Aim To investigate the effect of the GABAA receptor on the analgesia,hypnosis and amnesia induced by GABA in mice.Methods GABA was intracerebroventricularly(icv) injected and securinine,a GABAA receptor antagonist,was intravenously(iv) injected after the GABA intracerebroventricularly injection.Then four techniques including hot-plate test,acetic acid-induced writhing test,awaken test as well as step-through test & step-down test were employed to evaluate the effects on the pain index in hot-plate test(HPPI),the writhing times,the sleeping time(ST) and the latency & the number of errors.Results GABA increased the HPPI and ST,but decreased writhing times and the latency & increased the number of errors in conscious mice;the above effects are dose-dependent.Securinine could antagonize the effects stimulated by GABA.Conclusion GABA lead to analgesia,hypnosis and amnesia.GABAA receptor might be the important target for these effects.

[Summary] 45 male SD rats with 4 week old were assigned to 3 groups after normal feedstuff for 2 weeks:control group(n=15), diabetic group(n=15), and calcitriol group(n=15).Diabetic rat model were induced using intraperitoneal injection with streptozotocin( STZ) after 12 h fasting.Calcitriol group and diabetic group were treated with calcitriol for 24 weeks.Femoral biomechanics indexes were measured at end of the study.Total 30 SD rats ( 10 rats of each groups) were analyzed.Compared to normal controls, the rats in diabetic group had lower body weight [(437.02±18.66vs267.93±15.64)g,P<0.05],decreasedserumcalciumconcentration[(2.89±0.31vs2.60 ±0.38) mmol/L, P<0.05], and increased serum phosphorus concentration[(2.21 ±0.35 vs 2.80 ±0.66) mmol/L, P<0.05].At the end of the study, the ultimate force[(98.07 ±2.94 vs 70.87 ±5.75) N, P<0.05], ultimate displacement[(0.66 ±0.02 vs 0.51 ±0.02) mm, P<0.05], Young′s modulus[(139 188.51 ±10 617.69 vs 81 969.06 ±6 393.21) N/mm2, P<0.05], and modulus for toughness[(22 492.59 ±2 429.15 vs 8 292.87 ± 1 291.43) N/mm2 , P<0.05 ] of diabetic group were significantly lower than normal control group.However, calcitrol could reverse these changes at some extent.SD rats with diabetes had significant disorder of bone metabolism and decreased bone strength.Calcitriol could improve the decreased bone strength in diabetic rats.

Background Dyslipidemia caused by liver injury is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular complications.Previous studies have shown that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) protects against multiple cardiovascular disease states in a similar manner as nitric oxide (NO),and NO/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) pathway is the key route of NO production.The purpose of this study was to investigate whether H2S can ameliorate the high blood pressure and plasma lipid profile in Nw-nitro-L-argininemethyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats by NO/eNOS pathway.Methods Thirty-six 4-week old Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups (n=6):control group,L-NAME group,control + glibenclamide group,control + NaHS group,L-NAME + NaHS group,and L-NAME + NaHS + glibenclamide group.Measurements were made of plasma triglycerides (TG),low-density lipoprotein (LDL),high-density lipoprotein (HDL),total cholesterol (CHO),glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (ALT) levels after 5 weeks.Then measurements of NO level and proteins expression of eNOS,P-eNOS,AKT,P-AKT were made in liver tissue.Results After 5 weeks of L-NAME treatment,the blood pressure,plasma TG ((1.22±0.12) mmol/L in L-NAME group vs.(0.68±0.09) mmol/L in control group; P ＜0.05) and LDL ((0.54±0.04) mmol/L in L-NAME group vs.(0.28±0.02) mmol/L in control group; P ＜0.05) concentration were significantly increased,and the plasma HDL ((0.26±0.02) mmol/L in L-NAME group vs.(0.69±0.07) mmol/L in control group; P ＜0.05) concentration significantly decreased.Meanwhile the rats treated with L-NAME exhibit dysfunctional eNOS,diminished NO levels ((1.36±0.09) mmol/g protein in L-NAME group vs.(2.34±0.06) mmol/g protein in control group; P ＜0.05) and pathological changes of the liver.H2S therapy can markedly decrease the blood pressure ((37.25±4.46) mmHg at the fifth week; P ＜0.05),and ameliorate the plasma TG ((0.59±0.06) mmHg),LDL ((0.32±0.04) mmHg),and HDL ((0.46±0.03) mmHg) concentration in L-NAME + NaHS group (all P ＜0.05).H2S therapy can also restore eNOS function and NO bioavailability and attenuate the pathological changes in the liver in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats.Conclusion H2S protects the L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats against liver injury via NO/eNOS pathway,therefore de.creases the cardiovascular risk.

Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of in-center nocturnal hemodialysis (INHD) in uremic patients. Methods Thirty-two maintenence hemodialysis (MHD) patients received INHD (3 times per week and 7.5 hours each session) for 6 months.Before and 1, 3 and 6 months after entering INHD, blood routine, hepatic and renal function,serum electrolyte, lipids, parathyroid hormone and β2-microglobulin(β2-MG) were assayed, Kt/V and URR were calculated. Blood pressure of each dialysis session 2 months before and 6 months after INHD was recorded. Cardiac ultrasound and SF-36 questionnaire before and after INHD were performed. Use of drugs was recorded. Results Compared with 2 months before INHD, predialysis BP decreased [(130.3/86.0) vs (139.3/88.6) mm Hg, P＜0.01], while post-dialysis BP raised significantly [(121.1/80.5) vs (115.0/77.8) mm Hg, P＜0.01] 6 months after INHD.Intradialysis hypertension (9.8%vs 24.0%) and hypotension (7.3% vs 14.9%) both reduced (all P＜0.01). Serum phosphorus [(1.37±0.27) vs (2.08±0.49) mmol/L, P＜0.01] and iPTH [(355.4±139.6) vs (632.3±750.0) ng/L, P＜0.01] decreased, while calcium increased [(2.64±0.25) vs (2.28±0.37) mmol/L, P＜0.01], HDL[(1.27±0.29) vs (0.75±0.08) mmol/L] increased, LDL [(2.04±0.52) vs (2.75±0.75) mmol/L] decreased (all P＜0.05). URR [(79.7±0.1)% vs (64.7±4.7)%] and Kt/V (1.40±0.44 vs 0.89±0.25, P＜0.01) increased. Serum β2-MG decreased [(17.3±3.9) vs (24.6±5.9) mg/L, P＜0.01]. LVMI decreased [(99.8±29.0) vs (114.8±72.7), P＜0.05]. Physical functioning, role-physical and role-emotional of SF-36 increased (all P＜0.01). The types of antihypertension drug, dosage of EPO, Vitamin D3 and phosphorus binder decreased (all P＜0.01).Patients of drug withdrawal increased (P＜0.05). Conclusion The hypertension, anemia,calcium-phosphorus metabolism, lipid disorder, cardiac malfunction and the quality of life are improved in INHD patients.

OBJECTIVETo study a population of rheumatoid arthritis patients and determine the extent of periodontal disease in these patients, in order to investigate the relationship between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODSThe experimental group was composed of 70 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and the control group consisted of 70 age- and gender-matched individuals without rheumatoid arthritis. The relationship between periodontal status in rheumatoid arthritis and control groups as well as the relationship between periodontal status and rheumatological findings in patients were analyzed.

RESULTSThe percentage of periodontal disease was statistically significant between experimental and control group (P < 0.01). The difference of average number of missing teeth and bleeding on probing in the experimental group and control group were not statistically significant (P >0.05). There were more number of periodontal disease index 5 or 6 in experimental group than in control group ( P < 0.05). Rheumatoid arthritis patients with moderate to severe bone loss had deeper degree of morning stiffness, erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels and serum C-reactive protein levels than patients with no or mild bone loss.

CONCLUSIONIndividuals with rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to experience periodontal disease compares to healthy subjects. They are also very likely to suffer from moderate to severe periodontitis.

Adult ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Blood Sedimentation ; C-Reactive Protein ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Periodontal Diseases ; Periodontitis

Objective To establish a serum-free primary culture method for cortical neurons of new-born rats .Methods The cortical tissue was digested and the cells were planted in the medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum ,and then maintained feed-ing with neurobasal medium containing B27 after 4 to 8 h .The morphology was observed under phase-contrast microscope .RT-PCR ,Western blot and immunocytochemistry were applied to identify the expression of NSE gene and protein in neurons .Results A large number of neurons began to adhere to the cover glasses after 2 to 8 h .They showed different shapes-shuttle ,triangle pyram-idal ,or no regular after clinging to the plate .Their processes connected to nets and were different in length and thickness .They well developed at the 7th to 10th day .The isolated and cultured cells were confirmed as neurons by RT-PCR ,Western blot and immuno-cytochemistry .Conclusion This technique is an easy and practical tool for primary culture of new-born rats cortical neurons with high purity ,and can be used as an in-vitro model of research .

Objective To study the relationship between facial skin conditions and TCM constitutional types; To provide new means and methods for guidance of skin conservation and skin health improvement from the aspect of constitutional types. Methods Totally 2241 female volunteers in nine provincial capital cities and municipalities participated in this research, and were investigated by web questionnaire. Constitutional types were determined according to the“Classification and Judgment of TCM Constitutional Types”standard issued by China Association of Chinese Medicine. Skin color, glossiness, delicate degree, moistness, firmness, resilience, uniformity and other indicators were scored. Skin conditions were classified into three groups:1-3 score group, 4-6 score group, and 7-9 score group, and the constitutional differences among each group were compared. Results Yang-deficiency and mild constitutional types accounted for the largest proportion. Yellowish skin color accounted for the largest proportion, and the next were white, dark and reddish. Yang-deficiency constitutional type accounted for the largest proportion in 1-3 score group, and the second was Qi-stagnation; Yang-deficiency and mild constitutional types accounted for the largest proportion in 4-6 score group; mild constitutional type accounted for the largest proportion in 7-9 score group. Conclusion People with mild constitutional type got highest score in every skin index, while biased constitutional types influenced the score in varied degrees. The constitutional types which influenced Chinese urban females’ facial skin index more were Yang-deficiency and Qi-stagnation constitutional types.

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of SNS-032 (C17 H24 N4O2S2) on cell cycle, apoptosis, differentiation and self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) in mice. The self-renewal capability of bone marrow cells was measured by cobblestone forming cell test. The expressions of self-renewal regulation genes, cell cycle-related genes, apoptosis-related genes were measured by real-time PCR. The cell cycle status and apoptosis of HSC and HPC were detected by flow cytometry. The results showed that there was no significant difference of the frequency of HSC between SNS-032 and control group. The expressions of CDK1, CDK2, CDK7 and p27 decreased in HSC (P < 0.05) while the expressions of CDK4, CDK6, p21, p18, p19, Bcl-2, Bax, Puma, p53, Bim1, Sall4 and Notch1 showed no difference between SNS-032 group and control group (P > 0.05). The fraction of viable HSC in each phase of cell cycle remained unchanged after the treatment of SNS-032 (P > 0.05). Furthermore, there was no statistical difference in the apoptotic fractions between control and drug-treated groups (P > 0.05). It is concluded that SNS-032 induce apoptosis of cancer cells. Interestingly, SNS-032 has no significant inhibitory effect on self-renewal and differentiation of normal HSC, as well as no obvious effect inducing apoptosis of normal HSC and HPC.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins ; metabolism ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Cycle Proteins ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Oxazoles ; pharmacology ; Thiazoles ; pharmacology

AIMTo investigate the effects of melatonin (MT) on histology and behavioral tests during global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in gerbils.

METHODSGlobal cerebral ischemia was induced by occluding the bilateral common carotid arteries for 10 min in gerbils. Three doses of MT were administrated intraperitoneally 30 min prior to the onset of ischemia. Locomotor activity was measured by using the open field method 3 and 7 days after the ischemic episode. T maze test was carried out 4, 5 and 6 days after ischemia to assess the working memory of gerbils. Neuronal damage was assessed in CA1 pyramidal layer of gerbil hippocampus and evaluated 7 days after ischemia.

RESULTSMT significantly reversed the locomotor activity increases, ameliorated learning and working memory deficit, and reduced the extent of CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cells injury after transient global cerebral ischemia in the Mongolian gerbil.

CONCLUSIONMT provides significantly protective effect against both histological and behavioral consequences of global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in gerbils.

Animals ; Brain Ischemia ; complications ; Female ; Gerbillinae ; Hippocampus ; drug effects ; pathology ; Learning ; drug effects ; Male ; Melatonin ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Memory ; drug effects ; Motor Activity ; drug effects ; Neurons ; pathology ; Neuroprotective Agents ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Random Allocation ; Reperfusion Injury ; etiology ; physiopathology ; prevention & control

Objective Recent studies have indicated that early brain injury is the leading cause of death in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage ( SAH) .Our study investigated the role of aminoguanidine ( AG) in early brain injury after SAH . Methods Sixty-eight male SD rats were equally randomized into four groups of equal number :control, sham, SAH, and AG.The animals in the sham group were injected with isotonic saline solution , while those of the latter two groups with femoral artery blood ( FAB) and FAB+AG, respectively, into the pre-chiasmatic cistern to induce SAH. At 24 hours after modeling , all the rats were killed for HE staining , obtainment of behavioral neurological assessment ( BNA ) scores by Garcia, measurement of the apoptosis of neurons by TUNEL , and de-termination of the expressions of the iNOS and NSE proteins by West-ern blot. Results The results of HE staining showed the presence of more red blood cells in the subarachnoid cavity of the rats in the SAH group, with a significantly decreased BNA score ( 14.47 ± 0.62) as compared with those in the control (17.94 ±0.24), sham (17.59 ±0.51), and AG group (15.71 ±0.47) (P<0.05). The rate of positive cells was remarkably higher in the SAH group ([42.38 ±2.38]%) than in the control ([6.35 ±0.94]%), sham ([6.85 ±0.69]%), and AG group ([30.48 ±2.89]%) ( P<0.01), with significant differences among the latter three groups (P<0.05).The expressions of iNOS and NSE were markedly higher in the SAH group ([3.86 ±0.07] and [1.59 ±0.06]) than in the control (0 and[0.35 ±0.09]), sham ([2.96 ±0.34] and [0.38 ±0.08]), and AG group ([3.41 ±0.04] and [0.70 ±0.12]) ( P<0.05).Both the expression levels of iNOS and NSE were positively correlated with the rate of positive cells (r=0 .879 and 0.935, P<0.01). Conclusion AG can alleviate early brain injury after SAH in SD rats by improving the neuro-ethologic function , suppressing the apoptosis of neurons , and reducing the expressions of iNOS and NSE .