Objective:To investigate the banding patterns of whole cell protein(WCP) and outer membrane protein (OMP) of Burkholderia pseudomallei(B.pseudomallei) in clinical isolates from patients with melioidosis. Methods:WCP a...Objective:To investigate the banding patterns of whole cell protein(WCP) and outer membrane protein (OMP) of Burkholderia pseudomallei(B.pseudomallei) in clinical isolates from patients with melioidosis. Methods:WCP and OMP of of B.pseudomallei in 50 clinical isolates,from 47 patients with melioidosis were prepared and separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE) using 10%gels and stained with Coomassie brilliant blue.The banding patterns were compared by using a laser densitometer and dendrogram. Results:There were 6 different banding patterns of WCP and 2 types of OMP.Type 1 -5 WCP had 8 common protein bands at 19.0 - 45.0 kDa with identical OMP pattern.The banding patterns of WCP in type 6 were distinct from the others and also its OMP profile.The majority of clinical isolates(37/50,74%) were in type 1 WCP.Of the remaining isolates,8 were in type 2,2 in type 3,and one each was in type 4 to 6.There was no significant association between the WCP typing and the demographic or clinical features of the investigated patients.Conclusion:Despite the wide variation of clinical features of melioidosis,the results of this study show that B.pseudomallei had a few differences in the WCP and OMP profiles.Therefore typing of WCP and OMP,using SDS-PAGE analysis,could be an alternative method for phenotypic differentiation in clinical isolates of B.pseudomallei.展开更多
Furan carboxylic acids are important building blocks in polymer and fine chemical industries. In this work, a simple substrate adaptation strategy was applied to improve the catalytic performances of Comamonas testost...Furan carboxylic acids are important building blocks in polymer and fine chemical industries. In this work, a simple substrate adaptation strategy was applied to improve the catalytic performances of Comamonas testosteroni SC1588 cells for the synthesis of various furan carboxylic acids. It was found that biocatalytic synthesis of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid(HMFCA) was substantially promoted by adding histidine and increasing cell concentrations. HMFCA was produced in a quantitative yield from200 m M HMF in 24 h. Besides, the HMFCA yields of 71%–81% were achieved with the substrate concentrations up to 250–300 m M. It was firstly found that 4-tert-butylcatechol(TBC), as the stabilizer present in HMF, exerted a significantly detrimental effect on whole-cell catalytic synthesis of HMFCA at high substrate concentrations(more than 130 m M). In addition, a variety of furan carboxylic acids such as2-furoic acid, 5-methyl-2-furancarboxylic acid and 5-methoxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid were synthesized with the yields up to 98%.展开更多
Xenorhabdus bacterium has been used as a biological control agent against Luciaphorus sp., a mushroom mite endemic in Thailand. To develop an effective formulation ofXenorhabdus stokiae, treatments using different par...Xenorhabdus bacterium has been used as a biological control agent against Luciaphorus sp., a mushroom mite endemic in Thailand. To develop an effective formulation ofXenorhabdus stokiae, treatments using different parts of X. stokiae isolate PB09 culture, including whole cell suspension, cell-free supernatant, and crude cell extract, were performed. The results show that different parts ofX. stokiae isolate PB09 culture could induce variable effects on mite mortality and fecundity. Application with cell-free supernatant of X. stokiae culture resulted in both the highest mite mortality rate [(89.00+3.60)%] and the lowest mite fecundity [(41.33_+23.69) eggs/gravid female]. Whole cell suspen- sion of X. stokiae isolate PB09 culture was found to be slightly less effective than its cell-free supernatant, suggesting that X. stokiae was more likely to release its metabolites with acaricidal activities to the surrounding culture media. Crude cell extract of X. stokiae was not effective against mites. Cell-free supematant of X. stokiae isolate PB09 was the most effective biological control agent and it could be conveniently used in future formulations instead of live bacteria.展开更多
Using the whole cell patch clamp technique, the effect of Cu^2+on transient outward K^+current (/to) and delayed rectifier K^+ current (Idr) was studied in acutely isolated rat hippocampal neurons.Ito and Idr w...Using the whole cell patch clamp technique, the effect of Cu^2+on transient outward K^+current (/to) and delayed rectifier K^+ current (Idr) was studied in acutely isolated rat hippocampal neurons.Ito and Idr were increased when the concentration of Cu^2+ was lower than 2 × 10^-5 and 10^-5 tool/L, respectively, and increased ratio was decreased with increasing Cu^2+concentration in the bath solutions. When the concentration continued to increase to 5× 10^-5 and 2 × 10^- 5 mol/L, the currents were hardly changed, while the concentration was more than 10^-4 and 5 × 10^-5 mol/L, the currents were inhibited remarkably. Cu^2+ (10^-5 mol/L) did not affect the activation and inactivation process of Ito. The activation curve of Idr was shifted toward positive potential, but 10^-5 mol/L Cu^2+did not affect slope factor. According to these results, it was considered that Cu^2+at low concentration in the bath solution could promote Ito and Idr while at high concentration could inhibit them, and change of amplitude was different with different membrane voltage. Conclusion was drawn: Cu^2+may be involved in the pathophysiologic mechanism of diseases with neuropathological components.展开更多
Physiotherapeutic effects of infrared lasers have been proved in clinic.These infrared-based regulations of the bioelectrical activities can roughly be classied into enhancement and suppression of action potential(AP)...Physiotherapeutic effects of infrared lasers have been proved in clinic.These infrared-based regulations of the bioelectrical activities can roughly be classied into enhancement and suppression of action potential(AP),which are described by sodium(Na)and potassium(K)transmembrane current equations,named as Hodgkin and Huxley(HH)-model.The enhancement effect is able to evoke or strengthen the AP when infrared light is applied.Its corresponding mechanism is commonly ascribed to the changes of the cell membrane capacitance,which is transiently increased in response to the infrared radiation.The distinctive feature of the suppression effect is to inhibit or reduce the AP by the designed protocols of infrared radiation.However,its mechanism presents more complexity than that in enhancement cases.HH-model describes how the Na current determines the initial phase of AP.So,the enhancement and suppression of AP can be also ascribed to the regulations of the corresponding Na currents.Here,a continuous infrared light at the wavelength of 980 nm(CIS-980)was employed to stimulate a freshly isolated hippocampal neuron in vitro and a suppression effect on the Na currents of the neuron cell was observed.Both Na and K currents,which are named as whole cell currents,were simultaneously recorded with the cell membrane capacitance current by using a patch clamp combined with infrared irradiation.The results demonstrated that the CIS-980 was able to reversibly increase the capacitance currents,completely suppressed Na currents,but little changed K currents,which forms the steady outward whole cell currents and plays a major role on the AP repolarization.A conrmation experiment was designed and carried out by synchronizing tens of milliseconds of infrared stimulation on the same kinds of hippocampal neuron cells.After the blocked K channel,a reduction of Na current amplitude was still recorded.This proved that infrared suppression of Na current was irrelevant to K channel.A membrane capacitance mediation process was preliminarily proposed to explain the Na channel suppression process.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Electrophysiological properties of the song nucleus have been revealed using conventional techniques, such as intracellular and extracellular recording. Research concerning the neuronal activation propert...BACKGROUND: Electrophysiological properties of the song nucleus have been revealed using conventional techniques, such as intracellular and extracellular recording. Research concerning the neuronal activation properties and regulations of the song system at the cellular and ion channel level may help reveal the neural mechanism of song learning. OBJECTIVE: To perform whole-cell recording of robust nucleus of the arcopallium (RA) neurons in brain slices from adult zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) and observe the action potential, sodium/potassium current and the spontaneous postsynaptic current of RA neurons. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Self-controlled, neuroelectrophysiological experiment. The study was performed at the Neurophysiology Laboratory of South China Normal University from April to September 2008. MATERIALS: Flaming/Brown puller P-97 was purchased from Sutter Ins, USA; Axopatch 700B amplifier and Digidata 1332A converter were purchased from Axon Instrument, USA; pClamp software was provided by Axon Instrument, USA. METHODS: RA neurons were acutely isolated from 24 healthy male zebra finches. The action potential, voltage-gate sodium/potassium current and spontaneous postsynaptic current were recorded by whole-cell recording technology. Data were analyzed by pClamp software. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The amplitude and frequency of the action potential, and the amplitude of the voltage-dependent and spontaneous postsynaptic currents, were measured. RESULTS: (1) Testing of action potential: Cells exhibited a stable current-voltage relationship following a series of hyperpolarization stepped currents, and an action potential was triggered by the spike threshold. All the recorded cells displayed repetitive firing following depolarizing current injection, with a frequency beyond 100 Hz. (2) Testing of voltage-gate currents: The inward and outward whole-cell currents were observed after a series of depolarizing voltage steps. The inward current disappeared following the application of tetrodotoxin and the outward current was significantly inhibited by application of 4-aminopyfidione and tetraethylammonium chloride. (3) Testing of spontaneous postsynaptic current: The majority of recorded cells exhibited an inward synaptic current when the membrane potential was maintained at -60 mV, with some cells exhibiting a robustly outward current when the membrane potential was maintained at -30 mV. Tetrodotoxin was unable to affect the spontaneous postsynaptic current. Following application of bicuculline [y-aminobutyric acid (A) receptor antagonist] and high concentration kynurenic acid (ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonist), the inward and outward currents were completely inhibited. CONCLUSION: Under these experimental conditions, the action potential, sodium/potassium current and spontaneous postsynaptic current were recorded successfully in RA neurons. This indicates that the cells preserved relatively intact synaptic connections and normal physiological activity, which is required for investigating ion channels. The inward and outward whole-cell currents were sodium and potassium currents, respectively. The postsynaptic y-aminobutyric acid (A) receptors and ionotropic glutamate receptors contributed to the spontaneous postsynaptic current.展开更多
Objective:To record Calcium, Potassium and Sodium currents in acutely isolated hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Methods:Hippocampal CA3 neurons were freshly isolated by 1 mg protease/3 ml SES and mechanical trituratio...Objective:To record Calcium, Potassium and Sodium currents in acutely isolated hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Methods:Hippocampal CA3 neurons were freshly isolated by 1 mg protease/3 ml SES and mechanical trituration with polished pipettes of progressively smaller tip diameters. Patch clamp technique in whole-cell mode was employed to record voltage-gated channel currents. Results:The procedure dissociated hippocampal neurons, preserving apical dendrites and several basal dendrites, without impairing the electrical characteristics of the neurons. Whole-cell patch clamp configuration was successfully used to record voltage-gated Ca^2+ currents, delayed rectifier K^+ current and voltage-gated Na^+ currents. Conclusion:Protease combined with mechanical trituration may be used for the dissociation of neurons from rat hippocampus. Voltage-gated channels currents could be recorded using a patch clamp technique.展开更多
Objective: We investigated the correlation between the number of circulating tumor cells(CTCs) and wholebody metabolic tumor volume(WBMTV) measured by 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose(FDG) positron emission tomography/computed...Objective: We investigated the correlation between the number of circulating tumor cells(CTCs) and wholebody metabolic tumor volume(WBMTV) measured by 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose(FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography(PET/CT).The aim was to evaluate the value of the incorporation of CTC number and WBMTV in the prognostic prediction of stage III small-cell lung cancer(SCLC).Methods: One hundred and twenty-nine patients were enrolled in this study.All patients were treated with four cycles of a platinum-based regimen and concurrent chest irradiation,followed by prophylactic cranial irradiation.Blood samples for CTC analysis were obtained from 112 patients before the initiation of chemotherapy(as a baseline),after cycle 1 and after cycle 4.CTCs were measured using the CELLSEARCH? system.The patients underwent pretreatment FDG PET/CT WBMTV,which included all malignant lesions.The Spearman rank test was used to determine the correlation among CTC counts,WBMTV and disease stage.Overall survival(OS) and progression-free survival(PFS) curves were produced using the Kaplan-Meier method,and survival differences between groups were assessed by the log-rank test.Results: The number of CTCs at baseline did not correlate with WBMTV before the initiation of therapy(P=0.241).The number of CTCs at baseline and the WBMTV before the initiation of therapy were independent relevant factors for PFS and OS.The subgroup analysis(Group A: CTC count >19.5 and a WBMTV >266.5cm~3;Group B: CTC count >19.5 and a WBMTV ≤266.5cm~3; Group C: CTC count ≤19.5 and a WBMTV >266.5cm~3;Group D: CTC count ≤19.5 and a WBMTV ≤266.5cm~3) showed that the differences were statistically significant in the median PFS(Group A vs.D,P<0.001; Group B vs.D,P=0.018; Group C vs.D,P=0.029) and in the median OS(Group A vs.D,P<0.001; Group B vs.D,P=0.012).Conclusions: CTC number and WBMTV are related to progression and death in patients with SCLC.The incorporation of CTC number and WBMTV scans can provide a detailed prognostic prediction for SCLC.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Natural cerebrolysin (NC), a Chinese herbal drug for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), induces mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation into neuron-like cells, with low toxicity. But th...BACKGROUND: Natural cerebrolysin (NC), a Chinese herbal drug for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), induces mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation into neuron-like cells, with low toxicity. But the mechanisms involved in NC effects on MSCs remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: We used a whole genome microarray technique to further investigate the molecular, genetic, and pharmacodynamic mechanisms of NC on MSC gene expression profiles. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A parallel, controlled, in vitro experiment was performed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, China, between September 2006 and October 2008. MATERIALS: NC was provided by Shenzhen Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine China. It was predominantly composed of Renshen (Radix Ginseng), Tianma (Rhizoma Gastrodiae) and Yinxingye (Ginkgo Leaf) and prepared by conventional water extractJon technology. Twelve adult, male, New Zealand rabbits were included, six of which underwent intragastric administration of NC extract for 1 month to create NC-containing serum. METHODS: Bone marrow was collected from the tibia and femur of Sprague Dawley rats, aged 6 8 months old. Rat MSCs were isolated and purified by the whole bone marrow adherence method. After in vitro culture, MSCs from passage 4 were treated with NC-containing serum for 48 hours, and total RNA was extracted. Gene expression in MSCs was analyzed using Affymetrix whole genome microarray analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Differentially expressed genes in NC serum-treated MSCs. RESULTS: NC treated MSCs displayed 46 differentially expressed genes, 22 with upregulated expression (fold change 〉 2) and 24 with downregulated expression (fold change 〈 -2). Differentially expressed genes participated in neuronal growth, differentiation, and function, cell growth, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, signal transduction, substance/energy metabolism, ion transport, and immune responses. NC treatment changed levels of transforming growth factor β/ bone morphogenetic proteins, Hedgehog, Bmp, and Wntsignaling pathways, which regulate nerve cell differentiation, development and function, as well as learning and memory; Ras, G protein- coupled receptor signal pathways that are related to cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis; and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase signaling cascades. CONCLUSION: NC can regulate gene expression for many signal transduction pathways related to nerve cell differentiation, development and function, learning and memory function, as well as regulation of cell growth, differentiation, proliferation, or apoptosis to mediate the genetic effects of NC treatment on AD.展开更多
基金supported by the Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit,UK.
文摘Objective:To investigate the banding patterns of whole cell protein(WCP) and outer membrane protein (OMP) of Burkholderia pseudomallei(B.pseudomallei) in clinical isolates from patients with melioidosis. Methods:WCP and OMP of of B.pseudomallei in 50 clinical isolates,from 47 patients with melioidosis were prepared and separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE) using 10%gels and stained with Coomassie brilliant blue.The banding patterns were compared by using a laser densitometer and dendrogram. Results:There were 6 different banding patterns of WCP and 2 types of OMP.Type 1 -5 WCP had 8 common protein bands at 19.0 - 45.0 kDa with identical OMP pattern.The banding patterns of WCP in type 6 were distinct from the others and also its OMP profile.The majority of clinical isolates(37/50,74%) were in type 1 WCP.Of the remaining isolates,8 were in type 2,2 in type 3,and one each was in type 4 to 6.There was no significant association between the WCP typing and the demographic or clinical features of the investigated patients.Conclusion:Despite the wide variation of clinical features of melioidosis,the results of this study show that B.pseudomallei had a few differences in the WCP and OMP profiles.Therefore typing of WCP and OMP,using SDS-PAGE analysis,could be an alternative method for phenotypic differentiation in clinical isolates of B.pseudomallei.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(21676103)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province(2017A030313056)the Science and Technology Project of Guangzhou City(201804010179)。
文摘Furan carboxylic acids are important building blocks in polymer and fine chemical industries. In this work, a simple substrate adaptation strategy was applied to improve the catalytic performances of Comamonas testosteroni SC1588 cells for the synthesis of various furan carboxylic acids. It was found that biocatalytic synthesis of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid(HMFCA) was substantially promoted by adding histidine and increasing cell concentrations. HMFCA was produced in a quantitative yield from200 m M HMF in 24 h. Besides, the HMFCA yields of 71%–81% were achieved with the substrate concentrations up to 250–300 m M. It was firstly found that 4-tert-butylcatechol(TBC), as the stabilizer present in HMF, exerted a significantly detrimental effect on whole-cell catalytic synthesis of HMFCA at high substrate concentrations(more than 130 m M). In addition, a variety of furan carboxylic acids such as2-furoic acid, 5-methyl-2-furancarboxylic acid and 5-methoxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid were synthesized with the yields up to 98%.
基金Project (No. RTA 4880006)supported by the Thailand Research Fund,Kasetsart University and Mahasarakham University
文摘Xenorhabdus bacterium has been used as a biological control agent against Luciaphorus sp., a mushroom mite endemic in Thailand. To develop an effective formulation ofXenorhabdus stokiae, treatments using different parts of X. stokiae isolate PB09 culture, including whole cell suspension, cell-free supernatant, and crude cell extract, were performed. The results show that different parts ofX. stokiae isolate PB09 culture could induce variable effects on mite mortality and fecundity. Application with cell-free supernatant of X. stokiae culture resulted in both the highest mite mortality rate [(89.00+3.60)%] and the lowest mite fecundity [(41.33_+23.69) eggs/gravid female]. Whole cell suspen- sion of X. stokiae isolate PB09 culture was found to be slightly less effective than its cell-free supernatant, suggesting that X. stokiae was more likely to release its metabolites with acaricidal activities to the surrounding culture media. Crude cell extract of X. stokiae was not effective against mites. Cell-free supematant of X. stokiae isolate PB09 was the most effective biological control agent and it could be conveniently used in future formulations instead of live bacteria.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30470408).
文摘Using the whole cell patch clamp technique, the effect of Cu^2+on transient outward K^+current (/to) and delayed rectifier K^+ current (Idr) was studied in acutely isolated rat hippocampal neurons.Ito and Idr were increased when the concentration of Cu^2+ was lower than 2 × 10^-5 and 10^-5 tool/L, respectively, and increased ratio was decreased with increasing Cu^2+concentration in the bath solutions. When the concentration continued to increase to 5× 10^-5 and 2 × 10^- 5 mol/L, the currents were hardly changed, while the concentration was more than 10^-4 and 5 × 10^-5 mol/L, the currents were inhibited remarkably. Cu^2+ (10^-5 mol/L) did not affect the activation and inactivation process of Ito. The activation curve of Idr was shifted toward positive potential, but 10^-5 mol/L Cu^2+did not affect slope factor. According to these results, it was considered that Cu^2+at low concentration in the bath solution could promote Ito and Idr while at high concentration could inhibit them, and change of amplitude was different with different membrane voltage. Conclusion was drawn: Cu^2+may be involved in the pathophysiologic mechanism of diseases with neuropathological components.
基金This study was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31370835)National Science and Technology Major Special Project on new drug innovation(No.2012ZX09503-001-003)funding from the Dalian University of Technology for the corresponding author(No.DUT21YG121).
文摘Physiotherapeutic effects of infrared lasers have been proved in clinic.These infrared-based regulations of the bioelectrical activities can roughly be classied into enhancement and suppression of action potential(AP),which are described by sodium(Na)and potassium(K)transmembrane current equations,named as Hodgkin and Huxley(HH)-model.The enhancement effect is able to evoke or strengthen the AP when infrared light is applied.Its corresponding mechanism is commonly ascribed to the changes of the cell membrane capacitance,which is transiently increased in response to the infrared radiation.The distinctive feature of the suppression effect is to inhibit or reduce the AP by the designed protocols of infrared radiation.However,its mechanism presents more complexity than that in enhancement cases.HH-model describes how the Na current determines the initial phase of AP.So,the enhancement and suppression of AP can be also ascribed to the regulations of the corresponding Na currents.Here,a continuous infrared light at the wavelength of 980 nm(CIS-980)was employed to stimulate a freshly isolated hippocampal neuron in vitro and a suppression effect on the Na currents of the neuron cell was observed.Both Na and K currents,which are named as whole cell currents,were simultaneously recorded with the cell membrane capacitance current by using a patch clamp combined with infrared irradiation.The results demonstrated that the CIS-980 was able to reversibly increase the capacitance currents,completely suppressed Na currents,but little changed K currents,which forms the steady outward whole cell currents and plays a major role on the AP repolarization.A conrmation experiment was designed and carried out by synchronizing tens of milliseconds of infrared stimulation on the same kinds of hippocampal neuron cells.After the blocked K channel,a reduction of Na current amplitude was still recorded.This proved that infrared suppression of Na current was irrelevant to K channel.A membrane capacitance mediation process was preliminarily proposed to explain the Na channel suppression process.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30570232the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,No. 05005910Key Laboratory of Ecology and Environmental Science in Guangdong Higher Education
文摘BACKGROUND: Electrophysiological properties of the song nucleus have been revealed using conventional techniques, such as intracellular and extracellular recording. Research concerning the neuronal activation properties and regulations of the song system at the cellular and ion channel level may help reveal the neural mechanism of song learning. OBJECTIVE: To perform whole-cell recording of robust nucleus of the arcopallium (RA) neurons in brain slices from adult zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) and observe the action potential, sodium/potassium current and the spontaneous postsynaptic current of RA neurons. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Self-controlled, neuroelectrophysiological experiment. The study was performed at the Neurophysiology Laboratory of South China Normal University from April to September 2008. MATERIALS: Flaming/Brown puller P-97 was purchased from Sutter Ins, USA; Axopatch 700B amplifier and Digidata 1332A converter were purchased from Axon Instrument, USA; pClamp software was provided by Axon Instrument, USA. METHODS: RA neurons were acutely isolated from 24 healthy male zebra finches. The action potential, voltage-gate sodium/potassium current and spontaneous postsynaptic current were recorded by whole-cell recording technology. Data were analyzed by pClamp software. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The amplitude and frequency of the action potential, and the amplitude of the voltage-dependent and spontaneous postsynaptic currents, were measured. RESULTS: (1) Testing of action potential: Cells exhibited a stable current-voltage relationship following a series of hyperpolarization stepped currents, and an action potential was triggered by the spike threshold. All the recorded cells displayed repetitive firing following depolarizing current injection, with a frequency beyond 100 Hz. (2) Testing of voltage-gate currents: The inward and outward whole-cell currents were observed after a series of depolarizing voltage steps. The inward current disappeared following the application of tetrodotoxin and the outward current was significantly inhibited by application of 4-aminopyfidione and tetraethylammonium chloride. (3) Testing of spontaneous postsynaptic current: The majority of recorded cells exhibited an inward synaptic current when the membrane potential was maintained at -60 mV, with some cells exhibiting a robustly outward current when the membrane potential was maintained at -30 mV. Tetrodotoxin was unable to affect the spontaneous postsynaptic current. Following application of bicuculline [y-aminobutyric acid (A) receptor antagonist] and high concentration kynurenic acid (ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonist), the inward and outward currents were completely inhibited. CONCLUSION: Under these experimental conditions, the action potential, sodium/potassium current and spontaneous postsynaptic current were recorded successfully in RA neurons. This indicates that the cells preserved relatively intact synaptic connections and normal physiological activity, which is required for investigating ion channels. The inward and outward whole-cell currents were sodium and potassium currents, respectively. The postsynaptic y-aminobutyric acid (A) receptors and ionotropic glutamate receptors contributed to the spontaneous postsynaptic current.
基金supported by Science Development Foundation of Tianjin Institute of Education(20070301)
文摘Objective:To record Calcium, Potassium and Sodium currents in acutely isolated hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Methods:Hippocampal CA3 neurons were freshly isolated by 1 mg protease/3 ml SES and mechanical trituration with polished pipettes of progressively smaller tip diameters. Patch clamp technique in whole-cell mode was employed to record voltage-gated channel currents. Results:The procedure dissociated hippocampal neurons, preserving apical dendrites and several basal dendrites, without impairing the electrical characteristics of the neurons. Whole-cell patch clamp configuration was successfully used to record voltage-gated Ca^2+ currents, delayed rectifier K^+ current and voltage-gated Na^+ currents. Conclusion:Protease combined with mechanical trituration may be used for the dissociation of neurons from rat hippocampus. Voltage-gated channels currents could be recorded using a patch clamp technique.
基金supported by a grant from the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China(No.201402011)
文摘Objective: We investigated the correlation between the number of circulating tumor cells(CTCs) and wholebody metabolic tumor volume(WBMTV) measured by 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose(FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography(PET/CT).The aim was to evaluate the value of the incorporation of CTC number and WBMTV in the prognostic prediction of stage III small-cell lung cancer(SCLC).Methods: One hundred and twenty-nine patients were enrolled in this study.All patients were treated with four cycles of a platinum-based regimen and concurrent chest irradiation,followed by prophylactic cranial irradiation.Blood samples for CTC analysis were obtained from 112 patients before the initiation of chemotherapy(as a baseline),after cycle 1 and after cycle 4.CTCs were measured using the CELLSEARCH? system.The patients underwent pretreatment FDG PET/CT WBMTV,which included all malignant lesions.The Spearman rank test was used to determine the correlation among CTC counts,WBMTV and disease stage.Overall survival(OS) and progression-free survival(PFS) curves were produced using the Kaplan-Meier method,and survival differences between groups were assessed by the log-rank test.Results: The number of CTCs at baseline did not correlate with WBMTV before the initiation of therapy(P=0.241).The number of CTCs at baseline and the WBMTV before the initiation of therapy were independent relevant factors for PFS and OS.The subgroup analysis(Group A: CTC count >19.5 and a WBMTV >266.5cm~3;Group B: CTC count >19.5 and a WBMTV ≤266.5cm~3; Group C: CTC count ≤19.5 and a WBMTV >266.5cm~3;Group D: CTC count ≤19.5 and a WBMTV ≤266.5cm~3) showed that the differences were statistically significant in the median PFS(Group A vs.D,P<0.001; Group B vs.D,P=0.018; Group C vs.D,P=0.029) and in the median OS(Group A vs.D,P<0.001; Group B vs.D,P=0.012).Conclusions: CTC number and WBMTV are related to progression and death in patients with SCLC.The incorporation of CTC number and WBMTV scans can provide a detailed prognostic prediction for SCLC.
基金Scientific and Technological Foundation of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China,No.02-03LP41the Scientific and Techno-logical Key Project of Guangdong Province,No.2006B35630007
文摘BACKGROUND: Natural cerebrolysin (NC), a Chinese herbal drug for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), induces mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation into neuron-like cells, with low toxicity. But the mechanisms involved in NC effects on MSCs remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: We used a whole genome microarray technique to further investigate the molecular, genetic, and pharmacodynamic mechanisms of NC on MSC gene expression profiles. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A parallel, controlled, in vitro experiment was performed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, China, between September 2006 and October 2008. MATERIALS: NC was provided by Shenzhen Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine China. It was predominantly composed of Renshen (Radix Ginseng), Tianma (Rhizoma Gastrodiae) and Yinxingye (Ginkgo Leaf) and prepared by conventional water extractJon technology. Twelve adult, male, New Zealand rabbits were included, six of which underwent intragastric administration of NC extract for 1 month to create NC-containing serum. METHODS: Bone marrow was collected from the tibia and femur of Sprague Dawley rats, aged 6 8 months old. Rat MSCs were isolated and purified by the whole bone marrow adherence method. After in vitro culture, MSCs from passage 4 were treated with NC-containing serum for 48 hours, and total RNA was extracted. Gene expression in MSCs was analyzed using Affymetrix whole genome microarray analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Differentially expressed genes in NC serum-treated MSCs. RESULTS: NC treated MSCs displayed 46 differentially expressed genes, 22 with upregulated expression (fold change 〉 2) and 24 with downregulated expression (fold change 〈 -2). Differentially expressed genes participated in neuronal growth, differentiation, and function, cell growth, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, signal transduction, substance/energy metabolism, ion transport, and immune responses. NC treatment changed levels of transforming growth factor β/ bone morphogenetic proteins, Hedgehog, Bmp, and Wntsignaling pathways, which regulate nerve cell differentiation, development and function, as well as learning and memory; Ras, G protein- coupled receptor signal pathways that are related to cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis; and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase signaling cascades. CONCLUSION: NC can regulate gene expression for many signal transduction pathways related to nerve cell differentiation, development and function, learning and memory function, as well as regulation of cell growth, differentiation, proliferation, or apoptosis to mediate the genetic effects of NC treatment on AD.