补阳还五汤对乳鼠星形胶质细胞组织因子表达的影响

目的 观察补阳还五汤 (BHD)对脂多糖 (LPS)诱导大鼠星形胶质细胞表达组织因子 (TF)的影响。 方法 培养Wistar乳鼠星形胶质细胞 ,用抗神经胶质纤维酸性蛋白单克隆抗体确认星形胶质细胞。细胞冻融液TF活性检测采用一期血浆复钙时间法。 结果 与对照组相比 ,LPS使星形胶质细胞表达TF明显增加 (5 91± 3 3mU·ml 1vs 3 82± 2 5mU·ml 1,n =12 ,P <0 .0 1) ,并呈剂量依赖性 (r =0 .993 ) ;补阳还五汤能明显地抑制LPS诱导星形胶质细胞表达TF(99± 17mU·ml 1vs 5 91± 3 3mU·ml 1,n =12 ,P <0 .0 1)。 结论 LPS促进星形胶质细胞表达TF ,而BHD能抑制LPS诱导星形胶质细胞表达TF。

灵芝合剂对乳鼠星形胶质细胞组织因子表达的影响

目的观察灵芝合剂(GJLM)对脂多糖(LPS)诱导大鼠星形胶质细胞表达组织因子(TF)的影响。方法培养Wistar乳鼠星形胶质细胞,用抗神经胶质纤维酸性蛋白单克隆抗体确认星形胶质细胞。细胞冻融液TF活性检测采用一期血浆复钙时间法。结果与对照组相比,LPS使星形胶质细胞表达TF明显增加(591±33 mU/mL vs382±25 mU/mL,n=12,P<0.01),并呈剂量依赖性(r=0.993);GJLM能明显地抑制LPS诱导星形胶质细胞表达TF(108±19 mU/mL vs 591±33 mU/mL,n=12,P<0.01)。结论LPS促进星形胶质细胞表达TF,而GJLM能抑制LPS诱导星形胶质细胞表达TF。

星形胶质细胞瘤恶性程度与细胞凋亡、细胞增殖的相关性研究

目的：探讨星形胶质细胞瘤的恶性程度与细胞凋亡、细胞增殖的相关性。方法：利用 Ｄ Ｎ Ａ 凝胶电泳确定３４ 例肿瘤细胞群体中细胞凋亡的存在，使用体视学方法计数凋亡指数（ Ａ Ｉ） 、增殖指数（ Ｍ Ｉ） 、 Ａ Ｉ／ Ｍ Ｉ比率。结果： Ｄ Ｎ Ａ 凝胶电泳２６ 例显示特征性的 Ｄ Ｎ Ａ 梯带， Ａ Ｉ、 Ｍ Ｉ分别随肿瘤恶性程度增加而递增，且 Ａ Ｉ与 Ｍ Ｉ呈正相关，但 Ａ Ｉ／ Ｍ Ｉ随恶性度增高而降低。结论：肿瘤细胞群体中存在细胞凋亡，恶性肿瘤中细胞的增殖远活跃于细胞凋亡。 Ａ Ｉ／ Ｍ Ｉ比率提示了细胞凋亡与增殖的关系。

SOX2/DRD2 signaling pathway facilitates astrocytic dedifferentiation in cerebral ischemic mice

Objective:To explore the effects of dopamine receptor D2(DRD2)on astrocytic dedifferentiation based on SOX2-regulated genes in neural stem cells(NSCs)and astrocytes.Methods:Immunofluorescence staining and SOX2-GFP mice were used to examine the lineage differentiation of SOX2-positive cells during the development of cerebral cortex.Primary NSCs/astrocytes culture,ChIP-seq and Western Blot were adopted to analyze and verify the expression of candidate genes.Pharmacological manipulation,neurosphere formation,photochemical ischemia,immunofluorescence staining and behavior tests were adopted to evaluate the effects of activating DRD2 signaling on astrocytic dedifferentiation.Results:Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated the NSC-astrocyte switch of SOX2-expression in the normal development of cerebral cortex.ChIP-seq revealed enrichment of DRD2 signaling by SOX2-bound enhancers in NSCs and SOX2-bound promoters in astrocytes.Western Blot and immunofluorescence staining verified the expression of DRD2 in NSCs and reactive astrocytes.Application of quinagolide hydrocholoride(QH),an agonist of DRD2,significantly promoted astrocytic dedifferentiation both in vitro and in vivo following ischemia.In addition,quinagolide hydrocholoride treatment improved locomotion recovery.Conclusion:Activating DRD2 signaling facilitates astrocytic dedifferentiation and may be used to treat ischemic stroke.

Hypertonic stimulation induces synthesis and release of glutamate in cultured rat hypothalamic astrocytes and C6 cells

Objective To investigate whether hypertonic saline （HS） can induce the synthesis and release of glutamate in cultured hypothalamic astrocytes or C6 cell line. Methods Astrocytes were isolated, cultured, purified and identified from the hypothalamus of newborn rat （1 day）. The astrocytes were randomly divided into five groups： isotonic （IS） and HS groups, astrocytes were incubated by IS and HS （320 mosM NaCl） medium, respectively, for 1, 3, 5, 10 or 15 rain; carbenoxolone （CBX） ＋IS and CBX＋HS groups, astrocytes were pre-treated with CBX （100 mmol/L） for 1 h at 37℃ in a 5% CO2 / 95% atmosphere, then removed to IS and HS medium, respectively, for 1, 3, 5, 10 or 15 min; Ca2＋＋HS group, astrocytes were pre-incubated with Ca2＋ （1 000 μmol/L） for 1 h at 37℃ in a 5% CO2 / 95% atmosphere, followed by a wash with isotonic FBS/DMEM, and then removed to hypertonic saline for 1, 3, 5, 10 or 15 min. The media of five groups were collected to analyze the medium glutamate concentration with high performance liquid chromatography. The astrocytes were fixed and double immunofluorescent stained with anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP） and anti-glutamate. The C6 cells were divided into four groups： IS, HS, CBX＋IS and CBX＋HS groups, and used for quantitative measurement of glutamate in cells by flow cytometry （FCM）. Results （1） Anti-GFAP immunofluorescent signal revealed no significant difference among various time points in each group, or among the five groups. （2） The anti-glutamate immunofluorescent signal was increased in HS group and peaked at 5 min, and decreased and returned to the level of IS group at 15 rain （P 〈 0.01 vs the 5 min of HS group）. In CBX＋HS group, the glutamate intensity was higher than that in CBX＋IS and HS groups. （3） The medium glutamate concentration had no change after treatment with HS for 1 and 3 min, while increased markedly after treatment for 5 min to 15 min （P 〈 0.01 vs 1 min and 3 min）. On the contrary, the medium glutamate concentrations in the CBX＋HS or Ca2＋＋HS group were significant lower than that in the HS group （P 〈 0.01）. （4） FCM showed HS and CBX＋HS induced glutamate increase in C6 cells. Conclusion HS induced cultured rat hypothalamic astrocytes or C6 cells to synthesize and release glutamate; CBX could block glutamate release, but could not disrupt glutamate synthesis.

Preparation of BCEC-Astrocyte Co-culturing Membrane Plate Insert

To prepare a hand-made micropore membrane culture plate insert forco-culture. Methods The plate insert was made using plastic centrifuge tube and micropore membrane.After seeding brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) on it (under the effect ofastrocyte-conditioned medium), the plate insert was assessed by analysis of trans-endothelialelectrical resistance (TEER). Results The plate insert has a stability of at least 15 d underculture condition. TEER increased significantly under co-culture condition from (66.1 +- 13.3)Ωcm^2 to (182.2 +- 6.7) Ωcm^2. Conclusion This micropore membrane culture plate insert can beeasily made, on which BCEC culture can be successfully performed. Moreover, it is adjustable andrecyclable. It follows that the plate insert is a useful tool for co-culture and the relatedresearch fields.

Effect of ciliary neurotrophic factor on activation of astrocytes in vitro

Objective To observe the activating effect of ciliary neurotrophic factor （CNTF） on astrocyte in vitro. Methods Astrocytes cultured purely from newborn rats. Cerebral cortex was raised in normal and serum deprivation condition with different concentrations （in ng/ml： 0, 2, 20, or 200） of CNTF. After cultured for 24 h, the shape and the cell cycle of astrocytes were examined by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometer, respectively. Results The immunoactivity of glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP） and the nuclear size of astrocytes were increased when CNTF was applied, whether cells were cultured in medium with or without serum. CNTF promoted astrocytes to enter the cell cycle in medium with serum, but had no this effect in medium without serum. Conclusion In medium without serum, astrocytes could differentiate into activated state ceils with CNTF application, but could not proliferate; in medium with serum, astrocytes could proliferate with aid of CNTF.

Involvement of MAPK/ERK kinase-ERK pathway in exogenous bFGF-induced Egr-1 binding activity enhancement in anoxia-reoxygenation injured astrocytes

Objective Intravenous administration of basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF） is effective to reduce the volume of cerebral infract due to ischemia. This study was designed to investigate the molecular mechanism, especially the signal transduction pathways, involved in this protective role of bFGF. Methods Anoxia-reoxygenation treated atrocytes were used to study the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase （MAPK/ERK kinase, MEK）-ERK signaling pathway after exogenous bFGF administration by Western blot. Electrophoretic mobile shift assay was used to detect the binding activity of early growth response factor-1 （Egr-1）, an important transcription factor for endogenous bFGF. Results bFGF could protect some signal transduction proteins from the oxygen-derived free radicals induced degradation. ERK1/2 was activated and involved in Egr-1 binding activity enhancement induced by exogenous bFGF. Conclusion MEK-ERK MAPK cascade may be an important signal transduction pathway contributed to bFGF induced enhancement of Egr-1 binding activity in anoxia-reoxygenation injured astrocytes.

解析痴呆症伤害脑组织的秘密

据美国BIOCOMPARE科技新闻网（2010-04-02）报道，1份发表在神经科学期刊（JournalofNeuroscience）的研究报告指出，科学家发现了关键的线索，认为异常乙型．淀粉样蛋白（betaamyloid）堆积的结果，造成脑组织中星形胶细胞（Astrocyte）功能缺损，影响神经细胞正常的功能运作，是导致阿尔茨海默病患者神经组织退化的主要原因。

Role of ethanol in the regulation of hepatic stellate cell function

Evidence has accumulated to suggest an important role of ethanol and/or its metabolites in the pathogenesis of alcohol-related liver disease. In this review, the fibrogenic effects of ethanol and its metabolites on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are discussed. In brief, ethanol interferes with retinoid metabolism and its signaling, induces the release of fibrogenic cytokines such as transforming growth factor β-1 (TGFβ-1) from HSCs, up-regulates the gene expression of collagen I and enhances type I collagen protein production by HSCs. Ethanol further perpetuates an activated HSC phenotype through extracellular matrix remodeling. The underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms by which ethanol exerts these pro-fibrogenic effects on HSCs are reviewed.

S100B protein in the gut:The evidence for enteroglial-sustained intestinal inflammation

Glial cells in the gut represent the morphological and functional equivalent of astrocytes and microglia in the central nervous system （CNS）. In recent years, the role of enteric glial cells （EGCs） has extended from that of simple nutritive support for enteric neurons to that of being pivotal participants in the regulation of inflammatory events in the gut. Similar to the CNS astrocytes, the EGCs physiologically express the SIOOB protein that exerts either trophic or toxic effects depending on its concentration in the extracellular milieu. In the CNS, SIOOB overexpression is responsible for the initiation of a gliotic reaction by the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, which may have a deleterious effect on neighboring cells. SlOOB-mediated pro-inflammatory effects are not limited to the brain： SIOOB overexpression is associated with the onset and maintenance of inflammation in the human gut too. In this review we describe the major features of EGCs and SIOOB protein occurring in intestinal inflammation deriving from such.

Effect of lead on ERK activity and the protective function of bFGF in rat primary culture astroglia

Objective： To observe the effects of lead on levels ofphosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase （p-ERK） in the cytoplasm of primary cultures of rat astroglial cells and the possible protective effect of basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF） on lead-induced effects. Methods： The primary astroglia cells from 1-6 d old Wistar rats were cultured. The cells pretreated with the MEK1 （mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1） inhibitor PD98059 and bFGF, respectively, were exposed to Pb acetate of different concentrations for different times. Western blotting and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） methods were used to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of ERK. Results： mRNA expression for ERK peaked 15 min after initiation of lead exposure （P〈0.05） and protein expression of p-ERK peaked at 30 min （P〈0.05）. ERK mRNA levels and p-ERK protein levels returned to baseline after 60 and 120 min of lead exposure, respectively （P〉0.05）. The increase in p-ERK levels in lead-treated cells could be inhibited by PD098059. Activation of ERK in the cells by lead was prevented by pretreatment with bFGF. Total ERK protein levels did not change under the same experimental conditions （P〉0.05）. Conclusion： Low-level lead exposure resulted in transient activation of ERK through the MEK pathway, which then returned to basal levels in the continued presence of lead. Exogenous bFGF protected ERK signaling components in astroglia from lead poisoning.

Presacral ganglioneuroma: A case report and review of literature Presacral ganglioneuroma: A case report and review of literature

Presacral ganglioneuromas are so rare benign tumors that only 17 cases have been reported in the literature. They are abdominal masses growing slowly and differential diagnoses have to be considered. Surgical resection is important for definitive diagnosis because it represents the only therapeutic choice. Because of the benign nature of ganglioneuroma, adjuvant chemoor radiotherapy is not indicated but regular follow-up is necessary for an early diagnosis of potential local recurrence. We report a case of a 64-year-old man with a presacral ganglioneuroma.

Maxi-anion channel as a candidate pathway for osmosensitive ATP release from mouse astrocytes in primary culture

In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the pathways contributing to ATP release from mouse astrocytes during hypoosmotic stress. We first examined the expression of mRNAs for proteins constituting possible ATP- releasing pathways that have been suggested over the past several years. In RT-PCR analysis using both control and osmotically swollen astrocytes, amplification of cDNA fragments of expected size was seen for connexins （Cx32, Cx37, Cx43）, pannexin 1 （Pxl）, the P2X7 receptor, MRP1 and MDR1, but not CFTR. Inhibitors of exocytotic vesicular release, gap junction hemi-channels, CFTR, MRP1, MDR1, the P2X7 receptor, and volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying chloride channels had no significant effects on the massive ATP release from astrocytes. In contrast, the hypotonicity-induced ATP release from astrocytes was most effectively inhibited by gadolinium （50 μM）, an inhibitor of the maxi-anion channel, which has recently been shown to serve as a pathway for ATP release from several other cell types. Thus, we propose that the maxi-anion channel constitutes a major pathway for swelling-induced ATP release from cultured mouse astrocytes as well.

Human Cytomegalovirus Infection Inhibits the Differentiation of Human Hippocampus Neural Precursor Cells into Astrocytes

HCMV is a major cause of congenital brain disease in humans, and its neuropathogenesis is not yet fully understood. The objective of the present study is to investigate the effect of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection on human hippocampus neural precursor cell (NPCs) differentiation in vitro. Fetal hippocampus tissue was dissociated mechanically and then cultured in proliferation medium with EGF and bFGF. The identification and purity of the NPCs were confirmed by using immunofluorescence to detect the expression of the NPCs marker-Nestin. To drive NPCs differentiation, bFGF and EGF were withdrawn from the medium and replaced with FBS (10%). HCMV AD169 (MOI=5) was added into the differentiation medium at the onset of the differentiation. After 7 days of differentiation, in order to confirm whether NPCs are permissive for HCMV infection, immunofluorescence was used to stain for the presence of immediate early (IE) and late (pp65) HCMV proteins in the infected cells. The effects of HCMV infection on NPCs’ differentiation was observed by detecting the ratio of nestin and GFAP positive cells with confocal microscopy and immunofluorescence. The data showed that 95%±8% of the cells (passage 4-8) cultured were Nestin positive which suggested that majority of the cells were NPCs. On day 7 postinfection, most of the infected cells were IE and PP65 positive. The percentage of Nestin-positive cells were 93%±10% and 50%±19% (t=6.03, p<0.01) and those of GFAP-positive cells were 55±17% and 81%±11% (t=3.77, p<0.01) in HCMV treated and control groups respectively. These findings indicate that NPCs are HCMV permissive cells and HCMV (AD 169) infection suppresses the differentiation of Hippocampus-genetic human NPCs into astrocytes. These effects may provide part of the explanation for the abnormalities in brain development associated with congenital HCMV infection.

Hub Genes of Astrocyte Involved in Glaucoma with Ocular Hypertension by Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis

This study was conducted to elucidate the potential key candidate genes and pathways in role of astrocyte involved in glaucoma with ocular hypertension.Methods Expression profiles GSE2378 and GSE758 including 27 reactive optic nerve head astrocytes(ONHAs)by hypertensions and 26 normal controls,were integrated and deeply analyzed.Differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were sorted and candidate genes and pathways enrichment were analyzed.DEGs-associated protein-protein interaction network(PPI)was performed.Results A total of 119 consistently expressed genes were identified from 281 commonly changed DEGs,including 68 up-regulated genes and 51 down-regulated genes.PPI network complex filtered 75 DEGs(43 up-regulated and 32 down-regulated genes)of the 119 consistently altered DEGs and developed 117 edges,and 10 hub genes were identified.The most significant 3 modules were filtered from PPI,pathway enrichment analysis showed that module 1 was associated with extracellular exosome.Module 2 was mainly associated with antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity(ADCC)and module 3 was mainly associated with Hippo signaling pathway.Conclusion Taken above,using integrated bioinformatical analysis,we have identified DEGs candidate genes and pathways in role of astrocyte involved in glaucoma with ocular hypertension,which could improve our understanding of the cause and underlying molecular events,and these candidate genes and pathways could be therapeutic targets for glaucoma.

PNKP Knockdown by RNA Interference Inhibits Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Replication in Astrocytes

Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is a major pathogen that causes various central nervous system (CNS) diseases,including herpes simplex encephalitis and meningitis.According to recent studies,PNKP significantly affects the proliferation of HSV-1 in astrocytes.Here,we used viral proliferation curves to confirm the significant inhibitory effects of PNKP on HSV-1 proliferation.PNKP downregulation was also confirmed by analyzing the transcription of viral genes.We found that PNKP downregulation affects the viral DNA copy number.This study preliminarily confirms that PNKP affects viral proliferation by affecting HSV-1 genome cyclization.These results also suggest that astrocytes play a specific role in preventing HSV-1 infection.

Identification of connexin 50 and 57 mRNA in A-type horizontal cells of the rabbit retina

Horizontal cells (HCs) mediate negative feedback to photoreceptors. In the mammalian retina, there are two types of HCs, which are extensively coupled to neighboring cells through homologous gap junctions. The permeability and therefore the strength of feedback can be regulated by light intensity, dopamine and many other factors. However, the component(s) of the most prominent gap junctions, those between A-type HCs in the rabbit retina, is still unknown. In this study, we compared the sequences of many types of mammalian connexins, obtained partial sequences of rabbit connexin 50 and 57. Using specific primers designed against the rabbit sequences, we identified mRNAs of connexin 50 and/or 57 in visually selected single A-type HC using multiplex RT-PCR.

EAE （Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis）, Corticotropin-Releasing Factor and the Blood Brain Barrier

EAE （experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis） is an established, inducible animal model employed in the study of MS （multiple sclerosis） characterized by inflammation, BBB （blood brain barrier） malfunction, demyelination and neuronal disruption. CRF （corticotropin releasing factor） is a neuropeptide critically associated with immune function, BBB permeability, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Potential CRF targets in the brain include astrocytes, as well as endothelial cells of cerebral microvessels, since they have been reported to express CRFR （CRF receptors）. Further, both of these cell types function critically in regulating BBB permeability. CRF-BP （CRF binding protein） is also expressed in both neurons and glial cells. Changes in the cortical CRF system could be a contributing factor to the BBB disruption associated with MS/EAE and has been suggested to play a protective role against cytokine-induced inflammation. The current study assessed alterations associated with the C57BL/6 mouse model of EAE in the cortical CRF system and correlated these events with changes to the microvascular unit. Immunohistochemical confocal microscopy was used to analyze the distribution of CRF, CRF-BP, and CRFR in the mouse cerebral cortex. The authors observed a reduction in detectable CRF immunofluorescence in the EAE motor cortex, an increase in CRFBP immunoreactivity in EAE astrocytes and a concurrent reduction in astrocytic CRFR immunofluorescence. Staining techniques were used to visualize astrocytes/microvessels to document alterations in BBB integrity. Changes in the CRF system were associated with a modification of the blood brain barrier as manifested by a poorly defined astrocytic barrier in EAE microvessels. Evidence suggests that manipulation of CRF signaling pathways offers an intriguing target for interventional therapies designed to modify BBB permeability that may be beneficial for treating disease states such as MS.

A review for dynamics of collective behaviors of network of neurons

The nervous system is composed of a large number of neurons, and the electrical activities of neurons can present multiple modes during the signal transmission between neurons by changing intrinsic bifurcation parameters or under appropriate external forcing. In this review, the dynamics for neuron, neuronal network is introduced, for example, the mode transition in electrical activity, functional role of autapse connection, bifurcation verification in biological experiments, interaction between neuron and astrocyte, noise effect, coherence resonance, pattern formation and selection in network of neurons. Finally, some open problems in this field such as electromagnetic radiation on electrical activities of neuron, energy consumption in neurons are presented.