[Effect of ulinastatin on microcirculation under hemodilution and hypothermia]

Microcirculation during hemodilution and hypothermia under ether anesthesia treated with or without ulinastatin was studied by means of rabbit ear chamber. Sixteen rabbits were divided into 2 groups; 8 rabbits without ulinastatin treatment (C group) and 8 rabbits treated with ulinastatin (U group). Surface cooling to 20 degrees C and rewarming were performed. No significant differences between the groups were found in blood pressure and heart rate, but pulse pressure in U group was significantly larger (P less than 0.01) than that in C group. Pulmonary edema occurred in 3 rabbits in C group during rewarming. The results suggest that ulinastatin inhibited edema formation in U group. In C group, the blood flow velocity was very slow and the blood flow rate was very small at 20 degrees C in arterioles and venules. In U group the flow velocity and the flow rate were well maintained at 20 degrees C in arterioles and venules. It is concluded that ulinastatin is effective in maintaining microcirculation during hemodilution and hypothermia.