Objective To study the effect of two cytokines, basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF) and insulin-like growth factor-I(IGF-I), on cell proliferation in chondrocytes of adult rabbits. Methods The primary chondrocytes of adult rabbits were harvested and cultured with bFGF and IGF-I at different concentrations,respectively, as well as with the mixture of the two cytokines; the quantity of cultured chondrocytes was detected by MTT assay at the 24th, 48th and 72th hours; and the final fold increase of different groups was measured by cell count for the 3rd passage; and the proliferation index of the groups was recorded by flowing cytometer on the 14th day. Results ① The cultured chondrocytes with either bFGF, IGF-I or their mixture were significantly more than that of control group at the 24th, 48th and 72th hours (P＜0.01). ② After the 3rd passage, the final folds of proliferation were significantly higher in the groups with cytokinesthan in the control group (P＜0.01); and the final fold with the mixture ofcytokines was significantly higher than that of both IGF-I and bFGF (P＜0.01). ③ Theproliferation index was significantly higher in the groups with cytokines than in the control group (P＜0.01); the proliferation index with the mixture of cytokines was significantly higher than that of both IGF-I and bFGF (P＜0.05); besides, proliferation index was higher when cytokine was applied twice than once (P＜0.05). Conclusion bFGF and IGF-I could promote chondrocytes proliferation of adult rabbits obviously and they are synergistic in cell proliferation.
Objective To explore the feasibility of establishing a rabbit model of flail chest. Methods Flail chest model was eatablished in 12 New Zealand white rabbits after anesthesia and sterile surgery. The paradoxical movement of chest wall was recorded by the biological signal acquisition system, arterial blood was collected for blood gas analysis, the vital signs were recorded by electrocardiogram (ECG) and the lung tissue was taken for the pathological analysis at the end of the experiment. The effect of flail chest on the respiratory function of experimental animals was analyzed to evaluate the feasibility of establishing flail chest model. Results All surgeries were successful without mortality. The operation time was 41.42±7.08 min. Duration of endotracheal intubation was 79.33±12.21 min. Statistical results showed that the pH, partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) and base excess (BE) increased; while partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and oxygen saturation (SaO2) reduced. Pathological results showed that flail chest not intervented for a long period would lead to organic lesions. Conclusion The rabbit model of flail chest is feasible, safe, repeatable, easy and simple to handle. The animal is easy to access which is the foundation to study the disease process, recovery procedure and the efficacy after intervention.