ACUPUNCTURE IMPROVES LEARNING AND MEMORY IN A RAT MODEL OF YANG-DEFICIENCY(AGING) THROUGH NMDA-PKC PATHWAY

Objective: To observe the effects of Double-reinforcing and One-unblocking acupuncture method on the spatial learning and memory, LTP, and expressions of NMDA receptor 1(NMDAR1) protein and PKCγ mRNA in a rat model of Yang deficiency(aging).Methods: D-galactose injection and hydrocortisone injection were used to induce the aging with Yang-deficiency symptom in rats.Normal rats were injected with same amount of saline.EA rats were treated with Double-reinforcing and One-unblocking acupuncture methods, and EC rats were stimulated with electroacupuncture control therapy.Morris water-maze task was used as the judging standard for spatial learning and memory behavior.Population spike was used to detect the changes of potential amplitude induced by high-frequency stimulation.Synaptic structural parameters were analyzed by electron microscopy and biological image analysis system; NMDAR1 protein and PKCγ mRNA expressions were measured.Results:(1) Compared with model rats, in the EA rats, the escape latency was shorter, the first time of spatial probing of the former platform was shorter, and the number of spanning of the former platform was increased(P0.05).(2) Compared with model rats, record after HFS indicated that the incidence of LTP induction in the EA rats was higher(P0.01).(3) Compared with model rats, synaptic structural parameters were improved in EA rats(P0.01).(4) PKCγ mRNA expression of the EA group was increased(P0.01).(5) NMDAR1 protein expression of EA group was increased(P0.05).Conclusion: Effects of Double-reinforcing and One-unblocking acupuncture method can improve the spatial learning ability, memory and the hippocampal synaptic structural parameters ofrats.The treatment can increase the expressions of NMDAR1 protein and PKCγ mRNA in Yang-deficiency(aging) model rats.     

Influence of electroacupuncture on COX activity of hippocampal mitochondria in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 mice

Objective： To observe the effect of electroacupuncture （EA） on cytochrome c oxidase （COX）activity of hippocampal mitochondria in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 （SAMP8） mice, and to explore the EA mechanism on Alzheimer disease （AD） in improving energy metabolic disorder.
Methods： Twelve SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into a model group and an EA group, with six in each group. Six senescence-accelerated mouse resistance 1 （SAMR1） mice were prepared as blank group. Mice in the EA group received EA on Baihui （GV 20） and Yongquan （KI 1）, once a day for 7 d as a course, altogether 3 courses with one day intervalbetween two courses. Mice in the model group and the blank group were manipulated and fixed as those in the EA group. After interventions, Morris water maze was employed to test spatial learning and memory ability to evaluate EA effect; spectrophotometry was used to detect the activity of hippocampal mitochondria COX.
Results： Compared with the blank group, mean escape latenciesof the EA group and model group were prolonged significantly in Morris water maze tests （P〈0.01）, the residue duration in the former platform quadrant significantly decreased （P〈0.01）. Compared with the model group, mean escape latencies on 1 d, 2 d and 3 d of the EA group were significantly reduced （P〈0.05）, and those on 4 d and 5 d continued the decreasing tendency （P〈0.01）, the residue duration on the former platform quadrant was significantly prolonged （P〈0.05）. The COX activity tests showed that, compared with the blank group, COX activities of the model group and the EA group were significantly decreased （P〈0.01）; compared with the model group, COX activity of the EA group was significantly elevated （P〈0.01）.
Conclusion： It＇s plausible that EA improves AD learning and memory ability by increasing mitochondria COX activity, protecting the structure and function, and improving energy metabolism.     

Effect of acupotomy on nitric oxide synthase and beta-endorphin in third lumbar vertebrae transverse process syndrome model rats

OBJECTIVE： To explore the long-term effects and pain relief mechanism of acupotomy by observing changes in nitric oxide synthase （NOS） and beta-en- dorphin （~3-EP） in the hypothalamus, spinal cord, and peripheral blood of rats with third lumbar ver- tebrae （L3） transverse process syndrome. METHODS： Twenty-eight SD rats were randomly as- signed to normal, model, electroacupuncture （EA）, and acupotomy group. The last three groups were put through an operation to emulate L3 transverse process syndrome. Fourteen days after the simulation operation, EA and acupotomy treatments were applied to the respective groups. Fifty-six days afterthe simulation operation, biochemistry tests and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to measure NOS and 13-EP in the hypothalamus, spinal cord, and peripheral blood. RESULTS： Rats with the simulation operation showed significantly higher levels of NOS and II3-EP in the hypothalamus, spinal cord, and peripheral blood than those in the normal group. The EA and acupotomy groups had significantly lower levels of NOS and β-EP than those in the model group. There was no statistical difference between the EA and acupotomy groups. CONCLUSION： EA and acupotomy treatments significantly lowered NOS and β-EP levels in the hypothalamus, spinal cord, and peripheral blood and alleviated L3 transverse process syndrome.     

Effect of Yizhitongxuan decoction on learning and memory ability,Gαq/11 expression and Na~＋-K~＋-ATP enzyme activity in rat models of Alzheimer＇s Disease

OBJECTIVE： To study the effects of Yizhitongxuan decoction on learning and memory abilities, Gαq/11expression and Na＋-K＋-ATPenzymeactivityin rat models of Alzheimer＇s disease（AD） caused by injecting Aβ25-35 into the hippocampus.METHODS： Ninety male Wistar rats（age ≥10 months）were selected and injected with Aβ25-35 into their hippocampi to establish model animals,which were randomly divided into six groups including a sham-operated group（blank group）, a model group, a donepezil HCL group（Western Medicinegroup）,and ahigh/general/dilute concentrations of Yizhitongxuan decoction groups（TCMⅠⅡⅢgroup）.The Morris watermaze was used to examine the learning and memory abilities of rats in each group by place navigation and spatial probe tests.Then, the rats were sacrificed to collect the hippocampi for biochemical tests, using western blotting to detect the expression of Gαq/11 and an ultramicro Na＋-K＋-ATP enzyme kit to measure Na＋-K＋-ATP enzyme activity.RESULTS：Yizhitongxuan decoction improved model rats＇ learning and memory abilities, and increased the expression of Gαq/11 in the hippocampus and the level of Na＋-K＋-ATP enzyme activity in braintissue.CONCLUSION： Yizhitongxuan decoction could improve model rats＇ learning and memory abilities,and had a regulating effect on the expression of Gαq/11and Na＋-K＋-ATP enzyme activity.     

Role of Eclipta prostrata extract in improving spatial learning and memory deficits in D-galactose-induced aging in rats

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of Eclipta prostrata(E.prostrata) extract in improving spatial learning and memory deficits in D-galactose-induced aging in rats.METHODS: Rats were divided into five groups,with 10 animals in each group.Aging rats were produced by treatment with 100 mg· kg~(-1)· d~(-1) of D-galactose for 6 weeks.Rats in the E.prostrata treatment groups received an aqueous extract of E.prostrata orally at a concentration of 50, 100, or 200 mg· kg~(-1)· d~(-1) for 3 weeks.Animals in both the normal and model groups were treated with similar volumes of saline.Spatial memory performance was measured using the Morris water maze.The mRNA levels and enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT), glutathione peroxidase(GPx) and glutathione reductase(GR) were analyzed using real-time quantitative PCR and spectrophotometry,respectively.The levels of induced nitric oxide synthase(iNOS), nitric oxide(NO), dopamine(DA), norepinephrine(NE), and serotonin(5-HT) were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and spectrophotometry.RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, rats in the D-galactose-treated model group exhibited significant memory loss.There was severe damage to the hippocampal CA1 area, and expression levels of SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR were significantly decreased in the model group compared with the normal group.In the model group, levels of iNOS and NO were significantly increased compared with the normal group.However, treatment with E.prostrata extract reversed the conditions caused by D-galactose-induced aging, especially in the groups with higher treatment concentrations.Compared with the normal group, the levels of DA, NE, and 5-HT were significantly lower in the D-galactose-treated model group.In the E.prostrata extract-treated groups, however, there was a dose-dependent upregulation of DA, NE, and 5-HT expression.CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that administration of E.prostrata extract can result in an improvement in the learning and memory impairments that are induced by D-galactose treatment in rats.This improvement may be the result of enhanced antioxidative ability, decreased iNOS and NO levels,and the induction of DA, NE, and 5-HT expression in the brain.     

EFFECT OF ELECTROACUPUNCTURE ON THE BEHAVIOR AND THE EXPRESSION OF Aβ, AND LRP1 IN HIPPOCAMPAL MICROVESSELS OF APP695V717I TRANSGENIC MICE

Objective: To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture(EA)therapy on the expression of amyloid β protein(Aβ) and LDL receptor-related protein 1(LRP1) in the hippocampal microvessels,which may be part of the mechanisms of EA therapy on Alzheimer's disease(AD).Methods: APP695V717 I transgenic mice were randomly divided into model group and EA group; C57BL/6 mice were used as the control group.After 3 months of treatment by EA therapy at DU20 and KI1(15 min per other day, 2/100 Hz, 1-2 mA), the learning and memory behavior of mice was measured by Lashley Ⅲ water maze test and the expression level of Aβ, and LRP1 in the hippocampal microvessels were measured by immunohistochemical method.Results: The learning and memory capacity and the expression level of LRP1 in the model group were lower than those in the control group(P0.01); and the expression level of Aβ was significantly higher(P0.01).The learning and memory capacity and the expression level of LRP1 in the EA group were higher and the expression level of Aβ was significantly lower than those in the model group(P0.05).Conclusion: EA can improve the learning and memory capacity of the APP transgenic model by increasing the capacity of LRP1 and lowering the Aβ deposition in cerebral microvessels.     

INFLUENCE OF ELECTROACUPUNCTURE ON THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF CA3 REGION OF THE HIPPOCAMPUS IN VD RATS

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on learning and memory abilities and ultrastructure of synapses in CA3 region of the hippocampus in vascular dementia (VD) rats. Methods: A total of 32 SD rats were randomized into control (sham-operation, n = 7), model (n = 7), EA (n = 9) and medication (n=9) groups. VD model was established by occlusion of the bilateral vertebral arteries (electrocoagulation) and bilateral common carotid arteries (occlusion for 5 min and reperfusion for 10 min, repeated the procedure for 3 times to induce global ischemia). EA (150 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to “Baihui“(百会GV 20), “Geshu“(膈俞 BL 17), “Pishu“(脾俞 BL 20) and “Shenshu“(肾俞 BL 23) for 20 min, once daily and continuously for 15 days. In medication group, the rats were fed with Nimotong (12 mg/kg), once daily and continuously for 15 days. Morris water maze method was used to test the animals‘ learning and memory abilities (latencies to find the hidden platform determined by place navigation trials, and latencies to cross on the location of the removed platform determined by spatial probe trials) after the treatment. Ultrastructural changes (numerical density, NA,surface density, Sv and volume density, Vv) of Gray type 1 synapses in CA3 region of the hippocampus were observed by using transmission electronic microscope and automatic image analysis system. Results: 1 ) Place navigation test showed that in comparison with control group, the average escape latency of VD group was significantly longer (P＜0.01), while in comparison with VD group, the latencies of both EA and medication groups decreased significantly ( P＜0.01 ). No significant difference was found between EA and medication groups in the escape latency (P＞0.05). 2) Spatial probe-test displayed that in comparison with control group, the times which the animals crossed the target platform in VD group decreased significantly (P＜0.01), while compared with VD group, those of both EA and medication groups increased considerably (P＜0.01 ). No significant differences were found between EA and medication groups in the times for rats to cross the target quadrant and among the 4 groups in the times for rats to cross the other quadrants. 3) Compared with control group, NA, Sv, and Vv of VD group decreased significantly (P＜0.01 ), while in comparison with VD group, the 3 indexes of both EA and medication groups increased significantly (P＜0.01), no significant differences were found between EA and medication groups in these 3 indexes (P＞0.05). Conclusion: EA can restrain the loss of Gray type Ⅰ synapses in CA3 region of the hippocampus to improve learning and memory abilities in VD rats.     

Effects of Electroacupuncture on Expressions of Angiogenesis Factors and Anti-angiogenesis Factors in Brain of Experimental Cerebral Ischemic Rats after Reperfusion

Objective： To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture （EA） in improving ischemic stroke. Methods： The Wistar rat model of focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion was prepared by the thread embolism method. The rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, and an EA group. EA was given at bilateral ＂Hegu＂ （LI 4） in rats of the EA group. Expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） mRNA was detected with hybridization in situ, and expressions of the angiogenin-1 （Ang-1） and endostatin proteins were detected with the immunohistochemical method. Results： As compared with the normal group, the expressions of VEGF mRNA, Ang-1 protein and endostatin protein significantly increased in the model group （all P〈0.05）; and when compared with the model group, the EA group showed even more significant increase in expressions of the VEGF mRNA and Ang-1 protein （both P〈0.05）, but with an obvious decline in the increase of expression of endostatin protein （P〈0.05）. Conclusions： EA can promote angiogenesis in brain of experimental cerebral ischemic rats after reperfusion probably through up-regulating the expression of angiogenesis factors and down-regulating the expression of anti-angiogenesis factors.     

Effect of Electroacupuncture on Chronic Visceral Pain and Involvement of Spinal NMDA Receptor in IBS Rats

Objective： To clarify effect of electroacupuncture （EA） on relieving chronic visceral pain and the underlying neurobiological mechanism for such an effect, we observed the effect of EA on the Irritable bowel syndrome （IBS） rat and then examined spinal expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate （NMDA） receptor-1 in rats. Methods： Daily mechanical colon distention was performed on male Sprague-Dawley neonatal rats to produce IBS model. EA was applied at acupoints of Zusanli （ST 36） and Shangjuxu （ST 37） in each hind leg. Abdominal withdrawal reflex （AWR） assessment or rectus abdominis electromyograms （AEMG） recordings were then performed after EA treatment. The mRNA expression of the NMDA subtype of glutamate receptors in the spinal dorsal horn （L4-5） before and after EA was investigated by RT-PCR analysis in IBS rats. Results： The results demonstrated that EA could significantly decreased both AWR scores from behavioral test and AEMG discharges from electrophysiological recording in IBS model rats elicited by colorectal distension （CRY）） stimuli with strengths of 20, 40, 60 and 80 mmHg, respectively （P〈0.05）. Meanwhile there was a significant decrease in mRNA expression of NMDA receptor-1 in the spinal dorsal horn of IBS rats treated by EA （P〈0.05）, but no such effect was observed in IBS rats treated by sham EA （inserting needles without electrical stimulation）. Conclusion： These results indicate that EA can relieve chronic visceral hyperalgesia in IBS rats and this effect might be correlated with the down-regulation of NMDA receptor-1 in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord.     

Influence of Acupuncture on NO—IR Positive Neurons in Gastrointestinal Nerves of Rats with Functional Maldigestion

The rat functional maldigestion model was made by irregular feeding for studying mechanisms of acupuncture in regulating rastroidtestinal activities.The changes of the number and the optical density of No-neurons in gastrointestinal intermuscular nerves were used as the indexes.Wistar rats were randomly divided into acupuncture,Domperidone,model and control groups with four rats in each group.Those rats were fed with Domperidome 1mL/100g/day at the beginning of the model making process.Bilateral “Zusanli”(ST 36) and right “Weishu” (BL 21) were stimulated for 20 min in every session,once every two days,continuously for one month.One month later,the rats were killed for sampling the gastrointestinal walls.The samples were cut into sections which were stained with immunohistochemical method for examining the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) reaction with the reductive coenzyme Ⅱ.The results showed that acupuncture of “Zusanli” and “Weishu” points might restore the NOS activity of the stomach to the normal level.Compared with the model group,No immuno-reaction positive neurons‘ number in acupuncture group decreased and the optical density increased.The influence of acupuncture on the upper part of the small intestine was indistinct.Changes of NO Ir-positive neurons may contribute to the effect of acupuncture in modulating gastrointestinal activities of functional indigestion in clinic.     

Electroacupuncture at Qiuxu （GB 40） for Treatment of Migraine --A Clinical Multicentral Random Controlled Study

Objective： To observe the therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture （EA） at Qiuxu （GB 40） for treatment of migraine so as to provide clinical evidence for compilation of the Acupoints＇ Dictionary of the People＇s Republic of China. Methods： 275 migraine patients admitted in 3 hospitals were randomly divided into a treatment group treated by EA at Qiuxu （GB 40）, and a control group treated by EA at Tianshu （ST 25）. The indexes of the migraine symptoms and the 5-HT level were observed in both the groups before and after treatment. Results： There was an significant difference in VAS score between the two groups of the 3 clinical centers （P〈0.01）. The therapeutic effects of a 4-week treatment were much better in the treatment group than that of the control group. The 3-month follow-up survey showed that the long-term effects were in favor of the treatment group of the first and third clinical centers, though no significant difference was found in the treatment group of the second clinical center as compared with the control group. The results from the 6-month follow-up survey showed better effects in the treatment group of all the 3 clinical centers. Conclusion： EA at Oiuxu （GB 40） may show effect for migraine.     

Treatment of 56 Cases of Pain of Supra-orbital Bone by Puncturing Siguan Acupoints

Pain of supra-orbital bone is very common in clinic The author achieved significant effect in treating 56 cases of pain of supra-orbital bone by puncturing Siguan （four gates） points. The report is as follows.     

Effects of Electroacupuncture at Shangjuxu （ST 37） on lnterleukin-1β and Interleukin-4 in the Ulcerative Colitis Model Rats

Objective： To probe into the mechanisms of electroacupuncture （EA） at Shangjuxu （ST 37） for treatment of the ulcerative colitis （UC）. Methods： Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups： a normal group, a model group, a Shangjuxu group and a non-acupoint group, 10 rats in each group. The UC rat model was made with enema of trinitro-benzenesulfonic acid （TNBSA）, and the changes of interleuldn-1β （IL-1β） and interleukin-4 （IL-4） contents after EA at Shangjuxu （ST 37） were observed. Results： EA at Shangjuxu （ST 37） could significantly decrease the IL-1β content and increase the IL-4 content in the colic tissues of the UC rats with significant differences as compared with the model group and the non-acupoint group （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. Conclusion： The mechanisms of EA at Shangjuxu （ST 37） for treatment of the UC rats is possibly related with the decrease of IL-1β, a inflammation-promoting cytokine, and the increase of IL-4, a anti-inflammatory cytokine.     

Effect of Yikun Neiyi Wan on the Expression of Aromatase P450, COX-2, and ER Related Receptor in Endometrial Cells in Vitro from Patients with Endometriosis

To investigate the effect of Yikun Neiyi Wan （益坤内异丸YKNYW） and gestrinone on the expression of aromatase P450 （P450arom）, cyclo-oxygenase-2 （COX-2） and estrogen receptor （ER） in isolated ectopic and normal endometriat stroma cells in vitro. Methods： Digestion and serial filtration were used to isolate and culture the ectopic and eutopic endometrial cells from patients with chocolate cyst in virto Transformation of the cell morphology was observed in a inverted microscope. The effect of YKNYW on the expression of aromatase P450, cyclo-oxygenase-2, estrogen receptor in cultured endometriosis cells were detected by immunohistochemical method. Results： The expression levels of P450arom, COX-2 in glandular epithelium cells in vitro were decreased significantly by YKNYW compared with gestrinone （P〈0.05）. ER expression in mesenchymal cells of endometriosis was increased by YKNYW in the large and medium dosage groups compared with gestrinone. Conclusion： The mechanism by which YKNYW alleviates endometriosis pain is possibly related to the decrease in ectopic endometrial P450 arom and COX-2 expression in glandular epithelium, contrary to gestrinone, and the increase in ER expression in mesenchymalis, consistent with gestrione in patients with endometriosis.     

Effect of catgut implantation at acupoints on GABA. and mGluR1 expressions in brain stem of rats with spasticity after stroke

OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effect of catgut implantation at acupoints on the expressions of γ-amino butyric acid B receptor（GABAB ） and metabotropic glutamate receptor 1（mGluR1） in the brain stem of rats with spasticity after stroke.METHODS： In total, 60 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups： a sham group（n=10）, a model group（n=25） and a treatment group（n=25）. The rats in both the model group and the treatment group were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion to establish a model of focal cerebral ischemia. Rats with limb-spasm met the inclusion criteria. Only the left carotid artery was isolated in sham group rats. Three days after modeling, the treatment group was subjected to catgut implantation at Dazhui（GV 14）, Guanyuan（CV 4）, and Zhongwan（CV 12）. Neurological deficit symptoms were assessed with the Zea-Longa neurological deficit score. The Modified Ashworth Scale（MAS）, and isolated muscle tone were used to evaluate spasticity before and after treatment. Immunohistochemistry was applied to determine the expression of GABAB and mGluR1 in the rat brain stem after treatment.RESULTS： After treatment, neural impairment symptoms had significantly improved in the treatment group when compared to the model group（P〈0.05）. Both MAS and isolated muscle tone in the treatment group were significantly decreased when compared with the model group（P〈0.05）,and were also lower than before treatment. GABAB expression was significantly higher and mGluR1 was lower in the treatment group when compared with the model group（P〈0.01 and P〈0.05, respectively）.CONCLUSION： Catgut implantation at Dazhui（GV 14）, Guanyuan（CV 4）, and Zhongwan（CV 12）, can relieve limb spasticity by increasing the expression of GABAB and reducing the expression of mGluR1 in the brain stem of rats after stroke.     

针刺“三气穴”治疗妇科疾病验案4则

“三气穴”既气海、气穴、气门,分别属于任脉穴、肾经穴及经外奇穴,此三穴均位于脐下小腹部,具有调补冲任、壮元益肾、滋阴养血之功。笔者在临床中,将“三气穴”应用于妇科疾病的治疗,疗效颇佳。现举例如下。     

Effect of acupuncture anesthesia on acne vulgaris of pricking-blood- letting cupping： a single-blind randomized clinical trail

OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the effect on acne vul- garis of pricking-bloodletting cupping at Dazhui （GV 14） under acupuncture anesthesia, and estab- lish whether providing anesthesia to the treat- ment area by manipulating Hegu （LI 4） and Quchi （LI 11） might have an additional therapeutic bene- fit. METHODS： Thirty-eight patients were recruited and randomized into a control group and an inter- vention group with a single-blind （observer-blind） method. The control group was treated by prick- ing-bloodletting cupping at Dazhui （GV 14） and the studied group by pricking-bloodletting cupping at Dazhui （GV 14） under acupuncture anesthesia at Hegu （LI 4） and Quchi （LI 11）. Both groups were treated twice weekly for 6 weeks. The analgesic and therapeutic effects of acupuncture were evaluated on a visual analog scale （VAS） and global acne grad- ing system （GAGS）, respectively.RESULTS： There were differences in the VAS scores of pain on pricking and in the pricked area, and the duration of pain between the groups. After 12 treat- ments, there was a significant reduction in GAGS scores from baseline in both groups, but there was no significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION： Acupuncture anesthesia at Hegu （LI 4） and Quchi （LI 11） is an effective means of alleviat- ing the pain of pricking-bloodletting cupping and reducing the duration of pain in the treatment ar- ea. Pricking-bloodletting cupping at Dazhui （GV 14） improves the skin lesions of patients with moder- ate acne vulgaris, but acupuncture anesthesia does not appear to have an additional therapeutic effect.     

Clinical curative effect of fuzi-cake-separated moxibustion for pre- venting dysuria after operation for lower limb fracture

OBJECTIVE： To assess the clinical curative effect of fuzi-cake-separated moxibustion at Zhongji（CV 3）and Guanyuan（CV 4） for preventing dysuria after internal fixation of lower limb fractures.METHODS： Sixty patients conforming to the inclusion standards were randomly divided into a treatment group（n=30） and a control group（n=30）.Fuzi-cake-separated moxibustion was performed at Guanyuan（CV 4） and Zhongji（CV 3）, 20 min at a time, twice a day, for 3 days before operation in the treatment group. No fuzi-cake-separated moxibustion was performed in the control group. After treatment, the score for symptoms of first urination, urinary time, urinary volume, 24 h remaining urinary volume, incidence of uroschesis, and rate of controlling dysuria were compared to evaluate the curative effect of preventing post-operative dysuria.RESULTS： The score for symptoms of first urination,24 h remaining urinary volume（maximum 120 m L vs 250 m L, and less than 10 m L in 24 cases vs 15 cases）, and the rate of controlling dysuria（83.34% vs30%） were significantly better（P〈0.05, P〈0.05, and P〈0.001, respectively） in the treatment compared with the control group. There was no statistical difference（P〉0.05） between the two groups in first post-operative urinary time, urinary volume, or incidence of 24 h uroschesis.CONCLUSION： Fuzi-cake-separated moxibustion at Zhongji（CV 3） and Guanyuan（CV 4） can better prevent post-operative dysuria, effectively promote the functional restoration of the urinary bladder,and control the incidence of post-operative dysuria.     

Effect of Runing II on the Growth and Metastasis of Transplanted Tumor in Mammary Cancer-bearing Mice and Its Mechanism

Objective： To study the effect of Runing II （a Chinese herbal preparation for mammary cancer） on the growth and metastasis of transplanted tumor of mammary cancer MA-891-bearing TA2 mice and its mechanism. Methods： The model of mammary cancer MA-891 cell strain transplanted tumor of TA2 mice with lung metastasis were developed to observe the effect of Runing II on the growth and metastasis of the transplanted tumor. The immunohistochemical method and image analysis were adopted to detect the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor （VEGFR）, and micro-vessel count （MVC） and micro-vessel area （MVA）. Results： In the Runing II group, the tumor weight inhibition rate and the lung metastasis inhibition rate were 37.3% and 65.4% respectively, the tumor growth and lung metastasis were obviously inhibited; And the levels of VEGF and VEGFR, MVC and MVA were significantly decreased as compared with those in the tumor-bearing control group （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： The Chinese herbal preparation Running II can inhibit the metastasis of tumor through inhibiting the angiogenesis, and the mechanism is possibly related with down-regulation of VEGF and VEGFR expression.     

Regulatory Action of Charred Gossamer Urocteae on the Functions of Mouse Oral Fibroblasts

Objective： To explore the influence of charred Gossamer urocteae （CGU） on the functions of primary cultured mouse oral fibroblasts and reveal its mechanism in wound healing. Methods： CGU was extracted with different solvents and ethanol extract （EE）, ethyl acetate fraction （EF）, n-butanol fraction （BF） and aqueous fraction （AF） were obtained. The effects of different fractions on the proliferation, matrix metaUoproteinase-2,9 （MMP-2,9） activities, synthesis of collagen and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 （TIMP-1） in the mouse oral fibroblasts were determined by MTT, gelatin zymography, chloramine-T method, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） respectively. Results： EE, EF and BF at high concentrations could significantly inhibit proliferation of fibroblasts （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）, and at low concentrations EF and BF could promote proliferation of fibroblasts, and BF and AF could significantly inhibit collagen synthesis （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. EE, EF and AF at high concentrations could significantly increase the MMP-9 activity, and BF and AF could significantly inhibit synthesis of TIMP-1. Conclusion： CGU at high concentrations can inhibit the proliferations of fibroblasts and synthesis of collagen, and in healing of wound, CGU at high concentrations possibly has the functions of anti-fibrosis and anti-scar, and the mechanism to promote degradation of collagen is possibly related to the increase in MMP-9 activity and the inhibition of TIMP-1 synthesis.