Changes of Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity in Penumbral and Core Area during Focal Cerebral Ischemia and Reperfusion in Rats

Objective:To study the changes of nitric oxide synthase(NOS)activity in penumbral and core area during focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion,and to explore the therapeutic window of focal cerebral ischemia. Methods:The middle cerebral artery of rats was occluded for 15,30,60,90 and 120 min by an intraluminal filament respectively,and recirculation was instituted for 24 h.The changes of NOS activity in ischemic core area(parietal cortex and caudoputamen)and penumbral area (frontal cortex)were examined after focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion using NADPH-d histochemistry technique.Results:The NOS activity of the ischemic penumbral area peaked at 60 min while the ischemic core area peaked at 30 min then declined at 90-120 min sharply.Conclusion:NOS takes part in cerebral ischemic damage during focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion.The NOS activity of the ischemic penumbral area is different from the ischemic core area.The peak time of the penumbral area is delayed comparing with the core area.The data suggest that the best time to apply NOS inhibitor is within 30 min in ischemic core area, and 60 min in penumbral area.

Agmatine reduces nitric oxide synthase expression and peroxynitrite formation in the cerebral cortex in a rat model of transient global cerebral ischemia

Agmatine, an analog of L-arginine, is an endogenous substance synthesized by arginine decarboxylase, which has been shown to possess neuroprotective effects following brain ischemia. Nitric oxide is generated by sequential oxidation of the guanidinium group in L-arginine, and agmatine might protect the brain from ischemic injury by interfering with nitric oxide signaling. This study investigated the effects of agmatine on cerebral cortex neuronal injury following transient global cerebral ischemia and also detected nitric oxide synthase expression and peroxynitrite formation. Results demonstrated that intraperitoneal injection of agmatine in global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion alleviated ischemia/reperfusion-induced cerebral cortical cortex neuronal injury and cellular apoptosis, decreased neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression at 24, 48, and 72 hours following global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion, and greatly inhibited nitrotyrosine levels, which reflect the amount of peroxynitrite formed. These findings indicated that agmatine alleviates cerebral cortex neuronal injury following global cerebral ischemia and decreases nitric oxide synthase expression and peroxynitrite formation following ischemia/repeffusion.

Hyperlipidemia affects neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression in brains of focal cerebral ischemia rat model

BACKGROUND： Hyperlipidemia, a risk factor for ischemic cerebrovascular disease, may mediate production of neuronal nitric oxide synthase （nNOS） to induce increased nitric oxide levels, resulting in brain neuronal injury. OBJECTIVE： To investigate effects of hyperlipidemia on brain nNOS expression, and to verify changes in infarct volume and pathology during reperfusion, as well as neuronal injury following ischemia/reperfusion in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Complete, randomized grouping experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University from March 2005 to March 2006. MATERIALS： A total of 144 eight-week-old, male, Wistar rats, weighing 160-180 g, were selected. A rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion was established by suture method after 4 weeks of formulated diet. Nitric oxide kit and rabbit anti-rat nNOS kit were respectively purchased from Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute, China and Wuhan Boster Biological Technology, Ltd., China. METHODS： The rats were equally and randomly divided into high-fat diet and a normal diet groups. Rats in the high-fat diet group were fed a high-fat diet, consisting of 10% egg yolk powder, 5% pork fat, and 0.5% pig bile salt combined with standard chow to create hyperlipidemia. Rats in the normal diet group were fed a standard rat chow. A total of 72 rats in both groups were randomly divided into 6 subgroups： sham-operated, 4-hour ischemia, 4-hour ischemia/2-hour reperfusion, 4-hour ischemia/4-hour reperfusion, 4-hour ischemia/6-hour reperfusion, and 4-hour ischemia/12-hour reperfusion, with 12 rats in each subgroup. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： nNOS expression was measured by immunohistochemistry, and pathomorphology changes were detected by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Infarct volume and nitric oxide levels were respectively measured using 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride （TTC） and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS： In the ischemic region, pathology changes were significant in the 4-hour ischemia/4-hour, 4-hour ischemia/6-hour reperfusion, and 4-hour ischemia/12-hour reperfusion subgroups fed on a high-fat diet compared to the same groups fed on a normal diet. In each ischemia subgroup, nNOS expression in brain tissues was higher than in the sham-operated subgroups fed on either the high-fat diet or normal diet （P 〈 0.01）. At each ischemia/reperfusion time point, rats fed on a high-fat diet expressed higher levels of nNOS compared to rats fed on the normal diet （P 〈 0.05）. When tissue was stained with TTC, a white infarction area was detected in the ischemic hemisphere, demonstrating that the infarct volume gradually increased with prolonged reperfusion time in each ischemia subgroup. At each ischemia/reperfusion time point, the infarct volume was larger in rats fed on a high-fat diet compared to those fed on a normal diet. CONCLUSION： nNOS expression was greater in hyperlipidemia rats following ischemia/reperfusion. Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury is aggravated with prolonged reperfusion time.

Effect of Magnesium on Nitric Oxide Synthase of Neurons in Cortex during Early Period of Cerebral Ischemia

Summary: To investigate the effect of magnesium on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) of neurons in cortex during early cerebral ischemic period, a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was established. The results showed that the NOS activity of neurons in cortex was in- creased significantly at 15 min after MCAO, reached its peak at 30 min after MCAO and returned to normal levels at 60 min after MCAO. The NOS activity of neurons in the magnesium-treated group was decreased significantly as compared with that in the ischemic group at 15 min and 30 ruin after MCAO respectively. The results suggested that magnesium could inhibit the elevated NOS activity of neurons in cortex induced by cerebral ischemia.

Effects of low molecular weight heparin-superoxide dismutase conjugate on serum levels of nitric oxide,glutathione peroxidase,and myeloperoxidase in a gerbil model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND： Several studies have demonstrated that low molecular weight heparin-superoxide dismutase （LMWH-SOD） conjugate may exhibit good neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury though anticoagulation, decreasing blood viscosity, having anti-inflammatory activity, and scavenging oxygen free radicals. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the intervention effects of LMWH-SOD conjugate on serum levels of nitric oxide （NO）, glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px）, and myeloperoxidase （MPO） following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled, and neurobiochemical experiment was performed at the Institute of Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University between April and July 2004. MATERIALS： A total of 60 Mongolian gerbils of either gender were included in this study. Total cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was induced in 50 gerbils by occluding bilateral common carotid arteries. The remaining 10 gerbils received a sham-operation （sham-operated group）. Kits of SOD, NO, and MPO were sourced from Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute, China. LMWH, SOD, and LMWH-SOD conjugates were provided by Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnique, Shandong University, China. METHODS： Fifty successful gerbil models of total cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury were evenly randomized to five groups： physiological saline, LMWH-SOD, SOD, LMWH ＋ SOD, and LMWH. At 2 minutes prior to ischemia, 0.5 mL/65 g physiological saline, 20 000 U/kg LMWH-SOD conjugate, 20 000 U/kg SOD, a mixture of SOD （20 000 U/kg） and LMWH （LMWH dose calculated according to weight ratio, LMWH： SOD = 23.6：51）, and LMWH （dose as in the LMWH ＋ SOD group） were administered through the femoral artery in each above-mentioned group, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Serum levels of NO, MPO, and GSH-Px. RESULTS： Compared with 10 sham-operated gerbils, the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury gerbils exhibited decreased serum levels of GSH-Px and increased serum levels of NO and MPO （P 〈 0.01）. The serum level of GSH-Px was significantly upregulated in all groups, in particular in the LMWH-SOD group （P 〈 0.01）, compared with the physiological saline group （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. Following medical treatment, serum levels of NO and MPO were significantly downregulated in all groups, in particular in the LMWH-SOD group （P 〈 0.01）. Serum levels of GSH-Px, NO, and MPO in the LMWH-SOD group were close to those in the sham-operated group （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： In cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, LMWH-SOD conjugate exhibits stronger neuroprotective effects on free radical scavenging, inflammation inhibition, and cytotoxicity inhibition than simple or combined application of LMWH and SOD by downregulating NO and MPO levels and upregulating the GSH-Px level.

Effects of melatonin on learning abilities, cholinergic fibers and nitric oxide synthase expression in rat cerebral cortex

BACKGROUND: Melatonin is a kind of hormones derived from pineal gland. Recent researches demonstrate that melatonin is characterized by anti-oxidation, anti-senility and destroying free radicals. While, effect and pathogenesis of pineal gland on learning ability should be further studied. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of pinealectomy on learning abiliy, distribution of cholinesterase and expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in cerebral cortex of rats and probe into the effect of melatonin on learning ability, central cholinergic system and nNOS expression. DESIGN: Randomized grouping design and animal study. SETTING: Department of Neurology, the 187 Hospital of Chinese PLA. MATERIALS: A total of 12 male SD rats, of normal learning ability testing with Y-tape maze, of clean grade, weighing 190-210 g, aged 6 weeks, were selected in this study. METHODS: The experiment was carried out in the Department of Neurology, Zhujiang Hospital from July 1997 to June 2000. All SD rats were divided into experimental group (n =6, pinealectomy) and control group (n =6, sham operation). Seven days later, rats in both two groups were continuously fed for 33 days. ① Learning ability test: The learning ability of rats was tested by trisection Y-type maze and figured as attempting times. ② Expression of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) was detected by enzyme histochemistry and nNOS was measured by SABC method. ③ Quantitative analysis of AchE fibers: AchE fibers density in unit area (surface density) was surveyed with Leica Diaplan microscope and Leica Quantimet 500+ image analytic apparatus and quantitative parameter was set up for AchE fibers covering density (μm2) per 374 693.656 μm2, moreover, the AchE fibers density was measured in Ⅱ-Ⅳ layers of motor and somatosensory cortex (showing three layers per field of vision at one time), in radiative, lacunaria and molecular layers of CA1, CA2 and CA3 areas, and in lamina multiforms of dentate gyrus. Three tissue slices were picked up randomly in the same part of each rat, together six tissue slices for nNOS expression and four near view (× 400) were selected in the parts of right neocortex, medial septal nucleus-diagonal band nucleus (SM-DB), corpus striatus and hippocampus to count nNOS-positive cells. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Learning ability; distribution and quantitative analysis of AchE fibers; expression of nNOS in various cerebral areas. RESULTS: The twelve rats were all involved in the final analysis. ① Learning ability test: The learning abilities before operation in the experimental group [(14.67±4.97) times] were consistent with those in the control group [(14.33±4.32) times, P > 0.05], the learning abilities in the experimental group at 40 days after pinealectomy [(28.67±2.42) times] were obviously more than those before pinealectomy and those in the control group after operation [(13.83±8.33) times, P < 0.01]. ② Results of AchE-positive fibers density in cerebral cortex of rats: The AChE-positive fibers densities in motor and somatosensory cortex, CA1, CA2 and CA3 areas of hippocampus and in lamina multiforms of dentate gyrus in the experimental group were obviously lower than those in the control group [experimental group: (15 244±1 339), (14 764±1 391), (12 991±970), (15 077±1 020), (19 546±1 489), (19 337±1 378) μm2; control group: (21 001±1 021), (17 930±2 225), (17 260±1 342), (18 911±1 048), (24 108±1 671), (22 917±1 909) μm2, P < 0.01]. ③ Expression of nNOS in various cerebral areas: nNOS-positive cells in cerebral cortex of rats of the experimental group were more, furthermore the ones in somatosensory cortex were slightly more in motor cortex and the number (5.90±0.68) was more than that in the control group (3.68±0.39,P < 0.05). The nNOS-positive cells in SM-DB (16.21±2.03) were markedly more than those in the control group (9.32±1.05,P < 0.01). The nNOS-positive cells in hippocampus (4.27±0.75) and in corpus striatus (9.35±2.58) were not different with those in the control group (3.94±0.53, 8.96±2.31, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Decrease of melatonin due to pinealectomy of rats can result in learning disorder, which may be related to trauma of cholinergic neuron in cerebral cortex which were caused by nitric oxide neurotoxicity arose from the overexpression of nNOS in cerebral neocortex and SM-DB.

Role of chloride channels in nitric oxide-induced rat hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in vitro

BACKGROUND：Chloride channels participate in non-neuronal apoptosis.However,it remains unclear whether chloride channels are involved in ischemic neuronal apoptosis.OBJECTIVE：To explore the effects of 4-acetamido-4＇-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2＇-disulfonic acid （SITS） and 4,4＇-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2＇-disulfonic acid （DIDS）,two chloride channel blockers,on the hippocampal neuronal apoptosis induced by 3-morpholinosydnonimine （SIN-1） based on the nitric oxide toxicity theory of neuronal apoptosis following ischemic brain injury.DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING：Comparative observation and in vitro experiments were performed at the laboratory of Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical College from January to May 2009.MATERIALS：SIN-1,SITS,and DIDS were purchased from Sigma,USA.METHODS：Hippocampal neurons from Sprague-Dawley rats,aged 1 day,were cultured In vitro for 12 days and randomly assigned to control,SIN-1,or chloride channel blocker groups.SIN-1 group neurons were induced by SIN-1 for 18 hours to establish a model of ischemic neuronal apoptosis.Neurons in chloride channel blocker groups were treated with SITS or DIDS plus SIN-1 for 18 hours.The controls were cultured in DMEM/Ham＇s F12 complete medium alone.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES：The apoptotic neurons and nuclear appearance were detected by Hoechst 33258 fluorescence staining; neuronal viability was quantitatively determined by 3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide analysis.Caspase-3 activity was analyzed by Western blot.RESULTS：SIN-1 （1 mmol/L） dramatically induced apoptosis （50%-60%）.SITS and DIDS inhibited nitric oxide-induced neuronal injury in a dose-dependent manner,suppressed caspase-3 activation,reduced neuronal apoptosis,and improved neuronal survival.CONCLUSION：Chloride channel blockers can protect against neuronal injury induced by NO.Chloride channels might be involved in neuronal apoptosis following cerebral ischemia.

EFFECT OF RADIX SALVIAE MILTIORRHIZAE ON THE GENE EXPRESSION OF NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE IN ISCHEMIC RAT BRAINS

The effect of Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae (RSM) on the gene expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in rat brains during ischemia was studied with in situ hybridization and the results were analyzed with IBAS 2000 Image Analysis System. It was found that NOS gene expression of cerebral cortex and caudate-putamen was markedly increased in 24 hours in ischemia group (P

Effects of Electroacupuncture on the Contents of NO,ET and T-AOC in the Brain Tissues of the Cerebral Hemorrhage Model Rats

In the cerebral hemorrhage model rats established by injection of collagenase and heparin into caudate nucleus, the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on the contents of nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin (ET),and total anti-oxidation capability (T-AOC) in the brain tissues were investigated. It is found that the content of NO in the Shuigou EA group lowered, ET decreased and the T-AOC raised significantly in both the Fengfu EA group and the Shuigou EA group (all P＜0.05) as compared with the model group,indicating that acupuncture can reduce the contents of ET and NO, and increase the T-AOC in the brain tissues of the rats with cerebral hemorrhage.

Neuronal apoptosis and inflammatory reaction in rat models of focal cerebral ischemia following 40-minute suspended moxibustion

The treatment duration of heat-sensitive moxibustion（approximately 40 minutes on average） is longer than that of traditional suspended moxibustion.The present study investigated expression changes of three inflammatory and apoptosis-associated proteins（inducible nitric oxide synthase,cyclooxygenase-2 and caspase-3） in transient middle cerebral artery occlusion model rats following suspended moxibustion for 40 minutes,to explore the mechanisms underlying neuroprotective action of suspended moxibustion.The results indicated that suspended moxibustion at acupoint Dazhui（DU 14） for 40 minutes reduced the cortical expression of caspase-3,cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase proteins of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion model rats,as well as decreasing infarct volume and ameliorating the neurological deficit score.Outcomes with 40 minutes of moxibustion were superior to the outcomes after suspended moxibustion for 15 minutes.

Protective effect of ginkgo proanthocyanidins against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury associated with its antioxidant effects

Proanthocyanidins have been shown to effectively protect ischemic neurons, but its mechanism remains poorly understood. Ginkgo proan-thocyanidins （20, 40, 80 mg/kg） were intraperitoneally administered 1, 24, 48 and 72 hours before reperfusion. Results showed that ginkgo proanthocyanidins could effectively mitigate neurological disorders, shorten infarct volume, increase superoxide dismutase activity, and de-crease malondialdehyde and nitric oxide contents. Simultaneously, the study on grape seed proanthocyanidins （40 mg/kg） confirmed that different sources of proanthocyanidins have a similar effect. The neurological outcomes of ginkgo proanthocyanidins were similar to that of nimodipine in the treatmen＇t of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. （Sur results suggestthat-ginkgo proanthocyanidins can effectively lessen cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and protect ischemic brain tissue and these effects are associated with antioxidant properties.

Activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 regulated by nitric oxide is associated with neuronal survival in hippocampal neurons in a rat model of ischemia

Background C-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK） signaling pathway plays a critical role in cerebral ischemia. Although the mechanistic basis for this activation of JNK1/2 is uncertain, oxidative stress may play a role. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the activation of JNK1/2 is associated with the production of endogenous nitric oxide （NO）. Methods Ischemia and reperfusion （I/R） was induced by cerebral four-vessel occlusion. Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were divided into 6 groups： sham group, I/R group, neuronal nitric oxide synthase （nNOS） inhibitor （7-nitroindazole, 7-NI） given group, inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS） inhibitor （2-amino-5,6-dihydro-methylthiazine, AMT） given group, sodium chloride control group, and 1% dimethyl sulfoxide （DMSO） control group. The levels of protein expression and phospho-JNK1/2 were detected by Western blotting and the survival hippocampus neurons in CA1 zone were observed by cresyl violet staining. Results The study illustrated two peaks of JNK1/2 activation occurred at 30 minutes and 3 days during reperfusion. 7-NI inhibited JNK1/2 activation during the early reperfusion, whereas AMT preferably attenuated JNK1/2 activation during the later reperfusion. Administration of 7-NI and AMT can decrease I/R-induced neuronal loss in hippocampal CA1 region. Conclusion JNK1/2 activation is associated with endogenous NO in response to ischemic insult.

Sodium nitrite-derived nitric oxide protects rat testes against ischemia/reperfusion injury

Testicular torsion,a common urologic emergency,is primarily caused by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)injury of the testis.Nitric oxide (NO)-derived from nitrite (NO2-)has been reported to have prominent therapeutic effects on I/R injury in the heart,liver,and brain;however,its effects on testicular I/R injury have not been evaluated.This study,therefore,investigated whether NO from NO2^-is beneficial in a rat model of testicular I/R injury which eventually results in impaired spermatogenesis.Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to the following seven groups:group A,sham-operated control group;Group B,I/R with no treatment;Groups C, D,and E,I/R followed by treatment with three different doses of NO2^-;Group F,I/R followed by administration of NO2-and NO scavenger (2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-l-oxyl-3-oxide potassium salt [C-PTIO]);and Group G,I/R followed by administration of nitrate (NO3^-).NO2^-,NO3^-,and C-PTIO were intravenously administered.Histological examination of the testes and the western blot analysis of caspase-3 were performed.Levels of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation were measured. Germ cell apoptosis,oxidative stress,antioxidant enzymatic function,and lipid peroxidation in Group B were significantly higher than those in Group A.Group B exhibited an abnormal testicular morphology and impaired spermatogenesis.In contrast,testicular damages were attenuated in the NO2^-treatment groups,which were caused by reduction in superoxide and peroxynitrite levels and an inhibition of caspase-3-dependent apoptosis.The results of this study suggest NO2^-to be a promising therapeutic agent with anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic properties in testicular I/R injury.

nNOS expression of hippocampal neurons in aged rats after brain ischemia/reperfusion and its role in DND development

Objective: To study the role of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in aged rats hippocampal delayed neuronal death (DND) following brain ischemia. Methods: Models of incomplete brain ischemia were induced by clipping common carotid artery. A total of 46 aged SD rats were divided into 8 groups: normal control group (Group A, n=5), sham operation group (Group B, n=5), reperfusion 1, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 96 hours groups after brain ischemia for 30 minutes (Group C, D, E, F, G, and H, n=6/group). The expression of nNOS was examined by immunohistochemistry and neuronal ultrastructural changes were observed by the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at different time points after reperfusion. Results: Immunohistochemistry showed that nNOS expression in the hippocampal neurons was high in Group E, low expression in Group D, moderate expression in Group F and G. There was nearly no expression of nNOS in Group A, B, C, and H. Ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons was damaged more severely in reperfusion over 24 hours groups. Conclusions: Nitric oxide (NO) may be one of the important factors in inducing DND after ischemia/reperfusion.

Effects and Mechanism of Weinaokang(维脑康) on Reperfusioninduced Vascular Injury to Cerebral Microvessels after Global Cerebral Ischemia

Objective：To study the effects of the Weinaokang（维脑康,WNK）,the active compounds extracted from Ginkgo,Ginseng,and saffron,on ischemia/reperfusion（I/R）-induced vascular injury to cerebral microvessels after global cerebral ischemia.Methods：Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 5 groups（10 animals/group）：the sham group（0.5%CMC-Na,20 mL/kg）,the I/R model group（0.5%CMC-Na, 20 mL/kg）,the I/R＋Crocin control group（20 mg/kg）,the I/R＋high dose WNK group（20 mg/kg）,and the I/R＋low dose WNK group（10 mg/kg）.Bilateral common carotid artery occlusion（BCCAO,20 min） in mice, followed by 24 h reperfusion,was built.The generation of nitric oxide（NO）,the activity of nitric oxide synthase （NOS）,the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2（ERK1/2）,and the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-9（MMP-9） and G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2（GRK2） in cortical microvascular homogenates were evaluated.The ultrastructural morphology of cortical microvascular endothelial cells （CMEC） was observed.Results：The transient global cerebral ischemia（20 min）,followed by 24 h of reperfusion, significantly promoted the generation of NO and the activity of NOS.The reperfusion led to serious edema with mitochondrial injuries in the cortical CMEC,as well as enhanced membrane GRK2 expression and reduced cytosol GRK2 expression.Furthermore,enhanced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and decreased expression of MMP-9 were detected in cortical micovessels after l/R（20 min/24 h）.As well as the positive control Crocin（20 mg/kg, 21 days）,pre-treatment with WNK（20,10 mg/kg,21 days） markedly inhibited nitrative injury and modulated the ultrastructure of CMEC.Furthermore,WNK inhibited GRK2 translocation from cytosol to the membrane（at 20 mg/kg） and reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and MMP-9 expression in cortical microvessels.Conclusion：WNK and its active compounds（Crocin） are effective to suppress l/R-induced vascular injury to cerebral microvessels after global cerebral ischemia with the target on GRK2 pathways.

Effects of L-arginine and N~ω-nitro-L-arginine methylester on learning and memory and α7 nAChR expression in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of rats

Nitric oxide （NO） is a novel type of neurotransmitter that is closely associated with synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. In the present study, we assessed the effects of Larginine and NnitroL arginine methylester （LNAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor） on learning and memory. Rats were assigned to three groups receiving intracerebroventricular injections of LArg （the NO precursor）, LNAME, or 0.9% NaCI （control）, once daily for seven con secutive days. Twelve hours after the last injection, they underwent an electric shockpaired Y maze test. Twentyfour hours later, the rats＇ memory of the safe illuminated arm was tested. After that, the levels of NO and a7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor （a7 nAChR） in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were assessed using an NO assay kit, and immunohistochemistry and Western blots, respectively. We found that, compared to controls, LArgtreated rats received fewer foot shocks and made fewer errors to reach the learning criterion, and made fewer errors during the memorytesting session. In contrast, LNAMEtreated rats received more foot shocks and made more errors than controls to reach the learning criterion, and made more errors during the memorytesting session. In parallel, NO content in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus was higher in LArgtreated rats and lower inLNAME rats, compared to controls. Similarly, （]7 nAChR immunoreactivity and protein expression in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were higher in LArgtreated rats and lower in LNAME rats, compared to controls. These results suggest that the modulation of NO content in the brain correlates with a7 nAChR distribution and expression in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, as well as with learning and memory performance in the Ymaze.

红毛五加叶水提取物对大鼠局灶性脑缺血损伤的预防作用

目的:研究红毛五加叶水提取物(acanthopanax giraldii leaves extract,AGLE)对大鼠局灶性脑缺血损伤的预防作用。方法 :将138只SPF级雄性SD大鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组、银杏叶片组(0.04 g/kg)及AGLE高、中、低剂量组(20、10、5 g/kg),每组23只,采用插线法阻塞大鼠大脑中动脉(middle cerebral artery,MCA)制备局灶性脑缺血模型;采用氯化三苯基四氮唑(2.3.5-Triphenytetrya-zolium chloride,TTC)染色法测定脑梗死范围;Longa法观测大鼠神经功能缺失评分;光镜下观察缺血侧大脑皮层病理学改变;分光光度法和硝酸还原酶法分别测定脑组织一氧化氮合酶(nitric oxide synthase,NOS)活性及一氧化氮(nitric oxide,NO)含量。结果:模型组大鼠行为指标评分、脑梗死范围、NOS活性及NO含量均高于假手术组(P<0.01);缺血侧大脑皮层出现神经元结构不清,神经细胞肿胀,核固缩、溶解、破裂或消失等病理改变。与模型组比较,AGLE各剂量组大鼠行为指标评分、脑梗死范围、NOS活性及NO含量均降低(P<0.01)。与银杏叶片组比较,AGLE低剂量组改善大鼠行为指标评分更明显(P<0.01)。AGLE各剂量组脑梗死范围、NOS活性及NO含量与银杏叶片组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:AGLE对大鼠局灶性脑缺血损伤具有预防作用,其作用机制可能与降低脑组织中NOS活性及NO含量有关。

电针预处理丰隆穴对脑血栓大鼠神经生长因子、一氧化氮水平的影响

目的 观察电针预处理丰隆穴(ST40)对三氯化铁(FeCl_(3))诱导的远端大脑中动脉血栓(distal middle cerebral artery thrombus,dMCAT)模型大鼠行为学、脑梗死体积及梗死侧海马神经生长因子(nerve growth factor,NGF)、缺血区皮层一氧化氮(nitric oxide,NO)水平的影响。方法 成年雄性SD大鼠52只,随机分为假手术组、模型组、电针组、阿司匹林组,假手术组10只,其余每组14只。对电针组予电针双侧丰隆穴(2/100 Hz,1~3 mA),每天1次,每次30分钟,对阿司匹林组予阿司匹林50 mg/(kg·d)灌胃,均持续7天。第8天,模型组、电针组、阿司匹林组以50%FeCl_(3)溶液贴敷左侧大脑中动脉,建立dMCAT模型。术后24小时和7天对大鼠进行行为学评价(Longa评分、网屏实验、平衡木实验);术后24小时以TTC染色法测定脑梗死体积百分比;术后24小时和7天取大鼠梗死侧脑组织,以蛋白免疫印迹法检测海马NGF水平,硝酸还原酶法检测缺血区皮层NO含量。结果 与假手术组比较,术后24小时,模型组大鼠Longa评分、网屏实验评分、平衡木实验评分和脑梗死体积百分比显著升高(P<0.01);与模型组比较,术后24小时,电针组大鼠Longa评分降低(P<0.05),电针组和阿司匹林组网屏实验评分和脑梗死体积百分比降低(P<0.05,P<0.01),平衡木实验评分降低(P<0.05)。术后7天电针组与阿司匹林组海马NGF表达水平升高(P<0.01,P<0.05)。各组皮层NO水平比较无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论 电针和阿司匹林预处理均能一定程度减轻脑血栓大鼠早期脑损伤,改善运动功能,并提高术后7天梗死侧海马NGF的表达水平,可能有利于后期的神经恢复。

三七白及粉对大鼠脑出血致应激性溃疡的治疗作用及其机制研究

目的观察三七白及粉对脑出血致应激性溃疡(SU)模型大鼠的治疗作用,并探讨其作用机制。方法将30只雄性SD大鼠随机分为对照组、模型组、三七白及粉组,每组10只。适应性饲养1周后,模型组、三七白及粉组采用自体血定位注射法建立大鼠基底节脑出血致SU模型。在造模完成3天后,三七白及粉组予三七白及粉2.5 g/kg灌胃,对照组、模型组予等容积0.9%氯化钠注射液灌胃,每日1次,连续灌胃14天后,将大鼠麻醉后取血,检测大鼠血清一氧化氮(NO)、丙二醛(MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、前列腺素E_(2)(PGE_(2))水平。取完整胃组织观察形态学改变,取脑组织和胃溃疡组织进行切片,并采用苏木素-伊红(HE)染色法观察脑组织和胃组织病理变化,并测定溃疡指数。结果与对照组比较,模型组大鼠血清NO、SOD和PGE_(2)水平均降低(P<0.05),MDA升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,三七白及粉组大鼠血清NO、SOD和PGE_(2)水平均升高(P<0.05),MDA降低(P<0.05)。脑组织病理学观察:基底节区细胞排列不规则,细胞核形态不规则,部分出现核皱缩现象,血肿及周围神经元减少,胶质细胞、毛细血管增生明显。胃组织形态观察:对照组大鼠胃黏膜表面光滑,色淡红,并覆盖有大量黏液,黏膜表面及浆膜面完整,未见水肿、充血等病理变化;模型组可见大量散在点、线状出血或糜烂,并伴有炎性渗出;三七白及粉组大部分可以找到溃疡灶,但面积较小,部分可见充血点及炎性渗出物。胃组织病理观察:对照组胃黏膜组织形态正常,结构完整;模型组胃黏膜镜下可见胃黏膜上皮细胞坏死、脱落,腺体结构破坏,黏膜间质明显充血、水肿和出血;三七白及粉组胃黏膜表面未见糜烂,间质充血、水肿程度较模型组明显减轻。三七白及粉组大鼠溃疡指数低于模型组(P<0.05)。结论三七白及粉能促进脑出血致SU胃黏膜愈合修复,其作用机制可能是经过提高消化道黏膜保护因子PGE_(2)、NO水平,增强SOD活性,降低MDA水平,增强抗氧化应激作用,进而加强胃黏膜的防御修复能力实现的。

cGMP通路激活对小鼠脑缺血后神经发生的作用

目的观察小鼠脑缺血后海马体神经发生的变化及其与环磷酸鸟苷(cGMP)相关调节机制。方法76只C57BL/6雄性小鼠按照随机数字表法分为假手术组和模型组,每组38只,采用双侧颈总动脉夹闭法建立脑缺血模型。采用Morris水迷宫检测其学习记忆功能,采用苏木精-伊红(HE)染色法检测海马体CA1区病理变化,采用免疫荧光法检测海马体齿状回神经发生标志物5′-溴脱氧尿嘧啶核苷(BrdU)、双肾上腺皮质激素(DCX)、BrdU/神经元核抗原(NeuN)阳性细胞数的表达,采用比色法、硝酸还原法分别检测海马体一氧化氮合酶(NOS)活性和一氧化氮(NO)水平,采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测cGMP水平和磷酸二酯酶(PDE)9活性,采用Western bolt法检测cGMP依赖性蛋白激酶G(PKG)、脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)蛋白表达。结果多变量方差分析结果显示,在训练2~5 d,在相同训练天数模型组小鼠逃避潜伏期的时间同假手术组相比明显延长,差异均有统计学意义(F=13.683、8.625、73.266、90.327,P<0.05)。在第6天的空间探索试验中,假手术组、模型组小鼠穿越平台次数分别为(6.67±1.37)、(1.67±0.51)次,模型组小鼠穿越平台次数明显少于假手术组,差异有统计学意义(t=8.300,P<0.05)。模型组海马体CA1区锥体神经元数目明显减少,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),提示脑缺血模型建立成功;与假手术组比较,模型组小鼠海马体马齿状回神经发生标志物BrdU、DCX、BrdU/NeuN阳性细胞数明显增加,同时NOS活性下降,NO生成减少,PDE9活性降低,而cGMP水平增加,PKG和BDNF蛋白表达上调,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论PDE9活性降低,cGMP-PKG信号通路激活可能参与促进小鼠脑缺血后海马体神经发生过程。