[Comparison of distribution of cholinergic nerves and M2 receptors between rat atria and ventricles].

Objective: To investigate the general pattern of cholinergic nerve distribution and M(2) receptors in adult rat heart.

Methods: Karnovsky-Roots histochemical staining combining point counting method and immunochemical SABC method with image analysis were used to identify the cholinergic nerves and M(2) receptors, respectively, in adult rat heart.

Results: Positive staining of cholinergic nerves and M(2) receptors was found in all regions of the rat heart, and the point count of cholinergic nerves in the atria was 4.

Effects of carvedilol on M2 receptors and cholinesterase-positive nerves in adriamycin-induced rat failing heart.

Heart failure is correlated with attenuation of parasympathetic nervous function and enhanced sympathetic activity. Carvedilol, a third-generation beta-blocker, may improve the prognosis of heart failure better than selective beta(1)-blockers. Not all of its effects, however, can be explained by direct actions on the sympathetic nervous system.

Differentiating characterization of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro.

It has been demonstrated that the number and differentiating potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) decrease with age. Therefore, the search for alternative sources of MSCs is of significant value. In the present study, MSCs were isolated from umbilical cord blood (UCB) by combining gradient density centrifugation with plastic adherence.

Fibroblast growth factor-4 and hepatocyte growth factor induce differentiation of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocytes.

Aim: To investigate the differentiation of human umbilical cord blood (HUCB)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into hepatocytes by induction of fibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF-4) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and to find a new source of cell types for therapies of hepatic diseases.

Methods: MSCs were isolated by combining gradient density centrifugation with plastic adherence. When HUCB-derived MSCs reached 70% confluence, they were cultured in Iscove modified Dulbecco medium (IMDM) supplemented with 10 mL/L FBS, 20 ng/mL HGF and 10 ng/mL FGF-4.

Rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into hepatocytes in vitro.

Aim: To investigate the mechanism and regulation of differentiation from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into hepatocytes and to find a new source of cell types for therapies of hepatic diseases.

Methods: MSCs were isolated by combining gradient density centrifugation with plastic adherence. The cells were cultured in osteogenic or adipogenic differentiation medium and determined by histochemical staining.

[Genetic polymorphism of 3 STR loci of CSF1PO, TPOX and TH01 in Chinese Sibo population].

Objective: To obtain allele and genotype frequencies and related forensic data of CF1PO, TPOX and TH01 loci in Chinese Xinjiang Sibo population.

Methods: Genomic DNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of normal Chinese Xinjing Sibo population was used as template, and CSF1PO, TPOX and TH01 fragments were amplified by PCR. The PCR products were analyzed by 4% denaturing PAGE and detected using silver stain detection.