OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of serotonin (5-HTIA) receptors in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) on active avoidance learning in rats.

METHODSTotally 36 SD rats were randomly divided into control group, antagonist group and agonist group(n = 12). Active avoidance learning ability of rats was assessed by the shuttle box. The extracellular concentrations of 5-HT in the DG during active avoidance conditioned reflex were measured by microdialysis and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques. Then the antagonist (WAY-100635) or agonist (8-OH-DPAT) of the 5-HT1A receptors were microinjected into the DG region, and the active avoidance learning was measured.

RESULTS(1) During the active avoidance learning, the concentration of 5-HT in the hippocampal DG was significantly increased in the extinction but not establishment in the conditioned reflex, which reached 164.90% ± 26.07% (P <0.05) of basal level. (2) The microinjection of WAY-100635 (an antagonist of 5-HT1A receptor) into the DG did not significantly affect the active avoidance learning. (3) The microinjection of 8-OH-DPAT(an agonist of 5-HT1A receptor) into the DG significantly facilitated the establishment process and inhibited the extinction process during active avoidance conditioned reflex.

CONCLUSIONThe data suggest that activation of 5-HT1A receptors in hipocampal DG may facilitate active avoidance learning and memory in rats.

8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Avoidance Learning ; Dentate Gyrus ; physiology ; Piperazines ; pharmacology ; Pyridines ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A ; physiology ; Serotonin ; physiology ; Serotonin Receptor Agonists ; pharmacology

Lomatogonium rotatum (L.) Fries, Gentianopsis barbata (Froel) Ma, and Gentianella acuta (Michx.) Hulten, the three kinds of Digeda-species Mongolian medicinal materials belonging to the family Gentianaceae, bad been widely used for the treatment of liver diseases. To analyze comparatively the content of swertiamarin and swertisin among these three kinds of Digeda-species Mongolian medicinal materials. HPLC method was applied for qualitative and quantitative analysis of swertiamarin and swertisin. The Phenomenex C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 μm) was used, chromatographic methanol and water as mobile phase, the flow rate was 1.5 mL x min(-1) with UV detected at 237 nm, column oven temperature was 25 degrees C. Results showed that the contents of swertiamarin and swertisin were closely related the different species and producing areas. The content range of swertiamarin in L. rotatum from different habitats was 1.73% - 2.72%, 0.43% - 0.96% for the swertisin content; the content of swertiamarin in G. barbata from Alxa Left Banner was 0.38%, and the content of swertiamarin and swertisin in G. barbata from the others habitats and G. Acuta from different habitats were all detected qualitatively. The contents of swertiamarin and swertisin among these medicinal plants showed a significant difference due to the different species and producing areas. As a consequence, these medicinal plants should not be put together for clinical applications.
Apigenin ; analysis ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Gentianaceae ; chemistry ; classification ; Gentianella ; chemistry ; classification ; Iridoid Glucosides ; analysis ; Medicine, Mongolian Traditional ; Mongolia ; Plant Extracts ; analysis ; Pyrones ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo establish a nested real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for detection of hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA in PBMC( peripheral blood monocyte) and MMNC (marrow monocyte).

METHODSBased on the structural differences between HBVcccDNA and HBV rcDNA, two pairs of specific primers spanned the gap of the positive and negative chains and a specific TaqMan probe situated downstream were designed. To remove rcDNA, cccDNA was processed by Mung Bean Nuclease,and then amplified by nested real-time quantitative PCR using a pair of outer primers and a pair of inner primers. According to the standard preparation, cccDNA levels of specimen were calculated.

RESULTSWe have established a nested real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR method for HBV cccDNA successfully, and the linear range is from 5.0 x 10(2) to 3. 9 x 10(7) copies per milliliter. Of the 25 PBMC samples and 7 MMNC samples of the chronic hepatitis B or liver cirrhosis patients, 3 MMNC samples and 9 PBMC samples were HBV cccDNA positive, while all of the 21 healthy donator blood PBMC samples were negative.

CONCLUSIONSThe nested real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR method may be applied to detect HBVcccDNA level in PBMC and MMNC. HBVcccDNA can be detected in PBMC and MMNC.

DNA, Circular ; genetics ; DNA, Viral ; genetics ; Hepatitis B ; diagnosis ; virology ; Hepatitis B virus ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Humans ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; virology ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Sensitivity and Specificity

OBJECTIVETo testify the effect of the stem cells derived from the widely distributed fat tissue on repairing full-thickness hyaline cartilage defects.

METHODSAdipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were derived from adipose tissue and cultured in vitro. Twenty-seven New Zealand white rabbits were divided into three groups randomly. The cultured ADSCs mixed with calcium alginate gel were used to fill the full-thickness hyaline cartilage defects created at the patellafemoral joint, and the defects repaired with gel or without treatment served as control groups. After 4, 8 and 12 weeks, the reconstructed tissue was evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. Histological analysis and qualitative scoring were also performed to detect the outcome.

RESULTSFull thickness hyaline cartilage defects were repaired completely with ADSCs-derived tissue. The result was better in ADSCs group than the control ones. The microstructure of reconstructed tissue with ADSCs was similar to that of hyaline cartilage and contained more cells and regular matrix fibers, being better than other groups. Plenty of collagen fibers around cells could be seen under transmission electron microscopy. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in comparison with other groups at each time point (t equal to 4.360, P less than 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThese results indicate that stem cells derived from mature adipose without induction possess the ability to repair cartilage defects.

Adipose Tissue ; cytology ; Alginates ; Animals ; Cartilage, Articular ; injuries ; surgery ; Cells, Cultured ; Glucuronic Acid ; Hexuronic Acids ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; physiology ; Rabbits ; Tissue Engineering

OBJECTIVETo elvaulate the antioxidant activity of the pigment of Lycium ruthenicum.

METHODThe antioxidant activities were measured by the effects of the reducing ability, scavenging DPPH. H2O2-induced hemolysis of mice erythrocyte, serum resistance of reactive oxygen species, content of MDA in liver tissue, and swelling effect of mitochondria in liver tissue.

RESULTThe pigment of L. ruthenicum could scaveng DPPH* remarkably with IC50 0.164 mg x mL(-1), inhibitte hemolysis of mice erythrocyte evidently with IC50 0.112 mg x mL(-1). The resistant of reactive oxygen species was enhanced by the tested substances, simultanously. The concentration of MDA of peroxidation of lipid in mice liver could be reduced, and the swelling of mice liver mitochondria alse be restrained.

CONCLUSIONThe pigment of L. ruthenicum has antioxidant activity in tested concentration.

Animals ; Antioxidants ; pharmacology ; Biphenyl Compounds ; metabolism ; Erythrocytes ; drug effects ; Free Radical Scavengers ; pharmacology ; Hemolysis ; drug effects ; Hydrazines ; metabolism ; Lipid Peroxidation ; drug effects ; Liver ; metabolism ; Lycium ; chemistry ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mitochondria, Liver ; pathology ; Mitochondrial Swelling ; drug effects ; Phenols ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Picrates ; Pigments, Biological ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Reactive Oxygen Species

The present study is aimed to study the effect of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) gene transfer on the contractile function of isolated cardiomyocytes of canines. The cardiomyocytes were isolated with collagenases. The isolated cardiac cells were divided into untransfected group, empty vector group and SERCA2a-transfected group. Recombinant adenovirus vector carrying enhanced green fluorescent protein gene was used for SERCA2a gene delivery. The expression of SERCA2a protein in cardiomyocytes was determined by Western blot. Contractile function of cardiomyocytes was measured with motion edge-detection system of single cell at 48 h after transfection. The results showed, compared with untransfected group, SERCA2a protein level, percentage of peak contraction amplitude under normal condition, percentages of peak contraction amplitude under Ca(2+) or isoproterenol stimulation, time-to-peak contraction (TTP) and time-to-50% relaxation (R50) in SERCA2a-transfected group all increased significantly. While all the above indices in empty vector group did not show any differences with those in untransfected group. These results suggest that the overexpression of SERCA2a by gene transfer may enhance the contraction function of canine myocardial cells.
Adenoviridae ; genetics ; metabolism ; Animals ; Dogs ; Male ; Myocardial Contraction ; drug effects ; physiology ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; metabolism ; Recombinant Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium-Transporting ATPases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection

Phytochemical investigation was carried out on the seeds of Vigna umbellata. The 70% ethanol extract of the seeds of V. umbellata was subjected to silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, ODS column chromatographies and preparative HPLC. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of NMR and ESI-MS spectroscopic data Eight compounds were obtained and identified as carboxyatractyligenin (1), 2beta-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-15alpha-hydroxy-kaur-16-ene-18,19-dicarboxylic acid (2), 2beta-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl) atractyligenin (3), 3R-O-[beta-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-6) -beta-D-glucopyranosyl] oct-1-ene-3-ol (4), (6S, 7E, 9R) -roseoside (5), liriodendrin (6), resveratrol (7) and maltol (8). Compounds 1-7 were isolated from Vigna genus for the first time, and compound 8 was isolated from V. umbellata for the first time.
Fabaceae ; chemistry ; Seeds ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo study the changes of pharmacokinetics of 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin in a rat model of alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced experimental hepatic injury after oral administration of Yinchenhao Decoction (, YCHD) using an ultra pressure liquid chromatography (UPLC) method.

METHODSRats were divided into a normal group and a model group, after modeled by 4% ANIT (75 mg/kg) for 48 h, they were orally administrated with YCHD extract at the dose of 0.324 g/kg, and then blood was collected from their orbital sinus after different intervals. Changes in liver function were monitored by the levels of liver enzymes [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)] and bilirubins [total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL)], the concentration of 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin in plasma were measured by UPLC, and the pharmaceutical parameters were calculated with DAS2.1.1 software.

RESULTSThe concentration-time curve of both normal and modeled rats after oral administration of YCHD was obtained. Their time to maximum plasma concentration (t(max)) were both 0.25 h, the maximum concentration (C(max)) were 4.533 μg/mL and 6.885 μg/mL, and their area under concentration-time curve (AUC)(0→24h) were 16.272 and 32.981, respectively. There was a 51.88% and 100.46% increase in C(max) and AUC(0-t) (P<0.05), but there showed a 45.52% and 92.93% reduction in clearance of drug and volum of distribution (P<0.05), respectively.

CONCLUSIONSHepatic injury could significantly influence the pharmacokinetics of 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin after oral administration of YCHD, the absorption and distribution process was accelerated in liver injured rats, but the metabolism and elimination process was slowed. And this may lead to a significant accumulation of 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin in the body.

1-Naphthylisothiocyanate ; Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury ; blood ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Coumarins ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; therapeutic use ; Liver ; drug effects ; physiopathology ; Models, Biological ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Validation Studies as Topic

OBJECTIVETo prepare baicalin nanocrystal (BC-NC) and evaluate its pharmacokinetics in rats.

METHODBaicalin nanosuspensions (BC-NS) were prepared by the high pressure homogenization technology combined with ultrasonic, and then BC-NS were solidificated into BC-NC pellets by removing the water through fluid-bed drying. Its morphology, mean diameter and Zeta-potential were determined. An HPLC method was employed to determine the concentration of baicalin in plasma, and the bioavailability of the nanocrystal was compared with the reference group by oral administration in Wistar rats.

RESULTThe nanocrystals observed by scanning electron microscopy were irregular granulated, and the mean particle sizes of BC-NC were (248 +/- 6) nm. Its polydispersity index (PI) and zeta-potential were (0.181 +/- 0.065), (-32.3 +/- 1.8) mV, respectively. The pharmacokinetic parameters showed that the C(max) was (16.54 +/- 1.73) mg x L(-1) and the AUC(0-24 h) was (206.96 +/- 21.23) mg x L(-1) x h, which were significantly enhanced compared with the baicalin bulk and baicalin physical mixture (BC-PM) formulation, respectively (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONBaicalin nanocrystal can significantly improve the bioavailability of baicalin.

Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Biological Availability ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Flavonoids ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics ; Male ; Nanoparticles ; chemistry ; ultrastructure ; Particle Size ; Rats

[Objective] To investigate the awareness of healthy lifestyle content among residents in Shanghai and to provide basis for future efforts . [ Methods] Stratified random sampling covered all 18 districts in Shanghai .A total of 8548 participants were recruited and questionnaire with them was completed by face to face interview. [Results] Among Shanghai residents aged 18-69 years, 67.8%of them had awareness of all five items of healthy lifestyle content .And 94.6%, 92.3%, 80.7%, 77.3%, and 81 .7%of them respectively had awareness of balanced diet , regular exercise , no smoking , no alcohol a-buse, and keeping mental balance .Analysis of Logistic regression showed that gender , age, area of resi-dence, and education level were factors influencing awareness rates mentioned above . [ Conclusion] The information about healthy lifestyle content was effectively spread by various departments concerned and the Shanghai government .And the above results suggest that specific information spread for different demo-graphic characteristics of different populations is beneficial for future improvement of healthy knowledge a -mong them.