How do lateral septum projections to the ventral CA1 influence sociability?

Social dysfunction is a risk factor for several neuropsychiatric illnesses.Previous studies have shown that the lateral septum(LS)-related pathway plays a critical role in mediating social behaviors.Howeve r,the role of the connections between the LS and its downstream brain regions in social behavio rs remains unclea r.In this study,we conducted a three-chamber test using electrophysiological and chemogenetic approaches in mice to determine how LS projections to ventral CA1(vCA1)influence sociability.Our res ults showed that gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)-e rgic neuro ns were activated following social experience,and that social behavio rs were enhanced by chemogenetic modulation of these neurons.Moreover,LS GABAergic neurons extended their functional neural connections via vCA1 glutamatergic pyramidal neurons,and regulating LSGABA→vCA1Gluneural projections affected social behaviors,which were impeded by suppressing LSprojecting vCA1 neuronal activity or inhibiting GABAAreceptors in vCA1.These findings support the hypothesis that LS inputs to the vCA1 can control social prefe rences and social novelty behaviors.These findings provide new insights rega rding the neural circuits that regulate sociability.

Environmental cues associated with morphine modulate release of glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid in ventral subiculum

Objective To investigate whether environmental cues associated with different properties of morphine could regulate the extracellular levels of glutamate and y-aminobutyric acid （GABA） in the hippocampal ventral subiculum, which play a critical role in the reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior induced by environmental cues. Methods Conditioning place preference （CPP） and conditioning place aversion （CPA） models were used to establish environment associated with rewarding and aversive properties of morphine respectively. Microdialysis and high performance liquid chromatography were used to measure the extracelluar level of glutamate and GABA in the ventral subiculum under these environmental cues. Results Exposure to the environmental cues associated with rewarding properties of morphine resulted in a decrease （approximately 11%） of extracellular level of GABA in ventral subiculum, and exposure to the environmental cues associated with aversive properties of morphine resulted in an increase （approximately 230%） of extracellular level of glutamate in ventral subiculum. Conclusion Environmental cues associated with different properties of morphine modulate the release of distinct neurotransmitters in the hippocampal ventral subiculum possibly through different neural circuit.

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.

Current status of laparoscopic and robotic ventral mesh rectopexy for external and internal rectal prolapse

External and internal rectal prolapse with their affiliated rectocele and enterocele, are associated with debilitating symptoms such as obstructed defecation, pelvic pain and faecal incontinence. Since perineal procedures are associated with a higher recurrence rate, an abdominal approach is commonly preferred. Despite the description of greater than three hundred different procedures, thus far no clear superiority of one surgical technique has been demonstrated. Ventral mesh rectopexy(VMR) is a relatively new and promising technique to correct rectal prolapse. In contrast to the abdominal procedures of past decades, VMR avoids posterolateral rectal mobilisation and thereby minimizes the risk of postoperative constipation. Because of a perceived acceptable recurrence rate, good functional results and low mesh-related morbidity in the short to medium term, VMR has been popularized in the past decade. Laparoscopic or robotic-assisted VMR is now being progressively performed internationally and several articles and guidelines propose the procedure as the treatment of choice for rectal prolapse. In this article, an outline of the current status of laparoscopic and robotic ventral mesh rectopexy for the treatment of internal and external rectal prolapse is presented.

Evolution and advances in laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernia repair

Primary ventral hernias and ventral incisional hernias have been a challenge for surgeons throughout the ages. In the current era, incisional hernias have increased in prevalence due to the very high number of laparotomies performed in the 20 th century. Even though minimally invasive surgery and hernia repair have evolved rapidly, general surgeons have yet to develop the ideal, standardized method that adequately decreases common postoperative complications, such as wound failure, hernia recurrence and pain. The evolution of laparoscopy and ventral hernia repair will be reviewed, from the rectoscopy of the 4th century to the advent of laparoscopy, from suture repair to the evolution of mesh reinforcement. The nuances of minimally invasive ventral and incisional hernia repair will be summarized, from preoperative considerations to variations in intraoperative practice. New techniques have become increasingly popular, such as primary defect closure, retrorectus mesh placement, and concomitant component separation. The advent of robotics has made some of these repairs more feasible, but only time and well-designed clinical studies will tell if this will be a durable modality for ventral and incisional hernia repair.

Effect of crocin carotenoid on BDNF and CREB gene expression in brain ventral tegmental area of morphine treated rats

Objective: To investigate the effect of crocin carotenoid on BNDF and CREB gene expression in the brain ventral tegmental area(VTA) and the serum level of BDNF in morphine-treated rats compared to control. Methods: In this study, 40 male Wistar rats(200-250 g) were used in 5 experimental groups: 1) non morphine treat rats(control); 2) non morphine-treated rats with 25 mg/kg crocin carotenoid(i.p., for 21 d); 3) morphine treated rats(10 mg/kg twice a day, s.c., 21 d); 4 and 5) morphine-treated rats with 12.5 and 25 mg/kg crocin carotenoid, respectively. By the end of research, BDNF and CREB expression was determined by real-time-PCR method. ELISA analysis was also applied for assessing the serum BDNF level. Results: The data indicated that morphine treatment could cause a significant decrease in BDNF and CREB gene expression(P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively) in brain VTA as well as serum level of BDNF(P<0.01) in comparison to control group. Treatment with 25 mg/kg crocin carotenoid caused a significant enhancement in BDNF and CREF gene expression(P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively) and serum level of BDNF(P<0.01) in morphine-treated rats in comparison to morphine-treated group. Conclusions: Regarding to obtained results, crocin carotenoid can inhibit unfavorable effects of morphine on the neural system to some extent through enhancing BDNF and CREB gene expression in brain VTA and serum level of BDNF.

Impact of poly chlorinated biphenyl (Aroclor 1254) and vitamin C on antioxidant system of rat ventral prostate

Aim: To evaluate the effect of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and vitamin C on ventral prostatic antioxidant system in adult male rats. Methods: A group of 20 adult male rats were administered ip Aroclor 1254 in corn oil at a dose of 2 mg·kg-1·day-1 for 30 days. Ten control rats were administered only the vehicle. After 30 days the treated rats were divided at random into 2 sub-groups of 10 animals each. One sub-group received vitamin C at a dose of 500 mg·kg-1·day-1 for 10 days. The other group was maintained as Aroclor 1254 control. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment the rats were killed by decapitation. Ventral prostatic homogenate was prepared and used for the estimation of enzymatic antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and prostatic acid phosphatase. The serum levels of total T3, total T4, TSH, testosterone and estradiol were also assayed. Results: The body weight and ventral prostatic weight were reduced in PCB treated rats. The activities of SOD, CAT, GST and acid phosphatase were decreased while the levels of H2O2 and lipid peroxidation were increased in the ventral prostate of PCB treated rats. Administration of vitamin C restored these parameters. Serum levels of thyroid hormones, estradiol and testosterone were decreased in PCB treated animals. Administration of vitamin C restored the thyroid hormone levels. Conclusion: PCB induces oxidative stress and decreases the antioxidant enzymes in the ventral prostate of adult male rats; the effects could be reversed by the administration of vitamin C.

Changes of 5-hydroxytryptamine and tryptophan hydroxylase expression in the ventral horn of spinal cord

Objective To investigate changes of 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT） and its synthesis rate-limiting enzyme tryp-tophan hydroxylase （TPH） in the ventral horn of spinal cord after exercise-induced fatigue, and to further discuss the mecha- nism of exercise-induced central fatigue at spinal level. Methods Sixteen healthy adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups： exercise-induced fatigue group and control group. Immunohistochemical staining for 5-HT and TPH in the ventral horn were performed and analysized quantitatively. The mean optic densities of 5-HT and TPH positive fibers or terminals were measured by computerized image analyzer. Results Both 5-HT and TPH positive fibers/terminals decreased in the exercise-induced fatigue group. The immunohistochemical staining was weaker and the mean optic densities decreased obviously in the fatigue group compared with those in the control group （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion 5-HT and TPH in the ventral horn of spinal cord might be involved in exercise-induced fatigue.

Long term recurrence,pain and patient satisfaction after ventral hernia mesh repair

AIM: To compare long term outcomes of laparoscopic and open ventral hernia mesh repair with respect to recurrence, pain and satisfaction.METHODS: We conducted a single-centre follow-up study of 194 consecutive patients after laparoscopic and open ventral hernia mesh repair between March 2000 and June 2010. Of these, 27 patients(13.9%) died and 12(6.2%) failed to attend their follow-up appointment. One hundred and fifty-three(78.9%) patients attended for follow-up and two patients(1.0%) were interviewed by telephone. Of those who attended the follow-up appointment, 82(52.9%) patients had received laparoscopic ventral hernia mesh repair(LVHR) while 73(47.1%) patients had undergone open ventral hernia mesh repair(OVHR), including 11 conversions. The follow-up study included analyses of medical records, clinical interviews, examination of hernia recurrence and assessment of pain using a 100 mm visual analogue scale(VAS) ruler anchored by word descriptors. Overall patient satisfaction was also determined. Patients with signs of recurrence were examined by magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography scan.RESULTS: Median time from hernia mesh repair to follow-up was 48 and 52 mo after LVHR and OVHR respectively. Overall recurrence rates were 17.1% after LVHR and 23.3% after OVHR. Recurrence after LVHR was associated with higher body mass index. Smoking was associated with recurrence after OVHR. Chronic pain(VAS > 30 mm) was reported by 23.5% in the laparoscopic cohort and by 27.8% in the open surgery cohort. Recurrence and late complications were predictors of chronic pain after LVHR. Smoking was associated with chronic pain after OVHR. Sixty point five percent were satisfied with the outcome after LVHR and 49.3% after OVHR. Predictors for satisfaction were absence of chronic pain and recurrence. Old age and short time to follow-up also predicted satisfaction after LVHR.CONCLUSION: LVHR and OVHR give similar long term results for recurrence, pain and overall satisfaction. Chronic pain is frequent and is therefore important for explaining dissatisfaction.

Effect of adrenalectomy and hydrocortisone on ventral prostate of rats

Aim: To study the effects of adrenalectomy and hydrocortisone on the ventral prostate of SD rats. Methods: Inadrenalectomised (ADX) and ADX + hydrocortisone (1, 2, or 4 mg) treated rats, the prostatic histology and thecholesterol, protein, zinc, and copper levels and the enzymic profile (acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, aryl sul-phatase, lactic dehydrogenase, and leucine aminopeptidase) in the prostatic tissue were determined; the serum hormon-al profile (testosterone, FSH and LH) was also assayed. Results; Adrenalectomy caused a progressive degenerationin prostatic structure that was not reversed by hydrocortisone treatment. The serum testosterone were significantly lowerin ADX than in sham operated rats and lower in ADX + hydrocortisone than in ADX-C rats (P < 0.01). The serumFSH and LH were below the detection limit of 1 mIU/mL. The enzymatic activity was higher in ADX than in sham op-erated rats and higher in ADX + hydrocortisone than in ADX-C rats (P<0.05-0.01). The prostatic zinc levels weresignificantly higher in sham operated than in ADX, and higher in ADX-C than in ADX + hydrocortisone rats (P < 0.05-0.01). The prostatic copper level was significantly lower in sham operated than in ADX, and lower in ADX-C thanin the ADX + hydrocortisone rats (P <0.01). Conclusion; In rats, adrenalectomy leads to pathological and func-tional changes of the prostate. Hydrocortisone treatment at the doses employed did not reverse these changes. (Asian JAndrol 2001 Dec; 3: 289 - 300)

Duodenum and ventral pancreas preserving subtotal pancreatectomy for low-grade malignant neoplasms of the pancreas: An alternative procedure to total pancreatectomy for low-grade pancreatic neoplasms

AIM To describe the indications, technique and outcomes of the novel surgical procedure of duodenum and ventral pancreas preserving subtotal pancreatectomy(DVPPSP).METHODS Data collected retrospectively from 43 patients who underwent DVPPSP and TP between 2009 and 2015 in our single centre were analysed. For enrolment, only patients with low-grade pancreatic neoplasms, such as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms(IPMNs), and solid pseudopapillary tumors, were included. Ten DVPPSP(group 1) and 13 TP(group 2) patients were selected in this study.RESULTS There were no significant differences in age, gender, comorbidities, preoperative symptoms, American Society of Anesthesiologists score or indications for surgery between the two groups. The most common indication was IPMN for DVPPSP and TP(60% vs 85%, P = 0.411). Compared with the TP group, the DVPPSP group had comparable postoperative morbidities(P = 0.405) and mortalities(both nil), but significantly shorter operative time(232 ± 19.6 min vs 335 ± 32.3 min, P < 0.001). DVPPSP preserved better long-term pancreatic function with less supplementary therapy(P < 0.001) and better quality of life(Qo L) after surgery, including better scores in social(P = 0.042) and global health(P = 0.047) on functional scales and less appetite loss(P = 0.049) on the symptom scale. CONCLUSION DVPPSP is a feasible and safe procedure that could be an alternative to TP for low-grade neoplasms arising from the body and tail region but across the neck region of the pancreas; DVPPSP had better metabolic function and Qo L after surgery.

Microinjection of Ghrelin into the Ventral Tegmental Area Potentiates Cocaine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference

Prior work has shown that systemic cocaine pretreatment augments cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP) in rats. In contrast, ghrelin receptor antagonism attenuates cocaine and amphetamine-induced CPP. In order to further investigate ghrelin’s role in dopamine-mediated reward, the present report examined whether pretreament with ghrelin, administered directly into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the midbrain, would potentiate the rewarding properties of cocaine as measured by CPP. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were given access to either side of the CPP chamber in order to determine initial side preferences. The rats were then restricted to either their non-preferred or preferred side over the course of conditioning which lasted for a total of 16 consecutive days. This was followed by a final test day to then reassess preference. On days where rats were confined to their non-preferred side, ghrelin (30-300 pmol) and cocaine (0.625-10 mg/kg IP) were administered immediately prior to the conditioning trial. On alternate days rats were treated with vehicle and placed into what was initially determined to be their preferred side. CPP was calculated as the difference in percentage of total time spent in the treatment-paired compartment during the post-conditioning session and the pre-conditioning session. Our results indicated that both cocaine and ghrelin elicited CPP and that ghrelin pretreatment potentiated the effect of cocaine on place preference. Overall, these findings provide additional support for the argument that ghrelin signaling within the VTA enhances the rewarding effects of psychostimulant compounds.

Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy for complete rectal prolapse: A retrospective study evaluating outcomes in North Indian population

AIM: To analyze the outcomes of laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy in the management of complete rectal prolapse(CRP) in North Indian patients with inherent bulky and redundant colon. METHODS: The study was conducted at a tertiary health care center of North India. Between January 2010 and October 2014, 15 patients who underwent laparoscopic ventral mesh repair for CRP, were evaluated in the present study. Perioperative outcomes, improvement in bowel dysfunction or appearance of new complications were documented from the hospital records maintained prospectively. RESULTS: Fifteen patients(9 female) with a median age of 50 years(range, 15-68) were included in the study. The median operative time was 200 min(range, 180-350 min) and the median post-operative stay was 4 d(range, 3-21 d). No operative mortality occurred. One patient with inadvertent small bowel injury required laparotomy on post-operative day 2. At a median follow-up of 22 mo(range, 4-54 mo), no prolapse recurrence was reported. No mesh-related complication was encountered. Wexner constipation score improved significantly from the preoperative value of 17(range, 5-24) to 6(range, 0-23)(P < 0.001) and the fecal incontinence severity index score from 24(range, 0-53)to 2(range, 0-53)(P = 0.007). No de novo constipation or fecal incontinence was recorded during the followup. On personal conversation, all patients expressed satisfaction with the outcome of their treatment. CONCLUSION: Our experience indicates that laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy is an effective surgical option for CRP in North Indian patients having a bulky redundant colon.

Outcomes and complications of open, laparoscopic, and hybrid giant ventral hernia repair

BACKGROUND An incisional hernia is a common complication of abdominal surgery.AIM To evaluate the outcomes and complications of hybrid application of open and laparoscopic approaches in giant ventral hernia repair.METHODS Medical records of patients who underwent open,laparoscopic,or hybrid surgery for a giant ventral hernia from 2006 to 2013 were retrospectively reviewed.The hernia recurrence rate and intra-and postoperative complications were calculated and recorded.RESULTS Open,laparoscopic,and hybrid approaches were performed in 82,94,and 132 patients,respectively.The mean hernia diameter was 13.11±3.4 cm.The incidence of hernia recurrence in the hybrid procedure group was 1.3%,with a mean follow-up of 41 mo.This finding was significantly lower than that in the laparoscopic(12.3%)or open procedure groups(8.5%;P<0.05).The incidence of intraoperative intestinal injury was 6.1%,4.1%,and 1.5%in the open,laparoscopic,and hybrid procedures,respectively(hybrid vs open and laparoscopic procedures;P<0.05).The proportion of postoperative intestinal fistula formation in the open,laparoscopic,and hybrid approach groups was 2.4%,6.8%,and 3.3%,respectively(P>0.05).CONCLUSION A hybrid application of open and laparoscopic approaches was more effective and safer for repairing a giant ventral hernia than a single open or laparoscopic procedure.

Motor neuron-specific RhoA knockout delays degeneration and promotes regeneration of dendrites in spinal ventral horn after brachial plexus injury

Dendrites play irreplaceable roles in the nerve conduction pathway and are vulnerable to various insults.Peripheral axotomy of motor neurons results in the retraction of dendritic arbors,and the dendritic arbor can be re-expanded when reinnervation is allowed.RhoA is a target that regulates the cytoskeleton and promotes neuronal survival and axon regeneration.However,the role of RhoA in dendrite degeneration and regeneration is unknown.In this study,we explored the potential role of RhoA in dendrites.A line of motor neuronal conditional knockout mice was developed by crossbreeding HB9~(Cre+)mice with RhoA~(flox/flox)mice.We established two models for assaying dendrite degeneration and regeneration,in which the brachial plexus was transection or crush injured,respectively.We found that at 28 days after brachial plexus transection,the density,complexity,and structural integrity of dendrites in the ventral horn of the spinal cord of RhoA conditional knockout mice were slightly decreased compared with that in Cre mice.Dendrites underwent degeneration at 7 and 14 days after brachial plexus transection and recovered at 28–56 days.The density,complexity,and structural integrity of dendrites in the ventral horn of the spinal cord of RhoA conditional knockout mice recovered compared with results in Cre mice.These findings suggest that RhoA knockout in motor neurons attenuates dendrite degeneration and promotes dendrite regeneration after peripheral nerve injury.

Giant ventral hernia simultaneously containing the spleen, a portion of the pancreas and the left hepatic lobe: A case report

BACKGROUND Ventral hernia,also known as incisional hernia,is a common complication of previous surgery.The contents of ventral hernia may include omentum,preperitoneal fat,small intestine or colon.However,ventral hernia with protrusion of more than two parenchymal organs simultaneously is extremely rare,and its repair is very complex and difficult.Surgeons should make a comprehensive assessment based on their own experience and the individual characteristics of the hernia.In addition,psychological therapy should be emphasized in the whole treatment process.CASE SUMMARY We report a rare case of asymptomatic giant ventral hernia for 15 years in a 21-year-old female.The patient underwent umbilical hernia repair at the age of 1 year.Approximately 5 years later,ventral hernia recurred and repair with Mesh was performed,but the operation failed due to postoperative infection,and a huge mass appeared in the left abdominal wall.The mass increased gradually with the development and maturity of the body.Computerized tomography scan demonstrated that the patient's total spleen,part of the pancreas and left lobe of the liver were simultaneously herniated through the abdominal incisional hernia.As the patient was unable to endure the inconvenience of life and the potential risk of spleen or liver rupture,she underwent a ventral hernia repair with Mesh at our hospital.The operation was successful and the patient had a good recovery.During a 3-mo follow-up,the patient remained asymptomatic and the appearance of the surgical incision was greatly improved.CONCLUSION Ventral hernia is a common complication of abdominal surgery.Ventral hernia with protrusion of more than two parenchymal organs simultaneously is extremely rare.Surgeons should pay attention to the psychological treatment while restoring the abdominal physiological function in ventral hernia patients.

Ventral hernia after high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation for uterine fibroids treatment:A case report

BACKGROUND High-intensity focused ultrasound(HIFU) ablation is a minimally invasive approach in gynecology that is used to manage uterine fibroids.Although this procedure is safe and effective,adverse outcomes are becoming a major problem.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of ventral hernia that occurred as a rare and delayed complication of HIFU ablation for uterine fibroids treatment.The patient came to the hospital with abdominal bloating that occurred 6 mo after ultrasound-guided HIFU ablation for managing uterine fibroids.The ventral hernia,which occurred due to atrophied muscle layers following the procedure,was confirmed by imaging studies and intraoperative findings.She required a hernia repair with mesh and hysterectomy for definitive treatment of uterine fibroid.CONCLUSION High-intensity ultrasound ablation should be performed only on appropriate candidates.Patients should be educated about potential complications of the procedure and the possibility of subsequent treatment.Post-procedural long-term follow-up for detecting delayed adverse effects is important.

Abdominal ventral rectopexy with colectomy for obstructed defecation syndrome:An alternative option for selected patients

BACKGROUND Abdominal ventral rectopexy(AVR)with colectomy is controversial in the treatment of obstructed defecation syndrome(ODS).Literature data on this technique for ODS are very limited.AIM To evaluate the safety and efficacy of AVR with colectomy for selected patients with ODS.METHODS Consecutive patients who underwent AVR with colectomy for ODS were identified prospectively from 2016 to 2017 in our department.Patient demographics,perioperative surgical results,and postoperative follow-up outcomes were collected and analyzed.Long-term follow-up was evaluated with standardized questionnaires.The severity of symptoms was assessed by the objective Wexner Constipation Score(WCS)and ODS Score.The quality of life was assessed by the Patients Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life score.Functional outcome was compared pre-and post-operatively for each patient.The primary outcomes were determined by the improvement in symptoms and quality of life.Secondary outcome measures were operating time,postoperative length of stay,morbidity and mortality,improvement of pelvic floor structure,and patient satisfaction.RESULTS Four patients underwent robotic-assisted surgery,and two patients underwent a laparoscopic-assisted procedure.The mean operating time for the robotic approach was 243 min(range 160–300 min),and the mean operating time for the laparoscopic approach was 230 min(range 220-240 min).The mean postoperative length of stay was 8.2 d(range 6-12 d).There was no conversion to open procedure and no postoperative mortality.No urinary retention,wound infection,prolonged ileus,pelvic infection and anastomosis leakage occurred.Six patients were followed up for 36 mo.The WCS,ODS,and Patients Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life score improved significantly postoperatively(P<0.05).The WCS and ODS scores showed the best remission and stabilization at 6 to 12 mo after surgery.There was no recurrence or novel constipation after surgery.None of the patients used laxative medication.CONCLUSION Robotic and laparoscopic-assisted ventral rectopexy with colectomy is a safe and effective procedure for selected patients with ODS.However,comprehensive preoperative evaluation and careful patient selection are essential.

Nerve growth factor signaling following unilateral pelvic ;anglionectomy in the rat ventral prostate is age dependent

Benign prostatic hyperplasia （BPH） is a serious health concern and is an underlying cause of lower urinary tract symptoms （LUTS） in many men. In affected men, LUTS/BPH is believed to result from benign proliferation of the prostate resulting in bladder outlet obstruction. Postnatal growth of the prostate is controlled via growth factor and endocrine mechanisms. However, little attention had been given to the function of the autonomic nervous system in prostate growth and differentiation. Nerve growth factor （NGF） is a prostatic mitogen that has a trophic role in autonomic sensory end organ interaction. In this study, we examine how the autonomic nervous system influences prostate growth as a function of age by quantifying NGF in the rat ventral prostate （VP） after pelvic ganglionectomy. Unilateral pelvic ganglionectomy was performed on postnatal days 30 （P30）, 60 and 120 Sprague-Dawley rats in comparison to sham controls （n=39）. Semiquantitative RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis for NGF were performed on denervated, intact （contralateral side） and sham control VP 7 days after surgery. Ngf RNA expression was significantly increased in the denervated and intact hyperplastic VP. Western blotting showed age-dependent increases in NGF protein at P60 in the contralateral intact VP. NGF was localized in the nerves, basal cells and columnar epithelium of the prostatic ducts. Denervation causes age-dependent increases in NGF in the VP, which is a potential mechanism by which the autonomic nervous system may regulate prostate growth and lead to BPH/LUTS.

Ventral Tegmental Area Neuronal Activity Correlates to Animals’ Behavioral Response to Chronic Methylphenidate Recorded from Adolescent SD Male Rats

Methylphenidate (MPD) is considered as the first-line pharmacotherapy to treat ADHD. More recently, MPD has also been used as a cognitive enhancement recreationally. Its therapeutic effects are not fully understood, nor are the long term effects of the drug on brain development. The ventral tegmental area (VTA) neuronal activity was recorded from freely behaving adolescent rats using a wireless recording system. Five groups were used: saline, 0.6, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg MPD. The experiment lasted for 10 days. This study demonstrated that VTA neurons respond to MPD in a dose response characteristic and the same dose of MPD can cause both behavioral sensitization and behavioral tolerance. The neuronal unit activity was evaluated based on the animals’ behavioral activity following chronic MPD administration. The study showed that the animals’ behavioral response to different acute MPD of 0.6, 2.5 and 10.0 mg/kg doses responded in a dose response characteristics. Moreover, the same chronic dose of 0.6, 2.5, and 10.0 mg/kg MPD elicits in some animals’ behavioral sensitization and in some others behavioral tolerance. Therefore, the neuronal activity recorded from animals expressing behavioral sensitization was analyzed separately from the neuronal activity recorded from of behaviorally tolerant animals and it was found that the VTA units of the behaviorally sensitization animals responded significantly different to the drug than those VTA units recorded from animals expressing behavioral tolerance.