活血化瘀注射液Ⅰ号预处理与缺血预处理改善肝缺血再灌注损伤

目的:研究活血化瘀注射液Ⅰ号(HHI-Ⅰ)预处理与缺血预处理(ischemic preconditioning,IP)对大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注(ischemia and reperfusion,I/R)损伤的改善作用,并比较两者的作用效果.方法:健康♂SD大鼠80只,随机分为假手术对照组(Sham组)、缺血再灌注组(I/R组)、缺血预处理组(IP组)、HHI-Ⅰ预处理组(HHI-Ⅰ组),每组20只.建立大鼠部分肝缺血模型,各组在I/R后1,3,6,24 h分别取材,测血清谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)的水平;取左肝测组织丙二醛(MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)的含量.I/R后1 h RTPCR检测肝组织中肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)和细胞间黏附分子-1(ICAM-1)mRNA的表达,I/R后3 h行组织学观察.结果:I/R组、IP组、HHI-Ⅰ组的ALT,AST,LDH活性、MDA值和TNF-α,ICAM-1 mRNA表达水平均明显高于Sham组.IP组、HHI-Ⅰ组低于I/R组.HHI-Ⅰ组所有时间点ALT,AST,LDH明显低于IP组(ALT:2378.8±303.4 nkat/Lvs 2840.6±248.4 nkat/L;AST:2887.2±270.1nkat/L vs 4567.6±275.1 nkat/L;LDH:10550.4±710.1 nkat/L vs 12164.1±735.1 nkat/L;P均＜0.05).HHI-I组MDA值明显低于IP组(17.35±1.39 nmol/g vs 21.66±1.84 nmol/g,P＜0.05).HHI-Ⅰ组TNF-α,ICAM-1 mRNA表达水平低于IP组(TNF-α:0.54±0.06 vs 0.78±0.08;ICAM-1:0.43±0.03 vs 0.69±0.11,P均＜0.01).各组SOD值均低于Sham组(P＜0.05),IP组、HHI-Ⅰ组均高于I/R组(P＜0.05),HHI-Ⅰ组SOD(1,3,6 h)明显高于IP组(136.00±12.50 nmol/g vs 124.70±9.32 nmol/g,P＜0.05).Sham组光镜下肝小叶结构正常;I/R组肝小叶结构紊乱,肝细胞水肿变性;IP组肝细胞水肿明显,部分肝细胞变性;HHI-Ⅰ组肝小叶结构基本正常,肝细胞无明显水肿.结论:HHI-Ⅰ预处理与IP均可改善I/R对肝脏造成的损伤,前者的效果优于后者.HHI-Ⅰ的保护机制可能在于改善肝脏微循环,减轻组织缺氧状态,并通过抑制TNF-α和ICAM-1等细胞因子和细胞黏附分子的转录表达,减少肝组织中中性粒细胞的浸润.     

活血化瘀注射液I号预处理与缺血预处理改善肝缺血再灌注损伤

目的研究活血化瘀注射液Ⅰ号(HHI-Ⅰ)预处理与缺血预处理(ischemic preconditioning,IP)对大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注(ischemia and reperfusion,I/R)损伤的改善作用,并比较两者的作用效果.方法健康♂SD大鼠80只,随机分为假手术对照组(Sham组)、缺血再灌注组(I/R组)、缺血预处理组(IP组)、HHI-Ⅰ预处理组(HHI-Ⅰ组),每组20只.建立大鼠部分肝缺血模型,各组在I/R后1,3,6,24 h分别取材,测血清谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)的水平;取左肝测组织丙二醛(MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)的含量.I/R后1 h RTPCR检测肝组织中肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)和细胞间黏附分子-1(ICAM-1)mRNA的表达,I/R后3 h行组织学观察.结果I/R组、IP组、HHI-Ⅰ组的ALT,AST,LDH活性、MDA值和TNF-α,ICAM-1 mRNA表达水平均明显高于Sham组.IP组、HHI-Ⅰ组低于I/R组.HHI-Ⅰ组所有时间点ALT,AST,LDH明显低于IP组(ALT2378.8±303.4 nkat/Lvs 2840.6±248.4 nkat/L;AST2887.2±270.1nkat/L vs 4567.6±275.1 nkat/L;LDH10550.4±710.1 nkat/L vs 12164.1±735.1 nkat/L;P均＜0.05).HHI-I组MDA值明显低于IP组(17.35±1.39 nmol/g vs 21.66±1.84 nmol/g,P＜0.05).HHI-Ⅰ组TNF-α,ICAM-1 mRNA表达水平低于IP组(TNF-α0.54±0.06 vs 0.78±0.08;ICAM-10.43±0.03 vs 0.69±0.11,P均＜0.01).各组SOD值均低于Sham组(P＜0.05),IP组、HHI-Ⅰ组均高于I/R组(P＜0.05),HHI-Ⅰ组SOD(1,3,6 h)明显高于IP组(136.00±12.50 nmol/g vs 124.70±9.32 nmol/g,P＜0.05).Sham组光镜下肝小叶结构正常;I/R组肝小叶结构紊乱,肝细胞水肿变性;IP组肝细胞水肿明显,部分肝细胞变性;HHI-Ⅰ组肝小叶结构基本正常,肝细胞无明显水肿.结论HHI-Ⅰ预处理与IP均可改善I/R对肝脏造成的损伤,前者的效果优于后者.HHI-Ⅰ的保护机制可能在于改善肝脏微循环,减轻组织缺氧状态,并通过抑制TNF-α和ICAM-1等细胞因子和细胞黏附分子的转录表达,减少肝组织中中性粒细胞的浸润.     

姜黄素对大鼠肝缺血再灌注早期肝组织一氧化氮表达的影响

目的:探讨姜黄素对大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注早期损伤微循环的影响.方法:将大鼠随机分为假手术组、对照组和实验组(姜黄素40 mg/kg,2次给药).通过检测再灌注早期1、3 h血清转氨酶水平、肝组织中一氧化氮(nitricoxide,NO)、一氧化氮合酶(nitricoxide synthase,NOS),诱导型一氧化氮合酶(inducible nitricoxide synthase,iNOS)mRNA及内皮型一氧化氮合酶(endothelium nitricoxide synthase,eNOS)mRNA水平,以及肝组织病理学检查来评价姜黄素对大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注早期损伤微循环的影响.结果:相对于对照组,姜黄素可降低大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注早期损伤1、3 h血清谷丙转氨酶(ALT)的水平(603.8 U/L±64.5 U/L vs 758.1 U/L±114.7U/L,837.1 U/L±33.3 U/L vs 1012.7 U/L±119.8 U/L,均P<0.01)和谷草转氨酶(AST)的水平(605.7 U/L±65.7 U/L vs 779.5 U/L±124.3 U/L,849.6 U/L±36.0 U/L vs 1027.8 U/L±139.8 U/L,均P<0.01);改善肝组织病理学损害;减少肝脏缺血再灌注早期损伤1、3 h肝组织由iNOS产生的NO蛋白水平(0.455±0.056 vs 0.594±0.087.0.492±0.040 vs 0.671±0.079,均P<0.01);降低肝脏缺血再灌注早期损伤1、3 h肝组织iNOS mRNA的表达强度(0.426±0.075 vs 0.569±0.073,0.527±0.066vs 0.702±0.089,均P<0.01).结论:姜黄素可通过减轻肝组织中由iNOS产生的NO生成,来改善肝缺血再灌注早期损伤中微循环的紊乱,从而减少对肝缺血再灌注肝实质细胞的损伤.     

链激酶对大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的:研究链激酶对大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用.方法:36只Wistar大鼠随机分成3组,每组12只.对照组大鼠肝脏经门脉10 mL乳酸林格液灌洗后,低温4℃UW液中保存24h.实验组大鼠肝脏经含链激酶7500 IU乳酸林格灌洗后,分别低温或低温静脉持续氧气灌注保存24 h后.离体常温再灌注45 min,观察灌洗液谷氨酰胺丙氨酸转氨酶(alanine aminotransferase.ALT)、谷氨酸乳酸脱氢酶(glutamate-lactate dehydrogenase,GLDH)和嘌呤核苷磷酸化酶(purine nucleoside phosphorylase,PNP)活性及肝脏胆汁分泌量、肝组织5'核苷酸酶活性的变化.结果:实验组再灌注过程中灌洗液ALT、GLDH和PNP活性均明显降低于对照组(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);胆汁分泌量增加[3.7±0.7μL/(g·45 min),9.1±0.μL/(g·45 min)vs1.1±0.9μL/(g·45 min),P＜0.05,P＜0.01);5'核苷酸酶活性染色明显增强.结论:链激酶改善低温保存肝脏的微循环,减轻缺血再灌注损伤.     

CXC趋化因子受体3和其配体在大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注损伤中的表达

目的:探讨CXC趋化因子受体3(CXCR3)及其配体IP-10和Mig在大鼠肝脏缺血/再灌注(I/R)损伤中的表达及作用.方法:32只Wistar大鼠随机分成4组,每组8只.即假手术组,部分肝脏缺血再灌注6,12和24 h组.应用酶联免疫吸附实验(ELISA)法检测肝组织肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α水平.应用半定量聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)法测定肝组织CXCR3及其配体IP-10,Mig mRNA的表达.同时检测血清丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)及天冬氨酸转氨酶(AST)的含量.结果:假手术组肝组织中CXCR3,IP-10,Mig mRNA低表达.缺血再灌注各组肝组织中CXCR3和IP-10 mRNA表达水平均明显高于假手术组(CXCR3:0.925±0.109,0.786±0.074,0.606±0.082 vs 0.125±0.028,均P<0.01;IP-10:0.863±0.091,0.680±0.075,0.543±0.284 vs 0.128±0.027,均P<0.01),6 h组高于12 h组(P<0.01),12h组与24h组无明显差别(P>0.05).Mig mRNA水平较假手术组相比,无显著差异(P>0.05).缺血再灌注各组TNF-α水平较假手术组明显升高(154.88±14-35 ng/L,258.88±13.73 ng/L,182.87±10.95 ng/L vs 23.63±4.00 ng/L,均P<0.01),再灌注12 h达高峰.结论:CXCR3及其配体IP-10在肝脏缺血再灌注早期表达上调,在缺血再灌注损伤中起重要的作用.     

预处理对肝脏再灌注损伤大鼠肝组织、血液中NO和ET的影响及意义

目的　探讨预处理对肝脏缺血再灌注损伤大鼠肝组织和血液中一氧化氮 (NO)和内皮素 (ET)含量的影响及意义。方法　建立肝脏 70 %缺血再灌注损伤大鼠模型 ,分为对照组、缺血组、缺血预处理组、L -精氨酸组(L - arg)、Nω-硝基 - N -精氨酸甲酯 (L - NAME)组 ,观察各组肝功能变化 ,检测肝组织和血清中 NO和 ET及透明质酸 (HA)水平。结果　预处理可减轻 NO水平的下降和血浆 ET的升高 ,防止肝功酶的升高 (P<0 .0 5 )。结论　预处理可诱导缺血再灌注损伤大鼠 NO产生增加、ET产生减少 ,进而改善其微循环 ,减少再灌注损伤。     

缺血后处理对大鼠移植心脏心肌缺血再灌注损伤不同时相的保护作用

目的探讨缺血后处理对大鼠移植心脏心肌缺血再灌注损伤不同时相的保护作用。方法建立近交系Lewis大鼠颈部异位心脏移植左心做功模型,受体大鼠存活2d后,随机分为3组:缺血再灌注组:结扎移植心脏冠状动脉左前降支30 min后再灌注3h、6h、12h、24h、2d、4d及7d,每个时相点8只受体鼠;缺血后处理组:移植心脏缺血30 min,在再灌注前1 min给予再通10秒,阻断10秒,连续3个循环。每个时相点8只受体鼠;假手术组:穿线做套环,但不收紧结扎线。分别比较再灌注结束后大鼠血清肌酸激酶同工酶MB(CK-MB)值、移植心脏心肌细胞凋亡指数和梗死范围。结果在再灌注时间3h、6h、12h、24h、2d、4d 6个时相点,缺血再灌注组与缺血后处理组血清CK-MB均值对应比较,差异均有统计学意义(P均0.05),均明显高于假手术组CK-MB值(P均0.05)。再灌注6h时,缺血后处理组CKMB峰值较缺血再灌注组明显降低[(34.73±8.83)U/L vs.(52.58±10.05)U/L,P0.01]。在再灌注时间3h、6h、12h、24h、2d、4d、7d 7个时相点,缺血后处理组心肌细胞凋亡指数及心肌梗死范围均低于缺血再灌注组,差异均有统计学意义(P均0.05),心肌细胞凋亡指数均高于假手术组(P均0.05)。结论缺血后处理在大鼠移植心脏心肌缺血再灌注3h~7d内能降低血清CK-MB峰值,减少心肌细胞凋亡和心肌梗死范围。     

异甘草酸镁对大鼠肢体缺血再灌注肝损伤时磷脂酶A2的影响

目的 探讨异甘草酸镁(MI)对大鼠肢体缺血再灌注肝损伤时磷脂酶A2(PLA2)的影响.方法 选取健康、雄性、清洁级SD大鼠24只,体质量(230±30)g,随机分成3组(每组8只):对照组(C组)、缺血再灌注组(I/R组)、异甘草酸镁治疗组(MI组).C组仅麻醉,肢体没有缺血操作; I/R组于再灌注前颈外静脉注入生理盐水1 ml;MI组于再灌注前同法给异甘草酸镁30mg/kg,计1ml.以橡皮带环绕结扎大鼠左后肢根部至趾掌无血流信号达4h后放开橡皮带,再灌注6h建立大鼠后肢缺血再灌注肝损伤模型.再灌注6h后各组处死动物采集标本,分别取大鼠的血清测定ALT、AST、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、肌酸激酶(CK),取肝组织做10％的匀浆,采用硫代巴比妥酸法测匀浆及血清的丙二醛(MDA)、髓过氧化物酶(MPO)值,采用酶联免疫法测匀浆及血清PLA2、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF α),电镜观察肝组织的超微结构改变.结果 (1)C组肝匀浆PLA2、TNFα、MDA、MPO分别为(74.1± 3.1)μg/g、(152.4±7.9)ng/g、(2.02±0.16)nmol/g、(0.20±0.03)活力单位/g；血清PLA2、TNFα、MDA、MPO分别为(80.3±3.9)μg/L、(121.7± 6.6) ng/L、(4.89±0.64) nmol/ml、(65.62±8.33)活力单位/ml; I/R组肝匀浆PLA2、TNFα、MDA、MPO分别为(94.83±21.99)μg/g、(361.3±46.6)ng/g、(3.038±0.391)nmol/g、(0.422±0.062)活力单位/g;血清PLA2、TNFα、MDA、MPO分别为(118.4±9.3) μg/L、(152.7±15.7) ng/L、(7.30±0.73) nmol/ml、(94.83±21.99)活力单位/ml;MI组肝匀浆PLA2、TNFα、MDA、MFO分别为(84.3±5.8) μg/g、(314.4±13.9)ng/g、(2.49±0.07) nmool/g、(0.31±0.05)活力单位/g ;血清PLA2、TNFα、MDA、MPO分别为(96.0±4.4) μg/L、(137.0±5.5) ng/L、(5.61±0.36) nmol/ml、(74.26±5.81)活力单位/ml,与C组比较,I/R组肝匀浆及血清PLA2、TNFα、MDA、MPO均升高,t值分别为10.743、12.504、5.458、8.939和12.303、5.154、7.019、3.513,P值均＜0.01,差异有统计学意义.与I/R组比较,MI组肝匀浆及血清PLA2、TNFα、MDA、MPO均降低,t值分别为6.170、2.726、3.409、3.946和6.543、2.676、5.926、2.558,P值均＜0.05,差异有统计学意义.(2)C组血清中ALT、AST、CK、LDH分别为(64.0±8.9)U/L、(113.4±18.2) U/L、(286.5±26.5) U/L、(190.8±39.0) U/L;I/R组分别为(381.0±133.8) U/L、(1227.0±383.8)U/L、(3944.9±552.0)U/L、(3050.0±833.3)U/L; MI组分别为(205.6±68.7) U/L、(851.8±126.7)U/L、(1252.5±196.3) U/L、(1177.5±244.0)U/L,与C组比较,I/R组血清中ALT、AST、CK、LDH均明显升高,t值分别为6.687、8.197、19.188、9.376,P值均＜0.01,差异有统计学意义.与I/R组比较,MI组血清中ALT、AST、CK、LDH均明显降低,t值分别为3.298、2.626、12.998、6.100,P值均＜0.05,差异有统计学意义.(3)电镜下组织超微结构I/R组中肝组织损伤明显,而用MI组肝组织的损伤明显减轻. 结论 异甘草酸镁能够通过降低PLA2和TNFα生成而减少炎症介质的释放、抑制氧自由基代谢产物MDA的产生和减少MPO的活性,对肢体缺血再灌注过程中的肝损伤有一定的保护作用.     

黄芪对大鼠肝缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的 探讨黄芪对大鼠肝缺血再灌注损伤的影响,以及与缺血预处理(IP)作用效果的比较.方法 清洁级健康雄性SD大鼠96只,随机分为假手术组、缺血再灌注组(IR组)、缺血预处理组(IP组)、黄芪组,每组又按再灌注时间(1、3、6、24 h)分为4个时相,每组各时相为6只.制作70%肝缺血再灌注模型,测血清谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)水平;测肝组织髓过氧化物酶(MPO)含量;用免疫组化法检测IL-10、TNF-α表达;以及光镜及电镜观察大鼠肝形态学变化.结果 IR、IP、黄芪组ALT、AST、LDH和MPO含量均明显高于假手术组(P<0.01).与IR组相比,IP、黄芪组各个时相点的值均下降(P<0.05).与IP组比较,黄芪组各个时相点的值均降低(P<0.05).IR、IP、黄芪组肝组织TNF-α、IL-10的阳性细胞表达率均比假手术组高(P<0.05);与IR组比较,IP、黄芪组TNF-α的表达减少,而IL-10的表达增强(P<0.05);与IP组比较,黄芪组TNF-α的表达减少,IL-10表达增强(P<0.05).在光镜及电镜下观察肝形态学变化,可见IR组损伤甚为明显,IP及黄芪组损伤程度较IR组轻,黄芪组更轻,而假手术组肝形态正常.结论 IP和黄芪都可减轻缺血再灌注对肝脏的损伤,且后者较前者效果好.     

高渗盐水对大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用及其机制

目的 研究高渗盐水(7.5％氯化钠注射液)对大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注损伤的影响,并探讨其作用机制.方法 清洁健康雄性SD大鼠60只,体重220 ～ 260 g,随机分为4组:假手术组(Ⅰ组,Sham组)、缺血再灌注组(Ⅱ组,IR组)、缺血预处理组(Ⅲ组,IP组)、高渗盐水预处理组(Ⅳ组,HTS组)每组15只.制作70％肝脏缺血再灌注模型,肝脏缺血40 min,再灌注1、6、24h三个亚组,每个亚组5只.测定血清谷草转氨酶(AST)、谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、一氧化氮(N0)、内皮索-1(ET-1)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)和白介素-10(IL-10)的水平及再灌注6h后的肝组织病理学改变.免疫组化法检测再灌注6h的肝组织Bcl-2及Bax的表达;TUNEL法检测肝细胞凋亡指数(AI).结果 IR组、IP组及HTS组各时点AST、ALT、Bax及AI较同时点Sham组高,IL-10、NO且及Bcl-2水平较Sham组低,肝组织病理学损害重于Sham组;HTS组及IP组各时点AST、ALT、TNF-α、ET-1、Bax 及AI较同时点IR组低,HTS组最低,且IL-10、NO及Bcl-2水平较IR组高,HTS组最高,肝组织病理学损害明显轻于IR组,HTS组最轻.结论 HTS可以通过抑制血清TNF-α的升高、维持IL-10的水平,抑制肝组织Bax的表达,促进Bcl-2的表达,抑制肝细胞凋亡,从而减轻肝脏缺血再灌注损伤.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.