哮喘小鼠模型中气道重构的变化及地塞米松的干预作用

目的探讨哮喘小鼠模型中气道重构的变化及地塞米松的干预作用。方法将小鼠随机分成正常对照组、哮喘模型组、地塞米松治疗组(DXM组),每组10只。哮喘组和DXM组给予卵蛋白(OVA)致敏并反复雾化吸入OVA 2周、4周,DXM组腹腔注射DXM。各组分别于末次雾化激发后进行取材,收集肺组织,制作石蜡切片,HE染色观察气道中嗜酸性粒细胞;测定单位气道面积基底膜周径(Pbm)、管壁总面积(WAt)、内壁面积(WA i)、平滑肌面积(WAm);用免疫组织化学方法检测肺组织中CTGF表达水平。采用SPSS 13.0软件进行统计分析。结果哮喘模型组WAt/Pbm、WA i/Pbm、WAm/Pbm及CTGF表达显著高于对照组,给予DXM可显著缓解上述指标的升高。结论气道重构在哮喘发病早期即已出现,并随着病程的延长而加重,使用地塞米松可部分抑制气道重构。     

布地奈德吸入对慢性支气管哮喘小鼠转化生长因子β1/Smad信号通路的影响

目的 观察布地奈德对慢性支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)小鼠转化生长因子β1(transforming growth factor-β1,TGF-β1)/Smad信号通路的影响.方法 30只小鼠按随机数字表法分成哮喘组、布地奈德组、正常对照组,每组10只.哮喘组小鼠于第0天和第14天以卵白蛋白(OVA)致敏,第24天开始雾化吸入1%OVA激发并持续28 d,建立哮喘气道重塑模型;布地奈德组在吸入OVA前2 h雾化吸入布地奈德30 min;正常对照组以生理盐水代替OVA.于最后一次雾化结束后24 h对肺组织行苏木精-伊红染色观察病理学改变;运用医学图像分析软件测定管腔内周长(Pi)、管壁面积(WAt)、支气管平滑肌面积(WAm)、支气管平滑肌细胞核数(N),将WAt、WAm、N用Pi标准化;用免疫组织化学方法检测肺组织TGF-β1蛋白表达;用逆转录-聚合酶链反应半定量检测肺组织TGF-β1、Smad 2、Smad 3、Smad 7 mRNA表达.结果 哮喘组WAt/Pi、WAm /Pi、N /Pi与对照组比较差异有统计学意义(P值均<0.05),布地奈德组与哮喘组比较差异也具有统计学意义(P值均<0.05);哮喘组TGF-β1蛋白和TGF-β1、Smad 2、Smad 3 mRNA的表达较对照组增加,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),布地奈德组TGF-β1蛋白和TGF-β1、Smad 2、Smad 3 mRNA的表达下降,与哮喘组比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);布地奈德组可显著上调Smad 7 mRNA的表达,与哮喘组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 早期雾化吸入布地奈德通过抑制慢性哮喘小鼠肺组织TGF-β1、Smad 2、Smad 3的过度表达,上调Smad 7的表达,从而阻断TGF-β1/Smad信号通路,明显减轻哮喘小鼠的气道重塑.     

布地奈德吸入对慢性支气管哮喘小鼠转化生长因子β1/Smad信号通路的影响

目的 观察布地奈德对慢性支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)小鼠转化生长因子β1(transforminggrowth factor-β1,TGF-β1)/Smad信号通路的影响.方法 30只小鼠按随机数字表法分成哮喘组、布地奈德组、正常对照组,每组10只.哮喘组小鼠于第0天和第14天以卵白蛋白(OVA)致敏,第24天开始雾化吸人1%OVA激发并持续28 d,建立哮喘气道重塑模型;布地奈德组在吸入OVA前2 h雾化吸入布地奈德30 min;正常对照组以生理盐水代替OVA.于最后一次雾化结束后24 h对肺组织行苏木精一伊红染色观察病理学改变;运用医学图像分析软件测定管腔内周长(Pi)、管壁面积(WAt)、支气管平滑肌面积(WAm)、支气管平滑肌细胞核数(N).将WAt、WArn、N用Pi标准化;用免疫组织化学方法检测肺组织TGF-β1蛋白表达;用逆转录-聚合酶链反应半定量检测肺组织TGF-β1、Smad 2、Smad 3、Smad 7 mRNA表达.结果 哮喘组WAt/Pi、WAm/Pi、N/Pi与对照组比较差异有统计学意义(P值均<0.05).布地奈德组与哮喘组比较差异也具有统计学意义(P值均<0.05);哮喘组TGF-β1蛋白和TGF-β1、Smad 2、Smad 3 mRNA的表达较对照组增加,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),布地奈德组TGF-β1蛋白和TGF-β1、Smad 2、Smad 3 mRNA的表达下降.与哮喘组比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);布地奈德组可显著上调Smad 7 mRNA的表达.与哮喘组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 早期雾化吸入布地奈德通过抑制慢性哮喘小鼠肺组织TGF-β1、Smad 2、Smad 3的过度表达.上调Smad 7的表达,从而阻断TGF-β1/Smad信号通路,明显减轻哮喘小鼠的气道重塑.     

地塞米松对哮喘小鼠气道平滑肌细胞中胸腺活化调节趋化因子表达的影响

目的探讨胸腺活化调节趋化因子(TARC)在哮喘小鼠气道平滑肌细胞中的表达及地塞米松对TARC的影响。方法 36只小鼠随机分为对照组(A组)、哮喘模型组(B组)、地塞米松治疗组(C组),每组12只。以卵白蛋白OVA和氢氧化铝混悬液致敏及OVA激发建立哮喘小鼠模型。行支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)沉渣白细胞及嗜酸性粒细胞(EOS)计数,HE染色观察肺组织病理改变,应用酶联免疫吸附实验测定血清及BALF中TARC、IL-4的浓度,并用免疫组织化学的方法测定气道平滑肌细胞中TARC蛋白的表达量。结果 B组白细胞及EOS计数明显高于A、C组(P<0.01),C组EOS计数高于A组(P<0.05)。B组血清及BALF中TARC及IL-4的浓度显著高于A、C组(P<0.01);C组血清、BALF中TARC的浓度低于B组(P<0.01)。B组气道平滑肌细胞中TARC蛋白表达量较A、C组显著增高(P<0.01)。小鼠血清、BALF中TARC浓度与IL-4浓度呈正相关(r=0.669、0.845,P均<0.01)。结论 TARC在哮喘组小鼠肺组织气道平滑肌细胞中的蛋白表达量较正常组明显增多,地塞米松可能通过减少IL-4的分泌从而抑制TARC的表达。     

罗格列酮对哮喘小鼠气道炎症的影响

目的探讨罗格列酮对哮喘小鼠气道炎症的影响。方法50只小鼠随机分为口服罗格列酮组,既口服罗格列酮又雾化吸入布地奈德组,单用布地奈德吸入组,模型组和正常对照组。卵白蛋白雾化吸入建立小鼠哮喘模型,计数支气管肺泡灌洗液（BALF）中嗜酸粒细胞数,观察支气管肺组织病理的改变,ELISA测定血清中IL-4及IFN-γ的水平。结果模型组小鼠BALF中嗜酸粒细胞数明显高于其他各组,但罗格列酮组仍高于布地奈德组。肺内炎症细胞评分显示模型组评分最高,正常对照组评分最低,布地奈德组评分低于罗格列酮组。模型组IL-4含量显著高于其余各组,模型组IFN-γ含量显著低于其余各组,罗格列酮＋布地奈德组高于布地奈德组（P〈0.05）。结论罗格列酮能减轻哮喘气道炎症。     

布地奈德上调支气管哮喘小鼠肺组织IDO、抑制气道炎症和气道高反应性的研究

目的研究布地奈德对急性支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)模型小鼠肺组织吲哚胺-2,3双加氧酶(IDO)表达、气道炎症和气道高反应性的干预作用。方法 18只SPF级BALB/c小鼠随机分为正常组、哮喘组、布地奈德组。卵白蛋白(OVA)致敏和激发建立哮喘模型。末次激发24h后,测定气道对乙酰胆碱的反应性,HE染色观察气道炎症细胞浸润,ELISA法检测血清总IgE、OVA特异性IgE(OVA-sIgE)以及支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)Th2细胞因子(IL-4和IL-13)。Western blot检测肺组织IDO蛋白表达。结果正常组小鼠气道阻力随乙酰胆碱浓度增加仅轻度增加,哮喘组气道阻力较正常组显著增高,布地奈德组气道阻力较哮喘组显著下降(P0.05);哮喘组血清总IgE和OVA-sIgE、BALF炎症细胞总数和嗜酸粒细胞分类计数、Th2细胞因子水平较正常组显著增高,布地奈德组炎症指标较哮喘组显著降低(P0.05);哮喘组肺组织IDO较正常组显著下降,布地奈德组肺组织IDO较哮喘组显著增高(P0.05)。结论布地奈德抑制急性哮喘模型气道炎症和气道高反应性,可能与上调肺组织IDO有关。     

布地奈德上调支气管哮喘小鼠肺组织IDO、抑制气道炎症和气道高反应性的研究

目的 研究布地奈德对急性支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)模型小鼠肺组织吲哚胺-2,3双加氧酶(IDO)表达、气道炎症和气道高反应性的干预作用.方法 18只SPF级BALB/c小鼠随机分为正常组、哮喘组、布地奈德组.卵白蛋白(OVA)致敏和激发建立哮喘模型.末次激发24 h后,测定气道对乙酰胆碱的反应性,HE染色观察气道炎症细胞浸润,ELISA法检测血清总IgE、OVA特异性IgE(OVA-sIgE)以及支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF) Th2细胞因子(IL-4和IL-13).Western blot检测肺组织IDO蛋白表达.结果 正常组小鼠气道阻力随乙酰胆碱浓度增加仅轻度增加,哮喘组气道阻力较正常组显著增高,布地奈德组气道阻力较哮喘组显著下降(P＜0.05);哮喘组血清总IgE和OVA-sIgE、BALF炎症细胞总数和嗜酸粒细胞分类计数、Th2细胞因子水平较正常组显著增高,布地奈德组炎症指标较哮喘组显著降低(P＜0.05);哮喘组肺组织IDO)较正常组显著下降,布地奈德组肺组织IDO较哮喘组显著增高(P＜0.05).结论 布地奈德抑制急性哮喘模型气道炎症和气道高反应性,可能与上调肺组织IDO有关.     

血管内皮生长因子受体抑制剂对小鼠支气管哮喘模型气道炎症和气道重塑的影响

目的研究血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)受体抑制剂对变应性气道炎症和气道重塑的影响,阐明VEGF与支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)以及气道重塑的关系。方法BALB/c小鼠按随机数字表法分为正常对照组(A组)、哮喘模型组(B组)、VEGF受体抑制剂治疗组(C组),每组各10只。用酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)法对各组小鼠支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)和血清中VEGF进行定量分析;用免疫组化法检测VEGF在小鼠肺组织内的表达水平。采用医学图像分析软件测定支气管管壁厚度(WAt/P i)、支气管平滑肌厚度(WAm/P i)、支气管平滑肌细胞计数(N/P i)及肺组织切片中的血管计数、血管壁平滑肌厚度、血管壁平滑肌细胞计数。结果BALF中细胞总数和嗜酸粒细胞比值B组分别为(142±63)×107/L、98.0±46.9,A组分别为(30±14)×107/L、0.7±1.1,C组分别为(41±17)×107/L、4.9±3.5,A组和C组BALF中细胞总数和嗜酸粒细胞比值分别与B组比较差异有统计学意义(P均<0.01)。B组BALF中上清液和血清中VEGF水平分别为(55±26)pg/m l、(72±26)pg/m l,A组分别为(37±9)pg/m l、(49±18)pg/m l,C组分别为(34±3)pg/m l、(43±19)pg/m l,A组与B组、C组与B组间比较差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。免疫组化结果显示,B组大部分支气管平滑肌、黏膜上皮细胞、肺泡上皮细胞和血管周围VEGF均呈阳性表达,而A组和C组几乎没有VEGF的表达。图像分析显示,B组WAt/P i、WAm/P i、N/P i分别为(17±5)μm2/μm、(6.3±2.2)μm2/μm、(0.050±0.020)个/μm,A组分别为(8±3)μm2/μm、(3.2±0.8)μm2/μm、(0.027±0.017)个/μm,A组与B组比较差异有统计学意义(P分别<0.01、0.05)。B组和A组血管计数分别为(19±3)个、(10±5)个,A组与B组比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01)。经抑制剂治疗后C组WAm/P i、血管计数分别为(4.5±1.3)μm2/μm、(11±3)个,C组与B组比较差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。结论VEGF在小鼠哮喘模型气道及肺内过度表达,并参与了哮喘的发病和气道重塑过程。VEGF受体抑制剂可明显改善哮喘小鼠的变应性气道炎症和气道重塑的病理生理过程。     

转化生长因子β1Ⅰ型受体拮抗剂对支气管哮喘小鼠气道炎症及气道重塑的影响

目的 研究转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)Ⅰ型受体拮抗剂SB 431542对慢性支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)小鼠模型气道炎症及气道重塑的影响,为哮喘的治疗提供新思路.方法 将40只BALB/c小鼠随机分为正常组、哮喘组、布地奈德组及SB 431542组,每组10只;卵清蛋白(OVA)致敏、激发建立慢性哮喘小鼠模型;布地奈德组和SB 431542组分别给予布地奈德雾化吸入和SB 431542滴鼻,每周3次.HE和Masson染色观察各组小鼠气道炎症及胶原沉积情况;AB-PAS染色观察杯状细胞增生情况;免疫组织化学半定量法测定气道壁α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)的表达;酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)法检测BALF中IL-4、IL-5、TGF-β1、MMP-9、TIMP-1水平及血清总IgE水平;免疫印迹法(Western blot)测定各组小鼠肺组织中Smad3、p-Smad3及Smad7蛋白表达.结果 哮喘组与正常组相比,嗜酸粒细胞浸润增多,气道管腔狭窄,平滑肌层增厚,胶原纤维增生;布地奈德组上述改变均较哮喘组轻;SB 431542组嗜酸粒细胞浸润较哮喘组减轻,但仍高于正常组及布地奈德组,平滑肌层增厚、胶原纤维增生较哮喘组明显减轻(P＜0.05),与布地奈德组比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).与正常组比较,哮喘组小鼠支气管AB-PAS及α-SMA 阳性染色面积/支气管基底膜周径显著增加(P＜0.05),布地奈德组及SB 431542组小鼠支气管AB-PAS及α-SMA 阳性染色面积/支气管基底膜周径低于哮喘组(P＜0.05).哮喘组气道炎症指标(血清总IgE、IL-4、IL-5及TGF-β1)显著高于正常组(P＜0.05),布地奈德组上述指标低于哮喘组(P＜0.05),SB 431542组与哮喘组比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).MMP-9、TIMP-1在哮喘组的表达明显高于正常组(P＜0.05),在布地奈德组及SB 43542组的表达低于哮喘组(P＜0.05),两治疗组之间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).Western blot检测显示,各组小鼠肺组织Smad3的表达差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);哮喘组p-Smad3表达明显高于正常组(P＜0.05),布地奈德组及SB 431542组p-Smad3表达低于哮喘组(P＜0.05);与正常组比较,哮喘组Smad7表达降低(P＜0.05),布地奈德组及SB 431542组Smad7表达高于哮喘组(P＜0.05),且这两组间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 SB 431542能显著减轻哮喘小鼠细胞外基质沉积及平滑肌增厚,延缓哮喘小鼠气道重塑进程,该作用可能部分与其调节MMP-9、TIMP-1的表达有关.SB 431542对哮喘小鼠气道炎症浸润无明显改善,说明哮喘气道炎症可能不依赖于TGF-β1/Smads通路.     

转化生长因子β1Ⅰ型受体拮抗剂对支气管哮喘小鼠气道炎症及气道重塑的影响

目的 研究转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)Ⅰ型受体拮抗剂SB 431542对慢性支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)小鼠模型气道炎症及气道重塑的影响,为哮喘的治疗提供新思路.方法 将40只BALB/c小鼠随机分为正常组、哮喘组、布地奈德组及SB 431542组,每组10只;卵清蛋白(OVA)致敏、激发建立慢性哮喘小鼠模型;布地奈德组和SB 431542组分别给予布地奈德雾化吸入和SB 431542滴鼻,每周3次.HE和Masson染色观察各组小鼠气道炎症及胶原沉积情况;AB-PAS染色观察杯状细胞增生情况;免疫组织化学半定量法测定气道壁α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)的表达;酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)法检测BALF中IL-4、IL-5、TGF-β1、MMP-9、TIMP-1水平及血清总IgE水平;免疫印迹法(Western blot)测定各组小鼠肺组织中Smad3、p-Smad3及Smad7蛋白表达.结果 哮喘组与正常组相比,嗜酸粒细胞浸润增多,气道管腔狭窄,平滑肌层增厚,胶原纤维增生;布地奈德组上述改变均较哮喘组轻;SB 431542组嗜酸粒细胞浸润较哮喘组减轻,但仍高于正常组及布地奈德组,平滑肌层增厚、胶原纤维增生较哮喘组明显减轻(P ＜0.05),与布地奈德组比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).与正常组比较,哮喘组小鼠支气管AB-PAS及a-SMA阳性染色面积/支气管基底膜周径显著增加(P＜0.05),布地奈德组及SB 431542组小鼠支气管AB-PAS及α-SMA阳性染色面积/支气管基底膜周径低于哮喘组(P＜0.05).哮喘组气道炎症指标(血清总IgE、IL-4、IL-5及TGF-β1)显著高于正常组(P＜0.05),布地奈德组上述指标低于哮喘组(P ＜0.05),SB 431542组与哮喘组比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).MMP-9、TIMP-1在哮喘组的表达明显高于正常组(P＜0.05),在布地奈德组及SB 43542组的表达低于哮喘组(P＜0.05),两治疗组之间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).Western blot检测显示,各组小鼠肺组织Smad3的表达差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);哮喘组p-Smad3表达明显高于正常组(P＜0.05),布地奈德组及SB431542组p-Smad3表达低于哮喘组(P＜0.05);与正常组比较,哮喘组Smad7表达降低(P＜0.05),布地奈德组及SB 431542组Smad7表达高于哮喘组(P＜0.05),且这两组间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 SB 431542能显著减轻哮喘小鼠细胞外基质沉积及平滑肌增厚,延缓哮喘小鼠气道重塑进程,该作用可能部分与其调节MMP-9、TIMP-1的表达有关.SB 431542对哮喘小鼠气道炎症浸润无明显改善,说明哮喘气道炎症可能不依赖于TGF-β1/Smads通路.     

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.