节胆汁酸代谢.加味大柴胡汤可以上调FXR蛋白表达,促进胆汁酸代谢,从而减轻肝脏损害.     

阻塞性黄疸大鼠术前胆道内、外引流对肝细胞再生能力的影响

目的　探讨阻塞性黄疸大鼠肝叶切除术前胆道内、外引流对肝细胞再生能力的影响和机制。方法　将大鼠胆总管结扎 5d后 ,分别行胆道内、外引流 5d ,再行 70 %肝叶切除术。结果　胆道外引流组与内引流组和对照组大鼠相比 ,反映肝细胞再生能力的肝细胞核DNA含量、增殖细胞核抗原 (proliferatingcellnuclearantigen ,PCNA)指数、有丝核分裂指数 (mitoticindexMI)明显减低 (P <0 0 5 )。胆道外引流组肝细胞C met/HGF R基因表达也减低 (P <0 0 1)。结论　阻塞性黄疸大鼠肝叶切除术前胆道外引流对肝细胞再生能力有明显抑制作用 ;胆道外引流组肝细胞C met/HGF R基因表达减弱可能是该组肝细胞再生能力下降的重要因素。     

经门静脉原位灌注自制肝保护液对梗阻性黄疸大鼠门静脉阻断期间肝脏的保护作用

目的:研究梗阻性黄疸大鼠门静脉阻断期间给予低温灌注自制肝保护液对肝脏的保护作用.方法:72只大鼠行胆总管结扎1周后随机均分为对照组(胆道再通,仅游离门静脉);门静脉阻断(PVO)组(胆道再通后,行PV0 1.5 h);乳酸林格液灌注组(胆道再通,PVO过程中将4℃乳酸林格液注入门静脉肝侧);自制肝保护液灌注组(胆道再通,PVO过程中将4℃自制肝保护液注入门静脉肝侧).于术后0,6,24 h采集肝组织标本,采用Western blot法检测肝组织bcl-2,bax及caspase-3蛋白的表达,TUNEL法检测肝细胞凋亡情况.结果:与对照组比较,PVO组术后个时间点肝组织bcl-2蛋白略有增加,但差异无统计学意义(均P＞0.05),而2个灌注组肝组织bcl-2蛋白表达在术后6,24 h均明显升高(均P＜0.05),且自制肝保护液灌注组升高更为明显(均P＜0.05);PVO组术后6,24 h肝组织Bax,easpase-3蛋白表达明显升高及肝细胞凋亡率明显增加(均P＜0.05),两种灌注液均能明显抑制Bax和easpase-3蛋白表达的升高和肝细胞凋亡率的增加(均P＜0.05),且自制肝保护液的以上作用更为明显(均P＜0.05).结论:自制肝保护液对合并梗阻性黄疸的PVO具有肝保护作用,其机制与抑制线粒体途径的肝细胞凋亡有关.     

精氨酸对梗阻性黄疸大鼠肝损伤的保护作用及其对肝细胞凋亡的影响

目的 探讨梗阻性黄疸时精氨酸是否对肝脏具有保护作用及其对肝细胞凋亡的影响.方法 Wistar大鼠42只随机分为3组:A组为假手术组、B组为梗阻性黄疸组、C组为精氨酸治疗组;B组和C组采取双重结扎大鼠胆总管制作梗阻性黄疸模型,C组术后第1天开始每天腹腔注射精氨酸500 mg/(kg·d),分别于术后第7天和第14天取材,采集鼠血清检测TBIL、DBIL、ALT、AST;大鼠肝脏组织进行HE染色切片观察组织形态,电镜观察胞内形态并对组织切片应用Bax、Bcl-2试剂盒行免疫组化染色.结果 与A组大鼠相比,B组大鼠血清胆红素和转氨酶明显增高.肝细胞损伤不断加重并出现显著凋亡改变,随着胆总管结扎时间的延长而更加明显.应用精氨酸治疗的C组大鼠,其肝功能和肝脏组织病理学改变较B组轻.B组和C组大鼠肝组织中Bax、Bcl-2蛋白表达均随时间而增多,但B组Bax表达增多较明显,而C组Bcl-2蛋白表达增多较明显.结论 精氨酸对梗阻性黄疸大鼠肝脏有保护作用,可能是通过上调肝脏组织Bcl-2蛋白表达,下调肝脏组织Bax蛋白的表达减少细胞凋亡来实现的.     

急性胰腺炎大鼠肾上腺损伤中bax与bcl-2表达的研究

目的 观察急性胰腺炎(AP)大鼠肾上腺损伤时细胞凋亡及调控基因bcl-2和bax蛋白的表达及作用.方法 采用牛磺胆酸钠逆行胰胆管注射法建立AP模型.术后3、6、12 h检测血皮质酮水平,观察肾上腺病理,TUNEL检测细胞凋亡,免疫组织化学检测bcl-2和bax蛋白表达.结果 与SO组比较,AP3 h组血清皮质酮显著增高,随后逐渐降低(P＜0.05).随病程延长,肾上腺细胞凋亡指数增高,bax蛋白表达增强,bax/bcl-2比值亦逐渐升高(P值均＜0.05),并与凋亡指数(AI)呈正相关(r =0.759,P＜0.05).结论 bax和bcl-2可能参与了AP肾上腺损伤的发病过程.通过激活bcl-2和抑制bax的蛋白表达,减少细胞凋亡发生从而保护肾上腺结构和功能,可能为今后AP及相关肾上腺损伤的药物及基因治疗提供依据和新思路.     

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.