ABSTRACT
Abstract Objective To explore whether Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate (cAMP)-Epac1 signaling is activated in 1-Desamino-8-D-arginine-Vasopressin-induced Endolymphatic Hydrops (DDAVP-induced EH) and to provide new insight for further in-depth study of DDAVP-induced EH. Methods Eighteen healthy, red-eyed guinea pigs (36 ears) weighing 200-350 g were randomly divided into three groups: the control group, which received intraperitoneal injection of sterile saline (same volume as that in the other two groups) for 7 consecutive days; the DDAVP-7d group, which received intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/mL/kg DDAVP for 7 consecutive days; and the DDAVP-14d group, which received intraperitoneal injection of 10 μg/mL/kg DDAVP for 14 consecutive days. After successful modeling, all animals were sacrificed, and cochlea tissues were collected to detect the mRNA and protein expression of the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP-1 and 2 (Epac1, Epac2), and Repressor Activator Protein-1 (Rap1) by Reverse Transcription (RT)-PCR and western blotting, respectively. Results Compared to the control group, the relative mRNA expression of Epac1, Epac2, Rap1A, and Rap1B in the cochlea tissue of the DDAVP-7d group was significantly higher (p< 0.05), while no significant difference in Rap1 GTPase activating protein (Rap1gap) mRNA expression was found between the two groups. The relative mRNA expression of Epac1, Rap1A, Rap1B, and Rap1gap in the cochlea tissue of the DDAVP-14d group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p< 0.05), while no significant difference in Epac2 mRNA expression was found between the DDAVP-14d and control groups. Comparison between the DDAVP-14d and DDAVP-7d groups showed that the DDAVP-14d group had significantly lower Epac2 and Rap1A (p< 0.05) and higher Rap1gap (p < 0.05) mRNA expression in the cochlea tissue than that of the DDAVP-7d group, while no significant differences in Epac1 and Rap1B mRNA expression were found between the two groups. Western blotting showed that Epac1 protein expression in the cochlea tissue was the highest in the DDAVP-14d group, followed by that in the DDAVP-7d group, and was the lowest in the control group, showing significant differences between groups (p< 0.05); Rap1 protein expression in the cochlea tissue was the highest in the DDAVP-7d group, followed by the DDAVP-14d group, and was the lowest in the control group, showing significant differences between groups (p< 0.05); no significant differences in Epac2 protein expression in the cochlea tissue were found among the three groups. Conclusion DDAVP upregulated Epac1 protein expression in the guinea pig cochlea, leading to activation of the inner ear cAMP-Epac1 signaling pathway. This may be an important mechanism by which DDAVP regulates endolymphatic metabolism to induce EH and affect inner ear function. Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence Level 5.
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Objective To explore the anatomical morphology of femoral trochlear groove and the difference between normal males and females.Methods Eighty healthy volunteers were recruited,including 42 males and 38 females with an average age of 36.2 years (range,21-55 years).All the volunteers without knee unstabilization,pain and wound.CT scan of right femurs were performed and 3-D model were reconstructed.The anatomical parameters of right femoral trochlear groove were measured,which included transepicondylar axis,medial and lateral length of trochlear groove,medial and lateral condylar height,sulcus angle,depth of trochlear groove,transcondylar axis,anterior femoral condylar angle,trochlear groove position,and then compared the morphologic difference of trochlear groove between males and females.Results The average width of transepicondylar axis was 79.21±3.80 mm for males and 70.73±2.91 mm for females (t=-53.40,P=0.00).The minimum sulcus angle was acquired at 45° flexion for males and 42° flexion for females.It was 133.92°±4.76° for males and 132.71°±4.36° for females.The maximum length of transepicondylar axis was acquired at 87° flexion for males and 90° flexion for females.It was 42.36±3.48 mm for males and 39.03 ±3.36 mm for females.The anterior femoral condylar angle decreased with the increasing flexion angle of knee (P＞0.05).The position of the trochlear groove moved laterally with the increasing flexion angle of knee (P＞0.05).Conclusion There is no significant difference between male and female in the geometry of femoral trochlear groove,however there is a significant difference in sizes.Therefore,during design the knee prosthesis,close approximation of size is essential,while gender differences in morphology need not be considered a factor.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To develop a HPLC method for determining the content of protopine in Corydalis racemose.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Analysis was performed on a Gemini C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) eluted with acetonitrile-water containing 0.8% triethylamine and 3% acetic acid acetum (20:80) as the mobile phase. The flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1). The detection wavelength was 289 nm.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The average content of protopine in Herb of Racemose Corydalis was 0.905%. The calibration curve of protopine was linear between 0.124-1.36 microg (r = 0.9999). The average recovery was 98.49% with RSD 1.9%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This method is simple, reproducible and can be used to determine the content of protopine in C. racemose.</p>