Cytoreductive effect of recombinant alpha interferon in patients with myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia

In an attempt to reduce myeloproliferation, we administered recombinant alpha-2b interferon (r-alpha INF) to ten patients with myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM) in a hypercellular phase, as part of a phase II trial. Two patients experienced severe side effects and stopped treatment before completion of the first week. In the eight evaluable patients, r-alpha INF was given for 16 weeks at an initial dosage of 3 X 10(6) U/day, with monthly increments in the case of response failure, i.e. a decrease in WBC or platelet count of less than 25% of the initial value. Two cases responded at the starting dosage, while the effective dosage was 5 X 10(6) U/day in the others. At the end of the 16th week, Hb showed minor changes: from an initial value of 12.08 g/dl, range 8.3-17.3, to 11.6 g/dl, range 7.7-18 (P = 0.12); WBC were reduced from 54 X 10(9)/l, range 6.4-69.4, to 17.5 X 10(9)/l, range 5-39 (P = 0.09, 4/8 responses); platelets decreased from 775 X 10(9)/l, range 215-1748, to 403 X 10(9)/l, range 118-730 (P = 0.008, 8/8 responses). Minor changes in spleen size were also noted, while no significant changes in bone marrow fibrosis occurred. Influenza-like symptoms and fatigue were common side effects. In conclusion, r-alpha INF has a role as a non-leukemogenic cytoreductive agent in the therapy of MMM, especially for cases with thrombocytosis.     

Effect of two β-alanine dosing protocols on muscle carnosine synthesis and washout

Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is found in high concentrations in skeletal muscle and chronic β-alanine (BA) supplementation can increase carnosine content. This placebo-controlled, double-blind study compared two different 8-week BA dosing regimens on the time course of muscle carnosine loading and 8-week washout, leading to a BA dose-response study with serial muscle carnosine assessments throughout. Thirty-one young males were randomized into three BA dosing groups: (1) high-low: 3.2 g BA/day for 4 weeks, followed by 1.6 g BA/day for 4 weeks; (2) low-low: 1.6 g BA/day for 8 weeks; and (3) placebo. Muscle carnosine in tibialis-anterior (TA) and gastrocnemius (GA) muscles was measured by 1H-MRS at weeks 0, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16. Flushing symptoms and blood clinical chemistry were trivial in all three groups and there were no muscle carnosine changes in the placebo group. During the first 4 weeks, the increase for high-low (TA 2.04 mmol/kgww, GA 1.75 mmol/kgww) was ~twofold greater than low-low (TA 1.12 mmol/kgww, GA 0.80 mmol/kgww). 1.6 g BA/day significantly increased muscle carnosine within 2 weeks and induced continual rises in already augmented muscle carnosine stores (week 4-8, high-low regime). The dose-response showed a carnosine increase of 2.01 mmol/kgww per 100 g of consumed BA, which was only dependent upon the total accumulated BA consumed (within a daily intake range of 1.6-3.2 g BA/day). Washout rates were gradual (0.18 mmol/kgww and 0.43 mmol/kgww/week; ~2%/week). In summary, the absolute increase in muscle carnosine is only dependent upon the total BA consumed and is not dependent upon baseline muscle carnosine, the muscle type, or the daily amount of supplemented BA.     

Toxicity bioassay in Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to 20 kHz triangular magnetic field for 90 days

Sprague-Dawley rats (10 each of male and female per group for sham and magnetic field exposed) were exposed in a carrousel irradiator to 20 kHz intermediate frequency (IF) magnetic field at 6.25 microT rms for 8 h/day, 5 days/week for 90 days. Urine analysis (pH, serum glucose, protein, ketone bodies, RBC, WBC, bilirubin, urobilinogen, and specific gravity), blood analysis [WBC, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), thrombocyte count, and leucocyte count], blood biochemistry (total protein, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, glucose, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase), and histopathological analysis for organs such as liver, kidney, testis, ovary, spleen, brain, heart, and lung were performed on day 90. Results showed no significant differences in the above analyses between IF magnetic field exposed and sham control rats. Therefore, we conclude that there were no significant toxicities in rats exposed to 20 kHz IF triangular magnetic field-exposure for 90 days.     

Contribution of automated hematology analysis to the detection of apoptosis in peripheral blood lymphocytes

Automated hematology analyzers (analyzers) can provide complete blood counts and white blood cell (WBC) differentials in clinical laboratories and alert users to the presence of quantitative and qualitative cell abnormalities through cautionary flags. In this study, we applied analyzers to the screening of apoptotic cells in peripheral blood and examined the triggering capacity of cautionary flags to detect apoptotic cell populations. EDTA-anticoagulated fresh peripheral blood from patients with acute infectious mononucleosis containing atypical lymphocytes comprising 12.3 +/- 4. 0% of WBC was applied to a Beckman-Coulter MAXM A/L Retic (MAXM) analyzer. The lymphocyte cluster spread upward in VOLUME/DF1 scattergrams and the threshold lines between lymphocyte and monocyte clusters shifted upward. Flags for the number and percentage of lymphocytes, variant lymphocytes, and blast cells were generally present for samples containing atypical lymphocytes. After the blood from acute infectious mononucleosis patients was incubated for 4 h at 37 degrees C, peripheral blood smears revealed the presence of morphologically apoptotic cells comprising 9.0 +/- 4.2% of WBC and a comparable reduction of lymphocytes. On the MAXM analyzer, the apoptotic lymphocyte cluster appeared under the lymphocyte cluster in VOLUME/DF1 scattergrams. However, no specific flag was present to alert users to the presence of the apoptotic lymphocyte cluster. We conclude that visual inspection of scattergrams generated by the MAXM analyzer can be useful for the detection of apoptotic lymphocytes in peripheral blood. Cytometry (Comm. Clin. Cytometry) 42:209-214, 2000. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Early Indicators of Fatal Leptospirosis during the 2010 Epidemic in Puerto Rico

Background

Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal bacterial zoonosis that is endemic throughout the tropics and may be misdiagnosed as dengue. Delayed hospital admission of leptospirosis patients is associated with increased mortality.

Methodology/Principal Findings

During a concurrent dengue/leptospirosis epidemic in Puerto Rico in 2010, suspected dengue patients that tested dengue-negative were tested for leptospirosis. Fatal and non-fatal hospitalized leptospirosis patients were matched 1:1–3 by age. Records from all medical visits were evaluated for factors associated with fatal outcome. Among 175 leptospirosis patients identified (4.7 per 100,000 residents), 26 (15%) were fatal. Most patients were older males and had illness onset during the rainy season. Fatal case patients first sought medical care earlier than non-fatal control patients (2.5 vs. 5 days post-illness onset [DPO], p < 0.01), but less frequently first sought care at a hospital (52.4% vs. 92.2%, p < 0.01). Although fatal cases were more often diagnosed with leptospirosis at first medical visit (43.9% vs. 9.6%, p = 0.01), they were admitted to the hospital no earlier than non-fatal controls (4.5 vs. 6 DPO, p = 0.31). Cases less often developed fever (p = 0.03), but more often developed jaundice, edema, leg pain, hemoptysis, and had a seizure (p ≤ 0.03). Multivariable analysis of laboratory values from first medical visit associated with fatal outcome included increased white blood cell (WBC) count with increased creatinine (p = 0.001), and decreased bicarbonate with either increased WBC count, increased creatinine, or decreased platelet count (p < 0.001).

Conclusions/Significance

Patients with fatal leptospirosis sought care earlier, but were not admitted for care any earlier than non-fatal patients. Combinations of routine laboratory values predictive of fatal outcome should be considered in admission decision-making for patients with suspected leptospirosis.     

信必可都保对慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者树突细胞的调节

目的:探讨布地奈德/福莫特罗吸入剂(商品名:信必可都保)对于慢性阻塞性肺疾病(chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseCOPD)患者外周血中树突状细胞(dendritic cell DCs)亚群、肺功能以及炎症反应因子的影响。方法:选取符合入组标准的COPD急性加重期患者,共80例,随机分成2组,每组40人。对照组给予常规对症治疗,实验组在此基础上给予信必可都保吸入,观察入组对象治疗前、治疗4周后两组患者外周血树突状细胞亚群(m DCs和pDCs)的水平、C反应蛋白(C-reactive protein CRP)、白细胞计数表达水平及CAT评分、肺功能的变化。结果:用药后m DCs和pDCs占外周血的百分比及m DCs/pDCs实验组及对照组均较用药前明显降低(P0.05),实验组优于对照组低,但差异无明显的统计学意义(P0.05)。用力肺活量(FVC)、FEV1占预计值百分比(FEV1%)、FEV1/FVC、CAT评分两组均较用药前有所改善,实验组较与对照组更明显(P0.05)。用药后C反应蛋白(CRP)、白细胞计数(WBC)较用药前有所改善,但用药后实验组与对照组相比无统计学差异(P0.05)。结论:信必可都保可有效改善COPD患者肺功能,改善其临床症状,但对树突细胞亚群的影响不明显。     

丹参多酚酮酸盐对老年急性缺血性脑卒中患者血清hs-CRP、血液流变学及神经功能的影响

目的:观察丹参多酚酮酸盐对老年急性缺血性脑卒中患者血清超敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)、血液流变学及神经功能的影响。方法:将98例老年急性缺血性脑卒中患者随机分观察组(n=49例)和对照组(n=49例),对照组给以西医常规治疗,观察组在常规治疗的基础上加用丹参多酚酮酸盐治疗,两组均治疗2周;记录两组治疗前后的血液流变学相关指标、血清hs-CRP、分析NIHSS评分与Barthel指数评分的变化。结果:治疗2周后,观察组血浆黏度、全血黏度高切、全血黏度低切、红细胞比积均低于对照组(P0.05),其降低的幅度亦低于对照组(P0.05);观察组治疗后1周、2周血清hs-CRP水平、白细胞计数(WBC)、NIHSS评分明显低于对照组,而Barthel指数评分高于对照组(P0.05)。结论:丹参多酚酮酸盐能够有效降低急性缺血性脑卒中患者炎症水平、调节患者血液流变学指标、从而改善神经功能,有利于卒中患者的预后。     

食管癌患者放射治疗中照射体积和时间与外周血淋巴细胞绝对值的相关性研究

摘要 目的：探究照射体积和时间与食管癌患者外周血淋巴细胞绝对值的相关性。方法：本研究方案将纳入2019年1月~2019年12月蚌埠医学院第一附属医院放疗科收治的放疗或同步放化疗食管癌患者84例,其中单独放疗患者24例,同步放化疗患者60例,采用血液细胞分析仪测定患者放疗期间每周复查外周血白细胞（WBC）、中性粒细胞（N）、淋巴细胞（L）、血红蛋白（HB）及血小板（PLT）计数等指标。Pearson相关性分析照射时间、剂量及体积与外周血指标之间的相关性。结果：食管癌放疗患者,包括同步放化疗及单纯放疗亚组,在治疗1-6周,照射时间与外周血指标均无相关性（P>0.05）。但在放疗第5-6周,患者放疗剂量与WBC、N、L、HB呈负相关（P<0.05）,同步放化疗亚组患者照射剂量与WBC、N、L、HB呈负相关（P<0.05）。在治疗1-4周,不同照射剂量下各梯度照射剂量对应照射体积与外周血指标均无相关性（P>0.05）。但在第5-6周时,患者不同梯度照射剂量下各照射体积与WBC、N呈负相关（P<0.05）,同时在20Gy-60Gy照射剂量,尤其20Gy和30Gy照射剂量下照射体积与L呈负相关（P<0.05）。同步放化疗亚组患者不同照射剂量下各照射体积与WBC、N呈负相关（P<0.05）,同时在20Gy-60Gy照射剂量下照射体积与L呈负相关（P<0.05）,而且在60Gy照射剂量下照射体积与HB呈负相关（P<0.05）。结论：放疗患者特别是同步放化疗亚组患者照射体积、照射剂量与食管癌患者外周血淋巴细胞计数成负相关,基线淋巴细胞与食管癌患者外周血淋巴细胞计数成正相关,而照射时间与食管癌患者外周血淋巴细胞计数无相关性。     

双歧杆菌预防化疗后肠道菌群失调症的临床研究

探讨双歧杆菌对乳腺癌患者由于化疗导致肠道菌群失调的预防作用。2010年在我科住院的98例乳腺癌患者,在第一周期化疗后有48例出现肠道菌群失调,发生率为48.9%;在3周后的第二周期化疗前1d予患者口服双歧杆菌（双歧杆菌乳杆菌三联活菌片,一次4片,一日2次）,直至化疗后2周,肠道菌群失调例数减少到32例,发生率为32.7%。在前后两周期化疗期间监测血常规,粪便菌群失调检查。治疗周期出现菌群失调比例32.7%明显低于对照周期48.9%（P〈0.05）,双歧杆菌对乳腺癌患者化疗导致胃肠菌群失调有预防作用。     

Morphological and functional characteristics of the dominant follicle and corpus luteum in cattle and their influence on ovarian function

Predicting the functional activity of a dominant follicle (DF) and corpus luteum (CL) might be important before starting a superovulation regime or a synchronization program. The DF and CL were characterized morphologically by using ultrasonography and were characterized functionally by estimating the estradiol-17beta/progesterone (E2/P4) ratio. Their influence on ovarian function was estimated through their ability to ovulate at different stages of development in response to PGF2alpha-application. A total of 47 Holstein Friesian (35 cows and 12 heifers) were used in two experiments. In Experiment 1, 25 animals were examined by daily transrectal palpation and ultrasonography to follow the morphological development of the DF. The status of the DF was categorized into 3 groups (A1, B1, C1). The A1 group (n=7) contained animals with DF in the growing phase or in early static growth phase for less than 3 days. Group B1 (n=13) included animals with DF in static growth phase for 3 to 4 days, while Group C1 (n=5) comprised animals with DF keeping a plateau for more than 4 days or animals with DF in the regression phase. The DF were aspirated transvaginally and the follicular fluid (FF) was analyzed for E2 and P4. In Experiment 2, 22 animals were included. As in Experiment 1, the animals were classified into three groups (A2, n=10; B2, n=5; C2, n=7). They were treated by a single dose of PGF2alpha (25 mg, i.m.) between Days 8 and 12 of the cycle. Results showed that luteolyses occurred in all animals. The DF, which were in growing or in early static growth phase < 3 days were always E2-dominant (E2 > P4) and ovulated after PGF2alpha-application in 6/8 of cases and persisted in 2 (Group A2). The DF persisting > 4 days or that had been in regression were always P4-dominant. This type of DF regressed after PGF2alpha-application (Group C2). The DF in early static growth phase for 3 to 4 days in 5/13 cases were E2-dominant and in 8/13 cases were P4-dominant. This type of DF ovulated in 3/5 cases and regressed in 2/5 cases after PGF2alpha-application (Group B2). These results suggest that the DF is morphologically and functionally defined as long as the DF is in the growing or early static growth phase (A1, A2) for at least 2 days or if the DF is in regression (C1, C2). However, when the DF is in the static growth phase for 3 or 4 days (B1, B2), their morphological and functional characteristics are different. The CL controlls ovulation in the A and C groups and plays an abettor's roll in the B-group.     

Calcium Supplementation and 4-Week Exercise on Blood Parameters of Athletes at Rest and Exhaustion

In the present study, experiments were designed to investigate if supplementation with calcium during 4 weeks had an effect on blood parameters in sedentary male athletes at rest and exhaustion. Thirty healthy subjects of ages ranging from 18 to 22 years were included in the study. The subjects were separated into three groups, as follows: Group 1 consisted sedentary athletes receiving 35 mg/kg/day calcium gluconate. Group 2 included subjects equally supplemented with calcium training 90 min/day for 5 days/week. Group 3 were subject to the same exercise regime but did not receive calcium supplements. Blood parameters were determined in the experimental subjects at rest and after exhaustion. The leukocyte count (WBC) of athletes in groups 2 and 3 were significantly higher at exhaustion (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the WBC of the two supplemented groups. The erythrocyte count (RBC) was increased in the supplemented athletes after training (p < 0.05), but hemoglobin, hematocrit, and trombocyte levels remained unchanged. The mean corpuscular volume increased in the calcium-supplemented group at rest (p < 0.05). These results suggest that calcium supplementation only causes increases in white and red blood cell counts in athletes after exhaustion while other hematological parameters remain unchanged.     

一种高尿酸血症大鼠模型诱导方法的改良和效果评价研究

目的: 探索短期内诱导高尿酸血症大鼠模型的有效方法,并对模型效果进行评价。方法: 雄性SD大鼠随机分为对照组(CT组,6只)和5个模型组(M1-M5组),每组8只;M1组(每天酵母膏10 g/kg+腺嘌呤100 mg/kg 2次灌胃,于模型诱导的第7日1次性腹腔注射氧嗪酸钾300 mg/kg)、M2组(每天酵母膏10 g/kg+腺嘌呤100 mg/kg灌胃2次,于模型诱导第1、3、7日每天腹腔注射1次氧嗪酸钾300 mg/kg)、M3组(每天酵母膏10 g/kg+腺嘌呤100 mg/kg灌胃 2次,每天腹腔注射1次氧嗪酸钾300 mg/kg)、M4组(每天酵母膏20 g/kg+腺嘌呤100 mg/kg灌胃 2次,每天腹腔注射1次氧嗪酸钾300 mg/kg)、M5组(每天酵母膏30 g/kg+腺嘌呤100 mg/kg灌胃2次,每天腹腔注射1次氧嗪酸钾300 mg/kg)、CT组(5个模型组按相同的时间、体重计算等体积灌胃和腹腔注射生理盐水),造模7 d;分别在造模结束时和2周后采集24 h尿样和血样检测尿酸、肌酐水平,取肾脏和胃称重,观察肾脏病理变化。结果: 与CT组相比,造模结束后,所有模型组大鼠体重均显著降低(P＜0.01);除M2组外,其他造模组大鼠均有亡,M4组和M5组因死亡率高未做后续分析,M1和M3组分别死亡4例和2例;造模结束后,模型大鼠血尿酸、尿尿酸水平明显升高(P＜0.01),并且M2组的血尿酸水平显著高于其他各组(P＜0.05);继续喂养2周后,各模型组的血尿酸和尿尿酸水平仍显著升高(P＜0.05);各模型组大鼠肾脏重量也明显增加(P＜0.01);病理检查显示,模型组大鼠肾脏出现明显炎症反应和结构破坏。结论: 采用酵母膏(10 g/kg)、腺嘌呤(100 mg/kg)联合氧嗪酸钾(300 mg/kg)间隔(第1、3、7日)注射的方案可在短期内安全地诱导高尿酸血症大鼠模型,模型效果持续时间较长,适合在相关研究中应用。     

The protective role of selenium on the toxicity of cisplatin-contained chemotherapy regimen in cancer patients

The effect of selenium (Se) in reducing the toxicity of cisplatin in cancer patients was studied. Forty-one patients were randomized into group A (20 patients with Se administration in first cycle of chemotherapy as study cases and without Se in second cycle of chemotherapy as control) and group B (21 patients without Se in first cycle of chemotherapy and with Se in second cycle of chemotherapy). The 400 μg per day of Se as Seleno-Kappacarrageenan were administered from 4 before to 4 d after chemotherapy for study cases. The serum Se increased from 70.4±22.86 to 157.04±60.23 ng/mL (P<0.001) in patients received Se. The cisplatin dosage was iv administration in 60–80 mg/m² on the first day. The results showed that the peripheral WBC counts on day 14 after initiation of chemotherapy in study cases was significantly higher than the controls (3.35±2.01 vs 2.31±1.38 [×10⁹L])/L,p<0.05). On the other hand, the consumption of GCSF for the cases was significantly less than the controls (110.1±82.2 vs 723.6±192.6 IU,p<0.05). The volumes of blood transfusion for the study group were also significantly less than the controls (0 vs 62±38mL,p<0.05). The nephrotoxicity of cisplatin was measured by urine enzymes (NAG, GGT, AAP, LAP, and ALP) were determined prior to and at 2, 24, 48, and 72h after initiation of chemotherapy. The urine enzymes NAG, GGT, AAP, and ALP after chemotherapy for cases were significantly lower than the controls. No toxicity of Seleno-Kappacarrageenan was noted. The above results suggest that the Se can be used as an agent for reducing the nephrotoxicity and bone marrow suppression induced by cisplatin.     

Serum chemistry and hematological adaptations to 6 weeks of moderate to intense resistance training

This study examined immune cell and blood chemistry changes occurring in trained weightlifters after 1 week of rest followed by 6 weeks of Olympic-style resistance exercise. Blood was drawn weekly after 1 day of rest at the same time and on the same day of the week for 7 weeks. Lymphocyte numbers increased in weeks 5 through 7. Sodium concentration rose above entry levels in week 2, remained elevated, and peaked in week 5. Direct bilirubin dropped below baseline values in the final week. Chloride and alkaline phosphatase concentrations increased as training progressed. Chloride, potassium, albumin, CO(2), and alkaline phosphatase concentrations peaked in weeks 4 through 6. Serum creatinine was elevated in weeks 2 through 5. Data indicate that resistance training induces changes in immune cell count and blood chemistry that remain within, or near, normal clinical values. It appears that resistance training does not induce immunosuppression or negatively affect hepatic or renal function.     

Antihypertensive effects of Dorstenia psilurus extract in fructose-fed hyperinsulinemic, hypertensive rats.

We examined the effect of methanol/methylene chloride extract of Dorstenia psilurus given by gastric intubation on systolic blood pressure, plasma glucose, insulin, cholesterol, triglycerides and creatinine in rats with fructose-induced hypertension. Male Wistar rats in groups of 6 animals each were fed fructose-rich diets or standard chow for 3 weeks and treated with 100 mg/kg/day or 200 mg/kg/day of plant extract or vehicle for 3 subsequent weeks. Systolic blood pressure was measured every three days using the indirect tail cuff method. Systolic blood pressure was higher in fructose-fed rats (142+/-2 mm Hg, p < 0.01) compared with the controls (112+/-2 mm Hg), and was lower in Dorstenia psilurus-treated groups (127+/-2 and 119+/-1 mm Hg for the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively) compared with the fructose-fed rats. Plasma insulin, cholesterol and triglycerides were higher on the fructose-rich diet compared with the controls. Plasma insulin and cholesterol were lower in the Dorstenia psilurus-treated groups. These results suggest that, Dorstenia psilurus treatment could prevent and reverse high blood pressure induced by a diet rich in fructose probably by improvement of plasma insulin levels. The plant extract might prove useful in the treatment and/or prevention of hypertension.     

真菌性食管炎患者抗真菌治疗期间血常规、免疫功能动态变化的特征分析

目的分析真菌性食管炎患者接受抗真菌治疗期间血常规及免疫功能动态变化的特征。方法将我院收治的42例真菌性食管炎患者纳入实验组,给予患者氟康唑联合克霉唑抗真菌治疗;同期收治的42例反流性食管炎纳入对照组,给予常规治疗。两组分别于入院时、治疗1 d、3 d、5 d、7 d及14 d,动态开展血常规检查及免疫功能指标监测。治疗过程中,观察两组不良反应。结果治疗期间,实验组白细胞计数呈下降趋势,中性粒细胞百分比则呈上升趋势;对照组白细胞计数呈下降趋势,中性粒细胞无明显变化。治疗1 d、3 d、5 d、7 d、14 d,组间白细胞计数差异显著(P<0.05);入院时、治疗1 d、3 d、5 d、7 d,组间中性粒细胞对比差异显著(P<0.05),治疗14 d,组间中性粒细胞百分比差异不显著(P>0.05)。实验组、对照组CRP均呈下降趋势,治疗1 d、3 d、5 d、7 d、14 d CRP水平组间对比差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);实验组、对照组食管炎患者IgM及IgG均呈升高趋势,治疗1 d、3 d、5 d、7 d、14 d对比,两组差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论真菌性食管炎患者多伴明显免疫功能下降、中性粒细胞比例降低。治疗期间,血常规检查、免疫功能的动态监测可为真菌性食管炎患者的疗效评估提供临床依据。     

Changes in follicular blood flow and nitric oxide levels in follicular fluid during follicular deviation in cows

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that there are dynamic changes in follicular blood flow during follicular deviation and that nitric oxide (NO) in follicular fluid (FF) plays a role in regulation of follicular blood flow. In Experiment I, follicular blood flow of the two largest follicles was monitored by using Power Doppler ultrasonography during follicular deviation in sixteen follicular waves during eight estrous cycles in eight cows. Blood flow did not differ (P>0.05) between the dominant follicle (DF) and the largest subordinate follicle (SF) until the beginning of the deviation of the follicular size, but was higher (P<0.05) in DF than in the largest SF one and two days after the beginning of diameter deviation in ovulatory (n=5) and atretic (n=11) waves; respectively. In Experiment II, FF was aspirated from DF and the largest SF on the day of diameter deviation (DF, n=6; SF, n=6) and two days later (DF, n=12; SF, n=9). Nitric oxide did not differ (P>0.05) between DF and the largest SF on the day of diameter deviation but, one or two days after observed diameter deviation NO concentrations were lower (P<0.01) in DF compared to the largest SF. On the day of diameter deviation and two days later E2 levels in FF were higher (P<0.01) in DF than in the largest SF. P4 concentrations in FF were higher (P<0.05) in DF than in the largest SF on the day of diameter deviation, but did not (P>0.05) differ two days later. E2/P4 ratio in FF was the same (P>0.05) in DF and the largest SF on the day of diameter deviation, but was higher (P<0.01) in DF than in the largest SF one or two days later. In conclusion, area of follicular blood flow of DF and the largest SF increased in parallel with follicular size during follicular deviation. Furthermore, there were relationships between changes in follicular blood flow, NO concentrations and E2/P4 ratio in FF following the beginning of diameter deviation in cattle.     

Uterine artery flow velocity waveform,arterial flow indices,follicular dynamics,and sex hormones during preovulatory period in synchronized ovulatory cycle of Bos indicus beef cows

A greater understanding of the uterine artery’s (UtA) biology is essential to the increase in female reproductive abilities. The UtA flow velocity waveform, blood flow volume (BFV), pulsatility and resistance indices (PI and RI), blood flow velocities, dynamics of the dominant follicle (DF), and estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels in an induced ovulatory cycle were evaluated in Thai native cattle. Twenty cows were induced with synchronized ovulation through a P4-releasing device, from Day ?9 to Day ?4, concurrent with the administration of two doses of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone on Day ?9 and Day ?1, and two doses of prostaglandin F_2α on Day ?4 and 8?h later. Day 0 was designated as the day of ovulation. The cows underwent Doppler sonographic determination and blood collection from Day ?4 to Day 0. The cows were classified in the non-ovulating (n?=?5) and ovulating groups (n?=?15). The ovulating cows presented higher BFV values, blood flow velocities, DF growth rates, and E2 levels; yet lower PI values and P4 concentrations, than those of the non-ovulating cows. The BFV values and the blood flow velocities were greater, but the RI and PI values were lower in the ovulatory side UtA than in the contraovulatory side UtA. The BFV values were positively correlated with blood flow velocities, DF growth rates and E2 concentrations in the ovulating cows; confirming the importance of UtA blood flow, follicular growth, and E2-vasodilation during preovulatory phase in the induced ovulatory cycle of Bos indicus beef cows.     

Effect of NH4Cl acidosis on the function of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in newborn infants.

The present study was undertaken to assess the influence of acute metabolic acidosis on the activity of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and renal function in a group of seven one-week-old neonates with mean birth weight of 2164 g (range: 1300-3750 g) and mean gestational age of 34 weeks (range: 28-40 weeks) undergoing oral NH4Cl load. NH4Cl was given in a dose of 2.8 mEq/kg to evaluate renal acidification. Prior to and following NH4Cl administration blood acid-base parameters, plasma urinary electrolytes, creatinine and aldosterone concentration as well as plasma renin activity, glomerular filtration rate, urine flow rate and net acid secretion were measured. NH4Cl administration significantly depressed blood pH (P < 0.05), total CO2 content (P < 0.01) and base excess (P < 0.01) and resulted in a significant elevation of plasma potassium concentration (P < 0.05). Furthermore, NH4Cl ingestion significantly increased urine flow rate, sodium, chloride and net acid excretion. In response to NH4Cl acidosis no consistent change in plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone concentration could be detected. There was, however, an about 50% increase in urinary aldosterone excretion from the control value of 4.1 +/- 1.2 micrograms/day to 6.8 +/- 2.3 micrograms/day (P < 0.05) after NH4Cl administration. These data suggest that the responsiveness of neonatal adrenals to stimulation by metabolic acidosis is blunted, acidosis therefore, may play a minor role in the neonatal hyperfunction of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.