猕猴桃果仁油对小鼠非酒精性脂肪性肝病的作用

目的:观察猕猴桃果仁油对小鼠非酒精性脂肪性肝病(nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,NAFLD) 的保护作用,并初步探讨其作用机制. 方法:健康,♂小鼠50 只,随机分为:对照组、模型组和果仁油低、中、高剂量组[90 、180 、270 mg/(kg·d)]5 组. 除对照组用普通饲料喂养外,其余各组均给予高脂饲料喂养. 实验6 wk 后处死全部小鼠,比较各组之间血清和肝脏生化以及肝脏组织病理学特征. 结果:与对照组相比,模型组小鼠血清TG 、TC 、ALT 、AST 和肝组织MDA 显著升高(均P<0.01),肝组织SOD 和GSH-Px 显著降低(均P<0.01);果仁油中、高剂量组小鼠血清TC 、TG 、ALT 、AST 及肝组织MDA 显著低于模型组(TC:3.05±0.32 mmol/L,2.55±0.43 mmol/L vs 4.55±0.23 mmol/L;TG:1.62± 0.68 mmol/L,1.56±0.57 mmol/L vs 1.90±0.55 mmol/L;ALT:76.91±16.32 U/L,64.54±11.32 U/L vs 170.34±9.32 U/L;AST:128.26±20.15 U/L,112.74±21.37 U/L vs 158.86±18.45 U/L;MDA:5.16±0.97 U/mg,5.01±1.14 U/mg vs 5.88±1.07 U/mg,P <0.05 或0.01),肝组织SOD 和GSH-Px 的显著高于对照组(均P<0.05);模型组小鼠肝脏脂肪变性严重,并伴有炎细胞浸润及坏死,而果仁油中、高剂量组小鼠肝脏脂肪变性程度轻,无明显炎细胞浸润及坏死. 结论:猕猴桃果仁油对高脂饲料诱导的小鼠非酒精性脂肪性肝病有明显的保护作用.     

罗格列酮对高脂饮食诱导非酒精性脂肪肝大鼠胰岛素抵抗及脂联素的影响

目的:探讨罗格列酮对高脂饮食所致的非酒精性脂肪肝大鼠模型胰岛素抵抗及脂联素的影响.方法:30只大鼠随机分为3组,即模型组(高脂饮食 蒸馏水ig),空白对照组(正常饲料 蒸馏水ig)和罗格列酮组[高脂饮食 罗格列酮3 mg/(kg·d)ig].观察各组血脂、肝功、胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR)的变化和各组肝组织HE染色与脂肪特异性的苏丹Ⅲ染色的变化.采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应(PCR)和免疫印迹(western blot)检测各组肝组织的脂联素水平.结果:模型组与空白对照组相比,甘油三酯(TG)(1.51±0.37 mmol/L vs 0.98±0.51 mmol/L,P<0.01),总胆固醇(TC)(2.74±0.65 mmol/L vs 1.71±0.37 mmol/L,P<0.05),ALT(450.20±244.12 U/L vs 264.56±48.44 U/L,P<0.011,AST(460.30±310.13 U/L vs 196.11±52.23 U/L,P<0.01)和HOMA-IR(3.46±1.16 vs 1.07±0.26,P<0.01)均显著升高.罗格列酮治疗可使TG(1.27±0.50 mmol/L),ALT(360.26±244.37 U/L,AST(300.20±233.13 U/L)以及HOMR- IR(1.44±0.37)得到明显改善(均P<0.05).从组织病理学亦可得到证实.肝组织实时荧光定量PCR及免疫印迹显示罗格列酮组的Adiponectin mRNA(552.40±268.13 vs 215.95±135.87,P<0.05)和蛋白表达均较模型组升高.结论:高脂饮食可诱导大鼠NAFLD和IR发生,并使肝功,血脂异常升高.罗格列酮可以改善高脂饮食大鼠的脂肪肝及IR情况,可能与Adiponectin缓解IR和NAFLD改善有关.     

老年2型糖尿病并存非酒精性脂肪性肝病患者体成分及危险因素分析

目的 对老年2型糖尿病合并与未合并非酒精性脂肪性肝病患者体成分、血脂、腹型肥胖和代谢综合征发生率等进行比较,探讨合并非酒性脂肪性肝病的可能危险因素.方法 将入选老年2型糖尿病患者分为合并非酒精性脂肪性肝病组(脂肪肝组)83例及未合并非酒精性脂肪性肝病组(非脂肪肝组)85例,比较两组体成分、血脂、腹型肥胖和代谢综合征发生率等临床资料. 结果 脂肪肝与非脂肪肝组比较,组体质指数[(26.9±2.5)kg/m~2对(24.1±2.5j)kg/m~2,P=0.000]、腰臀围比(0.92±0.07对0.87±0.06,P=0.000)、总体脂肪比[(29.6±6.6)%对(25.3±5.5)%,P=0.000]、腹部脂肪[(11.0±2.5)kg对(8.7±2.3)kg,P=0.000]、内脏脂肪[(3.0±0.7)kg对(2.3±0.6)kg,P=0.000]、内脏脂肪面积[(97.6±22.2)cm~2对(75.5±21.1)cm~2,P=0.000]、三酰甘油[(1.98±0.94)mmol/L对(1.22±0.61)mmol/L,P=0.000]均升高,高密度脂蛋白胆醇[(1.23±0.32)mmol/L对(1.40±0.37)mmol/L,P=0.002]水平降低,差异均有统计学意义;体脂过高(68.7%对36.5%,P=0.000)、血脂异常(47.0%对21.2%,P=0.000)、腹型肥胖(69.9%对43.5%,P=0.001)和代谢综合征(49.4%对9.6%,P=0.000)的发病率亦明显升高,差异均有统计学意义;而总胆醇[(4.93±0.94)mmol/L对(4.73±1.07)mmol/L,P=0.219]和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇[(3.23±0.80)mmol/L对(3.07±0.89)mmol/L,P=0.229]两组比较,差异无统计学意义.Logistic回归分析显示体质指数超标(β=1.268,P=0.000,OR=3.56)、总体脂肪比过高(β=0.902,P=0.023,OR=2.47)和代谢综合征(β=1.664,P=0.000,OR=5.28)与老年2型糖尿病患者合并非酒精性脂肪性肝病相关. 结论 体质指数超标、总体脂肪比过高与老年2型糖尿病患者合并非酒精性脂肪性肝病相关,非酒精性脂肪性肝病可能是代谢综合征的一个组成部分.     

壳脂胶囊治疗非酒精性脂肪性肝炎的效果观察

目的观察壳脂胶囊对非酒精性脂肪性肝炎的临床疗效及安全性。方法选取2013年11月-2015年12月于上海市第八人民医院就诊的非酒精性脂肪性肝炎(NASH)患者100例,随机分为治疗组、对照组各50例,分别予壳脂胶囊和多烯磷脂酰胆碱胶囊,疗程24周。观察两组治疗前后肝功能、血脂水平及肝/脾CT值的变化。计量资料组间比较采用两独立样本的t检验,组内比较采用配对样本t检验,计数资料组间比较采用χ2检验。结果两组患者治疗后AST[(49.2±21.7)U/L vs(119.5±44.2)U/L,t=10.0,P0.01;(52.4±33.1)U/L vs(115.2±48.3)U/L,t=7.6,P0.01]、ALT[(41.8±14.8)U/L vs(92.8±42.1)U/L,t=8.1,P0.01;(42.9±16.6)U/L vs(95.3±40.4)U/L,t=8.5,P0.01]、GGT[(52.3±23.7)U/L vs(168.4±85.9)U/L,t=9.2,P0.01;(54.8±30.2)U/L vs(177.6±88.7)U/L,t=9.3,P0.01]、TG[(1.78±1.01)mmol/L vs(3.52±2.35)mmol/L,t=4.8,P0.01;(2.51±1.08)mmol/L vs(3.65±2.43)mmol/L,t=3.0,P=0.02]、TC[(3.81±1.28)mmol/L vs(6.13±5.22)mmol/L,t=3.0,P=0.02;(3.63±1.39)mmol/L vs(5.27±4.54)mmol/L,t=2.6,P=0.03]水平及肝/脾CT比值[肝/脾CT比值:(0.94±0.16)vs(0.74±0.18),t=5.8,P0.01;(0.89±0.13)vs(0.70±0.20),t=5.6,P0.01]均较各自治疗前均明显改善。治疗结束时,治疗组在TC、TG水平下降较对照组更为明显,差异均有统计学意义(t值分别为3.5、2.8,P值均0.01)。结论壳脂胶囊能有效改善肝功能,降低血脂水平,减轻肝脂肪变性程度,且无明显毒副作用。     

贞清方对2型糖尿病并发非酒精性脂肪肝大鼠LXRα表达的影响

目的:探讨贞清方对2型糖尿病非酒精性脂肪肝的治疗作用及可能机制.方法:高脂高糖饮食结合小剂量链脲佐菌素(STZ)腹腔注射建立2型糖尿病并发非酒精性脂肪肝大鼠模型.将成模大鼠随机分为模型组、贞清方治疗组和女贞子治疗组( n= 8),并设立正常对照组( n = 10),灌胃治疗8 wk.比较喂养4、8和16 wk时各组大鼠空腹血糖(FBG)、血清甘油三酯(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、胰岛素(FINs)和胰岛素敏感指数(ISI)的变化.并于喂养16 wk时观察各组大鼠肝脏指数、TG含量和血清丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)的水平以及病理变化.用PCR法观察大鼠肝X受体(LXRα)及其下游固醇调节元件结合蛋白-1c(SREBP-1c) mRNA的表达,免疫组织化学法观察肝脏LXRα蛋白的表达.结果:灌胃干预8 wk后,与正常组相比,模型组大鼠FBG、血清TG、肝脏指数及肝脏TG含量明显升高(均P<0.01),胰岛素敏感性明显降低( P<0.01),肝脏脂肪变明显加重,肝脏LXRα mRNA、SREBP-1c mRNA和LXRα蛋白的表达明显增多(均P<0.01).与模型组相比,贞清方治疗组大鼠FBG水平、血清TG水平、肝脏指数及肝脏TG含量明显降低(10.94±3.33 mmol/L vs 16.67±4.33 mmol/L; 0.79±0.27 mmol/L vs 1.33±0.33 mmol/L; 5.72±0.81vs 7.61±1.24; 0.041±0.0110 mmol/g vs 0.059±0.0160 mmol/g,均P<0.01),肝脏脂肪变明显改善,肝脏LXRα mRNA、SREBP-1c mRNA和LXRα蛋白的表达明显减少(0.75±0.11 vs1.23±0.17,0.68±0.16 vs 1.07±0.14,0.220±0.071 vs 0.334±0.037,均P<0.01).结论:贞清方对2型糖尿病性非酒精性脂肪肝具有一定的治疗作用,且其治疗作用可能与贞清方能下调非酒精性脂肪肝组织LXRα的表达有关.     

肾素血管紧张素系统在非酒精性脂肪性肝病发病机制中的实验研究

目的 探讨肝组织肾素血管紧张素系统在非酒精性脂肪性肝病(NAFLD)发病机制中的作用.方法 取Wistar大鼠24只均分为模型组和对照组.对照组予正常饮食,模型组予高脂饮食,8周后处死大鼠,测定血清肝功能、血脂、血糖和胰岛素,分别以HE染色和苦味酸-天狼星红染色进行肝组织病理学观察,ELISA法测定肝组织血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)浓度,免疫组织化学法测定肝组织转化生长因子(TGF)-β1表达水平.结果 模型组大鼠高脂喂养8周后,体质量、肝指数、肝功能、血脂、血胰岛素显著高于对照组[体质量:(463.50±22.72)g比(405.12±10.32)g;肝指数:(3.75±0.21)比(2.66±0.15);ALT:(79.8±8.6)U/L比(58.8±11.6)U/L; AST:(200.01±51.72) U/L比(150.30±37.27)U/L;胆固醇:(3.67±0.48)mmol/L比(1.50±0.23)mmol/L;三酰甘油:(2.06±0.40) mmol/L比(0.71±0.34) mmo1/L;胰岛素:(17.37±2.89)pmol/L比(11.08±2.12) pmol/L],差异均有统计学意义(均P＜0.01).模型组大鼠病理组织学均出现明显的肝脂肪变性,且部分出现小叶内和汇管区炎性反应,部分肝组织出现明显的纤维化改变.模型组大鼠肝组织AngⅡ[(32.80±2.81) pg/ml]较对照组[(22.83±1.75)pg/ml]高(t=9.559,P＜0.01).免疫组织化学检测显示模型组TGFβ1表达量明显高于对照组(Z=--2.540,P=0.011).Spearman相关性分析显示,大鼠肝组织内AngⅡ浓度增加程度与肝脂肪变积分(r=0.644,P=0.002)和TGF-β1表达量(r=0.470,P=0.037)均呈正相关.结论 AngⅡ和TGF-β1在NAFLD模型大鼠的肝组织内浓度明显增加,肾素血管紧张素系统可能参与了NAFLD的发生和发展.     

应用磁共振氢谱技术评价中药肝脂消胶囊治疗非酒精性脂肪肝的疗效

目的:应用磁共振氢谱(~1H-MRS)技术定量评价复方中药肝脂消胶囊治疗非酒精性脂肪肝(NAFLD)的疗效.方法:依中华医学会NAFLD诊断标准入选NAFLD患者22例,并与20例健康人对照.两组均进行常规体检,包括体质量指数(BMI)、腰臀比(WHR)、血压(BP)、血清谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、空腹血糖(FBG)、胆固醇(TC)、三酰甘油(TG)、尿酸(UA)和肝脏~1H-MRS扫描,计算肝内脂质含量(IHCL).NAFLD组患者服用肝脂消胶囊8 wk,检测治疗前后血清生化指标和IHCL的变化.结果:NAFLD组BMI,WHR,DBP,ALT,FBG,TG,UA,IHCL分别较正常组(BMI:28.4±2.4 vs 21.7±2.2.WHR:0.91±0.04 vs 0.83±0.04,DBP:80±10 mmHg vs 72±8 mmHg,ALT:71.5±24.8 U/L vs 20.4±10.1 U/L.FBG:5.67±0.61 mmol/L vs 4.72±0.43 mmol/L.TG:2.48±1.46 mmol/L vs 1.05±0.40 mmol/L.UA:420.7±57.5μmol/L vs 372.1±50.6μmol/L,IHCL:27.49%±12.27%vs 1.34%±0.79%,P<0.05或P<0.01)明显升高,但IHCL和上述指标之间没有明显相关性.经治疗后ALT(54.6±19.9 U/L,P<0.01),TG(2.14±1.38 mmol/L,P<0.05),IHCL(19.7%±12.7%,P<0.01)均明显下降.结论:肝脏~1H-MRS扫描可对肝脏内脂质含量进行准确定量,肝脂消胶囊可有效治疗NAFLD.     

非酒精性脂肪性肝病大鼠肝X受体α基因表达变化及意义

目的研究NAFLD大鼠肝X受体α(LXRα)基因表达变化及意义。方法建立高脂饮食诱导NAFLD大鼠模型后,采用RT-RCR和Western blot法动态观察NAFLD大鼠肝组织中LXRα表达变化。结果4周时模型组大鼠血清游离脂肪酸含量达(0.33±0.03)mmol/L,对照组为(0.24±0.03)mmol/L,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),随喂养时间延长逐渐升高,12周时模型组大鼠血清游离脂肪酸含量达(0.61±0.06)mmol/L,对照组为(0.25±0.01)mmol/L,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。血清ALT和AST含量在8周时模型组分别为75.8 U/L和138.9 U/L,对照组分别为54.8 U/L和81.4 U/L,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),12周时模型组分别为102.3 U/L和179.1 U/L,对照组分别为54.3 U/L和79.2 U/L,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。2周时模型组大鼠肝组织中LXRα基因表达相对含量为0.62,对照组为0.33,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),随着高脂饮食喂养时间的延长表达进一步增强,12周时模型组大鼠高达1.31,对照组为0.34,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。模型组大鼠肝组织中LXRα蛋白表达与基因表达趋势相同,与脂肪肝进展程度一致。结论LXRα基因表达变化与NAFLD的形成密切相关。     

IκB激酶β在非酒精性脂肪性肝炎发病机制中的作用

目的:探讨IκB激酶β(inhibit kappa B kinase beta,IKKβ)在非酒精性脂肪性肝炎(nonalcoholic steatohepatitis,NASH)大鼠肝组织中的表达及意义.方法:健康♂Wistar大鼠40只,随机分为正常对照组(n=20)和高脂模型组(n=20),分别给予标准饲料喂养和高脂饲料喂养.16 wk末空腹处死全部大鼠,收集血清和肝组织标本.检测血清中ALT、AST及ELISA法检测血清TNF-α水平;光镜下观察肝组织病理变化;RT-PCR和EMSA法分别检测肝组织IKKβmRNA表达和核因子-κB(NF-κB)活性改变.结果:模型组大鼠血清ALT、AST、TNF-α水平、肝组织IKKβmRNA表达及NF-κB活性均较正常对照组明显增强(96.63±14.2 U/L vs 39.50±12.2 U/L,156.13±14.7 U/L vs 71.25±14.4 U/L.48.23±3.4 U/L vs 6.74±1.3 U/L,0.85±0.03 vs 0.22±0.02.10.12±1.34 vs 1.58±1.23,P<0.01);病理则表现不同程度的脂肪变性、炎症、坏死及窦周纤维化与对照组相比有显著差异(25.63±7.21 vs 1.24±3.24,3.21±0.52 vs 0.49±0_36.6.26±1.86 vs 3.02±1.17,P<0.01).相关分析显示:肝组织IKKβmRNA的表达与NF-κB活性(r=0.930)、脂肪变性(r=0.681)和炎症坏死程度(r=0.864)以及血清TNF-α水平(r=0.762)正相关(P<0.05).结论:IKKβmRNA表达增加在NASH发病机制中发挥重要作用,其通过介导NF-κB活化,引起TNF-α的大量生成、释放,诱导加重NASH的发生发展.     

高脂血症和高脂血症性脂肪肝大鼠肾上腺髓质素2的变化

目的:研究高脂血症、高脂血症性脂肪肝大鼠血浆及肝组织ADM2/IMD的变化,探讨ADM2/IMD在高脂血症、高脂血症性脂肪肝病理过程中的意义.方法:雄性SD大鼠16只,随机均分为对照组与高脂组.大鼠被高脂喂食造模4 wk后,观察大鼠肝脏病理学变化,测定血脂(TG,TC,HDL-C,LDL-C)及肝功能(ALT,AKP);放免法测定血浆及肝组织匀浆ADM2/IMD含量.结果:高脂组体质量、肝质量及肝指数(肝质量/体质量)均显著高于对照组(P<0.01)肝组织呈轻中度脂肪变.高脂组TG、TC、LDL-C、ALT及AKP均显著高于对照组(0.29±0.05 mmol/L vs 0.18±0.09 mmol/L.2.49±0.35 mmol/L vs 1.25±0.16 mmol/L.1.69±0.18 mmol/L vs 0.49±0.06 mmol/L.25.46±5.14 kU/ L vs 13.15±2.83 kU/L,416.1±42.7 U/L vs 281.2±47.3 U/L;P<0.01).HDL-C则低于对照(0.65±0.11 mmol/L vs 0.75±0.10 mmol/L,P<0.01).血浆ADM2/IMD水平两组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);但高脂组肝组织匀浆ADM2/IMD水平较对照组高115%(26.21±11.2 pg/mg·pro vs 12.18±2.9 pg/mg·pro,P<0.01).结论:ADM2/IMD可能与大鼠饮食性高脂血症和高脂血症性脂肪肝病理进程有关.     

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.