[Chemical changes of compatibility for shaoyao decoction]

OBJECTIVE

To probe the regular patterns of interactions among chemical components in Chinese medicinal complex prescriptions.

METHOD

The active components of Rhubarb, Coptis root and Baikal skullcap root in different patterns of compatibility were determined by TLC-scanner.

RESULT

The berberine content in Coptis root can be decreased obviously by Rhubarb, Baikai skullcap root and Licorice root, especially by Rhubarb. Coptis root can also decrease the contents of acid components.

CONCLUSION

The acid components can affect each other, thus reducing the contents of effective components.

Vascular endothelin-1 expression and effect of an endothelin ETA antagonist on structure and function of small arteries from stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats

There is some evidence that the endothelin (ET) system may participate in blood pressure elevation and in vascular hypertrophy in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SP). To further understand the involvement of the ET system in this hypertensive model, we examined preproendothelin-1 (preproET-1) mRNA abundance in blood vessels of 5-week and 18-week SHR-SP in comparison to SHR, and treated 12-week old SHR-SP with the ETA-selective receptor antagonist A-127722.5 (30 mg/kg/day in the drinking water) for 10 weeks. Abundance of preproET-1 mRNA by Northern blot analysis was increased more than twofold in aorta and mesenteric arteries of SHR-SP relative to SHR at 18 weeks but not at 5 weeks of age. SHR-SP treated with A-127722.5 had a tail-cuff systolic blood pressure at 22 weeks of age of 241 +/- 2 mm Hg vs. 251 +/- 3 mm Hg in untreated SHR-SP (p < 0.05). Heart:body weight ratio was no different in both groups, but aortic segment:body weight ratio was slightly but significantly smaller in treated SHR-SP (p < 0.05). Pressurized mesenteric small arteries from treated SHR-SP had a smaller media width (12.6 +/- 0.6 microns vs. 14.9 +/- 0.5 microns; p < 0.05) and media:lumen ratio (5.8 +/- 0.2% vs. 7.3 +/- 0.3%; p < 0.01), whereas media cross-sectional area and lumen diameter tended to decrease and increase, respectively, without achieving statistical significance. Acetylcholine-induced relaxation was improved in treated SHR-SP (99.6 +/- 0.6% vs. 90.0 +/- 3.6%; p < 0.05), whereas relaxation responses to sodium nitroprusside were similar in both groups. These results show increases of preproET-1 expression in blood vessels that appear to be secondary to blood pressure elevation. There is a small ET-dependent component in blood pressure elevation and in conduit and resistance artery changes in adult stroke-prone SHR.

[Detecting coronary artery disease with dobutamine 99mTc-MIBI myocardial perfusion tomography]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety and accuracy of dobutamine stress 99mTc-MIBI perfusion tomography (DST) for detecting coronary artery disease(CAD).

METHODS

Seventy nine patients with suspected CAD without previous myocardial infarction underwent DST. Forty eight of the 79 patients had coronary angiography and CAD was defined as greater than 50% reduction in diameter.

RESULTS

Seventeen of 20 patients with CAD demonstrated perfusion abnormalities by DST (sensitivity 85%), 20 of 24 with normal or non-significant stenosed coronary arteries had normal scan (specificity 83.3%). All 4 patients with coronary ectasia showed abnormalities by DST. Fifty seven percent of the patients experienced some discomfort, but no serious side effects occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

It shows that DST is a safe and accurate alternative to exercise stress perfusion study for detecting CAD in patients unable to perform exercise testing.

CT findings in splenic tuberculosis

Splenic tuberculosis is rare and delay in diagnosis is common. We present two cases of splenic tuberculosis with their appearance on CT. The CT findings were multiple, round or ovoid, low-density lesions without calcification. Except for non-specific lymphadenopathy no abnormality nor history suggestive of tuberculosis was revealed prior to laparotomy. Although CT does not confirm a diagnosis of splenic tuberculosis, it would be a valuable examination to define the extent of disease and guide aspiration biopsy.

BRCA1 up-regulation is associated with repair-mediated resistance to cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II)

We sought to identify novel genes associated with cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (CDDP) resistance, and by differential display analysis, we found that the human breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 was overexpressed in CDDP-resistant MCF-7 cells. A recent report that BRCA1 and human Rad51 colocalize in S-phase cells suggests a role for BRCA1 in DNA damage repair. We hypothesized that BRCA1 plays a role in DNA damage repair-mediated CDDP resistance. In CCDP-resistant variants of breast and ovarian carcinoma cell lines, MCF-7 CDDP/R and SKOV-3 CDDP/R, we found increased levels of BRCA1 protein, and we determined that the SKOV-3 CDDP/R cell line is significantly more proficient at DNA damage repair. Antisense inhibition of BRCA1 in this cell line resulted in an increased sensitivity to CDDP, a decreased proficiency of DNA repair, and an enhanced rate of apoptosis. These data support the hypothesis that BRCA1 is a gene involved in DNA damage repair.

Analysis of genetic diversity in Chinese sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] germplasm using DNA amplification fingerprinting

The genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships in a representative sample of Chinese sweetpotato collection were assessed using the DNA amplification fingerprinting approach. DNA fingerprint profiles were developed for all 42 accessions tested. There were 19-26 bands for each accession and an average of 20.7 such bands were polymorphic. Chinese sweetpotato germplasm tested exhibited a high degree of genetic diversity. Phenetic analysis revealed five major clusters with the following components: (1) landraces from Guangdong Province, (2) landraces from Fujian province, (3) Chinese cultivars, (4) those closely related to Japanese sweetpotato cultivars, and (5) those closely related to the US sweetpotato cv. Nancy Hall. The genetic association observed between accessions was largely consistent with the known pedigree records. The DNA amplification fingerprinting may provide reliable insights into the domestication history of the sweetpotato crop and may be useful in germplasm enhancement.

[The biological effects of recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 to cultured pulp cells]

The study was to observe the biological effects of rhOP-1 on the proliferation, ALPase activity and osteocalcin of dental pulp cells by cell culture technique, MTT, enzyme kinetic methods and radioimmunoassay. The results indicated rhOP-1 could obviously promote the proliferation and enhanced ALPase activity and osteocalcin secretion of pulp cells with showing dose-dependent relationship in this experimental dose range. Thus, rhOP-1 can induce dental pulp cells to differentiate the cells expressing osteoblast phenotype.

Studies on the comprehensive control of babesiasis in cattle and buffaloes

To obtain a highly effective method for controlling babesiosis in cattle and buffalo, an epidemiological survey was carried out at Zuiyun village in Hubai Province. On the grounds of the epidemiological data, control measures which included preventive drugs and killing the vectors were devised. After two years of control no clinical cases of bovine babesiosis were found. The average number of ticks on cattle or buffalo decreased from 9-282 to 0-11.3. Good results were obtained in another epidemic area using this control method. These results indicated that this technique of controlling babesiosis is highly effective.

Treatment with either anti-CD4 or anti-CD8 monoclonal antibodies blocks alphabeta T cell-mediated rejection of intestinal allografts in mice

BACKGROUND

Rejection is the major barrier preventing the more widespread application of intestinal transplantation as treatment for intestinal failure. For this study, a one-way host-versus-graft murine model was used to investigate the contribution of T cell subsets to the rejection of allogeneic intestinal allografts.

METHODS

Intestinal grafts consisting of the donor jejunum and ileum were procured from C57BL/6J (syngeneic group) and B6C3F1/J (C57BL/6 x C3H/HeJ, allogeneic group) mice. These grafts were then transplanted into (1) normal, (2) antibody-treated, or (3) genetically mutated C57BL/6 mice. Mice were killed at predetermined intervals and the grafts assessed for rejection by a blinded pathologist.

RESULTS

No syngeneic mice demonstrated any evidence of rejection. In contrast, the recipients of allografts experienced progressive rejection. Recipient mice treated with tacrolimus developed significantly less severe allograft rejection. None of the alphabeta T cell-deficient recipient mice (T cell receptor beta chain knockout mice) experienced allograft rejection with follow-up ranging from 8 to 28 days. However, mice deficient in gammadelta T cells (T cell receptor delta chain knockout mice) rejected intestinal allografts in a manner indistinguishable from normal recipients. In order to investigate the role of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, recipient mice were treated 2 days before transplantation with depleting monoclonal antibodies specific for either CD4+ cells or CD8+ cells. Depletion of either population of cells significantly inhibited allograft rejection.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that rejection of intestinal allografts in the murine model was absolutely dependent on alphabeta but not gammadelta T cells. Furthermore, both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were necessary for small bowel allograft rejection. Additional studies will be required to determine whether the effects of monoclonal antibody treatment were due solely to depletion of T cells or were mediated at least in part through an active process that altered the functional properties of the targeted T cell subset.

[Extraction and sequencing of trace DNA from cornu Cervi pantotrichum]

The trace DNA extraction method was used to extract DNA from the blood, hair, Cornu cervi pantotrichum, hairy antler of the sika deer, Cervus nippon, and penis of Bulbalus bublis and Asinus vulgaris. A 307 bp fragment of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene was amplified with primers L14841 and H15149 for these extractions. The purified PCR products were sequenced by the dideoxy method. DNA sequence obtained from the Cornu cervi pantotrichum is the same as that obtained from the fresh blood and hair of the sika deer, but the sequence of the so-called hairy antler is quite different, implying that it is not from the sika deer. In addition, the phylogenetic relationships among different species are congruent with the traditional known phylogeny.

[Histopathologic and immunochemical changes in Sjögren's syndrome]

To research into the causes of sjögren's syndrome, we investigated the lacrimal gland tissues of 6 cases of sjogren's syndriome by using electronmicroscopy and immunochemical methods. The results revealed that at the early stage the lacrimal gland cells showed degeneration, irregular arrangement and many intracellular vacuoles. At the middle stage, some lymphocytes infliltrated into the gland tissues. And at the advanced stage, lymphocytes and collagenous fibers were there in substitution of gland cells.

[Pharmacological actions of different species form genus Pyrola]

This paper reporst the pharmacological actions and toxicities of the water extracts from Pyrola calliantha, Pyrola decorta and P. forrestiana. The results show that the actions of P. forrestiana on antiventricular fibrillation, strengthening cardiac musicular contraction and antihypoxia abitity are more stronger, but on antiinflammation and antipyretic, effects of P. decorta and P. calliantha are significantly better than that of P. forrestiana. The effects of the three species on immunization and antisepsis are similar.

[Effect of recombinant growth hormone on amino acids metabolism in blood and urine after major operation]

To determine the effects of recombinant human growth hormone (GH) on postoperative amino acids metabolism, we performed a placebo-controlled randomized double-blind trial in 18 patients after elective gastrectomy or colectomy. The same amount of calories and amino acids were administered. Research group was daily injected growth hormone 0.15 IU/(kg.day) and control group was given placebo during the first postoperative week. All urine were analyzed for nitrogen balance and excretion of 3-methylhistidine. On the seventh postoperative day while the parenteral nutrients were being infused, amino acid exchange across the forearm was measured. On the seventh postoperative day all patients' amino acids in plasma were slightly increased by comparing with preoperative day but was not statistical significance. Forearm arterial-venous difference (A-V) measured on POD + 7 was markedly different between groups. There was continued release of amino acids from the forearm in the control subjects, while there was marked amino acid uptake in the GH patients (total amino acid nitrogen exchange was -398 +/- 158 mumol/L vs +165 +/- 61 mumol/L, P < 0.01). Excretion of urinary 3-methylhistidine in control group loss more than in GH group (7.3 +/- 1.0 mumol/(kg.24 h) vs 4.4 +/- 0.3 mumol/(kg.24 h), P < 0.05). The results demonstrated that GH can increase the uptake of amino acid from forearm and decrease the excreation of 3-methylhistidine in urine after operation, but did not disturb the balance of amino acids in plasma.

[Determination of metronidazole in gastric juice by high performance liquid chromatography]

Metronidazole (MTZ) is the first chosen drug of anti-anaerobe which was recommended by World Health Organization. In this paper a high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method has been developed to determine the concertration of MTZ in human gastric juice. Gastric juice was obtained by intubation after taking drug, then the sample was precipitated with ethanol to remove proteins, centrifuged, filtered and finally assayed by HPLC. The operating conditions were reversed phase C18 column (4mm x 150mm), CH3OH:KH2PO4 (5mmol/L, pH 4.0) = 10:90 mobile phase with flow rate of 1.5mL/min and detection wavelength at 320nm. The standard working curve was Y = -1.63 + 1.15X, with r = 0.9999, n = 7. The linear range was 2.5-200mg/L. The detection limit was 0.4mg/L. The average recovery was 96.0% and the coefficient of variation was 3.07%. This method can be applied to guide clinical therapy and pharmaceutical research.

[Studies on biological effects of kappa-selenocarrageenan on human breast cancer cell line BCaP-37]

Proliferation, cell cycle, total amount of DNA, area of cell nucleus, as well as epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) and expression of oncogene C-erbB2 mRNA of Chinese breast cancer cell line (BCaP-37) after being treated with kappa-selenocarrageenan were determined by cell culture technique, image cytometry (ICM) and northern blot to explore its anti-tumor mechanism. Results revealed 3.0-120 mg/L selenocarrageenan could inhibit proliferation of BCaP-37, with a response of time and dose dependence. The areas of nuclei were significantly lower with ICM in cells treated with 15 or 60 mg/L selenocarrageenan for four days than those in controls (P < 0.01). Levels of EGFR and expression of C-erbB2 mRNA were significantly inhibited in cells treated with 60 mg/L selenocarrageenan. It suggests that selenocarrageenan can inhibit proliferation of breast cancer cells through regulation of the levels of EGFR and expression of C-erbB2 mRNA.

Radioimmunoimaging of arterial and venous thrombi in canine model using 99mTc labeled monoclonal antifibrin antibody

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the usefulness of 99mTc labelled monoclonal antifibrin antibody SZ-63 for the detection of vascular thrombi, and to investigate the feasibility of thrombus imaging 99mTc-SZ-63.

METHODS

The monoclonal antibody SZ-63 (Mab SZ-63), which reacts with D-dimer, XLFN and fibrin monomer was produced and labelled with 99mTc using pretinning procedure. After that, the femoral arterial or venous thrombus model was prepared in dogs and injected with 99mTc-SZ-63 intravenously. Both arterial and venous thrombus models were imaged.

RESULTS

Both the arterial and venous thrombi were clearly visible within 2.5 hours after injection of 99mTc-SZ-63. Quantitative imaging analysis showed that the ratios between the thrombus and the opposite vessel increased with time extension. The ratios of thrombus to blood or surrounding muscle were 2. 56 +/- 0.83 and 13.40 +/- 5.10 for arterial thrombi and 3.34 +/- 1.06 and 22.40 +/- 6.40 for venous thrombi after the canines were killed.

CONCLUSION

99mTc-SZ-63 is a useful imaging agent for thrombus detection in vivo.

Induction of specific allograft immunity by soluble class I MHC heavy chain protein produced in a baculovirus expression system

Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) insect cells secreted a class I MHC RT1.Aa heavy chain protein when infected with baculovirus that bore a construct that contained a honeybee melittin secretion (ms) signal attached to RT1.Aa cDNA. The RT1.Aa heavy chain protein in the culture supernatant and cell lysate immunoprecipitated in the presence of 5 individual anti-RT1.Aa-specific mAb. As was revealed by densitometric analysis, the ms signal increased the production (7- to 17-fold) and secretion (20- to 47-fold) of RT1.Aa protein by Sf9 cells (compared with RT1Aa-Sf9 cells without the ms signal). Subcutaneous immunization with secreted RT1.Aa heavy chain protein of Wistar-Furth (WF; RT1u) rats (day -4) accelerated the rejection of ACI (RT1a), but not third-party Brown Norway (BN; RT1n), heart allografts from 5.9 +/- 0.5 days in controls to 4.0 +/- 0.0 days (P < 0.001); cell lysate from RT1.Aa-Sf9 or ms/RT1.Aa-Sf9 cells reduced ACI heart allograft survival to 3.8 +/- 0.4 days or 3.7 +/- 0.5 days, respectively (P < 0.001). Indirect presentation of RT1.Aa heavy chain proteins by syngeneic macrophages shortened the survival of RT1.Aa-disparate PVG.R8 (RT1.AaDuBuCu) heart allografts in PVG.1U (RT1u) hosts from 6.3 +/- 0.5 days in controls to 4.0 +/- 0.0 days (P < 0.01). Finally, RT1.Aa heavy chain proteins injected into the thymus or into the portal vein (day -14) in combination with anti-T cell receptor mAb (days -14 and -13) induced indefinite survival of ACI liver allografts in Lewis (RT1l) recipients ( > 250 days). Thus, indirect presentation of soluble class I MHC heavy chain proteins (produced in a baculovirus/Sf9 cell system) may either sensitize or induce tolerance in the same fashion as native class I MHC alloantigens expressed on donor tissues.

An evaluation of new gel matrices for the separation of PCR-amplified DNA fragments

It has been shown that the novel gel matrix, PCR Purity Plus which consists of a vinyl-polymer of polyacrylamide, provides a superior and rapid means of separating DNA fragments. As this product has been discontinued, the two new commercial versions of this matrix (MDE and GeneAmp) with PCR Purity Plus were compared. Optimal conditions for resolving DNA fingerprint profiles for both matrices were defined. Both MDE and GeneAmp gels provided a clear separation of DNA fragments. However, the profiles obtained on GeneAmp gel were closest to that of PCR Purity Plus. These results should be useful to DNA fingerprinting studies where it is critical to obtain a clear resolution of complex DNA profiles.

Target imaging diagnosis of human brain glioma. Clinical analysis of 40 cases

OBJECTIVE

To establish a method for localization and qualitative diagnosis of glioma.

METHODS

The monoclonal antibody SZ-39 against human glioma was labelled with 131I and injected intravenously into 40 patients with intracranial occupying lesions proved by X-CT. 72 hours after 131I-McAb-SZ39 administration, cranial bone nuclide-imaging agent 99mTc-MDP was injected intravenously, and the patients were examined by SPECT scan with dual nuclide double channel tomography and special software. On radio-immuno-image, the immunocomplex formed by specific conjugation of 131I-McAb-SZ39 with target tissue was red, while the cranial bone incorporated with 99mTc-MDP was green. The location of the immunocomplex area could be identified by the superimposition of the images.

RESULTS

21 patients with positive targeting diagnosis of glioma showed the accuracy rate checked by SPECT was 81%(17/21) and by X-CT 48% (10/21). Seven patients with negative targeting diagnosis showed the accuracy rate checked by SPECT was 86%(6/7) and by X-CT 14% (1/7). Pathologically, the sensitivity of targeting SPECT to glioma was 94.5%(17/18) and that of X-CT 55%(10/18).

CONCLUSIONS

Targeting SPECT examination could be used for localization and qualitative diagnosis of glioma and make up the inadequacy of X-CT in the qualitative diagnosis of atypical incipient and recurrent glioma, meningioma, metastatic carcinoma, and inflammatory lesions of brain.

280 cases of hyperplasia of mammary gland treated by ru he chong ji

280 patients with hyperplasia of mammary gland were treated by Ru He Chong Ji, a breast nodule granular dissolvable agent. Thirty-one were cured, 117 markedly improved, 119 improved, and 13 showed no change. The rate of cure and marked effectiveness was 52.86%, with a total effective rate of 95.36%. The agent is also effective for treatment of depression of liver-energy and menoxenia.

[A comparative study of fat emulsions clearance test using long chain triglycerides and medium chain triglycerides in volunteers]

Intravenous fat emulsions clearance test using long chain triglycerides (LCT) and medium chain triglycerides (50% MCT/LCT) were studied in ten healthy chinese volunteers. In the morning (8:00 AM) the lipid was infused continuously for 5 hours at rate of 0.17g.kg-1/h. There was an interval of two weeks between LCT and MCT/LCT. The peak concentration of serum triglyceride was smaller in MCT group. The area under concentration curve had significant difference between LCT and MCT groups (6108 +/- 461 vs 4495 +/- 362, P < 0.05). The serum free fatty acid was 628 +/- 42 in LCT and 1049 +/- 1 in MCT respectively in 5 hour (P < 0.001). The concentrations of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) in serum were increased in volunteers receiving LCT and MCT, but those of LDL and HDL were decreased. The blood sugar and cholesterol had no significant difference after lipids infusions. The study demonstrated that medium chain triglycerides was faster to be cleared than long chain triglycerides.

Analysis of genetic diversity in a sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) germplasm collection using DNA amplification fingerprinting

A DNA amplification fingerprinting (DAF) approach was employed to develop individual-specific profiles and analyze genetic relationships among 73 plant introductions of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) including unadapted lines from around the world and a few selected U.S.A. cultivars. Reliable and informative fingerprint profiles were obtained employing single octamer primers and Stoffel fragment Taq polymerase in the polymerase chain reaction, polyacrylamide-based vinyl polymer for electrophoresis, and silver staining to visualize the DNA. Using seven highly informative octamer primers, individual-specific DAF profiles were obtained for all accessions tested. The degree of polymorphism in the sweetpotato collection was very large, indicating a high level of genetic variability. Several accessions clustered together based on their geographic source. Most U.S.A. cultivars formed a separate cluster in the phenogram, while accessions from Papua New Guinea exhibited the highest genetic diversity. The wild species I. triloba and tetraploid I. batatas formed a group distinct from the cultivated sweetpotato. DAF appears to be useful in sweetpotato germplasm characterization and may be employed to identify duplicate accessions or for creation of core subsets. DAF data may also be useful for facilitating the selection of parents for a breeding program to ensure a broad genetic base.

Genetic linkage mapping in peach using morphological, RFLP and RAPD markers

We have constructed a genetic linkage map of peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] consisting of RFLP, RAPD and morphological markers, based on 71 F2 individuals derived from the self-fertilization of four F1 individuals of a cross between 'New Jersey Pillar' and KV 77119. This progeny, designated as the West Virginia (WV) family, segregates for genes controlling canopy shape, fruit flesh color, and flower petal color, size and number. The segregation of 65 markers, comprising 46 RFLP loci, 12 RAPD loci and seven morphological loci, was analyzed. Low-copy genomic and cDNA probes were used in the RFLP analysis. The current genetic map for the WV family contains 47 markers assigned to eight linkage groups covering 332 centi Morgans (cM) of the peach nuclear genome. The average distance between two adjacent markers is 8 cM. Linkage was detected between Pillar (Pi) and double flowers (Dl) RFLP markers linked to Pi and flesh color (γ) loci were also found. Eighteen markers remain unassigned. The individuals analyzed for linkage were not a random sample of all F2 trees, as an excess of pillar trees were chosen for analysis. Because of this, Pi and eight other markers that deviated significantly from the expected Mendelian ratios (e.g., 1∶2∶1 or 3∶1) were not eliminated from the linkage analysis. Genomic clones that detect RFLPs in the WV family also detect significant levels of polymorphism among the 34 peach cultivars examined. Unique fingerprint patterns were created for all the cultivars using only six clones detecting nine RFLP fragments. This suggests that RFLP markers from the WV family have a high probability of being polymorphic in crosses generated with other peach cultivars, making them ideal for anchor loci. This possibility was examined by testing RFLP markers developed with the WV family in three other unrelated peach families. In each of these three peach families respectively 43%, 54% and 36% of RFLP loci detected in the WV family were also polymorphic. This finding supports the possibility that these RFLP markers may serve as anchor loci in many other peach crosses.

[Stimulating action of Carthamus tinctorius L., Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels and Leonurus sibiricus L. on the uterus]

The experimental results indicate that the decoction of Chinese drugs Carthamus tinctorius, Angelica sinensis and Leonurus sibiricus has stimulating action on the uterus of mouse in vitro. The stimulating action of Carthamus tinctorius and Leomurus sibiricus has been found related to stimulating H1-receptor and alpha-adrenergic receptor of uterus, but the action of Angelica sinensis to stimulating H1-receptor of uterus only.

[Effects of lyophilized royal jelly on experimental hyperlipidemia and thrombosis]

Rat models with experimental hyperlipidemia were fed with lyophilized royal jelly 700 mg/kg body weight daily for six weeks. Results showed lyophilized royal jelly can reduce serum cholesterol level (P < 0.01) and increase high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level (P < 0.05). Lyophilized royal jelly can also increase the red cell deformability (RCD) and decrease plasma fibrinogen level. Thrombus was formed less in trial animals than in controls with a statistical significance. It suggested lyophilized royal jelly can be used in preventing and treatment of hyperlipidemia, and improving highly-coagulant status of blood.

A Sharper View of Impact Craters from Clementine Data

The ultraviolet-visible camera on the Clementine spacecraft obtained high-spatial resolution images of the moon in five spectral channels. Impact craters mapped with these multispectral images show a scale of lithologic diversity that varies with crater size and target stratigraphy. Prominent lithologic variations (feldspathic versus basaltic) occur within the south wall of Copernicus (93 kilometers in diameter) on the scale of 1 to 2 kilometers. Lithologic diversity at Tycho (85 kilometers in diameter) is less apparent at this scale, although the impact melt of these two large craters is remarkably similar in this spectral range. The lunar surface within and around the smaller crater Giordano Bruno (22 kilometers in diameter) is largely dominated by the mixing of freshly excavated material with surrounding older soils derived from a generally similar feldspathic lithology.

[The effect of nutrition support and recombinant growth hormone on body composition and muscle function in postoperative patients]

To determine the effects of nutritional support and recombinant human growth hormone (GH) on body composition and muscle function, we performed a randomized double-blind trial in 18 patients after elective gastrectomy or colectomy. Same amount of calories and amino acids were administered. Daily injection of GH or placebo was given during the first postoperative week. The GH dose was 0.2 IU/kg/d. The study of body composition demonstrated that control subjects lost lean body mass and fat 2.8 +/- 1.46kg and 0.49 +/- 1.3kg, respectively. In contrast, study group subjects lost the fat 0.95 +/- 0.46kg. Hand grip strength fell with time in the control group (P < 0.05). In contrast, grip strength of GH-treated subjects was significantly different from controls (P < 0.01). The study results demonstrated that nutritional support and growth hormone can maintain lean body mass and muscle function in postoperative patients.

Host immune suppression after small bowel/liver transplantation in rats

Simultaneous liver grafting in the Lewis (RT1)-to-DA (RT1) rat strain combination protects small intestinal grafts from rejection. The present study examined host immune responses after combined small bowel/liver transplantation (SBL) in this model. Orthotopic liver transplantation and heterotopic small intestinal transplantation were performed simultaneously and compared with isolated small bowel allografts (SBA) and isolated small bowel isografts (SBI). All rats were sacrificed on postoperative day (POD) 7 or 14 for immunological and histological studies. The mean time to rejection of the SBA was 6.6 +/- 0.3 days. In contrast, there was no clinical or histological evidence of intestinal rejection in SBL recipients during the 14 days of follow-up. The SBL recipients showed clinical and histological evidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Lymphocyte proliferation and IL-2 production in response to donor antigens were suppressed after SBL transplantation compared with the SBA or the SBI controls (P < 0.05). Cell-mediated cytotoxicity and lymphocytotoxic antibody production against donor cells were also significantly inhibited in the SBL recipients compared with the SBA control group (P < 0.05). We conclude that SBL transplantation in the Lewis-to DA rat strain combination: (1) suppresses host alloimmune responses, (2) prevents early intestinal rejection, and (3) favors the development of GVHD.

Host immune suppression after small bowel/liver transplantation in rats

Simultaneous liver grafting in the Lewis (RT1)-to-DA (RT1) rat strain combination protects small intestinal grafts from rejection. The present study examined host immune responses after combined small bowel/liver transplantation (SBL) in this model. Orthotopic liver transplantation and heterotopic small intestinal transplantation were performed simultaneously and compared with isolated small bowel allografts (SBA) and isolated small bowel isografts (SBI). All rats were sacrificed on postoperative day (POD) 7 or 14 for immunological and histological studies. The mean time to rejection of the SBA was 6.6 +/- 0.3 days. In contrast, there was no clinical or histological evidence of intestinal rejection in SBL recipients during the 14 days of follow-up. The SBL recipients showed clinical and histological evidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Lymphocyte proliferation and IL-2 production in response to donor antigens were suppressed after SBL transplantation compared with the SBA or the SBI controls (P < 0.05). Cell-mediated cytotoxicity and lymphocytotoxic antibody production against donor cells were also significantly inhibited in the SBL recipients compared with the SBA control group (P < 0.05). We conclude that SBL transplantation in the Lewis-to DA rat strain combination: (1) suppresses host alloimmune responses, (2) prevents early intestinal rejection, and (3) favors the development of GVHD.

Variation of haemorheological parameters in renal and pancreatic rejection

Abnormalities of haemorheology were found in animal and human recipients of kidney and/or pancreas allografts during rejection episodes. Thirteen diabetic canines received solitary pancreatic transplantation and another 13 diabetic and uremic canines underwent combined pancreas and kidney transplantation. Determination of haemorheological parameters was performed before and after operation respectively. During rejection episodes of kidney or pancreas allografts, the values of plasma viscosity, blood reductive viscosity and fibrinogen were significantly higher than those without rejection. On the basis of animal experiments, the determination of haemorheological parameters had been performed on 33 patients (30 receiving renal transplant, 2 pancreatic transplant alone and the remaining 1 combined renal and pancreatic transplant). Consecutive monitoring on these patients showed that a rise in the values of plasma viscosity, blood reductive viscosity and fibrinogen could be demonstrated during rejection episodes. The changes appeared one to three days prior to clinical manifestations and were in accordance with the termination of rejection. Our studies suggest that variation of haemorheological parameters are associated with rejection and the abnormal haemorheology may be an essential factor contributing to graft dysfunction. Moreover, the use of these assays will be beneficial to early diagnosis and better management of rejection in the future.

Radioimmunoimaging of experimental arterial and venous thrombi in dogs with 99Tcm-labelled monoclonal anti-activated platelet antibody SZ-51

In canine experimental models of femoral arterial and venous thrombosis, the feasibility of thrombus imaging with 99Tcm-labelled monoclonal antibody SZ-51 to an alpha-granule membrane protein (GMP-140) on the surface of activated platelets was investigated. Both the arterial and venous thrombi were clearly discernible at 2 to 8 h after injection of 99Tcm-SZ-51. The suitable imaging time was 4 to 6 h. These results were confirmed by ex vivo images of thrombosed arteries and veins followed by killing the dogs at 8 h postinjection of 99Tcm-SZ-51. Quantitative imaging analysis showed that the ratios between the thrombus and the opposite vessel were increased strikingly over time. The ratios of thrombus to blood or surrounding muscle were 57.09 +/- 12.24 and 177.46 +/- 9.00 for arterial thrombi and 6.43 +/- 4.70 and 83.22 +/- 68.98 for venous thrombi at the time of death. Radiolabelled antibody was cleared from the blood with T1/2 alpha of 16.25 +/- 13.39 min and T1/2 beta of 7.28 +/- 1.15 h. These results show that it is feasible to detect noninvasively thrombus formation in vivo using 99Tcm-labelled monoclonal antibody SZ-51.

The effect of donor-recipient strain combination on rejection and graft-versus-host disease after small bowel/liver transplantation in the rat

The initial clinical experience with simultaneous small bowel/liver transplantation (SBL) suggests that liver grafting may protect the small bowel from rejection. A pilot study of SBL in DA (RT1a) rats with Lewis (RT1l) allografts in our laboratory provided experimental support for this concept. However, the clinical applicability of the data was questioned because the transplants were performed in a low-immune-responder rat strain combination. This study examined the outcome of SBL in several rat strain combinations. Isolated small bowel transplants (SB) and SBL were performed in three groups: DA-->PVG (low immune responder), BN-->LEW (intermediate immune responder) and ACI-->LEW (high immune responder). Lewis-->Lewis isografts were used as controls. All of the rats with SB rejected their allografts, whereas all of the rats with simultaneous liver grafts had minimal or no signs of intestinal rejection. The outcome of SBL was profoundly affected by the donor-recipient strain combination. The low immune responders developed severe graft-versus-host disease. The intermediate immune responders developed mild-to-moderate GVHD and moderate liver rejection. The high immune responders developed severe liver rejection. In this study, the outcome of small bowel transplantation depended upon the strain combination used and whether or not a simultaneous liver graft was transplanted. The immune interactions that occur after multi-visceral transplantation are complex and cannot be easily predicted.

Treatment of hemophilia A by living mother-to-son splenic transplantation. First case report in the world

A case of severe hemophilia A was treated by living mother-to-son splenic transplantation. The recipient was a 9-year-old boy. After splenic transplantation, the level of blood factor VIII:C was increased, and no spontaneous hemorrhage occurred. The boy was followed up for over two years. This is a case of spleen allotransplantation with the longest function in the world.

[Isolation and identification of a strain of Pseudomonas SP. producing insoluble glucan hydrolase]

A strain, CIB871, isolated from the natural world can hydrolyze insoluble glucan(IG) produced by S. mutans. This organism has been identified to be a strain of Pseudomonas SP. It grows well at 30 degrees C. The optimum medium for producing insoluble glucan hydrolase (IGase) is composed of 0.3% peptone, 0.03% IG and M1 salt solution (NH4)2 SO4 1mg/ml, MgSO4 50 micrograms/ml, FeCl2 50 micrograms/ml, K2HPO4 0.5mg/ml). The IGase production reached maximum when cultured for 65-70 hours.