载银珊瑚羟基磷灰石的抑菌活性与细胞毒性研究

目的 评价负载不同浓度银离子后的珊瑚羟基磷灰石(CHA)对大肠杆菌和金黄色葡萄球菌的抑菌效果与细胞毒性.方法 采用真空冷冻干燥法制备1×10-2～1×10-5 mol/L Ag+浓度的载银CHA(Ag-CHA),然后采用琼脂平板抑菌法评价Ag-CHA对大肠杆菌和金黄色葡萄球菌的抑菌效果,并测量24 h后的抑菌圈直径.采用甲基噻唑基四唑(MTT)法评价8×10-5mol/L的Ag-CHA在2、4、7d对L929小鼠成纤维细胞的毒性作用. 结果 载银浓度为1×10-2～8×10-5mol/L的Ag-CHA对大肠杆菌和金黄色葡萄球菌的抑菌圈直径均大于12 mm,有明显的抑菌作用;而载银浓度低于8×10-5mol/L的Ag-CHA无抑菌作用.载银浓度低于8×10-5mol/L的Ag-CHA对L929细胞无毒性作用;8×10-5mol/LAg-CHA浸提液作用细胞2、4、7 d后,细胞生长状态良好,相对增殖率均大于90%,毒性等级为0或1级.结论 最佳载银浓度为8×10-5mol/L,该条件下的Ag-CHA有良好的抑菌作用,且无细胞毒性.     

FBS对成骨生长肽促进BMSCs增殖分化的影响

目的探讨培养液中不同浓度FBS对成骨生长肽(osteogenic growth peptide,OGP)促进BMSCs增殖和分化的影响。方法取8只5周龄SD大鼠四肢骨,贴壁法分离纯化BMSCs并传代,倒置相差显微镜下观察细胞形态。取第3代BMSCs分组培养:分别采用浓度为1×10-10、1×10-9和1×10-8 mol/L的OGP进行培养,以正常培养细胞作为对照组;同时每组设FBS浓度为0、2%、5%、8%和10%5个梯度。培养后1、3、5、7、9、12 d采用MTT法检测细胞增殖,9 d时采用对硝基苯磷酸二钠法测定早期分化指标细胞内ALP活性。结果倒置相差显微镜下观察BMSCs贴壁生长,增殖迅速,呈纤维状涡旋生长,形态典型。MTT检测示,FBS低于5%时各组细胞不能持续增殖,当FBS浓度为8%以上时细胞可持续增殖;OGP 1×10-8 mol/L和1×10-9 mol/L组在FBS各浓度中促增殖效果均大于对照组(P0.05);FBS浓度低于10%时,OGP 1×10-8 mol/L组促增殖效果显著优于其余OGP浓度组(P0.05),但FBS浓度为10%时OGP 1×10-8 mol/L组无促增殖优势。ALP检测示,各组组内随FBS浓度增加,ALP活性增加(P0.05);当FBS浓度为5%、8%时,各OGP浓度组ALP活性均大于对照组(P0.05),且OGP 1×10-8 mol/L组最高(P0.05);当FBS浓度为10%时,各OGP组ALP活性仍大于对照组(P0.05),但OGP1×10-8 mol/L组与OGP 1×10-9 mol/L组差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 8%FBS浓度为OGP促进BMSCs增殖分化的最佳血清浓度,且OGP促进BMSCs增殖分化的最适浓度为1×10-8 mol/L。     

重组大肠杆菌生产人表皮生长因子的发酵条件

通过质粒转化实验,获得了较好的产hEGF重组菌,对重组菌发酵条件进行优化,获得最佳初始糖质量浓度为5g/L、蛋白胨20g/L、酵母抽提物10g/L、(NH4)2HPO43.5g/L、Amp100mg/L;最佳接种时间为种子液生长到5～6h,即菌体OD值在1.0～2.0;诱导剂最佳添加时间为8h,即菌体OD值在8.0左右.通过流加发酵进行高密度培养,可使重组菌的hEGF的产率达102mg/L,比优化前提高了近30%.     

唑来膦酸抑制RAW264.7细胞系分化的最佳浓度体外实验

目的观察唑来膦酸盐对RAW264.7细胞系毒性作用的浓度范围和抑制RAW264.7分化为破骨细胞的最佳实验浓度。 方法以小鼠前破骨细胞系RAW264.7为研究对象,应用MTT法检测唑来膦酸盐对小鼠前破骨细胞系RAW264.7的毒性作用范围。使用TARP染色法观察不同浓度的唑来膦酸盐作用下破骨细胞的生成数目。 结果体外培养24 h后,酶联免疫反应吸光度结果显示,10^-3 mol/L（0.511±0.920）,10^-4 mol/L（0.615±0.577）唑来膦酸对小鼠前破骨细胞系RAW264.7增殖有毒性作用,与空白对照组（0.789±0.061）相比,差异有统计学意义（F=5.880,P<0.01）。TRAP染色破骨细胞计数结果显示：10^-5 mol/L（8.333±0.817）、10^-6 mol/L（10.400±1.817）、10^-7 mol/L（11.250±2.750）及10^-8 mol/L（11.143±1.864）唑来膦酸盐实验组破骨细胞数与空白对照组破骨细胞数（13.833±2.483）相比,差异具有统计学意义（F=27.972,P<0.05）,且呈浓度依赖性,当唑来膦酸盐浓度为10^-5 mol/L时,抑制效果最明显（P<0.01）。 结论唑来膦酸盐抑制RAW264.7细胞系分化为破骨细胞的最佳体外实验浓度为10^-5 mol/L。     

纳洛酮浓度及作用时间对人离体精子活力的影响

目的 研究纳洛酮浓度及作用时间对人离体精子运动活力的影响.方法 选择人精液20份,上游法优化处理后随机分为对照组(1份)和纳洛酮组(5份).纳洛酮组分别观测4个时间点(0.5h、1h、3h、5h)及5个浓度水平(10-3mol/L、10-4mol/L、10-5 mol/L、10-6 mol/L、10-8mol/L)纳洛...     

植物乳杆菌乳酸脱氢酶的抽提与初步纯化

研究了从植物乳杆菌RS2 2中提取胞内乳酸脱氢酶的工艺过程,探讨了超声破碎时菌体质量浓度、处理量及处理时间对破碎效果的影响;对酶的提取工艺研究表明,0.05mol/L磷酸缓冲液(pH7.0)添加0.10～0.30mol/LNaCl可达到较好的抽提效果;对硫酸铵盐析去杂蛋白质及DEAE离子交换层析工艺进行了初步优化.在优化的工艺条件下,酶的总回收率为40.2%,比酶活提高到原来的18.9倍.     

野香苏籽油中多价不饱和脂肪酸的提取及纯化工艺

采用压榨法、溶剂浸提法、分子蒸馏法、超临界法提取了野香苏籽油.应用尿素包合技术对野香籽油中不饱和脂肪酸进行了富集,通过正交实验(L934)考察了尿素在乙醇中质量浓度、脂肪酸与(尿素 乙醇)的质量比、时间及温度等因素对不饱和脂肪酸提取率的影响.4种提取方法的出油率分别为36.6%,36.5%,26.7%,37.0%,其主要成分是α-亚麻酸.实验确定的最佳提取工艺条件为:尿素质量浓度为1.00 g/mL,脂肪酸与(尿素 乙醇)的质量比为1∶1. 8,回流温度为73～78 ℃,时间为40 min.     

地塞米松通过线粒体途径诱导成骨细胞凋亡的研究

目的观察地塞米松对离体成骨细胞凋亡的影响,探讨地塞米松对成骨细胞凋亡的分子作用机制。方法采用不同浓度地塞米松(10~(-8)、10~(-6)、10~(-4)mol/L)干预SD大鼠离体成骨细胞,DAPI染色观察细胞核形态,透射电镜观察细胞核及线粒体形态,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡率,JC-1荧光探针检测线粒体跨膜电位。结果 10~(-8)、10~(-6)、10~(-4)mol/L地塞米松干预24 h后,DAPI染色发现,10~(-8)mol/L地塞米松组的成骨细胞很少发生凋亡,10~(-6)mol/L和10~(-4)mol/L地塞米松组的成骨细胞凋亡明显,地塞米松的浓度越高,核固缩、核裂解等凋亡现象越明显;透射电镜观察发现,随着地塞米松浓度增加,细胞核固缩明显,线粒体肿胀、空泡样变化现象增多;成骨细胞的凋亡率随着地塞米松浓度的增加而逐渐增高,与空白对照组相比,10~(-8)mol/L地塞米松组细胞凋亡率无明显升高(P0.05),10~(-6) mol/L和10~(-4)mol/L地塞米松组的成骨细胞凋亡率分别较空白对照组增加7.240%和31.173%(P0.05);随着地塞米松浓度的增加,线粒体膜电位逐渐减低,与空白对照组相比较,10~(-8)mol/L地塞米松组细胞膜电位下降不明显(P0.05),10~(-6) mol/L和10~(-4)mol/L地塞米松组膜电位下降分别较空白对照组降低6.814%和17.846%(P0.05)。结论地塞米松通过激活线粒体途径诱导成骨细胞凋亡,存在浓度依赖性。     

离子交换法从发酵液中提取L-异亮氨酸

采用天然高分子絮凝剂壳聚糖对L 异亮氨酸发酵液进行预处理,在发酵液pH2、壳聚糖用量30mg/L的条件下可取得较好的絮凝效果.通过静态吸附实验,考察了pH和L 异亮氨酸质量浓度对平衡吸附量的影响,最后确定了732#离子交换树脂提取L 异亮氨酸的最佳工艺条件:上柱发酵液pH2,上柱速度0.6BV/h,洗脱液为0.5mol/L的NH4Cl,洗脱体积流量0.5BV/h.洗脱液经脱色、浓缩结晶后得L 异亮氨酸成品,总提取率为55%.     

VP3基因联合多西紫杉醇诱导人前列腺癌细胞株凋亡的实验研究

目的 观察VP3基因、多西紫杉醇各浓度及VP3基因联合多西紫杉醇各浓度对PC-3细胞株的凋亡作用.方法 构建重组真核表达载体PcDNA3-VP3,采用基因转染法转染人前列腺癌细胞株PC-3.利用RT-PCR技术检测VP3基因在PC-3细胞株中的表达状况.将多两紫杉醇浓度分为3组,分别为10-8 mol/L、10-7mol/L、 10-6mol/L.应用光镜、HE染色、透射电镜形态学、MTT法、流式细胞仪TUNEL法观察转染重组质粒PcDNA3-VP3单独或联合多西紫杉醇各浓度对前列腺癌细胞株PC-3的影响.结果 VP3基因转染PC-3细胞后在细胞中得到了表达.HE染色和透射电镜下观察到PC-3细胞的典型凋亡形态学特征.MTT法检测结果显示转染质粒PcDNA3-VP3,单独应用10-7mol/L以上浓度的多西紫杉醇及转染质粒PcDNA3-VP3联合应用10-8mol/L以上浓度的多西紫杉醇均可使PC-3细胞株的增殖活性明显下降(P＜0.01).流式细胞仪TUNAL法检测单独转染质粒PcDNA3-VP3、质粒PcDNA3-VP3联合10-8mol/L浓度组及质粒PcDNA3-VP3联合10-77mol/L浓度组后24h、48h、72h各个时间点上的PC-3细胞株凋亡率分别为(20.31±1.96)%、(41.50±1.03)%、(50.03±3.00)%,(P＜0.01):(31.10±0.59)%、(53.10±0.77)%、(68.90±2.66)%(P＜0.01);(40.01±0.53)%、(62.23±0.74)%、(75.20±0.53)%(P＜0.01).结论 联合10-8mol/L以上浓度的多西紫杉醇能明显增加VP3基因诱导人前列腺癌PC-3细胞株凋亡.     

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 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.     

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.     

Is the recovery profile of mivacurium independent of the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with normal plasma cholinesterase activity?

Background: The duration of action of muscle relaxants is poorly correlated to the rate of decay of their plasma concentration. The plasma concentration of mivacurium may rapidly decrease below its active concentration because of the extensive hydrolysis of mivacurium. By inflating a tourniquet on one upper limb for 3 min after the administration of atracurium, mivacurium or vecuronium, we studied the influence of the initial decline of their plasma concentration on their effect. Methods: In 50 patients anaesthetised with thiopental, isoflurane and fentanyl, the effect of bolus doses of 0.15 or 0.25 mg . kg^?1 mivacurium (MIV 15, MIV 25), 0.3 or 0.5 mg . kg^?1 atracurium (ATR 30, ATR 50) and 0.06 or 0.1 mg . kg^?1 vecuronium (VEC 06, VEC 10) were measured on both arms (evoked response of the adductor pollicis to train-of-four stimulation every 12 s), a tourniquet being applied on one arm just before and during 3 min after the muscle relaxant bolus. Results: Tourniquet inflation of 3 min almost abolished the neuromuscular effect of mivacurium. In the vecuronium groups and in the ATR 50 group, tourniquet inflation did not modify the maximum degree of depression of the twitch response. Also, the duration of action of vecuronium was unaffected by the tourniquet. In the ATR 30 group, times to return of the twitch response to 25% (duration 25%) and 75% (duration 75%) of control response were significantly shorter in the cuffed arm, 23 min vs 27 min, and 41 min vs 45 min, respectively. In the ATR 50 group, only duration 25% was significantly shorter in the cuffed arm (41 min vs 45 min). Conclusion: The results suggest that the rate of decline of the plasma concentration of mivacurium is so rapid, that a very low and almost clinically ineffective concentration is present as soon as 3 min after its administration. The results also indicate that the recovery from a mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade is not influenced by the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with genotypically normal plasma cholinesterase.     

Membranes in Artificial Organs

Abstract: Membrane processes play a pivotal and enabling role in modern replacement therapy for acute and chronic organ failure and in the management of immunologic diseases. In fact, virtually all contemporary extracorporeal blood purification methods employ membrane devices, and the next generation of artificial organs and tissue engineering therapies are almost certain to be similarly grounded in membrane technology. In this short essay, we comment on the similarities and differences among synthetic membranes and their natural counterparts and also provide a critical overview of the demographics and technology of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, apheresis, oxygenation, and emerging membrane technologies and applications.     

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.     

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.     

Intrathecal administration of sameridine to patients subjected to arthroscopic knee joint surgery

Background: Sameridine, a new substance with both local anesthetic and opioid effects, was administered intrathecally for the first time to humans, i. e. in patients subjected to arthroscopic knee joint surgery.
Method: A dose-escalating (10, 15, 20 and 25 mg), open study was performed in 33 patients. Only two patients were included in the 25 mg group.
Results: Sameridine provided good quality of surgical anesthesia in all patients except those receiving 10 mg. The maximum level of sensory block, Th5–Th7, was reached within 30 min with a median duration of 3.6–3.9 h. The motor block was more profound with increasing dose, but never lasted longer than the sensory block. The influence on heart rate and blood pressure was minor and atropine and ephedrine were needed in four patients. No clinically significant ECG-changes were detected and no arrhythmias were recorded. Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate did not decrease in a clinically significant way and were not affected by concomitant morphine given i. v. postoperatively. There were few side-effects, the most frequent being mild pruritus (10/33).
Conclusion: Sameridine provided clinically adequate anesthesia for the patients receiving the doses of 15, 20 and 25 mg. Further studies are needed to evaluate the substance and it is of great interest to clinically investigate the opioid component with respect to postoperative analgesia.     

Reduction of Plasma Fibrinogen, Immunoglobulin G, and Immunoglobulin M Concentrations by Immunoadsorption Therapy with Tryptophan and Phenylalanine Adsorbents

Abstract Immunoadsorption (1A) therapy with tryptophan (TR-350) or phenylalanine (PH-350) adsorbents has been used to reduce the concentration of serum antibodies in human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)-immunized patients. Other forms of plasma purification have been reported to reduce the level of fibrinogen, which affects the blood properties. In this study we investigated the effects of IA therapy using both adsorbents on plasma fibrinogen and immunoglobulins G and M in 13 patients (8 patients were treated with TR-350, and 5 patients were treated with PH-350). During each session 1 plasma volume (2.8 ± 0.4 L of plasma) was processed through the immunocolumn and then returned to the patient together with the blood cells. Compared with the pretreatment values, the plasma fibrinogen, IgG, and IgM concentrations were significantly reduced after IA therapy (p < 0.01 for TR-350; p < 0.04 for PH-350). There was a positive correlation between the degree of reduction of plasma proteins and the number of IA treatments given. A nonpara-metric test (Wilcoxon's signed-rank test or the Mann-Whitney test) was used for statistical analysis. We conclude from our study that IA therapy effectively lowers the plasma levels of fibrinogen, IgG, and IgM and thus can be considered a valuable alternative to other blood purification methods.