外源性透明质酸对创面纤维黏连蛋白表达的影响

目的　探讨外源性透明质酸延迟创面愈合的作用机理。方法　成年日本大耳白兔 18只 ,建立兔耳皮肤创伤愈合模型 ,随机分 2 %透明质酸治疗组 (A组 )、1%透明质酸治疗组 (B组 )和磷酸盐缓冲液对照组 (C组 )。观察大体形态、组织学变化及平均愈合时间 ,未愈合创面面积及纤维黏连蛋白的表达情况。结果　①三组平均愈合时间为 (11.7± 0 .6 )天 ,(11.3± 0 .6 )天 ,(10 .8± 1.0 )天 ,三组之间有显著差异 (P <0 .0 5 )。A、B组与C组比较各时间点未愈合面积也有显著差异 (P <0 .0 5 )。②组织学观察 ,A、B组胶原纤维较细、排列整齐。C组胶原纤维较粗大、排列紊乱。③纤维黏连蛋白的表达 ,A、B组纤维黏连蛋白的表达少于C组 (P <0 .0 1)。结论　①外源性透明质酸抑制创面纤维黏连蛋白的表达是延迟创面愈合的原因之一。②透明质酸的这一作用与其浓度有依赖关系。     

外源性透明质酸对创面纤维黏连蛋白表达的影响

目的探讨外源性透明质酸延迟创面愈合的作用机理.方法成年日本大耳白兔18只,建立兔耳皮肤创伤愈合模型,随机分2%透明质酸治疗组(A组)、1%透明质酸治疗组(B组)和磷酸盐缓冲液对照组(C组).观察大体形态、组织学变化及平均愈合时间,未愈合创面面积及纤维黏连蛋白的表达情况.结果①三组平均愈合时间为(11.7±0.6)天,(11.3±0.6)天,(10.8±1.0)天,三组之间有显著差异(P＜0.05).A、B组与C组比较各时间点未愈合面积也有显著差异(P＜0.05).②组织学观察,A、B组胶原纤维较细、排列整齐.C组胶原纤维较粗大、排列紊乱.③纤维黏连蛋白的表达,A、B组纤维黏连蛋白的表达少于C组(P＜0.01).结论①外源性透明质酸抑制创面纤维黏连蛋白的表达是延迟创面愈合的原因之一.②透明质酸的这一作用与其浓度有依赖关系.     

外源性透明质酸对创面愈合影响的研究

目的　探讨透明质酸 (HA)延迟创面愈合的作用。方法　成年日本大耳白兔 18只 ,建立兔耳创伤愈合模型 ,随机分成 2 % HA治疗组 (A组 ) ,1% HA治疗组 (B组 ) ,磷酸盐缓冲液 (PBS)对照组 (C组 ) ,进行大体形态、组织学变化、平均愈合时间、创面收缩情况、残余创面面积、成纤维细胞 α-平滑肌肌动蛋白表达及超微结构 ,观察 12天。结果　 1三组创面平均愈合时间为 (11.7± 0 .6 )、(11.3± 0 .6 )和 (10 .8± 1.0 )天 ,三组之间有显著差异 (P<0 .0 5 ) ;A、B组与C组比较创面收缩速率及残余面积也有统计学意义 (P<0 .0 5 )。 2组织学见 A、B两组胶原纤维较细 ,排列整齐 ;C组胶原纤维较粗大 ,排列紊乱。 3A、B组 α-平滑肌肌动蛋白的表达少于 C组 ,有统计学意义 (P<0 .0 1)。结论　 HA通过抑制成纤维细胞向肌成纤维细胞转化而抑制创面收缩 ,是延迟创面愈合的原因之一 ;且这一作用与其浓度有依赖关系。     

异体小肠粘膜下组织替代膀胱壁的研究

目的　探讨大面积异体小肠粘膜下组织 (SIS)作为膀胱壁替代物的价值。方法　将2 0头成年猪随机分为 2组 :A组 12头行大面积SIS(10cm× 10cm )替代膀胱壁术 ;B组 8头行大面积SIS替代膀胱壁和一侧输尿管种植术。动态观察SIS再生膀胱壁的移行上皮、平滑肌的再生情况和顺应性 ;输尿管种植后的愈合和吻合口情况。结果　再生膀胱壁具有与正常膀胱壁相似的外观、厚度和顺应性 ,组织学检查显示移行上皮和平滑肌的良好再生 ,所有种植输尿管的出口均被再生的膀胱壁所封闭 ,各组的平均最大膀胱容积术前 (2 88.3± 3 1.4)ml、术后 (2 83 .8± 3 7.1)ml;最大膀胱压力术前 (3 6.1± 9.3 )cmH2 O(1cmH2 O =0 .0 98kPa)、术后 (3 7.3± 9.5 )cmH2 O ,差异无显著性 (P >0 .0 5 )。结论　异体小肠粘膜下组织是一种较理想的膀胱部分替代和扩大材料。     

血管襻骨膜内腓骨组合移植修复负重长段骨缺损的实验研究

目的　研究血管袢骨膜内腓骨组合移植修复负重长段粗骨缺损临床应用可行性。　方法　健康新西兰大白兔 72 只,随机分为 3 组。A组:单腓移植组;B组:骨膜外双腓骨组合移植组;C组:骨膜内双腓骨组合移植组。制成胫骨中上段骨缺损 10 0 mm,采用 3 种手术方式,术后 2、4、8、12、16周分别拍X线片及测定血清碱性磷酸酶、骨钙素、骨密度及组织学、生物力学检查。　结果　X线结果显示,C组较A、B组骨痂增加明显,骨小梁排列整齐,移植腓骨明显增粗。术后 4 周血清 ALP:A组 (91 .6±9. 2)、B组 (11.4 9±5 .1)、C组 (136 6±3 9);血清 BGP:A组(3. 90±1. 02)、B组 (4. 69±0. 58)、C组 (5 .84±0. 98);骨密度:A组 (0. 179±0 .03)、B组(0. 286±0 .04)、C组 (0. 301±0. 07),C组较A组、B组差异均有统计学意义(P<0 01)。组织学检查C组较A、B组骨痂形成早、成熟早,骨小梁排列整齐,两腓骨形成一体,髓腔再通。成骨量:A组 (398±4 0)、B组 (41. 7±2 .3)、C组(49. 2±5 .7),C组与A、B组比较,P<0. 05。生物力学测试,移植骨平均最大载荷、最大扭距及剪切应力,C组均大于A、B组。　结论　血管袢骨膜内腓骨组合移植是治疗负重长段粗骨缺损较为理想的手术方式。     

维生素E对膀胱出口部分梗阻后膀胱功能的保护作用

目的探讨维生素E对兔膀胱出口部分梗阻引起膀胱功能改变的保护作用.方法新西兰雄兔28只随机分为A组6只、B组6只、C组8只、D组8只,A、B、C组正常饮食,D组每日给予维生素E 600 mg,4周后B组建立假手术模型,C、D组建立膀胱出口部分梗阻模型.术后4周各组进行尿动力学检查、膀胱称重、RT-PCR检测膀胱组织肌质网钙泵蛋白(SERCA2)mRNA水平、Western blot检测SERCA2和肌动蛋白表达水平.结果正常A组和假手术B组各项参数比较差异均无统计学意义,合并为对照组(A+B组).膀胱重量C组为(13.07±1.71)g、D组为(11.80±2.01)g,约为对照组(2.81±0.30)g的4倍(P＜0.01).尿动力学检查最大逼尿肌压力D组为(37.38±4.04)cm H2O,大于C组的(24.13±4.54)cm H2O和对照组的(22.70±1.89)cm H2O(P＜0.05);膀胱容量D组为(83.00±13.05)ml、对照组为(67.00±7.22)ml,均大于C组的(45.13±6.63)ml(P＜0.05);膀胱顺应性D组为(8.18±1.95)ml/cm H2O、对照组为(6.67±0.90)ml/cmH2O,均好于C组(3.35±0.68)ml/cm H2O(P＜0.05);SERCA2 mRNA表达D组为1.45±0.16、对照组为1.41±0.05,高于C组的0.97±0.11(P＜0.05);SERCA2蛋白表达D组为1.90±0.19、对照组为2.18±0.23,高于C组的1.35±0.16(P＜0.05);而三组肌动蛋白表达差异无统计学意义.结论预先服用维生素E可以提高梗阻后SERCA2基因转录和表达水平,可能是保护膀胱功能的机制之一.     

冲洗液温度对前列腺术后膀胱无抑制性收缩的影响

目的探讨不同温度冲洗液对前列腺切除术后膀胱无抑制性收缩的影响。方法将 180例前列腺切除术后并发膀胱无抑制性收缩的患者随机分为A、B、C、D、E、F 6组 ,各 30例 ,术后均予持续膀胱冲洗 ,冲洗液温度分别为(2 3.5 0± 1.5 0 )℃、(2 6 .5 0± 1.5 0 )℃、(2 9.5 0± 1.5 0 )℃、(32 .5 0± 1.5 0 )℃、(35 .5 0± 1.5 0 )℃、(38.5 0± 1.5 0 )℃。观察前列腺术后膀胱无抑制性收缩症状并对其评分 ,同时观察记录持续膀胱冲洗的时间。结果E组及F组症状评分显著低于A、B、C、D组 (均P <0 .0 1) ;E组膀胱持续冲洗时间明显短于A、B、C、D、F组 (均P <0 .0 1)。结论前列腺术后持续膀胱冲洗液的温度在 (35 .5 0± 1.5 0 )℃为最佳 ,其可最大限度地减轻前列腺术后膀胱无抑制性收缩 ,减少持续膀胱冲洗的时间。     

可塑形组织工程骨修复兔颅骨缺损的组织学及力学研究

目的探讨用藻酸钙凝胶、成骨细胞和骨粉复合构建可塑形组织工程骨修复兔颅骨缺损后,体内成骨的组织学及生物力学特征。方法28只日本大耳白兔,随机分为A组(16只)、B组(8只)和C组(4只)。制备兔颅骨左右两侧直径1cm的骨膜-颅骨全层缺损,左侧用藻酸钙凝胶-成骨细胞-骨粉填补修复为A1组(n=16);右侧用藻酸钙凝胶-骨粉填补修复为A2组(n=16);B组骨缺损不作处理,为空白对照组(n=16);C组为正常组。术后6周和12周时,行大体观察及组织学观察;12周时行生物力学测试。结果术后6、12周时,A1组:颅骨缺损基本被硬组织所修复,镜下见材料已大部分被骨组织替代,成骨面积为40.92%±19.36%;A2组:材料部分被骨组织替代,成骨面积为18.51%±6.01%;B组:颅骨缺损边缘可见硬组织形成,镜下见修复组织以致密纤维组织为主,成骨面积为12.72%±9.46%。术后12周,生物力学测试修复组织能耐受的最大压力载荷,A1组37.33±2.95N;A2组30.59±4.65N;B组29.5±2.05N;C组41.55±2.52N;A1组明显大于A2组和B组(P<0.05)。最大载荷时应变位移,A1组1.05±0.20mm;A2组1.35±0.44mm;B组1.57±0.31mm;C组0.95±0.17mm;A1组小于B组(P<0.05)。载荷/应变比值,A1组35.82±6.48N/mm;A2组24.95±12.40N/mm;B组19.90±5.47N/mm;C组47.57±11.22N/mm;A1组大于B组(P<     

扩张压力对兔颈外静脉移植物再狭窄的影响

目的　研究不同扩张压力对兔颈外静脉内皮完整性及颈外静脉桥再狭窄的影响。方法　 1 8只NZW兔 ,随机分为A、B、C组。每组兔颈外静脉分别以 50、1 0 0和 2 0 0mmHg(1mmHg=0 .1 33kPa)扩张 ,静脉内银染铺片法和扫描电镜进行内皮完整性评分。扩张后行颈外静脉颈总动脉移植 ,2 8d后测定静脉桥管腔面积和内膜厚度。结果　A组内皮完整性评分 (1 .42 )显著低于B组 (2 .67,P <0 .0 1 )和C组 (3 .83 ,P <0 .0 1 )。A组的静脉桥的管腔面积 (1 1 .3± 2 .0 )mm2 显著大于B组 [(6 .0± 1 .7)mm2 ,P =0 .0 0 1 ]和C组 [(4.5± 1 .2 )mm2 ,P <0 .0 0 1 ] ;A组的静脉桥的内膜厚度 (36 .2± 3 .4) μm显著小于B组 [(52 .3± 7.7) μm ,P =0 .0 0 1 ]和C组 [(53 .1± 5 .8) μm ,P <0 .0 0 1 ]。结论　 50mmHg的扩张压力引起的兔颈外静脉桥再狭窄的程度明显轻于 1 0 0mmHg和2 0 0mmHg,其原因在于能较好地保存静脉内皮完整性     

晚期糖基化终产物增加动脉粥样硬化病变部位的炎症反应

目的通过整体模型探讨晚期糖基化终产物(AGEs)负荷对动脉粥样硬化斑块炎症反应程度的影响。方法50只新西兰白兔随机分为5组。A组:喂饲高胆固醇饲料,同时注射AGEs修饰的兔血清白蛋白(AGEs—RSA);B组:喂饲高胆固醇饲料,同时注射未加修饰的兔血清白蛋白(RSA);C组:单纯喂饲高胆固醇饲料;D组:喂饲普通饲料;E组:喂饲普通饲料,同时注射AGEs—RSA。10周后分离主动脉全段,油红O染色测定主动脉粥样斑块内脂质含量;免疫组化法计数斑块内浸润的巨噬细胞、T淋巴细胞以及平滑肌细胞的迁移增生。结果喂饲高胆固醇饲料各组动物主动脉均可见粥样硬化斑块形成,斑块病变部位可见不同程度的脂质沉积、巨噬细胞、T淋巴细胞浸润及平滑肌细胞迁移增生。A组粥样斑块中脂质含量[(71.86±8.30)%]显著多于B组[(53.76±3.72)%]和C组[(56.67±9.20)%](P<0.05);粥样硬化斑块病变部位浸润的巨噬细胞[(23.1±8.5)个/0.01 mm2]、T淋巴细胞[(15.1±3.8)个/0.01 mm2]和平滑肌细胞[(19.2±5.7)个/0.01.mm2]较B组[巨噬细胞(14.4±5.9)个/0.01 mm2、T淋巴细胞(9.1±2.6)个/0.01 mm2、平滑肌细胞(12.9±3.8)个/0.01mm2]和C组[巨噬细胞(15.4±4.4)个/0.01mm2、T淋巴细胞(10.5±2.2) 个/0.01 mm2、平滑肌细胞(13.8±3.9)个/0.01 mm2]显著增多(P均<     

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.