To investigate the influences of bradykinin(BK)on left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiac function in angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor(ACEI) therapy in rats after myocardial infarction. METHODS: The effects of enalapril (500 ?g?kg -1 ?d -1 ), enalapril (500 ?g?kg -1 ?d -1 )with BKB 2 receptor antagonist (Hoe-140 500 ?g?kg -1 ?d -1 ), losartan(3 mg?kg -1 ?d -1 ) on left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), maximum positive left ventricular pressure change (+d p /d t max ) and LVW/BW as well as V(m)n of noinfarcted area were examined after 4 weeks treatment in rats after myocardial infarction. RESULTS: The values of LVEDP, LVW/BW and V(m)n of three treatment groups were higher than that of untreated MI group ( P

The peak level of growth hormone (GH) stimulated by insulin tolerance test (ITT) is thegold standard for diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency in adults.This study was aimed to explore the factors influencing GH response to ITT in 50 healthy adults.The results showed that the nadir or decreased amplitude of blood glucose was not related to GH peak level.In multivariable analysis,the GH level stimulated by ITT was negatively associated with body mass index(P＜0.01),but there was no any association with age,gender,and waist circumference.

AIM: To investigate the influences of electric stimulation applied during the absolute refractory period (ARP) on the cardiac function of normal rabbits and rabbits after myocardial infarction (MI) and to observe the regional effects of this electric stimulation. METHODS: 64 rabbits were randomly assigned to normal and MI groups and each group was then divided into the anterior and posterior groups. A thoracotomy was performed 4 weeks after MI in rabbits. One set of electrodes was inserted into the anterior and posterior wall of left ventricle of the anterior and posterior groups, respectively. Current pulses were delivered during the ARP (called CCM) during sinus rhythm in rabbits. The left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) and the left ventricular end diastolic pressure(LVEDP) as well as maximum positive and negative left ventricular pressure change (?dp/dt_(max)) were observed. RESULTS: In the normal and MI groups, LVSP, +dp/dt_(max) significantly increased, and LVEDP, -dp/dt_(max) were reduced during CCM stimulation compared with the baseline (P0.05). CONCLUSION: Electric stimulation delivered during the ARP significantly enhances the contractility and the relaxation of myocardium in normal rabbits and rabbits after MI, and the effects of CCM stimulation on heart are regional. [

OBJECTIVETo investigate the restoration of erectile function by reconstructing cavernous nerves with sural nerve grafts.

METHODSForty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats(3-4 m old and 300-400 g) were randomly divided into three groups: the sham-operated group (n = 16) underwent pelvic exploration without transection of the cavernous nerve; the nerve ablation group (n = 16) had a 5 mm segment of the cavernous nerve excised bilaterally; the graft group (n = 16) had a 5 mm segment of the cavernous nerve excised bilaterally, followed by immediate microsurgical reconstruction with an interposition graft of the sural nerve. The cavernous nerves of each group were electrostimulated to determine their potency after 2 and 4 months. And fluorescent retrograde-transported material Fluoro-Gold(FG) was injected into the penis. FG-labeled neuron cells in whole mounts of major pelvic ganglions were observed five days after injection.

RESULTSElectrical stimulation produced no erection in either the nerve ablation or the graft group, but 100% erection in the sham-operated group after 2 months. The numbers of FG-labeled neurons significantly differed between the nerve ablation group and the graft group. After 4 months erection examination showed statistical significance in the difference between the graft group and the nerve ablation group(P < 0.05). The FG-labeled neurons in the graft group significantly differed from those in the ablation (P < 0.05), and almost reached the level of the sham-operated(P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCavernous nerve grafting can successfully restore erectile dysfunction in rats after surgical injury.

Animals ; Electric Stimulation ; Male ; Penile Erection ; Penis ; innervation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sural Nerve ; transplantation