The effect of surgical stress on plasma 6-keto-PGF1 alpha concentrations in laparotomized patients under general...

Plasma concentrations of a stable metabolite of prostacyclin, 6-Keto-PGF1 alpha, were measured in twenty-three adult patients who received abdominal surgery. Comparisons were made of plasma 6-Keto-PGF1 alpha levels and blood pressure between younger (under 35 years old) and senior (over 65 years old) patients. In the preanesthetic and anesthetic period before surgery, the undetectable levels in plasma 6-Keto-PGF1 alpha were unchanged in both groups. Plasma 6-Keto-PGF1 alpha concentration increased significantly to the same levels in both groups at the beginning of surgery. It remained at a high level through the surgery period in the younger group, but decreased to the preanesthetic period level in the senior group. Systolic blood pressure increased significantly during surgery in the senior group but not in the younger group. There is no doubt that surgical stress is a potent stimulus for prostacyclin formation.