丝氨酸—苏氨酸蛋白激酶2蛋白表达在低氧致大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞增殖中的作用

目的通过观察低氧致大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞丝氨酸/苏氨酸蛋白激酶2蛋白表达水平变化与低氧致肺动脉平滑肌细胞增殖的关系,探讨丝氨酸/苏氨酸蛋白激酶2在低氧肺血管重建中的调控作用。方法组织块法培养肺动脉平滑肌细胞,采用蛋白印迹技术检测蛋白表达水平,采用甲基噻唑基四唑法、氚—胸腺嘧啶核苷掺入法检测肺动脉平滑肌细胞增殖。结果低氧刺激肺动脉平滑肌细胞不断增殖,常氧下氚—胸腺嘧啶核苷掺入检测值为0.372±0.059,随着低氧处理时间的延长氚—胸腺嘧啶核苷掺入检测值不断升高,其中低氧12 h达到0.703±0.100,与常氧组比较差异显著;常氧下甲基噻唑基四唑检测值为8374.39±545.31,随着低氧处理时间的延长,甲基噻唑基四唑检测值不断升高,低氧24 h达到11208.35±678.82,与常氧组比较差异显著。各组均检测出丝氨酸/苏氨酸蛋白激酶2蛋白的表达,图像定量分析显示各组蛋白表达与细胞增殖改变密切相关。结论丝氨酸/苏氨酸蛋白激酶2信号通路可能在低氧肺动脉高压中调节肺动脉平滑肌细胞增殖。     

硫化氢对低氧性肺动脉高压大鼠细胞因子的调节作用

目的探讨硫化氢对低氧性肺动脉高压大鼠细胞因子的调节作用。方法将Wistar大鼠22只随机分为3组。对照组(8只),低氧组(7只),低氧+硫氢化钠(NaHS)组(7只),测定3组大鼠肺动脉平均压(mPAP),观测肺血管结构变化,并用免疫组织化学方法研究α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(-αSM-actin)、弹力蛋白、转化生长因子β(TGF-β)和结缔组织生长因子(CTGF)在肺动脉平滑肌细胞的表达含量。结果低氧组的mPAP明显高于对照组和低氧+NaHS组;低氧组肌型动脉、部分肌型动脉百分比明显高于对照组和低氧+NaHS组,非肌型动脉百分比明显低于对照组和低氧+NaHS组;低氧组肺中、小型肺动脉平滑肌细胞-αSM-actin、弹力蛋白和TGF-β表达含量分别明显高于对照组和低氧+NaHS组;对照组、低氧+NaHS组以及低氧组肺中、小型肺动脉平滑肌细胞CTGF表达含量依次增高,但3组之间无显著差异。结论硫化氢可能通过调节低氧性肺动脉高压大鼠肺小血管肌性动脉TGF-β的表达,进而抑制细胞外基质成分之一的弹力蛋白合成,参与低氧性肺动脉高压的形成。     

H_2S对低氧性肺动脉高压大鼠肺组织BaxmRNA、Bcl-2mRNA表达的影响

目的研究H2S对大鼠低氧性肺动脉高压及凋亡相关基因BaxmRNA、Bcl-2mRNA表达的影响,探讨其在低氧性肺动脉高压发病中的作用。方法将30只雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为三组:常氧对照组、低氧组及低氧+Na HS组(腹腔注射Na HS并进行低氧处理)。常压间歇低氧法建立大鼠低氧性肺动脉高压模型,右心导管法检测平均肺动脉压(m PAP);分别称量大鼠右心室(RV)和左心室加室间隔(LV+S)的质量,计算出右心室肥厚指数RV/(LV+S);HE及弹力纤维+VG染色光镜下观察肺血管形态及肺小动脉平滑肌结构,弹力纤维、肌纤维及胶原纤维增生情况;RT-PCR方法检测BaxmRNA、Bcl-2mRNA在肺组织中的表达。结果 1低氧各组较对照组体重明显减轻(P0.05),但低氧+Na HS组明显高于低氧组(P0.05),造模前各组大鼠体重无差别(P0.05)。2低氧各组较对照组m PAP明显升高(P0.05)、RV/(LV+S)明显增加(P0.05)。低氧+Na HS组较低氧组m PAP明显降低(P0.05),RV/(LV+S)明显减少(P0.05)。3光镜下观察,对照组肺动脉管壁较薄,薄厚均匀,管腔较大。内弹力膜呈平缓波浪状,管壁层次结构清晰;低氧组肺小动脉平滑肌增生,胶原纤维增多,管壁增厚,管腔狭窄。内弹力膜增厚,外膜胶原纤维增生、沉积,外弹力膜也增厚,内外弹力板间距离均增宽;中膜平滑肌细胞也增生明显,管壁增厚,管腔明显变小,管周水肿。低氧+Na HS组较低氧组上述表现有所缓减。4低氧各组较对照组肺组织BaxmRNA表达均显著降低,Bcl-2 mRNA表达均显著增加(P0.05)。低氧+Na HS组较低氧组肺组织BaxmRNA表达显著升高,Bcl-2mRNA表达明显降低(P0.05),低氧+Na HS组较对照组大鼠肺组织BaxmRNA、Bcl-2 mRNA表达无统计学差异(P0.05).结论 H2S可以调节低氧性肺动脉高压细胞大鼠肺组织凋亡相关基因BaxmRNA、Bcl-2mRNA的表达,缓解低氧性肺血管重建,对低氧性肺动脉高压的发病起到保护作用。     

17β-雌二醇/微小核糖核酸-21信号通路抑制低氧性肺动脉高压肺血管重构的机制研究

目的:探讨17β-雌二醇(E2)对低氧性肺动脉高压(HPH)的保护作用是否通过下调微小核糖核酸(mi RNA)-21(mi R-21)表达进而抑制肺动脉平滑肌细胞(PASMC)增殖而实现。方法:(1)动物水平:32只健康雌性SD大鼠行卵巢切除术后随机分入常氧组、常氧+E2组、低氧组、低氧+E2组,每组8只。两个E2干预组大鼠每日皮下注射E2 20μg/kg,余组大鼠皮下注射等量生理盐水。两个低氧组大鼠在低氧环境下饲养,两个常氧组大鼠呼吸正常空气,连续饲养8周建立HPH模型。观察各组大鼠肺血管形态、平均肺动脉压(mPAP)及右心室肥厚指数(RVHI)变化,用实时聚合酶链式反应(PCR)及免疫印迹法测定肺动脉中mi R-21、增殖细胞核抗体(PCNA)表达变化。(2)细胞水平:将体外培养的人PASMC随机分为3组:常氧组、低氧组、低氧+E2组,24 h后用四甲基偶氮唑蓝比色法检测各组细胞增殖情况,用实时PCR及免疫印迹法检测细胞中mi R-21和PCNA表达变化。结果:(1)动物水平:低氧组较常氧组肺小动脉厚度和RVHI均明显增加,m PAP升高,肺动脉中mi R-21及PCNA表达明显上升(P均0.01);常氧+E2组上述指标较常氧组无明显变化(P均0.05);低氧+E2组上述三项指标明显低于低氧组(P均0.01)。(2)细胞水平:与常氧组相比,低氧组细胞增殖明显,mi R-21和PCNA表达明显上升(P均0.01);与低氧组相比,低氧+E2组细胞增殖程度明显减轻,mi R-21和PCNA表达明显下降(P均0.01)。结论:E2能够改善HPH大鼠肺血管重构、肺动脉压力、右心室肥厚程度,其保护作用可能是通过下调mi R-21和PCNA表达从而抑制PASMC增殖而实现的。     

雾化吸入单硝酸异山梨醇酯对慢性阻塞性肺疾病大鼠肺动脉压力和肺血管结构影响的实验研究

目的 探讨长期雾化吸入单硝酸异山梨醇酯（ISMN）对COPD大鼠的肺动脉压力和肺血管结构的作用及其机制.方法 24只健康雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为对照组（n=11）、COPD模型组（n=6）、吸入组（n=7）.对模型组和吸入组以熏烟、寒冷刺激4 w,结合两次气管内注入脂多糖（LPS）的多因素刺激制作大鼠慢性阻塞性肺疾病模型.对照组、模型组大鼠雾化吸入生理盐水;吸入组雾化吸入ISMN,每日一次,每次10 min,共吸3 w.检测右心室肥厚,测定肺系数、肺湿重/肺干重、肺含水率,观测肺血管显微及肺组织结构变化,用免疫组织化学法检测大鼠肺动脉人类尾加压素Ⅱ（hUII）的表达.结果 COPD组大鼠右心室 /左心室＋室间隔重量比值[RV/（LV＋S）]明显高于对照组（P＜0.01）,且COPD组大鼠肺小血管肌化程度明显增强（P＜0.01）,中、小型肺肌型动脉相对厚度（RMT）和中膜面积（RMA）增加,肺动脉内皮细胞和平滑肌细胞hUII表达明显增强.吸入组大鼠 RV/（LV＋S）高于对照组（P＜0.01）,但与COPD组比较差异无显著性.吸入组大鼠肺小血管肌化程度明显改善,肺血管重建缓解,小型肺肌型动脉RMT及小型肺动脉内皮细胞和平滑肌细胞hUⅡ减少.结论 长期雾化吸入ISMN可缓解COPD所致肺动脉高压和肺血管结构的重建,其对肺动脉内皮细胞和平滑肌细胞 hUⅡ表达的抑制作用可能参与肺血管的重建和肺动脉高压的调节.     

骨形态发生蛋白4 mRNA在低氧大鼠肺血管中的表达

目的观察骨形态发生蛋白4（BMP4）mRNA在低氧性肺动脉高压大鼠肺血管中的表达及其与低氧性肺动脉高压形成的关系。方法将20只雄性SD大鼠随机分为对照组和低氧组,常压低氧3周建立大鼠肺动脉高压模型,以导管法测定平均肺动脉压（mPAP）,分离并分别称量大鼠右心室（RV）和左心室加室间隔（LV＋S）,计算出右心室肥厚指数RV/（LV＋S）。采用图像分析法测定和计算出肺小动脉管壁厚度指标即管壁厚度占外径的百分比（WT%）和管壁面积占总面积的百分比（WA%）,并采用原位杂交方法检测大鼠肺小动脉管壁BMP4 mRNA的表达水平。结果①对照组mPAP为（16.47±1.11）mm Hg,低氧组大鼠为（29.01±0.86）mm Hg,较对照组明显升高（P〈0.01）。低氧组RV/（LV＋S）为（31.13±2.57）%,对照组仅为（23.12±1.38）%（P〈0.01）。②对照组肺小动脉厚度指标为[WT%：（12.63±0.92）%;WA%：（45.24±1.98）%],而低氧组则明显升高,分别为[WT%：（26.06±1.86）%;WA%：（76.07±5.44）%]（P均〈0.01）。③对照组和低氧组大鼠肺小动脉BMP4 mRNA的染色强度分别为（0.16±0.01）、（0.27±0.03）,低氧组BMP4 mRNA表达明显增加（P〈0.01）。结论低氧大鼠肺血管BMP4 mRNA表达明显增加,BMP4可能在低氧性肺动脉高压的形成中具有重要作用。     

低氧对肺血管周细胞增殖及分化的影响

目的研究低氧对肺血管周细胞增殖及分化的影响,探讨低氧性肺动脉高压时无肌型肺动脉肌化的细胞来源。方法实验分为４组：直接低氧组（Ｈ组）,常氧组（Ｎ组）,低氧内皮细胞条件培养液组（ＨＥＣＣＭ组）,常氧内皮细胞条件培养液组（ＮＥＣＣＭ组）。应用细胞培养、３Ｈ胸腺嘧啶核苷（３ＨＴｄＲ）、免疫细胞化学、图像分析等技术,研究低氧对肺血管周细胞３ＨＴｄＲ的掺入量、增殖细胞核抗原（ＰＣＮＡ）、α平滑肌肌动蛋白（αＳＭＡｃｔｉｎ）表达的影响。结果Ｈ组周细胞３ＨＴｄＲ的掺入量、ＰＣＮＡ及αＳＭＡｃｔｉｎ的表达量分别是Ｎ组的２．１６倍（Ｐ＜０．０１）、１．１６倍（Ｐ＜０．０１）及１．１１倍（Ｐ＜０．０５）,ＨＥＣＣＭ组周细胞３ＨＴｄＲ的掺入量、ＰＣＮＡ及αＳＭＡｃｔｉｎ的表达量分别是ＮＥＣＣＭ组的１．８倍（Ｐ＜０．０１）、１．１５倍（Ｐ＜０．０１）及１．１２倍（Ｐ＜０．０５）。结论低氧可直接或刺激内皮细胞分泌某些细胞因子促进肺血管周细胞增殖、并向平滑肌样细胞分化。肺血管周细胞的增殖、向平滑肌样细胞分化是低氧性肺动脉高压无肌细动脉肌化的重要细胞来源     

低氧诱导大鼠肺动脉中5-HT_(1B)受体的过度表达

目的:观察低氧对大鼠肺动脉中5-羟色胺1B(5-HT1B)受体表达的影响,初步探讨了5-HT1B受体在低氧性肺动脉高压形成中的变化。方法:40只健康雄性SD大鼠随机分为正常组、低氧3周组、低氧4周组和低氧6周组,每组10只。除正常组外,其余3组大鼠分别在低氧环境中饲养3周、4周和6周。测定各组大鼠的平均肺动脉压力(mPAP)、右心室收缩压(RVSP)和右心室肥厚度。应用免疫组化染色法检测大鼠肺动脉上5-HT1B的分布和表达;用Western blot法测定大鼠肺组织中5-HT1B受体蛋白的含量。结果:与正常组相比,低氧3周组大鼠的mPAP、RVSP和右心室肥厚度均显著升高(均P0.05),并且随着低氧时间的延长而持续升高(均P0.05)。免疫组化染色的结果显示,5-HT1B受体主要分布在正常大鼠肺动脉的内膜层,平滑肌肌层中仅有少量表达;与正常组相比,低氧3周组大鼠肺动脉平滑肌肌层中5-HT1B受体的表达显著增多(P0.05);随着低氧时间的延长,表达持续增多。Western blot的结果表明,大鼠肺组织中5-HT1B受体蛋白含量的变化与免疫组化染色法检测的结果相一致。结论:低氧可以诱导大鼠肺动脉中5-HT1B受体的过度表达,这可能是5-羟色胺系统参与低氧性肺动脉高压形成的机制之一。     

CTRP9抑制低氧环境下肺微血管内皮细胞IL-6和TNF-α表达的研究

目的 研究低氧环境下C1q肿瘤坏死因子相关蛋白9（C1q/TNF-related protein 9,CTRP9）对肺微血管内皮细胞（Pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell,PMVEC）中白介素（IL）-6、肿瘤坏死因子（TNF）-α表达的影响。 方法 将雄性SD大鼠随机分为常氧组、低氧组,采用低压低氧法建立大鼠低氧性肺动脉高压（Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension,HPH）模型,28 d后检测各组大鼠血流动力学、右心室肥厚指标和组织病理学改变;用RT-PCR检测HPH大鼠肺组织中IL-6、TNF-α mRNA表达水平;用ELISA法检测二者在血清中的变化。分离培养健康雄性SD大鼠的PMVEC,分别在常氧（210 ml/L O₂、50 ml/L CO₂）、低氧（50 ml/L O₂、50 ml/L CO₂）、或者低氧+CTRP9（5 μg/ml）环境中孵育48 h。 结果 与常氧组相比,低氧组大鼠右心室收缩压和右心室肥厚指标增加（P<0.05）,肺小动脉管壁增厚,显示造模成功;肺组织中IL-6、TNF-α mRNA水平上调（P<0.05）,两种炎症因子在血清中的含量增加（P<0.05）。与常氧组相比,低氧处理使两种炎症因子IL-6、TNF-α在PMVEC中mRNA水平及在细胞培养上清中的含量均增加（P<0.05）;在低氧的同时给予CTRP9孵育时,与单纯低氧组相比,两种炎症因子在PMVEC中mRNA水平及在细胞培养上清中的含量均降低（P<0.05）。 结论 大鼠发生HPH时,炎症因子IL-6、TNF-α表达升高。而CTRP9对低氧条件下PMVEC表达和分泌IL-6及TNF-α具有抑制作用,进而有望预防或延缓HPH的发生发展。     

Apelin及其受体在大鼠慢性低氧性肺动脉高压发生发展中的作用

目的 观察Aplin-APJ系统在大鼠肺动脉高压发生发展中的变化,初步探讨Apelin在肺动脉高压发生发展中可能的作用.方法 复制不同时间的常压低氧性肺动脉高压的动物模型,分为正常对照组(NC组),低氧1周组(1H组),低氧2周组(2H组)、低氧4周组(4H组).采用免疫组化检测Apelin、APJ蛋白在肺小血管中的组织定位.结果 Apelin-36蛋白在肺细小动脉的表达主要在血管内膜与外膜上表,中层平滑肌细胞基本无表达.NC组肺内肌型动脉Apelin蛋白的表达内膜比外膜强(P<0.05);肺内肌型动脉内膜低氧1H组、低氧2H组与外膜1H组,2H组Apelin蛋白的表达无统计学意义(P>0.05);低氧4H组肺细小动脉外膜表达明显强于内膜(P<0.05);肺内细小动脉APJ表达.正常时照组肺内肌型动脉内膜表达强于外膜(P<0.05).1H组、2H组、4H组肺内肌型动脉内膜与外膜APJ蛋白表达积分值无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 肺细小动脉内、外膜Apelin分布的改变可能与肺动脉高压、肺血管重建的发生、发展有关.     

Three layer functional model and energy exchange concept of aging process

Relying on a certain degree of abstraction, we can propose that no particular distinction exists between animate or living matter and inanimate matter. While focusing attention on some specifics, the dividing line between the two can be drawn. The most apparent distinction is in the level of structural and functional organization with the dissimilar streams of ‘energy flow’ between the observed entity and the surrounding environment. In essence, living matter is created from inanimate matter which is organized to contain internal intense energy processes and maintain lower intensity energy exchange processes with the environment. Taking internal and external energy processes into account, we contend in this paper that living matter can be referred to as matter of dissipative structure, with this structure assumed to be a common quality of all living creatures and living matter in general. Interruption of internal energy conversion processes and terminating the controlled energy exchange with the environment leads to degeneration of dissipative structure and reduction of the same to inanimate matter, (gas, liquid and/or solid inanimate substances), and ultimately what can be called ‘death.’ This concept of what we call dissipative nature can be extended from living organisms to social groups of animals, to mankind. An analogy based on the organization of matter provides a basis for a functional model of living entities. The models relies on the parallels among the three central structures of any cell (nucleus, cytoplasm and outer membrane) and the human body (central organs, body fluids along with the connective tissues, and external skin integument). This three-part structural organization may be observed almost universally in nature. It can be observed from the atomic structure to the planetary and intergalactic organizations. This similarity is corroborated by the membrane theory applied to living organisms. According to the energy nature of living matter and the proposed functional model, the decreased integrity of a human body's external envelope membrane is a first cause of the structural degradation and aging of the entire organism. The aging process than progresses externally to internally, as in single cell organisms, suggesting that much of the efforts towards the restoration and maintenance of the mechanisms responsible for structural development should be focused accordingly, on the membrane, i.e., the skin. Numerous reports indicate that all parts of the human body, like: bones, blood with blood vessels, muscles, skin, and so on, have some ability for restoration. Therefore, actual revival of not only aging tissue of the human body's membrane, but the entire human body enclosed within, with all internal organs, might be expected. We assess several aging theories within the context of our model and provide suggestions on how to activate the body's own anti-aging mechanisms and increase longevity. This paper presents some analogies and some distinctions that exist between the living dissipative structure matter and inanimate matter, discusses the aging process and proposes certain aging reversal solutions.     

Unusual responses of nocturnal pineal melatonin synthesis and secretion to swimming: Attempts to define mechanisms

Abstract: The effect of swimming at night on rat pineal melatonin synthesis was compared with that of light exposure at night. Rats were forced to swim at 0030 hr (lights out at 2000 hr) and sacrificed by decapitation 15 and 30 min later, immediately after swimming. Other groups of animals were exposed to white light (650μW/cm²) for 15 and 30 min at same time. Swimming caused a rapid and highly significant drop in the melatonin content in the pineal gland; however, the activity of N-acetyltransferase (NAT), the supposed rate limiting enzyme in the melatonin production, was not changed. Despite the drop in pineal melatonin levels, serum concentrations of the indole remained elevated in the rats that swam. In contrast, melatonin levels in the pineal and serum of light exposed rats fell precipitously, accompanied by a significant suppression of NAT activity. Since we anticipated that the strenuous exercise associated with swimming may induce release of artrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) from the heart, which in turn could cause the release of pineal melatonin, in a second study we injected physiological saline intravenously to stretch the cardiac muscle and release ANP. Three milliliters of normal saline was injected during the day into the jugular vein of anesthetized rats that were pretreated with isoproterenol to stimulate pineal melatonin production. Animals were killed 15 min after the saline injection, and pineal NAT activity and pineal melatonin levels were measured. The saline injections caused no alteration in the elevated levels of either NAT or melatonin. These data suggest that the disparity in pineal NAT activity (which was high) and pineal melatonin (which was low), in animals swum at night, may not be caused by ANP which is released during strenuous exercise such as swimming.     

Melatonin and photoperiodic time measurement: Seasonal breeding in the sheep

Abstract: Well-established circadian physiology supports the view that photoperiodic time measurement utilizes the coincidence between the presence of light and a photosensitive phase of a 'biological clock' to alter reproductive status—the so-called external coincidence model of seasonal breeding. In this review, we examine the mechanism whereby photoperiod interacts with presumed suprachiasmatic nuclei activity to allow endogenous melatonin to normally synchronize reproductive activity to the optimal time of year. The Romney Marsh sheep is particularly explored as an experimental model. It is suggested that the on/off activity of seasonal reproduction may be a robust mechanism able to be predictably manipulated by the judicious use of the light/dark cycle and exogenous melatonin, but firmly based on circadian principles.     

The immunoneuroendocrine role of melatonin

Abstract: A tight, physiological link between the pineal gland and the immune system is emerging from a series of experimental studies. This link might reflect the evolutionary connection between self-recognition and reproduction. Pinealectomy or other experimental methods which inhibit melatonin synthesis and secretion induce a state of immunodepression which is counteracted by melatonin. In general, melatonin seems to have an immunoenhancing effect that is particularly apparent in immunodepressive states. The negative effect of acute stress or immunosuppressive pharmacological treatments on various immune parameters are counteracted by melatonin. It seems important to note that one of the main targets of melatonin is the thymus, i.e., the central organ of the immune system. The clinical use of melatonin as an immunotherapeutic agent seems promising in primary and secondary immunodeficiencies as well as in cancer immunotherapy. The immunoenhancing action of melatonin seems to be mediated by T-helper cell-derived opioid peptides as well as by lymphokines and, perhaps, by pituitary hormones. Melatonin-induced-immuno-opioids (MHO) and lymphokines imply the presence of specific binding sites or melatonin receptors on cells of the immune system. On the other hand, lymphokines such as -γ-interferon and interleukin-2 as well as thymic hormones can modulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland. The pineal gland might thus be viewed as the crux of a sophisticated immunoneuroendocrine network which functions as an unconscious, diffuse sensory organ.     

Response of rat pineal melatonin to calcium, magnesium, and lithium is circadian stage dependent

Abstract: Herein we documented the response of pineal melatonin production to electrolytes known to be effective on pineal function in view of a possible circadian stage dependence. We studied the release of melatonin by perifused rat pineal glands at 2 different circadian stages corresponding to the middle of the light and dark periods, i.e., respectively, 7 and 19 HALO (Hours After Light Onset, L:D = 12:12). The initial efflux rates were, as expected, much higher in the perifusates of glands removed from rats sacrificed during the dark phase than of those removed during the light phase. After 3 hr of perifusion, melatonin release reached similar levels which were found constant up to the 8th hr of perifusion, whatever the circadian stage. Perifusion of the glands with physiological concentrations for the rat of calcium (5.2 mmol/1) and magnesium (1.34 mmol/1) resulted in a stimulatory effect on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed in the middle of the dark period (19 HALO), whereas no effects were observed on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed during the light (7 HALO). Lithium (0.28 and 0.55 mmol/1) was ineffective on melatonin release in pineal glands removed 7 and 19 HALO. Our results show differences in the initial efflux rates of melatonin and in the response of perifused pineal glands to calcium and magnesium according to the circadian stage.     

Serological survey of HIV and syphilis in pregnant women in Madagascar

Objectives Peripartal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, leads to severe consequences for newborns. Preventive measures require awareness of the maternal infection. Although HIV and syphilis testing in Madagascar could be theoretically carried out within the framework of the national pregnancy follow‐up scheme, the required test kits are rarely available at peripheral health centres. In this study, we screened blood samples of pregnant Madagascan women for HIV and syphilis seroprevalence to estimate the demand for systemic screening in pregnancy. Methods Retrospective anonymous serological analysis for HIV and syphilis was performed in plasma samples from 1232 pregnant women that were taken between May and July 2010 in Ambositra, Ifanadiana, Manakara, Mananjary, Moramanga and Tsiroanomandidy (Madagascar) during pregnancy follow‐up. Screening was based on Treponema pallidum haemagglutination tests for syphilis and rapid tests for HIV, with confirmation of positive screening results on line assays. Results Out of 1232 pregnant women, none were seropositive for HIV and 37 (3%) were seropositive for Treponema pallidum. Conclusions Our findings are in line with previous studies that describe considerable syphilis prevalence in the rural Madagascan population. The results suggest a need for screening to prevent peripartal Treponema pallidum transmission, while HIV is still rare. If they are known, Treponema pallidum infections can be easily, safely and inexpensively treated even in pregnancy to reduce the risk of transmission.     

Conservative management of perforated duodenal diverticulum： A case report and review of the literature

Duodenal diverticula are a relatively common condition. They are asymptomatic, unless they become complicated, with perforation being the rarest but most severe complication. Surgical treatment is the most frequently performed approach. We report the case of a patient with a perforated duodenal diverticulum, which was diagnosed early and treated conservatively with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage of secondary retroperitoneal abscesses. We suggest this method could be an acceptable option for the management of similar cases, provided that the patient is in good general condition and without septic signs.     

Changes in connexin43, the gap junction protein of astrocytes, during development of the rat pineal gland

Abstract: The abundance of gap junctions between rat pineal astrocytes formed by connexin43 (Cx43) was studied during development. Levels and distribution of Cx43 were measured by immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence, respectively. The amount of Cx43 in cells located within the gland was low until about the 7th postnatal day and increased to adult values between the 14th and 21st days postpartum. Although astrocytes, recognized by their vimentin immunoreactivity, were scarce before birth, they were abundant by the 7th postnatal day suggesting that the low levels of Cx43 found at this age corresponded to a low expression of this protein. Localization of the immunoreactivity to Cx43 and vimentin showed a close correlation, indicating that mature or immature pineal astrocytes form gap junctions made of Cx43. Since Cx43 levels attained their adult values at about the time the innervation and the functional state of the gland reached maturity (2–3 weeks after birth), it is proposed that astrocyte gap junctions are involved in the function of the adult rat pineal gland.