Molecular mechanism of noradrenaline during the stress-induced major depressive disorder

Chronic stress-induced depression is a common hallmark of many psychiatric disorders with high morbidity rate.Stress-induced dysregulation of noradrenergic system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of depression.Lack of monoamine in the brain has been believed to be the main causative factor behind pathophysiology of major depressive disorder（MDD） and several antidepressants functions by increasing the monoamine level at the synapses in the brain.However,it is undetermined whether the noradrenergic receptor stimulation is critical for the therapeutic effect of antidepressant.Contrary to noradrenergic receptor stimulation,it has been suggested that the desensitization of β-adrenoceptor is involved in the therapeutic effect of antidepressant.In addition,enhanced noradrenaline（NA） release is central response to stress and thought to be a risk factor for the development of MDD.Moreover,fast acting antidepressant suppresses the hyperactivation of noradrenergic neurons in locus coeruleus（LC）.However,it is unclear how they alter the firing activity of LC neurons.These inconsistent reports about antidepressant effect of NA-reuptake inhibitors（NRIs） and enhanced release of NA as a stress response complicate our understanding about the pathophysiology of MDD.In this review,we will discuss the role of NA in pathophysiology of stress and the mechanism of therapeutic effect of NA in MDD.We will also discuss the possible contributions of each subtype of noradrenergic receptors on LC neurons,hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis（HPA-axis） and brain derived neurotrophic factor-induced hippocampal neurogenesis during stress and therapeutic effect of NRIs in MDD.

Experimental Study on Prevention and Treatment of Rat Passive Hermann Nephritis (PHN) with Ligustrazine

Objective: To explore the effects of ligustrazine on proteinuria, serumcreati-nine, urinary thromboxane A_2(TxA_2), metabolism of prostacyclinI_2(PGI_2)―6-keto-PGF_(1α), and renal pathological changes of SD rats with passive Hermannnephritis (PHN). Methods: The PHN model was induced by intravenous injection of rabbit anti-ratrenal tubular epithelial antigen (Tub―Ag) an-tiserum to SD rats. I. P. administration ofligustrazine to rats was given every 2 d for 1 to 5 weeks. The proteinuria, creatinine, TxA_2 and6-keto-PGF_(1α) were measured by sulfosaticylic acid, picric acid, and direct radioimmunoassayrespectively. The renal pathological changes were observed under light microscope, electronicmicroscope and by direct immunofluorescence staining rabbit and rat IgG. Results: The PHN ratstreated with ligustrazine had significantly less proteinuria, serum creatinine, urinary TxA_2 andpathological changes of kidney, and more urinary 6-keto-PGF_(1α) than those without administrationof ligustrazine. Conclusion: Ligustrazine decreases proteinuria, urinary TxA_2, and renal tissueinjury and increases urinary 6-keto-PGF_(1α). These data indicate that ligustrazine may modulatethe balance of TxA_2 and PG I_2 in rat PHN model and can be used for preventing and treatingmembranous glomerulonephritis.

Ligustrazine monomer against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Ligustrazine （2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine） is a major active ingredient of the Szechwan lovage rhizome and is extensively used in treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular disease. The mecha- nism of action of ligustrazine use against ischemic cerebrovascular diseases remains unclear at present. This study summarizes its protective effect, the optimum time window of administra- tion, and the most effective mode of administration for clinical treatment of cerebral ischemia/ reperfusion injury. We examine the effects of ligustrazine on suppressing excitatory amino acid release, promoting migration, differentiation and proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells. We also looked at its effects on angiogenesis and how it inhibits thrombosis, the inflammatory response, and apoptosis after cerebral ischemia. We consider that ligustrazine gives noticeable protection from cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. The time window of ligustrazine admin- istration is limited. The protective effect and time window of a series of derivative monomers of ligustrazine such as 2-[（1,1-dimethylethyl）oxidoimino]methyl]-3,5,6-trimethylpyrazine, CXC137 and CXC 195 after cerebral ischemia were better than ligustrazine.

Ligustrazine alleviates acute lung injury in a rat model of acute necrotizing pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: Acute necrotizing pancreatitis leads to a systemic inflammatory response characterized by widespread leukocyte activation and, as a consequence, distant lung injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ligustrazine, extracted from Ligusticum wallichii a traditional Chinese medicine, on lung injury in a rat model of acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP). METHODS: A total of 192 rats were randomly divided into three groups: control (C group); ANP without treatment (P group); and ANP treated with ligustrazine (T group). Each group was further divided into 0.5, 2, 6 and 12 hours subgroups. All rats were anesthetized with an intraperitoneal injection of sodium pentobarbital. Sodium taurocholate was infused through the pancreatic membrane to induce ANP. For the T group, sodium taurocholate was infused as above, then 0.6% ligustrazine was administered via the femoral vein. The effects of ligustrazine on the severity of lung injury were assessed by lung wet/dry weight ratio, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and histopathological changes. Pulmonary blood flow was determined by the radioactive microsphere technique (RMT). RESULTS: The blood flow in the P group was significantly lower than that of the C group, while the blood flow in the T group was significantly higher than that of the P group but showed no significant difference from the C group. Compared with C group, the lung wet/dry ratios in both the P and T groups were significantly increased, but there was no significant difference between them. The MPO activity in the P group was greatly increased over that of the C group. In the T group, although the MPO activity was also higher than in the C group, it much less increased than in the P group. Moreover, the difference between P and T groups was significant after 0.5 to 12 hours. After induction of the ANP model, the pancreas showed mild edema and congestion; the longer the time, the more severe this became. The pulmonary pathological changes wereaggravated significantly in the P group. Histopathological scores were higher in the P group than in the C group throughout the experimental course. Histopathological scores in the T group were lower than those in the P group at 6 and 12 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Microcirculatory disorder is an important factor of lung injury in ANP. Ligustrazine can ameliorate microcirculatory disorder and alleviate the damage to the lung.

Ligustrazine alleviates gastric mucosal injury in a rat model of acute necrotizing pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: Acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) leads to a systemic inflammatory response characterized by widespread leukocyte activation and, as a consequence, distant organ injury. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between gastric microcirculatory impairment and inflammatory mediators released in rats and to evaluate the therapeutic effect of ligustrazine extracted from Rhizoma ligusticum wallichii on gastric mucosa injury in a rat model of ANP. METHODS: Ninety-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control (group Q; ANP without treatment (group P); and ANP treated with ligustrazine (group T). The ANP model was induced by injection of 50 g/L sodium taurocholate under the pancreatic membrane (4 ml/kg). Group C was given isovolumetric injection of 9 g/L physiological saline by the same route. Group T was injected with ligustrazine (10 ml/kg) via the portal vein. The radioactive biomicrosphere technique was used to measure the blood flow 2 and 12 hours after the induction of ANP. Samples of the pancreas and stomach were taken to assess pathological changes by a validated histology score; meanwhile, the levels of serum interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) were determined. Gastric tissues were also used to measure the level of myeloperoxidase (MPO), which is expressed intracellularly in the azurophilic granules of neutrophils. RESULTS: Blood flow in group P was significantly lower than that in group C (P < 0.01). Pathological changes were significantly aggravated in group P. The gastric MPO activity in group P was significantly higher than that in group C (P < 0.01). The level of serum IL-1 beta in group P increased more significantly than that in group C (P < 0.01). Blood flow of the stomach in group T was significantly higher than that in group P after 2 hours (P < 0.01). The pathological changes were significantly alleviated in group T. The MPO activity of group T was significantly lower than that of group P (P < 0.01). Although serum IL-1 beta level of group T, was higher than of group C (P < 0.01), it was lower than that of group P (P < 0.01). There was a negative correlation between gastric blood flow and MPO activity (r=-0.983, P < 0.01), and between gastric blood flow and pathological score (r=-0.917, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased gastric blood flow and increased inflammatory mediators can be seen early in ANP, and both are important factors for gastric and mucosal injury. Ligustrazine can ameliorate microcirculatory disorder and alleviate the damage to the pancreas and stomach.

Ligustrazine inhibits high voltage-gated Ca^(2+) and TTX-resistant Na^+ channels of primary sensory neuron and thermal nociception in the rat:a study on peripheral mechanism

Objective Ligustrazine, also named as tetramethylpyrazine, is a compound purified from Ligusticum chuanxiong hort and has ever been testified to be a calcium antagonist. The present investigation was to determine the antinociceptive effect of ligustrazine and, if any, the peripheral ionic mechanism involved. Methods Paw withdrawal Latency （PWL） to noxious heating was measured in vivo and whole-cell patch recording was performed on small dorsal root ganglion （DRG） neurons. Results Intraplantar injection of ligustrazine （0.5 mg in 25 μl） significantly prolonged the withdrawal latency of ipsilateral hindpaw to noxious heating in the rat. Ligustrazine not only reversibly inhibited high-voltage gated calcium current of dorsal root ganglion （DRG） neuron in dose-dependent manner with IC50 of 1.89 mmol/L, but also decreased tetrodotoxin （TTX） -resistant sodium current in relatively selective and dose-dependent manner with IC50 of 2.49 mmol/L. Conclusion The results suggested that ligustrazine could elevate the threshold of thermal nociception through inhibiting the high-voltage gated calcium current and TTX-resistant sodium current of DRG neuron .in the rat.

Ligustrazine facilitates hair cell regeneration in the cochlea following gentamicin ototoxicity

BACKGROUND： Ligustrazine （tetramethylpyrazine） decreases ototoxicity induced by gentamicin and facilitates hair cell regeneration and repair, but the precise mechanisms remain controversial.OBJECTIVE： To explore the protective effects of ligustrazine on gentamicin ototoxicity by determining heat shock protein 70 mRNA and protein expression in the cochlear stria vascularis of guinea pigs at different time points.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： The randomized, controlled study was performed at the Laboratory of Physiology, Shenyang Medical College of China in 2007.MATERIALS： Ligustrazine parenteral solution （Qiqihar Pharmaceutical Factory, China） and gentamicin sulfate （Shenyang First Pharmaceutical Factory, China） were used in this experiment.METHODS： White guinea pigs with red eyes were randomly intraperitoneally administered gentamicin sulfate injection ＋ saline, gentamicin sulfate injection ＋ ligustrazine, and ligustrazine ＋ saline, respectively.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Auditory brains tern response threshold was measured. Immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and image analyzing techniques were utilized to determine heat shock protein 70 mRNA and protein expression in cochlear stria vascularis of guinea pigs.RESULTS： Following gentamicin ototoxicity, the auditory brainstem response threshold increased, peaked on day 3, and then decreased with increased time after drug withdrawal. The auditory brainstem response threshold was significantly diminished following ligustrazine intervention, but recovered to normal on day 30 （P〉0.05）. Heat shock protein 70 expression also increased, peaked on day 3, and then decreased in the cochlear stria vascularis of guinea pigs following gentamicin ototoxicity. Ligustrazine intervention resulted in decreased heat shock protein 70 expression in the cochlear stria vascularis, which recovered to normal on day 14. Heat shock protein 70 mRNA expression increased in the cochlear stria vascularis following gentamicin ototoxicity, but ligustrazine intervention resulted in decreased levels. CONCLUSION： Ligustrazine significantly ameliorated gentamicin ototoxicity by reducing heat shock protein 70 mRNA and protein expression in the cochlear stria vascularis.

The Effects of Ligustrazine on the Expression of bFGF and bFGFR in Bone Marrow in Radiation Injured Mice

To study the expression of the bFGF and its receptor in the mouse bone marrow by treatment with acute radioactive injury and Ligustrazine, 56 mice were divided into 3 groups: normal group, radiation injured group and Ligustrazine group. After irradiation by 6.0 Gy 60 Co γ ray, each mouse was orally given 0.1 ml Ligustrazine twice a day for 13 days in Ligustrazine group, and each mouse in radiation injured group was orally given equal amount of saline. On the 3rd, 7th, 14th day after irradiation, bone marrow mono nuclear cells (BMMNC) were counted, and the expression levels of bFGF and bFGFR in bone marrow were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry analysis respectively. On the 3rd, 7th, 14th day after irradiation, expression of bFGF in bone marrow were significantly lower than in normal group ( P <0.05 or P <0.01). Expressions of bFGF and bFGFR were much higher in Ligustrazine treated group than that in the control group ( P <0.05 or P <0.01). Ligustrazine potentiate the expression of bFGF and bFGFR in bone marrow MNC to recover the bone marrow hematopoiesis inductive microenvironment, which is one of the mechanisms by which Ligustrazine rebuild the bone marrow hematopoiesis after acute radioactive injury.

Ligustrazine alleviates acute renal injury in a rat model of acute necrotizing pancreatitis

AIM: To evaluate the effect of ligustrazine, a traditional Chinese medicine, on renal injury in a rat model of acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP). METHODS: A total of 192 rats were randomly divided into three groups: control (C group), ANP without treatment (P group), and ANP treated with ligustrazine (T group). Each group was further divided into 0.5, 2, 6, 12 h subgroups. All rats were anesthetized with an intraperitoneal injection of sodium pentobarbital. Sodium taurocholate was infused through the pancreatic membrane to induce ANP. T group was infused sodium taurocholate as above, and 0.6% ligustrazine was then administered via the femoral vein. Serum urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) concentrations were measured for the evaluation of renal function. The effects of ligustrazine on the severity of renal injury were assessed by renal function, TXA2/PGI2 and histopathological changes. Renal blood flow was determined by the radioactive microsphere technique (RMT).RESULTS: Compared with control group, the renal blood flow in P group was decreased significantly. Serious renal and pancreatic damages were found in P group, the BUN and Cr levels were elevated significantly, and the ratio of TXA2 to PGI2 was increased at 2, 6 and 12 h. Compared with P group, the blood flow of kidney was elevated significantly at 6 and 12 h after induction of ANP, the renal and pancreatic damages were attenuated, and the BUN and Cr levels were decreased significantly, and the ratio of TXA2 to PGI2 was decreased at 6 and 12 h in T group.CONCLUSION: Microcirculatory disorder (MCD) is an important factor for renal injury in ANP. Ligustrazine can ameliorate the condition of MCD and the damage of pancreas and kidney.

Ultrastructural changes of rat cortical neurons following ligustrazine intervention for cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND： Ligustrazine can reduce the production of free radicals and the content of malonaldehyde, and improve the enzymatic activity of adenosine-triphosphate in cerebral anoxia. It also can increase the expression of heat shock protein-70 and Bcl-2, thus alleviating brain tissue injury caused by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. This study aimed to address the question of whether ligustrazine can protect the membrane structure of neurons. OBJECTIVE： To establish rat models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, observe the membrane structure and main organelles of neurons with electron microscope after ligustrazine intervention, and to analyze the dose-dependent effects of ligustrazine on neuronal changes. DESIGN： A randomized controlled study. SETTING： Department of Anatomy Research and Electron Microscopy, Hebei North University. MATERIALS： Forty Wistar rats of SPS grade, weighing 180-250 g and equal proportion of female and male, were provided by Hebei Medical University Animal Center （No. 060126）. The ligustrazine injection （40 g/L, No. 05012） was produced by Beijing Yongkang Yaoye. LKB4 Ultramicrotome was purchased from LKB Company in Sweden. JEM100CXII electron microscope was purchased from JEOL in Japan. METHODS： The experiment was performed in the Laboratory of the Department of Anatomy and Electron Microscopy, Hebei North University from June to August 2006. （1） Wistar rats were allowed to adapt for 3 days, and were then randomly divided into four groups, according to the numeration table method： normal group, model group, low-dose ligustrazine group, and high-dose ligustrazine group. There were 10 rats in each group. （2）Rats in the model group, low-dose ligustrazine group, and high-dose ligustrazine group underwent cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model, according to Bannister＇s method. The carotid artery was opened for reperfusion after 90 minutes of cerebral ischemia. Samples were collected from the cerebral cortex after 24 hours. Animals from the ligustrazine low-dose group and ligustrazine high-dose group received ligustrazine injections, 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, respectively. Samples were collected at the same time as the model group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Alterations of the neuronal ultrastructure and main organelles were observed by electron microscopy. RESULTS： Forty Wistar rats were included in the final analysis. Plentiful ribosome and rough endoplasmic reticulum existed in the cytoplasm of cortical neurons in the normal group. Edema existed in the nucleus and cytoplasm of neurons in the model group. The cell membrane was damaged, resulting in the external eruption of certain cellular organelles. In the low-dose ligustrazine group, neuronal swelling was decreased in the cytoplasm, whereas cellular organelles were relatively increased. However, the mitochondria remained swollen. The double layer structure disappeared in parts of the mitochondrial membrane. The caryotheca was still broken, and neuronal damage was significantly decreased in the high-dose ligustrazine group. In addition, cytoplasmic swelling was reduced andmost part of caryotheca was complete. Fragmentation of the cellular membrane was not detected. Mitochondrial cristae and the lysosome could also be detected. The number of rough endoplasmic reticulum and free ribosomes was increased, and the structure of great part of caryotheca was clear. In addition, the number of nuclear pore was increased. However, the nuclear heterochromatin was relatively reduced. CONCLUSION： In the rat, the protective effects of ligustrazine were significant on neuronal membrane structures and main organelles after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. There was a dose-dependent effect between neuronal changes and Ligustrazine.

Ligustrazine Attenuates Hyperhomocysteinemia-induced Alzheimer-like Pathologies in Rats

Ligustrazine,an alkaloid extracted from the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Ligusticum Chuanxiong Hort,has been clinically applied to treat the cerebrovascular diseases.Hyperhomocystcincmia(Hhcy)is an independent risk factor for Alzheimer's disease(AD).Memory deficits can be caused by Hhcy via pathologies of Aβ-like tau and amyloid-β(Aβ)in the hippocampus.Here,we investigated whether homocysteine(Hey)can induce Aβ-like pathologies and the effects of ligustrazine on these pathologies.The Hey rat model was constructed by 14-day Hey injection via vena caudalis,and rats were treated with daily intragastric administration of ligustrazine at the same time.We found that the pathologies of tau and Aβ were induced by Hey in the hippocampus,while the Hcy-induced tau hyperphosphorylation and Aβ accumulation could be markedly attenuated by simultaneous ligustrazine treatment.Our data demonstrate that ligustrazine may be used as a promising neuroprotective agent to treat the Hcy-induced Aβ-like pathologies.

Effects of Tetrandine on Cardiac Noradrenaline Release Evoked by Electrical Stimulation

The effects of tetrandine (TD) on endogenous cardiac noradrenaline (NA) release evoked by electrical stimulation were investigated in perfused guinea pig hearts. The overflow of cardiac NA and its intraneuronal metabolite 3 ,4-dihydroxyphenylethyleneglycol (DOPEG) were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). In the presence of TD,the release of NA evoked by either nerve ganglion-stimulation or cardiac field-stimulation was significantly reduced (P<0. 01). The overflow of DOPEG was markedly enhanced (P<0. 01).TD inhibited cardiac endogenous NA release resulting from activation of the sympathetic nerve terminals within the myocardium, and increased the release of DOPEG, indicating that TD could result in a loss of NA from storage vesicles or activate monoamine oxidase in axoplasma, which could be detected by markedly increased DOPEG release. These effects of TD may be associated with its property of calcium antagonist.

Experimental Study on the Effect of Ligustrazine in the Prevention of Intimal Proliferation of Deendothelial Artery

To evaluate the possibility of employing ligustrazine in the prevention of restenosis, the effects of ligustrazine on the intimal thickening of air injured carotid artery of rats were investigated, and the effects of ligustrazine on the proliferation of rabbit aortic median smooth muscle cells (SMCs) cultivated in vitro were examined. Artery injury model of 18 rats of about 3 months old was established by Fishman air dry method. Fourteen days after operation, the maximal artery intimal and medial thickness of the control and ligustrazine group was measured on the image analysis system. Using cell counting and thymidine ( 3H TdR) up take method, we also examined the effects of ligustrazine on the proliferation of aortic median SMC from 4 rabbits. Ligustrazine was found to inhibit the proliferation and 3H TdR up take of SMC in a dose dependent manner in vitro ( P <0.05 or P <0.01 vs control). It also inhibited the intimal thickening of rat arteries after deendothelialization. The maximal intimal thickness of ligustrazine group was much thinner than that of the control (35.9±3.8 μm vs 80.2±23.4 μm, P <0.01). It was showed that ligustrazine could be used for prevention of restenosis in clinical practice.

Synthesis and NHE1 inhibitory activity of ligustrazine derivatives

A series of novel derivatives of ligustrazine linked with substituted benzoyl guanidine were synthesized. These compounds have not been reported in literature, and their chemical structures were confirmed by IR, ^1H NMR and MS. The results of NHE1 inhibitory activity test showed that compounds I2, I3, I4, I6, and I7 possess more potent NHE1 inhibitory activity than cariporide.

THE EFFECT OF LIGUSTRAZINE ON NEUROGENESIS IN CORTEX AFTER FOCAL CEREBRAL ISCHEMIA IN RATS

Objective To explore the effect of Ligustrazine on neurogenesis in cortex after focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Methods Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by left middle cerebral artery occlusion with a suture. Two hours later, injection of Ligustrazine (80mg/kg, 1 time/d) was performed peritoneally. Four hours after the ischemia, 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) (50mg/kg, 1 time/d) was injected peritoneally. At 7d, 14d and 21d after ischemia, BrdU positive cells in the cortex were observed by immunohistochemical staining. Results In ischemic model group, at 7 day, sparsely-distributed BrdU positive cells were observed in the Ⅱ-Ⅵ layers of the ipsilateral cortex, with a band-like distribution in ischemic penumbra. With the prolongation of ischemia, the number of BrdU positive cells increased. In Ligustrazine group, BrdU positive cells were also observed in the Ⅱ-Ⅵ layers of the cortex, with an intense distribution in ischemic penumbra. The numbers of BrdU positive cells at 7d, 14d and 21d were more than those in ischemic model group respectively. Conclusion Ligustrazine increases the proliferated cells in cortex after focal cerebral ischemia in rats. The results suggest that it may be useful for promoting self-repair after ischemia.

Expression of Adherent Molecule and Cyclin by Ligustrazine in Bone Marrow of Mice with Immune-Induced Aplastic Anemia

Summary: Mice with immune induced aplastic anemia (AA) were given 5 mg ligustrazine intraperitoneally twice a day. On the 14th day, the expression of CD 49d , CD 49e , cyclinD 2 in bone marrow mononuclear cells (MNC) was examined by flow cytometry, and VCAM 1 on stromal cells was immunohistochemically measured by Strept Avidin Biotin Complex (SABC). The expression of CD 49d , CD 49e , VCAM 1 and cyclinD 2 in ligustrazine treated group was significantly higher than that in AA group ( P <0 01), but the ratio of G 0+G 1 phase cells was significantly lower than that in AA group ( P <0.01).The results showed that ligustrazine could improve the expression of adherent molecule and cyclin D 2 in the bone marrow of mice with immune induced aplastic anemia, thereby promoting the growth of hematopoietic cells.

Effects of Ligustrazine on the Contraction of Isolated Rabbit Corpus Cavernosum Strips

Summary： To investigate the role of ligustrazine on relaxation of the isolated rabbit corpus cavernosum tissue in vitro, the effects of ligustrazine on the corpus cavernosum were observed by using experimental method of smooth muscle strips. Concentration-responses to phenylephine （PE） and KCI were recorded. The results showed that ligustrazine concentration-dependently depressed the contraction response of smooth muscle strips induced by PE. The maximum percentage relaxation of cavernosal strips by ligustrazine was 74.1±6.2 % （compared with control： 21.9±5.6%, P〈0.01）. Ligustrazine concentration-dependently reduced the amplitude of the contraction induced by cumulative doses of PE or KCI, shifted the cumulative concentration response curves of PE and KCI to the right and depressed their maximal responses. It was concluded that ligustrazine could significantly relax the cavernosal muscle contraction induced by PE in vitro. The results suggested that ligustrazine inhibited calcium ion influx.

Effects of Ligustrazine on Hematopoiesis in the Early Phase of Bone Marrow Trans plantation Mice

To investigate the effects of Ligustrazine on histogenesis of bone marrow in the early phase of hematopoietic reconstruction in bone marrow transplantation (BMT ) mice. The syngeneic BMT mice model was established. The syngeneic BMT mice were orally given 2 mg Ligustrazine twice a day. 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15 and 21 day(s) after BMT, peripheral blood granulocytes and bone marrow nucleated cells (BMNC) were counted and the diameter of central vein and the area of micro vessel in femur were measured. The effect of Ligustrazine on hematopoietic stem cells was observed by colony forming unit of spleen (CFU S). The effect of Ligustrazine on hemopoietic progenitors was studied by observing the number of progenitors of Granulocytes/Macrophage on day 10 and day 20 after BMT. In Ligustrazine treated group, the diameter of center veins and the area of micro vessel of femur were all significantly less than the control group 7, 10, 15, 21 days after BMT ( P <0.01). In addition, Ligustrazine significantly increased the number of CFU S on day 10 and the number of CFU GM on day 10, 20 after BMT. These results indicate that Ligustrazine can accelerate the histogenesis of hemopoietic bone marrow, which may be one mechanism by which Ligustrazine promotes hematopoietic reconstitution after BMT.

Endoscopic-catheter-directed infusion of diluted(-)-noradrenaline for atypical hemobilia caused by liver abscess:A case report

BACKGROUND Hemobilia occurs when there is a fistula between hepatic blood vessels and biliary radicles,and represents only a minority of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhages.Causes of hemobilia are varied,but liver abscess rarely causes hemobilia and only a few cases have been reported.Here,we present a case of atypical hemobilia caused by liver abscess that was successfully managed by endoscopic hepatobiliary intervention through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP).CASE SUMMARY A 54-year-old man presented to our emergency department with a history of right upper quadrant abdominal colic and repeated fever for 6 d.Abdominal sonography and enhanced computed tomography revealed that there was an abscess in the right anterior lobe of the liver.During hospitalization,the patient developed upper gastrointestinal bleeding.Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a duodenal ulcer bleeding that was treated with three metal clamps.However,the hemodynamics was still unstable.Hence,upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed again and fresh blood was seen flowing from the ampulla of Vater.Selective angiography did not show any abnormality.An endoscopic nasobiliary drainage(ENBD)tube was inserted into the right anterior bile duct through ERCP,and subsequently cold saline containing(-)-noradrenaline was infused into the bile duct lumen through the ENBD tube with no episode of further bleeding.CONCLUSION Hemobilia should be considered in the development of liver abscess,and endoscopy is essential for diagnosis and management of some cases.

Effect of salviae miltiorrhizae and ligustrazine hydrochloride injection on axonal regeneration and nerve growth factor expression in a rat model of sciatic nerve injury

BACKGROUND： Studies have shown that both salviae miltiorrhizae and ligustrazine can promote protein expression of nerve growth factor （NGF） and regeneration of peripheral nerve. OBJECTIVE： To verify the effect of salviae miltiorrhizae and ligustrazine hydrochloride injection on axonal regeneration and NGF protein expression in a rat model of sciatic nerve injury. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Institute of Bioengineering of Jinan University from July to December 2008. MATERIALS： Salviae miltiorrhizae and ligustrazine hydrochloride injection （containing 20 mg salviae miJtiorrhizae and 100 mg ligustrazine per 100 mL injection） was provided by Guizhou Baite Pharmaceutical, China; salviae miltiorrhizae and ligustrazine decoctions （containing 1 g raw drug per 1 mL decoction） were provided by Guangzhou Baiyunshan Factory for Traditional Chinese Medicine, China; rabbit-anti-rat NGF monoclonal antibody was provided by Beijing Biosynthesis Biotechnology, China. METHODS： A total of 80 healthy, male, Sprague Dawley rats were used to establish a sciatic nerve injury model via neurotomy, and were then randomly assigned to 4 groups： salviae miltiorrhizae and ligustrazine hydrochloride injection group （intraperitoneal injection of 35 mL/kg per day salviae miltiorrhizae and ligustrazine hydrochloride injection）, saIviae miltiorrhizae group （intragastric peffusion of 2 mL salviae miltiorrhizae）, ligustrazine group （intragastric peffusion of 2 mL ligustrazine）, and model group （intraperitoneal injection of 35 mL/kg per day saline）, with 20 rats in each group. Thereafter, rats in each group were then divided into 4 subgroups according to varying time points of 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks post-surgery, with 5 rats in each subgroup. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Axons were quantified using chromotrope 2R-brilliant green and silver staining combined with image analysis to calculate the axonal regeneration rate; NGF expression was detected using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis; toe interspace was measured by behavior at 4 and 8 weeks. RESULTS： With increasing time after sciatic nerve expression, and toe interspace gradually increased njury, the axonal regeneration rate, NGF protein At 4 and 8 weeks post-surgery, axonal regeneration rate and NGF protein expression were significantly increased in the injured tissue of the salviae miltiorrhizae and ligustrazine hydrochloride injection, salviae miltiorrhizae, and ligustrazine groups, compared with the model group （P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01）, and toe interspace was remarkably enlarged （P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01）, especially in the salviae miltiorrhizae and ligustrazine hydrochloride injection group. CONCLUSION： Salviae miltiorrhizae and ligustrazine hydrochloride injection promoted axonal regeneration and NGF protein expression in the injured sciatic nerve, and also enhanced neurofunctional recovery. Its effect was superior to salviae miltiorrhizae or ligustrazine alone.