TRPV1对H9c2心肌细胞缺氧复氧后凋亡的影响及机制

目的 探讨瞬时受体电位阳离子通道V亚族成员1(TRPV1)对H9c2心肌细胞缺氧复氧后凋亡的保护作用及可能机制。 方法 将H9c2心肌细胞随机分为对照组、模型组(缺氧/复氧组)、辣椒素(TRPV1激活剂)组(缺氧/复氧+辣椒素组)、辣椒素+LY组[缺氧/复氧+辣椒素+LY294002(PI3k抑制剂)组]。采用CCK-8法测定心肌细胞存活率，采用流式细胞仪测定各组心肌细胞凋亡率，采用Western blot法和逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)法测定各组细胞caspase-3、B淋巴细胞瘤-2基因(Bcl-2)、Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)、磷酸化-蛋白激酶B(p-Akt)、蛋白激酶B(Akt)水平。 结果 与对照组比较，模型组、辣椒素组、辣椒素+LY组心肌细胞存活率和Bcl-2水平降低(均P<0.05)，细胞凋亡率和caspase-3、Bax、p-Akt水平升高(均P<0.05)；与模型组比较，辣椒素组心肌细胞存活率和Bcl-2、p-Akt水平升高(均P<0.05)，细胞凋亡率和caspase-3、Bax水平降低(均P<0.05)；模型组与辣椒素+LY组各指标比较差异均无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。 结论 TRPV1可抑制缺氧复氧后H9c2心肌细胞凋亡，其机制可能与TRPV1激活磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3k)/Akt信号通路有关。      

异丙酚对缺氧复氧损伤人血管内皮细胞caspase-3和Bcl-2蛋白表达的影响

目的探讨异丙酚对缺氧复氧损伤所致人血管内皮细胞凋亡及caspase-3、Bcl-2蛋白表达的影响。方法建立人脐静脉内皮细胞缺氧复氧损伤模型。将细胞缺氧培养30min再复氧,或加入不同浓度异丙酚孵育30min后再进行缺氧复氧处理,在复氧不同时相点（2、6、24和48h）以流式细胞仪计数凋亡细胞数量,并采用免疫细胞化学方法检测caspase-3和Bcl-2蛋白表达的变化。结果缺氧复氧后内皮细胞呈现典型的凋亡形态,复氧2h凋亡细胞数量开始增加,复氧6h时升高显著,至24h达峰值;异丙酚明显抑制复氧后细胞凋亡的发生。正常体外培养人血管内皮细胞Bcl-2蛋白表达较低,随复氧时间延长Bcl-2表达明显下调;25μmol/L异丙酚预处理可使复氧后内皮细胞Bcl-2表达升高,与相应缺氧复氧组比较差异有显著性（P〈0.01）,50、100μmol/L异丙酚组作用相似,不同浓度异丙酚作用呈现一定的剂量效应关系。缺氧复氧损伤使caspase-3蛋白表达增强,复氧24h后达高峰;异丙酚预处理以剂量依赖方式显著下调caspase-3表达（P〈0.01）。结论异丙酚降低缺氧复氧损伤所致的内皮细胞凋亡,可能与其抑制缺氧复氧引起的caspase-3活化、上调Bcl-2蛋白表达有关。     

二氮嗪预处理对缺氧复氧大鼠心肌微血管内皮细胞HIF-1α mRNA表达及增殖的影响

目的:观察二氮嗪(DZ)预处理对缺氧复氧大鼠心肌微血管内皮细胞(MMECs)增殖和HIF-1α mRNA表达的影响.方法:培养SD大鼠MMECs,随机分为4组(n=24):正常对照组(N组)、缺氧/复氧组(H/R组)、二氮嗪组(DZ组)、DZ+Mito KATP特异性阻断剂5-羟葵酸(5-HD)预处理组(DZ+5-HD组).DZ组加入100 μmol/L DZ,DZ+5-HD组加入100 μmol/L DZ前2 h加入100 μmol/L 5-HD预处理2 h,然后和缺氧复氧组同样进行缺氧2 h复氧2 h.Hoechst染色观察凋亡细胞形态,MTT法测定细胞活力,RT-PCR检测HIF-1α mRNA转录水平.结果与N 组比较,细胞增殖率H/R组显著降低(P<0.01),HIF-1α显著升高(P<0.01);与H/R组比较,DZ组细胞增殖率显著升高(P<0.05),HIF-1α显著升高(P<0.01);DZ+5-HD组与H/R组比较差异无统计学意义.结论:DZ可上调HIF-1α mRNA的表达,促使细胞增殖,从而实现促进心肌微血管的新生.     

缺氧与缺氧/复氧诱导肥大的心肌细胞凋亡

目的探讨缺氧与缺氧/复氧诱导肥大的心肌细胞凋亡效应。方法应用血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导培养的新生小鼠心肌细胞肥大,并给予缺氧、缺氧/复氧刺激,用Hoechst33258染色法检测细胞凋亡率。结果肥大心肌细胞在缺氧8h时即出现显著的细胞凋亡。缺氧时间延长至12h时其凋亡率较8h时显著增加(P<0.05)。肥大心肌细胞在缺氧后/复氧4h,细胞凋亡率比单纯缺氧时进一步增加(P<0.05)。缺氧或缺氧/复氧时,肥大的心肌细胞组的凋亡率均较正常心肌细胞组显著增高(P<0.05)。结论缺氧可诱导肥大的心肌细胞凋亡,且在缺氧后复氧可加重肥大心肌细胞凋亡的程度;与正常心肌细胞相比,缺氧及缺氧/复氧刺激更易引起肥大的心肌细胞凋亡。     

Akt信号途径参与二氮嗪预处理抑制缺氧复氧损伤大鼠海马神经元的凋亡

目的 探讨二氮嗪(DZ)预处理能否通过上调Akt信号增强Bcl-2表达、抑制Bax表达发挥抗凋亡作用.方法 离体培养9～10 d SD大鼠海马神经元分为正常对照组(A组)、缺氧组(B组)、缺氧+DZ 100 μmol/L组(c组)、缺氧+DZ 100 μmol/L+5-羟癸酸100 μmol/L组(D组)、缺氧+DZ 100 μmol/L+LY294002 50 μmol/L组(E组),自缺氧前2 d开始,神经元接受DZ预处理,每天1次,每次1 h.每次实验,每组16孔或2皿细胞,实验重复3次.比较缺氧4 h复氧48 h各组海马神经元的活力、凋亡率、Akt、Bcl-2和Bax蛋白的表达程度.结果 缺氧复氧后C组吸光度值较B、D、E组显著增高(P＜0.05);其他缺氧各组间比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).C组凋亡率较B、D、E组显著减低(P＜0.05).C组Akt、Bcl-2表达较B、D、E组强烈(P＜0.05),Bax表达则减弱(P＜0.05).B、D、E组问比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 DZ可经Akt信号通路上调Bcl-2/Bax蛋白比值而抑制缺氧复氧损伤大鼠海马神经元的凋亡.     

氧化应激介导的DNA损伤在大鼠心肌H9C2细胞缺氧/复氧损伤中的作用

目的 探讨氧化应激介导的DNA损伤在大鼠心肌H 9 C2细胞缺氧/复氧损伤中的作用.方法 采用大鼠心肌H9C2细胞制备缺氧/复氧损伤模型.实验分为对照组(Con组)、缺氧/复氧模型组(H/R组)、抗氧化剂NAC组(NAC组)、抗氧化剂+模型组(NAC+H/R组).Western blot检测细胞凋亡相关蛋白(Bax、Bcl-2)表达;细胞免疫荧光法检测活性氧(ROS)水平,DNA损伤相关蛋白(p-γH2ax、8-OHdG)、细胞损伤指标[细胞色素c(Cytochrome c)]表达.结果 与Con组比较,H/R组细胞内ROS水平升高,p-γH2ax、8-OHdG、Cytochrome c、Bax/Bcl-2表达增加,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);与H/R组比较,NAC+H/R组ROS水平降低,p-γH2ax、8-OHdG、Cytochrome c、Bax/Bcl-2表达降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 抑制心肌细胞氧化应激,可明显改善心肌细胞DNA损伤和凋亡.     

缺氧应激对HepG-2增殖活性和HIF-1α、MMP-2表达的影响

目的研究缺氧应激对人肝癌细胞HepG-2增殖和缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)、基质金属蛋白-2(MMP-2)表达的影响。方法将缺氧(5%O2、5%CO2、90%N2)和常氧环境中培养的HepG-2细胞,在相差显微镜下观察细胞形态变化;用四甲基偶氮唑蓝(MTT)比色法测定细胞增殖活性;用逆转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)法测定常氧组和缺氧4、12、24h组HepG-2细胞HIF-1αmRNA和MMP-2mRNA的表达量;用双抗体夹心酶联免疫吸附实验(ELISA)法测定常氧和缺氧12、24h组细胞培养上清MMP-2蛋白含量。结果同时相缺氧组HepG-2细胞增殖活性与常氧组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。常氧下HepG-2细胞不表达HIF-1αmRNA,缺氧4h时HIF-1αmRNA表达量最高,随后下降(P<0.01),但仍高于常氧组;缺氧4h时MMP-2mRNA表达量最高,随后下降,但仍高于常氧组(P<0.01);缺氧组HIF-1αmRNA和MMP-2mRNA呈高度正相关关系。缺氧24h组HepG-2细胞培养上清液中的MMP-2蛋白含量与常氧24h组含量比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论缺氧应激(5%O2)促进人肝癌细胞HepG-2的增殖作用并上调HIF-1α和MMP-2的表达量。     

EPO预处理在心肌细胞缺氧复氧损伤中的抗凋亡作用研究

目的 观察促红细胞生成素(EPO)预处理在培养心肌细胞缺氧复氧损伤中的抗凋亡效应,进一步研究其可能机制.方法 建立大鼠乳鼠心肌细胞缺氧复氧损伤模型,将细胞分为对照组、EPO组[缺氧复氧前24h培养液中加入终浓度10u/mL重组人EPO(rhEPO)]、EPO+吡咯烷二硫氨基甲酸盐(PDTC)组(缺氧复氧前24h加入终浓度10u/mL rhEPO和5μg/mL PDTC)及PDTC组(缺氧复氧前24h加入终浓度5μg/mLPDTC).于缺氧复氧损伤前后观察各组心肌细胞存活率(MTT法),用流式细胞仪检测心肌细胞凋亡,EMSA检测缺氧复氧损伤前后各组心肌细胞NF-κB活性变化,RT-PCR检测损伤前后各组心肌细胞bcl-2 mRNA表达变化.结果 缺氧复氧损伤后各组细胞存活率较损伤前对照组显著降低(P<0.01),EPO组高于其余各组(P<0.01);损伤后各组心肌细胞凋亡率较损伤前显著升高(P<0.01),EPO组凋亡率低于其余各组(P<0.01);损伤前EPO组心肌细胞NF-κB活性显著高于其余各组(P<0.01),损伤后各组NF-κB活性较损伤前显著升高(P<0.01),EPO组低于其余各组(P<0.05);损伤前EPO组bcl-2mRNA表达水平显著高于其余各组(P<0.01),损伤后各组心肌细胞bcl-2mRNA表达水平均较损伤前显著升高(P<0.01),EPO组仍高于其余各组(P<0.01).结论 EPO预处理在培养心肌细胞缺氧复氧损伤中具有显著抗凋亡效应;EPO预处理心肌细胞抗凋亡保护作用与预处理过程中NF-κB活化有关;EPO预处理过程中NF-κB活化,通过上调抗凋亡基因bcl-2表达,产生抗凋亡效应.     

还原型辅酶I对缺氧复氧诱发大鼠脑皮层神经元凋亡的保护作用

目的通过建立大鼠脑皮层神经元缺氧复氧模型,探讨还原型辅酶Ⅰ(reduced nicotinamide adenine dinu-cleotide,NADH)对缺氧复氧诱发神经元凋亡的保护作用。方法原代培养新生大鼠脑皮层神经元,随机分成正常对照组,缺氧复氧组和NADH组。用脱氧核糖核苷酸末端转移酶介导的缺口末端标记法(TUNEL法)检测细胞凋亡,计算凋亡率,检验各试验组细胞凋亡率的差异。用透射电镜观察凋亡细胞超微结构。结果正常对照组各阶段细胞凋亡率间差别无统计学意义(P0.05)。缺氧复氧组和NADH组凋亡率均较正常对照组调亡率大,差异有统计学意义(P0.01),缺氧复氧组较NADH组凋亡率大,差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。在复氧12 h内给予NADH,对于神经元凋亡抑制作用优于其余复氧时间点。结论缺氧复氧可诱发体外培养神经元发生凋亡,NADH对此有明显抑制作用。在复氧12 h内给予NADH对凋亡的抑制作用较明显。     

卡维地洛对乳鼠心肌细胞缺氧/复氧损伤的抗凋亡作用

目的研究卡维地洛对缺氧/复氧损伤心肌细胞的抗凋亡作用,并探讨其可能的作用机制。方法新生1～3 d的SD鼠,原代分离,培养其心肌细胞72 h后随机分成正常对照、单纯缺氧/复氧及卡维地洛 缺氧/复氧组。使培养板中的细胞缺氧(氧浓度<1%)120 mm,复氧30 min,制造缺氧/复氧损伤模型。观察卡维地洛对缺氧/复氧心肌存活率及Bcl-2、Bax蛋白表达情况的影响。结果卡维地洛 缺氧/复氧组心肌细胞存活率为(70.21±2.12)%,显著高于单纯缺氧/复氧组的(58.39±3.22)%(P<0.05);卡维地洛 缺氧/复氧组Bcl-2蛋白表达为(12.22±1.62)%,与单纯缺氧/复氧组(20.32±3.62)%的差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);卡维地洛 缺氧/复氧组Bax蛋白表达为(32.62±4.22)%,显著低于缺氧/复氧组的(40.21±3.22)%(P<0.05);卡维地洛 缺氧/复氧组Bcl-2/Bax比值为0.62,显著高于缺氧/复氧组的0.30(P<0.05)。结论卡维地洛有显著抗缺氧/复氧损伤后心肌细胞凋亡的作用,其作用机制可能与抑制缺氧/复氧损伤的心肌细胞Bax表达,使Bcl-2/Bax比值升高有关。     

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.