[Thermal influence on intracellular calcium concentration of isolated vestibular hair cells in guinea pig]

OBJECTIVE

To further understand the mechanism of caloric test.

METHODS

Vestibular hair cells(VHC) were isolated from guinea pig crista ampullaris by enzymatic and mechanical methods and the variations of intracellular free calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) with changes of the extracellular medium temperature were observed. The [Ca2+]i of VHC was examined using laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and the Ca2+ sensitive dye Fluo-3.

RESULTS

Were as follows: 1. There was an increase in [Ca2+]i of 81.8% (18/22) type I VHC and 7/12 type II VHC with the heat stimulation and a decrease in [Ca2+]i with temperature decrease. The magnitude of variation in [Ca2+] i in type I VHC was larger than that in type II VHC. 2. There was no significant change in [Ca2+]i of outer hair cells (OHC) with the heat stimulation.

CONCLUSION

There is a direct thermal influence on vestibular sensory cells and this influence accompany with the variation of [Ca2+]i in VHC.

[Study on diagnostic value of analyzing argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions in benign and malignant pleural effusions]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic value of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNOR) measurement in benign and malignant pleural effusions.

METHODS

Pleural effusions from 50 patients with proven malignant disease, 30 patients with benign disease were studied using the one-step silver staining method. Six cytologically atypical samples were also included in this study.

RESULTS

The mean AgNOR count in malignant cells was significantly higher than that in benign mesothelial cells (7.6 +/- 1.4 vs 2.3 +/- 0.7, P < 0.01). The morphological features of AgNOR in malignant cells were mainly of diffuse type (80%), while in benign mesothelial cells, mainly of nucleolar type (90%). Among the six cytologically atypical samples, four were in the malignant range, two were in the benign limits, and these were proved by histopathology.

CONCLUSION

AgNOR study may be useful in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant pleural effusions.

Regulation by uniconazole-P and gibberellins of morphological and anatomical responses of Fraxinus mandshurica seedlings to gravity

The present study deals with roles of gibberellins (GAs) in gravitropic responses of woody stems of horizontally-positioned, 2-year-old seedling of Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. var. japonica Maxim. The application of uniconazole-P, an inhibitor of GAs biosynthesis, to stem nodes at various concentrations significantly inhibited not only righting the stems but also wood formation. The application of GAs (GA3 and GA4) in combination with uniconazole-P negated the inhibitory effect of the treatment of uniconazole-P alone. The GAs alone did not affect wood formation, however, both GAs increased wood formation on both the upper and lower sides of horizontal stems with an increase in the concentration of combined uniconazole-P. In all of the seedlings, tension wood was formed on the upper side of stems. The application of uniconazole-P alone at various concentrations did not inhibit the formation of tension wood fibres.

Characterization and chromosomal localization of PTPRO, a novel receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase, expressed in hematopoietic stem cells

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) support blood cells throughout life by utilizing their self-renewing and multilineage differentiating capabilities. Hematopoietic growth factors mediate their effects on stem cells by the tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins. Regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation is partially mediated by protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases). A possible mechanism by which hematopoietic stem cells maintain their self-renewing capacity and undifferentiated state is by controlling the balanced and opposing actions of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs), receptors for growth factors, and PTPases. We have characterized the expression of PTPases in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-treated murine bone marrow cells, which represent a very primitive population of progenitors enriched for reconstituting stem cells, by using a consensus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Several PTPases were expressed abundantly in the 5-FU-treated bone marrow stem cells. A novel PTP, termed protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor omicron (PTPRO), which is related to the homotypically adhering kappa, mu and PCP-2 receptor-type tyrosine phosphatases, was identified and characterized. We have cloned the murine and full-length human PTPRO cDNAs which share 89% homology, indicating that PTPRO is highly conserved between these species. The human PTPRO cDNA clone encodes a polypeptide of 1439 amino acids (aa) and has a calculated molecular mass of approximately 162 kDa. PTPRO consists of an extracellular segment containing a MAM domain, an immunoglobulin (Ig) domain, four fibronectin-type III (FN-III) repeats, a transmembrane segment, and two tandem intracellular PTP domains. The human PTPRO gene was assigned to human chromosome 1p35-pter using Southern blot analyses of genomic DNAs from rodent/human somatic hybrid cell lines containing human chromosome 1 or the p35-pter region of the chromosome. The mouse Ptpro gene was mapped to chromosome 4, closely linked to D4Mit16 and Elp1 (elliptocytosis-1), by using genomic DNAs from a (C57BL/6J x Mus spretus)F1 x Mus spretus backcross. In fetal tissues, PTPRO expression was observed in the brain and lung, whereas lower levels were observed in the kidney. In adult tissues, PTPRO was less restricted and was observed in the lung, heart, skeletal muscle, prostate, testis, and in various areas of the brain, indicating that PTPRO expression is developmentally regulated. Expression of PTPRO was also observed in human CD34+ bone marrow cells and 5-FU-treated murine primitive stem cells. These results suggest a potential role for PTPRO in stem cell adhesion and in mediating homophilic cell-cell interactions in other cell types.

[Dysfunction of medial olivocochlear system and its audiological test]

The function of medial olivocochlear system (MOC) in patients with three kinds of auditory diseases was tested in order to investigate the relationship between MOC and retrocochlear impairment. Suppressive effect of evoked otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) by contralateral white noise was used as the indicator to evaluate the function of MOC in patients with: (1) sensorineural deafness with definite otoacoustic emissions, (2) hyperacusis and (3) tinnitus. Dysfunction of MOC was found in nine cases out of sixteen patients with sensorineural deafness and six cases out of fifteen patients with tinnitus. Two cases of hyperacusis also showed MOC dysfunction. It was concluded that MOC dysfunction may exist in some patients with sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus, and in patients with hyperacusis as well. It seemed likely that dysfunction of MOC may played a role in causing tinnitus and hyperacusis in these patients. Testing the function of MOC may provide a helpful way for differential diagnosis of cochlear and retrocochlear impairment in auditory system.

[The clinical observations on 110 cases of adhesive otitis media]

The treatment of the adhesive otitis media (AOM) remains a challenge to the otologists. This paper analysed 110 cases of AOM (120 ears) collected during 25 years from 1967 to 1992. The clinical observation found that the lesions of AOM affected all parts of the middle ear, even the round and oval windows. There were various degrees of tympanic fibrous adhesions and atelectatic tympanum in these cases. After the tympanic adhesions were surgically separated and the lesions were removed, the silastic film or a slice of the homologous cartilages were put into the tympanum to prevent a new adhesion. It was showed that the silastic film was frequently enveloped in a capsule formed by the fibrous collagenous tissue and other extensive adhesions were existed around the capsule. But the cartilage slice caused the slighter pathological reactions. However, their hearing did not recovery to an available level. Therefore the further studies for the treatment of AOM are necessary.

[Effect of loss of consciousness induced by repeated lower body negative pressure on blood-brain barrier permeability in rats]

To investigate the effect of loss of consciousness induced by repeated +Gz on the brain and its mechanism, changes of blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and brain water content after repeated lower body negative pressure (LBNP) induced loss of consciousness were observed in 30 rats. Rats were anesthetized and exposed to LBNP (-4.0 kPa). The pressure rapidly returned to control level 2 min after EEG became isoelectric. The BBB permeability was measured using lanthanum trace labeling with electron microscopy and brain water content was determined after one or three LBNP exposures. Most tight junctions among endothelial cells opened through which the lanthanum entered into the neurons and extra cellular space and water content in brain tissues increased significantly (P < 0.05) 1 h after 3 LBNP exposures. It demonstrated that 3 exposures to LBNP induced loss of consciousness can result in an increase of BBB permeability in rats, which may play an important role in the development of G-induced brain edema.

Cytokine dysregulation and increased oxidation is prevented by dehydroepiandrosterone in mice infected with murine leukemia retrovirus

The effects of murine leukemia retrovirus infection on production of cytokines was investigated in mice fed different doses of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Young C57BL/6 female mice were injected with LP-BM5 murine retrovirus or were kept as uninfected controls. Two weeks later, each group was divided into subgroups: fed unsupplemented AIN 93 diet as the control, or diets supplemented with 0.02% DHEA (0.9 mg/mouse/day) or 0.06% DHEA (2.7 mg/mouse/day). The uninfected mice supplemented with 0.06% DHEA showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in interleukin-2 (IL-2) and gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma) production, and hepatic vitamin E levels. Retroviral infection induced severe oxidative stress that was reduced by DHEAS supplementation in retrovirally infected mice. DHEA supplementation prevented the retrovirus-induced loss of cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-gamma) secretion by mitogen stimulated spleen cells. DHEA also suppressed the production of cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) by T helper 2 (Th2) cells which were otherwise stimulated by retrovirus infection. Thus, immune dysfunction and increased oxidation induced by murine retrovirus infection were largely prevented by DHEA.

Localization of dopamine D1 receptors and dopaminoceptive neurons in the chick forebrain

The distributions of dopamine D1 receptors, dopaminoceptive neurons, and catecholaminergic fibers were investigated in the forebrain of the domestic chick by using D1 receptor autoradiography and immunohistochemical detection of D1 receptor protein (D1rp), the dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein DARPP-32, and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Particular attention was paid to two forebrain regions, the mediorostral neostriatum/ hyperstriatum ventrale (MNH) and neostriatum dorsocaudale (Ndc), which have been shown to be crucially involved in filial imprinting. In general, there was a good, but not complete, correlation between the immunohistochemical pattern of DARPP-32 positive perikarya and the distribution of D1 receptors. Both, DARPP-32 positive neurons as well as D1 receptors were highly enriched in the striatal part of the basal ganglia including the lobus parolfactorius (LPO) and paleostriatum augmentatum. High to moderate densities were observed in the outer rind of the pallium. Low to moderate densities were found in the belt regions of primary sensory areas, whereas densities in the respective core regions were generally low. Labeling in the MNH and Ndc was heterogeneous. Whereas the neostriatal part of MNH displayed both, moderate DARPP-32 immunostaining and moderate D1 receptor densities, the hyperstriatal part showed also moderate D1 receptor densities but was only weakly labeled by DARPP-32. The rostral part of the Ndc was among the most intensely DARPP-32 labeled areas of the pallium, its caudal part revealed only moderate DARPP-32 immunostaining. By using D1 receptor autoradiography, a homogeneous labeling throughout the rostrocaudal extension of the Ndc was found. Double-labeling experiments with antibodies to DARPP-32 and TH revealed that TH positive fibers in the MNH, Ndc, and LPO were often closely related to DARPP-32 positive perikarya. At the ultrastructural level, both immunoreaction for D1rp and DARPP-32 in the MNH and Ndc were primarily found to be associated with postsynaptic elements. Whereas D1rp immunoreactivity was enriched at postsynaptic densities or in their vicinity, reaction product for DARPP-32 was present throughout the perikaryal cytoplasm, dendrites, and dendritic spines. These results indicate that DARPP-32 as well as D1 receptors in the avian forebrain reveal a distribution that is substantially similar to that of mammals.

Effects of high intensity impulse noise on ionic concentrations in cochlear endolymph of the guinea pig

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of acoustic overstimulation on concentrations of cations in cochlear endolymph and analyze the relationship between the ionic changes in endolymph and the hearing loss.

METHODS

The endocochlear potentials (EP), K+, Na+ and Ca2+ concentration in cochlear endolymph were examined in vivo for normal and 167 +/- 2 dB SPL impulse noise exposed groups of guinea pig bored on time course by means of double-barreled ion-selective microelectrodes. Brain stem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) was used to evaluate the auditory function. Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was demonstrated cytochemically in the lateral cochlear wall as induced by Ando et al with slight modification.

RESULTS

The K+ and Ca2+ concentration exhibited significant changes in 8-hour groups (P < 0.05 for K+ and P < 0.01 for Ca2+). Then the K+ concentration was eventually resumed to the initial levels in accordance with the EP recovery in 7 days, while during the same period Ca2+ concentration was always significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.01). The BAEP threshold shifts were correlated well with changes in ionic concentrations, especially Ca2+ (P < 0.001), in the endolymph induced by acoustic trauma. Although the normal positive EP was observed 7 days after noise exposure, the function of the vascular stria was not completely restored as revealed by the fact that the Ca(2+)-ATPase was diffused to the apical membrane surface.

CONCLUSIONS

Endolymph compartment intrinsic mechanism for maintaining ionic composition is seriously deteriorated after high impulse noise stimulation. The changes of the unique environment of endolymph may play an important role in the mechanism of sensorineural hearing loss induced by acoustic trauma.

[The combinations of separation modes in multidimensional high performance liquid chromatography (MDHPLC)]

MDHPLC is a new chromatographic technique, in which fractions from a separation system are selectively transferred to one or more secondary chromatographic systems with different separation mechanism to enhance resolution and sensitivity, or to decrease analysis times. In this review, the principle, characteristics and developments of MDHPLC are discussed. The various possible combinations of separation modes in HPLC [such as, size exclusion chromatography/reversed-phase chromatography (SEC/RPC), ion exchange chromatography/reversed-phase chromatography (IEC/RPC), normal bonded phase chromatography/reversed-phase chromatography (NPC/RPC), size exclusion chromatography/ion exchange chromatography (SEC/IEC), liquid-solid chromatography/reversed-phase chromatography (LSC/RPC), affinity chromatography/reversed-phase chromatography (AC/RPC) and achiral column/chiral column] and their applications are systematically reviewed with 63 references.

Minimal residual disease in acute myelogenous leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndromes: a follow-up of patients in clinical remission

The majority of patients with acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) relapse, especially those with unfavourable cytogenetics. This study was designed to investigate the presence and frequency of minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with AML or MDS (n=35) and numerical abnormalities of chromosomes 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 17 and 18 in clinical remission by using a combination of fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS), fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) and labelling with bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR). The technique enables the detection of as few as three leukaemic cells in 10(5) normal cells. MRD was detected in 33/35 patients in complete remission (CR). 16 patients relapsed (8/11 with monosomy 7, 4/17 with trisomy 8, and 4/7 with other cytogenetic abnormalities) after a median of 4.8 months (range 3-13). Levels of MRD (P=0.007) and proliferation index (P=0.011) were significantly higher in patients with monosomy 7 than in patients with trisomy 8 or other cytogenetic abnormalities. The percentage of cells in S-phase, the number of abnormal cells and cytogenetic class were related to time to relapse (P=0.001) with S-phase being the single most important prognostic factor (P=0.0001). We conclude that the combination of FACS/FISH/BUdR, which determines the number, phenotype and proliferation rate of very rare leukaemic cells in patients with AML or MDS in clinical remission, provides information that is useful in the identification of patients with high and low likelihood of relapse.

[Sudden hearing loss in acoustic neuroma]

To avoid misdiagnosis and mistherapy of acoustic neuroma, 104 cases of acoustic neuroma treated between 1986 and 1995 were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 23 patients (24 ears, 23%) presented with sudden hearing loss as the starting symptoms. The clinical and audiological analysis demonstrated that 54.2% of the ears showed hearing loss over 71 dB HL, and all ears had deteriorated ABRs. -SP/AP was measured in nine ears, seven showed -SP/AP greater than 0.4. Acoustic reflex was negative in all 11 ears tested, and 94.4% of the ears showed abnormal ENG. The rate of positive CT scan was 88.8%. The diagnosis was made with CT pneumo-encephalography or MRI in those with negative CT result. It was concluded that for patients with sudden deafness, ABR should be used as a routine test. When ABR was abnormal, CT scan of the internal auditory meatus was needed.

Effects of apolipoprotein E on dementia and aging in the Shanghai Survey of Dementia

We investigated the status of the apolipoprotein E allele in 538 participants in the incidence phase of the ongoing Shanghai Survey of Dementia, including 103 demented subjects, 72 with mild cognitive impairment and 363 cognitively normal. The apo E epsilon 4 allele was present in 10.2% of control subjects and the allelic frequency did not change between ages 60 to 96 years. The apo E epsilon 4 allelic frequency was increased both in those wiht Alzheimer's disease (AD) (25.4%) and those with vascular dementia (VaD) (22.2%), but not in those with other dementing illnesses or the cognitively impaired. All of the subjects homozygous for apo E epsilon 4 were demented, three were diagnosed as having AD, and three met NINDS/AIREN criteria for VaD. The increased apo E epsilon 4 allelic frequency in clinically diagnosed VaD patients suggests that some of the infarcts are secondary to congophilic angiopathy. The adjusted odds ratio of developing AD in this community-derived study for persons with at least one apo E epsilon 4 allele was 4.1 (95% CI: 2.2, 7.7). Thus, the apo E epsilon 4 risk of developing AD in this Chinese cohort is similar to that in western community studies.

Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease: exclusion of the proteolipid protein locus and documentation of a new locus on Xq

A large X-linked kindred with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher like disease (Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease [PMD] lacking a proteolipid protein [PLP] mutation) was studied for linkage to 34 X-chromosome short tandem repeat polymorphism markers. Recombinational events excluded linkage to PLP and supported linkage to a 9.4-cM critical region more than 10 cM away from PLP on the X chromosome. A maximum 2-point lod score of 3.91 was observed for DXS441 at theta = 0.0. Neuropathologic study of one affected male showed intact myelin. The data thus support a different etiology for a disease that clinically resembles PMD, distinguishable phenotypically only by degree of myelin involvement. Other patients with the clinical diagnosis of PMD but without PLP mutations could have mutations at this new locus.

[Study of conditions on determination of micro phosphorous by synchronous fluorescence quenching of rhodamine B]

The fluorescence behavior of the system and the conditions of the title method has been studied. Non-ionic surfactant op was added to increase the sensitive and stability of the determination. This method has been applied to the determinations of phosphorous in some black foods. Both the accuracy and precision are satisfactory.

[3-D morphological study of the temporal bone]

OBJECTIVE

To establish the 3-D(three-dimensional) morphological study of the temporal bone by means of computer graphic techniques.

METHODS

The serial sections of the temporal bone were processed by the technique of computer-aided 3-D reconstruction. The 3-D images of the multi-structures in the temporal bone were displayed on the monitor. The 3-D parameters of these structures were measured by a special software. The stereo-images of the structures in the temporal bone were obtained by stereoscopy and stereo-pairs.

RESULTS

Most structures of the temporal bone were reconstructed in 37 instances for the different purpose of study. Each set of the stereo-pair corresponding to the structures in the temporal bones and many 3-D parameters were obtained. The complex spatial relationship among the reconstructed structures such as the facial nerve, endolymphatic sac, posterior tympanum and posterior ampullary nerve was revealed and the mechanic model of the ossicular chain was set up. According to these results, the surgical approach of the posterior ampullary nerve transection was designed and simulated on the graphic computer.

CONCLUSION

The technique of computer-aided 3-D reconstruction provides a new tool for the study of the temporal bone. It is also helpful for the designs and simulations of the surgical approaches. The results of this study contribute to developmout of a new branch of pathology of the temporal bone and a primary 3-D morphological study of the temporal bone.

Glycodelins GdA and GdS modified by 3-hydroxyphthalic anhydride inhibit gp120-CD4 binding and HIV-1 infection in vitro

Bovine beta-lactoglobulin chemically modified with 3-hydroxyphthalic anhydride (3HP) was recently shown, at nanomolar concentrations, to block the binding site on CD4 for the HIV surface glycoprotein (gp120), potentially inhibiting HIV transmission. Human glycodelin has sequence homology with bovine beta-lactoglobulin and appears as different glycoforms in endometrium (GdA) and seminal plasma (GdS). We studied the anti-HIV effects of chemically modified GdA and GdS on both the infection of MT-2 cells by HIV-1IIIB, and the infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells by the primary HIV isolate THA/93/051 belonging to subtype E. Whereas the native proteins were inactive when tested at physiologic concentrations, nanomolar concentrations of either 3HP-GdA or 3HP-GdS inhibited the production of HIV nucleocapsid p24, cytopathic effects of HIV-1IIIB, and infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells by the primary HIV isolate THA/93/051. Moreover, both modified proteins inhibited gp120-CD4 binding, 3HP-GdS being more potent than 3HP-GdA (p = 0.0042). Because GdA and GdS have the same major protein core, the observed difference in gp120-CD4 binding must depend on the specific glycoform. In view of the previously reported contraceptive activity of GdA, the observed anti-HIV activity induced by its chemical modification should be of special interest in the development of antiviral strategies that may also have contraceptive effects.

[Study of conditions on determination of benzo (a) pyrene by synchronous fluorimetry]

The conditions of title method has been studied. In this paper coefficient correction was used to eliminate the interference of benzo(k)fluoranthene. The method has an advantage of covenient and rapid. The results of real samples are satisfactory.

[Topographic mapping of slow cortical response in guinea pigs]

Auditory slow cortical responses (SCR) were studied in 10 awake guinea pigs using topographic mapping techniques. Fourteen electrodes were installed through the guinea pig skull and fixed with dental cement. Auditory SCRs were recorded via 13 leads and brain maps were realized on a concerto system. The results showed that SCRs were relatively stable at the temporal lobe, with a stable positivity (31.25-37.50 ms TP) followed by a negativity (62.50-72.50 ms TN). Variability was seen at other leads. The foci of maximum positivity and negativity were seen at the temporal cortex. The results suggest that there are multiple contributions to SCRs which partially overlap in time, and that auditory cortex contribute significantly more than other sources. SCRs also received auditory information in parallel from the brainstem. The focus of AM-evoked SCRs was seen located at temporal lobe while that of FM-evoked SCRs at temporal and frontal lobes. It suggests that intensity analysis is essentially completed at the temporal cortex whereas precise frequency discrimination relies on function of higher integrating centers.

[Kidney lesions complicated by hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy of neonatal pig]

To study the kidney lesions complicated by hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in newborn, we successfully established a neonatal pig model of HIE. Changes in brain tissue similar to those of newborn in HIE were detected after 2 hours of hypoxia and ischemia. Meanwhile, swelling of kidneys, hemorrhage below encapsules, swellin of tubular epithelial cells, necrosing and falling of a few tubular epithelial cells, and narrowing of tubular lumens were observed. The basement membranes of renal tubules remained normal serum BUN and creatinine increased significantly after experiment compared with before (P < 0.025 and P < 0.05 respectively). The results showed that the kidney of neonatal pig was damaged in HIE. But the injury was not severe. After 72 hours free from hypoxia, the structure and function recovered approximately from the injury.

[Observation of 212 cases of typhoid fever treated with FQNS]

OBJECTIVES

To treat 212 cases of typhoid fever with Seven kinds of fluoroquinolones (FQNS) and to evaluate their clinical efficacy, bacterial susceptibility and adverse drug reaction (ADR).

METHODS

All the cases were hospitalized and uniantibiotic treated in which NFX group (n = 43) was compared with CP group (n = 28).

RESULTS

204/212 (96.23%) cases were positively cultured. All except 9 (S. paratyphi) were S. typhi. Of the 212 clinically isolated strains, 194(91.51%) were susceptible to FQNS with K-B assay. The MIC except 1 (6.25 mg/L) were all < or = 4 mg/L. The results of MIC detection with 20 strains of clinically isolated bacteria in 1994 and 1995 showed that FQNS were apparently superior to other antityphoid fever antibiotics as chloramphenicol and cefoperazone. When FQNS were used the overall clinical cure rate was 98.11%, the bacterial clear rate was 99.51%, and the rate of ADR was 11.3%. No difference was found between the NFX group and CP group in defervescent days and the cure rates and bacterial carrier state in recovery. The rate of recurrence and ADR in the NFX group was lower than that in the CP group. With the improvement of pharmacokinetics, new FQNS can be administered once or twice a day, and the therapy course shortened from 14 to 7 days. It is considered that FQNS are currently the first choice of antibacterials in treating typhoid fever.

[Experimental studies and clinical significance of p53 gene mutation in carcinomas of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses]

By using PCR-SSCP method, 21 specimens of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses carcinomas which were freshly frozen and paraffin embedded were detected for the mutation of p53 gene (exon 6). The overall mutation frequency of patients was 67% (14 out of 21), which was 33% (1 out of 3), 50% (3 out of 6), 67% (4 out of 6) and 100% (6 out of 6) respectively in clinical stage I to IV, 33% (2 out of 6), 67% (4 out of 6) and 89% (8 out of 9) respectively in well, moderately and poorly differentiated carcinomas, and 100% (4 out of 4) and 59% (10 out of 17) respectively in lymph-node metastasis and non-lymphnode metastasis. It was not statistically significant when the Chi-square test was applied (P > 0.05), but there was a tendency towards an increase in p53 mutation frequency with highly malignant, poorly differentiated and lymph-node metastasis carcinomas. The results indicate that the mutation of p53 gene plays an important role in the initial and progression of nasal cavity and praranasal sinuses carcinomas. Detection of p53 mutation using the above sensitive and rapid method reveals practical significance for judging malignant level and evaluating prognosis of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses carcinomas.

[The high impedance amplifier in ion-selective electrode analyser]

This article describes the design, making and brief test of high impedance amplifier in ion-selective electrode medical analyser.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) stimulates in vitro growth of VIP-1 receptor-bearing human pancreatic adenocarcinoma-derived cells

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) appears to be responsible for atropine-resistant, neurally mediated pancreatic ductal bicarbonate secretion and plays a role in both stimulation and inhibition of neoplastic growth in other organs. cDNAs encoding high affinity VIP-1 and VIP-2 receptors have been cloned, and these receptors may be differentiated based on the ability of VIP-1, but not VIP-2, receptors to couple to adenylyl cyclase in response to stimulation with micromolar concentrations of secretin. Recent data from our laboratory suggest expression of a low affinity secretin receptor in seven cell lines derived from human ductal pancreatic adenocarcinomas. In combination with the recent use of (123)I-labeled VIP to successfully image pancreatic adenocarcinomas in humans and the high affinity binding of both VIP and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptides to sections from human pancreatic tumors, these findings suggest that VIP-1 receptors may be expressed on the majority of neoplastic pancreatic duct epithelial cells in vivo. To initially test the hypothesis that expression of VIP-1 receptors plays an important role in the pathophysiology of human ductal pancreatic adenocarcinomas, we used reverse transcription-PCR with Southern blot hybridization to confirm expression of VIP-1 and VIP-2 receptor mRNA in the vast majority of 28 human ductal pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Based on the cellular heterogeneity of these tumors, we also assessed VIP receptor subtype expression in seven well-characterized, secretin-responsive cell lines derived from human ductal pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Only VIP-1 receptor mRNA was detected in all seven secretin-responsive cell lines. A half-maximal increase in intracellular cyclic AMP was obtained with 0.5-5 nM VIP in each of these cell lines, consistent with expression of high affinity VIP receptors. The ability of 1 microM, but not 1 nM, secretin to stimulate intracellular cyclic AMP generation in these cells was consistent with VIP-1 receptor expression. Interestingly, 100 pM, but not 1 microM, VIP stimulated significant growth of VIP-1 receptor-bearing Capan-2 cells both in the absence and presence of serum. Because VIP-1 receptors appear to be expressed in the majority of neoplastic pancreatic duct cell lines and VIP stimulates growth of VIP-1 receptor-bearing Capan-2 cells in vitro, this peptide may well play an important role in the pathophysiology of tumors expressing these receptors in vivo.

Expression of CD95(FAS) by gene transfer does not sensitize K562 to Fas-killing

CD95(FAS/Apo-1) belongs to the family of TNF receptor related molecules and is expressed on many benign and malignant types of cells. CD95 triggering is involved in the apoptotic death of lymphoid cells and may also be important in myelopoiesis. Myeloid leukemia cells are in most cases resistant to CD95 triggering despite expressing the antigen. We reasoned that myeloid leukemic cells can become sensitized to the Fas pathway of cell death if CD95 expression is restored by gene transfer. As a model, we utilized the cell line K562 which does not express CD95 on their cell surface. The gene for CD95 was introduced into K562 cells (by electroporation). As a control, the gene coding for beta-galactosidase was used. The CD95 transfected K562 cells stably expressed CD95, and had a growth pattern comparable to untransfected cells, but still remained resistant to Fas-triggering (tested using recombinant Fas-ligand). Our experiment shows that antigen expression is not a critical determinant of Fas-mediated apoptosis, but further down-stream mechanisms determine the fate of the cells. The transfected cells also had a comparable susceptibility to NK-mediated lysis which shows that the expression of CD95 does not interfere with NK-mediated lysis of target cells.

[Effects of white noise exposure on nonlinearities of outer hair cell]

The technique of microelectrode has been used to record receptor potentials of outer hair cell (OHC) of seven guinea pigs' cochlea basing on the programmable signal processing system. The nonlinearies of input-output function of the receptor potential recorded from OHC are compared before and after with noise exposure. Results indicated that the input-output functions of the receptor potential of OHC reveal linear behavior increased in linearity in low level and turned to be nonlinear when the sound level increased to 50 dB SPL, and significant saturation was seen in 80 dB SPL. After the white noise exposure (100 dB SPL , 10-20 minutes), the phenomenon of nonlinearity disappeared with the amplitude of receptor potential decreased, which suggested that nonlinearity was easy affected by noise exposure. OHC response recruitment has shown after noise exposure. These results together with preceding clinical observation of loudness recruitment, suggest that loudness recruitment occurs at least in part at the hair cell level.

[Generation of human monoclonal antibodies against hemorrhagic fever with renal sydrome (HFRS) virus]

Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were obtained from healthy donors and treated with L-leucy-leucin methy (LeuLeu-OMe). The LeuLeu-OMe treated PBL were in vitro immunized with HFRS virus proteins (55kD, 67kD) for 6 days, and then fused with K6H6/B5 cells in medium containing 45% (PEG) and 7.5% DMSO. The fused cells were seeded in 96-well plates at cell density 0.5-1 x 10(5) cells/well in HAT supplemented RPMI-1640 medium. After 14-20 days, 3 positive wells were deteced by ELISA and two (1B7, 2D5) of the 3 hybridoma were stable after 4 time cloning. The hybridoma 2D5 appears to be with high ability of production of the antibodies at a concentration of 20-30 microg/ml/10(6) cells/24h. It was proved by IFAT that 2D5 McAb was specific for HFRSV.

[Endocrine differences between patients with luteal phase deficiency and inadequate endometrial response]

OBJECTIVE

To study the difference of endocrine characteristics between patients with luteal phase deficiency (LPD) and inadequate endometrial response (IER).

METHODS

Serum estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and prolactin levels were determined by radioimmunoassay in cycles of LPD, IER and normal controls. Contents of endometrial cytoplasmic estradiol receptors (ERc), nuclear estradiol receptors (ERn), cytoplasmic progesterone receptors (PRc) and nuclear progesterone receptors (PRn) were determined by dextran coated charcoal assay in the same cycle.

RESULTS

Serum E2 and P levels in the luteal phase of patients with LPD were significantly lower than those of normal group (P < 0.001), no significant difference of endometrial estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor contents was found between the two groups (P > 0.1). Serum E2 levels in both follicular and luteal phase of IER patients were significantly lower than those of normal groups (P < 0.001), but serum P levels in luteal phase of the two groups showed no difference (P > 0.1). The contents of ERc and PRn in proliferative phase and PRc contents throughout the menstrual cycle were also lower than those of the normal group (P < 0.001, < 0.001 and < 0.05 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that LPD and IER are two distinct entities in terms of endocrine characteristics. To distinguish underdeveloped endometrium caused by either LPD or IER is the key to choose appropriate treatment.

[A quantitative study on the cells of cochlear nucleus in rats at different ages]

The volume of cochlear nucleus and nucleolus, neural populations were determined in rats of three groups aged (1, 2-3, 22-28 months). The study data indicated that there is no difference between the volume of cochlear nucleus in the aged and adult animals (P > 0.05). Compared with the other two groups, the aged animals show a reduction of volume of necleolus of cochlear nucleus neurons (P < 0.01), a loss of neurons (spherical cell and multipolar cell) (P < 0.01). On the other hand, it shows an increase in number for the glial cells in the aged animals (48.48%, P < 0.01). Quantitative results of the cell of cochlear nucleus were analysed. We suggest that central changes also play an important role in presbycusis.

Direct association of Csk homologous kinase (CHK) with the diphosphorylated site Tyr568/570 of the activated c-KIT in megakaryocytes

The Csk homologous kinase (CHK), formerly MATK, has previously been shown to bind to activated c-KIT. In this report, we characterize the binding of SH2(CHK) to specific phosphotyrosine sites on the c-KIT protein sequence. Phosphopeptide inhibition of the in vitro interaction of SH2(CHK)-glutathione S-transferase fusion protein/c-KIT from SCF/KL-treated Mo7e megakaryocytic cells indicated that two sites on c-KIT were able to bind SH2(CHK). These sites were the Tyr568/570 diphosphorylated sequence and the monophosphorylated Tyr721 sequence. To confirm this, we precipitated native CHK from cellular extracts using phosphorylated peptides linked to Affi-Gel 15. In addition, purified SH2(CHK)-glutathione S-transferase fusion protein was precipitated with the same peptide beads. All of the peptide bead-binding studies were consistent with the direct binding of SH2(CHK) to phosphorylated Tyr568/570 and Tyr721 sites. Binding of FYN and SHC to the diphosphorylated Tyr568/570 site was observed, while binding of Csk to this site was not observed. The SH2(CHK) binding to the two sites is direct and not through phosphorylated intermediates such as FYN or SHC. Site-directed mutagenesis of the full-length c-KIT cDNA followed by transient transfection indicated that only the Tyr568/570, and not the Tyr721, is able to bind SH2(CHK). This indicates that CHK binds to the same site on c-KIT to which FYN binds, possibly bringing the two into proximity on associated c-KIT subunits and leading to the down-regulation of FYN by CHK.

[A resonance Raman spectrometer with UV-visible continuously tunable excitation lines]

A set of resonance Raman spectrometer with excitation lines continuously tunable in 220-970nm, which is a first set in China, has been assembled. The factors influenced on the signal noise ratio (SNR) of spectra were analyzed in detail. The methods to improve the SNR were suggested and the parameters of the spectrometer were optimized. A satisfied Raman spectra can be obtained.

[Effects of short-term tone exposure on DPOAEs]

Test parameter combinations are known to affect DPOAE measurement. The present study was attempted to find out if different test parameter combinations affect DPOAEs' utility in reflecting the change of cochlear function. Pure tones of moderate intensity (82 dB SPL) and short duration (3 min) were introduced into rabbit's ear canal to cause temporary change of cochlear mechanics, and the change of amplitude of 2f1-f2 DPOAE representing 10 kHz over 10 minutes after the exposure was monitored using equal- and different primary level combinations. It was found that, under the same exposure condition, 2f1-f2 DPOAEs induced by primaries of different levels (L2 = L1 - 12 dB) had showed more initial reduction in amplitude and slower recovery than that induced by primaries of equal levels (L1 = L2). The difference may indicate that there are multiple physiological processes that contribute to the generation of 2f1-f2 DPOAE and that change of DPOAE test parameters may selectively reveal different DPOAE generating processes.

Age and hormonal dependence of acquisition of oocyte competence for embryogenesis in prepubertal calves

This research was designed to improve our understanding of oocyte maturation and acquisition of developmental competence of oocytes using prepubertal heifers as a model. Oocytes were collected by ultrasound-guided transvaginal oocyte retrieval from 20 age-matched calves at 5, 7, 9, and 11 mo of age that had or had not received gonadotropin stimulation. Numbers of oocytes recovered from unstimulated heifers decreased with age, being 15 +/- 2, 12 +/- 1, 7 +/- 1, and 7 +/- 1 (for 5-, 7-, 9-, and 11-mo-old calves, respectively). Corresponding numbers for the gonadotropin-stimulated heifers were 18 +/- 2, 16 +/- 2, 13 +/- 1, and 15 +/- 2. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were graded from A to D on the basis of their morphology, and the better-grade A and B oocytes were used for in vitro maturation and fertilization. A higher proportion of grade A and B oocytes was found for the stimulated vs. unstimulated prepubertal calves at 5 mo of age (92% vs. 49%, p < 0.05) and 7 mo of age (96% vs. 63%, p < 0.05), but the improvement of this parameter by stimulation was not significant for peri- and postpubertal calves at 9 (53% vs. 38%, p > 0.05) and 11 (53% vs. 38%, p > 0.05) mo of age. Embryo development to morula and blastocyst stages was poorer (0-11%, p < 0.05) for oocytes collected from unstimulated calves at 5-9 mo of age than for those from the age-matched but gonadotropin-stimulated groups (10%, 39%, and 31%, at 5, 7, and 9 mo of age, respectively). In calves 11 mo of age, embryo development to morula and blastocyst stages was similar with and without gonadotropin stimulation (48% vs. 40%, p > 0.05) and was comparable to that of adult cow oocytes (45%, p > 0.05). The data suggest that the acquisition of oocyte competence for normal embryo development in prepubertal calves is influenced by animal age and hormonal treatment.

Organization of the dopaminergic innervation of forebrain areas relevant to learning: a combined immunohistochemical/retrograde tracing study in the domestic chick

The mediorostral neostriatum/hyperstriatum ventrale (MNH) and neostriatum dorsocaudale (Ndc) of the domestic chick are crucially involved in auditory filial imprinting, whereas the lobus parolfactorius (LPO) seems to be involved in the emotional modulation of behavior. Because there is evidence that MNH and Ndc are akin to higher association areas in mammals, the present study evaluates the dopaminergic and thalamic input to these areas, as well as to the avian caudate/putamen homologue LPO, by using retrograde pathway tracing, together with dopamine (DA) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry. By combining DA immunohistochemistry with retrograde fluorescent tracing, we demonstrated that dopaminergic afferents to the MNH and Ndc arise mainly from the area ventralis, whereas the main dopaminergic input to the LPO arises from the substantia nigra. The main thalamic input to the MNH and LPO arises from the dorsal thalamic nuclei, n. dorsomedialis anterior and n. dorsolateralis anterior, whereas the thalamic input to the Ndc arises from the n. dorsolateralis posterior and n. subrotundus. Furthermore, there are reciprocal intratelencephalic connections between distinct parts of the neostriatum caudale and the mediorostral neostriatum. DA-immunoreactive (ir) fibers are present at moderate densities in the MNH and Ndc and at high densities in the LPO. At the ultrastructural level, DA- and TH-ir axon terminals in the MNH and Ndc form predominantly symmetric synaptic contacts with dendritic shafts, which are often situated in close vicinity to unstained terminals. These results indicate that the general organization of dopaminergic afferents to the chick telecephalon is similar to that of the mesotelencephalic dopaminergic subsystems in mammals such as the mesostriatal and mesolimbocortical DA system.

Soluble complement receptor 1 (sCR1) protects against experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis

The loss of muscle function seen in myasthenia gravis and in the animal model of the disease, experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) is in part due to the activation of complement by anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies at the motor end-plate. In this study we describe the effects of a soluble recombinant form of human complement receptor 1 (sCR1) on the development of clinical disease and receptor loss in EAMG induced passively by administration of anti-AChR antibodies. Daily intraperitoneal injection of sCR1 significantly reduced the weight loss and severity of clinical symptoms seen and allowed treated animals to recover normal muscle function. These data suggest that sCR1 could provide a useful additional therapeutic agent in myasthenia.

Quantitative measurement of heme oxygenase-1 in the human renal adenocarcinoma

Heme oxygenase (HO-1) is the rate-limiting enzyme in heme catabolism. HO-1, a stress protein, has been suggested to be involved in defense mechanisms against agents that may induce oxidative stress. It has been proposed that renal HO gene expression regulates important hemoprotein(s) such as cytochrome P450 and may be essential to maintain homeostasis in the kidney. Because accurate assessment of HO-1 mRNA in normal and disease states in kidney were not available due to the limited number of cells, we developed a system to quantitate human HO-1 mRNA in samples limited in cell number and/or mRNA copies. Total RNA from human kidney was used to establish this technique; it was reverse-transcribed and then amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a tube also containing an internal standard obtained by deleting 50 bp from the original human HO-1 gene. This allowed us to use the same primers for both the sample and internal standard. After amplification, templates were resolved by acrylamide gel electrophoresis and quantitated either by densitometry or radioactivity counted from the bands excised from the gel. When the internal standard is present in the reaction mixture, the ratio of amplified sample vs. the standard template is proportional to the amount of sample RNA, and it is therefore possible to calculate the number of specific mRNA molecules. We have used this approach to quantitate the number of HO-1 mRNA molecules in adenocarcinoma cells. Results show that reverse transcription (RT)/PCR methods were able to determine the number of HO-1 mRNA copies in biopsy samples of human adenocarcinoma cells.

[Extraovarian peritoneal serous papillary carcinoma: a clinicopathologic analysis of 11 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical features, diagnostic criteria, treatment methods and prognosis of extraovarian peritoneal serous papillary carcinoma (EPSPC).

METHOD

Eleven cases histologically confirmed as EPSPC and treated in our hospital from Jan. 1989 to May, 1994 were retrospectively analysed.

RESULT

All patients with EPSPC were given cytoreductive surgery followed by systemic chemotherapy of PAC (carboplatin, Adriamycin, cyclophosphamide) regimen. The interval between chemotherapeutic treatments was one month, and the whole course of chemotherapy lasted at least 2-3 years. All patients except 3 were followed up, and the mean survival time reached 17.1 months.

CONCLUSION

Due attention should be paid to differential diagnosis of EPSPC. The prognosis may be improved by cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy of the PAC regimen.

Suppression of haematopoiesis by sera from patients with aplastic anemia

To describe the suppressive effect of sera from patients with aplastic anemia (AA) on heamatopoietic progenitor cells and explore further the features of serum inhibitor, we first examined the inhibiting activity of the serum on the colony formation of burst-forming units of erythrocyte (BFU-E) and colony-forming units of granulocyte/macrophage (CFU-GM). The potent inhibiting activity was demonstrated in six of 20 patients. Five of the six patients were severe AA (SAA). The suppressive effect did not change after elimination of monocyles and lymphocytes from target MNC. The haematopoietic inhibitory activity of sera from three of the six patients was almost totally neutralized by the MoAb against gamma-IFN. All these three patients were SAA. These data suggest that inhibitor of haematopoietic progenitor cells is present in most of SAA patients. In some patients, the inhibitor was gamma-IFN, which play an important role in the pathogenesis of SAA.

Effect of all-trans-retinoic acid and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate on the activity of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell-surface beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase

A human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, SMMC-7721, was treated with all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) to induce its differentiation and proliferation respectively. A biantennary sugar chain fluorescently labelled with 2-aminopyridine (PA), GlcNAc beta 1-2Man alpha 1-6(GlcNAc beta 1-2Man alpha 1-3)Man beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-4GlcNAc-PA, was used to detect the activity of beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase on the cell surface by HPLC. The results show that the activity of beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase on the cell surface increases when the cell is treated with RA, but decreases when it is treated with PMA, whereas the activities of the whole cell remain stable during the treatments.

Prognostic implications of ploidy and proliferative activity in the diffuse, aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphomas

The International Index is a powerful predictor of outcome in the aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphomas that is based solely on clinical features. Proliferative activity (% S-phase) measured by flow cytometry has been reported to have prognostic significance in many series and may represent a biologic correlate of clinical behavior that further defines prognosis. Flow cytometric analysis of cellular DNA content and proliferative activity (% S-phase) was performed on fixed paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens from 242 previously untreated patients with diffuse, aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphomas entered on phase III intergroup clinical trials. The International Index was calculated for each patient based on stage, lactate dehydrogenase, performance status, number of extranodal sites, and age, as previously reported. The International Index consistently predicted response to therapy (P = .027) and survival (P = .007) in this series. DNA aneuploidy was shown in 57% of cases, but was not predictive of clinical outcome. The median % S-phase was 9.9 (median coefficient of variation, 3.6%), which was highly correlated with mitotic index (P = .0001). Although a trend associating low proliferative activity with good early survival and very high S-phase with a shortened survival was shown, International Index risk was the only significant predictor of survival in the multivariate analysis. Although proliferative activity quantitated by flow cytometric analysis of nuclei extracted from paraffin-embedded specimens is probably predictive of survival, it is a less powerful prognostic indicator than clinical parameters represented by the International Index and provides no additional prognostic information.

Alterations of level of total genomic DNA methylation and pattern of c-myc, c-Ha-ras oncogene methylation in human gastric carcinogenesis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the status of DNA methylation in gastric carcinogenesis.

METHODS

We analysed methylation pattern of c-myc, c-Ha-ras oncogenes by southern blot hybridization. DNA from cancerous, paracancerous and non-cancerous area of surgically resected samples in 21 cases of advanced gastric cancer were digested with MspI/HpaII and hybridized with the two genomic 32P labelled probes. In addition, the level of total genomic DNA methylation was measured by incubating DNA with 3H-S-Adenosylmethionine (3H-SAM) in the presence of a methylase which methylates all the cytosine residues that are in the double CpG (cytosine-guanine).

RESULTS

The results indicated that both c-myc and c-Ha-ras oncogene fragments containing CCGG sequence were hypomethylated in DNA samples from cancerous (10/21 and 5/10) and paracancerous (13/21 and 4/10) areas. Moreover, the level of total genomic DNA methylation in cancerous tissue was significantly lower than that in non-cancerous and paracancerous mucosa tissues (P < 0.05). The results from two methods are incompletely alike.

CONCLUSION

These results supported a strong correlation between DNA hypomethylation and gastric carcinogenesis, particularly methylated pattern of c-myc and c-Ha-ras oncogenes fragments containing CCGG sequence was abnormal in gastric mucosa tissue from gastric cancerous and paracancerous areas.