[Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase mutations among Cantonese revealed by polymerase chain reaction using dried blood spots]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze G6PD gene mutation in 168 Cantonese G6PD deficient male infants.

METHODS

PCR products were amplified directly from dried blood spots on filter paper using 7 pairs of special primers followed by digestion with a restriction enzyme.

RESULTS

Of the 168 samples, 72(42.8%) were G6PD 1376 G-->T mutation, 35 (20.8%) were G6PD 1388 G-->A, 30(17.9%) were G6PD 95 AG, 6(3.6%) were G6PD 392 G-->T, and 3(1.8%) were G6PD 1024 C-->T. No G6PD 493 A-->G and 487 G-->A mutation were found, and 22(13.1%) were not defined.

CONCLUSION

1. The three G6PD mutations at 1376, 1388 and 95 were common in Cantonese. 2. Dried blood spots collected on filter paper provide an easy way of sample collection, storage and transport for the epidemiological study of inherited disease.

[Deletion polymorphism in the angiotensin converting enzyme gene associated with essential hypertension in Hans Chinese population]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE) gene is associated with essential hypertension in Chinese.

METHODS

A case-control study was carried out using 134 hypertensive (HT) and 165 normotensive (NT) subjects. The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of ACE gene was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

The difference of genotype and derived allele frequencies for deletion of ACE gene between hypertensive and normotensive subjects were statistically significant(i.e. 51.9% vs 15.7 and 0.69 vs 0.31 for hypertensive and normotensive respectively, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The possession of D/D homozygote genotype of the ACE gene might be a marker for genetic susceptibility to Hans hypertension in Chinese.

The effects of psychological stress on humans: increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and a Th1-like response in stress-induced anxiety

There is some evidence that, in humans and experimental animals, psychological stress may suppress or enhance immune functions, depending on the nature of the stressor and the immune variables under consideration. The possibility that psychological stress may affect the production of pro-inflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokines was investigated in 38 medical students, who had blood samplings a few weeks before and after as well as one day before an academic examination. Psychological stress significantly increased the stimulated production of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and IL-10. Students with high stress perception during the stressful condition had a significantly higher production of TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1Ra and IFN-gamma than students with a low-stress perception. Students with a high anxiety response had a significantly higher production of IFN-gamma and a lower production of the negative immunoregulatory cytokines, IL-10 and IL-4, than students without anxiety. These findings suggest that, in humans, changes in the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IFN-gamma, and negative immunoregulatory cytokines, IL-10 and IL-4, take part in the homeostatic responses to psychological stress and that stress-induced anxiety is related to a T-helper-1-like response.

Comparison between the effects of sigma receptor ligand JO 1784 and neuropeptide Y on immune functions

Recent evidence suggests that sigma receptor ligands and neuropeptide Y may act through the same pathways to modulate centrally mediated immune function. The present study demonstrated that both the sigma receptor ligand igmesine: (+)-N-cyclopropylmethy-N-methyl-1, 4-diphenyl-1-yl-but-3-en-1-ylamine, hydrochloride (JO 1784) (10(-7) and 10(-5) M) and neuropeptide Y (10(-9) and 10(-7) M) in vitro significantly reduced neutrophil phagocytosis and decreased mitogen stimulated lymphocyte proliferation. By contrast, central administration of JO 1784 (0.5 and 5 microg/5 microl) significantly reduced the activity of neutrophil phagocytosis, but enhanced lymphocyte proliferation without changing the serum concentration of corticosterone. Neuropeptide Y (10(-9) and 10(-7) M), following intracerebroventricular infusion, also decreased the neutrophil response, but significantly raised the corticosterone concentration. These results indicate that different mechanisms (involving various neurotransmitters and their receptors, changes in the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, or sigma receptor subtypes) may be involved in the central effects of JO 1784 and neuropeptide Y.

The influence of psychological stress on total serum protein and patterns obtained in serum protein electrophoresis

BACKGROUND

Significant alterations in total serum protein (TSP) patterns obtained in serum protein electrophoresis and serum proteins have been reported in patients with major depression and in subjects submitted to a combination of psychological and physical stress. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of academic examination stress, on TSP and patterns obtained in serum protein electrophoresis.

METHODS

TSP and the concentrations and percentages of the major electrophoretically separated serum proteins were measured in 41 healthy biomedical students the day before a difficult academic examination (i.e. the stressful condition), as well as a few weeks before and after the stressful condition (i.e. two baseline conditions).

RESULTS

Academic examination stress increased TSP and the alpha 1, alpha 2, beta and gamma concentrations in stress-reactors, but not in stress non-reactors (as defined by changes in the Perceived Stress Scale). Academic examination stress reduced the percentage of albumin in the stress-reactors, but not in stress non-reactors. There were significant positive relationships between the stress-induced changes in TSP and serum alpha 2, beta and gamma concentrations and the stress-induced changes in the Perceived Stress Scale.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that even mild psychological stress of short duration can lead to measurable changes in TSP and in patterns obtained in serum protein electrophoresis.

Effects of basic fibroblast growth factor on irradiated porcine skin flaps

OBJECTIVE

To determine the vascular and collagen effects of supplemental basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in irradiated porcine skin flaps.

INTERVENTION

Animals were subjected to 2 fractions of 650 cGy orthovoltage radiation. Following this, the skin flaps were administered bFGF intracuticularly for 6 days before and after surgery. The animals were sacrificed 3 weeks after the start of bFGF administration. Tissues were analyzed for vascularity, collagen content, wound-breaking strength, and histopathological analysis.

RESULTS

The bFGF-treated flaps showed a 62% increase in vascularity compared with controls (10.4%+/-2.4% vs 6.43%+/-2.27%; P<.05). The bFGF flaps had a significantly lower collagen concentration compared with control flaps when measured by hydroxyproline content (0.0619+/-0.0211 nm/microg vs 0.0784+/-0.0150 nm/microg). Wound-breaking strength was not significantly different, although the bFGF flaps had a trend toward lower breaking strength. Histologically, the bFGF-treated flaps showed increased cellularity, fibroblasts, and extracellular mucopolysaccharides compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence that supplemental bFGF can increase vascularity to skin flaps in previously irradiated porcine skin tissue. Histologically, radiation did not prevent the angiogenic effect of bFGF.

Influence of a psychogenic and a neurogenic stressor on several indices of immune functioning in different strains of mice

It is demonstrated that cell proliferation in response to mitogens, natural killer cell (NK) activity, and macrophage functioning of mice may be influenced by either a neurogenic stressor (footshock) or a psychogenic stressor (exposing the mouse to a predator, namely a rat). The nature and magnitude of the immune changes, however, varied across three strains of mice (BALB/cByJ, C57BL/6ByJ, and CD-1), differing in reactivity to stressors and also as a function of the type of stressor employed. While footshock reduced mitogen-stimulated B-cell proliferation in BALB/cByJ mice, it had the opposite effect in the CD-1 strain. Exposure to the predator, however, had little effect in any of the strains. Macrophage activity and NK cytotoxicity were reduced in response to both stressors in a strain-dependent fashion. Plasma corticosterone in response to footshock was greater in BALB/cByJ than in C57BL/6ByJ mice; however, the strain difference was not evident in response to the psychogenic stressor. It is suggested that analyses of stressor effects on immune functioning need to consider the specific strain/species employed, the particular immune parameters being examined, and the nature of the stressor employed.

Characterization of CB1 cannabinoid receptors using receptor peptide fragments and site-directed antibodies

The mechanism by which CB1 cannabinoid receptors are coupled to the Gi/Go class of G proteins was studied. A peptide representing the juxtamembrane carboxyl terminus robustly stimulated guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate binding. Peptides simulating subdomains of the third intracellular loop (IL3) activated minimally when present alone but produced additive effects when present in combination. Peptides representing the amino-side IL3 and the juxtamembrane carboxyl terminus autonomously inhibited adenylate cyclase, and this response was not significantly augmented or inhibited by peptides representing other intracellular domains. Site-directed antipeptide antibodies developed against the domains of the amino terminus, first extracellular loop, amino-side IL3, and juxtamembrane carboxyl terminus of CB1 receptors failed to influence binding of [3H]CP-55940. However, IgG raised against the amino-side IL3 diminished the agonist-dependent inhibition of adenylate cyclase. These experiments suggest that the juxtamembrane carboxyl terminus is critical for G protein activation by CB1 cannabinoid receptors and that the amino-side IL3 also may interact with Gi proteins leading to inhibition of adenylate cyclase.

[Increase in pulmonary vascular permeability caused by increased adhesiveness of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and superoxide]

We report that mechanical stimulation of human neutrophils results in their accumulation in isolated rat lungs and in an increase in pulmonary vascular permeability. To determine whether reactive oxygen species were involved in this increase and, if so, whether it is mediate by xanthine oxidase metabolites, we assessed the effect of stimulated and unstimulated neutrophils, and of a superoxide scavenger, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, allopurinol (ALLO) on pulmonary vascular permeability in isolated perfused lungs from Sprague-Dawley rats. Pulmonary vascular permeability in isolated rat lungs was assessed using a filtration coefficient determined by gravimetry. To quantify neutrophil accumulation in the lung, we measured myeloperoxydase (MPO). Neutrophils were stimulated by gentle agitation in a glass container for 10 s and Mac-1 was subsequently upregulated on the surface of the neutrophils. In lungs that received stimulated neutrophils, the pulmonary vascular filtration coefficient was about 5 times higher than in lungs that received unstimulated neutrophils. An increase in filtration coefficient was almost completely blocked by pretreatment with SOD or ALLO. However, the accumulation of stimulated neutrophils was not, or only partly, blocked by SOD or ALLO, respectively. We conclude that the increase in pulmonary vascular permeability caused by mechanically stimulated neutrophils was partly mediated by reactive oxygen species generated via the xanthine oxidase system.

CB1 cannabinoid receptor: cellular regulation and distribution in N18TG2 neuroblastoma cells

In order to characterize cellular regulation of CB1 cannabinoid receptors, synthesis and turnover studies were performed. Metabolic labeling of N18TG2 cells with 35S-labeled amino acids was followed by immunoprecipitation from cell lysates using an affinity-purified antibody generated to the N-terminal 14-amino-acid segment of the CB1 receptor. During a 2 h labeling period, CB1 receptors were rapidly and constitutively synthesized (rate: 0.86%/min). The majority of newly synthesized CB1 cannabinoid receptors (70%) was degraded rapidly by a first-order process (t1/2=4.8 h). The remaining nascent receptors, which were degraded slowly (t1/2>24 h), may represent the pool of potentially functional receptors. Trypsin treatment of intact confluent cells, designed to cleave the extracellular antibody recognition site, did not alter the recovery of metabolically labeled immunoprecipitated CB1 receptors. This suggests that a large percentage of newly synthesized receptors was inaccessible to the protease and is probably intracellular. Immunocytochemistry revealed CB1 cannabinoid immunoreactivity both intracellularly and on the cell surface. Subcellular membrane fractions exhibited receptor binding activity on plasma membranes and nuclear-associated membranes. Only low-affinity binding was seen in the chromatin fraction. An hypothesis has been developed to explain these results and form the basis for future studies.

RNA promoters located on (-)-strands of a subviral RNA associated with turnip crinkle virus

Satellite (sat-) RNA C, one of the nonessential subviral RNAs of turnip crinkle virus (TCV), is dependent on the TCV-encoded RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) for its replication. Earlier work showed that a stem-loop structure at the 3' end of (+)-strand sat-RNA C is required for synthesis of (-)-strands in vitro using a partially purified, template-specific TCV RdRp (Song C, Simon AE, 1995, J Mol Biol 254:6-14). Cis-sequences on (-)-strands of sat-RNA C that can serve as separate promoters in vitro have now been defined. Two promoter sequences are located on (-)-strand sat-RNA C, one comprising 11 bases located near the 3' end, and the other consisting of 14 bases located 41 bases from the 5' end. Both promoter sequences contain multiple consecutive C residues followed by multiple consecutive purines and have no obvious secondary structure, suggesting that, along with hairpin structures, specific primary sequences can be recognized by the TCV RdRp. The 3'-proximal promoter sequence directed synthesis from the 3' terminus using (-)-strand templates with the natural sat-RNA 3' end (AUCCC-3'). When plasmid-derived bases were present at the 3' ends of the templates, both promoter sequences could direct the RdRp to initiate transcription internally at the multiple consecutive C residues within the promoters. This result suggests that multiple consecutive C residues are important for transcription initiation and that natural 3'-end sequences, when located at 3' termini, help the RdRp to initiate at the 3' end of the molecule.

[Somatostatin in NRM plays roles in inducing analgesia and enhancing electroacupuncture analgesia]

The effects of microinjection of somatostatin (SS), somatostatin depletor cysteamine (CS) and anti-somatostatin serum (ASSS) on the pain threshold (PT) and electroacupuncture (EA) analgesia were investigated in the rat. The potassium iontophoresis induced tail-flick was used to measure the pain threshold. The "Zusanli" were stimulated with EA. The results indicated that microinjection of SS into necleus raphe magnus (NRM), could elevate PT and enhance EA analgesia. PT and EA analgesia were decreased when SS in NRM was depleted by CS or neutralized by ASSS. These data revealed that SS in NRM plays important roles in inducing analgesia and enhancing electroacupuncture analgesia.

[The role of periaqueductal gray neurotensin in electroacupuncture analgesia]

The effect of periaqueductal gray (PAG) injection of neurotensin (NT), anti-NT serum (ANTS), and naloxone (Nx) on both the pain threshold and electroacupuncture (EA) analgesia in rat was investigated in this study. The potassium iontophoresis-induced tail-flick was used to measure the pain threshold. NT administration induced an increase in pain threshold and enhanced EA analgesia. Injection of ANTS reduced the pain threshold significantly and diminished the effect of EA analgesia. Furthermore, pre-injection of Nx into PAG could weaken analgesia effect of NT and NT-EA analgesia. These results indicate that NT in PAG is involved in pain modulation and plays a role in EA analgesia. The effect of NT may be partly conducted by endogenous opiate peptides.

Wound modulation via sclerotherapy and tissue adhesion. Observations and discussion

Fluid accumulation in a 'dead space' after surgery or trauma predisposes the area involved to delayed healing. The fluid may promote inflammatory mediators and other wound-modulating factors, which encourages the continued existence of the dead space. Tissue adhesion by means of agents such as tetracyclines has long been described. With this concept, tissue adhesion has been accomplished with varying success in diverse clinical situations involving non-healing wounds and prophylactically in seroma-prone areas. A total of 69 patients were treated and monitored. The most impressive response to tetracycline tissue adhesion in this study was seen in intra-oral sites, with rapid closure of wounds. More complex wounds such as orocutaneous fistulas or wounds of a more chronic nature such as pressure sores did respond but took longer to resolve. The lateral thigh was found to be the most difficult and unresponsive area to treat (particularly after delayed presentation). Successful prophylactic use of tetracycline in seroma-prone areas (latissimus dorsi/parascapular flaps, etc.) is also described.

[Ocular socket plasty with orbital implant of hydroxyapatite]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical effect of a new surgical procedure to reconstruct socket with sclera-encapsulated hydroxyapatite after enucleation and evisceration.

METHODS

Hydroxyapatite spheres were implanted primarily into auto-sclera capsule in 41 cases. Secondary implantation was performed with heterosclera-encapsulated ones in 9 cases.

RESULTS

No inflammation, implant extrusion and implant dislocation occurred in 7-23 months (mean = 15.6 months) of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Satisfactory prothetic motility was obtained in all cases.

Effect of chronic treatment with piracetam and tacrine on some changes caused by thymectomy in the rat brain

Thymectomized rats, 5 weeks after surgery, showed a significant impairment in learning and memory as shown by deficits in passive avoidance and in the Morris water maze test. The behaviour of the thymectomized rats in the "open field" apparatus was largely unchanged. Following treatment for 20 days with either piracetam (500 mg/kg) or tacrine (3.0 mg/kg), the deficit in passive avoidance learning was largely reversed. Chronic treatment with tacrine also reversed the deficit in the behaviour of the thymectomized rats in the Morris water maze. The effects of thymectomy on the biogenic amines and some of their metabolites in the amygdaloid cortex, hypothalamus, striatum and olfactory bulbs were also determined. Relative to the sham-operated controls, thymectomy resulted in a reduction in the noradrenaline concentration in the amygdala, hypothalamus, and olfactory bulbs. This effect was reversed by chronic piracetam and tacrine treatments. The concentration of dopamine was also reduced in the olfactory bulbs after thymectomy whereas in the striatum the concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) was increased. The concentration of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) was determined in amygdaloid cortex and hippocampus only. The only significant change occurred following chronic treatment of thymectomized rats with tacrine, when a significant elevation of GABA was found. Neither piracetam nor tacrine produced any change in the amines of their metabolites in the sham-operated controls. Tacrine, however, elevated the dopamine and reduced the 5-HT content of the hypothalamus and increased the 3,4-dihydroxylphenylacetic acid concentration of the striatum of thymectomized rats. Examination of the differential white blood cell count of the thymectomized rats showed that the percentage of lymphocytes was decreased, and the percentage of neutrophils increased, relative to the sham-operated controls. Chronic lacrine, but not piracetam, treatment reversed the lesion-induced changes.

[Increase in pulmonary vascular permeability caused by increased expression of Mac-1 on the surface of polymorphonuclear leukocytes]

We studied the expression of adhesion molecules on the surface of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). The effects of mechanical stimulation were measured with a flow cytometer and pulmonary vascular injury due to accumulation of PMNs in the lungs was assessed by a gravimetric method. The accumulation of PMNs in the lungs was studied by measuring the amount of myeloperoxidase. PMNs were stimulated by gentle agitation in a glass container for 10 s. Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) was upregulated on the surface of PMNs that were mechanically stimulated. When unstimulated PMNs were exposed to isolated rat lungs, the filtration coefficient did not change from that under baseline conditions. However, when mechanically stimulated PMNs were exposed to isolated rat lungs, the filtration coefficient was about 5 times higher than that measured at baseline. When mechanically stimulated PMNs treated with anti-CD18 antibody were used, the increase in the filtration coefficient was completely blocked. The assay of myeloperoxidase revealed that PMNs stuck to isolated rat lungs only after stimulated PMNs were added. We conclude that when the adhesiveness of PMNs is increased by mechanical stimulation, these cells adhere to pulmonary vessels and increase pulmonary vascular permeability.

Influence of psychogenic and neurogenic stressors on endocrine and immune activity: differential effects in fast and slow seizing rat strains

Variations of plasma ACTH and corticosterone, as well as splenic macrophage activity and mitogen-induced cell proliferation, were determined in rats following 15 min of either the neurogenic stressor of restraint or by a purely psychogenic stressor consisting of exposure to a ferret. The effects of these stressors were assessed in two strains of rats that were selectively bred for either Fast or Slow kindling epileptogenesis triggered in response to amygdala stimulation. The stressors differentially influenced behavioral responses, endocrine activity, and immune functioning, and these effects varied with the strain of rat. In response to restraint the Fast rats exhibited protracted struggling, while the Slow rats tended to be immobile. In contrast, upon ferret exposure the Fast rats showed greater immobility than the Slow rats. The stressors also induced marked elevations of plasma ACTH and corticosterone. Whereas the ACTH and corticosterone increases were more pronounced in response to the ferret in the Slow rats, restraint resulted in a markedly greater rise of plasma ACTH in the Fast strain. Proliferation of splenic lymphocytes in response to Con A and LPS were elevated in Fast seizing rats, while macrophage activity, as determined by oxygen burst following addition of PMA and luminol to splenic mononuclear cells, was greater in the Slow seizing strain. While neither stressor influenced cell proliferation in either the Fast or Slow rats, macrophage activity was greatly suppressed by ferret exposure only in the Slow rats. Taken together, it appears that while stressors influence behavior and immune and endocrine functioning, these effects may vary as a function of the interaction of the strain of rat and the specific type of stressor employed.

[Role of leukotriene B4 in monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension]

Monocrotaline (MCT) causes lung inflammation and chronic pulmonary hypertension associated with lung vascular thickening in rats. We hypothesized that leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and LTB4-induced accumulation of leukocytes in the lung play a role in MCT-induced lung disease, and therefore measured LTB4 and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in lung tissue of MCT-treated rats. Next, we examined the effect of an orally active LTB4 receptor antagonist (ONO4057) on MPO levels in lung tissue, on pulmonary hypertension, and on pulmonary vascular remodeling induced by MCT. Lung LTB4 and MPO levels had increased by 3 days after MCT injection. In the ONO4057-treated MCT rats, lung MPO levels were significantly lower than in the rats given MCT but not ONO4057. By the third week after injection. MCT had caused increases in mean pulmonary arterial pressure, in the ratio of right ventricular weight to left ventricle+septum weight (RV/[VS + S]), and in media wall thickness of the muscular arteries of the lung. Treatment with ONO4057, either for 3 weeks or during the first week after MCT injection, significantly reduced pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, and lung vascular thickening induced by MCT. These results indicate that ONO4057 reduces both the accumulation of leukocytes in lung tissue and the chronic pulmonary hypertension induced by MCT, and they suggest a role for LTB4 in the inflammatory process that contributes to pulmonary hypertension and lung vascular remodeling induced by MCT in rats.

Effect of chronic pretreatment with the sigma ligand JO 1784 on CRF-induced changes in behaviour, neurotransmitter and immunological function in the rat

The effects of the chronic administration of the sigma ligand JO 1784 (igmesine) CRF-induced changes in some behavioural, immune, endocrine and neurotransmitter parameters were studied. In the elevated plus maze, CRF (1.0 microgram i.c.v. daily x 5 days) induced a reduction in the number of entries and time spent on the open arms was significantly attenuated by the sigma ligand JO 1784 (3 mg/kg x 21 days) treatment. In the open field apparatus, the CRF-induced increase in the locomotor activity was also reduced by JO 1784 administration. JO 1784 treatment did not alter the concentration of the biogenic amine transmitters in the hypothalamus, nor reverse the increase in the turnover of serotonin and dopamine caused by CRF. JO 1784 treatment also failed to reverse a CRF-induced increase in the serum corticosterone, but it did reverse the reduction in phytohaemagglutinin and concanavalin A-induced lymphocyte proliferation caused by CRF but not the changes in the lymphocyte and neutrophil numbers caused by the peptide. These results demonstrate that JO 1784 has some antistress properties in CRF-treated rats.

Screening of Carnation Cultivars for Resistance to Meloidogyne incognita

A total of 33 carnation cultivars cultured in Korea were screened for resistance to the southern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. Carnations were tested by either inoculating with 5,000 eggs or by transplanting into a mixture of bedding medium and soil infested with an average of 435 second-stage juveniles/300 cm(3) soil. Cultivars, Desio, Castelaro, Kappa, Rara, Izu Pink, Target, and Antalia were highly resistant to M. incognita. Twelve cultivars were moderately resistant, and the remaining 14 cultivars were susceptible. These results were similar to those obtained when the cultivars were subjected to field populations of the condition on a carnation farm.

Local intraluminal infusion of biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles. A novel approach for prolonged drug delivery after balloon angioplasty

BACKGROUND

Several perfusion balloon catheters are under investigation for local drug delivery; however, sustained tissue drug levels are difficult to achieve with these techniques. To overcome this problem, sustained-release, biodegradable nanoparticles represent a potential alternative for prolonged local delivery.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A biodegradable polylactic-polyglycolic acid (PLGA) copolymer was used to formulate nanoparticles. Fluorescent-labeled nanoparticles were intraluminally administered in a single, 180-second infusion after balloon injury in the rat carotid model. Localization and retention at different time points and biocompatibility of nanoparticles were evaluated. To evaluate the potential of the system in the prevention of neointimal formation, dexamethasone was incorporated into the particles and delivered locally as above. Nanoparticles were seen in the three layers of the artery at 3 hours and 24 hours. At 3 days, they were mainly present in the adventitial layer, decreasing at 7 days, with no fluorescent activity at 14 days. The PLGA nanoparticles appeared to be fully biocompatible. In the dexamethasone nanoparticle study, a significant amount of dexamethasone was present in the treated segment for up to 14 days after a single infusion, with no plasma levels detected after the first 3 hours. There was a 31% reduction in intima-media ratio in animals treated with local dexamethasone nanoparticles compared with control.

CONCLUSIONS

Nanoparticles successfully penetrated into the vessel wall and persisted for up to 14 days after a short, single intraluminal infusion. Local administration of nanoparticles with incorporated dexamethasone significantly decreased neointimal formation. This methodology appears to have important potential for clinical applications in local drug delivery.

Behavioural and immunological effects of the antihistamine terfenadine in olfactory bulbectomized rats

The effects of chronic treatment with the non-sedative histamine H1 receptor antagonist terfenadine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) for 16 days on some behavioural and immunological parameters were studied in the olfactory bulbectomized (OB) rat model of depression. In the open field apparatus, OB rats showed a significant increase in ambulation and rearing scores. Following terfenadine treatment, this hyperactivity was significantly attenuated. In untreated OB rats, neutrophils phagocytosis and lymphocyte proliferation were significantly suppressed. Terfenadine administration markedly reversed the suppression of these immunological parameters in the treated OB animals, but did not reverse the abnormalities in the differential white blood cell count caused by bulbectomy. These results suggest that the histamine H1 receptor antagonist terfenadine may have antidepressant properties and that terfenadine is effective in reversing some of behavioural and immune changes in the olfactory bulbectomized rat model of depression.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection in an emergency hand service

A study prompted by the high number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients in the South African population was performed to evaluate the incidence of HIV in patients attending our Emergency Hand Service. Over a 6-month period, more than 500 consecutive emergency patients were tested for HIV. In our series, 24 patients tested HIV-positive. Of these, 14 presented with hand sepsis and 10 with hand injuries. Bacteriology was performed on all patients with sepsis to document bacteria type and sensitivity. CD4 counts (T4 lymphocyte counts) were done on 12 patients to assess immunocompetence. Other factors examined included hospital stay, number of operations, postoperative morbidity, and mechanism of injury. Results indicate that septic HIV patients spent more time in the hospital and required more operations than septic non-HIV patients. Furthermore, of all of the population of emergency hand patients, a larger percentage of HIV-positive persons than HIV-negative persons was likely to be seen for infection.

[Nucleotide sequence of HLA-DQA1 promoter region (QAP) in a lung cancer patient]

The HLA-DQA1 allele and nucleotide sequence of HLA-DQA1 promoter region (QAP) in a patient with IDDM complicated lung cancer have been identified by PCR/SSCP, PCR/SSCP and PCR/sequencing. The results showed that: (1) All of the lung cancer patient and his family members carried HLA-DQA1* 0301/0501 alleles. (2) a single base substitution G-->A at position -155 and deletion CAA at position -161 to -163 occurred in the patient. These results suggest that the mutation of HLA-DQA1 promoter region may modulate HLA-DQA1 gene expression by trans-acting factors binding to variant cis-acting elements and may be responsible for pathogenesis of lung cancer.

Stress and the immune system in the etiology of anxiety and depression

There is clinical and experimental evidence that various aspects of the immune and endocrine systems are severely compromised in chronic stress and depression. For example, it has been shown that a reduced lymphocyte response occurs to mitogens in depressed patients, effects that are not reversed by chronic antidepressant treatment. By contrast, monocyte phagocytosis is increased, while neutrophil phagocytosis is decreased in depressed patients. Such changes are normalized by effective antidepressant treatment. The results of such studies and others that demonstrate alterations in noncellular immune processed in depression indicate that the changes in immune function correlate with the severity and duration of the external and/or internal stressful stimuli. There is evidence that some of the immune changes are a reflection of increased plasma glucocorticoids that characterize both stress and depression. However, it is also apparent that the cytokines, prostaglandins, and corticotrophic releasing factor (CRF) also play an important role in initiating the behavioral and pathophysiological changes that are characteristic of both depression and chronic stress. This review attempts to critically assess the interplay between CRF, the immune and neurotransmitter systems, and behavior in chronic stress and depression.

[An experimental study on compound anisodine III for softening scar of mouse skin after burn]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of compound anisodine (CA) III which can rapidly soften the cicatrized tissue in clinical practice.

METHODS

2 mol/L NaOH was applied onto the back of 36 mice for one minute to induce deep grade skin burn injury. After 1 week local cicatrization occurred. The mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: 1 ml saline was used in group I as control, hyaluronidase 150 U dissolved in 1 ml 2% procaine was used in group II and 0.005% CA 0.1 ml in 2% procaine 1 ml with hyaluronidase 150 U was used in group III. Subcutaneous injection once every other day for two weeks was the method of drug administration in all the 3 groups and then all the rats were euthanized. The burned skin was sectioned for HE and modified Masson's stains.

RESULTS

Histopathology revealed there were epidermis proliferation, keratinization and fibrosis with disorderly arranged collagenous fibers invading into muscles and a large amount of inflammatory cells infiltrating the lesion in groups I and II. However, the skin was nearly normal in group III.

CONCLUSIONS

CA III can inhibit the epidermic and collagenous proliferation, improve the tissue blood supply and have antiinflammatory effect to prevent scar formation and promote epidermic repair in the skin.

The effects of central administration of neuropeptide Y on behavior, neurotransmitter, and immune functions in the olfactory bulbectomized rat model of depression

The effects of subchronicly administered neuropeptide Y (NPY) intracerebroventricularly on behavioral, neurochemical, and immunological parameters were examined in sham operated and olfactory bulbectomized (OB) rats. In the untreated OB rats, an increase in ambulation, rearing, grooming, and defecation scores was found in the novel stressful environment of an "open field." Following 7 days of NPY administration, these behaviors were largely attenuated. In the elevated plus-maze apparatus, OB rats showed an increase in the number of entries into the open arms and time spent on the open arms compared with sham operated animals; NPY had no significant effect on the behavior of either sham operated or OB animals in this test. A decrease in the NA concentration was found in the amygdloid cortex of OB rats. NPY infusion significantly increased the NA concentration in amygdala, reduced 5-HIAA but increased 5-HT concentrations in the hypothalamus, and increased the dopamine level in the hippocampus. NPY administration also reversed the suppression of lymphocyte proliferation in the OB rat. However, the changes in the differential white blood cell count and the elevated phytohemagglutinin-induced chemiluminescence of mononuclear cells in the OB were not altered by NPY. These results suggest that NPY may have a modulatory effect on some behavioral, neurotransmitter, and immune aspects of the OB rat model of depression.

[The changes of hemodynamics in ocular trauma and treatment with compound anisodine]

OBJECTIVE

To study the changes of hemodynamics in human ocular trauma and treatment with compound anisodine.

METHODS

34 cases with ocular trauma were examined by rheoophthalmography (ROG) and Doppler ultrasonography (DUSG).

RESULTS

It appeared that the wave amplitudes of ROG were lower in both injured and contralateral eyes, which indicated the ocular blood flow was reduced. The speed of systolic blood flow in ophthalmic artery (OA), the value of systolic peak frequency (PK) in internal carotid artery (ICA) and common carotid artery (CCA) in DUSG were increased, indicating that there were certain degrees of blood vessel spasm in OA, ICA and CCA.

CONCLUSION

Ocular trauma not only directly impairs the vasomotor function of injured eyes but also affects the vasomotor function of contralateral eyes and the function of the autonomic nervous system or cerebral cortex by consensual reaction. The treatment by compound anisodine may effectively relieve and restore the above changes and improve the visual function. ROG and DUSG are sensitive and objective to estimate the changes of hemodynamics and evaluate the therapeutic effect in ocular trauma.

[Restoration of external auditory canal by filling mastoid cavity with carbon pellet]

To prevent infection of an open mastoid cavity after mastoidectomy and improve hearing, the external auditory canal had been maintained on 72 cases (73 ears) by filling mastoid cavity with carbon pellet. The average duration of dry ear after operation was 25 days with a dry ear rate being 98.6%. No phenomenon of rejection and falling out appeared within 1-7 years follow-up. Carbon pellet has advantages of chemical stability, nontoxicity, good histocompatability, anti-fatigue characteristic in body fluid, and anti-corrosive effect against acid, base and salt.

Behavioral, neurochemical, and immunological responses to CRF administration. Is CRF a mediator of stress?

The effect of subacute intracerebroventricular (icv 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 microgram) administration of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) for 5 days on behavior, neurotransmitter concentrations, and immune functions was studied in rats. The results showed that CRF administration produced a dose-dependent increase in locomotor activity in the "open field" test compared with controls; rearing scores were also significantly increased. In the elevated plus maze apparatus, rats given 1.0 microgram CRF spent considerably less time on the open arms when compared with controls. Following 0.5 and 1.0 microgram of CRF infusion, the concentrations of noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxy indole acetic acid (5-HIAA) were significantly increased in the hypothalamus. There was no significant change in the concentrations of neurotransmitters in the other brain regions. CRF administration also produced a dose-dependent increase in the levels of corticosterone in the serum. The immunological results clearly showed that subacute icv CRF administration caused a reduction of lymphocyte proliferation, a decrease in the percentage of lymphocytes, and an increase in neutrophil percentage in the differential white blood cell (WBC) count, a decrease in neutrophil phagocytosis, and elevated leucocyte adhesiveness/aggregation (LAA) compared with control animals. These results suggest that icv subacute administration of CRF has anxiogenic effects, increases biogenic amine concentrations in the hypothalamus, and changes in some aspects of immune functions that may reflect the stress-inducing properties of the peptide. These effects are time and dose dependent.

Requirement of a 3'-terminal stem-loop in in vitro transcription by an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase

Partially purified RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) isolated from plants infected with turnip crinkle virus (TCV) is capable of template-dependent synthesis of TCV-associated RNAs. To determine the cis-sequences required for the synthesis of TCV satellite (sat-) RNA C (-) strands in vitro, templates containing interior deletions were subjected to transcription using RdRp-active fractions. Results indicated that the promoter for (-)-strand synthesis was contained within the 3'-terminal 29 bases of the (+)-strand. Structural probing by enzymatic digestion and chemical modification revealed the presence of a hairpin structure within this terminal region. Compensatory exchanges of four bases in the lower stem or alterations in the sequence and size of the loop region did not affect in vitro transcription, implying that the primary sequence in the loop and lower part of the stem is not important for interaction with the viral RdRp. However, single mutations in the base of the stem or double mutations in the upper stem strongly reduced template activity in vitro, suggesting that the stability of the hairpin is an important functional consideration. Relocation of the 3'-terminal 37 bases containing this stem-loop to inactive template RNA rendered the resultant hybrid RNA competent for in vitro transcription by RdRp activity, suggesting that the promoter for (-)-strand synthesis in vitro is completely contained within the 3'-terminal region.

Open reading frames of turnip crinkle virus involved in satellite symptom expression and incompatibility with Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype Dijon

Carmoviruses are single-stranded, single component RNA viruses that include turnip crinkle virus (TCV) and the recently discovered cardamine chlorotic fleck virus (CCFV). Full-length, biologically active cDNAs were constructed for the TCV-M isolate and the Blue Lake isolate of CCFV. Using chimeric viruses constructed between isolates of TCV that produce mild or severe symptoms when coinoculated with a virulent satellite RNA, a Glu residue at position 1,144 in the polymerase open reading frame was identified as being involved in satellite-mediated symptom expression. To analyze viral determinants involved in resistance, chimeric viruses with precisely exchanged open reading frames were produced between TCV, which does not infect the Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype Dijon (Di-0), and CCFV, which can infect Di-0, TCV with the coat protein of CCFV was able to systemically infect Di-0 although whole plant hybridizations revealed that the hybrid virus spread more slowly than either of the two parental viruses. These results indicate that the two parental viruses. These results indicate that the coat protein is an important viral determinant in the resistance of Di-0 to TCV.

[Analysis of HLA-DRB1 alleles in patients with IDDM]

HLA-DR association with IDDM in local population in Beijing was studied by PCR/SSP typing. The frequency of HLA-DR9 was significantly higher in diabetic patients (30.3% [45/148] vs 17.92% [38/212], chi 2 = 6.97, P < 8.3 x 10(-3)). DR3 was higher in diabetic patients in this study (7.0% [10/148] vs 2.36% [5/212], chi 2 = 3.19, P > 0.05) and DR2 was lower in patients with IDDM (7.4% [11/148] vs 19.8% [42/212], chi 2 = 9.67, P < 1.9 x 10(-3)). These results suggest that DR9 and DR3 both were positively associated with IDDM, but DR2 was negatively associated with IDDM.

Interleukin-2-induced changes in behavioural, neurotransmitter, and immunological parameters in the olfactory bulbectomized rat

The macrophage theory of depression proposes that abnormal secretions of the macrophage cytokines, an increase in interleukin (IL) 1, and a decrease in IL-2 may cause depression. The olfactory bulbectomized (OB) rat has been developed as an animal model of depression. In the present study, the effects of intracerebroventricular administration of IL-2 (10 U) for 7 days on behaviour, neurotransmitter concentrations, corticosterone levels, and some immune functions were investigated. In the novel environment of the 'open-field' apparatus, the OB rat showed increases in ambulation, rearing, grooming, and defaecation scores as compared with sham-operated animals. Following IL-2 administration, grooming and defaecation were significantly attenuated, while the ambulation and rearing scores were unaffected. In the elevated plus-maze, the increase in the time spent on the open arms of the maze by the OB animal was normalized by IL-2 administration. In the brain of untreated OB rats, the concentrations of noradrenaline were reduced; IL-2 treatment significantly increased the concentrations of noradrenaline and serotonin. After administration of IL-2 for 7 days, the impairments in the immune functions were also largely reversed in OB rats. Thus IL-2 significantly normalized the hyperactivity of mononuclear cells, the suppression of lymphocyte proliferation, and the reduction in the monocyte percentage in the white blood cell count in the OB rat. The concentrations of corticosterone in the serum of the OB rat were significantly reduced, but returned to control values following IL-2 treatment. The results suggest that IL-2 may have modulatory functions on behavioural, neurochemical, hormonal, and immunological aspects of the OB rat model of depression.

Infection and the impact on cost effectiveness in wound care

The financial impact of infections in treating persons with traumatic injuries at a hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, are described. Principals of the management of infected wounds are reviewed. Factors that influence the choice of reconstructive options are given. The cost of using various dressings, particularly occlusive dressings, in the management of infected wounds is explored. This real problem in the wound care discipline commands due respect, and the literature is testimony to this. Central to the management of this potential complication in surgery is the oft-cited question of which prophylactic antibiotic to administer. The issue is so important in fields such as cardiothoracic surgery, hip joint replacement, and intracranial surgery, that the thought of not administering prophylactic antibiotics is not entertained.

[Rapid determination of the value-determining components in sausage products by near-infrared transmission spectroscopy]

A rapid method for the simultaneous determination of water, fat, crude protein, connective-tissue-protein and connective-tissue-protein free meat protein in sausage products with the help of near-infrared transmission spectroscopy (NIT) is presented. The calibrations for the each constituent were achieved with the chemometric method "partial least squares" (PLS) and validated with the added samples. Correlation coefficients between the reference methods and NIT were > or = 0.95 for water, fat, crude protein and connective-tissue-protein frei meat protein, and > or = 0.86 for connective-tissue-protein. The precision of NIT was comparable with the reference methods.

[Effects of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on pulmonary hypertension and lung vascular remodeling in a rat monocrotaline model of human pulmonary hypertension]

Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) has been shown to be a potent pulmonary vasodilator in humans and in many animals. The effects of PGE1 on the development of pulmonary hypertension and on pulmonary vascular remodeling were studied in a rat monocrotaline (MCT) model of human pulmonary hypertension. By 3 weeks after injection, MCT (80 mg/kg S.C.) had resulted in high values of mean pulmonary arterial pressure and of the ratio of right ventricular weight to left ventricle+septum weight (RV/LV+S). PGE1 inhibited the development of pulmonary hypertension (300 micrograms/kg) and right ventricular hypertrophy (300 and 100 micrograms/kg) induced by MCT. Three weeks after the injection, the media walls of pulmonary arteries in lungs from rats given MCT were significantly thicker than those from lungs of control rats. PGE1 (300, 100, and 30 micrograms/kg) resulted in significantly less of this morphologic change, in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that PGE1 inhibits the development of pulmonary hypertension associated with lung vascular thickening induced by MCT. PGE1 may be useful for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in humans.

Synthesis of novel products in vitro by an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase

RNA-dependent RNA polymerase from turnip crinkle virus-infected turnip transcribes both strands of a virus-associated satellite RNA, sat-RNA C (356 bases), in vitro. While both plus- and minus-strand sat-RNA C can direct the synthesis of full-length complementary-strand products, transcription of minus-strand RNA also generates two non-template-sized products, L-RNA and S-RNA (C. Song and A. E. Simon, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91:8792-8796, 1994). Here we report that synthesis of L-RNA and S-RNA results from terminal elongation of the 3' end of the template. L-RNA has a panhandle structure and is composed of minus-strand template covalently linked to newly synthesized RNA complementary to its 5' 190 bases. S-RNA is composed of template covalently linked to its full-length complementary strand. All minus-strand templates tested yielded S-RNA. However, synthesis of L-RNA was affected by deletion of the 3' end of the minus-strand template or several internal regions and base alterations near the 5' end or in an internal sequence immediately upstream from the template-product junction that could potentially form a heteroduplex with the 3' end. Furthermore, mutations that disrupted or restored a stem-loop involved in RNA recombination in vivo affected the level of L-RNA produced in vitro, suggesting that the mechanisms for intramolecular formation of panhandle RNAs and intermolecular RNA recombination involve similar features.

Rat brain cannabinoid receptors are N-linked glycosylated proteins

To study the N-linked glycosylation properties of the CB1 receptor, rat brain membranes were treated with exo- and endoglycosidases. For visualizing CB1 receptors, an antipeptide antibody was raised against the N-terminal 14 amino acids and used to specifically detect the protein by Western blotting. We found that the apparent molecular weight of mature CB1 receptors was 64 kDa. Treatment of membranes with endoglycosidase F shifted the 64 kDa band to the 59 kDa and 53 kDa bands. The latter is consistent with the calculated molecular weight of deglycosylated CB1 receptors. Treatment of membranes with endoglycosidase H and alpha-mannosidase partially shifted the 64 kDa band to 53 kDa band, indicating a portion of the oligosaccharides was of the high mannose type. These data confirmed that the CB1 receptors in brain are N-linked glycoproteins with heterogeneous carbohydrate composition. Among three potential N-linked glycosylation sites on the N-terminus of the CB1 receptor, only two sites are actually glycosylated.