Anti-CD18 antibodies improve cardiac function following cardiopulmonary bypass in dogs

Strategies to attenuate maladaptive inflammatory response associated with cardiopulmonary bypass

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) initiates an intense inflammatory response due to various factors: conversion from pulsatile to laminar flow, cold cardioplegia, surgical trauma, endotoxemia, ischemia-reperfusion injury, oxidative stress, hypothermia, and contact activation of cells by the extracorporeal circuit. Redundant and overlapping inflammatory cascades amplify the initial response to produce a systemic inflammatory response, heightened by coincident activation of coagulation and fibrinolytic pathways. When unchecked, this inflammatory response can become maladaptive and lead to serious postoperative complications. Concerted research efforts have been made to identify technical refinements and pharmacologic interventions that appropriately attenuate the inflammatory response and ultimately translate to improved clinical outcomes. Surface modification of the extracorporeal circuit to increase biocompatibility, miniaturized circuits with sheer resistance, filtration techniques, and minimally invasive approaches have improved clinical outcomes in specific populations. Pharmacologic adjuncts, including aprotinin, steroids, monoclonal antibodies, and free radical scavengers, show real promise. A multimodal approach incorporating technical, circuit-specific, and pharmacologic strategies will likely yield maximal clinical benefit.

Increased matrix metalloproteinase activity after canine cardiopulmonary bypass is suppressed by a nitric oxide scavenger

OBJECTIVES

We tested whether nitric oxide scavenging with a ruthenium-based compound (AMD6221) would improve hemodynamics and alter nitric oxide synthase and matrix metalloproteinase activities in a canine model of cardiopulmonary bypass.

METHODS

Dogs were randomized to either cardiopulmonary bypass (n = 12) or control (n = 12) groups. They were further randomized to receive a continuous infusion of AMD6221 or placebo. Cardiopulmonary bypass was maintained for 90 minutes, and then, 4 hours later, dogs were killed. Cardiac, lung, and brain sections were snap frozen in liquid nitrogen for determination of nitric oxide synthase, matrix metalloproteinase 2, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 activities.

RESULTS

After cardiopulmonary bypass, 3 of 6 placebo-treated (cardiopulmonary bypass-placebo) and 0 of 6 AMD6221-treated (cardiopulmonary bypass-6221) animals required phenylephrine infusion to maintain a predetermined blood pressure (P <.05). Total fluid administration was lower in the cardiopulmonary bypass-6221 group compared with that in the cardiopulmonary bypass-placebo group (983 +/- 134 vs 1617 +/- 254 mL, respectively; P <.005). After cardiopulmonary bypass, matrix metalloproteinase 2 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 activities in the lung, left ventricle, and left atrium were decreased in the cardiopulmonary bypass-6221 group compared with that in the cardiopulmonary bypass-placebo group (P <.05). Ca(2+)-independent nitric oxide synthase activity and matrix metalloproteinase 2 activity in the brain were also lower (P <.05) in the cardiopulmonary bypass-SCV group. Finally, neutrophil expression of CD18, an adhesion complex, was lower at 4 hours after cardiopulmonary bypass in the cardiopulmonary bypass-6221 group compared with that in the cardiopulmonary bypass-placebo group (38 +/- 27 vs 81 +/- 11; P <.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that (1) infusion of an nitric oxide scavenger, AMD6221, was associated with improved predefined hemodynamics; (2) cardiopulmonary bypass increased activities of Ca(2+)-independent nitric oxide synthase and matrix metalloproteinases in multiple organs; and (3) AMD6221 could ameliorate the increased generation of nitric oxide and increased matrix metalloproteinase activities.

Increased nitric oxide synthase activity after canine cardiopulmonary bypass is suppressed by s-nitrosoglutathione

OBJECTIVES

Hemodynamic instability and generalized organ dysfunction are common after cardiopulmonary bypass in human beings. Previous studies have suggested that alterations of nitric oxide metabolism may be associated with this impaired function. Using a canine model we tested whether nitric oxide synthase activity is increased after cardiopulmonary bypass. We also tested whether administration of a nitric oxide donor can influence nitric oxide synthase activity after cardiopulmonary bypass.

METHODS

After induction of anesthesia, dogs were randomized to receive cardiopulmonary bypass (n = 12) or to serve as controls (n = 12). They were further randomized to receive a continuous infusion of a nitric oxide donor, S-nitrosoglutathione, or an equivalent volume of placebo. Cardiopulmonary bypass was maintained for 90 minutes, and then 4 hours later dogs were put to death. Cardiac and coronary artery sections were frozen in liquid nitrogen immediately after death for later determination of nitric oxide synthase activity using a citrulline assay.

RESULTS

After cardiopulmonary bypass, 4 of 6 placebo-treated but only 2 of 6 S-nitrosoglutathione treated animals required phenylephrine infusion (3.1 +/- 3.1 microgram/min and 0.2 +/- 0.4 microgram/min, respectively, P =.05) to maintain a predetermined blood pressure. Furthermore, after cardiopulmonary bypass, Ca2+-dependent nitric oxide synthase activity in the left ventricle, atrium, and coronary artery did not increase compared with activity in the control animals, but Ca2+-independent nitric oxide synthase activity did increase (P =.005): left ventricle (+28.0% +/- 9.0%), atrium (+45.0% +/- 12.0%) and coronary artery (+17.0% +/- 12.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

We have found that (1) cardiopulmonary bypass results in increased activity of Ca2+-independent nitric oxide synthase, (2) S-nitrosoglutathione can prevent the increase of Ca2+-independent nitric oxide synthase after cardiopulmonary bypass, and (3) Ca2+-independent nitric oxide synthase may contribute to hemodynamic dysfunction after cardiopulmonary bypass.

The nonspecific inflammatory response to injury

PURPOSE

The role of the nonspecific inflammatory response in causing injury related to surgery has become better understood over the last decade. There are complex interactions between neutrophils, cytokines and nitric oxide metabolites that may cause organ injury following surgery. The purpose of this review is to summarize some of the processes causing injury through these nonspecific pathways.

METHODS

A review of the medical and anaesthetic literature related to inflammation, neutrophils and pro-inflammatory cytokines were performed using Medline. Bibliographies of relevant articles were searched and additional articles were then selected and reviewed.

RESULTS

Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor, are released in response to a variety of noxious stimuli (e.g. burns, sepsis, or CABG surgery). These cytokines cause activation of neutrophils with increased upregulation of adhesion complexes on neutrophils and vascular endothelium. Nitric oxide synthase activity is also increased with a resultant increased production of nitric oxide. The increased nitric oxide concentration in the presence of superoxide free radicals secreted by activated neutrophils forms peroxynitrite, a more reactive and toxic molecule. Once this process is initiated, diffuse organ injury can result. Although some information related to specific anaesthetics is available, firm recommendations related to clinical practice cannot be made.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a complex interplay of inflammatory mediators that can cause injury. Although specific clinical applications for manipulating these pathways are not yet generally available, this area holds promise to develop new techniques to improve outcomes following surgery.