Allelic distributions of CYP2D6 gene copy number variation in the Eastern Han Chinese population.

Aim: The human cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) gene copy number variation, involving CYP2D6 gene deletion (CYP2D6*5) and duplication or multiduplication (CYP2D6*xN), can result in reduced or increased metabolism of many clinically used drugs. The identification of CYP2D6*5 and CYP2D6*xN and the investigation of their allelic distributions in ethnic populations can be important in determining the right drug and dosage for each patient.

Methods: The CYP2D6*5 and CYP2D6 genes, and CYP2D6 gene duplication were identified by 2 modified long PCR, respectively.

[Effects of different doses of levodopa on paraquat-induced neurotoxicity: an experiment with mice].

Objective: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of different doses of levodopa on paraquat-induced neuro-toxicity.

Methods: 72 C57BL mice were divided into 2 equal groups: acute experiment group and chronic experiment groups. The acute experiment group was re-divided into 2 subgroup: subgroup A to be injected with levodopa of the doses of 0 (distilled water instead), 10 mg/kg, or 100 mg/kg and then paraquat 30 mg/kg (levodopa + paraquat), and then killed 90 minutes after; and subgroup B, to be injected with paraquat 30 mg/kg and then levodopa 0, 10 mg/kg, or 100 mg/kg (paraquat + levodopa), and then killed 2 hours after.