Objective To investigate the effects and significance of nerve growth factor (NGF) and its high affinity receptor of tyrosine kinase A (TrkA) expressions on proliferative connective tissue of bile duct in rats after bile duct ligation (BDL). Methods Forty-six female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: control group ( n =6) and BDL group ( n =40). The model of obstructive jaundice in rat was made by bile duct ligation, then duodenohepatic ligament was taken and treated with anti-NGF and anti-TrkA receptor antibody. Expressions of NGF and TrkA receptor in connective tissue of bile duct were investigated by immunohistochemistry, blood specimens were collected from left ventricle to detect serum total bilirubin (TB) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Results After BDL, TB level obviously elevated in the third day, and continued until the fourteenth day, then descended. By day 21 and 28, it returned to normal level. Compared with normal bile duct, due to bile stasis, an increased thickness of the bile duct wall was observed by microscope which correlated with the proliferation and differentiation of connective tissue cell. NGF and TrkA were expressed by the cell membrane and the cytoplasm of connective tissue cell and inflammatory infiltration cell after BDL. The trend between their expressions and bilirubin levels was similar. Conclusion NGF and its receptor TrkA regulate the proliferate and differentiation of connective cell in bile duct. They may play a key role in the formation of bile duct scar, which seems to be hardly reversed by relief of bile stasis in a short time.
ObjectiveTo improve the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of special clinical characteristics of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM). MethodsWe described one case of WM which initially presented with jaundice, and discussed the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and therapeutics based on the literature review. ResultsWM is a B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by an immunoglobulin M (IgM) monoclonal gammopathy and bone marrow infiltration by lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, which generally affects elderly patients. WM with primary jaundice is rare in clinic, which is usually misdiagnosed and has missed diagnosis. Patients should have their IgM monitored first before accepting therapeutic regimen including rituximab in order to avoid IgM flare or related complications. ConclusionsThe potential diagnosis of malignant plasma cell disorder should be considered for those patients who presented with jaundice initially, after liver system diseases are excluded. Liver biopsy and related examinations are necessary without delay. Prophylactic plasmapheresis is an active means to lower the incidence of IgM flare, especially for patients with a pre-therapy IgM level of higher than 50 g/L.