JAK2-STAT3通路在舒芬太尼后处理减轻犬心肌缺血再灌注损伤中的作用

目的 评价Janus激酶2-信号转导与转录激活子(JAK2- STAT3)通路在舒芬太尼后处理减轻犬心肌缺血再灌注损伤中的作用.方法 健康杂种家犬24只,雌雄不拘,体重10～15 kg,采用随机数字表法,将其随机分为4组(n=6):假手术组(S组);心肌缺血再灌注损伤组(I/R组),结扎左冠状动脉前降支30 min,再灌注120 min;舒芬太尼后处理组(PO组),再灌注前5min时经5 min静脉输注舒芬太尼0.6 μg/kg;舒芬太尼后处理+AG490组(AG组),再灌注前5min时静脉注射JAK2抑制剂AG490 1 mg/kg后经5 min静脉输注舒芬太尼0.6 μg/kg.于再灌注120 min时取缺血部位心肌标本,光镜下观察病理学结果,采用免疫组化法测定心肌细胞caspase-3和磷酸化STAT3(p- STAT3)的表达,采用TUNEL法测定心肌细胞凋亡指数.结果 与S组比较,I/R组、PO组和AG组心肌细胞凋亡指数、caspase-3及p-STAT3的表达均升高(P＜0.05);与I/R组比较,PO组和AG组心肌细胞凋亡指数和caspase-3表达降低,PO组p-STAT3表达升高,AG组p-STAT3表达降低(P＜0.05);与PO组比较,AG组心肌细胞凋亡指数和caspase-3表达升高,p-STAT3表达降低(P＜0.05).PO组心肌病理学损伤较I/R组和AG组减轻.结论 JAK2-STAT3通路参与了舒芬太尼后处理减轻犬心肌缺血再灌注损伤.     

舒芬太尼后处理对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注时细胞凋亡的影响

目的 探讨舒芬太尼后处理对大鼠缺血再灌注时心肌细胞凋亡的影响.方法 健康雄性SD大鼠36只,体重250 ～ 280 g,采用随机数字表法,将大鼠随机分为3组(n=12):假手术组(S组)、缺血再灌注组(I/R组)和舒芬太尼后处理组(SP组).采用结扎左冠状动脉30 min,再灌注120min的方法制备心肌缺血再灌注模型.S组只挂线不结扎左冠状动脉;SP组于再灌注即刻静脉注射舒芬太尼3.0 μg/kg.于缺血再灌注期间记录HR和MAP.于再灌注120 min时,处死大鼠,取心脏,测定心肌梗死面积,采用RT-PCR测定心肌Bax mRNA和Bcl-2 mRNA的表达,采用TUNEL法检测心肌凋亡细胞,计算凋亡指数.结果 三大鼠各时点HR比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);与S组比较,I/R组心肌缺血再灌注期间MAP降低(P＜0.05),SP组差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),I/R组和SP组凋亡指数和Bax mRNA表达水平升高,I/R组Bcl-2 mRNA表达水平降低,SP组Bcl-2 mRNA表达水平升高(P＜0.05);与I/R组比较,SP组心肌梗死面积、凋亡指数和Bax mRNA表达水平降低,Bcl-2 n.RNA表达水平升高(P＜0.05).结论 舒芬太尼后处理可能通过上调Bcl-2表达,下调Bax表达,抑制细胞凋亡,从而减轻大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤.     

参麦注射液后处理对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的 评价参麦注射液后处理对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响.方法 健康雄性SD大鼠32只,10～ 12周龄,体重240 ～ 260 g,采用随机数字表法,将其随机分为3组(n=12):假手术组(S组)、缺血再灌注组(I/R组)和参麦注射液后处理组(SPO组).I/R组和SPO组采用结扎左冠状动脉前降支30 min,再灌注120 min的方法制备大鼠心肌缺血再灌注模型;S组只穿线不结扎.于缺血30 min时I/R组静脉注射生理盐水9 ml/kg,SPO组静脉注射参麦注射液9 ml/kg.再灌注120 min时,腹主动脉采集血样,测定血清CK活性和cTnI浓度;然后处死大鼠,取心肌组织,观察病理学结果和细胞凋亡情况,计算心肌细胞凋亡指数,采用免疫组化法检测心肌细胞Bcl-2和Bax的蛋白表达.结果 与S组比较,I/R组和SPO组血清CK活性和cTnI浓度升高,I/R组心肌细胞凋亡指数升高,Bcl-2蛋白表达下调,Bax蛋白表达上调,SPO组心肌细胞凋亡指数升高,Bcl-2和Bax的蛋白表达上调(P＜0.01);与I/R组比较,SPO组血清CK活性和cTnI浓度降低,心肌细胞凋亡指数降低,Bcl-2蛋白表达上调,Bax蛋白表达下调(P＜0.01),病理学损伤减轻.结论 参麦注射液后处理可减轻大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤,其机制可能与上调Bcl-2蛋白表达,下调Bax蛋白表达,抑制心肌细胞凋亡有关.     

PI3K/Akt 信号通路在舒芬太尼后处理减轻在体大鼠心肌缺血-再灌注损伤中的作用

目的探讨PI3K/Akt信号通路在舒芬太尼后处理减轻在体大鼠心肌缺血-再灌注损伤时细胞凋亡中的作用。方法取90只健康成年雄性SD大鼠,采用随机数字表法分为五组:假手术组(Sham组),只穿线不结扎;缺血-再灌注组(IR组),结扎左冠状动脉前降支造成心肌缺血30min,再灌注120 min;舒芬太尼后处理组(Sufen组),在灌注即刻,给予舒芬太尼1.0μg/kg输注3min,再灌注处理同IR组;舒芬太尼后处理~+LY294002(PI3K抑制剂)组(SL组),再灌注前10min给予LY294002 0.3mg/kg,并行舒芬太尼后处理;LY294002组(IL组),再灌注前10 min给予LY294002 0.3mg/kg,再灌注120min。在缺血前即刻(T_0)、缺血30min(T_1)、再灌注60min(T_2)和再灌注120min(T_3)时记录HR和MAP;再灌注末,测定心肌梗死面积(IS/AAR);再灌注15 min时,采用Western blot法测定心肌组织总的Akt和磷酸化的Akt蛋白含量;在再灌注末,用RT_-PCR检测Bax和Bcl-2mRNA的表达。结果五组大鼠组间组内HR差异无统计学意义;T_2、T_3时IR组、SL组和IL组MAP明显低于Sham组(P0.05);Sufen组IS/AAR明显低于IR、SL和IL组(P0.05);五组心肌总的Akt蛋白含量表达差异无统计学意义;与Sufen组比较,sham、IR、SL和IL组磷酸化的Akt表达明显下调(P0.05),IR组、SL和IL组Bax mRNA的表达明显升高,Bcl-2mRAN的表达明显降低(P0.05)。结论舒芬太尼后处理可减轻心肌缺血-再灌注损伤,可能与激活PI3K/Akt信号通路,降低Bax和增加Bcl-2蛋白表达而达到抑制心肌细胞的凋亡有关。     

七氟醚后处理对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注时细胞凋亡的影响

目的 评价七氟醚后处理对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注时心肌细胞凋亡的影响.方法 健康雄性Wistar大鼠45只,体重250～ 280 g,采用随机数字表法,将大鼠随机分为3组(n=15):假手术组(S组)、心肌缺血再灌注组(I/R组)和七氟醚后处理组(Spo组).I/R组和Spo组采用结扎左冠状动脉前降支30 min时进行再灌注120 min的方法制备心肌缺血再灌注损伤模型,S组仅在左冠状动脉前降支下穿线.Spo组进行七氟醚后处理,于再灌注前1 min时吸八七氟醚,呼气末浓度2.5％,持续5min.于再灌注120 min时取左室心肌组织,测定缺血危险区和梗死区体积,计算缺血危险区和梗死区体积百分比.取左室缺血危险区心肌组织,测定心肌细胞凋亡指数,测定凋亡相关蛋白Bcl-2和Bax的蛋白及其mRNA的表达,计算Bcl-2/Bax比值.结果 与S组比较,I/R组心肌梗死区体积百分比和心肌细胞凋亡指数升高,Bcl-2、Bax蛋白及mRNA表达上调,Bcl-2/Bax比值降低(P＜0.05);与I/R组比较,Spo组心肌梗死区体积百分比和心肌细胞凋亡指数降低,Bax蛋白及mRNA表达下调,Bcl-2蛋白及mRNA表达上调,Bcl-2/Bax比值升高(P＜0.05).结论 七氟醚后处理通过上调Bcl-2表达,下调BBax表达,改善Bcl-2/Bax平衡,抑制心肌细胞凋亡,从而减轻大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤.     

舒芬太尼后处理和七氟醚后处理对大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的 评价舒芬太尼后处理和七氟醚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230～250 g,成功制备Langendorff离体灌注模型的40个心脏随机分为4组(n=10):缺血再灌注组(Ⅰ组)、七氟醚后处理组(Ⅱ组)、舒芬太尼后处理组(Ⅲ组)和七氟醚联合舒芬太尼后处理组(Ⅳ组).采用K-H液平衡灌注(灌注压10 kPa)30 min,全心缺血40 min再灌注120 min.再灌注即刻时Ⅱ组、Ⅲ组和Ⅳ组进行药物后处理15 min:Ⅱ组K-H液中通入3.0%七氟醚,Ⅲ组K-H液中加入100 nmol/L舒芬太尼,Ⅳ组同时进行七氟醚后处理和舒芬太尼后处理.分别于平衡灌注末(基础状态)、再灌注15 min、30 min、60 min、90 min、120 min时记录左室收缩压(LVSP)、左室舒张末压(LVEDP)、左室发展压(LVDP)、左室内压上升最大速率(+dp/dtmax)、左室内压下降最大速率(-dp/dtmax)、心率(HR)和灌脉流量(CF).再灌注5 min时,收集冠脉流出液,测定肌酸激酶(CK)和乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)的活性.再灌注120 min时取心肌组织,测定心肌梗死体积、Bcl-2和Bax的表达水平,并计算Bcl-2和Bax表达的比值(Bcl-2/Bax).结果 与Ⅰ组比较,Ⅱ组、Ⅲ组和Ⅳ组LVSP、LVDP、+dp/dtmax、-dp/dtmax和CF升高,LVEDP和LDH、CK的活性降低,心肌梗死体积缩小,Bcl-2表达上调,Bax表达下调,Bcl-2/Bax升高(P＜0.05或0.01);Ⅱ组、Ⅲ组和Ⅳ组间上述指标差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 舒芬太尼后处理可减轻大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤,联合七氟醚后处理时心肌保护作用并未增加,其心肌保护的机制与上调Bcl-2表达、下调Bax表达从而抑制细胞凋亡有关.     

舒芬太尼预处理对肠缺血再灌注大鼠急性肺损伤的影响及阿片受体在其中的作用

目的 评价舒芬太尼预处理对肠缺血再灌注大鼠急性肺损伤的影响及阿片受体在其中的作用.方法 成年健康雄性Wistar大鼠48只,体重200 ～ 250 g,采用随机数字表法,将其随机分为6组(n=8):假手术组(S组)、肠缺血再灌注组(I/R组)、舒芬太尼预处理组(SPC组)、COTP+ SPC组、NTD+ SPC组和nor-BNI+ SPC组.I/R组、SPC组、COTP+ SPC组、NTD+ SPC组和nor-BNI+ SPC组采用夹闭肠系膜上动脉45 min,再灌注2h的方法制备肠缺血再灌注模型;S组仅分离肠系膜上动脉,不夹闭.SPC组、COTP+ SPC组、NTD+ SPC组和nor-BNI+ SPC组于缺血前10 min时静脉注射舒芬太尼10μg/kg;COTP+ SPC组、NTD+ SPC组于注射舒芬太尼前10 min时分别静脉注射μ受体拮抗剂COTP 1mg/kg或δ受体拮抗剂NTD 5 mg/kg; nor-BNI+ SPC组于注射舒芬太尼前15 min时静脉注射κ受体拮抗剂nor-BNI 5 mg/kg.于再灌注2h时处死大鼠,取肠组织,观察肠粘膜形态并进行肠粘膜损伤评分;取左肺组织,观察肺组织形态并进行肺损伤评分;采用TUNEL法检测肺组织细胞凋亡情况,计算凋亡指数;采用免疫组化法测定肺组织Bcl-2蛋白和Bax蛋白的表达,计算Bcl-2/Bax比值.结果 与S组比较,I/R组、SPC组、COTP+ SPC组、NTD+ SPC组和nor-BNI+ SPC组肠粘膜损伤评分、肺损伤评分和凋亡指数升高,Bcl-2蛋白和Bax蛋白表达上调,Bcl-2/Bax比值降低(P＜0.01);与I/R组比较,SPC组肠粘膜损伤评分、肺损伤评分和凋亡指数降低,Bcl-2蛋白表达上调,Bax蛋白表达下调,Bcl-2/Bax比值升高(P＜0.01);与SPC组比较,COTP+ SPC组、NTD+ SPC组和nor-BNI+ SPC组肠粘膜损伤评分、肺损伤评分和凋亡指数升高,Bcl-2蛋白表达下调,Bax表达蛋白表达上调,Bcl-2/Bax比值下降(P＜0.01).结论 舒芬太尼预处理可减轻肠缺血再灌注大鼠急性肺损伤,该作用与激活阿片受体有关.     

依那普利后处理对肢体缺血再灌注诱发大鼠心肌损伤的影响

目的 评价依那普利后处理对肢体缺血再灌注诱发大鼠心肌损伤的影响.方法 健康雄性SD大鼠36只,体重200 ～ 250 g,采用随机数字表法,将其分为3组(n=12)∶假手术组(S组)、缺血再灌注组(I/R组)和依那普利后处理组(EP组).I/R组和EP组采用橡皮带环绕结扎大鼠双后肢根部3h,再灌注3h的方法制备肢体缺血再灌注模型.再灌注前30 min时,EP组经颈内静脉注射依那普利0.04 mg/kg,S组和I/R组经颈内静脉注射等容量生理盐水.再灌注3h时,处死大鼠,取心肌组织,采用TUNEL法检测心肌细胞凋亡,计算细胞凋亡指数;采用免疫组化法测定Bcl-2和Bax的蛋白表达;采用黄嘌呤氧化酶法测定SOD活性;采用硫代巴比妥法测定MDA含量.结果 与S组比较,I/R组和EP组心肌细胞凋亡指数和MDA含量升高,Bax蛋白表达上调,Bcl-2蛋白表达下调,SOD活性降低(P＜0.05);与I/R组比较,EP组心肌细胞凋亡指数和MDA含量降低,Bax蛋白表达下调,Bcl-2蛋白表达上调,SOD活性升高(P＜0.05),心肌病理学损伤减轻.结论 依那普利后处理可减轻肢体缺血再灌注诱发大鼠心肌损伤,其机制可能与减少心肌细胞凋亡和减轻脂质过氧化反应有关.     

α-硫辛酸对肾缺血再灌注损伤大鼠心肌细胞凋亡的影响

目的 评价α-硫辛酸对肾缺血再灌注损伤大鼠心肌细胞凋亡的影响.方法 健康雄性SD大鼠36只,体重250～280 g,采用随机数字表法,将其随机分为3组:假手术组(S组)、肾缺血再灌注组(I/R组)和α-硫辛酸组(L组),每组12只.I/R组和L组采用夹闭双侧肾动、静脉45 min后恢复灌注的方法制备大鼠肾缺血再灌注损伤模型,S组不夹闭双侧肾蒂.L组于夹闭前20 min和再灌注前20 min分别尾静脉注射α-硫辛酸30 mg/kg,I/R组分别尾静脉注射等容量溶剂(35％聚乙二醇+60％生理盐水+5％乙醇).于再灌注24h抽取腹主动脉血,测定血清肌酐(Cr)和MDA浓度,随后处死大鼠取心脏,测定心肌MDA含量和SOD活性,采用流式细胞术检测心肌细胞凋亡率,采用免疫组化法测定心肌细胞Bcl-2及Bax的表达,计算Bcl-2/Bax比值.结果 与S组相比,I/R组和L组血清Cr和MDA浓度、心肌MDA含量和心肌细胞凋亡率升高,SOD活性降低,I/R组Bcl-2/Bax比值降低(P＜0.05);与JR组相比,L组血清Cr和MDA浓度、心肌MDA含量和心肌细胞凋亡率降低,SOD活性升高,Bcl-2/Bax比值升高(P＜0.05).结论 α-硫辛酸可减轻肾缺血再灌注损伤大鼠心肌损伤,与抑制心肌细胞凋亡有关.     

lncRNA-MALAT1/miRNA-145在舒芬太尼预处理减轻大鼠心肌缺血-再灌注损伤中的作用

目的探讨长链非编码RNA(lncRNA)肺腺癌转录子1(MALAT1)在舒芬太尼预处理减轻大鼠心肌缺血-再灌注损伤(MIRI)中的作用。方法 SPF级大鼠36只,体重180~200 g,随机分为三组:假手术组(Sham组),缺血-再灌注损伤组(IR组),缺血-再灌注损伤+舒芬太尼组(SUF组),每组12只。IR组和SUF组建立大鼠心肌缺血-再灌注损伤模型,SUF组于再灌注前10 min尾静脉注射舒芬太尼1μg/kg,Sham组和IR组注射等体积生理盐水。再灌注后2 h检测大鼠血清中肌酸激酶同工酶MB(CK-MB)、心肌肌钙蛋白T(cTnT)和乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)活性,同时检测大鼠心肌梗死面积;检测心肌细胞凋亡相关蛋白Bcl-2、Bax、Cleaved-caspase-3和Caspase-3含量;检测大鼠心肌组织中lncRNA-MALAT1和miRNA-145的相对表达量。结果与Sham组比较,IR组和SUF组CK-MB和cTnT浓度明显升高,LDH活性明显增强,心肌梗死面积明显增大,心肌组织中Bax/Bcl-2比值明显降低,Cleaved-caspase-3蛋白含量明显升高,lncRNA-MALAT1相对表达量明显升高,而miRNA-145相对表达量明显降低(P<0.05)。与IR组比较,SUF组CK-MB和cTnT浓度明显降低,LDH活性明显减弱,心肌梗死面积明显减小,Bax/Bcl-2比值明显升高,Cleaved-caspase-3蛋白含量明显降低,lncRNA-MALAT1相对表达量明显降低,miRNA-145相对表达量明显增加(P<0.05)。结论舒芬太尼预处理能减轻大鼠心肌缺血-再灌注损伤程度,其机制可能与抑制lncRNA-MALAT1、升高miRNA-145表达有关。     

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.