血清PSA、FPSAR与前列腺癌病理分级、临床分期的相关性研究

目的 :探讨前列腺癌病人血清前列腺特异抗原 (PSA)、血清游离前列腺特异抗原百分率 (FPSAR)与前列腺癌病理分级、临床分期的相关性。　方法 :分别检测经病理检查确诊为前列腺癌的 4 2例病人血清PSA、FPSAR ,并根据标本苏木精 伊红染色切片中肿瘤的组织学形态及临床资料对病人分别进行病理分级、临床分期。采用Spearman等级相关分析 ,分析PSA、FPSAR与前列腺癌病理分级、临床分期的关系。 　结果 :前列腺癌病人PSA值越高 ,癌症恶性程度越高 ,PSA值与前列腺癌病理改变呈明显正相关性 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,而与前列腺癌的临床分期无相关性 (P >0 0 5 ) ;前列腺癌病人FPSAR值与前列腺癌病理改变呈正相关 ,与病人临床分期呈负相关 (P <0 .0 5 )。结论 :与PSA值相比 ,FPSAR值预测前列腺癌的病理分级、临床分期和预后可能更为准确     

ROC曲线分析比较tPSA、fPSA／tPSA和PSAD在PSA灰区前列腺癌诊断中的价值

目的 ROC曲线分析探讨前列腺特异性抗原密度(PSAD)、总PSA(tPSA)和游离PSA/总PSA(fPSA/tPSA)3者在PSA灰区前列腺癌(PCa)中的临床诊断价值.方法 同顾性分析tPSA在4～10ng/ml之间的前列腺增生(BPH)患者75例和前列腺癌患者31例.化学发光法测定血清tPSA和fPSA,经直肠超声(TRUS)测定前列腺体积,计算fPSA/tPSA和PSAD.比较BPH组和PCa组间tPSA、PSAD和fPSA/tPSA各指标的差异,分析各指标在ROC曲线卜的面积、各指标的诊断特异性及敏感性.结果 PCa组与BPH组tPSA差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),PCa组fPSA/tPSA比值较BPH组降低(P＜0.01),PSAD值较BPH组升高(P＜0.05).ROC曲线下的面积从大到小为fPSA/tPSA＞PSAD＞tPSA.在诊断敏感性相同的情况下,fPSA/tPSA比值诊断特异性高于PSAD的诊断特异性.当fPSA/tPSA临界值取0.16时,诊断前列腺癌的灵敏度和特异性为67.7%和79.7%,PSAD临界值取0.12时,其灵敏度和特异性为61.3%和62.7%.结论 当tPSA在诊断灰区时,PSAD和fPSA/tPSA可以提高前列腺癌的诊断特异性和敏感性,fPSA/tPSA较PSAD有更高的诊断价值.     

腰痹的证治

腰痹为肢体痹之一,在风湿病中有着重要的地位,为常见痹病之一.收集研究历代医家论治腰痹的经验,结合临床实践,总结出腰痹的病因病机(虚、邪、瘀)和证治方案,辨证分为虚邪瘀3候7型:邪实候(风湿痹阻证、寒湿痹阻证、湿热痹阻证),正虚候(肝肾阴虚证、气血亏虚证),痰瘀候(气滞血瘀证、痰瘀互结证).临床应用,取得良好的效果.     

前列腺增生症证型与体内性激素水平的临床研究

目的:研究前列腺增生症中医证型与体内性激素水平的相关性.方法:选择500例患者,中医辨证分为血瘀下焦、膀胱湿热、肾阴亏虚、肾阳不足、肺热气闭,均在就诊次日上午抽空腹血4 mL,进行血清性激素测定.结果:T值以血瘀下焦、肾阴亏虚证较高,肾阳不足证明显偏低,两者比较差别有显著性(P＜0.01);膀胱湿热证和肺热气闭证居中,与血瘀下焦、肾阴亏虚证比较差别也具有显著性(P＜0.05).E2值以肾阳不足证明显偏高,血瘀下焦和膀胱湿热证次之,肾阴亏虚和肺热气闭证较低.各组间比较差别具有显著性(P＜0.01).结论:前列腺增生症各证型与血清性激素水平变化有一定规律可循,同时也为证型客观化、微观化提供了相应证据.     

前列腺特异性抗原新参数在早期前列腺癌筛查中的作用

目的探讨前列腺特异性抗原(PSA)及相关新参数在前列腺癌(PCa)早期筛查的诊断作用。方法回顾性分析苏州大学附属第一医院2015年6月至2018年9月行前列腺穿刺患者的临床资料,比较新参数前列腺游离抗原比值比前列腺特异性抗原密度[(f/t)/PSAD]、PSA质量(PSAM)、PSA质量比(PSAMR)与总PSA(tPSA)、游离PSA(fPSA)、PSA游离抗原比值(f/t PSA)、前列腺特异性抗原密度(PSAD)等指标对PCa筛查的预测作用。结果本研究共纳入717例患者,其中病理确诊PCa317例,BPH 400例。当PSA在0～20ng/mL时,tPSA、f/t PSA、PSAD、(f/t)/PSAD、PSAM及PSAMR在PCa组和BPH组中差异具有显著性统计学意义(P0.05)。当PSA在20～100ng/mL时,除f/t PSA外(P0.05),tPSA、PSAD、(f/t)/PSAD、PSAM及PSAMR在两组中差异具有显著性统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 (f/t)/PSAD在PSA灰区时诊断效能最高,取截点为0.475时,灵敏度为72.28%,特异度为61.07%。PSAMR在灰区外诊断效能较好,取截点为0.135时,灵敏度为66.17%,特异度为55.95%。而PSAM对于前列腺癌的诊断作用不强。     

血清PSA含量及前列腺PSA密度与经直肠超声引导下前列腺穿刺活检诊断前列腺癌的关系

目的探讨经直肠超声引导下前列腺穿刺活检术前列腺癌检出率与血清前列腺特异性抗原(PSA)及血清前列腺特异性抗原密度(PSAD)的关系。方法对134例患者行经直肠超声引导下前列腺5区13针系统穿刺活检。根据PSA水平分为PSA≤4ng/ml组(7例)、4ng/mlPSA15ng/ml组(48例)及PSA≥15ng/ml组(79例)。测量并计算前列腺体积(PV)及PSAD,分析前列腺癌检出率及不同PSA、PSAD水平下对前列腺癌的诊断效能。比较前列腺癌与非前列腺癌患者PSA、PV及PSAD的差异。结果前列腺癌总检出率为50.75%(68/134),前列腺患者共68例(前列腺癌组),非前列腺癌患者共66例(非前列腺啊组)。PSA≤4ng/ml、4ng/mlPSA≤15ng/ml及PSA15ng/ml组前列腺癌检出率分别为14.29%(1/7)、20.83%(10/48)及72.15%(57/79),差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。PSA≥4ng/ml时前列腺癌检出率随着PSA值的增高而上升。134例患者PSAD值为(1.09±1.72)ng/(ml·cm3),以PSAD≥0.19ng/(ml·cm3)为截点诊断前列腺癌的敏感度为95.59%(65/68),特异度为51.52%(34/66),阳性预测值67.01%(65/97),阴性预测值为32.99%(32/97)。4ng/mlPSA≤15ng/ml组中,以PSAD≥0.19ng/(ml.cm3)为截点诊断前列腺癌的敏感度为80.00%(8/10),特异度为71.05%(27/38),阳性预测值为42.11%(8/19),阴性预测值为57.89%(11/19)。前列腺癌组PSA及PSAD值均高于非前列腺癌组(P均0.05),PV小于非前列腺癌组(P0.05)。4ng/mlPSA≤15ng/ml组中,前列腺癌与非前列腺癌患者PSA及PV差异均无统计学意义(P均0.05),前列腺癌患者PSAD高于非前列腺癌患者(P0.05)。结论血清PSA及PSAD均与前列腺穿刺活检前列腺癌检出率有关,PSA15ng/ml应行穿刺活检,PSAD对4ng/mlPSA≤15ng/ml的患者是否应行穿刺活检具有指导意义。     

前列腺特异性抗原相关参数在前列腺穿刺中的应用及其研究进展

前列腺癌是泌尿系统常见肿瘤,早期诊断的主要方法为前列腺穿刺活检,然而穿刺诊断的总体阳性率仍不能令人满意。本文对游离PSA与总PSA比值(fPSA/tPSA)、前列腺体积(PV)、PSA密度(PSAD)、移行带PSA密度(TZPSAD)和复合PSA密度(CPSAD)等前列腺特异性抗原(PSA)相关参数在前列腺穿刺中的应用及其研究进展进行系统的总结和分析。     

（F/T）/PSAD在血清PSA〈4ng/mL前列腺癌诊断中的应用

目的探讨游离前列腺特异性抗原百分比/前列腺特异性抗原密度[（F/T）/PSAD]在前列腺特异性抗原（PSA）小于4 ng/mL的前列腺癌诊断中的意义。方法回顾分析血清PSA〈4 ng/mL的17例前列腺癌患者及同期血清PSA〈4 ng/mL的前列腺增生患者31例的临床资料,分析FPSA/TPSA、PSAD、（F/T）/PSAD值对PSA正常范围前列腺癌的诊断效率。结果前列腺癌组与前列腺增生组比较,FPSA/TPSA、PSAD、（F/T）/PSAD值差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,在敏感性为90%的前提下,（F/T）/PSAD特异性最高。结论在保持较高敏感性的前提下,应用（F/T）/PSAD可提高血清PSA正常范围内前列腺癌诊断特异性,提高早期前列腺癌的诊断率。     

单中心前列腺穿刺活检结果查询表的建立

目的：综合利用PSA及其相关参数建立能够简便查询的前列腺穿刺阳性率查询表.方法纳入2009年7月至2015年3月在解放军总医院行前列腺穿刺活检的患者,收集前列腺体积、游离PSA(free PSA,fPSA)和总PSA(total PSA,tPSA)等临床资料.多因素Logistic回归分析预测前列腺癌的独立性影响因素,并利用相关因素建立前列腺穿刺阳性结果查询表.结果资料完整且病理结果为前列腺癌和前列腺增生的患者纳入研究,共1077例.根据PSA水平分为0~2.5、2.6~4.0、4.1~10.0、10.1~20.0和＞20.0 ng/ml 5组,前列腺癌检出率分别为20.9％、20.0％、37.3％、48.1％和80.2％,随着PSA水平的升高,前列腺癌检出率也明显升高.多因素Logistic回归分析发现tPSA、fPSA和前列腺体积均为前列腺癌的独立性预测因素,tPSA、fPSA百分比(free to total PSA,f/tPSA)和PSA密度(PSA density,PSAD)在前列腺癌和前列腺增生两组间存在显著差异(P＜0.05),综合利用上述3个指标建立前列腺阳性穿刺查询表.结论本研究根据 tPSA、f/tPSA和PSAD建立的查询表为临床前列腺穿刺活检提供了一个简便实用的阳性率查询工具.     

ALP、PSA及其相关指标与前列腺癌骨转移的关系

目的 探讨ALP、PSA及其相关指标(fPSA、fPSA/tPSA、PSAD)与前列腺癌骨转移的关系,及对前列腺癌骨转移诊断的预测作用.方法 回顾分析2005年9月至2009年2月在我院经前列腺穿刺活检或手术后病理检查确诊的167例前列腺癌患者.以ECT、X线片、CT/MRI或骨活检诊断骨转移,分析ALP、PSA、fPSA、fPSA/tPSA、PSAD与前列腺癌骨转移的关系及对骨转移的诊断价值.结果 167例前列腺癌患者中骨转移104例(62.3%),非骨转移63例(37.7%).骨转移组ALP、PSA及PSAD明显高于非骨转移组(均P<0.01),而两组间fPSA/tPSA差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).PSA>50 ng/ml组骨转移率明显高于PSA>20～50 ng/ml组、>10～20 ng/ml组和≤10 ng/ml组(均P<0.05);ALP>90 U/L组骨转移率明显高于ALP≤90 U/L组(P<0.05);PSAD>0.4 ng·ml-1·cm-3组骨转移率明显高于PSAD≤0.4 ng·ml-1·cm-3组(P<0.05).以ALP>90 U/L、PSA>50 ng/ml和PSAD>0.4 ng·ml-1·cm-3为界分别分析ALP、PSA、PSAD、PSA+ALP、PSA+PSAD和PSA+PSAD+ALP对前列腺癌骨转移诊断的预测价值,发现指标联合应用后阳性预测值及阴性预测值较单一指标好,PSA+PSAD+ALP联合应用的敏感度、特异度、阳性预测值及阴性预测值最佳,分别为100%、79.17%、91.38%及100%.结论 ALP、PSA及PSAD均为判断前列腺癌患者有无骨转移的可靠指标,PSA+PSAD+ALP联合应用有助于预测前列腺癌骨转移,当患者PSA<50 ng/ml、PSAD<0.4 ng·ml-1·cm-3及ALP<90 U/L时,几乎可排除骨转移.     

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.