Biomedical subjects

P Mao

Publications and source records attributed to P Mao.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Sustained and stable hematopoietic donor-recipient mixed chimerism after unrelated cord blood transplantation for adult patients with severe aplastic anemia.

We evaluated the engraftment of donor cells from unrelated cord blood into adult patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) and the outcome of allo-CBSCT (cord blood stem cell transplantation). Nine patients were conditioned with decreased dosage of immunosuppressive agents of CTX (60 mg/kg) and ALG (120 mg/kg). The prophylaxis of GVHD consisted of standard CsA and MTX. Patients have a media age of 25.3 yr (range: 15-37), and a median weight of 57.2 kg (range: 52.5-60) at the time of transplantation. Cord blood searches were all conducted at Guangzhou Cord Blood Bank. The engraftment state of the donor cells into recipients was confirmed by microsatellite DNA fingerprinting and fluorescent quantitative PCR analysis. Engrafted evidence has been found in seven patients involved by biomolecular analyses showing donor-recipient mixed chimerism post-transplant which was stable and persistent. After a median follow up of 32.2 months (range: 4-69), seven patients were alive and disease free. This study shows that durable donor-recipient stable mixed chimerism can be achieved by unrelated CBSCT in patients with SAA. Umbilical cord blood could be employed as a source of hematopoietic stem cell for adult transplantation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Umbilical cord blood transplant for adult patients with severe aplastic anemia using anti-lymphocyte globulin and cyclophosphamide as conditioning therapy.

Allo-CBSCT (cord blood stem cell transplant) has been applied in six adult patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA). Anti-lymphocyte globulin (ALG) 40 mg kg(-1) d(-1) x 3 days combined with cyclophosphamide (CTX) 20 mg kg(-1) d(-1) x 3 days constituted a lower intensive conditioning regimen. The prophylaxis of GVHD consisted of standard CsA and MTX. Patients are all male having a mean age of 26.5 years (range 22-38), and a median weight of 55.6 kg (range 52-60 kg). Cord blood searches were all conducted at Guangzhou Cord Blood Bank. Three of six patients in our study received one unit of cord blood in a procedure, whereas for another three patients, two units of cord blood (double units) were infused at the same time in a transplant protocol. The nine units of umbilical cord blood (UCB) infused contained 1.6-10.7 x 10(7) nucleated cells/kg body weight of the recipient after thawing. HLA antigens were identical in one unit, 1 antigen mismatched in seven, 2 antigens mismatched in 1. As of February 2003, after a median follow up of 20 months (range 7-50), four patients are alive and disease free. Five patients engrafted with molecular biology analyses showing donor-recipient mixed chimerism post transplant which is stable and persistent. One patient died of severe infection in the third month from transplant and another patient died in the early stage post transplant of serious aspergillus infection without evidence of engraftment.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Role of postsynaptic density protein-95 in the maintenance of peripheral nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain in rats.

Our previous work has demonstrated that postsynaptic density protein-95, a molecular scaffolding protein that binds and clusters N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors at neuronal synapses, plays an important role in the development of peripheral nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain. The current study further investigated the possible involvement of postsynaptic density protein-95 in the maintenance of neuropathic pain. Mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia were induced within 3 days and maintained for 15 days or longer after unilateral injury to the fifth lumbar spinal nerve. The rats injected intrathecally with postsynaptic density protein-95 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide every 24 h for 4 days from day 7 to day 10 post-surgery exhibited not only a marked decrease in spinal cord postsynaptic density protein-95 protein expression but also a significant reduction in mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia on day 11 post-surgery. The rats injected with sense oligodeoxynucleotide did not display these changes. However, in the rats without nerve injury, postsynaptic density protein-95 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide given intrathecally every 24 h for 4 days did not affect responses to mechanical and thermal stimulation. In addition, postsynaptic density protein-95 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide did not change locomotor activity of experimental animals. Our results indicate that the deficiency of postsynaptic density protein-95 protein in the spinal cord significantly attenuates nerve injury-induced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia during both the development and maintenance of chronic neuropathic pain. These results suggest that postsynaptic density protein-95 might be involved in the central mechanisms of chronic neuropathic pain and provide a novel target for development of new pain therapies.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Intact carrageenan-induced thermal hyperalgesia in mice lacking inducible nitric oxide synthase.

To date, the exact role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in inflammatory pain remains controversial. In the present study, we combined a pharmacological strategy (using a selective iNOS inhibitor) with a genomic strategy (using mice lacking the iNOS gene) to address the function of iNOS in the central mechanism of carrageenan-induced persistent inflammatory pain. In the wild type mice, intrathecal administration of L-N(6)-(1-iminoethyl)-lysine, a selective iNOS inhibitor, significantly inhibited thermal hyperalgesia in the late phase but not in the early phase of carrageenan inflammation. Moreover, iNOS mRNA expression in the lumbar enlargement segments of the spinal cord was dramatically induced at 24 h (late phase) after injection of carrageenan into a hind paw. Interestingly, targeted disruption of iNOS gene did not affect carrageenan-induced thermal hyperalgesia in either the early (2-6 h) or late phase. In the lumbar enlargement segments of iNOS knockout mice, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzyme activity remained at a similar level to that of the wild type mice at 24 h after carrageenan injection. We found that intrathecal administration of 7-nitroindazole (a selective neuronal NOS inhibitor), but not L-N(5)-(1-iminoethyl)-ornithine (a selective endothelial NOS inhibitor), significantly reduced carrageenan-induced thermal hyperalgesia in both the early phase and the late phase in iNOS knockout mice. We also found that expression of neuronal NOS but not endothelial NOS in the lumbar enlargement segments was significantly increased in iNOS knockout mice compared with wild type mice at 24 h after carrageenan injection. Our results indicate that neuronal NOS might compensate for the function of iNOS in the late phase of carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain in iNOS knockout mice. This suggests that iNOS may be sufficient, but not essential, for the late phase of the carrageenan-induced thermal hyperalgesia.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Frequent expression of new cancer/testis gene D40/AF15q14 in lung cancers of smokers.

We found a significant correlation between lung cancer in smokers and the expression of a human gene, D40, predominantly expressed in testis and cancers. In an attempt to clone a novel human gene, we screened a cDNA library derived from a human B cell line and obtained a cDNA clone that we refer to as D40. A search for public databases for sequence homologies showed that the D40 gene is identical to AF15q14. D40 mRNA is predominantly expressed in normal testis tissue. However, this gene is also expressed in various human tumour cell lines and primary tumours derived from various organs and tissues, such as lung cancer. We examined the relationship between D40 expression and clinico-pathological characteristics of tumours in primary lung cancer. D40 expression did not significantly correlate with either histological type or pathological tumour stage. However, D40 expression was observed more frequently in poorly differentiated tumours than in well or moderately differentiated ones. Furthermore, the incidence of D40 expression was significantly higher in tumours from patients who smoke than in those from non-smokers. D40/AF15q14 is the first gene in the cancer/testis family for which expression is related to the smoking habits of cancer patients.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

Evidence-based medicine and radiology: how to build a guideline. An attempt in minor head injury.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of Evidence-based Medicine (EBM) to build radiological Guidelines, with the aim to have a better compliance by users. It has been decided to work on minor head injury, where we have found, in our institution, a wide and unjustified use of conventional skull x-ray. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A Workgroup, that reunites the main figures that enter in the management of the patient with minor head injury, has been created within our Hospital. The bibliography relative to the problem has been selected, employing criteria that held account of the methodological correctness, and in particular the existing Guidelines have been carefully analysed. It is therefore proceeded drawing up a Guideline that adhered to the principles of the EBM, adapting it to the hospital environment. Subsequently it has been passed to the phase of its implementation, with reunions in small groups of the involved professional figures, the distribution of informative material and the use of poster that reassumed the diagnostic flow-chart. Moreover a survey of the relative data to the number of skull x-ray and brain TC, executed in the patients with head trauma, has been completed. RESULTS: The analysis of the data relative to the variation of the number of demands for skull Rx after introduction of the Guideline has demonstrated a great reduction (-83,8%), with little variation of the number of brain TC (+17,0%); such reduction has naturally implicated an important reduction of costs (-25,2%) and of the x-ray dose to population, measured to the crystalline (34,5%) and to thyroid (-71,0%). CONCLUSIONS: The employ of the EBM in the Guideline creation, beyond representing the more correct methodology, concurs to obtain a greater adhesion from the users involved in management of the patient; in particular this happens if the Guideline is a product of a vast contribution and if it is supported from all additional procedures that can be useful for its implementation.

Costs and Cost Analysis↗

PubMed2001

Knockdown of PSD-95/SAP90 delays the development of neuropathic pain in rats.

Our previous work has shown that PSD-95/SAP90 is required for NMDA receptor-mediated thermal hyperalgesia. To address the role of PSD-95/SAP90 in chronic pain, the present study investigated the effect of the deficiency of PSD-95/SAP90 on nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain. Following unilateral L5 spinal nerve injury, mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia developed within 3 days and persisted for 9 days or longer on the injured side. The intrathecal administration of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide specifically against PSD-95/SAP90, but not sense or missense oligodeoxynucleotide, dose-dependently delayed the onset of tactile allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. These results suggest that PSD-95/SAP90 might be involved in the central mechanisms of the development of chronic neuropathic pain.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

[A study on pathological changes and the potential role of growth factors in the airway wall remodeling of COPD rat models].

OBJECTIVE: To study the pathological features of the smooth muscles and collagen in small airways of the COPD rat models and their roles in the airway obstruction, to evaluate the relationship between TGF-beta(1), EGF and bFGF and the airway wall remodeling. METHOD: Rat COPD model (model group) was established by intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS 200 microgram/200 microL) twice and exposure to cigarette smoke daily. Drug intervention groups received either daily inhalation of budesonide, ipratropine or heparin respectively, starting on the 8 th day or TGF-beta(1) monoclonal antibody (TB21) 0.5 mg twice (6 th and 19 th day) via the tail veinous injection. At the end of four weeks, the thickness of the smooth muscles and collagen in bronchi and pulmonary arteriole wall were measured by means of image analyzer (CMIAS). Expression and localization of the 3 growth factors were observed in trachea, bronchi and lung tissues by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. The levels of PC III, Ln and HA in the serum and BALF were determined by the RIA method. RESULTS: Significant thickening of the smooth muscles and collagen were found in the bronchi and pulmonary arterioles of the model group in comparison with those of the control group. There was significant decrease in the thickness of the collagen and smooth muscles in the small airways in TB21 group and heparin group. Statistically negative relationships were shown between the thickness of either smooth muscles or collagen in the small airways and FEV(0.3) (all P < 0.05). The levels of PC III, Ln and HA in COPD rat models were higher than those of control groups to varying extent. Expressions of TGF-beta(1), EGF and bFGF in the epithelial cells of bronchi, endothelial cells of pulmonary arterioles and in the macrophages of the model group were significantly higher than those of control group. The above mentioned parameters were reduced in different extent in drug intervention groups, in particular, the smooth muscles thickness in heparin group and the collagen thickness in TB21 group were significantly decreased compared to the model group. CONCLUSION: Thickening of smooth muscles and collagen in the bronchi constitutes the fundamental pathology of airway remodeling in the rat COPD model. The excessive depositions of ECM are important characteristics of COPD. TGF-beta(1), EGF and bFGF may play an important role in the airway wall as well as pulmonary arteriole remodeling. The intervention against TGF-beta(1) and long term inhalation of heparin may be of use in the inhibition of airway remodeling in COPD.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

[Antigen sandwiched ELISA for detection of total HIV antibodies].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a sensitive antigen sandwiched ELISA(AS) for detection of the total antibodies to HIV-1/2. METHODS: Based on the gene sequence of HIV-1/2 type and its coded amino acid structure, 5 polypeptides were synthesized as coated antigens using solid-phase method. These polypeptides were labelled with horseradish peroxidase. And the total antibodies of HIV-1/2 were detected with the same method. RESULTS: These reagents were detected by three batches of HIV panel from The National Institute for the Control of Pharmaceutical and Biological Products (NICPBP). The results indicated that the corresponding rate was 100%. The variant coefficient rate was less than 10%. A comparison of antigen sandwiched ELISA with indirect ELISA in detection of a panel(20 positive sera and 20 negative sera) from the NICPBP showed that the general coincident rate of indirect ELISA was 92.5% and the sandwiched system was 100%. The HIV-AS diagnostic reagent kits have passed the quality examination of NICPBP. A comparison of antigen sandwiched ELISA with Yapei reagents in detection of 90 normal sera and 88 positive sera for HIV-1/2 showed that the coincident rate was 100%. The reagents were stable at 37 degrees C for 4 days. This indicated that our reagents were highly specific, sensitive and stable. CONCLUSION: Our antigen sandwiched ELISA reagent for total antibodies of HIV has a merit of sensitivity specificity and stability. It can be clinically used for detection of HIV-1/2 infection and in blood bank for the screening of blood donors.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Serological and histological findings in infection and transmission of GBV-C/HGV to macaques.

Seven healthy macaques were inoculated with the GBV-C/HGV-RNA serum from a non-A-E hepatitis patient. The serology and pathology of the liver in the animals were observed. The results indicated that all inoculated animals were infected with a GBV-C/HGV-RNA viremia and had mildly abnormal alanine transaminase levels during the infectious period. The histology, immuno-histochemistry, and in situ hybridization in the liver tissues of the inoculated animals also showed that there was a very mild hepatitis with the positive antigenic expression and the genome of GBV-C/HGV-NS5 in hepatocytes. The pathological changes in the infected animals appeared to become normal whether or not GBV-C/HGV-RNA viremia persisted. There is a possibility that the mild virulence of the GBV-C/HGV to the host became harmless with time after inoculation. Infection and the transmission of the GBV-C/HGV virus in the macaques provides an appropriate animal model and new information about GBV-C/HGV infection in both humans and animals. It is possible that this virus is a mild and self-limited pathogenic agent to the hepatic cells of primates.

Alanine Transaminase↗

PubMed2000

Umbilical cord blood transplantation from unrelated HLA-matched donor in an adult with severe aplastic anemia.

A 23-year-old male suffering from severe aplastic anemia (SAA) weighing 60 kg was successfully treated by unrelated allo-CBSCT (cord blood stem cell transplantation). A six-loci HLA-identical umbilical cord blood (UCB) was infused after conditioning with low-dose cyclophosphamide (CTX) and antilymphocyte globulin (ALG). The prophylaxis of GVHD consisted of CsA and MTX. The infused cord blood provided 1.89 x 10(7) nucleated cells per kg, CD34-positive cells: 0.89%. Neutrophils >0.5 x 10(9)/l were reached 10 days after transplant, and platelets greater than 50.0 x 10(9)/l at day 26. RBC and platelet transfusion independence were reached on days 15 and 18. The patient developed grade 1 skin GVHD 10 months after engraftment of the donor cells. Microsatellite DNA fingerprinting indicated a stable and persistent donor-recipient mixed chimerism, whilst the circulating red cells remain of host origin.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[The potential role of growth factor in the airway wall remodeling of a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease rat model and the effects of drugs on them].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression and distribution of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the lung tissue of chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD) rat models and the relationship between these growth factors and the airway wall remodeling. The effects of drugs on them were also investigated. METHODS: The COPD rat model (model group) was established by intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide twice and daily exposure to cigarette smoking. Drug intervention groups received daily inhalation of heparin since the second week and TGF-beta1 monoclonal antibody (TB21) 0.5 mg twice through the tail veins. At the end of four weeks, the thickness of the smooth muscle and collagen in bronchi and pulmonary arterioles were measured by computer image analyzer, also the protein and gene relative content of these growth factors as well as the effects of drugs on them were observed. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the smooth muscle and collagen thickness in the bronchi and pulmonary arterioles of the model group in comparison with that of the control group (P < 0.01), the relative contents for TGF-beta1, EGF and bFGF in the epithelial cells of the bronchi, endothelial cells of the pulmonary arterioles and alveolar macrophages of the model group were significantly higher than those of control group (P < 0.001 approximately 0.05). The relative content for TGF-beta1 in TB21 group was significantly lower than that of model group (P < 0.01). These were statistical positive relationships between the smooth muscle e thickness of bronchi and the relative contents for TGF-beta1, EGF and bFGF in the epithelial cells, between the collagen thickness of the bronchi and the relative content for TGF-beta1, between the smooth muscle thickness of the pulmonary arterioles and the relative content for TGF-beta1 and EGF in the endothelial cells (P < 0.05 approximately 0.01). CONCLUSION: TGF-beta1, EGF and bFGF may play an important role in the airway wall and pulmonary arteriole structure remodeling in COPD, the intervention against TGF-beta1 and long term inhalation of heparin mat be helpful for the inhibition of airway wall remodeling in human COPD and worth of further observation.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

[Umbilical cord blood stem cells transplantation from an unrelated donor into an adult with severe aplastic anemia].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the availability of the treatment of adult severe aplastic anemia with unrelated allo-cord blood stem cell transplantation (CBSCT). METHODS: HLA-matched unrelated cord blood transplantation has been successfully performed for an adult severe aplastic anemia patient. A unit of cord blood provided by Guangzhou Cord Blood Bank containing 1.89 x 10(7)/kg mononucleated cells, 1.8 x 10(4)/kg CFU-GM and of CD(34) positive cells was 0.009. The patient was conditioned with CTX (60 mg/kg) and anti-lymphocyte globulin (ALG, 120 mg/kg). GVHD prophylaxis consisted of both MTX and CsA. The CsA had been given for 8 months. RESULTS: The lowest ANC was 0.6 x 10(9)/L post-transplantation. The patient achieved an ANC of greater than 0.5 x 10(9)/L at 10 days, and the platelet of greater than 50.0 x 10(9)/L at day 20 after transplantation. He developed Grade 1 GVHD in the tenth month after grafting. Microsatellite DNA fingerprinting indicated a stable donor-recipient mixed chimerism, whilst the circulating red cells remained host origin. CONCLUSION: It is the first report in China on successful treatment of adult severe aplastic anemia by unrelated allo-CBSCT.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Molecular analysis of the GCF gene identifies revisions to the cDNA and amino acid sequences(1).

GC factor (GCF) was reported as a transcriptional regulator that binds to a specific GC-rich sequence in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene promoter and represses its expression. In this paper, we present the data on three revisions of the cDNA sequence that lead to significant changes of the amino acid sequences of the published GCF. Firstly, 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA end (5'-RACE) analysis revealed that the 308 nucleotides of 5'-end of the previously published GCF cDNA does not exist at the 5'-end of the RACE product. Simultaneously, the correct 5'-end cDNA sequence of 31 nucleotides was identified. Secondly, the 'T' at the position 787 of the published GCF cDNA was not observed. Finally, a new sequence of 114 nucleotides was identified between the positions 851 and 852 of the published cDNA sequence. The revisions result in a GCF cDNA of 2661 nucleotides that encodes a protein of 781 amino acids, replacing the highly basic region of the amino-terminus of the published GCF with a new sequence of 147 amino acids. In this era of massive gene cloning and sequencing, this study is a warning to the biological research of recent years.

Alternative Splicing↗

PubMed1999

[Revisions of the cDNA and primary protein structure of human transcription factor GCF].

GC factor (GCF) was reported as a transcriptional regulator that binds to specific GC-rich sequences in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene promotor, repressing its transcription (Kageyama R. and Pastan I. Cell, 59: 815-825, 1989). In this paper, the author presents revisions of the cDNA and the amino acid sequences of the GCF. 1) 5' rapid amplification of cDNA end (5'RACE) for analysis of RNA of a cancer cell line, A431, was performed, which revealed that the 5' end of GCF cDNA was fused to a 308 bp fragment of other cDNA; simultaneously, the real 5' end cDNA sequence with 31 bp was identified. RNase protection assay presented a main protected band, which was consistent with the result of the RACE analysis. 2) T at the position 787 of the previously reported GCF cDNA was absent from RT-PCR on A431 total RNA. 3) A new sequence with 114 bp was observed on A431 RNA between the positions 851 and 852 of the already reported cDNA by RT-PCR. These observations were confirmed by RT-PCR analyses of RNAs prepared from several other human cell lines, including a non-transformed one (HFL), and white blood cells derived from a normal person. 4) Sequence of genomic GCF DNA was consistent with the new cDNA sequence but not with the previously reported one. 5) The remaining sequence of GCF cDNA was found to be identical to that of the previously reported GCF, based on the results of RT-PCR analyses of RNA prepared from human white blood cells. 6) By the corrections, the GCF cDNA consisted of 2661 bp nucleotides. This revised GCF cDNA (the wild type) encodes a protein of 781 amino acids, including two new sequence regions of 186 amino acids on the N-terminal side of this protein. The revisions eliminated the highly basic region of the amino-terminus of the previously reported GCF, while the other three fourth amino acid sequences of the GCF protein that contained leucine-zipper-like domain had not changed. The revised GCF had no highly homologous protein in the database except the previously reported GCF. 7) The author has developed a specific antibody to human GCF protein. This antibody specifically recognized a protein with a molecular weight of approximately 100 kDa present in the extracts from human cell lines, as confirmed by immunoprecipitation followed by Western blotting. 8) Indirect immunofluorescence of A431 and HeLa cells using the anti-GCF antibody showed that the GCF protein was localized in the nucleus, suggesting that the revised GCF is a nucleoprotein.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1999

[Detection of IgM-antibody to hepatitis G virus and its clinical significance].

OBJECTIVE: To provide a rapid and early serodiagnostic technique for the patients with hepatitis G virus(HGV). METHODS: A capture ELISA was developed to detect anti-HGV IgM in sera using synthetic peptides of HGV NS3 NS5 gene regions conjugated with horseradish peroxidase. RESULTS: This assay was not disturbed by competition of specific IgG or interfered by RF and did not cross-react with HAV, HBV, HCV, HEV, CMV and EBV. Among 46 sera of non-A-E hepatitis, 14 were positive for anti-HGVIgM, the positive rate was 30.43%, 6 was positive for HGV RNA the positive rate was 42.86%. 12 paired sera from acute stage of HGV patients were all positive by capture-ELISA. CONCLUSION: This method is sensitive, specific, rapid and stable for detecting anti-HGV IgM, and is useful in the early diagnosis of HGV infection.

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay↗

PubMed1998

[Expression of human ScFv against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120].

In order to generate human antibody against HIV-1, using synthetic peptide from HIV-1 gp120 v3 loop as antigen, we screened the recombinant phage antibodies by immunoaffinity and selected positive clones carrying anti-gp120 ScFv gene. The phage DNA was extracted and transformed to E. coli HB2151 that allowed to express soluble ScFv proteins by inducing of IPTG. The results of SDS-PAGE and Western blot showed that the molecular weight of the expressed product is about 28 KD and exhibited anti-c-myc activity. ELISA and Dot blot analysis displayed that the soluble ScFv specifically bound to gp120 and had a higher specificity and affinity. Competitive ELISA further demonstrated that the product was specific to gp120.

Antibodies, Viral↗

PubMed1998

[Study on the experimental infection of hepatitis G virus in rhesus monkey].

In order to study the experimental infection of HGV in rhesus monkey, the monkeys were infected using the plasma from a donor with HGV RNA positive. The second generation monkeys were infected with the sera of the first generation monkeys infected after 6 weeks, and also the third generation monkeys were infected with the sera of the second generation monkeys. HGV RNA were detected by RT-nPCR. The results showed that in sera of infected monkeys HGV RNA were positive after 1 week of inoculation, and were consecutively positive for up to 28 weeks at longest. The level of ALT raised a little in monkey No. 1 and higher than 100 U/L in No. 5. The liver biopsy showed viral hepatitis--like histological changes. Comparing the sequence of HGV 5'LTR from sera of the infected monkeys and the blood donor, the homogeneity, to strain HGU44402 was 98.33% and 95.83% to strain HGU36380 was 92.50% and 89.17%, respectively. The results suggested that the rhesus monkey is sensitive to HGV and is suitable for establishment of an animal model.

Animals↗