自然呼吸条件下α-受体阻断剂对猪缺血性心律失常的影响

目的　研究在自然呼吸条件下α -肾上腺素受体阻断剂对猪的心肌缺血性心律失常的作用。方法　把猪开胸暴露心脏 ,但不损伤胸膜腔 ,仍维持自然呼吸。结果　α-受体阻断剂育亨宾 (yohimbin)可显著增加室性早搏的次数 (P <0 .0 1) ,但对室性纤颤出现的百分率无影响。然而非特异性α -受体阻断剂酚妥拉明显著地减少室性早搏的次数 (P <0 .0 1) ,但它不影响室性纤颤与室性心动过速出现的频率。结论　α-肾上腺素能机制对猪的心肌缺血性心律失常的发生不起重要作用。     

Expression of integrin-α<Subscript>3</Subscript> mRNA in meningiomas and its correlation with proliferation and invasion

To investigate the expression of integrin-α3 mRNA in meningiomas and its correlation with proliferation and invasion, the expression of integrin-α3 subunit was detected by using in situ hybridization in patients with meningiomas （36 cases） and normal dura （2 cases） and arachnoid tis- sues （2 cases）. SABC immunohistochemical assay was used to study the expression of Ki-67 nuclear antigen. The results showed that the expression of integrin-% mRNA in benign, atypical and malig- nant meningiomas was 2.52±0.362, 1.75±0.316 and 1.42±0.633, respectively. The expression levels of integrin-α3 mRNA was significantly lower in atypical or malignant meningiomas than those in benign meningiomas （P〈0.05, P〈0,01, respectively）. The expression of integrin-α3 mRNA in those with invasive biological behavior was lower than that in those without invasion （1.63±0.462 vs. 2.61±0.526, P〈0.01）. Moreover, the expression of integrin-α3 mRNA was inversely associated with Ki-67 labeling index in all cases. It suggested that integfin-α3 subunit participated in the modulatory process of growth of meningiomas. The proliferation activity and malignant grade of meningiomas were increased with the decreased expression of integrin-α3 subunit, and the down-regulation of integrin-α3 mRNA was associated with the invasive biological behaviors in meningiomas.     

The prevalence and outcome of ventricular arrhythmias in acute myocardial infarction

One hundred and seventy-two consecutive cases of acute myocardial infarction (MI) admitted to a coronary care unit were studied with regard to ventricular arrhythmias - pre-mature ventricular contractions (PVC), ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF). Sixty-seven (39%) patients had ventricular arrhythmias (PCC-VT-VF), of whom 17 (9.8%) had VT and 11 (6.4%) VF. VT and VF, but not total arrhythmias, were more common in anterior infarctions. Fifty-six out of 67 (83.5%) of these patients arrived at Accident & Emergency (A&E) within the first six hours of onset of chest pain. Ten out of 11 (91 %) patients who had VF did so in the first six hours. PVCs were poor predictors of the occurrence of VF (positive predictive value 5.9%). Forty-three patients (84%) who had PVCs did not develop any further arrhythmias. Spontaneous heart rate had no influence on the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias. Frequent PVCs were more commonly associated with progression to VT and VF. In 30 cases (88%) lignocaine was effective. There was no death due to VT/VF and all responded to drugs and/or cardioversion.     

Clinical implication of the changes of cAMP,TXA<Subscript>2</Subscript> and PGI<Subscript>2</Subscript> in CSF of asphyxiated newborns

Summary To evaluate the changes of 3′, 5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), thromboxane A₂(TXA₂) and prostacyclin (PGI₂) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the asphyxiated newborn and explore their roles in hypoxic-ischamic brain damage (HIBD). Thirty-six full term newborns were divided into 3 groups, including 12 with moderate-severe hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE), 13 with mild HIE, 11 without HIE (control group). The levels of cAMP, TXB₂ (TXA₂ metabolite) and 6-keto-PGF_1α (PGI₂ metabolite) in CSF and plasma were measured 36–72 h after birth by RIA, and the concentrations were expressed as nM/L (cAMP), ng/L(TXB₂ and 6-keto-PGF_1α). The infants were followed-up at 6 and 12 month of age and Mental Development Index (MDI) and Psychomotor Development Index (PDI) were measured using Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID). The CSF cAMP level in moderate-severe HIE group was 8.60±2.40, significantly lower than that of the mild HIE group (14.83±2.84) and the control group (24.43±2.39) (for bothP<0.01). The levels of TXB₂ and 6-keto-PGF_1α in CFS in the moderate-severe HIE group (206.06±29.74, 168.47±23.02, respectively) were significantly higher than in the mild HIE group (83.37±28.57, 131.42±16.57, respectively,P<0.01) and the control group (41.77±21.58, 86.23±13.05, respectively,P<0.01). The level changes of cAMP, TXB₂ and 6-keto-PGF_1α in plasma in all groups were similar to those in CSF, but no significant difference was found between mild HIE group and the control group (P>0.05). The follow-up results showed that MDI and PDI of the moderate-severe HIE group were the lowest (84.79±13.34, 83.50±13.28, respectively), followed by mild HIE group (102.19±7.02, 99.94±9.08, respectively), with the control group being the highest (116.63±12.08, 116.69±10.87, respectively). Univariate analysis showed some significant difference (the moderate-severe HIE group vs. the mild HIE group or the control group,P<0.01; the mild HIE group vs. the control groupP<0.05). The results suggested that the concentration of cAMP, TXA₂ and T/K ratio in CSF after neonatal asphyxia might be sensitive markers in evaluating the severity of brain damage in early stage and predicting the future outcome. LIU Hanchu, male, born in 1959, Associate Professor     

Impact of luteinized unruptured follicles on endometrial receptivity

This study examined the impact of luteinized unruptured follicle (LUF) on endometrial receptivity. The menstrual cycle of 17 LUF patients (LUF group) and 13 ovulatory women (control group) was monitored by measuring LH level in urine and by ultrasonic examination. An endometrial biopsy at the sixth to tenth day after LH surge was taken in all the patients. The expressions of endometrial ER, PR and integrin ανβ3 were immunohistochemically determined. At the same time, the serum levels of E2 and P were detected by chemiluminescence. The results exhibited that (1) The mean serum P level in LUF group (7.32±2.56 ng/mL) was significantly lower than that in control group (11.17±3.17 ng/mL) (P<0.01). But there was no significant difference in the mean serum E2 levels between LUF group (179.35±81.60 pg/mL) and the control group (198.58±75.23 pg/mL) (P>0.05); (2) The mean expression intensities of ER, PR in endometrium of LUF group (183.86±2.43, 167.94±3.04) were significantly higher than those in control group (109.35±6.31, 105.98±4.07) (P<0.01); (3) The mean expression intensities of integrin ανβ3 in endomtrium of LUF patients (114.90±11.38) were significantly lower than those in control group (191.34±1.82) (P<0.01); (4) The change profile of integrin ανβ3 expression in the endometrium of LUF patients was in positive relation with serum P level (r=0.77, P<0.01), but bore no significant relationship with serum E2 level (r=0.01, P>0.05). It was concluded that the depression of serum P levels in LUF patients was closely related to the failure of the down-regulation of ER and PR, and the low expressions of integrin ανβ3 also suggested that the delayed implantation and the impaired endometrial receptivity had impact on embryonic implantation.     

The effect of Xin’an capsule on ventricular arrthythmia in animals) on ventricular arrthythmia in animals

Objective: To observe the effects of Xin’an capsule (XAC) on experimental ventricular arrhythmia (EVA) in animals and to explore the possible mechanism.Methods: Three types of animal arrhythmic model (ventricular arrythmia in guinea pigs induced by Ouabin, in rats caused by reperfusion after ligation of descending anterior branch of coronary artery and by CaCl₂) were used to study the effects of XAC on ventricular arrhythmia (VA).Results: After XAC treatment, the dosage of Ouabin needed for inducing ventricular premature beat (VPB), ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) increased in guinea pigs. The sustaining time of reperfusion induced VT and total occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias decreased. XAC also showed an effect in increasing CaCl₂ dosage needed to cause VA, and decreased the occurrence of VF and death in rats     

Redistribution of platelet membrane glycoprotein iv and release of intracellular α-granule thrombospondin in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia

Summary The redistribution of platelet membrane glycoprotein IV (GPIV) and the release of intracellular α-granule thrombospondin (TSP) were examined and the inhibition of β-thromboglobulin (β-TG) and platelet factor 4 (PF4) in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) was observed and quantitation of β-TG and PF4 in sera was conducted. GPIV in inactive platelet from CML was 36080± 17010 molecules/platelet as compared with 13190±4810 from the controls (P< 0.01). No abnormality was found in the distribution of platelet membrane GPI_b and GPII_b/III,(P> 0.05). The GPIV redistribution on active platelet membrane induced thrombin (IU/ml) from CML and healthy donors was 44320 ±32310 and 22800± 12700 molecules/platelet respectively (P< 0.01). The difference in the release of intracellular α-granule TSP between CML and the control group was not found (P> 0.05). There was no direct correlation between GPIV expression and TSP binding after platelet activation. The high levels of β-TG and PF4 in sera inhibited release of intracellular α-granule TSPin vitro. These results indicate that the abnormality of platelet membrane GPIV is a common marker in CML, therefore the specific increase of platelet GPIV in patients with CML may be a useful tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of the platelet dysfunction. The release of internal TSP pools is hindered by either β-TG or PF4 in sera. This project was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 39370322).     

Effects of intraoperative autologous blood donation and tepid temperature cardiopulmonary bypass on blood system

We have reported previously that routine cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) causes platelet count reduced and platelet function h....dlil. Modificationsto routine CPB should be made in order to reduce theharmful non--physiological low temperatUre of CPB tothe blood system and reduce postoperative non--surgical bleeding and blood transfusion needed. The present clinical experiment was designed to investigateintraoperative autologous blood donation and tepidtemperature CPB and compared with routi…     

A study on protective action of Astragalus Injection()in ouabain-induced cardiac Toxicity of guinea pigs)in ouabain-induced cardiac Toxicity of guinea pigs

Objective: To study the protective action of Astragalus Injection (AI) on ouabain-induced cardiac toxicity.Methods: Forty guinea-pigs were randomly divided into the AI group and the control group, AI injected intravenously in the AI group and 0.9% normal saline injected in the control group, ouabain was injected in contralateral of both groups intravenously 8 mins later. The time of cardiac ventricular tachycardia (VT) and cardiac ventricular fibrillation (VF), and the dose of ouabain were documented.Results: Compared with the control group AI could markedly prolong the time of VT and VF, and increase the dose of ouabain induces VT and VF (P < 0.01).Conclusion: AI decreases the incidence of digitalism. This subject is supported by the Scientific Research Fund of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology (No. 9764)     

Inhibition of Expression of Hypoxia-inducible Factor-la mRNA by Nitric Oxide in Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension Rats

Summary In order to study the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) mRNA in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) rats, 30 healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normoxic control group, chronic hypoxic group and hypoxia plus L-argine (L-Arg) group. The animal model of HPH was developed. The mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) was measured by inserting a microcatheter into the pulmonary artery. The HIF-1α mRNA expression levels were detected by in situ hybridization (ISH) and semiquantitative RT-PCR. It was found that after 14 days hypoxia, the mPAP in normoxic control group (17.6±2.7 mmHg,l mmHg=0.133 kPa) was significantly lower than that in chronic hypoxic group (35.8 ±6.1 mmHg,t=0.2918,P<0.05) and mPAP in chronic hypoxic group was higher than that in hypoxia plus L-argine group (24.4±3.8 mmHg,t=0.2563,P<0.05). ISH showed that the expression of HIF-1α mRNA in the intraacinar pulmonary arteriolae (IAPA) in normoxic control group (0.1076±0.0205) was markedly weaker than that in chronic hypoxic group (0.3317±0.0683,t=3.125,P<0.05) and that in chronic hypoxic group was stronger than that in hypoxia plus L-argine group (0.1928±0.0381,t=2.844,P<0.05). RT-PCR showed that the content of HIF-1α mRNA in chronic hypoxic group (2.5395±0.6449) was 2.16 times and 1.75 times higher than that in normoxic control group (1.1781±0.3628) and hypoxia plus L-argine group (1.4511±0.3981), respectively. It is concluded that NO can reduce the mPAP by the inhibition of the expression of HIF-1α mRNA, which may be one of the mechanisms through which NO affects the pathogenesis of HPH. AO Qilin, male, born in 1971, Lecturer, M. D., Ph. D. This project was supported by a grant from National Natural Sciences Foundation of China (No. 39730190).     

Effects of microinjection of L-glutamate into locus coeruleus complex area on respiration

Summary The experiments were performed on 55 rabbits vagotomied, anesthetized with urethane and immobilized with flaxedil. Injection of L-glutamate (L-glu) into the locus coeruleus complex (Lc-Sc) area led to a marked increase in respiratory frequency (RF) and phrenic nerve discharge rate (phr. d) (16±3.5% and 6.5±2.5%;P<0.01 andP<0.05, respectively), a decrease in inspiratory and expiratory duration, and no obvious change in blood pressure (Bp) was observed. While prazosin (0.5 μg/μl), yohimbin (4 (μg/μl) and propranolol (2μg/μl) were preinjected into the nuclei tractus solitraii (NTS) respectively, the above-mentioned effects of L-glu on respiration was blocked. These results indicate that the excitation of neurons in the Lc-Sc can induce an increase in RF and phr d and the excitative effect of L-glu on RF was mediated by α₁,α₂ and β-receptors in the NTS, while the effect on phrd was mediated differently. This project was supported by grant no. 3870190 from the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China.     

Effects of Phorbol-12,13-dibuterate on Sodium Currents and Potassium Currents in Rat Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons

The effects of phorbol-12,13-dibuterate (PDBu) on total sodium current (INa-total), tet-rodotoxin-resistant sodium current (INa-TTXr), 4-AP-sensitive potassium current (IA) and TEA-sensitive potassium current (IK) in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons were investigated. Whole-cell patch clamp techniques were used to record ion currents in cultured TG neurons of rats. Results revealed that 0.5 μmol/L PDBu reduced the amplitude of INa-total by (38.3±4.5)% (n=6, P<0.05), but neither the G-V curve (control: V0.5 =-17.1±4.3 mV, k=7.4±1.3; PDBu: V0.5=-15.9±5.9 mV, k=5.9±1.4; n=6, P>0.05) nor the inactivation rate constant (control: 3.6±0.9 ms; PDBu: 3.6±0.8 ms; n=6, P>0.05) was altered. 0.5 μmol/L PDBu could significantly increase the amplitude of INa-TTXr by (37.2± 3.2)% (n=9, P<0.05) without affecting the G-V curve (control: V0.5=-14.7±6.0 mV, k=6.9± 1.4; PDBu: V0.5=-11.1±5.3 mV, k=8.1±1.5; n=5, P>0.05) or the inactivation rate constant (control: 4.6±0.6 ms; PDBu: 4.2±0.5 ms; n=5, P>0.05). 0.5 μmol/L PDBu inhibited IK by (15.6±5.0) % (n=16, P<0.05), and V0.5 was significantly altered from - 4.7±1.4 mV to -7.9 ±1.8 mV (n=16, P<0.05). IA was not significantly affected by PDBu, 0.5 μmol/L PDBu decreased IA by only (0.3±3.2)% (n=5, P>0.05). It was concluded that PDBu inhibited INa-total but enhanced INa-TTXr, and inhibited IK without affecting IA. These data suggested that the activation of PKC pathway could exert the actions.     

Value of low dose dobutamine Doppler tissue imaging for detecting hibernating myocardium

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Evaluation of global and regional left ventricular systolic function in patients with frequent isolated premature ventricular complexes from the right ventricular outflow tract

Background  Frequent premature ventricular complexes from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT-PVCs) are associated with left ventricular dysfunction. This study adopted two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging to evaluate global and regional left ventricular myocardial function in patients with frequent RVOT-PVCs.
Methods  This study included 30 patients with frequent RVOT-PVCs and 30 healthy subjects. Aortic systolic velocity-time integral (AoVTI) and myocardium strain in circumferential (CS), radial (RS) and longitudinal (LS) directions were evaluated by conventional echocardiography and speckle tracking imaging. All values of patients with RVOT-PVCs were recorded during sinus (PVC-S) and PVC beats (PVC-V).
Results  Significant differences were demonstrated in global CS, RS and LS between the control subjects and the PVC-V (CS: (17.46±2.48)% vs. (11.52±3.28)%, RS: (48.26±10.20)% vs. (20.92±9.78)%, LS: (19.89±2.62)% vs. (11.79±3.66)%, P <0.01), and in segmental RS and LS of nearly all the left ventricular segments. Statistical differences in segmental CS between the PVC-V and the control subjects were only observed in anterior, anteroseptal and septal segments (only seen in anteroseptal and septal segments at apex). Furthermore, V/S AoVTI (AoVTI during the PVC beat divided by AoVTI during the sinus beat, then multiplied by 100%) correlated with coupling interval (r=0.67, P <0.001) and global strain (CS: r=0.48, P=0.007; RS: r=0.65, P <0.001; LS: r=0.65, P <0.001).
Conclusions  Frequent RVOT-PVCs can induce global and regional left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The reduction of hemodynamic parameters relates to the coupling interval and the global systolic function.

     

Fish oil supplementation and risk of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation in patients with implantable defibrillators: a randomized controlled trial

Context  Clinical studies of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have shown a reduction in sudden cardiac death, suggesting that omega-3 PUFAs may have antiarrhythmic effects. Objective  To determine whether omega-3 PUFAs have beneficial antiarrhythmic effects in patients with a history of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF). Design and Setting  Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial performed at 6 US medical centers with enrollment from February 1999 until January 2003. Patients  Two hundred patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and a recent episode of sustained VT or VF. Intervention  Patients were randomly assigned to receive fish oil, 1.8 g/d, 72% omega-3 PUFAs, or placebo and were followed up for a median of 718 days (range, 20-828 days). Main Outcome Measures  Time to first episode of ICD treatment for VT/VF, changes in red blood cell concentrations of omega-3 PUFAs, frequency of recurrent VT/VF events, and predetermined subgroup analyses. Results  Patients randomized to receive fish oil had an increase in the mean percentage of omega-3 PUFAs in red blood cell membranes from 4.7% to 8.3% (P<.001), with no change observed in patients receiving placebo. At 6, 12, and 24 months, 46% (SE, 5%), 51% (5%), and 65% (5%) of patients randomized to receive fish oil had ICD therapy for VT/VF compared with 36% (5%), 41% (5%), and 59% (5%) for patients randomized to receive placebo (P = .19). In the subset of 133 patients whose qualifying arrhythmia was VT, 61% (SE, 6%), 66% (6%), and 79% (6%) of patients in the fish oil group had VT/VF at 6, 12, and 24 months compared with 37% (6%), 43% (6%), and 65% (6%) of patients in the control group (P = .007). Recurrent VT/VF events were more common in patients randomized to receive fish oil (P<.001). Conclusion  Among patients with a recent episode of sustained ventricular arrhythmia and an ICD, fish oil supplementation does not reduce the risk of VT/VF and may be proarrhythmic in some patients.      

Effect of salvia miltiorrhiza Bge on left ventricular hypertrophy and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Summary The effects of salvia miltiorrhiza Bge (SMB) on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the left ventricle of spontaneously hypertensive rats and the action mechanism were investigated. Normal Wistar-kyoto (WKY) rats were used as negative control, and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were randomly assigned to receive placebo or SMB. SMB (1 g/kg·d) was injected intraperitoneally for 12 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were measured. HE, VG and immunohistochemical staining combined with computed morphometry were employed to evaluate the cardiomyocyte size, diameter, the collagen volume fraction (CVF), perivascular circumferential area (PVCA), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression in the left ventricular tissue. The results showed, as compared with WKY rats, the SBP, LVMI, cardiomyocyte size, diameter, CVF, PCVA, and TNF-α expression were increased markedly in the 20-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats. SMB decreased LVMI (P<0.01), size of cardiomyocytes (P<0.01), collagen volume fraction (P<0.01), perivascular circumferential area (P<0.01), and TNF-α expression (P<0.01), but had no effect on SBP (P>0.05). It was suggested that chronic administration of SMB could inhibit and reverse the development of LVH in spontaneously hypertensive rats independent of BP. TNF-α may be involved in the reversal mechanism of LVH by SMB. SUN Lianping, male, born in 1966, Associate Professor     

Studies on IUD-induced menorrhagia and increased synthesis of prostacyclin in endometrium

Summary 43 samples of endometrium from IUD-users with excessive uterine bleeding (MBL>80 ml), normal menstrual blood loss (MBL< 80 ml) and non-IUD-users with normal menstrual blood loss (< 80 ml) have been studied. Concentration of 6-keto-PGF_1α, a metabolite of prostacyclin (PGI₂), was determined by radioimmunoassay. It was found that the concentration of 6-keto-PGF_1α of patients with IUD-induced excessive uterine bleeding was significantly higher than that of IUD-users with MBL less than 80 ml (P<0.05) and of non-IUD-users (P<0.01). But the difference between IUD-users with normal menstruation and the control was of no statistical significance (P>0.05). The results also indicated a positive correlation between the amount of MBL and 6-keto-PGF_1α concentration in endometrium of IUD-users (r = 0.439;P<0.05). The measurements of both tissue plasminogen. activator (t-PA) and 6-keto-PGI_1α concentrations from samples of 28 cases showed a weak positive correlation between t-PA and 6-keto-PGF_1α (r = 0.459;P<0.05). Further study is necessary to evaluate the significance of this result. In summary, our studies prove that the increased 6-keto-PGF_1α is an important factor contributing to excessive uterine bleeding in IUD-users.     

K<Superscript>+</Superscript> channels and their effects on membrane potential in rat bronchial smooth muscle cells

Summary In order to investigate the K⁺ channels and their effects on resting membrane potential (Em) and excitability in rat bronchial smooth muscle cells (BSMCs), the components of outward K⁺ channel currents and the effects of K⁺ channels on Em and tension in rat bronchial smooth muscle were observed by using standard whole-cell recording of patch clamp and isometric tension recording techniques. The results showed that under resting conditions, total outward K⁺ channel currents in freshly isolated BSMCs were unaffected by ATP-sensitive K⁺ channel blocker. There were two types of K⁺ currents: voltage-dependent delayed rectifier K⁺ channel (K_v) and large conductance calcium-activated K⁺ channel (BK_Ca) currents. 1 mmol/L 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, an, inhibitor of K_V) caused a significant depolarization (from −8.7±5.9 mV to −25.4±3.1 mV,n=18,P<0.001). In contrast, 1 mmol/L tetraethylammonium (TEA, an inhibitor of BK_Ca) had no significant effect on Em (from −37.6±4.8 mV to −36.8±4.1 mV,n=12,P>0.05). 4-AP caused a concentration-dependent contraction in resting bronchial strips. TEA had no effect on resting tension, but application of 5 mmol/L TEA resulted in a left shift with bigger pD₂ (the negative logarithm of the drug concentration causing 50% of maximal effect) (from 6.27±0.38 to 6.89±0.54,n=10,P<0.05) in the concentration-effect curve of endothine-1, and a right shift with smaller pD₂ (from 8.10±0.23 to 7.69±0.08,n=10,P<0.05) in the concentration-effect curve of isoprenaline. It was suggested that in rat BSMCs there may be two types of K⁺ channels, K_v and BK_Ca, which serve distinct roles. K_v participates in the control of resting Em and tension. BK_Ca is involved in the regulation of relaxation or contraction associated with excitation. LIU Xiansheng, male, born in 1969, M. D., Ph. D. This project was supported by a grant from the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China (No. 30270583).     

Clinical study on the treatment of premature ejaculation by Uighur medicine Gu-jing-mai-si-ha Tablet (固精麦斯哈片)

Objective:To observe the effect of Uighur medicine Gu-jing-mai-si-ha Tablet (固精麦斯哈片,GJMSHT) for treatment of premature ejaculation (PE) and to explore part of its mechanism. Methods:The condition of patients was scored by related questionnaire,and the intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) was observed before and after GJMSHT treatment,with the blood levels of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin F_(2α)(PGF_(2α)) detected in PE patients as well.The results were compared with those in the control group.Results:After treatment,the scores of PE and IELT,as well as the levels of NO and PGF_(2α) all increased significantly compared to those before treatment in the treated group (P<0.01),while in the control group,all the parameters were insignificantly changed (P>0.05). Therefore,the difference of these parameters between the two groups after treatment all showed statistical significance (P<0.01).Conclusion:GJMSHT could treat PE effectively,its mechanism is possibly by strengthening the coordination of the related smooth muscles through increasing the blood levels of NO and PGF(2α),and the endurance of patients to the cavitary effect of prostatico-urethral pressure,thus postponing the arrival of urgent ejaculatory feeling.     

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase traffic inducer in the umbilical vessels of the patients with pre-eclampsia

The expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase traffic inducer （NOSTRIN） was examined in the umbilical vessels of the patients with pre-eclampsia （PE） to explore its possible role in the pathogenesis of PE. The NOSTR1N rnRNA in umbilical tissues was determined by RT-PCR. The eNOS activity in umbilical vessels was spectrophotometrically detected. NO2 /NO3, the stable metabolic end products of NO, was measured by using nitrate reductase. RT-PCR showed that the expression level of NOSTRIN was significantly higher in women with PE than in the normal group （P〈0.01）. The activity of eNOS was significantly decreased in PE group [（12.83±3.61） U/mg] than in normal group [（21.72±3.83） U/mg] （P〈0.01）. The level of NO2-/NO3- in PE patients （27.53±7.48） pmol/mg was significantly lower than that of normal group （54.27±9.53） μmol/mg （P〈0.01）. The significant negative correlation existed between the expression of NOSTRIN and the activity of eNOS in umbilical vessels of women with PE （r=-0.58, P〈0.01）. It was concluded that the level of NOSTR1N expression was increased in umbilical vessel of women with PE, indicating that it may be involved in the pathogenesis of PE.