神经干细胞移植对脊髓损伤后PLP基因表达的影响

目的：研究神经干细胞(NSCs)移植对大鼠脊髓损伤(SCI)后髓鞘蛋白前脂蛋白(PLP)基因表达的影响，探讨神经干细胞移植促进大鼠SCI后髓鞘再生的机制。方法：NSCs由5-溴-2脱氧尿嘧啶核苷标记法(Brdu)标记。实验分为3组：NSCs移植组(A组)、DMEM填充组(B组)、正常对照组(C组)。大鼠SCI后第7d移植NSCs，应用免疫组化和RT—PCR法观察NSCs移植后是否存活，以及大鼠脊髓损伤区PLP基因表达的动态变化。结果：NSCs移植后在受体脊髓内存活，NSCs移植组较单纯损伤组明显促进了PLP基因在分子和蛋白水平的表达。结论：NSCs移植后可存活并促进PLP基因的表达，是促进脊髓损伤后髓鞘再生的机制之一。     

神经干细胞移植对大鼠脊髓损伤后BDNF与GAP-43基因表达的影响

目的:研究海马源性神经干细胞(NSCs)移植对大鼠脊髓损伤(SCI)后生长相关蛋白43(GAP-43)及脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)基因表达的影响,探讨神经干细胞移植修复大鼠脊髓损伤的机制.方法:NSCs提取自新生胎鼠的海马区,经过培养及鉴定.实验分为3组:NSCs移植组、DMEM填充组、正常对照组.大鼠SCI后第7d移植NSCs,应用RTPCR法观察NSCs移植后,大鼠脊髓损伤区GAP-43和BDNF基因表达的变化.结果:NSCs移植组较单纯损伤组明显增强了GAP-43mRNA与BDNFmRNA的表达.结论:NSCs移植后改变脊髓损伤区的微环境,上调BDNFmRNA,促进GAP-43mRNA的表达,是修复脊髓损伤的机制之一.     

神经干细胞移植对大鼠脊髓损伤后BDNF与GAP-43基因表达的影响

目的：研究海马源性神经干细胞(NSCs)移植对大鼠脊髓损伤(SCI)后生长相关蛋白43(GAP-43)及脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)基因表达的影响，探讨神经干细胞移植修复大鼠脊髓损伤的机制。方法：NSCs提取自新生胎鼠的海马区，经过培养及鉴定。实验分为3组：NSCs移植组、DMEM填充组、正常对照组。大鼠SCI后第7d移植NSCs，应用RT-PCR法观察NSCs移植后，大鼠脊髓损伤区GAP-43和BDNF基因表达的变化。结果：NSCs移植组较单纯损伤组明显增强了GAP-43mRNA与BDNFmRNA的表达。结论：NSCs移植后改变脊髓损伤区的微环境，上调BDNFmRNA，促进GAP-43mRNA的表达，是修复脊髓损伤的机制之一。     

神经营养因子-3修饰的神经干细胞移植大鼠受损脊髓后的存活及分化

目的 观察增强型绿色荧光蛋白(EGFP)标记的神经营养因子(NT)-3修饰的胚胎脊髓来源的神经干细胞(NSCs)移植入受损脊髓后的存活及分化.方法 将体外构建的EGFP标记NT-3修饰的NSCs(NT-3-NSCs)移植入SD在胸9水平脊髓半切的大鼠(10只),通过免疫组织化学方法检测移植细胞的存活、分化及NT-3的表达,并与未进行NT-3修饰的NSCs移植组(NSCs)(10只)进行比较.结果 NT-3-NSCs组移植细胞存活数(304±40)比NSCs组(258±41)更多(P>0.05).NT-3-NSCs组中NT-3阳性细胞的比例(74.2±14.1)%明显高于NSCs组(22.9±11.1)%(P<0.01);NT-3-NSCs组中少突胶质细胞分化率(53.8±12.4)%明显高于NSCs组(39.7±13.7)%(P<0.05).结论 NT-3修饰能促进NSCs在受损脊髓内存活、表达NT-3及分化为少突胶质细胞,有助于NSCs移植对脊髓损伤(SCI)的治疗效果.     

神经干细胞-多肽自组装凝胶复合体移植治疗脊髓损伤

目的 观察神经干细胞( NSCs)复合多肽自组装凝胶移植对大鼠脊髓损伤(SCI)后功能修复的影响.方法 36只SD大鼠造模后1周随机分为3组,分别为DMEM/F12对照组(n＝12)、NSCs移植组(n=12)和NSCs-凝胶移植组(n=12).通过不同时间点BBB评分、病理组织学、免疫荧光技术评价脊髓损伤的修复.结果 移植后2周开始3组大鼠各时间点评分差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01),且组间差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.01);移植后6周,病理切片示C组大量再生的神经纤维桥接脊髓断端,胶质瘢痕不明显;免疫荧光染色示C组5-溴脱氧尿嘧啶核苷(5-BrdU)/NF-200双标阳性细胞比例(24.83±1.47)％明显多于B组(6.83±1.47)％(P＜0.01),但B组BrdU/GFAP双标阳性细胞比例(42.17±2.71)％明显多于C组(34.33±4.63)％ (P＜0.01).结论 自组装多肽凝胶能提高神经干细胞向神经元分化的比例,复合移植能更有效地促进脊髓功能恢复.     

骨髓基质细胞体外分化移植治疗大鼠脊髓损伤的初步研究

[目的]探讨大鼠骨髓基质细胞体外分化为神经干细胞后移植治疗大鼠脊髓损伤的可行性。[方法]骨髓基质细胞经培养及定向分化为神经干细胞，后者由5-溴脱氧尿嘧啶核苷法标记，制备大鼠脊髓损伤模型，伤后第9d移植神经干细胞，实验分组：细胞移植组、PBS填充组、正常对照组。应用组化法观察移植细胞是否存活，取材前24h显露坐骨神经，行辣根过氧化物酶逆行示踪法观察脊髓损伤处的修复重建。[结果]骨髓基质细胞在定向分化为神经干细胞后标记并移植于脊髓损伤区，标记的阳性细胞可在受体脊髓内检测到，辣根示踪技术显示细胞移植组较PBS填充组阳性细胞明显增多，差别有统计学意义。[结论]大鼠骨髓基质细胞在体外分化为神经干细胞后移植于脊髓损伤区，移植细胞可以存活，并参与脊髓损伤处神经传导通路的结构重建。     

神经干细胞移植治疗大鼠脊髓损伤的体内示踪

目的:探讨观察神经干细胞(NSCs)移植到大鼠损伤脊髓(SCI)后迁徙情况的方法.方法:体外培养大鼠NSCs,应用超顺磁性氧化铁(super paramagnetic iron oxide,SPIO)及多聚左旋赖氨酸(PLL)标记NSCs,分别进行普鲁士蓝染色、电子显微镜观察NSCs在体外标记情况.66只SD大鼠随机分为假损伤组(A组)、脊髓损伤对照组(B组)、脊髓损伤后NSCs移植治疗组(C组),分别在细胞移植术后第7d、14d、21d、28d及35d,按照改良Tadov评分法和Rivlin斜板试验观察大鼠神经功能恢复情况,B、C组术后第7、21、35d行MRI检查,扫描序列包括T1WI、T2WI、T2*WI.结果:(1)普鲁士蓝染色证实SPIO和PLL标记NSCs的有效率为100％.(2)细胞移植后7～35d,C组与B组动物运动功能均有不同程度恢复,但B组恢复较慢,14d、21d、28d和35d时C组Tarlov评分和斜板试验角度与B组相比差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).(3)1.5T MRI榆查,C组移植处在T2*WI序列呈低信号改变,第21d低信号向损伤区扩大,第35d损伤区见到低信号改变.B组相同时间点无低信号改变.第35天时与B组相比,C组3个扫描序列中信号强度分别下降32.55％、54.14％、62.27％,T2*WI的信号强度变化最大,T1WI变化最小.结论:磁共振技术可以追踪SPIO及PLL标记的移植在体内的NSCs.     

神经干细胞单细胞与神经球治疗大鼠脊髓损伤的对比研究

目的比较神经干细胞(neural stem cells,NSCs)单细胞与神经球移植治疗大鼠脊髓损伤(spinal cordinjury,SCI)的效果,研究两种NSCs移植方法治疗SCI的有效性。方法取成年SD大鼠2只,体外分离脊髓组织并行NSCs培养,取第3代细胞行Hoechst33342、巢蛋白染色及贴壁分化鉴定。另取成年SD大鼠(体重230～250 g)60只,随机分为3组,每组20只,采用改良Allen法制备大鼠脊髓T10损伤模型。各组分别于SCI处缓慢注射5μL生理盐水(A组)、第3代NSCs单细胞(B组)、第3代NSCs神经球(C组)。分别于术前及术后3、7、14、21、28 d采用BBB行为功能评定量表评定各组大鼠后肢功能;术后各时间点取材行HE染色和微管相关蛋白2(microtubule-associated protein 2,MAP-2)免疫组织荧光染色观察。结果经形态学观察及鉴定,所培养的细胞为NSCs。术后3 d各组BBB评分较术前显著下降,术后3、7 d各组间BBB评分比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);随时间延长BBB评分不同程度增加,术后14、21、28 d,B、C组BBB评分优于A组,C组优于B组,比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。HE染色示C组较A、B组脊髓结构清晰,瘢痕形成少。MAP-2免疫组织荧光染色示,术后3、7 d各组间阳性细胞数比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);术后14、21、28 d,B、C组阳性细胞数显著多于A组,C组多于B组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论采用NSCs神经球移植较单细胞移植更明显促进NSCs向神经元分化,更有利于SCI后下肢功能恢复。     

神经干细胞移植促进脊髓损伤后脑源性神经营养因子的表达

目的：探讨神经干细胞（NSCs）移植对大鼠脊髓损伤后脑源性神经营养因子（BDNF）表达的影响及其意义。方法：NSCs提取自新生Wistar大鼠的海马区，经培养、鉴定。制作大鼠脊髓损伤（SCI）模型，于伤后第7天移植NSCs。实验分为3组：NSCs移植组（A组），DMEM填充组（B组），正常对照组（C组）。应用RT—PCR法和免疫组化法观察细胞移植后BDNF基因表达的变化。结果：RT—PCR结果分析，移植术后第1、3、5天，A组BDNF mRNA的表达量明显高于B组，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。组化结果分析，移植术后第7、14、28天BDNF的表达量A组明显高于B组，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论：NSCs在移植后可上调脑源性神经营养因子BDNF基因的表达，是其修复脊髓损伤的机制之一。     

补阳还五汤对骨髓间质干细胞移植治疗大鼠脊髓损伤的影响

目的:观察补阳还五汤联合骨髓间质干细胞(MSCs)移植对大鼠脊髓损伤后神经功能恢复以及移植的MSCs迁移情况的影响,并探讨其作用机制。方法:SD大鼠80只,其中70只用改良Allen法制备大鼠T10脊髓损伤模型,并随机分为中药 MSCs组20只、MSCs组20只、假手术组(无脊髓损伤)10只、中药组20只、空白对照组(无治疗)10只。中药 MSCs组、MSCs组、假手术组行大鼠尾静脉移植带Brdu标记的MSCs。各组大鼠于术后1、3、5周观察神经功能恢复、免疫组化检测带标记的MSCs迁移情况。结果:与空白对照组相比,治疗组神经功能测定在术后1、3、5周时均明显高于对照组(P<0·01)。术后1周移植组的脊髓组织内即可见Brdu标记阳性细胞(假手术组除外),术后5周中药 MSCs组Brdu阳性细胞计数较MSCs组有显著性差异(P<1.05)。结论:静脉注射移植的MSCs能够迁移到脊髓损伤组织,并促进神经功能的恢复。补阳还五汤能促进移植的MSCs迁移,同时有利于脊髓功能的恢复。     

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.