过表达趋化因子受体4的内皮祖细胞影响血管平滑肌细胞迁移、增殖

目的 研究过表达趋化因子受体4(chemokine receptor 4,CXCR4)的内皮祖细胞(endothelial progenitor cells,EPCs)对血管平滑肌细胞(vascular smooth muscle cells,VSMCs)迁移、增殖的影响.方法 分离培养并鉴定大鼠骨髓来源EPCs.CXCR4的重组腺病毒感染EPCs后,流式细胞术、实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)分别检测细胞膜CXCR4受体及mRNA表达,CCK-8法、Transwell法分别检测EPCs增殖活性、迁移能力.建立过表达CXCR4的EPCs与VSMCs非接触共培养模型,Transwell法、CCK-8法检测EPCs对VSMCs的迁移、细胞存活的影响.结果 CXCR4重组腺病毒感染EPCs 48 h后,EPCs细胞膜CXCR4受体和mRNA表达明显增高(P＜0.01),过表达CXCR4对EPCs增殖活性无明显影响,但可增强EPCs定向迁移能力(P＜0.01).共培养模型中,SDF-1α诱导下,CXCR4组VSMCs迁移、细胞存活率明显降低(P＜0.05),无SDF-1α诱导下空白对照组、GFP组及CXCR4组VSMCs的迁移、细胞存活率整体高于SDF-1α诱导下各组(P＜0.05).结论 过表达CXCR4可增强EPCs的迁移能力,在SDF-1/CXCR4调控轴中加强EPCs对VSMCs迁移和增殖的抑制作用,可用于防治血管再狭窄的细胞治疗.     

达格列净通过丝氨酸/苏氨酸蛋白激酶/内皮型一氧化氮合酶途径调节高糖环境下的内皮祖细胞功能

目的 探讨达格列净(DAPA)对高糖环境下体外培养的大鼠内皮祖细胞(EPCs)功能的影响。方法 采用荧光染色法对SD大鼠骨髓来源EPCs进行鉴定。以EPCs为研究对象,设立对照组(CG组)、高糖组(HG组)、高糖+DAPA组(GD组)、高糖+DAPA+LY294002组(GDL组)。分别采用MTT法、流式细胞术、小管形成实验检测EPCs细胞活力、凋亡、形成小管能力。应用Western blot检测丝氨酸/苏氨酸蛋白激酶(AKT)/内皮型一氧化氮合酶(eNOS)信号通路相关蛋白表达。结果 与CG组相比较,HG组EPCs细胞活力、形成小管能力、磷酸化AKT(p-AKT)和磷酸化eNOS(p-eNOS)的蛋白表达以及p-AKT/AKT和p-eNOS/eNOS比值均降低(P<0.05),而EPCs的凋亡率增加(P<0.05);与HG组相比较,GD组EPCs的细胞活力、形成小管能力、p-AKT和p-eNOS的蛋白表达以及p-AKT/AKT和p-eNOS/eNOS比值均增加(P<0.05),而EPCs的凋亡率降低(P<0.05);与GD组相比较,GDL组EPCs的细胞活力、...     

SDF-1对内皮祖细胞增殖迁移的影响及AMD3100对其的干预

目的 探讨基质细胞衍生因子-1(stromal cell derived factor-1,SDF-1)对小鼠骨髓源性内皮祖细胞(endothelial progenitor cells,EPCs)增殖迁移的影响及AMD3100对其的干预效应.方法 分别用不同浓度的SDF-1α刺激EPCs,观察SDF-1α的促增殖效应再用不同浓度的AMD3100干预5 ng/ml SDF-1α的促增殖效应及单用AMD3100与EPCs孵育,观察AMD3100对EPCs增殖的影响.MTT比色法检测EPCs的增殖情况.用1、10 ng/ml SDF-1α诱导EPCs迁移,或先用10ng/ml AMD3100与EPCs孵育,再做SDF-1α诱导的/无SDF-1α诱导的迁移实验.用改良的Boyden小室测定EPCs迁移能力.结果 SDF-1α剂量依赖性增强EPCs增殖能力,10 ng/ml AMD3100即完全阻断5 ng/ml SDF-1α的促进EPCs增殖效应,单用AMD3100孵育可抑制EPCs增殖,与阴性对照组比较差异显著(P＜0.01);单用AMD3100孵育抑制EPCs迁移,与阴性对照组比较差异显著(P＜0.01).结论 SDF-1α可增强EPCs增殖迁移能力,AMD3100可完全阻断其促增殖和诱导迁移效应,单用AMD3100抑制EPCs增殖迁移.     

胰高血糖素样肽1对内皮祖细胞 增殖分化能力的影响及其机制

目的：探讨胰高血糖素样肽1（GLP-1）对体外培养的人外周血内皮祖细胞（EPCs）增殖分化能力的影响及可能的作用机制。方法：采用密度梯度离心法分离获得人外周血单个核细胞,培养7 d 后,收集贴壁细胞。贴壁细胞用不含FBS的M199培养液培养24 h后,分成4组：对照组和GLP-1各浓度组(1,10,20 nmol/L GLP-1共3组),分别用含0.2%BSA,1,10,20 nmol/L GLP-1的M199培养液培养72 h。倒置相差显微镜下观察EPCs生长情况,MTT法检测EPCs的增殖能力;RT-PCR技术检测EPCs中KDR, Flt-1, VE-cadherin, 内皮型一氧化氮合酶（eNOS） mRNA的表达, ELISA法测定细胞上清液内皮细胞生长因子（VEGF）浓度,SP法检测细胞VEGF蛋白表达。同时用100 ng/mL VEGF mAb对10 nmol/L GLP-1培养的EPCs进行干预。结果：与对照组比较,GLP-1各浓度组EPCs增殖明显（P＜0.05或P＜0.01）,EPCs中KDR, Flt-1, VE-cadherin, eNOS mRNA表达增强, 细胞上清液中VEGF浓度显著升高、细胞VEGF蛋白表达增强（P＜0.05 或 P＜0.01）。VEGF mAb（100 ng/mL）下调GLP-1培养的EPCs增殖能力,细胞KDR, Flt-1, VE-cadherin, eNOS mRNA表达下降。结论：GLP-1对体外培养的人外周血EPCs的增殖和分化能力具有一定的促进作用,上调VEGF自分泌是其可能的作用机制之一。     

血管内皮生长因子通过缝隙连接蛋白43调节内皮祖细胞增殖迁移

目的 探讨血管内皮生长因子(vascular endothelial groth factor,VEGF)是否通过缝隙连接蛋白43(connexin 43,Cx43)调控内皮祖细胞(endothelial progenitor cells,EPCs)增殖迁移.方法 分离培养原代大鼠脾源性EPCs,不同浓度VEPF(0、10、50 ng/mL)刺激细胞,Western blot检测Cx43的表达.实验分3组:对照组、VEGF组、VEGF+siCx43组.荧光漂白恢复实验(fluorescence redistribution afterphotobleaching,FRAP)分别检测3 min内各组选定细胞荧光强度变化情况.CCK-8检测干扰Cx43蛋白表达对EPCs增殖的影响;Transwell小室迁移实验检测干扰Cx43蛋白表达对EPCs迁移的影响.结果 (1) VEGF促进EPCs中Cx43的表达(P＜0.05),且有浓度依赖性.(2)与对照组相比,VEGF组缝隙连接功能明显增强(P＜0.05);与VEGF组相比,VEGF+siCx43组缝隙连接功能明显降低(P＜0.05).(3)与对照组相比,VEGF组促进EPCs增殖及迁移,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);与VEGF组相比,VEGF+ siCx43组EPCs增殖及迁移活性明显降低(P＜0.05).结论 VEGF可以通过上调EPCs中Cx43的表达,引起缝隙连接功能增强,从而促进内皮祖细胞的增殖及迁移.     

新藤黄酸通过PTEN-PI3K/AKT/VEGF/eNOS信号通路干预人脐静脉内皮细胞血管生成的研究

目的 探究PTEN-PI3K/Akt/VEGF/eNOS信号通路在新藤黄酸（gambogenic acid,GNA）抑制人脐静脉内皮细胞（human umbilical vein endothelial, HUVECs）迁移中的作用。方法 倒置显微镜下观察HUVECs形态变化;Boyden chamber实验以及细胞划痕实验观察GNA对HUVECs迁移能力的影响;硝酸还原酶法检测NO水平;Western blot法检测GNA及LY29400预处理对HUVECs内磷脂酰肌醇3激酶（phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase,PI3K）、p-PI3K、蛋白激酶B(protein kinase B,AKT)、p-AKT表达水平的影响;HUVECs转染PTEN-siRNA后,RT-PCR实验检测VEGF mRNA的表达水平。结果 GNA能有效抑制HUVECs迁移,其抑制效果与剂量相关（P＜0.05）。GNA和抑制剂LY294002以及L-NAME均能有效抑制NO的产生,且GNA+LY294002组、GNA+L-NAME组抑制效果更好（P＜0.05）;Western blot检测结果显示,GNA上调PTEN蛋白表达水平,下调eNOS、p-PI3K、p-AKT蛋白表达水平（P＜0.05）。RT-PCR检测结果表明,PTEN-siRNA转染后,GNA能上调VEGF mRNA基因的表达水平（P＜0.05）。结论 GNA通过PTEN-PI3K/Akt/VEGF/eNOS信号传导通路,抑制HUVECs迁移,阻止HUVECs血管生成。     

氧化型低密度脂蛋白对骨髓内皮前体细胞增殖、凋亡及NO分泌功能的影响

目的:探讨氧化低密度脂蛋白(ox-LDL)对骨髓内皮前体细胞(EPCs)增殖、凋亡及一氧化氮(NO)分泌功能的影响. 方法: 密度梯度离心法获得猪的骨髓EPCs,不同浓度ox-LDL(B组5 mg/L,C组10 mg/L,D组20 mg/L)作用于EPCs,MTT法检测ox-LDL对EPCs增殖能力的影响,流式细胞仪检测ox-LDL对细胞的凋亡率的影响,硝酸还原酶法检测细胞培养液中NO含量的变化,观察ox-LDL对细胞及其功能的影响. 结果: 与对照组相比,ox-LDL抑制EPCs增殖(B组0.189±0.007,C组0.112±0.008,D组0.070±0.008)(n=8),促进EPCs的凋亡(B组18.35±0.08,C组24.22±0.07,D组40.37±0.13) (n=6),损伤细胞的分泌功能,作用随ox-LDL浓度增大而增强(P《0.001). 结论: Ox-LDL抑制EPCs的增殖,损伤细胞分泌功能,促进细胞凋亡,与临床上观察到的冠心患者EPCs数量减少可能有一定的关系.     

葡萄糖浓度波动对人外周血内皮祖细胞增殖、凋亡及内皮型一氧化氮合酶活性的影响

目的 研究葡萄糖浓度波动对人外周血内皮祖细胞(EPCs)增殖、凋亡及内皮型一氧化氮合酶(eNOS)活性的影响.方法 采用密度梯度离心法分离外周血单个核细胞,经含血管内皮生长因子、碱性成纤维细胞生长因子和10%胎牛血清的M199培养基培养7 d,贴壁细胞鉴定为EPCs.细胞同化后给予葡萄糖浓度5.5 mmol/L(正常对照组)、30 mmol/L(糖浓度固定组)和20或40 mmol/L(平均浓度为30 mmol/L,波动间期为3 h,糖浓度波动组).干预6、12、24、48、96 h后,采用WST-1细胞增殖检测试剂盒处理细胞,酶标仪检测细胞增殖;以AnnexinV-FITC凋亡检测试剂盒处理细胞,流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡;以一氧化氮合酶检测试剂盒处理细胞,荧光酶标仪检测eNOS活性.结果 当平均浓度相同时,与糖浓度固定组相比,糖浓度波动组抑制EPCs增殖及eNOS活性的作用显著增强(P值均＜0.05),凋亡率显著增高(P＜0.05);糖浓度固定组与糖浓度波动组的增殖率、凋亡率、eNOS活性的差值与干预时间呈正相关(r值分别=0.937、0.927、和0.951,P值均＜0.05).结论 葡萄糖浓度波动作为独立因素促进EPCs的凋亡、抑制EPCs的增殖并降低eNOS的活性.EPCs对葡萄糖浓度波动的适应性差.     

氨氯地平对ox-LDL致大鼠骨髓EPCs损伤的保护作用与上调一氧化氮合酶表达有关

目的探讨氨氯地平对氧化型低密度脂蛋白（ox-LDL）致大鼠骨髓内皮祖细胞（EPCs）损伤的保护作用。方法实验分为对照组、ox-LDL组、氨氯地平组（0.1、0.5、1.0μmol/L）,贴壁法培养分离内皮祖细胞,细胞免疫荧光鉴定EPCs,MTT法检测细胞活性,Western blotting检测一氧化氮合酶（eNOS）蛋白表达水平。结果贴壁法能分离纯度达70%以上的CD133＋/VEGFR-2＋双阳性EPCs;0.5μmol/L氨氯地平可显著拮抗ox-LDL对EPCs增殖的抑制作用;0.5μmol/L氨氯地平能显著上调eNOS蛋白表达（P〈0.01）。结论氨氯地平能拮抗ox-LDL对EPCs的损伤,氨氯地平的拮抗作用与上调eNOS表达有关。     

低氧诱导因子促内皮祖细胞活性的可行性研究

目的探讨在体外低氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)促血管内皮祖细胞(EPCs)成血管活性的可行性.方法密度梯度法分离人外周血EPCs,电穿孔技术转染HIF-1α质粒至EPCs,RT-PCR法观察未转染/转染质粒在转染后3、12、20、72 h,HIF-1α及下游靶基因血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)mRNA表达含量的变化;免疫组化法检测常氧中转染前后HIF-1α蛋白表达、VEGF受体Flk-1蛋白表达在不同组质粒转染后的差异;ELISA法测定各组质粒转染后VEGF在培养基上清中释放含量及VEGF依赖性一氧化氮合成酶(eNOS)含量的改变.结果HIF-1α基因有效转染入EPCs;HIF-1αmRNA在未转染时即有表达,在HIF-1α质粒转染后3、12、20、72 h,含量较未转染时增加(P＜0.05);HIF-1α过表达诱导VEGF表达上调(P＜0.05).Flk-1蛋白在常氧下有一定含量,在HIF-1α质粒转染后Flk-1蛋白表达进一步增加.VEGF释放含量在HIF-1α过表达组显著增加(P＜0.05);HIF-1α诱导eNOS含量增加,并与时间、VEGF刺激量成正比.结论HIF-1α质粒在体外能有效的转染入EPCs,促进其下游靶基因及受体表达,引起相应的功能学改变,促EPCs向内皮细胞分化、扩增,可进一步应用于基因治疗.     

Value of D-Dimers in patients with acute aortic dissection

Objective: To evaluatel the value of D-dimers in patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD). Methods: This study consisted of 16 patients with AAD and 27 non-AAD patients. Serum D-dimets were measured by Sta-Liatest D-DI immunoturbidimetric assay. Results: D-dimer level was higher (P ＜ 0.001) in patients with AAD(7.91 ± 5.52 μg/ml) than that in non- AAD group(1.57±1.24 μg/ml). D-dimer was positive (＞0.4 μg/ml) in all patients with AAD and in 10 control group patients (37%). Among patients with acute AAD, D-dimers tended to be higher in Stanford A than in Stanford B (8.67 ± 4.31 μg/ml vs. 3.24±1.27 μg/ml, P ＜0.01). D-dimer values tended to be higher in more extended disease(3.84 ± 1.65 μg/ml, 8.57 ± 3.58 μg/ml and 11.87 ± 5.69 μg/ml in thoracic aorta, thoracic and abdominal aorta, thoracic and abdominal aorta and iliacal arteries, respectively, P ＜ 0.05 for both 8.57 ± 3.58 and 11.87 ± 5.69 vs. 3.84 ± 1.65 ). Including the control group into the analysis, we found a sensitivity of 100%, a negative predictive value of 100%, and a specificity of 66% and a positive predictive value of 64% for D-dimer in diagnosis of AAD in our patients with suspected AAD. Conclusion: D-dimer was elevated in patients with AAD. A negative D-dimer test result could be useful in excluding AAD.     

Research of combined liver-kidney transplantation model in rats

Objective： To set up a simple and reliable rat model of combined liver-kidney transplantation. Methods： SD rats served as both donors and recipients. 4℃ sodium lactate Ringer＇s was infused from portal veins to donated livers,and from abdominal aorta to donated kidneys, respectively. Anastomosis of the portal vein and the inferior vena cava （IVC） inferior to the right kidney between the graft and the recipient was performed by a double cuff method, then the superior hepatic vena cava with suture. A patch of donated renal artery was anastomosed to the recipient abdominal aorta. The urethra and bile duct were reconstructed with a simple inside bracket. Results： Among 65 cases of combined liver-kidney transplantation, the success rate in the late 40 cases was 77.5%. The function of the grafted liver and kidney remained normal. Conclusion： This rat model of combined liver-kidney transplantation can be established in common laboratory conditions with high success rate and meet the needs of renal transplantation experiment.     

BLOOD PRESSURE CHANGE WITH AGE IN SALT-SENSITIVE TEENAGERS

Objective To observe blood pressure change with age in salt-sensitive teenagers whose salt sensitivity were determined by repeated testing.Methods Salt sensitivity was determined through intravenous infusion of normal saline combined with volume-depletion by oral diuretic furosemide in 55 teenagers. After five years, salt sensitivity was re-examined and subject blood pressure was followed up. Blood pressure changes in salt-sensitive teenagers were compared to that of non-salt sensitive teenagers over five years.Results After 5 years, the repetition rate of salt sensitivity determined by intravenous saline loading is 92.7%. In teenagers with salt sensitivity on the baseline, both the systolic blood pressure increments and increment rates were much higher than non-salt sensitive teenagers (12.7±12.1 mmHg vs. 2.8±5.2 mmHg, P＜ 0.01; 12.2%± 12.0% vs. 2.5% ±4.4%, P＜ 0.001,respectively). There was a similar trend for diastolic blood pressure (8.4 ± 6.4 mmHg vs. 3.7 ± 6.4 mmHg, P = 0.052; 13.2% ±10.6 % vs. 6.8%± 10.1%, P = 0.053, respectively).Conclusions Salt sensitivity determined by intravenous saline loading showed good reproducibility. Blood pressure increments with age were much higher in salt-sensitive teenagers than non-salt sensitive teenagers, especially in terms of systolic blood pressure.     

安心颗粒对急诊经皮冠状动脉介入术后生活质量影响的研究

目的：评价使用安心颗粒对急诊经皮冠状动脉介入术（PPCI）术后生活质量的影响.方法：将160例接受PPCI的急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者随机分为安心颗粒组（术前顿服安心颗粒8.8g,术后安心颗粒4.4 g/次,每日2次）和对照组（仅接受基础药物治疗）.所有患者均服用阿司匹林、氯吡格雷和阿托伐他汀.分别在入院时、出院前1d、出院后180 d时,应用心肌梗死多维度量表（MIDAS）、中文版SF-36评价量表对患者生活质量评分.并观察术后30 d以内的出血并发症、血小板减少症发生情况.结果：入院时和出院前1d,两组患者的心肌梗死MIDAS、SF-36量表评分比较无差异（P＞0.05）;出院后180 d时,与对照组比较,安心颗粒组MIDAS、SF-36评分明显减低（P＜0.05）;组内与入院时比较,两组出院前1d、出院后180 d时,MIDAS、SF-36评分均降低（P＜0.05）.两组患者在随访期间均无大量出血、少量出血、重度和极重度血小板减少症发生,安心颗粒组有4例、对照组有7例发生不明显出血（P＞0.05）.两组发生轻度血小板减少症的患者数比较无差异（P＞0.05）.结论：PPCI使用安心颗粒,能改善急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者的生活质量,且不增加出血风险.     

The comparative studies of the influences of Urapidil and Nicardipine on sino-atrial node function, atrio-ventricular node function and hemodynamics

Objective:To investigate the influences of urapidil and nicardipine on rabbit sinus function,atrio-ventricular node function and hemodynamics.Methods:Thirty-two Angora's rabbits were selected and randomly divided into four groups.U1 group:urapidil 0.25 mg/kg;U2 group:urapidil 0.5 mg/kg;N1 group:nicardipine 10 μg/kg;N2 group:nicardipine 20 μg/kg.All these medicine were administrated within 30 seconds.Measurements were taken before and after the administration of urapidil or nicardipine for the following data:mean blood pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR),sino-atrial conduction time(SACT),maximal sinoatrial recovery time(SNRTmax)corrected sinus node recovery time(CSNRT),index of sinus node recovery time(SNRTI),Wenckebach A-V conduction frequency (WB),and P-R interval.Results:Significant MAP and HR changes were identified in all of the four groups before and after administration of both urapidil and nicardipine.No significant changes could be found in the rest of the parameters.Intergroup analysis showed that SACT and CSNRT of N1 and N2 groups were shorter than those of the U2 group(P＜0.01);the MAP decreased(P＜0.01)and the HR increased drastically(P＜0.01).Conclusions:Neither urapidil(0.25 mg/kg,0.5 mg/kg)nor nicardipine(10μg/kg,20μg/kg)has any significant influence on rabbit sinus function or rabbit atrio-ventricular node function.Nicardipine could be a better choice than urapidil for parafunctional sinus node patients.     

Expression of OPGmRNA and ODFmRNA in the patients of hip fracture due to osteoporosis

Objective：To investigate the gene expression of osteoprotegerin（OPG） and osteoclast differentiation factor（ODF） in the bone tissue of patients with hip fracture due to osteoporosis. Methods：OPGmRNA and ODFmRNA in the bone tissue in 50 cases of osteoporosis sufferers（over 50 years old） with hip fracture（Observer Group） and 30 cases of hip facture sufferers with no osteoporosis（Control group） were analyzed with the Semi-Quantitative RT-PCR method. Results：The mRNA expressed of ODF, OPG were both high in the patients with hip fracture. In the control group, the expression of OPG mRNA was observed, while the expression of ODF mRNA was very slight. Conclusion：Aged patients contained all signals including OPG, ODF that are essential for inducing osteoclastogenesis and promoting bone resorption.     

The clinicopathological and immuohistochemical analysis of solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas： report of 9 cases

Objective：To investigate the clinical features, pathological characteristics and immunophenotype of solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas（SPTP）. Methods：Nine surgically treated cases of SPTP were retrospectively reviewed. Hematoxylin and Eosin（HE） staining and immunohistochemical staining were used to analyze all cases, and the general clinical data was collected. Results：Six patients were asymptomatic except for a palpable mass. Two patients complained of vague-epigastric pain. One patient appeared jaundice. The tumor was encapsulated and solid tissues alternately with cystic tissues. Histologically, the histological structure of solid portion was pseudopapillary with a fibrovascular core. Tumor cells were uniform and medium-sized which were arranged in sheets ets or nests or pseudopapillary patterns. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that SPTP proved positive in vimentin（9/9 cases）, AAT（9/9 cases）, NSE（9/9 cases）, ACT（7/9 cases）, CK20（2/9 cases）, CgA（1/9 cases）, S-100（3/gcases）, PR（4/gcases）, Syn（3/9 cases） and CD56（5/9cases）, negative in CEA and ER. Conclusion：SPTP is a tumor predominantly occurring in young women frequently without special symptoms. This tumor has various characteristical histological patterns with different immunophenotype.     

Dynamic Changes in Serum Estradiol and Progesterone levels in Patients of Premenstrual Syndrome with Adverse Flow of Liver-qi

Objective:To probe into the influence of changes of ovarian hormones on the pathogenesis of the specific sub-type premenstrual syndrome(PMS)and reveal partial microcosmic mechanisms of adverse flow of liver-qi.Methods:Estradiol(E2)and progesterone(P)levels in serum were determined at different phases of menstrual cycle by radioimmunoassay.Results:In the group of PMS with adverse flow of liver-qi.the secretive peak value Of E2 and P at the follicular phase significantly decreased,and the secretive peak value at the luteal phase did not come into being.Conclusions:Low E2 and P secretive peak at the follicular phase and absence of secretive peak at the luteal phase is one of the microcosmic mechanisms of PMS with adverse flow of liver-qi.One of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of specific sub-type PMS is probably the continuous low level of E2and P.     

Real-time Three-dimensional Echocardiography in Assessment of Left Ventricular and Right Ventricular Volumes

Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE)is a new ultrasound technique that enables dynamic threedimensional visualization and quantification of the heart in real time. Investigation of feasibility and methodology of RT3DE in determining left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) volumes, RT3DE was performed in 35 normal adults using Philips SONOS 7500 system with a 2-4 MHz matrix array transducer. The 60°×60° "pyramid" volume database was obtained and analyzed on a TomTec echo workstation. Both LV and RV volumes were calculated with four 3DE methods (i.e. apical 2, 4, 8, and 16-plane) through manually tracing ventricular endocardial borders in end diastole and end systole. Stroke volumes were then calculated. LV volume was also measured by 2DE Simpson's rule using GE VIVID 7 ultrasound machine.     

SCREENING FOR A 21-CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITY IN PREIMPLANTED EMBRYOS OF ELDERLY WOMEN

Increasing maternal age is the only etiological factor unequivocally linked to Down's syndrome in humans. The occurrence rate of newborns with Down's syndrome is about 1/220 in women over 35 years old. However, the occurrence rate in embryos fertilized in vitro, of the elder woman is unclear. Using FISH we screened the number of chromosome 21 in preimplanted embryos of 5 elderly women (average age, 38.4 years) to study the feasibility and necessity of screening trisomy 21 in embryos in patients over 35 years old at the in vitro fertilization (IVF) center.