[Inhibition effects of wood vinegar on Alternaria panax and Botrytis cinerea].

OBJECTIVE: Less fungicides could be used to biocontrol Alternaria panax and Botrytis cinerea, this experiment can offer preliminary theory for wood vinegar as a botanic fungicide. METHODS: The in vitro inhibition activities of wood vinegar on Alternaria panax and Botrytis cinerea were tested by using mycelial growth rate method and spore germination method. RESULTS: Inhibition of mycelium growth rate to Alternaria panax was 100% when the concentration of wood vinegar was no less than 3.0%, while the inhibition of mycelium growth rate and spore germination rate were 70.68% and 84.47%, respectively, at concentration of wood vinegar 2.25%. Inhibition of mycelium growth rate and spore germination rate to Botrytis cinerea were 100% when the concentration of wood vinegar was no less than 2.25%. CONCLUSION: Wood vinegar concentration of no less than 2.25% can be used as a biocontrol agent of Alternaria panax and Botrytis cinerea, it is useful for the further field trial.

Effects of enalapril on the expression of cardiac angiotensin-converting enzyme and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

BACKGROUND: The discovery of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has greatly modified understanding of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). AIMS: To investigate the cardiac expression of ACE2 and ACE in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and the effects of enalapril on them. METHODS: Fifteen SHRs were randomly assigned to two groups: an SHR control group (n=7), treated with vehicle; and an enalapril group (n=8), treated with enalapril (15 mg/kg/day). After 4 weeks of treatment, the rats were killed and the left ventricular tissue was dissected. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot protein staining were performed to detect expression of ACE2 and ACE messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein. Ten Wistar Kyoto rats (WKYs) served as the normotensive control group, which were treated with vehicle. RESULTS: Compared with in normotensive WKYs, cardiac expression of ACE mRNA and protein in SHRs was increased (1.68±0.34 vs. 0.33±0.12, P<0.05 and 1.21±0.14 vs. 0.71±0.11, P<0.05, respectively), whereas cardiac expression of ACE2 mRNA and protein was decreased (0.50±0.15 vs. 1.16±0.24, P<0.05 and 0.71±0.24 vs. 1.22±0.14, P<0.05, respectively). After treatment with enalapril, the levels of ACE mRNA and protein were decreased (0.44±0.19 vs. 1.68±0.34, P<0.01 and 0.87±0.13 vs. 1.21±0.14, P<0.05, respectively), the level of ACE2 mRNA was increased (1.77±0.49 vs. 0.50±0.15, P<0.05) but the level of ACE2 protein remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: In SHRs, the expression of cardiac ACE was remarkably increased, whereas ACE2 was notably decreased. Reduction of ACE and elevation of ACE2 might be one of the mechanisms underlying the antihypertensive function of enalapril.

[Expression and antigen binding activity of anti-human CD86 diabody].

AIM: To construct a recombinant eukaryotic expression vector of anti-human CD86 diabody gene and express anti-CD86 diabody through Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, then analyze the capability of the diabody to recognize the tumor cells expressing CD86 and its biological effect. METHODS: The antibody heavy and light chain viable region gene (V(H); and V(L);) were cloned from hybridoma cell 1D1 which secreted anti-human CD86 monoclonal antibody. Anti-human CD86 diabody gene V(H);-(GGGGS)-V(L); was constructed by SOE-PCR. Then we inserted it into eukaryotic expression vector to construct a recombinant vector pIRES2-EGFP/CD86-diabody. The recombinant vector was transfected into CHO cells with Lipofectamine(TM); 2000, and the cell clones secreting CD86 diabody were screened by G418. We used IMAC to purify CD86 diabody and quantified its concentration by BCA method. The capability of the diabody to recognize the CD86 expressed on Raji and Daudi was analyzed through flow cytometry. After Raji cells were treated with CD86 diabody for 72 h, its proliferation inhibiting effect was investigated by MTT assay. RESULTS: We have obtained one CHO cell line that stably secreted CD86 diabody. The concentration of CD86 diabody after purification was 5.24 mg/L. The positive rates of CD86 diabody to recognize Raji and Daudi were 77.2% and 70.6%, respectively. After CD86 diabody treatment for 72 h, the inhibition rate of Raji cells was 37%. CONCLUSION: The anti-human CD86 diabody which we obtained successfully could recognize CD86 expressed on tumor cells specifically, and inhibit the proliferation of these tumor cells effectively.

[Effect of CD80-scFv on recognition of CD80 molecule and proliferation of different tumor cells in vitro].

AIM: To prepare CD80-scFv in CHO cells and investigate its effect on the recognition and proliferation of different tumor cells. METHODS: The CD80-scFv was purified from culture supernatant without fetal calf serum (FCS) by IMAC affinity chromatography, and then bound to CD80 molecule on the Daudi, U251, A375 and 8266 cells detected by flow cytometry. Different concentrations of CD80-scFv were added in the training system of different tumor cells, and we analyzed the influence on the proliferation of these cells by MTT assay. With 8266 cells which expressed CD80 highly and were treated by mitomycin firstly as the APC, and human PBMC as the effect cells, we analyzed the influence of the CD80-scFv on the proliferation of PBMC by blocking the co-stimulatory signal. RESULTS: The concentration of CD80-scFv purified from FCS was about 6.67 mg/L and the binding rate of CD80-scFv with Daudi, U251, A375, 8266 and U266 were 96.8%, 39.6%, 20.5%, 99.9% and 3.8%, respectively. CD80-scFv suppressed the proliferation of Daudi and 8266 cells which expressed CD80 highly, and the inhibition rate of Daudi and 8266 cells cultured with CD80-scFv (the final concentration was 25 µg/mL) was 24.04% and 24.16%, respectively. Additionally, the antibody suppressed the proliferation of PBMC by blocking the co-stimulatory signal mediated by CD80-CD28. CONCLUSION: CD80-scFv can recognize CD80 molecule and suppress the proliferation of tumor cells which express CD80 highly.

[Effects of valsartan on myocardial calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-II expression and activity in a rabbit model of heart failure].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of valsartan on myocardial expression and activity of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-II (CaMK II) in a rabbit model of heart failure. METHODS: Rabbits were divided into sham-operated group, heart failure group (volume overload by aortic valve destruction induced aortic insufficiency plus pressure overload induced by abdominal aortic banding) and heart failure plus valsartan (20 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1), n = 9 each). Seven weeks later, echocardiography and hemodynamic examinations were performed and myocardial CaMK II expression and activity were detected by Western blot and CaMK II activity assay kit, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the sham operated rabbits, left ventricular mass index [LVMI (3.61 +/- 0.09) g/kg vs. (1.32 +/- 0.06) g/kg, P<0.05] and end-diastolic pressure [LVEDP (23.00 +/- 2.37) mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) vs. (-1.50 +/- 0.5) mm Hg, P<0.05] were significantly increased while left ventricular shortening fractions [LVFS (17.38 +/- 3.13)% vs. (37.83 +/- 3.58)%, P<0.05] and ejection fraction [LVEF (38.50 +/- 6.07)% vs. (71.92 +/- 4. 56)%, P<0.05] were significantly decreased (all P<0.05) in heart failure rabbits, these changes could be significantly attenuated by valsartan treatment: LVMI [(2.07 +/- 0.14) g/kg vs. (3.61 +/- 0.09) g/kg, P<0.05], LVEDP [(2.17 +/- 0.72) mm Hg vs. (23.00 +/- 2.37) mm Hg, P<0.05], LVFS [(33.83 +/- 2.85)% vs. (17.38 +/- 3.13)%, P<0.05] and LVEF [(64.45 +/- 3.66)% vs. (38.50 +/- 6.07)%, P<0.05]. CaMK II expression (1.45 +/- 0.13 vs 0.89 +/- 0.05, 1.13 +/- 0.12, P<0.05) and activity [(3.54 +/- 0.17) pmol x min(-1) x microg(-1) vs. (2.18 +/- 0.13) pmol x min(-1) x microg(-1), (2.79 +/- 0.14) pmol x min(-1) x microg(-1), P<0.05] in heart failure rabbits were significantly increased than those sham operated rabbits which could be significantly attenuated by valsartan treatment. CONCLUSION: Valsartan improved cardiac function in heart failure rabbits probably via downregulating myocardial CaMK II expression and activity.

[The changes of funny currents in the ventricular myocytes of neonatal rats and adult rats].

AIM: To record funny currents (If) of ventricular myocytes and to analysize hyperpolarization-activated cation channel(HCN) expression in the rats of different ages. METHODS: Fresh ventricular myocytes were isolated from 3 days rats and adult rats.HCN expressions were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(real-time PCR). It was recorded through whole-cell patch clamp. RESULTS: HCN1, HCN2, HCN3, HCN4 mRNA represented 0.23% +/- 0.01%, 83.58% +/- 0.04%, 0.79% +/- 0.01%, 15.44% +/- 0.01% of total HCN mRNA in the neonatal rats, respectively. If was recorded and the threshold for activation was -75 mV. In the adult rat, HCN1, HCN2, HCN3, HCN4 mRNA represented 0.72% +/- 0.02%, 91.58% +/- 0.08%, 0.27% +/- 0.02%, 7.12% +/- 0.02% of total HCN mRNA. The ratio of HCN2 to HCN4 was approximately (13.06 +/- 0.21):1. The threshold for activation of If was approximately -115 mV in the adult rats. CONCLUSION: With the development of rats, the value of If is smaller. The threshold for activation of If is more negative. The ratio of HCN2 to HCN4 is bigger.

[Effects of amiodarone on funny current I(f) channel gene expression in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes].

OBJECTIVE: To analysis the effect of amiodarone on funny current (I(f)) and hyperpolarization-activated cation channel (HCN) gene expressions of the neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. METHODS: Ventricular myocytes of 1 - 3 days-old rats were isolated and cultured. The cardiomyocytes were treated by amiodarone (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 100 micromol/L) for 3 hours or amiodaron (10 micromol/L) for 0, 0.5, 1, 3, 6 hours. The I(f) and HCN 1 - 4 gene expressions were measured through the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) using SYBR Green PCR kit. RESULTS: (1) HCN1, HCN2, HCN3 and HCN4 represented (0.23 +/- 0.01)%, (83.58 +/- 0.04)%, (0.79 +/- 0.01)% and (15.44 +/- 0.01)% of total HCN mRNA, respectively. (2) Amiodaron resulted in a dose-dependent I(f) [(3.1 +/- 0.9)%, (9.7 +/- 2.4)%, (36.7 +/- 5.8)%, (80.3 +/- 1.8)% and (85.9 +/- 3.1)%, respectively at -145 mV, IC(50) (1.32 +/- 0.28) micromol/L], HCN2 [(2.1 +/- 0.8)%, (8.9 +/- 3.6)%, (30.1 +/- 4.2)%, (78.3 +/- 3.6)% and (81.1 +/- 1.9)%, respectively] and HCN4 decrease [(0.5 +/- 0.2)%, (2.1 +/- 2.6)%, (8.8 +/- 3.2)%, (60.1 +/- 4.6)% and (59.6 +/- 6.5)%, respectively]. (3) Amiodaron (10 micromol/L) also induced a time-dependent I(f) [(1.1 +/- 0.1)%, (12.6 +/- 2.3)%, (80.6 +/- 2.2)% and (80.1 +/- 2.1)%, respectively], HCN2 [(1.0 +/- 0.1)%, (9.8 +/- 3.9)%, (82.9 +/- 4.6)% and (83.9 +/- 1.7)%, respectively] and HCN4 decrease [(0.1 +/- 0.1)%, (1.9 +/- 1.1)%, (59.4 +/- 7.8)% and (60.9 +/- 3.1)%, respectively]. However, HCN1 and HCN3 expressions were not affected by amiodaron treatment. CONCLUSION: Current density of I(f) and the expression of HCN2 and HCN4 were decreased by amiodaron which might be the possible antiarrhythmic working mechanisms of amiodaron.

[Effects of metoprolol on cardiac function and myocyte calcium regulatory protein expressions in rabbits with experimental heart failure].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of metoprolol on cardiac function and myocyte calcium regulatory protein expressions in rabbits with heart failure. METHODS: Rabbit heart failure model was established by aortic insufficiency induced volume overload followed 14 days later by pressure overload induced by abdominal aorta constricting (HF, n = 11), another 8 rabbits with heart failure were treated with metoprolol (ME) for 6 weeks, sham-operated rabbits (n = 11) served as control. Cardiac function was measured by echocardiography at the end of study. Caffeine-induced calcium transients of myocytes loaded by Fluo-3/AM were observed under Laser scanning confocal microscope. Calcium regulatory protein expression was determined by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Compared to control animals, the ejection fractions [EF, (45.7 +/- 3.0)% vs. (72. 6 +/- 5.0)%, P < 0.01] and the amplitude of caffeine-induced calcium transients [(16.0 +/- 3.5) FI vs. (43.5 +/- 6.2) FI, P < 0.01] were significantly decreased while its time to peak was significantly prolonged [(129.8 +/- 14.5) s vs. (52.2 +/- 7.4) s, P < 0.01] in HF rabbits. The RyR2 (0.106 +/- 0.007 vs. 0.203 +/- 0.021, P < 0.01) and the ratio of SERCA2a and NCX (1.22 +/- 0.23 vs. 1.96 +/- 0.12, P < 0.01) were also significantly reduced in myocytes of HF rabbits. Metoprolol significantly attenuated the decrease of EF [(60.2 +/- 5.1)%], the amplitude of calcium transient [(32.8 +/- 5.4) FI], the RyR2 expression (0.164 +/- 0.016) and the ratio of SERCA2a and NCX (1.68 +/- 0.17, all P < 0.05 vs. HF rabbits) and attenuated the increase of the time to peak of caffeine-induced calcium transients [(91.4 +/- 10.9) s, P < 0.05 vs. HF rabbits]. CONCLUSION: Metoprolol could improve the cardiac function possibly by preventing the alterations of calcium regulatory proteins and increasing calcium transients in failing heart.

[Pacemaker current gene expression of rat mesenchymal stem cells and identification of mesenchymal stem cells expressing human pacemaker current gene (hHCN2)].

OBJECTIVE: To study pacemaker current gene expression of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and the electrophysiological property of MSCs expressing human pacemaker current gene. METHODS: Pacemaker current gene expression of MSCs were studied by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) and pcDNA3-hHCN2 was transfected with Lipofectin 2000 into MSCs. hHCN2 expression at mRNA and at protein levels in the transfected cells were identified by real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. The ionic currents of cloned hHCN2 (IhHCN2) were recorded and the current characteristics were studied through the whole-cell patch clamp technique. RESULTS: mHCN1, mHCN2, mHCN3, mHCN4 represent (0.08+/-0.01)%, (77.16+/-0.03)%, (0.24+/-0.01)%, (22.53+/-0.02)% of total HCN mRNA in MSCs as determined by real-time PCR. Transfected hHCN2 ionic currents were recorded by whole-cell patch clamp and current density-voltage curves were obtained. The threshold for activation of IhHCN2 was approximately -80 mV and this current could be blocked by Cs+ (4 mmol/L). hHCN2 expression in transfected MSCs was detected both at mRNA and protein levels. CONCLUSIONS: 1. mHCN2 and mHCN4 represent the major populations of total HCN mRNA in MSCs. 2. Plasmid pcDNA3-hHCN2 by Lipofectin could be successfully transfected into MSCs with IhHCN2 recorded by whole-cell patch clamp technique, this study provides a basis for future antiarrhythmic gene therapy.