Objective: To expound the mechanism of nerve growth factor (NGF) to protectspinal cord against injury. Methods: Forty-five rats with 10 g X 2. 5 cm impact T_8 spinal cordinjury (SCI) were divided into 3 groups. The ex...Objective: To expound the mechanism of nerve growth factor (NGF) to protectspinal cord against injury. Methods: Forty-five rats with 10 g X 2. 5 cm impact T_8 spinal cordinjury (SCI) were divided into 3 groups. The experimental animals received 60 g NGF purified frombovine seminal plasma instantly, 1, 2, 4 h after in jury and an equal volume of normal saline wasgiven to the control group at the same time. The c-fos mRNA levels were detected by in situhybridization. Results: The results showed no evident c-fos expression in normal control group. Thec-fos expression increased markedly in damaged neurons. The peak value of c-fos mRNA arose at 1 h,and c-fos levels in NGF group reduced evidently. Conclusion: NGF could inhibit c-fos expression. Itmay serve as one of the action mechanisms of NGF to protect spinal cord against injury.展开更多
AIM: To study the method of dissociation, culture and investigate its morphologic changes in vitro of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC).METHODS: Enzymatic digestion and Ficoll density centrifugation were used to disso...AIM: To study the method of dissociation, culture and investigate its morphologic changes in vitro of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC).METHODS: Enzymatic digestion and Ficoll density centrifugation were used to dissociate ICC from the ileal segment of mice. Factors including contamination, Ca2+, Mg2+ and collagenase, and stem cell factor, etc., were investigated.ACK2, the antibody of c-kit, was used to identify the cultured ICC. Both light microscope and fluorescence microscope were used to observe the changes of ICC in vitro.RESULTS: The method for dissociation and culture of ICC in vitro was successfully established. After 24 h, cultured ICC exhibited a few axis-cylinders, and longer axis-cylinders were observed to form synapse of each other after 3 d. More widespread connections formed within 7 d in vitro. The changes of its morphologic character were obvious within 7 d; however, there were no obvious morphologic changes after 30 d.CONCLUSION: Many factors can influence the dissociation and culture of ICC.展开更多
In anticipation of the massive burden of neurodegenerative disease within super-aged societies, great efforts have been made to utilize neural stem and progenitor cells for regenerative medicine. The capacity of intri...In anticipation of the massive burden of neurodegenerative disease within super-aged societies, great efforts have been made to utilize neural stem and progenitor cells for regenerative medicine. The capacity of intrinsic neural stem and progenitor cells to regenerate damaged brain tissue remains unclear, due in part to the lack of knowledge about how these newly born neurons integrate into functional circuitry. As sizable integration of adult-born neurons naturally occurs in the dentate gyrus region of the hippocampus, clarifying the mechanisms of this process could provide insights for applying neural stem and progenitor cells in clinical settings. There is convincing evidence of functional correlations between adult-born neurons and memory consolidation and sleep; therefore, we describe some new advances that were left untouched in our recent review.展开更多
AIM:To examine whether the ob/ob mouse model of obesity is accompanied by enteric nervous system ab-normalities such as altered motility METHODS:The study examined the distribution of the P2X 2 receptor (P2X 2 R) in m...AIM:To examine whether the ob/ob mouse model of obesity is accompanied by enteric nervous system ab-normalities such as altered motility METHODS:The study examined the distribution of the P2X 2 receptor (P2X 2 R) in myenteric neurons of female ob/ob mice. Specifically, we used immunohistochemistry to analyze the co-expression of the P2X 2 R with neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), choline acetyltrans-ferase (ChAT), and calretinin (CalR) in neurons of the small intestine myenteric plexus in ob/ob and control female mice In these sections, we used scanning confocal microscopy to analyze the co-localization of these markers as well as the neuronal density (cm 2 ) and area profile (μm2) of P2X 2 R-positive neurons In addition, enteric neurons were labeled using the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NA H) diaphorase method and analyzed with light microscopy as an alternate means by which to analyze neuronal density and areaRESULTS:In the present study, we observed a 29 6% increase in the body weight of the ob/ob animals (OG) compared to the control group (CG) In addition, the average small intestine area was increased by approxi-mately 29 6% in the OG compared to the CG Immu-noreactivity (IR) for the P2X 2 R, nNOS, ChAT and CalR was detectable in the myenteric plexus, as well as in the smooth muscle, in both groups This IR appeared to be mainly cytoplasmic and was also associated with the cell membrane of the myenteric plexus neurons, where it outlined the neuronal cell bodies and their processes P2X 2 R-IR was observed to co-localize 100% with that for nNOS, ChAT and CalR in neurons of both groups In the ob/ob group, however, we observed that the neuronal density (neuron/cm 2 ) of P2X 2 R-IR cells was in-creased by 62% compared to CG, while that of NOS-IR and ChAT-IR neurons was reduced by 49% and 57%, respectively, compared to control mice The neuronal density of CalR-IR neurons was not different between the groups Morphometric studies further demonstrated that the cell body profile area (μm2) of nNOS-IR, ChAT-IR and CalR-IR neurons was increased by 34%, 20% and 55%, respectively, in the OG compared to controls Staining for NA H diaphorase activity is widely used to detect alterations in the enteric nervous system; however, our qualitative examination of NA H-diaphorase positive neurons in the myenteric ganglia revealed an overall similarity between the two groups CONCLUSION:We demonstrate increases in P2X2R expression and alterations in nNOS, ChAT and CalR IR in ileal myenteric neurons of female ob/ob mice compared to wild-type controls.展开更多
Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is a key player in pain and neurogenic inflammation, and is localized in nociceptive primary sensory dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. TRPA1 plays a major role in t...Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is a key player in pain and neurogenic inflammation, and is localized in nociceptive primary sensory dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. TRPA1 plays a major role in the transmission of nociceptive sensory signals. The generation of neurogenic inflammation appears to involve TRPAl-evoked release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). However, it remains unknown whether TRPA1 or CGRP expression is affected by TRPA 1 activation. Thus, in this study, we examined TRPA 1 and CGRP expression in DRG neurons in vitro after treatment with the TRPA1 activator tbrmaldehyde or the TRPA1 blocker menthol. In addition, we examined the role of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in this process. DRG neurons in culture were exposed to formaldehyde, menthol, the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 + formaldehyde, or PD98059 + menthol. After treatment, real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot assay and double immunofluorescence labeling were performed to evaluate TRPA1 and CGRP expression in DRG neurons. Formaldehyde elevated mRNA and protein levels of TRPA 1 and CGRP, as well as the proportion of TRPA1- and CGRP-positive neurons. In contrast, menthol reduced TRPA1 and CGRP expression. Furthermore, the effects of lbrmaldehyde, but not menthol, on CGRP expression were blocked by pretreatment with PD98059. PD98059 pretreatment did not affect TRPA1 expression in the presence of formaldehyde or menthol.展开更多
Since the discovery of the tetracycline in 1953, numerous natural andsemisynthelic tetracyclines have been reported with broad spectrum antibacterial activity .Doxycycline 1 and minocycline 2 are semisyn-thetic second...Since the discovery of the tetracycline in 1953, numerous natural andsemisynthelic tetracyclines have been reported with broad spectrum antibacterial activity .Doxycycline 1 and minocycline 2 are semisyn-thetic second-generation tetracyclines that exertanti-inflammatory effects. These effects appear completely separate and distinct fromtheirantimicrobial actio. Minocycline and doxycycline are absorbed rapidly and show higher brainpenetrability than other tetracyclines. During recent years, doxycycline and minocycline have shownto have neuroprotective effects in models of global and focal ischemia . The neuroprotective effectsare assumed to result from the inhibition of microglia activation. Furthermore, from an in vitrostudy, it was reported that minocycline induces neuroprotection against NMDA-induced neurotoxicityby inhibiting p38 MAP ki-nase activity in microglia . However, neuroprotective mechanisms andstructure-activity relationships of these compounds in neurons are unclear.展开更多
We have found that Batroxobin plays a protective role in ischemic brain injury, which attracted us to investigate the effect of Batroxobin on apoptosis of neurons during cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. The apoptoti...We have found that Batroxobin plays a protective role in ischemic brain injury, which attracted us to investigate the effect of Batroxobin on apoptosis of neurons during cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. The apoptotic cells in ischemic rat brains at different reperfusion intervals were tested with method of TdT-mediated dUTP-DIG nick end labeling (TUNEL) and the effect of Batroxobin on the apoptosis of neurons was studied in left middle cerebral artery (LMCA) occlusion and reperfusion in rat models (n = 18). The results showed that few scattered apoptosis cells were observed in right cerebral hemispheres after LMCA occlusion and reperfusion, and that a lot of apoptosis cells were found in left ischemic cortex and caudoputamen at 12 h reperfusion, and they reached peak at 24 h-48 h reperfusion. However, in the rats pretreated with Batroxobin, the number of apoptosis cells in left cerebral cortex and caudoputamen reduced significantly and the neuronal damage was much milder at 24 h reperfusion than that of saline-treated rats. The results indicate that administration of Batroxobin may reduce the apoptosis of neurons induced by cerebral ischemia and reperfusion and afford significant cerebroprotection in the model of focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion.展开更多
AIM To investigate the mechanisms underlying the potential contribution of the heme oxygenase/carbon monoxide(HO/CO) pathway in the constipating effects of granisetron. METHODS For in vivo studies, gastrointestinal mo...AIM To investigate the mechanisms underlying the potential contribution of the heme oxygenase/carbon monoxide(HO/CO) pathway in the constipating effects of granisetron. METHODS For in vivo studies, gastrointestinal motility was evaluated in male rats acutely treated with granisetron [25, 50, 75 μg/kg/subcutaneous(sc)], zinc protoporphyrin IX [Zn PPIX, 50 μg/kg/intraperitoneal(ip)] and hemin(50 μmol/L/kg/ip), alone or in combination. For in vitro studies, the contractile neurogenic response to electrical field stimulation(EFS, 3, 5, 10 Hz, 14 V, 1 ms, pulse trains lasting 10 s), as well as the contractile myogenic response to acetylcholine(ACh, 0.1-100 μmol/L) were evaluated on colon specimens incubated with granisetron(3 μmol/L, 15 min), Zn PPIX(10 μmol/L, 60 min) or CO-releasing molecule-3(CORM-3, 100, 200, 400 μmol/L) alone or in combination. These experiments were performed under co-treatment withor without atropine(3 μmol/L, a muscarinic receptor antagonist) or NG-nitro-L-Arginine(L-NNA, 100 μmol/L, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor).RESULTS Administration of granisetron(50, 75 μg/kg) in vivo significantly increased the time to first defecation(P = 0.045 vs vehicle-treated rats), clearly suggesting a constipating effect of this drug. Although administration of Zn PPIX or hemin alone had no effect on this gastrointestinal motility parameter, Zn PPIX co-administered with granisetron abolished the granisetron-induced constipation. On the other hand, co-administration of hemin and granisetron did not modify the increased constipation observed under granisetron alone. When administered in vitro, granisetron alone(3 μmol/L) did not significantly modify the colon's contractile response to either EFS or ACh. Incubation with Zn PPIX alone(10 μmol/L) significantly reduced the colon's contractile response to EFS(P = 0.016) but had no effect on contractile response to ACh. Co-administration of Zn PPIX and atropine(3 μmol/L) abolished the Zn PPIX-mediated decrease in contractile response to EFS. Conversely, incubation with CORM-3(400 μmol/L) alone increased both the contractile response to EFS at 10 Hz(10 Hz: 71.02 ± 19.16 vs 116.25 ± 53.70, P = 0.01) and the contractile response to ACh(100 μmol/L)(P = 0.012). Co-administration of atropine abolished the CORM-3-mediated effects on the EFS-mediated response. When granisetron was co-incubated in vitro with ZnP PIX, the ZnP PIX-mediated decrease in colon contractile response to EFS was lost. On the other hand, co-incubation of granisetron and CORM-3(400 μmol/L) further increased the colon's contractile response to EFS(at 5 Hz: P = 0.007; at 10 Hz: P = 0.001) and to ACh(ACh 10 μmol/L: P = 0.001; ACh 100 μmol/L: P = 0.001) elicited by CORM-3 alone. L-NNA co-administered with granisetron and CORM-3 abolished the potentiating effect of CORM-3 on granisetron on both the EFSinduced and ACh-induced contractile response.CONCLUSION Taken together, findings from in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that the HO/CO pathway is involved in the constipating effects of granisetron.展开更多
Dip-pen nanolithography is a new scanning probe lithography (SPL) technique based on atomic force microscopy (AFM), and now has made a great progress. The process of dip-pen lithography involves the adsorption of ink ...Dip-pen nanolithography is a new scanning probe lithography (SPL) technique based on atomic force microscopy (AFM), and now has made a great progress. The process of dip-pen lithography involves the adsorption of ink molecules on AFM tip, the formation of water meniscus, the transport of ink molecules, and diffusion of ink molecules on the substrate. More factors such as temperature, humidity, tip, scanning speed and so on will influence the process of dip-pen lithography. The paper analyzes in detail the mechanism of this technique, introduces synthetically the latest development, including electrochemical DPN, more-mode DPN, multiple DPN, multi-probe array DPN and so on. Finally, the paper describes the characteristics and the application of DPN.展开更多
Objective: To clone, express, and identify the extracellular domain gene of human p75 neurotrophin receptor with IgG-Fe (hp75NTR-Fc) in prokaryotic expression system, and investigate the effect of the recombinant p...Objective: To clone, express, and identify the extracellular domain gene of human p75 neurotrophin receptor with IgG-Fe (hp75NTR-Fc) in prokaryotic expression system, and investigate the effect of the recombinant protein on dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neuron neurites. Methods: The hp75NTR-Fc coding sequence was amplified from pcDNA-hp75NTR-Fc by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subcloned into vector pET30a (+), in which hp75NTR-Fc expression was controlled under the T7 promoter. The recombinant vectors were amplified in E. coli DH5α and identified by PCR, enzyme digestion and sequencing, and then transformed into E. coli BL21 (DE3). The expression product was analyzed with SDS-PAGE and Western blot. Then after the recombinant protein purified with Protein A affinity chromatograph, and renaturated with dialysis, respectively, the effect of the recombinant protein on DRG neuron neuritis was further investigated. Results: The results of PCR, enzyme digestion, and sequencing demonstrated the success of inserting the hp75NTR-Fc fragment into vector pET30a (+). SDS-PAGE and Western blot showed a positive protein band with molecular weight about 50 kD in the expression product, which is accordant with the interest protein, and this band could be specifically recognized by rabbit anti-NGFRp75 antibody. The purified infusion protein following dialysis could promote neurite outgrowth of DRG neurons cultured with myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG). Conclusion: The hp75NTR-Fc coding sequence was subcloned into the expression vector pET30a (+) correctly and expressed successfully in the prokaryotie expression system. The infusion protein could promote neurite outgrowth of DRG neurons cultured with MAG.展开更多
An insect excitatory toxin gene from Buthus martensii Karseh (BmKIT) was cloned into the expression vector, pET-28a. BmKIT was expressed as inclusion bodies in Eseherichia coli BL21 (DE3) host cells. The authentic...An insect excitatory toxin gene from Buthus martensii Karseh (BmKIT) was cloned into the expression vector, pET-28a. BmKIT was expressed as inclusion bodies in Eseherichia coli BL21 (DE3) host cells. The authenticity of in vitro expressed protein was confirmed by Western blot. The inclusion body protein band in SDS-PAGE was excised and the protein, BmKIT, was extracted. Polyelonal antibodies to the purified protein were raised in rabbits. The antibody reacted specifically with the expressed BmKIT and was used to quantify its presence in transgenic cotton.展开更多
Objective Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) constitute a rare and heterogeneous group of tumors with varied biology and still constitute a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for physicians...Objective Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) constitute a rare and heterogeneous group of tumors with varied biology and still constitute a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for physicians of all specialties. In the present study, we aimed to review and study the clinicopathological characteristics of GEP-NENs applying the World Health Organization (WHO) 2010 grading criterion. Methods A total of 48 patients were enrolled in the study. The study included patients diagnosed with GEP-NENs who were treated and followed up at our Hospital from January 2013 to December 2017. Data regarding clinicopathological features of the patients were retrospectively evaluated. The expression of neuroendocrine markers was measured using the immunohistochemical Ultra SensitiveTM S-P method of staining in 48 cases of primary GEP-NENs; and serum levels of neuron-specific enolase, carbohydrate an-tigen 19-9, and carcinoembryonic antigen in 36 GEP-NEN patients were measured using the electrochemiluminescence method. Results The median age at presentation was 59.3 (range 48-82) years, and 39 cases (81.3%) were seen between the 5th and 6th decades. There was a male predilection (male: female=3:1). In 79.2% cases (38/48), tumors were hormonally nonfunctional. The most common presentation was abdominal pain, and the most frequent primary site of the tumor was the rectum, followed by the stomach (n = 15, 31.3%), colon (n = 5, 10.4%), and so on. Of the 48 tumors, 16 (33.3%) were G1,6 (12.5%) cases were G2, 16 (33.3%) were neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC), and 10 (20.8%) were mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC). According to the AJCC/UICC classification, 45.8% (n = 22) were diagnosed at low stage (stage Ⅰ or Ⅱ) while 54.2% (n = 26) were diagnosed at high stage (stage Ⅲ or Ⅳ) (the majority of NEC, G3, and MANEC). A male preponderance was noted for all tumors except for G2 neoplasms, which showed no gender predilection. Thirty-nine patients underwent endoscopic biopsy. The lesions in 18.8% (n = 9) of the patients were indentified only radiologically. After the surgical procedures, 36 had at least one follow-up visit with a median follow-up duration of 5 months; the mean follow-up period was 28 ± 16 months. The one- year and three-year survival rates were 72.2% (26/36) and 61.1% (22/36), respectively. This study did not find an effect of grade 3 (G3) of tumor on the short-term clinical outcome of these patients. In the survival analysis, NEN G3, higher stage (stage Ⅲ or Ⅳ) according to the AJCC/UICC classification (P 〈 0.05), and metastases at diagnosis (P 〈 0.05) were associated with poorer prognosis. Conclusion Most GEP-NENs are nonfunctional and nonspecific in presentation. The most frequent primary site of the tumor was the rectum and the commonest ages at diagnosis were the 5th and 6th decades. Endoscopic biopsy is the main diagnostic and histological grading method for GEP-NEN. In the survival analysis, NEN G3, a higher stage according to the AJCC/UICC classification, and metastases at diagnosis are associated with poorer prognosis.展开更多
Primary central nervous system lymphoma(PCNSL) is a rare disorder that, in 95% of cases, represents diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. As such, making an accurate diagnosis is important. At present, stereotactic-guided bi...Primary central nervous system lymphoma(PCNSL) is a rare disorder that, in 95% of cases, represents diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. As such, making an accurate diagnosis is important. At present, stereotactic-guided biopsy is a recognized method of choice for tissue analysis. However, the diagnostic work-up for high-risk patients is determined by their performance status. Here,we report a case of PCNSL in a high-risk patient, for whom diagnosis was established by cerebrospinal fluid cytology and flow cytometry, which significantly shortened a diagnostic work-up period and allowed for the immediate treatment of the patient.展开更多
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 unde...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.展开更多
文摘Objective: To expound the mechanism of nerve growth factor (NGF) to protectspinal cord against injury. Methods: Forty-five rats with 10 g X 2. 5 cm impact T_8 spinal cordinjury (SCI) were divided into 3 groups. The experimental animals received 60 g NGF purified frombovine seminal plasma instantly, 1, 2, 4 h after in jury and an equal volume of normal saline wasgiven to the control group at the same time. The c-fos mRNA levels were detected by in situhybridization. Results: The results showed no evident c-fos expression in normal control group. Thec-fos expression increased markedly in damaged neurons. The peak value of c-fos mRNA arose at 1 h,and c-fos levels in NGF group reduced evidently. Conclusion: NGF could inhibit c-fos expression. Itmay serve as one of the action mechanisms of NGF to protect spinal cord against injury.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30300156
文摘AIM: To study the method of dissociation, culture and investigate its morphologic changes in vitro of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC).METHODS: Enzymatic digestion and Ficoll density centrifugation were used to dissociate ICC from the ileal segment of mice. Factors including contamination, Ca2+, Mg2+ and collagenase, and stem cell factor, etc., were investigated.ACK2, the antibody of c-kit, was used to identify the cultured ICC. Both light microscope and fluorescence microscope were used to observe the changes of ICC in vitro.RESULTS: The method for dissociation and culture of ICC in vitro was successfully established. After 24 h, cultured ICC exhibited a few axis-cylinders, and longer axis-cylinders were observed to form synapse of each other after 3 d. More widespread connections formed within 7 d in vitro. The changes of its morphologic character were obvious within 7 d; however, there were no obvious morphologic changes after 30 d.CONCLUSION: Many factors can influence the dissociation and culture of ICC.
基金partially supported by the MEXT World Premier International Research Center Initiative,CREST JST,MEXT KAKENHI for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas "Microendophenotype"(25116530)and "Memory Dynamism"(26115502)JSPS KAKENHI Grants(16K18359,15F15408)+12 种基金Research Foundation for Opto-Science and TechnologyKato Memorial Bioscience FoundationJapan Foundation for Applied EnzymologyUehara Memorial Foundation2016 Inamori Research Grants ProgramIchiro Kanehara Foundation for the Promotion of Medical Sciences and Medical CareLife Science Foundation of JapanKowa Life Science Foundation Research GrantGSK Japan Research GrantKANAE Foundation for the Promotion of Medical ScienceShimadzu Foundation for the Promotion of Science and TechnologyTakeda Science Foundation to MSThe Tokyo Biochemical Research Foundation to SS
文摘In anticipation of the massive burden of neurodegenerative disease within super-aged societies, great efforts have been made to utilize neural stem and progenitor cells for regenerative medicine. The capacity of intrinsic neural stem and progenitor cells to regenerate damaged brain tissue remains unclear, due in part to the lack of knowledge about how these newly born neurons integrate into functional circuitry. As sizable integration of adult-born neurons naturally occurs in the dentate gyrus region of the hippocampus, clarifying the mechanisms of this process could provide insights for applying neural stem and progenitor cells in clinical settings. There is convincing evidence of functional correlations between adult-born neurons and memory consolidation and sleep; therefore, we describe some new advances that were left untouched in our recent review.
基金Supported by So Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), Proc 05/04752-0
文摘AIM:To examine whether the ob/ob mouse model of obesity is accompanied by enteric nervous system ab-normalities such as altered motility METHODS:The study examined the distribution of the P2X 2 receptor (P2X 2 R) in myenteric neurons of female ob/ob mice. Specifically, we used immunohistochemistry to analyze the co-expression of the P2X 2 R with neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), choline acetyltrans-ferase (ChAT), and calretinin (CalR) in neurons of the small intestine myenteric plexus in ob/ob and control female mice In these sections, we used scanning confocal microscopy to analyze the co-localization of these markers as well as the neuronal density (cm 2 ) and area profile (μm2) of P2X 2 R-positive neurons In addition, enteric neurons were labeled using the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NA H) diaphorase method and analyzed with light microscopy as an alternate means by which to analyze neuronal density and areaRESULTS:In the present study, we observed a 29 6% increase in the body weight of the ob/ob animals (OG) compared to the control group (CG) In addition, the average small intestine area was increased by approxi-mately 29 6% in the OG compared to the CG Immu-noreactivity (IR) for the P2X 2 R, nNOS, ChAT and CalR was detectable in the myenteric plexus, as well as in the smooth muscle, in both groups This IR appeared to be mainly cytoplasmic and was also associated with the cell membrane of the myenteric plexus neurons, where it outlined the neuronal cell bodies and their processes P2X 2 R-IR was observed to co-localize 100% with that for nNOS, ChAT and CalR in neurons of both groups In the ob/ob group, however, we observed that the neuronal density (neuron/cm 2 ) of P2X 2 R-IR cells was in-creased by 62% compared to CG, while that of NOS-IR and ChAT-IR neurons was reduced by 49% and 57%, respectively, compared to control mice The neuronal density of CalR-IR neurons was not different between the groups Morphometric studies further demonstrated that the cell body profile area (μm2) of nNOS-IR, ChAT-IR and CalR-IR neurons was increased by 34%, 20% and 55%, respectively, in the OG compared to controls Staining for NA H diaphorase activity is widely used to detect alterations in the enteric nervous system; however, our qualitative examination of NA H-diaphorase positive neurons in the myenteric ganglia revealed an overall similarity between the two groups CONCLUSION:We demonstrate increases in P2X2R expression and alterations in nNOS, ChAT and CalR IR in ileal myenteric neurons of female ob/ob mice compared to wild-type controls.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81501935(to HL)the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province of China,No.ZR2014HQ065(to HL)
文摘Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is a key player in pain and neurogenic inflammation, and is localized in nociceptive primary sensory dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. TRPA1 plays a major role in the transmission of nociceptive sensory signals. The generation of neurogenic inflammation appears to involve TRPAl-evoked release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). However, it remains unknown whether TRPA1 or CGRP expression is affected by TRPA 1 activation. Thus, in this study, we examined TRPA 1 and CGRP expression in DRG neurons in vitro after treatment with the TRPA1 activator tbrmaldehyde or the TRPA1 blocker menthol. In addition, we examined the role of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in this process. DRG neurons in culture were exposed to formaldehyde, menthol, the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 + formaldehyde, or PD98059 + menthol. After treatment, real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot assay and double immunofluorescence labeling were performed to evaluate TRPA1 and CGRP expression in DRG neurons. Formaldehyde elevated mRNA and protein levels of TRPA 1 and CGRP, as well as the proportion of TRPA1- and CGRP-positive neurons. In contrast, menthol reduced TRPA1 and CGRP expression. Furthermore, the effects of lbrmaldehyde, but not menthol, on CGRP expression were blocked by pretreatment with PD98059. PD98059 pretreatment did not affect TRPA1 expression in the presence of formaldehyde or menthol.
文摘Since the discovery of the tetracycline in 1953, numerous natural andsemisynthelic tetracyclines have been reported with broad spectrum antibacterial activity .Doxycycline 1 and minocycline 2 are semisyn-thetic second-generation tetracyclines that exertanti-inflammatory effects. These effects appear completely separate and distinct fromtheirantimicrobial actio. Minocycline and doxycycline are absorbed rapidly and show higher brainpenetrability than other tetracyclines. During recent years, doxycycline and minocycline have shownto have neuroprotective effects in models of global and focal ischemia . The neuroprotective effectsare assumed to result from the inhibition of microglia activation. Furthermore, from an in vitrostudy, it was reported that minocycline induces neuroprotection against NMDA-induced neurotoxicityby inhibiting p38 MAP ki-nase activity in microglia . However, neuroprotective mechanisms andstructure-activity relationships of these compounds in neurons are unclear.
文摘We have found that Batroxobin plays a protective role in ischemic brain injury, which attracted us to investigate the effect of Batroxobin on apoptosis of neurons during cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. The apoptotic cells in ischemic rat brains at different reperfusion intervals were tested with method of TdT-mediated dUTP-DIG nick end labeling (TUNEL) and the effect of Batroxobin on the apoptosis of neurons was studied in left middle cerebral artery (LMCA) occlusion and reperfusion in rat models (n = 18). The results showed that few scattered apoptosis cells were observed in right cerebral hemispheres after LMCA occlusion and reperfusion, and that a lot of apoptosis cells were found in left ischemic cortex and caudoputamen at 12 h reperfusion, and they reached peak at 24 h-48 h reperfusion. However, in the rats pretreated with Batroxobin, the number of apoptosis cells in left cerebral cortex and caudoputamen reduced significantly and the neuronal damage was much milder at 24 h reperfusion than that of saline-treated rats. The results indicate that administration of Batroxobin may reduce the apoptosis of neurons induced by cerebral ischemia and reperfusion and afford significant cerebroprotection in the model of focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion.
基金Supported by Universitàdegli Studi di Bari,protocol No.10110 tit-VIII/2
文摘AIM To investigate the mechanisms underlying the potential contribution of the heme oxygenase/carbon monoxide(HO/CO) pathway in the constipating effects of granisetron. METHODS For in vivo studies, gastrointestinal motility was evaluated in male rats acutely treated with granisetron [25, 50, 75 μg/kg/subcutaneous(sc)], zinc protoporphyrin IX [Zn PPIX, 50 μg/kg/intraperitoneal(ip)] and hemin(50 μmol/L/kg/ip), alone or in combination. For in vitro studies, the contractile neurogenic response to electrical field stimulation(EFS, 3, 5, 10 Hz, 14 V, 1 ms, pulse trains lasting 10 s), as well as the contractile myogenic response to acetylcholine(ACh, 0.1-100 μmol/L) were evaluated on colon specimens incubated with granisetron(3 μmol/L, 15 min), Zn PPIX(10 μmol/L, 60 min) or CO-releasing molecule-3(CORM-3, 100, 200, 400 μmol/L) alone or in combination. These experiments were performed under co-treatment withor without atropine(3 μmol/L, a muscarinic receptor antagonist) or NG-nitro-L-Arginine(L-NNA, 100 μmol/L, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor).RESULTS Administration of granisetron(50, 75 μg/kg) in vivo significantly increased the time to first defecation(P = 0.045 vs vehicle-treated rats), clearly suggesting a constipating effect of this drug. Although administration of Zn PPIX or hemin alone had no effect on this gastrointestinal motility parameter, Zn PPIX co-administered with granisetron abolished the granisetron-induced constipation. On the other hand, co-administration of hemin and granisetron did not modify the increased constipation observed under granisetron alone. When administered in vitro, granisetron alone(3 μmol/L) did not significantly modify the colon's contractile response to either EFS or ACh. Incubation with Zn PPIX alone(10 μmol/L) significantly reduced the colon's contractile response to EFS(P = 0.016) but had no effect on contractile response to ACh. Co-administration of Zn PPIX and atropine(3 μmol/L) abolished the Zn PPIX-mediated decrease in contractile response to EFS. Conversely, incubation with CORM-3(400 μmol/L) alone increased both the contractile response to EFS at 10 Hz(10 Hz: 71.02 ± 19.16 vs 116.25 ± 53.70, P = 0.01) and the contractile response to ACh(100 μmol/L)(P = 0.012). Co-administration of atropine abolished the CORM-3-mediated effects on the EFS-mediated response. When granisetron was co-incubated in vitro with ZnP PIX, the ZnP PIX-mediated decrease in colon contractile response to EFS was lost. On the other hand, co-incubation of granisetron and CORM-3(400 μmol/L) further increased the colon's contractile response to EFS(at 5 Hz: P = 0.007; at 10 Hz: P = 0.001) and to ACh(ACh 10 μmol/L: P = 0.001; ACh 100 μmol/L: P = 0.001) elicited by CORM-3 alone. L-NNA co-administered with granisetron and CORM-3 abolished the potentiating effect of CORM-3 on granisetron on both the EFSinduced and ACh-induced contractile response.CONCLUSION Taken together, findings from in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that the HO/CO pathway is involved in the constipating effects of granisetron.
基金Foundation of Education of Zhejiang Province, China ( No.20060470).
文摘Dip-pen nanolithography is a new scanning probe lithography (SPL) technique based on atomic force microscopy (AFM), and now has made a great progress. The process of dip-pen lithography involves the adsorption of ink molecules on AFM tip, the formation of water meniscus, the transport of ink molecules, and diffusion of ink molecules on the substrate. More factors such as temperature, humidity, tip, scanning speed and so on will influence the process of dip-pen lithography. The paper analyzes in detail the mechanism of this technique, introduces synthetically the latest development, including electrochemical DPN, more-mode DPN, multiple DPN, multi-probe array DPN and so on. Finally, the paper describes the characteristics and the application of DPN.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30600665)the Natural Science Foundation Project of CQ CSTC (CSTC, 2008BB5107)+1 种基金the Youth Scientific Research Foundation of Third Military Medical University (06XG048)the Open Project Program of the State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury (2006A-3)
文摘Objective: To clone, express, and identify the extracellular domain gene of human p75 neurotrophin receptor with IgG-Fe (hp75NTR-Fc) in prokaryotic expression system, and investigate the effect of the recombinant protein on dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neuron neurites. Methods: The hp75NTR-Fc coding sequence was amplified from pcDNA-hp75NTR-Fc by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subcloned into vector pET30a (+), in which hp75NTR-Fc expression was controlled under the T7 promoter. The recombinant vectors were amplified in E. coli DH5α and identified by PCR, enzyme digestion and sequencing, and then transformed into E. coli BL21 (DE3). The expression product was analyzed with SDS-PAGE and Western blot. Then after the recombinant protein purified with Protein A affinity chromatograph, and renaturated with dialysis, respectively, the effect of the recombinant protein on DRG neuron neuritis was further investigated. Results: The results of PCR, enzyme digestion, and sequencing demonstrated the success of inserting the hp75NTR-Fc fragment into vector pET30a (+). SDS-PAGE and Western blot showed a positive protein band with molecular weight about 50 kD in the expression product, which is accordant with the interest protein, and this band could be specifically recognized by rabbit anti-NGFRp75 antibody. The purified infusion protein following dialysis could promote neurite outgrowth of DRG neurons cultured with myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG). Conclusion: The hp75NTR-Fc coding sequence was subcloned into the expression vector pET30a (+) correctly and expressed successfully in the prokaryotie expression system. The infusion protein could promote neurite outgrowth of DRG neurons cultured with MAG.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No30670282 and 30470239)Natural Science Foundation of Shanxi Province(20051065 and 20041033)Scholar Foundation of Shanxi Province
文摘An insect excitatory toxin gene from Buthus martensii Karseh (BmKIT) was cloned into the expression vector, pET-28a. BmKIT was expressed as inclusion bodies in Eseherichia coli BL21 (DE3) host cells. The authenticity of in vitro expressed protein was confirmed by Western blot. The inclusion body protein band in SDS-PAGE was excised and the protein, BmKIT, was extracted. Polyelonal antibodies to the purified protein were raised in rabbits. The antibody reacted specifically with the expressed BmKIT and was used to quantify its presence in transgenic cotton.
基金Supported by a grant from the Jining Medical University Teacher’s Research Support Fund(No.2018)
文摘Objective Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) constitute a rare and heterogeneous group of tumors with varied biology and still constitute a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for physicians of all specialties. In the present study, we aimed to review and study the clinicopathological characteristics of GEP-NENs applying the World Health Organization (WHO) 2010 grading criterion. Methods A total of 48 patients were enrolled in the study. The study included patients diagnosed with GEP-NENs who were treated and followed up at our Hospital from January 2013 to December 2017. Data regarding clinicopathological features of the patients were retrospectively evaluated. The expression of neuroendocrine markers was measured using the immunohistochemical Ultra SensitiveTM S-P method of staining in 48 cases of primary GEP-NENs; and serum levels of neuron-specific enolase, carbohydrate an-tigen 19-9, and carcinoembryonic antigen in 36 GEP-NEN patients were measured using the electrochemiluminescence method. Results The median age at presentation was 59.3 (range 48-82) years, and 39 cases (81.3%) were seen between the 5th and 6th decades. There was a male predilection (male: female=3:1). In 79.2% cases (38/48), tumors were hormonally nonfunctional. The most common presentation was abdominal pain, and the most frequent primary site of the tumor was the rectum, followed by the stomach (n = 15, 31.3%), colon (n = 5, 10.4%), and so on. Of the 48 tumors, 16 (33.3%) were G1,6 (12.5%) cases were G2, 16 (33.3%) were neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC), and 10 (20.8%) were mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC). According to the AJCC/UICC classification, 45.8% (n = 22) were diagnosed at low stage (stage Ⅰ or Ⅱ) while 54.2% (n = 26) were diagnosed at high stage (stage Ⅲ or Ⅳ) (the majority of NEC, G3, and MANEC). A male preponderance was noted for all tumors except for G2 neoplasms, which showed no gender predilection. Thirty-nine patients underwent endoscopic biopsy. The lesions in 18.8% (n = 9) of the patients were indentified only radiologically. After the surgical procedures, 36 had at least one follow-up visit with a median follow-up duration of 5 months; the mean follow-up period was 28 ± 16 months. The one- year and three-year survival rates were 72.2% (26/36) and 61.1% (22/36), respectively. This study did not find an effect of grade 3 (G3) of tumor on the short-term clinical outcome of these patients. In the survival analysis, NEN G3, higher stage (stage Ⅲ or Ⅳ) according to the AJCC/UICC classification (P 〈 0.05), and metastases at diagnosis (P 〈 0.05) were associated with poorer prognosis. Conclusion Most GEP-NENs are nonfunctional and nonspecific in presentation. The most frequent primary site of the tumor was the rectum and the commonest ages at diagnosis were the 5th and 6th decades. Endoscopic biopsy is the main diagnostic and histological grading method for GEP-NEN. In the survival analysis, NEN G3, a higher stage according to the AJCC/UICC classification, and metastases at diagnosis are associated with poorer prognosis.
文摘Primary central nervous system lymphoma(PCNSL) is a rare disorder that, in 95% of cases, represents diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. As such, making an accurate diagnosis is important. At present, stereotactic-guided biopsy is a recognized method of choice for tissue analysis. However, the diagnostic work-up for high-risk patients is determined by their performance status. Here,we report a case of PCNSL in a high-risk patient, for whom diagnosis was established by cerebrospinal fluid cytology and flow cytometry, which significantly shortened a diagnostic work-up period and allowed for the immediate treatment of the patient.
基金Natural Science Foundation of China (NO.81373703 NO. 81674042)Basic research project of natural science in shaanxi province - major basic research project (NO. 2017zdjc-15)
文摘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.