Analysis of different mutations in regulatory sequence of prolactin gene during the formation of 17 beta-estradiol-induced prolactinoma in eutopic and ectopic pituitary of rats / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze different mutations in regulatory sequence of prolactin (PRL) gene during the formation of 17 beta-estradiol (E2 ) -induced prolactinoma in eutopic and ectopic pituitary of rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Male Sprague-Dawley rats transplanted with an isologaus pituitary under renal capsule were treated with subcutaneous implantation of an empty or E2-laden silastic capsule. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was employed to evaluate the expression of PRL mRNA in pituitary glands, and DNA sequencing was used to analyze the mutation in regulatory sequence of PRL gene.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treated with E2 for 120 days, both the eutopic and ectopic pituitaries were three times more heavier than those from control group (P < 0. 01) , and the body weight of rats was decreased to 42. 90% of the control group (P < 0 01 ). The PRL mRNA expressions in glands from the eutopic and ectopic pituitaries 120 days after treated with E2 were much more than those in untreated pituitary glands (P <0. 01). DNA sequencing showed seven mutations in the regulatory sequence of PRL gene in the eutopic pituitaries 120 days after treated with E2 , while the mutation in the ectopic pituitaries was decreased.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Prolactinomas can be induced by chronic treatment with E2 in both the eutopic and the ectopic pituitaries transplanted under renal capsule distant from the hypothalamus. Different mechanisms exist in the formation of eutopic and ectopic prolactinomas.</p>

Repairing large alar defects by using a retro-grade auricular flap / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate a retro-grade auricular flap for repairing large alar defects.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-nine adult cadavers were anatomically used for vascular investigation of the frontal, nasal and temporal regions by injecting a dye into the main vessels. Based on the anatomical study in these regions, a retro-grade auricular flap was designed for repairing alar defects in 16 patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The blood supply of the auricle could be nourished by the inner carotid artery system from the supratrachlear artery and supraorbital artery through the frontal arterial anastomotical network into the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery. It is then passing the main trunk of the superficial temporal artery into the ear area through the auricular branches of the superficial temporal artery. The retro-grade auricular island flap could be formed by basing the supratrachlear artery and the supraorbital artery through the vascular network between the superficial temporal artery and the supratrachlear artery or the supraorbital artery. Sixteen patients with large alar defects and half-sized nasal defects were successfully repaired by this technique.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The retro-grade auricular island flap, based on the inner carotid artery system, could be a good and safe flap for repairing a large alar defect or half-sized nasal reconstruction.</p>

Correction of nipple depression by using rhomboid de-epithelialized subcutaneous flaps / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate a new technique by using rhomboid de-epithelialized subcutaneous flaps for correction of congenital nipple depression.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two de-epithelialized subcutaneous flaps were formed in the areola and placed into the base of the nipple after the nipple was elevated by releasing the fibrous tissue between depressed nipple and its base. The base was then tightened to reinforce the protrusion of the nipple and prevent the withdrawal of the nipple.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Nine patients with 17 nipples were successfully treated with above technique between 1993 and 2001. Six patients were followed up for a period from 6 to 18 months. The results were satisfactory regarding to the shape and projection of the nipple. There was no visible scar and decreasing sensation of the nipple. One woman had children after the operation and fed well.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The above mentioned technique may be an effective surgical procedure for correction of nipple depression with the advantages of preserving the lactiferous ducts, no visible scar and obtaining the sufficient protrusion and size of the nipple.</p>