[Study on the relationships between leptin levels and weights of mothers and infants and the relationships of cord serum leptin to C-peptide, insulin and insulin like growth factor-II]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationships between serum leptin levels and maternal weights in late pregnancy and cord blood leptin levels to birth-weights, C-peptide, insulin and insulin like growth factor (IGF-II).

METHODS

Fifty normal pregnant women at 37-38 weeks and their newborns were studied, and 29 non-pregnant women were set as control. Venous blood was taken from women and from the cord at delivery. Blood leptin and cord blood C-peptide, insulin, and IGF-II were measured by radio-immunoassay.

RESULTS

The average leptin level in maternal sera was (13.62 +/- 3.68) micrograms/L, significantly higher than that in the control (6.60 +/- 3.04) micrograms/L and that in cord blood (8.05 +/- 4.61) micrograms/L. Maternal leptin levels were significantly correlated with maternal weights and body mass index (BMI. r = 0.33, 0.35, P < 0.05), but not with infant birth-weights (r = 0.10, P > 0.05). Cord blood leptin levels were significantly correlated with birth-weights and BMI (r = 0.54, 0.49, P < 0.001) but have no correlation with maternal leptin levels (r = 0.19, P > 0.05). Significant difference of the cord leptin levels was not seen between the males and females. The cord blood C-peptide was (0.86 +/- 0.35) microgram/L, insulin (8.49 +/- 4.76) mU/L and IGF-II (0.218 +/- 0.076) microgram/T. Cord leptin levels were correlated with C-peptide levels (r = 0.37, P < 0.05), but not with insulin and IGF-II levels (r = 0.19, -0.14, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal leptin levels in late pregnancy were significantly higher than those in normal non-pregnant women and positively correlated with maternal weights and BMI. Cord blood leptin levels were positively correlated with birth-weights and BMI of the newborns. The leptin levels of cord blood were correlated with those of C-peptide but not insulin and IGF-II.

The operative treatment of spinal fracture-dislocation without neurologic deficits

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results of operative treatment of spinal fracture-dislocation without neurologic deficits.

METHODS

Eighteen patients with spinal fracture-dislocation were neurologically intact at the time of injury, and all were treated operatively. The fracture sites were: 8 cases in cervical spine, 3 cases in thoracic spine, and 7 cases in lumbar spine. Eight patients with cervical injuries had variant degrees of forward slide and kyphotic deformity. Of the 10 thoracic and lumbar fractures, one had lateral dislocation, 4 cases with kyphotic deformities, 5 cases with spinal canal compromise averaged 50% (ranging from 40% to 70%).

RESULTS

The average period of follow-up was 4.4 years with a range of 11 months to 13 years. All the patients returned to full-time work. No patient developed neurologic deterioration. Kyphotic deformity was corrected in the 4 cases, and no progressive kyphosis was noted. There was no operation-related complication. The averaged post-operative hospitalization time was 13 days.

CONCLUSION

Despite the rare incidence of spinal fracture-dislocation without neurologic deficits, we suggested that kind of fracture be considered unstable fracture because of its potential risk of delayed neurologic deterioration and kyphotic deformity, and be treated operatively to restore the sagittal alignment and the stability of the spine.

[Detection of the asymptomatic infection by human papillomavirus in pregnant women and neonates]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the state of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in similar average-aged pregnant women of different gestational periods, in the puerperium and neonates.

METHODS

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was employed to detect HPV-6, 11, 16 and 18 DNA in 30 pregnant women in the first trimester, 42 in the second and 31 in the third (who were followed up to their puerperium), and 30 non-pregnant women asking for intrauterine device in our out-patient clinic were taken as controls. Average age in the four groups showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). Samples from cervical, vaginal exfoliated cells, maternal peripheral blood and nasopharyngeal secretion of the newborns were examined respectively.

RESULTS

(1) In the first trimester, HPV-DNA was detected in the cervical, vaginal exfoliated cells of 5 cases and in the maternal peripheral blood of 7 cases. (2) In the second trimester, HPV-DNA was detected in the cervical, vaginal exfoliated cells of 12 cases and in the maternal peripheral blood of 11 cases. (3) In the third trimester, HPV-DNA was detected in the cervical, vaginal exfoliated cells of 23 cases and in the maternal peripheral blood of 18 cases. (4) In the puerperium, HPV-DNA was detected in samples of cervical, vaginal exfoliated cells of 8 cases and maternal peripheral blood of 7 cases. (5) In the control group, HPV-DNA was detected in the cervical, vaginal exfoliated cells of 8 cases and in the maternal peripheral blood of 6 cases. (6) Consecutive examinations were carried out in 31 pregnant women from the third trimester, through labor to 6 weeks of postpartum. HPV-DNA was positive in the cervical, vaginal samples of 17, 21 and 8 cases, respectively, according to the perinatal periods, and in the maternal peripheral blood of 14, 13 and 7 cases, respectively. The result through the above gestational stages was fluctuated in the cervical, vaginal samples of 6 cases and in the maternal peripheral blood of 7 cases. (7) Successive examinations in infants at time of birth, 48-72 h and 6 weeks after birth showed positive HPV-DNA in the nasopharyngeal secretion of 13, 6 cases and 1 case with respect to the examining periods. (8) The positive cases were mainly infected by HPV-16, 18.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) Infective rate of HPV is statistically significant in the third trimester, but no significant difference exists among the first trimester, the second trimester, the puerperium or the non-pregnancies. (2) Examining consecutively, the HPV positive rate is found to be decreased after delivery, the positive expression of HPV during the gestational periods exhibited fluctuation. (3) Infective rate of HPV in the neonatal nasopharyngeal specimens tends to decrease with time after delivery.

[Lung injury caused by passive smoking and its effects on cytokines in rats]

OBJECTIVE

A rat model with chronic bronchitis was replicated by passive inhalation of cigarette smoking fume to study its long-term effects on lung injury and nitric oxide (NO), interluekin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8).

METHODS

Levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) and nitrogen trioxide (NO(3)) were measured with spectrophotometry in rats indicating their level of nitric oxide (NO). Levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Levels of NO in serum, bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue in the smoking group were significantly lower than those in the normal controls (P < 0.01). But, levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were higher in the smoking group than those in the controls.

CONCLUSION

Long-term passive smoking could cause injury of lung tissue to certain extent, reduction in secretion of NO in endothelial cells and damage to pulmonary vessels.

[Prediction of peritoneal fluid pancreatic amylase to histopathological change and prognosis of acute experimental necrotic pancreatitis of monkey]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the significance of peritoneal fluid pancreatic amylase in predicting the degree of histopathological change and prognosis of acute necrotic pancreatitis (ANP) of monkey.

METHODS

Injection of the mixture of bile and trypsin into the pancreatic duct set up ANP monkey model.

RESULTS

The severity of ANP depended on the injection rate and volume, in correlation to the peritoneal fluid pancreatic amylase (PF Amylase) in the early stage of ANP. With the rate (3-13 ml/min) and volume (0.1-1.0 ml/kg) of injection increase, the PF Amylase in the early stage of the ANP significantly went up. Meanwhile, the survival time was negatively correlated to the PF Amylase in the early stage (0.5 hour) of ANP (t = -9.06 InX + 129.85, r = -0.88, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The PF Amylase in the early stage of ANP can effectively predict the severity of ANP and prognosis.

Asymmetry of brain functional activation: fMRI study under language and music stimulation

OBJECTIVE

To determine the asymmetry of the human brain functional activation.

METHODS

With the help of GE Signa Horizon MRI system, 14 cases of right-handed volunteers were examined and the blood oxygenation level dependent method was used. The T1-weighted images were obtained with spin echo pulse sequence and the functional imaging (T2*-weighted) was performed using a single shot echo planar imaging pulse sequence. Data analysis was done with Sun Sparc Workstation and by the method of student t test or correlation analysis.

RESULTS

Most of activation areas were in the left hemisphere under language stimulation, while they were in the right side under music stimulation. Besides, a few brain areas in the contralateral cerebral cortex were also activated under both stimulations.

CONCLUSION

The present study supported the hypothesis of the asymmetry of brain functional activation and many brain areas of the cerebral cortex as well as both hemispheres worked in coordination. In addition, it also proved that fMRI is a feasible method in the study of human brain in vivo.

Contribution of the -455G/A polymorphism at the beta-fibrinogen gene to erythrocyte aggregation in patients with coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

A high level of red blood cell (RBC) aggregation has been consistently found in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) in case-control studies. Plasma fibrinogen has been shown to promote RBC aggregability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the genetic variability of the beta-fibrinogen gene on RBC aggregation in patients with CAD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The genotype of the beta-fibrinogen gene locus was determined by polymerase chain reaction using the restriction enzyme HaeIII for a G to A substitution at position -455 upstream from the transcriptional start site in 135 French Canadians with premature CAD (age: 51+/-7 years). Indices measuring the RBC aggregation kinetics (S10) and shear resistance of the aggregates (gammaS) were obtained by laser reflectometry. Patients were separated into groups by using the medians of S10 and gammaS. Using chi2 analyses, the distribution of the -455GG, -455GA, and -455AA genotypes in the groups with high levels of S10 (0.43, 0.49, and 0.08) and gammaS (0.45, 0.49, and 0.06) were found to be significantly distinct from those in the groups with low levels of S10 (0.67, 0.27, and 0.06; p<0.05) and gammaS (0.70, 0.23, and 0.07; p<0.01). High levels of RBC aggregation were closely associated with the rare -455A allele. Multivariate linear regression analyses showed that S10 was positively correlated with the linear combination of the fibrinogen concentration, age, and the -455G/A genotype (adjusted r = 0.63, p<0.0001). Fibrinogen and age were positive determinants, and HDL-cholesterol was a negative predictor of gammaS (adjusted r = 0.51, p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

These findings support the hypothesis that RBC hyperaggregation in premature CAD may be associated with the beta-fibrinogen -455G/A polymorphism. This association may be explained by a change in the concentration and/or the functional properties of the fibrinogen protein.

Imaging the functioning human brain

One of the most exciting methodological advances for brain research field arises in functional brain imaging, which enables us to localize and characterize neural activity and biochemical events in the living human brain. Recently developed event-related functional MRI makes it possible to visualize the brain activity associated with cognitive processes with the temporal resolution of the hemodynamic response. In addition, the high sensitivity and selectivity of positron-emission tomography allow us to probe the neurochemical processes at the molecular level. Positron-emission tomography also has been applied to investigate the effects of therapeutic drugs as well as the effects of drugs of abuse.

[Linked marker analysis of bronchial asthma in China]

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical application value of genetic linkage analysis for bronchial asthma with two STRs-D5S436 and D5S658.

METHODS

Polymorphism of the two STRs were amplified by polymerase chain reaction, and the alleles identification were performed with denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver-staining techniques.

RESULTS

In 92 unrelated Chinese individuals, 8 alleles and 22 phenotypes in D5S436, 9 alleles and 28 phenotypes in D5S658 were observed. The heterozygosities were 78% and 73% respectively. The polymorphism information contents (PIC) were 0.76 and 0.80 respectively. Linkage analysis showed linkage of asthma related phenotypes (including asthma) with D5S436 on chromosome 5q (lod = 2.490, theta = 0.1).

CONCLUSIONS

D5S436 and D5S658 were good genetic markers. Linkage analysis demonstrates that locus on chromosome 5q31-33 maybe was linked to the development of asthma in Chinese population.

[A study of airway reactivity and nature of chronic asthmatic bronchitis]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the airway reactivity with methacholine provocation and exercise challenge of chronic asthmatic bronchitis and to assess preliminarily the nature of chronic asthmatic bronchitis.

METHODS

42 patients with bronchial asthma, 29 with simple chronic bronchitis and 27 with chronic asthmatic bronchitis were selected. The study protocol consisted of inhalation challenge with methacholine and exercise challenge. Count of blood eosinophil cells and level of blood total IgE were studied. Serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) concentration was measured in the asthmatic bronchitis group.

RESULTS

The positive ratio to methacholine response was 77.8% in chronic asthmatic bronchitis group, whereas the ratios were 100.0% and 41.4% in bronchial asthma and simple chronic bronchitis groups respectively. According to the response to exercise challenge, patients with chronic asthmatic bronchitis were divided into positive and negative groups. The cumulative dose of methacholine producing a 20% fall in FEV(1) (PD(20)-FEV(1)) was different between the two groups. In the positive group (9 patients), none was negative with methacholine response and PD(20)-FEV(1) being similar to the bronchial asthma group. The blood total IgE and ECP levels were significantly higher in the positive than in the negative group.

CONCLUSION

The characteristics of airway reactivity in chronic asthmatic bronchitis are midway between bronchial asthma and simple chronic bronchitis. The nature of chronic asthmatic bronchitis may be different in different patients.

The theory of "expelling pathogens regardless of hard stool", a significant contribution of Wu Youke

Though there are famous theories of "assorted Qi", "membranous origin", the contribution of Wu Youke's Wen yi lun (On Warm Pestilence) of the theory of " expelling pathogens regardless of hard stool" (EPRHS) is even more important. The main points of this theory includes: it is essential to expel pathogens at an early stage, while for attacking therapy, expelling pathogens with rhubarb is essential. EPRHS elucidates the significance of expelling pathogens in attacking therapy theoretically, and elevates the efficacy clinically with profound influence in later ages. In the past 2 decades, the early application of rhubarb to elevate the therapeutic effect for the treatment of pneumonia, epidemic meningitis, and Bencephalitis even in the absence of hard constipated stool marks the significance of Wu's such theory.

[The surgical treatment of congenital kyphosis]

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the treatment experience of congenital kyphosis, compare the results of several surgical procedures and conclude the lessons of failure cases with surgical treatment.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 33 patients with surgical treatment of congenital kyphosis. These patients had a follow-up of 6 months to 14 years with an average follow-up of 5 years and 6 months.

RESULTS

Among the 33 cases, the average age at surgery was 16.5 years old and the average kyphosis was 90.2 degrees. Four had anterior fusion, and 7 had posterior fusion only, and 22 had combined anterior and posterior fusion. The percentage of correction of the 3 procedures above mentioned was 32.7%, 34.4% and 41.2% respectively. All of the patients with incomplete paraplegia, but 2 had been recovered completely.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined anterior and posterior fusion had a better correction than the anterior group or posterior group alone.

[Studies on the screening high yield acid protease producing strain L336 by combining microwave irradiation with chemical inducing]

A high yield acid protease producing strain Aspergillus usamii L336 was screened from its parent strain B1 by combining microwave irradiation with inducing of nitrosoguanidine and Li2SO4. By incubation of L336 in shaking flask at 31 degrees C for 88 h, its enzyme activity was 5500 u/mL, and its properties for high yield producing acid protease remained stable after many times of subculture and storage for two months.

[An experimental study of viscoelastic properties of articular-cartilage of patella]

OBJECTIVE

To study the viscoelastic properties of human articular cartilages of patella in 8 cadavers, which were obtained from patients ranged in age from nineteen to fifty-one years old and died of acute head injury.

METHODS

The creep and stress relaxation of articular cartilage of patella were abserved in the condition of articular cartilage loaded of 500 Pa, just as the physiological load of articular cartilage of patella in keeping human body standing position with the knee joint flexed 30 degrees, during the experiment. The deformation-time curve under certain load, the load-time curve under certain deformity and related data were obtained.

RESULTS

Creep and stress relaxation showed that obvious changes occured in the first 10-15 minutes during the whole process.

CONCLUSIONS

The data and curve will not only be helpful to understand the pathogenesis of chondromalacia, but also propose a feasible method to study it from biomechanical view, meanwhile provide reference data for designing the prosthesis of patella and material choosing.

[The tissue oxygenation status and the effects of mechanical ventilation on oxygen dynamics in COPD patients with hypercapnia]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the tissue oxygenation status and the effects of mechanical ventilation (MV) on oxygen dynamics in COPD patient with hypercapnia.

METHODS

Gastric intramucosal pH (pHi) measured by gastric tonometer was examined in 19 patients before and after MV.

RESULTS

pHi calculated before MV was 7.18 +/- 0.06; After receiving MV, pHi increased gradually until above 7.32 in 4 days; during weaning, there were no significant changes in pHi before and after discontinuation. The correlation analysis showed that there was no correlation between pHi and pHa (r = 0.352, P > 0.05), PgCO(2) and PaCO(2) (r = 0.421, P > 0.05), suggesting that pHi measurement would not be affected by hypercapnia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that tissue oxygenation insufficiency existed in COPD exacerbation stage. Gastric pHi may be used as the parameter to estimate tissue oxygenation status and a predictor of weaning from mechanical ventilation.

Amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis on D5S436 locus and its application to linkage analysis in gene diagnosis of asthma

OBJECTIVES

To detect the polymorphism of D5S436 locus, and to carry out an amplified fragment length polymorphism (Amp-FLP) genotyping linkage analysis in asthma families.

METHODS

Allele and genotype frequencies of the high polymorphic D5S436 locus were determined in 92 unrelated Chinese individuals by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The amplified fragments were separated by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver staining techniques.

RESULTS

Eight alleles and 22 genotypes were observed in this population. The heterozygosity was 78.26%. The polymorphism information content (PIC) was 0.76. Amp-FLP genotyping linkage analyses were carried out in four asthma families, demonstrating that the locus was inherited according to Mendel's law and had a clear result.

CONCLUSION

The PIC of D5S436 is high in Chinese individuals, so it could be used as a genetic marker of asthma in Chinese and might be useful in the gene diagnosis of asthma.

[A pathological study on pulmonary fibrosis caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the morphologic characteristics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) induced pulmonary fibrosis.

METHODS

41 autopsy cases of COPD were chosen as the study group and other 10 autopsy cases died from non-respiratory diseases as control group. Histochemical stain and image quantitative analysis were used to identify the type of collagen.

RESULTS

In 36 cases (88%) of study group, fibrosis proliferation could be seen in peri-bronchial area, especially in the bronchi under grade VI. Respiratory bronchiole and alveoli were also involved in 11 cases. The main component of collagen in fibrosis area was identified as type III collagen by sirius red stain, reticular fiber could also be seen by Gomori stain. The type III collagen in alveoli distributed interruptedly. Image quantitative analysis showed: the integral optical density (A) of type III collagen was much higher than that of type I collagen in peri-bronchial area (P < 0.01); Both A of type III and type I collagen in peri-bronchial area were higher than that in alveolar area (P < 0.01). Mucous purulent plugs, interrupted elastic fibers in bronchial wall and chronic inflammation accompanied with lymphocytes infiltration in fibrosis area could also be seen.

CONCLUSIONS

COPD induced pulmonary fibrosis distributed mainly in peri-bronchial area, especially in the bronchi under grade VI. The main component of proliferative collagen was type III collagen. The genesis of pulmonary fibrosis might be associated with chronic inflammation accompanied with lymphocytes. Peri-bronchial fibrosis, interrupt of elastic fibers in bronchial wall caused the bronchial lumen narrowed or collapsed making both airway obstruction and ventilation insufficiency deteriorated.

Contribution of acute-phase proteins and cardiovascular risk factors to erythrocyte aggregation in normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic individuals

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have demonstrated that elevated concentrations of acute-phase proteins affect red blood cell (RBC) aggregation. Plasma lipids and lipoproteins were also shown to be correlated with RBC aggregation in hypercholesterolemia. However, whether acute-phase proteins promote RBC hyperaggregation in hyperlipidemic patients is unknown. The main objective of the study was to identify the impact of acute-phase proteins such as fibrinogen (Fib), haptoglobin (Hp), ceruloplasmin (Cp), alpha1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), alpha1-antitrypsin (AT), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and albumin (Alb) on RBC aggregation in 35 hyperlipidemic patients. The influence of these proteins in 32 normolipidemic subjects was also determined.

METHODS AND RESULTS

RBC aggregation parameters reflecting the kinetics of rouleau formation and the adhesive strength between RBCs were measured by laser reflectometry. Multivariate forward stepwise linear regression analyses were performed to study the relationship between RBC aggregation and these acute-phase proteins, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high (HDL-C) and low (LDL-C) density lipoprotein cholesterol, age, gender, body mass index (BMI), mean blood pressure (Mpresure), and smoking habit. The kinetics of rouleau formation was positively correlated with the linear combination of IgG and Hp (r=0.76, p <0.0001) in hyperlipidemic patients, whereas IgG, smoking, AGP and gender were significant independent predictors in healthy subjects (r=0.79, p <0.0001). The correlations obtained for the models predicting the adhesive strength between RBCs were 0.69 in patients (Alb, HDL-C, IgG, p <0.002) and 0.71 in healthy individuals (AGP, BMI, p <0.0001).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that acute-phase proteins such as IgG, Hp, AGP and Alb influence significantly and in an independent way the level of RBC aggregation. The close association between RBC aggregation and cardiovascular risk factors further strengthens its clinical importance.

A pathological study of in situ thrombosis of small pulmonary arteries and arterioles in autopsy cases of chronic cor pulmonale

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence of in situ thrombosis of small pulmonary arteries and arterioles during the exacerbation stage of chronic cor pulmonale.

METHODS

49 autopsy cases died from the exacerbation of chronic cor pulmonale were chosen as the study group, while 103 other autopsy cases without chronic cor pulmonale and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) as control group. Morphologic and morphometric studies were taken on lung tissues and other organs with focus on the thrombi in small pulmonary arteries and arterioles.

RESULTS

44 cases of the study group had multiple thrombi in small pulmonary arteries and arterioles, the incidence is 89.8%, and in 9 of them, thrombi in proximal pulmonary arteries co-existed, the incidence is 18.4%. 80% of the thrombi existed in pulmonary arterioles. In the control group, only 3 cases had thrombi in small pulmonary arteries and arterioles, the incidence is 2.9%. All thrombi adhered to endangium, implying that they were in situ thrombi. No intravascular thrombosis was found in other organs. chi 2 test showed that the incidence of thrombosis and the number of thrombi in small pulmonary arteries and arterioles in cases with chronic cor pulmonale were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple in situ thrombosis in small pulmonary arteries and arterioles is a prominent and common pathological change during the exacerbation stage of chronic cor pulmonale. The study suggests a new diagnostic and therapeutic concept and gives a morphological and theoretical basis for the clinical application of anticoagulants or even the thrombolytic agents for the cases of chronic cor pulmonale in the exacerbation stage.

[The study of platelet function in patients with chronic pulmonary heart disease]

OBJECTIVE

To study the platelet function in patients with chronic pulmonary heart disease.

METHOD

Subjects were divided into three groups (cor pulmonale exacerbation, cor pulmonale remission stage and normal control). Platelet adhesion rate (PAdT), platelet aggregation rate(PAgT), alpha-granule membrane protein (GMP-140) and glycoproteinII were measured by radioimmunoassay, flow cytometry and other methods.

RESULT

In cor pulmonale exacerbation, the values of PAdT, PAgT, GMP-140 and GPII were31% +/- 16%, 14% +/- 8%, 190 +/- 49 molecule/platelet and 145% +/- 36% respectively. In cor pulmonale remission stage, the values were 33% +/- 13%, 38% +/- 16%, 178 +/- 33 molecule/platelet and 137% +/- 48% respectively. These findings showed that the values of PAdT, GMP-140 and GPII in cor pulmonale exacerbation were markedly increased, whereas PAgT was significantly reduced. However, PAdT, PAgT, GMP-140 and GPII in remission stage were all higher than that of normal group.

CONCLUSION

In vivo platelet activation is indeed present in patients with chronic pulmonary heart disease.

[The correlative study on nitric oxide and cotinine nicotine metabolite in smokers' urine]

OBJECTIVE

In order to observe the changes of nitric oxide (NO) affected by smoking and their relationship in vivo.

METHOD

60 male nonsmoker as the control group, 192 male smoked as the study group which was divided into 4 subgroups (1-10, 11-20, 21-30 and > 30) according to the number of cigarettes smoked per day. The metabolite of nicotine-cotinine in urine was assayed by means of barbituric acid. Cotinine was used as an objective indicator to reflect the smoking quantity. The urinary NO (NO2.-) was determined with colorimetric estimation.

RESULT

The urinary cotinine level in the 4 subgroups were 6.6 +/- 1.6, 25.1 +/- 6.2, 37.8 +/- 8.5, 53.6 +/- 8.3 (mumol/L) respectively. The urinary NO of nonsmokers were 4.43 +/- 0.97 (mumol/L), in the 4 subgroups it was 3.04 +/- 0.07, 2.75 +/- 0.05, 2.18 +/- 0.01, 1.60 +/- 0.01 (mumol/L) respectively. The results of statistical analysis between the 4 subgroups were t = 4.2894, P < 0.01; t = 2.7446, P < 0.01; t = 2.7667, P < 0.01 accordingly. As compared between the 4 subgroups of smokers and the nonsmokers, the statistical results were t = 2.7118, P < 0.01; t = 3.1826, P < 0.01; t = 3.2100, P < 0.01; t = 4.6600, P < 0.01; respectively. The statistical differences between the 4 subgroups were t = 2.9286, P < 0.01; t = 3.0357, P < 0.01; t = 3.8181, P < 0.01; t = 2.2160, P < 0.05 respectively. There was a good positive correlation between the number of cigarette smoked and urinary cotinine content (r = 0.8626, P < 0.01), also a significant negative correlation between it and urinary NO level (r = -0.6596, P < 0.05). A negative correlation could be observed between urinary cotinine and NO (r = -0.6026, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

With the increase of quantity and duration of smoking, the NO content in vivo will decrease, suggested that the vascular endothelial cells could be damaged severely.

[Human cytomegalovirus infection and congenital malformation]

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between intrauterine cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection and congenital malformation, and to determine the distribution of tissues infected.

METHODS

Autopsy samples of 41 infants with congenital malformation and 19 infants with normal appearances were studied. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique the paraffin embedded specimens of main organs were examined for HCMV infection. In-situ hybridization (ISH) was performed in some of the PCR positive tissues in order to define the distribution of HCMV DNA.

RESULTS

19 of the 41 infants (46.34%) with congenital defects were HCMV positive, while 1 in 19 (5.26%) were positive in the control group, and there was significant difference between the 2 groups (P < 0.05), 20.46% (35/171) of the fetal organ samples were HCMV DNA positive in the malformation group, but only 1 out of 78 samples (1.28%%) was positive in the pulmonary tissue of the control group. More malformations of the digestive system were presented in HCMV infected babies but no statistical significant difference when compared with other systems. Brain tissue had the highest HCMV infection rates (41.37%, 12/29), which was significantly higher than other organs. By ISH technique HCMV DNA was found only in 6 out of 17 PCR positive samples, and they were located at neurons, neurogliocytes, epithelium and interstitial cells of the kidney, and epithelial cells of pulmonary alveolar.

CONCLUSION

There are strong correlation between HCMV infection and congenital malformation, and brain is more susceptible to HCMV. By combining PCR and ISH, both sensitivity and distribution of HCMV could be obtained.

Effects of immunotherapy on experimental immunodeficiency-related lymphoproliferative disease

BACKGROUND

Human lymphokine-activated cells (LAK cells) and interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) have been used clinically in the therapy of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD). However, the efficacy of such therapy has not been extensively tested under controlled experimental conditions.

METHODS

A B-cell line, derived from PTLD tissue and clonally related to the parent lesion, was tested for its response to IFN-alpha in vitro. The effects of LAK cells and IFN-alpha therapy were examined in a severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) mouse model in vivo.

RESULTS

The PTLD cell line studied showed a 30% decrease in the rate of growth upon incubation with 500 U/ml of IFN-alpha. This in vitro response was also reproduced in vivo, in tumor therapy studies conducted in SCID mice. The magnitude of this inhibitory effect in vivo was a function of tumor burden and dose of IFN-alpha. In parallel experiments, LAK cells reduced the tumorigenicity of a lymphoblastoid cell line derived from the peripheral blood of a patient with PTLD, and prolonged the survival of SCID-beige mice with established lymphoproliferative disease. In contrast with two prior studies, in which the use of autologous cytotoxic T cells was found to be necessary, we found the administration of third-party non-HLA-matched LAK cells also to be effective in reducing tumor burden.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations demonstrate the efficacy of immunotherapy for lymphoproliferative disease under controlled experimental conditions, and validate currently ongoing efforts exploring the utility of such therapy in the clinical setting.

Mechanical analysis and treatment of Harrington-rods broken after initial operation for scoliosis

Twenty-two cases of scoliosis with Harrington-rods broken after operation were treated by rod-sleeve method. The results of follow-up from 1 year and 3 months to 9 years and 3 months showed that all of the patients, but one patient occurred Harrington-rod rebroken and one's fixation being removed because of back pain in 6 months and 5 years and 11 months after rod-sleeve procedure, respectively, had no complaints. The author also found that the rod underwent a decrease in cross-sectional area of approximately 43.7% at the ratchet-shaft junction in experimental study on Harrington-rods, and stress unfairly distribution, stress concentration and cyclic loading producing fatigue in metals were proved to be the main cause of broken by mechanical analysis of Harrington-rod loaded in the body. In concluson, the rod-sleeve procedure was the effective method to keep from Harrington-rods broken.

Three-dimensional structure of the Ras-interacting domain of RalGDS

The Ras-interacting domains of the the protein-kinase Raf and the Ral guanine nucleotide dissociation stimulator, RalGDS, lack extensive sequence similarity, but their overall three-dimensional structures are very similar to each other. Mutational analysis indicated that three residues in the RalGDS domain are critical for its interaction with Ras.

Cloning and characterization of an uncoupling protein homolog: a potential molecular mediator of human thermogenesis

We have identified a novel cDNA encoding a protein highly homologous to the mammalian brown fat uncoupling protein (UCP). Unlike the known UCP, which is expressed specifically in brown adipose tissue, the UCP homolog (UCPH) mRNA is expressed in a variety of tissues, with predominant expression in human white adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. In the white adipose tissue of ob/ob and db/db mice, the UCPH transcript is induced approximately fivefold relative to lean littermate controls. Expression of murine UCPH in yeast results in growth inhibition under conditions that require aerobic respiration, but does not affect growth under anaerobic conditions. Furthermore, UCPH expression in yeast causes a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential, as judged by staining with the potential-sensitive dye DiOC6. These observations suggest that UCPH, like UCP, uncouples oxidative phosphorylation. The possibility that the UCPH protein is an important mediator of human thermogenesis is discussed.

[Status and attitude to smoking in 1,214 nurses in Beijing]

Smoking in medical professionals is increasingly attracted attention to. A lot of studies on smoking in physicians at home have been reported, but few in nurses. In order to understand current status of smoking and trend of its changes in nurses, 1,214 female nurses in five hospitals of Beijing were interviewed on their smoking in 1993. Results showed an average proportion of smoking of 7.4%, 7.3% in urban and 7.9% in rural hospitals. As compared with the results of a survey conducted five years ago (with an average proportion of smoking of 1.6%), proportion of smoking in nurses increased obviously. Proportion of smoking quitting was very low (3.3%) in nurses, although most of them could recognize harmfulness of smoking and publicize it to patients.

Differences in the erythrocyte aggregation level between veins and arteries of normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic individuals

The objectives of this study were to detect differences in the Doppler power backscattered by blood in vivo, and to identify factors affecting the backscattered power. The main hypothesis was that variations in the erythrocyte aggregation level between veins and arteries of normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic individuals can be detected with power Doppler ultrasound. Doppler measurements were performed at 5 MHz, with an Acuson 128 XP/10 system, over the carotid artery and jugular vein, external iliac artery and vein, common femoral artery and vein and popliteal artery and vein. Doppler signals were recorded at the center of each vessel to optimize the detection of erythrocyte aggregation, and processed off-line to obtain the backscattered power. The power of each recording was compensated for Doppler gain differences, tissue attenuation with depth and transmitted power variations occurring with pulse-repetition interval modifications. Results showed statistically stronger backscattered power in veins compared to arteries for the iliac, femoral and popliteal sites. In comparison with healthy subjects, stronger powers were observed in hyperlipidemic patients for the femoral and popliteal sites. Power differences were also found between peripheral measurements. On the other hand, no difference was observed between the power measured in the carotid artery and jugular vein for both groups of individuals. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors affecting the backscattered power. Results showed a correlation (r) of 71.2% between the Doppler power in the femoral vein and the linear combination of two parameters: an erythrocyte aggregation index S10 measured with a laser scattering method, and the diameter of the vessel measured on B-mode images. Statistically significant linear correlation levels were also found between S10 and the Doppler power in various vessels. In conclusion, this study showed that power Doppler differences exist in vivo in large vessels between veins and arteries of normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic individuals. The Doppler power variations were also shown to be related to erythrocyte aggregation.

Influence of acute-phase proteins on erythrocyte aggregation

With the exception of fibrinogen, immunoglobulins, and albumin, little information is available on the effect of acute-phase proteins on erythrocyte aggregation. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of haptoglobin (Hp), C-reactive protein (CRP), ceruloplasmin (Cp), alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (alpha 1-AGP), and alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1-AT) on the aggregation kinetics and shear resistance of erythrocyte aggregates. The plasma concentration of these proteins was measured in 20 healthy individuals and kept unchanged while the concentration of the protein tested was increased. Adding Hp to concentrations between 2.78 and 4.99 g/l resulted in a significant progressive increase in aggregation kinetics compared with controls. An elevation of the shear resistance of the aggregates was found for CRP at a concentration of 0.438 g/l. By an increase in the concentration of Cp from 4.40 to 9.39 g/l, the aggregation kinetics and the adhesive forces between erythrocytes were significantly increased: No effect on erythrocyte aggregation was observed for alpha 1-AGP, alpha 1-AT, and Cp at concentrations of 2.85, 3.97, and 2.43 g/l, respectively. The molecular mass of the acute-phase proteins, their configuration, and the presence of specific receptors on the erythrocyte membrane are postulated as possible factors influencing erythrocyte aggregation.

Pw1, a novel zinc finger gene implicated in the myogenic and neuronal lineages

The cellular and molecular processes leading to the establishment of the skeletal muscle lineage in the vertebrate are not well understood. The MyoD-related family of myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) are expressed during somitogenesis although cells with myogenic capacity are present prior to gastrulation. We propose that regulatory genes exist that guide the skeletal muscle lineage during early development. In an effort to identify these regulatory genes, we performed a differential screening to isolate transcripts that are present in myogenic cells and in the embryo prior to MRF expression but absent in nonmyogenic fibroblasts. We report here the identification of Pw1. The Pw1 transcript is approximately 8.5 kb long and encodes a large protein containing 12 widespread C2H2 zinc fingers and 3 motifs containing periodic prolines and acidic residues. Consistent with the possibility that Pw1 is a transcription factor, we observe nuclear localization of the protein. Pw1 is strongly expressed upon gastrulation and subsequently becomes restricted to skeletal muscle and subregions of the central nervous system. Pw1 is initially expressed in all mesodermal cells early in development; however, its maintained expression in adult differentiated muscle suggests a specific role in the skeletal muscle lineage. Pw1 expression is cell cycle specific with levels highest during late M-phase. The gene is intronless which may facilitate transcription during cell division. At present, the precise function of Pw1 is not understood; however, we note that Pw1 maps to the proximal region of chromosome 7 near the axial segmentation mutant pudgy which shows severe perturbation of axial skeletal and muscle structures.

Comparison and simulation of different levels of erythrocyte aggregation with pig, horse, sheep, calf, and normal human blood

Erythrocyte aggregation levels in pig, horse, sheep, and calf blood samples were investigated and compared to that of normal human blood. The aggregation kinetics and adhesive forces between red cells, and an index of structure of the aggregates were determined with an erythroaggregameter (Regulest, France) at constant hematocrit (0.40 l/l) and temperature (37 degrees C). The adhesive forces and the index of structure in pig blood were close to those of normal human blood. The results for horse blood showed a very high level of aggregation kinetics and adhesive forces between red cells. For sheep and calf blood, little erythrocyte aggregation was found. To simulate different levels of red cell hyperaggregation in humans, a volume of horse plasma was replaced by isotonic NaCl in different proportions (5 to 40% V/V). The kinetics of rouleaux formation and especially the adhesive forces between erythrocytes were systematically decreased, while the index of structure was raised with increasing concentrations of isotonic NaCl. By replacing the porcine plasma with isotonic NaCl, normal and hypoaggregating levels of human red cells were simulated. The aggregation kinetics and the adhesive forces were reduced and the index of structure was raised when the concentration of isotonic NaCl was increased. In summary, large differences in the aggregation parameters were found between mammals. This study also showed that different human erythrocyte aggregation levels can be simulated by diluting the concentration of plasma proteins in equine and porcine bloods.

[The pulmonary function in scoliotic patient]

This paper investigated preoperative pulmonary functions in 134 scoliotic patients, of whom 32 cases was followed up for their postoperative pulmonary functions. The results show that the bigger the Cobb of the scoliosis, the greater the damages of the pulmonary functions. Congenital scoliosis is more severely affected by pulmonary functions than idiopathic scoliosis. There was no significant difference among the different sections of scoliosis with regard to their effect on the pulmonary functions. The authors concluded that the Harrington Instrumentation improved pulmonary functions in scoliosis.

Evidence that the diabetes gene encodes the leptin receptor: identification of a mutation in the leptin receptor gene in db/db mice

OB-R is a high affinity receptor for leptin, an important circulating signal for the regulation of body weight. We identified an alternatively spliced transcript that encodes a form of mouse OB-R with a long intracellular domain. db/db mice also produce this alternatively spliced transcript, but with a 106 nt insertion that prematurely terminates the intracellular domain. We further identified G --> T point mutation in the genomic OB-R sequence in db/db mice. This mutation generates a donor splice site that converts the 106 nt region to a novel exon retained in the OB-R transcript. We predict that the long intracellular domain form of OB-R is crucial for initiating intracellular signal transduction, and as a corollary, the inability to produce this form of OB-R leads to the severe obese phenotype found in db/db mice.

Identification and expression cloning of a leptin receptor, OB-R

The ob gene product, leptin, is an important circulating signal for the regulation of body weight. To identify high affinity leptin-binding sites, we generated a series of leptin-alkaline phosphatase (AP) fusion proteins as well as [125I]leptin. After a binding survey of cell lines and tissues, we identified leptin-binding sites in the mouse choroid plexus. A cDNA expression library was prepared from mouse choroid plexus and screened with a leptin-AP fusion protein to identify a leptin receptor (OB-R). OB-R is a single membrane-spanning receptor most related to the gp130 signal-transducing component of the IL-6 receptor, the G-CSF receptor, and the LIF receptor. OB-R mRNA is expressed not only in choroid plexus, but also in several other tissues, including hypothalamus. Genetic mapping of the gene encoding OB-R shows that it is within the 5.1 cM interval of mouse chromosome 4 that contains the db locus.

[A preliminary observation on the effects of inhaled nitric oxide on bronchial asthma]

Nitric oxide (NO) is a vasodilator as well as a bronchodilator. In order to estimate the therapeutic effects of NO on bronchial asthma, 10 patients in acute exacerbation stage were selected for this study. 40 ppm NO was inhaled for 20 minutes. The clinical stage and pulmonary function were evaluated instantly. The results showed that subjective symptoms were relieved and wheezing rales decreased to a different extent, FEV1 and PEF improved significantly (P < 0.05). It is suggested that low concentration NO inhalation can be used as a therapeutic measure for bronchial asthma.

[Detection of intrauterine transmission of human cytomegalovirus by nested polymerase chain reaction]

OBJECTIVE

Using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect Intrauterine transmission of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV).

METHODS

Ninety one cases of pregnant women were devided into three groups according to their gestational stages. In the first and second trimesters, they terminated pregnancy voluntarily. HCMV-DNA in maternal and cord blood as well as placenta were detected respectively by nested PCR.

RESULTS

In the first trimester, 20 out of 30 cases were infected, Intrauterine transmission occured in 8 of the 20 infected mothers (HCMV-DNA were found in the chorionic villus). In the second trimester, 21 out of 30 cases were infected, 7 of them transmitted HCMV to their fetus through placenta. In this term, the placenta infection rate is 40% (12/30). In the third trimester, 23 out of 31 cases women infected HCMV, 18 of them transmitted HCMV to their fetus through placenta, the placenta infection rate is 66.67% (20/30). The congenital infection rate is 58.06% (18/31), much higher than the reported levels marked by cord sera IgM and (or) infants viremia.

CONCLUSIONS

HCMV transmitted from mother to infant mainly through placenta. Nested PCR provides a valuable method that can detected virus infection not limited by virus reproduction state and human immuno-reaction ability.

[Clinical observation on perinatal Chlamydia trachomata infection]

OBJECTIVE

To screen antigen of genital chlamydia trachomata (CT) in pregnant women and to study its clinical characteristics, treatment and transmission to the newborns.

METHOD

Monoclone antibody immuno-fluorescence was employed in assaying.

RESULTS

Positive incidence of CT infection during pregnancy was 86 cases (26.88%), of whom 47/64 cases (73.44%) treated with traditional Chinese herbs for 2 weeks became negative. The other 22 were not treated because either they were too near to term (21 cases) or had local allergic reaction (1 case). Incidence of positive CT in newborns from untreated mothers was 81.82%, treated and became negative was 23.40%, treated but still positive was 88.24%.

CONCLUSION

Antenatal treatment is of importance in preventing intrapartum transmission of CT from mother to child. The data indicated that treatment with traditional Chinese herbs was effective.

Surgical treatment of hallux valgus by reconstruction of metatarsal arch and modified McBride operation (40 cases report)

72 feet with hallux valgus among 40 patients treated by reconstruction of metatarsal arch and modified McBride operation are reported in this paper. After an average of 4.5 years of postoperative follow-up, the results showed an overall 9 degrees and 3 degrees correction of the hallux abductus angle and the intermetatarsal angle, respectively. 95% of the cases of bunions disappeared, 66% calli under the heads of the first and second metatarsal disappeared, and 91% patients were satisfied with the changes of their feet appearance.

[Long-term effect of leprosy control in both highly endemic prefectures, Weifang of Shandong and Wenshan of Yunnan]

The long-term effect of leprosy control was studied in two prefectures of different geographical conditions and socio-economic status. During 1955-1985, the incidence rate in Weifang of Shandong decreased by 94.5% (9.1-0.5/10,000) and became evident after the introduction of MDT in 1986 (0.04/10,000, 1993). In Wenshan of Yunnan, however, it remained at about 20/10,000 before 1980. After the introduction of rifampin plus dapsone in 1979 and fixed duration MDT in 1986, it decreased by 94% (20-1.2/10,000), whereas the detection rate remained constant (+5/100,000). In comparison with the features of new patients detected since 1980, we noted a steady increase of MB rate and voluntary reporting, and a decrease of deformity rate, in the last 8 years in Weifang. It is estimated that by the year 2000 Weifang may have the detection rate of 0.001260/10 thousand and the incidence rate of 0/00757/10 thousand in contrast to the detection rate of 0.2980/10 thousand and the incidence rate of 0.316/10 thousand in Wenshan.

Application of internal fixation in the treatment for tuberculosis of the spine

This is a study of 18 patients who had surgical treatment for spinal tuberculosis. All patients were admitted with the spinal tuberculosis and treated with a combination of anterior debridement and bone graft with posterior internal fixation using the Luque or Dick technique. The patients were able to walk within a few days postoperation. Three to seven years follow-ups show no recurrence, kyphosis and/or solid fusion.

Short- and long-term prognosis after acute myocardial infarction in Chinese men and women

Most, but not all, studies in Western countries have indicated that women have a higher mortality than men after an acute myocardial infarction, but this has not been well documented in the developing world. The authors studied 601 male and 294 female myocardial infarction patients, aged 26-94 years, admitted to a city hospital in Beijing, China, between 1974 and 1986. A total of 745 (98.8%) of the cohort of 754 who survived past their initial hospitalization were followed up in 1988. Compared with their male counterparts, female myocardial infarction patients were older (63.4 vs. 58.1 years) and had a higher prevalence of tachycardia (heart rate, > or = 110 beats/minute), rales, New York Heart Association class III or IV, and heart block, but a lower prevalence of smoking and white collar occupation (all p < 0.01). The mortality within 28 days of their myocardial infarction was higher in women than in men, mainly in the group whose age was less than 60 years (20.4% vs. 7.1%, p < 0.001). The greater risk of short-term mortality in women persisted even after adjustment for age, history of stroke and hypertension, tachycardia on admission, anterior infarction, Killip class III or IV, and arrhythmia (relative odds = 1.74, 95% confidence interval 1.17-2.60). The 10-year total cumulative mortality in persons who survived the first 28 days following their myocardial infarction was 51.1% for women and 35.9% for men (log rank p = 0.002). After adjustment for age, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.3). Our results suggest that, in Beijing, women have a higher short-term mortality after myocardial infarction compared with men.

Regulation of atrial natriuretic peptide, thromboxane and prostaglandin production by androgen in elderly men with coronary heart disease

Several recent observations suggest that atrial natriuretic peptides (ANP) can modulate steroidogenesis in isolated rat Leydig cells and in young men. Other observations suggest that catechol estrogen can inhibit prostaglandin (PGI2) release in the endothelium, and we had found that androgen can relieve angina pectoris and improve myocardial ischemia in elderly men with coronary heart disease (CHD), possibly through relieving coronary artery smooth muscle spasm. Because ANP and PGI2 are vasoactive peptides which regulate vasomotion, there must be an interaction between steroidogenesis hormones and vasoactive peptides. We evaluated the effects of androgen (Sustanon 250) administration on plasma ANP, PGI2 and thromboxane (TXA2) levels in elderly men with CHD. Thirty 60-75-year-old men with CHD received 250 mg (1 ml) Sustanon 250 injection, and 30 age- and sex-matched CHD patients received 1 ml saline. Plasma ANP, PGI2, TXA2, estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) were determined before injection and 3 weeks thereafter. The results showed that Sustanon 250 administration increased plasma ANP levels, decreased TXA2 and increased PGI2 levels significantly, and thereby improved the TXA2/PGI2 imbalance in CHD patients (all P < 0.01). Meanwhile, serum T levels rose (P < 0.01), but E2 levels remained unchanged, and thus the E2/T ratio decreased (P < 0.05). Our findings demonstrate that androgen exerts its regulatory role by altering plasma ANP levels and the TXA2/PGI2 ratio.

Expression of alpha 1, alpha 5, and gamma 2 GABAA receptor subunit mRNAs measured in situ in rat hippocampus and cortex following chronic flurazepam administration

Prolonged benzodiazepine treatment of rats results in anticonvulsant tolerance in vivo. Studies of in vitro hippocampal slices following 1 wk flurazepam administration show reduced GABA-mediated inhibition in the CA1 region, and a decrease in GABAA agonist and benzodiazepine potency to inhibit CA1 pyramidal cell-evoked responses. To investigate the molecular basis of benzodiazepine tolerance in the hippocampus, in situ hybridization techniques were used to evaluate the expression of the mRNAs for the alpha 1, alpha 5, and gamma 2 subunits of the GABAA receptor in the hippocampal formation and frontal cortex of chronic flurazepam-treated rats. A discretely localized decrease in alpha 1, but not alpha 5 or gamma 2 mRNA expression was found in the CA1 region (35-40%) and in layers II-III and IV of cortex (50-60%) 2 d after cessation of flurazepam treatment. The decrease in the expression of alpha 1 subunit mRNA in cortex is similar to that reported following other chronic benzodiazepine treatment regimens. This is the first report of a reduction in alpha 1 subunit mRNA expression in the hippocampal formation.