Objective To explore the changes and effect of plasma renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and nitric oxide (NO) in rabbits pericarditis. Methods Twenty-one male rabbits were divided into two groups randomly. Experimental group: 11 rabbits were injected 40% urea (2ml/kg) into pericardial cavity, control group: 10 rabbits were injected 0.9% natrium chloride into the pericardial cavity . The concentration of plasma renin active (RA), angiotensin Ⅱ(ANGⅡ) and NO were measured before operation and after operation 1,4,7,10,15,21 days. The histopathological changes of pericardium, myocardium, lung and liver were observed in the adopted specimens. Results The concentration of plasma RA, ANGⅡ and NO in experimental group increased after operation and significantly increased at 7 to 21 day compared with those in control group (Plt;0.01). In the experimental group, there were proliferation and thickening of pericardium, myocardial degeration, pulmonary ecchymosis and hepatic ecchymosis. Conclusion The concentration of plasma RAS and NO is increased in rabbits with pericarditis, plasma NO rejects the roles of RAS, NO and RAS lead to organs injury of pericardium, myocardium, lung, liver and so on.
Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on the prevention and treatment of transplant vein graft disease. Methods The 25 New Zealand white rabbits were divided into three groups: an experimental group [n=8, the rabbit jugular veins transfected with adeno-associated virus vector tipe 2/1 containing CGRP gene (AAV2/1-CGRP)], a carrier group [n=9, transfected with mosaic adeno-associated virus vector tipe 2/1 containing LacZ gene (AAV2/1-LacZ)] and a control group (n=8, saline) and then the cervical veins were implantated into the ipsilateral carotid artery by reverse end-side anastomosis. At 4 weeks after surgery, the pathology of the specimens, CD68 immunohistochemistry, in situ β-galactosidase staining were obtained. The expression of CGRP gene was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). Results The CGRP and LacZ gene expression was positive at postoperative 4 weeks. The intima/media ratio was significantly inhibited in the experimental group. Macrophage infiltration and expression of inflammatory mediators including MCP-1, TNF-α, iNOS and MMP-9 were also significantly inhibited in the experimental group. Conclusion Transfection of AAV2/1-CGRP inhibits inflammatory mediator expression, macrophage infiltration and neointimal hyperplasia in experimental vein graft disease.