[Scanning electron microscope observation and image quantitative analysis of Hippocampi].

The "scale-like projects" on the derma of 3 species of Hippocampi, H. kuda Bleerer, H. trimaculatus Leach and H. japonicus Kaup were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results showed that some characteristics such us size, shape and type of arrangement of the "scale-like projects" can be considered as the evidence for microanalysis. Image quantitative analysis of the "scale-like project" was carried out on 45 pieces of photograph using area, long diameter, short diameter and shape factor as parameters. No difference among the different parts of the same species was observed, but significant differences were found among the above 3 species.

[Mechanisms of opioid receptor-induced elevation in intracellular calcium by confocal laser scanning microscopy].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the acute and chronic effects of opioid receptor agonists on the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in NG-LNCXiNOS cells, stably expressing iNOS gene, and regulation of G-protein on opioid-induced response in [Ca2+]i. METHODS: A single cell [Ca2+]i is measured by confocal laser scanning microscopy using Ca(2+)-sensitive dye Fluo-3 as an new calcium fluorescent probe. RESULTS: DPDPE(D-Pen2, D-Pen5-enkephalin), a delta-opioid receptor agonist, and morphine acutely induced the increase in [Ca2+]i of NG-LNCXiNOS cells. The elevation in [Ca2+]i by DPDPE could be abolished with naloxone. Pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin (PTX) at 100 ng/ml for 24 hours almost completely blocked morphine-evoked response. In contrast to acute effect of opioid agonists on [Ca2+]i, the cells exposed to 1 mumol/L DPDPE or 10 mumol/L morphine for 48 hours also appeared to raise [Ca2+]i. However, the elevation in [Ca2+]i was not greater than that caused by acute effect of DPDPE or morphine. After cell "withdrawal" was precipitated by the addition of 10 mumol/L naloxone, the increase in [Ca2+]i could further be intensified. CONCLUSIONS: The opioid agonist-induced increase in [Ca2+]i is mediated by opioid receptor and regulated though PTX-sensitive G-protein. The attenuation of this response in chronically treated cells with opioid agonist is associated with receptor desensitization.

[Analysis of steroids in crude drugs by capillary gas chromatography].

The steroids, cholest-4-ene-one and cholestane-3, 6-dion, were determined in 8 species of crude drugs of Haima and Hailong by capillary gas chromatography.

[Physical and chemical analysis of medicinal animals of syngnathidae].

The total nitrogens, amino acids, fatty acids, Inorganic elements of 12 medicinal animals of syngnathidae have been determined. It will provide scientific evidence for development of the medicinal resources and the establishment of quality standards.

[Survey on medicinal resources of Syngnathidae].

A survey on medicinal resources shows 12 species belonging to 7 genera of Syngnathidae are used as traditional Chinese medicine and some problems about cultivated Haima have been discussed.

[The morphological and commercial identification on medicinal materials "hailong"].

The morphological characters and commercial idendification on medicinal materials named "Hailong" has been reported. The results of identification of 48 commercial samples indicated "Hailong" is adulterated with Halicampus koilomatodon, Trachyrhamphus serratus and Microphis boaja, Solenognathus güntheri besides three species accepted by Pharmacopoeia.

[The morphological and commercial identification on Haima].

The morphological characters and commercial identification on Haima has been reported. The results of identification of 60 commercial samples indicated that all of Haima was the species accepted by Pharmacopoeia. Hippocampus kelloggi, H. histrix, H. kuda and H. trimaculatus were mainly used in Hainan, Guangdong and Fujian Province; H. japonicus was mainly used in Shandong and Liaoning Province; Imported Haima was H. histrix.

[Investigation and experimental study on the standards and quality of leech pieces].

It has been confirmed by investigation that Whitmania pigra is the main medicinal breed of leech, and filiform pieces are the best for extraction. The quality of leech processed by 3 different methods has been studied qualitatively and quantitatively in terms of amounts of extraction, TLC, electrophoresis of protein and anti-thrombin action.

[Identification of 12 species of hailong and haima by HPCE].

Twelve species of Hailong and Haima were analyzed by HPCE(high performance capillary electrophoresis) and significant differences among the species were found. The method is rapid, highly efficient and reproducible, thus providing experimental criteria for the qualitative identification of these two crude drugs.

[The SEM observation of the medicinal materials "hailong"].

The SEM observation of the medicinal meterials "Hailong" have been carried out. The results showed there are significantly difference among 7 species "Hailong".