Learning and Memory Capacity and NMDA Receptor Expression in Shen Deficiency Constitution Rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore material bases and neurobiological mechanisms of "Shen storing will" by observing learning and memory capacities and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor expressions in Shen deficiency constitution (SDC) rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 40 SD rats were randomly divided into the model group, the Zuogui Pill (ZP) group, the Yougui Pill (YP) group, the blank control group (consisting of normal pregnant rats), 10 in each group. SDC young rat model (inherent deficiency and postnatal malnutrition) was prepared by the classic way of "cat scaring rat". Medication started when they were scared by cat. Rats in the ZP group and the YP group were administered by gastrogavage with ZP suspension 0.1875 g/mL and YP suspension 0.0938 g/mL respectively. Equal volume of normal saline was administered to rats in the blank control group and the model group by gastrogavage. All medication was given once per day, 5 days in a week for 2 consecutive months. Learning and memory capacities were detected by Morris water maze test. Expressions of NMDA receptor subunits NR2A and NR2B in hippocamus were detected by immunohistochemical method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the blank control group, the latency period, total distance in Morris water maze test were longer in the model group (P < 0.05). All the aforesaid indices all decreased in the ZP group and the YP group, with statistical difference when compared with the model group (P < 0.05). The protein expressions of NR2A and NR2B in hippocamus were lower in the model group than in the blank control group (P < 0.05). But when compared with the model group, they were obviously higher in the ZP group and the YP group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>SDC rats had degenerated learning and memory capacities and lowered NMDA receptor expressions. ZP and YP could up-regulate learning and memory capacities and NMDA receptor expressions, thereby improving deterioration of brain functions in SDC rats.</p>

310 cases of thymectomy for myasthenia gravis / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the clinical characteristics and long-term outcome of 310 cases of thymectomy for myasthenia Gravis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The data of 310 patients with thymectomy were analyzed retrospectively to study the patient selection, operative techniques, perioperative management and results for myasthenia Gravis. Absolute and relative scores for clinical evaluation were used as the criteria to determine the therapeutic effects of thymectomy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were no operative death and postoperative complication rates were 8.7% (27/310). The extra anatomic thymic tissue was found in up to 38.7% (120/310) patients and thymus hyperplasia occurred in 92.9% (288/310) cases. 92.6% (287/310) postoperative patients were followed up for 3 or more months; the percentage of patients being remitted, essentially remitted, significantly effective, effective and non-effective were 7.1% (22/310), 11.3% (35/310) 40.0% (124/310), 27.1% (84/310), 7.1% (22/310) respectively. The total long-term effective rate was 85.5% (265/310). The effective rate for type I, IIa, IIb, III, IV was 90.9% (20/22), 97.6% (40/41), 95.3% (162/170), 80.6% (29/36), 77.8% (14/18) respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Generalized typed and properly selected recurrent ocular-typed patients with Myasthenia Gravis undergoing extensive thymectomy would have good long-term outcomes.</p>