Aim To explore the effects of astragaloside(AS)on the proliferation of neural stem cells(NSCs).Methods The NSCs of embryonic day(E)16 SD rat were cultured in vitro.The NSCs were identified by the immunocytochemical(ICC)staining of Nestin.The ICC staining of BrdU was adopted to characterize the proliferation of NSCs.The number of neurospheres and the ICC staining of BrdU were performed to identify their proliferation properties.Real time RT-PCR technique was used to investigate the proliferation mechanisms of the AS on the NSCs.Results Characteristic protein(Nestin)of NSCs labeling,BrdU labeling were positive showed by immunocytochemical staining.The ICC of BrdU labeling results showed that different dosages of AS could promote the proliferation of NSCs in vitro.The proliferation rate of NSCs was increased extremely significant(P

Acupuncture Therapy ; Ageusia ; complications ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Olfaction Disorders ; complications ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo clarify whether the acupoints of Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) have specific actions other than non-acupoints to bone.

METHODSForty Sprague-Dawley female rats were divided into five groups: Sham operated (sham) group; Ovariectomized (OVX, model) group; non-acupuncture group; OVX, needling on Zusanli and Sanyinjiao (Acp-A) group; OVX, needling on the reverse sides of Zusanli and Sanyinjiao (Acp-B) group; OVX, periostineal stimulation on the same height as points of Zusanli and Sanyinjiao (Acp-C) group. The experiment was continued for 23 weeks and then all animals were sacrificed.

RESULTSOVX had a significantly higher body weight and lower bone mineral density (BMD) on the lumbar vertebrae, total femora and tibiae than sham rats, however, Acp-A showed a higher BMD compared with the other OVX groups. On the other hand, bone weights, bone strength and bone morphometry such as trabecular volume, trabecular separation, labeled width and bone formation rate also showed the same improvements in Acp-A as compared to the other OVX rats.

CONCLUSIONThe stimulation on Zusanli and Sanyinjiao specifically prevented the development of osteopenic rats compared with non-acupoints.

Acupuncture Points ; Animals ; Bone Density ; Bone Diseases, Metabolic ; prevention & control ; Female ; Ovariectomy ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley