从5-HT1A、5-HT2A后信号通路探讨针刺治疗PCPA失眠机制

为探明针刺5-HT1A、5-HT2A后信号通路的影响,以及其与改善PCPA失眠中枢5-HT障碍机制的关系,将48只PCPA失眠大鼠随机均分为3组,并与16只正常鼠对照。正常组、模型组无特殊处理,针刺组予针刺脐内环合失眠穴方干预,非穴组针刺非穴处理,治疗6天后,处死动物、分离海马并匀浆,拟ELISA检测5-HT、PLCβ和cAMP含量,WB检测Gαi/o、Gαq/11表达,统计学分析5-HT与cAMP、PLCβ相关性。结果PCPA失眠大鼠海马5-HT、cAMP明显降低,PLCβ明显升高,针刺组5-HT、cAMP含量显著升高,PLCβ含量显著降低;各组内5-HT与cAMP呈正相关性、与PLCβ呈负相关性;模型组Gαq/11显著下降,针刺显示显著上调作用,各组间Gαi/o表达比较无统计意义;实验提示该针法能良性调控5-HT1A/Gαi/o/cAMP、5-HT2A/Gαq/11/PLCβ信号通路起改善PCPA失眠作用,该作用与改善中枢5-HT障碍机制有一定的相关性。

The 5-HT2c receptor gene Cys23Ser polymorphism influences the intravaginal ejaculation latency time in Dutch Caucasian men with lifelong premature ejaculation

It has been postulated that the persistent short intravaginal ejaculation latency time （IELT） of men with lifelong premature ejaculation （LPE） is related to 5-hydroxytryptamine （HT）2c receptor functioning. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of Cys23Ser 5-HT2c receptor gene polymorphism and the duration of IELT in men with LPE. Therefore, a prospective study was conducted in 64 Dutch Caucasian men with LPE. Baseline IELT during coitus was assessed by stopwatch over a 1-month period. All men were genotyped for Cys23Ser 5-HT2c receptor gene polymorphism. Allele frequencies and genotypes of Cys and Ser variants of 5-HT2c receptor gene polymorphism were determined. Association between Cys/Cys and Ser/Ser genotypes and the natural logarithm of the IELT in men with LPE were.investigated. As a result, the geometric mean, median and natural mean IELT were 25.2, 27.0, 33.9s, respectively. Of all men, 20.0%, 10.8%, 23.1% and 41.5% ejaculated within 10, 10-20, 20-30 and 30-60s after vaginal penetration. Of the 64 men, the Cys/Cys and Ser/Ser genotype frequency for the Cys23Ser polymorphism of the 5-HT2c receptor gene was 81% and 19%, respectively. The geometric mean IELT of the wildtypes （Cys/Cys） is significantly lower （22.6s; 95% CI 18.3-27.8s） than in male homozygous mutants （Ser/Ser） （40.4s; 95% CI 20.3-80.4s） （P = 0.03）. It is concluded that Cys23Ser 5-HT2c receptor gene polymorphism is associated with the IELT in men with LPE. Men with Cys/Cys genotype have shorter IELTs than men with Ser/Ser genotypes.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of ^(99m)Tc-HEDTA/HYNIC-MPP4 complex for 5-HT1A receptor imaging

5-HT1A receptor is associated with a variety of pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. Accordingly, we have synthesized a new 5-HT1A receptor ligand (HYNIC-MPP4) and labeled it with 99mTc using N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA) as coligand. 99mTc-HEDTA/HYNIC-MPP4 was prepared under pH 6 at room temperature. Biodistribution of 99mTc-HEDTA/HYNIC-MPP4 in normal mice showed that this complex had moderate brain uptake (0.60% ID·g-1 at 2 min p.i.) and good retention. The hippocampus had the highest radioactivity uptake at 2 min p.i. (1.84% ID·g-1). The ratio of Hipp/CB was 3.1 at 2 min p.i. and increased to 4.4 at 60 min p.i. After blocking with 8-hydroxy-2-(dipropylamino) tetralin, the uptake of hippocampus was decreased significantly from 1.84% ID·g-1 to 0.53% ID·g-1 at 2 min p.i., while the cerebellum had no significant decrease. This 99mTc complex could be a potent agent for 5-HT1A receptor imaging.

Roles of 5-HT2 receptors in effects of DOM,ketamine and methamphetamine on prepulse inhibition in Sprague Dawley rats

OBJECTIVE Prepulse inhibition(PPI)of the acoustic startle response provides a measure of sensorimotor gating system mecha⁃nisms,which is known to be impaired in schizo⁃phrenia patients.We assessed the effects of the 5-HT2A/2C receptor agonist(±)2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine(DOM),the NMDA receptor antagonist ketamine,the dopamine receptor ago⁃nist methamphetamine(Meth)on PPI and the startle magnitude in SD rats.METHODS AND RESULTS Systemic administration of the three compounds all dose-dependently reduced PPI.However,as far as startle magnitude,only DOM at the doses of 3 mg·kg-1 reduced that,while both ketamine and Meth did not change the startle magnitudes.Furthermore,to determine whether 5-HT2A receptor mediate this effect,the non-spe⁃cific 5-HT2 receptor antagonist cyproheptadine,specific 5-HT2A receptor antagonist ketanserin and specific 5-HT2C receptor antagonist SB242084 were tested.Cyproheptadine,ketan⁃serin and SB242084 did not alter startle ampli⁃tude by themselves in SD rats and only ketanserin slightly increased PPI at higher dose(3 mg·kg-1).PPI impairment induced by DOM was restored by pretreatment of cyproheptadine(1 mg·kg-1)and ketanserin(1 mg·kg-1),while not by pretreat⁃ment of SB242084(1 mg·kg-1).Damage of PPI induced by ketamine and Meth was not reversed by cyproheptadine(1 and 5 mg·kg-1).CONCLU⁃SION The receptor mechanisms underlying the disruption of PPI caused by DOM,ketamine and Meth were different from each other,at least 5-HT2A receptor was not the junction receptor for which the three chemicals acted.

5-HT_(1A)和5-HT_(2A/2C)受体在粉防己碱增强戊巴比妥钠睡眠中的介导作用(英文)

前期研究表明粉防己碱增强戊巴比妥钠诱导的催眠作用与5-HT系统相关。本研究采用戊巴比妥钠(45 mg/kg,i.p.)诱导的小鼠翻正反射消失和恢复实验方法,对粉防己碱与不同5-HT受体在增强戊巴比妥钠诱导睡眠中的相互作用进行了探讨。结果表明粉防己碱分别与选择性5-HT_(1A)受体拈抗剂p-MPPI(1 mg/kg,i.p.),选择性5-HT_(2A/2C)受体拮抗剂ketanserin(1.5 mg/kg,i.p.)合用可以显著增强戊巴比妥钠诱导的催眠作用。选择性5-HT_(1A)受体激动剂8-OH-DPAT(0.1 mg/kg,s.c.)或5-HT_(2A/2C)受体激动剂DOI(0.2mg/kg,i.p.)能够显著减少戊巴比妥钠诱导的小鼠睡眠时间,而粉防己碱(60 mg/kg,i.g.)可以显著拮抗这种睡眠抑制作用。此结果提示,粉防己碱增强戊巴比妥钠诱导的催眠作用可能与5-HT_(1A)受体和5-HT_(2A/2C)受体有关。

Role of 5-HT2A Receptors in Immunomodulation in Animal Models of Aggressive Behavior

Serotonin 5-HT2A receptors are playing an important role in the pathophysiology of aggressive behaviors and in the control of immune function. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of activation and blockade of 5-HT2A receptors with selective ligands on the immune response formation in animals with aggressive behaviors induced by genetic factors (rats selected for the increased aggressiveness toward human) or by chronic social stress (mice of the CBA/Lac strain engaged in 10 days of social confrontations). Activation of 5-HT2A receptors with DOI at 1.0 mg/kg reduced the immune response level both in aggressive rats and mice compared to the corresponding vehicle-treated groups, while DOI administration did not alter the immune reaction in nonaggressive animals. The blockade of 5-HT2A receptors with ketanserin at 1.0 mg/kg resulted in immunostimulation both in mice of the CBA strain not subjected to social stress (the controls) and in nonaggressive rats selected for elimination of aggressiveness. On the other hand, its administration to CBA mice demonstrating offensive aggression enhanced the immune reaction, while the same dose of ketanserin did not modify the immune response level in rats with genetic predisposition to the increased defensive aggression. Thus, our data suggest that the role of 5-HT2A receptors in immunomodulation depends on the specific type of aggression that may be taking into account in the treatment of some neuropsychiatric disorders with the antipsychotic drugs and antidepressants targeting 5-HT2A receptors.

Rivastigmine Restores 5-HT_1AReceptor Levels in the Hippocampus of Olfactory Bulbectomized Mice

Rivastigmine, a dual acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitor, is used for symptomatic treatment of patients with mild to moderately severe dementia in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. In the present study, we found that 5-HT1A receptor (5-HT1AR) is downregulated, whereas 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR) is upregulated in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) and CA1 region by olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) in mice. Furthermore, chronic treatment with rivastigmine (1.0 mg/kg) for 2 weeks starting 2 weeks after OBX operation restored the decreased 5-HT1AR and the increased 5-HT2AR levels. To determine whether cholinergic receptor stimulation by rivastigmine is involved in the rivastigmine-induced regulation of 5-HTR levels, we treated the mice with mecamylamine (2.5 mg/kg), or atropine (5.0 mg/kg) with rivastigmine (1.0 mg/kg) once a day for 2 weeks. Notably, the rivastigmine-induced 5-HT1AR upregulation was eliminated by mecamylamine but not by atropine treatments. On the other hand, the restored 5-HT2AR level by rivastigmine was not affected by either mecamylamine or atropine. Treatment with 8-OH-DPAT, a selective 5-HT1AR agonist improved the decreased 5-HT1AR and the increased 5-HT2AR levels in OBX mice. On the other hand, treatment with TCB-2, a potent 5-HT2AR agonist had no effects on the 5-HT1AR and 5-HT2AR dysregulation in OBX mice. Taken together, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) stimulation mediates rivastigmine-induced upregulation of 5-HT1AR. Therefore, we speculate that the increased ACh levels by rivastigmine can stimulate nAChR located on serotonergic nerve terminals and stimulate 5-HT1AR by the enhanced 5-HT release in the hippocampus. The 5-HT1AR stimulation likely mediates the improvement of 5-HT1AR levels as auto-receptor in OBX hippocampus.

Inhibition of 5-HT_3 Receptors-activated Currents by Cannabinoids in Rat Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons

This study investigated the modulatory effect of synthetic cannabinoids WIN55,212-2 on 5-HT3 receptor-activated currents (I5-HT3) in cultured rat trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons using whole-cell patch clamp technique. The results showed that: (1) The majority of examined neurons (78.70%) were sensitive to 5-HT (3–300 μmol/L). 5-HT induced inward currents in a concentration-dependent manner and the currents were blocked by ICS 205-930 (1 μmol/L), a selective antagonist of the 5-HT3 receptor; (2) Pre-application of WIN55,212-2 (0.01–1 μmol/L) significantly inhibited I5-HT3 reversibly in concentration-dependent and voltage-independent manners. The concentra-tion-response curve of 5-HT3 receptor was shifted downward by WIN55,212-2 without any change of the threshold value. The EC50 values of two curves were very close (17.5±4.5) mmol/L vs. (15.2±4.5) mmol/L and WIN55,212-2 decreased the maximal amplitude of I5-HT3 by (48.65±4.15)%; (3) Neither AM281, a selective CB1 receptor antagonist, nor AM630, a selective CB2 receptor antagonist reversed the inhibition of I5-HT3 by WIN55,212-2; (4) When WIN55,212-2 was given from 15 to 120 s before 5-HT application, inhibitory effect was gradually increased and the maximal inhibition took place at 90 s, and the inhibition remained at the same level after 90 s. We are led to concluded that-WIN55,212-2 inhibited I5-HT3 significantly and neither CB1 receptor antagonist nor CB2 receptor antagonist could reverse the inhibition of I5-HT3 by WIN55,212-2. Moreover, WIN55,212-2 is not an open channel blocker (OCB) of 5-HT3 receptor. WIN55,212-2 significantly inhibited 5-HT-activated currents in a non-competitive manner. The inhibition of I5-HT3 by WIN55,212-2 is probably new one of peripheral analgesic mechanisms of WIN55,212-2, but the mechanism by which WIN55,212-2 inhibits I5-HT3 warrants further investigation.

Domesticated HERV-W env contributes to the activation of the small conductance Ca^(2+)-activated K^(+)type 2 channels via decreased 5-HT4 receptor in recent-onset schizophrenia

The human endogenous retroviruses type W family envelope(HERV-W env)gene is located on chromosome 7q21-22.Our previous studies show that HERV-W env is elevated in schizophrenia and HERV-W env can increase cal-cium influx.Additionally,the 5-HTergie system and particularly 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)receptors play a prominent role in the pathogenesis and treatment of schizophrenia.5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 4(5-HT4R)agonist can block calcium channels.However,the underlying relationship between HERV-W env and 5-HT4R in the etiology of schizophrenia has not been revealed.Here,we used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect the concentration of HERV-W env and 5-HT4R in the plasma of patients with schizophrenia and we found that there were decreased levels of 5-HT4R and a negative correlation between 5-HT4R and HERV-W env in schizophrenia.Overexpression of HERV-W env decreased the transcription and protein levels of 5-HT4R but increased small conductance Ca^(2+)-activated K^(+)type 2 channels(SK2)expression levels.Further studies revealed that HERV-w env could interact with 5-HT4R.Additionally,luciferase assay showed that an essential region(-364 to-176 from the transcription start site)in the SK2 promoter was required for HERV-W env-induced SK2 expression.Importantly,5-HT4R participated in the regulation of SK2 expression and promoter activity.Electrophysiological recordings suggested that HERV-Wenv could increase SK2 channel currents and the increase of SK2 currents was inhibited by 5-HT4R.In condusion,HERV-W env could activate SK2 channels via decreased 5-HT4R,which might exhibit a novel mechanism for HERV-Wenv to influence neuronal activity in schizophrenia.

Changes of Serotonin （5-HT）, 5-HT2A Receptor, and 5-HT Transporter in the Sprague-Dawley Rats of Depression, Myocardial Infarction and Myocardial Infarction Co-exist with Depression

Background： To evaluate whether serotonin （5-HT）, 5-HT2A receptor （5-HT2AR）, and 5-HT transporter （serotonin transporter [SERT]） are associated with different disease states of depression, myocardial infarction （MI） and MI co-exist with depression in Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods： After established the animal model of four groups include control, depression, MI and MI with depression, we measured 5-HT, 5-HT2AR and SERT from serum and platelet lysate.Results： The serum concentration of 5-HT in depression rats decreased significantly compared with the control group （303.25 ± 9.99 vs. 352.98 ±13.73; P =0.000）, while that in MI group increased （381.78 ±14.17 vs. 352.98 ±13.73; P = 0.000）. However, the depression ＋ MI group had no change compared with control group （360.62 ±11.40 vs. 352.98 ±13.73; P = 0.036）. The changes of the platelet concentration of 5-HT in the depression, MI, and depression ＋ MI group were different from that of serum. The levels of 5-HT in above three groups were lower than that in the control group （380.40 ± 17.90, 387.75 ±22.28,246.40 ±18.99 vs. 500.29 ±20.91 ; P = 0.000）. The platelet lysate concentration of 5-HT2AR increased in depression group, MI group, and depression ＋ MI group compared with the control group （370.75 ±14.75,393.47 ±15.73,446.66 ±18.86 vs. 273.66 ±16.90; P= 0.000）. The serum and platelet concentration of SERT in the depression group, MI group and depression ＋ MI group were all increased compared with the control group （527.51 ±28.32, 602.02 ±23.32, 734.76 ±29.59 vs. 490.56 ±16.90; P 0,047, P = 0.000, P = 0.000 in each and 906.38 ±51.84, 897.33 ±60.34, 1030.17 ±58.73 vs. 708.62 ±51.15; P = 0.000 in each）. Conclusions： The concentration of 5-HT2AR in platelet lysate and SERT in serum and platelet may be involved in the pathway of MI with depression. Further studies should examine whether elevated 5-HT2AR and SERT may contribute to the biomarker in MI patients with depression.

Sleep Deprivation Selectively Down-Regulates Astrocytic 5-HT2B Receptors and Triggers Depressive-Like Behaviors via Stimulating P2X7 Receptors in Mice

Chronic loss of sleep damages health and disturbs the quality of life.Long-lasting sleep deprivation(SD)as well as sleep abnormalities are substantial risk factors for major depressive disorder,although the underlying mechanisms are not clear.Here,we showed that chronic SD in mice promotes a gradual elevation of extracellular ATP,which activates astroglial P2X7 receptors(P2X7Rs).Activated P2X7Rs,in turn,selectively down-regulated the expression of 5-HT2B receptors(5-HT2BRs)in astrocytes.Stimulation of P2X7Rs induced by SD selectively suppressed the phosphorylation of AKT and FoxO3 a in astrocytes,but not in neurons.The overexpression of FoxO3a in astrocytes inhibited the expression of 5-HT2BRs.Down-regulation of 5-HT2BsRs instigated by SD suppressed the activation of STAT3 and relieved the inhibition of Ca2+-dependent phospholipase A2.This latter cascade promoted the release of arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2.The depression-like behaviors induced by SD were alleviated in P2X7R-KO mice.Our study reveals the mechanism underlying chronic SD-induced depression-like behaviors and suggests 5-HT2BRs as a key target for exploring therapeutic strategies aimed at the depression evoked by sleep disorders.

Effects of Kaixin Powder on Expression of 5-HT Receptor in Hippocampus of Depressed Rats Induced by CUMS

Objective To observe the influence of Kaixin Powder on ethology,content of 5-HT in the hippocampus, expression of m RNA, and protein in 5-HT1 A and 5-HT2 A receptors in the hippocampus of depressed rats induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress（CUMS）. Methods Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank,model, Trazodone, and Kaixin Powder groups, six rats in each group. In addition to the blank control group, other groups were established the depression model induced by CUMS combined with isolated feeding. At the same time, Trazodone group and Kaixin Powder group were treated with corresponding drugs for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks of administration, the rats were sacrificed, and a series of indexes were measured such as the contents of 5-HT, m RNA expression levels of 5-HT1 A and 5-HT2 A receptors, protein expression levels of 5-HT1 A and 5-HT2 A receptors, and so on. Results A series of indexes in the model group were decreased significantly such as the body weight growth, the sugar water intake, the score of Open Field Test, the content of5-HT in the hippocampus, expression of m RNA, and protein in 5-HT1 A receptor, while the expression of m RNA and protein in 5-HT2 A receptor were increased significantly.Compared with the model group, the indexes were ameliorated in Trazodone and Kaixin Powder groups. Kaixin Powder is better than Trazodone in decreasing the level of protein in 5-HT2 A receptor. Conclusion The result indicated that the depression performance of depressed rats induced by CUMS can be ameliorated by Kaixin Powder,and the mechanism maybe concerned with increasing the contents of 5-HT, exciting 5-HT1 A receptor, and antagonising 5- HT2 A receptor.

Bioassay-guided isolation of saikosaponins with agonistic activity on 5-hydroxytryptamine 2C receptor from Bupleurum chinense and their potential use for the treatment of obesity

5-Hydroxytryptamine 2C(5-HT2C) receptor is one of the major targets of anti-obesity agents, due to its role in regulation of appetite. In the present study, the 70% EtO H extract of the roots of Bupleurum chinense was revealed to have agonistic activity on 5-HT2 C receptor, and the subsequent bioassay-guided isolation led to identification of several saikosaponins as the active constituents with 5-HT2 C receptor agonistic activity in vitro and anti-obesity activity in vivo. The new compound, 22-oxosaikosaponin d(1), was determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses(HR-ESI-MS, IR, and 1D and 2D NMR). The primary structure-activity relationship study suggested that the intramolecular ether bond between C-13 and C-28 and the number of sugars at C-3 position were closely related to the 5-HT2 C receptor agonistic activity. Saikosaponin a(3), the main saponin in B. chinense, showed obviously agonistic activity on 5-HT2 C receptor with an EC50 value of 21.08 ± 0.33 μmol×L^(–1) in vitro and could reduce food intake by 39.1% and 69.2%, and weight gain by 13.6% and 16.4%, respectively, at 3.0 and 6.0 mg×kg^(–1) in vivo. This investigation provided valuable information for the potential use of B. chinense as anti-obesity agent.

早年创伤性应激经历对成年大鼠前额叶和海马5-HT受体亚型的影响

目的:研究早年创伤性应激经历对成年大鼠前额叶和海马5-HT1A和5-HT2C受体表达的影响。方法:33只雄性20日龄Wistar大鼠随机分为对照组、PTSD组和运动组,每组11只。以不可逃避的足底电击建立PTSD模型,以渐进性自主运动作为干预手段。采用旷场试验和高架十字迷宫评估行为学改变,采用免疫组化和Western Blot-ting检测前额叶和海马5-HT1AR和5-HT2CR表达变化。结果:与对照组和运动组相比,PTSD组在旷场试验中中央格停留时间、跨格数和直立次数明显减少;在高架十字迷宫试验中进入开放臂次数百分比,时间百分比明显降低。在免疫组化实验中,与对照组相比,PTSD组5-HT1AR在前额叶和海马表达均明显增加,运动组前额叶5-HT1AR表达显著低于PTSD组。与对照组和运动组比较,PTSD组5-HT2CR在前额叶和海马表达明显增加。在Western Blot-ting实验中,与对照组和运动组相比,PTSD组5-HT1AR在前额叶表达明显升高,5-HT2CR在前额叶和海马表达均明显升高。结论:早年创伤性应激导致成年大鼠明显的抑郁和焦虑症状,前额叶和海马5-HT1A和5-HT2C受体表达上调,渐进性自主运动可减轻应激导致的焦虑抑郁症状,可能是通过下调中枢5-HT受体亚型实现的。

Behavioral Characteristics of Pharmacologically Selected Lines of Rats: Relevance to Depression

This brief review discusses the behavioral consequences of two pharmacologically selected lines of rats. Flinders Sensitive (FSL) and Flinders Resistant (FRL) Lines of rats were selected on the basis of differential hypothermic and behavioral responses to the anticholinesterase, diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP). FSL rats are more sensitive to the hypothermic effects of cholinergic, serotonergic, and dopaminergic agonists but less sensitive to the locomotor or stereotypic effects of dopamine agonists. FSL rats exhibit greater immobility in the forced swim test and reduced social interaction compared with FRL rats, but do not differ in saccharin intake, behavior in the elevated plus maze, or responses for rewarding brain self-stimulation. The exaggerated immobility and reduced social interaction are counteracted by chronic treatment with antidepressants. Because FSL rats were more sensitive to 5-HT1A receptor agonists, high (HDS) and low (LDS) 8-OH-DPATsensitive lines were selectively bred for differential hypothermic responses to the 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-N-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT). HDS rats were also more sensitive to the hypothermic effects of oxotremorine, a cholinergic agonist, but selection for this response did not diverge with later selection. HDS rats exhibited greater immobility in the forced swim test than LDS rats and this correlated response could be seen early in selection (generation 3). HDS rats also showed reduced social interaction compared to LDS rats, but did not differ in behavior in the elevated plus maze. These findings confirm that selection for hypothermic responses to pharmacological agents do have behavioral consequences, notably the production of depressive-like phenotypes, which can be counteracted by chronic antidepressant treatment. Because increased 5-HT1A receptor sensitivity was common to both selected lines (FSL and HDS), neurobiological processes dependent on this receptor could contribute to the abnormal behaviors that manifest in these rat lines and thus suggesting a mechanism underlying depressive behaviors in humans. However, available human data are inconsistent with this hypothesis and suggest that other mechanisms underlie these behavioral abnormalities in HDS and FSL rats. These mechanisms as well as additional behavioral testing in these rat lines will be discussed.

Follicular helper T lymphocytes in health and disease

A correct antibody response requires the participation of both B and T lymphocytes and antigen presenting cells. In this review we address the role of follicular helper T lymphocytes(T FH) in this reaction. We shall focus on the regulation of their development and function in health and disease. T FH can be characterized on the basis of their phenotype and the pattern of secretion of cytokines. This fact is useful to study their participation in the generation of antibody deficiency in primary immunodeficiency diseases such as common variable immunodeficiency, X-linked hyper Ig M syndrome orX-linked lymphoproliferative disease. Increased numbers of T FH have been demonstrated in several autoimmune diseases and are thought to play a role in the development of autoantibodies. In chronic viral infections caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B or C virus, increased circulating T FH have been observed, but their role in the protective immune response to these agents is under discussion. Likewise, an important role of T FH in the control of some experimental protozoan infections has been proposed, and it will be important to assess their relevance in order to design effective vaccination strategies.

Extract of Yokukansan improves anxiety-like behavior and increases serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor in rats with cerebral ischemia combined with amyloid-β42 peptide

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of Yokukansan(YKS) extract on two endogenous modulators of anxiety, brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)and serotonin (5-HT)_(2A) receptors pharmacologically, in the ischemic rat model of dementia.METHODS: The cerebral ischemia(CI) was induced by bilateral occlusion of the vertebral and common carotid arteries(4-vessel occlusion ischemia). The CI was combined with the amyloid-β42 peptide(A42) injected intracerebroventricularly, and referreβdto as CI+Aβ. Anxiety-like behaviors were assessed by elevated plus maze(enclosed arm), light/dark transition test(dark chamber), and open-field test.Wet-dog shakes were induced by the 5-HT_(2A) receptor agonist 2, 5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine(DOI). The concentration of BDNF in serum was determined by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay.RESULTS: CI + Aβ increased anxiety, as demonstrated by the increase of time spent in the enclosed arms and dark chambers, and locomotion in the outer zone of the open field(thigmotaxis). CI + Adecreased the serum concentration of BDNF. YKS reβ-duced the anxiety-like behaviors, suppressed the DOI-induced wet-dog shakes and increased serum BDNF concentrations.CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that YKS extract improves CI + Aβ-induced anxiety by antagonizing 5-HT_(2A) receptors and increasing BDNF.

Antibody drug conjugate development in gastrointestinal cancers:hopes and hurdles from clinical trials

Gastrointestinal(GI)cancers represent the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide.Antibody drug conjugates(ADCs)are a rapidly growing new class of anti-cancer agents which may improve GI cancer patient survival.ADCs combine tumour-antigen specific antibodies with cytotoxic drugs to deliver tumour cell specific chemotherapy.Currently,only two ADCs[brentuximab vedotin and trastuzumab emtansine(T-DM1)]have been Food and Drug Administration approved for the treatment of lymphoma and metastatic breast cancer,respectively.Clinical research evaluating ADCs in GI cancers has shown limited success.In this review,we will retrace the relevant clinical trials investigating ADCs in GI cancers,especially ADCs targeting human epidermal growth receptor 2,mesothelin,guanylyl cyclase C,carcinogenic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5(also known as CEACAM5)and other GI malignancy specific targets.We will review potential hurdles for their success and provide new perspective for future treatment.

电针足三里对严重烫伤致大鼠急性肺损伤的影响

目的 探讨电针足三里对严重烫伤致大鼠急性肺损伤的影响.方法 雄性SD大鼠40只,体重200～250 g,随机分为5组（n=8）：对照组、烫伤组、足三里组、非经非穴组和α-银环蛇毒素组（α-BGT组）.对照组尾静脉注射生理盐水1 ml.烫伤组、足三里组、非经非穴组和α-BGT组先制备30%总体表面积Ⅲ度烫伤模型,然后烫伤组尾静脉注射生理盐水1 ml;足三里组于双侧足三里穴垂直进针7 mm,给予脉冲电流（电压3V,电流2ms,频率3 Hz）持续刺激12 mim,间隔8 h刺激1次,持续2 d;非经非穴组于双侧足三里穴旁5mm处给予脉冲刺激,方法同足三里组;α-BGT组尾静脉注射α-BGT 1.0 μg/kg,再于双侧足三里穴给予脉冲刺激,方法同足三里组.各组处理结束后,处死大鼠,取肺组织,光镜下观察病理学结果,电镜下观察超微结构,采用ELISA法测定肺组织高迁移率族蛋白B1（HMGBl）含量,采用免疫组化法测定HMGBl蛋白表达,采用RT-PCR法测定HMGBl mRNA表达.结果 烫伤组肺组织光镜下可见肺泡壁崩解,泡内大量渗出液,间质水肿、肥厚和增生,伴大量炎性细胞浸润;电镜下可见细胞核形态不规则,核膜僵硬,部分凸凹不平和核溶解,胞质内板层小体明显减少,肺组织病理损伤程度较对照组减轻.与对照组比较,烫伤组、非经非穴组和α-BGT组肺组织HMGBl含量升高,HMGBl蛋白及其mRNA的表达上调（P〈0.05）,足三里组各指标差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;与烫伤组比较,足三里组肺组织HMGBl含量降低,HMGBl蛋白及其mRNA的表达下调,非经非穴组和α-BGT组肺组织HMGBl mRNA表达下调（P〈0.05）;与足三里组比较,非经非穴组和α-BGT组肺组织HMGBl含量升高,HMGBl蛋白及其mRNA的表达上调（P〈0.05）.结论 电针足三里可减轻严重烫伤致大鼠急性肺损伤,其机制与激活含α7亚基N型胆碱能受体介导的胆碱能抗炎通路,抑制肺组织HMGBl的表达有关.