Objective To evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine and small dose of ketamine on the expression of P2X4 receptor (P2X4 R) mRNA and P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) mRNA in the dorsal root ganglion of rats with neuropathic pain.Methods Ninety male Sprague-Dawley rats,aged 6-9 weeks,weighing 180-220 g,were randomly divided into 5 groups (n =18 each):sham group (group S),chronic constrictive injury group (group CCI),dexmedetomidine group (group D),ketamine group (group K) and dexmedetomidine + ketamine group (group DK).The animals were anesthetized with intraperitoneal 10％ chloral hydrate 400 mg/kg.Neuropathic pain was induced by CCI in CCI,D,K and DK groups.The sciatic nerve was exposed and 4 loose ligatures were placed on the sciatic nerve at 1mmintervals with 4-0 silk thread.In group S,the sciatic nerves were only exposed but not ligated.In D,K and DK groups,dexmedetomidine 50μg/kg,ketamine 10 mg/kg and dexmedetomidine 25μg/kg + ketamine 5 mg/kg were injected intraperitoneally,respectively,while the equal volume of normal saline was injected in S and CCI groups,once a day for 14 consecutive days after CCI.Mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal paw withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured at 1 day before CCI,and 3,7 and 14 days after CCI.Six animals were sacrificed after measurement of pain threshold at 3,7 and 14 days after CCI and the lumbar segments (L4-6) of the dorsal root ganglion were removed for determination of P2X4 R mRNA and P2X7 R mRNA expression by RT-PCR.Results Compared with group S,MWT and TWL were significantly decreased at 3,7 and 14 days after CCI in groups CCI,D,K and DK,the expression of P2X4R mRNA and P2X7R mRNA was up-regulated at 3,7 and 14 days after CCI in groups CCI,D and K,and the expression of P2X4 R mRNA and P2X7 R mRNA was up-regulated at 3 and 7 days after CCI in group DK (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with group CCI,TWL and MWT were significantly increased and the expression of P2X4 R mRNA and P2X7 R mRNA was down-regulated at 3,7 and 14 days after CCI in groups D,K and DK (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with D and K groups,TWL and MWT were significantly increased and the expression of P2X4 R mRNA and P2X7 R mRNA was down-regulated at 3,7 and 14 days after CCI in group DK (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The mechanism by which the combination of dexmedetomidine and small dose of ketamine produces a synergistic antinociception in rats with neuropathic pain may be related to down-regulation of the expression of P2X4 R mRNA and P2X7 R mRNA.

Objective To evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine on the activity of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and c-fos in the spinal dorsal horn in a rat model of neuropathic pain.Methods Fifty-four adult male Wistar rats,aged 6-8 weeks,weighing 180-220 g,were randomly divided into 3 groups (n =18 each):sham operation group (group S),chronic neuropathic pain group (group C) and dexmedetomidine group (group D).The animals were anesthetized with intraperitoneal 10％ chloral hydrate 350 mg/kg.The sciatic nerve was exposed and 4 ligatures were placed on the right sciatic nerve at 1 mm intervals with 4-0 silk thread in C and D groups.In group D,dexmedetomidine 50 μg/kg was injected intraperitoneally once a day starting from the end of operation until 1 day before the animals were sacrificed,while the equal volme of normal saline was injected instead of dexmedetomidine in S and C groups.Paw withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimulation with yon Frey filament (MWT) and paw withdrawal latency to thermal stimulation (TWL) were measured on 1 day before operation and 3,7 and 14 days after operation.The animals were sacrificed after measurement of MWT and TWL.Their lumbar segments (L4-6) of the spinal cord were removed for measurement of the expression of phosphorylated CREB (pCREB) and c-fos by immunohistochemistry.Results Compared with group S,MWT was significantly decreased,TWL was shortened,and the expression of pCREB and c-fos was up-regulated on 3,7 and 14 days after operation in C and D groups (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with group C,MWT was significantly increased,TWL was prolonged,and the expression of pCREB and c-fos was down-regulated on 3,7 and 14 days after operation in group D (P ＜ 0.05).MWT was significantly lower,and TWL was shorter on 3,7 and 14 days after operation than on 1 day before operation in C and D groups (P ＜ 0.05).MWT was significantly lower,TWL was shorter,and the expression of pCREB and c-fos was higher on 7 and 14 days after operation than on 3 days after operation in C and D groups (P ＜ 0.05).MWT was significantly higher,TWL was longer,and the expression of pCREB and c-fos was lower on 14 days after operation than on 7 days after operation in C and D groups (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The mechanism by which dexmedetomidine reduces neuropathic pain is related to inhibition of the activity of CREB and c-fos in the spinal dorsal horn of rats.

Objective To investigate the effects of Sulfotanshinone Sodium Injection (SSI) on neuropathic pain in rats.Methods One hundred and eight adult male Wistar rats,aged 6-8 weeks,weighing 180-220 g,were randomly divided into 3 groups (n =36 each):sham operation group (group S) ; chronic constrictive injury (CCI)group; group SSI.The animals were anesthetized with intraperitoneal 10% chloral hydrate 350 mg/kg.In groups CCI and SSI,4 ligatures were placed on the right sciatic nerve at 1 mm intervals with 4-0 silk thread according to the method described by Bennett et al.In group S,the right sciatic nerves were exposed,but not ligated.In group SSI,SSI 25 mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally once a day starting from the end of operation until one day before the animals were sacrificed,while the rats received the equal volume of normal saline (5 ml/kg) instead of SSI in groups S and CCI.Twelve animals in each group were chosen at 1 day before operation and 3,7 and 14 days after CCI (T1-4) to measure mechanical paw withdrawal threshold to yon Frey stimuli (MWT) and paw withdrawal latency to thermal nociceptive stimulus (TWL).Six rats in each group were sacrificed at T2-4 after measurement of pain threshold,and their lumbar segnents (L4-6) of the spinal cord were immediately removed for determination of Bcl2 and caspase-3 expression in spinal dorsal horn (by immune-histochemistry),and MDA content and SOD activity (by spectrophotometry) in spinal cord.Results Compared with group S,PWT was significantly decreased,PWL was shortened,the expression of Bcl-2 and caspase-3 was up-regulated,MDA content was increased and SOD activity was decreased at T2-4 in groups CCI and SSI (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with group CNP,PWT was significantly increased,PWL was prolonged,the expression of Bcl-2 was up-regulated,the expression of caspase-3 was downregulated,MDA content was decreased and SOD activity was increased at T2-4 in group SSI (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion SSI can mitigate neuropathic pain in rats and inhibition of oxidative stress in spinal cord tissues and reduction of apoptosis in spinal dorsal horn neurons are involved in the mechanism.

Objective To evaluate the effect of dexmedetornidine on the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in the spinal cord in rats with neuropathic pain (NP).Methods One hundred and eight male Wistar rats,aged 6-8 weeks,weighing 180-220 g,were randomly assigned into 3 groups (n =36 each):sham operation group (group S),NP group and dexmedetomidine group (group D).NP was induced by chronic constrictive injury in anesthetized rats.Sciatic nerve was exposed and 4 loose ligatures were placed on the sciatic nerve at 1 mm intervals with 4-0 silk thread.In group S,the right sciatic nerves were exposed,but not ligated.Dexmedetomidine 50 μg/kg was injected intraperitoneally once a day from the onset of operation to one day before the rats were sacrificed in group D,while the equal volume of normal saline was injected in groups S and NP.Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal pain threshold (TPT) were measured on the day before operation (T0) and 3,7,and 14 days after operation (T1-3).After measurement of pain threshold at T1,T2 and T3 after operation,the L4-6 segments of the spinal cord were removed for determination of the expres-sion of TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA (by RT-PCR) and the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB in spinal dorsal horn (by immuno-histochemistry).Results Compared with group S,MWT and TPT were significantly decreased and the expression of TLR4,NF-κB and TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA was up-regulated after operation in groups NP and D (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with group NP,TPT and MWT were significantly increased and the expression of TLR4,NF-κB,TLR4 mRNA and NF-κB mRNA was significantly down-regulated after operation in group D (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The mechanism by which dexmedetomidine attenuates NP in rats is related to inhibition of the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB in rat spinal cord.

Objective: To explore the effect of Fuzheng granules on immune function activities in animal models.Methods: The effects of Fuzheng granules were investigated in normal mice and immunosuppressive mice by macrophage englobement rate and index of phagocytosis,leucocyte quantity,lymphocyte conversion ratio induced by adhesin,serum hemolysin,content of serum con-complement.Results: Fuzheng granules could significantly elevate the macrophage englobement rate,index of phagocytosis,leucocyte quantity,lymphocyte conversion ratio induced by adhesin,serum hemolysin,content of serum con-complement in above mice.Conclusion: Fuzheng granules had the effect of improving immune function activities.

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether aristolochic acid can be transported into human kidney proximal tubular cell (HKC) and its potential mechanism.

METHODSIntracellular aristolochic acid was measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) induced by aristolochic acid in the presence of organic anion transporter inhibitor (probenecid) or organic cation transporter inhibitor (tetraethylammonium) was evaluated. The effects of probenecid on aristolochic acid induced connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mRNA and protein expression were also examined by real time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively.

RESULTSAristolochic acid was detected in the suspension of the denatured HKC after incubation with aristolochic acid sodium salt. The release of LDH from HKC, which was induced by 60 mg/L aristolochic acid sodium salt, was significantly inhibited by 1 mmol/L probenecid (P < 0.01), but not by 1 mmol/L tetraethylammonium. The increased CTGF mRNA and protein expression in HKC stimulated by 40 mg/L aristolochic acid sodium salt was significantly down-regulated by 1 mmol/L probenecid (P < 0.05), with an inhibition rate of 16% and 21%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONAristolochic acid can be transported into HKC by organic anion transport system, and then exerts its biological effects.

Aristolochic Acids ; metabolism ; Connective Tissue Growth Factor ; metabolism ; Epithelial Cells ; metabolism ; Humans ; Kidney ; physiology ; Organic Anion Transporters ; metabolism

Objective To study effect of excessive iodine intake on sodium-iodide symporter(NIS)mRNA and protein expression of breast in lactating rats.Methods60 Wistar rats,having been weaned for one month,were randomly divided into three groups according to their body weights,I.e,①normal iodine(NI,30 rats);②ten fold high iodine(10 HI,15 rats);③one hundred fold high iodine(100 HI,15 rats).Eating food containing iodine of 300μg/L and drinking water of iodine at 5,1845,20 295μg/L,respectively.After fed for 3 months,the rats mated and had offspring,and urine and milk iodine of lactating rats were determined by As-Ce-catalytic spectrophotometric method.Their marmnary glands were sampled at lactation day 10.Then NIS mRNA expression by RT-PCR was determined and NIS protein by immunohistochemistry(SABC)was observed.Results The urine iodine of 10 HI group(3597.5μg/L)and 100HI group(25 404.3μg/L)increased obviously compared with that of NI group(344.7μg/L).The milk iodine of 10HI group(27.1×103μg/L)and 100HI group(191.0×1μg/L)was higher than that of NI group(6.0×103μg/L),but the increased fold of milk iodine was not paralleled with that of urine iodine.Difference of NIS mRNA expression was significant(F=24.19,P＜0.01)among the groups,and the NIS mRNA expression in 10HI(1.250±0.034)and 100HI(1.272±0.039)group were less than that in NI (1.532±0.044)group(P＜0.01).The breast NIS mRNA expression in lactating rats(1.532±0.044)was significantly higher than that in unlactating rats(0.879±0.018,P＜0.01).With the increasing iodine uptake,NIS protein expression decreased.Conclusions The NIS mRNA and protein in rat breasts is down-regulated by excessive iodine intake.So increasing extent of milk iodine concentration is inhibited,which is important to prevent off-spring from getting excessive iodine intake from parental generation.

This study reported the analysis of plasma phospholipid metabolism of the rats and the pathological biomarkers between the type 2 diabetes model control group (MC) and the normal control group (NC). SD rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: NC and MC. To investigate state of plasma metabolite profiling in normal body, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model group using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS which was used as analysis tool in this research. The compounds were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS based on MS/MS fragment ions information, element composition in MassLynx 4.1 and the Lipid Maps database. The sign of two groups of samples in specific markers for screening was through a software package in R software (BioMark software). The results show that the pathological markers were mainly phosphatidylcholine (PC) and triglycerides (TG); the 2-acyl PC in the MC group was less more obviously than that in the NC group; high carbon number and high degree of unsaturation of the TG was reduced under the condition of type 2 diabetes. In the state of type 2 diabetes, metabolic changes occurred in rat plasma phospholipids obviously, which had a close relationship with the occurrence and development of T2DM.
Animals ; Biomarkers ; blood ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; blood ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; blood ; Metabolome ; Phospholipids ; blood ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry

OBJECTIVETo optimize formulas of Quban gel.

METHODThe U6 (6(2) x 3) uniform design was adopted to optimize gel formulas, with rheological parameters, such as viscosity and yield value in room temperature, viscosity and yield value in average temperature of skin, thixlotropy.

RESULTThe optimum proportion of matrix was made of 1.0 g carbomer 940, 5 mL glycerin and pH value 5-6.

CONCLUSIONThe regression model for gel matrix quality and gel rheological parameters was established to directly reflect the impacting effect of various factors, and provide certain preference basis for the screening of gel matrix formulas. Quban gel prepared by the method was evenly distributed, moderately viscous and highly thixotropic

Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Gels ; Quality Control ; Regression Analysis ; Viscosity

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of the free fibula composite tissue flap transplantation to repair the first metatarsal bone with soft tissue defect on foot.Methods From August, 2008 to August, 2013, 6 patients with the first metatarsal bone and soft tissue defect on foot were treated with transplantation of free fibula composite tissue flap.The causes: 2 cases in traffic accident injury, 4 cases in machine injury;3 cases with traumatic defect, and septic defect in 3 patients.Of the 6 cases, the fibular length with transplantation was 6 cm to 12 cm, and the flap area was 8 cm × 5 cm-18 cm × 16 cm;All the cases were followed-up in 3, 6, 12 months postoperatively to observe the fracture healing, and to assess injured limb function in 1 year postoperatively.Results All cases were followed up 12-24 months, and average of 14 months;All the flaps survived, and the metatarsal bone and fibula healing was good visibly in half a year, The surgery function were assessed according to Maryland's scale, and the excellent were 2 and the good were 4.Conclusion The transplantation of free fibula composite tissue flap to repair the first metatarsal bone with soft tissue defect on foot is a safe and effective strategy, and it has the advantages such as covering the wound at foot approvingly, one-time rebuild repair foot weight bearing area and the surrounding soft tissue defect, shorten the treatment cycle, for small area damage in donor area, and the function postoperative is good, etc.