Lactuca sativa L. Extract Enhances Sleep Duration Through Upregulation of Adenosine A1 Receptor and GABAA Receptors Subunits in Pentobarbital-Injected Mice

We investigated the effects of Lactuca sativa L. extracts (Lactuc) on pentobarbital-induced sleep in mice to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its impact on sleep quality. Mice were randomly assigned to five groups: control, positive control (diazepam 2 mg/kg b.w.), and three groups orally administered with Lactuc (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg b.w.). After 2 weeks of oral administration and intraperitoneal injections, the mice were killed. We found that the Lactuc-administered groups had significantly reduced sleep latency and increased sleep duration compared with the control group. Furthermore, the oral administration of Lactuc induced a significant increase in mRNA expression and protein expression of adenosine A1 receptor in the brains compared with the expressions in the control group. In addition, the Lactuc-administered groups exhibited significantly higher levels of mRNA expressions of GABAA receptors subunits α2, β2, γ1, and, γ2 in the brain tissue. Therefore, we suggest that Lactuc could be used to develop natural products that effectively improve sleep quality and duration.

Apelin as a new therapeutic target for COVID-19 treatment

BACKGROUND

Apelin is an endogenous neuropeptide that binds to the G-protein-coupled receptor (APJ) and participates in a variety of physiological processes in the heart, lungs and other peripheral organs. Intriguingly, [Pyr1]-Apelin-13, a highly potent pyroglutamic form of apelin, has the potential to bind to and be degraded by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 is known to operate as a viral receptor in the early stages of severe acute respiratory coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

AIM

This study aimed to determine if apelin protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection by inhibiting ACE2 binding to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

DESIGN AND METHODS

To determine whether [Pyr1]-Apelin-13 inhibits ACE2 binding to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S protein), we performed a cell-to-cell fusion assay using ACE2-expressing cells and S protein-expressing cells and a pseudovirus-based inhibition assay. We then analyzed publicly available transcriptome data while focusing on the beneficial effects of apelin on the lungs.

RESULTS

We found that [Pyr1]-Apelin-13 inhibits cell-to-cell fusion mediated by ACE2 binding to the S protein. In this experiment, [Pyr1]-Apelin-13 protected human bronchial epithelial cells, infected with pseudo-typed lentivirus-producing S protein, against viral infection. In the presence of [Pyr1]-Apelin-13, the level of viral spike protein expression was also reduced in a concentration-dependent manner. Transcriptome analysis revealed that apelin may control inflammatory responses to viral infection by inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa B pathway.

CONCLUSION

Apelin is a potential therapeutic candidate against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Exogenous Hydrogen Sulfide Protects SH-SY5Y Cells from OGD/RInduced Injury

BACKGROUND

Cerebral ischemia reperfusion (CIR) injury is the main pathological mechanism of ischemia stroke, and oxidative stress (OS) plays a vital role during the process of CIR. Recent studies have found that OS can activate MAPK pathway, which mainly functions as a mediator of cellular stresses. It revealed that H2S may exhibit multiple biological functions as a neuroprotector through protecting against OS-induced neuronal injury. But how H2S can attenuate ischemia/reoxygenation injury through MAPK signaling is not clear. The protective mechanism of exogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) at physiological doses in SH-SY5Y cells were investigated in this study.

METHODS

DCFH- DA probe is used to measure intracellular ROS, Real-time PCR and Western blot are used to detect the levels of p38 MAPK, ERK3 and Nrf2. CCK-8 is used to detect cell viability.

RESULTS

Comparing with the normal control group, the expressions of ERK3, p38MAPK and Nrf2 mRNA in other three groups were downregulated at the beginning of 24h. After 24h, the expressions of ERK3, p38MAPK and Nrf2 were upregulated significantly compared with the normal control group. When the cells were pretreated with 200μM NaHS at the beginning of 24h, the expressions of ERK3, p38MAPK and Nrf2 were decreased much more significantly than OGD/R and NaHS groups.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that exogenous H2S exerts a protective effect against OGD/R-induced injury by enhancing the activation of the ERK3, p38MAPK and Nrf2 mRNA.

A cobalt tungstate compound sensing electrode for hydrogen detection based upon mixed-potential type sensors

An yttria-stabilized cubic zirconia (YSZ) based mixed-potential sensor coupled with CoWO₄ as the sensing electrode was developed for hydrogen detection at elevated temperatures.

Engineering Human TMJ Discs with Protein-Releasing 3D-Printed Scaffolds

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc is a heterogeneous fibrocartilaginous tissue positioned between the mandibular condyle and glenoid fossa of the temporal bone, with important roles in TMJ functions. Tissue engineering TMJ discs has emerged as an alternative approach to overcoming limitations of current treatments for TMJ disorders. However, the anisotropic collagen orientation and inhomogeneous fibrocartilaginous matrix distribution present challenges in the tissue engineering of functional TMJ discs. Here, we developed 3-dimensional (3D)-printed anatomically correct scaffolds with region-variant microstrand alignment, mimicking anisotropic collagen alignment in the TMJ disc and corresponding mechanical properties. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGFβ3) were then delivered in the scaffolds by spatially embedding CTGF- or TGFβ3-encapsulated microspheres (µS) to reconstruct the regionally variant fibrocartilaginous matrix in the native TMJ disc. When cultured with human mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSCs) for 6 wk, 3D-printed scaffolds with CTGF/TGFβ3-µS resulted in a heterogeneous fibrocartilaginous matrix with overall distribution of collagen-rich fibrous structure in the anterior/posterior (AP) bands and fibrocartilaginous matrix in the intermediate zone, reminiscent of the native TMJ disc. High dose of CTGF/TGFβ3-µS (100 mg µS/g of scaffold) showed significantly more collagen II and aggrecan in the intermediate zone than a low dose (50 mg µS/g of scaffold). Similarly, a high dose of CTGF/TGFβ3-µS yielded significantly higher collagen I expression in the AP bands compared with the low-dose and empty µS. From stress relaxation tests, the ratio of relaxation modulus to instantaneous modulus was significantly smaller with CTGF/TGFβ3-µS than empty µS. Similarly, a significantly higher coefficient of viscosity was achieved with the high dose of CTGF/TGFβ3-µS compared with the low-dose and empty µS, suggesting the dose effect of CTGF and TGFβ3 on fibrocartilage formation. Together, our findings may represent an efficient approach to engineering the TMJ disc graft with anisotropic scaffold microstructure, heterogeneous fibrocartilaginous matrix, and region-dependent viscoelastic properties.

Association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and congenital heart disease. A family-based meta-analysis

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of birth defect. It is suspected that polymorphisms in folate metabolism are associated with an increased risk of CHD, but the conclusion remains unclear. Studies have reported that the MTHFR C677T polymorphism was associated with the development of structural congenital heart malformations. The objective of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of available studies to identify common polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene in children with CHD and their mothers and to test for an association between genotype and disease. In all, 19 eligible studies comprising 4,219 cases and 20,123 controls were included in this meta-analysis. A significant association was found between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and CHD risk (OR: 1.26; 95 % CI = 1.06-1.51; p = 0.009) with no strong evidence of heterogeneity (I(2) = 39 %) in the fetal analysis. In the maternal analysis, the MTHFR C677T polymorphism was significantly associated with CHD risk (OR = 1.52; 95 % CI =  1.09-2.11; p = 0.01) with significant heterogeneity (I(2) = 63 %).

Novel Chemistry for Surface Engineering in Mems

It is well recognized that controlling surface forces is one of the key issues in the design, fabrication, and operation of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). In this report we present a novel strategy for the efficient assembly of organic monolayers onto silicon surfaces to control surface energy. This is achieved by the reaction between an alcohol functional group and a chlorinated Si surface. The resulting molecular monolayers are thermally and chemically stable. Surface adhesion energy on silicon is reduced by a factor of 40 by the monolayer coating and friction coefficient of the coated surface is only 0.013. The coatings are successfully demonstrated in adhesion reduction in a model MEMS structure: cantilever beam array (CBA). Polycrystalline beams with length up to 1.5 mm can be released.

Quasifree pi0 and pi- electroproduction on 4He in the Delta-resonance region

The reactions 4He(e, e' p3He)pi- and 4He(e, e' p3He)pi0 were studied simultaneously, and for the first time, in a large kinematical domain including the Delta-resonance region. This was achieved by detecting the recoiling 3He and 3H nuclei instead of the emitted pions. The dependences of the cross section on the recoil momentum p(rec), the invariant mass WpiN, and the direction thetapi,q' and phipi,q' of the produced pion, are globally well described by the results of (quasifree) distorted-wave impulse approximation calculations. However, in the Delta-resonance region there are clear discrepancies, which point to medium modifications of the Delta in 4He.

Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in aerosols and dustfall in Macao

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), widespread environmental pollutants, have been measured in aerosols and dustfall in Macao. In this paper, we compare concentration distributions and determine the partitioning of PAHs in aerosols and dustfall for different areas, sampling times and sampling heights. The results demonstrate that the concentrations of sigmaPAHs in aerosols and dustfall vary at the different sites and heights. The concentrations of sigmaPAHs and most of the individual PAHs in aerosols at night were higher than those in the daytime when using the unit of microg/g and lower than those when using the unit of microg m(-3). It is shown that the distribution of individual PAHs in aerosols differs significantly from that in dustfall.

Effects of CYP3A4 inhibition by diltiazem on pharmacokinetics and dynamics of diazepam in relation to CYP2C19 genotype status

Diazepam is metabolized by CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 in the liver. CYP2C19 shows genetic polymorphism associated with the poor metabolizer (PM) and extensive metabolizer (EM) phenotypes. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of diltiazem, a CYP3A4 inhibitor, on pharmacokinetics and dynamics of diazepam in relation to CYP2C19 genotype status. Thirteen healthy volunteers (eight EMs and five PMs) were given placebo or diltiazem (200 mg) orally for 3 days before and for 7 days after the oral 2-mg dose of diazepam in a double-blind, randomized, crossover manner. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of diazepam were assessed with and without diltiazem. Plasma concentrations and area under the plasma concentration-time curves (AUCs) of diazepam and N-desmethyldiazepam were significantly greater in the PM compared with the EM group during the placebo phase. Diltiazem significantly increased AUC and prolonged elimination t(1/2) of diazepam in both the PM and EM groups. These pharmacokinetic changes, however, caused no significant difference in the pharmacodynamics between the two trial phases. Diltiazem affects the pharmacokinetics of diazepam in the PM and EM groups of CYP2C19. Inhibition of CYP3A4 by a concomitant substrate drug like diltiazem may cause a pharmacokinetic interaction with diazepam irrespective of CYP2C19 genotype status, but whether this interaction would reflect a pharmacodynamic change of diazepam remains unconfirmed by our study.

Molecular studies and prenatal diagnosis of phenylketonuria in Chinese patients

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is one of the most common inborn errors of metabolic disorders. Although PKU induced mental retardation can be prevented after neonatal screening by following treatment with low phenylalanine diet, some parents are seeking prenatal diagnosis. We screened for mutations in exon 3 and 7 of the PAH gene using the DGGE and restriction enzyme method, in combination with STR linkage analysis. Prenatal diagnosis was carried out in 8 PKU families. With this strategy, we are able to make prenatal diagnosis in about 65-70% PKU families. All diagnosis was confirmed in the newborn.

Neonatal screening of phenylketonuria and congenital hypothyroidism in China

Mass screening of newborns for some congenital metabolic diseases is a tremendous achievement in the field of preventive medicine. The pilot study of neonatal screening in China was started in 1981. According to the results of 1.1 million newborn screenings from 8 big cities in the past 6 years, the incidence of phenylketonuria was 1/14,767 and congenital hypothyroidism was 1/5,469. China is a vast country with great economic differences among the different regions, making neonatal screening difficult in some areas. The national neonatal screening coverage rate is only about 2 % at the moment, but in metropolitan centers like Shanghai, the coverage rate reached 95 % in 1997.

Rapid intravenous administration of amino acids prevents biliary sludge induced by total parenteral nutrition in humans

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether daily rapid intravenous administration of amino acids (IVAA) prevented the formation of biliary sludge in humans receiving long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Thirty adult patients receiving TPN for more than 28 consecutive days were studied. They were randomized to receive either saline solution (placebo) intravenously (15 patients) or 6.9% branched chain amino acid (BCAA)-enriched amino acid (15 synthetic amino acids; Freamine HBC) solution given by administration rapid intravenous (15 patients). The groups were similar with respect to age, sex, diagnosis, liver function test results, amylase levels, TPN time, and time of study. All patients underwent weekly ultrasound studies. Volume and emptying studies of the gallbladder in response to the study drug were performed after 1 week. As a result, none of the patients receiving rapid IVAA had sludge, whereas 11 of the 15 patients receiving placebo had sludge (P < 0.01). Results of emptying studies showed significant contraction of the gallbladder in those in the rapid IVAA group, but not in the placebo group. Consequently, the data suggest that rapid IVAA given daily prevents TPN-induced stasis and sludge in the gallbladder. We conclude that rapid IVAA should be used as routine prophylaxis against biliary sludge and formation of gallstones in patients receiving long-term TPN.

Structural and functional dissection of human cytomegalovirus US3 in binding major histocompatibility complex class I molecules

The human cytomegalovirus US3, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident transmembrane glycoprotein, forms a complex with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules and retains them in the ER, thereby preventing cytolysis by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. To identify which parts of US3 confine the protein to the ER and which parts are responsible for the association with MHC class I molecules, we constructed truncated mutant and chimeric forms in which US3 domains were exchanged with corresponding domains of CD4 and analyzed them for their intracellular localization and the ability to associate with MHC class I molecules. All of the truncated mutant and chimeric proteins containing the luminal domain of US3 were retained in the ER, while replacement of the US3 luminal domain with that of CD4 led to cell surface expression of the chimera. Thus, the luminal domain of US3 was sufficient for ER retention. Immunolocalization of the US3 glycoprotein after nocodazole treatment and the observation that the carbohydrate moiety of the US3 glycoprotein was not modified by Golgi enzymes indicated that the ER localization of US3 involved true retention, without recycling through the Golgi. Unlike the ER retention signal, the ability to associate with MHC class I molecules required the transmembrane domain in addition to the luminal domain of US3. Direct interaction between US3 and MHC class I molecules could be demonstrated after in vitro translation by coimmunoprecipitation. Together, the present data indicate that the properties that allow US3 to be localized in the ER and bind MHC class I molecules are located in different parts of the molecule.

International Quit and Win 1996: comparative evaluation study in China and Finland

OBJECTIVES

To compare background and process variables, as well as follow up status, of the participants in the International Quit and Win '96 contests of China and Finland, and analyse factors contributing to sustained maintenance.

DESIGN

A standardised 12 month follow up was conducted in both countries with random samples of participants. The sample sizes were 3119 in China and 1448 in Finland, with response rates of 91.2% and 65.2%, respectively.

INTERVENTIONS

The International Quit and Win '96 contest was the second coordinated, multinational smoking cessation campaign targeted at adult daily smokers. Altogether 25 countries participated, including China with 15 000 and Finland with 6000 smokers registered.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Conservative (considering all non-respondents relapsed) and non-conservative (based on respondents only) estimates were calculated for one month abstinence, 12 month continuous abstinence, and point abstinence at the time point of follow up.

RESULTS

Great differences were found in the background and process variables, as well as in the outcome measures. At one year follow up, the conservative continuous abstinence rates show that the Chinese participants maintained their abstinence better (38%) compared to the Finnish ones (12%). In China women reached higher abstinence rate (50%) than men (36%), whereas in Finland men achieved a better result (14%) than women (9%).

CONCLUSIONS

The Quit and Win contest is a mass smoking cessation method feasible in countries showing great variance in smoking habits and rates. However, in countries with different stages of anti-smoking development, such as China and Finland, different practical implementation strategies may be needed.

Endogenous heme oxygenase/carbon monoxide system mediates lipopolysaccharide-induced intussusception in rats

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the role of endogenous heme oxygenase (HO)/carbon monoxide (CO) system in regulating the process of intussusception (IN) induced by administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rats.

METHODS

IN model of rats were induced by lipopolysaccharide. HO activity was determined by the amount of bilirubin formation which was measured with a double-beam spectrophotometer, and HbCO formation was measured by CO-oximeter.

RESULTS

The results showed that LPS (10 mg/kg) caused IN in up to 40% of the rats at 6 h after each treatment of LPS. The incidence of IN were significantly increased by 50% (P < 0.05) and by 83.2% (P < 0.01) in HO substrate (heme-L-lysinate)-treated rats and in exogenous CO-treated rats, respectively; but it was sigificantly decreased by 41.8% (P < 0.05) after administration of ZnDPBG, an inhibitor of heme oxygense (HO) activity. Furthermore, LPS increased HO activity, HbCO formation cGMP content within colic smooth muscle and the plasma level of cGMP, and these parameters were significantly elevated by 62.6% (P < 0.01), 40.0% (P < 0.01), 49.3% (P < 0.05) and 38.9% (P<0.05), respectively, compared with LPS-non-IN rats.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that endogenous HO/CO system plays an important role in the process of IN induced by LPS, and inhibition of HO activity may decrease the formation of IN.

C-type natriuretic peptide inhibits upregulation of alpha1-adrenoceptor and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor in rat vascular smooth muscle after vascular endothelial injury

OBJECTIVE

In a model of balloon injury of rat aortic endothelium, the effects of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on alpha1-adrenoreceptor and inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) receptor were studied.

METHODS

Aortic injuries were produced by vascular endothelium-denudation. Alpha1-adrenoreceptor in smooth muscle sarcolemma and IP3 receptor in smooth muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum in the rat aorta were assayed by radioactive analysis method.

RESULTS

It was found that neointima was formed and the contents of DNA, collagen and elastin of each intima-media were sigificantly increased in 7 days and 21 days after balloon injury of rat aorta. Alpha1-adrenoreceptor in smooth muscle sarcolemma and IF3 receptor in sarcoplasmic reticulum were also upregulated. Results also showed that the administration of CNP i.p. significantly decreased the contents of DNA, collagen and elastin of each intima-media, and inhibited the up-regulation of alpha1-adrenoreceptor and IP3 receptor.

CONCLUSION

The inhibition of the up-regulation of alpha1-adrenoreceptor and IP3 receptor by CNP might be one of the mechanisms of its suppressive action on intimal proliferation.

Long-lasting hyperalgesia induced by fentanyl in rats: preventive effect of ketamine

BACKGROUND

It has been reported that mu-opioid receptor activation leads to a sustained increase in glutamate synaptic effectiveness at the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor level, a system associated with central hypersensitivity to pain. One hypothesis is that postoperative pain may result partly from the activation of NMDA pain facilitatory processes induced by opiate treatment per se. The authors tested here the effectiveness of the opiate analgesic fentanyl for eliciting a delayed enhancement in pain sensitivity.

METHODS

The consequences of four bolus injections (every 15 min) of fentanyl (20-100 microg/kg per injection, subcutaneously) on immediate (for several hours) and long-term (for several days) sensitivity to nociceptive stimuli in the rat (paw-pressure vocalization test) were evaluated. The effects of the combination of the NMDA-receptor antagonist ketamine (10 mg/kg, subcutaneously) with fentanyl also were assessed.

RESULTS

Fentanyl administration exhibited a biphasic time-dependent effect: first, an early response (for 2-5 h) associated with a marked increase in nociceptive threshold (analgesia), and second, a later response associated with sustained lowering of the nociceptive threshold (5 days for the longest effect) below the basal value (30% of decrease for the maximal effect) indicative of hyperalgesia. The higher the fentanyl dose used, the more pronounced was the fentanyl-induced hyperalgesia. Ketamine pretreatment, which had no analgesic effect on its own, enhanced the earlier response (analgesia) and prevented the development of long-lasting hyperalgesia.

CONCLUSIONS

Fentanyl activates NMDA pain facilitatory processes, which oppose analgesia and lead to long-lasting enhancement in pain sensitivity.

Human cytomegalovirus gene products US3 and US6 down-regulate trophoblast class I MHC molecules

The epidemiological correlation between human CMV (HCMV) infection and spontaneous fetal loss has been suggested, but the underlying mechanism is not well understood. Fetal cytotrophoblasts, which are in direct contact with the maternal immune system in the uterus during pregnancy, do not express HLA-A and HLA-B, but express the nonclassical class I HLA-G and HLA-C. It has been shown that both HLA-G and HLA-C are capable of inhibiting NK-mediated cell lysis. In our present study, using human trophoblast cell lines as well as other cell lines stably transfected with the human class I genes, we have demonstrated that HCMV US3 and US6 down-regulate the cell-surface expression of both HLA-G and HLA-C by two different mechanisms. HCMV US3 physically associates with both trophoblast class I MHC species, retaining them in the endoplasmic reticulum. In contrast, HCMV US6 inhibits peptide transport by TAP and thus specifically the intracellular trafficking of class I molecules. Therefore, these findings suggest for the first time a possible molecular mechanism underlying HCMV-related spontaneous pregnancy loss.

The reform of the rural cooperative medical system in the People's Republic of China: interim experience in 14 pilot counties

During the 1960's and 1970's the Chinese government encouraged the 'rural cooperative medical systems' (RCMS), in order to ensure access to basic health care among the rural population. There was a break in the development of the RCMS in the early 1980's, as a consequence of market economic reforms. These reforms involved a shift from a communal to a household production system. As a result the collective way of financing rural health care was more or less abandoned. However, the government of the People's Republic of China was aware of the need to provide social protection against health care expenses. In March 1994 the government initiated a project to reestablish the RCMS. This project was implemented on a pilot basis in 14 counties of seven provinces. The reestablishment of the RCMS would be guided by the basic principles of health insurance. In October 1995, a first mid-term evaluation of the RCMS Project was held. One of the major research questions concerned the extent to which the RCMS had reduced the risk of paying health care bills that would otherwise be a burden on families. This article addresses this question and assesses the results obtained after two years of RCMS experimental work. A general finding is that the population structure by occupation and income varies, and that the RCMS has adapted itself to this variety. It is also confirmed that the burden of health care costs on families was reduced, more so in some counties than in others, but this reduction has been modest. The research results indicate that there is ample room for improvement. The outlook is hopeful, however. At the national level, there is now systematic thinking about RCMS. The current RCMS work is also having a considerable influence on other counties that are keen to reestablish the RCMS.

Role of endogenous carbon monoxide in neointimal formation induced by balloon-injury in rat aorta

OBJECTIVE

The present study investigated the role of endogenous carbon monoxide (CO) in the pathogenesis of neointimal formation induced by balloon injury in rat.

METHOD

Endothelial denudation of the left common carotid artery of rat was carried out by three passages of a Fogarty 2F balloon catheter. DNA, collagen and elastin contents of each intima-media were estimated; and heme oxygenase (HO) activity and CO production in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) were measured after administration of HO inhibitor.

RESULT

Our data showed that neointima occurred in the rat on day 7 and day 21 after balloon injury, and at the same time HO activity and CO production in VSMC were markedly increased. Administration of HO inhibitor, zinc deuteroporphyrin 2,4-bisglycol (ZnDPBG), could effectively inhibit HO activity and CO production, significantly enhance neointimal formation (aortic intima/media ratio were 21.4+/-1.8% vs 17.6+/-2.0%, P<0.05 on day 7; and 30.5+/-2.4% vs 23.0+/-2.2%, P<0.01 on day 21, respectively, compared with balloon alone group).

CONCLUSION

We concluded that 1) inhibition of CO production may enhance neointimal formation induced by endothelial denudation, implying endogenous CO play an protective role in response to vascular injury, and 2) induction of HO activity may be applied clinically for preventing restenosis after angioplasty.

The human gemelli muscles and their nerve supplies

The superior and inferior gemellus muscles were examined as to their forms and the patterns of nerve supply in 13 human cadavers (20 specimens). The superior gemellus muscle (Gs) was absent in 3 specimens, but showed no accessory slip or fusion with the internal obturator muscle (Oi). The nerve to the Gs originated from the nerve to the Oi (OiN) in 7, the nerve to the quadratus femoris muscle (QfN) in 4, or both in 6 specimens. The inferior gemellus muscle (Gi) was present in all, but fused with the Oi in 3 specimens. In one specimen, an accessory muscle bundle was observed between the Gi and Oi. The Gi always received branches from the QfN at its anterior surface, but received an additional nerve supply at its posterior surface from the OiN or the pudendal nerve in one specimen each, and the accessory bundle was supplied by a branch from the OiN at its posterior surface. In a well preserved specimen, a branch to the Gi from the QfN entered the Oi and communicated with the OiN after supplying and leaving the Gi. The frequency of the dual innervation of Gs by the OiN and QfN was 29.3%, but that of the Gi and Oi could not be determined, because of the occurrence of the fused part, the accessory bundle and nerve communication. There existed some gross anatomical differences between both gemelli muscles; they are considered to be parts of the internal obturator muscle in a broad sense.