单侧双通道内窥镜下椎间盘切除术治疗腰椎术后退行性变1例报告

腰椎术后邻近节段退行性变(ASD)是腰椎后路融合术后的常见远期并发症^[1-2],其发生率为4%~31%^[3-5]。ASD由多种因素引起,继而产生新的神经压迫症状。Kambin等^[6]于1986年提出单侧双通道内窥镜下椎间盘切除术(UBED)治疗腰椎椎间盘突出症(LDH)^[7],其兼具了开放手术与微创手术的优点^[8]。本院采用UBED治疗腰椎术后ASD患者1例,现将诊疗过程报告如下。     

类风湿关节炎合并腰椎退行性疾病患者腰椎椎间融合术后邻近节段退行性变的相关因素

目的探讨类风湿关节炎(RA)合并腰椎退行性疾病患者腰椎椎间融合术后发生邻近节段退行性变(ASD的危险因素。方法回顾性分析2008年1月—2016年12月收治的55例RA合并腰椎退行性疾病患者的临床资料,其中29例采用减压并椎间融合术(融合组)治疗,26例采用单纯减压术(非融合组)治疗。记录手术前后红细胞沉降率(ESR)、C反应蛋白(CRP)、基质金属蛋白酶-3(MMP-3)等指标,采用28个关节疾病活动度评分联合CRP水平(DAS28-CRP)评估RA活动度;采用日本骨科学会(JOA)评分评估患者神经功能;测量X线片上腰椎邻近节段头端椎间隙狭窄及椎体滑脱程度以评估ASD情况。运用多因素logistic回归分析检验术后继发ASD的危险因素。结果所有手术顺利完成,术后随访1.5～6.0年,平均3.2年。2组术后JOA评分较术前均明显改善,且融合组显著高于非融合组,差异均有统计学意义(P 0.05)。融合组手术翻修率、影像学ASD及症状性ASD发生率显著高于非融合组,差异均有统计学意义(P 0.05)。多因素logistic回归分析显示,DAS28-CRP评分 4.7分、术前血清MMP-3含量升高是术后继发ASD的独立危险因素。结论 RA合并腰椎退行性疾病患者采用腰椎减压并椎间融合术治疗后出现ASD和需行翻修手术的风险高于采用单纯减压术治疗的患者,术前血清MMP-3含量和DAS28-CRP评分升高可能与腰椎椎间融合术后ASD的发生相关。     

腰椎融合术后邻近节段退变的临床研究现状

目的对腰椎融合术后出现邻近节段退变(adjacent segment degeneration,ASD)的临床研究现状进行综述。方法查阅近年关于腰椎融合术后出现ASD的概念、发生率、相关影响因素和预防等方面的文献,并进行综述。结果 ASD的概念包括影像学ASD和临床症状ASD,腰椎融合术后影像学ASD发生率可达8%～100%,临床症状ASD发生率为5.2%～18.5%。ASD的发生与个体因素(年龄、性别、术前情况等)和手术因素(融合节段长短、融合术式、内固定使用、矢状面平衡、椎间隙过度撑开等)相关。术中减少融合节段、维持矢状面平衡以及非融合技术的应用可预防ASD的发生。结论腰椎融合术后ASD发生率增高。非融合技术的应用降低了ASD的发生率,取得了较好的近期临床效果,但也存在一些并发症,其中长期效果尚待进一步研究。     

腰椎融合术后邻近节段退变再手术策略的研究进展

<正>腰椎融合术后邻近节段退变(adjacent segment disease,ASD)是指腰椎融合术后在融合节段的头端和/或尾端出现椎间盘退变、不稳、滑脱等退变表现,甚至出现相应的临床症候群,包括"影像学"ASD和"症状学"ASD~([1]),是腰椎融合术后常见的远期并发症之一。目前针对ASD发生的原因尚存争议。腰椎退变的自然史和(或)腰椎融合术本身都可能导致其发生。随着ASD的不断发展,对保守治疗无效的患者,往往需要通过再次手术来缓解症状。腰椎     

腰椎融合术后发生邻近节段椎间盘退变的系统评价

[目的]对腰椎融合术加速邻近节段椎间盘退变进行系统评价.[方法]按照Coehrane协作网制订的检索策略进行检索,计算机检索MEDLINE(1966～2010年8月)、EMBASE(1974～2010年8月)、Cochrane图书馆(2010年第8期)、中国生物医学文献数据库(CBM,1978～2010年8月)、中国期刊全文数据库(CNKI,1994～2010年8月)、中文科技期刊全文数据库(VIP,1989～2010年8月)及万方数据库(1979～2010年8月).手工检索相关的中英文骨科杂志和会议论文.纳入腰椎融合术后发生邻近节段椎间盘退变的所有临床试验,由2名评价员独立提取资料,并对其方法学质量进行评价.对符合纳入标准的研究用RevMan 5.0软件进行Meta分析.[结果]共纳入4个试验,451例患者.Meta分析结果显示:相对功能洲练(保守治疗)来说腰椎融合术后发生邻近节段椎问盘退变(adjacent segment disc degeneration,ASD)的概率增高[RR=0.63,95%CI(0.52,0.78)P<0.000 1];腰椎融合术中椎板切除后ASD发生率比不行椎板切除的高[RR=3.74,95%CI(0.99,14.18)P=0.05];腰椎融合术前存在ASD比术前无ASD在术后发生ASD的概率高[RR=3.13,95%CI(1.20,8.15)P=0.02];腰椎融合术后ASD的发生与是否有内固定和融合节段的多少无关.[结论]腰椎融合术能增加术后ASD的发生率,与椎板切除和术前就存在ASD有关,但与是否有内固定和融合节段的多少无关.限于纳入研究在方法学方面的局限性,尚需开展大样本、高质量的RCT进一步论证其疗效和安全性.     

OLIF技术在腰椎融合术后邻椎退变性疾病中应用的疗效分析

目的 评价斜外侧腰椎椎体间融合术(oblique lateral interbody fusion, OLIF)在腰椎融合术后邻椎退变性疾病(adjacent segment disease, ASD)中的应用价值。方法 回顾性分析2020年10月～2022年10月本院经OLIF技术治疗的18例腰椎融合术后ASD患者,记录术中出血量、手术时间等指标;分析术前、术后1周、随访1个月、3个月及6个月时的疼痛VAS评分及Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry disability index, ODI),评价OLIF的临床疗效。结果 与术前比较,18例患者术后1周、随访1个月、3个月、6个月时的腰痛VAS、下肢痛VAS评分及ODI指数均显著降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);未出现严重的并发症。结论 OLIF技术在脊柱退变性疾病中已被广泛应用,在腰椎融合术后ASD中应用可明显减少手术创伤及出血,缩短住院时间及卧床时间,并发症发生率低,疗效肯定。     

腰椎融合术后邻近节段退变的研究

正腰椎退行性疾病是引起腰痛和下肢神经症状的主要原因,对于保守治疗无效者,腰椎融合已经成为重要的手术治疗方案~([1-3])。但随着腰椎融合术的广泛应用,术后邻近节段退变(Adjacent segment degeneration,ASD)引起了学者们的关注~([4])。近期相关文献报道~([5]),在腰椎融合术后5年的影像学ASD发生率为36%～84%,症状学ASD发生率为5.2%～16. 5%,部分患者需二次手术治疗~([6])。故怎样降低和避免ASD的发生,成为临床医师及学者们亟待解决的问题。     

腰椎退行性脊柱侧凸术后邻椎病情况及危险因素分析

目的 探讨腰椎退行性脊柱侧凸术后邻椎病(adjacent segment disease, ASD)发生状况及危险因素。方法 回顾性分析2018年1月～2021年1月在本院治疗的退行性脊柱侧凸(degenerative scoliosis, DS)患者135例,均接受短节段减压融合术,术后随访24～60个月,根据是否发ADS分为两组。比较两组人口学资料及手术相关资料。采用Logistic回归分析发生ASD的主要危险因素。结果 135例患者术后3个月、末次随访时的ODI指数、VAS评分均比术前明显改善(P<0.05)。末次随访时,24例发生ASD(ASD组),111例未发生ASD(非ASD组)。ASD组年龄、术前骨盆倾斜角、术前骨盆投射角、术前骨盆投射角/腰椎前凸角匹配度、术前冠状位Cobb角均显著高于非ASD组(P<0.05);Logistic回归分析显示,术前骨盆倾斜角、术前骨盆投射角与腰椎前凸角匹配度、术前冠状位Cobb角,均是影响ASD发生的主要危险因素(P<0.05)。结论 DS患者接受手术治疗可明显改善症状,但遗留ASD风险。ASD的发生与术前骨盆倾斜角、骨...     

杂交与融合手术治疗双节段腰椎退变性疾病的对比

[目的]比较PEEK棒杂交术与钛棒双节段融合术的临床结果及术后邻近节段退变(ASD)。[方法]2013年10月~2014年10月对44例双节段腰椎退变患者行手术治疗,其中杂交组21例,采用下位间隙融合,上位间隙不融合,椎弓钉PEEK棒固定;融合组23例,行双间隙融合,椎弓钉钛棒固定术。采用疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)、欧式功能障碍指数(ODI)和日本骨科学会(JOA)评分分析临床疗效。通过测量相邻节段椎间隙高度指数(DHI)、活动范围(ROM)、相邻节段椎间盘Pfirrmann退变分级,评价ASD。以末次随访腰椎CT二维重建评估椎间融合。[结果]末次随访时,两组术后VAS、ODI、JOA均较术前有明显改善(P<0.05)。杂交组无任何患者符合ASD的诊断标准。相比之下,融合组有6例患者发生ASD,发生率为26%,其中1例有明显临床症状,诊断为邻近节段退变病。两组分别出现1例螺钉松动,均无临床症状。[结论]应用PEEK棒杂交手术与钛棒融合手术治疗双节段腰椎退行性疾病均获得满意的临床疗效;通过平均24个月以上的随访,结果显示PEEK棒杂交手术延缓ASD有明显的优势。     

后路腰椎椎间融合术中采用延长链接固定治疗腰椎椎间融合术后邻近节段退行性变

目的探讨后路腰椎椎间融合术(PLIF)中采用延长链接固定治疗腰椎椎间融合术后邻近节段退行性变(ASD的安全性及有效性。方法回顾性分析2017年4月—2018年3月上海健康医学院附属浦东新区人民医院收治的25例PLIF术后发生ASD患者的临床资料,均采用延长链接固定PLIF治疗。记录手术时间、术中出血量及并发症情况。采用疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分和Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)评估临床疗效。测量手术前后腰椎正侧位X线片及CT上腰椎前凸角、椎间隙高度等影像学参数。结果所有手术顺利完成,术后随访3～15个月,平均7.9个月;手术时间90～180 min,平均120 min;术中出血量200～800 mL,平均500 mL。所有患者术后VAS评分及ODI均较术前明显改善,影像学测量结果显示手术节段腰椎前凸角、椎间隙高度分别由术前26.96°±5.03°、(6.80±0.87)mm改善至末次随访时37.58°±1.50°、(11.04±0.68)mm,差异均有统计学意义(P 0.05)。椎间植骨均达到骨性融合。所有患者未出现手术相关并发症。结论 PLIF中采用延长链接固定治疗腰椎椎间融合术后ASD安全、有效,具有操作简便、创伤小、术后恢复快等优点,近期随访临床效果良好。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Dilemma of Membrane Biocompatibility and Reuse

Abstract: Numerous articles have been published on the multiple use of dialyzers and on the effect of different reprocessing chemicals and techniques on the dialyzer biocompatibility and performance. The results often appear contradictory, especially those comparing standard biocompatibility parameters. Despite this confusion, a discerning review of the published works allows certain limited conclusions to be drawn. Reprocessing of used hemodialyzers changes the biocompatibility profile of a dialyzer as defined by the parameters complement activation. leukopenia, and cytokine release. The effect of reprocessing depends on the chemicals and reprocessing technique applied and also on the type of membrane polymer being subjected to the reprocessing procedure. Reports of pyrogenic reactions indicate that the flux of the membrane also influences how suitable it is for safe reuse. An increased risk of allergic and pyrogenic reactions appears to be associated with dialyzer reuse. Furthermore, there has been a lack of investigations into the immunologic effect of the layer of adsorbed and chemically altered proteins that remains on the inner surface of reprocessed dialyzers. We conclude that the clinical benefit of dialyzer reuse cannot be generally accepted from a biocompatibility point of view.     

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.     

The analgesic effect of racemic ketamine in patients with chronic ischemic pain due to lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans

Background : Ketamine in sub-dissociative doses has been shown to have analgesic and phantom-Limb pain, where conventional treatment has often failed. Chronic ischemic pain due to lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans often responds poorly to analgesics, and the pain-generating mechanisms are not well understood.
Methods : Eight patients with rest pain in the lower extremity due to arteriosclerosis obliterans were given sub-dissociative doses of 0.15, 0.30, or 0.45 mg/kg racemic ketamine and morphine 10 mg as a 5-min infusion on four separate days in a cross-over, double-blind, randomised protocol. Plasma levels of (S)- and (R)-ketamine and their nor-metabolites were analysed with an enantioselective high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Pain levels were evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS).
Results : Individual pain levels were highly variable during and after all the infusions but the pooled pain levels showed a dose-dependent analgesic effect of ketamine with a transient but complete pain relief in all patients at the highest dose (0.45 mg/ kg). Side-effects, mainly disturbed cognition and perception, were pronounced and dose-dependent. Morphine 10 mg had an analgesic peak at 20 min and 5/8 patients had complete pain relief. The remaining 3 patients also had high baseline pain scores, indicating a higher analgesic potency for the 0.30 and 0.45 mg/ kg ketamine doses than for morphine 10 mg.
Conclusion : We have demonstrated a potent dose-dependent analgesic effect of racemic ketamine in clinical ischemic pain. Due to a narrow therapeutic window, this analgesic effect is probably best utilised in combination with other analgesics.     

Intravenous endotoxin does not increase tissue extravasation of albumin in rats

Background : It is unclear whether activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) increases or decreases the extravasation of plasma.
Methods : Chloralose anaesthetised male Wistar rats received E. coli lipopolysacharide (LPS), 3 mg kg^-1 i.v., or the corresponding volume of saline, 3 or 5 h before the end of the experiment. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded. Tissue clearance of radio-labelled albumin, during the last 2 h of each experiment, was determined by a double-isotope method. In separate animals, the serum concentration of nitrite and nitrate was determined, 5 h after LPS or the solvent.
Main Results : LPS initially decreased MAP and lastingly increased HR. In the 3-h LPS animals (n=8), tissue plasma clearance was lower in the heart and calf muscle and increased only in diaphragm, compared to corresponding control animals (n=8). In the 5-h LPS rats, clearance was lowered (n=8) in the entire gastrointestinal tract and in testes, compared to controls (n=8). The serum nitrite/nitrate concentration was higher in animals given LPS (n=6) than in controls (n=6).
Conclusion : After LPS, tissue clearance of albumin was not increased in any major tissue, in spite of increased serum levels of NO end products. Apparently, after activation of iNOS, the augmented release of NO is not necessarily associated with increased albumin extravasation.