[Effect of acupuncture on the expression of Bcl-xl and BDNF of retina in rabbits with chronic intraocular hypertension].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the protection effects of acupuncture on glaucomatous optic nerve damage and its mechanism. METHODS: Experimental glaucoma model was induced by intracameral injection of compound Carbomer solution in rabbits. After 28 days, ocular tension returned to normal by filtration surgery. Twenty rabbits (40 eyes) were randomly divided into a model group, an acupuncture group, a neurotrophy group and a nomal control group, 5 cases in each group. The acupuncture group was treated with acupuncture at bilateral "Qiuhou" (EX-HN 7),"Fengchi" (GB 20) and "Xingjian" (LR 2), twice a day. The neurotrophy group was treated with intramuscular injection of Vitamin B1 (100 mg) and Vitamin B12 (500 microg), once a day, and the other groups with no treatment. The expressions of Bcl-xl and BDNF in rabbits retina were observed after 4 weeks. RESULTS: At the end of the experiment, the positive expression cells of Bcl-xl and BDNF were (31.20 +/- 5.97) per mm2 and (6.3 +/- 1.89) per mm2 in the acupuncture group, being significantly higer than (26.70 +/- 4.32) per mm2 and (4.0 +/- 1.89) per mm2 in the model group (both P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture can raise the expression of Bcl-xl and BDNF of retina, so as to prevent optic nerve damage caused by intraocular hypertension.

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of adult aortico-right ventricular tunnel.

Aortico-right ventricular tunnel (ARVT) was successfully corrected in a 32-year-old patient. The diagnosis was preoperatively suspected on the basis of Doppler echocardiography and it was confirmed by a three-dimensional computed tomographic scan. The ARVT originated independently above the right coronary sinus. Surgical closure with 5-0 polypropylene in the middle of the tunnel under modest hypothermia was successfully performed. Follow-up was found to be satisfactory 3 months later.