细胞间粘附因子-1在高血压致炎症和心脏纤维化中作用的研究

目的探讨细胞间粘附因子-1(Intercellular Adhesion Molecular-1,ICAM-1)在高血压致炎症与心脏纤维化中的作用。方法将12只野生小鼠和12只ICAM-1敲除小鼠随机分成四组:野生对照组,野生血管紧张素Ⅱ灌泵组,ICAM-1敲除对照组,ICAM-1敲除血管紧张素Ⅱ灌泵组,给予血管紧张素Ⅱ(1500ng/kg*min,7d)及乙酸溶液(对照组)微量泵灌注,在灌注后第7天通过小鼠尾动脉套法测定各组血压,超声心动图检查以观察小鼠心脏结构和功能改变,马松染色、天狼星红染色观察心脏纤维化,免疫组化α-SMA染色观察肌成纤维细胞的形成,HE染色和免疫组化Mac-2、IL-1β、TGF-β染色观察炎症细胞浸润及炎症因子分泌。结果血管紧张素Ⅱ灌注第7天,灌泵组较对照组血压升高,说明造模成功。ICAM-1敲除灌泵组较野生灌泵组炎症细胞浸润增多(p<0.05n=6),尤其是Mac-2+巨噬细胞(p<0.05n=6),炎症因子TGF-β、IL-1β分泌增多(p<0.05n=6),α-SMA+肌成纤维细胞增多(p<0.05n=6)。结论在高血压致心脏纤维化过程中,ICAM-1敲除后,加重以Mac-2+巨噬细胞为主的炎症细胞浸润、增加炎症因子(TGF-β、IL-1β)分泌,导致心脏组织中α-SMA+的肌成纤维细胞形成,最终加重心脏纤维化。     

Toll样受体4在血管紧张素Ⅱ所致高血压小鼠血管重构中的作用

目的探讨Toll样受体4(TLR4)在血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)所致高血压小鼠血管重构中的作用。方法选择野生型C57小鼠18只,随机分为对照组、AngⅡ组和TLR4组,每组6只。AngⅡ灌注7d,于灌泵前2d至灌泵后7d小鼠尾静脉注射TLR4中和抗体。免疫组织化学检测胸主动脉内皮素1、增殖细胞核抗原(PCNA)、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)、细胞间黏附分子1(ICAM-1)的表达;流式细胞仪检测T细胞表面活化分子CD69的表达。结果与对照组比较,AngⅡ组小鼠血压、内皮素1、PCNA、ICAM-1、CD69表达明显上调,α-SMA表达明显下调(P<0.05,P<0.01)。与AngⅡ组比较,TLR4组小鼠血压、内皮素1、PCNA、ICAM-1、CD69表达明显下调,α-SMA表达明显上调(P<0.05,P<0.01)。结论 TLR4通过介导炎性反应参与AngⅡ所致高血压小鼠血管重构。     

4,5,7-三羟异黄酮减轻高同型半胱氨酸血症导致的血管内皮损伤

目的明确E3泛素连接酶CHIP在血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)引起心肌纤维化过程中的作用以及分子机制。方法用10周龄野生型小鼠(WT)和CHIP心脏特异表达转基因小鼠(CHIP-TG)各16只,随机分为生理盐水+WT组、生理盐水+CHIP-TG组、AngⅡ+WT组和AngⅡ+CHIP-TG组。采用植入式胶囊渗透压泵对小鼠灌注生理盐水和AngⅡ[1500 ng/(kg.min)]1周,然后用B超仪检测动物心脏功能;心脏组织切片进行HE、Masson染色分别观察心脏组织中炎性细胞浸润和胶原沉积情况。应用免疫组织化学染色检测不同组别心脏中巨噬细胞(Mac-2阳性细胞)数量和CollagenⅠ的表达水平。另外,用siRNA-GFP和siRNA-CHIP腺病毒感染培养的胎鼠心肌细胞24 h,然后用AngⅡ(100 nmol/L)处理6 h,应用RT-PCR检测不同处理组炎症因子[如白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)和IL-6]的表达水平。结果在生理盐水处理时,WT和CHIP-TG组心脏功能、病理改变和炎性细胞浸润情况均无明显差别。AngⅡ处理7天后,与生理盐水+WT组相比,AngⅡ+WT组的心脏功能、纤维化面积和炎性细胞的浸润程度...     

自然杀伤T细胞在血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导的高血压中的作用

目的:通过构建Ang Ⅱ诱导的小鼠高血压模型,研究自然杀伤T细胞(NKT)的作用。方法:在CD1d基因敲除小鼠及野生对照小鼠中,采用缓释泵持续灌注血管紧张素Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)490ng·kg~(-1)·min~(-1),14 d建立小鼠高血压模型,尾动脉无创性血压测量方法监测小鼠血压的变化;HE染色观察小鼠主动脉壁厚度的变化;Masson染色观察主动脉血管纤维化的程度;实时荧光定量PCR检测血管组织中IL-6及TNF-α的表达;流式分析检测血管壁巨噬细胞的浸润。结果:与对照组相比,Ang Ⅱ灌注14 d明显升高小鼠的收缩压、血管壁的厚度及纤维化程度、血管组织的炎症因子IL-1β及TNF-αmRNA的表达及血管组织中巨噬细胞的浸润;重要的是,CD1d基因的敲除进一步加重以上变化。结论:自然杀伤T细胞通过减轻巨噬细胞的浸润拮抗了血管紧张素Ⅱ灌注引起的血压升高。     

蛋白激酶SGK-1在高血压性心脏纤维化中的表达及影响

目的:探讨血清和糖皮质激素诱导的蛋白激酶-1(SGK1)在血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngiotensionⅡ,AngⅡ)所诱导高血压性心脏纤维化中的表达及作用。方法:40只雄性C57BL/6小鼠随机分为0.9%氯化钠组和AngⅡ组,每组20只。采用植入式胶囊渗透压泵对小鼠分别灌注0.9%氯化钠和AngⅡ,于第7天时采用鼠尾套法检测小鼠尾动脉血压处死并取其心脏进行组织切片,行HE染色观察心脏组织炎症细胞浸润、Masson染色观察胶原沉积、免疫组织化学染色检测巨噬细胞(Mac-2)及炎症细胞因子[诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)、白介素1β(IL-1β)、精氨酸酶1(Arg1)]和促纤维化的因子[转化生长因子β(TGF-β)、α平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)]的表达;Real-time PCR检测SGK1 mRNA表达;Westernblot检测SGK1蛋白水平的表达和活化。结果:与0.9%氯化钠组相比,AngⅡ组灌注7 d时血压显著升高(P<0.01);巨噬细胞Mac2浸润增加、胶原沉积增多、促炎因子(iNOS、IL-1β、Arg1)及促纤维化因子(TGF-β、α-SMA)的表达水平均显著升高(均为P<0.05);Real-time PCR结果显示AngⅡ灌注明显上调SGK1 mRNA表达(P<0.05);Western blot结果显示AngⅡ灌注增加SGK1磷酸化水平(P<0.05)。结论:在高血压性心脏纤维化疾病进程中,炎症反应增加并且SGK1表达明显上调及活性增强,提示SGK1可能是高血压导致心脏纤维化的关键信号分子,并且SGK1可能通过调节炎症反应促进心脏纤维化的进展。     

芪苈强心胶囊通过抑制血管紧张素Ⅱ改善压力超负荷致小鼠心肌肥厚

目的探讨探讨芪苈强心胶囊是否通过抑制血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)表达改善压力超负荷下小鼠心肌肥厚。方法小鼠行升主动脉缩窄手术(TAC)建立心肌肥厚模型,8-10周龄野生型雄性小鼠(WT)和雄性血管紧张素原基因敲除小鼠(ATG-/-)随机分为假手术组、生理盐水组、芪苈强心胶囊三组,TAC组小鼠给予生理盐水或1.0mg/(kg.d)药物灌胃处理。术后2周行心超及血流动力学检查,同时分析心肌组织学指标以及肥厚相关基因表达,酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测血浆和心肌组织AngⅡ浓度,,蛋白印迹法检测磷酸化细胞外信号调节激酶(p-ERK)及血管紧张素Ⅱ-1型(AT1)受体表达。结果 WT和ATG-/-小鼠TAC后2周,主动脉血压及左室收缩末期压显著升高,芪苈强心胶囊对其均无影响。WT小鼠中,此药显著抑制TAC介导AngⅡ的升高(P<0.05),抑制TAC介导的左室前壁,左室后壁增厚以及心肌细胞横截面积(CSA)和纤维化面积增大,同时抑制肥厚相关基因、AT1受体和p-ERK表达上调(P<0.05),;ATG-/-小鼠中,在AngⅡ缺失的情况下,TAC两组间左室前后壁、CSA、纤维化面积以及肥厚相关基因、AT1受体和p-ERK...     

去除巨噬细胞对血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导的高血压小鼠肾脏的保护作用

目的:巨噬细胞浸润与高血压及肾损伤有密切关系,本实验观察使用脂质体氯膦酸二钠(CL)去除巨噬细胞对血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)诱导的高血压肾脏损伤的保护作用。方法:24只雄性C57BL/6小鼠随机分为正常对照、正常+CL组(CL 0.1 ml/10g体重,每周2次尾静脉注射)、AngⅡ组[1.4 mg/(kg·d),通过植入式胶囊渗透压泵连续灌注14d]、AngⅡ+CL组。结果:与正常组比,AngⅡ明显增加小鼠收缩压,蛋白尿,肾结构损伤和巨噬细胞浸润以及炎症细胞因子肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)的表达;在AngⅡ高血压小鼠,CL显著降低肾脏巨噬细胞浸润,改善肾脏的结构和功能损伤以及炎症因子的表达,并轻度降低血压。AngⅡ还诱导肾脏纤维化,增加纤维化因子TGF-β1,纤维连接蛋白及NADPH氧化酶gp91phox和p22phox的表达,CL治疗有效地抑制AngⅡ诱导肾脏纤维化以及上述细胞因子的表达。结论:巨噬细胞浸润在AngⅡ高血压引起的肾损伤中起重要作用,其机制可能与增加巨噬细胞在肾脏组织释放炎症细胞因子及氧化应激反应,去除巨噬细胞对其有保护作用。     

川芎嗪对血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导大鼠心脏成纤维细胞纤维化的影响

目的探讨川芎嗪(ligustrazine)对血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)诱导心脏成纤维细胞纤维化的机制及影响。方法体外培养SD大鼠乳鼠CFs,实验分为5组,A组(对照组):培养时不加干预药物;B组(AngⅡ组):加AngⅡ10-6mol/L;C组(川芎嗪低剂量组):AngⅡ10-6mol/L+川芎嗪5 mg/L;D组(川芎嗪中剂量组)AngⅡ10-6mol/L+川芎嗪10 mg/L;E组(川芎嗪高剂量组)AngⅡ10-6mol/L+川芎嗪20 mg/L,干预48 h后,采用RT-PCR法测定α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)及钙调神经磷酸酶催化亚基Aβ亚型(Cn Aβ)mRNA的表达情况;Western Blot法检测α-SMA及活化T细胞核因子3(NFAT3)的蛋白表达情况。结果与A组比较,B组α-SMAmRNA、Cn AβmRNA表达均显著增高,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),α-SMA、NFAT3蛋白的表达也显著增加,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);与B组比较,C组α-SMAmRNA、Cn AβmRNA表达差异无统计学意义(P0.05),α-SMA、NFAT3蛋白表达无统计学意义(P0.05),D组和E组α-SMA、Cn Aβ的mRNA表达均显著降低,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),α-SMA、NFAT3蛋白表达显著减少,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论在一定浓度范围,川芎嗪以剂量依赖方式抑制AngⅡ诱导的SD大鼠CFs心肌纤维化过程,其机制可能与心脏成纤组细胞纤组化川芎嗪抑制CFs的钙调神经磷酸酶(Ca N)信号通路有关。     

氯膦酸二钠脂质体改善高血压小鼠血管内皮细胞功能及心肌肥厚

目的探讨巨噬细胞在血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)高血压引起内皮细胞功能障碍和心肌肥厚中的作用及机制。方法 C57BL/6小鼠随机分为正常+PBS组、正常+氯膦酸二钠脂质体(CL)组、AngⅡ+PBS组和AngⅡ+CL组。通过尾静脉注射PBS或CL,采用植入式胶囊渗透泵灌注AngⅡ。采用小鼠尾套法测量小鼠治疗前、治疗第7天、第14天收缩压;通过HE染色法观察小鼠心肌细胞肥厚程度;血管环张力实验检测血管内皮依赖性舒张功能;Western blot检测磷酸化内皮型一氧化氮合酶(p-e NOS)、p-ERK1/2、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)、生长转化因子β1(TGF-β1)和纤维连接蛋白的变化。结果与正常组+PBS组比较,AngⅡ+PBS组动脉收缩压增加了44%(P0.05)、巨噬细胞在心脏组织中的浸润增加了54%(P0.05),心肌重量增加29%(P0.05),单个心肌细胞面积增加了48%(P0.05),血管舒张功能降低了35%(P0.05)。与AngⅡ+PBS组相比,AngⅡ+CL组动脉收缩压下降了25.28%(P0.05)、单个心肌细胞面积减小了38.83%(P0.05)、血管内皮舒张功能改善了12.63%(P0.05)。Western blot检测显示,AngⅡ+CL逆转了p-e NOS、p-ERK1/2、TNF-α、IL-1β、TGF-β1及纤维连接蛋白的表达(P0.05)。结论在AngⅡ高血压小鼠中氯膦酸二钠脂质体能改善血管内皮细胞功能,抑制心肌肥厚和重塑,其机制可能与降低心肌组织巨噬细胞浸润和巨噬细胞来源的炎症因子诱导的炎症以及增加p-e NOS有关。     

炎症小体Nlrp3在高血压小鼠心肌纤维化中的作用

目的:研究NOD样受体热蛋白结构域3(Nlrp3)炎症小体在高血压导致心脏纤维化重构中的作用与影响。方法:18只雄性C57BL/6J小鼠随机分为对照组(n=8)灌注0.9%氯化钠溶液,和血管紧张素(Ang II)组(n=10)灌注Ang II,采用鼠尾套管法测量小鼠血压。于灌注第7天后处死小鼠,收取心脏组织进行切片,采用免疫组织化学、H-E与Masson染色观测心脏炎症浸润与纤维化重构、使用q PCR检测炎症因子和nlrp3炎症小体表达与活化。结果:与对照组小鼠相比较,Ang II组小鼠在灌注后血压从第1天起持续升高,并持续到第7天。炎症因子白介素(IL)-1β、IL-6、肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α以及诱导型一氧化氮合酶(i NOS)表达增加,巨噬细胞浸润增加,炎症小体表达增多,心脏中的间质胶原沉积增加,肌成纤维细胞标志α-SMA表达增加;与对照组相比,体外使用Ang II刺激巨噬细胞后,IL-1β表达升高,炎症小体nlrp3表达增加,给与P2X7受体(可以激活炎症小体nlrp3)抑制剂PPADS后,IL-1β与nlrp3转录水平表达降低。结论:高血压可能通过促进巨噬细胞内炎症小体nlrp3的表达,引起IL-1β的释放增多,促进心脏组织中巨噬细胞浸润,导致心脏组织损伤和纤维化加重。     

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.     

Effects of pinealectomy and melatonin administration on certain indices of ovarian hyperplasia and/or hypertrophy in rats with both ovaries intact or after unilateral ovariectomy

Abstract: In earlier studies from other laboratories it was shown that melatonin decreased ovarian weight in rats and inhibited compensatory hypertrophy of the remaining ovary after unilateral ovariectomy. This study was designed to examine the influence of melatonin on certain indices of ovarian hyperplasia and/or hypertrophy in adult female rats with both ovaries preserved and with either an intact pineal gland or with the pineal gland removed (pinealectomy, PX) or, finally, in sham-PX animals. Similar studies were conducted on rats after unilateral ovariectomy, referring the examined parameters to the remaining intact ovary. The studies included mitotic activity of granulosa layer cells and corpus luteum cells, ovarian weight, ovarian cross-sectional area, cross-sectional area of the granulosa layer of all the Graafian follicles and the cross-sectional areas of the corpora lutea, visible on the ovarian cross-section. On the basis of results, we conclude that: 1) the effect of PX on the processes of ovarian hyperplasia and hypertrophy may vary; analogously, exogenous melatonin administration may influence ovarian hyperplasia and hypertrophy in different ways; 2) PX and exogenous melatonin may, under certain conditions, exert similar biological effects, even synergistic effects; 3) melatonin inhibits ovarian growth processes, while the effects of PX are variable; 4) the results indicate that in experiments performed on rats, with the use of two control groups, i.e., intact and sham-PX, melatonin effects on these two groups may differ.