右美托咪定对全脑缺血再灌注大鼠血脑屏障通透性的影响

目的 评价右美托咪定对全脑缺血再灌注大鼠血脑屏障通透性的影响.方法 成年雄性SD大鼠36只,体重250 ～ 300 g,采用随机数字表法,将其分为3组(n=12):假手术组(S组)、全脑缺血再灌注组(I/R组)和右美托咪定组(D组).采用夹闭双侧颈总动脉联合低血压法建立大鼠全脑缺血再灌注损伤模型.D组于再灌注即刻经颈总静脉注射右美托咪定3 μg/kg负荷剂量,后以3μg·kg-1·h-1的速率静脉输注至再灌注2h.再灌注24h时,处死大鼠,取脑组织,观察海马CAI区病理学结果,测定细胞凋亡水平、脑含水量、脑组织伊文氏蓝(EB)含量和水通道蛋白4(AQP4)的表达.结果 与S组比较,I/R组和D组细胞凋亡增加,脑含水量和脑组织EB含量升高,AQP4表达上调(P＜ 0.05或0.01);与I/R组比较,D组细胞凋亡减少,脑含水量和脑组织EB含量降低,AQP4表达下调(P＜ 0.05或0.01),病理学损伤减轻.结论 右美托咪定可降低血脑屏障通透性,减轻大鼠全脑缺血再灌注损伤,其机制可能与下调AQP4的表达有关.     

一氧化氮对岛状肌皮瓣缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的　观察NO对岛状肌皮瓣I/R损伤的影响并探讨其作用机制。方法　选用白色小家猪 15只 ,随机分为I/R组、I/R +NO供体L -arg组及对照组。制作猪腹直肌岛状肌皮瓣I/R模型 ,于再灌注前后给予L -arg ,检测I/R不同时相皮瓣静脉血中NO的间接含量、皮瓣NTR渗出 ,计算再灌注完毕后肌肉存活比例。结果　①I/R +L -arg组再灌注 0 .5小时、1小时NO间接含量 ( 75 .0 7± 12 .5 4 ) μmol/L、( 86.86± 2 0 .15 ) μmol/L ,明显高于I/R组 ( 4 6.75± 11.77) μmol/L、( 4 0 .3 8± 10 .78) μmol/L(P <0 .0 1)。②再灌注 1小时、4小时I/R +L -arg组皮瓣NTR计数 ( 66.5 0± 17.3 3～ 15 3 .80± 3 8.5 3 ) / 2 0个高倍视野明显低于I/R组 ( 171.5 0± 4 4 .5 0 ,3 16.80± 5 2 .85 ) / 2 0个高倍视野 (P <0 .0 1)。③再灌注完毕后 ,I/R +L -arg组皮瓣肌肉的存活比例 ( 83 .70± 15 .60 ) %明显高于I/R组 ( 2 4 .0 7± 12 .3 5 ) % (P <0 .0 1)。结论　于缺血后再灌注前及再灌注早期给予L -arg ,适当增加内源性NO的产生 ,能有效减轻肌皮瓣缺血再灌注损伤。     

SP600125抗大鼠脑缺血/再灌注中海马细胞凋亡的作用

目的 探讨JNK特异性抑制剂-SP600125对大鼠脑缺血/再灌注(schemia/reperfusion,I/R)中海马细胞凋亡的作用.方法 雄性SD大鼠54只,体重量230 g～250 g,采用双盲随机方法分成假手术组(SH组),I/R组,JNK抑制剂SP600125组(SP组),每组根据再灌注时间分为30 min、24 h和72h 3个亚组,每亚组6只动物.采用4-VO法建立SD大鼠脑缺血模型,于缺血前30 min侧脑室注射二甲基亚砜(dimethyl sulfoxide,DMSO),DMSO及JNK抑制剂SP600125(溶媒采用DMSO),容积均为10μl.脑I/R后24、72 h测定其行为学改变,分别在30 min、24 h和72 h等时间点,取脑组织,免疫组织化学方法测定海马CA1区Bcl-2和Bax蛋白表达阳性细胞数量和凋亡锥体细胞数量.结果 全脑I/R使大鼠的垂直运动次数(4.8±2.0,9.1±3.4)和平衡木积分(2.3±1.2,3.5±0.9)显著减少(P＜0.05),I/R组的减少最为显著 ;脑I/R后海马CA1区凋亡神经元细胞数目(40.5±5.1)显著低于I/R组(P＜0.01) ;全脑I/R 24 h后,海马CA1区Bcl-2和Bax阳性锥体细胞数目(89.7±8.4,40.5±2.3)显著增加(P＜0.01),再灌注24 h组增加最多 ;SP600125可以增加Bcl-2蛋白表达、减少Bax蛋白表达.结论 SP600125对大鼠脑I/R中海马细胞的凋亡具有保护作用,此机制涉及抑制JNK信号转导通路.     

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.     

肠缺血再灌注对大鼠脑组织小胶质细胞活化的影响

目的 探讨肠缺血再灌注对大鼠脑组织小胶质细胞活化的影响.方法 清洁级健康成年雄性SD大鼠128只,体重250-300 g,采用随机数字表法,将其随机分为2组(n=64):假手术组(S组)和肠缺血再灌注组(I/R组).I/R组采用夹闭肠系膜上动脉90 min后再灌注的方法制备肠缺血再灌注损伤模型.于再灌注2、6、24、48 h时观察肠粘膜病理学结果,并行Chiu评分;取脑组织,计数活化的小胶质细胞,计算小胶质细胞活化率,测定脑组织活性氧(ROS)、MDA含量及SOD活性、NO含量、一氧化氮合酶(NOS)及诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)活性.结果 与S组比较,I/R组肠组织Chiu评分、脑组织活化的小胶质细胞数、小胶质细胞活化率、ROS、NOS和iNOS活性、MDA和NO含量升高,SOD活性降低(P＜0.05或0.01);I/R组再灌注6-48 h脑组织ROS、NOS和iNOS活性、MDA和NO含量依次升高,脑组织SOD活性及肠组织Chiu评分依次降低,脑组织活化的小胶质细胞和小胶质细胞活化率于再灌注24h时达峰值(P＜0.05或0.01).结论 肠缺血再灌注可通过激活脑组织小胶质细胞,激活NOS和促进ROS生成,从而诱发脂质过氧化反应,该作用作为肠缺血再灌注诱发大鼠脑损伤的机制.     

氟比洛芬酯后处理对大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注时神经元凋亡的影响

目的 评价氟比洛芬酯后处理对大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注时神经元凋亡的影响.方法 健康雄性Wistar大鼠64只,体重260～310 g,采用随机数字表法,将其随机分为4组(n＝16):假手术组(S组)、缺血再灌注组(I/R组)、脂微球溶剂组(LM组)和氟比洛芬酯10 mg/kg组(FB组).I/R组、LM组和FB组采用改良线栓法制备大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注损伤模型,缺血2h,再灌注24 h;S组仅分离血管.再灌注即刻FB组尾静脉注射氟比洛芬酯10 mg/kg,LM组尾静脉注射脂微球溶剂1ml/kg,S组和I/R组尾静脉注射等容量生理盐水.再灌注24h时行神经功能缺陷评分,然后处死大鼠,取脑组织,计数缺血侧凋亡神经元,计算神经元凋亡指数;采用Western blot法检测Bcl-2和Bax蛋白的表达,计算Bcl-2/Bax比率.结果 与S组比较,I/R组、LM组和FB组神经功能缺陷评分和神经元凋亡指数升高,I/R组和IM组Bcl-2蛋白表达下调,Bax蛋白表达上调,Bcl-2/Bax比率降低(P<0.05);与I/R组土土比较,LM组各指标差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),FB组神经功能缺陷评分和神经元凋亡指数降低,Bcl-2蛋白表达上调,Bax蛋白表达下调,Bcl-2/Bax比率升高(P<0.05).结论 氟比洛芬酯后处理通过调节Bcl-2与Bax的失衡,抑制神经元凋亡,减轻大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注损伤.     

右美托咪啶对大鼠全脑缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的 评价右美托咪啶对大鼠全脑缺血再灌注损伤的影响.方法 健康雄性SD大鼠54只,体重200 ～ 250 g,采用随机数字表法,将其随机分为3组(n=18):假手术组(S组)、缺血再灌注组(I/R组)和右美托咪啶组(D组).I/R组和D组采用夹闭双侧颈总动脉联合低血压法建立大鼠全脑缺血再灌注损伤模型.D组于缺血再灌注即刻静脉注射右美托咪啶3 μg/kg,后以3μg·kg-·h-1的速率静脉输注至再灌注2h.于再灌注6 h(T1)、24 h(T2)和72 h(T3)时行神经功能缺陷评分(NDS评分),然后各组随机处死6只大鼠,取脑组织,观察海马CA1区病理学结果,采用分光光度计法测定髓过氧化物酶(MPO)活性,采用ELISA法测定TNF-α、IL-1β的含量,采用免疫组化法测定胶质纤维酸性蛋白(GFAP)表达.结果 与S组比较,I/R组和D组T1 ～3时NDS评分、脑组织MPO活性、TNF-α和IL-1β的含量升高,T2,3时GFAP表达上调(P＜0.05或0.01),海马CA1区病理学损伤明显;与I/R组比较,D组T1 ～3时NDS评分、脑组织MPO活性和TNF-α含量降低,T1,2时脑组织IL-1β含量降低,T2,3时脑组织GFAP表达下调(P＜0.05或0.01),海马CA1区病理学损伤减轻.结论 右美托咪啶可减轻大鼠全脑缺血再灌注损伤,其机制可能与抑制炎性反应有关.     

瑞芬太尼对大鼠肾缺血再灌注时细胞凋亡的影响

目的 评价瑞芬太尼对大鼠肾缺血再灌注时细胞凋亡的影响.方法 健康成年雄性SD大鼠75只,体重220～ 250 g,采用随机数字表法,将其分为3组(n=25)∶假手术组(S组)、肾缺血再灌注组(I/R组)和瑞芬太尼组(R组).I/R组和R组采用夹闭双侧肾动脉45 min时恢复灌注法建立肾缺血再灌注损伤模型.R组于缺血前15 min至再灌注30 min经尾静脉输注瑞芬太尼1.0μg· kg-1·min-1,S组和I/R组给予等容量生理盐水.于缺血前15 min(T0)、再灌注3 h(T1)、6 h(T2)、12h(T3)及24 h(T4)时取肾组织标本.采用流式细胞术检测肾细胞凋亡率及Bax、Bcl-2蛋白表达,采用RT-PCR检测Bax和Bcl-2的mRNA表达,计算Bcl-2/Bax蛋白及mRNA表达比值,采用Paller法行肾小管损伤评分.结果 与S组比较,I/R组和R组T1-4时肾小管损伤评分和肾细胞凋亡率升高,Bcl-2/Bax蛋白及mRNA表达比值T12时升高,T3,4时降低(P＜0.01);与I/R组比较,R组T1-4时肾小管损伤评分和肾细胞凋亡率降低,Bcl-2/Bax蛋白及mRNA表达比值升高(P＜0.05或0.01);与T0时比较,I/R组和R组T1-4时肾小管损伤评分和肾细胞凋亡率升高,Bcl-2/Bax蛋白及mRNA表达比值T1,2时升高,T3,4时降低(P＜0.01).结论 瑞芬太尼减轻大鼠肾缺血再灌注损伤的机制与其调节Bcl-2/Bax蛋白表达,抑制肾组织细胞凋亡有关.     

七氟烷预处理对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤时细胞凋亡的影响

目的 探讨七氟烷预处理对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤时细胞凋亡的影响.方法 成年雄性SD大鼠64只,体重270～350 g,随机分为4组(n=16):假手术组(S组)仅穿线不结扎,心肌缺血再灌注组(I/R组)阻断左冠状动脉前降支缺血30 min,恢复灌注2 h制备心肌缺血再灌注损伤模型,七氟烷组(Sevo组)吸入2.5%七氟烷30 min,七氟烷预处理+心肌缺血再灌注组(SR组)吸入2.5%七氟烷30 min,15 min后制备模型.于再灌注2 h时随机取4只大鼠处死取左心室,采用氯化三苯四唑染色法测定心肌梗死范围,随机取4只大鼠处死取左心室,采用TUNEL法检测凋亡心肌细胞,计算凋亡指数,于缺血前即刻和再灌注2 h时分别随机取4只大鼠处死取左心室,采用Western blot法测定Bcl-2及caspase-3的蛋白表达水平.结果 与S组相比,再灌注2 h时I/R组和SR组心肌梗死范围增大,心肌细胞凋亡指数升高,caspase-3蛋白表达上调,Sevo组Bcl-2蛋白表达上调,I/R组Bcl-2蛋白表达下调,Sevo组和SR组缺血前即刻Bcl-2蛋白表达上凋(P＜0.05);与I/R组相比,再灌注2 h时SR组心肌梗死范围缩小、心肌细胞凋亡指数降低,Sevo组和SR组Bcl-2蛋白表达上调,SR组caspase-3蛋白表达下调(P＜0.05);与缺血前即刻相比,I/R组和SR组再灌注2 h时Bcl-2蛋白表达下调,caspase-3蛋白表达上调(P＜0.05).结论 七氟烷预处理可通过抑制细胞凋亡减轻大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤.     

远端缺血后处理对大鼠全脑缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的 探讨远端缺血后处理对大鼠全脑缺血再灌注损伤的影响.方法 健康成年雄性SD大鼠128只,体重为200～ 250 g,采用随机数字表法,将其随机分为4组(n=32):假手术组(S组)、缺血再灌注组(I/R组)、I/R+远端缺血后处理组(I/R+ RIPoC组)以及远端缺血再灌注组(RI/R组).采用改良的Pulsinelli四动脉阻断法建立大鼠全脑缺血再灌注模型.S组不制备全脑缺血再灌注模型;I/R+ RIPoC组于再灌注开始行双侧股动脉缺血15 min,再灌注15 min,共计3个循环;RI/R组仅行双侧股动脉缺血15 min,再灌注15 min,共计3个循环.于再灌注24、48 h时取脑组织,行海马CA1区和额叶皮层凋亡细胞计数,测定海马CA1区Bcl-2和Bax的表达水平,并于再灌注48 h测定超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)的活性及丙二醛(MDA)的含量;再灌注4d时行Morris水迷宫实验;再灌注7d时取脑组织,计算海马CA1区和额叶皮层神经元密度.结果 与S组比较,I/R组再灌注时凋亡细胞计数升高,Bcl-2和Bax表达上调,神经元密度、SOD和CAT活性降低,MDA含量升高,逃避潜伏期明显延长,穿越原平台次数与第2象限停留时间百分比降低(P≤0.Ol),RI/R组上述指标差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);与I/R组比较,I/R+ RIPoC组再灌注时凋亡细胞计数降低,Bcl-2表达上调,Bax表达下调,神经元密度、SOD和CAT活性升高,MDA含量降低,逃避潜伏期缩短,穿越原平台次数与第2象限停留时间百分比升高(P＜0.01).结论 远端缺血后处理可减轻大鼠全脑缺血再灌注损伤,其机制与抑制脂质过氧化反应,调节Bcl-2与Bax的平衡抑制细胞凋亡有关.     

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.