[Study on analgesia of oxymatrine and its relation to calcium channels].

OBJECTIVE: To study whether the analgesis of oxymatrine (OMT) affects N-type voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). METHODS: Totally 45 mice were randomly divided into the sham-operation group, the model group [established by partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL)] , and the OMT treatment group according to random digit table, 15 in each group. The dorsal root ganglions (DRG) were separated in PSNL pain model mice. Intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) was determined with Fluo-3 AM immunofluorescent probe in cultured DRG neurons. Different protein expression levels of N-type (Cav2. 2) and L-type ( Cav1. 3) among VGCCs from brain and DRG tissues were detected with Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the sham-operation group, [Ca2+]i, increased in cultured DRG neurons (P <0. 05) , protein expression levels of Cav2. 2 in the brain tissue increased (P <0. 05), protein expression levels of Cav2. 2 in DRG tissues decreased in the model group (P <0. 01). Compared with the model group, [Ca2+]i, decreased in cultured DRG neurons (P < 0. 05), protein expression levels of Cav2. 2 in the brain tissue decreased (P <0. 01), protein expression levels of Cav2. 2 in DRG tissues increased in the OMT treatment group (P <0. 01). There was no statistical difference in Cav1. 3 expressions in cultured DRG neurons and the brain (P >0. 05). CONCLUSION: Analgesic effect of OMT might be related to Cav2. 2 channel mediated calcium ion flux.

[The Analgesia of Oxymatrine Affecting Calcium Channel and GABA Release].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the analgesia of oxymatrine (OMT) affecting high voltage-dependent calcium channels (HVDCCs) and GABA release under neuropathic pain condition. METHODS: Totally 66 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the sham-operation group, the model group, and the OMT group, 22 in each group. Neuropathic pain models were established by partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL). Hind paw plantar mechanical response threshold (MWT) was measured by up-and-down method with Von-Frey filament. mRNA expression of HVDCCs in brains and spinal cords was detected with Real-time PCR and concentration of GABA was determined using ELISA kit. RESULTS: Compared with day 0, the left hind paw MWTwas decreased on day 7, 10, and 14 in the model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the sham-operation group, the left hind paw MWT was significantly reduced in the model group on day 7 (P < 0.05). The MWT of PSNL ipsilateral hind paw was decreased on day 7 before OMT administration, when compared with day 0 (P < 0.05), and increased after OMT administration (P < 0.05). Compared with the sham-operation group, mRNA levels of Cav1.2, Cav1.3, Cav2.1, and Cav2.3 in brain tissues were increased and those of Cav2.2 were decreased significantly in the model group (P < 0.05). In spinal cord tissues, mRNA levels of Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 were increased, but those of Cav2.1, Cav2.2, and Cav2. 3 were decreased significantly in the model group, when compared with those of the sham-operation group (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, mRNA levels of Cavl.2, Cavl.3, Cav2.1, and Cav2. 3 in brain tissues were decreased, and those of Cav2.2 were increased significantly in the OMT group (P < 0.05). In spinal cord tissues of the OMT group, mRNA levels of Cav1.3 decreased and those of Cav2.1, Cav2.2, and Cav2.3 increased significantly with statistical difference, when compared with those of the model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the sham-operation group, GABA levels in brain tissues decreased in the model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, GABA levels in brain tissues increased in the OMT group (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in GABA levels of spinal cord tissues among these groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: OMT had analgesic effect on neuropathic pain, which might be probably related to HVDDCs. Cav2.2 might directly affect GABA release.

Revision of Nagiella Munroe (Lepidoptera, Crambidae), with the description of a new species from China.

The genus Nagiella was studied using morphological and DNA barcode data. Nagiella bispina sp. nov. is described as a new species, and N. hortulatoides Munroe is recorded in China for the first time. The diagnosis of this genus is revised, and the genitalia description of N. quadrimaculalis (Kollar and Redtenbacher) and N. inferior (Hampson) are given in English for the first time. Nosophora incomitata (Swinhoe) stat. rev. is removed from the synonym of N. quadrimaculalis. Photographs of the habitus and genitalia as well as COI DNA Barcode data of these four species are provided.

Three new species of Herpetogramma Lederer (Lepidoptera, Crambidae) from China.

Five species of the genus Herpetogramma in China are studied with morphological and DNA barcode data. Herpetogrammabiconvexa Wan, Lu & Du, sp. nov., H.longispina Wan, Lu & Du, sp. nov., and H.brachyacantha Wan, Lu & Du, sp. nov. are described as new. Herpetogrammarudis (Warren) and H.magna (Butler) are newly diagnosed. Photographs of the habitus and genitalia of these five species are provided.

[High-dose urokinase for thrombolysis following replantation of severed limbs or fingers].

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of intravenous urokinase administration in preventing and treating vascular crisis in limb or finger replantation (LFR). METHODS: From September, 1999 to October, 2003, 158 patients underwent RSLF in whom 600,000 U of urokinase diluted in 30 ml saline was injected intravenously after blood vessel suture. An intermittent dose (200,000 U) per 12 h given postoperatively for maintenance. A large dose of 1,000,000-1,500,000 U of urokinase was used in the event of vascular crisis. The D-dimer, fibrinogen, hematin, and blood platelet were measured in these patients before and after urokinase administration. RESULTS: Vascular crisis was not observed in 117 patients (74.1%) undergoing LFR, and in the 41 patients who developed vascular crisis, relief was achieved by high-dose urokinase (90.2%) with failure occurring in only 4 cases (one with wrist and 3 with finger replantation) for whom re-operation was required. The result was better than those in relevant reports. CONCLUSION: A moderate dose of urokinase can be used after suturing the vessels and intermittent small doses prove feasible postoperatively to prevent thrombosis in RSLF. A high dose of urokinase can be safely used for vascular crisis management in the early stage.

[Visual imaging for buccal carcinoma with near-infrared fluorescent quantum dots in vivo].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the in vivo visual imaging of buccal carcinoma with the near-infrared fluorescent quantum dots. METHODS: The U14 cells were labeled by endocytosis with QD800 (U14/QD800) which was linked with cell-penetrating peptide. Different number of U14/QD800 was injected under the buccal mucosa of nude mice and Kunming mice separately and imaged at different time to detect the in vivo sensitivity and dynamic imaging of U14/QD800. RESULTS: The minimum number of U14/QD800 cells which could be detected by in vivo imaging system was 1 × 10(4) in nude mice's cheek and 1 × 10(5) in Kunming mice's. The time for visual imaging of 1 × 10(4), 1 × 10(5) and 1 × 10(6) U14/QD800 cells in nude mice was 3, 7 and 16 d separately, and 3 and 10 d separately in Kunming mice. CONCLUSIONS: Due to its strong tissue penetration, near-infrared fluorescent quantum dots have great prospects in cancer early diagnosis, visual observation and individual treatment.