洛拉曲克对胸苷酸合成酶蛋白质表达水平的动态影响

目的研究洛拉曲克作用后不同细胞胸苷酸合成酶(TS)蛋白质表达水平的动态变化有无差异。方法时间曲线中，LoVo、Lo2细胞分别用浓度为10、75μmol／L(接近各自的IC90值)的洛拉曲克处理0-60h。剂量曲线中，洛拉曲克作用时间36h，LoVo细胞剂量范围0-40μmol／L。Lo2细胞剂量范围0-125μmol／L。分别以流式细胞术法、Western blot法检测两种细胞TS蛋白表达水平。结果两种细胞在经过洛拉曲克处理后，TS表达的时间和剂量曲线具有显著不同的动态规律。在时间曲线中，LoVo细胞TS蛋白的表达水平与对照相比呈持续升高的趋势，Lo2细胞TS蛋白的表达水平与对照相比先降低，24h后TS蛋白表达水平逐渐回升，但至60h尚未恢复至对照水平。在剂量曲线中，LoVo细胞TS蛋白的表达水平的变化呈峰形，以IC90值附近为最高，Lo2细胞TS蛋白的表达水平，在低于：IC90值的剂量点TS蛋白水平降低程度相似，高于IC90值的剂量处理后TS水平随剂量的升高而下降。结论洛拉曲克可以产生TS诱导现象，不同细胞在洛拉曲克作用后TS动态表达的差异是细胞耐药性不同的原因之一。     

洛拉曲克在肿瘤细胞中的药代动力学研究

目的探讨新型药物洛拉曲克在肿瘤细胞中的转运特点与其敏感性之间的关系。方法采用MTT法测定洛拉曲克对三株肿瘤细胞C6、SRS-82、LoVo的生长抑制作用。通过高效液相色谱法测定经洛拉曲克处理后的细胞内外药物浓度。结果C6是三株细胞中对洛拉曲克最敏感的,SRS-82和LoVo细胞对洛拉曲克的IC50值分别是C6细胞的6.8和13.8倍。洛拉曲克在这三株细胞中胞内与胞外浓度存在线性关系。C6的细胞内稳态浓度显著高于其他两株细胞。结论本研究的结果表明,洛拉曲克可快速进入细胞,不同细胞株对洛拉曲克有不同的吸收能力,这种现象可部分解释肿瘤细胞对洛拉曲克不同的敏感性。     

洛拉曲克在肿瘤细胞中的药代动力学研究

目的：探讨新型药物洛拉曲克在肿瘤细胞中的转运特点与其敏感性之间的关系。方法：采用MTT法测定洛拉曲克对三株肿瘤细胞C6、SRS－82、LoVo的生长抑制作用。通过高效液相色谱法测定经洛拉曲克处理后的细胞内外药物浓度。结果：C6是三株细胞中对洛拉曲克最敏感的，SRS－82和LoVo细胞对洛拉曲克的IC50值分别是C6细胞的6．8和13．8倍。洛拉克克在这三株细胞中胞内与胞外浓度存在线性关系。C6的细胞内稳态浓度显著高于其他两株细胞。结论：本研究的结果表明，洛拉曲克可快速进入细胞，不同细胞株对洛拉曲克有不同的吸收能力，这种现象可部分解释肿瘤细胞对洛拉曲克不同的敏感性。     

RNA干扰靶向抑制P13K p85α表达对5-FU诱导大肠癌细胞凋亡的影响

目的 探讨应用RNA干扰靶向抑制P13K p85α表达对5-FU诱导大肠癌LoVo细胞凋亡的影响.方法 培养已成功沉默P13K p85α表达的大肠癌LoVo细胞(P13K p85α/RNAi-LoVo)及LoVo对照组细胞,MTT法计算两组细胞5-FU的半数抑制率(IC50),JC-1染色检测线粒体膜电位(△ψm)的变化.Western blotting检测凋亡蛋白Bcl-6和Bim的表达.结果 P13K p85α/RNAi-LoVo细胞组5-FU的IC50值(1.056±0.03562μmol/L)显著低于LOVo对照组(2.796±0.10947μmol/L)(P=0.000),JC-1染色显示5-FU刺激48 h后,P13K p85α/RNAi-LoVo细胞线粒体膜电位较LoVo对照组细胞显著降低,表明P13K p85α/RNAi-LoVo细胞对5-FU更敏感.5-FU刺激48 h后,P13K p85α/RNAi-LoVo细胞组凋亡蛋白Bcl-6和Bim的表达较LoVo对照组细胞显著增加(P=0.000).结论 应用RNA干扰靶向抑制PI3K p85α表达可促进5-FU诱导大肠癌细胞LoVo的凋亡.     

人参皂苷Rh2对LoVo细胞迁移和转移能力的影响及机制研究

【目的】探讨人参皂苷Rh2对人结肠癌Lo Vo细胞迁移和转移能力的影响。【方法】通过四甲基偶氮唑盐(MTT)比色法测定不同浓度Rh2对Lo Vo细胞增殖的影响,并确定用于研究抑制Lo Vo细胞迁移和转移功能作用的Rh2浓度和作用时间。设置空白对照组及Rh2实验组(5、10、20、40、60μmol/L),通过划痕试验,对Lo Vo细胞划痕加药处理24 h后,观察不同浓度Rh2对细胞迁移的影响。采用Transwell法观察不同浓度Rh2对细胞转移的影响。采用Western blot检测不同浓度Rh2对CD44、基质金属蛋白酶2(MMP2)、基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂2(TIMP2)、E-Cadherin和β-catenin表达水平的影响。【结果】MTT结果显示:0~40μmol/L Rh2处理Lo Vo细胞24 h对其生长无明显影响。随Rh2作用时间的延长和浓度的增加,Rh2对Lo Vo细胞抑制作用逐步增强。划痕试验和Transwell结果表明:随着Rh2浓度增加,其对Lo Vo细胞迁移和转移能力的抑制作用增强,20μmol/L以上浓度的Rh2处理Lo Vo细胞24 h与空白对照组比较具显著抑制作用。Western blot结果表明:随着Rh2浓度的升高,CD44、MMP2蛋白表达水平下降,TIMP2、E-Cadherin和β-catenin蛋白表达水平上升。【结论】人参皂苷Rh2对人结肠癌Lo Vo细胞迁移和转移能力有抑制作用,其抑制作用具有时间和浓度依赖性。     

人参皂苷Rg3对LoVo细胞迁移和侵袭影响

目的 探讨人参皂苷Rg3对人结肠癌LoVo细胞迁移和侵袭能力的影响.方法 通过四甲基偶氮唑盐(MTT)比色法测定不同浓度Rg3对LoVo细胞增殖的影响,并确定用于研究抑制LoVo细胞迁移和转移功能作用的Rg3浓度和作用时间.设置空白对照组及Rg3实验组(5、10、20、30、40、50μmol/L),通过划痕试验,对LoVo细胞划痕加药处理24 h后,观察不同浓度Rg3对细胞迁移的影响.采用Transwell法观察不同浓度Rg3对细胞侵袭的影响.采用Western blot检测不同浓度Rg3对CD44、基质金属蛋白酶2(MMP2)、基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂2(TIMP2)、E-cadherin和β-catenin表达水平的影响.结果 MTT结果显示:0～30μmol/L Rg3处理LoVo细胞24 h对其生长无明显影响.随Rg3作用时间的延长和浓度的增加,Rg3对LoVo细胞抑制作用逐步增强.划痕试验和Transwell试验表明:Rg3浓度增加,对LoVo细胞迁移及侵袭能力抑制作用增强,浓度达15μmol/L以上时,Rg3对实验组有显著抑制作用.Western blot检测表明Rg3浓度的升高,伴随CD44、MMP2蛋白表达水平下降,TIMP2表达上升,但E-cadherin和β-catenin蛋白表达水平无明显改变.结论 人参皂苷Rg3对人结肠癌LoVo细胞迁移和转移能力有抑制作用,其抑制作用具有时间和浓度依赖性.     

盐酸洛拉曲克在小鼠体内的血药浓度和生物利用度测定

目的 建立测定盐酸洛拉曲克血浆药物浓度的高效液相色谱-质谱联用分析方法,研究盐酸洛拉曲克在小鼠体内的药代动力学和绝对生物利用度。 方法 C57小鼠静脉（50 mg/kg）或口服（200 mg/kg）给予盐酸洛拉曲克,在给药后不同时间取血,分离血浆,用高效液相色谱-质谱联用法测定血浆中盐酸洛拉曲克浓度。用DAS软件计算盐酸洛拉曲克的药代动力学参数,根据口服和静注的药时曲线下面积之比来计算绝对生物利用度。 结果 盐酸洛拉曲克在0.01～40 mg/L浓度范围内线性关系良好(r=0.9995,P<0.001),样品在血浆中的回收率大于85％,日内和日间RSD小于15％。小鼠静注50 mg/kg盐酸洛拉曲克后药代动力学参数半衰期、药－时曲线下面积、分布系数、清除率分别为（3.02±0.017）h、（89.972±0.425）mg·L-1·h-1、（0.831±0.106）L/kg、（0.556±0.093）L·h-1·kg-1;小鼠口服200 mg/kg盐酸洛拉曲克后药代动力学参数半衰期、药－时曲线下面积、达峰时间、峰浓度分别为（5.046±0.191） h、（84.893±9.923） mg·L-1·h-1、（1.000±0.012） h、（18.000±0.014） mg/L。经计算盐酸洛拉曲克在小鼠体内的绝对生物利用度为23.58％。 结论 用高效液相色谱-质谱联用方法测定的盐酸洛拉曲克在小鼠体内的绝对生物利用度为该药的口服制剂的研发提供了实验依据。     

同型半胱氨酸诱导人血管平滑肌细胞组织因子的表达

目的研究同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)诱导人血管平滑肌细胞(VSMCs)表达组织因子(TF)的作用。方法采用组织贴块法培养人脐动脉 VSMCs,应用α-actin 免疫组化法鉴定细胞；将不同浓度的 Hcy 与 VSMCs 孵育,采用半定量 RT-PCR 检测细胞 TF mRNA 表达,流式细胞技术(FCM)检测细胞表面 TF 蛋白水平。结果终浓度分别为0、10、100、 500、1000μmol/L 的 Hcy 作用4 h,Hcy 浓度为10μmol/L 时,TF 表达开始升高,500μmol/L 达峰值,Hcy 呈剂量依赖性诱导 VSMCs 表达 TF mRNA；100μmol/L Hcy 作用0、1、2、3、4、8、24 h,2 h 时 TF 表达明显增加,8 h 达峰值,24 h 表达回到基础水平,Hcy 呈时间依赖性诱导 VSMCs 表达 TF mRNA；VSMCs 细胞膜表面有低水平的 TF 蛋白表达,终浓度分别为0、 10、100、500、1000μmol/L Hcy 作用4 h,10μmol/L 即可诱导 VSMCs 表达 TF 蛋白,1000μmol/L 达高峰,Hcy 呈剂量依赖性诱导 VSMCs 表达 TF 蛋白；终浓度为100μmol/L Hcy 作用0、1、2、4、8、16、24 h,2 h 时 TF 开始表达升高,Hcy 呈时间依赖性诱导 VSMCs 表达 TF 蛋白。结论 Hcy 呈时间依赖性和剂量依赖性诱导 VSMCs 表达 TF,可能是 Hcy 导致 AS 和冠心病等疾病发生发展的重要机制。     

PI3K/Akt信号与吴茱萸碱抑制人结肠癌细胞增殖的关系研究

目的 研究吴茱萸碱(Evodiamine,Evo)对结肠癌LoVo细胞增殖的抑制作用及可能的分子机制.方法 采用结晶紫染色分析Evo(0、0.5、1、2、4μmol/L)对LoVo细胞的增殖抑制作用;应用流式细胞术分析Evo(0、0.5、1、2μmol/L)对LoVo细胞凋亡的促进作用;Western blot法分析Evo(0、0.5、1 μmol/L)对LoVo细胞中增殖细胞核抗原(proliferating cell nuclear antigen,PCNA)及Caspase-3蛋白表达水平的影响;利用缺氧诱导因子-1 α(hypoxia inducible factor 1-alpha,HIF-1 α)荧光素酶报告质粒检测Evo(0、0.5、1、2μmol/L)对HIF-1 α转录活性的影响.采用Western blot法分析Evo(0、0.5、1、2μmol/L)对LoVo细胞中HIF-1 α、Akt1/2和磷酸化Akt1/2蛋白水平的影响.结果 与对照组相比,Evo明显抑制LoVo细胞增殖,下调PCNA蛋白水平,促进LoVo细胞凋亡;报告质粒统计结果显示,Evo呈浓度依赖性降低HIF-1α荧光素酶报告质粒活性(Evo为0.5μmol/L时,P＜0.05;Evo为1μmol/L或2μmol/L时,P＜0.01);Western blot检测结果显示,Evo能够明显降低HIF-1 α蛋白水平,下调Akt1/2磷酸化水平.结论 Evo能够抑制LoVo细胞增殖并促进凋亡,其机制可能与Evo下调HIF-1α蛋白表达,抑制PI3 K/Akt信号转导相关.     

三氧化二砷诱导胃癌细胞凋亡及其对bcl-2基因和bax蛋白表达的影响

目的探讨三氧化二砷(As2O3)诱导胃癌细胞凋亡及其对bcl-2基因、bax蛋白表达的影响。方法分别以0μmol/L、1μmol/L、2μmol/L、4μmol/L和8μmol/L浓度的As2O3作用于胃癌SGC-7901细胞24 h、48 h和72 h,采用四甲基偶氮唑蓝(MTT)检测法检测各组吸光度值、细胞生长抑制率,采用流式细胞仪(FCM)检测bcl-2基因和bax蛋白的表达情况。结果随着As2O3浓度的增高及作用时间的延长,MTT吸光度值逐渐降低,1μmol/L、2μmol/L、4μmol/L、8μmol/L组分别与0μmol/L组比较,不同作用时间MTT吸光度值比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。1μmol/L的As2O3对细胞增殖抑制作用较小,随着As2O3浓度的增高及作用时间的延长,细胞增殖抑制率相应增加,2μmol/L、4μmol/L、8μmol/L组分别与1μmol/L组比较,不同作用时间细胞增殖抑制率比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。不同浓度的As2O3作用于SGC-7901细胞后,bcl-2基因呈低表达,bax蛋白呈高表达,bcl-2/bax比值降低且呈剂量依赖性,不同浓度As2O3组与对照组bcl-2基因、bax蛋白表达情况比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 As2O3对胃癌细胞的生长具有明显的抑制作用,其机制可能与下调bcl-2基因表达,上调bax蛋白表达从而诱导胃癌细胞的凋亡有关。     

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.