厄贝沙坦对急性心肌梗死大鼠心室重构的影响

目的 观察厄贝沙坦对急性心肌梗死大鼠心室重构的防治作用.方法 结扎大鼠左冠状动脉前降支造成急性心肌梗死,同时应用厄贝沙坦进行治疗,给药4 w后测定心室重构大鼠血液动力学、生化学及形态学参数.结果 厄贝沙坦对急性心肌梗死心室重构大鼠,能明显升高左心室内压最大上升和下降速率(±dp/dtmax)及其校正值(±dp/dtmax/LVSP),降低左心室收缩压(LVSP)及左心室舒张末压(LVEDP),亦能明显降低左心室容积(LVV)、左心室长轴(LVLA)长度、左心室短轴(LVSA)长度、左心室绝对重量(LVAW)、左心室相对重量(LVRW)、右心室绝对重量(RVAW)和右心室相对重量(RVRW),但对心率(HR)、收缩压(SBP)、舒张压(DBP)、平均动脉压(MAP)及体重(BW)均无明显影响.此外,可明显降低血清脂质过氧化物 (LPO)及心肌血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)和肾上腺素(E) 含量,提高超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)及谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性.结论 厄贝沙坦能有效防治急性心肌梗死大鼠的心室重构.     

不同剂量卡维地洛对大鼠冠状动脉微栓塞后心室重塑的影响

目的:比较不同剂量卡维地洛对大鼠冠状动脉微栓塞(CME)后心室重塑的影响.方法:利用大鼠自体的血栓微粒造成心肌内小冠状动脉栓塞,建立CME模型.40只大鼠随机分成4组,即假手术组(SO组)、CME组、小剂量卡维地洛组(LCAR组,1.0 mg*kg-1*d-1)和大剂量卡维地洛组(HCAR组,10.0 mg*kg-1*d-1).灌胃4周后,行心功能检测、血流动力学测定及心肌病理学分析.结果:与SO组比较,CME组细胞间质胶原容积分数(CVF)与心肌细胞凋亡率(Rapo)明显增加,左心室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、左心室收缩末期内径(LVESD)明显增大,左心室短轴缩短率 (LVFS)、左心室射血分数 (LVEF)明显降低(均P<0.01);左心室舒张末期压(LVEDP)明显增加,左心室收缩压(LVSP)和左心室腔内压力最大上升速率(+LVdp/dtmax)显著下降(均P<0.01).与CME组比较,LCAR组和HCAR组心肌间质CVF和Rapo显著降低,LVEDD、LVESD明显减小,LVFS明显上升,LVEF明显改善(均P<0.01);LVEDP明显下降,+LVdp/dtmax显著上升,心率明显减慢(均P<0.01).除LVSP外,以上改变HCAR组均较LCAR组明显(P<0.05).结论:①大鼠CME后心脏发生慢性重塑;②卡维地洛剂量依赖性地改善CME后心室重塑.     

福辛普利对急性心肌梗死大鼠心室重构的影响

目的 观察福辛普利对急性心肌梗死大鼠心室重构的防治作用。方法 大鼠结扎左冠状动脉前降支造成急性心肌梗死,同时应用福辛普利进行治疗,给药4周后测定心室重构大鼠血液动力学、生化学及形态学参数。结果 福辛普利对急性心肌梗死心室重构大鼠,能明显升高左心室内压最大上升和下降速率(±dp/dtmax)及其校正值(±dp/dtmax/LVSP),降低左心室收缩压(LVSP)及左心室舒张末压(LVEDP),亦能明显降低左心室容积(LVV)、左心室长轴(LVLA)长度、左心室短轴(LVSA)长度、左心室绝对重量(LVAW)、左心室相对重量(LVRW)、左心室绝对重量(RVAW)和右心室相对重量(RVRW),但对心率(HR)、收缩压(SBP)、舒张压(DBP)、平均动脉压(MAP)及体重(BW)均无明显影响。此外,可明显降低血清脂质过氧化物(LPO)及心肌血管紧张素Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)和肾上腺素(E)含量,提高超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)及谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性。结论 福辛普利能有效防治急性心肌梗死大鼠的心室重构。     

β受体阻断剂对大鼠急性心肌梗死后G蛋白及心功能的影响

目的 观察β受体阻断剂对大鼠急性心肌梗死(AMI)后G蛋白及心功能变化的影响.方法 复制大鼠AMI模型,随机分3组,分别给予选择性β1受体阻断剂美托洛尔(美托洛尔组)、非选择性β受体阻断剂卡维地洛(卡维地洛组)及安慰剂(对照组),另设假手术组.8周后测定AMI后血流动力学变化;采用Western印迹杂交法研究兴奋性G蛋白(Gs)和抑制性G蛋白(Gi)的变化.结果 与假手术组比较,AMI组主动脉收缩压(SBP)、主动脉舒张压(DBP)、左心室收缩压(LVSP)、左心室内压最大收缩和舒张速率(±dp/dtmax)均显著下降,左心室舒张末压(LVEDP)显著升高[(6.0±2.9)mm Hg与(29.7±5.6)mm Hg] ;Gs蛋白分别为(101.9±3.5)%和(115.9±11.2)%,Gi蛋白显著升高[分别为(102.5±4.9)%和(238.4±68.0)%] .与AMI组比较,美托洛尔、卡维地洛组LVSP、±dp/dtmax升高,LVEDP下降[(10.3±4.9)mm Hg、(7.9±3.8)mm Hg] ;Gi显著下降,分别为(128.1±17.2)%与(104.5±13.7)%.卡维地洛组LVEDP和Gi下降较美托洛尔组明显. 结论 卡维地洛能有效抑制AMI后G蛋白的变化并改善心功能,且优于美托洛尔,可能与其β2受体阻断作用有关.     

卡维地洛对急性心肌梗死大鼠血流动力学和心肌胶原含量的影响

目的研究卡维地洛(Carvedilol)对大鼠急性心肌梗死(AMI)后血流动力学的影响及其与心肌组织中胶原含量的关系。方法23只AMI术后存活的雄性SD大鼠随机分为AMI对照组(n=11)和卡维地洛治疗(Carvedilol)组(n=12),另设假手术组(n=11)。给药6周后测量室间隔超声背向散射参数(平均背向散射积分标化值IBS%,背向散射积分周期变化值CVIB)及血流动力学参数、心功能指标。结果(1)与假手术组相比,AMI组大鼠SBP、DBP、LVSP及±dp/dtmax及其校正值(±dp/dtmax/LVSP)均显著降低,LVEDP显著增高,高频超声检测显示IBS%显著升高,CVIB显著降低(均为P<0.05)。(2)与AMI组相比,Carvedilol治疗组大鼠SBP、DBP及LVSP均未进一步降低(P>0.05),LVEDP显著降低,±dp/dtmax及其校正值(±dp/dtmax/LVSP)显著升高,高频超声检测显示IBS%显著降低,CVIB显著升高(均P<0.05)。结论第3代β受体阻滞剂Carvedilol的干预有助于恢复AMI大鼠受损的左室功能,这可能与其抑制非梗死区心肌胶原过度沉积有关。     

乌司他丁对心肺复苏大鼠脑组织IL-1β、TNF-α水平及心功能的影响

目的探讨乌司他丁(UTI)对大鼠心肺复苏(CPR)后脑组织白细胞介素(IL)-1β、肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α水平以及心功能的影响。方法随机将30只SD大鼠分为空白对照组、CPR组以及UTI组各10只。应用窒息法建立大鼠心脏骤停模型,进行CPR,自主循环恢复(ROSC)后6 h,检测各组左室收缩压(LVSP)、左心室舒张末期压(LVEDP)水平及左心室压力上升(+dp/dtmax)、下降最大速率(-dp/dtmax)。ROSC后24 h处死大鼠后取出心、脑组织,采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测脑组织中IL-1β、TNF-α的含量,并采用投射电镜观察心肌细胞超微结构的变化。结果 ROSC后6 h CPR组、UTI组LVSP及±dp/dtmax明显降低(P<0.05),LVEDP明显升高(P<0.05)。与空白对照组相比,ROSC后6 h CPR组、UTI组LVSP、+dp/dtmax及-dp/dtmax均显著下降(P<0.05),而LVEDP显著上升(P<0.05);与CPR组相比,ROSC后6 h UTI组LVSP上升,LVEDP下降(P<0.05)。CPR组、UTI组IL-1β、TNF-α含量均显著高于空白对照组(P<0.05),而UTI组IL-1β、TNF-α含量均显著低于CPR组(P<0.05)。结论 UTI可以抑制体内IL-1β和TNF-α的表达,同时减轻心肌组织的损伤,改善CPR后心功能。     

限食对衰老大鼠心功能的保护作用及其机制

目的研究限食对衰老大鼠心功能的保护作用及其机制。方法选择2月龄SD大鼠10只,随机分为衰老组和限食组(60%进食量),每组5只。2组大鼠每天皮下注射D-半乳糖100mg/kg,连续给药42d建立衰老动物模型;衰老模型建立后另选5只2月龄SD大鼠设为青年组。3组行心功能检测,包括左心室内压(LVSP)、左心室舒张末压(LVEDP)、左心室压力最大上升速率(+dp/dtmax),以及血浆丙二醛水平、超氧化物歧化酶活性和左心室心肌脂褐素水平测定。结果与青年组比较,衰老组大鼠LVSP、+dp/dtmax、超氧化物歧化酶活性明显降低,LVEDP、丙二醛、脂褐素水平明显升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05,P<0.01);与衰老组比较,限食组LVSP[(110.88±7.35)mm Hg(1mm Hg=0.133kPa)vs(70.18±19.27)mm Hg]、+dp/dtmax[(2827.60±237.88)mm Hg/s vs(2365.66±99.81)mm Hg/s]和超氧化物歧化酶[(115.77±10.17)U/ml vs(90.10±17.11)U/ml]活性明显升高,LVEDP[(7.12±2.51)mm Hg vs(14.05±2.01)mm Hg]、丙二醛[(12.54±1.66)nmol/ml vs(15.83±2.51)nmol/ml]和脂褐素[(348.82±27.29)ng/mg vs(400.12±31.89)ng/mg]水平明显降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05,P<0.01)。结论衰老大鼠心功能有所降低,限食可能通过降低机体氧化应激水平,使脂褐素形成减少,从而改善衰老大鼠心功能。     

缬沙坦对大鼠急性心肌梗死后左室重塑的影响

目的研究缬沙坦对大鼠急性心肌梗死(AMI)后左室重塑的影响。方法将冠脉结扎术后24 h的SD大鼠随机分为心梗组、缬沙坦小剂量组(10 mg·kg-1·d-1)和缬沙坦大剂量组 (30 mg·kg-1·d-1)组,另设假手术组。灌胃给药四周后测定以下指标:(1)左心功能;(2)体重 (BW)、左心室重量(LVM)及左室重量指数(LVMI);(3)心肌梗死面积;(4)左室非梗死区胶原容积分数(CVF。)。结果各心梗组间的心肌梗死面积无显著差别(P>0．05)。与假手术组相比,心梗组左室舒张末压(LVEDP)、INM、LVMI及CVF明显增大,左室收缩压(LVSP)和心室内压最大变化速率 (±dp／dtmax)明显降低(P均<0．01)。与心梗组相比,大剂量缬沙坦可使LVEDP明显降低,±dp／ dtmax明显升高(P<0．01),小剂量缬沙坦对心梗大鼠心功能影响不明显。两种剂量缬沙坦都可明显降低心梗大鼠LVM、LVMI及左室非梗死区CVF,且大剂量缬沙坦较小剂量更显著。结论缬沙坦能够抑制大鼠AMI后的左室肥厚及非梗死区胶原沉积,改善AMI后的左室重塑。     

卡维地洛与美托洛尔对心肌梗塞后大鼠血流动力学的影响

目的:研究比较卡维地洛与美托洛尔对大鼠心肌梗塞后血流动力学的影响。方法:结扎大鼠左冠状动脉建立急性心肌梗塞模型,术后24 h存活的147只SD大鼠以简单随机法分为心肌梗塞对照组(MI组,n=43),美托洛尔(20mg/kg.d)治疗组(M组,n=42),卡维地洛(10 mg/kg.d)治疗组(C组,n=42),另设假手术组(S组,n=20);各组按观察时点48 h和4周,再分为:MI组48 h和MI组4周,M组48 h和M组4周,C组48 h和C组4周,S组48 h和S组4周。M组、C组于术后24h直接灌胃法给药,并于术后48h及4周对相应的观察组进行血流动力学测定。结果:(1)与S 48h组相比,MI 48h组的主动脉收缩压(SBP)、舒张压(DBP)和平均压(MAP)、左心室收缩压(LVSP)和左心室内压最大上升和下降速率(±dp/dt)均显著降低(P<0.05~<0.01);(2)与S 4周组比较,MI 4周组心率、LVSP和±dp/dt显著降低(P<0.05~<0.01),左室舒张末压(LVEDP)则显著升高(P<0.01),而主动脉SBP、DBP和MAP无显著变化;(3)与MI 48h组相比,C48h组的SBP、MAP、LVSP、±dp/dt和心率均显著降低(P<0.05~<0.01),LVEDP无显著变化,而M 48h组血流动力学指标均无显著差异;(4)与MI 4周组相比,C4周组SBP、DBP、MAP和LVEDP均显著降低(P<0.05),LVSP、±dp/dt等无显著变化;而M 4周组只有LVEDP和心率显著降低(P<0.01)。结论:大鼠心肌梗塞后,可以发生血流动力学异常改变和左室功能异常。较长时间(4周)卡维地洛应用能有效降低AMI后大鼠左室舒张末压,改善血流动力学和左室功能,美托洛尔亦有相似作用。     

厄贝沙坦对急性心肌梗死后晚期心室重构及心室功能的影响

目的观察厄贝沙坦对大鼠心肌梗死后晚期心室重构及心功能的影响。方法结扎大鼠左前降支建立急性心肌梗死模型,将17只术后24 h仍存活的大鼠随机分为对照组(n=8)和厄贝沙坦组(n=9),另设假手术组(n=8)。导管法测量血流动力学参数及心功能;形态学方法测定梗死面积、左心室扩张指数和球形指数;天狼猩红染色偏振光显微镜下测量梗死区及非梗死区Ⅰ型和Ⅲ型胶原容积分数。结果与假手术组比较,对照组大鼠左心室舒张末压、左、右心室相对重量、室间隔厚度、左心室扩张指数、左心室梗死及非梗死区间质Ⅰ型、Ⅲ型胶原容积分数均显著增加(分别为-8.80±4.00比18.94±6.90 mmHg、1.86±0.08比2.30±0.26 mg/g、0.47±0.02比0.57±0.03 mg/g、1.97±0.11比2.63±0.46 mm、0.21±0.04比0.30±0.05、0.26%±0.12%比17.60%±5.26%、0.17%±0.11%比4.22%±3.29%、0.26%±0.12%比3.68%±0.95%、0.17%±0.11%比0.73%±0.26%,均P<0.001);体重、血压、左心室收缩压、球形指数、左心室内压最大上升和下降速率(±dp/dtmax)及其校正值(±dp/dt-max/LVSP)均显著降低(分别为507.9±19.5比392.4±51.8 g、94.82±6.73比70.64±8.77 mmHg、120.38±10.18比85.72±15.12 mmHg、1.79±0.25比1.34±0.104、997±398比2 080±566 mmHg/s-、4 386±728比-1 773±456 mm-Hg/s、41.58±2.57比23.80±4.35、-36.53±6.12比-20.30±3.08,均P<0.001)。与对照组比较,厄贝沙坦组左心室舒张末压、左、右心室相对重量、室间隔厚度、左心室扩张指数、左心室非梗死区Ⅰ型、Ⅲ型胶原容积分数均显著降低(分别为0.62±9.34比18.94±6.90 mmHg、1.93±0.11比2.30±0.26、0.46±0.05比0.57±0.03、1.98±0.22比2.63±0.46 mm、0.23±0.04比0.30±0.05、0.79%±0.39%比3.68%±0.95%、0.37%±0.17%比0.73%±0.26%,P<0.05或P<0.01);左心室球形指数、±dp/dtmax及±dp/dtmax/LVSP显著升高(分别为1.73±0.21比1.34±0.103、490±613比2 080±566 mmHg/s-、2 991±458比-1 773±456 mmHg/s、36.30±2.90比23.80±4.35、-31.20±2.30比-20.30±3.08,均P<0.01)。结论厄贝沙坦能有效地减少左心室非梗死区胶原沉积,抑制大鼠心肌梗死后左心室扩张和球形变,改善左心室重构和左心室功能。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Serological survey of HIV and syphilis in pregnant women in Madagascar

Objectives Peripartal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, leads to severe consequences for newborns. Preventive measures require awareness of the maternal infection. Although HIV and syphilis testing in Madagascar could be theoretically carried out within the framework of the national pregnancy follow‐up scheme, the required test kits are rarely available at peripheral health centres. In this study, we screened blood samples of pregnant Madagascan women for HIV and syphilis seroprevalence to estimate the demand for systemic screening in pregnancy. Methods Retrospective anonymous serological analysis for HIV and syphilis was performed in plasma samples from 1232 pregnant women that were taken between May and July 2010 in Ambositra, Ifanadiana, Manakara, Mananjary, Moramanga and Tsiroanomandidy (Madagascar) during pregnancy follow‐up. Screening was based on Treponema pallidum haemagglutination tests for syphilis and rapid tests for HIV, with confirmation of positive screening results on line assays. Results Out of 1232 pregnant women, none were seropositive for HIV and 37 (3%) were seropositive for Treponema pallidum. Conclusions Our findings are in line with previous studies that describe considerable syphilis prevalence in the rural Madagascan population. The results suggest a need for screening to prevent peripartal Treponema pallidum transmission, while HIV is still rare. If they are known, Treponema pallidum infections can be easily, safely and inexpensively treated even in pregnancy to reduce the risk of transmission.     

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.