大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞对细菌性前列腺炎抑制作用的研究

目的 :研究外源性骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSCs)对大肠埃希菌致大鼠前列腺炎的抑制作用。方法:贴壁选择法分离、培养、扩增BMSCs。将SD大鼠50只随机分为急性细菌性前列腺炎(ABP)组、ABP+BMSCs组、慢性细菌性前列腺炎(CBP)组、CBP+BMSCs组和正常对照组,每组10只。在小动物超声引导下向大鼠前列腺两侧叶内注射大肠埃希菌建立前列腺炎症模型,注入细菌1~14 d为急性炎症期,4~12周为慢性炎症期,对照组注入等量PBS。然后将BMSCs注入ABP+BMSCs组和CBP+BMSCs组大鼠前列腺内,观察移植BMSCs2周后大鼠前列腺病理学变化并做炎症评分,RT-PCR扩增前列腺组织中炎症因子IL-1β、TNF-αmRNA,ELISA检测IL-1β、TNF-α蛋白含量,统计分析各组表达差异。结果:前列腺组织病理学提示炎症组前列腺组织呈典型炎症病理变化,腺管结构改变,间质水肿,炎细胞浸润,纤维组织增生,而BMSCs治疗组大鼠前列腺炎症明显减轻。PCR和ELISA分析显示ABP组IL-1βmRNA(0.829±0.121)、蛋白(271.75±90.59)pg/ml和TNF-αmRNA(0.913±0.094)、蛋白(105.78±19.05)pg/ml含量均显著高于对照组[(0.342±0.087)、(45.76±17.99)pg/ml]、[(0.247±0.054)、(19.42±7.75)pg/ml](P均0.01)及BMSCs治疗组[(0.433±0.072)、(51.34±22.13)pg/ml]、[(0.313±0.076)、(28.38±8.78)pg/ml](P0.01);CBP组IL-1βmRNA(0.975±0.114)、蛋白(265.31±71.34)pg/ml和TNF-αmRNA(0.886±0.084)、蛋白(107.45±26.11)pg/ml含量也均显著高于对照组及BMSCs治疗组[(0.396±0.064)、(56.37±21.22)pg/ml]、[(0.417±0.068)、(29.21±10.22)pg/ml](P均0.01)。结论:注入BMSCs能够减轻大肠埃希菌引起的前列腺炎症反应,其作用可能与减少炎细胞浸润,降低IL-1β、TNF-α水平有关。     

游泳运动与药物综合治疗对慢性非细菌性前列腺炎大鼠TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-6水平的影响

目的:观察游泳运动与药物综合治疗对慢性非细菌性前列腺炎(CAP)大鼠前列腺组织中TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-6水平的影响。方法:成年雄性健康SD大鼠40只,随机分为正常对照组、CAP模型对照组、药物治疗组、运动治疗组及运动与药物综合治疗组,每组8只。注射消痔灵制备CAP大鼠模型,造模期7 d后药物治疗组和综合治疗组每天给予前列舒通胶囊水溶液(0.016 g/ml)灌胃治疗(剂量为20 ml/kg);运动治疗组和综合治疗组每天于固定时间进行1次游泳运动,第1天35 min/次,每天递增5 min,直至50 min/次,每周6 d,持续4周;正常对照组、CAP模型对照组及运动治疗组给予无菌生理盐水灌胃(剂量同上)。于治疗过程中的第14、28天分别处死各组大鼠4只,并提取前列腺,观察组织病理学改变,制作组织匀浆;采用ELISA法检测组织匀浆内TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6的水平。结果:第14天时,正常对照组、CAP模型对照组、药物治疗组、运动治疗组及综合治疗组大鼠前列腺组织匀浆内TNF-α水平依次为(20.36±1.82)、(183.08±8.07)、(118.49±8.06)、(169.63±10.64)、(107.82±7.81)pg/ml,IL-1β依次为(14.64±1.91)、(57.55±3.53)、(42.64±4.64)、(50.45±5.71)、(40.35±6.93)pg/ml,IL-6依次为(70.58±2.09)、(256.15±13.95)、(200.74±9.33)、(245.23±6.49)、(187.04±10.85)ng/L,后面4组的TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-6水平均明显高于正常对照组(P0.05);第28天时,综合治疗组的TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6水平依次为(29.30±3.78)pg/ml、(16.91±1.24)pg/ml、(88.65±6.74)ng/L,药物治疗组依次为(39.67±3.19)pg/ml、(26.27±3.49)pg/ml、(110.26±6.33)ng/L,综合治疗组的TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6水平显著低于药物治疗组(P0.05),并逐渐接近正常对照组[依次为(19.34±1.76)pg/ml、(13.68±1.06)pg/ml、(71.34±2.50)ng/L]水平。在治疗过程的14~28 d,正常对照组大鼠的前列腺病理学检查未见明显变化;模型对照组大鼠前列腺组织表现为明显的慢性炎症的病理变化;各治疗组大鼠前列腺慢性炎症改变均有不同程度缓解,其中综合治疗组的慢性炎症明显减轻。结论:游泳运动能够降低CAP大鼠炎症程度,与药物并用综合治疗可有效降低CAP大鼠TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-6水平,并改善组织学损伤。     

生物人工肾小管对多器官功能衰竭细胞因子及存活时间的影响

目的研究用细胞株(LLC-PK1)构建的生物人工肾小管装置(RAD)对多器官功能衰竭(MOF)猪白介素(IL)-10、肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)α及存活时间的影响。方法ARF并MOF猪随机分为3组:(1)RAD组(A组,n=5):将RAD与血滤器相连,行连续静脉静脉血液滤过(CVVH)治疗24h;(2)假RAD组(B组,n=5):将RAD换为无细胞的假RAD,余与A组同;(3)未治疗组(C组,n=6)。观察血压、肝肾功能、血气、血IL-10、TNF-α(用特异性猪IL-10、TNF-α抗体检测)和生存时间。结果(1)A组治疗24h低血压状况显著改善;4～20h精神状态明显好转。(2)血IL-10(pg/ml)的峰值A组明显高于B、C组(241.40±86.64比106.30±9.69、102.59±10.21,P<0.05)。(3)血TNF-α(pg/ml)A组治疗后较治疗前明显降低(415.30±34.83比526.67±40.08,P<0.05);B、C两组无明显变化。(4)A组生存时间为(110.25±18.69)h,明显长于B组(81.20±11.76)h和C组(74.96±23.00)h(P<0.05),A组比B、C组分别延长了35.8%、47.1%。结论用RAD治疗明显改善了MOF猪低血压,升高血IL-10、降低TNF-α及延长存活时间。     

核因子-κB特异性的RNA干扰腺病毒的构建及其对枯否细胞内毒素反应的影响

目的 构建针对大鼠核因子(NF)-κB的腺病毒,采用RNA干扰方法观察其对内毒素诱导的大鼠肝枯否细胞(KC)NF-κB抑制和肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α、白细胞介素(IL)-6释放的影响.方法 合成双链寡核苷酸siNF-κB克隆人pShuttleH1载体,取0.5μg线性化后的pShuttleH1-siNF-κB电转化BJ5183感受态细菌获取重组腺病毒骨架质粒;取线性化的重组质粒4μg利用Lipo-fectamineTM2000转染骨架质粒至HEK 293细胞获取重组腺病毒Ad-siNF-κB;TCID50法测定病毒滴度;腺病毒以MOI=10感染原代培养大鼠肝枯否细胞,观察对内毒素诱导的NF-κB抑制和TNF-α、IL-6释放的影响.结果 目的 基因成功克隆入腺病毒,病毒滴度为5.32×109pfu/ml.转染腺病毒Ad-siNF-κB后的内毒素诱导的肝KC及NF-κB mRNA及TNF-α、IL-6的表达均明显减弱.结论 成功构建表达NF-κB siRNA的腺病毒,具有良好的抑制NF-κB和TNF-α、IL-6的作用.     

精子在轻度内异症并不孕患者宫颈黏液中的活动力探讨

目的 探讨内异症并不孕患者宫颈黏液(Cervical mucus,CM)对精子的影响.方法 采用精子-宫颈黏液穿透试验评估精子在轻度内异症伴不孕患者治疗前(A组),治疗后(B组)和对照组卵泡期CM中活动力和存活情况;用低温超声粉碎CM,酶联免疫吸附试验法定量测定CM中TNF-α和IL-6的含量.结果 精子在CM中活动力和存活时间A组低于B组和对照组.CM中TNF-α含量A组(38.25±18.38)pg/ml明显高于对照组(21.04±9.45)pg/ml,具统计学差异(p<0.05),也偏高于B组(33.30±28.32)pg/ml,但无统计学差异(P>0.05):CM中IL-6含量组间无统计学差异.结论 轻度内异症伴不孕患者的CM影响精子活动力和存活时间,轻度内异症伴不孕患者CM中TNF-α含量升高,治疗后降低.     

参附汤预先给药对内毒素血症大鼠肠黏膜屏障功能的影响

目的 评价参附汤预先给药对内毒素血症大鼠肠黏膜屏障功能的影响.方法 选择健康成年雄性SD大鼠24只,4～6月龄,体重180～220 g.采用随机数字表法,将其分为3组(n=8):正常对照组(C组)、内毒素血症组(E组)和参附汤预先给药组(S组).采用尾静脉注射脂多糖(LPS) 10mg/kg建立内毒素血症模型.建模前30 min,E组和S组分别腹腔注射生理盐水和参附汤5ml/kg.于建模后2h时取腹主动脉血样,采用ELISA法检测血浆TNF-α、IL-6、肠-脂肪酸结合蛋白(i-FABP)和D-乳酸(D-lac)浓度;取远端回肠,采用免疫组化法检测肠黏膜上皮细胞间紧密连接蛋白(ZO-1)表达,HE染色,光镜下观察肠黏膜病理学结果,并行Chiu评分.结果 与C组比较,E组和S组血浆TNF-α、IL-6、i-FABP和D-lac浓度升高,肠黏膜Chiu评分升高,肠黏膜上皮细胞间ZO-1表达下调(P＜0.05).与E组比较,S组血浆TNF-α、IL-6、i-FABP和D-lac浓度降低,肠黏膜Chiu评分降低,肠黏膜上皮细胞间ZO-1表达上调(P＜0.05).结论 参附汤预先给药可减轻内毒索血症大鼠肠黏膜损伤,保护肠黏膜屏障功能,其机制与抑制全身炎性反应有关.     

基于Notch通道右归丸对大鼠退变椎间盘的影响

[目的]探讨右归丸对大鼠退变腰椎间盘结构的潜在干预机制。[方法]将30只雄性SD大鼠随机分为3组,每组10只。正常对照组为健康大鼠,不做特殊处理;退变组采用纤维环穿刺法建立大鼠椎间盘退变模型。药物组在退变组基础上予右归丸灌胃2周。ELISA检测血清炎症因子IL-10、MIF、TNF-α水平;Western blot检测椎间盘组织中Ⅱ型胶原、Notch1蛋白表达水平。[结果]与正常对照组比较,退变组和药物组的大鼠血清白细胞介素-10(interleukin-10, IL-10)[(22.3±2.8) pg/ml vs(30.9±1.7) pg/ml vs (53.2±7.5) pg/ml, P<0.001]、巨噬细胞移动抑制因子（macrophage migration inhibitory factor, MIF）[(0.3±0.0) pg/ml vs (1.3±0.3) pg/ml vs (0.6±0.2) pg/ml, P<0.001]、肿瘤坏死因子α (tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF-α)[(12.5±3.0) pg/ml vs (52.6±...     

复方玄驹胶囊治疗自身免疫性前列腺炎大鼠的实验研究

目的:研究复方玄驹胶囊对自身免疫性前列腺炎大鼠的治疗效果。方法:健康Wistar大鼠60只,随机分为5组,对照组、低浓度蛋白免疫模型组、低浓度蛋白免疫+复方玄驹胶囊全方治疗组、高浓度蛋白免疫模型组、高浓度蛋白免疫+复方玄驹胶囊全方治疗组。除对照组外,其余4组用高低两种浓度(15 mg/ml及80 mg/ml)的同种大鼠前列腺匀浆蛋白提纯液进行注射造模。造模(30 d)成功后,对照组和模型组生理盐水[1 ml/(200 g·d)]灌胃,治疗组用生理盐水溶解的复方玄驹胶囊全方[0.068 g/(ml·d)]灌胃,随后分别于30、45、60 d分批处死大鼠。用ELISA法检测大鼠血清中的IL-8、IL-10及TNF-α的表达,并观察大鼠前列腺组织病理切片。结果:与模型组相比,经复方玄驹胶囊全方灌胃治疗的高浓度蛋白免疫大鼠血清中IL-8、TNF-α在造模45 d时由(148.54±17.23)pg/ml、(62.14±5.59)pg/ml下降到(100.77±11.08)pg/ml、(32.63±2.91)pg/ml(P0.05);60 d时由(143.69±17.28)pg/ml、(59.38±5.50)pg/ml降到(95.77±10.53)pg/ml、(29.63±2.66)pg/ml(P0.05)。低浓度组造模45 d时IL-8、TNF-α亦由(128.47±12.21)pg/ml、(40.43±3.64)pg/ml下降至(111.76±10.07)pg/ml、(35.44±3.17)pg/ml(P0.05),60 d时由(131.07±10.93)pg/ml、(43.34±3.91)pg/ml降至(97.46±8.75)pg/ml、(30.44±2.75)pg/ml(P0.05)。高浓度蛋白免疫的治疗组大鼠血清IL-10在造模45 d、60 d分别由(189.14±16.78)pg/ml、(184.14±15.89)pg/ml上升至(230.48±29.96)pg/ml、(248.48±31.03)pg/ml(P0.05),低浓度组由(223.14±17.87)pg/ml、(224.14±17.93)pg/ml升高至(231.42±23.18)pg/ml、(249.42±24.97)pg/ml(P0.05)。病理切片示对照组无明显变化;实验组病理切片显示大鼠前列腺组织腺体结构破坏,炎性细胞浸润;治疗组治疗15 d后光镜下观察病变逐步改善,腺腔增大,上皮细胞轻度增生,间质中无明显炎性细胞浸润,可见少量纤维组织。结论:复方玄驹胶囊能降低自身免疫性前列腺炎大鼠前列腺组织炎性改变,并有效改善炎性因子表达,对大鼠自身免疫性前列腺炎有一定疗效。     

TNF-α McAb对急性失血性休克大鼠肝脏的作用

目的探讨肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)在急性失血性休克大鼠肝损伤中的作用及TNF-α单克隆抗体的保护作用。方法将24只雄性SD大鼠随机均分为三组:对照组(A组)、休克+乳酸林格氏液复苏组(B组)和休克+TNF-α单克隆抗体复苏组(C组)。B和C组大鼠通过股动脉放血,制作急性失血性休克动物模型;B组用乳酸林格氏液复苏,C组用含TNF-α单克隆抗体(3mg/kg)的乳酸林格氏液复苏,而A组在同等条件下不进行失血。分别检测各组大鼠血清丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)、TNF-α水平和肝组织中MDA、SOD含量,并在光镜和电镜下观察各组大鼠肝组织的病理变化。结果 B、C组大鼠血清ALT、AST、TNF-α水平和肝组织中MDA含量较A组升高,SOD含量降低;C组ALT(343.63±35.61)U/L、AST(748.75±49.76)U/L、TNF-α(99.38±13.16)pg/mL、丙二醛(26.33±1.30)nmol/mgProt较B组ALT、AST、TNF-α、MDA含量降低,C组肝组织中SOD含量(510.14±47.44)U/mgProt较B组升高;在光镜、电镜下观察,C组肝组织损伤较B组减轻。结论 TNF-α可能是急性失血性休克肝损伤的重要因子之一,使用TNF-αMcAb复苏可以减轻失血性休克时大鼠肝损伤,具有一定的保护作用。     

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.     

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.