Effects of subanaesthetic sevoflurane on ventilation. 2: Response to acute and sustained hypoxia in humans

We have determined the influence of 0.1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane on the acute ventilatory response to hypoxia (AHVR), hypoxic ventilatory decline (HVD) and the magnitude of the rapid decline in ventilation on relief of sustained hypoxia (the off- response) in eight healthy adult volunteers. The following design was used with and without 0.1 MAC of sevoflurane: end-tidal PO2 was maintained at 13.3 kPa for 5 min, at 7.9 kPa for 20 min and at 13.3 kPa for 5 min. End-tidal PCO2 was held constant throughout at 1.3 kPa above the subject's normal value. A dynamic end-tidal forcing system was used to generate these gas changes. Sevoflurane reduced AHVR from 14.5 (SEM 1.2) to 11.6 (1.6) litre min-1, and the off-response at cessation of hypoxia from 7.1 (1.1) to 6.3 (1.4) litre min-1. The magnitude of HVD was slightly increased by sevoflurane from 8.2 (1.1) to 10.6 (2.8) litre min-1. None of these changes was significant (ANOVA). These results suggest that 0.1 MAC of sevoflurane had very little effect on the AHVR, and that it did not markedly alter the processes underlying HVD during sustained hypoxia.      

Ventilatory responses to acute and sustained hypoxia during sevoflurane anesthesia in women.

We investigated the isocapnic hypoxic (i.e., pulse oximetry monitored arterial saturations 70%-75%) ventilatory response (HVR) for 20 min in the awake state and during sevoflurane anesthesia at an end-tidal concentration of 1.6% in eight healthy (ASA physical status I) women. Our aims were to determine if a prolonged isocapnic hypoxic period during sevoflurane anesthesia showed a biphasic response pattern (i.e., an initial acute HVR followed by a decline to a lowered sustained HVR) and, if so, to quantify to what extent the acute and sustained HVRs were depressed by anesthesia. The study was conducted before laparoscopic gynecological surgery. Pneumotachography and in-line infrared capnography were used. The pattern of awake biphasic HVR was maintained during anesthesia but was depressed during both the acute and the sustained phases by 60% and 70%, respectively. Further, HVR during anesthesia was accomplished by an increase in respiratory rate, in contrast to an increase in tidal volume in the awake state. In conclusion, sevoflurane anesthesia at 1.6% depresses HVR in women, but the biphasic response is maintained. IMPLICATIONS: Acute and sustained hypoxic ventilatory responses were investigated in eight women before and during sevoflurane anesthesia. A biphasic ventilatory response was persistent but blunted during anesthesia.     

Influence of 0.1 minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane, desflurane and isoflurane on dynamic ventilatory response to hypercapnia in humans

To assess the effects and site of action of a sub-anaesthetic concentration of isoflurane, desflurane and sevoflurane (0.1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC)) on respiratory control, we measured the ventilatory response to square wave changes in PE1CO2 against a background of normoxia. Using the computer steered "end-tidal forcing system", 2 min of steady state ventilation were followed by a step increase in PE1CO2 (1-1.5 kPa). This level was maintained for 8 min, followed by a step decrease to the original value for another 8 min. Each hypercapnic response was separated into a fast, peripheral component and a slow, central component, characterized by a time constant, carbon dioxide sensitivity, time delay and off-set. We studied 25 healthy volunteers; they performed 2-3 studies without and 2- 3 studies during inhalation of the anaesthetic agent. Level of sedation was scored using a subjective seven-point scale from 0 (= alert and awake) to 6 (unrousable). In the isoflurane (16 subjects, 33 control, 37 drug studies) and sevoflurane (15 subjects, 40 control, 41 drug studies) studies, peripheral carbon dioxide sensitivity was reduced by approximately 45% and approximately 27% (ANOVA, P < 0.05 vs control), respectively, without affecting central carbon dioxide sensitivity or apnoeic threshold. In the desflurane study (16 subjects, 36 control, 37 drug studies), no significant effect was observed for any of the variables measured. A significant relation was observed between sedation score and change from control in central carbon dioxide sensitivities in the isoflurane and desflurane studies and in the change in the ratio peripheral carbon dioxide sensitivity over total carbon dioxide sensitivity in the sevoflurane studies. At the highest level of sedation observed (score 3-arousal state comparable with "light sleep"--in three subjects) these latter variables differed significantly from those in the other observed sedation levels (scores 1 and 2-a state of drowsiness). We conclude that 0.1 MAC of isoflurane and sevoflurane depressed the peripheral chemoreflex loop, without affecting the central chemoreflex loop. Desflurane at the same MAC showed no effect on peripheral and central carbon dioxide sensitivity. When the level of sedation was considered, our data suggested that at levels of sedation comparable with sleep, a depressive effect of all three anaesthetics was observed on the central chemoreflex loop.      

Effects of halothane, sevoflurane and propofol on left ventricular diastolic function in humans during spontaneous and mechanical ventilation

Background. There is limited knowledge of the effects of anaestheticson left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in humans. Our aimwas to evaluate these effects in humans free from cardiovasculardisease. Methods. Sixty patients (aged 18–47 yr) who had no historyor signs of cardiovascular disease were randomized to receivegeneral anaesthesia with halothane, sevoflurane or propofol.Echocardiography was performed at baseline and during spontaneousrespiration at 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of theinhalational agents or propofol 4 µg ml^–1 (step1), and repeated during positive-pressure ventilation with 1and 1.5 MAC of the inhalational agents or with propofol 4 and6 µg ml^–1 (steps 2A and 2B). Analysis of echocardiographicmeasurements focused on heart rate corrected isovolumic relaxationtime (IVRT_c) and early diastolic peak velocity of the lateralmitral annulus (E_a). Results. IVRT_c decreased from baseline to step 1 in the halothanegroup (82 [95% CI, 76–88] ms and 74 [95% CI, 68–80]ms respectively; P=0.02), remained stable in the sevofluranegroup (78 [95% CI, 72–83] ms and 73 [95% CI, 67–81]ms; n.s.) and increased in the propofol group (80 [95% CI, 74–86]ms and 92 [95% CI, 84–102] ms; P=0.02). E_a decreased inthe propofol group only (18.8 [95% CI, 16.5–19.9] cm s^–1and 16.0 [95% CI, 14.9–17.9] cm s^–1; P=0.003). Fromstep 2A to step 2B, IVRT_c increased further in the propofolgroup (109 [95% CI, 99–121] ms and 119 [95% CI, 99–135]ms; P=0.04) but remained stable in the other two groups. E_adid not change from step 2A to step 2B. Conclusions. Halothane and sevoflurane did not impair LV relaxation,whereas propofol caused a mild impairment. However, the impairmentby propofol was of a magnitude that is unlikely to cause clinicaldiastolic dysfunction.      

Effects of subanaesthetic and anaesthetic doses of sevoflurane on regional cerebral blood flow in healthy volunteers. A positron emission tomographic study

BACKGROUND: We tested the hypothesis that escalating drug concentrations of sevoflurane are associated with a significant decline of cerebral blood flow in regions subserving conscious brain activity, including specifically the thalamus. METHODS: Nine healthy human volunteers received three escalating doses using 0.4%, 0.7% and 2.0% end-tidal sevoflurane inhalation. During baseline and each of the three levels of anaesthesia one PET scan was performed after injection of . Cardiovascular and respiratory parameters were monitored and electroencephalography and bispectral index (BIS) were registered. RESULTS: Sevoflurane decreased the BIS values dose-dependently. No significant change in global cerebral blood flow (CBF) was observed. Increased regional CBF (rCBF) in the anterior cingulate (17-21%) and decreased rCBF in the cerebellum (18-35%) were identified at all three levels of sedation compared to baseline. Comparison between adjacent levels sevoflurane initially (0 vs. 0.2 MAC) decreased rCBF significantly in the inferior temporal cortex and the lingual gyrus. At the next level (0.2 MAC vs. 0.4 MAC) rCBF was increased in the middle temporal cortex and in the lingual gyrus, and decreased in the thalamus. At the last level (0.4 MAC vs. 1 MAC) the rCBF was increased in the insula and decreased in the posterior cingulate, the lingual gyrus, precuneus and in the frontal cortex. CONCLUSION: At sevoflurane concentrations at 0.7% and 2.0% a significant decrease in relative rCBF was detected in the thalamus. Interestingly, some of the most profound changes in rCBF were observed in structures related to pain processing (anterior cingulate and insula).     

Effects of sevoflurane anesthesia on carotid-cardiac baroreflex responses in humans

Sevoflurane depresses cardio-vagal baroreflex gain (ability of vagally mediated R-R interval response to arterial blood pressure change). We examined the effects of sevoflurane anesthesia on maximum buffering capacity of vagally mediated hemodynamic control (baroreflex range) by examining the entire stimulus-response baroreflex relation. Electrocardiogram and invasive arterial blood pressure were monitored in 11 healthy volunteers. Carotid-cardiac baroreflex responses were elicited by increasing neck chamber pressure (external pressure applied over the bilateral carotid sinuses) to 40 mm Hg for 5 heartbeats followed by decreasing chamber pressure by successive 15-mm Hg R-wave triggered decrements to -65 mm Hg during held expiration. R-R intervals were plotted as functions of preceding carotid distending pressure. Range, maximum gain, and operational point (relative position of the resting set point within the entire baroreflex response curve) were determined at conscious baseline, during 2% (end-tidal) sevoflurane anesthesia, without and with phenylephrine infusion to maintain conscious arterial blood pressure, and at 30, 60, 120, and 180 min after emergence from anesthesia. Sevoflurane anesthesia significantly depressed maximum gain (from 3.84 +/- 0.99 to 1.04 +/- 0.40 ms/mm Hg [mean +/- sd]; P < 0.001) and range (from 207 +/- 43 to 52 +/- 19 ms; P < 0.001) of the reflex relation, both of which recovered at 120 and 180 min after emergence. Phenylephrine infusion only partially restored these variables. The operational point was unchanged throughout the study. Our results indicate that maximum cardio-vagal compensatory response to buffer hemodynamic perturbation is depressed during sevoflurane anesthesia. Sevoflurane-induced hypotension, which produced vagal withdrawal, did not play an important role in depressing cardio-vagal reflex function.     

Effects of 20% nitrous oxide on the ventilatory response to hypercapnia and sustained isocapnic hypoxia in man

To examine the effects of a subanaesthetic concentration ofnitrous oxide on ventilation, we have studied the ventilatoryresponse to carbon dioxide and isocapnic hypoxia (Fl_N2O). Infive subjects, we performed step decreases in PE'_O2 to 6.7 kPafor 15 min and step increases in PE'_CO2 (     

Multi-level approach to anaesthetic effects produced by sevoflurane or propofol in humans: 1. BIS and blink reflex

Background: The relative roles of forebrain and brainstem in producing adequateanaesthesia are unclear. Methods: We simultaneously analysed the effects of sevoflurane (GroupS; n = 18) or propofol (Group P; n = 29) on the bispectral index(BIS) and the first component of the blink reflex (R1). Thedose of anaesthetic agent was increased until loss of blinkreflex. After discontinuation and reappearance of blink reflexactivity, the amount was increased again. The area under curveR1 (area-R1) of the electromyogram of the orbicularis oculimuscle after electrical stimulation of the supraorbital nervewas measured. Using a sigmoid E_max model and a first-order rateconstant k_e0, we characterized the dose–response relationshipsfor BIS and area-R1. Results: Concentration-dependent depression of BIS and area-R1 was adequatelymodelled. The concentration that causes an effect midway betweenminimum and maximum (EC₅₀) for area-R1 was smaller than EC₅₀for BIS in both groups [0.34 (0.19) vs 1.29 (0.19) vol% and1.78 (0.65) vs 2.69 (0.67) µg ml^–1; mean (SD)].At doses of sevoflurane and propofol with equivalent depressionof BIS, sevoflurane depressed area-R1 more than propofol. Thek_e0 for area-R1 was about half that for BIS in both groups:0.24 (0.19–0.29) vs 0.48 (0.38–0.60) min^–1for Group S; 0.28 (0.23–0.34) vs 0.46 (0.40–0.54)min^–1 for Group P, geometric mean (95% CI). Conclusions: The blink reflex (brainstem function) is more sensitive to sevofluraneor propofol than BIS (forebrain function). Sevoflurane suppressesthe blink reflex more than propofol. Different k_e0s for blinkreflex vs BIS indicate different effect sites.     

Effects of propofol vs sevoflurane on arterial oxygenation during one-lung ventilation

Background: The inhibitory effect of anaesthetic agents on hypoxic pulmonaryvasoconstriction may depend upon their dose, especially whenusing a volatile agent. The aim of this randomized open studywas to compare the effects of sevoflurane and propofol, as primaryanaesthetic agents, on oxygenation during one-lung ventilation(OLV), with their administration being adjusted to maintainbispectral index (BIS) values between 40 and 60. Methods: Eighty patients scheduled for a lobectomy, receiving an epiduralmixture of ropivacaine and sufentanil, were randomly assignedto Group S (maintenance with sevoflurane) or Group P (maintenancewith propofol). After placement of a double-lumen tube, thelungs were ventilated at an inspiratory fraction of oxygen of1.0, a tidal volume of 6 ml kg^–1, and 12 bpm. Arterialblood gas samples were taken as follows: during two-lung ventilationbefore OLV, and during the first 40 min of OLV. Results: Fifteen patients were excluded (incorrect placement of the tubeor BIS outside the desired range). The two groups were comparablein terms of demographic variables, haemodynamic, and BIS levelsduring the operation. Four patients in each group had a Sp_O2<90%.Mean of the lowest Pa_O2 was 16.3 (7.5) kPa in Group S and 17.7(9.3) kPa in Group P (ns). Conclusions: Sevoflurane and propofol had similar effect on Pa_O2 during OLVwhen their administration is titrated to maintain BIS between40 and 60.     

允许性高碳酸血症机械通气对老年患者脑氧代谢及术后认知功能的影响

目的 探讨允许性高碳酸血症机械通气对老年患者脑氧代谢和术后认知功能的影响.方法 择期全麻下腹部手术老年患者120例,年龄65 ～ 80岁,体重45 ～ 66 kg,ASA分级Ⅰ～Ⅲ级,采用随机数字表法,将患者随机分为2组(n=60):常规通气组(R组)和允许性高碳酸血症机械通气组(H组).H组通气参数:VT 6～8ml/kg,RR 12～ 14次/min,吸呼比1:2,维持PaC02 45 ～ 65 mm Hg,pH值＞7.2,R组通气参数:VT10 ～ 12 ml/kg,RR 14～ 16次/min,吸呼比1:2,维持PaCO2 35～ 45 mm Hg.于气管插管即刻(T0)、气管插管后5 min(T1)、15min(T2)、3O min(T3)时经桡动脉、颈内静脉球部采集血样行血气分析,计算动脉-颈内静脉血氧含量差(Da-jvO2)和脑氧摄取率(CERO2).于术前1d、术后24、48 h、1、2周时采用简易智能状态检查表(MMSE)评分评价术后认知功能.结果 与R组相比,H组T1～T3时PET CO2和paCO2升高,pH值、Da-jvO2和CERO2降低,术后MMSE评分升高,术后认知功能障碍发生率降低(P＜ 0.05或0.01);与T0时相比,H组T1～T3时PETCO2和PCO2升高,pH值、Da-jvO2和CERO2降低,2组T1 ～T3时Da-jvO2和CERO2降低,术后24 h～1周MMSE评分降低(P＜0.01).结论 允许性高碳酸血症机械通气可改善老年患者术中脑氧代谢,减轻术后认知功能障碍.     

七氟醚预处理对大鼠内毒素性急性肺损伤的影响

目的 探讨七氟醚预处理对大鼠内毒素性急性肺损伤的影响.方法 健康雄性SD大鼠24只,体重220～250 g,随机分为4组(n=6):对照组(c组)、内毒素组(LPS组)、七氟醚组(Sev组)和七氟醚预处理组(SP组).C组和LPS组机械通气30 min后分别静脉注射生理盐水和脂多糖(LPS)5 mg/kg;Sev组和SP组吸入七氟醚(呼气末浓度2.4%)30 min,洗脱5 min,然后分别静脉注射生理盐水和LPS 5 mg/kg.于给予LPS或生理盐水后6 h时,心脏放血处死大鼠,取肺组织,计算湿重/干重(W/D)比;采用弥漫性肺泡损伤(DAD)评分评价肺组织损伤程度;测定肺组织髓过氧化物酶(MPO)活性、细胞因子诱导中性粒细胞化学趋化因子-1(CINC-1)含量、CINC-1和CINC-1 mRNA的表达水平.结果 与C组比较,LPS组和SP组肺组织W/D比、DAD评分、MPO活性和CINC-1含量升高,CINC-1和CINC-1 mRNA的表达上调(P<0.01),Sev组上述指标差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);与LPS组比较,SP组肺组织W/D比、DAD评分、MPO活性和CINC-1含量降低,CINC-1和CINC-1 mRNA的表达下调(P<0.01).结论 七氟醚预处理可减轻大鼠内毒素性急性肺损伤,可能与其抑制肺组织炎性反应有关.     

Effects of fenoterol on ventilatory responses to hypoxia and hypercapnia in normal subjects.

BACKGROUND--The effects of beta 2 adrenergic agonists on chemoreceptors remain controversial. This study was designed to examine whether fenoterol, a beta 2 adrenergic agonist, increases the ventilatory responses to hypercapnia (HCVR) and hypoxia (HVR) in normal subjects. METHODS--HCVR was tested with a rebreathing method and HVR was examined with a progressive isocapnic hypoxic method in 11 normal subjects. Both HCVR and HVR were assessed by the slope of occlusion pressure (P0.1) or ventilation (VE) plotted against end tidal carbon dioxide pressure and arterial oxygen saturation, respectively. Respiratory muscle strength, spirometric values and lung volume were measured. After a single oral administration of 5 mg fenoterol or placebo HCVR and HVR were evaluated. RESULTS--Fenoterol treatment did not change the specific airway conductance or forced expiratory volume in one second. Respiratory muscle strength did not change. Fenoterol increased the slope of the HCVR of both P0.1 (from 0.251 (0.116) to 0.386 (0.206) kPa/kPa, average increase 71%) and VE (from 10.7 (3.4) to 15.1 (4.2) l/min/kPa, average increase 52%), and shifted the response curves to higher values. For the HVR fenoterol increased the slopes of both P0.1 and VE (from -4.06 (2.00) x 10(-3) to -7.99 (4.29) x 10(-3) kPa/%, an average increase of 83%, and from -0.221 (0.070) to -0.313 (0.112) l/min/%, a 44.5% increase, respectively), and shifted the response curves to higher values. CONCLUSION--Acute administration of fenoterol increases the ventilatory responses to both hypercapnia and hypoxia in normal subjects.     

Effects of withdrawal of phasic lung inflation during normocapnia and hypercapnia on the swallowing reflex in humans

Purpose This study was done to test the hypothesis that hypercapnia has a direct, inhibitory effect on swallowing.Methods We investigated changes in the frequency and timing of repeated swallows induced by continuous infusion of water into the pharynx before, during, and after transient airway occlusion at normocapnia and hypercapnia in 12 healthy volunteers. Hypercapnia was induced by adding a dead space. Ventilation was monitored using a pneumotachograph, and swallowing was identified by submental electromyogram.Results We found that hypercapnia decreased the frequency of swallows (8.2 ± 3.7 vs 11.4 ± 5.3 swallows·min^–1 [mean ± SD]: hypercapnia vs normocapnia; P 0.05), together with a loss of the preponderant coupling of swallows with expiratory phase observed at normocapnia. We also found that the withdrawal of phasic lung inflation produced by airway occlusion at end-expiration suddenly increased the swallowing frequency, both at normocapnia (from 11.4 ± 5.3 to 16.7 ± 3.7 swallows·min^–1; P 0.01) and at hypercapnia (from 8.2 ± 3.7 to 22.0 ± 6.7 swallows·min^–1; P 0.01). Although the degree of increased swallowing frequency during airway occlusion was more prominent at hypercapnia than at normocapnia (P 0.05), the distribution of the timing of swallows in relation to the phase of the respiratory cycle during airway occlusion at hypercapnia was similar to that during airway occlusion at normocapnia.Conclusion The results of our study strongly suggest that the attenuation of the swallowing reflex during hypercapnia is not due to the direct, inhibitory effect of CO₂ on the swallowing center, but, rather, is due to the increased inhibitory influence of a lung-volume-related reflex.     

Effects of intravenous dexmedetomidine in humans. I. Sedation, ventilation, and metabolic rate.

Dexmedetomidine (DMED) is a highly selective centrally acting alpha 2-adrenergic agonist thought to provide significant sedation without appreciable ventilatory effects. This double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment evaluated four dose levels of DMED (0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 micrograms/kg intravenously over 2 min) in 37 healthy male volunteers. Measurements of sedation, arterial blood gases, resting ventilation, hypercapnic ventilatory response (HVR), and metabolic rate (O2 consumption and CO2 production) were performed at baseline, 10 min after DMED infusion, and thereafter at the end of each subsequent 45-min period. DMED caused sedation resulting in loss of responsiveness in most of the subjects administered 1.0 and 2.0 micrograms/kg; sedation was evident for 195 min following 2.0 micrograms/kg (P < .05). Ten minutes following infusion of 1.0 and 2.0 micrograms/kg, PaCO2 had increased by 5.0 and 4.2 mmHg, respectively (P < .05), and 60 min following 2.0 micrograms/kg, VE had decreased by 28% (P < .05). The placebo group showed a progressive increase in the HVR slope (50% increase by 330 min following the infusion; P < .05). Overall, across all the DMED doses, the slope was decreased (P < .05) at all times after DMED. The calculated ventilation at a PaCO2 of 55 mmHg was decreased (39%; P < .05) 10 min following 1.0 and 2.0 micrograms/kg, returning to control values by 285 min following 2.0 micrograms/kg. O2 consumption increased 16% (P < .05) at 10 min following 2.0 micrograms/kg; CO2 production decreased (22% at 60 min). By 5 h postinfusion, both had returned to normal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of sevoflurane and propofol on pulmonary shunt fraction during one-lung ventilation for thoracic surgery

Forty patients requiring one-lung ventilation (OLV) for thoracicsurgery were randomly assigned to receive propofol (4-6 mg kg^–1h^–1) or sevoflurane (1 MAC) for maintenance of anaesthesia.Three sets of measurements were taken: (i) after 30 min of two-lungventilation (TLV), (ii) after 30 min of one-lung ventilation(OLV-1) in the supine position and (iii) during OLV in the lateralposition (OLV-2) with the chest open and before surgical manipulationof the lung. There were no differences between groups in patientcharacteristics or preoperative condition. Increases in shuntfraction during OLV-1 were 17.4% and 17.2% (P=0.94), those duringOLV-2 were 18.3% and 16.5% (P=0.59) for the propofol and sevofluranegroup, respectively. Cardiac index and other haemodynamic andrespiratory variables were similar for the two groups. We concludethat inhibition of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction by sevofluranemay only account for small increases in shunt fraction and thatmuch of the overall shunt fraction during OLV has other causes. Br J Anaesth 2001; 86: 38–43     

Response to acute hCG stimulation and steroidogenic potential of Leydig cell fibroblastic precursors in humans

The process of early testosterone (T) secretion and Leydig cell differentiation in humans was studied to explore the steroidogenic capacity of Leydig cell fibroblastic precursors. Seven cryptorchid boys received hCG prior to orchidopexy. Patients CP, PB, and MR received one injection of 1000 IU; patients JR and GG, three daily injections of 1000 IU, and patients MP and MM, five daily injections of 1000 IU. A testicular biopsy was obtained at the time of operation, 24 hours after the last injection. Serum T (ng/dl) before and after hCG stimulation and testicular T (ng/g) were determined by RIA. A control prepubertal testis (tumoral orchidectomy) was incubated in vitro and showed a time-dependent accumulation of T both in the medium and the testicular tissue. Testosterone released into the medium at 1, 2, and 4 hours was 0.76, 1.43, and 4.03 ng/ml, respectively. Tissue T at 0, 1, 2, and 4 hours was 9, 11, 16, and 24 ng/g, respectively. This indicates synthesis and secretion of T into the medium. Control testes showed abundant fibroblastic precursors with scanty cytoplasm, few organelles, heterochromatic nuclei, and minute nucleoli. No Leydig cells were present. After 1 day of hCG stimulation, numerous fibroblasts were activated, displaying enlarged cytoplasms with increased numbers of organelles, nuclei rich in euchromatin, and bigger nucleoli. No Leydig cells were present. Basal serum testosterone was 58.2 +/- 45.3 ng/dl and 87.3 +/- 42.0 after hCG administration, while testicular T was 974.0 +/- 686.0 ng/g (control prepubertal testicular T is 10-50 ng/g). After 3 days of hCG, activated fibroblasts increased and immature Leydig cells appeared. Basal serum T was 35.5 +/- 7.8 ng/dl and 394.0 +/- 24.0 after hCG stimulation, while testicular T rose to 2797.5 +/- 1222.6 ng/g. After 5 days, mature Leydig cells appeared for the first time. Serum T was 58 +/- 59.3 ng/dl (basal) and 641.5 +/- 390 ng/dl (after hCG); testicular T was 789 ng/g (patient MM did not have a value for testicular T). HCG induced numerous coated pits and endocytic vesicles in activated fibroblasts and young Leydig cells, suggesting receptor aggregation and internalization of hormone-receptor complexes. Peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) localization of T was positive in peritubular fibroblasts and Leydig cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Hemodynamic and organ blood flow responses to halothane and sevoflurane anesthesia during spontaneous ventilation.

This study compared systemic hemodynamic and organ blood flow responses to equipotent concentrations of halothane and sevoflurane during spontaneous ventilation in the rat. The MAC values for halothane and sevoflurane were determined. Cardiac output and organ blood flows were measured using radiolabeled microspheres. Measurements were obtained in awake rats (control values) and at 1.0 MAC halothane or sevoflurane. The MAC values (mean +/- SEM) for halothane and sevoflurane were 1.10% +/- 0.05% and 2.40% +/- 0.05%, respectively. The PaCO2 increased to a similar extent in both groups compared with control values. During halothane anesthesia, heart rate decreased by 12% (P < 0.01), cardiac index by 26% (P < 0.01), and mean arterial blood pressure by 18% (P < 0.01) compared with control values. Stroke volume index and systemic vascular resistance did not change. During sevoflurane anesthesia, hemodynamic variables remained unchanged compared with control values. Coronary blood flow decreased by 21% (P < 0.01) and renal blood flow by 18% (P < 0.01) at 1.0 MAC halothane, whereas both remained unchanged at 1.0 MAC sevoflurane. Cerebral blood flow increased to a greater extent with halothane (63%; P < 0.01) than with sevoflurane (35%; P < 0.05). During halothane anesthesia, hepatic arterial blood flow increased by 48% (P < 0.01), whereas portal tributary blood flow decreased by 28% (P < 0.01). During sevoflurane anesthesia, hepatic arterial blood flow increased by 70% (P < 0.01) without a concomitant reduction in portal tributary blood flow. Total liver blood flow decreased only with halothane (16%; P < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of endothelin-1 and endothelin-1-receptor blockade on renal function in humans.

BACKGROUND: In patients with renal or cardiac failure, renal function may be endangered by elevated plasma concentrations of the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET-1). To mimic effects of pathologically increased plasma ET-1, we gave intravenous ET-1 in healthy subjects and examined whether simultaneous infusion of the ETA-receptor antagonist VML 588 would prevent the effects of ET-1 on the kidney. METHODS: Nine healthy men received on four separate days intravenous infusion of ET-1 (2.5 ng/kg/min) superimposed on vehicle (saline) or on VML 588 infusion (0.05, 0.20 and 0.40 mg/kg/h) in randomized order to assess the effects on renal function and renal haemodynamics. RESULTS: At resting plasma ET-1, infusion of VML 588 alone had no significant effects on renal function. Infusion of ET-1 alone decreased glomerular filtration rate by 11% and this reduction was not reversed by co-infusion of VML 588. ET-1 reduced renal blood flow by 35% and VML 588 reduced this decrease by one-third, in a dose-independent fashion. ET-1 increased the filtration fraction by 34% and VML 588 reduced this increase dose-independently by one-half. ET-1 increased renal vascular resistance by 59% and VML 588 reduced this increase dose-independently by one-half. Finally, ET-1 decreased sodium excretion by 58% and VML 588 reduced this decrease dose-independently by two-thirds. CONCLUSIONS: ET-1-induced reductions in renal function were partially but not completely prevented in a dose-independent manner by the ETA-receptor antagonist VML 588.