THE DISTRIBUTION OF ATRIONATRIURETIC POLYPEPTIDE （ANP）－LIKE SUBSTANCE IN THE HEART OF THE HUMAN FETUS AND RAT－AN IMMUNOHISTOC

human fetuses and 15 SD rats were used in this study. The distribution of theANPlike substance in the hearts of human fetuses and rats was studied. The results were as follows:①In human fetus ANP-like substance was found throughout in the atrial wall, but more intensely in the inner layer. It lacked in the ventricular wall. ②In young rat atrum, ANP-like substance wasdistributed over the whole wall, but richer in the cells beneath the endocardium and epicardium. In adult rat atrium, distribution of ANP-like substance was more intensely beneath the epicardium than that near the lumen. In the ventricle, ANP-like substance was found only in the young rat, especially on the left side of interventricular septum (IVS). So the distribution of ANP in rat hearts changes with age. ③In the sinus node (SAN) and atrioventricular node (AVN) of both human fetuses and rats showed a small amount of ANP-like substance, and more in peripheral part of the nodes, but thereactive intensity was weaker than that of the atrial wall. The presence of ANP in conduction system may have some functional significance to influence the pulse conduction.

Circadian Rhythms of Physiological Functions of the Pregnant Woman and the Fetus and the Biological Solemnity Thereof

The basic rhythms of nature that left their imprint on the existence of all living organism on the Earth, arose under the influence of the Earth’s rotation relative to the Sun, the Moon and other planets and stars of the Universe. This periodicity gave rise to the rhythm that has become essential for their life. Life is a continual chemical process of building up and breaking down of organic substances, which results from the substance exchange between an organism and the environment. This makes it impossible for a living organism to exist without the external environment. Since 1978-1979 we have been carrying out a task-oriented research with the aim to approximate the moment when we are able to answer all these questions. Daily fluctuations of cardiac and motor activity of the fetus have been studied (uninterrupted daily recording of fetal ECG);polysomnography of nocturnal sleep was recorded;daily fluctuations of endocrine system activity in the pregnant were studied. A correlation was made between the functional state of maternal sleep-wakefulness biological rhythm, biological clock of the human fetus and the “light-darkness” cycle of a 24-hour solar day. In the process of the study we have developed an original method of day-to-day analysis of maternal and fetal ECGs. It has been established that a healthy fetus has distinct, diurnal variations of physiological functions. The fetal biorhythms coordinate with the status of the maternal organism being, however, in an opposite phase. The curve of the dynamics of fetal physiological system functioning shows a biphasic nature (one-phase in adults). “Active” and “quiet” (sleep-like) periods have been singled out in the human fetus. No reaction is observed in “quiet” periods. However, the “zero”-type fetal reaction recorded by us within the period from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. does not indicate unsatisfactory condition of the fetus but rather is suggestive of a definite reduction of functional levels of the fetal physiological systems, which is necessary for vital activity. Although conventionally recognized as an indicator of poor state of the fetus, this type only calls for precise attention when recorded in fetal “active” hours. The present study has been the first in the world’s medicine and biorhythmology to detect and establish the daily rhythms of cardiac and motor activity in the human fetus.

Developmental distribution pattern of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 in prenatal human hippocampus

Objective Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 （mGluR5） is concentrated in zones of active neurogenesis in the prenatal and postnatal rodent brain and plays an important role in the regulation of neurogenesis. However, little is known about mGluR5 in the prenatal human brain. Here, we aimed to explore the expression pattern and cellular distribution of mGluR5 in human fetal hippocampus. Methods Thirty-four human fetuses were divided into four groups according to gestational age： 9-11, 14-16, 22-24 and 32-36 weeks. The hippocampus was dissected out and prepared. The protein and mRNA expression of mGluR5 were evaluated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry or real-time PCR. The cellular distribution of mGluR5 was observed with double-labeling immunofluorescence. Results Both mGluR5 mRNA and protein were detected in the prenatal human hippocampus by real-time PCR and immunoblotting, and the expression levels increased gradually over time. The immunohistochemistry results were consistent with immunoblotting and showed that mGluR5 immunoreactivity was mainly present in the inner marginal zone （IMZ）, hippocampal plate （HP） and ventricular zone （VZ）. The double-labeling immunoftuorescence showed that mGluR5 was present in neural stem cells （nestin-positive）, neuroblasts （DCX-positive） and mature neurons （NeuN-positive）, but not in typical astrocytes （GFAP- positive）. The cells co-expressing mGluR5 and nestin were mainly located in the IMZ, HP and subplate at 11 weeks, all layers at 16 weeks, and CA 1 at 24 weeks. As development proceeded, the number of mGluR5/nestin double-positive cells decreased gradually so that there were only a handful of double-labeled cells at 32 weeks. However, mGluR5/DCX double-positive cells were only found in the HP, IZ and IMZ at 11 weeks. Conclusion The pattern ofmGluR5 expression by neural stern/progenitor cells, neuroblasts and neurons provides important anatomical evidence for the role of mGluR5 in the regulation of human hippocampal development.

A NEW STRUCTURE OF SMALL INTENSELY FLUORESCENT CELLS IN SUPERIOR MESENTERIC GANGLION OF HUMAN FETUS

Superior mesenteric ganglia of six fetuses (35-40 weeks old) were investigated by histochemical fluorescent method. In addition to solitary SIF cells and clusters of SIF cells reported previously, a new structure of SIF cells was found and named ''SIF-cell nodule''. The SIF-cell nodule was composed of a large number of SIF cells and was encapsulated by dense connective tissue. Some blood vessels and nerve fibers entered the nodule. Based on the morphology, we speculated that SIF-cell nodule might be an endocrine gland.