Objective: To observe the changes of dopamine (DA) levels in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) region of the rats during the establishment and extinction process of active avoidance conditioned reflex, and to investigate the effect of D1 receptor in the active avoidance learning of the rats and its mechanism. Methods: A total of 24 male SD rats were randomly divided into non-training group, training group, control group and SCH group (n= 6). The rats in training group were trained for active avoidance whereas the rats in non-training group were only put into the shuttle box without training, and then the DA levels in extracellular fluid in DG region of the rats in two groups were measured. In control and SCH groups, the saline or SCH-23390 was injected into the DG region of the rats before the active avoidance training, and then the glutamate (Glu) levels and the field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) amplitudes in extracellular fluid in DG region of the rats in two groups were examined. The rates of active avoidance of the rats were recorded by behavioral analysis system of the shuttle box. The levels of DA and Glu in DG region of the rats were measured by microdialysis and HPLC techniques, and the amplitude of fEPSP in DG region of the rats was examined by electrophysiological recording. Results: The DA level in DG region of the rats in training group was gradually increased during the establishment process and was gradually decreased during the extinction process of conditioned reflex; compared with the 1st day, the DA level in DG region of the rats on the 5th day was markedly increased (P<0. 05); the DA level in DG region of the rats in non-training group did not significantly change at different time points during the experimental process (P>0. 05). In control group, the rats reached the establishment criterion on the 5th day (active avoidance rate > 65%) and reached the criterion of extinction on the 7th day (active avoidance rate <135%); compared with the 1st day, the Glu level and fEPSP amplitude in DG region of the rats on the 5th day were significantly increased (P<0. 05). In SCH group, the rats did not acquire the conditioned reflex, and the Glu level and fEPSP amplitude in DG region of the rats were not significantly changed during the whole behavioral training process (P>0. 05). Compared with control group, the Glu level and fEPSP amplitude of the rats in SCH group on the 5th day were markedly decreased (P<0. 05). Conclusion: DA in hippocampal DG region of the rats can facilitate the active avoidance learning via activation of D1 receptors, and its mechanism is associated with the enhancement of Glu level and synaptic transmission efficiency.

Objective: To explore the effects of chronic restraint stress (CRS) on the abilities of spatial learning and memory and the levels of excitatory amino acids in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) in the old rats, and to investigate the neurochemical mechanism of CRS in affecting the spatial learning and memory abilities. Methods: Sixteen male SD rats (18 months old) were randomly divided into control group (n=8) and CRS group (n=8), and the rats in CRS group received CRS 2 h every day for 30 d. And then the spatial learning and memory abilities of rats were measured by Morris water maze (MWM) test, and the extracellular levels of excitatory amino acids including asparate (Asp) and glutamate (Glu) in the DG were simultaneously determined by in vivo microdialysis and HPLC. The levels of corticosterone (CORT) and epinephrine (EPI) in serum of the rats were examined by ELISA assay. Results: In CRS group, the escape latencies on the 2nd-4th days were significantly increased and the percentage of time spent in target quadrant on the 5th day was markedly decreased in MWM test compared with control group (P<0. 05). Compared with before training, the extracelluar level of Asp in the DG in control group was significantly increased on the 2nd day in MWM test; compared with control group, the extracelluar level of Asp in the DG in CRS group was significantly decreased on the 3rd day in MWM test (P< 0. 05). Compared with before training, the Glu levels in the DG in MWM test in both control and CRS groups were markedly increased (P<0. 05), but there was no significant difference between two groups (P>0. 05). Compared with control group, the levels of CORT and EPI in the serum of the rats in CRS group were significantly increased (P<0. 05). Conclusion: CRS impairs the spatial learning and memory abilities in the old rats, which may be related to the decrease of Asp level in the hippicampal DG of the rats.

AIM:To explore the effect of Vaccinium vitis procyanidin on the growth of glioma cells .METH-ODS:Glioma C6 cells were cultured and divided into control and 10, 20 and 40μg/L Vaccinium vitis procyanidin groups . The influence of Vaccinium vitis procyanidin on the growth of C 6 cells was measured by MTT assay and the observation un-der inverted microscope .The apoptotic rate was detected by Annexin V/PI staining .The protein expression of Bcl-2 and Bax was determined by immunocytochemistry .The protein levels of Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3 were also examined by West-ern blotting .RESULTS:The growth of C6 glioma cells was inhibited by Vaccinium vitis procyanidin at concentrations of 10, 20 and 40 μg/L.The growth was significantly inhibited in 40 μg/L Vaccinium vitis procyanidin group at 24 h and 48 h, and in 20 and 40 μg/L Vaccinium vitis procyanidin groups at 72 h (P<0.01).The density of the cells was decreased when the concentration of Vaccinium vitis procyanidin increased .The apoptotic rate was increased when the concentration of Vaccinium vitis procyanidin increased either .The expression of Bcl-2 was decreased and Bax was increased after 10, 20 and 40 μg/L Vaccinium vitis procyanidin treatments .The ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 was increased when the dose of Vaccinium vitis pro-cyanidin increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01).The expression of Bcl-2 was decreased (P<0.01), and Bax and caspase-3 were increased after 10, 20 and 40 μg/L Vaccinium vitis procyanidin treatments .The ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 was increased when the dose of Vaccinium vitis procyanidin increased (P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Vaccinium vitis procyanidin inhibits the growth of glioma cells by down-regulating Bcl-2 protein and up-regulating Bax protein to activate caspase-3, thus indu-cing apoptosis .

Objective To study the influence of Rhizoma typhonii extract on the growth of glioma SHG-44 cells cultured invitro,and to explore the mechanism of the inhibitory effect of Rhizoma typhonii extract on the growth of glioma cells.Methods The SHG-44 cells were cultured and divided into blank control group and 8, 40, 200, 1 000μg·L-1 Rhizoma typhonii extract groups.The inhibitory effect of Rhizoma typhonii extract on the growth of glioma SHG-44 cells was measured by MTT assay. The secretion levels of Bax and caspase-3 proteins were examined by ELISA assay. The expression level of caspase-3 protein was examined by Western blotting method. Results Compared with blank control group, the inhibitory rates of the growth of SHG-44 cells in 200, 1 000μg·L-1 Rhizoma typhonii extract groups at 24 h,and 8,40,200,and 1 000μg·L-1 Rhizoma typhonii extract groups at 48 h were significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01).The secretion levels of Bax and caspase-3 proteins in 40,200,and 1 000μg· L-1 Rhizoma typhonii extract groups at 48 h were increased compared with blank control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01 ). Compared with blank control group, the expression levels of caspase-3 protein in different doses of Rhizoma typhonii extract groups were increased significantly (P<0.01). Conclusion Rhizoma Typhonii extract can inhibit the growth of cells through up-regulating the expression of Bax protein,increasing the expression level of caspase-3 protein and activating apoptosis pathway.

Objective In China primary hyperparathyroidism is not a kind of common disease as in the wesyrn countries.This article reports the current status in the diagnosis and treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism in the mainland of China. Methods We collected 730 cages of primary hyperparathyroidism diagnosed and treated in 7 top hospitals for endocrine surgery from 1965 to 2005.Results In this study.652(89.3%)cases were clinically symptomatic while 78(10.7%)cases were asymptomatic:442 cases were positive on 99mTc-MIBI scanning.Bilateral explorations were undertaken in 377 patients and unilateral or uni-gland exploration through the conventional incision in 204 cases.Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy in 143 cases.Endoscopically assisted 2 cm incision was taken in 6 cases for unilateral gland exploration.Pathologically 632(86.6%)cases were identified as adenoma,58(8.3%)cases were of hyperplasia and 40(5.5%)cases were of carcinoma.There were no major postoperative complications.While 20 patients suffering from recurrence or persistent postoperative hyperparathyroidism,the others are of normal or depressed serum level of calcium. Conclusions Preoperative localization is very helpful: Unilateral exploration for parathyroid adenoma is feasible; minimally invasive parathyroidectomy throush minimal incision is a kind of improving procedure for the localized parathyroid adenoma.

AIM:To explore the effect of component II of broccoli polypeptide on the apoptosis in glioma cells . METHODS:Human glioma SHG-44 cells were cultured and divided into control group and 3, 10, 30 and 100 mg/L com-ponent II of broccoli polypeptide groups .Cell viability was detected by MTT assay .The apoptotic rates were examined by Annexin V/PI staining.The morphological changes of the cells were observed under inverted microscope .The protein ex-pression of Bax and Bcl-2 was detected by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting .The protein level of caspase-3 was also examined by Western blotting .RESULTS:Treatment with component II of broccoli polypeptide for 24 h, 48 h or 72 h induced significant inhibition of viability of SHG-44 cells in a time-and dose-dependent manner .The results of Annexin V/PI staining showed that the apoptotic rates were increased in treatment groups in a dose -dependent manner .The density of glioma cells was decreased after treated with increasing concentrations of the drug , and the apoptotic bodies were ob-served under inverted microscope at 72 h.The results of immunocytochemistry and Western blotting showed that the expres-sion of Bax protein was increased but Bcl-2 protein expression was decreased , and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 was increased sig-nificantly compared with control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01).The level of caspase-3 protein was increased in 30 and 100 mg/L component II of broccoli polypeptide groups compared with control group (P<0.01).CONCLUSION:The compo-nent II of broccoli polypeptide increases the ratio of Bax /Bcl-2 and activates caspase-3 protein, thus inducing the apoptosis of glioma cells.

Objective To discuss how to identify the nerve and prevent the injury of the nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroid surgery. Methods The clinical data of 3078 patients undergoing thyroid resection were retrospectively analyzed. Results From January 1981 to December 2001,3078 thyroidectomy was performed at our department with the routine exploration of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.4241 recurrent laryngeal nerves were identified,among them there were 12 nonrecurrent laryngeal nerves(0.28%,12/4241),ofwhich all were right-sided.One patient was male and 11 female.Of these 12 cases,there were 2 of type Ⅰ(16.67%,2/12),6 of type Ⅱ(50%,6/12)and 4 of type Ⅲ (33.33%,4/12).One ofthe type Ⅰ patients suffered from intraoperative injury of his nonreurrent laryngeal nerve.Conclusions The careful intraoperative identification of the nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve helps prevent it from the inadvertent injury.

Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture on intestinal flora and serum inflammatory factors in rabbit model with rheumatoid arthritis(RA);To explore the mechanism of its therapeutic effect on RA.Methods RA model rabbits were established by ovalbumin induction combined with Freund's complete adjuvant,and the rabbits after successful modeling were randomly divided into model group,probiotic group and electroacupuncture group,with 6 rabbits in each group.Another 6 rabbits were set as the normal group.The electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture at the bilateral"Zusanli"and"Dubi"for 30 minutes,the probiotic group was given probiotic capsules solution(14.5 mg/kg)by gavage,once a day,for two consecutive weeks.The knee joint circumference and pain threshold of rabbits were measured,histopathological morphological changes of colonic tissue and synovial tissue ws observed by HE staining,16S rDNA sequencing was used to analyze structural changes of intestinal flora,the contents of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in serum were detected by ELISA.Results Compared with the normal group,the circumference of knee joint of rabbits in the model group increased significantly,the pain threshold was significantly decreased(P<0.01);the colonic mucosal damage was serious,the goblet cells were missing,a large number of inflammatory cells were infiltrate;the joint capsule synovial surface was rough,the synovial cell layer was hyperplasia and thickening,the synovial tissue inflammatory cell infiltration was obvious;the number and evenness of gut microbiota species decreased,while the relative abundance of Proteobacteria,Firmicutes,and Bacteroidetes decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the relative abundance of Desulfobacteria increased(P<0.01),while the relative abundance of Campylobacter,Lawsonella,and Pseudomonas increased(P<0.01),while the relative abundance of Heshanomonas and Herbaspirillum decreased(P<0.01);the contents of serum TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the knee joint circumference of the probiotic group and the electroacupuncture group decreased,the pain threshold increased(P<0.01,P<0.05);the degree of intestinal mucosal damage was reduced,the goblet cells were basically arranged neatly,the inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced;synovial cells proliferation and thickening decreased,with a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration;the number and evenness of gut microbiota species increased,while the relative abundance of Proteobacteria,Firmicutes,and Bacteroidetes increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the relative abundance of Desulfobacteria decreased(P<0.01),while the relative abundance of Campylobacter,Lawsonella and Pseudomonas decreased(P<0.01),the relative abundance of Heshanomonas and Herbaspirillum increased(P<0.05,P<0.01);the contents of serum TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 significantly decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion Electroacupuncture can significantly improve the symptoms of RA rabbits and reduce the inflammatory reaction in synovial tissue of joint,and the mechanism may be related to the regulation of intestinal flora structure.

Objective To observe the effects of needle-knife tendon-sparing and knot-dissolving technique on NF-κB/Bcl-2 pathway activity and the expression of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,Bax and caspase-3 in synovial tissue of knee joints of rabbits with rheumatoid arthritis(RA)model;To explore the mechanism of its inhibitory effect on RA synovial inflammation.Methods Totally 24 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into normal group,model group,drug group and needle-knife group,with 6 rabbits in each group.Except for the normal group,the other groups were injected with ovalbumin and Freund's complete adjuvant into the knee joint cavity to replicate the RA model,and corresponding interventions were given for 18 consecutive days.The knee pain threshold and knee circumference were measured,ultrasound was used to observe the joint cavity effusion,synovial thickness and internal blood flow signals,the synovial tissue morphology were observed by HE staining,the apoptosis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes(FLS)in synovial tissue was observed by TUNEL staining,the expression of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in synovial tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry,RT-PCR was used to detect NF-κBp65 and Bcl-2 mRNA expression in synovial tissue,Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of NF-κBp65,p-NF-κBp65,Bcl-2,Bax and caspase-3 in synovial tissue.Results Compared with the normal group,the knee pain threshold decreased,knee circumference increased,ultrasonic score and pathological score of synovial tissue increased in the model group;FLS apoptosis rate decreased,the expression of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in synovial tissue increased,the expressions of NF-κBp65,Bcl-2 mRNA and protein,and p-NF-κBp65 protein increased,while the expression of Bax,caspase-3 protein decreased,with statistical significance(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the knee pain threshold increased in the drug group and the needle knife group,the circumference of the knee joint decreased,the ultrasonic score and pathological score of synovial tissue were significantly decreased;the apoptosis rate of FLS increased,the expression of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in synovial tissue decreased,the expressions of NF-κBp65,Bcl-2 mRNA and protein,and p-NF-κBp65 protein decreased,and the expression of Bax and caspase-3 protein increased,with statistical significance(P<0.05).Conclusion Needle-knife tendon-sparing and knot-dissolving technique may promote FLS apoptosis and reduce TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 production,inhibit synovial inflammation in RA,reduce knee joint swelling,and raise pain threshold by reducing the activity of synovial tissue NF-κB/Bcl-2 pathway.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to clarify how the stimulation of acupuncture points is achieved by needles with different surface texture during acupuncture; it also seeks to lessen injury at the insertion site and increase the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture, by simulating the mechanical effects of various needle surface patterns on Zusanli (ST36) without changing the radius of acupuncture needles. METHODS: Five acupuncture needle models with different surface patterns, including the smooth needle, the lined needle, the ringed needle, the left-hand threaded needle and the right-hand threaded needle, and a layered model of the Zusanli acupoint were used to investigate how to reduce tissue damage and increase stimulation during acupuncture treatment. Puncturing of the skin as well as lifting-inserting and twisting needle manipulations were simulated using these models, and the degree of damage and force of stimulation caused by the acupuncture needles with different surface patterns during acupuncture were compared. RESULTS: The smooth needle and the lined needle caused the least tissue damage during insertion, while the left-hand threaded and the right-hand threaded needles caused the most damage. The ringed needle, the left-hand threaded needle and the right-hand threaded needle stimulated the acupoint tissue more during lifting-inserting manipulations, while the lined needle and the smooth needle produced less stimulation. The stimulation of the lined needle on the acupoint tissue was the largest during twisting manipulation, whereas the left-hand threaded needle and the right-hand threaded needle had smaller effects. In lifting-inserting and twisting manipulations, both the left-hand threaded needle and right-hand threaded needle provided more stimulation, but the torsion direction in which they produced better stimulation was the opposite. CONCLUSION According to the simulation results, the ringed pattern enhances stimulation best in the lifting-inserting manipulation, whereas the lined pattern enhances stimulation best in the twisting manipulation. Both the right-hand and left-hand thread patterns have certain enhancing effects in these two operations. Taking the geometric properties of the pattern into account, the left-hand thread pattern and the right-hand thread pattern have the geometric characteristics of both the lined pattern and the ringed pattern. To conclude, a pattern perpendicular to the movement direction during the acupuncture manipulation creates more stimulation. These results have significance for future needle design. Please cite this article as: Sun MZ, Wang X, Li YC, Yao W, Gu W. Mechanical effects of needle texture on acupoint tissue. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(3): 254-267.
Acupuncture Points ; Needles ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Hand