二氮嗪预处理对大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注时心肌线粒体通透性转换孔的影响

目的 探讨二氮嗪预处理对大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注时心肌线粒体通透性转换孔(PTP)的影响.方法 健康SD大鼠72只,体重250～300 g,雌雄不拘,随机分为4组(n=18),建立离体心脏Langendorf再灌注模型,K-H液平衡灌注20 min后,对照组(C组)持续灌注K-H液100 min不停搏;缺血再灌注组(IR组)持续灌注K-H液30 min;二氮嗪预处理组(D组)依次灌注K-H液15 min、二氮嗪50 μmol/L 10 min和K-H液5 min;5-羟葵酸组(5-HD组)依次灌注5-HD 100 μmol/L 10 min、K-H液5min、二氮嗪50 μmol/L 10 min和K-H液5 min.除C组外其余组于平衡后30 min灌注4℃ St.Thomas停搏液,全心停搏40 min,再灌注30 min.各组于平衡末、缺血前即刻及再灌注末随机取6个心脏测定心肌线粒体PTP半开放时间(T1/2)和线粒体膜电位.结果 与平衡末、缺血前即刻相比,各组再灌注末心肌线粒体PTP T1/2缩短,膜电位降低(P《＜0.05或0.01);与C组比较,其余组心肌线粒体PTP T1/2缩短,膜电位降低(P＜0.01);与IR组比较,D组心肌线粒体PTP T1/2延长,膜电位升高(P＜0.01),5-HD组差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);与D组比较,5-HD组心肌线粒体PTP T1/2缩短,膜电位降低(P＜0.05).结论 二氮嗪50 μmol/L预处理可减少大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注时心肌线粒体PTP开放,减少线粒体膜电位的丢失,维持心肌线粒体膜的完整性.     

二氮嗪后处理对大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的 评价二氮嗪后处理对大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注损伤的影响.方法 雄性SD大鼠,体重250～300 g,成功建立Langendorff再灌注模型的64个心脏随机分为4组(n=16):正常对照组(C组)、缺血再灌注组(I/R组)、二氮嗪后处理组(D组)和线粒体ATP敏感性钾通道阻断剂5-羟葵酸+二氮嗪后处理组(5-HD+D组).采用K-H液平衡灌注20 min时,C组继续灌注K-H液70 min;I/R组、D组和5-HD+D组进行心肌缺血40 min,I/R组缺血前灌注4 ℃ ST.Thomas停跳液10 ml/kg;D组再灌注5 min时灌注含50μmol/L二氮嗪的K-H液5 min,然后再灌注20 min;5-HD+D组灌注二氮嗪前灌注含100 μmol/L 5-羟葵酸的K-H液5 min,再灌注20 min.分别于平衡灌注末与再灌注末时取8个心脏,记录心功能指标,然后提取线粒体,测定心肌细胞线粒体膜电位(MMP)、氧自由基(ROS)生成量和呼吸功能指标.结果 各组平衡灌注末时各指标差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).与C组比较,再灌注末时其余3组心功能和线粒体呼吸功能减退,MMP降低,ROS生成量增加(P＜0.05或0.01);与I/R组和5-HD+D组比较,D组心功能和线粒体呼吸功能改善,MMP升高,ROS水平降低(P＜0.01).结论二氮嗪后处理可减轻大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤,其机制与开放线粒体ATP敏感性钾通道而改善线粒体功能有关.     

不同预处理中线粒体KATP通道开放对未成熟心肌的作用

目的　了解线粒体ATP敏感性钾通道 (mKATP)开放在不同预处理过程中对幼兔心脏的影响 ,并探讨其机制。方法　幼兔 (小于 2 8d) 34只随机分成 5组 ,对照组 (n =8) :平衡 30min后缺血再灌注 ;二氮嗪预处理组 (n =8) :缺血前二氮嗪 ( 10 0 μmol/L)灌注 5min后重碳酸盐缓冲液 (KH液 )冲洗 10min ,St.ThomasⅡ (STH)停跳 ;二氮嗪 + 5 羟葵酸 ( 5 HD)预处理组 (n =5 ) :二氮嗪 ( 10 0 μmol/L)和 5 HD( 10 0 μmol/L)一起灌注 5min ;缺血预处理 (IPC)组 ( n =8) :平衡 15min后全心缺血 5min ,复灌 10min行IPC ,STH停跳 ;IPC + 5 HD组 (n =5 ) :IPC前用 5 HD ( 10 0μmol/L)灌注 5min。采用LangendOrff模型 ,常温 ( 38℃ )缺血 30min ,复灌 45min。 结果　缺血 /再灌注 (I/R)后二氮嗪组的线粒体评分较IPC组 (P <0 .0 5 )和对照组 (P <0 .0 1)低 ,IPC前给予 5 HD后线粒体评分仍较对照组低 (P <0 .0 5 )。二氮嗪组和IPC组左室发展压力 (LVDP)、左室压力上升和下降最大速率 (±dp/dtmax)恢复在多个时间点上均优于对照组 ,心肌组织ATP含量高于对照组 (P <0 .0 1) ,心肌酶较对照组降低 (P <0 .0 1)。结论　二氮嗪预处理能产生与IPC相似的心肌保护作用 ,并且对线粒体的保护效果较IPC好。mKATP通道和细胞膜KATP     

黄芪预处理对未成熟兔心肌缺血/再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的 观察黄芪预处理对未成熟兔心肌缺血，再灌注(I/R)损伤的保护作用及其机制。方法 24只幼兔(14—21d)随机分为三组，每组8只，利用Langendorff模型灌注其离体心脏。平稳灌注30min后，向球囊缓慢注入生理盐水，调整左室舒张压(LVDP)为10mmHg。对照组：继续灌注15min；黄芪组：黄芪注射液灌注15min；5-羟葵酸液(5-HD)组：5-HD灌注5min，黄芪注射液灌注10min。三组心脏均经历停灌30min(保温、保湿)、缺血自动停跳及再灌注45min复制全心缺血再灌注(I/R)模型。观察各组的血液动力学、冠脉流出液心肌酶活性及心肌能量变化、病理学和分子生物学的改变。结果 黄芪组左心功能、冠脉流量恢复及再灌后心肌组织内ATP含量明显优于对照组及5-HD组，心肌酶活性明显低于对照组及5-HD组，心肌细胞线粒体超微结构分析显示黄芪组线粒体损伤轻于对照组及5-HD组，心肌诱导型一氧化氮合酶含量高于对照组及5-HD组。结论 黄芪注射液预处理对未成熟兔心肌有一定的保护作用，其机制之一是开放KATP通道。     

环磷酸腺苷信号通路在二氮嗪预处理中对离体鼠心肌的保护作用

目的研究离体大鼠心肌经二氮嗪预处理(DPC)后环磷酸腺苷(cAMP)及环磷酸腺苷依赖蛋白激酶(PKA)表达的变化,探讨cAMP信号通路在DPC心肌保护作用中可能的机制。方法将40只Wistar大鼠建立离体心脏Langendorff灌注模型,随机分成4组,缺血再灌注组(I/R组,n=10):在心脏平衡灌流30 min后,缺血30 min再灌注K-H液1 h;二氮嗪预处理组(DPC组,n=10):在心脏平衡灌流10 min后,给予含二氮嗪(100μmol/L)的K-H液灌注5 min,再复灌不含二氮嗪的K-H液5 min后,再给予含二氮嗪的K-H液灌注5 min,再复灌不含二氮嗪的K-H液5 min,然后缺血30 min,再灌注K-H液60 min;空白对照组(对照组,n=10):用等量盐水代替二氮嗪,过程同DPC组;二甲基亚砜组(DMSO组,n=10):用DMSO代替二氮嗪,过程同DPC组。取缺氧前和复灌30 min后的冠脉流出液,测定肌酸激酶(CK)的活性,心肌丙二醛(MDA)和超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)含量,比较各组心肌梗死范围、心肌组织cAMP和环磷酸腺苷PKA含量的变化。结果心肌组织中MDA含量DPC组较I/R组明显减少(8.28±2.04 nmol/mg vs.15.52±2.18 nmol/mg,q=11.761,P0.05),SOD含量明显增加(621.39±86.23 U/mg vs.477.48±65.20 U/mg,q=5.598,P0.05);复灌30 min后DPC组冠脉流出液CK活性较I/R组明显减少(82.55±10.08 U/L vs.101.64±19.24 U/L,q=5.598,P0.05);心肌梗死面积明显减少(5.63%±9.23%vs.17.58%±5.76%,q=6.176,P0.05)。心肌组织cAMP含量DPC组较I/R组明显增加(0.64±0.07 pmol/g vs.0.34±0.05pmol/g,q=14.738,P0.05);PKA含量DPC组较I/R组明显增加[17.13±1.57 pmol/(L.min.mg)vs.12.85±2.01 pmol/(L.min.mg),P0.05]。I/R组与DMSO组、对照组上述指标比较均差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 DPC能增加心肌组织中cAMP、PKA的产生和释放,拮抗氧自由基,减轻心肌I/R损伤,cAMP信号通路可能参与DPC保护机制的触发过程。     

吗啡预处理-后处理对大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的 探讨吗啡预处理-后处理对大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注损伤的影响.方法 雄性SD大鼠,体重180～200 g,应用Langendorff体外灌流装置,采用全心停灌45 min、再灌注60 min的方法制备大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注模型.取模型制备成功的心脏40个,随机分为5组(n=8):缺血再灌注组(IR组)、吗啡预处理组(M1组)、吗啡后处理组(M2组)、吗啡预处理-后处理组(M1+M2组)、5-羟葵酸(5-HD)混合吗啡后处理组(5-HD+M2组).M1组全心停灌前30 min灌注含3.0 μmol/L吗啡的K-H液20 min,随后灌注K-H液10 min.M2组再灌注即刻灌注含3.0 μmol/L吗啡的K-H液10 min,随后灌注正常K-H液50 min.5-HD+M1组再灌注即刻灌注含3.0 μmol/L吗啡+10-4nunol/L 5-HD的K-H液10 min,随后灌注正常K-H液50 min.于再灌注60 min时,测定心肌肌酸激酶(CK-MB)活性,计算心肌梗死区与缺血危险区的比值(IS/AAR).结果 与IR组相比,其余各组IS/AAR减少,CK-MB活性降低(P<0.05);与M2组比较,5-HD+M2组CK-MB活性及IS/AAR升高(P<0.05);M1组、M2组和M1+M2组上述指标比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 吗啡预处理.后处理虽然可减轻大鼠离体心脏缺血冉灌注损伤,但是与单独应用时效果相似,其原因可能是两者单独应用减轻心脏缺血再灌注损伤的机制均与开放线粒体ATP敏感性钾通道有关.     

缺血预处理对大鼠离体缺血再灌注心脏心肌功能和线粒体ATP敏感性钾通道的影响

目的研究缺血预处理(IP)对大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用机制。方法 Wistar大鼠48只,其中40只随机分为缺血再灌注组(I/R组)、IP组、二氮嗪组(DZ组)、5-羟葵酸(选择性线粒体ATP敏感性钾通道阻滞剂)拮抗IP组(5-HD IP组)、5-羟葵酸拮抗二氮嗪组(5-HD DZ 组),每组8只,另外8只用作正常心肌线粒体电镜检查对照组。应用Langendorff离体心脏灌注系统建立心脏缺血再灌注模型,平衡灌注20 min后,30 min预处理期间各组进行以下处理,IP组进行2次缺血再灌注,灌注压8．5 kPa,灌注速率8．5 ml／min。每次IP缺血5 min再灌注5 min;DZ组灌注50 μmol ·L-1二氮嗪;5-HD IP组灌注100 μmol·L-1 5-羟葵酸10 min,然后给予2次IP;5-HD DZ组灌注5-羟葵酸100μmol-L-1 10min,再灌注二氮嗪50μmol·L-1 10min。然后各组全心缺血40min,再灌注30min。持续测定心功能指标[心率、左心室发展压(INDP)、左心室舒张末压(INEDP)和冠脉流量(CF)],再灌注末取心肌,提取线粒体,电镜下观察其病理学改变,并进行线粒体Flameng评分。结果与I／R组比较,IP和二氮嗪预处理能明显提高再灌注期间LVDP,降低LVEDP,降低心肌线粒体Flameng评分(P< 0．01),减轻心肌病理学损伤;5-羟葵酸能部分拮抗IP、完全拮抗二氮嗪预处理对心肌缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用。结论 IP对心肌缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用与线粒体ATP敏感性钾通道的激活有关。     

缺血后处理对缺血-再灌注心肌的保护作用及其与线粒体ATP敏感性钾通道的关系

目的探讨缺血后处理（IPo）的心肌保护作用及与心肌线粒体三磷酸腺苷（ATP）敏感性钾通道（mitoKATP）的关系,为药物后处理的研发提供依据。方法40只Wistar大鼠,建立大鼠离体心脏Langendorff灌注模型,采用随机数字表法分为5组,每组8只,正常对照组（NC组）：用K-H液持续灌注100min,不做任何处理;缺血-再灌注（I/R）组：全心缺血40min,再灌注60min;IPo组：全心缺血40min,再灌注10s,缺血10s,反复6次,然后持续再灌注58min;5-羟基癸酸（5-HD）组：全心缺血40min后,先用含5-HD（100μmol/L）的K-H液再灌注15min,再用不含5-HD的K-H液再灌注45min;IPo＋5-HD组：全心缺血40min后,先用含5-HD（100μmol/L）的K-H液再灌注10s,缺血10s,反复6次,再用含5-HD的K-H液持续灌注13min,然后用不含5-HD的K-H液再灌注45min。观察比较各组心功能、冠状动脉流量（CF）、冠状动脉流出液中心肌肌钙蛋白I（cTnI）含量、心肌梗死（AMI）面积和心肌细胞超微结构改变。结果再灌注末IPo组左心室发展压（74.3±3.3mmHgvs.57.1±3.3mmHg,t=13.00,P=0.000）、＋dp/dtmax（1706.6±135.6mmHg/svs.1313.3±96.2mmHg/s,t=6.28,P=0.000）、-dp/dtmax（1132.8±112.1mmHg/svs.575.7±67.7mmHg/s,t=13.48,P=0.000）、CF（6.49±0.30ml/minvs.3.70±0.24ml/min,t=28.60,P=0.000）与I/R组比较均升高;左心室舒张期末内压（10.9±1.7mmHgvs.26.2±1.5mmHg,t=-19.21,P=0.000）,冠状动脉流出液中cTnI含量（0.62±0.01ng/mlvs.0.71±0.01ng/ml,t=-12.00,P=0.000）均降低,AMI面积与I/R组比较减少20.8%（P〈0.05）。IPo＋5-HD组对心肌的保护作用与IPo组相似,但作用轻于IPo组。电子显微镜观察结果表明,IPo和IPo＋5-HD可减轻I/R引起的心肌纤维和线粒体损伤。结论IPo对I/R心肌有保护作用,其作用与mitoKATP的激活有关。     

吡那地尔超极化停搏对大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌时心肌线粒体损伤的影响

目的探讨吡那地尔超极化停搏对大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注时心肌线粒体损伤的影响。方法健康雄性SD大鼠,成功建立Langendorff再灌注模型的80个心脏随机分为5组：对照组（C组）、去极化停搏组（D组）、吡那地尔超极化停搏组（H组）、线粒体ATP敏感性钾通道阻滞剂5-羟葵酸（5-HD）＋去极化停搏组（5-HD＋D组）和5-HD＋吡那地尔超极化停搏组（5-HD＋H组）。以K-H液平衡灌注20 min后（平衡末）,C组阻断主动脉,不予停搏液灌注,使其自然停搏,D组用37℃ST.ThomasⅡ停搏液灌注,H组用37℃超极化停搏液灌注,5-HD＋D组和5-HD＋H组分别用含有100μmol/L 5-HD的37℃ST.ThomasⅡ停搏液或超极化停搏液20 ml/kg灌注,缺血40 min。分别于平衡末及再灌注30 min时取8个心脏,测定心肌线粒体呼吸功能指标[4态呼吸耗氧速率、3态呼吸耗氧速率、呼吸控制率（PCR）及磷氧比（P/O）]、线粒体酶（NADH氧化酶、琥珀酸氧化酶和细胞色素C氧化酶）活性及线粒体膜电位（MMP）,电镜下观察线粒体的超微结构。结果与平衡末比较,各组再灌注30 min时心肌线粒体呼吸功能指标（3态呼吸耗氧速率、PCR及P/O）、线粒体酶活性及MMP降低（P〈0.05或0.01）;与C组比较,再灌注30 min时其余各组上述指标均升高（P〈0.01）;再灌注30 min时H组线粒体的功能及病理损伤最轻。结论吡那地尔超极化停搏能明显改善大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注时心肌线粒体功能,减轻线粒体超微结构损伤,其机制与开放线粒体ATP敏感性钾通道有关。     

二氮嗪心脏停搏液对供心的保护作用

目的探讨二氮嗪(diazoxide)心脏停搏液对冷保存供心细胞凋亡的作用。方法用单纯随机抽样法将32只新西兰大耳白兔随机分成4组(每组8只):二氮嗪组(KH液加入50μmol/L二氮嗪),STH组(St.Thomas液),5-HD组(KH液中加入50μmol/L二氮嗪和100μmol/L 5-hydroxydecanoic acid)和KH组(KH液)。兔心分别在相应的心脏停搏液中冷保存(4℃)6h,应用Langendorff灌注模型,在保存前后测左心室发展压(LVDP)、左心室内压上升最大速率(+dp/dtmax),以保存前LVDP、+dp/dtmax值作基数计算保存后的恢复率。用原位末端标记法(TUNEL)检测保存后心肌细胞凋亡,测定保存后心肌组织中三磷酸腺苷(ATP)、丙二醛(MDA)的含量。结果二氮嗪组的LVDP、+dp/dtmax恢复率和心肌组织中ATP含量明显高于其他3组(P<0.05),而心肌细胞凋亡率、心肌MDA含量均明显低于其他3组(P<0.05)。结论二氮嗪心脏停搏液对离体心脏有保护作用,其作用可能与线粒体钾通道(mitochondrial KATP)开放有关;线粒体钾通道阻滞剂5-HD可取消二氮嗪的心肌保护作用。     

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.     

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.     

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.