迷走神经电刺激后处理对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的 评价迷走神经电刺激后处理对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响.方法 雄性SD大鼠60只,体重250～350 g,采用随机数字表法,将其随机分为3组(n＝20):假手术组(S组)、缺血再灌注组(I/R组)和迷走神经电刺激后处理组(POES组).I/R组和POES组采用结扎左冠状动脉前降支30 min和再灌注120 min的方法制备心肌缺血再灌注损伤模型,S组仅穿线.POES组在心肌缺血15 min时对右侧迷走神经干实施电刺激30 min,电刺激参数:波宽2ms,频率10 Hz,电流强度随大鼠HR进行调整,以保持HR较刺激前降低10％.于缺血前(基础状态)、缺血1、10 min和再灌注30、60、120 min时记录HR和MAP,计算HR和MAP的乘积(RPP).各组随机取10只大鼠,于再灌注120 min时,采集颈动脉血样,采用ELISA法检测血清cTnI、CK-MB、TNF-α、高迁移率族蛋白1(HMGB1)、细胞间粘附分子1(ICAM-1)、IL-1、IL-6和IL-10的浓度;颈动脉采血后,采用伊文蓝和TTC双重染色法测定心肌梗死体积.再灌注120 min时,各组随机处死10只大鼠,取缺血区和非缺血区心肌组织,采用ELISA法检测TNF-α、HMGB1、ICAM-1、IL-1、IL-6和IL-10的含量.结果 与S组比较,I/R组缺血10 min和再灌注30 min时HR增快,缺血1min时MAP和RPP降低,心肌梗死体积、血清cTnI、CK-MB、TNF-α、HMGB1、ICAM-1、IL-1和IL-6的浓度、缺血区和非缺血区心肌组织TNF-α、HMGB1、ICAM-1、IL-1、IL-6和IL-10的含量升高;POES组缺血10 min时HR增快,血清TNF-α浓度降低,心肌梗死体积、血清cTnI、CK-MB、ICAM-1和IL-10的浓度、缺血区心肌组织ICAM-1、IL-1、IL-6和IL- 10的含量、非缺血区心肌组织HMGB1、ICAM-1、IL-1、IL-6和IL-10的含量升高(P<0.05);与I/R组比较,POES组HR、MAP和RPP差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),心肌梗死体积、血清cTnI、CK-MB、TNF-α、HMGB1、ICAM-1、IL-1和IL-6的浓度、缺血区和非缺血区心肌组织TNF-α、HMGB1、ICAM-1、IL-1和IL-6的含量降低,IL- 10含量升高(P<0.05).结论 迷走神经电刺激后处理可减轻大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤,其机制与抑制局部和全身炎性反应有关.     

迷走神经电刺激后处理联合肢体远隔缺血后处理对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的 评价迷走神经电刺激后处理联合肢体远隔缺血后处理对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响.方法 雄性SD大鼠100只,8周龄,体重250～350 g,采用随机数字表法,将其随机分为5组(n=20):假手术组(S组)、缺血再灌注组(I/R组)、迷走神经电刺激后处理组(POES组)、肢体远隔缺血后处理组(Rp组)、迷走神经电刺激后处理联合肢体远隔缺血后处理组(POES-RP组).I/R组、POES组、RP组和POES-RP组采用结扎冠状动脉左前降支30 min和再灌注120 min的方法制备心肌缺血再灌注损伤模型.POES组和POES-RP组于心肌缺血15 min时对右侧迷走神经干实施电刺激30min,电刺激参数:波宽2ms,频率1O Hz,电流强度随HR进行调整,以保持HR较刺激前降低10％.RP组和POES-RP组于心肌缺血20 min时采用止血带结扎双后肢10 min后恢复血流灌注.各组随机取10只大鼠,于再灌注120 min时采集颈动脉血样,采用ELISA法检测血清cTnI、CK-MB、TNF-α、高迁移率组蛋白1( HMGB1)、细胞间粘附分子1(ICAM-1)、IL-1、IL-6和IL-10的浓度;颈动脉采血后,采用伊文氏蓝和TTC双重染色法测定心肌梗死体积.再灌注120 min时,各组随机处死10只大鼠,取缺血区和非缺血区心肌组织,采用ELISA法检测TNF-α、HMGB-1、ICAM-1、IL-1、IL-6和IL-10的含量.结果 与S组比较,I/R组心肌梗死体积、血清cTnI、CK-MB、TNF-α、HMGB1、ICAM-1、IL-1和IL-6的浓度升高,缺血区和非缺血区心肌组织TNF-α、HMGB1、ICAM-1、IL-1、IL-6和IL-10的含量升高(P＜0.05).与I/R组比较,POES组、RP组POES-RP组心肌梗死体积、血清cTnI、CK-MB、TNF-α、HMGB1、ICAM-1、IL-1和IL-6的浓度降低,缺血区和非缺血区心肌组织TNF-α、HMGB1、ICAM-1、IL-1和IL-6的含量降低,POES组和POES-RP组缺血区和非缺血区心肌组织IL-10含量升高(P＜0.05).与POES组比较,POES-RP组心肌梗死体积、血清cTnI、CK-MB、TNF-α和ICAM-1的浓度、缺血区心肌组织ICAM-1和IL-1含量降低,非缺血区心肌组织IL-10含量升高(P＜0.05).与RP组比较,POES-RP组心肌梗死体积、血清cTnI、CK-MB、TNF-α、HMGB1、ICAM-1、IL-1和IL-6的浓度、缺血区心肌组织TNF-α、ICAM-1、IL-1和IL-6的含量降低,IL-10含量升高,非缺血区心肌组织HMGB1、ICAM-1、IL-1和IL-6的含量降低,IL-10含量升高(P＜0.05).结论 迷走神经电刺激后处理联合肢体远隔缺血后处理可减轻大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤,且联合应用的效果强于单独应用,其机制可能与抑制局部和全身炎性反应有关.     

不同时机迷走神经电刺激后处理对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的 评价迷走神经电刺激后处理减轻大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的适宜时机.方法 选择SPF级雄性SD大鼠120只,8周龄,体重290～ 320 g,采用随机数字表法,将其分为6组(n=20):假手术组(S组);缺血再灌注组(I/R组)结扎冠状动脉左前降支30 min,再灌注120 min;不同时机迷走神经电刺激后处理组(P1-4组):于心肌缺血15 min(P1组)、再灌注即刻(P2组)、30 min(P3组)、60 min(P4组)时对右侧迷走神经实施电刺激(波宽1 ms、频率10 Hz、电压1～2V),持续时间30 min,其余处理同I/R组.于缺血再灌注期间记录HR和SP,计算二者乘积(RPP).于再灌注120 min时采集颈静脉血样,采用ELISA法检测血清cTnI、CK-MB、TNF-α、高迁移率族蛋白-1(HMGB-1)、细胞间粘附分子-1(ICAM-1)、IL-1、IL-6和IL-10的浓度;取心肌组织测定心肌梗死范围,采用ELISA法检测缺血区心肌TNF-α、HMGB-1、ICAM-1、IL-1、IL-6和IL-10的含量.于再灌注30 min内记录室性心律失常的发生情况,并评分.结果 与S组比较,I/R组和P1-4组心肌梗死范围增大,血清cTnI、CK-MB浓度升高,I/R组血清TNF-α、HMGB-1、ICAM-1、IL-1和IL-6浓度升高,P2-4组血清HMGB-1、ICAM-1、IL-1和IL-6浓度升高,TNF-α浓度降低,P1组血清IL-10浓度升高,TNF-α浓度降低(P＜0.05),HMGB-1、ICAM-1、IL-1和IL-6浓度差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).与I/R组比较,P1-4组心肌梗死范围减小、血清cTnI、CK-MB、血清和心肌TNF-α、HMGB-1、ICAM-1、IL-1和IL-6水平降低,P1组心肌IL-10含量升高,RPP、室性心律失常的发生率和评分降低(P＜0.05).与P1组比较,P2-4组RPP、室性心律失常的发生率和评分、血清HMGB-1、ICAM-1浓度升高,心肌ICAM-1含量升高,P3组心肌TNF-α、IL-1含量升高,P4组心肌梗死范围增大,血清cTnI、CK-MB、血清和心肌TNF-α、HMGB-1、ICAM-1、IL-1和IL-6水平升高,IL-10含量降低(P＜0.05).结论 心肌缺血15 min时行迷走神经电刺激是其减轻心肌缺血再灌注损伤的适宜时机.     

瑞芬太尼对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注时血清TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-6浓度的影响

目的 探讨瑞芬太尼对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注时血清肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)及白细胞介素-6(IL-6)浓度的影响.方法 雄性SD大鼠32只,体重200～250 g,随机分为假手术组(S组)、缺血再灌注组(I/R组)、缺血预处理组(IP组)和瑞芬太尼组(R组),每组8只.I/R组阻断冠状动脉左前降支(LAD)30 min,开放120 min;IP组阻断LAD 5 min,开放10 min,阻断30 min,开放120 min;R组静脉输注瑞芬太尼0.5 μg·kg-1·min-1 20 min,阻断LAD 30 min,开放120 min,此期间静脉输注100 μg/L瑞芬太尼,速率0.5 μg·kg-1·min-1.分别于再灌注120 min取颈内静脉血样,并取左心室心肌组织.ELISA法测定血清TNF-α、IL-Iβ及IL-6浓度,电镜下观察心肌细胞超微结构.结果 与S组比较,其余3组血清TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-6浓度升高(P＜0.01);与I/R组比较,IP组和R组血清TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-6浓度均降低(P＜0.01);与IP组比较,R组血清TNF-α和IL-1β浓度降低(P＜0.05).R组和IP组心肌细胞损伤程度轻于I/R组.结论 瑞芬太尼可通过降低血清TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-6浓度减轻大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤.     

缺血预处理和肢体远隔缺血后处理对大鼠心肌缺血/再灌注损伤中炎症反应影响的比较

目的 比较缺血预处理(ischemic preconditioning,IPC)和肢体远隔缺血后处理(limb remote ischemic postconditioning,LRIPOC)对大鼠心肌缺血/再灌注损伤(ischemia/reperfusion injury,I/RI)中炎症反应的影响. 方法 雄性SD大鼠80只,体重250 g～350 g,采用随机数字表法将其随机分为4组(每组20只):假手术组(S组)、缺血/再灌注组(I/R组)、IPC组和LRIPOC组.监测缺血/再灌注期间的心率(HR)和平均动脉压(MAP),并计算HR和收缩压乘积(rate pressure product,RPP)作为心肌氧耗指数.各组随机取10只大鼠,于再灌注30、60、120 min时采集颈静脉血样,采用ELISA法检测血清心肌肌钙蛋白(cardiac troponin I,cTnI)、磷酸肌酸激酶同工酶(creatine kinase-MB,CK-MB)、肿瘤坏死因子(tumor necrosis factor,TNF)-α、高迁移率组蛋白-1(high mobility group box-1 protein,HMGB-1)、细胞间黏附分子-1(intercellular adhesion molecule-1,ICAM-1)、白介素(interleukin,IL)-1、IL-6和IL-10的浓度;于再灌注120 min颈静脉采血后,采用伊文蓝和TTC双重染色法测定心肌梗死体积.各组随机取10只大鼠,于再灌注120 min处死后分别取缺血区和非缺血区心肌组织,采用ELISA法检测心肌TNF-α 、HMGB-1、ICAM-1、IL-1、IL-6和IL-10含量. 结果 I/R组、IPC组和LRIPOC组的心肌梗死体积值分别是(72±9)％、(36±13)％和(57±9)％,3组的血清cTnI浓度分别是(0.99±0.14)(0.37±0.08)、(0.54±0.07) μg/L,而3组的血清CK-MB浓度分别是(110±13)、(38±8)、(45±6) μg/L.与I/R组比较,IPC组和LRIPOC组心肌梗死体积、血清cTnI和CK-MB浓度显著降低,IPC组再灌注30、60、120 min时血清TNF-α 浓度、再灌注60、120 min时血清HMGB-1浓度、再灌注120 min时血清ICAM-1、IL-1和IL-6浓度显著降低,缺血区心肌组织内TNF-α 、HMGB-1、ICAM-1、IL-1和IL-6含量显著降低,非缺血区心肌组织内TNF电、ICAM-1、IL-1和IL-6含量显著降低(P＜0.05);LRIPOC组再灌注30、60、120 min时血清TNF-α 浓度、再灌注120 min时血清HMGB-1、ICAM-1、IL-1和IL-6浓度显著降低,缺血区与非缺血区心肌组织内 TNF-α、HMGB-1、ICAM-1、IL-1和IL-6的含量显著降低(P＜0.05).与IPC组比较,LRIPOC组的心肌梗死体积、血清cTnI和CK-MB浓度显著升高,再灌注60 min时血清TNF-α 浓度、再灌注120 min时血清HMGB-1和ICAM-1浓度显著升高,缺血区心肌组织内TNF-α 、ICAM-1、IL-1和IL-6含量显著升高,非缺血区心肌组织内ICAM-1、IL-1和IL-6含量显著升高(P＜0.05). 结论 IPC减轻大鼠心肌I/RI中炎症反应的作用强于LRIPOC,这可能是IPC对心肌I/RI保护作用强于LRIPOC的原因之一.     

缺血预处理和缺血后处理对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注时炎性反应影响的比较

目的 比较缺血预处理和缺血后处理对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注时炎性反应的影响.方法 雄性SD大鼠40只,体重290～320 g,随机分为4组(n=10),缺血再灌注组(I/R组)、缺血预处理组(IPC组)和缺血后处理组(IPOC组)采用结扎左冠状动脉前降支30 min进行再灌注的方法制备心肌缺血再灌注模型,假手术组(S组)仅在左冠状动脉前降支下穿线.监测再灌注期间HR和MAP,并计算HR和MAP的乘积(心肌氧耗指数,RPP).分别于再灌注30和180 min时采集静脉血样,测定血清TNF-α、IL-6、高迁移率组蛋白1(HMGB1)和心肌肌钙蛋白I(cTnI)的浓度.采集完血样,取心肌组织,测定心肌梗死体积.结果 与S组比较,I/R组MAP和RPP降低,血清cTnI和炎性细胞因子浓度升高,心肌梗死体积增大(P＜0.05);与I/R组比较,IPC组MAP升高,IPOC组MAP和RPP均升高,两组血清cTnI和炎性细胞因子浓度降低,心肌梗死体积缩小(P＜0.05);与IPC组比较,IPOC组血清炎性细胞因子浓度升高,心肌梗死体积增大(P＜0.05).结论缺血预处理减轻大鼠心肌缺血再灌注时炎性反应的作用强于缺血后处理,从而使心肌保护效应较好.     

参附注射液对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的探讨参附注射液对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤保护作用的机制。方法健康雄性 SD大鼠24,只,随机分为3组(n=8):假手术组(Sham组)、缺血再灌注组(I／R组)、参附处理组(SF 组)。Sham组丝线穿过冠状动脉前降支但不结扎,I／R、SF组通过结扎心脏左冠状动脉前降支30 min, 再灌注60 min制作缺血再灌注损伤动物模型。缺血前30 min,SF组经腹腔注射参附注射液10 ml／kg, 其余两组注射等量生理盐水。于再灌注末通过右颈动脉置管取血,采用酶联免疫吸附法测定血浆肿 瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)浓度,电镜下观察缺血区心肌超微结构变化。结果 与 Sham组比较,I／R组血浆TNF-α、IL-6浓度升高,SF组血浆IL-6浓度升高(P<0．01)。与I／R组比较,SF 组血浆TNF-α、IL-6浓度降低(P<0．01)。I／R组心肌超微结构明显受损,SF组受损较轻。结论参附 注射液可通过降低大鼠全身炎症反应减轻心肌缺血再灌注损伤。     

舒芬太尼预处理对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注时心肌Toll样受体4表达的影响

目的 探讨舒芬太尼预处理对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注时心肌Toll样受体4(TLR4)表达的影响.方法 雄性SD大鼠36只,体重250～ 300 g,采用随机数字表法,将大鼠分为3组(n=12):假手术组(S组)、缺血再灌注组(I/R组)和舒芬太尼预处理组(SPC组).采用结扎冠状动脉左前降支的方法建立心肌缺血再灌注模型.SPC组于心肌缺血前经股静脉输注舒芬太尼0.2 μg·kg-1·min-1,输注5min,停止5 min,重复3次进行预处理;S组和I/R组输注等容量生理盐水.于心肌缺血前30 min(T0)、缺血前即刻(T1)、缺血30 min(T2)、再灌注30 min(T3)和再灌注120 min(T4)时记录HR及MAP.再灌注120 min时,取血样,测定血清TNF-α浓度;然后处死大鼠,测定心肌梗死体积以及心肌TLR4和NF-κB p65的表达.结果 3组间不同时点HR比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).与S组比较,I/R组和SPC组T2-4时MAP降低,血清TNF-α浓度升高,心肌TLR4和NF-KB p65表达上调(P＜0.01);与I/R组比较,SPC组MAP各时点差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),心肌梗死体积减少,血清TNF-α浓度降低,心肌TLR4和NF-κB p65表达下调(P＜0.01).结论 舒芬太尼预处理减轻大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的机制可能与下调心肌TLR4的表达有关.     

异丙酚预先给药对心肌缺血再灌注损伤大鼠炎性反应的影响

目的探讨异丙酚预先给药对心肌缺血再灌注损伤大鼠炎性反应的影响。方法健康雄性SD大鼠48只，随机分为4组（n=12）：假手术组（S组）、缺血再灌注组（I／R组）、低剂量异丙酚组（L组）、高剂量异丙酚组（H组）。结扎左冠状动脉前降支（LAD）30min、再灌注120min，建立大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤模型。分别于再灌注30min（T1）、120min（T2）时采集股动脉血1ml，ELISA法测定血浆肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）、白细胞介素-10（IL-10）的浓度，再灌注120min时TTC法测心肌梗死面积，电镜下观察心肌细胞超微结构。结果与S组比较，I／R组、L组、H组在T1、T2时TNF-α、IL-10浓度升高（P〈0．05）；与I／R组比较，L组、H组在T1、T2时TNF-α浓度降低（P〈0.05），IL-10浓度升高（P〈0．05），心肌梗死面积减小（P〈0．05）；L组比较，H组T1、T2时，TNF-α浓度降低，IL-10浓度升高，心肌梗死面积减小（P〈0.05）。电镜下观察I／R组心肌细胞超微结构改变严重，L组、H组心肌细胞超微结构改变程度较I／R组轻。结论异丙酚预先给药通过抑制再灌注诱发的炎性反应减轻了大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤。     

加兰他敏对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的 评价加兰他敏对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响.方法 成年雄性SD大鼠50只,体重225 ～ 275 g,采用随机数字表法,将其随机分为5组,每组10只.假手术组(SH组)仅穿线不结扎;缺血再灌注组(IR组)采用结扎左冠状动脉前降支30 min后再灌注120 min的方法制备大鼠心肌缺血再灌注模型.SH组和IR组于缺血前30 min股静脉缓慢注射生理盐水2 ml/kg;加兰他敏组(GAL组)于缺血前30 min股静脉缓慢注射加兰他敏4 mg/kg,余处理同IR组;加兰他敏复合M受体拮抗剂阿托品组(AT组)缺血前45 min给予阿托品4 mg/kg,余处理同GAL组.加兰他敏联合迷走神经切断组(VGT组)缺血前45 min切断双侧颈迷走神经,余处理同GAL组.于再灌注120 min时处死大鼠取心脏,采用TTC法测定心肌梗死范围,计算心肌梗死区质量百分比,检测心肌组织髓过氧化物酶(MPO)和超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性及丙二醛(MDA)含量.结果 与SH组比较,其余组心肌梗死区质量百分比、MPO活性及MD含量升高,SOD活性降低(P＜0.05);与IR组比较,GAL组心肌梗死区重量百分比、MPO活性及MDA含量降低,心肌SOD活性升高(P＜0.05);与GAL组比较,AT组和VGT组心肌梗死区重量百分比升高,心肌MPO活性及MDA含量升高,SOD活性降低(P＜0.05).结论 加兰他敏预处理可减轻心肌缺血再灌注损伤,其机制可能与调节外周迷走神经活性有关.     

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.     

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.