Electron microscopic study of platelet agglutination induced by thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura plasma containing 37-KDa platelet agglutinating protein

It has been demonstrated that plasma from a patient with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and 37-KDa platelet-agglutinating protein (PAP p37) purified from the same plasma caused the agglutination of platelets from normal subjects as well as from the same patient after recovery without the requirement of extracellular Ca++ and fibrinogen. Experiments were designed to study the morphologic changes of platelets as a result of agglutination and the distribution of platelet receptors for PAP p37 under transmission electron microscope. Following incubation with TTP plasma or PAP p37 with stirring, platelets showed shape change, pseudopod formation, variable degrees of degranulation, dilatation of open canalicular systems and formation of agglutinates composed of a few to several hundred platelets. After platelets were incubated with TTP plasma or PAP p37 they were washed and further incubated with rabbit anti-PAP p37 serum without stirring followed by immuno-staining. Abundant electron dense reaction products were bound directly and randomly to the outer surface of the membrane of solitary platelets. When the reaction mixture was stirred, electron dense particles were also present between the platelet membranes in the agglutinates. No staining was observed in control experiments using normal plasma or non-immune rabbit serum. These results indicate that the TTP plasma containing PAP p37 causes agglutination, shape change, and variable degrees degranulation in platelets and that PAP p37 binds randomly to the outer surface of platelet membrane.

[Effects of the preparation of xiao long ling on experimental prostatic hyperplasia in mice]

The results of the experiments indicate that the prostatic hyperplasia caused by Testosteroni Propionatis in mice, cotton oil-induced local swollen ears of mice and the proliferation of granuloma produced by subcutaneous implantation of cotton pill in rats are inhibited significantly by the preparation of Xiao Long Ling. Xiao Long Ling depresses the increase of vascular permeability induced by a variety of inflammatory media such as histamine, 5-HT and PGE. Xiao Long Ling is found capable of inhibiting the platelet aggregation induced by ADP as well as depolymerizing the aggregated platelets.

[Clinical significance of apolipoprotein B and AI determinations in coronary heart disease]

In this report, the relative validity of serum apolipoprotein (apo) B and AI analyses in the discrimination of coronary heart disease (CHD) was evaluated, and compared with the results of serum triglyceride (TG) total cholesterol, low density and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) determinations. 101 cases of CHD, 95 cases of myocardial infarction survivors (MIS) and 177 cases of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were studied, with a control group including 266 age and sex matched healthy subjects. The results of monovariant statistics showed that apo B had highest percentage of positive results, and TG had most prominent elevation of mean values in CHD and MIS groups. Both multivariant stepwise discrimination and logistic regression analyses demonstrated the superiority of HDL-C, apo B and apo AI in detecting CHD in men; while in female subjects, apo B remained as the best discriminator, but apo AI and HDL-C lost its statistic significance. The quantitative relationships among apo AI, HDL-C and TG were discussed briefly. Since the decrease in HDL-C level in CHD were mainly due to hypertriglyceridemia, the significance of high TG level in correlation with CHD should not be neglected. AII serum lipids and apo B AI levels were decreased in AMI cases, and reached lowest values after 7 days. But the level of these variables were not changed significantly within 48 hours after onset of the episode. There was no frank correlation between the degree of serum lipid lowering and prognosis of AMI.

Plasma DNA in systemic lupus erythematosus. Characterization of cloned base sequences

Little is known about plasma DNA in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Previous studies have suggested that it may, in fact, not be derived from the random nucleolysis that might be expected to accompany cell death, which might have been the simplest explanation of its origin. To extend the results of other studies, plasma DNA, obtained from a subgroup of SLE patients who had large amounts of immunoprecipitable plasma DNA, was cloned into a plasmid vector, and the nucleotide base sequences were studied by nucleic acid hybridization. One possible explanation for the anomalous renaturation kinetics of plasma DNA in SLE--namely, that it contained non-human genomic base sequences--was rendered untenable by the fact that 51 consecutive DNA clones from 2 SLE patients were each shown to contain human genomic DNA sequences. Plasma DNA from SLE patients also differed from human genomic control DNA in that those sequences derived from the highly repetitive fraction of human DNA were specifically enriched in one such sequence, Alu, which constituted 55% of the repeat sequences in the plasma DNA clones as compared with 13% in control DNA clones. There was a decrease in the frequency of non-Alu repeat sequences (9% for plasma DNA compared with 23% in control DNA). These differences were statistically significant, and they indicate that SLE plasma DNA contains a nonrandom selection of human genomic base sequences. Several explanations for these findings are considered.

Mechanism of rabbit platelet agglutination induced by acidic mucopolysaccharide extracted from Stichopus japonicus Selenka

The effects of acidic mucopolysaccharide extracted from sea cucumber (Stichopus japonicus Selenka) (SJAMP) on rabbit platelets were studied. Using citrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP), washed platelets, and formaldehyde fixed platelets from 10 New Zealand white rabbits, we investigated the effects of platelet inhibitors and various plasma and its fractions on SJAMP-induced agglutination. It was found that the tracing of platelet agglutination induced by SJAMP showed a single phase without a lag period. The lowest concentration of SJAMP required for the agglutination of rabbit platelets was approximately 2 micrograms/ml, and the magnitude of agglutination induced by SJAMP was concentration dependent. In 8 out of 10 rabbits, the platelets in PRP were agglutinated by 10 micrograms/ml of SJAMP. Platelet inhibitors, such as aspirin, indomethacin, apyrase, antimycin, 2-deoxy-D-glucose and EDTA did not inhibit the agglutination induced by SJAMP. Washed rabbit platelets were not agglutinated by SJAMP even though the concentration of SJAMP was raised up to 50 micrograms/ml. When rabbit plasma, serum, or 50-60% ammonium sulfate saturated plasma fraction was added to the reaction mixture, agglutination of washed platelets by SJAMP was recovered completely. But human plasma or fibrinogen did not have any effect on the reactivity of washed rabbit platelets to SJAMP. From these data we conclude that the SJAMP-induced rabbit platelet agglutination is independent of energy metabolism but requires plasma cofactor(s) other than fibrinogen. The plasma cofactor is present in 50-60% ammonium sulfate saturated plasma fraction.

Aggregation of human platelets by acidic mucopolysaccharide extracted from Stichopus japonicus Selenka

The acidic mucopolysaccharide extracted from sea cucumber (Stichopus japonicus Selenka) (SJAMP) has been shown to cause platelets to aggregate. Using citrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP), washed platelets and formaldehyde-fixed platelets from humans, we investigated the effects of platelet inhibitors and various plasmas and their fractions on SJAMP-induced platelet aggregation. It was found that the lowest concentration of SJAMP required for the aggregation of human platelets was about 0.4 micrograms/ml and the magnitude of aggregation induced by SJAMP was concentration dependent. The platelets were aggregated by SJAMP at 10 micrograms/ml in 25 out of 28 (89%) normal subjects tested. Platelet inhibitors such as PGE1, aspirin, indomethacin, apyrase, antimycin, 2-deoxy-D-glucose and EDTA inhibited by 70 to 100% the aggregation induced by SJAMP. Washed platelets alone were not aggregated by SJAMP. In the presence of fibrinogen, washed platelets were aggregated by SJAMP but formaldehyde-fixed platelets were not. These data indicate that the SJAMP-induced human platelet aggregation requires extracellular calcium, fibrinogen, and energy metabolism. The second phase of aggregation is dependent upon the release of ADP, and cyclooxygenase pathway.

Metabolic changes in women using a long-acting monthly oral contraceptive and return of ovulation on discontinuation

Metabolic changes were investigated in two groups of women using oral contraceptives for 5 to 16 years. Blood samples were taken during the last cycle of oral contraceptive use and three months post-treatment. One group had used a monthly oral contraceptive (MOC, 3mg quinestrol and 10mg 16-methylene chlormadinone acetate) and the second group a daily oral contraceptive (DOC, 35 micrograms ethynylestradiol and 0.625 mg norethisterone). During treatment there were increases in serum total cholesterol and triglycerides but not HDL-C, in plasma total cortisol but not in renin activity, angiotensin II or urinary free cortisol excretion, in hemoglobin and some coagulation factors but not Factor X or antithrombin III, platelet function or fibrinolysis. The area under the blood glucose concentration-time curve, but not that for serum insulin, was slightly increased and there was no change in fasting blood sugar concentrations. All metabolic parameters, except plasma cortisol, which had shown an increase on treatment, had decreased to control levels within 3 months. Ovulation returned promptly in all women, the mean time being 70 days for Group MOC and 44 days for Group DOC. Thus, in spite of the long duration of use of the oral contraceptives, metabolic changes were minor.

Statistical brain topographic mapping analysis for EEGs recorded during Qi Gong state

Spontaneous EEGs recorded with 12 channels (International 10-20 system) on the scalp were analyzed by statistical brain topographic mapping (t-test and correlation coefficient topographic mappings) to reveal changes of the electrical activity in the brain during Qi Gong state. The control subjects and two groups of masters and beginners in accordance with the time and the skilled degree practising Qi Gong were compared. The changes of EEGs of the Qi Gong masters during the Qi Gong state were clearly different from those recorded during the resting state with closed eyes. The EEG alpha activity occurred predominantly in the anterior half, and occurred silently in the posterior half of the brain during Qi Gong state. The peak frequency of EEG alpha rhythm during Qi Gong state was slower than resting state without practicing Qi Gong. The results of the t-test and correlation coefficient topographic mappings showed this finding quantitatively and statistically significant. The changes in EEG between resting and Qi Gong state for Qi Gong masters appear to be opposite. This findings indicates that Qi Gong state is a special and unusual state and this state is not an inherent state existing in each person. The occurrence of this phenomenon of EEG depends on the duration and the skilled degree of the practising Qi Gong.

[Blue nevus on the mucosa of the uterine cervix]

Blue nevus of the uterine cervix is a rare benign tumor. It is found occasionally together with the other diseases. In the recent years, 4 cases of blue nevus of the uterine cervix have been found all positive by Masson-Fontana stain. The tumor was very small with no hard mass or protrusion above the mucosa, coloring from light to dark grey. After the sample is fixed, the blue nevus hardly differs from bleeding grossly. Blue nevus of the uterine cervix usually occurs on the mucosa. Approximately, it is similar to the skin nevus under the microscope. There was varying amount of melanin granules in the interstitial cells. The nevus cells were spindle, fibroid, round or large swelling in shape, with the longitudinal axis parallel to the surface. The column formed by the blue nevus cells was often parallel to surface of the mucosa. No mitosis was observed.

Inhibitory effect of parvovirus H-1 on cultured human tumour cells or transformed cells

The present study establishes the in vitro system for studying the oncosuppression activity of parvovirus and discovers that parvovirus H-1 can be grown cytolytically in various human cancer cell lines, which include 4 hepatoma cell lines (QGY-7703, SMMC-7721, Bel-7402, PLC/PRF/5), 3 gastric cancer cell lines (SGC-7901, MGC-80-3, MKN-28) and 1 naspharynx cancer cell line (CNE). The growth of two primary gastric cancer cell cultures from surgical cancer tissue were also inhibited by the infection of H-1. The sensitivity of cancer cells to H-1 may relate to their differentiation states. On the contrary, H-1 can neither be grown cytolytically in normal liver or stomach cells, nor inhibit their growth. Transformation of human skin fibroblasts with Simian Virus 40 activated their sensitivity to H-1. Our results thus indicate that the antineoplastic activity of H-1 in vivo involves at least its direct inhibiting or killing malignant cells.

Primary malignant melanoma of the vagina: a report of seven cases

Seven patients with primary melanoma of the vagina, five untreated and two recurrent, are reported. The ages ranged from 25-55 years, with an average of 42.3 years. The common symptoms were vaginal bleeding and a vaginal mass, and the most common site was the posterior wall of the vagina (three of seven patients). Two patients survived for more than five years.

[Anatomic foundation of the lateral portal for radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC)]

Basing on 31 normal skulls, the lateral projections of some points relative to the bony structure near the nasopharynx were located under the simulator, followed by drawing it on a sheet of paper with the aid of geometry and trigonometry. Thus, the relation between external and internal structures is shown on the drawn projection, which can serve as the anatomic basis for designing the routine field and improving radiotherapy technique. In the light of data informed by this study and clinical experiences of the authors and others, it was found logical, in radiotherapy of NPC, that large opposing lateral pre-auriculo-cervical portals with their posterior margin extending beyond the external auditory meatus posteriorly be used in order to avoid geographic miss of the uppermost deep cervical lymph nodes usually involved beneath the jugular foramen and posterior portion of the nasopharynx. In addition, the upper margin of the lateral portal must be parallel but superior to the cantho-auditory line, on which the foramen ovale is projected. Actual locating the upper margin should depend on the extent of the intracranial invasion of the tumor as shown by the CT scan.