Development of animal models underlining mechanistic connections between prostate inflammation and cancer

The characterization of animal models has indicated that the genetic,dietary and environmental factors and hormonal imbalance may influence the risk to develop prostate inflammatory lesions and prostate cancer(PC)confirming human epidemiologic data.It is now established that the prostate inflammatory response typically results in major changes in the local microenvironment of epithelial cells of the prostate gland,including an intense stromal remodeling,activation of fibroblasts,infiltration of immune cells such as mast cells,macrophages and B and T lymphocytes and collagen deposition.The immune cells recruited at prostate inflammatory lesions and myofibroblasts may contribute to the release of numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that in turn can promote the oxidative stress,genomic instability and proliferation of epithelial cells.The accumulation of additional genetic and/or epigenetic alterations in prostatic stem/progenitor cells may subsequently culminate to their malignant transformation and PC initiation and progression and more particularly with advancing age.The potential mechanistic relationships between the molecular events associated with the persistent inflammatory response and prostate carcinogenesis have important implications for optimizing the current therapies against different prostatic disorders and PCs.

Animal models of vascularized nerve grafts:a systematic review

The aim of this review is to present and compare the various animal models of vascularized nerve grafts described in the literature as well as to summarize preclinical evidence for superior functional results compared to non-vascularized free nerve grafts. We also will present the state of the art on prefabricated vascularized nerve grafts. A systematic literature review on vascularized nerve graft models was conducted via the retrieval with the Pub Med database on March 30, 2019. Data on the animal, nerve, and vascularization model, the recipient bed, the evaluation time points and methods, and the results of the study results were extracted and analyzed from selected articles. The rat sciatic nerve was the most popular model for vascularized nerve grafts, followed by the rabbit;however, rabbit models allow for longer nerve grafts, which are suitable for translational evaluation, and produced more cautious results on the superiority of vascularized nerve grafts. Compared to free nerve grafts, vascularized nerve grafts have better early but similar long-term results, especially in an avascular bed. There are few studies on avascular receiving beds and prefabricated nerve grafts. The clinical translation potential of available animal models is limited, and current experimental knowledge cannot fully support that the differences between vascularized nerve grafts and free nerve grafts yield a clinical advantage that justifies the complexity of the procedure.

Reviewing immunosuppressive regimens in animal models for vascularized composite allotransplantation

The development of vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) and its clinical need has led to the need for more animal models to study and perform the research required to further this specialty in terms of functional recovery and immunomodulatory improvements. Much of the animal models are reported in individual series in the literature but there has not been a review as such of these models. Here we present a compilation of the animal models reported in the literature thus far in VCA. A comprehensive review of the literature was performed for any studies which involved the use of animal models in various aspects of VCA research. The models were organized according to the type of VCA transplant, whether they were orthotopic or heterotopic, immunosuppressive regimen each study used and investigation purpose. Twenty-one facial transplant models were reported, 3 abdominal wall transplants, 4 penile transplantations, 21 uterus transplantations, 12 hindlimb transplantations and 4 myocutaneous flap transplantation animal models were reported. Primates, swine, rats, mice, rabbits, sheep and dog animal models in VCA were also reported. The most used immunosuppressive drugs are calcineurin inhibitor such as cyclosporin A and tacrolimus in these VCA animal models. They can significantly suppress lymphocyte function by blocking the phosphatase activity of calcineurin of lymphocytes. They are sometimes used combined with mycophenolate mofetil or steroids or antilymphocyte serum. The review of existing animal models will allow further research to be focused in other areas of VCA where there is a current paucity of literature. The immunosuppressive regimens used in each animal model can also be reviewed to determine which regimen works in which type of animal model which will save time and resources for future research.

Therapeutic effects of dental pulp stem cells on vascular dementia in rat models

Dental pulp stem cells are a type of adult stem cells with strong proliferative ability and multi-differentiation potential. There are no studies on treatment of vascular dementia with dental pulp stem cells. In the present study, rat models of vascular dementia were established by two-vessel occlusion, and 30 days later, rats were injected with 2 × 10^(7) dental pulp stem cells via the tail vein. At 70 days after vascular dementia induction, dental pulp stem cells had migrated to the brain tissue of rat vascular dementia models and differentiated into neuronlike cells. At the same time, doublecortin, neurofilament 200, and Neu N m RNA and protein expression levels in the brain tissue were increased, and glial fibrillary acidic protein m RNA and protein expression levels were decreased. Behavioral testing also revealed that dental pulp stem cell transplantation improved the cognitive function of rat vascular dementia models. These findings suggest that dental pulp stem cell transplantation is effective in treating vascular dementia possibly through a paracrine mechanism. The study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Harbin Medical University(approval No. KY2017-132) in 2017.

Inhibition of corneal neovascularization by topical application of nintedanib in rabbit models

AIM:To evaluate the potential efficacy and mechanisms of nintedanib in corneal neovascularization(NV)in rabbit models.METHODS:Corneal NV was induced using 1 mol/L Na OH.Rabbits(n=21)were randomized to 3 groups:Group 1 were treated with 0.9%NaCl,Group 2 with Avastin(5 mg/mL),and Group 3 with nintedanib(1 mg/mL).All treatments star ted 1 d af ter alkaline burns and were topically performed 3 times a day for 2 wk.Photographs were taken on a slit lamp microscope on day 7 and 14.The NV area,the length of the vascularization and angiogenesis index(AI)were used to evaluate the corneal NV.On day 14,the immunohistochemical(IHC)studies of the cornea were examined.Western blot was performed to test the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),Akt,p-Akt,P38,p-P38,MMP-2 and MMP-9.RESULTS:The corneal NV area,vessel length and AI in Group 3 were significantly lower than Group 2,with both being lower than Group 1.IHC staining showed that VEGF was significantly overexpressed in the epithelium and stroma of cornea following alkaline burns.In contrast,the level of VEGF was significantly suppressed in both Group 2 and Group 3.Western blot results further confirmed that,compared with Group 1,Group 3 had significantly reduced expressions of VEGF,Akt,p-Akt,p-P38,MMP-2,and MMP-9 in corneal tissues.Trends of lower levels of MMP-2,AKT,and p-AKT in Group 3 than Group 2 were identified.CONCLUSION:Nintedanib and Avastin can effectively inhibit corneal NV,with P38 MAPK and AKT signaling pathways being possibly involved.Nintedanib seems more effective than Avastin and has the potential to be a novel therapy for preventing corneal NV.

Animal models of pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease

Pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease(PH-LHD) is regarded as the most prevalent form of pulmonary hypertension(PH). Indeed, PH is an independent risk factor and predicts adverse prognosis for patients with left heart disease(LHD). Clinically, there are no drugs or treatments that directly address PH-LHD, and treatment of LHD alone will not also ameliorate PH. To target the underlying physiopathological alterations of PH-LHD and to develop novel therapeutic approaches for this population, animal models that simulate the pathophysiology of PH-LHD are required. There are several available models for PH-LHD that have been successfully employed in rodents or large animals by artificially provoking an elevated pressure load on the left heart, which by transduction elicits an escalated pressure in pulmonary artery. In addition, metabolic derangement combined with aortic banding or vascular endothelial growth factor receptor antagonist is also currently applied to reproduce the phenotype of PH-LHD. As of today, none of the animal models exactly recapitulates the condition of patients with PH-LHD. Nevertheless, the selection of an appropriate animal model is essential in basic and translational studies of PH-LHD. Therefore, this review will summarize the characteristics of each PH-LHD animal model and discuss the advantages and limitations of the different models.

Animal model of vascular dementia and its cholinergic mechanism

Objective:To establisha modelof vasculardementia(VD)inagingratsandstudyprimarily thecholinergic mechanismof hypomnesia.Methods:Chronichypoperfusionof cerebralbloodflow(CBF)intheforebrainwasperformed in agingrats withpermanentbilateralcommoncarotidarteriesocclusion(PBCCAO).Thentheratsweretestedwitha computerizedshuttle-trainingcase.Thechangesof cerebrovascularsystemwereobservedwithdigitalsubtractionangio-graphy(DSA).The braintissueswerestudiedwithimmunohistochemicalmethodwithcholinergicacetyltransferase(ChAT)as a marker.Results:Thecognitivefunctionof ratswasobviouslyreducedin2monthsafterchroniccerebralhy-poperfusionandbecameworse2monthslater,showinga moremarkeddecreaseof ChATpositiveneuronsandfibersin CA1of thehippocampusas comparedwiththeratsof thecontrol,whichhada significantpositivecorrelationwithmemo-ry ability.Conclusion:Thisratmodelis successfullyestablishedto imitatehumanVD inducedwithchroniccerebralhy-poperfusion.Themechanismof thehypomnesiaof VD mightbe theimpairmentof cholinergicneuronsin frontalcortex andhippocampus.

Vascular endothelial growth factor for the treatment of femoral head osteonecrosis: An experimental study in canines

AIM To evaluate the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head(ONFH) with the use of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF).METHODS In 30 mature beagles(6 groups of 5 beagles) ONFH was induced cryosurgically and one of the following solutions was administered locally in the femoral head(FH) in each group: Single injection of 500 μg VEGF(t-VEGFμ group); single injection of 500 ng VEGF(t-VEGFn group); continuous delivery of 500 μg VEGF through osmotic micropump(t-VEGFpump-μ group); continuous delivery of 500 ng VEGF through osmotic micropump(t-VEGFpump-n group); single injection of 0.9% sodium chloride(t-NS group), while one group that served as control group did not receive any local solution(No-t group). FHs were retrieved 12 wk postoperatively, underwent decalcification and hematoxylin/eosin and toluidine blue staining. In two canines per group, one half of FH was processed without decalcification and stained with modified Masson Trichrome. Histological sections were observed by light microscopy and measured with a semi-automatized bone histomorphometry system and Bone Volume/Total Volume(BV/TV), Marrow Volume/Total Volume(MaV/TV), and Trabecular Thickness(TbT h) were assessed. Standard and robust tests(Welch, Brown Forsythe) of analysis of variance along with multiple comparisons, were carried out among the categories.RESULTS The untreated(No-t) group had signs of osteonecrosis, whereas the VEGF groups revealed reversal of the osteonecrosis. Statistical analysis of the decalcified specimens revealed a significantly better BV/TV ratio and a higher Tb Th between the VEGF treatment groups(except the t-VEGFn group) and the No-t group or the control t-NS group. Single dose 500 μg VEGF group had significantly better BV/TV ratio and higher Tb Th when compared to the No-t group(50.45 ± 6.18 vs 29.50 ± 12.27, P = 0.002 and 151.44 ± 19.07 vs 107.77 ± 35.15, P = 0.161 respectively) and the control t-NS group(50.45 ± 6.18 vs 30.9 ± 6.67, P = 0.004 and 151.44 ± 19.07 vs 107.14 ± 35.71, P = 0.151 respectively). Similar differences were found for the prolonged VEGF delivery/pump groups of 500 μg and 500 ng. Analysis of the totality of specimens(decalcified/non-decalcified) enhanced the aforementioned differences and additionally revealed significant differences in the comparison of the TbT h.CONCLUSION In an experimental model of ONFH in canines it was found that local treatment with VEGF leads to bone tissue remodeling and new bone formation.

Transplantation of vascular endothelial growth factor-modified neural stem/progenitor cells promotes the recovery of neurological function following hypoxic-ischemic brain damage

Neural stem/progenitor cell （NSC） transplantation has been shown to effectively improve neurological function in rats with hypoxic-isch- emic brain damage. Vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） is a signaling protein that stimulates angiogenesis and improves neural regeneration. We hypothesized that transplantation of VEGF-transfected NSCs would alleviate hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in neo- natal rats. We produced and transfected a recombinant lentiviral vector containing the VEGF165gene into cultured NSCs. The transfected NSCs were transplanted into the left sensorimotor cortex of rats 3 days after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. Compared with the NSCs group, VEGF mRNA and protein expression levels were increased in the transgene NSCs group, and learning and memory abilities were significantly improved at 30 days. Furthermore, histopathological changes were alleviated in these animals. Our findings indicate that transplantation of VEGF-transfected NSCs may facilitate the recovery of neurological function, and that its therapeutic effectiveness is better than that of unmodified NSCs.

Effects of neuregulin-1 on autonomic nervous system remodeling post-myocardial infarction in a rat model

Sympathetic nerve and vagus nerve remodeling play an important part in cardiac function post-myocardial infarction （MI）. Increasing evidence indicates that neuregulin-1 （NRG-1） improves cardiac function following heart failure. Since its impact on cardiac function and neural remodeling post-MI is poorly understood, we aimed to investigate the role of NRG-1 in autonomic nervous system remodeling post-MI. Forty-five Sprague-Dawley rats were equally randomized into three groups： sham （with the left anterior descending coronary artery exposed but without ligation）, MI （left anterior descending coronary artery ligation）, and MI plus NRG-1 （left anterior descending coronary artery ligation followed by intraperitoneal injection of NRG-1 （10 lag/kg, once daily for 7 days））. At 4 weeks after MI, echocardi- ography was used to detect the rat cardiac function by measuring the left ventricular end-systolic inner diameter, left ventricular diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic volume, left ventricular end-diastolic volume, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left ventricular fractional shortening, mRNA and protein expression levels of tyrosine hydroxylase, growth associated protein-43 （neuronal specific pro- tein）, nerve growth factor, choline acetyltransferase （vagus nerve marker）, and vesicular acetylcholine transporter （cardiac vagal nerve fiber marker） in ischemic myocardia were detected by real-time PCR and western blot assay to assess autonomous nervous remodeling. After MI, the rat cardiac function deteriorated significantly, and it was significantly improved after NRG-1 injection. Compared with the MI group, mRNA and protein levels of tyrosine hydroxylase and growth associated protein-43, as well as choline acetyltransferase mRNA level significantly decreased in the MI plus NRG-1 group, while mRNA and protein levels of nerve growth factor and vesicular acetylcholine transporters, as well as choline acetyltransferase protein level slightly decreased. Our results indicate that NRG- 1 can improve cardiac function and regulate sympathetic and vagus nerve remodeling post-MI, thus reaching a new balance of the autonomic nervous system to protect the heart from injury.

Response of the sensorimotor cortex of cerebral palsy rats receiving transplantation of vascular endothelial growth factor 165-transfected neural stem cells

Neural stem cells are characterized by the ability to differentiate and stably express exogenous ge- nes. Vascular endothelial growth factor plays a role in protecting local blood vessels and neurons of newborn rats with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Transplantation of vascular endothelial growth factor-transfected neural stem cells may be neuroprotective in rats with cerebral palsy. In this study, 7-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups： （1） sham operation （control）, （2） cerebral palsy model alone or with （3） phosphate-buffered saline, （4） vascular en- dothelial growth factor 165 ＋ neural stem cells, or （5） neural stem cells alone. The cerebral palsy model was established by ligating the left common carotid artery followed by exposure to hypox- ia. Phosphate-buffered saline, vascular endothelial growth factor ＋ neural stem cells, and neural stem cells alone were administered into the sensorimotor cortex using the stereotaxic instrument and microsyringe. After transplantation, the radial-arm water maze test and holding test were performed. Immunohistochemistry for vascular endothelial growth factor and histology using hematoxylin-eosin were performed on cerebral cortex. Results revealed that the number of vas- cular endothelial growth factor-positive cells in cerebral palsy rats transplanted with vascular endothelial growth factor-transfected neural stem cells was increased, the time for finding water and the finding repetitions were reduced, the holding time was prolonged, and the degree of cell degeneration or necrosis was reduced. These findings indicate that the transplantation of vascu- lar endothelial growth factor-transfected neural stem cells alleviates brain damage and cognitive deficits, and is neuroprotective in neonatal rats with hypoxia ischemic-mediated cerebral palsy.

Effects of endostatin on expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors and neovascularization in colonic carcinoma implanted in nude mice

AIM:To investigate the antiangiogenic effects of endostatin on colonic carcinoma cell line implanted in nude mice and its mechanism. METHODS:Nude mice underwent subcutaneous injection with LS-174t colonic carcinoma cell line to generate carcinoma and were randomly separated into two groups.Mice received injection of vehicle or endostatin every day for two weeks. After the tumor was harvested,the tumor volumes were determined,and the expressions of CD34,VEGF and FIk-1 were examined by immunohistochemical method. RESULTS:Tumor volume was significantly inhibited in the endostatin group(84.17%)and tumor weight was significantly inhibited in the endostatin group(0.197±0.049) compared to the control group(1.198±0.105)(F=22.56, P=0.001),microvessel density(MVD)was significantly decreased in the treated group(31.857±3.515)compared to the control group(100.143±4.290)(F=151.62,P<0.001). Furthermore,the expression of FIk-1 was significantly inhibited in the treated group(34.29%) ompared to the control group(8.57%)(X^2=13.745,P=0.001).However no significant decrease was observed in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)between these two groups(X^2=0.119,P=0.730). CONCLUSION:Endostatin can inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis by blocking Vegf/FIk-1 pathway.This experiment provides the theory basis for developing a new anti-carcinoma drug through studying the properties of anti-angiogenesis inhibitors.

MicroRNAs in laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in mice and rats:their expression and potential therapeutic targets

Choroidal neovascularization characterizes wet age-related macular degeneration.Choroidal neovascularization formation involves a primarily angiogenic process that is combined with both inflammation and proteolysis.A primary cause of choroidal neovascularization pathogenesis is alterations in pro-and anti-angiogenic factors derived from the retinal pigment epithelium,with vascular endothelium growth factor being mainly responsible for both clinical and experimental choroidal neovascularization.MicroRNAs(miRNAs)which are short,non-coding,endogenous RNA molecules have a major role in regulating various pathological processes,including inflammation and angiogenesis.A review of recent studies with the mouse laser-induced choroidal neovascularization model has shown alterations in miRNA expression in choroidal neovascularization tissues and could be potential therapeutic targets for wet age-related macular degeneration.Upregulation of miR-505(days 1 and 3 post-laser),miR-155(day 14)occurred in retina;miR-342-5p(days 3 and 7),miR-126-3p(day 14)in choroid;miR-23a,miR-24,miR-27a(day 7)in retina/choroid;miR-505(days 1 and 3)in retinal pigment epithelium/choroid;downregulation of miR-155(days 1 and 3),miR-29a,miR-29b,miR-29c(day 5),miR-93(day 14),miR-126(day 14)occurred in retinal pigment epithelium/choroid.Therapies using miRNA mimics or inhibitors were found to decrease choroidal neovascularization lesions.Choroidal neovascularization development was reduced by overexpression of miR-155,miR-188-5p,miR-(5,B,7),miR-126-3p,miR-342-5p,miR-93,miR-126,miR-195a-3p,miR-24,miR-21,miR-31,miR-150,and miR-184,or suppression of miR-505,miR-126-3p,miR-155,and miR-23/27.Further studies are warranted to determine miRNA expression in mouse laser-induced choroidal neovascularization models in order to validate and extend the reported findings.Important experimental variables need to be standardized;these include the strain and age of animals,gender,number and position of laser burns to the eye,laser parameters to induce choroidal neovascularization lesions including wavelength,power,spot size,and duration.

Whole mount of adult ear skin as a model to study vascular malformations

Background:Genetic analysis in human patients has linked mutations in PIK3CA,the catalytic subunit of PI-3′Kinase,to sporadic incidences of vascular malformations.Methods:We have developed a mouse model with inducible and endothelial-specific expression of PIK3CA H1047R,resulting in the development of vascular malformations.Systemic induction of this mutation in adult mice results in rapid lethality,limiting our ability to track and study these lesions;therefore,we developed a topical and local induction protocol using the active metabolite of tamoxifen,4OH-T,on the ear skin of adults.Results:This approach allows us to successfully model the human disease in a mature and established vascular bed and track the development of vascular malformations.To validate the utility of this model,we applied a topical rapamycin ointment,as rapamycin is therapeutically beneficial to patients in clinical trials.We found that the induced ear lesions showed significant attenuation after treatment,which was easily quantified.Conclusions:These data collectively provide evidence of a new model to study vascular malformations in adult tissues,which should be particularly useful in environments lacking specialized small-animal imaging facilities.

真武汤加地龙联合顺铂对恶性胸腔积液模型小鼠血清白细胞介素7、血管内皮生长因子水平的影响

目的观察真武汤加地龙联合顺铂给药对恶性胸腔积液模型小鼠血清白细胞介素7(IL-7)、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)的影响。方法选取8周龄的雌性C57BL/6小鼠40只,适应性喂养1周后随机均分为空白对照组、模型对照组、顺铂组、真武汤加地龙组、真武汤加地龙+顺铂组,每组8只。除空白对照组外,其余4组的32只均采用LLC小鼠肺癌细胞建立小鼠恶性胸腔积液模型。建模成功3天后,顺铂组予顺铂溶液6 mg/kg腹腔注射,隔3日1次,共3次;真武汤加地龙组予33.78 g/kg的真武汤加地龙溶液灌胃,每日1次,连续10天;真武汤加地龙+顺铂组予顺铂溶液6 mg/kg腹腔注射,隔3日1次,共3次,联合33.78 g/kg的真武汤加地龙溶液灌胃,每日1次,连续10天;空白对照组和模型对照组分别予等容积0.9%氯化钠注射液灌胃,每日1次,连续10天。给药结束后,常规麻醉小鼠,暴露胸腔,用注射器抽取胸水,精确到0.1 mL,记录胸水量。采用酶联免疫吸附法检测各组小鼠血清中IL-7、VEGF含量。结果与空白对照组比较,模型对照组和各药物治疗组胸水量均升高(P<0.05);与模型对照组比较,各药物治疗组胸水量均下降(P<0.05)。真武汤加地龙+顺铂组效果最佳,优于真武汤加地龙组和顺铂组(P<0.05)。与空白对照组比较,模型对照组和各药物治疗组血清VEGF水平均升高(P<0.05);与模型对照组比较,各药物治疗组血清VEGF水平均降低(P<0.05);真武汤加地龙+顺铂组血清VEGF水平低于真武汤加地龙组和顺铂组(P<0.05)。与空白对照组比较,模型对照组和各药物治疗组血清IL-7水平均降低(P<0.05);与模型对照组比较,真武汤加地龙组和真武汤加地龙+顺铂组血清IL-7水平均升高(P<0.05),顺铂组血清IL-7水平降低(P<0.05);真武汤加地龙组和真武汤加地龙+顺铂组血清IL-7水平高于顺铂组(P<0.05);真武汤加地龙组血清IL-7水平高于真武汤加地龙+顺铂组(P<0.05)。结论真武汤加地龙联合顺铂对小鼠恶性胸腔积液疗效良好,可以显著降低小鼠胸水量,这可能与下调血清VEGF、上调IL-7表达有关,且真武汤加地龙可以逆转顺铂引起的IL-7下降。

肾去神经支配对自发性高血压大鼠心脏功能及心脏交感神经重构的影响

目的探讨肾去神经支配(renal denervation,RDN)对自发性高血压大鼠(spontaneously hypertension rat,SHR)心脏功能及心脏交感神经重构的影响。方法选择无特定病原体级雄性SHR 16只和WKY大鼠8只,SHR随机分为RDN组和假手术组,每组8只。8只WKY大鼠作为血压正常的对照组。每2周无创记录各组血压及心率,RDN术后8周采用颈动脉插管记录平均动脉压,并检测心电图,分析心率变异性,包括低频功率(low frequency power,LF)、高频功率(high frequency power,HF)和LF/HF比值。采用超声心动图评估心脏功能,包括左心室射血分数(left ventricular ejection fraction,LVEF)、左心室短轴缩短率(left ventricular fractional shortening,LVFS)、左心室舒张末期内径(left ventricular end-diastolic diameter,LVEDD)、左心室收缩末期内径(left ventricular end-systolic diameter,LVESD)。苏木精-伊红染色检测心肌损伤,免疫组织化学染色检测心肌酪氨酸羟化酶(tyrosine hydroxylase,TH)阳性区域的平均吸光度值,逆转录聚合酶链反应法检测白细胞介素1β(interleukin-1β,IL-1β),肿瘤坏死因子α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)信使核糖核酸表达。结果假手术组和RDN组术前、术后2、4、6、8周收缩压、MAP明显高于对照组,且RDN组术后2、4、6、8周收缩压、MAP明显低于假手术组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与对照组比较,假手术组LVEDD、LVESD、心脏质量/体质量比值、心肌TH、LF、LF/HF比值、心肌IL-1β及TNF-α表达明显升高,HF、LVEF、LVFS明显降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05,P<0.01)。与假手术组比较,RDN组LVEF[(83.32±2.34)%vs(75.33±2.46)%,P<0.05]、LVFS[(45.57±2.42)%vs(38.42±1.64)%,P<0.05]、HF(66.73±2.33 vs 60.23±1.54,P<0.01)明显升高,LVESD[(3.56±0.34)mm vs(4.33±0.36)mm,P<0.05]、LVEDD[(6.43±0.38)mm vs(7.23±0.42)mm,P<0.05]、心脏质量/体质量比值(3.52±0.16 vs 3.82±0.22,P<0.05)、心肌TH(0.15±0.01 vs0.19±0.02,P<0.05)、LF[(15.55±1.08)%vs(19.91±1.79)%,P<0.01]、LF/HF比值(0.23±0.01 vs 0.33±0.03,P<0.01)、心肌IL-1β(2.47±0.15 vs 3.12±0.18,P<0.05)及TNF-α(3.15±0.21 vs 3.79±0.17,P<0.05)表达明显降低,差异有统计学意义。结论RDN可以降低SHR血压,改善心脏结构和功能,并抑制心脏交感神经重构,这可能是通过减轻神经炎症发挥作用。

硫酸吲哚酚对心肌梗死模型小鼠心肌重构的影响

目的探讨硫酸吲哚酚(IS)对心肌梗死(myocardial infarction,MI)模型小鼠心肌重构的影响。方法C57BL/6J成年雄性小鼠50只,随机分为假手术组(Sham组)10只,硫酸吲哚酚组(Sham+IS组)10只,心肌梗死组(MI组)15只,心肌梗死+硫酸吲哚酚组(MI+IS组)15只。采用左前降支冠状动脉结扎术构建小鼠MI模型,术后第24小时,Sham+IS组和MI+IS组小鼠每天腹腔注射IS 100 mg/kg,Sham组和MI组每天腹腔注射等体积PBS,连续28 d,期间记录各组小鼠存活情况。实验第30天,心脏超声检查评估各组小鼠心脏功能,超高效液相色谱法检测各组小鼠血清中IS浓度,Masson染色评估各组小鼠梗死区心肌纤维化程度,RT-qPCR技术检测心肌组织α-sma、CollagenⅠ基因的表达水平,Western blot技术检测心肌组织TGF-β信号通路标记蛋白TGF-β、p-Smad2、p-Smad3的表达水平。结果实验第30天时,与MI组相比,MI+IS组小鼠存活率显著下降(χ^(2)=5.02,P<0.05)。与Sham组相比,Sham+IS组小鼠血清中IS浓度显著升高(t=54.87,P<0.05),与MI组相比,MI+IS组小鼠血清中IS浓度显著升高(t=38.55,P<0.05)。心脏超声检查示,Sham组和Sham+IS组的小鼠左心室舒张末期内径(LVIDd)、左心室收缩末期内径(LVIDs)、左心室射血分数(LVEF)、左心室短轴缩短率(LVFS)无显著差异(P>0.05);与MI组相比,MI+IS组小鼠LVIDd、LVIDs显著增大(t=3.96、4.31,P<0.05),LVEF、LVFS显著降低(t=5.68、4.07,P<0.05)。Masson染色示,MI+IS组与MI组比较小鼠心肌间质胶原纤维沉积明显增多。RT-qPCR技术检测显示,MI+IS组与MI组相比,小鼠心肌组织α-sma、CollagenⅠ基因的表达水平显著升高(t=8.74、4.78,P<0.05)。Western blot方法检测显示,MI+IS组与MI组相比小鼠心肌组织中TGF-β、p-Smad2、p-Smad3蛋白的表达水平均显著升高(t=4.04~5.64,P<0.05)。结论IS可加重小鼠MI后病理性心肌重构,其机制可能与TGF-β信号通路激活相关。

非手术动物模型在血管性认知障碍中的研究进展

血管性认知障碍(vascular cognitive impairment,VCI)包含从轻度认知障碍到全面痴呆的一系列疾病,可由不同原因的血管病变及其危险因素引起。建立适宜的动物模型对于发病机制研究和药物研发具有重要意义,然而到目前为止,没有一种动物模型可以完美模拟VCI的发病机制。目前的VCI造模以颈动脉及椎动脉狭窄或闭塞为主流方法,但近年来越来越多的非手术方法的涌现,为研究这一疾病提供了新的思路和前景。本综述就VCI非手术动物模型的构建方法、模型机制、模型特点进行讨论,为研究者选择更合适的动物模型提供参考。

IL-1β诱导慢性阻塞性肺疾病气道重塑模型的建立及评价

目的建立IL-1β诱导的小鼠慢性阻塞性肺疾病气道重塑模型,并进行系统性评价。方法将15只C57BL/6J小鼠分为对照组、7 d组和14 d组。7、14 d组气管内注射Ad-IL-1β,对照组气管内注射Ad-LacZ。对照组14 d后取材,实验组在7、14 d分别取材,通过观察小鼠一般情况、肺功能检测、肺组织Masson染色、肺组织HE染色、外周血ELISA检测炎症因子并采用单因素方差分析进行数据比较,判断模型是否成功建立及评价该模型是否符合慢性阻塞性肺疾病气道重塑的临床特点。结果与对照组相比,7、14 d组小鼠肺功能显著下降,小气道周围大量炎症细胞浸润、胶原沉积明显、外周血中炎症因子明显增加(P<0.05)。结论采用IL-1β气管内给药可成功构建符合慢性阻塞性肺疾病临床特点的气道重塑模型。

MCAO拟血管性痴呆大鼠模型的建立

目的 :建立根据线栓法所致脑缺血再灌损伤模型制备方法改良的大脑中动脉梗塞 (MCAO)拟血管性痴呆大鼠模型。方法 :对ZeaLonga和Nagasawa法加以改进 ,采用同侧颈总动脉永久结扎线栓法制备MCAO大鼠模型 ,2h后实现大脑中动脉再灌。利用Morris水迷宫检测模型大鼠空间学习记忆能力 ,利用组织学技术检测模型大鼠脑组织病理改变。结果 :造模 1个月后MCAO模型大鼠进行Morris水迷宫定位航行试验第 4d的逃避潜伏期[(87.5 0± 5 7 72 )s]和第 5d的逃避潜伏期 [(10 6 4 0± 85 5 3)s]分别显著长于正常组 [(5 0 0 0± 4 2 13)s ,(48.70±5 3 12 )s]和假手术组 [(32 30± 2 0 92 )s,(6 0 30± 4 5 5 7)s],P值均小于 0 0 5 ;第 4d的游泳路径 [(2 0 2 7 10± 82 0 32 )cm]和第 5d的游泳路径 [(2 2 90 5 0± 72 1 6 9)cm]分别较正常组 [(110 1 70± 4 98 5 2 )cm ,(10 10 4± 397 2 5 )cm]和假手术组 [(12 0 3.30± 5 0 2 76 )cm ,(1390 2 0± 4 6 5 5 3)cm]显著延长 ,P值均小于 0 0 5 ;病理组织观察结果显示 ,模型大鼠大脑中动脉供血区存在明确显著的缺血坏死病灶 ,而同时海马CA1区神经细胞结构排列紊乱、稀疏 ,细胞数明显较少。结论 :经改良后的大脑中动脉梗塞血管性痴呆大鼠模型是进行血管性痴呆病理?