长期大强度运动大鼠脑组织阿黑皮素原mRNA表达的变化

目的和方法：采用生物素标记阿黑皮素原（POMC）cRNA探针（Bio－cRNA）原位来交法结合图象分析，从基因转录水平现农长时期（共7周）大强度（速度由15m／min递增至35m／min，运动时间为20-25min/d）跑台运动的大鼠不同防区PONCmRNA表达。结果：该强度下大鼠末次运动结束后POMC基因表达在额叶皮层、海马CA1下降（前者至运动结束后3h仍未恢复，后者至运动结束后对30min即恢复），在下丘脑则增强。结论：POMCmRNA表达在该强度下运动的大鼠不同脑区呈现不同的动态变化趋势。

Antioxidative effect of melatonin, ascorbic acid and N-acetylcysteine on caerulein-induced pancreatitis and associated liver injury in rats

AIM： To investigate the role of oxidative injury in pancreatitis-induced hepatic damage and the effect of antioxidant agents such as melatonin, ascorbic acid and N-acetyl cysteine on caerulein-induced pancreatitis and associated liver injury in rats. METHODS： Thirty-eight female Wistar rats were used. Acute pancreatitis （AP） was induced by two i.p. injections of caerulein at 2-h intervals （at a total dose of 100 μg/kg b.wt）. The other two groups received additional melatonin （20 mg/kg b.wt） or an antioxidant mixture containing L（＋）-ascorbic acid （14.3 mg/kb.wt.） and N-acetyl cysteine （181 mg/kg b.wt.） i.p. shortly before each injection of caerulein. The rats were sacrificed by decapitation 12 h after the last injection of caerulein. Pancreatic and hepatic oxidative stress markers were evaluated by changes in the amount of lipid peroxides measured as malondialdehyde （MDA） and changes in tissue antioxidant enzyme levels, catalase （CAT） and glutathione peroxidase （GPx）. Histopathological examination was performed using scoring systems. RESULTS： The degree of hepatic cell degeneration, intracellular vacuolization, vascular congestion, sinusoidal dilatation and inflammatory infiltration showed a significant difference between caerulein and caerulein＋melatonin （P= 0.001）, and careulein and caerulein ＋ L（＋）- ascorbic acid ＋N-acetyl cysteine groups （P= 0.002）. The degree of aciner cell degeneration, pancreatic edema, intracellular vacuolization and inflammatory infiltration showed a significant difference between caerulein and caerulein ＋ melatonin （P=0.004）, and careulein and caerulein ＋ L（＋）-ascorbic acid ＋N-acetyl cysteine groups （P=0.002）. Caerulein-induced pancreatic and liver damage was accompanied with a significant increase in tissue MDA levels （P= 0.01, P= 0.003, respectively） whereas a significant decrease in CAT （P= 0.002, P=0.003, respectively） and GPx activities （P= 0.002, P= 0.03, respectively）. Melatonin and L（＋）-ascorbic acid ＋N-acetyl cysteine administration significantly decreased MDA levels in pancreas （P= 0.03, P= 0.002, respectively） and liver （P= 0.007, P= 0.01, respectively）. Administration of these agents increased pancreatic and hepatic CAT and GPx activities. Melatonin significantly increased pancreatic and hepatic CAT （P= 0.002, P= 0.001, respectively） and GPx activities （P=0.002, P=0.001）. Additionally, L（＋）-ascorbic acid＋N-acetyl cysteine significantly increased pancreatic GPx （P= 0.002） and hepatic CAT and GPx activities （P= 0.001, P= 0.007, respectively） CONCLUSION： Oxidative injury plays an important role not only in the pathogenesis of AP but also in pancreatitis-induced hepatic damage. Antioxidant agents such as melatonin and ascorbic acid＋N-acetyl cysteine, are capable of limiting pancreatic and hepatic damage produced during AP via restoring tissue antioxidant enzyme activities.

Suspended moxibustion relieves chronic visceral hyperalgesia and decreases hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone levels

AIM:To evaluate the effect of suspended moxibustion(SM) on rectal sensory thresholds and to analyze the possible mechanisms involved in SM treatment of chronic visceral hypersensitivity(CVH) in rats.METHODS:SM was administered once daily to 37-dold CVH rats for 7 d.The two pairs of acupoints(ST25 and ST37,bilateral) were simultaneously treated with SM.Each treatment lasted for 30 min.Rats undergoing treatment with SM were not anesthetized.Untreated CVH rats and normal rats were used as controls.The abdominal withdrawal reflex was determined 30-90 min after the seven treatments.The hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone(CRH) mRNA level was measured using real-time quantitative reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction.RESULTS:We found that SM treatment significantly decreased visceral sensitivity to colorectal distention in this rat model.In treated animals,SM also decreased the relative hypothalamic CRH mRNA expression level to control levels.CONCLUSION:Lower hypothalamic CRH levels may mediate the beneficial effects of SM in this rat irritable bowel syndrome model.

Successful treatment of severe pouchitis with rebamipide refractory to antibiotics and corticosteroids:A case report

The antibiotics, metronidazole and ciprofloxacin, are the first-line treatment for pouchitis. Patients who do not respond to antibiotics or conventional medications represent a major challenge to therapy. In this report, we have described a successful treatment of severe refractory pouchitis with a novel agent, rebamipide, known to promote epithelial cell regeneration and angiogenesis. A 27-year-old male with ileo-anal pouch surgery presented with worsening anal pain, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The patient was diagnosed to have pouchitis and was given metronidazole together with betamethasone enema （3.95 rag/dose）. However, despite this intensive therapy, the patient did not improve. On endoscopy, ulceration and inflammation were seen in the ileal pouch together with contact bleeding and mucous discharge. The patient was treated with rebamipide enema （150 rag/close） twice a clay for 8 wk without additional drug therapy. Two weeks after the rebamipide therapy, stool frequency started to decrease and fecal hemoglobin became negative at the 4^th wk. At the end of the therapy, endoscopy revealed that ulcers in the ileal pouch had healed with no obvious inflammation. The effect of rebamipide enema was dramatic and was maintained throughout the ll-mo follow-up. The patient continued to be in remission. No adverse effects were observed during the treatment or the follow-up period. The sustained response seen in this case with severe and refractory pouchitis indicates that agents, which promote epithelial cell growth, angiogenesis and mucosal tissue regeneration, are potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of refractory colorectal lesions.

Estrogen inhibits corticotropin-releasing hormone production in primary human placental cells

Objective: To study the inhibition effects of estrogen on the production of corticotropin-releasing hormone in human placental cells. Methods: Primary cultured placental cells were treated by ICI182, 780, a complete ER antagonist , and Tamoxifen, an ERa-mixed agonist/antagonist and ERβ antagonist for 24 h. The supernatant was havested for the radioimmunoassay of CRH. Results: 17β-estradiol inhibited the secretion of corticotropin-releasing hormone in human placental (P<0.05). ICI182, 780 stimulated the secretion of corticotropin-releasing hormone in human placental (P<0.05). Conclusion: Estrogen represses the synthesis and secretion of corticotropin-releasing hormone in human placental, which is possibly mediated by ERa.

Effects of high dose glucocorticoid on expression and mRNA transcription of corticotropin releasing hormone in hypothalamus paraventricular nucleus of rats

Objective： To explore the effect of high dose of glucocorticoid （GC） on the synthesis of corticotropin releasing hormone （CRH） and transcription of its mRNA in hypothalamus paraventricular nuclei （PVN） in order to investigate its difference with that of traditional GC effects and to add a new possible explanation to the mechanism of clinical applications of high dose of GC. Methods： A total of 60 rats were divided into 5 groups： blank control, 10^-6 mol/L dexamethasone （DEX） group, 10^-9 mol/L DEX group, 0.9% saline group and GR blocking group （10^-2mol/L RU486）. All agents were administrated through the femoral vein. CRH protein expression was measured by immunohistochemistry and laser confocal scanning microscopy （LCSM）; CRH mRNA level was explored by in situ hybridization. Results： 10^-6 mol/L DEX made CRH mRNA transcripted after 20 min and its protein expressed in PVN after 30 min, while normal level of DEX and 0.9% saline could not. If GR was blocked in advance, the effect of high dose of DEX disappeared. Conclusion ： High dose of GC can have CRH increased in PVN, which differs to the effect of traditional GC. And mGRH may play an important role in the effect of high dose of GC but not classic iGR.

RELATIONSHIP OF SERUM ADIPONECTIN LEVELS WITH ADIPOSITY, GLUCOCORTICOIDS,LEPTIN AND INSULIN

Objective To investigate the relationship between serum adiponectin levels with adiposity,glucocorticoids, insulin and leptin in Cushing’ s syndrome, obesity and non-obese subjects. Methods The serumadiponectin concentrations were measured in 104 non-obese and 57 overweight or obese subjects byRIA. 15 patients with Cushing’ s syndrome, 10 with obesity and 9 non-obese subjects were investigated, with theirserum adiponectin, glucocorticoids, insulin and leptin levels measured at 8:00, 12:00, 16:00, 20:00, 24:00 and3:00. Dexamethasone suppression tests in both obesity and Cushing’s syndrome were performed at the dose of Img,2mg and 5mg. Results The serum adiponectin concentrations in non-obese were (10. 15 ±6. 33)mg/L in maleand (13. 82 ±6. 09)mg/L in female, and those in overweight or obese ones were (5. 78 ±3. 55)mg/L in male and(8. 13 ± 4. 32) mg/L in female. In both men and women, the fasting adiponectin levels in overweight or obese sub-jects were lower than those of the non-obese ones, and serum adiponectin concentrations were significantly nagetivelycorrelated with BMI, % Fat and waist circumference. The circadian rhythmicity of adiponectin was not distinct, butthe adiponectin levels in obesity were lower than those of the non-obese subjects at all 6 time spots. The serum adi-ponectin area under curve (AUC) were significantly nagetively correlated with BMI, waist circumference and insulinA UC. The adiponectin levels with dexamethasone administration for a short-term both at higher doses and lower do-ses did not change, but was decreased after surgery. Conclusion Adiponectin is a hormone secreted by adipo-cytes which may intimately related to obese and insulin resistance. Therefore, any treatment that could be used to in-crease adiponectin should be beneficial. Neither long-term endogenous hyper-glucocorticoid nor short-term dexam-ethasone administration may affect the adiponectin levels, and similarly, no change with elevated postprandial insu-lin levels.

Effects of quercetin on hepatocyte stimulating factor production by mouse peritoneal macrophages

Objective: To study the effects of quercetin on hepatocyte stimulating factor production from mouse peritoneal macrophages. Methods: Hepatocyte stimulating factor was evaluated by the amount of fibrinogen synthesized in Hep3B cells. Interleukin-6 activity was measured by B9 cell proliferation methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium colorimetric method. Hep3B cell supernatant fibrinogen was quantitated with ELISA. Results: LPS induced the synthesis of hepatocyte stimulating factor in mouse peritoneal macrophages, and hepatocyte stimulating factor promotes the synthesis of fibrinogen from Hep3B cells. Quercetin(5 to 40μmol/ L) inhibited the synthesis of hepatocyte stimulating factor stimulated by LPS. Quercetin(5 to 20μmol/ L) inhibited release of interleukin-6 from mouse peritoneal macrophages induced by 0. 5 g/ L fibrin fibrinogen degradation products. Conclusion: Quercetin inhibits the synthesis of hepatocyte stimulating factor in macrophages.

Changes of bone mineral in steroid-induced osteonecrosis in rabbits

To investigate the significance of bone mineral changes in the pathogenic process of steroid-induced osteonecrosis in rabbits. Methods： Seventy adult female Japanese White rabbits were randomly divided into five groups Animals in steroid group received an intramuscular injection of methylprednisolone acetate （4 mg/kg） once a week, and killed in four different time after first treatment. Animals in control group received an intramuscular injection with the same volume of normal saline, while 150 kU penicillin was injected twice a week for preventing infection in all groups. The contents of serum calcium （Ca） and phosphorus （P） were determined and the bone mineral densities of the femoral head and neck were measured at the 2nd, 4th, 8th and 10th weeks after first treatment. Meanwhile the general condition such as weight, spirit and hair of rabbits was observed. Results： Compared with the control group, the weight of rabbits in steroid group lost since the first week, and progressively aggravated; the bone mineral density of the femoral head and neck was lowered since the 2nd and 4th week respectively （P〈0.05, P〈0.01）, and lowered more quickly in femoral neck than in femoral head. In steroid group, the bone mineral density of the femoral neck at the 10th week was significantly lower than that at the 8th week （P〈0.05） Compared with the control group, the serum levels of Ca and P in steroid group were lowered since the 2nd week （P〈0.05, P〈0.01）. In steroid group, the serum Ca level at the 10th week was lower than that at the 8th week, and the serum P level waslowered more quickly than Ca level was. Conclusion： Osteonecrosis appears in rabbits shortly after corticoids are first administered, and osteonecrosis in rabbits is chronologically associated with the onset of hypocalcaemia, hypophosphatemia and lowered bone mineral density. Steroid-induced osteonecrosis may be relevant to bone mineral loss and density lowering of the femoral head and neck.

Effect of glucocorticoid treatment on insulin like growth factor-Ⅰ and its binding proteins in children with nephrotic syndrome

Objective To identify the changes in serum insulin like growth factor Ⅰ (IGF Ⅰ) and IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) in children with nephrotic syndrome (NS) and the effect of glucocorticoid on serum IGF Ⅰ and IGFBPs Methods We measured serum IGF Ⅰ and IGFBPs levels by radioimmune assay and immune radiomagnetic assay in 36 children with NS, consisting of an active stage group (ANS, n=12), a remission stage group (RE, n=12), an active stage group with glucocorticoid treatment (GNS, n=12), and a normal control group (NC, n=10) Results 1) Compared to NC, serum levels of IGF Ⅰ and IGFBP 3 were decreased ( P <0 01); serum levels of IGFBP 1 and IGFBP 2 were increased ( P <0 01) in the ANS group 2) Serum levels of IGF Ⅰ and IGFBP 3 were higher and IGFBP 1 and IGFBP 2 were lower in the RE Group than in theANS Group ( P <0 01) 3) Compared to the ANS group, serum levels of IGF Ⅰ and IGFBP 3 were increased ( P <0 01) and serum levels of IGFBP 1 and IGFBP 2 were decreased ( P <0 01) in the GNS group 4) A correlation was found between serum levels of IGFBP 3 and albumin in the active stage group ( r =0 76, P <0 01) There was also a correlation between serum levels of IGF Ⅰ and IGFBP 3 and an inverse correlation between the serum level of IGF Ⅰ and serum levels of IGFBP 1 and IGFBP 2 in the ANS group No other correlations were observed Conclusions The serum levels of IGF Ⅰ and IGFBPs are altered in children in the active stage of NS, but return to normal in the remission stage GC treatment may influence serum IGF Ⅰ and IGFBPs in children with NS Changes in IGF Ⅰ and IGFBPs levels may play a role in the growth retardation of NS children

HORMONAL CONTROL OF THE VITELLOGENESIS IN THE JAPANESE OAK SILKWORM, ANTHERAEA YAMAMAI (LEPIDOPTERA : SATURNIIDAE)

Effects of ecdysteroid and juvenile hormone (JH) on vitellogenesis of the Japanese oak silkworm, Antheraea yamamai are reported in this article. After topical treatment with 20 hydroxyecdysone alone or JH analog (i.e. methoprene) alone and combined treatment with these two chemicals, vitellogenin (Vg) titers in the fat body and haemolymph at the pupal stage were mostly higher than those of the control, indicating that both ecdysteroid and JH exerted a promoting effect on the synthesis of Vg. In contrast, the Vg uptake was markedly inhibited by JH while stimulating effect of the ecdysteroid could be shown that vitellin (Vt) titer in the ovary was lower after methoprene treatments, but higher after 20 hydroxyecdyson treatments. Meanwhile, effects of these two hormones on Vg synthesis in the fat body were also tested with the incubation in vitro with Grace medium containing 3H leucine and the hormones. The results demonstrated that Vg synthesis was stimulated after treating with methoprene alone or 20 hydroxyecdysone alone and combined treating with these two chemicals, and particularly ecdysteroid had more marked positive effect. To comprehensively concluded our results, it could be regarded that ecdysteroid play the main role in the regulation of vitellogenesis for the Japanese oak silkworm.

Inhibiting effects of low-molecular weight heparin and adrenocortical hormone on hemolysis of red cells in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria in vitro

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and adrenocortical hormone (dexamethasone) on the hemolysis of red cells of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) in vitro. METHODS: Using Ham's test and micro-complement lysis sensitive test (mCLST), the changes in hemolysis of red cells from 6 typical PNH cases were examined after adding LMWH and dexamethasone in different concentrations into the test solution in vitro. The effects of LMWH and dexamethasone on the coagulation of the tested blood samples were also studied using the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test. RESULTS: Both LMWH and dexamethasone inhibited the hemolysis of PNH red cells, and they also showed a synergistic effect. The inhibiting effects were dose-dependent. Moreover, a tolerable dose of LMWH induced a limited prolongation of APTT. Dexamethasone showed two possible mechanisms in the inhibition of PNH red cells hemolysis through Ham's test and mCLST, respectively: (1) inhibiting both antibodies binding to red cells and (2) the initiation of the activation of complement 3 (C3). LMWH could inhibit hemolysis as determined by both Ham's test and mCLST, which indicated that LMWH could block the activation of complement cascade. CONCLUSIONS: Both LMWH and dexamethasone could inhibit hemolysis in PNH, and they showed a synergistic effect. Their mechanisms of inhibiting hemolysis differed from each other. Furthermore, a tolerable dose of LMWH induced a limited prolongation of APTT. LMWH might be useful for controlling acute hemolysis in patients with PNH and reducing the dose of adrenocortical hormone.

THEPROTHORACICOSTATICPEPTIDETHATINHIBITS ECDYSTEROIDOGENESIS

Thepapergeneralizesadvancesofanewinsectbrainneuropeptide,prothoracicostaticpeptide ,which playsanimportantroleintheinsectmetamorphosis,andwasfoundandidentifiedfromsilkwormBombyxmorirecent years.Thepaperintroducesitsresearchbackground ,primarystructure,function,mutualrelationshipbetweenitand prothoracicotropichormoneaswellastheresultsofmolecularbiologyresearch.Theevaluationandexpectationofthis peptidearediscussed .

The cAMP-mediated protein kinase signal transduction pathway is involved in the pyrogenic effect of CRH in rats

To determine whether the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) mediated protein kinase signal transduction pathway is involved in the pyrogenic action of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) in rats.Methods Corticotropin releasing hormone, 2', 3 '-dideoxyadenosine (DDA) and adenosine-3', 5'(cyclic) monophosphorothionate, Rp-lsomer (Rp-cAMPS), were administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.). The colonic temperature was measured using a thermistor, and the content of cAMP in the hypothalamus was determined by radioimmunoassay. Hypethalemic incubation was used to assess the effects of CRH on the content of cAMP in the hypothalamus in vitro.Results Microinjection (i.c.v.) of CRH (2.5 μg, 5.0 μg and 10 μg) caused increases in colonic temperature and the hypothalemus cAMP level in conscious rats. CRH increased hypothalemus cAMP level in vitro. The pyrogenic effects of CRH were abolished or markedly inhibited by prior injection (i. c. v. ) of an adenylate cyclase inhibitor, DDA (30 μg), or an inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, Rp-cAMPS (15 μg).Conclusion cAMP mediates the pyrogenic action of centrally administered of CRH in rats, and protein kinase A may play an important role in the central CRH-induced fever. The cAMP-dependent protein kinase signal transduction pathway may be involved in the central mechanisms of the pyrogenic action of CRH in rats.

Characterization of urocortin in human pregnancy

Objective To examine whether urocortin is produced locally to regulate utero-placental vascular tone during pregnancy.Methods We examined the distribution of urocortin in human placenta, fetal membranes and uterine tissue at term in the presence and absence of labor using a urocortin antibody produced in our laboratory and the immunoperoxidase staining method. Subsequently, we tested urocortin secretion from chorio-decidual cells in vitro using an immunoblot technique. Then, we tested whether urocortin is present in maternal plasma throughout gestation using a radioimmunoassay. A Sephadex G-50 column was used to examine whether immunoreactive urocortin (IR-urocortin) in maternal plasma is the same as synthetic urocortin.Results IR-urocortin was observed in vascular smooth muscle of myometrium decidual stromal cells, syncytiotrophoblast and amnion epithelium. No differences in staining intensity for urocortin were detected between tissues obtained in the absence or presence of labor. Staining intensity for IR-urocortin was greatest in the decidua, suggesting this may be the main site of urocortin production. Positive staining for urocortin was observed in 40% of chorio-decidual cells with 34% of these cells secreting urocortin under basal conditions. Urocortin was detectable in maternal plasma from 16 weeks gestation and concentrations did not change as gestation progressed. IR-urocortin in the maternal plasma eluted from a Sephadex G-50 column at the same site as synthetic urocortin and had a calculated retention co-efficient of 0.44.Conclusion This study indicates that urocortin is produced by the decidua during human pregnancy and is detectable in maternal plasma. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that urocortin is produced locally by the decidua and may act to regulate utero-placental blood flow.

Juvenile hormone membrane signaling phosphorylates USP and thus potentiates 20-hydroxyecdysone action in Drosophila

Juvenile hormone(JH) and 20-hydroxyecdysone(20 E) coordinately regulate development and metamorphosis in insects. Two JH intracellular receptors, methoprene-tolerant(Met) and germ-cell expressed(Gce), have been identified in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. To investigate JH membrane signaling pathway without the interference from JH intracellular signaling, we characterized phosphoproteome profiles of the Met gce double mutant in the absence or presence of JH in both chronic and acute phases.Functioning through a potential receptor tyrosine kinase and phospholipase C pathway, JH membrane signaling activated protein kinase C(PKC) which phosphorylated ultraspiracle(USP) at Ser35, the PKC phosphorylation site required for the maximal action of 20 E through its nuclear receptor complex Ec RUSP. The usp;mutant, in which Ser was replaced with Ala at position 35 by genome editing, showed decreased expression of Halloween genes that are responsible for ecdysone biosynthesis and thus attenuated 20 E signaling that delayed developmental timing. The usp;mutant also showed lower Yorkie activity that reduced body size. Altogether, JH membrane signaling phosphorylates USP at Ser35 and thus potentiates 20 E action that regulates the normal fly development. This study helps better understand the complex JH signaling network.

Bilateral regulatory action of corticotropin-releasing hormone on immune-mediated inflammation

In trauma, infection and hemorrhagic shock derived stress, primary and secondary injury may result in severe derangement in the internal environment. The abnormal changes of immune-mediated inflammation interfere its pathogenesis and development directly. In recent years, various aspects of neuroendocrine responses, especially the regulatory effects of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and sympathetico-adrenomedullary axes in inflammatory diseases have been the focus of research. Most importantly,corticotropin-releasing hormone （CRH） acts as a key player in the regulation of interactions between neuroendocrine and immunity both directly and indirectly. The paper summarized the recent development of CRH in the immune-mediated inflammation.

Effect of Chaihushugan San on expression of the Raf/mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway in the hippocampi of perimenopausal rats induced by immobilization stress

OBJECTIVE: We wished to study the impact of Chaihushugan San(CSS) on the behavior of perimenopausal rats with liver-Qi stagnation(LQS) and to investigate the effect of CSS on signal transduction of the Raf/mitogen-activated protein kinase(MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK) cascade in the hippocampi of rats induced by immobilization.METHODS: Twenty 52-week-old female rats were divided into two groups by the random number table method: model control group(MCG) and CSS group(CSSG), with 10 rats in each group.Ten-week-old female rats were used as the normal control group(NCG). CSS effects were assessed using rats exposed to immobilization stress by measuring body weight and sucrose consumption, serum hormone levels, and observing performance in the open field test(OFT). Molecular mechanisms were examined by measuring the effect of CSS on expression of Raf1, MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 m RNA in hippocampi using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and by measuring levels of these proteins and related phospho-proteins using Western blotting.RESULTS: Perimenopausal rats with LQS had decreased locomotor activity; reduced sucrose consumption; and increased serum levels of corticotropin releasing hormone(CRH) and corticosterone(CORT). Activation of hippocampal Raf/MEK/ERK cascade was suppressed significantly in the MCG,and activation was increased after 21 days of CSS treatment.CONCLUSION: CSS has significant effects upon relief of the symptoms of LQS in immobilization-induced rats. The mechanism underlying this action might(at least in part) be mediated by reversal of disruption of the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway.

Regulatory mechanism of hormones of the pituitary-target gland axes in kidney-Yang deficiency based on a support vector machine model

OBJECTIVE:To study the development mechanism of kidney-Yang deficiency through the establishment of support vector machine models of relevant hormones of the pituitary-target gland axes in rats with kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome.METHODS:The kidney-Yang deficiency rat model was created by intramuscular injection of hydrocortisone,and contents of the hormones of the pituita- ry-thyroid axis:thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH),3,3',5-triiodothyronine(T_3) and thyroxine(T_4);hormones of the pituitary-adrenal gland axis:adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH) and Cortisol(CORT);and hormones of the pituitary-gonadal axis:luteinizing hormone(LH),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),and testosterone(T),were determined in the early,middle,and advanced stages.Ten support vector regression(SVR) models of the hormones were established to analyze the mutual relationships among the hormones of the three axes.RESULTS:The feedback control action of the pituitary-adrenal axis began to lose efficacy from the middle stage of kidney-Kong deficiency.The contents all hormones of the three pituitary-target gland axes decreased in the advanced stage.Relative errors of the jackknife test of the SVR models all were less than 10%.CONCLUSION:Imbalances in mutual regulation among the hormones of the pituitary-target gland axes,especially loss of effectiveness of the pituitary-adrenal axis,is one pathogenesis of kidney-Yang deficiency.The SVR model can accurately reflect the complicated non-linear relationships among pituitary-target gland axes in rats with of kidney-Yang deficiency.

What are extreme environmental conditions and how do organisms cope with them？

Severe environmental conditions affect organisms in two major ways. The environment may be predictably severe such as in deserts, polar and alpine regions, or individuals may be exposed to temporarily extreme conditions through weather, presence of predators, lack of food, social status etc. Existence in an extreme environment may be possible, but then to breed or molt in addition can present major bottlenecks that have resulted in the evolution of hormone-behavior adaptations to cope with unpredictable events. Examples of hormone-behavior adaptations in extreme conditions include attenuated testosterone secretion because territoriality and excess courtship may be too costly when there is one opportunity to reproduce. The individual may even become insensitive to testosterone when target areas of the brain regulating reproductive behavior no longer respond to the hormone. A second example is reduced sensitivity to glucocorticoids following acute stress during the breeding season or molt that allows successful reproduction and/or a vital renewal of the integument to endure extreme conditions during the rest of the year. Reduced sensitivity could involve： （a） modulated response of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, （b） reduced sensitivity to high glucocorticoid levels, or （c） a combination of （a） and （b）. Moreover, corticosteroid binding proteins （CBP） buffer responses to stress by reducing the movement of glucocorticoids into target cells. Finally, intracellular enzymes （11 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and variants） can deactivate glucocorticoids entering cells thus reducing interaction with receptors. These mechanisms have important implications for climate change and increasing extremes of weather [Current Zoology 57 （3）： 363-374, 2011].