Protective effect of liraglutide on the myocardium of type 2 diabetic rats by inhibiting polyadenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase-1

BACKGROUND In recent years,studies have found that the occurrence and development of diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM)is closely related to an increase in polyadenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase-1(PARP-1)activity.PARP-1 activation could be involved in the pathophysiological process of DCM by promoting oxidative stress,the inflammatory response,apoptosis and myocardial fibrosis.AIM To investigate the mechanism of liraglutide in improving myocardial injury in type 2 diabetic rats,further clarified the protective effect of liraglutide on the heart,and provided a new option for the treatment of DCM.METHODS Forty healthy male SD rats aged 6 wk were randomly divided into two groups,a normal control group(n=10)and a model group(n=30),which were fed an ordinary diet and a high-sugar and high-fat diet,respectively.After successful modeling,the rats in the model group were fed a high-glucose and high-fat diet for 4 wk and randomly divided into a model group and an intervention group(further divided into a high-dose group and a low-dose group).The rats were fed a high-glucose and high-fat diet for 8 wk and then started drug intervention.Blood samples were collected from the abdominal aorta to detect fasting blood glucose and lipid profiles.Intact heart tissue was dissected,and its weight was used to calculate the heart weight index.Haematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the myocardium and the expression of PARP-1 in the heart by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS The body weight and heart weight index of rats in the model group were significantly increased compared with those in the normal control group,and those in the intervention group were decreased compared with those in the model group,with a more obvious decrease observed in the high-dose group(P<0.05).In the model group,myocardial fibers were disordered,and inflammatory cells and interstitial fibrosis were observed.The cardiomyopathy of rats in the intervention group was improved to different degrees,the myocardial fibers were arranged neatly,and the myocardial cells were clearly striated;the improvement was more obvious in the high-dose group.Compared with the normal control group,the expression of PARP-1 in myocardial tissue of the model group was increased,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).After liraglutide intervention,compared with the model group,the expression of PARP-1 in myocardial tissue was decreased,and the reduction was more obvious in the high-dose group(P<0.05)but still higher than that in the normal control group.CONCLUSION Liraglutide may improve myocardial injury in type 2 diabetic rats by inhibiting the expression of myocardial PARP-1 in a dose-dependent manner.

In vivo tracking of human adipose-derived stem cells labeled with ferumoxytol in rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion by magnetic resonance imaging

Ferumoxytol, an iron replacement product, is a new type of superparamagnetic iron oxide ap- proved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Herein, we assessed the feasibility of tracking transplanted human adipose-derived stem cells labeled with ferumoxytol in middle cerebral artery occlusion-injured rats by 3.0 T MRI in vivo. 1 × 104 human adipose-derived stem cells labeled with ferumoxytol-heparin-protamine were transplanted into the brains of rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion. Neurologic impairment was scored at 1, 7, 14, and 28 days after transplantation. T2-weighted imaging and enhanced susceptibility-weighted angiography were used to observe transplanted cells. Results of imaging tests were compared with results of Prussian blue staining. The modified neurologic impairment scores were significantly lower in rats transplanted with cells at all time points except I day post-transplantation compared with rats without transplantation. Regions with hypointense signals on T2-weighted and enhanced susceptibility-weighted angiography images corresponded with areas stained by Prussian blue, suggesting the presence of superparamagnetic iron oxide particles within the engrafted cells. Enhanced susceptibility-weighted angiography image exhibited better sensitivity and contrast in tracing ferumoxytol-heparin-protamine-labeled human adipose-derived stem ceils compared with T2-weighted imaging in routine MRI.

Early therapeutic effect of platelet-rich fibrin combined with allogeneic bone marrow-derived stem cells on rats’ critical-sized mandibular defects

BACKGROUND Critically sized bone defects represent a significant challenge to orthopaedic surgeons worldwide.These defects generally result from severe trauma or resection of a whole large tumour.Autologous bone grafts are the current gold standard for the reconstruction of such defects.However,due to increased patient morbidity and the need for a second operative site,other lines of treatment should be introduced.To find alternative unconventional therapies to manage such defects,bone tissue engineering using a combination of suitable bioactive factors,cells,and biocompatible scaffolds offers a promising new approach for bone regeneration.AIM To evaluate the healing capacity of platelet-rich fibrin(PRF)membranes seeded with allogeneic mesenchymal bone marrow-derived stem cells(BMSCs)on critically sized mandibular defects in a rat model.METHODS Sixty-three Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to bilateral bone defects of critical size in the mandibles created by a 5-mm diameter trephine bur.Rats were allocated to three equal groups of 21 rats each.Group I bone defects were irrigated with normal saline and designed as negative controls.Defects of group II were grafted with PRF membranes and served as positive controls,while defects of group III were grafted with PRF membranes seeded with allogeneic BMSCs.Seven rats from each group were killed at 1,2 and 4 wk.The mandibles were dissected and prepared for routine haematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining,Masson's trichrome staining and CD68 immunohistochemical staining.RESULTS Four weeks postoperatively,the percentage area of newly formed bone was significantly higher in group III(0.88±0.02)than in groups I(0.02±0.00)and II(0.60±0.02).The amount of granulation tissue formation was lower in group III(0.12±0.02)than in groups I(0.20±0.02)and II(0.40±0.02).The number of inflammatory cells was lower in group III(0.29±0.03)than in groups I(4.82±0.08)and II(3.09±0.07).CONCLUSION Bone regenerative quality of critically sized mandibular bone defects in rats was better promoted by PRF membranes seeded with BMSCs than with PRF membranes alone.

Identification of differentially expressed genes in dorsal root ganglion in early diabetic rats

Objective To screen and identify differentially expressed genes in the dorsal root ganglion （DRG） in early experimental diabetic rats. Methods Diabetic model rats were induced by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin （STZ）. At the second week after STZ injection, the sensory nerve conduction velocities （SNCV） of sciatic nerve were measured as an indicator of neuropathy. The technique of silver-staining mRNA differential display polymerase chain reaction （DD-PCR） was used to detect the levels of differentially expressed genes in rat DRG. The cDNA fragments that displayed differentially were identified by reverse-hybridization, cloned and sequenced subsequently, and then confirmed by Northern blot. Results The SNCV in the diabetic model group [n = 9, （45.25±10.38） m/s] reduced obviously compared with the control group [n = 8, （60.10± 11.92） m/s] （P 〈 0.05）. Seven distinct cDNA clones, one was up-regulated gene and the others were downregulated ones, were isolated by silver-staining mRNA differential display method and confirmed by Northern blot. According to the results of sequence alignment with GenBank data, majority of the clones had no significant sequence similarity to previously reported genes except only one that showed high homology to 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase mRNA （accession No., BC059140）, which had not been reported to relate to diabetic neuropathy. Conclusion These differentially expressed genes in the diabetic DRG may contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Application of Luxol Fast Blue staining in locating the corticospinal tract in adult rats

BACKGROUND: There are many methods for myelin staining, mordant, or oil-soluble dye or the special reaction of osmic acid with lipoid is used according to different principles. The commonly used methods are classic Well staining, classic lithium carbonate-haematine staining, fast green staining, silver staining, etc. Luxol Fast Blue can brightly stain myelin sheath, and has certain specificity. The background can be very clean if there is proper differentiation, whereas Luxol Fast Blue is cheap and convenient to operate, thus it is an ideal staining reagent for routine myelin sheath. OBJECTIVE: To show the corticospinal tract of normal adult rats with Luxol Fast Blue staining method. DESIGN: A repetitive measurement design. SETTINGS: Institute of Nuerobiology, Nantong University; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University. MATERIALS: Six healthy adult male SD rats of clean degree, weighing averagely 300 g, were provided by the experimental animal center of Nantong University. 1 g/L Luxol Fast Blue solution was provided by Sigma Company; Leica CM1900 cryostat microtome by Leica Company; Leica DMR microscope by Leica Company. METHODS: The experiment was carried out in the Staff Room of Human Anatomy, Nantong University in May 2005. The rats were given intraperitoneal injection of combined anesthetic (2 mL/kg), then the chest was open for perfusing saline and phosphate buffer containing formamint via heart. Brain and spinal cord were removed after 1 hour then fixed, then changed to phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) containing 300 g/L saccharu at 4 ℃, and stayed overnight, tissue blocks at pyramid, decussation of pyramid and cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral segments of spinal cord were removed to prepare continuous horizontal frozen sections (30 μm) after sedimentation, the sections were dried at room temperature. The corticospinal tract of normal adult rats were shown with Luxol Fast Blue staining method, and observed under Leica DMR microscope. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Positive fibers in Luxol Fast Blue staining. RESULTS: After the Luxol Fast Blue staining, the labeled myelinated nerve fibers were bright blue. They located in the pyramid, decussation of pyramid and the ventral part of posterior funiculus in cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral segments of spinal cord. CONCLUSION: Luxol Fast Blue staining method may manifest the distribution of corticospinal tract with clear distinct in adult rats.

Endothelin-1, an important mitogen of smooth muscle cells of spontaneously hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVE: To study the features of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation induced by endothelin-1 (ET-1). METHODS: VSMCs of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto rats were cultured and treated with ET-1. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) gene expression was measured using both Northern blot and an enzyme-linked immunoassay. RESULTS: ET-1 resulted in an increase in bFGF transcripts at 8 - 24 h; bFGF levels were significantly higher in VSMCs treated with ET-1 than in those not treated. However, VSMCs growth responses in SHR and WKY were different. Smooth muscle cells of SHR were hyper-responsive to ET-1. Maximal bFGF mRNA levels were elevated 3.5-fold at 4 h of stimulation in WKY and 8-fold at 8h in SHR4. Moreover, the proliferation of VSMCs induced by ET-1 was inhibited by antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides (10 micromol/L AS-bFGF) but not sense bFGF oligomers at the same concentrations, being reduced by 80% in SHR and 40% in WKY vs control, respectively. Furthermore, the effect of AS-bFGF oligomers on SHR SMC proliferation is significantly greater than on WKY SMC proliferation. CONCLUSION: ET-1 may be required for exaggerated vascular growth responses in SHR and bFGF may be involved.

Influence of Valsartan on myocardial apoptosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVE: To explore the pathogenic changes of myocardial apoptosis in heart hypertrophy during hypertension and evaluate the anti-apoptosis effect of Valsartan. METHODS: Thirty spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were divided into two groups: 15 treated with Valsartan (20 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) (SHR + Valsartan group), the others with placebo (SHR + placebo group), with 15 normal Wistar rats as control. Systolic blood pressure was measured by the tail-cuff method. The observation period was from 8 to 16 weeks of age. Cardiac apoptosis was evaluated by a Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase-Mediated dUTP-biotin Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) assay. RESULTS: Mean blood pressure values were 127 +/- 2 mm Hg in controls, 163 +/- 6 mm Hg in the SHR + Valsartan group and 193 +/- 7 mm Hg in the SHR + placebo group at 16 weeks of age, whereas the blood pressure in 8-week-old SHR and Wistar rats were 175 +/- 3 mm Hg and 125 +/- 5 mm Hg, respectively. The ratio of the heart weight over body weight declined in Wistar (3.07 +/- 0.03 mg/g) and SHR + Valsartan groups (3.22 +/- 0.19 mg/g) compared with the SHR + placebo group (4.02 +/- 0.31 mg/g) (P

Endothelin receptor antagonist combined with a calcium channel blocker attenuates renal injury in spontaneous hypertensive rats with diabetes

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of the mixed endothelin receptor antagonist, bosentan, combined with the long-acting calcium channel blocker, amlodipine, compared to the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, cilazapril, on the progressive renal injury in spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) with diabetes. METHODS: Diabetic hypertensive rats (SHR-DM) were induced by streptozotozin injected in male SHR (7-week-old),and divided into an untreated and three treated groups: 1) cilazapril treated group; 2) bosentan+amlodipine treated group; and 3) amlodipine treated group. Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) and SHR rats served as normotensive and hypertensive control, respectively. The mean arterial blood pressure, renal function, endothelin and angiotensin II levels as well as the protein expression of renal extracellular matrix components and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 were determined at the end of the 4th week. RESULTS: Mean arterial blood pressure significantly increased in SHR and SHR-DM rats compared to WKY rats. All the therapies reduced the blood pressure to normal levels. However, the enhanced urinary protein excretion, the decreased creatinine clearance as well as the increased plasma and intrarenal endothelin and angiotens in II levels were found in the untreated SHR-DM and prevented by treatment with bosentan+amlodipine and cilazapril. Similarly, these two kinds of therapies in SHR-DM abolished the overexpression of renal TGF-beta1 by Western blot analysis and reduced the accumulation of collagen type IV, laminin and fibronectin proteins by an immunochemical approach. Amlodipine monotherapy had no detectable effects on the above parameters. CONCLUSION: Bosentan combined with amlodipine can offer similar renoprotective effects on that of cilazapril and may be a potent therapy to attenuate renal injury by reducing renal protein levels of TGF-beta1 in diabetes with a hypertensive state.

Ventricular remodeling by Scutellarein treatment in spontaneously hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVE: To observe reversal of ventricular remodeling by the protein kinase C inhibitor Scutellarein in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). METHODS: Twelve SHRs were randomly divided into two groups. Scutellarein and saline (10 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) were given by intraperitoneal injection to two groups of rats separately. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and ventricular weight index (LVW/BW, RVW/BW) were measured. A polarization microscope and an image analyzer system (IAS) were used to observe changes in cardiovascular structure and to count the content of cardiac muscle interstitial collagen. RESULTS: The pathologic changes in the left ventricle in the Scutellarein group rats (SHR(D)) improved to varying degrees, including hypertrophy of the cardiac muscle and collagen volume fraction. CONCLUSION: Scutellarein can reverse ventricular remodeling, improve myocardial stiffness and protect heart cardiac muscle.

Five novel monoclonal antibodies to thymic epithelial cell surface antigens in rats

OBJECTIVE: To establish monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against thymic epithelial cells and study the function of epithelial cells during T-cell differentiation in the thymus. METHODS: Hybridomas secreting mAbs against thymic epithelial cells were derived by immunization of Balb/c mice with two thymic epithelial cell lines, TaD3 and FTE. The distribution of antigens recognized by these mAbs was detected by immunochemical staining and cytofluorographic analysis, and the molecular weight of the antigens by immunoblotting. RESULTS: Five specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb) were obtained. On the basis of their distribution in the thymus determined by immunochemical staining, mAb RE-4D8 was regarded as clusters of thymic epithelium staining (CTES) type IIA: mAb RE-12B2, which showed a unique distribution pattern only in the medulla, was CTES type V: mAb RE-5C6 was CTES type IV: mAb RE-6D6 might be CTES type IIB: and mAb RE-1D4 was classified as type V. The molecular weight (MW) of antigen RE-4D8, RE-6D6 and RE-12B2 were 120 kDa, 220 kDa and 35 kDa, respectively. Antigen RE-1D4 is a novel marker of cortical epithelium, several established thymic epithelial cell lines were classified and their original intrathymic locations were determined by these mAbs. Thymic cell lines, TuD3 and FTE were cortical phenotypes whereas TaD3 had a medullar phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: These mAbs clearly demonstrate the heterogeneity of the thymic epithelium; they could detect antigens not only in the cytoplasm but also on the surface of thymic epithelial cells. Our data suggest that these newly established mAbs may help elucidate the interaction between thymocytes and epithelial cells during T cell maturation.

PVG大鼠生化标记基因的测定

目的 对PVG大鼠进行生化标记基因的测定。方法 依据国家标准GB/T 14927.1—2008《实验动物近交系小鼠、大鼠生化标记检测法》测定,随机抽取4只PVG大鼠,取(肺、肾、小肠、睾丸)组织器官进行样品制备,用醋酸纤维薄膜电泳法检测11个生化位点(Hbb、Cs1、Alp1、Akp1、Esl、Es3、Es4、Es6、Es8、Es9和Esl0)。结果 PVG大鼠11个位点的基因型分别是Hbb为b型,Cs1为b型,Alp1为b型,Akp1为a型,Esl为a型,Es3为d型,Es4为b型,Es6为b型,Es8为b型,Es9为a型和Esl0为a型,且均为纯合。结论 PVG大鼠遗传生化标记结果符合近交系特征。

Effects of electroacupuncture at Taichong(LR 3) and Baihui(DU 20)on cardiac hypertrophy in rats with spontaneous hypertension

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture(EA) at Taichong(LR 3) and Baihui(DU 20)on myocardial hypertrophy in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs).METHODS: Thirty-six SHRs were randomly assigned to model, EA, and Losartan groups, with twelve rats per group. Twelve Wistar Kyoto rats were selected as the normal control group. Systolic blood pressure(SBP) and cardiac function were measured in all rats.Expression levels of factors associated with the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway were evaluated by Western blotting and real-time PCR.Pathological changes of the heart tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.RESULTS: After treatment, enhanced SBP was significantly decreased in the EA and Losartan groups compared with the model group(P < 0.01). Echocardiographic and morphological analyses revealed that enhanced end-diastolic interventricular septal thickness and left ventricular posterior wall thickness, as well as ratio of left ventricular weight to body weight were markedly diminished in the EA and Losartan groups(P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), while reduced left ventricular end-diastolic dimension and left ventricular ejection fraction were significantly ameliorated(P < 0.01). Real-time PCR and western blotting analyses showed that the expression levels of PI3K,Akt, and mT OR in SHRs were significantly up-regulated by EA and Losartan(P < 0.01), while the expression levels of PTEN and ANP were down-regulated(P < 0.01).CONCLUSION: EA at Taichong(LR 3) and Baihui(DU20) inhibited the development of cardiac hypertrophy and improved the cardiac function in SHRs, possibly through regulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway.

Effect of Taichong(LR 3) acupuncture in spontaneously hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Taichong(LR3) acupuncture points(acupoints) on the expression of glucose transporter protein 1(GLUT1) in the hypothalamus of spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs) as measured by combined positron emission tomography and computed tomography(PETCT).METHODS: Spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR)were divided into model, Taichong(LR 3) acupuncture, and sham groups. Additionally, Tokyo Wistar rats were used as the control group. Changes in blood pressure were recorded in different groups of rats before and after the corresponding treatment. Hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining was used to study basic morphological changes, and immunohistochemistry was used to determine GLUT1 expression in the hypothalamus. Further,PET-CT was utilized to elucidate the antihypertensive mechanism after acupuncture at the Taichong(LR 3) acupoints.RESULTS: PET-CT indicated activation of the hypothalamus. Measurement of blood pressure showed that acupuncture at the Taichong(LR 3) acupoints lowered blood pressure. HE staining did not show any significant pathological changes, although differences in cell number were observed. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated a GLUT1 downregulation in the SHRs of the Taichong(LR 3) acupuncture group after the treatment.CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at Taichong(LR 3) acupoints lowered blood pressure in SHRs, with possible mechanisms being changes in cell number and GLUT1 expression in the hypothalamus.

Mechanism and effect of Shijueming (Concha Haliotidis) on serum calcium in spontaneously hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVE： To observe the impact of Shijueming （Concha Haliotidis） on spontaneously hypertensive rats via blood pressure, serum calcium, vascular smooth muscle membrane L-type calcium channel α1 C subunit （CaL-α1C）, plasma membrane calci- um-ATPase （PMCA） mRNA expression, and the L-type calcium channel in vascular smooth muscle cells. METHODS： Twelve-week-old male rats with sponta- neous hypertension were divided into three groups： a Shijueming （Concha Haliotidis） group （group 1）, a nifedipine group （group 2）, and a dis- tilled water group （group 3）. All were given a four-week treatment. Blood pressure and dissocia- tive serum calcium were examined before treat- ment. Blood pressure was taken every week during treatment. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to examine dissociative serum calcium. Re-verse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to examine the expression of CaL-α1C and PM- CA1 mRNA. The patch clamp technique was used to examine the electrophysiological characteristics of the vascular smooth muscle cell calcium chan- nels. RESULTS： After treatment, blood pressure of the Shijueming （Concha Halioticlis） group lowered but not significantly （P〉0.05）. Blood pressure of the nifedipine group lowered significantly （P〈0.05）. Blood pressure of the distilled water group re- mained high. The concentration of serum calcium in the Shijueming （Concha Haliotidis） and the dis- tilled water groups lowered （P〈0.05）. Expression of CaL-α1C mRNA in the nifedipine group decreased compared with the distilled water group （P〈0.01）. There was the decreasing trend in the Shijueming （Concha Haliotidis） group, but it was not statistically significant. Shijueming （Concha Haliotidis） also had effects on the expression of PMCA1 mRNA but with- out statistical significance. However, there was a significant decreasing effect on vascular smooth muscle cell Ica-L flow. CONCLUSION： This study indicated that Shijuem- ing （Concha Haliotidis） could increase serum calci- um and decrease blood pressure. It may work by in- fluencing calcium channels, expression of PMCA1 mRNA, and regulating ion calcium channels and calcium-ATPase.

Proliferation of aortic smooth muscle cells and renin-angiotensin system in SHR rats

目的：探讨ＳＨＲ大鼠主动脉平滑肌细胞（ＡＳＭＣ）异常增殖和肾素血管紧张素系统（ＲＡＳ）的关系．方法：测定血管紧张素Ｉ（Ａｎｇ）、卡托普利（Ｃａｐ）、沙拉新（Ｓａｒ）对培养的ＳＨＲ、ＷＫＹＡＳＭＣ增殖和Ａｎｇ、血管紧张素转化酶（ＡＣＥ）的影响．结果：Ａｎｇ在２％血清培养基中可刺激ＳＨＲＡＳＭＣ增生．ＳＨＲＡＳＭＣ分裂增殖能力比ＷＫＹ强，ＳＨＲＡＳＭＣＲＡＳ处于高功能状态．Ｃａｐ长期（４周）干预显著抑制ＳＨＲＡＳＭＣ异常增殖和Ａｎｇ、ＡＣＥ活性，Ｓａｒ长期干预同样抑制ＳＨＲＡＳＭＣ的增殖和ＡＣＥ活性，但Ａｎｇ水平反而升高．Ｃａｐ短期（２４小时）干预不影响两种大鼠ＡＳＭＣＲＡＳ．结论：Ｃａｐ和Ｓａｒ长期干预通过减少ＳＨＲＡＳＭＣＡｎｇ生成或阻断Ａｎｇ和特异受体结合，抑制其异常增殖．

Upregulation of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas receptor axis by a combination of Yinyanghuo(Herba Epimedii Brevicornus) and Cheqianzi(Semen Plantaginis) improves erectile function in spontaneously hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effects of a combination of Yinyanghuo(Herba Epimedii Brevicornus)(HEB)and Cheqianzi(Semen Plantaginis)(SP)on erectile dysfunction caused by essential hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs),and to elucidate the role of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas receptor(ACE2/Ang[1-7]/Mas receptor)axis in this process.METHODS:A total of 24 SHRs were randomly assigned to three groups:SHR-control,low-dose(12.5 g/kg)and high-dose(25 g/kg)HEB+SP(HEBSP).Eight Wistar-Kyoto rats were used as normal controls.HEBSP was administered by oral gavage for 28 d.Erectile function was measured once a week using the Heaton test.After 4 weeks of treatment,the corpus cavernosum was harvested from each rat to measure nitric oxide(NO),nitric oxide synthase(e NOS)and Ang(1-7)levels,as well as ACE2,Mas receptor and neuronal nitric oxide synthase(n NOS)protein expression.RESULTS:After 4 weeks of treatment,HEBSP significantly increased erectile function in the treated group compared with SHR-control group(P<0.01).Additionally,HEBSP treatment significantly increased cavernosal levels of Ang(1-7),e NOS and NO.Moreover,HEBSP significantly elevated the expression levels of ACE2,Mas receptor and n NOS.These beneficial effects were elevated in the high-dose HEBSP group.CONCLUSION:HEBSP improved erectile function in SHRs by upregulating the ACE2/Ang(1-7)/Mas receptor axis,e NOS and n NOS pathways.

建立6种近交系大鼠遗传质量检测及品系鉴别的单核苷酸多态性组合

目的 筛选出均匀分布在大鼠染色体上的单核苷酸多态性(SNP)位点,建立常用近交系大鼠遗传质量检测及品系鉴别方法。方法 在文献中获得SNP共141个,利用Ensembl数据库中获取的信息筛选出在BN、F344、GK、LEW、SHR和WKY 6种大鼠品系中呈现多态性的SNP位点,并从中优化出均匀分布各染色体且包含品系特异性SNP的最佳位点组合。通过PCR扩增技术和Sanger测序方法对组合位点用于常用近交系大鼠遗传质量检测和品系鉴别的效果进行验证。结果 优化出了在各品系内表现单态性、品系间呈多态性的40个SNP标记。其中包含可以用于品系鉴别的特异性位点:4个BN大鼠特异性位点,3个F344大鼠特异性位点,2个GK大鼠特异性位点,2个LEW大鼠特异性位点和1个SHR大鼠特异性位点。分别利用BN、F344、LEW、SHR和WKY大鼠的DNA混合样本对优化出的40个位点进行验证,结果与网站数据一致。结论 成功建立了常用近交系大鼠遗传质量检测及品系鉴别的SNP组合。

Tong-xin-luo capsule inhibits left ventricular remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats by enhancing PPAR-γ expression and suppressing NF-κB activity

Background Tong-xin-luo capsule （TXL）, used as a traditional Chinese herb, offeres a therapeutic potential for treatment of cardiovascular diseases. It has been shown to exert a variety of pharmacological effects, including antihypertensive effects, and is able to improve ventricular remodeling. However, the mechanisms of its action are not completely understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of Tong-xin-luo capsule on left ventricular remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats （SHR）. Methods Sixteen eight-week-old SHRs were randomized into an SHR group （n=8） and a TXL group （n=8） that were given Tong-xin-luo capsule （1.5 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）. Eight Wistar Kyoto （WKY） rats fed with 0.9% NaCl served as the control group （WKY group）. Systolic blood pressure （BP）, body weight and heart rate were monitored once every two weeks. Ventricular remodeling was detected by histopathological examination. Nuclear factor kappa B P65 （NF-κB P65） and peroxisome proliferators activated receptor y （PPAR-γ） protein and phosphorylated inhibitor kappa a （IκBα） protein were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot respectively. The physical interaction of the P65-P50 heterodimer with IκBα and NF-κB were measured by co-immunoprecipitation. PPAR-γ mRNA, collagen Ⅰ mRNA and collagen Ⅲ mHNA were measured by real-time PCR.Results TXL inhibited NF-κB P65 expression and ventricular remodeling and suppressed the activation of NF-κB compared with the SHR group （P〈0.01, P〈0.05）. TXL reduced IκBα phosphorylation, increased expression of PPAR-γ protein and enhanced the physical interaction of the P65-P50 heterodimer with IκBα. The mRNA expression of PPAR-γ was enhanced but the mRNA expression of collagen Ⅰ mRNA and collagen Ⅲ mRNA were suppressed by TXL. Conclusions In spontaneously hypertensive rats, TXL could inhibit ventricular remodeling induced by hypertension, and the inhibitory effect might be associated with the process of TXL increasing the expression of PPAR-γ that could result in the inhibition of the activation of NF-κB.

Inhibitory effect of antisense basic fibroblast growth factor oligonucleotides on proliferation of cultured aortic smooth muscle cells induced by angiotensin Ⅱ in SHR rats

目的：研究转染反义碱性成纤维细胞生长因子（ｂＦＧＦ）寡核苷酸（ＯＤＮ）对培养的自发性高血压大鼠（ＳＨＲ）主动脉平滑肌细胞（ＳＭＣ）生长的影响．方法：用脂质体介导法将反义ｂＦＧＦＯＤＮ转入ＳＭＣ内，用Ｎｏｒｔｈｅｒｎ杂交检测ｂＦＧＦ基因表达，并测定［３Ｈ］ｔｈｙｍｉｄｉｎｅ掺入和细胞计数．结果：转染反义ｂＦＧＦＯＤＮ（５μｍｏｌ·Ｌ－１）几乎完全抑制血管紧张素Ⅱ（ＡｎｇⅡ，１μｍｏｌ·Ｌ－１）诱导增高的ｂＦＧＦｍＲＮＡ表达和明显抑制ＳＭＣ增殖，在基础状态和ＡｎｇⅡ刺激条件下，［３Ｈ］ｔｈｙｍｉｄｉｎｅ掺入分别被抑制２６５％（Ｐ＜００１）和４２０％（Ｐ＜００１），细胞数分别被抑制１７３％（Ｐ＜００１）和２２２％（Ｐ＜００１）．结论：反义ｂＦＧＦＯＤＮ能有效抑制ＡｎｇⅡ诱导的ｂＦＧＦ基因表达和ＳＭＣ增殖．

快速革兰氏染色法对大、小鼠动情周期的鉴别

目的通过快速革兰氏染色法分别对SD雌性大鼠、C57BL/6J雌性小鼠进行阴道涂片染色,镜下观察细胞形态,为快速鉴别动情周期寻求简单易行的染色方法。方法12只SD雌性大鼠和12只C57BL/6J雌性小鼠,56~62日龄,每天9:00采用阴道拭子法获得阴道涂片,干燥后进行快速革兰氏染色法,连续观察12 d,于光镜下观察细胞形态,判断其动情周期阶段。结果快速革兰氏染色法用时较短,操作简单,观察视野色彩鲜明,背景干净,绘制完整的大、小鼠动情周期变化图。结论快速革兰氏染色法可简单、直观的判断大、小鼠动情周期,并优化染色步骤,对染色中出现的异常情况进行逐一分析,将每张涂片染色时间缩短至1 min以内,对实验新手易于掌握,可推广应用。