Early time course of altered leukocyte response to lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan in porcine gunshot injury.

BACKGROUND: Penetrating injuries are frequently combined with polybacterial soiling. Clearance of the microorganisms depends on the ability to activate immune responses, but post-traumatic hyporeactivity of immune cells is almost universal. The aim of this study was to map the early time course of this altered leukocyte reactivity, and to compare the reactions to subsequent Gram-positive or Gram-negative challenges. METHODS: Twelve juvenile pigs sustained two standardized rounds, one through the right femur and one through the left upper abdomen. First aid treatment and acute surgery were started immediately. Blood samples were drawn before trauma and after 10, 30, 60, and 90 min, and thereafter stimulated in ex vivo whole blood for 3 h with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 ng/ml), peptidoglycan (PepG, 1 microg/ml), or an equivalent amount of normal saline. The leukocyte response was evaluated by measurement of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 in the supernatant. RESULTS: In the post-traumatic in vivo serum, the concentration of TNF-alpha increased steadily (significant after 60 min). A reduced ex vivo reaction to LPS was evident after 10 min, and was statistically significant after 30 min. The lowest levels were reached after 90 min. The ex vivo synthesis of TNF-alpha after stimulation with PepG remained unaltered. A similar development was seen for IL-6. IL-1 beta levels did not change, while IL-8 increased significantly only after 60 and 90 min. CONCLUSIONS: Trauma almost instantaneously reprogrammed circulating leukocytes. As measured with TNF-alpha, a profound hyporeactivity to LPS, but not to PepG, was induced. In addition, no global down-regulation of leukocyte function was found after stimulation with LPS.

S100A4 involvement in metastasis: deregulation of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases in osteosarcoma cells transfected with an anti-S100A4 ribozyme.

The biological function of the metastasis-associated gene S100A4 is not fully understood, although there is evidence indicating interactions between the gene product and the cytoskeleton. We have examined whether an association could exist between S100A4 and the regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous inhibitors (TIMPs). For these studies, three clones of a highly metastatic human osteosarcoma cell line (OHS) transfected with a hammerhead ribozyme directed against the S100A4 gene transcript were used. The clones demonstrated different expression levels of S100A4 and also different metastatic capacity. In the clone with the most prominent down-regulation of S100A4, the mRNA levels of MMP2, membrane type (MT) 1-MMP, and TIMP-1 were significantly reduced in exponentially growing cultures. Western blots, gelatin zymography, and ELISA showed similar expression patterns of MMPs and TIMPs at the protein level. In the clones with an intermediate expression of S100A4, reduced expression of MT1-MMP and TIMP-1 was detected, whereas the expression of MMP-2 was at the same level as in the control cells. In contrast to the other factors, TIMP-2 was up-regulated in all of the clones independent of the extent of ribozyme-induced down-regulation of S100A4. The transwell chamber assay demonstrated that the capacity of the ribozyme-transfected cells to cross uncoated filters was reduced, relative to control cells, according to the reduction in the S100A4 expression level. The clone with the lowest reduction in S100A4 did not demonstrate different motility compared with control cells, whereas transfectants with only 5% S100A4 mRNA showed a 50% reduction in motility. Interestingly, this trend was even more striking when the capacity to cross Matrigel-coated filters was analyzed, as all the clones demonstrated between 40 and 75% reduced invasion. It is concluded that S100A4 may exert its effect on metastasis formation not only by stimulating the motility of tumor cells but also by affecting their invasive properties through influencing the expression of MMPs and their endogenous inhibitors.

In vivo characterization of ischemic small intestine using bioimpedance measurements.

The standard clinical method for the assessment of viability in ischemic small intestine is still visual inspection and palpation. This method is non-specific and unreliable, and requires a high level of clinical experience. Consequently, viable tissue might be removed, or irreversibly damaged tissue might be left in the body, which may both slow down patient recovery. Impedance spectroscopy has been used to measure changes in electrical parameters during ischemia in various tissues. The physical changes in the tissue at the cellular and structural levels after the onset of ischemia lead to time-variant changes in the electrical properties. We aimed to investigate the use of bioimpedance measurement to assess if the tissue is ischemic, and to assess the ischemic time duration. Measurements were performed on pigs (n = 7) using a novel two-electrode setup, with a Solartron 1260/1294 impedance gain-phase analyser. After induction of anaesthesia, an ischemic model with warm, full mesenteric arterial and venous occlusion on 30 cm of the jejunum was implemented. Electrodes were placed on the serosal surface of the ischemic jejunum, applying a constant voltage, and measuring the resulting electrical admittance. As a control, measurements were done on a fully perfused part of the jejunum in the same porcine model. The changes in tan δ (dielectric parameter), measured within a 6 h period of warm, full mesenteric occlusion ischemia in seven pigs, correlates with the onset and duration of ischemia. Tan δ measured in the ischemic part of the jejunum differed significantly from the control tissue, allowing us to determine if the tissue was ischemic or not (P < 0.0001, F = (1,75.13) 188.19). We also found that we could use tan δ to predict ischemic duration. This opens up the possibility of real-time monitoring and assessment of the presence and duration of small intestinal ischemia.

There is no difference in spontaneous and 17 beta-estradiol-induced interleukin-1 beta release by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from nonosteoporotic women with different rates of early postmenopausal bone loss.

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a potent stimulator of bone resorption, and a causal role for IL-1 has been suggested in postmenopausal bone loss. We have examined IL-1 beta release in vitro by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from nonosteoporotic women 9-15 yr after menopause. These women had presented 6 yr previously with significant differences in the rate of early postmenopausal bone loss. Ten women with low rates of bone loss (median 2.0% per year) and 10 women with high rates of bone loss (median 4.9% per year) were included in the study. The women with a high rate of bone loss had a significantly lower bone mass of the lumbar vertebrae compared with that of the other group, but there were no differences in biochemical markers of bone metabolism between the groups (pyridinoline/creatinine ratio in urine and collagen 1 c-terminal telopeptide and bone gla protein in serum). Moreover, there was no difference in spontaneous IL-1 beta release by PBMCs between the two groups and no correlation between IL-1 beta release and present bone turnover, as judged by biochemical markers. Treatment of PBMCs with 10 nmol/L 17 beta-estradiol in vitro significantly stimulated IL-1 beta production in both groups. We conclude that IL-1 beta production by PBMCs in vitro does not correlate with the rate of early postmenopausal bone loss.

Regulation of tissue-degrading factors and in vitro invasiveness in progression of breast cancer cells.

Hormone-independent growth and invasiveness represent phenotypic properties acquired during early progression of breast cancer. We compared human mammary adenocarcinoma cells, MCF-7, which are estrogen-dependent and poorly metastatic, with the estrogen-independent and highly metastatic subline, MCF7/LCC1, with regard to expression of tissue-degrading factors of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-and urokinase (uPA)-dependent degradative pathways, as well as for their in vitro invasive properties. Both cell lines showed low constitutive mRNA expression of the MMP inhibitor TIMP-1. Baseline expression of TIMP-2 mRNA was also very low in MCF-7 cells, whereas the MCF7/LCC1 level was much higher (approximately 10-fold). Furthermore, both cell lines revealed low constitutive capacity to migrate in an in vitro invasion assay. Treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA; 100 nM) induced the mRNAs for TIMP-1 as well as for MMP-1, MMP-9, the uPA receptor, and the uPA inhibitor PAI-1, amongst which only the responses of MMP-9 and PAI-1 were cell-specific. The mRNA levels of MMP-9 and PAI-1 were approximately 10-fold and approximately 15-fold higher in MCF7/LCC1 cells compared to MCF-7 cells. The secretion of immunoreactive PAI-1 was considerably elevated (> 20-fold) in TPA-treated MCF7/LCC1 cells, whereas the TPA-dependent level of 92-kDa MMP-9 was only approximately 2-fold higher in MCF7/LCC1 cells than in MCF-7 cells. In both cell lines treatment with TPA was associated with an increase (approximately 10-fold) in in vitro migration, which in the MCF7/LCC1 cells was significantly attenuated by a reconstituted basement membrane extract (Matrigel). These data suggest that TPA-responsive in vitro invasive properties that are probably associated with PAI-1 expression may co-vary with progression from hormone-dependent to -independent breast cancer.

Activation of the plasma contact system and hemodynamic changes after graft revascularization in liver transplantation.

In this study, the relation between activation of the plasma contact system and hemodynamic changes during orthotopic liver transplantation was evaluated. Nineteen consecutive courses of OLT in 17 adult patients were investigated. Veno-venous bypass was used in all patients. Blood samples were drawn through all phases of the procedure, and analyzed for the following parameters using functional techniques (chromogenic peptide substrate assays): plasma kallikrein (KK), prekallikrein, functional plasma kallikrein inhibition, C1 inhibitor, and alpha 2-macroglobulin. Plasma high molecular weight kininogen (HK) degradation was evaluated using the immunoblotting technique. An abrupt rise in KK activities occurred within 1 min after portal reperfusion of the liver graft (7-16 U/L, P < 0.05). Simultaneously, proteolytic breakdown of HK was seen. The elevated KK activities were maintained the next 1 1/2 hr. Ten min after graft reperfusion, a significant increase in cardiac output compared with the anhepatic phase (7.2-12.4 L/min, P < 0.05) was found. At the same time, systemic vascular resistance fell significantly (817-408 dynes x sec/cm-5, P < 0.05). The increase in plasma KK activities accompanied by simultaneous degradation of HK seen immediately after reperfusion of the liver graft may be due to contact activation as recipient blood contacts with the underlying basement membrane of injured sinusoidal endothelium in the transplanted liver. We suggest that hemodynamic changes associated with the postreperfusion syndrome seen after revascularization of the liver in OLT could at least be caused in part by bradykinin release due to contact activation.

Polymorphonuclear elastase in human colorectal carcinoma.

proteinases are required for invasion through the extracellular matrix (ECM) during tumor invasion and metastasis. Polymorphonuclear (PMN) elastase can degrade ECM components and modulate other proteinases. In the present study PMN elastase activity was found in tissue extracts from 8 of 15 human colorectal carcinomas. Immunoreactive PMN elastase was demonstrated in all carcinoma biopsies with particular enrichment at the tumor-host interface. Immunofluorescence staining localized immunoreactive PMN elastase mainly to neutrophile granulocytes. The human colon carcinoma cell lines Caco-2 and HT-29 did not express PMN elastase. An interaction between tumor cells and elastase producing leukocytes is suggested.

Antigen levels of urokinase plasminogen activator and its receptor at the tumor-host interface of colorectal adenocarcinomas are related to tumor aggressiveness.

The distributions of urokinase and tissue plasminogen activators (uPA, tPA), uPA receptor (uPAR), and plasminogen activator inhibitors (PAI-1, PAI-2) were studied immunohistochemically in two subsets of colorectal adenocarcinomas with low and high aggressiveness, respectively: nine Dukes' stage A tumors with additional other good prognostic markers and 13 Duke's stage C tumors with also other poor prognostic markers (referred to as Dukes' stage A and Dukes' stage C tumors). The results showed that these components of the tissue destructive plasminogen activation system were accumulated at the invading front of the tumors. Both tumor groups showed accumulations of uPA, uPAR, and PAI-1 at the tumor-host interface compared with the location within the tumor epithelium and the adjacent normal mucosa and muscularis propria (all P < .05). However, the uPA level at the tumor-host interface in the Dukes' stage C tumors was twice the level in the Dukes' stage A tumors (P < .05). The uPAR level was also significantly higher in the Dukes' stage C tumors (P < .05), whereas the PAI-1 level was not significantly higher. This may indicate that uPA in more aggressive tumors exceeds the inhibitory capacity represented by PAIs, resulting in enhanced tissue destructive potential that promotes tumor invasion. uPA and uPAR antigen levels and the uPA/PAI-1 ratio at the tumor-host interface appeared to be related to tumor aggressiveness in colorectal cancer.

Aminoethyl-isothiourea, a selective inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase activity, improves liver circulation and oxygen metabolism in a porcine model of endotoxemia.

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in hepatic oxygen transport is unclear. We investigated the effects of aminoethyl-isothiourea (AE-ITU), a selective inhibitor of iNOS activity, on liver blood flow and oxygen consumption (VO2H) in the pig. Endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) was given intraportally (1.7 microg/kg/h), followed by AE-ITU (10 mg/kg) after 3 h (n = 7), LPS controls (n = 8) received LPS for 6 h. AE-ITU controls (n = 6) received saline/AE-ITU. LPS (treatment group) caused significant reductions at 3 h in cardiac output (CO) from 4.4 +/- .4 to 2.7 +/- .3 L/min, in hepatic artery flow (Q(HA)) from 266 +/- 53 to 127 +/- 19 mL/min, and in portal venous flow (Q(PV)) from 630 +/- 50 to 323 +/- 33 mL/min. Hepatic oxygen delivery (DO2H) was reduced from 93 +/- 11 to 38 +/- 5 mL/min (p < .05), while hepatic oxygen extraction ratio (ERO2H) increased, and VO2H was maintained. Similar changes were observed in LPS controls. AE-ITU caused no changes in saline controls. After injection of AE-ITU during LPS infusion, CO was unchanged, while Q(HA) increased gradually from 127 +/- 20 to 268 +/- 40 mL/min over 3 h (p < .05) and DO2H from 38 +/- 5 to 60 +/- 5 mL/in (p < .05). ERO2H increased from .54 +/- .04 to .69 +/- .03 in 30 min, while VO2H increased from 23 +/- 4 to 35 +/- 3 mL/in in 3 h (p < .05). Thus, AE-ITU restored hepatic arterial blood flow and increased hepatic oxygen consumption in pigs with endotoxemia.

Use of selective and nonselective nitric oxide synthase inhibitors in rat endotoxemia: effects on hepatic morphology and function.

Endotoxin has profound effects on nitric oxide (NO) production, and considerable controversies exist as to whether these alterations are beneficial or deleterious. Increased mortality has been reported from nonselective inhibition of NO synthase. Results from selective inhibition of the inducible isoform (iNOS) appear largely positive. In a model of rat endotoxemia we have compared the early effects on hepatic morphology and function of selective and nonselective NO inhibition. Two hours after endotoxin injection (5 mg/kg intraportally) the rats were treated with either the selective iNOS inhibitor aminoethyl isothiourea (AE-ITU, 10 mg/kg), the nonselective NOS inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10 mg/kg), or normal saline. The animals were observed for another hour. Using an immunohistochemical method, induction of iNOS was demonstrated in various tissues in all slices examined. No unequivocal benefit from NO inhibition was noted. Electron microscopic examination revealed widespread alterations of liver morphology, without obvious differences between the groups. Liver function, as assessed by ketone body ratio, hepatic venous acid base values, and bile production, was generally more adversely affected after NO inhibition. Even with the iNOS selective inhibitor AE-ITU no benefit was noted. We conclude that during the early phases of endotoxemia therapeutic reduction of NO production has no positive effects on liver function or morphology.

Peptidoglycan primes for LPS-induced release of proinflammatory cytokines in whole human blood.

The pathophysiological mechanisms involved in mixed bacterial infections caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria are largely unknown. The present study examines the potential interaction between lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and peptidoglycan (PepG) in the induction of the sepsis-associated cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-10 in whole human blood. Plasma values of these cytokines were measured by enzyme immunoassays and a TNF bioassay. Co-administration of PepG (10 microg/mL) or muramyl dipeptide (MDP, 1 microg/mL) with LPS (10 ng/mL) caused significantly elevated values of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in the blood that could not be obtained by the sum of the values obtained by each stimulant alone, or by 3-fold higher doses of either bacterial component alone. This phenomenon was observed 1 h after stimulation, throughout the experimental period (24 h), and with different doses of LPS and PepG. In contrast, the release of IL-10 was not influenced by the co-administration of PepG or MDP with LPS. The TNF-alpha release induced by co-administration of LPS and PepG was abrogated after pretreatment with a monoclonal antibody against CD14 (18D11). Addition of PepG or MDP to whole blood caused a 2-fold increase in the surface expression of CD14 on monocytes, as measured by flow cytometry. In contrast, LPS caused decreased expression of this receptor. Our data suggest that PepG and MDP primes human whole blood leukocytes for LPS-induced release of proinflammatory cytokines. We speculate that synergy between PepG and LPS may contribute to the pathogenesis in sepsis caused by mixed bacterial infections.

The role of Kupffer cell inhibition in porcine endotoxemia.

The selective Kupffer cell inhibitor gadolinium chloride (GdCl3) has been demonstrated to protect animals from lethality in experimental endotoxemia and sepsis in rodent models. This study was designed to investigate the effect of Kupffer cell blockade on the early response to endotoxin in a large animal model. Using a porcine endotoxemia model, animals were randomized to receive either GdCl3 (10 mg/kg or 30 mg/kg; n = 8 in each group) or vehicle saline (n = 8) 24 h before exposure to endotoxin. Pretreatment with GdCl3 resulted in a dose dependent reduction in early hepatic oxygen consumption as well as oxygen extraction ratio in response to continuous infusion of endotoxin. At 5 h there was significant lower serum AST level in animals given 30 mg/kg of GdCl3 as compared to the two other groups. Pretreatment with GdCl3 induced a dose dependent reduction of Kupffer cells in the liver sinusoids. Despite this, all animals deteriorated with continuous infusion of endotoxin as evidenced by the progressive reduction in cardiac output, mean arterial pressure and total liver blood flow. Also, increases in pulmonary arterial pressure, portal venous pressure and systemic, pulmonary and hepatic vascular resistance were seen. This is consistent with activation of other cell populations and defense mechanisms by endotoxin, perpetuating the septic response. However, modulation of reticuloendothelial cell function seems feasible also in larger animals, and our results stimulate to further research on potential immunomodulatory tools in early sepsis.

Heparin-coated cardiopulmonary bypass equipment. I. Biocompatibility markers and development of complications in a high-risk population.

OBJECTIVES: 1. To study possible clinical benefits of heparin-coated cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with a broad range of preoperative risk factors. 2. To evaluate the correlation between the terminal complement complex and clinical outcome. 3. To identify clinical predictors of complement activation and correlates of granulocyte activation during cardiac surgery. METHODS: Blood samples from adults undergoing elective cardiac surgery with Duraflo II heparin-coated (n = 81) or uncoated (n = 75) cardiopulmonary bypass sets (Duraflo coating surface; Baxter International, Inc, Deerfield, Ill) were analyzed for activation of complement (C3 activation products, terminal complement complex), granulocytes (myeloperoxidase, lactoferrin), and platelets (beta-thromboglobulin) by enzyme immunoassays. Preoperative risk was assessed by means of the "Higgins' score." Complications (cardiac, renal, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and central nervous system dysfunction, infections, death) were registered prospectively. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance, logistic regression, and linear regression. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Sixty-seven percent of the patients had predefined risk factors. Complications developed in 53 patients (34%), equivalently with and without heparin-coated bypass sets (P =. 44-.82), despite a significant reduction in complement and granulocyte activation by heparin coating. No clear-cut relationship between the terminal complement complex and outcome was found, even if it was significant in the models for renal and central nervous system dysfunction and infections (P =.006). The Higgins' score was significantly related to complement activation (P <.05). Approximately 50% of the variation in granulocyte activation was explained by complement (P

Heparin-coated cardiopulmonary bypass equipment. II. Mechanisms for reduced complement activation in vivo.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to study mechanisms for reduced complement activation by heparin coating of cardiopulmonary bypass equipment in clinical heart surgery. METHODS: Adults undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting were randomized to cardiopulmonary bypass with Duraflo II heparin-coated (n = 15) or uncoated (n = 14) sets (Duraflo coating surface; Baxter International, Inc, Deerfield, Ill). Blood samples were analyzed with the use of enzyme immunoassays for C1rs-C1 inhibitor complexes and the activation products Bb, C4bc, C3bc, C5a-desArg, and the terminal complement complex. Data were compared by repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: C1 was activated during bypass, and increases in C1rs-C1 inhibitor complexes were larger with heparin coating (P =.03). C4bc increased after administration of protamine, without intergroup differences (P =.69). Bb (P =.22) and C5a-desArg (P =.13) tended to increase less with heparin coating. Formation of C3bc (P =.03) and the terminal complement complex (P <.01) was significantly reduced with heparin coating. C5a-desArg increased 2-fold during bypass, whereas the terminal complement complex increased 10- to 20-fold. Maximal terminal complement complex concentrations were significantly correlated to maximal Bb and C3bc (R = 0.6, P <.001), but not to C1rs-C1 inhibitor complexes or C4bc (R < 0.05, P >.8). CONCLUSIONS: C1 activation during bypass was increased by heparin coating, but further classical pathway activation was held in check until administration of protamine. Heparin coating significantly inhibited C3bc and terminal complement complex formation. Terminal complement complex concentrations were related to alternative pathway activation and may be useful for evaluation of differences in bypass circuitry. Increases and intergroup differences in terminal complement complex concentrations were much larger than those in C5a-desArg.

Location of plasminogen activator (PA) and PA inhibitor in human colorectal adenocarcinomas.

Both the coagulation and fibrinolytic cascades generate proteolytic enzymes which appear to be essential for tumor invasion. In the present investigation adenocarcinomas and normal colon from 14 patients with colorectal cancer were studied by immunohistochemistry. The most striking observation was an enrichment of plasminogen activator inhibitor in the tumor tissue, whereas no such immunoreactivity was detected in the biopsies of normal colon. The tumor-host interface was characterized by a massive accumulation of inflammatory cells, macrophages and T lymphocytes. In this area fibrin(ogen) immunoreactivity as a sign of local activation of the coagulation cascade was also seen. The transition zone between the tumor and normal tissue was furthermore characterized by a marked enrichment of urokinase plasminogen activator immunoreactivity. The study strongly indicates that proteases and inhibitors of the fibrinolytic system may be of great importance in tumor invasion.

Human monocytes stimulation by particles of hydroxyapatite, silicon carbide and diamond: in vitro studies of new prosthesis coatings.

Aseptic loosening due to wear and debris formation constitutes the major problem in longevity of joint replacements. Diamond coated onto the prosthesis surface may reduce wear, owing to its excellent tribological properties. A thin diamond coating may be brittle, and we plan eventually to reinforce it with silicon carbide whiskers (SiC). In the present study we compared particles of diamond, SiC and hydroxyapatite (HA) in serum-free cultures of human monocytes. All particles were found to be phagocytozed, and monocyte morphology changed except after the ingestion of diamond. Interleukin-1 beta production was increased on average 30-fold and 38-fold in cultures exposed to HA and SiC, respectively, compared to control and diamond cultures (n = 6). Addition of the phagocytosis inhibitor cytochalasin B inhibited the morphological changes of the monocytes and reduced interleukin-1 beta production. In some experiments particles of polymethylmethacrylate were also included, and the interleukin-1 beta stimulation was in the same range as after HA and SiC stimulation. The results show that diamond particles in serum-free monocyte culture are inert, while SiC and HA have a stimulatory effect comparable to polymethylmethacrylate. With its excellent tribological and biocompatible properties, future studies with diamond coating are warranted.

Cleavage of plasma high molecular weight kininogen in surgical ICU patients.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize kininogens in plasma from surgical patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Surgical ICU. PATIENTS: 35 patients aged 19-79 years, divided into two groups: sepsis (defined by standard criteria) and nonsepsis. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Studies of proteolytic degradation of H-kininogen showed degradation in both patient groups compared to healthy controls. Functional quantification of prekallikrein showed a reduction of prekallikrein in plasma from both patients groups. Functional quantification of kininogens by a cysteine proteinase inhibitor assay showed no significant differences between the patients and the controls. Immunological levels of H-kininogen and total kininogen were not significantly different from normal plasma. No differences could be detected between the two patient groups in any of the parameters studied. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that contact activation took place in surgical ICU patients: partial kinin release and consumption of prekallikrein took place in vivo.

The nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside protects against hepatic microcirculatory dysfunction in early endotoxaemia.

OBJECTIVE: Endotoxin rapidly inhibits the activity of the constitutive endothelial nitric oxide synthase (ecNOS); this precedes the production of NO from inducible NOS (iNOS). This leaves a period in early endotoxaemia with a supposed scarcity of NO. The present study was conducted to examine the effects of external supplementation of NO on liver microcirculation and function. MATERIAL: 13 male Sprague Dawley rats. INTERVENTIONS: The rats underwent laparotomy, and the left liver lobe was exteriorised. All animals were given a bolus dose of endotoxin (LPS) 5 mg/kg intraportally. One group (n = 6) had a continuous infusion of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) 1.4 microg/kg per min started concurrently, the other group (n = 7) was treated with normal saline. The study was terminated after 3 h LPS. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Intravital microscopy was performed at baseline, at 2 h and 3 h LPS. Hepatic function was assessed by arterial ketone body ratio, acid base values, and bile flow. At baseline 1% of the sinusoids were without perfusion. After 2 h LPS this figure had risen to 9.8+/-1.5% in the SNP group versus 16.9+/-1.4% in the controls (p < 0.05 vs controls). The corresponding values after 3 h LPS were 13.5+/-1.5 versus 19.3+/-1.5% (p < 0.05 vs controls). The leukocyte count in sinusoids and venules had a similar development. Functional parameters were all slightly better preserved in the SNP group, but with no individual significance versus controls. CONCLUSIONS: Infusion of the NO donor SNP in early endotoxaemia attenuates the detrimental effects of LPS on liver microcirculation, most probably by alleviating a relative deficit of NO at the microcirculatory level.

Procalcitonin does not influence the surface expression of inflammatory receptors on whole blood leukocytes.

The plasma levels of procalcitonin (PCT) are increased in patients with severe bacterial infections. Its cellular origin and potential pathophysiological function in sepsis is, however, unclear. White blood cells have recently been described to express both PCT mRNA and protein. The aim of this study was to determine whether PCT has any influence on the surface expression of receptors, relevant in inflammation, on human whole blood leukocytes under normal and septic conditions. Venous blood from healthy donors was incubated with PCT (40 ng/ml or 1200 ng/ml) alone or in combination with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 ng/ml) or peptidoglycan (PepG, 10 micrograms/ml) for 6 h. The surface expression of CD14, CD54, CD64, CD80, CD86 and HLA-DR was determined by flow cytometry. We could not detect any influence of PCT on the expression of these receptors. Further studies on potential effects on other cell types during infection seem warranted.

Plasma kallikrein-kinin system in septicemia.

Plasma prekallikrein and functional kallikrein inhibition were studied in 18 surgical patients with complicating septicemia using chromogenic peptide substrate assays. Nine patients died and nine survived. In all 18 patients plasma prekallikrein values were reduced markedly when septicemia was diagnosed. During treatment gradually increasing values were found in the survivors, whereas values remained low in the fatal cases. Significantly reduced functional plasma kallikrein inhibition was associated with the development of fatal septic shock. The findings show that determination of these components of the plasma kallikrein-kinin system gives valuable information of prognostic value in patients with septicemia. Furthermore, the chromogenic peptide substrate assays used are fast and easy to perform and therefore suitable for intensive care medicine.