Acetylcholine Synthesis in a Primary Culture of Porcine Intermediate Lobe Cells

Previous pharmacological studies with the pituitary gland have suggested that acetylcholine (ACh) might be involved in the regulation of intermediate lobe (IL) function. Whether ACh is endogenous to the IL cells or provided from an extrinsic source is unclear. The present experiments tested the possibility that the endocrine cells of the IL may be a source of ACh by measuring certain cholinergic markers in a primary culture of dissociated porcine cells. The endogenous ACh content was readily measurable in both the freshly dissociated IL cells and in 2- or 4-day primary cultures. Choline acetyltransferase activity was also measurable in the freshly dissociated and cultured IL cells and was reduced by 53% in the presence of a specific inhibitor, napthylvinylpyridine (50 μM). IL cells incubated in the presence of [¹⁴C]choline (1 μM) were able to synthesize [¹⁴C]ACh and the accumulation of the new ACh was inhibited by hemicholinium-3 (30 μM), a competitive inhibitor of high affinity choline uptake at cholinergic nerve terminals. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that the endocrine cells of the IL are capable of synthesizing and storing ACh.     

Association of polymorphonuclear leukocytes with sites of aortic catheter-induced injury in rabbits

The kinetics of the association of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) with arterial balloon catheter-induced injury have been examined. An average of 6 X 10(7) PMNs were isolated from 20 ml of blood and labelled with 111In-oxine for reinfusion into the donor rabbit. The cells remained viable as demonstrated by both in vitro and in vivo tests of cell function. The abdominal aorta of rabbits was denuded of endothelium and immediately, 24 h, or 5 weeks later, exposed to autologous radiolabelled PMNs for 1 h. The presence of PMNs at sites of denudation was demonstrated by detection of the radioactive label and was confirmed by light and electron microscopy after 24 h, but not at 5 weeks. Immediately following denudation radioactivity was 2.44 +/- 0.33 times control (P = 0.006); 2.52 +/- 0.18 at 24 h (P = 0.005); and 1.88 +/- 0.32 times control at 5 weeks (P = 0.045). The presence of PMNs, or their products, 5 weeks after denudation suggests a more complex role of PMNs and possibly a direct involvement in the long term changes resulting from arterial balloon catheter injury.     

Neonatal osteofibrous dysplasia: a case report

We describe a case of neonatal osteofibrous dysplasia that was diagnosed 3 days after birth. Osteofibrous dysplasia is a fibro-osseous lesion rarely seen in long bones. It is also known as congenital osteitis fibrosa or ossifying fibroma of bones. Although it occurs in children under 10 years of age, it is extremely rare in newborn babies. It must be differentiated from adamantinoma due to their radiological appearance, predilection for tibia and fibula, clinical picture, and certain histological similarities.     

某农场148个家庭HBV感染的家庭聚集性分析

A family clustering analysis of HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc positive and total infected persons in 148 families on a farm was carried out by the methods of G statistic, binomial distribution and negative binomial distribution. The results consistently showed that there was significant clustering of HBsAg carriers in families, whereas there were not clustering was seen an overall HBV infected persons in families. The clustering of HBsAg carriers in families is due probably to the effect of some genetic factors. The results of G statistic analysis indicate that anti-HBc also have significant clustering in families.     

Periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs): a possible role for metabolic factors in pathogenesis

Periodic, lateralized, epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) in the electroencephalogram have been reported in association with a variety of structural lesions of the brain. Although a great deal of attention has been directed to the neuropathological basis of PLEDs, little emphasis has been placed on the functional basis of this EEG syndrome. In this paper, we reported a patient with multiple systemic problems whose EEG showed PLEDs. However, radiological and pathological studies revealed no neuropathological basis for the occurrence of this EEG syndrome. Thus, we presented evidence that metabolic factors may play a part in the pathogenesis of PLEDs.