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B F Becker

Publications and source records attributed to B F Becker.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

c7E3Fab reduces postischemic leukocyte-thrombocyte interaction mediated by fibrinogen. Implications for myocardial reperfusion injury.

Reperfusion injury after coronary occlusion is in part mediated by leukocyte activation and adhesion. Platelets may interact with polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs), causing aggravated reperfusion injury. We studied whether c7E3Fab, a chimeric Fab fragment blocking platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa, decreases PMN-platelet-dependent myocardial dysfunction after ischemia. Isolated guinea pig hearts (n=5 per group) perfused at a constant flow of 5 mL/min were subjected to ischemia (15 minutes, 37 degrees C) and reperfusion. Human PMNs (10x10(6) cells, 3 mL), platelets (400x10(6), 3 mL), and fibrinogen (1 mg/mL) were infused for 3 minutes after 2 minutes of reperfusion, with or without c7E3Fab. Flow cytometry detected GPIIb/IIIa (platelets) and MAC-1 (aMbeta2, PMNs) as well as coaggregates of both in the effluent, whereas double-fluorescence microscopy visualized intracoronary PMN-platelet coaggregates. Postischemic recovery of pressure-volume work (12-cm H(2)O preload and 60-mm Hg afterload) was defined as the ratio of postischemic to preischemic external heart work (mean+/-SEM). c7E3Fab reduced platelet GPIIb/IIIa detection to 10% of controls, blocked a transcoronary MAC-1 increase (+25% without versus -23% with c7E3Fab), and inhibited PMN-platelet coaggregation in the effluent (49+/-12% without versus 17+/-2% with c7E3Fab) as well as in the hearts themselves (5.0+/-0.7/cm(2) without versus 1.2+/-0.3/cm(2) surface area with c7E3Fab). Postischemic recovery of external heart work (83+/-5% in cell-free hearts) declined to 46+/-4% after postischemic PMN-platelet infusion, but not in the presence of c7E3Fab (74+/-11%) or LPM19c (71+/-6%). We conclude that c7E3Fab inhibits formation of PMN-platelet aggregates during myocardial reperfusion, an effect that protects against PMN-platelet-dependent stunning.

Abciximab↗

ACE-inhibition attenuates cardiac cell damage and preserves release of NO in the postischemic heart.

Cardioprotective effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition have been demonstrated in postischemic reperfusion. This occurred via bradykinin and indirect evidence suggested mediation by nitric oxide (NO), which probably acts as a radical scavenger. To test this hypothesis, we measured release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from isolated guinea pig hearts (constant flow perfusion, 37 degrees C) as a marker of cellular damage, before and after global ischemia (15 min), and we investigated the release of NO during reperfusion, both, without and with ACE inhibition. The main catabolites of NO, nitrate and nitrite, were also quantified. Coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) indicated coronary resistance changes. Cilazaprilat (CIL, 10 microM) was used for inhibition of ACE. Marked and protracted cellular damage occurred during reperfusion in the control group, myocardial LDH release rising nearly 10-fold from 1.5 mU/ml (basal level) to 14 mU/ml during acute reperfusion, then declining to 7 mU/ml after 5 min. ACE inhibition mitigated the acute rise of LDH (9 mU/ml), and reduced its release to preischemic values already after 3 min of reperfusion. Postischemic NO release in the 2nd min of reperfusion was about 40% of the preischemic value (approx. 200 nM) in untreated hearts, while there was 70% recovery after ACE inhibition. After 25 min, NO had recovered to 69% in controls vs. 100% with CIL. Coronary venous nitrate + nitrite was not infringed during early reperfusion (2nd min). After 25 min, nitrate + nitrite had decreased in controls (about 75% of preischemic values), but increased to 110% with CIL. In control hearts, CPP rose continuously from the 10th to the 25th min of reperfusion (from 39 to 55 mmHg), indicating progressive vasoconstriction. CIL significantly attenuated this effect. The results suggest that NO might be consumed during early reperfusion in the act of detoxifying radicals. In control hearts, "endothelial stunning" takes place. Concerning NO production and vasodilatory tone, ACE-inhibition augments postischemic NO release and mitigates disturbances caused by ischemia and reperfusion.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗

Significant leukocyte and platelet retention during pulmonary passage after declamping of the aorta in CABG patients.

During reperfusion of the heart and the lungs in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, these organs have been shown to release inflammatory mediators. The present study was performed to quantitatively determine cellular retention or washout during pulmonary passage in early reperfusion. In 14 consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting blood was simultaneously drawn from right atrium and pulmonary vein at 1, 10 and 20 min reperfusion. The counts for platelets, leukocytes and the leukocyte subsets polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), lymphocytes and monocytes were determined. Pulmonary veno-right atrial (transpulmonary) differences are given in percent with respective right atrial values being considered as 100%. Before CPB leukocyte counts were 4.7 +/- 0.5 in right atrium and 4.2 +/- 0.4 in pulmonary vein, x10(9)/l, resp. (transpulmonary difference of -8 +/- 3%). During reperfusion, pulmonary retention was in the range of 20-23% (p <0.01 vs. right atrial value). The basal values for PMN were 2.4 +/- 0.3 in right atrium and 1.9 +/- 0.3 in pulmonary vein, x10(9)/l, resp. (transpulmonary difference -15 +/- 8%). Thereafter, retention was in the range of 25-30% (p <0.01 vs. right atrium). Basal values for lymphocytes were 1.5 +/- 0.2 in right atrium and 1.6+/-0.3 in pulmonary vein, x10(9)/l, resp. (transpulmonary difference +6 +/- 10%). A tendency towards a washout of lymphocytes at 1 min reperfusion (+1 +/- 12%) was followed by retention of these cells at 10 and 20 min reperfusion (-14 +/- 12% and -10 +/- 5%, p <0.05 vs right atrium). Before ischemia monocyte counts were 0.7 +/- 0.2 in right atrium and 0.6 +/- 0.2 in pulmonary vein, x10(9)/l, resp. (transpulmonary difference -10 +/- 4%) and -9 +/- 9%, -27 +/- 12% (p <0.05 vs right atrium) and -22 +/- 14% at 1, 10 and 20 min reperfusion. During early reperfusion of the lungs after declamping of the aorta, significant amounts of leukocytes, platelets and the leukocyte subsets are retained in the pulmonary vascular bed. These retained cells may be responsible for the previously described pulmonary release of cytokines.

Aged↗

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha contributes to ischemia- and reperfusion-induced endothelial activation in isolated hearts.

-During myocardial reperfusion, polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) adhesion involving the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) may lead to aggravation and prolongation of reperfusion injury. We studied the role of early tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) cleavage and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation on ICAM-1 expression and venular adhesion of PMN in isolated hearts after ischemia (15 minutes) and reperfusion (30 to 480 minutes). NF-kappaB activation (electromobility shift assay) was found after 30 minutes of reperfusion and up to 240 minutes. ICAM-1 mRNA, assessed by Northern blot, increased during the same interval. Functional effect of newly synthesized adhesion molecules was found by quantification (in situ fluorescence microscopy) of PMN, given as bolus after ischemia, which became adherent to small coronary venules (10 to 50 microm in diameter). After 480 minutes of reperfusion, ICAM-1-dependent PMN adhesion increased 2.5-fold compared with PMN adhesion obtained during acute reperfusion. To study the influence of NF-kappaB on PMN adhesion, we inhibited NF-kappaB activation by transfection of NF-kappaB decoy oligonucleotides into isolated hearts using HJV-liposomes. Decoy NF-kappaB but not control oligonucleotides blocked ICAM-1 upregulation and inhibited the subacute increase in PMN adhesion. Similar effects were obtained using BB 1101 (10 microg), an inhibitor of TNF-alpha cleavage enzyme. These data suggest that ischemia and reperfusion in isolated hearts cause liberation of TNF-alpha, activation of NF-kappaB, and upregulation of ICAM-1, an adhesion molecule involved in inflammatory response after ischemia and reperfusion.

Animals↗

Low-dose calcium antagonists reduce energy demand and cellular damage of isolated hearts during both ischemia and reperfusion.

Calcium antagonists may protect against postischemic reperfusion injury of the heart, but neither the time and mode of action leading to cardioprotection is resolved, nor is the generality of this effect proven. Accordingly, the functional and metabolic influence of four different Ca2+-antagonists (diltiazem, 3x10(-8) M; nifedipine, 3x10(-9) M; amlodipine, 3x 10(-9) M; barnidipine, 3x10(-11) M) was examined in preparations of guinea pig hearts (n=7/group) performing pressure-volume work after being subjected to low-flow ischemia (30 min) and reperfusion (35 min). The drugs were applied throughout the study at concentrations without negative inotropic or chronotropic effect, as would be mandatory for any therapeutic application, and without overt coronary dilatation. All calcium antagonists improved postischemic recovery of external heart work: from 42% in controls (post- vs. preischemic value) to 59% for diltiazem, 61% for nifedipine, 65% for amlodipine, and 73% for barnidipine (all P<0.05). Efficiency of myocardial performance (work in relation to oxygen consumption) was low in postischemic controls (8% of total energy equivalents), but significantly improved in treated hearts, especially by barnidipine (15% efficiency). Release of lactate dehydrogenase in the first 5 min of reperfusion, a sign of cell damage, increased from basal (65 mU/min) to 208 mU/min in controls. This increase was fully suppressed by all drugs tested. Myocardial release of lactate and of purine catabolites of adenine nucleotides (markers of anaerobic metabolism) was markedly reduced by Ca2+-antagonists. Interestingly, these metabolic effects were evident not only in the reperfusion phase, but already in the period of low-flow ischemia. Oxidative consumption of pyruvate was enhanced, whereas coronary flow and heart rate showed no postischemic effect of treatment. These findings on isolated guinea pig hearts suggest that Ca2+-antagonists generally improve postischemic pump function and aerobic metabolism without any requirements for negative inotropic action or coronary dilatation. The protective effects seemed to rely on an attenuation of both ischemic stress and reperfusion damage. This could implicate a benefit from prophylactic use of Ca2+-antagonists in patients at risk for myocardial ischemia.

Amlodipine↗

The volatile anesthetic sevoflurane mitigates cardiodepressive effects of platelets in reperfused hearts.

UNLABELLED: Adherent platelets in the coronary system can impair cardiac pump function. The volatile anesthetics sevoflurane, halothane, and isoflurane have been shown to reduce platelet adhesion. Additionally, an inhibitory effect on platelet cyclo-oxygenase-dependent formation of thromboxane A2 (TxA2) has been proposed for sevoflurane. Therefore, we analyzed the influence of sevoflurane on cardiac performance and TxA2 production after intracoronary application of platelets in isolated guinea pig hearts. Isolated guinea pig hearts perfused with Krebs-Henseleit buffer and performing pressure-volume work were employed. We compromised myocardial function by subjecting hearts to ischemia (20 min low-flow plus 10 min stopped-flow) and reperfusion. During low-flow perfusion the coronary endothelium was stimulated by thrombin prior to and during infusion of a bolus of 10(8) washed human platelets. Intervention groups contained either sevoflurane in a concentration being equivalent to 1 MAC in the platelet suspension or in the perfusate or 1 microM SQ29,548 (an isoprostane- and thromboxane-receptor antagonist) in the perfusate. The parameter external heart work (EHW), determined pre- and postischemically, served as criterion for loss of myocardial function. Additionally, formation of transudate and the production of TxA2 were measured during the reperfusion phase. Coronary perfusion pressure and myocardial production of lactate and consumption of pyruvate were also determined. Adherent platelets significantly enhanced loss of EHW after ischemia and reperfusion, but strongly attenuated coronary vascular leak. Sevoflurane reduced platelet adhesion when applied to the perfusate, but not when given only to the platelet suspension. However, platelets pretreated with sevoflurane lost their cardiodepressive effects, as did platelets in hearts treated with SQ29,548. Surprisingly, TxA2 formation in hearts was not different after platelet application in comparison to the ischemia control group but was significantly reduced when sevoflurane was applied to the perfusate. Neither metabolic parameters, coronary perfusion pressure, vascular leak nor glycoprotein expression of platelets were influenced by sevoflurane. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Pretreatment of hearts with sevoflurane reduces intracoronary platelet adhesion, most likely via an endothelial mechanism. 2) Pretreatment of platelets with sevoflurane does not reduce platelet adhesion, but nevertheless averts cardiodepressive effects derived from or generated by adherent platelets. 3) Transudate formation of hearts during reperfusion was reduced after platelet application, independent of the adherence of platelets.

Adult↗

Reduction of oxygen delivery during post-ischemic reperfusion protects the isolated guinea pig heart.

OBJECTIVE: To further characterise the influence of oxygen delivery during early reperfusion (first 5 min) in the isolated guinea pig heart, three modes of coronary reperfusion were chosen, differing with respect to reperfusion flow and arterial PO2. METHODS: Isolated working guinea pig hearts underwent ischemia and reperfusion (15 min each). Reperfusion was at constant pressure (Group 1, 60 mmHg, n = 7) or at constant flow (Group 2, 5 ml/min, n = 7) with a PO2 of 600 mmHg. Group 3 (n = 8) was reperfused at 5 ml/min with a PO2 of 300 mmHg for 5 min and a PO2 of 600 mmHg thereafter. Lactate release and oxygen consumption were determined during reperfusion. Glutathione release served to assess myocardial oxidative stress. RESULTS: After ischemia, hearts in Group 1 (mean coronary flow 14.4 +/- 1.1 ml/min during the first 5 min of reperfusion) performed external heart work at 31 +/- 2% of the pre-ischemic level. Performance in Group 2 recovered to 50 +/- 3% and in Group 3 to 68 +/- 3%. Myocardial oxygen consumption during early reperfusion (2nd min) was lowest in Group 3 (1.9 micromol/min) and highest in Group 1 (8.3 micromol/min). No difference in lactate release was observed. Release of glutathione during the first 5 min of reperfusion was 43.8 +/- 7.9 nmol in Group 1, but only 3.6 +/- 0.7 in Group 2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In isolated guinea pig hearts, controlled oxygen delivery during post-ischemic reperfusion by both, reduction of coronary flow and PO2, improves recovery of pump function. The effect is accompanied by less oxidative stress, as indicated by lowered rates of glutathione release.

Animals↗

Selectins and beta 2-integrins mediate post-ischaemic venular adhesion of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, but not capillary plugging, in isolated hearts.

Leukocytes adhering to venular endothelium and emigrating into the tissue contribute to myocardial reperfusion injury. The aim of the present study was to characterize the contribution of two different families of adhesion molecules, selectins and integrins, to post-ischaemic capillary plugging and venular adhesion of leukocytes in an isolated heart model. Guinea-pig hearts were perfused using the Langendorff technique. After 20 min stabilization global ischaemia was induced for 15 min at 37 degrees C. With the onset of reperfusion 10(7) isolated polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), prelabelled with rhodamine 6G, were infused within 1 min. Perfusion was continued for 2 min to wash out all cells not firmly adhering to the vascular endothelium. Hearts were then arrested, mounted on a microscope stage and perfused with a cardioplegic solution containing 0.01% fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran (MW 150,000). In situ videofluorescence microscopy was used to quantify PMN plugging and adherent PMN. Four groups were studied: control (no treatment or ischaemia, n = 6); ischaemia (no treatment and 15 min ischaemia, n = 5); fucoidin (pretreatment of hearts and PMN with 0.3 mg/ml selectin inhibitor fucoidin and 15 min ischaemia, n = 5) and CD18 (pretreatment of PMN with 0.1 mg monoclonal antibody against CD18 and 15 min ischaemia, n = 5). Capillary plugging by PMN was 25 +/- 5 PMN/mm2 epicardial surface area and increased moderately to 55 +/- 6 PMN/mm2 in reperfused hearts. This increase was not affected by fucoidin or CD18 antibody. In contrast, post-ischaemic adhesion of PMN in small venules increased ninefold from 21 +/- 5 to 196 +/- 23 PMN/mm2 endothelial surface area. The increase in PMN adhesion to venular endothelium was blocked completely by pretreatment with fucoidin (19 +/- 5 PMN/mm-2) or CD18 antibody (7 +/- 2 PMN/mm-2). We conclude that selectin interaction alone is not sufficient to account for post-ischaemic PMN adhesion in the small venules of the coronary vasculature, because blocking the integrin subunit CD18 also inhibited PMN adhesion completely. On the other hand, neither integrins nor selectins seem to be involved in post-ischaemic capillary plugging by PMN in our perfused heart model.

Animals↗

Sodium nitroprusside during coronary artery bypass grafting: evidence for an antiinflammatory action.

BACKGROUND: It was the aim of the present study to investigate whether a nitric oxide donor can reduce systemic inflammation and the cardiac inflammatory response during coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 22) were randomly assigned to treatment with either sodium nitroprusside (0.5 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)) or placebo (controls), both for the first 20 minutes of reperfusion. Interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 levels, the adhesion molecules CD41 and CD62 on platelets and CD41 on monocytes and PMN (as markers for coaggregate formation), CD11b on monocytes and PMN, as well as platelet and leukocyte counts were determined in radial artery and coronary sinus blood before cardiopulmonary bypass and during reperfusion (1, 5, 10, 25, and 35 minutes). RESULTS: A reduction of systemic interleukin-6 levels (15.4+/-3.5 pg/mL, 36.7+/-5.9 pg/mL, and 46.8+/-8.0 pg/mL versus 33.4+/-7.7 pg/mL, 76.7+/-13.2 pg/mL, and 106.0+/-26.5 pg/mL, respectively, at 1, 25, and 35 minutes of reperfusion) and interleukin-8 (29.6+/-4.5 pg/mL versus 54.0+/-9.4, pg/mL, resp., at 35 minutes of reperfusion) resulted from treatment with sodium nitroprusside. No intracardiac production of interleukin-8 in sodium nitroprusside-treated patients (-1.1+/-0.4 pg/mL and -2.8+/-2.2 pg/mL, resp., for the coronary sinus-radial artery difference at 5 and 25 minutes of reperfusion) was observed, whereas cardiac production of interleukin-8 was present in controls (2.5+/-1.5 pg/mL and 5.5+/-2.8 pg/mL, resp.). Retention of platelet/leukocyte coaggregates occurred during coronary passage in controls (coronary sinus-radial artery difference for CD41-positive monocytes at 1 and 10 minutes of reperfusion, -16.3%+/-8.5% and -8.8%+/-2.6%, resp.). This was reduced in sodium nitroprusside-treated patients (with 5.8%+/-5.2% and 0.0%+/-3.2%). Retention of platelets in controls (ratio of coronary sinus to radial artery platelet count at 5 and 10 minutes of reperfusion, 88%+/-6% and 91%+/-5%) was compared to washout in treated patients (108%+/-6% and 113%+/-7%). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing routine coronary artery bypass grafting, administration of sodium nitroprusside during early reperfusion alleviates systemic inflammation and the cardiac inflammatory response.

Aged↗

Acute cardiac inflammatory responses to postischemic reperfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass.

OBJECTIVES: The investigation centers on whether there is a reperfusion-induced specific cardiac inflammatory reaction after bypass surgery. BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) leads to systemic inflammation. Additionally, cardiac inflammation due to reperfusion could occur. Knowledge about nature and time course of this reaction might help to develop cardioprotective interventions. METHODS: In 12 patients receiving coronary bypass grafts, arterial and coronary venous blood was obtained before onset of CPB, and 1, 5, 10, 25, 35 and 75 min after cardiac reperfusion. Plasma levels of IL6 and IL8 were measured by immunoassay. CD11b, CD41, and CD62 on blood cells were quantified by flow cytometry. Measurement of CD41, a platelet marker, on neutrophils and monocytes allowed detection of leukocyte-platelet microaggregates. RESULTS: Transcardiac veno-arterial difference of IL6 rose in the 10th and 25th min of reperfusion (from 0 to 7 pg/ml; p < 0.05), and after 75 min (15 pg/ml). IL8 did not change. CD11b on neutrophils (PMN) decreased transcardially to 95, 88 and 82% of the initial level in the 5th, 10th, and 75th min, respectively, suggesting sequestration of activated neutrophils. CD62 on platelets rose about 30% in the 75th min. Initially, leukocyte-platelet microaggregates were formed during coronary passage (+31% of the arterial level for PMN, +23% for monocytes). During reperfusion, coaggregates were retained (PMN: -1% and -7% in the 5th and 10th min, monocytes: -22%, -13% and -12% in the 1st, 5th and 10th min. CONCLUSIONS: During early reperfusion after aortic declamping, the coronary bed is already a source of proinflammatory stimuli and target for activated leukocytes, partly in conjunction with platelets. Mitigation of these phenomena might help to improve cardiac function after CPB especially in patients at risk.

Analysis of Variance↗

Indirect enhancement of neutrophil activity and adhesion to cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells by isoprostanes (iPF2alpha-III and iPE2-III).

Isoprostanes are metabolites of arachidonic acid found in blood under various conditions of oxidative stress. Because arachidonic acid derivatives are major mediators of inflammation, we investigated the potential inflammatory effects of iPF2alpha-III (previously 8-isoPGF2alpha) and iPE2-III (8-isoPGE2) on human polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMN), as well as on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The early activation marker CD11b on PMN and the adhesion molecules ICAM-1, E-selectin, and P-selectin on HUVECs were quantified by flow cytometry. Levels of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 were measured in the culture supernatant by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, adhesion of PMN to HUVECs was assessed. Neither isoprostane showed any direct stimulatory effects on PMN or HUVECs at concentrations of 0.1 or 1 microM: there was no acute elevation in expression of CD11b or P-selectin and no change of ICAM-1 or E-selectin after 4 or 24 h of incubation, respectively. The levels of interleukin IL-6 and IL-8 were also unaltered. However, PMN adhesion was significantly enhanced both after 4 and 24 h of incubation of HUVECs with iPF2alpha-III, and CD11b expression on PMN was elevated by contact of these cells with the supernatant of pre-exposed HUVECs. Neither of these actions were inhibited by an endothelin receptor antagonist (bosentan) or a combined thromboxane A2/isoprostane-receptor antagonist (SQ29548). Thus, although not having a direct pro-inflammatory potential, isoprostanes might indirectly accentuate PMN stimulation. This seems to occur via a receptor-independent mechanism, perhaps the production of an active metabolite of isoprostanes by endothelial cells.

Cell Adhesion↗

Ketamine does not inhibit inflammatory responses of cultured human endothelial cells but reduces chemotactic activation of neutrophils.

BACKGROUND: Ketamine is a widely used general anaesthetic, which has been reported to inhibit neutrophil function and neutrophil-endothelial interaction. To date, however, it is unknown whether ketamine has any direct effects on endothelial cells with respect to inflammation. Therefore, we investigated the influence of varying concentrations of ketamine (0.5, 1, and 3 microM) on the endothelial expression of cytokines and adhesion molecules with relevance for inflammation. METHODS: Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha, 2.5 ng/ml) for 4 h in the absence or presence of ketamine. The adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and E-selectin on the endothelial cells were measured by flow cytometry. Release of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 by endothelial cells was quantified by ELISA. The acute effect of ketamine on leukocyte activation by the supernatant of endothelial cells pre-stimulated with TNFalpha (4 h) was tested by flow cytometric measurement of CD11b, a leukocyte activation marker, after 15 min of coincubation. RESULTS: TNFalpha caused dramatic upregulation of both adhesion molecules (15-fold and 5-fold vs. control for ELAM-1 and ICAM-1, respectively) and of both cytokines (500-fold and 1.8-fold for IL-6 and IL-8, respectively). No concentration of ketamine employed in our study had any effect on these inflammatory parameters. However, activation of leukocytes by supernatant of TNFalpha-conditioned endothelial cells (70% increase of CD11b) was attenuated by coincubation of the PMN with 0.5 and 5 microM ketamine (47% and 44% increase, respectively). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that ketamine exerts its antiinflammatory actions primarily via inhibition of leukocyte reactivity. Indeed, no inhibition of endothelial responses was detectable in our study.

Anesthetics, Dissociative↗

S(+)-ketamine, but not R(-)-ketamine, reduces postischemic adherence of neutrophils in the coronary system of isolated guinea pig hearts.

UNLABELLED: Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) play a crucial role in the initiation of reperfusion injury. In a previous study, we found that ketamine reduced the postischemic adherence of PMN to the intact coronary system of isolated guinea pig hearts. Because ketamine is a racemic mixture (1:1) of two optical enantiomers, we looked for possible differences in action between the stereoisomers. Seventy-six guinea pig hearts were perfused in the "Langendorff" mode under conditions of constant flow (5 mL/min) using modified Krebs-Henseleit buffer. After 15 min of global warm ischemia, freshly isolated human PMN (10(6)) were infused as a bolus into the coronary system during the second minute of reperfusion. PMN adhesion was expressed as the numeric difference between PMN recovered in the effluent and those applied. Series A hearts received 5 microM S(+), 5 microM R(-), or 10 microM racemic ketamine starting 20 min before ischemia and during reperfusion. In Series B hearts, 10 microM nitro-L-arginine, an inhibitor of NO synthase, was added to the perfusate. In Series C, PMN were preincubated for 15 min with 5 microM S(+)- or R(-)-ketamine. Coronary vascular leak was assessed by measuring the rate of formation of transudate on the epicardial surface. Ischemia/reperfusion without anesthetics increased coronary PMN adherence from 25.5% +/-2.3% (basal) to 35.3%+/-1.5% of the number applied. S(+)-ketamine reduced postischemic adherence in each series (A, 25.5%+/-5.1%; B, 22.5%+/-1.7%; C, 25.3%+/-7.7%), as did racemate (A, 26.4%+/-3.7%). Although 5 microM R(-)-ketamine had no effect on adhesion (A, 30.5%+/-6.7%; B, 34.3%+/-5.1%; C, 34.3%+/-4.3%), it significantly increased vascular leak in the presence of NOLAG. These findings indicate stereoselective differences in biological action between the two ketamine isomers: S(+)-ketamine inhibited PMN adherence, R(-)-ketamine worsened coronary vascular leak in reperfused isolated hearts. IMPLICATIONS: In this study, we demonstrated stereoselective differences in the biologic action of the two ketamine isomers in an animal model of myocardial ischemia. Polymorphonuclear neutrophil adherence to the coronary vasculature after ischemia was inhibited by S(+)-ketamine, whereas R(-)-ketamine increased coronary vascular fluid leak.

Anesthetics, Dissociative↗

Inhibition of neutrophil activation by volatile anesthetics decreases adhesion to cultured human endothelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophils, PMNs) have been shown to mediate vascular and tissue injury, leading to so-called systemic inflammatory response syndrome. The authors evaluated the effect of volatile anesthetics on neutrophil adhesion to human endothelial cells, focusing on whether the inhibitory effect observed is linked to an alteration in the function of endothelial cells or neutrophils. METHODS: The adhesion of human PMNs was quantified using cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The increase in the number of adhering PMNs was assessed when HUVECs (with 1 mM hydrogen peroxide), PMNs (with 10 nM N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine), or both were prestimulated. To determine the influence of volatile anesthetics on the adhesion of PMNs, the experiments were performed in the absence or presence of 0.5, 1, and 2 minimum alveolar concentration halothane, isoflurane, or sevoflurane, whereby HUVECs, PMNs, or both were pretreated with gas. RESULTS: Activation of HUVECs with hydrogen peroxide or stimulation of PMNs with N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine resulted in a 2.5-fold increase in PMN adhesion. Preincubation of PMNs, separately, with halothane, isoflurane, or sevoflurane, respectively, abolished enhanced neutrophil adhesion to hydrogen peroxide-activated HUVECs and adhesion of PMNs prestimulated with N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine to unstimulated HUVECs (maximal effect at 1 minimum alveolar concentration). No decrease in adhesion was detected when only HUVECs were pretreated with volatile anesthetics. Additional exposure of HUVECs and PMNs to volatile anesthetics had no inhibitory effect on adhesion greater than that seen when only PMNs were treated. Appropriately, the volatile anesthetics abolished the upward regulation of the adhesion molecule CD11b on PMNs (as evaluated at 1 minimum alveolar concentration each), whereas 1 minimum alveolar concentration halothane failed to affect the expression of P-selectin, an adhesion molecule on endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that halothane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane inhibit neutrophil adhesion to human endothelial cells at concentrations relevant to anesthesia in a static system. The effects appear to be mediated by inhibition of PMN activation; that is, by attenuating the upward regulation of neutrophil CD11b.

Anesthetics, Inhalation↗

Sevoflurane and isoflurane protect the reperfused guinea pig heart by reducing postischemic adhesion of polymorphonuclear neutrophils.

BACKGROUND: Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) contribute to reperfusion injury. Because volatile anesthetics can reduce PMN adhesion in the reperfused, nonworking heart, the authors analyzed whether this action of volatile anesthetics affects cardiac performance after ischemia and reperfusion and further clarified the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Isolated guinea pig hearts perfused with crystalloid buffer and performing pressure-volume work were used. Hearts were subjected to 15 min global ischemia and 20 min reperfusion. In the intervention groups an intracoronary bolus of 3 x 10(6) PMNs was applied in the second min of reperfusion, either in the absence or presence of 0.5 or 1 minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane or isoflurane. The number of sequestered PMNs was calculated from the difference between coronary input and output (coronary effluent) of PMNs. Performance of external heart work, determined pre- and postischemically, served as criterion for recovery of myocardial function. Additionally, the expression of the integrin CD11b on the cell surface of PMN was measured before and after coronary passage. RESULTS: Injection of PMN in the reperfusion phase, but not under nonischemic conditions, reduced recovery of external heart work significantly (from 55+/-7% to 19+/-11%). Addition of sevoflurane or isoflurane in concentrations of 0.5 and 1 minimum alveolar concentration to the perfusate reduced postischemic PMN adhesion from 36+/-8% to basal values (20+/-7%) and prevented decline of cardiac function. CD11b expression on PMNs increased significantly during postischemic coronary passage under control conditions. Again, both anesthetics in both concentrations inhibited that activation. CONCLUSIONS: Volatile anesthetics reduce PMN adhesion in the reperfused coronary system and thereby preserve cardiac function. Reduced expression of the adhesion molecule CD11b on PMNs in the presence of sevoflurane or isoflurane is, at least in part, responsible for the cardioprotective effect.

Anesthetics, Inhalation↗

Influence of intact left atrial appendage on hemodynamic parameters of isolated guinea pig heart.

BACKGROUND: In isolated working guinea pig heart preparations using the conventional technique of cannulating the left atrium via the atrial appendage, the resulting cardiac output is often insufficiently low (15-20 ml/min). This is a problem in ischemia reperfusion studies where small absolute differences can be responsible for large relative changes comparing pre- and postischemic values. In an attempt to increase cardiac output, the left atrium was left intact in isolated working guinea pig hearts. The two techniques were compared for hemodynamic parameters and their similarity to the physiological condition. METHODS: The left atrium was cannulated either via the orifices of the pulmonary veins or via an incision in the atrial appendage with its subsequent ligation around the cannula (n = 45-46/group). After 20 min of pressure-volume work cardiac output, heart rate and oxygen partial pressures were measured and myocardial oxygen consumption and cardiac efficiency were calculated. RESULTS: Cardiac output was higher in hearts with intact atrial appendage (64 +/- 2 ml/min) than in hearts with ligated atrial appendage (33 +/- 1 ml/min). Myocardial oxygen consumption (6.1 +/- 0.2 and 8.4 +/- 0.3 micromol/min, resp.) and cardiac efficiency (12.8 +/- 0.6% and 19.9 +/- 0.8%, resp.) were significantly higher in hearts with intact left atrial appendage. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated working guinea pig hearts with an intact left auricle exhibit higher values for important hemodynamic parameters compared to a preparation technique involving ligation of the left auricle.

Animals↗

Disparate effects of adhesion and degranulation of platelets on myocardial and coronary function in postischaemic hearts.

OBJECTIVE: Beside the major effect of acute thrombus formation, little is known about the interaction of platelets with the coronary endothelium in an ischaemia-reperfusion situation. The present study was designed to investigate, separately, the consequences of platelet adhesion and degranulation during myocardial reperfusion. METHODS: Isolated guinea pig hearts perfused with Krebs-Henseleit buffer and performing pressure-volume work were used. We infringed myocardial function by imposing ischaemia (20 min of low-flow perfusion with 1 ml/min and 10 min of global ischaemia) and reperfusion (15 min with 5 ml/min). During low-flow perfusion, the coronary endothelium was stimulated by thrombin before and during infusion of a bolus: 10(8) washed human platelets +/- the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) analogon lamifiban, the supernatant of 10(8) thrombin-stimulated platelets, fibrinogen (2 microM), lamifiban (2 microM) or Tyrode's solution (control group). The parameter external heart work (EHW), determined pre- and postischaemically, served as criterion for recovery of myocardial function. Additionally, the formation of capillary transudate was measured during the reperfusion phase to assess coronary permeability. Coronary perfusion pressure was monitored continuously and myocardial production of lactate and consumption of pyruvate were measured. Electron microscopy of hearts was performed after platelet application to verify platelet adhesion in the coronary system. RESULTS: Recovery of EHW by hearts without platelet application was 64 +/- 3% and was significantly reduced to 49 +/- 5% by platelet infusion (n = 8 each). Infusion of supernatant of thrombin-stimulated platelets did not impair recovery of heart work. In the reperfusion phase (6th-10th min), hearts that either had received platelets or supernatant of platelets exhibited a significantly reduced production of capillary transudate (70 microliters/min vs. 180 microliters/min for the controls). Intracoronary bolus application of fibrinogen or lamifiban also reduced coronary leak. Coronary perfusion pressure and metabolic parameters were not statistically different between the groups at any time. CONCLUSIONS: Platelet adhesion to the coronary endothelium in a situation of myocardial ischaemia impairs cardiac recovery, whereas constituents released by platelets may have beneficial effects on the integrity of the coronary endothelium. In particular, fibrinogen seems to contribute to the permeability reducing effect, possibly by interaction with endothelial receptors recognising the RGD sequence.

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