AIM: To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) in pulmonary arterioles of rats with chronic hypoxia and hypercapnia-induced pulmonary hypertension. METHODS: MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-2 mRNA, MMP-9 mRNA were observed in pulmonary arterioles by the techniques of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. RESULTS: ①The mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and weight ratio of right ventricle to left ventricle and septum (RV/LV+S) of hypoxia-hypercapnia groups were higher than those of normal control group ( P

AIM:To investigate the effect of L-arginine(L-Arg) on expression of bcl-2,bax mRNA during pulmonary ischemia and reperfusion injury(PIRI) in rabbits.METHODS: Single lung ischemia and reperfusion animal model was used in vivo.The rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: sham operated group(sham,n=12),ischemia-reperfusion group(I/R,n=12) and I/R+ L-arginine group(L-Arg,n=12).Changes of several parameters,which included apoptotic index(AI),wet to dry ratio of lung tissue weight(W/D) and index of quantitative assessment of histologic lung injury(IQA),were measured at 300 min after reperfusion in lung tissue.Meanwhile the location and expression of bcl-2,bax mRNA as well as the ratio of bcl-2 mRNA/bax mRNA were observed.The lung tissue was prepared for light microscopic and electron microscopic observation at 60,180 and 300 min after reperfusion.RESULTS: As compared with I/R group,in intima and extima of small pulmonary artery,alveoli,and bronchiole epithelia,the expression of bcl-2 mRNA and the ratio of bcl-2 mRNA/bax mRNA were increased,and the expression of bax mRNA was decreased in L-Arg treatment group.The values of AI,W/D and IQA showed significantly lower than that in I/R group at 180 minutes after reperfusion in lung tissue(P

Objective To explore the CT features of gastrointestinal tract diospyrobezoar and its complications,to improve the recognition. Methods The plain CT scan of 36 patients with gastrointestinal tract diospyrobezoar confirmed by gastroscope and surgery were analyzed retrospectively.Results The number and location of diospyrobezoar showed by CT were consistent with the results of gastroscope and surgery.There were 1 1 cases of stomach diospyrobezoar,1 9 cases of small intestine diospyrobezoar,and 6 cases of stomach and small intestine diospyrobezoar.32 cases were solitary lesion,and 4 cases were multiple lesions.A total of 41 diospyrobezoars were removed, most of which were wel-l defined ovoid mass.3 1 lesions presented mottled internal gas bubbles with high-density encapsulating wall.6 lesions showed mottled gas pattern without encapsulating wall.4 lesions showed uneven high density.Over time,1 lesion moved in the digestive tract and the boundary and density were changed.Complications:gastric and duodenal diospyrobezoar accompanied by gastric retention,which manifested as a significant expansion of the gastric cavity effusion.Small intestine diospyrobezoar was accompanied by small bowel obstruction,which showed that the proximal intestinal tube of the diospyrobezoar was obviously dilated,and the distal intestine was suddenly collapsed.There was a focal transition zone between them.Conclusion Gastrointestinal tract diospyrobezoar has a variety of CT manifestations,of which oval shape,clear boundary,uneven mass composed of gas and soft tissue are common.