三种亚型软骨组织来源干细胞的分离培养及鉴定

目的分离培养猪不同亚型软骨组织(弹性软骨、透明软骨以及纤维软骨)来源干细胞并鉴定,为软骨组织工程提供理想种子细胞。方法利用纤维连接蛋白黏附法分别从猪耳软骨、关节软骨以及椎间盘软骨中分离培养干细胞,并进行传代。倒置相差显微镜下观察细胞形态变化,流式细胞术鉴定细胞表面抗原表达水平(阳性标志物CD29、CD90及阴性标志物CD34、CD45),单克隆形成实验鉴定软骨干细胞单克隆形成能力。三向诱导分化鉴定软骨来源干细胞的成软骨、成骨及成脂多向分化潜能。RT-PCR检测成骨(Ⅰ型胶原、Ⅹ型胶原)、成软骨[蛋白聚糖(Aggrecan)、II型胶原]、成脂[脂联素(Adiponectin)、脂肪酸合成酶(fatty acid synthase,FAS)]相关基因表达,并以猪BMSCs作为对照。结果通过纤维连接蛋白黏附法分别从耳软骨(弹性软骨)、关节软骨(透明软骨)、椎间盘软骨(纤维软骨)分选出一群细胞,细胞高表达干细胞表面阳性标志物CD29、CD90,几乎不表达干细胞表面阴性标志物CD34、CD45。经过体外2周培养,单个细胞均能形成细胞克隆。三向诱导分化显示软骨来源的干细胞具备成软骨、成骨和成脂分化能力。RT-PCR结果显示,成骨诱导后关节和椎间盘来源软骨干细胞的Ⅰ、Ⅹ型胶原基因相对表达量明显高于BMSCs(P0.05),耳软骨来源干细胞与BMSCs比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05);成软骨诱导后,3种亚型软骨组织来源干细胞Aggrecan、Ⅱ型胶原基因相对表达量均高于BMSCs(P0.05);成脂诱导后,3种来源软骨干细胞Adiponectin及FAS基因相对表达量均低于BMSCs,但比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论不同亚型的猪软骨组织中均存在软骨干细胞,具有干细胞的典型特征。     

脂肪干细胞/Ⅰ型胶原凝胶复合体的构建及其体内外成骨分化研究

目的探讨利用脂肪干细胞与Ⅰ型胶原凝胶复合构建新型骨组织工程复合体的可行性并对其体内外成骨分化情况进行分析。方法取3月龄日本大耳白兔肩胛部皮下脂肪，Ⅰ型胶原酶消化获得细胞，于体外依次进行骨、软骨、脂肪多向诱导分化鉴定；取第3代细胞与Ⅰ型胶原凝胶复合，于成骨诱导条件下体外培养，相差显微镜、扫描电镜观察复合情况并对其碱性磷酸酶、细胞外基质矿化程度进行检测，同时设立单层贴壁培养细胞作为对照（n=4）；两周后移植于裸鼠皮下，12周后处死动物，依次行放射学、组织学检测观察成骨情况（n=3）。结果（1）所获细胞具备骨、软骨、脂肪多向分化潜能，为多能干细胞。（2）形态学观察显示脂肪干细胞呈三维立体生长状态，均匀、高密度悬浮于Ⅰ型胶原凝胶中。在体外成骨诱导条件下，其碱性磷酸酶活性以及外基质矿化程度均显著高于单层贴壁培养细胞（P〈0．01，n=4）。（3）于裸鼠皮下移植12周后，放射学、组织学检测显示脂肪干细胞．Ⅰ型胶原凝胶复合体成骨明显（n=3）。结论（1）IⅠ型胶原凝胶可显著促进脂肪干细胞的成骨分化。（2）作为一种新型的骨组织工程复合物，脂肪干细胞-Ⅰ型胶原凝胶复合体可应用于骨组织工程，特别是腔隙性骨缺损的修复过程。     

诱导人孤雌胚胎干细胞向类间充质干细胞分化的实验研究

目的探索人孤雌胚胎干细胞在体外向类间充质干细胞诱导分化的方法 ,并鉴定所得细胞的生物学特性。方法人孤雌胚胎干细胞在无血清条件下悬浮培养,形成拟胚体,10d后在含血清条件下使拟胚体贴壁生长,7d后胰酶消化,所得细胞在含血清的培养液中传代、扩增。观察传代、扩增后细胞的形态学变化;用免疫荧光染色和流式细胞技术进行细胞表型分析;取第9代细胞进行成脂、成骨和成软骨诱导,9～28d后行特殊染色及RT-PCR分析。结果人孤雌胚胎干细胞在诱导分化后,形态与骨髓间充质干细胞相似,多次扩增传代后仍保持细胞形态和扩增能力。免疫荧光染色发现,细胞表达中胚层标志波形蛋白(Vimentin)。流式细胞分析显示,细胞表达CD29、CD105、CD166、CD44等间充质干细胞表面标志。特殊染色及RT-PCR分析显示:成骨诱导后,细胞碱性磷酸酶和茜素红染色阳性,碱性磷酸酶和Cbfa-1表达增加;成软骨诱导后,细胞Ⅱ型胶原染色阳性,Ⅱ型胶原和软骨寡聚基质蛋白(COMP)表达增强;成脂诱导后,细胞油红染色阴性,脂蛋白酶和Leptin无表达。结论人孤雌胚胎干细胞可以诱导、分化为间充质干细胞,并具有成骨、成软骨分化潜能。     

CD204阴性人脂肪来源细胞体外成软骨潜能的初步研究

目的比较CD204+和CD204-两种人脂肪来源细胞的干细胞特性和体外诱导成软骨的能力。方法分离培养人脂肪来源细胞并进行流式细胞分选,分别获得CD204+和CD204-两种细胞。将这两种细胞培养扩增至第2代,观察其形态学特点;成脂、成骨定向诱导分化,油红O染色、茜素红染色定性;同时将两种细胞进行pellet成软骨诱导分化,比较体外诱导成软骨的能力,并以HE、Safranin O和Ⅱ型胶原免疫组化染色等进行鉴定。结果经流式细胞分选,脂肪来源细胞中CD204表达阳性率约为10%。分选后的CD204+和CD204-细胞均呈成纤维细胞样贴壁生长,但CD204-细胞具有更强的增殖能力。成脂诱导10 d后,两组细胞油红O染色均可见胞浆内有大量红染脂滴,但CD204+细胞具有更强的成脂潜能。成骨诱导2周后,两组细胞茜素红染色均可见钙结节红染,而CD204-细胞具有更强的成骨潜能。同时,细胞pellet成软骨诱导4周后,大体观可见CD204-细胞组pellet形成白色透明样软骨成分,而CD204+细胞组pellet外观微黄。HE和Ⅱ型胶原免疫组化染色均显示CD204-组pellet可见成熟软骨陷窝形成,Safranin O染色显示CD204-组软骨特异性细胞外基质沉积;而CD204+细胞组pellet则呈纤维化改变。结论脂肪组织来源的CD204-细胞具有干细胞的生物学特点,且有良好的成软骨潜能,可以成为软骨组织工程良好的种子细胞来源。     

大鼠椎间盘巢源性干细胞的体外分离、培养和特性鉴定

目的:对大鼠椎间盘干细胞巢来源的干细胞(ISN-SCs)进行体外分离、培养和特性鉴定。方法:以10周龄雄性SD大鼠作为研究对象,按照解剖区域分离椎间盘干细胞巢组织(骺板外周软骨膜部分),用Ⅱ型胶原酶消化获取细胞后进行体外培养,选用第四代细胞进行干细胞相关特性的鉴定:采用流式细胞技术测定细胞周期;MTT法测定增殖曲线;流式细胞技术检测干细胞相关表型;q PCR检测干细胞相关基因的表达水平;细胞三系诱导分化培养后采用茜素红染色及钙钴染色检测成骨分化能力,阿利新蓝染色检测成软骨分化能力,油红O染色检测成脂肪分化能力,q PCR检测多向分化相关基因的表达水平。结果:大鼠ISN-SCs呈成纤维样细胞,多触角,具有贴壁能力,是一种慢周期细胞,高表达干细胞相关阳性表面抗原分子CD29、CD90、CD44,低表达干细胞相关阴性表面抗原分子CD34、CD45、CD19、CD11b;成骨诱导分化后茜素红染色和钙钴染色均为阳性,成软骨分化后阿利新蓝染色阳性,成脂肪分化后油红O染色阳性,且各分化相关基因(成骨:Runx2、OPN、OCN;成软骨:SOX-9、COL2a1、ACAN;成脂肪:PPARγ、C/EBPα)表达水平较对照组显著增高,其与骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSCs)具有相似的干细胞相关基因(NANOG、SOX-2、OCT-4)表达水平。结论:ISN-SCs具备干细胞的生物学特性,在体外经诱导后可以向软骨细胞及脂肪细胞转化,可为椎间盘的自体生物学修复研究提供良好的细胞来源。     

婴幼儿血管瘤来源的间充质干细胞的体外多向分化实验

目的 观察婴幼儿血管瘤来源的间充质干细胞是否具有多向分化潜能.方法 应用贴壁筛选法从增生期血管瘤中分离间充质干细胞.将人骨髓中分离的间充质干细胞与切除的儿童包皮中分离的成纤维细胞作为对照.采用特异的诱导培养基,在体外诱导这3种细胞向脂肪细胞、骨细胞和软骨细胞分化.结果 在合适的诱导条件下,血管瘤来源的间充质干细胞和骨髓来源的间充质干细胞均可发生成脂肪、成骨和成软骨分化,而成纤维细胞没有表现出任何分化现象.结论 应用贴壁筛选法从血管瘤分离的间充质干细胞具有多向分化潜能.     

转化生长因子β1缓释载体诱导骨髓基质干细胞成软骨分化

目的探讨转化生长因子β1（TGF—β1）缓释对骨髓基质干细胞诱导成软骨分化的影响。方法乳化交联法制备TGF—β1壳聚糖缓释微球并将其与壳聚糖支架复合，将骨髓基质干细胞置于复合载体中立体培养，通过HE染色、Ⅱ型胶原免疫组化染色、扫描电镜观察复合载体对细胞的增殖、分化及功能的影响。结果骨髓基质干细胞于复合载体中培养，细胞形态类似软骨细胞，并可见细胞增殖及细胞外基质分泌，Ⅱ型胶原免疫组织化学染色示基质中有Ⅱ型胶原表达，其细胞增殖率及Ⅱ型胶原分泌功能均较对照组明显增强。结论复合载体能够控制TGF-β1的释放并保持其活性，可促进骨髓基质干细胞的增殖并诱导其向软骨细胞分化。     

犬骨髓基质干细胞体外定向分化为软骨细胞

目的 体外诱导犬骨髓基质干细胞(BMSCs)定向分化为软骨细胞，探讨体外诱导成软骨的方法和条件。方法 自犬肋骨取骨髓2～3ml，体外行原代和传代培养扩增，顺序加入碱性成纤维细胞生长因子(bFGF)和转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)，以培养瓶内较高细胞浓度培养，诱导BMSCs分化为软骨细胞。甲苯胺蓝、阿新蓝染色检测软骨基质的分泌，免疫组织化学染色检测软骨特异性Ⅱ型胶原表达。结果 诱导的软骨样细胞甲苯氨蓝异染性、阿新蓝染色阳性；Ⅱ型胶原免疫组织化学检测阳性。结论 应用bFGF和TGF-β1体外可以诱导犬BMSCs分化为软骨细胞，诱导的软骨细胞可作为软骨组织工程较理想的种子细胞。     

自体富血小板血浆诱导兔脂肪干细胞成软骨分化的实验研究

[目的]体外分离、培养、鉴定兔脂肪干细胞,探讨富血小板血浆体外诱导脂肪干细胞成软骨分化潜能。[方法]取Ⅰ型胶原酶消化兔脂肪后,贴壁法分离培养脂肪干细胞,取第3代细胞分别予以成脂、成骨诱导,证实其多向分化潜能;同时取第3代细胞予以富血小板血浆诱导,2周后倒置显微镜观察细胞形态,行Ⅱ型胶原免疫荧光细胞化学染色、甲苯胺蓝染色和实时荧光定量PCR检测Ⅱ型胶原和聚集蛋白聚糖的表达。[结果]可以从兔脂肪中培养出脂肪干细胞,成脂、成骨诱导证实其多向分化潜能。经自体富血小板血浆诱导的脂肪干细胞,其Ⅱ型胶原免疫荧光细胞化学染色、甲苯胺蓝染色均为阳性。实时荧光定量PCR检测发现经自体富血小板血浆诱导的兔脂肪干细胞Ⅱ型胶原α1链基因和聚集蛋白聚糖基因表达明显高于对照组未经诱导的兔脂肪干细胞(P<0.01)。[结论]自体富血小板血浆可以有效诱导兔脂肪干细胞表达II型胶原和蛋白聚糖,可以诱导兔脂肪干细胞向软骨细胞方向分化。     

人小涎腺成纤维样单克隆细胞的成骨分化

目的：探索人小涎腺成纤维样单克隆细胞的体外培养、扩增方法,鉴定其性质,研究向成骨细胞分化的潜能。方法：组织块贴壁法原代培养人小涎腺细胞,收集成纤维样细胞,用96孔板稀释铺板法克隆培养,免疫荧光和RT-PCR检测细胞表型,并进行成骨诱导分化,通过骨钙素、一型胶原免疫细胞化学染色及碱性磷酸酶、茜素红钙结节染色鉴定成骨分化。结果：成功的在体外扩增培养出人小涎腺成纤维样单克隆细胞,免疫荧光证实细胞表达CD13、CD29、CD106和CD44,RT-PCR显示CK18、α-SMA、vimentin、CD106、nestin基因表达与人骨髓间充质干细胞相似。成骨诱导8天后,碱性磷酸酶表达阳性率100%,19天后骨钙素和一型胶原大量表达,并形成钙结节。结论：所建立的分离培养体系能够获得大量人小涎腺成纤维样单克隆细胞,免疫表型类似于间充质干细胞。在成骨诱导培养条件下具有良好的向成骨细胞分化的潜能。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Dilemma of Membrane Biocompatibility and Reuse

Abstract: Numerous articles have been published on the multiple use of dialyzers and on the effect of different reprocessing chemicals and techniques on the dialyzer biocompatibility and performance. The results often appear contradictory, especially those comparing standard biocompatibility parameters. Despite this confusion, a discerning review of the published works allows certain limited conclusions to be drawn. Reprocessing of used hemodialyzers changes the biocompatibility profile of a dialyzer as defined by the parameters complement activation. leukopenia, and cytokine release. The effect of reprocessing depends on the chemicals and reprocessing technique applied and also on the type of membrane polymer being subjected to the reprocessing procedure. Reports of pyrogenic reactions indicate that the flux of the membrane also influences how suitable it is for safe reuse. An increased risk of allergic and pyrogenic reactions appears to be associated with dialyzer reuse. Furthermore, there has been a lack of investigations into the immunologic effect of the layer of adsorbed and chemically altered proteins that remains on the inner surface of reprocessed dialyzers. We conclude that the clinical benefit of dialyzer reuse cannot be generally accepted from a biocompatibility point of view.     

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.     

The analgesic effect of racemic ketamine in patients with chronic ischemic pain due to lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans

Background : Ketamine in sub-dissociative doses has been shown to have analgesic and phantom-Limb pain, where conventional treatment has often failed. Chronic ischemic pain due to lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans often responds poorly to analgesics, and the pain-generating mechanisms are not well understood.
Methods : Eight patients with rest pain in the lower extremity due to arteriosclerosis obliterans were given sub-dissociative doses of 0.15, 0.30, or 0.45 mg/kg racemic ketamine and morphine 10 mg as a 5-min infusion on four separate days in a cross-over, double-blind, randomised protocol. Plasma levels of (S)- and (R)-ketamine and their nor-metabolites were analysed with an enantioselective high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Pain levels were evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS).
Results : Individual pain levels were highly variable during and after all the infusions but the pooled pain levels showed a dose-dependent analgesic effect of ketamine with a transient but complete pain relief in all patients at the highest dose (0.45 mg/ kg). Side-effects, mainly disturbed cognition and perception, were pronounced and dose-dependent. Morphine 10 mg had an analgesic peak at 20 min and 5/8 patients had complete pain relief. The remaining 3 patients also had high baseline pain scores, indicating a higher analgesic potency for the 0.30 and 0.45 mg/ kg ketamine doses than for morphine 10 mg.
Conclusion : We have demonstrated a potent dose-dependent analgesic effect of racemic ketamine in clinical ischemic pain. Due to a narrow therapeutic window, this analgesic effect is probably best utilised in combination with other analgesics.     

Intravenous endotoxin does not increase tissue extravasation of albumin in rats

Background : It is unclear whether activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) increases or decreases the extravasation of plasma.
Methods : Chloralose anaesthetised male Wistar rats received E. coli lipopolysacharide (LPS), 3 mg kg^-1 i.v., or the corresponding volume of saline, 3 or 5 h before the end of the experiment. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded. Tissue clearance of radio-labelled albumin, during the last 2 h of each experiment, was determined by a double-isotope method. In separate animals, the serum concentration of nitrite and nitrate was determined, 5 h after LPS or the solvent.
Main Results : LPS initially decreased MAP and lastingly increased HR. In the 3-h LPS animals (n=8), tissue plasma clearance was lower in the heart and calf muscle and increased only in diaphragm, compared to corresponding control animals (n=8). In the 5-h LPS rats, clearance was lowered (n=8) in the entire gastrointestinal tract and in testes, compared to controls (n=8). The serum nitrite/nitrate concentration was higher in animals given LPS (n=6) than in controls (n=6).
Conclusion : After LPS, tissue clearance of albumin was not increased in any major tissue, in spite of increased serum levels of NO end products. Apparently, after activation of iNOS, the augmented release of NO is not necessarily associated with increased albumin extravasation.