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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Effect of adrenalectomy on rat epididymidis

AIM: To investigate the effect of adrenalectomy (ADX) on the epididymidis of Sprague-Dawley rats. METHODS: The histological, biochemical (cholesterol protein, zinc, copper, alkaline and acid phosphatase aryl sulphatase, lactic dehydrogenase and leucine amino peptidase) and hormonal (FSH, LH and testosterone) changes of caput and cauda epididymis in ADX rats were observed. RESULTS: Organ wet weight, histological studies and morphometric measurements indicated a cellular degeneration in caput and cauda epididymis of ADX rats. Serum testosterone level was significantly lower in ADX than in sham-operated rats, while the serum FSH and LH were below the detection limit of 1 mIU/mL. The enzymatic activity was higher in ADX than in sham-operated rats. Epididymal zinc level increased whereas copper level decreased in ADX rats compared to the sham-operated. CONCLUSION: Adrenalectomy leads to degeneration of caput and cauda epididymidis epithelial cells as a result of decreased supply of testosterone.

Distribution of ^3H—nicotine in Rat Tissues Under the Influence of Simulated Microgravity

Rat tail suspension offers a useful model to reproduce physiologic responses to weightlessness.The present study was conducted in the head-down-tilt(HDT) rat model to assess changes in metabolism of body tissues employing 3H-nicotine. Twelve male rats were used in the study. Half of the rats were tail suspended at 30°for two weeks on a 12/12 light/dark cycle. During this period,body weight, food and fluid intakes were measured. At term, animals were anesthetized and injected IV withe a solution contaming 4 microuries of micotine. After 90 min the animals were sacrificed, exsanguinated and tissues (brain,blood,trachea,salivary gland,lung,heart,esophagus,spleen, kidneys and testes) were harvested. The distribution of 3H-nicotine per gram of each tissue was determinded and ealeulated as percent of total injected radioactivity. Final body weights of suspended ammals were significantly (P < 0.0 5) lower than those of eontrols(309±21 vs 350±11g). 3HNicotine waw retained in greatest amounts by the kindneys, followed inorder by salivary glands, spleen, and gastrointestinal tissues. compared to non-suspended control, the tissue retention of nicotine in suspended animals was decreased in the following tissues:esphyagus (25 %), aorta (25%). fundus (25%), trachea (22%), adrenals (18%), spleen (17 %), and pancreas (12 %). The decreased retention of mcotine in tissues from suspended animals may be indicative of the fluid shifts and changes in blood flow to those tissue beds. The lack of differnces in nicotine retention in liver and kidney between control and suspended groups may implicate a normal metabolic function of these organs even under simulated weightlessness.

Beta-amyloid precursor protein cleavage enzyme-1 expression in adult rat retinal neurons in the early period after lead exposure

Previous studies have reported that non-human primates and rodents exposed to lead during brain development may become dependent on the deposition of pre-determined β-amyloid protein （Aβ）,and exhibit upregulation of β-site amyloid precursor protein expression in old age.However,further evidence is required to elucidate the precise relationship and molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of early lead exposure on excessive Aβ production in adult mammals.The present study investigated the effects of lead exposure on expression of β-amyloid precursor protein cleavage enzyme-1 （BACE-1） in the rat retina and the production of Aβ in early development,using the retina as a window for studying Alzheimer＇s disease.Adult rats were intraocularly injected with different doses of lead acetate （10μmol/L,100μmol/L,1 mmol/L,10 mmol/L and 100 mmol/L）.The results revealed that retinal lead concentration,BACE-1 and its cleavage products β-C-terminal fragment and retina Aβ1-40 were all significantly increased in almost all of the lead exposure groups 48 hours later in a dose-dependent manner.The only exception was the 10μmol/L group.The distribution of BACE-1 in the retina did not exhibit obvious changes,and no distinctive increase in the activation of retinal microglia was apparent.Similarly,retinal synaptophysin expression did not exhibit any clear changes.These data suggest that lead exposure can result in the upregulation of retinal neuron BACE-1 expression in the early period of development and further increase the overproduction of Aβ1-40 in the retina.Our results provided novel insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying environmentally-induced Alzheimer＇s disease.

Morphometric study on Leydig cells in capsulotomized testis of rats

AIM: To further clarify the changes occurred in the testicular capsulotomized rats. METHODS: In testicular capsulotomized and sham-operated rats, the cross sectional area, the nucleus diameter and the number of Leydig cells were morphologically analyzed by the Vidas Image Processing System connected to a microscope. RESULTS: In the capsulotomized animals, the cross sectional area of Leydig cells was gradually increased from 30 days onwards. There was no obvious change in the nucleus diameter of Leydig cells. However, The Leydig cell number was significantly increased from day 30 onwards. CONCLUSION: In rats, testicular capsulotomy may induce hyperplasia/hypertrophy of Leydig cells in the testis.

Olfactory ensheathing cells promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery after facial nerve defects

Olfactory ensheathing cells from the olfactory bulb and olfactory mucosa have been tbund to increase axonal sprouting and pathfinding and promote the recovery of vibrissae motor performance in facial nerve transection injured rats. However, it is not yet clear whether olfactory ensheathing cells promote the reparation of facial nerve defects in rats. In this study, a collagen sponge and silicone tube neural conduit was implanted into the 6-mm defect of the buccal branch of the facial nerve in adult rats. Olfactory ensheathing cells isolated from the olfactory bulb of newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were injected into the neural conduits connecting the ends of tile broken nerves, the morphology and function of the regenerated nerves were compared between the rats implanted with olfactory ensheathing cells with the rats injected with saline. Facial paralysis was assessed. Nerve electrography was used to measure facial nerve-induced action potentials. Visual inspection, anatomical microscopy and hematoxylin-eosin staining were used to assess the histomorphology around the trans planted neural conduit and the morphology of the regenerated nerve. Using fluorogold retrograde tracing, toluidine blue staining and lead uranyl acetate staining, we also measured the number of neurons in the anterior exterior lateral f：acial nerve motor nucleus, the number of myelinated nerve fibers, and nerve fiber diameter and myelin sheath thickness, respectively. After surgery, olfactory ensheathing cells de- creased facial paralysis and the latency of the facial nerve-induced action potentials. There were no differences in the general morphology of the regenerating nerves between the rats implanted with olfactory ensheathing cells and the rats injected with saline. Between-group results showed that olfactory ensheathing cell treatment increased the number of regenerated neurons, improved nerve fiber morphology, and increased the number of myelinated nerve fibers, nerve fiber diameter, and myelin sheath thickness. In conclusion, implantation of olfactory ensheathing cells can promote regeneration and functional recovery after facial nerve damage in rats.

Evaluation of the Haematinic Activities of Extracts of <i>Justicia secunda</i>Vahl Leaves in Red Blood Cells of Laboratory Rats

The use of plant parts (leaves, flowers, stems, barks, roots etc.) in traditional medicine is increasingly gaining ground in modern medicine, as plant sources have long been recognized as sources of secondary metabolites which can be used to treat a wide range of diseases. The effect of extracts of Justicia secunda leaves on red blood cells (RBC) count and haemoglobin (Hb) concentration was investigated in adult Sprague-Dawley rats to establish haematinic activity. Phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced anaemic rats were treated with water, methanol or ethyl acetate extracts at 200 mg/kg body weight. RBC counts and Hb concentration were analysed using a haematology analyser at 3-day intervals for 21 days. The extracts were compared with rats administered the haematinic tonic Feroglobin&reg;?and vehicle-treated (normal saline). Rats administered the water extract exhibited the most significant increase (P ) in the number of RBCs and Hb concentration compared with the vehicle-treated PHZ-induced anaemic rats. Rats administered the methanol extract followed with significant increase (P ) in RBC counts and Hb concentration (J. secunda leaves has excellent haematinic properties and this provides the pharmacological basis of its use in Ghanaian traditional medicine for the treatment of anaemia.

Study on Action of Acupuncture on Ventromedial Nucleus of Hypothalamus in Obese Rats

Effects of acupuncture on the spontaneous discharge of nerve cells and levels of monoamine neurotransmitters in ventromedial nucleus of hypothalamus (VMH) of the obese rats were investigated. Results indicated that the levels of tyrosine (Tyr) and dopamine (DA) were lowered, the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydoxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) increased, and the frequency of the spontaneous discharge of nerve cells in VMH lowered in the obese rat group as compared with the normal group. When acupuncture obtained the effect of weight reduction, the frequency of spontaneous discharges of nerve cells in VMH were markedly increased, and the levels of Tyr, DA and tryptamine (Typ) and 5-HT/5-HIAA ratio elevated, and the 5-HT level lowered. It is suggested that the virtuous regulative action of acupuncture on VMH might be one of the key factors in acupuncture for weight reduction.

Effect of Batroxobin on Neuronal Apoptosis During Focal Cerebral Ischemia and Reperfusion in Rats

We have found that Batroxobin plays a protective role in ischemic brain injury, which attracted us to investigate the effect of Batroxobin on apoptosis of neurons during cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. The apoptotic cells in ischemic rat brains at different reperfusion intervals were tested with method of TdT-mediated dUTP-DIG nick end labeling (TUNEL) and the effect of Batroxobin on the apoptosis of neurons was studied in left middle cerebral artery (LMCA) occlusion and reperfusion in rat models (n = 18). The results showed that few scattered apoptosis cells were observed in right cerebral hemispheres after LMCA occlusion and reperfusion, and that a lot of apoptosis cells were found in left ischemic cortex and caudoputamen at 12 h reperfusion, and they reached peak at 24 h-48 h reperfusion. However, in the rats pretreated with Batroxobin, the number of apoptosis cells in left cerebral cortex and caudoputamen reduced significantly and the neuronal damage was much milder at 24 h reperfusion than that of saline-treated rats. The results indicate that administration of Batroxobin may reduce the apoptosis of neurons induced by cerebral ischemia and reperfusion and afford significant cerebroprotection in the model of focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion.

Selective control by posterior spinal nerve roots of micturition and erection in rats

The posterior rootlets in L6 and S1 spinal cord of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent electrostimulation. The bladder pressure, urethral perfusion pressure and intracavernous pressure were recorded. When some posterior rootlets of L6 and Sl were electrostimulated, the intracavernous pressure peaked rapidly, but the bladder pressure and the urethral perfusion pressure curve did not show great change. When other rootlets were stimulated, the bladder pressure changed greatly, but the urethral perfusion pressure and the intracavernous pressure did not show great change. When different rootlets were stimulated, the urethral perfusion pressure changed maximally, but there were no great changes in bladder pressure or intracavernous pressure. Furthermore, stimulation of some rootlets produced simultaneous changes in two or three different pressure measures mentioned above. The results demonstrate that regulation by L6 and S1 posterior rootlets of the rat bladder detrusor, external urethral sphincter and penis cavernous body are significantly distinct. Different rootlets can be distinguished by electrostimulation.

The effects of 2-Bromopropane on Viability and TestosteroneProduction Ability of Rat Leydig Cells in Primary Culture

Epidemiological surveys and animal experiments have shown that 2-bromopropane induces oligozoospermia in exposed workers and inhibits spermatogensis in laborratory animals. However, themechanism by which 2-bromopropane exerts its effects is unknown. To this end, we examined the formation of testosterone by the Leydig cells and their survival of these cells in the Presence of differ-ent concentrations of 2-bromopropane in vitro. Leydig cells were isolated following vascular Perfu-sion, enzymatic dissociation and Percoll gradient centrifugation techniques. The cells were cultured in culture dishes. After 8 h, different cultures were exposed to 2-bromopropane at concentrations of 0.01 mmol/L, 0.10 mmol/L and 1.00 mmol/L. In order to stimulate Leydig cells to secrete testos-terone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was also added. Cell viability was determined using the trypan blue dye exclusion test and cell numbers were counted by hemocytometer. Testosterone secretion was detected by radioimmunoassay. The cell viability decreased after exposure to 2-bromo-propane in a dose-dependent way, but no morphological change was observed. The cell number de-creased in the 2-bromopropane-treated cultures. The secretion of testosterone did not manifest de -tectable changes in the culture treated with 0.10 mmol/L and 0.01 mmol/L of 2-bromopropane;however, it decreased significantly (P < 0. 02) in the Presence of 1.00 mmol/L. Therefore, ourresults strongly suggest that 2-bromopropane may exert its cytotoxic effects on heydig cells in vitro.We speculate that the decrease in the numbers of Leydig cells caused by 2-bromopropane was medi-ated by a feedback mechanism resulting from a lower testosterone concentration.

Metabolic Changes in Rats with Photochemically Induced Cerebral Infarction and the Effects of Batroxobin:A Study by Magnetic Resonance Imaging,~1H-and ^(31)p-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Metabolic changes in rats with photochemically induced cerebral infarction and the effects of batroxobin were investigated 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after infarction by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 1H- and 31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). A region of T2 hyperintensity was observed in left temporal neocortex in infarction group and batroxobin group 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after infarction. The volume of the region gradually decreased from 1 day to 7 days after infarction. The ratio of NAA/Cho + Cr in the region of T2 hyperintensity in the infarction group was significantly lower than that in the corresponding region in the sham-operated group 3, 5 and 7 days after infarction respectively (P

The Regulatory Action of Radix Astragali on M-Cholinergic Receptor of the Brain of Senile Rats

The changes in density of M-cholinergic receptors in different areas of senile rats and the regulatory action of Huang Qi ([symbol: see text] Radix Astragali, a drug for warming yang and replenishing qi) were observed by autoradiography. The results showed that the gray scale displayed in brain sections was clear and mainly distributed in the cortex, hippocampus and striate body, while that due to nonspecific combination was negligible. The gray scale in the cortex, hippocampus and striate body of the experimental group was markedly lower than that in the young control rats, decreased respectively by 24.87%, 14.12% and 12.76% (all P

Combined Subchronic Toxicity of Bisphenol A and Dibutyl Phthalate on Male Rats

Objective To evaluate the combined subchronic toxicity of bisphenol A（BPA） and dibutyl phthalate（DBP） in male Sprague Dawley（SD） rats.Methods Forty 4‐week‐old male rats weighing 115‐125 g were randomly divided into BPA‐treated,DBP‐treated group,BPA＋DBP‐treated and control groups and fed with a soy‐ and alfalfa‐free diet containing 285.4 ppm BPA,285.4 ppm DBP,285.4 ppm BPA plus 285.4 ppm DBP,and a control diet,respectively,for 90 consecutive days.At the end of the study,the animals were sacrificed by exsanguination via the carotid artery under diethyl etherane aesthesia and weighed.Organs,including liver,kidneys,spleen,thymus,heart,brain,and testis underwent pathological examination.The androgen receptor（AR）,gonadotropin‐releasing hormone receptor（GNRHR）,and progesterone hormone receptor（PR） genes from the hypothalamus were detected by real‐time PCR.The biomedical parameters were analyzed.Results No significant difference was found in food intake,body weight,tissue weight,organ/brain weight ratio,and biomedical parameters among the four groups（P〉0.05）.However,BPA and DBP up‐regulated AR,PR and GNRHR expression levels in rats and showed a synergistic or an additive effect in the BPA＋DBP group.Conclusion The combined subchronic toxicity of BPA and DBP is synergistic or additive in male SD rats.

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment induces dynamic ATPase activity changes in the rat brain following transient global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion

BACKGROUND： Energy depletion, induced by ischemia or hypoxia, is one of the first events in neuronal injury. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the dynamic changes of Na^＋-K^＋-ATPase and Ca^2＋-ATPase activity in the rat brain following transient global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion （IR）, as well as the effects of hyperbaric oxygen （HBO） treatment. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized and controlled animal study was performed in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Capital Medical University between February and December 2006. MATERIALS： Clean-grade, female, Sprague Dawley rats were provided by the Animal Research Department of Capital Medical University （License number： SYXK11-00-0047）. Na^＋-K^＋-ATPase and Ca^2＋-ATPase kits were provided by Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute （Nanjing, China）. A hyperbaric oxygen chamber （DWC150-300） was supplied by Shanghai 701 Medical Oxygen Chamber Factory （Shanghai, China）. METHODS： Sixty-three rats were randomly divided into nine groups： sham operated group （sham-O） as control, groups of IR, and groups treated with hyperbaric oxygen （HBO） after IR. Animal from the IR and HBO groups were sacrificed after four different survival intervals of 6, 24, 48 and 96 hours, respectively. Each group consisted of seven rats. The rats of HBO groups were placed into the hyperbaric chamber. The HBO chamber was flushed with pure oxygen for 5 minutes, followed by a gradual rise in pressure over 5 minutes and stabilization at 0.2 MPa. Then, pure oxygen was supplied for 45 minutes in stabilized pressure, followed by gradually reduced pressure over 15 minutes. The rats of the 6-h HBO group were placed into the HBO chamber following reperfusion for 3 hours on the first day, which was repeated on three consecutive days, always at the same time. Rats in the sham-O group and IR group remained under normal atmospheric pressure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The Na^＋-K^＋-ATPase and Ca^2＋-ATPase activity in rat brain homogenate was detected by the ammonium molybdate assay method. RESULTS： All 63 rats were included in the final analysis. Alter 6 hours, Na^＋-K^＋-ATPase activity was significantly greater in HBO animals, compared with IR animals （P 〈 0.05） and sham-O controls （P〈 0.01）. In both, the HBO group and IR group, Na^＋-K^＋-ATPase activity returned to normal levels after 24 hours （P 〉 0.05）. At 48 and 96 hours, Na^＋-K^＋-ATPase activity was significantly greater in HBO and IR animals, compared with sham-O animals （P 〈 0.05）. Ca^2＋-ATPase activity was significantly greater in the HBO group after 6 hours, compared with the sham-O group （P 〈 0.01 ）, and returned to normal levels at 24 and 96 hours （P 〉 0.05）. In the IR group, Ca^2＋-ATPase activity was significantly higher after 6 hours than in the sharn-O group （P〈 0.01）, and returned to normal levels after 24 hours （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： The Na^＋-K^＋-ATPase and Ca^2＋-ATPase activity in IR groups increased during the acute and the delayed phase following transient global cerebral IR. HBO treatment not only increased Na^＋-K^＋-ATPase activity at the acute stage, but also induced a faster recovery of Ca^2＋-ATPase activity.