利用Tet-on调控系统建立人肝癌HepG2Tet-on细胞系

目的 构建可以用强力霉素调控表达的人肝癌HepG2Tet-on细胞系,为进一步研究肝癌相关基因功能奠定基础.方法 用脂质体转染法将pWHE146质粒转染到人肝癌HepG2细胞中,用G418筛选出稳定表达细胞克隆;单克隆分别扩增后,瞬时转染pTRE-hyg-luc质粒;强力霉素诱导表达后,检测荧光素酶表达活性,挑选出受强力霉素调控的低背景、高表达的HepG2Tet-on细胞株.结果 成功构建了一株受强力霉素调控的高表达低背景的HepG2Tet-on细胞株(诱导倍数达154.106倍).结论 HepG2Tet-on细胞株可用于外源基因的真核调控高表达,为研究真核基因功能提供一种可靠的细胞株.     

稳定表达线粒体融合素基因2肝癌细胞株的建立及其意义

目的探讨将线粒体融合素基因2（mfn2）转染培养人肝癌细胞株HepG2，建立长期表达mfn2的肝癌细胞模型的可行性。方法基因重组构建mfn2真核表达质粒pEGFPnffn2，用脂质体将质粒转染培养人肝癌细胞株HepG2，经G418筛选阳性细胞克隆，逆转录-聚合酶链反应检测转染后30d细胞mfn2 mRNA的表达水平；Western—blot检测线粒体融合蛋白的表达。结果（1）成功构建表达真核质粒pEGFPmfn2；（2）成功将质粒pEGFPmfn2转染肝癌细胞株HepG2，并获得阳性细胞克隆；（3）经脂质体转染的人肝癌细胞株HepG2可较稳定表达mfn2。结论成功地建立稳定表达mfn2的肝癌细胞株，为进一步研究mfn2在肝癌发生发展中的作用奠定了基础。     

人甲胎蛋白增强子驱动自杀基因靶向杀伤肝癌细胞的实验研究

目的 探讨人AFP增强子驱动的单纯疱疹病毒胸苷激酶(HSV-TK)/丙氧鸟苷自杀基因系统体内外靶向杀伤肝癌细胞的效应.方法 构建人AFP增强子驱动的pAFP-cDNA3.1-TK自杀基因真核表达质粒;利用脂质体将质粒转染入AFP阳性肝癌细胞株HcpG2和AFP阴性肝癌细胞株SMMC7721;采用RT-PCR和Western blot检测TK mRNA和蛋白表达;MTT检测细胞的存活率;观察丙氧鸟苷对肝癌细胞体外增殖、生长曲线和细胞凋亡的作用,以及丙氧鸟苷体内抑制肿瘤生长的效应.采用t检验分析相关数据.结果 成功构建pAFP-cDNA3.1-TK自杀基因真核表达质粒并转染入肝癌细胞;AFP阳性肝癌细胞株HepG2中能检测到TKmRNA和蛋白表达;丙氧鸟苷呈剂量和时间依赖性抑制转染后肝癌细胞株HepG2的生长并诱导其凋亡;AFP阴性肝癌细胞株SMMC7721中没有TKmRNA和蛋白表达,细胞增殖、生长曲线和凋亡均不受影响,两者比较,差异有统计学意义(t=2.58,2.73,3.12,P＜0.05).丙氧鸟苷可以特异性地抑制转染后肝癌细胞株HepG2治疗组中肿瘤的生长,肿瘤抑制率为46%,而在转染后肝癌细胞株SMMC7721治疗组中,对肿瘤生长无明显抑制作用,两者比较,差异有统计学意义(t=3.36,P＜0.05).结论 人AFP增强子驱动的HSV-TK/丙氧鸟苷自杀基因系统可以靶向杀伤AFP阳性肝癌细胞,抑制肿瘤生长.     

TRAIL联合阿霉素诱导肝癌耐药株凋亡的实验研究

目的研究肿瘤坏死因子相关凋亡诱导配体(tumornecrosisfactorrelatedapoptosisinducingligand,TRAIL)及TRAIL和阿霉素(ADM)联用对肝癌耐药株诱导凋亡的作用。方法通过浓度递增法用阿霉素处理人肝癌细胞株HepG2获得肝癌耐药株HepG2/ADM。并通过MTT方法鉴定耐药株的耐药性。构建可溶型TRAIL真核表达质粒真核表达质粒pIRES-EGFP-TRAIL。通过脂质体(Lipofectamine)2000介导转染质粒入HepG2/ADM。通过RT-PCR和Westernblot证实转染的HepG2/ADM有sTRAIL的mRNA和蛋白的表达后,用MTT方法和AnnexinVFITCPI染色流式细胞仪检测单纯TRAIL处理和联合阿霉素处理HepG2/ADM的生长抑制率和凋亡率。并用共聚焦显微镜观察处理后细胞凋亡的形态。结果肝癌耐药株筛选成功,sTRAIL质粒构建、转染成功。用MTT测HepG2/ADM抑制率阿霉素处理组40.9%;TRAIL处理组29%;合用组58.4%;联合后抑制率有显著差异。凋亡检测为阿霉素处理组18.37%;TRAIL处理组14.8%;合用组52.71%。但TRAIL处理HepG28.9%和HepG2/ADM8.54%的凋亡率无显著差异。结论TRAIL联合阿霉素能明显增加HepG2/ADM的凋亡从而逆转耐药。同时单纯TRAIL治疗对耐药株作用与亲代细胞作用相仿,说明TRAIL可能有另外的诱发凋亡的途径,受HepG2/ADM耐药性的影响小。     

转染RECK基因对肝癌细胞生物学行为的影响

目的 探讨RECK基因对HepG2肝癌细胞生物学活性的影响。方法 构建真核表达载体pcDNA3-RECK，采用脂质体介导将重组质粒导人体外培养的HepG2细胞，Westernblot法检测转染前、后HepG2细胞中RECK蛋白的表达。明胶酶谱试验检测转染前、后MMP-9的表达。观察稳定转染RECK基因对HepG2细胞生物学行为的影响。结果 成功构建了RECK基因真核表达载体并建立了稳定表达的细胞株。转染后RECK基因稳定高表达，具有生物活性的MMP-9的表达显著降低。转染前、后HepG2细胞的增殖能力无明显改变，但其侵袭能力明显下降。结论 外源性的RECK基因能通过脂质体有效转染肝癌细胞，抑制MMP-9的活性，降低肝癌细胞HepG2的体外侵袭能力。     

RhoA基因沉默对肝癌HepG2细胞增殖和迁移能力的影响

目的 构建RhoA-siRNA表达载体,研究其对肝癌HepG2细胞肿瘤生物学行为的影响.方法 利用pGenesil-1 质粒构建RhoA-siRNA表达载体,以脂质体法转染至肝癌HepG2细胞中建立稳定细胞系,并分为3组.转染 pGenesil-1-RhoA-siRNA 载体者为HepG2/RhoA-siRNA组,转染随机对照载体者为HepG2/control组,未转染的肝癌HepG2细胞作为HepG2组.Western blot检测RhoA-siRNA对其蛋白表达的抑制情况.分别采用MTT法、细胞划痕损伤和平板克隆形成实验检测转染细胞的增殖、迁移和生长潜能,流式细胞仪检测细胞周期变化.采用单凶素方差分析、x2检验比较各组差异.结果 3组细胞蛋白表达水平比较,HepG2/RhoA-siRNA组RhoA蛋白的表达明显下调(F=178.19,P<0.05).HepG2/control组和HepG2组细胞划痕损伤在48 h内愈合,而HepG2/RhoA-siRNA组则不能愈合.HepG2/RhoA-siRNA组克隆形成率低于HepG2组和HepG2/control组,分别为39%±3%、67%±5%、70%±6%,其差异有统计学意义(χ2=33.34,38.69,P<0.05).RhoA基因沉默显著抑制肝癌HepG2细胞的增殖,细胞周期中G0/G1期细胞数量增多而S期细胞数量减少(F=70.46,76.57,P<0.05).结论 RhoA-siRNA表达载体能抑制肝癌HepG2细胞的增殖和迁移,可为肝癌的基因治疗提供新的方法.     

RECK基因真核表达载体的构建及在HepG2细胞中的表达

目的构建RECK(reversion-induc ing-cyste ine-rich prote in w ith Kazal motifs)基因的真核表达载体,通过脂质体介导法转染人肝癌细胞株HepG2并获得高表达RECK蛋白的细胞克隆。方法用RT-PCR方法扩增出人RECK基因,构建真核表达载体pcDNA3-RECK,采用脂质体介导法将重组质粒导入体外培养的HepG2细胞,RT-PCR和W estern b lot检测转染细胞和未转染细胞中RECK基因mRNA及蛋白质的表达。结果本实验成功构建了真核表达载体pcDNA3-RECK,并用脂质体介导的方法获得了高稳定表达RECK的细胞克隆;W estern b lot显示转染前的细胞未检测到RECK基因mRNA及蛋白质表达,但转染后表达量明显增高。结论重组质粒pcDNA3-RECK经转染能在HepG2细胞中高效表达,为进一步研究RECK对肝癌细胞的生物学影响奠定了基础。     

利用重构pc-MDR1质粒快速诱导肝癌细胞耐药

目的：从裸鼠原位耐药肿瘤组织中进行MDR1 cDNA的全克隆和pc-MDR1重组质粒的构建，并转染HepG2细胞，快速诱导其耐药，并筛选其抗性克隆。方法：设计单酶切位点引物，利甩长距离逆转录PcR(Long RT-PCR)技术，由HepG2耐药细胞扩增MDR1 cDNA，约3．8kb大小。将其插入至真核表达载体pcDNA3．0质粒中构建pc-MDR1诱导质粒，使其能够在真核细胞中表达p-gp蛋白。转染HepG2细胞，并用G418筛选出转染的细胞。结果：成功地扩增出3．8kb左右的MDR1 cDNA片段，经酶切鉴定、RT-PCR扩增特异片段和序列测序结果显示质粒构建初步成功，用G418筛选细胞耐药抗性克隆的时间约为14d。结论：从耐药肿瘤组织中进行MDR1 cDNA的全克隆和pc—MDR1诱导质粒的构建成功快速诱导了肝癌细胞发生耐药，为进一步研究肿瘤细胞的耐药机制奠定了很好的基础。     

核转录因子-kB圈套寡核苷酸对肝癌HepG2细胞凋亡的影响

目的 观察核转录因子-kB(nuclear factor-kappa B,NF-kB)圈套寡核苷酸抑制NF-kB活性后,肝癌HepG2细胞凋亡情况及其对环格列酮敏感性的变化.方法 将NF-kB圈套寡核苷酸转染肝癌HepG2细胞,检测NF-kB活性以及凋亡相关蛋白Bcl-2和Fas的变化.以100 umol/L的环格列酮处理转染和末转染的细胞1-4 d,观察肝癌HepG2细胞的生长曲线和细胞周期分布情况.结果 转染后的肝癌HepG2细胞NF-kB活性明显下降,Bcl-2表达减少和Fas表达增加,并且环格列酮抑制肝癌HepG2细胞增殖的作用增强,更多的细胞被阻滞于C1/G0期.结论 NF-kB圈套寡核苷酸可促进肝癌HepG2细胞的凋亡,增加肝癌HepG2细胞对环格列酮的敏感性,可能与NF-kB圈套寡核苷酸通过下调NF-kB的活性使凋亡蛋白Fas表达增加和凋亡抑制蛋白Bcl-2表达减少有关.     

TRAIL联合阿霉素诱导肝癌耐药株凋亡的实验研究

目的研究肿瘤坏死因子相关凋亡诱导配体(tumor necrosis factor related apoptosisinducing ligand，TRAIL)及TRAIL和阿霉素(ADM)联用对肝癌耐药株诱导凋亡的作用。方法通过浓度递增法．用阿霉素处理人肝癌细胞株HepG2获得肝癌耐药株HepG2／ADM。并通过MTT方法鉴定耐药株的耐药性。构建可溶型TRAIL真核表达质粒真核表达质粒pIRES-EGFP-TRAIL。通过脂质体(Lipofectamine)2000介导转染质粒人HepG2／ADM。通过RT—PCR和Western blot证实转染的HepG2／ADM有sTRAIL的mRNA和蛋白的表达后，用MTT方法和Annexin V—FITC—PI染色流式细胞仪检测单纯TRAIL处理和联合阿霉素处理HepG2／ADM的生长抑制率和凋亡率。并用共聚焦显微镜观察处理后细胞凋亡的形态。结果肝癌耐药株筛选成功，sTRAIL质粒构建、转染成功。用MTT测HepG2／ADM抑制率阿霉素处理组40．9％；TRAIL处理组29％；合用组58．4％；联合后抑制率有显著差异。凋亡检测为阿霉素处理组18．37％；TRAIL处理组14．8％；合用组52．71％。但TRAIL处理HepG28．9％和HepG2／ADM8．54％的凋亡率无显著差异。结论TRAIL联合阿霉素能明显增加HepG2／ADM的凋亡从而逆转耐药。同时单纯TRAIL治疗对耐药株作用与亲代细胞作用相仿，说明TRAIL可能有另外的诱发凋亡的途径，受HepG2／ADM耐药性的影响小。     

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.