Objective To investigate the effects of inhalation of isoflurane at different time points on hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in neonatal rats.Methods One hundred and eighty 7-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 12-16 g,were randomly divided into 6 groups (n =30 each):sham operation group (group Ⅰ),cerebral hypoxia/ischemia (H/I) group (group Ⅱ),and inhalation of isoflurane at different time point groups (groups Ⅲ-Ⅵ).Brain ischemia was induced by double ligation of left common carotid artery followed by inhalation of 8 ％ O2 + 92 ％ N2 for 2 h at 37 ℃.In groups Ⅲ,Ⅳ,Ⅴ and Ⅵ 1.5 ％ isoflurane was inhaled for 30 min starting from 0,3,6,12 h after H/I respectively,while the rats were exposed to 30％ O2 and 70％ N2 only in groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ.The survival rate at 7 days after H/I was recorded.The animals were sacrificed at 7 days after H/I.The brains were removed and the right and left cerebral hemispheres (CH) were weighed separately.The ratio between left/right CH was calculated.The density of normal neurons in ventral posterior inferior thalamic nucleus and posterior cingulate cortex in left and right CH were measured and the ratio of the density of normal neurons in the left to right CH was calculated.Results Compared with group Ⅰ,the weight of left cerebral hemisphere,ratio between left/right CH,and ratio of the density of normal neurons in the left to right CH were significantly decreased in other five groups (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with group Ⅱ,the weight of left cerebral hemisphere,ratio between left/right CH,and ratio of the density of normal neurons in the left to right CH were significantly increased in groups Ⅲ,Ⅳand Ⅴ (P ＜ 0.05).There were no significant differences in the indices nentioned above among groups Ⅲ,Ⅳand Ⅴ (P ＞ 0.05).There was no significant difference in the survival rate among groups Ⅱ-Ⅵ (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Inhalation of 1.5％ isoflurane for 30 min within 6 h after cerebral H/I can reduce the cerebral injury in neonatal rats.

Objective To observe the improvement of postoperative pulmonary function and oxygen partial pressure during general anesthesia for open abdominal surgery with lung protective ventilation strategies and alveolar recruitment maneuvers. Methods Seventy patients who underwent selective open abdominal surgery were selected, and they were divided into standard ventilation group (tidal volume 8 ml/kg) and protective ventilation group (tidal volume 6 ml/kg, 5 cmH2O positive end-expiratory pressure, and alveolar recruitment maneuvers, 1 cmH2O=0.098 kPa) according to the random digits table method with 35 cases each. The airway pressure, blood pressure, pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2), end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PETCO2) and adverse reactions were observed. The SpO2, partial pressure of O2 (PaO2) and pulmonary function before surgery and 1, 3, 5 d after surgery were measured. Results The respiratory rate, airway pressure and PETCO2 levels in protective ventilation group were significantly higher than those in standard ventilation group: (12.3 ± 2.1) times/min vs. (10.2 ± 1.0) times/min, (15.1 ± 2.8) cmH2O vs. (13.5 ± 2.3) cmH2O, (34.6 ± 2.1) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) vs. (32.1 ± 1.4) mmHg, and there were statistical differences (P<0.05). The SpO2 in 2 groups was maintained at 0.99. There was no statistical difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between 2 groups (P>0.05). The SpO2 and PaO2 levels at 1, 3 d after surgery in protective ventilation group were significantly higher than those in standard ventilation group:0.951 ± 0.018 vs. 0.936 ± 0.016 and 0.964 ± 0.018 vs. 0.949 ± 0.018, (74.8 ± 6.8) mmHg vs. (65.0 ± 6.2) mmHg and (79.6 ± 6.0) mmHg vs. (70.6 ± 5.3) mmHg, and there were statistical differences (P<0.05). The forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), percentage of the estimated value of FEV1, forced vital capacity (FVC) and percentage of the estimated value of FVC at 1, 3 and 5 d after surgery in protective ventilation group were significantly higher than those in standard ventilation group, the FEV1/FVC at 1 d after surgery was significantly higher than that in standard ventilation group, and there were statistical differences (P<0.05). Conclusions The lung protective ventilation strategy and alveolar recruitment maneuvers can improve the postoperative pulmonary function and oxygen partial pressure during general anesthesia for abdominal surgery. Low vital volume, appropriate positive end-expiratory pressure and recruitment maneuvers can protect the lung in general anesthesia patients.

BACKGROUNDUrinary trypsin inhibitor inhibits the enhanced production of pro-inflammatory molecules. Hemeoxygenase-1 induction protects against ischemia/reperfusion injury, oxidative stress, inflammation, transplant rejection, apoptosis, and other conditions. However, it is unknown if a combined hemin and ulinastatin pretreatment could result in protective effects for septic shock. In this study, we investigated the role of hemin pretreatment combined with ulinastatin on septic shock in rats.

METHODSEighty healthy, male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: group S, group H, group U and group HU. Groups S and U received 1 ml normal saline intraperitoneally, while groups H and HU both received 1 ml (100 mg /kg) hemin. Twenty-four hours later, 0.5 ml (10 mg/kg) E. coli lipopolysaccharide was injected intravenously to replicate the experimental model of septic shock. After an initial 25% decrease in the mean arterial pressure, corresponding to time point 0, groups HU and U received 0.5 ml 10 000 U/kg ulinastatin intravenously, and the others received 0.5 ml normal saline.

RESULTSThe number of deaths in groups H and U was lower than that in the group S (P < 0.05), and was higher than that in group HU (all P < 0.05) respectively. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the group S was significantly greater than that in group H (P < 0.05), and was lower than that in group HU and group U (P < 0.05). The plasma levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), the malondial-dehyde (MDA) of liver, kidney and lung, and the lung Evans blue (EB) contents in groups H and U, were greater than that in group HU (all P < 0.05), and were lower than that in group S (all P < 0.05). In contrast, the plasma levels of CO in groups H and HU were higher than that in groups S and U (all P < 0.05), and SOD of liver, kidney and lung in groups H and U were higher than that in group S, and were lower than that in group HU (all P < 0.05). The levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8 and beta-glucuronidase (GCD) activity of plasma in groups U and HU were lower than those in groups H and S, all having a P < 0.05, while there were no significant differences between group H and group S, or between group HU and group U (all P > 0.05). The HO-1 mRNA and HO-1 protein levels from hepatic, renal, and pulmonary tissue in groups S and U were lower than those in groups H and HU (all P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between groups S and U, or between groups H and HU (all P > 0.05). The HO-2 mRNA and HO-2 protein were not significantly different among the four groups (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSCombined pretreatment with hemin and ulinastatin in septic shock rats results in an improved response by the upregulation of HO-1 protein followed by increasing CO with resistance to increased oxidative stress, restraining the release of inflammatory mediators, and inhibiting beta-GCD activity.

Alanine Transaminase ; blood ; Animals ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; blood ; Blood Pressure ; drug effects ; Blood Urea Nitrogen ; Creatinine ; blood ; Cytokines ; blood ; Glycoproteins ; therapeutic use ; Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing) ; analysis ; genetics ; Hemin ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; blood ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Shock, Septic ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism

AIMTo establish an assay method for the determination of three kinds of biologically active components, five compounds (emodin, chrysophanol, baicalin, wogonin and berberine hydrochloride) simultaneously in Sanhuang tablets.

METHODSHPLC was carried out, using a C18 column (150 mm x4. 6 mm ID, 5 microm) set at 30 degrees C, acetonitrile-0.02 mol x L(-1) acetic ammonium (adjusted pH to 3. 50 with acetic acid glacial) as mobile phase (using gradient) with flowing rate 1. 00 mL x min(-1) and detected at 270 nm.

RESULTSThe calibration curve of emodin was linear from 0.020 7 microg to 0.207 microg with r = 0.999 9, the average recovery was 99.65% with RSD 1.25%. The calibration curve of chrysophanol was linear from 0.052 microg to 0.52 microg with r = 0.999 9, and the average recovery was 100.36% with RSD 0.96%. The calibration curve of baicalin was linear from 0.250 5 microg to 2.505 microg with r =0.999 8, and the average recovery was 100.22% with RSD 1.29%. The calibration curve of wogonin was linear from 0.047 6 microg to 0.476 microg with r = 0.999 9, and the average recovery was 98.97% with RSD 1.20%. The calibration curve of berberine hydrochloride was linear from 0.053 12 microg to 0.531 2 microg with r = 0.999 5, and the average recovery was 96.02% with RSD 2.02%. The established method had also been used in the determination of the 5 compounds in 10 different batches of Sanhuang tablets.

CONCLUSIONThis method was proved to be accurate and quick, and can be used for the quality control of the preparation all-around.

Anthraquinones ; analysis ; Berberine ; analogs & derivatives ; analysis ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Coptis ; chemistry ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Emodin ; analysis ; Flavanones ; analysis ; Flavonoids ; analysis ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Reproducibility of Results ; Rheum ; chemistry ; Scutellaria baicalensis ; chemistry ; Tablets

Artemisinin is a key anti-malarial drug and few clinically meaningful resistant cases about its application have so far been reported. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recommended the use of ACT (Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy) as the first line antimalarial application to increase its inhibitory efficacy and prevent the likely resistance development. Based on our current understanding of artemisinin, a set of compounds were selected to study their interaction with artemisinin by using the yeast (S. cerevisiae) model, in the hope that knowledge gained might provide some references for clinical investigations. In this research, yeast strain (BY4742) was cultured in the nonfermentable YPGE solid medium with 4 μmol · L(-1) artemisinin and one of the selected compounds for 48 hours, and the combined drug efficiency was evaluated by the inhibition of yeast growth. The compounds belong to the categories of oxygenants, antioxidants, metal ions, ion chelators and uncouplers. Among them, 0.2 mmol L(-1) FeCl3, 60 μmol · L(-1) BPS, 1 mmol · L(-1) CuCl2, 0.75 mmol · L(-1) VE and 1 mmol · L(-1) VC antagonized the action of artemisinin, while 40 μmol · L(-1) DNP, 0.1 μmol · L(-1) CCCP and 0.25 mmol · L(-1) H2O2 had synergistic effects. These results suggested that redox-active and mitochondria-dysfunctional compounds could affect artemisinin's potency, supporting our prior proposed mitochondrial model for artemisinin's action. This research in addition provided a convenient method to screen likely artemisinin-interacting compounds.
Artemisinins ; pharmacology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Saccharomyces cerevisiae ; drug effects ; growth & development

Acute Disease ; Adult ; Autopsy ; Bridged-Ring Compounds ; poisoning ; Child ; Humans ; Male ; Poisoning ; pathology ; Rodenticides ; poisoning

Objective To investigate the characteristics of brain default mode network of patients with Parkinson disease (PD) in resting state with functional MRI. Methods Fourteen PD patients and 14 matched controls were selected and posterior cingulate cortex was regardes as region of interest. Results Compared with control group, brain default mode network of PD patients in resting state was abnormal, including decreased functional connectivity and increased functional connectivity. The brain areas with decreased functional connectivity included left inferior parietal lobule, right precuneus, medial prefrontal and left superior temporal gyrus. The brain area of increased functional connectivity included left cerebellar tonsil, left postcentral gurus, left superior parietal lobule, left precuneus, right inferior temporal gyrus, right cuneus, right lingual gyrus and left middle temporal gurus. Conclusion The brain default mode network of PD patients is abnormal in resting state.

Objective To explore post-effect of acupuncturing ST36 (Zusanli) on brain functional connectivity. Methods Twelve healthy volunteers participated in this experiment. The fMRI data taken before and 25 minutes after removed acupuncturing stimulation were analyzed, while posterior cingulated cortex were chosen as seed points. Results At 25 minutes after removed acupuncturing stimulation, new increased functional connectivity were found in the left paracentral lobule, right superior parietal lobule and right postcentral gyrus. After acupuncture, there was intensity functional connectivity greater than in primary brain regions. Conclusion Post-effect of acupuncture can increase functional connectivity in healthy volunteer's brain.

Objective To explore the changes in cardiac index and oxygenation index in sepsis piglets after nitric oxide (NO) gas inhalation. Methods A piglet model of sepsis was induced by intravenous infusion of Gram-negative bacterial endotoxin (LPS), then the piglets were randomly divided into two groups. NO group (n=8) was administered with inhaled nitric oxide of 80ppm via volume control (VC) mechanical ventilation for one hour, while the control group (n = 4) received mechanical ventilation with VC and was observed for one hour to assess the stability of the model. The parameters of oxygenation and hemodynamics were measured by PICCO and arterial blood gas analysis every fifteen minutes for one hour. Results Injection of endotoxin induced a stable pig model of sepsis. PH, HCO3-, arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and cardiac index in this model were significantly lower the baseline values (P < 0.01). Arterial oxygen pressure and cardiac index were significantly higher in N0 group than in the control group (P<0.01). Heart rate (HR), central venous pressure (CVP), global end-diastolic volume index (GEDI) and intrathoracic blood volume index (ITBI) did not significantly differ between NO group and the control group. Conclusions Inhalation of nitric oxide gas can significantly improve oxygenation and cardiac function in piglets with sepsis.

AIM: G protein-coupled inwardly rectifier potassium (GIRK) channel are distributed widely in mammalian brain. In CNS, GIRK 1/2 seems to be the predominant heterotetramers which play a pivot role in the regulation of the excitability of neurons and may contribute to the resting potential by leading to a hyperpolarization of membrane potential and reduction of the action potential frequency. In the context, the Weaver mouse is the first neurological abnormality directly linked to a genetic point mutation in the GIRK2 protein which includes spontaneous seizure. GIRK2 knock out mice showed normal development but more susceptible than normal mice to seizure induced by GABA antagonist. Here, we report that the mRNA and protein expression of GIRK subunit 2 is altered in kainic acid(KA)-induced epileptic rat hippocampus. METHODS: Rats were injected with kainate 14 mg/kg intraperitoneally to establish an acute and chronic temporal lobe epilepsy model. At chronic spontaneous seizure stage, by using of in situ hybridization, immunocytochemistry and Western blotting, the GIRK 1,2 mRNA and protein were analyzed quantitatively in the dentate gyreus, CA1, CA3 regions of hippocampus. RESULTS: GIRK1,2 mRNA and proteins were expressed abundantly in all regions of hippocampus. KA induced seizures and caused a significant increase in GIRK2 mRNA abundance and immunoreacitivity; only GIRK1 mRNA was increased significantly, but no difference was found by Western blotting protocol. CONCLUSION: GIRK1,2 mRNA and protein expression in the hippocampus of epileptic rat brain is up-regulated, which may be an adaptive response to over-excitability of neuron networks and prevent the over-excitability spread in hippocampus (DG-CA3-CA1). [