Orionin对急性肝衰竭小鼠的保护作用及其对肝组织细胞因子水平的影响*

目的 探讨冬凌草甲素（Oridonin）对脂多糖/D-氨基半乳糖氨（LPS/D-Gal）联合诱导的急性肝衰竭（ALF）小鼠的保护作用及其对肝组织细胞因子水平的影响。方法 取150只小鼠,随机分成5组,每组 30 只。采用LPS/D-Gal腹腔注射建立小鼠ALF模型,设生理盐水对照组、Oridonin对照组、LPS/D-Gal诱导模型组和LPS/D-Gal处理及不同剂量Oridonin干预组。采用Real-time PCR法检测肝组织肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）、白细胞介素（IL）-1α、IL-1β和IL-6 mRNA水平。结果 模型组小鼠48 h存活率为0.0% （0/30）,而两个Oridonin干预组小鼠48 h存活率分别提高至64.5% （19/30）和80.6% （24/30,P<0.01）; 组织病理学检查显示模型组小鼠肝细胞呈大块或/和亚大块坏死,肝小叶结构消失,残存肝细胞肿胀、空泡变性,肝窦肿胀充血,炎细胞浸润。Oridonin干预组小鼠肝细胞坏死、空泡变性和炎细胞浸润等较模型组有明显的改善;模型组小鼠血清ALT和AST水平分别为（345.3 ± 54.1） U/L和（500.2±53.5） U/L,明显高于对照组的[（42.3±0.6）U/L和（117.1±9.8）U/L,P<0.01],两个Oridonin干预组分别为 （303.9±39.5） U/L和（340.6±2.8） U/L及[（130.2±38.3） U/L和 （209.8±36.2） U/L,P<0.05];模型组小鼠肝组织TNF-α、IL-1α、IL-1β和IL-6 mRNA水平显著高于正常对照组（P<0.01）,而两个Oridonin干预组肝组织TNF-α、IL-1α、IL-1β和IL-6 mRNA水平显著低于模型组 （P<0.01）。结论 Oridonin对LPS/D-Gal诱导的ALF小鼠具有显著的保护作用,其作用机制可能与降低肝组织细胞因子水平有关。     

Oridonin对急性肝衰竭小鼠肝细胞凋亡的影响及其机制研究*

目的 探讨冬凌草甲素（oridonin）对脂多糖/D-氨基半乳糖氨（LPS/D-Gal）联合诱导的急性肝衰竭（ALF） 小鼠肝细胞凋亡的影响,并探讨其可能的机制。方法 取25只小鼠,随机分成5组,每组5只。采用LPS/D-Gal腹腔注射建立小鼠ALF模型,设生理盐水对照组、LPS/D-Gal诱导模型组、LPS/D-Gal诱导和不同剂量oridonin干预组及oridonin处理组。采用末端转移酶介导的缺口末端标记法（TUNEL）检测肝细胞凋亡,采用real-time PCR法检测肝组织TNF-α mRNA水平,采用Western blot法检测凋亡相关蛋白的变化。结果 模型组小鼠肝细胞凋亡率为（36.4±1.8） %,显著高于两个oridonin干预组的[（19.4±3.3）%和（11.4±0.3）%,P<0.01];模型组小鼠肝组织TNF-α mRNA水平显著高于正常对照组（P<0.01）,而两个oridonin干预组肝组织TNF-α mRNA水平显著低于模型组（P<0.01）;模型组小鼠线粒体凋亡通路相关的促凋亡蛋白c-Jun氨基末端激酶（JNK）、bax、细胞色素C、cleaved caspase9/3活化水平显著高于两个oridonin干预组（P<0.01）,模型组小鼠抗凋亡蛋白bcl-xl水平显著低于两个oridonin干预组（P<0.01）,模型组小鼠死亡受体凋亡通路相关的促凋亡蛋白caspase8活化水平与两个oridonin干预组并无明显差异（P>0.01）。结论 Oridonin可抑制LPS/D-Gal诱导的ALF小鼠肝细胞凋亡,其机制可能与下调促凋亡细胞因子TNF-α水平和抑制JNK介导的线粒体凋亡信号通路有关。     

胆宁片联合瑞舒伐他汀治疗非酒精性脂肪性肝病患者HOMA-IR和血清TNF-α水平变化*

目的 探讨胆宁片联合瑞舒伐他汀对非酒精性脂肪性肝病（NAFLD）患者的治疗效果及其对血清肿瘤坏死因子α（TNF-α）和胰岛素抵抗指数（HOMA-IR）的影响。方法 2015年9月~2016年9月我院就诊的NAFLD患者150例,随机将其分成观察组和对照组各75例。给予观察组患者瑞舒伐他汀联合胆宁片治疗,给予对照组患者瑞舒伐他汀治疗,两组均治疗6个月。采用酶联免疫吸附法检测TNF-α水平,常规检测空腹血糖和胰岛素水平,并计算HOMA-IR。结果 治疗前,两组患者血生化指标无明显差异（P>0.05）;治疗后,观察组血清谷丙转氨酶（ALT）和谷草转氨酶（AST）水平分别为（46.92±10.21） U/L和（65.39±9.86） U/L,显著低于对照组的【（70.74±12.93） U/L和（99.21±10.97） U/L,P<0.05】;治疗前,两组血清TNF-α和HOMA-IR比较无明显差异（P>0.05）;治疗后,观察组患者血清TNF-α和HOMA-IR分别为（3.44±1.26） μg/L和（1.87±0.84）,显著低于对照组的【（4.08±1.29）μg/L） 和（2.26±0.74）,P<0.05】。结论 胆宁片联合瑞舒伐他汀治疗NAFLD患者能明显改善肝功能,并能降低血清TNF-α和HOMA-IR水平,临床效果显著。     

自体外周血干细胞移植治疗乙型肝炎肝硬化患者临床疗效及其对外周血T淋巴细胞亚群的影响

目的 研究应用自体外周血干细胞（PBSC）移植治疗乙型肝炎肝硬化患者的临床疗效及其对外周血T淋巴细胞亚群的影响。方法 2014年4月~2017年4月我院收治的乙型肝炎肝硬化患者95例,被随机分为移植组48例和对照组47例。两组均接受护肝、降酶和恩替卡韦抗病毒治疗,另48例患者再接受自体PBSC经肝动脉移植治疗。使用流式细胞仪检测外周血T细胞亚群,使用Fibroscan扫描仪检测肝脏硬度,采用ELISA法检测血清肿瘤坏死因子（TNF-α）和白细胞介素-6 （IL-6）,采用免疫透射比浊法检测血清超敏C反应蛋白（hs-CRP）。结果 在治疗后6 m,移植组患者血清总胆红素（TBIL）水平为（16.4±1.2） μmol/L,显著低于对照组的（22.5±2.6） μmol/L（P<0.05）,血清白蛋白（ALB）水平为（35.2±4.0） g/L,显著高于对照组的（31.6±3.7） g/L（P<0.05）;移植组外周血CD3⁺细胞百分比为（67.9±6.5） %,显著高于对照组的【（60.3±5.5） %,P<0.05】,CD4⁺为（42.7±3.8） %,显著高于对照组的【（38.2±3.5） %,P<0.05】,CD4⁺/ CD8⁺细胞比值为（1.5±0.2）,显著高于对照组的【（1.4±0.1）,P<0.05】;移植组肝硬度值为（7.1±0.1）kPa,显著低于对照组[（7.9±0.1） kPa,P<0.05],Child-Pugh评分为（5.5±1.5）,显著低于对照组[（7.4±2.3）,P<0.05];移植组血清TNF-α水平为（28.0±8.7） pg/mL,显著低于对照组[（36.2±8.6）pg/mL,P<0.05], IL-6水平为（6.0±2.2） mg/L,显著低于对照组[（8.7±3.5） mg/L,P<0.05], hs-CRP水平为（18.9±5.6） pg/mL,显著低于对照组[（25.2±7.9） pg/mL,P<0.05]。结论 自体外周血干细胞移植治疗乙型肝炎肝硬化患者近期疗效较好,能有效降低血清细胞因子水平,改善肝功能。     

虾青素对肝纤维化大鼠的保护作用及机制研究*

目的 研究虾青素抑制肝纤维化作用是否与影响TGF-β1/Smad/ERK通路有关。方法 将50只大鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、秋水仙碱组（0.1 mg·kg^-1）、虾青素Ⅰ组（2 mg·kg^-1）和虾青素Ⅱ组（4 mg·kg^-1）,每组10只。采用皮下注射CCl₄法制备肝纤维化大鼠模型。在造模成功后,给予正常组和模型组动物生理盐水、而在药物干预组则分别给予秋水仙碱和虾青素灌胃,连续给药6 w。分别采用免疫组化法和Western blot法检测肝组织Ⅰ型胶原、Smad2、转化生长因子-β1（TGF-β1）和p-ERK蛋白表达,采用RT-PCR法检测肝组织CollagenⅠ、Smad2、TGF-β1 和p-ERK mRNA水平。结果 正常组、虾青素Ⅰ组和虾青素Ⅱ组肝组织Ⅰ型胶原蛋白分别为（0.4±0.1）、（1.4±0.3）和（1.2±0.3）,均显著低于模型组【（1.7±0.4）,P<0.05】,Smad2分别为（0.5±0.1）、（1.3±0.4）和（0.8±0.4）,显著低于模型组【（1.6±0.3）,P<0.05】,TGF-β1蛋白分别为（0.5±0.1）、（1.4±0.4）和（1.2±0.3）,显著低于模型组【（1.7±0.4）,P<0.05】,p-ERK蛋白分别为（0.4±0.1）、（1.3±0.4）和（0.9±0.3）,显著低于模型组【（1.6±0.5）,P<0.05】;正常组、虾青素Ⅰ组和虾青素Ⅱ肝组织Ⅰ型胶原 mRNA水平分别为（1.0±0.1）、（2.0±0.4）和（1.8±0.5）,均显著低于模型组【（2.4±0.4）,P<0.05】,Smad2 mRNA水平分别为（1.0±0.1）、（2.0±0.5）和（1.8±0.4）,显著低于模型组【（2.5±0.6）,P<0.05】,TGF-β1 mRNA水平分别为（1.0±0.1）、（2.1±0.4）和（1.6±0.3）,均显著低于模型组【（2.5±0.5）,P<0.05】,p-ERK mRNA水平分别为（1.1±0.1）、（2.1±0.4）和（1.8±0.3）,均明显低于模型组【（2.6±0.5）,P<0.05】。结论 虾青素可抑制肝纤维化进展,其机制可能与调控TGF-β1/Smad/ERK通路表达有关。     

香附多糖对牛血清白蛋白诱导的肝纤维化大鼠血清MMP-2、TIMP-2和TGF-β1水平的影响

目的 研究香附多糖对牛血清白蛋白诱导的肝纤维化大鼠血清基质金属蛋白酶2（MMP-2）、组织金属蛋白酶抑制剂-2（TIMP-2）和转化生长因子-β1的影响。方法 将60只SD大鼠随机平均分为正常对照组、模型组、秋水仙碱（0.1 mg·kg^-1）、大剂量香附多糖组（200 mg·kg^-1）、中等剂量香附多糖组（100 mg·kg^-1）和小剂量香附多糖组（50 mg·kg^-1）,每组10只。在造模成功后,分别给予生理盐水、秋水仙碱和香附多糖灌胃处理,连续60 d。在末次给药后,采用腹主动脉取血,分离血清,并取肝组织行病理学检查。检测各组大鼠血清肝功能指标和肝纤维化指标,采用酶联免疫分析法检测血清MMP-2、TIMP-2和TGF-β1水平,并观察各组大鼠肝组织病理学变化情况。结果 与模型组比较,大剂量、中剂量和小剂量香附多糖组大鼠血清ALT、AST、TP、ALB水平得到显著改善（P<0.05）,血清LN、HA、PC-Ⅲ和Ⅳ-C水平均明显降低（P<0.05）;大、中、小剂量组大鼠血清MMP-2水平分别为（221.58±23.76）ng/mL、（291.12±29.35） ng/mL、（375.14±38.21） ng/mL,TIMP-2水平分别为（161.89±16.12） μg/mL、（180.34± 17.12） μg/mL和（196.56±19.34）μg/mL,TGF-β1水平分别为（206.23±21.45）ng/mL、（251.53±26.10） ng/mL、（302.09±31.21） ng/mL,均显著低于模型组（P<0.05）;肝组织病理学检查结果显示,与模型组比较,大、中、小剂量药物处理组大鼠肝纤维化程度均有明显减轻。结论 香附多糖具有较好的保肝及抑制肝纤维化的活性,可能是有效改善了大鼠MMP-2/TIMP-2失衡和降低TGF-β1水平有关。     

白藜芦醇对非酒精性脂肪性肝炎大鼠肝组织SIRT3表达的影响*

目的 研究非酒精性脂肪性肝炎(NASH)大鼠肝组织沉默交配型信息调节因子2同源蛋白3（SIRT3）的表达变化,探讨其在NASH发病中的作用及白藜芦醇对其的影响。方法 60只SD大鼠被随机分为正常对照组、NASH模型组和白藜芦醇处理组,每组20只。采用高脂饲料喂养建立NASH大鼠模型。制备新鲜肝组织匀浆,检测肝组织内活性氧（ROS）含量和超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活性。常规检查肝组织病理学变化和超微结构的变化。采用免疫组化法分析SIRT3蛋白的亚细胞定位,采用Western Blot定量检测SIRT3蛋白的表达。结果 模型组大鼠肝指数、血清ALT、AST、TG、TC、LDL-C含量和氧化应激水平显著高于对照组（P<0.01）,药物处理组显著低于模型组（P<0.01）;模型组大鼠非酒精性脂肪性肝病活动性评分（NAS）为（6.83±0.41）分,显著高于对照组[（0.24±0.08）分,P<0.01],处理组为（3.27±0.29）分,显著低于模型组（P<0.01）;模型组大鼠肝细胞线粒体半定量评分为（3.24±0.21）分,显著高于对照组[（0.17±0.03）分,P<0.01],处理组为（1.39±0.12）分,显著低于模型组（P<0.01）;免疫组化检测显示SIRT3蛋白在细胞核和细胞质中均有表达,模型组SIRT3蛋白相对表达量为（0.24±0.03）,显著低于对照组[（0.58±0.02）,P<0.01],而处理组为（0.46±0.03）,显著高于模型组（P<0.01）。结论 NASH大鼠肝组织SIRT3表达量下降,白藜芦醇干预可通过上调SIRT3的表达改善NASH病理学变化。     

轮状病毒感染腹泻患儿肝损害状况调查

目的 了解轮状病毒感染致急性腹泻患儿肝损害发生状况。方法 2013年5月~2015年9月我院收治幼儿腹泻160例,采用金标法检测血清RV抗原,采用ELISA法检测肿瘤坏死因子（TNF）-α、IL-6和IL-10水平。结果 本组诊断RV感染70例,非RV感染90例;在RV感染患儿,肝损害发生率为24.3%,明显高于非RV感染组的6.7%（P<0.05）;32例1岁以上RV感染者肝损伤发生率为6.0%,显著低于38例1岁以下患儿的15.8%（P<0.05）;在RV感染组,53例肝功能检查正常者血清IL-6、IL-10和TNF-α水平分别为（4.47±1.38） pg/ml、（101.85±17.46） pg/ml、（24.53±5.37） pg/ml,明显低于17例肝功能损害者【分别为（5.83±2.06）pg/ml、（119.53±20.48） pg/ml、（29.38±6.43） pg/ml,P<0.05】。结论 RV感染腹泻患儿往往会出现肝损害,尤其是1岁以下患儿,应注意防护。     

甲基莲心碱减轻D-半乳糖胺/脂多糖诱导的小鼠急性肝损伤作用研究

目的 研究甲基莲心碱对D-半乳糖胺/脂多糖诱导的小鼠急性肝损伤的保护作用。方法 将80只小鼠随机分为4组（n=20）,在正常组和模型组小鼠给予生理盐水灌胃,而在另两实验组则分别给予小剂量（100 mg.kg^-1）和大剂量（300 mg.kg^-1）甲基莲心碱灌胃。然后在实验组给予D-半乳糖胺/脂多糖诱导制备急性肝损伤模型。每组选择10只小鼠取血,分别检测血清ALT、AST、SOD、MDA、GSH、TNF-α、IL-6和IL-10水平,并取肝组织,行病理学检查,另10只小鼠用于观察存活期。结果 模型组小鼠血清ALT和AST水平分别为（272.4±42.8） U/L和（497.2±62.1） U/L,甲基莲心碱处理组小鼠血清ALT和AST水平均显著降低,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）,而以大剂量甲基莲心碱处理组为明显;模型组小鼠血清SOD和GSH水平分别为（37.5±6.2） U/mL和（11.8±2.7）μmol/L,血清MDA水平为（9.2±1.4） mol/L,甲基莲心碱处理组小鼠血清SOD和GSH水平显著高于模型组,而血清MDA水平显著低于模型组（P<0.05）;模型组小鼠血清TNF-α、IL-6和IL-10水平分别为（587.6±48.9） pg/ml、（153.4±18.0）pg/ml和（96.4±9.7）pg/ml,甲基莲心碱处理组小鼠血清TNF-α和IL-6水平显著降低,血清IL-10水平显著升高（P<0.05）,而大剂量甲基莲心碱处理组小鼠血清TNF-α、IL-6和IL-10水平与小剂量甲基莲心碱处理组比,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;模型组小鼠12 h存活率为60.0%,24 h存活率为10.0%,小剂量甲基连心碱处理组小鼠12 h存活率为80.0%,24 h存活率为50.0%,而大剂量甲基莲心碱处理组小鼠12 h存活率为90.0%,24 h存活率为70.0%,组间差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。结论 甲基莲心碱可缓解D-半乳糖胺/脂多糖诱导的小鼠急性肝损伤,其机制可能与抑制氧化应激反应有关。     

血浆置换联合胆红素吸附治疗慢加亚急性肝衰竭患者疗效及血清细胞因子水平变化

目的 分析血浆置换联合胆红素吸附治疗慢加亚急性肝衰竭患者的疗效和对血清细胞因子水平的影响。方法 2012年6月~2016年3月我院诊治的40例慢加亚急性肝衰竭患者被随机分为观察组20例和对照组20例,对照组采用内科综合治疗和血浆置换,观察组患者在对照组治疗的基础上联合胆红素吸附治疗。采用ELISA法检测血清IL-1、IL-6、TNF-α和内毒素水平。结果 治疗后,观察组乏力、纳差、恶心呕吐、厌油腻、腹胀症状减轻率为85.0%,显著高于对照组的55.0%（P<0.05）;观察组血清TBIL为(112.6±30.4) μmol/L,显著低于对照组的（182.6±54.6）μmol/L（P<0.05）;观察组血清LPS、IL-1、IL-6和TNF-α水平分别为（35.02±12.93） pg/ml、（89.93±10.28） pg/ml、（68.29±14.28） pg/ml和（126.21±14.29） pg/ml,均显著低于对照组的（65.82±10.34） pg/ml、（130.24±17.19） pg/ml、（95.29±15.93） pg/ml和（158.39±19.02） pg/ml,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;在治疗3月末,观察组死亡7例（35%）,对照组死亡8例（40%）,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论 采用血浆置换联合胆红素吸附治疗肝衰竭患者可有效改善临床症状,改善肝功能指标,降低血清细胞因子水平。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.