It is well documented that vascular tone is the key determinant of blood vessel resistance and blood flow. But vascular tone could be regulated by modulating the activity of potassium channel directly. Potassium channel openers promote vasodilation by inhibiting the activity of voltage dependent calcium channels and reducing Ca 2+ influx. In this case, inhibition results from membrane hyperpolarisation, which arises due to the stimulation of K + efflux through smooth muscle K + channels. While K + channels are blocked, vasoconstriction could be observed as a result of membrane depolarization, which opens voltage dependent calcium channels. The influx of Ca 2+ can promote smooth muscle contraction by making myosin light chain phosphorylation and arising thick myofilament and thin myofilament relative movements. In this article, the gene structure, current character, Pharmacological and physiological effects of the four subtypes potassium channels are reviewed.

BACKGROUND: Agmatine can enhance the analgesic effect of morphine,and antagonize the tolerant and dependent effect of morphine.OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of injecting agmatine on the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in hippocampus of morphine withdrawal rats.DESIGN: A randomized controlled experimental study.SETTING: Department of Anesthesiology, the General Hospital of Chinese PLA.MATERIALS: All the experiments were carried out in the Department of anesthesiology, the General Hospital of Chinese PLA between April and July 2004. Eighteen healthy SD rats were randomly divided into saline control group (n=6), morphine group (n=6) and agmatine-treated group (n=6).METHODS: The rats in the saline control group were treated with subcutaneous injection of physiological saline (10 mg/kg), those in the morphine group were treated with 5-day preconditioning, subcutaneous injection of morphine of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/kg respectively, twice a day, and those in the agmatine-treated group were treated with subcutaneous injection of agmatine (10 mg/kg) at 30 minutes before morphine was given, but at 6 hours later, before morphine was given for the last time, the rats in the morphine group and agmatine treated group were also given intraperitoneal injection of naloxone (5 mg/kg) to induce morphine withdrawal symptoms.The number of times of the morphine withdrawal symptoms (including physical signs of trembling like a wet dog, chewing, irrigating, drooling, diarrhoea, etc.) were recorded within 1 hour, and the reduction of body mass was calculated according to the different value of body mass before and after the withdrawal symptoms induced by naloxone. The rats were killed under anesthesia after praxiological detection, and then hippocampus was taken out and made into frozen sections, and the nNOS was detected with immunohistochemical staining. The CMIAS systemwas applied for imaging analysis, and the average value of the integral absorbance (A) values in 5visual sights for each section was taken as the integral A value of positive neuron.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ① The detected results of morphine withdrawal symptoms in each group; ② The changes of the nNOS expressions in hippocampus of rats in each group.RESULTS: All the 18 rats were involved in the analysis of results. ① The detected results of morphine withdrawal symptoms in each group: The withdrawal symptoms of trembling like a wet dog, chewing, irrigating, drooling,diarrhoea and reduction of body mass in the agmatine treated group were all obviously lower than those in the morphine group [(2.0±1.3), (5.0±1.1);(0.3±0.4), (1.8±0.7); (3.2±1.2), (6.8±3.1); (0.2±0.4), (1.2±0.9); (2.7±2.1),(6.7±2.1); (6.0±3.0), (12.8±2.7) times, P ＜ 0.01], and close to those in the saline control group (P ＞ 0.05). ② The changes of the nNOS expressions in hippocampus of rats in each group: The positive neurons of nNOS in hippocampus mainly distributed in CA1 region, the cytoplasm was stained buffy, and the round nuclei were stained pale purple by haematine. The immunofluorescent A value of positive neuron in the agmatine-treated group was significantly decreased as compared with that in the morphine group (24.32±8.31, 50.82±15.13, P＜ 0.01), and almost the same as that in the saline control group (24.32±8.31, 15.24±1.88, P ＞ 0.05).CONCLUSION: Agmatine can inhibit the morphine withdrawal syndrome and decrease the expression of nNOS in hippocampus CA1 region of morphine-withdrawal rats. Hippocampal nitric oxide pathway takes part in the inhibitory effect of agmatine on morphine withdrawal syndrome.

OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy between the reducing technique with consciousness conduction involved and the reducing technique by needle rotation of acupuncture in the treatment of lunbar strain of cold damp pattern.

METHODSOne hundred and eight patients were randomized into group A and group B, 54 cases in each one. Ashi points were the main points in the two groups. In the group A, the reducing technique with consciousness conduction involved was applied to ashi points. In the group B, the reducing technique with needle rotation was adopted. Cupping and the irradiation specific electromagnetic wave apparatus (TDP) were used in the two groups as the adjuvant therapy. The treatment was given once every two days, and 10 treatments made one session. The treatment stopped till pain disappeared. The efficacy was evaluated in 1 session of treatment. The numerical rating scale (NRS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) were observed before and at the end of treatment. NRS of acupuncture itself was observed at the end of treatment. The recurrence rate was compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThe curative and remarkably effective rate was 87.0% (47/54) in the group A, better than 63.0% (34/54) in the group B (P < 0.01). After treatment, NRS and ODI scores were all reduced as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (both P < 0.01). The results in the group A were better than those in the group B (both P < 0.01). Three months after treatment, the recurrence rate was 3.8% (2/52) in the group A, better than 17.7% (9/51, P < 0.05) in the group B. Pain induced by acupuncture itself was mild in the two groups and NRS score in the group A was lower than that in the group B (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture with the consciousness conduction involved is superior to the reducing technique with needle rotation in the treatment of lumbar strain of cold damp pattern, in which, pain induced by acupuncture itself is much milder than that induced by the reducing technique with needle rotation.

Acupuncture Therapy ; methods ; psychology ; Adult ; Aged ; Back Muscles ; injuries ; Consciousness ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myalgia ; therapy ; Sprains and Strains ; therapy ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) concentrations in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO),and their neuroprotective effects.Methods Sixty-two patients (49 patients were MS and 13 patients were NMO) and 21 controls were investigated in our studies.The disability severity in MS and NMO patients in their relapse period was assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).MRI scanning of brain,spinal cord or optic nerve was examined and the oligoclonal band in serum and CSF were detected.BDNF and GDNF concentrations in serum and CSF were assessed by Liquid Assay.Results There were no significant differences of BDNF (μg/L,5.616±0.650 in serum and 0.186±0.012 in CSF of MS patients;6.584±0.929 in serum and 0.176± 0.006 in CSF of NMO patients) and GDNF (μg/L,0.039 in serum and 0.080 in CSF of MS patients;0.029 in serum and 0.050 in CSF of NMO patients) concentrations in serum and CSF in patients with MS and NMO in relapse,compared with those in controls.There was a positive correlation between BDNF and GDNF concentrations in CSF (r=0.756,P=0.000),and a negative correlation between BDNF and GDNF concentrations in serum (r=-0.329,P=0.018).There were no correlations of BDNF and GDNF concentrations in serum and CSF with EDSS,blood brain barrier index,Delpech index and Tourtellotte synthesis rate.There were no significant differences of BDNF and GDNF concentration in serum and CSF between NMO/MS patients with and without atrophy.Conclusions The level of BDNF in patients with MS and NMO is correlated with that of GDNF,which may have a synergistic neurotrophic effect on MS and NMO.BDNF and GDNF are not associated with the blood-brain harrier destruction and lgG synthesis in central nervous system.However,associations of BDNF and GDNF with functional disability and neuron atrophy in NMO and MS patients still need further studies.

Objective To evaluate the biomechanical effect of horizontal, vertical, and cruciate suture repairs and partial meniscectomy on contact mechanics. Methods Control group (complete meniscus), buckethandletear group and suture repaired group were recorded. The contact map of the control group was firstly recorded; simulated bucket handle medial meniscal tears were then created. Tears were treated with 1 of 3 suture repair techniques or partial meniscectomy. The 24 samples were treated randomly and thus there were 6 samples evaluated for every operation method. Instantaneous contact area (CA), mean contact pressure (MCP), and peak contact pressure (PCP) measurements were recorded with a pressure sensing system. CA, MCP, and PCP for intact stifles (control), stifles with simulated tears, and stifles after treatment were recorded and compared using 1-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results Stifleswithbuckethandletearshadsignificantlydecreased CA, increased MCP and increased PCP when compared with control group. All meniscal repair techniques reestablished normal contact mechanics. When comparing meniscal repair and partial meniscectomy, stifles with partial meniscectomy had lower CA, higher MCP and PCP than stifles undergoing repair (P = 0.851 and 0.987, respectively). Conclusions Contact mechanics obtained from each repair technique were mechanically superior to partial meniscectomy. Performing meniscal repair instead of partial meniscectomy with select meniscal tears may mitigate the development of degenerative joint disease.

BACKGROUND:Failure of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction can be caused by multiple factors, which requires a revision surgery. However, there are few studies about the revision of anterior cruciate ligament. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the primary cause, indication, methods and effectiveness of revision after the failure of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. METHODS: Thirty patients with instability undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions were subjected to revision under arthroscopy. After revision, a systemic analysis was performed based on KT-2000 examination, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scale, Lysholm and Tegner scores. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Of the 30 cases, 9 cases were reconstructed with bone-patelar tendon-bone autograft, 14 cases with hamstring tendon autograft, 7 cases with hamstring tendon alograft. Twelve cases had a femoral tunnel in the front of the predicted one, 1 case had knee stiffness, 8 cases had a tibial tunnel in the front of the predicted one, and 8 cases had both the femoral and tibial tunnels in the front of the predicted ones. One case had a malposited interference screw which reconstructed with bone-patelar tendon-bone autograft; one case complicated by posteromedial corner injury was not reconstructed. The reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament was absolutely ruptured and absorbed in 12 cases, and 18 cases had obviously loosen but stil partly linked reconstructed ligament. None had severe incompletion of spongy bone. Al cases received primary revision. Ten cases reconstructed with ipsilateral hamstring tendon, 14 cases reconstructed with contralateral hamstring tendon, and 6 cases with LARS ligament. The mean side-to-side difference of KT-2000 examination at 90° and 30°, the mean IKDC, Tegner and Lysholm scores were significantly improved after revision. There were many reasons leading to failure of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, such as malposition of the bone tunnel, invalid fixation, adhesion, compound ligament injuries, and ankylosis. The functional results and objective stability could be obtained through revision folowing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND:Periprosthetic joint infection is a complication that is difficult to deal with after joint arthroplasty. Early diagnosis is the key to treatment. To find a fast response, high-sensitivity and high-specificity molecular biomarker can significantly optimize the diagnosis process of periprosthetic joint infection. OBJECTIVE:To monitor blood procalcitonin, interleukin-6 and lipopolysaccharide binding protein levels, to compare with blood leukocyte count and C-reactive protein levels, to identify above indexes, and to distinguish sensitivity and specificity of periprosthetic joint infection. METHODS: A total of 81 patients with pain after arthroplasty who were treated in Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical Colege from January 2008 to December 2013 were enroled in this study. The repair surgery of al patients was divided into two stages. In the first stage, complete debridement and the instalation of temporary occupancy device were conducted. After 3 months averagely, two-phase reconstruction was performed. At 1 day before surgery, venous blood was colected. Calcitonin, interleukin 6, lipopolysaccharide binding protein, leukocyte count and C- reactive protein levels were detected. During the operation, synovial membrane and sample of false envelope around the prosthesis were colected. Bacterial and histological examinations were performed. The sensitivity and specificity were calculated using receiver operating characteristic curve.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: One-way analysis of variance results showed that the receiver operating characteristic curve of lipopolysaccharide binding protein was bigger, 0.962; 95 confidence interval 0.924-1.000. Diagnostic value was optimal, and the critical value was 23.5 μg/L. These data suggested that when lipopolysaccharide binding protein exceeded 23.5 μg/L before surgery, periprosthetic joint infection would be identified. The receiver operating characteristic curve of C-reactive protein was 0.871. The receiver operating characteristic curve of leukocytes was close to 0.5. The diagnostic value of leukocyte count on periprosthetic joint infection was not great. These findings indicate that lipopolysaccharide binding protein has good application prospect in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection after joint replacement, and shows high positive predictive rate and negative predictive rate of periprosthetic joint infection.

By analyzing the acupuncture taboos in Neijing (Internal Classic) on clinical application of mind conduction of acupuncture therapy in going against the actual situation, astronomy and others, it is found that the relevant acupuncture taboo implies many subtle mysteries of human body, qi, mind and astronomy, which have not been discovered yet in modern science and are very significant in qi protection. In Neijing, the acupuncture physicians have been highly required in the mind treatment, in which, accurately regulating qi circulation is the target in the treatment. The mind conduction is used for qi circulation to accomplish accurately the reinforcing or reducing in the deficiency or excess condition. All of the taboos are provided to normalize the accuracy of reinforcing and reducing technique of acupuncture therapy and avoid the damage of qi in human body. Hence, those taboos must be obeyed so as to prevent from serious consequence and ensure the safety of this acupuncture therapy.
Acupuncture Therapy ; history ; psychology ; Books ; history ; China ; History, Ancient ; Humans ; Medicine in Literature ; Mind-Body Therapies ; history ; psychology

By analyzing the articles in Huangdi Neijing (Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor), combined with the verification of consciousness in vitro in clinic and modern science, it is found Huangdi Neijing has made special requirements of treating spirit for physicians using spirit-qi acupuncture. The physicians consciously use different methods to motivate the spirit of physician and patients, especially patients, to transform it to the physiological effect of patients, which could minimize the psychological factors that make negative influence on treatment; also the psychotherapy is considered as the most important principle of treating spirit. The reinforcing and reducing methods in later generations, mainly lifting-thrusting twirling method, unintentionally lead patients into a basic or strong status of treating spirit or keeping spirit during the process of achieving stimulation and needle sensation. To partially perform the special role of treating spirit for physicians in Huangdi Neijing on patients could cause the chages including patient-based using spirit to move qi. It not only inspires the body's natural resistance to disease and self-healing, but also motivates the self-protection mechanism of keeping spirit.
Acupuncture Therapy ; history ; instrumentation ; methods ; Books ; history ; China ; History, Ancient ; Humans ; Medicine in Literature ; Needles ; Qi

AIM To investigate the effects of the novel antihypertensive drug iptakalim hydrochloride on potassium currents in artery smooth muscle cells. METHODS The effects of iptakalim hydrochloride on potassium currents in smooth muscle cells derived from rat pulmonary arteries were observed by using patch clamp technique(whole cell recording) after application of the drug in the bath. RESULTS The potassium current-voltage curves ( I-U curves) of smooth muscle cells derived from normotensive rat pulmonary arteries were up-ward shifted by iptakalim hydrochloride(0.1,1,10 and 100 ?mol?L -1 ). Within 5 minutes after application of the drug, the current amplitude could increase to[(118.6?15.9)%, P