• Title/Summary/Keyword: pulmonary circulation

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The Experimental Studies on Antithrombotic Effects of Hyunhosaiksan (현호색산의 항혈전작용에 대한 연구)

  • Lim Min Cheul;Kim Dong Hee
    • Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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    • v.17 no.4
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    • pp.930-938
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    • 2003
  • The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of Hyunhosaiksan (HHS) on antithrombotic actions which include blood activation, thrombus removal, warming of circulating blood, and the control of pain on abdomen and lower and upper burning spaces. HHS significantly inhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP and epinephrine in a HHS dose-dependent manner when analyzed by the Sigmoid Emax model in WinNonlin. EC50 values of HHS were 1.71 ㎍/ml and 0.004 ㎍/ml for ADP and epinephrine respectively. In the vivo study, HHS inhibited pulmonary embolism induced by collagen and epinephrine, which was however statistically insignificant. HHS increased number of platelets, APTT and volume of fibrinogen significantly as compared with the control group in dextran-induced thrombus model. Furthermore, HHS stimulated levels of blood flow in vivo though its effect was not observed in vitro. These results suggest that Hyunhosaiksan (HHS) can be used for treating numerous diseases related with blood aggregation and circulation problems. Further systematic investigations on the synergic effects among drugs used in the oriental medicine as well as in the western medicine in relation to thrombosis therapy would provide an important insight into the potential therapeutic applications.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome after Lung Transplantation in the Immediate Postoperative Period: Case Report

  • Gu, Byung Mo;Ko, Ho Hyun;Lee, Hong Kyu;Ra, Yong Joon;Lee, Hee Sung;Kim, Hyoung Soo
    • Journal of Chest Surgery
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    • v.54 no.5
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    • pp.396-399
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    • 2021
  • A 58-year-old man, incapable of maintaining oxygen saturation with mechanical ventilation, was admitted to our hospital for veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment. He was diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to influenza A pneumonia. His condition stabilized with antibiotics and steroid administration, but weaning from ECMO failed due to post-infectious pulmonary sequelae. On day 84 after admission, he underwent bilateral lung transplantation. In the postoperative phase, he did not regain consciousness even after discontinuation of sedatives for 3 days. However, spontaneous pupillary reflex and eye movements were preserved, while communication and upper and lower limb movements were affected. The nerve conduction study was diagnostic of Guillain-Barré syndrome. He was managed with intravenous immunoglobulins and plasmapheresis. Mild recovery of the facial muscles was seen, but he died 24 days post-surgery due to progressive ARDS and sepsis.

A Case Report of Cardiac Arrest Following Intentional Ingestion of Liquid Nicotine for Electronic Cigarette (전자담배용 니코틴 원액 음독 후 발생한 심정지 1례)

  • Kim, Jung Ho
    • Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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    • v.16 no.2
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    • pp.172-175
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    • 2018
  • Acute nicotine poisoning by liquid nicotine for electronic cigarettes is becoming an increasing problem worldwide. On the other hand, there are no regulations regarding its concentration, container or labelling in Korea. This is the first case of a cardiac arrest after liquid nicotine ingestion that was confirmed by plasma nicotine detection in Korea. A 34-year-old male was found with a cardiac arrest at home by the emergency medical services crew, and had a return of spontaneous circulation after 27 minutes of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. The cause of his cardiac arrest was suspected to be acute nicotine poisoning by the ingestion of liquid nicotine. Toxicology analysis of the National Forensic Service confirmed plasma nicotine, and the pharmacokinetic estimated average concentration of plasma nicotine at the time of the cardiac arrest was 29.7 mg/L, a lethal dose. He was hospitalized for further treatment, but was discharged after 20 days without any improvement. Considering the strong toxicity of nicotine, appropriate policy decisions are required for sales and distribution.

Soluble IL-2R, IFN-$\gamma$ and Neopterin as Immunologic Markers in Patients with Tuberculosis (결핵 환자에서 면역학적 지표로서의 sIL-2R, IFN-$\gamma$, Neopterin에 관한 연구)

  • Ryu, Yon-Ju;Ryu, Kum-Hei;Kim, Su-Hyun;Lee, Jong-Soo;Cheon, Seon-Hee;Seoh, Ju-Young
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.53 no.3
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    • pp.294-308
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    • 2002
  • Background : The cell-mediated immune response plays an important role in tuberculosis. After being activated by mycobacterial antigens, T lymphocytes express a high affinity receptor (IL-2R) for interleukin-2 (IL-2) on their own surface and release a soluble fraction of the IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) from the cell membrane into the circulation. Neopterin is a metabolite of guanosine-triphosphate, which is produced by stimulated macrophages under the influence of IFN-$\gamma$ with a T lymphocyte origin. Therefore, the utility of sIL-2R, IFN-$\gamma$ and the neopterin levels as immunologic indices of the cell-mediated immune response and severity of disease in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis was assessed. Methods : The serum sIL-2R, IFN-$\gamma$ and neopterin levels were measured in 39 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, 6 patients with tuberculous lymphadenitis prior to treatment and 10 healthy subjects. The serum and pleural sIL-2R, neopterin and ADA levels were measured in 22 patients with tuberculous pleurisy. The patients with pulmonary tuberculosis were divided into a mild, moderate and severe group according to the severity by ATS guidelines. To compare the results from these patients with those of the pretreatment levels, the sIL-2R, IFN-$\gamma$ and neopterin levels were measured in 36 of the 39 patients(1 patient, expired; 2 patients were referred to a sanitarium) with pulmonary tuberculosis after 2 months of treatment. Results : 1) the serum sIL-2R and IFN-$\gamma$ levels were elevated in patients with tuberculosis when compared to those of healthy subjects (p>0.05). The neopterin concentration in the serum was significantly lower in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis($2967{\pm}2132.8$ pg/ml) than in healthy controls($4949{\pm}1242.1$ pg/ml)(p<0.05). 2) In the pulmonary tuberculosis group, the serum sIL-2R and IFN-$\gamma$ levels were higher in patients with severe disease than those in patients with mild and moderate disease. However, the neopterin levels declined as the pulmonary tuberculosis became more severe (p<0.01). 3) The mean serum sIL-2R and IFN-$\gamma$ levels declined from $1071{\pm}1139.4$ U/ml to $1023{\pm}1920.9$ U/ml(p>0.05), $41{\pm}52.8$ pg/ml to $22{\pm}23.9$ gm/ml(p<0.05), respectively, after 2 month of treatment. The mean serum neopterin levels increased from $3158{\pm}2272.6$ pg/ml to $3737{\pm}2307.5$ pg/ml(p>0.05) after a 2 month of treatment. These findings were remarkable in the severe group of pulmonary tuberculosis with a clinical correlation. 4) In the patients with tuberculous pleurisy, the serum sIL-2R and ADA were significantly higher than those in the pleural fluid, However, the neopterin levels in the sera and pleural effusion were similar. Conclusion : On the basis of this study, sIL-2R, IFN-$\gamma$ and neopterin measurements may not only provide an insight into the present state of the cell-mediated immune response, but also serve as parameters monitoring of the prognosis of the disease, particularly in patients with severe pulmonary tuberculosis. In addition, an assay of the pleural sIL-2R levels might signal a stimulated local immunity including T cell activation in the tuberculous pleural effusion.

Open Heart Surgery of Congenital Heart Diseases -Report of Four Cases- (선천성심질환(先天性心疾患)의 심폐기(心肺器) 개심수술(開心手術) - 4례(例) 보고(報告) -)

  • Kim, Kun Ho;Park, Young Kwan;Jee, Heng Ok;Kim, Young Tae;Rhee, Chong Bae;Chung, Yun Chae;Oh, Chull Soo
    • Journal of Chest Surgery
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    • v.9 no.1
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    • pp.1-9
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    • 1976
  • The present. study reports four cases of congenital heart diseases, who received open heart surgery by the Sarn's Heart-Lung-Machine in the department of Thoracic Surgery, Hanyang University Hospital during the period between July 1975 and May 1976. The Heart-Lung-Machine consisted of the Sarn's five head roller pump motor system (model 5000), heat exchanger, bubble trap, the Rygg-Kyvsgaard oxygenator, and monitors. The priming of pump oxygenator was carried out by the hemodilution method using Hartman's solution and whole blood. Of the four cases of the heart diseases, three whose body weight were below 30kg, received the partial hemodilution priming and the remaining one whose body weight was 52kg received the total hemodilution priming with Hartman's solution alone. The rate of hemodilution was in the average of 60.5ml/kg. Extracorporeal circulation was performed at the perfusion flow rate of the average 94.0ml/kg/min, and at the moderate hypothermia between 35'5"C and 30'5"C of the rectal temperature. In the total cardiopulmonary bypass, arterial blood pressure was anged between 30 mmHg and 85 mmHg, generally maintaining over 60 mmHg and venous pressure was measured between 4 and $23cmH_2O$, generally maintaining below $10cmH_2O$. The first case: The patient, a nine year old girl having the symptoms and physical signs typical to cardiac anomaly was definitely diagnosed as isolated pulmonary stenosis through the cardiac catheterization. There was, however, no cyanosis, no pathological finding by X-ray and E.C.G. tracings. The valvulotomy was performed through the arteriotomy of pulmouary artery under the total cardiopulmonary bypass. Postoperative course of the patient was uneventful, and murmur and the clinical symptoms disappeared. The second case: A 12 year old boy with congenital heart anomaly was positively identified as having ventricular septal defect through the cardiac catheterization. As in the case with the first case, the patient exhibited the symptoms and physical signs typical to cardiac anomaly, but no pathological abnormality by X-ray and E.C.G. tracings. The septal defect was localized on atrioventricular canal and was 2 by 10 mm in size. The septal defect was closed by direct simple sutures under the cardiopulmonary bypass. Postoperative hemodynamic study revealed that the pressure of the right ventricle and pulmonary artery were decreased satisfactory. Postoperative course of the patient was uneventful, and murmur and the clinical symptoms disappeared. The third case: The patient, a 19 year old girl had been experienced the clinical symptoms typical to cardiac anomaly for 16 years. The pink tetralogy of Fallot was definitey diagnosed through the cardiac catheterization. The patient was placed on an ablolute bed rest prior to the operation because of severe exertional dyspnea, fatigability, and frequent syncopal attacks. However, she exhibited very slight cyanosis. Positive findings were noted on E.C.G. tracings and blood picture, but no evidence of pathological abnormality on X-ray was observed. All of the four surgical approaches such as Teflon patch closure (3 by 4cm in size) of ventricular septal defect, myocardial resection of right ventricular outflow tract, valvulotomy of pulmonary valvular stenosis, and pericardial patch closing of ventriculotomy wound were performed in 95 minutes under the cardiopulmonary bypass. Postoperative hemodynamic study revealed that the pressure of the right ventricle was decreased and pulmonary artery was increased satisfactorily. Postoperative course of the patient was uneventful, and murmur and the clinical symptoms disappeared. The fourth case: The patient, a 7 1/4 year old girl had the symptoms of cardiac anomaly for only three years prior to the operation. She was positively identified as having acyanotic tetralogy of Fallot by open heart surgery. The patient showed positive findings by X-ray and E.C.G. tracings, but exhibited no cyanosis and normal blood picture. All of the three surgical approaches, such a myocardial resection of hypertrophic sight ventricular outflow tract, direct suture closing of ventricular septal defect and pericardial patch closing of ventriculotomy wound were carried out in 110 minutes under the cardiopulmonary bypass. Postoperative hemodynamic study revealed that the pressure of the right ventricle was decreased and pulmonary artery was increased satisfactorily. Postoperative course of the patient was uneventful, and the symptoms disappeared.

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Cardio-pulmonary Adaptation to Physical Training (운동훈련(運動訓練)에 대(對)한 심폐기능(心肺機能)의 적응(適應)에 관(關)한 연구(硏究))

  • Cho, Kang-Ha
    • The Korean Journal of Physiology
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    • v.1 no.1
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    • pp.103-120
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    • 1967
  • As pointed out by many previous investigators, the cardio-pulmonary system of well trained athletes is so adapted that they can perform a given physical exercise more efficiently as compared to non-trained persons. However, the time course of the development of these cardio-pulmonary adaptations has not been extensively studied in the past. Although the development of these training effects is undoubtedly related to the magnitude of an exercise load which is repeatedly given, it would be practical if one could maintain a good physical fitness with a minimal daily exercise. Hence, the present investigation was undertaken to study the time course of the development of cardio-pulmonary adaptations while a group of non-athletes was subjected to a daily 6 to 10 minutes running exercise for a period of 4 weeks. Six healthy male medical students (22 to 24 years old) were randomly selected as experimental subjects, and were equally divided into two groups (A and B). Both groups were subjected to the same daily running exercise (approximately 1,000 kg-m). 6 days a week for 4 weeks, but the rate of exercise was such that the group A ran on treadmill with 8.6% grade for 10 min daily at a speed of 127 m/min while the group B ran for 6 min at a speed of 200 m/min. In order to assess the effects of these physical trainings on the cardio-pulmonary system, the minute volume, the $O_2$ consumption, the $CO_2$ output and the heart rate were determined weekly while the subject was engaged in a given running exercise on treadmill (8.6% grade and 127 m/min) for a period of 5 min. In addition, the arterial blood pressure, the cardiac output, the acid-base state of arterial blood and the gas composition of arterial blood were also determined every other week in 4 subjects (2 from each group) while they were engaged in exercise on a bicycle ergometer at a rate of approximately 900 kg m/min until exhaustion. The maximal work capacity was also determined by asking the subject to engage in exercise on treadmill and ergometer until exhaustion. For the measurement of minute volume, the expired gas was collected in a Douglas bag. The $O_2$ consumption and the $CO_2$ output were subsequently computed by analysing the expired gas with a Scholander micro gas analyzer. The heart rate was calculated from the R-R interval of ECG tracings recorded by an Offner RS Dynograph. A 19 gauge Cournand needle was inserted into a brachial artery, through which arterial blood samples were taken. A Statham $P_{23}AA$ pressure transducer and a PR-7 Research Recorder were used for recording instantaneous arterial pressure. The cardiac output was measured by indicator (Cardiogreen) dilution method. The results may be summarized as follows: (1) The maximal running time on treadmill increased linearly during the 4 week training period at the end of which it increased by 2.8 to 4.6 times. In general, an increase in the maximal running time was greater when the speed was fixed at a level at which the subject was trained. The mammal exercise time on bicycle ergometer also increased linearly during the training period. (2) In carrying out a given running exercise on treadmill (8.6%grade, 127 m/min), the following changes in cardio·pulmonary functions were observed during the training period: (a) The minute volume as well as the $O_2$ consumption during steady state exercise tended to decrease progressively and showed significant reductions after 3 weeks of training. (b) The $CO_2$ production during steady state exercise showed a significant reduction within 1 week of training. (c) The heart rate during steady state exercise tended to decrease progressively and showed a significant reduction after 2 weeks of training. The reduction of heart rate following a given exercise tended to become faster by training and showed a significant change after 3 weeks. Although the resting heart rate also tended to decrease by training, no significant change was observed. (3) In rallying out a given exercise (900 kg-m/min) on a bicycle ergometer, the following change in cardio-vascular functions were observed during the training period: (3) The systolic blood pressure during steady state exercise was not affected while the diastolic blood Pressure was significantly lowered after 4 weeks of training. The resting diastolic pressure was also significantly lowered by the end of 4 weeks. (b) The cardiac output and the stroke volume during steady state exercise increased maximally within 2 weeks of training. However, the resting cardiac output was not altered while the resting stroke volume tended to increase somewhat by training. (c) The total peripheral resistance during steady state exercise was greatly lowered within 2 weeks of training. The mean circulation time during exorcise was also considerably shortened while the left heart work output during exercise increased significantly within 2 weeks. However, these functions_at rest were not altered by training. (d) Although both pH, $P_{co2}\;and\;(HCO_3-)$ of arterial plasma decreased during exercise, the magnitude of reductions became less by training. On the other hand, the $O_2$ content of arterial blood decreased during exercise before training while it tended to increase slightly after training. There was no significant alteration in these values at rest. These results indicate that cardio-pulmonary adaptations to physical training can be acquired by subjecting non-athletes to brief daily exercise routine for certain period of time. Although the time of appearance of various adaptive phenomena is not identical, it may be stated that one has to engage in daily exercise routine for at least 2 weeks for the development of significant adaptive changes.

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Report for Development of Korean Portable Cardiopulmonary Bypass Machine (한국형 이동식 심폐소생기 개발 보고 I. 실험견을 이용한 개흉식과 폐쇄식 심폐소생술 비교)

  • Kim, Hyoung-Mook;Lee, In-Sung;Baek, Man-Jong;Sun, Kyung;Kim, Kwang-Taik;Kim, Yeon-Soo;Kim, Maeng-Ho;Lee, Hye-Won;Lee, Kyu-Back;Kim, Hark-Jei
    • Journal of Chest Surgery
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    • v.31 no.9
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    • pp.827-836
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    • 1998
  • Background: Effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should provide acceptable hemodynamics for the vital organs during cardiac arrest and early restoration of spontaneous circulation that guarantees long-term, neurologically intact survival. CPR using heart-lung bypass has been suggested as an option for that use. This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of standard CPR techniques, closed-vs. open-chest CPR, which could be used in the future study verifying the role of heart-lung bypass CPR. Material and Method: By using adult mongrel dogs, closed-chest CPR (CCCPR, n=4) and open-chest CPR (OCCPR, n=5) were compared with respects to hemodynamics, restoration of spontaneous circulation(ROSC), and survival. Ventricular fibrillation-cardiac arrest (VF-CA) was induced by electrical shock in all animals. After 4 minutes of cardiac arrest, basic life support (BLS) was applied for 15 minutes and followed by advanced life support (ALS). ALS was maintained until achi ving ROSC but not longer than 30 minutes regardless of the recovery. Resuscitation procedures in either group were standardized by adopting the protocol of American Heart Association. Result: Prearrest baseline hemodynamic data was not different between two groups. During resuscitation, substantially higher systolic pressure was maintained in OCCPR group than in CCCPR group (45$\pm$15 vs. 33$\pm$11 mmHg during BLS, 83$\pm$36 vs. 44$\pm$15 mmHg during ALS; p=NS). Mean pulmonary arterial pressure went up to the level of mean systemic arterial pressures in CCCPR group and to half of that in OCCPR group, and had kept higher in CCCPR group throughout CPR (32$\pm$10 vs. 22$\pm$4 mmHg during BLS and 32$\pm$15 vs. 24$\pm$10 mmHg during ALS; p=NS). ROSC was obtained in 4 of 5 dogs receiving open-chest CPR and 2 of 4 closed-chest CPR. Prolonged survival was noted in all dogs in OCCPR group (6 to 1440 hours) but not in CCPR group (p<.05). Conclusion: These findings indicate that open-chest CPR can be more effective t maintain hemodynamics during cardiac arrest and to obtain restoration of spontaneous circulation and survival. Further experiment will be designed to compare heart-lung bypass CPR with open-chest CPR.

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Atrial Septal Defect Closure: Comparison of Vertical Axillary Minithoracotomy and Median Sternotomy

  • Poyrazoglu, Huseyin Hakan;Avsar, Mustafa Kemal;Demir, Serafettin;Karakaya, Zeynep;Guler, Tayfun;Tor, Funda
    • Journal of Chest Surgery
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    • v.46 no.5
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    • pp.340-345
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    • 2013
  • Background: This study aims to evaluate whether or not the method of right vertical axillary minithoracotomy (RVAM) is preferable to and as reliable as conventional sternotomy surgery, and also assesses its cosmetic results. Methods: Thirty-three patients (7 males, 26 females) with atrial septal defect were admitted to the Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic of Cukurova University from December 2005 until January 2010. The patients' ages ranged from 3 to 22. Patients who underwent vertical axillary minithracotomy were assigned to group I, and those undergoing conventional sternotomy, to group II. Group I and group II were compared with regard to the preoperative, perioperative and postoperative variables. Group I included 12 females and 4 males with an average age of $16.5{\pm}9.7$. Group II comprised 14 female and 3 male patients with an average age of $18.5{\pm}9.8$ showing similar features and pathologies. The cases were in Class I-II according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) Classification, and patients with other cardiac and systemic problems were not included in the study. The ratio of the systemic blood flow to the pulmonary blood flow (Qp/Qs) was $1.8{\pm}0.2$. The average pulmonary artery pressure was $35{\pm}10$ mmHg. Following the diagnosis, performing elective surgery was planned. Results: No significant difference was detected in the average time of the patients' extraportal circulation, cross-clamp and surgery (p>0.05). In the early postoperative period of the cases, the duration of mechanical ventilator support, the drainage volume in the first 24 hours, and the hospitalization time in the intensive care unit were similar (p>0.05). Postoperative pains were evaluated together with narcotic analgesics taken intravenously or orally. While 7 cases (43.7%) in group I needed postoperative analgesics, 12 cases (70.6%) in group II needed them. No mortality or major morbidity has occurred in the patients. The incision style and sizes in all of the patients undergoing RVAM were preserved as they were at the beginning. Furthermore, the patients of group I were mobilized more quickly than the patients of group II. The patients of group I were quite pleased with the psychological and cosmetic results. No residual defects have been found in the early postoperative period and after the end of the follow-up periods. All of the patients achieved functional capacity per NYHA. No deformation of breast growth has been detected during 18 months of follow-up for the group I patients, who underwent RVAM. Conclusion: To conclude, the repair of atrial septal defect by RVAM, apart from the limited working zone for the surgeon in these pathologies as compared to sternotomymay be considered in terms of the outcomes, and early and late complications. And this has accounted for less need of analgesics and better cosmetic results in recent years.

Heterotopic Heart Transplantation in the Rat Model (쥐모델에서의 이소성의 심장이식)

  • Chung, Won-Sang;Jeon, Yang-Bin;Chun, Soon-Ho;Kim, Hyuk;Lee, Chul-Burm;Kim, Young-Hak;Jee, Heng-Ok;Seo, Jung-Kuk;Kong, Gu
    • Journal of Chest Surgery
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    • v.31 no.5
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    • pp.531-535
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    • 1998
  • In 1964, Abbott and Colleagues published the world's first heterotopic heart transplantation technique in the rat. Their method established circulation by end-to-end anastomoses of the graft's aorta and pulmonary artery to the recipient's abdominal aorta and Inferior Vena Cava(IVC), respectively. In 1966, Tomita et al altered Abbott's technique by employing end-to-side rather than end-to-end anastomoses, thus eliminating the hind leg paralysis that sometimes resulted from Abbott's technique. In order to prevent postsuture hemorrhage (since 7-0 silk suture was the finest available at that time), Tomita's aortic anastomosis was done with double up-and-down continuous suture technique. A single layer continuous anstomosis effected the pulmonary artery-IVC anastomosis. The availability of Nylon monofilament suture made it possible for Ono and Lindsey to use a single layer suture technique for the aortic end-to-side anastomosis in their modified rat heart transplantation. We observed survival time between control group and Immunosuppression(Cyclosporine administration, 10mg/Kg${\times}$4 times postoperatively) group after heterotopic heart transplantation in the rat model. The cyclosporine adminstration group survived longer than the control group, thus we concluded that cyclosporine was based on Immunosuppressive drugs.

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Dysfunction of Autonomic Nervous System in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (만성 폐쇄성 폐질환 환자의 자율신경 장애)

  • Shin, Kyeong-Cheol;Lee, Kwan-Ho;Park, Hye-Jung;Shin, Chang-Jin;Lee, Choong-Ki;Chung, Jin-Hong;Lee, Hyun-Woo
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.46 no.3
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    • pp.317-326
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    • 1999
  • Background: Neural control of airway function is through parasympathetic, sympathetic and non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic mechanisms. The autonomic nervous system controls the airway smooth muscle tone, mucociliary system, permeability and blood flow in the bronchial circulation and release of mediators from the mast cells and other inflammatory cells. The cardiovascular and respiratory autonomic efferent fibers have a common central origin, so altered cardiovascular autonomic reflexes could reflect the altered respiratory autonomic status. Therefore, we performed this study to assess the autonomic abnormality and determine the correlating factors of severity of autonomic neuropathy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) using easily reproducible cardiovascular autonomic reflex function test. Method: The study included 20 patients with COPD and 20 healthy persons obtained on Health Promotion Center in Yeungnam university hospital. All the patients had history and clinical features of COPD as defined by the American Thoracic Society. Any patients with myocardial ischemia, cardiac arrythmia, hypertension, central or peripheral nervous system disease, diabetes mellitus, or any other diseases known to produce autonomic neuropathy, has excluded. The autonomic nervous system function tests included three tests evaluating the parasympathetic system and two tests evaluating the sympathetic system. And also all subjects were subjected to pulmonary function test and arterial blood gas analysis. Results: Autonomic dysfunction was more commonly associated with patients with COPD than healthy person The parasympathetic dysfunction was frequent in patient with COPD, but sympathetic dysfunction seemed preserved. The severity of parasympathetic dysfunction in patients with COPD was correlated with the degree of duration of disease, smoking, reductions in the value of $FEV_1$ and FVC, and arterial hypoxemia but no such correlation existed for age, type of COPD, $FEV_1$/FVC, or $PaCO_s$. Conclusion: There is high frequency of parasympathetic dysfunction associated with COPD and the parasympathetic abnormality in COPD is increased in proportion to severity of airway disease. In COPD, parasympathetic dysfunction probably does not the cause of disease, but it may be an effect of disease progression.

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