盐酸戊乙奎醚对内毒素血症大鼠全身炎性反应的影响

目的 探讨盐酸戊乙奎醚对内毒素血症大鼠血清TNF-α、诱导型一氧化氮合酶(inducible nitric oxide synthase,iNOS),肺组织NF-κB亚基p65亲和肽(NF-κB p65)含量的影响. 方法 健康SD大鼠60只,采用随机数字表法分为5组(每组12只):对照组(C组)、内毒素组(LPS组)、LPS+低剂量盐酸戊乙奎醚组(P1组)、LPS+中剂量盐酸戊乙奎醚组(P2组)、LPS+高剂量盐酸戊乙奎醚组(P3组).LPS组腹腔注射内毒素8 mg/kg制备内毒素血症模型,C组给予等量生理盐水,P1组～P3组给予相应剂量的盐酸戊乙奎醚5 min后注射LPS,给药6h后处死动物取标本.采用ELISA检测血清TNF-α含量,采用比色法测血清iNOS活力,Western blot检测肺组织NF-κB p65含量,并观察肺组织病理学改变. 结果 与C组比较,LPS组、P1组、P2组、P3组血清TNF-α含量显著升高(P＜0.05),iNOS活力水平明显升高(P＜0.05),肺组织NF-κB p65表达明显增高(P＜0.05);与LPS组比较,P2组、P3组血清TNF-α、iNOS活力水平和肺组织NF-κB p65含量均下降(P＜0.05),而P1组TNF-α、iNOS活力和NF-κB p65表达水平,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);P2组、P3组间各指标表达水平比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);P2组、P3组肺组织病理学损伤程度明显轻于LPS组(P＜0.05). 结论 盐酸戊乙奎醚可能通过下调TNF-α、NF-κB p65的表达,减少iNOS活化来抑制内毒素休克大鼠全身炎症反应.     

盐酸戊乙奎醚预处理对胸腔镜下肺叶切除术患儿非通气侧肺损伤的影响

目的探讨盐酸戊乙奎醚预处理对胸腔镜下肺叶切除术患儿非通气侧肺损伤的影响。方法选取择期拟行胸腔镜下肺叶切除术的患儿共120例,性别不限,年龄2~6岁,体质量指数(BMI)17.0~24.0 kg/m2,美国麻醉医师协会(ASA)分级Ⅰ或Ⅱ级。采用随机数字表法将患儿分为2组,每组60例。盐酸戊乙奎醚预处理组(P组)患儿于麻醉诱导前10 min静脉注射盐酸戊乙奎醚0.05 mg/kg,对照组(C组)患儿麻醉诱导前10 min静脉注射等容量生理盐水。分别于药物干预前(T0)、单肺通气即刻(T1)、单肺通气60 min时(T2)、单肺通气结束即刻(T3)、术毕(T4)和术后24 h(T5)时抽取患儿静脉血以检测血清肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6和8(IL-6、IL-8)的水平。记录2组患儿术后24 h内肺部并发症的发生率。结果与C组比较,P组患儿T2~T5时血清TNF-α、IL-6和IL-8水平均降低(P0.05)。C组患儿术后24 h内肺部并发症的总发生率为46.7%,P组患儿为16.7%,组间比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论盐酸戊乙奎醚预处理可减轻胸腔镜下肺叶切除术患儿非通气侧肺的损伤,其机制可能与减轻炎症反应有关。     

盐酸戊乙奎醚通过NF-κB信号通路对胎鼠脑缺血-再灌注损伤的影响

目的研究盐酸戊乙奎醚对宫内窘迫致胎鼠脑缺血-再灌注(IR)损伤的保护作用。方法足月胎鼠80只,体重4.52~4.81 g,采用随机数字表法分为四组:假手术组(S组)、盐酸戊乙奎醚对照组(S+P组)、IR组和盐酸戊乙奎醚治疗组(IR+P组),每组20只。采用钳夹孕鼠两侧子宫角血管的方法建立宫内窘迫模型,IR+P组孕鼠建模前30 min肌注盐酸戊乙奎醚2 mg/kg,S组在假手术前予孕鼠肌注等量生理盐水,S+P组在假手术前予孕鼠肌注等量盐酸戊乙奎醚。再灌注12 h后,剖宫取出胎鼠并断头处死,行外周血血气分析;采用TTC染色法观察胎鼠脑梗死体积并计算脑梗死体积百分比;采用HE染色观察胎鼠脑组织病理改变;采用ELISA法检测脑组织中TNF-α及IL-6的浓度;采用RT-PCR法检测脑组织中NF-κB mRNA表达;采用Western blot法检测胎鼠脑组织中NF-κB p65蛋白表达。结果 IR组和IR+P组p H和Pa O2明显低于S组和S+P组,IR+P组p H和Pa O2明显高于IR组(P0.05)。IR组和IR+P组Pa CO2、Lac、脑梗死体积及梗死体积百分比、TNF-α及IL-6浓度、NF-κB mRNA表达水平、NF-κB p65蛋白水平均明显高于S组和S+P组(P0.05),IR+P组上述各指标均明显低于IR组(P0.05)。IR+P组脑组织病理学损伤明显轻于IR组。结论盐酸戊乙奎醚预处理可减轻宫内窘迫致胎鼠脑缺血-再灌注损伤,其作用机制可能与抑制脑组织NF-κB信号通路活性有关。     

盐酸戊乙奎醚预先给药对失血性休克大鼠急性肺损伤时NF-κB活性的影响

目的 探讨盐酸戊乙奎醚预先给药对失血性休克大鼠急性肺损伤时NF-κB活性的影响.方法 健康成年Wistar大鼠24只,体重200～250 g,雌雄不限,随机分为3组(n=8):假手术组(S组)、失血性休克致急性肺损伤组(ALI组)和盐酸戊乙奎醚预先给药组(P组).S组仅行动、静脉穿刺,不制备急性肺损伤模型;ALI组和P组经右侧颈内动脉穿刺置管监测BP,左侧股动脉置管放血,通过放血和回输血液维持BP 35～45 mm Hg 1 h,然后回输全部失血及等同于失血量的生理盐水,制备急性肺损伤模型;P组于放血前即刻静脉注射盐酸戊乙奎醚2 mg/kg. 于模型制备成功后6 h,采集右侧股动脉血样行血气分析,采用ELISA法测定右心房血浆TNF-α浓度,计算肺湿干重比,采用免疫组织化学法检测右肺组织NF-κB p65的表达,光镜下观察肺组织病理学.结果 与S组比较,Au组和P组PaO2降低,PaCO2、肺湿干重比、TNF-α浓度升高,NF-κB p65表达上调(P<0.05);与ALI组相比,P组PaO2升高,PaCO2、肺湿干重比、TNF-α浓度降低,NF-κB p65表达下调(P<0.05).病理结果显示:P组肺组织损伤较ALI组明显减轻.结论 盐酸戊乙奎醚预先给药可通过降低肺组织NF-κB的活性抑制炎性反应,从而减轻失血性休克诱发大鼠的急性肺损伤.     

盐酸戊乙奎醚在大鼠急性重症胰腺炎相关肺损伤中的作用

目的探讨盐酸戊乙奎醚在大鼠急性重症胰腺炎相关肺损伤(PALI)中的作用及对缺氧诱导因子(HIF)-1α相关炎症因子表达的影响。方法 40只健康雄性成年SD大鼠,应用随机数字法分为三组:假手术组(S组,n=8)、PALI模型组(ALI组,n=16)、盐酸戊乙奎醚+PALI模型组(P组,n=16)。ALI组和P组采用4%牛磺胆酸钠1ml/kg逆行性胰胆管注射法建立大鼠PALI模型。P组在建立模型后即刻给予大鼠腹腔内注射盐酸戊乙奎醚,S组和ALI组经腹腔注射等量生理盐水。造模后12h处死大鼠,取肺组织称重后计算肺湿干重比(W/D),光镜下观察胰腺及肺组织病理学评分,ELISA法测定肺组织HIF-1α、IL-1β、IL-6蛋白含量和血清胰淀粉酶含量,Western blot检测肺组织TLR4、NF-κB p65蛋白含量。结果 ALI组和P组大鼠的胰腺组织均存在广泛的中性粒细胞浸润、腺泡出血坏死和脂肪坏死。与S组比较,ALI组与P组胰腺病理评分、肺损伤评分、肺W/D明显升高,胰淀粉酶含量明显降低(P0.01);与ALI组比较,P组肺损伤评分、肺W/D明显降低(P0.05)。与S组比较,ALI组和P组大鼠肺组织HIF-1α、IL-1β、IL-6含量明显升高,肺组织TLR4、NF-κB p65含量明显升高(P0.01);与ALI组比较,P组肺组织HIF-1α、IL-1β、IL-6含量明显降低,TLR4、NF-κB p65蛋白含量明显降低(P0.05)。结论盐酸戊乙奎醚在不改变急性重症胰腺炎的胰腺组织损伤的情况下能够显著减轻急性重症胰腺炎相关肺损伤,机制可能与抑制HIF-1α等相关炎性因子的表达相关。     

戊乙奎醚对肝移植术患者新肝期炎性反应的影响

目的 探讨戊乙奎醚对肝移植术患者新肝期炎性反应的影响.方法 择期肝移植术患者60例,ASAⅡ或Ⅲ级,年龄20～64岁,体重46～83 kg,随机分为3组(n=20):对照组(C组)、戊乙奎醚0.1 mr,/kg组(Ⅰ组)和戊乙奎醚0.2 mg/kg组(Ⅱ组).均采用静吸复合全麻,于无肝期30 min开始,Ⅰ组和Ⅱ组分别静脉输注戊乙奎醚0.1、0.2 mg/kg,C组静脉输注等容量生理盐水.分别于无肝期30min(T0)、再灌注1、2、3、24 h(T1～4)时取上腔静脉血3 ml,放免法测定血清TNF-α及IL-1浓度,于T3时取新肝组织,测定肝细胞NF-κB蛋白表达及其活性;光镜下观察新肝病理学结果 .结果 与C组比较,Ⅰ组T1、Ⅱ组T1～3时血清TNF-α浓度降低,Ⅰ组和Ⅱ组T1,3时血清IL-1浓度降低,肝细胞NF-κB蛋白表达下调、活性降低(P<0.05);与Ⅰ组比较,Ⅱ组T1,2时血清TNF-α浓度降低,肝细胞NF-κB蛋白表达下调(P<0.05);Ⅰ组和Ⅱ组肝缺血再灌注损伤较C组减轻.结论 戊乙奎醚可通过抑制肝细胞NF-κB蛋白表达及其活性,降低肝移植术患者新肝期的炎性反应,从而减轻肝缺血再灌注损伤.     

盐酸戊乙奎醚复合乌司他丁对体外循环心脏瓣膜置换术患者肺损伤的影响

目的 评价盐酸戊乙奎醚复合乌司他丁对体外循环(CPB)心脏瓣膜置换术患者肺损伤的影响.方法 择期行CPB心脏瓣膜置换术患者60例,年龄33～64岁,体重47～81 kg,性别不限,ASA分级Ⅱ或Ⅲ级,心功能分级Ⅱ或Ⅲ级,随机分为4组(n=15):对照组(C组)、乌司他丁组(U组)、盐酸戊乙奎醚组(P组)和盐酸戊乙奎醚复合乌司他丁组(PU组).CPB结束后30 min时,C组将PEEP增至8 cm H2O;U组、P组和PU组分别静脉注射乌司他丁2万U/kg、盐酸戊乙奎醚0.05 mg/kg、盐酸戊乙奎醚0.05 mg/kg和乌司他丁2万U/kg,然后将PEEP增至8 cm H2O.于CPB结束后30 min、3、6 h、术后12和24 h时,测定PaO2,计算氧合指数;于上述时点记录气道峰压和气道平台压,计算肺顺应性;于上述各时点采用ELISA法测定血清TNF-αIL-6、IL-8及IL-10的浓度;于CPB结束后6 h和术后12、24 h时行肺损伤评分.结果 与C组比较,U组、P组和PU组氧合指数和肺顺应性升高,肺损伤评分降低(P＜0.05或0.01);与U组和P组比较,PU组氧合指数和顺应性升高,肺损伤评分降低(P＜0.05).与C组比较,U组、P组和PU组血清TNF-α、IL-6和IL-8的浓度降低,IL-10浓度升高(P＜0.05或0.01);与U组和P组比较,PU组血清TNF-α、IL-6和IL-8的浓度降低,IL-10浓度升高(P＜0.05).U组和P组间上述标比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 盐酸戊乙奎醚复合乌司他丁可减轻CPB心脏瓣膜置换术患者肺损伤,其机制可能与抑制炎性反应有关.     

盐酸戊乙奎醚对心肺转流后肺损伤的保护作用

目的探讨盐酸戊乙奎醚对心肺转流(CPB)后肺损伤的保护作用。方法 40例二尖瓣置换手术患者随机均分为盐酸戊乙奎醚组(P组)和对照组(C组),两组麻醉方法相同。P组在麻醉诱导后和升主动脉开放前分别缓慢静注盐酸戊乙奎醚0.02mg/kg;C组在同时点给予等容量的生理盐水。手术开始前(T1)和升主动脉开放后30min(鱼精蛋白中和后,T2)分别进行右肺中叶灌洗。测定肺灌洗液(BALF)中细胞因子白细胞介素-8(IL-8)和肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)浓度;行血气分析计算肺泡-动脉氧分压差(PA-aDO2)。结果 T2时C组BALF中IL-8、TNF-α和PA-aDO2明显高于T1时和P组(P0.05或P0.01)。结论盐酸戊乙奎醚通过抑制炎性细胞因子释放IL-8和TNF-α,减轻CPB后的肺损伤。     

盐酸戊乙奎醚预先给药对失血性休克大鼠急性肺损伤时TLR4 mRNA表达的影响

目的 探讨盐酸戊乙奎醚预先给药对失血性休克大鼠急性肺损伤时Toll样受体4(TLR4)mRNA表达的影响.方法 健康SD大鼠40只,体重200～250 g,随机分为5组(n=8):假手术组(S组)、失血性休克致急性肺损伤组(ALI组)和低、中、高剂量盐酸戊乙奎醚预先给药组(P1～3组).S组仅行动静脉穿刺,不放血,ALI组股动脉放血至35～45 mm Hg制备急性肺损伤模型,P1～3组分别于放血前30 min股静脉注射盐酸戊乙奎醚0.3、1.0、3.0 mg/kg,随后制备急性肺损伤模型.各组复苏后4 h时处死大鼠取肺,称重后计算肺湿干重比,检测TLR4 mRNA和NF-κB p65蛋白的表达水平,观察病理学结果.结果 与S组比较,ALI组和P1组TLR4 mRNA、NF-κB p65蛋白表达水平及肺湿干重比升高(P＜0.05或0.01),P2.3组差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);与ALI组比较,P2,3组TLR4 mRNA、NF-κB p65蛋白表达水平及肺湿干重比降低(P＜0.05或0.01);P2组和P3组上述指标比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).P2,3组肺组织病理学损伤程度较ALI组明显减轻.结论 盐酸戊乙奎醚预先给药可通过抑制肺组织TLR4 mRNA表达上调,进而降低NF-κB活性,从而减轻失血性休克诱发大鼠的急性肺损伤.     

盐酸戊乙奎醚对脓毒症大鼠肺组织炎性反应的影响

目的 探讨盐酸戊乙奎醚对脓毒症大鼠肺组织炎性反应的影响.方法 雄性SD大鼠96只,随机分为4组(n=24):假手术组(S组)、盲肠结扎穿孔组(CLP组)、小剂量盐酸戊乙奎醚组(PH1组)和大剂量盐酸戊乙奎醚组(PH2组).PH1组和PH2组于CLP后即刻分别经尾静脉注射盐酸戊乙奎醚0.1、0.3 mg/kg(用生理盐水稀释至1 ml/kg),S组和CLP组分别给予等容量生理盐水.分别于CLP后3、6、12和24 h(每个时点6只大鼠)经左心室采血,测定血浆中性粒细胞CD11b表达,采血后处死大鼠,观察肺组织中性粒细胞浸润及病理学结果,测定肺组织肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)含量,CLP后6 h时测定肺组织NF-κB表达及肺血管内皮细胞(PVEC)ICAM-1表达.结果 与S组比较,CLP组、PH1组和PH2组肺组织中性粒细胞计数、TNF-α含量、NF-κB和PVEC ICAM-1表达升高,CLP组及PH1组血浆中性粒细胞CD11b表达升高(P＜0.05或0.01);与CLP组比较,PH1组和PH2组肺组织中性粒细胞计数、TNF-α含量、NF-κB及PVEC ICAM-1表达及血浆中性粒细胞CD11b表达降低(P＜0.05或0.01);与PH1组比较,PH2组肺组织NF-κB、PVEC ICAM-1表达及血浆中性粒细胞CD11b表达降低(P＜0.05或0.01).结论 盐酸戊乙奎醚可通过降低肺组织NF-κB、TNF-α和PVEC ICAM-1水平,下调血浆中性粒细胞CD11b表达,减少肺组织中性粒细胞的浸润,减轻了脓毒症大鼠肺损伤.     

Reduction of Plasma Fibrinogen, Immunoglobulin G, and Immunoglobulin M Concentrations by Immunoadsorption Therapy with Tryptophan and Phenylalanine Adsorbents

Abstract Immunoadsorption (1A) therapy with tryptophan (TR-350) or phenylalanine (PH-350) adsorbents has been used to reduce the concentration of serum antibodies in human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)-immunized patients. Other forms of plasma purification have been reported to reduce the level of fibrinogen, which affects the blood properties. In this study we investigated the effects of IA therapy using both adsorbents on plasma fibrinogen and immunoglobulins G and M in 13 patients (8 patients were treated with TR-350, and 5 patients were treated with PH-350). During each session 1 plasma volume (2.8 ± 0.4 L of plasma) was processed through the immunocolumn and then returned to the patient together with the blood cells. Compared with the pretreatment values, the plasma fibrinogen, IgG, and IgM concentrations were significantly reduced after IA therapy (p < 0.01 for TR-350; p < 0.04 for PH-350). There was a positive correlation between the degree of reduction of plasma proteins and the number of IA treatments given. A nonpara-metric test (Wilcoxon's signed-rank test or the Mann-Whitney test) was used for statistical analysis. We conclude from our study that IA therapy effectively lowers the plasma levels of fibrinogen, IgG, and IgM and thus can be considered a valuable alternative to other blood purification methods.     

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.     

The multiply injured child

Blunt trauma is the principal cause of childhood death in many developed countries. This review outlines the differences between adults and children with respect to resuscitation and treatment of orthopaedic injuries in a child with polytrauma. Recent advances in techniques of fracture stabilization are reported.     

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.     

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.     

Adrenaline markedly improves thoracic epidural analgesia produced by a low-dose infusion of bupivacaine, fentanyl and adrenaline after major surgery: A randomised, double-blind, cross-over study with and without adrenaline

Background: Basic pharmacological research indicates that there are synergistic antinociceptive effects at the spinal cord level between adrenaline, fentanyl and bupivacaine. Our clinical experience with such a mixture in a thoracic epidural infusion after major surgery confirms this. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects on postoperative pain intensity, pain relief and side effects when removing adrenaline from this triple epidural mixture. Methods: A prospective, randomised, double-blind, cross-over study was carried out in 24 patients after major thoracic or abdominal surgery. Patients with only mild pain when coughing during a titrated thoracic epidural infusion of about 10 ml · h^?1 of bupivacaine 1 mg · ml^?1, fentanyl 2 μg · ml^?1, and adrenaline 2 μg · ml^?1 were included. On the 1^st and 2^nd postoperative days each patient was given a double-blind epidural infusion, at the same rate, with or without adrenaline. The effect was observed for 4 h or until pain when coughing became unacceptable in spite of a rescue analgesic procedure. Rescue analgesia consisted of up to two epidural bolus injections per hour and i.v. morphine if necessary. All patients received rectal paracetamol 1 g, every 8 h. Fentanyl serum concentrations were measured with a radioimmunoassay technique at the start and end of each study period. Main outcome measures were extent of sensory blockade and pain intensity at rest and when coughing, evaluated by a visual analogue scale, a verbal categorical rating scale, the Prince Henry Hospital pain score, and an overall quality of pain relief score. Results: The number of hypaesthetic dermatomal segments decreased (P <0.001) and pain intensity at rest and when coughing increased (P <0.001) when adrenaline was omitted from the triple epidural mixture. This change started within the first hour after removing adrenaline. After 3 h pain intensity when coughing had increased to unacceptable levels in spite of rescue analgesia (epidural bolus injections and i.v. morphine). Within 15–20 min after restarting the triple epidural mixture with adrenaline, pain intensity was again reduced to mild pain when coughing. Serum concentration of fentanyl doubled from 0.22 to 0.45 ng · ml^?1 (P <0.01), and there was more sedation during the period without adrenaline. Conclusions: Adrenaline increases sensory block and improves the pain-relieving effect of a mixture of bupivacaine and fentanyl infused epidurally at a thoracic level after major thoracic or abdominal surgery. Serum fentanyl concentrations doubled and sedation increased when adrenaline was removed from the epidural infusion, indicating more rapid vascular absorption and systemic effects of fentanyl.