端粒酶反义RNA影响人肝癌细胞系HepG2生长的初步报告

目的探讨抗端粒酶在肝细胞癌治疗中的意义。方法将反义hTR真核表达载体经脂质体介导转染人肝癌细胞系HepG2,体外培养及接种裸鼠观察其基因转染细胞的细胞周期、超微结构变化及致瘤性。结果形态学观察,转染后HepG2细胞出现典型的凋亡现象。FCM检测发现G1期前出现凋亡峰,凋亡率为4·2%。在裸鼠皮下的致瘤性明显降低。HepG2/pBBS212细胞的瘤体抑制率为2·4%,与HepG2/pBBS212-hTR细胞的25·6%相比,差异有显著性(P<0·05)。结论转染端粒酶反义RNA能抑制肝癌HepG2细胞的恶性表型,促进其凋亡。     

反义人类端粒酶 RNA逆转录病毒载体构建及其对结直肠癌细胞的抑制作用

目的 研究反义人类端粒酶RNA逆转录病毒载体对结直肠癌HT29细胞端粒酶活性及细胞生长的抑制作用。探讨以端粒酶为酸点的结直肠癌基因治疗的可能性。方法 将端粒酶hTR的cDNA反向插入逆转录病毒载体pLXRN中，转染包装细胞PT67后获得反义重组病毒，感染结直肠癌HT29细胞，采用RT-PCR检测hTR表达。端粒酶重复扩增法（telomerase repeat amplification protocol,TRAP)检测端粒酶活性，绘制生长曲线了解细胞生长状态，倒置显微镜观察和DNA片段电泳检测细胞凋亡。结果 反义hTR作用后的结直肠癌细胞hTR表达下降，端粒酶活性和细胞生长受到明显抑制，细胞出现凋亡。结论 反义hTR对结直肠癌HT29细胞的生长和端粒酶活性具有明显的抑制人舰艇可能以hTR为靶点对结直肠癌进行基因治疗。     

反义人端粒酶RNA组分基因对胃癌细胞端粒酶活性的影响

目的 克隆人胃癌细胞端粒酶RNA组分（hTR）基因片段并构建其正义和反义真核表达载体,研究反义端粒酶RNA对人胃癌细胞株MKN-45端粒酶活性的影响。方法 采用RT-PCH方法从人胃癌细胞株MKN-45中扩增出人hTR部分cDNA序列,将该片段分别正向和反向插入PEF6/V5-His-TOPO载体后构建人端粒酶RNA组分（hTR）基因正、反义真核表达载体,随后采用脂质体转染法将该正、反义载体转染入人胃癌细胞株MKN-45,用TRAP法观察后者端粒酶活性的改变。结果 所克隆的基因片段其碱基序列与文献报导完全一致,且插入载体的方向完全正确。与正常对照、转染正义载体、空载体者比较,转染反义载体者端粒酶活性显著下降。结论 本实验已成功克隆了人端粒酶RNA组分（hTR）基因的部分序列并成功构建hTR正反义真核表达载体,而且反义端粒酶RNA能有效降低人胃癌细胞株MKN-45端粒酶活性。     

反义人端粒酶RNA组分基因对胃癌细胞端粒酶活性的影响

目的 克隆人胃癌细胞端粒酶RNA组分（hTR）基因片段并构建其正交和反义真核表达载体，研究反义端粒酶RNA对人胃癌细胞株MKN－45端粒酶活性的影响。方法 采用RT－PCR方法从人胃癌细胞株MKN－45中扩增出人hTR部分cDNA序列，将该片段分别正向的反向插入PEF6V5－His-TOPO载体后构建人端粒酶RNA组分（hTR）基因正，反义真核表达载体，随后采用脂质体转染法将该正，反义载体转染入人胃癌细胞株MKN－45，用TRAP法观察后端粒酶活性的改变。结果 所克隆的基因片段其碱基序列与献报导完全一致，且插入载体的方向完全正确。与正常对照，转染正义载体，空载体比较，转染反义载体端粒酶活性显下降。结论 本实验已成功克隆和人端粒酶RNA组分（hTR）基因的部分序列并成功构建hTR正反义真核表达载体，而且反义端粒酶RNA能有效降低人胃癌细胞株MKN－45端粒酶活性。     

反义人端粒酶RNA亚基对胆囊癌端粒酶活性及细胞生长的抑制作用

目的探讨反义RNA技术对胆囊癌细胞端粒酶活性的影响及对胆囊癌细胞生长增殖的作用。方法根据测定的胆囊癌人端粒酶RNA亚基(hTR)基因的序列结果，并根据真核表达载体多克隆酶切位点的物理图谱，体外合成反义RNA及正义RNA的基因序列，并构建入pTriEx-4真核表达载体，酶切鉴定正确后，采用脂质转染法导入胆囊癌细胞。TRAP法检测端粒酶活性。流式细胞仪检测细胞周期及凋亡情况，电镜观察细胞微观形态变化。结果实验组胆囊癌细胞的端粒酶活性较对照组明显减低，正义组、转染空载体及单纯脂质体转染的细胞端粒酶活性与未转染细胞比较则变化不明显。反义RNA基因作用后，G0／G1期细胞比例明显增高，S期细胞比例明显降低。细胞的分裂、增殖受到明显抑制。反义RNA基因转化后，10d凋亡率为11．10％。13d后凋亡率为29．02％。电镜下可见明显凋亡细胞。结论反义RNA技术对胆囊癌细胞端粒酶活性有明显的抑制作用；并抑制胆囊癌细胞的生长，促进细胞的凋亡；且克服了反义寡核苷酸作用时间短的缺点。     

脂质体介导的端粒酶反义寡核苷酸体外转染率及对人膀胱癌EJ细胞的影响

目的通过以脂质体为载体介导端粒酶反义寡核苷酸(antisense oligodeoxynucleotide,asODN)转染人膀胱癌EJ细胞,促进反义寡核苷酸对膀胱癌EJ细胞的生长抑制。方法利用脂质体为载体将针对端粒酶RNA模板区的asODN转染膀胱癌EJ细胞;荧光显微镜观察细胞转染率;PCR-ELISA法测定端粒酶活性;MTT法检测反义寡核苷酸对膀胱癌细胞的抑制。结果脂质体介导的asODN在膀胱癌EJ细胞中的转染率1/2h、4h、8h分别为15%、56%、80%,并且细胞的端粒酶活性和细胞生长明显被抑制,与对照组比较,具有显著性差异(p(0.05)。结论脂质体介导的端粒酶asODN能够有效抑制膀胱癌EJ细胞端粒酶活性和生长,可应用于实验性肿瘤基因治疗研究和端粒酶与膀胱癌关系的进一步研究。     

超微载体介导反义端粒酶RNA抑制胶质瘤细胞生长的研究

目的　研究用体内可降解的聚乳酸 (PLA)和o 梭甲基壳聚糖 (CMC)制成的超微载体介导端粒酶RNA(hTR)反义寡核苷酸在体外对TJ90 5人脑胶质瘤细胞的作用。方法　用PLA和CMC制成超微载体 ,并用其介导hTR反义寡核苷酸在体外转染TJ90 5细胞 ,通过噻唑兰比色法(MTT)、改良端粒重复序列扩增法 (TRAP)、逆转录 聚合酶链反应 (RT PCR)对细胞转染情况作检测。结果　超微载体在体外能有效转染hTR反义寡核苷酸 ,48h后细胞存活率为 46.84% ,hTR、端粒酶催化亚基mRNA和端粒酶的活性水平分别为 0 .3 16、0 .0 2 4、5 1.40 0 ,明显受到抑制。结论　hTR可作为胶质瘤基因治疗靶点 ,超微载体能有效转染基因药物 ,可替代病毒载体。     

hTR反义寡核苷酸对人胰腺癌细胞Panc-1生物特性及端粒酶活性的影响

端粒酶持续激活导致恶性肿瘤细胞获得无限增殖能力 ,人端粒酶RNA组分(hTR )对端粒酶活性维持具有重要作用 ,破坏端粒酶RNA组分的模板功能 ,即可抑制端粒酶活性[1] 。我们针对hTR模板区设计合成反义寡核苷酸 (A SODN) ,观察其对Panc 1端粒酶活性及细胞生长的影响 ,为胰腺癌基因治疗提供新的实验依据。一、材料与方法1.核苷酸设计与合成 :根据hTR模板区序列设计一条互补于起始密码区的反义片段 ,并随机设计合成一段正义寡核苷酸 (SODN)序列作为对照 ,均由上海生工公司进行合成。2 .细胞培养与转染 :Panc 1细胞株购自中国协和医科大…     

端粒酶反义RNA转染促进膀胱癌T24细胞凋亡的研究

目的　探讨端粒酶反义RNA对膀胱癌T2 4细胞恶性表型的抑制及促进其凋亡的作用。　方法　采用脂质体转染法将转录出端粒酶反义RNA质粒导入膀胱癌T2 4细胞。应用PCR ELISA法测定转染后T2 4细胞的端粒酶活性 ;光镜、电镜、MTT及流式细胞术 (FCM )等方法观察端粒酶反义RNA对T2 4细胞生长及凋亡的影响。　结果　端粒酶反义RNA能显著抑制T2 4细胞的端粒酶活性 ,转染T2 4细胞后使其生长受到抑制。形态学观察 ,转染后T2 4细胞出现典型的凋亡现象。FCM检测发现G1期前出现凋亡峰。　结论　转染端粒酶反义RNA能抑制膀胱癌T2 4细胞的恶性表型 ,促进其凋亡     

突变型端粒酶逆转录酶基因转染对膀胱癌细胞T24增殖的影响

目的　探讨转染缺失突变的人端粒酶逆转录酶 (hTERT)基因对膀胱癌细胞株T2 4端粒酶活性和体外增殖的影响 ,为膀胱肿瘤基因治疗提供新的基因靶点。　方法　采用DNA 磷酸钙共沉淀法 ,将绿色荧光蛋白基因标记的含突变型hTERT真核表达载体 pEGFP hTERT导入人膀胱癌细胞株T2 4中。应用荧光显微镜、端粒酶PCR ELISA法、与衰老相关的 β 半乳糖苷酶染色、软琼脂集落形成试验、裸鼠皮下成瘤试验等方法动态观察转染细胞中端粒酶活性及对细胞恶性表型的影响。　结果　在转染 pEGFP hTERT细胞中可见与突变型hTERT基因融合的绿色荧光蛋白稳定表达于细胞核内 ,转染细胞端粒酶活性降低 ,衰老相关 β 半乳糖苷酶表达增加 ,软琼脂中集落形成减少 ,裸鼠成瘤性降低。与转染空载体组及未转染组细胞相比 ,差别有显著性意义 (P <0 .0 5 )。　结论　转染突变型人端粒酶逆转录酶基因hTERT能抑制膀胱癌细胞T2 4的端粒酶活性 ,促进其衰老并逆转膀胱癌细胞的恶性表型 ,对膀胱肿瘤基因治疗具有潜在的临床应用价值     

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.     

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.     

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.