Objective To observe the migration and differentiation of the neural precursor cells (NPCs) that derived from murine embryonic stem cells (ESCs) when they were transplanted into amyloid β (Aβ)-treated rat hipp...Objective To observe the migration and differentiation of the neural precursor cells (NPCs) that derived from murine embryonic stem cells (ESCs) when they were transplanted into amyloid β (Aβ)-treated rat hippocampus. Methods MESPU35, a murine ESC cell line that express the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), was induced differentiation into nestin-positive NPCs by modified serum-free methods. The Aβ plaques and the differentiation of the grafted cells were observed by immunofluorescent staining. Results Comparing 16 weeks with 4 weeks post-transplantation, the migration distance increased about 5 times; the rate of migratory NPCs differentiating into glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive cells kept rising from (30.41 ± 1.45)% to (49.25± 1.23)%, and the rate of NPCs differentiating into neurofilament 200 (NF200) positive cells increased from (16.68±0.95)% to (27.94± 1.21)%. Meanwhile, the GFAP-positive cells targeting to the ipsilateral side of Aβ plaques increased from 60.2% to 81.3 %, while the NF200-positive cells increased from 61.3% to 84.1%. The migration distance had significant positive linear correlations to the neuronal differentiation rate (r = 0.991) and to the astrocytic differentiation rate (r = 0.953). Conclusion Engrafted NPCs migrate targetedly to the Aβ injection site and differentiate into neurons and astrocytes.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the factors affecting the viability and Ca 2+ tolerance of isolated rats' cardiac myocytes for patch clamp research. Methods: Hearts were firstly perfused by the Langendorff perfusion ...Objective: To investigate the factors affecting the viability and Ca 2+ tolerance of isolated rats' cardiac myocytes for patch clamp research. Methods: Hearts were firstly perfused by the Langendorff perfusion apparatus with normal Tyrode's solution, then with Ca 2+-free Tyrode's solution and subsequently with low Ca 2+ enzyme solution containing collagenase 0.1-0.2 g/L. All the solutions were saturated with oxygen and the perfusion temperature was kept at 37 ℃. Finally hearts were washed by Ca 2+-free Tyrode's solution, after which the ventricles were minced into small pieces in KB solution, dispersed and filtered. The isolated myocytes were stored in KB solution at room temperature for 1 h and recovered to normal calcium concentration before patch clamp experiments.Results: When all the factors such as water, enzyme, Ca 2+,pH, and oxygen were well controlled, the well constructed and rod-like cardiac myocytes with a yielding rate of 30%-50% came out.Conclusion: All the factors should be well controlled, which ensured the isolated cells Ca 2+ tolerant and appropriate for patch clamp experiments.展开更多
The aim of this study was to establish a method of isolating and culturing smooth muscle cells from the ductus deferens of rats. Smooth muscle cells were prepared from ductus deferens by explanting technique after dis...The aim of this study was to establish a method of isolating and culturing smooth muscle cells from the ductus deferens of rats. Smooth muscle cells were prepared from ductus deferens by explanting technique after dissection of adventitia and intimae, and cultured in vitro. The identification of the smooth muscle cells were verified by using anti u-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA) immunohistochemistry studies. The result suggested that the cells are multi-morphous, showing long fusiform or star shapes. The apophysis of cells contacted and coalesced to each other, in some regions the cells overlapped in multilayer, while in the other regions they formed monolayer that fluctuated and showed a "peak-valley" shape. They presented a positive reaction through immunohistochemistry studies. The purity of the cells was more than 99% through this method. The culturing of smooth muscle cells by explanting technique is simple and stable.展开更多
Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects of urocortin (Ucn) on the viability of endothelial cells (ECV304) and rat vascular muscle cells (VSMC). Methods: Rat aortic VSMC were isolated from the rats' t...Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects of urocortin (Ucn) on the viability of endothelial cells (ECV304) and rat vascular muscle cells (VSMC). Methods: Rat aortic VSMC were isolated from the rats' thoracic aorta. We studied the effect of Ucn on the viability of ECV304 cells and VSMC by using a tetrazolium (MTT) assay.Results: Ucn (10 -7 mol/L) inhibited the viability of ECV304 cells and VSMC. Inhibition rates are 13% and 15%, respectively(P<0.05, compared with Control). This inhibition was not dependent on the affecting time and was not affected by the addition of ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP channel) blocker, glybenclamide (Gly, 10 mol/L). Conclusion: Ucn inhibits the viability of ECV304 and VSMC. Our results suggest that Ucn may be a new vasoactive agent and may have a beneficial effect in the process of vascular remodeling (VR).展开更多
Objective To investigate effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in the rat of local cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Methods Eighty SD rats were randomly divid...Objective To investigate effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in the rat of local cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Methods Eighty SD rats were randomly divided into a normal control group, a sham operation group, a model group and an EA treatment group, 20 rats in each group. The thread-obstruction method was used for preparation of ischemia-reperfusion model. Zea-Longa rating criteria were used for evaluation of nervous function disorder; Immunohistochemical SABC method was used for detection of ICAM-1 expression in the microvascular endothelial cell of the ischemic brain region, and ELISA method for the soluble ICAM-1 (slCAM-1) content in peripheral blood. Re. suits After cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, both ICAM-1 expression level in the microvascular endethelium cell of the ischemic brain region and slCAM-1 content in the peripheral blood significantly increased in the model group as compared with the normal group and the sham operation group (P〈0.01); After EA treatment, the ICAM-1 expression level in the microvascular endothelial cell of the ischemic brain region and slCAM-1 content in the peripheral blood were significantly down-regulated in the EA treatment group as com- pared with the model group (P〈 0.05). Conclusion After cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, the microvascular endothelial cell of the ischemic brain region releases ICAM-1, which induces inflammatory injury of cerebral tissues; EA treatment can decease the expression of ICAM-1, so as to prevent the brain from the injury.展开更多
Objective To study the antineoplastic effect of the calcium channel blocker verapamil and 5-fluorouracil intraperitoneal chemotherapy onhepatocarcinoma-bearing rats, and examine the action between calcium channel bloc...Objective To study the antineoplastic effect of the calcium channel blocker verapamil and 5-fluorouracil intraperitoneal chemotherapy onhepatocarcinoma-bearing rats, and examine the action between calcium channel blockers and cytotoxic drugs.Methods We adopted the method of subcapsular implantation of carcinoma tissues of walker-256 in the left liver lobe as a model of livercarcinoma-bearing rats. All experimental animals were divided into four groups. On the sixth day post implantation, in group A (controlgroup) 6 ml of saline was injected intraperitoneally once a day for 3 days. In group B (single chemotherapy group) 6 ml of 5-Fu 75 mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally once a day for 3 days. In group C (combination of treatment group) both 5-Fu (75 mg/kg) and verapamil(25 mg/kg) were administered simultaneously as in A and B. In group D (simple verapamil group) only 6 ml of verapamil (25 mg/kg)was administered as above.Results Compared with groups A, B and D, The volume of cancer and the contents of liver cancer DNA and protein were significantlyreduced. The rates of inhibiting cancer (89.9% in group C and 35.4% in group B) were significantly increased in group C. Group C hadsignificantly long survival time compared to groups A, B and D ( P < 0.05) . By light microscopy, a number of focal necroses were foundin cancer tissue in group C.Conclusion Calcium channel blockers can enhance the antineoplastic effect of 5-Fu intraperitoneal chemotherapy to liver cancer ; Theuse of verapamil can not increase the toxicity of 5-Fu.展开更多
The micromass culture was used to determine the effects of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5 ) on the proliferation and differentiation of limb bud cells of rat. In the in vitro test, the results showed that V2O5 had obvious i...The micromass culture was used to determine the effects of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5 ) on the proliferation and differentiation of limb bud cells of rat. In the in vitro test, the results showed that V2O5 had obvious inhibiting effects on both proliferation and differentiation of limb bud cells with a dosedependent response, its proliferating and differentiating IC50 being 13.64 and 4.77μmol/L, respectively. In the in vivo/in vitro test, the results showed that V2O5 had no obvious effect on cell proliferation but had obvious inhibiting effect on cell differentiation. These results indicated that V2O5 might have a specific inhibiting effect on the differentiation of limb bud cells.展开更多
Heart remodeling is associated with the loss of cardiomyocytes and increase of fibrous tissue owing to abnormal mechanical load in a number of heart disease conditions. In present study, a well-described in vitro sust...Heart remodeling is associated with the loss of cardiomyocytes and increase of fibrous tissue owing to abnormal mechanical load in a number of heart disease conditions. In present study, a well-described in vitro sustained stretch model was employed to study mechanical stretch-induced responses in both neonatal cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts. Cardiomyocytes, but not cardiac fibroblasts, underwent mitochondria-dependent apoptosis as evidenced by cytochrome c (cyto c) and Smac/DIABLO release from mitochondria into cytosol accompanied by mitochondrial membrane potential (△ψ_m) reduction, indicative of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) opening. Cyclosporin A, an inhibitor of PTP, inhibited stretch-induced cyto c release, △ψ_m reduction and apoptosis, suggesting an important role of mitochondrial PTP in stretch-induced apoptosis. The stretch also resulted in increased expression of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, including Bax and Bad, in cardiomyocytes, but not in fibroblasts. Bax was accumulated in mitochondria following stretch. Cell permeable Bid-BH3 peptide could induce and facilitate stretch-induced apoptosis and △ψ_m reduction in cardiomyocytes. These results suggest that Bcl-2 family proteins play an important role in coupling stretch signaling to mitochondrial death machinery, probably by targeting to PTP. Interestingly, the levels of p53 were increased at 12 h after stretch although we observed that Bax upregulation and apoptosis occurred as early as 1 h. Adenovirus delivered dominant negative p53 blocked Bax upregulation in cardiomyocytes but showed partial effect on preventing stretch-induced apoptosis, suggesting that p53 was only partially involved in mediating stretch-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, we showed that p21 was upregulated and cyclin B1 was downregulated only in cardiac fibroblasts, which may be associated with G_2/M accumulation in response to mechanical stretch.展开更多
AIM: TO explore the effects of fentanyl on insulin release from freshly isolated rat pancreatic islets in static culture. METHODS: Islets were isolated from the pancreas of mature Sprague Dawley rats by common bile ...AIM: TO explore the effects of fentanyl on insulin release from freshly isolated rat pancreatic islets in static culture. METHODS: Islets were isolated from the pancreas of mature Sprague Dawley rats by common bile duct intraductal collagenase V digestion and were purified by discontinuous Ficoll density gradient centrifugation. The islets were divided into four groups according to the fentanyl concentration: control group (0 ng/mL), group I (0.3 ng/mL), group I (3.0 ng/mL), and group III (30 ng/mL). In each group, the islets were co-cultured for 48 h with drugs under static conditions with fentanyl alone, fentanyl + 0.1 μg/mL naloxone or fentanyl + 1.0 μg/mL naloxone. Cell viability was assessed by the MTT assay. Insulin release in response to low and high concentrations (2.8 mmol/L and 16.7 mmol/L, respectively) of glucose was investigated and electron microscopy morphological assessment was performed. RESULTS: Low- and high-glucose-stimulated insulin release in the control group was significantly higher than in groups I and II (62.33 ± 9.67 μIU vs 47.75 ± 8.47 μIU, 39.67 ± 6.18 μIU and 125.5 ± 22.04 μIU vs 96.17 ± 14.17 μIU, 75.17 ± 13.57 μIU, respectively, P 〈 0.01) and was lowest in group III (P 〈 0.01). After adding 1 μg/mL naloxone, insulin release in groups II and II was not different from the control group. Electron microscopy studies showed that the islets were damaged by 30 ng/ml fentanyl. CONCLUSION: Fentanyl inhibited glucose-stimulated insulin release from rat islets, which could be prevented by naloxone. Higher concentrations of fentanyl significantly damaged β-cells of rat islets.展开更多
The rat chimera is an important animal model for the study of complex human diseases. In the present study we evaluated the chimeric potential of rat inner cell masses (ICMs) and fetal neural stem (FNS) cells. In ...The rat chimera is an important animal model for the study of complex human diseases. In the present study we evaluated the chimeric potential of rat inner cell masses (ICMs) and fetal neural stem (FNS) cells. In result, three rat chimeras were produced by day 5 (D5) Sprague-Dawley (SD) blastocysts injected with ICMs derived from day 6 (D6) and D5 Dark Agouti (DA) blastocysts; four rat chimeras had been generated by D5 DA blastocyst injected with D5 SD ICMs. For the requirement of gene modification, cultured rat inner cell mass cells were assessed to produce chimeras, but no chimeras were generated from injected embryos. The potential to generate chimeras from rFNS and transfected rFNS cells were tested, but no chimeric pups were produced. Only 2 of 41 fetuses derived from D5 DA blastocyst injection with SD LacZ transfected rFNS cells showed very low number of LacZ positive cells in the section. These results indicate that DA and SD rat ICMs arc able to contribute to chimeras, but their potential decreases significantly after culture in vitro (P〈0.05), and rFNS cells only have the potential to contribute to early fetal development.展开更多
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 ...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.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the correlation between the antifibrotic effect of baicalin and serum cytokine production in rat hepatic fibrosis, METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into four groups:...AIM: To investigate the correlation between the antifibrotic effect of baicalin and serum cytokine production in rat hepatic fibrosis, METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into four groups: normal control group, model group, baicalin-treated group, and colchicine-treated group. Except for the normal control group, all rats in the other groups were administered with carbon tetrachloride to induce hepatic fibrosis. At the same time, the last two groups were also treated with baicalin or colchicine. At the end of the 8 wk, all animals were sacrificed. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALl'), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 were measured. Liver index, hepatic hydroxyproline content and the degree of liver fibrosis were also evaluated. RESULTS: The levels of ALT, AST and liver index in the baicalin-treated group were markedly lower than those in the model group (ALT: 143.88 ± 14.55 U/L vs 193.58± 24.35 U/L; AST: 263.66 ± 44.23 U/L vs 404.37± 68.29 U/L; liver index: 0.033 ± 0.005 vs 0.049± 0.009, P 〈 0.01). Baicalin therapy also significantly attenuated the degree of hepatic fibrosis, collagen area and collagen area percentage in liver tissue (P 〈 0.01). Furthermore, the levels of serum TGF-β1, TNF-α and IL-6 were strikingly reduced in the baicalin-treated group compared with the model group, while the production of IL-10 was up-regulated: (TGF-β1:260.21 ± 31.01 pg/mL vs 375.49 ± 57.47 pg/mL; TNF-α: 193.40±15.18 pg/mL vs 260.04 ± 37.70 pg/mL; IL-α:339.87 ± 72.95 pg/mL vs 606.47 ± 130.73 pg/mL; IL-10:506.22 ± 112.07 pg/mL vs 316.95 ± 62.74 pg/mL, P 〈 0.01). CONCLUSION: Baicalin shows certain therapeutic effects on hepatic fibrosis, probably by immunoregulating the imbalance between profibrotic and antifibrotic cytokines.展开更多
The effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADMSC) transplantation for the repair of traumatic brain injury remain poorly understood. The present study observed neurological functional changes in a rat model...The effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADMSC) transplantation for the repair of traumatic brain injury remain poorly understood. The present study observed neurological functional changes in a rat model of traumatic brain injury following ADMSC transplantation via the tail vein. Cell transplants were observed in injured cerebral cortex, and expression of brain-derived nerve growth factor was significantly increased in the injured hippocampus following transplantation. Results demonstrated that transvenous ADMSC transplants migrated to the injured cerebral cortex and significantly improved cognitive function.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the effects of moxibustion on the morphology and function of mast cells (MC) at Tianshu (ST25) in rats with trinitro-benzene-sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. METHODS: A total of 53 male Spragu...AIM: To investigate the effects of moxibustion on the morphology and function of mast cells (MC) at Tianshu (ST25) in rats with trinitro-benzene-sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. METHODS: A total of 53 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group and experimental group. In the experimental group, a rat model of TNBS-induced colitis was established, and the rats were then randomly divided into a model group, moxi-bustion group, moxibustion plus disodium cromoglycate (M + DC) group and moxibustion plus normal saline (M+ NS) group. Rats in the moxibustion group received suspended moxibustion at bilateral ST25 for 10 min, once a day for 7 d. Rats in the M + DC and M + NS groups were pretreated with disodium cromoglycate and normal saline at bilateral ST25, respectively, and were then concurrently subjected to the same treatment as rats in the moxibustion group. The hematoxy- lin-eosin staining method was used to observe histology of the colon and the toluidine blue-improved method was used to observe mast cells at ST25 acupoint areas. RESULTS: An improvement in colonic injury in the moxibustion group was observed and the degranulation ratio of MC at ST25 acupoint was markedly higher in the moxibustion group than in the model group (45.91 ± 11.41 vs 32.58 ± 8.28, P < 0.05). After inhibition of degranulation of MC at ST25 by disodium cromoglycate, no improvement in colon tissue injury was observed. CONCLUSION: Moxibustion exerted its effect on healing impaired colonic mucosa in rats with TNBS-induced colitis by increasing the degranulation ratio of local MC, but had little effect on the morphology of MC at ST25 acupoint.展开更多
Objective: To study the effect of the extract of Prunella vulgaris L. on multiple drugs resistant bacillus tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Methods: Experimental animal model in rats was induced by MDR-TB. Normal group mode...Objective: To study the effect of the extract of Prunella vulgaris L. on multiple drugs resistant bacillus tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Methods: Experimental animal model in rats was induced by MDR-TB. Normal group model group and Prunella vulgaris L. group were set up. The contents of IFN-7, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-12 were examined by ELISA. Their genome mRNAs were extracted, the target genes were amplified by PCR. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of them. Results: The content of IFN-q, of the extract of Prunella vulgaris L. group was 1.98±0.67 pg/ml, IL-4 was 6.47±1.46 pg/ml, IL-10 was 12.13±3.43 pg/ml and IL-12 was 3.02±0.86 pg/ml. Compared with the model group, Prunella vulgaris L. group was notable difference in serum IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-10 (P〈0.05). The mRNA levels of IFN-γ, IL-12 increased and IL-10 decreased obviously, the differences were quite significant (P〈0.05), but IL-4 had no obvious change. Conclusion: The extract of Prunella vulgaris L. can enhance the cellar immunological function in rats from up-regulation of the level of genetic transcription, accordingly provide the theory basis of healing of tuberculosis with it.展开更多
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30571770).
文摘Objective To observe the migration and differentiation of the neural precursor cells (NPCs) that derived from murine embryonic stem cells (ESCs) when they were transplanted into amyloid β (Aβ)-treated rat hippocampus. Methods MESPU35, a murine ESC cell line that express the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), was induced differentiation into nestin-positive NPCs by modified serum-free methods. The Aβ plaques and the differentiation of the grafted cells were observed by immunofluorescent staining. Results Comparing 16 weeks with 4 weeks post-transplantation, the migration distance increased about 5 times; the rate of migratory NPCs differentiating into glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive cells kept rising from (30.41 ± 1.45)% to (49.25± 1.23)%, and the rate of NPCs differentiating into neurofilament 200 (NF200) positive cells increased from (16.68±0.95)% to (27.94± 1.21)%. Meanwhile, the GFAP-positive cells targeting to the ipsilateral side of Aβ plaques increased from 60.2% to 81.3 %, while the NF200-positive cells increased from 61.3% to 84.1%. The migration distance had significant positive linear correlations to the neuronal differentiation rate (r = 0.991) and to the astrocytic differentiation rate (r = 0.953). Conclusion Engrafted NPCs migrate targetedly to the Aβ injection site and differentiate into neurons and astrocytes.
文摘Objective: To investigate the factors affecting the viability and Ca 2+ tolerance of isolated rats' cardiac myocytes for patch clamp research. Methods: Hearts were firstly perfused by the Langendorff perfusion apparatus with normal Tyrode's solution, then with Ca 2+-free Tyrode's solution and subsequently with low Ca 2+ enzyme solution containing collagenase 0.1-0.2 g/L. All the solutions were saturated with oxygen and the perfusion temperature was kept at 37 ℃. Finally hearts were washed by Ca 2+-free Tyrode's solution, after which the ventricles were minced into small pieces in KB solution, dispersed and filtered. The isolated myocytes were stored in KB solution at room temperature for 1 h and recovered to normal calcium concentration before patch clamp experiments.Results: When all the factors such as water, enzyme, Ca 2+,pH, and oxygen were well controlled, the well constructed and rod-like cardiac myocytes with a yielding rate of 30%-50% came out.Conclusion: All the factors should be well controlled, which ensured the isolated cells Ca 2+ tolerant and appropriate for patch clamp experiments.
基金Supported by the Chinese National Natural Science Foundation(30400596)The Jinan University Natural Science Foundation(51204017)The Science and Technology Innovation Project for Undergraduates of Jinan University(CX07080)
文摘The aim of this study was to establish a method of isolating and culturing smooth muscle cells from the ductus deferens of rats. Smooth muscle cells were prepared from ductus deferens by explanting technique after dissection of adventitia and intimae, and cultured in vitro. The identification of the smooth muscle cells were verified by using anti u-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA) immunohistochemistry studies. The result suggested that the cells are multi-morphous, showing long fusiform or star shapes. The apophysis of cells contacted and coalesced to each other, in some regions the cells overlapped in multilayer, while in the other regions they formed monolayer that fluctuated and showed a "peak-valley" shape. They presented a positive reaction through immunohistochemistry studies. The purity of the cells was more than 99% through this method. The culturing of smooth muscle cells by explanting technique is simple and stable.
文摘Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects of urocortin (Ucn) on the viability of endothelial cells (ECV304) and rat vascular muscle cells (VSMC). Methods: Rat aortic VSMC were isolated from the rats' thoracic aorta. We studied the effect of Ucn on the viability of ECV304 cells and VSMC by using a tetrazolium (MTT) assay.Results: Ucn (10 -7 mol/L) inhibited the viability of ECV304 cells and VSMC. Inhibition rates are 13% and 15%, respectively(P<0.05, compared with Control). This inhibition was not dependent on the affecting time and was not affected by the addition of ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP channel) blocker, glybenclamide (Gly, 10 mol/L). Conclusion: Ucn inhibits the viability of ECV304 and VSMC. Our results suggest that Ucn may be a new vasoactive agent and may have a beneficial effect in the process of vascular remodeling (VR).
文摘Objective To investigate effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in the rat of local cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Methods Eighty SD rats were randomly divided into a normal control group, a sham operation group, a model group and an EA treatment group, 20 rats in each group. The thread-obstruction method was used for preparation of ischemia-reperfusion model. Zea-Longa rating criteria were used for evaluation of nervous function disorder; Immunohistochemical SABC method was used for detection of ICAM-1 expression in the microvascular endothelial cell of the ischemic brain region, and ELISA method for the soluble ICAM-1 (slCAM-1) content in peripheral blood. Re. suits After cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, both ICAM-1 expression level in the microvascular endethelium cell of the ischemic brain region and slCAM-1 content in the peripheral blood significantly increased in the model group as compared with the normal group and the sham operation group (P〈0.01); After EA treatment, the ICAM-1 expression level in the microvascular endothelial cell of the ischemic brain region and slCAM-1 content in the peripheral blood were significantly down-regulated in the EA treatment group as com- pared with the model group (P〈 0.05). Conclusion After cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, the microvascular endothelial cell of the ischemic brain region releases ICAM-1, which induces inflammatory injury of cerebral tissues; EA treatment can decease the expression of ICAM-1, so as to prevent the brain from the injury.
文摘Objective To study the antineoplastic effect of the calcium channel blocker verapamil and 5-fluorouracil intraperitoneal chemotherapy onhepatocarcinoma-bearing rats, and examine the action between calcium channel blockers and cytotoxic drugs.Methods We adopted the method of subcapsular implantation of carcinoma tissues of walker-256 in the left liver lobe as a model of livercarcinoma-bearing rats. All experimental animals were divided into four groups. On the sixth day post implantation, in group A (controlgroup) 6 ml of saline was injected intraperitoneally once a day for 3 days. In group B (single chemotherapy group) 6 ml of 5-Fu 75 mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally once a day for 3 days. In group C (combination of treatment group) both 5-Fu (75 mg/kg) and verapamil(25 mg/kg) were administered simultaneously as in A and B. In group D (simple verapamil group) only 6 ml of verapamil (25 mg/kg)was administered as above.Results Compared with groups A, B and D, The volume of cancer and the contents of liver cancer DNA and protein were significantlyreduced. The rates of inhibiting cancer (89.9% in group C and 35.4% in group B) were significantly increased in group C. Group C hadsignificantly long survival time compared to groups A, B and D ( P < 0.05) . By light microscopy, a number of focal necroses were foundin cancer tissue in group C.Conclusion Calcium channel blockers can enhance the antineoplastic effect of 5-Fu intraperitoneal chemotherapy to liver cancer ; Theuse of verapamil can not increase the toxicity of 5-Fu.
文摘The micromass culture was used to determine the effects of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5 ) on the proliferation and differentiation of limb bud cells of rat. In the in vitro test, the results showed that V2O5 had obvious inhibiting effects on both proliferation and differentiation of limb bud cells with a dosedependent response, its proliferating and differentiating IC50 being 13.64 and 4.77μmol/L, respectively. In the in vivo/in vitro test, the results showed that V2O5 had no obvious effect on cell proliferation but had obvious inhibiting effect on cell differentiation. These results indicated that V2O5 might have a specific inhibiting effect on the differentiation of limb bud cells.
基金supported by Research Grants(No.30170467)Outstanding Young Scientist Award from National Natural Sciences Foundation of China(QC)+2 种基金the“Major National Basic Research Program(973 Program,No.G2000056904)”(LYC)the KIKP Projects in Chinese Academy of Sciences(QC)the Ph.D.Programs Foundation from the Ministry of Education of China(LYC).
文摘Heart remodeling is associated with the loss of cardiomyocytes and increase of fibrous tissue owing to abnormal mechanical load in a number of heart disease conditions. In present study, a well-described in vitro sustained stretch model was employed to study mechanical stretch-induced responses in both neonatal cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts. Cardiomyocytes, but not cardiac fibroblasts, underwent mitochondria-dependent apoptosis as evidenced by cytochrome c (cyto c) and Smac/DIABLO release from mitochondria into cytosol accompanied by mitochondrial membrane potential (△ψ_m) reduction, indicative of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) opening. Cyclosporin A, an inhibitor of PTP, inhibited stretch-induced cyto c release, △ψ_m reduction and apoptosis, suggesting an important role of mitochondrial PTP in stretch-induced apoptosis. The stretch also resulted in increased expression of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, including Bax and Bad, in cardiomyocytes, but not in fibroblasts. Bax was accumulated in mitochondria following stretch. Cell permeable Bid-BH3 peptide could induce and facilitate stretch-induced apoptosis and △ψ_m reduction in cardiomyocytes. These results suggest that Bcl-2 family proteins play an important role in coupling stretch signaling to mitochondrial death machinery, probably by targeting to PTP. Interestingly, the levels of p53 were increased at 12 h after stretch although we observed that Bax upregulation and apoptosis occurred as early as 1 h. Adenovirus delivered dominant negative p53 blocked Bax upregulation in cardiomyocytes but showed partial effect on preventing stretch-induced apoptosis, suggesting that p53 was only partially involved in mediating stretch-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, we showed that p21 was upregulated and cyclin B1 was downregulated only in cardiac fibroblasts, which may be associated with G_2/M accumulation in response to mechanical stretch.
文摘AIM: TO explore the effects of fentanyl on insulin release from freshly isolated rat pancreatic islets in static culture. METHODS: Islets were isolated from the pancreas of mature Sprague Dawley rats by common bile duct intraductal collagenase V digestion and were purified by discontinuous Ficoll density gradient centrifugation. The islets were divided into four groups according to the fentanyl concentration: control group (0 ng/mL), group I (0.3 ng/mL), group I (3.0 ng/mL), and group III (30 ng/mL). In each group, the islets were co-cultured for 48 h with drugs under static conditions with fentanyl alone, fentanyl + 0.1 μg/mL naloxone or fentanyl + 1.0 μg/mL naloxone. Cell viability was assessed by the MTT assay. Insulin release in response to low and high concentrations (2.8 mmol/L and 16.7 mmol/L, respectively) of glucose was investigated and electron microscopy morphological assessment was performed. RESULTS: Low- and high-glucose-stimulated insulin release in the control group was significantly higher than in groups I and II (62.33 ± 9.67 μIU vs 47.75 ± 8.47 μIU, 39.67 ± 6.18 μIU and 125.5 ± 22.04 μIU vs 96.17 ± 14.17 μIU, 75.17 ± 13.57 μIU, respectively, P 〈 0.01) and was lowest in group III (P 〈 0.01). After adding 1 μg/mL naloxone, insulin release in groups II and II was not different from the control group. Electron microscopy studies showed that the islets were damaged by 30 ng/ml fentanyl. CONCLUSION: Fentanyl inhibited glucose-stimulated insulin release from rat islets, which could be prevented by naloxone. Higher concentrations of fentanyl significantly damaged β-cells of rat islets.
文摘The rat chimera is an important animal model for the study of complex human diseases. In the present study we evaluated the chimeric potential of rat inner cell masses (ICMs) and fetal neural stem (FNS) cells. In result, three rat chimeras were produced by day 5 (D5) Sprague-Dawley (SD) blastocysts injected with ICMs derived from day 6 (D6) and D5 Dark Agouti (DA) blastocysts; four rat chimeras had been generated by D5 DA blastocyst injected with D5 SD ICMs. For the requirement of gene modification, cultured rat inner cell mass cells were assessed to produce chimeras, but no chimeras were generated from injected embryos. The potential to generate chimeras from rFNS and transfected rFNS cells were tested, but no chimeric pups were produced. Only 2 of 41 fetuses derived from D5 DA blastocyst injection with SD LacZ transfected rFNS cells showed very low number of LacZ positive cells in the section. These results indicate that DA and SD rat ICMs arc able to contribute to chimeras, but their potential decreases significantly after culture in vitro (P〈0.05), and rFNS cells only have the potential to contribute to early fetal development.
基金Supported by the Advanced College Research Project from the Education Department of Liaoning province (05L094)Natural Science Foundation of Liaoning province (20072171)
文摘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.
基金Supported by Grants from National Key Technologies R&D Program of 11th five-year plan, 2009ZX09501-015
文摘AIM: To investigate the correlation between the antifibrotic effect of baicalin and serum cytokine production in rat hepatic fibrosis, METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into four groups: normal control group, model group, baicalin-treated group, and colchicine-treated group. Except for the normal control group, all rats in the other groups were administered with carbon tetrachloride to induce hepatic fibrosis. At the same time, the last two groups were also treated with baicalin or colchicine. At the end of the 8 wk, all animals were sacrificed. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALl'), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 were measured. Liver index, hepatic hydroxyproline content and the degree of liver fibrosis were also evaluated. RESULTS: The levels of ALT, AST and liver index in the baicalin-treated group were markedly lower than those in the model group (ALT: 143.88 ± 14.55 U/L vs 193.58± 24.35 U/L; AST: 263.66 ± 44.23 U/L vs 404.37± 68.29 U/L; liver index: 0.033 ± 0.005 vs 0.049± 0.009, P 〈 0.01). Baicalin therapy also significantly attenuated the degree of hepatic fibrosis, collagen area and collagen area percentage in liver tissue (P 〈 0.01). Furthermore, the levels of serum TGF-β1, TNF-α and IL-6 were strikingly reduced in the baicalin-treated group compared with the model group, while the production of IL-10 was up-regulated: (TGF-β1:260.21 ± 31.01 pg/mL vs 375.49 ± 57.47 pg/mL; TNF-α: 193.40±15.18 pg/mL vs 260.04 ± 37.70 pg/mL; IL-α:339.87 ± 72.95 pg/mL vs 606.47 ± 130.73 pg/mL; IL-10:506.22 ± 112.07 pg/mL vs 316.95 ± 62.74 pg/mL, P 〈 0.01). CONCLUSION: Baicalin shows certain therapeutic effects on hepatic fibrosis, probably by immunoregulating the imbalance between profibrotic and antifibrotic cytokines.
基金the National Basic Research Program of China(973Program),No.2007CB512705the General Program for Youths of the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30801464
文摘The effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADMSC) transplantation for the repair of traumatic brain injury remain poorly understood. The present study observed neurological functional changes in a rat model of traumatic brain injury following ADMSC transplantation via the tail vein. Cell transplants were observed in injured cerebral cortex, and expression of brain-derived nerve growth factor was significantly increased in the injured hippocampus following transplantation. Results demonstrated that transvenous ADMSC transplants migrated to the injured cerebral cortex and significantly improved cognitive function.
基金Supported by National Basic Research Program of China (973 program), No. 2009CB522900National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30973785+1 种基金Shanghai Leading Academic Discipline Project, No. S30304Shanghai Rising-Star Program, No. 10QA1406100
文摘AIM: To investigate the effects of moxibustion on the morphology and function of mast cells (MC) at Tianshu (ST25) in rats with trinitro-benzene-sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. METHODS: A total of 53 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group and experimental group. In the experimental group, a rat model of TNBS-induced colitis was established, and the rats were then randomly divided into a model group, moxi-bustion group, moxibustion plus disodium cromoglycate (M + DC) group and moxibustion plus normal saline (M+ NS) group. Rats in the moxibustion group received suspended moxibustion at bilateral ST25 for 10 min, once a day for 7 d. Rats in the M + DC and M + NS groups were pretreated with disodium cromoglycate and normal saline at bilateral ST25, respectively, and were then concurrently subjected to the same treatment as rats in the moxibustion group. The hematoxy- lin-eosin staining method was used to observe histology of the colon and the toluidine blue-improved method was used to observe mast cells at ST25 acupoint areas. RESULTS: An improvement in colonic injury in the moxibustion group was observed and the degranulation ratio of MC at ST25 acupoint was markedly higher in the moxibustion group than in the model group (45.91 ± 11.41 vs 32.58 ± 8.28, P < 0.05). After inhibition of degranulation of MC at ST25 by disodium cromoglycate, no improvement in colon tissue injury was observed. CONCLUSION: Moxibustion exerted its effect on healing impaired colonic mucosa in rats with TNBS-induced colitis by increasing the degranulation ratio of local MC, but had little effect on the morphology of MC at ST25 acupoint.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation for Universities in Anhui Province (KJ2010A087 and KJ2008A152)
文摘Objective: To study the effect of the extract of Prunella vulgaris L. on multiple drugs resistant bacillus tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Methods: Experimental animal model in rats was induced by MDR-TB. Normal group model group and Prunella vulgaris L. group were set up. The contents of IFN-7, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-12 were examined by ELISA. Their genome mRNAs were extracted, the target genes were amplified by PCR. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of them. Results: The content of IFN-q, of the extract of Prunella vulgaris L. group was 1.98±0.67 pg/ml, IL-4 was 6.47±1.46 pg/ml, IL-10 was 12.13±3.43 pg/ml and IL-12 was 3.02±0.86 pg/ml. Compared with the model group, Prunella vulgaris L. group was notable difference in serum IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-10 (P〈0.05). The mRNA levels of IFN-γ, IL-12 increased and IL-10 decreased obviously, the differences were quite significant (P〈0.05), but IL-4 had no obvious change. Conclusion: The extract of Prunella vulgaris L. can enhance the cellar immunological function in rats from up-regulation of the level of genetic transcription, accordingly provide the theory basis of healing of tuberculosis with it.