Reduction of temporal lobe volume in bipolar disorder: a preliminary report of magnetic resonance imaging.
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Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
X M Li
Publications and source records attributed to X M Li.
Immunophenotyping of lymphocytes in liver tissue of patients with chronic liver diseases by flow cytometry.
Immunological factors are important in the pathogenesis of a spectrum of hepatobiliary diseases. To characterize the nature of specific immunological responses in liver disease, we determined lymphocyte changes in liver tissue and in blood using flow cytometry. A total of 113 liver biopsy specimens was collected from patients with the following diseases: 19 chronic hepatitis B; 39 chronic non-A, non-B hepatitis; 27 alcoholic liver disease; 10 hepatic malignancy; 8 autoimmune hepatitis; 6 fatty liver and 4 primary biliary cirrhosis. The lymphocytes were isolated from the liver biopsy specimens by mechanical and enzymatic methods. The lymphocyte yield was 7,901 +/- 575 cells/mg of liver tissue. The viability of lymphocytes was 97.7% +/- 0.3%. Lymphocytes were stained with four pairs of two-color mixed fluorescein-conjugated monoclonal antibodies, including T4-T8 (CD4/CD8), T11-B1 (CD2-CD20), NKH1-T8 (CD56-CD8), IL-2R1-T11 (CD25-CD2), and the ratios were determined by an Epics Profile flow cytometer. Immunophenotyping of lymphocytes in whole blood samples was simultaneously analyzed. Variability in lymphocyte yield and different patterns of lymphocyte subsets were found in the liver biopsy specimens. The yields of lymphocytes from patients with chronic non-A, non-B and autoimmune hepatitis were highest, and the lowest yield was from patients with fatty liver. Patients with primary biliary cirrhosis, fatty liver and hepatic malignancy had relatively high ratios of CD4/CD8, CD56/CD8 and CD25/CD2; whereas patients with chronic hepatitis B, autoimmune hepatitis and non-A, non-B hepatitis had lower ratios of CD4/CD8, CD56/CD8 and CD25/CD2. No difference in lymphocyte ratios between the patients with cirrhotic and noncirrhotic alcoholic liver disease was found.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Cell Separation↗
Pulmonary artery pressure evaluated by pulsed Doppler echocardiography in children with a left-to-right intracardiac shunt.
In a study of 25 children with left-to-right intracardiac shunt we found a good correlation (r greater than 0.92; p less than 0.001) between right ventricular pre-ejection period/acceleration time, derived from pulsed Doppler echocardiography, and pulmonary artery systolic, diastolic, and mean pressures, measured at cardiac catheterization. This may enhance the noninvasive estimation of pulmonary artery pressure.
Adolescent↗
Structure and function of an antifreeze polypeptide from ocean pout, Macrozoarces americanus: role of glutamic acid residues in protein stability and antifreeze activity by site-directed mutagenesis.
The successful expression and purification of the recombinant ocean pout antifreeze polypeptide (rAFP) in Escherichia coli have enabled the study of its structure-function relationship by site-directed mutagenesis. The role of carboxyl groups at Glu23 and Glu36 of the rAFP was probed by replacing these residues with either glutamine or alanine residues as both single and double mutants. The AFP mutants were expressed, purified and characterized in terms of primary and secondary structures, thermal stability and antifreeze activities. The properties of these mutants were compared with those of the rAFP. Three distinct functions are identified for the carboxyl groups: (i) the negative charges at positions 23 and 36 are involved in the thermal stability of the polypeptide; (ii) the negative charges at positions 23 and 36 contribute to the thermal hysteretic activities of the polypeptide; and (iii) the negative charge at position 23 and hydrogen-bonding ability at position 36 contribute to the ice-binding activity of the polypeptide.
Alanine↗
Expression and characterization of an active and thermally more stable recombinant antifreeze polypeptide from ocean pout, Macrozoarces americanus, in Escherichia coli: improved expression by the modification of the secondary structure of the mRNA.
The cDNA clone coding for the ocean pout antifreeze polypeptide (AFP) was modified to improve translation of its mRNA in Escherichia coli. A recombinant AFP (rAFP), MetLys-AFP-Lys, was expressed successfully using the lambda PL promoter, and constituted 1-2% of total bacterial proteins. The rAFP was purified to homogeneity from the soluble fractions of bacterial extracts. Its identity was confirmed by amino acid analysis, automated Edman degradation, immuno-blot and activity measurements. Although the rAFP is indistinguishable from the authentic AFP in its secondary structure, thermal hysteretic activity and the alteration of ice crystal structure, it is, however, thermally more stable (approximately 4.5 degrees C increase in Tm) and is more effective in inhibiting ice growth along the a-axis. These investigations indicate that the extra amino acids in rAFP significantly improve the thermal stability and ice-binding activity of the polypeptide.
Amino Acids↗
Concentrations of endothelin-1 in human amniotic fluid at various stages of pregnancy.
To examine the possible role of endothelin in the initiation of parturition, endothelin-1-like immunoreactivity (ET-1-LI) in the amniotic fluid (AF) was determined by a sensitive radioimmunoassay (RIA) system. The concentrations of ET-1-LI in AF were 24.7 +/- 6.1 pg/ml (mean +/- SD, n = 6) at the second trimester and were significantly increased to 40.4 +/- 15.1 pg/ml (n = 6) at term. These ET-1-LI concentrations are about three- to fourfold higher than those observed in the maternal plasma. The gel permeation chromatography (GPC) profile of ET-1-LI extracted from second-trimester AF indicated that the ET-1-LI consisted of only one component of 6kET, the molecular weight of which was 6,000, larger than big ET-1. In contrast, ET-1-LI in the AF at term consisted of two components, ET-1 and 6kET. These findings suggest that the level of biologically active ET-1 in the AF increases markedly from second trimester toward term. A significant amount of ET-1-LI was also detected in the supernatant of amnion cell culture. The level of ET-1-LI in the culture medium after 12 h of incubation was almost comparable with that in AF at term. Thus, it is suggested that amnion tissue may be the major source of ET-1-LI in the AF. Together with the fact that ET-1 increases cytoplasmic calcium ion in the target cell, the results of present study raise the possibility that endothelin plays an important role in the initiation of parturition by triggering the production of prostaglandins in fetal membranes.
Amniotic Fluid↗
Concentrations of endothelin-1 in maternal and umbilical cord blood at various stages of pregnancy.
To examine the role of endothelin (ET) in the maternal and fetal circulation, the levels of endothelin-1-like immunoreactivity (ET-1-LI) in the plasma of maternal vein (MV), umbilical vein (UV), and umbilical artery (UA) were determined by a sensitive radioimmunoassay (RIA). Levels of ET-1-LI in MV did not show any significant change (9.9 +/- 1.5 pg/ml, n = 26) throughout normal pregnancy and were similar to those of normal nonpregnant women (10.7 +/- 2.5 pg/ml, n = 5). Levels of ET-1-LI in UV and UA obtained at normal deliveries at term were about three times higher than those in MV. In the patients with mild and severe pre-eclampsia, the levels of plasma ET-1-LI were significantly higher than those of normal pregnancy (14.3 +/- 2.2 pg/ml, n = 5 and 27.2 +/- 8.6 pg/ml, n = 5, respectively). However, in pregnant women with chronic hypertension, the levels of ET-1-LI did not increase when the hypertension did not worsen during pregnancy (11.4 +/- 1.6 pg/ml, n = 7). Moreover, in two pregnant women with abnormally stimulated coagulation, such as acute or subacute DIC, the levels of ET-1-LI were extremely high and returned gradually to those of normal nonpregnant women after the coagulation was normalized by treatment. These results suggest the possibility that ET-1 plays an important role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.
Chromatography, Gel↗
Effects of active immunization against gonadotrophin-releasing hormone on the concentrations of noradrenaline, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine and some of their metabolites in the brain and sexual organs of male rats.
This is an investigation of the effects of active immunization against gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin on brain and male sexual organ concentration of catecholamines and 5-hydroxytryptamine. The treatment induces antibodies against GnRH with consequent interference with reproductive function as indicated by the attendant decrease in serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone. Rat striatal and mesolimbic dopamine levels were moderately increased by this treatment but no changes were observed in the hypothalamus. GnRH immunization also increased brain 5-hydroxytryptamine concentrations as observed in the hypothalamus, olfactory tubercles and striatum. In the male accessory sexual organs, immunity against GnRH alters the density of noradrenergic concentration. The changes occurred in opposite directions in the different regions investigated; increases in noradrenaline were observed in the prostate, with a reduction being detected in the epididymus and no changes were observed in the vas deferens or the seminal vesicles. 5-Hydroxytryptamine levels increased in the vas deferens but no effects were observed in the epididymus, prostate or seminal vesicle. It is concluded that GnRH immunization with the consequent reductions in circulating FSH, LH and testosterone are associated with changes in neurotransmitter concentration both in the brain and in some of the accessory sexual organs in the male rat.
Animals↗
The involvement of platelet-activating factor in thrombocytopenia and follicular rupture during gonadotropin-induced superovulation in immature rats.
To investigate whether the platelets in the ovaries are activated by the action of platelet-activating factor (PAF) during gonadotropin-induced ovulation, we examined the changes in the platelet count in immature rats after administration of PMSG followed 48 h later by human CG (hCG). The platelet count in the inferior vena cava was significantly decreased 48 h after PMSG administration and was further decreased after hCG administration. When both ovaries of rats were extirpated, the administration of PMSG and hCG did not decrease the platelet count. Subcutaneous administration of a PAF antagonist, Y24180 (0.5-5 mg/kg.6 h), after PMSG injection decreased the number of ova shed in a dose-dependent manner. The decrease in the platelet count induced by the administration of PMSG and hCG was reversed to the level of the untreated control group by Y24180 (2.5 mg/kg.6 h). This inhibitory activity of Y24180 on ovulation and thrombocytopenia was completely reversed by the ip injection of synthetic PAF. Subcutaneous administration of indomethacin (IDM) also reduced the number of ova shed in a dose-dependent manner. However, thrombocytopenia was not reversed by IDM. Moreover, the inhibition of ovulation by IDM was not reversed by synthetic PAF. The present study suggests that: 1) platelets are activated by PAF during gonadotropin-induced ovulation in immature rats; 2) PAF is also involved in the rupture of follicles; 3) the presence of the ovary is indispensable for the generation of PAF in gonadotropin-stimulated immature rats; and 4) the mechanism of PAF action on ovulation may be different from that of prostaglandins.
Animals↗
[Immunohistochemical differential diagnosis of 60 cases of rhabdomyosarcoma].
Using the avidin-biotin complex immunoperoxidase technique and antibodies to myoglobin, desmin, CLA, NSE, GFAP, keratin, fibronectin, alpha 1AT, lysozyme, S-100 protein, vimentin, cytokeratin, actin, the authors studied 60 cases of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) histopathologically diagnosed previously. Thirty-six cases showed both myoglobin and desmin positive stain, an objective evidence of the origin from skeletal muscles. The other 24 cases were identified as of non-skeletal muscle origin, including MFH, lymphoma, melanoma, neuroblastoma, malignant neurilemmoma, leiomyosarcoma etc. This study strongly suggests that histologic examination of RMS may lead to incorrect diagnosis. Histologically MFH and other types of spindle cell sarcomas invading normal skeletal muscles may be confused with pleomorphic RMS, lymphoma and neuroblastoma may be confused with embryonic RMS. Our findings indicate that myoglobin is a highly sensitive and specific tumor marker for RMS.
Antibodies↗
[The clinical significance of lupus anticoagulant (LAC) in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia].
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Adult↗
Frequent deletions of the human X chromosome distal short arm result from recombination between low copy repetitive elements.
Substantial DNA deletions appear to be the molecular basis of several human genetic disorders but rarely account for the majority of observed mutations at any given locus. Exceptions in which deletions do account for the majority of observed abnormalities include the alpha-thalassemias, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and steroid sulfatase deficiency. Variable deletion breakpoints have been recognized at the alpha-globin and dystrophin loci, but no information is available regarding STS deletions. We have found that these STS alterations usually involve breakpoints within highly similar sequence elements situated approximately 1.9 megabases apart on the X chromosome. It is surprising that these very large deletions produce such mild clinical abnormalities. These results may provide insight into the molecular mechanism of a number of human genetic defects.
Cell Line↗
A long range restriction map of the distal human X chromosome short arm around the steroid sulfatase locus.
The distal short arm of the human X chromosome is of interest because it contains genes which escape X chromosome inactivation and because it is subject to frequent deletions in human patients. The steroid sulfatase gene has been particularly well studied as an example of a gene which escapes X inactivation and which is included in a number of these deletion events. For these reasons a physical map of the region around the STS gene would be of interest. We have constructed a rare cutting enzyme map of this area and have determined the position of several nearby markers with respect to STS. We have also oriented the 5' and 3' ends of the STS gene on this map and have determined the centromeric and telomeric portions of the region. Finally, we have shown that this map can be used to locate deletion breakpoints in STS deficient patients.
Arylsulfatases↗
Consideration of drug load on the swelling kinetics of glassy gelatin matrices.
The effect of drug load on water transport into glassy gelatin beads and on the dynamic swelling behavior of the hydrated gel was studied through microscopic measurements of moving boundaries. Isoniazid was found to alter the glassy structure of gelatin, resulting in an increase in water penetration rates with a lowering of the apparent activation energy for water front movement. Differential scanning calorimetry studies revealed a decrease in the glass transition temperature with drug load, further indicating plasticization of the gelatin glass. The presence of drug also accelerated the outer swelling gelatin front, but, in contrast to the water front, the apparent activation energy for matrix expansion rose substantially with higher drug loads for temperatures greater than 20 degrees C. This observation may be rationalized as an increasing osmotic stress on the matrix induced by greater loading with hydrophilic drug. The osmotic stress, in turn, forces the gelatin matrix to expand outward, resulting in a higher apparent activation energy (Eact). Furthermore, the enhanced expansion was especially pronounced at higher temperatures where physical bonds, which are associated with gel structure and needed to resist swelling, are presumably weaker and fewer in number.
Calorimetry, Differential Scanning↗
The effects of chronic trimipramine treatment on biogenic amine metabolism and on dopamine D2, 5-HT2 and tryptamine binding sites in rat brain.
1. Two week chronic administration of trimipramine increased the brain concentration and metabolism of dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine. 2. The treatment also produced a reduction in dopamine D2 and 5-hydroxytryptamine 5-HT2 receptors but no change in tryptamine binding was observed. 3. These findings suggest that trimipramine induces adaptive changes in dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine neurotransmission.
3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗
[Application of mouse tail artery for the study of alpha adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists and calcium antagonists].
Isolated mouse tail artery strip was used for the study of alpha 1-, alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists. NA (alpha 1 and alpha 2 agonist) was shown to have greater activity in contracting tail artery. Phenylephrine (alpha 1 agonist) and clonidine (alpha 2 agonist) exhibited the same contractile action but much weaker than NA. Prazosin (alpha 1 antagonist) and yohimbine (alpha 2 antagonist) greatly diminished the contraction induced by phenylephrine and clonidine. These results indicate that mouse tail artery is rich in postsynaptic alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor. In addition, mouse tail artery preparation was shown to be a useful tool for screening calcium agonists and antagonists. This model has advantages of being simple and easy to prepare, short equilibrium time and more economic in comparison with the helical strips of isolated rat tail artery.
Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗
[Treatment of childhood anorexin with spleen deficiency by principle of invigorating spleen and benefiting qi].
UNLABELLED: 101 children of anorexia with Spleen deficiency were divided randomly into two groups, the invigorating Spleen(IS) group of 58 cases treated by modified Yi-Gong-San, and the replenishing zinc(RZ) group of 43 cases treated by 0.2% zinc sulphate syrup. One course of treatment was 3 months. RESULTS: the clinical effects of IS group were notable in promoting appetite, increasing body weight and height, eliminating polyhidrosis, preventing common cold and tracheitis etc. The total effective rate was 96.6% in IS group which was significantly better than 72.1% in the RZ group (P less than 0.01). The effect of examination showed that the levels of hair zinc after treatment were markedly increased in both groups (P less than 0.01). The average increased value of hair zinc was 62.2 +/- 9.1 (ppm) in IS group which was higher than 42.1 +/- 7.2 (ppm) in RZ group (P less than 0.05). Moreover excretion rate and Hb after treatment in the IS group were markedly higher those in the RZ group (P less than 0.01). Chemical analysis showed that the concentration of zinc in modified Yi-Gong-San was very slight (0.73 mg/pack). It indicated that arising hair zinc in IS group was not simply supply of zinc but also the treatment in appetite, digestion and absorption, with which the body was supplied enough zinc naturally by food taken.
Anorexia↗
[Alteration of nasal physiology after total laryngectomy].
The mucociliary clearance velocity, mucosal surface temperature and ultrastructure of the nasal mucosa were observed on patients with laryngeal cancer in order to investigate the influence of total laryngectomy on nasal physiology. Literatures had been reviewed.
Adult↗