颈椎“双开门”椎管扩大成形同种异体骨植骨治疗脊髓型颈椎病的疗效分析

目的 总结分析颈椎后路双开门椎管扩大成形同种异体骨植骨治疗脊髓型颈椎病的临床效果.方法 对61例行颈椎后路“双开门”椎管扩大成形同种异体骨植骨治疗的脊髓型颈椎病患者进行回顾性分析,采用JOA评分法、颈椎管平均矢状径评价临床疗效,X线、CT判定植骨融合状况.结果 术后所有患者症状体征得到改善,JOA评分由术前平均10.6...     

纳米人工骨间隔物在颈椎后路双开门椎管扩大成形术中的应用

目的探讨纳米人工骨间隔物在颈椎后路双开门椎管扩大成形术中应用的临床疗效。方法对32例行该手术治疗的多节段脊髓型颈椎病患者进行回顾性分析,采用JOA评分法、颈椎管平均矢状径评价临床疗效,X线、CT判定植骨融合状况。结果术后所有患者症状体征得到改善,JOA评分由术前平均10.5分增加至术后1年时平均15.4分,改善率为70.8%。术后下颈椎的各节段椎管扩大明显,椎管矢状径差异有显著性。术后6个月、1年及2年的植骨块融合率分别为57.5%、80%及93.1%。结论多节段脊髓型颈椎病应用纳米人工骨间隔物的颈椎后路双开门椎管扩大成形术治疗,安全、有效,值得临床推广。     

颈后路双开门棘突嵌入植骨椎管扩大成形术治疗颈椎管狭窄症

目的：探讨颈后路双开门棘突嵌入植骨椎管扩大成形术对颈椎管狭窄症、后纵韧带骨化症的治疗效果。方法：对７８例经ＣＴ诊断明确的患者采用上述手术方法。将手术部位取下的Ｃ６、Ｃ７棘突劈开,横行嵌入开门后的椎板之间,完成椎管成形,采用ＪＯＡ评分法对其中的３６例患者进行了１４个月以上的评价随访。结果：术后ＪＯＡ评分及椎管矢状径皆有明显改善。改善率为７４.4%。ＣＴ显示植骨融合及椎管成形满意。结论：颈后路双开门棘突嵌入植骨椎管扩大成形术治疗颈椎管狭窄症疗效确切。     

颈椎单开门微型钢板内固定治疗颈椎管狭窄症

目的探讨颈椎单开门微型钢板内固定治疗颈椎管狭窄症的临床疗效。方法微型钢板应用于42例患者后路单开门椎管扩大椎板成形术中。25例为多节段颈椎间盘突出,5例为发育性颈椎管狭窄,12例为长节段后纵韧带骨化。对患者术前及术后2周的JOA评分及椎管矢状径进行评价。结果 JOA评分:术前为7.3分±2.8分,术后2周为13.4分±3.4分,平均提高6.1分±2.3分,缓解率为62%±25%。椎管矢状径:术前为9.5 mm±1.8 mm,术后为19.8 mm±2.6 mm。术后JOA评分、椎管矢状径与术前比较差异均有统计学意义﹙P0.01﹚。出院后1个月X线片均显示手术节段未发生关门现象,稳定性良好。结论微型钢板在颈椎管狭窄后路手术中可防止再关门、减少轴性疼痛、防止铰链侧椎板断裂后断端插入椎管的危险,患者能早期下地活动,近期疗效较好。     

微型钛板改良单开门颈椎管扩大成形术治疗脊髓型颈椎病的临床效果

【摘要】〓目的〓评价微型钛板改良单开门颈椎管扩大椎板成形术治疗脊髓型颈椎病的临床效果。方法〓2008年1月~2012年2月,观察46例多节段脊髓型颈椎病(MCSM)行微型钛板改良单开门颈椎管扩大椎板成形术的脊髓型颈椎病患者,对比术前及术后JOA评分,在CT上测量C5节段椎管术前、术后6个月的矢状径,计算椎管扩大率[(术后椎管矢状径-术前椎管矢状径)/(术前椎管矢状径)×100%],观察单开门门轴侧骨融合情况。结果〓平均随访18个月(6~24个月)。术前平均JOA评分8.2分,术后平均JOA评分14.8分。C5节段椎管矢状径术前为8.6±1.1 mm,术后6个月为16.1±0.9 mm,椎管扩大率为(74.3±14.4)%。术后6个月,可以观察到单开门门轴侧骨融合,无螺钉松动及再“关门”现象。结论〓微型钛板改良单开门椎管成形术治疗脊髓型颈椎病临床效果满意,防止再关门。     

双开门颈椎管成形术植骨块改良固定法的临床应用

目的 介绍颈椎后路双开门椎管成形术植骨块改良固定法.方法 颈椎后路双开门椎管成形术中以丝线交叉编织的方式固定植骨块34例.结果 30例(88.2％)术后效果优良.结论 在颈后路双开门椎管成形术中,以丝线交叉编织的方式整体固定植骨块与椎板,即时效果可靠,生物相容性好,方法 经济实用.     

纳米人工椎板在颈椎后路减压椎管重建手术中的临床应用研究

[目的]评估颈椎后路减压手术中应用纳米人工骨重建椎管后临床症状的改善和影像学变化。[方法]观察组30例多节段脊髓型颈椎病行颈椎后路减压人工椎板椎管重建术,对照组38例多节段脊髓型颈椎病行颈椎后路双开门椎管扩大成形术。两组术后平均随访25个月。比较两组的手术时间、术中出血量、术前术后JOA(日本矫形外科学会)评分,轴性症状及C5神经根麻痹的发生情况,颈椎X线片及CT了解椎管矢状径扩大情况及人工椎板融合情况。[结果]观察组手术时间平均92 min,术中出血量平均316 ml,低于对照组,有1例发生C5神经根麻痹。两组在手术时间、出血量及C5神经根麻痹的发生方面比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察组术后JOA评分改善率为74.3%,3例出现轴性症状,理疗治疗后好转。术后各节段椎管矢状径皆超过14 mm,术后1年和2年人工骨骨性融合率分别为43.3%和71.1%。两组在JOA评分改善率、轴性症状发生率、椎管矢状径扩大及植骨融合方面比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。[结论]在颈椎后路全椎板切除减压手术中应用纳米人工椎板重建颈椎管效果良好,获得与颈椎后路双开门椎管扩大成形术相同的治疗效果,而且具有手术时间短、术中出血少及并发症较少的优点。     

单开门颈椎管扩大成形侧块螺钉结合棘突椎板螺钉内固定治疗颈椎管狭窄症

目的 探讨单开门颈椎管扩大成形侧块螺钉结合棘突椎板螺钉内固定治疗颈椎管狭窄症的临床疗效.方法 采用单开门颈椎管扩大成形侧块螺钉结合棘突椎板螺钉内固定治疗25例颈椎管狭窄症患者.以JOA评分(17分法)及其改善率评价术后神经功能改善情况;影像学检查评价椎管扩大和维持情况及门轴侧骨融合情况.结果 手术时间为(120±25)min;术中出血量为(675±105)ml.术后1例出现C5神经根麻痹,经3周保守治疗症状逐渐消失.25例均获随访,时间6～24个月.JOA评分术前为(9.4±1.0)分,术后6个月为(14.6±1.3)分,JOA改善率为(68.2±9.2)%.X线片及CT示椎管扩大满意,门轴侧均骨性愈合,均未见椎板塌陷和再关门现象.C5节段椎管矢状径术前为(9.2±1.0)mm,术后6个月为(14.5±1.2)mm,椎管扩大率为(57.6±13.8)%.结论 单开门颈椎管扩大成形侧块螺钉结合棘突椎板螺钉内固定治疗颈椎管狭窄症是一种安全有效的手术方法,在抬起椎板获得即刻稳定的同时,可以恢复椎管的完整性.     

颈椎单开门椎管扩大椎板成形悬吊固定与微型钛板固定治疗颈椎后纵韧带骨化症的长期疗效

目的:对比分析颈椎后路单开门椎管扩大椎板成形悬吊固定与微型钛板固定治疗颈椎后纵韧带骨化症(ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament,OPLL)的长期疗效。方法:2006年1月~2011年12月在我院行单开门椎管扩大椎板成形术的173例颈椎OPLL患者作为研究对象,根据固定方式不同分为两组:采用悬吊固定的患者为A组,共76例,其中男44例,女32例,年龄59.8±8.9岁,病程112.7±4.8个月,术前JOA评分为10.5±1.0分,术前颈椎活动度(ROM)为40.6°±1.6°,椎管矢状径为15.5±2.5mm,随访时间83.2±8.8个月;采用微型钛板固定的患者为B组,共97例,其中男58例,女39例,年龄61.9±6.0岁,病程113.1±4.1个月,术前JOA评分为11.5±1.9分,颈椎ROM为41.8°±3.6°,椎管矢状径为16.3±3.0mm,随访时间81.2±9.8个月。术前患者均存在不同程度的四肢肌力减退、步态不稳、双下肢肌张力增高、病理征阳性等髓性症状和体征。记录两组患者的手术时间、术中出血量、平均住院费用、术后并发症发生情况,末次随访时对患者进行JOA评分,测量颈椎ROM和椎管矢状径,计算末次随访时JOA评分改善率、颈椎ROM丢失和椎管矢状径改善率。结果:两组患者年龄、性别比、病程、术前JOA评分、颈椎ROM、椎管矢状径和随访时间均无显著性差异(P>0.05)。A组术中出血量为215±20ml,手术时间为1.7±0.6h,平均住院费用为5.6±0.8万元,术后4例发生C5神经根麻痹,8例发生轴性痛,1例再关门;B组术中出血量217±17ml,手术时间为1.8±0.5h,平均住院费用为7.8±1.4万元,术后7例发生C5神经根麻痹,10例发生轴性痛。两组术中出血量、手术时间和术后并发症发生率无统计学差异(P>0.05),A组平均住院费用显著性低于B组(P<0.01)。末次随访时A组JOA评分改善率为(53.23±13.76)%,B组为(54.22±14.11)%,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);A组颈椎ROM丢失8.3°±5.2°,B组为12.1°±6.6°,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);A组椎管矢状径改善率为(28.89±4.33)%,B组为(37.74±3.71)%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:采用微型钛板固定和丝线悬吊固定的颈后路单开门椎管扩大椎板成形术治疗颈椎OPLL均可达到满意的长期疗效。钛板固定可以更好地维持椎管矢状径的良好状态;悬吊固定在术后长期颈椎ROM保留方面有一定优势,且住院费用更低。     

单开门联合侧块螺钉在老年性严重性颈椎管狭窄中的应用

[目的]观察颈椎管狭窄单开门椎管减压椎板成形联合侧块螺钉悬吊术治疗老年性严重性颈椎管狭窄症的临床效果.[方法]选取32例于2006～2009年期间在本院治疗的老年性严重性颈椎管狭窄患者作为研究对象.手术前后从影像学变化(椎管矢状径、颈椎活动度)和神经功能改善(采用日本骨科学会脊髓功能评分量表)两方面评估临床效果.[结果]随访18～46个月,椎管矢状径平均增加5.1 mm,颈椎活动度平均减少13°.JOA评分平均增加5.6分,优良率75%,没有出现再关门病例.[结论]颈后路单开门联合侧块螺钉技术治疗颈椎管狭窄安全有效,减压彻底.     

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.