不同胶原支架对髓核间充质干细胞分化的影响

目的 :比较不同胶原支架中髓核间充质干细胞(NPMSCs)的细胞存活、增殖能力和分化相关基因及蛋白表达等方面的差异。方法:在体外构建Ⅰ型、Ⅰ/Ⅱ型混合和Ⅱ型胶原支架,观察其显微结构、孔隙率及降解特性。从健康雄性大鼠尾椎提取NPMSCs,分别采用细胞微球、Ⅰ型胶原、Ⅰ/Ⅱ型混合胶原、Ⅱ型胶原支架培养,其中细胞微球作为对照。通过乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)检测材料生物毒性,CCK-8测定细胞增殖,实时定量PCR和Western Blot测定SOX9、聚集蛋白聚糖、Ⅰ型胶原和Ⅱ型胶原的基因和蛋白表达水平,阿尔新蓝组织学染色检测硫酸蛋白聚糖的表达。结果:Ⅰ型、Ⅰ/Ⅱ型混合和Ⅱ型胶原支架孔隙率均为90%以上,构建21d后的降解率分别为(10.30±0.66)%、(9.87±0.71)%和(10.40±0.53)%。培养后7d细胞LDH检测结果Ⅰ型、Ⅰ/Ⅱ型混合和Ⅱ型胶原支架组分别为12.24±0.65、12.13±1.03、12.67±1.15,与对照组12.50±1.32比较无显著性差异(P0.05)。胶原支架中培养5d及7d的细胞CCK-8检测结果 (Ⅰ型胶原组为0.67±0.04、1.20±0.05,Ⅰ/Ⅱ型混合胶原组为0.62±0.05、1.20±0.07,Ⅱ型胶原组为0.69±0.02、1.34±0.04)明显高于对照组(0.53±0.03,1.02±0.02)(P0.05)。培养21d后,三种胶原支架组与对照组比较,SOX9、Ⅰ型胶原、Ⅱ型胶原及聚集蛋白聚糖的基因表达均显著上升(P0.05),其中Ⅱ型胶原支架组上述基因表达量最高,与Ⅰ型及Ⅰ/Ⅱ型混合胶原支架组有显著性差异(P0.05);与对照组比较,Ⅰ型胶原支架组中仅Ⅰ型胶原及聚集蛋白聚糖的蛋白表达上升(P0.05);Ⅰ/Ⅱ型混合及Ⅱ型胶原支架组中SOX9、Ⅰ型胶原、Ⅱ型胶原及聚集蛋白聚糖的蛋白表达有显著上升(P0.05),其中Ⅱ型胶原支架组上述蛋白表达量最高,且与Ⅰ型及Ⅰ/Ⅱ型混合胶原支架组有显著性差异(P0.05)。阿尔新蓝组织学染色检测硫酸蛋白聚糖在Ⅱ型胶原支架组表达明显高于其余各组。结论:Ⅰ型胶原、Ⅰ/Ⅱ型混合胶原、Ⅱ型胶原支架均促进NPMSC的分化,而Ⅱ型胶原支架促进NPMSC成髓核细胞分化作用尤为显著。Ⅱ型胶原是髓核组织工程学的理想生物支架材料。     

静电纺丝聚乳酸/聚己内酯共混纳米纤维的体外细胞相容性

目的 利用脂肪干细胞(ADSCs)检测不同混合比例静电纺丝聚乳酸/聚己内酯共混支架的生物相容性.方法 聚乳酸(PLA)和聚己内酯(PCL)按3∶1、2∶1、1∶1的重量比混合后经静电纺丝技术制成3种比例的纳米纤维支架(NFS).将兔皮下脂肪分离出的ADSCs接种于NFS上,显微镜观察培养1、3、7d时ADSCs在3种支架上的形态;噻唑蓝(MTT)比色法检测接种后1～7dADSCs在NFS上的增殖和接种后6、24 h的黏附细胞百分率;活死细胞染色比较接种7d时不同NFS上ADSCs的活死细胞数量.结果 3∶1、2∶1、1∶1支架纤维直径分别为(973±65)、(617 ±44)、(432±24) nm;1∶1 NFS上的ADSCs数量明显多于其他两种支架;ADSCs在1∶1 NFS上增殖较快,接种后第6、7天时,较3∶1 NFS及2∶1 NFS组比较差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05);1∶1 NFS上黏附的ADSCs数量最多,较另外两组差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);ADSCs在3种支架上的活细胞百分率分别为(65.60±7.80)％、(69.16±8.30)％、(82.20 ±10.20)％.结论 PLA∶ PCL为1∶1的静电纺丝NFS具有较好的生物相容性.     

聚乳酸-聚羟基乙酸/Ⅰ型胶原复合支架的生物相容性研究

目的观察聚乳酸-聚羟基乙酸(poly-lactide-co-glycolide,PLGA)/Ⅰ型胶原复合支架的生物相容性,探讨其作为组织工程阴道支架的可行性。方法取经多聚赖氨酸包被的PLGA置于含0.25%Ⅰ型胶原的醋酸水溶液,制备PLGA/Ⅰ型胶原复合支架。取10~12周龄雌性SD大鼠阴道组织,采用酶消化法分离培养阴道上皮细胞,取第2代细胞进行实验。取复合支架浸提液培养阴道上皮细胞,观察材料细胞毒性。将阴道上皮细胞与复合支架共培养48 h(实验组),检测细胞黏附率;以单纯PLGA支架接种细胞作为对照组。将细胞-支架复合物埋植至SD大鼠皮下,于2、4、8周取材行HE染色、免疫组织化学染色,观察细胞在支架上生长情况。将细胞-支架复合物移植至6只切除阴道组织的SD大鼠阴道部位,于术后3、6个月观察阴道生长情况,6个月后取阴道组织进行组织学观察。结果大鼠阴道上皮细胞在PLGA/Ⅰ型胶原复合支架材料浸提液中生长、增殖良好,细胞毒性为1级。实验组细胞黏附率为71.8%±9.2%,显著高于对照组的63.4%±5.7%(t=2.195,P=0.005)。阴道上皮细胞能在PLGA/Ⅰ胶原复合支架材料上黏附、生长;大鼠皮下埋植2周后,细胞在支架孔隙内生长增殖,成纤维细胞生长;4周支架材料表面形成1~3层上皮;8周后支架材料部分降解,上皮层次增加,呈极性排列,角蛋白免疫组织化学染色呈阳性。细胞-支架复合物原位移植3个月后,大鼠阴道黏膜呈粉红色,有光泽,支架材料大部分降解;6个月时阴道深约1.2 cm,无明显狭窄,阴道黏膜外观类似正常阴道黏膜,皱襞较少,组织学观察示上皮层与正常阴道无明显区别,基底层可见钉状突起,数量少于正常阴道,角蛋白免疫组织化学染色呈阳性。结论 PLGA/Ⅰ型胶原复合支架具有良好的生物相容性,可作为构建组织工程阴道的支架材料。     

人细胞外基质支架联合脂肪干细胞构建脂肪组织

目的 探讨人脂肪组织细胞外基质(ECM)支架联合人脂肪来源干细胞(ADSCs)构建工程化脂肪组织的可行性.方法 以酶消化法从人抽脂术抽吸物脂质部分获取人ADSCs,体外进行多向分化诱导鉴定,并行DiI荧光标记.从抽脂术的脂质部分分离提取人脂肪组织细胞外基质,经过低温冻干、粉碎、灭菌等处理,制备成粉末状,电镜扫描观察表面特征并将其与ADSCs进行黏附实验,探讨其作为支架材料的可行性.收集人ADSCs,以2×109/L的细胞密度与提取的细胞外基质支架复合后移植于裸鼠背部皮下,同鼠对侧背部皮下移植ECM支架和细胞培养液作为对照,每侧移植0.5 ml,共6只实验鼠.8周后取材,称量标本湿重.取出的标本行苏木素-伊红(HE)染色和油红O染色进行定性判断,分析人脂肪组织ECM支架联合人ADSCs构建工程化脂肪组织的能力.结果 从脂肪组织中分离得到人ADSCs和ECM支架.ADSCs在相应的诱导环境下能够分化成为脂肪细胞、骨细胞和软骨细胞.ECM支架电镜扫描和大体观察具有疏松、多孔的结构特征,适合ADSCs的黏附生长.ADSCs与支架相容性良好,黏附率达(89.87±2.59)％,细胞在支架表面可充分伸展生长.体内移植8周后,实验组和对照组都能够形成新生物,湿重比较实验组较对照组重(P＜0.05).经HE切片及油红O染色均证实实验组形成成熟的脂肪组织,对照组不能形成脂肪组织.结论 人脂肪组织ECM支架联合人ADSCs在体内能够成功构建成熟的脂肪组织,8周后支架并无明显吸收.     

胶原海绵与兔软骨细胞体外三维培养的实验研究

目的 观察用人胎盘Ⅰ型胶原海绵作为兔软骨细胞体外三维培养支架时，软骨细胞形态学特征和功能及该支架的吸附性和组织相容性。方法 将新生兔原代和传代软骨细胞接种于人胎盘Ⅰ型胶原海绵进行体外培养，用光镜和扫描电镜观察细胞形态和结构及支架的吸附性和组织相容性，用免疫组化观察细胞Ⅱ型胶原合成。结果 以胶原海绵作为支架的传代软骨细胞能维持其形态学特征及细胞功能，该支架有较好的吸附性和组织相容性。结论 人胎盘Ⅰ型胶原海绵可作为软骨细胞体外三维培养较好的支架材料。     

壳聚糖作为组织工程软骨支架的实验研究

目的 探索壳聚糖作为组织工程技术中软骨细胞培养支架的可行性。方法 消化分离猪耳郭软骨细胞，接种于自制壳聚糖、壳聚糖-胶原复合多孔支架上培养，从光镜和扫描电镜观察其亲水性和对细胞吸附力，MTT检测软骨细胞在壳聚糖、壳聚糖-胶原上的黏附率及壳聚糖、壳聚糖-胶原复合多孔支架对细胞的增殖、功能的影响。结果 软骨细胞能够在壳聚糖、壳聚糖-胶原支架上黏附、伸展、增殖和发挥正常功能，MTT测得细胞黏附率分别为81.25%和87.50%，MTT测得软骨细胞在壳聚糖-胶原支架中的增殖能力较强。结论 壳聚糖、壳聚糖-胶原复合多孔支架与软骨细胞具有较好的相容性，壳聚糖-胶原复合多孔支架更适合作为软骨组织工程中的细胞培养支架。     

3D打印制备聚己内酯/Ⅰ型胶原组织工程半月板支架及其理化特性的研究

目的采用低温沉积技术3D打印制备聚己内酯(polycaprolactone,PCL)/Ⅰ型胶原组织工程半月板支架(以下简称PCL/Ⅰ型胶原半月板支架),探讨其理化特性。方法制备15%PCL/4%Ⅰ型胶原溶液及15%PCL溶液,利用低温沉积技术3D打印制备PCL/Ⅰ型胶原半月板支架及PCL半月板支架。大体及扫描电镜观察支架形态及微观结构,生物力学试验测量支架压缩模量及拉伸模量,红外光谱分析支架成分,测量支架表面接触角;将两种支架及其浸提液分别与兔半月板细胞复合培养,细胞计数试剂盒8(cell counting kit 8,CCK-8)检测细胞增殖,并以正常培养细胞作对照;扫描电镜观察支架-细胞复合物中细胞黏附及生长情况。结果大体及扫描电镜观察显示,两种支架均具有取向的三维微观结构及孔隙,但PCL/Ⅰ型胶原半月板支架表面更粗糙。生物力学测试,两种支架压缩模量及拉伸模量比较,差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。红外光谱分析提示,PCL/Ⅰ型胶原半月板支架中PCL和Ⅰ型胶原成功混合。PCL/Ⅰ型胶原半月板支架表面接触角为(83.19±7.49)°,较PCL半月板支架(111.13±5.70)°显著减小(t=6.638,P=0.000)。CCK-8检测显示,随培养时间延长,两种支架浸提液培养的细胞数量呈递增趋势,与对照组比较差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。支架-细胞复合物扫描电镜观察示,PCL/Ⅰ型胶原半月板支架表面黏附细胞多于PCL半月板支架。结论低温沉积技术3D打印制备的PCL/Ⅰ型胶原半月板支架具有优良的理化学性能,无细胞毒性,有望作为半月板组织工程支架材料。     

脱细胞软骨细胞外基质取向支架复合软骨细胞构建组织工程软骨的实验研究北大核心CSCD

目的探讨脱细胞软骨细胞外基质(acellular cartilage extracellular matrix,ACECM)取向支架复合软骨细胞构建组织工程软骨的可行性。方法取市售猪关节软骨组织,分离培养关节软骨细胞并传代。取第3代软骨细胞行PKH26荧光标记,MTT检测标记对细胞增殖无影响后,分别取标记及未标记的软骨细胞复合ACECM取向支架并体外培养后,大体观察支架形态,倒置显微镜、荧光显微镜观察软骨细胞在支架中的黏附、生长和分布情况,扫描电镜观察支架中细胞形态,Ⅱ型胶原免疫荧光染色观察软骨细胞外基质分泌情况。将PKH26标记的软骨细胞-支架复合物植入裸鼠背部皮下腔隙,术后观察裸鼠一般情况,4周后分子荧光活体成像系统无创伤性评估细胞-支架复合物生长情况,取材行大体观察以及番红O、甲苯胺蓝、Ⅱ型胶原免疫组织化学染色观察,评价形成软骨组织的能力。结果细胞-支架复合物体外培养7 d,大体观察呈半透明并具有一定硬度;倒置显微镜和荧光显微镜观察软骨细胞在支架上能良好黏附生长,并沿支架管道方向生长,分泌Ⅱ型胶原。细胞-支架复合物植入裸鼠皮下后,分子荧光活体成像系统观察示细胞均存活;术后4周,大体观察见复合物呈类软骨样组织,组织学染色及Ⅱ型胶原免疫组织化学染色示细胞周围软骨细胞外基质分泌,可见"陷窝"样结构形成。结论 ACECM取向支架有利于软骨细胞的黏附、增殖及取向性分布类似于正常软骨结构,并在裸鼠皮下成功异位构建组织工程软骨。     

脱细胞软骨细胞外基质取向支架复合软骨细胞构建组织工程软骨的实验研究

目的探讨脱细胞软骨细胞外基质(acellular cartilage extracellular matrix,ACECM)取向支架复合软骨细胞构建组织工程软骨的可行性。方法取市售猪关节软骨组织,分离培养关节软骨细胞并传代。取第3代软骨细胞行PKH26荧光标记,MTT检测标记对细胞增殖无影响后,分别取标记及未标记的软骨细胞复合ACECM取向支架并体外培养后,大体观察支架形态,倒置显微镜、荧光显微镜观察软骨细胞在支架中的黏附、生长和分布情况,扫描电镜观察支架中细胞形态,Ⅱ型胶原免疫荧光染色观察软骨细胞外基质分泌情况。将PKH26标记的软骨细胞-支架复合物植入裸鼠背部皮下腔隙,术后观察裸鼠一般情况,4周后分子荧光活体成像系统无创伤性评估细胞-支架复合物生长情况,取材行大体观察以及番红O、甲苯胺蓝、Ⅱ型胶原免疫组织化学染色观察,评价形成软骨组织的能力。结果细胞-支架复合物体外培养7 d,大体观察呈半透明并具有一定硬度;倒置显微镜和荧光显微镜观察软骨细胞在支架上能良好黏附生长,并沿支架管道方向生长,分泌Ⅱ型胶原。细胞-支架复合物植入裸鼠皮下后,分子荧光活体成像系统观察示细胞均存活;术后4周,大体观察见复合物呈类软骨样组织,组织学染色及Ⅱ型胶原免疫组织化学染色示细胞周围软骨细胞外基质分泌,可见"陷窝"样结构形成。结论 ACECM取向支架有利于软骨细胞的黏附、增殖及取向性分布类似于正常软骨结构,并在裸鼠皮下成功异位构建组织工程软骨。     

壳聚糖/Ⅰ型胶原复合支架与滑膜成纤维样细胞构建颞下颌关节盘的研究

目的 探讨利用滑膜成纤维样细胞(SFBs)及壳聚糖/Ⅰ型胶原(CS/COL-Ⅰ)复合支架构建颞下颌关节盘软骨的可行性.方法 获取兔颞下颌关节滑膜组织进行SFBs培养,第3～5代SFBs三维培养于通过冷冻干燥法制备的CS/COL-Ⅰ支架材料中7 d,用噻唑蓝(MTT)比色法分别在1、3、5、7 d检测支架材料对细胞增殖的影响.细胞支架复合物在体外经过人重组转化生长因子β1(rhTGF,10μg/L)和碱性成纤维细胞生长因子(bFGF,50 μg/L)诱导后,植入裸鼠体内4、8周后获取标本,进行组织学检测细胞在支架材料上的生长状态及黏多糖(GAGs)形成,免疫组织化学和逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)半定量分析Ⅱ型胶原的表达.结果 支架材料表面及内部均呈多孔隙蜂窝状结构.SFBs在CS/COL-Ⅰ中的增殖要明显高于平板培养(P＜0.05).细胞支架复合物植入裸鼠体内4、8周后,组织学及免疫组织化学半定量分析显示在8周时GAGs(6.900±0.316)和Ⅱ型胶原(0.0952±0.0248)IA/μm2与4周时GAGs(3.600±0.699)和Ⅱ型胶原(0.0411±0.0127)IA/μm2差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 体外诱导后的SFBs/CS-COL-Ⅰ复合物具有应用于组织工程化颞下颌关节盘构建的可能.     

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.