复方丹参合剂对长期脂肪乳剂灌胃诱发的大鼠非酒精性脂肪肝病的影响

目的 用长期脂肪乳剂灌胃的方法建立大鼠高脂血症动物模型,探讨长期脂肪乳剂灌胃可否诱发大鼠非酒精性脂肪肝病.观察其肝脏病理学改变,探讨复方丹参合剂(DSC)对长期脂肪乳剂灌胃造成的大鼠高脂血症及非酒精性脂肪肝病是否有防治作用.方法 取清洁级3 m龄未交配SD大鼠27只,随机分成3组,1组为普通饲料对照组(普通饲料喂养.蒸馏水5 ml/kg·d灌胃共20周),2组为脂肪乳剂组(脂肪乳剂5 ml/kg·d灌胃连续20周),3组DSC组(上午脂肪乳剂灌胃5 ml/kg·d,下午予DSC 5.0g生药/kg·d灌胃,连续20周).实验结束时剪鼠尾采未梢血测血糖(BG),大鼠心脏取血处死,分离血清测定谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)活力及总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、高密度脂蛋白一胆固醇(HDL-c)含量;肝组织称乖,石蜡包埋制片进行组织学观察.结果 与普通饲料组相比,脂肪乳剂组大鼠BG、TC、LDL-c和动脉粥样硬化指数(AI)均明显升高(P<0.01),HDL-c降低(P<0.01),TG无明显差异;脂肪乳剂组大鼠肝湿重和盯指数升高(P<0.01),血清ALT、AST明显升高(P<0.01),肝脏切片出现肝细胞脂肪变、水样变及坏死和炎症细胞浸润等病理表现:与脂肪乳剂组比较.大鼠DSC组BG、AI降低(P<0.01),但还没达到正常组的水平,HDL-c明显升高(P<0.01),肝湿重和肝指数、ALT、AST降低(P<0.05),但还没达到普通饲料组水平,肝脏切片显示肝细胞脂肪变、水样变及坏死和炎症细胞浸润等病理表现均有所减轻.结论 脂肪乳剂长期灌胃可引起大鼠出现TC升高、HDL-c降低为特征的脂质代谢紊乱及非酒精性脂肪肝病,复方丹参合剂可提高长期脂肪乳剂灌胃的大鼠血清HDL-c,对长期脂肪乳剂灌胃引起的非洒精性脂肪肝病有一定的防治作用.     

莪术提取物对肝纤维化大鼠血液流变学指标的影响

目的 探讨大鼠肝纤维化时血液流变学性质的变化特征及中药莪术提取物对其的影响.方法 采用四氯化碳 ( CCL4 ) 皮下注射 12 周诱导大鼠肝纤维化,治疗组给予莪术提取物灌胃治疗,比较各组之间肝功能、肝组织羟脯氨酸 ( Hyp ) 含量、肝组织病理切片和全血粘度、血浆粘度等血液流变学参数的差异.结果 与正常组比较,模型组大鼠血清丙氨酸氨基转移酶 ( ALT )、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶 ( AST )水平明显升高,而总蛋白 ( TP )、白蛋白 ( ALB ) 水平明显下降,全血高切、中切、低切粘度及血浆粘度均明显升高,肝组织 Hyp 升高 ( P<0.01 ),病理学检查显示肝纤维化形成;与模型组比较,莪术治疗组大鼠血清 TP、ALB 水平明显升高,全血高切、中切、低切粘度及血浆粘度均明显下降,肝组织 Hyp 下降 ( P<0.01 ),病理学检查显示肝纤维化程度改善.结论 肝纤维化大鼠存在明显的血液流变学异常,莪术提取物治疗肝纤维化的机制可能与改善血液流变学异常有关.     

调脂积冲剂对脂肪肝大鼠瘦素和脂联素的影响

目的:观察调脂积冲剂对非酒精性脂肪肝模型大鼠血清瘦素(LEP)和脂联素(APN)的影响。方法:45只雄性SD大鼠随机分为正常组10只、模型组12只、易善复组12只和调脂积组11只。每天上午,模型组、易善复组、调脂积组大鼠按1ml/100g体质量给予脂肪乳剂灌胃,正常组大鼠灌服等量蒸馏水。每天下午,按1ml/100g体质量给调脂积组大鼠灌服调脂积溶液,按1ml/100g体质量给易善复组大鼠灌服易善复溶液,模型组和正常组大鼠灌服等量生理盐水,均连续8周。观察各组大鼠肝指数、脂肪变性评分、炎症活动评分,ELISA法测定血清瘦素(LEP)和脂联素(APN),HE染色观察肝脏病理变化。结果:与正常组比较,模型组大鼠肝指数升高(P0.01),脂肪变性及炎症活动评分均明显升高(P0.01),LEP升高,APN降低(P均0.01)。与模型组比较,调脂积组大鼠肝指数下降(P0.05),脂肪变性及炎症活动评分均明显降低(P0.01,P0.05),LEP明显降低,APN升高(P0.01,P0.05);调脂积组各项指标与易善复组比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:调脂积冲剂能明显改善肝组织细胞脂肪变性,缓解炎性细胞浸润,降低血清瘦素,升高脂联素水平,可能是其治疗脂肪肝的作用机制之一。     

建立脂肪肝动物模型的实验研究

目的建立酒精灌胃配合高脂饲料的脂肪肝动物模型。方法 SD大鼠40只,随机分为正常对照组(n=10)、模型组1(n=15)、模型组2(n=15)。模型组给予特殊高脂饲料;模型组1予30%酒精(1 ml·100 g)/d,7天后根据大鼠情况增加酒精浓度,至第3周为50%酒精(1 ml·100 g)/d。模型组2和正常对照组予等体积的生理盐水灌胃。4周末检测血清TG、TC、ALT、AST、LDL-C、HDL-C、MDA、SOD、肝脏TG、TC,肝脏行HE病理切片制作。结果4周后与正常组相比,血清TG、TC、ALT、MDA、LDL-C、肝脏TG、TC均明显升高,SOD、HDL-C则明显降低,光镜下所见模型组1均出现弥漫性肝细胞脂肪变性,呈中重度脂肪肝变,并有炎症病灶。模型组2部分(3只)出现轻度脂肪肝变。结论通过4周混合喂养的大鼠出现明显的脂肪肝病变,成功造模。     

葱白提取物对非酒精性脂肪肝大鼠COX-Ⅱ表达的影响

目的观察葱白提取物对非酒精性脂肪肝(NAFLD)大鼠COX-Ⅱ表达的影响。方法采用脂肪乳灌胃法复制非酒精性脂肪肝大鼠模型,同时施加不同剂量的葱白提取物进行治疗,并与易善复胶囊、绞股蓝总甙片做对照,观察不同处理组大鼠肝脏病理形态学的变化,应用免疫组化法观察大鼠肝内COX-Ⅱ的表达情况。结果与正常对照组相比,模型组大鼠肝组织可见重度脂肪变,炎症细胞浸润,肝细胞坏死,汇管区渗出,大鼠肝内COX-Ⅱ表达明显增高。与模型组相比,鲜葱白提取物低、中、高剂量组能显著减轻肝脏脂肪变性(P0.01),COX-Ⅱ表达明显下降(P0.01)。结论鲜葱白提取物可以减轻灌胃脂肪乳诱导的NAFLD大鼠COX-Ⅱ的表达,从而减轻NAFLD的炎症。     

人参花提取物对酒精性脂肪肝的抑制作用

[目的]探讨人参花提取物对酒精性脂肪肝的抑制作用.[方法]将SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组、模型对照组及人参花提取物组,正常对照组给予Lieber-DeCarli Control Diet饮食,模型对照组和人参花提取物组给予5%(体积分数)乙醇稀释的Lieber-DeCarli Control Diet建立酒精性脂肪肝大鼠模型,于第7周开始人参花提取物组每天灌胃给予人参花提取物300mg/kg,共10d.末次给药12h后取各组血液及肝组织,分别测定血清总胆固醇(TC)、三酰甘油(TG)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)、肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α及肝脏丙二醛(MDA)、谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量.[结果]与模型对照组比较,人参花提取物组血清TC,TG,ALP,ALT,AST,TNF-α及肝脏MDA含量均明显降低(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001),而肝脏GSH水平明显升高(P<0.01).[结论]人参花提取物对酒精性脂肪肝的发生具有抑制作用.     

荷叶饮预防大鼠高脂血症及相关指标实验观察

目的观察荷叶饮预防大鼠高脂血症及对相关指标的作用.方法将SD大鼠随机分为四组,空白对照组饲以普通饲料,其他三组均饲高脂饲料.高脂模型组不治疗,阳性对照组饲以天雁减肥茶1g/(kg@d),荷叶饮组饲荷叶饮16g/(kg@d).连续灌胃40天,空腹称重后断尾尖采血,用酶标法测各组大鼠血清总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C),再给药饲养3天,空腹麻醉后断颈采血,肝素抗凝,用毛细管式自动电子计时粘度计测血液流变学;然后剖取肝脏,计脂肪肝数.结果荷叶饮组大鼠的TC、TG、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、动脉硬化指数(AI)均显著低于模型组,P＜0.01～0.05;全血比粘度、红细胞压积(%)明显低于模型组,P均＜0.05;脂肪肝数(25%)少于模型组(100%);体重增值较模型组显著降低,P＜0.01.结论提示荷叶饮有抑制高脂血症大鼠TC、TG、LDL-C和AI的作用,能改善血液的浓、粘状态,减缓体重增值,并抑制脂肪肝的发生,值得进一步研究.     

乌头原碱对非酒精性脂肪肝大鼠瘦素胰岛素抵抗的实验研究

目的:研究乌头原碱对大鼠非酒精性脂肪肝模型瘦素胰岛素抵抗的影响。方法:80只SD大鼠随机分为4组,每组20只。正常组喂普通饲料;模型组、治疗组和对照组喂高脂饲料。治疗组12周后给予乌头原碱2 mg/kg体质量灌胃治疗,对照组12周后给予二甲双胍150 mg/kg体质量灌胃治疗。16周处死大鼠。测定血清总胆固醇(total cholesterol,TC)、三酰甘油(triacylglycerol,TG),用放免法检测大鼠血清瘦素(leptin,LP)和胰岛素(in-sulin,Ins)水平,并观察肝组织脂肪变程度。结果:模型组血清TC、TG、LP、Ins水平升高,肝脏呈明显脂肪性变。治疗组较模型组及对照组血清TC、TG、LP、Ins水平均有显著性降低,脂肪性变程度明显降低(P<0.05)。结论:乌头原碱能通过调节TG、TC代谢,降低血清瘦素水平,改善胰岛素抵抗状态,降低肝脏脂肪性变,具有良好的防治脂肪肝作用。     

胆宁片对非酒精性脂肪肝模型大鼠肝脏保护作用的实验研究

目的研究胆宁片对高脂饮食诱导的非酒精性脂肪肝(NAFLD)模型大鼠肝脏的保护作用。方法将SPF级SD雄性大鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、胆宁片组、绞股蓝组及多烯磷脂酰胆碱组,采用高脂饲料喂养的方式复制NAFLD大鼠模型,模型复制成功后各组分别给予相应药物灌胃,4周后处死大鼠,观察各组大鼠肝脏组织病理学变化,测定并比较各组大鼠肝指数,血清甘油三酯(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)含量及肝组织中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、转化生长因子-β_1(TGF-β_1)、丙二醛(MDA)的含量。结果胆宁片能有效降低NAFLD模型大鼠肝指数及血清TG,TC,LDL-C含量,升高血清HDL-C含量(P0.05或P0.01),在降低TG方面作用明显优于绞股蓝(P0.01),在降低TC方面作用明显优于多烯磷脂酰胆碱(P0.01);能明显降低NAFLD模型大鼠肝组织中TNF-α,TGF-β_1,MDA的含量(P0.01),作用优于绞股蓝(P0.05),与多烯磷脂酰胆碱相当;能明显改善多余脂肪在肝细胞内堆积的状态。结论胆宁片对NAFLD模型大鼠肝脏有保护作用,其作用机制与降低肝组织中TNF-α,TGF-β_1,MDA的含量及血脂有关。     

归味消纤丸抗大鼠实验性肝纤维化的药效研究

目的：：从动物整体水平评价归味消纤丸抗四氯化碳(CCl4)诱导的大鼠肝纤维化药效,进一步验证归味消纤丸抗肝纤维化作用。方法：将72只健康 SD 大鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、HGP 组、GWXX低、中、高剂量组(1.5、3、6 g/kg)。除正常组外每组均采用 CCl4灌胃方法造成大鼠慢性实验性肝纤维化模型,各药物组在造模同时每天给予相应药物。给药12周末,以大鼠肝脏指数、肝纤维四项(HA、LN、PCⅢ、C-Ⅳ)为指标,观察归味消纤丸抗大鼠实验性肝纤维化作用。结果：与正常组比较,模型组大鼠肝脏指数升高不明显(P >0.05)。与模型组比较,HGP 组、GWXX 中剂量组和 GWXX 高剂量组肝脏指数升高不明显(P >0.05),GWXX 低剂量组肝脏指数明显升高(P <0.05);与正常组比较,模型组大鼠血清 HA、PCⅢ、C-Ⅳ显著增高(P <0.01)。与模型组比较,HGP 组血清 HA 明显降低(P <0.05),血清 PCⅢ(P <0.01)显著降低,而血清 LN、C Ⅳ差异无统计学意义(P >0.05)。与模型组比较,GWXX 低剂量组和GWXX 高剂量组的血清 HA、PC Ⅲ显著降低(P <0.01),GWXX 中剂量组血清 HA、PC Ⅲ、C-Ⅳ(P <0.01)显著降低。结论：归味消纤丸能有效抑制 CCl4诱导的大鼠肝纤维化,尤其以 GWXX 中剂量组效果最为明显。     

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.