Mechanisms of hyperglycemia induced by immunosuppressant FK506

AIM：To investigate the effect of immunosuppressant FK506 on serum glucose in rats and to explore its mechanism. METHODS：Sprague-Dawley rats (n=12) were randomly divided into drug group and normal group. The rats in drug group were intraperitoneally injected with FK506 at dose of 1 mg·kg-1·d-1 and the rats in normal group received saline (1 mL·kg-1·d-1, ip) for 14 d. The fasting weight and fasting glucose were regularly measured every 2 d. Visceral fat was isolated from the rats at the end of experiment. The mRNA expression of adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, resistin, retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors γ (PPAR-γ) was determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The protein expression of PPAR-γ and adiponectin was measured by Western blotting. RESULTS：Compared with normal group, the concentration of fasting blood glucose in model group was significantly increased from the 10th day (P<0.05). At day 14, the fasting blood glucose of the model group increased from (5.10±062) mmol/L to (7.73 ± 0.73) mmol/L. No significant change of blood glucose in normal group between the 10th day and the 14th day ［from (4.66 ± 0.32) mmol/L to (5.80±0.10) mmol/L］ was observed. Compared with normal group, the mRNA expression of PPAR-γ, adiponectin and leptin in the adipose tissue of model group was significantly decreased (P<001), whereas the expression of visfatin, resistin and RBP4 was significantly increased (P<005). Compared with normal group, the expression of PPAR-γ and adiponectin in model group was decreased (P<001). CONCLUSION：FK506 may decrease the expression of PPAR-γ to change the expression of adipocytokines and induce hyperglycemia in rats.     

Effects of FKBP12.6 gene on canine heart failure transfected by ultrasound mediated destruction of microbubbles

AIM: To investigate the effect of gene transfection of FKBP12.6 (FK12.6 binding protein) on the canine failing heart induced by rapid ventricular pacing. METHODS: Three weeks after onset of rapid ventricular pacing (250 bpm), 28 canines were divided into 4 groups. Either pcDNA3.1-FKBP12.6 plasmid encoding human FKBP12.6 gene (transfection groupⅠ,Ⅱ; observed at the 4th or 14th days respectively after transfection) or empty vector (controlⅠ,Ⅱ) was transferred into myocardium under ultrasonic microbubble destruction. After transfection, maintenance pacing at a reduced rate (190 beats/min) was continued until end-point of experiment. Echocadiographic, hemodynamic and plasmic ANP (atrial natriuretic peptide), BNP (brain natriuretic peptide) data were collected three times (before pacing, before transfection and endpoint). Semiquantative RT-PCR was used to identify FKBP12.6 expression in myocardium. RESULTS: Gene transfection of FKBP12.6 elevated expression of FKBP12.6 mRNA 3.5 folds at day 4, and 1.7 folds at day 14 respectively, compared with control group. Significant improvements of cardiac function, hemodynamics and plasmic concentrations of ANP, BNP were observed in transfection groupⅠ and these effects were stable for at least 2 weeks. Cardiac output (CO), ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) were still lower than pre-pacing although they increased in transfection groups. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) decreased at day 14 but LVEDD remained unchanged at day 4 compared with pre-transfection. CONCLUSION: Gene transfection of FKBP12.6 improves cardiac functions in the failing heart and reverses myocyte remodeling. This might be a novel therapeutic application for treating human heart failure.     

Changes of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and basement membrane in early stage of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats

AIM：To explore the development of hepatic sinusoidal capillarization in the early stage of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. METHODS：Clean SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group (group N, n=6) and liver fibrotic model group (group M, n=32). The rats in group N were intraperitoneal injected with saline and the rats in group M were intraperitoneal injected with CCl4 (2 mL/kg, twice a week for 4 weeks). At the end of the 3rd day and the 1st, 2nd and 4th weeks, all rats were killed and then the samples were collected. The pathological changes in the livers were observed by HE staining and Masson straining. The development of hepatic sinusoidal capillarization was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunohistochemical staining. The cell surface expression of vascular endothelium-associated marker CD31, collagen type Ⅳ (Col IV) and laminin (LN) was determined. RESULTS：HE and Masson staining showed the formation of liver fibrosis after treatment with CCl4 for 4 weeks. TEM showed that the fenestrate diameter of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) grew down, the fenestrate numbers of LSECs were decreased along with the development of liver fibrosis, and the consecutive basement membrane was formed at the end of the experiment. The expression of CD31 was significantly increased along with the development of defenestration, and the expression of Col IV and LN was significantly increased after the treatment with CCl4 for 2 weeks and 4 weeks, respectively. CONCLUSION：The typical hepatic sinusoidal capillarization was detected in the early stage of liver fibrosis, and the deposition of LN in the liver sinusoidal walls was the mainly factor of formation of the consecutive basement membrane.     

A comparative study on urinary complement C5b-9 complex excretion in four nephritis models of rats

AIM: To explore the significance of measuring urinary complement C5b-9 complex in various types of immune complex (IC) nephritis models of rats. METHODS: The four models of rats, namely, passive Heymann nephritis (PHN), anti-thymocyte serum nephritis(ATSN), anti-glomerular basement membrane nephritis (AGBMN) and chronic serum disease nephritis (CSDN) were reproduced. Then, the contents of complement C5b-9 complex in plasma and urine of the rats were detected with sandwich ELISA. And the deposits of C5b-9 complex in glomeruli of the rats were examined by ABC immunohistochemistry staining. CONCLUSION: Urinary C5b-9 complex excretion could be taken as one of several sensitive immunologic parameters in diagnosing of PHN and in distinguishing PHN from other type of nephritis.     

Effects of paecilomyces cicadidae total polysaccharides on non-specificity immune regulation in rats

AIM: To study the immune regulation of paecilomyces cicadidae total polysaccharides. METHODS: After subcutaneous injection with 200mg/L paecilomyces cicadidae total polysaccharides in the back of the rats fo17 days, the white blood cell (WBC) counts, and the levels of lipid peroxide (LPO) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the spleen and thymus of rats were detected. The alveolar macrophages (AMφ) cultured with 10% fetal bovine serum-RPMI-1640 for 2 h in vitro, then the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and acid phosphatase (ACP) were detected by automatic biochemistry analyzer, and the ability devouring neutral red in the AMφ were examined. RESULTS: Compared with control group, the WBC, the levels of GSH in the spleen and thymus, and the activities of LDH and ACP were significantly increased and the ability of devouring neutral red was also strengthened (P<0.01) in the AMφ of rats induced by paecilomyces cicadidae total polysaccharides, while the level of LPO in the thymus was obviously decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Paecilomyces cicadidae total polysaccharides has significant immune regulatory effect with increasing WBC and GSH.     

Effects of propylthiouracil on body temperature in rats during cold exposure

AIM: To investigate the effect of cold exposure on the thermoregulatory function in hypothyroid rats. METHODS: Hypothyroid model was established by administration of antithyroid drug propylthiouracil(PTU) in rats. Colonic temperature was measured using digital thermometer. Plasma T₃ and T₄ concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. The effect of cold exposure on body temperature was observed after 2 weeks of PTU treatment. RESULTS: Plasma T₃ and T₄ concentrations were reduced markedly 2 weeks after PTU treatment, and colonic temperature was also decreased markedly; Hyperthermic response was not different between PTU group and control group during cold exposure. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that PTU-induced hypothyroid rat possesses a robust thermogenic response to short bouts of cold exposure.     

Hyaluronan preserves the membrane transport properties in chronic peritoneal dialysis animal model of rats

AIM: We have shown that intraperitoneal (IP) addition of hyaluronan could increase peritoneal fluid removal by decreasing peritoneal fluid absorption rate. In this study, we investigated the impact of chronic use of hyaluronan on peritoneal membrane transport characteristics. METHODS: Twenty male SD rats received daily IP injection of 25 mL 4.25% glucose dialysis solution without (HP, n=8) or with 0.025% hyaluronan (HA, n=6) for one week, another six rats did not receive any peritoneal injection. Twenty-four hours after the last injection, a 4h dwell study using 25 mL 4.25% glucose dialysis solution with IP volume marker and frequent dialysate and blood samplings were performed in each rat. RESULTS:IPV was significantly higher in the HA group as compared to the HP group (ANOVA repeated measurement, P＜0.01). The peritoneal fluid absorption rate, K_E, was significantly increased in the HP group as compared to the other groups. The direct lymphatic fluid absorption rate, K_EB, was significantly higher in the two daily infusion groups (HP and HA) as compared to the control group. However, the tissue absorption rate, K_ET, was significantly higher in HP group as compared with HA group and control group. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that repeated intraperitoneal addition of hyaluronan may prevent, at least in part, the membrane damage caused by currently used hypertonic dialysis solution.     

Effects of spermine on myocardial ischemia/ reperfusion injury in rats

AIM: To observe the effect of exogenous spermine (low concentration) on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.METHODS: 40 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham- operation group (Sham), ischemic reperfusion group (I/R), spermine group (Sp) and natural saline group (NS). The model of ischemic/reperfusion injury was established by ligating rat coronary artery. In Sp group, spermine (0.5 mmol/L, 2 mL/kg) was injected slowly into rat vein. During the process, we recorded the electrocardiogram and the LV functional parameters, assayed the levels of SOD, LDH, NO and MDA in serum, and examined the ultrastructure of the myocardium. RESULTS: In I/R group, the incidence of arrhythmia was 90%, myocardial ultrastructure was injured seriously, values of LVSP and ±dp/dtmax decreased, levels of LDH, NO and MDA increased while SOD activity decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01, compared with Sham group). Compared with I/R and NS group, all those indexes in Sp group changed significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Exogenous spermine alleviates myocardial ischemia/ reperfusion injury in rats. The mechanism may be related to its antioxidant effect and relieving the injury caused by oxygen free radical.     

Effects of irbesartan and perindopril on pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats

AIM: To observe the effects of irbesartan and perindopril on pressure-overload cardiac hypertrophy in rats. METHODS: 40 male adult Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups. One was sham operation group, other four were aortic banding groups. One week after operation, all rats were gavaged with normal saline, perindopril, irbesartan or combination of perindopril and irbesartan. Morphometric determination, calcineurin (CaN) expression, CaN and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca²⁺-ATPase activity were performed at the end of 6 weeks of drug intervention. RESULTS: Left ventricular mass index (LVMI), transverse diameter of myocardical cell (TDM), CaN activity were remarkably decreased after drug intervention and this decrease was most remarkable in the combination group. SR Ca²⁺-ATPase activity increased after drug intervention, especially in the combination group. CaN expression in myocardium were remarkably decreased after drug intervention. LVMI was positively correlated with TDM and CaN, negatively correlated with SR Ca²⁺-ATPase. CONCLUSION: Both irbesartan and perindopril decrease CaN activity, increase SR Ca²⁺-ATPase activity and combination of them has synergic effects on regressing of ventricular hypertrophy.     

Clinical significance of elevated serum interleukin 15 in patients with active lupus nephritis

AIM: To detect interleukin 15 (IL-15) levels in peripheral blood from patients with active lupus nephritis and investigate its clinical significance. METHODS: IL-15 level was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated with grads density abaxiality. The inhibitory effects of dexamethasone on production of IL-15, IgG and anti-dsDNA antibody in cultured PBMCs from LN patients were also investigated. RESULTS: (1) Serum IL-15 level in LN patients was significantly higher than that in normal controls (P<0.01). Serum IL-15 level in active LN patients was significantly higher than that in remised patients (P<0.05). (2) Serum IL-15 level was positively correlated with SLEDAI, anti-dsDNA antibody and 24 h urine protein excretion in active LN patients. (3) Serum IL-15 level was significantly reduced in LN patients treated with combination of cyclophosphamide (CTX) and steroid for 12 weeks. (4) Secretion of IL-15, IgG and dsDNA antibody in cultured PBMCs from active LN patients was significantly higher than that in normal control group, and IL-15 level in supernatant of cultured PBMCs from active LN patients was positively correlated with IgG and dsDNA antibody. Dexamethasone inhibited the secretion of IL-15, IgG and dsDNA antibody in cultured PBMCs from LN patients. CONCLUSION: Serum IL-15 level in patients with active lupus nephritis is significantly elevated, suggesting that IL-15 may be involved in the pathophysiological process of LN. IL-15 may be used as an index to assess the activity of LN.     

Effects of prenatal stress on neurons and neuronal ultrastructure of developing hippocampus in rats

AIM:To investigate the effects of prenatal stress (PS) on neurons and neuronal ultrastructure of hippocampus in offspring rats, and to explore the role of the overproduction of oxidants. METHODS:One month male offspring rats were obtained to observe the neuronal number, neuronal ultrastructure and the number of nNOS -positive cell in hippocampus. RESULTS:The neuronal number of CA1 and CA4 subregions in late gestation stress (LS) offspring decreases significantly. The neuronal ultrastructure of CA1 subregion in MS (stress in 7-13 days of gestation) and LS offspring appeared bulgy mitochondria, unclear membrane and irregular electron density. Lipofuscin pigments increased; The number of nNOS-positive cell in CA1, CA2, CA3 subregions and DG of MS group and the whole hippocampus of LS group increased significantly. CONCLUSION:PS damaged the neurons and neuronal ultrastructure of hippocampus of offspring rats. The damages were associated with the overproduction of oxidants.     

Effects of low-glucose on long-term potentiation in the hippocampal slices of immature and adult rats

AIM: The effects of low-glucose on long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 region of hippocapal slices of immature (15-16 days old) and adult (56-63 days old) rats were examined. METHODS: The technique of electrophysiology was used, and the slopes of the field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (S-EPSP) were measured. RESULTS: When slices were exposed to glucose medium at concentrations of 3 or 1.5 mmol/L, S-EPSP decreased significantly. In the slices from adult rats, only short-term potentiation was elicited by high frequency stimulation in the medium of 3 or 1.5 mmol/L glucose. However, in the slices from immature rats, LTP was still induced in the medium of 3 mmol/L glucose. CONCLUSION: Low-glucose medium depressed the synaptic transmission. In terms of the synaptic plasticity, the low-glucose endurance in immature rats was stronger than that in adult rats.     

Effects of NG-nitro-L-arginine on LPS-induced lung injury in rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of nitric oxide (NO) and NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor N^G-nitro-L arginine (L-NA) on LPS induced-lung injury in rats. METHODS: Forty healthy male SD rats, weighing 300±20 g, were used. The animals were anesthetized with 20% urethane 1 g·kg^-1. Common carotid artery (CAA) and jugular vein were exposed through a median incision in the neck. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured through a pressure transducer connected with intubation of CAA. The animals were randomly divided into five groups: group 1: control; group 2: LPS (5 mg·kg^-1, iv); group 3: high dose L-NA (20 mg·kg^-1 intraperitoneal injection, ip); gropu 4: middle dose L-NA (10 mg·kg^-1, ip); group 5: low dose L-NA (5 mg·kg^-1, ip). Group1 : 0.9% saline solution was given and the animals were killed 6 h after the saline solution. Gruop 2: saline solution was given 3 h after LPS and the animals were killed 3 h after administration. Group 3, 4 and 5: L-NA was given 3 h after LPS iv and the animals were killed 3 h after administration, respectively. The pulmonary was removed immediately. The pulmonary coefficient and water content in pulmonary tissue were calculated (%). The NO₂^-/NO₃^- content in plasma, MDA content and NOS, SOD activity in the pulmonary tissue were measured. RESULTS: L-NA significantly decreased pulmonary coefficient and water content in pulmonary tissue and ameliorated LPS induced lung injury. The effect in high dose group was better than that in low dose group. L-NA significantly decreased NO₂^-/NO₃^- content in plasm, decreased MDA content and inhibited NOS activity and enhanced SOD activity in the pulmonary tissue. CONCLUSION: It may be concluded that L-NA has a beneficial effect on lung injury induced by LPS.     

Gene expression pattern of periphery blood mononuclear cells in patients with active lupus nephritis

AIM: To find new gene function associate with active lupus nephritis (LN) through study on the difference in gene expression of peripheral blood mononuclear cells between LN patients and healthy controls by gene chip. METHODS: The CSC-GE-80 chip containing 8 000 spots of cDNAs were used to investigate the difference of the expression. Both the total RNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of active LN patients and healthy donors were reversely transcribed to cDNA with the incorporation of fluorescent( cy3 and cy5) labeled dCTP to prepare the hybridization probes. After hybridization, the gene chip was scanned for the fluorescent intensity. The differentially expressed genes were screened. We repeated that in three groups of LN patients and healthy controls, respectively, and only the genes that have differential expression in all three chips were considered associated with LN. RESULTS: 75 genes were identified to be differently expressed in all three groups of LN patients as compared with healthy controls, including 42 up-regulated genes and 33 down-regulated ones. CONCLUSION: The present study represents a global view of gene expression of LN and provides important clues for further study of LN related genes. And it also suggests defensin α₁, S100A8, S100A9 may be involved in the pathogenesis of LN.     

Effects of exercise training on myocardial polyamine metabolism in aged rats

AIM:To explore the effects of exercise training on myocardial polyamine metabolism in aged rats. METHODS:Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups:old+exercise group(Old+Ex), old group(Old) and young group(Young). High-performance liquid chromatography was used to test the content of myocardial polyamines(putrescine, spermidine and spermine). The activity of polyamine synthesis and catabolism rate-limiting enzyme ornithine decarboxylase(ODC) and spermidine/spermine acetyltransferase(SSAT) was analyzed by [¹⁴C] labeling. The level of malondialdehyde(MDA) and the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD) in the myocardium were detected by colorimetric method. The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The cardiac functions were measured by echocardiography. The changes of myocardial ultrastructure were observed under transmission electron microscope. RESULTS:(1) Compared with Young group, ODC activity decreased, SSAT activity increased, and the levels of spermidine, spermine and total polyamine were significantly decreased in Old group. SOD activity also decreased significantly, the content of MDA, TNF-α and IL-1β also increased dramatically in Old group. In the old rats, both left ventricular end-systolic diameter(LVESD) and end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD) increased, while left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) and fractional shortening(LVFS) decreased.(2) Compared with Old group, ODC activity increased, SSAT activity decreased, the levels of spermidine and total polyamine significantly increased, SOD activity increased significantly, and the content of MDA, TNF-α and IL-1β decreased dramatically in Old+Ex group. The functions of left ventricle also improved significantly in Old+Ex group.(3) Ultrastructural observations indicated that the myofilament and mitochondrial cristae were irregular and mitochondrial matrix density decreased in old rat heart. The cardiac sarcomere structure was clear, the mitochondrial matrix was dense and the mitochondrial cristae arranged in order in Old+Ex group. CONCLUSION:Exercise training promotes polyamine synthesis metabolism and inhibits polyamine catabolism in the heart of aged rats, thus fighting against aging-induced myocardial polyamine decrease. Exercise training also improves the capacity of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant processes of aged heart. Maintaining the appropriate levels of myocardial polyamines may be a new mechanism to delay cardiac aging.     

Rapamycin markedly slows disease progression in a rat model of passive Heymann nephritis

AIM：To determine the effect of rapamycin on the progression of passive Heymann nephritis (PHN), and whether autophagy is involved in this process. METHODS：Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=24) were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group, PHN group and rapamycin treatment group. The rat PHN model was induced by injection of anti-Fx1A serum through penile vein, and all rats were sacrificed on day 21. Automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect 24 h urine protein, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. Renal damage was observed through per-iodic acid-silver methenamine staining. The number of podocyte was estimated by Weibel-Gomez method. The glomerular deposition of C5b-9, the expression of caspase-3 and expression of autophagy marker LC3 in glomeruli were examined by immunofluorescence staining, immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS：Rapamycin significantly reduced proteinuria in the PHN rats (P<0.05), while the renal functions in 3 groups were normal, without significant difference. Although rapamycin limited weight gain in the rats, the health of the rats during drug treatment was not affected. Rapamycin retarded glomerular basement membrane thickening in the PHN rats. Rapamycin significantly reduced the podocyte deletion by preventing podocyte apoptosis. Rapamycin enhanced the level of autophagy of glomerular inherent cells. CONCLUSION：In the disease process of PHN, appropriate strength of autophagy plays a protective role. Rapamycin appropriately enhances autophagy and prevents podocyte apoptosis, thus reducing nephropathy and proteinuria. This may be one of the important mechanisms of rapamycin to slow down the progress of PHN.     

Effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor on the myocardial infarction in experimental rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on the myocardial infarction in experimental rats. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into GT group and saline control group (SC).The rats of GT group were treated with G-CSF (10 μg/kg) once a day subcutaneously for 5 days and those of SC group were received saline.On the third day, both groups were injected with isoprenaline (ISO) interaperitoneally to develop acute ischemic model. The hearts were harvested from 2 weeks to 4 weeks after administration of ISO for histopathological examination. RESULTS: Compared with saline control group, G-CSF treatment group significantly reduced the scar size (P<0.05). We also found the regeneration of myocytes, smooth muscle and endothelial cells. CONCLUSION: G-CSF treatment could be benefical to the regeneration of infarcted myocardium and significantly reduce scar size and it could be used for therapeutic intervention of the acute myocardial infarction.     

Expression and role of CD134 and NF-κB in renal tissue of lupus nephritis

AIM:To investigate the role of CD134 (OX40) and NF-κB in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis (LN).METHODS:Renal in situ CD134 and NF-κB expression were examined in 40 biopsy specimens from LN patients by immunohistochemistry and microwave-based immunohistochemistry, respectively. The relationship between expression of CD134 and NF-κB was analyzed.RESULTS:The expression of glomerular and tubular CD134 and NF-κB in LN were higher than that in normal control, especially in class Ⅳ LN, where there was intense staining of endothelial cell, distal tubules, and interstitial mononuclear cell. The CD134 expression of glomerular and tubular was closely related to NF-κB expression, respectively (r=0.5542, P＜0.05;r=0.6279, P＜0.05). CONCLUSIONS:The abnormal expression of costimulatory molecule CD134 was well evidenced in LN. Strong expression of renal in situ NF-κB was likely mediated by CD134 signal pathway, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of LN.     

Effects of light quantum and hematoporphyrin therapy on the growth of tumor in rats

AIM:To study the effect of photodynamic therapy on the growth of tumor in rats.METHODS:W256 tumor cells were implanted in 40 rats by subcutaneous vaccination at groin.Then,the rats were treated by photodynamic therapy (PDT).Total saperoxides dismutase (T-SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma,tumor tissue and liver were detected.RESULTS:(1) The growth of tumor was significantly slow after the rats were transfused blood with ultraviolet radiation,with hematoporphyrin or with both ultraviolet radiation and hematoporphyrin (P<0.05,P＜0.01).(2) The activity of SOD was obviously increased and the contents of MDA were decreased in plasma while the growth of tumor was significantly slow in the ultraviolet radiation group (P<0.05,P＜0.01).However,the activity of T-SOD was weakened and the contents of MDA were increased in hematoporphyrin group (P<0.01) and ultraviolet radiation combined with hematoporphyrin group (P<0.01).CONCLUSIONS:The results indicate that the growth of tumor is inhibited by means of transfusion blood with ultraviolet radiation of hematoporphyrin.The most remarkable inhibitory effect is in ultraviolet radiation and hematoporphyrin group.The generation of singlet oxygen by PDT may be one of the mechanisms of killing tumor cells.     

Effects of nitric oxide on hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic rats induced by LPS

AIM: To investigate the effects of nitric oxide (NO) on hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic rats induced by LPS. METHODS: The cirrhotic model of rats was established by complex pathogeny. Since the end of the 8 th week, the rats were intragastrically-infused with 0.9% salt, L-arginine(L-arg) and LNNA respectively for 2 weeks.The hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic rats were induced by 3 mg/kg LPS (ip) 4 hours before the rats were sacrificed. RESULTS: The normal behaviors and electroencephalograph were appeared in L-arg group. LNNA group showed hepatic encephalopathy. The content of NO₂^-/NO₃^- of brain tissue was markedly higher in L-arg group than LNNA group(P<0.05), but the content of histamine in brain tissue was lower in L-arg group than LNNA group(P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between the content of histamine in brain tissue and the content of NO₂^-/NO₃^- of brain tissue. CONCLUSION: NO can prevent hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic rats induced by LPS.