罗格列酮对单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠肾脏的保护作用

目的观察罗格列酮对单侧输尿管梗阻(UUO)大鼠肾皮质过氧化物酶体增殖物活化受体(PPAR)γ、转化生长因子(TGF)β1表达介导的肾间质纤维化的作用。方法UUO大鼠给予罗格列酮5mg·kg-1·d-1灌胃,用免疫组化、RT-PCR及Western印迹的方法检测术后7d、14dPPARγ、TGF-β1、增殖细胞核抗原(PCNA)表达量及观察肾脏病理改变。结果与假手术组相比,UUO组及药物治疗组PPARγ、TGF-β1、、PCNA表达均增高且UUO组显著高于治疗组(P<0.05)。结论罗格列酮可通过活化PPARγ,下调TGF-β1,从而减轻UUO术后肾组织间质纤维化。     

过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体γ配体抑制大鼠肝纤维化的实验研究

目的 研究过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体γ(peroxisome proliferator activated receptorgamma,PPARγ)配体对大鼠肝纤维化的作用.方法 将Wistar大鼠40只随机分为两组,对照组(20只)和罗格列酮组(20只).所有动物使用饮水中加人质量比0.3‰硫代乙酰胺的方法 制作肝纤维化模型.对照组喂饲普通颗粒饲料.罗格列酮组喂饲含200 ppm罗格列酮的颗粒饲料.喂饲6个月后,用RT-PCR方法 检测肝纤维化大鼠肝脏PPARγ、TGF-β 1 及Ⅰ型前胶原mRNA表达,用Westernblot法检测PPARγ、TGF-β 1 、Ⅰ型胶原及α平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)表达,用Van Gieson(VG)染色的方法 检测肝组织切片的胶原表达情况.结果 罗格列酮组与对照组相比,PPARγmRNA表达显著增强(t=6.93,P<0.01),TGF-β 1 mRNA(t=3.89,P<0.01)和Ⅰ型前胶原mRNA表达显著降低(t=5.67,P<0.01).PPARγ、TGF-β 1 及Ⅰ型胶原蛋白表达所得结果 与RT-PCR结果 相一致.罗格列酮组与对照组相比,α-SMA表达显著降低(t=3.12,P<0.01).罗格列酮组肝组织切片的胶原染色低于对照组(t=3.47,P<0.01).结论 PPARγ配体能够抑制大鼠纤维化肝脏的胶原产生,在体内具有一定的抗肝纤维化作用.     

PPAR γ激动剂对TGF-β1诱导皮肤成纤维细胞细胞外基质表达的影响

目的:研究过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体γ(PPARγ)激动剂对转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)诱导人正常皮肤成纤维细胞细胞外基质(extracellular matrix,ECM)表达效应作用的影响,探讨其抗瘢痕的潜在作用。方法:体外培养人正常皮肤成纤维细胞,羟脯氨酸比色法观察PPARγ配体15-脱氧前列腺素J2(15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2,15d-PGJ2)及其激动剂曲格列酮对TGF-β1诱导的胶原表达的影响,免疫细胞化学法及图像分析技术观察、分析PPARγ激动剂对TGF-β1诱导的纤维连接蛋白(fibronectin,FN)表达的影响,MTT法观察不同浓度的PPARγ激动剂对成纤维细胞增殖活性的影响。结果:TGF-β1能显著增加人正常皮肤成纤维细胞胶原和FN表达,并呈剂量依赖效应;与TGF-β1刺激组相比,10μM15d-PGJ2、曲格列酮预处理组胶原和FN表达减少,有显著性差异(P<0.01);PPARγ激动剂对成纤维细胞的增殖活性影响分析,各实验组与对照组相比无显著性差异(P>0.05)。结论:PPARγ激动剂可抑制TGF-β1诱导的人正常皮肤成纤维细胞ECM合成增多的效应,具有体外抗瘢痕纤维化的作用。     

罗格列酮对阿霉素肾病大鼠肾脏保护作用的研究

目的探讨过氧化物酶体增殖激活受体-γ激动剂-罗格列酮（RSG）对阿霉素（ADR）肾病大鼠肾脏的保护作用。方法通过一次性静脉注射盐酸阿霉素6mg／kg,制备肾病综合征模型大鼠。30只SD雄性大鼠随机分为正常组、模型组和罗格列酮治疗组（治疗组）。实验周期4周。免疫组化方法检测肾皮质过氧化物酶体增殖激活受体-γ（PPARγ）、转化生长因子（TCF-β1）的表达;检测血清生化指标及24h尿蛋白定量。结果模型组出现高脂血症、低蛋白血症及大量蛋白尿;治疗组血清总蛋白（TP）、白蛋白（Alb）、总胆固醇（TC）、甘油三酯（TG）及24h尿蛋白水平与模型组相比,差异有统计学意义;肾组织病理损害明显减轻,PPARγ表达上调,TGF-β1表达下调。结论RSG对ADR肾病大鼠的肾脏有保护作用,其机制可能是通过上调PPARγ,下调TGF-β1发挥作用。     

罗格列酮对OLETF大鼠各组织中过氧化物酶体增殖体激活受体γ基因表达的干预作用

目的观察自发性Ⅱ型糖尿病OLETF大鼠糖尿病模型出现的时间,罗格列酮对过氧化物酶体增殖体激活受体(PPAR)γ基因表达的干预作用。方法OLETF大鼠随机分成糖尿病对照组和罗格列酮干预组,8周龄时,干预组以罗格列酮每日3mg/kg体重灌胃,直至40周龄。行口服葡萄糖耐量试验(OGTT),鉴定糖尿病发病情况。应用TaqMan实时荧光定量逆转录聚合酶链反应(RTPCR)技术分析PPARγmRNA在糖尿病大鼠各组织中的表达水平及罗格列酮对PPARγ基因的影响。结果至40周龄,对照组糖尿病累积发病率92.5%,糖耐量异常发生率7.5%。干预组糖尿病的累计发病率仅为28.6%,糖耐量异常发生率7.5%,显著低于对照组(P<0.01)。实时荧光定量结果表明:PPARγ在大鼠各组织中均有分布,对照组大鼠各组织中以脂肪表达量最高2.71±0.14(单位:1010拷贝数/100mg组织),是其他组织的10～100倍;其次为血管、胰腺、肾脏、肺脏,分别为1.15±0.10、2.58±0.064、1.52±0.12、4.67±0.088(单位:109拷贝数/100mg组织);心、肝、脾、肌肉中的拷贝数最低分别为7.77±0.11、4.31±0.12、1.51±0.21、2.70±0.087(单位:108拷贝数/100mg组织);干预组各组织中PPARγmRNA的表达量均比对照组高,且在血管、胰腺、肌肉、肾脏组织中差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论成功建立了以OLE     

罗格列酮对环孢素A所致大鼠成纤维细胞肾毒性的保护作用

目的观察免疫抑制剂环孢素A(CsA)对大鼠肾脏成纤维细胞(NRK)增生及细胞因子分泌的影响以及罗格列酮的干预作用,初步探讨罗格列酮对环孢素A肾毒性的保护作用。方法体外培养大鼠肾脏成纤维细胞。四甲基偶氮唑盐(MTT)比色法测定CsA及罗格列酮对细胞增生的影响。RT-PCR检测过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体(PPAR)γ、TGF—β1mRNA水平。western印迹检测PPARγ、AT1受体、磷酸化细胞外信号调节激酶(p-ERK)及FN蛋白表达。酶联免疫吸附(ELISA)测定细胞培养上清液中TGF-β1的分泌。结果CsA可明显抑制NRK细胞增生,且呈剂量和时间依赖性(P<0.05)。罗格列酮与CsA合用后,对细胞增殖的抑制作用更明显(P<0.01)。CsA刺激NRK细胞PPARγ、TGF—β1、AT1受体及FN的产生(P<0.05),罗格列酮可下调这些改变(P<0.05)。结论罗格列酮可减轻CsA所致的NRK细胞毒性。     

过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体γ激动剂对转化生长因子β1诱导皮肤成纤维细胞作用的影响

目的 观察过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体γ(PPARγ)激动剂对转化生长因子(TGF)-β1诱导成纤维细胞(Fb)转分化及对胶原牛成作用的影响.方法 体外培养成人正常皮肤Fb,免疫荧光细胞化学法观察PPARγ配体15-脱氧前列腺素J2(15d-PGJ2)、曲格列酮对TGF-β1诱导的α平滑肌动蛋白(α-SMA)表达的影响,Western blot检测15d-PGJ2、曲格列酮对TGF-β1诱导的α-SMA及Ⅰ型胶原蛋白表达的影响,噻唑蓝(MTT)比色法观察对Fb增殖活性的影响.结果 与TGF-β1诱导组比较,10μmoL/L曲格列酮、10 μmol/L 15d-PGJ2预处理组的α-SMA表达量显著减少(P<0.01),抑制效应分别为31%、57%;预处理组的Ⅰ型胶原表达量也屁著减少(P<0.01),抑制效应分别为57%、38%.曲格列酮、15d-PGJ2对Fb的增殖活性影响分析,各实验组与对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 PPARγ激动剂能抑制TGF-β1诱导的人正常皮肤Fb的转分化和Ⅰ型胶原合成增多的效应,具有抗瘢痕的潜在作用.     

血管紧张素1-7对糖尿病大鼠肾小管间质纤维化的影响

目的 研究血管紧张素1-7(Ang1-7)对糖尿病大鼠肾小管间质纤维化的影响及其可能机制.方法 32只雄性Wistar大鼠被随机分为4组:健康对照组(NC组)、模型组(DM组)、替米沙坦组(TM组)、治疗组(T组).建模成功后第9周末检测各组大鼠24 h尿蛋白量、尿NAG/Cr、血糖、血胰岛素、三酰甘油(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、BUN、Scr、血K+及血Na+ ;PAS染色观察肾脏病理改变 ;实时定量PCR法检测各组大鼠肾脏组织中转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)、过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体(PPAR)γ、α平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)mRNA水平 ;Western印迹法检测PPARγ、α-SMA、TGF-β1蛋白表达.结果 (1)第9周末,DM组大鼠血压、尿蛋白量、肾质量/体质量较NC组显著升高(P＜0.05),TM组及T组较DM组显著降低(P＜0.05),且T组变化更明显.(2)DM组第9周末肾间质损伤指数显著高于NC组(P＜0.05),TM组及T组则低于DM组(P＜0.05).(3)实时定量PCR结果显示,DM组TGF-β1、α-SMAmRNA水平显著升高(P＜0.05),PPARγ mRNA水平显著下降(P＜0.05),TM组及T组较DM组TGF-β1、α-SMA mRNA水平均显著下降(P＜0.05),PPARγ mRNA水平显著上升(P＜0.05),且T组变化更明显.(4)Western印迹结果显示,DM组TGF-β1、α-SMA蛋白水平显著升高(P＜0.05),PPARγ蛋白水平显著下降(P＜0.05),TM组及T组较DM组TGF-β1、α-SMA蛋白水平均显著下降(P＜0.05),PPARγ蛋白水平显著上升(P＜0.05),且T组变化更明显.结论 Ang1-7在体内可通过上调PPARγ表达,抑制α-SMA表达,对糖尿病大鼠肾小管间质纤维化可能具有抑制作用.     

PPARγ特异配体抑制肝星状细胞的活化

目的 研究不同浓度的过氧化物酶体增殖物活化的受体γ(peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma,PPARγ)特异配体罗格列酮对肝星状细胞(hepatic stellate cell,HSC)生物学特性的影响,以探究其在肝旱状细胞活化中的作用.方法 设立对照组,3μM罗格列酮组,10μM罗格列酮组,20μM岁格列酮组.用MTT法检测细胞的增殖情况;采用RT-PCR方法检测其中PPARγ、TGF-β1及Ⅰ型前胶原mRNA表达;用Western blot法检测PPARy、Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原及TGF-β1蛋白表达;用免疫细胞化学方法测定α-SMA表达的变化;ELISA法检测细胞培养上清中的Ⅰ型胶原表达的变化.结果 (1)RT-PCR:20μM罗格列嗣组或10μM罗格列酮组与3 μM罗格列酮组或对照组相比,PPARY mRNA表达显著增高(P＜0.01),Ⅰ型前胶原mRNA表达显著降低(P＜0.01);20 α-SMA罗格列酮组与10 α-SMA罗格列酮组之间,3 α-SMA罗格列酮组与对照组之间,PPARγ和Ⅰ型前胶原mRNA的表达差异无显著件(P＞0.05).而各组之间的TGF-β1 mRNA的差异无显著性意义(P＞0.05).(2)Western blot:PPARγ及TGF-β1蛋白表达所得结果与RT-PCR结果相一致.Ⅰ型胶原表达与RT-PCR Ⅰ型前胶原mRNA表达结果相一致.各组之间的Ⅲ型胶原表达差异无显著性意义(P＞0.05).(3)免疫细胞化学:20α-SMA罗格列酮组或10 α-SMA罗格列酮组与3 α-SMA罗格列酮组或对照组相比,α-SMA表达明显降低(P＜0.05).20 α-SMA岁格列酮组与10 α-SMA罗格列酮组之问,3 α-SMA罗格列酮组与对照组之间,差异无显著性(P＞0.05).(4)ELISA:20 α-SMA罗格列酮组或10 α-SMA罗格列酮组与3α-SMA罗格列倒组或对照组相比,细胞的培养上清中Ⅰ型胶原表达明显降低(P＜0.01).20 α-SMA罗格列酮组与10 α-SMA罗格列酮组之问,3 α-SMA罗格列酬组与对照组之间,差异无显著性(P＞0.05).结论 PPAR?配体罗格列酬能够在促进PPAR?的合成表达的同时,抑制细胞的增殖及胶原合成,抑制α-SMA的表达,减少细胞分泌Ⅰ型胶原,对肝星状细胞的活化有明显的抑制作用.     

过氧化物酶体增殖物活化的受体γ对肝星状细胞作用机制的研究

目的探讨过氧化物酶体增殖物活化受体γ(PPARγ)对肝星状细胞(HSC)生物学特性的影响及其作用机制。方法用MTT法和流式细胞仪检测对照组、罗格列酮组、GW9662+罗格列酮组、GW9662组大鼠肝星状细胞的增殖和凋亡情况;采用RT-PCR方法检测各组PPARγ及Ⅰ型前胶原mRNA表达;用免疫组织化学法和Western blot法检测PPARγ及Ⅰ型胶原蛋白表达;结果罗格列酮组的肝星状细胞增殖率MTY(0．49±0．06)较对照组(1．00±0．045)、GW9662组(0．89±0．043)和罗格列酮+GW9662组(0．78±0．049)明显减弱,凋亡率明显增高(P<0．05);罗格列酮组PPARγmRNA表达(1．63±0．179)显著高于对照组(0．46±0．021)、GW9662组(0．41±0．01)和罗格列酮+GW9662组(0．45±0．20)(P<0．05),罗格列酮组Ⅰ型前胶原mRNA表达(0．32±0．02)与对照组(1．61±0．09)、GW9662组(1．81±0．22)和罗格列酮+GW9662组(1．37±0．01)相比显著降低(t值分别为15．59,14．68,8．07,P<0．01);其他各组之间PPAR-γ和Ⅰ型前胶原mRNA的表达差异无统计学意义(P>0．05)。PPARγ及Ⅰ型胶原蛋白表达所得结果与RT-PCR结果相一致。结论PPARγ特异性激动剂罗格列酮可以增加PPARγ的表达。抑制HSC表达Ⅰ胶原,抑制HSC增殖,诱导HSC凋亡,PPARγ配体对于缓解肝脏纤维化具有一定的作用。     

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.