TNF-α及TNF-α抗体对破骨细胞V-ATP酶的影响

目的研究不同浓度的TNF-α及TNF-α抗体对破骨细胞上V-ATP酶表达量的影响。方法体外诱导小鼠RAW264.7细胞分化为破骨细胞,通过抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶染色检测破骨细胞生成情况。然后将破骨细胞分为对照组、TNF-α干预组及TNF-α抗体干预组,TNF-α干预组、TNF-α抗体干预组分别用低、中、高三种浓度的TNF-α、TNF-α抗体干预48 h。用实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(real-time PCR)、Western blot检测破骨细胞V-ATP酶的mRNA和蛋白表达水平。结果 TRAP染色检测提示有多核破骨细胞生成。TNF-α处理组V-ATP酶mRNA表达水平显著高于对照组(P0.001);TNF-α抗体处理组V-ATP酶mRNA表达水平显著低于对照组(P0.001)。同时,TNF-α处理组V-ATP酶蛋白表达水平显著高于对照组(P0.05);TNF-α抗体处理组V-ATP酶蛋白表达水平显著低于对照组(P0.05)。结论 TNF-α可提高破骨细胞V-ATP酶的表达;TNF-α抗体可抑制破骨细胞V-ATP酶的表达。上述提示TNF-α可能通过提高破骨细胞V-ATP酶的表达从而增加破骨细胞的骨吸收作用。     

薯蓣皂苷通过ERα/miR503/RANK信号通路抑制破骨细胞生成

目的 探究薯蓣皂苷对小鼠破骨细胞前体细胞(RAW264.7)破骨分化的抑制作用以及潜在机制。方法 利用核因子κB受体活化因子配体(RANKL)诱导的RAW264.7破骨分化模型,设置模型对照组、雌激素组、薯蓣皂苷低剂量组、薯蓣皂苷高剂量组,通过CCK8法检测不同浓度薯蓣皂苷对细胞的毒性作用,通过TRAP染色进行破骨细胞计数,qPCR检测细胞中ERα/miR503/RANK信号通路及破骨标志性基因TRAP、MMP9、CTSK基因表达水平,Western blot检测细胞中ERα、RANK蛋白表达水平。结果 薯蓣皂苷对RAW264.7细胞无明显毒性作用。与模型对照组比较,高剂量薯蓣皂苷组及雌激素组的TRAP阳性细胞数目下降(P<0.05),薯蓣皂苷及雌激素上调了ERα、miR-503-5p的表达水平,抑制了RANK的表达水平,下调了破骨标志性基因的表达(P<0.05)。结论 薯蓣皂苷可能通过ERα/miR-503/RANK信号通路下调破骨标志性基因,从而抑制RAW264.7细胞破骨分化。     

α-MEM培养基和高糖DMEM培养基对RAW264.7细胞向破骨细胞分化的影响

目的比较α-MEM和高糖DMEM两种培养基对小鼠破骨细胞前体细胞系RAW264.7细胞分化的影响。方法 (1)根据培养基和是否添加核因子κB受体激活蛋白配体(receptor activator for nuclear factor-κB ligand,RANKL)将细胞分为4组:α-MEM培养基组、添加RANKL的α-MEM培养基组、高糖DMEM培养基组、添加RANKL的高糖DMEM培养基组;(2)于培养第3天收集细胞,分别通过q PCR、免疫印迹实验观察分化相关标记物抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶(tartrate resistant acid phosphatase,TRAP)、活化的T细胞核因子(nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1,NFATc1)、核因子κB受体活化因子(receptor activator for nuclear factor-κB,RANK)和组织蛋白酶(Cathepsin)K的mRNA及蛋白表达水平,并做TRAP染色观察各组成熟破骨细胞的形成情况,探讨添加RANKL后α-MEM培养基和高糖DMEM培养基对RAW264.7细胞向破骨细胞分化的影响。结果 (1)与添加RANKL的高糖DMEM培养基相比,添加RANKL的α-MEM培养基使RAW264.7细胞的分化相关标记物TRAP、NFATc1、RANK及cathepsin K的mRNA表达水平增加,TRAP、NFATc1及cathepsin K的蛋白表达水平增加;(2)在α-MEM培养基或高糖DMEM培养基中添加RANKL均可使RAW264.7细胞分化为成熟破骨细胞,但添加RANKL的α-MEM培养基处理的细胞组中形成的成熟破骨细胞更多。结论添加RANKL的α-MEM培养基有利于RAW264.7细胞向破骨细胞分化。     

CTGF对破骨前体细胞RAW264.7增殖及碳酸酐酶Ⅱ分化的影响

目的研究结缔组织生长因子(CTGF)对体外培养的破骨细胞前体细胞RAW264.7增殖及对核因子Kappa B配体受体(RANKL)诱导体外培养的破骨细胞前体细胞RAW264.7分化为成熟多核破骨细胞的影响。方法使用200 ng/mLCTGF干预培养的破骨细胞前体细胞RAW264.7,采用3H-TdR掺入法检测RAW264.7细胞增殖率;使用200 ng/mL CTGF与RANKL单独或共同处理RAW264.7细胞,抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶(TRAP)染色观察TRAP阳性多核细胞,Western blot检测碳酐酶Ⅱ蛋白的表达。结果 CTGF可显著促进RAW264.7细胞增殖;200 ng/mLCTGF与RANKL共同处理RAW264.7细胞可促进RAW264.7细胞分化为成熟多核破骨细胞;200 ng/mL CTGF与RANKL共同处理RAW264.7细胞可促进RAW264.7细胞碳酐酶Ⅱ蛋白的表达。结论 CTGF促进体外培养的破骨细胞前体细胞RAW264.7增殖,促进RANKL诱导的破骨细胞前体细胞RAW264.7分化为成熟多核破骨细胞。     

诱导小鼠破骨前体细胞成熟分化的实验条件探讨

目的探讨小鼠单核细胞RAW264.7能否在RANKL诱导下向破骨细胞成熟分化。方法 RANKL作用RAW264.7细胞7天～9天,光镜、透射电镜、扫描电镜(scanning electron microscope,SEM)分别观察其细胞形态学变化,用抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶(tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase,TRAP)染色法观察TRAP阳性的多核细胞,RT-PCR检测破骨细胞表型和功能基因表达变化情况,扫描电镜观察破骨细胞在骨片上形成骨吸收陷窝。结果光镜、透射电镜下可见细胞胞体增大,为椭圆形或不规则形,胞核5～10个,扫描电镜下可见细胞表面大量的伪足样突起;此外,RANKL能诱导RAW264.7细胞分化为TRAP染色阳性的多核破骨细胞,细胞多为超过5个核的多核巨细胞;RAW264.7细胞成熟分化后具有骨吸收功能,并且能上调Cathepsin-K、TRAP、RANK等典型破骨细胞表型和功能基因mRNA的表达。结论 RAW264.7细胞是一种较好的破骨前体细胞模型,单用50ng/ml的RANKL体外连续诱导7天以上,能明显促进它向成熟的破骨细胞分化。     

破骨细胞微管正端蛋白动态成像观察

目的 采用活细胞成像技术观察破骨细胞微管正端蛋白EB1在细胞内的分布及运动,初步研究微管在破骨细胞功能中的作用。方法 ①用脂质体转染方法（阳离子脂质体Lip2000）转染EB1-GFP基因至Raw264.7细胞系,G418筛选转染成功的Raw264.7细胞,荧光显微镜下观察后GFP蛋白免疫荧光染色确定稳定转染EB1-GFP的Raw264.7细胞系建立;②活细胞工作站下观察转染EB1-GFP的Raw264.7细胞中EB1蛋白的运动; ③用含100ng/mLRANKL和30ng/mL M-CSF的培养基分别诱导稳定转染EB1-GFP的Raw264.7细胞与正常Raw264.7细胞为破骨细胞,进行TRAP染色鉴定,比较两组细胞形态有无差别;④Raw264.7细胞系诱导出破骨细胞后,用细胞免疫荧光染色方法观察破骨细胞EB1蛋白的形态及分布;⑤活细胞工作站下观察稳转EB1-GFP的Raw264.7细胞诱导出的破骨细胞内EB1蛋白的运动状态。结果 ①脂质体转染方法建立了稳定转染EB1-GFP基因的Raw264.7细胞系;②观察到破骨前体细胞Raw264.7的微管正端蛋白（EB1）的运动轨迹;③转染EB1-GFP基因的Raw264.7细胞与正常Raw264.7细胞诱导的破骨细胞TRAP染色无明显差别;④活细胞工作站观察破骨细胞微管正端蛋白EB1的运动状态,结果表明破骨细胞微管活动性较破骨前体细胞Raw264.7活动性低。结论 ①EB1-GFP基因对破骨前体细胞系Raw264.7诱导破骨细胞无明显影响;②微管活动性降低可能与破骨细胞骨吸收活性相关。     

雌激素通过调节 EphB4／EphrinB2信号参与破骨细胞分化

目的研究雌激素通过调节EphB4/EphrinB2信号通路对破骨细胞分化的影响。方法 (1)采用RANKL诱导法培养卵巢摘除骨质疏松模型(OVX)组和假手术(Sham)组小鼠的破骨细胞,于第10天提取两组细胞的RNA和蛋白质样品,通过RT-PCR和Western blot检测细胞EphrinB2表达的变化;(2)采用雌激素及雌激素拮抗剂分别诱导培养RAW264.7破骨细胞,培养第8天提取RNA和蛋白质样品,利用RT-PCR和Western blot检测细胞EphrinB2表达的变化;(3)在OVX模型组小鼠的破骨细胞培养中添加EphrinB2配体EphB4-Fc片段,通过RT-PCR检测破骨细胞标志物的表达和抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶(TRAP)染色并计数,观察破骨细胞分化能力的变化。结果卵巢摘除骨质疏松模型组小鼠EphrinB2的表达量低于假手术组(P0.01);雌激素拮抗剂组EphrinB2的表达量低于对照组(P0.01),而雌激素组EphrinB2的表达量高于对照组(P0.05);给予EphrinB2的配体EphB4-Fc片段后,OVX组小鼠的破骨细胞标志物表达量降低(P0.01,P0.001),TRAP染色阳性细胞数减少。结论雌激素可以通过调节破骨细胞EphrinB2的表达影响破骨细胞分化,采用EphB4-Fc片段处理后,OVX组小鼠增强的破骨细胞分化受到抑制。     

复合振动抑制RAW264.7细胞分化成熟

目的研究复合振动对核因子-κB受体活化因子配体(RANKL)诱导的RAW264.7细胞分化的影响,探讨复合振动对破骨细胞分化的影响及机制。方法 RAW264.7细胞RANKL诱导培养3或4d并施加复合振动干预,通过抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶(TRAP)染色观察TRAP阳性多核细胞形成的变化,real-time RT-PCR分析破骨细胞特异性基因组织蛋白酶K(cathepsin K),金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)和TRAP表达的变化。结果复合振动能抑制RANKL诱导破骨细胞形成,下调破骨细胞特异基因cathepsin K,MMP-9和TRAP的表达。结论 RANKL促进RAW264.7细胞向破骨细胞分化,并增加特异基因的表达,但RANKL的促进作用受复合振动抑制。这进一步的阐释复合振动抗骨质疏松的作用机制。     

不同浓度金属磨损颗粒对破骨细胞体外分化的影响

[目的]观察不同浓度金属磨损颗粒对RAW 264.7在体外分化成破骨细胞的影响,明确浓度与破骨细胞分化数量的关系.[方法]真空球磨法制备人工关节磨损颗粒:RANKL诱导RAW 264.7体外分化成破骨细胞,通过TRAP染色,电镜扫描检测骨片吸收陷窝来鉴定破骨细胞;不同浓度人工关节磨损颗粒混悬液作用RAW 264.7,并用RANKL诱导后第7 d,TRAP染色后,光镜下计数破骨细胞数量.[结果]不同浓度磨损颗粒作用于RAW 264.7 7 d后,显微镜下计数破骨细胞数量,结果显示随着磨损颗粒混悬液浓度增加,RANKL诱导生成的破骨细胞增多,低、中、高浓度3组破骨细胞数均显著高于空白对照组(P<0.05),中、高浓度组破骨细胞数均显著高于低浓组(P<0.05),高浓度组破骨细胞数亦显著高于中浓组(P<0.05).[结论](1)RAW 264.7是一种较好的破骨前体细胞模型,RAW 264.7诱导形成破骨细胞的方法简便易行,所获得破骨细胞均一性好;(2)人工关节金属磨损颗粒为RAW264.7细胞向具有骨质吸收功能的破骨细胞转化发挥正向作用,而且与混悬液的浓度有量效关系.     

FTY720-P对破骨细胞EphA2-EphrinA2双向信号通路作用的研究北大核心CSCD

目的探讨FTY720-P对破骨细胞Eph A2-Ephrin A2双向信号通路的影响。方法取小鼠巨噬细胞RAW264.7,采用地塞米松及1α,25-二羟维生素D3诱导分化为破骨细胞,并行抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶(tartrate resistant acid phosphatase,TRAP)染色鉴定。将诱导培养的破骨细胞分为两组,实验组给予400 ng/m L的FTY720-P处理,对照组不给予FTY720-P。培养48 h后,取细胞行实时荧光定量PCR检测、Western blot检测以及免疫荧光染色观察,分析细胞中Eph A2、Ephrin A2、Rho A,以及骨重建相关蛋白BMP-2及TGF-β_1的表达。结果经TRAP染色鉴定,RAW264.7细胞成功诱导成为破骨细胞。培养48 h后,与对照组相比,实验组Eph A2及Ephrin A2 m RNA及蛋白相对表达量均明显降低(P<0.05),Rho A蛋白相对表达量也明显降低(P<0.05);BMP-2及TGF-β1 m RNA相对表达量明显增高(P<0.05),蛋白表达增强。结论 FTY720-P能通过影响破骨细胞Eph A2-Ephrin A2双向信号通路之间的传导下调Rho A,并促进TGF-β_1和BMP-2表达,最终影响破骨细胞的破骨作用。     

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.