L精-氨酸对失血性休克大鼠腹腔巨噬细胞功能的影响

目的:探讨左旋精氨酸(L-Arg)对失血性休克(HS)大鼠腹腔巨噬细胞(PMφs)功能的影响。方法:成年W istar大鼠随机分为对照组、HS组、生理盐水(NS)复苏组、L-Arg复苏组和L-Arg+N硝-基L精-氨酸甲酯(L-NAME)混合复苏组,每组10只。通过流式细胞术检测和评价PMφs的凋亡、吞噬凋亡细胞及主要组织相容性复合物Ⅱ(MHCⅡ)(I-A)表达能力的变化。结果:休克组与对照组之间PMφs的凋亡指数(AI)、吞噬能力和MHCⅡ(I-A)类抗原表达能力有显著性差异(P<0.01)。NS复苏组与休克组之间PMφs的AI、吞噬功能和MHCⅡ(I-A)表达能力均差异无显著性(P>0.05);L-Arg+L-NAME组与休克组之间PMφs的AI、吞噬功能和MHCⅡ(I-A)表达能力差异无显著性(P>0.05)。L-Arg组PMφs吞噬功能和MHCⅡ(I-A)表达能力显著高于休克组(P<0.05),而AI与休克组差异无显著性(P>0.05)。结论:L-Arg能改善HS后PMφs的吞噬功能和MHCⅡ的表达能力。

The Potential Pathway of L-arginine·L-aspartate for Inhibition of Platelet Function

Aim L-Arginine· L-aspartate, a double salt, has been recently reported toinhibit platelet aggregation and thrombosis, but its action mechanism is not clear yet. This studywas conducted to investigate its effect on FITC-PAC-1, an anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa monoclonalantibody binding to activated platelets, and on correlative autacoid levels in plasma or inplatelets in order to explore its potential pathway of inhibiting platelet aggregation andthrombosis. Methods Monoclonal antibody binding to activated platelets was assayed by flowcytometry; NO was assessed by colorimetric method. cAMP, TXB_2 or 6-keto-PGF_(1α) levels wereassessed by radioimmunoassay. Results Gavaged 30 mg·kg^(-1) of L-arginine·L-aspartate increasedboth concentration of NO in plasma and 6-keto-PGF_(1) in incubated supernatant of aortic segment ofrats ex vivo (P < 0.05), but it did not influence cAMP content in platelets and the level of TXB_2or 6-keto-PGF_(1) in plasma of rats, whereas ASA significantly lowered TXB_2 or 6-keto-PGF_(1α) inplasma. Both 100 μmol-L^(-1) of L-arginine ·L-aspartate and ASA inhibited FITC-PAC-1 binding toactivated platelets in vitro. Conclusion The increase in NO and PGI_2 release from endo-thelialcells and consequent inhibition of platelet activation may contribute to the inhibition of plateletaggregation and thrombosis by L-arginine· L-aspartate; whereas arachidonic acid or cAMP metabolicpathway is not closely correlative with the studied effect.

N-nitro-L-arginine Attenuates Morphine and Dihydroetorphine-induced Place Preference in Mice

Opiate dependence has become one of the most urgent problems of modernsociety. Opiate dependence involves physical and psychical dependence. Although many addicts can bedetoxified, the relapse ratio of 95% in 5 a demonstrates that opiate psychical dependence is aproblem more troublesome. It has been reported that acute and chronic administration of L- NNA canmarkedly retard the development of tolerance to physical dependence on morphine, and suppress theabstinence syndromes precipitated by naloxone in opiate dependent rodents, and even reverse theexisting morphine tolerance. However, the effect of L-NNA on the positive reinforcement ofpsychically active substances and its possible mechanism have not yet been reported. In presentstudy, the effect of L- NNA en the psychical dependence induced by opiates was evaluated on thebasis of conditioned place preference.

Alterations of intestinal immune function and regulatory effects of L-arginine in experimental severe acute pancreatitis rats

AIM： To discuss the changes of intestinal mucosal immune function in rats with experimental severe acute pancreatitis （SAP） and the regulatory effect of L-arginine. METHODS： Male adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into pancreatitis group, sham-operation group, and L-arginine treatment group. Animals were killed at 24, 48, and 72 h after SAP models were developed and specimens were harvested. Endotoxin concentration in portal vein was determined by limulus endotoxin analysis kit. CD3＋, CD4＋, CD8＋ T lymphoo/tes in intestinal mucosal lamina propria were examined by immunohistochemistry. Secretory immunoglobulin A （SIgA） in cecum feces was examined by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS： Compared to the control group, plasma endotoxin concentration in the portal vein increased, percentage of CD3＋ and CD4＋ T lymphocyte subsets in the end of intestinal mucosal lamina propria reduced significantly, CD4＋/CD8＋ ratio decreased, and SIgA concentrations in cecum feces reduced at 24, 48, and 72 h after SAP developed. Compared to SAP group, the L-arginine treatment group had a lower level of plasma endotoxin concentration in the portal vein, a higher CD3＋ and CD4＋ T lymphocyte percentage in the end of intestinal mucosal lamina propria, an increased ratio of CD4＋/CD8＋ and a higher SIgA concentration in cecum feces. CONCLUSION： Intestinal immune suppression occurs in the early stage of SAP rats, which may be the main reason for bacterial and endotoxin translocation. L-arginine can improve the intestinal immunity and reduce bacterial and endotoxin translocation in SAP rats.

The Synthesis of Vasoactive Protected L-Arginine

Under the catalysis of dioxygenase L-arginine is converted to L-citrulline and nitric oxide,the latter exhibits endothelium derived relaxing factor(EDRF)-like actions.N^G-nitro-L-arginine has an inhibitory effect on the biosynthesis of EDRF in vitro and in vivo,hence it is an EDRF antagonist.The results of the present work indicate that both N^G-NO_2-L-Arg-OH and HCl·N^G-NO_2-L- Arg-OCH_3 have vasodilating effect in vitro,but produced dose-depending increase in mean arterial blood pressure(MAP)in vivo.In vitro HCl·N_G-NO_2-L-Arg-N_G-NO_2-L-Arg-OCH_3 relaxed rat aortic strip pretreated with noradrenaline(NE).In vivo,however,it produced biphasic effect,i.e,decreased MAP at lower dose and increases MAP at higher dose, N_G-Tos-L-Arg-N_G-Tos-L-Arg-OH produced dose-depending vasodilating and hypotensive actions.

Interaction of L-Arginine-methyl ester and Sonic hedgehog in liver ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rats

AIM： To investigate the role of Sonic hedgehog （Shh） on the course of liver ischemia and reperfusion （I/R） in rats, and the interaction between treatment with nitric oxide donor L-Arginine-methyl ester （L-Arg） and up-regulation of Shh expression.METHODS： A total of 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 220-240 g were used in this study. Shamcontrol group （G1, n = 10）： a sham operation was performed （except for liver I/R）. I/R-untreated group （G2, n = 10）： rats underwent liver ischemia for 1 h followed by reperfusion for 45 min. I/R-L-Arg group （G3, n = 10）： after performing the same surgical procedure as in group 2, animals were treated with L-Arg. Liver tissues were taken for determination of malondialdehyde （MDA） levels, and biochemical and histological evaluations were made.RESULTS： Plasma alanine aminotransferase （ALT）, aspartate aminotransferase （AS-T）, lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） and T-glutamyltranspeptidase （GGT） activities were higher in group 2 than in group 3. MDA values and the hepatic injury score decreased in the L-Arg treated group compared to the I/R-untreated group. In group 2, the hepatoo/tes were swollen with marked vacuolization. Group 3 rats showed well-preserved liver parenchyma, with hepatocytes extending from the central vein. The morphology of the hepatocytes and the sinusoidal structures was normal, without any signs of congestion. Mild Shh positive immunostaining was detected in group 2 animals. The expression of immunoreactive cells was increased markedly in liver tissue from I/R-L-Arg rats.CONCLUSION： Our findings suggest that Shh molecules are critical factors in the pathophysiology of inflammatory liver injury induced by I/R. In addition, NO plays an important role in the immunohistochemical expression of these molecules.

L-arginine-induced experimental pancreatitis

Despite medical treatment,the lethality of severe acute pancreatitis is still high (20-30%).Therefore,it is very important to find good animal models to characterise the events of this severe disease.In 1984,Mizunuma et al. developed a new type of experimental necrotizing pancreatitis by intraperitoneal administration of a high dose of L-arginine in rats.This non-invasive model is highly reproducible and produces selective,dose-dependent acinar cell necrosis. Not only is this a good model to study the pathomechanisms of acute necrotizing pancreatitis,but it is also excellent to observe and influence the time course changes of the disease.By writing this review we iluminate some new aspects of cell physiology and pathology of acute necrotizing pancreatitis.Unfortunately,the reviews about acute experimental pancreatitis usually did not discuss this model. Therefore,the aim of this manuscript was to summarise the observations and address some challenges for the future in L-arginine-induced pancreatitis.

Effect of melatonin on the severity of L-arginine-induced experimental acute pancreatitis in rats

AIM： To determine the effect of melatonin pre- and post-treatment on the severity of L-arginine （L-Arg） -induced experimental pancreatitis in rats. METHODS： Male Wistar rats （25） were divided into five groups. Those in group A received two injections of 3.2 g/kg body weight L-Arg i.p. at an interval of 1 h. In group MA, the rats were treated with 50 mg/kg body weight melatonin i.p. 30 min prior to L-Arg administration. In group AM, the rats received the same dose of melatonin 1 h after L-Arg was given. In group M, a single dose of melatonin was administered as described previously. In group C the control animals received physiological saline injections i.p. All rats were exsanguinated 24 h after the second L-Arg injection. RESULTS： L-Arg administration caused severe necrotizing pancreatitis confirmed by the significant elevations in the serum amylase level, the pancreatic weight/body weight ratio （pw/bw）, the pancreatic IL-6 content and the myeloperoxidase activity, relative to the control values. Elevation of the serum amylase level was significantly reduced in rats given melatonin following L-Arg compared to rats injected with L-Arg only. The activities of the pancreatic antioxidant enzymes （Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase （CulZn-SOD） and catalase （CAT）） were significantly increased 24 h after pancreatitis induction. Melatonin given in advance of L-Arg significantly reduced the pancreatic CAT activity relative to that in the rats treated with L-Arg alone. In the liver, L-Arg significantly increased the lipid peroxidation level, and the glutathione peroxidase and Cu/Zn-SOD activities, whereas the Mn-SOD activity was reduced as compared to the control rats. Melatonin pre-treatment prevented these changes. CONCLUSION： Melatonin is an antioxidant that is able to counteract some of the L-Arg-induced changes during acute pancreatitis, and may therefore be helpful in the supportive therapy of patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

Effects of endogenous nitric oxide induced by 5-fluorouracil and L-Arg on liver carcinoma in nude mice

AIM： To study the effects of endogeous nitric oxide induced by 5-fluorouracil （5-FU） and L-arginine （L-Arg） on the human liver carcinoma model in nude mice. METHODS： The human liver carcinoma model in nude mice was established with BEL-7402 cells and normal saline （NS）, 5-FU and 5-FU ＋ L-Arg injected intraperitoneally. The tumor size was measured. The necrotic degree and range were observed under microscope. The apoptosis of cancer cell was detected by turmina deoxynucleotidyl transferanse mediated dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL） method. Immunohistochemical method was performed to determine the expression of iNOS, P16, BAX. The chemical colorimetry was used to test the activity and nitrate reductase method was adopted to test the concentration of nitric oxide （NO） in the tumor tissue. The BI2000 pathological image analyzer was used to analyze the result of immunohistochemistry. RESULTS： 5-FU combined with L-Arg could inhibit the tumor growth apparently. In NS, 5-FU and 5-FU＋L- Arg groups, the changes of tumor volumes were 257.978 ± 59.0, 172.232 ± 66.0 and 91.523 ± 26.7 mm3, respectively （P 〈 0.05 5-FU vs 5-FU ± L-Arg group;P 〈 0.05 NS ys 5-FU ± L-Arg group; P 〈 0.05, NS ys 5-FU group）. The necrotic range and apoptosis index were significantly increased after the drug injection. The necrotic range was biggest in 5-FU ＋ L-Arg group （X^2= 15.963, P 〈 0.05）. The apoptosis indexes were as follows： NS, 17.4% ± 6.19%; 5-FU, 31.3% ± 12.3%; and 5-FU ± L-Arg, 46% ± 15.24% （P 〈 0.05, 5-FU ys 5-FU ± L-Arg; P 〈 0.05, NS ys 5-FU ± L-Arg; P 〈 0.05, NS ys 5-FU）. The expression and activity of iNOS were increased in the tumor tissue. The concentration of NO was also increased. F of opticaldensity of iNOS, iNOS activity and NO concentration are 31.693, 21.949, and 33.909, respectively, P 〈 0.05. The concentration of NO was related to the expression of PI6 and BAX. The correlation coefficient was 0.764 and 0.554. CONCLUSION： 5-FU combined with L-Arg can inhibit the growth of tumor in nude mice. The effect may be related to inducing the synthesis and increasing the activity of iNOS. The production of NO is increased, and it can enhance the expression of apoptosis-related gene and antioncogene.

Effect of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester on invasion of human colorectal cancer cell line SL-174T

AIML To investigate the effect and mechanism of action of the nitric oxide synthase （NOS） inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester （L-NAME） on invasion and metastasis of human colorectal cancer cell line SL-174T. METHODS： Human colorectal cancer cel4 line SL-174T was cultured and treated separately with four different dosages of L-NAME for 72 h, Nitric oxide （NO） production was measured with Griess reagent, The effect of L-NAME on invasion and migration of SL-174T cells were evaluated by using Transwell chambers attached with polycarbonate filters and reconstituted basement membrane （Matrigel）, RT-PCR was performed to determine the mRNA levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 （MMP-2） and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-2 （TIMP-2）,RESULTS： L-NAME could significantly inhibit NO production of SL-174T in a dose-dependent manner. After being treated for 72 h with 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.0 mmol/L L- NAME, respectively, the ability of the L-NAME treated SL- 174T cells to invade the reconstituted basement membrane decreased significantly （t = 8.056, P〈0.05; t= 14.467, P〈0.01; t= 27.785, P〈0.01; and t= 29.405, P〈0.01, respectively） and the inhibition rates were 10.29%, 19.62%, 34.08%, and 42.23%, respectively. Moreover, L-NAME could inhibit migration of SL-174T cells, and the inhibition rates were 20.76%, 24.95%, 39.43%, and 46. 85% for L-NAME at 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.0 mmol/L, respectively （t = 15.116, P〈0.01）. In addition, after treatment with L-NAME, expression of MMP-2 mRNA was significantly decreased （t = 71.238, P〈0.01） and that of TIMP-2 mRNA was markedly increased （t = -13.020, P〈0.01）. CONCLUSION： L-NAME exerts anti-invasive and anti- metastatic effects on SL-174T cell line via downregulating MNP-2 mRNA expression and upregulating TIMP-2 mRNA expression.

Diffusion Coefficients of l-Lysine Hydrochloride and l-Arginine Hydrochloride in Their Aqueous Solutions at 25℃

The diffusion coefficients of l-lysine hydrochloride and I-arginine hydrochloride in their aqueous solutions at 25℃ were determined by the metallic diaphragm cell method which is characterized by accuracy, promptness and convenience. Meanwhile, the densities and viscosities of the solutions were also determined. Based on all these data a semi-empirical model for correlating the diffusion coefficients of solid organic salts in their aqueous solutions at 25℃ was proposed. The fitting result of this model is comparatively satisfactory. Compared to a former model, Gordon Model, this model can avoid a number of difficulties and arduous work.

L-arginine administration ameliorates serum and pulmonary cytokine response after gut ischemia-reperfusion in immature rats

AIM: Small intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) has been demonstrated to result in both local mucosal injury and systemic injuries. The exact role of nitric oxide (NO) in intestinal IR is unclear. We propose that NO and some other cytokines change in the reperfusion period and these changes are associated with lung injury. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of supplementing NO substrate, L-arginine (L-arg), on serum and pulmonary cytokine production during small intestinal IR in immature rats. METHODS: Immature rats underwent 60 min. of superior mesenteric artery occlusion followed by 90 min of reperfusion. L-arg (250 mg/kg) was given intravenously to the experimental group (IR+L-arg) which received L-arg after 45 min of intestinal ischemia. Serum and lung endothelin-1 (ET-1), NO, malondialdehyde (MDA), and tumor necrosis factor a (TNFα) were measured. Sham operation (SHAM) and intestinal IR (IR) groups were performed as control. The lavage fluid of the lung was collected by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and white blood cells and polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) were immediately counted to identify lung damage. RESULTS: When L-arg was given during small intestinal IR, serum NO concentration increased significantly in IR+L-arg group (162.17±42.93 μmol/L) when compared with IR group (87.57±23.17 μmol/L, t=3.190, P= 0.008 <0.01). Serum MDA reduced significantly in IR+L-arg group (8.93±1.50 nmol/L) when compared with SHAM (23.78±7.81 nmol/L, t= 3.243, P= 0.007<0.01) and IR (25.54±9.32 nmol/L, t= 3.421, P= 0.006<0.01). ET-1 level in lung tissues was significantly lower in IR+L-arg group (13.81±7.84 pg/mL) than that in SHAM (35.52±10.82 pg/mL, t= 2,571, P= 0,03<0.05) and IR (50.83±22.05 pg/mL, t= 3.025, P= 0.009<0.01) groups. MDA contents in lung tissues were significantly lower in IR+L-arg group (10.73±1.99 nmol/L) than in SHAM (16.62±2.28 nmol/L, t= 3.280, P = 0.007<0.01) and IR (21.90±4.82 nmol/L, t= 3.322, P= 0.007<0.01) groups. Serum and lung TNFα concentrations were not significantly different in three groups. NO contents in lung homogenates and white blood cell counts in BAL had no significant difference in three groups; but the percentage of PMNs in BAL was 13.50±8.92, 33.20±16.59, and 22.50±6.09 in SHAM, IR, and IR+L-arg groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Small intestinal IR induced increases of pulmonary neutrophil infiltration in immature rats. Neutrophil infiltration in lung tissues was reduced by L-arg administration but remained higher than in SHAM group. L-arg administration during intestinal IR enhances serum NO production, reduces serum MDA and lung ET-1 and MDA levels, resulting in the improvement of systemic endothelial function. L-arg supplementation before reperfusion may act as a useful clinical adjunct in the management of intestinal IR, thus preventing the development of adult respiratory distress syndrome, even multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).

Esophagogastric anastomosis in rats: Improved healing by BPC 157 and L-arginine, aggravated by L-NAME

AIM To cure typically life-threatening esophagogastric anastomosis in rats, lacking anastomosis healing and sphincter function rescue, in particular. METHODS Because we assume esophagogastric fistulas represent a particular NO-system disability, we attempt to identify the benefits of anti-ulcer stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157, which was in trials for ulcerative colitis and currently for multiple sclerosis, in rats with esophagocutaneous fistulas. Previously, BPC 157 therapies have promoted the healing of intestinal anastomosis and fistulas, and esophagitis and gastric lesions, along with rescued sphincter function. Additionally, BPC 157 particularly interacts with the NOsystem. In the 4 d after esophagogastric anastomosis creation, rats received medication(/kg intraperitoneallyonce daily: BPC 157(10 μg, 10 ng), L-NAME(5 mg), or L-arginine(100 mg) alone and/or combined or BPC 157(10 μg, 10 ng) in drinking water). For rats underwent esophagogastric anastomosis, daily assessment included progressive stomach damage(sum of the longest diameters, mm), esophagitis(scored 0-5), weak anastomosis(m L H2 O before leak), low pressure in esophagus at anastomosis and in the pyloric sphincter(cm H2O), progressive weight loss(g) and mortality. Immediate effect assessed blood vessels disappearance(scored 0-5) at the stomach surface immediately after anastomosis creation. RESULTS BPC 157(all regimens) fully counteracted the perilous disease course from the very beginning(i.e., with the BPC 157 bath, blood vessels remained present at the gastric surface after anastomosis creation) and eliminated mortality. Additionally, BPC 157 treatment in combination with L-NAME nullified any effect of L-NAME that otherwise intensified the regular course. Consistently, with worsening(with L-NAME administration) and amelioration(with L-arginine), either L-arginine amelioration prevails(attenuated esophageal and gastric lesions) or they counteract each other(L-NAME + L-arginine); with the addition of BPC 157(L-NAME + L-arginine + BPC 157), there was a marked beneficial effect. BPC 157 treatment for esophagogastric anastomosis, along with NOS-blocker L-NAME and/or NOS substrate L-arginine, demonstrated an innate NO-system disability(as observed with L-arginine effectiveness). BPC 157 distinctively affected corresponding events: worsening(obtained with L-NAME administration that was counteracted); or amelioration(L-arginine + BPC 157-rats correspond to BPC 157-rats).CONCLUSION Innate NO-system disability for esophagogastric anastomoses, including L-NAME-worsening, suggests that these effects could be corrected by L-arginine and almost completely eliminated by BPC 157 therapy.

Celecoxib-induced gastrointestinal, liver and brain lesions in rats, counteraction by BPC 157 or L-arginine, aggravation by L-NAME

To counteract/reveal celecoxib-induced toxicity and NO system involvement. METHODSCelecoxib (1 g/kg b.w. ip) was combined with therapy with stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 (known to inhibit these lesions, 10 μg/kg, 10 ng/kg, or 1 ng/kg ip) and L-arginine (100 mg/kg ip), as well as NOS blockade [N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)] (5 mg/kg ip) given alone and/or combined immediately after celecoxib. Gastrointestinal, liver, and brain lesions and liver enzyme serum values in rats were assessed at 24 h and 48 h thereafter. RESULTSThis high-dose celecoxib administration, as a result of NO system dysfunction, led to gastric, liver, and brain lesions and increased liver enzyme serum values. The L-NAME-induced aggravation of the lesions was notable for gastric lesions, while in liver and brain lesions the beneficial effect of L-arginine was blunted. L-arginine counteracted gastric, liver and brain lesions. These findings support the NO system mechanism(s), both NO system agonization (L-arginine) and NO system antagonization (L-NAME), that on the whole are behind all of these COX phenomena. An even more complete antagonization was identified with BPC 157 (at both 24 h and 48 h). A beneficial effect was evident on all the increasingly negative effects of celecoxib and L-NAME application and in all the BPC 157 groups (L-arginine + BPC 157; L-NAME + BPC 157; L-NAME + L-arginine + BPC 157). Thus, these findings demonstrated that BPC 157 may equally counteract both COX-2 inhibition (counteracting the noxious effects of celecoxib on all lesions) and additional NOS blockade (equally counteracting the noxious effects of celecoxib + L-NAME). CONCLUSIONBPC 157 and L-arginine alleviate gastrointestinal, liver and brain lesions, redressing NSAIDs’ post-surgery application and NO system involvement.

Protective effect of L-arginine preconditioning on ischemia and reperfusion injury associated with rat small bowel transplantation

AIM: To investigate the protective effect and possible mechanism of L-arginine preconditioning on ischemia and reperfusion injury associated with small bowel transplantation (SBT).METHODS: Male inbred Wistar rats weighting between 180 and 250 g were used as donors and recipients in thestudy. Heterotopic rat SBT was performed according to the techniques of Li and Wu. During the experiment, intestinal grafts were preserved in 4 ℃ Ringer's solution for 8 h before being transplanted. Animals were divided into three groups. In group 1, donors received intravenous L-arginine (50 mg/kg, 1 mL) injection 90 min before graft harvesting. However, donors in control group were given normal saline (NS) instead. In group 3, six rats were used as sham-operated control. Specimens were taken from intestinal grafts 15 min after reperfusion. Histological grading, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were assessed. The graft survival of each group was monitored daily until 14 d after transplantation. RESULTS: Levels of MDA and MPO in intestine of shamoperated rats were 2.0±0.22 mmol/g and 0.66±0.105 U/g. Eight hours of cold preservation followed by 15 min of reperfusion resulted in significant increases in tissue MDA and MPO levels. Pretreatment with L-arginine before graft harvesting resulted in lower enhancement of tissue levels of MDA and MPO and the differences were significant (4.71±1.02 mmol/g vs8.02±3.49 mmol/g, 1.03±0.095 U/g vs 1.53±0.068 U/g, P＜0.05). Besides, animals in L-arginine pretreated group had better histological structures and higher 2-wk graft survival rates comparing with that in NS treated group (3.3±0.52 vs6±0.1, 0/6 vs6/6, P＜0.05or 0.01).CONCLUSION: L-arginine preconditioning attenuates ischemia and reperfusion injury in the rat SBT model,which was due to antioxidant activities partially.

Effects of L-arginine on serum nitric oxide, nitric oxide synthase and mucosal Na^+-K^+-ATPase and nitric oxide synthase activity in segmental small-bowel autotransplantation model

AIM:To explore a simple method to create intestinal autotransplantation in rats and growing pigs and to investigate the effect of L-arginine supplementation on serum nitric oxide (NO), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and intestinal mucosal NOS and Na+-K+-ATPase activity during cold ischemia-reperfusion (IR) in growing pigs. METHODS: In adult Wistar rat models of small bowel autotransplantation, a fine tube was inserted into mesenteric artery via the abdominal aorta. The superior mesenteric artery and vein were occluded. Isolated terminal ileum segment was irrigated with Ringer's solution at 4℃ and preserved in the same solution at 0-4℃ for 60 min. Then, the tube was removed and reperfusion was established. In growing pig models, a terminal ileum segment, 50 cm in length, was isolated and its mesenteric artery was irrigated via a needle with lactated Ringer's solution at 4℃. The method and period of cold preservation and reperfusion were described above. Ten white outbred pigs were randomly divided into control group and experimental group. L-arginine (150 mg/kg) was continuously infused for 15 min before reperfusion and for 30 min after reperfusion in the experimental group. One, 24, 48, and 72 h after reperfusion, peripheral vein blood was respectively collected for NO and NOS determination. At the same time point, intestinal mucosae were also obtained for NOS and Na+-K+-ATPase activity measurement. RESULTS: In adult rat models, 16 of 20 rats sustained the procedure, three died of hemorrhage shock and one of deep anesthesia. In growing pig models, the viability of small bowel graft remained for 72 h after cold IR in eight of 10 pigs. In experimental group, serum NO level at 1 and 24 h after reperfusion increased significantly when compared with control group at the same time point (152.2±61.4μmol/L /s60.8±31.6μmol/L, t=2.802, P=0.02<0.05; 82.2±24.0μmol/L vs 54.0±24.3μmol/L, t=2.490, P=0.04<0.05). Serum NO level increased significantly at 1 h post-reperfusion when compared with the same group before cold IR, 24 and 48 h post-reperfusion (152.2±61.4μmol/L vs 75.6±16.2μmol/L,t=2.820, P=0.02<0.05,82.2±24.0μmol/L,t=2.760, P= 0.03<0.05, 74.2±21.9μmol/L, t=2.822, P= 0.02<0.05). Serum NOS activity at each time point had no significant difference between two groups. In experimental group, intestinal mucosal NOS activity at 1 h post-reperfusion reduced significantly when compared with pre-cold IR (0.79±0.04 U/mg vs 0.46±0.12 U/mg, t = 3.460, P= 0.009<0.01). Mucosal NOS activity at 24, 48, and 72 h post-reperfusion also reduced significantly when compared with pre-cold IR (0.79±0.04 U/mg vs 0.57±0.14 U/mg, t= 2.380, P=0.04 <0.05, 0.61±0.11 U/mg, t= 2.309, P = 0.04<0.05, 0.63±0.12U/mg, t = 2.307, P= 0.04<0.05). In control group, mucosal NOS activity at 1 and 24 h post-reperfusion was significantly lower than that in pre-cold IR (0.72±0.12 U/mg vs 0.60±0.07 U/mg, t= 2.320, P= 0.04<0.05, 0.58±0.18 U/mg, t=2.310, P= 0.04<0.05). When compared to the normal value, Na+-K+-ATPase activity increased significantly at 48 and 72 h post-reperfusion in experimental group (2.48±0.59μmol/mg vs 3.89±1.43μmol/mg, t=3.202, P= 0.04<0.05, 3.96±0.86μmol/mg, t=3.401, P= 0.009 <0.01) and control group (2.48±0.59μmol/mg vs 3.58±0.76 μmol/mg, t=2.489, P= 0.04<0.05, 3.67±0.81μmol/mg, t= 2.542, P= 0.03<0.05). CONCLUSION: This novel technique for intestinal autotransplantation provides a potentially consistent and practical model for experimental studies of graft cold preservation. L-arginine supplementation during cold IR may act as a useful adjunct to preserve the grafted intestine.

Diffusion Coefficients of L-Arginine in Non-Newtonian Fluid

L-Arginine is an important component of amino acid injection. Its diffusion in body fluid and blood is of key importance to understand drug diffusion and drug release. As a fundamental demand for study and being a considerably valuable reference for application, in this study, the diffusion coefficients of L-arginine in polyacrylamide（PAM） aqueous solution used as non-Newtonian fluid similar to blood and body fluid were measured using a holographic interferometer. The effects of interaction among molecules and solution concentration on diffusion were analyzed and discussed, respectively. Based on the obstruction-scaling model, a novel modified model was presented for predicting diffusivity of solute in non-Newtonian fluid. Good agreement was achieved between the calculated value and the experimental data.

Dosage of L-arginine Preventing Acute High-dose PDD Nephrotoxicity

Objective： To explore the optimal dose of L-arginine to prevent acute high-dose （HD）-PDD nephrotoxicity. Methods： 128 cases using PDD with the dosage of 100 mg/m^2 within two days （D1, 2） in combination with L-arginine were randomly divided into 3 groups of A, B and C. The dosages of L- arginine in the 3 groups were 5 g/（m^2·d）, 10 g/（m^2·d） and 15 g/（m^2·d）, respectively. Each patient received 2 cycles chemotherapy to form self control： 1 cycle combined with L-arginine, while 1 cycle chemotherapy alone, β2-MG in urine, BUN, Cr and uric acid in blood were detected just 24 h before and after using PDD. The changes of each index in the three groups were observed in the presence or absence, and the therapeutic effects were compared among the three groups. Results： There was no significant difference in BUN, Cr and uric acid in blood before and after chemotherapy in the presence or absence, showing these indexes could not be used as markers of early acute nephrotoxicity. Urine β2-MG values in the presence and absence were 0.9120±0.6618 vs 1.5167±0.7908 （P〈0.05）, 0.5404±0.5810 vs 1.4616±0.8120 （P〈0.01）, 0.4998±0.6210 vs 1.5210±0.7710 （P〈0.01） in the groups A, B and C respectively. The excellent effective rate and total effective rate in groups A, B and C were 40.9% and 59.1%, 68.2% and 90.9%, and 77.5% and 97.5%, respectively. There was significant difference in the excellent effective rate and total effective rate between groups A and B, but not between groups B and C. Conclusion： The optimal dose of L- arginine to prevent acute HD-PDD nephrotoxicity is 10 g/（m^2·d）. Increased dosage can＇t improve the effect accordingly.

STUDY ON INVOLVEMENT OF L-ARG-NO IN THE PROTECTIVE ACTION OF ELECTROACUPUNCTURE ON CEREBRAL ISCHEMIC INJURY IN THE RAT

In the present study, the involvement of L-arginine(L-Arg) NO on the protective action of electroacupuncture(EA) on cerebral ischemic injury was observed in acute ischemia-reperfusion(IR) rat model by taking regional cerebral blood flow(r-CBF),cerebral water content(CWC),and blood nitric oxide(NO) contents as indexes. Results showed that 1) EA could cause r-CBF and serum NO content to increase and CWC to lower, suggesting an protective action of EA on IR cerebral injury; 2) intravenous injection of L-Arg also had an protective effect on cerebral IR cerebral injury, while L-NNA had no this effect; and 3) pre-treatment with L-Arg might strengthen the effect of EA further, while pretreatment with L-NNA could weaken its effect. It indicates that L-Arg-NO may be involved in the effect of EA in protecting the brain from ischemic injury.

Activity and Stability of Arginine Deiminase for Producing L-citrulline

A novel Enterococcus faecalis strain designated N J402 was found with high activity of arginine deiminase （ADI）. The optimum condition for catalytic activity was determined in terms of temperature （about 40℃）, thermostability （available 37℃） and pH （6-7）. The effects of substrate and product concentration were studied. The effects of various metal ions added in reaction mixtures on the biocatalyst were investigated and ADI of N J402 was found to exhibit Co^2＋ dependence, different from previous reports. Surfactant, cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, was one of the most important keys for producing L-citrulline. The enzyme in resting cells possessed the quality of high stability for reuse.