丹芍化纤胶囊对肝纤维化大鼠PDGFR-β和p-ERK1/2的影响

目的:通过观察丹芍化纤胶囊对肝纤维化大鼠PDGFR-β和p-ERK1/2的影响,探索其抗肝纤维化的可能机制.方法:♂SD大鼠55只,体质量180-220g,随机分为正常组、模型组、预防组.除正常组外,其余均采用四氯化碳、高脂饮食及乙醇复合因素复制肝纤维化模型,造模同时预防组每日一次予以0.8 g/kg丹芍化纤自来水悬液灌胃,模型组、正常组予以等体积自来水灌胃,持续8 wk.造模结束后肝组织HE染色病理检查,免疫组化检测肝组织PDGFR-β、蛋白印迹检测肝组织p-ERK1/2在各组表达,生化法检测各组血清透明质酸(HA)、层黏蛋白(LN)、Ⅲ型前胶原(PⅢP)、白蛋白(ALB)、总蛋白(TP),计算白球比(A/G).结果:造模8 wk后经病理学证实模型大鼠形成典型的肝纤维化,模型成功.与正常组相比,模型组肝组织PDGFR-β、p-ERK1/2及血清HA、LN、PⅢP均有显著升高,ALB、A/G显著降低(PDGFR-β:184.6±8.5 vs 89.6±5.8,P<0.05;p-ERK1/2:360.0±14.5 vx 15.4±2.1,P<0.05;HA:517.5±91.5μg/L vs 254.4±33.1μg/L,P<0.05;LN:58.4±11.3μg/L vs 37.3±9.8μg/L,P<0.05:PⅢP:36.9±5.6μg/L vs 4.7±1.5μg/L,P<0.05;ALB:27.4±4.9 g/L vs 42.1±1.6 g/L,P<0.05;A/G:0.89±0.08 vs 1.38±0.09,P<0.05);与模型组相比,预防组肝组织PDGFR-β、p-ERK1/2及血清HA、LN、PⅢP均有显著降低,ALB、A/G显著升高(PDGFR-β:91.1±6.3 vs 184.6±8.5,P<0.05;p-ERK1/2:253.8±18.2 vs 360.0±14.5,P<0.05;HA:322.9±41.4μg/L vs 517.5±91.5μg/L,P<0.05;LN:46.0±9.4μg/L vs 58.4±11.3μg/L,P<0.05;PⅢP:14.5±2.4μg/L vs 36.9±5.6μg/L,P<0.05;ALB:37.2±2.8g/L vs 27.4±4.9g/L,P<0.05;A/G:1.18±0.13 vs 0.89±0.08,P<0.05).结论:PDGFR-β及p-ERK1/2在肝纤维化形成中起重要作用,丹芍化纤胶囊具有良好的预防肝纤维化形成的作用,其降低PDGFR-β及p-ERK1/2在肝组织的表达可能是其作用机制之一.     

血清Ⅲ型前胶原和透明质酸联合检测对慢性肝病的诊断价值

目的:研究血清Ⅲ型前胶原(PCⅢ)和透明质酸(HA)联合检测的临床诊断价值。方法:采用放射免疫分析法测定166例慢性肝病患者血清PCⅢ和HA。结果:PCⅢ值在慢活肝组(242.9±57.6μg/L)和肝硬化组(242.4±86.4μg/L)显著升高(P<0.01),但该两组间几无差异。HA在正常人(78.5±40.5μg/L)、慢迁肝(126.6±51.3μg/L)、慢活肝(274.2±120.3μg/L)、肝硬化(451.7±132.3μg/L)4组间依次呈递增趋势(P<0.05)。按Child-Pugh分级法,PCⅢ和HA在肝硬化A、B和C3级间依次呈递增趋势(P<0.05)。PCⅢ值与血清白蛋白水平呈负相关,与球蛋白水平呈正相关,HA与血清ALT、总胆红素呈正相关。结论:本研究结果说明PCⅢ与HA联合检测能同时反映肝纤维化的严重性、活动性和肝细胞的变性坏死。     

丹芍化纤胶囊对肝纤维化大鼠PDGFR-β和p-ERK1/2的影响

目的通过观察丹芍化纤胶囊对肝纤维化大鼠PDGFR-β和p-ERK1/2的影响,探索其抗肝纤维化的可能机制.方法♂SD大鼠55只,体质量180-220 g,随机分为正常组、模型组、预防组.除正常组外,其余均采用四氯化碳、高脂饮食及乙醇复合因素复制肝纤维化模型,造模同时预防组每日一次予以0.8 g/kg丹芍化纤自来水悬液灌胃,模型组、正常组予以等体积自来水灌胃,持续8 wk.造模结束后肝组织HE染色病理检查,免疫组化检测肝组织PDGFR-β、蛋白印迹检测肝组织p-ERK1/2在各组表达,生化法检测各组血清透明质酸(HA)、层黏蛋白(LN)、Ⅲ型前胶原(PⅢP)、白蛋白(ALB)、总蛋白(TP),计算白球比(A/G).结果造模8 wk后经病理学证实模型大鼠形成典型的肝纤维化,模型成功.与正常组相比,模型组肝组织PDGFR-β、p-ERK1/2及血清HA、LN、PⅢP均有显著升高,ALB、A/G显著降低(PDGFR-β1 84.6±8.5 vs 89.6±5.8,P＜0.05;p-ERK1/2360.0±14.5 vs 15.4±2.1,P＜0.05;HA517.5±91.5 μg/L vs 254.4±33.1 μg/L,P＜0.05;LN58.4±11.3 μg/L vs 37.3±9.8 μg/L,P＜0.05;PⅢP36.9±5.6 μg/L vs 4.7±1.5 μg/L,P＜0.05;ALB27.4±4.9 g/L vs 42.1±1.6 g/L,P＜0.05;A/G0.89±0.08 vs 1.38±0.09,P＜0.05);与模型组相比,预防组肝组织PDGFR-β、p-ERK1/2及血清HA、LN、PⅢP均有显著降低,ALB、A/G显著升高(PDGFR-β91.1±6.3vs 184.6±8.5,P＜0.05;p-ERK1/2253.8±18.2vs 360.0±14.5,P＜0.05;HA322.9±41.4 μg/Lvs 517.5±91.5 μg/L,P＜0.05;LN46.0±9.4μg/L vs 58.4±11.3 μg/L,P＜0.05;PⅢP14.5±2.4 μg/L vs 36.9±5.6 μg/L,P＜0.05;ALB37.2±2.8 g/L vs 27.4±4.9 g/L,P＜0.05;A/G1.18±0.13 vs 0.89±0.08,P＜0.05).结论PDGFR-β及p-ERK1/2在肝纤维化形成中起重要作用,丹芍化纤胶囊具有良好的预防肝纤维化形成的作用,其降低PDGFR-β及p-ERK1/2在肝组织的表达可能是其作用机制之一.     

非酒精性脂肪性肝病患者瘦素与肝纤维化的关系

目的:研究非酒精性脂肪性肝病(nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,NAFLD)患者血清瘦素水平与肝纤维化指标的相关性,来探讨瘦素在NAFLD发展进程中的作用.方法:应用放射免疫法(RIA)测定33例NAFLD患者及30例对照组的瘦素、透明质酸(HA)、层粘蛋白(LN)、Ⅲ型前胶原(PCⅢ)、Ⅳ型胶原(Ⅳ-C),并测定空腹血糖(FBG)、总胆固醇(TC)、三酰甘油(TG)、空腹胰岛素(FINS)、体质量指数检测(BMI)等临床指标.结果:NAFLD患者的瘦素、BMI、空腹胰岛素及胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA IR)分别为11.07 μg/L±3.40 μg/L、27.33±2.98、14.19 mU/L±2.65 mU/L、3.48±0.65,显著高于对照组(P＜0.05);血清PCⅢ、Ⅳ-C、LN、HA在轻度NAFLD患者分别为68.17 μg/L±19.31 μg/L、39.06 μg/L±13.84 μg/L、62.51 μg/L±21.37 μg/L、44.52 μg/L±14.73 μg/L,与对照组比较无显著性差异(P＞0.05),在中、重度NAFLD患者分别为164.62 μg/L±18.47 μg/L、83.32 μg/L±24.73μg/L、152.22 μg/L±20.74 μg/L、212.51 μg/L±19.62 μg/L,明显高于对照组(P＜0.05),以HA最为显著(P＜0.01);轻度NAFLD患者,其血清瘦素与肝纤维化指标无相关关系(P＞0.05);中、重度NAFLD患者血清瘦素水平与肝纤维化指标有相关关系(P＜0.05).结论:瘦素与NAFLD患者肝纤维化进程密切相关.     

黏附分子在沙利度胺所致大鼠肝纤维化中的作用机制

目的:观察沙利度胺对大鼠实验性肝纤维化的治疗效果并探讨其作用机制.方法:四氯化碳腹腔注射制备大鼠肝纤维化模型后,应用沙利度胺(100 mg/kg)ig分别治疗2、4、6 wk作为动态观察时相点.HE染色观察肝组织病理变化,放射免疫法检测血清透明质酸(HA)、层粘连蛋白(LN)、Ⅲ型前胶原(PC Ⅲ)和Ⅳ型胶原(CⅣ)的表达,免疫组织化学法检测细胞间黏附分子-1(ICAM-1)、血管细胞黏附分子-1(VCAM-1)和E-选择素(E-selectin)蛋白质的表达,逆转录聚合酶链反应法检测ICAM-1、VCAM-1和E-selectin mRNA的表达.结果:与肝纤维化组相比,沙利度胺治疗4wk、6 wk能显著降低大鼠肝组织纤维化积分,显著降低血清HA(176.6±7.5 μg/L,173.8±6.7 μg/L vs 486.9±12.4 μg/L)、LN(38.4±5.8 μg/L,34.7±7.3 μg/L vs 84.5±5.2 μg/L)、PC Ⅲ(44.3±5.5 μg/L,40.2±6.1 μg/L vs 65.0±5.6μg/L)、CⅣ(31.8±6.7 μg/L,30.4±5.7 μg/L vs 55.6±6.5 μg/L)的含量(P＜0.05),沙利度胺治疗2 wk 4 wk,6 wk组均可显著降低ICAM-1、VCAM-1和E-selectin蛋白和mRNA的表达(P＜0.05).结论:沙利度胺可通过下调ICAM-1、VCAM-1和E-selectin表达水平而发挥抗肝纤维化作用.     

血清透明质酸、Ⅲ型前胶原氨基端肽及层黏蛋白与老年慢性心力衰竭心肌纤维化相关性研究

目的 分析老年慢性心力衰竭(CHF)患者血清透明质酸(HA)Ⅲ型前胶原肽(PCⅢP)及层黏连蛋白(LN)与CHF及其心肌纤维化的关系.方法 采用放射免疫平衡法检测老年CHF组患者39例(心功能Ⅱ级14例,Ⅲ级21例,Ⅳ级4例,纽约心脏病学会分级法NYHA)及老年心功能Ⅰ级组(NYHA)46例血清HA,PCⅢP及LN浓度.结果 血清HA,PCⅢP及LN浓度分别为CHF组(359.75±84.59),(77.88±24.67),(86.73±23.90)μg/L;心功能Ⅰ级组(211.60±54.80),(64.82±23.99),(82.26±23.98)μg/L.与心功能Ⅰ级组比较,CHF组HA浓度显著增加(P＜0.05);两组间PCⅢP及LN浓度差异不显著(P＞0.05).结论 血清HA浓度升高可提示老年CHF及其心肌纤维化.     

高血压病患者与正常人血清胶原代谢的对比研究

目的　测定高血压病 (EH)患者血清Ⅰ型前胶原羧基端肽 (PⅠP)、Ⅲ型前胶原氨基端肽 (PⅢP)和Ⅰ型胶原羧端交联肽 (ICTP)水平的改变 ,探讨其在高血压性心肌纤维化中的诊断价值。方法　采用放射免疫法测定 4 2例EH患者、30例正常对照者血清PⅠP、PⅢP及ICTP浓度 ,并对结果进行统计学分析。结果　EH患者血清PⅠP、PⅢP的含量分别为 (12 1 2± 2 0 8) μg/L和 (5 2± 3 2 ) μg/L ,明显高于正常对照组 (分别为 92 8μg/L± 13 3μg/L和 3 8μg/L±1 5 μg/L) ,P <0 0 5 ;ICTP的含量EH组虽有增加的趋势 (4 4± 1 7) μg/L ,但与正常组 (4 1± 1 5 )μg/L相比 ,P >0 0 5。有左心室肥厚 (LVH)的EH患者血清PⅠP水平高于无左心室肥厚 (无LVH)组 (12 7 6 μg/L± 18 5 μg/Lvs 10 5 3μg/L±12 4 μg/L,P <0 0 5 ) ,有LVH组血清ICTP水平低于无LVH组 (4 2 μg/L± 1 1μg/Lvs 5 0 μg/L± 1 2 μg/L ,P <0 0 5 ) ,而PⅢP水平两组无统计学差异 (P >0 0 5 )。结论　EH患者可能有Ⅰ型胶原及Ⅲ型胶原的合成增加 ,降解相对不足 ,测定PⅠP、PⅢP及ICTP可作为了解EH患者心肌纤维化的间接指标     

汉防己甲素对大鼠实验性肝纤维化的防治作用

目的:汉防己甲素(Tet)为中药粉防己根的提取物。本研究的目的为评价其抗肝纤维作用。方法:用40％CCl_41.2ml/kg体重皮下注射,2次/周,共12周,诱发SD大鼠肝纤维化。于初次注射开始,用Tet(治疗组)或盐水(对照组)灌胃,隔日1次共12周。分别于4、8、12、14周处死动物测定血清Ⅲ型前胶原(PCⅢ)、肝及血清透明质酸(HA)、胶原、储脂细胞(FSC)及其细胞器。结果:Tet可使血清PCⅢ、HA及肝HA降低,肝内胶原沉积减少。治疗结束时,血清PCⅢ为61.8±21.0ug/L,而对照组为270.2±46.1ug/L(P<0.01);血清HA分别为204.0±70.8ug/L与565.2±161.9ug/L(P<0.01);肝组织HA为86.9±15.3ug/g与186.5±46.2ug/g(P<0.01)。FSC及其内织网与线粒体受抑。结论:我们的实验结果显示Tet能抑制肝内胶原的沉积,可用于治疗慢性肝病之肝纤维化。     

重型肝炎患者血清肝纤维化指标及甲胎蛋白水平的动态变化及其与预后的关系

目的:初步探讨重型肝炎患者血清肝纤维化指标及甲胎蛋白(AFP)水平的动态变化及其与预后的关系.方法:在比较89例病毒性肝炎患者血清肝纤维化指标及AFP水平的基础上,着重研究其中39例重型肝炎患者血清肝纤维化指标及AFP水平在不同时期的动态变化规律.结果:重型肝炎患者血清透明质酸(HA)、Ⅲ型胶原氨基末端肽(PⅢP)和AFP水平高于慢性肝炎患者及正常人(3273.19±2060.83 vs127.63±110.63.35.50±18.59;2.13±1.20 vs1.18±0.43,0.80±0.18:130.98±244.51 vs20.40±12.68,7.50±1.23,均P<0.05),重型肝炎患者血清LN水平仅高于正常人(148.95±54.47 vs 120.70±18.35,P<0.05):HA、PⅢP和LN在生存组总体呈现下降趋势,死亡组呈现上升趋势,AFP水平在生存组呈现先升后降趋势,在死亡组急剧下降;血清HA、PⅢP、LN和AFP水平在亚急性组低于慢性组:重型肝炎患者HA与PTA、ALB、TBIL有较好的相关性(r=-0.372,-0.395,0.344,均p<0.05).结论:动态监测血清HA、PⅢP、LN和AFP水平对重型肝炎患者的预后判断有一定意义.结果:重型肝炎患者血清透明质酸(HA)、Ⅲ型胶原氨基末端肽(PⅢP)和AFP水平高于慢性肝炎患者及正常人(3273.19±2060.83 vs127.63±110.63.35.50±18.59;2.13±1.20 vs1.18±0.43,0.80±0.18:130.98±244.51 vs20.40±12.68,7.50±1.23,均P<0.05),重型肝炎患者血清LN水平仅高于正常人(148.95±54.47 vs 120.70±18.35,P<0.05):HA、PⅢP和LN在生存组总体呈现下降趋势,死亡组呈现上升趋势,AFP水平在生存组呈现先升后降趋势,在死亡组急剧下降;血清HA、PⅢP、LN和AFP水平在亚急性组低于慢性组:重型肝炎患者HA与PTA、ALB、TBIL有较好的相关性(r=-0.372,-0.395,0.344,均p<0.05).结论:动态监测血清HA、PⅢP、LN和AFP水平对重型肝炎患者的预后判断有一定意义.结果:重型肝炎患者血清透明质酸(HA)、Ⅲ型胶原氨基末端肽(PⅢP)和AFP水平高于慢性肝炎患者及正常人(3273.19±2060.83 vs127.63±110.63.35.50±18.59;2.13±1.20 vs1.18±0.43,0.80±0.18:130.98±244.51 vs20.40±12.68,7.50±1.23,均P<0.05),重型肝炎患者血清LN水平仅高于正常人(148.95±54.47 vs 120.70±18.35,P<0.05):HA、PⅢP和LN在生存组总体呈现下降趋势,死亡组呈现上升趋势,AFP水平在生存组呈现先升后降趋势,在死亡组急剧下降;血清HA、PⅢP、LN和AFP水平在亚急性组低于慢性组:重型肝炎患者HA与PTA、ALB、TBIL有较好的相关性(r=-0.372,-0.395,0.344,均p<0.05).结论:动态监测血清HA、PⅢP、LN和AFP水平对重型肝炎患者的预后判断有一定意义.     

β胡萝卜素对酒精性肝纤维化的防治效果

目的:研究β胡萝卜素防治酒精性肝纤维化患者的效果.方法:203例受试者,其中酒精性肝纤维化67例,非酒精性肝纤维化74例,慢性肝炎肝纤维化患者62例.另选60例健康体检者.采用肝纤维化血清透明质酸(HA)、层黏蛋白(LN)、Ⅳ型前胶原(Ⅳ-C)、Ⅲ型前胶原肽(PCⅢ)、血清结缔组织生长因子(CTGF)、血小板衍生生长因子-BB(PDGF-BB)、金属蛋白酶抑制剂-1(TIMP-1)、转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)、彩超进行组内组间比较,分析β胡萝卜素防治酒精性肝纤维化患者的效果.结果:HA、LN、Ⅳ-C、PCIII在肝纤维化S0-S1、S2-S4期患者治疗前较健康体检者均有显著性差异(均P<0.01).治疗后,除Ⅳ-C(μg/L)S2-S4期患者较健康体检者有统计学差异外(95.57±15.47,100.16±13.70,96.89±16.41vs84.05±24.16,均P<0.05),其他均无差异.CTGF、PDGF-BB、TIMP-1、TGF-β1在肝纤维化S0-S1、S2-S4期患者治疗较健康体检者均有统计学差异(均P<0.01).治疗后,除CTGF(μg/L)、PDGF-BB(μg/L)S2-S...     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.