Objective:To examine the expression of nitric oxide synthase(NOS),the content of nitric oxide and blood flow in nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis guinea pigs,so as to further investigate the mechanism of allergic rhinitis.Methods:One hundred and twenty guinea pigs were randomly divided into control group(injected with normal saline)and allergic group(nasal challenge with egg albumin).The guinea pigs were executed before and immediately,24,48,72 h after the last nasal challenge;the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS)and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)and the content of nitric oxide were examined in mucosa tissues.The blood flow in the nasal mucosa was determined in animals before execution.Linear regression correlation was used to analyze the relationship between the nitric oxide content and blood flow in nasal mucosa.Results:The immunostaining for iNOS in surface epithelium of allergic rhinitis guinea pigs was markedly stronger than that of normal guinea pigs at all time points(P

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of intracerebral transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) derived from human umbilical cord blood(UCB) on hypoxic-ischemic brain damage(HIBD) in neonatal rat.Methods Twenty samples of human UCB were collected from healthy full-term newborns.MSCs were isolated from human UCB by density gradient centrifugation and purified by adhere cell selection method.For transplantation,P3 human UCB-derived MSCs were labeled by the 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU).Thirty SD rats of 7 d were built for neonatal HIBD model.One rat died and others were divided into transplant group(n=18) and control group(n=11).At the third day after building models,human UCB-derived MSCs were injected into left cortex in transplant group,while PBS of the same volume was injected into the same site in control group at the same time.The seventh day after transplantation,6 rats of transplant group were sacrificed to prepare brain tissue sections.The survival,migration and differentiation of the transplanted cells were investigated by brain tissue immunohistochemical analysis,and nervous function of 2 groups were evaluated by modified neurological severity score(mNSS) on the first,7th,14th,21th and 28th day after transplantation.Results MSCs were isolated from 5 of 20 human UCB samples.Immunocytochemical analysis of brain tissue showed that the transplanted human UCB-derived MSCs could survive and migrate around by the center of transplant site.There were (12.67?2.73)% of MSCs differentiated into astrocyte-like cells.mNSS showed that the score of transplant group was lower than that of control group on the first,7th,14th,21th and 28th day,and the differences of score points between 2 groups on the 14th,21th and 28thday were statistically significant(Pa

OBJECTIVETo explore a new technique for repair of alveolar cleft by sutural distraction osteogenesis.

METHODSNine 8-weeks mongrel dogs were used in this study, three being in the control group, six in the experimental group. Alveolar cleft model was created surgically in all animals. Two weeks later, a U-shaped distractor made of Ni-Ti memory alloy wire was insterted into the premaxilla to distract the mid-premaxillary suture. When the premaxilla of the cleft side approached the ipsilateral maxilla, periosteoplasty of the alveolar cleft was performed. The distractor was removed at two weeks after periosteoplasty. The results were evaluated clinically, radiographically, morphologically and histologically.

RESULTSThe cleft model in dogs was stable and similar to the human alveolar cleft. In experimental dogs, the premaxilla was moved gradually toward the maxilla so that the cleft was closed. The distracted mid-premaxillary suture showed a gradually widened traingle, with its tip being posterior. The density of the distracted traingle suture was increased gradually. Bony repair was achieved completely at the cleft three months post-periosteoplasy. The morphology of the mid-premaxillary suture was restored.

CONCLUSIONThe alveolar cleft could be repaired by the technique of mid-premaxilla suture distraction.

Alveoloplasty ; methods ; Animals ; Dogs ; Maxilla ; surgery ; Models, Animal ; Osteogenesis, Distraction ; methods

Despite a few genes that do not encode ion channels have been identified as implicating some kinds of human idiopathic epilepsies(IE) in recent years, but genetic discoveries have shown the ion channels to play a central role in genetic pathomechanism of IE. The gene mutations of ion channels are a common cause of some rare monogenic IE which could be so-called as channelopathies, and able to be applied to account for the questioned epileptic syndrome to minority of families and sporadic cases. However, more frustrating has been from the genetic research on more common IE with complex inheritance due to the unknown mode of inheritance, the phenotypic heterogeneity and the uncertainty of genetic overlap among syndrome subtypes, which have limited gene mapping. Absence epilepsy is a kind of common IE subtype and shows a complex way to inherit. Evidences from heredity investigation indicate that eleven genes are correlated with absence epilepsy, of which four encode the neuronal calcium channel subunits. Therefore, calcium channel genes may be considered as important candidates for involving in absence epilepsy. To focus the genetics research on calcium channel genes of absence epilepsy may be opening an optimal gate to the pathogenetic study of more common IE with complex inheritance, and benefit to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of absence epilepsy finally, one of the more common IE subtypes with complex inheritance.
Calcium ; metabolism ; Calcium Channels ; genetics ; physiology ; Epilepsy, Absence ; genetics ; physiopathology ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; genetics ; Humans ; Models, Biological

The primary object of this fundamental research was to survey the synergistic cardiovascular effects of iptakalim, a novel ATP-sensitive potassium channel (K(ATP)) opener, and clinical first-line antihypertensive drugs, such as calcium antagonists, thiazide diuretics and β receptor blockers by a 2 x 2 factorial-design experiment. It would provide a theoretical basis for the development of new combined antihypertensive therapy program after iptakalim is applied to the clinic. Amlodipine besylate, hydrochlorothiazide and propranolol were chosen as clinical first-line antihypertensive drugs. Blood pressure, heart rate (HR) and cardiac functions were observed in anesthetized normal rats by an eight-channel physiological recorder. The results showed that iptakalim monotherapy in a low dose could produce significant antihypertensive effect. There was no interaction between iptakalim and amlodipine on the maximal changes of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), the left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), and the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) (P > 0.05). However, the effects of combination iptakalim/amlodipine on the maximal changes of SBP, DBP, MABP, LVSP and LVEDP were more obvious than those of iptakalim or amlodipine monotherapy. And there was strong positive interaction between iptakalim and amlodipine on the maximal changes of HR (P>0.05). According to the maximal changes of DBP, MABP, LVSP and LVEDP (P < 0.05) of combination iptakalim with hydrochlorothiazide, there was strong positive interaction between them. But there was no interaction between iptakalim and hydrochlorothiazide on the maximal drop of SBP and HR (P > 0.05). According to the maximal drops of DBP, MABP of combination iptakalim with propranolol, there was strong positive interaction between them (P < 0.05). But there was no interaction between iptakalim and propranolol on the maximal changes of SBP, LVSP, LVEDP and HR (P > 0.05). In conclusion, it was the first time to study the effects of amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide or propranolol, which had different mechanisms of action from iptakalim, on cardiovascular effects of iptakalim in anesthetized normal rats. This study proved that the combination of iptakalim with hydrochlorothiazide or propranolol respectively had significant synergism on lowering blood pressure, while the combination of iptakalim/amlodipine had additive action on lowering blood pressure. Meanwhile the antihypertensive effect was explicit, stable and long-lasting. Iptakalim thus appears suitable for the clinical treatment of hypertensive people who need two or more kinds of antihypertensive agents.
Amlodipine ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Antihypertensive Agents ; pharmacology ; Blood Pressure ; drug effects ; Drug Synergism ; Heart Rate ; Hydrochlorothiazide ; pharmacology ; Hypertension ; Propranolol ; pharmacology ; Propylamines ; pharmacology ; Rats

OBJECTIVETo probe the possibility of a new technique of primary cleft palate repair by sutural distraction osteogenesis.

METHODSThe distractor was made of TiNi-shape memory alloy with 2 secure and 2 active arms. Under general anesthesia, 1 hole was drilled on each maxillary process and horizontal plate of palatine. The four arms of the distractor were inserted into holes. The palatine bones would then be distracted and moved medially and posteriorly. After 4 to 5 months' distraction, the two cleft edges approached gradually. The residual cleft, according to its width, was repaired by direct stitch of muco-periosteum incised at cleft edges, or with an additional relaxing incision on one side of the palate. Direct measurement of width of maxillary arch and the cleft, and the length of the hard palate was performed before and after distraction to evaluate the effects of distraction.

RESULTSEight cleft children at their 2 to 4 years of age were treated by the new technique. Two of them terminated the procedure due to premature dislocation of the distractor. Six children underwent 37 to 126 days' distraction. Dramatic narrowing of the cleft and lengthening of hard palate were seen in these children, with the average narrowing of the cleft being 6.5 mm and average lengthening of the hard palate being 4.8 mm.

CONCLUSIONIt is clinically demonstrated that palatal tissue regeneration and cleft closure or narrowing and hard palate lengthening could be achieved by the technique of sutural distraction osteogenesis.

Child, Preschool ; Cleft Palate ; surgery ; Humans ; Maxilla ; Osteogenesis, Distraction ; instrumentation ; methods ; Palate, Hard ; surgery ; Suture Techniques ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo probe the feasibility of a new technique of sutural distraction osteogenesis for midface hypoplasia repair.

METHODSA protraction system was developed, which consisted of three parts: a rigid external framework, a bone hook, and the elastic band. Four 12-week mongreal dogs were randomly assigned into two groups: the control (n = 1) and the experimental groups (n = 3). Four pairs of titanium bone markers were fixed on either side of the bone sutures of all animals. The experimental group was fitted with a distraction device, through which a forward elastic force was exerted for 1 month. Clinical observations and X-ray examinations were performed at the beginning and the end of distraction. New bone specimens were examined histologically.

RESULTSAll the animals in the experimental group showed progressively forward movement of the maxilla and manifested class II occlusion at the end of the experiment. The distance increase between each pair of bone markers showed that premaxilla advancement was more than that of the maxilla. The next was zygoma. There was no obvious difference between the control and the experimental group in terms of the basilar-maxillary angle and counterclockwise rotation. Theer was active osteogenesis in the sutures, especially in premaxilla-maxillary sutures. The number of osteoblasts and fibroblasts increased dramatically and new bone formation was found at the edge of the suture.

CONCLUSIONThis technique can create effective advancement of the maxilla. The direct force can avoid counterclockwise rotation of the maxilla during distraction.

Animals ; Dogs ; Maxilla ; abnormalities ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Osteogenesis, Distraction ; methods ; Radiography ; Random Allocation ; Suture Techniques

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Delta-like 1 (Dll1) in differentiation and antigen pre-sensation of mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs). In the presence of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin 4 (IL-4), mouse bone marrow cells were co-cultured with OP9-Dll1 and OP9-GFP cell lines respectively. After 8 days, the immature DCs were stimulated with tumor antigen. The surface molecules of the activated DCs including MHC II, CD80 and CD86 were analyzed by flow cytometry. Levels of IL-12 and IL-10 in the culture supernatant were detected by ELISA. In addition, the proliferation of T-cells co-cultured with DCs was analyzed by FACS through mixed T-lymphocyte reaction. The results showed that compared with OP9-GFP, the bone marrow cells co-cultured with OP9-Dll1 produced significantly more CD11c(+) DCs (p < 0.05), and possessed higher levels of surface molecule expression including MHC II, CD80 and CD86 after tumor antigen stimulation. The DCs secreted higher level of IL-12 (p < 0.05) and less IL-10 (p < 0.01). They also resulted in significantly stronger T-cell proliferation response. It is concluded that Dll1 can promote the differentiation of DCs from mouse bone marrow cells and enhance their antigen presentation capacity.
Animals ; Antigen Presentation ; immunology ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cell Differentiation ; immunology ; Cells, Cultured ; Dendritic Cells ; cytology ; immunology ; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ; pharmacology ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; metabolism ; Interleukin-4 ; pharmacology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic advantage of the ratio of ligamentum flavum(LF) thickness to oblique canal diameter(TODR)measured on CT images in patients with lumbar canal stenosis. Methods Seventy-one patients underwent CT and MRI examinations respectively,and they were divided into two groups,the positive group and negative group,according to the presence or absence of dural sac notch caused by the LF on bilateral parasagittal MR images.Meanwhile,50 volunteers without any symptom in the lumbar region or legs were examined by CT.TODRs were measured at the L3—S1 levels of the inferior margin of the intervertebral disc on transverse CT images,respectively.The results were further analyzed with the positive findings on MR images,clinical symptoms and physical examination,so as to find out the statistical correlation between them.Results LF thickness was(3.01?0.72)mm and TODR was 0.19?0.04 in the negative group,(3.94?0.84)mm and 0.28+0.06 in the positive group,and(3.16? 0.85)mm and 0.19?0.04 in the control group.There was significant difference between positive group and negative group or control group for LF thickness(P0.24, the sensitivity,specificity and positive predictive value were 74.8%,89.6% and 73.6% respectively. Positive correlation existed between LF thickness or TODR and clinical symptom(r=0.72,0.86,P

OBJECTTo investigate the therapeutic effect of microencapsulated porcine retinal pigmented epithelial cells (RPE-M) transplantation on rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD).

METHODSPrimary porcine RPE cells were harvested by enzyme digestion and expanded in culture medium. Determine the levels of dopamine (DA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) by high performance liquid chromatography electrochemical (HPLC) assay, and the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) were detected by ELISA. Alginate-polylysine-alginate (APA) microencapsulated cells were produced by using a high voltage electrostatic system. PD rat model was established by unilateral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the medial forebrain bundle (MFB). After that, the RPE-M was transplanted into the corpus striatum of PD rat, and then the rotation test scores were recorded and biochemical changes of the corpus striatum were tested.

RESULTSThe levels of DA, HVA, BDNF and GDNF secreted by RPE were stable in the RPE culture supernatant and were not changed by the microencapsulation. Eighty-three percent rats developed PD by unilateral lesion of 6-OHDA in the MFB. The RPE-M transplantation had therapeutic effect on 33% PD rats.

CONCLUSIONPorcine RPE cells grow actively in vitro and could secrete DA, HVA, BDNF, and GDNF constantly, which does not be affected by the passage culture and the APA miroencapsulation. RPE-M transplantation of may be a curative therapy for PD.

Adrenergic Agents ; toxicity ; Animals ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; metabolism ; Cell Transplantation ; methods ; Cells, Cultured ; Disease Models, Animal ; Dopamine ; metabolism ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Epithelial Cells ; metabolism ; transplantation ; Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; metabolism ; Male ; Oxidopamine ; toxicity ; Parkinson Disease ; etiology ; surgery ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Retina ; cytology ; Swine ; anatomy & histology ; Time Factors ; Transplantation, Heterologous ; methods ; Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase ; metabolism