虾青素通过TGF-β1介导的Smads/ERK通路抑制肺纤维化

目的 研究虾青素(astaxanthin,AX)对博莱霉素(bleomycin,BLM)所致SD大鼠肺纤维化的干预作用及机制.方法 SD雄性大鼠32只,体质量(200±20)g,采用随机数字表法分为Sham组(假手术组)、AX组、BLM组和AX+ BLM组.经气道注入5 mg/kg的BLM(BLM组和AX+ BLM组)或生理盐水(Sham组)后,每天灌服虾青素(2 mg/kg)油溶液(AX组和AX+ BLM组)或植物油(BLM组)连续14 d,最后一次给药24 h后取材.检测肺系数,肺组织进行HE染色及Masson染色,显微镜下观察大鼠肺部炎症及纤维化程度;碱水解法检测羟脯氨酸含量;免疫组化法观察肺组织α-SMA蛋白表达情况;酶联免疫夹心法(ELISA)检测血清中TGF-β1水平;Western blot法检测Smad2/3及ERK1/2蛋白.结果 与Sham组及AX组相比,BLM组肺损伤严重,有明显的肺纤维化病灶形成;与BLM组比较,AX+BLM组肺炎症程度及纤维化程度明显减轻(P＜0.01),肺组织胶原蛋白沉积减少,羟脯氨酸含量明显降低(P＜0.01),α-SMA蛋白表达减少,TGF-β1水平也明显降低(P＜0.05),同时Smad2/3蛋白及ERK1/2蛋白磷酸化水平明显下降.结论 虾青素能明显抑制BLM诱导的肺纤维化,其作用机制可能与降低TGF-β1水平,从而下调Smads/ERK通路有关.     

TGF-β3在小鼠放射性肺纤维化中的作用研究

目的观察经60 Coγ射线全胸照射后小鼠肺脏的改变,探究转化生长因子-β3(TGF-β3)在小鼠放射性肺纤维化中的作用。方法180只C57BL/6雌性小鼠随机分为对照组、照射组和TGF-β3组。照射组和TGF-β3组经60 Co γ射线单次全胸照射,照射后每周分别腹腔注射0.5 ml 0.9%生理盐水和TGF-β3(1μg/kg)一次。于照射后3、7、14 d和1、3、6个月活杀,肺脏经HE和天狼星红染色观察病理,检测小鼠肺内循环纤维细胞( CF)的数量。结果建立小鼠放射性肺纤维化模型。照射后6个月时,TGF-β3组肺脏见点状实变,部分成纤维细胞增生,少量胶原纤维沉积。照射后14 d到6个月,照射组肺脏 CF 数量比对照组明显增加( P <0.05)。照射后1个月时,TGF-β3组肺脏CF数量比照射组明显减少( P<0.05)。结论 TGF-β3使CF在肺内的聚集明显减少,其可能在延缓肺纤维化发生过程中发挥重要作用。     

表没食子儿茶素没食子酸酯对博莱霉素致小鼠肺纤维化的干预作用及其机制探讨

目的探讨表没食子儿茶素没食子酸酯（EGCG）对博莱霉素（BLM）所致小鼠肺纤维化的干预作用及其相关机制。方法 32只昆明种小鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组、EGCG治疗组和醋酸泼尼松阳性对照组,每组8只。采用气管内注射博莱霉素复制小鼠肺纤维化模型。造模后,治疗组分别灌服相应的受试药物,假手术组和模型组灌服等量的生理盐水。28d后观察肺组织肺系数、羟脯氨酸（HYP）含量、丙二醛（MDA）和谷胱甘肽（GSH）含量的变化;取固定部位肺组织做病理组织学检查;免疫组织化学技术测定肺组织中α平滑肌肌动蛋白（α-SMA）、转化生长因子-β1（TGF-β1）和I型胶原（ColⅠ）蛋白的表达。结果给药治疗28d后,EGCG能明显降低肺系数（P〈0.01）、肺组织HYP含量（P〈0.01）和MDA含量（P〈0.05）,明显升高肺组织中GSH含量（P〈0.01）;病理组织学检查结果显示,EGCG组肺组织肺泡炎程度和肺组织纤维化程度明显减轻（P〈0.01,P〈0.05）;EGCG能明显抑制肺组织中α-SMA、TGF-β1和ColⅠ蛋白的表达（P〈0.01）。结论 EGCG对博莱霉素所致小鼠肺纤维化具有一定的干预作用,其机制可能与抗氧化作用和降低TGF-β1蛋白的表达进而抑制肺肌成纤维细胞的活化有关。     

不同剂量BMSC尾静脉输注对小鼠肺组织纤维化的影响

目的 研究经尾静脉输注不同剂量的骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSC)对小鼠肺纤维化的影响.方法 体外培养雄性转红色荧光蛋白(RFP)基因FVB小鼠BMSC.将24只FVB雌性受体小鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、BMSC治疗1组(BMSC 1组)和BMSC治疗2组(BMSC 2组)(n=6).模型组、BMSC 1组和BMSC 2组小鼠分别经气管内注射博莱霉素制备肺纤维化模型.建模24 h后,BMSC 1组和BMSCs 2组小鼠分别经尾静脉注射BMSC 1×106/只和2×106/只.于建模后第21天处死所有小鼠,制备小鼠肺组织标本.光学显微镜观察病理学变化;激光共聚焦显微镜和免疫组织化学法进行RFP(+)BMSC分布观察和RFP定量分析;免疫组织化学法检测肺表面活性物质蛋白A(SP-A)表达;碱水解法测定羟脯氨酸(Hyp)含量;Real-time PCR检测转化生长因子-β(TGF-β)和血小板衍生生长因子(PDGF)mRNA表达.结果 小鼠肺组织纤维化程度,BMSC 1组较模型组显著减轻,而BMSC 2组较模型组明显加重.BMSC 2组在肺间质纤维化活跃区域可见大量RFP(+)BMSC且其形态类似成纤维细胞.SP-A表达,正常组＞BMSC 1组＞BMSC 2组和模型组(均P<0.05),而BMSC 2组与模型组比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).Hyp含量,正常组＜BMSC 1组＜模型组＜BMSC 2组(P<0.01,P<0.05);TGF-β和PDGF mRNA表达,BMSC 2组＞BMSC 1组＞模型组＞正常对照组(均P<0.05).结论 适量的BMSC尾静脉输注能有效减轻博来霉素诱导的小鼠肺纤维化,而过量的BMSC则可能使其病变加重.     

PPARγ激活剂对博莱霉素诱导小鼠肺纤维化的改善作用

  目的  探讨过氧化物酶增殖激活受体γ(PPARγ)激活剂对博莱霉素诱导的小鼠肺纤维化的改善作用及相关机制。   方法  将36只BALB/c小鼠采用随机数字表法分成对照组、模型组和PPARγ激活组,每组12只。除对照组外,其余2组小鼠气管内注射博莱霉素5 mg/kg诱导肺纤维化模型。24 h后,PPARγ激活组小鼠口服灌胃100 mg/kg剂量的罗格列酮溶液。计算肺系数;ELISA法测定肺组织中丙二醛(MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GPx)、羟脯氨酸(HYP)和转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)的含量;HE和Masson染色观察小鼠肺组织病理变化;Western blotting法检测肺组织PPARγ、PPARγ共激活因子α(PGC-1α)、核因子类胡萝卜素2相关因子(Nrf2)蛋白含量。   结果  模型组小鼠肺系数、肺组织Ashcroft评分及HYP、TGF-β1、MDA水平均显著高于对照组和PPARγ激活组(均P < 0.05)。模型组肺组织中SOD、GPx水平显著低于对照组和PPARγ激活组(均P < 0.05)。与模型组相比,PPARγ激活组小鼠肺组织PPARγ、PGC-1α、Nrf2蛋白表达量显著升高(均P < 0.05)。   结论  PPARγ激活剂可抑制博莱霉素诱导的小鼠肺纤维化过程,可能与减轻炎症反应和氧化应激有关。      

异黄酮预防紫外线照射所致小鼠皮肤损伤

目的 探讨经皮外用异黄酮霜剂对紫外线照射所致皮肤损伤的作用及机制.方法 雄性ICR小鼠随机分成4组(每组12只):对照组小鼠裸露皮肤仅接受纯基质涂布;紫外光照(UV)组、2％异黄酮组和3％异黄酮组小鼠裸露皮肤分别涂布纯基质、含2％或3％异黄酮的药物预处理15 min后,再先后接受长波紫外线(UVA,1.55 J/cm2,18 min)和中波紫外线(UVB,0.95 J/cm2,11 min)照射,制作紫外照射损伤的皮肤模型;连续7d后,取被照射部位皮肤组织行H-E染色,观察小鼠皮肤形态学和组织学变化情况,并测定小鼠皮肤组织中炎症因子白介素(IL)-1β、IL-6和肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)的含量以及脂质过氧化产物丙二醛(MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)的含量.结果 (1)UV组小鼠皮肤呈现红斑、结痂等改变,真皮层可见炎症细胞浸润,弹性纤维断裂;经2％或3％异黄酮预处理后,小鼠皮肤色泽均匀,镜下角质层无明显增厚,真皮层内胶原纤维排列较为整齐,无明显炎症细胞浸润.(2)与对照组小鼠相比,UV组小鼠皮肤组织中炎症因子IL-1β、IL-6和TNF-α的含量均增加(P＜0.05);给予异黄酮预处理能够减弱紫外线照射所致小鼠皮肤组织中IL-1β、IL-6和TNF-α含量的改变(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).(3)与对照组相比,UV组小鼠被照射皮肤组织中MDA含量增加(P＜0.05),SOD和CAT含量均降低(P＜0.05);给予对照异黄酮预处理能够减弱紫外线照射所致小鼠皮肤组织中MDA、SOD和CAT含量的改变(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).结论 异黄酮能够通过减轻小鼠皮肤组织脂质过氧化反应、氧化应激和炎症反应预防紫外线照射所致皮肤光老化损伤.     

小鼠放射性肺损伤过程中TGF-β1和TNF-α的表达变化

目的 观察放射前后肺组织中两种炎症细胞因子的表达,明确放射性肺损伤的发生发展机制.方法 35只Balb/c健康雄性小鼠,随机分为照射组(全肺单次照射12 Gy)和对照组.各组于照射后15、30和90 d终止实验.肺组织行组织病理学检查及Masson染色、免疫组织化学粢色观察TGF-β1、TNF-α表达情况.结果 照射组照射野脱毛、皮肤可见湿疹,部分有糜烂.30 d时即出现广泛胶原纤维沉积.照射后肺组织TGF-β1、TNF-α表达强度均较对照组增高,且随时间延长表达增多(P＜0.05).结论 TGF-β1和TNF-α参与了放射性肺损伤的发生发展.     

当归补血汤总苷抗大鼠肺纤维化的实验研究

目的 观察当归补血汤总苷(TGDB)对平阳霉素致大鼠肺间质纤维化模型的保护作用,探讨TGDB抗肺纤维化形成的作用机制.方法 Wistar雄性大鼠105只随机分为对照组、模型组、醋酸泼尼松组、TGDB 13 mg/(kg·d)和39 mg/(kg·d)剂量组,于给药7、14、28 d各组分别处死7只大鼠,Masson染色观察肺组织病理学变化,测定7、14、28 d时大鼠血清中谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)和肺组织中羟脯氨酸(HYP)含量,以及28 d时血清TGF-β1的水平,肺组织TGF-β1 mRNA的表达情况.结果 TGDB能减轻大鼠肺纤维化程度,提高血清中GSH-Px和SOD含量,降低MDA含量和肺组织中HYP含量,降低血清TGF-β1水平,TGF-β1 mRNA的表达下降.结论 TGDB能调节肺纤维化大鼠体内自由基水平,减轻自由基对肺组织结构的氧化损伤,并能显著降低血清TGF-β1水平,减少TGF-β1 mRNA的表达,这可能是其防治肺纤维化的作用机制之一.     

青蒿琥酯对肺纤维化大鼠肺组织转化生长因子β1的影响

目的:观察青蒿琥酯对肺纤维化大鼠肺组织转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)影响.方法:60只大鼠分为青蒿琥酯干预组、模型组及正常对照组.各组动物于造模后第7、14、21、28天分别处死5只.收集支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)和肺组织标本,光镜下行BALF中炎性细胞计数和分类,测定肺组织匀浆中TGF-β1和羟脯氨酸(HYP) 的浓度;通过HE染色、Masson染色观察肺组织形态的变化.结果:①BALF中白细胞总数、巨噬细胞和淋巴细胞比例在第7、14天模型组高于对照组和干预组(P＜0.01).②干预组肺组织HYP含量较模型组明显下降(P＜0.01);③各时间点模型组肺组织匀浆TGF-β1含量均较正常对照组及干预组明显增高(P＜0.01);各时间点干预组肺组织匀浆TGF-β1含量高于正常对照组,但两组比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).④干预组肺泡炎第7天、14天比模型组减轻,且纤维化程度在第21、28天亦轻于模型组.结论:青蒿琥酯通过抑制TGF-β1的表达来缓解肺泡炎,减轻大鼠肺纤维化程度,从而起到了保护肺组织的作用.     

甲磺酸伊马替尼对放射性肺炎小鼠肺部氧化应激指标及转化生长因子-β1表达影响的研究

目的探讨甲磺酸伊马替尼对放射性肺炎小鼠肺部氧化应激指标及转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)表达的影响。方法将45只清洁级C57BL/6小鼠随机平均分为空白组、治疗组和模型组。每天给予治疗组与模型组胸部照射,照射结束4 h后给予治疗组小鼠甲磺酸伊马替尼(给药剂量0.081 g/kg);其余组仅给予生理盐水。实验30d后,将各组小鼠处死,取其左右肺,分别采用HE染色及免疫组化观察其病理变化及肺部TGF-β1的表达情况。制作肺匀浆,检测其中谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-PX)、丙二醛(MDA)、总抗氧化能力(T-Aoc)及超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)等氧化应激指标含量。结果治疗组GSH-PX、T-Aoc及SOD分别为(173.15±12.21)U、(119.33±11.06)U/mgprot及(1.73±0.33)U/mgprot,均明显高于模型组(P均0.05),而MDA含量则为(0.68±0.08)nmol/mgprot,明显低于模型组(P0.05)。HE染色及免疫组化结果显示,治疗组仅出现轻度肺泡炎改变及部分TGF-β1阳性表达,模型组则多为中级以上肺泡炎及高水平TGF-β1阳性表达,治疗组HE染色及免疫组化评分分别为(1.26±0.12)分和(0.31±0.12)分,均明显低于模型组(P0.05)。结论甲磺酸伊马替尼可有效改善放射性肺炎小鼠肺部氧化应激紊乱,抑制小鼠肺部TGF-β1的表达,值得开展深入研究。     

Value of D-Dimers in patients with acute aortic dissection

Objective: To evaluatel the value of D-dimers in patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD). Methods: This study consisted of 16 patients with AAD and 27 non-AAD patients. Serum D-dimets were measured by Sta-Liatest D-DI immunoturbidimetric assay. Results: D-dimer level was higher (P ＜ 0.001) in patients with AAD(7.91 ± 5.52 μg/ml) than that in non- AAD group(1.57±1.24 μg/ml). D-dimer was positive (＞0.4 μg/ml) in all patients with AAD and in 10 control group patients (37%). Among patients with acute AAD, D-dimers tended to be higher in Stanford A than in Stanford B (8.67 ± 4.31 μg/ml vs. 3.24±1.27 μg/ml, P ＜0.01). D-dimer values tended to be higher in more extended disease(3.84 ± 1.65 μg/ml, 8.57 ± 3.58 μg/ml and 11.87 ± 5.69 μg/ml in thoracic aorta, thoracic and abdominal aorta, thoracic and abdominal aorta and iliacal arteries, respectively, P ＜ 0.05 for both 8.57 ± 3.58 and 11.87 ± 5.69 vs. 3.84 ± 1.65 ). Including the control group into the analysis, we found a sensitivity of 100%, a negative predictive value of 100%, and a specificity of 66% and a positive predictive value of 64% for D-dimer in diagnosis of AAD in our patients with suspected AAD. Conclusion: D-dimer was elevated in patients with AAD. A negative D-dimer test result could be useful in excluding AAD.     

Research of combined liver-kidney transplantation model in rats

Objective： To set up a simple and reliable rat model of combined liver-kidney transplantation. Methods： SD rats served as both donors and recipients. 4℃ sodium lactate Ringer＇s was infused from portal veins to donated livers,and from abdominal aorta to donated kidneys, respectively. Anastomosis of the portal vein and the inferior vena cava （IVC） inferior to the right kidney between the graft and the recipient was performed by a double cuff method, then the superior hepatic vena cava with suture. A patch of donated renal artery was anastomosed to the recipient abdominal aorta. The urethra and bile duct were reconstructed with a simple inside bracket. Results： Among 65 cases of combined liver-kidney transplantation, the success rate in the late 40 cases was 77.5%. The function of the grafted liver and kidney remained normal. Conclusion： This rat model of combined liver-kidney transplantation can be established in common laboratory conditions with high success rate and meet the needs of renal transplantation experiment.     

BLOOD PRESSURE CHANGE WITH AGE IN SALT-SENSITIVE TEENAGERS

Objective To observe blood pressure change with age in salt-sensitive teenagers whose salt sensitivity were determined by repeated testing.Methods Salt sensitivity was determined through intravenous infusion of normal saline combined with volume-depletion by oral diuretic furosemide in 55 teenagers. After five years, salt sensitivity was re-examined and subject blood pressure was followed up. Blood pressure changes in salt-sensitive teenagers were compared to that of non-salt sensitive teenagers over five years.Results After 5 years, the repetition rate of salt sensitivity determined by intravenous saline loading is 92.7%. In teenagers with salt sensitivity on the baseline, both the systolic blood pressure increments and increment rates were much higher than non-salt sensitive teenagers (12.7±12.1 mmHg vs. 2.8±5.2 mmHg, P＜ 0.01; 12.2%± 12.0% vs. 2.5% ±4.4%, P＜ 0.001,respectively). There was a similar trend for diastolic blood pressure (8.4 ± 6.4 mmHg vs. 3.7 ± 6.4 mmHg, P = 0.052; 13.2% ±10.6 % vs. 6.8%± 10.1%, P = 0.053, respectively).Conclusions Salt sensitivity determined by intravenous saline loading showed good reproducibility. Blood pressure increments with age were much higher in salt-sensitive teenagers than non-salt sensitive teenagers, especially in terms of systolic blood pressure.     

安心颗粒对急诊经皮冠状动脉介入术后生活质量影响的研究

目的：评价使用安心颗粒对急诊经皮冠状动脉介入术（PPCI）术后生活质量的影响.方法：将160例接受PPCI的急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者随机分为安心颗粒组（术前顿服安心颗粒8.8g,术后安心颗粒4.4 g/次,每日2次）和对照组（仅接受基础药物治疗）.所有患者均服用阿司匹林、氯吡格雷和阿托伐他汀.分别在入院时、出院前1d、出院后180 d时,应用心肌梗死多维度量表（MIDAS）、中文版SF-36评价量表对患者生活质量评分.并观察术后30 d以内的出血并发症、血小板减少症发生情况.结果：入院时和出院前1d,两组患者的心肌梗死MIDAS、SF-36量表评分比较无差异（P＞0.05）;出院后180 d时,与对照组比较,安心颗粒组MIDAS、SF-36评分明显减低（P＜0.05）;组内与入院时比较,两组出院前1d、出院后180 d时,MIDAS、SF-36评分均降低（P＜0.05）.两组患者在随访期间均无大量出血、少量出血、重度和极重度血小板减少症发生,安心颗粒组有4例、对照组有7例发生不明显出血（P＞0.05）.两组发生轻度血小板减少症的患者数比较无差异（P＞0.05）.结论：PPCI使用安心颗粒,能改善急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者的生活质量,且不增加出血风险.     

APPLICATION OF LORNOXICAM TO PATIENT-CONTROLLED ANALGESIA IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING ABDOMINAL SURGERIES

FOR anesthesiologis s ,treatingpostoperativepainhas alwaysbeen a problem.Althoughopioidshave been provedtobe effective,theirsideeffectscouldnotbeignored.With thedevelopmentofscienceand pharmacology,many drugs with aspectsof satisfactoryanalgesicefficacyand couldbe welltoleratedby patientshave been developed.And lornoxicamisone of them, which isa non-steroidalanti-inflammatorydrug (NSAID ), with analgesic, anti-infl-ammatory,andantipyreticproperties.Itseliminationhalf-time(3 to 5 hours) isle…     

The comparative studies of the influences of Urapidil and Nicardipine on sino-atrial node function, atrio-ventricular node function and hemodynamics

Objective:To investigate the influences of urapidil and nicardipine on rabbit sinus function,atrio-ventricular node function and hemodynamics.Methods:Thirty-two Angora's rabbits were selected and randomly divided into four groups.U1 group:urapidil 0.25 mg/kg;U2 group:urapidil 0.5 mg/kg;N1 group:nicardipine 10 μg/kg;N2 group:nicardipine 20 μg/kg.All these medicine were administrated within 30 seconds.Measurements were taken before and after the administration of urapidil or nicardipine for the following data:mean blood pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR),sino-atrial conduction time(SACT),maximal sinoatrial recovery time(SNRTmax)corrected sinus node recovery time(CSNRT),index of sinus node recovery time(SNRTI),Wenckebach A-V conduction frequency (WB),and P-R interval.Results:Significant MAP and HR changes were identified in all of the four groups before and after administration of both urapidil and nicardipine.No significant changes could be found in the rest of the parameters.Intergroup analysis showed that SACT and CSNRT of N1 and N2 groups were shorter than those of the U2 group(P＜0.01);the MAP decreased(P＜0.01)and the HR increased drastically(P＜0.01).Conclusions:Neither urapidil(0.25 mg/kg,0.5 mg/kg)nor nicardipine(10μg/kg,20μg/kg)has any significant influence on rabbit sinus function or rabbit atrio-ventricular node function.Nicardipine could be a better choice than urapidil for parafunctional sinus node patients.     

Expression of OPGmRNA and ODFmRNA in the patients of hip fracture due to osteoporosis

Objective：To investigate the gene expression of osteoprotegerin（OPG） and osteoclast differentiation factor（ODF） in the bone tissue of patients with hip fracture due to osteoporosis. Methods：OPGmRNA and ODFmRNA in the bone tissue in 50 cases of osteoporosis sufferers（over 50 years old） with hip fracture（Observer Group） and 30 cases of hip facture sufferers with no osteoporosis（Control group） were analyzed with the Semi-Quantitative RT-PCR method. Results：The mRNA expressed of ODF, OPG were both high in the patients with hip fracture. In the control group, the expression of OPG mRNA was observed, while the expression of ODF mRNA was very slight. Conclusion：Aged patients contained all signals including OPG, ODF that are essential for inducing osteoclastogenesis and promoting bone resorption.     

Dynamic Changes in Serum Estradiol and Progesterone levels in Patients of Premenstrual Syndrome with Adverse Flow of Liver-qi

Objective:To probe into the influence of changes of ovarian hormones on the pathogenesis of the specific sub-type premenstrual syndrome(PMS)and reveal partial microcosmic mechanisms of adverse flow of liver-qi.Methods:Estradiol(E2)and progesterone(P)levels in serum were determined at different phases of menstrual cycle by radioimmunoassay.Results:In the group of PMS with adverse flow of liver-qi.the secretive peak value Of E2 and P at the follicular phase significantly decreased,and the secretive peak value at the luteal phase did not come into being.Conclusions:Low E2 and P secretive peak at the follicular phase and absence of secretive peak at the luteal phase is one of the microcosmic mechanisms of PMS with adverse flow of liver-qi.One of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of specific sub-type PMS is probably the continuous low level of E2and P.     

Real-time Three-dimensional Echocardiography in Assessment of Left Ventricular and Right Ventricular Volumes

Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE)is a new ultrasound technique that enables dynamic threedimensional visualization and quantification of the heart in real time. Investigation of feasibility and methodology of RT3DE in determining left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) volumes, RT3DE was performed in 35 normal adults using Philips SONOS 7500 system with a 2-4 MHz matrix array transducer. The 60°×60° "pyramid" volume database was obtained and analyzed on a TomTec echo workstation. Both LV and RV volumes were calculated with four 3DE methods (i.e. apical 2, 4, 8, and 16-plane) through manually tracing ventricular endocardial borders in end diastole and end systole. Stroke volumes were then calculated. LV volume was also measured by 2DE Simpson's rule using GE VIVID 7 ultrasound machine.     

SCREENING FOR A 21-CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITY IN PREIMPLANTED EMBRYOS OF ELDERLY WOMEN

Increasing maternal age is the only etiological factor unequivocally linked to Down's syndrome in humans. The occurrence rate of newborns with Down's syndrome is about 1/220 in women over 35 years old. However, the occurrence rate in embryos fertilized in vitro, of the elder woman is unclear. Using FISH we screened the number of chromosome 21 in preimplanted embryos of 5 elderly women (average age, 38.4 years) to study the feasibility and necessity of screening trisomy 21 in embryos in patients over 35 years old at the in vitro fertilization (IVF) center.