基质细胞衍生因子-1在人肝细胞癌中的表达及临床意义

目的 观察基质细胞衍生因子-1(SDF-1)在肝细胞肝癌(HCC)中的表达,探讨SDF-1和HCC的临床、病理特点及术后复发的关系.方法 应用免疫组织化学技术检测SDF-1在41例HCC癌组织、癌旁组织和11例正常肝组织中的表达;分析临床、病理资料,并对上述患者进行随访,根据HCC患者术后复发时间进行生存分析.结果 SDF-1在HCC癌组织、癌旁组织及正常肝组织中的表达阳性率分别为68.29%、46.34%、和18.18%(P<0.01).SDF-1表达强度与肿瘤病理分级呈正相关(低分化为66.67%,高分化为43.48%;转移组为52%,未转移组31.25%),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).SDF-1表达阳性、阴性患者12月内的复发率分别为48.1%和14.3%(P<0.01).结论 SDF-1在HCC中表达上调,SDF-1的高表达在肝癌发生过程中发挥重要作用.SDF-1可作为一种新的判断HCC患者术后复发和预后的指标.     

肝癌组织微血管计数的临床意义

目的: 研究人肝癌组织微血管计数的临床意义.方法: 应用CD34 S-P免疫组化法对74例人肝癌组织中微血管进行标记并计数.结果: 肝癌分化差、组织学分级高的患者微血管计数高于分化好、组织学分级低的患者;有血管浸润者微血管计数高于无血管浸润患者(P<0.001);肝内多病灶患者微血管计数明显高于单病灶病例(P<0.01);Ⅱ,Ⅲ,Ⅳa 期肝癌患者微血管计数明显高于Ⅰ期肝癌患者(P<0.01或P<0.001).结论: 肝癌组织中微血管计数与组织学特征密切相关,并与肝癌分期、肝内血管浸润及肝内病灶数有关,微血管密度高的肝癌预后不良或易发生肝内转移.     

Caspase-3 mRNA在原发性肝癌中的表达及其临床意义

目的 探讨原发性肝细胞癌(HCC)中Caspase-3的表达水平及其与临床病理学特征之间的关系.方法 采用实时荧光定量逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)检测手术切除的肝细胞癌患者的肝癌组织标本及癌旁肝组织标本中Caspase-3 mRNA的表达.结果 肝癌组织中Caspase-3 mRNA值为(0.028±0.018),癌旁组织中的Caspase-3 mRNA值为(0.049±0.026),肝癌组织中Caspase-3 mRNA明显低于相应的癌旁肝组织中的表达(P<0.01).结论 Caspase-3 mRNA可能成为判断肝癌预后或复发转移的指标之一.     

原发性肝癌组织中巨噬细胞与微血管的计数及其临床意义

目的: 研究原发性肝癌(primary hepatocarcinoma,PHC)组织中肿瘤相关巨噬细胞(tumor-associated macrophage,TAM)、微血管(microvessel,MV)的计数及其临床病理意义,并探讨二者之间的相互关系.方法: 应用ABC免疫组化法对47例PHC手术切除标本常规石蜡包埋切片分别检测MV和TAM并高倍镜下计数.结果: 47例PHC癌组织中MV与TAM计数均显著高于癌旁组织;MV(67.30±13.68)个/HP vs (37.20±10.58)个/HP (P<0.01); TAM(70.27±17.93)个/HP vs (44.15±9.10)个/HP (P<0.01).TAM与MV在术前AFU(α-岩藻糖) ≤10 μg/L病例的计数显著高于AFU>10 μg/L病例计数; TAM (74.13±18.33) 个/HP vs (61.15±13.54)个/HP (P<0.05); MV(70.41±13.03)个/HP vs (59.97±12.69)个/HP (P<0.05).伴转移病例癌组织中的MV计数(73.50±13.77)个/HP显著高于无转移病例(64.10±12.68)个/HP (P<0.05);TAM与MV在PHC中的计数与PHC的其他临床病理特征均无明显关系;癌组织中TAM计数与MV计数呈密切正相关(r=0.686,P<0.01).结论: TAM与MV计数与PHC的发生、进展关系密切;MV计数高的PHC易于发生浸润和转移;TAM与PHC的血管生成可能有着密切的关系.     

原发性胆囊癌CD44v6、Survivin的表达与临床病理的相关性

目的 探讨CD44v6和Survivin蛋白在原发性胆囊癌组织中的表达与癌组织类型、病理分级和转移状况的关系,以及CD44v6与Survivin表达之间的相关性.方法 应用免疫组化方法检测52例胆囊腺癌、20例胆囊腺瘤和20例慢性胆囊炎组织中CD44v6和Survivin表达水平.结果 胆囊癌组织中CD44v6和Survivin阳性表达率分别为80.8%(42/52)和67.3%(35/52),均明显高于胆囊腺瘤(分别为45.0%和30.0%,P<0.05),并随着胆囊癌的分化程度减低、病理分级增高和转移而明显增高(P<0.05).同时,CD44v6表达与Survivin表达呈明显正相关(X2=5.19,P<0.05).结论 CD44v6和Survivin均是胆囊癌高度恶化和预后不良的重要指标.胆囊癌CD44v6表达与Survivin表达可能具有协同作用.     

斑蝥酸钠维B6注射液对肝癌患者肝纤维化指标及临床体征的影响

目的 观察斑蝥酸钠维B6注射液时原发性肝癌患者肝纤维化指标的影响.方法 原发性肝癌患者随机分为斑螫酸钠维B6注射液组和对照组.观察两组血清肝纤维化指标、肝功能和临床体征的变化.结果 血清HA、PCⅢ斑蝥酸钠维B6注射液组较对照组明显减少(P<0.05),肝功能明显好转(P<0.05,P<0.01),效果优于对照组.斑蝥酸钠维B6注射液可使部分患者蜘蛛痣、肝掌消失,效果优于对照组.结论 斑蝥酸钠维B6注射液具有抗肝纤维化,保护肝细胞的作用.     

PTTG和VEGF在原发性胆囊癌中的表达及意义

目的 探讨垂体肿瘤转化基因(pituitary tumor transforming gene,PTTG)和血管内皮生长因子(vascu-lar endothelial growth factor,VEGF)在原发性胆囊癌中的表达及相互关系,研究其表达与肿瘤临床病理指标及预后的联系.方法 应用免疫组织化学法,检测41例原发性胆囊癌及20例慢性结石性胆囊炎中PTTG和VEGF的表达水平.结果 在原发性胆囊癌中PITG和VEGF阳性表达率分别为85.4%和56.1%,其阳性率及表达等级均明显高于慢性胆囊炎中的表达情况,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).PTTG和VEGF表达等级均与胆囊癌的Nevin分期和淋巴结转移密切相关(P<0.05);PTFG表达与VEGF表达呈正相关(r=0.526,P<0.05).PTTGG或 VEGF阳性患者的累积生存期明显低于阴性者(P<0.05).结论 PTTG或VEGF与胆囊癌生物学行为及预后关系密切,PTTG表达与VEGF表达呈明显正相关.二者的联合检测,有助于原发性胆囊癌恶性程度和预后的判断,以进一步指导临床诊疗.     

川芎嗪在大鼠肝脏缺血-再灌注损伤中的保护作用

目的 探讨中药川芎嗪对大鼠肝脏缺血.再灌注损伤是否具有保护作用.方法 132只SD大鼠随机分为3组:A组(空白对照组)、B组(缺血-再灌注组)、C组(治疗组),于术前及再灌注后30 min、6 h、24 h抽血检测ALT、AST及LDH,同时观察组织病理学变化,对比每组大鼠1周累积生存情况:免疫组化检测肝细胞凋亡指数.结果 C组累积生存率高于B组(P<0.05).B组及C组ALT、AST及LDH均明显高于A 组(P<0.05)且C组低于B组(P<0.05),光镜下,缺血-再灌注后肝细胞坏死情况B组重于C组,B组肝细胞凋亡指数高于C组(P<0.05).结论 川芎嗪对大鼠肝脏缺血-再灌注损伤具有明显的保护作用.     

岩藻糖在正常人肝细胞、低转移人肝癌细胞和高转移人肝癌细胞表面的含量变化

目的 比较正常人肝细胞、低转移人肝癌细胞及高转移人肝癌细胞表面岩藻糖的含量差异.方法 利用能与岩藻糖特异性结合的异硫氰酸荧光素标记的荆豆凝集素(FITC-UEA),与正常人肝细胞、低转移人肝癌细胞及高转移人肝癌细胞悬液充分结合.而后用流式细胞仪定量检测细胞表面的荧光强度,据此评定正常人肝细胞、低转移人肝癌细胞和高转移人肝癌细胞表面岩藻糖的含量.结果 正常人肝细胞表面的荧光强度低于低转移人肝癌细胞扣高转移人肝癌细胞(P<0.05),高转移人肝癌细胞表面的荧光强度高于低转移人肝癌细胞(P<0.051.结论 细胞表面的岩藻糖含量变化与细胞癌变及癌变细胞的转移潜能有关.细胞癌变后,细胞表面的岩藻糖含量增加,并且癌变细胞的转移潜能越高,其表面岩藻糖含量也越高.     

原发性胆囊癌Flt-4的表达与肿瘤恶性特征的相关性分析

目的 探讨原发性胆囊癌组织中Flt-4 在mRNA 和蛋白水平的表达及其与肿瘤恶性特征的关系.方法 选取2000 年8 月至2010 年8 月我院手术切除病理明确的19 例原发性胆囊癌和13 例胆囊腺瘤样息肉新鲜组织标本,采用逆转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)和免疫组化染色在mRNA 和蛋白水平检测Flt-4 在原发性胆囊癌和胆囊腺瘤样息肉的表达情况,并分析Flt-4 免疫组化阳性表达的病例与胆囊癌肝浸润、淋巴转移、病理分级和Nevin 分期等恶性特征的相关性.结果 在胆囊癌和胆囊腺瘤样息肉组织中Flt-4 mRNA 阳性表达率为73.68%(14/19)和7.69%(1/13);两组相比差异显著(P<0.05).免疫组化染色Flt-4 蛋白阳性表达率为68.42%(13/19)和7.69%(1/13);两组相比差异有统计意义(P<0.05).Flt-4 的阳性表达率在胆囊癌肝浸润、淋巴转移和Nevin IV、V 期组明显高于无肝浸润、无淋巴转移和Nevin I、II、III 期组(P<0.05),而在高、中和低分化组三者的阳性表达率无显著差异(P>0.05).结论 原发性胆囊癌组织中Flt-4 在mRNA 和蛋白水平均存在高表达,Flt-4 的阳性表达同胆囊癌肝浸润、淋巴转移和Nevin 分期明显相关,但与病理分级无明显相关.     

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 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.