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Manjarres Z, Calvo M, Pacheco R. Regulation of Pain Perception by Microbiota in Parkinson Disease. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 76:7-36. [PMID: 37863655 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain perception involves current stimulation in peripheral nociceptive nerves and the subsequent stimulation of postsynaptic excitatory neurons in the spinal cord. Importantly, in chronic pain, the neural activity of both peripheral nociceptors and postsynaptic neurons in the central nervous system is influenced by several inflammatory mediators produced by the immune system. Growing evidence has indicated that the commensal microbiota plays an active role in regulating pain perception by either acting directly on nociceptors or indirectly through the modulation of the inflammatory activity on immune cells. This symbiotic relationship is mediated by soluble bacterial mediators or intrinsic structural components of bacteria that act on eukaryotic cells, including neurons, microglia, astrocytes, macrophages, T cells, enterochromaffin cells, and enteric glial cells. The molecular mechanisms involve bacterial molecules that act directly on neurons, affecting their excitability, or indirectly on non-neuronal cells, inducing changes in the production of proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory mediators. Importantly, Parkinson disease, a neurodegenerative and inflammatory disorder that affects mainly the dopaminergic neurons implicated in the control of voluntary movements, involves not only a motor decline but also nonmotor symptomatology, including chronic pain. Of note, several recent studies have shown that Parkinson disease involves a dysbiosis in the composition of the gut microbiota. In this review, we first summarize, integrate, and classify the molecular mechanisms implicated in the microbiota-mediated regulation of chronic pain. Second, we analyze the changes on the commensal microbiota associated to Parkinson disease and propose how these changes affect the development of chronic pain in this pathology. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The microbiota regulates chronic pain through the action of bacterial signals into two main locations: the peripheral nociceptors and the postsynaptic excitatory neurons in the spinal cord. The dysbiosis associated to Parkinson disease reveals increased representation of commensals that potentially exacerbate chronic pain and reduced levels of bacteria with beneficial effects on pain. This review encourages further research to better understand the signals involved in bacteria-bacteria and bacteria-host communication to get the clues for the development of probiotics with therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zulmary Manjarres
- Laboratorio de Neuroinmunología, Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile (Z.M., R.P.); Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas (Z.M., M.C.) and División de Anestesiología, Escuela de Medicina (M.C.), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Millennium Nucleus for the Study of Pain, Santiago, Chile (Z.M., M.C.); and Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile (R.P.)
| | - Margarita Calvo
- Laboratorio de Neuroinmunología, Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile (Z.M., R.P.); Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas (Z.M., M.C.) and División de Anestesiología, Escuela de Medicina (M.C.), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Millennium Nucleus for the Study of Pain, Santiago, Chile (Z.M., M.C.); and Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile (R.P.)
| | - Rodrigo Pacheco
- Laboratorio de Neuroinmunología, Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile (Z.M., R.P.); Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas (Z.M., M.C.) and División de Anestesiología, Escuela de Medicina (M.C.), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Millennium Nucleus for the Study of Pain, Santiago, Chile (Z.M., M.C.); and Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile (R.P.)
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Sun JX, Bai KY, Liu YF, Du G, Fu ZH, Zhang H, Yang JH, Wang B, Wang XY, Jin B. Effect of local wound infiltration with ropivacaine on postoperative pain relief and stress response reduction after open hepatectomy. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:6733-6740. [PMID: 29085218 PMCID: PMC5643294 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i36.6733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To prospectively evaluate the effect of local wound infiltration with ropivacaine on postoperative pain relief and stress response reduction after open hepatectomy.
METHODS A total of 56 patients undergoing open hepatectomy were randomly divided into two groups: a ropivacaine group (wound infiltration with ropivacaine solution) and a control group (infiltration with isotonic saline solution). A visual analog scale (VAS) at rest and on movement was used to measure postoperative pain for the first 48 h after surgery. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), time to bowel recovery, length of hospitalization after surgery, cumulative sufentanil consumption, and incidence of nausea and vomiting were compared between the two groups. Surgical stress hormones (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol) were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the results were compared.
RESULTS VAS scores both at rest and on movement at 24 h and 48 h were similar between the two groups. Significantly lower VAS scores were detected at 0, 6, and 12 h in the ropivacaine group compared with the control group (P < 0.05 for all). MAP was significantly lower at 6, 12, and 24 h (P < 0.05 for all); HR was significantly lower at 0, 6, 12, and 24 h (P < 0.05 for all); time to bowel recovery and length of hospitalization after surgery (P < 0.05 for both) were significantly shortened; and cumulative sufentanil consumption was significantly lower at 6, 12, 24, and 36 h (P < 0.05 for all) in the ropivacaine group than in the control group, although the incidence of nausea and vomiting showed no significant difference between the two groups. The levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol were significantly lower in the ropivacaine group than in the control group at 24 and 48 h (P < 0.01 for all).
CONCLUSION Local wound infiltration with ropivacaine after open hepatectomy can improve postoperative pain relief, reduce surgical stress response, and accelerate postoperative recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Xian Sun
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250011, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ke-Yun Bai
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250011, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yan-Feng Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Gang Du
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhi-Hao Fu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jin-Huan Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ben Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiu-Yu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Bin Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
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Abstract
Acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI) is common in critical illness and negatively affects outcome. A variety of definitions have been used to describe AGI, which has led to clinical confusion and hampered comparison of research studies across institutions. An international working group of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine was convened to standardize definitions for AGI and provide current evidence-based understanding of its pathophysiology and management. This disorder is associated with a wide variety of signs and symptoms and may be difficult to detect, therefore a high index of suspicion is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Taylor
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Mercy Hospital St. Louis, Suite 4006B, St Louis, MO 63141, USA.
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Iwasaki M, Edmondson M, Sakamoto A, Ma D. Anesthesia, surgical stress, and "long-term" outcomes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 53:99-104. [PMID: 26235899 DOI: 10.1016/j.aat.2015.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
An increasing body of evidence shows that the choice of anesthetic can strongly influence more than simply the quality of anesthesia. Regional and general anesthesia have often been compared to ascertain whether one provides benefits through dampening the stress response or harms by accelerating cancer progression. Regional anesthesia offers considerable advantages, by suppressing cortisol and catecholamine levels and reducing muscle breakdown postoperatively. It also has less immunosuppressive effect and potentially reduces the proinflammatory cytokine response. As such, vital organ functions (e.g., brain and kidney) may be better preserved with regional anesthetics, however, further study is needed. Volatile general anesthetics appear to promote cancer malignancy in comparison to regional and intravenous general anesthetics, and reduce the body's ability to act against cancer cells by suppression of natural killer cell activity. There is not sufficient evidence to support an alteration of current clinical practice, however, further research into this area is warranted due to the potential implications elicited by current studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masae Iwasaki
- Anesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK; Department of Anaesthesiology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Matthew Edmondson
- Anesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Daqing Ma
- Anesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK.
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Gastrointestinal function in intensive care patients: terminology, definitions and management. Recommendations of the ESICM Working Group on Abdominal Problems. Intensive Care Med 2012; 38:384-94. [PMID: 22310869 PMCID: PMC3286505 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-011-2459-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 295] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Acute gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction and failure have been increasingly recognized in critically ill patients. The variety of definitions proposed in the past has led to confusion and difficulty in comparing one study to another. An international working group convened to standardize the definitions for acute GI failure and GI symptoms and to review the therapeutic options. Methods The Working Group on Abdominal Problems (WGAP) of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) developed the definitions for GI dysfunction in intensive care patients on the basis of the available evidence and current understanding of the pathophysiology. Results Definitions for acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI) with its four grades of severity, as well as for feeding intolerance syndrome and GI symptoms (e.g. vomiting, diarrhoea, paralysis, high gastric residual volumes) are proposed. AGI is a malfunctioning of the GI tract in intensive care patients due to their acute illness. AGI grade I = increased risk of developing GI dysfunction or failure (a self-limiting condition); AGI grade II = GI dysfunction (a condition that requires interventions); AGI grade III = GI failure (GI function cannot be restored with interventions); AGI grade IV = dramatically manifesting GI failure (a condition that is immediately life-threatening). Current evidence and expert opinions regarding treatment of acute GI dysfunction are provided. Conclusions State-of-the-art definitions for GI dysfunction with gradation as well as management recommendations are proposed on the basis of current medical evidence and expert opinion. The WGAP recommends using these definitions for clinical and research purposes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00134-011-2459-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Libert N, De Rudnicki S, Cirodde A, Janvier F, Leclerc T, Borne M, Brinquin L. [Promotility drugs use in critical care: indications and limits?]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 28:962-75. [PMID: 19910155 DOI: 10.1016/j.annfar.2009.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2009] [Accepted: 08/20/2009] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Enteral feeding is often limited by gastric and intestinal motility disturbances in critically ill patients, particularly in patients with shock. So, promotility agents are frequently used to improve tolerance to enteral nutrition. This review summaries the pathophysiology, presents the available pharmacological strategies, the clinical data, the counter-indications and the principal limits. The clinical data are poor. No study demonstrates a positive effect on clinical outcomes. Metoclopramide and erythromycin seems to be the more effective. Considering the risk of antibiotic resistance, the first line use of erythromycin should be avoided in favor of metoclopramide.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Libert
- Département d'anesthésie réanimation, hôpital d'instruction des armées du Val-de-Grâce,74, boulevard de Port-Royal, 750005 Paris, France.
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Mouly S, Meune C, Bergmann JF. Mini-series: I. Basic science. Uncertainty and inaccuracy of predicting CYP-mediated in vivo drug interactions in the ICU from in vitro models: focus on CYP3A4. Intensive Care Med 2009; 35:417-29. [PMID: 19132343 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-008-1384-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2007] [Accepted: 04/04/2008] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) contribute significantly to the incidence of adverse drug reactions. Important advances in the knowledge of human drug-metabolizing enzymes have fueled the integration of in vitro drug metabolism and clinical DDIs studies for use in drug development programs and in the clinical setting. The activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 and P-glycoprotein are critical determinant of drug clearance, interindividual variability in drug disposition and clinical efficacy, and appears to be involved in the mechanism of numerous clinically relevant DDIs. Cell-based in vitro models are being increasingly applied in elucidating the pharmacokinetic profile of drug candidates during the preclinical steps of drug development. Human liver, intestinal samples and recombinant human CYP3A4 are now readily available as in vitro screening tools to predict the potential for in vivo DDIs. Although it is easy to determine in vitro metabolic DDIs, the interpretation and extrapolation of in vitro interaction data to in vivo situations requires a good understanding of pharmacokinetic principles. Clinicians and pharmacokineticists should recognize that in vitro models may not be clinically relevant in all situations. In the current article, research will be presented on drug metabolism and DDIs along with examples illustrating the utility of specific in vitro or in vivo approaches. In addition, the impact and clinical relevance of complexities such as dosing-route dependent effects, multi-site kinetics of drug-metabolizing enzymes and non-CYP determinants of metabolic clearance will be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Mouly
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Internal Medicine Department, Lariboisière Hospital, INSERM U705, CNRS UMR7157, University of Paris VII, Paris, France.
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Herbert MK, Weis R, Holzer P. The enantiomers of tramadol and its major metabolite inhibit peristalsis in the guinea pig small intestine via differential mechanisms. BMC Pharmacol 2007; 7:5. [PMID: 17367519 PMCID: PMC1839083 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2210-7-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2006] [Accepted: 03/16/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inhibition of intestinal peristalsis is a major side effect of opioid analgesics. Although tramadol is an opioid-like analgesic, its effect on gut motility is little known. Therefore, the effect of (+)-tramadol, (-)-tramadol and the major metabolite O-desmethyltramadol on intestinal peristalsis in vitro and their mechanisms of action were examined. Distension-induced peristalsis was recorded in fluid-perfused segments of the guinea pig small intestine. The intraluminal peristaltic pressure threshold (PPT) was used to quantify the motor effects of extraserosally administered drugs. Results Racemic tramadol, its (+)- and (-)-enantiomers and the major metabolite O-desmethyltramadol (0.1 – 100 μM) concentration-dependently increased PPT until peristalsis was transiently or persistently abolished. The rank order of potency was (-)-tramadol < (+)-tramadol <O-desmethyltramadol. The peristaltic motor inhibition caused by (+)- and (-)-tramadol was markedly and that of O-desmethyltramadol nearly completely prevented by naloxone, but left unaltered by the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonists methysergide plus tropisetron. The adrenoceptor antagonists prazosin plus yohimbine reduced the effect of (+)- and (-)-tramadol but not that of O-desmethyltramadol. Conclusion The results show that the metabolite O-desmethyltramadol is more potent in inhibiting peristalsis than its parent compound. The action of all tramadol forms depends on opioid receptors, and that of (+)- and (-)-tramadol also involves adrenoceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Herbert
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | | | - Peter Holzer
- Research Unit of Translational Neurogastroenterology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Fruhwald S, Herk E, Hammer HF, Holzer P, Metzler H. Differential reversal of drug-induced small bowel paralysis by cerulein and neostigmine. Intensive Care Med 2004; 30:1414-20. [PMID: 15148569 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-004-2317-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2004] [Accepted: 03/30/2004] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cerulein and neostigmine are prokinetic drugs whose potency and effective dose range are barely known. The aim of this study was to assess their benefit for normal and compromised peristalsis. DESIGN In vitro, isolated segments of guinea pig small intestine. Setting : University laboratory. INTERVENTIONS Small bowel segments were mounted in tissue baths and luminally perfused with Tyrode solution. Test drugs (prokinetic: cerulein, neostigmine; inhibitory: atropine, hexamethonium, epinephrine, sufentanil) were added to the tissue bath. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Peristalsis was quantified via changes in the peristaltic pressure threshold. One-way and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for statistical analysis. Cerulein (0.03-100 nM) stimulated normal peristalsis in a concentration-dependent manner and reversed paralysis of peristalsis induced by all inhibitory test drugs to a similar extent. The properistaltic effect of neostigmine was limited to a narrow concentration range (0.03-0.1 micro M), whereas concentrations >0.3 micro M inhibited peristalsis. Neostigmine more effectively counteracted blockage of peristalsis caused by atropine than that caused by hexamethonium. The inhibitory effects of epinephrine and sufentanil on peristalsis were reversed only at the concentration range of 0.1-0.3 micro M neostigmine. CONCLUSIONS Cerulein stimulates normal peristalsis in vitro at a wide concentration range and reverses blockage of peristalsis caused by drugs with a site of action either on the enteric nervous system or intestinal smooth muscle. Neostigmine's prokinetic effect, to the contrary, is limited to a small concentration range and best seen when peristalsis is depressed by blockage of cholinergic muscle activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Fruhwald
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 29, 8036 Graz, Austria.
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Fruhwald S, Herk E, Schöll G, Shahbazian A, Hammer HF, Metzler H, Holzer P. Endotoxin pretreatment modifies peristalsis and attenuates the antipropulsive action of adrenoceptor agonists in the guinea-pig small intestine. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2004; 16:213-22. [PMID: 15086875 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2004.00509.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The action of endotoxin to alter gastrointestinal motility in vivo may reflect a direct effect on the gut or result from vascular and other systemic manifestations of this sepsis model. Here we examined whether in vivo pretreatment of guinea-pigs with endotoxin modifies peristalsis in the isolated gut and influences the antipropulsive action of adrenoceptor agonists. Distension-induced peristalsis was recorded in fluid-perfused segments of the small intestine taken from animals pretreated intraperitoneally with endotoxin (1 mg kg(-1)Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide) or vehicle 4 or 20 h before. Clonidine, adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine and dobutamine inhibited peristalsis with differential potency. Endotoxin pretreatment lowered the peristaltic pressure threshold and altered other parameters of baseline peristalsis in a time-related manner. The potency and efficacy of clonidine to inhibit peristalsis were markedly decreased after endotoxin administration, while the potency of the other test drugs was less attenuated. The antipropulsive action of clonidine in control segments was reduced by yohimbine and prazosin, whereas in segments from endotoxin-pretreated animals it was antagonized by yohimbine but not prazosin. We conclude that systemic endotoxin pretreatment of guinea-pigs modifies baseline peristalsis by an action on the gut and inhibits the antipropulsive action of adrenoceptor agonists through changes in adrenoceptor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Fruhwald
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Abstract
Millions of patients undergo surgery each year and an increasing proportion of these patients are consuming therapeutic drugs. Drug therapy is often withheld in the immediate perioperative period and after major surgery, in particular, there is often a prolonged period of fasting. This may lead to withdrawal effects including recurrence or worsening of patients' disease symptomatology. These effects will occur during a period of physiological and pathophysiological stresses and render patients more vulnerable to drug withdrawal phenomena. Thus, patients may be exposed to greater and sometimes unnecessary risks in the perioperative period. There are relatively few studies that have investigated this problem. The ones that have, however, confirm that drug abstinence in the perioperative period is a relatively common phenomenon and one study has demonstrated an association between duration of drug abstinence and adverse outcomes. The pathophysiological effects of major surgery on gastrointestinal function, neuro-humoral and cytokine adaptive responses to surgical stress are under-appreciated. These responses can reduce the effectiveness of oral administration and exacerbate co-existing disease processes. These problems are compounded by a fragmented approach to perioperative drug therapy with no one group of healthcare professionals assuming responsibility for this aspect of care. This may in part be a consequence of the complexities of rationalising drug therapy in the perioperative period together with the lack of readily available and evidence based information strategies for individual drugs or drug classes. An additional problem relates to the formulations, inherent pharmacokinetics and limited routes of administration of many prescribed drugs. These can prevent a 'seamless' transition from preoperative to postoperative management. Consumers, health professionals, pharmaceutical companies and drug regulatory agencies must all play a part in rectifying this problem. There remains a need for further research to clarify the effects of abstinence on patient outcomes and also to identify optimum strategies to avoid unwanted drug abstinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Noble
- Department of Anaesthesia, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, Scotland.
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