超顺磁性氧化铁标记脂肪干细胞移植入大鼠心脏后的活体磁共振示踪成像

目的 探讨超顺磁性氧化铁(SPIO)标记脂肪干细胞(ADSCs)移植入大鼠心脏后的活体磁共振成像(MRI)示踪的可行性.方法 使用左旋多聚赖氨酸-SPIO共培养方式标记ADSCs.采用普鲁士蓝染色及透射电镜观察细胞内铁颗粒,台盼兰染色检测细胞活力,并对标记的干细胞进行体外MRI成像.将经过SPIO标记的干细胞移植入正常大鼠心脏,使用MRI进行活体成像观察并与病理结果进行对照分析.结果 普鲁士蓝染色于ADSCs胞浆内可见蓝色颗粒,电镜检查见铁颗粒位于内涵体/溶酶体内;台盼兰染色检测细胞活力实验组与对照组差异无显著性(P>0.05);标记了SPIO的干细胞体外MRI成像时,实验组信号显著低于阴性对照组和空白对照组;标记后的干细胞移植到心脏后,MRI显示细胞移植区域信号缺失,对应区域病理切片普鲁士蓝染色可见胞浆内染色阳性的细胞.结论 MRI可以对移植入心脏的经SPIO标记的干细胞进行无创、动态的活体示踪成像,有助于了解移植细胞在体内的存活及迁徙情况.     

超顺磁性氧化铁对血管内皮细胞的生物学影响及其磁共振成像效应

目的:研究磁共振对比剂超顺磁性氧化铁(SPIO)对血管内皮细胞生物学影响及磁共振成像的可能性,为SPIO对血管内皮细胞靶向性成像提供依据.方法:采用经典共沉淀法,合成柠檬酸包被的SPIO.实验组为浓度分别为0.01、0.05、0.10、0.15 mg/ml的SPIO,共同孵育人脐静脉血管内皮细胞,对照组为细胞在不含SPIO的培养液中孵育.采用普鲁士蓝染色,评价血管内皮细胞对SPIO的摄取情况.采用Calcein-AM法检测细胞活性的变化.通过免疫荧光染色对血管内皮细胞的肌动蛋白、微管蛋白进行荧光染色,评价血管内皮细胞骨架的变化.采用免疫荧光染色的方法,对局部粘着斑蛋白激酶(FAK)进行荧光染色,评价细胞迁移、粘附能力的变化.通过透射电镜观察SPIO在细胞内的分布及细胞内细胞器的变化.采用原子吸收分光光度计检测细胞内SPIO的含量.通过Philips 3.0T 磁共振,对细胞琼脂凝胶细胞悬液进行磁共振扫描,了解磁共振扫描时信号的变化.结果:血管内皮细胞按浓度依赖式摄取SPIO.与对照组相比随SPIO孵育浓度的增加,SPIO对细胞的活性的毒性增加.与对照组相比细胞的肌动蛋白、微管蛋白纤维紊乱,FAK颗粒变粗,分布稀疏.SPIO主要位于胞质的溶酶体内,随孵育浓度的增加,溶酶体的数量增多,并出现大小不一空泡样结构.当SPIO浓度为0.15 mg/ml时,细胞内铁含量为(55.86±9.935)pg.磁共振扫描图像显示与SPIO共同孵育的细胞,信号出现明显的降低.结论:摄取SPIO的血管内皮细胞可以被MR检测到,但SPIO对血管内皮细胞的活性、骨架、粘附、迁移造成了一定影响,而这些影响与SPIO浓度有明显的依赖性.     

应用超顺磁性氧化铁纳米粒子标记神经干细胞及活体磁共振示踪的实验研究

目的 探索超顺磁性氧化铁纳米粒子(SPIO)标记神经干细胞体的方法及其检测手段,研究标记细胞移植后在活体上磁共振信号的改变。方法 分离培养新生鼠皮层神经干细胞,使用SPIO和多聚赖氨酸联合标记神经干细胞;将标记后的神经干细胞移植入Wistar大鼠脑内,应用不同的扫描序列对脑内移植的神经干细胞进行示踪。结果 体外标记的神经干细胞普鲁士蓝染色见细胞浆内有许多蓝染的铁颗粒,电镜检查表明SPIO颗粒存在于标记细胞的吞饮小泡及细胞基质内,标记后的细胞可正常分化。脑内移植的标记细胞在磁共振上呈明显的低信号改变,以GREE序列信号改变最为明显。结论 超顺磁性氧化铁粒子可以用来标记神经干细胞,且对细胞增殖、分化无影响,SPIO颗粒存在于标记细胞的吞饮小泡及细胞基质内。标记后体内移植的神经干细胞可以在MR上产生明显的低信号改变。     

探讨不同浓度 SPIO 对人成纤维细胞标记率和细胞活力影响及其MRI的实验研究

目的:探讨不同浓度超顺磁性氧化铁纳米粒子( Super-paramagnetic iron oxide,SPIO)体外标记人成纤维细胞 (Human fibroblast cells,Hfbs) 的磁性标记率、对细胞生长活力的影响,以及体外磁共振成像(Magnetic resonance imaging,MRI) 成像的特征.方法:将单纯 SPIO(铁浓度为 200 μg/ml )、不同浓度的SPIO-多聚赖氨酸复合物分别与培养基混合( 铁的终浓度分别为 150、100、50、25 μg/ml,PLL 终浓度为 7.5 μg/ml ),加入 Hfbs 共同培养 12、24、48、72 h 后收集细胞.采用台盼蓝排除试验检测细胞活性和普鲁士蓝染色法检测细胞铁分布.运用光学显微镜、透射电镜观察铁颗粒在细胞内的位置、计算其标记率;MR 扫描观察细胞信号强度变化情况.结果:SPIO-多聚赖氨酸复合物组细胞标记率显著高于单纯 SPIO 标记组 (P<0.05 ), 台盼蓝排除试验显示,100 μg Fe/ml 及其以下浓度组细胞活力与对照组之间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05 ).普鲁士蓝染色显示每个标记细胞胞质内可见多少不等的蓝染铁颗粒,电镜显示铁颗粒集中于内涵体和溶酶体中;含量在 25～50 μg Fe/ml 的培养液是 SPIO 标记干细胞的安全浓度,在此浓度阈值标记后孵育 18～24 h 即可有效标记细胞 95%～100% ;MR扫描显示标记细胞信号强度明显降低.结论:自制合成的 SPIO-多聚赖氨酸复合物可以简便、安全的标记人成纤维细胞.并且在适当浓度 25 μg Fe/ml 标记细胞不仅标记效率高,而且对细胞活力无明显影响,SPIO 标记细胞明显降低MR扫描下的细胞信号强度.     

超声辐照联合微泡增强介导SPIO标记ADSCs及细胞内铁蛋白表达

目的:探讨超声辐照联合微泡增强介导超顺磁氧化铁(SPIO)标记脂肪干细胞(ADSCs),及其对干细胞内铁蛋白表达的影响。方法:使用超声辐照干细胞+超声微泡+SPIO细胞悬液标记ADSCs,使用普鲁士蓝染色检测细胞的SPIO标记情况,台盼兰染色检测细胞活力,并使用Western-blot对ADSCs内的铁蛋白轻链(Fn-L)表达进行检测。结果:普鲁士蓝染色可见ADSCs铁染色呈阳性,在胞浆内可见蓝色颗粒;台盼兰染色检测细胞活力实验组与对照组差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),标记后的ADSCs内的Fn-L表达在标记后2 h即升高。结论:超声辐照联合微泡增强可以有效对ADSCs进行磁探针标记,标记后细胞内铁蛋白升高。     

超顺磁性氧化铁标记大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞的磁共振成像研究

目的:探讨超顺磁性氧化铁纳米粒子(Superparamagnetic iron oxide,SPIO)体外标记大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞(Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,BMSCs)的适当浓度和不同标记浓度对细胞的生物学活性影响,以及经MR成像的特征等.方法:选取第5代细胞进行不同浓度SPIO标记,运用光学显微镜观察铁颗粒在细胞内的位置、分布及标记率;选取适当浓度标记量,使用1.5T磁共振进行T1wI、T2WI、T2*WI扫描,测量不同扫描序列标记细胞管的信号强度改变,并进行统计学分析.结果:标记后的铁颗粒均位于细胞质内;含量在25～50μg Fe/ml的培养液是SPIO标记干细胞的安全浓度,在此浓度阈值标记后孵育24 h即可有效标记细胞97%～100%;SPIO标记的MSCs在T1WI,T2WI及T2*WI序列信号均降低.结论:SPIO可以简便标记MSCs.并且在适当浓度下对MSCs的生物学活性没有影响,MR T2WI和T2*WI序列可有效显像磁性标记的干细胞,为下一步活体试验奠定基础.     

绿色荧光蛋白转基因胎鼠神经干细胞的超顺磁性氧化铁标记

目的探讨超顺磁性氧化铁（SPIO）标记对绿色荧光蛋白（GFP）转基因胎鼠神经干细胞（NSCs）的标记效果及标记后对其生物学特性的影响.方法采用多聚赖氨酸（PLL）介导SPIO的方法标记NSCs,用普鲁士蓝染色观察标记后NSCs内铁,比较标记和未标记NSCs的GFP表达、活力、增殖、凋亡及多向分化能力.结果普鲁士蓝染色示标记NSCS胞质内见大量蓝色颗粒,细胞的活力、增殖、凋亡及多向分化能力检测均显示两组细胞间无明显差别.结论用PLL介导SPIO标记NSCs是一种可行、安全、有效的细胞内标记方法.     

大鼠骨髓内皮祖细胞SPIO标记及检测

目的：研究大鼠骨髓内皮祖细胞（endothelial progenitor cells,EPCS）的分离、培养、SPIO标记,SPIO对EPCS的标记效果及其对细胞存活、增殖以及凋亡的影响,为进一步的实验研究奠定基础。方法：SD大鼠体重120～150 g,采用梯度密度离心法和贴壁法获取大鼠EPCS,采用25μg/ml SPIO对其标记,比较标记和未标记的EPCS。普鲁士蓝染色观察铁标记率,台盼蓝检测细胞活力,MTT法检测细胞增殖力,Calcein-AM/PI染色检测细胞活性及细胞膜完整性,AO/PI染色检测细胞凋亡率。结果：分离培养EPCS 7～10 d,细胞集落相互连接,呈典型的铺路石样外观。普鲁士兰染色显示SPIO（25μg/ml,24 h）对细胞的标记率接近94%;比较SPIO标记及未标记的EPCS,细胞活力分别为（94.34±0.25）%和（95.33±0.31）%;MTT法检测两组间相比差异无统计意学义（P〉0.05）;Calcein-AM/PI染色检测细胞的活性和膜完整性,存活率分别为96%和97%;AO/PI染色两组细胞的凋亡率均为5%。结论：采用梯度离心法从骨髓中分离单个核细胞,经诱导培养可实现内皮祖细胞的分离培养。25μg/ml浓度的SPIO细胞标记率高,对细胞毒性小,且不影响EPCS的活力、增殖及凋亡。     

体外纳米磁标记骨髓间充质干细胞生物学特性及其MR成像

目的 研究超顺磁性氧化铁粒子(superparamagnetic iron oxide particles,SPIO)体外标记兔骨髓间充质干细胞(mesenchymal stem cells,MSCs)及MR细胞成像示踪可行性.方法 从兔骨髓中分离培养MSCs,体外不同浓度SPIO联合硫酸鱼精蛋白标记,未标记细胞设为对照组.普鲁士蓝染色和电镜检查鉴定细胞内铁颗粒,台盼蓝染色检测细胞存活,MTF法测定细胞生长曲线的变化,磁标记MSCs转入成骨、成脂肪培养基中进行诱导培养后进行鉴定,应用1.5T MR梯度回波T2加权(GRE T2 *WI)扫描序列和自旋回波T2加权(SE T2WI)扫描序列对磁标记细胞成像示踪.结果 普鲁士蓝染色和电镜检查显示细胞质内含致密铁颗粒,磁标记对MSCs活性和增殖无统计学差异(P<0.05),标记细胞可正常成骨、成脂肪分化.GRE T2*WI序列和SE T2WI序列提示与未标记细胞信号强度(sI)相比,1×106(标记细胞)、5×105(标记细胞)SI均显著性下降(P<0.05),其中GRE T2*WI的信号强度衰减率(△SI)显著高于T2WI序列(P<0.05).在2个序列中1×106(标记细胞)△SI均高于5×105(标记细胞)△SI,但不具有显著性差异(P>0.05).结论 SPIO联合硫酸鱼精蛋白转染剂能成功标记MSCs,磁标记对细胞存活、增殖及潜在多向分化能力无影响.磁标记细胞在MR上产生特征性的低信号改变.应用1.5T MR成像示踪标记细胞可行,以GRE T2*WI序列成像最为敏感.     

SPIO标记骨髓间充质干细胞移植入心肌梗死大鼠的示踪研究

目的探讨超顺磁性氧化铁微粒(SPIO)体外标记骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSCs)及体内示踪移植入大鼠心肌梗死心脏的BMSCs的能力。方法使用左旋多聚赖氨酸-SPIO共培养方式标记BMSCs。采用普鲁士蓝染色观察细胞内铁颗粒,流式细胞术检测细胞活力,将经过SPIO标记的干细胞移植入心肌梗死大鼠心脏,应用1.5TMRI系统行磁标记干细胞成像。超声心动图检测各组心脏的左室射血分数(EF),左室舒张末期内径(LVIDd),左室收缩末期内径(LVIDs)及短轴缩短率(FS)。结果普鲁士蓝染色显示,SPIO标记的BMSCs细胞胞质内出现细小的蓝色铁颗粒,标记效率为(99.81±1.57)%;与正常未标记细胞相比较,细胞的活力差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。标记了SPIO的BMSCs体内MRI成像时显示,细胞移植区域信号缺失,对应区域病理切片普鲁士蓝染色可见胞浆内染色阳性的细胞。超声心动图显示,PBS组FS移植前后没有明显变化,BMSC组FS从移植前的(23.1±1.88)%上升到第1周的(31.28±4.15)%。BMSC组EF在移植前是(51.13±5.07)%,第1周时上升到(60.12±8.40)%。结论 SPIO能成功地标记BMSCs,且对BMSCs的活力无明显影响。BMSCs移植后能改善心梗大鼠的心功能。SPIO标记的BMSCs移植后在大鼠体内的分布、迁移过程可用MRI进行检测评价。     

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.