A simple method for culture of human fetal adrenal medullary cells is described. Enzymatically dissociated human fetal adrenal cells were isolaled by centrifugation on Percoll in the buffer. Adrenal medullary cells with 75%-85% purity were obtained by this procedure. The medullary cells were then plated on plastic culture dishes coated with collagen. After 2-7 days medullary Cells began to flatten and extended processes. A further identification of the cells as medullary in origin was confirmed, by specific catecholamine fluorescence technique. Catecholamine content in the medium was also determined by HPLC.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of gene delivery to the right lateral lobe of the rat liver via a branch of the bile duct using naked DNA.

METHODSWe evaluated regional gene delivery to the right lateral lobe of the rat liver via a branch of the bile duct, using naked DNA, including pGL3, pCMV beta and Cy3 labeled CMV beta.

RESULTSGene expression was observed in right lateral lobe of both the damaged and the normal rats liver. The gene delivery efficiency was similar in two groups (P > 0.05). Gene expression was found in the right lateral lobe of damaged and normal livers. Fluorescence was observed in the region of the portal triads, and occasionally, in the lobule.

CONCLUSIONRetrograde infusion of naked DNA via the bile duct is an effective way to deliver genes to in both damaged and normal rat liver.

Animals ; Bile Ducts ; metabolism ; DNA ; genetics ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Galactose ; Gene Expression ; Gene Transfer Techniques ; Genes, Reporter ; Genetic Therapy ; methods ; Genetic Vectors ; Liver ; metabolism ; pathology ; Liver Diseases ; genetics ; pathology ; therapy ; Luciferases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Plasmids ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred Lew ; beta-Galactosidase ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the clinical safety and effect on local recurrence in unresectable small hepatocellular carcinoma treated by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with and without chemotherapy through a prospective randomized trial.

METHODSThirty-eight unresectable small hepatocellular carcinoma patients with diameter

RESULTSThere was no local recurrence of the tumor in the two groups 1 month after RFA treatment. The 6- and 12-month local recurrence rates were significantly lower in the combined group than that in RFA group alone (P < 0.01). There were no severe complications in the two groups, and nor was there any significant difference in liver function and WBC count.

CONCLUSIONRFA combined with systemic chemotherapy is safe, and it can reduce the local recurrence of unresectable small hepatocellular carcinoma
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; drug therapy ; therapy ; Catheter Ablation ; Cisplatin ; administration & dosage ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Epirubicin ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Fluorouracil ; administration & dosage ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Prospective Studies ; Ultrasonography, Interventional