[The effects extracorporeal circulation and open heart surgery on cardiovascular regulate peptide]

Serum endothelin (ET), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), neurotensin (NT) and substance-P (SP) were determined in 15 patients undergoing open heart surgery. The ET content was higher before operation that during and after operation (P < 0.01). After heart recovery by open circulation, the ET content was lowest. Returning to ICU and 24 hours after operation, the ET content was elevated but still lower than that before operation. The CGRP content was not changed obviously during CPB but higher than that before and during operation (P < 0.05). The NT content was not changed during CPB but was higher after returning to ICU. It returned to normal 24 hours postoperatively. The SP content increased significantly during CPB, and returned to normal after returning to ICU and 24 hours postoperatively. The reasons and clinical significance of these changes were discussed.