ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: These serial processes for forming male gametes are basically controlled by the programmed expression of a number of stage-specific genes. However, many aspects of the mechanisms of spermatogenesis have remained elusive because of a lack of suitable in vitro or in vivo models.OBJECTIVE: To screen genes involved in spermatogenesis, and to analyze its expression characteristics. METHODS: Testes cDNA samples from Balb/C mice of different postnatal days (4,9,18,35, 54 days and 6 months, respectively) were hybridized with mouse whole genome Affymetrix chip to screen the testis-ralated genes. The characteristics of the selected genes were analyzed by various bioinformatics tools. RT-PCR was used here to identify the expression of the selected genes in mice testis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The Affymetrix chip probe of mouse Tpap was graduated higher expression with developmental stages of mouse testis. The scaling hybridization signal intensities of the tested testis on days 4, 9,18, 35, 54, and 6 months of postnatal were 4.4 (Absent expression, A), 12.9 (A), 262.4 (Present expression, P), 1136.7 (P), 1617.5 (P) and 1128 (P),respectively. These results indicated that the expression of mouse Tpap wasn't detected on days 4 and 9, but was detected on days 18, 35, 54, and 6 months of mouse testis in our Affymetrix chip analysis. By combination with the RT-PCR analysis of mouse Tpap, we observed mouse Tpap began to express at the age of day 18 in mouse. Tpap is an age-dependent gene in mouse testis.The expression of Tpap corresponds to the appearance of spermatids of mice and indicates that Tpap may have an important role in male mammalian spermatogenesis.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the correlation between vesicoureteral reflux (VUR),age,and bladder catecholamine content in rats. Methods Forty-five Long-Evans rats were divided into three groups: fifteen were babies,fifteen were adults,and fifteen were old retired breeder rats. The animals were placed in a supine position,the peritoneal cavity was opened, both ureters were exposed to be observed under the Zess model surgical microscope.A TelcoTm striped 24 G 3/4 in.I.V.catheter placement unit was punctured into the vertex of the urinary bladder.The needle was then withdrawn and the bladder was emptied.The bladder pressure was subsequently monitored by means of a Beckman polygraph via a Bentley physiological pressure transducer.The Teflon catheter was also connected with an infusion withdrawal pump (Haverd type 936). The connective tube was warmed with a simple light bulb. Methylene blue solution (10 mg+19 ml saline) was used as a developing dye at an infusion rate of 0.116ml/min. Likewise,both ureters and the urethral orifice were carefully observed.The pressures at reflux,the pressure at leakage point were recorded.The bladder catecholamine contents were determined with a radioenzymatic assay. Results None of the baby rats showed reflux, 60%(9/15)adult rats had VUR.Dopamine and epinephrine contents were higher in baby rats and decreased as the animal aged. Conclusions High levels of dopamine and epinephrine at weaning stage could compensate to prevent VUR before nerve maturity.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the clinical outcomes of intravesical instillation of resiniferatoxin (RTX) for the treatment of overactive bladder(OAB). Methods 30 patients (28 females and 2 males) included in the study.The mean age was 39 years (range,21 to 60 years).The mean course of the illness was 6.9 years (range,2 to 30 years).The voiding diaries of pretreatment showed that frequency at day time varied from 9 to 26 times with a mean of 15.0 times;frequency at night ranged from 3 to 13 times with a mean of 6.4 times.Of the 12 patients undergoing cystoscopy 10 had chronic inflammation in both mucous and submucous.Based on biopsy 1 case was pathologically diagnosed as glandulous cystitis,2 as interstitial cystitis,and others as chronic inflammation.100 ml of RTX at a concentration of 100 nmol/L was intravesically instillated in all the patients and was retained within the bladder for 30 minutes. Results RTX instillation had no vesical irritation and other adverse effects,and no local anesthesia was required.The symptoms were improved immediately in all the patients after 1 day of RTX intervention.The decreases in both diurnal (5 to 15 times,mean 8.9 times) and nocturnal (0 to 5 times,mean 3.0 times) frequencies were significant(P