依达拉奉对百草枯中毒大鼠肺损伤的保护作用

目的 自由基清除剂依达拉奉(Edaravone)在临床用于治疗急性脑梗死,其抗氧化作用亦可保护肺损伤.文中研究探讨依达拉奉对急性百草枯(Paraquat, PQ)中毒致大鼠肺损伤的保护作用.方法 72只SD大鼠随机分为空白对照组、染毒组和依达拉奉治疗组.空白对照组:8只,一次性给予与染毒组等量的等渗盐水;染毒组:32只,一次性腹腔注射百草枯溶液18mg/kg,染毒后不进行任何治疗;依达拉奉治疗组:32只,PQ染毒后即刻给予依达拉奉腹腔注射6mg/kg,1次/d,连续7d,每组按1、3、5和7d分为4个观察时段,测定不同时段大鼠肺组织匀浆与支气管肺泡灌洗液(bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, BALF)中丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA)含量、超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase, SOD)活力和组织匀浆中谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(glutathione peroxidase, GSH-PX)活力,以及肺组织匀浆和支气管肺泡灌洗液中的白细胞介素-6(interleukin, IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子(tumor necrosis factor, TNF-α)的含量,并观察3组大鼠的肺损伤表现及光镜下肺组织的病理学改变.结果 染毒组各时段的大鼠肺组织匀浆和BALF中的MDA含量较空白对照组明显升高,SOD、GSH-PX活力下降,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01);肺组织匀浆和BALF中的IL-6、TNF-α均较空白对照组明显升高,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05或P＜0.01).依达拉奉治疗组与染毒组比较,各时段大鼠肺组织匀浆和BALF中MDA含量下降,SOD活力升高,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);BALF中的GSH-PX升高,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);肺组织匀浆和BALF中的IL-6、TNF-α的含量也有不同程度降低,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05或P＜0.01).依达拉奉治疗后光镜下肺损伤的表现较染毒组减轻,未观察到早期纤维化改变.结论 依达拉奉是一种新型的自由基清除剂,能减轻百草枯中毒后氧自由基损伤,抑制脂质过氧化反应,降低肺损伤早期的炎症介质水平,改善百草枯中毒后所引起的弥漫性肺损伤,可能成为一种新的治疗急性PQ中毒的药物.     

内质网应激与氧化应激在百草枯致大鼠肺纤维化中的作用

目的 探讨百草枯(PQ)中毒大鼠肺纤维化与内质网应激(ERS)的关系.方法 40只sprague-dawley(SD)大鼠按随机数字表法分为对照组(8只)和染毒组(32只),20％PQ溶液灌胃后分别于1、7、14、21 d处死大鼠取肺组织,每个时间点处死8只.苏木素-伊红(HE)染色和Masson染色观察肺组织病理变化;比色法检测肺组织丙二醛(MDA)及超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)变化;免疫组织化学法检测肺组织中糖调节蛋白78(GRP78)表达情况.结果 HE和Masson染色结果证实成功复制肺纤维化模型;模型组大鼠肺泡炎和肺纤维化程度较对照组严重.染毒后ld肺组织MDA及GRP78蛋白表达均较对照组明显升高[MDA:(1.51±0.12) nmol/mg vs.(0.81±0.04) nmol/mg;GRP78:(14.25±6.36)vs.(3.18±1.02);P＜0.05,P＜0.01],GRP78蛋白表达于染毒后7d逐渐下降.而染毒组肺组织SOD活性在各时间点均较对照组降低(P＜0.05).结论 PQ中毒大鼠肺ERS标志性蛋白GRP78明显升高,表明ERS在PQ中毒后肺纤维中发挥一定的作用.     

清霾饮对细颗粒物PM2.5致大鼠肺损伤的干预作用研究

目的研究清霾饮对大气细颗粒物PM2.5所致大鼠肺损伤的干预作用。方法健康成年SD大鼠48只随机分为3组:生理盐水组、染毒组、清霾饮干预组。采集造模染毒所需浓度37.5 mg/m L的颗粒物悬液对染毒组和清霾饮干预组进行气管滴注,并在染毒后进行灌胃给药。最后一次染毒48 h后,收集腹主动脉血和支气管肺泡灌洗液,测定支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中的碱性磷酸酶(AKP)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)活力及(MDA)含量和血清中的丙二醛(MDA)含量及超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活力。结果 (1)PM2.5染毒后,大鼠BALF中AKP、LDH活力及MDA含量均较生理盐水组升高;清霾饮干预后,大鼠BALF中AKP、LDH活力及MDA含量较PM2.5染毒组均降低,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);(2)PM2.5染毒后,大鼠血清中MDA含量升高,SOD活力较生理盐水组降低;清霾饮干预后,较PM2.5染毒组血清中MDA含量明显降低,SOD活力稍降低,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论细颗粒物PM2.5可以导致大鼠肺部炎性损伤,清霾饮对肺部炎性损伤有拮抗作用。     

生脉注射液对百草枯中毒大鼠急性肺损伤的保护作用

目的 探讨生脉注射液对急性百草枯中毒大鼠所致肺损伤(ALI)的保护作用.方法 将50只SD大鼠随机分成5组,空白组、阴性对照组、阳性对照组、生脉低剂量组和生脉高剂量组.观察大体标本,组织病理以及生物学标志:肺湿/干重比、肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中性粒细胞比和蛋白含量.同时测定血清和BALF中MDA含量、SOD和GSH-Px活力,以及肺组织核因子-κB和iNOS活性.结果 与阴性对照组相比,生脉低剂量组肺组织病理显示肺淤血、肺水肿明显减轻;而且血浆和BALF中MDA含量下降,差异有显著性(P<0.01);GSH-Px和SOD活力升高,差异有显著性(P<0.01);核因子-κB和iNOS降低(P<0.05,P<0.01). 结论 急性百草枯中毒可以引起肺组织脂质过氧化损害,而且核因子-κB及iNOS在百草枯所致肺损伤中起重要作用.生脉注射液可使急性百草枯中毒引起的脂质过氧化损害得到改善,并且能降低核因子-κB及iNOS水平,减轻百草枯中毒大鼠肺组织损伤.     

大黄酸对镉染毒大鼠急性氧化损伤的保护作用

目的研究大黄酸对镉染毒大鼠急性氧化损伤的保护作用。方法 Wista大鼠32只,随机分为4组,正常对照组,单纯镉染毒模型组,大黄酸低剂量干预组,大黄酸高剂量干预组。镉染毒后,观察74h,处死大鼠,测定大鼠血清中谷丙转氨酶(ALT)和谷草转氨酶(AST)的活力,测定肝、肾组织中超氧化物岐化酶(SOD)活力、丙二醛(MDA)含量。结果与对照组比较,模型组大鼠肝、肾组织MDA含量显著升高(P<0.05),SOD活力显著下降(P<0.05),与模型组比较,大黄酸高剂量组血清中ALT和AST活力显著降低(P<0.01),肝、肾组织中SOD活力增加,MDA含量降低(P<0.05)。结论大黄酸对镉染毒大鼠造成的氧化损伤具有一定的保护作用,其机制可能与大黄酸的抗氧化活性有关。     

蒙脱石对百草枯中毒大鼠肝损伤的干预作用

目的 观察一次性灌胃百草枯染毒后大鼠的肝损伤及蒙脱石散甘露醇溶液的干预作用.方法 40只雄性SD大鼠按体重随机分为4组:对照组(C),百草枯染毒组(P),百草枯染毒1 h后进行蒙脱石散甘露醇溶液灌胃治疗组(PT1),百草枯染毒4 h后进行蒙脱石散甘露醇溶液灌胃治疗组(PT2).结果 大鼠百草枯染毒后一般状况差,血清中丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)和天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)、肝组织中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)各组差异显著(P<0.05),丙二醛(MDA)无明显差异(P>0.05).各染毒组较对照组ALT和AST含量明显升高(P<0.05),而肝组织中SOD含量则明显降低(P<0.05).染毒后不同时间蒙脱石散甘露醇治疗组大鼠ALT和AST含量不同程度低于染毒组,仅PT1组与P组ALT差异显著(P<0.05),SOD高于染毒组(P>0.05).各组大鼠肝组织切片无明显变化.结论 百草枯一次性染毒可导致大鼠肝组织损伤,蒙脱石甘露醇溶液对百草枯中毒大鼠肝损伤的保护作用不明显.     

新斯的明对百草枯中毒大鼠全身炎症反应和肺损伤的影响

目的 观察胆碱酯酶抑制剂——新斯的明对百草枯中毒大鼠全身炎症反应和肺损伤的影响.方法 96只SD大鼠随机分为3组(n=32).NES组:腹腔注射百草枯(paraquat,PQ)溶液20 mg/kg后2h腹腔注射新斯的明300 μg/kg;PQ组:腹腔注射等量PQ溶液后2h腹腔注射生理盐水300μg/kg;对照组:以等量生理盐水代替PQ溶液腹腔注射.在6、24、72h3个时间点观察大鼠血清及肺组织TNF-α、IL-6、IL-10变化;分批处死大鼠进行肺组织病理学观察以及测量肺湿/干质量(W/D);Real-Time PCR检测肺组织SOCS1、SOCS3 mRNA表达.结果 PQ染毒后,大鼠血清和肺组织TNF-α、IL-6、IL-10均显著升高,NES组在染毒后各时间点血清和肺组织TNF-α水平低于PQ组(P＜0.05),在染毒后24、72 h血清及肺组织IL-6水平低于PQ组(P＜0.05).染毒后各时间点NES组IL-1O水平高于PQ组(P＜0.05).染毒后72 h,病理学观察可见NES组大鼠肺损伤程度较PQ组轻.NES组24、72 h肺湿干质量比低于PQ组(P＜0.05).PQ染毒后各时间点SOCS1、SOCS3 mRNA表达水平高于对照组(P＜0.05).NES组SOCS3 mRNA表达水平高于PQ组,但SOCS1 mRNA表达水平与PQ组差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 新斯的明能减轻PQ中毒大鼠的全身炎症反应和肺损伤程度,其机制可能涉及激活胆碱能抗炎途径     

硫化氢对急性百草枯中毒大鼠肺过氧化损伤的影响

目的 探讨硫化氢(H2S)对大鼠急性百草枯(PQ)中毒肺过氧化损伤的影响.方法 30只SD大鼠分成对照组、模型组、治疗组.模型组、治疗组采用PQ(80mg/kg)灌胃染毒,模型组染毒后腹腔注射生理盐水,治疗组染毒后,腹腔注射NaHS(1.4 μmol/kg),2次/d;对照组采用生理盐水灌胃,灌胃后腹腔注射生理盐水.72 h后,观察肺组织病理改变;计算肺湿/千质量比值(W/D);测定肺组织匀浆内丙二醛(MDA)水平、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活力.结果 模型组肺组织损伤明显,治疗组较模型组减轻;模型组肺W/D较对照组增高(P＜0.05),治疗组较模型组降低(P＜0.05);模型组MDA高于对照组(P＜0.05),SOD、GSH-Px低于对照组(P＜0.05);治疗组中MDA较模型组降低(P＜0.05),SOD、GSH-Px较模型组升高(P＜0.05).结论 H2S对急性PQ中毒大鼠肺过氧化损伤具有一定的保护作用.     

氨溴索对百草枯中毒大鼠肺组织损伤NF-κB和细胞凋亡的影响

目的 探讨氨溴索(ambroxol,AT)对百草枯(paraquat,PQ)中毒大鼠急性肺损伤中性粒细胞(polymorphonuclear neutrophil,PMN)凋亡的影响.方法 随机将108只大鼠分为4组,正常对照组(C组)、AT对照组(AT组)、急性肺损伤组(PQ组)和急性肺损伤+AT干预组(PQ+AT组).取肺组织HE染色来评价肺组织损伤情况;ELISA检测血清中白细胞介素-8(interleukin-8,IL-8)水平;免疫细胞化学方法检测支气管肺泡灌洗液(bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,BALF)中PMN的核因子-κB(nuclear factor kappa B,NF-κB)p65表达; Western Blot分析定量检测PMN中胞浆蛋白IκBα的含量;流式细胞仪检测PMN凋亡率.结果 C组和AT组大鼠的肺组织结构基本完整;PQ组炎性细胞浸润明显增多;肺组织损伤程度加重.PQ+AT组肺组织损伤程度较轻.PQ组血清IL-8水平较C组显著增加(P＜0.01),PQ+AT组较PQ组降低,较C、AT组高(P＜0.01).PQ中毒能够引起BALF中PMN的NF-κB亚基p65核易位和PMN胞浆蛋白IκBα的降解,AT对此具有抑制作用.PQ组3d时PMN的凋亡率最低,PQ+AT组相应时间点与PQ组相应时间点相比凋亡率均增加(P＜0.05).结论 PQ中毒导致了大鼠急性肺损伤,经AT治疗后,使延缓的PMN凋亡恢复正常,从而有效地减轻了PQ中毒所致的大鼠急性肺损伤.     

阿托伐他汀对鼠急性百草枯中毒肺损伤的保护作用

目的:研究阿托伐他汀对急性百草枯中毒大鼠肺损伤的保护作用及机制。方法:将40只SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组,单纯染毒组,阿托伐他汀治疗低、高剂量组。染毒组和治疗组百草枯80 mg/kg灌胃1次;治疗低、高剂量组分别给与阿托伐他汀20、40 mg/kg灌胃7 d。解剖动物,取肺组织行苏木精-伊红(HE)染色,检测超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-PX)水平。结果:HE染色结果:染毒组肺损伤较其它各组明显严重,治疗组肺损伤减轻。SOD、GSH-PX测定结果:染毒组与对照组相比明显降低(P<0.05),各治疗组与染毒组相比均有明显升高(P<0.05),治疗组间有统计学差异(P<0.05)。结论:阿托伐他汀对鼠急性百草枯中毒肺有保护作用,可增加SOD、GSH-PX的活性。     

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.