Filter-Free Selective Light Monitoring by Organic Field-Effect Transistor Memories with a Tunable Blend Charge-Trapping Layer.

Integration of selective photodetection and signal storage in a single device, such as organic field-effect transistor (OFET) memories, meets the demands for radiation monitoring and protection. A new strategy is developed to achieve filter-free and selective light monitoring by adopting a solution-processed blend charge-trapping layer in OFET memories, where the charge-trapping layer is composed of phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) dispersed in a polymer electret thin film. The OFET memory without PCBM shows response only to ultraviolet light, whereas the spectral response edges are extended to the visible and near-infrared regions in the corresponding devices with relatively low and high contents of PCBM in the charge-trapping layer, respectively. A set of OFET memories with different PCBM contents is used to qualitatively evaluate the light composition in an optical source. The tunable spectral response in the OFET memories is ascribed to the additional photoassisted charge-trapping paths depending on the blend ratio in the charge-trapping layer. This mechanism may inspire alternative approaches to organic-based optical sensing and monitoring in flexible and wearable electronics.

Rare and curable renin-mediated hypertension: a series of six cases and a literature review.

BACKGROUND: Reninoma is an extremely rare renal tumor characterized by excessive renin secretion causing secondary hypertension and hypokalemia. Reninoma is a benign and highly manageable lesion if it is discovered early and removed surgically. METHODS: We report six cases of reninoma and provide a literature review on this rare disease, highlighting the diagnostic evaluation and follow-up of each patient. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Reninoma should be considered in young adults with elevated renin activity and refractory hypertension. Imaging studies and selective venous catheterization are often helpful in identifying the lesion. In most cases of reninoma presenting with renin-mediated hypertension, conservative surgical treatment should be considered to remove the small, superficial lesion.

PTH Is a Promising Auxiliary Index for the Clinical Diagnosis of Aldosterone-Producing Adenoma.

BACKGROUND: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulates aldosterone secretion in human adrenocortex and is regulated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. We speculated that measurement of PTH may be a valuable aid in the diagnosis of aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA). METHODS: To test this hypothesis, we recruited 142 patients with adrenal adenoma, of whom 84 had an APA and 58 had a nonfunctioning adrenal adenoma (NFA). Plasma levels of intact PTH, serum potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphate, 25(OH) vitamin D, plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), plasma renin activity (PRA), and aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR) were measured in every patient. Computed tomography (CT) scanning of the adrenal gland and adrenal hormone levels was used to evaluate the function of the adrenal adenoma. We also evaluated the impact of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) components on PTH from the recumbent-upright test in 15 patients with APA and 30 patients with NFA. RESULTS: Compared with NFA, PTH levels were significantly increased in patients with APA, and serum calcium and phosphate were significantly decreased. When position was changed from supine to upright, the variation in PTH levels was significantly higher in APA patients compared with NFA patients. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves identified the Youden index, which corresponded to the best tradeoff of combined marker (ARR and PTH) with a sensitivity and specificity of 89.3% and 93.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The baseline and positional variation of serum PTH levels were significant in APA, thus PTH may be a promising auxiliary index for the clinical diagnosis of APA.

[Effect of matrine on Fas, VEGF, and activities of telomerase of MCF-7 cells].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of matrine on Fas, VEGF, and activities of telomerase of MCF-7 cells. METHODS: In vitro cultured human breast cancer MCF-7 cells were randomly divided into the experimental group and the control group. The matrine solution was added in cells of the experimental group. Equal volume of culture medium was added in cells of the control group or the negative control group. Zedoary Turmeric Oil, the telomerase inhibitor was added in cells of the positive control group. Morphological changes were observed under an inverted microscope. The telomerase activity was detected by TRAP-ELISA. Expressions of Fas and VEGF protein were detected by immunocytochemical assay. RESULTS: Matrine obviously inhibited the growth and induced apoptosis of breast cancer cells. MCF-7 cells were treated by matrine of different concentrations at 24, 48, and 72 h, the telomerase activity gradually decreased along with increased matrine concentration and prolonged action time, showing dose-effect and time-effect positive relations. Matrine could up-regulate Fas protein expression and downregulate VEGF protein expression of MCF-7 cells. CONCLUSION: Matrine showed obvious effect in inhibiting the growth of MCF-7 cells and promoting the apoptosis, which might be achieved by up-regulating the expression of Fas protein, inhibiting telomerase activity induced apoptosis of breast cancer cells, down-regulating the expression of VEGF protein, and inhibiting the tumor vascular formation.

[Effects of deguelin on the proliferation and apoptosis of human esophageal cancer cell Ec-109: an experimental research].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of deguelin on the apoptosis and proliferation of human esophageal cancer cell Ec-109, and to explore its possible mechanisms. METHODS: Human esophageal cancer cells Ec-109 were in vitro cultured. They were divided into the blank control group, and 5, 10, 20, and 40 nmol/L deguelin groups. The inhibition on the proliferation was detected at 24, 48, and 72 h using CCK-8 assay. The early apoptosis rate at 24 h was detected by flow cytometry. The expressions of apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2 and Bax were detected at 24 and 48 h respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the blank control group at the same point, the growth inhibition rate in all deguelin groups increased at 24, 48, and 72 h, showing statistical difference (P <0.05). The early apoptosis rate was 4.37% +/- 0.35%, 6.71% +/-0.14%, 15.62% +/- 0.21%, and 19.78% +/- 0.15% in 5, 10, 20, and 40 nmol/L deguelin groups, respectively, showing statistical difference when compared with that of the blank control group (1.10% +/- 0.08%, P < 0.05). Compared with the blank control group, Bcl-2 protein expression obviously decreased, and Bax protein expression obviously increased in 10, 20, and 40 nmol/L deguelin groups, showing statistical difference (P <0.05). The aforesaid indices were in time- and dose-dependent manners. CONCLUSION: Deguelin showed obvious effects on inhibiting the proliferation of Ec-109 cells and promoting their apoptosis, which was correlated with up-regulating Bax protein expression and down-regulating Bcl-2 protein expression.

[Impact of Toxoplasma gondii on the proliferation and apoptosis of tumor cell lines].

MCF-7, DU-145, EC-109 and A549 tumor cells (5 x 10(4)nml) at mid-exponential phase were treated for 24h with different concentrations of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites (1 x 10(4)/ml-32x10(4)/ml). The measurement of tumor cell growth inhibition rate was performed by using CCK-8 kit. The tachyzoites (1 x 10(4)/ml-4 x 10(4)/ml) were co-cultured with A549 tumor cells for 24 h. Flow cytometry techniques was applied to investigate the expression of p53 and Bcl-2. The results showed a remarkable inhibitory effect of the parasites on tumor cell proliferation, which presented a dosage dependence. MCF-7, DU-145, EC-109 and A549 cell lines treated with 1 x 10(4) ml T. gondii tachyzoites presented an inhibition rate of 19.7%, 4.5%, 28.0%, and 20.8%, respectively. There was a significant difference between experimental groups and the control (P < 0.05). T. gondii induced cell apoptosis in A549 tumor cells, p53 and Bcl-2 gene expression was respectively up-regulated and down-regulated.

Morphology characterization and single-molecule study of DNA-dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide complex.

DNA compaction induced by dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) is studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and magnetic tweezers. The morphology of DNA-DTAB complex is dependent on the DTAB concentration and incubation time. With magnesium ions, the complexes show rod- and network-like structures after approximately 5 min of incubation at low DTAB concentrations. With increasing incubation time, more toroids and globules appeared, resulting in the formation of scattered condensed particles. At high DTAB concentrations, the complexes show swollen globular structures independent of the incubation time. The compaction and unraveling of the DNA-DTAB complex are also analyzed at the single-molecule level using magnetic tweezers. The extension-time curves show a staircase structure with typical sizes of ∼40, 60, 80, and 112 nm, suggesting that the complexes are well organized and more compacted than those induced by multivalent ions. Finally, the high DTAB concentration stabilized the complex and increased the unraveling energy barrier.

Scaling behavior of nucleotide cluster in DNA sequences.

In this paper we study the scaling behavior of nucleotide cluster in 11 chromosomes of Encephalitozoon cuniculi Genome. The statistical distribution of nucleotide clusters for 11 chromosomes is characterized by the scaling behavior of P(S) proportional, variant e(-alphaS), where S represents nucleotide cluster size. The cluster-size distribution P(S(1)+S(2)) with the total size of sequential C-G cluster and A-T cluster S(1)+S(2) were also studied. P(S(1)+S(2)) follows exponential decay. There does not exist the case of large C-G cluster following large A-T cluster or large A-T cluster following large C-G cluster. We also discuss the relatively random walk length function L(n) and the local compositional complexity of nucleotide sequences based on a new model. These investigations may provide some insight into nucleotide cluster of DNA sequence.

[A hemifacial transplantation model in hares].

OBJECTIVE: To design an animal model to study the facial transplantation of allografts in rabbits. METHODS: Livid blue rabbits and New Zealand white rabbits was applied as experiment animal, to harvest hemifacial composite-tissue flap based in the common external carotid artery with the branch of the external mandibular artery and auricularis magna artery, then allotransplantation was performed with the livid blue rabbits as recipient while new Zealand rabbits as donor, the immunosuppressive agent comprised ciclosporin, azamun and prednisone. 25 couples of rabbits were divided three groups. Group A, 5 couples of rabbits, no administered immunosuppressive agent and the artery anastomosis with end-to-end. Group B, 10 couples of rabbits, administered immunosuppressive agent and the artery anastomosis with end-to-end. Group C, 10 couples of rabbits, administered immunosuppressive agent and the artery anastomosis with end-to-side. Postoperative, to observe the survive ratio of animal and composite-tissue flap, verified the practicability of model further. RESULTS: The blood supply of hemifacial composite-tissue flap is rich after allotransplantation. The survive ratio wasn't different with different procedure of the external carotid artery anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS: This is a successful model of composite face flap transplantation in the rabbits.

[Activity changes of protein kinase C in effect of interferon-gamma on wound healing and cicatrisation].

OBJECTIVE: To study the roles of protein kinase C (PKC) in effect of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) on wound healing and cicatrization. METHODS: IFN-gamma was applied on the wound and into the scar tissues of rabbit ear before or after wound healing. PKC activities in the tissues from 0, 3, 6 d, 11-16 d post-wounding and from 14, 30 and 45d post-epithelization were measured by phosphorus (32p) incorporation. The time of wound epithelization and scar changes were also observed. RESULTS: The PKC activity in granulation tissue, wound margin tissue and scar tissue elevated obviously in comparing with that of normal skin (P < 0.01). IFN-gamma did not change PKC activity (P > 0.05). But it delayed the wound healing (P < 0.01) and inhibited scar hyperplasia (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PKC might not mediate the signal of IFN-gamma inhibiting the wound healing and scar hyperplasia. But PKC might be related to the wound healing and scar hyperplasia.

[The establishment of the two dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) map of hypertrophic scar epidermal cells and the display of the differentially expressed proteins].

OBJECTIVE: To establish and optimize the two dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) map of epidermal cells separated from the hypertrophic scar tissues so as to explore the function of the non cultured epidermal cells during the course of the formation of hypertrophic scar. METHODS: To separate the epidermal cells from the scar tissues, the scar epidermis was digested with Dispase II and trypsin. The total protein of the cells was then extracted and separated with 2-DE and visualized with silver stain. Spots detection and matching were performed with Melaine 3.0 gels analyzing software. The results were then compared with the normal epidermal cells' 2-DE map coming from the Danish Center for Human Genome Research' s 2-DE PAGE Databases. RESULTS: Nearly more than 600 protein spots were identified in the final optimized 2-DE map. We found out 24 differentially expressed proteins by comparing the difference in composition, shape or density of all the spots. In the 24 proteins, there are 8 up-regulated ones, 9 down-regulated ones, 4 disappeared ones and 3 newly founded ones. CONCLUSIONS: The method of digesting the epidermis with Dispase II and trypsin to separate the epidermal cells to establish the 2-DE map is feasible and it made the further study on hypertrophic scar proteomics possible. The 24 differentially expressed proteins revealed that epidermal cells might play a role in the formation of hypertrophic scar.

[Experimental study of transplanted endothelial progenitor cells transfected with VEGF165 gene augment the survival volume of transplanted fat tissue].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of transplanting endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) transfected with VEGF165 gene to free transplanted fat tissue for increasing neovascularization and the survival. METHODS: EPCs isolated from human cord blood were cultured in vitro and identified by immunocytochemistry. After transfection by VEGF165 gene, the expression of VEGF was assessed using ELISA. Then EPCs with (VEGF gene transfection group) and without VEGF165 gene transfection (EPCs group) were transplanted to free transplanted fat tissue at 18 nude mice's back, and nine nude mice transplanted with free fat tissue were injected with M199 (control group). CM-DiI was used to trace the transplanted cells. The capillary density of transplanted fat tissue was detected by CD34 immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: EPCs expressed cell markers CD34, KDR and CD133. After transfection, the expression of VEGF was positive. Transplanted EPCs survived and proliferated, and transplanted EPCs were incorporated into the capillary networks in the transplanted fat tissue. The percent of survival volume of transplanted fat tissue of VEGF gene transfection group was (96.2 +/- 8.6)%, significantly higher than that of the EPCs group [(75.3 +/- 6.8)%, P < 0.05) and M199 group [(40.2 +/- 2.5)%, P < 0.05). The capillary density of transplanted fat tissue of VEGF gene transfection group was significantly higher than those of the EPCs group and M199 group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EPCs from human cord blood can increase free transplanted fat tissue neovascularization and the survival volume, and the ability of promoting neovascularization of EPCs transfected with VEGF165 gene is more potent than EPCs alone.

Statistical properties of nucleotide clusters in DNA sequences.

Using the complete genome of Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 which has 14 chromosomes as an example, we have examined the distribution functions for the amount of C or G and A or T consecutively and non-overlapping blocks of m bases in this system. The function P(S) about the number of the consecutive C-G or A-T content cluster conforms to the relation P(S) proportional, variante(-alphas); values of the scaling exponent alpha(CG) are much larger than alpha(AT); and alpha(AT) of 14 chromosomes are hardly changed, whereas alpha(CG) of 14 chromosomes have a number of fluctuations. We found maximum value of A-T cluster size is much larger than C-G, which implies the existence of large A-T cluster. Our study of the width function xi(m) of cluster C-G content showed that follows good power law xi(m) proportional, variantm(-gamma). The average gamma for 14 chromosomes is 0.931. These investigations provide some insight into the nucleotide clusters of DNA sequences, and help us understand other properties of DNA sequences.

[Signal roles of protein tyrosine kinase in transforming growth factor-beta1, or interferon-gamma regulated proliferation and collagen synthesis by fibroblasts from hypertrophic scar and normal dermis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the signal roles of protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) on proliferation and collagen synthesis of fibroblasts derived from hypertrophic scar(HS-FB) and normal skin (NS-FB) by interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) or transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1). METHODS: HS-FB and NS-FB were cultured and passaged in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium(DMEM). The PTK activity in unstimulated or IFN-gamma or TGF-beta1-stimulated HS-FB and NS-FB (10,30,60 and 120 min) were assayed by phosphorus (32P) incorporation. Cell proliferation was determined with MTT stain. The type III procollagen was measured by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: TGF-beta1 did not change PTK activity but it increased predominately proliferation and collagen synthesis of HS-FB and NS-FB in time-dependent fashion. Genistein, an inhibitor of PTK, inhibited HS-FB and NS-FB to proliferate and synthesize collagen but it could not change the roles on proliferation and collagen synthesis by TGF-beta1. IFN-gamma activated transiently PTK (P < 0.05) and increased proliferation and collagen synthesis of both fibroblast (P < 0.05, at 30 min, 60 min). As the recovery of PTK activity, the proliferation and collagen synthesis were inhibited by IFN-gamma at 120 min. Furthermore, Genistein abrogated the transient increased roles and partly reversed the longterm inhibitory functions by IFN-gamma (P < 0.05) . There were no difference on PTK activity, proliferation and collagen synthesis between HS-FB and NS-FB. CONCLUSIONS: PTK did not mediate the signal of TGF-beta1 but transduced the signal of transient increased roles of IFN-gamma. Inhibited or activated PTK might mediate the signal of decreasing or increasing proliferation and collagen synthesis of fibroblast.

[Promotion of the survival of ischemic skin flap by transplanted endothelial progenitor cells transfected with VEGF165 gene: an experimental study with mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of transplanted endothelial progenitor cells transfected with VEGF165 gene to ischemic flap with increased neovascularization and augmented the survival areas. METHODS: EPCs were isolated from human cord blood and cultured in vitro. Plasmid PcDNA3.1(-)/VEGF165 containing VEGF gene was transfected into the EPCs. EPCs transfected with blank plasmid, and EPCs without transfection were used as controls. ELISA was used to detect the expression of VEGF protein in the culture fluids. The EPCs were dyed with CM-DiI 7 days later. Ischemic skin flaps were made on the backs of 27 nude mice. The mice were randomly divided into 3 equal groups with their skin flaps being transplanted with EPCs transfected with 3.1(-)/VEGF165 plasmid, EPCs not transfected with 3.1(-)/VEGF165 plasmid, and injected with M199 medium at the basal part. Four days after the peduncles of the skin flaps were cut. Seven days after the cutting-off of the peduncles the survival rate of skin flap was observed and the blood perfusion was observed with laser Doppler flowmetry, 10 days after the density of capillary arteries were observed with microcirculation microscope. Three specimens of skin flap were taken 7 and 11 days after the skin flaps were made to undergo histological examination to detect the density of capillary arteries by CD34 immunohistochemistry and to observe the proliferation of EPCs with fluorescence microscopy. Peripheral blood samples were collected 1, 4, 7, 14, and 28 days after the skin flaps were made to undergo ELISA to detect the levels of VEGF protein RESULTS: The VEGF levels in the culture supernatants of the groups A, B, and C were 352 ng/L +/- 35 ng/L, 45 ng/L +/- 5 ng/L, and 0 ng/L respectively with significant difference between any 2 groups (all P < 0.05). The skin flap survival rates of the three groups were 97.2%, 60.3%, and 34.2% respectively with significant difference between any 2 groups (all P < 0.05) and the survival quality of the group A was the best. The capillary density of the group A was greater than those of the groups B and C. The VEGF levels at any time point of the group A were all significantly higher than those of the group B and C (all P < 0.05) and there was not a significant difference between the groups B and C. The capillary density levels at different time points decreased progressively in the order of groups A, B, and C with significant difference between any 2 groups (all P < 0.05). No EPC was shown by fluorescence microscopy in the skin flaps of the group C. The EPC density in skin flap 7 and 11 days after the flaps were made were 136 +/- 10 and 75 +/- 6/mm(2) and 305 +/- 26 and 199 +/- 18/mm(2) respectively with significant differences between the groups A and B. (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The EPCs from human cord blood, especially those transfected with VEGF165 gene increases the neovascularization in ischemic skin flaps and augments their survival rate.

[Experiment of augmenting the survival areas of ischemic flap by transplanting endothelial progenitor cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of transplanted endothelial progenitor cells to ischemic flap with increased neovascularization and augmented the survival areas. METHODS: EPCs were isolated from human cord blood, cultured in vitro, identified by immunohistochemistry. Then EPCs were transplanted to ischemic flaps of 9 nude mice's back (experimental group), and 9 nude mice's back flaps was injected with M199(control group). And pedicle division time was 4 days after operation. CM-DiI was used to trace the transplanted cells. The blood perfusion of flaps was monitored by the laser Doppler flowetry, and the capillary density of flaps was detected by CD34 immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: EPCs expressed cell markers CD34, KDR and CD133. Transplanted EPCs survived and was incorporated into the capillary networks in the ischemic flaps of nude mice. The percent of experimental group's flap survival area was (60.3 +/- 2.1)%, significantly higher than the control group[ (34.2 +/- 1.8)%, P < 0.05 ]. The blood perfusion, capillary density of flaps of experimental group was significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EPCs from human cord blood can increase ischemic flaps neovascularization and augment the survival areas.

[The design of the expanded flap for the repair of the temporal and cheek area].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the design of an expanded flap at the temporal and cheek area. METHODS: The expanded flap was used for the repair of 619 temporal and cheek defects secondary to scar, nevus or hemangioma excision. In the frontal area, the rotational flap was usually used. For the repair of the cheek, the applied flap included the rotational, advanced, and transposition flap from the neck, as well as the pedicle flap from the thoracic area. RESULTS: Eight thoracic-deltoid flaps had distal necrosis of 1 approximately 5 cm. Of them, 5 flaps were repositioned with subsequent good result; the other 3 flaps underwent skin grafting. The five facial expanded flaps showed distal necrosis of 0.5 approximately 1 cm. Of them, 4 flaps occurred delayed healing, 1 flap underwent skin grafting. Expander extrusion happened in 41 cases (6.62%), which resulted in deficiency of the expanded area. Satisfactory results were achieved in all the other cases. CONCLUSIONS: According to our experience, careful design of the flap is very important for obtainingbetter surgical results and decreasing complications.

Different roles of PKC and PKA in effect of interferon-gamma on proliferation and collagen synthesis of fibroblasts.

AIM: To study the signal roles of protein kinase C (PKC) and protein kinase A (PKA) in the influence of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) on proliferation and collagen synthesis of fibroblasts derived from hypertrophic scar (HS-FB) and normal skin (NS-FB). METHODS: HS-FB and NS-FB were cultured and passaged in Dulbecco modified Eagles medium (DMEM). Activity of PKC and PKA were assayed by transferring phosphorus (32P) into substrate after treatment with IFN-gamma 1000 kU/L at 10, 30, 60, and 120 min. Cell proliferation was determined with MTT assay. The collagen synthesis was measured with [3H]proline incorporation and Type III pre-collagen was determined with radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: After exposure to IFN-gamma 1000 kU/L for 30 min, PKC activity of HS-FB and NS-FB increased from 2.57 +/- 0.14 and 2.13 +/- 0.12 nmol x min(-1) x g(-1) of control to 3.75 +/- 0.19 and 3.36 +/- 0.16 nmol x min(-1) x g(-1), respectively (P < 0.05). After exposure to IFN-gamma 1000 kU/L for 60 and 120 min, PKA activities of HS-FB increased gradually from 0.82 +/- 0.04 nmol x min(-1) x g(-1) of control to 1.03 +/- 0.05 and 1.23 +/- 0.06 nmol x min(-1) x g(-1), respectively (P<0.05). The PKA activities of NS-FB also increased from 0.52 +/- 0.03 nmol x min(-1) x g(-1) of control to 0.68 +/- 0.03 and 0.89 +/- 0.05 nmol x min(-1) x g(-1), respectively (P<0.05). The proliferation and collagen synthesis were enhanced by PKC activator (containing phosphatidylserine, diacylglycerol and Ca2+) and PKA inhibitor [H(7)250 micromol/L, 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methyl piperazine], and inhibited by PKC inhibitor (GF109 250 micromol/L) and PKA activator (cAMP 25 micromol/L) (P<0.01). GF109 abrogated increased proliferation and collagen synthesis by IFN-gamma but it did not affect the inhibitory effects of IFN-gamma. At 120 min H7 reversed the inhibitory functions of IFN-gamma. CONCLUSION: IFN-gamma transiently increased proliferation and collagen synthesis of HS-FB and NS-FB by activation of PKC and subsequently inhibited proliferation and collagen synthesis by activation of PKA.

[Fabrication of a blood vessel scaffold with a combined polymer for tissue engineering].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possibility to fabricate a blood vessel scaffold with a combined polymer for tissue engineering. METHODS: A blood vessel scaffold was designed with a combined polymer composed of rabbit vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs), collagen and a non-spinning fabric mesh of polyglycolic acid (PGA). VSMCs were implanted into collagen gel and their growth was observed. The mixed solution of VSMCs and collagen was dropped into the tubular scaffold, followed by 7-day culturing. RESULTS: VSMCs formed many prominences after culturing in gelatinous collagen for 3-4 hours. With cells extending, some cells became shuttle- or spindle-shaped. After VSMCs-collagen complex was implanted into the PGA mesh, most of VSMCs remained in the pore of PGA mesh with the formation of gelation. VSMCs could adhere to and grow on the PGA fiber. CONCLUSION: The non-spinning PGA porous biodegradable material coated with collagen is a good carrier for VSMCs to adhere and grow.