阿魏酸钠对CCL4致肝硬化大鼠肝缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的:研究阿魏酸钠(SF)对肝硬化大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注(I/R)损伤的保护作用.方法:用50%四氯化碳油溶液皮下注射的方法制作肝硬化大鼠模型,将30只肝硬化大鼠随机均分为3组.A组:假手术组(10只);B组:对照组(10只);C组:SF保护组(10只).B、C组分别从尾静脉缓慢注入生理盐水1.5 mL、SF 1.5 mL(150 mg/kg)后,完全阻断大鼠肝门血流30 min,比较各组肝脏再灌注2 h后的肝功能,肝组织抗氧化能力、一氧化氮(NO)含量及肝脏形态学改变.结果:肝脏再灌注2 h时,与对照组比较,SF保护组大鼠肝组织丙二醛(MDA)含量显著减少(P＜0.01),超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和NO含量显著增高(P＜0.01),血清丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、天门冬酸氨基转移酶(AST)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)活性显著降低(P＜0.01),对肝脏显微结构和超微结构损伤较轻.结论:SF对肝硬化大鼠肝I/R损伤有明显的保护作用.     

抑肽酶在肠缺血-再灌注中对肝脏的保护作用

目的应用肠系膜上动脉阻断(SMAO)模型,观察抑肽酶在肠缺血-再灌注损伤过程中对肝脏的保护作用。方法24只日本大耳白兔随机平均分为:假手术组(A组),肠系膜上动脉(SMA)不作阻断;缺血-再灌注组(B组);抑肽酶治疗组(C组)。B、C两组采用家兔SMAO模型,阻断时间为45min。C组阻断前5min静注抑肽酶30000kIU/kg,随后以10000kIU·kg-1·h-1维持至实验结束。B、C两组在阻断前(I0)、阻断45min(I1)、再灌注1h(R1)、再灌注2h(R2)时观察血清丙二醛(MDA)、过氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、磷脂酶A2(PLA2)及肝脏组织形态学变化。A组在相应时点取样检测上述指标。结果(1)C组MDA、TNF-α、PLA2在R2时均明显低于B组(P<0·05),而B组明显高于A组(P<0·05)。(2)C组SOD在R2时明显高于B组(P<0·05)。结论抑肽酶减轻脂质过氧化反应,对肠缺血-再灌注损伤有一定保护作用。血清PLA2和TNF-α的产生和释放减少,可能减轻肠缺血-再灌注过程中对远隔离器官的损害,对肝脏有一定的保护作用。     

依托咪酯预处理对犬肝脏缺血/再灌注损伤时谷丙转氨酶、谷草转氨酶及肝组织内丙二醛、超氧化物歧化酶的影响

目的 观察依托咪酯预处理对犬肝脏缺血/再灌注(ischemia/reperfusion,I/R)血浆中谷丙转氨酶(alanine transaminase,ALT),谷草转氨酶(aspartate transaminase,AST)以及肝组织内丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD)的影响,以及通过HE染色光镜下观察肝脏损伤情况. 方法 20只健康成年杂种犬按完全随机法随机分为4组(每组5只):假手术组(S组)、I/R组、小剂量依托咪酯预处理组(E1组)、大剂量依托咪酯预处理组(E2组).S组仅分离肝门不结扎,I/R组、E1组、E2组分别于肝缺血前30 min静注生理盐水、0.6 mg/kg依托咪酯和1.5 mg/kg依托咪酯,建立肝I/R模型,分别于缺血前即刻,缺血30 min,再灌注1、2h4个时间点取血清测ALT、AST值.术毕取肝组织测MDA含量、SOD活性,并HE染色,在光镜下行病理学观察.结果 I/R组、E1组、E2组各时间点血清ALT、AST活性均高于S组(p＜0.01),E1组、E2组各时间点血清ALT、AST活性均低于I/R组(P＜0.01),且E2组更显著[再灌注2 h:ALT:(2911±89) U/L(I/R组)、(863±95) U/L(E2组) ;AST:(2722±103) U/L(I/R组)、(1056±115) U/L(E2组)].与S组比较,I/R组、E1组、E2组肝组织MDA含量升高(P＜0.01),I/R组肝组织SOD活性降低,E1组、E2组肝组织SOD活性升高 ;与I/R组比较,E1组、E2组肝组织MDA含量降低、SOD活性升高(P＜0.01),且E2组更显著[MDA:(21.70±2.01) nmol· mg-1·prot-1(I/R组)、(12.69±1.02) nmol· mg-1 prot-1(E2组)、SOD:(191±12)nmol· mg-1· prot-1(I/R组)、(634±26) nmol·mg-1· prot-1(E2组)].E1组、E2组肝细胞病理学改变轻于I/R组,且E2组更明显. 结论 依托咪酯预处理对犬肝脏缺血/再灌注损伤(hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury,HURl)具有明显保护作用,与其抑制脂质过氧化反应有关.且大剂量依托咪酯预处理组的保护作用较确实可靠.     

雌激素对大鼠肝切除肝缺血再灌注损伤中核因子-κB/IκB传导通路的影响及保护作用

目的 观察雌激素对大鼠肝切除肝缺血再灌注损伤中核因子-κB(NF-κB)/抑制蛋白(IκB)传导通路影响.方法 制作肝切除肝缺血再灌注损伤动物模型,雄性SD大鼠随机分为3组:假手术组(Sham组);肝切除肝缺血再灌注组(I/R组);肝切除肝缺血再灌注+雌激素组(I/R+ E2 组).分别在缺血再灌注后1、3、6h光镜下观察肝组织病理学改变,检测血清天冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)、丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)的水平和肝组织丙二醛(MDA)的含量及超氧化物岐化酶(SOD)的活性,免疫组织化学法测定肝组织NF-κB的表达,Western blot检测NF-κB抑制蛋白(IκB-α)和细胞间黏附分子-1(ICAM-1)表达,流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡率.结果 再灌注后I/R组在各时相血清ALT、AST均显著高于I/R +E2组,并于6h达到峰值(P＜0.05).与I/R+E2组和Sham比较,I/R组肝细胞凋亡率显著升高(P＜0.01);肝组织中IκB-α表达降低,而NF-κB表达增高(P＜0.05);ICAM-1 和MDA的结果变化和NF-κB表达水平变化类似,SOD呈相反变化.在光镜下观察,I/R组肝小叶结构紊乱,肝窦淤血,肝细胞水肿变性,肝细胞片状坏死,在Sham组和I/R +E2组上述病理学变化明显改善.结论 雌激素对肝切除肝脏缺血再灌注损伤有显著保护作用,其作用机制可能与雌激素影响NF-κB/IκB传导通路、减轻脂质过氧化反应、减少炎症介质释放及抑制细胞凋亡有关.     

肝十二指肠韧带内注射利多卡因减轻大鼠肝脏的热缺血/再灌注损伤

肝脏的缺血预适应(Ischemicpreconditioning ,IP)能有效地减轻肝脏缺血/再灌注(ischemia/reprefusion ,I/R)损伤,但其在临床的使用尚受到限制[1] 。李晓立等[2 ] 的初步研究表明,肝脏I/R损伤前,肝十二指肠韧带内注射普鲁卡因预处理能明显减轻肝脏I/R后早期的微循环障碍,可能是一种更方便临床使用的减轻肝脏I/R损伤的方法。本实验采用肝十二指肠韧带内注射利多卡因的方法,进一步探讨该方法对肝脏I/R损伤的影响及其减轻I/R损伤的有效性。材料和方法一、实验方法及分组5 8只雄性SD大鼠(2 5 0～30 0g) ,随机分成4组。腹腔内注射6 %水合氯…     

兔肝缺血/再灌注损伤肝组织氧压及线粒体形态观察

目的　观察兔肝缺血 /再灌注损伤不同时相肝组织氧压及线粒体形态变化 ,研究常温下肝脏缺血 /再灌注的损伤及其机制。方法　 4 0只兔随机分为 2组即缺血组和对照组。组织气体分析仪持续测定兔肝组织氧压 (Hepatic tissue oxygeonpressure Ptio2 ) ;电镜观察肝脏病理及线粒体形态改变 ,图像分析仪对线粒体的立体形态计量分析。结果　缺血组兔在肝脏缺血后肝 Ptio2值开始下降 ,再灌注 6 0 min时肝 Ptio2仍未恢复正常 (P<0 .0 5 )。电镜观察发现 :肝缺血 30 min,线粒体肿胀、内质网扩张 ,再灌注 6 0 m in后线粒体肿胀进一步加重 ,部分线粒体破坏 ,结构不清 ,线粒体空泡变性。兔肝缺血再灌注损伤后肝细胞线粒体与对照组相比 ,其比表面减小、平均体积增大 (P<0 .0 5 )。结论　常温下入肝血流阻断可以导致肝脏缺血 /再灌注后肝细胞功能障碍和病理损害。其作用机制与缺血期肝细胞缺氧、再灌注期肝脏微循环障碍和肝细胞线粒体的损伤有关     

N-乙酰半胱氨酸对大鼠肝缺血-再灌注损伤的保护作用及机制

目的探讨N-乙酰半胱氨酸(NAC)对肝缺血-再灌注损伤的保护作用及机制。方法60只Wistar大鼠随机分为3组:假手术组(P组),只开腹不阻断肝血流,I/R组和I/R-NAC组均阻断大鼠肝70%的血流,45min后恢复再灌注,其中I/R-NAC组再灌注前5min经尾静脉注射NAC300mg/kg。在再灌注后1、3、6、24h时,采取血液及肝组织,分别检测血清丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)、天冬氨酸转氨酶(AST)、脂多糖(LPS)、Toll样受体4(TLR4)mRNA及其蛋白的表达。结果I/R组和I/R-NAC组ALT、AST及LPS的含量均在6h达高峰,但组内在各时间点比较,ALT、AST及LPS含量的差异并无统计学意义(P>0.05);I/R组同一时间点的ALT、AST及LPS含量均高于I/R-NAC组(P<0.05)。I/R组肝组织TLR4mRNA的表达从再灌注3h起明显增强(P<0.01),并维持高表达,而I/R-NAC组TLR4mRNA的表达在各时间点无显著变化(P>0.05)。I/R组和I/R-NAC组TLR4蛋白表达在再灌注1、3h时类似于P组,但在6、24h时显著增强。结论TLR4参与了肝缺血-再灌注损伤的病理过程,NAC可通过抑制TLR4mRNA表达而减弱肠源性内毒素血症对肝脏的损伤。     

S-腺苷蛋氨酸对大鼠缺血再灌注肝脏能量代谢的影响

目的研究S-腺苷蛋氨酸(SAM)预处理对大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注损伤线粒体功能的影响。方法54只大鼠按随机数字表法随机均分为对照组、缺血再灌注组(I/R组)和SAM组,SAM组大鼠肝脏在缺血前2h行腹腔注射SAM预处理。3组动物在阻断肝门30min后(对照组仅做分离,不阻断肝门)复流,并于再灌注后0、1和6h抽取下腔静脉血检测ALT及AST,切取肝组织检测线粒体SOD、MDA、ATP及EC,并制备病理切片在电镜下观察线粒体的超微结构。结果再灌注后0、1及6h,I/R组ALT、AST和MDA明显高于对照组(P<0.01),SOD(除0h外)、ATP及EC明显低于对照组(P<0.01);SAM组ALT、AST及MDA(除0h外)明显低于I/R组(P<0.01),SOD(除0h外)、ATP及EC明显高于I/R组(P<0.05,P<0.01)。超微结构观察,I/R组线粒体较对照组有明显的损伤,线粒体数量减少,肿胀明显,嵴模糊不清,基质密度低;而SAM组与I/R组相比损伤程度明显减轻。结论SAM能抑制线粒体脂质过氧化反应,提高ATP的产生,最终提高线粒体的能量代谢水平,有效地减轻肝脏的缺血再灌注损伤。     

依达拉奉对大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注时线粒体膜电位的影响

目的 探讨依达拉奉对大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注时线粒体膜电位的影响.方法 成年健康雄性SD大鼠30只,体重250 ～ 300 g,采用随机数字表法,将其随机分为3组(n=10):假手术组(S组)、缺血再灌注组(I/R组)及依达拉奉组(E组),I/R组和E组采用肝脏缺血60 min进行再灌注的方法制备70％肝脏缺血再灌注损伤模型.E组于再灌注前15 min静脉注射依达拉奉3 mg/kg,I/R组给予等容量生理盐水.于再灌注2h时采集静脉血样,测定血清谷丙转氨酶(ALT)和谷草转氨酶(AST)的活性;然后处死大鼠,取肝组织,测定肝细胞凋亡情况,计算肝细胞凋亡指数;制备肝组织单细胞悬液,测定线粒体膜电位;光镜下观察肝组织病理学结果.结果 与S组比较,I/R组及E组血清ALT活性、AST活性和肝细胞凋亡指数升高,线粒体膜电位降低(P＜0.05或0.01);与I/R组比较,E组血清ALT活性、AST活性和肝细胞凋亡指数降低,线粒体膜电位升高(P＜0.05).E组肝组织病理学损伤轻于I/R组.结论 依达拉奉可减轻大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注损伤,其机制与升高线粒体膜电位,抑制肝细胞凋亡有关.     

核转录因子-κB在FK506保护肝脏缺血再灌注损伤中的作用

目的　研究FK5 0 6能否抑制缺血再灌注损伤肝脏核转录因子 κB(NF κB)的结合活性。方法　采用大鼠部分肝血供被阻断的缺血再灌注损伤模型 ,左半肝缺血 90min ,再灌注分 0、30min ,1、2、4h等时点。实验组术前静脉注射FK5 0 6 ( 0 .3mg/kg体重 ) ,观察对照组、缺血再灌注组及FK5 0 6处理组间肝组织中NF κB的结合活性 (凝胶滞留电泳方法 )。结果　肝脏缺血再灌注损伤时 ,NF κB与其特异性调控序列的结合活性增高且具有时相性 ,再灌注 1～ 2hNF κB结合活性较强 ,再灌注 4hNF κB结合活性减弱。FK5 0 6可以抑制NF κB与其特异性调控序列的结合活性。结论　FK5 0 6通过抑制NF κB的结合活性改善肝脏缺血再灌注损伤。     

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.     

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.     

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.