OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Kanli Granule (KG) on myocardial mechanics in pressure overload induced diastolic heart failure (DHF) rats.

METHODSTotally 60 male Wistar rats were divided into the sham-operation group, the model group, the KG group, and the Valsartan group according to random digit table, 15 in each group. The pressure overload induced DHF model was established in all groups except the sham-operation group using abdominal aortic constriction surgery. Totally 7 rats died after modeling (with the mortality of 10. 67%) , and the rest 53 finished the following test. Rats in the KG group were administered with KG extract (calculated as 6. 75 g crude drug/kg) by gastrogavage. Rats in the Valsartan group were administered with Valsartan (7.2 µg/g) by gastrogavage. Equal volume of double distilled water was administered to rats in the model group and the sham-operation group by gastrogavage. All rats were intervened for 32 weeks. The response of isolated heart papillary muscle tonus to isoprenaline (ISO) and adenylate cyclase (Forskolin) was respectively observed. The enhancement phenomenon after resting development force (DF) of isolated heart papillary muscle tonus, and changes of DF in different Ca²⁺ concentrations were observed.

RESULTS(1) In the ISO response test: Compared with the sham-operation group, the amplifications of DF, ±df/dt, -df/dt were obviously elevated in the model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the amplifications of DF and ±df/dt were obviously lowered in the KG group (P < 0.01), and the amplification of ±df/dt was also reduced in the Valsartan group (P < 0.01). (2) In the Forskolin response test: Compared with the sham-operation group, the amplifications of DF and ±df/dt obviously increased in the model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the amplifications of DF and ±df/dt were obviously reduced in the KG group (P < 0.01), and the amplification of DF was also reduced in the Valsartan group (P < 0.05). (3) In post-resting DF enhancement test: Compared with the sham-operation group, the amplification of DF showed gradually decreasing tendency along with prolonged resting time in the model group, and they were obviously lowered at all time points (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the amplification of DF was gradually increasing along with prolonged resting time in the KG group. The amplification of DF at post-resting 240 s was obviously larger in the KG group than in the model group (P < 0.05). The amplification of post-resting DF still showed gradually decreasing tendency along with prolonged resting time in the Valsartan group, with increased amplifications of DF at post-resting 60 s and 120 s (P < 0. 05) (4) The amplifications of DF in different Ca²⁺ concentrations: Compared with the sham-operation group, the amplifications of DF were significantly elevated in different Ca²⁺ concentrations (1.75, 3.5, 7.0 mmol/L ) (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, there was no statistical difference in amplification of DF in different Ca²⁺ concentrations in the KG group (P > 0.05). The amplifications of DF in different Ca²⁺ concentrations were significantly reduced in the Valsartan group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe ISO response and the Forskolin response were enhanced in isolated heart papillary muscle tonus of pressure overload induced DHF rats; enhanced post-resting DF was reduced; DF in different supra-physiologic levels of Ca²⁺ was still enhanced. KG could significantly improve excessive enhancement of pressure overload induced DHF rats in ISO response and Forskolin response, and improve enhancement of post-resting myocardium.

Animals ; Colforsin ; pharmacology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Heart ; drug effects ; physiopathology ; Heart Failure, Diastolic ; drug therapy ; Isoproterenol ; pharmacology ; Male ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVETo determine the exact location of the opening of the ejaculatory duct in men and provide some basic anatomical evidence for seminal vesiculoscopy and the treatment of ejaculatory duct obstruction.

METHODSWe performed ureterocystoscopy for 21 male patients aged 26 - 47 years with hematuria (n = 12), hematospermia (n = 2), glandular cystitis (n = 6), and anejaculation after radical resection of rectal carcinoma (n = 1), and meanwhile, with the consent of the patients, massaged the prostate and ejaculatory duct and observed the outlet of the expelled fluid. Under the microscope, we described the fluid samples with sperm as the expulsion from the ejaculatory duct.

RESULTSUreterocystoscopy showed that the exact anatomical sites of the expulsion of prostatic fluid and semen in the patients were the side and lower side of the prostatic utricle opening above the verumontanum and the ventral side of the verumontanum. Quantities of sperm were found in the expulsion fluid of 13 of the patients, and no expulsion, including semen, was seen from the prostatic utricle opening.

CONCLUSIONAnatomically, the ejaculatory duct openings of males are located at the two sides of the verumontanum adjacent to the opening of the prostatic utricle, rather than in the prostatic utricle above the verumontanum.

Adult ; Cystoscopes ; Ejaculation ; physiology ; Ejaculatory Ducts ; anatomy & histology ; physiology ; Endoscopy ; instrumentation ; methods ; Hematuria ; Hemospermia ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; Prostate ; anatomy & histology ; physiology ; Rectal Neoplasms ; surgery ; Semen ; secretion ; Spermatozoa

Objective To investigate the application value of identification of the scalp surface locations of cerebral ischemia lesions before direct revascularization for moyamoya disease and to design surgical approaches according to this by using the fusion of single photon emission computed tomography ( SPECT) cerebral perfusion imaging with CT imaging. Methods The clinical data of 13 adult patients with ischemic-type moyamoya disease underwent superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery bypass surgery were analyzed retrospectively. SPECT cerebral perfusion imaging was fused with CT imaging of the same machine before procedure. The lesions of ischemia were located on the cortical surface. The surgical approaches were designed at the center of the ischemic lesions. The patients were followed up for 6 to 12 months after procedure. The improvement of clinical symptoms and cerebral perfusion of the patients were observed after operation. Results One patient had perioperative cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome,and the others did not have any perioperative complications. At one-month follow-up, the improvement of symptoms in 4 patients were excellent,in 5 were good,in 4 were fair,and none was poor. At 6 to 12 month follow-up,the improvement of symptoms in 9 patients were excellent,in 4 were good,and none was poor. The postoperative visual SPECT cerebral perfusion imaging analysis suggested that the cerebral perfusion was improved significantly as compared with before procedure in all patients. Quantitative analysis:There was significant difference in target ischemic lesions between preoperative Fb and postoperative Fb ([2. 13±1. 06]% vs. [4. 13±2. 09]%;P<0. 05). There was significant difference between preoperative Fb and Fe ([2. 46±1. 97]% vs. [2. 13±1. 06]%;P<0. 05). The postoperative BFCR was [67. 57±3. 78]%( >50%) , which indicated that the efficacy of the procedure was remarkable. The superficial temporal arteries fed to brain of the patients were observed after procedure by using the head CT angiography. The postoperative head MRI reexamination showed no new infarcts occurred at 6 months. Conclusion Combine SPECT cerebral perfusion imaging with CT imaging to design surgical approach for superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery bypass surgery may improve the efficacy and reduce the risks of operation.

Adult ; Aged ; Antigens, CD20 ; metabolism ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Gene Rearrangement, B-Lymphocyte, Heavy Chain ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Leukocyte Common Antigens ; metabolism ; Lymphoma, B-Cell ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Lymphoma, Extranodal NK-T-Cell ; pathology ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tonsillar Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Tonsillectomy ; Tonsillitis ; pathology ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase(PTP)1B in pancreas of obese rats induced by high fat diet.Methods Twenty male SD rats were randomly divided into control group on regular diet(n=10),and obesity model group on high fat diet(n=10).After twelve weeks,fasting serum insulin,blood glucose,triglyceride,total cholesterol,epididymal fat weight were measured and the histomorphological change in liver were observed;glucose tolerance test and insulin releasing test were performed; The protein expression of PTP-1B in pancreas of rats was determined with Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.The phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1(IRS-1)and insulin receptor(IR)were detected by immuno-precipitation.Results(1)The insulin sensitive index was significantly decreased in the high-fat-diet rats compared with the normal rats(0.36?0.18 vs 0.91?0.28,P

Objective To investigate the protein level of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1 B) during the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and the effects of tumor necrosis factor-?(TNF-?) and rosiglitazone on the expression of PTP1B during the differentiation,and to explore the relationship between PTP1B and adipecyte differentiation.Methods 3T3-LI preadipecytes were cultured in vitro and differentiated by three groups of inducers: basic inducers only (3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine+dexamethasone+insulin,group C),20?g/L TNF-?+basic inducers (group CT) and 10~(-5) mol/L rosiglitazone+basic inducers (group CR).Protein level of PTP-1B in adipocytes during differentiation was detected by Western blot.Results Each group showed the relatively high level of PTP1B in 3T3-L1 preadipecytes,going down with the differentiation of adipecytes,and reaching the lowest level in fully-matured adipecytes.Comparing the late period of differentiation in these three groups,CT group was sluggishly differentiated with more PTP1B protein,and CR group showed active differentiation with the lowest level of PTP1B.Conclusion PTP1B decreases with the differentiation of adipoeytes.The effects of TNF-?and rosiglitazone on insulin sensitivity perhaps partly via their influences on PTP1B level in adipecytes.

Objective:To observe the expression changes of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B(PTP1B)mRNA and protein during the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes,so as to explore the relationship between PTP1B and adipocytes differentiation.Methods:3T3-L1 preadipocytes were cultured in vitro and were induced to differentiate into mature adipocytes; the differentiation of adipocytes was assessed through detecting expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma 2(PPAR?2)mRNA by RT-PCR and oil red O staining.Expression of PTP1B in adipocytes was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot during differentiation.Results:With the progression of 3T3-L1 cell differentiation,oil red O staining showed that the lipid droplets increased gradually to 90% of the vision field;meanwhile,the expression of PPAR?2 also increased gradually, suggesting the proliferation and maturation of the preadipocytes.The expression of PTP1B mRNA and protein decreased in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes with their differentiation and maturation;the expression reached the lowest level in mature adipocytes. Conclusion:Expression of PTP1B mRNA and protein decreases during the differentiation of preadipocytes,indicating a role for PTP1B in the maturation of adipocytes.

OBJECTIVETO establish a RP-HPLC method for the determination of calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside in Radix Astragali, and to analyse the calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside content of ten samples of Radix Astragali, collected from different regions.

METHODA Polaris C18(250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 microns) column was used and a mixture of methanol-water (30:70) was used as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL.min-1. The column temperature was 25 degrees C and the UV detection wavelength was 254 nm.

RESULTThe calibration curve was in good linearity over the range of 0.0106-2.12 micrograms with the regression equation Y = 3035. 97 X - 14.85(r = 0.9999). The average recovery was 95.8% (n = 5, RSD = 1.3%).

CONCLUSIONThe method is simple, quick, sensitive and reproducible. In all of the samples, the calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside contents differ markedly.

Astragalus membranaceus ; chemistry ; classification ; China ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Ecosystem ; Glucosides ; analysis ; Isoflavones ; analysis ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Species Specificity

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of astragalus (As) on calcium accumulation and SERCA2a gene expression in left ventricular tissues in rats with pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

METHODcardiac hypertrophy was induced by clipping the abdominal aorta in rats. Male SD rats were allocated to six groups: sham-operrated (Sham), aortic stenosis (Model), model +As-L (5 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)), model+As-M (10 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)), model+As-H (20 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)) and model + captopril (0.05 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1), a positive control). The drugs were administered orally from the 13 th week after surgery. Rats were examined after 12 week treatment with drugs. The cardiac hypertrophy was evaluated by left ventricular mass index (LVMI, left ventricular weight/ body weight). The calcium content in left ventricular tissue was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. SERCA2a mRNA and protein expressions in left ventricular tissues were determined by half-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot normalized to abundance of GAPDH mRNA and protein, respectively.

RESULTThe increase of LVMI was dose-dependently lessened by As (P < 0.01, P < 0.001). The effect of As-H was similar to that of Captopril. As markedly attenuated calcium accumulation in myocardial tissure (P < 0.01). RT-PCR and Western blot results demonstrated that SERCA2a gene expressions were downregulated (P < 0.05) significantly in model group compared with sham group. As-H upregulated SERCA2a gene expressions (P < 0.05), whereas Captopril had no effect on that.

CONCLUSIONThe inhibition of As on left ventricular hypertrophy induced by pressure overload in rats may partly contribute to its attenuation of calcium accumulation and up-regulation of SERCA2a gene expressions in left ventricular tissues.

Animals ; Astragalus Plant ; chemistry ; Blotting, Western ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Heart ; drug effects ; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Male ; Myocardium ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium-Transporting ATPases ; genetics ; metabolism