PROTECTION OF ELECTROACUPUNCTURE ON HIPPOCAMPAL INJURY INDUCED BY QUINOLINIC ACID IN RATS

Objective To probe into the protective mechanism of electro-acupuncture （EA） on anti-oxygen stress in dementia-model rats. Methods A total of 30 male SD rats of cleaning grade were randomized into three groups, named sham-operation （n = 10）, model （n = 10）, model＋ EA （n = 10）. The dementia-model rat was made with hippocampal GA1 lesions by quinolinic acid （QA）. On the second day of modeling, in model＋ EA group, EA （3 Hz, 2-4 mA, continuous waves） was applied to ＂Dàzhuī＂ （大椎 GV 14） and ＂Shènshū＂ （肾俞 BL 23） for 10 min. The capability of learning and memory was evaluated by step-down test to observe the changes of nitric oxide （NO）, nitric oxide synthase （NOS） activity, superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity and malondialdehyde （MDA） of the hippocampal tissues in rats separately by biochemical methods. Results EA improved learning and memory of dementia rats with hippocampal CA1 lesions induced by QA at different degrees. It significantly increased SOD activity, reduced MDA content and improved NO level and NOS activity. Conclusion EA improves significantly the learning and memory of the dementia rats due to hippocampal CA1 lesions induced by QA, which is probably relevant with the anti-oxygen stress of EA.

大连海参 海产珍品

辽宁省大连市的海参驰名中外,海参产品在大连已经形成了完整的产业链条,以其优质的海参原料、精湛的加工工艺、先进的管理理念以及优质的品牌,赢得了广大消费者的好评,引领了海参行业的潮流。大连海参又名刺参、海鼠、海黄瓜,是一种名贵海产动物。据《本草纲目拾遗》中记载:海参,味甘咸、补肾、益精髓,其性温补,足敌人参,故名海参。海参肉质软嫩,营养丰富,是典型的高蛋白、低脂肪食物,滋味腴美,风味高雅,是久负盛名的名馔佳肴,是海味"八珍"之一,与燕窝、鲍鱼、鱼翅齐名,在大雅之堂上往往扮演着"压台轴"

Aniracetam attenuates H_2O_2-induced deficiency of neuron viability, mi-tochondria potential and hippocampal long-term potentiation of mice in vitro

Objective It is known that free radicals are involved in neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunction, as seen in Alzheimer＇s disease （AD） and aging. The present study examines the protective effects of aniracetam against H2O2- induced toxicity to neuron viability, mitochondria potential and hippocampal long-term potentiation （LTP）. Methods Tetrazolium salt 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide （MTT） was used to detect neuronal viability. MitoTracker Red （CMX Ros）, a fluorescent stain for mitochondria, was used to measure mitochondria potential. Electrophysiological technique was carried out to record hippocampual LTE Results H2O2 exposure impaired the viability of neurons, reduced mitochondria potential, and decreased LTP in the CA region of hippocampus. These deficient effects were significantly rescued by pre-treatment with aniracetam （10 ～100μmol/L）. Conclusion These results indicate that aniracetam has a strong neuroprotective effect against H2O2-induced toxicity, which could partly explain the mechanism of its clinical application in neurodegenerative diseases.

Neurogenesis by Activation of Inherent Neural Stem Cells in the Rat Hippocampus after Cerebral Infarction

Objective To investigate the changes of neural stem cells (NSCs) in the rat hippocampus after cerebral infarction (CI) and to evaluate the neurogenesis caused by the activation of NSCs. Methods CI models of rats were made and rats were assigned to 6 groups: sham-operated, 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days after CI. The dynamic expression of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN) were determined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. BrdU was used to mark the proliferated NSCs. PSA-NCAM was used to mark the plasticity of activated NSCs. GFAP and NeuN were used to mark the differentiated NSCs. Results Compared with the controls, the number of BrdU+ cells in the hippocampus increased significantly at 1 day after CI (P<0.05), reached peak at 7 days after CI (P<0.05), decreased but still elevated compared with the controls at 14 days after CI (P<0.05), and nearly unchanged at 28 days after CI. The number of BrdU+/PSA-NCAM+ cells increased significantly at 7 days after CI (P<0.05), reached peak at 14 days after CI (P<0.05), and decreased but still elevated compared with the controls at 28 days after CI (P<0.05). The number of BrdU+/PSA-NCAM+ cells was equal to 60% of the number of BrdU+ cells in all the same period. The number of BrdU+/NeuN+ cells in the hippocampus increased significantly at 14 days after CI (P<0.05) and reached peak at 28 day after CI (P<0.05). The number of BrdU+/GFAP+cells in the hippocampus nearly unchanged after CI. Conclusion CI can stimulate the proliferation of inherent NSCs, and most proliferated NSCs may differentiate into neurons and represent neural plasticity.

Effects of exercise on neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and ability of learning and memory after hippocampus lesion in adult rats

Objective To explore the effects of exercise on dentate gyrus （DG） neurogenesis and the ability of learning and memory in hippocampus-lesioned adult rats. Methods Hippocampus lesion was produced by intrabippocampal microinjection of kainic acid （KA）. Bromodeoxyuridine （BrdU） was used to label dividing cells. Y maze test was used to evaluate the ability of learning and memory. Exercise was conducted in the form of forced running in a motor-driven running wheel. The speed of wheel revolution was regulated at 3 kinds of intensity： lightly running, moderately running, or heavily running. Results Hippocampus lesion could increase the number of BrdU-labeled DG cells, moderately running after lesion could further enhance the number of BrdU-labeled cells and decrease the error number （EN） in Y maze test, while neither lightly running, nor heavily running had such effects. There was a negative correlation between the number of DG BrdU-labeled cells and the EN in the Y maze test after running. Conclusion Moderate exercise could enhance the DG neurogenesis and ameliorate the ability of learning and memory in hippocampus-lesioned rats.

Differentially Expressed Proteins in Rat Hippocampus after Chronic Immobilization Stress and Intervention Using Xiao Yao San Decoction

Objective To identify differentially expressed proteins in the hippocampus of rats after chronic immobilization stress(CIS)using a proteomics approach,and to study the effect of the Xiao Yao San(XYS)decoction on differentially expressed proteins.Methods Twenty-four Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups of equal body weight:control(non-stress),7-day stress,21-day stress and21-day stress+XYS treatment groups.Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis(2-DE)was used to detect differences in protein expression in rat hippocampus.One differentially expressed protein was measured and verified by western blotting.Results Seventeen proteins showed differential expression.Among these,eight could be identified:glial fibrillary acidic protein-2(GFAP-2),tubulin alpha-1c,cytoplasmic muscle actin2,14-3-3protein,β-2a tubulin,phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein,synucleinαsyn3,and a low molecular weight(18kD)protein.Six of these proteins exhibited increased expression,one showed decreased expression,and the other protein,which comprised five subtypes,were either increased or decreased.These proteins are known to be involved in immunity,signal transduction,cell cycle control,apoptosis,regulation of enzyme activity,cytoskeleton structure,and synaptic plasticity.GFAP-2was further analyzed,and its differential expression confirmed by western blotting.Conclusion Some proteins are differentially expressed in the hippocampus of rats under chronic stress.The biological functions of these differentially expressed proteins are varied.Finally,the XYS decoction can significantly up-or down-regulate these protein expression levels.

Identification of the toxic compounds produced by Sargassum thunbergii to red tide microalgae

The inhibitory effects of methanol extracts from the tissues of three macroalgal species on the growths of three marine red tide microalgae were assessed under laboratory conditions.Extracts of Sargassum thunbergii(Mertens ex Roth) Kuntz tissue had stronger inhibitory effects than those of either Sargassum pallidum(Turner) C.Agardh or Sargassum kjellmanianum Yendo on the growths of Heterosigma akashiwo(Hada) Hada,Skeletonema costatum(Grev.) Grev,and Prorocentrum micans Ehrenberg.Methanol extracts of S.thunbergii were further divided into petroleum ether,ethyl acetate,butanol,and distilled water phases by liquid-liquid fractionation.The petroleum ether and ethyl acetate fractions had strong algicidal effects on the microalgae.Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses of these two phases identified nine fatty acids,most of which were unsaturated fatty acids.In addition,pure compounds of four of the nine unsaturated fatty acids had effective concentrations below 5 mg/L.Therefore,unsaturated fatty acids are a component of the allelochemicals in S.thunbergii tissue.

ISCHEMIC PRECONDITIONING RELIEVES ISCHEMIA/REPERFUSION INJURY OF HIPPOCAMPUS NEURONS IN RAT BY INHIBITING p53 AND BAX EXPRESSIONS

Objective To examine whether ischemic preconditioning (IPC) can protect neuron against delayed death in CA1 subfield of hippocampus following reperfusion of a lethal ischemia in rats, and explore the role of p53 and bax in this process. Methods We examined the effect of IPC on delayed neuron death, neuron apoptosis, expressions of p53 and bax gene in the CA1 area of hippocampus in the rats using HE staining, flow cytometry, RT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry technique. Results IPC enhanced the quantity of survival cells in the CA1 region of hippocampus (216±9 cells/0.72 mm2 vs. 30±5 cells/0.72 mm2, P<0.01), decreased the percentages of apoptotic neurons of hippocampus caused by ischemia/reperfusion (2.06%±0.21% vs. 4.27%±0.08%, P<0.01), and weakened the expressions of p53 and bax gene of hippocampus compared with ischemia/reperfusion without IPC. Conclusion IPC can protect the neurons in the CA1 region of hippocampus against apoptosis caused by ische- mia/reperfusion, and this process may be related to the reduced expressions of p53 and bax.

An improved primary culture method for hippocampal neurons in fetal rats and MAP2 identification

Objective： To establish a simple, effective and high-purity primary culture method for fetal rat hippocampalneurons. Methods： Wistar rats of gestational age 18 days were taken and the brain tissue was separated under themicroscope. Single neuronal cells were obtained by digestion with Brain Dissociation Kit, and then were seeded incell plates to observe the basic morphologic structure after 24h, 3d, and 5d. Immunofluorescence of microtubuleassociated protein 2 was applied to assess cell purity of the culture. Results： The hippocampal neurons obtained inthis culture method are in good condition and grow vigorously. On the 7th day after culture, the purity of neuronswas up to 99.62%. Conclusion： The method is simple and effective for obtaining the high-purity and stableneurons.

Practical Applications with Geosynthetic Mats Reinforced with Steel Wire Meshes to Prevent Embankment Damage by Burrowing Large Rodents and Beavers

Recent studies show an increase in the population of beavers, nutria and other rodents in vast regions of central Europe over the last 15 years. Unfortunately, this caused in many instances considerable damage on large rivers along dykes and earthworks in the floodplain areas, leading to an increased risk of bank failures. However, most of these mammals belong to protected species. This work is aimed at showing positive experience in cooperation with universities, research institutes and environmental agencies regarding measures to permanently safeguard the banks using composite erosion control systems with polymer coated steel wire net （as flexible reinforcement component） and a geosynthetic （to promote vegetation growth）. The steel mesh component works as an effective long-term barrier against the intrusion of mammals, discouraging them from digging inside the core of the dyke. An analysis of the sensitive areas to be protected led also to definition of the characteristics of these interventions （length, shape, escape ways, population areas, etc.）. The study will present several additional benefits when using polymer steel nets along dykes, such as： high and durable erosion protection in overflow areas, promotion of fast and effective vegetation growth （increasing stability）, surface protection against ice impacts （in northern regions）, ease of installation, maintenance, ability to conform to irregular shapes of the slope. This work will also present the positive outcome of research studies along dykes in Germany, Austria and in Italy.

Effects of Estradiol on 5-HTsA and 5-HT2c Receptor Immunolabeling in Rat Hippocampus

Steroid hormones participate in the modulation of serotonergic transmission, including the regulation of synthetic and metabolic enzyme production, as well as receptor and transporter activity. The changes of 5-HT5A and 5-HT2c immunolabeling induced by steroids in the hippocampus ofovariectomized rats were studied in this work. Densitometric analysis in rat hippocampi were carried out for adjacent brain coronal immunolabeled sections after treatment with subcutaneous injections of vehicle, estradiol, progesterone or the combination of both steroids in ovariectomized rats. Exposure to estradiol and the combination of estradiol and progesterone significantly reduced the 5-HT5A-like immunosignal in the CA 1 region while progesterone did not induce changes. On the other hand, exposure to the combination of estradiol and progesterone or estradiol alone increased the 5-HT2c immunosignal in the same region. These results indicate that estradiol is involved in the discrete regulation of serotonin receptors 5-HT5A and 5-HT2c in rat hippocampus.

Effects of motilin in the hippocampus on the interdigestive migrating motor complex in rats

Objective ：To explore the effects of motilin in the hippocampus on the interdigestive migrating motor complex （MMC） in rats. Methods： Adult SD rats of either sex were used; 0.5 μl motilin （0. 74 retool/L） was injected into the guide cannula which was stereotaxically implanted into the hippocampus previously. Then the MMC was recorded by a RM6240B multilead physiological recording system. Resuits： （1）MMC characteristics of normal rats＇ duodenum： the frequency of phase Ⅲ was （18. 1±0. 4） bursts/min; the amplitude of phase Ⅲ was （260.5±42.3）μV; the duration of phase Ⅲ was （354.1±21.6） s; MMC cycle duration was （690.2±58.7）s. （2） After motilin was injected into the hippocampus, the duodenal MMC cycle duration was decreased significantly. However, the amplitude of phase Ⅲ and the frequency of phase Ⅲ were increased. But there were no effects on the duration of phase Ⅲ . Frequency of phase Ⅲ percentage change was much more than amplitude of phase Ⅲ percentage change （57.2±2.8 vs 39.3±5. 2）. （3） Effects of motilin in the hippocampus on MMC were completely abolished by subdiaphragmal vagotomy. （4） Effects of motilin in the hippocampus on MMC were unaffected by intravenously injected atropine, phentolamine or propranolol. （5） The anti-motilin serum partly abolished the effects of motilin in the hippocampus on MMC. Conclusion： Motilin in the hippocampus has effects on the duodenal MMC cycle duration, the amplitude of phase Ⅲ and the frequency of phase Ⅲ. Motilin in the hippocampus plays an important role in duodenal MMC.

EFFECT OF ELECTROACUPUNCTURE ON SYNAPTIC PLASTICITY OF HIPPOCAMPAL NEURONS IN CEREBRAL ISCHEMIA RATS

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on synaptic structure of hippocampal nerve felts and synaptophysin(SYN)expression in rats with cerebral ischemic injury. Methods: Sixty Wistar rats were randomized into sham-operation group, cerebral ischemia (CI) group and EA group, each of which was further divided into 1week (W) and 5W subgroups. CI injury model was established by occlusion of the bilateral common carotid arteries. 'Baihui'(百会 GV 20), 'Dazhui' (大椎 GV 14), 'Renzhong'(人中 GV 26) and 'Guangyuan'(关会 CV 4) were punctured and stimulated electrically. The brain tissue sections containing hippocampus region were stained with immu nohistochemical technique and observed under light microscope and transmission electronic microscope. Results: After CI, the ischemic injury as degeneration of the presynapse compositions, decrease of the synaptic numeral density, and low expression of SYN were observed in hippocampal CA1 area. By the 5th week after CI, the neonatal synapses of Cl and EA groups appeared, and SYN expression was upregulated. In EA group, the recovery of the numeral density of synapses was especially noticeable, being 93.8% of that of sham-operation group and significantly higher than that in Cl group (P<0.01). Compared with sham-operation group, the calibrated optical density (COD) values of SYN increased to 70% in CI group, and 93.3% in EA group, and COD value in EA group was significantly higher than that in Cl group (P<0.01). Conclusion: EA can function in promoting synaptic regeneration and enhancing and perfecting the actions of the reconstructed synapses in hippocampal CA1 area in Cl rats.

Expression of the apoptosis-related proteins caspase-3 and NF-κB in the hippocampus of Tg2576 mice

Objective To investigate the relations between neuroapoptosis and the onset and development of Alzheimer’s disease （AD）, especially the role of NF-κB in the regulation of neuroapoptosis. Methods Caspase-3 and NF-κB （p50） expressions in the CA3 region of the hippocampus in APPswe Tg2576 transgenic mice were studied from postnatal day 0-180, using Nissl staining, immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR methods. Results Both neuronal apoptosis and NF-κB activity decreased gradually with the increase of age in wild type and Tg2576 mice. However, the number of caspase-3-positive or NF- κB-positive pyramidal cells in Tg2576 mice was greater than that in age-matched wild type mice, with significant differences after postnatal day 14 （P 0.01 or P 0.05）. Linear regression analyses of caspase-3 and NF-κB expression demonstrated a correlation between neuroapoptosis and activity of NF-κB. Conclusion The process of neuroapoptosis is consistent with the onset and development of AD. Furthermore, the observed correlation between neuroapoptosis and NF-κB activity suggests a role of NF-κB in hippocampal neuroapoptosis.

Effects of synaptic plasticity regulated by 17β-estradiol on learning and memory in rats with Alzheimer's disease

Objective To investigate whether estrogen modulates learning and memory and long-term potentiation （LTP） in the hippocampus of rats with Alzheimer＇s disease （AD）. Methods The rats were divided into ovariectomy （OVX） and estrogen replacement therapy （ERT） groups. Rats in the ERT group received OVX, followed by ERT, while rats in the OVX group received only OVX. The rat model of AD was established by injection of 1 μL （10 μg/μL） amyloid-beta peptide 1-40（Aβ1-40） into the hippocampus. The learning and memory ability and LTP were determined by Morris water maze and electrophysiological method, respectively. Results The escape latency in Morris water maze significantly decreased in ERT group compared with that in OVX group （P 〈 0.05）. Besides, rats in ERT group exhibited a significant enhancement of the magnitude of LTP at 30 min after high-frequency stimulation （HFS）, compared with that in OVX group （P 〈 0.01）. Conclusion ERT can attenuate the cognitive deficits in the rat model of AD, and estrogen can regulate LTP and synaptic remodeling in AD rats.

Down-regulation of APLP1 mRNA expression in hippocampus of pilocarpine-induced epileptic rats

Objective To investigate the expression of amyloid beta precursor-like protein 1 （APLP 1） gene on the transcription level in hippocampus of pilocarpine-induced epileptic rats. Methods Epileptic rats were developed by LiCl （3 mmol/kg, i.p.） approximately 20 h prior to pilocarpine （30 mg/kg, i.p.） administration. The 3＇ end partial sequence of rat APLP1 gene was cloned, and the expression levels of APLP1 mRNA in hippocampus of epileptic rats at 6 h, 30 h, 7 d and 15 d were determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Results The 3＇ end partial sequence of rat APLP1 gene shared a 97% homology with that of mice, and 90% with that of human. The APLP1 amino acid sequence of rat was identical with that of mouse, but was different from that of human in 3 residues. Moreover, pilocarpine induced a significant down-regulation ofAPLP1 mRNA expression at 6 h after epilepsy initiation （P 〈 0.05）, and at 30 h, this down-regulation became more dramatic （P 〈 0.01）, which lasted till day 15 （P 〈 0.01）. Conclusion The 3＇ end ofAPLP1 gene is highly conserved, and APLP1 mRNA expression is kept at low level in hippocampus of pilocarpine-induced epileptic rats.

最后一次飞行

在北大西洋海岸,生活着数以万计大小不同、颜色各异的海鸥。每当夜晚来临,人们常常会听到它们一阵阵不安的叫声;而风平浪静的日子.它们则栖息在海边的礁石上,悠闲地打盹。一旦发现鱼群,它们则会发出兴奋地喧闹声,然后微微摆动双翅,在风尖浪谷间自由自在地飞翔。这是一群快乐的精灵,他们用生命将荒凉的海岸线装扮得生机盎然。然而,让人奇怪得是。