OBJECTIVECaspase-1 is a member of cysteinyl aspartate specific protease family and it plays important roles in the pathophysiology of many diseases for its proinflammatory and proapoptotic peculiarity. Interleukin (IL)-18, one of its substrates, is a pleiotropic cytokine and processed by caspase-1 to become fully bioactive. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship and effect of caspase-1 and IL-18 mRNA expressions after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) in neonatal rats.

METHODSTotally 112 seven-day-old Wistar rats were assigned to control group, HIBD 3 h, 8 h, 24 h, 3 d, 6 d and 14 d groups via complete randomization (n = 16 per group), and the model of HIBD was induced by unilateral carotid ligation followed by timed exposure to 8% oxygen. In each group, 8 rats were used for measuring the mRNA for caspase-1 and IL-18 in the cerebral cortex by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, and the brains of another 8 rats were observed for light microscopic changes by HE staining.

RESULTSThe expression of caspase-1 mRNA was low in control group (0.2918 +/- 0.0809). After HIBD, the level of caspase-1 mRNA in ischemic cortex began to increase at 24 h (0.5222 +/- 0.0941, P < 0.01 vs. control), peaked at 6 d (0.7886 +/- 0.0480, P < 0.01 vs. the other groups) and decreased at 14 d (0.5314 +/- 0.1272). The level of IL-18 mRNA was 0.3218 +/- 0.0466 in control group. After HIBD, the expression of mRNA for IL-18 increased progressively at 24 h to 6 d (24 h: 0.5823 +/- 0.0740; 3 d: 0.6976 +/- 0.1073; 6 d: 0.9110 +/- 0.0647, P < 0.01 vs. control), reached its greatest level at 6 d (P < 0.01 vs. other groups). The expression of IL-18 mRNA after HIBD showed a close correlation to caspase-1 in time (r = 0.871, P < 0.01). Histological study showed that the degenerated and necrotic neurons increased progressively at 1 d to 6 d after HIBD, at the same time the proliferation of glial cells appeared.

CONCLUSIONThe increased expression of caspase-1 and IL-18 mRNA after HIBD, regularity of which was consistent with the time frame for development of brain injury, implied that they may play important roles in the pathogenesis of HIBD in neonatal rats.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Caspase 1 ; metabolism ; Cerebral Cortex ; metabolism ; pathology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain ; metabolism ; pathology ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; metabolism ; Interleukin-18 ; metabolism ; Male ; RNA, Messenger ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

To set standards for histomorphological studies on Lysimachia fortunei, an efficacious and widely applied folk medicine in this study, in order to develop its resources. Its species were identified by observing plant morphology and herbs appearance characters, preparing slices with routine methods and defining structural characters. According to the results of morphologic observation, leaves, stamen and pistil of this plant were different from the descriptions in Flora of China. The whole herb can be used in medicines, mainly including rhizomes, stems and leaves. According to the findings in the first study on microscopic structures, its rhizomes, stems and leaves were characteristic and worth identifying. The transaction tissue structures of rhizomes and stems were under developed and contained endodermis, secretory structures; Stems had sclerenchymata of different shapes of sclereids; Leaves were bifacial and had vascular bundles under midribs, which were surrounded by parenchymal sheathes. On the surface of leaves, stomata, glandular hairs and keratin lines were morphologically different in upper and lower epidermis. The herbal power had glandular hairs, sclereids and vessels. In conclusion, herbs of L. fortunei can be identified by the above histomorphological characteristics, which lays a foundation for further development and application of L. fortunei.
Medicine, Traditional ; Plant Leaves ; anatomy & histology ; growth & development ; Plant Stems ; anatomy & histology ; growth & development ; Plants, Medicinal ; anatomy & histology ; growth & development ; Primulaceae ; anatomy & histology ; growth & development

Objective To observe the changes of brain heme oxygenase-1/carbon monoxide (HO-1/CO)in neonatal rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage(HIBD)injury and investigate the role of HO-1/CO in the recovery of HIBD. Methods Eighteen 7-day-old Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group,HIBDgroup and HIBDwith zinc protoporphyrin(ZnPP)treatment group (n=6).In the latter two groups,HIBD model was established by unilateral carotid ligation followed by timed exposure to 8%oxygen. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR Was performed to determine the expression of HO-1 mRNA and thiobarbituric acid(TBA)method was used to assay malondialdehyde (MDA)contentinthe braintissue of the rats.The cell apoptosis in the brain aRer HIBD was analyzed using flow cytometry,and the blood CO concentration was detected by the absorbance at 420mn and 432 nm.Results Compared to the sham-operated group.HO-1 mRNA expression and blood CO concentration were significantly increased in HIBD group and ZnPP group (P＜0.05).The rats with ZnPP group had significantly lower HO-1 mRNA expression and blood CO concentration than those in HIBD group(P＜0.05).HIBD resultedin significantly increased MDA content and cell apoptosis rate in the rat brain as compared to those in the sham-operated group(p＜0.05),and ZnPP treatment further increased the MDA content and cell apoptosis(P＜0.05). Conclusions Increased brain HO-1 mRNA expression and blood CO concentration in neonatal rats with HIBD are probably associated with the spontaneous recovery of neural tissue injury.

Child, Preschool ; Humans ; Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic ; diagnosis ; genetics ; therapy ; Male

OBJECTIVETo clarify the origin and provide pharmacognostical evidences for the leaves of 5 species in Chloranthus.

METHODHistological observation and microscopic identification through different slice-making techniques were applied to the research.

RESULTThere were subtle differences between the histological characteristics. In microscopical identification, the different structures of vascular bundles in veins were observed, appendages and non-glandular hairs were distinct.

CONCLUSIONThe method can be used to distinguish the features of 5 species in Chloranthus. This article offers information for the further research and exploitation of Chloranthus.

Magnoliopsida ; anatomy & histology ; Pharmacognosy ; Plant Epidermis ; anatomy & histology ; Plant Leaves ; anatomy & histology ; Plant Vascular Bundle ; anatomy & histology ; Plants, Medicinal ; Species Specificity

Objective To analyze the normal anatomy of petrosal vein and the space adjacent relationship between the petrosal vein and the homolateral trigeminal nerve by balanced turbo field echo (B-TFE) Cine-MR imaging and enhanced T1 high-resolution isotropic volume excitation (e-THRIVE)imaging.Methods Forty-one patients with facial spasm and epileptiform neuralgia were selected and taken a scan with ACHIEVA NOVA DUAL A-serial 1.5T MR machine using the BTFE and e-THRIVE series.The space adjacent relationship between the petrosal vein and the trigeminal nerve in cerebellopontine angle were observed.Results The 82 sides of petrosal veins and homolateral trigeminal nerves (41 cases) were displayed well.Petrosal veins were located in cavitas subarachnoidealis,partly in free state; the number of trunk ofpetrosal vein could be 1,2,3,respectively,responding to 70 (86%),10 (12%),2 (2%).The petrosal veins located in the dorsal-lateral of trigeminal nerve were found in 74 sides (37 cases,91%,by BTFE,e-THRIVE series),the petrosal veins located in the ventri-lateral of trigeminal nerve in 6 sides (3 cases,7%,by e-THRIVE series),and the petrosal veins located in the right upon trigeminal nerve in 2 sides (1 cases,2%,by BTFE series).Conclusion B-TFE MR imaging and e-THR/VE imaging,showing the petrosal veins and trigeminal nerves clearly and evaluating their relationship accurately,can provide information of topographic anatomy before microsurgical vascular decompression.

Objective To survey the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value and fractional anisotropy (FA) value ofpontine cistern section of the trigeminal nerve, and understand the characteristics of various parameters of trigeminal nerve pontine cistern section. Methods The distances from pontine cistern section of the trifacial nerve to 0, 3, 6 and 9 mm of brain stem in 50 healthy volunteers were recorded, and fusion images of magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with B-TFE or THRIVE were achieved to improve the spatial resolution of the pontine cistern section of the trifacial nerve; their ADC value and FA value were recorded, separately. Tracing image formation was noted in the pontine cistern section of the trigeminal or trifacial nerve. Results The ADC and FA results of the left side and right flank of pontine cistern section of the trifacial nerve in these healthy volunteers were not statistically different (P＜0.05). The closer to the brain stem, the more asymmetrical tendency of distance from pontine cistern section of the trifacial nerve to 0, 3, 6 and 9 mm of brain stem between both sides. DTI indicated that the ADC values between each 2 distances from pontine cistern section of the trifacial nerve to 0, 3, 6 and 9 mum of brain stem between both sides were significantly different: the ADC values increased along with the distance elevating gradually, but rotated suddenly at the line of 6-9 mm. The FA value increased in 0-6 mm along with the distance reducing gradually, and the neighboring 2 distances had remarkably statistical difference, but the FA value no longer obviously changed from the line of 6-9 mm. Conclusion DTI can distinguish the two-sided trigeminal nerve brain pond section clearly, and may realize each item of DTI. Regular changes are noted in FA and ADC values along with the different distances from pontine cistern section of the trifacial nerve to 0, 3, 6 and 9 mm of brain stem,indicating that DTI enjoys perspective in being clear about the discrimination of cranial nerve CNS section, the change-over portion and the PNS section, and in detecting the cranial nerve vascular compression.

Objective To investigate the effects of Matrine on Akt protein expression in the myocardial tissue in mice with viral myocarditis(VMC) and to approach Matrine's protective mechanism.Methods Four-week-old healthy male Balb/c mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with 0.2ml of 100TCID50 Coxsackie virus B3(CVB3) every day(the.total is for 3 days) to construct VMC animal model. A total of 120 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups:Matrine treatment groups including high does(80 mg/kg), midst does (40 mg/kg) , lower does (20 mg/kg); Ribavirin group; virus group and control group.The medicine treatment groups were injected intraperitoneally with equal volume solution starting from 60minutes after CVB3 were inoculated in the last time, the total days of administering medicine is for10 days.And control group were injected with 0.2ml of 0.9% sodium chloride instead of medicine. Six animals were killed in the 5th and the 10th day after administering medicine in each group for determination apoptosis (by Tunel method). Protein expression of Phospho-AktSer-473 were detected in the 10th day after treatment (by immunohistochemistry and Western Blot respectively). Results Compared with control group, apoptotic cells in virus group were increased (P＜0.05). The groups of Matrine treatment can significantly decrease apoptosis of myocardial tissue of VMC animals, and Matrine(40 mg/kg) can significantly increase phosphorylation of Aktser-473 in the myocardial tissue as compared with virus group. Conclusion Matrine can reduce myocardium apoptosis of VMC animals by promoting phosphorylation of AktSer-473 in the myocardial tissue to provides concrete protection against CVB3 infection.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the correlation between the perfusion data and microvessel density (MVD) in ovarian tumors, and investigate the hemodynamic features of the tumors in terms of anatomy and functional CT imaging.

METHODSSix patients with surgically confirmed benign ovarian tumors and 6 with malignant ovarian tumors underwent multi-slice CT perfusion imaging to acquire the perfusion parameters including perfusion, PEI, TTP, BV peak enhancement image(PEI), time to peak(TTP) and blood volume(BV). The tumors were stained and counted by Immunohistochemical staining of the microvessels in the tumor was performed to detect the MVD.

RESULTSs The time-density curves of the benign ovarian tumors increased slowly, reaching the peak at 40 s; the curves of the malignant tumors rose rapidly and continuously and reached the peak at 25 s. The differences in the perfusion data (PEI, TTP, BV) were statistically significant between the benign and malignant tumors (P<0.05). The MVD of the malignant tumors was significantly greater than that of the benign tumors (P<0.05). The mean BV of the malignant ovarian tumor was positively correlated to MVD (r=0.786, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONMulti-slice spiral CT perfusion imaging can provide accurate enhancement data of the ovarian tumors and helps in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the ovarian tumors by presenting the changes of the hemodynamic features in the tumors.

Adult ; Aged ; Capillaries ; pathology ; Cystadenocarcinoma ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Fibroma ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; methods

OBJECTIVETo investigate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the atypical leiomyoma in the female reproductive system in comparison with the pathological features of the neoplasms.

METHODSA retrospective analysis of the MRI findings and the pathological features was conducted in 24 cases of atypical leiomyoma involving the female reproductive system.

RESULTSAtypical leiomyomas were displayed by MRI as solid tumor mass surrounded by cystic degeneration, pseudotumors, or solid mass with homogeneous signal intensity. Intrauterine lesions were found in 19 cases, involving the subserosal layer (n=11), intramural region (n=4), broad ligament (n=3), cervix (n=2), submucous layer (n=2), vagina (n=1), and the ovary (n=1). Except for two cases with submucous lesions shown as solid mass, all the cases had lesions appearing as solid cystic mass, whose solid part showed hypo or isointense signals on T1WI and moderate hyperintense signals on T2WI, with heterogeneous enhancement after contrast agent injection. Tumor cell and interstitial cell swelling, vascular hyalinosis, hyalinosis, myxoedema, cystic degeneration, and hemorrhage were found in the lesions.

CONCLUSIONLeiomyoma can occur at almost any site in the female reproductive system, and atypical leiomyoma usually are shown as solid cystic mixed mass in the pelvic cavity. Evaluation of the relationship between the solid mass and cystic portion and observation for the presence of low signal on T2WI may help in the diagnosis of atypical leiomyoma.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Genital Neoplasms, Female ; pathology ; Humans ; Leiomyoma ; pathology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Uterine Neoplasms ; pathology ; Young Adult