脂联素对大鼠慢性间歇性低氧所致心肌重塑的影响

目的：探讨慢性间歇性低氧（chronic intermittent hypoxia,CIH）对心肌重塑的影响及脂联素（adiponectin, Ad）的干预作用。方法将45只Wistar大鼠随机分为3组：正常对照组（NC）,CIH组和CIH＋Ad组。CIH 35d后,使用马松染色分析方法检测左室纤维化程度及使用Western blot方法来衡量Ⅰ型胶原蛋白、Ⅲ型胶原蛋白和TGF-β/smad2/3通路蛋白的表达。通过RT-PCR方法来研究基质金属蛋白酶-2（MMP2）/基质金属蛋白酶的组织抑制剂-2（TIMP-2）的mRNA表达比值情况。结果慢性间歇性低氧处理后,CIH组左心室的纤维化程度显著高于NC组和CIH＋Ad组（P＜0.05）,但NC组和CIH＋Ad组之间差异具有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。CIH组Ⅰ型胶原蛋白和Ⅲ型胶原蛋白和MMP2/TIMP-2的mRNA比值表达最高,NC组表达最低,CIH＋Ad组居中,3组之间均差异具有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。TGF-β/smad通路蛋白在CIH组中表达显著高于NC组和CIH组（P＜0.05）,且NC组和CIH＋Ad组差异具有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论慢性间歇性低氧可引起左室重构,而Ad可能通过抑制TGF-β/smad2/3通路改善此损害。     

脂联素对慢性间歇性低氧大鼠颏舌肌收缩功能的影响

目的 探讨慢性间歇性低氧(chronic intermittent hypoxia,CIH)对颏舌肌收缩功能的影响及脂联素(Ad)的干预作用.方法 健康雄性Wistar大鼠39只,随机分为正常氧组(NC组)、CIH组和CIH Ad干预组(CIH+Ad组),每组13只.NC组呼吸正常空气,CIH组与CIH+Ad组接收CIH建模环境(CIH 8 h/d,共35 d),CIH+Ad组织给予颈静脉注射脂联素10 μg/次,2次/周,共5周,NC组与CIH组注射生理盐水0.5 ml/次对照.于实验终止时测定并比较各组大鼠血清Ad浓度及颏舌肌的收缩功能.结果 ①CIH组血清Ad浓度明显低于NC组[(1 210.32±84.20) μg/L,(2 236.43±117.72)μg/L]；②CIH组单刺激收缩最大张力[(0.84±0.072) N/g]、强直收缩最大张力[(3.37±0.29)N/g]、单刺激波峰值张力时间[(93.47±7.4)ms]和1/2松弛时间[(8.79±0.66) ms]较NC组降低(P＜0.05),CIH+Ad组较CIH组改善(P＜0.05)；③三组大鼠强直收缩疲劳指数在第一个20 s下降明显,在此后的100 s,疲劳指数继续下降,但趋势缓慢,NC组、CIH+Ad组抗疲劳性均明显高于CIH组(P＜0.01).结论 CIH可致血清脂联素浓度下降,并影响颏舌肌收缩功能及抗疲劳性能,补充外源性Ad能部分改善CIH对颏舌肌收缩功能及抗疲劳性的影响.     

慢性间歇低氧对大鼠颏舌肌细胞线粒体功能的影响及脂联素的干预作用

目的 探讨慢性间歇低氧(CIH)对大鼠颏舌肌细胞线粒体功能的影响及脂联素干预作用.方法 健康雄性Wistar大鼠39只,采用随机数字表法分成健康对照(NC)组、CIH组、CIH脂联素干预组(CIH+Ad组),每组13只.NC组大鼠呼吸正常空气,CIH组与CIH+Ad组均接受CIH环境(CIH 8 h/d,共5周),CIH+Ad组加用经静脉脂联素注射10 μg/次,2次/周,共5周.于实验终止(第35天)时测定并比较各组大鼠血清脂联素浓度、颏舌肌线粒体膜电位、线粒体复合物Ⅰ活性、线粒体复合物Ⅳ活性.结果 CIH组血清脂联素浓度明显低于NC组[(1108±112)ng/ml,(2241±121)ng/ml,P＜0.01];CIH+Ad组高于CIH组[(1889±119)ng/ml]但低于NC组[(2241±121)ng/ml,均P＜0.01].CIH组颏舌肌线粒体膜电位相对值(1.82±0.11)明显低于NC组(2.09±0.14,P＜0.01),CIH+Ad组(1.98±0.09)较CIH组略高但低于NC组,差异均有统计学差异(均P＜0.05).CIH组线粒体复合物Ⅰ、Ⅳ浓度[(35.68±1.73)μmol·min-1·mg-1,(2.37±0.11)nmol·min-1·mg-1]最低,CIH+Ad组[(37.18±1.95)μmol·min-1·mg-1,(2.49±0.09)nmol·min-1·mg-1]及NC组[(39.02±1.38)μmol·min-1·mg-1,(2.81±0.12)nmol·min-1·mg-1]依次增高.NC组与CIH组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01),CIH+Ad组与CIH组和NC组比较差异有统计学意义(均P＜0.05).结论 CIH可致大鼠血清脂联素水平降低,并能显著损伤颏舌肌细胞线粒体功能,补充外源性脂联素能部分改善CIH对大鼠颏舌肌细胞线粒体功能的损伤,提示低脂联素血症可能参与CIH导致的颏舌肌能量代谢障碍.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the effect of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) on mitochondrial function in genioglossus cells of rats and intervention role of adiponectin (Ad). Methods Thirty-nine healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, normal control (NC) group, CIH group and CIH + Ad group with 13 rats in each. Rats in NC group were kept breathing normal air, while rats in both CIH and CIH + Ad groups experienced the same CIH environment ( CIH 8 h/day for successive 5 weeks). However, rats in CIH + Ad group was given intravenous Ad supplement at the dosage of 10 μg,twice a week for sucessive 5 weeks. At the end of experiment ( day 35 ), the levels of plasma adiponectin,mitochondrial membrane potential activities of respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ and Ⅳ in mitochondrion of genioglossus cells were compared among different groups. Results Serum Ad level was significantly lower in CIH group than that in NC group [(1108 ± 112) ng/ml vs (2241 ± 121) ng/ml, P＜0.01 ]. Serum Ad level in CIH + Ad group [ ( 1889 ± 119) ng/ml] was significantly higher than that in NC group but lower than that in CIH group ( all P ＜ 0. 01 ). Mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly lower in CIH group than that in NC group [ ( 1.82 ± 0. 11 ) vs (2. 09 ± 0. 14), P ＜ 0. 01 ]. Mitochondrial membrane potential in CIH + Ad group ( 1.98 ± 0. 09) was higher than that in CIH group but lower than that in NC group ( all P ＜ 0. 05 ). The concentrations of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ and Ⅳ in CIH group ( 35.68 ± 1.73 ) μmol · min - 1 · mg- 1 and (2. 37 ± 0. 11 ) nmol · min - 1 ·mg - 1, respectively) were the lowest but became higher from CIH + Ad group [ (37. 18 ± 1.95) μ mol· min-1 · mg-1 and (2. 49 ±0.09) nmol · min-1 ·mg-1 ,respectively] to NC group (39.02 ± 1.38) μmol · min-1 · mg-1 and (2. 81±0. 12) nmol · min-1 ·mg-1 ,respectively), with a significant difference between NC and CIH groups ( P ＜ 0. 01 ), between CIH + Ad and CIH groups ( P ＜ 0. 05 ), as well as between CIH + Ad and NC groups (P ＜ 0. 05 ). Conclusion CIH could lead to hypoadiponectinemia and impaired mitochondrial function in genioglossus cells of rats. Since such changes could be partially improved by supplement of adiponectin, it was suggested that hypoadiponectinemia might be involved in CIH-induced impairment of genioglossus energy metabolism.     

慢性间歇低氧对大鼠颏舌肌超微结构和线粒体功能的影响

目的 探讨慢性间歇低氧(CIH)对大鼠颏舌肌细胞超微结构及线粒体功能的影响及脂联素(Ad)的干预作用.方法 健康雄性Wistar大鼠39只,随机分成健康对照组(A)、CIH组(B)、CIH加Ad干预组(C),每组13只.A组大鼠保持呼吸空气,B组与C组均接受CIH环境(CIH 8 h/d,共5周),但C组同时经静脉注射...     

慢性间歇低氧对大鼠肝细胞IRS-2、 FoxO1表达的影响

目的 观察慢性间歇低氧条件下,大鼠肝细胞形态学变化及胰岛素受体底物-2 (IRS-2)、叉头框蛋白O1(FoxO1)的蛋白表达,并探讨IRS-2、FoxO1与胰岛素抵抗的相关性.方法 取24只6周龄健康雄性Sprauge-Dawley大鼠,采用随机数字表法分为正常对照组(NC组)、慢性间歇低氧4周组(CIH4组)、慢性间歇低氧8周组(CIH8组),每组8只.CIH4组和CIH8组暴露于间歇低氧舱内:最低氧浓度6％ ～ 8％,持续时间8 h/d.NC组无间歇低氧暴露正常饲养,CIH4组、CIH8组和NC组分别于第4周、第8周及第8周禁食12 h后测定空腹血糖、空腹胰岛素水平,并采用稳态模型评估-胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR)和胰岛素敏感性指数(ISI)评价胰岛素抵抗,对肝组织行HE染色观察形态学变化,采用免疫组织化学方法测定肝细胞IRS-2、FoxO1蛋白表达,以平均灰度值表示其蛋白表达量,二者成反比关系.结果 与NC组相比,CIH4组、CIH8组空腹血糖、胰岛素、HOMA-IR升高,ISI降低,且CIH8组更为显著,差异有统计学意义(F=50.23 ～90.26,P均＜0.05).与NC组相比,CIH4组与CIH8组IRS-2蛋白表达降低,FoxO1蛋白表达增高且在核内重新分布,CIH8组更为显著,差异有统计学意义(F=69.46,618.94,P均＜0.05).Pearson相关分析显示:HMOA-IR与IRS-2平均灰度值呈正相关(r=0.857,P＜0.05),与FoxO1平均灰度值呈负相关(r=-0.926,P＜0.05),ISI与IRS-2平均灰度值呈负相关(r=-0.823,P＜0.05),与FoxO1平均灰度值呈正相关(r=0.848,P＜0.05).结论 慢性间歇低氧条件下,大鼠肝细胞受损并发生胰岛素抵抗,同时IRS-2和FoxO1蛋白表达异常,且随暴露时间延长肝细胞损伤程度及胰岛素抵抗程度均逐渐加重.     

间歇低氧对大鼠颏舌肌运动皮质区经颅磁刺激反应的影响

目的 应用经颅磁刺激技术探讨间歇低氧对颏舌肌运动皮质区的影响.方法 选取Sprague-Dawley雄性大鼠80只按照随机数字表法分为正常对照组(10只)和间歇低氧组(各低氧组10只),应用经颅磁刺激刺激两组大鼠颏舌肌运动皮质区并记录刺激后的反应,测量并比较反应潜伏期和幅度,多组间数据比较采用单因素方差分析.结果 大鼠大脑皮质前外侧区是颏舌肌运动皮质区最佳经颅磁刺激位点.与对照组(5.20 ±0.64)ms,(1.21±0.53) mV]相比,间歇低氧大鼠颏舌肌运动皮质区的经颅磁刺激反应潜伏期在低氧第1天[( 4.90±0.54) ms]和第14天[(4.64±1.71)ms]显著缩短,差异有统计学意义(F=3.294,P＜0.01);反应幅度在低氧第1天[(2.28±0.57)mV]和第7天[ (1.89 ±0.20)mV]显著增高(F=1.905,P＜0.05).结论 间歇低氧可以引起大鼠颏舌肌运动皮质区的反应性增加.     

慢性间歇低氧对大鼠肝细胞SOCS3表达的影响

目的通过构建慢性间歇低氧大鼠模型,检测模型大鼠空腹血糖、胰岛素水平及胰岛素抵抗指数并检测大鼠肝细胞SOCS3蛋白及其mRNA表达量的变化,探讨慢性间歇低氧对胰岛素抵抗的影响。方法选取健康雄性SD大鼠24只,按随机数字表法分为正常对照组（NC组）、慢性间歇低氧2周组（CIH2组）、慢性间歇低氧5周组（CIH5组）,每组8只。NC组无间歇低氧暴露,CIH2组、CIH5组暴露于间歇低氧环境中（每日8h,舱内最低氧浓度为6％～7％）。分别于第15天、第36天测定大鼠空腹血糖、放射免疫法测空腹胰岛素水平并按稳态模型评估法（HOMA）计算胰岛素抵抗指数,SABC法免疫组织化学试剂盒检测大鼠肝细胞SOCS3蛋白表达,以平均灰度值表示SOCS3蛋白表达量,荧光定量-PCR法检测SOCS3-mRNA基因表达量。结果与NC组比较,CIH2与CIH5组空腹血糖水平（差异有统计学意义,F=33．582,P〈0．05）、胰岛素水平（差异有统计学意义,F=35．633,P〈0．05）及HOMAIR（差异有统计学意义,F=49．045,P〈0．05）升高,且CIH5组最为显著（P〈0．05）;与NC组比较,CIH2与CIH5组SOCS3蛋白表达升高（差异有统计学意义,F-9．472,PG0．05）,CIH2与CIH5组差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;与NC组及CIH2组比较,CIH5组SOCS3-mRNA表达升高（差异有统计学意义,F=8．665,P〈0．05）,CIH2组升高不明显（差异无统计学意义,P〉0．05）。Pearson相关分析显示HOMA—IR与sOCS3平均灰度值呈负相关（r=-0．759,P〈0．001）,HOMA-IR与SOCS3-mRNA呈正相关（r=-0．603,P=0．01）。结论①CIH暴露使大鼠胰岛素水平及血糖水平升高且发生胰岛素抵抗,且随间歇低氧暴露时间延长,胰岛素抵抗程度加重。②CIH导致大鼠肝细胞内SOCS3蛋白表达增高,SOCS3-mRNA基因表达上调,CIH可能通过SOCS3参与了胰岛素抵抗的发生发展。     

慢性间歇低氧对大鼠糖代谢及肝脏 TRB3、P-AKT 表达的影响

目的：通过建立慢性间歇低氧(chronic intermittent hypoxia,CIH)大鼠模型,观察CIH 对大鼠糖代谢的影响以及肝脏胰岛素相关信号通路 Tribbles 同源蛋白3(TRB3)、磷酸化蛋白激酶 B (P-AKT)的变化。方法将40只健康雄性 SD 大鼠随机分为5组,每组8只。正常对照组(NC组)、慢性间歇 低 氧 2 周 组(CIH2组)、慢 性 间 歇 低 氧 4 周 组(CIH4组)、慢性间歇低氧6周组(CIH6组)、慢性间歇低氧8周组(CIH8组),实验组每天给予8 h 间歇低氧处理。实验结束后检测5组大鼠空腹血糖,采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测空腹胰岛素,用稳态模型胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR)系统评价胰岛素抵抗。采用 HE 染色观察各组肝脏组织形态变化,SABC 法免疫组织化学试剂盒检测大鼠肝细胞 TRB3蛋白以及胰岛素信号通路中关键激酶蛋白激酶 B (AKT)磷酸化水平蛋白的表达,以平均灰度值表示 TRB3、P-AKT 的蛋白表达量。结果随着间歇低氧暴露时间延长,各组与 NC 组比较,其空腹血糖水平(F =116.185,P <0.05)、胰岛素水平(F =45.189,P <0.05)、HOMA-IR (F =110.876,P <0.05)、TRB3蛋白表达水平(F =11 5.253,P <0.05)升高,而 P-AKT 蛋 白 表 达 水 平(F =99.553,P <0.05) 降 低,且以 CIH8组 最 为 显 著 (P <0.05)。Pearson 相关分析显示： HMOA-IR 与 TRB3平均灰度值呈负相关(r =-0.828,P <0.05),与P-AKT平均灰度值呈正相关(r =0.903,P <0.05)。结论 CIH 可导致大鼠肝细胞受损,糖代谢异常,发生胰岛素抵抗,并随着间歇低氧暴露时间的延长,胰岛素抵抗程度加重。CIH 使肝脏中 TRB3蛋白表达增加,P-AKT 显著降低,且与 HOMA-IR 具有明显的相关性,TRB3的激活可能在 CIH 所致的糖代谢异常中起重要作用。     

核因子-κB在慢性间歇性低氧对大鼠左心功能影响中的作用

目的了解慢性间歇性低氧对大鼠左心功能的影响,探讨NF-κB在其发生机制中的作用。方法将24只SD大鼠随机分为3组：正常对照组（NC）、慢性间歇性低氧组（CIH）,CIH＋PDTC（吡咯烷二硫代氨基甲酸盐,NF-κB抑制剂）组。CIH组每天白天置于间歇性低氧箱（最低氧浓度5%～7%）8h,共5周;CIH＋PDTC组每天腹腔注射PDTC100mg/kg,饲养环境与CIH组相同;正常对照组给予相似的处理,但是维持空气氧浓度不变。测量大鼠体重、血压、心率,超声心动图评价心功能;最后提取大鼠心肌组织核蛋白,Western blot法测量NF-κB蛋白水平的表达。结果第5周时CIH组和CIH＋PDTC组体重低于NC组。CIH组和CIH＋PDTC组血压明显高于NC组[分别为（136.3±6.8）、（134.3±6.7）和（122.3±4.1）mmHg,P〈0.01],CIH组和CIH＋PDTC组两组间差异无统计学意义。CIH组LVEF低于NC组[分别为（73±6）%和（86±4）%,P〈0.001],CIH＋PDTC组[（84±4）%]较CIH组明显升高（P〈0.001）,与NC组比较没有明显差异（P=0.1 17）。各组心率无明显统计学差异。NF-κB蛋白水平的表达CIH组高于NC组和CIH＋PDTC组,NC组与CIH＋PDTC组间没有统计学差异。结论慢性间歇性低氧大鼠左心功能减低,NF-κB可能参与其作用机制。     

PTP-1B 及 IRS-1在慢性间歇低氧大鼠肝细胞中的表达

目的：探讨慢性间歇低氧(CIH)对大鼠肝细胞蛋白酪氨酸磷酸酶-1B(protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B,PTP-1B)及胰岛素受体底物-1(insulin receptor substrate-1,IRS-1)蛋白表达量的影响及其导致胰岛素抵抗发生的可能机制。方法选取健康雄性 SD 大鼠24只,按随机数字表法分为正常对照组(NC 组)、慢性间歇低氧4周组(CIH4组)、慢性间歇低氧8周组(CIH8组),每组8只。NC 组无间歇低氧暴露正常饲养,CIH4组及 CIH8组于上午9时至下午5时放入间歇低氧仓暴露于间歇低氧环境中,舱内最低氧浓度为6%~7%。分别于第4周及第8周检测大鼠空腹血糖及空腹胰岛素水平,用稳态模型胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR)以及胰岛素敏感指数(insulin sensitive index,ISI)评价胰岛素抵抗, SABC 法免疫组织化学试剂盒检测 CIH 大鼠肝细胞 PTP-1B 及 IRS-1蛋白表达,以平均灰度值表示PTP-1B 及 IRS-1的蛋白表达量,并做统计学分析。结果与 NC 组比较,CIH4组及 CIH8组空腹血糖、空腹胰岛素及 HOMA-IR 升高,ISI 降低,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05),且 CIH8组更为显著;与 NC 组相比较,CIH4组及 CIH8组 PTP-1B 蛋白表达增加,IRS-1蛋白表达减少,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05),Pearson 相关分析显示,HOMA-IR 与 PTP-1B 平均灰度值呈负相关、与 IRS-1平均灰度值呈正相关;ISI 与 PTP-1B 平均灰度值呈正相关、与 IRS-1平均灰度值呈负相关。结论①CIH 暴露使大鼠空腹血糖及胰岛素水平升高且发生胰岛素抵抗,随着 CIH 暴露时间的延长,胰岛素抵抗程度加重。②CIH 导致大鼠肝细胞 PTP-1B 蛋白表达增加,IRS-1蛋白表达减少,PTP-1B 及 IRS-1可能共同参与了 CIH 大鼠胰岛素抵抗的发生发展。     

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.     

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.