Background Glial cells perform specialized function in many aspects of the development,homeostasis,and function of neurons.Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs)and glia interactions are critically important in glaucomatous neurodegeneration.However,the precise mechanisms of glial activation and ganglion cells damage are still remained unclear. Objective This study was to assess the early responses of glial cells in the retina,optic nerve and optic chiasm in rat models of acute high intraocular pressure (IOP),and to examine the expression of nestin,a neuronal progenitor marker,in the reactive glias. Methods Acute high IOP of 110 mmHg was induced in the right eyes of 6 clean adult female Wistar rats by infusing normal saline solution into the anterior chamber for 60 minutes.Three normal matched Wistar rats were used as controls.The rats were sacrificed by overanaesthesia and sections of retina,optic nerve and optic chiasm were collected on 3 days and 7 days after the injection.Rat retina was examined by Nissl staining to illustrate the gross structure changes.Loss of axons of RGCs in the optic nerve was assessed by immunostaining of β Ⅲ-tubulin.Double labeling of glia] fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and nestin was performed in sections of retina,optic nerve and optic chiasm to evaluate the glial responses.The use of the animals complied with Statement of Animal Ethic Committee of Peking University Third Hospital. Results In control rats,GFAP-positive glial cells were observed in the retina,optic nerve and optic chiasm,where only weak positive response for nestin was noticed.Three days after acute IOP elevation,thickness of inner plexus form layer was significantlydecreased in comparison with the control rats.A loss of 46％ RGCs was found in the rats with ocular hypertension.Obvious increase of GFAP expression was displayed in the retina,and processes of GFAP-positive glia cells extended into outer retina accompanied with significant up regulation of nestin.Axons in the optic nerve demonstrated a tendency of degeneration.Nestin expression increased significantly in the GFAP-positive glias in the optic nerve.Cross-sectional area of optic chiasm corresponding to the injured retina decreased relative to its countcrpart.Astrocyte like GFAP and nestin-colabeled glials were observed in this part of optic chiasm.The pathological changes of the retina,optic nerve and optic chiasm in hypertensive eyes aggravated on 7 days. Conclusions Acute ocular hypertension induce early onset of RGCs loss and axon degeneration.Neuronal injury is accompanied with glial reaction.Reactive glial cells express neuronal progenitor markers.The structural changes of the optic nerve and optic chiasm occur simultaneously with the high IOP.

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on neurogenesis and learning & memory of manganese poisoning mice.

METHODSHealthy adult Kunming mice were divided into 5 groups, the control group (A), the manganese poisoning (by manganese chloride peritoneal injection) group (B), the manganese poisoning and treated with gastric perfusion of high, medium, low dosage LBP groups (C, D and E). The spatial learning & memory capacity of mouse was determined by Morris water maze training test. The neurogenetic cells were labelled with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSThe average escape latency was significantly higher and the times of passing through platform lower in group B than those in group A (P<0.05). BrdU positive cells in groups C, D and E were significantly more than those in group B (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONLBP could enhance the learning & memory capability of the manganese poisoning mice by promoting neurogenesis in hippocampus.

Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Learning ; drug effects ; Male ; Manganese Poisoning ; Memory ; drug effects ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred Strains ; Neurogenesis ; drug effects

Objective To study the feasibility and characteristic findings of contrast-enhancedultrasound(CEUS)on peripheral pulmonary tumors.Methods Twenty patients with peripheral pulmonarytumors proven by pathology were studied.They were divided into two groups:primary pulmonary tumors (n=15),and metastatic pulmonary tumors(n=5). The dynamic enhancement images were stored and Strip enhancement was dominant in the primary pulmonary tumors,while dot enhancement was dominant in ascended quickly and descended slowly,while ascended slowly and descended slowly in majority of metastaticThe modes of enhancement and time-intensity curves were all different in primary and metastatic pulmonary tumors.Contrast-enhanced uhrasound is promising in the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary tumors.

Objective To explore the effects of acupuncture on pruritic behaviors, expression of 5-HT neurons in medulla oblongata and 5-HTR2B on mice with chloroquine-induced pruritus; To discuss the mechanism of action of acupuncture in chloroquine-induced pruritus. Methods A non-histamine-dependent pruritus model was prepared by subcutaneous injection of chloroquine into the back of the neck. Forty C57B/6J mice were randomly divided into model-acupuncture group, model-non-acupuncture group, normal saline group and blank control group, with 10 mice in each group. After modeling, acupuncture was given in Xuehai, Quchi and Hegu on both sides. The plug and twist way was used to stimulate, once a day, three times. Model-non-acupuncture group received no acupuncture. Normal saline group received the neck injection of saline in the back. Blank control group received no treatment. Behavioral changes were observed, and immunofluorescence technique and Western blot were used to test the expression of 5-HT neurons and 5-HTR2B in medulla oblongata neurons. Results The number of scratches in model-acupuncture group and model-non-acupuncture group was obviously more than normal saline group and blank control group (P<0.05). The number of scratches in model-acupuncture group was lower than that of model-non-acupuncture group (P<0.05). The expression of 5-HT in medulla oblongata neurons was unclear in both normal saline group and blank control group. The expression of 5-HT neurons in medulla oblongata significantly increased in model group, which decreased after acupuncture. The expression of 5-HTR2B of model group was significant higher than normal saline group and blank control group (P<0.01). Compared with model-non-acupuncture group, the expression of 5-HTR2B in model-acupuncture group significant decreased (P<0.01). Conclusion Acupuncture can significantly inhibitscratching behaviors in mice induced by chloroquine, and the mechanism may be realized by decreasing the expression of 5-HT neurons and 5-HTR2B in medulla oblongata neurons.

Objective To evaluate the effect of intervention on factors influencing the health service utility regarding Maternal and Child Health (MCH)under the 'Qinba Health Project' in Sichuan province. Methods 15 towns in 5 programmed counties were selected, using the method of 'random layer sampling' to be the trial group. With similar MCH status and comparable to the trial group, another 9 towns in 3 non-programmed counties were chosen as the control group, using the same sampling method. Indicators on MCH service utility were compared with that in the control group, and the influencing factors of MCH service utility analyzed by logistic model. Results The main characteristics of the two groups were quite similar at the baseline study, with the average annual family incomes and MCH service per 1000 people. Annual input on MCH services from the government had an distinct increase. The average annual rates of increase regarding the indictors as clean delivery, hospitalized delivery, systematic care on maternal and children, maternal and infant mortality rates were: 1.95%, 9.34%, 4.82%, 3.04%, -2.67%, -13.84% (P<0.02) through χ2 trend tests. In the trial group, the changes seen in the 6 indicators were better in the control group than in the control group(P<0.05). Data from the logistic regression model showed that the major influencing factors on the use of hospitalized delivery service were: age of the pregnant woman, average annual income of the family, health insurance status, number of pre-delivery visits, whether on poverty alleviate program, and on knowledge of MCH. Conclusion The intervention project in this programmed area seemed effective and better than the non-programmed area, through an eight-year observation.

Animals ; History, 20th Century ; Hong Kong ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Influenza, Human ; epidemiology ; history ; virology ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phylogeny

In order to investigate the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in multiple myeloma patients and the in vitro and in vivo proangiogenic effects of BDNF, the plasma concentrations of BDNF and VEGF in MM patients and control group were determined by ELISA, the effect of BDNF on the in vitro proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) was examined by MTT assay; the effects of BDNF on HUVEC migration and tube formation were studied by modified Boyden chamber assay and tube formation assay, respectively. Matrigel plug assay and chorioallantoic membrane assay were used to evaluate the effect of BDNF on angiogenesis in vivo. The results demonstrated that the concentration of BDNF was (4.22 +/- 0.64) ng/ml and (2.03 +/- 0.38) ng/ml in MM group and control group, respectively, (P = 0.01). There was also a significant difference between VEGF levels of two groups [(79.35 +/- 13.25) pg/ml vs (34.41 +/- 1.78) pg/ml, P = 0.006]. The levels of BDNF and VEGF correlated significantly (r = 0.430, P = 0.025). BDNF stimulated the migration and tube formation in vitro significantly, although it had no effect on the proliferation of HUVEC. BDNF also stimulated angiogenesis both in matrigel plug of mouse model and in chick chorioallantoic membrane. It is concluded that the concentrations of BDNF and VEGF in MM patients' peripheral blood are at high level; BDNF can stimulate the angiogenesis markedly in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, BDNF may act as an important regulator in angiogenesis of MM.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Angiogenesis Inducing Agents ; blood ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; blood ; pharmacology ; Cell Line ; Cell Movement ; drug effects ; Chick Embryo ; Chorioallantoic Membrane ; blood supply ; drug effects ; embryology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Myeloma ; blood ; pathology ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; drug effects ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; blood ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo obtain high expression of human hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in passaged rabbit bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) via recombinant adenovirus vector mediated HGF gene transfection, and explore the feasibility of this strategy for local treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH).

METHODSHGF gene was subcloned into the adenovirus shuttle plasmid pDC316, and the products were co-transfected into HEK293 cells with the helper plasmid pBHGlox deltaE1,3Cre. The recombinant adenovirus Ad-HGF was generated by homologous recombination of the 2 plasmids in HEK293 cells. After PCR identification, Ad-HGF was amplified and purified and its titer measured by TCID50 assay before transfected into the second passage of rabbit BMSCs. The transcription and expression of HGF gene in the transfected BMSCs was detected by RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunological histochemistry.

RESULTSAd-HGF was successfully constructed with a titer of 2.6x10(10) TCID50/ml. The expressions of HGF mRNA and protein were confirmed in the transfected BMSCs.

CONCLUSIONAd-HGF transfection allows efficient expression of HGF protein in rabbit BMSCs, and this success may facilitate further study of local treatment of ANFH using HGF-expressing BMSCs.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Animals ; Cell Line ; Genetic Vectors ; Hepatocyte Growth Factor ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Humans ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; metabolism ; Rabbits ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo detect the characteristic chromosomal changes in Chinese children with infantile autism.

METHODSChromosome aberrations in 68 cases of infantile autism were analyzed by high-resolution G-banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones.

RESULTSChromosomal changes were detected in 4 cases by high-resolution G-banding: one case with t(4;6)(q23-24;p21), one case with longer p arm of chromosome 21 (21p+), and two cases with pericentric inversion of chromosome 9 (inv(9)) which was confirmed by C-banding. BAC FISH analysis was performed to confirm these observations and changes in chromosomes 2, 7 and 15, which are often found in autistic children. There could exist the translocation of t(4;6) (q25-26;p21.1). Chromosome changes often reported previously in chromosomes 2, 7 and 15 were not detected in this study. Inv(9) and 21p+ were not confirmed with present BAC clones.

CONCLUSIONChromosomal changes were detected in four cases of infantile autism, with a detectability of 5.9% , far lower than that (10% to 48%) reported in literature. The breakpoint of translocation could be detected more accurately using BAC FISH method.

Autistic Disorder ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Child ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Chromosome Banding ; Chromosomes, Artificial, Bacterial ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; methods ; Male ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sensitivity and Specificity

BACKGROUNDRetinal vein occlusion (RVO) is one of the most common causes of visual loss. Many approaches have been tried to treat central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) with various results. However, there is no defined protocol and limited evidence to support the interventions currently used. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of the traditional Chinese medicine Fufang XueShuan Tong (FXST) in treating experimentally created RVO.

METHODSRVO model was first induced in forty-four pigmented rabbits through photocoagulation following injection of rose Bengal. The rabbits were divided into four groups based on the dose of FXST administered (212 mg/kg, 424 mg/kg, 848 mg/kg and control group). The rabbits were observed for four weeks after the procedure, using color fundus photography, fundus fluorescein angiography and electroretinogram examination. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-6 and nitric oxide (NO) levels in the vitreous and histopathologic evaluation were monitored.

RESULTSThe obstructed vessels in the treatment groups reopened or anastomosed faster than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The amplitude of maximum b wave and the oscillatory potential were significantly higher in the treatment groups than in the control group (P < 0.01). At both two weeks and four weeks, VEGF and IL-6 levels in the vitreous were significantly decreased in the treatment groups (P < 0.01), while NO levels were significantly elevated (P < 0.01). At the same time, histopathologic evaluation showed different retinal neuroepithelium structures in the different groups. Immunoreactivity of VEGF was greater in the control group than in the treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONFXST was helpful in reconstructing retinal vessels in the RVO model, protecting retinal structures and improving visual function, and could inhibit the neovascular factor.

Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Interleukin-6 ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism ; Rabbits ; Retinal Vein Occlusion ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism