OBJECTIVEThis study aimed to explore the effects of different types of palatal lateral excisions on the growth and development of the maxilla and dental arch, and to investigate the underlying mechanisms.

METHODSA total of 112 3-week-old Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats were randomly divided into a control and 3 experimental groups: the mucoperiosteal denudation group, the mucosal flap excision group, and the periosteum excision group. In the experimental groups, bilateral mucoperiosteal, mucosal flap and periosteum were excised respectively in the lateral one half of the palate. Four rats in each group were randomly chosen for sacrifice every two weeks. The maxilla was dissected following the excision. The widths of the maxilla and dental arch were measured and the histological phenomena were investigated at different phases. At the same time, 12 animals in each group were sequentially injected with calcein every two weeks. Three animals in each group, whose fluorescent labeling was used, were sacrificed for investigating bone formation at Week 8 following injection.

RESULTS(1) Each experimental group presented the constriction of the maxilla and dental arch. The upper first molars in the experimental groups inclined medially. The mucoperiosteal denudation group showed the largest degree of effect followed by the periosteum excision group. The indices of the mucosal flap excision group, which retained the structures of the periosteum layer, had the most approximate values to the control group; (2) Different histological changes among the experimental groups were detected. The fibers penetrated into the palatal bone as Sharpey's fibers in the mucoperiosteal denudation group. The pattern of bone deposition was the bundle type. Sharpey's fibers were not found in the mucosal flap and periosteum excision groups and the depositions of palatal bone were the lamellar type as those in the control group; (3) The rates of bone deposition in the experimental groups decreased compared with the control group. The rates in different phases were the most approximate values to those of the control group in the mucosal flap excision group, which has the same structure of periosteum as the control group.

CONCLUSIONThere were different effects on the growth and development of the maxilla and dental arch in different types of palatal lateral excisions. Periosteum is important for bone formation and deposition pattern. The prevention of Sharpey's fibers forming and attaching to the palatine can effectively avert the following malformation.

Animals ; Dental Arch ; growth & development ; Male ; Maxilla ; growth & development ; Palate ; surgery ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of commodified growth factor products used clinically on fibrovascular ingrowth into porous polyethylene orbital implants. METHODS: Porous polyethylene orbital implant sheets (Medpor(R)) soaked with Nepidermin (Easyef(R)), Trafermin (Fiblast(R)), and normal saline were implanted into the backs of 18 Sprague-Dawley rats. The degree of fibrovascular ingrowth as observed using a light microscope was compared 1 and 2 weeks after implantation and was calculated as a percentage of the fibrovascular ingrowth length. RESULTS: One week after implantation, the percentage of fibrovascular ingrowth length was 25.33 +/- 5.43%, 22.56 +/- 5.30%, and 21.78 +/- 4.66% in the Easyef(R)-, Fiblast(R)- and normal saline-soaked groups. The degree of fibrovascularization was higher in the Easyef(R)-soaked group than in the other groups (p = 0.020, 0.012). Two weeks after implantation, the degree of fibrovascularization was 98.33 +/- 5.00%, 100.00 +/- 0.00%, and 95.89 +/- 4.57%, which was significantly higher in the Easyef(R)-, and Fiblast(R)-soaked groups than in normal saline-soaked group (p = 0.019, <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Commodified growth factor products used in other areas selectively enhanced fibrovascular ingrowth to a greater degree and earlier in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Epidermal Growth Factor ; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 ; Orbital Implants* ; Plastics ; Polyethylene* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

The purpose of the present study was to examine a number of various times of Lipo-PGE1 administration in an attempt to determine the most effective time. In addition, this study examined the possible role of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) on Lipo-PGE1 stimulation of a TRAM flap in the rat. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups and a left inferior epigastric vessel pedicled TRAM flap, sized 5.0x3.5cm was created on the upper abdomen of each rat. Experimental groups included group 1(control): the flap was dissected and replaced, group 2(pharmacologic delay): Lipo-PGE1(0.5microgram) was given intraperitoneally for 5 days before elevation of flap daily, group 3(flap enhancement): Lipo- PGE1(0.5microgram) was given intraperitoneally for 5 days after flap elevation daily, group 4(pharmacologic delay and flap enhancement): Lipo-PGE1(0.5microgram) was given intraperitoneally for 5 days before elevation of flap then for 5 days after elevation of flap daily. On postoperative 5th day, we evaluated and compared the results of flap survival area, the number of blood vessel, and the VEGF expression using the western blot method. The results were as following: First, the mean percentage of the flap survival area of group II(63.9+/-12.6%), III(54.9+/-20.5%), IV(68.1+/- 18.2%) were higher than that of group I(28.7+/-15.2%) significantly(p<0.05). Second, the number of blood vessels were of group II(3.8+/-1.4), III(3.5+/-1.8), IV(4.0+/-1.5) were higher than that of group I(1.0+/-0.6) significantly(p<0.01). Third, the western blot method demonstrated a qualitatively greater amount of VEGF expression in the experimental groups. These results suggest that Lipo-PGE1 increased VEGF production and that Lipo-PGE1 may thereby enhance flap survival through VEGF production regardless of the time of Lipo-PGE1 administration.
Abdomen ; Alprostadil* ; Animals ; Blood Vessels ; Blotting, Western ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

PURPOSE: To report the expression of decorin and TGF-beta in partial myotomy of the extraocular muscle in rats. METHODS: Partial myotomy of the superior rectus muscle was performed on the right eye of 10 Sprague-Dawley rats followed by exposure of the left superior rectus muscle and a simple suture of the conjunctiva. The bilateral superior rectus muscle was obtained from all rats at 2 weeks postoperatively. The tissues were observed under light microscopy with hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's trichrome staining and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Histological examinations of the surgical area at 2 weeks after postoperatively showed irregularly concentrated fibrosis on light microscopy with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining of the experimental eyes. Immnohistochemistry showed that expression of decorin was in the same location as TGF-beta in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of decorin was found in the healing process after partial myotomy of the extraocular muscle in rats. Immunohistochemistry showed that expression of decorin was in the same location as with TGF-beta.
Animals ; Conjunctiva ; Decorin* ; Fibrosis ; Immunohistochemistry ; Microscopy ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sutures ; Transforming Growth Factor beta*

PURPOSE: NOS2 induce NO production and NO activate TGF-beta. The TGF-beta is a inhibitor of NOS2. If this negative feedback mechanism operating in radiation pneumonitis model, NOS2 inhibitor may play a role in TGF-beta suppression. We planned this study to evaluate the expression patterns of NO, NOS2 and TGF-beta in vivo radiation pneumonitis model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty sprague-Dawley rat were irradiated 5 Gy or 20 Gy. They were sacrificed 3, 7, 14, 28 and 56 days after irradiation. During sacrifice, we performed broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL). The BAL fluids were centrifuged and supernatents were used for measure NO and TGF-beta, and the cells were used for RT-PCR. RESULTS: After 5 Gy of radiation, NO in BAL fluid increased at 28 days in both lung and TGF-beta in left lung at 56 days. NO increased in BAL fluid at 28 days in both lung after irradiation and TGF-beta in right lung at 28-56 days after 20 Gy of radiation. After 5 Gy of radiation, NOS2 expression was increased in right lung at 14 days, in both lung at 28 days and in left lung at 56 days. TGF-beta expression was reduced in both lung at 28 days and increased in left lung at 56 days. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed feedback mechanism of NO, NOS2 and TGF-beta was operated in vivo radiation pneumonitis model. At 56 days, however, NOS2 and TGF-beta expressed concurrently in left lung after 5 Gy and in both lung after 20 Gy of radiation.
Animals ; Lung* ; Radiation Effects* ; Radiation Pneumonitis ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Therapeutic Irrigation ; Transforming Growth Factor beta*

BACKGROUNDNerve growth factor (NGF) is well-known for its important role in the development and maintenance of the nervous system. Along with its neurotrophic role, NGF has been detected in the testis of mouse, rat and human, suggesting an additional non-neurotrophic effect in the male reproductive system. The expression of β-NGF in the undescended testes (cryptorchidism) has not been detected at present. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of β-nerve growth factor mRNA and protein in experimental cryptorchidism.

METHODSA unilateral mechanical cryptorchidism model in the Sprague-Dawley rat was established and the expression of β-NGF with histologic changes in experimental cryptorchidism were investigated using one step quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridization histochemistry, immunofluorescence and hematoxylin-eosin staining.

RESULTSThe expression of β-NGF mRNA and protein were both significantly decreased in the development of unmarred testis and cryptorchidism-induced testis, and the decrease of β-NGF in cryptorchidism-induced testis was far greater than that in uninjured testis.

CONCLUSIONFrom this investigation, we confirmed a lower expression of β-NGF in undescended testes than in the development of testis.

Animals ; Cryptorchidism ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Nerve Growth Factor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of ultrasound stimulation at the acupoint Guanyuan (CV 4) on follicular development in menopausal rats.

METHODSMenopausal female SD rats were selected by vaginal smear examinations. The rats were subjected to ultrasound stimulation at the acupoint Guanyuan with the output power of 0.1 W, working frequency of 9 MHz, and focal length of 4.5-5 mm. Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay was used to detect the serum estrogen levels of the menopausal rats. The changes in the ovarian tissue histology and the follicle number were observed.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, a 10-day ultrasound stimulation for 10 and 5 min daily at Guanyuan significantly increased the serum estrogen levels and the numbers of primary and secondary follicles (P<0.05) and reduced the number of atretic follicles in the menopausal rats (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONUltrasound stimulation at the acupoint Guanyuan can increase the estrogen secretion function and promote the development of follicles in menopausal rats.

Acupuncture Points ; Animals ; Estrogens ; blood ; Female ; Menopause ; Ovarian Follicle ; growth & development ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sonication

This study was designed to evaluate the expression of growth factor in periodontal tissue during the experimental movement of rat incisors by LSAB(Labelled streptavidine Biotin) immunohistochemical staining for EGF(Epidermal growth factor). 23 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a control group(3rats) and experimental groups(20rats), where a force(75g) from helical springs across the maxillary incisors was applied. Experimental groups were sacrificed at 12 hours, 1, 4, 7 and 14 days, after force application, respectively. And Tissue slides of control and experimental groups were studied immunohistochemically and histologically. The results were as follows: 1. In 14days after force application, periodontal fibers were strectched on the tension side, and compressed in pressure side of all experimental groups, and the arrangement of periodontal fibers was not recovered yet. 2. The degree of EGF expression in control group was strongly positive in the oral epithelium, predentin, capillaries in pulp and periodontal spaces. But osteoblasts and osteoclasts were stained mildly positive. 3. EGF expression was mild and diffuse in 12 hours, 1, 4 and 7 days of experimental groups and was not significantly different between the tension and pressure sides. 4. The degree of EGF expression in the 14-day experimental group was higher than any other group. And the tension side showed a more positive EGF expression than the pressure side. The apical area revealed a more positive EGF expression than the cervical area.
Animals ; Capillaries ; Epidermal Growth Factor ; Epithelium ; Incisor* ; Osteoblasts ; Osteoclasts ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Streptavidin ; Tooth Movement

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Zusanli" (ST 36) in pregnant rats on lung dysplasia of newborn rats with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) induced by maternal food restriction. METHODS: Twenty-four female SD rats were randomly divided into a control group, a control+EA group, a model group and a model+EA group, 6 rats in each group. From the 10th day into pregnancy to the time of delivery, the rats in the model group and the model+EA group were given with 50% dietary restriction to prepare IUGR model. From the 10th day into pregnancy to the time of delivery, the rats in the control+EA group and the model+EA group were treated with EA at bilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36), once a day. The body weight of offspring rats was measured at birth, and the body weight and lung weight of offspring rats were measured on the 21st day after birth. The lung function was measured by small animal lung function detection system; the lung tissue morphology was observed by HE staining; the content of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in lung tissue was detected by ELISA. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the body weight at birth as well as the body weight, lung weight, lung dynamic compliance (Cdyn) and PPARγ at 21 days after birth in the model group were significantly decreased ( CONCLUSION EA at "Zusanli" (ST 36) may protect the lung function and lung histomorphology changes by regulating the level of PPARγ of lung in IUGR rats induced by maternal food restriction.
Acupuncture Points ; Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Fetal Growth Retardation/therapy* ; Lung ; Pregnancy ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of TGF-β1 on Shh signaling pathway during the transformation of meningeal fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. METHODS: Primary meningeal fibroblasts were isolated from neonatal (24 h) SD rats and purified using type Ⅳ collagenase. The isolated cells were treated with 10 ng/mL TGF-β1 alone or in combination with 20 μmol/L SB-431542 (a TGF-β1 receptor inhibitor) for 72 h, and the changes in proliferation and migration abilities of the fibroblasts were assessed with CCK-8 assay and cell scratch test. The expression of fibronectin (Fn) was detected with immunofluorescence assay, and Western blotting was performed to examine the expressions of Fn, α-SMA and Shh protein in the cells; the expression of Shh mRNA was detected with real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. RESULTS: TGF-β1 treatment obviously enhanced the proliferation and migration of primary meningeal fibroblasts (P < 0.05), and promoted the transformation of meningeal fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and the secretion of Fn (P < 0.05). TGF-β1 treatment also upregulated the expression of Shh at both protein and mRNA levels (P < 0.05). Treatment with SB-431542 partially blocked the effect of TGF-β1 on the transformation of meningeal fibroblasts (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION TGF-β1 can induce the transformation of meningeal fibroblasts into myofibroblasts by up-regulating Shh expression in Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway.
Animals ; Fibroblasts/metabolism* ; Hedgehog Proteins ; Myofibroblasts/metabolism* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism*