原发性肝癌组织中巨噬细胞与微血管的计数及其临床意义

目的: 研究原发性肝癌(primary hepatocarcinoma,PHC)组织中肿瘤相关巨噬细胞(tumor-associated macrophage,TAM)、微血管(microvessel,MV)的计数及其临床病理意义,并探讨二者之间的相互关系.方法: 应用ABC免疫组化法对47例PHC手术切除标本常规石蜡包埋切片分别检测MV和TAM并高倍镜下计数.结果: 47例PHC癌组织中MV与TAM计数均显著高于癌旁组织;MV(67.30±13.68)个/HP vs (37.20±10.58)个/HP (P<0.01); TAM(70.27±17.93)个/HP vs (44.15±9.10)个/HP (P<0.01).TAM与MV在术前AFU(α-岩藻糖) ≤10 μg/L病例的计数显著高于AFU>10 μg/L病例计数; TAM (74.13±18.33) 个/HP vs (61.15±13.54)个/HP (P<0.05); MV(70.41±13.03)个/HP vs (59.97±12.69)个/HP (P<0.05).伴转移病例癌组织中的MV计数(73.50±13.77)个/HP显著高于无转移病例(64.10±12.68)个/HP (P<0.05);TAM与MV在PHC中的计数与PHC的其他临床病理特征均无明显关系;癌组织中TAM计数与MV计数呈密切正相关(r=0.686,P<0.01).结论: TAM与MV计数与PHC的发生、进展关系密切;MV计数高的PHC易于发生浸润和转移;TAM与PHC的血管生成可能有着密切的关系.     

肝硬化合并肝癌患者围手术期糖代谢的临床分析

目的 探讨肝硬化合并肝癌患者围手术期糖代谢的临床特点,以便更好地控制患者术前血糖. 方法 检测40例肝硬化合并肝癌患者空腹及服糖后0.5,1,2,3 h血糖(BG)、胰岛素(INS)、C肽(C-P)水平,计算胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR)和胰岛β细胞功能指数(HOMA-IS),10名健康者为对照. 结果 肝癌组糖耐量显著低于正常组.血清胰岛素测量:正常对照组空腹为(10.3±3.7)mIu/L,服糖后0.5,1,2,3 h分别为35.2±12.8,65.1±10.2,19.5±11.2,12.2±10.1 mIu/L;肝癌组空腹为(20.4±5.7)mIu/L(P<0.05),服糖后0.5,1,2,3h分别为55.1±12.6,95.1±14.2,75.3±21.5,36.4±16.5 mIu/L(P值均<0.05).血清C肽测定:正常对照组空腹为(1.5±0.3)ng/ml,服糖后0.5,1,2,3 h分别为4.1±0.1,6.1±1.4,1.9±0.6,2.1±0.9ng/ml;肝癌组空腹为(3.2±0.1)ng/ml(P<0.05),服糖后0.5,1,2,3 h分别为6.3±0.3,10.1±0.9,8.3±1.2,4.8±1.1 ng/ml(P值均<0.05).胰岛素抵抗指数(IR)对照组和肝癌组分别是2.42和5.26(P<0.05),胰岛β细胞功能指数(IS)对照组和肝癌组分别是93.6和177.4(P<0.05).肝癌组中Child B的患者口服葡萄糖2h后,血糖、胰岛素和C肽明显高于对照组和Child A的患者. 结论 肝硬化合并肝癌患者容易引起糖代谢异常,主要表现为糖耐量降低、胰岛素抵抗和胰岛β细胞功能异常,糖代谢异常与肝功能状态有关.     

脾脏在大鼠急性胰腺炎中对肠屏障功能的影响

目的: 探讨脾脏在大鼠急性胰腺炎中对肠屏障功能的影响.方法: 大鼠胰胆管内注入3%牛磺胆酸钠(0.7 ml/kg)及胰蛋白酶(3 000 u/kg)制成急性胰腺炎模型.实验大鼠随机分成4组:假手术组,脾切除组,脾切除+急性胰腺炎组,急性胰腺炎组.分别观察各组血清TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6及IL-10水平,测细菌移位率,取末段回肠行光镜及透射电镜检查观察肠黏膜受损情况.结果: 脾切除+急性胰腺炎组TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6及IL-10的测得值分别为3.06±3.61,16.46±5.52,19.90±6.89,6.94±3.93,急性胰腺炎组的测得值分别为19.93±2.38,42.79±4.31,20.19±3.35,39.28±12.69,其中TNF-α,IL-1β及IL-10的值脾切除+急性胰腺炎组与急性胰腺炎组相比差异有显著意义(P<0.05);脾切除+急性胰腺炎组细菌移位率为40%,急性胰腺炎组细菌移位率为93.3%,二者差异有显著意义(P<0.05).从病理学检查结果看,脾切除+急性胰腺炎组肠黏膜上皮仅轻微水肿,肠黏膜屏障基本完整,而急性胰腺炎组肠黏膜上皮水肿明显,绒毛坏死,上皮细胞变性,炎性细胞浸润及细菌移位.结论: 脾脏在急性炎症反应中,可以明显促进炎性介质的产生和释放,加重炎症反应.脾脏切除后可减少促炎因子的产生和释放,肠黏膜屏障受损减轻,细菌移位率下降.     

同时性多原发肺癌淋巴结转移规律的临床研究

目的 探讨多原发肺癌的诊疗手段及淋巴结转移情况。方法 回顾性分析2015年1月至2019年12月江门市中心医院胸外科收治的93例多原发肺癌病例,根据主病灶直径分为A组（≤10 mm）、B组（>10 mm,≤20 mm）和C组（>20 mm,≤30 mm）分析其年龄、吸烟史、肿瘤标记物和淋巴结转移情况等。结果 多原发肺癌随年龄递增,主病灶直径增大,而吸烟史与主病灶直径无关。A组CEA（2.00±1.80）μg/mL、Cyfra21-1（2.38±1.09）ng/mL与B组CEA（2.81±2.52）μg/mL、Cyfra21-1（2.53±0.76）ng/mL均在正常值内;但C组CEA（23.61±46.14）μg/mL与Cyfra21-1（3.54±1.31）ng/mL较A、B组均明显增高,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。A组中仅第10组淋巴结转移（5.26%）,而其他组淋巴结均未见转移;B组第10、11组淋巴结转移（6.90%、3.57%）,并有N2淋巴结转移,第5组淋巴结转移（16.67%）;C组N2淋巴结转移情况更多见,第2、4、7组淋巴结转移率分别为5.44%、4.60%和2.22%。不同类型肺癌淋巴结转移情况不同。肺结节位于一侧行同期肺结节切除,位于双侧则分期肺结节切除,间隔3~12月。1年PFS、OS均为100%。结论 多原发肺癌位于同侧行同期肺结节切除,位于双侧则分期肺结节切除,无严重并发症,安全性高。多原发肺癌主病灶直径≤1 cm时,建议行选择性淋巴结切除清扫或淋巴结取样（肺门淋巴结）;主病灶直径>1 cm时,则应行系统性淋巴结清扫。     

胃癌组织中HIF-1α,CD68及CD206在胃癌及癌旁组织中的表达及临床意义

目的 分析低氧诱导分子-1α（HIF-1α）及肿瘤相关巨噬细胞（TAM）相关抗原CD68、CD206在胃癌及癌旁组织中的表达情况。方法 利用免疫组化技术检测43例胃癌和癌旁组织中HIF-1α、CD68、CD206的表达状态,计算三种蛋白表达的阳性率及阳性细胞数,揭示其与临床因素的相关性。结果 HIF-1α、CD68、CD206的阳性表达率分别为58.1%、69.8%、51.2%,均高于癌旁组织（P<0.05）。胃癌、癌旁组织中每个视野下CD68⁺细胞数分别为（39.7±7.6）、（8.5±2.8）个;CD206⁺阳性细胞数分别为（32.0±9.2）、（3.4±1.8）个;HIF-1α⁺细胞数（22.9±5.6）、（2.1±1.2）个;组间比较差异均有统计学意义（P<0.01）。胃癌组织中CD206⁺细胞数与HIF-1α⁺细胞数表达呈正相关（P<0.01,R²=0.641）。三种蛋白的表达与胃癌病理分期、淋巴结转移明显相关（P<0.05）。结论 胃癌组织中CD68、CD206、HIF-1α表达率及阳性细胞数明显增加,且CD206与HIF-1α表达呈正相关。胃癌缺氧区域对M2型巨噬细胞有趋化作用,促进胃癌发生发展。     

胆管癌中14-3-3蛋白各亚型的表达及其临床意义

目的 探讨14-3-3蛋白各亚型在胆管癌组织中的表达情况及其临床意义.方法 采用石蜡包埋组织,进行免疫组织化学染色,分析14-3-3蛋白各亚型在20 例胆管癌及5 例胆管癌旁正常组织的表达状态,探讨其与胆管癌临床病理参数之间的关系.结果 14-3-3 蛋白β、γ、ε、ζ、η、θ和σ亚型在胆管癌组织原发灶表达的阳性率分别为85.00% (17/20)、85.00% (17/20)、55.00% (11/20)、75.00% (15/20)、50.00% (10/20)、80.00% (16/20) 和80.00%(16/20).其中,β、γ、η、σ、ε和θ亚型与癌旁正常胆管组织比较,具有统计学意义(P<0.05),而ζ亚型无统计学意义(P>0.05);14-3-3蛋白阳性表达率与胆管癌的分化程度、恶性级别及是否淋巴结转移均无差别(P>0.05).结论 14-3-3蛋白七个亚型中β、γ、η、σ、ε和θ亚型在胆管癌原发组织中高表达,表明14-3-3蛋白在胆管癌的发生过程中具有重要作用.     

Survivin基因在重症急性胰腺炎并发肺损伤大鼠中的表达及作用

目的 研究大鼠重症急性胰腺炎(sever acute pancreatitis,SAP)肺损伤时凋亡抑制因子Survivin表达与肺损伤的关系.方法 40只雄性SD大鼠随机分为四组:对照组(n=10)和SAP 6 h组(n=10)、12 h组(n=10)、24 h组(n=10),采用胰胆管逆行穿刺注射4.5％牛磺胆酸钠建立SAP模型.采用RT-PCR法检测肺组织中Survivin的表达,TUNEL法检测肺组织细胞凋亡的变化.结果 SAP造模后,肺组织细胞6h、12 h、24 h凋亡指数分别为3.97±1.67、9.69±1.01、12.10±1.71,对照组为0.171±0.045(P<0.05);Survivin蛋白mRNA的表达分别为0.512±0.169、0.813±0.201、1.431±0.251,对照组肺组织中未见Survivin蛋白mRNA表达(P<0.05).结论 Survivin基因在SAP大鼠并发肺损伤时肺组织中呈异常高表达,Survivin表达的高低与肺组织损伤的严重程度有关,可能起到减轻肺组织损伤和促进其修复的作用.     

不阻断肝门切除肝癌的近期临床观察

目的: 探讨不阻断入肝血流肝切除手术的安全性及技巧,以及对残肝功能和术后并发症的影响.方法: 利用病例对照研究,比较阻断与不阻断入肝血流切除肝癌,观察术后并发症发生率、术中出血量等指标.结果: 甲组(阻断入肝血流,n=59),乙组(不阻断入肝血流,n=42).甲组和乙组术中估计失血量分别为:(892±843)ml,(914±894)ml,P>0.05.甲组和乙组术中输血量分别为:(955±992)ml,(1220±982)ml,P>0.05.甲组和乙组术后ALT恢复正常时间分别为:(17±6)d,(12±4)d,P<0.05.甲组和乙组术后Tbil恢复正常时间分别为:(18±7)d,(13±5)d,P<0.05.甲组和乙组术后并发症发生率分别为:41.2%,12.5%,P<0.05.结论: 本组资料显示不阻断入肝血流切肝可有效防止肝脏缺血再灌注损伤和降低术后并发症发生率,应用不阻断入肝血流切肝可行、安全.     

血晶素对大鼠70%肝脏切除后再生的影响

目的 探讨血晶素(Hemin)对大鼠70%肝脏切除术后肝脏再生的影响.方法 复制大鼠70%肝脏切除模型,随机分成血晶素治疗组和生理盐水对照组,在术后第1天、第2天、第3天和第7天测定比较肝重/体重、血清肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、肝脏组织中血晶素加氧酶1(HO-1)含量及肝细胞核增殖蛋白抗原(PCNA)表达指数.结果 术后第7天治疗组肝重/体重明显高于对照组(P<0.05),第3天开始肝细胞 PCNA表达指数较对照组升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01).治疗组术后肝脏组织中HO-1浓度比对照组高,血清TNF-α的含量比对照组低(P<0.05).结论 血晶素大鼠肝脏70%切除术后肝脏再生的速度明显提高,这可能跟HO-1表达升高有关.     

两种肝囊肿开窗术式前瞻对照研究

目的 比较腹腔镜与开腹开窗术治疗肝囊肿的疗效.方法 采用前瞻性病例对照研究,其中开腹肝囊肿开窗术32例(开腹组),腹腔镜肝囊肿开窗术31例(腔镜组),比较2组患者的手术时间、术中出血量、胃肠功能恢复时间、离床活动时间、术后住院时间.结果 腔镜组与开腹组在手术时间(44±11)min us(72±12)min]、术中出血量[(15±5)mL us(56±10)mL)]、胃肠功能恢复时间[(12±9)h us(46±8)h)]、术后离床活动时间[(1.1±0.7)d us(2.5±1.2)d]及住院时间[(4.1±1.9)d us(7.4±2.3)d]等方面比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);并发症发生率两组无明显差异(P>0.05).两组随访6个月彩超复查囊肿无复发.结论 腹腔镜肝囊肿开窗术具有手术时间短、出血少、恢复快、住院时间短等优点.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Immunomodulation in Transplantation with Photopheresis

Abstract: Photopheresis is a technique in which peripheral blood mononuclear cells, in the presence of a photoacti-vatable compound, are exposed extracorporeally to ultraviolet A light and reinfused, inducing a host autoregula-tory immune response. Experimental work and ongoing clinical studies are helping to define the role of this novel, safe, and non-toxic immunomodulating technology in the field of transplantation.