Electrophysiologic follow-up in dogs receiving intracoronary ethyl alcohol injection.

96% ethyl alcohol was injected into a diagonal branch of the left anterior descending coronary artery of 10 out of 12 anesthetized dogs, and saline solution was injected in the remaining 2. After chest closure, the dogs were subjected to ambulatory monitoring (H) during days 1, 2, 3 and 7. The electrophysiologic study (EPS) and signal-averaged electrocardiography. (SA-ECG) were performed before the injection and again at day 7 after injection. H failed in one dog which died of ventricular fibrillation. In the other 9 dogs that received alcohol injection, H showed frequent ventricular premature and ventricular tachycardia (VT) after injection; six of the 9 dogs sustained VT, which was not inducible by EPS. VT was not found in 2 control dogs receiving saline solution injection. The SA-ECG showed no ventricular late potentials in dogs receiving alcohol injection. Post-ablation ventricular arrhythmia (including VT) occurred after intracoronary ethyl alcohol injection in all dogs. Arrhythmogenicity markedly declined during the first 3 days and almost completely disappeared on day 7 after ablation. There was no evidence in favor of reentry as the mechanism of these arrhythmias. Enhanced automaticity was considered as the mechanism for ventricular arrhythmia.

     

EFFECT OF PLANT POLYSACCHARIDES ON T AND B LYMPHOCYTES IN NORMAL AND TUMOR TRANSPLANTED MICE

The effect of 24 plant polysaccharides on theperipheral T and B lymphocytes,thymus T lympho-cyte in normal mice and the peripheral T lymphocytein tumor transplanted mice was studied cytochemical-ly.The results showed that these polysaccharidesmight be classified into 3 groups:those increasingthe peripheral T,B lymphocytes and thymus Tlymphocyte,those lowering these cells,and thosewith no apparent effect on them.The number of polysaccharides with obviouseffect on the peripheral and thymus T lymphocytes,the connection between the thymus weight and theT lymphocyte percentage changes in normal miceand the correlation between the change of the peri-pheral T lymphocyte and the inhibitory effect ontumor growth in tumor transplanted mice are dis-cussed.     

Changes of CD4＋ CD25＋ Regulatory T Cells in Peripheral Blood in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Before and after TACE

This study investigated the changes of CD4 CD25 regulatory T cells (Tregs) in periph-eral blood of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma before and after transcatheter arterial chemoem-bolization (TACE). The proportion of CD4 CD25 Tregs among CD4 T lymphocytes in peripheral blood of 33 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma was determined by flow cytometry before, 1 week and 1 month after TACE. And 25 healthy volunteers served as control. One month after TACE, the patients were divided into two groups: 22 in group A, who were in stable condition or getting better; and 10 in group B, who were deteriorating. One patient died and was excluded. The results showed that the percentage of CD4 CD25 Tregs among CD4 T lymphocytes did not significantly change in the 33 patients 1 week after TACE as compared with that before TACE, however, the difference was significant (P<0.01) between the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and the healthy subjects. The percentage of CD4 CD25 Tregs among CD4 T lymphocytes in group A 1 month after TACE was decreased significantly in comparison with that before and 1 week after TACE (P<0.01), whereas, that in group B was increased significantly 1 month after TACE (P<0.01). It was concluded that patients with hepatocellular carcinoma had a higher proportion of CD4 CD25 Tregs in peripheral blood. TACE did not significantly affect the level of CD4 CD25 Tregs within short time (such as 1 week). The proportion of CD4 CD25 Tregs in peripheral blood 1 month after TACE was related to the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.     

EFFECT OF PLANT POLYSACCHARIDES ON T AND B LYMPHOCYTES IN TUMOR TRANSPLANTED MICE IRRADIATED BY X-RAY

The effect of 5 plant polysaccharides injectedintraperitoneally to the peripheral T,B and thymusT lymphocytes in tumor transplanted mice irradiatedlocally by X-ray was investigated cytochemically.The peripheral T lymphocyt percentage in 5 treatedgroups of female tumor transplanted mice irradiatedlocally by X.ray dropped markedly;the B lymphocytepercentage rose in all 5 treated groups.The peri-pheral T lymphocyte percentage in groups treatedwith polyporus umbellatus,yeast Mannan,RadixAngeficae Sinensis Ⅱ and Armillaria Mellea C-D fellappreciably in male tumor transplanted mice irradiat-ed locally by X-ray;the peripheral B lymphocytepercentage in these groups increased.The injectionof yeast Mannan,Radix Angelicae Sinensis Ⅱ,Armil-laria Mellea C-D and Lichina confinis reduced thethymus T lymphocyte percentage in female tumortransplanted mice irradiated locally by X-ray.Poly-porus umbellatus increased the thymus T lymphocytepercentage in male tumor transplanted mice,whileyeast Mannan and Radix Angelicae Sinensis Ⅱ greatlylowered the thymus T lymphocyte percentage.Therelationship between the changes of the peripheraland thymus T lymphocyte percentages and the inhibi-tion of the tumor growth in tumor transplanted miceof both sexes is discussed.     

Effect of Interstitial Chemotherapy with Ricin Temperature-Responsive Gel for Anti-Breast Cancer and Immune Regulation in Rats

Objective:To explore the effect of ricin temperature response gel on breast cancer and its regulatory effect on immune function in rats.Methods:Ricin was purified by chromatography and identified by immunoblotting.The rat subcutaneously transplanted breast cancer model was established.Forty model rats with a tumor diameter of about 3.0 cm were subjected to the study.They were randomized into four groups equally:the model group and three treated groups(blank gel,ricin,ricin-gel) were administered with blank gel, ricin,and ricin temperature response gel via percutaneous intratumor injection,respectively.The tumor was isolated 10 days later for the estimation of tumor inhibition rate(TIR) by weighing,pathologic examination,and detection of tumor apoptosis-associated genes bcl-2 and bax with semiquantitative RT-PCR.Also,peripheral blood was obtained to test T-lymphocyte subsets,the killing function of lymphocytes,and the contents of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-2(IL-2).The outcomes were compared between groups.Results:The TIR in the ricin-gel group was 61.8%,with the pathologic examination showing extensive tumor tissue necrosis. Compared with the model group,after ricin temperature response gel treatment,bcl-2 expression was down- regulated,bax expression was up-regulated,CD4~+ lymphocytes and CD4~+/CD8~+ ratio in peripheral blood were increased,the killing function of lymphocytes was enhanced,and the contents of TNF-αand IL-2 were elevated (P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion:Intratumor injection of ricin temperature-responsive gel showed significant antitumor effect on breast cancer and could enhance the immune function in the tumor-bearing rat.     

Changes of CD4＋ CD25＋ Regulatory T Cells in Peripheral Blood in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Before and after TACE

This study investigated the changes of CD4＋ CD25＋ regulatory T cells （Tregs） in periph-eral blood of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma before and after transcatheter arterial chemoem-bolization （TACE）. The proportion of CD4＋ CD25＋ Tregs among CD4＋ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood of 33 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma was determined by flow cytometry before, 1 week and 1 month after TACE. And 25 healthy volunteers served as control. One month after TACE, the patients were divided into two groups： 22 in group A, who were in stable condition or getting better; and 10 in group B, who were deteriorating. One patient died and was excluded. The results showed that the percentage of CD4＋CD25＋ Tregs among CD4＋ T lymphocytes did not significantly change in the 33 patients 1 week after TACE as compared with that before TACE, however, the difference was significant （P〈0.01） between the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and the healthy subjects. The percentage of CD4＋ CD25＋ Tregs among CD4＋ T lymphocytes in group A 1 month after TACE was decreased significantly in comparison with that before and 1 week after TACE （P〈0.01）, whereas, that in group B was increased significantly 1 month after TACE （P〈0.01）. It was concluded that patients with hepatocellular carcinoma had a higher proportion of CD4＋CD25＋ Tregs in peripheral blood. TACE did not significantly affect the level of CD4＋ CD25＋ Tregs within short time （such as 1 week）. The proportion of CD4＋CD25＋ Tregs in peripheral blood 1 month after TACE was related to the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.     

Experimental study of fat embolism syndrome.

To find the diagnostic methods for subclinical stage fat embolism syndrome (FES), we established an experimental animal model, using fat intravenous injection. The fat was obtained from the long bone marrow cavity of homologous dogs. Fourteen healthy mongrel dogs received 0.7 nd / kg fiuid marrow fat injection and all of them developed FES within 48 hours. The blood samples collected from the pulmonary vessels by floating catheter and peripheral vein at different time intervals were subjected to blood gas analysis and were frozen sectioned rapidly. The sections were stained with oil red 'O'. Positive result was seen 2 hours after fat injection in both pulmonary and peripheral blood. Computer image analysis showed that the number and diameter of fat droplets in pulmonary, vascular blood were obviously higher and larger than those in peripheral vein blood. These findings were correlated well with blood gas changes and clinical features. The demonstration of fat droplets from pulmonary or peripheral blood b     

Changes of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Regulatory T Cells in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and the Effects of Atorvastatin

The function of CD4＋CD25＋ regulatory T lymphocytes （Treg） in patients with acute coronary syndrome （ACS） and the effects of atorvastatin were investigated. Forty-eight patients with ACS were randomly divided into two groups： group C receiving conventional therapy （n=24）, and group C＋A receiving conventional therapy＋atorvastatin （10 mg/day, n=24）. T lymphocytes from ACS patients （before and 2 weeks after the treatment） or 18 healthy subjects were separated and the flow cytometry was used to measure the percentage of Treg. The inhibitory ability of Treg on effector T cells was determined by mixed lymphocyte reaction （MLR）. ELISA was used to measure the serum levels of cytokines （IL-10, TGF-β1 and IFN-γ） before and after treatment. The results showed that as compared with normal control group, Treg percentage was decreased significantly （P〈0.01）, the inhibitory ability of Treg on the T lymphocytes proliferation was reduced （P〈0.01）, IFN-γ levels were increased and IL-10 and TGF-β1 levels were lowered in ACS patients. After treatment with atorvastatin, Treg percentage and the inhibitory ability of Treg on T lymphocytes proliferation were significantly increased in ACS patients. Serum IFN-γ was decreased significantly, while IL-10 and TGF-β1 were elevated significantly as compared with the non-atorvastatin group. The number of Treg was positively correlated with serum TGF-β1, but negatively with serum IFN-γ and CRP. It was concluded that ACS was associated with decreased number and defected function of Treg, which may play an important role in initiating immune-inflammatory response in ACS. The inhibitory effects of atorvastatin on inflammation in ACS may be due to its beneficial effects on Treg and restoration of immune homeostasis.     

Functional Human T Cells Immunity on Alveolar Bone Loss in Periodontal Infection

In vivo studies have shown T ceils to be central to the mechanism by which LPS induces alveolar bone loss, but the mechanism involved remains undefined. The T lymphocyte cells, which were from the human peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMC） of the chronic periodontitis patients and healthy people, were injected into the nude mice via tail veil. One week later, LPS （from the Escherichia coli） were injected into periodontal tissues, and the injection of LPS repeated every 48h. Six weeks later, alveolar bone resorption was observed histomorphometrically and histopathologically. Consequently, more osteoclastogenesis and many inflammatory cells were found in periodontal tissue in patients T cell reconstituted nude mice with the injection of LPS. In addition, the concentration of CTX was increased in patients T cell reconstituted nude mice. In contrast, there were no statistically significant differences among control groups with the injection of LPS. In this study, we found that human activated T cells induce the production of osteoclastogenesis and the alveolar bone loss with the injection of Escherichia coli endotoxin. The findings demonstrate that human activated T lymphocyte is a key role in alveolar bone loss with the injection of LPS in vivo. The T cells from PBMC of CP patients play a key role in alveolar bone resorption after the LPS injection in nude mice.     

Effect of interleukin-33 on Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio in peripheral lymphocytes in asthmatic mice

Background Allergic asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease partly characterised by high concentration of T help 2 （Th2） cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF）. There is no report on the relation of peripherally circulating blood lymphocytes and asthma. We explored the balance of Th2fThl cytokines in asthmatic mice. Exogenous recombinant interleukin （IL） 33 acted on murine peripheral circulating blood lymphocytes, IL-5 cytokine was selected for assessing Th2 cytokines and interferon-gamma （IFN-~） for Thl cytokines. Methods Female specific pathogen free BABL/c mice were sensitised by intraperitoneal injection of 20 IJg of ovalbumin emulsified in 1 mg of aluminium hydroxide gel in a total volume of 200 IJI, and challenged for 30 minutes in 7 consecutive days with an aerosol of 2 g ovalbumin in 100 ml of PBS. Then we collected BALF and isolated lymphocytes from the peripheral blood. The lymphocytes were divided into two groups： asthmatic group and normal group. Thl/Th2 cytokines was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） kits. Results In the asthma group, we found numerous eosinophils and lymphocytes on the glass slides. We then confirmed that the optimal concentration of IL-33 was 10 ng/ml and time of IL-33 stimulating lymphocytes was 24 hours. In the asthma group, the production of IL-5 was significantly increased over normal group after stimulation with IL-33 （P 〈0.05） and the production of IFNy was supressed from IL-33 stimulated lymphocytes （P 〈0.05）. Conclusion IL-33 acts on lymphocytes of peripheral blood increasing secretion of Th2 cytokines and inhibiting secretion of Thl cytokines.     

LOW DOSE IONIZING RADIATION DOES NOT CAUSE RATIO CHANGES OF REGULATORY T SUBSETS IN MOUSE SPLEEN

<正> C57BL/6 mice were whole-body irradiated with 75 mGy X-rays with or without SRBC immunization. The splenic lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry with fluorescent monoclonal antibodies 4 and 7 days after irradiation. No significant changes were found in the ratio of helper to suppressor T lymphocytes after irradiation, no matter it was calculated from the percentage or the absolute number of the subsets. However, 4 days after irradiation plus immunization, the ratio was higher than that in the group with irradiation alone and that in the group with immunization alone probably due to the significant increase in number of the helper T cells in the spleen. The present study demonstrated that ionizing radiation per se in a dose within 0. 1 Gy would not significantly change the ratio of regulatory T subsets.     

Correlation of Plasma Histamine and Catecholamine Levels with Hemodynamic and Microcirculatory Changes in Canine Endotoxin Shock

The plasma histamine concentration was elevated from the controllevel of 1.16±0.28ng/ml to 11.42±5.2ng/ml 2-5 min after intravenousinjection of Serratia marcescens endotoxin to dogs(2mg/kg body wei-ght).and then declined gradually.The level was still slightly hi-gher than the control 4 h later.The plasma norepinephrine(NE)andepinephrin(E)concentrations were increased from the control levelsof 1.13±0.28ng/ml and 1.05±0.32ng/ml to 7.33±1.86ng/ml and 10.04±3.94ng/ml respectively 2-5 min after injection,and 6 h later theywere still significantly elevated.Arterial blood pressure was reducedto 24.16% of the control level 2-5 min after injection and to 69.2%6 h later,and showed a temporal change.Both cardiac output andcardiac index were decreased,but the total peripheral resistance ofsystemic circulation was increased during endotoxin shock.The si-gnificant dilatation of arterioles,venules and capillaries of bulbarconjunctiva microcirculation occurred 1-2 min after endotoxin injec-tion,and the blood flow slowed down at the same time.Five minto six h after endotoxin injection arterioles constricted markedly,but capillaries and venules were still congested and distended.Theinterrelationship of various changes observed in this study in thedevelopment of endotoxin shock was discussed.     

Effects of Ganoderma lucidum spores on sialoadenitis of nonobese diabetic mice

Background Sjǒgren syndrome （SS） is a systematic autoimmune disease, on which traditional therapeutic agents show limited effect. More effective agents with longer-lasting and fewer side effects are needed in the clinic. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Ganoderma lucindum spores （GLS） on sialoadenitis of nonobese diabetic （NOD） mice. Methods Thirty-two female NOD mice were assigned randomly into 4 groups： low-dose GLS-treated （L-GLS） group and high-dose GLS-treated （H-GLS） group, a dexamethasone group, and a normal saline （NS） control group. Stimulated total saliva flow rate （STFR）, area of lymphocytic infiltration in submandibular glands and ratios of CD4^＋ and CD8^＋ T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes in peripheral blood as well as apoptosis of these subsets and serum IgG level were tested after 10 weeks of treatments. Differences among the groups were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance （ANOVA）, Student-Newman-Keuls Test （SNK） was used between each two groups and a P 〈0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results STFR of the high-dose GLS group increased significantly after a 10-week treatment compared with those of the NS control group （P 〈0.05）. The incidence of sialoadenitis in GLS-treated NOD mice groups showed no significant difference compared with the control group （P 〉0.05）, but the area of lymphocytic foci in both the H-GLS and L-GLS groups decreased significantly to 50% of the NS control group （P 〈0.05）; the ratio of CD4^＋/CD8^＋ T lymphocytes and apoptosis of B lymphocytes of NOD mice with sialoadenitis were less and apoptosis of CD4^＋ and CD8^＋ T lymphocytes were significantly increased compared with the control group （P 〈0.05）. After pretreatment with H-GLS before sialoadenitis onset, the ratio of CD4^＋/CD8^＋ T lymphocyte and the serum IgG levels of NOD mice decreased significantly （P 〈0.05）. Conclusions Pretreatment with H-GLS can relieve symptoms of sialoadenitis in NOD mice. GLS has some protective effects on sialoadenitis in NOD mice through increasing STFR and decreasing the area of lymphocytic foci by regulating the ratio of CD4^＋/CD8^＋ T and apoptosis of B lymphocytes.     

Abnormal Expression and Its Potential Bioactivity of BAFF Molecule on the Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of Some KidneyTransplantation Recipients

Objective To analyze the expression and its bioactivity of BAFF molecule on the peripheral blood lymphocytes of kidney transplantation recipients. Methods The follow-up visitors of recipients were studied, and their peripheral blood were obtained, anticoagulated by EDTA-Na2. The BAFF expression was analyzed, and the other epitopes, such as CD3, CD4, CD8, CD134, CD25 and CD127, were also detected by multicolour-staining immunofluorescence analysis. Results 86 recipients became Volunteers. The study results showed that, the expression rate of BAFF on the peripheral blood lymphocytes was between 0.18%-76.97%. For statistical analysis, 15% was used as dividing line, and all the data was divided into two groups. In the 〉15% group, the mean BAFF expression rate was 36.91%; there were no significant relevance between the increasing of BAFF＋ lymphocytes and the ratio of peripheral blood CD4^＋/CD8^＋, and the CD4^＋ CD25^＋ CD^127-low T lymphocytes; however there were significant relevance between the increasing of BAFF^＋ lymphocytes and CD 134^＋ lymphocytes and CD4^＋ CD134^＋ lymphocytes （P〈0.01 and P〈0.05, respectively）. However, there were no significant relevance between the all indexes being detected in the 〈15% group. Conclusion The abnormal high expression of BAFF may be related with renal transplantation rejection on the peripheral lymphocytes of some of kidney transplantation recipients     

Amplification of functional myeloid-derived suppressor cells during stem cell mobilization induced by granulocyte colony-stimulation-factor

The effects of granulocyte colony-stimulation-factor （G-CSF） on stem cell mobilization and its impact on the amplification of myeloid-derived suppressor cells （MDSCs） of donor mice were ex- amined. A mouse model of stem cell mobilization was established by consecutive subcutaneous injec- tion of 100 μg/kg G-CSF for 5 days. The blood from the donor mice was routinely examined during mobilization. Stem cells and MDSCs were analyzed by flow cytometry. The immunosuppressive mole- cules derived from MDSCs in serum and spleen, including hydrogen dioxide （H202） and nitric oxide （NO）, and the activity of nitric oxide synthase （NOS） were determined during the mobilization. Apop- tosis of T lymphocytes was assessed by using Annexin-V/PI. During stem cell mobilization, the number of lymphocytes and white blood cells in the peripheral blood was increased, and peaked on the 4th day. The number of stem cells in G-CSF-treated mice was significantly greater than that in controls （P〈0.01）. The expansions of MSDCs were also observed after G-CSF mobilization, with a more notable rate of growth in the peripheral blood than in the spleen. The activity of NOS and the production of NO were increased in the donor mice, and the serum H202 levels were approximately 4-fold greater than the con- trois. Consequently, apoptosis of T lymphocytes was increased and showed a positive correlation with the elevated percentage of MDSCs. It was concluded that G-CSF could provide sufficient peripheral blood stem cells for transplantation. Exogenous administration of G-CSF caused the accumulation of MDSCs in the peripheral blood and the spleen, which could lead to apoptosis ofT lymphocytes and may offer a new strategy for the prevention and treatment of graft versus host disease.     

Effects of delayed brain-derived neurotrophic factor application on cochlear pathology and auditory physiology in rats

Background The development and maintenance of spiral ganglion cells （SGCs） appear to be supported by neurotrophins Removal of this support leads to their gradual degeneration. Intracochlear infusion with neurotrophins can provide trophic support to SGCs in animal deafness models if given shortly after deafening. However, it is not known whether delayed intervention will provide similar protection, which might be clinically relevant. The present research was conducted to determine the effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） administration on the capacity of the peripheral processes to resprout.
Methods The left cochlea of 20 profoundly deafened rats, which were divided into 2 groups equally, was implanted with an electrode and drug-delivery system 30 days after deafening. Either BDNF or artificial perilymph （AP） was delivered continuously for 28 days. Electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses （EABRs） were recorded during the period. SGC body and peripheral process density were measured.
Results The EABR thresholds of AP increase continually. Those of BDNF increase slowly at the beginning then decrease, and were significantly less than those of the AP group from day 14 to 28 （P 〈0.01）. In terms of SGC and peripheral process density, the difference between the treated and control ears of BDNF group was clearly significant （P 〈0.01）, but not in AP group （P 〉0.05）. Analysis of the left cochlea between the two groups demonstrated that SGC/peripheral process density of the BDNF group was significantly greater than that of the AP group. Finally, a functional formula was developed relating the last EABR threshold and SGC density and process density, which was as follows： T= 466.184-2.71 （F.B.L）.
Conclusions Under the conditions of delayed intervention following 30 days after deafening in rats, it can be concluded that BDNF enhances SGC bodies and peripheral processes survival after differentiation and so improves auditory sensitivity. SGC peripheral processe     

Nuclear factor- κB in signal conduction of protein kinase C in T lymphocytes from an asthmatic guinea pig model

Objective To explore the role of nuclear factor- κB (NF- κB) in the signal conduction of protein kinase C (PKC) regulated proliferation, apoptosis and expression of Th2 cytokines - interleukin- 4 (IL- 4) and interleukin- 5 (IL- 5) of T lymphocytes in the bronchial alveolus lavage fluid (BALF).Methods T lymphocytes were isolated and purified from BALF of asthmatic guinea pigs in normal and asthmatic groups, and were stimulated with PKC agitator phorbol 12- myristate 13- acetate (PMA) and NF- κB inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), respectively.The expressions of NF- κB, IL- 4 and IL- 5 mRNA and protein, the proliferation and apoptosis of T lymphocytes were observed by immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, ELISA, MTT and TUNEL, respectively. Results The activation of NF- κB, proliferation response, and expression of IL- 4 and IL- 5 mRNA and protein in T lymphocytes stimulated by PMA were significantly higher than those of their blank control (P&lt;0.01), while those indexes of T lymphocytes stimulated by PMA and PDTC simultaneously were significantly lower than those stimulated by PMA alone (P&lt;0.01).The apoptotic index of T lymphocytes stimulated with PMA were significantly lower than that of their blank control (P&lt;0.01), and the apoptotic index of asthmatic guinea pig T lymphocytes stimulated with PMA and PDTC simultaneously were significantly higher than that stimulated by PMA alone (P&lt;0.01).The significant positive correlations were found between the activation of NF- κB and the proliferation (r=0.64, P&lt;0.001), and the expression of IL- 4 and IL- 5 mRNA and protein of T lymphocytes, respectively (r=0.55-0.68, P&lt;0.001).There was also significant negative correlation between the activation of NF- κB and apoptosis of T lymphocytes (r=0.62, P&lt;0.001). Conclusions NF- κB may participate in the signal conduction of PKC regulated proliferation, apoptosis and expression of IL- 4 and IL- 5 of T lymphocytes in asthma.The activation of NF- κB in PKC signal conduction pathway of T lymphocytes may play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma.     

Effect of ligustrazine injection on levels of interleukin-4 and interferon-gamma in patients with bronchial asthma

Objective： To explore the effect of ligustrazine injection （LI） on serum levels of interleukin-4 （IL-4） and interferon- -γ （IFN- -γ ） in patients with bronchial asthma and determine the mechanism of action of LI in preventing and treating asthma. Methods： Sixty-eight patients with mild or moderate bronchial asthma were assigned to two groups equally according to their sequence number, odd or even. The conventional treatment was administered to both groups, and LI was given to the treatment group by ultrasonic spray inhalation twice a day but not to the control group. The therapeutic course for all was 2 weeks. Further, 30 healthy subjects who had no history of smoking were enrolled as the normal control group. The clinical condition scores, frequency of attacks and dosage of Terbutaline inhaled were scored and recorded on the first day of hospitalization （before treatment） and after treatment. At the same time, the indexes of lung function, including forced expiratory volume in one second （FEV1）, forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity ratio （FEV1%） and the peak expiratory flow （PEF） were determined before treatment. The levels of IL-4 and IFN--γ in peripheral blood were detected by ELISA before and after treatment, and compared with that of the healthy control group. Results： After treatment, the clinical condition scores were found to be lower, indexes of lung function were elevated, but serum level of IL-4 and ratio of IL-4/IFN-γwere reduced in both groups, showing significant differences as compared to those before treatment （P〈0.05）. However, the changes in all the indexes were more significant in the treatment group than in the control group, also showing statistical significance （P〈0.05）. No significant difference was revealed when IFN--γ levels were compared before and after treatment in both groups, though a lowering trend could be seen, significant difference could not be found in the comparison of IFN--γ levels between groups a     

Antioxidation of melatonin against spinal cord injury in rats

Background The iron catalyzed lipid peroxidation plays an important role in the autodestruction of the injured spinal cord. This study was to detect the antioxidation of melatonin against spinal cord injury(SCI) in rats.Methods Sity Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: group A (n=15) for laminectomyanly, group B (n=15) for laminectomy with SCI, group C (n = 15) for SCI and intraperitoneal injection of a bolus of 100 mg/kg melatonin, and group D (n = 15 ) for SCI and intraperitoneal injection of saline containing 5% ethanol. The SCI of animal model was made using modified Allen‘s method on T12. Six rats of each group were sacrificed 4 hours after injury, and the levels of free iron and malondialdehyde (MDA) of the involved spinal cord segments were measured by the bleomycin assay and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) separately. Functional recovery of the spinal cord was assessed by Modified Tarlov‘s scale and the inclined plane method at 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 days after SCI. The histologic changes of the damaged spinal cord were also examined at 7 days after SCI.Results After SCI, the levels of free iron and MDA were increased significantly and the modified Tarlov‘s score and inclined plane angle decreased significantly in groups B and D. In group C, the Tarlov‘s score and inclined plane angle were increased significantly at 7, 14 and 21 days, with histological improvement.Conclusion: Melatonin can reduce the level of lipid peroxidation and prevent damage to the spinal cord of rat.     

Transcoronary ethanol ablation of experimental ventricular tachycardia after epicardial ice mapping and localizing.

Thirty-seven reproducible ventricular tachycardias (VTs) were induced in 19 dogs after the onset of myocardial infarction. The site of origin of VT was localized in 19 (59%) of 32 VTs by ice epicardial mapping. After 0.3-1.2 ml of 95% ethanol was injected into a small coronary artery supplying the arrhythmogenic area, VT was no longer inducible in 10 of 14 dogs. Intramyocardial ethanol (1-3 ml) was injected into the site of origin of VT in 9 dogs including 4 with VTs reinduced after intracoronary ethanol. Six of these VTs were not reinduced. Thus, the total efficacy rate was 84%. In 7 dogs, after injection of 0.4-1.2 ml (mean 0.5 ml) of 95% ethanol into a small normal coronary artery, the extent of the changes in ECG, CK-MB and pathology was found to be related to the size of myocardial damage and to the dose of ethanol. The smaller the dose of ethanol was given and the more distal the branch of coronary artery into which the ethanol was injected, the smaller the myocardial damage was. The data demonstrated that intracoronary or intramyocardial injection of ethanol may ablate the experimental VT induced by programmed heart stimulation in dogs after myocardial infarction, indicating that this approach may be useful and meaningful in some selected instances. However, it is necessary to limit the myocardial damage as far as possible.