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The ultrastructure and surface architecture of megakaryocytes (MK) were examined in 19 children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), the stereological parameters of alpha granules were computed. Transmission electron microscopy revealed vacuolization of cytoplasma of MKs, decrease in the number of alpha granules and degeneration of mitochondria. The granular MKs of chronic ITP appeared to be focal distribution of demarcation membrane system (DMS) in two cases with formation of large membrane complex. Staining with tannic acid indicated vesicular, tubular and cisternal dilation of DMA. Rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex were much more abundant than in normal MKs. In 5 cases of ITP, we found emperipolesis of hematopoietic cells within MKs. Under scanning electron microscopy many MKs showed complex surface processes including crowded blebs, villi and giant irregular projections. Occasionally perforations on the surface membrane could be seen. Stereological analysis showed that the Nv, Vv, and Sv of alpha granules of both acute and chronic ITP were markedly decreased as compared with normal control (P < 0.001), and the Nv of acute ITP was notably less than that of chronic ITP (P < 0.05). However the S/V, M.DIAM. and M. VOL. were no significant difference among normal control, acute and chronic ITP (P > 0.05).

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Copyright of Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research / Zhongguo Zuzhi Gongcheng Yanjiu is the property of Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Edulis Fungi is the property of Acta Edulis Fungi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Morchella mushrooms are edible and medicinal mushrooms appreciated worldwide. Since 2012, the scale of morel artificial cultivation has been increasing year after year in China. However, the instability of morel cultivation has been frustrating morel farming. The industrial instability may be closely related to the imperfection of strain evaluation system of cultivating suitability and the resulted implication of poor quality and unstable spawns in practical cultivation. Compared with most mushrooms belonging to Basidiomycota, the ascomycetes of morels own special characteristics in species diversity, deletion of mating type genes, and rapid strain aging, which put forward special request for systematic detection of relevant characteristics in cultivated strains. Based on long-term fundamental research and practical experiences, an IMV evaluation system of cultivating suitability for productive strains of Morchella mushrooms, including identity recognition, detection of mating types and assay of vitality, was proposed in this paper. The technological necessity and the detailed procedure were sorted out. Given the application of the evaluation system in field cultivation in two seasons, the potential morel productive strains may be scientifically and systematically screened and assessed to confirm the use of suitable strains in cultivation, which will strengthen the stability of morel cultivation, and thus promote the sustainable and stable development of morel industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To study the clinical manifestations, imaging and pathological features, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of spindle cell oncocytoma. Methods and Results A 59-year-old man presented with one year history of blurred vision, lags in response and fatiguability. Head MRI showed a mass at the sellar region. Histological examination showed the tumor was mainly composed of spindle cells arranged in fascicularis or irregularity with abundant eosinophilic granular cytoplasm and oval or short spindle nuclei without typical mitotic activity. Infiltration of scattered lymphocytes was observed in the stroma. Immunohistochemical staining showed partial tumor cells were immunoreactive to thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) in nuclei, anti-mitochondria antibody (AMA), S-100 protein (S-100), Galectin-3 and vimentin (Vim) in cytoplasm. Ki - 67 labeling index was 3%. The final diagnosis was spindle cell oncocytoma in sellar region. The patient presented rapid loss of vision 2 months after surgery. Reexamined MRI showed a mass at the sellar region, and the patient was treated by radiotherapy. During the 10-month follow-up, the vision was not recovered, and the tumor was still existed. Conclusions Spindle cell oncocytoma is a rare benign tumor in the sellar region, which is considered as WHO grade I tumor. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of various sellar region lesions. Complete removal of tumor is important to prevent tumor recurrence. For patients who achieved partial resection, postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we report a case of leukocyte chemotactic factor 2 (LECT2)-associated renal amyloidosis (ALect2) in our hospital. A 68-year-old male presented with massive proteinuria, hematuria, and hypertension. The renal function was normal. Light microscopy of the renal biopsy revealed glomeruli ,interstitium and arteriole with amorphous pink acellular deposits on hematoxylin and eosin stain. The deposits were strongly stained for Congo red and presented apple green birefringence viewed with polarized light. Ultrastructural examination revealed nonbranching fibrils (diameters ranging from 8 nm to 12 nm) distributed in glomerular mesangium, subendothelia and renal interstitium. Immunohistochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy using a polyclonal anti-LECT2 antibody showed that the amyloid deposits and the fibrils were stained positively. ALect2 presented proteinuria,with or without acute/chronic renal dysfunction clinically and all compartments of the kidney were involved.

Objective: To investigate the histopathological features of primary restrictive cardiomyopathy (PRCM)., Methods: Nine extransplanted hearts from heart transplantation recipients were examined. Gross and histopathological findings were observed, photographed and final pathological diagnosis was compared to clinical diagnosis. The myocardial ultrastructure changes were determined using transmission electron microscopy., Results: The hallmark pathologic feature of PRCM was distinguished by myocardial cell degeneration and hyperplastic collagen fibrils around the myocardial cells.Fibrosis was severer in left ventricle free wall than in ventricular septum and right ventricle. The degree of myocardial cell degeneration and poloidal disorder were severer in patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF) than in patients with preserved EF. Transmission electron microscope evidenced severe interstitial fibrosis, myofibrillar changes of sarcomere structure, abnormalities both on intercalated disc number and distribution., Conclusions: PRCM is characterized by hyperplastic collagen fibrils around the cardiomyocytes. Fibrosis is severer in left ventricle than in right ventricle. Sarcomere dysplasia is the main cause of PRCM, and ultrastructural examination is helpful for PRCM diagnosis.

Objective: To detect possible relationship between genetic defect within the gene encoding member A3 of the ATP Binding Cassette family (ABCA3) and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS), thus to understand the genetic mechanisms of NRDS in Han ethnic group., Method: The clinical data of 11 cases with NRDS hospitalized in neonatal intensive care unit was investigated. Blood samples were collected from 11 cases with NRDS and 97 unassociated normal individuals. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA direct sequencing were performed to screen all exons and their flanking introns of ABCA3 gene for mutation analysis in 11 cases with NRDS. If a new missense variation was identified, single strand conformation polymorphism analysis was performed in 97 healthy controls. Lung tissue sample from a case who died 12 hours after birth was examined with light microscopy and electron microscopy., Result: Three missense genetic variants in exons, which include c. 2169 G > A (p.M723I), c. 1010 T > G (p.V337G), c. 4972 A > G (p.S1658G), one splice junction site variation (Exon 30 + 2 T/G), several unreported polymorphism sites [213 C > T(p.F71F), exon 21 + 34C/T] and reported polymorphism site (p.F353F) were identified on ABCA3 gene coding region in 11 case. The homozygous variation (c.2169G > A), which was in exon 17 and causes an M723I amino acid change, was found in the case who died 13 hours after birth, but not detected in 97 controls, indicating that this variation is indeed a mutation and not a polymorphism. In the case carrying c.2169G > A, ultrastructural examination of the alveolar type II cells with electron microscopy demonstrated abnormally small and dense lamellar body with eccentrically distributed electron dense substance., Conclusion: Genetic variants within ABCA3 may be the genetic cause of or a contributor to some unexplained refractory NRDS. Identification of ABCA3 genetic variant in NRDS infants is important to establish appropriate management and evaluation of treatment options, as well as to offer genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.

Objective: To investigate the effect of heme oxygenase/carbon monoxide (HO-1/CO) system on lipid deposition at aortic intima and the mechanism involved in hyperlipidemic rabbits., Methods: Totally 32 rabbits, were divided into four groups. One group as control. Three groups for the following treatments: 1.5% cholesterol ration (Ch group, n = 8); 1.5% cholesterol ration plus HO-1 inducer hemin (Hm group, n = 8); and instead of hemin, the HO-1 inhibitor, zinc protoporphyrin IX (Zn group, n = 8) was given by injection into the abdominal cavity. Experiments were lasted for 12 weeks. Rabbit aortas were then isolated as the samples for histopathologic and ultrastructural examination. The protein expressions of HO-1 and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were investigated by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis., Results: Comparing with the Ch group, rabbits of the Hm group showed a remarkably less extent of lipid deposition at the aortic intima [(17.9 ± 3.0)% vs (54.0 ± 4.2)%], and rabbits of the Zn group had a marked extent of lesion development [(61.1 ± 3.5)%]. Lipid deposition, endothelial damage and neo-intimal formation were less severe in rabbits of the Hm group than those in the Zn or Ch group, respectively. Comparing with the control group, rabbits of the Ch group showed a significant decrease of aortic NO production and cNOS activity. However, there were an enhancement of CO production and HO-1 activity (P < 0.01). Compared with Ch group, rabbits of the Hm group showed a remarkable elevation of aortic HO activity and CO production, whereas rabbits of the Zn group showed a marked decrease of both parameters. Compared with the Ch group, rabbits of the Hm group demonstrated a marked reduction of aorta ET-1 expression, whereas Zn group had a significantly higher ET-1 expression., Conclusions: Modulation of HO-1/CO system may improve vascular endothelial function and inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation in hypercholesterolemic rabbits, likely through a compensatory mechanism and a reduction of ET-1 expression, eventually leading to an inhibition of atherosclerotic plaque development.

Objective: To study the pathologic features and immunophenotype of 3 cases of melanotic epithelioid clear cell tumor of kidney., Methods: More than 2000 cases of renal tumors were retrospectively reviewed. Three cases of melanotic epithelioid clear cell tumor were identified. Immunohistochemical study was carried out using the paraffin-embedded tissue samples. Electron microscopy was also performed in 1 case., Results: Amongst the 3 cases studied, the male-to-female ratio is 1:2. Histologically, 2 cases showed a clear cell carcinoma-like pattern. Papillary structures covered by clear cells and eosinophilic cells were observed in 1 case. Immunohistochemical study showed that the tumor cells in all cases expressed HMB 45. Two of them were also positive for Melan A. The staining for epithelial markers and S-100 protein was negative. Melanosomes were not identified by ultrastructural examination., Conclusions: Melanotic epithelioid clear cell tumor is a rarely seen neoplasm of kidney. There are some histologic overlaps with renal cell carcinoma, epithelioid angiomyolipoma and melanoma. Immunohistochemical study is useful in confirming the diagnosis. The tumor represents a morphologic variant of epithelioid angiomyolipoma.

Objective: To study the clinicopathologic features, immunophenotype and ultrastructural features of sinonasal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMT)., Methods: The clinical and histologic features of 5 cases of sinonasal IMT were reviewed. Immunohistochemical study for vimentin, MSA, SMA, calponin, h-caldesmon, desmin, ALK, fibronectin, CK, S-100 and Ki-67 was carried out. Ultrastructural examination was also performed in two of the cases., Results: The patients age ranged from 28 to 62 years (mean = 43 years). The male-to-female ratio was 2:3. The clinical presentation included nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, nasal bleeding, facial pain, facial swelling, toothache and tear overflow. All of the 5 patients suffered from disease relapses; and 4 of them had recurrences for more than 5 times. One patient had lymph node metastasis and 3 patients died of the disease. Histologically, the tumor cells were arranged in interlacing fascicles and sometimes haphazard in fashion. They were spindly in shape, cytoplasm eosinophilic with mild nuclear atypia and a low mitotic activity. The intervening stroma was myxoid in appearance accompanied by lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration, abundant blood vessels and focal collagenized areas. In 3 of the recurrent cases, the tumor cells displayed increased nuclear atypia and mitotic activity (average about 5 to 6 per 10 high-power fields), accompanied by patchy necrosis, less inflammatory cell infiltration and focal sarcomatous changes. Immunohistochemical study showed that the tumor cells were diffusely positive for vimentin. SMA, MSA, calponin and fibronectin were variably expressed. Desmin was weakly positive in 1 case. The staining for h-caldesmon, ALK, S-100 and CK was negative. The Ki-67 proliferation index increased with tumor recurrences. Electron microscopy revealed abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum and dense body formation in the cytoplasm. There were an increased amount of collagen fibers in the stroma., Conclusions: IMT rarely occurs in nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. The tumor is prone to local invasion and recurrences, with subsequent progression to frank malignancy and distant metastasis, resulting in high mortality and poor prognosis. Complete surgical resection remains the main modality of treatment.

Objective: To investigate the generative or regenerative hair cell and studies of molecular and genetic in the inner ear, the long-term culture systems of utricular sensory epithelial cell of the rats were established., Method: Utricular sensory epithelial of postnatal day 1 rats was isolated by mechanical dissociation. The explants were digested by thermolysin,then transferred to an aliquot containing trypsin and collagenase for incubation to harvest the pure utricular sensory epithelial cell. USEC wes cultured in Dulbecco modified Eagle medium (DMEM) and passaged. USEC of the 25 passages observed by inverted microscope and ultrastructural examination with transmission electron microscope. Immunocytochemical method with cytokeratin 18, vimentin, Brn3. a and Calretinin; reverse transcription PCR with mRNA of AchRa9 and Myosin VII a. The markers of hair cells were used identify the characterization of USEC of the 25 passages., Result: USEC have been cultured for more than 6 months and passaged 25 passages. USEC of the 25 passages showed a large,flat,polygonal epithelial morphotype with big,round nuclei. The cells grew into monolayer,"cobblestone-like" appearance and showed "Dome" formation. The cells expressed cytokeratin 18, not expressed vimentin, has rich microvilli and complex tight junction, which indicated the epithelial origination of USEC. Coexpressed of the hair cell characteristic markers Brn3. a, Calretinin and mRNA of AchRa9, Myosin VIIa was identified the culture cell that may represent rat progenitor hair cell., Conclusion: The long-term culture systems of utricular sensory epithelial cell of the rats were successfully established. The long-term culture USEC coexpressed the characteristic markers of the hair cell ,which identified the culture cell may represent progenitor cell of rats hair cell. It may provide valuable cell sources for in-depth investigation the mechanisms of hair cell generation or regeneration and studies of molecular and genetic in the inner ear.

Objective: To investigate the diaphragmatic contractile function and mitochondrial ultrastructure in rats with acute lung injury., Methods: Twenty-eight Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were allocated randomly into three groups: a control group (n = 10), a lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxins) 4 h group (n =9) and aLPS 24 h group (n =9). Diaphragmatic samples were taken at 4 h and 24 h after 100 microg/kg LPS was instilled into the trachea of the rats. Normal saline (0.5 ml/kg) was instilled in the control group. Then the contractile function of the diaphragmatic samples, including the peak twitch tension, frequency depended force and fatigue index (FI), was tested in vitro. The diaphragmatic ultrastructure was also measured by electron microscopy. SPSS version 15.0 was used for statistical analysis. Data were presented as x +/- s, and means were compared with analysis of variance., Results: The diaphragmatic force-generating capacity and peak twitch tension in LPS4 h group [(3.4 +/- 1.9); (0.9 +/- 0.4) N/cm2 ] decreased significantly compared to the control group [(6.7 +/- 4.3); (2.2 +/- 1.7) N/cm2, F = 3.59 and 3.78 respectively, P <0.05], but a marked recovery was observed in LPS 24 h group [(4.1 +/- 1.2) and (1.2 +/- 0.7) N/cm), P <0.05]. The FI was also reduced remarkably in LPS 4 h and LPS 24 h adL group (0.07 +/- 0.06; 0.12 +/- 0.07) compared to the control group (0.26 +/- 0.14, F = 9.27, P < 0.01. Ultrastructural examination showed mitochondria derangement at LPS 4 h and LPS 24 h groups, including swollen mitochondria with abnormal cristae, and disrupted external membrane of mitochondria., Conclusion: Diaphragmatic contractile force-generating capacity decreased remarkably in rats treated with 100 microg/kg LPS, and the diaphragm was susceptible to developing fatigue. These changes may result in respiratory failure.

Objective: To further investigate the mechanisms of hair cell generation or regeneration, the primary culture systems of cochlear sensory epithelial cell (CSEC) of rats were established., Method: Cochlear sensory epithelial (containing the organ of Corti) of postnatal day 1 (P1) rats was isolated by mechanical dissociation. The explants were grown on sterilized disposable plastic dishes,cultured in Dulbecco modified Eagle medium(DMEM), and observed daily by inverted microscopy. The culture medium was changed twice a week. The pure CSEC was harvested by the limiting dilution method. CSEC was identified by immunocytochemical method with cytokeratin 18, vimentin, Brn3. a, Calretinin, BrdU and ultrastructural examination with transmission electron microscopy. The markers of epithelial cell and the markers of hair cell were used to identify the origin and character of CSEC. CSEC mitotic division was detected by BrdU staining of nuclear DNA., Result: The fresh explants were light yellow. The morphology of CSEC couldn't be seen clearly under the inverted microscope because of the complex structures of cochlear sensory epithelial. CSEC grew out of the explants usually at 2nd culture day. Fibroblast like cells (FLC) around the CSEC grew faster than CSEC, but could easily be excluded. Pure CSEC may grow into monolayer with 'cobblestone-like' appearance and show a large, flat, polygonal epithelial morphotype with big, round nuclei. Some cells showed 'Dome' formation, probably due to fluid collection underneath the cell monolayer. The culture CSEC coexpressed cytokeratin 18 and vimentin has rich microvilli and complex tight junction,which indicated the epithelial origination of CSEC. Coexpressed of the Brn3. a and Calretinin of the hair cell characteristic markers suggested the culture cell may represent rat progenitor hair cell. BrdU staining showed CSEC produced new hair cell-like cell (progenitor hair cell) by the mitotic division., Conclusion: The primary culture systems of cochlear sensory epithelial cell of rats were successfully established in vitro. CSEC coexpressed the characteristic markers of the immature hair cell,which identified the culture cell may represent progenitor cell of rats hair cell. It may be a suitable model for in-depth investigation the molecular mechanisms of hair cell generation or regeneration.

Objective: To study the histopathologic features, differential diagnosis and prognosis of epithelioid angiomyolipoma (EAML) of kidney., Methods: Two cases of EAML (including one case with recurrence) of kidney were retrieved from the archival files of Departments of Pathology, Navy General Hospital of PLA and Health Science Center of Peking University. The clinicopathologic features, immunohistochemistry, ultrastructural findings and follow-up data were studied and literature reviewed., Results: Histologically, the tumors were predominantly composed of epithelioid cells with marked cellular pleomorphism. Focal perivascular arrangement was seen. Hemorrhage and necrosis were present and tumor emboli were found in the venous structures. The renal hilar lymph nodes were also involved by tumor cells. Immunohistochemical study showed that the tumor cells (including those in the hilar lymph nodes) were strongly and diffusely positive for HMB45, smooth muscle actin, neuron-specific enolase and vimentin. They were focally positive for S-100 protein, melan-pan and CD68. The staining for epithelial membrane antigen, AE1/3, CK7, CD117, muscle-specific actin, desmin, leukocyte common antigen, CD20, CD45RO, CD30, CD15, chromogranin A, synaptophysin, bcl-2, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and p53 were negative. Ultrastructural examination revealed the presence of melanosome-like dense granules, myofilaments and dense bodies in the tumor cell cytoplasm. Discontinuous and focally thickened basal lamina was seen surrounding the tumor cells. On follow up, both patients remained well and disease-free 10 months after operation., Conclusions: EAML is predominantly or almost entirely composed of epithelioid cells. Perivascular cellular arrangement, focal features of otherwise classic angiomyolipoma, as well as coexpression of HMB-45 and smooth muscle actin are clues to the correct diagnosis. The degree of cytologic atypia, presence of hemorrhage and necrosis and high mitotic activity may indicate the malignant potential of this tumor. On the other hand, the presence of lymph node involvement and even tumor emboli in renal veins may represent multifocaltumorigenicity rather than true malignancy. Definitive evidence of malignancy requires demonstration of distant metastasis.

Objective: To study the effects of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) on the vascular morphology, and endothelial function using experimentally induced hypercholesterolemic pigs., Methods: Thirty five male pigs were randomly divided into three groups: 7 normal control animals, 11 hypercholesterolemic animals, and 17 hypercholesterolemic animals receiving EECP. Serum cholesterol was measured. The coronary arteries and aortas were sampled for histopathologic and ultrastructural examination. The NF-kappaB protein expression of porcine coronary arteries was investigated by immunofluorescence., Results: Compared with the normal controls, serum cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the hypercholesterolemic animals with or without EECP. The plaque/intimal area ratio of the aorta decreased significantly in animals receiving EECP [(3.33 +/- 2.40)%, versus (12.03 +/- 7.12)% in those without EECP, P < 0.05]. Lipid deposition, endothelial damage and proliferation of smooth muscle cells were less severe in animals receiving EECP than those not. Moreover, activation and expression of NF-kappaB also decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in animals receiving EECP., Conclusions: EECP improves the morphology and function of vascular endothelium, and retards the development and progression of atherosclerosis, likely through the inhibition of NF-kappaB signaling pathway.

Objectives: To study the feasibility and possibility to diagnose Wilson disease with electronmicroscopical examination of liver biopsies., Methods: Clinical analysis, histological observation and ultrastructural examination were performed on 15 children with Wilson disease., Results: All 15 subjects had symptoms of hepatic disorders, such as jaundice. Morphological signs of hepatocyte injury in three phase, namely steatosis, mitochondrion changes and cholestasis in bile canaliculi of the early phase, nucleus injury, dilation of endoplasmic reticulum, increase of lysosomes and appearance of residual bodies of the second phase, and massive autophagy and cirrhosis of the late phase were shown. A few inflammatory cells in the liver specimens were observed. Accumulation of copper in lysosomes and autophagosomes was found by energy-dispersion X-ray., Conclusion: The diagnostic signs for Wilson disease are autophagosomes in hepatocytes, cirrhosis accompanied with a few of inflammatory cells. A certain diagnosis of the disease depends on the finding of copper accumulation in hepatocytes.

Objective: To detect the gene mutation of a family with piebaldism., Methods: Diagnosis of a patient with piebaldism was constructed by pathology, ultrastructural examination and typical clinical-phenotype. Detection of gene mutation was carried out by PCR and DNA sequencing., Results: G 2528A substitution transition in the KIT gene was found in the proband of the family with piebaldism. This mutation resulted in S850N substitution in protein product of KIT gene. No mutation was found in 100 normal individuals and other family members., Conclusion: The mutation of S850N maybe one cause of clinical phenotype of the family with piebaldism.

Objective: To detect gene mutation in proband and his mother from a family with piebaldism., Methods: Diagnosis of a patient with piebaldism was validated by pathology, ultrastructural examination and the typical clinical manifestation. PCR and DNA sequencing were carried out to detect gene mutation of a family with piebaldism., Results: G1833A transition in the KIT gene was found in the proband of the family with piebaldism. This mutation resulted in V604I substitution in KIT gene. No mutation was found in 100 normal individuals and other family members., Conclusion: The mutation of V604I is the cause of clinical phenotype of the family with piebaldism.

Objective: To study the effects of high level spinal cord injury (SCI) on rat heart, and investigate the role of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in the harmful effects on heart after SCI., Methods: Forty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups of 8 animals each: control group; 4-hour group: 4 th hour after injury to spinal cord at cervical 7 level; 12-hour group: 12 th hour after injury to 7 spinal cord at C7 level; 24-hour group with same injury; 48-hour group and 72-hour group, all with same injury. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), left ventricle systolic pressure (LVSP), and left ventricular maximum velocities of contraction (+/-dp/dt max) were recorded in each group. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK-MB) and ET-1 contents in the myocardium. were also measured. Specimens of the myocardium were harvested for ultrastructure examination with transmission electron microscopy., Results: Hemodynamics variables including HR, MAP, LVSP and+/-dp/dtmax were significantly decreased in all the injury groups compared with that of control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). These variables in 12-hour group showed lowest values among all the groups (all P<0.01). But the values of cardiac enzymes were much higher in five injury groups compared with that of control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ET-1 contents in serum and cardiac tissue raised markedly after the injury was inflicted to the animals (P<0.05), reaching peak at 12 hours (P<0.01). Ultrastructural examination of the myocardial tissue demonstrated that there were mild dissolution of myocardial fibrils and vacuolation of mitochondria at 12 hours after injury., Conclusion: High level SCI could induce myocardial injuries and an excessive production of ET-1 in circulation and myocardial tissue might play a role in myocardial damage after injury of the spinal cord at a high level.

Objective: To evaluate the progression in morphologic changes of lungs in SARS patients., Methods: Four cases of SARS with lung tissue samples available (including one for ultrastructural examination) were enrolled into the study. Histochemical study for VG, Masson, reticulin, orcein, PAS, sirius red stains and immunohistochemical study for vimentin, desmin, smooth muscle actin, HHF-35, CD34, F8, collagen types I and III were also performed., Results: According to the morphologic changes, lung lesions in SARS were subcategorized into 3 phases: acute exudative inflammation, fibrous proliferation and the final fibrotic stage. Two cases belonged to the acute exudative phase, in which the course was less than 20 days. The principal lesions consisted of acute alveolar exudative inflammation, hyperplasia of alveolar epithelium, necrosis, alveolar hyaline membrane formation, alveolar desquamation and focal fibroplasia. The acute exudative protein was PAS-positive. There was an increase in reticulin fiber formation. The reactive fibroblasts were highlighted by desmin and vimentin. One case belonged to the fibroproliferative stage, in which the course was around 25 days. Major lesions included proliferative interstitial pneumonia with early pulmonary fibrosis. There was also evidence of organizing pneumonia, with an increase in reticulin fiber formation, which had a glomeruloid appearance on special stain. The mesenchymal cells showed either myofibroblastic (which expressed desmin, HHF-35, smooth muscle actin and vimentin) or fibroblastic (which expressed vimentin only) differentiation. Fibroelastosis and fibroplasia was also noted. The remaining case belonged to the fibrotic stage, in which the course was around 75 days. The main features included diffuse fibrosis and honeycomb change, which were highlighted by sirius red stain. Immunohistochemistry showed mainly types I and IV collagen fibers. In all lesions, there was also an increase of number of CD68-positive macrophages., Conclusions: The morphologic progression in lungs of SARS patients is characterized by the development of increased fibrosis. The primitive mesenchymal cells, hyperplastic alveolar epithelial cells and macrophages play an important role in the pathogenesis.

Objective: To explore the acting mechanism of electrical field in electrical injury., Methods: Thirty-six New Zealand white rabbits were employed in the study and were randomly divided into 7 groups. There were 12 rabbits in group 1 and 4 in each group of other 6 groups. The animal model of nonthermal electrical injury previously replicated was employed in the study. Experiment with paralleled muscular fibers in electrical field was carried out in groups 2 approximately 4, while that of vertical muscular fibers in electrical field in groups 5-7. Anatomical examination was done to determine the index of deep burn injury (IDBI) in all groups of rabbits at 0, 2 and 24 postburn hour (PBH). Histological and ultrastructural examination, gamma picturing and isotope scanning with 99mTc were done in group 1 at 2 PBH., Results: There was no obvious skin injury in the white rabbits in group 1. Deep tissue necrosis was identified under the small electrode. Constant muscular spasm was observed in the inner side of the thigh. The muscles in paralleled electrical field suffered more severe injury than those in vertical one. Tissue injury was more severe in those areas with higher current density, less soft tissue, and also in the central area of the axis of the electric field. There were obvious changes in the perfusion and blood pool phases in these areas as observed with the aid of 99mTc. Light microscopic examination revealed swelling and necrosis of muscular fibers. Under electron microscopy, it was found that there were edema and dissolution with separation of lipid molecular layers of cell membrane, Shortened nucleus with partial dissolution of nuclear membrane, increased heparin granules within nucleus, swelling of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, myofilament dissolution, expanded gap between myofilament and decreased number of heparin granules., Conclusion: Non-thermal tissue injury in the electrical field, in terms of cell, ultrastructural and molecular levels, was induced and aggravated by all the factors constituting high voltage electrical field.

Objective: To study the preventive effect of Breviscapus Injection on the chronic hypoxic myocardium injury in rats and its mechanism., Methods: Transmission electron microscope and biochemical analysis were used to assay the therapeutic effect of Breviscapus Injection in rat model induced by 4 week's hypoxia., Results: The contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and Ca(2+) in the homogenate of myocardial tissue of the hypoxic rats were significantly higher than those of the control rats. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the homogenate of myocardial tissue and the plasmic NO levels of the hypoxic rats were significantly lower than those of the control rats. Breviscapus Injection reduced the contents of MDA and Ca(2+), and increased the levels of SOD, NOS and NO. Ultrastructural examination revealed that the injuries of the ultrastructure of heart in hypoxic rats were improved by treatment with Breviscapus Injection., Conclusion: Breviscapus Injection can effectively prevent and treat the hypoxia-induced myocardial damage. One of its mechanisms may relate to its adjusting NO level, anti-damaging of free radicals and inhibiting calcium overload.

Aim: To observe the change of cardiovascular endothelium's ultrastructure and its intercellular adhesion molecules-1 (ICAM-1) expression in rat after repetitive high positive acceleration (+ Gz) exposures and further to explore the mechanisms of myocardial injuries induced by high + Gz stress., Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group, + 1Gz group and + 10Gz group (n = 10 for each). The rats of + 10Gz group were exposed to five plateaus at + 10Gz for 30s with + 1Gz 1 min intervals, 3 times a week, for 3 weeks, while rats of + 1Gz group subjected to + 1Gz for 5 mim daily. The control group didn't undergo acceleration stress. The rats were decapitated in the next day after the last centrifuge run and myocardium were immediately dissected from left ventricles for ultrastructural examination using transmission electron microscope and immunohistochemical staining of ICAM-1., Results: The ultrastructural changes of the cardiovascular endothelium were observed in rats of 10Gz group, including endothelium edema and platelet aggregating in lumen of blood vessel. Also, the expression of ICAM-1 in + 10Gz stressed rats increased significantly (P < 0.05). While there was no difference between control group and + 1Gz group in ultrastructure of cardiovascular endothelium and its ICAM-1 expression., Conclusion: The results suggested that repeated high + Gz exposures could injury cardiovascular endothelium of rat and increase ICAM-1 expression, which indicated cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) inducing inflammation took part in myocardial injuries induced by high + Gz stress.

Objective: To explore the possibility of repair of the extensive bile duct injuries with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)., Methods: A total of 36 local healthy hybrid dogs were employed to establish bile duct injury models by means of partial removal of bile duct (group A, 14 dogs), excision of a segmental duct (group B, 10 dogs), and ligation of the lower part of common bile duct(group C, 5 dogs; group D, 7 dogs). Group A were patched with ePTFE mesh, group B replaced by ePTFE tube. Interposition of the grafts between gallbladder and duedenum or jejunum was performed on group C and group D. The animals' postoperative performance status were evaluated. Cholangiography was used to define the patency of bile ducts. Tissues of bile ducts and liver were taken at 3 days, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 52 weeks for microscopic and ultrastructural examination to observe the healing process of bile duct and morphological changes in the liver., Results: Group A with ePTFE patch covered by epithelium had a high patency rate of 75%(9/12) and pathological damages were not found in the liver. The patency rate of group B was merely 40%(4/10), to some extent, accompanying damages in the liver. The grafts of group C and group D were fully expelled, ultimately leading to cystic-duodenal or cystic-jejunal fistulas formation., Conclusion: The study suggests that application of ePTFE patch to repair bile duct defects is feasible.

Objective: The clinicopathological analysis of eight patients with lipid storage myopathy are presented. The pathogeny and therapeutic effect are probed into., Methods: Eight cases of lipid storage myopathy diagnosed by muscle biopsies with microscopic and electron-microscopic examination are analyzed. Quadriceps or biceps were biopsied. Muscle samples were stained with routine histology and histochemical enzyme and inspected by microscopy. Thin sections were stained with uranyl acetate followed by lead citrate prior to examination in a electron microscopy. Also, the therapeutic drugs of eight patients were evaluated., Results: Vacuole or crack of muscular fibers involved all eight patients. Sudan Black B and Oil Red O stains demonstrated increase of lipid droplets within muscle fibers. Ultrastructural examination revealed numerous lipid droplets dispersed throughout the residual myofilaments. Three cases with pathologic changed muscular fibers occupying less than 1/5 were belong to low-grade, two cases (between 1/5 to 1/3) were moderate, three cases (more than 1/2) were severe. There was one case accompanying glycogen storage disease. One case was concomitant with deficiency of cytochrome C oxidase. After prednisone treatment, seven cases had greatly improved and one case failed to respond to. Treatment using vitamin B(2) together with other vitamins brought about a striking effect. Carnitine was very effective on the patients with system deficiency of carnitine., Conclusions: The pathogeny of lipid storage myopathy is varied. The confirmed diagnosis is depend on pathological features of muscle biopsy. Treatment with prednisone, carnitine, vitamins and food containing carnitine rich is very effective. It should be select the special treatment method if the pathogeny is clear.

Objective: To evaluate the nerve regeneration after implantation of chitin tubes containing nerve growth factor(NGF) in the rabbit facial nerve., Methods: Bilateral 8 mm defect of superior buccal divisions of the facial nerves were made in 16 New Zealand rabbits. Chitin tubes containing NGF were implanted into the gaps, and autologous nerves were implanted into the right gaps as control. The nerve regeneration was evaluated with electrophysiological and ultrastructural examination after 8 and 16 weeks of operation., Results: Chitin tubes containing NGF successfully induced the nerve regeneration, regularly arranged myelinated and unmyelinated axons could be observed across the 8 mm gaps, and the myelin sheath was thick with clear lamellar structure at 8 weeks after operation, The regenerated nerve fibers increased and were more mature at 16 weeks after operation. There were no significant difference in electrical impulse conduction velocity through the neural regeneration between the experimental and control sides (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: Chitin tubes containing NGF can provide optimal conditions for regeneration of rabbit facial nerve.

Objective: To observe the effect of Weikangfu Granule (WKFG) on the ultrastructure of gastric mucosa., Methods: WKFG was used to treat 61 patients with gastric mucosa intestinal metaplasia or atypical proliferation, and histopathological and ultrastructural examination on gastric mucosa of antral region obtained through gastroscopy were conducted before and after treatment., Results: After treatment, the histopathology and intestinal metaplasia subset of antral focal region, and the background lesion in ultrastructure of the mucosa in the nonfocal region were all improved in the 4 groups, The effects of Spleen-Qi Deficiency syndrome group and Spleen-Yang Deficiency group were superior to Ying-Deficiency group as well as Spleen-Deficiency and Qi-Stagnation group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and approached to those in the healthy control group., Conclusion: WKFG improves the quantitative balance of internal bioactive substances to maintain the homeostasis, promotes the ultrastructural normalization of mucosa so as to cure the clinical symptoms and reverse the intestinal metaplasia and atypical proliferation of mucosa.

Changes in pathological morphology in the adrenal glomerulosa, the thyroid and pituitary glands in streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetic rats were studied by histologic, ultrastructural examination and morphometry. Experimental diabetes provoked atrophy and retrograde degeneration of organelles in the adrenal zona glomerulosa cells and the thyroid follicular epithelium. In the pituitary of diabetic rats, organelles in thyrotrophs were the same as the controls in morphometry, but TSH release was impaired. These studies indicate that pathological changes in the zone glomerulsa cells and the thyroid of diabetic rats appear to be responsible for the impaired function of these two glands. Moreover, reduced TSH release in the pituitary glands is also associated with impaired function of the thyroid gland.

Structural characteristics of tumor microvascular bed and its reactivity to vasoactive agents were studied by histological and ultrastructural examination and tissue blood flow measurement. The results showed that newly formed vessels in the tumor tissue consisted of a single layer of endothelial cells with multi-layer basement membranes and a few pericytes. Smooth muscle cells and nerve endings were absent. The tissue blood flow in highly proliferative parts of tumors was relatively constant and not influenced by tumor size, even though the distribution of neovasculature in tumor tissue was very uneven in distribution. The only vasoactive agent which can selectively increase the tumor blood flow was angiotensin II, whereas other adrenergic vasoconstrictors did not show this action.

A Langendorff isolated rat heart preparation was used to determine the effect of the metallic chelators, deferoxamine and penicillamine on the extent of myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury. Each heart was subjected to 15-60 minutes of total ischemia at 37 degrees C followed by 15-60 minutes of reperfusion with either saline, deferoxamine (0.61 mmol/L), or penicillamine (30 mmol/L) treated perfusate. Reperfusion injury was assessed by the production of free radicals with electronic spin resonance spectroscopy and spin trap PBN, by the amount of creatine phospholipase released into the perfusate, by the changes in the myocardial vascular resistance, and by pathologic examination of myocardium. The results showed that the drug treated groups released significantly less radical adducts of PBN (P < 0.01) and creatine phosphokinase into the perfusate than the saline treated group (P < 0.01). The mean vascular resistance significantly increased in the saline treated group than in the drug treated groups (P < 0.01). Ultrastructural examination showed prominent attenuation of mitochondrial swelling in drug treated groups in comparison with the saline one. These findings indicated that both deferoxamine and penicillamine can protect the isolated rat heart from ischemia reperfusion injury. The possible mechanism of which is that metallic chelators block the transitional metal-catalyzed fenton reaction, and subsequently decrease the production of hydroxyl radical.

Two cell lines of human pancreatic cancer have been established, which can be successfully transplanted into pancreas of nude mice, the first of this kind of cell lines in China. Fresh specimens human of pancreatic cancer taken surgically were transplanted in the pancreas of pure line BALB/C-nu/nu nude mice. The transplanted tumours grew and reproduced successfully, and were named PINMP-1 and PINMP-2, respectively. So far, 9 generations of PINMP-1 and 6 generations of PINMP-2 were obtained. Their biological properties, ways of invasion and metastasis and morphological characteristics under light and electron microscope were studied. The results showed a 95%-100% transplanting success rate, with the success rate of transplanting from tissues revivified from the liquid nitrogen preservation being 100%. Both of the lines could produce large amount of CEA, and chromosome analysis confirmed that they had retained a karyotype of the human cancer cells. In nude mice transplanted with the tumours, metastasis could be found in the lymph nodes, lungs and livers. Metastasis via lymphatic channels and blood vessels were also demonstrated. The pathological and ultrastructural examination confirmed that the transplanted tumours had identical characteristics as their donor tumours. The transplanted cells grew independently in the pancreas of the nude mice, making a better model for study on tumour invasion and metastasis than subcutaneously transplanted tumours. This indicated that the microenvironment in the transplantation site had certain influence on the biological behavior of the transplanted tumours. The models could be used in the study on the invasion, metastasis and experimental therapy of pancreatic carcinomas.

Twenty cases of pleural mesothelioma (2 localized and 18 diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma), 6 cases of diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma and 1 case of mesothelial hyperplasia were reported. The prominent clinical manifestations of malignant mesothelioma was serosal effusion. The exudate was bloody, mucinous and of high specific gravity. It contained numerous mesothelial cells. The diagnosis is difficult because mesothelial hyperplasia and other malignant tumors may mimic mesothelioma in some clinical aspects. Roentgenography, CT scan, cytology of serosal fluid and biopsy world help to establish the diagnosis of mesothelioma. Immunohistochemical features of 4 cases of mesothelioma is negative immunostaining for carcino embryonic antigen (CEA) and positive for keratin antigen. In one case ultrastructural examination showed characteristic features of epithelial mesothelioma cells. The average survival period in case of chemotherapy and/or surgical intervention in patients of this series was 31.3 months. Mesothelial hyperplasia has rather good prognosis; but the strategy of therapy may be conservative.