白术醇提物对佐剂性关节炎大鼠足跖肿胀度和炎性细胞因子的影响

[目的]研究白术醇提物对佐剂性关节炎(adjuvant arthritis,AA)大鼠足跖肿胀度和炎性细胞因子的影响,并探讨可能的作用机制。[方法]将60只SD雌性大鼠随机分成6组,即空白组、模型组、阳性药组(阿司匹林)、白术醇提物低、中、高剂量组(0.25、0.5、1g/(kg·d))。除空白组外,其余各组用弗氏完全佐剂诱导建立大鼠AA模型,测量造模前后不同时间点的足跖肿胀度,ELISA法检测大鼠血清和炎性组织中的TNF-α、IL-1β和PGE2含量。[结果]与空白组相比,模型组大鼠的足跖肿胀度、血清和炎性组织中的炎症因子TNF-α、IL-1β和PGE2含量显著增加。与模型组相比,白术醇提物能剂量依赖性抑制AA大鼠的原发性足跖肿胀度,对继发性的足跖肿胀也有一定程度的抑制,能明显抑制AA大鼠血清和炎性组织中的TNF-α、IL-1β和PGE2的含量。[结论]白术醇提物对于佐剂性关节炎大鼠具有较好的保护作用,并且随着剂量的增大,保护作用增强,抑制炎症细胞因子TNF-α、IL-1β和PGE2合成和释放可能是其主要的作用机制之一。     

益肾清络活血方对佐剂性关节炎大鼠的抗炎作用研究

[目的]研究益肾清络活血方对佐剂性关节炎(adjuvant arthritis,AA)模型大鼠的抗炎作用。[方法]取70只SD大鼠,除正常组10只大鼠外,剩余60只大鼠给予右后足趾皮内注射弗氏完全佐剂复制AA大鼠模型,造模成功后随机分为模型组、雷公藤多苷片组、益肾清络活血方低、中、高剂量组,致炎第12d开始连续每天给药28d。检测并计算各组大鼠给药前、后足跖肿胀度和关节炎指数,于末次给药24h后采用ELISA法检测各组大鼠血清中白细胞介素1β(interleukin-1β,IL-1β)、肿瘤坏死因子α(tumor necrosis factor alpha,TNF-α)水平,Western Blot法检测大鼠踝关节滑膜组织中TNF-α蛋白表达水平。[结果]与模型组比较,给药后益肾清络活血方低、中、高剂量组AA大鼠关节炎指数下降(P0.05),大鼠足跖肿胀度减轻(P0.05),血清中IL-1β、TNF-α水平降低(P0.05),大鼠踝关节滑膜组织中TNF-α蛋白表达水平下调(P0.01)。给药后益肾清络活血方高、中、低剂量组关于降低AA大鼠各炎性指标呈剂量依赖关系。在血清IL-1β、TNF-α水平比较中,益肾清络活血方高、中、低剂量组疗效弱于雷公藤多苷片组(P0.05);在炎症指数、足跖肿胀度与蛋白表达中,益肾清络活血方高剂量组与雷公藤多苷片组疗效相当(P0.05),益肾清络活血方中、低剂量组疗效弱于雷公藤多苷片组(P0.05)。[结论]益肾清络活血方高、中、低剂量组对AA大鼠均有抗炎作用,益肾清络活血方高剂量组对AA大鼠抗炎作用优于益肾清络活血方中、低剂量组,其作用机制可能与抑制炎性因子IL-1β、TNF-α水平及降低关节滑膜组织中TNF-α蛋白表达水平有关。     

苗药方四大血对佐剂性类风湿关节炎大鼠TNF-α及IL-1β表达的影响

目的：研究苗药方四大血对佐剂型类风湿关节炎大鼠（AA）的作用及其机制。方法：建立类风湿性关节炎的动物模型——AA;将大鼠分成空白对照组及AA模型对照组（均采用生理盐水灌胃治疗）、四大血高、中、低剂量治疗组（生药浓度：40g／kg、20g／kg、lOg／kg）和阳性治疗对照组（40mg／kg雷公藤多甙片）。观察各组大鼠左、右足跖外观变化,测量各组原发侧足跖肿胀度,ELISA检测各组血清中炎性因子白细胞介素-1β（IL-1β）、肿瘤坏死因子α（TNF-α）表达水平。结果：与AA模型对照组相比,四大血高、中剂量治疗组及阳性治疗对照组大鼠足肿消散;与AA模型对照组比较,四大血下调了IL-1β、TNF-α的表达。结论：四大血能拮抗AA病情发展,其机制可能其与下调相关炎性因子表达有关。     

青藤碱对佐剂性关节炎大鼠炎症免疫功能的影响

[目的]观察青藤碱(SINO)对佐剂性关节炎(AA)大鼠炎症免疫功能的影响.[方法]选用SD大鼠随机分为正常组,模型组,SINO低、中、高剂量组(剂量分别为60、120、240 mg/kg),雷公藤多苷(TPT)组(剂量为30mg/kg);除正常组外,其他组均采用弗氏完全佐剂足跖皮内注射复制从模型;各组于造模后第12天开始给药,连续12 d;观察不同时间段的大鼠足趾肿胀度及关节评分;采用放射免疫法检测滑膜细胞白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)的含量;观察各组大鼠滑膜细胞的超微结构;采用逆转录一聚合酶链反应检测各组滑膜细胞-1β mRNA、TNF-αmRNA的表达.[结果]各剂量组SINO均可不同程度降低大鼠足趾肿胀度和关节炎评分,抑制滑膜细胞产生IL-1β、TNF-α,降低滑膜细胞IL-1β mRNA、TNF-α mRNA的表达(P<0.05或P<0.01),恢复AA大鼠滑膜细胞的形态.[结论]SINO治疗类风湿性关节炎的作用可能与其能抑制滑膜细胞分泌炎性介质,恢复滑膜细胞形态有关.     

益气活血法对AA大鼠滑膜细胞凋亡及血清细胞因子的影响

目的选用黄芪注射液与川芎嗪注射液配伍,观察"益气活血法"对佐剂性关节炎(AA)大鼠滑膜细胞凋亡及血清细胞因子的影响。方法建立AA大鼠模型,设正常对照组、模型对照组、黄芪组、川芎嗪组、黄芪与川芎嗪配伍组和甲氨喋呤组进行对比观察,用药3周后检测各组大鼠足跖肿胀程度,滑膜细胞凋亡及血清细胞因子浓度。结果黄芪与川芎嗪配伍组能显著抑制注射足跖肿胀程度(P0.05),显著提高滑膜细胞的凋亡率(P0.01),并降低大鼠血清中IL-1、TNF-α、IL-6的水平(均P0.01),上调IL-4的浓度(P0.01),与甲氨喋呤组效果相当,甚至优于甲氨喋呤组。结论益气活血法可能通过促进AA大鼠滑膜细胞的凋亡,抑制某些炎性因子的释放,起到治疗类风湿性关节炎(RA)的作用。     

火针对类风湿性关节炎大鼠踝关节JNK、p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶的影响

目的 观察火针对类风湿性关节炎（RA）模型大鼠踝关节c-junN末端激酶（c-jun N-terminal kinease,JNK）和p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶（p38MAPK）表达的影响,探讨火针治疗RA的作用机制。方法 采用雄性SD大鼠40只,随机分为正常组、模型组、火针组、药物（甲氨蝶呤,MTX）组,每组各10只。模型组、火针组、药物组大鼠分别给予建立佐剂性关节炎模型,正常组不造模。火针组点刺腰部夹脊穴和阿是穴,共治疗2次。分别于实验第1、2、4、6、8天检测大鼠右后足足跖肿胀度。实验第9天取血测大鼠血清TNF-α和IL-1β,取踝关节滑膜组织做关节组织病理学切片观察及局部滑膜组织蛋白JNK、p38的免疫组化,Western blot法测定局部滑膜组织JNK、p38的蛋白表达的影响。结果 实验第2天,模型组、火针组、药物组足跖肿胀度均与正常组有明显差异(P<0.01),实验第8天,火针组的足跖肿胀度明显低于模型组 (P<0.05);模型组大鼠血清TNF-α和IL-1β（P<0.05）含量高于正常组,滑膜细胞增生及炎性细胞浸润明显增多,而火针组、药物组较模型组血清TNF-α和IL-1β（P<0.05）含量有降低,滑膜细胞增生及炎性细胞浸润减少;与正常组比较,模型组大鼠局部滑膜组织JNK、p38的表达均有所升高（P<0.05～0.01）,与模型组比较,火针组、药物组JNK水平均表现为明显下降（P<0.05）,这种改变在相应的免疫组化镜下图片中均有所体现。结论 火针治疗可以有效地调节丝裂原活化蛋白激酶（MAPK）信号系统中JNK、p38蛋白活性的表达,降低MAPK活性,这可能是火针治疗RA起效的作用机制之一。      

豨莶醇对佐剂性关节炎大鼠血清细胞因子及滑膜细胞凋亡蛋白的影响

目的探讨豨醇(奇任醇)对佐剂性关节炎(AA)大鼠血清细胞因子白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)及滑膜细胞Bcl-2、Fas-L蛋白表达的影响。方法采用弗氏完全佐剂建立SD大鼠AA模型,分别给予奇任醇、氢化可的松、阿司匹林 环磷酰胺治疗;ILISA法测定实验大鼠血清IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-6水平;踝关节滑膜细胞进行Bcl-2、Fas-L免疫组化染色,运用计算机图像分析系统对染色结果进行分析。结果与正常组相比,模型组大鼠血清IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-6水平显著升高(P<0.01),滑膜细胞Bcl-2蛋白表达显著升高(P<0.05),Fas-L表达显著降低(P<0.05);与模型组比较,奇任醇组大鼠血清IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-6水平显著降低(P<0.01、0.05);滑膜细胞Bcl-2蛋白表达显著下调(P<0.05),Fas-L蛋白水平显著升高(P<0.05)。结论奇任醇可降低AA大鼠血清细胞因子IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-6水平,下调滑膜细胞Bcl-2蛋白表达、促进Fas-L蛋白表达。     

高三尖杉酯碱对大鼠佐剂性关节炎SP及IL-1β、TNF-α影响的实验研究

[目的]观察高三尖杉酯碱对大鼠佐剂性关节炎模型(AA)的作用.[方法]采用大鼠佐剂性关节炎模型,以雷公藤多甙作为阳性药物对照,观察高三尖杉酯碱对大鼠佐剂性关节炎模型SP及IL-1β、TNF-α的影响.[结果]经高三尖杉酯碱,雷公藤多甙干预后,AA大鼠血清与滑膜中TNF-α、IL-1β含量,以及血浆,滑膜中SP含量均明显下降.[结论]高三尖杉酯碱有与雷公藤多甙相类似的抗炎作用,可能是通过明显抑制AA大鼠血清与滑膜中TNF-α、IL-1β含量,以及血浆、滑膜中SP含量的分泌和释放,起到治疗AA大鼠关节炎作用的.     

艾叶二氧化碳超临界萃取物巴布剂对类风湿性关节炎大鼠的治疗作用

研究艾叶二氧化碳超临界萃取物巴布剂对佐剂性关节炎(adjuvant arthritis,AA)大鼠体重、足趾部肿胀程度、白细胞介素-1β(interleukin-1β,IL-1β）、白细胞介素-17（interleukin-17,IL-17）、肿瘤坏死因子-α（tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α）血清水平以及骨关节病理改变的影响,探讨其疗效以及作用机制。[方法]雄性SD大鼠50只,随机分为正常组、模型组、低剂量治疗组、中剂量治疗组和高剂量治疗组,每组10只。模型组及各治疗组采用完全弗氏佐剂(complete Freund's adjuvant,CFA)造模。造模成功后,正常及模型组每天以空白巴布剂给药,各治疗组分别以不同剂量的萃取物巴布剂给药。测量各组肿胀程度,治疗两周后测大鼠体重并评估关节炎得分;给药21d后取血测IL-1β、IL-17、TNF-α含量并观察病理切片。[结果]治疗组在一般行为、体重、病变关节炎症反应、关节肿胀缓解程度、关节炎评分降低等指标上较模型组有显著改善。艾叶二氧化碳超临界萃取物巴布剂能够明显地下调AA大鼠血清中的因子IL-1β、IL-17和TNF-α的水平。病理学结果显示,治疗组大鼠滑膜组织增生、血管翳形成减轻,炎细胞浸润较模型组明显减少。[结论]艾叶二氧化碳超临界萃取物巴布剂可有效减轻AA大鼠的关节病变。其可能机理在于萃取物干涉了RA所导致的免疫紊乱。     

基于“TLR4/NF-kB”信号通路研究“加味四妙丸”治疗急性痛风性关节炎大鼠的作用机制

[目的]观察"加味四妙丸"治疗急性痛风性关节炎(acute gouty arthritis,AGA)大鼠的疗效,并基于"TLR4/NF-kB"信号通路探讨"加味四妙丸"作用机制。[方法]108只SD雄性大鼠,随机分为正常组、模型组、秋水仙碱组、"加味四妙丸"低、中、高剂量组,每组18只。除正常组外,其余大鼠参照Coderre造模方法膝关节腔注射尿酸钠悬浊液制作AGA模型,治疗4d后,计算各时间点受试关节肿胀指数,光学显微镜观察受试关节滑膜组织病理学变化,采用ELISA法检测关节腔冲洗液IL-1β、TNF-α的含量,免疫组化法检测关节滑膜组织TLR4、NF-kB、p-NF-kB蛋白表达,RT-PCR法检测滑膜组织TLR4m RNA表达。[结果]与正常组比较,模型组大鼠膝关节肿胀指数显著升高(P0.01),关节滑膜组织炎性改变明显,滑膜组织中TLR4、NF-kB、p-NF-kB蛋白表达量和TLR4m RNA表达量显著上调(P0.01),关节腔冲洗液中IL-1β、TNF-α含量显著升高(P0.01);与模型组比较,"加味四妙丸"中、高剂量组大鼠治疗后关节肿胀指数显著下降(P0.01),关节滑膜组织炎性改变明显减轻,滑膜组织中TLR4、NF-kB、p-NFkB蛋白表达量和TLR4m RNA表达量均显著下调(P0.01),关节腔冲洗液中IL-1β、TNF-α含量显著下降(P0.01)。[结论]"加味四妙丸"可能通过抑制"TLR4/NF-kB"信号通路,从而抑制IL-1β、TNF-α的产生,起到治疗AGA的作用,且其疗效与药物剂量有一定相关性。     

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.