肝硬化患者血小板计数与血小板生成素及脾脏指数间的关系

目的 研究肝硬化患者外周血血小板计数、血清血小板生成素(TPO)水平及脾脏指数间的关系,以明确肝硬化患者血小板减少的原因。方法 血清TPO水平采用酶联吸附法检测,脾脏指数由同一医生在相同的条件下用彩色多普勒超声仪测量。结果 健康对照组与肝硬化组外周血小板计数分别为(169.63±26.60)×10~(12)/L、(109.20±53.39)×10~(12)/L,t=3.630,P<0.05;血清TPO水平分别为(412.63±132.80)pg/ml、(436.42±258.97)pg/ml,t=0.272,P>0.05。随着肝脏损伤的加重,血清TPO水平依次下降,Child-Pugh A级、B级、C级分别为(526.13±317.44)pg/ml、(445.22±214.90)pg/ml、(311.45±182.66)pg/ml,A级与C级之间差异有显著性,而其它指标(血小板计数、脾脏指数、门静脉宽度)A级与B级、C级之间差异有显著性。血小板正常组(35例)与血小板减少组(36例)血清TPO水平分别为(529.43±282.64)pg/ml、(351.27±228.25)pg/ml,t=-2.926,P<0.01;而两组间脾脏指数分别为(19.65±12.00)cm~2、(36.35±12.68)cm~2,t=1.891,P>0.05。结论 血清TPO水平降低可能是肝硬化患者血小板减少的原因之一,脾脏在血小板减少中的作用有待进一步研究。     

肝硬化患者Child-Pugh分级与血小板生成素的关系

目的:探讨肝硬化患者Child-Pugh分级与血小板生成素(TPO)的关系.方法:选取肝硬化患者119例,另选取与肝硬化组性别和年龄相匹配的30例健康人作为对照组;晨起空腹采血、离心分离血清,检测血液常规、血液生化、血离子、肝炎病毒标志物,肝脾B超检查:用ELISA法检测血清TPO含量.结果:肝硬化患者中Child-Pugh A、B、C级分别为43例、63例和13例.与对照组相比,肝硬化患者平均TPO水平无显著性差异,A级TPO水平有升高的趋势,但无统计学意义,而B级(43.44 ng/L±33.51 ng/L)和C级(45.16 ng/L±30.04 ng/L)则明显降低(P=0.001,0.048);血小板计数(PLT)在A级、B级和C级逐渐下降,与对照组相比,均有显著性差异(均P<0.001);TPO与PLT在对照组呈负相关(r=.0.363,P=0.048),在Child-Pugh A级和C级两者无相关性,在B级呈正相关且有统计学意义(r=0.383,P=0.002).结论:肝脏合成TPO减少是晚期肝硬化患者血小板减少的重要原因:TPO和PLT可以作为反应肝脏功能的指标.     

肝炎肝硬化患者骨髓TPO、GM—CSF表达与外周血细胞的关系

目的探讨骨髓内环境造血因子血小板生成素（TPO）、粒细胞-巨噬细胞集落刺激因子（GM-CSF）在肝炎肝硬化患者骨髓液中的表达及其与外周血细胞的关系。方法选取31例肝炎肝硬化患者和15例健康对照组,晨起空腹采血、检测血常规、肝脏功能、肝炎病毒标志物,并行骨髓穿刺术,取骨髓液、离心分离,用双抗体夹心ELISA法检测骨髓液中TPO、GM-CSF浓度。结果肝炎肝硬化患者骨髓液TPO浓度与外周血血小板计数呈负相关（r=-0.496,P〈0.05）。骨髓液TPO的浓度在肝炎肝硬化组和对照组分别为（90.756±30.92）pg/ml、（118.414±49.232）pg/ml,二者之间有差异,但差异无统计学意义。肝脏功能按照Child-Pugh分为A、B、C级,分别与对照组比较,发现随肝脏损害加重,TPO浓度呈下降趋势,但差异无统计学意义。GM-CSF的浓度在肝硬化组和对照组之间差异无统计学意义。结论肝炎肝硬化患者骨髓内环境TPO浓度降低可能是外周血血小板计数减少的原因之一。肝脏功能状态及GM-CSF与外周血细胞计数变化的关系还有待进一步研究。     

再生障碍性贫血和特发性血小板减少性紫癜患者血小板生成素的检测及意义

目的测定再生障碍性贫血(AA)和特发性血小板减少性紫癜(ITP)二组血小板减少患者血小板生成素(TPO)质量浓度并探讨其临床意义.方法采用ELISA法测定13例初治AA和20例初治ITP患者血清TPO质量浓度,以17例健康体检者为正常对照.结果正常对照组血清TPO质量浓度为(99.41±73.84)ng/L,AA患者血清TPO质量浓度为(683.48±414.73)ng/L,明显高于正常对照组(P＜0.01);ITP患者血清TPO质量浓度为(100.67±79.59)ng/L,与正常对照组相比,差异无显著性(P＞0.05).相关分析表明AA患者TPO质量浓度与血小板计数呈负相关(r=-0.71,P＜0.01);而ITP患者TPO质量浓度与血小板计数无相关性(P＞0.05).结论血清TPO的质量浓度受循环中血小板数目和骨髓巨核细胞总体数量的双重调节.由于血小板生成减少所致的血小板减少症其血清TPO质量浓度明显升高;而由于血小板破坏过多所致者其血清TPO质量浓度处于正常水平.     

促红细胞生成素、血小板生成素与肝硬化患者Child-Pugh分级的关系

采用放射免疫法检测肝硬化患者47例和同期门诊健康查体者30例(对照组)的空腹血清促红细胞生成素(EPO)、血小板生成素(TPO)水平.结果肝硬化组血清EPO水平高于对照组(P＜0.01);肝硬化Child-Pugh B级、C级患者血清EPO水平高于Child-Pugh A级,TPO水平低于child-Pugh A级(P＜0.05,＜0.01);肝硬化组血清TPO水平与外周血小板计数之间呈正相关关系(r=0.63,P＜0.01).认为测定肝硬化患者血清EPO、TPO水平可为不同程度肝脏疾病的病理生理研究提供参考,对判断肝病发展具有重要意义.     

慢性乙型肝炎和乙型肝炎肝硬化患者血清血小板生成素水平变化及其临床意义*

目的 探讨乙型肝炎肝硬化(LC)患者血清血小板生成素(TPO)水平变化及其临床意义。方法 2012年1月～2020年1月我院收治的慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)患者72例和乙型肝炎导致的LC患者44例(Child-Pugh A级24例,B级14例,C级6例),采用放射免疫竞争法测定血清TPO水平。结果 LC患者外周血血小板(PLT)计数82(24, 208)×10⁹/L、血清白蛋白(ALB)水平为(31.6±6.7)g/L、凝血酶原时间国际标准化比值(INR)为1.3±0.4、D-二聚体为187(75,495)μg/L和TPO水平为(70.4±25.8)pg/ml,与CHB组【分别为180(36,352)×10⁹/L、(39.2±5.4)g/L、(1.1±0.2)、(102.6±20.6)pg/ml和(102.6±20.6)pg/ml,P<0.05】比,差异显著;6例Child-Pugh C级LC患者外周血PLT计数为56(24,70)×10⁹/L,显著低于14例Child-Pugh B级患者【108(66,170)×10⁹/L,P<0.05】或24例Child-Pugh A级【130(76,208)×10⁹/L,P<0.05】,血清ALB水平为(22.9±7.5)g/L, 显著低于Child-Pugh B级【(32.4±6.1)g/L,P<0.05】或A级【(36.5±7.9) g/L,P<0.05】,INR为(1.4±0.8),显著大于B级【(1.2±0.6),P<0.05】或A级【(1.1±0.5),P<0.05】,血清D-二聚体水平为235(114,495)μg/L,显著高于B级【166(84,298)μg/L,P<0.05】或A级【108(75,169)μg/L,P<0.05】,血清TPO水平为(41.4±26.5)pg/ml,显著低于B级【(60.8±23.6) pg/ml,P<0.05】或A级【(88.6±14.7)pg/ml,P<0.05】;相关性分析结果提示肝硬化患者血清TPO水平与Alb水平和PLT计数呈显著性正相关(r=0.43,r=0.52,P<0.05),而与INR和D-二聚体水平呈显著性负相关(r=-0.38、r=-0.48,P<0.05)。结论 随着肝硬化患者肝功能持续减退,其血清TPO水平和外周血PLT计数明显下降,肝功能损伤越严重,这种表现越明显。肝硬化患者外周血PLT计数下降是否与血清TPO水平降低有关,或者应用重组人TPO治疗能否提高PLT计数水平,值得进一步研究。     

促血小板生成素及其抗体在系统性红斑狼疮伴发血小板减少中的作用

目的探讨促血小板生成因子(TPO)和抗TPO抗体在系统性红斑狼疮(SLE)患者血小板减少中的作用。方法于2016年3月至2017年5月纳入在四川大学华西医院、川北医学院附属医院、新疆自治区人民医院、四川省简阳市人民医院风湿免疫科住院治疗的SLE伴血小板减少患者50例和SLE血小板正常患者43例,同期选择基线资料匹配的健康体检者27人。采用ELISA法测定受检者血清TPO水平和抗TPO抗体滴度,评估TPO在SLE患者血小板减少中的作用,同时评估受检者血清TPO水平和抗TPO抗体滴度与血小板计数变化的关系。采用MMT法测定抗TPO抗体对体外培养的巨核细胞增生的影响。结果正常对照组、SLE血小板正常组和SLE伴血小板减少组受检者血清TPO质量浓度分别为(63. 7±20. 6)、(98. 5±28. 7)和(80. 0±24. 8) pg/ml,SLE血小板正常组患者血清TPO水平明显高于SLE伴血小板减少组和正常对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P=0. 003、0. 002)。正常对照组、SLE血小板正常组和SLE伴血小板减少组血清抗TPO抗体滴度分别为0. 476±0. 165、0. 679±0. 300和0. 763±0. 348,SLE血小板正常组和SLE伴血小板减少组患者抗TPO抗体滴度明显高于正常对照组,差异有统计学意义(P=0. 000、0. 007)。SLE伴血小板减少组患者血小板计数与血清抗TPO抗体滴度呈明显负相关(r=-0. 268,P=0. 048),与血清TPO水平无线性相关(r=0. 133,P=0. 393)。SLE伴血小板减少组和SLE血小板正常组受检者血清抗TPO抗体阳性率分别为32. 0%(16/50)和25. 6%(11/43),SLE伴血小板减少组与SLE血小板正常组患者血清抗TPO抗体阳性率差异无统计学意义(χ2=0. 462,P=0. 497)。MTT试验结果显示,随着抗TPO抗体滴度增加,TPO诱导的巨核细胞的增生活力逐渐下降,差异均有统计学意义(均P0. 01)。结论 SLE患者血清可检测出抗TPO抗体,在TPO分泌相对不足的情况下,抗TPO抗体通过抑制巨核细胞增生而在SLE伴发血小板减少的过程中发挥作用。     

乙型肝炎肝硬化代偿期患者外周血小板计数和病毒血清标志物变化及与肝纤维化程度的线性关系

目的观察乙型肝炎肝硬化代偿期和慢性乙型肝炎患者在年龄、性别、发现HBsAg阳性年限、血常规、肝功能、HBV血清标志物、HBV DNA定量、国际标准化比值(INR)、甲胎蛋白等有无差异,以及与肝脏纤维化程度的关系。方法从肝活检患者中收集两组病例,一组为乙型肝炎肝硬化代偿期(n=8例),另一组为慢性乙型肝炎(n=19例)作为对照组,比较两组的相关指标是否存在差异。结果 (1)乙型肝炎肝硬化代偿期患者的外周血小板计数(162.63±43.44)×109/L和HBsAg滴度log值(3.25±0.19)IU/mL及HBcAb-IgM滴度(0.08±0.05)S/CO均低于对照组,HBcAb滴度(12.25±2.90)S/CO高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。(2)两组患者整体的外周血小板计数,HBsAg滴度log值,HBcAb滴度与肝活检病理的纤维化程度存在线性关系,相关系数分别为-0.478、-0.717、0.540,P值分别为0.012、0.000、0.004。结论乙型肝炎肝硬化代偿期相对于慢性乙型肝炎,患者的外周血小板计数和HBsAg滴度及HBcAb-IgM滴度较低,HBcAb滴度较高。两组患者整体的外周血小板计数,HBsAg滴度log值,HBcAb滴度与肝活检病理的纤维化程度存在线性关系。     

肝硬化患者血小板三项参数的测定及其临床意义

我们应用血液分析仪,测定肝硬化患者血小板计数(PLT)、血小板分布宽度(PDW)和平均血小板体积(MPV),旨在进一步了解肝硬化患者有关血小板参数的改变及其临床意义。 1 材料和方法 1.1 研究对象 肝硬化(包括代偿期和失代偿期)     

Th17活化与乙型肝炎病毒相关性肝病

目的 探讨不同类型乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)相关性肝病患者外周血中Th17表达以及与HBV相关性肝病的关系.方法 流式细胞仪检测93例HBV相关性肝病患者(包括慢性肝炎21例,肝硬化21例,肝功能衰竭23例,原发性肝癌28例)和15例健康对照组外周血Th17分泌的特征性细胞因子IL-17A;分析IL-17A在不同类型HBV相关性肝病的变化及其与ALT、AST、Tbil、Alb、PT、HBsAg、HBcAg、HBV DNA等指标的相关性;分析IL-17A对患者预后的预测价值.应用SPSS 19.0、MedCalc统计软件进行统计学分析.结果 肝癌患者血清IL-17A[(4.4±1.6)pg/mL]高于慢性肝炎[(3.1±1.1) pg/mL]、肝硬化[(2.5±0.6) pg/mL]、肝功能衰竭[(3.7±0.5) pg/mL]及健康对照组[(2.5±0.5)pg/mL](P＜0.05);肝功能衰竭高于肝硬化和健康对照组(P=0.000);轻、中、重度慢性肝炎患者血清IL-17A差异无统计学意义[分别为(3.0±1.2) pg/mL、(2.9±1.0) pg/mL、(3.5±1.5)pg/mL)](P＞0.05).失代偿期肝硬化[(4.5±1.1) pg/mL]高于代偿期肝硬化[(2.3±0.5)pg/mL] (P=0.000);原发性肝癌伴有远处转移者[(5.1±1.7)pg/mL]高于无转移者[(3.6±0.6) pg/mL](P=0.003);死亡患者血清IL-17A[(3.8±0.5) pg/mL]高于病情好转患者[(3.4±1.4)pg/mL](P=0.036).IL-17A对死亡预测的c-statistic值为0.726;IL-17A与AST、Tbil呈正相关(rs=0.349、0.266,P=0.001、0.009);与ALT、PT之间无明显相关性(rs=0.174、0.127,P=0.094、0.266),与Alb也无相关性(r=- 0.005,P=0.959);与HBsAg呈负相关(rs=-0.582,P=0.000),与HBeAg呈正相关(rs=0.715,P =0.000);而与HBV DNA无明显相关性(rs=0.059,P=0.662).结论 IL-17A在肝功能衰竭、失代偿期肝硬化、肝癌患者中明显升高,与相关反映炎症程度的指标及HBsAg、HBeAg有相关性,Th17可作为反映HBV相关性肝病肝脏炎症损伤程度的指标之一,可以预测患者的顶后.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.