Effects of combined arginine vasopressin and levosimendan on organ function in ovine septic shock.

Objective: To compare the effects of a first-line therapy of combined arginine vasopressin, levosimendan, and norepinephrine with arginine vasopressin + norepinephrine or norepinephrine alone in ovine septic shock.

Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled laboratory experiment.

Setting: University animal research facility.

Microsurgical training curriculum for learning kidney and liver transplantation in the rat.

During the education of the next generation of scientists in experimental research, careful instruction in surgical techniques is of major importance. This applies in particular to complicated microsurgical models, which require a structured teaching concept with clearly laid-down working steps and adequate didactic resources. Transplantations in rats are undoubtedly among the most difficult models in experimental surgery.

Sequence of reperfusion influences ischemia/reperfusion injury and primary graft function following porcine liver transplantation.

The impact of 3 different reperfusion sequences following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in pigs were evaluated. The reperfusion technique commonly performed is primary portal in order to shorten warm ischemic times (WITs). Experimental and clinical data, usually comparing 2 out of 3 possible reperfusion sequences, provide controversial results.