Effects of electroacupuncture at neiguan on myocardial microcirculation in rabbits with acute myocardial ischemia

This paper reports the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at Neiguan (P 6) on myocardial microcirculation and electrical activity observed in rabbits with acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) by employing the vascular casting method and taking monophasic action potential (MAP) as an index. It was found that in the ischemic border zone of the heart, the electrical excitability was strengthened, the shortening of the phase repolarization inhibited, and the number of the micrangia increased in some degree following EA. This suggests that EA can relieve arteriolospasm, inhibit extreme dilatation of blood capillaries, modulate imbalance of micro-vasomotion of the coronary artery, improve myocardial blood-supply, and promote normalization of electrical activities of the ischemia myocardium. This fact not only elucidates the recovery mechanism of the ischemic myocardium promoted by EA at Neiguan (P 6), but also provides morphological basis for the theory of relationship between Neiguan of the Pericardium Meridian and the heart.

Decreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1alpha production from intrahepatic mononuclear cells in chronic ethanol consumption and upregulation by endotoxin

The relationship between the changes in liver pathology and the production of interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) by intrahepatic mononuclear cells was studied in rats fed alcohol and subsequently exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Rats were fed 40% ethanol in drinking water, whereas control rats were provided with a chow diet with isocaloric or 2% sucrose drinking solutions for up to 20 weeks. Decreased IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha production in 24-hr culture supernatants of mononuclear cells isolated from liver perfusate was detected while IL-6 remained unchanged over 20 weeks. When animals were injected with LPS (1.0 microg/kg body weight), there was a 5-fold rise in ALT levels in the ethanol-fed group, but not in control groups. Increased IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels in the serum and supernatant of cultured intrahepatic mononuclear cells stimulated with or without LPS or concanavalin A was observed. There was a correlation between levels of ALT and TNF-alpha, but not IL-6. T cells and Kupffer cells were the major source of TNF-alpha in culture supernatants of hepatic perfusate mononuclear cells from ethanol-consuming rats injected LPS. In addition, pathological liver injury was evident, which suggests a pathogenic role for TNF-alpha in alcohol-induced liver disease.

The sensitivity of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis: a blinded analysis

Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) is considered one of the most sensitive and specific of the mutational scanning techniques, yet blinded analyses have not been reported. We report the results of a blinded study of the efficiency of DGGE to detect mutations in the Human Coagulation Factor IX. Two overlapping genomic DNA sequences from exon 8 of Factor IX (290 bp and 539 bp length) with an unknown number of mutations were amplified with a 40 bp GC-clamp and tested blindly by DGGE. DGGE detected all mutations in the 290 bp genomic DNA segment. DGGE detected all but one mutation in the 539 bp genomic segment after experimental conditions were fully optimized but missed multiple mutations in an initial blinded experiment. These results demonstrate the utility of blinded analyses and confirm the exquisite power of DGGE for detecting mutations.

Detection of chromosome over- and underrepresentations in hyperdiploid acute lymphoblastic leukemia by comparative genomic hybridization

Chromosomal analysis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is often difficult because of the suboptimal in vitro growth of the immature lymphoid cell and the poor morphology obtained. In this study, we describe the application of comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) to investigate the genomic abnormalities in 14 patients with ALL, all of whom had cytogenetically identified numerical aberrations or gross chromosomal structural alteration. With the use of CGH, regional or whole chromosome overrepresentation or both were found to be more frequent than underrepresentation (52 gains vs. 6 losses), the most common gains being chromosomes 21 and X. The results of the comparison between CGH and conventional R-banding analysis could be classified into three categories: (1) in three cases, including two with trisomy, CGH and banding analysis gave identical results; (2) in six cases with hyperdiploidy and two cases presenting chromosome structural abnormalities, the results were consistent but with minor discrepancies; (3) in three cases, including two with triploidy and tetraploidy and one with chimeric karyotype together with +22, the data from CGH and cytogenetical analysis were discrepant. CGH could not find the triploidy and tetraploidy. Our results suggest that CGH has certain value in the detection of gains or losses of chromosome materials in hyperdiploid ALL. Nevertheless, the combination of CGH and conventional karyotyping provides more precise information on the genomic imbalance in ALL.

[Detection of CBF beta-MYH11 fusion transcript and inv(16)(p13;q22) in acute myelomonocytic leukemia(M4) by RT-PCR and FISH]

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical significance of inv(16) and CBF beta-MYH11 fusion gene in the diagnosis and prognosis for M4Eo.

METHODS

CBF beta-MYH11 fusion transcripts and inv (16) were analyzed by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH), respectively, in acute myelomonocytic leukemia(M4) with or without eosinophilia.

RESULTS

In fifteen cases tested, one case of M4Eo and one of 9 M4 without eosinophilia were found to have CBF beta-MYH11 fusion transcript. Follow-up of the M4Eo patient showed residual PCR positivity 2 months after complete remission.

CONCLUSION

The data suggest that screening by both RT-PCR and FISH should be performed in all AML-M4 regardless of morphologic features to allow accurate diagnosis and prognosis of M4 patients.

[Influence of neuronal excitation and inhibition of rostral ventrolateral medulla on the effect of electroacupuncture of "Neiguan" acupoint]

Experiments were performed on 44 rabbits anesthetized with a mixture of urethane and chloralose. The effects of microinjection of glutamate and glycine in bilateral rostral ventrolateral medulla (rVLM) on the reaction of electroacupuncture (EA) of "Neiguan" acupoint (PC 6) after myocardial ischemia by ligature of the left ventricular branch of coronary artery were observed. Results showed that (1) EA could significantly promote the recovery of ECG ST-segments, mean blood pressure (MBP), left ventricular pressure (LVP) and the maximum rising rate of LVP (dp/dt max); (2) Glutamate could enhance the effects of EA on MBP, LVP and dp/dt max to a certain extent; (3) The effects of EA could be weakened significantly by glycine. It suggests that EA-induced improvement of the cardiovascular function can be strengthened further in some degree when neurons of rVLM are excited and weakened pronouncedly while the neurons are inhibited. Therefore, rVLM participates in the regulatory process of EA on functional activity of the heart.

[Influence of microinjection of clonidine and yohimbine in rVLM on the effect of electroacupuncture treatment of myocardial ischemia]

In the present paper, influence of microinjection of clonidine (Clon, 0.38 mMol, 2 microliters) and yohimbine (Yoh, 5.1 mMol, 2 microliters) in rostral ventrolateral medulla (rVLM) on the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Neiguan (PC 6) was observed in the rabbit with acute myocardial ischemia. Results showed that (1) EA of Neiguan could significantly accelerate the recovery of AMI-induced changes in ECG ST-segement, mean blood pressure, left ventricular pressure (LVP) and dp/dt max; (2) Clon strengthened the effect of EA on ST and LVP in some degree; and (3) Yoh significantly weakened the effect of EA on ST and LVP. It reveals that when alpha 2 receptors of rVLM are excited, the favourable effect of EA in regulating post-ischemic myocardial electrical and mechanical activity can be enhanced in some degree; and when they are inhibited, the effect of EA disappears, indicating an involvement of alpha 2 receptors of rVLM in EA of Neiguan-induced regulation on the functional activity of the heart.

Suggestive evidence for a schizophrenia susceptibility locus on chromosome 6q and a confirmation in an independent series of pedigrees

We have investigated whether there is a locus on chromosome 6 that confers an increased susceptibility to schizophrenia using a two-stage approach and nonparametric linkage analysis. Allele sharing identical by descent (IBD) and multipoint maximum likelihood score (MLS) statistics were employed. Results from two tested data sets, a first data set, or genome scanning data set, and a second replication data set, show excess allele sharing for multiple markers in 6q, a chromosomal region not previously reported as linked to schizophrenia. In our genome scanning data set, excess allele sharing was found for markers on 6q13-q26. The greatest allele sharing was at interval 6q21-q22.3 at marker D6S416 (IBD percentage 69; P = 0.00024). The multipoint MLS values were greater than 2.4 in the 11.4-cM interval delimited by D6S301 and D6S303, with a maximum value of 3.06 close to D6S278 and of 3.05 at D6S454/D6S423. We did not confirm, however, the previously described linkage in 6p, when tested in the systematic genome scanning data set. The replication data set also showed excess allele sharing in chromosomal area 6q13-q26, which overlapped with the aforementioned positive linkage area of the genome scanning data set. The highest sharing of the second data set was at D6S424 (IBD percentage 64; P = 0.0004), D6S283 (IBD percentage 62; P = 0.0009), and D6S423 (IBD percentage 63; P = 0.0009). Multipoint MLS analysis yielded MLS values greater than 1 in an area of about 35 cM, which overlaps with the MLS multipoint area of linkage from the genome scanning data set. The multipoint MLS at the D6S454/D6S423 locus was 2.05. In the second data set, the maximum multipoint MLS was located about 10 cM centromeric from the maximum of the genome scanning data set, at the interval D6S424-D6S275 (2.35). Our results provide very suggestive evidence for a susceptibility locus for schizophrenia in chromosome 6q from two independent data sets.

[Detection of bcr gene rearrangement in chronic myeloid leukemia by fluorescence in situ hybridization]

OBJECTIVE

To detect bcr gene rearrangement in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

METHODS

Bcr rearrangement was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), using 765E3, a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC)-derived probe flanking the breakpoint within bcr gene.

RESULTS

Nine patients with CML were examined, bcr gene rearrangement was revealed in 5 cases in chronic phase, 2 in blastic phase, and one after interferon-alpha therapy. The karyotype of 1 case after autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) was chimera with normal and bcr gene rearrangement chromosomes.

CONCLUSION

YAC765E3 is a useful probe for detecting bcr gene rearrangement. FISH technique is likely an important tool for monitoring of treatment and revealing minimal residual disease in CML.

[Detection of MLL gene rearrangement in acute myelomonocytic and monocytic leukemia]

OBJECTIVE

To reveal the incidence of MLL gene rearrangement and its clinical, features in acute myelomonocytic leukemia (M4) and acute monocytic leukemia (M5).

METHODS

10 patients with M4 and 27 cases with M5 were studied with the Southern blot technique to detect MLL gene abnormalities.

RESULTS

5 M5 patients were found to have MLL rearrangement, and these patients were characterized clinically by: (1) Younger at onset, (2) a higher white blood cell count (often > 100 x 10(9)/L), (3) frequent extramedullary involvement with hepatosplenomegaly and central nervous system leukemia (CNSL), and (4) a lower remission rate with a short survival time.

CONCLUSION

There is a high incidence of MLL rearrangement in M5, and this gene abnormality stands for a marker of poor prognosis.

Biological and clinical significance of cytogenetic study on 100 acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 219 acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia

OBJECTIVE

To further investigate the role that cytogenetic may play in the diagnosis and prognosis of leukemia, a study was conducted in 319 acute leukemias.

METHODS

100 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 219 patients with acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL) were from Rui Jin Hospital, Xin Hua Hospital, Ren Ji Hospital and Shanghai Children's Hospital. Their cytogenetic data were analyzed together with those of morphology, immunology and clinical prognosis.

RESULTS

In ALL group, 48 cases were karyotypically normal whereas 52 cases revealed chromosomal changes, among which 32 had quantitative abnormalities and 20 had qualitative abnormalities. The translocation t(9; 22) was identified in 11 out of 20 cases of structural aberrations (55%). Specific structural aberrations t(9; 22) and t(8; 14) were detected to be related to B-lineage associated differentiation antigens and t(8; 14) also with ALL-L3 according to FAB classification. With regard to clinical prognosis, the survival rate of structural aberration subset decreased significantly compared with the normal karyotype subset (P < 0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was found between hyperdiploidy subset (not including near-triploidy) and normal karyotype subset (P > 0.75). In ANLL group, 80% of de novo patients and relapsed patients had chromosomal abnormalities. Importantly, structural aberrations accounted for 73% of these abnormalities and frequently corresponded to specific types of FAB classification. Relevant prognostic studies demonstrated that t(15; 17) subset had the best overall survival probability, followed by t(8; 21) and normal karyotype subset, while the numerical aberration subset showed a relatively poor prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Our data confirmed that cytogenetic study is important for the molecular study of the leukemogenesis. On the other hand, it also provides an independent parameter for prognosis in acute leukemia.

Effects of mutations in Pr160gag-pol upon tRNA(Lys3) and Pr160gag-plo incorporation into HIV-1

During HIV-1 viral assembly, both Pr160gag-pol and primer tRNA(Lys3) are packaged into the virus. tRNA(Lys) packaging (both tRNA(Lys3) and tRNA(Lys1,2) is dependent upon the presence of RT sequences within Pr160gag-pol. In this work, we have monitored the effect of Pr160gag-pol mutations upon incorporation of tRNA(Lys3) and Pr160gag-pol into HIV-1 produced from COS-7 cells transfected with mutant HIV-1 proviral DNAs. Mutations include carboxy deletions of Pr160gag-pol and small amino acid insertions and replacements within the various functional domains of the reverse transcriptase (RT). tRNA(Lys3) incorporation was monitored both by 2D PAGE of viral RNA, and by hybridization with tRNA(Lys3)-specific DNA probes. Our data indicates: (1) deletion of integrase sequence has a moderate effect upon select tRNA(Lys3) packaging, while carboxy terminal deletions extending further into the RNase H and connection domains more strongly reduce viral tRNA(Lys3) content; (2) tRNA(Lys3) incorporation is strongly reduced by small inframe amino acid insertions or replacements in the carboxy region of the thumb domain and the amino half of the connection domain of RT, but tRNA(Lys3) incorporation is altered little, or not at all, by similar amino acid insertional mutations within other RT domains, such as the fingers, palm, RNase H, the amino portion of the thumb, and the carboxy region of the connection domain. The inability of connection domain mutant virus to incorporate tRNA(Lys3) and to properly process precursor proteins in the virus is due to the inability of mutant Pr160gag-pol to be incorporated into the virus. These mutant precursor proteins are maintained at levels in the cytoplasm similar to wild-type.

No abnormality in the gene for the G protein stimulatory alpha subunit in patients with bipolar disorder

BACKGROUND

The available evidence for an involvement of the heterotrimeric guanine-nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) in bipolar disorder relies primarily on the effects of lithium salts on G protein function and on alterations in the concentration or function of G proteins (most notably Gs-alpha) in peripheral leukocytes and in postmortem tissues of patients with bipolar disorder.

METHODS

The hypothesis that a mutation in Gs-alpha gene confers an increased susceptibility to bipolar disorder was tested by the following strategies: (1) mutational screening of the Gs-alpha subunit gene coding sequences and promoter sequences by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis in unrelated individuals with bipolar disorder and (2) association and linkage analyses with a common silent exonic polymorphism, using genetic allelic information from American families with at least 1 affected child. For association analysis, the transmission test for linkage disequilibrium was used; for linkage analysis, nonparametric methods were used.

RESULTS

No structural or regulatory mutations in this gene were found in bipolar disorder; the results of association and genetic linkage were negative.

CONCLUSION

Our results do not support the speculation that the Gs-alpha protein gene has a role in the genetic predisposition to bipolar disorder.

Long-term follow-up of minimal residual disease in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients by polymerase chain reaction analysis of multiple clone-specific or malignancy-specific gene markers

Two types of markers, namely the clone-specific markers including T-cell receptor (TCR) gamma, TCR delta, and Ig heavy-chain (IgH) gene rearrangements, and malignancy-specific fusion gene mRNA such as SIL-TAL-1, BCR-ABL, and HRX-partner genes, were investigated by molecular biology techniques in 65 Chinese patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In combination, these markers were informative among 96% of patients. Minimal residual disease (MRD) was followed up in 23 of these patients with available materials over a period varying from 8 to 54 months with at least one leukemia-specific probe. In most children, MRD was decreased continuously to an ultimately undetectable level within 6 to 12 months after remission induction therapy. One patient exhibited low-level residual leukemic cells for 4 years before the MRD turned negative. Another patient remained in complete remission for 45 months, although a positive signal was detected at 34 months using TCR delta probe, but was negative with a TCR gamma marker which was positive at presentation. In three patients who relapsed, MRD either persisted through the clinical course or became positive and eventually increased 3-11 months before clinical relapse. These data suggested that the combined use of multiple gene markers is a valuable tool for the PCR-based MRD detection, since it can cover most ALL patients. Furthermore, long-term follow-up of MRD is helpful for determining the dosage as well as the period of maintenance chemotherapy and for predicting impending relapse.

[Ultrastructural observation of tendonization of artificial tendon 109HH in rabbit]

Ten New Zealand rabbits were divided into 5 groups at random. Calcaneal tendons were cut bilaterally, then atificial tendon 109HH was used to connect the two ends of the cut tendon. Ultrastructural changes of control group and experimental groups at 2, 6, 12, 28 weeks after section were observed. The results showed that fibroblast proliferated and a lot of ribosome and RER appeared in plasm during 2 approximately 6 weeks, indicating artificial tendon caused fibroblast proliferation. During this period, fibroblast over synthesized collagenous protein and the synthesis of collagenous fibers peaked. During 12-28 weeks, the number of fibroblasts and the synthesis of collagenous protein decreased. Finally, fibroblasts became inactive tendon cells. With the formation of new tendons, the artificial tendens were degradated and absorbed, and disappeared after 12 weeks. The new tendon fibers became thicker and had the correct direction through reconstruction. The structure and function of new tendons could be restored to be consistent with normal values.

[Study of subcuticular suture skill for perineotomy and catgut-suture reaction]

The post perineotomy complications such as catgut-suture-reaction, incision infection, and laceration are very common in the hospital. The purpose of this study was to find a better suture skill. The subcuticular suture skill was studied in this study. The relationship between suture skill and catgut suture reaction was analysed. 200 women had vaginal delivery with perineotomy subcuticular suture who were hospitalized during 3 to 10 in 1994 were compared with 399 women with perineotomy routine suture skill who were hospitalized during the same period in 1992 and 1993. The result indicated that the incidence of cat gut suture reaction and secondary suture in the research group were 9%, 7.5% lower than that in control group (P < 0.01). The average time of hospitalization was 5.3 days shorter (P < 0.025). These implicate the future study on perioneotomy suture skill.

Structural change in dopamine D2 receptor gene in a patient with neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Dysfunction of the dopaminergic system has been suggested as a pathogenic mechanism in neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Therefore, we examined the complete coding sequences of the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene for structural abnormalities in 12 patients with a history of NMS, including two cases of familial NMS. Mutational analysis was performed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), a highly sensitive technique for detecting sequences differences. We found in one patient with a history of NMS a nucleotide substitution at codon 310 (CCG-->TCG) of exon 7 of the DRD2 gene which predicts the replacement of proline to serine in the third cytoplasmic loop of the receptor, a part of the receptor that interacts with G-proteins. A larger series of patients with NMS needs to be investigated to establish whether this allele is associated with an increased susceptibility to NMS.

Incorporation of excess wild-type and mutant tRNA(3Lys) into human immunodeficiency virus type 1

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) particles produced in COS-7 cells transfected with HIV type 1 (HIV-1) proviral DNA contain 8 molecules of tRNA(3Lys) per 2 molecules of genomic RNA and 12 molecules of tRNA1,2Lys per 2 molecules of genomic RNA. When COS-7 cells are transfected with a plasmid containing both HIV-1 proviral DNA and a human tRNA3Lys gene, there is a large increase in the amount of cytoplasmic tRNA3Lys per microgram of total cellular RNA, and the tRNA3Lys content in the virus increases from 8 to 17 molecules per 2 molecules of genomic RNA. However, the total number of tRNALys molecules per 2 molecules of genomic RNA remains constant at 20; i.e., the viral tRNA1,2Lys content decreases from 12 to 3 molecules per 2 molecules of genomic RNA. All detectable tRNA3Lys is aminoacylated in the cytoplasm of infected cells and deacylated in the virus. When COS-7 cells are transfected with a plasmid containing both HIV-1 proviral DNA and a mutant amber suppressor tRNA3Lys gene (in which the anticodon is changed from TTT to CTA), there is also a large increase in the relative concentration of cytoplasmic tRNA3Lys, and the tRNA3Lys content in the virus increases from 8 to 15 molecules per 2 molecules of genomic RNA, with a decrease in viral tRNA1,2Lys from 12 to 5 molecules per 2 molecules of genomic RNA. Thus, the total number of molecules of tRNALys in the virion remains at 20. The alteration of the anticodon has little effect on the viral packaging of this mutant tRNA in spite of the fact that it no longer contains the modified base mcm 5s2U at position 34, and its ability to be aminoacylated is significantly impaired compared with that of wild-type tRNA3Lys. Viral particles which have incorporated either excess wild-type tRNA3Lys or mutant suppressor tRNA3Lys show no differences in viral infectivity compared with wild-type HIV-1.

[Detection on BCR-ABL fusion gene in Ph1 chromosome positive leukemia by "nested" retrotranscriptase/polymerase chain reaction]

By using "nested" retrotranscriptase/polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR) technique, we determined the expression patterns of the BCR-ABL fusion gene resulting from the chromosomal translocation t (9; 22) in leukemias with Ph1 chromosome. Three distinct isoforms of fusion gene transcripts were discovered: ela2, b2a2 and b3a2. In 10 cases of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), only two types (b2a2 and b3a2) were observed. However, in 8 cases of Ph1 chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph1 + ALL), all three types were detected, including two cases characterized by the coexistence of ela2 and b2a2 or b3a2 types. Moreover, the RT/PCR procedure established in the present study proved to be a very sensitive method, allowing the detection of one leukemic cell among 10(5)-10(6) normal cells. Thus, a positive RT/PCR result was obtained in two Ph1 + ALL cases just after chemotherapy-induced clinical remission (CR), suggesting the presence of residual disease. One case remained RT/PCR positive four months after achieving CR and relapsed in the fifth month, while the other case converted to RT/PCR negative eight months later and is now in CR for 18 months. Therefore the detection of BCR-ABL fusion gene is of importance not only in the study of the pathogenesis of Ph1 + leukemias but also in their diagnosis and monitoring of minimal residual disease during CR.

AML-1 gene rearrangement and AML-1-ETO gene expression as molecular markers of acute myeloblastic leukemia with t(8;21)

Rearrangements of the AML-1 gene on chromosome 21 as well as transcriptional expression of AML-1-ETO fusion gene were studied in 35 leukemic patients with t(8;21)(q22;q22). A panel of probes generated from the AML-1 gene regions flanking the breakpoint on chromosome 21 allowed us to detect the rearrangement in 24 out of 29 patients. A specific nested reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR) was developed to detect the t(8;21), either at diagnosis or as minimal residual disease. PCR amplification products were obtained in ten out of 11 patients investigated, and the sensitivity of the reaction was estimated to be between 1 x 10(4) and 1 x 10(-5) cell. An AML-1 rearrangement was also detected in one patient with 8q- and only one chromosome 21, but without 21q+. This indicated that the molecular rearrangement of the der(8) chromosome is more important than the reciprocal one in the malignant process.