骺板软骨细胞复合三维支架体外构建组织工程软骨的研究

目的探讨将骺板软骨细胞复合三维支架经体外培养,构建组织工程软骨的效果及其生物学特点. 方法将3周龄幼兔第1代骺板软骨细胞与液态的生物凝胶混合,接种于聚磷酸钙纤维/L-聚乳酸(CPPF/PLLA)三维支架材料,构建组织工程软骨组织块,连续培养4周.行大体、倒置显微镜及组织学、Ⅰ型和Ⅱ型胶原免疫组织化学光镜观察,定量检测硫酸糖胺多糖(GAG)含量. 结果构建的组织工程软骨块在培养过程中能保持其初始外形,种子细胞呈稳定的三维均相分布,外观逐渐呈乳白色、半透明,硬度亦不断增加.培养1周有软骨细胞陷窝形成,2周后形成富含Ⅱ型胶原和蛋白聚糖、具有典型软骨组织结构的工程化软骨,且Ⅰ型胶原逐渐转为阴性.4周时构建软骨的组织结构与天然骺板软骨相类似,硫酸GAG含量平均为天然骺板软骨的34%以上. 结论骺板软骨细胞复合三维支架体外培养可生成典型软骨,且可形成类似天然骺板软骨的组织结构,能满足修复骺板缺损的基本要求.体外培养1～2周可能是植入体内修复骺板缺损的较佳时机.     

人肋软骨细胞体外培养中生长代谢及功能的变化

目的　通过检测体外培养的人肋软骨细胞老化过程中Ⅰ、Ⅱ型胶原和蛋白聚糖(aggrecan)的表达变化 ,为组织工程软骨构建的种子细胞选择适宜的回植时机。方法　取体外培养的P1 ～P5人肋软骨细胞 ,通过观察细胞形态 ,细胞增殖率 ,Alcianblue法定量检测每代Aggrecan中GAG含量 ,免疫组化蛋白水平观察Ⅰ、Ⅱ型胶原表达及RT PCR从mRNA水平分析Ⅰ、Ⅱ型胶原及Aggrecan基因表达量。结果　人肋软骨细胞从第 3代起逐渐向成纤维样细胞形态转换 ;每代软骨细胞Aggrecan中GAG含量随传代次数逐渐降低 ,第 3代后处于较低水平 ;Ⅰ、Ⅱ型胶原的表达在蛋白水平及mRNA水平基本一致 ,第 2代以前Ⅱ型胶原表达较强 ,Ⅰ型胶原表达较弱 ,之后随传代Ⅱ型胶原表达减弱 ,Ⅰ型胶原表达逐渐增强 ;而Aggrecan在第 3代以前表达较高 ,从第 4代后明显下降。结论　人软骨细胞体外培养老化过程中综合细胞扩增及细胞功能因素 ,第 2代的软骨细胞 (体外扩增约 18 32 6倍 )可作为构建人组织工程软骨的种子细胞。     

骨髓基质细胞与关节软骨细胞生物学特性的比较研究

目的观察兔骨髓基质细胞(MSCs)诱导和基因修饰后的主要生物学特性,并与关节软骨细胞进行比较. 方法抽取成年雄性新西兰大白兔髂骨骨髓,密度梯度离心获得骨髓基质细胞,培养传至第5代,按处理方法分为常规培养液组(A组)、条件培养液组(B组)及重组缺陷型腺病毒携带肝细胞生长因子cDNA转染组(C组).条件培养液为常规培养液中含转化生长因子-β1(10 ng/ml)、碱性成纤维细胞生长因子(25 ng/ml)和地塞米松(10-7 mol/L).切取兔膝关节软骨,3 mg/ml Ⅱ型胶原酶消化传代培养至第3代(D组).观察原代MSCs及第5代MSCs(体外培养8～10周后)细胞形态,对第5代MSCs及第3代软骨细胞进行Ⅰ、Ⅱ型胶原免疫组织化学染色,MTT法检测细胞增殖情况.阿利新蓝法检测细胞培养上清液中糖胺多糖(GAG)含量.提取各组培养细胞总RNA,RT-PCR检测Ⅰ、Ⅱ型胶原表达. 结果原代MSCs为短梭形、簇状生长,传代细胞呈长梭形、旋涡样生长.A组细胞爬片Ⅰ型胶原免疫组织化学染色阳性,Ⅱ型胶原免疫组织化学染色阴性,GAG含量低,与D组比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).B组细胞爬片Ⅰ、Ⅱ型胶原免疫组织化学染色阳性,GAG含量升高,与D组比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);C组转染后第4天增殖率降低,与A组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),其余时间点各组间无统计学意义(P＞0.05).RT-PCR表明A、B、C组均表达Ⅰ型胶原,B、D组可表达Ⅱ型胶原,C组有较弱的Ⅱ型胶原表达. 结论 MSCs体外培养过程中自然转归趋向于成骨.传代后经向成软骨方向诱导,具有向软骨分化的能力;体外传代培养的MSCs具有干细胞自我增殖和定向分化的特性,可作为靶细胞接受外源目的基因转染并能有效表达.     

基于永生化软骨细胞和骨髓基质干细胞的工程化软骨形成的实验研究

目的 :探讨hTERT转染的永生化软骨细胞和骨髓基质干细胞 (MSCs)裸鼠体内形成软骨的能力。方法 :通过真核表达载体 ,把人端粒酶逆转录酶基因转入兔髁状突软骨细胞 ,筛选并挑选阳性克隆进行扩增培养 ;取兔骨髓 ,密度梯度离心和培养 ,经诱导、扩增后与支架材料 β 磷酸三钙 (β TCP)复合 ,构建细胞 β TCP复合体 ,体外培育 1～ 2d后 ,植入裸鼠体内。通过粘多糖 (GAG)含量和Ⅱ型胶原的表达来检测 3和 6个月复合体软骨形成情况。结果 :两种细胞和 β TCP复合体在裸鼠体内均能形成软骨样组织 ;6个月 ,工程化软骨GAG含量和Ⅱ型胶原的表达均低于正常软骨组织 ,但无显著性差异 (P >0 .0 5 )。结论 :hTERT转染的永生化软骨细胞和骨髓基质干细胞均具有良好的软骨形成能力 ,在软骨组织工程修复软骨缺损方面具有重要的应用前景。     

兔关节软骨细胞体外培养的生物学特性及中药黄芪对其的影响

目的:研究兔关节软骨细胞与海藻酸钠复合体外培养的生物学特性及中药黄芪对其的影响。方法:取5个月龄兔膝关节软骨分离成软骨细胞悬液分组培养,A组只用培养液培养,B组用含2%黄芪注射液的培养液培养。分别于第2、4、6、8周进行细胞组织形态学、糖胺多糖(GAG)含量的测定及Ⅱ型胶原蛋白表达的观察。结果:①两组于第4～6周体外培养的软骨细胞合成糖胺多糖的能力及Ⅱ型胶原蛋白的表达均达高峰,6周后逐渐下降;②B组软骨细胞合成糖胺多糖及Ⅱ型胶原蛋白的能力均比同期A组增强,具有显著统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:软骨细胞与海藻酸钠复合培养,可保持软骨细胞的表型,用其构建组织工程化软骨是可行的。黄芪有促进软骨细胞合成Ⅱ型胶原和GAG的作用。     

采用自体成熟关节软骨细胞的软骨组织工程修复

目的探讨使成熟软骨细胞转化成代谢活跃、增殖迅速的再生软骨祖细胞，而后利用这种细胞构建自体源性工程组织，修复成熟关节软骨的缺损。方法成熟兔关节软骨细胞进行普通单层培养和转化生长因子(TGF)-β1、碱性成纤维细胞生长因子(bFGF)联合诱导培养。培养细胞进行细胞计数、Ⅱ型胶原免疫组织化学染色和逆转录一聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)检测。将诱导培养的再生软骨祖细胞与聚乳酸载体(PDLLA)一道构建自体源性工程软骨，修复成熟关节软骨缺损。修复组织进行组织形态学和免疫组织化学研究。结果研究发现成熟关节软骨细胞在体外单层培养中增殖缓慢。而联合TGF-β1、bFGF诱导培养可促进成熟软骨细胞的增殖，10d内细胞增殖189倍。标准单层培养4～5代细胞经密集培养不表达Ⅱ型胶原。而联合细胞因子诱导培养6代的细胞在体外密集培养下，可很快恢复Ⅱ型胶原的表达。利用再生软骨祖细胞构建的自体源性工程软骨可修复软骨缺损。修复组织表达Ⅱ型胶原。结论成熟关节软骨细胞经TGF-β和bFGF联合诱导培养可形成再生软骨祖细胞，此细胞可用于构建自体源性工程组织，修复成熟关节软骨的缺损。     

不同持续时间的周期性压力对构建组织工程软骨的影响

目的 探讨在周期性压力条件下构建组织工程软骨每天加压的最佳持续时间.方法 构建自行没汁的生物反应器和往复式加压泵组成的"周期性压力场培养系统",将体外培养的第二代乳兔关节软骨细胞接种到聚乳酸-聚羟幕乙酸共聚物(PLGA)支架上,随机分成四组.第一、二、三组分别在每天持续时间为4、8、12 h的周期性压力(强度0～200 kPa,频率为0.1 Hz)下培养,第四组(对照组)为不加压的静态培养,各组培养时间均为2周.2周后肉眼人体观察,HE染色组织学观察工程软骨细胞增殖及分布;甲苯胺蓝染色法规察硫酸糖氨多糖(GAG)的分泌及分布,并用1,9.二甲基亚甲蓝法定量检测GAG的含接;采用Ⅱ型胶原免疫绀织化学法观察Ⅱ型胶原的分泌及分布,并用image-pro plus图像分析系统对Ⅱ型胶原染色面积行半定量分析.结果 在强度0～200 kPa,频率为0.1 Hz周期性压力作用下,8 h组支架-细胞复合体体积最大,表面光滑、有光泽、有弹性,支架内软骨细胞数量最多,排列最为规则,Ⅱ胶原和GAG含量也最高(P<0.01).结论 软骨细胞的新陈代谢受周期件压力持续时间的影响,在0～200 kPa、0.1 Hz频率作用下,每天持续8 h的周期性压力能更好地促进软骨细胞增殖,合成Ⅱ型胶原、GAG等细胞外基质.     

软骨形态发生蛋白1诱导的瘢痕成纤维细胞体内成软骨能力的实验研究

目的探讨软骨形态发生蛋白1(CDMP1)诱导的瘢痕成纤维细胞在体内环境下的软骨构建能力。方法取瘢痕切除术后丢弃的增生性瘢痕组织,提取瘢痕成纤维细胞。将瘢痕成纤维细胞与PGA/PLA支架复合,CDMP1软骨诱导液(CDMP1终浓度为100 ng/m L)进行诱导培养2周,设为诱导组(n=10);将常规培养液培养的瘢痕成纤维细胞-材料复合物植入裸鼠体内作为阴性对照,设为非诱导组(n=4);将软骨细胞-材料复合物植入裸鼠体内作为阳性对照,设为软骨组(n=4)。分别于4周和8周后取材,进行各组湿重、糖胺聚糖(GAG)含量测定,HE染色、Safranine-O染色和Ⅱ型胶原免疫组化染色。结果体内培养4周、8周后各组湿重、GAG含量测定显示,诱导组均高于非诱导组(P<0.05)。体内培养4周后,诱导组HE染色结果显示,瘢痕成纤维细胞诱导后出现软骨细胞陷窝结构;Safranine-O染色结果示,GAG均匀分布于基质;免疫组织化学染色示部分瘢痕成纤维细胞基质中COLⅡ阳性表达。8周时,诱导组的类软骨结果相对4周时更加成熟,更加符合软骨结构分布。结论在CDMP1诱导下,瘢痕成纤维细胞与PGA/PLA材料复合,在体内可以形成类软骨组织,具备一定的成软骨能力。     

胰岛素样生长因子-Ⅰ促进体外组织工程软骨形成

目的　探讨胰岛素样生长因子 - (IGF- )体外促进以透明质酸 (HA)为支架材料的组织工程软骨形成的能力。　方法　分离培养人关节软骨细胞 ,分为 3组 :1IGF- 组 :HA支架材料 软骨细胞 IGF- ;2细胞组 :HA支架材料 软骨细胞 ;3对照组 :单纯 HA支架材料。各组在 DMEM中培养 ,3、6周停止培养 ,取组织块通过 HE染色判断培养组织的形态 ,采用甲苯胺蓝染色、 型胶原免疫组织化学及 、 型胶原 RT- PCR判断体外组织形成软骨的能力。　结果　 IGF- 组和细胞组在第 6周均能形成典型的软骨组织陷窝 ,细胞组的陷窝数量明显低于 IGF- 组 ;对照组不能形成软骨组织。 型胶原免疫组织化学示 IGF- 组阳性表达强于细胞组 ;RT- PCR示 IGF- 组的 型前胶原量明显高于细胞组 (P<0 .0 5 ) ,而 型前胶原的表达量明显低于细胞组 (P<0 .0 5 ) ,差异具有统计学意义。　结论　 IGF- 能促进体外构建的组织工程软骨形成 ,并提高其质量。     

异体软骨细胞诱导骨髓基质细胞成软骨分化的量效关系

目的 探讨利用异体软骨细胞作为诱导因素,与骨髓基质细胞(BMSCs)共培养体外构建软骨复合物的可行性,以及两种细胞混合比例与构建软骨质量的量效关系.方法 体外分别培养扩增BMSCs与异体软骨细胞,软骨细胞与BMSCs的混合比例分别为1:9(A组)、2:8(B组)、3:7(C组)、100%软骨细胞(D组)、100%BMSCs(E组),以5.0×107/ml的细胞终浓度接种于聚羟基乙酸 (PGA)材料支架上培养,各组标本均于体外培养6周后取材,通过大体观察、糖胺聚糖(GAG)含量测定、组织学以及免疫组织化学等方法检测组织工程化软骨形成的情况.结果 各组细胞均与材料黏附良好,C、D两组标本基本保持原有的大小和形状,外观洁白、光滑类似软骨组织;组织学显示两组均有连续的软骨陷窝样结构形成,免疫组织化学显示有大量Ⅱ型胶原沉积.定量结果显示,C组的GAG含量达到D组的70%以上.其他各组培养物体积明显缩小,组织学及免疫组织化学显示软骨样组织形成不佳.结论 异体软骨细胞与BMSC共培养可以构建出较好的软骨组织,表明软骨细胞对BMSCs发挥诱导作用,但是软骨细胞必须达到一定的数量要求.     

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.