灯盏乙素对LPS诱导的RAW264.7细胞炎症介质分泌的影响

[目的] 研究灯盏乙素对脂多糖（LPS）诱导的RAW264.7细胞炎症的影响,初步探讨其抗炎作用机制。[方法] 用噻唑蓝（MTT）法检测灯盏乙素对RAW264.7细胞活力的影响;用Griess法检测灯盏乙素对LPS诱导的RAW264.7细胞中一氧化氮（NO）生成的影响;用荧光素酶报告质粒法检测灯盏乙素对LPS诱导的核转录因子（NF-κB）转录活性的影响;用实时定量聚合酶链反应（PCR）法检测灯盏乙素对LPS诱导的RAW264.7细胞中NF-κB靶基因肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）、白介素-1β（IL-1β）、白介素-6（IL-6）mRNA表达的影响。[结果] 0.01～10 μmol/L的灯盏乙素处理24 h后对RAW264.7活力无显著影响;1、10 μmol/L的灯盏乙素可以显著抑制LPS诱导的NO的生成及NF-κB转录活性;灯盏乙素可以不同程度的抑制LPS诱导的RAW264.7细胞NF-κB靶基因TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6 mRNA的上调作用。[结论] 灯盏乙素可能通过抑制NF-κB的活化及炎症因子的表达发挥一定的抗炎作用。     

紫铆因抑制脂多糖诱导小胶质细胞炎性反应的作用机制研究

目的 探讨紫铆因抑制脂多糖(LPS)诱导BV2小胶质细胞炎性反应的作用机制.方法 以LPS诱导BV2小胶质细胞活化建立体外神经炎症细胞模型.MTT法检测紫铆因对BV2细胞存活率的影响;qPCR法检测各组细胞中炎症因子白细胞介素(IL)-1β、IL-6、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)的mRNA表达水平;Western blot法检测各组细胞内核因子-κB(NF-κB) p65和ERK信号通路相关蛋白的表达变化;免疫荧光染色观察各组细胞内NF-κcB p65的核转录活性变化.结果 紫铆因干预BV2细胞24 h后,对细胞活力无明显影响;紫铆因能显著下调LPS诱导BV2细胞活化后炎症因子IL-1β、IL-6和TNF-α的mRNA表达水平;紫铆因能明显降低LPS诱导BV2细胞活化后,ERK信号通路相关蛋白的磷酸化水平,并且能有效抑制NF-κB p65的核转录活性,阻止其向核内转移.结论 紫铆因可以抑制LPS诱导的小胶质细胞活化,降低BV2小胶质细胞的炎性反应.     

姜黄素对脂多糖诱导人脐静脉内皮细胞炎症反应的影响及分子机制

目的 研究姜黄素对脂多糖(LPS)诱导人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVEC)炎症因子表达的影响,初步探讨可能的分子机制.方法 使用LPS(1μg)和姜黄素(5μmol/L、15μmol/L或30μmol/L)处理HUVEC细胞24 h,收集细胞总RNA,实时定量PCR(RT-PCR)和ELISA方法检测细胞TNF-α、MCP-1水平;Western blot检测细胞TLR4、MAPKs、NF-κB p65、磷酸化-NF-κB p65及NF-κB抑制蛋白IκBα的表达情况.结果 与空白对照组比较,姜黄素能显著抑制LPS诱导HUVEC细胞TNF-α、MCP-1和TLR4的过表达(P<0.05),明显降低NF-κB p65和MAPKs的磷酸化及IκBα蛋白降解(P<0.05).结论 姜黄素可能基于抑制TLR4/NF-κB,从而影响LPS诱导HUVEC细胞炎症因子的表达.     

参附注射液对脂多糖诱导的大鼠肺泡巨噬细胞核因子-κB的激活和细胞因子产生的影响

目的 研究脂多糖(LPS)诱导的大鼠肺泡巨噬细胞核因子-κB(NF-κB)的激活和细胞因子的释放以及参附注射液(SF)的干预作用,进一步探讨SF对肺脏保护机制.方法 通过支气管肺泡灌洗获取大鼠肺泡巨噬细胞(Ams).对获取的Ams进行LPS刺激(10 ng/ml,2 h)或预先用SF(5 μl/ml,10 μl/ml)孵育30 min,然后加入LPS(10 ng/ml)分别刺激2 h.用RT-PCR法检测Ams中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)的基因表达水平.ELISA法检测培养上清中TNF-α和IL-8的水平.Western blot法检测Ams中NF-κB抑制蛋白-α(IκBα)和NF-κB的水平.结果 LPS能够增加Ams中TNF-α mRNA表达水平和培养上清中TNF-α和IL-8的水平.同时LPS促进了IκBα的降解,诱导了NF-κB的激活.与LPS组比较,SF能够减少Ams中TNF-α mRNA表达水平和培养上清中TNF-α和IL-8的水平;抑制LPS诱导的IκBα的降解和NF-κB的激活.结论 SF通过抑制Ams中IκBα的降解,减少了NF-κB的激活,从而减少了LPS诱导的大鼠Ams细胞因子的产生.     

高密度脂蛋白对氧化型低密度脂蛋白刺激下脂肪细胞TNF-α表达的影响

目的观察高密度脂蛋白(high density lipoprotein,HDL)对氧化型低密度脂蛋白(oxidized low density lipoprotein,oxLDL)刺激下3T3-L1脂肪细胞肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)mRNA表达的影响,并探讨其可能的作用机制。方法 3T3-L1脂肪细胞促分化成熟后,oxLDL刺激脂肪细胞,给予不同浓度的HDL(10～100μg/ml),及H-89(10μmol/L)+HDL(100μg/ml)干预,收集细胞,测定脂肪细胞TNF-αmRNA表达水平,IκB蛋白浓度及核因子-κB(NF-κB)活性。结果 OxLDL刺激使3T3-L1脂肪细胞TNF-αmRNA表达及NF-κB活性明显增强。HDL浓度依赖性抑制TNF-αmRNA表达、NF-κB活化和IκB降解。与oxLDL刺激组比较,100μg/ml HDL使TNF-αmRNA表达降低64.5%,NF-κB活性减少49%,并明显增加IκB蛋白水平。HDL的这些抗炎效应能被蛋白激酶A(PKA)抑制剂H-89部分抑制。结论HDL能抑制oxLDL诱导的3T3-L1脂肪细胞TNF-αmRNA表达,PKA-IκB-NF-κB信号通路是其中作用途径之一,该效应不需要HDL与oxLDL的直接接触作用。     

博来霉素和石棉对肺泡巨噬细胞转录因子的活化作用

目的研究博来霉素和石棉对THP-1和肺泡巨噬细胞内转录因子核因子-κB (NF-κB)和环磷酸腺苷效应元件(CREB)的活化作用,探讨肺泡巨噬细胞内转录因子在肺间质性疾病中的作用.方法用磷酯酰多糖(LPS)或石棉刺激THP-1细胞,提取细胞核蛋白质,以电泳迁移率变动分析方法检测NF-κB和CREB的活性.采用纤维支气管镜进行支气管肺泡灌洗收集健康非吸烟者的肺泡巨噬细胞,用LPS、博来霉素及石棉分别或共同刺激细胞,提取核蛋白质,用电泳迁移率变动分析方法检测NF-κB的活性.以竞争抑制实验检测DNA结合蛋白的特异性.结果 THP-1细胞未受到刺激时,转录因子NF-κB和CREB均具有一定的基础活性;在LPS或石棉刺激后3、6及24 h后,NF-κB的活性进一步增强,但CREB的活性无明显变化. 在未刺激的肺泡巨噬细胞中,存在NF-κB的基础活性,在LPS刺激后NF-κB的活性明显增强,3 h为肺泡巨噬细胞NF-κB活化增强的最佳时间,24 h时NF-κB活性下降.博来霉素(10-2 mmol/ml)或石棉(100 μg/ml)均可诱导NF-κB的活性增强,LPS可进一步增强博来霉素或石棉对NF-κB的活化作用.结论在博来霉素或石棉引起的肺间质疾病中,肺泡巨噬细胞转录因子NF-κB的活化可能具有重要的作用.     

三七皂苷FC通过MAPK/NF-κB途径抑制RAW264.7细胞炎症及凋亡的机制研究

目的:基于丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)/核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)途径探讨三七皂苷FC对RAW264.7巨噬细胞炎症及凋亡的作用机制。方法:(1)采用不同浓度的三七皂苷FC(0、1、10、20、50、100μmol/L)分别干预RAW264.7细胞和脂多糖(LPS)诱导的RAW264.7细胞,CCK8法检测细胞活力,筛选合适的药物浓度。(2)将RAW264.7细胞分为对照组、LPS组、LPS+三七皂苷FC低剂量(20μmol/L)组和LPS+三七皂苷FC高剂量(50μmol/L)组。先给予相应剂量的三七皂苷FC预处理6 h,再加入1μg/ml LPS。干预24 h后,PCR检测肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白介素-6(IL-6)、诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)、白介素-1β(IL-1β)mRNA表达;Western blot检测TNF-α、iNOS、p38MAPK、磷酸化p38MAPK(p-p38MAPK)、NF-κB p65、磷酸化NF-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65)蛋白表达;流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡;免疫荧光检测NF-κB核转位;Transwell实验检测细胞迁移。结果:(1)20、50μmol/L三七皂苷FC干预24 h后,LPS诱导的RAW264.7细胞活力较对照组无显著差异(P0.05),用于后续实验。(2)与LPS组相比,低、高剂量的三七皂苷FC作用后,TNF-α、IL-6、iNOS、IL-1β的mRNA表达显著降低(P0.05,P0.01);TNF-α、iNOS蛋白表达明显降低(P0.05),p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65和p-p38MAPK/p38MAPK蛋白表达比值显著下调(P0.05,P0.01);细胞凋亡率显著降低(P0.05,P0.01);细胞核内NF-κB p65蛋白表达减少,阳性表达细胞数占比显著降低(P0.05);细胞迁移数显著减少(P0.01)。结论:三七皂苷FC能够显著改善LPS诱导的RAW264.7巨噬细胞炎症反应,减少炎症因子的释放,抑制巨噬细胞凋亡和迁移,其作用机制可能与下调MAPK/NF-κB通路磷酸化水平及抑制NF-κB核转位有关。     

替米沙坦对脂多糖诱导3T3-L1脂肪细胞炎症通路的影响

目的 研究替米沙坦对脂多糖诱导3T1-L1脂肪细胞炎症通路的影响,探讨替米沙坦的抗炎机制.方法将3T3-L1脂肪细胞诱导至90%成熟,按随机数字表法分为6组:对照组、LPS组、LPS+替米沙坦(0.01、0.1、1和10μg/ml)组(n=18),向对照组细胞中加DMSO,LPS+替米沙坦组细胞中加入不同浓度替米沙坦,孵育2h后,LPS组和LPS+替米沙坦组再加入脂多糖(1 μg/ml),孵育1h,Western免疫印记法比较各组核蛋白NF-κBp65、总蛋白p-IκBα、IκBα、p-ERK1/2、ERK1/2、P-p38MAPK、p38 MAPK的表达水平.结果 脂多糖刺激后IκBα磷酸化蛋白表达增强(P＜0.05),细胞核内NF-κBp65蛋白表达增多(P＜0.05),MAPK通路相关蛋白ERK1/2磷酸化和p38MAPK磷酸化水平明显增强(P＜0.05),替米沙坦可抑制IκBα磷酸化和NF-κBp65核转位,p-IκBα蛋白表达和核蛋白NF-κBp65表达均降低,大剂量替米沙坦(10 μg/ml)作用时该作用明显(P＜0.05).替米沙坦干预后,p-ERK1/2和p-p38MAPK蛋白表达也受到明显抑制(P＜0.05),大剂量(10μg/ml)时作用明显(P＜0.05).结论 在3T3-L1脂肪细胞中,替米沙坦可以抑制NF-κB通路中IκBα蛋白磷酸化、NF-κBp65蛋白核转位以及MAPK通路中ERK1/2蛋白和p38MAPK蛋白的磷酸化,从而发挥抗炎作用.     

可溶型DC-SIGN对LPS诱导THP-1细胞炎性应答的调控作用

目的探讨可溶型树突状细胞特异性的结合细胞间粘附分子的非整合素(sDC-SIGN)对脂多糖(LPS)刺激的单核细胞炎症反应的调节作用。方法以人急性单核细胞白血病细胞株(THP-1)为研究对象,分为空白组、200 ng/ml sDC-SIGN单独处理组、LPS单独刺激组、LPS刺激同时加100 ng/ml sDC-SIGN处理组和LPS刺激同时加200 ng/ml sDC-SIGN处理组,刺激后不同时间点收集上清和细胞。ELISA检测细胞上清中细胞因子含量、Q-PCR检测细胞内细胞因子的mRNA表达并利用Western blot方法检测细胞内细胞外调节蛋白激酶(ERK)和核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)信号通路的活化状况。结果不同浓度的sDC-SIGN均可抑制LPS刺激炎性细胞因子TNF-α、IL-6和IFN-α的mRNA表达和蛋白分泌,同时促进抑炎细胞因子IL-10的mRNA表达和蛋白分泌,且sDC-SIGN的抑制效果与浓度呈依赖关系;研究结果亦显示,sDC-SIGN减弱LPS刺激THP-1细胞诱导ERK和NF-κBP65的磷酸化水平。结论sDC-SIGN蛋白对LPS诱导的单核细胞炎症应答具有负向调控作用。     

肝素寡糖对脂多糖诱导人脐静脉内皮细胞炎症的影响及分子机制研究

以脂多糖(LPS)诱导人脐静脉内皮细胞HUVECs炎症损伤,探讨肝素寡糖对炎症的影响及其分子机制。实验分为空白组(0.5%血清培养基)、模型组(LPS+0.5%血清培养基)及给药组(LPS+0.5%血清培养基+0.01、0.1、1 μmol/L HDO),采用活性氧实验检测细胞内活性氧簇水平,Western blot检测VCAM-1、p38、p-p38及核转录因子NF-κB等关键蛋白的表达水平。结果显示0.01、0.1和1 μmol/L的HDO可抑制100 μg/mL LPS诱导的HUVECs炎症因子VCAM-1表达水平,较弱的影响细胞中NF-κB分布,并下调信号通路中关键蛋白p38和p-p38表达。结果表明,HDO可能通过抑制炎症信号通路中关键蛋白的表达水平来抑制炎症因子的表达,从而起到抗炎作用。     

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.