Effects of epidural block on stress response during eardiopulmonary bypass were studied. Twenty patients, undergoing open heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, were randomly divided into two groups:the control group with intravenous high-dose fentanyl and enflurane inhalation (1%-1.5%);the tested group with epidural block and enflurane inhalation (0.5%-1%). The plasma norepinephine (NE) and epinephrine (E) concentrations were higher in group control than those in tested group during and after CPB,even at the end of operation (P

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of etomidate postconditioning on apoptosis in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion(I/R) injury.MethodsThirty-two pathogen-free male SD rats weighing 250-300 g were randomly divided into 4 groups ( n =8 each) using random number table:group sham operation ( group S); group focal cerebral I/R; group lipid emulsion (vehicle for etomidate) (group L) and group etomidate postconditioning (group Ep).Focal cerebral I/R was induced by inserting a nylon thread with rounded tip into right internal carotid artery.The thread was advanced cranially until resistance was met.Middle cerebral artery was occluded for 2 h in groups I/R,L and Ep.Normal saline,lipid emulsion and etomidate emulsion 20 mg/kg were injected peritoneally at the end of ischemia in groups I/R,L and Ep respectively.The animals were sacrificed at 24 h of reperfusion and their brains were removed for microscopic examination,assessment of apoptosis (by TUNEL) and detection of Bcl-2 and Bax expression ( by immuno-histochemistry).Apoptosis index ( AI =the number of apoptofic neurons/the total number of neurons examined × 100％ ) and Bcl-2/Bax ratio were calculated.Results I/R induced microscopic changes,significantly increased AI and Bcl-2 Bax ratio and up-regulated Bcl-2 and Bax expression in group I/R as compared with group S.Etomidate postconditioning significantly amefiorated brain damage,decreased AI,increased Bcl-2/Bax ratio,up-regulated Bcl-2 expression and down-regulated Bax expression in ischemic cerebral hemisphere in group Ep as compared with group I/R.There was no significant difference in brain damage,AI and Bcl-2 and Bax expression and Bcl-2/Bax ratio between groups I/R and L.ConclusionEtomidate postconditioning can attenuate focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by inhibiting apoptosis and modulating Bcl-2 and Bax expression.

Objective To investigate the effects of different concentrations of sevoflurane on adhesion and expression of CD24 and CD44v6 in human lung cancer cell line A549.Methods Human lung cancer cell line A549 was obtained from Shanghai Cell Biology Medical Research Institute,Chinese Academy of Sciences and cultured in RPMI1640 culture medium containing 10％ fetal calf serum.The cells were inoculated in 24 well culture plate.After being cultured for 24 h,the cells were randomly divided into 4 groups:control group (group C) and 3 sevoflurane groups exposed to 1.7 ％,3.4 ％ and 5.1％ sevoflurane for 2,4 and 6 h respectively ( groups S1,S2,S3 ).The cells were cultured for another 48 h.Cell adhesion rate was detected by adhesion test and the expression of CD24 and CD44v6 mRNA and protein was determined by RT-PCR and flow cytometry.Results Sevoflurane significantly inhibited the cell adhesion rate and down-regulated CD24 and CD44v6 expression in a concentration and duration of exposure-dependent manner.Conclusion Sevoflurane can inhibit cell adhesion through down-regulation of CD24 and CD44v6 expression.

Objective To evaluate the effect of continuous spinal anesthesia with a "catheter-over-needle" system which diminished the leakage of CSF through the hole in the dura alongside the inserted catheter and minimizes the risk of post-dura-puncture headache. Methods Sixty ASA Ⅰ - Ⅱ patients aged over 60 yr, scheduled for transurethral prostatectomy, were randomly divided into two groups of 30 patients in each group: group I continuous spinal anesthesia (CSA); group Ⅱ continuous epidural anesthesia(CEA) . Catheter was placed at L2-3 or L3-4. Both groups received 0.5% bupivacaine for surgery. A loading dose of 1.5-2.5 ml (groupⅠ ) or 8-13 ml (group Ⅱ) was given. If the surgery exceeded 2 h a third of the loading dose was injected. For postoperative analgesia a mixture of 0.125% bupivacaine + 0.0006% fentanyl was used. In group I the PCA setting was loading dose 0.5ml, background infusion at 0.5 ml/h, bolus dose 0.5 ml and lock-out interval 8 min. In group Ⅱ the loading dose was 2 ml followed by background infusion at 2 ml/h and bolus dose was 2 ml with lock-out interval of 15 min. Onset time and level of analgesia were recorded during surgery and VAS pain score and movement of lower extremities (modified Bromage score) were assessed. Postoperative PCA was maintained for 50 h. Results The demographic data including age, height and body weight were comparable between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the duration of surgery between the two groups. The onset of block was significantly faster in group I (3.5 ?2.3) min than that in the group Ⅱ (9.5 ?3.4) min. Motor blockade was less intense in group Ⅱ as assessed by modified Bromage score. Analgesia was more satisfactory in group I as less patients received fentanyl and droperidol iv during surgery in group I . Thetotal amount of bupivacaine used during postoperative analgesia was significantly less in group I , only about one-fifth of the total amount used in group Ⅱ. Two patients complained of headache in group I but in group Ⅱ there was also one patient complaining of headache. Conclusion Continuous spinal anesthesia has the advantage of faster onset of block, better analgesia, more intense motor block with less local anesthetic.

Objective To investigate the effects of different concentrations of sevoflurane on Survivin expression in human adenocarcinoma cell line A549. Methods A549 cells were obtained from Shanghai Cell Biology Medical Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences and inoculated in 96 well culture plate. After being cultured for 24 h, the cells were randomly divided into 4 groups: Ⅰ , Ⅱ , Ⅲ and Ⅳ groups exposed to 95 % O2 -5 %CO2,1.7%, 3.4% and 5.1% sevoflurane respectively. A549 cells were exposed to sevoflurane for 2, 4 and 6 h respectively and then cultured for another 48 h in Ⅱ , Ⅲ and Ⅳ groups. Proliferation of A549 cells were measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, and apoptosis was detected with flow cytometer at 48 h after 2, 4 and 6 h sevoflurane exposure. The expression of Survivin in A549 cells was determined by Western blot analysis at 48h after 4 h sevoflurane exposure. Results The rate of proliferation inhibition and percentage of apoptotic cells were significantly higher while the expression of Survivin was significantly lower in a concentration-dependent manner in Ⅱ , Ⅲ and Ⅳ groups as compared with group Ⅰ . Conclusion Sevoflurane can inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of A549 cells by inhibition of Survivin expression.

Objective To evaluate the effect of curcumin on spinal inflammatory factor in rats with diabetic neuropathy. Methods Diabetic neuropathy was induced by intraperitoneal injection with 1% STZ (60 mg/kg) in sprague-dawley rats. These diabetic rats were randomly allocated to diabetic group (D group, n=10) and curcumin group ( C group , n = 10 ) . Another 10 age-matched normal rats served as controlled group ( N group , n = 10 ) . 28 days after STZ injection, the rats in C group received daily intragastric administration of curcumin (200 mg/kg) whereas those in D group received the same volume of normal saline for 2 weeks. Caudal vein blood glucose levels at T1( before STZ injection)and at T2-T8(2、7、14、21、28、35、42 days after STZ injection)from all rats were detected. Responses to the mechanical stimulus were measured with von Frey filament, and paw withdraw threshold (PWT) was recorded at T1 and at T3 to T8. At T8,the rats were killed and lumbar segments of spinal cord were removed to detect TNF-αand IL-6 content. Results Compared to N group, rats in both C and D group showed hyperglycemia at T2 to T8 (P<0.05) and lower PWT at T4~ 8 (P < 0.01). Compared to D group, C group showed higher PWT at T7,8(P<0.05). Both D and C group showed higher levels of blood sugar at T2 ~ 8 than that at T1 (P < 0.05). C group showed higher PWT at T7,8 than that at T6(P<0.05). Compared to N group,spinal TNF-αand IL-6 content increased in both D and C groups (P<0.05). Compared to D group, C group had reduction of TNF-αand IL-6 concentration (P < 0.05). Conclusion Curcumin can attenuate diabetic neuropathic pain on rats probably by reducing inflammatory factor in spinal cord.

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of T-type calcium channel in the spinal neurotoxicity of intrathecal (IT) lidocaine in rats.MethodsForty-eight adult male SD rats in which IT catheter was successfully implanted,weighing 230-270 g,were randomly divided into 4 groups ( n =12 each):dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)group (group D),lidocaine group (group L),mibefradil + lidocaine group (group M),normal saline + lidocaine group (group N).Another 12 rats served as control group (group C).DMSO and 10％ lidocaine 20μl were injected intrathecally in groups D and L respectively.After mibefradil 200 μg/10μl and normal saline 10 μl were injected intrathecally in groups M and N respectively,10％ lidocaine 20 μl was injected intrathecally in the two groups.The mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured before IT injection and at 2,4,8 and 12 h and 1,2,3,4 and 5 d after IT injection (T0-9).Four rats were sacrificed at T6 in each group and their lumbar enlargements were removed for microscopic examination.ResultsCompared with group C,no significant change in MWT and TWL was found at each time point in group D,MWT was significantly increased at T1-8 and TWL was significantly prolonged at T1-7 in groups L and N,and MWT was significantly increased at T1-6 and TWL was significantly prolonged at T1-6 in group M ( P ＜ 0.05 ).Compared with groups L and N,MWT was significantly decreased at T1-4 and TWL was significantly shortened at T1-4 in group M ( P ＜ 0.05).Pathological injury was significantly reduced in group M as compared with groups L and N.ConclusionT-type calcium channel is involved in the spinal neurotoxicity of IT lidocaine in rats.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of sevoflurane on inhibition of invasive activity and migration of human adenocarcinoma cell line A549 by cisplatin.MethodsThe.human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 was obtained from Shanghai Cell Biology Institute,Chinese Academy of Sciences and cultured in RPMI 1640 culture medium containing 10％ fetal calf serum.The cells were inoculated in culture plate and cultured for 24 h and randomly divided into 4 groups:control group; 2.5 ％ sevoflurane group ; cisplatin group and cisplatin + 2.5 ％sevoflurane group.In groups sevoflurane,cisplatin and cisplatin + sevoflurane the cells were exposed to 2.5％sevoflurane or/and cisplatin 10μmol/L for 4 h respectively.The invasive activity of the cells was evaluated by Transwell chamber assay.The migration of the cells was determined by wound healing assay.The expression of MMP-2,MMP-9,Ezrin,and Fascin in the cells was detected by Western blot.ResultsBoth 2.5％ sevoflurane and cisplatin depressed invasive activity and migration of the A549 cells and down-regulated MMP-2,MMP-9,Ezrin and Fascin expression in A549 cells.The inhibitory effects of cisplatin on the A549 cells were potentiated by 2.5 ％ sevoflurane.ConclusionSevoflurane can enhance the inhibition of invasive activity and migration of human adenocarcinoma cell line A549 by cisplatin.

Objective To determine the optimum dose of dexmedetomidine (DEX) for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in elderly patients when combined with propofol.Methods Ninetytwo ASA physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ] elderly patients,aged 65-80 yr,with body mass index 18-25 kg/m2,scheduled for elective ERCP,were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n =23 each) using a random number table:fentanyl group (F group),low-dose DEX group (D1 group),medium-dose DEX group (D2 group) and high-dose DEX group (D3 group).Fentanyl 1.0 μg/kg and DEX 0.4,0.7 and 1.0 μg/kg (in normal saline 20 ml) were infused over 10 min via a pump in F,D1,D2 and D3 groups,respectively.At the end of infusion,propofol targetcontrolled infusion was started with the target plasma concentration set at 4 μg/ml,and after the mirror passed through the throat,the target plasma concentration of propofol was adjusted to 2.5 μg/ml.At 10 min after admission to the operating room,immediately after completion of fentanyl or DEX infusion,immediately after the effect-site concentration of propofol reached 4 μg/ml,immediately after the mirror passed through the throat,while pulling the stone,at end of surgery and when the patients were awake,the depth of sedation (NT value) was reccorded and the development of hypoxemia was also recorded.Arterial blood samples were collected at 10 min after admission to the operating room and at the end of operation to record PaCO2.The consumption of propofol,duration of ERCP,and emergence time were recorded.The body movement and requirement for vasoactive drugs were also recorded.Results Compared with F group, NT value and the incidence of hypoxemia were significantly decreased in D1-3 groups,PaCO2,the incidence of body movement and amount of propofol consumed were decreased in D2 and D3 groups,and the emergence time was prolonged and the requirement for atropine was increased in D3 group (P ＜0.05).Compared with D1 group,the PaCO2,NT value,incidence of body movement and amount of propofol consumed were decreased in D2 and D3 groups,the emergence time was prolonged and the requirement for atropine was increased in D3 group (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with D2 group,the consumption of propofol was decreased,the emergence time was prolonged,aud the requirement for atropine was increased in D3 group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The optimum dose of dexmedetomidine is 0.7 μg/kg for ERCP in elderly patients when combined with propofol.

Objective To investigate the effect of intrathecal (IT) dexmedetomidine on the expression of cAMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation (p-CREB) in spinal dorsal horn in a rat model of bone cancer pain. Methods Sixty-four adult female Wistar rats weighing 200-240 g were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 16 each): sham operation group (group S); bone cancer pain group (group BP); normal saline group ( group NS) ; dexmedetomidine group (group D) . Bone cancer pain was induced by injecting Walker 2S6 mammary gland carcinoma cell suspension (2 ×106 cells/ml) 10μl into the medullary cavity of the tibia in BP, NS and D groups. Groups S and BP received no IT injection. Croups NS and D received IT injection of NS 10 μl and dexme detomidine 5 μg/kg respectively 7 days after successful establishment of the model. Ten animals were selected from each group at 1 day before IT administration (T0), immediately before IT administration (T1 ) and at 1, 6, 12 and 24 h after IT administration (T2-5 ) and paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) to mechanical stimuli was measured with von Frey filaments. The other 6 rats in each group were sacrificed at T4 and the spinal cord was removed for determination of p-CREB expression in the spinal dorsal horn.Results PWT was significantly decreased at T1-5 and pCREB expression up-regulated at T4 in BP, NS and D groups compared with group S ( P ＜ 0.05) . Compared with group BP, PWT was significantly decreased at T2-5 and p-CREB expression down-regulated at T4 in group D ( P ＜0.03), while no significant change in PWT and p-CREB expression was found in group NS (P ＞ 0.05) .Conclusion IT dexmedetomidine can reduce the bone cancer pain through inhibiting the phosphorylation of CREB in rat spinal dorsal horn.