5-氟脲嘧啶预防重症急性胰腺炎早期肾损伤的免疫机制研究

目的探讨5-氟脲嘧啶(5-Fu)和奥曲肽(Oct)防治重症急性胰腺炎(SAP)肾损伤的免疫机制。方法逆行胰胆管注射牛黄胆酸建立大鼠SAP模型,随机分成生理盐水组(n=17),成模后静滴生理盐水;5-Fu组(n=20),5-Fu2mg/h持续静滴12h;奥曲肽组(n=18),Oct首剂2μg/100g,继以0.2μg/(100g·h)持续静滴12h,另设假手术组(n=10)。ELISA法检测4组大鼠成模后6h和12h血清TNF-α等系列细胞因子表达变化,TUNEL法检测大鼠肾组织凋亡率,RT-PCR法测定肾组织TNF-αmRNA表达。体外培养大鼠正常肾NRK细胞,用上述4组SAP大鼠血清分别置换培养液中小牛血清,流式细胞术检测处理后细胞凋亡率。结果5-Fu组和奥曲肽组血清TNF-α、IL-1和TXB2较生理盐水组均明显降低(P均<0.05),奥曲肽组PGE2水平明显升高(P<0.05)。5-Fu组和奥曲肽组肾组织凋亡率分别为(5.8±3.1)%和(4.6±3.1)%,显著低于生理盐水组(12.3±5.6)%(P<0.05),且两组TNF-αmRNA表达明显下降。生理盐水组、奥曲肽组、5-Fu组和假手术组大鼠血清处理后NRK细胞凋亡指数分别为(38.67±11.4)%、(20.4±18.4)%、(10.5±11.0)%和(1.7±2.2)%。生理盐水组与奥曲肽和5-Fu组差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论5-Fu可通过降低血清炎性介质和细胞因子,减少肾细胞凋亡防治SAP急性肾损伤。     

奥曲肽与胰岛素对人肝癌细胞影响的实验研究

目的：探讨在体外胰岛素能否促进人肝癌细胞增殖,奥曲肽对其诱导的增殖活动有无抑制作用。方法：将奥曲肽与胰岛素直接作用于体外培养的人原发性肝癌细胞株,运用MTT、直接细胞计数及流仪测定等方法观察奥曲肽与胰岛素对肝癌细胞的活细菌数及其比值,细胞总数、细胞周期及增殖指数（PI）的影响。结果：胰岛素（0－5μg/ml)使人肝癌细胞株BEL0－7402的细胞总数、活细胞数及其比值增加;而奥曲肽（0－2μg/ml）则使细胞基础的及胰岛素刺激的细胞总数、活细胞数及其比值下降,5μg/ml的胰岛素增加细胞的PI值而1μg/ml的奥曲肽降低其PI值（P＜0．05）,并产生S期限滞作用。结论：在体外,胰岛素可诱导人肝癌细胞增殖,奥曲肽不仅直接抑制肝癌细胞的增,对胰岛素诱导的肝癌细胞增殖也有抑制作用。     

GM1对脊髓损伤后神经细胞凋亡的影响

目的:观察神经节苷脂(ganglioside,GM1)对脊髓损伤后神经细胞凋亡的影响。方法:中度脊髓损伤大鼠随机分为对照组及治疗组,在蛛网膜下腔注射生理盐水或神经节苷脂,采用原位末端标记检测凋亡细胞DNA(TUNEL)、流式细胞仪磷脂结合蛋白V/碘化丙啶(AnnexinV/PI)双标检测凋亡细胞及荧光酶联测定法测定半胱氨酸天冬氨酸酶3(Caspase3)的活性。结果:对照组及治疗组均发现凋亡细胞阳性表达,且均在3d达到高峰,但GM1治疗组阳性表达显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:神经节苷脂有阻断神经细胞凋亡的作用,对损伤脊髓组织有明显保护作用。     

冷保存、慢性排斥反应构建移植肝胆管病大鼠模型

目的 建立大鼠移植肝胆管病模型并评估其意义.方法 将大鼠按实验要求分为4组:(1)长时间(12 h)冷保存组(n=24):同基因系近交系大鼠♂Wistar→♂Wistar,所获供肝于4℃UW液保存12 h后行两袖套法大鼠原位肝移植(rat liver orthotopic transplantation,ROLT).术中利用内支架管直接对合供、受体肝总动脉及肝外胆管;(2)慢性排斥反应组(低剂量环孢素每天1 mg/kg,冷缺血时间1 h)(n=24):异基因近交系大鼠♂DA→♂Lewis.供肝于4℃UW液保存1h后同法行ROLT; (3)对照组(冷保存时间1 h)(n=24):同基因系近交系大鼠♂Wistar→♂Wistar,供肝于4℃UW液保存1h后同法行ROLT; (4)假手术组(n=24):♂Wistar大鼠,只进行开关腹手术.观察术后16周内各组大鼠并发症的发生情况和大鼠肝脏标本的病理学改变.结果 在长时间冷保存组和慢性排斥反应组,术后大鼠意识恢复慢,胆道及血管并发症发生率高,肝内汇管区胆管增生及炎细胞浸润明显.16周时可见肝小叶被增生胆管分隔,正常肝小叶结构消失,增生胆管上皮细胞萎缩、坏死、胞浆消失,仅见固缩的细胞核.胆管周围有较多的炎细胞浸润,肝内小动脉闭塞或消失.结论 通过供肝长时间冷保存或诱导慢性排斥反应可以建立稳定可靠的大鼠移植肝胆管病模型.该模型是研究肝移植术后移植肝胆管病的理想模型.     

奥曲肽抑制肝癌切除术后复发转移的研究

目的　探讨奥曲肽对裸鼠肝癌切除术后复发转移的抑制作用。方法　应用LCI D2 0裸鼠人肝癌转移模型 ,于种植后第 10天行肝癌切除术 ,采用不同剂量的奥曲肽治疗 ,观察肿瘤肝内复发、肝外转移情况。采用LCI D2 0裸鼠角膜微囊移植模型 ,观测奥曲肽对肝癌诱导肿瘤血管形成能力的影响。结果　对照组肺转移率、肝内复发率为 10 0 % ,复发癌灶体积为 ( 1164 .7± 471.3 )mm3;10 0 μg/kg治疗组则分别为 40 %、60 %、( 81.5± 17.1)mm3;2 0 0 μg/kg治疗组则分别为 0、40 %、( 9.0± 6.8)mm3。奥曲肽可明显抑制LCI D2 0肝癌组织诱导的角膜新生血管形成。结论　奥曲肽能抑制高转移性人肝癌切除术后的复发转移 ,并呈量效关系 ;抑制肝癌新生血管形成可能是其作用机制之一。     

早期区域动脉灌注氟尿嘧啶、奥曲肽治疗急性坏死性胰腺炎的机制探讨

目的: 探讨早期区域动脉灌注5-Fu、奥曲肽对急性出血坏死性胰腺炎的治疗机制. 方法: 参照Aho法制备杂种犬AHNP模型,随机分成四组:对照组(A,n=4)、5-Fu(B,n=5)组、奥曲肽(C,n=5)组、5-Fu+奥曲肽(D,n=5)组.之后经胃十二指肠动脉灌注生理盐水、5-Fu、奥曲肽、5-Fu联合奥曲肽,并于剖腹前、建立模型时、后15分钟、1、3、6、10、24小时抽血测定血清淀粉酶、α-TNF,血浆TXB2、6-k-PGF1α. 结果: ①四组模型前后血清淀粉酶水平明显上升,治疗组可使血清淀粉酶水平明显下降,其中以D组下降最明显.②对照组模型后15分钟、1小时血清α-TNF水平明显上升,治疗组显著下降,与模型前相比无明显差别.③四组模型前后TXB2水平明显上升,对照组模型前后血浆6-k-PGF1α水平无明显变化,治疗组均有显著上升,其中以5-Fu+奥曲肽组上升最明显. 结论: 作用机制可能是:通过抑制α-TNF的合成与分泌,从而使AHNP早期过高的血清α-TNF水平下降;促进6-k-PGF1α的生成,从而维持TXA2和PGI2之间的平衡;抑制淀粉酶的合成与分泌,从而控制胰腺的自身消化过程.     

奥曲肽在急性粘连性肠梗阻中的应用

目的评价奥曲肽对急性粘连性肠梗阻的治疗作用。方法将安徽医科大学第二附属医院2009年1月至2011年1月期间诊断为急性粘连性肠梗阻的52例患者根据治疗方式分为治疗组(n=28)和对照组(n=24),治疗组在常规治疗的基础上应用奥曲肽,对照组仅给予常规治疗,比较2组的治疗效果。结果治疗成功率治疗组为89.3%(25/28),明显高于对照组的66.7%(16/24),2组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与对照组比较,治疗组肛门排气排便时间明显提前、住院时间明显缩短及胃肠减压量明显减少(P<0.05)。结论在急性粘连性肠梗阻常规治疗的基础上加用奥曲肽静脉滴注能明显改善肠梗阻患者的临床症状、提高治疗成功率。     

瘤内注射奥曲肽对大鼠移植性肝肿瘤PCNA表达的影响

目的：探讨奥曲肽瘤内注射对大鼠移植性肝肿瘤PCNA表达的影响。方法：30只大鼠移植性肝肿瘤模型随机分为奥曲肽组、盐水组、酒精组三组,分别瘤内注射奥曲肽0.02mg、生理盐水0.2mL、无水酒精0.2mL,3d及8d后分别测定肿瘤组织中增殖细胞核抗原（PCNA）的表达情况。结果：治疗3d后,奥曲肽组的PCNA表达低于无水酒精组和生理盐水组的表达（P〈0.05）。8d后,奥曲肽组的PCNA表达明显低于无水酒精组和生理盐水组的水平（P〈0.05）。结论：瘤内注射奥曲肽可抑制大鼠移植性肝肿瘤的生长。     

氯化钆对急性坏死性胰腺炎肺损伤的防护作用

目的　探讨氯化钆 (GdCl3 )在急性坏死性胰腺炎 (ANP)肺损伤中的作用。方法　将 90只成年SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组、ANP组、GdCl3 处理组、ANPGdCl3 预处理组、ANPGdCl3 治疗组。每组 18只。逆行性胰胆管注射 3%牛磺酸钠建立ANP大鼠模型。经支气管肺泡灌洗获取肺泡巨噬细胞 (AM ) ,行血气分析 ,检测肺湿 /干重比值、支气管肺泡灌洗液 (BALF)中蛋白含量、肺组织髓过氧化物酶 (MPO)水平、AM分泌肿瘤坏死因子α(TNFα)、一氧化氮 (NO)水平。以琼脂糖凝胶电泳分析、透射电镜观察和流式细胞仪碘化丙啶 (PI)单染色法检测AM凋亡情况。并行肺组织病理学检查。结果　GdCl3 处理组各指标与正常对照组相比差异无显著意义 (P >0 0 5 )。ANPGdCl3 预处理组和ANPGdCl3 治疗组各项指标均升高 ,与正常对照组相比差异有显著意义 (P <0 0 5 ) ,但与ANP组相比升高不明显 ,两组相比差异也有显著意义 (P <0 0 5 )。ANPGdCl3 预处理组和ANPGdCl3 治疗组AM琼脂糖凝胶电泳均可见DNA梯状条带 ,透射电镜观察可见典型凋亡形态学特征 ,流式细胞仪DNA直方图可见G1峰左侧出现典型亚二倍体细胞群峰型 ,而另 3组则均未出现。结论　GdCl3可能通过诱导ANP大鼠AM发生凋亡来减轻ANP所致的肺损伤     

奥曲肽在可切除肝癌术后应用的临床疗效观察

目的　观察奥曲肽对手术可切除的生长抑素受体1 (SSTR1 )阳性的肝细胞肝癌的治疗作用。方法　回顾性分析 1 999年 5月至 2 0 0 3年 5月可切除原发性肝癌 4 2例的临床资料。其中 ,SSTR1 阳性 1 8例术后采用奥曲肽皮下注射 1 2周 ;SSTR1 阴性 2 4例为对照组。结果　奥曲肽治疗组和对照组 2年生存率分别 87.5 %和 5 0 % ,差异有显著性意义 (χ2 =5 .6 2 5 ,P <0 .0 5 )。 2年肿瘤复发率分别为 2 5 %和 5 5 % ,差异有显著意义 (χ2 =4 .4 2 5 ,P <0 .0 5 )。术后 2年生活质量QOL评分 ,治疗组平均为 5 4 .32分 ,为良好 ;对照组平均为 4 7.4 6分 ,为较好。治疗 3月后 ,AFP下降率治疗组为88.88% ,对照组为 5 8.33% ,差异有显著性意义 (χ2 =4 .70 6 ,P <0 .0 5 )。结论　术后应用奥曲肽能明显改善肝癌病人的生活质量 ,延长生存期 ,减少肿瘤复发 ,是一种有前途的治疗原发性肝癌的手段     

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.     

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.