The effect of microgene pSVPoMcat to modify Schwann cell on GAP -43 expression after spinal cord injury in adult rats

Objective To study the effect of microgene pSVP oMcat implanted to modify schwann cell on growth associated protein -43(GAP -43)expression after spinal cord injury in adult rats.Method Hemisected of the T8segment of the sp inal cord was performed for all the experiment rats.The rats were randomly divided into three groups as follows:Group Awith microgene pSVPoMca t implanted to genetically modify SC;Group B with SC implanted ;Group C with hemisection of the spinal cord o nly.The changes of expression of GAP-43in spinal cord were observed by immunochemistry with antibodies against GAP -43.Simultaneous,the combined behavioral scores(CBS)was measured.Result There were not any different (P >0.05)among the three groups in first week a nd 12week.There were significant di ffeence(P <0.05)among three groups in 2nd,8th,and more dxpression of GAP -43at the 2nd week in gr oup A.The neurofunctional recovery was best in group A.Conclusion The microgene pSVPoMcat implanted t o modify schwann cell can promote the expression of GAP -43in spinal cord a nd func-tional recovery in adults rats after SCI.

Effects of Lycii Fructus and Salviae Miltiorrhizae on the Syndrome of Deficiency with Blood Stasis in RCS(rdy-/-, p-/-) Rats with Retinitis Pigmentosa: An Intervention Study

Objective To investigate the effects of Lycii Fructus(LF,Gou Qi Zi,枸杞子)and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix Ex Rhizoma(SM,Dan Shen,丹参)on the syndrome of deficiency with blood stasis in the RCS(rdy-/-,p-/-)rats with retinitis pigmentosa(RP).Methods A total of 32 RCS(rdy-/-,p-/-)rats were divided into 4 groups(equal amounts of female and male rats in each group):model group treated with 0.9%normal saline,LF group treated with LF formula granules,SM group treated with SM formula granules,and LF and SM(L·S)group treated with LF and SM formula granules.Eight RCS(rdy+/+,p+/+)rats(4 males and 4 females)were treated with 0.9%normal saline to serve as blank group.The contents of E2,PG,P-Selectin,plasma viscosity,whole blood relative index of the high shear rate and fibrinogen content in plasma,and the content of cAMP and cGMP in retinal homogenate were detected.The retina was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining.Results The contents of E2,PG,P-Selectin,plasma viscosity,whole blood relative index of the high shear rate,and fibrinogen content in the plasma of L·S group significantly differed from those of model group(P<0.01),but were similar to those of blank group.The contents of cAMP and cGMP in the retinal homogenate of L·S group significantly differed from those in model group(P<0.01)but were similar to those in blank group(P>0.05).Conclusions LF and SM can effectively treat retinitis pigmentosa by ameliorating the syndrome of deficiency with blood stasis.

CHANGES OF CATHEPSIN D AND α _2- MACROGLOBULIN IN RATS AFTER ACUTE TOTAL BODY IRRADIATION

α 2-macroglobulin (α2M) could stimulate the regeneration of thymic and bone marrow cells in rats received γ-irradiation, but there was very few reports concerning its mechanism. Wistar rats were irradiated by 16Co at 7 Gy, 8.5 Gy, 15 Gy total body doses. Blood plasma and some tissue’s extracts were collected α 2M level. a M activity and cathepsin D activity, malonaldehyde level were determined by radioimmunoassay, modified Schidlow’s method, Barrett’s method and Ohkawa’s method respectively.

Effects of DHA-PC on the cognitive deficits of AD rats

Aim To study the improvement of docosahexaenoic Acid-phosphatidylcholine （DHA-PC） on the cogni- tive deficits of AD rats induced by Aβ25_35, and investigate molecular mechanism of DHA-PC. Methods 1. fifty healthy wistar rats of SPF level, weighing 250 -0 300 g were randomly divided into control group, AD group, done- pezil group, DHA-PC treated group, DHA group. Each group had 10 rats. Aβ25_35 was injected into hippocampus CA1 area of the AD group rats and drug treated group rats. The same volume of Normal saline was injected in the same area of sham group rats, the control group deal with nothing. All the groups were tested with Morris water maze after operation to test whether AD models. Both DHA-PC treated group and DHA treated group were given by oral administration of corresponding drugs. The AD group and sham group were given by oral administration of nor- mal saline, the control group were fed with normal food. All the groups were treated for 30 days. All the groups were tested with Morris water maze on day 25 after administration. We determined the phosphorylated tau protein of Ser396 site with Western Blot and determined the Superoxide dismutase （SOD）. Results The water maze test was performed： The latency period of AD group was increased compared with the sham group （P 〈 0.05）. The DHA- PC group was spent less time to find the platform compared with the AD group （P 〈 0.05）. DHA-PC treated groups used more linear and tendency modes than AD group. In the probe trial, the AD group spent less time in the target area compared with sham group （P 〈0.01 ） , and the DHA-PC group spent more time in the target area compared with AD group （P 〈 0.05 ）. The results of Western blot are as follows ： DHA-PC reduced the phosphoryl- ated tau protein of Ser396 site expression in cortex （P 〈 0.01 ）. The results of SOD in cortex were increased in DHA-PC treated groups than AD groups （P 〈0.01）. Conclusion DHA-PC can improve the cognitive deficits of AD rats, improve the abnormalities and decreased the level of the phosphorylated Ser396 tau protein of AD rats in cortex. DHA-PC can also improve the cognitive deficits of AD rats by increased SOD.

Impact of 1,25-(OH)_2D_3 on Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Objective To investigate the impact of 1, 25-(OH)2D3 on left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH) in type 2 diabetic rats. Methods Type 2 diabetic mellitus(DM) model rats were established by intraperitoneally injecting with 30 mg/kg streptozotocin. After 8 weeks, 19 male rats were identified as diabetic with left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH) by ultrasound examination, and randomly assigned into three groups: untreated(DM-LVH, n=7), treated with insulin(DM-LVH+INS, n=6), and treated with 1, 25-(OH)2D3(DM-LVH+VD, n=6). Healthy male rats were used as the controls group(n=6). The fasting blood glucose and the insulin level were determined weekly. The left ventricular mass index, myocardial collagen content, collagen volume fraction, and 1, 25-(OH)2D3-receptor level were determined by 4 weeks later. Results In the DM-LVH model group, the insulin level was significantly decreased compared with the non-diabetic control group(P<0.05), whereas the blood glucose, left ventricular mass index, myocardial collagen content, collagen volume fraction, and 1, 25-(OH)2D3-receptor expression were significantly increased(all P<0.05). In the DM-LVH+INS and DM-LVH+VD groups, the insulin levels were significantly increased compared with the DM-LVH model group(P<0.05), whereas the other parameters were significantly decreased(all P<0.05). Conclusion 1, 25-(OH)2D3 could reverse LVH in diabetic rats and that the mechanism may involve stimulating insulin secretion and reducing blood glucose via direct up-regulation of 1, 25-(OH)2D3-receptor expression.

A Study of the Correlation between Angiotensin (1-7) and the Histopathological Changes in the Penises of Experimentally Diabetic Rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus is an important risk factor for erectile dysfunction. Renin-angiotensin system with its branches Angiotensin II and Angiotensin 1-7 [Ang-(1-7)] are altered in diabetes and could affect erection. So, in this study we determine the level of Ang-(1-7), nitrite (the major nitric oxide metabolite) and histopathological changes in penile tissues of type I diabetic rats. A total of 60 male albino rats were divided into two groups: group I (control) and group II (diabetic) for either 4 weeks in group IIa, or 8 weeks in group IIb. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Penile levels of Ang-(1-7), nitrite and histopathological examination were assessed at 4 and 8 weeks after diabetes induction. Results: Ang-(1-7) and nitrite were decreased in diabetic rats at 4 weeks and continued to be lower at 8 weeks for Ang-(1-7) only. Loss of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle was present in 25% and 85% of rats at 4 and 8 weeks of diabetes respectively (P Conclusion: Diabetes induced progressive decrease in the release of Ang-(1-7) and nitric oxide from the corpora cavernosa in a time-dependent manner with concomitant fibro-muscular changes that end by corporal fibrosis affecting subsequently erectile functions.

Effect of Synthetic Leucopyrokinin Analog [D-AlaS]-[2-8]-Leucopyrokinin （[D-AlaS]-[2-8]-LPK） on Opioid-lnduced Analgesia in Rats

The study was undertaken in order to evaluate effect of synthetic insect neuropeptide leucopyrokinin analog, [D-Ala5]-[2-8]-LPK, on analgesia induced by selective agonists of/a-, 6- and l〈-opioid receptors. The study was performed on male Wistar rats, which a week before the experiments were implanted with polyethylene cannulas into the lateral brain ventricle （icv）. Effect of prior administration of [D-Ala5]-[2-8]-LPK on analgesia induced in rats by next icv administration of equimolar dose of μ-, δ- and -opioid agonists： DAMGO, DPDPE and GR fumarate respectively, was evaluated. Antinociceptive effect was determined in rats by the test of the tail immersion. It was found that two doses of 5 and 10 nmols icv of [D-AlaS]-[2-8]-LPK inhibited analgesia in rats by equimolar doses of DAMGO. This analog also transiently （only in two time intervals） and in one dose of 10 nmols inhibited analgesia induced in rats by icv administration of equimolar DPDPE dose of 10 nmols icv. Obtained results indicate that [D-AlaS]-[2-8]-LPK inhibits antinociceptive effect of DAMGO and in part of DPDPE, i.e. mainly antagonized ~t-opioid receptors. These results correspond with results of our previous study that selective antagonists of μ- and δ-opioid receptors blocked antinociceptive effect of synthetic insect neuropeptide leucopyrokinin and of it active analog [2-8]-leucopyrokinin. We regard that [D-AIaS]-[2-8]-LPK, the first discovered antagonist of leucopyrokinin may be a useful as a probable tool substance in the study of biological effects of insect-derived peptides either in invertebrates or in mammals.

Expressions of MMP-2,-9,TIMP-1,-2,-3 mRNA in Rat Uterus during Estrous Cycle

Zymography and in situ hybridization were used to investigate matrixmetalloproteinase -2, -9 (MMP -2, MMP-9) activities and expressions of MMP -2, -9 and TIMP1, -2, -3 (tissue inhibitors of matrix metallo-proteinases) mRNA in the rat uterus during estrouscycle. The relative activity was semiquanted by using densitometric analysis. The MMP-2(67 kDa) activity in every stage during estrpus cycle was detected by zymography. MMP-2activity was highest at proestrus; higher at estrus and metaestrus; lowest at diestrus. Throughin situ hybridization, MMP -2, -9, TIMP -1~ -3 mRNA mainly in hasal stroma cells of uterineendometrium were detected. The positive signals of MMP -2 and -9 mRNAs in hasal stromacells were shown stronger at proestrus, estrus and metaestrus while they showed the weakest atdiestrus. The expression of MMP -2 mRNA coincided with MMP -2 activity change. MMP-2and -9 mRNAs were also highly expressed in uterine circular muscle at estrus. Weak signals ofMMP -9 mRNA were detected in uterine luminal and glandular epithelial cells at estrus.TIMP -1 mRNA in hasal stroma cells was shown as the strongest expression at estrus andmetaestrus; stronger at proestrus and the weakest at diestrus. TIMP-2 mRNA in basal stromacells was stronger at estrus and diestrus; weaker at proestrus and metaestrus. TIMP -1 and -2mRNAs were also highly expressed in uterine luminal and glandular epithelial cells at estrus.TIMP -3 mRNA in hasal stroma cells revealed the strongest expression at estrus; stronger atdiestrus and metaestrus and showed the weakest at proestrus. The mRNA was also highlyexpressed in uterine circular muscle at estrus. In short, our present results provide evidencethat MMP -2, -9 and TIMP -1~ -3 were involved in rat uterine endometrium reconstructionduring estrous cycle.

Effects of WIN 55,212-2 on I_K Current in Cultured Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons of Rat

Summary: To investigate the effects of WIN 55,212-2 on I K in cultured rat trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons, whole-cell patch clamp techniques were used to record the I K before and after WIN 55,212-2 perfusion at different concentrations. 30 μmol/L WIN 55,212-2 markedly (35 7 %± 7 3 %, P<0.01, n=8) inhibited I K currents, and the currents were partially recovered after washing. 30 μmol/L WIN 55,212-2 also induced a significant depolarizing shift in conductance-voltage parameters (control: V 0 5=10 43 ± 4.25 mV, k=16 27±3 86; WIN 55,212-2: V 0.5=24.71±3.91 mV, k =16.69±2.75; n = 8, P<0.01 for V 0.5). 0.01 μmol/L WIN 55,212-2 slightly (27.0 %± 7.9 %, P<0.05, n=7) increased I K currents, but had no significant change in conductance–voltage parameters (control: V 0.5=10.74±5.27 mV, k=17.33±2.96; WIN 55,212-2: V 0.5=11.06±2.05 mV, k=19.69±6.60; n=7, P>0.05 for V 0.5 and k). These results suggested that WIN 55,212-2 has dual action, which might be through different receptors.

Neuroprotective Effects of Mas-receptor Ligands in an Experimental Rat Glaucoma

Objectives： Ocular effects of Mas-receptor ligands were studied in an experimental rat glaucoma. Elevated IOP （intraocular pressure） was induced unilaterally by laser photocoagulation of the episcleral and limbal veins in anesthetized rats. A Mas-receptor agonist （Ang （1-7）） and an antagonist （A779） were administered intravitreally in the glaucomatous eye. lOP was measured by a rebound tonometer. Effects of the treatment on RGCL （retinal ganglion cell layer） were determined stereologically and on the axons of optic nerve by a modified Gallyas silver-staining method. Key findings： Mean IOP during the 14 days follow-up in the solvent treated glaucoma eyes （n = 18） was 28.7 -4- 1.9 mmHg vs. the fellow eyes 11.0 4- 0.3 mmHg. A significant axon damage was detected in the glaucomatous eyes vs. the fellow normotensive eye. The Mas-receptor ligands did not influence high IOP resulted by laser treatment, Despite of the ineffectiveness on lOP, Ang （1-7） protected RGCL cells as determined by stereology （P = 0.016）. No significant effects in Gallyas silver-staining were found. Summary： Intravitreally administered Ang （1-7） showed a significant protective effect against neuronal damage. The present and our previous studies suggest that stimulation of Mas-receptor may have therapeutic potential to treat glaucoma.

Behavioral Characteristics of Pharmacologically Selected Lines of Rats: Relevance to Depression

This brief review discusses the behavioral consequences of two pharmacologically selected lines of rats. Flinders Sensitive (FSL) and Flinders Resistant (FRL) Lines of rats were selected on the basis of differential hypothermic and behavioral responses to the anticholinesterase, diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP). FSL rats are more sensitive to the hypothermic effects of cholinergic, serotonergic, and dopaminergic agonists but less sensitive to the locomotor or stereotypic effects of dopamine agonists. FSL rats exhibit greater immobility in the forced swim test and reduced social interaction compared with FRL rats, but do not differ in saccharin intake, behavior in the elevated plus maze, or responses for rewarding brain self-stimulation. The exaggerated immobility and reduced social interaction are counteracted by chronic treatment with antidepressants. Because FSL rats were more sensitive to 5-HT1A receptor agonists, high (HDS) and low (LDS) 8-OH-DPATsensitive lines were selectively bred for differential hypothermic responses to the 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-N-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT). HDS rats were also more sensitive to the hypothermic effects of oxotremorine, a cholinergic agonist, but selection for this response did not diverge with later selection. HDS rats exhibited greater immobility in the forced swim test than LDS rats and this correlated response could be seen early in selection (generation 3). HDS rats also showed reduced social interaction compared to LDS rats, but did not differ in behavior in the elevated plus maze. These findings confirm that selection for hypothermic responses to pharmacological agents do have behavioral consequences, notably the production of depressive-like phenotypes, which can be counteracted by chronic antidepressant treatment. Because increased 5-HT1A receptor sensitivity was common to both selected lines (FSL and HDS), neurobiological processes dependent on this receptor could contribute to the abnormal behaviors that manifest in these rat lines and thus suggesting a mechanism underlying depressive behaviors in humans. However, available human data are inconsistent with this hypothesis and suggest that other mechanisms underlie these behavioral abnormalities in HDS and FSL rats. These mechanisms as well as additional behavioral testing in these rat lines will be discussed.

miR-362-3p Knockdown Triggers Inflammation to Promote Neuropathic Pain by Modulating JMJD1A Expression

Objective: When nerve injury or inflammatory injury, different miRNA-mediated signal pathways are activated or inactivated, causing pain or hyperalgesia. Therefore, miRNA has become a new direction of pain mechanism research. We aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of miR-362-3p on neuropathic pain in rats with chronic sciatic nerve injury (CCI). Methods: Neuropathic pain CCI rat model was established. Real-time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot, immunofluorescence, intrathecal injection, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and dual luciferase reporter gene assays were used to explore the role of miR-362-3p in neuropathic pain development and the relationship between miR-362-3p and JMJD1A (Jumonji domain-containing 1A). Results: In the CCI group, the miR-362-3p level was increased and JMJD1A level was reduced in spinal cords and isolated microglia. The paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) values were increased, the secretion of inflammatory factors was reduced, and the microglial marker Iba1 expression was decreased after intrathecal administration of miR-362-3p. miR-362-3p was observed to target JMJD1A. JMJD1A elevation abolished the inhibitory effects of miR-362-3p on neuropathic pain development. Conclusion: Intrathecal administration of miR-362-3p significantly relieved neuropathic pain in CCI rats and inhibited neuroinflammation possibly through regulating JMJD1A.

黄连解毒汤对自发性糖尿病大鼠免疫炎症因子及损伤的影响

目的:观察黄连解毒汤对自发性糖尿病大鼠心肌免疫炎症因子的影响及对心肌损伤的防治作用。方法:GK大鼠30只随机分为GK对照组、二甲双胍组、黄连解毒汤组,正常大鼠10只作为正常对照组分别灌胃12周,测定心肌匀浆核因子-κB(NF-κB)、细胞间黏附分子-1(sICAM-1)、白介素-1(IL-1)、肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)、内皮素-1(ET-1)含量。取心肌切片作HE染色。结果:2药物组血糖均下降(P<0.01)。GK对照组各炎症因子升高(P<0.01～0.05),黄连解毒汤组降低(P<0.01～0.05),其中NF-κB、TNF-α、ET-1与二甲双胍比较下降程度较大(P<0.01～0.05)。HE染色显示黄连解毒汤组心肌损伤明显减轻。结论:黄连解毒汤可防治糖尿病心肌炎症损伤。

Expression of β-1,4-galactosyltransferase Ⅰ in a surgically-induced rat model of knee osteoarthritic synovitis

Background There are few reports of a biological role for glycosyltransferases in the infiltration of osteoarthritic synovitis. The aim of this research was to investigate the expression and cellular location of β-1,4-galactosyltransferase Ⅰ （β-1,4-GaIT-Ⅰ） in a surgically-induced rat model of knee osteoarthritis （OA）, and explore the role of β-1,4-GalT-Ⅰ in the pathogenesis of OA.Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups： OA group, sham group and normal group. The model of OA was established in the right knees of rats by anterior cruciate ligament transaction （ACLT） with partial medial meniscectomy. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes （FLSs） obtained from normal rat synovial tissue were cultured.The expression of β-1,4-GalT-Ⅰ mRNA in the synovial tissue, articular cartilage and FLSs treated with tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） were assayed by real-time PCR. Western-blotting and immunohistochemisty were used to observe the expression of β-1,4-GalT-Ⅰ at the protein level. Double immunofluorescent staining was used to define the location of the β-1,4-GalT-Ⅰ with macrophage-like synoviocytes, FLSs, neutrophils, and TNF-α in the OA synovium. The alteration of TNF-α in FLSs which were treated with lipopolysaccharide （LPS） and β-1,4-GalT-Ⅰ-Ab were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）.Results The mRNA and protein expression of β-1,4-GalT-Ⅰ increased in synovial tissue of the OA group compared with the normal and sham groups at two and four weeks after the surgery, however, no significant difference appeared in the articular cartilage. Immunohistochemistry also indicated that the β-1,4-GalT-Ⅰ expression in OA synovium at four weeks after surgery increased sharply compared with the control group. β-1,4-GalT-Ⅰ co-localized with macrophage-like synoviocytes, FLSa, neutrophils and TNF-α in rat OA synovitis. Moreover, in vitro β-1,4-GalT-Ⅰ mRNA in FLSs was affected in a dose- and time-dependent manner in response to TNF-α stimulation. ELISA revealed that the expression of TNF-α was attenuated in FLSs in vitro when treated with anti β-1,4-GalT-Ⅰ antibody.Conclusion β-1,4-GalT-Ⅰ may play an important role in the inflammation process of rat OA synovial tissue which would provide the foundation for further researching into the concrete mechanism of β-1,4-GalT-Ⅰ in OA synovitis.

Effect of Moxibustion on IL-1β and IL-2 in Rat Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective： To observe the influence on IL-1β and IL-2 in rat models with rheumatoid arthritis after moxibustion on Shenshu （BL 23） and Zusanli （ST 36） points, and to discuss the mechanism of moxibustion. Methods： Fifty male Wistar rats were divided randomly into 5 groups, control group, model group, drug group, moxibustion group, and laser group, 10 for each. Four groups except the normal group were built on the model of rheumatoid arthritis. The changes of body weight and plantar circumference were measured and the level of IL-1β, IL-2 in sera were examined by ELISA. Results： Compared with the model group, the weight and plantar circumference of rats in the moxibustion group were improved significantly after treatment （P〈0.01）, and the improvement of plantar circumference also had significant differences compared with the drug group and the laser group （P〈0.05）. The level of IL-1β, IL-2 in sera were down regulated in the moxibustion group and the laser group, which had statistical differences compared with the model group （P〈0.05）, but no statistical differences were found when comparing with the drug group. Conclusion： Moxibustion obviously improves the toe tumefaction of the rats with rheumatoid arthritis, which is better than CO2 laser of 10.6μm. On the aspect of decreasing the amount of IL-1β, IL-2, CO2 laser of 10.6μm is similar with moxibustion.

Blockade of 4-1BB/4-1BB ligand interactions prevents acute rejection in rat liver transplantation

Background Blocking the 4-1BB/4-1BB ligand （4-1BBL） signal may modulate the secretion of Th1/Th2 cytokines and prolong the survival of the grafts, which play a key role in organ transplantation tolerance. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of blockade of the 4-1BB/4-1BBL co-stimulatory pathway with 4-1BBL monoclonal antibody （mAB） in acute rejection of rat orthotopic liver transplantation. Methods The orthotopic liver transplantation model was set up, while male Lewis rats were used as liver donors and Brown-Norway rats as recipients. The recipient rats were intravenously injected with anti 4-1BBL mAB or isotype control antibody. Groups were monitored for graft survival after transplantation. Plasma chemistry, including aspartate transaminase （AST）, alanine aminotransferase （ALT）, and bilirubin （BIL）, was assayed. The concentrations of interleukin （IL）-2, IL-10 and interferon （IFN）-γ in plasma were also measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Allograft histology images were collected under light microscope and electron microscope. Results Isotype antibody treated recipients exhibited elevated plasma levels of liver injury markers including AST, ALT and BIL, progressive portal and venous inflammation and cellular infiltration of the liver ailografts, and a mean graft survival time （MST） of 10.9 days. Administration of anti 4-1BBL mAB resulted in a decrease in plasma levels of liver injury markers and the concentrations of IL-2, IL-10 and IFN-γ. The histological grade of rejection on day 7 decreased and MST （17.3 days） increased substantially. Conclusions These results demonstrate that attenuation of acute rejection follows the blockade of the 4-1BB/4-1BBL co-stimulatory pathway with 4-1BBL monoclonal antibody and strongly suggest it is a promising strategy to prevent progression of graft rejection by suppressing T cell-mediated immunity.

Effects of polar cortical cytoskeleton and unbalanced cortical surface tension on intercellular bridge thinning during cytokinesis

To probe the contributions of polar cortical cytoskeleton and the surface tension of daughter cells to intercellular bridge thinning dynamics during cytokinesis,we applied cytochalasin D（CD） or colchicine（COLC） in a highly localized manner to polar regions of dividing normal rat kidney（NRK） cells.We observed cellular morphological changes and analyzed the intercellular bridge thinning trajectories of dividing cells with different polar cortical characteristics.Global blebbistatin（BS） application was used to obtain cells losing active contractile force groups.Our results show that locally released CD or colchicine at the polar region caused inhibition of cytokinesis before ingression.Similar treatment at phases after ingression allowed completion of cytokinesis but dramatically influenced the trajectories of intercellular bridge thinning.Disturbing single polar cortical actin induced transformation of the intercellular bridge thinning process,and polar cortical tension controlled deformation time of intercellular bridges.Our study provides a feasible framework to induce and analyze the effects of local changes in mechanical properties of cellular components on single cellular cytokinesis.

一种体内检测NO的新方法

一种体内检测ＮＯ的新方法一般研究组织内ＮＯ释放多在脑薄片上进行，近年来人们希望找到能直接检测体内ＮＯ释放的方法。最近，加拿大Ｖｉｎｃｅｎｔ／Ｊ’组采用微透析结合分光光度法对清醒大鼠小脑皮层内ＮＯ的释放进行了直接测定。其原理为ＮＯ在水溶液中易氧化为硝酸...

Pharmacological manipulation of cannabinoid neurotransmission reduces neuroinflammation associated with normal aging

We have previously demonstrated that antagonism of glutamate NMDA receptors or activation of endocannabinoid receptors could reduce experimentally induced neuroinflammation within the hippocampus of young rats. In the current study, we investigated whether pharmacological manipulation of glutamate or endocannabinoid neurotransmission could reduce naturally-occurring neuroinflammation within the hippocampus of aged rats. We investigated whether UCM707, an inhibitor of endocannabinoid re-uptake, WIN- 55,212-2, an endocannabinoid receptor agonist, and URB597, an inhibitor of endocannabinoid catabolism, or memantine, a non-competitive, low-affinity, inhibitor of the open NMDA receptor channel, could reduce the number of MHC II-IR microglia within the hippocampus. All of the drugs, except URB597, reduced the number of reactive microglia, as compared to vehicle treated rats. The current results suggest potential pharmacological approaches that may mitigate the pathological consequences of chronic brain inflammation associated with numerous neurodegenerative diseases.