The potential mutagenicity of protein-modified Enterococcus faecalis was evaluated by the Ames test. The test subject was designed with 0. 05,0. 5,5. 0,and 50. 0 mg/dish doses,and a control group was set. With Salmone...The potential mutagenicity of protein-modified Enterococcus faecalis was evaluated by the Ames test. The test subject was designed with 0. 05,0. 5,5. 0,and 50. 0 mg/dish doses,and a control group was set. With Salmonella typhimurium mutant strains TA97,TA98,TA100 and TA102 as test strains,the Ames test was carried out with( +) or without(-) S9,and the number of revertant colonies was counted. The results showed that for the protein-modified E. faecalis in the case of + S9 and-S9,the average numbers of revertant colonies of the four test strains were less than two times of that of the negative control group,and no dose-response relationship was observed. The protein-modified E. faecalis was tested to be negative in the Ames test,indicating that the test substance was not mutagenic in vitro.展开更多
AIM To study the influence of diet intake on the result of liver function test. METHODS Blood samples from liver diseases ( n =100) and non liver diseases ( n =100) were taken at 07:00 in the morning (fasting ...AIM To study the influence of diet intake on the result of liver function test. METHODS Blood samples from liver diseases ( n =100) and non liver diseases ( n =100) were taken at 07:00 in the morning (fasting state) and two hours after meal. Using Hitach 7150 automatic biochemistry analyser, ten liver function indexes (SB, TTT, ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, γ-GT, SP, A and G) were examined. RESULTS According to the SAS software system the differences were not significant between fasting state and after meal ( P =0 476-0 978). CONCLUSION Liver function test can be performed after meal.展开更多
Two DNA fragments encoding PDZ domain (21-110 residues) and BAR domain ( 150-360 residues) from PICK1 (1-416 residues) were amplified by PCR and then introduced into vectors, pET-32M and pMAL-e2X respectively to...Two DNA fragments encoding PDZ domain (21-110 residues) and BAR domain ( 150-360 residues) from PICK1 (1-416 residues) were amplified by PCR and then introduced into vectors, pET-32M and pMAL-e2X respectively to generate recombinant plasmids, pE-pdz and pM-bar. Having been separately transferred into the hosts E. coli BL21 and E. coli JM109, these two strains can express fusion proteins: His-tagged PDZ(PDZ domain) and maltose binding protein-BAR( MBP-BAR domain) respectively, as confirmed by both SDS-PAGE and Wostem blotting. The interaction between these two domains is dose-dependence, as identified by a pull-down test. Moreover, it has been shown from the ELISA analysis that the actual amount of PDZ bound to MBP-BAR-amylose beads reaches ( 16 ± 0. 5)%, as calculated by the molar ratio of PDZ to MBP-BAR. In addition, the interaction between BAR(bait) and PDZ(prey) in vivo was also examined with a yeast two-hybrid system.展开更多
Objective To study the human myxovirus resistant protein A (MxA), a specifically induced peptide by interferon I, and to use its level as a diagnostic criterion for viral infections. Methods Anti-MxA antisera from i...Objective To study the human myxovirus resistant protein A (MxA), a specifically induced peptide by interferon I, and to use its level as a diagnostic criterion for viral infections. Methods Anti-MxA antisera from immunized mice were prepared with the expressed MxA protein of pET32a-MxA in E. coli BL-21(DE3). To confirm the antiserum activity and specificity, the expression product of BL21, wild type MxA pEGFP-CI-wMxA and site-directed mutant MxA pEGFP-Cl-mMxA(N589S) stably transfected 3T3 cells and induced A549 cells were detected by Western blot with the antisera using non-MxA transfected or non-IFN-[3 induced cells, intact A549, NIH 3T3 cells transfected with pEGFP-CI and pET32a (+)-transformed BL-21 as controls. Results The antisera had specific positive immunoreactivity to the NIH3T3 cells transformed with pEGFP-CI-wMxA and pEGFP-CI-mMxA, INF-β induced A549 cells and BL21 proteins expressed with pET32a (+)-MxA. The hybridization signals from IFN-β induced A549 cells depended on the IFN-β inducing concentrations. Meanwhile, immunohistochemical assay showed that NIH 3T3 cells with pEGFP-C 1-wMxA and pEGFP-C 1-mMxA had 〉 98% of positive cells at 1:50 dilution of the serum and A549 cells induced by 20 ng/mL IFN-[3 for 48 h showed 95% positive cells. pEGFP-Cl-transfected NIH 3T3 cells were all negative. Conclusion Anti-sera are highly specific to diversified MxAs. The antibody is detectable by Western blot, immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence assay.展开更多
A hybrid gene encoding several putative protective epitopes from erythrocytic stage antigens (MSA1,MSA2 and RESA) of P. falciparum as well as exgenous T cell enhancer epitopes from interleukin-1 and tetanus toxin was ...A hybrid gene encoding several putative protective epitopes from erythrocytic stage antigens (MSA1,MSA2 and RESA) of P. falciparum as well as exgenous T cell enhancer epitopes from interleukin-1 and tetanus toxin was synthesized chemically. This gene (named HGFC) was cloned and connected with another hybrid gene (HPFA) synthesized previously to make a bigger hybrid gene (HGFCAC). HGFC and HGFCAC were cloned in an expression vector pWR450-1 and transformed into E. Coli JM109. The engineered bacteria could express fusion proteins with molecular weights of 65 and 77 kDa after inducing with isopropylthio-β-D-galactoside (IPTG). The expression rate was about 35% of total bacterial proteins. The expressed products showed sepcific immunological reaction with rabbit antibodies against P. falciparum peptide Glu-Glu-Asn-Val-Glu-His-Asp-Ala (EENVEHDA)by Western blotting. The fusion proteins were pruified by precipitation with amonium sulfate. gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography and the purity was 82%. The purified protein reacted specifically with mouse immune serum against falciparum blood stage antigens by dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dot-ELISA).The fusion protein was emulsified with Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) and used to immunize rabbits. The immune serum can recognize P. falciparum erythrocytic stage antigens of Fcc-1/HN strain and Yunnan strain and had weak cross reaction with P. vivax,but had no reaction with P. cynomlogi and P. berghei antigens. The protective effect of the antibody was tested by in vitro inhibition test to cultured falciparum parasites. Preliminary results indicated that the immune sera could effectively reduce the invasion rates of the parasites to red blood cells and inhibit the growth of the in vitro cultured falciparum parasites. The inhibitory capacity of the immune sera to parasite invasion is enhanced as the amount of the sera increases and the incubation time of the sera with the parasites is prolonged.It was shown that after 72 h incubation at 20% concentration with the parasites, the serum can suppress the multiplication of P.falciparum growth in vitro to a level of 80%.The immune sera caused dispersion of the parasite cytoplasm,atrophy of parasites,agglutination of free merozoites and degeneration of schizonts.展开更多
Introduction: The kinetics of protein oxidation, monitored in breath, and its contribution to the whole body protein status is not well established. Objectives: To analyze protein oxidation in various metabolic condit...Introduction: The kinetics of protein oxidation, monitored in breath, and its contribution to the whole body protein status is not well established. Objectives: To analyze protein oxidation in various metabolic conditions we developed/validated a <sup>13</sup>C-protein oxidation breath test using low enriched milk proteins. Method/Design: 30 g of naturally labeled <sup>13</sup>C-milk proteins were consumed by young healthy volunteers. Breath samples were taken every 10 min and <sup>13</sup>CO<sub>2</sub> was measured by Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry. To calculate the amount of oxidized substrate we used: substrate dose, molecular weight and <sup>13</sup>C enrichment of the substrate, number of carbon atoms in a substrate molecule, and estimated CO<sub>2</sub>-production of the subject based on body surface area. Results: We demonstrated that in 255 min 20% ± 3% (mean ± SD) of the milk protein was oxidized compared to 18% ± 1% of 30 g glucose. Postprandial kinetics of oxidation of whey (rapidly digestible protein) and casein (slowly digestible protein) derived from our breath test were comparable to literature data regarding the kinetics of appearance of amino acids in blood. Oxidation of milk proteins was faster than that of milk lipids (peak oxidation 120 and 290 minutes, respectively). After a 3-day protein restricted diet (~10 g of protein/day) a decrease of 31% ± 18% in milk protein oxidation was observed compared to a normal diet. Conclusions: Protein oxidation, which can be easily monitored in breath, is a significant factor in protein metabolism. With our technique we are able to characterize changes in overall protein oxidation under various meta-bolic conditions such as a protein restricted diet, which could be relevant for defining optimal protein intake under various conditions. Measuring protein oxidation in new-born might be relevant to establish its contribution to the protein status and its age-dependent development.展开更多
With the development of the international trade and agricultural science and technology, especially after the execution of the rules on protection of new plant varieties, considerable emphasis has been placed on varie...With the development of the international trade and agricultural science and technology, especially after the execution of the rules on protection of new plant varieties, considerable emphasis has been placed on variety identification. Many evidences have suggested that gel electrophoresis have great influence on this area. This paper reviewed study status of various gel electrophoresis, including development of the meth-展开更多
The mutagenicity of the protein-modified Enterococcus faecalis was evaluated by a mouse bone marrow micronucleus test and a mouse sperm abnormality test.The test substance was designed with three dose groups (1,2 and ...The mutagenicity of the protein-modified Enterococcus faecalis was evaluated by a mouse bone marrow micronucleus test and a mouse sperm abnormality test.The test substance was designed with three dose groups (1,2 and 5 g/kg·bw) and intragastrically administrated,with cyclophosphamide as a positive control and normal saline as a normal control.The micronucleus rate and sperm abnormality rate were measured.The results showed that the micronucleus rates and sperm abnormality rates in the different dose groups were not significantly different from those in normal control group ( P >0.05),while the positive control group was significantly higher than the normal control group ( P <0.01).The conclusion is that the protein-modified E.faecalis was tested to be negative in both the mouse bone marrow micronucleus test and mouse sperm abnormality test,suggesting that it has no mutagenicity in vivo.展开更多
BACKGROUND: It has been reported that activation and/or translocation of protein kinase C (PKC) is related to hyperalgesia, and changes in PKC expression in the dorsal horn of spinal cord take place during inflamma...BACKGROUND: It has been reported that activation and/or translocation of protein kinase C (PKC) is related to hyperalgesia, and changes in PKC expression in the dorsal horn of spinal cord take place during inflammatory pain. OBJECTIVE: To observe PKC changes in the dorsal horn of spinal cord using immunohistochemistry and to measure the time-course during persistent pain produced by chemical stimulation with a right hind-paw injection of formalin. DESIGN: Randomized controlled animal experiment. SETTING: Institute of Basic Medical Science, Hebei Medical University MATERIALS: The present experiment was performed at the Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Science, Hebei Medical University between September 2000 and June 2002. Forty-two Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 260-280 g, irrespective of gender, were provided by the Center of Animal Experimentation at Hebei Medical University. PKC antibody was provided by Sigma, USA. Immunohistochemistry kits were purchased from Zhongshan Biotechnology Company, Beijing. HPIAS-1000 definition multicolor system was provided by Qianping Wuxiang Project Company of Tongji Medical University. Animal use during experimentation was consistent with the standards of Animal Ethics Committee. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into control (n = 6) and experimental groups (n = 36). Experimental rats were given an intracutaneous injection of 5% formalin into the planta surface of the right hind-paw. Animals with inflammatory pain were anesthetized and sacrificed to obtain the L5 spinal region at 1, 3, 12 hours, 1, 3, and 7 days after formalin treatment, with 6 rats in each time group. The spinal cords at the L5 region were collected from the control group following sodium chloride injections into the planta surface of the right hind-paw, identical to the experimental group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain reaction of experimental rats after formalin treatment. PKC-positive neurons, and distribution of PKC-immunoreactive particles, in the ipsi- and contralateral dorsal horn were investigated during different stages of inflammatory pain using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: All 42 rats were included in the final analysis, without any loss. Pain reaction: consistent with previous findings, it was determined that a unilateral injection of formalin into the hind-paw resulted in significant edema and induced a series of nociceptive responses, such as licking, biting, or shaking the injected paw. The maximal inflammation change was observed 1 day after formalin injection and changes did not disappear until the day 7. Number of the PKC positive neurons: results demonstrated that the number of PKC immunoreactive neurons in the dorsal horn increased slightly after formalin injection at 1 hour, compared with the control group. PKC immunoreactivity was up-regulated at day 1, reduced at day 3, and appeared to recover at day 7. The number of PKC-positive neurons in the contralateral side was less than the ipsilateral side at each time sampled. Distribution of PKC immunoparticles over the neurons: PKC immunoreactivity was observed in the nucleus and cytoplasm, as well as on or near the membrane of neurons and synaptosomes in the spinal cord of the control group. PKC activated and translocated from nucleus to the membrane-associated site following formalin treatment. Significant changes were observed at 1 hour and 1 day. The intensity of staining was stronger in the ipsilateral side than the contralateral side at all time points following formalin injection (P 〈 0.01), whereas the expression patterns of PKC immunoreactivity in the nuclei were very similar in the right and left hemispheres. CONCLUSION: PKC expression in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord peaked at 1 hour and 24 hours, and was very obvious at 24 hours. Protein kinase C expression in the spinal cord increased bilaterally, although it was greater in the ipsilateral hemisphere. In addition, PKC expression at the neuronal membrane and synaptosome was significantly increased. These results indicate that PKC expression is activated in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord during hyperalgesia.展开更多
基金Supported by Top-notch Academic Programs Project of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PPZY2015C230)
文摘The potential mutagenicity of protein-modified Enterococcus faecalis was evaluated by the Ames test. The test subject was designed with 0. 05,0. 5,5. 0,and 50. 0 mg/dish doses,and a control group was set. With Salmonella typhimurium mutant strains TA97,TA98,TA100 and TA102 as test strains,the Ames test was carried out with( +) or without(-) S9,and the number of revertant colonies was counted. The results showed that for the protein-modified E. faecalis in the case of + S9 and-S9,the average numbers of revertant colonies of the four test strains were less than two times of that of the negative control group,and no dose-response relationship was observed. The protein-modified E. faecalis was tested to be negative in the Ames test,indicating that the test substance was not mutagenic in vitro.
文摘AIM To study the influence of diet intake on the result of liver function test. METHODS Blood samples from liver diseases ( n =100) and non liver diseases ( n =100) were taken at 07:00 in the morning (fasting state) and two hours after meal. Using Hitach 7150 automatic biochemistry analyser, ten liver function indexes (SB, TTT, ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, γ-GT, SP, A and G) were examined. RESULTS According to the SAS software system the differences were not significant between fasting state and after meal ( P =0 476-0 978). CONCLUSION Liver function test can be performed after meal.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No 30400065)
文摘Two DNA fragments encoding PDZ domain (21-110 residues) and BAR domain ( 150-360 residues) from PICK1 (1-416 residues) were amplified by PCR and then introduced into vectors, pET-32M and pMAL-e2X respectively to generate recombinant plasmids, pE-pdz and pM-bar. Having been separately transferred into the hosts E. coli BL21 and E. coli JM109, these two strains can express fusion proteins: His-tagged PDZ(PDZ domain) and maltose binding protein-BAR( MBP-BAR domain) respectively, as confirmed by both SDS-PAGE and Wostem blotting. The interaction between these two domains is dose-dependence, as identified by a pull-down test. Moreover, it has been shown from the ELISA analysis that the actual amount of PDZ bound to MBP-BAR-amylose beads reaches ( 16 ± 0. 5)%, as calculated by the molar ratio of PDZ to MBP-BAR. In addition, the interaction between BAR(bait) and PDZ(prey) in vivo was also examined with a yeast two-hybrid system.
基金supported by Educational Committee of Jiangsu Province (Grant No: 07KJD180183)
文摘Objective To study the human myxovirus resistant protein A (MxA), a specifically induced peptide by interferon I, and to use its level as a diagnostic criterion for viral infections. Methods Anti-MxA antisera from immunized mice were prepared with the expressed MxA protein of pET32a-MxA in E. coli BL-21(DE3). To confirm the antiserum activity and specificity, the expression product of BL21, wild type MxA pEGFP-CI-wMxA and site-directed mutant MxA pEGFP-Cl-mMxA(N589S) stably transfected 3T3 cells and induced A549 cells were detected by Western blot with the antisera using non-MxA transfected or non-IFN-[3 induced cells, intact A549, NIH 3T3 cells transfected with pEGFP-CI and pET32a (+)-transformed BL-21 as controls. Results The antisera had specific positive immunoreactivity to the NIH3T3 cells transformed with pEGFP-CI-wMxA and pEGFP-CI-mMxA, INF-β induced A549 cells and BL21 proteins expressed with pET32a (+)-MxA. The hybridization signals from IFN-β induced A549 cells depended on the IFN-β inducing concentrations. Meanwhile, immunohistochemical assay showed that NIH 3T3 cells with pEGFP-C 1-wMxA and pEGFP-C 1-mMxA had 〉 98% of positive cells at 1:50 dilution of the serum and A549 cells induced by 20 ng/mL IFN-[3 for 48 h showed 95% positive cells. pEGFP-Cl-transfected NIH 3T3 cells were all negative. Conclusion Anti-sera are highly specific to diversified MxAs. The antibody is detectable by Western blot, immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence assay.
文摘A hybrid gene encoding several putative protective epitopes from erythrocytic stage antigens (MSA1,MSA2 and RESA) of P. falciparum as well as exgenous T cell enhancer epitopes from interleukin-1 and tetanus toxin was synthesized chemically. This gene (named HGFC) was cloned and connected with another hybrid gene (HPFA) synthesized previously to make a bigger hybrid gene (HGFCAC). HGFC and HGFCAC were cloned in an expression vector pWR450-1 and transformed into E. Coli JM109. The engineered bacteria could express fusion proteins with molecular weights of 65 and 77 kDa after inducing with isopropylthio-β-D-galactoside (IPTG). The expression rate was about 35% of total bacterial proteins. The expressed products showed sepcific immunological reaction with rabbit antibodies against P. falciparum peptide Glu-Glu-Asn-Val-Glu-His-Asp-Ala (EENVEHDA)by Western blotting. The fusion proteins were pruified by precipitation with amonium sulfate. gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography and the purity was 82%. The purified protein reacted specifically with mouse immune serum against falciparum blood stage antigens by dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dot-ELISA).The fusion protein was emulsified with Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) and used to immunize rabbits. The immune serum can recognize P. falciparum erythrocytic stage antigens of Fcc-1/HN strain and Yunnan strain and had weak cross reaction with P. vivax,but had no reaction with P. cynomlogi and P. berghei antigens. The protective effect of the antibody was tested by in vitro inhibition test to cultured falciparum parasites. Preliminary results indicated that the immune sera could effectively reduce the invasion rates of the parasites to red blood cells and inhibit the growth of the in vitro cultured falciparum parasites. The inhibitory capacity of the immune sera to parasite invasion is enhanced as the amount of the sera increases and the incubation time of the sera with the parasites is prolonged.It was shown that after 72 h incubation at 20% concentration with the parasites, the serum can suppress the multiplication of P.falciparum growth in vitro to a level of 80%.The immune sera caused dispersion of the parasite cytoplasm,atrophy of parasites,agglutination of free merozoites and degeneration of schizonts.
文摘Introduction: The kinetics of protein oxidation, monitored in breath, and its contribution to the whole body protein status is not well established. Objectives: To analyze protein oxidation in various metabolic conditions we developed/validated a <sup>13</sup>C-protein oxidation breath test using low enriched milk proteins. Method/Design: 30 g of naturally labeled <sup>13</sup>C-milk proteins were consumed by young healthy volunteers. Breath samples were taken every 10 min and <sup>13</sup>CO<sub>2</sub> was measured by Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry. To calculate the amount of oxidized substrate we used: substrate dose, molecular weight and <sup>13</sup>C enrichment of the substrate, number of carbon atoms in a substrate molecule, and estimated CO<sub>2</sub>-production of the subject based on body surface area. Results: We demonstrated that in 255 min 20% ± 3% (mean ± SD) of the milk protein was oxidized compared to 18% ± 1% of 30 g glucose. Postprandial kinetics of oxidation of whey (rapidly digestible protein) and casein (slowly digestible protein) derived from our breath test were comparable to literature data regarding the kinetics of appearance of amino acids in blood. Oxidation of milk proteins was faster than that of milk lipids (peak oxidation 120 and 290 minutes, respectively). After a 3-day protein restricted diet (~10 g of protein/day) a decrease of 31% ± 18% in milk protein oxidation was observed compared to a normal diet. Conclusions: Protein oxidation, which can be easily monitored in breath, is a significant factor in protein metabolism. With our technique we are able to characterize changes in overall protein oxidation under various meta-bolic conditions such as a protein restricted diet, which could be relevant for defining optimal protein intake under various conditions. Measuring protein oxidation in new-born might be relevant to establish its contribution to the protein status and its age-dependent development.
基金supported by NSFC(39970444)the National“973”Fundamental Research Program(G1998010202).
文摘With the development of the international trade and agricultural science and technology, especially after the execution of the rules on protection of new plant varieties, considerable emphasis has been placed on variety identification. Many evidences have suggested that gel electrophoresis have great influence on this area. This paper reviewed study status of various gel electrophoresis, including development of the meth-
基金Supported by Top-notch Academic Programs Project of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PPZY2015C230)
文摘The mutagenicity of the protein-modified Enterococcus faecalis was evaluated by a mouse bone marrow micronucleus test and a mouse sperm abnormality test.The test substance was designed with three dose groups (1,2 and 5 g/kg·bw) and intragastrically administrated,with cyclophosphamide as a positive control and normal saline as a normal control.The micronucleus rate and sperm abnormality rate were measured.The results showed that the micronucleus rates and sperm abnormality rates in the different dose groups were not significantly different from those in normal control group ( P >0.05),while the positive control group was significantly higher than the normal control group ( P <0.01).The conclusion is that the protein-modified E.faecalis was tested to be negative in both the mouse bone marrow micronucleus test and mouse sperm abnormality test,suggesting that it has no mutagenicity in vivo.
文摘BACKGROUND: It has been reported that activation and/or translocation of protein kinase C (PKC) is related to hyperalgesia, and changes in PKC expression in the dorsal horn of spinal cord take place during inflammatory pain. OBJECTIVE: To observe PKC changes in the dorsal horn of spinal cord using immunohistochemistry and to measure the time-course during persistent pain produced by chemical stimulation with a right hind-paw injection of formalin. DESIGN: Randomized controlled animal experiment. SETTING: Institute of Basic Medical Science, Hebei Medical University MATERIALS: The present experiment was performed at the Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Science, Hebei Medical University between September 2000 and June 2002. Forty-two Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 260-280 g, irrespective of gender, were provided by the Center of Animal Experimentation at Hebei Medical University. PKC antibody was provided by Sigma, USA. Immunohistochemistry kits were purchased from Zhongshan Biotechnology Company, Beijing. HPIAS-1000 definition multicolor system was provided by Qianping Wuxiang Project Company of Tongji Medical University. Animal use during experimentation was consistent with the standards of Animal Ethics Committee. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into control (n = 6) and experimental groups (n = 36). Experimental rats were given an intracutaneous injection of 5% formalin into the planta surface of the right hind-paw. Animals with inflammatory pain were anesthetized and sacrificed to obtain the L5 spinal region at 1, 3, 12 hours, 1, 3, and 7 days after formalin treatment, with 6 rats in each time group. The spinal cords at the L5 region were collected from the control group following sodium chloride injections into the planta surface of the right hind-paw, identical to the experimental group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain reaction of experimental rats after formalin treatment. PKC-positive neurons, and distribution of PKC-immunoreactive particles, in the ipsi- and contralateral dorsal horn were investigated during different stages of inflammatory pain using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: All 42 rats were included in the final analysis, without any loss. Pain reaction: consistent with previous findings, it was determined that a unilateral injection of formalin into the hind-paw resulted in significant edema and induced a series of nociceptive responses, such as licking, biting, or shaking the injected paw. The maximal inflammation change was observed 1 day after formalin injection and changes did not disappear until the day 7. Number of the PKC positive neurons: results demonstrated that the number of PKC immunoreactive neurons in the dorsal horn increased slightly after formalin injection at 1 hour, compared with the control group. PKC immunoreactivity was up-regulated at day 1, reduced at day 3, and appeared to recover at day 7. The number of PKC-positive neurons in the contralateral side was less than the ipsilateral side at each time sampled. Distribution of PKC immunoparticles over the neurons: PKC immunoreactivity was observed in the nucleus and cytoplasm, as well as on or near the membrane of neurons and synaptosomes in the spinal cord of the control group. PKC activated and translocated from nucleus to the membrane-associated site following formalin treatment. Significant changes were observed at 1 hour and 1 day. The intensity of staining was stronger in the ipsilateral side than the contralateral side at all time points following formalin injection (P 〈 0.01), whereas the expression patterns of PKC immunoreactivity in the nuclei were very similar in the right and left hemispheres. CONCLUSION: PKC expression in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord peaked at 1 hour and 24 hours, and was very obvious at 24 hours. Protein kinase C expression in the spinal cord increased bilaterally, although it was greater in the ipsilateral hemisphere. In addition, PKC expression at the neuronal membrane and synaptosome was significantly increased. These results indicate that PKC expression is activated in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord during hyperalgesia.