Effects of Wei Chang An pill(胃肠安丸) on enzyme activity and levels of vasoactive peptide and substance P in the small intestine of rats with compound diarrhea

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the regulatory effects of Wei Chang An Pill(WCAP) on enzyme activity and gastrointestinal hormones in the small intestine of rats with compound diarrhea.METHODS:Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control,diarrhea model,and WCAP high,medium,and low dose groups.The control group was not treated,and the model group was administered intragastric distilled water.The WCAP groups were given WCAP suspension,80,60 or 40 mg · kg-1 · d-1,for 4 days.Stool properties were observed.After the experiment,thymus and spleen indices were measured,and the activities of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),malate dehydrogenase(MDH),and disaccharidase(lactase) in the small intestinal mucous membrane,and levels of substance P(SP) and vasoactive peptide(VIP) in the colon were determined.RESULTS:Compared with the control group,thymus and spleen indices were significantly decreased,LDH,MDH,and disaccharidase activity in the small intestine was decreased,and SP and VIP levels in the colon were significantly increased inthe diarrhea model group.Compared with the model group,thymus and spleen indices were significantly increased,and LDH,MDH,and disaccharidase activity in the small intestine and SP and VIP levels in the colon were significantly decreased in theWCAP medium dose group.CONCLUSION:The diarrhea model rats exhibited pathological changes including atrophy of the thymus and spleen,decreased enzyme activity in the small intestine,and gastrointestinal hormone disturbance.WCAP can increase the activity of intestinal digestive enzymes and regulate gastrointestinal hormones,thereby relieving diarrhea.

Role of vasoactive intestinal peptide and nitric oxide in the modulation of electroacupucture on gastric motility in stressed rats

AIM: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and nitric oxide (NO) in the modulation of electroacupucture (EA) on gastric motility in restrained-cold stressed rats. METHODS: An animal model of gastric motility disorder was established by restrained-cold stress. Gastric myoelectric activities were recorded by electrogastroent erography (EGG). VIP and NO concentrations in plasma and gastric mucosal and bulb tissues were detected by radioimmunoassay (RIA). VIP expression in the gastric walls was assayed using avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ABC) and image analysis. RESULTS: In cold restrained stressed rats, EGG was disordered and irregular. The frequency and amplitude of gastric motility were higher than that in control group (P < 0.01). VIP and NO contents of plasma, gastric mucosal and bulb tissues were obviously decreased (P < 0.01). Following EA at “Zusanli” (ST36), the frequency and amplitude of gastric motility were obviously lowered (P < 0.01), while the levels of VIP and NO in plasma, gastric mucosal and bulb tissues increased strikingly (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) and expression of VIP in antral smooth muscle was elevated significantly (P < 0.01) in comparison with those of model group. CONCLUSION: VIP and NO participate in the modulatory effect of EA on gastric motility. EA at “Zusanli” acupoint (ST36) can improve gastric motility of the stressed rats by increasing the levels of VIP and NO.

Roles of sphincter of Oddi motility and serum vasoactive intestinal peptide,gastrin and cholecystokinin octapeptide

AIM: To investigate roles of sphincter of Oddi (SO) motility played in pigment gallbladder stone formation in model of guinea pigs.

Differences and significance of motilin,vasoactive intestinal peptide and gastrin in blood and gallbladder tissues of patients with gallstones

BACKGROUND: The disorders of gallbladder motility may play an important role in the formation of gallstones. Many neural and hormonal factors and their interactions regulate gallbladder motility and bile flow into the duodenum. Further study in these factors may help to reveal the etiology of gallbladder diseases. This study was undertaken to assess the relationship of the levels of motilin, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and gastrin in blood and gallbladder tissues with the formation of cholelithiasis. METHODS: The levels of motilin, gastrin and VIP in blood and gallbladder tissues of 36 patients with gallbladder stones, 14 patients with gallbladder polyps, 10 healthy volunteers and 10 patients with common bile duct stones were measured by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: The level of motilin in plasma and gallbladder tissues of the gallbladder stone group was higher than that of the control and gallbladder polyp groups (P<0.05). The levels of plasma VIP and serum gastrin were much higher than those of the other three groups (P<0.01). The level of VIP in gallbladder tissues was higher than that of the control and gallbladder polyp groups (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The abnormal excretion of hormonal factors is closely related to gallstone formation. The high level of VIP in gallbladder tissues may be an important cause of gallbladder hypomotility. The abnormal level of serum gastrin may be related to the gastrointestinal symptoms of patients with gallstones.

Research advances of vasoactive intestinal peptide in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis by regulating interleukin-10 expression in regulatory B cells

Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic relapsed intestinal disease with an increasing incidence around the world.The pathophysiology of UC remains unclear.However,the role of the interaction between the enteric nervous system and the immune system in the pathogenesis of UC has been the focus of attention and has become a research hotspot.Vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP)is a kind of endogenous neuropeptide with regulatory activity on intestinal immunity.It has been shown to regulate immune disorders in animal and human experiments and has become an effective anti-inflammatory and immune modulator that affects the innate immune system and adaptive immune system.Regulatory B cells(Bregs)are a new group of B cells that negatively regulate the immunity and have received extensive attention in immune circles.Bregs can regulate immune tolerance by producing interleukin(IL)-10,IL-35,and transforming growth factor-β,suppressing autoimmune diseases or excessive inflammatory responses.The secretion of IL-10 by Bregs induces the development of T helper(Th)0 and Th2 cells.It also induces Th2 cytokines and inhibits Th1 cytokines,thereby inhibiting Th1 cells and the Th1/Th2 balance.With further clarity on the mechanism of the regulation of IL-10 expression by VIP in Bregs in colitis patients,we believe that Bregs can provide a novel strategy for the clinical treatment of UC.Thus,we aim to review the current literature on this evolving topic.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide,a promising agent for myopia?

AIM： To investigate the role of vasoactive intestinal peptide（VIP） in form-deprivation myopia（FDM）.METHODS： FDM was created in three groups of eight chicks by placing a translucent diffuser on their right eyes.Intravitreal injections of saline and VIP were applied once a day into the occluded eyes of groups 2 and 3,respectively.Retinoscopy and axial length（AL） measurements were performed on the first and 8^th days of diffuser wear.The retina mR NA levels of the VIP receptors and the ZENK protein in right eyes of the three groups and left eyes of the first group on day 8 were determined using real time polymerase chain reaction（PCR）.RESULTS： The median final refraction（D） in right eyes were-13.75（-16.00,-12.00）,-11.50（-12.50,-7.50）,and-1.50（-4.75,-0.75） in groups 1,2,and 3,respectively（P〈0.001）.The median AL（mm） in right eyes were 10.65（10.00,11.10）,9.90（9.70,10.00）,and 9.20（9.15,9.25） in groups 1,2,and 3,respectively（P〈0.001）.The median delta-delta cycle threshold（CT） values for the VIP2 receptors were 1.07（0.82,1.43）,1.22（0.98,1.65）,0.29（0.22,0.45） in right eyes of groups 1,2,and 3,and 1.18（0.90,1.37） in left eyes of group 1,respectively（P=0.001）.The median delta-delta CT values for the ZENK protein were 1.07（0.63,5.03）,3.55（2.20,5.55）,undetectable in right eyes of groups 1,2,and 3 and 1.89（0.21,4.73） in left eyes of group 1,respectively（P=0.001）.CONCLUSION： VIP has potential inhibitory effects in the development of FDM.

Effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide on the wound healing of alkali-burned corneas

AIM： To study the effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide （VIP） on wound healing in experimental alkali burns of the cornea. METHODS： Twenty-seven albino rabbits, weighing 3.2 -0.75 kg were used. Alkali burns were induced on corneas by applying 10 mm Whatman paper No：50 soaked in 1 mol/L NaOH. They have further classified into 5 groups as follows： 1） control group given no treatment （n=5）; 2） VIP given subconjunctivally （n=6）; 3） VIP injected into anterior chamber （n=6）; 4） NaCI 0.9% given subconjunctivally （n=5）; 5） NaCI 0.9% given into the anterior chamber （n=5）. All treatment protocols except control group were followed by topical eye drops composed of VIP at two hourly intervals for one week from 8 a.mo to 6 p.m, RESULTS： VIP treated groups of rabbits with alkali burns were found to have better wound healing findings histo-pathologically when compared to those of control group who have received no treatment on day 30. No differences were observed between groups in respect to degree of polymorphonuclear leukocytes （PMNL） infiltration and degree of loss of amorphous substrate on day 15. However, PMNL infiltration and degree of loss of amorphous substrate were lower in Groups 2 and 3 when compared to that of control group on day 30 （P〈0.05）. CONCLUSION： We have shown that VIP has positive effects on alkali induced corneal burns. VIP may inhibit PMNL migration to cornea through an immunomodulatory effect. Inhibition of PMNL migration might reduce the release of collagenaees and this might prevent the extracellular amorphous substance loss.

Octreotide reverses shock due to vasoactive intestinal peptide-secreting adrenal pheochromocytoma: A case report and review of literature

Vasoactive intestinal peptide-producing tumors （VIP-oma） usually originate in the pancreas and are chara-cterized by diarrhea, hypokalemia, and achlorhydria （WDHA syndrome）. In adults, nonpancreatic VIPoma is very rare. Herein, we report an unusual case of VIP-producing pheochromocytoma marked by persistent shock, fushing, and watery diarrhea and high sensitivity to octreotide. A 53-year-old woman was hospitalized for sudden-onset hypertension with convulsions, which then rapidly evolved to persistent shock, fushing, and watery diarrhea. Abdominal computed tomography indicated a left adrenal mass, accompanied by bleeding;and marked elevations of both plasma catecholamine and VIP concentrations were documented via laboratory testing. Surprisingly, all clinical symptoms responded swiftly to octreotide treatment. Once surgically treated, hormonal levels normalized in this patient, and the clinical symptoms dissipated. Postoperative pathological and immunohistopathological studies confrmed a VIP-secreting pheochromocytoma with strong, diffuse positivity for somatostatin receptor type 2. During a 6-mo follow-up period, she seemed in good health andwas symptom-free.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide secreting tumour:An overview

Vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP)secreting tumour(VIPoma)is a rare functional neuroendocrine tumour that typically arises from pancreatic islet cells.These present as sporadic,solitary pancreatic neoplasias with an estimated incidence of one in ten million individuals per year.Only around 5%of VIPomas are associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type I syndrome.Excessive VIP secretion produces a clinical syndrome characterized by refractory watery diarrhoea,hypokalemia and metabolic acidosis.These coupled with elevated plasma levels of VIP are diagnostic.The majority of VIPomas are malignant and have already metastasized at the time of diagnosis(60%).Metastases occur most frequently in the liver,or regional lymph nodes,lungs,kidneys and bones.Some reports of skin metastases have been documented.Complete surgical resection continues to be the only potentially curative treatment.However,when the neoplasia cannot be excised completely,surgical debulking may provide palliative benefit.Other palliative options have included recently the peptide receptor radionuclide therapy which has shown to be effective and well-tolerated.This article will review all aspects of pancreatic VIPomas highlighting aspects such as clinical presentation,diagnosis and management.

Role of vasoactive intestinal peptide in Aspergillus fumigatus-infected cornea

AIM： To investigate the anti-inflammatory role of vasoactive intestinal peptide（VIP） in Aspergillus fumigatus（A. fumigatus） ketatitis.METHODS： Expression of VIP was tested by polymerase chain reaction（PCR） in C57BL/6 and BALB/c normal and A. fumigatus infected corneas. C57BL/6 mice were pretreated with recombinant（r） VIP, while BALB/c mice were pretreated with VIP antagonist, and then infected with A. fumigatus. Clinical score was recorded. Expression of pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines, toll-like receptor 4（TLR4）, lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1（LOX-1）, and neutrophil infiltration were tested by PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）, and myeloperoxidase（MPO） assay.RESULTS： VIP mR NA expression in BALB/c cornea was higher than C57BL/6 cornea at 1 and 3 d post infection（p.i.）. rV IP treatment of C57BL/6 mice showed alleviated disease and down-regulated expression of interleukin-1β（IL-1β） and tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α）, while IL-10 expression was up-regulated. Neutrophil infiltration and TLR4, IL-17 expression were decreased after rVIP treatment, while LOX-1 expression was up-regulated in C57BL/6. VIP antagonist pretreatment showed increased disease and higher IL-1β, TNF-α, TLR4, IL-17 and MPO levels, while IL-10 and LOX-1 levels were down-regulated in BALB/c mice.CONCLUSION： rVIP alleviate disease response of C57BL/6 mice. VIP antagonist resulted in worsened disease of BALB/c mice. VIP proposed anti-inflammatory role in A. fumigatus keratitis.

Plasma Concentration of the Novel Peptide Apelin is Regularly Changed in Patients With Heart Failure

Objectives Apelin, the novel endogenous ligand for the G-protein-coupled receptor APJ, has been observed in many animals and humans studies. It is concluded that it has inotropic effects, hypotension and diuretic properties. The change of apelin in relation to heart failure is still controversial. Our goal was to observe the change of apelin-12 in patients with heart failure （HF）. Methods From 2005 to 2006, 81 consecutive patients （46 male and 35 female, mean age 68.5±12.1 years） with heart failure resulting from variable etiologies and 15 healthy controls were included in this study. Plasma concentration of apelin-12 was measured through ELISA on admission. All patients received conventional therapy and recorded detailed the clinical conditions. Results （1） Plasma concentration of apelin of the controls is lower than the ones of heart failure patients. （2） Plasma concentration of apelin is increased in the early stage and decreased in the advanced period. （3） Apelin is related with variable indexes in the Pearson＇s association analysis. Apelin is also changed with the atrium and ventricular＇s diameter. Conclusions Plasma concentration of apelin is increased in early stage and decreased in advanced period. The apelin-APJ system might be important in the pathophysiological process of heart failure. And it might be valuable in diagnosis and therapeutic implications in heart failure.

EFFECT OF ERYTHROMYCIN ON GASTRIC DYSMOTILITY AND NEUROENDOCRINE PEPTIDES IN RATS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS

Objective To investigate the effect of erythromycin on the contractive activity of the isolated gastric antrum smooth muscle and somatostatin （SS）, vasoactive intestinal peptide （VIP）, motilin （MTL）, and substance P （SP） in plasma and isolated gastric antrum tissue of diabetes mellitus （DM） rat models. Methods Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups： control group （n = 10）, DM group （n = 10）, and erythromycin group （DM models with erythromycin treatment, n = 10）. A single dose of streptozotocin （100 mg/kg, dissolved in 0. I mol/L citric acid buffer, pH4.5） was injected intraperitoneally. After 48 to 72 hours, rats with blood glucose above 16.7 mmol/L and urine glucose level to be （＋＋＋ ） to （＋＋＋＋） over one week were considered successful DM models. The resting tension, mean contractile amplitude and fi＇equency of spontaneous change in isolated longitudinal and circular gastric antrum smooth muscle strips were measured. SS, VIP, MTL, and SP levels in plasma and gastric antrum tissue were measured using radioimmunoassay. Results （1） In the isolated gastric antrum smooth muscle strips, the gastric motility parameters were lower in DM group than those in control group except circular smooth muscle contractile amplitude and longitudinal smooth muscle contractile fi＇equency. The gastric motility parameters were significantly strengthened in erythromycin group, compared with DM group except longitudinal smooth muscle resting tension （P 〈 0.01 ）. （2） Plasma SS, VIP, and MTL concentrations in DM group were higher than those in control （P 〈 0.05）, while the SP level decreased （P 〈 0.05）. In the gastric antrum, SS of DM group was significantly higher than that of control group （P 〈 0.01 ）, while SP and MTL levels were lower than those of control group （P 〈 0.05 and P 〈 0.01, respectively）. However, the level of VIP in gastric antrum tissue did not change among three groups. The plasma level of SS in erythromycin group was higher than that of DM group （P 〈 0.05）. （3） The blood glucose was lower in erythromycin group than DM group （P 〈 0.01 ）. Conclusions Erythromycin has direct effects on contractive activity of gastric smooth muscle in diabetic rats, but there are few effects on neuroendocrine peptides. Gastric-motility disorders in diabetic rats have a correlation with the changes of neuroendocrine peptide levels in plasma and gastric antrum tissue.

THE AUTOCRINE REGULATORY EFFECT OF VASOACTVE INTESTINAL PEPTIDE ON THE GROWTH OF HUMAN PANCREATIC CARCINOMA CELLS

In the present study, the effects of VIP on the growth of two human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines PU-PAN-l and PANC-I were determined using tritiated thymidine incorporation. VIP receptors. intracellular cAMP and polyamines were investigated. The results indicated that VIP at a concentration of 10-8 mol/L to 10-7 mol/L can significantly stimulate the growth of PU-PAN-I cells but not PANC-1 cells. This effect is dose-dependent and abolished by VIP receptor antagonist, [4-C1-Phe6 . Leu17] VIP, suggesting VIP receptors in PU-PAN-I cells may mediate this effect. VIP can markedly elevate the levels of intracellular cAMP and polyamines in PU-PAN-I cells.indicating that the growth-promoting effect stimulated by VIP may be via a rapid increase in the biosyntheses of cAMP and polyamines. In addition, the VIP-antibody inhibited the growth of PU-PAN-I cells in serum-free culture mediurn. The results above suggested that VIP has an autocrine regulatory effect on this pancreatic carcinoma cell line (PU-PAN-1).

EFFECTS OF ACUPUNCTURE ON IMMUNE RESPONSE RELATED TO OPIOID-LIKE PEPTIDES

Experimental research has recently shown that acupuncture induces the formation of opioid-like peptides (OLPs) in animals. In order to provide further evidence, we tested the beta-endorphin levels and other parameters (VIP, lymphocyte subsets, NK cells and monocyte phagocytosis) in a group of 90 patients suffering from various painful disorders treated with acupuncture. Zusanli (St 36) and Hegu (LI 4) acupoints were selected. A homogeneous group of 30 subjects was used as control. Evaluation of the above parameters was made with 3 series of blood tests before treatment, 30 minutes and 24 hours after acupuncture treatment. In the acupuncture group, the following results were achieved: 1) A considerable increase in beta-endorphin levels remained high even 24 hours after acupuncture treatment. In addition, we demonstrated an inverted correlation between beta-endorphins and VIP; 2) 30 minutes after acupuncture session, 80% of the treated patients showed a significant increase of CD3 and CD4 values and an increase of CD8 24 hours after stimulation; 3) Monocyte phagocytosis was increased in 45% of the treated subjects 30 minutes from starting treatment, and in 100% of them after 24 hours. The percentage of NK cells was also increased in 40% of cases after 30 minutes, and in 50% after 24 hours. However, in the control group, no such significant changes in immune parameters were found.

Effects of Polygala fallax Hemsl Water Extract on a Mouse Model of Gastric Motility Disorders

[Objectives]To explore the effects of Polygona fallax Hemsl water extract on gastrointestinal motility in normal mice and gastric motility disorder model mice and approximate mechanism.[Methods]Using normal mice and mice with gastric motility disorders(modeled with atropine),the effects of different mass concentration groups of P.fallax Hemsl water extract(0.125,0.250,0.500 g/mL)and domperidone groups on gastric residual rate,small intestine propulsion rate,serum motilin(MLT),vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP),and tissue morphology were studied.[Results]There was a highly significant difference(P<0.01)in the small intestine propulsion rate of liquid in normal mice among the different concentration groups of P.fallax Hemsl water extract compared to the blank group.The small intestine propulsion rate and gastric residue rate of semi-solid paste were statistically significant compared to the blank group(P<0.05).Among them,there was a highly significant difference between the high concentration group(67.75%±7.65%,46.5%±10.62%)and the medium concentration group(60.90%±5.87%,59.27%±7.82%)(P<0.01).There was statistical significance in normal mouse serum MLT content in the high concentration group(P<0.05).There was no effect on serum VIP levels in normal mice;no effect on the morphology of stomach and intestinal tissues of normal mice.The small intestine propulsion rate and gastric residue rate of liquid and semi-solid paste in mice with gastric motility disorders were statistically significant compared to the atropine group,with extremely significant differences(P<0.01).[Conclusions]P.fallax Hemsl water extract has a promoting effect on gastrointestinal motility.One of the specific mechanisms by which P.fallax Hemsl promotes gastrointestinal motility in normal mice may be related to the content of MLT in mouse serum.The mechanism of action in atropine induced gastric paresis mice may be related to the reactivation of M receptors,and the action mechanism of P.fallax Hemsl does not change the original histological basis.It can be inferred that P.fallax Hemsl water extract has a synergistic effect on promoting gastrointestinal motility through other mechanisms,but it is not fully understood and further in-depth research is needed.

A study of structure-activity relationship of PACAP

AIMS To investigate the structure-activity relation- ship of PACAP on guinea pig gallbladder by using syn- thetic PACAP/VIP hybrid peptides. METHODS We synthesized the PACAP/VIP hybrid peptides by a simultaneous multiple solid-phase pep- tide synthesizer using the Fmoc strategy. The peptides were tested on the isolated guinea pig gallbladder us- ing an improved horizontal-type organ bath. RESULTS VIP induced relaxation of gallbladder smooth muscle strips,while PACAP27 contracted them. Positions 4,5,9 and 24～26 can be replaced without significant loss in activity. [Leu^(13)]-PACAP27, a substitution in the α-helix domain,also had no signifi- cant loss in activity (P>0.05). It was more potent than [Gly^8]-and [DAsp^8]-PACAP27 and could substi- tute peptides at position 21. Des-[His^1] and [Ala^6]- PACAP27 had no activity at 10^(-7) mol/L. [Gly^8]-, [DAsp^8]-,[Phe^(21)]- and [Pro^(21)]-PACAP27 at 10^(-7)mol/L were about 25% of PACAP27 at 10^(-7) mol/L (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion,for the physiological action of PACAP in guinea pig gallbladder,the N-termi- nal disordered region is more important than another region.

Cardiac Autonomic Control in Relation to Other Prognostic Markers in Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Objectives: We set out to study cardiac autonomic tone in patients with idiopathic dilated cardio-myopathy (IDC), and whether it correlates with other established markers of disease progression and patient ultimate outcome. Design: Fifty-one IDC patients in sinus rhythm underwent extensive non-invasive and invasive evaluation during a three-day hospitalization period. The control group consisted of thirty-eight apparently healthy subjects who underwent 24-hour ambulatory ECG recording. Results: Heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate turbulence (HRT) correlated with many previously established prognostic markers of IDC and congestive heart failure, especially measures of cardiorespiratory performance capacity and circulating neurohumoral factors (p < 0.05 for all). Furthermore, attenuated HRV correlated with worse prognosis during a median follow-up of 6.8 years (range 5.1 - 8.1). Additionally, 24-hour time domain, low and high frequency components of frequency domain and non-linear HRV, excluding scaling exponents (α), were lower in IDC patients as compared with controls (p < 0.05 for all);however, HRT was not significantly different. Conclusions: The magnitude of impairment in cardiac autonomic control correlates well with other prognostic markers of IDC, and is associated with unfavorable outcome.

Comparative effect of electroacupuncture and moxibustion on the expression of substance P and vasoactive intestinal peptide in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To compare the impacts of electroacupuncture(EA) and moxibustion(Mox) on the primary gastrointestinal symptoms and the expressions of colonic mucosa-associated neuropeptide substance P(SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP)in patients with either diarrhea-predominant or constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome(IBS-D and IBS-C,respectively).METHODS: Eighty-five IBS patients were randomly allocated to the EA and Mox groups. Zusanli(ST 36)and Shangjuxu(ST 37) were selected as acupoints for electroacupuncture or warm moxibustion treatment once a day for 14 consecutive days. Before and after the treatment sessions,a Visual Analog Pain Scale and the Bristol Stool Form Scale were used to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms. There were four dropout cases,leaving 81 participants(41 with IBS-D and 40 with IBS-C) who volunteered to undergo colonoscopy before and after the treatment sessions. During colonoscopy,sigmoid mucosa were collected to detect SP and VIP expression using immunohistochemistry assay.RESULTS: Both EA and Mox treatments were effective at relieving abdominal pain in IBS-D and IBS-C patients. However,Mox was more effective at reducing diarrhea in IBS-D patients,whereas EA was more effective at improving constipation in IBS-C patients. EA and Mox treatments both down-regulated the abnormally increased SP and VIP expression in the colonic mucosa,with no significant difference shown between the two treatments.CONCLUSION: Both EA and Mox treatments are effective at ameliorating gastrointestinal symptoms by reducing SP and VIP expression in the colonic mucosa of IBS patients.

Regulation of non-classical immune parameters in immune thrombocytopenic purpura mice by a spleen-invigorating,qi-replenishing and blood-containing formula

Objective:This study investigated the regulatory effect of non-classical immune parameters on immune thrombocytopenic purpura(ITP)mice by a spleen-invigorating,qi-replenishing and blood-containing formula(SQBF).Method:A total of 80 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four equal groups(20 mice each):control group,model group,prednisone group and spleen-invigorating,qi-replenishing and blood-containing(SQBF)group.Mice in the model group,prednisone group,and SQBF group were administered anti-platelet serum to induce ITP.The dynamic variations of platelet counts in ITP mice were measured with an automatic blood analyzer before modeling and 48 h,and 8,12 and 15 days following APS injection.Levels of b-endorphin(b-EP),vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP)and salivary IgA(SIgA)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)on 15th day of experiment.Results:SQBF enhanced peripheral blood platelet counts in ITP mice similar to that of prednisone,and both groups showed a statistically significant response compared with the model group(P<.01).The SQBF significantly decreased b-EP levels compared with the model and prednisone intervention groups(P<.05),significantly increased the levels of VIP and SIgA in ITP mice compared with the model group(P<.05)and had significant protective effects on the thymus of ITP mice compared with the model group(P<.01).Conclusions:The SQBF had a similar effect to prednisone with regards to enhancing peripheral blood platelet counts in ITP mice.Furthermore,it decreased b-EP levels and increased VIP and SIgA,and protected the thymus.This shows that,on base of the brain-gut axis functions,some non-classical immune vascular active factors or neurotransmitters are also involved in immune responses,and also have relationship with the onset of ITP and bleeding and/or hemostasis.It needs further study to determine whether a change in these active factors is related to immediate hemostasis.

Glucocorticoid receptor expression on acute lung injury induced by endotoxin in rats

In cases of severe sepsis and septic shock, a series of pathophysiological changes lead to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.This study aimed to investigate the expression of glucocorticoid receptor mRNA in the rat lung following endotoxin （LPS） induced shock. Totally 56 SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups： LPS shock group （n=16）, LPS＋vasoactive intestinal peptide group（VIP） group, （n=16）, LPS＋VIP＋ glucocorticoid （GC） group, （n=16）,and control group （n=8）. LPS shock was induced by intravenous injection of LPS （10 mg/kg） in rats. Within 15 minutes after LPS injection, rats in the treatment groups received VIP （5 nmol/kg） or VIP and methylprednisolone （3 mg/kg）. The control group was given normal saline instead of LPS. The rats of the four groups were sacrificed at 6 hours,24 hours after injection respectively, and the lung tissues were collected. Pathological changes of the lungs were examined by light microscopy and electron microscopy. GRmRNA expression in the lung tissues was evaluated by RT-PCR. In the LPS shock group, lung histopathology demonstrated destruction of the alveolar space,widening of the inter-alveolar space, inflammatory cell infiltration and interstitial edema. However,pathological changes in the LPS＋ VIP group and LPS＋ VIP＋GC group were milder than those in the LPS shock group. Six hours after LPS injection, GR mRNA expression was down-regulated in the LPS group （0.72± 0.24） and LPS＋ VIP group （0.88±0.27） （P〈0.05） as compared with the control group （1.17±0.22）. The LPS shock group showed a more significant down-regualtion than the LPS＋VIP group, but the difference was not statistically significant （P〉0.05）. In contrast, GRmRNA expression in the LPS＋ VIP＋GC group was significantly up-regulated at 6 hours and further at 24 hours （1.45±0.32 and 1.91±0.46 respectively） （P〈0.05）. GrmRNA expression decreased in LPS induced lung injury in rats. Combined treatment with VIP and GC mitigated lung injury ang inflammation. The mechanism may be related to up-regulation of GR mRNA expression.