the blood stream at heart valve were respectively detected using a 2D multicolored Doppler
ultrasonic machine. Then, further comparisons and analysis were conducted between those
groups of parameters with normal control subjects. Conclusion: Multicolored Doppler ultrasonic
method has a remarkable value in diagnosis of high altitude-induced heart disease for infants and
thus has the power to provide reliable credentials for clinical usage.
286.
SERUM FROM HYPOXIA-PRECONDITIONED MOUSE PROTECTS DOPAMINERGIC
NEURONAL CELLS FROM MPP+ CYTOTOXICITY . Shun Yu
1
, Guowei Lu
1
, Jixiang Ma
1
,
Haixia Fang
1
, Biao Chen
2
. Institute for Hypoxia Medicine, Capital University of Medical
Science
1
, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital University of Medical
Science
2
.
The effect of the sera from hypoxia-preconditioned mice were investigated on the
neurotoxicity of MPP+ (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium), the active metabolite of a Parkinsonian
toxin MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine in the brain. Balb/c mice were
repeatedly subjected to different runs of hypoxic exposures in a cap-sealed glass jar of 125 ml.
The extreme tolerance time in each run of hypoxic exposure for a mouse was judged by the
occurrence of gasp breath. The mouse was immediately taken out from the jar and transferred to
another jar after recovery of the breath. The sera taken from the mouse not exposed to hypoxia
(H0), the mouse exposed to one run (H1) and five runs (H5) of hypoxia were compared on their
effects on MPP+ toxicity in MES23.5 dopaminergic neuronal cells. The results showed that the
serum from H5 mouse apparently protected the cells from the MPP+ toxicity as assessed by cell
viability assay and morphological observation. In addition, the cells cultured in the medium
containing H5 serum proliferated much slower than those in the medium containing FBS, H0 or
H1 sera, but in a very healthy state. The results suggest that the sera from hypoxia-preconditioned
mice can protect dopaminergic neurons from MPP+ toxicity. The mechanism for the protective
effect is being investigated.
287.
A SURVEY OF THE PREVALENCE OF CATARACTS AT HIGH ALTITUDE. Hui Yu
1
, Tian
Ke-Wu
1
, Ding Sheng-Long
2
. Department of Ophthalmology, Qinghai Province People's Hospital,
QingHai
1
, Department of Ophthalmology, Qinghai Province People's Hospital, QingHai
2
.
To survey the current status and distribution of cataracts in the aged population at high
altitude (3500m). A total number of 2,360 elderly aged greater than 50 years were selected by
means of random-sampling. 451 of the participants were Tibetans. The methods included two
parts, questionnaire and physical examination. Crystalline lens examination used the lens
opacities classification system (Locs ). The prevalence of cataracts was 40.2% (948/2360). The
prevalence in males was 42.5% (572/1347) and in females was 35.6% (361/1013). The
prevalence increased with age. Incidence by age group was 26.7% (280/1050), 44.9% (350/780)
and 81.1% (430/530) for the age groups of 50-59, 60-69, and 70 years, respectively. In lowland
dwellers, ages 60-69 and 70, the incidence is 34.6% and 60.3%, respectively, according to the
date published china J. Epidemiology. Thus, the prevalence of cataracts was higher at high
altitude. Among the 50-59 year subjects who had daily exposure to 2 hours of sunshine, the
prevalence of cataracts was 3%, and 17.1% for 8 hours of daily exposure. Among the 70 year
group who had daily exposure to 2 hours of sunshine the prevalence of cataracts was 41.67%, and
87.5% for 8 hours of daily exposure. Thus, the longer duration of sunshine exposure is associated
with a higher prevalence of cataracts. The results showed that the prevalence is related to gender
and occupation. The prevalence of cataract was higher in the elderly at high altitude and increased
with aging. The prevalence among males was higher than that of females. The higher prevalence
of cataract at altitude may be caused by ultraviolet radiation, early aging, and chronic hypoxia as
well. These results suggest that people living at high altitude may benefit from wearing protective
eye gear to reduce ultraviolet radiation exposure and thus the risk of the cataracts.
