VEGF基因体外转染大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞的实验研究

目的:探讨脂质体介导血管内皮细胞生长因子(VEGF)基因转染大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞(MSCS)应用于基因治疗的可行性、安全性。方法:体外分离、培养、鉴定MSCs,PcDNA3.1(-)/VEGF165质粒转染MSCs,转染后用免疫荧光和ELISA检测MSCs表达VEGF蛋白的情况,MTT检测MSCs对VEGF质粒转染的敏感性。结果:骨髓中分离得到MSCs,流式细胞检测显示MSCs不表达CD34和CD45,但表达CD90。透射电镜观察可见细胞浆中含大量粗面内质网和分泌颗粒。VEGF基因转染MSCs后第5天抗VEGF免疫荧光染色约90%的MSCs呈阳性,ELISA检测结果显示PcDNA3.1(-)/VEGF165质粒转染组细胞培养上清液中VEGF含量明显高于对照组,并于转染后第5天达到峰值。MTT检测结果显示VEGF质粒转染对MSCs增殖无影响。结论:MSC可作为VEGF基因转染的靶细胞用于基因治疗。     

PcDNA3.1-VEGF165质粒转染神经母细胞瘤细胞后VEGF165的表达

目的观察PcDNA3.1-VEGF165质粒转染神经母细胞瘤细胞(SH-SY5Y)后VEGF165在体外的表达.方法将PcDNA3.1-VEGF165质粒应用脂质体介导的方法转染到SH-SY5Y(I组),同时建立空白对照组(Ⅱ组),两组其他试验条件均保持一致.脂转48h后,用ELISA和Westem-blot定量检测VEGF165可溶性产物.应用RT-PCR对SH-SY5Y产生的mRNA进行定性检测.对两组EUSA的定量结果进行统计学分析比较.结果脂转组(I组)PcDNA3.1-VEGF165质粒转染48h后神经母细胞瘤细胞即有VEGF165高效表达,RT-PCR可扩增到一条特异性的泳带,Western-blot显示转基因神经母细胞瘤细胞上清液中有一分子量为23kD的特异性条带.空白对照组(Ⅱ组)有微量的 VEGF165表达(84.14±33.89ng/ml),脂转组的VEGF165表达量(1005.15±185.50ng/ml)明显高于对照组.两组比较差异有显著性(P＜0.05).结论神经母细胞瘤细胞体外培养有微量VEGF165表达,PcDNA3.1-VEGF165质粒可通过脂质体转染体外培养的神经母细胞瘤细胞,被转染的神经母细胞瘤细胞能够高效表达VEGF165.     

转基因的骨髓间充质干细胞治疗大鼠缺血皮瓣

目的探讨转染血管内皮细胞生长因子(VEGF)基因的大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞(MSCs)同种异体移植促进缺血皮瓣的血管新生,从而提高皮瓣存活率的可能性。方法体外分离、培养、鉴定SD大鼠MSCs,PcDNA3.1(-)/VEGF165质粒转染MSCs,免疫荧光方法检测MSCs体外表达VEGF的情况,CM-DiI标记MSCs。SD大鼠随机分3组:A组[PcDNA3.1(-)/VEGF165质粒转染的MSCs移植]、B组(单纯MSCs移植)、C组(DMEM-F12培养基)。每只大鼠背侧皮下按组分别注射细胞悬液和培养基,注射后ELISA法连续检测大鼠血浆VEGF浓度,注射后第4天掀起1个蒂在尾侧的9 cm×2 cm的随意皮瓣。在术后第14天分别观察皮瓣的存活率、激光多普勒血液监测仪监测血流灌注、CD34免疫组织化学检测皮瓣毛细血管密度、荧光显微镜检测MSCs在皮瓣内的分布和存活状况。结果转染VEGF165基因的MSCs体外和体内检测均高表达VEGF165蛋白。A、B、C三组的皮瓣存活率分别为(83.1±2.6)%、(66.4±6.1)%、(51.5±7.5)%(P< 0.05);A、B、C三组的毛细血管密度(条/mm2)分别为:89.2±6.1、57.1±4.7、28.7±2.8(P< 0.05);血流灌注比值A组高于B、C两组,B组高于C组(P<0.05);转染VEGF165基因的MSCs移植SD大鼠皮瓣后,MSCs存活并参与血管新生。结论转染VEGF基因的大鼠MSCs体外培养后异体移植可促进缺血皮瓣的血管新生,提高存活率。     

腺相关病毒介导的血管内皮生长因子基因与内皮祖细胞联合治疗肢体缺血

目的探讨腺相关病毒(AAV)介导的人血管内皮生长因子165(hVEGF165)基因转染的兔骨髓内皮祖细胞(EPCs)自体移植对于移植细胞存活率和缺血肢体血管再生的影响。方法构建、制备携带hVEGF165基因或β-半乳糖苷酶(β-gal)基因的AAV载体AAV-hVEGF165和AAV- LacZ;用AAV—hVEGF165和AAV-LacZ分别转染体外培养的EPCs,得到AAV/VEGF-EPC和AAV/LacZ-EPC,用RT-PCR、免疫细胞化学、流式细胞术检测外源基因的表达。分别用AAV/VEGF-EPC、AAV/LacZ-EPC和PBS自体移植于兔右下肢缺血的肌组织,28 d后行双侧肢体血流和免疫组织化学检测。结果AAV/VEGF—EPC和AAV/LacZ-EPC内可检测到外源基因的表达。AAV/VEGF—EPC、AAV/LacZ-EPC和PBS组患/健侧血流比值、毛细血管密度分别为0.73±0.21、0.64±0.13、0.45±0.10;(962±291)、(557±132)、(361±69)/mm2。AAV/VEGF-EPC和AAV/LacZ-EPC组移植成活的EPCs密度分别为(330±81)/mm2和(204±55)/mm2。结论AAV能够高效将外源基因转入EPCs,对其进行基因修饰。自体移植AAV-hVEGF165转染的EPCs可提高其移植存活率和增强其促进缺血肢体血管再生能力。     

人VEGF165基因转染人外周血内皮祖细胞的实验研究

目的 探讨人血管内皮细胞生长因子165(hVEGF165)基因转染对人外周血内皮祖细胞(EPCs)的影响.方法 体外分离、培养、鉴定人外周血EPCs.实验分脂质体介导pcDNA3.1-hVEGF165质粒转染组,pcDNA3.1空质粒转染组,窄白对照组.ELISA法和硝酸还原酶法分别测定各组上清液中VEGF和一氧化氮(NO)的含量;噻唑蓝(MTT)检测它们对EPCs增殖的影响.结果 FITC-UEA-I和DiI-ac-LDL双染色阳性细胞为正在分化的EPCs,脂质体介导pcDNA3.1-hVEGF165质粒转染组EPCs培养基上清液中VEGF和NO表达量明显高于其他两组(P＜0.01);VEGF质粒转染对EPCs的增殖无明显影响.结论 人外周血EPCs可以成功转染hVEGF165基因.同时能表达一定浓度的VEGF蛋白,并可促进NO的分泌,而对EPCs的活性无明显影响.该研究为进一步研究VEGF165基因和EPCs结合治疗缺血性疾病提供了实验依据.     

阳离子脂质体介导转染高表达载体pAdCMV—VEGF165的实验研究

目的 探讨阳离子脂质体体外介导pAdCMV-VEGF_(165)转染CHO细胞的生物学活性.方法 以RT-PCR自人胎肝中克隆和筛选出619bp的VEGF_(165)全长cDNA;构建质粒载体pAdCMV-VEGF_(165);取Lipofect-AMINE体外介导pAdCMV-VEGF_(165),转染CHO细胞,Miles试验检测生物学活性.结果 Miles试验证实,转染pAdCMV-VEGF_(165)的CHO细胞分泌VEGF,具有生物学活性.结论 为VEGF_(165)在体应用奠定了基础.     

血管内皮生长因子基因稳定转染兔骨髓基质干细胞的研究

目的 检测人血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)基因稳定转染对兔骨髓基质干细胞(BM-SC)VEGF表达的影响.方法 分离并培养兔骨髓基质干细胞,利用脂质体介导pcDNA3.1-VEGF165转染兔BMSC,G418筛选稳定表达pcDNA3.1-VEGFl65的细胞克隆,RT-PCR、Western blot法检测转染前后细胞中VEGF165 mRNA和蛋白的表达.结果 通过筛选获得了稳定表达pcDNA3.1-VEGF165的细胞克隆.逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)、Western blot结果显示:稳定转染组BMSC中可检测到VEGF165 mRNA和蛋白的表达,空白和空载体组未见VEGF表达.结论 pcDNA3.1-VEGF165载体转染的兔BMSC可稳定表达外源性VEGF165 mRNA和蛋白,可作为治疗骨缺损和骨缺血性坏死研究的种子细胞.     

新型非病毒纳米微囊-VEGF复合体转染鼠成纤维细胞的体外试验研究

探讨新型纳米微囊载体应用于基因治疗的可行性，安全性、转染效率，转移方法并与阳离子脂质体、质粒DNA进行比较。方法：以血管内皮细胞生长因子(VEGF165)为目的基因，构建真核表达载体pcDNA3．1／myc-hisA-VEGF165,分别利用纳米微囊、阳离子脂质体介导VEGF。转染鼠成纤维细胞(3Y1)，转染4h后镜下观察细胞转染后表型变化，24、48h后通过绿色荧光蛋白的表达观察瞬时转染效率，通过免疫组织化学、Western Blot检测基因表达水平及定位。MTT法检测对转基因细胞的毒性。ELIsA检测经G418筛选后上清培养液VEGF蛋白持续表达情况。结果：经G418筛选后的阳性细胞克隆，为高表达VEGF的鼠成纤维细胞模型。免疫组织化学证实pcDNA3．1／myc-hisA-VEGF165在转基因的细胞中呈高表达，定位于胞浆。Western Bldt结果显示纳米微囊转染3Y1细胞48h后细胞胞浆及培养上清中均有VEGF蛋白表达。免疫荧光显示纳米微囊转染效率明显高于相应浓度的阳离子脂质体，转染4h后镜下观察细胞表型显示10mM浓度纳米微囊有较高的毒性。MTT测定示纳米微囊对3Y1细胞有显著的抑制增殖作用并随浓度梯度变化，ELISA检测发现纳米微囊、脂质体组培养上清中VEGF蛋白表达水平可维持4周，但纳米微囊组随时间变化而下降，瞬时表达水平高于脂质体组。结论：纳米微囊转基因载体作为一种新型非病毒载体，具备基因治疗应用潜能，可能为血管重建基因治疗提供了一种新的模式。     

血管内皮细胞生长因子(VEGF)基因转染骨髓间充质干细胞的表达

目的检测兔骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSc)经血管内皮细胞生长因子(VEGF165)基因转染后外源基因的表达，为进一步利用经基因转染的BMSc构建血管化组织工程骨组织打下基础。方法构建VEGF真核细胞表达载体，利用脂质体介导转染兔BMSc，使用原位杂交、免疫组织化学的方法检测VEGF165在BMSc中的表达。结果成功构建VEGF真核细胞表达载体，原位杂交、免疫组化方法显示经基因转染的BMSc中有阳性棕黄色颗粒出现，而未转染组呈现阴性结果。结论采用基因转移技术可以将VEGF转染至．BMSc中，并有外源性基因和蛋白的表达。     

重组血管内皮生长因子165-PE38融合基因的构建及其对人脐静脉内皮细胞的抑制作用

目的 构建血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)基因和铜绿假单胞菌外毒素(PE38)基因真核融合表达载体,观察其表达产物对人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVECs)的影响.方法 通过聚合酶链反应(PCR)获得VEGF165基因片段,通过Hind Ⅲ和EcoR Ⅰ双酶切pRB391质粒获得PE38基因.构建两融合基因的真核表达载体plRES2-VEGF165-PE38-EGFP,转染293细胞后用逆转录(RT)-PCR及ELISA检测VEGF165-PE38融合蛋白在293细胞的表达,并检测转染细胞的培养上清对HUVECs的选择性细胞毒作用.结果 成功构建VEGF165-PE38融合基因真核表达载体,其可在293细胞表达,ELISA检测表明空质粒转染组、无转染组和重组质粒转染组VEGF浓度分别为(269.0±23.6)、(306.0±29.3)和(1390.0±136.6)ng/L.CCK-8和TUNEL检测表明重组质粒细胞转染上清对HUVECs具有较强的细胞抑制效应,凋亡细胞率分别为8.34%、7.69%和39.88%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 VEGF 165-PE38融合基因构建,表达及其功能的初步研究,为肿瘤血管内皮细胞的靶向治疗及临床应用奠定了基础.     

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.     

A comparison of the inhibitory effects of four volatile anaesthetics on the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, a substrate for CYP2E1, in rabbits

Background: Halothane inhibits in vitro and in vivo activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1. There are several fluorinated volatile anaesthetics besides halothane, and most of them are defluorinated by CYP2E1. It is unclear whether other fluorinated anaesthetics inhibit the in vivo activity of CYP2E1.
Methods: We compared the inhibitory effects of therapeutic concentrations of four inhalational anaesthetics, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on chlorzoxazone metabolism in rabbits receiving artificial ventilation.
Results: All four inhalational anaesthetics decreased arterial blood pressure and increased plasma chlorzoxazone concentration. However, no significant differences in the plasma chlorzoxazone concentration were found between the four anaesthetics. The estimated chlorzoxazone clearance increased after beginning inhalation with all four agents, but no significant difference in clearance was noted between agents.
Conclusions: At therapeutic concentrations, the in vivo inhibitory effect on chlorzoxazone metabolism was similar for all four inhalational anaesthetics examined, even though their chemical characteristics and extent of hepatic metabolism differ considerably.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Systemic analgesia adapted to the children's condition

A concept of balanced analgesia using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol (acetaminophen), opioids, and corticosteroids can also be used in patients with pre-existing illnesses. NSAIDs are the most effective treatment for acute pain of moderate intensity in children; however, these drugs should be avoided in patients at increased risk for serious side effects, e.g. patients with renal impairment, bleeding tendency, or extreme prematurity. NSAIDs can be given with minimal risks to the younger child with mild to moderate asthma, and, in these patients, the use of steroids can be encouraged; in addition to their antiemetic and analgesic action, a beneficial effect on asthma symptoms can be expected. In the non-intubated child with cerebral trauma, exaggerated sedation caused by opioids and increased bleeding tendency caused by NSAIDs must be avoided. In neonates and small infants, the oral administration of sucrose or glucose is helpful to minimize pain reaction during short uncomfortable interventions.