Effects of aldosterone on expression of angiotensin Ⅱ receptors in cultured rat mesangial cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of aldosterone (ALD) on the mRNA expression of angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang II) type 1 (AT-1a R and AT-1bR) and 2 (AT-2R) receptors in cultured rat mesangial cells (RMCs) treated with high glucose. METHODS: Rat mesangial cells were cultured in high glucose medium containing different concentrations of ALD (10-8-10-6 mol/L). The antagonists of ALD and Ang II receptors including pironolactone (10-7 mol/L, aldosterone receptor antagonist, SPI), losartan (10-7 mol/L, Ang II type 1 receptor blocker, Los) or PD123319 (10-9 mol/L, Ang II type 2 receptor antagonist, PD) were added in the cell culture for 12 h. The control cells were only treated with high (30 mmol/L) or normal (5.6 mmol/L) glucose medium. The viability and proliferation of the RMCs were evaluated by MTT assay. The mRNA expression of AT-1aR, AT-1b R and AT-2R was detected by semi-quantitative RT- PCR. The expression of MCP-1 in cultured RMCs was detected by ELISA. RESULTS: The mRNA expression of AT-1aR, AT-1b R and AT-2R was increased significantly by treatment with ALD in a dose-dependent manner (1.62-1.77, 9.61-9.89 and 7.26-7.35 folds of high glucose control, respectively, P<0.01). SPI significantly reduced the mRNA expression of AT-1aR and AT-1b R (P<0.01) but not affected the mRNA expression of AT-2R. The ratio of AT-1aR/AT-1b R in cultured RMCs treated with high glucose decreased significantly after stimulated with ALD (P<0.01). However, the effect of ALD was inhibited by SPI (P<0.01). Aldosterone treatment induced a significant upregulation of MCP-1 expression in a dose-dependent manner, and previous treatment with spironolactone, losartan or PD123319 abolished this aldosterone-induced MCP-1 expression. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that aldosterone is involved in the inflammatory response by up-regulating the expression of AT-1aR, AT-1bR and AT-2R, changing the proportion of AT-1R subtype, and inducing MCP-1 overproduction in cultured RMCs treated with high glucose.     

Effect of TNF-α on production and activation of caspase-3 in primary rat renal proximal tubule cells

AIM: To investigate the production and activation of caspase-3 in primary rat renal proximal tubule cells in response to tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and the implication of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the process. METHODS: Isolated rat renal proximal tubule cells (PTCs) from male adult Sprague Dawley rats were treated with TNF-α according to the indicated time courses. A specific NF-κB inhibitor, Bay11-7082, was used alone or as a pretreatment for 1 h followed by exposure to TNF-α for 24 h. The protein levels of cleaved caspase-3, caspase-3, I-κBα, phosphorylated I-κBα, and GAPDH were detected by Western blotting using specific antibodies. RESULTS: The protein level of cleaved caspase-3 relative to caspase-3 was significantly increased in the presence of TNF-α for 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h. Protein levels of caspase-3 were significantly decreased by 12 h and returned to baseline by 24 h in the presence of TNF-α. Treatment with Bay11-7082 for 25 h alone or pretreatment with Bay11-7082 for 1 h followed by addition of TNF-α for 24 h caused a remarkable reduction in both cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-3 as compared to control and TNF-α treated groups. An increase in phosphorylated I-κBα was observed from 15 min to 60 min after treatment with TNF-α at a dose of 10 μg/L in PTCs. CONCLUSION: NF-κB is not only associated with the activation of caspase-3 but also the production of caspase-3 in primary rat renal proximal tubule cells in response to TNF-α.     

Effects of tirofiban on no-reflow and activation of NF-κB after myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of platelet glycoprotein Ⅱb/Ⅲa receptor inhibitor tirofiban on myocardial no-reflow and activation of NF-κB after acute ischemia/reperfusion in rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomized into sham operation group, control group and tirofiban treatment group. Control group and tirofiban group were subjected ischemia for 90 min by ligation of coronary artery after thoracotomy and subsequently reperfusion for 120 min to establish acute myocardial ischemia/reperfusion no-reflow models. Thioflavine S, Evans blue and triphenyltetra zolium chloride (TTC) staining were performed to evaluate the area of no-reflow (ANR), infracted area (IA) and risk area (RA) of the heart. Immunohistochemistry was used for semi-quantitative analysis of the expression of nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) protein in myocytes and arteriole. Activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in risk area of the heart were detected by ultraviolet spectrophotometer. RESULTS: After 120 min for reperfusion, compared to sham group, the statistical differences of higher positive expression of NF-κB p65 in myocytes and arteriole, activity of MPO and content of MDA both in control and tirofiban group were observed. Compared to control group, lower positive expression of NF-κB p65 in myocyte and arteriole, activity of MPO and content of MDA in tirofiban group were found (P<0.05, P<0.01). A markedly reduced ANR and IA were observed in tirofiban group than those in control group (34.36%±6.04% vs 52.09%±6.89%, P<0.01; 80.41%±8.48% vs 90.13%±5.72%, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: After myocardial ischemia/reperfusion for 120 min, no-reflow phenomenon can be observed in rats. Tirofiban reduces the areas of anatomic no-reflow and infarction, inhibits the activation of NF-κB in myocyte and arteriole, and decreases the infiltration of neutrophils and release of oxygen free radicals.     

Effects of ginkgolide B on ［Ca2+］i and mitochondrial function of cultured rat retinal neurons in vitro

AIM: To observe the effect of ginkgolide B (GB) on the intracellular calcium ion concentration (［Ca2+］i) and mitochondrial function of cultured rat retinal neurons in vitro.METHODS: in vitro primary culture of rat retinal neurons was used in the experiment. The apoptosis model of glutamate-induced retinal neurons was established and co-cultured with ginkgolide B. The ［Ca2+］i and mitochondrial membrane potential of the retinal neurons were detected by laser scanning confocal microscope.RESULTS: Glutamate decreased the survival rate of retinal neurons, increased the apoptosis and the ［Ca2+］i, lowered the mitochondrial membrane potential. The ［Ca2+］i was clearly diminished and the mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly increased with the GB intervention, and the apoptosis decreased significantly.CONCLUSION: GB protects retinal neurons from glutamate induced neurotoxicity. The effect of GB on retinal neurons might be due to its ability to decrease the ［Ca2+］i and increase mitochondrial membrane potential.     

Effects of IFN-α 2b on telomerase activity and the toxic effects to cultured choroidal melanoma of human eyes

AIM:To study the effects of interferon-α 2b(IFN-α 2b) on the telomerase activity of choroidal melanoma cells of human eyes and the toxic effects to the cells.METHODS:IFN-α 2b was used with different concentrations and times to act on the primary cultured choroidal melanoma cells of human eyes. The toxic effects were evaluated by MTT assay and the levels of telomera activity were detected by PCR-ELISA assay. A correlation between the two results was analyzed.RESULTS:The telomerase activity gradually decreased following the increasing concentrations and times of treatment with IFN-α 2b, which accompany the step-up of restrain rate of the cells. At the point when the concentration attained 5×104 IU/L or the time attained 24 h, the telomerase activity decreased very obviously. However, the appearance of cell death lagged behind the decreasing of telomerase.CONCLUSION: IFN-α 2b is an effective telomerase inhibitor, which can decrease the telomerase activity in choroidal melanoma cells of human eyes effectively. The IFN-α 2b treatment is concentration and time dependent, and can cause the death of cultured cells.     

Effects of phosphorylation-defective retinoic acid receptor α1 on proli-feration of human multiple myeloma cells in vitro

AIM: To investigate the effect of phosphorylation-defective retinoic acid receptor α1 (RARα1) on the proliferation of human multiple myeloma cells. METHODS: The mRNA expression of RARα subtypes in U266 cells was detected by RT-PCR. Lentiviral plasmid construction, viral production, titer determination and cell transfection were carried out by the general methods of molecular biology. Proliferation analysis was performed with CCK-8 assay. The U266 cells were treated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA,0~100 μmol/L) or transfected with lentivirus RARαS77A. The expression levels of proliferation-related proteins, P53 and Rb, in U266 cells treated with ATRA or transfected with lentivirus RARαS77A were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: RARα1 was positively expressed in U266 cells and RARα2 expression was negative. ATRA significantly inhibited the proliferation of U266 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Proliferation of U266 cells was significantly inhibited 48 h after transfection with lentivirus RARαS77A, and the inhibitory rate was 15.16%±3.84%. The up-regulated expression of Rb and down-regulated expression of P53 were detected in U266 cells not only in the cells treated with ATRA, but also in the cells transfected with lentivirus RARαS77A. CONCLUSION: Phosphorylation-defective RARα1 (RARαS77A) mimics the growth inhibitory effect of ATRA on U266 cells that express RARα1 (+) and RARα2 (-) via down-regulating the expression of P53 and up-regulating the expression of Rb, suggesting that the antiproliferative effect of ATRA is mainly mediated by decreasing the phosphorylation of RARα1.     

Effect of salvianolic acid B on expression of TGF-β1 receptors and Smad2 in activated mesangial cells

AIM: To study the mechanisms of salvianolic acid B (Sal B)antagonizing mesangial cell activation and kidney fibrosis through investigating the effect of Sal B on expression of transforming growth factor-β₁ (TGF-β₁) receptors and Smad2 in TGF-β₁-stimulated renal mesangial cell activation. METHODS: Mesangial cells was isolated and purified from rat kidney. TGF-β₁ was used to establish rat primary mesangial cell activation model and Smad2,Smad7 protein expression was detected. Sal B (10^-6 mol/L and 10^-5 mol/L) was employed to treat the cells; α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) expression was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting. Mesangial cells were treated with Sal B alone or additional with TGF-β₁,and TGF-β₁ receptor Ⅰ (TβRⅠ),TGF-β₁ receptorⅡ (TβRⅡ),Smad2 phosphorylation and Smad2 protein expression was determined by Western blotting. RESULTS: Cell ular model was established by incubating with 5 μg/L TGF-β₁ for 24 h,and in early stage Smad2 was significantly phosphorylated. Sal B (10^-6 mol/L and 10^-5 mol/L) could inhibit α-SMA expression,which was the biomarker of activated mesangial cells. In addition,in Sal B group,the protein expression of TβRⅠand TβRⅡ was significantly down-regulated while Smad2 phosphorylation in mesangial cells was inhibited. CONCLUSION: Sal B inhibits the TGF-β₁-Smad pathway,the protein expression of TβRⅠ,TβRⅡ and Smad2 phosphorylation in mesangial cells,which is probably one of the mechanisms of Sal B alleviating kidney fibrosis.     

Effects of HIF-1α/SDF-1 signaling axis on hypoxia-induced migration and adhesion of progenitor cells

AIM: To observe the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α) and stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) in pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) of SD rats and to investigate the role of HIF-1α/SDF-1 signaling axis on hypoxia-induced migration and adhesion of progenitor cells to PAECs. METHODS: Immunomagnetic beads were used to separate and purify the CD34⁺/CXCR4⁺ progenitor cells derived from the peripheral circulation of SD rats. The expression of HIF-1α and SDF-1 in PAECs exposed to hypoxia (1% O₂, 5% CO₂ and 94% N₂) was detected by immunofluorescence, Western blotting and ELISA. The migration index and adhesion rate were measured in the progenitor cells, which were subjected to the following different treatments: (1) normoxia (21% O₂); (2) hypoxia 12 h; (3) hypoxia 12 h +HIF-1α inhibitor (2ME2); (4) hypoxia 12 h+SDF-1 neutralizing antibody; (5) hypoxia 12 h+2ME2+SDF-1 neutralizing antibody.RESULTS: The expression of HIF-1α and SDF-1 in PAECs was effectively induced by the hypoxic exposure, and both of them reached the peak levels after 12 h of hypoxic treatment (P<0.01), while administration of 2ME2 decreased the hypoxia-induced SDF-1 expression (P<0.05). Treatment of the PAECs with 2ME2 or SDF-1 neutralizing antibody attenuated the migration index and adhesion rate of progenitor cells to the PAECs (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a HIF-1α/SDF-1 signaling axis in hypoxia-exposed PAECs, which may play a crucial role in the migration and adhesion of progenitor cells to PAECs.     

Effects of ketamine on α-synuclein and astrocyte in mice with Parkinson disease induced by MPTP

AIM To investigate the effects of ketamine at subanesthetic dose on α-synuclein and astrocyte in mice with Parkinson disease (PD) induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). METHODS Thirty-six healthy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 3 groups (12 mice per group): NaCl group (intraperitoneal injection of saline), MPTP group (intraperitoneal injection of MPTP) and ketamine group (intraperitoneal injection of MPTP and ketamine). The behavioral differences among the mice in the 3 groups were examined by tail suspension test and gait analysis test. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot were used to detect the expression of α-synuclein and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the substantia nigra (SN), caudate putamen (CP) and visual cortex (CX). RESULTS According to the results of tail suspension test and gait analysis test, the mice in MPTP group showed increased duration of immobility and shortened step length compared with NaCl group, while those in ketamine group showed decreased duration of immobility and expanded step length compared with MPTP group (P<0.05). According to the results of immunofluorescence staining and Western blot, the mice in MPTP group showed significantly increased expression of α-synuclein and GFAP in SN, CP and CX compared with NaCl group, while those in ketamine group showed significantly decreased expression of a-synuclein and GFAP in SN, CP and CX compared with MPTP group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Ketamine at subanesthetic dose inhibits the expression of α-synuclein and the proliferation of astrocytes in MPTP-induced PD mice.     

Effects of endothelial progenitor cell-conditioned medium on proliferation and differentiation of type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells exposed to hyperoxia

AIM: To investigate the effect of hyperoxia exposure on the paracrine function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and to explore the effects of paracrine factors of EPCs on the proliferation and differentiation of type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells (AECⅡ) exposed to hyperoxia. METHODS: Bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells were isolated and cultured in EGM-2MV medium for 7~10 d to obtain and identify EPCs. EPCs were cultured in room air (RA) or 60% O₂. The normoxia EPC-conditioned medium (E-CM-RA) and hyperoxia EPC-conditioned medium (E-CM-O₂) were collected. The levels of VEGF, FGF10, PDGF-BB and EGF in E-CM-RA and E-CM-O₂ were detected by ELISA. AECⅡ from adult rats were isolated, purified and cultured for 2 d, then divided into RA group, O₂ group, O₂+E-CM-RA group and O₂+E-CM-O₂ group. The proliferation of AECⅡ was detected by MTT assay and cell counting. The mRNA expression of SP-C and AQP5 was quantified by real-time PCR. RESULTS: The expression of VEGF and FGF10 in E-CM-O₂ group decreased significantly compared with E-CM-RA group (P<0.01). There were significant differences in AECⅡ viability and number among the 4 groups at 12 h, 24 h, 2 d and 3 d (P<0.01). Compared with RA group, AECⅡ viability and number in O₂ group decreased significantly at 12 h, 24 h, 2 d and 3 d (P<0.05). The AECⅡ viability and number in O₂+E-CM-RA group were significantly higher than those in O₂ group at 12 h, 24 h, 2 d and 3 d (P<0.05). However, no significant difference in AECⅡ viability and number between O₂+E-CM-O₂ group and O₂ group at 12 h, 2 d and 3 d was observed. There were significant differences in the mRNA expression of SP-C and AQP5 in the 4 groups at 24 h, 2 d and 3 d (P<0.01). Compared with RA group, the mRNA expression of SP-C in O₂ group was significantly inhibited (P<0.01), but the mRNA expression of AQP5 was promoted (P<0.01) at 24 h, 2 d and 3 d. Compared with O₂ group, the mRNA level of SP-C in O₂+E-CM-RA group and O₂+E-CM-O₂ group (P<0.05) at 24 h, 2 d and 3 d was increased, and the mRNA expression of AQP5 (P<0.01) at 2 d and 3 d was inhibited.CONCLUSION: EPCs secrete VEGF and FGF10, and hyperoxia impairs this paracrine function. Hyperoxia exposure inhibits AECⅡ proliferation and the mRNA expression of SP-C, but promotes the mRNA expression of AQP5. EPC-conditioned medium improves the proliferation of hyperoxia-exposed AECⅡ, and inhibits the transformation of AECⅡ. Hyperoxia exposure impairs the paracrine function of EPCs, and weakened the effects of E-CM-O₂ on AECⅡ.     

Effects of adenovirus mediated HIF-1α gene on myocyte apoptosis and cardiac function after myocardial infarction

AIM:To determine the effects of adenovirus mediated hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α) gene on myocyte apoptosis and cardiac function after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) of rabbits.METHODS:Rabbits were made AMI model, divided into 4 groups at random and infected with Ad-HIF-1α, Ad-blank or Rz-HIF-1α, respectively. Sham group was served as control. The cardiac functions of rabbits at different time points were detected by Maclab/8s. Myocyte apoptosis was detected with TUNEL method at different time points.RESULTS:Apoptotic cells were the highest in Rz-HIF-1α treated group, less in Ad-HIF-1α treated group than that in Ad-blank group. Apoptotic cells decreased with extension of time and were found at the time of 56 d. The cardiac function parameters were the highest in sham, lowest in Rz-HIF-1α, and were higher in Ad-HIF-1α than those in Ad-blank.CONCLUSION:Myocyte apoptosis is inhibited by Ad-HIF-1α, increased by Rz-HIF-1α. The cardiac function is improved by Ad-HIF-1α, deteriorated by Rz-HIF-1α.     

Effects of light on flavonoid and chlorogenic acid levels in the skin of ‘Jonagold’ apples

The objective of our work was to determine how fruit position on the tree affects flavonoid and chlorogenic acid contents. Light was measured at different positions within the canopy of 10-year-old ‘Jonagold’ apple trees on M.9 rootstock raised as slender spindles. Fruit from the top of the canopy contained the highest percentage of blush and the highest levels of cyanidin 3-galactoside (anthocyanin) and quercetin 3-glycosides, followed by fruit from the outside of the canopy, and then those from the canopy interior. There were no significant differences in the levels of catechins, phloridzin and chlorogenic acid among fruit from the different canopy positions. Light level was directly correlated with the levels of cyanidin 3-galactoside and quercetin 3-glycosides and with the percentage of blush in the fruit skin. Light in the interior of the canopy was poorer in UV-A, blue, green and red but richer in far-red light than at all other positions. Consequently, the FR/R ratio was much larger at the interior of the canopy than at all other positions. Both anthocyanin and quercetin 3-glycoside concentrations were clearly related to light level, and there was a critical FR/R ratio of about 1 below which no anthocyanin and only minimal quercetin 3-glycosides were formed.     

Modelling the effects of timing and rates of application of benzyladenine as a secondary thinner of ‘Fuji’ apple after ethephon

A trial on ‘Fuji’ apples at the Grove Research Station in southern Tasmania during the 1991/92 season studied the thinning effect and interactions between ethephon and benzyladenine (BA) when BA was applied as a secondary thinner after a full bloom (FB) application of ethephon. The spray treatments were a factorial combination of eight application times of BA (11,13,15,17,19, 21, 23 or 25 days after full bloom (AFB)) with ten concentrations (20,40,60,80,100,120,140,160,180 or 200 mg I“1). An unsprayed control and an ethephon control were included. Target thinning results were achieved 19- 23 d AFB with concentrations of 140-160 mg I“1. A corollary of this successful thinning was an increase in fruit weight and size. Return bloom was improved significantly where thinning was successful. There was no effect on fruit firmness, soluble solids or lateral branching. Drawbacks were an increase in the incidence of russet and a reduction in pip number at the optimum thinning times and concentrations.     

Effects of different rootstocks and training systems on the mineral composition of ‘Delicious’ apple leaves

Leaf mineral composition as affected by different rootstocks, cultivars, training systems and their combinations was measured during 1987 and 1988. Trees on M.7 had significantly higher concentrations of N, P and Fe, whereas those on MM. 106 maintained higher values of K, Ca, Mg and Mn during both years. Between cultivars, Red ‘Delicious’ showed greater accumulation of N, P, Mg and Fe but K and Cu levels were found to be more in Starking ‘Delicious’. All mineral nutrients except Ca and Mg accumulated more in spindle-bush trained trees than those under modified central leader system. The Mineral composition of Starking ‘Delicious’ grafted on M.7 rootstock and trained as a spindle bush produced the best yield efficiency and fruit quality, and fell within the normal range.     

The effects of low temperatures on the vegetative growth and flowering of the primocane fruiting raspberry ‘Autumn Bliss’

Summary

The effects of low temperatures on subsequent vegetative growth and flowering in the raspberry ‘AutumnBliss’ were investigated. In the first experiment, a number of lifting dates were used to determine the seasonal pattern of dormancy and the effect of natural chilling on plant development. In the second, different durations of artificial chilling(0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks at 0?C) were combined with two lifting dates to investigate the effect of natural and artificial chilling. In these experiments, plants which received little chilling grew slowly and failed to develop beyond short rosettes of leaves but as chilling increased, the rate of vegetative growth increased. This coincided with a decline in the time toflowering. These two responses, however, were distinct. In a third experiment, the effect of vernalization of actively growing canes was tested in an attempt to separate the effects of cold on time to flowering, and on the removalof dormancy. The plants responded significantly to cold treatment and flowering was advanced, indicating a distinct vernalizing effect     

Inhibitory effect of ground dragon on the expression of α-SMA and FN in the lung tissue of mouse with asthma

AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effect of ground dragon on the expression of α-SMA and FN in the lung tissue with asthma. METHODS: The BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: control group (group A, n=20), asthmatic model group (group B, n=20), large-dose ground dragon treatment group (group C, n=20) and low-dose ground dragon treatment group (group D, n=20). To establish a mouse model of chronic asthma, we sensitized the mouse with 0.02% ovalbumin (OVA) by intraperitoneal injection, and stimulated the mice with 1% OVA by atomization. The treatment groups were given ground dragon before stimulation every time. After the last time of stimulation, the mice were subjected to laboratory tests. Inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were counted. Total level of IgE in serum was detected by ELISA. FN mRNA and α-SMA mRNA in the lung tissue were measured by RT-PCR and AlphaImager 2200 semi-quantitation analysis system. Expressions of FN and α-SMA were measured by the method of two-step immunohistochemistry and leica QWIN V3 analysis system. RESULTS: (1) Compared with those in group A, the expressions of α-SMA and FN in group B were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with group B, those in group C were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while those in group D were slightly decreased (P>0.05). (2) Compared with those in group A, the expression levels of α-SMA mRNA and FN mRNA in group B had a great increase (P<0.01). There was a notably decreases of α-SMA mRNA and FN mRNA levels in group C, compared with group B (P<0.01). However, α-SMA and FN mRNA level in group D was just a slightly decreased, compared with group B (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The ground dragon inhibits α-SMA and FN expression in the lung tissue of mice with chronic asthma, indicating that ground dragon may inhibit airway remodeling in asthma through the inhibition of α-SMA and FN expressions.     

Ovarian carcinoma cells inhibit ζ chain expression and the secretion of Tc1/Tc2 type cytokines in CD8+ T cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of ovarian carcinoma cells on ζ chain expression and the secretion of Tc1/Tc2 type cytokine in CD8+ T cells, and its role in the ovarian carcinoma induced immunosuppression.METHODS: The supernatants of human ovarian carcinoma cell lines of OVCAR3, CAOV3 and SKOV3 and RPMI-1640 were added into CD8+ T cells (groups I, II, III, and control), which were isolated from the peripheral venous blood of healthy persons. The expression of ζ chain was analyzed by Western blotting. Thiazolyl blue(MTT) method was used to detect the effects of those cell line supernatants on the growth of CD8+ T cells. The secretion of the Tc1 type cytokine interferon (IFN)-γ mRNA and the Tc2 type cytokine interferon (IL)-10 mRNA were detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS: The expression of ζ chain was significantly lower in groups I, II, and III in comparison with that in control group. The absorbance at the wavelength 570 nm of CD8+ T cells culture in the group I, II, and III was all significantly lower than that in the control group. The IFN-γ expression was significantly lower in groups I, II, and III in comparison with that in control group, while the expression of IL-10 was significantly higher. CONCLUSION: Ovarian carcinoma may suppress CD8+ T cell proliferation and secretion of the Tc1/Tc2 type cytokine through inhibition of ζ chain, which may play an important role in the ovarian carcinoma induced immunosuppression.