[Characteristics of radiofrequency current catheter ablation in the treatment of elderly patients with supraventricular tachycardia]

To study the effects and characteristics of radiofrequency current catheter ablation (RFCA) in treatment of elderly patients with supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), fifty-three elderly patients and fifty non-elderly patients with PSVT were included in this study. RFCA were performed in both groups. The group of elderly patients included 26 patients with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia and 27 patients with atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia due to 29 atrioventricular accessory pathways (Aps). Twenty-one patients were accompanied with hypertension and coronary heart diseases and 5 sick sinus syndrome cases in the elderly group. All patients in both groups were treated successfully with RFCA. The procedure time of ablation of slow pathway in elderly group was shorter than that of the non-elderly group (P < 0.01). A mild symptom of arterial thrombosis was found in 2 cases of the elderly group after treatment and was cured with aspirin. These results suggest that PFCA is very effective and safe in the treatment of elderly patients with PSVT, especially for patients accompanied with sick sinus syndrome.

The genetic structure of recombinant inbred mice: high-resolution consensus maps for complex trait analysis

BACKGROUND

Recombinant inbred (RI) strains of mice are an important resource used to map and analyze complex traits. They have proved particularly effective in multidisciplinary genetic studies. Widespread use of RI strains has been hampered by their modest numbers and by the difficulty of combining results derived from different RI sets.

RESULTS

We have increased the density of typed microsatellite markers two- to five-fold in each of several major RI sets that share C57BL/6 as a parental strain (AXB, BXA, BXD, BXH and CXB). A common set of 490 markers was genotyped in just over 100 RI strains. Genotypes of around 1,100 additional microsatellites in one or more RI sets were generated, collected and checked for errors. Consensus RI maps that integrate genotypes of approximately 1,600 microsatellite loci were assembled. The genomes of individual strains typically incorporate 45-55 recombination breakpoints. The collected RI set - termed the BXN set - contains approximately 5,000 breakpoints. The distribution of recombinations approximates a Poisson distribution and distances between breakpoints average about 0.5 centimorgans (cM). Locations of most breakpoints have been defined with a precision of < 2 cM. Genotypes deviate from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in only a small number of intervals.

CONCLUSIONS

Consensus maps derived from RI strains conform almost exactly to theoretical expectation and are close to the length predicted by the Haldane-Waddington equation (x3.6 for a 2-3 cM interval between markers). Non-syntenic associations between different chromosomes introduce predictable distortions in quantitative trait locus (QTL) datasets that can be partly corrected using two-locus correlation matrices.

Liarozole fumarate (R85246): in the treatment of ER negative, tamoxifen refractory or chemotherapy resistant postmenopausal metastatic breast cancer

Three phase II studies were conducted to determine the efficacy and tolerability of liarozole fumarate (R85246; liarozole), a retinoic acid metabolism blocking agent (RAMBA) and aromatase inhibitor. Additionally, animal experiments in the MNU-induced rat mammary tumor model and in immature ovariectomized rats were conducted to further elucidate liarozole's mechanisms of action. Patients were postmenopausal with either: ER negative disease in first relapse (Group 1: 1n = 16); ER positive or unknown disease refractory to tamoxifen (Group 2; n = 16); ER positive, negative or unknown disease resistant or refractory to chemotherapy (Group 3; n = 27). Treatment was liarozole (150-300mg) twice daily orally until disease progression. Response rates were: 25% in group 1 (95% CI 11.0-52.3%: median duration (MD) 20 months; range 2-36.5); 25% in group 2 (95% CI 11.0-52.3%; MD 6.5 months: range 3.5-38): 11% in group 3 (95% CI 4.2-29.2%; MD 7 months; range 3-8.5). No significant improvement in quality of life scores (FLI-C) was noted. Toxicities observed were predominantly dermatological (skin disorders: 88%; dry mouth/eyes/lips: 69%). Plasma estradiol decreased from mean pre-treatment levels of 72.7 pM (9.1-1,839 pM) to below detection (9.2 pM) after 1 month. Liarozole, but not vorozole, partially inhibited estradiol induced uterine hypertrophy and demonstrated dose-dependent anti-tumor effects in the rats, only partially overcome by coadministration of estradiol. The clinical responses observed, together with our preclinical results, confirm liarozole's dual mechanism of action and provide a rationale for further evaluation of RAMBAs in the treatment of breast cancer.

[Inhibiting effect of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide of alpha 1(I) Precollagen gene on hypertrophic scar in an animal model]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) of alpha 1(I) precollagen gene on hypertrophic scar in an animal model.

METHOD

Hypertrophic scar was explanted in athymic mice. The effect of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide 1 and 2 on the animal model and the inhibition of ODN1 and ODN2 were observed.

RESULT

It was showed that antisense oligo (ODN1, 21 bp) located 5'end from the translation start region and antisense oligo (ODN2, 22 bp) between the first exon and the first intron could effectively inhibit scar hypertrophy. However the control groups showed no inhibition.

CONCLUSION

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide could effectively inhibit scar hypertrophy by inhibiting the synthesis of type I collagen protein.

Coordinate expression of novel genes during osteoblast differentiation

To achieve new insights into the coordinate regulation of gene expression during osteoblast differentiation we utilized an approach involving global analysis of gene expression to obtain the identities of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) expressed using an established in vitro model of bone development. MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells were induced to differentiate by the addition of beta-glycerophosphate (beta-GP) and ascorbic acid. RNA samples derived from induced and uninduced control MC3T3-E1 cells were used to prepare complementary DNA (cDNA) for serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE). A preliminary SAGE database was produced and used to prepare a hybridization array to further facilitate the characterization of changes in the expression levels of 92 of the SAGE-mRNA assignments after induction of osteoblast differentiation, specifically after 6 days and 14 days of ascorbate treatment. SAGE-array hybridization analysis revealed coordinate induction of a number of mRNAs including Rab24, calponin, and calcyclin. Levels of MSY-1, SH3P2, fibronectin, alpha-collagen, procollagen, and LAMPI mRNAs, present at day 6 postinduction, were markedly reduced by day 14 postinduction. A number of unanticipated and potentially important developmental genes were identified including the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) superfamily member Lefty-1. Lefty-1 transcript and translation product were found to be induced during the course of MC3T3-E1 cell differentiation. We present evidence, using transient transfection and antibody neutralization approaches, that Lefty-1 modulates the induction of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) after treatment of MC3T3-E1 cells with ascorbate and beta-GP. These data should provide useful new information for future analysis of transcriptional events in osteoblast differentiation and mineralization.

Compromised kidney graft rejection response in Vervet monkeys after withdrawal of immunosuppressants tacrolimus and sirolimus

BACKGROUND

In nonprimates, organ allografts are often not rejected after withdrawal of immunosuppression. In this study, we examined whether such a phenomenon also occurs in primates.

METHODS

Vervet monkeys were transplanted with renal allografts and treated for 60 days with tacrolimus, or tacrolimus plus sirolimus. The drugs were totally withdrawn on day 61. The survival of the monkeys was monitored, and their response to donor- or third party-derived alloantigens was examined in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

The majority (80-100%) of the grafts survived for at least additional 30 days with no signs of acute rejection. The compromised rejection is donor-specific, because recipient monkeys failed to reject a donor-derived skin graft, but a third-party skin graft was rejected. In vitro mixed lymphocyte reaction and interleukin-2 production in the mixed lymphocyte reaction between the recipients and their donors or between the recipients and a third party had no discernable patterns, and thus did not reflect the in vivo status of the immune system. Although the recipients could not reject the graft acutely after drug withdrawal, the kidney grafts and the donor-derived skin grafts had pathological findings of chronic rejection.

CONCLUSIONS

The rejection response of the monkeys to an established graft after withdrawal of immunosuppression is compromised. The compromised rejection is specific and is not due to a permanent alteration of the immune system by the initial drug treatment. The allografts are not inert but have low levels of interaction with the recipient immune system.

Effect of tacrolimus (FK506) and sirolimus (rapamycin) mono- and combination therapy in prolongation of renal allograft survival in the monkey

BACKGROUND

Our previous studies confirmed that tacrolimus (FK506) and sirolimus [rapamycin (RAPA)], in combination, are not antagonistic but are synergistic in the prolongation of heart and small bowel grafts in the rodent. The aim of this study was to confirm further the synergistic effect of combined FK506 and RAPA in the more clinically relevant model, kidney transplantation in monkeys.

METHODS

A total of 60 male Vervet monkeys were randomly assigned to 10 groups (n> or =5). Monkeys with renal allografts were treated with different doses of FK506 and/or RAPA orally for 60 days. Graft survival, body weight, clinical biochemistry determinations, oral glucose tolerance test, trough levels of the two drugs, and histopathology were investigated.

RESULTS

Low doses of FK506 (1 or 4 mg/kg) combined with RAPA (0.5 mg/kg) produced synergistic effect in the prolongation of renal graft survival [combination index (CI) = 0.292, 0.565]. There were no additive or synergistic drug-associated toxicities such as hyperglycemia, nephrotoxicity, and hyperlipidemia. There also was no pharmacological antagonism.

CONCLUSION

Concomitant therapy of low-dose (drug-optimal) FK506 and RAPA produced a synergistic effect in the prolongation of kidney allograft survival in Vervet monkeys without additive drug-associated toxicities.

Expression and regulation of the messenger ribonucleic acid encoding the prostaglandin F(2alpha) receptor in the rat myometrium during pregnancy and labor

OBJECTIVE

We examined expression of messenger ribonucleic acid encoding the prostaglandin F(2alpha) receptor in the rat myometrium throughout late gestation and its regulation by progesterone and mechanical stretch.

STUDY DESIGN

Normal pregnant rats were killed on gestational day 15, 22, or 23 (during labor) or 1 day post partum. The effects of progesterone on prostaglandin F(2alpha) receptor messenger ribonucleic acid levels were investigated by daily injections of progesterone (4 mg) from day 20 of normal gestation or from day 17 in rats bilaterally ovariectomized on day 17. To investigate the effects of myometrial stretch, unilaterally pregnant rats underwent either sham surgery or placement of a polyvinyl tube 3 mm in diameter in the nongravid uterine horn on day 15 or 18 and were killed 5 days later. Prostaglandin F(2alpha) receptor messenger ribonucleic acid levels in the myometrium were determined by a semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction method.

RESULTS

Myometrial prostaglandin F(2alpha) receptor messenger ribonucleic acid levels significantly increased during both term and ovariectomy-induced preterm labor. This increase was blocked by progesterone. In rats with unilateral pregnancies prostaglandin F(2alpha) receptor messenger ribonucleic acid levels in the nongravid horns were similar to those in the contralateral gravid horns on day 20 and during labor regardless of whether they were stretched by a 3-mm tube.

CONCLUSION

Increased myometrial expression of prostaglandin F(2alpha) receptor messenger ribonucleic acid during term and preterm labor is temporally associated with progesterone withdrawal but is not dependent on mechanical stretch of the myometrium.

Blocking of CD44-hyaluronic acid interaction prolongs rat allograft survival

BACKGROUND

Lymphocyte activation and infiltration into a transplanted organ is an integral component of the rejection process. Graft infiltration of lymphocytes requires adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelium, diapedesis, and transmigration. One of several proteins involved in this process is CD44, which is known to interact with endothelial hyaluronan (HA). Blockade of cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions have been used extensively for modulation of immune responses and graft rejection. Based on these observations, we evaluated the effects of blocking CD44-HA interactions in a transplantation model.

METHODS

We used a low molecular weight hyaluronic acid formulation (LMWHA) for the treatment of rat renal and cardiac allograft recipients. LMWHA was administered intraperitoneally at 0.5-5 mg/kg for 5-10 days after transplantation with or without a subtherapeutic dose of cyclosporine.

RESULTS

LMWHA monotherapy prolonged allograft survival significantly, but only for a few days. In combination with low-dose cyclosporine, long-term survival of allografts was observed in some of recipients.

CONCLUSION

Further definition of the underlying mechanism of LMWHA therapy may provide a rationale for the development of novel, nontoxic, nonimmunogenic immunotherapies.

[Effects of Asiaticoside on hypertrophic scars in a nude mice model]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of Asiaticoside on the fibroblast collagen biosynthesis in vitro culture and on the hypertrophic scar in a nude mice model, and its mechanism.

METHODS

Light microscope (LM) and electron microscope (EM) were employed to study the morphological changes in fibroblast before and after the application of Asiaticoside. The fibroblast collagen synthesis was assayed by (3)H-proline incorporation. A nude mice model with hypertrophic scar was established for observing the effect of Asiaticoside given by local injection.

RESULTS

It was found that Asiaticoside could significantly affect the ultrastructure of fibroblast and inhibit its collagen synthesis in vitro culture (P < 0.01) in a manner of dose-effect relationship. Local injection of Asiaticoside into the nude mouse body could inhibit the proliferation of scar without any toxic effect.

CONCLUSION

The possible mechanism of the effect of Asiaticoside on hypertrophic scars is related to its inhibitory action on the fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis.

Chromosomal localization of phospholipase A2 activating protein, an Ets2 target gene, to 9p21

A murine Ets2 target gene isolated by differential display cloning was identified as the phospholipase A2 activating protein (PLAA) gene. A 2.7-kb human cDNA demonstrating high homology to mouse and rat Plaa genes was then isolated and characterized. Human PLAA contains six WD-40 repeat motifs and three different protein kinase consensus domains. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) mapping placed PLAA on chromosome 9p21, a region frequently deleted in various cancers. A comprehensive mapping strategy was employed to define further the chromosomal localization of PLAA relative to CDKN2A within the 9p21 locus. Radiation hybrid mapping placed the gene 7.69 cR from WI-5735 (LOD >3.0), a marker in close proximity to CDKN2A and CDKN2B. Yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) mapping localized PLAA proximal to the CDKN2A/CDKN2B genes and to a region flanked by D9S171 and INFA commonly deleted in many neoplasms. Two YACs contained both PLAA and D9S259, a marker present in a second more proximal minimal deleted region observed in cutaneous melanoma and squamous cell lung carcinoma. Double-color fiber FISH mapping confirmed the location of PLAA centromeric to D9S171 and CDKN2A/CDKN2B. The mapping data suggest a possible tumor suppressor role for this gene.

Improved techniques for kidney transplantation in the monkey

Improved microsurgical techniques for kidney transplantation in the monkey are described. The left graft kidney is transplanted to the lower part of abdomen with end-to-side anastomoses of renal artery to aorta without a patch of aorta, renal vein to inferior vena cava, and end-to-end anastomosis of donor and recipient ureter with 8-0 nylon sutures in a bilateral nephrectomized recipient monkey. We recently performed 60 kidney transplantations in Vervet monkeys. None died of surgery or surgical complications. This reproducible model provides a useful tool to test new immunosuppressants and to investigate the mechanism of drug-induced tolerance and xenotransplantation in primates as a support to clinical trial.

Synergistic effect of rapamycin and cyclosporine in prevention of acute kidney allograft rejection in the mouse

The effect of rapamycin (RAPA) and cyclosporine A (CsA) monotherapy and combination therapy was examined in prevention of kidney allograft rejection in the mouse. Both drugs were administered orally for up to 14 days in BALB/c (H-2(d)) to C57BL/6 (H-2(b)) mice strong combination. Six groups were treated with RAPA and/or CsA. This study shows that concomitant therapy of RAPA and CsA produces strong synergistic interaction in prolonging renal allograft survival in mice when compared with monotherapy of RAPA or CsA.

Prolongation of rat heart allograft survival with K(+)ATP-dependent channel modulators

Controversies exist regarding the immunoregulatory properties of K(+) ATP channel modulators. We investigated the effects of aprikalim, a K(+) ATP-dependent channels activator, and glibenclamide and gliclazide, two inhibitors of K(+) ATP-dependent channels, on the prolongation of heart allograft survival in the rat. Nine groups (n >/= 5) were involved in this study with the Brown-Norway to Lewis rat combination treated with aprikalim, glibenclamide, gliclazide, and/or cyclosporine. The results indicate that modulators of K(+) ATP-dependent channels can improve the survival of rat heart allograft without interfering with the immunosuppressive properties of cyclosporine.

Effects of the 21-aminosteroid U74389G in a model of chronic myocardial infarction in the rat

21-Aminosteroids are a group of new synthetic compounds developed as antiperoxidants. Although several studies have demonstrated their cardioprotective properties in acute ischemic models, none has assessed their long-term benefits after chronic myocardial infarction. In this investigation, we examined the cardioprotective effects of U74389G, a novel 21-aminosteroid, in a model of chronic myocardial infarction in the rat. After permanent ligation of the proximal branch of the left coronary artery, the experimental animals were treated daily by gavage with U74389G (10 mg/kg) for 21 days. After the study period, harvested hearts were perfused ex vivo and submitted to cold cardioplegia with 90-min global ischemia and 30-min reperfusion (surgical stress). Myocardial function and coronary endothelial (bradykinin, 1 microM) and smooth muscle (sodium nitroprusside, 1 microM) reactivity were assessed before and after exposure to the surgical stress. Percentage infarct size of the left ventricle was computed as the ratio of infarct area (mg)/total left ventricle (mg) x 100. During or immediately after surgery, there were eight deaths, which were considered technical failures. No further deaths occurred during the follow-up period (21 days). Compared with vehicle-treated rats, long-term administration of U74389G elicited a significant reduction of infarct size (percentage of left ventricle, 9 +/- 5% in the U74389G-treated group vs. 32 +/- 5% in the vehicle-treated group; p < 0.01). Ex vivo heart-perfusion studies showed no significant difference in baseline coronary flow, left ventricular developed pressure, and heart rate between normal and chronic infarcted hearts treated with the vehicle or with U74389G. However, a reduced endothelium-dependent coronary dilator response was observed in infarcted hearts from vehicle-treated controls but not in those from U74389G-treated rats. When cardioplegia and global myocardial ischemia/reperfusion were added, most of the benefits from U74389G were lost. These results indicate that 21-aminosteroids can reverse oxygen-derived free radicals and lipid peroxidation-induced myocardial and coronary dysfunction associated with chronic myocardial infarction. However, additive protective measures are required when an acute ischemic stress is superimposed.

Nanoliter-scale sample preparation methods directly coupled to polymethylmethacrylate-based microchips and gel-filled capillaries for the analysis of oligonucleotides

We are currently developing miniaturized, chip-based electrophoresis devices fabricated in plastics for the high-speed separation of oligonucleotides. One of the principal advantages associated with these devices is their small sample requirements, typically in the nanoliter to sub-nanoliter range. Unfortunately, most standard sample preparation protocols, especially for oligonucleotides, are done off-chip on a microliter-scale. Our work has focused on the development of capillary nanoreactors coupled to micro-separation platforms, such as micro-electrophoresis chips, for the preparation of sequencing ladders and also polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). These nanoreactors consist of fused-silica capillary tubes (10-20 cm x 20-50 microns I.D.) with fluid pumping accomplished using the electroosmotic flow generated by the tubes. These reactors were situated in fast thermal cyclers to perform cycle sequencing or PCR amplification of the DNAs. The reactors could be interfaced to either a micro-electrophoresis chips via capillary connectors micromachined in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) using deep X-ray etching (width 50 microns; depth 50 microns) or conventional capillary gel tubes using zero-dead volume glass unions. For our chips, they also contained an injector, separation channel (length 6 cm; width 30 microns; depth 50 microns) and a dual fiber optic, near-infrared fluorescence detector. The sequencing nanoreactor used surface immobilized templates attached to the wall via a biotin-streptavidin-biotin linkage. Sequencing tracks could be directly injected into gel-filled capillary tubes with minimal degradation in the efficiency of the separation process. The nanoreactor could also be configured to perform PCR reactions by filling the capillary tube with the PCR reagents and template. After thermal cycling, the PCR cocktail could be pooled from multiple reactors and loaded onto a slab gel or injected into a capillary tube or microchip device for fractionation.

[Experiences of early management of mass burn casualties]

OBJECTIVE

Inquire into the effective method of treatment to mass burn casualties.

METHODS

The experiences of 22 batches of mass burns (403 cases) were reviewed.

RESULTS

1. The receiving hospital should take effective measures for initial care, and report to the higher health department. 2. Health department should send additional specialists to the hospital if necessary, and a leader should be appointed. 3. Ambulances with special pass or helicopter should be deployed to ensure dispatch of the helpers. 4. Emphasis on local hospital's initial treatments, including fluid resuscitation, establishment of an adequate airway, early wound management to prevent and premature dissolution of eschar. 5. Proper triage of patients, and severe burn patients should be hospitalized to burn units with adequate facilities. 6. Transportation: Patients can be transferred along where there are good transportation facilities, with fluid resuscitation, on the other hand, when transportation if poorly developed, transfer the patients after fluid resuscitation until the general condition becomes stable.

CONCLUSION

1. Mass burn casualties can be handled with satisfactory results if emergency care and professional treatment are well organized. 2. Mass burn casualties are usually caused by human errors, therefore they can be prevented.

Immunomodulating effects of second-generation calcium channel blockers on experimental heart transplantation

The administration of second-generation calcium channel blockers (CCBs) to counteract the adverse effects of conventional immunosuppression gains more and more acceptance. Since these newly developed molecules differ in their chemical structure and possess specific pharmacokinetic profiles, we hypothesized that exposure to clinically relevant concentrations may have a significant immunomodulatory potential. The effects of various second-generation CCBs, felodipine, amlodipine, mibefradil and clentiazem, on cardiac allograft survival were therefore evaluated. Inbred male Lewis rats were used as recipients and Brown-Norway rats as donors. After abdominal implantation of the donor heart, allograft recipients were exposed to felodipine (31 microg/kg/day), amlodipine (25 microg/kg/day), mibefradil (3 mg/kg/day) or clentiazem (2.5 mg/kg/day). Other allograft recipients were treated with low-dose cyclosporine (CsA) alone (2 mg/kg/day) or with low-dose CsA combined with amlodipine (25 microg/kg/day), mibefradil (3 mg/kg/day) or clentiazem (2.5 mg/kg/day). All drugs were given daily by gavage. Median survival time of untreated cardiac allografts was 6.5 days. When given alone, not all the second-generation CCBs elicited a positive effect: the dihydropyridines felodipine and amlodipine were ineffective (median survival time was 6.5 and 7.0 days, respectively), the T- and L-type CCB mibefradil had a significant but minor impact (median survival time = 9.0 days, p <0.0015) while the benzothiazepine clentiazem produced the most significant result (median survival time = 16.0 days, p <0.0033). Neither amlodipine nor mibefradil modified the extent of survival provided by low-dose CsA (median survival time = 9.0 days), while clentiazem had a significant positive effect. These data indicate that second-generation CCBs differ in their immunomodulatory potential. These observations of pharmacodynamic specificity appear to be related to differences in their chemical structure as well as their interaction with other sites than the calcium channel.

[Dose-effect of inhaled nitric oxide on pulmonary hypertension in inhaled injury in rabbits]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relation of dose-response of NO inhalation in treatment of pulmonary hypertension in rabbits with smoke inhalation injury.

METHODS

The effect of various concentrations (1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60) x 10(-6) of NO on pulmonary hypertension after smoke inhalation injury was studied with right heart catheterization in 15 rabbits.

RESULTS

Mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), pulmonary minute vessel pressure (Pmv), and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were not changed remarkably (P > 0.05) after inhalation of (1 or 5) x 10(-6) NO. mPAP, PCWP, and Pmv were lowered significantly after inhalation of (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60) x 10(-6) NO (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Major vascular relaxation occurred when NO concentration was at 30 x 10(-6), and PVR did not further decrease along with the increase of NO concentration.

CONCLUSION

The concentration of inhaled NO should not exceed 30 x 10(-6) for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in early stage of smoke inhalation.

Examination of POU homeobox gene expression in human breast cancer cells

Abnormal expression of homeobox genes may lead to the development of leukemias, lymphomas, and solid tumors. Expression of homeobox genes in mammary glands, however, has not been studied actively until recently. We have examined the expression of POU homeobox genes in human breast cancer cell lines and human breast tissue samples. Using a pair of degenerate primers for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by DNA sequencing, we found that the human breast cancer cell line, MCF7, expresses at least 4 POU gene products: OCT1, OCT2, OCT3 and OCT11 (Skn-1a/i, Epoc-1). The expression of OCT1 and OCT2 in other human breast epithelial cell lines was further determined by Western blot analyses and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. We were unable to detect OCT11 in human breast cancer cell lines using the anti rat Skn-1a/i antibody, although the expression of this gene in both human breast cancer cell lines and human primary breast tumors was detected by RT-PCR. OCT3 is an embryonic transcription factor. We found that this gene is also expressed in human breast cancer cell lines and all human primary breast carcinomas examined, but not in normal human breast tissue. Taken together, we have shown that several POU genes are expressed in human breast epithelial cells. As OCT3 expression was detected only in the breast cancerous cells, this embryonic transcription factor could play an important role in mammary gland carcinogenesis.

[The changes of plasma endothelin concentration and its clinical significance in pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital heart defects]

Plasma endothelin (ET) concentration was measured by means of radioimmunoassay in 38 patients with congeital heart defects among whom 15 patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and 23 patients without pulmonary hypertension (non-PH). Blood samples were obtained separately from the femoral vein, right atrium, right ventricle, main pulmonary artery and the femoral artery during catherization. Plasma ET concentration in the PH group was significantly higher than that in the non-PH group at all four sampling sites. In the PH group plasma ET concentration in the pulmonary artery showed higher than that of the right ventricle and the femoral artery, which was significantly in positive correlation with pulmonary artery pressure. It is considered that the elevation of ET plays an important physiological role in the formation of pulmonary hypertension.

[Single-catheter approach to radiofrequency current ablation of accessory pathway in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome with recurrent rapid atrial fibrillation]

Twelve patients with WPW were treated by single-catheter ablation. Eight patients had the histories of recurrent rapid atrial fibrillation(Af) and refractory to antiarrhythmic agents. Ventricular rate varied between 250-300 bpm. Defibrillation was needed in three patients, and one had syncope. All patients were treated successfully by ablation of accessory pathway with single-catheter approach and no Af occurred during the procedures. This result suggests that the single-catheter ablation may be an effective and feasible treatment for these patients with WPW and may be helpful in avoiding Af in multiple-catheter introducing procedure.

[Radiofrequency catheter ablation of idiopathic ventricular tachycardia]

Thirteen consecutive patients with idiopathic ventricular tachycardia underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation. This group included 9 idopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT) and 4 idiopathic right ventricular tachycardia (IRVT). Five ILVT patients with left axis deviation and one with right axis deviation were ablated successfully. By pace mapping, two IRVT patients with ventricular tachycardia originating from right ventricular out-flow tract were ablated. No complications occured. By means of follow-up of 3-22 months one case showed recurrence with successful reablation. It indicates that radiofrequency catheter ablation therapy is an effective and safe procedure in patients with idiopathic ventricular tachycardia.

Synergistic effects of mycophenolate mofetil and sirolimus in prevention of acute heart, pancreas, and kidney allograft rejection and in reversal of ongoing heart allograft rejection in the rat

BACKGROUND

The effect of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and sirolimus (rapamycin, RAPA) mono- and combination-therapy was examined in prevention of acute heart, pancreas, and kidney allograft rejection and in reversal of ongoing heart allograft rejection in the rat.

METHODS

Both drugs were administered orally for up to 30 days. Eleven groups (n=6) were involved in the first part of the heart allografting model. Brown Norway (RT1n) to Lewis (RT1(1)) combination was used in the heart and pancreas transplantation models, whereas Buffalo (RT1b) to Wistar Furth (RT1u) was used in the kidney transplantation model.

RESULTS

The naive control group showed a mean survival time of 6.5+/-0.6 days. There were graded dose-responses to monotherapy of MMF 10 and 20 mg(kg/ day (12.5+/-2.6 days; 19.3+/-9.0 days) and RAPA 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.8 mg/kg/day (19.2+/-2.0 days; 30.0+/-7.3 days; 50.8+/-12.5 days; 51.2+/-2.6 days), respectively (P=0.001). Results with the combined use of drugs indicate that a synergistic or very strong synergistic interaction was produced when compared with monotherapy of MMF or RAPA: MMF 10 mg(kg/day+RAPA 0.2 mg/kg(day (52.7+/-5.7 days, combination index [CI] =0.189), MMF 20 mg(kg/day+RAPA 0.2 mg/kg/day (57.7+/-5.7 days, CI=0.084), MMF 10 mg/kg/day+RAPA 0.4 mg(kg/day (50.2+/-13.5 days, CI=0.453), and MMF 20 mg/kg(day+ RAPA 0.4 mg/kg(day (51.5+/-6.8 days, CI=0.439), respectively. These results were repeatable in the prevention of acute pancreas and kidney allograft rejection in the rat. In the second part of the study of reversal of ongoing acute heart allograft rejection model, the combined treatment of MMF 10 mg/kg(day+RAPA 0.2 mg/ kg(day (35.5+/-16.0 days, CI=0.794) and MMF 20 mg/kg day+RAPA 0.2 mg(kg/day (57.2+/-4.7 days, CI=0.310) represented synergistic interaction compared with monotherapy of MMF or RAPA.

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant therapy of MMF and RAPA produces a synergistic effect in prevention of heart, pancreas, and kidney allograft rejection and in reversal of ongoing heart allograft rejection in the rat.

Increased expression of the rat myometrial oxytocin receptor messenger ribonucleic acid during labor requires both mechanical and hormonal signals

We investigated the expression of the mRNA encoding the oxytocin receptor (OTR) in rat myometrium throughout gestation and its regulation by progesterone and mechanical stretch. Using a semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction approach, OTR mRNA was found to increase abruptly at the onset of spontaneous labor at term. Progesterone (4 mg/day) starting on Day 20 of gestation blocked this increase. Ovariectomy on Day 17 induced preterm labor 96 h after surgery and a significant increase in myometrial OTR mRNA levels 48 and 96 h after surgery. Both preterm labor and the rise in myometrial OTR expression were blocked by progesterone. To investigate the effects of stretch on myometrial OTR mRNA expression, unilaterally pregnant rats underwent either sham operation or placement of a tube in the nongravid uterine horn to distend the myometrium. On Day 20, stretch had no effect on OTR expression in the nongravid horns. During labor, OTR mRNA was highly expressed in the gravid horns as well as the nongravid stretched horns. In contrast, the level remained low in the nongravid unstretched horns. These results indicate that expression of rat myometrial OTR mRNA during pregnancy and labor is regulated by coordinated interactions between mechanical and endocrine signals.

De novo-developed T cells have compromised response to existing alloantigens: using Ld-specific transgenic 2C T cells as tracers in a mouse heart transplantation model

In this study, the phenotype, TCR signaling events, and function of T cells developed de novo during adulthood in the presence of extrathymic alloantigen were investigated. C57BL/6 mice(H-2b) were first transplanted heterotopically with BALB/c hearts (H-2d) and treated with rapamycin for 2 wk to create a tolerant status. Three weeks postoperation, the mice were whole body irradiated and transplanted with bone marrow cells from 2C mice, which are transgenic for TCR, and most of their T cells are Ld-specific CD8 cells. The 2C T cells developed de novo in the C57BL/6 mice were not able to reject the heart allograft. No clonal deletion, TCR down-regulation, or CD8 down-regulation was found in the tolerized 2C T cells. There was no characteristic phenotype of these cells in terms of CD25, ICAM-1, CD44, and MEL-14 expression. Early TCR signaling events such as intracellular calcium concentration flux, tyrosine phosphorylation, Lck and Fyn kinase activities, and Lck and Fyn protein levels in the tolerized 2C T cells were comparable to their normal counterparts, but the tolerized T cells were defective in IL-2 production and proliferation upon H-2d alloantigen stimulation in vitro. Exogenous IL-2 could not reverse the compromised proliferation. The results of this study indicate that during adulthood, the de novo-developed T cells become tolerant to extrathymic Ag without clonal deletion. These newly minted T cells are functionally defective although they are indistinguishable from normal T cells in phenotypes and in some early signaling events.

Tacrolimus (FK506) and sirolimus (rapamycin) in combination are not antagonistic but produce extended graft survival in cardiac transplantation in the rat

Combined use of tacrolimus (FK506) with sirolimus (rapamycin [RAPA]) was examined in a model of vascularized heart allograft in the rat. For prevention of acute rejection, three different combinations of low doses of FK506 and RAPA from day 1 up to day 14 after transplantation produced significantly longer cardiac allograft survival than each agent alone (P<0.05). Identical results were observed in a model of reversal of ongoing acute rejection, where two combinations of low doses of FK506 and RAPA from day 4 up to day 18 after surgery also demonstrated significantly longer graft survival than each immunosuppressant alone (P<0.05). All the low-dose-treated groups in these two models presented significantly longer heart graft survival than naive controls (P<0.05), confirming that both agents are potent immunosuppressants in the models chosen. These results also indicate that, in contrast with in vitro studies, the combined use of FK506 and RAPA in vivo did not produce antagonism, but rather had synergistic effect in prolonging the allograft survival as compared with each agent alone. It appears likely that the abundance of FKBP-12 available for binding in vivo prevents inhibitive competition of the two agents for their receptor.

[Study on expression of adherent proteins related to regulation of hematopoiesis in long-term cultured human bone marrow stromal cells]

OBJECTIVE

To study the molecular basis of bone marrow stromal cell supporting hematopoiesis.

METHODS

Immunoelectron microscopic localization of adherent protein related to regulation of hematopoiesis was performed by immunocolloidal gold labelling technique in the adherent layer of long-term cultured human bone marrow stromal cells (LTCHBMSC).

RESULTS

Adherent proteins were found to be expressed on LTCHBMSC. Double labelling revealed co-expression of these proteins and some specific markers for endothelial cells (vWF) and fibroblasts (Fb-sp). It was suggested that endothelial cells and fibroblasts in LTCHBMSC could synthesize and secrete adherent proteins, which bound to the surface of stromal cells and extracellular matrix.

CONCLUSION

Adherent proteins and all kinds of hematopoietic growth factors secreted by stromal cells constitute a complex network supporting hematopoiesis.

Major origin of mutagenicity of chlorinated drinking water in China: humic acid or pollutants

Since Loper and Glatz (J. Toxicol. Environ. Health, 4:919-938;1978) discovered the presence of the mutagenicity in drinking water after chlorination in 1978, humic acid (HA) has been considered as an important source. But our research results show that only 1/8 of observed direct frameshift mutagenicity in tap water originated from chlorination of HA isolated from raw water. Contamination from industrial waste and human settlement (night soil) are important potential sources of mutagenicity in chlorinated drinking water. The results show that mutagenicity from night soil after chlorination depended upon pH of sample. Production of mutagenicity at pH 6 is ten times of that at pH 8, and decomposition process is necessary condition for mutagenicity production. Season variation of mutagenicity of tap is also presented in the paper.

[An experiment study of reversed pulmonary hypertension with inhaled nitric oxide on smoke inhalation injury]

We evaluated the effect and mechanisms of reversed pulmonary hypertension with inhaled nitric oxide (NO) on smoke inhalation injury in the dog model, 21 dogs were divided into 3 groups randomly. Following smoke inhalation, the control group (n = 8) inhaled O2 (FiO2, 0.45) and the treated group (n = 9) inhaled O2 and 0.0045% (45 ppm) NO. Hemodynamics was serially measured for 12 hours. In addition, 4 dogs without smoke inhalation were used to study the normal lung histomophologic findings. The data were analyzed by ANOVA. After inhalation of NO, the mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), pulmonary minute vessels pressure (Pmv), and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were decreased significantly (P < 0.05), while the mean aortic pressure (mAP) and total peripheral resistance (TRP) were not remarkably changed (P > 0.05). The levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were increased significantly (P < 0.01). Inhaled NO may reverse pulmonary hypertension with smoke inhalation injury in dogs. The mechanism of selective pulmonary circulation was increased cGMP level in smooth cells. Inhaled NO may be recommended for clinical application.

Impaired signaling in alloantigen-specific CD8+ T cells tolerized in vivo: employing a model of Ld-specific TCR transgenic mice transplanted with allogenic hearts under the cover of a short-term rapamycin treatment

Peripheral tolerance of T cells is necessary because thymic deletion is not complete, and tissue-specific Ags exist outside the thymus. We have reported that persistent Ag is required to maintain peripheral tolerance in vivo. We suspect that the TCR signaling pathway in in vivo tolerized cells is compromised due to continuous exposure to the Ags. In this study, the TCR signaling events in these cells were investigated using TCR transgenic mice (2C mice) whose T cells are predominantly Ld alloantigen-specific CD8 cells. The 2C mice were thymectomized and then rendered tolerant to Ld Ag by allogenic heart transplantation plus short-term treatment with rapamycin. We found that 1) the in vivo tolerized CD8 cells have compromised intracellular Ca2+ flux upon mitogen stimulation; and 2) their cellular tyrosine proteins fail to be phosphorylated properly upon TCR cross-linking. These results indicate that the signaling pathway in the in vivo tolerized CD8 cells is indeed defective. We also found that 1) the tolerized CD8 cells have no characteristic surface markers; and 2) the allograft is probably the place where the rejection response is initiated according to the appearance of an early activation marker of T cells on graft-infiltrating cells.

Impaired signaling in alloantigen-specific CD8+ T cells tolerized in vivo: employing a model of Ld-specific TCR transgenic mice transplanted with allogenic hearts under the cover of a short-term rapamycin treatment

Peripheral tolerance of T cells is necessary because thymic deletion is not complete, and tissue-specific Ags exist outside the thymus. We have reported that persistent Ag is required to maintain peripheral tolerance in vivo. We suspect that the TCR signaling pathway in in vivo tolerized cells is compromised due to continuous exposure to the Ags. In this study, the TCR signaling events in these cells were investigated using TCR transgenic mice (2C mice) whose T cells are predominantly Ld alloantigen-specific CD8 cells. The 2C mice were thymectomized and then rendered tolerant to Ld Ag by allogenic heart transplantation plus short-term treatment with rapamycin. We found that 1) the in vivo tolerized CD8 cells have compromised intracellular Ca2+ flux upon mitogen stimulation; and 2) their cellular tyrosine proteins fail to be phosphorylated properly upon TCR cross-linking. These results indicate that the signaling pathway in the in vivo tolerized CD8 cells is indeed defective. We also found that 1) the tolerized CD8 cells have no characteristic surface markers; and 2) the allograft is probably the place where the rejection response is initiated according to the appearance of an early activation marker of T cells on graft-infiltrating cells.

Immunosuppressive effects of the cyclosporin derivative SDZ IMM 125 on kidney allograft in the dog and small bowel and pancreas allografts in the rat

The efficacy of SDZ IMM 125 in preventing allograft rejection was evaluated in kidney transplantation in the dog and orthotopic small bowel and heterotopic pancreas transplantation in the rat. Seven groups (n = 6) were involved in dog kidney transplantation. Untreated recipients rejected kidney allografts with a mean survival time (MST) of 8.0 +/- 1.8 days. There was a graded dose response in SDZ IMM 125-treated groups: 10 mg/kg/day, MST 11.3 +/- 3.5 days, P = 0.065; 15 mg/kg/day, MST 44.8 +/- 10.8 days, P = 0.0001; and 20 mg/kg/day, MST 47.3 +/- 5.6 days, P = 0.0001, same as in cyclosporin A (CsA)-treated groups: 10 mg/kg/day, MST 25.8 +/- 13.7 days, P = 0.001; 15 mg/kg/day, MST 38.3 +/- 18.1 days, P = 0.002; and 20 mg/kg/day, MST 38.7 +/- 17.7 days, P = 0.002. Low dose of SDZ IMM 125 (10 mg/kg/day) was less effective in prolonging the graft survival than low dose of CsA. High dose (20 mg/kg/day) treatment of both SDZ IMM 125 and CsA led to abnormal recipient liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase postoperatively. A histopathological study demonstrated fatty degeneration of hepatic cells in both 20 mg/kg/day SDZ IMM 125- and CsA-treated groups. We also tested the effect of SDZ IMM 125 in orthotopic small bowel transplantation with three combinations, namely host-versus-graft (HVG), graft-versus-host (GVH), and combined HVG and GVH immune responses and pancreas transplantation in the rat with different doses. The results indicate that SDZ IMM 125 is a potent immunosuppressant to prolong the kidney allograft survival in the dog, to alleviate HVG and GVH responses in small bowel transplantation, and to delay pancreas allograft rejection in the rat. Low dose of SDZ IMM 125 is less effective than a similar dose of CsA to prevent kidney allograft rejection in the dog.

DNA fingerprint variability within and among parental lines and its correlation with performance of F1 laying hens

Genetic diversity within and among nine pure lines of Beijing White Leghorn chickens was determined by DNA fingerprinting using human ministatellite probes 33.6 and α-globin 3'HVR, as well as bacteriophage M13. Within lines similarity coefficients ranged from 0.497 to 0.628, significantly higher than that within a sample of white chicken from a local market. Relationships among lines were established by clustering analysis based on inter-line coefficients of difference calculated from DNA fingerprints of pooled DNA. A complete diallel crossing among the nine pure lines was conducted. By using linear correlation analysis, it was found that the maximum distance between parental lines was positively correlated with egg number, egg production, survival rate and their corresponding heterosis percentages within a pair of reciprocal crosses. Similar relationships were found where only the higher of the reciprocal crosses were used in the analysis. It was also shown that similarity coefficients within a sire line or dam line were positively correlated with 40-week egg number and its heterosis percentage and the heterosis percentage for 40-week egg production, but negatively correlated with the 40-week survival rate of the cross-bred populations.

The immunosuppressive effect of rapamycin on mouse small bowel transplantation

The efficacy of rapamycin (RAPA) was tested on small bowel transplantation in the mouse and compared with cyclosporine (CsA). Four groups were involved, each one included three combinations (n > or = 6) for evaluation of host-versus-graft (HVG, C57BL/6 X BALB/c F1 (CB6F1)-to-BALB/c), graft-versus-host (GVH, BALB/c-to-CB6F1), and combined HVG and GVH responses (C57BL/6-to-BALB/c). Grafts were transplanted to recipients heterotopically. Groups were as follows: group 1: naive controls; groups 2 and 3: recipient mice treated with RAPA 2 mg/kg/day and 4 mg/kg/day orally for 14 days, respectively; group 4: recipient mouse treated with CsA 4 mg/kg/day orally for 14 days. In the HVG model, the mean survival time (MST) of recipients was significantly longer in group 2 (32.9 +/- 17.7 days, P=0.006), group 3 (32.7 +/- 10.4 days, P=0.0001), and group 4 (37.9 +/- 11.8 days, P=0.0001), compared with naive controls in group 1 (8.5 +/- 1.6 days). In the GHV model, the MST of recipients in group 2 (41.8 +/- 19.9 days, P=0.002), group 3 (48.2 +/- 21.4 days, P=0.001) and group 4 (56.5 +/- 30.6 days, P=0.003) were significantly prolonged compared with control group 1 (8.5 +/- 1.6 days). In combined HVG and GVH responses, MST of recipient in group 2 (20.9 +/- 4.9 days, P=0.0001), group 3 (27.0 +/- 4.3 days, P=0.008), and group 4 (35.2 +/- 23.9 days, P=0.0001) were also significantly longer than that in controls (6.9 +/- 1.4 days), but in all three combinations, there were no statistically significant differences between groups 2 and 3, groups 2 and 4, or groups 3 and 4 (P>0.05). RAPA is a potent immunosuppressant able to significantly prolong small bowel allograft survival in mice using a short-term treatment. There is no statistically significant difference in recipient survival between low and high doses of RAPA treatment and the CsA standard dose used in this study.

Laser Raman spectrometry study on experimental galactose-induced cataract

PURPOSE

To observe the dynamic changes of hydration in galactose induced cataract.

METHODS

Two groups of Wistar rats were used in the experiment. There were 12 rats in the experimental group, which were fed diet of 50% D-Galactose standard feed; while the control group had 8 rats fed standard feed. Their other living conditions were the same. At desired time periods, two Wistar rats fed galactose and one normal control were selected and killed 20 minutes before the instrument examination respectively, then, their lenses were removed from the orbs by a posterior approach. The cleaned fresh lens was placed in a quartz cuvette with Tris buffered balanced salt solution containing 5.5 mmol/L glucose. The quartz cuvette was placed on the stage of the Spectrometer. The laser beam was focused at the lens nuclear from the bottom of the cuvette and the scattered light was collected at 90 degrees to the incident beam.

RESULTS

Raman spectroscopy showed that (1) during the formation of galactose cataract, the water signal (at 3390cm-1) increased obviously, and the ratio of I3390/I2935 increased from 0.31 (3 days) to 2.26 (17 days), which is correlated with the imbibition of water in the lens nuclear; (2) the hydration of lens nuclear could be divided into two phases. The ratio I3390/I2935 was increased slowly and steadily by 11 days after galactose feeding. Then, the ratio turned to increase quite fast till 17 days.

CONCLUSION

The hydration of nuclear is changed simultaneously with the formation of cataract. The hydration of nuclear is mainly due to the imbalance of Na+/K+.