CD105shRNA对激光诱导的脉络膜新生血管的干预作用及其机制

目的：观察CD105shRNA对激光诱导的大鼠脉络膜新生血管的抑制作用,并初步探讨其作用机制。方法：40只BN大鼠单眼采用半导体激光建立CNV模型。随机取20只大鼠于建模后1天使用Pgenesil-eng2转染大鼠视网膜和脉络膜作为实验组。在建模后第14天行FFA检查,观察实验组与对照组视网膜激光斑的渗漏情况。各取5只实验组和5只对照组大鼠,行脉络膜铺片,检测并比较脉络膜新生血管渗漏面积。另32只BN大鼠任取一眼建立CNV模型,其中任取20只大鼠于建模后次日进行Pgen-esil—eag2转染,作为实验组。12只建模眼作为对照组,未建模眼作为空白对照组。于基因转染后1w,2w,3w和4w各取5只实验组大鼠和3只对照组大鼠眼球,获取每个时间点实验组、对照组和空白对照组的脉络膜组织。检测各组每个时间点CDl05和VEGF在mRNA水平的表达。结果：FFA显示光凝后第14天时,对照组的渗漏率为63．2％,实验组为24．6％。实验组的BN大鼠眼底渗漏点数较对照组少,渗漏强度较弱。两组间比较有显著性差异。脉络膜铺片结果显示：2周时对照组大鼠的CNV面积为（31．22±1．46）×10^3μm2,实验组大鼠的CNV渗漏面积为（14．46±0．82）×10^3μm2,两组间比较有显著性差异。RT—PCR结果显示：实验组VEGFmRNA及CDl05mRNA的表达变化规律与对照组相似,但各个时间点的表达量较对照组均明显下降,其中实验组VEGFmRNA于2w时的表达约为对照组的36．7％;实验组CD105mRNA在第2w时约为对照组的21．68％。结论：通过沉默CD105基因的表达可以抑制大鼠CNV的生成,下调VEGF的表达可能是其作用机制之一。CD105基因有望成为CNV的基础研究热点和临床治疗的新靶点。     

白介素-1受体拮抗剂抑制角膜新生血管及血管内皮生长因子表达的研究

为了探讨白介素-1受体拮抗剂(interleukin 1 receptor antagonist,IL_1ra)对大鼠角膜新生血管(corneal neovascularization,CNV)中血管内皮生长因子(vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF)表达的影响及其对CNV生长的作用,采用角膜缝线法建立大鼠CNV模型,分成正常对照组、单纯角膜缝线组和缝线加IL_1ra结膜下注射组三组,于术后1w、2w分别计算各组CNV面积,观察CNV生长情况;术后1w各组随机处死4只大鼠,取角膜组织采用RT_PCR检测VEGF的表达。结果表明,正常对照组无CNV生长,VEGF低表达;单纯缝线组CNV生长旺盛,VEGF高表达,CNV面积、VEGF mRNA相对吸光度值与其他两组相比有极显著差异(p<0.01);IL_1ra组CNV生长稀疏,VEGF表达较低,但仍高于正常对照组,差异有统计学意义(p<0.01)。     

姜黄素抑制小鼠脉络膜新生血管的实验研究

目的：观察姜黄素对激光诱导的小鼠脉络膜新生血管（choroidalneovascularization,CNV）形成的影响。方法：60只雄性C57BL／6小鼠,随机分为对照组、10mg／kg姜黄素治疗组、30mg／kg姜黄素治疗组,每组20只。采用激光诱导产生小鼠CNV模型。由光凝前3天开始,至光凝后14天,两个治疗组每天分别给予腹腔注射相应剂量的姜黄素,对照组腹腔注射二甲亚砜溶液（溶剂）。光凝后第3天通过免疫组化和ELISA检测血管内皮生长因子（vesselendothelialgrowthfactor,VEGF）的表达;第14天通过组织学检查以及荧光素标记的葡聚糖的血管灌注检测CNV的面积,荧光血管造影评价CNV的渗漏程度。结果：光凝后第14天,组织学检查显示姜黄素能够有效缩小激光诱导的CNV;荧光素标记的葡聚糖血管灌注后测量色素上皮-脉络膜铺片上CNV的面积,和对照相比,姜黄素能显著减小激光诱导的CNV的面积（P〈0．05）;荧光血管造影显示姜黄素能有效抑制CNV的渗漏（P〈O．05）。和10mg／kg姜黄素治疗组相比,30mg／kg姜黄素治疗组小鼠CNV面积缩小和渗漏程度减弱（P〈0．05）。光凝后第3天,VEGF免疫组化和ELISA结果显示姜黄素显著抑制色素上皮一脉络膜复合体中VEGF（P〈0．01）的表达,高刺量组有更强的抑制作用（P〈0．01）。结论：姜黄素可以有效地抑制小鼠CNV的形成,下调VEGF的表达可能是姜黄素抑制CNV的作用机制之一。因此我们推测姜黄素对并发CNV的AMD患者可能具有治疗作用。     

激光诱导大鼠CNV形态变异性的体内和体外特性研究

532 nm激光光凝是诱导啮齿类动物脉络膜新生血管(CNV)的一种既定方法。本研究旨在评价激光诱导CNV在体内和体外随时间变化的形态变异程度,为今后CNV相关研究提供观察指标。本实验首先对棕色挪威(BN)大鼠进行激光造模,随后,根据不同时间点对其进行体内眼底照相、光学相干断层扫描(OCT)、眼底荧光血管造影(FFA)和吲哚菁绿血管造影(ICGA),最后,应用组织病理检查进行体外验证。结果发现,光凝后第7天出现CNV,第21天的CNV总发生率最高。FFA呈典型圆盘状强荧光渗漏,ICGA显示光凝区周边强荧光,中央低荧光,呈花环状形态。光学显微镜下可见,造模后第7天,视网膜下CNV形成,第7~21天,CNV中央厚度逐渐增加,第28天,CNV中央厚度保持相对稳定。这提示,532 nm激光诱导BN大鼠CNV模型造模时间短,成功率高。这种造模方式可以广泛应用于临床前实验研究,为进一步研究CNV发病机制提供了思路。     

年龄相关性黄斑变性患者黄斑区脉络膜新生血管特征分析

目的:探讨年龄相关性黄斑变性黄斑区脉络膜新生血管(CNV)的特征。方法:对41例(41只眼)年龄相关性黄斑变性患者CNV进行荧光素眼底血管造影(FFA)和相干光断层扫描(OCT)检查,并对两种不同的图像检查结果进行对比分析。结果:FFA发现典型CNV29眼,FFA早期黄斑区可见边界清晰的高荧光区,FFA晚期荧光扩大并增强;隐匿型CNV10眼,FFA早期可见边界欠清的强荧光,FFA晚期持续为荧光素渗漏或染色,边界多不清晰。OCT发现典型CNV33眼,显示CNV多位于视网膜神经上皮层下,呈边界清晰的纺锤形或圆形强反射,隐匿型CNV8眼,表现为视网膜色素上皮层平面不规则增强紊乱的反射信号。两种检查对黄斑区CNV的检出率对比差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:结合FFA和OCT的图像特征对年龄相关性黄斑变性黄斑区脉络膜新生血管形态学改变进行对比分析,有助于明确病变的性质,为临床诊疗提供帮助。     

氧诱导视网膜病模型中曲安奈德抑制新生血管生长的机制

目的观察氧诱导视网膜病模型(OIR)中曲安奈德(TA)对CD14+细胞聚集及VEGF表达的干预作用,初步探讨曲安奈德抑制视网膜新生血管生长的可能机制。方法清洁级C57BL/6哺乳期小鼠36只(共36个眼球),随机将其分为四组:①正常对照组(6个眼球),6只17日龄正常小鼠先行FFA眼底造影,然后每鼠随机摘取一个眼球,行眼球石蜡切片HE染色。②单纯高氧组(6个眼球),6只17日龄OIR模型小鼠处理同单纯对照组。③TA高氧组(12个眼球),12只12日龄OIR模型小鼠随机一眼注射TA 2μL,再于17日龄后行FFA眼底造影后摘除术眼,其中6个眼球行眼球石蜡切片HE染色及视网膜CD14和VEGF免疫组化染色,另6个眼球行视网膜VEGF mRNA的real-time PCR检测。④BSS高氧(12个眼球),12只12日龄OIR模型小鼠随机一眼注射BSS 2μL,余处理同TA高氧组。用t检验两两比较各组视网膜突破内界膜的内皮细胞核数,视网膜CD14与VEGF免疫组化染色的平均吸光度值(IOD/AOI),及VEGF mRNA的相对含量值(2-ΔCt×105)。结果与正常对照组相比,高氧诱导组突破视网膜内界膜的内皮细胞核数...     

早期糖尿病大鼠视网膜中血管生成素-1、血管内皮生长因子的表达

目的:研究血管生成素-1(angiopoietin-1,Ang-1)和血管内皮生长因子(vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF)在早期糖尿病大鼠视网膜中的表达及其意义。方法:制备类似人类Ⅰ型糖尿病大鼠动物模型,取40只SD雄性大鼠分糖尿病组28只及正常对照组12只,糖尿病组28只SD雄性大鼠腹腔注射STZ65mg.Kg-1,建模成功后分别在1周、2周、3周、4周各取糖尿病组7只及正常对照组3只摘取大鼠眼球,应用免疫组化法检测Ang-1、VEGF在视网膜中的表达。结果:Ang-1、VEGF在正常大鼠视网膜的染色均为阴性,Ang-1在1、2、3周糖尿病大鼠视网膜内界膜、内核层及散在血管旁周细胞及Mǔller细胞中呈阳性表达,4周时呈阴性染色反应,Ang-1在糖尿病大鼠视网膜中表达1周阳性率约为39.5%,2周阳性率约为59.7%,3周阳性率约为78.9%,4周阳性率约为19.0%。VEGF在糖尿病大鼠视网膜中表达1周阳性率约为38.6%,2周阳性率约为54.3%,3周阳性率为78.9%,4周阳性率约为42%。结论:Ang-1、VEGF可能在糖尿病视网膜病变早期形成中起到重要...     

模拟室内高浓度PM2.5对大鼠血清和组织VEGF蛋白表达的影响

目的:采用"密闭环境熏烟法"模拟PM2.5高浓度环境,建立大鼠被动吸烟模型,观察模拟公共场所室内高浓度PM2.5对正常大鼠血清血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)以及心、脾、肺三种组织VEGF蛋白表达的影响。方法:将20只6月龄雄性健康Wistar大鼠按体重分层随机分为实验组和对照组。并且两组大鼠均于相同的环境下(温度,湿度,光照)进行饲养。对照组不做任何处理,实验组进行为期6周的密闭环境烟熏。末次烟熏结束24-36小时内,用ELISA检测两组大鼠血清VEGF水平的变化,用Western blot检测心、脾、肺三种组织VEGF蛋白表达的变化。结果:与对照组比较,实验组心、脾VEGF1、2以及肺VEGF1蛋白表达水平均显著下降,而肺VEGF2和血清VEGF水平无显著变化。结论:6周模拟公共场所室内高浓度PM2.5能显著降低大鼠心、脾、肺VEGF蛋白表达水平。     

MEF2C在湿性年龄相关性黄斑变性中的表达及其对脉络膜新生血管和巨噬细胞极化的影响

摘要 目的：揭示肌细胞增强因子2C（MEF2C）在湿性年龄相关性黄斑变性（AMD）中的表达及其对脉络膜新生血管（CNV）和巨噬细胞极化的影响。方法：通过qRT-PCR法检测30例湿性AMD患者（AMD组）和30例健康体检者（健康对照组）的血清MEF2C水平。将MEF2C过表达慢病毒（MEF2C-LV组）和阴性对照过表达慢病毒（NC-LV组）转染至恒河猴脉络膜血管内皮细胞系（RF/6A）。转染后,将RF/6A细胞分为常氧组（Normoxia组）、低氧组（Hypoxia组）、低氧+NC-LV组（Hypoxia+NC-LV组）、低氧+MEF2C-LV组（Hypoxia+MEF2C-LV组）。转染及缺氧处理后,分别测定各组细胞进行Matrigel小管。通过激光诱导CNV C57BL/6J小鼠模型,将建模成功的C57BL/6J小鼠随机分为模型组、NC-LV组和MEF2C-LV组,每组10只,未建模的小鼠作为对照组。然后对NC-LV组和MEF2C-LV组小鼠玻璃体腔注射NC-LV或MEF2C-LV,对照组和模型组小鼠不进行治疗。治疗7 d后进行眼底荧光血管造影（FFA）和眼球苏木精伊红（HE）染色。通过qRT-PCR和Western blot检测MEF2C、VEGFA、VEGFR2、IL-12p35、IL-12p40和IL-10的mRNA和蛋白表达。结果：与Healthy组相比,AMD组患者的血清MEF2C水平显著降低（1.00±0.23 vs 0.48±0.29,t=7.689,P<0.001）。与Normoxia组相比,Hypoxia组的闭合管腔数量增加（P<0.05）。与Hypoxia组相比,Hypoxia+MEF2C-LV组的闭合管腔数量减少（P<0.05）。与模型组相比,MEF2C-LV组视网膜和脉络膜病变程度减轻,结构基本恢复正常,脉络膜组织厚度降低,血管生成减少。与模型组相比,MEF2C-LV组的CNV相对荧光强度降低,脉络膜组织中MEF2C、VEGFA和VEGFR2的mRNA和蛋白表达水平均降低（P<0.05）。与模型组相比,MEF2C-LV组脉络膜组织中IL-12p35和IL-12p40的mRNA和蛋白表达水平均升高,IL-10均降低（P<0.05）。结论：MEF2C在湿性AMD患者血清中低表达,上调MEF2C可抑制脉络膜血管生成,并促进巨噬细胞从M2型向M1型的转换。     

血管内皮生长因子及其受体2与哮喘模型大鼠气道平滑肌细胞增殖关系的研究

目的探讨血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)及其受体2(Flk-1)在哮喘大鼠气道平滑肌细胞(ASMC)中表达变化及其对ASMC增殖的影响。方法 SD大鼠18只,随机分为对照组,哮喘模型组和地塞米松干预组各6只,并培养各组气道平滑肌细胞。用免疫组织化学技术检测ASMC增殖细胞核抗原(PCNA)的表达;用RT-PCR及Western blot方法分别检测VEGF和Flk-1mRNA及蛋白质在不同组大鼠ASMC的表达程度。结果(1)哮喘模型组ASMC PCNA表达较对照组和干预组显著增加(P0.05)。(2)哮喘模型组ASMC VEGF164,VEGF188mRNA和VEGF205mRNA的表达较对照组和干预组显著增加(P0.05或P0.01)。(3)哮喘模型组ASMC VEGF及Flk-1蛋白质在大鼠ASMC中的表达较对照组和干预组显著增加(P0.05)。直线相关性分析显示,大鼠ASMC PCNA表达与大鼠ASMC中VEGF205,188,164及Flk-1mRNA表达水平呈正相关(r分别为0.79,0.86,0.83,0.68;P0.05);大鼠ASMC PCNA表达与大鼠ASMC中VEGF及Flk-1蛋白质表达水平也呈正相关(r分别为0.80,0.77;P0.05)。结果 哮喘模型大鼠ASMC中VEGF及其受体Flk-1表达上调,并与气道平滑肌细胞增殖有密切关系。该结果提示VEGF及其受体2可能参与了哮喘气道重建中气道平滑肌细胞增殖的过程。     

不同品系大鼠RTI基因抗原表达数量的研究

目的研究不同品系大鼠RT1A、RT1B和RT1D基因表达的抗原总数量,以及在CD4＋T细胞和CD8＋T细胞上表达的数量,为免疫学研究提供数据支持。方法采集四种品系BN、Lewis、F344、SHR大鼠的静脉血,制备淋巴细胞,与有荧光标记的单克隆抗体反应,应用流式细胞术检测抗原数量。结果发现RT1A、RT1B和RT1D基因表达的抗原在不同品系大鼠体内表达的数量不同,其中F344大鼠表达的RT1A抗原最多,BN大鼠表达的RT1B抗原和RT1D抗原均为最多。RT1A、RT1B和RT1D基因表达的抗原在CD4＋T细胞和CD8＋T细胞上表达的数量也不同,Lewis大鼠在CD4＋T细胞上表达的RT1A抗原最多,BN大鼠在CD4＋T细胞上表达的RT1B和RT1D抗原最多。F344大鼠在CD8＋T细胞上表达的RT1A抗原最多;F344大鼠在CD8＋T细胞上表达的RT1B和RT1D抗原最多。同一品系大鼠之间雌雄动物RT1A、RT1B和RT1D基因表达的抗原也不同。结论不同品系大鼠RT1A、RT1B和RT1D基因的抗原总表达数量之间差异有显著性,在CD4＋T细胞上和CD8＋T细胞上表达的数量差异也有显著性。     

Uptake dynamics and retinal tolerance of phosphorothioate oligonucleotide and its direct delivery into the site of choroidal neovascularization through subretinal administration in the rat

This study aimed to investigate uptake dynamics and retinal tolerance of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (PS-oligos) following subretinal injection. A fluorescent-labeled PS-oligo (FL-oligo) with random sequence was administered into the subretinal space of rat by transsclera-choroid-retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) injection at doses of 0.129, 1.29, and 12.9 microg in 2.0 microl solution. The uptake dynamics were evaluated by fundus fluorescent photography in real time and by fluorescence microscopy using flat mounts and cryosections. Immunophenotyping for CD4+, CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes, and CD68+ macrophages was performed to assess cellular infiltration in the retina. In addition, the FL-oligo was injected subretinally in a rat model of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) for direct delivery into the site of CNV. Subretinal administration of FL-oligo resulted in both dose-dependent and time-dependent distribution in the retina, where it accessed the RPE and all layers of the neuroretina. CD4+, CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes, and CD68+ macrophages were observed at the site of needle penetration. However, in areas far from the injection site where the FL-oligo appeared strongly, cellular infiltration was absent, and the retinal morphology was preserved very well. The FL-oligo was successfully delivered into the site of intense laser photocoagulation. It was predominantly localized to the RPE, macrophages, and some choroid cells and remained detectable for at least 56 days after injection. Our results demonstrate for the first time that subretinal injection efficiently introduced PS-oligo into the RPE and neuroretina with an acceptable level of safety. Subretinal administration of antiangiogenic oligonucleotides may hold great potential for the treatment of CNV.     

A spontaneous mutation of the rat Themis gene leads to impaired function of regulatory T cells linked to inflammatory bowel disease

Spontaneous or chemically induced germline mutations, which lead to Mendelian phenotypes, are powerful tools to discover new genes and their functions. Here, we report an autosomal recessive mutation that occurred spontaneously in a Brown-Norway (BN) rat colony and was identified as causing marked T cell lymphopenia. This mutation was stabilized in a new rat strain, named BN(m) for "BN mutated." In BN(m) rats, we found that the T cell lymphopenia originated in the thymus, was intrinsic to CD4 T lymphocytes, and was associated with the development of an inflammatory bowel disease. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the suppressive activity of both peripheral and thymic CD4(+) CD25(bright) regulatory T cells (Treg) is defective in BN(m) rats. Complementation of mutant animals with BN Treg decreases disease incidence and severity, thus suggesting that the impaired Treg function is involved in the development of inflammatory bowel disease in BN(m) rats. Moreover, the cytokine profile of effector CD4 T cells is skewed toward Th2 and Th17 phenotypes in BN(m) rats. Linkage analysis and genetic dissection of the CD4 T cell lymphopenia in rats issued from BN(m)×DA crosses allowed the localization of the mutation on chromosome 1, within a 1.5 megabase interval. Gene expression and sequencing studies identified a frameshift mutation caused by a four-nucleotide insertion in the Themis gene, leading to its disruption. This result is the first to link Themis to the suppressive function of Treg and to suggest that, in Themis-deficient animals, defect of this function is involved in intestinal inflammation. Thus, this study highlights the importance of Themis as a new target gene that could participate in the pathogenesis of immune diseases characterized by chronic inflammation resulting from a defect in the Treg compartment.     

Alcohol linked to enhanced angiogenesis in rat model of choroidal neovascularization

One of the pathologic complications of exudative (i.e. wet-type) age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is choroidal neovascularization (CNV). The aim of this study was to investigate whether chronic and heavy alcohol consumption influenced the development of CNV in a rat model. The oxidative metabolism of alcohol is minimal or absent in the eye, so that ethanol is metabolized via a nonoxidative pathway to form fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE). Fatty acid ethyl ester synthase (FAEES) was purified from the choroid of Brown Norway (BN) rats. The purified protein was 60 kDa in size and the antibody raised against this protein showed a single band on western blot. BN rats on a regular diet were fed alcohol for 10 weeks. Control rats were fed water with a regular diet and pair-fed control rats were fed regular diet, water and glucose. We found that FAEES activity was increased 4.0-fold in the choroid of alcohol-treated rats compared with controls. The amount of ethyl esters produced in the choroid of 10 week alcohol-fed rats was 7.4-fold more than rats fed alcohol for 1 week. The increased accumulation of ethyl esters was associated with a 3.0-fold increased expression of cyclin E and cyclin E/CDK2; however, the level of the cyclin kinase inhibitor, p27Kip, did not change. The increased accumulation of ethyl esters was also associated with 3.0-fold decreased expression of APN in the choroid. We also found that the size of CNV increased by 28% in alcohol-fed rats. Thus, our study showed that chronic, heavy alcohol intake was associated with both an increased accumulation of ethyl esters in the choroid and an exacerbation of the CNV induced by laser treatment. These results may provide insight into the link between heavy alcohol consumption and exudative AMD.     

CD59, a complement regulatory protein, controls choroidal neovascularization in a mouse model of wet-type age-related macular degeneration

We have shown that membrane attack complex (MAC) formation via the activation of the alternative pathway plays a central role in the laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV). This study was undertaken to understand the role of a complement regulatory protein, CD59, which controls MAC assembly and function, in this model. CNV was induced by laser photocoagulation in C57BL/6 and Cd59a(-/-) mice using an argon laser. Animals from each group were sacrificed on day 1, 3, 5, and 7 postlaser. Retinal pigment epithelium-choroid-scleral tissue was examined to determine the incidence and size of CNV complex, and semiquantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis for CD59a was studied. Recombinant soluble mouse CD59a-IgG2a fusion (rsCD59a-Fc) protein was injected via i.p. or intravitreal routes 24 h before laser. Our results demonstrated that CD59a (both mRNA and protein) was down-regulated during laser-induced CNV. Cd59a(-/-) mice developed CNV complex early in the disease process. Increased MAC deposition was also observed in these Cd59a(-/-) mice. Administration of rsCD59a-Fc inhibited the development of CNV complex in the mouse model by blocking MAC formation and also inhibited expression of angiogenic growth factors. These data provide strong evidence that CD59a plays a crucial role in regulating complement activation and MAC formation essential for the release of growth factors that drive the development of laser-induced CNV in mice. Thus, our results suggest that the inhibition of complement by soluble CD59 may provide a novel therapeutic alternative to current treatment.     

A polymorphism of the rat T-cell receptor β-chain variable gene 13 (BV13S1) correlates with the frequency of BV13S1-positive CD4 cells

Three rat BV13S1 alleles (T-cell receptor β-chain variable gene 13) were characterized by new BV13S1-allele specific monoclonal antibodies (18B1 and 17D5) and sequence analysis of expressed and genomic BV13S1. Two alleles were functional and designated BV13S1A1 present in strains LEW, BUF, PVG, and BV13S1A2 present in BN and WF. Their products differed by six amino acids, two of them in complementarity-determing region (CDR)1 and one in CDR2. A third nonfunctional allele, BV13S1A3P, was found in strains F344 and DA. Apart from a single nucleotide insertion, it was identical to BV13S1A2. All 12 rat strains tested showed association of TCRBC1 with BV8S2/4 alleles but not with the BV13S1 alleles, which may reflect a different gene order of the rat BV compared to mouse. BV13S1A1-encoded T-cell receptors (TCRs) which bind both monoclonal antibody (mAb) 18B1 and mAb 17D5 are over-represented in the CD4 lymphocyte subset. BV13S1A2-encoded TCRs which are stained by mAb 18B1 but not by mAb 17D5 show a slight CD8-biased expression. Preferential usage of BV13S1A1-positive TCRs by CD4 but not by CD8 cells in (LEW×WF)F1 hybrids and cosegregation of BV13SA1 and increased frequency of BV13S1 TCR-positive CD4 cells in a (LEW×BN)×BN backcross suggest structural differences of the two allelic products as the reason for their contrasting CD4/CD8 subset bias. Received: 6 October 1999 / Revised: 25 November 1999     

Functional and genetic analysis of two CD8 T cell subsets defined by the level of CD45RC expression in the rat

Differential cytokine production by T cells plays an important role in the outcome of the immune response. We show that the level of CD45RC expression differentiates rat CD8 T cells in two subpopulations, CD45RC(high) and CD45RC(low), that have different cytokine profiles and functions. Upon in vitro stimulation, in an Ag-presenting cell-independent system, CD45RC(high) CD8 T cells produce IL-2 and IFN-gamma while CD45RC(low) CD8 T cells produce IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13. In vitro, these subsets also exhibit different cytotoxic and suppressive functions. The CD45RC(high)/CD45RC(low) CD8 T cell ratio was determined in Lewis (LEW) and Brown-Norway (BN) rats. These two rat strains differ with respect to the Th1/Th2 polarization of their immune responses and to their susceptibility to develop distinct immune diseases. The CD45RC(high)/CD45RC(low) CD8 T cell ratio is higher in LEW than in BN rats, and this difference is dependent on hemopoietic cells. Linkage analysis in a F(2)(LEW x BN) intercross identified two quantitative trait loci on chromosomes 9 and 20 controlling the CD45RC(high)/CD45RC(low) CD8 T cell ratio. This genetic control was confirmed in congenic rats. The region on chromosome 9 was narrowed down to a 1.2-cM interval that was found to also control the IgE response in a model of Th2-mediated disorder. Identification of genes that control the CD45RC(high)/CD45RC(low) CD8 T cell subsets in these regions could be of great interest for the understanding of the pathophysiology of immune-mediated diseases.     

异甘草酸镁对胆道梗阻致肝损伤肝功能保护作用的动物实验研究

目的:探讨异甘草酸镁注射液对大鼠梗阻性黄疸肝损伤的保护作用。方法:选用健康雄性SD大鼠32只,随机分成4组,每组各8只,分别为胆总管结扎+异甘草酸镁注射液常规剂量组(BMc组);胆总管结扎+异甘草酸镁注射液高剂量组(BMh组);胆总管结扎+0.9%生理盐水注射液组(BN组)和假手术组(Sham组)。BN和Sham组以生理盐水30 mg/kg/日腹腔注射,BMc组以异甘草酸镁30 mg/kg/日腹腔注射,BMh组以异甘草酸镁60 mg/kg/日腹腔注射。术后不同时间对各组大鼠眼眶取血并获得血清。在全自动生化分析仪器检测肝功能指标:丙氨酸氨基转移酶(Alanine aminotransferase,ALT)、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶(Aspartate aminotransferase,AST)、直接胆红素(Direct bilirubin,DBil)。结果:BN、BMc和BMh组大鼠在胆管结扎后血清中ALT和AST指标明显升高。随着梗阻时间的增加,BM和BMh组大鼠血清中ALT和AST的水平均明显低于BN组(P0.01),但两组之间并无明显区别。手术后BN、BMc和BMh组大鼠在胆管结扎后血清中D-Bil水平明显高于Sham组(P0.01),但随着梗阻时间的延长,各组间D-Bil的水平变化不明显。结论:异甘草酸镁注射液可以有效降低梗阻性黄疸大鼠血清转氨酶水平,对肝功能有明显的保护作用。     

Targeted decorin gene therapy delivered with adeno-associated virus effectively retards corneal neovascularization in vivo

Decorin, small leucine-rich proteoglycan, has been shown to modulate angiogenesis in nonocular tissues. This study tested a hypothesis that tissue-selective targeted decorin gene therapy delivered to the rabbit stroma with adeno-associated virus serotype 5 (AAV5) impedes corneal neovascularization (CNV) in vivo without significant side effects. An established rabbit CNV model was used. Targeted decorin gene therapy in the rabbit stroma was delivered with a single topical AAV5 titer (100 μl; 5×10(12) vg/ml) application onto the stroma for two minutes after removing corneal epithelium. The levels of CNV were examined with stereomicroscopy, H&E staining, lectin, collagen type IV, CD31 immunocytochemistry and CD31 immunoblotting. Real-time PCR quantified mRNA expression of pro- and anti-angiogenic genes. Corneal health in live animals was monitored with clinical, slit-lamp and optical coherence tomography biomicroscopic examinations. Selective decorin delivery into stroma showed significant 52% (p<0.05), 66% (p<0.001), and 63% (p<0.01) reduction at early (day 5), mid (day 10), and late (day 14) stages of CNV in decorin-delivered rabbit corneas compared to control (no decorin delivered) corneas in morphometric analysis. The H&E staining, lectin, collagen type IV, CD31 immunostaining (57-65, p<0.5), and CD31 immunoblotting (62-67%, p<0.05) supported morphometric findings. Quantitative PCR studies demonstrated decorin gene therapy down-regulated expression of VEGF, MCP1 and angiopoietin (pro-angiogenic) and up-regulated PEDF (anti-angiogenic) genes. The clinical, biomicroscopy and transmission electron microscopy studies revealed that AAV5-mediated decorin gene therapy is safe for the cornea. Tissue-targeted AAV5-mediated decorin gene therapy decreases CNV with no major side effects, and could potentially be used for treating patients.