青藤碱和环孢素A联合应用延长大鼠移植心的存活时间

目的探讨青藤碱在大鼠单个核细胞（PBMC）增殖中的作用；观察青藤碱和环孢素A（CsA）联合应用对大鼠心脏移植术后移植心存活时间的影响。方法分离出大鼠外周血单个核细胞，用刀豆蛋白A（ConA）和混合淋巴细胞培养（MLC）激活单个核细胞增殖，采用四甲基偶氮唑盐（MTT）比色法及磷脂酰丝氨酸外翻分析（Annexin V）法检测单纯应用青藤碱或青藤碱＋CsA联合应用后对单个核细胞增殖作用的影响；以Wistar大鼠为供者，SD大鼠为受者，建立改良的颈部异位心脏移植模型，根据术后用药不同将其分为5组。（1）对照组：肌肉注射生理盐水1ml；（2）青藤碱组：肌肉注射青藤碱20mg·kg^-1·d^-1；（3）CsA组：肌肉注射CsA2mg·kg^-1·d^-1;（4）青藤碱＋CsA组：肌肉注射青藤碱20mg·kg^-1·d^-1＋CsA2mg·kg^-1·d^-1；（5）大剂量青藤碱组：肌肉注射青藤碱40mg·kg^-1·d^-1。观察各组移植心存活时间及病理学改变。结果（1）青藤碱能够显著的抑制ConA和MLC激活的单个核细胞增殖，并与CsA有协同作用。（2）青藤碱组及大剂量青藤碱组与对照组比较，移植心存活时间虽延长，但差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）；青藤碱＋CsA组移植心存活时间明显延长，与其它4组比较，差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。结论青藤碱能够显著的抑制单个核细胞的增殖；青藤碱联合小剂量环孢素A能明显延长移植心存活时间。     

环孢素A联合供者骨髓细胞输注延长大鼠移植心脏存活时间

目的：探讨环孢素A（CsA）联合供者骨髓细胞（DBMC）输注对同种大鼠移植心脏存活时间的影响。方法：制作Lewis大鼠到BN大鼠的异位（腹部）心脏移植模型，并按对受者处理的不同分为四组，对照组不进行特别处理，CsA组术后连续7d给予CsA5mg·kg^-1·d^-1，联合处理组分别于术中及术后第6天输注1×10^8个DBMC，术后连续7d给予CsA5nag·kg^-1·d^-1，DBMC组分别于术中及术后第6天输注1×10^8个DBMC；另设BN大鼠间的心脏移植作为对照（BN对照组）。观察移植心脏的存活时间，观测术后第6天血清白细胞介素2（IL-2）、移植心脏组织中肿瘤坏死因子（TNF-α）mRNA表达以及组织学改变，流式细胞仪检测术后第6、12、18天时受者外周血有核细胞中的供者来源细胞、CD3^＋ CD25^＋细胞、CD4^＋ CD25^＋细胞的百分比以及共刺激分子CD86表达、CD4^＋ CD45RC^＋／CD4^＋ CD45RC^-等。结果：联合处理组移植心脏存活时间为（21．6±3．2）d，明显长于对照组和DBMC组（P〈0．05），其血清IL广2为（313±95）pg／ml，心肌组织中TNF-α mRNA的表达量为0．12±0．10，均明显低于对照组和DBMC组（P〈0．05），排斥反应程度轻于其它3个移植组。联合处理组大鼠外周血有核细胞上CD86表达受到明显抑制；术后6、12d，联合处理组的CD4^＋ CD45RC^＋／CD4^＋ CD45RC^-比值低于对照组和DBMC组，CD3^＋ CD25^＋细胞百分比也低于对照组和DBMC组；接受DBMC输注者外周血中供者来源的有核细胞明显多于未接受DBMC者。结论：短疗程CsA联合DBMC输注能减轻大鼠心脏移植急性排斥反应程度，延长移植心脏存活时间。     

ICAM-1在小鼠到大鼠心脏移植中的表达及来氟米特与环孢素A对其表达的影响

目的：探讨细胞间粘附分子1（ICAM-1）在小鼠到大鼠异种心脏移植中的表达，以及来氟米特（LeD和环孢素A（CsA）对其表达的影响。方法：以NIH小鼠为供者，Wistar大鼠为受者，施行异位（颈部）心脏移植，实验分4组进行，CsA组受者术后接受CsA腹腔注射，Lef组受者术后接受Lef灌胃，联合用药组受者术后接受Lef和CsA治疗，另设空白对照组，受者术后不进行任何处理。以移植心脏停跳作为排斥反应的终点，采用免疫组化和蛋白印迹杂交法检测移植心肌组织中ICAM-1蛋白的表达。结果：空白对照组、CsA组、Lef组及联合用药组移植心的存活时间分别为（2．17±0．41）d、（2．50±1．05）d、（4．17±1．33）d和（6．50±2．56）d，联合用药组明显长于其它三组（P〈0．05），Lef组明显长于空白对照组（P〈0．05）。移植心脏组织中ICAM-1蛋白的表达强度（电泳条带积分吸光度值），空白对照组为155．40±5．33，CsA组为150．73±5．13，Lef组为104．65±6．15，联合用药组为29．24±2．76，联合用药组的积分吸光度值明显低于其它三组（P〈0．05），Lef组的积分吸光度值明显低于CsA组和空白对照组（P〈0．05）。结论：小鼠到大鼠的异种心脏移植中ICAM-1表达明显，联合应用Lef和CsA可显著抑制ICAM-1在移植心脏中的表达。     

他克莫司在胰、肾同期联合移植中的应用体会

目的回顾性总结他克莫司（FK506）在胰、肾同期联合移植（SPK）中的应用经验。方法37例SPK受者，术后早期采用抗淋巴细胞球蛋白（最初3例）或抗白细胞介素2受体单克隆抗体（34例）诱导治疗，采用FK506、霉酚酸酯（MMF）和皮质激素维持治疗。FK506于术后第3～4天开始口服，起始剂量为0．05～0．08mg·kg^-1·d^-1，3～5d后根据血药浓度调整用量，血FK506的浓度谷值，术后1个月内维持在10～12μg／L，2～3个月为6～10μg／L，3个月后为4～8μg／L。结果37例术后均停用胰岛素，仅1例（2．7％，1／37）术后6个月死于急性心肌梗死，受者、移植胰和移植肾1年存活率均为97％。空腹血糖恢复正常的时间为（13．4±8．9）d。28例1型糖尿病患者术后空腹血糖恢复正常的时间为（9．7±3．2）d，9例2型糖尿病患者术后空腹血糖恢复正常的时间显著延长，为（23．0±11．7）d。1年内急性排斥反应发生率为13．5％（5／37），其中4例为单纯移植肾排斥反应，1例同时累及移植胰腺和肾脏；2例经激素冲击治疗后逆转，1例经激素和抗淋巴细胞球蛋白治疗逆转，另2例经激素冲击治疗后，血肌酐一度下降，但2～3个月后因再次发生排斥反应，血肌酐逐渐上升，恢复血液透析，但移植胰功能良好，其后行再次肾移植。结论以FK506为基础的免疫抑制能安全、有效地预防SPK后的排斥反应。     

甘氨酰谷氨酰胺二肽对烧伤大鼠心功能的保护作用

目的了解甘氨酰谷氨酰胺二肽（简称甘谷二肽）对严重烧伤大鼠心肌力学功能的保护作用，并探讨其机制。方法将136只Wistar大鼠分成对照组8只（不予烧伤）、烧伤组32只、谷氨酰胺组32只、甘氨酸组32只、甘谷二肽组32只。后4组均造成30％TBSAⅢ度烧伤。5组大鼠依次给予酪氨酸1．5g·kg^-1·d-1、酪氨酸1．5g·kg^-1·d^-1、谷氨酰胺1．0g·kg^-1·d^-1酪氨酸0．5g·kg^-1·d^-1、甘氨酸0．5g·kg^-1·d^-1＋酪氨酸1．0g·kg^-1·d^-1、甘谷二肽1．5g·kg^-1·d^-1伤后12、24、48、72h检测大鼠心肌组织还原型谷胱甘肽（GSH）、腺苷-磷酸（AMP）、腺苷二磷酸（ADP）、腺苷三磷酸（ATP）、细胞能荷（EC）的含量和主动脉收缩压（AOSP）、主动脉舒张压（AODP）及左心室收缩压（LVSP）、左心室压力变化最大上升速率（＋dp／dtmax）。结果后4组大鼠伤后心肌组织GSH、ATP和EC含量以及AOSP、AODP、LVSP、＋dp／dtmax检测值普遍低于对照组（P〈0．01），AMP、ADP含量则普遍高于对照组（P〈0．01）。与烧伤组比较，后3组上述指标均有明显改变。伤后12h甘谷二肽组的GSH含量为（72．7±1．7）μmol／g，高于谷氨酰胺组（67．8±3．8）μmol／g（P〈0．01）；该时相点EC、AOSP的检测值亦高于谷氨酰胺组（P〈0．01）。伤后48h甘谷二肽组GSH、EC、AOSP的检测值高于甘氨酸组（P〈0．01）。结论大鼠烧伤后给予谷氨酰胺、甘氨酸和甘谷二肽，能不同程度改善心肌组织GSH、高能磷酸化合物含量，缓解心肌力学功能的下降。甘谷二肽的疗效明显优于谷氨酰胺或甘氨酸，提示它对烧伤后心脏功能的保护作用具有协同效应。     

他克莫司和环孢素A防治急性移植物抗宿主病的效果比较

目的比较他克莫司（FK506）和环孢素A（CsA）防治造血干细胞移植后急性移植物抗宿主病（aGVHD）的效果。方法根据所用免疫抑制方案的不同，将118例异基因造血干细胞移植患者分为两组，一组移植后采用以FK506为主的方案预防GVHD（FK506组，n=36例），另一组采用以CsA为主的方案预防GVHD（CsA组，n=82例）。观察两组患者aGVHD的发生情况及治疗效果、造血重建情况、存活率、原发病的复发率以及免疫抑制剂的不良反应。结果FK506组和CsA组aGVHD累积发生率分别为（50．0±8．8）％和（50．7±5．6）％（P〉0．05），Ⅱ～Ⅳ度aGVHD累积发生率分别为（13．0±6．1）％和（31．0±5．2）％（P〈0．05），Ⅲ～Ⅳ度aGVHD累积发生率分别为（2．8±2．7）％和（12．3±3．7）％（P〉0．05）。采用FK506及甲泼尼龙（MP）治疗Ⅰ～Ⅱ度aGVHD的效果优于CsA与MP组合，但差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05），而治疗Ⅲ～Ⅳ度aGVHD，FK506与MP组合明显优于CsA与MP组合（P〈0．05）。两组在造血重建时间、患者存活率、无原发病的存活率以及原发病复发率等方面的差异均无统计学意义。FK506组16．7％患者血糖升高，而CsA组血糖升高者仅占1．2％。结论FK506可有效预防和治疗异基因造血干细胞移植后的aGVHD，其总体效果优于CsA。     

核因子κB诱骗剂处理的树突状细胞延长小鼠移植心脏存活时间

目的探讨核因子κB（NF-κB）诱骗剂处理供者树突状细胞（DC）对同种异体小鼠移植心脏存活时间的影响。方法在体外以NF-κB诱骗剂处理供者骨髓来源的DC，并于心脏移植术前7d经门静脉输注2×10^6个DC给受者，术后1～7d受者接受亚治疗量的环孢素A（10mg·kg^-1·d^-1）腹腔注射（联合方案组），并设不作任何处理（对照组）、单用环孢素A（CsA组）、单纯输注未经处理DC（DC对照组）和单纯输注经处理DC（DC实验组）的对照组，另设接受来自第三方供者的对照组（第三供者组，受者的处理同联合方案组），所有受者均接受腹腔心脏移植。观察各组移植心脏的存活时间；采用酶联免疫吸附法检测术后第7天受者血清白细胞介素2（IL-2）、IL-4、IL-10和γ干扰素（IFN-γ）的含量。结果移植心脏平均存活时间（MST），对照组为7d，CsA组为10．3d，DC对照组为7．6d，DC实验组为21．4d，联合方案组为53．6d，第三供者组为9d，DC实验组移植心脏MST明显长于对照组和DC对照组，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）；联合方案组移植心脏MST明显长于CsA组、DC实验组及第三供者组，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。联合方案组IL-2和IFN-γ的含量最低，而IL-4和IL-10的含量最高，与其它各组比较，差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）；与对照组、DC对照组及CsA组相比，DC实验组IL-2及IFN-γ的含量也显著降低（P〈0．05），而IL-4和IL-10则升高（P〈0．05）。结论术前输注经NF-κB诱骗剂处理的供者DC可延长同种小鼠移植心脏的存活时间，若术后加用短程亚治疗量CsA，则移植心脏的存活时间得到进一步延长。     

Tacrolimus对糖尿病大鼠肾脏足细胞损伤的保护作用及机制

目的探讨Tacrolimus（FK506）是否通过足细胞的保护作用减轻糖尿病大鼠尿白蛋白排泄。方法将40只大鼠按随机数表法分为对照组（C组）、糖尿病（diabetesmellitus,DM）模型组（DM组）、DM＋FKS060．5mg·kg^-1·d^-1给药组（FK5060．5组）及DM＋FK5061．0mg·kg^-1·d^-1给药组（FK5061．0组）,每组10只。采用链脲佐菌素（streptozotocin,STZ）腹腔注射建立糖尿病模型,FK506灌胃给药。4周后大鼠24h尿白蛋白测定采用酶联免疫方法,电镜下观察肾小球足细胞病理组织学改变,应用免疫荧光与Westernblot检测肾组织Nephrin和Podocin表达。结果DM组大鼠24h尿白蛋白排泄率（albuminexcretionrate,AER）明显高于对照组（P〈0．01）,FK5060．5与1．0mg／kg给药组大鼠AER水平明显低于模型组（P〈0．05,P〈0．01）。透射电镜观察DM组肾小球基底膜增厚、结构模糊不清,系膜基质增多,足细胞损伤,与DM组比较,FK5060．5、1．0组肾组织超微结构改变有不同程度改善。免疫荧光显示Nephrin和Podocin在C组大鼠肾小球呈线状均匀分布;DM组大鼠肾小球表达明显减少,且呈颗粒状不均匀分布;FK5060．5组和FK5061．0组Nephrin和Podocin表达不同程度增加,呈线状及颗粒状分布。Westernblot显示DM组Nephrin和Podocin较C组表达明显下降;FK5060．5组和FK5061．0组Nephrin和Podocin量较DM组明显增加（P〈0．01）。结论FK506能减少糖尿病大鼠尿白蛋白排泄,改善肾小球足细胞病变,其机制可能与上调Nephrin和Podocin表达有关。     

胰岛素强化治疗对烫伤大鼠心肌保护作用的研究

目的 了解胰岛素强化治疗对重度烫伤大鼠心肌的保护作用，并探讨其作用机制。方法 将18只SD大鼠分为3组，每组6只。强化组及烫伤组大鼠背部脱毛造成30％TBSA的Ⅲ度烫伤。强化组伤后即输注胰岛素等渗盐水（含胰岛素0．12U／m1）及100g／L葡萄糖，使大鼠血糖水平控制在4．0～6．6 mmol／L之间，补液总量为2ml·kg^-1。·％TBSA^-1·8h^-1；烫伤组伤后仅给予等渗盐水，总量同前。假伤组模拟烫伤，伤后补充生理量的液体。于伤前及伤后1、2、3、4、5、6 h 抽取大鼠静脉血测定其血糖值。各组大鼠伤后均经右颈动脉插管人左心室并连接生理记录仪，观察左心室收缩压（LVSP）及左心室舒张末期压（LVEDP）。伤后6h，处死各组大鼠，留取左心室组织标本用于心肌细胞肌钙蛋白T的检测。结果 烫伤组大鼠伤后1～6h的血糖值为（7．6±1．7）～（8．4±4．7）mmol／L，均高于强化组[（4．5±0．9）～（5．2±1．3）mmol／L，P〈0．01]。伤后1h，烫伤组LVSP[（60±11）mmHg（1mmHg=0．133kPa）]降低、LVEDP[（21．3±11．3）mmHg]升高，与强化组[（72±8）、（11．7±5．2）mmHg]比较，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。烫伤后各组大鼠肌钙蛋白T在心肌细胞内大量缺失，而强化组缺失程度明显低于烫伤组（P〈0．05）。结论 胰岛素强化治疗对重度烫伤大鼠左心室功能具有明显的保护作用，此作用可能与抑制心肌细胞蛋白的缺失有关。     

霉酚酸酯及缬沙坦对糖尿病大鼠足细胞的保护机制研究

目的探讨霉酚酸酯、缬沙坦及2者联合应用对糖尿病。肾病（DN）大鼠足细胞损伤的保护作用。方法雄性Wistar大鼠行右肾切除后，腹腔注射链脲佐菌素（STZ，65mg／kg）建立糖尿病模型。将实验动物随机分为右。肾切除对照组（NC）、糖尿病组（DM）、霉酚酸酯治疗组（M）、缬沙坦治疗组（V）、缬沙坦和霉酚酸酯联合治疗组（V＋M）。治疗组分别给予霉酚酸酯15mg·kg^-1·d^-1，缬沙坦40mg·kg^-1·d^-1；联合治疗组为上述两组之和。检测各组8周末的左肾质量／体质量比值、尿蛋白量（24h）、血糖（Glu）、Scr。光镜及电镜观察肾组织形态学变化。免疫组化检测肾组织中nephrin、结蛋白（desmin）及单核细胞趋化因子1（MCP-1）蛋白表达。实时PCR测定肾组织中nephrin及MCP-1mRNA表达。结果与NC组相比，DM组大鼠血糖、尿蛋白量及左肾质量／体质量比值均显著上升（P〈0．01）；肾小球硬化指数（GSI）及肾间质损害加重（P〈0．01）；肾组织内MCP-1、desmin蛋白表达均显著上调（P〈0．01）。与DM组比较，M组、V组及V＋M组上述指标除Glu、Scr外，均明显改善（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）。与NC组（100％）相比，DM组nephrinmRNA表达下调（78％，P〈0.05）；各治疗组nephrinmRNA表达增加，以M组增加最明显（134％，P〈0．01）。与NC组（100％）相比，DM组MCP-1mRNA表达明显上调（251％，P〈0.05）；各治疗组明显降低，以M组最显著（126％，P〈0．01）。nephrinmRNA与MCP-1mRNA表达呈负相关（r=-0，86。P〈0．01）。尿蛋白量（24h）与MCP-1mRNA呈正相关fr=0．82，P〈0．01）；与nephrinmRNA呈负相关（r=-0．78，P〈0．01）。结论霉酚酸酯及缬沙坦均能下调糖尿病大鼠肾组织中desmin及MCP-1基因及蛋白的表达，上调nephrin基因及蛋白表达，降低尿蛋白量，预防肾损伤。联合治疗不优于单一治疗。霉酚酸酯可能通过抗炎性反应减轻足细胞损伤，减少蛋白尿，对早期DN大鼠具有明显的肾保护作用。     

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.     

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.     

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.