尾悬吊大鼠小脑间位核促离子型谷氨酸受体表达增加

外周信息主要通过神经末梢释放谷氨酸激活促离子型谷氨酸受体（ ionotropic glutamate receptor,iGluRs）,调节间位核神经元的兴奋性。研究旨在探讨模拟失重对大鼠小脑间位核iGluRs 表达的影响。采用大鼠尾部悬吊法建立模拟失重动物模型,按体重配对原则随机将大鼠分为尾部悬吊14 d组和正常同步对照组。采用免疫组织化学ABC染色法观测大鼠小脑间位核iGluRs （ NMDAR-1、AMPAR-2和KAR-2）免疫阳性神经元数量的变化。结果表明正常对照组大鼠小脑间位核内有iGluRs免疫阳性神经元存在。大鼠吊尾14 d后,大鼠小脑间位核iGluRs免疫阳性细胞数明显增多（ P＜0.05）。结论模拟失重可使大鼠小脑间位核神经元网络的兴奋性增高。这一变化可能与模拟失重引起的调控肌肉运动的中枢神经系统的适应性变化有关。     

改良的大鼠模拟失重模型制备方法*

目的: 介绍一种改良的尾部悬吊使后肢去负荷的制备大鼠模拟失重模型的方法。方法: 90只成年雄性SD大鼠随机分为对照组,经典尾吊组和改良尾吊组(每组30只)。经典尾吊组利用医用胶带和纱布制作大鼠尾套后悬吊大鼠尾部。改良尾吊组在上述操作基础之上,在尾套内增加聚乙烯发泡棉隔层,以缓冲纱布对尾部的挤压,保证远端血液循环。对照组尾部不做特殊处理。尾吊4周后观察尾部损伤和尾套脱落等并发症,测量大鼠体质量及右侧比目鱼肌湿重。结果: 与对照组相比,经典尾吊组的比目鱼肌湿重/体质量比值显著减少,但体质量无显著差异,大鼠尾部远端出现缺血坏死损伤的发生率为40.0%,尾套脱落的发生率为26.7%,模型成功率为33.3%;与经典尾吊组相比,改良尾吊组的尾部损伤程度明显降低,远端缺血坏死率为13.3%, 尾套脱落率为3.3%,模型成功率为83.3% (P均＜0.05)。结论: 采用改良尾吊法建立大鼠模拟失重模型能够显著减少鼠尾坏死和尾套脱落发生率,简单易行,提高了模型制备的成功率。     

非侵入物理疗法——红光照射改善脂多糖诱发小鼠抑郁样行为

目的 抑郁的发生机制不清及药物的临床疗效不佳,导致其成为世界难题。已有研究发现甲醛的气态暴露或液态腹腔注射都可直接诱发小鼠抑郁样行为,而内源甲醛是否参与抑郁的发生尚不清楚。本研究探索脂多糖（lipopolysaccharide,LPS）是否通过刺激内源甲醛产生而诱发小鼠抑郁的分子机制;并观察非侵入物理疗法——630 nm红光照射是否能激活甲醛脱氢酶而降解甲醛,从而改善小鼠抑郁样行为。方法 雄性成年C57BL/6J小鼠随机分组：a.对照组,腹腔注射磷酸缓冲液（phosphate buffer solution,PBS）;b.抑郁模型组,按浓度梯度腹腔注射LPS;c.红光干预组,按浓度梯度腹腔注射LPS后并定时进行630 nm全身红光照射。采用旷场实验（open field test,OFT）、糖水偏爱（suorose preference test,SPT）、悬尾实验（tail suspension test,TST）、强迫游泳（forced swimming test,FST）等方法,评估小鼠的抑郁样行为;用甲醛荧光（Na-FA,特异甲醛荧光探针）定量法及整脑甲醛荧光成像法,检测小鼠脑...     

5-HT1B受体亚型对小脑顶核介导的运动行为的影响

目的：探讨5-羟色胺（5-HT）能神经系统在经小脑顶核介导的运动行为中的作用。方法：采用大鼠离体脑片膜片钳及大鼠走步机的行为学测试方法。结果：阻断5-HT_1B受体能够增强小脑顶核兴奋性突触传递,行为学试验中给予5-HT及5-HT_1B受体阻断剂SB224289,发现注射5-HT到小脑顶核后,大鼠在Rota-rod走步机上的持续时间显著延长,而给予其阻断剂SB224289后,能够反转此作用。结论：5-HT很可能通过5-HT_1B受体抑制顶核神经元的兴奋性突触传递从而调节小脑核团神经元环路的活动,继而影响小脑的最终输出,实现对小脑顶核介导的运动平衡和协调能力的调控。     

高脂食物诱导的肥胖小鼠不同脑区即刻早期蛋白和酪氨酸羟化酶的变化

目的：在高脂食物诱导肥胖的小鼠中检测多巴胺神经元的表达。方法：10只雄性小鼠饲喂高脂膳食作为高脂食物组（HFD）,10只雄性小鼠饲喂10%脂肪膳食作为对照组（NCD）。实验第10周,小鼠禁食12 h后称重,尾静脉取血测定基础血糖水平;实验11周进行葡萄糖耐受（GTT）测试和胰岛素抵抗实验（ITT）;实验12周,动物禁食4 h后处死,测定血清胰岛素和瘦素（leptin）浓度,免疫组织化学法检测即刻早期蛋白（c-Fos-ir）和酪氨酸羟化酶（TH-ir）的表达。结果：饲喂12周高脂食物后,HFD组体重明显增加。GTT测试显示HFD组在15 min和30 min血糖浓度均明显高于NCD组（P<0.05）。ITT测试显示HFD组在15 min和30 min血糖浓度均显著高于NCD组（P<0.05）。同时,禁食后,HFD组的胰岛素浓度和leptin浓度显著高于NCD组（P<0.01）。免疫组化结果表明HFD组在伏隔核、下丘脑室旁核、腹侧背盖区和黑质的c-Fos-ir细胞数均明显多于NCD组（P<0.01）,且腹侧被盖区和黑质的TH-ir和共表达TH/Fos-ir细胞也显著多于NCD组（P<0.01）。而且HFD组VTA区和SN区TH-ir的细胞数与HFD组小鼠的终体重呈正相关（P<0.05）。结论：长期饲喂高脂食物导致的肥胖与奖赏系统多巴胺神经元的可塑性有关。     

scFv17改善12月龄三转基因小鼠步态的作用

目的：观察PS1M146V/APPswe/tauP301L三转基因阿尔茨海默病（AD）（3xTg-AD）模型小鼠的步态改变以及探究scFv17对其的改善作用。方法：本实验首先选用6月龄3xTg-AD小鼠（n=18）和C57BL/6野生型（WT）小鼠（n=24）,观察记录它们的步态行为,在12月龄时发现3xTg-AD小鼠的步态严重受损后,将上述两种小鼠随机分为野生型对照组（WT+PBS）（n=12）、野生型给药组（WT+scFv17）（n=12）、3xTg-AD对照组（3xTg-AD+PBS）（n=9）以及3xTg-AD小鼠给药组（3xTg-AD+scFv17）（n=9）四组。采用鼻饲方法,每次给予每只小鼠20 μl的scFv17（1.5 mg/kg）或者等体积的PBS （0.01 mol/L）,每周两次,连续给药12周后进行步态行为测试及小脑病理学检测。结果：与同月龄野生型小鼠比较,12月龄3xTg-AD小鼠后爪步幅宽度增大（P<0.01）,摇摆时间百分比减小（P< 0.01）,站立时间百分比增大（P<0.01）,运动协调和平衡能力严重受损;scFv17可改善12月龄3xTg-AD小鼠运动协调和平衡能力（P<0.01）,改善3xTg-AD小鼠小脑浦肯野细胞的形态结构,增多3xTg-AD小鼠小脑浦肯野细胞的尼氏小体（P<0.01）,减少3xTg-AD小鼠小脑皮层内淀粉样β蛋白（Aβ）斑块和浦肯野细胞胞内神经原纤维缠结（NFT）（P<0.01）。结论：3xTg-AD小鼠在12月龄时的运动协调和平衡能力明显受损,给予scFv17可明显改善12月龄3xTg-AD小鼠的步态紊乱,其作用机制可能与改善小脑浦肯野细胞结构与蛋白功能,减少Aβ斑块和NFT有关。     

新型造影剂在小鼠肝脏肿瘤Micro-CT活体成像中的应用

目的利用新型纳米颗粒造影剂结合Micro-CT成像技术,建立小鼠肝脏成像方法,并用于肝脏肿瘤的活体成像。方法 6只6-8周龄雄性C57BL/6J小鼠随机分成A组和B组,分别尾静脉注射纳米颗粒造影剂Exi Tron nano 12000 50μL和100μL;在注射前、注射后3 min、24 h、7 d、14 d、28 d和56 d对所有小鼠肝脏进行Micro-CT活体扫描;分别在小鼠肝左叶和肝右叶内选取感兴趣区（ROI）进行灰度值分析,比较不同时间点肝组织对比度的变化。确定合适的造影剂剂量,尾静脉注射至3只雄性16月龄HBV转基因肝癌模型小鼠（C组）,同上进行Micro-CT活体扫描,并于第56天全部安乐死后取肝脏观察病理学改变。结果 A组和B组小鼠在注射不同浓度造影剂后,冠状位重建图像及肝脏感兴趣区的平均灰度值结果显示：肝脏实质造影后均比注射前明显增强,24 h达到峰值,注射后56 d内,小鼠肝脏感兴趣区的平均灰度值与注射前相比仍维持在较高的水平,B组显著高于A组（P〈0.01）,确定后续实验采用B组造影剂剂量（100μL）。C组注射100μL造影剂后,各时间点均能比较清楚地看到肝脏癌性结节存在,病理学观察发现肝脏出现非典型增生,肿瘤细胞核大,染色质加深和肝细胞坏死。结论利用纳米颗粒造影剂结合Micro-CT成像技术,成功建立了小鼠肝脏活体成像方法,并可应用于肝脏肿瘤的活体成像研究。     

2-溴乙胺抑制氨基脲敏感性胺氧化酶活性对糖尿病大鼠血管内皮的保护作用

本研究旨在观察糖尿病大鼠主动脉氨基脲敏感性胺氧化酶(semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase,SSAO)的活性变化,探讨2-溴乙胺(2-bromoethylamine,2-BEA)抑制SSAO活性对糖尿病大鼠血管内皮的保护作用。制备大鼠主动脉组织匀浆作为SSAO来源,体外应用苯甲胺作为SSAO催化底物,检测不同浓度2-BEA对主动脉SSAO活性的抑制作用。采用链脲佐菌素(streptozotocin,STZ)单次腹腔注射诱导1型糖尿病大鼠模型,将成年Sprague Dawley(SD)大鼠随机分为正常对照(NC)组、糖尿病模型(DM)组、2-BEA 5 mg/kg组、2-BEA 20 mg/kg组,每组10只,2-BEA每天腹腔注射给药,连续8周。8周末,腹主动脉采血,硝酸还原酶法测定血浆一氧化氮(nitric oxide,NO)含量,放射免疫分析法测定血浆内皮素-1(endothelin-1,ET-1)浓度,高效液相色谱法测定大鼠主动脉SSAO活性,观察主动脉形态及超微结构变化。结果显示,与NC组比,DM组大鼠主动脉SSAO活性、血浆ET-1浓度显著升高(P0.01),而血浆NO含量显著降低(P0.01);2-BEA抑制糖尿病大鼠主动脉SSAO活性,降低了血浆ET-1浓度并升高了血浆NO含量(P0.01),2-BEA 20 mg/kg组效果比5 mg/kg组更明显(P0.05),2-BEA组大鼠主动脉内皮损伤较DM组明显减轻。以上结果表明,2-BEA通过抑制主动脉SSAO活性保护糖尿病大鼠血管内皮。     

一种新的大鼠隐睾模型的建立

目的改善大鼠隐睾模型的制作方法,提高隐睾模型的质量,并对新模型的稳定性进行研究。方法28只大鼠随机分为对照组（ctrl）和模型组（modl）采用模拟失重大鼠模型,对大鼠进行3周尾部悬吊进行造模,随后模型组大鼠解悬吊恢复8周观察该模型的稳定性。结果经过3周的尾部悬吊,模型组所有大鼠睾丸均滑入腹腔,同时和对照组相比,睾丸和附睾的重量出现极显著的降低（P〈0.01）。HE染色发现对照组大鼠睾丸的生精小管结构排列紊乱,精原细胞消失,附睾尾中成熟精子消失。经过8周的恢复,大鼠的睾丸及附睾仍未恢复到正常水平（P〈0.01）,HE染色显示其生精小管结构和精原细胞数量并未出现明显的改善。结论尾吊法所建立的大鼠隐睾模型效果稳定,可以有效模拟大鼠隐睾时的睾丸温度变化情况,同时对大鼠的伤害较小,操作比较简单。     

Con A、α-Galcer与LPS/D-Gal N诱导免疫性肝损伤小鼠NKT细胞功能改变的比较研究

目的：通过比较三种免疫性肝损伤模型小鼠NKT细胞功能改变情况,寻找一种在病理生理机制上更接近临床特点的免疫性肝损伤动物模型。方法：40只小鼠随机分为空白对照组、Con A模型组、α-Galcer模型组、LPS/D-Gal N模型组,每组10只。Con A模型组尾静脉注射ConA溶液（18 mg/kg）,α-Galcer模型组腹腔注射α-Galcer溶液（40 μg/kg）,LPS/D-Gal N模型组腹腔注射LPS溶液（10 μg/kg）和D-Gal N溶液（700 mg/kg）。造模完成后8 h,检测小鼠血清转氨酶ALT、AST水平,计算肝指数,采用HE染色法观察肝组织病理改变情况,流式细胞仪分析肝组织NKT细胞含量,Western blot法检测肝组织中TNF-α、IFN-γ、IL-6蛋白表达情况。结果：与空白对照组比较,各模型组小鼠血清ALT、AST水平均显著升高（P<0.01）,肝指数增加（P<0.01或P<0.05）,肝组织病理损伤明显,NKT细胞含量显著增加（P<0.01或P<0.05）,TNF-α、IFN-γ、IL-6表达均明显上调（P<0.01）;各模型组之间比较,α-Galcer模型组血清ALT、AST含量显著低于Con A组（P<0.05）,病理损伤也相对较轻,LPS/D-Gal N模型组NKT细胞含量明显低于其余两组（P<0.05）。结论：Con A、α-Galcer和LPS/D-Gal N诱导的免疫性肝损伤模型小鼠NKT细胞明显激活,介导炎症紊乱;其中,以Con A诱导的动物模型肝脏病理损伤及免疫紊乱最为明显,更符合疾病临床特点,可作为免疫性肝损伤的首选模型。     

Protective effect of chemical stimulation of cerebellar fastigial nucleus on stress gastric mucosal injury in rats

AimsWe investigated the protective effects of chemical stimulation of cerebellar fastigial nucleus (FN) on stress gastric mucosal injury (SGMI) and its possible neuro-regulatory mechanisms in rats.Main methodsChemical stimulation, electrical stimulation, chemical ablation, electrolytic lesion, and microinjection were used to investigate the effects of FN simulation on SGMI. The model of SGMI was established by restraint and water (21 ± 1 °C)-immersion (RWI) for 3 h in rats. The gastric mucosal injury index indicated the severity of gastric mucosal injuries.Key findingsWe showed that microinjection of L-glutamic acid into the FN or electrical stimulation of the FN markedly attenuated SGMI. Either chemical lesion of the FN or electrical ablation of the decussation of superior cerebellar peduncle (DSCP) obviously aggravated SGMI. The protective effect of FN stimulation on SGMI was reversed after chemical ablation of the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA). The protective effect of FN was prevented by pretreatment with the glutamic acid decarboxylase antagonist, 3-MPA into the FN or GABA_A receptor antagonist, bicuculline into the LHA. The protective effect of FN was abolished by pretreatment with sympathectomy. The discharge frequency of greater splanchnic nerve (GSN) was decreased and gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF) was increased after chemical stimulation of FN. These results indicate that the FN participates in regulation of SGMI, and is a specific area in the CNS for exerting protective effects on the SGMI. The DSCP, LHA and peripheral sympathetic nerve may be involved in this process.SignificanceOur findings might provide a new and improved understanding of the cerebellar function and an effective treatment strategy for stress gastric mucosal injury.     

NLRP3炎症小体对克雷伯杆菌肺炎小鼠肺脏病理损伤的调节作用

摘要 目的：探讨含NLR家族PYRIN域蛋白3（NLR family pyrin domain containing 3,NLRP3）炎症小体对克雷伯杆菌肺炎小鼠肺脏病理损伤的调节作用。方法：56只C57BL/6小鼠随机平分为两组-模型组与对照组,模型组小鼠通过气管注射肺炎克雷伯杆菌建立克雷伯杆菌肺炎模型,对照组小鼠注射等体积的生理盐水,记录与观察肺脏病理损伤情况。结果：模型组建模第7 d与第14 d的肺泡灌洗液髓过氧化酶（Myeloperoxidase,MPO）活性都高于对照组（P<0.05）。模型组建模第7 d与第14 d的肺脏、脾脏、肝脏系数与肺脏病理评分、NLRP3蛋白相对表达水平都高于对照组（P<0.05）。在模型组中,建模第14 d的NLRP3蛋白相对表达水平与肺脏病理评分、肺脏系数、脾脏系数、肝脏系数、肺泡灌洗液MPO活性都存在正相关性（P<0.05）。结论：克雷伯杆菌肺炎小鼠NLRP3炎症小体呈现高表达状况,可介导小鼠肺脏病理损伤,促进MPO活性增加,加重多脏器损伤。     

Synthetic liver X receptor agonist T0901317 inhibits semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase gene expression and activity in apolipoprotein E knockout mice

Semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) catalyzes oxidative deamination of primary aromatic and aliphatic amines. Increased SSAO activity has been found in atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. We hypothesize that the anti-atherogenic effect of liver X receptors (LXRs) might be related to the inhibition of SSAO gene expression and its activity. In this study, we investigated the effect of LXRagonist T0901317 on SSAO gene expression and its activity in apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE^−/−) mice. Male apoE^−/− mice (8 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups: basal control group; vehicle group; prevention group; and treatment group. SSAO gene expression was analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and its activity was determined. The activity of superoxide dismutase and content of malondialdehyde in the aorta and liver were also determined. In T0901317-treated mice, SSAO gene expression was significantly decreased in the aorta, liver, small intestine, and brain. SSAO activities in serum and in these tissues were also inhibited. The amount of superoxide dismutase in the aorta and liver of the prevention group and treatment group was significantly higher compared with the vehicle group ( P < 0.05). Malondialdehyde in the tissues of these two groups was significantly lower compared with the vehicle group ( P < 0.05). Our results showed that T0901317 inhibits SSAO gene expression and its activity in atherogenic apoE^−/− mice. The atheroprotective effect of LXR agonist T0901317 is related to the inhibition of SSAO gene expression and its activity.     

IL-10在输血相关性移植物抗宿主病小鼠模型中的免疫调节作用

目的:IL-10在输血相关性移植物抗宿主病小鼠模型中的免疫调节作用。方法:取BALB/c实验小鼠免疫活性淋巴细胞,分别输注于BALB/c小鼠(设为A组)及BALB/c裸鼠(设为B组),建立TA-GVHD模型,观察小鼠症状,HE染色判断小鼠肝、肺、小肠、皮肤病理变化情况;采用双夹心酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测两组小鼠血清IL-10浓度;用逆转录聚合酶链反应法RT-PCR检测移植后外周血单个核细胞中IL-10的表达。结果:A组中2只死亡(12.5%),B组中3只死亡(18.75%),共5只死亡,29只存活,两组死亡率比较无明显差异(P>0.05)。B组小鼠累及肝、肺、小肠和皮肤病理损伤程度较A组严重;存活小鼠IL-10浓度较死亡小鼠明显升高(P2<0.05);存活小鼠IL-10 mRNA表达阳性率96.55%明显高于死亡小鼠(20.00%)。结论:IL-10在输血相关的移植物抗宿主病小鼠模型中发挥负向免疫调节--免疫抑制作用。     

DTI定量参数对脑胶质瘤的诊断价值及其与血管内皮生长因子、细胞核增殖相关抗原的关系

目的:探讨扩散张量成像(DTI)定量参数对脑胶质瘤的诊断价值及其与血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)、细胞核增殖相关抗原(Ki-67)的关系。方法:选取2014年6月到2017年6月期间在我院接受治疗的90例脑胶质瘤患者,根据病理分级的不同分为中低级别组(n=46)和高级别组(n=44),比较两组患者表观扩散系数(ADC)值、各向异性分数(FA)值、相对表观扩散系数(rADC)值、相对各向异性分数(rFA)值、VEGF和Ki-67的阳性率,分析ADC值、FA值、rADC值、rFA值与VEGF、Ki-67表达的相关性。结果:高级别组的ADC值、FA值、rADC值和rFA值低于中低级别组(P0.05)。高级别组病理组织中VEGF、Ki-67的阳性表达率高于中低级别组(P0.05)。经Spearman相关分析显示,ADC值、FA值、rADC值和rFA值与VEGF、Ki-67的表达水平均呈负相关(P0.05)。结论:DTI定量参数与脑胶质瘤病理分级和VEGF、Ki-67的表达水平密切相关。     

Antioxidant and Amine Oxidase Inhibitory Activities of Hydroxyurea

Hydroxyurea (HU, NH₂CONHOH), or hydroxycarbamide, is a hydroxamic acid derivative used as a drug for anti-neoplasm and sickle-cell disease. In this study, HU was found to have antioxidant activities against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radicals and dose-dependent inhibitory activities against monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A, MAO-B, and semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) as compared to controls of clorgyline, deprenyl, and semicarbazide respectively. HU showed mixed-type, competitive-type, and competitive-type inhibition, respectively, with respect to substrates of MAO-A, MAO-B, and SSAO with apparent inhibition constants (Ki) of 19.46, 5.38, and 1.84 μM.     

四君子汤对溃疡性结肠炎小鼠模型occludin和claudin-1表达的影响

目的:探讨四君子汤对溃疡性结肠炎(UC)小鼠模型结肠粘膜中occludin、claudin-1表达的影响。方法:采用右旋葡聚糖硫酸钠(DSS)诱导UC小鼠模型,实验分为五组,即正常组、模型组、四君子汤低剂量治疗组、中剂量治疗组、高剂量治疗组、西药组,共治疗7天。对小鼠肠黏膜的大体形态和组织病理变化进行观察,使用RT-PCR和Western blot检测occludin、claudin-1 m RNA和蛋白的表达。结果:与模型组相比较,四君子汤低、中、高剂量治疗组以及西药组小鼠的饮食、体重、精神、活动度、脓血便等一般情况有所改善,黏膜层缺损、隐窝破坏、炎症细胞浸润等病理表现有所缓解。与模型组相比较,高剂量治疗组小鼠结肠组织中occludin、claudin-1蛋白和m RNA的表达升高(P0.05),低剂量和中剂量治疗组也有不同程度的升高。与西药组相比较,低、中、高剂量治疗组小鼠结肠组织中occludin、claudin-1蛋白和m RNA的表达无统计学差异(P0.05)。结论:四君子汤可以改善脓血便等症状,缓解肠粘膜的损伤,上调occludin和claudin-1的表达,对UC小鼠有治疗作用。     

Physiological and pathological implications of semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase

Semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) catalyzes the deamination of primary amines. Such deamination has been shown capable of regulating glucose transport in adipose cells. It has been independently discovered that the primary structure of vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) is identical to SSAO. VAP-1 regulates leukocyte migration and is related to inflammation. Increased serum SSAO activities have been found in patients with diabetic mellitus, vascular disorders and Alzheimer's disease. The SSAO-catalyzed deamination of endogenous substrates, that is, methylamine and aminoacetone, led to production of toxic formaldehyde and methylglyoxal, hydrogen peroxide and ammonia, respectively. These highly reactive aldehydes have been shown to initiate protein cross-linkage, exacerbate advanced glycation of proteins and cause endothelial injury. Hydrogen peroxide contributes to oxidative stress. 14C-methylamine is converted to 14C-formaldehyde, which then forms labeled long-lasting protein adduct in rodents. Chronic methylamine treatment increased the excretion of malondialdehyde and microalbuminuria, and enhanced the formation of fatty streaks in C57BL/6 mice fed with an atherogenic diet. Treatment with selective SSAO inhibitor reduces atherogenesis in KKAy diabetic mice fed with high-cholesterol diet. Aminoguanidine, which blocks advanced glycation and reduces nephropathy in animals, is in fact more potent at inhibiting SSAO than its effect on glycation. It suggests that SSAO is involved in vascular disorders under certain pathological conditions. Although SSAO has been known for several decades, its physiological and pathological implications are just beginning to be recognized.