非体外循环与并行循环不停跳冠脉搭桥术炎性因子的比较

目的:通过对比非体外循环与并行循环下不停跳冠脉搭桥术炎性因子的变化,研究不同方法对机体全身炎性反应程度的影响.方法:选择2009年6月～2010年1月在我院行冠脉搭桥术患者30例,其中选取采用并行循环下不停跳冠脉搭桥术(OnP-BH CABG)和非体外循环冠脉搭桥术(OPCABG)患者各15例,即A组和B组.检测TI(术前)、T2(手术结束时)、T3(术后6小时)、T4(术后12小时)、T5(术后24小时)不同时间点血浆肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白介素-6(IL-6)、白介素-8(IL-8)、肌钙蛋白I(cTnI)含量,并记录桥血管数量、精神状况、引流量及ICU入住时间.结果:两组血浆TNF-α、IL-6、IL-8、cTnI含量T1时无统计学意义(P＞0.05),T2、T3、T4、T5均呈升高趋势.A组较B组T2、T3、T4、T5各时间点TNF-α、IL-6、IL-8指标升高差异显著(P＜0.01);cTn I升高幅度略缓,T4、T5差异无统计学意义.比较患者术后精神状况及ICU入住时间,B组均优于A组(P＞0.05).术中搭桥血管支数无统计学差异、A组引流量较B组多,有统计学意义(p=0.02).结论:并行循环下不停跳冠脉搭桥术与非体外循环冠脉搭桥术相比,心肌损伤略重;体外循环可加重机体全身炎性反应程度.     

Prevention of pathological change and cognitive degeneration of Tg2576 mice by inoculating Aβ_(1-15) vaccine

This study aims to discuss the effect of preventing pathological changes and cognitive degeneration of Tg2576 mice by inoculating the subunit fragment of Aβ vaccine. Thirty-two Tg2576 mice were randomly divided into four groups, each having eight mice: Group I, the control group, inoculated with adjuvants; Group II, the Aβ42 group, inoculated with Aβ42 vaccine; Group III, the Aβ1―15 group, inoculated with Aβ1―15 vaccine; and Group IV, the Aβ36―42 group, inoculated with Aβ36―42 vaccine. The titer of the serum anti-body against Aβ42 (Group II) was significantly higher than that of the control group (Group I), and a low level of antibodies could be detected in the brain homogenate in the three vaccine-inoculated groups. Morris water maze test showed that the Aβ42 group, Aβ1―15 group and Aβ36―42 group were obviously im-proved compared with the control group. The cultured splenocytes sampled from each group were induced by Con A or their respective antigens, and the cell proliferation of the three vaccine-inoculated groups was significantly higher than that of the control group. In the Aβ42 group, IL2 and IFN-γ were relatively low and IL4 and IL10 were relatively high. By contrast, IL4 and IL10 were much higher in the Aβ1―15 group and IL2 and IFN-γ were much higher in the Aβ36―42 group. The immunohistochemical test showed a large number of senile plaques in the brain cortex and hippocampus of the mice in the con-trol group, no senile plaque in the brain of the Aβ1―15 group and Aβ42 group mice, and a small number of senile plaques in the brain of the Aβ36―42 group mice. The results suggest that the subunit fragment of Aβ1―15 vaccine could prevent not only cognitive and behavioral degeneration but also Aβ deposition and formation of senile plaques in Tg2576 mice.     

Response of T cells in vivo induced by repeated superantigen treatments at different time intervals

We have investigated the response of T cells to staphylococcal enterotoxin A （SEA） injections in vivo. We found that a single injection of SEA with an optimal dose of 10μg increased the expression of both CD4 and CD8 significantly. There was expansion of SEA-reactive T cells in vivo after SEA re-injection and the time interval between injections strongly influenced the responsiveness of CD4^＋ and CD8^＋ T cells. Anergy of T cells was observed after three SEA treatments. The time interval between injections mainly affected the unresponsiveness of CD4^＋ T cells, not CD8^＋ T cells. Marked deletion followed by anergy of CD4^＋ T cells was induced at short intervals, and anergy without obvious deletion of CD4^＋ T cells was induced at long intervals. We also found that the anergic state was reversible in vivo. Repeated SEA stimulation led to down-regulation of interleukin （IL）-2, and high levels of IL-10. This study showed that both CD4^＋ and CD8^＋ SEA-primed T cells were responsive to SEA rechallenge in vivo, and a third injection was needed to induce the anergy of T cells.     

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells as treatment of adjuvant rheumatoid arthritis in a rat model

AIM:To investigate the effect of human umbilical cord stem cells,both mesenchymal and hematopoietic(CD34+),in the treatment of arthritis.METHODS:Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) and hematopoietic(CD34+) stem cells(HSC) were isolated from human umbilical cord blood obtained from the umbilical cord of healthy pregnant donors undergoing fullterm normal vaginal delivery.MSC,HSC,methotrexate(MTX) and sterile saline were injected intra-articularly into the rat hindpaw with complete freunds adjuvant(CFA) induced arthritis after the onset of disease(day 34),when arthritis had become well established(arthritis score ≥ 2).Arthritic indices were evaluated and the levels of interleukin(IL)-1,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α and interferon(IFN)-γ and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in serum were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Animals of all groups were sacrificed 34 d after beginning treatment,except positive control(PC) which was sacrificed at 10,21 and 34 d for microscopic observation of disease progression.We used hematoxylin,eosin and Masson's trichrome stains for histopathological examination of cartilage and synovium.RESULTS:The mean arthritis scores were similar in all groups at 12 and 34 d post immunization,with no statistical significant difference.Upon the injection of stem cells(hematopoietic and mesenchymal),the overall arthritis signs were significantly improved around 21 d after receiving the injection and totally disappeared at day 34 post treatment in MSC group.Mean hindpaw diameter(mm) in the MSC rats was about half that of the PC and MTX groups(P = 0.007 and P = 0.021,respectively) and 0.6 mm less than the HSC group(P = 0.047),as indicated by paw swelling.Associated with these findings,serum levels of TNF-α,IFN-γ and IL-1 decreased significantly in HSC and MSC groups compared to PC and MTX groups(P 0.05),while the expression of IL-10 was increased.Histopathological examination with H and E stain revealed that the MTX treated group showed significant reduction of leucocytic infiltrate and hypertrophy of the synovial tissue with moderate obliteration of the joint cavity.Stem cells treated groups(both hematopoietic CD34+ and mesenchymal),showed significant reduction in leucocytic infiltrate and hypertrophy of the synovial tissue with mild obliteration of the joint cavity.With Masson's trichrome,stain sections from the PC group showed evidence of vascular edema of almost all vessels within the synovium in nearly all arthritic rats.Vacuoles were also visible in the outer vessel wall.The vessel became hemorrhagic and finally necrotic.In addition,there was extensive fibrosis completely obliterating the joint cavity.The mean color area percentage of collagen in this group was 0.324 ± 0.096,which was significantly increased when compared to the negative control group.The mean color area percentage of collagen in hematopoietic CD34+ and mesenchymal groups was 0.176 ± 0.0137 and 0.174 ± 0.0197 respectively,which showed a marked decrement compared to the PC group,denoting a mild increase in synovial tissue collagen fibers.CONCLUSION:MSC enhance the efficacy of CFAinduced arthritis treatment,most likely through the modulation of the expression of cytokines and amelioration of pathological changes in joints.     

Down-regulation of IL-8 expression in human airway epithelial cells through helper-dependent adenoviral-mediated RNA interference

Interleukin (IL)-8 is a potent neutrophil chemotactic factor and a crucial mediator in neutrophil-dependent inflammation.Various cell types produce IL-8, either in response to external stimuli such as cytokines or bacterial infection, or after malignant transformation. Anti-IL-8 strategies have been considered for anti-inflammatory therapy. In this paper we demonstrate that the RNA interference technique can be used to efficiently down-regulate IL-8 protein expression in airway epithelial cells. We used a helper-dependent adenoviral vector to express a small hairpin (sh)RNA targeting human IL-8 in cultured airway epithelial cells (IB3-1, Cftr; C38, Cftr-corrected) stimulated with TNF-α, IL-1β or heat-inactivated Burkholderia cenocepacia. Stimulated IL-8 expression in IB3-1 and C38 cells was significantly reduced by shRNA expression. The shRNA targeting IL-8 had no effect on the activation of NF-κB, or on the protein levels of IκB or IL-6, suggesting that this anti-IL-8 strategy was highly specific, and therefore may offer potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.     

冠脉搭桥术后炎症反应与心肌标志物的关系

目的：探讨非体外循环与并行循环方法对心肌损伤和全身炎症反应的差异。方法：选择2009年6月～2010年1月在我院行冠脉搭桥术患者30例,其中选取采用并行循环下不停跳冠脉搭桥术（OnP-BH CABG）和非体外循环冠脉搭桥术（OPCABG）患者各15例,即A组和B组。检测T1（术前）、T2（手术结束时）、T3（术后6小时）、T4（术后12小时）、T5（术后24小时）不同时间点白细胞数量（WBC）、中性粒细胞（PMN）百分比、血浆肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）、白介素-6（IL-6）、白介素-8（IL-8）、肌钙蛋白I（cTn I）含量,并记录桥血管数量、精神状况、引流量及ICU入住时间。结果：两组血浆WBC总数、PMN%、TNF-α、IL-6、IL-8、cTn I含量T1时无统计学意义（P〉0.05）,T2、T3、T4、T5时均呈升高趋势。A组较B组T2、T3、T4、T5各时间点WBC总数、PMN%、TNF-α、IL-6、IL-8指标升高差异显著（P〈0.01）;cTn I升高幅度略缓,T4、T5差异无统计学意义。比较患者术后精神状况及ICU入住时间,B组均优于A组（P〉0.05）。术中搭桥血管支数无统计学差异、A组引流量较B组多,有统计学意义（p=0.02）。结论：并行循环下不停跳冠脉搭桥术与非体外循环冠脉搭桥术相比,心肌组织损伤略重;体外循环可加重机体全身炎性反应程度,增加神经系统并发症机率。     

Coagulation status detection in breast cancer patients by using thrombelastography

Many cancer patients are known to present in a hypercoagulable state, meaning an increased risk of thrombosis. To investigate hypercoagulable state in breast cancer (BC) patients, their coagulation status was compared with a benign disease group (control). The BC patients were divided into earlier stage (stage I and stage Ⅱ ) and later stage (stage Ⅲ and stage Ⅳ ). Thrombelastography (TEG) and other traditional coagulation tests were performed. The results showed that prothrombin time (PT) was significantly shortened and the levels of D-dimer, fibrinogen (Fib) and platelets (PLT) were significantly increased in the traditional BC group test (P< 0.05). According to TEG detection, the average level of blood clot formation time (K) was significantly lower, while the Angle, MA and CI were significantly higher in the BC group than those in benign disease group (P< 0.05). There were 5 cases of lower extremity venous thrombosis in the breast cancer patients, coinciding with hypercoagulable state. The results showed that the BC patients had an increased hypercoagulable state, with hypercoagulability becoming more obvious in advanced stages. This study suggests that BC patients have an increased tendency for clot formation, and TEG monitoring could be a useful tool to predict the risk of thrombosis for clinical prevention and treatment.     

Human leukocyte antigen-DP loci are associated with the persistent infection of hepatitis B virus in Chinese population

A genome-wide association study recently showed that genetic variants in human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DP loci were strongly associated with a risk of persistent infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Japanese and Thai individuals and variants in interleukin 28B (IL-28B) have been associated with responses to anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the HLA-DP loci and IL-28B were associated with different outcomes of chronic HBV infection (CHB) in Chinese subjects. The rs9277535 near HLA-DPB1,rs3077 near HLA-DPA1, and rs12979860 genotype near IL28B were genotyped by direct sequencing in 185 CHB patients and 193 self-limited hepatitis B virus (SLHBV)-infected subjects who recovered from HBV infection. The rs9277535 near HLA-DPB1 was strongly associated with CHB (P=0.0000181, OR=1.905). This association was observed independent of HBV e antigen (HBeAg) status and HBV viral loads in HBeAg-positive patients (P=0.0004, OR=1.956), in HBeAg-negative patients (P=0.0009, OR=1.857), and in HBeAg-negative individuals without detectable levels of HBV DNA in serum (P=0.0011, OR=2.05). The rs3077 near HLA-DPA1 was associated with CHB (P=0.0206, OR=0.6865) and HBeAg-positive infection status (P=0.0143, OR=0.6047). Meanwhile, a genetic variation of insertion-deletion (INDEL) polymorphism (rs361527, -/ATAAATGTTGA) near HLA-DPA1 was found to be associated with CHB (P=0.0307, OR=0.7028) and HBeAg-positive CHB infection status (P=0.0233, OR=0.619). However,the rs12979860 genotype near IL28B had no correlation with CHB. This study demonstrated that in the Han Chinese populations, HLA DP loci, but not IL-28B, was associated with persistence of infection in different outcomes of HBV infected patients; however, the mechanism needs to be further investigated.     

Liver X receptor agonist T0901317 reduces athero-sclerotic lesions in apoE-/- mice by up-regulating NPC1 expression

In this study, we studied the effect of liver X receptor (LXR) agonist T0901317 on Niemann-Pick C1 protein (NPC1) expression in apoE-/- mice. Male apoE-/- mice were randomized into 4 groups, baseline group (n=10), control group (n=14), treatment group (n=14) and prevention group (n=14). All of the mice were fed with a high-fat/high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet containing 15% fat and 0.25% cholesterol. The baseline group treated with vehicle was sacrificed after 8 weeks of the diet. The control group and the prevention group were treated with either vehicle or T0901317 daily by oral gavage for 14 weeks. The treatment group was treated with vehicle for 8 weeks, and then was treated with the agonist T0901317 for additional 6 weeks. Gene and protein expression was analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, respectively. Plasma lipid concentrations were measured by commercially enzymatic methods. We used RNA interference technology to silence NPC1 gene expression in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells and then detected the effect of LXR agonist T0901317 on cholesterol efflux. Plasma triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apoA-I concentrations were markedly increased in T0901317-treated groups. T0901317 treatment reduced the aortic atherosclerotic lesion area by 64.2% in the prevention group and 58.3% in the treatment group. LXR agonist treatment increased NPC1 mRNA expression and protein levels in the small intestine, liver and aorta of apoE-/- mice. Compared with the normal cells, cholesterol efflux of siRNA THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells was significantly decreased, whereas cholesterol efflux of LXR agonist T0901317-treated THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells was significantly increased. Our results suggest that LXR agonist T0901317 inhibits atherosclerosis development in apoE-/- mice, which is related to up-regulating NPC1 expression.     

Iron concentrations in intestinal cancer tissue and in colon and rectum polyps

A prospective randomized trial was used to determine iron concentrations in intestinal cancer tissue and colorectum polyps. We investigated the possible difference between the concentrations of iron, ferritin, albumin, and hemoglobin in the serum of patients with colorectal cancer and polyps. We also determined the relationship between the iron and ferritin levels in cancer tissue, the localization of neoplasms, and the stage of their development. The study comprises 67 patients with colorectum cancer and 42 patients with colon and rectum polyps. The metal was determined by using the total-reflection X-ray fluorescence (TRXRF) method. The mean concentration of iron in colorectal cancer equaled 46.1 μg/g of the tissue and was higher than in the case of polyps (43.2 μg/g). The mean serum iron level in patients with colorectal cancer was statistically lower than in the serum of patients with polyp and in the control group (54.5, 91.3, and 108.0 μg/g, respectively). The determined average concentration of ferritin in the serum of patients with colorectal cancer equaled 60.4 μg/g and was statistically lower than the level of this enzyme in the serum of patients with polyps (85.2 μg/g) and in the control group (102.0 μg/g). There was no difference between the serum albumin and hemoglobin concentrations in patients with colorectal cancer, polyps, and the control. There was no difference in the levels of iron and ferritin depending on the location of the neoplasm and the stage of its development. Also, there was no difference between the concentrations of iron in the cancer tissue of malignant and benign tumors after taking into consideration sex and age of patients. During the examination we determined significantly higher concentrations of iron in the cancer tissue and not in the polyp. The low levels of iron in the serum of patients with malignant tumor may increase colorectal cancer risk.     

Free radical reaction products and antioxidant capacity in beating heart coronary artery surgery compared to conventional bypass

Oxygen-derived free radicals are important agents of tissue injury during ischemia and reperfusion. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in protein and lipid oxidation and antioxidant status in beating heart coronary artery surgery and conventional bypass and to compare oxidative stress parameters between the two bypass methods. Serum lipid hydroperoxide, nitric oxide, protein carbonyl, nitrotyrosine, vitamin E, and β-carotene levels and total antioxidant capacity were measured in blood of 30 patients undergoing beating heart coronary artery surgery (OPCAB, off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting) and 12 patients undergoing conventional bypass (CABG, on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting). In the OPCAB group, nitric oxide and nitrotyrosine levels decreased after reperfusion. Similarly, β-carotene level and total antioxidant capacity also decreased after anesthesia and reperfusion. In the CABG group, nitric oxide and nitrotyrosine levels decreased after ischemia and reperfusion. However, protein carbonyl levels elevated after ischemia and reperfusion. Vitamin E, β-carotene, and total antioxidant capacity decreased after ischemia and reperfusion. Significantly decreased nitration and impaired antioxidant status were seen after reperfusion in both groups. Moreover, elevated protein carbonyls were found in the CABG group. The off-pump procedure is associated with lower degree of oxidative stress than on-pump coronary surgery.     

Natriuretic peptides and endothelin-1 in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is an alternative to conventional CABG using cardiopulmonary bypass. Off-pump technique reduces the complications of CABG performed with extracorporeal circulatory assistance (Lancey et al. 2000; Mack et al. 2004a,b). The object of this study was to compare peri- and postoperative time courses of vasoactive peptides - atrial natriuretic poptide (ANP), brain natriuretic poptide (BNP) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) in off-pump versus on-pump CABG. 22 patients, who underwent on-pump (group A, n = 11) or off-pump CABG (group B, n = 11) were studied. The peri- and postoperative time courses of plasma ANP and BNP were similar in both groups. A statistically significant difference between ET-1 plasma level 2 h after surgery in the group A and ET-1 plasma level 2 h after surgery in the group B (2.46 + or - 1.14 pg/ml/Ht versus 0.74 + or - 0.09 pg/ml/Ht, p < 0.0001) was found. Different CABG techniques were not associated with significant changes in peri- and postoperative plasma ANP and BNP. By contrast, plasma ET-1 significantly rose in the group A 2 h after surgery, indicating endothelial damage.     

左旋精氨酸在冠脉搭桥术中心肌保护效果研究

目的：通过在心脏停搏液中添加适量左旋精氨酸来观察其在冠脉搭桥术中心肌保护效果。方法：选择2008年1月~2010年1月在我院行冠状动脉旁路移植术患者20例,随机分为2组,每组10例,对照组：常规心肌保护液组,不添加左旋精氨酸。实验组,心肌保护液中加入7．5gm左旋精氨酸。测患者术前（T1）、术后6小时（T2）、术后12小时（T3）、术后24小时（T4）、术后48小时（T5）血浆中TNF-α、IL-6、IL-8及cTnI含量。记录临床观察指标。结果：两组血浆TNF-α、IL．6、IL-8、cTnI浓度术前无统计学意义（P〉0．05）,术后各时点TNF-α、1L-6、IL．8、cTnI浓度显著升高且实验组均低于对照组（P〈0．05）。临床观察指标除血管活性药物应用情况实验组优于对照组（P〈0．05）外无明显差异。结论：在心脏停搏液中加入L-精氨酸,可有效保护缺血心肌,减轻心肌再灌注损伤程度。     

Oxidative stress is decreased in off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery surgery

Oxidative stress occurs in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass operation. The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in oxidative stress in off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. In the present study, in serial blood samples, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) as index of lipid peroxidation, red blood cells glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured to compare the extent of oxidative stress in 30 patients undergoing OPCAB (off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting), 12 patients undergoing CABG (on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting) and 18 healthy controls. In CABG group, MDA levels increased significantly from 2.87 +/- 0.62 nmol/mL before anesthesia and 2.87 +/- 0.65 nmol/mL after anesthesia to 3.05 +/- 0.66 nmol/mL after ischemia (p < 0.05). Similarly, SOD levels also elevated significantly from 661.58 +/- 78.70 U/g Hb before anesthesia and 659.42 +/- 81.21 U/g Hb anesthesia induction to 678.08 +/- 75.80 U/g Hb after ischemia (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, respectively). In OPCAB group, only SOD levels increased from 581.73 +/- 86.24 U/g Hb anesthesia induction to 590.90 +/- 88.90 U/g Hb after reperfusion (p < 0.05). Glutathione peroxidase levels were not changed according to blood collection times in both of CABG group or OPCAB group (p > 0.05). Our results show that only mild signs of oxidative stress is found after reperfusion in OPCAB operation compared with CABG operation. Further studies are needed in order to confirm this hypothesis.     

Comparison of hydroxyl radical generation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with and without cardiopulmonary bypass

We measured the hydroxyl radical (√OH) generation in fourteen patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), of whom seven patients underwent on-pump CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and seven patients underwent off-pump CABG without CPB. To detect √OH generation, we measured the urinary excretion of √OH products of creatinine (Cr), creatol (CTL; 5-hydroxycreatinine) and methylguanidine (MG) with HPLC using the one point sampling and collected urine during and after the operation. The urinary CTL value corrected urinary Cr value of on-pump CABG significantly increased about 3-5 times from the beginning of CPB to 4 h after operation compared to the baseline value before CPB in both the collected urine and the one point sampling urine. The urinary MG/Cr value in both groups did not change significantly. Significantly increased √OH generation was found during and soon after on-pump CABG.     

体外与非体外循环冠状动脉旁路移植术再血管化率的系统评价

目的：系统评价采用体外循环与非体外循环下冠状动脉旁路移植术比较,治疗冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病的再血管化率。方法：计算机检索MEDLINE（1966～2010.3）、EMbase（1984～2010.3）、Cochrane临床对照试验资料库（2010年第2期）和中国生物医学文献数据库（1979～2010.3）,同时手工检索所有纳入试验的参考文献,质量评价后用RevMan 5.0软件进行Meta分析。结果：共纳入2个随机对照试验,包括2276例患者。Meta分析结果显示：体外循环组的再血管化率高于单用非体外循环组,其差异有统计学意义P〈0.00001[OR=1.78,95%C（I1.40,2.26）]。结论：当前的证据表明,体外循环下冠状动脉旁路移植术在治疗冠心病时,再血管化率比非体外循环高;评价患者长期预后有一定指导意义。由于纳入研究随访时间较短,上述结论尚需要高质量、大样本、长时间的随机双盲对照试验进一步证实。     

Effects of Aluminum on Immune Functions of Cultured Splenic T and B Lymphocytes in Rats

The effects of Aluminum (Al) exposure on immune functions of cultured splenic T and B lymphocytes of rats were studied. The lymphocytes were isolated from spleen of healthy male Wistar rats weighing 110-120 g. The cultured cells in RPMI-1640 medium were exposed to 0 (control group), 0.035 (low-dose group), 0.07 (medial-dose group), and 0.14 (high-dose group) mg/mL Al(3+) as aluminum trichloride (AlCl(3)) in an incubator under 5% CO(2) at 37°C for 24 h. The T and B lymphocyte proliferation was measured with a tetrazolium dye colorimetric assay. The levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were determined by iodine [(125)I] IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α radioimmunoassay kits, respectively. The proportions of CD3(+), CD4(+), and CD8(+) T lymphocytes were measured with a flow cytometer. The results showed that the T and B lymphocyte proliferation, the levels of IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, the proportions of CD3(+) and CD4(+) T lymphocytes, and the ratio of CD4(+)/CD8(+) T lymphocytes were lowered by Al treatments, while the proportion of CD8(+) T lymphocytes was increased. These findings indicate that Al exposure can inhibit the immune functions of splenic T and B lymphocytes of rats in vitro.