PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Mikito Kawamata

Publications and source records attributed to Mikito Kawamata.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Recent advances in basic neurosciences and brain disease: from synapses to behavior.

Understanding basic neuronal mechanisms hold the hope for future treatment of brain disease. The 1st international conference on synapse, memory, drug addiction and pain was held in beautiful downtown Toronto, Canada on August 21-23, 2006. Unlike other traditional conferences, this new meeting focused on three major aims: (1) to promote new and cutting edge research in neuroscience; (2) to encourage international information exchange and scientific collaborations; and (3) to provide a platform for active scientists to discuss new findings. Up to 64 investigators presented their recent discoveries, from basic synaptic mechanisms to genes related to human brain disease. This meeting was in part sponsored by Molecular Pain, together with University of Toronto (Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology as well as Center for the Study of Pain). Our goal for this meeting is to promote future active scientific collaborations and improve human health through fundamental basic neuroscience researches. The second international meeting on Neurons and Brain Disease will be held in Toronto (August 29-31, 2007).

Behavior↗

Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation for laryngeal contraction disorder during sleep in multiple system atrophy.

We examined the usefulness of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) in the management of nocturnal laryngeal stridor associated with vocal cord dysfunction in five cases of multiple system atrophy (MSA). First, the patients were investigated during sleep induced by a minimal dose of propofol. Laryngoscopy showed paradoxical vocal cord movement resulting in inspiratory stridor. Electromyographic (EMG) study revealed synchronized bursts in the thyroarytenoid muscles and diaphragm in every inspiratory phase whenever the stridor emerged. NPPV was initiated after paradoxical movement was recognized with laryngoscopy. The NPPV mask was equipped with an additional channel for laryngoscopic monitoring. The optimal pressure for treatment was determined according to laryngoscopic and EMG findings. Next, NPPV was applied to natural sleep using the conditions determined in propofol-induced sleep. In all cases, NPPV eliminated nocturnal stridor and oxygen desaturation during natural sleep. Laryngoscopic observation during induced sleep is recommended as a useful procedure to titrate the optimal pressure for NPPV therapy. Since central hypoventilation progresses in the course of MSA, the choice of NPPV rather than continuous positive airway pressure should be encouraged to treat laryngeal contraction disorder associated with MSA.

Aged↗

Effects of systemic administration of lidocaine and QX-314 on hyperexcitability of spinal dorsal horn neurons after incision in the rat.

Although systemic lidocaine has been shown to suppress postoperative pain in a clinical setting, the mechanisms of action of lidocaine have not been elucidated. The present study was therefore designed to determine the relative contribution of central and peripheral sites to the action of lidocaine on incision-induced hyperexcitation of spinal dorsal horn (SDH) neurons in the rat. Receptive field (RF) areas, spontaneous activities, and responses of single wide-dynamic-range (WDR) neurons of the SDH to nonnoxious and noxious stimuli were recorded before and after longitudinal incisions of 1cm through the skin, fascia, and muscle had been made in the center of their RFs of the hindquarters. Significant increases in spontaneous activities, RF sizes, and responses of WDR neurons to both nonnoxious and noxious stimuli were observed at 30 min after the incision (P<0.001). Systemic administration of lidocaine (1 mg/kg bolus plus 0.5 mg/kg/h and 2 mg/kg bolus plus 1 mg/kg/h) and QX-314 (1mg/kg bolus plus 0.5 mg/kg/h and 2 mg/kg bolus plus 1 mg/kg/h) significantly but temporarily suppressed and reversed the increases in spontaneous activity, responses to nonnoxious, and noxious stimuli and RF sizes (P<0.01). Systemic administration of the same doses of lidocaine and QX-314 did not affect responses of WDR neurons to nonnoxious or noxious stimuli or their RF sizes in sham-operated animals in which an incision had not been made. The results suggest that systemic administration of lidocaine has suppressive effects on postoperative pain mainly through peripheral sites of action.

Action Potentials↗

Changes in properties of substantia gelatinosa neurons after surgical incision in the rat: in vivo patch-clamp analysis.

BACKGROUND: Noxious information through A delta and C afferent fibers is transmitted to substantia gelatinosa, a process that plays an important role in plastic changes of nociceptive processing in pathophysiological conditions. In this study, changes in properties of substantia gelatinosa neurons and their sensitivity to systemic administration of lidocaine after surgical incision were investigated using the in vivo patch-clamp technique. METHODS: Under urethane anesthesia, in the current clamp mode, spontaneous activities and responses of substantia gelatinosa neurons to nonnoxious air-puff stimuli and noxious pinch stimuli were recorded before and after 1-cm-long incisions had been made in hairy skin of the hindquarters of rats. Systemic administration of lidocaine (2 mg/kg) was applied at 30 min after the incision. RESULTS: Stable recordings for 30 min or more after the incision were obtained from 18 substantia gelatinosa neurons that were classified as multireceptive (n = 8), nociceptive (n = 5), and subthreshold (n = 5) neurons. Action potential firing disappeared immediately after completion of the wound closure in most multireceptive and nociceptive neurons, and sustained spontaneous action potential firing was observed in 23% of these substantia gelatinosa neurons. Responsiveness of these substantia gelatinosa neurons, but not that of subthreshold neurons, increased after the incision. Systemic administration of lidocaine suppressed spontaneous firings of action potentials of the substantia gelatinosa neurons and reversed the increased responsiveness of the neurons. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that (1) changes in properties of substantia gelatinosa neurons after incision vary depending on the classification of substantia gelatinosa neurons and (2) systemic administration of lidocaine can reverse increased responsiveness of substantia gelatinosa neurons after incision injury.

Action Potentials↗

[The mechanisms of depression by benzodiazepines, barbiturates and propofol of excitatory synaptic transmissions mediated by adenosine neuromodulation].

Adenosine is known to modulate synaptic functions through adenosine receptors and the related adenosine neuromodulatory system. Benzodiazepines, barbiturates and propofol, the main actins of which are facilitation of GABAA receptor functions, also facilitate accumulation of endogenous adenosine in the extracellular space by inhibiting adenosine uptake via adenosine transporters. The accumulated adenosine depresses excitatory synaptic transmission by decreasing transmitter release, depressing postsynaptic sensitivity and inhibiting neuronal excitability through adenosine A1 receptors and the related adenosine neuromodulatory system. The adenosine-induced depressions of excitatory synaptic transmissions probably contribute to the mechanisms of the anesthetic, sedative, anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects of these anesthetics and sedatives. An understanding of the synaptic mechanisms of these anesthetics and sedatives through the adenosine neuromodulatory system is needed for rational clinical use of the drugs.

Adenosine↗

[Anesthetic management of endovascular repair for aortic abdominal aneurysm in a patient with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

A 66-year-old man with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was scheduled for elective endovascular repair of an aortic abdominal aneurysm and femoral-femoral artery bypass. Because spirometry revealed marked reduction of percent forced expiratory volume in 1 second (%FEV1.0), postoperative respiratory failure was anticipated. Spinal anesthesia and no use of tracheal intubation were planned. When the patient entered the operating room, his oxygen saturation (SpO2) was 92%. Four ml of isobaric 0.5% bupivacaine was injected intrathecally at the L3-4 inter-space using a 25-gauge spinal needle. After the final analgesic level of the spinal anesthesia had been ensured at T6, 1.0% lidocaine 5 ml was injected intradermally in the right elbow for insertion of a catheter sheath. Additional analgesia was acquired with a total of 0.1 mg of fentanyl IV. The endovascular repair was completed uneventfully. In conclusion, spinal anesthesia combined with local anesthesia in the elbow is useful for management of endovascular repair of an aortic abdominal aneurysm in patients with severe COPD for whom postoperative respiratory failure is anticipated.

Aged↗

Changes in response properties and receptive fields of spinal dorsal horn neurons in rats after surgical incision in hairy skin.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia associated with chemical irritant application are mediated by spinal high-threshold (HT) as well as wide-dynamic-range neurons as a result of "central sensitization." Because the pathophysiology of pain is thought to differ depending on the type of injury and may vary between hairy and glabrous skin, the authors examined changes in properties of spinal dorsal horn neurons after surgical incisions in hairy skin of rats to obtain insights into the mechanisms of postoperative pain. METHODS: Withdrawal responses to punctate mechanical stimulation and gentle brushing were measured in awake rats in an area adjacent to the injured site (primary area) and in an area 2 cm from the injured site (secondary area) after 1-cm longitudinal incisions through the hairy skin, fascia, and muscle had been made in the hindquarters. In a separate study, responses of spinal wide-dynamic-range, HT, and low-threshold neurons to nonnoxious and noxious stimuli were recorded before and after similar incisions had been made in the centers of their receptive fields. Effects of spinal application of the gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor antagonist bicuculline (15 microg) on responses of HT neurons were then studied. RESULTS: Awake rats showed primary and secondary hyperalgesia to punctate mechanical stimulation 30 min after the incision and thereafter for 4 days and 1 day, respectively. Mechanical allodynia associated with brush stimulation was only seen in the primary area 30 min after the incision and thereafter for 1 day. The incision resulted in increases in activity of wide-dynamic-range neurons (receptive field sizes and responses to both innocuous and noxious stimuli). HT neurons did not respond to innocuous stimulation and showed very small increases or no changes in receptive field size and responses to noxious stimuli after the incision. However, the majority of HT neurons began to respond to innocuous stimuli after application of bicuculline (15 microg/50 microl) to the spinal cord. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that wide-dynamic-range neurons are responsible for behavioral hyperexcitability after surgical incision but that HT neurons are not involved in the hyperexcitability, despite the fact that HT neurons are capable of responding to innocuous stimuli by reversal of gamma-aminobutyric acid-mediated inhibition.

Animals↗

Changes in properties of spinal dorsal horn neurons and their sensitivity to morphine after spinal cord injury in the rat.

BACKGROUND: To gain a better understanding of spinal cord injury (SCI)-induced central neuropathic pain, the authors investigated changes in properties of spinal dorsal horn neurons located rostrally and caudally to the lesion and their sensitivity to morphine in rats after SCI. METHODS: The right spinal cord of Sprague-Dawley rats was hemisected at the level of L2. At 10 to 14 days after the SCI, when mechanical hyperalgesia/allodynia had fully developed, spontaneous activity and evoked responses to mechanical stimuli of wide-dynamic-range (WDR) and high-threshold neurons rostral and caudal to the lesion were recorded. Effects of cumulative doses of systemic (0.1-3 mg/kg) and spinal (0.1-5 microg) administration of morphine on spontaneous activity and evoked responses to the stimuli of the neurons were evaluated. RESULTS: Spontaneous activity significantly increased in WDR neurons both rostral and caudal to the SCI site, but high-frequency background discharges with burst patterns were only observed in neurons rostral to the SCI site. Significant increases in responses to the mechanical stimuli were seen both in WDR and high-threshold neurons located both rostrally and caudally to the lesion. The responses to nonnoxious and noxious stimuli were significantly greater in caudal WDR neurons than in rostral WDR neurons. In contrast, the responses to pinch stimuli were significantly higher in rostral high-threshold neurons than those in caudal high-threshold neurons. Systemically administered morphine had a greater effect on responses to nonnoxious and noxious stimuli of rostral WDR neurons than those of caudal WDR neurons. Spinally administered morphine significantly suppressed responses of WDR neurons in SCI animals to nonnoxious stimuli compared with those in sham-operated control animals. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that changes in properties of spinal dorsal horn neurons after SCI are caused by different mechanisms, depending on the classification of the neurons and their segmental locations.

Analgesics, Opioid↗

Effects of halothane and isoflurane on hyperexcitability of spinal dorsal horn neurons after incision in the rat.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine whether halothane and isoflurane used during and after surgical injury attenuate subsequent hyperexcitability of spinal dorsal horn (SDH) neurons by preventing development of central sensitization. METHODS: Activity of a wide-dynamic-range neuron of the SDH was isolated in decerebrate-spinal Sprague-Dawley rats, and neuronal activity (receptive field size and responses to nonnoxious and noxious stimuli) was recorded. A 1-cm-long incision was made through the skin, fascia, and muscle under anesthesia with halothane (1.1% or 2.2%) and isoflurane (1.4% or 2.8%). Anesthesia was discontinued just after the incision had been made or was continued until 30 min after the incision, and activity of the SDH neurons was measured for up to 2 h after the incision. In a control group, the incision was made without anesthesia. RESULTS: In the control group, the incision resulted in maximum excitation in the SDH neurons during surgery; spontaneous activity significantly increased for up to 30 min after the incision (P < 0.05) but did not significantly increase thereafter, returning to the preincision value. Halothane and isoflurane suppressed excitation of the neurons during the incision in a concentration-related manner. Administration of 2.2% halothane and 2.8% isoflurane during the incision and for up to 30 min after the incision almost abolished activity of the neurons for 30 min after the incision. The magnitude of neuronal activity 2 h after the incision was not significantly different among all groups, including the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that administration of halothane and isoflurane does not attenuate development of hyperexcitability of SDH neurons despite the fact that excitation and spontaneous activity during and after the incision were greatly suppressed by administration of halothane and isoflurane.

Anesthetics, Inhalation↗

Sepsis stage dependently and differentially attenuates the effects of nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers on the rat diaphragm in vitro.

We investigated the effects of early and late sepsis on the actions of nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers by using a rat sepsis model induced by cecal ligation and puncture. Isometric twitch tensions of nerve-hemidiaphragm preparations elicited by indirect (phrenic nerve) supramaximal stimulation at 0.1 Hz were evaluated. Rocuronium, pancuronium, and d-tubocurarine dose-dependently decreased the twitch tensions of the nonseptic, early septic, and late septic diaphragms (P < 0.01 each by analysis of variance [ANOVA]). Late sepsis shifted the concentration-twitch tension curves rightward from those of nonsepsis to larger degrees than did early sepsis, as indicated by increases in 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) values (P < 0.01 each by ANOVA and P < 0.01 or 0.05 by the Scheffe F test). The standardized rightward shifts in early and late sepsis were largest for pancuronium, second largest for rocuronium, and smallest for d-tubocurarine (5.741, 2.979, and 1.660 times in late sepsis, respectively; P < 0.01 each by ANOVA and the Scheffe F test). Sepsis-induced increases in IC(50) values did not accompany the decreases in slopes. The results indicate that sepsis induces hyposensitivities to nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers, the degree of which depends on the stage of sepsis and on the kind of neuromuscular blocker.

Androstanols↗

5-HT3 receptors partially mediate halothane depression of spinal dorsal horn sensory neurons.

UNLABELLED: We recently reported that gamma-aminobutyric acid type A- and strychnine-sensitive glycine receptor systems partially mediate halothane depression of spinal dorsal horn low-threshold neurons. Serotonin subtype 3 (5-HT(3)) receptors belong to the same ligand-activated ion-channel family as gamma-aminobutyric acid type A- and strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors, so we examined the possible involvement of 5-HT receptor systems in halothane depression of spinal sensory neurons. Extracellular recordings of spinal low-threshold neurons were obtained in decerebrate, spinally transected rats. Receptive field size and brush-induced activity were recorded in the presence or absence of 5-HT antagonists and in the presence or absence of 1.1% (1 minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration) halothane. In the absence of halothane, antagonists had no effect on receptive field size or brush-induced activity. In the presence of halothane, methysergide, a nonselective 5-HT antagonist, and tropisetron, a selective 5-HT(3) antagonist, significantly reversed the halothane-induced reduction in receptive field size but did not alter halothane depression of brush-induced activity. Methiothepin, a 5-HT(1) antagonist, and ketanserin, a 5-HT(2) antagonist, did not reverse halothane depression. These results support the hypothesis that 5-HT(3) receptors partially mediate some inhibitory effects of halothane on spinal dorsal horn neurons. IMPLICATIONS: The results of this study support the hypothesis that halothane depression of spinal sensory neuronal responses to low-intensity stimuli is mediated, to a minor extent, by serotonin subtype 3 neurotransmitter systems.

Anesthetics, Inhalation↗

NMDA receptor-mediated mechanism of ketamine-induced facilitation of glutamatergic excitatory synaptic transmission.

The effect of ketamine on CA1-field EPSPs (fEPSPs) in rat hippocampal slices was investigated. Ketamine (100 microM) facilitated fEPSPs at 0.05 Hz. The fEPSP facilitation was suppressed completely by AP-5 and partially by propranolol, and also by an increase in stimulation frequency. These results indicate that ketamine facilitates excitatory synaptic transmission by activating NMDA receptors via beta-adrenoceptors under conditions in which NMDA receptor channel block is slight.

Animals↗

Experimental incision-induced pain in human skin: effects of systemic lidocaine on flare formation and hyperalgesia.

In order to try to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms of post-operative pain, this study was designed to psychophysically determine physiological and pharmacological characteristics of experimental pain induced by a 4-mm-long incision through the skin, fascia and muscle in the volar forearm of humans. In experiment 1, the subjects (n=8) were administered lidocaine systemically (a bolus injection of 2mg/kg for a period of 5 min followed by an intravenous infusion of 2mg/kg/h for another 40 min), and then the incision was made. In experiment 2, cumulative doses of lidocaine (0.5-2mg/kg) were systemically injected in the subjects (n=8) 30 min after the incision had been made, when primary and secondary hyperalgesia had fully developed. Spontaneous pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). Primary hyperalgesia was defined as mechanical pain thresholds to von Frey hair stimuli (from 7 to 151 mN) in the injured area. The area of secondary hyperalgesia to punctate mechanical stimuli was assessed using a rigid von Frey hair (151 mN). Flare formation was assessed in the first experiment using a laser doppler imager (LDI). Pain perception was maximal when the incision was made and then rapidly disappeared within 30 min after the incision had been made. Primary hyperalgesia was apparent at 15 min after the incision had been made and remained for 2 days. The incision resulted in a relatively large area of flare formation immediately after the incision had been made. The area of flare began to shrink within 15 min and was limited to a small area around the injured area at 30 min after incision. Secondary hyperalgesia was apparent at 30 min after incision and persisted for 3h after incision and then gradually disappeared over the next 3h. In experiment 1, pre-traumatic treatment with systemic lidocaine suppressed primary hyperalgesia only during the first 1h after the incision had been made. The lidocaine suppressed the development of flare formation without affecting the pain rating when the incision was made. The development of secondary hyperalgesia continued to be suppressed after completion of the lidocaine infusion. In experiment 2, post-traumatic treatment with lidocaine temporarily suppressed primary as well as secondary hyperalgesia that had fully developed; however, the primary and secondary hyperalgesia again became apparent after completion of the lidocaine administration. These findings suggest that pre-traumatic treatment with lidocaine reduces the excessive inputs from the injured peripheral nerves, thus suppressing development of flare formation and secondary hyperalgesia through peripheral and central mechanisms, respectively. Pre-traumatic treatment with lidocaine would temporarily stabilize the sensitized nerves in the injured area, but the nerves would be sensitized after completion of the administration. Post-traumatic treatment with lidocaine reduced primary and secondary hyperalgesia that had fully developed. However, the finding that the suppressive effect of lidocaine on secondary hyperalgesia was temporary suggests that the development and maintenance of secondary hyperalgesia are caused by different mechanisms.

Adult↗

Intracerebroventricular morphine produces antinociception by evoking gamma-aminobutyric acid release through activation of 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 receptors in the spinal cord.

BACKGROUND: It has been generally considered that supraspinal morphine activates the serotonergic descending inhibitory system and releases serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) in the spinal cord, producing antinociception through activation of 5-HT receptors. The involvement of a spinal gamma-aminobutyric acid-mediated (GABAergic) system is also suggested in supraspinal morphine antinociception. It has been reported that spinal GABAergic system contributes to 5-HT3 receptor-mediated antinociception. In this study, the authors investigated the contribution of spinal 5-HT3 receptor and the GABAergic system in the intracerebroventricular morphine-induced antinociception. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Using the spinal microdialysis method, concentrations of 5-HT and GABA were measured after intracerebroventricular morphine administration. The effect of intracerebroventricular naloxone or spinal perfusion of a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist 3-tropanyl-indole-3-carboxylate methiodide on the spinal release of GABA after intracerebroventricular morphine administration was also examined. In the behavioral study, involvement of 5-HT3 receptors or GABAA receptors in the intracerebroventricular morphine-induced antinociceptive effect was investigated using the tail-flick test. RESULTS: Intracerebroventricular morphine (40 nmol) significantly increased spinal GABA and 5-HT release. Evoked spinal GABA release was reversed by intracerebroventricular naloxone (40 nmol) or spinal perfusion of 3-tropanyl-indole-3-carboxylate methiodide (1 mm). In the behavioral study, intracerebroventricular morphine produced significant antinociception. Intrathecal administration of either GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculine or 3-tropanyl-indole-3-carboxylate methiodide but not vehicle reversed the morphine-induced antinociceptive effect. CONCLUSION: Intracerebroventricular morphine evokes spinal GABA release via the activation of 5-HT3 receptors in the spinal cord, resulting in antinociceptive effect.

Analgesics, Opioid↗

Effects of a novel selective agonist for prostaglandin receptor subtype EP4 on hyperalgesia and inflammation in monoarthritic model.

BACKGROUND: Cytokines have crucial role in the development and maintenance of inflammation and pain in arthritis. Activation of prostaglandin receptor subtype EP(4) suppresses cytokine production in immune cells. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a novel EP(4) agonist would be able to suppress thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia and paw swelling in acute and chronic phases in rat monoarthritic model. METHODS: Monoarthritis was induced by an injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) intracapsularly into the tibiotarsal joint of the rats. Withdrawal latencies to thermal stimulation on the hind paw, withdrawal thresholds to mechanical stimulation, paw volume, and ankle diameter were measured 24 h and 4 weeks after the CFA injection. A novel selective EP(4) receptor agonist, ONO-AE1-329 (10, 25, or 50 microg) or saline was administered intracapsularly into the joint. RESULTS: Withdrawal latencies and withdrawal thresholds were significantly (P < 0.05) shortened and decreased, respectively, on the arthritic side but not on the contralateral side 24 h and 4 weeks after the CFA injection. In addition, significant (P < 0.05) increases in paw volume and ankle diameter on the arthritic side were observed. Intracapsularly administered ONO-AE1-329 showed significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia and significant (P < 0.05) decrease in paw volume and ankle diameter in a dose-dependent manner at 24 h and 4 weeks after CFA. CONCLUSION: Intracapsular administration of EP(4) receptor agonist effectively inhibited mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia and inflammatory reactions in acute and chronic monoarthritis. An EP(4) agonist would be a potential strategy for inflammatory pain in arthritis.

Analgesics, Non-Narcotic↗

Different mechanisms of development and maintenance of experimental incision-induced hyperalgesia in human skin.

BACKGROUND: To determine the mechanisms of postoperative pain, the effects of local anesthesia on development and maintenance of surgical incision-induced hyperalgesia were evaluated in a crossover, double-blinded, placebo-controlled human study using 17 subjects. METHODS: An experimental 4-mm-long incision through skin, fascia, and muscle was made in the volar forearm of each subject. In experiment 1, 1% lidocaine or saline in a volume of 0.2 ml was subcutaneously injected into the incision site pretraumatically and posttraumatically. In experiment 2, a 5-cm-long strip of skin was subcutaneously injected with 0.2 ml of 1% lidocaine near the incision site pretraumatically and posttraumatically. Flare, spontaneous pain, and primary and secondary hyperalgesia to punctate mechanical stimuli were assessed after the incision had been made. RESULTS: Pretraumatic lidocaine injection prevented the occurrence of spontaneous pain and development of flare formation that was found surrounding the incision site immediately (1 min) after the incision had been made. The lidocaine suppressed primary hyperalgesia more effectively than did posttraumatic block, but only for the first 4 h after the incision. The preincision block prevented development of secondary hyperalgesia, whereas posttraumatic block did not significantly affect the fully developed secondary hyperalgesia. The area of flare formation and the area of secondary hyperalgesia did not extend over the strip of the skin that had been pretraumatically anesthetized, whereas the posttraumatic block did not significantly reduce the area of fully developed secondary hyperalgesia. CONCLUSIONS: Pretraumatic injection of lidocaine reduces primary hyperalgesia more effectively than does posttraumatic injection, but only for a short period after incision. The spread of secondary hyperalgesia is mediated peripheral nerve fibers, but when secondary hyperalgesia has fully developed, it becomes less dependent on or even independent of peripheral neural activity originating from the injured site.

Adult↗

[A case of AV block (Mobitz II type) during recovery from general anesthesia combined with epidural anesthesia].

A 59-year-old female underwent total hysterectomy for cancer of the corpus uteri. Epidural catheterization was performed at T 12/L 1 interspace. Anesthesia was induced with propofol (80 mg) and vecuronium (6 mg) and maintained with nitrous oxide (66%) and sevoflurane (0.8-1.5%) in oxygen. Six ml of 1.5% lidocaine containing 1: 200,000 epinephrine was injected intermittently through the epidural catheter for epidural anesthesia. Surgery was performed uneventfully. During her recovery from anesthesia, Mobitz II heart blocks and bradycardia were observed when the discharge in the oral cavity was aspirated. The AV blocks disappeared within 2 min, but similar arrhythmia was observed when the discharge in the oral cavity was aspirated again. Stimulation of the trachea by a suction drainage reversed the arrhythmia to the normal sinus rhythm. The trachea was extubated, and arrhyththmia was no longer observed in the operating room, but when the patient vomited, the next morning, bradycardia occurred and she lost consciousness. Two weeks later, there were no abnormal findings in echocardiography, Holter ECG, master-double ECG, and scintigraphy of the heart. It is likely that in this patient stimulation of the oral cavity by suction drainage and vomiting triggered vagovagal reflex, causing the AV block.

Anesthesia Recovery Period↗

[The use of propofol combined with nitrous oxide and fentanyl in anesthetic management of a patient with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy].

A 49-year-old female with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy underwent surgery for implantation of an artificial cochlear device. She had some characteristic clinical features, including muscle weakness, deafness and dementia. Anesthesia was induced with 5 mg.kg-1 of propofol, and the trachea was intubated without a muscle relaxant. The patient was mechanically ventilated also without a relaxant, and anesthesia was maintained with a continuous infusion of 4-8 mg.kg-1.hr-1 of propofol, a bolus injection of 50-100 micrograms of fentanyl, and nitrous oxide (66%) in oxygen (33%). Bispectral index (BIS) was monitored and maintained at approximately 40. No cardiovascular instabilities or increase in plasma lactate concentration were observed during surgery. The patient had a smooth recovery from the propofol anesthesia, and the BIS value returned to the pre-anesthetic level 10 min after completion of the anesthesia, suggesting that the use of propofol is a safe means for inducing and maintaining anesthesia in patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy.

Anesthesia↗