基质金属蛋白酶-3基因Lys45Glu多态性与缺血性卒中亚型的相关性

目的 探讨基质金属蛋白酶-3(matrix metalloprotemase-3,MMP-3)血浆水平及其基因Lys45Glu(rs679620)多态性与缺血性卒中及其TOAST亚型的关系.方法 纳入根据TOAST病因学分型分为大动脉粥样硬化性卒中(large artery atherosclerotic stroke,LAA)和小动脉闭塞性卒中(small artery occlusion stroke,SAO)患者(缺血性卒中组)和健康体检者(对照组).采用酶联免疫吸附法检测血浆MMP-3水平,多聚酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性法检测MMP-3 Lys45 Glu基因型.结果共纳入急性缺血性卒中患者233例,其中LAA 162例,SAO 71例;200名健康体检者作为对照组.缺血性卒中组血浆MMP-3水平显著高于对照组[(253.99±75.02)ng/ml对(196.38±78.17) ng/ml;=7.813,P=0.000];LAA组[(262.81±69.23)ng/ml]血浆MMP-3水平均显著高于SAO组[(233.85±83.90)ng/ml,P=0.008]和对照组(P=0.000),SAO组也显著高于对照组(P=0.000).多变量logistic回归分析显示,血清MMP-3水平增高是缺血性卒中的独立危险因素[优势比(odds ratio,OR)1.012,95％可信区间(confidence interval,CI)1.008～1.015;P=0.000].缺血性卒中组MMP-3Lys45Glu基因型(x2 =2.085,P=0.353)和等位基因(x2 =2.29,P=0.130)频率与对照组均无显著差异.LAA、SAO和对照组之间MMP-3 Lys45Glu基因型频率存在显著差异(x2=10.39,P=0.034),其中LAA组AA +GA频率显著高于SAO组(65.4％对49.3％;x2=5.375,P=0.020)和对照组(65.4％对54.0％;x2 =4.84,P=0.028);3组间MMP-3 Lys45Glu等位基因频率无显著性差异(x2=3.887,P=0.143).多变量logistic回归分析显示,Lys45Glu多态性是LAA的独立危险因素(OR1.783,95％ CI1.183 ～2.688;P=0.006).AA基因型(n=73)、GA基因型(n=176)和GG基因型(n=184)患者血浆MMP-3水平分别为(235.70±70.85)ng/ml、(244.20±85.90) ng/ml和(207.98±77.61) ng/ml,3组间存在显著性差异(F=9.682,P=0.000);AA +GA基因型(n=249)患者血浆MMP-3水平显著高于GG基因型患者[(241.71±81.73) ng/ml对(207.98±77.61) ng/ml;=4.336,P =0.000].结论 LAA或SAO患者血浆MMP-3水平增高,以LAA亚型增高最为显著;MMP-3Lys45Glu多态性可能与MMP-3血浆水平和LAA有关.     

不同亚型卒中患者血清基质金属蛋白酶-2含量及其意义

目的 探讨不同亚型急性缺血性卒中患者血清基质金属蛋白酶-2(matrixmetaUoproteinase-2,MMP-2)含量的变化及其意义.方法 77例急性缺血性卒中患者按照TOAST标准进行病因学分型,大动脉粥样硬化性卒中(large-artery atherosclerosis,LAA)29例(37.66%),小动脉闭塞性卒中(small artery occlusion,sAO)23例(29.87%),心源性脑栓塞(cardioembolism,CE)13例(16.88%),原因不明的缺血性卒中(stroke ofundemomtrated etiology,SUE)7例(9.09%),其他确定原因引发的缺血性卒中(stroke ofother demonstrated etiology,SOE)5例(6.49%).用酶联免疫吸附试验(enzyme-1inked immtmosorbent assay,ELISA)检测急性缺血性卒中患者发病后24 h和7 d时血清MMP-2含量,并与42例对照者进行比较.结果 TOAST病因分型急性缺血性卒中组患者发病后24 h和7d血清MMP-2水平分别为(189.55±24.79)和(307.46±84.16)ng/ml,均显著高于对照组的(159.76 ±10.32)ng/ml(P均<0.05).在TOAST各亚型中,SOE和SUE因例数过少未做分析;在其他各型中,LAA、SAO和CE组发病后24 h血清MMP-2水平分别为(218.60±13.42)、(175.21 ±9.92)和(167.26±9.7)ng/ml,均显著高于对照组(P均<0.05);发病7d时分别为(404.75±10.30)、(293.18 ±10.91)和(211.81±11.14)ng/ml,也均显著高于对照组(P均<0.05).其中,以LAA组增高显著(P<0.01).结论 急性脑梗死患者血清MMP-2水平增高,TOAST各亚型患者组MMP-2水平变化不同,LAA组升高最显著,支持脑梗死亚型的病因不同的论点,血清MMP-2在LAA型脑梗死发病过程中起着重要作用.     

脂蛋白相关磷脂酶 A2基因 R92 H多态性与中国山东地区汉族人群缺血性卒中及其亚型的相关性

目的：探讨脂蛋白相关磷脂酶A2（lipoprotein-associatedphospholipaseA2,Lp-PLA2）基因多态性位点R92H与中国山东地区汉族人群缺血性卒中及其亚型的相关性。方法纳入中国山东地区386例首次发病的缺血性卒中患者和386名健康对照组,根据TOAST 标准将患者进一步分为大动脉粥样硬化性卒中（ large artery atherosclerotic, LAA）和小动脉闭塞性卒中（ smal artery occlusion, SAO）。采用酶联免疫吸附法测定血清Lp-PLA2水平,聚合酶链反应及基因直接测序法测定R92H基因多态性。结果缺血性卒中组、LAA组和SAO组血清Lp-PLA2水平均高于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P均<0.01）。缺血性卒中组GA（P=0.006）、AA（P=0.020）、AA+GA基因型（P=0.009）以及A等位基因（P=0.001）分布频率均显著高于对照组,LAA组GA+AA基因型（P=0.007）及A等位基因（P<0.001）分布频率与对照组相比亦存在统计学差异,而SAO 组则不然。多变量logistic回归分析显示,GA+AA基因型[优势比（odds ratio, OR）1.43,95％可信区间（confidence interval, CI）1.02~2.00;P=0.029]、GA基因型（OR 1.42,95％CI 1.01~2.00;P=0.037）及A等位基因（OR 1.44,95％CI 1.11~2.18;P=0.028）是缺血性卒中发病的独立危险因素。 GA+AA 基因型（ OR 1.73,95％CI 1.18~2.55;P<0.001）和GA基因型（OR 1.67,95％CI 1.13~2.48;P<0.001）是LAA的独立危险因素,而与S AO 无显著独立相关性。结论缺血性卒中患者血清Lp-PLA2水平升高, LAA组升高最明显;R92H基因多态性可能与中国山东地区汉族人群缺血性卒中的易感性有关。     

血清脂蛋白(a)与缺血性卒中及其病因学亚型的相关性

目的 探讨血清脂蛋白(a)[lipoprotein(a),Lp(a)]水平与急性缺血性卒中及其病因学亚型的相关性.方法 回顾性纳入连续的急性缺血性卒中住院患者(病例组)以及年龄和性别相匹配的同期健康体检者(对照组).收集病例组和对照组人口统计学和基线临床资料以及空腹血糖、纤维蛋白原、高半胱氨酸、总胆固醇、三酰甘油、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇、Lp(a)浓度.病例组根据TOAST病因学分型标准分为大动脉粥样硬化(large artery atherosclerosis,LAA)、小动脉闭塞(small artery occlusion,SAO)、心源性栓塞(cardioembolism,CE),并排除其他明确病因和病因不明的患者.对病例组和对照组人口统计学和基线临床资料进行比较,并采用多变量logistic回归分析明确血清Lp(a)与急性缺血性卒中及其病因学分型的相关性.结果 共纳入214例缺血性卒中组患者,其中LAA 97例(45.33%),SAO 64例(29.91%),CE 53例(24.77%);对照组118例.病例组高血压、糖尿病、高脂血症、心房颤动和饮酒的比例以及收缩压、舒张压、空腹血糖、总胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇、Lp(a)、纤维蛋白原、高半胱氨酸水平与对照组存在统计学差异(P均<0.001).多变量logistic回归分析显示,校正年龄和性别后,Lp(a)是缺血性卒中的独立危险因素[优势比(odds ratio,OR)2.014,95%可信区间(confidence interval,CI)1.273~3.092;P=0.036];LAA的独立危险因素包括高血压(OR 3.353,95%CI 1.714~6.558;P<0.001)、收缩压(OR 2.786,95%CI 1.136~5.538;P=0.016)、高半胱氨酸(OR 1.108,95%CI 1.031~2.191;P=0.005)、总胆固醇(OR 2.169,95%CI 1.599~4.943;P<0.001)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(OR 2.782,95%CI 1.093~5.238;P=0.024)和Lp(a)(OR 3.072,95%CI 1.907~8.064;P=0.001),SAO的独立危险因素包括高血压(OR 7.042,95%CI 3.189~25.55;P<0.001)、糖尿病(OR 5.162,95%CI 2.372~11.23;P<0.001)、纤维蛋白原(OR 1.667,95%CI 1.434~2.025;P=0.045)和高半胱氨酸(OR 1.967,95%CI 1.859~1.995;P=0.036),CE的独立危险因素包括心房颤动(OR 13.340,95%CI 4.637~39.20;P<0.001)、纤维蛋白原(OR 2.365,95%CI 1.147~4.904;P=0.029)和Lp(a)(OR 1.656,95%CI 1.996~3.001;P=0.035).结论 Lp(a)是缺血性卒中的独立危险因素,可作为预测缺血性卒中发病风险的血清生物学标记物.不同卒中病因学亚型之间的独立危险因素存在差异,Lp(a)与LAA和CE独立相关,但与SAO无独立性相关性.     

小血管闭塞性卒中的危险因素分析

目的 探讨小血管闭塞性卒中(small artery occlusion,SAO)及其2种亚型的相关危险因素.方法 从南京卒中注册系统中收集2009年12月至2010年11月注册、符合TOAST标准中大血管动脉粥样硬化性卒中(large artery atherosclcrosis,LAA)或SAO的首发急性缺血性卒中患者的临床和影像学资料.病例分为LAA组和SAO组,后者再分为腔隙性脑梗死伴缺血性白质疏松(ischaemic leukoaraiosis,ILA)亚组和单纯腔隙性梗死(isolated lacunar infarction,ILI)亚组,比较LAA组与SAO组及其亚组的危险因素,并进行多变量logistic回归分析,筛选独立危险因素.结果 共纳入291例病例,其中LAA组120例,SAO组171例(ILI亚组87例,ILA亚组84例).SAO组平均年龄大于LAA患者,高血压患者比例和血清同型半胱氨酸(homocysteine,Hcy)水平显著高于LAA患者(P均＜0.05).多变量logistic分析表明,高龄[优势比(odds ratio,OR)1.041,95%可信区间(confidence interval,CI)1.02～1.06,P=0.045]、高血压(OR=2.912,95%CI 1.11～6.46,P=0.031)和血浆Hcy水平增高(OR=1.109,95%CI 1.11～1.32,P=0.001)是SAO的独立危险因素.在SAO的两亚组中,高龄(OR=1.047,95%CI 1.00～1.09,P=0.043)、高血压(OR=2.632,95%CI 1.08～6.41,P=0.033)和血浆Hcy水平增高(OR=1.211,95%CI 1.11～1.32,P＜0.001)是ILA的独立危险因素,而高胆固醇血症(OR=0.136,95%CI 0.05～0.37,P＜0.001)则是ILI的独立危险因素.结论 高龄、高血压和血浆Hcy水平增高可能在SAO的发病机制中起着重要作用.高胆固醇血症是ILI的独立危险因素,而高龄、高血压病和血浆Hcy水平增高是ILA的独立危险因素.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the related risk factors for small artery occlusion (SAO) and its 2 subtypes. Methods The clinical and imaging data in 291 patients with first-ever stroke who met the TOAST criteria of large artery atherosclerotic stroke (LAA) or SAO were collected from the Nanjing Stroke Registry Prog-am from December 2009 to November 2010. All the patients were divided into a LAA group (n = 120) and a SAO group (n = 171). The latter was redivided into either a lacunar infarction with ischemic leukoaraiosis (ILA) subgroup (n = 84)or an isolated lacunar infarction (ILI) subgroup (n = 87). The risk factors of the LAA group and SAO group and its subgroups were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted and the independent risk factors were screened. Results The mean age in the SAO group was larger than that in the LAA group. The proportion of the patients with hypertension and the serum homocysteine (Hcy) level were significantly higher than those in the LAA group (all P ＜0. 05). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the advanced age (odds ratio, [OR] = 1.041,95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.06, P = 0.045), hypertension (OR = 2. 912,95% CI 1. 11-6. 46, P =0. 031) and increased plasma Hcy (OR = 1. 109, 95% CI 1. 11-1. 32, P =0. 001) were the independent risk factors for SAO. The advanced age (OR = 1. 047,95% CI 1.00-1.09, P = 0.043), hypertension (OR = 2. 632, 95% CI 1.08-6.41, P= 0.033) and increased plasma Hcy (OR = 1. 211, 95% CI 1. 11-1. 32, P ＜0. 001) were the independent risk factors for ILA, while the hypercholesterolemia (OR =0. 136, 95% CI 0. 05-0. 37, P ＜0. 001) was the independent risk factor for ILI. Conclusions The advanced age, hypertension and increased plasma Hcy level may play important roles in the pathogenesis of SAO. The hypercholesterolemia is an independent risk factor for ILI, while advanced age, hypertension and increased plasma Hcy level are the independent risk factors for ILA.     

早期降压治疗对不同TOAST分型的急性缺血性脑卒中患者1年结局的影响

目的讨论早期降压治疗对不同类肝素药物治疗急性脑卒中试验(TOAST)分型的急性缺血性脑卒中患者1年结局的影响。方法收集2009年8月至2013年5月在解放军第九六〇医院泰安院区和肥城市人民医院住院治疗的发病48 h内伴有高血压的急性缺血性脑卒中非溶栓患者597例。依据TOAST分型分为:大动脉粥样硬化型卒中(LAA)261例,心源性栓塞型卒中(CE)91例,小动脉闭塞型卒中(SAO)225例,其他类型20例。将各分型患者分别分为2组:LAA降压组(n=126)和LAA非降压组(n=135);CE降压组(n=46)和CE非降压组(n=45);SAO降压组(n=115)和SAO非降压组(n=110);其他类型降压组(n=7)和其他类型非降压组(n=13)。降压组24 h内降压10%～20%。观察患者出院后1年的死亡率、死亡/致残率及卒中复发率。采用SPSS 20.0软件进行统计分析。2组间比较采用t检验或χ~2检验。结果随访1年结果显示,在LAA、SAO和其他类型卒中分型中,降压组和非降压组患者1年后的死亡率、死亡/致残率及卒中复发率差异均无统计学意义(P0.05);在CE分型中,降压组患者1年后的死亡/致残率显著低于非降压组(45.6%和66.7%,P0.05),但1年死亡率及卒中复发率与对照组相比差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论急性期降压治疗对LAA、SAO型缺血性脑卒中患者1年结局无显著影响,但可显著降低CE型缺血性脑卒中患者的1年死亡/致残率。     

不同卒中亚型脑梗死病人早期血浆D-二聚体水平与急性期神经功能改善及预后的相关性

目的探讨不同卒中亚型脑梗死病人早期血浆D-二聚体水平及其与急性期神经功能改善及预后的相关性。方法以2014年1月—2016年6月我院神经内科收治的167例脑梗死病人为研究对象。按照TOAST标准对病人进行分型,比较不同亚型病人间血浆D-二聚体水平;对比入院时与入院10 d后不同亚型间神经功能缺损改善情况及不同亚型病人间的死亡率。结果各亚型脑梗死病人间D-二聚体水平比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05);多重比较结果显示,心源性脑栓死(CE)组血浆D-二聚体水平最高,其次为大动脉粥样硬化性脑卒中(LAA)组,不明原因的缺血性脑卒中(SUE)组次之,小动脉闭塞性脑卒中(SAO)组最低,但与SUE组比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05),其他原因所致的缺血性卒中(SOE)组1例(未列入统计分析内);各亚型病人入院时神经功能缺损情况存在有统计学意义(P0.05),以CE组缺损最为严重,SAO组程度最轻;入院10 d后各组神经功能缺损均有所改善,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),CE组最低,SAO组改善程度最高。急性期以CE组(34.1%)的死亡率最高,其次为LAA组(6.3%),SAO组在急性期未观察到死亡病例,CE组死亡率显著高于其他各组(P0.05),其余各组间差异无统计学意义。结论不同卒中亚型的脑梗死病人早期血浆D-二聚体水平存在统计学意义,血浆D-二聚体水平可作为此类病人预后评估的参考依据。     

血浆脑利钠肽和D-二聚体水平与急性脑梗死临床亚型的关系

目的 探讨急性脑梗死不同病因学亚型患者血浆脑利钠肽(brain natriuretic peptidk,BNP)和D-二聚体(D-dimer,DD)含量变化的意义.方法 146例发病24 h内的急性脑梗死患者,根据TOAST分型方法进行病因学分型:大血管动脉粥样硬化血栓性脑梗死(1arge-artery atherosclerosis,LAA;n=48)、小血管闭塞性脑梗死(small-artery occlusion,SAO;n=32)、心源性脑栓塞(cardioembolism,CE;n=41)和原因不明性脑梗死(n=25).急诊行血浆BNP和DD含量测定,并分析二者与脑梗死不同亚型、梗死体积和病情严重程度的相关性.结果 CE组患者血浆BNP水平显著高于非CE组(P均＜0.01),其血浆DD含量亦显著升高(与LAA组比较,P＜0.05;与SAO组和原因不明性脑梗死组比较,P均＜0.01),而各种非CE组之间血浆BNP和DD水平均无显著差异.大梗死组患者血浆BNP和DD含量显著高于中梗死组(t分别为2.748和4.218,P分别为0.040和0.008)和小梗死组(t分别为3.766和3.029,P分别为0.013和0.029),而中梗死组与小梗死组无显著差异.美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表评分≥7分组血浆BNP和DD含量显著高于＜7分组(t分别为-3.454和-4.044,P分别为0.018和0.010).结论 急性脑梗死,尤其是CE患者血浆BNP和DD水平显著升高,而且梗死体积越大、病情越严重,二者水平越高.早期检测血浆BNP和DD水平有助于脑梗死病因学亚型,尤其是CE的诊断以及梗死体积和病情严重程度的判断.     

趋化因子CXCL16基因rs3744700多态性与脑梗死亚型的相关性研究

目的研究血清趋化因子CXCL16（CXCL16）水平及CXCL16基因rs3744700多态性与急性卒中治疗低分子肝素试验病因分型（TOAST）亚型的关系。方法选择发病≤7 d的动脉粥样硬化性脑梗死患者248例,其中大动脉粥样硬化性脑梗死（LAA）组149例,小动脉闭塞性脑梗死（SAO）组99例。采用聚合酶链式反应（PCR）及基因测序技术检测基因型、酶联免疫吸附法检测血清CXCL16水平。结果①LAA组血清CXCL16水平为（2.5±0.3）μg/L;SAO组为（2.3±0.6）μg/L,P〈0.01。②149例LAA组患者中,CXCL16基因rs3744700多态位点GG基因型频率为91.9%（137/149）,G等位基因频率为96.0%（286/298）,高于SAO组的81.8%及89.9%,差异有统计学意义,P〈0.05。③LAA组GG基因型患者血清CXCL16水平为（2.5±0.3）μg/L,高于GT＋TT基因型患者的（2.1±0.3）μg/L;SAO组GG基因型患者血清CXCL16水平为（2.4±0.6）μg/L,高于GT＋TT基因型患者的（2.1±0.3）μg/L,均P〈0.05。GG基因型患者中,LAA组血清CXCL16水平高于SAO组,P=0.01;GT＋TT基因型患者中两组CXCL16水平差异无统计学意义。④多因素Logistic回归分析显示,血清CXCL16水平（OR=0.37,95%CI：0.19～0.70）、CXCL16基因rs3744700多态位点GG基因型（OR=2.57,95%CI：1.23～5.36）是影响LAA型脑梗死的独立危险因素。结论TOAST亚型中,血清CXCL16水平及CXCL16基因rs3744700多态位点GG基因型与LAA型脑梗死的相关性高于SAO型脑梗死。     

基质金属蛋白酶3基因rs522616多态性与脑梗死亚型的关系

目的探讨基质金属蛋白酶3(MMP-3)血清水平及其启动子区基因rs522616(-709A/G)多态性与低分子肝素试验病因分型(TOAST)中,大动脉粥样硬化性(LAA)和小动脉闭塞性(SAO)卒中的相关性。方法选取289例急性缺血性卒中(发病≤3d)患者,LAA卒中185例,SAO卒中104例,应用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测血清MMP-3水平,聚合酶链反应后直接测序法检测其启动子基因rs522616多态性。结果①LAA组MMP-3血清水平为(245±56)ng/ml,高于SAO组的(227±51)ng/ml,差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。②LAA组患者中,MMP-3基因rs522616多态位点AA基因型频率为50.8%,A等位基因频率为71.1%,分别高于SAO组的38.5%和61.5%,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。③多因素Logistic回归分析发现,AA基因型(OR=1.72,95%CI:1.04～2.85)和MMP-3(OR=0.014,95%CI:0.00～0.29)水平增高是LAA型卒中的独立危险因子。结论与SAO性卒中比较,MMP-3血清增高水平及rs522616基因多态性位点AA基因型与LAA性卒中关系更为密切。     

The immunoneuroendocrine role of melatonin

Abstract: A tight, physiological link between the pineal gland and the immune system is emerging from a series of experimental studies. This link might reflect the evolutionary connection between self-recognition and reproduction. Pinealectomy or other experimental methods which inhibit melatonin synthesis and secretion induce a state of immunodepression which is counteracted by melatonin. In general, melatonin seems to have an immunoenhancing effect that is particularly apparent in immunodepressive states. The negative effect of acute stress or immunosuppressive pharmacological treatments on various immune parameters are counteracted by melatonin. It seems important to note that one of the main targets of melatonin is the thymus, i.e., the central organ of the immune system. The clinical use of melatonin as an immunotherapeutic agent seems promising in primary and secondary immunodeficiencies as well as in cancer immunotherapy. The immunoenhancing action of melatonin seems to be mediated by T-helper cell-derived opioid peptides as well as by lymphokines and, perhaps, by pituitary hormones. Melatonin-induced-immuno-opioids (MHO) and lymphokines imply the presence of specific binding sites or melatonin receptors on cells of the immune system. On the other hand, lymphokines such as -γ-interferon and interleukin-2 as well as thymic hormones can modulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland. The pineal gland might thus be viewed as the crux of a sophisticated immunoneuroendocrine network which functions as an unconscious, diffuse sensory organ.     

Response of rat pineal melatonin to calcium, magnesium, and lithium is circadian stage dependent

Abstract: Herein we documented the response of pineal melatonin production to electrolytes known to be effective on pineal function in view of a possible circadian stage dependence. We studied the release of melatonin by perifused rat pineal glands at 2 different circadian stages corresponding to the middle of the light and dark periods, i.e., respectively, 7 and 19 HALO (Hours After Light Onset, L:D = 12:12). The initial efflux rates were, as expected, much higher in the perifusates of glands removed from rats sacrificed during the dark phase than of those removed during the light phase. After 3 hr of perifusion, melatonin release reached similar levels which were found constant up to the 8th hr of perifusion, whatever the circadian stage. Perifusion of the glands with physiological concentrations for the rat of calcium (5.2 mmol/1) and magnesium (1.34 mmol/1) resulted in a stimulatory effect on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed in the middle of the dark period (19 HALO), whereas no effects were observed on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed during the light (7 HALO). Lithium (0.28 and 0.55 mmol/1) was ineffective on melatonin release in pineal glands removed 7 and 19 HALO. Our results show differences in the initial efflux rates of melatonin and in the response of perifused pineal glands to calcium and magnesium according to the circadian stage.     

Changes in connexin43, the gap junction protein of astrocytes, during development of the rat pineal gland

Abstract: The abundance of gap junctions between rat pineal astrocytes formed by connexin43 (Cx43) was studied during development. Levels and distribution of Cx43 were measured by immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence, respectively. The amount of Cx43 in cells located within the gland was low until about the 7th postnatal day and increased to adult values between the 14th and 21st days postpartum. Although astrocytes, recognized by their vimentin immunoreactivity, were scarce before birth, they were abundant by the 7th postnatal day suggesting that the low levels of Cx43 found at this age corresponded to a low expression of this protein. Localization of the immunoreactivity to Cx43 and vimentin showed a close correlation, indicating that mature or immature pineal astrocytes form gap junctions made of Cx43. Since Cx43 levels attained their adult values at about the time the innervation and the functional state of the gland reached maturity (2–3 weeks after birth), it is proposed that astrocyte gap junctions are involved in the function of the adult rat pineal gland.     

Conservative management of perforated duodenal diverticulum： A case report and review of the literature

Duodenal diverticula are a relatively common condition. They are asymptomatic, unless they become complicated, with perforation being the rarest but most severe complication. Surgical treatment is the most frequently performed approach. We report the case of a patient with a perforated duodenal diverticulum, which was diagnosed early and treated conservatively with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage of secondary retroperitoneal abscesses. We suggest this method could be an acceptable option for the management of similar cases, provided that the patient is in good general condition and without septic signs.     

Presence of immunoreactive growth hormone and prolactin in the ovine pineal gland

Abstract: The use of antisera raised against bovine growth hormone (GH) and ovine prolactin (PRL) enabled the detection of related immunoreactive (ir) sequences of proteins in ovine pineal tissue. The isolation of PRL-like ir-material was accomplished using a 0.25 M ammonium sulphate (pH 5.5) extraction followed by ethanol precipitation, whereas the resulting 2.0 M ammonium sulphate (pH 7.0) precipitate contained a GH-like immunoreactivity. Gel chromatography of the GH-like immunoreactivity (Sephadex G-100) indicated the presence of several GH-like fragments ranging in the M_r range of 7,000 to 55,000. Analyses of the PRL-like ir-material found in pineal tissue on HPLC using a TSK 545-DEAE column led to the resolution into a single peak of immunoreactivity. A single peak of activity was also observed following chromatofocusing and hydrophobic interaction chromatography of the ir-peak from the TSK 545-DEAE column. The PRL-like ir-material inhibited the binding of [¹²⁵I]ovine PRL-S14 to anti-ovine PRL antibodies without showing an affinity for binding to anti-rat PRL or anti-bovine GH antibodies. Scatchard analysis of the binding of pineal PRL-like ir-material and pituitary ovine PRL-S14 to liver membranes from day-20 pregnant rats revealed similar affinity constants (K_a of 4.7 ± 0.2 × 10⁹ M^-1). In addition, the replication of Nb 2 Node rat lymphoma cells was stimulated by pineal PRL-like ir-material, an effect known to be specific for lactogenic hormones. The pineal PRL-like immunoreactivity appeared on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels as a single major band of M_r 24,000. The functional status of PRL-and GH-like ir-material in the ovine pineal remains to be determined, but evidence is presented that the overall protein synthesis rate of the rat pineal responded to circulating concentrations of PRL.     

Microbiology of human immunodeficiency virus anorectal disease

PURPOSE: Individuals who are seropositive for the human immunodeficiency virus are at high risk for opportunistic infection and anorectal disorders. Little prospective information is available regarding anorectal pathogens in these patients. METHODS: One hundred sixty-three HIV-seropositive patients presented to the colorectal clinic between 1989 and 1992. Forty-seven (29 percent) patients were thought to have an infectious process and were prospectively studied using a standardized multiculture protocol. RESULTS: Mean age was 33 (range, 19–59) years. All were male; high-risk behavior accounted for 87 percent of HIV transmissions. Presenting complaints included anorectal pain (79 percent), pus per anum (28 percent), and blood per anum (26 percent). Examination revealed perianal tenderness (60 percent), condyloma (38 percent), perianal ulcers (38 percent), and anal fissures (34 percent). Sixty-six sets of cultures were performed; 28 patients had one set, 15 had two sets, and 4 had three sets. Thirty-two of these 47 patients (68 percent) had positive cultures including herpes (50 percent), cytomegalovirus (25 percent),Neisseria gonorrhoeae (16 percent), chlamydia (16 percent), acidfast bacilli (2 percent), and others (9 percent). Six of 32 patients with positive cultures had more than one organism cultured. Sixteen (50 percent) patients with positive cultures were treated medically, 8 (25 percent) were treated surgically and 8 (25 percent) were treated with both modalities. Sixty-one procedures were performed on 17 patients for condylomata. Eighteen patients had 20 procedures for abscesses, 50 percent of whom had positive cultures for other than common bowel flora; all improved. Fourteen patients underwent 33 procedures for perianal fistulas.Mycobacterium fortuitum was cultured from one patient who required 13 procedures for abscesses and fistulas. Forty-five (96 percent) patients were followed for an average of 12.5 months ±2.9 SEM (range, 1–94 months). Symptoms were improved or resolved in 22 of 32 (69 percent) patients with positive cultures and in 11 of 13 (84 percent) with negative cultures. CONCLUSIONS: Specific pathogens may often be identified in human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive patients with anorectal disorders if aggressively sought. Although patients without specific pathogens identified may be expected to improve with planned empiric treatment, positive identification allows more directed therapy.