An ultrastructural study of the submucous plexus of guinea pig intestine after unilateral vagotomy

This study describes the degenerative changes of the axon terminals making synaptic contacts with the neurons in the submucous ganglia of guinea pig small and large intestines following left or right cervical vagotomy. There were no noticeable ultrastructural changes 1 d after the operation. Beginning at the 3rd postoperative day for the small intestines and the 5th day for the large intestines, some of the axon terminals presynaptic to the submucous neurons displayed different stages of degeneration. The most obvious feature of the degenerating terminals was the swelling and vacuolation of mitochondria with disrupted cristae; another change was the clumping of synaptic vesicles. In the animals killed 7 d after vagotomy, besides the above changes, the degenerating axon terminals also showed an accumulation of a variable amount of glycogen-like particles. The changes were most severe in the guinea pigs killed on the 10th postoperative day. The synaptic vesicles in some degenerating terminals were depleted. There were occasional degenerating nerve cell bodies in the submucous ganglia in the period studied. A variable number of lamellated bodies were found in some of the submucous neurons of 10 and 15 d postoperative animals. By 30 d after vagotomy, all the terminals presynaptic to the submucous neurons appeared normal. There was no significant difference in the total number of axon terminals between 10 d and 30 d after operation (P > 0.05). This suggests that either there had been successful reinnervation or new synaptic contacts had been established by sprouting from the unoperated vagus or other intrinsic neurons. The present quantitative studies also showed that the number of degenerating axon terminals in the submucous ganglia of duodenum after left vagotomy was higher than right vagotomy (P < 0.05). This feature was particularly evident in animals killed 10 d after the operation. The larger number of degenerating terminals in the submucous ganglia of duodenum after left vagotomy suggests that the presynaptic axon terminals in the submucous ganglia of different gut regions are not evenly distributed. Finally, the present study showed that the degenerative changes in the small intestine preceded the large intestine.

Interleukin-11 induces complex formation of Grb2, Fyn, and JAK2 in 3T3L1 cells

Previous studies suggested that interleukin-11 (IL-11) induces the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in mouse 3T3L1 cells. However, the mechanisms by which IL-11 activates MAPK remain elusive. Our present results show that IL-11 promotes the formation of the active GTP-bound form of Ras, suggesting that IL-11 actions may be transduced in part through the Ras/MAPK signaling pathway. By immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation, we further demonstrate the association of tyrosine phosphoproteins with Grb2, an adaptor protein serving as a key intermediate for Ras activation. These phosphotyrosine-containing proteins have been subsequently identified to be JAK2, Fyn, and Syp. JAK2 and Fyn are transiently associated with Grb2 upon stimulation with IL-11, suggesting that JAK2 and Fyn may be involved in transducing signals from the IL-11 receptor-glycoprotein 130 to the Ras system through Grb2. Taken together, these results suggest that IL-11-induced interactions of JAK2, Fyn, and Grb2 may not only provide a novel mechanism for the activation of the Ras/MAPK system but also indicate cross-talk among diverse signaling pathways.

Synergy between AUUUA motif disruption and enhancer insertion results in autocrine transformation of interleukin-3-dependent hematopoietic cells

Previously, we characterized the transposition of an intracisternal type A particle (IAP) to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the interleukin-3 (IL-3) gene, which displaced two of the six AUUUA motifs associated with mRNA stability in an IL-3-secreting clone. To determine whether this rearrangement was involved in the autocrine transformation of the parental IL-3-dependent FL5.12 cell line, the germline (gIL-3) and rearranged IL-3 (rIL-3) genes were isolated and subcloned into a gene transfer vector. Moreover, the IAP-long terminal repeat (LTR) and the IL-3 3' UTR AUUUA motifs were deleted (rIL-3 + delta LTR and gIL-3 + delta AUUUA) in some IL-3 constructs to ascertain their role in the transformation process. The IAP-LTR was also added to these constructs (rIL-3 + delta LTR + IAP-LTR, gIL-3 + delta AUUUA + IAP-LTR, and gIL-3 + IAP-LTR), to determine whether it was necessary for autocrine transformation. The ability of the modified IL-3 genes to abrogate the IL-3 dependency of FL5.12 cells had the following rank order: rIL-3 was greater than rIL-3 + delta LTR + IAP-LTR, which was greater than gIL-3 + delta AUUUA + IAP-LTR, which was greater than gIL-3 + delta AUUUA, which was equal to rIL-3 + delta LTR, which was greater than gIL-3. The half-life of IL-3 mRNA was 20-fold longer in cells containing a mutated as opposed to a wild-type AUUUA region. All of the factor-independent cells that expressed the IL-3 transgenes secreted IL-3 and were tumorigenic after injection into BALB/c nude mice. These results indicated that two events could synergize in the autocrine transformation of hematopoietic cells: (1) addition of a transcriptional enhancer present in a retroviral LTR, and (2) disruption of an mRNA stability region.

Localization of NADPH-diaphorase activity in the submucous plexus of the guinea-pig intestine: light and electron microscopic studies

The localization of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase in the submucous plexus of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, proximal colon, distal colon and rectum in the guinea-pig was examined histochemically by light and electron microscopy. The majority of reactive submucous neurons displayed features common to either Dogiel type I or type II neurons; some were closely adherent to the outer walls of lymphatic vessels. The use of 2-(2'-benzothiazolyl)-5-styryl-3-(4'-phthalhydrazidyl) tetrazolium chloride (BSPT) at the ultrastructural level showed that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase is a membrane-associated protein widely distributed in the cells, including the rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and synaptic vesicles in the axon terminals associated with submucous neurons. On the basis of their diaphorase reactivity or the lack of it, the submucous neuronal somata and their associated terminals were observed to form several different kinds of synaptic configurations. The present quantitative analysis showed that the frequency of reactive submucous neurons in the large intestine was significantly higher than in the small intestine. Based on the ultrastructural localization of the diaphorase reaction product in positive cells, it is speculated that nitric oxide might be synthesized within the neurons. The demonstration of different synaptic configurations in the submucous ganglia suggests that the functional interaction between submucous neurons is extremely complex. Finally, the higher frequency of diaphorase reactive submucous neurons in the large intestine than in the small intestine indicates that submucous neurons in these two gut regions may not play equivalent roles.

[Study on carboxylated latex agglutination test for serodiagnosis of human and animal brucellosis]

A carboxylated latex agglutination test was developed for detecting antibodies in sera from 372 human and animal brucellosis. Of which 94 sera from human was detected by ELISA. The latex was chemical-linked with B. melitensis 16M and extracted with 5% NaCl. Comparing with RBPT in detecting antibodies with brucellosis, the LAT was more stable and specific; the positive or negative results detected by LAT were consistent with those by SAT and ELISA. LAT may detect both IgG and IgM antibodies to Brucella in Human and animal. It is concluded that LAT is stable, specific, sensitive and practicable for the serodiagnosis of brucellosis.

Ultrastructural localisation of substance P, vasoactive intestinal peptide and somatostatin immunoreactivities in the submucous plexus of guinea pig ileum

The submucous neurons, especially those related to the lymphatic vessels, together with their associated synapses, were studied ultrastructurally with respect to their immunoreactivities for 3 types of neuropeptides, namely substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and somatostatin (SOM). With the antibodies directed against the 3 types of neuropeptides, a variable number of submucous neurons including those contacting the lymphatic vessels were immunostained. Based on the immunoreactivities and synaptic relations with the submucous neurons contacting the lymphatic vessels, at least 4 types of synaptic relations with the submucous neurons contacting the lymphatic vessels, at least 4 types of synaptic configurations were observed: immunopositive terminals with positive neurons, immunopositive terminals with negative neurons, immunonegative terminals with positive neurons and immunonegative terminals with negative neurons. All 4 types of synaptic configurations were observed in SP and VIP-immunostained specimens, with the exception of type 3 which was not encountered in samples immunoreacted for SOM. When the proportions of all 4 types of peptidergic immunopositive terminals contacting the lymphatic vessel-associated neurons were totalled, the value exceeded 100%, suggesting the coexistence of 2 or more neuropeptides in the same terminals. Furthermore, some immunoreactive axon terminals made direct synaptic contacts with positive neurons suggesting the formation of the so-called 'peptide neuron chain'. It is speculated from this study that the submucous neurons receive multiple peptidergic inputs. The various synaptic contacts would imply a complicated reflex pathway in the submucous plexus.

Ba(2+)-sensitive K+ channels in basal membrane of confluent Madin-Darby canine kidney cells

A method is described for gaining access to the basolateral membranes of confluent Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells by surgical reflection of the cell layer overlying fluid-filled domes. Single-channel recordings from cell-attached inside-out and outside-out configurations revealed two K+ channels located in the basal membranes of the highly differentiated monolayers. With 140 mmol/l KCl in pipette, the intermediate-conductance K+ channel displayed outward rectification in cell-attached configuration with channel conductances of 65 pS for outward part and 17 pS for inward part. In excised-patch recording, this channel had a conductance of 92 pS with 140 mmol/l KCl on the extracellular side of the patch and 5 mmol/l KCl on the cytosolic side. The maximum conductance obtained in symmetrical KCl (140 mmol/l) solution was 140 pS. Ba2+ (1 mmol/l) and tetraethylammonium (5 mmol/l) blocked this channel reversibly. Channel open probability (Po) was reduced from 0.41 at cytosolic pH 7.4 to 0.14 at pH 6.8 and increased to 0.64 at pH 8.0. The channel activity was significantly inhibited by elevation of intracellular Ca2+. A small-conductance K+ channel was also observed mainly in excised patches with single-channel conductance of 48 pS in symmetrical KCl solutions. However, the activity of this channel was partially obscured by the intermediate-conductance K+ channel and further analysis was not possible. A physiological role of these channels in mediating K+ recycling through the monolayer is suggested.

Improved accuracy in direct automated DNA sequencing of small PCR products by optimizing the template concentration

Data are presented illustrating the optimum concentration range of reverse transcription PCR-generated products under 500 bp for accurate base calling with direct automated DNA sequencing. A 357-bp fragment of the human estrogen receptor, which includes the DNA binding domain of the protein, was used as a representative example of a gene fragment that can be rapidly amplified and sequenced. Using the Taq DNA polymerase dye terminator sequencing protocol and automated sequencing apparatus from Applied BioSystems, 0.1 to 1.0 pmol of PCR product in a 20-microL reaction volume provided > 97% accurate base detection. Concentrations greater or lower than this range increased the number of ambiguous bases due to alterations in the signal-to-noise ratios. This procedure has been successfully utilized with 140-440-bp PCR products within the optimum concentration range. These results show that low amounts of PCR products are necessary and sufficient for direct sequence analysis.

[The measurement of shade of colour on 100 cases permanent teeth in Shanghai.]

With the help of a portable Minolta-CR 100 colour difference meter,measurement of upper incisors' surface colour was for the first time domestically carried out in 100 young and middle-aged Shanghai residents,and their mean parameters were also determined.Our method was met he requirements of CIE1931 XYZ surface colour system as well as that of CIE1976 L*a*b* surface colour system.The meter has a quality of high accuracy and the figures thus obtained are concentrated and representative.

Studies of the lymphatic vessel-associated neurons in the intestine of the guinea pig

A unique group of neurons in the submucous plexus of the gastrointestinal tract in guinea pigs was studied using (1) Nissl staining and an enzyme histochemical technique for acetylcholinesterase (AChE), (2) immunohistochemical methods for the localisation of neuron specific enolase (NSE) and neuropeptides, including vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), substance P (SP), somatostatin (SOM), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), leu-enkephalin (leu-ENK), neuropeptide (NPY) and cholecystokinin (CCK), (3) a fluorescence tracer technique involving the intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of fluorogold, and (4) normal electron microscopy. The results showed that these neurons were distributed singly or in groups in the submucosa. They were closely adherent to the outer walls of lymphatic vessels, some appearing to protrude into the lumen. Ultrastructurally, only a thin layer of basal lamina and some collagen fibrils intervened between the endothelia of the lymphatic vessels and these neurons. Based on their synaptic contacts and the features of their content of synaptic vesicles, at least 4 types of axon terminal forming synaptic contacts with the 'lymphatic vessel-associated neurons' (LV-AN) were identified. The sources of origin of these terminals remains uncertain although it is speculated that they may be derived from vagal efferents or of intrinsic origin from the neighbouring neurons. All the LV-AN showed AChE and NSE positive reactions, but only a varying number were positive for VIP, SP, SOM, ENK, CGRP, CCK or NPY. The LV-AN were labelled with fluorogold injected i.p.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Severe sensory and sympathetic deficits in mice lacking neurotrophin-3

During development, neurotrophins help shape the nervous system by regulating neuronal survival and differentiation. Neurotrophin-3 (refs 1-5) is the most abundant neurotrophin during early development. Neurons responsive to neurotrophin-3 in vitro include primary sensory, sympathetic, motor, enteric, locus coeruleus, hippocampal and cerebellar neurons (ref. 9 for example). Here we report that mice lacking neurotrophin-3 have severe deficits in sensory and sympathetic populations. These mice lack muscle spindles and show abnormal limb positions. In contrast, motor neurons, the enteric nervous system, and the major anatomical regions of the central nervous system seem to develop normally. Comparisons with mutants deficient in other neurotrophins or their receptors indicate that some neurons require more than one neurotrophin during embryogenesis and suggest that neurotrophin-3 functions by binding receptors in addition to its primary receptor trkC (ref. 16). In particular, neurotrophin-3 is essential for survival of sympathetic and sensory neurons that later become dependent on nerve growth factor or brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

[Study on the biocompatibility of commonly used root canal filling materials]

The biocompatibility of commonly used four endodontic sealers and three brands of gutta-percha was studied by cell attachment experiment in vitro and SEM technique.The results indicated that all the materials tested had significant cytotoxicity.Clinically,in order to avoid irritrating periapical tissue mechanically and reduce cytotoxicity,overfilling should be avoided when possible.

Removal of intracanal obstructions with ultrasound. Analysis of 206 cases

Intracanal obstructions were removed with ultrasound in 206 cases, with a success rate of 97.08%. Six cases (2.92%) failed owing to broken endodontic instruments at the apical third or in the curved and fine canals. The success rate of retrieval of casting post-core or other foreign objects was 100%. Our experience proves that ultrasonic technique is more effective and safer than any other methods for the removal of intracanal obstructions.

[Removal of intracanal obstructions with ultrasound (an analysis of 206 cases)]

The experience of removing intracanal obstructions with ultrasound in 206 cases from Sept. 1987 to June 1993 was reported. Removal rate was 97.08% (200/206). Six cases failed (2.92%), due to broken endodontic instruments at the apical third or in the curved and fine canals. The success rate of retrieval of casting post-core or other foreign objects was 100%. Our experience proves that ultrasonic technique is more effective and safer than any other methods for removal of intracanal obstructions.

[Study on the apical sealability of warm lateral condensation techniques]

An apical leakage test and a visible light spectrophotmetric analysis were performed to compare the apical sealability of warm lateral condensation and conventional lateral condensation techniques.The results showed that warm lateral with sealer delivered best sealability.It was superior to warm lateral without sealer(P<0.05) and conventional lateral condensation technique(P<0.01).Because of its inconvenient operation causing by native-made putta-percha,it is difficult to use warm lateral condensation technique widely in our country.

A single isocenter three-field breast irradiation technique using an empiric simulation and asymmetric collimator

The treatment of abutting fields presents multiple difficulties, including problems of field overlaps or gaps, complexity of simulation, and the difficulties of daily setup and variation. Multiple techniques have been described for the treatment of the breast/chest wall and supraclavicular nodes using tangents and a matched supraclavicular field. The techniques described have used collimator angles, couch angles, and/or corner blocks in an attempt to match these fields with no overlap or gap. Some of these techniques required complex calculations or treatment devices to achieve a geometric match between fields. We describe a technique for treatment of breast and supraclavicular nodes that uses a single isocenter and requires asymmetric collimator jaws to give half-blocked fields. The simulation and setup are done empirically, with no complex calculations required. The daily setup and treatment can be done rapidly and reliably, with no extra equipment required. Custom blocks may be used to conform to the chest wall contour and decrease the amount of lung in the treatment fields.

Variation of haemorheological parameters in renal and pancreatic rejection

Abnormalities of haemorheology were found in animal and human recipients of kidney and/or pancreas allografts during rejection episodes. Thirteen diabetic canines received solitary pancreatic transplantation and another 13 diabetic and uremic canines underwent combined pancreas and kidney transplantation. Determination of haemorheological parameters was performed before and after operation respectively. During rejection episodes of kidney or pancreas allografts, the values of plasma viscosity, blood reductive viscosity and fibrinogen were significantly higher than those without rejection. On the basis of animal experiments, the determination of haemorheological parameters had been performed on 33 patients (30 receiving renal transplant, 2 pancreatic transplant alone and the remaining 1 combined renal and pancreatic transplant). Consecutive monitoring on these patients showed that a rise in the values of plasma viscosity, blood reductive viscosity and fibrinogen could be demonstrated during rejection episodes. The changes appeared one to three days prior to clinical manifestations and were in accordance with the termination of rejection. Our studies suggest that variation of haemorheological parameters are associated with rejection and the abnormal haemorheology may be an essential factor contributing to graft dysfunction. Moreover, the use of these assays will be beneficial to early diagnosis and better management of rejection in the future.

[140 cases of acute leukemia caused by bimolane]

The cooperative group included 18 provincial and district hospitals. A retrospective study was carried out on 140 cases of therapy related leukemia (TRL) caused by bimolane (BML) for psoriasis from 1984 to 1992. This series of BML-TRL consists of 90 male and 50 female patients. 87.1% of them were from 20 to 50 years old. Annual incidence varied from 4 to 24 cases, and was maintained at this level through the period from 1986 to 1991 without any declining tendency. The average time interval between BML administration and diagnosis of leukemia was 46 months. 138 cases were diagnosed as ANLL and 2 cases were suspected of having ALL. Subtype frequency was shown as follows: M3 > M2 > M5 > M4 > M1 > M6. 67.1% of the patients had a low peripheral white blood cell counts (< 5 x 10(9)/L). 116 patients received chemotherapy. A 26.7% remission rate was obtained with 18.1% complete remission and 8.6% partial remission. A 115 day median survival was calculated through a follow up survey of 95 patients. Finally, we concluded that: (1) This has been the largest group of non-cancer-therapy-related-leukemia patients ever reported. This type of leukemia is characterized by a shorter latent period, higher remission rate less incidence of myelodysplastic syndrome and more frequent occurrence of leukopenia, as compared with other types of TRL. BML is supposed to be a strong leukemia-causing cytotoxic agent. Use of this drug in psoriasis and other benign diseases is not recommended.

[Immunohistochemical study and evaluation of histogenesis of cardiac myxoma]

In this paper are presented the results of immunohistochemical study of 52 cardiac myxomas, including 2 with glandular structures, and the histogenesis of cardiac myxoma is discussed. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that in all these cases, myxoma cells were positive for vimentin and negative for factor VIII, desmin and actin. In 5 cases, myxoma cells were positive for S-100 protein. The 2 cases with glandular structure were positive for CEA, EMA and Cytokeratin. Histochemical staining showed that PAS AB (pH 1.0), PAS AB (pH 2.5) and HID AB were positive with the glandular elements. The results suggest that cardiac myxomas may be derived from "embryonal rests" and that the glandular structure may originate from entrapped primitive gut rests.

Relative bioavailability of L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate in broiler chickens

Broiler chick diets and drinking water were supplemented with two sources of vitamin C: crystalline L-ascorbic acid (AsA) or L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (APP) to provide 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1,600, and 3,200 ppm (mg/kg) AsA. The bioavailability of APP relative to AsA, as estimated by the change in plasma AsA concentration, was evaluated during 24-h periods of supplementation. When provided in the feed, no differences in dietary AsA content were attributed to vitamin source. In contrast, APP administration at 25 and 50 ppm, resulted in higher (P < .001) AsA values in drinking water when compared with AsA supplementation. Plasma AsA values were elevated (P < .05) above baseline when either AsA or APP were supplemented in the feed or water at a level of 400 ppm or greater. Plasma AsA concentrations, following supplementation of the diets, were higher (P < .05) in AsA-treated (800 ppm) chicks when compared with APP-supplemented chicks. During water supplementation, AsA (800 ppm) and APP (3,200 ppm) administration resulted in higher plasma AsA values when compared with their alternate vitamin source. At all other levels of water supplementation, no differences in plasma AsA were associated with vitamin source. The absence of a consistent difference in plasma AsA, relative to vitamin source, suggests that the isolated differences observed may be due to chance. It was concluded that APP was of similar bioavailability to that of AsA, as estimated by the ability to elevate plasma AsA concentrations in broiler chicks.

[Effect of stimulation of gigantocellulars reticular nucleus on the spontaneous and evoked activities of cerebellar Purkinje cells in the rat]

In anesthetized and paralyzed rats, the effect of stimulation of Gigantocellulars Reticular Nucleus (Gi) on spontaneous and evoked simple spike discharges of cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) was examined. The result were as follows: (1) Stimulation of Gi elicited either inhibitory or excitatory effect on spontaneous simple spikes of PCs with latency less than 20 ms, being inhibitory in the most cases. The inhibitory responses lasted for 40-100 ms, while the excitatory ones were sometimes longer than 200 ms; (2) Injection of 5-HT2 receptor antagonist methysergide could reversibly attenuate or block the inhibitory effect of Gi stimulation on spontaneous simple spike discharges of PCs; (3) The evoked simple spike responses of PCs elicited by stimulating the contralateral cerebral sensorimotor cortex could be markedly suppressed or potentiated by the conditioning Gi stimulation. The results demonstrated that Gi-cerebellar pathways exists, with some fibers being serotonergic. Gi-cerebellar afferent fibers may have certain modulatory effects on PCs through synaptic and/or non-classical chemical synaptic transmission. The Gi-cerebellar afferent fiber projection may play important roles in some cerebellar functions, such as regulating myotonia and posture.

Polymorphic cDNAs encode for the methionine-rich storage protein from Manduca sexta

By cDNA cloning and sequencing we have shown that Manduca sexta larvae produce three very closely related methionine-rich storage proteins, MMR1, MMR2 and MMR3. Out of 2256 nucleotides in the coding region, the cDNAs differ by at most twenty-one bases and this leads to a single amino acid difference between MMR1 and MMR2, and between MMR2 and MMR3, whereas MMR1 and MMR3 differ by two amino acids. Using both distance and parsimony methods, similarities between the M. sexta and Bombyx mori methionine-rich and arylphorin storage proteins were examined. Homologous proteins from the two species tend to be more closely related than are the two classes of storage proteins in a single species.

Location of myocardial infarction and its surface cardioelectric representation. An experimental study

In order to explore the relationship between the different location of myocardial infarction (MI) and reflections of pathognomonic Q potentials on the body surface, an experimental study was carried out in 28 dogs. The results were (1) in 27 of a total 28 dogs after MI formation, abnormal Q maps appeared; (2) right ventricular MI, posterior wall MI and some lateral and apical MI are prone to miss abnormal Q potentials in the conventional 12-lead ECG; and (3) the MI location and relative size diagnosed through electrocardiographic peak mapping (EPM) correlated to acute MI in dog ventricles fairly well. The unexpected Q map reflections of right ventricular MI provide new clues for improving our automatic diagnosis system after further correlative studies. The results strongly support the feasibility of the application of EPM in clinical diagnosis.

Effects of gender and age on thixotropic properties of whole blood from healthy adult subjects

The thixotropic parameters of whole blood from 314 healthy subjects (154 women, 160 men) were measured with our modified method by Low shear 30 Rheometer and calculated according Huang's equation. This communication offered the reference range of thixotropic parameters from man and woman group. The results demonstrated that no significant differences existed in the plasma viscosity and fibrinogen between man and woman group. Man group had statistically higher values in HCT, yield stress (tau 0), Newtonian contribution of viscosity (mu), non-Newtonian contribution of viscosity (eta s--mu), apparent viscosity at 2.37 sec-1 (eta s), the equilibrium value of the structural parameter (A) and apparent kinetic rate constant of rouleaux breakdown (ARC) than those in woman group. The man and woman groups could be separately divided into five subgroups in terms of age. It was found that the levels of fibrinogen and plasma viscosity had a tendency of increasing with aging. In the old subgroup (greater than 60 years) of men and women HCT, tau v, mu, eta s, (eta s--mu) and A had significant lower values than those in young and middle-age subgroups. However, it was very interested that there were differences of ARC versus age between man group and woman group, i.e. ARC in the man subgroup II, IV had lower and the woman subgroup II, III, IV had higher values than their respective older subgroup did.

[Pharmacokinetics of sodium selenite in human body at different levels of selenium]

Twelve health adults (6 M, 6 F) from the endemic area of Keshan disease and Kaschin-Beck's disease and 12 adults from nonaffected area were administered a single oral dose of 4 mg sodium selenite. Selenium in whole blood was determined by fluorescence spectrometry. Their basic levels of blood selenium were 64 +/- 16 and 220 +/- 20 ng.ml-1, respectively. The concentration-time data were treated by a computer with program 3P87, which revealed 2-compartment models with first order absorption and lag time. The pharmacokinetic parameters of low-Se group were T1/2g 1.8 +/- 0.6h, T1/2g 72 +/- 18 h, T1/2ka 3.2 +/- 1.8h, AUC 3,100 +/- 500 ng.h.ml-1, CL 32 +/- 7 ml.kg-1.h-1, Vc 1.45 +/- 0.19 L.kg-1, Tp 6.1 +/- 2.0 h, Cp 36 +/- 4 ng.ml-1, AUMC (S1) 130 +/- 26, VRT 174 +/- 17 h, MRT 55 +/- 4 h, and of normal-Se group were T1/2 3.4 +/- 0.7h, T1/2g 14 +/- 3 h. T1/2ka 2.3 +/- 0.6, AUC 1,420 +/- 210 ng.h.ml-1, Cl 57 +/- 7 ml.kg-1. h-1, Vc 0.54 +/- 0.09 L.kg-1, Tp 4.6 +/- 0.9h, Cp 75 +/- 5 ng.ml-1, AUMC (S1) 25 +/- 5, VRT 16 +/- 3 h, MRT 16.1 +/- 1.5 h.

Simultaneous pancreaticoduodenal and renal transplantation in one diabetic patient with end-stage renal disease

The diabetic patient with renal failure underwent simultaneous pancreaticoduodenal and renal transplantation. Duodeno-cystostomy was performed for the drainage of exocrine secretion. Immediately after grafting, the pancreatic and the renal graft regained normal function, and there was no operative complication whatever. The patient had functioning pancreatic graft and became insulin-independent for more than 3 months, although two transplanted kidneys were rejected. Immunosuppression consisted of cyclosporine A, azathioprine and prednisone. Our results suggest that hemorrheological parameters may serve as early indicators of acute rejection and be used to estimate the efficacy of anti-rejection and anti-coagulation therapy.

Laparotomy ovum pick-up and ultrasonic transvaginal ovum retrieval in an IVF program

Different methods of ovum pick-up were used in an IVF program from January 1, 1988 to January 31, 1989. In the initial stage of the program, laparotomy ovum pick-up with surgical treatment of pelvic diseases resulted in two cases of clinical pregnancy in 1987 with full-term delivery of two healthy babies. Transvaginal ovum pick-up with a needle using an ultrasonic endovaginal transducer was started in late 1987. In 1988-1989 the transvaginal method was employed more frequently than laparotomy, and it has become a routine practice in the IVF program. The ultrasonic endovaginal approach seemed to give a low ovum recovery rate (70.99%), but the fertilization rate was high (85.10%, P less than 0.05), and the rate of embryo transfer was 89.33%. The average number of pre-embryo per transfer was 2.26. These figures were quite similar in the two groups. The ultrasonic transvaginal approach for egg retrieval was noninvasive, easily accepted by patients. We suggest that it can be done repeatedly on one patient to improve the cumulative pregnancy rate. However, the laparotomy for ovum pick-up has shown some special merits and is still indicated in some cases.

Participation of phosphoinositides in gastric mucosal protection by colloidal bismuth subcitrate against ethanol-induced injury

The mechanism of gastric mucosal protection by an antiulcer agent, colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS), against ethanol-induced injury was investigated using in vivo and in vitro systems. The experiments in vivo were conducted with groups of rats with and without indomethacin pretreatment, and the animals received either a dose of CBS (100 mg/kg) or a vehicle (saline), followed 30 min later by ethanol. In the in vitro studies, gastric mucosa segments were cultured in the presence of CBS, ethanol, or both. The results of in vivo experiments revealed that in the absence of CBS, ethanol caused extensive gastric hemorrhagic lesions which were significantly reduced following CBS pretreatment and this effect of CBS was not prevented by indomethacin. The data obtained with gastric mucosal culture established that in comparison to the controls, ethanol caused a 27% decrease in mucin synthesis, while mucin synthesis in the presence of CBS increased by 48%. The increase in mucin synthesis evoked by CBS was accompanied by the enhanced metabolism of mucosal phosphoinositides, as reflected by a decrease in PI (15%) and PIP2 (30%), and an increase in IP1 (26%) and IP3 (67%). In contrast, ethanol, which exhibited detrimental effect on mucin synthesis, caused a decrease in PIP (35%), IP2 (47%) and IP3 (38%), and an increase in PIP2 (80%), and IP1 (51%). However, when the mucosal culture was carried out in the presence of both CBS and ethanol, the detrimental changes evoked by ethanol on mucin synthesis were prevented, and the phosphoinositide and inositide phosphate distribution patterns were quite similar to those in the mucosa cultured in the presence of CBS only.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Pharmacokinetic study of sodium selenite in low-selenium rabbits]

Sodium selenite has been used for prevention and treatment of Keshan disease and Kaschin-Beck's disease. The efficacious dosage regimens of sodium selenite in low-Se human body have not been clear. A single iv or ig of sodium selenite 2.0 mg/kg was given to rabbits. Selenium in whole blood was determined fluorophotomerically. The concentration-time curve following a single iv of sodium selenite in rabbits was found to be of 3-compartment open model. The pharmacokinetic parameters were: T1/2 x 0.11 +/- 0.03 h, T1/2 alpha 6.8 +/- 2.8 h, T1/2 beta 215 +/- 35 h, Vc 0.50 +/- 0.07 L/kg, Cl 19 +/- 5 ml/(kg.h), AUC 146 +/- 26 mg.h/L. The concentration-time curve following a single ig of sodium selenite showed a pattern of 2-compartment open model. The parameters were: T1/2 kappa a 13 +/- 6 h, T1/2 alpha 3.6 +/- 1.9 h, T1/2 beta 338 +/- 107 h, Vc 2.9 +/- 1.3 L/kg, AUC 78 +/- 29 mg.h/L, Cl 27 +/- 11 ml/(kg.h). In low-Se rabbits the distribution in body was more rapid and more extensive, and the bioavailability was higher than that in normal-Se rabbits. Therefore, attention should be paid to the different levels of selenium during therapy with sodium selenite.

New technique for treating pseudocyst of the auricle

Although pseudocyst of the auricle is a common disease in China, its cause and mechanism are still not clear. Several methods of treatment have been advocated: repeated aspirations combined with physiotherapy, and incision and drainage with contour pressure dressing, magnetotherapy etc. In recent years, a new technique with a drainage tube inserted into the pseudocyst using a guide needle has been used in our hospital in the treatment of this condition. We report 45 cases treated by this method, none of whom had the condition previously.

[Research on thixotropic parameters of whole blood from Chinese adult subjects]

This study measured the thixotropic parameters of whole blood from 314 healthy subjects (154 women, 160 men) with our modified method by Low Shear-30 Rheometer according to Huang's equation. We suggested the range of normal values of thixotropic parameters from man and woman group. The results demonstrated that no significant differences existed in the plasma viscosity (eta p) and fibrinogen between man and woman group. Man group had significantly higher values than those in woman group in hematocrit (HCT), yield stress (tau 0), Newtonian contribution of viscosity (mu), non-Newtonion contribution of viscosity (eta s-mu), apparent viscosity at 2.37s-1 (eta s), the equilibrium value of the structural parameter (A) and apparent kinetic rate constant of rouleaux breakdown (ARC). The man and woman groups could be separately divided into five subgroups on the basis of age. All parameters were compared with one another and treated statistically. We found that the levels of fibrinogen and eta p had an increasing trend with aging. In the old subgroup (greater than or equal to 60 years) of man and woman, HCT, tau 0, mu, eta s, (eta s-mu) and A had significantly lower values than those in young and middle age subgroups. However, it was very interesting that there were differences of ARC versus age between the man and woman groups, i.e., ARC in the man subgroup 3, 4 had lower values and in the woman subgroup 2, 3, 4 had higher values than their respective older subgroups did.

Clinical significance of hemorrheological parameters in patients with renal transplantation

Hemorrheological studies carried out on 14 recipients of cadaveric kidney transplant regularly before and after transplantation showed very significant differences in plasma viscosity in the period of stable function after successfully transplanted kidney, dialysis before transplantation, and renal rejection (P less than 0.001). Significant difference was observed in fibrinogen level in cases with stable normal function and rejection (P less than 0.05). Significant positive correlation was found between plasma viscosity and fibrinogen level in patients on dialysis as well as after transplantation. The results in this series showed that abnormal changes in hemorrheology respond to the development of rejection episode and deterioration of renal function in patients after receiving cadaveric renal allografts.

cDNA and gene sequence of Manduca sexta arylphorin, an aromatic amino acid-rich larval serum protein. Homology to arthropod hemocyanins

The serum (storage) proteins produced by insect larvae at the end of the feeding cycle are hexameric blood proteins with one or more type of subunits. The cDNA and gene structure of the aromatic amino acid-rich larval serum protein arylphorin from the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, has been determined. In M. sexta arylphorin there are two subunits alpha and beta, which have 686 and 687 amino acids, respectively, and whose amino acid sequences are 68% identical. The two genes, separated by 7.1 kilobases of chromosomal DNA, are transcribed in the same direction. Based on the alignment of the amino acid sequence, the rate of nucleotide substitution between the two coding regions predicts that the two genes diverged about 100 million years ago. Both genes contain 5 exons and the upstream region contains a sequence, TGATAAA, which is similar to a sequence found in all other storage protein genes for which information is available. When the National Biomedical Research Foundation protein sequence data base was searched, it was found that the arylphorin subunits showed significant similarity to the arthropod hemocyanins, which are hexameric oxygen-carrying proteins. Based on the alignment of the sequence of M. sexta arylphorin and the hemocyanin from the spiny lobster (Panulirus interruptus), for which a 3.2 A structure has been determined, it was observed that the highest concentration of conserved residues were found in those regions of the sequence which are involved in subunit interactions in the hexameric protein. It is suggested that the insect storage proteins and the arthropod hemocyanins have evolved from a common ancestor.

Phosphorylation of highly purified growth hormone receptors by a growth hormone receptor-associated tyrosine kinase

We have shown previously that growth hormone (GH) promotes the phosphorylation of its receptor on tyrosyl residues (Foster, C. M., Shafer, J. A., Rozsa, F. W., Wang, X., Lewis, S. D., Renken, D. A., Natale, J. E., Schwartz, J., and Carter-Su, C. (1988) Biochemistry 27, 326-334). In the present study, we investigated the possibility that a tyrosine kinase is specifically associated with the GH receptor. GH-receptor complexes were first partially purified from GH-treated 3T3-F442A fibroblasts, a GH-responsive cell, by immunoprecipitation using anti-GH antiserum. 35S-Labeled proteins of Mr = 105,000-125,000 were observed in the immunoprecipitate from GH-treated cells labeled metabolically with 35S-amino-acids. These proteins were not observed in immunoprecipitates from cells not exposed to GH or when non-immune serum replaced the anti-GH antiserum, consistent with the proteins being GH receptors. GH receptors appeared to be phosphorylated, as evidenced by the presence of 32P-labeled bands, comigrating with the 105-125 kDa 35S-labeled proteins, in the immunoprecipitate of GH-treated cells labeled metabolically with [32P]Pi. When partially purified GH receptor preparation was incubated with [gamma-32P]ATP (7-15 microM) for 10 min at 30 degrees C in the presence of MnCl2, a protein of Mr = 121,000 was phosphorylated exclusively on tyrosyl residues. As expected for the GH receptor, this protein was not observed in immunoprecipitates when cells had not been treated with GH nor when non-immune serum replaced the anti-GH antiserum. GH-receptor complexes were also purified to near homogeneity by sequential immunoprecipitation with phosphotyrosyl-binding antibody followed by anti-GH antiserum. When cells were labeled metabolically with 35S-amino acids, the 35S label migrated almost exclusively as an Mr = 105,000-125,000 protein. This protein also incorporated 32P into tyrosyl residues when incubated in solution with [gamma-32P]ATP. These results show that highly purified GH receptor preparations undergo tyrosyl phosphorylation, suggesting that either the GH receptor itself is a tyrosine kinase or is tightly associated with a tyrosine kinase.

[The finite element analysis of the bicuspid and molar of mandible]

Recently, the finite element method has been adopted in the study of tooth structure as well as the stress distribution of dental prosthesis. In order to understand the loading state of the supporting tissues and the stress distribution of the teeth in various shapes under the pressure of loading, the author of this essay has applied the two-dimensional finite element method to the study of the stress distribution of the periodontal supporting tissues at the time when the second bicuspid and the second molar are vertically and obliquely loaded. Finally, the results of the quantitative analysis are obtained and a curve of the stress distribution of the teeth is also drawn up. The conclusion is as follows: 1. When the vertical loading is applied to the occlusal surface of the bicuspid and molar, the stress distribution of periodontal supporting tissues is uniform. 2. The stress concentration is on the marginal ridge and thedistal apex of bicuspid under the oblique loading. 3. When the oblique loading is applied to the occlusal surface of the molar, the stress concentration is only on the marginal ridge, and it is small.

The nucleotide sequence of a microvitellogenin encoding gene from the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta

A microvitellogenin (mVg)-coding gene (mvg) has been isolated from a lambda phage library prepared from the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. One of the lambda clones had a 15-kb insert and contained the entire mvg gene. A DNA fragment (3.0 kb) containing this mvg gene has been sequenced. Southern blot analysis showed that there may be more than one mvg gene in M. sexta. The putative transcriptional start point (tsp) for the cloned mvg was determined by primer extension analysis. This gene contains a single intron in the 5'-noncoding region. The 5'-flanking sequence was compared to the 5'-conserved regions of yolk polypeptide-encoding genes (yp) of Drosophila melanogaster. Two regions were found in the 5'-flanking sequence of the mvg gene that have 66% similarity to the D. melanogaster yp consensus sequence that is believed to be involved in gene expression controlled by ecdysteroids. Furthermore, the sequences flanking these two regions are also similar to the ecdysone-responsive elements found in several genes of D. melanogaster. In fact, preliminary experiments showed that mVg mRNA synthesis is induced by the 20-hydroxyecdysone. Four regions of the mvg gene resemble the upstream conserved regions of the two vitellogenin-encoding genes of the locust, Locusta migratoria. The nucleotide sequence of mvg has 70% similarity to the sequence of one or more of the 30-kDa hemolymph proteins of Bombyx mori. This indicates a very close evolutionary relationship between these proteins.

[Female infertility due to tubal obstruction--management and clinicopathologic study of 66 cases]

Sixty-six cases of female infertility due to obstruction of fallopian tubes from December 1984 to June 1988 were analysed. A discrepancy of 28.8% existed between hysterosalpingography and operative findings, e. g. X-ray revealed blocked tubes, but during operation the tubes were found to be patent. The abnormal and marked tortuosity giving rise to resistance to the passage of oil at the ampullar portion of tubes in the majority of cases may be the explanation. Pathological examination of 48 specimens revealed the chief cause of obstruction was nonspecific infection (50.0%). The next tuberculous infection (31.3%). The third isthmic nodular salpingitis (6.25%) and the fourth endometriosis (4.2%). Operative procedures were done for the purpose of ovum pick-up and to treat the diseased tubes. Three cases of clinical pregnancy as the result of intra-operative ovum pick-up in a program of IVF/ET occurred after 1987 when our IVF technology gradually improved. This result suggests that operation on the tubes did not jeopardize the process of implantation. Among the 14 cases followed up for more than one year 3 cases became pregnant. Operations to relax and straighten up the tortuous part of the tubes or instillation of fluid into the tubes and transplantation of the healthy tube into the single horn uterus were effective. To do an anastomosis on the chronically inflamed and thickened tubes was not helpful.

Pancreatic digestive enzyme gene expression: effects of CCK and soybean trypsin inhibitor

Regulation of pancreatic gene expression by cholecystokinin (CCK) was examined in the rat using cloned cDNA probes to quantify changes in specific mRNAs (amylase, trypsinogen I, chymotrypsinogen B, and ribonuclease). Rats were administered intraduodenally an elemental liquid diet. Plasma CCK levels were raised to levels comparable to physiological postprandial levels either by intraduodenal perfusion with soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI) (6.9 +/- 1.0 pM, n = 8) or by continuous intravenous infusion with cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8, 6.0 +/- 0.9 pM, n = 6). SBTI infusion resulted in fivefold increases in trypsinogen I and chymotrypsinogen B mRNA levels after 48 h. In contrast SBTI infusion had no effect on amylase mRNA levels and led to a decrease in ribonuclease mRNA levels to approximately 50% of control after 48 h. Intravenous infusion with CCK-8 for 24 h resulted in plasma levels of CCK comparable to those obtained with SBTI and had similar effects on digestive enzyme mRNA levels. These data suggested that SBTI acted via its ability to raise plasma CCK levels. To further test the specificity of these effects, animals were infused intraduodenally with the specific CCK receptor antagonist L364,718. Although the antagonist itself had no effect on digestive enzyme mRNA levels, antagonist treatment totally abolished the effects of both CCK infusion and SBTI treatment. These data therefore indicate that CCK regulates digestive enzyme gene expression at plasma concentrations comparable to physiological postprandial levels. Furthermore, the ability of SBTI infusion to increase plasma CCK accounts for its effects on pancreatic digestive enzyme mRNA levels.