Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

R Gust

Publications and source records attributed to R Gust.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[A thirty-year old bodybuilder with septic shock and ARDS from abuse of anabolic steroids].

We report the case of a 30-year-old body builder who developed a gluteal abscess at the site of injection of regularly self-administered anabolic steroids. After breaking the abscess under general anaesthesia, the patient developed septic shock and fulminant adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In addition to discussing the pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, and treatment, we focus on the immunomodulatory mechanisms of anabolic substances that may have contributed to the course of the disease in this particular patient.

Abscess↗

Iron-oxide-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of atherosclerotic plaques: postmortem analysis of accuracy, inter-observer agreement, and pitfalls.

INTRODUCTION: Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging using ultra small superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) particles is a new noninvasive modality for imaging inflammatory atherosclerotic plaques. We determined the accuracy, interobserver agreement, and potential sources of error of this technique by means of postmortem MR imaging of aortic preparations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Anesthetized atherosclerotic Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits were studied after administration of different dosages of intravenous USPIO (DDM 43/34, IDF Berlin, Germany) and different postcontrast time intervals. A (n = 5) received 0 micromol Fe/kg. B (n = 5) received 50 micromol Fe/kg, 8-hour postcontrast interval. C (n = 5) received 50 micromol, 24 hours. D received 200 micromol, 48 hours. The aortas were removed and 3-mm segments prepared for postmortem examination by MR imaging using a T2-weighted gradient-echo sequence (TR/TE/FA; 41 milliseconds/11 milliseconds/15 degrees ), radiography (mammography), and histology (iron staining). USPIO accumulation was defined as the presence of 20 iron-positive cells per microscopic view (x100 magnification). Two independent readers analyzed the MR images and rated their confidence level for a positive MRI finding, defined as a focal signal loss, on a 5-point scale. The results were evaluated by receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: Of a total of 621 vessel segments technically acceptable for evaluation, 534 were histologically negative and 87 positive. Accuracy, expressed as the area under the ROC curve, was 0.85 for reader 1 and 0.88 for reader 2. Interobserver agreement was 0.67. False-positive findings were established by at least one reader for 121 of the 621 segments, false-negative findings for only 15 segments. Calcifications and mural thrombi were identified as potential sources of error of the method. CONCLUSION: Postmortem USPIO-enhanced MR imaging of atherosclerotic plaques showed a high accuracy and good interobserver agreement in the animal model used here. Further optimization of the method should aim at reducing the rather high percentage of false-positive results.

Animals↗

Investigations of new lead structures for the design of selective estrogen receptor modulators.

Heterocyclic derivatives of (R,S)/(S,R)-1-(2-chloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine (L1) were synthesized and tested for estrogen receptor binding. The selection of the heterocycles was based on theoretical consideration. (2R,3S)/(2S,3R)-2-(2-Chloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)piperazine 2, (4R,5S)/(4S,5R)-4-(2-chloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-imidazoline 3, and 4-(2-chloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)imidazole 4 possess a spatial structure with neighboring aromatic rings as is realized in hormonally active [1,2-diphenylethylenediamine]platinum(II) complexes. The 1,2-diphenylethane pharmacophor, however, cannot adapt an antiperiplanar conformation to interact with the estrogen receptor (ER) comparable to synthetic (e.g., diethylstilbestrol (DES)) or steroidal (e.g., estradiol (E2)) estrogens. Due to the different spatial structures, the heterocycles cause only a marginal displacement of E2 from its binding site (relative binding affinity (RBA) < 0.1%). Nevertheless, unequivocally ER mediated gene activation was verified on the MCF-7-2a cell line. Imidazoline 3 as the most active compound reached the maximum effect of E2 (100% activation) in a concentration of 5 x 10(-7) M, while piperazine 2 and imidazole 4 activate luciferase expression only in a small but significant amount of 20% and 27%, respectively. We therefore assigned these heterocyclic compounds to a second class of hormones (type-II-estrogens), which are attached at the ER at different amino acids than DES or E2 (type-I-estrogens).

Binding, Competitive↗

Efficacy and safety of thrombolytic therapy after initially unsuccessful cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a prospective clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: During cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), thrombolysis can help to stabilise patients with pulmonary embolism and myocardial infarction. Moreover, thrombolysis during CPR has beneficial effects on cerebral reperfusion after cardiac arrest. We investigated this new therapeutic approach in patients in whom conventional CPR had been unsuccessful. METHODS: We assessed, in a prospective study, patients undergoing CPR after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest for cardiological reasons in whom return of spontaneous circulation was not achieved within 15 min. According to the Ustein criteria, our control group consisted of patients who were assessed during 1 year. After this year patients were treated with a bolus of 5000 U of heparin and 50mg, over 2 min, of tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA treated group). This intervention was repeated if return of spontaneous circulation was not achieved within the following 30 min. For controls only CPR was given. FINDINGS: Overall, 90 patients were included; heparin and rt-PA were given to 40 patients. There were no bleeding complications related to the CPR procedures. Of the rt-PA group, 68% (27) had return of spontaneous circulation and 58% (23) were admitted to a cardiac intensive care unit, compared with 44% (22; p=0.026) and 30% (15; p=0.009) of the controls, respectively. At 24 h after cardiac arrest a larger proportion of the rt-PA group than of the controls was alive (35% [14] vs 22% [11], p=0.171), and 15% (six) of rt-PA-treated patients and 8% (four) of controls could be discharged from hospital. INTERPRETATION: After initially unsuccessful out-of-hospital CPR, thrombolytic therapy combined with heparin is safe and might improve patient outcome. On the basis of our data a randomised controlled trial might be regarded as ethical.

Aged↗

Synthesis, conformational studies, and investigations on the estrogen receptor binding of [R/S-1-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine]platinum(II) complexes.

The syntheses, conformational studies, and investigations on the estrogen receptor binding of [R/S-1-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine]platinum(II) complexes (1-PtL2, 2L = leaving groups) are described. A Strecker synthesis using the 2,6-dichloro-4-methoxybenzaldehyde, NaCN, and NH4Cl afforded the cyanoamine 1b, which was subsequently reduced with LiAlH4 to give the R/S-1-(2,6-dichloro-4-methoxyphenyl)ethylenediamine 1a. Ether cleavage with BBr3 yielded R/S-1-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine 1 which was coordinated to platinum(II) by use of K2PtCl4 (1-PtCl2) and K2PtI4 (1-PtI2), respectively. Reaction of 1-PtI2 with Ag2SO4 and coordination of tartronic acid led to the [R/S-1-(2,6-dichloro-4- hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine][hydroxymalonato]platinum(II) complex (1-Pt(MalOH)). The spatial structure of 1 and its complexes was evaluated by spectroscopic and molecular modeling methods. In solution the complexes adopt a structure very similar to estradiol. However, the in vitro and in vivo tests for the compounds indicated neither affinity to the estrogen receptor nor estrogenic properties.

Cell Line↗

1-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-phenylethanes--new biological response modifiers for the therapy of breast cancer. Synthesis and evaluation of estrogenic/antiestrogenic properties.

[meso-1,2-Bis(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine]platinum(II) complexes (meso-1-PtLL'; L,L' = Cl or L = H2O and L' = OSO3) are highly effective towards hormone-sensitive, rodent breast cancers due to their significant estrogenic potencies. Their antitumor activities are caused by modification of the immune response. The pharmacophor of these compounds, the 1,2-bis(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane (23H), was used as the lead structure in a structure-activity study with the goal of finding new biological response modifiers for the therapy of breast cancer. As intermediates for the synthesis of the 23H derivatives, the CH3O-substituted stilbenes 12E/12Z-16E/16Z were prepared by reaction of the related benzyltriphenylphosphonium halides with 2,6-dichloro-4-methoxybenzaldehyde by the method of Wittig/Campbell and Donald, respectively. Separation of the E/Z-mixtures was performed by fractional crystallization and/or column chromatography. The E-1,2-bis(2,6-dichloro-4-methoxyphenyl)ethene (17E) was obtained by reductive coupling of 2,6-dichloro-4-methoxybenzaldehyde with TiCl4/Zn according to the method of Mukaiyama. Illumination of the solution of 17E in benzene with UV light resulted in an E/Z-isomerization. Compound 17Z could be isolated from this mixture. The CH3O-substituted stilbenes were transformed into their 1,2-diphenylethanes (12H-17H) by catalytic hydrogenation of the C1=C2 double bond. Ether cleavage of the compounds was performed with BBr3. In the estrogen receptor binding assay all OH-substituted 1,2-diphenylethanes showed affinity to the estrogen receptor, which was about two orders of magnitude lower than that of 17 beta-estradiol. In the uterus weight test on the immature mouse 1,2-diphenylethanes with 4-substituted OH groups proved to be "true" estrogens (19H: 2-F/4-OH; 20H: 2-Cl/4-OH; 23H: 2,6-Cl2/4-OH), while those with a 3-substituted OH group in the 2-phenyl ring showed the properties of a "partial" estrogen (18H: 3-OH) or of an "impeded" estrogen (21H: 2-Cl/3-OH; 22H: 2-Cl/5-OH). The latter also showed significant additional antiestrogenic activity. The related E-stilbenes mostly exhibit similar hormonal activities. As a rule, the replacement of the OH groups by the CH3O groups and the change from the E- to the Z-configuration led to a reduction of the estrogenic potencies. Several of the 1-(2,6-dichloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-phenylethenes (12E: 3-OCH3; 12Z: 3-OCH3; 15E: 2-Cl/3-OCH3; 15Z: 2-Cl/3-OCH3; 16E: 2-Cl/5-OCH3) produced antiestrogenic effects in the uterus weight test. It is supposed that those new 1-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-phenylethanes endowed with marked estrogenic properties are also active as biological response modifiers in animals bearing hormone-sensitive breast cancer. The antiestrogenic derivatives presumably inhibit the breast cancer development by competing with tumor growth stimulating endogenous estrogens for the binding to the receptor. This is to be confirmed in a further study.

Animals↗

USPIO-enhanced direct MR imaging of thrombus: preclinical evaluation in rabbits.

PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) particles may diffuse into nonendothelialized fresh thrombi and thus allow for direct magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of a thrombus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stagnation thrombi of different thrombus ages (1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 days) were induced in the external jugular veins of 25 rabbits. Direct MR imaging of thrombi was performed by using a fat-saturated T1-weighted gradient-echo sequence (three-dimensional [3D] magnetization prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo) before and 24 hours after intravenous administration of USPIO (particle size, 25 nm; 200 micromol per kilogram of body weight). Thrombus length on 3D reconstruction images was compared with that depicted on a radiographic venogram and with histologic findings (joint reference standard). In addition, T2*-weighted gradient-echo images were acquired and scored semiquantitatively. RESULTS: The hyperintensity of the thrombus segment depicted on T1-weighted images (thrombus length determined with 3D reconstruction images divided by true thrombus length) increased significantly after administration of contrast medium at a thrombus age of 3 days (0.6 +/- 0.4 [SD] to 0.8 +/- 0.4; P =.02), 5 days (0.1 +/- 0.1 to 1.0 +/- 0.1; P <.001), and 7 days (0 to 0.6 +/- 0.4; P =.02), but not at an age of 1 and 9 days. No significant change in the thrombus signal intensity was observed on T2*-weighted images. CONCLUSION: The animal model showed that direct MR imaging of the thrombus improved 24 hours after USPIO administration with a T1-weighted sequence. No improvement was seen with the T2*-weighted sequence.

Animals↗

[Surgically relevant comorbidity: lung function].

The risk of surgical procedures is strongly affected by coexisting pulmonary disease. Patient related risk factors for pulmonary disorders in the perioperative period are poor medical condition, old age, obesity, smoking, COPD, and bronchial asthma. Thoracic surgery and upper abdominal surgery are the most important procedure related risk factors for pulmonary complications in the perioperative period. Preoperative evaluation of lung function, assessment of the perioperative pulmonary risk, identification of high risk patients, and preoperative improvement of lung function, if possible, result in an improved outcome of surgical procedures due to a reduction of perioperative pulmonary complications.

Comorbidity↗

Heavy metal contamination of nanosuspensions produced by high-pressure homogenisation.

High pressure homogenisation is a method for the production of nanosuspensions. In this process crystalline drug particles are pressed with high pressure through a narrow homogenisation gap. Due to the conditions in the gap it seems possible that metal erosion can occur. In this study the heavy metal (Fe) contamination of nanosuspensions produced by high pressure homogenisation was determined. Therefore nanosuspensions were analysed by atom absorption spectroscopy concerning their load of iron which is chosen as reference metal. The results show that the erosion of metal is below 1 ppm and will not cause any toxicological problems.

Calibration↗

[Aqua-1-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-phenylethylenediamine] sulfatoplatinum(II) complexes with variable substituents in the 2-phenyl ring. 3. Investigation of breast cancer inhibiting properties.

In the search for new anti-breast cancer compounds a series of diastereomeric aqua[1-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-phenylethylenediamine]sulfato platinum(II) complexes was tested on the hormone-sensitive MXT-M-3.2 breast cancer of the mouse. By simultaneous determination of tumor and uterine weights at the end of the experiment we obtained an insight into the mode of action. Changes in the uterine weights indicate whether the anti-breast cancer effect of the test substance is caused either by its capability to reduce the endogenous estrogen level via inhibition of estrogen biosynthesis (mechanism B), or by its estrogenic side effects which enhance the immune defense in the host animals (mechanism C). Studies on the [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA of MDAMB-231 breast cancer cells showed that all test compounds inhibit deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis, like cisplatin (mechanism A). However, in comparison to the standard cisplatin, their activities were low. The three most effective test compounds threo-2-PtSO4 (2-phenyl-residue), threo-5-PtSO4 (2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-residue), and threo-8-PtSO4 (2-(2-fluoro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-residue) seem to exert their anti-breast cancer effect by mechanism B. Moreover, threo-5-PtSO4 was moderately active on the hormone- insensitive MXT-M-3.2 (Ovex) breast cancer of the mouse. Aqua[erythro-1-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(2-chloro-4-hydroxypheny l) ethylenediamine]sulfato-platinum(II) (erythro-9-PtSO4) was the only breast cancer inhibiting compound of the series acting mainly according to mechanism C. A minor contribution of mechanism A, impairment of the DNA function in the tumor cell, to the anti-breast cancer activity of these aqua[1-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-phenylethylenediamine]sulfato platinum(II) complexes cannot be excluded, since such effects are apparent in the MDA-MB-231 as well as in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line at higher drug concentrations. In this test series which was performed with the crystal violet chemosensitivity assay, the MCF-7 cells proved to be somewhat more sensitive.

Animals↗

Superparamagnetic iron oxide-enhanced MRI of atherosclerotic plaques in Watanabe hereditable hyperlipidemic rabbits.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Inflammatory atherosclerotic plaques are characterized by increased endothelial permeability and multiple macrophages. Blood-pool MRI contrast agents like superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) have an affinity for the monocyte-macrophage system and thus, may label inflammatory plaques. The objective was to demonstrate SPIO uptake in plaques of atherosclerotic rabbits by MRI and histology. METHODS: Aortas of anesthetized Watanabe hereditable hyperlipidemic rabbits were studied with a moderately T2*-weighted gradient-echo sequence at 1.5 T. Four groups of five animals each were studied: (1) without ultrasmall SPIO (carboxydextran coating; particle size, 25 nm; estimated plasma half-life, 6 hours) or with imaging after intravenous injection of SPIO at a dose (micromol Fe/kg) and postcontrast time delay (hours) of 50/8 (2), 50/24 (3), or 200/48 (4). In vivo MRI was compared with corresponding ex vivo histological iron stains. RESULTS: Animals receiving 200 micromol Fe/kg demonstrated areas of focal signal loss clearly confined to the aortic wall on a mean of 24 +/- 9 (31% +/- 11%) of 76 +/- 5 images compared with 0 +/- 0 of 76 +/- 5 images in controls (P = 0.009). The number of images with this finding in groups 2 and 3 was not significantly different compared with controls. By microscopy, SPIO-iron was seen in the endothelial cells and subendothelial intimal macrophages of atherosclerosis-prone aortic wall segments. Atherosclerotic lesions demonstrating iron uptake also showed a high macrophage content. CONCLUSIONS: SPIO accumulates in aortic plaques of atherosclerotic rabbits, producing a characteristic MRI finding. As SPIO accumulates in plaques with increased endothelial permeability and a high macrophage content, two established features of plaque inflammation, it may have a potential for noninvasive assessment of inflammatory atherosclerotic plaques.

Animals↗

Effect of partial liquid ventilation on pulmonary vascular permeability and edema after experimental acute lung injury.

We evaluated the effects of partial liquid ventilation (PLV) with two different dosages of the perfluorocarbon LiquiVent (perflubron) on pulmonary vascular permeability and edema formation after oleic acid (OA)-induced acute lung injury in dogs. We used imaging with positron emission tomography to measure fractional pulmonary blood flow, lung water concentration (LWC), and the pulmonary transcapillary escape rate (PTCER) of (68)Ga-labeled transferrin at 5 and 21 h after lung injury in five dogs undergoing conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV), five dogs undergoing low-dose PLV (perflubron at 10 ml/kg), and four dogs undergoing high dose PLV (perflubron at 30 ml/kg). A positive end-expiratory pressure of 7.5 cm H(2)O was used in all dogs. After OA (0.08 ml/kg)- induced lung injury, there were no significant differences or trends for PTCER or LWC at any time when the PLV groups were compared with the CMV group. However, lung tissue myeloperoxidase activity was significantly lower in the combined PLV group than in the CMV group (p = 0.016). We conclude that after OA-induced lung injury, the addition of PLV to CMV does not directly attenuate pulmonary vascular leak or lung water accumulation. Rather, the benefits of such treatment may be due to modifications of the inflammatory response.

Animals↗

Inhibitors of histone deacetylase suppress the growth of MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Inhibitors of histone deacetylase are attracting increasing interest due to their influence on transcription, differentiation, and apoptosis. We have investigated two synthetic inhibitors 3 and 4 of histone deacetylase and the natural product inhibitor trichostatin A for their ability to suppress the growth of MCF-7 breast cancer cells and here present complete and improved synthetic procedures. The compounds show a dose dependent inhibition of growth with activities in the low micromolar and nanomolar range. Trichostatin shows cytocidal effects at 100 nM and still has activity comparable to cisplatin (0.5 microM) at 10 nM. Whereas the synthetic inhibitor 3 has cytocidal activity at 10 microM compound 4 shows a maximum of 40% growth suppression at that concentration.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

[meso-1,2-bis(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine] sulfatoplatinum(II)--pharmacokinetic studies.

The maximally attainable level of the non-plasma protein bound fraction of a single 10.0 mumol/kg i.p. dose of [meso-1,2-bis(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine] sulfatoplatinum(II), a drug active on the murine, hormone-sensitive MXT-M-3.2 breast cancer, lies markedly below the concentration causing a significant cytotoxic effect on a cell line derived from this tumor. This result confirms our opinion that the strong in vivo activity of this drug on hormone-sensitive breast cancers is mediated by its estrogenic potency by analogy with high dosed steroidal and non-steroidal estrogens. A specific cytotoxic effect utilizing the estrogen receptor as carrier, as formerly postulated, is unlikely.

Animals↗

Structure activity studies on leaving group derivatives of [meso-1,2-bis-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine] platinum(II).

The spatial structures of leaving group derivatives of [meso-1,2-bis(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine]platinum(II) (meso-1-PtL2; L2 = SO4, Cl2, I2, CBDC (cyclobutane-1,1-dicarboxylate)) were investigated by NMR methods and correlated with their reactivity against nucleophiles, their estrogenic potency, and their activity on the hormone dependent MCF-7 mammary carcinoma cell line. It was demonstrated that beside the non-leaving group meso-1 the PtL2 moiety of meso-PtL2 complexes is important for the estrogen receptor binding. Among the tested complexes meso-1-PtI2 possesses the highest affinity for the estrogen receptor (RBA = 2.6) and represents a strong estrogen on the MCF-7-2a cell line. The use of CBDC as leaving group decreases the effects. Meso-1-PtCBDC shows an RBA of 0.06 and has only half of the estrogenic activity. Both complexes are sufficiently stable under physiological conditions, so a transformation into the dichloroplatinum(II) complex prior to the binding to the estrogen receptor can be excluded. Due to their high stability meso-1-PtI2 and meso-1-PtCBDC were only marginally active on the human estrogen receptor positive MCF-7 cell line, while meso-1-PtSO4 and meso-1-PtCl2 reduced the cell growth to T/Cmax = 45% and 25%, respectively.

Animals↗

Effect of patient-controlled analgesia on pulmonary complications after coronary artery bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether treatment with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) alone or in combination with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can prevent postoperative pulmonary complications after cardiac surgery, when compared with conventional nurse-controlled analgesia. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: University Medical Center. PATIENTS: A total of 120 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting. INTERVENTIONS: After extubation of the trachea, 120 patients were randomly allocated to three different methods of postoperative pain relief for 72 hrs. In group 1, patients received PCA with a bolus of 1.5 mg piritramide combined with a 10-min lockout interval. Group 2 patients were treated with a combination of PCA and administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed three times per day. Patients of group 3 received conventional nurse-controlled analgesia. Postoperative assessment included daily visual analog pain scoring (VAS) and chest radiographs. All chest radiographs were graded for the extent of atelectasis by a radiologist blinded as to treatment using a scale from 0 to 9 for each of the three lung fields of the right and left lungs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Chest radiograph atelectasis scores and VAS values were similar among the three groups on the first and second days. On the third day, the chest radiograph atelectasis scores of the left lower and the right middle lung field were significantly better in the groups treated with PCA alone (4.7 +/- 3.0; 0.3 +/- 1.0) and in combination with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (3.9 +/- 1.1; 0.4 +/- 1.2) than in the control group (5.5 +/- 3.1; 0.8 +/- 1.8). Furthermore, on the third day, the VAS values for maximum pain were higher in the control group (42.6 +/- 19.7) compared with the VAS values in the two groups with PCA (32.2 +/- 17.9 and 34.5 +/- 21.0). CONCLUSIONS: PCA significantly decreases postoperative pulmonary atelectasis in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting when compared with nurse-controlled analgesia. In addition, patients treated with PCA experienced a higher quality of analgesia. We therefore conclude that treatment with PCA may reduce respiratory complications after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Academic Medical Centers↗

Response to inhaled nitric oxide in acute lung injury depends on distribution of pulmonary blood flow prior to its administration.

Responses to inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in acute lung injury (ALI), as evidenced by improvements in oxygenation, are variable. We hypothesized that the effect of iNO may be related to the pre-iNO distribution of pulmonary blood flow (PBF). In the present study we evaluated the effect of iNO on PBF in normal healthy dogs and in a canine model of ALI induced by oleic acid (OA). In Group "OA only" (n = 5), ALI was induced by central venous injection of 0.08 ml/kg OA. In Group "E+OA" (n = 5), hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction after ALI was blocked with low-dose endotoxin (15 microg/kg of Escherichia coli endotoxin) administered 30 min before giving the same dose of OA. Measurements of regional PBF and lung water concentration (LWC) using positron emission tomography (PET) and H215O were performed before and after OA or placebo, and then again at concentrations of 10, 40, and 0 ppm iNO. One hundred twenty minutes after OA injury, PaO2/FIO2 fell significantly in Group OA only, from 567 +/- 32 to 437 +/- 67 mm Hg. In these animals, PBF redistributed from the dorsal edematous regions of the lungs to the nondependent zones, thus partially preserving normal ventilation/ perfusion relationships. As in the normal animals, in Group OA only, iNO did not significantly change either PBF or oxygenation. In Group E+OA, the administration of low-dose endotoxin eliminated perfusion redistribution from the dorsal edematous lung regions. As a result, PaO2/FIO2 fell from 558 +/- 70 to 119 +/- 53 mm Hg, a decrease that was significantly greater than that in Group OA only. In Group E+OA, administration of iNO restored perfusion redistribution to a similar level as in Group OA only, which was associated with a significant improvement in PaO2/FIO2, from 119 +/- 53 to 251 +/- 159 (10 ppm iNO), and 259 +/- 165 mm Hg (40 ppm iNO). We conclude that the effect of iNO on oxygenation after ALI depends on the pre-iNO perfusion pattern, which may help explain the variable response to iNO often observed in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗