银杏叶提取物对大鼠急性脊髓损伤后神经功能恢复的作用及其机制

目的:观察银杏叶提取物(EGb)对大鼠实验性脊髓损伤后组织结构及运动功能恢复的作用,探讨其对急性脊髓损伤的作用机制。方法:120只SD雄性大鼠,随机分为假手术组(A组)、损伤对照组(B组)、甲基强的松龙(MP)治疗组(C组)和EGb治疗组(D组),每组30只。B、C、D组用Allen′s法以50g·cm致伤大鼠T9脊髓制作损伤模型,B组为单纯脊髓损伤,不给药;C组为脊髓损伤后30min内,由腹腔注入MP30mg/kg;D组为术后至处死前每天腹腔给予EGb17.5mg/kg;A组只打开T9椎板,不打击脊髓,不给药。术后24h、3d、5d、7d、14d对大鼠进行脊髓运动功能(BBB)评分。于术后24h、3d、5d、7d、14d处死动物(n=6),取T9节段脊髓,切片苏木素-伊红(HE)染色观察脊髓大体组织结构变化,用免疫组织化学方法检测B细胞淋巴瘤/白血病基因-2(Bcl-2)和B细胞淋巴瘤/白血病基因伴随蛋白x(Bax)在脊髓前角运动神经元中的表达变化情况。结果:各时间点B、C、D组大鼠脊髓运动功能(BBB)评分均显著低于A组(P<0.01),伤后7d、14d时C、D组评分显著高于B组(P<0.05),各时间点C组与D组评分比较无统计学意义(P>0.05)。HE染色C组和D组大鼠脊髓损伤区较B组坏死程度轻、形成囊腔少,A组正常;1周后D组较C组片状出血灶少,神经细胞肿胀不明显。各时间点B、C、D组大鼠损伤脊髓前角运动神经元中Bcl-2阳性细胞数均显著高于A组(P<0.01),C、D组显著高于B组(P<0.01),7d、14d时D组显著高于C组(P<0.05);各时间点B、C、D组大鼠损伤脊髓前角运动神经元中Bax阳性细胞数均显著高于A组(P<0.01),C、D组显著低于B组(P<0.01),7d、14d时D组显著低于C组(P<0.01)。结论:EGb可能通过抑制Bax表达、提高Bcl-2表达,抑制脊髓损伤后神经元凋亡,在运动功能恢复、损伤脊髓组织保护上发挥其有益作用,1周后EGb仍能抑制脊髓损害后的继发性损伤。     

脑源性神经营养因子转基因细胞移植和神经节苷脂对大鼠脊髓损伤N-甲基-D-天门冬氨酸受体的影响

目的研究脑源性神经营养因子（BDNF）转基因细胞移植和神经节苷脂（GM-1）对大鼠脊髓损伤N-甲基-D-天门冬氨酸（NMDA）受体的影响。方法将成年大鼠分为四组，A组：单纯脊髓损伤组；B组：脊髓损伤＋AxCA-BDNF基因转染的成肌细胞移植组；C组：脊髓损伤＋GM-1组；D组：脊髓损伤＋AxCA-BDNF基因转染的成肌细胞移植＋GM-1组。伤后1、3、7、14d采用[^3H]MK-801放射性配基分析法检测大鼠损伤后脊髓NMDA受体的变化。结果发现各组[^3H]MK-801放射性配基分析最大结合容量都有不同程度的减少，其减少程度顺序是A组〉B组〉C组〉D组。结论应用GM-1和BDNF转基因细胞移植后可以通过影响脊髓NMDA受体，从而减轻脊髓继发性损伤。     

甲基强的松龙对大鼠急性脊髓损伤后Nogo-A表达的影响

目的：探讨大剂量甲基强的松龙（MP）对急性脊髓损伤（SCI）大鼠脊髓组织中Nogo-A蛋白表达的影响。方法：将56只成年SD大鼠分为正常对照组（A组,n=8）、急性脊髓损伤组（B组,n=24）和急性脊髓损伤后大剂量MP治疗组（C组,n=24）,C组在损伤后早期从尾静脉注射大剂量MP治疗。分别在术后3、7、14d对B、C组大鼠后肢运动功能行BBB评分,再在各时间点处死动物,取受损节段脊髓行HE染色及免疫组化染色观察形态学变化和Nogo-A在脊髓组织中的分布特点;同时应用Western-blot方法测定各组相应时间点Nogo-A表达量,并与A组比较。结果：B、C组大鼠在损伤后各个时间点后肢运动功能均有一定程度的恢复,Nogo-A蛋白在各组大鼠脊髓组织中均呈阳性表达,分布于神经细胞的细胞浆和脊髓神经纤维周围呈包裹神经纤维的状态。B、C组各个时间点Nogo-A表达均显著高于A组（P〈0.05）,7d时最高,14d时的表达量仍高于正常组;C组在各个时间点的表达量显著低于B组,差异有显著性（P〈0.05）。结论：大鼠急性脊髓损伤后Nogo-A显著升高,早期应用大剂量MP对Nogo-A的表达具有明显的抑制作用。     

神经营养素-3对大鼠急性脊髓损伤后Bcl-2和Bax表达的影响

目的:观察神经营养素-3(NT-3)对大鼠急性脊髓损伤后B细胞淋巴瘤/白血病基因-2(Bcl-2)和B细胞淋巴瘤/白血病基因伴随蛋白x(Bax)表达的影响,探讨NT-3对脊髓损伤的作用及其可能的分子机制。方法:105只SD大鼠随机分为假手术组(A组)、损伤对照组(B组)和NT-3治疗组(C组),每组35只。B、C组用改良Allen′s法以30g·cm致伤大鼠T8脊髓制作损伤模型,C组经蛛网膜下腔导管于术后即刻、4h、8h、12h、24h、3d、7d注入NT-320μl(含NT-3200ng),B组在相同时间点给予等量生理盐水;A组打开椎板后蛛网膜下腔置管,不损伤脊髓,不给药。术后24h、3d、7d、14d对大鼠进行脊髓运动功能(BBB)评分。于术后4h、8h、12h、24h、3d、7d、14d处死动物(n=5),取T8节段脊髓,甲苯胺蓝(Nissl)染色观察脊髓前角运动神经元变化情况,用免疫组织化学方法检测Bcl-2和Bax在脊髓前角运动神经元中的表达变化情况。结果:各时间点C组和B组大鼠BBB评分均显著低于A组(P<0.01),但C组显著高于B组(P<0.05或0.01)。Nissl染色C组大鼠脊髓损伤区较B组出血少、残存神经元多,A组正常。各时间点C组和B组大鼠损伤脊髓前角运动神经元中Bax阳性细胞平均光密度(AOD)值均显著高于A组(P<0.01),但C组显著低于B组(P<0.05或0.01);各时间点C组和B组大鼠损伤脊髓前角运动神经元中Bcl-2阳性细胞AOD值均显著低于A组(P<0.01),但C组显著高于B组(P<0.05或0.01)。结论:NT-3可能通过抑制Bax表达,提高Bcl-2表达,抑制脊髓损伤后神经元凋亡,从而保护损伤的脊髓组织,这可能是NT-3对脊髓损伤具有保护作用的机制之一。     

硫氧还蛋白对大鼠急性脊髓损伤后Nogo-A表达的影响

目的 观察经硬膜外注入硫氧还蛋白(Trx)对大鼠急性脊髓损伤(ASCI)后脊髓组织中Nogo-A表达的影响,探讨其对脊髓损伤的保护作用.方法 成年Wister大鼠56只,分为假手术组(A组,n=8)、损伤对照组(B组,n=24)和Trx治疗组(C组,n=24).B、c组用改良Allen's法以30 g/cm致伤大鼠T8脊髓制作损伤模型,同时在蛛网膜下腔置管,C组术后即刻和随后每天1次按0.75mg/kg从硬膜下导管推入硫氧还蛋白,B组在相同时问点给予等量生理盐水;A组打开椎板后蛛网膜下腔置管,不损伤脊髓,不给药.在术后3、7、14 d分别对其进行后肢运动功能BBB评分(n=8),评分完毕即处死动物,取受损节段脊髓组织行免疫组织化学观察脊髓组织中Nogo-A阳性细胞的表达,同时计数阳性细胞.结果 各时间点B组大鼠BBB评分均显著低于A组(P<0.01),伤后7、14 d时C组评分显著高于B组(P<0.05或0.01).B组在术后7与14日Nogo-A表达均显著高于A组(P<0.01);C组在伤后7、14 d的表达量显著低于B组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 大鼠急性脊髓损伤后Nogo-A显著升高,Trx能明显抑制Nogo-A的表达,可能促进轴突的再生.     

坐骨神经预损伤后背根神经节中miRNomes改变对大鼠脊髓后索损伤修复的影响

【摘要】 目的：研究大鼠坐骨神经预损伤后背根神经节中miRNomes改变对脊髓后索损伤修复的影响。方法：39只雌性Wistar大鼠随机分为A、B、C、D组。A组（n=12）坐骨神经损伤造模后7d进行T10节段脊髓后索损伤造模,B组（n=12）仅进行T10节段脊髓后索损伤造模,C组（n=12）仅进行坐骨神经损伤造模,D组（n=3）不进行任何造模操作。A组和B组分别于脊髓后索损伤造模后4h、3d、7d、14d取背根神经节行总RNA提取和Western blot检测,于脊髓后索损伤造模后14d取损伤中心脊髓组织行神经丝蛋白200（NF-200）免疫组织化学染色和HE染色;C组于A组各时间点取材的同时取背根神经节行总RNA提取和Western blot检测;D组取背根神经节行总RNA提取和Western blot检测。对A、B两组各时间点背根神经节miRNA表达谱进行微阵列芯片分析和生物信息学分析,观察与坐骨神经预损伤促进脊髓后索损伤修复有关的miRNA,选出A组中与B组相比变化倍数明显、经过生物信息学分析靶蛋白为Dusp4的miR-199a-5p进行研究。并用RT-qPCR技术对各组miR-199a-5p及A、B和D组Dusp4 mRNA表达进行检测,用Western blot技术检测各组Dusp4蛋白以及A、D组p38蛋白和p-p38蛋白,对A组和B组脊髓后索损伤中心脊髓组织用NF-200免疫组织化学染色及HE染色观察损伤脊髓的恢复情况。结果：芯片分析结果显示miR-199a-5p在A组各个时间点表达与D组相比明显下调,B组miR-199a-5p在脊髓后索损伤后4h表达与D组相比上调,3d、7d和14d的表达量无明显变化。RT-qPCR结果显示A组各时间点miR-199a-5p表达与D组相比下调（P＜0.05）,B组miR-199a-5p在脊髓后索损伤后4h表达与D组相比上调（P＜0.05）,3d、7d和14d的表达量与D组比较无明显变化,C组各时间点miR-199a-5p表达与D组比较无明显变化。A组和B组各时间点Dusp4 mRNA表达与D组相比无明显变化。A组Dusp4蛋白在脊髓后索损伤后各个时间点与D组比较均有上调且存在统计学差异（P＜0.05）。B组Dusp4蛋白在脊髓后索损伤后4h表达与D组相比显著下调（P＜0.05）,脊髓后索损伤后3d、7d、14d与D组比较无明显差异。C组Dusp4蛋白在各时间点的表达水平与D组比较无明显差异。A组p38蛋白及p-p38蛋白的表达变化趋势与miR-199a-5p趋势一致。在脊髓后索损伤后14d,与B组比较A组损伤中心尾端脊髓NF-200表达明显增加,且损伤中心尾端脊髓白质纤维束形态规整、后索纤维束排列有序。结论：大鼠坐骨神经预损伤后背根神经节中miR-199a-5p表达下调可以促进脊髓后索损伤的修复。     

表没食子儿茶素没食子酸酯对大鼠脊髓损伤后神经功能恢复的影响

【摘要】 目的：研究经蛛网膜下腔给予表没食子儿茶素没食子酸酯（epigallocatechin gallate,EGCG）对大鼠脊髓损伤（spinal cord injury,SCI）后神经功能恢复的影响及其作用机制。方法：成年雌性SD大鼠40只,随机分为4组,每组10只,假手术组（A组）仅切除椎板;对照组（B组）SCI后,蛛网膜下腔注射同体积载体溶液;10mg/kg EGCG治疗组（C组）SCI后经蛛网膜下腔注射EGCG 10mg/kg;20mg/kg EGCG治疗组（D组）SCI后经蛛网膜下腔注射EGCG 20mg/kg。改良Allen法（40g·cm）制作T10节段SCI模型,L4水平蛛网膜下腔注射EGCG或载体溶液。术前、术后1d、术后3d及术后1、2、3、4周进行盲法BBB评分、斜板试验;术后4周时处死大鼠,病理学检查（Luxol fast blue染色）观察脊髓损伤部位残余髓鞘情况;免疫组化及Western blot法检测胶质细胞源性营养因子（GDNF）、脑源性神经营养因子（BDNF）、Bcl-2和Bax的表达水平。结果：A组术前及术后各时间点BBB评分均为21分,斜板试验角度无明显变化;术后各时间点B、C组和D组BBB评分及斜板试验角度均小于A组（P＜0.05）;术后1d、3d时,B、C组和D组BBB评分以及斜板试验角度无统计学差异（P＞0.05）;术后1、2、3、4周时,C、D组的BBB评分及斜板试验角度均大于B组（P＜0.05）,C组的BBB评分及斜板试验角度与D组比较均无统计学差异（P＞0.05）。术后4周时,B、C、D组大鼠脊髓损伤部位的髓鞘残余面积均小于A组（P＜0.05）,C、D组明显大于B组（P＜0.05）,在损伤脊髓中心D组明显大于C组（P＜0.05）。术后4周时免疫组化检查,B、C、D组的BDNF、GDNF、Bcl-2和Bax的阳性表达强于A组,C、D组的BDNF、GDNF和Bcl-2的阳性表达强于B组,Bax的阳性表达弱于B组。术后4周时Western blot法检测,B、C、D组的BDNF、GDNF、Bcl-2和Bax的表达高于A组（P＜0.05）;C、D组的BDNF和GDNF表达明显高于B组（P＜0.05）,C组与D组无统计学差异（P＞0.05）;C、D组的Bcl-2表达明显高于B组（P＜0.05）,C组与D组比较无统计学差异（P＞0.05）;C组和D组的Bax表达明显低于B组（P＜0.05）,D组明显低于C组（P＜0.05）。结论：EGCG可有效促进大鼠SCI后的神经功能恢复,其机理可能与髓鞘的丢失减少、神经营养因子BDNF和GDNF的表达上调及细胞凋亡被抑制等有关。     

17β-雌二醇对大鼠脊髓损伤后神经保护作用的研究

目的：探讨17β-雌二醇（E2）对大鼠脊髓损伤（SCI）后的神经保护作用及其机制。方法：应用改良的Allen′s重物打击法建立大鼠急性脊髓损伤模型,将大鼠随机分为两组：A组（PBS对照组）和B组（E2治疗组）,每组42只,B组造模成功后15min及24h腹腔注射E2（4.0mg/kg,以PBS溶解）,A组在相同时间给予等量无菌PBS。分别于伤后7d、14d、21d及28d,应用改良Tarlov评分法和Rivlin斜板试验评价大鼠脊髓神经功能恢复情况。于伤后6h、24h、3d、7d、14d及28d时处死动物,以损伤部位为中心取材,HE染色观察脊髓组织病理变化,TUNEL法染色检测细胞凋亡,免疫组化染色检测caspase-3、Bcl-2的表达情况。结果：从伤后14d起,B组Tarlov评分和斜板试验角度与A组相比差异有显著性（P〈0.01）。TUNEL法检测表明,大鼠SCI后存在细胞凋亡,3d时达高峰,与caspase-3的表达基本一致,B组伤后24h、3d及7d时凋亡细胞比率显著低于A组（P〈0.01或P〈0.05）。免疫组化结果显示B组伤后24h、3d、7d、14d及28d时caspase-3表达低于A组（P〈0.01或P〈0.05）,而Bcl-2表达高于A组（P〈0.01或P〈0.05）。结论：E2能促进大鼠SCI后的神经功能恢复,具有一定的神经保护作用;E2可能是通过减少SCI后继发性细胞凋亡的机制发挥作用的。     

重组人红细胞生成素治疗大鼠急性脊髓损伤的用药时间窗探讨

目的:探讨腹腔注射重组人红细胞生成素(rHuEPO)治疗大鼠急性脊髓损伤(ASCI)的用药时间窗.方法:采用显微血管夹夹伤雌性SD大鼠T10脊髓建立脊髓急性损伤模型,将造模成功后的40只大鼠随机分为A、B、C、D、E组,每组8只.A、B、C、D组分别于损伤后即刻、1h、3h和6h腹腔注射rHuEPO 50001U/kg,E组损伤后立即腹腔注射等量生理盐水,作为对照组.各组大鼠于术后1d、3d、5d、7d进行BBB运动学评分,并于术后3d、7d用TUNEL染色和caspase-3免疫组化染色法检测各组大鼠脊髓神经细胞凋亡情况.结果:术后1d、3d各组大鼠BBB评分无统计学差异(P>0.05);5d时A、B、C三组BBB评分均高于D、E两组(P<0.01),A、B、C 三组间与D、E组间无统计学差异(P>0.05);7d时D组BBB评分高于E组(P<0.01),但低于A、B、C三组(P<0.01),而A、B、C三组间无统计学差异(P>0.05).损伤后3d、7d,A～D组的TUNEL、caspase-3染色阳性细胞均高于E组,且损伤后7d时D组TUNEL染色阳性细胞数高于A、B、C三组(P<0.05),A、B、C三组间无统计学差异;损伤后3d.D组caspase-3染色细胞阳性率高于A、B、C三组(P<0.05),A、B、C三组间无统计学差异(P>0.05),损伤后7d,A～D组间无统计学差异(P>0.05).结论:大鼠ASCI后3h内给予rHuEPO可以显著改善运动功能恢复情况,并抑制伤后脊髓神经细胞凋亡现象的发生;伤后6h给药效果较差.     

蛛网膜下腔注射氯胺酮对神经痛大鼠痛行为的影响

目的 观察蛛网膜下腔应用氯胺酮对慢性压迫性损伤所致的神经痛大鼠行为的影响。方法 SD雄性大鼠40只制备慢性神经痛模型,随机分为四组,每只大鼠蛛网膜下腔注射5μl成分不同的液体。A组：神经结扎前30min及术后3d每天蛛网膜下腔注射氯胺酮5μg,B组：神经结扎前30min及术后3d每天蛛网膜下腔注射氯胺酮50μg,C组：神经结扎术后4d蛛网膜下腔注射氯胺酮50μg,D组：对照组,神经结扎前30min及术后4d每天注入人工脑脊液。神经结扎术后第7d,所有动物腹腔内注射亚镇痛量的芬太尼0．2μg。自神经结扎术前1d起至术后10d每天观察大鼠热痛阈和自发痛行为的变化。结果 A、B两组痛行为均明显轻于D组（P＜0．05）,且维持至停药后较长时间,C组用药后痛行为减轻（P＜0．05）,但维持时间短,A、B两组较C、D两组能显著提高亚镇痛量芬太尼的镇痛作用（P＜0．05）。A、B两组间无显著性差异（P＞0．05）。结论 蛛网膜下应用氯胺酮可有效地防治神经痛,并加强亚镇痛量的芬太尼的镇痛作用。     

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.