非接触式共培养体系对脐带间充质干细胞向类髓核细胞的诱导分化效应

目的探讨人脐带间充质干细胞向类髓核细胞的分化潜能,为椎间盘退变性疾病的生物学治疗探索新的细胞来源。方法取人正常足月产婴儿脐带及成人椎间盘,分离消化华通胶组织和髓核组织,收集培养脐带间充质干细胞及成人髓核细胞。利用带有插入层的Transwell 6孔培养板进行细胞非接触式共培养,细胞比例为1∶1,以脐带间充质干细胞单独培养作为对照组。共培养1周后,提取脐带间充质干细胞总RNA,利用Real-Time PCR检测其Ⅱ型胶原、蛋白多糖及SOX9基因的相对表达改变。结果成功分离提取脐带间充质干细胞;Real-Time PCR检测结果显示实验组脐带间充质干细胞Ⅱ型胶原、蛋白多糖和SOX9基因相对表达较对照组显著增加,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）。结论人脐带间充质干细胞能够被髓核细胞诱导分化为类髓核细胞,有可能为椎间盘退变性疾病的生物学治疗提供一种新的细胞来源。     

非接触式共培养下两种同源间充质干细胞对退变髓核细胞生物学影响的比较研究

【摘要】 目的：比较非接触式共培养条件下两种同源间充质干细胞对退变髓核细胞生物学功能的影响。方法：取同一腰椎间盘突出症患者骨髓间充质干细胞（BMSCs）、脂肪间充质干细胞（ADSCs）和退变髓核细胞（NPCs）,两种间充质干细胞分别与髓核细胞在Tanswell 6孔板中进行非接触式共培养,与ADSCs共培养的NPCs为A组,与BMSCs共培养的NPCs为B组,以单独培养的NPCs为对照组。共培养7d后,提取3组髓核细胞总RNA,进行反转录后,利用Real-Time PCR检测其Ⅱ型胶原、蛋白多糖和SOX-9基因的相对表达量。结果：非接触式共培养7d后,Ⅱ型胶原、蛋白多糖和SOX-9基因相对表达量对照组分别是1.03±0.28、1.21±0.40和0.94±0.34,A组分别是3.49±0.55、3.88±2.11和2.41±0.91,B组分别是7.60±1.89、6.26±2.96和4.55±1.88。与对照组相比,A、B组髓核细胞Ⅱ型胶原、蛋白多糖和SOX-9基因相对表达显著增加（P<0.05）;A、B两组间相比也有显著性差异（P<0.05）。结论：非接触式共培养条件下骨髓间充质干细胞和脂肪间充质干细胞对退变髓核细胞均有一定的激活效应;骨髓间充质干细胞对退变髓核细胞的激活效应更强,可能更加适合于椎间盘退行性疾病的生物学治疗。     

LY294002对胆管癌细胞凋亡的影响

目的：观察PI3-Kinase抑制剂LY294002对人胆管癌细胞QBC939的作用。
方法：MTT法检测LY294002对QBC939细胞的生长抑制作用;流式细胞术检测LY294002诱导的细胞凋亡;免疫印迹法分析LY294002对于PI3-K/Akt信号通路中Akt磷酸化及caspase9的表达作用。
结果：LY294002可抑制胆管癌细胞QBC939的增殖,促进其凋亡。Western-blotting显示,LY2940022可抑制Akt磷酸化水平,促进caspase3,9的蛋白表达。
结论：LY294002可通过抑制Akt信号通路的活性,上调促凋亡分子caspase3,9的表达,抑制胆管癌细胞QBC939的增殖,诱导其凋亡。

     

白藜芦醇激活PI3K/Akt信号通路对软骨细胞细胞外基质合成的影响

[目的]通过白藜芦醇刺激体外培养的小鼠膝关节软骨细胞,探讨白藜芦醇通过PI3K/Akt信号通路对软骨细胞细胞外基质合成的影响。[方法]体外分离培养小鼠膝关节软骨细胞,采用HE染色、甲苯胺蓝染色和Ⅱ型胶原免疫荧光染色观察鉴定软骨细胞。根据作用药物的不同分为3组:空白对照组、白藜芦醇组(100μmol/L白藜芦醇)和LY294002组(100μmol/L白藜芦醇+25μmol/L LY294002)。采用RT-PCR检测软骨细胞中Akt1,Aggrecan、Collagen II的m RNA表达水平。[结果]荧光显微镜下可见软骨细胞胞核呈蓝色荧光,胞质呈红色荧光。显示Ⅱ型胶原染色阳性细胞数占90%以上,证实所培养细胞为软骨细胞。RT-PCR检测结果显示白藜芦醇组Akt1、Aggrecan、Collagen II m RNA表达量较空白组明显升高(P<0.05)。LY294002组Akt1、Aggrecan、Collagen II m RNA表达量较白藜芦醇组下降,但仍高于空白组(P<0.05)。[结论]白藜芦醇可以通过激活PI3K/Akt信号通路,增加软骨细胞细胞外基质合成,起到保护关节软骨的作用。     

黄芪多糖通过PI3K/AKT/mTOR促进激素性骨质疏松症大鼠成骨细胞增殖

目的 探讨黄芪多糖在体内外通过PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号通路对糖皮质激素诱导的骨质疏松症（glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis,GIOP）的保护作用。方法 从分化的骨髓间充质干细胞（bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,BM-MSCs）中培养成骨细胞,分为PBS组、模型组、LY294002组、黄芪多糖组和LY294002+黄芪多糖干预组。通过CCK-8法和碱性磷酸酶（alkaline phosphatase,ALP）染色检测细胞增殖和分化。MDC染色观察自噬体的形成。Western blot检测Beclin-1、p62等信号通路及自噬相关因子的蛋白表达。大鼠分为对照组、模型组、LY294002组、黄芪多糖组和LY294002+黄芪多糖组。比较各组大鼠的骨密度、骨组织形态学参数、组织中通路和自噬相关因子的表达。结果 黄芪多糖促进成骨细胞的增殖和分化能力（P＜0.05）。与模型组相比,黄芪多糖组PI3K/AKT/mTOR通路相关磷酸化蛋白的表达、成骨细胞的增殖分化能力、自噬体及自噬相关因子的表达均升高,但在LY294002组中发现了相反的结果（P＜0.05）。在体内实验中,与模型组相比,GIOP大鼠通过黄芪多糖干预改善了骨密度和骨形态参数,并提高了软骨组织中自噬相关因子的表达,而LY294002干预则表现出相反的结果（P＜0.05）。LY294002部分逆转了黄芪多糖对GIOP中成骨分化和骨形态参数的影响。结论 黄芪多糖通过PI3K/AKT/mTOR通路对GIOP发挥保护作用,可能与诱导自噬和促进成骨细胞增殖有关。     

牛膝活性成分β-蜕皮甾酮通过Akt信号干预地塞米松诱导的骨细胞凋亡

目的探讨牛膝活性成分β-蜕皮甾酮对地塞米松诱导MLO-Y4骨样细胞凋亡的抑制作用及其可能的作用机制。方法 10μmol/L地塞米松(dexamethasone,Dex)作用于MLO-Y4骨样细胞,以PI3K/Akt抑制剂LY294002为对照,β-蜕皮甾酮(β-Ecdysone,β-Ecd)干预,分为6组:①正常组;②10μmol/L Dex模型组;③10μmol/L Dex+10μmol/Lβ-Ecd组;④10μmol/L Dex+10μmol/Lβ-Ecd+50μmol/L LY294002组;⑤10μmol/L Dex+0.1μmol/Lβ-Ecd组;⑥10μmol/L Dex+0.1μmol/Lβ-Ecd+50μmol/L LY294002组。作用48 h后,Annexin V-FITC/PI法检测细胞早期凋亡率,Western-Blot检测Akt1、Phospho-Akt(Thr308)、Connexin43(CX43)、Caspase9、Bad、Phospho-Bad蛋白表达。结果与正常组比较,Dex组细胞凋亡率升高,Caspase9、Bad蛋白表达升高,Akt1、CX43蛋白表达降低;与造模组比较,β-Ecd减弱Caspase9蛋白表达,使Akt1、CX43蛋白表达增强;LY294002使Akt1、CX43蛋白表达明显减弱,而β-Ecd并不能使LY294002降低的Akt1蛋白表达升高。结论 0.1μmol/L、10μmol/Lβ-蜕皮甾酮可能通过Akt信号途径干预地塞米松诱导的骨细胞凋亡。     

颈椎终板软骨细胞凋亡的检测及相关意义

目的检测颈椎终板软骨细胞的细胞凋亡指数,探讨其在椎间盘退变中可能的作用机制。方法颈椎间盘终板及髓核取自我院行颈椎前路手术的35例颈椎椎间盘退变患者（退变组）和19例颈椎外伤患者（外伤组）。光镜观察退变组和外伤组终板和髓核的细胞密度,TUNEL法检测两组终板软骨细胞和髓核细胞的细胞凋亡指数,咔唑分光光度法比较两组髓核蛋白多糖含量。结果退变组终板细胞密度较外伤组减少（P〈0.05）,TUNEL染色显示退变组终板细胞凋亡指数为（34.6±16.1）%,外伤组为（20.1±9.3）%,两组间比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。Pearson相关分析显示,颈椎终板TUNEL染色阳性细胞率与终板细胞密度、髓核蛋白多糖含量之间呈负相关（r=—0.805,P=0.001;r=—0.677,P=0.023）,与髓核TUNEL阳性细胞率之间呈正相关（r=0.758,P=0.003）。结论颈椎退变终板软骨细胞凋亡率较高,推测在椎间盘退变过程中可能发挥重要作用;软骨细胞凋亡可能与髓核细胞凋亡增加、终板细胞密度与髓核蛋白多糖含量降低密切相关。     

BMP-2对人退变椎间盘髓核细胞影响的实验研究

[目的]探讨BMP -2对人退变髓核细胞合成细胞外基质的影响.[方法]分离、培养人退变椎间盘髓核细胞,取第2代髓核细胞,随机将退变推间盘髓核细胞分为2组.A组:加入100 ng/ml BMP -2,B组:加入200 ng/mlBMP -2,C组:对照组,不加干扰因素.通过对试验组和对照组髓核细胞采用光镜、电镜等形态学方法进行大体形态和超微结构观察,细胞Ⅱ型胶原和糖胺多糖的mRNA表达.ELISA检测细胞培养上清中人Ⅱ型胶原含量,DMMB比色法检测细胞培养上清中糖胺多糖含量.[结果]髓核细胞中Ⅱ型胶原、糖胺多糖表达水平实验组均高于对照组.[结论] BMP-2蛋白可促进退变腰椎间盘细胞分泌蛋白多糖和Ⅱ型胶原,增加细胞活性,恢复椎间盘的功能和活性,因此运用BMP-2椎间盘内注射有望成为椎间盘退变疾病生物治疗的方法之一.     

移植骨髓间充质干细胞对兔退变椎间盘髓核细胞凋亡的影响

目的 观察骨髓间充质干细胞(MSCs)移植对兔退变椎间盘髓核细胞凋亡的影响.方法 以各兔L2/3、L3/4、L4/5、L5/6节段分为正常组、退变组、成纤维细胞(SFs)移植对照组、MSCs移植治疗组.MSCs和SFs分别经绿色荧光蛋白(GFP)转染后,注射植入退变椎间盘的髓核.通过透射电镜观察退变椎间盘凋亡髓核细胞形态;用实时定量聚合酶链反应(PCR)检测退变组织中髓核细胞凋亡相关基因bcl-2和box mRNA的表达;免疫荧光法标记髓核细胞凋亡相关蛋白Caspase-3,并通过TUNEL法标记凋亡髓核细胞,激光共聚焦显微镜检测髓核细胞凋亡蛋白表达率和细胞凋亡比率.结果 透射电镜下,退变椎间盘中凋亡髓核细胞呈现出核染色质边集,空泡形成,核膜断裂,凋亡小体形成等变化.MSCs移植治疗组bcl-2 mRNA的表达量高于退变组和SFs移植对照组(P<0.05),bax mRNA的表达量与退变组差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).MSCs移植治疗组细胞凋亡率和Caspase-3表达率均高于正常组[细胞凋亡率分别为(16.75±2.14)%和(6.86±1.08)%;Caspase-3表达率分别为[(20.34±1.03)%和(6.09±0.77)%](P<0.05),低于退变组和SFs移植对照组[细胞凋亡率分别为(31.87±4.16)%和(29.02±2.16)%;Caspase-3表达率分别为(31.50±3.78)%和(30.20±4.93)%](P<0.05).结论 髓核细胞凋亡在椎间盘退变过程中起重要作用.MSCs移植能有效抑制椎间盘髓核细胞凋亡,延缓椎间盘退变过程.     

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.