[Influence of substituents on IR spectrum of aromatic amines in different solvents]

The 21 aromatic amines in different solvents are studied by FTIR, and the influence of substituents on the vibrational absorption, symmetric stretching frequency(nu s) and anti-symmetric stretching frequency(nu as) is investigated. The substituent of methyl has different electrical effects in organic solvent with various polarities. The electric effects of methoxy in ortho-position differ from that in meso-position. The functional groups of chloro- and nitro-cause the nu as and nu s of amino group a hyposochromic shift, while substituent of-NH2 makes the nu as and nu s of amino group a bathochromic shift.

[Effects of antisense human telomerase RNA on growth of human gastric cancer cells]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the inhibitory effects of antisense human telomerase RNA (hTR) on growth of human gastric cancer cells.

METHODS

SGC7901 cell line was transfected with antisense hTR expression vector (pBBS-hTR) by lipofectAMINE. The gene transfected cells were cultured in vitro and then inoculated into nude mice.

RESULTS

Antisense hTR expression was enhanced and sense hTR expression inhibited in clones containing antisense hTR after hygromycin resistant selection which induced tumor cells apoptosis. The growth rate of the major gene transfected cells in culture and tumorigenesis of the transfected cells in nude mice were significantly reduced in comparison with those of controls. The survival time of nude mice inoculated with the gene transfected cells was markedly prolonged when compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The malignant proliferation of gastric cancer cell can be reversed by antisense hTR induced cell apoptosis. Thus antisense hTR may serve as a potential therapeutic approach to the treatment of human cancer.

Effects of acute and chronic coingestion of AlCl3 with citrate or polyphenolic acids on tissue retention and distribution of aluminum in rats

Aluminum (Al) is toxic to certain biological systems and has been implicated as a neurotoxic agent in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Intestinal absorption of Al is very low (0.1%), but many organic dietary components are potential chelators of Al and may enhance its absorption and tissue distribution. We examined the effects of acute and chronic coingestion of AlCl3 with different polyphenolic acids on Al retention and compared to citrate in rats. In experiment 1, animals fasted for 14 h were dosed orally with demineralized water, Al chloride, Al chloride plus sodium citrate, or Al chloride plus a polyphenol acid. Blood samples were taken before and 2 h after the gavage and animals were killed 6 h later. In experiment 2, the rats were adapted on a purified diet for 1 wk and received the following for 4 wk in their experimental diets: AlCl3, except group 1, plus citrate or a polyphenol acid, except groups 1 and 2. Animals were killed and blood and tissues were sampled. In experiment 1, citrate highly enhanced Al absorption and its tissue retention. Gallic and chlorogenic acids significantly increased tibia and kidney Al levels compared to the Al group. In experiment 2, Al levels in the urine were significantly increased in all the Al groups compared to the control group. Significantly higher Al levels in the tibia, kidney, and brain were observed in the citrate group and a significant increase in brain Al level was also noted in the chlorogenic acid group compared to AlCl3 group. This may suggest a possible relation structure-activity of polyphenol acids. However, further studies are necessary to better understand the influence of polyphenol acids on Al metabolism, in particular that of chlorogenic acid.

[Transfer of two large linear plasmids pHZ1000 and pHZ1001 by conjugation from Streptomyces T8-4 to S. lividans ZX1]

Using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), two indigenous large plasmids were isolated from Streptomyces T8-4. Two dimentional PFGE revealed that both plasmids were linear molecules. By parallel electrophoresis with linear plasmids of known sizes, the two linear plasmids were estimated to be approximately 230 kb and 90 kb, which were designated as pHZ1000 and pHZ1001, respectively. Both plasmids could be transferred into S. lividans ZX1 by conjugation, which is detectable by "pock" formation. Five S. lividans ZX1 derivatives which carry one or two plasmids were isolated and characterized by Southern hybridization and PFGE.

Site-directed mutagenesis of the fructose 6-phosphate binding site of the pyrophosphate-dependent phosphofructokinase of Entamoeba histolytica

Attempts to define the active site of pyrophosphate-dependent phosphofructokinase (PPi-PFK) using homology modeling based on the three-dimensional structure of the ATP-dependent PFKs from bacteria have been frustrated by low sequence identity between PPi- and ATP-PFKs in their carboxyl terminal halves. In the current study, alanine scanning mutagenesis of residues in the carboxyl terminal half of the PPi-PFK of Entamoeba histolytica coupled with comparative sequence analysis and computational modeling is used to identify residues that contribute to fructose 6-phosphate (fructose 6-P) binding. Of seven alanine mutants that were generated by site-directed mutagenesis, Arg377, Ser392, Arg405, Lys408, His415, His416, and Arg423, only the last mutant, Arg423Ala, was found to have dramatically lower affinity for fructose 6-P. Mutation of Arg 423 decreased k(cat) by 10,000-fold and decreased apparent affinity for fructose 6-P by 126-fold, while the K(m) for PPi increased only 4-fold. The second greatest effect was seen with Arg377Ala, which had a nearly 10-fold decrease in apparent affinity and an approximate 60-fold decrease in maximal activity. Another residue, Tyr420, was chosen for mutagenesis by its complete identity in all other PPi-PFK. This residue and its homologue in Escherichia coli ATP-PFK, His249, were mutated and shown to be very important for substrate binding in both enzymes.

[Experimental study of shuangcao granule no. 1 on duck hepatitis B virus in ducklings]

OBJECTIVE

To study the in vivo anti-viral effect of a Chinese drug, composite Shuangcao Anti-Jaundice Granule No. 1(SCG-1), on duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV).

METHODS

Guangzhou brown spot ducklings infected with DHBV were used as the hepatitis B animal model, for which, 1-day old ducklings were infected with DHBV. Positive DHBV-DNA in ducklings sera were detected 13 days after the infection, and then SCG-1 was given for 14 days and DHBV-DNA was detected by dot-blot hybridization test.

RESULTS

After medicated with SCG-1 [10 g/(kg.day) and 5 g/(kg.day)] 7 days and 14 days, optic density value (OD value) of DHBV-DNA in ducklings' sera were obviously lower than that before treatment, there was significant difference. But rebound phenomenon appeared in both groups 3 days after stopping medication (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

SCG-1 could inhibit the replication of DHBV-DNA in Guangzhou ducklings.

Oxidized low density lipoprotein inhibited tissue factor pathway inhibitor mRNA expression in human endothelial cells

OBJECTIVE

To understand the role of oxidized low density lipoprotein (OX-LDL) in the pathogenesis of thrombotic complications in atherogenesis.

METHODS

Low density lipoprotein was isolated from normal heparinized blood by density gradient ultracentrifugation and oxidized by CuCl2. Total RNA was extracted from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to LDL or OX-LDL, using the guanidinium isothiocyanate method. The quantification of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) mRNA in HUVECs was carried out by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

HUVECs were able to express TFPI mRNA constitutively. The expression was not affected by LDL but was effectively inhibited by OX-LDL in a time- and dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that oxidized LDL may play an important role in inducing coagulation in atherosclerotic lesions by the inhibition of expression of TFPI in vascular endothelial cells.

[A study on the mechanism of anisodamine against thrombosis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects and the mechanism of Chinese herb anisodamine on PAI-1 expression in LPS stimulated endothelial cells (ECs).

METHODS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured by trypsin digestion method. PAI-1 protein in HUVEC conditioned medium was measured by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and PAI-1 mRNA expression in HUVEC was determined by Northern blot analysis. HUVEC nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) nuclear translocation was assessed by immunocytochemistry technique.

RESULTS

LPS treatment of cultured HUVECs resulted in a significant increase of PAI-1 protein as well as mRNA expression by these cells. However, when HUVECs were incubated with LPS plus anisodamine, the upregulation of PAI-1 by LPS was significantly abated. The expression of PAI-1 protein and mRNA was decreased by 30% and 24% respectively compared with LPS treatment alone. Moreover, anisodamine was able to decrease the basal level of PAI-1 protein and mRNA by 74% and 70% respectively. Furthermore, anisodamine could block LPS induced NF-kappaB of HUVECs nuclear translocation.

CONCLUSION

Anisodamine inhibits both basal and LPS-induced PAI-1 protein as well as mRNA expression in ECs. The inhibition of anisodamine on LPS-induced PAI-1 in ECs may take place via the NF-kappaB pathway.

Measurement and significance of oblique occipital frontal diameter and superior inferior diameter of hepatic left lobulus in patients with hepatic fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

To study the changes and significance of oblique occipital frontal diameter (OFD) and superior inferior diameter (SID) of the hepatic left lobulus in different stages of hepatic fibrosis, and to evaluate the value of corresponding serological examination in the non-invasive diagnosis to hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis.

METHODS

Seventy-two patients with chronic hepatitis were confirmed by biopsy. OFD and SID of the hepatic left lobulus were measured by type B ultrasonic flaw detector. Serum levels of hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), type IV collagen (CIV) and type III procollagen (PCIII) were measured by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

SID of the hepatic left lobulus in S(4) stage was 5.7cmA1.5cm, significantly shorter than the values of 7.7cmA1.4 cm in S(0) stage. OFD of the hepatic left lobulus was longer in S(4) stage than S(0) stage, but the difference didn't reach statistical significance. Serum levels of HA, LN,CIV, and PCIII elevated as the increase of fibrosis. HA and PCIII increased to 273.4mug/LA131.3mug/L and 167. 4mug/LA48.1mug/L in S3 stage from 66.2mug/LA35.0mug/L and 103. 4mug/LA23.8mug/L in S(0) stage.

CONCLUSION

Changes in of SID and OFD of the hepatic left lobulus and serum levels of HA and PCIII may indicate indirectly mid-late hepatic fibrosis or early cirrhosis.

[Zinc protective effects on pig retinal pigment epithelial cell damage of lipid peroxide induced by 2450 MHz microwave]

To observe the lipid peroxide damage in the cultured pig retinal pigment epithelial cell(RPE) induced by microwave and the protective effects by zinc (Zn). RPE cells were divided into 3 groups in terms of microwave intensity(the group of 10, 20 and 30 mW.cm-2) and each group was exposed to microwave for 1 hour. After adding ZnSO4 into DMEM culture fluid, the group of 30 mW.cm-2 was exposed to microwave. The activity of SOD and the content of MDA were measured. The results showed that the activity of SOD decreased significantly compared with the control group(P < 0.001). The content of MDA increased significantly compared with the control group(P < 0.001). Administration of Zn alleviated the increase of MDA and decrease of SOD. In the experiment, 2450 MHz microwave induces the lipid peroxide damage in RPE cells. Zn can enhance the antioxidation ability of cells and alleviate the damage to some extent.

Replacement vectors for localized gene cloning in the specified region of Streptomyces lividans 66 and model method for the screening of desired recombinants via counter-selection

Two DNA fragments (3.5 kb and 3.8 kb in size) flanking both ends of the phi HAU3R gene in the genome of Streptomyces lividans 66 were determined and cloned in their natural relative orientations in pIJ653, a cosmid vector derived from the multi-copy Streptomyces plasmid pIJ101, resulting in pHZ806. After insertion of spectinomycin/streptomycin (spc/str) resistance gene into the pIJ101 replication region in pHZ806 and insertion of a hygromycin (hyg) resistance gene between 3.5 kb and 3.8 kb DNA fragments, a new vector with a non-functional Streptomyces replicon, pHZ808, was obtained. In principle, any DNA fragment cloned between 3.5 kb and 3.8 kb fragments of this vector can be stably integrated between the two corresponding regions after introduction into the wild-type S.lividans strains, with synchronous replacement of the DNA between the two regions of the chromosome within which phi HAU3R gene is located. The resultant recombinant strains will thus become phi HAU3-sensitive (phi HAU3S). This phenotype could serve as a good indication that the desired gene replacement has occurred. This principle was demonstrated to be successful using pHZ808 as vector. phi HAU3-resistance gene (phi HAU3R) from the genome of S.lividans 66 was substituted by the hygromycin resistance gene (hyg) from pHZ808. An additional advantage of using pHZ808 as the vector to clone foreign genes is that hyg could be served as a reportor gene to imply that foreign DNA fragment has been co-integrated with hyg. The recombinants will have both hygR and phi HAU3S.

The genome sequence of Drosophila melanogaster

The fly Drosophila melanogaster is one of the most intensively studied organisms in biology and serves as a model system for the investigation of many developmental and cellular processes common to higher eukaryotes, including humans. We have determined the nucleotide sequence of nearly all of the approximately 120-megabase euchromatic portion of the Drosophila genome using a whole-genome shotgun sequencing strategy supported by extensive clone-based sequence and a high-quality bacterial artificial chromosome physical map. Efforts are under way to close the remaining gaps; however, the sequence is of sufficient accuracy and contiguity to be declared substantially complete and to support an initial analysis of genome structure and preliminary gene annotation and interpretation. The genome encodes approximately 13,600 genes, somewhat fewer than the smaller Caenorhabditis elegans genome, but with comparable functional diversity.

Population-based, case-control study of HER2 genetic polymorphism and breast cancer risk

BACKGROUND

Alterations of the HER2 (also known as erbB-2 or neu) proto-oncogene have been implicated in the carcinogenesis and prognosis of breast cancer. A polymorphism at codon 655 (GTC/valine to ATC /isoleucine [Val(655)Ile]) in the transmembrane domain-coding region of this gene has been identified and may be associated with the risk of breast cancer. We evaluated this hypothesis in a subgroup of women who participated in a large-scale, population-based, case-control study of breast cancer in Shanghai, China.

METHODS

Genomic DNA from 339 patients with breast cancer and 361 healthy control subjects was examined for the Val(655)Ile polymorphism with a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-length polymorphism-based assay. All study subjects completed a structured questionnaire during an in-person interview. All P values are from two-sided tests.

RESULTS

We found that 25.1% of the case patients and 21.7% of the control subjects were heterozygous for the Val allele and 3.2% of the case patients and 0. 3% of the control subjects were homozygous for this allele (P =.005). Compared with women with the Ile/Ile genotype, women who had the Ile/Val or Val/Val genotype had an elevated risk of breast cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0-2.0; P =. 05) after adjustment for age, educational level, study period, history of breast fibroadenoma, leisure physical activity, and age at first live birth. The risk was elevated even more among women who were homozygous for the Val allele (OR = 14.1; 95% CI = 1.8-113.4). The association was more pronounced among younger women (</=45 years) than among older women (>45 years). The adjusted OR associated with the Val allele was 1.7 (95% CI = 1.1-2.6) for younger women and 1.0 (95% CI = 0.5-1.9) for older women.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this study suggest that polymorphisms of the HER2 gene may be important susceptibility biomarkers for breast cancer risk, particularly among younger women.

Fine mapping of PPH1, a gene for familial primary pulmonary hypertension, to a 3-cM region on chromosome 2q33

Familial primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by distinctive changes in pulmonary arterioles that lead to increased pulmonary artery pressures, right ventricular failure, and death. Our previous studies had mapped the disease locus, PPH1, to a 27-cM region on chromosome 2q31-q33, with a maximum multipoint logarithm of the odds favoring genetic linkage score of 3.87 with markers D2S350 and D2S364. To narrow the minimal genetic region for PPH, we physically mapped 33 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers and used them to genotype 44 affected individuals and 133 unaffected individuals from 17 families with PPH. We observed recombination events that substantially reduced the interval for PPH1 to the approximately 3-cM region that separates D2S311 and D2S1384. This entire region lies within chromosome 2q33. A maximum two-point lod score of 7.23 at a recombination fraction of zero was obtained for marker D2S307. A maximum multipoint lod score of 7.41 was observed close to marker D2S1367. The current minimal genetic region contains multiple candidate genes for PPH, including a locus thought to play a role in lung cancer.

Potential panic disorder syndrome: clinical and genetic linkage evidence

This paper reports evidence for a possible "chromosome 13 syndrome," which includes panic disorder, kidney or bladder problems, serious headaches, thyroid problems (usually hypothyroid), and/or mitral valve prolapse (MVP). In the course of a genetic linkage study of panic disorder, we noted these medical conditions in individual family members. (We were blind to family relationships and marker data.) We hypothesized that there may exist a subgroup of panic families with these medical conditions, which for simplicity we called it the "syndrome." Subsequently we reclassified the families as with or without the "syndrome" and extended the phenotype for analysis to include the above medical conditions. All these classifications were also done before the analysis and blind to marker data. We then examined our linkage results, looking for significant differences between families with and without the "syndrome" (using several definitions of the "syndrome")-i.e., testing for genetic heterogeneity. When the families with and without bladder/kidney problems were separated from each other, one marker-D13S779 (ATA26D07)-yielded a lod score of over 3 in the families with bladder/kidney problems. This lod score went up to 4.2 in these families when we diagnosed any individual with any one of the "syndrome" conditions as affected. These results were statistically significant even after applying an extremely overconservative Bonferroni correction for multiple tests. We present these results in order to alert other investigators working on panic disorder, for replication. If replicated, one may hypothesize that a candidate gene for the syndrome should be expressed in CNS, kidney, gut, thyroid, etc. We also noted that two independent studies report recent linkage findings between schizophrenia and the same region on chromosome 13. No connection between schizophrenia and panic disorder has ever been reported. Finally, we suggest that genetic studies of psychiatric disorders might prove more fruitful if phenotypes were expanded to include possible manifestations of the disorder in medical (non-mental) symptoms. Am. J. Med. Genet.(Neuropsychiatr. Genet.) 96:24-35, 2000.

[Effects of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and lipopolysaccharide on the expression of MCP-1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) enable to induce the expression of MCP-1 mRNA and protein in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

METHODS

After a four-hour exposure to 2 ng/ml IL-1beta, 20 ng/ml TNF-alpha or 100 ng/ml LPS, total RNA of HUVECs was extracted by single-step method. The expression of MCP-1 mRNA in HUVECs was examined by dot blot analysis using a probe of gamma-(32)P-end-labelled 35 mer oligonucleotide. Meanwhile, MCP-1 protein in the cytoplasm was detected by SABC immunostaining.

RESULTS

Dot blot analysis showed that cultured HUVECs were able to express MCP-1 mRNA at a low level. Exposure to IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and LPS resulted in a 7.8-fold, 2.6-fold and 1.2-fold induction of MCP-1 mRNA expression in HUVECs, respectively. The cells on the coverglass in all groups revealed MCP-1 immunoreactivity. Densitometry scans showed that the mean absorbance (A) values of the cells in LPS, TNF-alpha and IL-1beta groups were 0.078 +/- 0.113, 0.102 +/- 0.005 and 0.117 +/- 0.010, respectively; whereas the absorbance values of the control group was 0.051 +/- 0.004. There were significant differences between all the experimental groups and the control group (F = 193.25, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

IL-1beta and TNF-alpha induce a strong expression of MCP-1 mRNA and protein in HUVECs. Both cytokines may be involved in the atherogenesis by inducing the liberation of MCP-1 by endothelial cells and increasing the recruitment of monocytes into the subendothelial space.

Study on angiogenesis factor of human osteosarcoma

Angiogenesis factor of human osteosarcoma was partially purified and its biological features were studied. The active peptide with 8000 to 10,000 u molecular weight in the conditioned medium obtained from the cultivation of human osteosarcoma cells were partially purified by ultrafiltration, chromatography and dialysis. The angiogenic effects of the fractions were assessed by proliferation assay of human umbilical vein and pig aorta thoracic endothelial cells. The results showed that the chromatography fractions of 4 to 6 could significantly promote the proliferation of the endothelial cells. It was suggested that the human osteosarcoma cells could synthesize and secrete angiogenesis factor with a molecular weight of 8000 to 10,000 u.

Interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and lipopolysaccharide induce expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in calf aortic smooth muscle cells

To investigate whether interleukin-1 beta(IL-1 beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induce expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA and protein in calf aortic smooth muscle cells(SMCs), calf aortic SMCs were cultured by a substrate-attached explant method. The cultured SMCs were used between the third to the fifth passage. After the cells became confluent, the SMCs were exposed to 2 ng/ml IL-1 beta, 20 ng/ml TNF-1 alpha and 100 ng/ml LPS respectively, and the total RNA of SMCs which were incubated for 4 h at 37 degrees C were extracted from the cells by using guanidinium isothiocyanate method. The expression of MCP-1 mRNA in SMCs was detected by using dot blotting analysis using a probe of gamma-32P-end-labelled 35-mer oligonucleotide. After a 24-h incubation, the media conditioned by the cultured SMCs were collected. The MCP-1 protein content in the conditioned media was determined by using sandwich ELISA. The results were as follows: Dot blotting analysis showed that the cultured SMCs could express MCP-1 mRNA. After a 4-h exposure to IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and LPS, the MCP-1 mRNA expression in SMCs was increased (3.6-fold, 2.3-fold and 1.6-fold, respectively). ELISA showed that the levels of MCP-1 protein in the conditioned media were also increased (2.9-fold, 1.7-fold and 1.1-fold, respectively). The results suggest that calf aortic SMCs could express MCP-1 mRNA and protein. IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha can induce strong expression of MCP-1 mRNA and protein, and the former is more effective than the latter.

[Neural network approach to medical grading of rheumatoid arthritis]

A grading system based on neural network has been developed and used int he medical grading diagnosis of a case group of Rheumatoid Arthritis presenting Cold syndrome intermingled with Heat syndrome. The possibility of using neural network in TCM diagnosis is preliminarily explored in this paper.

Expression, characterization, and crystallization of the pyrophosphate-dependent phosphofructo-1-kinase of Borrelia burgdorferi

The two genes for the putative pyrophosphate-dependent phosphofructokinases (PPi-PFKs) of Borrelia burgdorferi were cloned by PCR and expressed in Escherichia coli, and their protein products were purified to near homogeneity. The larger of the two gene products, a 62-kDa protein, is an active PPi-PFK and exists in solution as a dimer. It has apparent K(m) values for fructose 6-P and PPi of 109 and 15 microM, respectively, and a pH optimum of 6.4 to 7.2. The 62-kDa protein was crystallized and subjected to preliminary diffraction analysis. The smaller gene product, a 48-kDa protein, exists in solution as a higher polymer and shows no ATP- or PPi-dependent activity, despite having a secondary structure as estimated by circular dichroism that is not significantly different from that of other PFKs.

[The effects of L-arginine and nimodipine on the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in endothelial cells induced by lipopolysaccharide]

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of L-arginine and nimodipine on the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA and protein induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in endothelial cells (ECs).

METHODS

After 8-hour exposure to LPS, LPS + L-arginine and LPS + nimodipine respectively, the total RNA in ECs was extracted by the guanidinium isothiocyanate method. The MCP-1 mRNA expression in ECs was examined by Dot blot analysis using a gamma-32P-end-labeled 35 mer oligonucleotide probe of MCP-1. MCP-1 protein in the EC-conditioned media (EC-CM) was determined by sandwich ELISA for each group. The expression of MCP-1 protein in ECs was examined immunocytochemically.

RESULTS

Dot blotting showed that after exposure to LPS, the integral absorbance (A) value of the dots of MCP-1 mRNA on the nitrocellulose membrane were 3.14, which was 2.5-fold as much as that in the control group (A = 1.24). The A values of the LPS + L-arginine group and the LPS + nimodipine group were 1.43 and 1.65, respectively. ELISA showed that the MCP-1 protein content in the EC-CM of the LPS group was 6.29 +/- 0.53 ng/ml, which was markedly higher than that of the control group (2.32 +/- 0.16) ng/ml (P < 0.01). The MCP-1 protein content in the EC-CM of the LPS + L-arginine group and the LPS + nimodipine group was significantly lower than that of the LPS group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the ECs in LPS group showed a strong immunoreactivity for the polyclonal MCP-1 antibody, whereas the ECs in control, L-arginine and nimodipine groups revealed a weak postive immunostaining.

CONCLUSION

L-arginine and nimodipine can markedly inhibit the expression of MCP-1 in ECs induced by LPS.

[Study on proteins of allele by using the microisoelectric focusing]

Clear protein electrophoresis pattern of single pollen grain from Cucurbita pepo L. was obtained with isoelectric focusing and supersensitive stain technique. The results showed that there were two special distributing protein bands near acidity pole. In species I, the two protein bands were a little near to acidity pole and in species II, that was a little far from acidity pole. In species III, the two protein bands distributed either like species I or like species II and the distributed ratio was 1:1. Moreover, we discuss how to identify relative purity of gene with the sorts of the special proteins.