缺血后处理和预处理对大鼠骨骼肌缺血-再灌注损伤的作用

目的 探讨缺血后处理( IPost)和缺血预处理(IPC)对大鼠骨骼肌缺血再灌注(IR)损伤的影响.方法 将40只大鼠随机分成缺血再灌注组(A组)、缺血后处理组(B组)、缺血预处理组(C组)、缺血预处理加缺血后处理组(D组)以及对照组(E组),采用切断患肢全部皮肤、肌肉和神经,保留患肢股动、静脉的动物模型,通过夹闭和开放股动、静脉造成骨骼肌缺血再灌注损伤,通过测定骨骼肌缺血4h、再灌注1h后血清丙二醛(MDA)和骨骼肌髓过氧化物酶(MPO),以及再灌注6h后骨骼肌的坏死程度来观察缺血后处理.缺血预处理及缺血预处理加缺血后处理对大鼠骨骼肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响.结果 B组、C组和D组再灌注1 h MDA和MPO水平以及再灌注6h骨骼肌坏死程度均低于A组(P＜ 0.05),但是高于E组(P＜0.05);B组和D组再灌注1 h MDA和MPO水平以及再灌注6h骨骼肌坏死程度基本相同(P＞0.05);B组和D组再灌注1 h MDA和MPO水平低于C组(P＜0.05),但再灌注6h骨骼肌坏死程度基本相同(P＞0.05).结论 应用缺血后处理和缺血预处理对大鼠骨骼肌缺血再灌注损伤有一定的保护效果,联合应用缺血后处理和缺血预处理,对骨骼肌缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用并没有明显增强.     

大鼠骨骼肌缺血再灌注时血红素氧合酶-1的表达

目的：观察大鼠缺血再灌注时骨骼肌中血红素氧合酶－1（HO－1）表达的变化，方法：夹闭大鼠股动脉造成下肢缺血模型，分别采集假手术（S）组，单纯缺血（I）4小时组及缺血4小时再灌注（R）2、4、8、16和24小时组的比目鱼肌，检测其组织学和丙二醛（MDA）含量变化，通过Northern印迹、Western印迹及免疫组织化学分析，观察HO－1表达的变化。结果：S组和I组未见HO－1mRNA表达；R2组可见其表达信号，且随着再灌注时间延长表达信号逐渐增强，到R8组时达到高峰，之后渐减弱，R24组时已消失。蛋白表达的变化与mRNA变化基本一致，免疫组织化学显示，R组HO－1阳性信号主要出现在骨骼肌细胞浆内，S组和I组均未见阳性信号。与S组相比，R各组MDA含量显著增高（P＜0．05），但R8组较R4组显著减低（P＜0．05）。结论：肢缺血再灌注可诱发骨骼肌HO－1的表达，其表达可能具有保护作用。     

抗肿瘤坏死因子-α单克隆抗体减轻骨骼肌缺血再灌注损伤的研究

目的　研究抗肿瘤坏死因子 α(TNF α)单克隆抗体对骨骼肌缺血再灌注损伤的作用。方法　SD大鼠 2 4只 ,建立后肢缺血再灌注模型 ,抗TNF α单克隆抗体用量为 2mg/kg体重。采用酶联免疫吸附试验 (ELISA )法、比色法、免疫组织化学、流式细胞计数及电镜观察分别测定血浆TNF α、组织过氧化物酶 (MPO)、血管内皮细胞粘附分子 (ICAM ) 1、中性粒细胞CD18表达及超微结构改变。结果　应用抗TNF α单克隆抗体后血浆TNF α水平显著降低 (P <0 .0 1)。组织MPO(骨骼肌 :2 .11± 0 .2 5vs 4.2 8± 0 .5 5 ,P <0 .0 1;肺 :0 .93± 0 .0 1vs 2 .62± 0 .10 ,P <0 .0 1)、血管内皮细胞ICAM 1及中性粒细胞CD18(4 8.75± 9.2 8vs 1.13± 0 .2 0 ,P <0 .0 1)均明显下降 ,组织结构损伤减轻。结论　抗TNF α单克隆抗体能减轻骨骼肌缺血再灌注损伤。     

银杏叶提取液对缺血再灌注骨骼肌线粒体的保护作用

目的：观察银杏叶提取液对肢体缺血再灌注损伤的影响，方法：制作兔肢体缺血再灌注损伤动物模型，实验分对照组，再灌注组和治疗组，检测骨骼肌三磷酸腺苷（ATP）水平并观察线粒体超微结构的变化，测定线粒体丙二醛（MDA），还原型谷胱甘肽（GSH）和线粒体Ca含量。结果：再灌注组和对照组比较，以上各项指标差异显著（P＜0．01，P＜0．05），银杏叶提取液促进骨骼肌能量代谢，维持线粒体结构完整性，降低线粒体MDA含量，提高线粒体GSH水平并抑制线粒体Ca超载，治疗组各项测定指标较再灌注组比较明显改善（P＜0．05，P＜0．01），结论：银杏叶提取液对缺血再灌注骨骼肌线粒体有保护作用。     

银杏叶提取液抗肢体缺血再灌注损伤

目的 观察银杏叶提取液对肢体缺血再灌注损伤的影响。方法 制作兔肢体缺血再灌注损伤动物模型。并分为对照组，再灌注组和治疗组，检测不同时相点血小板计数，血栓素B2（TXB2）和6-酮-前列腺素F1α（6-Keto-PGF1α）含量，测定骨骼肌丙二醛（MDA），线粒体钙（MitochondrialCa)含量和组织湿/干重量比值（Wet/Dry)。结果 再灌注组与对照组比较，以上各项指标变化明显，银杏叶提取液可抑制血小板活化，降低血浆TXB2和6-Keto-PGF1α水平，减少骨骼肌MDA，线粒体Ca含量和组织湿/干重量比值，治疗组各项测定指标较再灌注组有比较明显改善。结论 银杏叶提取液对肢体缺血再灌注损伤骨骼肌有保护作用。     

缺血后处理对大鼠骨骼肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的 探讨缺血后处理对大鼠骨骼肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响以及应用缺血后处理的时机.方法 将32只大鼠随机分成四组,采用切断患肢全部皮肤、肌肉和神经,保留患肢股动静脉的动物模型,通过夹闭和开放股动静脉造成骨骼肌缺血和再灌注损伤.采用测定骨骼肌缺血4 h.再灌注1 h后血清丙二醛(MDA)、骨骼肌髓过氧化物酶(MPO),再灌注6 h后骨骼肌的死亡程度来观察缺血后处理对大鼠骨骼肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响,以及再灌注5 min后应用缺血后处理是否对骨骼肌缺血再灌注损伤有保护作用.结果 对骨骼肌缺血4 h再灌注6 h的损伤,再灌注开始后即刻应用30 s缺血、30 s再通,三次循环的缺血后处理对骨骼肌的缺血再灌注损伤即有保护作用,不仅减少了骨骼肌再灌注区域中性粒细胞浸润(MPO)和血清氧自由基水平(MDA)水平,而且减少了骨骼肌的死亡程度;再灌注5 min后应用缺血后处理并没有降低骨骼肌缺血再灌注区域的MPO和血清MDA水平,也没有降低骨骼肌缺血再灌注后的死亡程度,与直接缺血再灌注组相同,对骨骼肌缺血再灌注损伤并没有保护作用.结论 骨骼肌缺血后再灌注开始前立刻应用缺血后处理对大鼠骨骼肌缺血再灌注损伤有一定的保护效果,可以减少骨骼肌缺血再灌注损伤后的死亡程度;缺血后处理应用时机非常重要,再灌注5 min后应用缺血后处理则失去对骨骼肌缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用.     

异氟醚对大鼠肺缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的 探讨异氟醚对大鼠肺缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用。方法 120只SD雄性大鼠，随机分成4组（n=30）：假手术组（S组）、缺血再灌注组（IR组）、异氟醚-缺血再灌注组（ISO-IR组）和异氟醚组（ISO-S组）。IR组、ISO-IR组建立肺缺血再灌注模型，ISO-IR组吸入1MAC异氟醚30min时行肺缺血再灌注，ISO-S组吸入1MAC异氟醚，不进行肺缺血再灌注。分别在缺血45min、再灌注30、60、120min处死6只大鼠，测定肺组织湿干比（W／D）、髓过氧化物酶（MPO）活性、中性粒细胞（PMN）膜表面CD18和肺组织ICAM-1mRNA表达、支气管肺泡灌洗液（BALF）中自细胞计数、沉渣白细胞分类和总蛋白（TP）浓度，并进行肺组织病理学检查。结果 再灌注期间IR组肺组织W／D、MPO活性、CDl8和ICAM-1mRNA表达、BALF中PMN百分比、TP浓度及PMN膜表面CD18表达均升高。而异氟醚预先给药减弱了缺血再灌注诱导的上述指标的升高。肺组织病理学检查显示异氟醚预先给药减轻了肺缺血再灌注损伤。结论 通过抑制PMN浸润和肺组织ICAM-1mRNA及CD18表达上调，缺血前吸入异氟醚对肺缺血再灌注损伤有一定的保护作用。     

肿瘤坏死因子α介导骨骼肌缺血-再灌注损伤的实验研究

目的研究肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF α)介导骨骼肌缺血 再灌注损伤的作用机制。方法2 4只健康雄性SD大鼠 (2 5 0～ 30 0g)随机分成 3组。对照组 :仅行麻醉及颈外静脉插管术 ;损伤组 :左后肢缺血 4h ,再灌注 4h ;治疗组 :缺血 4h ,再灌注 4h ,再灌注即刻经静脉导管给与抗TNF α单克隆抗体。结果损伤组较对照组单核细胞TNF αmRNA转录增加 ,血浆丙二醛 (MDA) (9 9± 1 8)比(5 5± 0 4 )、肌酸激酶 (CK) (12 2± 2 4 )比 (49± 11)、一氧化氮 (NO) (2 70± 98)比 (12 8± 4 6 )、组织过氧化物酶 (MPO) (骨骼肌 4 2 7± 0 5 3)比 (1 2 8± 0 19,肺 2 6 1± 0 12 )比 (0 5 7± 0 0 2 )显著升高 (P <0 0 1) ,骨骼肌和肺组织超微结构发生病理改变。治疗组较损伤组MDA(6 2± 1 2 )比 (9 9± 1 8)、CK(5 8±12 )比 (12 2± 2 4 )、NO(15 4± 5 5 )比 (2 70± 98)、MPO(骨骼肌 2 13± 0 2 1)比 (4 2 7± 0 5 3肺 0 95± 0 0 1)比(2 6 1± 0 12 )水平明显降低 (P <0 0 5 ) ,骨骼肌和肺组织病理损伤减轻。结论骨骼肌缺血 再灌注激发TNF α的生成 ,在介导骨骼肌和肺的损伤中起重要作用     

缺血后处理对减轻骨骼肌缺血再灌注损伤作用的实验研究

目的：研究缺血后处理对鼠骨骼肌缺血再灌注损伤的保护影响,组织中凋亡和胀亡的存在情况。方法将54只SD大鼠随机分为空白对照组、缺血再灌注组、缺血后处理组,持续缺血4 h,再灌注6 h,24 h,48 h。检测血浆乳酸脱氢酶（LDH）、肌酸磷酸激酶（CPK）活性、肌肉内丙二醛（MDA）含量及总超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活性,进行组织学、免疫组化、超微结构分析。结果相比缺血再灌注组,后处理组在再灌注6 h时,只SOD活性明显升高,而再灌注24 h,48 h时,在MDA含量下降、SOD活性升高、W/D值下降、组织学改变范围及免疫组化阳性范围方面,均较缺血再灌注组有明显差异。结论再灌注开始时应用后处理对于缺血再灌注损伤有明显的保护作用,主要体现在再灌注的稍后期阶段（再灌注24 h,48 h）。缺血再灌注过程中,凋亡和胀亡是并存的。     

缺血预处理对骨骼肌缺血再灌注损伤的保护机制及其与腺苷关系研究

目的 :探讨骨骼肌缺血预处理保护作用机制及其腺苷的关系。方法 :采用兔右后肢缺血模型 ,将 2 8只兔随机分为 4组 (n =7) ,对照组 :持续缺血 4h ,再灌注 1h ;预处理组 :缺血 5min ,再灌注 5min ,重复 3次后 ,持续缺血 4h再灌注1h。腺苷治疗组 :于缺血再灌注前经股动脉注入 0 5mg腺苷。腺苷受体拮抗剂 8-PT处理组 :在 3次循环IPC处理前 ,经股动脉注入 3 0mg 8-PT ,再缺血 4h ,再灌注 1h。通过高效液相色谱法测定处理前、缺血 4h ,再灌注 10min、3 0min及6 0min时血浆腺苷浓度变化。通过血浆CPK、MDA及骨骼肌99mTcMDP吸收量的测定判断骨骼肌损伤程度。结果 :预处理组、腺苷组及 8-PT组 ,在缺血 4h和再灌注 1h期间血浆腺苷浓度明显升高 (P <0 0 1) ,再灌注 10min时达到高峰 ,并随再灌注时间延长而逐渐降低。与对照组相比 ,预处理组和腺苷组血浆CPK、MDA及骨骼肌99mTcMDP吸收量显著降低 (P <0 0 1)。结论 :腺苷参与了缺血预处理对骨骼肌的保护作用 ,腺苷受体拮抗可阻断缺血预处理对骨骼肌的保护作用。腺苷释放和腺苷受体激活在骨骼肌缺血预处理中起重要作用。     

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.     

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.     

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.