Endogenous BDNF is required for myelination and regeneration of injured sciatic nerve in rodents

Following a peripheral nerve injury, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the p75 neurotrophin receptor are upregulated in Schwann cells of the Wallerian degenerating nerves. However, it is not known whether the endogenous BDNF is critical for the functions of Schwann cells and regeneration of injured nerve. Treatment with BDNF antibody was shown to retard the length of the regenerated nerve from injury site by 24%. Histological and ultrastructural examination showed that the number and density of myelinated axons in the distal side of the lesion in the antibody-treated mice was reduced by 83%. In the BDNF antibody-treated animals, there were only distorted and disorganized myelinated fibres in the injured nerve where abnormal Schwann cells and phagocytes were present. As a result of nerve degeneration in BDNF antibody-treated animals, subcellular organelles, such as mitochondria, disappeared or were disorganized and the laminal layers of the myelin sheath were loosened, separated or collapsed. Our in situ hybridization revealed that BDNF mRNA was expressed in Schwann cells in the distal segment of lesioned nerve and in the denervated muscle fibres. These results indicate that Schwann cells and muscle fibres may contribute to the sources of BDNF during regeneration and that the deprivation of endogenous BDNF results in an impairment in regeneration and myelination of regenerating axons. It is concluded that endogenous BDNF is required for peripheral nerve regeneration and remyelination after injury.

Long-term outcome of acute renal injury induced by Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom in rats

AIM

To investigate the long-term functional and morphological changes of the kidney induced by acute intoxication of Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom in rats.

METHODS

Experimental model of acute renal injury was established in the Sprague-Dawley rats with oral administration of decoctions of Chinese herb, Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom, at dosages of 50 g.kg-1.d-1 and 30 g.kg-1.d-1 for 7 consecutive days, and 20 g.kg-1.d-1 for 15 consecutive days. Renal function was assayed at months 0 (right after treatment), 1, 3, and 6 of the experiment. Renal histological examination was also performed.

RESULTS

1) At month 0, the renal functional changes of acute renal injury included azotemia, low molecular weight proteinuria, glycosuria, hypoosmotic urine, and NAG enzymuria. Histopathological changes showed acute tubular necrosis, predominantly at the corticomedullary junction. 2) At months 1 and 3, the renal function of rats of the experiment was gradually restored and histopathologic examination suggested that the tubular lesions gradually recovered. In HE sections, basophilic deposits were observed in the tubular cytoplasm. And interstitial infiltration of inflammatory cells was not prominent. 3) At months 6, renal preneoplastic lesions, renal tumors, and extrarenal tumors occurred in rats. The occurrence of renal preneoplastic lesions at dosages of 50 g.kg-1.d-1, 30 g.kg-1.d-1, and 20 g.kg-1.d-1 were 100.0% at all three doses, renal tumors 42.8%, 25.0%, and 0%, respectively, extrarenal tumors 14.4%, 12.5%, and 12.5%, respectively, and systemic tumors 57.2%, 37.5%, and 12.5%, respectively. The occurrence of basophilic deposits, renal preneoplastic lesions, renal tumors, and extrarenal tumors in normal control group was nil.

CONCLUSIONS

1) Administration of large dosage of Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom induces acute renal failure in rats. 2) The long-term renal function and histopathologic changes of acute renal injury induced by Aristolochia manshuriensis Komrecover spontaneously. 3) Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom has been proved to be oncogenic for the first time.

Plastic membrane electrode for the potentiometric determination of pethidine hydrochloride in pharmaceutical preparations

A novel poly(vinyl chloride) membrane electrode with dibutyl phthalate as plasticizer based on the pethidine-tetraphenylborate ion-association complex as ion-exchange site for the determination of pethidine hydrochloride in injections and tablets was developed. A linear response for 1 x 10(-5) to 1 x 10(-2) mol/L drug with a slope of 51.77 mV/decade was established. The optimum pH range was 2-8. The lower detection limit was 2.18 x 10(-6) mol/L. There were negligible interferences from a number of inorganic and organic cations and some common drug excipients. The electrode proposed had been successfully applied to determine pethidine hydrochloride in tablets and injections. The results correlated well with those obtained by the United States Pharmacopoeia standard procedure.

Triptolide: a potent inhibitor of NF-kappa B in T-lymphocytes

AIM

To study the effect of triptolide on the activity of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) and gene expression of I kappa B alpha, a major inhibitor of NF-kappa B, in human Jurkat T cell line.

METHODS

Jurkat cells treated with or without PMA/PHA were incubated with varied doses of triptolide for different time periods. The activity of NF-kappa B in Jurkat cells was measured with electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), and the mRNA expression of I kappa B alpha in Jurkat cells was detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

PMA/PHA treatment was found to induce NF-kappa B activation rapidly. Triptolide treatment decreased the activity of NF-kappa B in both PMA/PHA treated and untreated Jurkat cells. This effect of triptolide was in a dose-dependent manner and was more obvious in cells treated with PMA/PHA. The mRNA expression of I kappa B alpha were upregulated by triptolide, while this effect was more potent in cells without PMA/PHA treatment.

CONCLUSION

Triptolide is a potent inhibitor of NF-kappa B activation in T lymphocyte and this effect is partly due to the upregulation of I kappa B alpha mRNA expression.

[Chromosomal mapping of ld gene which causes congenital limb deformity syndrome in KM-ld mouse]

Fourteen biochemical marker loci and 61 SSLP loci in congenic strain C57BL/6.KM-ld were screened to determine the loci linkage to ld gene, an autosomal recessive mutant gene in KM mouse which causes congenital limb deformity in mouse by means of electrophoresis and PCR amplification. The result showed that ld gene linked to D2Mit30, D2Mit62 and D2Mit63. To locate ld gene more accurately on chromosome 2, 86 backcross offsprings (C57BL/6 x KM-ld) F1 x KM-ld were produced for linkage analysis. From the backcross progeny genomic DNAs were amplified for D2Mit13, D2Mit30, D2Mit62 and D2Mit63 loci in vitro. According to phenotypes, the linkage between the four SSLP loci and ld gene was analysed by calculating genetic distance, ld gene was located exactly on Chr. 2, 76cM, with distances of 25.58cM to D2Mit30, D2Mit62 and D2Mit63, of 31.39cM to D2Mit13.

Effect of tetrandrine on morphine dependence in isolated guinea pig ileum

AIM

To evaluate the effects of tetrandrine (Tet) and nimodipine (Nim) on the morphine (Mor) withdrawal response in the isolated guinea pig ileum.

METHODS

The withdrawal contracture was elicited by addition of naloxone (Nal) (1 mumol.L-1) to the isolated naive ileum incubated with Mor (3 mumol.L-1) at 37.5 degrees C for 4 h or to the ileum obtained from Mor-dependent guinea pig.

RESULTS

When Nim (0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 mumol.L-1) or Tet (1, 10, and 50 mumol.L-1) was added 1 min before Nal in the naive ilea bathed in Krebs solution containing Mor, or when the ilea from Mor-dependent guinea pigs were incubated with Nim (0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 mumol.L-1) or Tet (1, 10, and 50 mumol.L-1) for 15 min, or when Nim (5 and 10 mg.kg-1, i.p.) or Tet (15 and 30 mg.kg-1, i.p.) was administered in vivo to Mor-dependent guinea pigs, the Nal-precipitated withdrawal contracture was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

Tet and Nim, Ca2+ channel blockers, could inhibit the Nal-precipitated Mor withdrawal response in the isolated guinea pig ileum.

[Study on the separation of optical chromatography]

The relationship between the particle radius with the intensity of the applied laser radiation force is theoretically studied using a ray-optics model by analyzing the forced-status of the separated particles in the mobile phase. The laser radiation force is proportional to the square of the particle radius when the particle radius is much smaller than the laser beam radius under the condition of using a single-transverse-mode laser beam with a Gaussian intensity distribution and the particle refractive index being larger than that of the mobile phase. The retention distance is calculated and the dynamic range is discussed. Theoretically, the dynamic range of the optical chromatography can be extended by increasing laser power, decreasing the flow rate of mobile phase and focusing the laser beam.

[Studies on microinjection of mouse spermatozoa into rabbit oocytes]

The methods of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and subzonal injection (SUZI) were used to study heterologous fertilization and embryonic development between the mouse and the rabbit. Results were as follows: 1. The mouse sperm nuclei decondensed and formed pronuclei following microinjection into cytoplasm and perivitelline space (PVS) of rabbit oocytes; 2. The hybrid embryos developed to the stage of 8-cell when cultured in vitro; 3. The karyotype analysis showed a normal complement of rabbit oocyte and mouse sperm chromosomes in the 4-cell hybrid embryos; 4. The ultrastructure of 4-cell hybrid embryos was similar to that of normal 4-cell rabbit embryos; 5. The fertilization rate (32.4%) and cleavage rate (22.2%) when 5-10 mouse spermatozoa were injected were higher than those of injection of a single spermatozoon into PVS of the rabbit oocyte, but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). The fertilization rate (42.3%) and cleavage rate (30.8%) in rabbit oocytes in vitro matured for 11-12 h were higher than those in the oocytes which were in vitro matured for 24-25 h following microinjection of 1-2 mouse spermatozoa into PVS, but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05).

Glucose transporter (GLUT1) allele (XbaI-) associated with nephropathy in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Although multiple factors contribute to the initiation and progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN), hyperglycemia and genetic predisposition are two major components implicated in the development of DN. Several pieces of experimental evidence suggest that glucose transporter (GLUT1) activity is an important modulator for the cell hypertrophy and extracellular matrix formation of glomerular mesangial cells.

METHODS

To evaluate the role of the GLUT1 gene mutation in the development of DN in Chinese patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), the polymorphic XbaI site of GLUT1 gene was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction in 124 normal subjects and 131 patients with NIDDM, among whom 64 were complicated with DN. DN was defined as persistent albuminuria with or without impaired renal function with no known cause of renal disease other than diabetes.

RESULTS

The frequencies of XbaI (+/-) genotype (75 vs. 44%, P < 0.01) and XbaI (-) allele (44 vs. 29%, P < 0.05) were significantly higher in NIDDM patients with DN than those without nephropathy. There were no significant differences for GLUT1 genotype and allele frequency between NIDDM patients without nephropathy and normal subjects. The presence of the XbaI (-) allele appeared to have a strong association with the development of DN. The odds ratio was 1.915, and the 95% confidence interval was 1.044 to 3.514. In addition, no strong association was found between GLUT1 gene polymorphism and retinopathy in NIDDM patients.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that the XbaI (-) allele of the GLUT1 gene might be a genetic marker of NIDDM with DN, and this genetic susceptibility is independent of its retinopathy in Chinese subjects.

Dihydroetorphine-induced place preference was mediated by dopamine D1 receptors in rats

AIM

To study the influence of dopamine (DA) receptor antagonists upon the rewarding property of dihydroetorphine (DHE).

METHODS

Conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm was used to characterize the rewarding effect of DHE. DA receptor antagonists were injected administered subcutaneously or peritoneally and microinjected into nucleus accumbens (NAcc).

RESULTS

DHE (0.05, 0.5, and 5.0 micrograms.kg-1, s.c.) produced place preference (P < 0.01). Both the DA receptor antagonist haloperidol and the selective D1 receptor antagonist Sch-23390 attenuated the place preference produced by DHE (0.5 microgram.kg-1, s.c.). l-Sulpiride and spiperone, selective D2 receptor antagonists, had no such effects.

CONCLUSION

The D1 (but not D2) receptors in NAcc are crucial in the mediation of the rewarding effect of DHE.

[Biological effects of space flight on purple nonsulfur photosynthetic bacteria]

OBJECTIVE

To study biological effects of space flight on purple nonsulfur photosynthetic bacteria.

METHODS

Two purple nonsulfur photosynthetic bacteria, Rhodopseudomonas palustris H3 and Rhodobacter sphaeroides ZGY, were carried on satellite for 15 days and some of their biological effects were studied after recovery.

RESULTS

In space condition, survival rate of bacteria was promoted. The purification of organic wastewater, removal of nitrite, degradation of phenol and decolorization of acid red B were enhanced, and the resistance of both strains to medicine was stable.

CONCLUSION

The major morphological and physiological characteristics of loaded strains H3-S and ZGY-S were not changed after space flight.

[Structure determination of korepimedoside A and korepimedoside B from Epimedium koreanum Nakai]

Two new flavonol glycosides were isolated from the aerial parts of Epimedium koreanum Nakai. On the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence, they were elucidated as anhydroicaritin 3-O-beta-D-(6-acetyl) glucopyranosyl (1-->3)-alpha-L-(4-acetyl) rhamnopyranoside and anhydroicaritin 3-O-beta-D-(2, 6-diacetyl) glucopyranosyl (1-->3)-alpha-L-(4-acetyl) rhamnopyranoside-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, which were named korepimedoside A and korepimedoside B respectively.

Genetic analysis of N-acetyltransferase polymorphism in a Chinese population

AIM

To study the genetic basis of N-acetylatransferase polymorphism in Chinese.

METHODS

Genotypes in 120 healthy Han volunteers from 19 provinces of China were assayed. The 3 common mutant alleles (M1, M2, M3) and one normal wild-type (WT) allele of the N-acetyltransferase (NAT2) gene were detected by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction technique.

RESULTS

The NAT2 allele frequencies in 120 Chinese (WT = 0.625, M1 = 0.0458, M2 = 0.188, M3 = 0.142) were different (P < 0.01). The NAT2 genotype distribution for all detected combinations of NAT2 alleles in 120 Chinese subjects was consisitent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (chi 2 = 7.27, nu = 8, 0.7 > P > 0.5). Fifty subjects (41.7%) were homozygous wildtypes, 50 subjects (41.7%) were heterozygous mutants, and 20 subjects (16.7%) were homozygous mutants.

CONCLUSION

The lower frequency of mutant M1 allele compared with that of Caucasians explains the low frequency of slow acylators in Chinese.

Saccharopolyspora spinosporotrichia sp. nov., a novel actinomycete from soil

The generic position of an aerobic, Gram-positive, non-acid-alcohol-fast actinomycete was determined following isolation of the PCR-amplified 16S rRNA genes and alignment of the resultant sequence with corresponding sequences from representatives of the family Pseudonocardiaceae. The assignment of the organism to the genus Saccharopolyspora was strongly supported by chemotaxonomic and morphological data. The strain was distinguished from representatives of validly described Saccharopolyspora species by a number of phenotypic properties. It is proposed that the organism, strain AS4.198T, be classified in the genus Saccharopolyspora as Saccharopolyspora spinosporotrichia sp. nov.

[A follow-up study on correlated factors for intrauterine infection of hepatitis B virus]

One hundred and twenty-two pregnant women with positive serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and their infants were followed-up to study the risk factors related to intrauterine infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Infants were immunized with three doses of hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours after birth, one month and six months of age, respectively, and hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) was injected simultaneously with the first dose. Markers of HBV infection in pregnant women and infants were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results showed that 13 infants were detected positive for HBsAg in their sera, eight of them were positive at their birth and the other five converted positive during follow-up. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses showed that positivity of hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg) in mothers and their threatened abortion related to intrauterine infection, with relative risks of 31.27 and 10.87, respectively.

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist allele: is it a genetic link between Henoch-Schönlein nephritis and IgA nephropathy?

Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) is a multi-organ systemic vasculitis, which shares many clinical, histological and immunological features with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). To address whether these two diseases have a common genetic background, the polymorphism of the variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) gene has been analyzed using PCR in patients diagnosed with HSPN (N = 43) and IgAN (N = 97), together with normal controls (N = 98) and patients with acute post-infectious glomerulonephritis (APGN), under the concept that IL-1 might play an important role in mediating pathogenesis of vasculitis and glomerulonephritis. It was found that the allele frequency and carriage rate of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist allele (IL1RN*2) of the IL-1ra gene increased significantly in HSPN patients as compared to IgAN (P < 0.01), APGN (P < 0.05) and normal subjects (P < 0.01). Interestingly, varied carriage rates of IL1RN*2 were found among various groups of IgAN patients presenting with different clinical manifestations. The carriage rate of IL1RN*2 was significantly higher in patients with recurrent gross hematuria than other groups of IgAN patients (P < 0.01). Furthermore, although the carriage rate of IL1RN*2 was higher in HSPN (46.5%) than average IgAN patients (26.8%; P < 0.01), there was no significant difference in the carriage rate of IL1RN*2 between HSPN and those IgAN patients with recurrent gross hematuria (42.8%l P > 0.05). It suggested that the IL1RN*2 allele might be a genetic marker shared by HSPN and a special group of IgAN patients with recurrent gross hematuria. Our preliminary observation provided a genetic evidence to support the hypothesis that HSPN and certain subgroup of IgAN are closely related diseases. Such an association of the gene polymorphism of IL-1ra between HSPN and IgAN with recurrent gross hematuria might serve as a key to explore their pathogenesis and eventually a specific intervention.

A cysteine protease inhibitor prevents activation-induced T-cell apoptosis and death of peripheral blood cells from human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals by inhibiting upregulation of Fas ligand

Activation of T-cell hybridomas, preactivated normal T cells, and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals results in apoptosis. In the first two cases, apoptosis is caused by the upregulation of Fas ligand (FasL) and its subsequent interaction with Fas; the mechanism for the spontaneous and activation-induced death of lymph node cells and PBL from HIV+ blood is not known. A number of protease inhibitors have been shown to prevent T-cell apoptosis under all of these circumstances, but the mechanism of action has not been determined. Here we show that the cysteine protease inhibitor E64d prevent activation-induced T hybridoma cell death by inhibiting the upregulation of FasL. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) demonstrated that mRNA for FasL is expressed at low levels in fresh PBL from HIV-infected blood, but increases in cultured PBL from both uninfected and HIV-infected donors. The ex vivo apoptosis of PBL from HIV+ donors was prevented by adding the soluble extracellular domain of Fas, demonstrating a requisite role for Fas/ FasL interactions in this form of cell death. Furthermore, while having no effect on the death of PBL from HIV-infected blood stimulated directly via Fas, E64d inhibited FasL upregulation. Thus, aberrant apoptosis of cultured PBL from HIV-infected individuals is mediated by FasL and Fas, and E64d blocks this apoptosis by inhibiting the upregulation of FasL. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the abnormal expression of Fas and the inducible expression of FasL, contributes to the immunodeficiency of patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome and suggest that modulation of FasL expression could be an effective target for therapeutic intervention.

[Experimental study on effect of Cordyceps sinensis in ameliorating aminoglycoside induced nephrotoxicity]

In order to evaluate the effect of Cordyceps sinensis (CS) on aminoglycoside (AG) induced nephrotoxicity, gentamycin was imposed on the young and old rats with CS administration. The renal tubular injury was ameliorated as evidenced by less prominent increment of BUN, SCr, sodium excretion, urinary NAGase and less severity of histopathological changes as compared with control. In addition, the use of CS could promote an earlier recovery of renal oxygen consumption insulin clearance, and sodium absorption in isolated perfused kidney from CS treated intoxicated rat than that from control. Possible mechanisms of CS on drug-induced nephrotoxicity include: (1) Accelerating the regeneration of tubular cells; (2) Protecting the sodium pump activity of tubular cells; (3) Attenuating the tubular cell lysosome hyperfunction stimulated by phagocytosis of AG as well as decreasing the tubular cell lipoperoxidation in response to toxic injury; (4) Reducing the tissue Ca++ content.

Tolerance of oocyte plasma membrane to electric current changes after fertilisation

The tolerance of the oocyte plasma membrane (oolemma) to electrical pulses (TEP) was investigated for oocytes, zygotes, and embryos at the early and late 2-cell stage. The oocyte survival rate after two electrical pulses (1.4 kV/cm for 640 microns each) was used as an indicator of the TEP of the oolemma. Survival rate of mid-pronuclear zygotes (94.3% +/- 2.3%) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of recently ovulated (2.1% +/- 1.9%) and in vivo aged (25.1% +/- 2.6%) oocytes; survival rate of in vivo aged oocytes was also significantly higher than that of recently ovulated oocytes. Soon after fertilisation, the survival rate of the oocytes markedly increased, up to 94% at the mid-pronuclear stage. Survival rate dropped thereafter. These results suggest that the characteristics of the oocyte plasma membrane (oolemma) change after fertilisation.

Inhibition of diabetic nephropathy by a GH antagonist: a molecular analysis

Streptozotocin-treated C57B1/SJL mice developed glomerular hypertrophy and light microscopic lesions mimicking human diabetic glomerulosclerosis. In contrast, there were no glomerular hypertrophy and lesions in diabetic mice transgenic (TG) for a mutated growth hormone (bGH-G119K) that competes with native endogenous GH and results in dwarfism. We examined the molecular events underlying these findings. The non-transgenic (non-TG) diabetic mouse glomeruli had an increase in mRNA coding for alpha 1IV collagen, laminin B1, TGF-beta 1, 72 kDa collagenase, and TIMP-3. In contrast, glomerular type IV collagen and laminin B1 mRNA levels were normal in diabetic TG dwarf mice. However, the 72 kDa gelatinase, TIMP-3, and TGF-beta 1 mRNAs were elevated in the diabetic dwarfs. Type IV collagen and laminin accumulated in the glomeruli of diabetic non-TG, but not of diabetic dwarf mice, by immunofluorescence microscopy, confirming the mRNA data. GH binding protein mRNA levels were comparable in glomeruli from dwarf and non-TG mice, both diabetic and non-diabetic. We did not detect GH receptor mRNA in glomeruli. These data suggest that diabetic glomerulosclerosis is associated with an increase in type IV collagen and laminin synthesis, and that these changes do not occur in mice transgenic for bGH119K, a functional antagonist of GH. The increase of 72 kDa gelatinase, TIMP-3 and TGF-beta 1 mRNAs, independent of GH, suggested that these changes induced by hyperglycemia were not sufficient for the induction of glomerulosclerosis.

TNF-alpha and IL-1 alpha induce mannose receptors and apoptosis in glomerular mesangial but not endothelial cells

The macrophage mannose receptor, a carbohydrate-binding membrane protein, mediates endocytosis and phagocytosis. This study was undertaken to determine whether mannose receptors were expressed in resting glomerular mesangial and endothelial cells and whether their level was affected by cytokines. Neither mannose receptor mRNA nor proteins were found in resting mesangial or endothelial cells. Mannose receptor mRNA was induced in a dose- and time-dependent manner in mesangial cells by interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) but not by platelet-derived growth factor-B or IL-6. Cell surface receptors were found by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis. Binding to stimulated mesangial cells was saturable and inhibited by excess mannose-bovine serum albumin (BSA) but not by galactose-BSA. TNF-alpha and IL-1 alpha also induced apoptosis in mesangial cells. Mannose receptor expression was not restricted to apoptotic stimulated mesangial cells. Neither agonist induced mannose receptor expression or apoptosis in endothelial cells. Because immunoglobulin A, M, and G contain mannose residues, immune aggregates may be removed from the mesangium through cytokine-induced mannose receptors.

Effects of LHRH, FSH and activin A on follistatin secretion from cultured rat anterior pituitary cells

We demonstrated the release of follistatin, an activin-binding protein, from cultured rat anterior pituitary cells by measuring immunoreactive (ir-) follistatin in a specific immunoradiometric assay. Ir-follistatin release gradually increased in cultures over 1-18 days and reached its maximal level at 12-15 days of incubation. The basal ir-follistatin levels in the culture media increased about 3- (P < 0.01) and 5-fold (P < 0.001) in 2 and 10% fetal calf serum for 6 days, respectively. LHRH and activin A caused an approximately 2.0- (P < 0.05) and 1.8-fold (P < 0.05) rise in ir-follistatin release, respectively, in contrast to the lack of significant FSH effects. The culture medium condensed on sulfate-cellulofine gel was resolved by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and blotted with anti-follistatin polyclonal antibody, resulting in at least three protein bands ranging from 35 to 50 kDa under non-reducing conditions. These results indicated that follistatin is produced in anterior pituitary cells and that its secretion is regulated at least in part by LHRH and activin, implying an autocrine/paracrine role of activin and follistatin in the pituitary.

Molecular analysis of glomerular diseases in renal biopsies: initial results of a collaborative international study. The International Study Group for Molecular Study of Kidney Biopsies

An accurate assessment of which patient with glomerular disease will progress to end-stage renal failure would be an important addition to establishing prognosis and evaluating therapeutic strategies. We previously found the development of glomerular scarring in animal models was preceded by an increase in glomerular type IV collagen mRNAs and that the level of scarring predicted the rate of progression. The purpose of this study was to determine whether these findings apply to human glomerular diseases using microdissected glomeruli and assessment of mRNA by competitive PCR. After showing that the levels of type IV collagen mRNAs were elevated in sclerotic glomeruli isolated from nephrectomies, we undertook this preliminary cross-sectional study of type IV collagen subchain mRNAs in renal biopsies in two of the leading causes of glomerulosclerosis, diabetic nephropathy, and membranous glomerulopathy. We found that glomerular type IV collagen mRNA levels were altered in disease-specific ways. The relative levels of the individual alpha-chains of type IV collagen depended on the anatomic site of the glomerular lesions. The alpha 2 type IV/alpha 3 type IV collagen mRNA ratio was high in diabetes mellitus, but not in membranous glomerulopathy. These data, coupled with those obtained from experimental animals, suggest that a dysregulation of basement collagen synthesis underlies progressive glomerular scarring. If these conclusions are verified in prospective studies it will be feasible to assess the risk of developing progressive glomerulosclerosis in the individual patient and to quantitatively assess therapeutic responses in a timely manner.

Regulation of immunoreactive activin A secretion from cultured rat anterior pituitary cells

Immunoreactive activin A (ir-activin A) release from cultured rat anterior pituitary cells was examined by measuring ir-activin A in culture medium by a specific radioimmunoassay. Ir-activin A release into the medium increased over 1-18 days, and reached a maximal level at 12-15 days. The basal levels of ir-activin A in the culture media were 0.70 +/- 0.10 (mean +/- SD), 1.30 +/- 0.36 and 1.83 +/- 0.44 ng/10(6) cells, when cultured for 6 days with 0, 2 and 10% fetal calf serum, respectively. LHRH induced an approximate 1.4-fold increase in ir-activin A release in contrast to a 40-60% inhibition with FSH, but LH did not affect the activin A release. In the presence of 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA), iractivin A release was enhanced, but no significant effect was induced by forskolin. Activin A was distinctly immunostained in cultured rat anterior pituitary cells. These results suggested that activin A release from the pituitary is modified by FSH and LHRH, and that the activation of protein kinase C may be involved in the action of LHRH.

Immunoradiometric assay for follistatin: serum immunoreactive follistatin levels in normal adults and pregnant women

A sensitive and specific immunoradiometric assay for follistatin was developed using antifollistatin mouse monoclonal and rabbit polyclonal antibodies. The sensitivity of the assay was 0.5 micrograms/L, and cross-reactivities with recombinant human activin A and bovine inhibin were less than 0.1%. The intra- and interassay coefficients of variation were less than 10%, and the recovery rate was about 90% in human serum. The addition of activin A to the same sample resulted in a minimal influence on follistatin recovery, indicating that this assay system can measure the total level of activin-bound and unbound follistatin. Gel filtration analysis of human serum showed that the majority of immunoreactivity was eluted in a larger molecular size position than that of free follistatin, suggesting that the large part of follistatin is bound to other proteins, presumably activins, in serum. Using this assay, immunoreactive follistatin levels in various biological fluids and human sera were examined. The dose-response curves of porcine follicular and amniotic fluids were parallel to the standard curve, and porcine follicular fluid contained extremely high follistatin immunoreactivity (5.6 mg/L). The serum follistatin level in normal human volunteers was 13.3 +/- 4.7 micrograms/L (mean +/- SD; n = 60), with a tendency to increase gradually with age. On the other hand, the serum follistatin level was remarkably elevated in pregnant women (62.7 +/- 35.3 micrograms/L; n = 57), with a positive correlation with weeks of pregnancy. These data indicated that circulating immunoreactive follistatin is detectable in human serum, and the levels vary with physiological conditions such as aging and pregnancy.

Effect of emodin on c-myc proto-oncongen expression in cultured rat mesangial cells

AIM

To explore the possible molecular mechanism of emodin on the inhibition of glomerular mesangial cells (MC).

METHODS

In rat MC culture, c-myc mRNA level was detected by dot-blotting as expressed by the dilutions of the total RNA on the visible dots.

RESULTS

Low level c-myc mRNA was found in serum-free cultured quiescent MC. Addition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS 10 mg.L-1) induced a higher level expression of c-myc mRNA within 30 min, maximal expression at 2.5 h and persisted for 6 h. This over-expressing of c-myc mRNA was markedly suppressed by emodin (25 mg.L-1), the inhibition of emodin on c-myc mRNA expression was still seen at 6 h, and the greatest suppressive effect was at 2.5 h.

CONCLUSION

Emodin participating in its down-regulatory effect of c-myc mRNA over-expression contributes to its inhibitory action on MC.

Localization of glutamic acid decarboxylase in the kidneys of nonobese diabetic mice

Antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), a pancreatic islet beta-cell antigen, are present in > 80% of newly diagnosed insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), and are found in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, a murine model of spontaneous IDDM. To determine whether GAD is a target antigen in the kidney damage of NOD mice, we studied GAD mRNAs (GAD65 and GAD67) by RT-PCR in mesangial cells, isolated glomeruli, and kidney cortex and medulla in NOD and SJL/C57BL mice. GAD mRNAs were detected in the cortex of both diabetic and nondiabetic NOD and SJL/C57BL mice and GAD antigen was present in proximal and distal tubules by immunofluorescence microscopy. Neither GAD antigen nor mRNA were present in mesangial cells or glomeruli of diabetic or nondiabetic mice. Thus, the expression of GAD in renal tubules raises the possibility that GAD antigens may play a role in diabetic tubulointerstitial disease, whereas the absence of these antigens in glomeruli suggests that GAD-triggered autoimmunity is not directly involved in the glomerular lesions.

Collagen and collagenase mRNAs in normal and sclerotic glomeruli: predictors of progression and response to therapy

Progressive glomerulosclerosis is associated with decreasing kidney function, eventuating in end-stage renal failure. There are multiple components of the extracellular matrix, and the exact composition in various renal diseases is not known. Thus, we examined some of the major components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in murine and human glomerular diseases. We studied matrix synthesis and degradation at the level of gene expression and ECM composition in the intact glomerulus. To determine whether the composition of sclerosis was similar among diseases, we examined a normal mouse strain and compared it with strains which spontaneously developed glomerulosclerosis. The baseline levels of matrix components varied between different mouse strains, and this level correlated with their propensity to develop glomerulosclerosis. In addition, when glomerulosclerosis was induced, the baseline ECM mRNA level predicted the subsequent outcome. We studied mice transgenic for bovine growth hormone, since they develop progressive glomerulosclerosis. Treatment with heparin substantially decreased the lesions without changes in type IV collagen mRNAs. However, there was an up-regulation of both the mRNA and enzyme activity for the 92 kD matrix metalloproteinase. In contrast, when these mice were treated with either angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor antagonists, the glomerulosclerosis was accentuated histologically and the ECM synthetic and degradative mRNAs were elevated. These data suggest that the mRNA levels reflect response to therapy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Calmodulin gene family in potato: developmental and touch-induced expression of the mRNA encoding a novel isoform

Eight genomic clones of potato calmodulin (PCM1 to 8) were isolated and characterized. Sequence comparisons of different genes revealed that the deduced amino acid sequence of PCM1 had several unique substitutions, especially in the fourth Ca(2+)-binding area. The expression patterns of different genes were studied by northern analysis using the 3'-untranslated regions as probes. The expression of PCM1, 5, and 8 was highest in the stolon tip and it decreased during tuber development. The expression of PCM6 did not vary much in the tissues tested, except in the leaves, where the expression was lower; whereas, the expression of PCM4 was very low in all the tissues. The expression of PCM2 and PCM3 was not detected in any of the tissues tested. Among these genes, only PCM1 showed increased expression following touch stimulation. To study the regulation of PCM1, transgenic potato plants carrying the PCM1 promoter fused to the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene were produced. GUS expression was found to be developmentally regulated and touch-responsive, indicating a positive correlation between the expression of PCM1 and GUS mRNAs. These results suggest that the 5'-flanking region of PCM1 controls developmental and touch-induced expression. X-Gluc staining patterns revealed that GUS localization is high in meristematic tissues such as the stem apex, stolon tip, and vascular regions.

[Study of treatment on acquired infantile mental retardation with traditional Chinese and Western medicine]

80 cases with acquired infantile mental retardation caused by perinatal brain injury was treated with large doses of hyoscyamus, self made Retarded Recovery Pill and acupuncture. At the same time, 50 cases were taken as control group treated with Nao An Tai, Nao Fu Kang, etc. After 3 month treatment, the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) increased by 15 points in 29 cases of treatment group, while 3 cases in control group, chi 2 = 15.2, P < 0.01. After treatment for 6 month the IQ increased in 41 and 5 cases respectively, t = 5.53, P < 0.01. In 58.75% of the faculty of speech and motion greatly improved. It revealed that to treat the acquired infantile mental retardation, the combined therapy of traditional Chinese and Western medicine is effective.

[Effects of Paeonia-glycyrrhiza decoction on changes induced by cisplatin in rats]

In order to study the effects of Paeonia-Glycyrrhiza decoction (PGD) on the changes induced by cisplatin in rats, platinum-wire bipolar electrodes were inserted into the serosal membrane of the small intestine and migrating myoelectric complex (MMC) was used as index. After intravenous injection of cisplatin at doses of 4 mg/kg, the duration of the MMC cycles was significantly shorter than that of normal MMC cycles (P < 0.05) while the duration of phase III was remarkably prolonged comparing with that of normal phase III (P < 0.01) with latent period of 53.2 +/- 20.4 minutes. Taking PGD orally, cisplatin no longer induced the changes of MMC. The results suggest that PGD has marked adjusting effects on the changes of MMC induced by cisplatin. This might be one of the causes of PGD in relieving diarrhea induced by cisplatin in rats.

[Studies on quality of drinking water and causes of liver cancer in a high-incidence area]

Quality of drinking water was comprehensively studied in Fusui County of Guangxi, a high-incidence area for liver cancer. The results indicated pond water was polluted the most severely, well water the least, and river water intermediately. The chemical indicators for water pollution were levels of ammonia, nitrite, humic acid, suspended substances, chemical oxygen demand, and biological oxygen demand. Quality of drinking water was worse in high incidence area for liver cancer than that in low-incidence one. Mortality of liver cancer correlated positively with the levels of nitrite, humic acid, chemical oxygen demand, and so on. These results provided a basis for further studies on the etiology of liver cancer.

Use of fluorescent substrate 4-MUP in the detection of biotin-labeled DNA probes

To improve the sensitivity of detecting biotin-labeled DNA Probes, a new fluorescent substrate of alkaline phosphatase, 4-methylum belliferylphosphate (4-mup) was studied instead of conventional BCIP-NBT. The result of dot-blot hybridization demonstrates that this new substrate can be used for the colorimetric detection of biotin-labeled probes after hybridization to immobilized nucleic acids. The sensitivity is about one order of magnitude higher than that of BCIP-NBT system, and the time required for color development is very short, only about five min. It is suggested that the Bio-SA-Bio-AP-4-MUP colorimetric detection system can be widely used in gene diagnosis.

A communication from the People's Republic of China: management of labyrinthine fistula with cholesteatoma

Management and results in 43 cases of labyrinthine fistula with cholesteatoma are presented and discussed. The choice of surgical procedure is based on the presence or absence of infection; the size and location of the fistula; condition of the other ear; cochlear function, and condition of the stapes. Unchanged bone conduction has been obtained in 88% of our 43 surgical cases. The planned staged operation has produced good functional results.

Association between HLA antigens and families with psoriasis vulgaris

This paper typed HLA-A, B, C and DR antigens in patients with psoriasis vulgaris and healthy persons in 12 families. The phenotype frequencies of HLA-A1, B13, B17, Cw4 and Cw6 in the patients were higher than those in the controls. The analysis of haplotype segregation showed that HLA haplotypes in families with more psoriatic cases were marked deviation from random distribution. One or two HLA haplotypes sharing among affected siblings occurred more frequently than expected. The result of Lods score for six families showed that there was a close linkage between the gene of psoriasis vulgaris and HLA antigens. The gene of psoriasis was coincided with the recessive hereditary mode.

CT-guided stereotactic injection of radionuclide in treatment of brain tumors

140 patients with brain tumor were treated by CT-guided stereotactic injections of radionuclides, such as Aurum-198 (198 Au), Phosphorus-32 (32 P) and Yttrium-90 (90Y). Of these patients aged from 3 to 67 years (average 37), 64 were male and 76 female. Astrocytoma was found in 75 patients, craniopharyngioma in 46, metastatic carcinoma in 7, meningioma in 5, germinoma in 4 and pituitary adenoma in 3. The tumors were located in the deep part or functionally critical area of the brain. After 267 times of injection of colloidal isotopes, no major adverse effects or complications occurred. Follow-up for 6 to 48 months showed improvement in symptoms in 104 (74.3%) patients and CT scanning showed the diminished tumors.

[Epidermal growth factor and its receptor in the renal tissue of patients with acute renal failure and normal persons]

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGF-R) were identified by immunohistochemical method (4 layer PAP) in the renal tissue specimens obtained from 11 normal kidneys and 17 cases of acute renal failure (ARF). The quantitative EGF and EGF-R in the tissue were expressed as positive tubules per mm2. The amount of EGF and EGF-R in renal tissue was markedly increased in cases of ARF than in normal persons. Positive EGF staining was present only in distal tubules, but absent from glomeruli in normal persons. In ARF patients EGF was identified in both distal and proximal tubules. It was also seen in the glomerular mesangial area in 2 cases complicated by mesangial proliferative GN. However, no obvious difference was noted in the distribution of EGF-R between normal and ARF specimens. The amount of EGF in the renal tissue varied with the morphological changes in tubules and the time when the renal biopsy was being taken. The amount of EGF was large in those with a Scr value less than 2.5mg/dl There was a more profound expression of EGF during the recovery from ARF.

Antimutagenic effect of eight natural foods on moldy foods in a high liver cancer incidence area

Ames test procedures were used to test 8 natural food extracts for their antimutagenic activity against the mutagenic activity induced in S. typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100 by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) or metabolic extracts from A. versicolor or A. ochraceus. The tested substances were extracted repeatedly with acetone. The revertants induced by AFB1, metabolic extracts of A. versicolor or A. ochraceus were significantly decreased when extracts of the 8 natural foods were added to the media. The results showed that these extracts had marked inhibitory effects on the mutagenic activity induced by AFB1 or metabolic extracts of the two molds and also suggested that antimutagenic substances were present in these natural foods. These experiments provide a scientific basis for the study of food substances for the prevention of carcinogenesis. It is considered that these 8 natural food extracts produce marked antimutagenic effects and are practically valuable in the field of chemoprophylaxis of liver cancer in humans.

[Surgical therapy of temporal lobe epilepsy. Clinical report of 30 cases]

Resection of epileptic foci for the treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy was performed in 30 patients (19 right, 11 left). Spike epileptiform wave over the temporal region was found in all patients. All the resected specimen were studied by light and electron microscopy. The operative results showed that no epileptic attack recurred after discharge in 10 patients; seizures were controlled by drugs after 1-2 attacks in 12 patients; rare or occasional attacks in 6 patients; and no effect after operation in 2 patients. The effective rate was 93%, and no death and severe complications occurred.

CT-guided stereotactic injection of radionuclide for treatment of brain tumors

The authors report on 40 brain tumor patients treated with CT-guided stereotactic injection of 198Au and 32P. Among the 40 cases were astrocytoma in 23 cases, craniopharyngioma in 9, meningioma in 4, pituitary adenoma in 2, and pinealoma and metastatic carcinoma each in 1 case. The tumors were all located in deep or important areas of the brain which were difficult to deal with by conventional operation. 62 injections of colloidal isotopes were performed, and all were successful. No major adverse effects or complications occurred on follow-up of 6-12 months, 28 patients were improved in their clinical symptoms, and CT scanning showed that the tumor sizes were diminished. The effective rate is 70%.

[Morphological analysis of 40 polypoid lesions of the gallbladder and their clinical significance]

For the purpose of studying the histological types of gallbladder polyps and their relations to the clinical features, 40 specimens of postoperative polypoid lesions of the gallbladder collected from Changhai Hospital were observed by means of light and electron microscopy. The results demonstrated that the histological types of gallbladder polyps might be divided into: cholesterol polyp, inflammatory polyp, mixed-type polyp and adenomatoid polyp. Cholesterol polyp was the most frequently encountered and the next was inflammatory polyp. A mixed-type polyp is proposed. The adenomatoid polyp might have atypical hyperplasia and potential malignancy. The cholesterol polyp had no relationship with cholesterolosis of the gallbladder.

[Surgical removal of brain stem hematoma]

Of 5 cases of brain stem hematoma, 4 males and 1 female, 4 had hematoma in the pons, and 1 in the midbrain. The diagnosis was confirmed by CT. Two cases had received craniotomy. CT-guided stereotactic evacuation was performed in other 3 cases. All the cases had satisfactory results after operation. None of them died or had any severe complication. Three cases recovered and resumed work, one had mild disability and recovered well in the early time, but died of pneumonia two months later. We stressed that the method of evacuation for the treatment of hematoma is simple and convenient, and the wound is quite small.

[CT-guided stereotaxic evacuation of hypertensive intracerebral hematomas]

CT-guided stereotaxic evacuation of hypertensive intracerebral hematomas was performed in 50 patients. Hematoma was found in the basal ganglion in 36 cases in the internal capsule in 23, in external capsule in 6, in thalamus in 7, in subcortex in 6 in cerebellum, in 6 and in brain stem in 2. The volume of these hematomas was less than 10 ml in 2 patients, 20-50 ml in 21, 51-100 ml in 16 and over 100 ml in 11. The liquid hematoma was totally aspirated by stereotaxic technique in 9 patients. Similarly, more than 80% of clots of hematoma was evacuated in 28 patients and about 60-80% of clots was evacuated in 13. Good operative results were obtained in 14 patients (28%). Mild neurological disability was seen in 16 patients (32%) and marked disability in 15 (30%). Five patients (10%) died.

[Clinical and experimental studies of rheum on preventing progression of chronic renal failure]

Rheum, a well known herb unique in its cathartic effect is now introduced to prevent progression of uremia. A clinical prospective trial was conducted to evaluate its effect in comparison with the Captopril. 30 cases with initial Scr level of 344.8 +/- 114.0 mumol/L were allocated randomly to 3 groups. Rheum E treated group, Captopril treated group and Rheum E + Captopril group. The long term (6-22 mos) follow-up results showed that the progression rate of renal failure, calculated by regression analysis of 1/Scr vs time, was found to be retarded after treatment, being more marked in both Rheum E and Rheum E + Captopril group. Uremic symptoms improved after the treatment with serum albumin level increased. To explore the mechanism of therapeutic effects of Rheum on CRF, a series of experimental studies were performed. Rheum can suppress the proliferation of glomerular mesangial cells in culture. In 5/6 nephrectomized rats, the O2 consumption of remnant kidney was obviously decreased by feeding the animal Rheum E and the hypermetabolic state was ameliorated as well. A group of 5/6 nephrectomized rats were fed with Rheum E for 28 wks. It was found that the level of azotemia of this treated group was lessened remarkably as compared with the controls. The serum albumin and transferrin contents of the treated animals were much higher than the controls while the blood cholesterol and triglycerides decreased unexpectedly. In conclusion, both the in vivo and in vitro studies have proved the effectiveness of Rheum in preventing the progression of CRF.