Microsatellite Genotyping for Four Expected Inbred Mouse Strains from KM Mice

Chinese Kun Ming （KM） mouse, an outbreed strain of laboratory animal, has been widely utilized in related pharmaceutical and genetic studies throughout China. However, the value of KM mice to the research community has been severely limited, partially due to the fact that well-characterized inbred strain of KM mice is not available. Several expected inbred strains from KM mice have been bred, but their genetic purity remains uncertain. In this study, four expected inbred strains of KM mice （A1, T2, N2, and N4） were chosen and their inbred degree were compared with two classical inbred mouse lines （BALB/c and C57BL/6） by analyzing the genotypes of about 30 microsatellite markers. In the four strains, A1 and N4 were homozygous at all genotyped loci, but N2 and T2 were only heterozygous at locus D15Mit16. These results indicate that the level of genetic purity/homozygousity of A1, N4, N2, and T2 inbred line is comparable to those of BALB/c and C57BL/6. This study provided the first and solid evidence for genetic purity of four expected inbred strains of KM mice. These 4 inbred mice strains should be well maintained for further characterization and utilization in genetic studies.

Establishment of Reproducible Xenotransplantation Model of T Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in NOD/SCID Mice

T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia(T-ALL) is an aggressive leukemia.However the poor prognosis and low morbidity restrict further analysis of the disease.Therefore there is an increasing demand to develop animal models for identifying novel therapeutic approaches.In this study,we inoculated the anti-mouse CD122 monoclonal antibody conditioned NOD/SCID mice with the leukemia cells from 9 T-ALL patients and 1 cell line via the tail vein.Four of the 9 patients and the cell line were successfully engrafted.Flow cytometry detected high percentage of human CD45 + cells in recipient mice.Immunohistochemistry showed infiltration of human CD45 + cells in different organs.Serial transplantation was also achieved.In vivo drug treatment showed that dexamethasone could extend survival,which was consistent with clinical observation.These results demonstrated that we successfully established 5 xenotransplantation models of T-ALL in anti-mCD122 mAb conditioned NOD/SCID mice,which recapitulated the characteristics of original disease.

Establishment of Xenotransplantation Model of Human CN-AML with FLT3-ITD^(mut)/NPM1 in NOD/SCID Mice

Summary： Patients with FLT3-ITD^mmutt/NPM1- cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia （CN-AML）, as high-risk molecular group in CN-AML, are associated with a worse prognosis than other CN-AML patients. It is beneficial to generate xenotransplantation model of FLT3-ITD^mut/NPM1- CN-AML to better understand the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of such AML subtype. The purpose of present study was to establish the xenotransplantation model in NOD/SCID mice with FLT3-ITD^mut/NPM1- CN-AML primary cells. The FLT3-ITD^mut/NPM1- CN-AML primary cells from 3 of 7 cases were successfully transplanted into NOD/SCID mice, and human CD45 positive cells were detected in the peripheral blood, spleen and bone marrow of mice by using flow cytometry. Infiltration of human leukemia cells in various organs of mice was observed by using immunohistochemistry. Gene analysis confirmed sustained FLT3/ITD mutation without NPM1 mutation in mice. By performing serial transplantation, it was found that characteristics of the leukemia cells in secondary and tertiary genera- tion models remained unchanged. Moreover, in vivo cytarabine administration could extend survival of NOD/SCID mice, which was consistent with clinical observation. In conclusion, we successfully estab- lished xenotransplantation model of human FLT3-ITD^mut/NPM1- CN-AML in NOD/SCID mice. The model was able to present primary disease and suitable to evaluate the curative effects of new drugs or therapy strategies.

Morphine analgesia in male inbred genetic diversity mice recapitulates the among-individual variance in response to morphine in humans

Morphine is a widely used analgesic, but its use in clinical precision medicine is limited by the variance in response among individuals. Although previous studies have shown that individual differences in morphine can be explained in terms of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, genetic polymorphisms also play an important role. However, the genetic basis of different sensitivity and tolerance susceptibility to morphine remains ambiguous. Using 15 strains of inbred Genetic Diversity(GD) mice,a new resource with wide genetic and phenotypic variation, we demonstrated great variance in sensitivity to morphine analgesia and susceptibility to morphine tolerance between different GD strains. Among-i ndividual variance in response to morphine analgesia in the population can be modeled in GD mice. Two loci respectively may be associated with the among-i ndividual variance in morphine sensitivity and tolerance,confirming the role of genetic factors in among-i ndividual different responses to morphine. These results indicate that GD mice may be a potential tool for the identification of new biomarkers to improve the clinical administration of morphine.

ESTABLISHMENT OF A MAMMARY CANCER CELL LINE Ca 761-86 AND ITS BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN INBRED 615 MICE

A cell line designated as Ca 761-86 has been established from the solid mouse mammary cancer (Ca 761) by suspension culture. It has been passaged for more than 212 generations. Moderate round cells were predominant and most of them were mononuclear. Some characteristics of malignant cells and A-type viral-like particles were observed by electron microscopy. The results of cytochemical studies (DNA, RNA, SDH, 5' AMPase, ACP etc.) were comparable to the ultramicroscopic results. It multiplied approximately 27.4 fold on day 5 with mitotic index reaching 1.8% on day 3. This cell line was a hyperdiploid with karyotype of 45 or 45, -2X, tril2, tri17, +M1-5. Cell agglutination was observed when treated with ConA (≥7 fig, ml). Spontaneous agglutination might also take place without adding any ConA. After 5×106 cells of Ca 761-86 suspension were transplanted into the normal inbred 615 mice by different ways (subcutan eous, intrafoot-pad or intraperitoneal), the transplan lability rate reached 100%. Spontaneous remission was never observed and its metastatic ability reserved. PPLO were not detected. Ca 761-86 may be of value for practical purposes.

Imaging of Insulitis in NOD Mice with IL-2-Gd-DTPA and 1.5 T MRI

To explore the possibility to use 1.5 T MRI in imaging of accumulating gadolinium (Gd) into inflamed en- docrine pancreas (insulitis), we compared intravenously delivered IL-2-Gd-DTPA and Gd-DTPA (Magne- vist?) in phenotypically healthy 12 weeks old female non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. At 1 to 48 h after the injection mice were sacrificed and the pancreas-to-background ratio was determined using MRI. In addition Gd concentration of the pancreas and plasma were measured. The pancreas-to-plasma ratio of Gd was 25-fold 24 h after the i.v. injection of IL-2-Gd-DTPA. At the same time the pancreas-to-background ratio measured with 1.5T MRI was 1.5-times higher in the NOD mice receiving IL-2-Gd-DTPA than Magnevist? (271 ± 37 vs. 183 ± 0,1, P = 0.04) indicating that sufficient differences may exist between IL-2-Gd-DTPA accumulating in the pancreas and in the surrounding tissues to support the use of MRI for imaging of pan- creatic insulitis.

Screening for urinary markers predicting hematopoietic stem cell injury induced by busulfan using genetically diverse mice

Background:Busulfan(BU)is an alkylating agent used as a conditioning agent prior to hematopoietic stem cell(HSC)transplantation as it is known to be cytotoxic to host hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.The susceptibility of HSCs to BU injury plays an important role in the myeloablative efficacy of BU.Different susceptibilities were demonstrated in genetically diverse(GD)mice in our preliminary research.Methods:Three strains of GD mice with different susceptibilities to BU-i nduced HSC injury were used for screening biological markers of HSC injury susceptibility in urine.The urine proteins were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry to screen for differentially expressed proteins.Screening for possible biomarkers based on differences in protein expression abundance was validated using enzyme-l inked immunoassay(ELISA).Results:Functional analysis showed that the differential proteins were all involved in a series of biological pathways related to cellular senescence,apoptosis,and angiogenesis;whereas the differential proteins of the high-susceptible strain were enriched for the regulation of bone marrow microenvironment pathways,those of low-susceptible strain were enriched for the proapoptotic effect of GTPase pathways.Based on protein abundance differences,several urinary proteins that may be indicative of susceptibility were screened,and ELISA validation results showed that angiotensin-converting enzyme may be a potential biomarker predicting HSC susceptibility for BU conditioning.Conclusions:This study indicates that urinary protein levels can reflect differences in susceptibility to BU-i nduced HSC injury.Using GD mice to construct genetic difference models will provide preclinical data for screening BU-related biological markers.

Autoantigen administration confers diabetes-preventive properties to NOD mice derived dendritic cells

Administration of autoantigen can be of value for prevention of autoimmune diabetes and it has been speculated that the control point of dendritic cells(DC)for the induction of peripheral toler- ance may be highly relevant.We examined the properties of DC associated with immune suppression in NOD mice by insulin injection subcutaneously and their ability to suppress diabetes transfer by diabeto- genic effector cells in secondary NOD-SCID recipients.Our data showed that the surface expressions of MHCⅡand CD86 on NOD-derived DC were increased after insulin treatment compared with those on PBS controlled mice.The dendritic cells with a mature phenotype and increased MLR stimulation adop- tively transferred immune tolerogenic effects on secondary NOD-SCID mice,which were associated with significantly greater IL-10,TGF-beta production and CD4^+ CD25^+ T differentiation from splenocytes compared with NOD-SCID control recipients.Moreover,treatment with DC remarkably decreased the incidence of diabetes in secondary recipients.These results suggest that a subtype of DC generated by insulin subcutaneous treated NOD mice confers potential protection against diabetes through polarizing the immune response towards a Th2 regulatory pathway.

Antihepatoma effect of alpha-fetoprotein antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxyribonucleotides in vitro and in mice

AIM: To evaluate antihepatoma effect of antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxyribonucleotides (S-ODNs) targeted to alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) genes in vitro and in nude mice. METHODS: AFP gene expression was examined by immunocytochemical method or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Effect of S-ODNs on SMMC-7721 human hepatoma cell growth in vitro was determined using microculture tetrazolium assay. In vitro antitumor activities of S-ODNs were monitored by measuring tumor weight differences in treated and control mice bearing SMMC-7721 xenografts. Induction of cell apoptosis was evaluated by fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis. RESULTS: Antisense S-ODN treatment led to reduced AFP gene expression. Specific antisense S-ODNs, but not control S-ODNs, inhibited the growth of hepatoma cells in vitro. In vitro, only antisense S-ODNs exhibited obvious antitumor activities. FACS analysis revealed that the growth inhibition by antisense S-ODNs was associated with their cell apoptosis induction. CONCLUSION: Antisense S-ODNs targeted to AFP genes inhibit the growth of human hepatoma cells and solid hepatoma, which is related to their cell apoptosis induction.

Establishment of Retinoblastoma Model in NOD-SCID Mice and Study of Metastasis

Purpose: To establish model of retinoblastoma subcutaneously in NOD-SCID mice and study rules of formation and distribution of retinoblastoma metastasis.Methods: Retinoblastoma cells SO-RB50 were inoculated subcutaneously in NOD-SCID mice. Animal acts and tumor formation, growth and metastasis in NOD-SCID mice were observed. Primary and metastatic tumors were studied pathohistologically by HE and immunohistochemical staining.Results: The latent periods of tumor growth were 12～19 days and the taken rate of tumor was 100%. 32 days later, 5 NOD-SCID mice were found with tumors that had metastasized to areas mainly located in the abdominal cavity and the side of the kidney; the metastatic time of tumors in the mice also differed. The tumor cells of the primary nodules and the metastasis were similar with human retinoblastoma cells and positive in immunohistochemical staining of NSE.Conclusion: The subcutaneous model of retinoblastoma in NOD-SCID mice showed a high taken rate and a short latent period of tumor, which had a high metastatic rate and was the best model in research of behaviors of retinoblastoma at present.

Protective effects of cyclosporine A on T-cell dependent ConA-induced liver injury in Kunming mice

INTRODUCTIONThe T-cell dependent specific liver injury in mice induced by concanavalin A(ConA) is a newly cstablished experimental liver injury model,which is considered more eligible for the study on pathophysiology of several human liver discascs,such as viral hepatitis and autommune hepatitis[1-9].T cell activation and several cytokines release had been proven to play a critical role in ConA -induced liver injury[10-19].Cyclosprine A(CsA),an effective inhibitor of activation of T lymphocytc,hes been used widely in clinical treatment,especially in autoimmune diseases and organ transplantation[20-25].In this study,we investigated the possible effect of CsA on ConA-induced liver injury in Kunning mice.

Molecular mechanism about lymphogenous metastasis of hepatocarcinoma cells in mice

AIM: To investigate the correlation between lymphogenous metastasis and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity and the expression of Fas ligand of tumor cells in lymph nodes. METHODS: Fifty-six inbred 615-mice were equally divided into 2 groups and inoculated with Hca-F and Hca-P cells. Their lymph node metastatic rates were examined. Growth fraction of lymphocytes in host lymph nodes was detected by flow cytometry. The Hca-F and Hca-P cells were cultured with extract of lymph node, liver or spleen. The quantity of MMPs in these supernatants was examined by zymographic analysis. The expression of Fas ligand, PCNA, Bcl-2 protein of Hca-F and Hca-P cells in the mice were examined by immunohistochemistry. The apoptosis signals of macro-phages in lymph nodes were observed with in situ DNA fragmentation. RESULTS: On the 28th day post-inoculation, the lymph node metastatic rate of HcaF was 80%(16/20), whereas that of Hca-P was 25%(5/20). The growth fraction of lymphocytes was as follows: in the Hca-F cells, the proliferating peak of lymphocytes appeared on the 14th day post inoculation and then decreased rapidly, while in HcaP cells, the peak appeared on the 7th day post inoculation and then kept at a high level. With the extract of lymph node, the quantity of the MMP-9 activity increased (P【0.01) and active MMP-9 and MMP-2 were produced by both Hca-F and Hca-P tumor cells, which did not produce MMPs without the extract of lymph node or with the extracts of the liver and spleen. The expression of Fas Ligand of Hca-F cells was stronger than that of Hca-P cells (P 【0.01). The expressions of PCNA and Bcl-2 protein of Hca-F cells in the tumors of inoculated area were the same as that of Hca-P cells. In situ DNA fragmentation showed that the positive signals of macrophages were around Hca-F cells. CONCLUSION: Secretion of MMPs which was associated with metastatic ability of Hca-F and Hca-P tumor cells depends on the environment of lymph nodes. The increased expression of Fas ligand protein of Hca-F tumor cells with high lymphogenous metastatic potential in lymph nodes may help tumor cells escape from being killed by host lymphocytes.

Purification of heat shock protein 70-associated tumor peptides and their antitumor immunity to hepatoma in mice

AIM:To purify the heat shock protein (HSP) 70-associated tumor peptides and to observe its non-MHC-I molecule restrictive antitumor effect.METHODS:By ConA-sepharose affinity chromatography,ADP-agarose affinity chromatography, and DEAE anion exchange chromatography, we were able to purify HSP70-associated peptides from mouse hepatoma (HCaF) cells treated in heat shock at 42℃. Specific active immunization and adoptive cellular immunization assay were adopted to observe the immunoprotective effect elicited by HSP70-associated peptide complexes isolated from HcaF.RESULTS: The finally purified HSP-associated peptides had a very high purity and specificity found by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. Mice immunized with HSP70-associated peptide complexes purified from HCaF cells were protected from HCaF living cell challenge. This effect was dose dependent.Adoptive immunization of immune spleen cells of mice immunized with HSP70-associated peptide complexes could elicit immunity against HCaF challenge, and the tumor-free mice could resist repeated challenges. This effect could be continuously enhanced by repeated challenge with HCaF living cells. The tumor-free mice could tolerate the challenge for as high as 1×10^7 HCaF cells. The mice immunized once with spleen cells pulsed with HSP70-associated peptide complexes in vitro could also result in a certain adoptive immunity against HCaF.CONCLUSION:High purity and specificity of HSP70-associated peptides could be achieved from tumor cells by the low-pressure affinity chromatography method used in this study. HSP70-associated peptide complexes derived from the HCaF can elicit non-MHC-I molecule restrictive immunoprotective effect against HCaF.This effect can be transferred by adoptive immunization to mice and enhanced by repeated challenge with HCaF live cells.

Hepatitis E virus chimeric DNA vaccine elicits immunologic response in mice

AIM： To construct the plasmid pcHEV23 containing fragments of HEV ORF2 and ORF3 chimeric gene and to assess its ability to elicit specific immunologic response in mice. METHODS： The gene encoding the structural protein of HEV ORF2 fragment and full-length ORF3 was amplified by PCR. The PCR products were cloned into an eucaryotic expression plasmid pcDNA3. The resulting plasmid pcHEV23 was used as a DNA vaccine to inoculate BALB/c mice intramuscularly thrice at a dose of 100 or 200 ug. Mice injected with empty pcDNA3 DNA or saline served as control and then specific immune responses in the mice were detected. RESULTS： After 2-3 times of inoculation, all mice injected with pcHEV23 had anti-HEV IgG seroconversion and specific T lymphocyte proliferation. The lymphocyte stimulation index in the group immunized with pcHEV23 （3.1＋0.49） was higher than that in the control group （0.787±0.12, P〈0.01）. None in the control group had a detectable level of anti-HEV IgG. CONCLUSION： DNA vaccine containing HEV ORF2 and ORF3 chimeric gene can successfully induce specific humoral and cellular immune response in mice.

Maternal zinc deficiency impairs brain nestin expression in prenatal and postnatal mice

Effects of maternal dietary zinc deficiency on prenatal and postnatal brain development were investigated in ICR strain mice. From d 1 of pregnancy (E0) until postnatal d 20 (P20), maternal mice were fed experimental diets that contained 1 mg Zn/kg/day (severe zinc deficient, SZD), 5 mg Zn/kg/day (marginal zinc deficient, MZD), 30 mg Zn/kg/day (zinc adequately supplied, ZA) or 100 mg Zn/kg/day (zinc supplemented, ZS and pair-fed, PF). Brains of offspring from these dietary groups were examined at various developmental stages for expression of nestin, an intermediate filament protein found in neural stem cells and young neurons. Immunocytochemistry showed nestin expression in neural tube 10.5 d post citrus (dpc) as well as in the cerebral cortex and neural tube from 10.5 dpc to postnatal d 10 (P10). Nestin immunoreactivities in both brain and neural tube of those zinc-supplemented control groups (ZA, ZS, PF) were stronger than those in zinc-deficient groups (SZD and MZD). Western blot analysis confirmed that nestin levels in pooled brain extracts from each of the zinc-supplemented groups (ZA, ZS, PF) were much higher than those from the zinc-deficient groups (SZD and MZD) from 10.5 dpc to P10. Immunostaining and Western blots showed no detectable nestin in any of the experimental and control group brains after P20. These observations of an association between maternal zinc deficiency and decreased nestin protein levels in brains of offspring suggest that zinc deficiency suppresses development of neural stem cells, an effect which may lead to neuroanatomical and behavioral abnormalities in adults.

The Regulatory Action of the Modified Yu Ping Feng Tang on Cellular Immunity in Mice under Amputation-Induced Stress

To approach the action of modified Yu Ping Feng Tang ([symbol: see text] Jade-Screen Decoction) on cellular immunity, an experiment was conducted in mice under amputation-induced stress. On the 3rd day after amputation, acute atrophy was found in the thymus, the reactivities of T- and B-lymphocytes to Con-A and LPS were decreased, the IL-2 content and its activity reduced and the activity of NK cells lowered. The high, moderate and low concentrations of the modified Yu Ping Feng (YPF) Decoction all have antagonistic action on the above manifestations of immune inhibition.

Lipofuscin in brains of patients and mice with epidemic hemorrhagic fever

We have previously shown that the lipofuscin in the brain seems to have in-creased in amount in autopsy cases of epidemic hemorrhagic fever.The purpose of thisstudy was to testify if there is really such an increase.Lipfuscin in 10 sections from everybrain of 10 autopsy cases,stained with Sudan Ⅳ,Sudan black and H.E.,was carefully es-timated and found to be greatly increased as compared with the controls of the same agewithout brain disease.Animal experiment was also conducted on 15 sucking BALB/c miceby I.P.inoculation of 100 LD50（0.05ml）of strain Chen of hemorrhagic fever virus,andon 15 mice without inoculation as controls.No lipofuscin was detected in the controls.However,in the brains of experimental mice,lipofuscin was found to be markedly in-creased,especially in the necrotic cells.The findings suggest that the over-productionand deposition of lipofuscin may be a mild change caused by the virus and its related fac-tors,which might be enhanced by hypotension and shock.

The Effect of High Carbohydrate Consumption on Glucose Levels and Antibody Production in Nonobese Diabetic Mice

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chronic treatment with diets rich in carbohydrates on the IgM and IgG antibody production and the seric glucose concentration in diabetes. Nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice received, ad libitum, by oral route, the diet consisting of an aqueous extract (20 mg/mL) of the following flours: babassu mesocarp, manioc, corn or rice, during 120 days. The diet intake was monitored throughout this period. At the end, the weight variation, blood glucose, serum IgG and IgM antibody and IgM anti-insulin titers, were determined. The babassu and manioc flour extracts altered Purina chow intake and these animals also presented a significant increase in body weight. In contrast, treatment with rice flour resulted in a significant weight loss. Moderate to severe hyperglycemia was observed in the groups receiving rice and manioc, whereas treatment with babassu mesocarp flour and cornmeal resulted in hypoglycemia. The extracts did not alter the IgG concentration. On the other hand, the cornmeal extract caused a marked reduction in both total IgM and anti-insulin IgM antibody production. Although babassu mesocarp flour, cornmeal and manioc flour caused important variations in the parameters studied, only treatment with the rice flour extract anticipated the onset of diabetes in male mice genetically predisposed to the disease.

Xeno-repopulation of Fah^(-/-)Nod/Scid mice livers by human hepatocytes

Functional human hepatocytes xenografted into the liver of mice can be used as a model system to study pharmacokinetics,infection of hepatitis viruses,and the efficacy of hepatitis vaccines.Significant levels of liver xeno-repopulation have been reported in Fah-/-Rag2-/-Il2rg-/-mice.However,the high mortality and low breeding rate of this model may hinder its application.A new model,termed Fah-/-Nod/Scid mice,which combines the advantages of liver repopulation in Fah-/-mice with the ease of xenotransplantation in Nod/Scid mice was obtained by gradual cross-breeding.Fah-/-Nod/Scid mice were easily maintained in breeding colonies and in adult animal care facilities.FK506 treatment combined with gradual withdrawal of NTBC before cell transplantation ensured that Fah-/-Nod/Scid mice were susceptible to liver xeno-repopulation by human hepatocytes;the proportion of engrafted human hepatocytes reached 33.6%.The function of the expanded human hepatocytes within the chimeric liver was confirmed by weight curve analysis,the expression of characteristic proteins,and the biochemical analysis of liver function.These results show that Fah-/-Nod/Scid mice are an ideal humanized liver mouse model with many useful applications.

基于NOD样受体蛋白3/半胱天冬酶-1信号通路探究槲寄生滴眼液对干眼症模型小鼠的治疗效果

目的基于NOD样受体蛋白3(NLRP3)/半胱天冬酶-1(Caspase-1)信号通路探究槲寄生滴眼液对干眼症模型小鼠的治疗效果。方法将干眼症模型小鼠(采用苯扎氯铵溶液滴眼造模)随机分为模型组(以生理盐水干预)、槲寄生滴眼液组(槲寄生滴眼液滴眼5μL,每天2次)、NLRP3/Caspase-1通路抑制剂(VX-765)组(腹腔注射50 mg/kg VX-765,每天1次)、槲寄生滴眼液+VX-765组(槲寄生滴眼液滴眼5μL,每天2次,腹腔注射50 mg/kg VX-765,每天1次),每组12只。另取12只健康小鼠作为对照组(以生理盐水干预)。各组均持续给药14 d。酚红棉线测定泪液分泌情况;苏木精-伊红染色观察结膜上皮和泪腺组织病理改变情况;酶联免疫吸附试验测定血清白细胞介素(IL)-18、IL-1β水平;荧光定量PCR和蛋白质印迹法分别测定结膜上皮和泪腺组织NLRP3、Caspase-1 mRNA和蛋白表达。结果与对照组比较,模型组结膜上皮细胞排列紊乱,杯状细胞数量减少,固有层可见淋巴细胞浸润等病理损伤,泪腺组织呈现腺泡空泡样改变,结构不清晰,大小不均一,各小叶及腺泡间细胞排列紊乱等病理变化,泪液分泌量(酚红棉线被浸湿的长度,下同)[(2.66±0.42)mm比(6.14±1.09)mm,P<0.05]显著减少,血清IL-18[(53.16±6.95)pg/mL比(15.04±2.14)pg/mL,P<0.05]、IL-1β[(57.28±7.11)pg/mL比(24.51±3.06)pg/mL,P<0.05]、结膜上皮及泪腺组织NLRP3、Caspase-1 mRNA和蛋白[NLRP3 mRNA:(3.05±0.43)比(1.00±0.05),P<0.05;Caspase-1mRNA:(4.41±0.62)比(1.00±0.06),P<0.05;NLRP3蛋白:(1.33±0.21)比(0.17±0.03),P<0.05;Caspase-1蛋白:(1.51±0.26)比(0.20±0.04),P<0.05]表达显著升高。与模型组比较,槲寄生滴眼液组、VX-765组和槲寄生滴眼液+VX-765组结膜上皮和泪腺组织上述病理损伤减轻,泪液分泌量[(4.15±0.53)mm、(4.11±0.55)mm、(5.38±0.62)mm比(2.66±0.42)mm,P<0.05]显著增加,血清IL-18[(36.03±5.71)pg/mL、(35.92±5.66)pg/mL、(20.07±3.38)pg/mL比(53.16±6.95)pg/mL,P<0.05]、IL-1β[(40.85±5.04)pg/mL、(41.06±5.12)pg/mL、(28.08±4.57)pg/mL比(57.28±7.11)pg/mL,P<0.05]、结膜上皮和泪腺组织NLRP3、Caspase-1 mRNA和蛋白[NLRP3 mRNA:(2.11±0.32)、(2.09±0.29)、(1.37±0.22)比(3.05±0.43),P<0.05;Caspase-1 mRNA:(2.93±0.38)、(2.89±0.36)、(1.58±0.25)比(4.41±0.62),P<0.05;NLRP3蛋白:(0.60±0.11)、(0.59±0.09)、(0.19±0.04)比(1.33±0.21),P<0.05;Caspase-1蛋白:(0.72±0.12)、(0.74±0.11)、(0.23±0.05)比(1.51±0.26),P<0.05]表达显著降低。与槲寄生滴眼液组和VX-765组比较,槲寄生滴眼液+VX-765组结膜上皮和泪腺组织上述病理损伤进一步减轻,泪液分泌量[(5.38±0.62)mm比(4.15±0.53)mm、(4.11±0.55)mm,P<0.05]显著增加,血清IL-18[(20.07±3.38)pg/mL比(36.03±5.71)pg/mL、(35.92±5.66)pg/mL,P<0.05]、IL-1β[(28.08±4.57)pg/mL比(40.85±5.04)pg/mL、(41.06±5.12)pg/mL,P<0.05]、结膜上皮和泪腺组织NLRP3、Caspase-1 mRNA和蛋白[NLRP3 mRNA:(1.37±0.22)比(2.11±0.32)、(2.09±0.29),P<0.05;Caspase-1mRNA:(1.58±0.25)比(2.93±0.38)、(2.89±0.36),P<0.05;NLRP3蛋白:(0.19±0.04)比(0.60±0.11)、(0.59±0.09),P<0.05;Caspase-1蛋白:(0.23±0.05)比(0.72±0.12)、(0.74±0.11),P<0.05]表达显著降低。结论炎症,可能通过下调NLRP3/Caspase-1信号通路实现。