[Effect of combining EGF with KGF on proliferation of human corneal epithelial cells]

OBJECTIVE

To select effective drugs for enhancing corneal epithelial wound healing and treating persistent corneal epithelial defect.

METHODS

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) were added to cultures of human corneal epithelial cells and DNA synthesis in corneal epithelial cells were measured with [3H]-thymidine incorporation and liquid scintillation techniques. The cells were counted in a hemocytometer to determine the doubling time.

RESULTS

10 ng/ml EGF, 10 ng/ml KGF enhanced cellular proliferation effectively (P < 0.01). EGF in combination with KGF, the enhancement was more effective (P < 0.05) and reduced the doubling time.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that exogenous EGF with KGF can stimulate proliferation of human corneal epithelial cells and it may be of potential use clinically for treatment of persistent corneal epithelial

[Immunogenicity of recombinant S. typhimurium ex. pressing a hybrid antigen of Plasmodium falciparum]

We have expressed a 74-peptide hybrid Plasmodium falciparum antigen as fusion protein in attenuated Salmonella typhimurium SL3261. Live organisms were orally immunized Rabbits with a dose of 2 x 10(9)cfu. Specific anti-serum were detected by ELISA after immunization. Obvious Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) could be induced by PfAg and GZ-C antigen. The recombinant vaccine had no evident side-effects to the hosts. Our studies indicate that attenuated Salmonella typhimurium SL3261 can express synthetic P. falciparum antigen with several epitopes and live organisms can activate special cell-mediated immunity and humoral immunity.

[Effect of interferon-gamma on antigen-induced eosinophil infiltration in mouse airway]

Repeated aerosolized ovalbumin (OVA) challenge of OVA-sensitized mice induces bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) eosinophilia. The influence of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) on antigen-induced eosinophil recruitment in the airway as well as the concentration of interleukin-5 (IL-5) in supernatants of cultured spleen cells were examined. In sensitized mice challenged with OVA 20 minutes once a day for 6 days, the number of BALF eosinophils was (9.53 +/- 0.84) x 10(8)/L. However, no eosinophil could be found in the BALF from mice without OVA sensitization and challenge. In mice treated with intraperitoneal injection of INF-gamma before each challenge, different doses of IFN-gamma (1.0 x 10(3) U/kg, 1.0 x 10(4) U/kg and 1.0 x 10(5) U/kg) produced different degrees of eosinophilia inhibition 29.8% (P < 0.05), 55.7% (P < 0.01) and 69.0% (P < 0.01). Our results showed that IFN-gamma prevented antigen-induced eosinophil infiltration in airway accompanied by a decrement of levels of IL-5 with a dose related response. It is concluded that IFN-gamma is capable of inhibiting eosinophil infiltration in mouse airway by inhibiting the production of IL-5. Our results suggested that IFN-gamma may be of value in eliminating asthmatic airway inflammation in humans.

Abnormal expressions of hepatocellular proteins and extracellular matrix in CCL4-induced liver injury in rats

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) on the expressions of both intracellular proteins and extracellular matrix and the protective role of taurine.

METHODS

Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: 1.5% taurine, CCl4, CCl4 + 0.5% taurine, CCl4 + 1.5% taurine and control. CCl4 was given ig at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight, twice a week for 5 weeks. The taurine solution or tap water was given to the rats for drinking. The sections (4 microns) of rat liver were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, immunohistochemistry or colloid silver methods.

RESULTS

The animals treated with 1.5% taurine and control had normal liver structures. Light microscopic examination of sections of the liver taken 5 weeks after dosing of CCl4 showed hydropic degeneration of hepatocytes around the central veins and lipid vacuolation in mid-zonal and some periportal hepatocytes. Necrotic cells and neutrophil infiltration around most central veins as well as hepatocytes showing various stages of mitosis indicative of regeneration were observed. These histopathological changes in the animals treated with CCl4 alone showed more extensive and severe lesions than those seen in the animals treated with CCl4 plus taurines. The incidences of PCNA and p53 antigen positive hepatocytes, and the numbers of nuclear apoptotic bodies and AgNORs granules were markedly higher in the CCl4-treated animals than in those protected with taurine. Declined and unevenly distributed expressions of LN and FN were seen in the CCl4 treated rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the damage of hepatocellular DNA and the abnormal expressions of hepatic extracellular matrix were observed in the CCl4-treated rats. Taurine, in this study, not only inhibited hepatocellular degeneration, necrosis and DNA damage, but also inhibited the lesion of extracellular matrix induced by CCl4.

Effect of interferon-gamma on antigen-induced eosinophil infiltration into the mouse airway

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether murine recombinant interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is capable of inhibiting antigen-induced eosinophil (EOS) infiltration into the mouse airway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged repeatedly with ovalbumin (OVA) to develop an allergic airway inflammation model. The experimental mice were given injection of different doses of IFN-gamma. The numbers of EOS in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from each group were counted, and concentrations of interleukin (IL)-5 in supernatants of cultured spleen cells were detected.

RESULTS

In sensitized mice challenged with OVA 20 minutes once a day for 6 days, the number of BLAF EOS was 9.53 +/- 0.84 x 10(5)/ml. However, no EOS could be found in BALF from mice without OVA sensitization and challenge. In mice treated with IFN-gamma, doses of IFN-gamma (1.0 x 10(3), 1.0 x 10(4), 1.0 x 10(5)U/KG) produced 29.8% (P < 0.05), 55.7% (P < 0.01), and 69.0% (P < 0.01) inhibition of eosinophilia, respectively. The results also showed that IFN-gamma prevented antigen-induced EOS recruitment into airway accompanied be decrement of levels of IL-5 with a dose-related response.

CONCLUSION

IFN-gamma is capable of inhibiting EOS infiltration into mouse airway by inhibiting the production of IL-5. Our results suggested that IFN-gamma may be of value in treating asthma in human beings.

Bovine herpesvirus 1 isolates contain variable copy numbers of GC-rich tandem repeats in the gI non-coding regions of their genomes

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeted to the central portion of the bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV1) genome, and overlapping the 3' untranslated end of the gI glycoprotein, was used to amplify BHV1 genomic sequences. PCR products generated from cell cultures infected with BHV1.1 were consistently smaller than the corresponding products from cells infected with BHV1.2. The nature of the sequence differences between these isolates within the target region was found to be a consequence of variable numbers of small GC rich repeats, particularly the sequence 5'-G(A/T)CC-3', present in the region downstream of the gI coding region. Based on these differences a modified PCR protocol which readily discriminated between several BHV1.1 and BHV1.2 strains was devised.

[Experimental study of survival mechanism of skin flap with subdermal vascular rete]

AIM

To determine the blood supply style and survival mechanism of skin flap with subdermal vascular rete.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The skin flap on trunk of piglets were taken as experimental pattern. The survival length of skin flap was examined and the nuclear element distribution in the skin flap was determined by ECT.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that the distal portion of super-long flap with subdermal vascular rete fail to getting blood supply from its pedicle. This kind of flap is actually a combination of flap and free graft with subdermal vascular rete. This kind of super-long and super-wide flap is actually not a flap but a free skin graft. The survival of super-long and super-wide flaps with subdermal vascular rete rely on the blood supply from the wounds and their edges partially or completely. Their survival style is actually free grafting.

[Examination on extraction technology for radix Sophorae Flavescentis by means of orthogonal experiment design]

The extraction and purificatory crafts for Radix Sophorae Flavescentis were observed through the orthogonal experiment design using matrine as the fixed indicatrix for TLC-scanning. Quantitative analyses of matrine were made on the momentum parameters of the different craft conditions. The results of the three different extraction methods show that the best way is to use 2% gelatin to remove tannin with the least loss of matrine, and that the ethanol extract from water precitation is better than the water extract from ethanol precipitation.

Treatment of adolescent myopia by pressure plaster of semen impatientis on otoacupoints

295 cases (424 eyes) of adolescent myopia were treated by pressure plaster of Semen Impatientis on otoacupoints with a cure rate of 44.3% and a total effective rate of 98.5%. 36 random cases (69 eyes) were compared with the same number of similar control cases. Findings were that the therapeutic effects of the pressure plaster group excelled significantly those of the control group.

Reverse transcriptase-PCR assay for detection of hog cholera virus

A reverse transcriptase-PCR strategy was developed for the detection of hog cholera virus. Hog cholera virus template was amplified from tissue culture fluids and from tissues and blood of infected pigs, but not from samples containing other pestiviruses. Restriction endonuclease analysis identified samples as historic or recent isolates.

Luffin-S--a small novel ribosome-inactivating protein from Luffa cylindrica. Characterization and mechanism studies

We purified and characterized a novel RIP (ribosome inactivating protein), Luffin-S from the seeds of Luffa cylindrica. Different from Luffin-A and B, which are RNA N-glycosidases with molecular weights of 27 and 28 kDa, respectively, Luffin-S has an M.W. of only approx. 10 kDa, much smaller than any other RIPs so far investigated. Its abundant resources, toxicity similar to TCS in a cell-free protein synthesis system and unique mechanism as phosphodiesterase, like alpha-sarcin, promisingly make it a potential toxic moiety of immunotoxin.

Long-term trend of decreasing frequency of hepatitis B virus infection

Statistical and histopathological analysis was carried out to determine whether hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) with the autopsy diagnosis of hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma declined during 1964-1991. In this study, the liver specimens from 673 autopsy cases at Nagasaki University Hospital were used, and these materials were stained for HBsAg with immunoperoxidase method. For statistical calculation, we used Cochran's chi-square test with one degree of freedom for linear trend for proportions. We investigated HBsAg positive rates for the four time periods, 1964-1970, 1971-1977, 1978-1984, and 1985-1991, and for the diagnosis of hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The decreasing linear trend of HBsAg positivity with time was significant for hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis.

[Observation of the effect of PSTF oral liquor on the positive tuberculin test reaction]

The transfer factor is a medicine used for immunotherapy. It is mainly administered by injection. In this paper, the effect of PSTF oral liquor on immunity has been examined. Persons who have negative TB reaction were selected as the test sample. PSTF was taken orally for 4 weeks. Then the tuberculin test was done again. The test results indicated that in the test group the number of people who had a positive reaction and the size of the scleroma were obviously higher than those in the control group (P < 0.01, P < 0.001). In the test group with or without BCG vaccine scar, the ratio of positive reaction was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.1). Within the test group the ratio of positive reaction in those with no scar did not differ from that in subjects without such scars (P > 0.05), so patients who have negative tuberculin reaction will have a higher ratio of positive reaction after taking PSTF orally for 4 weeks. This increased ratio can reach 53.33%. Thus, we conclude that the oral liquor is convenient and easily acceptable especially for the aged and children.

Cytological abnormalities of the cervix. Fifteen years' follow-up of a gynaecological cancer survey

In a gynaecological cancer survey of 1026 women aged 21 years and over in May 1967, 74 women were found to have cervical cytological changes (designated as mild atypia in 71), which were followed to April 1982. No case of cervical cancer was found (0.3 were expected on the basis of population rates). Six women had had hysterectomies (6.2 were expected on the basis of rates of hysterectomy in the region of the survey). Reports on cervical smears taken since January 1, 1980, were available for 46 (75%) of 61 women who were alive and had not had a hysterectomy. Of these, 11 showed mild atypia; the remainder were within normal limits.