ObjectiveTo study the effects of anti-aldosterone on left ventricular function in patients with myocardial infarction. Methods130 patients with myocardial infarction were divided into anti-aldosterone group (spironolactone 20～40 mg/d + enalapril 10～20 mg/day, n=61) and control group (enalapril 10～20 mg/d, n=69). The echocardiogram and Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) were performed at enrolling time, and 6, 12 months after treatment. ResultsIn the anti-aldosterone group, the average mitral systolic wave (s) was significantly increased 6 months after treatment （P<0.05） to the enrolling time. LVEF and LVEDD improved 12 months after treatment （P<0.05）. In the control group, the average mitral systolic wave, LVEDD and LVEF did not significantly improve (P>0.05). Ratio of peak early to late diastolic filling velocity (e/a) was no significantly different between the anti-aldosterone group and the control group. ConclusionThe combination of anti-aldosterone and ACEI in patients with myocardial infarction can improve the left ventricular systolic function after 6 and 12 months, but cannot to the diastolic function.

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) mRNA in Schwann cells after peripheral nerve injury and roles of Schwann cells and MIF in macrophages activation and nerve regeneration.

METHODSFifty SD rats were divided into 10 groups. One group served as normal control. The rest were anesthetized with 3% sodium pentobarbital (30 - 60 mg/kg, i.p) and sciatic nerves were transected distal to the obturator tendon respectively 1 h, 12 h, 1 d, 3 d, 7 d, 10 d, 14 d, 17 d and 21 d before being killed. Sciatic nerves were resected and connective tissues excised. Schwann cells were obtained by digesting the nerve tissues with trypsin and collagenase. RNA was isolated and reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was carried out. cDNA was analyzed by automatic system and the parameters were assessed to define the status of MIF mRNA expression in different groups.

RESULTSThe level of MIF mRNA started to increase 12 h after the nerve transection. The level remained high from day 7 up to 10 after the injury. During the period from days 10 to 21, MIF mRNA decreased slowly to the pre-transection level.

CONCLUSIONAfter peripheral nerve injury, Schwann cells can secrete MIF which may play a pivotal role as an immunomodulatory cytokine in macrophage activation and inflammatory reaction.

Animals ; Female ; Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors ; genetics ; Male ; Peripheral Nerve Injuries ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Schwann Cells ; metabolism