The glutathione S-transferases: polymerase chain reaction studies on the frequency of the GSTM1 0 genotype in patients with pituitary adenomas

The frequency of the GSTM1 0 polymorphism at the glutathione S-transferase M1 locus has been determined in controls and patients with pituitary adenomas by using the polymerase chain reaction to amplify genomic DNA in the exon 4-5 region of the gene. The frequency of the genotype in patients with prolactinomas, non-functional adenomas, corticotrophinomas and somatotrophinomas varied between 52-67% compared with 44% in the controls. In the patients with prolactinomas the frequency of the genotype (67%) was significantly greater than in controls with odds ratio analysis indicating that GSTM1 0 individuals have a 2.56-fold greater risk of developing this adenoma.

Endothelium-derived relaxing factor activity in rat lung during hypoxic pulmonary vascular remodeling

We have investigated the role of endothelium-derived relaxing factor in modulating hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction by inhibiting its synthesis with the false substrate NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) in the isolated blood-perfused lungs of Wistar rats after chronic hypoxia (CH, fractional inspiratory O2 concentration 10%) for 15 h, 2 days, and 7 days. Lungs were perfused with blood of normal hematocrit at constant flow (18 ml/min) ventilated with 1) 95% air-5% CO2 (normoxia) and 2) 2% O2-5% CO2-93% N2 (hypoxia) and were studied in the absence and presence of L-NMMA (30 and 300 microM) or L-arginine (L-Arg, 1 and 6 mM) in separate groups. Pulmonary arterial pressure (Ppa) rose incrementally with hypoxic exposure (all P < 0.05 vs. normoxic control group). Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) was markedly reduced after 15 h and 2 days of CH: the mean increases in Ppa (delta Ppa) in hypoxia were 15.3, 3.5, 3.8, and 13.6 mmHg in control rats and rats exposed to 15 h (P < 0.05 vs. control and 7 days of CH), 2 days (P < 0.001 vs. control and 7 days of CH), and 7 days of CH, respectively. Ppa in control rats and rats exposed to 15 h, 2 days, and 7 days of CH were 137, 179, 184, and 166% of control, respectively, after 30 microM L-NMMA (all P < 0.05 when expressed as percent change vs. no L-NMMA). Similar augmentation in HPV was seen after 30 microM L-NMMA, with all hypoxic groups having a greater response than control groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Thickness determination of biological thin sections by multiple-least-squares fitting of the carbon K-edge in the electron energy-loss spectrum

We show that the local thickness of biological thin sections can be measured by fitting the electron energy-loss spectrum of the plurally scattered carbon K-edge, and that such measurements are consistent with the results obtained by a conventional method based on the relationship t/lambda alpha ln(It/I0). The new method allows the simultaneous measurement and/or mapping of both local thickness and core-level excitations (e.g. Ca L-edge) in this energy range (280-400 eV) without requiring the measurement of the zero-loss and the valence/plasmon excitations.

High-contrast terawatt chirped-pulse-amplification laser that uses a 1-ps Nd:glass oscillator

We have developed a fiberless 1-TW all-Nd:glass chirped-pulse-amplification laser system that uses high-contrast 0.8-1.4-ps pulses produced directly from a Nd:glass feedback-controlled oscillator. Employing grating-only expansion and compression, the system produces clean (~10(7) contrast ratio) 1-J, 1- 1.4-ps recompressed pulses without added pulse cleaning. Clean microjoule-energy pulses from the oscillator require less subsequent amplification than cw oscillator schemes, thereby minimizing gain-bandwidth narrowing and offering improved contrast with amplified stimulated emission background.

Serum pepsinogens in relation to precancerous gastric lesions in a population at high risk for gastric cancer

Concentrations of serum pepsinogens (PG) I and II were determined for 3252 randomly selected adults who participated in a population-based gastroscopic screening in an area of China with one of the world's highest rates of gastric cancer. PG I and II concentrations in both sexes tended to be higher than reported in other countries, with levels generally higher among males than females. PG I tended to decrease and PG II to increase with age, but the most pronounced associations were between PG I:II ratios and gastric histology. Median PG I:II ratios monotonically declined from 9.1 to 7.2 to 5.7 to 5.4 to 3.8 among those with superficial gastritis, chronic atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and stomach cancer, respectively. The prevalence of dysplasia was nearly 3 times greater among those with PG I:II ratios less than 3 compared with those whose PG I:II ratios were greater than 10. While average levels differed significantly among the histologic groups, the PG I:II ratios were neither sensitive nor specific markers of an individual's likelihood of advanced gastric lesions in this population.

Successful treatment of a severe electrical injury involving the stomach

Apparently no report of the survival of a child with severe electrical injuries involving the stomach has been published. We successfully treated a 5-year-old boy with such injuries in August 1991. Our effective treatment included: (1) resection of the necrosis of the stomach immediately after admission; (2) active excision of all surrounding necrotic tissues with conservation of any piece of healthy tissue, including partial degenerative tissues; (3) early coverage of all exposed areas; (4) general comprehensive supportive therapy, and (5) local application of a saline solution containing chloromycetin and lidocaine.

Detection of residual proliferating leukemic cells by fluorescence in situ hybridization in CML patients in complete remission after interferon treatment

Interferon-alpha produces a complete hematologic and cytogenetic remission in approximately 20% of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). In this study, we applied fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) methodology to examine the possibility that a low level of proliferating Philadelphia-chromosome-positive (Ph+) cells may be present in interferon-treated CML patients who have achieved complete cytogenetic remission (as defined by the absence of Ph chromosome in 20-25 metaphases analyzed). Ten such patients in remission for 6-35 months were studied by this technique, in which a chromosome-22-specific DNA painting probe was used to detect leukemic cells with the characteristic 9;22 chromosomal translocation. In six of the 10 patients (60%), 3-9% Ph+ metaphases were detected. No Ph+ cells were observed in nine control individuals. Thus, this study demonstrates that FISH technology is more sensitive than conventional cytogenetic analysis for the detection of minimal residual disease in CML.

Management of major arterial injuries of the limbs in 166 cases

The charts of 166 patients with major arterial injuries (175 arterial repairs) inflicted during periods of peace and war time were reviewed. One hundred and sixty-seven (95%) of the arteries repaired remained patent. Nine patients had limbs which developed ischemic contracture. Nine patients required amputations. Follow-up data was obtained from seventy-five patients with an average follow-up of five years and one month (six months to thirty years). Early diagnosis, prompt treatment including fasciotomies when indicated, complete debridement, appropriate coverage, meticulous surgical technique, and simultaneous treatment of concomitant injuries are all crucial factors in successful limb salvage. Major arterial injuries of the limb occur frequently in our patient population, especially in time of war. Successful treatment of major arterial injuries may be life-saving, as well as allowing limb salvage and restoration of limb function. The purpose of this study is to review our experience with repair of major arterial injuries.

Enhancement of tumor-liver contrast-to-noise ratio with gadobenate dimeglumine in MR imaging of rats

The efficacy for tumor detection of the hepatocyte-specific contrast agent gadobenate dimeglumine (gadolinium-BOPTA/Dimeg) was evaluated in four different experimental tumor models in rats. Histologic findings were correlated with quantitative data derived from ex vivo relaxometry and in vivo magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Noninfiltrating tumors showed maximal enhancement of liver parenchyma 5-10 minutes after contrast agent administration, with a plateau over the next 30 minutes. In contrast, infiltrating tumors, which caused hepatocellular injury and inflammatory changes, delayed maximal enhancement of tumor-free parenchyma by 15-20 minutes. Nonspecific tumor enhancement depended on tumor vascularity and occurred in the early phase after contrast agent administration. Despite differences in specific enhancement of tumor-free parenchyma and nonspecific tumor enhancement, tumor-liver contrast-to-noise ratios increased 96%-248% in all tumor models 30 minutes after intravenous administration of 75 mmol/kg Gd-BOPTA/Dimeg. Gd-BOPTA/Dimeg enhanced tumor conspicuity independently of the histologic characteristics of the tumor.

Alpha, mu and pi class glutathione S-transferases in human synovium and cultured synovial fibroblasts: effects of interleukin-1 alpha, hydrogen peroxide and inhibition of eicosanoid synthesis

We describe expression of alpha, mu and pi class glutathione S-transferase (GST) and, CuZn- and Mn superoxide dismutase (SOD) in human synovium and cultured synovial fibroblasts. Immunohistochemical and immunoblotting studies showed synovium and cultured cells expressed pi GST and both isoforms of SOD. Cellular localisation was largely perinuclear. No expression of alpha or mu GST was detected even though polymerase chain reaction analysis showed 4/6 subjects had positive genotypes at the polymorphic, mu class GSTM1 locus. Incubation of cultured synovial fibroblasts with H2O2, IL-1 alpha and the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibitor, Tenidap, did not induce expression of alpha, mu or pi GST though treatment with IL-1 alpha caused a marked increase in the expression of Mn SOD.

Effects of natriuretic peptides and neutral endopeptidase 24.11 inhibition in isolated perfused rat lung

We have studied the acute effect of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on pulmonary vascular tone in normoxia and acute hypoxia in the absence and presence of a specific inhibitor of neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEI, UK 73, 967, candoxatrilat; Pfizer) in the isolated and blood-perfused rat lung preparation. Baseline pulmonary artery pressure (Ppa) was 16.4 +/- 0.3 mm Hg in lungs from normoxic control rats and 22.5 +/- 0.3 mm Hg in lungs from rats kept in hypoxia (FIO2 = 10%) for 7 days. Acute hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV delta Ppa) was similar in normoxic control rats (9.5 +/- 0.6 mm Hg) and chronically hypoxic rats (9.8 +/- 0.9 mm Hg). NEI at 0.07 and 0.2 mg had no effect on baseline Ppa or HPV delta Ppa. Synthetic BNP at 10 nM had no effect on baseline Ppa but produced a 2.8 +/- 0.2 mm Hg reduction in HPV delta Ppa alone and 2.7 +/- 0.2 mm Hg reduction in the presence of 0.07 mg NEI in normoxic control rats. In contrast, ANP at 10 nM produced a significantly greater decrease in HPV delta Ppa in the presence of 0.07 mg NEI (4.8 +/- 0.3 mm Hg, p < 0.05) compared with ANP alone (2.9 +/- 0.4 mm Hg), and similar results were also observed in chronically hypoxic rats. Thus, BNP has a vasodilator effect similar to that of ANP in the pulmonary circulation. Inhibition of neutral endopeptidase 24.11 augments the effects of ANP on HPV but does not influence the pulmonary vascular responses to BNP.

Chronic hypoxia impairs soluble guanylyl cyclase-mediated pulmonary arterial relaxation in the rat

We have examined the effects of exposing rats to hypoxia (10% fractional inspired O2 concentration) for 2 and 7 days on endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation and also on the ability of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) to activate cGMP-dependent protein kinase (G-kinase) in rat conduit pulmonary arteries (PA). The ability of acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) to both relax PA rings and elevate tissue cGMP levels was significantly attenuated in PA from hypoxic animals. The ability of atrial natriuretic peptide to relax and generate cGMP in PA rings was unchanged by hypoxia. Relaxation and elevation of cGMP levels induced by SNP in aortic rings was unaltered by hypoxia. Similarly, hypoxia did not alter the concentration-dependent activation by exogenous cGMP of G-kinase. We conclude that chronic exposure of rats to hypoxia results in a selective impairment of soluble guanylyl cyclase in rat PA, leading to an attenuation of ACh- and SNP-induced cGMP accumulation and relaxation.

[Factors influencing prolonged hospital stays by elderly patients: problems in medical management including use of urethral catheters]

Fifty-nine elderly patients who had been hospitalized more than six months in five hospitals in the city of Mino in Osaka Prefecture, were studied to clarify the factors influencing prolonged hospital stays by the elderly. Their mean age was 82.2 years, and women accounted for 86% of the patients. One-third had suffered a stroke. As for ADL, 44% were completely dependent when walking, eating, bathing and dressing. Moreover, 36% had severe dementia, 19% suffered from decubitus ulcers, 66% were undergoing rehabilitation, 58% were receiving venous infusion therapy, 36% used a urethral catheter, and 10% were receiving tube feeding. The subjects were divided into two groups according to the likelihood of discharge assessed by the doctors in charge: one group consisted of 27 patients who might be discharged and the other of 32 patients with an ongoing need for inpatient care. Multivariate analyses using Hayashi's quantification method II indicated that use of a urethral catheter and not undergoing rehabilitation were the main factors associated with the need for inpatient care, while being a woman, being of advanced age and not having one's own room at home were the non-medical factors which made it difficult for the patients to be discharged from the hospital. As use of a urethral catheter was the factor most strongly related to prolonged hospital stay, multivariate analyses were applied to the 45 patients with urinary incontinence, who were divided into one group of 21 patients with, and one of 24 without a urethral catheter. The factors associated with use of a urethral catheter were then investigated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[A new virus of rabbit. III. Study on morphological superstructure and antigenicity of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV)]

In the spring 1986, an acute infectious disease occurred in Wuhan Second Producing Medical Manufactory, and the rabbit almost died. We tested the mortal symptom and confirmed rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) as same as Huang Yinyao report. Hubei Traditional Chinese Medicine Institute appear this RHD also. After we purified virus of above two source by low speed, high speed and sucrose density gradient centrifugation, they can react with antiserum of RHDV from Nanjing Agricultural University in agar gel immunodiffusion tests. These results proved that they belong to the same serotype. Data indicate RHDV have difference morphological superstructure, viral polypeptides and especially RHDV can't react with antiserum of standard Parvovirus of rabbit and so on, so we suggest RHDV is a new virus.

Factors related to long-term stay in hospital by elderly people in a Japanese city

The characteristics and social backgrounds of 61 elderly patients with long hospital stays and those of 179 incapacitated elderly people living at home in a Japanese city were compared. Discriminant function analysis was performed to clarify the factors associated with long-term use of hospital beds by elderly people. In addition to this analysis, the elderly patients with long hospital stays were divided into two subgroups according to the likelihood of discharge, and these subgroups were compared in the same way. The elderly patients with long hospital stays were more likely to be women, persons with low ADL, living alone and not living with a spouse or a second generation, compared with incapacitated elderly people living at home. Analysis of the subgroups of the elderly subjects with long hospital stays showed that use of a urethral catheter and not undergoing rehabilitation were the medical factors related to difficulty of discharge, while being women, of advanced age and not having their own room at home were the non-medical factors associated with long-term occupation of hospital beds.

Cigarette smoking and other risk factors for progression of precancerous stomach lesions

BACKGROUND

Stomach cancer is generally thought to evolve through a series of gastric mucosal changes, but the determinants of the precancerous lesions are not well understood.

PURPOSE

Our purpose was to assess risk factors for intestinal metaplasia and gastric dysplasia arising from chronic atrophic gastritis in a general population at high risk for stomach cancer.

METHODS

A population-based gastroscopic screening of more than 3000 residents was conducted in a county in China with one of the world's highest rates of stomach cancer. Information on the lifestyle and other characteristics of the participants was obtained by interview, and responses were compared between those in whom the most advanced gastric lesion was dysplasia or intestinal metaplasia versus those with chronic atrophic gastritis.

RESULTS

Cigarette smoking was found to nearly double the risk of transition to dysplasia and to be a mild risk factor for intestinal metaplasia. Smoking accounted almost entirely for the 55% higher prevalence of dysplasia among men than among women. Risk of transition to dysplasia had a weak association with several dietary factors and was increased among those participants with a family history of stomach cancer and with blood type A.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings provide strong evidence for a role of tobacco consumption and offer clues to other environmental and genetic factors involved in the process of gastric carcinogenesis.

The human glutathione S-transferases: comparison of isoenzyme expression in normal and astrocytoma brain

We describe expression of alpha, mu and pi class glutathione S-transferases (GST) in brain tissue from 21 controls and uninfiltrated and tumour tissue from 17 glioma patients. GST were sequentially resolved by chromatofocusing into the GST2, GST1, GST5, GST2 (5.5), GST3, GST6 sets and the contribution of each to total activity determined. The immunological identity of these isoforms was studied using immunoblotting. The pi class GST3 isoform was the major contributor to activity in control tissue (70.9%) and, uninfiltrated (75.1%) and tumour samples (82.4%). Expression was significantly greater in the tumours (P less than 0.05). Expression of alpha isoforms GST2 and GST2 (5.5) was variable with most subjects demonstrating no detectable GST2 (B1 and B2 chromatofocused monomers). An isoform termed GST2 (5.5) chromatofocussed at pH 5.5 and cross-reacted with antisera to B1. It was detected in most control and glioma patients and comprised about 5% of total activity. The contribution of GST2 and GST2 (5.5) to activity was similar in control, uninfiltrated and tumour tissue. Two mu class enzymes, GST1 and GST5, were identified. GST1 isoforms were detected in 9 of 21 control samples, the phenotype of these and matched liver samples were identical. GST1 isoforms were detected in 4 of 16 tumour samples, a significantly lower incidence than in a previously established control group. GST5 was expressed in most samples, the contribution of this locus to activity was significantly reduced in the tumours (5.2%) compared with control samples (14.5%).

Diagnosis of fatty liver with MR imaging

The diagnosis of fatty liver with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was evaluated in experimental rat models of simple fatty infiltration and fatty liver with hepatocellular injury. T1 and T2 were measured ex vivo and correlated with the histologic degree of fatty infiltration. Enhancement of fatty liver with four different cells-specific contrast agents was studied with ex vivo relaxometry and in vivo MR imaging. Quantitative analysis of conventional and chemical shift MR images was correlated with biochemically determined fat content of the liver. Diet-induced simple fatty infiltration of the liver caused a decrease in T1 of 15%, whereas the T1 of L-ethionine-induced fatty liver with hepatocellular injury increased by 12%. T2 showed a positive correlation with the degree of fatty infiltration in both models. Cell-specific hepatobiliary contrast agents showed the same liver uptake and relaxation enhancement in fatty livers as in normal livers. Conventional T1-weighted images and chemical shift images showed good correlation (r = .83 and .80, respectively) between signal intensity and the degree of fatty infiltration. However, only chemical shift imaging was reliable in the diagnosis of fatty liver.

[The toxicity of herbicide Asulam]

We conducted a series of toxicity tests and short-term mutagenic assays of Asulam and 40% (W/V) sodium Asulam. It was found that the LD50 of Asulam with acute oral toxicity was 30000 mg/kg for mice, and the LD50 of sodium Asulam for mice and rats were equal (8250 mg/kg). The cumulative coefficient of sodium Asulam in Wistar rats was 9.42. None died from sodium Asulam absorbed via skin. Negative results were obtained in Ames test, Bacillus subtilis repair test and the micronucleus test. There was no significant difference between the control group and the treated groups in the chromosomal aberration rates of spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes of mice testis. The results indicated that Asulam should be regarded as a substance of low toxicity and low accumulation. No mutagenicity was observed in our experiment.

[A new virus of rabbit. II. Study on morphological structure and some physicochemical properties of a strain of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus]

In this paper a strain of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) was isolated and purified from the diseased rabbit livers with a method of using chloroform, two-phase of polyethylene-glycol-dextran sulfate sodium and sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Purified virus was nonenveloped, icosahedeal symmetry with a triangulation number of 3, and 33-37 nm in diameter. The capsid was composed of 32 capsomeres with central holes in an outer diameter of about 9nm. Two types of viral particles having different sedimentation coefficient, 130s and 166s could be identified after sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Probably no less than four virion proteins with molecular weight of 66.4, 65.0, 63.5, 41.0 x 10(3) dalton were detected by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Viral nucleic acid was extracted from purified virus by using SDS-proteinase K-phenol. Tests with diphenylamine, formaldehyde, and staining with acridine orange as well as the curves of thermal denaturation showed that this kind of virus had a single-stranded DNA. The molecular weight of the ssDNA was approx 2.1 x 10(6) dalton as determined by electron microscopy. Data indicate that the RHDV may like the parvovirus of the family Parvoviridae.

CGRP-immunoreactive endocrine cell proliferation in normal and hypoxic rat lung studied by immunocytochemical detection of incorporation of 5'-bromodeoxyuridine

We have tested the suggestion that the reported increase, in hypoxic rats, in the number of lung endocrine cells immunoreactive for the regulatory peptide CGRP is caused by an accumulation of peptide within the cells which renders them more detectable, rather than by a real increase in proliferation. The incorporation of continuously infused 5'-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) into nuclei of CGRP-containing cells was studied by immunohistochemistry in the airway and respiratory epithelium of rats kept in a hypoxic (10% O2), normobaric conditions for 7 days and in normoxic, normobaric controls. Some CGRP-immunoreactive cells could also be labelled for BrdU. However, the ratio of the number of cells labelled with both CGRP and BrdU to the number of cells labelled with CGRP alone did not differ significantly between hypoxic and normoxic rats (7.1 +/- 0.7 and 6.1 +/- 1.2, respectively; mean +/- SEM; P = 0.49). These data strongly suggest that CGRP-containing endocrine cells or their precursors do proliferate in adult rat lung, but that the proliferation is not increased significantly in hypoxia.

[A comparative study of the characteristics and social backgrounds of frail and elderly persons at home, long-stay elderly hospital patients, and residents of welfare homes for the frail elderly]

Three studies were carried out in Mino City, Osaka Prefecture, on 188 frail and elderly persons living at home (the home group), 61 elderly patients who had been hospitalized more than six months (the inpatient group), and 72 residents of welfare homes for the frail elderly (the resident group). The characteristics and social backgrounds of the three groups were compared. About 30% of each group had suffered a stroke. As for ADL score, moderate disability was dominant in the home group, severe disability in the inpatient group, and slight disability in the resident group. The proportions of those who had been living alone and those who had no spouse were significantly higher in the inpatient group and in the resident group than in the home group. Significantly fewer subjects in the resident group had been living with their offspring than in the home group or in the inpatient group. The percentage of those who did not have their own home was the highest for the resident group. Multivariate analyses using Hayashi's quantification method II were conducted for a comparison between cases belonging to the home group and the inpatient group, and between the home group and the resident group. The analysis of the home group and the inpatient group revealed a relationship of the inpatient group to severe disability in ADL, and living alone. Differences between these two groups were related to such variables as ADL, sex, living or not living alone, living or not living with offspring, and having or not having a spouse.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Haemocompatibility of polymer having phospholipid polar groups evaluated by monoclonal antibody method

The haemocompatibility of a polymer having the phospholipid polar group, poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC)-co-n-butyl methacrylate(BMA)), was evaluated by a monoclonal antibody SZ-21 (directing specifically against the membrane glycoprotein complex IIIa of human platelet) radioimmunoassay method. The study showed that poly(MPC-co-BMA) possessed better haemocompatibility than segmented polyurethane (SPEU). Radioactivity of platelets adhered (counts per min/cm) on a polyethylene (PE) tube coated with poly(MPC-co-BMA) was 19.51 +/- 5.58, with albumin; 20.05 +/- 7.29, with SPEU having sulphonated group; 76.10 +/- 18.9, with SPEU; 287.0 +/- 95.0, PE treated by plasma irradiation; 2091 +/- 261, and original PE was 1772 +/- 116. The results were further certified by scanning electron microscopic observations.

Neutral endopeptidase 24.11 inhibition reduces pulmonary vascular remodeling in rats exposed to chronic hypoxia

Inhibition of the metabolism of endogenous atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), by continuous infusion of a specific inhibitor of neutral endopeptidase (membrane metalloendopeptidase E.C. 3.4.24.11), UK 73,967 (candoxatrilat), was undertaken in rats, in which chronic hypoxia was used as a stimulus to induce pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy. Inhibition of neutral endopeptidase 24.11 with low-dose and high-dose UK 73,967 (NEI) increased endogenous plasma ANP by greater than 155% during the development of pulmonary hypertension. NEI treatment reduced mean pulmonary arterial pressure in hypoxia as follows: vehicle 26.6 +/- 4.0 mm Hg; low-dose NEI 22.7 +/- 1.9 mm Hg, and high-dose NEI 22.6 +/- 2.5 mm Hg (both p less than 0.01 compared with hypoxic vehicle); however, it was without effect on pulmonary arterial pressure in normoxia (17.6 +/- 2.2 mm Hg) or on systemic blood pressure. The development of right ventricular hypertrophy was also reduced in both groups treated with NEI (right ventricular weight/left ventricular weight: 0.43 +/- 0.03 vehicle; 0.40 +/- 0.02 low-dose NEI and 0.40 +/- 0.02 high-dose NEI, both p less than 0.05 compared with vehicle). Remodelling of the pulmonary vasculature, characterized by extension of the muscle within the small pulmonary arteries toward the periphery of the lung, was reduced by NEI treatment (percentage of thick-walled peripheral vessels; 19.2 +/- 3.1% vehicle; 10.4 +/- 2.3% low-dose NEI and 8.1 +/- 1.8% high-dose NEI, both p less than 0.001 compared with vehicle). In the isolated blood perfused rat lung pulsed doses of NEI had no effect on pulmonary vascular tone in the absence of ANP. Specific inhibition of the enzyme neutral endopeptidase reduces vascular remodelling, the development of pulmonary hypertension, and right ventricular hypertrophy. Endogenous ANP modulates vascular remodelling in vivo. Retarding the metabolism of endogenous ANP through inhibition of neutral endopeptidase 24.11 represents a potential approach toward therapy. g

Two New Oleanane Saponins from Anemone flaccida

Two new oleanane saponins, named flaccidoside II and III, were isolated from the rhizome of ANEMONE FLACCIDA Fr. Schmidt. On the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical transformation their structures were elucidated as 3- O-[alpha- L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta- D-xylopyranosyl]-oleanolic acid 28- O-[alpha- L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta- D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta- D-glucopyranoside] and 3- O-[beta- D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta- D-xylopyranosyl]-oleanolic acid 28- O-[alpha- L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta- D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta- D-glucopyranoside].

A novel alpha-thalassemia-2 (-2.7-kb) observed in a Chinese patient with Hb H disease

We describe a newly detected alpha-thalassemia-2 (alpha-thal-2) deletion characterized by a small -2.7-kb deletion involving the alpha 1 globin gene. This deletion has thus far been observed in only one Chinese subject with Hb H disease.

Effects of continuous infusion of atrial natriuretic peptide on the pulmonary hypertension induced by chronic hypoxia in rats

1. The effects of the continuous infusion of atrial natriuretic peptide on the development of pulmonary hypertension were studied in rats exposed to chronic hypoxia. 2. Continuous intravenous infusion of two doses of synthetic rat atrial natriuretic peptide, 300 ng/h per rat (0.10 pmol/h per rat) and 800 ng/h per rat (0.28 pmol/h per rat), attenuated the development of pulmonary hypertension in rats exposed to chronic hypoxia (fractional concentration of oxygen in inspired air = 10%) for 7 days: (i) the pulmonary artery pressure (mean +/- SD) in the vehicle-treated hypoxic group was 45 +/- 6 mmHg compared with 28 +/- 6 mmHg in the vehicle-treated normotoxic group (n = 8, P less than 0.001); (ii) treatment with atrial natriuretic peptide in normoxia did not alter the pulmonary artery pressure, systemic blood pressure or heart rate; (iii) treatment with atrial natriuretic peptide in hypoxia resulted in a lower pulmonary artery pressure in the group treated with 800 ng of atrial natriuretic peptide/h per rat (38 +/- 8 mmHg, P less than 0.05 compared with the vehicle-treated hypoxic group) without affecting the systemic blood pressure or heart rate. 3. Chronic hypoxia resulted in an extension of vascular smooth muscle towards the periphery of the lung with the development of muscle in normally non-muscularized vessels (remodelling).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Determination of magnolol in cortex Magnoliae officinalis and its processed samples by HPLC and studies on ginger-processed principles]

The experimental result of the quantitative determination of magnolol in Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis and its processed samples by HPLC has shown that the stir-fried sample has the highest content of magnolol among all sample and so does the ginger-fried sample among all ginger-processed samples. As a condiment, ginger can increase the content of magnolol to a certain extent, but the quantity used in processing does not affect the content significantly.

[Plasma PGI2 and TXA2 levels on a model of PDH in leptospirosis]

Guinea pigs were intravenously injected with icterhemorrhagiae serogroup Lai serovar strain 017 leptospirosis to model the pulmonary diffuse hemorrhage (PDH) in leptospirosis. Thirty-eight hours after the injection, the jugular arteries were catheterized to collect blood sample. The plasma was prepared for radioimmunoassay of TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1a, the stable metabolites of TXA2 and PGI2 respectively. The plasma level of TXB2 in the experimental group, 107.15 +/- 41.65 pg/ml (n = 7), almost doubled that of the control, 54.05 +/- 12.93 pg/ml (n = 7), with significant difference (P less than 0.01); meanwhile, no significant difference was observed of 6-keto-PGF1a, 67.97 +/- 16.89 pg/ml (n = 6) vs. 98.06 +/- 40.63 pg/ml (n = 9) with P greater than 0.1. The fact that TXA2 causes vasoconstriction and increases vessel permeability suggests that TXA2 elevation should play a role in the mechanism of PDH in leptospirosis.

[Clinical and experimental study on cerebral thrombosis treated with antithrombotic xinmaining]

Antithrombotic xinmaining were composed with Moschus, Calculus Bovis, Borneol, Radix Ligusticum, Flos Sophorae Immaturus, Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, Leech, etc. This preparation was suitable for treating channels and collaterals type of cerebral thrombosis. The dosage was 2-4 capsules (0.5 g/capsule) oral administration twice per day, 3-4 weeks as a therapeutic course. The authors studied 158 cases of these patients compared with 117 cases of control group with dextran and Vinorutone. The clinical result showed that the obvious effective rate in the therapeutic group was 62.1% and the total effective rate 96.3%; the values in the control group were 38.5% and 86.3% respectively (P less than 0.01). The laboratory results showed that the blood viscosity, serum viscosity, hematocrit (vol %), RBC electrophoresis rate (micron/sec/v/cm) and platelet aggregation rate (%) before antithrombotic xinmaining administration were 5.82 +/- 0.82, 1.82 +/- 0.02, 52.81 +/- 6.70, 0.82 +/- 0.19 and 28.33 +/- 12.02 respectively; and those after the treatment were 4.72 +/- 0.65, 1.70 +/- 0.02, 48.76 +/- 0.40, 0.97 +/- 0.17 and 23.05 +/- 10.01 (mean +/- S), P less than 0.01. The toxicological study proved that the preparation was safe, no significant side-effect and good for cerebral thrombosis medication.

Anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome

We have reviewed 10 patients treated for anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome produced by compression of the deep peroneal nerve or its branches, and we have studied the anatomy of the tunnel in 25 adult feet. The causes of onset of the syndrome included contusion of the dorsum of the foot, tight shoe laces, talonavicular osteophytosis, ganglion, and pes cavus. The clinical signs were often diagnostic but electromyography was helpful. Operative decompression in nine feet of eight patients gave successful results at 1.5 to 4 years follow-up.

[Synthesis of delta virus cDNA of China Sichuan strain]

delta virus cDNA of China Sichuan strain, 1.2 kb in length, was synthesized by extraction of RNA from liver tissue in a patient with subacute severe hepatitis, followed by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The result was confirmed by Southern blot hybridization using 32P and biotin labelled delta virus cDNA (HN88, cloned in USA) probes respectively.

[Effect of liuwei dihuang decoction and its compatible prescriptions on lipid peroxide and lipofuscin]

Our experiment has shown that liuwei dihuang Decoction can decrease the contents of lipid peroxide in the serum as well as lipofuscin in the liver of the older mice to the level of the younger ones, while the two compatible prescriptions derived from the decoction, "Three invigorators" and "Three purges", cannot produce the same effect. All the three forms of prescription have no action on the lipofuscin in the heart.

[Anticancer element selenium in liuwei dihuang decoction]

The contents of selenium in Liuwei Dihuang decoction (six traditional Chinese drugs and their decoction, five decoctions in different compatible ways, a complex decoction of all crude drugs) have been determined by fluorescence spectrophotometric method. The result shows that element selenium is rich in Dihuang. The dissolution ratio of selenium in decoctions of each single crude drug is about 30-40%.

[Experimental study of the treatment of avascular osteonecrosis]

The results of treating avascular necrosis of the femoral head of 32 mongrel dogs with 4 different methods were compared. The treating methods differed only in the type of tissues transplanted into the femoral head specimens: (1) with blood vessel and muscle pedicled bone graft, (2) with muscle pedicled bone graft, (3) with vascular bundle transplant and (4) with free bone-piece graft. The results showed that graft of type 1 or 2 or 3 transplantation brought about new bone formation and dead bone replacement in different degrees and varying activity, obviously more potent in those with type 1 and 2 than those with type 3. While those with type 4 showed little living activity and the grafted bone-piece remained dead. These differences may be based on the facts that transplants type 1 & 2 carry with them living tissues, active bone-forming cells and many other bone growth stuffs and factors necessary for conduction and induction for new bone formation, in addition to blood supply. While type 4 transplant can meet nutritional needs of metabolism and tissue growth only. Accordingly, transplantation of type 1 or 2 graft could be a preferable choice of treating clinical cases with femoral head necrosis.

[The three dimensional structures of the external collector channels in human adult eyes]

The three dimensional structures of external collector channels in 13 human adult eyes were studied by the ABS (allylcyanide, butadiene and stryrolene) cast technique under the scanning electron microscope. The beginning sites of external collector channels are of 4 types: (1) the cone type, (2) the hook type, (3) the V type, and (4) the arch type. By the characteristics of the inner surface, the external collector channels are again of 2 types: (1) the smooth type, and (2) the rugous type. Impressions of the endothelial cell nuclei at the beginning sites and narrow annuli at the root of the collector branches were also observed. The probable significance of the morphological structures were discussed.

[Prenatal sex identification with biotinylated human Y-specific DNA probe]

Using biotinylated human Y-specific DNA probe PHY2.1 and Cos 84, we carried out Southern and dot hybridization with human DNA from artificially aborted chorionic villi, and with DNA of peripheral lymphocytes from normal male and female. The results show that PHY2.1 may be applied in prenatal sex identification both by Southern and by dot hybridization but with Cos 84, only Southern hybridization could be used.

[Production and characterization of anti-human hepatocellular carcinoma monoclonal antibodies]

The hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line, QGY-7703, derived from a Chinese patient, was used to immunize the BALB/c mice. Fifteen hybridomas producing McAb that reacted with QGY-7703 cells were isolated from 858 hybridomas created in three cell fusions. In further studies two McAb, namely, AQGY1 and A-QGY2, were selected which specifically stained HCC cells grown in vitro. The reactivity of these McAb was not removed by the absorption by homogenates of the normal liver, but was by homogenates of HCC cells. A-QGY1 and A-QGY2 also reacted definitely with HCC cells in liver tissues of HCC patients, but neither with other cells in the tissues nor with nontransformed liver tissues of the same patients. Furthermore these two McAb stained the adult or fetal liver tissues, nor all of the other normal or tumor tissues that had been tested. Blocking and absorbing experiments revealed that A-QGY1 and AQGY2 antigens had no immunohomogenicity with antigens such as HBsAg, HBcAg, HBeAg, AFP and CEA. The specificity of these two McAb may be used potentially for the sero diagnosis, histologic identification, radioimmunoimaging and destruction of human hepatocellular carcinoma.

[Inhibitory effect of liuwei dihuang decoction on induced mutation and spontaneous tumor]

Anti-mutagenic activity was evaluated with micronuclear test. It appeared to be same between the result of mice treated with 10 g/kg Liuwei Dihuang decoction (LWDHd) for 3 days and that with 34.5 g/kg for 10 days. All the permillages of micronuclear appearance of treated groups were less than that of controls. The intercept (A) value of dose-effect curve were 12.7 and 9.4 as treated with cyclophosphamide (Cy) alone, but 1.2 and 3.2 as orally administered with LWDHd before injecting Cy. It showed that LWDHd could inhibite mutagenic activity of Cy. The affection of LWDHd on spontaneous tumorigenesis was observed in LACA mice. The tumor incidence rate was 9.0% in the control mice observed for 60 weeks, but 5.0% in the animal feeding LWDHd in food. The tumor incidence rate of big dose group was 1.0% and the difference was significant between it and that of the control (P less than 0.01).

[Experimental study relating to the anti-cancer effect of doxifluridine]

We investigated the anti-cancer effect of Doxifluridine (5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine: 5'-DFUR) on an experimentally prepared tumor bearing mouse.

METHOD

A 20-methylcholanthrene induced squamous cell cancer was prepared on the skin of ddN female mouse and 5'-DFUR was administered orally by catheter (90 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, 210 mg/kg and physiological saline 0.5 ml/body). The each group consisted of 10 mice. Oral medications were performed once a day for one week (6 days continuous duration) and these medications were continued during a total period of four weeks. Once a week, the general condition of the animals was checked and at the same time, the size (length x width) of the tumor was measured, and the anti-cancer effect was determined.

RESULT

It was noted between the control and 5'-DFUR medication group that there was a marked effectiveness on the rate of decrease in size and disappear of the squamous cell cancer according to the medication of 5'-DFUR. It regarded to the amount of 5'-DFUR, that there was a significant difference in the anti-cancer effect between 90 mg/kg and 210 mg/kg groups and between 150 mg/kg or 210 mg/kg and control groups. However, the difference could not be observed between 90 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg groups and between 150 mg/kg and 210 mg/kg groups.

[Primary serologic investigation of HBV-like virus existence in domestic animals and fowls]

Using the reagent kits for detecting human HBV, primary serologic investigation was made in 6 kinds of domestic animals and fowls (total 673) by ELISA, spot hybridization and immuno-electronmicroscopy. The results showed that some sera samples of pigs, rabbits, chicken and geese were HBsAg, HBeAg positive and positive for spot hybridization by using 3(2)P-HBV-DNA probe, which suggested that HBV-like viruses might exist in those domestic animals and fowls. HBV-like virus particles were seen in one pig serum sample which was HBsAg positive. The particles could be divided into three forms in shape, large spherical particle (40-55nm), small spherical particle (20-30nm) and short filament particle. The further studies are needed.