CHANGES OF MONOAMINES, PURINES AND AMINO ACIDS IN RAT STRIATUM AS MEASURED BY INTERCEREBRAL MICRODIALYSIS DURING ISCHEMIA/REPERFUSION

The aim of this study was to determine the time course of changes in extracellular fluid (ECF) concentrations of purines, amino acids, monoamines, and their metabolites in the striatum of rats during ischemia and reperfusion, using intracerebral microdialysis as the sampling technique. In rats subjected to 20 min forebrain ischemia by four-vessel occlusion, the concentrations of adenosine (Ade), inosine (Ino) and hypoxanthine (Hyp) were found to rise markedly. These changes were accompanied by dramatically elevated levels of aspartate (Asp), glutamate (Glu), taurine (Tau), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE), all of which gradually returned to baseline following reperfusion. Concomitantly, the levels of metabolite 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) . homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) and xanthine (Xan) decreased during ischemia and gradually recovered 60～ 90 min after reperfusion. It was concluded that during global brain ischemia, the ECF is flooded with both potentially harmful (e. g. Asp, Glu, DA) and protective (e. g. Tau, GABA, Ade) agents.

Two-step production of monoamines in monoenzymatic cells in the spinal cord:a different control strategy of neurotransmitter supply?

Monoamine neurotransmitters play an important role in the modulation of sensory, motor and autonomic functions in the spinal cord. Although traditionally it is believed that in mammalian spinal cord, monoamine neurotransmitters mainly originate from the brain, accumulating evidence indicates that especially when the spinal cord is injured, they can also be produced in the spinal cord. In this review, I will present evidence for a possible pathway for two-step synthesis of dopamine and serotonin in the spinal cord. Published data from different sources and unpublished data from my own ongoing projects indicate that monoenzymatic cells expressing aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase（AADC）, tyrosine hydroxylase（TH） or tryptophan hydroxylase（TPH） are present in the spinal cord and that these TH and THP cells often lie in close proximity to AADC cells. Prompted by the above evidence, I hypothesize that dopamine and serotonin could be synthesized sequentially in two monoenzymatic cells in the spinal cord via a TH-AADC and a TPH-AADC cascade respectively. The monoamines synthesized through this pathway may compensate for lost neurotransmitters following spinal cord injury and also may play specific roles in the recovery of sensory, motor and autonomic functions.

Type-B monoamine oxidase inhibitors in neurological diseases:clinical applications based on preclinical findings

Type-B monoamine oxidase inhibitors,encompassing selegiline,rasagiline,and safinamide,are available to treat Parkinson's disease.These drugs ameliorate motor symptoms and improve motor fluctuation in the advanced stages of the disease.There is also evidence suppo rting the benefit of type-B monoamine oxidase inhibitors on non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease,such as mood deflection,cognitive impairment,sleep disturbances,and fatigue.Preclinical studies indicate that type-B monoamine oxidase inhibitors hold a strong neuroprotective potential in Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases for reducing oxidative stress and stimulating the production and release of neurotrophic factors,particularly glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor,which suppo rt dopaminergic neurons.Besides,safinamide may interfere with neurodegenerative mechanisms,countera cting excessive glutamate overdrive in basal ganglia motor circuit and reducing death from excitotoxicity.Due to the dual mechanism of action,the new generation of type-B monoamine oxidase inhibitors,including safinamide,is gaining interest in other neurological pathologies,and many supporting preclinical studies are now available.The potential fields of application concern epilepsy,Duchenne muscular dystrophy,multiple scle rosis,and above all,ischemic brain injury.The purpose of this review is to investigate the preclinical and clinical pharmacology of selegiline,rasagiline,and safinamide in Parkinson's disease and beyond,focusing on possible future therapeutic applications.

Solution-processable graphenes by covalent functionalization of graphene oxide with polymeric monoamines

We develop here a simple wet chemistry to prepare covalent functionalized graphenes （FGs） through epoxide aminolysis espe- cially under alkaline aqueous condition. Remarkably, a series of typical monoamines, such as industrial Huntsman Jeffamine M-2070 and M-2005 polymer with hydrophilic or hydrophobic polyetheramine chains, positively-charged 2-amino-N,N,N- trimethylpropanaminium, negatively-charged sulfanilic acid, even oligopeptide sequence, can be effectively grafted on the platelets of graphene oxide precursor with covalent functionalization and partially reduced features. This strategy provides the researchers a facile and convenient approach to design and synthesize solution processable, biocompatible and functionalized graphenes for the potent applications in electronic inks, drug carriers and biomedicines. Expansion of the current study is actively ongoing in our laboratory.

Effect of Acupuncture on Monoamines and Adenosine Triphosphatase Activityin Lateral Hypothalamic Area of ObeseRats

Objective: To study the mechanism of acupuncture in treating simple obesity. Methods: Central nerve push-pull perfusion and biochemical technique were used to observe the effect of acupuncture on the obese parameters, changes of monoamine transmitters and activity of ATPase in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) of obese rats. Results: Noradrenaline (NA) level in LHA of obese rats was higher but serotonin (5-HT) level and ATPase activity were lower than those in normal rats. After acupuncture treatment, in the same time of reducing body weight, NA level in LHA of rats was reduced, and 5-HT level and ATPase activity in it were increased.(P<0.05 and P<0.01). Conclusion:The effective regulation on LHA of obese rats is possibly one of the key factors in anti-obesity effect of acupuncture.

Recent progress in the applications of presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography imaging in parkinsonism

Nowadays,presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography,which assesses deficiencies in dopamine synthesis,storage,and transport,is widely utilized for early diagnosis and differential diagnosis of parkinsonism.This review provides a comprehensive summary of the latest developments in the application of presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography imaging in disorders that manifest parkinsonism.We conducted a thorough literature search using reputable databases such as PubMed and Web of Science.Selection criteria involved identifying peer-reviewed articles published within the last 5 years,with emphasis on their relevance to clinical applications.The findings from these studies highlight that presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography has demonstrated potential not only in diagnosing and differentiating various Parkinsonian conditions but also in assessing disease severity and predicting prognosis.Moreover,when employed in conjunction with other imaging modalities and advanced analytical methods,presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography has been validated as a reliable in vivo biomarker.This validation extends to screening and exploring potential neuropathological mechanisms associated with dopaminergic depletion.In summary,the insights gained from interpreting these studies are crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of preclinical investigations and clinical trials,ultimately advancing toward the goals of neuroregeneration in parkinsonian disorders.

Monoamine Oxidase-B Inhibitor Rasagiline Effects on Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: In the manuscript titled Monoamine Oxidase-B Inhibitor Rasagiline Effects on Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms in Individuals with Parkinsons Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, the objective was to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to investigate the effects that Rasagiline has on motor and non-motor symptoms in individuals with PD. Introduction: Rasagiline is a second-generation monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitor used both as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy for Parkinsons Disease (PD). Methods: A systematic literature search and meta-analysis were performed with randomized control trials that investigated the effects of Rasagiline on motor and non-motor symptoms in individuals with PD. The systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, and EBSCO databases. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Grading Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Results: Fourteen studies were included in our review. There were trivial to small and statistically significant improvements in motor symptoms for individuals with PD treated with Rasagiline compared to placebo. Non-motor symptoms showed no significant improvement with Rasagiline compared to placebo in five of six meta-analyses. Results were based on very low to moderate certainty of evidence. Conclusion: 1 mg/day Rasagiline significantly improved Parkinsonian motor symptoms in individuals with PD compared with placebo. For all outcomes, the 1 mg/day Rasagiline group was favored over the placebo group.

The effect of monoamines reuptake inhibitors on aerobic exercise performance in bank voles from a selection experiment

Exercise performance depends on both physiological abilities (e.g., muscle strength) and behavioral characteristics (e.g., motivati on). We tested the hypothesis that evoluti on of in creased aerobic exercise performanee can be facilitated by evolution of neuropsychological mechanisms responsible for motivation to undertake physical activity. We used a unique model system: lines of bank voles Myodes glareolus selected for high swim-induced aerobic metabolism ("aerobic" A lines). In gen eration 21, voles from the 4 A lines achieved a 57% higher /y voluntary maximum" swiminduced aerobic metabolism (V02swim) than voles from 4 unselected,"control" C lines. In C lines, V02swim was 9% lower than the maximum forced-exercise aerobic metabolism (VO2run;P= 0.007), while in A lines it was even higher than VO2run, although not significantly (4%, P=0.15). Thus, we hypothesized that selection changed both the aerobic capacity and the neuronal mechanisms behi nd motivation to un dertake activity. We investigated the influe nee of reuptake in hibitors of dopamine (DARI), serotonin (SSRI), and norepinephrine (NERI) on VOaSwim. The drugs decreased V02swim both in C and A lines (% decrease compared with saline: DARI 8%, P< 0.001;SSRI 6%, P< 0.001;NERI 8%, P< 0.001), but the proportional response differed between selection directions only for NERI (stronger effect in C lines: P= 0.008) and the difference was marginally non-significant for SSRI (P= 0.07) and DARI (P= 0.06). Thus, the results suggest that all the 3 monoamines are involved in signaling pathways controlling the motivation to be active and that norepinephrine could have played a role in the evolution of increased aerobic exercise performance in our animal model.

EFFECT OF STIMULATION OF HYPOTHALAMIC DEFENCE AREA ON CONTENTS OF MONOAMINES AND THEIR METABOLITES IN RABBIT CEREBROSPINAL FLUID

In recent years, the importance of hypothalamic defence area (HDA) has attracted more and more attention. Many researchers demonstrated that HDA plays a very important role in cardiovascular and behavioral regulations. However, so far release of central neurotransmitters during excitement of HDA is unknown. The present study showed that stimulation of HDA could increase the contents of monoamines and their metabolites, especially the latter, in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of rabbits.

Structural determinants specific for retromer protein sorting nexin 5 in regulating subcellular retrograde membrane trafficking

The endosomal trafficking of signaling membrane proteins, such as receptors, transporters and channels, is mediated by the retromer-mediated sorting machinery, composed of a cargo-selective vacuolar protein sorting trimer and a membrane-deforming subunit of sorting nexin proteins. Recent studies have shown that the isoforms, sorting nexin 5 (SNX5) and SNX6, have played distinctive regulatory roles in retrograde membrane trafficking. However, the molecular insight determined functional differences within the proteins remains unclear. We reported that SNX5 and SNX6 had distinct binding affinity to the cargo protein vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2). SNX5, but not SNX6, specifically interacted with VMAT2 through the Phox domain, which contains an alpha-helix binding motif. Using chimeric mutagenesis, we identified that several key residues within this domain were unique in SNX5, but not SNX6, and played an auxiliary role in its binding to VMAT2. Importantly, we generated a set of mutant SNX6, in which the corresponding key residues were mutated to those in SNX5. In addition to the gain in binding affinity to VMAT2, their overexpression functionally rescued the altered retrograde trafficking of VMAT2 induced by siRNA-mediated depletion of SNX5. These data strongly suggest that SNX5 and SNX6 have different functions in retrograde membrane trafficking, which is determined by the different structural elements within the Phox domain of two proteins. Our work provides a new information on the role of SNX5 and SNX6 in the molecular regulation of retrograde membrane trafficking and vesicular membrane targeting in monoamine neurotransmission and neurological diseases.

Effects of Acupuncture on Monoamine Neurotransmitters in Raphe Nuclei in Obese Rats

Effects of acupuncture on the levels of neurotransmitters in the raphe nuclei were investigated in obeserats.It was found that the levels of tryptophan (Trp) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) wereincreased,and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) level and 5-HT/5-HIAA ratio decreased in the raphe nucleiof the obese group as compared with the normal group;and that acupuncture could produce weightreduction,increase the 5-HT level and 5-HT/5-HIAA ratio,and decrease the contents of Trp and5-HIAA,but did not change the levels of dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NA).It is indicated thatbenign regulative action of acupuncture on 5-HT and its metabolism in the raphe nuclei is possibly oneof the factors for reducing weight by acupuncture.

EFFECTS OF TRANSIENT FOREBRAIN ISCHEMIA AND RADIX SALVIAE MILTIORRHIZAE (RSM) ON EXTRACELLULAR LEVELS OF MONOAMINE NEUROTRANSMITTERS AND METABOLITES IN THE GERBIL STRIATUM-An in vivo Microdialysis Study

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 30 min forebrain ischemia, followed by 120 min reperfusion on extracellular fluid (ECF) levels of dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5-HT) and their metabolites, homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the striatum of gerbils, so as to obtain further information on the mechanism of Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae (RSM)-induced neuroprotection. Microdialysis was used to sample the extracellular space. Dialysate was measured by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detector (HPLC-ED). ECF DA, NE levels increased from basal levels by 282, 227 and 221 folds, by 9.14, 8.51 and 8.25 folds, respectively for the three ischemic duration (0-10; 11-20; 21-30 min). ECF DA, NE, 5-HT levels in the RSM-treated group were significantly decreased as compared with those in the control group during ischemia (P

Changes in aminoacidergic and monoaminergic neurotransmission in the hippocampus and amygdala of rats after ayahuasca ingestion

AIM: To evaluate changes in neurotransmission induced by a psychoactive beverage ayahuasca in the hippocampus and amygdala of naive rats. METHODS: The level of monoamines, their main metabolites and amino acid neurotransmitters concentrations were quantified using high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). Four groups of rats were employed: saline-treated and rats receiving 250, 500 and 800 mg/kg of ayahuasca infusion(gavage). Animals were killed 40 min after drug ingestion and the structures stored at-80 ℃ until HPLC assay. The data from all groups were compared using Analysis of variance and Scheffé as post test and P < 0.05 was accepted as significant. RESULTS: The results showed decreased concentrations of glycine(GLY)(0.13 ± 0.03 vs 0.29 ± 0.07, P < 0.001) and γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)(1.07 ± 0.14 vs 1.73 ± 0.25, P < 0.001) in the amygdala of rats that received 500 of ayahuasca. Animals that ingested 800 mg/kg of ayahuasca also showed a reduction of GLY level(0.11 ± 0.01 vs 0.29 ± 0.07, P < 0.001) and GABA(0.98 ± 0.06 vs 1.73 ± 0.25, P < 0.001). In the hippocampus, increased GABA levels were found in rats that received all ayahuasca doses: 250 mg/kg(1.29 ± 0.19 vs 0.84 ± 0.21, P < 0.05); 500 mg/kg(2.23 ± 038 vs 084 ± 0.21, P < 0.05) and 800 mg/kg(1.98 ± 0.92 vs 0.84 ± 0.21, P < 0.05). In addition, an increased utilization rate of all monoamines was found in the amygdala after ayahuasca administration in doses: 250 mg/kg(noradrenaline: 0.16 ± 0.02 vs 0.36 ± 0.06, P < 0.01; dopamine: 0.39 ± 0.012 vs 2.39 ± 0.84, P < 0.001; serotonin: 1.02 ± 0.22 vs 4.04 ± 0.91, P < 0.001), 500 mg/kg(noradrenaline: 0.08 ± 0.02 vs 0.36 ± 0.06, P < 0.001; dopamine: 0.33 ± 0.19 vs 2.39 ± 0.84, P < 0.001; serotonin: 0.59 ± 0.08 vs 4.04 ± 0.91, P < 0.001) and 800 mg/kg(noradrenaline: 0.16 ± 0.04 vs 0.36 ± 0.06, P < 0.001; dopamine: 0.84 ± 0.65 vs2.39 ± 0.84, P < 0.05; serotonin: 0.36 ± 0.02 vs 4.04 ± 0.91, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest increased release of inhibitory amino acids by the hippocampus and an increased utilization rate of monoamines by the amygdala after different doses of ayahuasca ingestion.

Changes of Monoanine Levels in Different Brain Regionsof Rat with Ventral GIobus Pailidus Injured by KainicAcid Injection

Ventral globus pallidus-injured rats by kainic acid(10 mg) were used to derter-mine the monoamine levels in four different brain regions.In this model,a great decrease of NE con-centration was observed in both hippocampus and frontal cortex compared with nonnal contro.This result hints that a damage of noradrenergic neurons in this model has occurred. DA concentrations in the four brain zones after kainic acid injection were all reduced, but only in the frontal cortex and striatum the pronounced reductions were discovered while DA turnover rates in frontal cortex, stria-tum and meddullapons were significantly reduced. These results revealed a DA metabolic disorder occurring in these regions.However,5-HT concentrations as well as DBH activity, expressed by ratio of NE/DA,showed no marked difference in this model. In our study it is found that the changes of monoamine levels in this model basically reflect those discovered in AD patients.

Brain Aminergic Deficiency in Absence Epileptic Rats: Dependency on Seizure Severity and Their Functional Coupling at Rest

Brain aminergic tone was examined in rats with different genetically determined generalized epilepsies and in normal rats. Our previously published database was analyzed to examine if there were functional correlations between brain biogenic amines and their metabolic rates within particular cerebral regions. Rats with genetically determined absence (AbS) and/or audiogenic seizures (AGS) served as models for human generalized non-convulsive and convulsive epilepsies. Tissue concentrations of 5-HT, dopamine (DA) and their main metabolites, as well as tryptophan (TRT), histamine (HA) and noradrenaline (NA) were assayed in different brain regions and analyzed for within-regions correlations in non-stressed conditions. It was found that AbS rats had higher indices of DA-ergic metabolism than non-epileptic controls, but the severity of AbS correlated with a widespread dopaminergic deficiency, as expressed in lowered indices of DA metabolism. AGS exerted no major effects on tissue neurochemistry. Brain DA-ergic and 5HT-ergic metabolic indices (measured as the ratio of the metabolite to the parent transmitter) were closely linked in striatum and pons-medulla of AbS rats. Remarkably, the tissue content of HA in pons-medulla of AbS rats displayed correlations with metabolic ratios of 5HT and DA, which was not seen in normal rats. It is hypothesized that enhanced metabolism of DA and 5HT are at least partial compensatory antiepileptic mechanisms in the brain, and a disturbance of this compensation leads to an aggravation of absence seizures.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate sodium nitrite-induced hypoxic brain injury in a rat model

Sodium nitrite（Na NO2） is an inorganic salt used broadly in chemical industry. Na NO2 is highly reactive with hemoglobin causing hypoxia. Mesenchymal stem cells（MSCs） are capable of differentiating into a variety of tissue specific cells and MSC therapy is a potential method for improving brain functions. This work aims to investigate the possible therapeutic role of bone marrow-derived MSCs against Na NO2 induced hypoxic brain injury. Rats were divided into control group（treated for 3 or 6 weeks）, hypoxic（HP） group（subcutaneous injection of 35 mg/kg Na NO2 for 3 weeks to induce hypoxic brain injury）, HP recovery groups N-2 w R and N-3 w R（treated with the same dose of Na NO2 for 2 and 3 weeks respectively, followed by 4-week or 3-week self-recovery respectively）, and MSCs treated groups N-2 w SC and N-3 w SC（treated with the same dose of Na NO2 for 2 and 3 weeks respectively, followed by one injection of 2 × 106 MSCs via the tail vein in combination with 4 week self-recovery or intravenous injection of Na NO2 for 1 week in combination with 3 week self-recovery）. The levels of neurotransmitters（norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin）, energy substances（adenosine monophosphate, adenosine diphosphate, adenosine triphosphate）, and oxidative stress markers（malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, glutathione reduced form, and oxidized glutathione） in the frontal cortex and midbrain were measured using high performance liquid chromatography. At the same time, hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe the pathological change of the injured brain tissue. Compared with HP group, pathological change of brain tissue was milder, the levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, oxidized glutathione, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, norepinephrine, serotonin, glutathione reduced form, and adenosine triphosphate in the frontal cortex and midbrain were significantly decreased, and glutathione reduced form/oxidized glutathione and adenosine monophosphate/adenosine triphosphate ratio were significantly increased in the MSCs treated groups. These findings suggest that bone marrow-derived MSCs exhibit neuroprotective effects against Na NO2-induced hypoxic brain injury through exerting anti-oxidative effects and providing energy to the brain.

Promising drug targets and associated therapeutic interventions in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease(PD) is one of the most debilitating brain diseases. Despite the availability of symptomatic treatments, response towards the health of PD patients remains scarce. To fulfil the medical needs of the PD patients, an efficacious and etiological treatment is required. In this review, we have compiled the information covering limitations of current therapeutic options in PD, novel drug targets for PD, and finally, the role of some critical beneficial natural products to control the progression of PD.

Effects of Yulangsan polysaccharide on monoamine neurotransmitters, adenylate cyclase activity and brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in a mouse model of depression induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress

The present study established a mouse model of depression induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress. The model mice were treated with Yulangsan polysaccharide （YLSPS; 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg） for 21 days, and compared with fluoxetine-treated and normal control groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, radioimmunity and immunohistochemical staining showed that following treatment with YLSPS （300 and 600 mg/kg）, monoamine neurotransmitter levels, prefrontal cortex adenylate cyclase activity and hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression were significantly elevated, and depression-like behaviors were improved. Open-field and novelty-suppressed feeding tests showed that mouse activity levels were increased and feeding latency was shortened following treatment. Our results indicate that YLSPS inhibits depression by upregulating monoamine neurotransmitters, prefrontal cortex adenylate cyclase activity and hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression.

Anti-free radical,anti-oxidative ability and anti-fatigue effects of Huanshaodan An experiment of aging mice

In the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, aging is mainly thought renal deficiency caused renal failure, mainly involving decline of kidney-Yang and deficiency of kidney-essence. Huanshaodan, a Chinese traditional preparation for kidney-replenishing essence, was used to be the preparation for reinforcing renal deficiency and preventing aging for aged people. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects of Huanshaodan on swimming durance and the abilities of catalase （CAT） in serum and monoamine oxidase-B （MAO-B） in brain tissue as well as in vitro anti-oxidative ability of aging mouse. DESIGN： A controlled animal experiment. SETTING： College of Basic Medicine, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. MATERIALS： Fifty-four healthy NIH mice, aged 18 months old, of either gender, weighing （48.9±5.4） g, and one SD male rat, aged 16 months old, weighing 51.7 g, were provided by Animal Experimental Center, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Thirty NIH mice were randomly chosen for swimming test, and divided into experimental group and control group, with 15 in each; The other 24 NIH mice were used for enzyme activity assay, and also divided into experimental group and control group, with 12 in each. SD rat was used for in vitro anti-oxidative ability test, Huanshaodan water decoction was composed of Cheqianzi, Wuweizi, Huaishan, Danggui, Huangbai, Shudi, Baizhi, Niuxi, Baishen, Tusizi, Buguzhi, Roucongrong and Heshouwu 13 Chinese herbs. METHODS： This study was carried out in the Second Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in June 2006. Swimming and enzyme activity assay： Mice in the two experimental groups were intragastrically administrated with l0 μL/g Huanshaodan water decoction. Mice in the two control groups were intragastrically administrated with the same amount of normal saline. All the mice were intragastrically administrated for 5 days, and they were free to access to medicine in the other 2 days in a week. Each mouse was administrated for 8 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： ① Forty days after administration, mice in the experimental group and control group for swimming test were loaded at tails and allowed to swim in the water-tank. Swimming durance was recorded. ② Following the method of Chen Qi, the activities of CAT in serum and MAO-B in brain tissue as well as the inhibitory rate of each medicine on malonaldehyde （MDA） content in the in vitro rat hepatic tissue were determined; Meanwhile, the inhibitory rate of different doses of Tusizi liquid to MDA content in the rat hepatic tissue in vitro was also assayed. RESULTS： Fifty-four NIH mice and one SD rat were recruited in this experiment. Three mice died in the swimming test, and all the other animals were involved in the final analysis. ① Swimming durance of mice in the experimental group was significantly longer than that in the control group （ t =7.502, P 〈 0.01 ） . The activity of CAT in serum of mice in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group （ t =13.307, P 〈 0.01 ） . ② The activity of MAO-B in brain tissue of mice in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group （t =l3.27, P 〈 0.01 ） . ③The inhibitory rate of Cheqianzi, Wuweizi, Huaishan, Danggui, Huangbai, Shudi, Baizhi, Niuxi, Baishen, Tusizi, Buguzhi, Roucongrong and Heshouwu 13 Chinese herbs of Huanshaodan to MDA in the rat hepatic tissue in vitro was - 62.9, - 95.1, - 34.9, - 65.1, - 99.1, - 87.2, - 94.1, - 20.0, - 67.0, - 83.7, - 91.0, - 98.4, - 93.0, respectively. ④ The inhibitory rate of low to high dose of Tusizi liquid to MDA content in the rat hepatic tissue in vitro was - 3.41, - 18.1, - 26.6, - 83.7, respectively. CONCLUSION： Huanshaodan enhances swimming endurance, anti-oxygen free radical and anti-oxidativeabilities, and thus, it can delay aging.

A novel fluorogenic probe for monoamine oxidase assays

Monoamine oxidase is flavoenzymes, widely distributed in mammals. It is well recognized that MAOs serve an important role in metabolism that they have close relationship with health .Along with the discoveries between MAOs and neurotic disease, more and more studies have been jumped in .In this paper, we design a new probe for assaying the activities of MAOs. The results showed that the probe [7-（3-aminopropoxy）coumarin] is simple, effective and sensitive for MAOB.