缬沙坦对U937泡沫细胞血管内皮生长因子表达与分泌的影响

【目的】观察缬沙坦对泡沫细胞血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)mRNA表达与蛋白分泌的影响。【方法】以氧化型低密度脂蛋白刺激体外培养的人单核细胞株U937细胞,建立U937泡沫细胞模型。采用不同浓度的缬沙坦(0.01μmol/L、0.1μmol/L、1μmol/L)进行干预。RT-PCR检测泡沫细胞VEGF mRNA表达,ELISA检测泡沫细胞VEGF蛋白的分泌。【结果】U937泡沫细胞VEGF mRNA表达(2.371±0.253)和VEGF蛋白分泌(1804.18±177.59pg/mL)增加,与U937巨噬细胞组(0.954±0.245,716.19±60.82pg/mL)相比,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。不同浓度缬沙坦干预后,U937泡沫细胞VEGF mRNA表达水平呈浓度依赖性降低(1.853±0.252、1.265±0.347、1.036±0.156);VEGF蛋白分泌(1625.73±148.54、1388.01±45.82、906.18±78.09pg/mL)也呈浓度依赖性降低,差异有显著性(均P<0.01)。【结论】U937泡沫细胞VEGF mRNA表达、蛋白分泌水平较U937巨噬细胞显著性...     

VEGF及CD147在单核细胞来源的泡沫细胞中表达动力学的研究

目的:研究CD147,VEGF在单核细胞来源的泡沫细胞中的表达动力学的,探讨CD147,VEGF与动脉粥样硬化的关系.方法:以氧化型低密度脂蛋白诱导,建立人单核细胞系(U937细胞)分化的泡沫细胞模型,通过油红O特殊染色的形态学鉴定.将U937细胞在不同浓度氧化型低密度脂蛋白(ox-LDL,0,25,50,100,200 mg/L)条件下培养48 h;在100 mg/L ox-LDL条件下,在培养的不同时间点(0,6,12,24,48 h)分别收集泡沫细胞和培养上清,采用流式细胞术检测细胞膜表面CD147,ELISA检测培养上清中VEGF的表达和RT-PCR检测mRNA表达水平.结果:CD147及VEGF表达出现最高峰时的ox-LDL浓度分别为25 mg/L和50mg/L;与100mg/L的氧化型低密度脂蛋白作用6,48 h后,CD147,VEGF表达分别出现最高峰;VEGF mRNA水平出现最高峰时,ox-LDL作用浓度及时间分别为200 mg/L,48 h.CD147mRNA水平出现最高峰时ox-LDL作用浓度及时间分别为25 mg/L,6 h,此后,mRNA水平不变.结论:VEGF及CD147在单核细胞来源的泡沫细胞表达均升高;CD147表达上调早于VEGF,低浓度ox-LDL促进CD147表达,高浓度促进VEGF的表达;U937泡沫细胞中VEGF的mRNA水平与ox-LDL的作用浓度及时间成正相关,泡沫细胞中CD147的mRNA与ox-LDL的作用浓度及时间无关.     

IL-1β预处理脂肪间充质干细胞促进VEGF蛋白分泌和巨噬细胞M2型极化的研究

目的探讨白细胞介素（IL）-1β预处理脂肪间充质干细胞（ADMSCs）对血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)蛋白分泌和巨噬细胞M₂型极化的影响及作用机制。方法IL-1β预处理ADMSCs 24 h,Western blot法检测ADMSCs中环氧合酶-2（COX-2）蛋白表达,ELISA法测定ADMSCs培养基中前列腺素E₂(PGE₂)和VEGF蛋白质量浓度; IL-1β预处理的ADMSCs细胞培养基培养丙二醇甲醚醋酸酯（PMA）-U937巨噬细胞（M0巨噬细胞）72 h后,实时荧光定量PCR法检测PMA-U937细胞CD163（巨噬细胞M₂型极化标志物）和IL-10 mRNA表达。慢病毒干扰ADMSCs细胞中COX-2表达后,观察ADMSCs培养基中VEGF蛋白质量浓度（ELISA法）和PMA-U937巨噬细胞中CD163和IL-10 mRNA的表达（实时荧光定量PCR法）。结果IL-1β预处理ADMSCs细胞后上调其COX-2蛋白表达,增加PGE₂和VEGF蛋白分泌（P<0.05）;IL-1β预处理的ADMSCs细胞培养基可上调PMA-U937巨噬细胞中CD163和IL-10 mRNA表达水平（P<0.01）。干扰ADMSCs细胞中COX-2蛋白表达后,可抑制IL-1β预处理的ADMSCs细胞中VEGF蛋白分泌（P<0.05）,亦可抑制其对PMA-U937巨噬细胞中CD163和IL-10 mRNA表达的影响（P<0.05）。结论IL-1β预处理ADMSCs细胞可通过COX-2-PGE₂信号轴,增加VEGF蛋白分泌,以及诱导PMA-U937巨噬细胞M₂型极化,提示IL-1β预处理能够增强ADMSCs细胞抗炎活性。     

PKC信号传导通路对缺氧人视网膜色素上皮细胞表达VEGF的作用

目的 :探讨蛋白激酶C(PKC)信号传导通路对缺氧状态下培养的视网膜色素上皮 (retinalpigmentepithelium ,RPE)细胞表达VEGF的作用 .方法 :在缺氧状态下分别培养人RPE细胞 6 ,1 2和 2 4h ;将不同浓度的PKC激动剂佛波醇 1 2 豆蔻酰 1 3乙酸 (phorbol 1 2 myristate 1 3 acetate,PMA)及PKC抑制剂Chelerythrine分别加入人RPE细胞培养液 ,在缺氧状态下培养 2 4h .用免疫组化方法检测各组RPE细胞中VEGF的表达 ,经计算机图像处理 ,定量分析 .结果 :在缺氧状态下 ,RPE细胞对VEGF的表达较非缺氧组RPE细胞显著增加 (P <0 .0 1 ) ;较对照组 ,PMA可增强缺氧状态下RPE细胞VEGF的表达 (P <0 .0 1 ) ,Chelerythrine则减弱VEGF的表达 (P <0 .0 1 ) .结论 :缺氧诱导VEGF在RPE细胞中的表达 ,其信号传导途径部分是通过PKC通路实现的     

培哚普利对U937泡沫细胞血管内皮生长因子表达的影响

目的：研究培哚普利对氧化修饰的低密度脂蛋白（ox-LDL）诱导的U937泡沫细胞血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）mRNA、蛋白表达的影响。方法：U937细胞与80μg/mLox-LDL孵育48h,建立U937泡沫细胞模型,以不同浓度的培哚普利（0.01、0.10、1.00μmol/L）预处理U937细胞24h再加入80μg/mL的ox-LDL孵育48h,通过逆转录-聚合酶链式扩增反应（RT-PCR）和酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）分别检测U937细胞VEGF mRNA和蛋白的表达情况。结果：U937泡沫细胞组VEGF mRNA的表达较U937细胞对照组明显增加[（2.371±0.253）vs（0.954±0.245）（P〈0.01）],培哚普利干预后,随着浓度（0.01、0.10、1.00μmol/L）的增加,U937泡沫细胞的VEGF mRNA表达水平呈浓度依赖性下降[（2.168±0.270）vs（1.533±0.248）vs（1.022±0.189）（P〈0.01）];U937泡沫细胞组VEGF蛋白表达较U937细胞对照组明显增加[（1804.18±177.59）pg/mL vs（716.19±60.82）pg/mL（P〈0.01）],培哚普利干预后,随着浓度（0.01、0.10、1.00μmol/L）的增加,U937泡沫细胞VEGF蛋白表达呈浓度依赖性降低（1601.46±154.68）pg/mL vs（1377.09±110.36）pg/mL vs（1017.89±147.18）pg/mL（P〈0.01）。结论：培哚普利能够浓度依赖性地下调ox-LDL诱导的U937泡沫细胞VEGF mRNA、蛋白的表达。     

巨噬细胞趋化检测方法的建立及皮质酮对其趋化功能的影响

目的 建立改良Boyden趋化小室(Boyden chamber)法检测巨噬细胞趋化功能的方法,探讨皮质酮对大鼠腹腔巨噬细胞趋化功能的影响.方法 分离成年Sprague-Dawley(SD)大鼠腹腔巨噬细胞.应用48孔Boyden chamber趋化板检测趋化功能.下室加入27μL的10nM FMLP作为趋化剂或含1%牛血清清蛋白的RPMI-1640作为阴性对照,将50μL不同细胞密度的大鼠腹腔巨噬细胞悬液(3、6、12×106/mL)置于上室以确定最适细胞密度,将趋化装置置于5%CO2、37℃细胞培养箱内孵育2、3h以确定最适孵育时间.同时,以0、10、50、1 000ng/mL皮质酮处理大鼠腹腔巨噬细胞,应用Boyden chamber法检测巨噬细胞趋化功能.结果 巨噬细胞对10nM FMLP趋化剂呈细胞密度依赖性增加,上室巨噬细胞密度为6×106/mL时为最适细胞密度,并且最适孵育时间为3h.低浓度皮质酮(10、50ng/mL)处理大鼠腹腔巨噬细胞其趋化指数显著高于对照组(P＜0.01),而高浓度皮质酮(1 000ng/mL)处理后巨噬细胞趋化指数与对照组相比差异不明显.结论 成功建立了改良Boyden chamber法检测巨噬细胞趋化功能方法,皮质酮可呈剂量依赖性地影响巨噬细胞趋化功能,在无免疫刺激状态下,低浓度皮质酮能增强巨噬细胞趋化功能.     

异氟烷对心肌细胞血管内皮生长因子表达的影响

目的:探讨异氟烷对心肌细胞血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)的直接调节作用及其可能的细胞内信号转导途径,揭示异氟烷心肌保护的分子机制。方法:分离培养原代大鼠心肌细胞,随机分为:对照组(CON),细胞不经任何处理;异氟烷组(ISO),细胞分别经0.5、1、1.5MAC的异氟烷处理6h;PKC抑制剂组(CAL),细胞经calphostinC 50nM孵育6h;PKC抑制剂+异氟烷组(IC),细胞经calphostin C及异氟烷共同作用6h。实验结束采用E1isa法测定细胞培养液VEGF浓度。结果:异氟烷呈浓度依赖性增加心肌细胞VEGF分泌,与对照组(OMAC)比较,1MAC和1.5MAC组VEGF值均显著升高(P<0.01);PKC抑制剂calphostin C能抑制异氟烷处理引起的VEGF分泌(P<0.01),但calphostin C对心肌细胞VEGF分泌无显著影响(P>0.05)。结论:异氟烷诱导心肌细胞释放VEGF,有可能是异氟烷心肌保护机制之一,蛋白激酶C参与异氟烷诱导的VEGF表达。     

蛋白激酶Cζ在人类NSCLC细胞趋化运动中的作用

[目的]探讨蛋白激酶Cζ（PKCζ）在表皮生长因子及其受体（EGF/EGFR）诱导的人类非小细胞肺癌（NSCLC）细胞（A549、H1299）趋化运动中所起的作用。[方法]利用趋化实验比较不同化诱因子及不同亚型PKC分子在趋化运动中的作用。[结果]EGF诱导的趋化运动指数比趋化因子CXCL12诱导的高出近3.6倍（P〈0.001）;且用针对不同PKC亚型的抑制剂及PKCζ假底物处理细胞,Chelerythrine chloride对EGF诱导的A549趋化运动阻断具有剂量依赖性（P1=0.0372,P2=0.0098,P3〈0.0001）;myr-假底物对A549趋化运动的阻断也具有剂量依赖性（P1=0.0227,P2=0.0081,P3〈0.0001）,对H1299趋化运动具有阻断作用但无剂量依赖性（P≤0.0066）;其他抑制剂仍可以使EGF诱导出趋化运动。[结论]在NSCLC细胞中,EGF诱导趋化运动的能力强于CXCL12,且PKCζ参与了EGF诱导的趋化运动。     

基质细胞衍生因子-1对人脐静脉血管内皮细胞迁移的影响

目的:利用Boyden chamber体外迁移体系初步探索基质细胞衍生因子-1α(SDF-1α)在人脐静脉血管内皮细胞(HUVEC)迁移中的作用及其信号转导机制。方法:以HUVEC为实验材料,首先利用免疫荧光技术及蛋白印迹方法检测HUVEC表达SDF-1α受体CXCR4,其次利用Boyden chamber体外迁移体系,先观察不同浓度的SDF-1α对HUVEC迁移的影响,最后以磷脂酰肌醇-3激酶(PI-3K)阻断剂wortmannin(50 M)或LY294002(10μM)、丝裂酶原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)阻断剂PD98059(50μM)、磷脂酰肌醇特异性磷脂酶C(PI-PLC)阻断剂U73122(10μM)、CXCR4特异性阻断剂AMD3100(0.1 mg/ml)等不同预处理HUVEC 30 min,观察分析SDF-1α对HUVEC迁移影响的信号转导通路。结果:培养的HUVEC表达SDF-1α受体CXCR4,HUVEC体外迁移能力随着SDF-1α浓度的递增而逐渐增强,并且SDF-1α浓度在100 ng/ml时,HUVEC迁移到滤膜上的细胞数最多;Wort-mannin、LY294002、PD98059、U73122、AMD3100对HUVEC迁移均有影响,其中U73122、AMD3100对HUVEC迁移阻断的效应最显著。结论:SDF-1α/CXCR4所介导的HUVEC迁移与MAPK)、PI-PLC和蛋白激酶C(PKC)等信号途径有关,且PKC途径可能处于中心环节。     

血管内皮生长因子通过PKC途径促进骨髓源间充质干细胞迁移

目的:探索PKC信号通路在血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)介导的骨髓源间充质干细胞(MSC)迁移中的作用及其机制。方法:以P3MSC为实验材料,利用Tanswell体外迁移体系,观察不同浓度的VEGF对MSC迁移的影响,在Straurosporine、G06976、Pseudo Z等信号转导途径阻断剂的干预下观察VEGF对迁移的影响。结果:MSC体外迁移能力随VEGF浓度(0.1,1,10,20,50 ng/mL)的递增而逐渐增强,20 ng/mL浓度时,MSC迁移到滤膜上的细胞数接近于峰值;Straurosporine、G06976、Pseudo Z对MSC迁移均有影响,其中Straurosporine、Pseudo Z对MSC迁移阻断的效应最显著。结论:VEGF所介导的MSC迁移与蛋白激酶C信号途径有关,且PKC-ζ途径可能处于中心环节。     

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.