Objective To investigate the effects of penehyclidine hydrochloride ( PHC) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced endothelial cells injury and its mechanism. Methods ECV-304 was cultured in RPMI1640 in a 5% humidified CO2 atmosphere at 37 ℃. Then cultured cells were used to assess the following treatments: control group, LPS group (1 μg/mL) and PHC group(2 μg/mL). At the end of the experiments, supernatant was collected for determination of lactate dehydrogenase ( LDH), and cells were collected for determination of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and nitric oxide (NO) levels. And extracellular regulated kinasel/2( ERKl/2)and JNK MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinases, MAPK) protein expressions were determined using Western blot technique. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical analysis to compare values among all groups. A significant difference was presumed for a probability value < 0.05. Results Compared with control group, LDH leakage [(1642 ± 367) U/L vs (169±33)U/L], the contents of MDA[(13. 2 ± 1. 2) nmol/L vs (7. 2 ±0. 8)nmol/mL] and NO levels [(143.2 ± 10.3) μmol/L vs(85.5 ±4.1) μmol/L], expressions of ERK1/2 and JNK were remarkably increased and SOD activities[(41.2 ±2.7) U/mL vs (61. 1 ±2.8) U/mL] were obviously decreased in LPS group. PHC markedly decreased LDH leakage [(392 ±90) U/L], MDA contents [(8. 6 ± 1. 3) nmol/ mL] and NO levels [(92.1 ±6.6) μmol/L], ERK1/2 activation and enhanced SOD activities [(58.0± 3.0) U/mL]. Conclusions PHC could protect endothelial cells against LPS-induced cell injury. The effect of PHC is likely mediated through inhibition of ERK1/2 MAPK activation.

Objective To explore the effects of penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHC) on the withdrawal syndrome and conditioned place preference(CPP) of morphine dependent rats. Methods ( 1 ) Forty-eight male SD rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups with one of 8 rats:morphine dependent group (MOR group) ,naloxone precipitated withdrawal group ( NAL group) ,PHC treatment groups ( PHC1,2,3 ) ,normal saline control group ( NS group). Subcutaneous injection of morphine in gradually increasing doses for 5 days (from 10 to 50 mg/kg ,two times daily) to establish the model of morphine physical dependent rats. The withdrawal syndrome was precipitated by naloxone (5 mg/kg,sc) and treated with PHC in various doses (0.5,1.0,1.5 mg/kg ,ip ) 30 min before haloxone-precipitated withdrawal. The body weight loss and withdrawal syndrome were observed respectively in 20 minutes. (2) 40 male SD rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups with one of 8 rats: morphine dependent group (MOR group) ,PHC treatment groups (PHC1 ,2,3 ) ,normal saline control group (NS group). The morphine conditioned place preference was induced by alternate subcutaneous injection of morphine for 7 days in rats ( 10mg/kg,once daily,8:00 AM) and saline( 16:00 PM). At d8,the rats were received the CPP test. The rats of PHC groups were treated with PHC (0.5,1.0,1.5 mg/kg , ip) prior to the CPP test, whereas the rats were treated with saline in MOR and NS group. Results (1) Theweight loss((8.53 ±l.20)g,(7.36±l.06)g,(5.40±1.79 ) g vs ( 12.63 ± 2.22 ) g, F = 83.16, P ＜ 0.01 ) and score precipitated withdrawal symptoms ( 25.36 ± 3.11,21.38±3.50,17.06±1.78 vs 31.69 ±2.76, F=256.56, P＜0.01)of morphine withdrawal rats was obviously alleviated by ip PHC in dose-related manner before naloxone-precipitated withdrawal. (2) There were significant differences in the times spent in the drug-paired side (gray area) between MOR and PHC groups( (529 ± 83 )s,(460 ± 107 ) s, (418 ± 97 ) s vs ( 643 ± 111 ) s, F = 13.22, P ＜ 0.01 ), and also in dose-related manner. Conclusion PHC could significantly inhibit the withdrawal syndrome and the expression of CPP on morphine dependent rats in a dose-dependent manner.

Objective To evaluate the role of p38MAPK signaling pathway in the up-regulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression during hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation (HSR)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice. Methods Thirty-two C3H/HeN (wild-type) mice, aged 10-12 weeks, weighing 20-25 g, were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 8 each): sham operation group (group S); group HSR; FR167653 (a p38MAPK inhibitor) group (group FR) and FR167653 + HSR group (group FR + HSR). HSR was induced according to the methods described by Ayala et al. MAP was reduced to 35-45 mm Hg and maintained for 60 min.Then the animals were resuscitated with transfusion of the shed blood and lactated Ringer's solution equivalent to the volume of shed blood. FR167653 5 mg/kg was injected intravenosly in group FR. FR167653 5 mg/kg was injected intravenously 30 min before blood-letting in group FR + HSR. The animals were sacrificed by exsanguination at 6 h after resuscitation. The lungs were immediately removed for microscopic examination. The W/D lung weight ratio was calculated and the levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), IL-10, IL-6 and HO-1 and activated p38MAPK were determined (by ELISA).Results Compared with group S, the pathological score, W/D ratio, the levels of MPO, IL-10, IL-6 and HO-1 and the level of activated p38MAPK were significantly increased in group HSR, the pathological score, W/D ratio and the level of HO-1 were significantly increased in group HSR + FR ( P ＜ 0.01) .Compared with group HSR, the pathological score, W/D ratio, the levels of MPO, IL-10, IL-6 and HO-1 and activated p38MAPK were significantly decreased in group HSR + FR ( P ＜ 0.01 ). Conclusion p38MAPK signaling pathway mediates the up-regulation of HO-1 expression during HSR-induced ALI in mice.

Objective To evaluate the effect of dexmnedetomidine pretreatment on apoptosis in hippocampal neurons of rats undergoing one-lung ventilation (OLV).Methods Ninety adult male SpragueDawley rats,aged 10-11 months,weighing 260-300 g,were divided into 3 groups (n=30 each) using a random number table:two-lung ventilation (TLV) group,group OLV and dexmedetomidine pretreatment group (group D).Dexmedetomidine 25 μg/kg was injected intraperitoneally at 45 min before OLV in group D.After tracheal intubation,the animals were ventilated in volume-controlled mode.OLV was performed for 90 mnin followed by 30 min of TLV in OLV and D groups.TLV was performed for 120 min in group TLV.On 1,3 and 7 days after ventilation,6 rats in each group were selected,and Morris water maze test was carried out to evaluate the cognitive function.The swimming speed,time of staying at the target quadrant,and frequency of crossing the platform quadrant were recorded.Six rats in each group were selected immediately after ventilation and sacrificed,the hippocampi were removed for detection of cell apoptosis,and the apoptosis index was calculated.Immediately after ventilation and on 1,3 and 7 days after ventilation,6 rats in each group were selected and sacrificed,and the hippocampi were removed for determination of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2),phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (pCREB),Bcl-2 and Bax expression.The ratio of Bcl-2 expression to Bax expression (Bcl-2/Bax ratio) was calculated.Results Compared with group TLV,the time of staying at the target quadrant was significantly shortened,the frequency of crossing the platform quadrant was decreased,the apoptosis index was increased,the expression of pERK1,pERK2,pCREB and Bcl-2 was down-regulated,the expression of Bax was up-regulated,and Bcl-2/Bax ratio was decreased in group OLV (P＜0.05 or 0.01).Compared with group OLV,the time of staying at the target quadrant was significantly prolonged,the frequency of crossing the platform quadrant was increased,the apoptosis index was decreased,the expression of pERK1,pERK2,pCREB and Bcl-2 was up-regulated,the expression of Bax was down-regulated,and Bcl-2/Bax ratio was increased in group D (P＜0.05 or 0.01).Conclusion Dexmedetomidine pretreatment decreases apoptosis in hippocampal neurons through activating ERK/CREB signaling pathway,thus reducing cognitive dysfunction of rats undergoing OLV.

Objective To investigate the effects of galantamine on the myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats and the possible mechanism.Methods Fifty male SD rats weighing 225-275 g were randomly assigned into 5 groups (n =10 each):sham operation group (group SH); I/R group; galantamine + I/R group (group GAL); M receptor antagonist atropine + galantamine + I/R group (group AT); vagus nerve cut-off + galantamine + I/R group (group VGT).Myocardial I/R was induced by occlusion of left anterior descending branch of coronary artery for 30 min followed by 120 min reperfusion.Normal saline 2 ml/kg was slowly injected via the femoral vein at 30 min before ischemia in groups SH and I/R.Galantamine 4 mg/kg was slowly injected via the femoral vein at 30 min before ischemia in group GAL.Atropine 4 mg/kg was slowly injected via the femoral vein at 45 min before ischemia in group AT and the other procedures were the same as those in group GAL.Bilateral cervical vagus nerves were cut off at 45 min before ischemia in group VGT and the other procedures were the same as those in group GAL.At the end of reperfusion,the hearts were removed for determination of myocardial infarct size,MPO and SOD activities,and MDA contents.Results The myocardial infarct size was significantly larger,the MPO activity and MDA content were significantly higher,and the SOD activity was significantly lower in group I/R than in group SH,and in groups AT and VGT than in group GAL (P ＜ 0.05).The myocardial infarct size was significantly smaller,the MDA content and MPO activity were significantly lower,and the SOD activity was significantly higher in group GAL than in group I/R P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Galantamine has protective effect on myocardium against I/R injury and regulation of peripheral vagus nerve tension may be involved in the mechanism.

Objective To evaluate the role of β-arrestin-1 in inhibition of endotoxin-induced activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPM-VECs) by penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHC).Methods HPMVECs were seeded in 6-well plates (2 ml/hole) or in culture flasks (4 ml/flask) at the density of 1 × 105/ml,and were randomly divided into 5 groups (n =20 each) using a random number table:empty plasmid transfection group (group C),lipopolysaccharide (LPS) + empty plasmid transfection group (group LPS),PHC + LPS + empty plasmid transfection group (group P+LPS),LPS + β-arrestin-1 gene-shRNA transfection group (group LPS+shRNA) and PHC + LPS + β-arrestin-1 gene-shRNA transfection group (group P+LPS+shRNA).HPMVECs were transfected with empty plasmid 1.5 μg or with plasmid containing 15 nmol/L β-arrestin-1gene-shRNA.At 24 h of incubation,PHC with the final concentration of 2 μg/ml was added,the cells were incubated for 1 h,LPS with the final concentration of 0.1 μg/ml was then added,and the cells were continuously incubated for another 1 h.The supernatant was collected to measure the activity of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH).The cell suspension was collected for determination of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression and NF-κB activities and NF-κB inhibitor I-κB and β-arrestin-1expression.Results Compared with group C,the activities of LDH in supernatant were increased,VCAM-1 expression was up-regulated,NF-κB activity was significantly increased,and I-κB and β-arrestin-1 expression was down-regulated in LPS and LPS+shRNA groups.Compared with group LPS,the activities of LDH in supernatant were decreased,VCAM-1 expression was down-regulated,NF-κB activity was significantly decreased,and I-κB and β-arrestin-l expression was up-regulated in group P+LPS,and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in group P+LPS+shRNA.Compared with group P+LPS,the activities of LDH in supernatant were increased,VCAM-1 expression was up-regulated,NF-κB activity was significantly increased,and I-κB and β-arrestin-1 expression was down-regulated in group P+LPS+shRNA.Conclusion PHC inhibits endotoxin-induced activation of NF-κB in HPMVECs completely through up-regulating β-arrestin-1 expression.

Objective To investigate the effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHCD) on tramadol dependence and c-fos,△ FosB and M5 receptor expression in relevant brain regions in rats.Methods Thirty male adult SD rats weighing 180-220 g were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n =10 each):control group (group C),tramadol dependence group (group T) and PHCD group (group P).Tramadol dependence was induced by subcutaneous 10 mg/kg once a day for 7 consecutive days in groups T and P.PHCD 1.5 mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally on day 8 in group P,while in groups C and T the equal volume of normal saline was injected intraperitoneally instead of PHCD.The rats underwent conditioned place perference test at 30 min after intraperitoneal injection.The time spent in drug-paired side (gray area) was recorded.The rats were sacrificed after the conditioned place perference testand the brain was removed.The relevant brain regions (ventral tegmental area,prefrontal cortex,nucleus accumbens )were separated for determination of c-fos,△ FosB expression by Western blot and M5 receptor mRNA expression by RT-PCR.Results Compared with group C,the time spent in the drug-paired side (gray area) was significantly prolonged,and c-fos,△FosB and M5 receptor mRNA expressions were up-regulated in group T,△FosB and Ms receptor mRNA expressions were down-regulated in group P ( P ＜ 0.05 or 0.01 ).There was no significant difference in time spent in the drug-paired side (gray area) and c-fos expression between groups C and P( P ＞ 0.05).Compared with group T,the time spent in the drug-paired side (gray area) was significantly shortened,and c-fos,△ FosB and M5 receptor mRNA expressions were down-regulated in group P (P ＜0.01).Conclusion PHCD can significantly inhibit tramadol dependence by down-regulating c-fos,△FosB and M5 receptor expression in relevant brain regions.

Objective To investigate the effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHCD) on the reinstatement of conditioned place preference (CPP) in morphine dependent rats. Methods Forty male adult SD rats weighing 180-220 g were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 8 each): group control (group C); group morphine (group M) and 3 PHCD groups (group P1-3 ). Morphine 10 mg/kg was injected subcutaneously once a day for 8 days to induce morphine CPP. The rats were then subjected to extinction of CPP for 10 days with normal saline (NS) instead of morphine. After the extinction, the rats were put into the drug-paired side of the box. A single priming dose of morphine 4 mg/kg was injected to reinstate the morphine CPP. In group P1-3 the rats received PHCD 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg intraperitoneally 30 min prior to priming dose of morphine, whereas in group C and M the rats received NS. The second day the rats underwent CPP test. Results Compared with group M, the time spent in the drug-paired side (grey area) was significantly shortened in group P1-3 (P ＜ 0.05 or 0.01 ).Compared with group P1 ,no significant change in the time spent in the drug-paired side (grey area) was found in group P2(P ＞ 0.05), but the time spent in the drug-paired side (grey area) was significantly shortened in group P3 ( P ＜ 0.05). Conclusion PHCD could significantly inhibit the reinstatement of CPP induced by priming dose of morphine in morphine dependent rats and it is related to the dose.

Objective To investigate the role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) in attenuation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell injury by penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHC).Methods Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were provided by Medical Research Center,Wuhan University,cultured and seeded in 96-well plate (100 μl/hole) or 24-well plate (3 nl/hole) with density of 1 × 104/ml or in culture flasks (5 ml/flask) with density of 1 × 106/ml.The cells were randomly divided into 4 groups ( n =23 each):group control (group C) ; group LPS; group PHC (group P) and group PHC + LPS (group PL).The cells were exposed to LPS 1 μg/ml in groups L and PL or/and PHC 2 μg/ml in groups P and PL.LPS was added at 1 h after PHC in group PL.The cells were collected at 24 h exposure to LPS for determination of the expression of phosphorylated p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK) and p38 MAPK.The ratio between p-p38 MAPK and p38 MAPK was calculated.Cell viability,NO content and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression were also determined.Results LPS significantly decreased cell viability,increased NO content,iNOS expression,p-p38 MAPK and p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK ratio in group L as compared with group C.In group PL pretreatment with PHC significantly attenuated LPS-induced cell injury.Conclusion p38 MAPK pathway is involved in attenuation of LPS-induced endothelial cell injury by PHC.

Objective To investigate the effects of penehyclidine hydrochloric(PHC)pretreatment on the expression of β-arrestin-2 in the lung tissue in sepsis-induced acute lung injury in mice.Methods Thirty female Ktmming mice,aged 6 weeks,weighing 18-20 g,were randomly divided into 3 groups(n =10 each):sham operation group(group S); sepsis group(group CLP)and penehyclidine hydrochloric pretreatment group(group PHC).Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture(CLP)in groups CLP and PHC.Penehyclidine hydrochloric 0.45 mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally at 1 h before CLP in group PHC.While the equal volume of normal saline was given instead of penehyclidine hydrochloric in groups S and CLP.At 12 h of CLP,the animals were sacrificed,and the lung tissues were removed for determination of MPO activity(by colorimetry),IL-6 content(by ELISA),β-arrestin-2 mRNA and protein expression(by RT-PCR and Western blot respectively).Blood samples and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were collected to calculate pulmonary vascular permeability index(PV PI).Results Compared with group S,PVPI,IL-6 content and MPO activity were significantly increased,the expression of β-arrcstin-2 protein was significantly down-regulaled while the expression of β-arrestin-2 mRNA was up-regulated in group CLP,and PVPI,IL-6 content and MPO activity were significantly incrcased,the expression of β-arrestin-2 protein was significantly up-regulated,while the expression of β-arrestin-2 mRNA was down-regulated in group PHC(P ＜ 0.05).Compared with group CLP,PVPI,IL-6 content,and MPO activity were significantly decreased,the expression of β-arrestin-2 protein was significantly up-regulated,while the expression of β-arrestin-2 mRNA was dow n-regulated in group PHC(P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion PHC pretreatment can attenuate the lung injury induced by sepsis in mice through up-regulating the expression of β-arrestin-2 protein.