Synthesis and biological activity of Substance P C-terminal hexapeptide and heptapeptide analogues

The analogues [Glu(OBzl)¹¹]SP_6–11 and [Glu(OBzl)¹¹]SP_5–11 of the C-terminal hexapeptide and heptapeptide of Substance P have been synthesized by conventional solution methods. In each analogue the SCH₃ group of Met¹¹ is replaced by the COOCH₂C₆H₅ group. The in vitro activity of both analogues has been determined on three biological preparations: guinea pig ileum (GPI), rat vas deferens (RVD), and rat portal vein (RPV). The selectivity for the different receptors has been studied by utilizing atropine-treated guinea pig ileum (GPI + At). The results showed that both analogues are mainly active on GPI through the NK-1 receptor and that both analogues are equipotent to Substance P.     

Effect of sperm preparation with TEST yolk buffer on sperm-binding capacity under hemizona assay conditions

Summary. The study was conducted to evaluate the diverse effect and clinical significance of TEST yolk buffer treatment on sperm samples of 128 infertile men. Sperm samples were incubated with TEST yolk buffer and control medium (Ham's F-10) at room temperature for 2 h. The hemizona indices (mean ± SE) of the TEST yolk buffer and medium-treated sperm samples were 29 ± 2.3% and 22 ± 1.6%, respectively. Inspection of the individual response of each sperm sample to TEST yolk buffer revealed that 63 samples (49%) improved (double the interassay variation = 28%) their binding to zona pellucida, 36 (28%) remained unchanged, whereas the binding capacity of 29 samples (23%) decreased. Furthermore, TEST yolk buffer treatment of 24 samples (19%) resulted in an increased binding beyond the hemizona index threshold set up at 23%. This level was previously shown to be the cut-off point between fertile and infertile sperm samples. It was concluded that when applied to an unselected group of infertile men, TEST yolk buffer significantly increased sperm binding capacity to the zona pellucida. However, only 19% of the sperm samples showed improvement with clinical significance. The other sperm samples may have improved, remained unchanged or even deteriorated independently on basic sperm variables. Thus, the effect of TEST yolk buffer treatment on sperm binding should be tested prior to its clinical use to avoid possible damage to certain sperm samples.     

黄芪多糖对LAK细胞毒的增强作用

本文采用乳酸脱氢酶(LDH释放法研究了黄芪多糖(APS)对淋巴因子活化的杀伤细胞(LAK)的增强作用。结果表明:APS具有明显的增强LAK细胞毒作用,有效剂量范围为0.001mg/ml～0.01mg/ml,在0.01mg/ml呈最大的增强作用,为原LAK细胞毒性的3倍。同时也证实黄芪水煎剂本身也具有一定的增强作用。     

Urine as an alternative to urethral swabs for the diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis in infertile males

Swabbing the urethrae of men has been the traditional approach for collecting specimens for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis . Recently, however, urine testing using enzyme immunoassay has yielded promising results. A total of 105 patients attending the Andrology Clinic at Ga Rankuwa Hospital, Medunsa were included in the study. These patients were asymptomatic and had no urethral discharge. Three endo-urethral swabs and first-catch urine were collected fiom each patient. The urethral swabs were used for enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (IDEIA 111), tissue culture and direct immonufluorescent antibody (DFA) test (IMAGEN) to detect C. trachomatis . In addition about 15–30 ml of first-catch urine, or urine collected at least 2h after the previous micturition, was collected for each patient for EIA testing. Fifteen (14.3%) of 105 patients were positive on urethral swab EIA, in comparison with the DFA test in which 14 (13.3%) were positive. Eight (7.8%) were positive in tissue culture. Urine EIA was positive in 17 (16.2%) patients, of whom five (4.8%) were positive in urine EIA only. All EIA positive urines were confirmed by DFA. We recommend that first-catch urine or urine collected at least 2h after the previous micturition in infertile males may be considered a suitable alternative to urethral swab for chlamydial diagnosis because it is noninvasive and nontraumatic.     

Opioid peptides and receptors in joint tissues: study in the rat.

Using immunohistochemical and biochemical techniques, the occurrence of endogenous opioid peptides and their receptors in normal rat bone and joint tissues was investigated. Opioid receptors were detected, quantified, and characterized in homogenates from capsule/synovium and periosteum using radioligand binding assays. Receptor binding of the nonselective opioid [3H]naloxone to tissue homogenates was stereospecific and saturable, showing similar characteristics to that of brain tissue, although with lower binding capacities. By immunohistochemistry, the neuronal occurrence of four different enkephalins was demonstrated in synovium, bone marrow, periosteum, and juxta-articular bone, whereas no neuronal dynorphin immunoreactivity was detected. Double-staining studies disclosed that enkephalins coexisted with substance P in primary afferent fibers. The applied techniques can be used to assess changes in the distribution of endogenous opioids and their receptors in joint tissues in conditions associated with pain and inflammation. The endogenous opioid system now demonstrated might be targeted and exploited therapeutically to obtain peripheral control of symptoms in joint disorders.     

甘草甜素和甘草酸单铵促进IL-2增强NK活性的研究

本实验采用乳酸脱氢酶释放法研究甘草甜素和甘草酸单铵对人外周血NK细胞活性的影响。结果表明,甘草甜素和甘草酸单铵本身无增强NK细胞活性的作用,但可明显促进IL-2增强NK活性,这种增强作用与甘草甜素和甘草酸单铵的浓度有关。     

25％乙基硫环磷农药的诱变性研究

本文对新型有机磷农药，２５％乙基硫环磷进行了Ａｍｅｓ及微核两项诱变性试验研究。Ａｍｅｓ试验中，无论是否加入Ｓ９活化系统，２５％乙基硫环磷均未能诱发回变菌落数的增加；微核试验的各剂量组ＰＣＥ微核率也较低，（２‰～３‰），与阴性对照相比无显著性差异。     

Sulphanilic acid: divergent results in the guinea pig maximization test and the local lymph node assay

The guinea pig maximization test (GPMT) has proven to be a valuable tool for the identification of the skin sensitization potential of chemicals. The method identifies a hazard which can lead in the EC to compulsory labelling of that chemical. In the present study, data on sulphanilic acid derived from the GPMT has been compared with results from a second guinea pig assay (the cumulative contact enhancement test) and the murine local lymph node assay, both of which require only topical application of chemical. Except for the GPMT, no test identified any sensitizing activity associated with exposure to sulphanilic acid. These latter results are consistent with the experience gained from substantial human exposure in an occupational setting and from which no cases of allergic contact dermatitis to sulphanilic acid have arisen over a 20-year period. In consequence, it is questioned which test protocol in practice has given the more accurate identification of sensitization hazard relevant to man.     

胶体金免疫层析法检测尿hCG的质量控制方法探讨

目的通过对胶体金免疫层析法（GICA）试纸条评价,建立该方法的检测尿hCG的室内质控.方法利用hCG不同浓度的标准品评价试纸条的敏感性、重复性、稳定性、检测范围,检测温度及时间对试纸条检测尿hCG结果的影响等.结果GICA的检测范围25-100万mlU/ml,最低检出限达25mIU/ml,大于200万mIU/ml时存在后带现象.试纸条反应5分钟后呈色均一,最佳检测温度为4-30℃.结论灵敏度检测可作为GICA室内质控的主要指标,它能保证检测结果的准确性.