骨髓源性肝干细胞定向分化及脾内移植研究

目的　寻找骨髓源性肝干细胞的表面标记 ,进行定向分化及脾内移植研究。方法　流式细胞仪检测淤胆大鼠骨髓中干细胞群体的数量变化 ,寻找肝干细胞标记 ,免疫磁珠分离 ,进行体外诱导分化和肝再生模型的脾内移植 ,观察细胞形态的变化 ,免疫组织化学和免疫荧光技术检测白蛋白、AFP、CK8/18等肝细胞标记的表达。结果　淤胆鼠 β2微球蛋白阴性 (β2 m-)细胞数量较对照组数量明显增高 ,分别为 (6.17± 2 .70 ) %和 (0 .79± 0 .61) % (P <0 .0 1) ,β2 m-细胞体外培养及脾内移植均可出现肝细胞样细胞 ,白蛋白、AFP、CK8/18表达阳性。结论　β2m 细胞在体内外具有向肝细胞分化的能力 ,脾内移植是肝干细胞移植可供选择的部位之一。     

骨髓间充质干细胞定向分化肝细胞及肝内移植研究

目的 观察体外诱导骨髓问充质干细胞分化及肝纤维化形成环境中移植情况。方法 首先行骨髓间充质干细胞提取、分离和培养，加入肝细胞生长因子（HGF，20μg／L）和表皮生长因子（EGF，1．5mg／L）诱导定向分化。肝纤维化形成的大鼠随机分成2组，每组10只。使用5-溴脱氧尿苷（BrdU）标记诱导的骨髓间充质干细胞，经门静脉向肝纤维化形成的SD大鼠肝脏移植，对照组用BrdU标记未经诱导的骨髓间充质干细胞。2周后通过免疫组织化学方法检测大鼠肝脏标记细胞的分布及BrdU^＋／ALB^＋细胞数量。结果 体外诱导骨髓间充质干细胞定向分化的细胞CK8及ALB表达阳性。移植2周后大鼠肝脏均可检测到BrdU标记细胞，与对照组相比诱导后骨髓问充质干细胞组BrdU^＋／ALB^＋细胞数较多，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论 经体外诱导骨髓间充质干细胞能分化为肝细胞，移植在大鼠肝纤维化形成环境中，白蛋白表达细胞数更多。     

体外诱导骨髓间充质干细胞向肝细胞分化的实验研究

目的：探讨HGF和EGF对骨髓间充质干细胞向肝细胞方向的诱导分化作用，探索出合适的诱导条件，为肝细胞移植、生物人工肝、组织工程构建等提供基础。方法：骨髓来自杂种犬的髂骨，采用全血贴壁法分离培养骨髓间充质干细胞，流式细胞仪检测细胞CD标记；用含HGF和EGF的α—MEM培养液进行诱导培养，并于诱导后7、14、21d留取细胞；用免疫组化检测AFP、CK18，免疫荧光检测ALB，PAS反应检测糖原；流式细胞仪检测细胞分化率。结果：分离的骨髓间充质干细胞表面CD13、CD34和CD45皆为阴性，CD29为阳性。诱导至7d出现AFP表达．14d表达增高，21d时表达下降。CK18、ALB和糖原14d时出现表达，并随时间延长表达逐渐增加：21d时ALB表达阳性率可达50％以上。结论：HGF和EGF有诱导骨髓间充质干细胞向肝细胞分化的作用。     

骨髓基质干细胞分化来源肝细胞移植的细胞准备及组织学观察

目的 探讨大鼠骨髓基质干细胞向肝细胞分化后体外标记方法及移植肝细胞的肝内组织学表现。方法 分离大鼠骨髓基质细胞，在体外诱导分化为成熟肝细胞。将5-溴脱氧尿嘧啶核苷（BrdU）掺入后的肝细胞移植入已行部分肝切除大鼠体内，分别应用免疫组织化学和免疫荧光方法观察受体肝脏内移植细胞的形态和功能。结果分化成熟肝细胞在BrdU掺入培养后细胞核染色可见特异性棕褐色标记；肝细胞移植后肝组织切片BrdU染色可定位移植细胞；白蛋白抗体染色显示移植细胞具有功能活性。结论 骨髓基质干细胞分化来源的肝细胞移植后形态功能稳定，是进行肝细胞移植的理想细胞来源。     

肝细胞生长因子诱导骨髓间充质干细胞向肝细胞分化的实验研究

目的探讨成年大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞(MSCs)在体外是否可定向诱导分化为肝细胞及其方法。方法采用梯度离心法,分离纯化SD大鼠的MSCs,流式细胞仪检测和碱性磷酸酶染色鉴定细胞类型。根据培养基中肝细胞生长因子(HGF)浓度不同,将MSCs分为4组进行诱导分化：A组0 ng／ml,B组10ng／ml,C组20ng／ml,D组40ng／ml。倒置显微镜连续观察细胞分化过程的形态学变化。于培养的1,3,7,14,21,28 d,分别以逆转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)和细胞免疫组化检测各组细胞甲胎蛋白(AFP)、细胞角蛋白18(CK18)和白蛋白的基因和蛋白表达。结果分离纯化的SD大鼠MSCs的表面标志为CD29^ ,CD44^ ,CD34^-,CD45^-和CD90^ ,细胞的碱性磷酸酶染色阴性,细胞纯度达98％以上。C组与D组的MSCs,于培养第7天出现AFP基因表达,第14天表达增强,第28天表达减弱;第14天始出现白蛋白、CK18基因表达,而后持续。B组和A组在培养过程中,未出现AFP、CK18和白蛋白的表达。C组与D组MSCs的AFP细胞免疫组化染色培养第7天即出现阳性,第14天白蛋白和CK18免疫组化染色阳性。A组和B组的MSCs的AFP、白蛋白和CK18的免疫组化染色均阴性。结论成年大鼠MSCs在较高浓度的HGF的诱导下,可分化为肝细胞。     

骨髓源性肝干细胞的筛选、扩增和分化

目的 探讨采用含淤胆血清的培养体系直接从体外全骨髓细胞培养中筛选、扩增和分化骨髓源性肝干细胞的可行性.方法 制备含不同浓度淤胆血清的条件筛选培养液,常规培养大鼠全骨髓细胞,贴壁后换用条件筛选培养液,根据筛选的结果确定最佳的淤胆血清浓度.筛选到的骨髓源性肝干细胞分别采用扩增培养液和分化培养液进行扩增和诱导分化.传代细胞应用流式细胞仪检测干细胞标记.采用免疫组织化学、RT-PCR和电镜等方法对骨髓源性肝干细胞进行形态学以及表型特征的鉴定.以糖原染色和尿素分析的方法对诱导分化的细胞进行代谢功能的测定.结果 筛选培养结果,含50 ml/L的淤胆血清培养液的筛选效果最佳:骨髓源性肝干细胞能够生存,而其他非肝干细胞因不能适应而凋亡.纯化的肝干细胞能在扩增培养体系中传代6代并且维持稳定的细胞表面特征.更换为分化培养体系后,可形成肝细胞样集落形成单位.肝细胞样集落形成单位的细胞表达胎肝细胞的标志(AFP,白蛋白和细胞角蛋白8/18),胆管细胞的标志(细胞角蛋白19),肝细胞的功能蛋白(甲状腺素转运蛋白和细胞色素P450-2 b1),以及肝细胞核因子(HNF-1α和HNF-3 β).同时具有糖原储存和尿素合成等肝细胞特有功能.结论 含淤胆血清的筛选培养液能从全骨髓细胞培养中有效地筛选骨髓源性肝干细胞,并且纯化的肝干细胞能传代6代.肝干细胞分化后能形成具有肝细胞样的表型和功能.骨髓源性肝干细胞为解决临床肝细胞治疗的肝细胞来源问题提供了一个新的方法.     

肝细胞生长因子联合成纤维细胞生长因子-4诱导人骨髓间充质干细胞分化为肝样细胞的实验研究

目的探讨肝细胞生长因子（hepatocyte growth factor，HGF）联合成纤维细胞生长因子4（fibroblast growth factor-4，FGF4）诱导人骨髓间充质干细胞（human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells，HMSCs）向肝细胞方向分化的能力。方法分别用HGF、FGF4、HGF＋FGF4诱导HMSCs分化为肝样细胞。在不同分化阶段用免疫细胞化学染色法检测甲胎蛋白（alpha fetoprotein，AFP）和细胞角蛋白18（cytokeratin 18，CK18）；免疫荧光细胞化学染色法检测AFP、白蛋白（albumin，ALB）的表达；RT—PCR检测AFP和ALB mRNA表达的情况。结果HMSCs经诱导向肝样细胞转化。免疫细胞化学染色各诱导组均可检测出AFP和CK18表达，图像分析表明HGF＋FGF4联合诱导分化的AFP、CK18阳性率最高，HGF次之，FGF4则较弱；免疫荧光细胞化学染色发现各诱导组AFP、ALB均为阳性表达；各诱导组RT—PCR均可检测出AFP和ALBmRNA的表达，而阴性对照组则没有表达。结论HGF、FGF4、HGF＋FGF4均能诱导HMSCs分化为肝样细胞，分化的肝样细胞能分泌肝细胞特异性产物AFP、ALB、CK18等。以HGF＋FGF4诱导HMSCs分化为肝样细胞的阳性率最高。     

骨髓间充质干细胞定向肝细胞样分化的研究

目的探讨骨髓间充质干细胞定向肝细胞样分化的诱导条件，为肝组织工程提供新的种子细胞来源。方法分离小鼠骨髓间充质干细胞，在特定肝细胞培养液中用肝细胞生长因子(HGF)和表皮细胞生长因子(EGF)定向诱导。在倒置显微镜下观察细胞形态。应用免疫荧光法鉴定细胞性质。结果骨髓间充质干细胞经HGF和EGF诱导7d后变为肝细胞样圆形；2周后免疫荧光染色可见分化后细胞表达肝细胞标志物CK18和白蛋白。结论骨髓间充质干细胞在特定条件诱导下可以向肝细胞方向分化。有可能作为肝组织工程的种子细胞来源。     

体外诱导小鼠骨髓干细胞转化为肝细胞的实验研究

目的模拟体内肝脏发生发育的环境和条件，建立以细胞因子为主的体外诱导培养体系，探讨骨髓干细胞体外转化肝细胞的可行性。方法获取小鼠骨髓干细胞，建立以细胞因子为细胞诱导的培养体系。在细胞培养过程中，观察细胞形态和数量，逆转录-聚合酶链反应（RT—PCR）检测肝细胞特异性基因的表达。Western blot和流式细胞仪检测ALB和CK18在蛋白水平的表达情况。糖元染色法行细胞糖原染色、尿素合成试验检测细胞的合成和代谢功能。结果在诱导培养12d，可以观察到多极性的肝细胞样细胞。且细胞逐渐增多、集落不断增大。诱导细胞在培养7d开始表达AFP mRNA并维持到第21天。此后表达逐渐减弱；培养7天开始表达ALB mRNA和CK18 mRNA。随着培养时间的延长表达不断增强；培养14d开始表达TTR mRNA，随着培养时间的延长表达不断增强。通过Western blot检测，诱导21d的细胞表达ALB和CK18蛋白，流式细胞术分析ALB阳性细胞的比例为60．45％，CK18阳性细胞的比例为67％。诱导培养21d，细胞胞浆内可见红染的糖原颗粒；诱导培养6d，细胞开始合成尿素，尿素合成功能随诱导时间的延长而增强，于第15天达到高峰。结论我们建立的以细胞因子FGF、HGF、OSM、EGF为主的细胞诱导培养体系能促使骨髓干细胞定向转化为肝细胞。     

小鼠骨髓干细胞体外定向诱导为肝细胞样细胞的实验研究

目的来源于骨髓干细胞的有功能的干细胞,可能成为生物人工肝和肝细胞移植的细胞来源。我们建立恰当的体外诱导培养体系,促使骨髓干细胞转化为肝细胞。方法获取骨髓干细胞,建立以FGF、HGF、OSM、EGF为主的细胞诱导培养体系。在细胞分化过程中,观察细胞形态和数量的变化,RT-PCR检测基因表达的变化,免疫荧光染色技术在蛋白水平检测ALB和CK18表达情况。PAS染色检测其糖代谢功能。结果在诱导过程中,多极性的肝细胞样细胞在12 d内可以观察到,且其随着细胞分化过程逐渐增多、集落增大。诱导细胞在7 d内表达AFPmRNA并维持到第21天,但后期表达减弱;在7天内表达ALBmRNA和CK18mRNA,随着分化时间的延长,其表达不断增强;在14 d内表达TTRmRNA,随着分化时间的延长,其表达不断增强。免疫荧光染色进行定位:在诱导组,诱导21 d的细胞表达ALB和CK18,其中ALB表达于胞浆和胞膜,而CK18表达于胞浆。糖原染色发现诱导组中,细胞胞浆内出现大小不等的红染的糖原颗粒。结论我们建立的以细胞因子FGF、HGF、OSM、EGF为主的细胞诱导培养体系是有效的,通过诱导骨髓干细胞,我们获得了有部分肝细胞形态结构和功能的肝细胞样细胞。     

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.