Combination of acupuncture and chinese medicinal herbs in treating model rats with polycystic ovary syndrome

We explored the effects of combination of acupuncture and Chinese medicinal herbs in treating model rats with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and to explore whether acupuncture has positive effects on the absorption of salvianolic acid B in the extracts of a Chinese medicine formula when treating the model rats. 60 female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into Groups A, B, C, D, E and F, with ten rats in each group. Except Group F, all of the other rats were induced to PCOS with oral administration of letrozole. The rats in Group F served as normal controls. Group A was treated with acupuncture. Group B was treated with oral administration of the extracts of the Chinese medicine formula. Group C was treated with a combination of oral administration of the extracts of Chinese medicine and acupuncture. Group D received western medicine as positive controls. After treatment, the serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone(LH) and testosterone (T) in each group were detected with the Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) and the serum concentration of salvianolic acid B were determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The serum levels of T and the ratio of LH/FSH in Group A, B. C, D, and F were significantly lower than those of Group E, indicating the model rats with PCOS were successfully established. Compared with Groups A, B, D and E, the serum levels of T and the ratio of LH/FSH in Group C were significantly lower respectively, indicating combination of acupuncture and Chinese medicinal herbs can significantly enhance curative effects in treating model rats with PCOS. The concentration of serum salvianolic acid Group C was significantly higher than Group B, indicating that acupuncture might improve the absorption of salvianolic acid B from the extracts of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge in the Chinese medicine formula. Combination of acupuncture and Chinese medicinal herbs significantly enhance curative effects in treating model rats with PCOS and acupuncture has positive effects in improving the absorption of salvianolic acid B in the extracts of the Chinese medicine formula when treating the model rats with PCOS.     

Pavlovian conditioning of immunosuppression modifies adjuvant arthritis in rats

Ten days prior to induction of adjuvant arthritis (by injection of complete Freund's adjuvant into a rat's hind paw), three groups of rats were dosed with cyclophosphamide (CY), an immunosuppressive drug. A saccharin/vanilla solution (SV) was presented either 2 days (Group NC) or immediately before CY treatment (Groups C and C2). Three further SV presentations started either 30 min (Groups C and NC) or 2 days after antigenic stimulation (Group C2). The groups did not differ with respect to the degree of swelling in the injected paws. In contrast, Group C differed significantly from Groups NC and C2 with respect to the uninjected hind paws: Group C showed no external signs of a proliferation of inflammation, whereas approximately half of the animals in the other two groups developed small lesions. A second experiment, similar to the first, yielded the same results. These results essentially confirm previous findings on conditioned immunosuppression and extend them to an inflammatory joint disease.     

不同方法注射乙肝免疫球蛋白阻断HBsAg、HBeAg双阳性孕妇母婴传播的研究

目的研究不同方法注射乙肝免疫球蛋白(HBIG)对HBsAg伴HBeAg双阳性孕妇的乙肝病毒(HBV)宫内感染阻断作用。方法将137例双阳性孕妇分为4组:A组从孕16周起注射HBIG,B组从孕20周起注射HBIG,C组从孕28周起注射HBIG,A、B、C 3组孕妇每次均注射HBIG200IU,并间隔4周1次,直至临产;D组作为对照组,不注射HBIG;出生后4组所有新生儿均于16h内和生后2周注射HBIG200IU,满月起按1、2、7月龄分别接种乙肝疫苗,并定期随访。结果新生儿出生时外周血测得HBsAg,A组与B组无显著性差别(P>0.05),A、B 2组与C组、D组以及C组与D组均有显著性差别(P均<0.05);经随访A、B、C、D 4组HBV宫内感染率分别为5.6%、5.3%、19.4%和48.5%,母婴传播阻断率A组与B组无显著差异(P>0.05),A组和B组均显著高于C组和D组、C组显著高于D组(P均<0.05)。结论对HBsAg伴HBeAg双阳性孕妇,选择孕20周开始注射HBIG比较合适,阻断率最高,能有效减少HBV宫内感染的发生率。     

Effects of glutamine treatment on myocardial damage and cardiac function in rats after severe burn injury

Treatment with glutamine has been shown to reduce myocardial damage associated with ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, the cardioprotective effect of glutamine specifically after burn injury remains unclear. The present study explores the ability of glutamine to protect against myocardial damage in rats that have been severely burned. Seventy-two Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal controls (C), burned controls (B) and a glutamine-treated group (G). Groups B and G were subjected to full thickness burns comprising 30% of total body surface area. Group G was administered 1.5 g/ (kg•d) glutamine and group B was given the same dose of alanine via intragastric administration for 3 days. Levels of serum creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST) and blood lactic acid were measured, as well as myocardial ATP and glutathione (GSH) contents. Cardiac function indices and histopathological changes were analyzed at 12, 24, 48 and 72 post-burn hours. In both burned groups, levels of serum CK, LDH, AST and blood lactic acid increased significantly, while myocardial ATP and GSH contents decreased. Compared with group B, CK, LDH, and AST levels were lower and blood lactic acid, myocardial ATP and GSH levels were higher in group G. Moreover, cardiac contractile function inhibition and myocardial histopathological damage were significantly reduced in group G compared to B. Taken together, these results show that glutamine supplementation protects myocardial structure and function after burn injury by improving energy metabolism and by promotedthe synthesis of ATP and GSH in cardiac myocytes.     

Effect of vascular endothelial growth factor on retinal ganglion cells of rats with chronic intraocular hypertension

Aim: To investigate the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on the expression of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) in retina and the protective effect of VEGF on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) of rats with chronic elevated intraocular pressure (EIOP) and it’s potential mechanism. Methods: 30 females Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: EIOP + VEGF group (A), EIOP + vehicle group (B) and sham operated + VEGF group (C). The EIOP was introduced by obstructing episcleral veins in Group A and Group B. In the Group C, only the bulber conjunctiva was opened without obstructing episcleral veins. Immediately after surgery, rats in the Group A and Group C were intravitreously injected with 2 μL of VEGF. In the Group B, rats were intravitreously treated with 2 μL of normal saline. At 3 and 14 days after injection, animals were sacrificed and the eyes were collected for preparation of frozen sections. Results: After surgery, the IOP increased significantly in the Group A and Group B. There was no significant difference in the IOP at day 3 and day 14 after operation. The PEDF expression in the Group A and Group B was higher than that in the Group C. TUNEL staining showed the apoptotic RGCs markedly reduced after VEGF treatment when compared with rats without treatment. Conclusion: Intravitreal treatment with VEGF may reduce the apoptosis of RGCs in rats with chronic intraocular hypertension.     

Effects of call reminders,short message services (SMS) reminders,and SMS immunization facts on childhood routine vaccination timing and completion in Ilorin,Nigeria

BackgroundReminders via mobile devices deployed as short message services (SMS) or calls have been identified to be a useful strategy in improving routine immunization uptake in several countries.ObjectiveTo identify the timeliness of appointments with reminders (calls or SMS), SMS health education and the routine care, and the vaccination completion rates in Ilorin, Nigeria.MethodMother-infant pairs presenting for the first vaccination appointment were randomized into four (three interventions, one control) groups, each consisting of 140 participants. Intervention groups were reminders via calls (A), SMS reminders (B), immunization fact SMS messages (C) and controls on usual care (D). Reminders were made a day before the appointment while SMS immunization facts were sent at five weeks, nine weeks and eight months. Appropriate timing was defined as the scheduled visit ±3 days.ResultsThe immunization completion rates after the nine months'' visit were 99.2%, 99.3%, 97% and 90.4% for Groups A, B, C and D respectively. Compared with controls, Group A had the highest odds [AOR 8.78 (6.10, 12.63)] of presenting at an appropriate time, followed by Group B [AOR 2.56 (1.96, 3.35)], then Group C [AOR 2.44 (1.87, 3.18)].ConclusionReminders/SMS immunization facts improve vaccination completion rates.     

Hepatoprotective effects of whey protein isolate against acute liver toxicity induced by dimethylnitrosamine in rat

In order to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of whey protein isolate against acute liver toxicity induced by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN), a randomized experimental study was conducted. Forty-eight Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. Groups A and B consumed a diet containing casein, and group C received a diet containing whey protein isolate for 18 days. Group A was then given an intraperitoneal saline injection. It continued on the casein diet for another 4 days before being sacrificed. Each animal in groups B and C was given a single intraperitoneal injection of DMN (30 mg/kg) on the 18th day of the study. All groups continued their diets for 4 days before their euthanasia. The supply of whey protein diet resulted in a decrease in aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and malondialdehyde (MDA). Morphological and biochemical data suggested that a diet containing whey protein isolate decreased DMN-induced liver damage and, therefore, had beneficial effects on hepatic failure.     

The oxidant and antioxidant effects of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in liver, kidney and heart tissues of diabetic rats

Previous studies have implicated protective effects of vitamin D on insulin secretion and pancreas beta cell function. The goal of the present study is to determine if a combination therapy of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and insulin had any advantage over insulin therapy alone on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activity in the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat. The lipid peroxidation product, thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS), was measured to assess free radical activity in the heart, kidney and liver tissues. The enzymatic activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were measured as indicators of antioxidation in these tissues. Sprague-Dawley rats were made diabetic with a single injection of STZ (75 mg/kg i.p.). Rats were separated into three groups, each containing 10 animals: Group 1, non-diabetic and no drug treatment was given; Group 2, diabetic rats were treated with 3 IU/day subcutaneous (s.c.) insulin; and Group 3, diabetic rats were treated with 3 IU/day (s.c.) insulin plus 1 mg/kg/day per oral (p.o.) 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 for a period of 4 weeks. At the end of the study, TBARS contents of the liver, kidney and heart tissues in Groups 2 and 3 were found to be significantly increased as compared to Group 1 (P<0.05) and kidney MDA levels in Group 3 were also significantly increased as compared to Group 2 (P<0.05). The SOD and CAT contents of the heart in Group 2 were significantly increased as compared to Groups 1 and 3 (P<0.05). GSH-Px activity was unaltered in all groups (P>0.05). We suggest that a combination of insulin with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 treatment would not be more beneficial than the use of insulin alone in antioxidant defence of diabetic liver and kidney tissues.     

Diminazene aceturate resistance on the virulence of Trypanosoma brucei for rats

Four groups (A, B, C and D) of 10 na?ve rats were used to compare the virulence of isolates of a strain of Trypanosoma brucei before and after the development of diminazene aceturate resistance. Group A rats were uninfected (controls). Group B rats were infected with a trypanosome isolate unexposed to the drug, while groups C and D rats were infected with two different drug-resistant isolates of the same strain. Rats in the three infected groups each received 10(6) trypanosomes intraperitoneally. Prepatent periods were longer (P<0.05) in groups C and D than in group B. The parasitaemic periods in groups B, C and D were similar, but group C and D rats differed from group B rats in surviving longer, and in showing lower degrees of parasitaemia, anaemia and hepatomegaly. No differences were noted between group C and D rats. Thus, diminazene aceturate resistance appeared to reduce the virulence of T. brucei.     

银杏叶提取物联合盐酸文拉法辛对抑郁大鼠海马nNOS蛋白表达及NO水平的影响

目的 :探讨抑郁症脑损伤的机制 ,研究银杏叶提取物 (EGb)及合成抗抑郁药盐酸文拉法辛(Venlafaxine)对抑郁大鼠的抗脑损伤及神经元保护作用。方法 :慢性应激建立大鼠抑郁模型。将 84只雄性大鼠分为正常对照组、抑郁模型组和不同治疗组。快速断头法处死 ,取海马后一侧进行免疫组化反应 ,观察海马CA3区nNOS蛋白的表达 ;另一侧检测NO含量 ;同时测定血清中NO含量。结果 :抑郁模型组海马nNOS表达增加 ,海马及血清中NO含量增加 ,P <0 0 1;联合用药组海马nNOS表达下降 ,海马及血清中NO含量减少 ,P <0 0 1。结论 :慢性应激增加海马nNOS表达 ;EGb有减轻神经元损伤 ,保护神经元的作用 ,其与Venlafaxine合用可能会达到对抑郁进行多靶点、多层次的治疗 ,弥补单一用药的不足。     

蛋白酶体抑制剂MG132 对大鼠胶原诱导性关节炎的干预机制

目的：探讨蛋白酶体抑制剂MG132对大鼠胶原诱导性关节炎（Collagen induced arthritis,CIA）的干预效果及作用机制。方法：48只雌性SD大鼠被随机分为空白对照组、CIA模型组、MG132干预模型组,每组16只CIA模型组和MG132干预模型组注射牛Ⅱ型胶原建立CIA模型大鼠,初次免疫后第21天,干预组大鼠以1 mg/kg的剂量每天1次,连续14天皮下注射MG132。建模起每周观察大鼠关节肿胀程度,计算关节炎指数（Arthritis index,AI）,第42天后称重并处死大鼠;HE染色观察关节滑膜组织的病理改变;荧光底物测定法检测滑膜组织20S蛋白酶体的活性;蛋白质印迹法（Western blot）检测大鼠关节滑膜组织NF-κB/p65、IκBα蛋白的表达情况。结果：与CIA模型组比较,MG132干预模型组大鼠关节炎指数在注射MG132后一周明显降低（P<0.05）,关节滑膜组织未见明显增生,只伴有少量炎性细胞浸润。与空白对照组大鼠比较,CIA模型组大鼠关节滑膜组织20S蛋白酶体活性增高;与CIA模型组大鼠比较,MG132皮下注射干预后关节滑膜组织20S蛋白酶体活性降低（P<0.05）。与空白对照组比较,CIA模型组大鼠关节滑膜组织高表达NF-κB/p65蛋白,其中胞核NF-κB/p65表达增高更为明显（P<0.01）,注射蛋白酶体抑制剂MG132干预后,其滑膜组织胞浆及胞核NF-κB/p65蛋白表达均显著减少（P<0.01）。与空白对照组比较,CIA模型组大鼠关节滑膜低表达IκBα蛋白（P<0.01）,注射MG132干预后关节滑膜IκBα蛋白表达显著增多（P<0.01）。结论：大鼠CIA体内实验显示,蛋白酶体抑制剂MG132经皮下注射可明显改善大鼠关节炎症状,其作用机制可能与MG132降低大鼠CIA关节滑膜组织20S蛋白酶体活性,减少其底物蛋白IκBα的表达,从而抑制NF-κB活性有关。     

Rat arthritis due to whole group B streptococci. Clinical and histopathologic features compared with groups A and D

Heat-killed streptococci of Groups A, B, and D injected intraperitoneally into Sprague-Dawley rats induced arthritis. The histopathologic features of the arthritis were those of erosive synovitis. Early acute lesions were associated with deposits of streptococcal antigens. The serogroups and the physical state of the streptococci determined the incidence, the time of onset, the duration, and the severity of the disease, the severity being a blend of degree of inflammation, tendency to relapse, and occurrence of ankylosis. Whole Group A usually failed to induce arthritis. Group A disrupted with sonication regularly induced arthritis after a 24-hour latent period. The disease lasted over 60 days and caused ankylosis. Whole Group B regularly induced arthritis but only after a latent period of 6-8 days. The disease lasted over 40 days and caused ankylosed joints. With sonicated Group B a similar disease was induced, except that, as with sonicated Group A, the latent period was 24 hours. Whole Group D induced disease after a latent period of 48 hours. The arthritis lasted only 2 weeks and was transient. In contrast to its effects on Group A and B cocci, sonication of Group D abrogated its capacity to induce arthritis. It is postulated that for whole streptococci, in contrast to sonicated streptococci, arthritogenicity depends on the sensitivity of the cocci to initial processing in vivo. Processing may be partial digestion by enzymes of phagocytes. Cocci such as those of Group A that are insensitive to processing, injected whole, tend not to cause arthritis, but when they do cause disease, it is chronic. A coccus, such as one of Group D, that is very sensitive to processing produces a transient arthritis after a short latent period, while a coccus of intermediate sensitivity, such as one of Group B, induces disease only after a substantial latent period, and the disease is severe and chronic. The nature of processing remains to be determined.     

Investigation into the short-term effect of ingestion of different concentrations of saccharin sodium on some hematological and biochemical profile of rats

Saccharin is a crystalline, non-caloric artificial sweetener that is normally added in foods and pharmaceutical products. Its use as an artificial sweetener has generated so much controversy with respect to toxicity. This work investigated the short-term effects of this sweetener on some hematological and biochemical profile of rats. The rats weighing between 150–180 g were divided into groups A, B, C, and D of five animals each. Group A received water and served as the control. Groups B, C, and D received per os 10%, 15%, and 20% of saccharin in water. The treatment lasted for 28 days. Blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical analyses before dissection of internal organs. The relative weights of liver, spleen, lungs, heart, and kidney were determined. No significant difference was found in the mean levels of the packed cell volume, red blood cell count, differential leukocyte counts, and hemoglobin concentration in comparison with the controls that received equal volume of distilled water. Significant (p < 0.05) decrease was found in the level of total white blood cell count in the group that received 20% saccharin in comparison with the control. The decrease is still within the normal range found in rats. There was also no significant difference between the activities of the serum enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. The mean relative weights did not change significantly in all the organs studied. The level of creatinine did not also differ significantly. Based on the findings in this work, exposure to saccharin may not pose any serious risk to humans.     

Ethanol-induced alterations in the morphology and function of the rat ovary

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of different dosages of ethanol on ovarian morphology and function. Holtzman rats, 20 days old, were divided into groups as follows: The rats in Group I were autopsied at 20 days of age, and those in Group II were placed on ad libitum chow and water diet; the rats in Groups III and V were fed on a liquid diet containing 2.5% or 5% ethanol respectively; Groups IV and VI were pair-fed controls to Groups III and V, respectively. Rats in Groups II, III, IV, and VI were maintained on the diets for 50–55 days and killed at late proestrus-estrus, while the animals in Group V did not exhibit estrous cycles and were killed on day 55 of treatment. The average increase in body weights of rats in Groups II, III, and IV was significantly greater than the increase in body weights of rats given 5% ethanol or their pair-fed controls. In the rats treated with 5% ethanol, vaginal opening was significantly delayed from the controls, estrous cycles were absent, ovarian weights were similar to those of the 20-day-old rats, ovaries contained corpora lutea of only one estrus, uteri weighed less than controls, and histologically, the uteri and vaginae were similar to those of 20-day-old rats. However, in the rats treated with 2.5% ethanol, all of the parameters were similar to those of the controls. The average serum alcohol level for the rats on the 5% ethanol diet was 249 mg%; the serum alcohol levels were at the lower limit of detection for the rats on the 2.5% ethanol diet. The data show that ovarian function was suppressed in the rats that received the 5% ethanol but not in rats on the 2.5% ethanol diet.     

Histological and Biochemical Effects of Arteether? on the Liver of Wistar Rats

Arteether™ is among the recent drugs that are used to combat chloroquine-resistant malarial parasites. This study examined the effects of arteether™ on enzyme biomarkers of the liver, serum protein concentrations, and liver morphology. Twenty (20) adult albino Wistar rats weighing 200 – 250 g were randomly divided into four groups (A, B, C and D) of five animals each, and used in this study. Group A rats were given intramuscular (i. m.) arteether™ (3 mg/kg b. w.) daily for 3 days. Group B rats received i. m. arteether™ (6 mg/kg b. w.) daily for 3 days. Group C rats were given i. m. arteether™ (3 mg/kg b. w.) daily for 3 days. The same dose was repeated at two-weekly intervals for 4 further weeks, while group D rats which received normal saline (0.9 % w/ v, 3 ml/kg b.w.), served as controls. At the end of the experiment, the body weights of the animals were determined and recorded. Serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (ASP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP) and albumin were assayed, and histological studies were performed. Results obtained show no significant difference (P<0.05) in liver enzymes (ALT, ASP, ALP). TP and albumin were significantly reduced in group C rats. Histological studies revealed no cyto-architectural changes. It is concluded that at therapeutic doses, arteether™ is well tolerated in Wistar rats.     

Influence of Innate Immune Responses on Autoimmunity

Objective: To explore the therapeutic alliance effects of adenovirus vector-mediated gene transfer of ICOSIg and CTLA4Ig fusion protein on experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM).

Methods: Expression vector pAdeno-CTLA4Ig and pAdeno-ICOSIg was constructed and transfected into HEK293 cells. Adenovirus expresses CTLA4Ig and ICOSIg was produced. Ad-CMV-GFP was used as controls. EAM was induced in Lewis rats by injection of procine cardiac myosin. All the immunized rats were divided into four groups. Group A (n = 15) received adenovirus containing CTLA4Ig and ICOSIg from day 14–28; group B (n = 15), group C (n = 15) and group D (n = 15) received adenovirus containing CTLA4Ig, ICOSIg and GFP, respectively. Group E (n = 10) was normal controls never received immunization. On day 28, all the rats were killed after echocardiography examination. Histopathological examination was used to observe inflammation in the myocardium. Western blot was used to detect CTLA4, ICOS, ICOSL and competitive RT-PCR for B7-1, B7-2 expression. T lymphocyte proliferation assay was performed and ELISPOT was used to detect the Th1 and Th2 production.

Results: Alliance application of CTLA4Ig and ICOSIg exerts therapeutic effects on EAM. After a treatment duration of 14 days, cardiac function and myocardial inflammation improved significantly compared to group D. Expression of CTLA-4, ICOS and ICOSL, B7-1 was statistically decreased in group A, B and C compared with group D. T-cell proliferation was inhibited by costimulatory blockade in a dose-dependent style. ICOSIg blockade significantly augments IL-4 and IL-10 production while diminished IFN-γ production.

Conclusions: Blockade of costimulatory pathway with alliance therapy of CTLA4Ig and ICOSIg alleviated autoimmune damage in EAM and improved cardiac function. The mechanisms may be downregulation of costimulatory molecules and anti-inflammation.     

Ability of restorative and fluoride releasing materials to prevent marginal dentine demineralization

The study aimed to define the in vitro secondary caries inhibiting potential of restorative materials currently used in dental practice. Class V restorations were prepared in extracted human third molars and immersed in a demineralizing solution (lactic acid, pH 4.5) at 37 degrees C for 2 days to simulate secondary caries formation. The bonding and the restorative systems tested in the study were: Scotchbond 1+Z 250 (Group A), Scotchbond 1+F 2000 (Group B), ABF+APX (Group C), ABF+F2000 (Group D). Perimarginal dentine, immediately close to the margin of the restoration, and exposed dentine, at approximately 0.5 mm from the margins of the restoration, after exposure to the acid solution, were investigated; protected dentine, at approximately 4 mm from the margin in a varnish-covered area, was analysed as control. Polarized light microscopy and contact transverse microradiography (TMR) were employed. The output parameters were lesion shape and size (depth in microm) of the exposed dentine, dentine mineral volume%, and integrated mineral loss (Delta Z, in %volmicrom) of the lesions. Compomers (Groups B and D) showed a thinner demineralization of the outer lesions, a less demineralization along the perimarginal dentine (inner lesion) and more caries inhibition zones or CIZs (Delta Z positive values) compared to composites (Groups A and C). In conclusion, Groups B and D materials seemed to partially counteract the marginal demineralization induced by an acid solution and favourably influence the formation of CIZs along the restorations. On the contrary, composites did not show a protective effect, probably due to an insufficient marginal seal and the lack of fluoride release.     

谷氨酰胺防治急性肝衰竭大鼠肠道细菌移位实验研究

目的探讨谷氨酰胺（Gln）对急性肝衰竭（AHF）大鼠肠道细菌移位防治作用及机制。方法SD大鼠随机分成4组，对照组（A组），防治组（B组），治疗组（c组），模型组（D组）。B组、c组、D组腹腔注射D．氨基半乳糖（GaIN）建立急性肝功能不全大鼠模型。A组及D组予生理盐水灌胃。B组造模前两天予Gln灌胃防治，C组造模后一天Gln灌胃治疗。4d后处死动物。进行肝脏病理评分；观察肠系膜淋巴结细菌移位及平均组织含菌量、肠组织学改变；测量回肠绒毛高度和隐窝深度；检测血浆二胺氧化酶含量。结果B组和C组肝脏病理评分明显低于D组。B组肠系膜淋巴结细菌移位率低于D组，有显著性差异。B组、C组的血浆二胺氧化酶含量低于D组。B组显著低于C组。B组及C组的回肠绒毛高度和隐窝深度明显高于D组。B组明显高于C组，差异显著。结论谷氨酰胺可改善AHF大鼠的肠道黏膜屏障功能，减少AHF大鼠的肠道细菌移位的发生。     

J2对同种异体穿透性角膜移植模型大鼠CD4+和CD8+T细胞免疫功能的抑制

BACKGROUND: J2 takes functional domain (MHC CD4-D1/) of complex conjugate of CD4 molecule and MHC class II molecule as a target, and is a small molecule compound obtained by computer screening from a chemical data containing hundreds of thousands of organic compounds. In the previous study, J2 was used in mouse models of skin transplantation and keratoplasty by oral and intraperitoneal injection. Results verified that J2 could prolong the survival time of grafts, and suppress occurrence of rejection. To better play the role of a drug targeting and to reduce systemic toxicity, J2 will be further utilized in local treatment of keratoplasty rejection. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the inhibitory effect of new immunosuppressive agent J2 on CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immune functions in rat models receiving allogenic penetrating keratoplasty. METHODS: Allogeneic penetrating keratoplasty model was established using the adult female Wistar rats as donors and Sprague-Dawley rats as recipients. Group A: normal Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with 0.05 mL placebo subconjunctivally. Surgery rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group B: allograft rats were injected with 0.05 mL placebo subconjunctivally after autologous keratoplasty. Group C: allograft rats were injected with 0.05 mL placebo subconjunctivally. Group D: allograft rats were injected with 1% J2-nanosuspension 0.05 mL subconjunctivally. The distribution of T cell subsets in peripheral blood was detected using flow cytometry at 3 days, 1, 2 and 3 weeks after transplantation and compared among groups.  RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in total CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and CD4+/CD8+ in peripheral blood lymphocytes in group B at various time points. At 3 days and 1 week after surgery in group C, no significant difference in total CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells was detected. At 1 and 2 weeks, the number of total CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells increased, showing significant differences (P < 0.05). In group D, no significant hyperplasy was found in CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells at 1 and 2 weeks. The horizontal comparison of the same time point: the total CD3+ T lymphocytes of group D was significantly less than group C at 3 days, 1 and 2 weeks after operation (P < 0.05), whereas there was no significant difference at 3 weeks between the group D and group C. The number of CD4+ T lymphocytes in group D was less than in group C at 3 days and 1 week, but with no significant difference. The ratio of CD4+/CD8+ had no significant difference in group D compared with group C at 3 days, 1 and 3 weeks. J2 inhibits T lymphocyte proliferation and then inhibits T cell-mediated corneal allograft rejection.       

Lack of greater seroconversion of rhesus monkeys after subcutaneous inoculation of dengue type 2 live-virus vaccine combined with infection-enhancing antibodies.

Four groups of six nonimmune male rhesus monkeys were inoculated subcutaneously with formulations of dengue type 2 vaccine virus DEN-2/S-1. Group A received 1.9 x 10(4) plaque-forming units of vaccine in normal human serum albumin diluent. Group B received the same dose combined with a dengue type 2-immune human serum diluted 1:1,600, beyond its neutralization endpoint of 1:300, but having an immune enhancement titer of 250,000. Groups C and D received 10-fold dilutions of these respective formulations. No migration-inhibitory factor was found when peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes obtained on day 68 post-immunization from monkeys of all experimental groups were tested. No viremia was detected in any of the monkeys when sera taken on postvaccination days 1 through 12 were inoculated into adult Toxorhynchites amboinensis mosquitoes and LLC-MK2 cells. By day 89, four of the six monkeys had seroconverted by the neutralization test in each of groups A, B, and C, and three of five monkeys in group D (one monkey died from cardiac collapse after anesthesia) had seroconverted. Immune enhancement of dengue virus infection is known to occur in humans and monkeys circulating heterologous flavivirus antibodies. In this study, there was no enhancing effect when antibody was mixed with dengue type 2 vaccine virus and injected subcutaneously.