AIM To study the influence of chronic stress on the level of CNTF and CNTF mRNA in hippocampal neurons of rats. METHODS The chronic stress model was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress, openfield test was performed to detect the behavior of rats. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were used to observe the level of CNTF and CNTF mRNA. RESULTS Compared to control group, the CNTF like immunoreactivity and signals of CNTF mRNA in situ hybridization in the hippocampal neurons of chronic stress group were significantly decreased. CONCLUSION These results show that chronic stress can significantly decrease the level of CNTF and CNTF mRNA in the hippocampal neurons of rats.

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of early partial body weight support on walking ability for stroke patients with hemiplegia.Methods60 stroke patients were divided into 3 groups, receiving conventional early rehabilitation: group A (20 cases) received conventional rehabilitation for 8 weeks; group B (20 cases) received 2 weeks conventional rehabilitaion and 6 weeks partial body weight support; group C (20 cases) received 5 weeks conventional rehabilitaion and 3 weeks partial body weight support. Fugl-Meyer Assessment(FMA), Barther Index(BI) and Berg Balance Scale(BBS) were used to assess the effect before and after treatment.ResultsThe socres of FMA, BI and BBS improved in walking function after the treatment(P<0.05). Comparing with groups A and C, group B improved more significantly after treatment (P<0.05), and group C was better than group A (P<0.05). ConclusionPartial body weight support can improve walking function of hemiplegic patients at early stage.