Effects of rhubarb on isolated gastric muscle strips of guinea pigs

AIM:To study the effects of rhubarb (dried root of Rheum officinale Baill.) on contractile activity of isolated gastric muscle strips of guinea pigs and its possible mechanism. METHODS: A total of 48 guinea pigs were killed to remove the whole stomach. Then, the stomach was opened and the mucosal layer was removed. Parallel to the circular fibers, muscle strips were cut from the body. Each isolated gastric muscle strip was suspended in a tissue chamber containing 5 mL Krebs solution, constantly warmed by water jacket at 37℃ and bubbled continuously with a mixed gas of 950 mL/L O2 and 50 mL/L CO2. After being incubated for 1 h with 1 g tension, rhubarb of varied concentrations (1%, 2%, 7%, 20% and 70%) was added cumulatively into the tissue chamber at intervals of 2 min. Atropine (10-6 mol/L) or isoptin (5x10-8 mol/L) or hexamethonium (10-5 mol/L) was given 2 min before the administration of rhubarb. The isometrical response was measured with an ink-writing recorder. RESULTS: Rhubarb dose dependently increased the resting tension of gastric body circular muscle (CM) (r = 0.726, P<0.05). Atropine (r= 0.829, A:0.05), isoptin (r= 0.764, A;0.05) and hexamethonium (r = 0.797, P<0.05) did not affect its action in a dose-related manner. Atropine apparently reduced the increasing action of 1%, 3%, 10%, 30% and 100% rhubarb on the resting tension of gastric body CM. Isoptin inhibited the effect of 10%, 30% and 100% rhubarb on the resting tension of gastric body CM. Hexamethonium reduced the increasing action of 1%, 10%, 30% and 100% rhubarb on the resting tension of gastric body CM. Rhubarb increased the contractile frequency of CM of body. While atropine, isoptin and hexamethonium did not inhibit the contractile frequency of gastric body CM in comparison with rhubarb at the same concentration, rhubarb at the highest concentration (100%) decreased the mean contractile amplitude of gastric body CM. Atropine, isoptin and hexamethonium did not affect the mean contractile amplitude of gastric body CM compared to rhubarb at the same concentration. CONCLUSION: Rhubarb has exciting actions on isolated gastric smooth muscle strips of guinea pig. The exciting action of rhubarb is partly mediated via cholinergic M receptor, cholinergic N receptor and L-type calcium channel.

Effects of flavonoids from Semen Cuscutae on the reproductive system in male rats

Aim: To evaluate the effects of the flavonoids extracted from the Semen Cuscutae (FSC) on the reproductive and en-docrine functions in male rats. Methods: (1) FSC were obtained from the semen of Cuscuta sinensis Lam throughsolvent extraction and polyamide columnar chromatography; (2) Effect of FSC on the reproductive organs was assessedin immature rats. Rats were administered FSC through gastric gavage at a dose of 300 mg/kg per day for 7 days and theweights of testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle and pituitary gland were then observed; (3) To observe the effect of FSCon the reproductive endocrine function: same dose level of FSC was given to male rats of different age groups for 7days; on day 8, the plasma testosterone (T), estradiol (E_2) and LH were determined by RIA, the specific binding ofLH was estimated and the testes were weighed. (4) Effect of FSC on LH secretion was assessed in vitro on culturedadenohypophysis. (5) Effect of FSC on T secretion was assessed in vitro on Leydig cell culture. Results: FSC in-creased the weights of testis, epididymis and pituitary gland, and stimulated T and LH secretion both in vitro and inimmature rats. Conclusion: FSC invigorates the reproductive system and reproductive endocrine function in male rats.

Multidrug resistance reversal in human gastric carcinoma cells by neferine

AIIVI: To investigate the reversal effect of neferine on multidrug resistance in human gastric carcinoma cell line. METHODS: Cells of a human gastric cancer cells line, SGC7901, and its vincristine (VCR) -resistant variant, SGC7901/VCR, were cultivated with or without neferine and/or VCR. The cytotoxic effect of VCR was evaluated by the MTT assay. Cell apoptosis induced by VCR was determined by flow cytometry(FCM). The expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and a multidrug-resistance-associated protein (MRP) in cells was examined by immunofluorescence and FCM. RESULTS: Neferine at the concentration from 2.5 μmol/L to 10 μmol/L had no cytotoxicity to SGC7901 cells, and its variant SGC7901/VCR cells. The ICso of VCR against SGC7901 and SGC7901/VCR cells was 0.059 μg/mL and 2.32 μg/mL, respectively, indicating that SGC7901/VCR cells were 39 times more resistant to VCR than its parent SGC7 901 cells. After treatment with neferine at concentrations of 2.5, 5 and 10 μmol/L, the IC50 of VCR to SGC7901/VCR cell line decreased to 0.340, 0.128 and 0.053 μg/mL, respectively,thus, increased the chemosensitivity by 6.8-, 18.1- and 43.8-fold, respectively. SGC7901/VCR cells were apoptosis resistant to VCR. Neferine (2.5, 5 and 10 μmol/L) promoted the VCR-induced apoptosis of SGC7901/VCR cells in a dosedependent manner. The expressions of P-gp and MRP were strongly positive in SGC7901/VCR cells, which were significantly down-regulated after treatment with neferine (10 μmol/L)for 24 h. CONCLUSION: Neferine reverses multidrug resistance of human gastric carcinoma SGC7901/VCR cells, which may be associated with the down-regulations of P-gp and MRP expression in SGC701/VCR cells.

Expression of Egr-1,c-fos and cyclin D1 in esophageal cancer and its precursors:An immunohistochernical and in situ hybridization study

AIM:To examine the expression of Egr-1, c-fos and cyclin D1 at both transcript and protein levels in esophageal carcinoma and to correlate the level of their expressions with precancerous and paracancerous esophageal lesions and esophageal carcinoma.METHODS:In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were used respectively to detect the expression of mRNA and proteins of Egr-1, c-fos and cyclin D1 in 70 cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and their corresponding para-cancerous mucosa and upper cut edge mucosa.RESULTS:In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry showed positive staining of all three mRNAs in the cytoplasm and those of the proteins in nuclei. Overexpression of Egr-1, c-los and cyclin D1 mRNAs and their proteins was found in dysplasia and squamous carcinomas. The expression level of Egr-1 and c-los was high, and cyclin D1 was low in dysplasia mucosa, whereas the expression of Egr-1 was decreased, c-fos was maintained and cyclin D1 was increased in the cancers. The expression of both c-fos and cyclinD1 was consistent between the mRNA and protein in their corresponding high expression lesions.CONCLUSION: The expression of Egr-1, c-fos and cyclin D1 varies in esophageal precancerous lesions and cancer tissues, suggesting an involvement of these genes in the development of esophageal carcinoma.

Comparative study in the effect of C-type natriuretic peptide on gastric motility in various animals

AIM: To investigate the effect of natriuretic peptides on gastric motility in various animals, and the effect of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on spontaneous contraction of gastric smooth muscle in rat, guinea-pig and human in vitro was compared.METHODS: Spontaneous contraction of gastric smooth muscle was recorded by four channel physiograph.RESULTS: In the guinea-pig and rat gastric antral circular smooth muscle, CNP markedly decreased the amplitude of spontaneous contraction but it didn't affect the frequency,however, the contractile activity was completely inhibited by CNP in gastric antral longitudinal smooth muscle. In the human gastric antral circular and longitudinal smooth musie, CNP completely inhibited spontaneous contraction. In the circular smooth muscle of guinea-pig and rat gastric fundus,CNP obviously decreased the amplitude of spontaneous contraction but it didn't affect the frequency, however, the contractile activity was completely inhibited by CNP in smooth muscle of fundus longitudinal. In the circular and longitudinal smooth muscle of guinea-pig gastric body, CNP at first induced a relaxation and then an increase in amplitude of spontaneous contraction (rebound contraction), but the frequency was not changed. After the circular smooth muscle of gastric body was pretreated with atropine, an M receptor blocker, the rebound contraction was abolished; In circular and longitudinal smooth muscle of rat gastric body, CNP induced a transient and slight relaxation and successively followed by the recovery in amplitude of spontaneous contraction but it also didn't affect the frequency. After the smooth muscle was pretreated with atropine, the transient and slight relaxation was replaced by long term and complete inhibition; The percentage of CNP-induced inhibition was 76.77±6.21% (fundus), 67.21±5.32 % (body) and 58.23±6.21% (antral) in the gastric circular muscle, however, the inhibitory percentage was 100±0.00 % (fundus), 68.66±3.55 % (body) and 100±0.00 % (antrum) in the gastric longitudinal smooth muscle of guinea-pigs; In the rat, the percentage of CNP-induced inhibition was 95.87±4.12 %(fundus), 94.91±5.08 % (body) and 66.32±7.32 % (antrum)in the gastric circular smooth muscle, but in the longitudinal smooth muscle, CNP completely inhibited the spontaneous contraction. Using LY83583, a guanylate cyclase inhibitor, and zaparinast as a phosphoesterase inhibitor to inhibit the generation of cGMP, the effect of CNP on the spontaneous contraction was markedly weakened by LY83583, however, the inhibitory effect was enhanced by zaparinast.CONCLUSION: (1) CNP can obviously inhibit the spontaneous contraction of gastric antral circular and longitudinal smooth muscle in the rat, guinea-pig and human.The order of inhibitory potency is human ＞rat＞ guinea-pig.(2) In the same animals, the inhibitory effect of CNP on spontaneous contraction is the most powerful in fundus and the weakest in antrum, in the same position, the inhibitory effect on the circular smooth muscle is more powerful than that on longitudinal smooth muscle. (3) The inhibitory effect of CNP on spontaneous contraction in the gastric smooth muscle is mediated by a cGMP dependent pathway.

Anticancer effect and apoptosis induction of gambogic acid in human gastric cancer line BGC-823

AIM: To investigate the anticancer effect of a traditional Chinese medicine gambogic acid (GA) in human gastric cancer line BGC-823 and further study the mechanism of apoptosis induction of GA.METHODS: Low differential human gastric cancer line BGC-823 were treated with GA at different doses and different times, the inhibitory rates were detected by MTT assay. Apoptosis induced by GA in BGC-823 cells was observed by Annexin-V/PI doubling staining flow cytometry assay. And T/C (%) was chosen to detect the inhibition of GA on human gastric adenocarcinoma BGC-823 nude mice xenografts. Apoptosis on nude mice xenografts was observed by Annexin-V/PI doubling staining flow cytometry assay and DNA fragmentation assay. To further determine the molecular mechanism of apoptosis induced by GA, the changes on the expression of bcl-2 and bax genes were detected by RT-PCR.RESULTS: After incubation with GA, low differential human gastric cancer line BGC-823 was dramatically inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. After these cells were exposedto GA for 24, 48 and 72 h, the IC50 value was 1.02±0.05, 1.41±0.20 and 1.14±0.19 μmol/L, respectively. Apoptosis in BGC-823 cells induced by GA was observed by AnnexinV/PI doubling staining flow cytometry assay. The apoptotic population of BGC-823 cells was about 12.96% and 24.58%, respectively, when cells were incubated with 1.2 μmol/L GA for 48 and 72 h. T/C (%) of human gastric carcinoma adenocarcinoma BGC-823 nude mice xenografts was 44.3, when the nude mice were treated with GA (8 mg/kg). Meanwhile, apoptosis induced by GA was observed in human gastric carcinoma adenocarcinoma BGC-823 nude mice xenografts. The increase of bax gene and the decrease of bc1-2 gene expressions were found by RT-PCR.CONCLUSION: The inhibition of GA on human gastric cancer line BGC-823 was confirmed. This effect connects with the inducing apoptosis in BGC-823 cells and the molecular mechanism might be related to the reduction of expression of apoptosis-regulated gene bcl-2, and the improvement of the expression of apoptosis-regulated gene bax. The result was also confirmed in vivo.

Effects of autoantibodies against β_1-adrenoceptor in hepatitis virus myocarditis on action potential and L-type Ca^(2+) currents

AIM:To investigate the effects of autoantibodies against β_1-adrenoceptor in hepatitis virus myocarditis on action potential and L-type Ca^(2+) currents. METHODS:Fifteen samples of autoantibodies against β_1- adrenoceptor positive sera of patients with hepatitis virus myocarditis were obtained and IgGs were purified by octanoic acid extraction.Binding of autoantibodies against β_1- adrenoceptor to guinea pig cardiac myocytes was examined by immunofluorescence.Using the patch clamp technique, the effects on the action potential and I_(ca-L) of guinea pig cardiac myocytes caused by autoantibodies against β_1-adrenoceptor in the absence and presence of metoprolol were investigated. Cell toxicity was examined by observing cell morphology and permeability of cardiac myocytes to trypan blue. RESULTS:The specific binding of autoantibodies against β_1-adrenoceptor to guinea pig cardiomyocytes was observed. Autoantibodies against β_1-adrenoceptor diluted at 1:80 prolonged APO_(20),APD_(50)and APD_(90) by 39.2%,29.1% and 15.2% respectively,and only by 7.2%,5.3% and 4.1% correspondingly in the presence of 1 μmol/L metoprolol. Autoantibodies against β_1-adrenoceptor diluted at 1:80, 1:100 and 1:120 significantly increased the I_(ca-l) peak current amplitude at 0 mV by 55.87±4.39%,46.33±5.01% and 29.29±4.97% in a concentration-dependent manner.In contrast,after blocking of β_1-adrenoceptors (1 μmol/L metoprolol),autoantibodies against β_1-adrenoceptor diluted at 1:80 induced a slight increase of I_(ca-L) peak amplitude only by 6.81±1.61%.A large number of cardiac myocytes exposed to high concentrations of autoantibodies against β_1- adrenoceptor (1:80 and 1:100) were turned into rounded cells highly permeable to trypan blue. CONCLUSION:Autoantibodies against β_1-adrenoceptor may result in arrhythmias and/or impairment of myocardiums in HVM,which would be mediated by the enhancement of I_(ca-L.

Pathophysiological significance of a reacUon in mouse gastrointestinal tract associated with delayed-type hypersensitivity

AIM: To explore the pathophysiological significance of delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction in mouse gastrointestinal tract induced by an allergen 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB).METHODS: BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control and DTH1-6 groups. After sensitized by DNCB smeared on the abdominal skin, the mice were challenged with DNCB by gavage or enema. The weight, stool viscosity and hematochezia were observed and accumulated as disease active index (DAI) score; the gastrointestinal motility was represented by active charcoal propulsion rate;the colon pathological score was achieved by macropathology and HE staining of section prepared for microscopy; and the leukocyte migration inhibitory factor (1MIF) activity was determined by indirect capillary assay of the absorbance (A) of migrated leukocytes.RESULTS: Active charcoal propulsion rates of small intestine in the DNCB gavages groups were significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). The DAI scores and pathological score in DNCB enema groups were also higher than that in the control group (P<0.05), and there were significant rises in LMIF activity in DNCB enemagroups as compared with control groups (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Mouse gastrointestinal DTH reaction could be induced by DNCB, which might facilitate the mechanism underlying the ulcerative colitis.

Effect of rhubarb on contractile response of gallbladder smooth muscle strips isolated from guinea pigs

AIM: To investigate the effect of rhubarb on contractile response of isolated gallbladder muscle strips from guinea pigs and its mechanism.METHODS: Guinea pigs were killed to remove the whole gallbladder. Two or three smooth muscle strips (8 mm×3mm) were cut along the longitudinal direction. The mucosa on each strip was carefully removed. Each longitudinal muscle strip was suspended in a tissue chamber containing 5 mL Krebs solution (37 ℃), bubbled continuously with 950 mL/L O2 and 50 mL/L CO2. The resting tension (g), mean contractile amplitude (mm),and contractile frequency (waves/min) were simultaneously recorded on recorders. After 2-h equilibration, rhubarb (10, 20, 70, 200, 700, 1 000 g/L) was added cumulatively to the tissue chamber in turns every 2 min to observe their effects on gallbladder.Antagonists were given 3 min before administration of rhubarb to investigate the possible mechanism.RESULTS: Rhubarb increased the resting tension (from 0 to 0.40±0.02, P＜0.001), and decreased the mean contractile amplitude (from 5.22±0.71 to 2.73±0.41,P＜0.001). It also increased the contractile frequency of the gallbladder muscle strips in guinea pigs (from 4.09±0.46to 6.08±0.35, P＜0.001). The stimulation of rhubarb on the resting tension decreased from 3.98±0.22 to 1.58±0.12by atropine (P＜0.001), from3.98±0.22 to 2.09±0.19 by verapamil (P＜0.001) and from 3.98±0.22 to 2.67±0.43by phentolamine (P＜0.005). But the effect was not inhibited by hexamethonium (P＞0.05). In addition, the action of mean amplitude and frequency was not inhibited by the above antagonists.CONCLUSION: Rhubarb can stimulate the motility of isolated gallbladder muscle strips from guinea pigs. The stimulation of rhubarb might be relevant with M receptor,Ca2+ channel and α receptor partly.

Effects of psychological stress on small intestinal motility and expression of cholecystokinin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in plasma and small intestine in mice

AIM: To investigate the effects of psychological stress on small intestinal motility and expression of cholecystokinin (CCK) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in plasma and small intestine, and to explore the relationship between small intestinal motor disorders and gastrointestinal hormones under psychological stress. METHODS: Thirty-six mice were randomly divided into psychological stress group and control group. A mouse model with psychological stress was established by housing the mice with a hungry cat in separate layers of a two-layer cage. A semi-solid colored marker (carbon-ink) was used for monitoring small intestinal transit. CCK and VIP levels in plasma and small intestine in mice were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). RESULTS: Small intestinal transit was inhibited (52.18±19.15% vs70.19±17.79%, P<0.01) in mice after psychological stress, compared to the controls. Small intestinal CCK levels in psychological stress mice were significantly lower than those in the control group (0.75±0.53 μg/g vs1.98±1.17 μg/g, P<0.01), whereas plasma CCK concentrations were not different between the groups. VIP levels in small intestine were significantly higher in psychological stress mice than those in the control group (8.45±1.09 μg/g vs7.03±2.36 μg/g, P<0.01), while there was no significant difference in plasma VIP levels between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Psychological stress inhibits the small intestinal transit, probably by down-regulating CCK and up-regulating VIP expression in small intestine.

Role of calcium-activated potassium currents in CNP-induced relaxation of gastric antral circular smooth muscle in guinea pigs

AIM: To investigate ion channel mechanism in CNP-induced relaxation of gastric circular smooth muscle in guinea pigs.METHODS: Spontaneous contraction of gastric smooth muscle was recorded by a four -channel physiograph. The whole cell patch-clamp technique was used to record calciumactivated potassium currents and membrane potential in the gastric myocytes isolated by collagenase.RESULTS: C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) markedly inhibited the spontaneous contraction in a dose-dependent manner in gastric circular smooth muscle in guinea pigs.Ly83583, an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase, weakened CNPinduced inhibition on spontaneous contraction but Zaparinast, an inhibitor of cGMP sensitive phosphoesterase,potentiated CNP-induced inhibition in gastric circular smooth muscles. The inhibitory effects of CNP on spontaneous contraction were blocked by tetrathylammonium (TEA), a nonselective potassium channel blocker. CNP hyperpolarized membrane potential from -60.0 mV±2.0 mV to -68.3 meV±3.0 mV in a single gastric myocyte. CNP increased calcium-activated potassium currents (Ik(ca)) in a dose-dependent manner in gastric circular myocytes. CNP also increased the spontaneously transient outward currents (STOCs). Ly83583 partly blocked CNP-induced increase of calcium-activated potassium currents, but Zaparinast potented the effect.CONCLUSION: CNP inhibits spontaneous contraction, and potassium channel may be involved in the process in gastric circular smooth musde of guinea pigs. CNP-induced increase of Ik(ca) is mediated by a cGMP dependent pathway.

Regulation of cellular adhesion molecule expression in murine oocytes, peri-implantation and post-implantation embryos

Expression of the adhesion molecules, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, NCAM, CD44, CD49d (VLA-4, a chain), and CDlla (LFA-1, a chain) on mouse oocytes, and pre- and peri-implantation stage embryos was examined by quantitative indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. ICAM-1 was most strongly expressed at the oocyte stage, gradually declining almost to undetectable levels by the expanded blastocyst stage. NCAM, also expressed maximally on the oocyte, declined to undetectable levels beyond the morula stage. On the other hand, CD44 declined from highest expression at the oocyte stage to show a second maximum at the compacted 8-cell/morula. This molecule exhibited high expression around contact areas between trophecto-derm and zona pellucida during blastocyst hatching. CD49d was highly expressed in the oocyte, remained significantly expressed throughout and after blastocyst hatching was expressed on the polar trophecto-derm. Like CD44, CD49d declined to undetectable levels at the blastocyst outgrowth stage. Expression of both VCAM-1 and CDlla was undetectable throughout. The diametrical temporal expression pattern of ICAM-1 and NCAM compared to CD44 and CD49d suggest that dynamic changes in expression of adhesion molecules may be important for interaction of the embryo with the maternal cellular environment as well as for continuing development and survival of the early embryo.

Effects of unsaturated fatty acids on calcium-activated potassium current in gastric myocytes of guinea pigs

AIM: To investigate the effects of exogenous unsaturated fatty acids on calcium-activated potassium current [IK(Ca)] in gastric antral circular myocytes of guinea pigs. METHODS: Gastric myocytes were isolated by collagenase from the antral circular layer of guinea pig stomach. The whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to record /K(Ca) in the isolated single smooth muscle cells with or without different concentrations of arachidonic acid (AA), linoleic acid (LA), and oleic acid (OA). RESULTS: AA at concentrations of 2,5 and 10 μmol/L markedly increased IK(Ca) in a dose-dependent manner. LA at concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 μmol/L also enhanced /K(Ca) in a dose-dependent manner. The increasing potency of AA, LA, and oleic acid (OA) on /K(Ca)at the same concentration (10μmol/L) was in the order of AA>LA>OA. AA (10 μmol/L)-induced increase of Ik(ca) was not blocked by H-7 (10 μmol/L), an inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), or indomethacin (10 μmol/L), an inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase pathway, and 17-octadecynoic acid (10 μmol/L), an inhibitor of the cytochrome P450 pathway, but weakened by nordihydroguaiaretic acid (10μmol/L), an inhibitor of the lipoxygenase pathway. CONCLUSION: Unsaturated fatty acids markedly increase Ik(Ca), and the enhancing potencies are related to the number of double bonds in the fatty acid chain. The lipoxygenase pathway of unsaturated fatty acid metabolism is involved in the unsaturated fatty acid-induced increase of IK(Ca) in gastric antral circular myocytes of guinea pigs.

Early association of electrocardiogram alteration with infarct size and cardiac function after myocardial infarction

Objective: Myocardial infarction (MI) is the main cause of heart failure, but the relationship between the extent of MI and cardiac function has not been clearly determined. The present study was undertaken to investigate early changes in the electrocardiogram associated with infarct size and cardiac function after MI. Methods: MI was induced by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery in rats. Electrocardiograms, echocardiographs and hemodynamic parameters were assessed and myocardial infarct size was measured from mid-transverse sections stained with Masson抯 trichrome. Results: The sum of pathological Q wave amplitudes was strongly correlated with myocardial infarct size (r = 0.920, P < 0.0001), left ventricular ejection fraction (r = -0.868, P < 0.0001) and left ventricular end diastolic pressure (r = 0.835, P < 0.0004). Furthermore, there was close relationship between MI size and cardiac function as assessed by left ventricular ejection fraction (r = -0.913, P < 0.0001) and left ventricular end diastolic pressure (r = 0.893, P < 0.0001). Conclusion: The sum of pathological Q wave amplitudes after MI can be used to estimate the extent of MI as well as cardiac function.

Studies on relationship between testicular capsule and sperm transport in rat testis

Aim: In SD rats, histological changes in the testis were observed after bilateral capsulotomy (of the tunica albug-inea) in order to investigate the physiological role of the testicular capsule on sperm transport. Methods: Bilaterallongitudinal capsulotomy was devised to disrupt the capsular contractile function. With this technique, only the tunicavaginalis and tunica albuginea were slit open, leaving the tunica vasculosa intact to embrace the underlying testicularparenchyma. After capsulotomy, the structural changes in the seminiferous tubules, the transitional distal seminiferoussegment, and the rete testis were observed. Results: In the capsulotomized testis, there was sperm retention at thetransitional seminiferous segment and progressive degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules. Conclusion: Theresults clearly indicated that an intact testicular capsule was required for normal sperm transport from the seminiferoustubules into the rete testis. This is the first attempt to study the physiological role of the testicular capsule in intact ani-mals.Aim: In SD rats, histological changes in the testis were observed after bilateral capsulotomy (of the tunica albug-inea) in order to investigate the physiological role of the testicular capsule on sperm transport. Methods: Bilaterallongitudinal capsulotomy was devised to disrupt the capsular contractile function. With this technique, only the tunicavaginalis and tunica albuginea were slit open, leaving the tunica vasculosa intact to embrace the underlying testicularparenchyma. After capsulotomy, the structural changes in the seminiferous tubules, the transitional distal seminiferoussegment, and the rete testis were observed. Results: In the capsulotomized testis, there was sperm retention at thetransitional seminiferous segment and progressive degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules. Conclusion: Theresults clearly indicated that an intact testicular capsule was required for normal sperm transport from the seminiferoustubules into the rete testis. This is the first attempt to study the physiological role of the testicular capsule in intact ani-mals.Aim: In SD rats, histological changes in the testis were observed after bilateral capsulotomy (of the tunica albug-inea) in order to investigate the physiological role of the testicular capsule on sperm transport. Methods: Bilaterallongitudinal capsulotomy was devised to disrupt the capsular contractile function. With this technique, only the tunicavaginalis and tunica albuginea were slit open, leaving the tunica vasculosa intact to embrace the underlying testicularparenchyma. After capsulotomy, the structural changes in the seminiferous tubules, the transitional distal seminiferoussegment, and the rete testis were observed. Results: In the capsulotomized testis, there was sperm retention at thetransitional seminiferous segment and progressive degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules. Conclusion: Theresults clearly indicated that an intact testicular capsule was required for normal sperm transport from the seminiferoustubules into the rete testis. This is the first attempt to study the physiological role of the testicular capsule in intact ani-mals.

Effect of Sinai San decoction on the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in rats

AIM: To explore the effect of Sinai san decoction on the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis induced by CCL4 combined with a fat-rich diet in rats.METHODS: Twenty-seven Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups randomly: control group (n = 9),model group (n = 9) and treatment group (n = 9). The rats of model group and treatment group were given small dosage of CCL4 combined with a fat-rich diet, andthose of control group were given normal diet. After four weeks of fat-rich diet feeding, the rats of treatment group were given Sinai san decoction. The serum levels of aminotransferase and lipid were measured, and the pathology of livers was observed by HE staining after the rats were sacrificed at eight weeks.RESULTS: The rats' livers presented the pathology of steatosis and inflammation with higher serum levels of ALT and AST in the model group. In the treatment group the serum ALT and AST levels decreased significantly and were close to the control group. The hepatic inflammation scores also decreased markedly, but were still higher than those of control group. And the degree of hepatocyte steatosis was similar to that of model group.CONCLUSION: Sinai san decoction may ameliorate the hepatic inflammation of rats with steatohepatitis induced by small dosage of CCL4 combined with a fat-rich diet,but does not prevent the development of hepatocyte steatosis.

Effect of testicular capsulotomy on secretion of testosterone and gonadotrophins in rats

Aim: In order to clarify further the mechanisms underlying the effect of capsulotomy on testicular function, the lev-els of testosterone, LH and FSH were observed. Methods: Intratesticular testosterone levels and LH, FSH levelsin the peripheral blood of normal, sham-operated and capsulotomized rats were detected by RIA. Results: Aftertesticular capsulotomy, there was a progressive reduction in the testosterone level in the testicular venous blood togetherwith a progressive increase in the LH and FSH levels in the peripheral blood from approximately 30 days post-capsuloto-my. Morphological changes were observed at 5-10 days after capsulotomy, i. e., far ahead of the hormonal changes.Conclusion: The seminiferous tubular damage after testicular capsulotomy was not caused by the reduction in testos-terone, and on the contrary, the hormonal change might be secondary to the morphological alterations. The increase inLH level most likely resulted from a negative feedback influence from the lowered testosterone level, while the increasein FSH secretion may be a feedback signal of the damaged seminiferous tubules. (Asian J Androl 2000 Dec; 2: 257-261 )

Differential CI^-and HCO_3^- mediated anion secretion by different colonic cell types in response to tetromethylpyrazine

AIM: Colonic epithelium is known to secrete both CI- and HCO3, but the secretory mechanisms of different colonic cell types are not fully understood. The present study aimed to investigate the differential activation of Cl-and HCO3 secretion by tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) in human crypt-like cell line, T84, and villus-like cell line, Caco-2, in comparison to the TMP-induced secretory response in freshly isolated rat colonic mucosa. METHODS: Colonic epithelial anion secretion was studied by using the short circuit current (Isc) technique. RT-PCR was used to examine the expression of Na^+-HCO3-cotranspoter in different epithelial cell types. RESULTS: TMP produced a concentration-dependent Isc which was increase in both T84 and Caco-2 cells. When extracellular CI was removed, TMP-induced Isc was abolished by 76.6% in T84 cells, but not in Caco-2 cells. However, after both CI and HCO3- were removed, TMP-induced Isc in Caco-2 cells was reduced to 10%. Bumetanide, an inhibitor of Na^+-K^+-Cl-cotranspoter, inhibited the TMP-induced Isc by 96.7% in T84 cells, but only 47.9% in Caco-2 cells. In the presence of bumetanide and 4, 4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2, 2'-disulfonic acid, an inhibitor of Na^+-HCO3- cotransporter, inhibited the TMP-induced current in Caco-2 cells by 93.3% .In freshly isolated rat colonic mucosa, TMP stimulated distinct Isc responses similar to that observed in T84 and Caco-2 cells depending on the concentration used. RT-PCR revealed that the expression of Na^+-HCO3- cotransporter in Caco-2 cells was 4-fold more greater than that in T84 cells. CONCLUSION: TMP exerts concentration-dependent differential effects on different colonic cell types with stimulation of predominant Cl- secretion by crypt cells at a lower concentration, but predominant HCO3- secretion by villus cells at a higher concentration, suggesting different roles of these cells in colonic Cl and HCO3 secretion.

Analysis of the mechanisms of rabbit's brainstem hemorrhage complicated with irritable changes in the alvine mucous membrane

AIM: To explore the dynamic changes in the pressure of the lateral ventricle during acute brainstem hemorrhage and the changes of neural discharge of vagus nerve under the load of intracranial hypertension, so as to analyze their effects on the congestive degree of intestinal mucous membrane and the morphologic changes of intestinal mucous membrane.METHODS: An operation was made to open the skull to obtain an acute brainstem hemorrhage animal model.Microcirculatory microscope photography device and video recording system were used to determine the changes continuously in the caliber of jejunal mesenteric artery during brainstem hemorrhage and the changes with time in the congestion of jejunal mucosal villi. We used HE stain morphology to analyze the changes of duodenal mucosal villi. A recording electrode was used to calculate and measure the electric discharge activities of cervical vagus nerve.RESULTS: (1) We observed that the pressure of lateral cerebral ventricle increased transiently during acute brainstem hemorrhage; (2) The caliber of the jejunal mesenteric artery increased during brainstem hemorrhage.Analysis of red color coordinate values indicated transient increase in the congestion of jejunal mucous membrane during acute brainstem hemorrhage; (3) Through the analysis of the pathologic slice, we found enlarged blood vessels, stagnant blood, and transudatory red blood cells in the duodenal submucous layer; (4) Electric discharge of vagus nerve increased and sporadic hemorrhage spots occurred in duodenal mucous and submucous layer, when the lateral ventricle was under pressure.CONCLUSION: Brainstem hemorrhage could causeintracranial hypertension, which would increase the neural discharge of vagus nerve and cause the transient congestion of jejunal mucous membrane. It could cause hyperemia and diffused hemorrhage in the duodenal submucous layer 48 h after brainstem hemorrhage.

Expressions of PCNA,p53,p21^(WAF-1)and cell proliferation in fetal esophageal epithelia:Comparative study with adult esophageal lesions from subjects at high-incidence area for esophageal cancer in Henan,North China

AIM: To characterize the expression of p53, p21WAF-1 and proliferation-cell-nuclear-antigen (PCNA) in fetal esophageal epithelia and to determine the role of these genes in proliferation of fetal and adult esophageal epithelial cells. METHODS: Immunohistochemical avdin-biotin peroxidase complex (ABC) method was applied to 31 cases of fetal esophageal specimens and 194 cases of adult esophageal specimens to detect the expression of p53, p21WAF-1 and PCNA in fetal and adult esophageal epithelia. RESISTS: Both the PCNA positive immunostaining cell number and PCNA positive immunostaining rate in fetal esophageal epithelia (5064-239) were significantly higher than those in adults, induding normal epithelia (2004-113) and epithelia with basal cell hyperplasia (BCH) (2864-150) (P<0.05, ttest). However, the number of PCNA positive immunostaining cells in adult esophageal dysplasia (7194-389) and squamous cell cardnoma (SCC) (12614-545) was apparently higher than that in fetal esophageal epithelia (5064-239) (P<0.05, tbest). The positive immunostaining rabe of P53 was 10 % (3/31) in fetal esophageal epithelia, which was significantly lower than that in adult normal esophageal epithelia (50 %), adult epithelia with basal cell hyperplasia (62 %), dysplasia (73 %) and squamous cell carcinoma (86 %) (P<0.05, Fisher''s exact test). No p21WAF-l positive immunostaining cells were observed in fetal esophageal epithelia. However, p21w^l positive immunost^ining cells wereobserved in adult esophagus with 39 % (11/28) in normal, 38% (14/37) in BCH, 27 % (3/11) in DYS and 14 % (1/7) in SCC. CONCLUSION: PCNA could act as an indicator accurately reflecting the high proliferation status of fetal esophageal epithelium, p53 may play an important role in growth and differentiation of fetal esophageal epithelium, p21WAF-1 may have no physiological function in development of fetal esophageal epithelium.