共刺激信号阻断剂基因局部转染对大鼠移植肾存活的影响

目的　观察CTLA 4Ig基因局部转染延长移植肾存活的效能。 方法　以CTLA 4Ig基因重组腺病毒为载体 ,将CTLA 4Ig基因转入BN大鼠肾脏。以BN大鼠为供者 ,Lewis大鼠为受者 ,行同种肾移植术。用经CTLA 4Ig基因转染的供肾移植给受者为转染组 ;用未转染CTLA 4Ig基因的供肾移植给受者为对照组。观察移植肾存活时间和术后肾功能变化。结果　转染组移植肾存活 (32± 8.0 )d ,对照组移植肾存活 (8.5± 1.4 )d ,转染组存活时间明显延长 ;转染组术后血清肌酐较同期对照组明显为低。结论　CTLA 4Ig基因局部转染供肾可明显延长移植肾的存活时间。     

大鼠供心转染CTLA4-Ig基因抑制心脏移植后排斥反应

目的研究大鼠供心转染CTLA4-Ig基因抑制心脏移植术后排斥反应的可行性。方法以BN大鼠为供者,Lewis大鼠为受者,建立心脏移植模型。将实验分为2组。对照组:供心获取过程中不给予任何干预处理;实验组:在供心获取的过程中,以质粒载体携带CTLA4-Ig(pUF1-CTLA4-Ig)经过冠状动脉灌注供心。采用逆转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)检测供心组织中CTLA4-IgmRNA的表达,观察移植心存活时间;酶联免疫法(ELISA)检测血清γ-干扰素(IFN-γ)和白细胞介素-4(IL-4)水平;观察移植心的组织学改变;用免疫组织化学SABC法检测移植心组织中CD4 和CD8 T细胞的浸润。结果实验组移植心存活时间较对照组明显延长[(11.70±1.24)dvs(5.62±0.74)d,P<0.05]。移植后5d,实验组移植心组织中可见CTLA4-IgmRNA的表达;对照组病理学检查可见心肌间质出现弥漫性的炎性细胞浸润,伴有局部的心肌坏死,组织间质水肿,实验组仅有局灶性血管外周及心肌间质内炎性细胞浸润,未见坏死;对照组移植心组织中浸润的CD4 和CD8 T细胞数量明显高于实验组(P<0.01);实验组血清IFN-γ水平明显低于对照组(P<0.01),但血清IL-4水平差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论经冠状动脉灌注转染CTLA4-Ig基因,可以抑制心脏移植后排斥反应。     

CTLA4Ig基因和CD40Ig基因转染供肾对异种大鼠移植肾存活的影响

目的 探讨细胞毒性T淋巴细胞相关抗原4融合蛋白(CTLA4Ig)基因和CD40Ig基因转染供肾对异种大鼠移植肾存活的影响.方法 以PcDNA3.1质粒为载体,通过脂质体2000将CTLA4Ig基因和CD40Ig基因转染豚鼠肾脏,再移植(异位肾移植)给SD大鼠.实验分4组进行:第1组供肾以PcDNA3.1空载体脂质体复合物转染(空载体组);第2组供肾转染CD40Ig基因(CD40Ig转染组);第3组供肾转染CTLA4Ig基因(CTLA4Ig转染组);第4组供肾同时转染CTLA4Ig基因和CD40Ig基因(双基因转染组).术后观察各组血清肌酐、移植肾组织病理改变以及移植肾存活时间.结果 空载体组、CD40Ig转染组、CTLA4Ig转染组和双基因转染组受者的存活时间分别为(6.8±1.9)d、(40.7±10.9)d、(49.3±9.5)d和(75.7±8.0)d,3个转染组明显长于空载体组(P＜0.01),其中双基因转染组移植肾存活时间最长,与其他3组比较,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.01).各组术后血清肌酐水平呈上升趋势,但升高幅度以双基因转染组为最低(P＜0.01).术后第30天,CD40Ig转染组和CTLA4Ig转染组存活大鼠的移植肾组织中可见大量淋巴细胞浸润,而双基因转染组的移植肾组织中仅见少量淋巴细胞浸润.结论 供肾局部同时转染CTLA4Ig基因和CD40Ig基因可明显延长其异种移植后的存活时间.     

供心体外转染腺病毒介导的CD40Ig融合基因延长小鼠移植心脏存活时间

目的探讨体外转染CD40Ig融合基因对小鼠移植心脏存活时间的影响。方法构建携带小鼠CD40胞外段和人IgGFc融合基因的重组腺病毒载体(AdCD40Ig),以BALB/c小鼠为供者,C57BL/6小鼠为受者,建立小鼠腹部异位心脏移植模型,实验组供心移植前在体外以AdCD40Ig灌注,转染CD40Ig基因,另设空载体转染对照组、非转染对照组和近交系对照组(供、受者均为近交系C57BL/6小鼠)。术后观察移植心的存活及移植物中炎症细胞浸润情况,采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测受者体内CD40Ig融合蛋白表达情况,流式细胞仪检测受者体内产生γ干扰素(IFN-γ)的脾细胞。结果实验组移植心的存活时间达(15.8±0.7)d,明显长于空载体转染对照组和非转染对照组(P<0.01)。术后第2d,实验组受者体内CD40Ig融合蛋白表达最高,1周后明显降低。术后第7d,实验组移植心组织中浸润的炎症细胞明显比未处理对照组和空载体对照组少。实验组产生IFN-γ的CD4+和CD8+T淋巴细胞分别为(2.18±0.16)%和(10.82±0.74)%,与近交系对照组接近,明显低于未处理对照组和空载体对照组(P<0.01)。结论供心体外转染CD40Ig融合基因可有效抑制移植后受者体内同种T淋巴细胞的增殖,并延长移植心的存活时间。     

脾切除对心脏移植大鼠外周血淋巴细胞凋亡及调节性T淋巴细胞的影响

目的 探讨脾切除对同种异体心脏移植大鼠外周血淋巴细胞凋亡及调节性T淋巴细胞的影响.方法 以Wistar大鼠为供者、SD大鼠为受者,进行腹部异位心脏移植,同时切除受者的脾脏(心脏移植切脾组),并以不切脾者为对照(心脏移植对照组),另设不行任何处理的对照组和单纯切脾的单纯切脾组.术后第1、3、5、7天.取各组受者的移植心脏和外周血,观察移植心脏的组织学变化和细胞超微结构改变情况,以流式细胞仪检测外周血淋巴细胞的凋亡率及CD4+ CD25+ T淋巴细胞的变化,逆转录聚合酶链反应检测CD4+ CD25+ T淋巴细胞上Foxp3 mRNA的表达情况,记录移植心脏的存活时间.结果 心脏移植对照组移植心脏存活时间为(7.47±2.24)d,心脏移植切脾组移植心脏存活时间为(17.63±4.54)d,二者间的差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).心脏移植对照组的移植心脏肿胀,质硬,色暗,间质水肿、出血,弥漫性炎症细胞浸润,大量心肌细胞坏死、溶解,横纹不清;心脏移植切脾组的移植心脏质软,色红,局部灰白,外膜下以及细胞间局灶性水肿,炎症细胞浸润,心肌细胞结构完整,横纹清晰;心脏移植切脾组的细胞超微结构改变轻于心脏移植对照组.心脏移植切脾组术后第5天和第7天的淋巴细胞凋亡率分别为(7.62±2.15)%和(9.41±3.82)%,明显高于心脏移植对照组(P<0.05,P<0.05).心脏移植切脾组术后第3、5、7天时的CD4+ CD25+ T淋巴细胞明显多于心脏移植对照组(P<0.01,P<0.01,P<0.01),其Foxp3 mRNA的表达也较心脏移植对照组明显上调.结论 脾切除使心脏移植大鼠外周血淋巴细胞凋亡率增加,调节性T淋巴细胞增多,其Foxp3 mRNA表达上调,这些变化与移植心脏病理改变呈负相关.     

ICOS-ICOSL和CD28-B7共刺激信号对大鼠角膜移植排斥反应调控效应的比较

目的 观察阻断可诱导性共刺激分子及其配体(ICOS-ICOSL)或CD28-B7共刺激信号对大鼠角膜移植排斥反应的影响,并比较其差异.方法 制备腺病毒载体介导的诱导性共刺激分子融合蛋白(AdICOSIg)和腺病毒介导的细胞毒T淋巴细胞抗原4融合蛋白(AdCTLA4Ig).以DA大鼠为供者,Lewis大鼠为受者,进行角膜移植:受者分别接受经Adβ-Gal、AdICOSIg和AdCTLA4Ig转染的角膜移植,分别为局部Adβ-Gal组、局部AdICOSIg组和局部AdCTLA4Ig组;受者分别接受未经处理的角膜移植,并于移植前24 h腹腔注射Adβ-Gal、移植后48 h腹腔注射AdICOSIg或移植前24 h腹腔注射AdCTLA4Ig,分别为全身Adβ-Gal组、全身AdICOSIg组和全身AdCTLA4Ig组;以接受未经处理的角膜移植者为空白对照.术后每日于手术显微镜下观察移植角膜的透明度,以判断排斥反应的发生情况.基因转染后7 d,检测受者血清ICOSIg和CTLA4Ig的浓度以及抗腺病毒抗体水平.结果 空白对照组移植角膜存活时间为(13.1±0.3)d,局部AdICOSIg组、局部AdCTLA4Ig组和全身AdCTLA4Ig组移植角膜的存活时间长于空白对照组,分别为(14.2±0.8)d(P<0.05)、(15.8±0.6)d(P<0.01)和(22.7±4.3)d(P<0.01),局部AdCTLA4Ig组和全身AdCTLA4Ig组各有1例未发生排斥反应.全身AdCTLA4Ig组受者的血清CTLA4Ig浓度较高,其抗腺病毒载体抗体水平则较低.结论 CD28-B7与ICOS-ICOSL共刺激信号在免疫调节效应上存在差异,阻断CD28-B7信号所获得的延长移植角膜存活时间的效果优于阻断ICOS-ICOSL者.     

茯苓醇提取物抗心脏移植急性排斥反应的实验研究

目的　研究茯苓醇提取物对心脏移植急性排斥反应的抑制作用。方法　以Wistar大鼠为供者、SD大鼠为受者 ,建立异位 (腹腔 )心脏移植模型 ,移植前按组分别以橄榄油、茯苓醇提取物及环孢素A灌胃 ,并设SD大鼠空白对照组。术后观察移植心的存活时间 ,测定各组术后第 7d外周血中白细胞介素 2 (IL 2 )和γ干扰素 (IFN γ)含量以及CD3+、CD4 +、CD8+细胞和CD4 +细胞与CD8+细胞的比值 (CD4 +/CD8+) ,并观察移植心的病理变化。结果　接受茯苓醇提取物 2 5mg·kg-1·d-1或 5 0mg·kg-1·d-1灌胃的大鼠 ,移植心存活时间显著延长 ,病理损害程度减轻 ,外周血IL 2及IFN γ的含量以及CD3+、CD4 +、CD8+细胞百分比和CD4 +/CD8+比值降低 ,与环孢素A 5mg·kg-1·d-1灌胃的结果相当。结论　茯苓醇提取物对心脏移植急性排斥反应具有明显的抑制作用。     

CTLA4Ig与CD40Ig双基因局部共转染对异种大鼠移植肾Bcl-2/Bax的影响

目的:探讨CTLA4Ig与CD40Ig双基因局部转染对异种移植肾Bcl-2/Bax的影响,探讨其诱导免疫耐受的机制。方法:以PcDNA3.1(+)-CTLA4Ig和PcDNA3.1(+)-CD40Ig为载体,通过脂质体lipo2000将CTLA4Ig与CD40Ig双基因转入豚鼠肾脏,以豚鼠为供者,SD大鼠为受者,行异种肾移植手术。将豚鼠到SD大鼠的异种肾移植模型分为pcDNA3.1空载体组(第1组)、CD40Ig基因局部转染组(第2组)、CTLA4Ig基因局部转染组(第3组)和CD40Ig、CTLA4Ig双基因局部转染组(第4组)。Western blot检测移植肾HA-CTLA4Ig、HACD40Ig蛋白表达和移植肾Bcl-2、Bax的表达情况,观察移植肾病理改变。结果:术后第5天,第4组移植肾淋巴细胞浸润明显少于第2组和第3组,第4组移植肾Bcl-2蛋白表达明显升高(P0.05),而Bax蛋白表达则显著降低(P0.05)。结论:CTLA4Ig与CD40Ig双基因局部转染供肾可降低Bax表达,上调Bcl-2表达,诱导移植肾免疫耐受。     

负向免疫调节树突状细胞对心脏移植大鼠免疫状态的影响

目的 探讨经体外光化学法(PUVA)处理的供者脾淋巴细胞与受者树突状细胞(DC)共培养后,对移植受者体液免疫、细胞免疫及移植物排斥反应的影响.方法 以DA大鼠为供者,LEW大鼠为受者,建立大鼠腹部异位心脏移植模型.分离供者脾淋巴细胞(SP),制备经PUVA处理的供者脾淋巴细胞(PUVA-SP).在体外分别将供者PUVA-SP和SP与受者骨髓来源的未成熟DC共培养,得到PUVA-SP-DC及SP-DC,流式细胞仪检测上述DC表型.根据受者心脏移植术前1周静脉输注成分的不同,将受者随机分为3组:(1)对照组(n=7):单纯输注磷酸盐缓冲液(PBS);(2)SP-DC组(n=8):输注Sp-DC 5×106个;(3)PUVA-SP-DC组(n=8):输注PUVA-SP-DC 5×106个.每日观察各组移植心的存活状况.移植后第6天,检测受者血清中抗供者特异性IgG水平;通过混合淋巴细胞反应(MLR)检测受者脾脏T淋巴细胞对供者抗原刺激的增殖反应;比较各组受者脾脏体积的大小.结果 供者脾淋巴细胞经PUVA处理后细胞凋亡率为81.93%.正常LEW大鼠DC共刺激分子CD80和CD86阳性率分别为(3.5±0.27)%和(13.0±0.58)%,受者DC与供者SP混合培养后,其CD80和CD86的表达水平为(16.6±0.72)%和(36.5±0.87)%,后者明显高于前者(P<0.01);受者DC与供者PUVA-SP混合培养后,其CD86和CD80的表达率分别为(3.9±0.12)%和(13.4±0.59)%,与正常LEW大鼠DC相当(P>0.05).PUVA-SP-DC组的受者抗供者特异性IgG水平明显低于SP-DC组及对照组(P<0.01).PUVA-SP-DC组受者T淋巴细胞对供者抗原的刺激反应指数为1.66±0.29,明显低于SP-DC及对照组(7.28±0.38、4.19±0.16,P<0.01);而其对无关供者抗原的刺激反应指数为4.37±0.11,与SP-DC及对照组相当(4.51±0.40、4.36±0.14,P>0.05).PUVA-SP-DC组的移植心存活时间比其他两组明显延长(P<0.01),而且其脾脏体积最小.结论 PUVA-SP-DC能够特异性的下调移植受者对供者抗原的细胞免疫及体液免疫反应,从而明显延长移植物存活时间.     

骨髓输注联合阻断共刺激通路延长大鼠皮肤移植物的存活时间

目的 探讨骨髓输注联合阻断共刺激通路对大鼠移植皮肤存活的影响及可能机制.方法 以Lewis大鼠为受者,皮肤移植前经尾静脉输注供者(BN大鼠)骨髓细胞2×108 个,并于骨髓输注当天、输注后第2、4、6及8天腹腔注射抗CD25单克隆抗体,同时按照分组要求腹腔注射细胞毒性T淋巴细胞相关抗原4融合蛋白(CTLA4Ig组)、抗CD154单克隆抗体(抗CD154单抗组)以及CTLA4Ig和抗CD154单克隆抗体(联合处理组),于骨髓输注后第8天移植BN大鼠的皮肤.另以仅行皮肤移植者为对照(对照组).观察各组移植物抗宿主病(GVHD)的发生情况、外周血中供者细胞嵌合率、T淋巴细胞凋亡率及移植皮肤的存活时间.结果 各组均未观察到GVHD的发生.骨髓输注后第7天即可在CTLA4Ig组、抗CD154单抗组及联合处理组观察到嵌合现象,至第21天时,嵌合率仍维持于一定水平,联合处理组明显高于其它三组(P＜0.01).骨髓输注后第7及21天,CTLA4Ig组、抗CD154单抗组及联合处理组间两两比较,T淋巴细胞凋亡率的差异无统计学意义,但均显著高于对照组(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CTLA4Ig组、抗CD154单抗组及联合处理组移植皮肤的存活时间显著长于对照组(P＜0.01),联合处理组移植皮肤存活时间为(16.7±3.1)d,明显长于CTLA4Ig组和抗CD154单抗组(P＜0.05).结论 骨髓输注联合阻断共刺激通路能够延长移植皮肤存活时间,其机理可能与诱导嵌合和T淋巴细胞凋亡有关.     

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.     

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.