AIM: To investigate the effects of Src family kinases (SFKs) on adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP)-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) in the spinal dorsal horn. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (250-280 g) were used in the experiments. Western blotting, electrophysiological recording in spinal dorsal horn in vivo and immunohistochemistry were used in the study. The C-fiber-evoked field potentials were recorded at the superficial layers of spinal dorsal horn at the lumbar enlargement and the phosphorylation level and location of SFKs in spinal dorsal horn were examined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Thirty min and 60 min after ATP application, the levels of phosphorylated SFKs (p-SFKs) were significantly increased.The p-SFKs were expressed in microglia, but not in astrocytes or neurons. Spinal application of SFK inhibitors prevented ATP-induced LTP. CONCLUSION: Microglial SFKs may play an important role in ATP-induced LTP of C-fiber evoked field potentials in the spinal dorsal horn.

AIM:To investigate the effects of P2X4 receptor on peri-sciatic administration of recombinant rat TNF-α(rrTNF)-induced mechanical allodynia.METHODS:Male Sprague-Dawley rats (180~200 g) were used in the experiments.The levels of P2X4 receptor on day 3, day 7 and day 14 after peri-sciatic administration of rrTNF were exam-ined by Western blot, and the location of P2X4 receptor in the spinal dorsal horn was observed by double immunofluores-cence staining.The changes of 50%paw-withdrawal thresholds of the rat were detected by behavioral test, and the level of TNF-αin the spinal dorsal horn was also examined by Western blot when TNP-ATP was intrathecally injected before the ad-ministration of rrTNF.RESULTS:Compared with control group, the expression of P2X4 receptor in the spinal dorsal horn on the ipsilateral side significantly increased on day 3, day 7 and day 14 (P<0.01) after rrTNF (100 ng/L) administra-tion.P2X4 receptor was co-localized only with microglia, but not with neurons or astrocytes.Intrathecal injection of TNP-ATP before rrTNF administration prevented mechanical allodynia induced by rrTNF and inhibited the upregulation of TNF-αin the spinal dorsal horn.CONCLUSION:P2X4 receptors in microglia may be involved in rrTNF-induced mechanical allodynia by the upregulation of TNF-αin the spinal dorsal horn.

Objective To explore the roles of spinal microglial Src-family kinases (SFKs) in diabetic neuropathic pain. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 200 ~ 220 g, were used in the experiments. The level of p-SFKs in spinal dorsal horn was detected by single immunofluorescence staining on day 7th , 14th and 28th after intraperitoneally injection of Streptozotocin (STZ) and its location was detected by double immunofluorescence staining. The changes of 50% paw-withdrawal thresholds of rat were detected by behavioral tests when PP2 , a specific inhibitor of SFKs , was intrathecally administered before intraperitoneally injection of STZ. Results Compared with vehicle group, the blood glucose level increased on day 1 (P < 0.001) and the hyperglycemia persisted at least for 28 days (P < 0.001) after intraperitoneally administered of STZ (50 mg/kg). Paw-withdrawal threshold (PWT) decreased gradually from day 1 (P < 0.05) and reached the minimum on day 28 (P < 0.001) after STZ administration. Meanwhile, the expression of p-SFKs in spinal dorsal horn markedly increased on day 7 (P < 0.01), day 14 (P < 0.01) and day 28 (P < 0.01). The p-SFKs was mainly co-localized only with microglia , but not with neurons or with astrocytes. Intrathecally administered of PP2 before STZ reversed STZ-induced mechanical hyperalgesia. Conclusion Microglial SFKs in spinal dorsal horn maybe play a pivotal role in diabetic neuropathic pain.

Objective To investigate the changes of sex hormones after lamivudine antiviral treatment in male hepa-titis B patients with compensated cirrhosis, and the significance of changes thereof. Methods Forty-six male patients with compensated cirrhosis were included in patient group. The patient group was given lamivudine antiviral treatment for 24 weeks. The sex hormone levels were compared between before and after treatment. Patients were divided into two groups (complete response group and incomplete response group) according to their response to the treatment. The sex hormone lev-els were compared between these two groups. Results (1)The level of PRL was significantly decreased, and the levels of T and E2 were significantly increased after lamivudine antiviral treatment in patient group.(2)There were significant differenc-es in levels of PRL, T and E2 between complete response group and incomplete response group. Conclusion (1)The lami-vudine antiviral treatment can improve the dysfunction of sex hormones.(2)There was a relationship between the changes of sex hormones and the responses of antiviral treatment.

Objective To observe the clinic effects and safety of thoracic dorsal root ganglion(DRG) pulsed radiofrequency in treating post-thoracotomy pain syndrome(PTPS). Methods 47 PTPS patients were treated with thoracic DRG pulsed radiofrequency. VAS, Oxycodone dosage, medicine side effects before and after operation were recorded. Results The VAS before operation and 1 d, 15 d, 1 m, 3 m, 6 m, 12 m after operation were 6. 3 ±2. 4, 4. 1 ±1. 8, 3. 2 ±1. 3, 2. 5 ±1. 5, 2. 1 ±0. 9, 2. 0 ±0. 8 and 2. 2 ±1. 1 respectively. The oxycodone dosage were (28. 5 ±10. 2)mg, (12. 3 ±5. 7)mg, (8. 3 ±3. 8)mg, (7. 6 ± 3. 1) mg, (7. 0 ± 3. 4) mg, (6. 6 ± 2. 7) mg and (7. 2 ± 3. 2) mg respectively. The difference was significant compared with the preoperative (P＜0. 05). No serious complications occurred. Conclusion Thoracic DRG pulsed radiofrequency was a safe and effective method in treating PTPS.