OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture at the pterygopalatine region on nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)-mediated pyroptosis and inflammatory factors in rats with allergic rhinitis (AR). METHODS: Twenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, an acupuncture group and an electroacupuncture group, 6 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, OVA-induced AR model was established in the remaining groups. In the electroacupuncture group, the rats were treated with electroacupuncture at the bilateral pterygopalatine region, with disperse-dense wave, in frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz and current of 0.5-1 mA, 15 min each time, once every other day, for 3 times. In the acupuncture group, the rats were treated with acupuncture at bilateral pterygopalatine region simply, without electrical stimulation. The rhinitis symptom score was observed, the pathomorphology of the nasal mucosa was observed by HE staining; the serum levels of OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (OVA-sIgE), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6 and IL-1β were detected by ELISA; the mRNA expression of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (caspase-1) and IL-18 in the nasal mucosa was detected by real-time PCR; the protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 and IL-18 in the nasal mucosa was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, in the model group, the rhinitis symptom score was increased (P<0.01), the serum levels of OVA-sIgE, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-1β were increased (P<0.05), the nasal mucosa showed pathomorphology of inflammatory infiltration; the mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 and IL-18 in the nasal mucosa was increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, in the electroacupuncture group, the rhinitis symptom score was reduced (P<0.01), the pathology of the nasal mucosa was improved; the serum levels of OVA-sIgE, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-1β were decreased (P<0.05); the mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 and IL-18 in the nasal mucosa was decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Electroacupuncture at the pterygopalatine region can exerting the anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis and inflammatory factor imbalance, thus alleviate rhinitis symptoms in AR rats.
Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/immunology* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rhinitis, Allergic/physiopathology* ; Pyroptosis ; Male ; Acupuncture Points ; Humans ; Female ; Interleukin-1beta/genetics* ; Interleukin-18/immunology* ; Interleukin-6/genetics* ; Caspase 1/immunology*

OBJECTIVETo study the relation between the content of 5-hydroxymethyl-furfural (5-HMF) and the degree of floating sugar in root of Achyranthes bidentata.

METHODAn HPLC method was applied with a Waters Symmetry C18 3.9 mm x 150 mm (5 microm) column by using methanol-water (12:88) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL x min(-1) and a UV detection of 280 nm.

RESULTAlong with the degree's deepening of floating sugar, the content of 5-HMF varied with the different shades of the sample. The content was 10 times higher in the black sample (highest degree of flowing suger) than that in the yellowish sample (normal). The concentrations of 5-HMT in five yellowish samples of roots of A. bidentata were 0.162 mg x g(-1) to 0.332 mg x g(-1).

CONCLUSIONThe content increasing of 5-HMF in the root of A. bidentata was related to the degree of flowing sugar.

Achyranthes ; chemistry ; Carbohydrates ; analysis ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; Furaldehyde ; analysis ; Plant Roots ; chemistry

Objective To investigate the different effects of 2 species of Fructus aurantii immaturus on cardiovascular and respiratory system.Methods The extract of 2 species of Fructus aurantii immaturus were administered to anesthetized rats by duodenum and the dosages were 4.2,2.1 g crude drug/kg respectively.After administration,a continuous observation of blood pressure,respiration and ECG effects for 4 hours were performed.Results Compared with the control group,both of Citrus aurantium and Citrus sinesis exerted a transient increase to respiration rate after 20 min administration.No significant impact was observed during the experiment period on the ECG.The influence of Citrus aurantium on blood pressure was more significant.Compared with the control group,the effects of SBP,DBP and MBP reduced was observed in high-dose group of Citrus aurantium after 40,60,80 min administration,and so in low-dose group of Citrus aurantium after 60 min.The impact duration was up to 2 hours or more.However,the antihypertensive effect of Citrus sinesis was not obvious.And the blood pressure lowering effect of Citrus aurantium was superior to Citrus sinesis.Conclusion The 2 species of Fructus aurantii immaturus exert a transient excitatory effect on respiratory system.And the direct effect of them on heart is not obvious.The blood pressure lowering effect of Citrus aurantium is superior to Citrus sinesis.The attention should be given in the clinical usage of Fructus aurantii immaturus.