Hormetic Effects of Yttrium on Male Sprague-Dawley Rats

To evaluate hormesis induced by Yttrium（Y） nitrate in male rats, Y was offered to F0 mother rats and F1 offspring at concentrations of 0, 20, 80, and320 ppm daily from gestational day （GD） 0 through postnatal day 70（PND70）.The F1 offspring were evaluated with respect to motor function,learning and memory, and histopathology.

Morphological characteristics of the lumbosacral spinal cord urogenital center in Sprague Dawley rats

BACKGROUND： Studies have demonstrated that selective innervation of the sacral nerve tract to the bladder plays an important role in bladder functional reconstruction following spinal cord injury. However, there are very few studies reporting detailed morphological characteristics of urogenital center and lumbosacral nerve roots. OBJECTIVE： To analyze the spinal cord segment of the lumbosacral spinal cord urogenital center, and to observe morphological characteristics. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A neuroanatomical study was performed at the Laboratory of Neuroanatomy, Peking University Health Science Center between September 2007 and March 2008. MATERIALS： Horseradish peroxidase-conjugated cholera toxin B subunit （CB-HRP） was purchased from Sigma, USA; surgical microscope was purchased from Zhenjian Zhongtian Optical Instrument, Jiangsu Province, China; BCL-420 biological and functional experimental system was purchased from Taimeng Science and Technology, Sichuan Province, China. METHODS： A total of 36 adult, Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to groups A （n = 10）, B （n = 10）, C （n = 10）, and D （n = 6）. CB-HRP （3%, 10-15 μL） was injected into the bladder detrusor muscle （group A）, external urethral sphincter （group B）, and perineal muscles （group C）, respectively. Rats in group D were not given any treatments. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： At 72 hours after CB-HRP injection, CB-HRP-positive neurons were analyzed in lumbosacral segments using 3, 3＇, 5, 5＇-tetramethylbenzidine staining and an Olympus optic microscope, while anatomical structures in the respective spinal nerve tract were observed using a surgical microscope. RESULTS： CB-HRP-positive neurons were distributed in the L6-S1 segments of the spinal cord, and neurons primarily innervating the bladder detrusor muscle were located at the sacral parasympathetic nucleus and the intermediolateral nucleus. In addition, neurons that primarily innervate the external urethral sphincter and perineal muscles were observed in the ventrolateral portion （Onuf＇s nucleus）. The lumbar-sacral nerve roots were composed of varying nerve tracts, Le., they were typically divided into 1-2 sub-bundles, and the sub-bundles were then divided into 2-3 tiny bundles. There were extensive fibro-connections between the rootlets. CONCLUSION： The urogenital center in Sprague Dawley rats was located in the L6 -S1 segments of the spinal cord, and the rootlets were clearly observed. Therefore, this rat experimental model could be utilized for highly selective anterior/posterior rhizotomy.

Analysis of Behaviour Pattern in Sprague-Dawley Rats Using Microwave Techniques

This communication presents a new method of detecting the behaviour pattern in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats based on the measurement of the dielectric properties of blood plasma at microwave frequencies at different periods of time. The microwave measurements were performed by rectangular cavity perturbation method in the S-band of microwave frequency with the blood plasma collected from normal rats (Controls) as well as chemically induced rats (Aβ). A change is observed in the dielectric properties of the Aβsamples but not the controls samples at the extended period of time. This measurement technique is simple and the collection of blood from the rats is nonsurgical in nature. These results prove a new method of diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) using microwave techniques.

Comparative study on the difference of obesity model induced by two kinds of high fat diet in Sprague-Dawley rats

Objective: To explore the differences of obese Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats model induced by lard oil high-fat(HF)diet or purified HF diet. Methods: SD weanling rats were randomly divided into three groups: D1 group,where rats were fed by lard oil HF diet;D2 group,where rats were fed by purified HF diet;C group,where rats were fed on chow. After 12 weeks,diet-induced obesity rat(stop 33% based on weight)were selected for further study,and the rest rats from group D1 and D2 were excluded. The food intake and weight were weighted daily and weekly,respectively. The subcutaneous,visceral and total fat contents of rats was measured by 256-row CT scan and the Lee index was calculated accordingly. The kidney,liver,testis,spleen and heart were weighted respectively. Serum leptin and insulin levels were quantified. The pathology in liver and adipose tissues were analyzed by HE staining. Oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT)was used to compare the glucose tolerance ability. Serum total cholestero(lT-CHO),high density lipoprotein(HDL-C),low density lipoprotein(LDL-C),triglyceride(TG)and inflammatory cytokines IL-6,TNF-α were detected as well. Results: After 12 weeks,the body weight,subcutaneous fat,visceral fat,total fat mass,wet weight of liver,kidney and heart,area under blood glucose curve and the levels of serum insulin,leptin,T-CHO,LDL-C,TG,IL-6 and TNF-α in group D2 were significantly increased compared to those of group C and group D1. HDL-C of group D2 was markedly lower than that in group C(P<0. 05). The visceral fat,total fat content and HDL-C in group D1 were significantly different from those of group C(P<0. 05). Steatosis and enlarged adipocyte were found in the livers of rats in group D1 and D2,and the lesions were more significant in group D2. Conclusion: Purified HF diet was more effective in inducing metabolic abnormalities,steatosis,peripheral chronic inflammation in obese SD rat models. But lard oil HF diet was more economical when only inducing visceral steatosis was required.

Differences in action potential propagation speed and axon initial segment plasticity between neurons from Sprague-Dawley rats and C57BL/6 mice

Action potentials(APs)in neurons are generated at the axon initial segment(AIS).AP dynamics,including initiation and propagation,are intimately associated with neuronal excitability and neurotransmitter release kinetics.Most learning and memory studies at the single-neuron level have relied on the use of animal models,most notably rodents.Here,we studied AP initiation and propagation in cultured hippocampal neurons from Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats and C57BL/6(C57)mice with genetically encoded voltage indicator(GEVI)-based voltage imaging.Our data showed that APs traveled bidirectionally in neurons from both species;forward-propagating APs(fpAPs)had a different speed than backpropagating APs(bpAPs).Additionally,we observed distinct AP propagation characteristics in AISs emerging from the somatic envelope compared to those originating from dendrites.Compared with rat neurons,mouse neurons exhibited higher bpAP speed and lower fpAP speed,more distally located ankyrin G(AnkG)in AISs,and longer Nav1.2 lengths in AISs.Moreover,during AIS plasticity,AnkG and Nav1.2 showed distal shifts in location and shorter lengths of labeled AISs in rat neurons;in mouse neurons,however,they showed a longer AnkG-labeled length and more distal Nav1.2 location.Our findings suggest that hippocampal neurons in SD rats and C57 mice may have different AP propagation speeds,different AnkG and Nav1.2 patterns in the AIS,and different AIS plasticity properties,indicating that comparisons between these species must be carefully considered.

Magnetic resonance imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma induced by diethylnitrosamine in Sprague-Dawley rats

Diethylnitrosamine (DENA) is able to induce various benign and malignant liver lesions in rats with a high success rate and a low mortality rate. It provides a more appropriate model that better simulates the various lesions occurring in humans than the usual model of tumor implantations. The aim of the present study was to evaluate MRI liver examination in Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats as a routine method to detect hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nodules induced by DENA and to follow up their growth. METHODS:Hepatic carcinogenesis was induced in 80 male SD rats using oral DENA solution. All animals were imaged for liver tumor detection with a 1.5 Tesla magnet (Siemens Sonata,Erlangen, Germany) using correspondence scan parameters and a radio-frequency knee coil. Macroscopic examinations were performed along the axial MRI sections to evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and histopathological assessment was also performed. RESULTS:No false negative results were obtained on MR images. Hepatic tumors in 72 rats were confirmed macro-scopically and 68 rats were detected by MRI till the 20th week. The smallest and the largest nodules detected by MRI were 2 mm and 37 mm in diameter respectively. The agreement rate of MRI with macroscopic observation was 39. 1% and 97. 4% respectively for 2 mm to 5 mm and more than 5 mm nodules. CONCLUSIONS:The hepatic tumor induced by DENA provides a more representative range of tumors for imaging diagnosis and interventional treatment. MRI is the best approach for scrutinizing pathological changes of rat livers in the period of observation.

Anti-hypercholesterolemic effect of kenaf(Hibiscus cannabinus L.)seed on high-fat diet Sprague dawley rats

Objective:To determine? the anlihypercholesterolemic effects of kenaf seed samples and compare with the commercial hypocholesterolemic drug on serum lipids profiles and malondialdehyde(MDA) level in the rat.Methods:Kenaf seed oil(KSO),microencapsulated kenaf seed oil(MKSO),kenaf seed extract(KSE) and defatted kenaf seed meal(DKSM) were prepared and phytocHemicals screening on these samples were done prior in viro study.Phenolic compounds in KSF.were quantified using high performance liquid chromatography.There were 40(divided in eight diet groups of 5) male Sprague dawley rats adapted lo normal standard diet or hypercholesterolemic diet(HD) with or without the treatment of these kenaf samples for 32 days.Results:All the kenaf samples exhibited to contain most of the major phytocliemicals.KSE possessed gallic acid,tannic acid,catechin.benzaldehyde.benzoic acid,syringic acid,sinapic acid,ferulic acid,naringin acid,and protocatechuic acid.The significant higher(P<0.05) serum total cholesterol,low density lipoprotein cholesterol and MDA levels in HD group without treatment than the normal control group suggested the hypercholesterolemia was induced by the Incorporation of cholesterol into diet.KSE exhibited higher cholesterol-lowering properties due to the significant lower(P<0.05)in serum triglycerides,total cholesterol and MDA levels.KSF showed the highest efficiency of cholesterol-lowering activity,followed by KSO.MKSO and DKSM.Conclusions:DKSM.MKSO.KSO and KSE appeared lo have comparable anti-hypercholesterolemic effect with the commercial hypocholesterolemic drug.Hence,kenaf seed could be used as an alternative natural source lo replace the synthetic hypocholosterolemic drugs.

Analysis of transcriptome sequencing of sciatic nerves in Sprague-Dawley rats of different ages

An aging-induced decrease in Schwann cell viability can affect regeneration following peripheral nerve injury in mammals. It is therefore necessary to investigate possible age-related changes in gene expression that may affect the biological function of peripheral nerves. Ten 1-week-old and ten 12-month-old healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into young（1 week old） and adult（12 months old） groups according to their ages. mRNA expression in the sciatic nerve was compared between young and adult rats using next-generation sequencing（NGS） and bioinformatics（n = 4/group）. The 18 groups of differentially expressed mRNA（DEmRNAs） were also tested by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction（n = 6/group）. Results revealed that（1） compared with young rats, adult rats had 3608 groups of DEmRNAs. Of these, 2684 were groups of upregulated genes, and 924 were groups of downregulated genes. Their functions mainly involved cell viability, proliferation, differentiation, regeneration, and myelination.（2） The gene with the most obvious increase of all DEmRNAs in adult rats was Thrsp（log2 FC = 9.01, P 〈 0.05）, and the gene with the most obvious reduction was Col2 a1（log2 FC = -8.89, P 〈 0.05）.（3） Gene Ontology analysis showed that DEmRNAs were mainly concentrated in oligosaccharide binding, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing one signaling pathway, and peptide-transporting ATPase activity.（4） Analysis using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes showed that, with increased age, DEmRNAs were mainly enriched in steroid biosynthesis, Staphylococcus aureus infection, and graft-versus-host disease.（5） Spearman＇s correlation coefficient method for evaluating NGS accuracy showed that the NGS results and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction results were positively correlated（rs = 0.74, P 〈 0.05）. These findings confirm a difference in sciatic nerve gene expression between adult and young rats, suggesting that, in peripheral nerves, cells and the microenvironment change with age, thus influencing the function and repair of peripheral nerves.

Effects of chromium nanoparticle dosage on growth,body composition,serum hormones and tissue chromium in Sprague-Dawley rats

This 6-week study was conducted to evaluate the effects of seven different levels of dietary chromium (Cr) (0,75,150,300,450,600,and 1200 ppb Cr) in the form of Cr nanoparticle (CrNano) on growth,body composition,serum hormones and tissue Cr in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Seventy male SD rats (average initial body weight of (83.2±4.4) g) were randomly assigned to seven dietary treatments (n=10). At the end of the trial,body composition was assessed via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). All rats were then sacrificed to collect samples of blood,organs and tissues for determination of serum hormones and tissue Cr contents. The results indicated that lean body mass was significantly increased (P<0.05) due to the addition of 300 and 450 ppb Cr from CrNano. Supplementation of 150,300,450,and 600 ppb Cr decreased (P<0.05) percent body fat significantly. Average daily gain was increased (P<0.05) by addition of 75,150,and 300 ppb Cr and feed efficiency was increased (P<0.05) by supplementation of 75,300,and 450 ppb Cr. Addition of 300 and 450 ppb Cr decreased (P<0.05) the insulin level in serum greatly. Cr contents in liver and kidney were greatly increased (P<0.05) by the addition of Cr as CrNano in the dosage of from 150 ppb to 1 200 ppb. In addition,Supplementation of 300,450,and 600 ppb Cr significantly increased (P<0.05) Cr content in the hind leg muscle. These results suggest that supplemental CrNano has beneficial effects on growth performance and body composition,and increases tissue Cr concentration in selected muscles.

Immune Responses to Trichloroethylene and Skin Gene Expression Profiles in Sprague Dawley Rats

Objective To characterize the immune reaction in SD rats exposed to trichloroethylene （TCE） and to identify the gene expression profiles involved in skin after TCE exposure. Methods Fifteen percent of TCE was injected intradermally into the rat back （100 μL/120 g） at intervals of 7 days. Whole blood was collected 24 h after the fifth or seventh intradermic administration of TCE. The percentages of CD4＋ and CD8＋ of T lymphocytes were measured by a flow cytometer. The concentrations of IFN-gamma and 1L-4 in the serum were semi-quantified by ELISA. Total RNAs of skin samples at 3 h or 24 h after the seventh dose of TCE in SD rats were extracted, and gene expression proftles of these tissues were analyszed by rat toxicology U34 array of Affymetrix. Results Obvious decline of CD4＋ in T lymphocytes was observed in the TCE-administer group. No significant concentration differences in IFN-gamma and IL-4 were found between TCE-treated and control rats. Gadd45a and Mel were significantly up regulated in skin tissue 24 h after TCE exposure. The expression regulation of immune response factors was as active as proteins associated with lipid metabolism and synthesis process in these skin samples of SD rats exposed to TCE. Conclusion T-helper type 1 cells mediate immune response can not be elicited in TCE-treated SD rats, but certain immune disorder can be induced.

Establishment of Allergic Airway Inflammation Model in Late-phase Response of Sprague-Dawley Rats

Objective To establish allergic airway inflammation model in late-phase airway reaction of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Methods Thirty-six SD rats were randomly divided into three groups-, control group (Group Ⅰ) ,single challenge group (Group Ⅱ ),consecutive challenge group (Group Ⅲ). The rats in Group Ⅱ and Group Ⅲ were sensitized twice by injection of ovalbumin (OA) together with aluminum hydroxide and Bordetella pertussis as adjuvants, followed by challenge with aerosolized OA for 20 min once in Group Ⅱ or one time on each day for one week in, Group Ⅲ. The rats in Group Ⅰ received 0. 9% saline by injection and inhalation. Results Compared with group Ⅰ , there were positive symptoms observed in the group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ; the amount of total leucocytes and eosinophil percentage in brochoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0. 01 respectively) in Group Ⅱ or Ⅲ ; histopathologic changes of lung showed acute allergic inflammation changes in Group Ⅱ: Disrupted epithelium damaged subepithelial structure and eosinophil infiltration in the airway wall. As for the Group Ⅲ, there were allergen- induced characteristic features of chronic allergic airways inflammation: hypertrophy and hyperplasia of bronchial smooth muscle, goblet cell hyperplasia, basement membrane thickening, eosinophil in filtration, edema. Conclusion The model of allergic airway inflammation in late-phase response of SD rats was successfully established by OA sensitization (twice) and consecutive challenge.

Anatomical Study of the Intercostobrachial Nerve in Sprague-Dawlay Rats

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to explore the anatomy of the in-tercostobrachial nerve in rats. METHODS Dissections of 8 Sprague-dawley rats were performed to examine the intercostobrachial nerve. Fifteen dissections were successful. The position of the nerve, origin, termination, length and diameter were measured and recorded. RESULTS 1) 80% of the nerves originated from the second intercostal space and 20% from the first intercostal space; 2) 60% of the nerves terminated in the latissimus dorsi and 40% in the axillary skin 3) the branches of the nerves only were divided into 2 types, single and double; 4) the length of the nerves ranged from 2.4 to 3.4 cm with an average of 2.97±0.90 cm; 5) the diameter of the nerves was thicker at their origin compared to their termination. CONCLUSION The intercostobrachial nerve is simple in rats with 60% terminating in the latissimus dorsi.

Reference values for selected hematological, biochemical and physiological parameters of Sprague‐Dawley rats at the Animal House, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo,Sri Lanka

Background: Lack of available reference values in a research setting under local conditions can be a drawback for beginners, as the accuracy of data from control samples cannot be checked at the beginning of a research project. This affects comparisons with data from test samples. To avoid these complications in their research projects,beginners tend to have a greater number of animals in the control group compared to test groups in order to have control group measurements within 2 SDs of the mean.Methods: As non-availability of reference values was a long-felt need, the described project was conducted in order to establish a reference database for selected haematological, biochemical and physiological parameters using apparently healthy Sprague-Dawley rats bred in the Animal House of Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo(UCFM).Results: Differences in mean values of packed cell volume(PCV), mean corpuscular volume(MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration(MCHC), serum creatinine and blood glucose levels between the two genders were statistically significant. Lipid profile measurements did not differ significantly between genders, but mean and median values of triglycerides(TG) between male and female rats showed a difference of more than 10 mg/dL. The liver enzymes alkaline phosphatase(AP)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) were also statistically significantly different between sexes. Despite wide variation in mean alanine aminotransferase(ALT)between sexes, the difference was not statistically significant.Conclusion: The findings of this project should support to a certain extent the"Reduction" aspect of the 3 Rs concept of Russell and Burch by reducing the number of Sprague-Dawley rats used in future research projects at UCFM.

Retinal damage after exposure to white light emitting diode lights at different intensities in Sprague-Dawley rats

Background:The usage of the light emitting diode(LED)has been increasingly applied in the illumination setting and electronic equipment.However,the effect of LED lights on the retina remains unclear.In this study,we observed and analyzed the impact of white LED lights at different intensities on the function and morphology of rat retinas.Methods:Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 150-180 g were randomly divided into six groups(n=6 in each group)including a normal control(NC)group,4 white LED groups at different light intensities(4,000,6,000,7,000,and 10,000 lux),and an ultraviolet B(UVB)lighting group(302 nm,1,000μw/cm2).After 24 hours of continuous illumination,full-field flash electroretinogram(FERG)and pathological examination were performed in each group.Results:As revealed by FERG,the impairment of retinal function gradually worsened with the increase of LED light intensity.In contrast,the UVB group had the most severe retinal function impairment.Particularly,the functional damage of rod cells and inner nuclear layer cells was the main FERG finding in each group.In the NC group,the retina had typical morphologies featured by well-defined structures,clearly visible border between the inner and outer segments,and neatly arranged inner and outer nuclear layer cells.After 24 hours of illumination,the inner and outer parts of the retina in the 4,000 lux group were still neatly arranged,along with a clear border;however,the inner and outer nuclear layers were randomly arranged,and some irregular nuclei and cells were lost.The damage of the internal and external retinal segments and the internal and external nuclear layers became more evident in the 6,000 lux group,7,000 lux group,and 10,000 lux group.The UVB group had a more obviously disordered arrangement of inner and outer nuclear layers and loss of cells.Conclusions:Continuous exposure to white LED light can cause structural and functional damage to rat retinas,and such damage is related to the intensity of illumination.Therefore,the risk of retinal damage should be considered during LED illumination,and proper LED illumination intensity may help to maintain eye health.

Probiotic microorganisms affect the reproductive and nervous systems of male rats treated with acrylamide

Objective:To evaluate the protective effects of probiotic microorganisms on the reproductive and nervous systems of male rats treated with acrylamide.Methods:Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and received normal saline through gavage(control),acrylamide 20 mg/kg body weight,acrylamide plus probiotic microorganisms(Lactobacillus acidophilus,Lactobacillus casei,Lactobacillus bulgaricus,Lactobacillus rhamnosus,Bifidobacterium breve,Bifidobacterium infantis,Streptococcus thermophilus and fructooligosaccharides,all mixed in sachets)20 or 200 mg/kg body weight,respectively.After 30 days,the testis,prostate,seminal vesicle and cerebellum were removed,fixed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin(H&E).The Johnsen score was used to classify spermatogenesis.Cavalieri's principle method was used to evaluate the total volume(in mm3)of the testes.The number of each intratubular cell type as well as intertubular Leydig cells in whole samples was measured using the physical dissector counting techniques.Stereological analysis and the grids were used to determine the volume of cerebellar layers as well as the Purkinje cell number.Results:The testis weight decreased significantly in the acrylamide-treated group compared to the other groups(P<0.001).The number of spermatogonia,spermatocytes,spermatids and Leydig cells in the acrylamide-treated group were significantly less compared to the control group(P<0.05),while they were increased significantly in the acrylamide+200 mg/kg probiotic group(P<0.05;P<0.01).The mean Johnsen score in the acrylamide-treated group was lower than in the control group(P<0.001).Acrylamide-induced changes including congestion,vacuolization in the secretory epithelial cells,and epithelial rupture were observed in the prostate and seminal vesicle.The volumes of cerebellar layers were decreased in the acrylamide group compared to the control group while recovered in both probiotic treated groups.Conclusions:Probiotic microorganisms alleviate acrylamide-induced toxicities against the reproductive and cerebellar tissues in rats.

Prophylactic Pattern Scanning Laser Retinal Photocoagulation for Diabetic Retinopathy in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii Fatty Rats: Preliminary Experimental Results

Research Background and Purpose: The number of diabetic patients is rapidly increasing, making it crucial to find methods to prevent diabetic retinopathy (DR), a leading cause of blindness. We investigated the effects of prophylactic pattern scanning laser retinal photocoagulation on DR development in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) fatty rats as a new prevention approach. Methods: Photocoagulation was applied to the right eyes of 8-week-old Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) fatty rats, with the left eyes serving as untreated controls. Electroretinography at 9 and 39 weeks of age and pathological examinations, including immunohistochemistry for vascular endothelial growth factor and glial fibrillary acidic protein at 24 and 40 weeks of age, were performed on both eyes. Results: There were no significant differences in amplitude and prolongation of the OP waves between the right and left eyes in SDT fatty rats at 39 weeks of age. Similarly, no significant differences in pathology and immunohistochemistry were observed between the right and left eyes in SDT fatty rats at 24 and 40 weeks of age. Conclusion: Prophylactic pattern scanning retinal laser photocoagulation did not affect the development of diabetic retinopathy in SDT fatty rats.

Effect of Mushroom Extract Hericium erinaceus on Spatial Memory and Morphology of Neurons in the CA1 and CA3 Regions of the Hippocampus in Ovariectomized Rats

Various studies indicate that low levels of estradiol negatively impact cognitive abilities. Extracts from the fungus Hericium erinaceus (HE) contain bioactive components that promote the proper functioning of the nervous system and potential effects on protection against neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia and motor dysfunctions. The objective was to evaluate the effects of the administration of the HE mushroom extract on visuospatial memory and morphology of neurons in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus in ovariectomized rats. 40 young Wistar rats weighing 90 ± 10 g BW were used, which were distributed into four groups of 10 animals;Control Group, non-ovariectomized and untreated rats;Group E2, ovariectomized rats treated with estradiol (2 μg/kg/body weight);Group HE, ovariectomized rats treated with the extract of the fungus Hericium erinaceus (0.5 mg/kg body weight) and Group Ovx/ST, ovariectomized rats, without treatment. The animals were tested in the Barnes and Open Field maze, then they were sacrificed, and their brains were obtained to perform a histological analysis of neuronal morphology in the CA1 and CA3 areas of the hippocampus. The most outstanding results showed that the Ovx/ST group recorded the longest time to arrive at the escape box and stay in the Barnes maze. A correlation was observed between neuronal damage and function;in the groups that did not present satisfactory performance in the maze tests, morphological alterations were identified such as the presence of some neuronal somata with degeneration characteristics such as pyknosis, nuclear basophilia and shrinkage of the cells. Its soma, as well as a decrease in the nuclear area of CA1 and CA3 neurons. It is concluded that the fungus Hericium erinaceus exerted a neuroprotective effect on the neuronal bodies of the hippocampus, associated with better performance in the visuospatial recognition memory test.

Long-Term Impact of Acute Retinoic Acid Supplementation at the Young Age on Testicular Architecture of Wistar Albino Rats

Introduction: Inappropriate and excess vitamin supplementation, particularly for vitamin A, is increasingly recognized as a public health problem in developed countries. On the other hand, blind supplementation of vitamin A, for children in developing countries is a subject of controversy in the literature. The crucial role of vitamin A in the process of spermatogenesis in adult rodents is well established, but only a few publications are consecrated to the long-term effect of vitamin A intake at a young age on testicular development and differentiation. Objectives: Our study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of acute supplementation at an early age, in the post-natal period, on spermatogenesis and testicular trophicity at adult age. Material and Methods: Young Wistar Albinos rats of 22 days received an acute high dose of supplementation of vitamin A (retinyl palmitate). The control group, group 1, received only extra virgin olive oil, Group 2 a dose of 7000 IU/kg of retinyl palmitate, group 3, 14,000 IU/kg, and Group 4 a dose of 28,000 IU/kg. At 10 weeks of age, the testes’ testosterone levels were measured by ELISA. For histological assessment, sections were stained with Hematoxylin eosin, and the Johnsen score was used to evaluate spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules. Results: The average testicular weights of rats were significantly lower in group 4 (p < 0.05), and so was the testosterone level in the testis compared to the control group (p .01). Most of the seminiferous tubules were concerned by an arrest of spermatogenesis and the Johnsen score was decreased with a mean score of 5.96 ± 1.60 (p .001) in that Group. In Group 3, Johnsen’s score was significantly better than the one obtained with the control. Conclusion: We observed a negative effect in the long term with a high acute dose of supplementation of retinyl palmitate at a young age, on testicular development and differentiation. Despite a return to normal diet after that supplementation, during childhood, impaired spermatogenesis was identified at the adult age with an arrest of spermatogenesis. The reversibility of that lack of differentiation by a return to a normal diet is questionable and would need more investigation.

Underlying anti-hypertensive mechanism of the Mizuhopecten yessoensis derived peptide NCW in spontaneously hypertensive rats via widely targeted kidney metabolomics

The angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE)inhibitory peptide NCW derived from Mizuhopecten yessoensis has been demonstrated to have significant in vivo anti-hypertensive effects,however,its anti-hypertensive mechanism is still not fully clarified.This study established a UPLC-Q-TRAP-MS/MS-based widely targeted kidney metabolomics approach to explore the changes of kidney metabolic profiles and to clarify the antihypertensive mechanism of peptide NCW in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs).Multivariate statistical analysis indicated that the kidney metabolic profiles were clearly separated between the SHR-NCW and SHRUntreated groups.A total of 85 metabolites were differentially regulated,and 16 metabolites were identified as potential kidney biomarkers,e.g.,3-hydroxybutyrate,malonic acid,deoxycytidine,and L-aspartic acid.The peptide NCW might regulate kidney metabolic disorder of SHRs to alleviate hypertension by suppressing inflammation and improving nitric oxide production under the regulation of linoleic acid metabolism,folate related pathways,synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies,pyrimidine metabolism,β-alanine metabolism,and retinal metabolism.

The water-soluble TF3 component from Eupolyphaga sinensis Walker promotes tibial fracture healing in rats by promoting osteoblast proliferation and angiogenesis

Objective:To determine the active components of Eupolyphaga sinensis Walker(Tu Bie Chong)and explore the mechanisms underlying its fracture-healing ability.Methods: A modified Einhorn method was used to develop a rat tibial fracture model.Progression of bone healing was assessed using radiological methods.Safranin O/fast green and CD31 immunohistochemical staining were performed to evaluate the growth of bone cells and angiogenesis at the fracture site.Methylthiazoletetrazolium blue and wound healing assays were used to analyze cell viability and migration.The Transwell assay was used to explore the invasion capacity of the cells.Tubule formation assays were used to assess the angiogenesis capacity of human vascular endothelial cells(HUVECs).qRT-PCR was used to evaluate the changes in gene transcription levels.Results: Tu Bie Chong fraction 3(TF3)significantly shortened the fracture healing time in model rats.X-ray results showed that on day 14,fracture healing in the TF3 treatment group was significantly better than that in the control group(P=.0086).Tissue staining showed that cartilage growth and the number of H-shaped blood vessels at the fracture site of the TF3 treatment group were better than those of the control group.In vitro,TF3 significantly promoted the proliferation and wound healing of MC3T3-E1s and HUVECs(all P<.01).Transwell assays showed that TF3 promoted the migration of HUVECs,but inhibited the migration of MC3T3-E1 cells.Tubule formation experiments confirmed that TF3 markedly promoted the ability of vascular endothelial cells to form microtubules.Gene expression analysis revealed that TF3 significantly promoted the expression of VEGFA,SPOCD1,NGF,and NGFR in HUVECs.In MC3T3-E1 cells,the transcript levels of RUNX2 and COL2A1 were significantly elevated following TF3 treatment.Conclusion: TF3 promotes fracture healing by promoting bone regeneration associated with the RUNX2 pathway and angiogenesis associated with the VEGFA pathway.