转化生长因子-β2体外诱导骨髓间充质干细胞表达软骨细胞表型的观察

目的观察骨髓间充质干细胞(MSCs)在转化生长因子(TGF-β2)诱导下向软骨细胞表型转化的能力,探讨其作为软骨组织工程种子细胞的可能性。方法抽取兔髂骨骨髓液3～4ml,进行原代和传代培养,传代后实验组以高糖DMEM无血清特定培养液诱导,培养液含TGF-β210ng/ml、地塞米松10-7mol/L、维生素C50μmol/L;对照组以高糖DMEM无血清培养液培养,相差显微镜下观察细胞形态变化,免疫组织化学染色检测软骨特异性Ⅱ型胶原表达。结果诱导后细胞体外扩增能力显著降低,细胞形态由成纤维样梭形向多角形、多边形或类圆形转变,诱导21d后细胞形态变化最为显著,Ⅱ型胶原免疫组织化学染色深而均匀。结论TGF-β2可有效诱导MSCs向软骨细胞表型转化,分泌软骨细胞特异性基质,有可能成为软骨组织工程较理想的种子细胞来源。     

鹿茸多肽对兔骨髓间质干细胞体外软骨表型诱导分化的影响

目的:通过对体外培养的兔骨髓间质干细胞(MSCs)在特定培养液作用下向软骨细胞表型分化的研究,探讨鹿茸多肽对其软骨分化的影响。方法:将第3代兔MSCs随机分为A组(空白对照组)、B组(诱导组)、C组(鹿茸多肽组),并取兔的关节软骨作为D组(关节软骨组)。A、B、C 3组分别采用普通培养液、诱导培养液、含10 ug/m l鹿茸多肽的诱导培养液于离心管内进行培养,分别于1、2、3周后取材,通过组织学、生物化学和RT-PCR技术,对离心管内构建的软骨组织进行形态学和细胞功能状态的观察。结果:A组培养2周后,细胞团块逐渐崩解,无法进行HE染色。B、C组细胞团块除有轻度收缩外,呈白色半透明状,HE染色发现细胞为圆形或卵圆形,表层细胞密度大。B、C组糖胺多糖(GAG)含量及Ⅱ型胶原mRNA表达随培养时间延长而增多,并以C组为著;各时间点B、C组与A组相比明显增多,且差异有显著性统计学意义(P<0.01),C组与B组相比较多,差异有显著性统计学意义(P<0.01),C组与D组相比较少,差异有显著性统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论:MSCs在特定培养条件下能向软骨细胞表型分化,且鹿茸多肽对其定向软骨分化有明显促进作用。虽然在体外可以构建出软骨组织,但其与关节软骨质量相比仍有很大差距。     

TGF-β2体外诱导骨髓间充质干细胞表达软骨细胞表型的观察

目的：观察骨髓间充质干细胞（MSCs）在TGF-β2诱导下向软骨细胞表型转化的能力,探讨其作为软骨组织工程种子细胞的可能性。方法：抽取兔髂骨骨髓液3-4ml,进行原代和传代培养,传代后实验组以高糖DMEM无血清特定培养液诱导f含TGF-β2 10ng／ml、地塞米松10^-7M、维生素C50μmol／L）,对照组以高糖DMEM无血清培养液培养,相差显微镜下观察细胞形态变化,免疫组织化学染色检测软骨特异性Ⅱ型胶原表达。结果：诱导后细胞体外扩增能力显著降低,细胞形态由成纤维样梭形向多角形、多边形或类圆形转变,诱导21天后细胞形态变化最为显著,Ⅱ型胶原免疫组化染色深而均匀。结论：TGF-β2可有效诱导MSCs向软骨细胞表型转化,分泌软骨细胞特异性基质,有可能成为软骨组织工程较理想的种子细胞来源。     

骨髓基质细胞与关节软骨细胞生物学特性的比较研究

目的观察兔骨髓基质细胞(MSCs)诱导和基因修饰后的主要生物学特性,并与关节软骨细胞进行比较. 方法抽取成年雄性新西兰大白兔髂骨骨髓,密度梯度离心获得骨髓基质细胞,培养传至第5代,按处理方法分为常规培养液组(A组)、条件培养液组(B组)及重组缺陷型腺病毒携带肝细胞生长因子cDNA转染组(C组).条件培养液为常规培养液中含转化生长因子-β1(10 ng/ml)、碱性成纤维细胞生长因子(25 ng/ml)和地塞米松(10-7 mol/L).切取兔膝关节软骨,3 mg/ml Ⅱ型胶原酶消化传代培养至第3代(D组).观察原代MSCs及第5代MSCs(体外培养8～10周后)细胞形态,对第5代MSCs及第3代软骨细胞进行Ⅰ、Ⅱ型胶原免疫组织化学染色,MTT法检测细胞增殖情况.阿利新蓝法检测细胞培养上清液中糖胺多糖(GAG)含量.提取各组培养细胞总RNA,RT-PCR检测Ⅰ、Ⅱ型胶原表达. 结果原代MSCs为短梭形、簇状生长,传代细胞呈长梭形、旋涡样生长.A组细胞爬片Ⅰ型胶原免疫组织化学染色阳性,Ⅱ型胶原免疫组织化学染色阴性,GAG含量低,与D组比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).B组细胞爬片Ⅰ、Ⅱ型胶原免疫组织化学染色阳性,GAG含量升高,与D组比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);C组转染后第4天增殖率降低,与A组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),其余时间点各组间无统计学意义(P＞0.05).RT-PCR表明A、B、C组均表达Ⅰ型胶原,B、D组可表达Ⅱ型胶原,C组有较弱的Ⅱ型胶原表达. 结论 MSCs体外培养过程中自然转归趋向于成骨.传代后经向成软骨方向诱导,具有向软骨分化的能力;体外传代培养的MSCs具有干细胞自我增殖和定向分化的特性,可作为靶细胞接受外源目的基因转染并能有效表达.     

骨髓间质干细胞体外定向诱导分化为软骨细胞的实验研究

目的:探讨分离骨髓间充质干细胞(MSCs)并诱导其向软骨细胞转化的体外培养方法,为软骨组织工程的种子细胞来源提供实验依据.方法:抽取兔髂骨骨髓液,经梯度离心法和贴壁法进行体外培养,贴壁细胞传代,取第3代细胞在培养基中添加软骨分化诱导剂[转化生长因子(TGF-β2)10ng/ml、地塞米松10-7mol/L、维生素C 50μmol/L],经7、14、21 d诱导培养后,倒置显微镜观察细胞形态,免疫组织化学染色检测软骨特异性Ⅱ型胶原表达.将诱导细胞与软骨支架材料--聚磷酸钙纤维/左旋聚乳酸(CPP/PLLA)复合,1周后终止培养,扫描电镜观察细胞黏附情况.结果:诱导后细胞体外扩增能力显著降低,细胞形态由成纤维样梭形向多角形、多边形或类圆形转变,诱导21 d后细胞形态变化最为显著,Ⅱ型胶原免疫组化染色深而均匀.诱导后的MSCs可在支架材料内良好黏附生长.结论:体外培养的MSCs可定向诱导分化为软骨细胞,分泌软骨细胞特异性基质,可用作软骨组织工程的种子细胞.     

骨髓间质干细胞体外定向诱导分化为软骨细胞的实验研究

目的：探讨分离骨髓间充质干细胞（MSCs）并诱导其向软骨细胞转化的体外培养方法,为软骨组织工程的种子细胞来源提供实验依据。方法：抽取兔髂骨骨髓液,经梯度离心法和贴壁法进行体外培养,贴壁细胞传代,取第3代细胞在培养基中添加软骨分化诱导剂[含转化生长因子（TGF-β2）10ng／ml、地塞米松10^7mol／L、维生素C50μmol／L,经7、14、21d诱导培养后,倒置显微镜观察细胞形态,免疫组织化学染色检测软骨特异性Ⅱ型胶原表达。将诱导细胞与软骨支架材料-聚磷酸钙纤维／左旋聚乳酸（CPP／PLLA）复合,1周后终止培养,扫描电镜观察细胞黏附情况。结果：诱导后细胞体外扩增能力显著降低,细胞形态由成纤维样梭形向多角形、多边形或类圆形转变,诱导21d后细胞形态变化最为显著,Ⅱ型胶原免疫组化染色深而均匀。诱导后的MSCs可在支架材料内良好黏附生长。结论：体外培养的MSCs可定向诱导分化为软骨细胞,分泌软骨细胞特异性基质,可用作软骨组织工程的种子细胞。     

聚磷酸钙纤维／左旋聚乳酸软骨支架复合自体骨髓间充质干细胞构建组织工程化人工关节软骨

目的：应用组织工程学技术,体外初步构建组织工程化人工关节软骨。方法：制备三维多孔软骨支架材料CPP／PLLA,体外诱导兔MSCs向软骨细胞表型分化,免疫组织化学染色检测软骨特异性Ⅱ型胶原表达,将诱导细胞与软骨支架材料CPP／PLLA复合,体外培养构建人工关节软骨,1周后终止培养,扫描电镜观察组织工程化人工软骨的微观结构;同时将构建人工软骨移植于兔大腿皮下,3周后处死动物,甲苯胺蓝染色观察。结果：扫描电镜观察可见该复合材料CPP／PLLA为高孔隙率的网状、连通、微孔结构,微孔分布均匀,孔径大小为300～400μm之间;兔MSCs经体外软骨表型定向诱导后,Ⅱ型胶原免疫组化染色阳性。诱导后的MSCs可在支架材料内良好贴附生长,细胞被分泌的胶原基质包裹;从体内获取的培养物组织切片观察可见大量的软骨细胞生成,甲苯胺蓝染色阳性。结论：经软骨起源诱导后的MSCs与CPP／PLLA复合培养可以构建自体软骨移植的替代物,为应用软骨组织工程方法修复关节软骨缺损和功能重建提供一种新材料,具有较大的潜在应用价值。     

骨髓间充质干细胞体外定向软骨细胞分化的研究

目的　研究体外培养的兔骨髓间充质干细胞在特定培养条件下定向软骨细胞分化的情况。方法　取兔髂骨骨髓 ,分离培养骨髓间充质干细胞 ,传代后以高糖DMEM无血清特定培养诱导 (转化生长因子 β1 2 0ug L ,地塞米松10 7mmol L ,维生素C 5 0ug L) ,细胞 爬片甲苯胺蓝染色检测蛋白多糖 ,免疫细胞化学染色法检测Ⅱ胶原 ,S 10 0蛋白分泌 ,常规培养的细胞作为对照组。结果　骨髓间充质干细胞经特定培养条件诱导第 14 ,2 1,2 8天甲苯胺蓝染色呈明显异染 ,Ⅱ胶原 ,S 10 0蛋白免疫细胞化学染色阳性 ,第 7天及对照组阴性。结论　骨髓间充质干细胞是骨髓来源的具有多向分化潜能的干细胞 ,在体外培养可定向分化为软骨细胞 ,并能分泌软骨特异性基质。     

聚磷酸钙纤维和左旋聚乳酸软骨支架复合自体骨髓间充质干细胞构建组织工程化人工关节软骨

目的应用组织工程学技术，体外初步构建组织工程化人工关节软骨。方法制备三维多孔软骨支架材料CPP／PLLA，体外诱导兔MSCs向软骨细胞表型分化，免疫组织化学染色检测软骨特异性Ⅱ型胶原表达，将诱导细胞与软骨支架材料CPP／PLLA复合，体外培养构建人工关节软骨，1周后终止培养，扫描电镜观察组织工程化人工软骨的微观结构；同时将构建人工软骨移植于兔大腿皮下，3周后处死动物，甲苯胺蓝染色观察。结果扫描电镜观察可见该复合材料CPP／PLLA为高孔隙率的网状、连通、微孔结构，微孔分布均匀，孔径大小为300～400Ⅳn之间；兔MSCs经体外软骨表型定向诱导后，Ⅱ型胶原免疫组化染色阳性。诱导后的MSCs可在支架材料内良好贴附生长，细胞被分泌的胶原基质包裹；从体内获取的培养物组织切片观察可见大量的软骨细胞生成，甲苯胺蓝染色阳性。结论经软骨起源诱导后的MSCs与CPP／PLLA复合培养可以构建自体软骨移植的替代物，为应用软骨组织工程方法修复关节软骨缺损和功能重建提供一种新材料，具有较大的潜在应用价值。     

转化生长因子β1缓释载体诱导骨髓基质干细胞成软骨分化

目的探讨转化生长因子β1（TGF—β1）缓释对骨髓基质干细胞诱导成软骨分化的影响。方法乳化交联法制备TGF—β1壳聚糖缓释微球并将其与壳聚糖支架复合，将骨髓基质干细胞置于复合载体中立体培养，通过HE染色、Ⅱ型胶原免疫组化染色、扫描电镜观察复合载体对细胞的增殖、分化及功能的影响。结果骨髓基质干细胞于复合载体中培养，细胞形态类似软骨细胞，并可见细胞增殖及细胞外基质分泌，Ⅱ型胶原免疫组织化学染色示基质中有Ⅱ型胶原表达，其细胞增殖率及Ⅱ型胶原分泌功能均较对照组明显增强。结论复合载体能够控制TGF-β1的释放并保持其活性，可促进骨髓基质干细胞的增殖并诱导其向软骨细胞分化。     

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 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.     

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.     

Is the recovery profile of mivacurium independent of the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with normal plasma cholinesterase activity?

Background: The duration of action of muscle relaxants is poorly correlated to the rate of decay of their plasma concentration. The plasma concentration of mivacurium may rapidly decrease below its active concentration because of the extensive hydrolysis of mivacurium. By inflating a tourniquet on one upper limb for 3 min after the administration of atracurium, mivacurium or vecuronium, we studied the influence of the initial decline of their plasma concentration on their effect. Methods: In 50 patients anaesthetised with thiopental, isoflurane and fentanyl, the effect of bolus doses of 0.15 or 0.25 mg . kg^?1 mivacurium (MIV 15, MIV 25), 0.3 or 0.5 mg . kg^?1 atracurium (ATR 30, ATR 50) and 0.06 or 0.1 mg . kg^?1 vecuronium (VEC 06, VEC 10) were measured on both arms (evoked response of the adductor pollicis to train-of-four stimulation every 12 s), a tourniquet being applied on one arm just before and during 3 min after the muscle relaxant bolus. Results: Tourniquet inflation of 3 min almost abolished the neuromuscular effect of mivacurium. In the vecuronium groups and in the ATR 50 group, tourniquet inflation did not modify the maximum degree of depression of the twitch response. Also, the duration of action of vecuronium was unaffected by the tourniquet. In the ATR 30 group, times to return of the twitch response to 25% (duration 25%) and 75% (duration 75%) of control response were significantly shorter in the cuffed arm, 23 min vs 27 min, and 41 min vs 45 min, respectively. In the ATR 50 group, only duration 25% was significantly shorter in the cuffed arm (41 min vs 45 min). Conclusion: The results suggest that the rate of decline of the plasma concentration of mivacurium is so rapid, that a very low and almost clinically ineffective concentration is present as soon as 3 min after its administration. The results also indicate that the recovery from a mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade is not influenced by the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with genotypically normal plasma cholinesterase.     

Membranes in Artificial Organs

Abstract: Membrane processes play a pivotal and enabling role in modern replacement therapy for acute and chronic organ failure and in the management of immunologic diseases. In fact, virtually all contemporary extracorporeal blood purification methods employ membrane devices, and the next generation of artificial organs and tissue engineering therapies are almost certain to be similarly grounded in membrane technology. In this short essay, we comment on the similarities and differences among synthetic membranes and their natural counterparts and also provide a critical overview of the demographics and technology of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, apheresis, oxygenation, and emerging membrane technologies and applications.     

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.