血管紧张素（1-7）对血管紧张素Ⅱ激活人脐静脉内皮细胞p38MAPK通路的拮抗作用

目的 探讨血管紧张素(1-7)[Ang-(1-7)] 阻断血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)致炎作用的可能机制.方法 原代培养人脐静脉内皮细胞,取2～5代用于实验.培养细胞随机分两组:Ⅰ组:对照组,AngⅡ组和AngⅡ+不同浓度Ang (1-7)组;Ⅱ组:对照组,AngⅡ组,Ang (1-7)组,AngⅡ+Ang-(1-7)组,AngⅡ+Ang (1-7)+A-779组,A-779组.用免疫印迹法测定细胞p38MAPK磷酸化表达.培养细胞用RT-PCR法测定Ang(1-7)的特异性受体Mas受体的表达.结果 100 nmol/L Ang(1-7)可以拮抗100 nmol/L AngⅡ诱导的人脐静脉内皮细胞p38MAPK磷酸化表达,且呈剂量依赖性.随着Ang(1-7)剂量的增加p38MAPK磷酸化表达逐渐减弱,在1000 nmol/L Ang(1-7)时即有明显减弱.Ang(1-7)受体特异性拮抗剂A-779可显著抑制Ang(1-7)的此作用.结论 Ang(1-7)呈剂量依赖性拮抗AngⅡ激活人脐静脉内皮细胞p38MAPK通路的作用.     

血管紧张素(1-7)对血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导人脐静脉内皮细胞凋亡的影响及机制分析

目的观察血管紧张素(1-7)[Ang-(1-7)]对血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)诱导人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVECs)凋亡的影响并探讨其可能的作用机制。方法采用胰蛋白酶消化法原代培养HUVECs,取2～5代用于实验,培养的HUVECs随机分为:对照组、AngⅡ组、Ang-(1-7)组、AngⅡ+Ang-(1-7)组、AngⅡ+Ang-(1-7)+A-779组,用吖啶橙(AO)/溴化乙啶(BE)法观察细胞凋亡的形态学变化,用流式细胞术检测内皮细胞的凋亡率;用West-em blot方法检测p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(p38MAPK)磷酸化的表达水平。结果 (1)AngⅡ(10~(-6)mol/L)可以诱导HUVECs凋亡率增高,与对照组比较差异有统计学意义(25.60%±3.17%比2.32%±0.24%,P<0.005);不同浓度的Ang-(1-7)(10~(-9)～10~(-6)mol/L)呈剂量依赖性抑制AngⅡ所诱导的内皮细胞的凋亡,与AngⅡ组相比差异有统计学意义(均为P<0.05);加用Ang-(1-7)特异性受体拮抗剂A-779可阻断Ang-(1-7)的上述效应,与AngⅡ+Ang-(1-7)组比较差异有统计学意义(23.37%±0.75%比7.79%±1.50%,P<0.05);(2)与对照组相比,AngⅡ(10~(-6)mol/L)诱导后HUVECs p38MAPK磷酸化表达水平增加(P<0.05);不同浓度的Ang-(1-7)(10~(-9)～10~(-6)mol/L)呈剂量依赖性抑制AngⅡ所诱导的p38MAPK磷酸化表达水平,与AngⅡ组相比,差异有统计学意义(均为P<0.05),加用A-779可阻断Ang-(1-7)的上述效应,与AngⅡ+Ang-(1-7)组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 AngⅡ可诱导内皮细胞凋亡及p38MAPK磷酸化表达增高,Ang-(1-7)呈浓度依赖性抑制AngⅡ的上述效应,并且是通过其特异性受体Mas发挥作用。     

血管紧张素Ⅰ抑制血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导的血管平滑肌细胞增殖

目的探讨血管紧张素-(1-7)[Ang-(1-7)]对血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)诱导的大鼠血管平滑肌细胞(VSMCs)增殖的影响。方法采用组织贴块法培养VSMCs,取生长良好的第3～5代细胞用于实验。随机分为对照组、AngⅡ组、Ang-(1-7)组、AngⅡ Ang-(1-7)组、AngⅡ Ang-(1-7) (A-779)组,通过3H胸腺嘧啶(3H-TdR)掺入法测定VSMCs的DNA合成,用结晶染色的方法检测细胞数目,观察VSMCs的增殖情况。结果①与对照组比,AngⅡ(100nmol/L)孵育细胞24h后可明显诱导VSMCs3H-TdR掺入量增加;Ang-(1-7)(1000nmol/L)可减少3H-TdR掺入量。②与AngⅡ组比较,Ang-(1-7)(10nmol/L、100nmol/L、1000nmol/L)呈浓度依赖性的抑制AngⅡ诱导的VSMCs3H-TdR掺入量。加入Ang-(1-7)特异性受体阻断剂A-779后,Ang-(1-7)此作用消失。③结晶染色结果显示,AngⅡ可诱导VSMCs数目明显增加(P<0.05)。Ang-(1-7)可抑制AngⅡ诱导的VSMCs增加,亦呈浓度依赖性(P<0.05)。结论Ang-(1-7)能抑制基础和AngⅡ诱导的VSMCs增殖,通过其特异性受体发挥作用。     

血管紧张素Ⅱ对人脐静脉内皮细胞p38丝裂素激活蛋白激酶通路的作用

目的探讨血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)激活人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVECs)p38丝裂素激活蛋白激酶(p38MAPK)信号转导通路的作用。方法用含20%胎牛血清的DMEM培养基与CO_2培养箱(5%CO_2+95%空气)培养HUVECs。待细胞生长至80%融合时,无血清培养16h后分组:(1)AngⅡ不同时点观察组:用AngⅡ(终浓度100 nmol/L)分别刺激细胞0、5、10、15、30、45 min和60 min。(2)AngⅡ不同剂量作用组:分别用终浓度为0、10、100、1000 nmol/L和10 000 nmol/L的AngⅡ刺激细胞15 min。(3)AngⅡ+p38MAPK特异性抑制剂SB202190组:在AngⅡ(终浓度100 nmol/L)刺激前30 min,分别将1000 nmol/L和5000 nmol/L(终浓度)的SB202190加入培养基,共同孵育30 min。上述各组作用一定时间后收集细胞,用Western blot方法测定细胞p38MAPK磷酸化表达。结果 AngⅡ(100 nmol/L)可诱导HUVECs p38MAPK磷酸化表达,15～30 min达到高峰,分别升高2.25和2.51倍(P<0.005,n=5),随时间呈峰形变化;AngⅡ呈剂量依赖性诱导HUVECs p38MAPK磷酸化,在AngⅡ100 nmol/L时p38MAPK磷酸化表达即有明显增强,在AngⅡ刺激剂量为1000 nmol/L和10 000 nmol/L时,p38MAPK磷酸化表达分别增加2.03和2.11倍(P<0.005,n=5);p38MAPK特异性抑制剂SB202190可显著抑制HUVECs p38MAPK磷酸化,且呈剂量依赖性,5000 nmol/L SB202190的抑制率为53.9%(P<0.01,n=6)。结论 AngⅡ可激活人脐静脉内皮细胞p38MAPK信号通路。     

血管紧张素(1-7)与血管紧张素Ⅱ对THP-1巨噬细胞高密度脂蛋白受体表达的影响

目的观察血管紧张素(1-7)[Ang(1-7)]及AngⅡ对THP-1巨噬细胞高密度脂蛋白受体I(SR-BI)表达的影响。方法将THP-1巨噬细胞根据AngⅡ和Ang(1-7)对SR-B1表达的影响分别分为:空白对照组及不同浓度AngⅡ组(10～10~4 nmol/L组);空白对照组及不同浓度Ang(1-7)组(10～10~4 nmol/L组);空白对照组、AngⅡ10~2nmol/L组、AngⅡ10~2 nmol/L+Ang(1-7)组(10~2～10~4 nmol/L组)、AngⅡ+Ang(1-7)+A-779组。运用RT-PCR和Western blot法检测各组SR-BI mRNA及SR-BI蛋白表达的变化。结果与空白对照组比较,AngⅡ10～10~4nmol/L组SR-BI mRNA及蛋白表达明显下调,呈浓度依赖性(P<0.05);而Ang(1-7)10～10~4 nmol/L组SR-BImRNA及蛋白表达明显上调,呈浓度依赖性(P<0.05);与空白对照组和AngⅡ组比较,AngⅡ10~2 nmol/L+Ang(1-7)组(10~2～10~4 nmol/L组)SR-BI表达明显上调,呈浓度依赖性(P<0.05)。与空白对照组比较,AngⅡ+Ang(1-7)10~2 nmol/L+A-779组SR-BI mRNA及蛋白表达明显下调(P<0.05)。结论 Ang(1-7)通过其特异性MAS受体浓度依赖性地拮抗AngⅡ抑制SR-BI的表达,促进胆固醇外流,提高了胆固醇逆转运的效率。     

血管紧张素-(1-7)对THP-1源性巨噬细胞CD40/CD40L表达的影响

目的 探讨血管紧张素-(1-7)[Ang-(1-7)]对血管紧张素Ⅱ[AngⅡ]刺激下THP-1源性巨噬细胞CD40和CD40L表达的影响.方法 用一定浓度的AngⅡ诱导体外培养的巨噬细胞,与不同浓度的Ang-(1-7)共同孵育,应用流式细胞技术检测CD40和CD40L在细胞上的表达,采用反转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)检测CD40和CD40L mRNA表达.结果 Ang-(1-7)既可下调细胞表面CD40和CD40L的表达,又能使CD40和CD40L mRNA表达下降,其阻断作用呈浓度依赖性;应用Ang-(1-7)特异性阻断剂A-779后CD40和CD40L表达再次升高,与AngⅡ组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 Ang-(1-7)可拮抗巨噬细胞CD40和CD40L表达,并呈浓度依赖性,这种作用可能是其抗动脉粥样硬化的机制之一;Ang-(1-7)是通过特异性受体MAS起作用的.     

p38丝裂素活化蛋白激酶介导自发性高血压大鼠血管平滑肌细胞增殖

目的研究p38丝裂素活化蛋白激酶(p38MAPK)信号传导通路在血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)与血小板源性生长因子-BB(PDGF-BB)诱导的自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)血管平滑肌细胞(VSMC)增殖中的作用。方法本实验采用体外培养SHR胸主动脉平滑肌细胞,用3H-胸腺嘧啶核苷([3H]-TdR)掺入法测定细胞增殖状况。用特异性的Phospho-p38MAPK抗体的蛋白免疫印迹法(Westernblot)检测p38MAPK的活性。结果1)AngⅡ、PDGF成剂量依赖性促进SHR血管平滑肌细胞[3H]-TdR掺入率,当AngⅡ为10-7mol/L、PDGF为10ng/L时,[3H]-TdR掺入率显著增加[AngⅡ组:(11588±1322)比对照组(2546±207)计数/min;PDGF:(5279±391)比对照组(2587±230)计数/min,P<0.05]。p38MAPK选择性阻断剂SB202190(10-9～10-7mol/L)呈浓度依赖性地降低AngⅡ、PDGF诱导的VSMC增殖活度。2)AngⅡ、PDGF对p38MAPK的磷酸化均有显著增强作用,此作用同样被SB202190抑制。3者作用都呈剂量依赖性。结论AngⅡ、PDGF能激活SHR血管平滑肌细胞的p38MAPK发生磷酸化,进而导致血管平滑肌细胞增殖。     

p38丝裂素活化蛋白激酶介导自发性高血压大鼠血管平滑肌细胞增殖

目的 研究p38丝裂素活化蛋白激酶(p38MAPK)信号传导通路在血管紧张素Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)与血小板源性生长因子-BB(PDGF-BB)诱导的自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)血管平滑肌细胞(VSMC)增殖中的作用.方法 本实验采用体外培养SHR胸主动脉平滑肌细胞,用3H-胸腺嘧啶核苷([3H]-TdR)掺入法测定细胞增殖状况.用特异性的Phospho-p38MAPK抗体的蛋白免疫印迹法(Western blot)检测p38MAPK的活性.结果 1)Ang Ⅱ、PDGF成剂量依赖性促进SHR血管平滑肌细胞[3H]-TdR掺入率,当Ang Ⅱ为10-7 mol/L、PDGF为10 ng/L时,[3H]-TdR掺入率显著增加[Ang Ⅱ组:(11 588±1322)比对照组(2546±207)计数/min;PDGF:(5279±391)比对照组(2587±230)计数/min,P＜0.05].p38MAPK选择性阻断剂SB202190(10-9～10-7 mol/L)呈浓度依赖性地降低Ang Ⅱ、PDGF诱导的VSMC增殖活度.2)Ang Ⅱ、PDGF对p38MAPK的磷酸化均有显著增强作用,此作用同样被SB202190抑制.3者作用都呈剂量依赖性.结论 Ang Ⅱ、PDGF能激活SHR血管平滑肌细胞的p38MAPK发生磷酸化,进而导致血管平滑肌细胞增殖.     

Ang-（1—7）对AngⅡ诱导THP-1巨噬细胞MMP-9表达的影响

目的 探讨血管紧张素(1-7)[Ang-(1-7)]对血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)人单核/巨噬细胞(THP-1) 基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)表达的影响及其机制.方法 佛波酯(PMA)诱导THP-1单核细胞分化为巨噬细胞后分为8组:对照组、Ang-(1-7)组、AngⅡ组、Ang-(1-7)+AngⅡ组、A-799+Ang-(1-7)+AngⅡ组,其中Ang-(1-7) +AngⅡ组根据Ang-(1-7)的浓度又分为10-8mol/L Ang-(1-7)+AngⅡ组、10-7 mol/L Ang-(1-7)+AngⅡ组、10-6 mol/L Ang-(1-7)+AngⅡ组、10-5 mol/L Ang-(1-7)+ AngⅡ组.用半定量RT-PCR检测细胞MMP-9 mRNA表达的情况.结果 AngⅡ干预后较对照组MMP-9mRNA显著增加(P<0.05);而Ang-(1-7)呈浓度依赖性减弱AngⅡ诱导的MMP-9 mRNA表达(P<0.05);加入A-799后抑制作用明显减低(P<0.05).结论 Ang-(1-7)浓度依赖性地抑制AngⅡ诱导THP-1巨噬细胞MMP-9 mRNA表达,可能通过其特异性受体Mas来发挥作用.     

血管紧张素(1-7)对血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导脐静脉内皮细胞表达E-选择素和单核细胞趋化蛋白1的影响

目的 研究血管紧张素(1-7)对血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导的脐静脉内皮细胞E-选择素和单核细胞趋化蛋白1表达的影响,并初步探讨血管紧张素(1-7)的作用机制,阐明血管紧张素(1-7)对血管紧张素Ⅱ在炎症方面的拮抗作用.方法 经形态学及抗VⅢ因子抗体免疫荧光染色鉴定的人脐静脉内皮细胞,按以下分组加入不同干扰因素进行实验.实验分组:①对照组:不加干预因素;②血管紧张素Ⅱ组:加入血管紧张素Ⅱ100 nmol/L;③血管紧张素(1-7)组:加入血管紧张素(1-7)1 000 nmol/L;④血管紧张素Ⅱ+血管紧张素(1-7)组:分别用血管紧张素(1-7)10、100、1 000、10 000 nmol/L预处理30 min后,再加入血管紧张素Ⅱ100 nmol/L;⑤血管紧张素Ⅱ+血管紧张素(1-7)+血管紧张素(1-7)受体拮抗剂A-779组:先用1 000 nmol/L A-779预处理30 min后,再用终浓度为1 000 nmol/L血管紧张素(1-7)预处理30 min,最后加入终浓度100 nmol/L血管紧张素Ⅱ.各组用酶联免疫吸附法和逆转录聚合酶链反应从蛋白和mRNA水平检测E-选择素和单核细胞趋化蛋白1的表达情况.结果 正常细胞生长良好,呈鹅卵石样镶嵌排列,细胞透明度大,轮廓不清.荧光免疫组化染色法,可检测到培养的人脐静脉内皮细胞的VⅢ因子相关抗原为阳性.①与对照组比,血管紧张素Ⅱ(100 nmol/L)使E-选择素(25.39±1.97μg/L)和单核细胞趋化蛋白1(238.71±5.51 ng/L)的蛋白分泌量明显增加, E-选择素和单核细胞趋化蛋白1 mRNA的表达显著升高(均P<0.01);②血管紧张素(1-7)(1 000 nmol/L)使E-选择素(3.72±0.95μg/L)和单核细胞趋化蛋白1(90.24±9.82 ng/L)的蛋白分泌量降低,E-选择素和单核细胞趋化蛋白1 mRNA表达亦降低(均P<0.01);③混合刺激组中血管紧张素(1-7)(10～10 000 nmol/L)减少E-选择素蛋白合成,分别为21.15±1.31、17.41±1.94、12.71±1.84、9.46±1.40μg/L,均低于血管紧张素Ⅱ组(均P<0.01);同时也减少单核细胞趋化蛋白1蛋白合成,分别为214.57±7.16、196.83±8.20、176.63±8.93、155.52±8.19 ng/L,均低于血管紧张素Ⅱ组(均P<0.01);④混合刺激组中,与AngⅡ组比较,血管紧张素(1-7)(10～10 000 nmol/L)呈剂量依赖性的抑制AngⅡ刺激E-选择素、单核细胞趋化蛋白1 mRNA的表达(均P<0.01);⑤加入血管紧张素(1-7)受体拮抗剂A-779后,血管紧张素(1-7)的作用消失.结论 血管紧张素(1-7)通过其特异性受体Mas拮抗血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导的人脐静脉内皮细胞E-选择素和单核细胞趋化蛋白1的表达,并呈浓度依赖性.     

Three layer functional model and energy exchange concept of aging process

Relying on a certain degree of abstraction, we can propose that no particular distinction exists between animate or living matter and inanimate matter. While focusing attention on some specifics, the dividing line between the two can be drawn. The most apparent distinction is in the level of structural and functional organization with the dissimilar streams of ‘energy flow’ between the observed entity and the surrounding environment. In essence, living matter is created from inanimate matter which is organized to contain internal intense energy processes and maintain lower intensity energy exchange processes with the environment. Taking internal and external energy processes into account, we contend in this paper that living matter can be referred to as matter of dissipative structure, with this structure assumed to be a common quality of all living creatures and living matter in general. Interruption of internal energy conversion processes and terminating the controlled energy exchange with the environment leads to degeneration of dissipative structure and reduction of the same to inanimate matter, (gas, liquid and/or solid inanimate substances), and ultimately what can be called ‘death.’ This concept of what we call dissipative nature can be extended from living organisms to social groups of animals, to mankind. An analogy based on the organization of matter provides a basis for a functional model of living entities. The models relies on the parallels among the three central structures of any cell (nucleus, cytoplasm and outer membrane) and the human body (central organs, body fluids along with the connective tissues, and external skin integument). This three-part structural organization may be observed almost universally in nature. It can be observed from the atomic structure to the planetary and intergalactic organizations. This similarity is corroborated by the membrane theory applied to living organisms. According to the energy nature of living matter and the proposed functional model, the decreased integrity of a human body's external envelope membrane is a first cause of the structural degradation and aging of the entire organism. The aging process than progresses externally to internally, as in single cell organisms, suggesting that much of the efforts towards the restoration and maintenance of the mechanisms responsible for structural development should be focused accordingly, on the membrane, i.e., the skin. Numerous reports indicate that all parts of the human body, like: bones, blood with blood vessels, muscles, skin, and so on, have some ability for restoration. Therefore, actual revival of not only aging tissue of the human body's membrane, but the entire human body enclosed within, with all internal organs, might be expected. We assess several aging theories within the context of our model and provide suggestions on how to activate the body's own anti-aging mechanisms and increase longevity. This paper presents some analogies and some distinctions that exist between the living dissipative structure matter and inanimate matter, discusses the aging process and proposes certain aging reversal solutions.     

The immunoneuroendocrine role of melatonin

Abstract: A tight, physiological link between the pineal gland and the immune system is emerging from a series of experimental studies. This link might reflect the evolutionary connection between self-recognition and reproduction. Pinealectomy or other experimental methods which inhibit melatonin synthesis and secretion induce a state of immunodepression which is counteracted by melatonin. In general, melatonin seems to have an immunoenhancing effect that is particularly apparent in immunodepressive states. The negative effect of acute stress or immunosuppressive pharmacological treatments on various immune parameters are counteracted by melatonin. It seems important to note that one of the main targets of melatonin is the thymus, i.e., the central organ of the immune system. The clinical use of melatonin as an immunotherapeutic agent seems promising in primary and secondary immunodeficiencies as well as in cancer immunotherapy. The immunoenhancing action of melatonin seems to be mediated by T-helper cell-derived opioid peptides as well as by lymphokines and, perhaps, by pituitary hormones. Melatonin-induced-immuno-opioids (MHO) and lymphokines imply the presence of specific binding sites or melatonin receptors on cells of the immune system. On the other hand, lymphokines such as -γ-interferon and interleukin-2 as well as thymic hormones can modulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland. The pineal gland might thus be viewed as the crux of a sophisticated immunoneuroendocrine network which functions as an unconscious, diffuse sensory organ.     

Unusual responses of nocturnal pineal melatonin synthesis and secretion to swimming: Attempts to define mechanisms

Abstract: The effect of swimming at night on rat pineal melatonin synthesis was compared with that of light exposure at night. Rats were forced to swim at 0030 hr (lights out at 2000 hr) and sacrificed by decapitation 15 and 30 min later, immediately after swimming. Other groups of animals were exposed to white light (650μW/cm²) for 15 and 30 min at same time. Swimming caused a rapid and highly significant drop in the melatonin content in the pineal gland; however, the activity of N-acetyltransferase (NAT), the supposed rate limiting enzyme in the melatonin production, was not changed. Despite the drop in pineal melatonin levels, serum concentrations of the indole remained elevated in the rats that swam. In contrast, melatonin levels in the pineal and serum of light exposed rats fell precipitously, accompanied by a significant suppression of NAT activity. Since we anticipated that the strenuous exercise associated with swimming may induce release of artrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) from the heart, which in turn could cause the release of pineal melatonin, in a second study we injected physiological saline intravenously to stretch the cardiac muscle and release ANP. Three milliliters of normal saline was injected during the day into the jugular vein of anesthetized rats that were pretreated with isoproterenol to stimulate pineal melatonin production. Animals were killed 15 min after the saline injection, and pineal NAT activity and pineal melatonin levels were measured. The saline injections caused no alteration in the elevated levels of either NAT or melatonin. These data suggest that the disparity in pineal NAT activity (which was high) and pineal melatonin (which was low), in animals swum at night, may not be caused by ANP which is released during strenuous exercise such as swimming.     

Melatonin and photoperiodic time measurement: Seasonal breeding in the sheep

Abstract: Well-established circadian physiology supports the view that photoperiodic time measurement utilizes the coincidence between the presence of light and a photosensitive phase of a 'biological clock' to alter reproductive status—the so-called external coincidence model of seasonal breeding. In this review, we examine the mechanism whereby photoperiod interacts with presumed suprachiasmatic nuclei activity to allow endogenous melatonin to normally synchronize reproductive activity to the optimal time of year. The Romney Marsh sheep is particularly explored as an experimental model. It is suggested that the on/off activity of seasonal reproduction may be a robust mechanism able to be predictably manipulated by the judicious use of the light/dark cycle and exogenous melatonin, but firmly based on circadian principles.     

Response of rat pineal melatonin to calcium, magnesium, and lithium is circadian stage dependent

Abstract: Herein we documented the response of pineal melatonin production to electrolytes known to be effective on pineal function in view of a possible circadian stage dependence. We studied the release of melatonin by perifused rat pineal glands at 2 different circadian stages corresponding to the middle of the light and dark periods, i.e., respectively, 7 and 19 HALO (Hours After Light Onset, L:D = 12:12). The initial efflux rates were, as expected, much higher in the perifusates of glands removed from rats sacrificed during the dark phase than of those removed during the light phase. After 3 hr of perifusion, melatonin release reached similar levels which were found constant up to the 8th hr of perifusion, whatever the circadian stage. Perifusion of the glands with physiological concentrations for the rat of calcium (5.2 mmol/1) and magnesium (1.34 mmol/1) resulted in a stimulatory effect on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed in the middle of the dark period (19 HALO), whereas no effects were observed on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed during the light (7 HALO). Lithium (0.28 and 0.55 mmol/1) was ineffective on melatonin release in pineal glands removed 7 and 19 HALO. Our results show differences in the initial efflux rates of melatonin and in the response of perifused pineal glands to calcium and magnesium according to the circadian stage.     

Conservative management of perforated duodenal diverticulum： A case report and review of the literature

Duodenal diverticula are a relatively common condition. They are asymptomatic, unless they become complicated, with perforation being the rarest but most severe complication. Surgical treatment is the most frequently performed approach. We report the case of a patient with a perforated duodenal diverticulum, which was diagnosed early and treated conservatively with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage of secondary retroperitoneal abscesses. We suggest this method could be an acceptable option for the management of similar cases, provided that the patient is in good general condition and without septic signs.     

Changes in connexin43, the gap junction protein of astrocytes, during development of the rat pineal gland

Abstract: The abundance of gap junctions between rat pineal astrocytes formed by connexin43 (Cx43) was studied during development. Levels and distribution of Cx43 were measured by immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence, respectively. The amount of Cx43 in cells located within the gland was low until about the 7th postnatal day and increased to adult values between the 14th and 21st days postpartum. Although astrocytes, recognized by their vimentin immunoreactivity, were scarce before birth, they were abundant by the 7th postnatal day suggesting that the low levels of Cx43 found at this age corresponded to a low expression of this protein. Localization of the immunoreactivity to Cx43 and vimentin showed a close correlation, indicating that mature or immature pineal astrocytes form gap junctions made of Cx43. Since Cx43 levels attained their adult values at about the time the innervation and the functional state of the gland reached maturity (2–3 weeks after birth), it is proposed that astrocyte gap junctions are involved in the function of the adult rat pineal gland.     

Presence of immunoreactive growth hormone and prolactin in the ovine pineal gland

Abstract: The use of antisera raised against bovine growth hormone (GH) and ovine prolactin (PRL) enabled the detection of related immunoreactive (ir) sequences of proteins in ovine pineal tissue. The isolation of PRL-like ir-material was accomplished using a 0.25 M ammonium sulphate (pH 5.5) extraction followed by ethanol precipitation, whereas the resulting 2.0 M ammonium sulphate (pH 7.0) precipitate contained a GH-like immunoreactivity. Gel chromatography of the GH-like immunoreactivity (Sephadex G-100) indicated the presence of several GH-like fragments ranging in the M_r range of 7,000 to 55,000. Analyses of the PRL-like ir-material found in pineal tissue on HPLC using a TSK 545-DEAE column led to the resolution into a single peak of immunoreactivity. A single peak of activity was also observed following chromatofocusing and hydrophobic interaction chromatography of the ir-peak from the TSK 545-DEAE column. The PRL-like ir-material inhibited the binding of [¹²⁵I]ovine PRL-S14 to anti-ovine PRL antibodies without showing an affinity for binding to anti-rat PRL or anti-bovine GH antibodies. Scatchard analysis of the binding of pineal PRL-like ir-material and pituitary ovine PRL-S14 to liver membranes from day-20 pregnant rats revealed similar affinity constants (K_a of 4.7 ± 0.2 × 10⁹ M^-1). In addition, the replication of Nb 2 Node rat lymphoma cells was stimulated by pineal PRL-like ir-material, an effect known to be specific for lactogenic hormones. The pineal PRL-like immunoreactivity appeared on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels as a single major band of M_r 24,000. The functional status of PRL-and GH-like ir-material in the ovine pineal remains to be determined, but evidence is presented that the overall protein synthesis rate of the rat pineal responded to circulating concentrations of PRL.