Aqueous Leaf Extract of Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) Effectively Treats Induced Hemolytic Anemia in Wistar Rats

Introduction: Moringa oleifera was a medicinal plant generally used by populations in the food and therapeutic fields. It’s used to treat anemia has been observed in the Djougou Zone in northern Benin. To our knowledge, there were no scientific data available that have evaluated its efficacy in the treatment of haemolytic anemia. This was what justifies this research work in which the phytochemical analysis, extraction and evaluation of the anti-anemic effect were carried out. Methods: Five groups of five Wistar rats each were formed. All the rats were rendered anemic by injection of phenylhydrazine hydrochloride on the first two days D0 and D1 except those in the negative control group. From the second day, the anemic groups were force-fed either with the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves at 200 or 300 mg/kg body weight/day, or with vitafer, the reference drug against anemia. The positive control group (anemia) was not treated. Blood samples were taken from all the rats on different days: D0, D2, D7, D10 and D15 to evaluate the data of the hemogram and the osmotic resistance of the red blood cells. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, leucoanthocyanins, saponosides, triterpenes and mucilages. A good yield was obtained at the extraction. Both the extract and the reference drug vitafer completely corrected anemia within two weeks after stimulating hemoglobin synthesis and early release of immature red blood cells into the bloodstream. Its effect seemed dose-dependent and specific. Conclusion: Moringa oleifera leaves showed good therapeutic efficacy and can be considered and exploited for transformation into improved traditional medicines (ITM) in the treatment of anemia.

Molsidomine ameliorates diabetic peripheral neuropathy complications in Wistar rats

Diabetic neuropathy is a disorder which affects various regions of the nervous sys-tem and there is no specific treatment available for it.So,the present study eval-uated protective effect of molsidomine in diabetic neuropathy in rats.Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by administrating streptozotocin(52 mg/kg i.p).Diabetic rats were administered with molsidomine 5 mg/kg p.o,and 10mg/kg p.o.as treatment.After 8 weeks of treatment,Motor coordination,Mechanical allodynia,Mechanical hyperalgesia,Nerve conduction velocity,Glycosylated hemoglobin were assessed.Thereafter animals were sacrificed and sciatic nerve was isolated.It was used for reduced glutathione,lipid peroxidation and for histopathology.Treatment with molsidomine significantly improved motor coordination,paw withdrawal threshold,mechanical threshold and nerve conduction velocity.Furthermore,mol-sidomine treatment also reduced malondialdehyde levels and prevented depletion of reduced glutathione in sciatic nerve homogenate.Histopathology shows molsid-omine treatment maintained normal architecture of sciatic nerve.The results of our study strengthens the alterative use of molsidomine in diabetic neuropathy.

Adansonia digitata aqueous leaf extract ameliorates dexamethasone-induced testicular injury in male Wistar rats

Objective:To evaluate the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Adansonia(A.)digitata L on dexamethasone-induced testicular damage in male Wistar rats.Methods:Twenty adult male Wistar rats weighing 170-190 g were divided into four groups.GroupⅠreceived 0.5 mL of phosphate buffer orally for 28 days and served as the normal control group;groupⅡreceived 10 mg/kg of dexamethasone(a synthetic glucocorticoid)intraperitoneally for 7 days and 0.5 mL of phosphate buffer orally for 21 days,groupⅢreceived 10 mg/kg of dexamethasone for 7 days and 800 mg/kg of A.digitata extract orally for 21 days;groupⅣreceived 10 mg/kg of dexamethasone for 7 days and 300 mg/kg of vitamin-E orally for 21 days.Dexamethasone was administered intra-peritoneally for 7 days and all administration lasted for 28 days.The rats were sacrificed by anesthesia with diethyl ether and the testes of each animal were harvested.The testis was homogenized in 0.25 M sucrose at 4℃for biochemical and histological analyses.Results:Administration of dexamethasone significantly decreased body weight,glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase(G6PDH),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and glutathione peroxidase(GPx)(P<0.05),and significantly increased malondialdehyde(MDA)activities(P<0.05).The degeneration in the population of spermatogonia and vacuolation and abnormal widening of the interstitial spaces were observed in the rats treated with dexamethasone.However,administration of A.digitata significantly increased SOD,GPx,G6PDH,and LDH levels,significantly decreased MDA activities and improved the histoarchitecture of the testis(P<0.05).Conclusions:A.digitata may have an ameliorative effect on dexamethasone-induced testicular damage in Wistar rats because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Histological Patterns of Neurodegeneration of Frontal Cortex Neurons in Datura stramonium Treated Wistar Rats

Aim: Datura stramonium (DS) is a known hallucinogen and depressant of the central nervous system, but it is commonly used in alcoholic beverages to increase intoxication. Pharmacological, physiological and ultra-structural studies have demonstrated the neurotoxicity of this drug inanimals and humans at high doses. The present study investigated the histological patterns of neurodegeneration of frontal cortex (FC) neurons in Wistar rats treated with high doses of DS seed extract. Materials and methods: Ethanolic extract of DS dried seeds was diluted in normal saline and administered to male and female Wistar rats weighing 200 g - 250 g. The animals were first placed in three groups which were further sub-divided into four sub-groups. The treated sub-groups received intraperitoneal administration (i.p.) of 750 mg/kg of diluted DS seed extract once daily in group 1, twice daily (1500 mg/kg/day) in group 2 and thrice daily (2250 mg/kg/day) in group 3. The treatment was carried out for 4 weeks while the control groups received normal saline during the same period. The rats were euthanized and sections of the frontal cortices of the brain were histologically processed from all groups. Silver impregnation stain for degenerating axons and neurons was used to elucidate the pattern of degeneration induced by DS seed extract on the neurons of the FC. Results: The results of intraperitoneal administration of DS extract showed no changes in groups 1 & 2 treated rats while group 3 showed a significant pattern of histological changes like axonal atrophy, vacuolization and neuronal deaths in the frontal cortices neurons compared to the controls. Conclusion: DS may have a specific pattern of neurodegeneration at higher doses of administration. This could provide a useful model in understanding how DS intoxication can affect frontal cortex neurons with an implication of neurological disorders, mental diseases and behavioural deficits.

Evaluation of Anti-Hyperglycemic and Anti-Hyperlipidemic Activities of Water Kefir as Probiotic on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a predominant chronic disease which causes mortality of millions of people yearly. Its prevalence is on the rise worldwide. Water kefir is fermented food produced by a matrix of polysaccharides containing bacteria and yeasts, with therapeutic properties. Our study aimed to evaluate anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic activities of water kefir on streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Adult Wistar rats were made diabetic by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin, and were given or not kefir in drinking water for 5 weeks. Body weight, glucose and lipid levels were measured. The results demonstrated evident improvement in body weight, glucose, and lipid profiles of treated rats comparing with diabetic or control rats. Water kefir is found to be less cost hypoglycemic and hypolipidimic treatment and less time consuming. Water kefir can potentially be useful food for diabetes to control glucose and lipid levels.

The Effects of Cupping Therapy on Skin’s Biomechanical Properties in Wistar Rats

Cupping therapy has been widely used for clinical treatment of soft tissue lesions. The current study investigated the effects of cupping therapy on biomechanical properties of the skin in Wistar rats. 20 rats were divided into two groups: 10 in experimental and 10 in control group. Either the right or the left lower quadrants of the lumbar regions in the experimental group underwent 10 minutes daily cupping therapy for 12 days. The skin stiffness and ultimate tensile strength of all the rats were measured using tensiometer. The skin stiffness and ultimate tensile strength were decreased significantly in cupping side of the experimental group as compared with the non-cupping side and the control group. There were no significant differences between the non-cupping side of the experimental group and the control group. In conclusion, cupping therapy can be useful as a treatment method to reduce the skin stiffness and ultimate tensile strength.

Anesthesia protocol for ear surgery in Wistar rats(animal research)

Objective:To formulate an anesthesia protocol for safe and satisfactory anesthesia for ear surgery in rats.Methods:The rats were anesthetized with xylazine(10 mg/kg body weight)and keta-mine at doses of 80,50,40,and 30 mg/kg body weight or with isoflurane anesthesia(2%-3.5%in 100%oxygen;maintenance dose 1.5%-3.5%).The anesthesia induction,surgery,and recovery time were recorded.Results:In total,17 rats were induced by varying doses of ketamine-xylazine and 28 rats with isoflurane.Mean induction time with ketamine-xylazine was 6±2.9 min compared with 3.8±1.1 min with isoflurane.Mean recovery time with ketamine-xylazine was 142.6±49.3 min compared with 4.1±1.2 min with isoflurane.A mortal-ity of 4 animals after developing dyspnea was recorded with ketamine-xylazine.Conclusion:Isoflurane anesthesia offers appropriate induction and recovery times and low mortality rates for the surgeries performed.Isoflurane anesthesia offers reli-able results for ear surgery in rats.However,more equipment and technical skills are needed.

Curcumin alters motor coordination but not total number of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum of adolescent male Wistar rats

OBJECTIVE： The present study aimed at coordination and the estimate of the total investigating the effects of curcumin on the motor number of cerebellar Purkinje cells of adolescent Wistar rats exposed to ethanol. METHODS： The total of 21 male Wistar rats aged 37 d old were divided into three groups, namely ethanol, ethanol-curcumin, and control groups. The ethanol group received 1.5 g/kg ethanol injected intraperitoneally and water given per oral; the ethanol-curcumin group received 1.5 g/kg ethanol injected intraperitoneally and curcumin extract given per oral; the control group received saline injection and oral water. The treatment was carried out daily for one month, after which the motor coordination performance of the rats was examined using revolving drum apparatus at test days 1, 8, and 15. The rats were finally sacrificed and the cerebellum of the rats was further processed for stereological analysis. The estimate of the total number of Purkinje cells was calculated using physical fractionator method. RESULTS： The ethanol-curcumin group performed better than both ethanol and control groups in the motor coordination ability at day 8 of testing （P〈 0.01）. No Purkinje cell loss was observed as a result of one month intraperitoneal injection of ethanol. CONCLUSION： Curcumin may exert beneficial effects on the motor coordination of adolescent rats exposed to ethanol via undetermined hormetic mechanisms.

Comparative Study of Bovine Pericardium and Gore-Tex in Tissual Interaction with Wistar Rats Diaphragm

Introduction: Simple suture isn’t always possible in large congenital diaphragmatic hernia (cdh) defects. Synthetic materials are used for correction such as Silastic&reg, Gore-Tex&reg (GT), Teflon&reg or biological, such as autologous muscle patches. It was shown that bovine pericardium (bp) was effective to correct those large defects with many positive outcomes when compared with syntactic materials. Aim: This study aims to establish an experimental model of correction for large diaphragmatic defect with PB and GT patches to compare histologically the tissue interaction between them and diaphragm in young Wistar rats. Materials & Methods: 15 wistar rats were divided in 3 groups: Rats that used BP was named G1;Rats that used GT was named G2;and rats with only scraping in the diphragm, named G3 (control). Animals were submited to a laparotomy and fixed pathces to diaphragms and harvested 3 weeks later. Area between normal diaphragm and patches were isolated and separated for histological analysis, such as lymphocytic infiltration (inflammation), neovascularization and fibrosis. Results: G1 presented inflammation between BP and Diaphragm In 5 Samples. G2 Presented Neovascularization In 5 Samples, But No inflammation. Fibrotic tissue overlapping GT patches occurred in 3 samples in G2. Comparing G1 with G2 there was a significant statistical difference concerning inflammation (P = 0.0079), in G1. Comparing neovascularization there is no significant statistical difference (P = 0.4444), despite a slight higher incidence in G2. Fibrosis in both groups presented no significant statistical difference (P = 0.4444), despite a slight higher incidence in G2. There were no alterations in G3. Discussion: Despite the statistical difference in the inflammatory process was more frequent in G1 (P = 0.0079), neovascularization and fibrosis were more frequent in G2. Conclusion: The proposed experimental model was satisfactory to reproduce suture of patches in the diaphragm. These results suggests that inflammation, neovascularization and fibrosis indeed contribute to a benign healing process that reacts differently in each group but can drive to a more lasting and permanent results when biological patch is considered. Statistical report suggests that this study should be continued with a larger sample of animals and a wider period of time before harvest.

Evaluation of Biochemical, Hematological and Histological Parameters in Non Diabetic and Diabetic Wistar Rats Fed with Monosodium Glutamate

The parenteral or oral administration of monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been reported to have a deleterious effect on the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, which changes appetite control. This alteration in function may lead to obesity and disorders related to metabolic syndrome, such as alterations in carbohydrate metabolism (glucose and insulin resistance), dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease. This study evaluates the induction of metabolic alterations due to subchronic consumption of diets containing MSG at levels of 1.0%, 2.5% and 5.0%. Initially the animals (newborn male Wistar rats) consumed the diets containing MSG for a period of 70 days. At the end of this period diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and the rats maintained on the same diets for additional 21 days. The induction of diabetes is based on the susceptibility of diabetic animals to metabolic disorders. Methods capable of evaluating the entire metabolic profile of the diabetic condition were used, including biochemical tests and tests able to detect alterations in the organs usually affected by this disease. It was concluded that the consumption of diets containing up to 5.0% MSG did not change the studied parameters for both: diabetic or non-diabetic animals. The alterations observed in the diabetic animals mainly reflected metabolic changes caused by the disease and were not related to the administration of MSG.

Impact of Selected Processing Methods of High-Level Cyanide in Cassava on Optic Neuropathy in Wistar Albino Rats—An Experimental Study

Background: Cassava tuber crop is a staple food rich in carbohydrates and utilized in various forms by millions of Nigerians. The storage root of the cassava contains linamarin, a cyanogenic glycoside that is easily hydrolyzed to release cyanide salt compounds which is toxic to the nervous system especially the optic nerve, sometimes leading to optic neuropathy and visual impairment. Aim: The aim of this study is to find out the impact of selected processing methods of high-level cyanide in cassava on optic neuropathy in Wistar albino rats. Methodology: Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were fed with different concentration and duration of predetermined high-cyanide content cassava root cultivar which was processed using different processing methods adopted by various communities in Rivers State, Nigeria (for human consumption). A control group of 3 Wistar albino rats was fed with normal “Growth Mesh” meals. The pre and post weights of the animals and the fundoscopic optic nerve status of the rats were evaluated after 30 and 60 days. SPSS Version 25 was employed for descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The Cassava species available in Rivers State have high cyanide content (2336.79 mg CN-/kg dry weight of cassava). There was statistically significant reduction in the cyanide content (p = 0.000) depending on the various common processing methods (into garri for human consumption): 24 hours, 48 hours, fermentation;with and without red palm oil additive. The individual weights as well as the mean weight of the 24 rats in the experimental group increased gradually from the first week to the 9th week with a slight weight reduction on the third and fourth weeks which was not statistically significant (p = 0.092). However, there was a steady increase in the weights of the animals in the control group throughout the 9 weeks. Varying degrees of optic neuropathy occurred, worse with the rats that had 24-hour fermented cassava twice daily for 60 days. The intra and inter group differences in the optic disc changes was statistically significant (p = 0.000). Conclusion: Longer duration of processing cassava roots into garri for human consumption reduces its cyanide content and minimizes the adverse impact on the optic nerve.

CCK RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST L-365,260 POTENTIATED ELECTROACUPUNCTURE ANALGESIA IN WISTAR RATS BUT NOT IN AUDIOGENIC EPILEPTIC RATS

Cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) has been shown to be a neuropeptide with potent anti-opioid activity. Previous studies have shown that central administration of nanogram dose of CCK-8 totally abolished morphine analgesia in the rat, an effect mediated by CCK-B receptor in central nervous system. In the present study CCK-B antagonist L-365,260 was injected intracerebroventricularly (icv) to Wistar rats to see its effect on the analgesic effect induced by electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation. A marked potentiation of EA-induced analgesia was observed. The degree of potentiation depends on the frequency of EA used, with a rank order of 100 Hz > 15 Hz = 2/15 Hz>> 2Hz. In a strain of rat with acoustically evoked epileptic seizure (P77PMC rats), an extra-ordinarily strong analgesic effect was produced in response to 100 Hz EA stimulation, which was similar to that in Wistar rats pre-treat ed with L-365,260. However, L-365,260 was not effective in potentiating EA analgesia in P77PMC rats. The results suggest that (1) high frequency EA is more likely to increase the release of CCK-8 in CNS as compared to low frequency EA, and (2) P77PMC rats may have a functional defect of the central CCK neurons in the nature of either a low CCK content or a reduced rate of release of CCK-8 in the CNS.

Assessment of d ifferent f ormalin c oncentrations on the h istochemical s taining of l iver,k idneys and l ungs of Wistar r ats

Background:Formaldehyde is a chemical substance used to preserve the biochemical and physiological components of a tissue by preventing autolysis and putrefaction,leaving the tissue in a life-like manner.Objective:This study aims to assess the effect of formalin concentrations on the histochemical staining in liver,kidneys and lungs of Wistar rats.Methods:A total of ten(10)Wistar rats were purchased and allowed to acclimatize for a period of 2 weeks in plastic cages with iron netting at the Animal House facility,Babcock University.The animals were placed on standard rat feeds and water ad-libitum.The rats were randomly sacrificed by cervical dislocation,following mild anaesthesia using chloroform inhalation.For histological examination,the liver,lungs,and kidneys of Wistar rats were removed and preserved in neutral buffered formalin at 2%,4%,6%,8%,and 10%concentrations.Sections were stained in Haematoxylin and Eosin(Vector Laboratories,Inc.Newark,US).The quality of the nuclei,cytoplasm and cell membrane were graded on a scale of 1(poor)to 5(excellent).Results:Six percent(6%)formalin was observed to produce excellent results in liver tissues with a total grade of sixteen(16).10%formalin produced excellent results in lung tissues with a total grade or nineteen(19).Interestingly,2%,6%and 10%formalin concentrations produced excellently results in kidney tissues with the highest total grade fourteen(14).Conclusion:This study concludes that 6%formalin produced better section and staining qualities more than the commonly used 10%formalin according to the observations from the stained sections.This implies that the concentration of formalin affects the histochemical staining in liver,kidneys and lungs of Wistar rats.

The 9L^(LUC)/Wistar rat glioma model is not suitable for immunotherapy

The availability of a well-characterized animal brain tumor model will play an important role in identifying treatments for human brain tumors. Wistar rats bearing 9L glioma cells can develop solid, well-circumcised tumors, and may be a useful animal model for the evaluation of various therapeutic approaches for gliosarcomas. In this study, the 9L/Wistar rat glioma model was produced by intracerebral implantation of 9L^LUC glioma cells syngenic to Fischer 344 （F344） rats. Bioluminescence imaging showed that tumors progressively grew from day 7 to day 21 in 9L^LUC/F344 rats, and tumor regression was found in some 9L^LUC/Wistar rats. Hematoxylin-eosin staining verified that intracranial tumors were gliomas. Immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that no CD4- and CD8-positive cells were found in the syngeneic 9L^LUC/F344 model. However, many infiltrating CD4- and CD8-positive cells were observed within the tumors of the 9L^LUC/Wistar model. Our data suggests that compared with 9L/F344 rats, 9L glioma Wistar rats may not be suitable for evaluating brain glioma immunotherapies, even though the model induced an immune response and exhibited tumor regression.

Subchronic Toxicity of Lanthanum Nitrate on Liver in Rats

Young Wistar rats were divided into six groups,the experimental groups were given La(NO 3) 3 at dose of 20,10,2,0.2,0.1 mg·kg -1 and the control group was given physiological saline respectively for six months. The animalswere weighed and the ratios of the liver to body weight were counted. Pathological changes of liver were observed by light microscope and transmission electron microscope. Glutamic oxalacetic transaminase(GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT),gamma glutamyl transferase(γ GT) and alkline phosphatase(ALP) in the serum were measured. The results indicate that the body weight of animals gaines slowly in the group of 20 mg·kg -1 La(NO 3) 3 , but it gained quickly in the rats fed with 0.1 mg·kg -1 La(NO 3) 3. Biochemical indexes have no abnormal changes. In the group of 20 mg·kg -1 La(NO 3) 3, there were lipid droplets and decrease of glycogen in the hepatocytes, denser matrix of the mitochondria, deformation of the nuclei of some hepatocytes to different degree and infiltration of inflammatory cells at portal area. The more the dose of La(NO 3) 3 were given to the rats, the more the number of bodies containing highly electronic dense gravel like granules and the secondary lysosomes with dense bodies. The rats fed with 20 mg·kg -1 La(NO 3) 3 for six months shows injurious effects on the hepatocytes.

CREB Protein Expressed Differently in the Frontal Cortices of Datura stramonium Treated Rats: Implication for Addiction and Neurodegeneration

Background: cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is one of the cellular transcription factors found in neurons. CREB is also important for the survival of neurons, and has an important role in the development of drug addiction. Datura stramonium (DS) is a tropical ubiquitous plant commonly used to increase the intoxication of certain beverages for recreational purposes. The seeds of this plant are very toxic and may produce addiction on prolong usage. This research investigated the effects of administration of high doses of DS seeds on the expression of CREB protein in both male and female rats’ frontal cortices and its implication in addiction and neurodegeneration. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with a total of 24 male and female Wistar rats weighing 200 g - 250 g. The rats were divided into three groups of 8 rats each. Each group was further divided into four sub-groups of 2 rats each. Ethanolic dried seed extract of DS was diluted in normal saline and administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) to the treatment groups. The treated sub-groups received 750 mg/kg of DS extract once in group 1, twice in group 2 and thrice in group 3 daily for 4 weeks respectively, while the control sub-groups received i.p. normal saline concurrently for the same duration of time. The rats were euthanized and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was computed to detect a significant main difference of DS effect on CREB expression for each group, while post hoc Bonferroni Test compared CREB protein expression between male and female groups. Result: There were significant differences in the expression of CREB protein between the sub-groups and between the male and female rats of treated sub-group (p < 0.05) compared to the controls. There was a decrease in the female treated sub-groups and an increase in the male treated sub-groups compared to the respective controls. Conclusion: High doses of DS administration for a prolong time may affect the expressions of CREB protein differently in male and female treated rats which may consequently lead to addiction and neurodegeneration affecting frontal cortex neurons.

Effects of Noise Pollution on Functions of the Liver and Kidney of Rats

To study the effects of noise pollution on the functions of the liver and kidney of rats, a total of 40 male SPF Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control group and three experimental groups. The rats in the experimental groups were respectively stimulated with 38, 55 and 70 dB noise for 15 days, and the levels of blood components were determined by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The results showed that in compari-son with the control group, the level of the blood glucose in the experimental groups increased by 23.53%, 52.94% and 88.24%, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant （P〈0.01）. The levels of triglyceride in the blood rose by 20.83%, 38.54% and 79.68%, respectively, and the differences were also statistically significant （P〈0.01）. The level of globulin in the blood increased by 16.49%, 21.13% and 51.78%, and the level of albumin in the blood rose by 9.51 %, 12.67% and 17.89%, respectively. The level of total bilirubin in the blood increased by 27.04%, 41.63% and 73.67%, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant （P〈0.01）. The level of creatinine in the blood rose by 9.72%, 10.21% and 20.99%, respectively. The level of amylase in the blood reduced by 6.6%, 13.05% and 23.89%, respectively. The level of creatine kinase in the blood decreased by 19.81%, 27.37% and 36.81 %, respectively, and the level of urea in the blood reduced by 11.19%, 12.77% and 19.26%, respectively. The results revealed that noise pollution could significantly affect the levels of blood components and the functions of the liver and kidney of rats.

Inhibitory effect of acupuncture on neuronalapoptosis in rats after cerebral ischemia

BACKGROUND： Delayed neuronal death after total cerebral ischemia may accompany with apoptosis, but acupuncture may play a certain role in protecting nerve through inhibiting ischemic neuronal apoptosis. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effect of acupuncture on neuronal apoptosis in rats after cerebral ischemia and analyze its cerebral protective mechanism. DESIGN： Contrast observation among groups. SETTING： Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. MATERIALS： A total of 30 male healthy Wistar rats of general grade and weighing （250±20） g were randomly divided into three groups, including sham operation group, cerebral ischemia group and acupuncture group with 10 rats in each group. Apoptosis in situ kit was provided by Baolingman Company, Germany. METHODS： The experiment was carried out in the Laboratory Center, Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from May to November 2004. ① Rats in the cerebral ischemia group and the acupuncture group were used to establish total cerebral ischemic models with four vessels occlusion; in addition, models in the sham operation group were established with the same method as mentioned above. However, four vessels of rats in the sham operation were exposured and cerebral ischemia did not occur. Rats in the acupuncture group were given acupuncture treatment after operation. Needle of 40 mm in length was used to acupuncture bilateral Zusanli （St 36） and Quchi （LI 11） with the depth of 3 mm, and then bilateral acupoints were connected with KWD-808Ⅱ omnipotenc impulse electro-therapeutic apparatus （frequency： 1 Hz; thin waves; voltage： 2 V） once a day for totally 30 minutes. Meanwhile, needle of 25 mm in length was used to acupuncture Baihui （Du 20） with the depth of 3 mm, and then the needle was twirled once every 5 minutes for 30 minutes in total. The course was 7 days. ② Neuronal injuries in hippocampal CAI area after cerebral ischemia were observed with Nissl body staining method at 7 days after treatment; neuronal apoptosis was observed with TUNEL staining; manifestations of neuronal apoptosis in cerebral cortex and hippocampal CAI area were observed with electron microscope. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Neuronal injuries in hippocampal CAI area after cerebral ischemia; neuronal apoptosis in cerebral cortex and hippocampal CAI area after cerebral ischemia; morphological changes under electron microscope. RESULTS： Among 30 Wistar rats, 24 rats were involved in the final analysis. ① Expression of positive neurons in cerebral cortex and hippocampal CAI area with Nissl body staining： Neuronal defect was obvious in cerebral cortex and hippocampal CAI area in the cerebral ischemia group as compared with that in the sham operation group （P 〈 0.05）, and neuronal defect was decreased in hippocampal CAI area in the cerebral ischemia group as compared with that in the acupuncture group （P 〈 0.05）. ② Expression of positive neurons in cerebral cortex and hippocampal CAI area with TUNEL staining： Positive neurons with TUNEL staining were not observed in the sham operation group, but positive neurons were increased in the cerebral ischemia group as compared with those in the acupuncture group （P 〈0.05）. ③ Observational results of electron microscope： Neuronal apoptosis was not found in the sham operation group; neuronal apoptosis was rarely found in the acupuncture group; neuronal apoptosis was typical in the cerebral ischemia group. CONCLUSION： Delayed neuronal death after total cerebral ischemia may accompany with apoptosis, but acupuncture may play a certain role in protecting nerve through inhibiting ischemic neuronal apoptosis.

Experimental Study of the Effect of Capsaicin on the Urinary Bladder Function in Rats

In order to investigate the effect of capsaicin (CAP) on the urinary bladder function, an in vivo whole bladder study was undertaken in 25 adult healthy Wistar rats. CAP of various concentrations was instilled into the urinary bladder, and intravesical pressure, detrusor contraction and micturition status were recorded; then the trigone of the bladder was cut off and prepared for peroxidase -antiperoxidase (PAP) immunohistochemical investigation. The changes on the distribution of Sub- stance P (SP) in control and experimental groups were compared. The results showed that the intravesical application of CAP caused a significant change in the urinary bladder function. At a low concentration of CAP there was a slight increase of maximal detrusor pressure, but at a high concentration of CAP the maximal intravesical pressure was significantly decreased and associated with urinary retention and urinary incontinence. PAP sustaining had shown a depletion of SP in CAP-treated urinary bladder in rats, and this depletion was more significant at high concentrations of CAP. Because this depletion could block C-fiber transmission, detrusor function entered, from primary excitation phase, a late inhibitory phase. This suggests that a local application of CAP into urinary bladder could be used in the treatment of neurogenic bladder (detrusor hyperreflexia) to relieve frequency, urgency, incontinence and improve renal function.

Pulmonary Toxicity of a Formulated Preparation of Fenvalerate in Rats Subchronically Exposed by Nose Only Inhalation for 90 Days

Objective The pulmonary toxicity of a commercially available formulated preparation of Fenvalerate (Fen), a synthetic pyrethroid has been studied in rats following subchronic nose only inhalation exposure route. Method Adult male rats were exposed to Fen for 4h/day, 5 days a week for 90 days by using Flow Past Dynamic Nose only Inhalation Chamber. Results Fen exposed rats showed a significant increase in enzymatic activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) which are considered as biochemical indicators of pulmonary damage. The concomitant histopathological examination of Fen exposed rats' lung revealed inflammatory changes viz., influx of mononuclear cells admixed with a few giant cells in alveolar lumen, hypetrophied bronchiolar and alveolar epithelial lining cells and presence of edematous fluid in alveolar lumen alongwith congested parenchymatous blood vessels. Conclusion These results for the first time indicate the pulmonary toxic effects of a commonly used formulated Fen preparation by using rat model and nose only inhalation as the route of exposure.