Differentiation of Rat Neural Stem Cells and Its Relationship With Environment

Objective To explore the differentiation fates of rat neural stem cells (NSCs) in different environmental conditions. Methods NSCs derived from 16-day-old rat embryo were proliferated in vitro and implanted into the brain of rats with intra-cerebral hemorrhage. At the same time some NSCs were co-cultured in vitro with Schwann cells derived from newborn rats. MAP-2, GFAP and GalC (which are the specific markers of neural cells, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes respectively), BrdU and β-tubulin were detected by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent methods. Results BrdU positive cells that were implanted into the brain dfstributed around the hemorrhagic area. The majority of them were GFAP positive astrocytes while a few of them were β-tubulin positive neural cells or GalC positive oligodendrocytes. After being co-cultured with Schwann cells in vitro, NSCs are predominately shown β-tubulin and MAP-2 positive, and only a minority of them were GFAP or GalC positive. Conclusions The hemorrhagic environment in vivo induces NSCs to differentiate mainly into astrocytes while co-culture with Schwann cells in vitro induce the majority of NSCs to differentiate into neural cells.

A Preliminary Analysis of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Biomarkers in Serum

To identify potential serum biomarkers that could be used to discriminate lung cancers from normal. Methods Proteomic spectra of twenty-eight serum samples from patients with non-small cell lung cancer and twelve from normal individuals were generated by SELDI (Surfaced Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization) Mass Spectrometry. Anion-exchange columns were used to fractionate the sera into 6 designated pH groups. Two different types of protein chip arrays, IMAC-Cu and WCX2, were employed. Samples were examined in PBSII Protein Chip Reader (Ciphergen Biosystem Inc) and the discriminatory profiling between cancer and normal samples was analyzed with Biomarker Pattern software. Results Five distinct potential lung cancer biomarkers with higher sensitivity and specificity were found, with four common biomarkers in both IMAC-Cu and WCX2 chip; the remaining biomarker occurred only in WCX2 chip. Two biomarkers were up-regulated while three biomarkers were down-regulated in the serum samples from patients with non-small cell lung cancer. The sensitivities provided by the individual biomarkers were 75%-96.43% and specificities were 75%-100%. Conclusions The preliminary results suggest that serum is a capable resource for detecting specific non-small cell lung cancer biomarkers. SELDI mass spectrometry is a useful tool for the detection and identification of new potential biomarker of non-small cell lung cancer in serum.

PRELIMINARY STUDY ON CONTROLLED HYPOTENSION INDUCED BY NIMODIPINE IN CRANIOCEREBRAL SURGERY

Nimodipine, produced in China, was applied to lower the blood pressure (BP) in 20 cases in craniocerebral operation. 0.02% solution of Nimodipine was dripped intravenously (by 0.02% of density), at a preliminary speed of 600-800 μg / min, and 4-12 mg of total dose. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased and maintained at 7.3-8.0 kPa, and lasted 30-60 minutes. The scopes of decreasing pressure were 33.0%-37.7% of MAP, 31.6%-35.6% of systolic pressure (SP), and 36.1%-41.9% of diastolic pressure (DP). The re suits of lowering pressure which reduced the intraoperative bleeding were significant. After withdrawal of drug supply for 15-30 minutes, the BP raised up to the normal level. No "rebounding BP rise" occurred.

CEREBELLAR INFARCTION ANALYSIS OF 22 CASES

Twenty-two cases of cerebellar infarction were diagnosed by clinical findings, computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance image (MRI) and autopsy. Most of the infarctions occurred in the territory of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (18/22). The most common and earliest symptoms were dizziness or vertigo (19/22), which occurred repeatedly and were accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The symptoms and signs of cerebellar lesion such as unsteady gait, limb and/or trunk ataxia, dysarthria were also the main clinical manifesta tions. However,in a number of patients there were no cerebellar symptoms or signs (9/22). Rapid deterioration of consciousness suggested acute compression of the brainstem,where the prognosis would be poor. CT scan made it possible to diagnose cerebeilar infarction in the patients. But CT is not a satisfactory instrument in identifying this disease. MRI without bony artifacts from the posterior fossa has much higher resolution and renders the infarction to be visualized ea