Lutein protects against ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat skeletal muscle by modulating oxidative stress and inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Lutein is an antioxidant compound with potential biological effects. The present study investigated the protective role of Lutein against I/R injury in skeletal muscle. METHODS: Animals were divided into three groups. Group I - sham operated; Group II- IR injury- Hind limb ischemia was induced by clamping the common femoral artery and vein. After 4 h of ischemia, the clamp was removed and the animals underwent 2 h of reperfusion. Group III-Lutein + IR injury- Rats with Lutein treatment received intraperitoneal injection 1 h before reperfusion. The skeletal tissues were analyzed for oxidative stress parameters (reactive oxygen species, protein carbonylation and sulfhydryls, lipid peroxidation). Antioxidant status was determined by evaluating Nrf-2 levels and antioxidant enzyme activities. The inflammatory mechanism was determined through NF-κB and COX-2 expressions. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: The results showed that Lutein treatment significantly decreased the oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen species, protein carbonylation and sulphydryls, lipid peroxidation. Further, the levels of Nrf-2 and antioxidant status was significantly declined during IR injury compared to sham operated rats. Lutein treatment reduced the oxidative stress by enhancing Nrf-2 levels and antioxidant status. Skeletal IR injury enhanced the inflammatory signaling by up regulating NF-κB, COX-2 and various pro-inflammatory cytokines. NF-κB, COX-2 expressions were down regulated by Lutein treatment. CONCLUSION: The study shows that Lutein protects against skeletal IR injury by down regulating oxidative stress and inflammatory mechanisms.

[Effects of propofol on myelin basic protein expression in oligodendrocytes of SD rats at different developmental stages].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of propofol on myelin basic protein (MBP) expression in oligodendrocytes of SD rats at different developmental stages. METHODS: This study was conducted in 3?, 7?, 14? and 21?day?old SD rats (40 in each age group). In each group, the rats were randomized equally into control group and experimental group, and in the control group, the rats received an intraperitoneal injection of 25 mg/kg medium?long?chain fat emulsion followed by injections at a half dose every 20 min for 8 h; the rats in the experimental group were given injections of propofolmedium (at the initial dose of 25 mg/kg) in the same manner. The transcriptional levels of MBP and caspase?3 in the brain tissues were detected by qRT?PCR, and the protein expression of MBP was with Western blotting and immunehistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with those in the control groups, the expression of MBP mRNA was significantly down?regulated while caspase?3 mRNA was up?regulated in 3?, 7? and 14?day?old rats in the experimental groups (P<0.05). The protein expression of MBP in 7? and 14?day?old rats was significantly decreased in the experimental groups compared with the control groups (P<0.05). The expression of caspase?3 mRNA or MBP protein in 21?day?old rats showed no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Propofol can down?regulate the expression of MBP at both the mRNA and protein levels in SD rats, especially in those at 7 and 14 days of age.

Cardioprotective effect of novel sulphonamides-1,3,5-triazine conjugates against ischaemic-reperfusion injury via selective inhibition of MMP-9.

Diseases affecting cardiovascular system are ranked as a top most cause of morbidity and mortality. Herein, a novel class sulphonamides-1,3,5-triazine conjugates have been synthesized and tested for inhibitory activity against MMP-2 and MMP-9. The results of the study showed that these molecules efficiently inhibit MMP-9 than MMP-2, revealing compound 8e as the most potent inhibitor (IC50  = 2.34 ± 0.56 nm). Due to involvement of MMP-9 in many cardiovascular diseases, particularly in myocardial ischaemia (MI), compound 8e was further subjected for the determination of the protective effect on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial injury in rats.

[Propofol suppresses migration and invasion of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells by down-regulating H19].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of propofol on H19 expression, migration and invasion of human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro. METHODS: MDA-MB-231 cells were randomly divided into 5 groups for treatment with basal medium, DMSO, or propofol at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 µmol/L. H19 expression of the treated cells was assessed with RT-PCR, and the changes of cell motility, migration and invasion were evaluated with wound-healing assay and Transwell assays. RESULTS: Treatment of the cells with 25, 50, and 100 µmol/L propofol for 24 h down-regulated H19 by 17.83%, 37.50% and 63.67% (P<0.05), and suppressed cell motility by 13.46%, 36.54% and 46.17% (P<0.05), cell migration by 27.93%, 57.90% and 76.51% (P<0.05), and cell invasion by 25.72%, 53.32% and 81.43% (P<0.05), respectively. CONCLUSION: Propofol-induced cell migration and invasion suppression are partially mediated by down-regulating H19 in MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro.

[Propofol suppresses invasion of human lung cancer A549 cells by down-regulating aquaporin-3 and matrix metalloproteinase-9].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of propofol on cell invasion and expressions of aquaporin-3 (APQ-3) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in human lung adenocarcinoma cancer A549 cells. METHOD: A549 cells were treated with propofol at the concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 µmol/L for 12 or 24 h. RT-PCR was used to detect the effect of propofol on AQP-3 mRNA level in A549 cells, and the effects of propofol treatments for 24 h on AQP-3 and MMP-9 protein expression and the invasive ability of A549 cells were assessed with Western blotting and Transwell assay, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the control cells, the cells treated with 25, 50, and 100 µmol/L propofol showed a obvious inhibition of AQP-3 mRNA expression, with inhibition rates ranging from 0.19 to 0.65 in cells with a 12-h treatment and from 0.13 to 0.41 in cells treated for 24 h; 100 µmol/L propofol treatment for 24 h produced the strongest inhibitory effect (0.13∓0.035, P<0.05). AQP-3 protein expression in cells treated with 25, 50, and 100 µmol/L propofol for 24 h (0.91∓0.009, 0.60∓0.020, and 0.57∓0.006, respectively) and MMP-9 protein expression in cells treated with 50 and 100 µmol/L propofol for 24 h (0.65∓0.006 and 0.46∓0.021, respectively) were significantly lower than those in the control cells (P<0.05). Treatment with 25, 50, and 100 µmol/L propofol for 24 significantly lowered the number of invading cells (122.55∓17.20, 96.33∓5.82, and 74.33∓2.85, respectively) compared with the control group (199.33∓23.88, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Treatment with 50 and 100 µmol/L propofol inhibits cell invasion by down-regulating the expression of AQP-3 and MMP-9 in A549 cells.

[Inhibiting effect of intrathecal fentanyl on intraoperative vomiting during cesarean delivery under epidural anesthesia].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the inhibiting effect of intrathecal (IT) fentanyl on nausea and vomiting during cesarean delivery under epidural anesthesia. METHODS: Thirty healthy parturients (ASA grade I to II) were randomly assigned in equal numbers into control and fentanyl groups (n=15 each, patients in the latter group treated with IT fentanyl at the dose of 20 microgram/3ml). The incidence of nausea and vomiting during the elective cesarean delivery under epidural anesthesia between the 2 groups were compared and the neonates' Apgar scores assessed after the delivery. RESULTS: Intraoperative nausea and vomiting/retching were reduced in the IT fentanyl group as compared with the control group (6.7 % vs 33.3 % and 0 vs 26.7 %, P>0.05 and P<0.05 respectively). The neonates' Apgar scores were not significantly different between the 2 groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: IT fentanyl can decrease intraoperative vomiting during cesarean delivery performed under epidural anesthesia.

Experimental study of in vitro buprenorphine hydrochloride transdermal permeation through hairless mouse skin.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the in vitro transdermal permeation of buprenorphine hydrochloride gel through hairless mouse skin and the effect of permeation enhancers on the permeability of this transdermal drug delivery system. METHODS: Skin samples 1.0 cm in diameter were obtained from hairless mice for subsequent in vitro tests of the permeability of the drug. In permeation enhancer-free group, the permeability of buprenorphine hydrochloride at the concentrations of 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% was tested. The permeation enhancer group (all application containing 1% buprenorphine hydrochloride) was further divided into oleic group (including 3 subgroups with 2%, 4%, and 6% oleic), azone group (subdivided into 3 groups with 1%, 2%, and 4% azone) and mixed group (with 4% oleic plus 4% azone). The permeation parameters, namely steady state flux (Js) and Js enhancement ratio were evaluated. RESULTS: Js in permeation enhancer-free groups were 0.69+/-0.11, 0.90+/-0.14 and 1.18+/-0.10 microgram/cm2.h respectively, which differed only insignificantly (P>0.05). The mixed group showed the maximum permeation, with Js and ER of 13.22+/-1.27 microgram/cm2.h and 14.6 respectively. CONCLUSION: Permeation enhancers significantly increase Js of buprenorphine hydrochloride gel and renders its release kinetics approaching zero-order.

Effect of patient-controlled epidural analgesia for pain relief after thymectomy in patients with myasthenia gravis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) with ropivacaine or bupivacaine in relieving pain after thymectomy in patients with myasthenia gravis. METHODS: Twenty adult ASA I-II patients with myasthenia gravis were randomized to receive either 0.125% ropivacaine (Group R, n=10) or 0.125% bupivacaine (Group B, n=10) with a PCEA device after transsternal thymectomy. PCEA (continuous infusion at 1 ml/h, bolus dose of 4 ml and lockout time of 30 min) was implemented via an epidural catheter inserted in the T3-4 intervertebral space. The vital signs and visual analogue scale (VAS), together with cumulative consumption (CC) of ropivacaine or bupivacaine were recorded within 48 h postoperatively. RESULTS: The vital signs, including systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, SpO2, pH and PaCO2, did not show any significant differences between the 2 groups. The CC of the local anesthetic was significantly higher in group R than that in group B at 24 and 48 h postoperatively, but VAS were not significantly different between the 2 groups which was less than 4 in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: PCEA with low concentration of ropivacaine or bupivacaine may provide effective and safe analgesia after transsternal thymectomy.

[Effects of intraperitoneal CO2 insufflation on hemodynamics and oxygen consumption during intravenous propofol anesthesia combined with epidural block].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of intraperitoneal CO2 insufflation on the hemodynamics, oxygen consumption (VO2) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2) during intravenous anesthesia with propofol in combination with epidural block. METHODS: Intratracheal intubation was performed after rapid induction of anesthesia and mechanical ventilation was given. Maintenance of anesthesia was achieved using continuous intravenous propofol infusion (2 mg/kg/h) ?N2O inhalation and intermittent epidural administration. Indices of hemodynamics and respiratory function were collected 5 min before induction, 1 min before CO2 insufflation, and 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 min after the start of insufflation and 5 min after the termination of insufflation. RESULTS: The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), end-tidal PCO2 (P(ET)CO2), VO2 and VCO2 1 min before insufflation were markedly reduced(P<0.01), compared with those recorded before induction. MAP and HR did not undergo any conspicuous changes during CO2 insufflation and 5 min after insufflation termination. Compared with that 1 min before insufflation, PETCO2 was significantly increased 20 min after the start of insufflation (P<0.01), and subsequently carried on the increase though of a lesser scale. VO2 and VCO2 gradually rose after the start of insufflation, and VO2 presented a significantly elevation (P<0.01) 10 min after the insufflation while VCO2 did not show this marked increase(P<0.05) till 20 min after the insufflation in comparison with the levels before insufflation. Subsequently, VO2 continued to rise and VCO2 also retained the increase but of smaller magnitude. CONCLUSION: Intravenous propofol anesthesia combined with epidural block assisted by well-managed excessive ventilation before insufflation can alleviate the adverse effects of CO2 insufflation on respiratory and circulatory systems.

[Brain uptake of propofol during target-controlled infusion when effect compartment concentration is targeted].

OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation between the effect compartment concentration (ECC) and the brain uptake of propofol during sedation by target-controlled infusion (TCI). METHOD: Twelve ASA physical status I to II patients with neither cardiac nor intracranial diseases were scheduled for elective abdominal operation. Computer-assisted target-controlled infusion of propofol was performed for general anesthesia in all patients with the target ECC set at 4.0 microgram/ml. The plasma propofol concentrations were measured simultaneously from the radial artery and the jugular bulb at different time points by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the area under time-concentration curve (AUC(a-jv)) was calculated. RESULT: Before reaching the target propofol concentration of 4.0 microgram/ml (4.7+/-0.16 min), EEC was positively correlated with AUC(a-jv) (r(ECC-AUC)=0.977, P<0.001), but neither the arterial (Ca) nor jugular bulb propofol concentrations (Cjbv) showed such relation to AUC(a-jv) (r(Ca-AUC)= 0.054, P=0.92; r(Cjbv-AUC)=0.335, P=0.516). When ECC was controlled at 4.00 microgram/ml by TCI, Ca was comparable with Cjbv (P=0.512). Positive correlation was noted between AUCa-jv and ECC (r(ECC-AUC)=0.942, P<0.005) after the termination of infusion till the consciousness recovery of the patients, and Ca and Cjbv showed similar correlation with AUC(a-jv) (r(Ca-AUC)=0.986, P<0.001; r(Cjbv-AUC)=0.974, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: During TCI of propofol with ECC as the target concentration, ECC is significantly correlated with AUC(a-jv) to reflect the dynamic changes in cerebral propofol uptake.

[Ropivacaine or its combination with fentanyl for postoperative patient-controlled epidural analgesia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pain-relieving effects of ropivacaine or its combination with fentanyl in postoperative patient-controlled epidural analgesia. METHODS: Sixty patients (ASA class I to II) scheduled for elective upper abdominal surgery were randomly divided into 4 groups (15 in each group) to receive 2.0 mg/ml ropivacaine (group R), 1.25 mg/ml ropivacaine plus 1.0 microg/ml fentanyl (group RF1), 1.0 mg/ml ropivacaine plus 2.0 microg/ml fentanyl (group RF2), and 1.0 mg/ml ropivacaine plus 4.0 microg/ml fentanyl (group RF4) respectively for patient-controlled analgesia. The bolus injection was set at 3.0 ml, lockout interval at 20 min, and background epidural infusion at 5.0 ml/h. Before and at 0, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after the surgeries, the data including mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), cumulative consumption volume (CCV) of analgesic solution and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were recorded, observed and the adverse effects such as vomiting, nausea, pruritus, as well as the time of first excretion of intestinal gas. RESULTS: Compared with group R, significantly smaller CCV occurred in groups RF2, RF4 (P<0.01), and RF1 (P<0.05) at each time points postoperatively. No significant differences were noted between the groups in VAS scores. CONCLUSION: The 4 preparations are comparable in terms of analgesic efficacy and adverse effects, but in groups RF2 and RF4, the smaller doses have sufficed the needs.

[Changes of oxygen cost of breathing in children and adult during anesthesia and surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of oxygen cost of breathing (OCB) in children and adult during general anesthesia and surgery. METHODS: This study included 12 elective surgical children and 12 adult patients receiving cerebral surgery. Mechanical ventilation was given during general anesthesia and surgery, and the indices of hemodynamics and respiratory function were measured at 5 min before induction, 1 min before the start of surgery, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min after the start of surgery and at the end of surgery, respectively. RESULTS: Mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the 2 groups did not undergo any conspicuous changes during general anesthesia and surgery (P>0.05), and the heart rate in child group was markedly faster than that in adult group during the whole course (P<0.01). Oxygen consumption (VO2) in 2 groups at 1 min before the start of surgery and 30 min after the start of surgery was significantly higher than that at 5 min before induction (P<0.01), and at these two time points after induction, child group had much higher VO2 (P<0.05) but evidently lower OCB (P<0.01) than in adult group, the latter index remained low till 60 and 120 min after the start of surgery (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: During anesthesia and surgery, VO2 in child group can be much greater than that in Adult group, while OCB markedly lower.

Effects of patient-controlled upper and lower epidural analgesias on postoperative respiratory and circulatory function.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of patient-controlled high thoracic epidural analgesia (PCHEA) and low thoracic epidural analgesia (PCLEA) on respiratory and circulatory functions after operation. METHODS: Thirty-six patients were divided into 2 groups with 18 in each, and one group (Group H) received PCHEA during thoracic operations and the other (Group L) received PCLEA during abdominal operations. Postoperative patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) was performed in all the patients with 0.125% bupivacaine and 0.01% morphine delivered through the same epidural space for PCHEA or PCLEA. RESULTS: Postoperative analgesia did not produce significant differences in the respiration rate (Rr), tidal volume (Vt), vital capacity (VC) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) between the groups, but in both groups, Vt and VC were significantly improved compared with those before starting patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PECA) (P<0.01). In group H, its effects on systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were more obvious than in group L (P<0.05), and both groups showed these improvements after PCA started(P<0.01). CONCLUSION: PCHEA shows more marked effects on the respiratory and circulatory functions of the patients, which may mainly result from its blocking the cardiac sympathetic nerves. PCEA is able to improve postoperative respiratory function but both PCHEA and PCLEA necessitate individual-based adjustment of the PCA pump for the safety of the patient.

[Anesthetic management during resection of intratracheal tumor: report of 23 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize our experience in anaesthetic management during the resection of intratracheal tumor. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the anaesthetic management was conducted in 23 cases of intratracheal tumor resection. The anaesthetic methods were determined according to the location of tumor, the degree of tracheal obstruction and the surgical procedures. RESULTS: No severe complications occurred in relation to the anesthetic procedures. During the operation, the saturation of pulse oxygen (SpO(2)) transiently decreased to below 90 % in 5 cases (21.7 %) but recovered to normal level by aspiration of airway secretions and/or lung inflation. Seventeen patients (73.9 %) were extubated after the operation and returned to the ward safely, while another 6 (26.1 %) were sent to intensive care unit and extubated within 24 h. CONCLUSION: Case-specific anaesthetic plan is necessary before the operation, and it is crucial to maintain good ventilation without interfering with the surgical procedures during the operation.

Propofol inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression and myocardial depression through decreasing the generation of superoxide anion in cardiomyocytes.

TNF-α has been shown to be a major factor responsible for myocardial depression in sepsis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an anesthetic, propofol, on TNF-α expression in cardiomyocytes treated with LPS both in vivo and in vitro. In cultured cardiomyocytes, compared with control group, propofol significantly reduced protein expression of gp91phox and phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 MAPK, which associates with reduced TNF-α production. In in vivo mice studies, propofol significantly improved myocardial depression and increased survival rate of mice after LPS treatment or during endotoxemia, which associates with reduced myocardial TNF-α production, gp91phox, ERK1/2, and p38 MAPK. It is concluded that propofol abrogates LPS-induced TNF-α production and alleviates cardiac depression through gp91phox/ERK1/2 or p38 MAPK signal pathway. These findings have great clinical importance in the application of propofol for patients enduring sepsis.

[Effect of propofol at uptake equilibrium on γ-aminobutyric acid in different cerebral regions in dogs].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of propofol at doses for different anesthesia depths on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in different cerebral regions at propofol uptake equilibrium in dogs. METHODS: Twelve 12-18-month-old healthy hybrid dogs weighing 10-12 kg were randomly divided into light anesthesia group (n=6) and deep anesthesia group (n=6) with a single bolus dose of propofol (5.5 and 7.0 mg/kg, respectively) completed in 15 s followed by intravenous propofol infusion at a constant rate (55 and 70 mg·kg(-1)·h(-1), respectively). Blood samples (2 ml) were taken from the internal carotid artery and jugular vein to measure plasma propofol concentrations 50 min after the start of the infusion. The dogs were then sacrificed and tissues were taken from different brain regions and the cervical cord to measure GABA concentrations using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: The plasma propofol concentrations in internal carotid artery and jugular vein were similar in both light anesthesia group (3.00 ± 0.31 and 3.10 ± 0.51 µg/ml, respectively, P>0.05) and deep anesthesia group (6.41 ± 0.05 and 6.40 ± 0.11 µg/ml, respectively, P>0.05). GABA concentrations in the brain regions were significantly higher in deep anesthesia group than in light anesthesia group (P<0.05). The dorsal thalamus and hypothalamus showed greater GABA variations [(83.83 ± 2.230%) and (85.83 ± 1.72)%] compared to other brain regions at different anesthesia depths (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In both groups, plasma propofol concentrations in the internal carotid artery and internal jugular vein reach equilibrium at 50 min of propofol infusion. The variation of GABA is associated with the anesthesia depth of propofol, and GABA variation in the dorsal thalamus and hypothalamus plays an important role in propofol anesthesia.

[Protective effects of penehyclidine hydrochloride against acute renal injury induced by hemorrhagic shock and lipopolysaccharides in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHC) in a rat model of renal injury induced by hemorrhagic shock and lipopolysaccharides (LPS). METHODS: Forty-five healthy Wistar rats were randomized into sham operated group, model group, and 3 penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHC) dose (1, 2 and 3 mg/kg) groups (PHC1, PHC2, and PHC3 groups, respectively). The arterial blood samples were collected to determine the concentrations of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-1 (IL-1), urine creatinine (Cr) and blood urine nitrogen (BUN), and the renal tissues were collected to measure the expressions of ICAM-1 and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and observe the pathological changes. RESULTS: TNF-α, IL-8, IL-1, Cr, BUN, ICAM-1 and NF-κB in the 3 PHC groups were significantly lower than those in the model group (P<0.05). TNF-α, IL-8, IL-1, Cr and BUN were significantly lower in PHC1 (P<0.05) than in the PHC2 and PHC3 groups, and ICAM-1 and NF-κB were similar between 3 PHC groups (P>0.05). Compared with the model group, the 3 PHC groups showed lessened pathological changes in the renal tubules. CONCLUSION: PHC has protective effects against renal injury induced by hemorrhagic-endotoxin shock in rats, and treatment with 1 mg/kg PHC produces the most significant protective effect.

[Effect of noxious stimulation on regional distribution of propofol in canine spinal cord].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the regional distribution of propofol in canine spinal cord under noxious stimulation. METHODS: Twelve healthy hybrid dogs (12-18 months old, weighing 10-12 kg) were randomly divided into control group (n=6) and stimulation group (n=6). All the dogs were anesthetized with a single bolus dose of propofol (7 mg/kg) in 15 seconds followed by propofol infusion at a constant rate of 70 mg/kg/h via the great saphenous vein of the right posterior limb. In the stimulation group, the tails of the dogs were clamped for 5 min after 45 min of propofol infusion. Blood samples were taken from the internal carotid artery and internal jugular vein at 50 min after propofol infusion to detect plasma propofol concentrations by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The dogs were then immediately sacrificed by decapitation and the frontal horn, posterior horn, intermediate zone, frontal funiculus, posterior funiculus and lateral funiculus of the spinal cord were dissected for determination of propol content by HPLC. RESULTS: The plasma concentrations of propofol in the internal carotid artery and internal jugular vein were 5.07-/+0.23 and 5.03-/+0.10 microg/ml in the stimulation group, respectively showing no significant differences from those in the control group (5.09-/+0.03 and 5.08-/+0.03 microg/ml, P>0.05). In the control group, the propofol concentration was 5.09-/+0.08 microg/g in the frontal horm, 5.10-/+0.08 microg/g in the posterior horn, 5.05-/+0.19 microg/g in the intermediate zone, 5.06-/+0.14 microg/g in the frontal funiculus, 5.06-/+0.15 microg/g in the posterior funiculus and 5.06-/+0.41 microg/g in the lateral funiculus, showing no significant differences (P>0.05). The propofol concentrations in the frontal horn (7.65-/+0.47 microg/g) and posterior funiculus (7.06-/+0.82 microg/g) in the stimulation group were significantly higher than those in the other spinal cord tissues (P<0.05) and those in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: At 50 min after intravenous injection of propofol at a constant rate of 70 mg/kg/h, plasma propofol concentrations in the internal carotid artery and internal jugular vein reaches equilibrium with a balanced distribution in all the spinal cord regions. Propofol concentration can be higher in the frontal horn and posterior funiculus under noxious stimulation.

[Prophylactic effect of acupuncture on nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic operation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the prophylactic effect of acupuncture Neiguan (PC 6) on nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic operation. METHODS: One hundred patients with laparoscopic gastrointestinal operation were randomly divided into an acupuncture group and a control group, 50 patients in each group. The operation was carried out with the combined infusion and inhalation anesthesia. The patients in the acupuncture group were being punctured at bilateral Neiguan (PC 6) before anesthesia and during the operation. The needles were extracted after operation, and the acupoints were covered with opaque tape. In contrast, the patients in the control group only accepted tape covering without acupuncture. After operation, all patients were given the self-controlled intravenous analgesia, and followed up at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h for recording the incidence rate of the nausea, retching and vomiting, then scoring with VAS. RESULTS: At 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h after operation, in the acupuncture group, the incidence rates of the nausea were 12.0%, 6.0%, 6.0% and 2.0%, and the incidence rates of the retching were 0, 0, 2.0% and 2.0%, respectively; in the control group, the incidence rates of the nausea were 28.0%, 20.0%, 12.0% and 2.0%, and the incidence rates of the retching were 2.0%, 6.0%, 2.0% and 0, respectively. At 6 h, 12 h after operation, the incidence rates of the nausea and retching in the acupuncture group were lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.001). The vomiting was not happened in both groups. There was no difference between the two groups according to the scoring with VAS. CONCLUSION: Acupuncturing at Neiguan (PC 6) can reduce the incidence rates of the patients' nausea and retching after laparoscopic operation, especially in 24 h.

[Changes of approximate entropy in rats during focal cerebral infarction].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of EEG approximate entropy (ApEn) in rats during focal cerebral infarction. METHODS: Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into infarction group (n=12) with middle cerebral artery occlusion and sham-operated group (n=12). The EEG data (ApEn) was recorded in the bilateral areas (C3, C4) of the rats with focal cerebral infarction before the infarction and immediately and at 5, 15, 30, and 60 min after the infarction. The same measurement was carried out in the sham-operated group. RESULTS: In the sham-operated group, ApEn in C3 and C4 showed no obvious differences at the time points (P>0.05), but in the infarction group, ApEn in C3 and C4 increased significantly after the infarction. ApEn in the ischemic area (C4) was significantly lower than that in the non-ischemic area (C3) (P<0.05). The bilateral ApEn decreased with the passage of time. ApEn in the ischemic area (C4) was significantly lowered at 30 min after the infarction in comparison with that before infarction (P<0.05). In the sham-operated group, ApEn showed no significant difference between C3 and C4. ApEn was comparable between the two groups before the operation. CONCLUSION: ApEn can help monitor the occurrence of focal cerebral infarction of rats, and may be used to assess the extent of cerebral ischemia after infarction.