和解通利法治疗结核性包裹性胸腔积液的临床研究

目的 探讨和解通利法治疗结核性包裹性胸腔积液的疗效。 方法 采用随机数字表法将120例结核性包裹性胸腔积液患者随机分为治疗组60例（2例退出,实际为58例）和对照组60例。观察两组治疗前后胸腔积液中肿瘤坏死因子α（TNF-α）浓度的变化情况,治疗后1个月末、3个月末、9个月末患者的胸膜厚度变化情况,以及治疗后3个月末、9个月末患者的综合疗效情况。 结果 胸腔积液中TNF-α浓度治疗组治疗后［（35.35±17.46）pg/L］及对照组治疗后［（47.16±18.89）pg/L］比较,差异有统计学意义（t=－3.114,P＜0.01）。治疗1、3、9个月末CT扫描显示的胸膜厚度治疗组［分别为（0.42±0.27）cm、（0.31±0.26）cm、（0.25±0.21）cm］小于对照组［分别为（0.54±0.30）cm、（0.42±0.32）cm、（0.37±0.28）cm］,差异均有统计学意义（F＝42.727,P=0.000）。两组综合疗效相比,治疗3个月末、9个月末治疗组显效率［分别为70.69%（41/58）、89.66%（52/58）］均优于对照组［分别为45.00%（27/60）、65.00%（39/60）］,差异均有统计学意义(Z=－2.856、－3.192,P值均＜0.05)。 结论 采用和解通利法用药联合抗结核西药治疗结核性包裹性胸腔积液与单纯应用西药抗结核治疗比较,显效率更高;可减少胸膜肥厚粘连;降低胸腔积液中TNF-α水平。     

胰管支架置入在预测为重症急性胆源性胰腺炎中的疗效分析

目的　探讨胰管支架置入在预测为重症急性胆源性胰腺炎中的疗效。方法　回顾性收集2017年1月1日至2021年6月30日就诊于西湖大学医学院附属杭州市第一人民医院消化内科预测为重症急性胆源性胰腺炎,并接受内镜逆行胰胆管造影术（endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, ERCP）治疗的病例。其中,将ERCP术中置入胰管支架的31例病例纳入观察组,于同期病例中选择31例ERCP术中未放置胰管支架的病例纳入对照组。比较两组患者术后1周和2周时炎症指标、肝功能指标和血清淀粉酶水平差异,同时比较两组患者临床改善情况（血清淀粉酶恢复正常时间、腹痛缓解时间、胰周积液好转时间）,住院时间和费用以及预后情况（远期并发症发生率、需内镜下引流或内镜下清创率）。结果　观察组和对照组患者的年龄、性别构成比、术前急性胰腺炎严重程度评分、肝功能指标、炎症性指标、首次进行ERCP时间差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）。两组患者接受ERCP术后1周和2周时炎症指标、肝功能指标和血清淀粉酶水平差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）。观察组和对照组患者血清淀粉酶恢复正常时间分别为3.5（1,5） d和5.0（3,6） d （Z=-2.20,P=0.028）,腹痛缓解时间分别为4.0（2.5,7.0） d和5.0（4.0,8.8） d （Z=-3.15,P=0.002）,胰周积液好转时间分别为（25.3±1.5） d和（27.8±2.2） d （t=-0.84,P=0.407）,住院时间分别为28（19, 49） d和40（27, 70） d （Z=-2.03,P=0.043）,住院总费分别为8.1（5.9,10.9）万元和9.8（6.9,17.3）万元 （Z=2.02,P=0.043）。观察组和对照组远期并发症发生率分别为22.6%（7/31）和54.8%（17/31） （χ2=6.80,P=0.009）,需内镜引流或清创率分别为16.1%（5/31）和38.7%（12/31） （χ2=3.97,P=0.046）。结论　对于预测为重症急性胆源性胰腺炎患者,内镜下解除胆道梗阻的同时放置胰管支架引流胰液降低胰管内压力,不仅可以加快缓解患者的临床症状,还可以有效改善患者的预后。     

经内镜胆道内支架放置术在老年急性梗阻性化脓性胆管炎中的应用价值

目的　评估经内镜胆道内支架放置术（endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage,ERBD）治疗老年急性梗阻性化脓性胆管炎（acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis,AOSC）的安全性和有效性。方法　回顾性分析新疆医科大学第一附属医院2018年1月—2020年1月期间收治的AOSC患者的临床资料。年龄在75岁及以上的患者设为老年组（n=49）,75岁以下的患者设为对照组（n=63）,比较两组患者一般资料、美国麻醉医师协会（American Society of Anesthesiologists, ASA）分级、基础疾病伴随情况、手术相关情况、术后并发症发生率及死亡率等指标。结果　老年组和对照组患者在年龄［（82.6±5.1）岁比 （64.6±4.5）岁,t=19.98, P<0.001］、白蛋白水平［（29.1±5.9）g/L 比 （34.6±8.8）g/L,t=-3.94,P<0.001］、ASA分级（χ²=8.37,P=0.015）方面差异有统计学意义。老年组伴随更多的基础疾病,尤其在高血压［57.1%（28/49）比34.9%（22/63）,χ²=5.51,P=0.019］、冠心病［（55.1%（27/49）比27.0%（17/63）,χ²=9.14,P=0.003］、慢性阻塞性肺疾病/哮喘方面［24.5%（12/49） 比6.3%（4/63）,χ²=7.41,P=0.006］差异有统计学意义。在手术相关指标方面,老年组与对照组手术时间［（31.4±8.1）min 比 （30.4±8.0）min,t=-0.61,P=0.543］、住院时间［（6.1±1.7）d 比（5.7±1.4） d,t=1.35, P=0.182］差异无统计学意义。老年组和对照组并发症发生率分别为14.3％（7/49）和12.7％（8/63）,差异无统计学意义（χ²=0.06,P=0.807）。在院期间,两组均无手术相关死亡病例。结论　对于75岁及以上的老年AOSC患者,急诊ERBD可迅速缓解病情,是一种安全有效的治疗措施,高龄不是急诊ERBD的绝对禁忌证。     

慢性胰腺炎伴胰头部病变的外科手术处理

目的 探讨慢性胰腺炎伴胰头病变患者的外科处理。方法 回顾性总结分析了1998年10月至2001年12月收治27例慢性胰腺炎伴胰头病变患者的临床资料。其中：保留幽门的胰十二指肠切除（PPPI手术）14例（32例慢性胰腺炎的患者术前已有门静脉栓塞），保留十二指肠胰头切除（Beger手术）2例，胰头部分切除，胰空肠侧侧吻合（Frey手术）2例，胰十二指肠切除（Whipple手术）9例，结果 2例慢性胰腺炎合并门静脉血栓的患者术前先行门静脉取栓，降低门静脉压力，然后再针对慢性胰腺炎实行外科手术，术后1例恢复顺利，另1例死于多器官脏器功能衰竭，总的院内并发症率25%，总院内死亡率4%，其中PPPD手术后院内并发症率21%，院内死亡率7%。结论 慢性胰腺炎伴胰头肿大的患者的手术治疗应根据胰腺和邻近周围其它器官的形态学改变决定手术的方法。其结果不仅可以有效地治疗慢性胰腺炎，同时有助于提高胰头癌的诊治水平。     

改良多隧道法内镜黏膜下剥离术治疗长度大于8 cm食管全周浅表癌的临床研究

目的　探讨改良多隧道法内镜黏膜下剥离术（endoscopic submucosal multi?tunnel dissection,ESMTD）治疗轴向长度>8 cm食管全周浅表癌的有效性和安全性。方法　回顾性分析南京医科大学第一附属医院2018年1月—2021年12月治疗的79例病变长度>8 cm的食管全周浅表癌患者资料。根据治疗方法将患者分为改良ESMTD组（32例）和外科手术组（47例）,对比分析两组的整块切除率、完全切除率、手术时间、住院时间、医疗费用及手术相关并发症等指标。结果　改良ESMTD组和外科手术组的整块切除率均为100.0%（χ2=0.000,P=1.000）,完全切除率分别为96.9%（31/32）和97.9%（46/47）（χ2=0.000,P=1.000）;改良ESMTD组手术时间短于外科手术组［（150.5±17.2）min比（185.8±15.2）min,t=9.527,P<0.001］,术后发生迟发性出血［3.1%（1/32）比10.6%（5/47）,χ2=0.648,P=0.421］、迟发性穿孔［3.1%（1/32）比4.3%（2/47）,χ2=0.000,P=1.000］发生率与外科手术组差异无统计学意义,术后C反应蛋白［（64.3±6.9）mg/L比（89.2±7.4）mg/L,t=15.634,P<0.001］、中性粒细胞水平［（10.1±1.4）×109/L比（13.1±1.2）×109/L,t=15.083,P<0.001］低于外科手术组。改良ESMTD组住院时间短于外科手术组［（9.2±1.2）d比（11.5±1.2）d,t=8.363,P<0.001］,医疗费用少于外科手术组［（3.2±0.3）万元比（5.9±0.6）万元,t=26.384,P<0.001］。结论　与传统外科手术相比,改良ESMTD治疗轴向长度>8 cm的全周食管浅表癌疗效确切,安全性好,且住院时间短,医疗费用少,保留了食管的完整性,提高了患者术后生活质量,具有较良好的临床应用价值。     

急性胰腺炎纵隔扩散途径的MR表现

[目的]研究急性胰腺炎(Acute pancreatitis,AP)胰周积液向纵隔扩散的MR表现及解剖基础,以及与急性胰腺炎MR严重指数(MR severity index,MRSI)的相关性。[方法]回顾分析69例因AP入院并进行MR检查患者。观察分析胰周积液向纵隔扩散的解剖途径并进行分级;AP的严重程度用MRSI评分分级并统计分析胰周积液与MRSI评分相关性。[结果]69例中,88.40%患者有不同程度胰周积液。胰周积液向纵隔扩散时食管裂孔受累31.14%,主动脉裂孔8.05%,下腔静脉裂孔3.25%。胰周积液评分与MRSI正相关(r=0.449,P0.01)。[结论]AP伴发胰周积液较常见,胰周积液通过膈肌裂孔向纵隔扩散。胰周积液也可以作为评价AP严重程度的辅助指标。     

结核性胸腔积液与恶性胸腔积液患者危险因素的对比研究

目的 探索结核性胸腔积液与恶性胸腔积液患者危险因素的不同,为临床个体化诊治胸腔积液提供依据。 方法 连续性入选2006年1月至2012年12月间在青岛市中心医院呼吸科确诊为结核性胸腔积液或恶性胸腔积液的患者264例,其中结核性胸腔积液患者147例,恶性胸腔积液患者117例。调查并比较两组患者的年龄、性别、合并糖尿病、呼吸系统基础疾病史、经济状况、工作劳累感、群体居住行为、运动量不足、进食规律性、睡眠时间、心理应激程度、吸烟指数、类似病家族史等13个项目,采用logistic单因素和多因素回归分析,对结核性胸腔积液和恶性胸腔积液的发病独立危险因素进行对比,以说明两者危险因素的差异。 结果 单因素分析结果显示,结核性胸腔积液与恶性胸腔积液两组数据比较,合并糖尿病［15.0%（22/147）vs 6.8%（8/117）,χ²=4.571,P=0.034］、经济状况差［38.1%（56/147）vs 29.9%（35/117）,χ²=5.103,P=0.028］、有群体居住行为［29.3%（43/147） vs 9.4%（11/117）,χ²=4.977,P=0.030］,是结核性胸腔积液的危险因素;年龄＞40岁［45.6%（67/147）vs 78.6%（92/117）,χ²=4.752,P=0.032］、心理应激程度高［15.0%（22/147）vs 33.3%（39/117）,χ²=6.031,P=0.017］、吸烟指数＞400［25.9%（38/147）vs 32.5%（38/117）,χ²=5.228,P=0.024］和有类似病家族史［9.5%（14/147）vs 34.2%（40/117）,χ²=3.976,P=0.046］是恶性胸腔积液的危险因素。在排除其他因素影响后,合并糖尿病（χ²=5.391,P=0.027,OR=2.457,95%CI：5.051～1.773）和群体居住行为（χ²=5.491,P=0.022,OR=3.636,95%CI：6.494～2.584）仍然是结核性胸腔积液的危险因素;年龄＞40岁（χ²=5.364,P=0.022,OR=2.323,95%CI：1.197～2.588）和有类似病家族史（χ²=5.897,P=0.021,OR=3.080,95%CI：2.233～4.018）是恶性胸腔积液危险因素。 结论 胸腔积液患者如果合并糖尿病或有群体居住行为更容易出现结核性胸腔积液,如果年龄＞40岁或有类似病家族史,更容易出现恶性胸腔积液。     

早期经胰管括约肌预切开术在导丝误入胰管的内镜逆行胰胆管造影术困难插管中的临床应用

目的　探讨早期经胰管括约肌预切开术（transpancreatic sphincterotomy,TPS）应用于导丝进入胰管的内镜逆行胰胆管造影术（endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography,ERCP）困难插管的有效性和安全性。方法　回顾性分析2019年1月至2021年11 月于昆明医科大学第二附属医院消化内镜室行ERCP诊疗的胆道疾病患者临床资料,排除在常规选择性胆管插管技术尝试5 min内即成功进入胆管者,共纳入154例导丝误入胰管的ERCP困难插管患者。将导丝首次进入胰管且插管时间5~<10 min时即行TPS的患者设为早期TPS组（n=62例）,而将导丝反复进入胰管（≥2次）或插管时间≥10 min时才实施TPS的患者设为延迟TPS组（n=92例）,比较两组的一般资料、插管时间、手术时间、插管成功率、ERCP术后胰腺炎、出血、穿孔等并发症发生率。结果　早期TPS组和延迟TPS组的性别、年龄、ERCP指征等一般资料比较差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）,早期TPS组的插管时间［12.0（10.0,15.0）min 比 21.0（16.0,27.0）min,Z=8.262,P<0.001］、手术时间［29.0（25.0,34.0）min 比 50.5（41.0,67.8）min,Z=9.097,P<0.001］显著短于延迟TPS组,两组胰管支架留置率差异无统计学意义［9.7%（6/62）比16.3%（15/92）,χ2=1.381,P=0.240］。早期TPS组的插管成功率［100.0%（62/62） 比 88.0%（81/92）,χ2 =6.282,P=0.012］显著高于延迟TPS组,ERCP术后胰腺炎发生率［0.0%（0/62）比16.3%（15/92）,χ2=11.200,P=0.001］以及总并发症发生率［37.1%（23/62）比59.8%（55/92）,χ2=7.626,P=0.006］显著低于延迟TPS组,两组高淀粉酶血症发生率［21.0%（13/62）比31.5%（29/92）,χ2=2.080,P=0.149］以及术中出血发生率［21.0%（13/62）比30.4%（28/92）,χ2=1.699,P=0.192］差异无统计学意义。两组均无穿孔和操作相关的死亡发生。结论　在导丝误入胰管的ERCP困难插管中,早期实施TPS可以提高胆管插管成功率并减少ERCP术后胰腺炎发生率,是安全和有效的。     

经口内镜下肌切开术治疗长病程贲门失弛缓症的临床研究

目的　探讨经口内镜下肌切开术（peroral endoscopic myotomy， POEM）治疗长病程贲门失弛缓症的有效性和安全性。方法　纳入2015年1月—2022年3月苏州大学附属第一医院接受POEM治疗的贲门失弛缓症患者共159例，按其病程长度分为长病程组（病程≥10年）与非长病程组（病程<10年），比较两组基线资料、手术情况和术后复发情况，并进一步探究长病程组复发者与未复发者的组间差异。结果　长病程组患者年龄［（57.09±14.30）岁 比 （42.08±15.68）岁，t=5.569，P<0.001］、既往治疗比例［28.9%（13/45） 比 9.6%（11/114），χ2=9.319，P=0.020］及Henderson Ⅲ级食管患者比例［17.8%（8/45） 比 6.1%（7/114），χ2=7.020，P=0.030］显著高于非长病程组。长病程组患者术后复发率显著高于非长病程组［33.3%（15/45） 比 14.9%（17/114），χ2=6.811，P=0.009］。长病程组中，术后复发者年龄［（62.50±16.94）岁 比 （53.77±12.95）岁，t=-2.121，P=0.040］及既往治疗史比例［53.3%（8/15）比16.7%（5/30），χ2=6.544，P=0.016］均高于无复发者，差异有统计学意义。结论　POEM对于长病程贲门失弛缓症患者安全有效。长病程贲门失弛缓症患者中，高龄及有既往治疗史的患者更容易复发。     

内镜胆管引流术治疗胆瘘的临床价值

目的　探讨内镜胆管引流术治疗胆瘘的有效性和安全性。方法　回顾性分析2002年11月—2022年11月在解放军总医院第一医学中心诊治的连续性409例胆瘘患者的临床资料，最终纳入53例内镜逆行胰胆管造影术（endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography， ERCP）下行胆管引流术的胆瘘患者，分析患者的一般情况、手术操作情况、治疗结局和不良事件等。将患者分为支架引流组（n=46）与鼻胆管引流组（n=7），比较两组术中特点、手术结果以及手术时间。结果　53例患者中，男36例、女17例，年龄（52.2±12.7）岁，其中58.5%（31/53）的患者继发于胆囊切除术。其临床成功率为83.0%（44/53），手术时间为27.0（13.5，33.5） min，治疗1（1，2） 次，治愈时间89 （47，161） d。ERCP治疗轻度胆瘘相较于重度胆瘘成功率较高［96.4%（27/28）比 68.0% （17/25）， χ2=7.57， P=0.006］。跨瘘口引流相较于非跨瘘口引流治疗胆瘘的成功率更高［91.7% （33/36） 比64.7% （11/17）， χ2=5.95， P=0.015］，而使用较大口径（≥10 Fr）与较小口径（<10 Fr）的支架治疗胆瘘的成功率相近［81.8% （27/33）比84.6%（11/13）， χ2=0.05， P=0.822］。18.9%（10/53）的患者出现不良事件，其中胰腺炎6例、出血2例、胆管炎1例，死亡1例。除1例死亡外，其余9例不良事件均为轻度，且经保守治疗后好转。鼻胆管引流组和胆管支架引流组在临床成功率［6/7比82.6%（38/46）， χ2=0.04，P=0.838］、中位手术时间（28.0 min 比 23.0 min， Z=0.38， P=0.774）方面差异无统计学意义。结论　内镜胆管引流术治疗胆瘘是安全有效的。鼻胆管和胆管支架引流的临床疗效相似，ERCP治疗轻度胆瘘以及跨瘘口引流可能具有更高的临床成功率。     

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.     

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.     

Variabilité des concentrations plasmatiques de l’angiotensinogène et risque d’hypertension artérielle chez le rat transgénique

Aim

Genetic polymorphisms of the human angiotensinogen gene are frequent and may induce up to 30% increase of plasma angiotensinogen concentrations with a blood pressure increase of up to 5 mmHg. Their role for the pathogenesis of human arterial hypertension remains unclear. High plasma angiotensinogen levels could increase the sensitivity to other blood pressure stressors.

Methods

Male transgenic rats with a 9-fold increase of plasma angiotensinogen concentrations and male non-transgenic rats aged 10 weeks were treated or not with NG-Nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester for 3 weeks in their drinking water (n = 3/group). Systolic blood pressure and body weight were measured at baseline and at the end of the study when left ventricular weight and ventricular expression of angiotensin I-converting enzyme and procollagen Iα1 were determined (polymerase chain reaction).

Results

At baseline, transgenic rats had +18 mmHg higher bood pressure and –8% lower body weight compared to non-transgenic rats (P < 0.05) without significant changes for the vehicle groups throughout the study (P > 0.05). NG-Nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester increased blood pressure, left ventricular weight and left ventricular weight indexed for body weight by +41%, +17.6% and +18.6% (P < 0.05) in transgenic and +25%, +5.3% and +6.7% (P > 0.05) in non-transgenic rats compared to untreated animals, respectively. Cardiac gene expression showed no differences between groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Increased plasma angiotensinogen levels may sensitize to additional blood pressure stressors. Our preliminary results point towards an independent role of angiotensinogen in the pathogenesis of human hypertension and associated end-organ damage.     

Morphological and immunocytochemical heterogeneity of cultured pinealocytes from one-week-and two-month-old rats: Planimetric and densitometric investigations

Abstract: In vitro preparations of rat pinealocytes are widely used for biochemical analyses of signal transduction processes. This paper deals with morphological and immunocytochemical features of such preparations. Special attention was paid to the problems of whether pinealocytes represent a heterogeneous cell population and how such heterogeneity may develop during ontogeny. The investigations were performed with cells which were obtained from the pineal organ of one-week-and two-month-old rats, attached to synthetic peptide-coated coverslips or tissue culture chamber slides, and maintained under in vitro conditions overnight. The attached cells were then fixed with paraformaldehyde. These preparations yielded monolayers of spherical cells of different sizes; most cells were isolated, but some of them were aggregated and formed small clusters. On the average, the cells from the one-week-old animals were smaller than the cells from the two-month-old animals. Immunocytochemical demonstration of S-antigen, a pinealocyte-specific marker, showed that the majority of the cells from two-month-old animals were intensely or moderately labelled. Pinealocytes from one-week-old animals were less S-antigen immunoreactive. Only very few cells (less than 1% displayed glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-immunoreactivity. Planimetric investigations of the cell size and semiquantitative densitometric investigations of the intensity of the S-antigen immunoreaction revealed that (i) pinealocytes kept in vitro form a heterogeneous cell population, and that (ii) this heterogeneity increases during postnatal development from one-week-old to two-month-old animals. Two groups of pinealocytes can be distinguished based on their developmental fate: pinealocytes of one group grow dramatically, but show only a moderate increase in S-antigen immunoreactivity, and pinealocytes of the other group retain their size, but display a distinct increment in S-antigen immunoreacti vitv.     

MUTATION FREQUENCY IN NURSES AND PHARMACISTS WORKING WITH CYTOTOXIC DRUGS

Individuals occupationally exposed to cytotoxic drugs may be at risk owing to the effects of these agents on DNA. As an index of DNA damage, in vivo mutations were measured in lymphocytes from 24 oncology nurses or pharmacists and 24 matched controls. Mutation frequency was significantly increased in exposed individuals and appeared to be related to duration of exposure. However, the overall magnitude of the increase was small and its biological significance remains to be determined.