Expression of PNNs and the functional changes of GABA-ergic neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex in a rat model of depression

Objective:To investigate the effects of chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)on perineuronal nets(PNNs)andγ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)-ergic neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex(mPFC)of adult rats.Methods:28 rats were randomly divided into two groups.The model group adopted CUMS to establish a depression model,and the control group did not give any treatment.The density of PNNs and the percentage of PNNs positive(PNNs^(+))and parvalbumin positive(PV^(+))neurons in total PV^(+)neurons in the mPFC were detected by immunofluorescence.The protein expression of main components of PNNs,Aggrecan and Brevican,and GABA main synthase glutamic acid decarboxylase 67(GAD67)in the mPFC were detected by Western blot.Results:The density of PNNs and the percentage of PNNs^(+)and PV^(+)neurons in total PV^(+)neurons in the mPFC in the model group were decreased compared with the control group(P<0.05);The expression levels of PNNs component proteins Aggrecan and Brevican,and GABA main synthase GAD67 were also decreased in the model group(P<0.01).Conclusion:The levels of PNNs and GABA synthase GAD67 in the mPFC of rats were decreased after chronic unpredictable mild stress.

The mechanism and clinical effectiveness of the six-step Chinese Daoyin technique on hemiplegic patients with drop-foot

Objective: The aim of this study was to improve the Chinese Daoyin technique (physical and breathing exercises), which is an ancient rehabilitation method, to elevate its effect and to standardize its operational procedure. Methods: Based on the ancient Chinese Daoyin technique, a six-step method was developed including: 1) motion imagination and imitation;2) mental and breathing regulation;3) target point determination;4) motion percussion;5) motion persistence;6) relaxation. Sixty drop-foot patients who suffered from hemiparesis after a stroke were randomly divided into the experimental group and the control group. Functional evaluation including Fugl-Meyer assessment score, Lovett manual muscle test (MMT), active range of motion of the ankle joint and electromyography were performed before and after the training course. The data were analyzed using the statistical software SPSS 12.0. Results: The differences between the two groups were significant. The effectiveness of the six-step group was significantly better than the effectiveness of the control group. Conclusion: The six-step method of the Chinese Daoyin technique is an effective rehabilitation training method for drop-foot in stroke patients with hemiparesis.