Propofol-induced alterations in the microcirculation of hamster striated muscle.

To investigate the effects of propofol on small vessels, we have measured changes in diameter and blood flow in microcirculatory venules and arterioles. Studies were carried out in the dorsal skinfold chamber of hamsters by intravital fluorescence microscopy. A bolus injection of propofol 25 mg kg-1 dilated small and collecting venules by a mean value of 18% and arterioles by 13%. Blood flow in venules increased by up to 69%. Intralipid dilated arterioles and post-capillary venules by 26% and 30%, respectively. After 4 h of continuous infusion (0.2-0.8 mg kg-1), only blood flow in post-capillary venules increased (66% propofol and 92% Intralipid). Post-capillary and collecting venules dilated in both groups. Therefore, propofol and Intralipid induced venodilatation and enhanced blood flow after bolus administration. After 4 h, despite dilatation in both groups, only post-capillary venules showed enhanced blood flow. These observations suggest redistribution of blood flow after prolonged administration of propofol.

[The influence of semen preparation and culture medium on the success of IVF in cattle]. / Der Einfluss von Samenaufbereitung und Kulturmedium auf den IVF-Erfolg beim Rind.

The effect of two semen-preparation methods and the presence and absence of capacitation-inducing supplements in the fertilization medium on IVF-results were examined in a 2 x 2 factorial design. In vitro matured oocytes were fertilized either with transmigrated (TM) or with swim-up (SU) prepared native semen. In the first group, the fertilization medium contained 0.8 microgram/ml heparin, 1.2 micrograms/ml hypotaurine and 0.2 microgram/ml epinephrine. However, in the second group, no capacitation-inducing or motility-enhancing substances were used. After SU-treatment, the supplements were necessary to obtain sufficient fertilization results. In the second group (non-supplemented medium), the percentages of penetrated and fertilized oocytes were decreased significantly (P < 0.001). By contrast, transmigrated semen required no additional supplementation of the fertilization medium. The penetration and fertilization rates of this semen-preparation method were equal in both groups.