一氧化氮在异丙酚减轻大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注损伤中的作用

目的 探讨一氧化氮在异丙酚减轻大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注损伤中的作用.方法 成年雄性SD大鼠,体重220～330 g,采用Langendorff装置建立大鼠离体心脏灌注模型,选取符合实验标准的心脏模型18个,随机分为3组(n=6):K-H液灌注组(A组)、异丙酚灌注组(B组)和异丙酚+L-NAME灌注组(C组).各组用相应的K-H液灌注15 min,常温全心停灌20 min,然后用相应的K-H液复灌60 min.采用电化学微传感器法测定心肌一氧化氮(NO)含量,免疫组化法测定心肌一氧化氮合酶(NOS)含量,分光光度计测定心肌NOS活性,测定心率、左心室舒张末压、左心室发展压、左心室压变化速率最大值和左心室压变化速率最小值,定时收集右心室流出液以测定冠脉流量.结果 与A组相比,B组和C组复灌后各时点心功能改善(P＜0.05);与C组相比,B组复灌后各时点心功能改善(P＜0.05);B组心肌NO含量和NOS活性较A组升高(P＜0.05),但2组心肌NOS含量差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 缺血再灌注导致心肌内源性NO的含量降低.异丙酚减轻大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注损伤可能是通过增加心肌内源性NO生成实现的.     

异丙酚对大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注时NF-κB及iNOS的影响

目的 探讨异丙酚对大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注时核因子κB(NF-κB)及诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)的影响.方法 成年SD大鼠24只,体重200～300 g,雌雄不拘,随机分为3组(n=8):对照组(C组)、缺血再灌注组(I/R组)和异丙酚组(P组).建立Langendorff离体心脏灌注模型,K-H液平衡20 min后开始实验.C组灌注K-H液110 min;I/R组灌注K-H液20 min后,全心停灌30 min,再灌注60 min;P组用含50 μmol/L异丙酚的K-H液灌注20 min,全心停灌30 min,再用含50 μmol/L异丙酚的K-H液灌注60 min.于平衡末、再灌注10 min和60 min时测定冠状动脉流出液心肌肌钙蛋白(cTnI)浓度;于再灌注60 min时测定心肌SOD活性、MDA含量、iNOS活性及NF-κB、IκB的表达水平.结果 与C组比较,I/R组再灌注期间冠状动脉流出液cTnI浓度升高,P组再灌注期间60 min时升高(P＜0.05或0.01),I/R组心肌SOD活性降低,MDA含量增多,iNOS活性升高(P＜0.01),I/R组和P组心肌NF-κB表达升高,kB表达降低(P＜0.05或0.01).与I/R组比较,P组再灌注期间冠状动脉流出液cTnI浓度、心肌MDA含量、NF-κB表达、iNOS活性均降低,心肌SOD活性和IκB表达升高(P＜0.01).结论 异丙酚可抑制心肌NF-κB的激活,降低iNOS的活性,从而减轻大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注损伤.     

外源性一氧化氮对脑缺血-再灌注损伤大鼠海马气体信号分子的影响

目的 研究外源性一氧化氮(NO)对脑缺血-再灌注(I-R)损伤大鼠海马气体信号分子的影响.方法 24只Wistar大鼠随机均分为四组:脑I-R对照组(Ⅰ组),脑I-R+低浓度硝普钠(SNP)组(Ⅱ组)和脑I-R+高浓度SNP组(Ⅲ组),对照组(Ⅳ组).夹闭两侧颈总动脉制作大鼠全脑I-R模型.颈总动脉夹闭前30 min分别腹腔注射SNP 2 mg/kg(Ⅱ组)或4 mg/kg(Ⅲ组).脑缺血20 min,再灌注6 h后处死大鼠,取脑海马组织,检测硫化氢(H_2S)、NO和CO的量和胱硫醚β-合酶(CBS)、血红素氧合酶-1(HO-1)和诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)活性,以及CKS mRNA、iNOS mRNA和HO-1-mRNA表达水平.结果 Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组大鼠海马中H_2S、NO和CO的含量和CBS、HO和iNOS的活性均高于Ⅳ组;CBS mRNA、iNOS mRNA和HO-1 mRNA表达增高(P<0.05或P<0.01);Ⅱ、Ⅲ组大鼠海马中的上述指标均高于Ⅰ组(P<0.05或P<0.01).结论 外源性NO能诱导脑I-R后大鼠海马CBS mRNA和HO-1 mRNA表达,激活CBS和HO.在脑I-R损伤过程中存在N0对CBS/H2S和HO-1/CO系统的调节.     

细胞穿透肽PEP-1介导血红素加氧酶-1对大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的 探讨细胞穿透肽PEP-1介导血红素加氧酶-1(HO-1)对大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注损伤的影响.方法 雄性SD大鼠,体重220～280g,制备Langendorff离体心脏灌注模型,选取模型制备成功的离体心脏18个,随机分为3组(n=6):假手术组(S组)、缺血再灌注组(IR组)和PEP-1/HO-1处理+缺血再灌注组(HO-1组).IR组K-H液平衡灌注30 min后,采用停灌40 min再灌注50 min的方法制备缺血再灌注模型.HO-1组在停灌前用含50 μmol/L融合蛋白PEP-1/HO-1的K-H液平衡灌注15 min,S组采用K-H液持续灌注120 min.再灌注50 min时,收集冠脉流出液,测定肌酸激酶(CK)和乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)的活性;取心肌组织,采用Western blot法测定HO-1蛋白表达水平,采用硫代巴比妥酸比色法测定MDA含量,黄嘌呤氧化酶法测定SOD活性.结果 HO-1组心肌组织HO-1蛋白表达水平较IR组升高(P＜0.01).与S组比较,IR组和HO-1组冠脉流出液CK和LDH活性及心肌组织MDA含量升高,心肌组织SOD活性降低(P＜0.01);与IR组比较,HO-1组冠脉流出液CK和LDH活性及心肌组织MDA含量降低,心肌组织SOD活性升高(P＜0.01).结论细胞穿透肽PEP-1可将HO-1蛋白成功导入心肌组织,并减轻大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤.     

烟碱预处理对大鼠心肌缺血-再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的 探讨烟碱预处理对大鼠心肌缺血-再灌注损伤的保护作用及其可能机制.方法 30只健康雄性Sprague-Dawlay大鼠,体重200～250g,随机均分为缺血-再灌组(I-R组)、烟碱预处理组(N组)、假手术组(Sham组).测定三组血浆肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)活性、丙二醛(MDA)含量和超氧化物岐化酶(SOD)活性,心肌组织中髓过氧化物酶(MPO)活性,电镜下观察缺血区心肌超微结构变化.结果 与Sham组比较,I-R组血浆CK-MB活性、MDA含量及心肌组织MPO活性均升高、血浆SOD活性降低(P<0.05或P<0.01);与I-R组比较,N组血浆CK-MB活性、MDA含量及心肌组织MPO活性均降低,血浆SOD活性升高(P<0.05或P<0.01),心肌病理学损伤减轻.结论 烟碱预处理可减轻大鼠心肌缺血-再灌注损伤,其机制可能与减少氧自由基生成、增强心肌抗氧化能力有关.     

烧伤大鼠小肠组织中两型一氧化氮合酶变化的观察

目的 研究烧伤后大鼠小肠组织中两型一氧化氮合酶的变化及与一氧化氮(NO)的关系。方法 采用30％TB-SAⅢ度烧伤大鼠模型,分别检测了小肠组织中NO含量及原生型NOS(cNOS)和诱导型NOS(iNOS)的活性,并分析了NO的变化规律及其与两型NOS之间的关系。结果 烧伤后小肠组中iNOS活性大幅上升,与NO的变化趋势一致,二者呈显著正相关(P<0.01),而cNOS活性呈下降趋势,与NO相关不显著(P<0.05)。结论 烧伤后小肠组织中NO的变化主要受iN-OS活性影响,iNOS活性上升,cNOS活性下降可能与烧伤后胃肠道病理变化密切相关。     

卡托普利对缺血-再灌注鼠心肌一氧化氮及其合酶活性的影响

目的　研究一氧化氮 (NO)和一氧化氮合酶 (NOS)在心肌再灌注损伤中的作用 ,探讨卡托普利(captopril)对缺血 -再灌注鼠心肌保护的机制。　方法　采用 L angendorff离体鼠心灌流模型 ,将 18只 SD大白鼠随机分为 3组 (每组 6只 ) ,对照组、缺血 -再灌注组、卡托普利组。观察心肌 NOS同工酶活性、过氧化物歧化酶活性、丙二醛含量、肌酸激酶含量和冠脉流出液 NO的变化。　结果　缺血 -再灌注组与对照组比较心肌诱导型 NOS(i NOS)活性增高 (P<0 .0 0 1) ,而心肌原生型 NOS(c NOS)活性及总 NOS活性显著降低 (P<0 .0 0 1,0 .0 5 ) ,冠脉流出液 NO含量下降(P<0 .0 1)。卡托普利组再灌注 30分钟 ,心肌 i NOS活性低于缺血 -再灌注组 (P<0 .0 1) ,c NOS活性和总 NOS活性高于缺血 -再灌注组 (P<0 .0 1,0 .0 5 ) ,再灌注期间冠脉流出液 NO水平高于缺血 -再灌注组 (P<0 .0 1) ,心肌损伤较缺血 -再灌注组减轻。　结论　心肌 NOS同工酶活性及 NO产生的失常是心肌再灌注损伤的重要机制之一 ,卡托普利可通过调节心肌 NOS同工酶活性 ,维持正常的 NO水平 ,起到心肌保护作用。     

缝隙连接Cx43在右美托咪定预防缺血-再灌注离体兔心复灌性心律失常中的作用

目的观察右美托咪定对离体家兔心缺血-再灌注(ischemia-reperfusion,IR)损伤后心肌复极不均一性及Cx43表达的影响,探讨Cx43在右美托咪定抑制IR损伤心肌复极不均一性中的作用。方法健康成年家兔18只,体重(2.0±0.5)kg,成功制备Langendorff离体心脏灌注模型,KH液平衡灌流15min后随机均分为三组,每组6只。空白对照组(C组):持续平衡灌注37℃K-H液150min;IR组:K-H液继续灌流15 min后停灌,注射4℃Thomas液10 ml/kg使心脏停搏60min,心脏周围用4℃Thomas液保护,30min半量复灌4℃Thomas液5ml/kg,60min时复灌K-H液;右美托咪定组(DEX组):于K-H液及Thomas液中加入右美托咪定25ng/ml,余同IR组。记录平衡灌流15min(T_0)、继续灌流15min(平衡30min,T_1)、复灌30min(平衡120min,T_2)、复灌60min(平衡150min,T_3)的HR及三层心肌(内膜、中膜、外膜)90%单相动作电位时程(MAPD90)并以此计算跨室壁复极离散度(transmural dispersion of repolarization,TDR),观察心脏复灌时心律失常发生情况、复跳时间,T_3时取左心室组织采用Western blot法、免疫组化法检测左室心肌组织Cx43的表达及分布。结果 DEX组复跳时间明显短于IR组(P0.05);与T_0时比较,T_2、T_3时IR组、DEX组HR明显减慢,TDR明显增大(P0.05);与IR组比较,T_1~T_3时DEX组HR明显减慢,T_2、T_3时DEX组TDR明显减小(P0.05)。与C组比较,IR组、DEX组Cx43表达明显减少(P0.05)且分布不均,且DEX组明显多于IR组(P0.05)。结论右美托咪定抑制IR损伤后心肌复极不均一性,从而起到稳定IR损伤心肌心电传导,降低复灌性心律失常发生率的作用,其机制可能与右美托咪定抑制缝隙连接失偶联、抑制Cx43表达减少及分布紊乱有关。     

异丙酚预处理对大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注时心肌线粒体的影响

目的 探讨异丙酚预处理对大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注时心肌线粒体的影响.方法 成年雄性SD大鼠60只,体重250～300 g,随机分为5组(n=12):对照组(Con组)、缺血再灌注组(I/R)和不同浓度异丙酚组(P1组、P2组、P3组).采用Langendorpf离体心脏灌注模型,用K-H液平衡20 min后,Con组继续用K-H液灌注130 min;I/R组用K-H液灌注40 min,缺血30 min,再灌注60 min;P1组、P2组、P3组于缺血前分别用含50、100、150 μmol/L异丙酚的K-H液灌注10 min,再用K-H液冲洗10 min,该过程总共进行2次为预处理,预处理后各组处理均同I/R组.记录平衡20 min(基础值)、缺血前即刻、再灌注60 min的心率(HR)、左心室舒张末压(LVEDP)、左心室发展压(LVDP)、左心室压力上升及下降速率最大值(±dP/dtmax)、冠脉流量(CF).于再灌注60 min时测定心肌梗死面积以及线粒体电子传递链Ⅰ复合体活性.结果 与Con组比较,再灌注60 min时I/R组LVEDP升高,HR、LVDP、±dP/dtmax、CF均下降,P2组和P3组LVEDP升高,I/R组和P1组心肌梗死面积增大,I/R组、P1组、P2组和P3组线粒体电子传递链Ⅰ复合体活性降低(P＜0.05);与I/R组比较,P2组及P3组再灌注60 min时LVEDP降低,HR、LVDP、±dP/dtmax、CF均升高,P2组及P3组心肌梗死面积减小,P2组和P3组线粒体电子传递链复合体Ⅰ活性升高(P＜0.05).结论 100、150μmol/L异丙酚预处理通过增加心肌线粒体电子传递链复合体Ⅰ的活性,在一定程度上减轻大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤.     

吗啡预处理-后处理对大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的 探讨吗啡预处理-后处理对大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注损伤的影响.方法 雄性SD大鼠,体重180～200 g,应用Langendorff体外灌流装置,采用全心停灌45 min、再灌注60 min的方法制备大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注模型.取模型制备成功的心脏40个,随机分为5组(n=8):缺血再灌注组(IR组)、吗啡预处理组(M1组)、吗啡后处理组(M2组)、吗啡预处理-后处理组(M1+M2组)、5-羟葵酸(5-HD)混合吗啡后处理组(5-HD+M2组).M1组全心停灌前30 min灌注含3.0 μmol/L吗啡的K-H液20 min,随后灌注K-H液10 min.M2组再灌注即刻灌注含3.0 μmol/L吗啡的K-H液10 min,随后灌注正常K-H液50 min.5-HD+M1组再灌注即刻灌注含3.0 μmol/L吗啡+10-4nunol/L 5-HD的K-H液10 min,随后灌注正常K-H液50 min.于再灌注60 min时,测定心肌肌酸激酶(CK-MB)活性,计算心肌梗死区与缺血危险区的比值(IS/AAR).结果 与IR组相比,其余各组IS/AAR减少,CK-MB活性降低(P<0.05);与M2组比较,5-HD+M2组CK-MB活性及IS/AAR升高(P<0.05);M1组、M2组和M1+M2组上述指标比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 吗啡预处理.后处理虽然可减轻大鼠离体心脏缺血冉灌注损伤,但是与单独应用时效果相似,其原因可能是两者单独应用减轻心脏缺血再灌注损伤的机制均与开放线粒体ATP敏感性钾通道有关.     

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.     

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.     

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.