Expression and purification of functional recombinant epitopes for the platelet antigens, PlA1 and PlA2

The platelet antigens, PlA1 and PlA2, are responsible for most cases of posttransfusion purpura (PTP) and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) in the caucasian population and are determined by two allelic forms of the platelet glycoprotein GPIIIa gene. To study the interaction between these antigens and their respective antibodies, we inserted the sequence that encodes the signal peptide and the N- terminal 66 amino acids of the PlA1 form of GPIIIa into the expression vector pGEX1. To express the PlA2 antigen, nucleotide 196 of the PlA1 coding sequence was mutated to the PlA2 allelic form. When transformed and induced in Escherichia coli, the two constructs produce glutathione S-transferase (GST)/N-terminal GPIIIa fusion proteins, one containing leucine at position 33 (PlA1), the other proline (PlA2). These proteins are easily purified in milligram quantities using glutathione-Sepharose and react specifically with their respective antibodies by immunoblot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Antigenicity of the PlA1 fusion protein in reduced glutathione increases with time; moreover, the addition of oxidized glutathione accelerates this process, presumably because of formation of the native disulfide bonds. Neutralization assays indicate that the PlA1 fusion protein competes for all of the anti-PlA1 antibody in the serum of patients with PTP and NAIT that is capable of interacting with the surface of intact platelets. This study shows that the GST/N-terminal GPIIIa fusion proteins contain conformational epitopes that mimic those involved in alloimmunization, and that regions other than the amino terminal 66 amino acids of GPIIIa are not likely to contain or be required for the development of functional PlA1 epitopes. Furthermore, these recombinant proteins can be used for the affinity-purification of clinical anti-PlA1 antibodies and specific antibody identification by western blotting, making them useful in the diagnosis of patients alloimmunized to PlA1 alloantigens.     

颈动脉血管重构特征在自发性高血压大鼠体内的表现

目的:血管重构是高血压的重要病理变化,是高血压导致器官损害的结构基础。实验观察自发性高血压大鼠颈动脉中层组织学的相关变化,以验证血管重构的特点。方法:实验于2006-06/2007-03在福建医科大学附属协和医院心血管内科实验室完成。①实验材料及分组:12周龄雄性自发性高血压大鼠10只,同性别周龄的WKY大鼠10只为对照,喂养18周后终止实验。②实验过程及评估:开始及每2周测鼠尾收缩压。实验结束后,麻醉后取颈动脉,行苏木精-伊红、苦味酸-天狼星红、弹力纤维和胶原纤维的双重染色(P/VB法),利用计算机辅助成像系统测算颈动脉中膜厚度、腔径、血管中膜厚/腔径、中膜横截面积、中膜细胞平均核面积及中膜的胶原面积百分比、弹性纤维面积百分比、弹性纤维面积与胶原面积的比值。SP免疫组织化学染色检测α-平滑肌肌动蛋白、增殖细胞核抗原、纤维粘连蛋白、层粘连蛋白等抗原在颈动脉壁的表达,并计算颈动脉中膜细胞增殖指数;以原位末端标记法标记血管壁的凋亡细胞,计算颈动脉中膜细胞凋亡指数。结果:20只大鼠全部进入结果分析。①自发性高血压大鼠实验开始和结束前的收缩压均>150mmHg,高于WKY大鼠(P<0.01)。②自发性高血压大鼠颈动脉中膜厚度、腔径、中膜厚度/腔径、中膜横截面积、中膜胶原面积百分比均高于WKY大鼠(P<0.01),而中膜弹性纤维面积百分比、弹性纤维面积与胶原面积比值均低于WKY大鼠(P<0.01)。③α-平滑肌肌动蛋白在两组大鼠颈动脉中膜均可表达,提示中膜细胞为血管平滑肌细胞。④自发性高血压大鼠中膜血管平滑肌细胞平均核面积大于WKY大鼠(P<0.01),中膜细胞增殖指数与WKY大鼠差异无显著性(P>0.05),中膜细胞凋亡指数显著低于WKY大鼠(P<0.01)。⑤自发性高血压大鼠颈动脉中膜纤维粘连蛋白、层粘连蛋白的光密度值(IA值)及染色阳性面积百分比高于WKY大鼠(P<0.01)。⑥颈动脉中膜血管平滑肌细胞凋亡指数与中膜横截面积呈显著负相关(r=-0.872,P<0.01);纤维连接蛋白表达的吸光度值与中膜横截面积呈显著正相关(r=0.954,P<0.01)。结论:自发性高血压大鼠颈动脉存在明显的重构,其特点为中膜肥厚、平滑肌细胞肥大、凋亡减少及胶原、纤维粘连蛋白、层粘连蛋白的过度沉积。     

The double puncture: an effective percutaneous technique for removing complex, multiple renal calculi

Percutaneous nephrostolithotomy, which can require a double puncture, is presently the method of choice in our institution for the removal of renal stones. Patients that underwent this procedure were evaluated to identify the possible reasons for the double puncture. Of 200 patients evaluated, 14 needed a second tract. The three variables that determined whether a second puncture was needed, in order of importance, were number and size of the stones, with second tracts needed in patients with multiple stones and staghorn calculi; anatomical variations of the renal collecting system itself, with bifid systems the most significant anatomic variation; and the dexterity of the radiologist in performing the puncture and the ability of the urologist to extract the stone. Second tracts were needed more frequently in patients who presented with stones in both the lower and middle poles of the collecting systems.     

Experience with the Amplatz retrievable vena caval filter. Work in progress

The Amplatz retrievable vena caval filter was designed in an attempt to decrease complications associated with the placement of Mobin-Uddin or Kimray-Greenfield filters. The design allows percutaneous retrieval, thus expanding application of the filter to situations requiring temporary prophylaxis against pulmonary embolism. Filters have been placed in 16 patients, nine (56%) for prophylactic purposes. All filters were easily inserted percutaneously. Complications occurred in three patients; these included complete thrombosis of the inferior vena cava below the filter, misplacement of one filter into the pericaval retroperitoneal tissue, and development of thrombus cranial to the filter. With the current introduction system, the possibility of filter misplacement has been essentially eliminated. No patient experienced symptoms suggestive of pulmonary embolism after filter insertion. One filter retrieval has been performed, with no complications.     

Pulsatile masses surrounding vascular prostheses: real-time US color flow imaging

A prospective evaluation of color flow mapping and real-time ultrasound was performed to determine if pseudoaneurysms could be distinguished from other causes of masses surrounding vascular grafts of the lower extremities. Twelve palpable pulsatile masses were imaged. Diagnoses were confirmed at angiography (n = 11), computed tomography (n = 7), aspiration biopsy (n = 5), and operative intervention (n = 6). A swirling pattern of blood flow was seen in six of seven cases of pseudoaneurysm. Lack of flow signals was noted in four of the five collections representing hematoma (n = 2) or infection (n = 2). The seventh case was later shown to be an infected, thrombosed pseudoaneurysm. The single false-positive diagnosis was made early in the series when the flow signals detected were due to transmitted arterial pulsations. The authors conclude that color Doppler flow imaging is useful in the differential diagnosis of pulsatile masses associated with prosthetic grafts. Prosthetic graft pseudoaneurysms have a specific appearance of swirling blood flow arising from a wide neck and are distinguishable from traumatic or iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms of the native vascular tree.     

Segmental dilatation of the small bowel: report of three cases and literature review

Segmental dilatation of the small bowel is a rare congenital abnormality that occurs mainly in children and produces significant nonspecific symptoms. The authors reviewed 33 cases reported in the literature and present three new cases in which the lesion was demonstrated on radiographs obtained before laparotomy. These cases showed the spectrum of symptoms and characteristic radiologic features of this condition in both plain abdominal radiographs and barium studies. Plain radiographs of the abdomen may show an isolated loop of bowel containing an air-fluid level. The characteristic finding in barium studies of the small bowel is a localized dilatation of the small bowel lumen with afferent and efferent loops. In the absence of a complication or coexistent cause of obstruction, the transit time of contrast medium through the small bowel is not delayed. The radiologic examination is useful in diagnosis, and the condition is cured with surgery.     

Congenital abnormalities of the aortic arch: MR imaging

Thirty-four patients, 1 month to 63 years old, with known or suspected congenital abnormalities of the aortic arch underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Sixteen patients were studied retrospectively, 18 prospectively. In all retrospective studies, the aortic arch abnormality was seen with MR imaging. In the prospective studies, MR imaging enabled diagnosis in 15 of 18 (83%) patients. Twenty-nine of 34 patients underwent two-dimensional echocardiography; nine were studied retrospectively, 20 prospectively. In the prospective studies, echocardiography enabled diagnosis in 13 of 20 (65%) patients. Although two-dimensional echocardiography has a high sensitivity in the detection of aortic arch abnormalities in the neonate, arch abnormalities in the neonate, its sensitivity is lower in older children, adults, and postoperative patients. The authors' experience shows that MR imaging is an important, noninvasive modality in the evaluation of older children, adults, and postoperative patients with congenital aortic arch abnormalities.