[Isolation and characteristics of Borrelia burgdorferi from Ixodes persulcatus]

We reported the detailed characteristics of Lyme disease spirochetes (Borrelia burgdorferi), strain H7, isolated from Ixodes persulcatus in Heilongjiang. Cells of strain H7 were 9.8--26.5 microns long and 0.13--0.35 microns wide. There were 1--11 waves with a wavelength of 1.2--3.0 microns and an amplitude of 0.59--1.13 microns. Direction of spires was left. Seven flagella were inserted subterminally at each end of the cell and ends were pointed. 31 degrees C was the optimum cultural temperature in vitro. The major constitutional and antigenic proteins were 21k, 32k and 34k proteins. H7 could react on the patient sera of Xinjiang and Heilongjiang with IFA and western blot. These findings demonstrated that strain H7 belonged to species Borrelia burgdorferi, but was a new "subtype" which differed from the strains isolated from other areas and vectors.

[Malondialdehyde-modified-low density lipoprotein in diabetes mellitus]

Malondialdehyde-modified-low density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL), lipid peroxide (LPO), lipid and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were studied in 42 diabetic patients and 20 age-matched controls. The results revealed that both MDA-LDL per L serum and MDA-LDL per mol LDL-C of diabetics were higher than those of controls. MDA-LDL/L tended to be much higher in diabetic patients with vascular disease and hyperlipidemia. There was a positive correlation between MDA-LDL/L and LPO, LDL-C, TC, respectively.

Use of MG series monoclonal antibodies in the diagnosis and experimental targeting therapy of gastric cancer

In order to facilitate early diagnosis and improve the treatment of gastric cancer, 12 murine hybridoma cell lines capable of producing monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against gastric cancer were established. These monoclonal antibodies were used in histopathological diagnosis, cytological and serological diagnosis, and radioimmunoimaging (RII). Also, immunoconjugates and immunoliposomes were produced by linking these antibodies with various anticancer agents. In vitro and in vivo studies in mice were carried out to investigate the possible uses of these antibodies in experimental targeting therapy of gastric cancer. This paper presents a review of these studies.

[Relationship between the bacterial resistance induced by rifamdin and the RNA polymerase]

The results of our experiment in vitro showed that the activity of standard RNA polymerase decreased while the concentration of RFD and RFP increased, indicating that the target site of action of RFD was similar to that of RFP on RNA polymerase. Incorporation of [3H] UR into the RNA of sensitive cells of S. sureus and E. coli was strongly inhibited by RFD, but RFD did not affect the resistant strains. In purified DNA-dependent RNA polymerase of sensitive and resistant strains, the enzyme activity of sensitive E. coli a S. aureus strains was inhibited by RFD, but RFD did not inhibit that of the resistant strains (except the P. vulgaris). It can be concluded that a decreased susceptibility of RNA polymerase to RFD as well as a decreased permeability of bacterial envelope may induce bacterial resistance to the drug.

[Pathological study of 23 cases of nonfunctional pituitary adenoma]

23 cases of nonfunctional pituitary adenoma were studied with light and electron microscopy as well as with immunohistochemical stains PAP technique. Under routine light microscopy, 17 cases were chromophobic adenomas; anyhow, electron microscopy showed that there were 6 cases of oncocytoma; 7 cases of undifferentiated cell adenoma; 4 cases of gonadotropic adenoma; 4 cases of mixed adenomas 1 cases of sparsely granulated GH cell adenoma and 1 case of sparsely granulated PRL cell adenoma. Immunohistochemical stain showed: null cell adenomas 7 cases, FSH cell adenoma 3 cases, LH cell adenoma 1 case, GH cell adenoma 2 cases and other mixed adenoma 10 cases. Therefore, the nonfunctional pituitary adenoma is actually a mixture, and the null cell adenoma was only about 1/3 in this series. Among them, most of the hormones gave no function expression themselves.

Studies on zona hardening in rat oocytes that are matured in vitro in a serum-free medium

The present study confirms that zona pellucidae of rat oocytes became resistant to chymotrypsin digestion (zona hardening) after undergoing in vitro maturation (IVM) in a serum-free medium. However, zona hardening did not occur when empty zonae without oocytes were cultured in the same IVM conditions, suggesting that oocyte-derived factor(s) is responsible for zona hardening in oocytes matured in the serum-free medium. Zona hardening occurred primarily after dictyate oocytes were cultured for 6-8 hours in the IVM medium without serum. Zona hardening could be prevented or alleviated if oocytes were cultured in the IVM medium containing bovine foetal calf serum, a soybean trypsin inhibitor, or beta-mercaptoethanol, and in vitro fertilization rates for such oocytes were normal. Possible mechanisms of the phenomenon of zona hardening in oocytes matured in serum-free conditions are discussed in relation to its possible relevance to the cortical reaction and the physiological block to polyspermy.

[In vitro nucleation factors--mucus glycoprotein and proteins: changes and mechanisms in the process of sludge and gallstone formation]

Both mucus glycoprotein (MGP) and proteins are in vitro nucleation factors. Biliary sludge proved to be a precursor of gallstones. In this study, the MGP in gallbladder bile (GB) and the RNA content of the membrane-bound polyribosome in gallbladder epithelium were significantly higher in the sludge group than that in gallstone and control group. These facts demonstrated the increased synthesis and secretion of glycoproteins in the prestone stage. The RNA content of free polyribosome in the sludge group was also significantly greater than that in the control group so that in prestone stage there was an increase of cell proliferation in the gallbladder epithelium. Patients with sludge and cholesterol gallstones had significantly higher protein concentrations in GB than those without gallstones or with pigment stones. The gallbladder-hepatic bile ratio of proteins was significantly less than that of cholesterol, and there was a highly positive correlation between glycoproteins and proteins in GB. Therefore, the only reasonable explanation for the higher protein content in these two kinds of patients was that the mucus selectively inhibited protein absorption in the gallbladder. The increases in MGP and protein content in GB during the embryonic stage of gallstones might play a significant role in the formation of both cholesterol and pigment gallstones.

Differences in the DNA supercoiling response of irradiated cell lines from ataxia-telangiectasia versus unaffected individuals

In this study the manifestation of DNA damage at the nucleoid level was examined in several AT cell lines using an image analysis system to directly visualize and measure the changes in DNA loop size which occur when increasing concentrations of propidium iodide (PI) are used to titrate the DNA supercoiling response (the 'fluorescent halo assay'). This response consists of a relaxation (0.5-7.5 micrograms/ml PI) and rewinding phase (10-50 micrograms/ml PI), the latter of which is impaired by the presence of DNA strand breaks in irradiated cells. In addition to the inhibition of DNA rewinding seen immediately after irradiation at 0 degrees C, the supercoiling response of AT diploid fibroblasts indicated an increased amount of DNA unwinding compared to fibroblasts from unaffected individuals. This difference appeared to saturate, since the excess in DNA loop size over that seen in irradiated fibroblasts from unaffected individuals remained constant after 5 Gy. These results may reflect a greater instability of the DNA-nuclear matrix attachment points in irradiated AT fibroblasts. The DNA supercoiling response in irradiated transformed AT fibroblasts and AT lymphoblasts did not differ from that observed in unaffected cells of the same type. However, all of the immortalized cell lines (AT and unaffected) had inherently larger DNA loop sizes than diploid fibroblasts and exhibited excess unwinding after irradiation.

Peptidergic Innervation of the Mammalian Anterior Pituitary

The anterior pituitary is regulated by humoral and probably also by neural factors. Immunocytochemical studies have demonstrated substance P-, calcitonin gene-related peptide-, and galanin-like immunoreactive nerve fibers in the pars distalis of several mammalian species, and synapses have been identified on gland cells.

Peptidergic innervation of the pars distalis of the adenohypophysis

Substance P-like immunoreactive nerve fibers have been found in the pars distalis of the adenohypophysis in the monkey, dog, and rat. Calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactive nerve fibers have also been identified in the dog and rat. The peptidergic fibers are closely related to the glandular cells with synaptic contacts demonstrated between them. It is suggested that neural factors may be directly involved in the regulation of the activities of the anterior pituitary.

Leukocyte redistribution and eicosanoid changes during the autoperfused working heart-lung preparation

We studied the role of leukocyte redistribution and eicosanoid changes in the early stages of instituting 16 rabbit autoperfused working heart-lung preparations (AWHLP). Physiological changes occurring during the transition from the intact animal to the AWHLP may determine the survival and viability of the organ blocks for transplantation. White blood cell (WBC) count decreased from 5,160/microL to 1430/microL (P less than .01) at 60 min of autoperfusion. Differential WBC counts performed in ten of these AWHLP revealed a 63% decrease in lymphocyte count and an 88% decrease in the granulocyte count at 60 min. Thus, the predominant leukocyte remaining in the circulation was the lymphocyte. Blood samples were collected from the intact animal and from the AWHLP for assay of the stable metabolites of thromboxane A2 (TxA2) and prostacyclin (PGI2). Transition from the in situ heart-lung block to the in vitro AWHLP stage caused significant changes in these metabolites. The PGI2 metabolite 6-ketoprostaglandin F1a (6KPGF1a) increased from 2680 +/- 487 to 4339 +/- 478 (pg/mL), P less than .05, while the TxA2 metabolite, thromboxane B2 (TxB2) decreased from 618 +/- 105 to 289 +/- 63 (pg/mL). However, assays of 11-dehydro-TxB2 (11-DHT), a longer lived metabolite of TxA2 (n = 7) increased (668.4 +/- 84.6 to 946.4 +/- 43.7, P less than .05). The transition from the in situ heart-lung block of the intact animal to the AWHLP involves significant physiological changes. Redistribution of leukocytes occurs with a predominant decrease in the granulocyte count, while levels of bioactive lipid mediators show a distinct large rise in the PGI2 metabolites and a lesser increase in TxA2 metabolites.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Influence of dietary fats on butyrylcholinesterase and esterase-1 (ES-1) activity in plasma of rats

We studied the effects of dietary fats, especially fish oil, on the activities of esterase-1 (ES-1) and butyrylcholinesterase in the plasma of rats. The identification of nutritional determinants of these enzymes could provide clues as to their physiological function. Fish oil, when compared with corn oil, consistently caused increased activities of both enzymes. Plasma ES-1 activity, but not butyrylcholinesterase activity, was increased after isocaloric replacement of carbohydrates by coconut fat. Dietary medium-chain triglycerides, when compared with corn oil, produced decreased and increased activities of butyrylcholinesterase and ES-1, respectively. Various plant fats, such as corn oil, linseed oil, coconut fat, palm oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil and rapeseed oil, did not differentially influence butyrylcholinesterase activities. Plasma triglyceride concentrations were lowered by fish oil and increased by coconut fat and palm kernel oil. For individual rats in 5 out of 6 experiments, weak, negative correlation coefficients of the order of 0.3 were found between the changes in plasma butyrylcholinesterase activities and in plasma triglyceride concentrations.

Isolation and partial characterization of aClostridium species transforming para-hydroxybenzoate and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate and producing phenols as the final transformation products

Organisms present in methanogenic freshwater lake sediments from the vicinity of Athens, Georgia, were adapted to mineralize 2,4-dichlorophenol. Repeated addition of 0.5 to 2.7 mmol/liter of phenol, and later of 0.5-6.2 mmol/liter p-hydroxybenzoate (p-OHB), to such enrichments led to the conversion of p-OHB to phenol at a rate of up to 100 mmol p-OHB per liter per day. Subsequently, a spore-forming, obligately anaerobic bacterium, strain JW/Z-1, was isolated which transformed p-OHB to phenol and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate (3,4-OHB) to catechol (1,2-dihydroxybenzene) stoichiometrically without further metabolism of the phenols. The strain did not transform benzoate, 4-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 4-chlorobenzoate, o- and m-hydroxybenzoate, 2,4- and 3,5-dihydroxybenzoate, 2,3,4- and 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate, or 4-aminobenzoate. Yeast extract was required for growth of strain JW/Z-1 and only high concentrations of casein hydrolysate or tryptone could substitute it, to some extent. Except for sodium acetate, and some amino acids together with a 20-fold increased concentration of vitamins, no single carbohydrate or defined organic compound has been found to support growth of this strain in the presence (or in the absence) of 0.2 to 0.5% (w/v) yeast extract. The fermentation products during growth on yeast extract indicated that the metabolism of amino acid degradation was the major source for growth. The decarboxylating activity was inducible by p-OHB for the decarboxylation of p-OHB, and at a lower rate for 3,4-OHB, and by 3,4-OHB only for 3,4-OHB, suggesting that two different enzyme systems exist. The addition of the aromatic amino acids phenol or benzoate did not induce the decarboxylation activity in cultures growing with yeast extract. Growth was observed at temperatures ranging from 12-41°C (Topt, 33-34°C) and at pH-values ranging from 6.0-10.0 (pHopt, 7.2-8.2). The shortest doubling time observed for strain JW/Z-1 was 3.2 hours.

[Pharmacological functions of Chinese ant oral syrup]

Experiments show that Chinese Ant Oral Syrup has functions as calmatives, fatigue-resisting agents and androgen. Also it can cause thymic atrophy in small mice, increase their oxygen-deficient endurance under normal pressures, inhibit leucocyte-decrease induced by cyclophosphamidum. The syrup is slightly toxic.

A non-mammalian in vivo model for cellular and molecular analysis of glucose-mediated thickening of basement membranes

An increase of basement membrane thickness in renal glomeruli, blood vessels, and other tissues is a consistent pathological observation in individuals with diabetes mellitus. Although a number of pathological complications of the disease are thought to result from this structural abnormality in basement membranes, the mechanism(s) responsible for this glucose-mediated process remain unknown. The current study was designed to develop a non-mammalian in vivo epithelial/basement membrane model which would facilitate detailed analysis of the cellular and molecular processes which lead to thickening of basement membrane under hyperglycaemic conditions. The system developed utilizes the Cnidarian, Hydra vulgaris. Hydra lends itself to such studies because of (1) its simplified body structure which is composed of an epithelial bilayer with an intervening basement membrane (mesoglea) and (2) its extensive regenerative capacity which allows cell pellets (Hydra cell aggregates), formed from isolated Hydra cells, to develop into adult Hydra within 72-96 h. This process involves reformation of an epithelial bilayer and de novo biosynthesis of a basement membrane. Our studies indicate that exposure of developing Hydra cell aggregates to levels of D-glucose which mimic that observed in the human diabetic patient (15 mmol/l) induces a doubling of Hydra basement membrane thickness within 72-96 h of pellet formation. The same results were obtained using 15 mmol/l D-Ribose which is a highly efficient glycating agent. The data presented support the use of the Hydra cell aggregate system as a potentially powerful non-mammalian in vivo model to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanism(s) underlying glucose-mediated basement membrane thickening.

[Computerized expert system for the diagnosis and treatment of intrauterine fetal distress]

A computerized expert system for the diagnosis and treatment of IFD on the basis of a mathematical model using Fuzzy Set Theory and employing the BASIC Language has been developed to provide a reliable modality for rapid and accurate diagnosis and treatment of IFD. The system has been successfully checked in IBM-PC/XT and its compatible computers. Through its application in 300 cases prospectively, the accuracy rate was 92.7%.

The investigation of antiepileptic action of qingyangshen (QYS)--influences of QYS on the development of rat brain and memory behavior

As an anticonvulsant, the influences of Qingyangshen (QYS) on the development of brain and memory behavior were observed in four-week-old male rats. The dosage of QYS was 100 mg/kg/QOD and the period of administration was one month. The results showed that QYS had less influence on the development of body weight and brain wet weight in young-aged rats than diphenylhydantoin (DPH). However, QYS inhibited the establishment of passive avoidance conditional reflex and had influence on memory behavior in young-aged rats.

Pharmacokinetics and autoradiography of [3H] or [14C]stepholidine

After iv [3H]stepholidine (SPD) 12 MBq/kg, the concentration-time curve in rats was found to be a two-compartment open model. The distribution phase T1/2 alpha = 3.6 min, the elimination phase T1/2 beta = 168 min. The absorbed radioactivities of [3H] SPD in 15-30 min were 80-87%. The amounts of [3H]SPD bound to plasma protein, liver and kidney homogenates were estimated to be 37, 31, and 30%, respectively. During 3 d after ip [3H]SPD 50 MBq/kg, 56% of the radioactivity was excreted in urine and 5% in feces, thus, it suggested that [3H]SPD was mainly excreted by kidneys. After iv a single dose of [14C]SPD in mice, the whole-body autoradiography showed that [14C]SPD was rapidly distributed among various tissues. High radioactivities were found in kidneys, liver, brain, salivary glands, Harder's glands, heart blood and muscle at 2 min and intensively localized in kidneys and stomach mucosa at 30 min. The radioactivities in these tissues disappeared 4 and 8 h later, while that in intestine could not be detected 24 h later.