Objective To investigate the effect of combined double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and imiquimod stimulation on uterine immune cells. Methods In BALB/c × C57BL/6 mice and non-obese dia-betic (NOD) × C57BI/6 mice, embryo resorption rate was detected in the presence or absence of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) agonist dsRNA [poly( 1: C)], TLR7 agonist imiquimod ( R837), or their combination, respectively. In in vivo system, the status of intracellular cytokine production in uterine CD45 + cells was de-tected by flow cytometry. To identify the CD45 + cells, uterine CD3+ T cells and CD49b + NK cells derived from placenta and decidua basalis were stimulated with dsRNA and imiquimod in in vitro systems, and the status of intracellular cytokine production was detected. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) antago- nists SP600125 and PD98059 were used to block the increase of cytokine production. Results A synergistic increase of embryo resorption was observed after the induction of dsRNA and imiquimod combination. Mean-while, a synergistic increase of TNF-α and IFN-γ production was detected after the induction in CD45 + cells. Further study found that although synergistic effect can be detected in both CD3 + cells and CD49b + cells in BALB/c mice, the status was different in NOD mice. The cytokine increase should mainly be attrib-uted to CD3 + T cells, since no such increase was detected among the CD49b + NK cells in the NOD mice. The synergistic effect of combined agonists was partially inhibited by Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) MAPK inhibitor SP600125 and almost completely abrogated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) MAPK inhibitor PD98059. Conclusion Boosted TLR3 and TLR7 signal may be transmitted via Thl-type T cells, rather than NK cells in NOD mice. ERK MAPK pathway may be critical in TLR3 and TLR7 involved signa- ling.

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinic and pathologic features of one patient diagnosed with neurocutaneous melanosis ( NCM ) by biopsy.MethodsA 21-year-old woman presented with a 2-month history of tinnitus,headache,vomiting and 1-month history of impaired vision.At birth,a massive nevus covering most of the posterior abdomen had been noted as well as the presence of multiple smaller lesions all over the body.Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a posterior fossa cyst compatible with the Dandy-Walker syndrome and extensive leptomeningeal enhancement. Surgery was performed to cystectomy and to obtain pathologic specimens from the leptomeninges. Biopsy and immunohistochemical study was performed.ResultsAt surgery,diffuse black pigmentation of the leptomeninges and the cyst was found.Under microscope,the cyst and leptomeninges were composed with melanocytes with variable pigmentation.Those cells positive for HMB45,MelanA,S100 and vimentin.Ki-67 positive cells ＜ 1％.The pathologic diagnosis wasleptomeningeal diffusemelanocytosis. Thepatientdied 2months after thesurgery.ConclusionsNCM is characterized by a focal or diffuse proliferation of melanin-producing cells in both the skin and the leptomeninges.NCM could be compatible with the Dandy-Walker syndrome.Definite diagnosis relies upon the histological data obtained by mean of biopsy.