Changes of neuronal activities after gut electrical stimulation with different parameters and locations in lateral hypothalamus area of obese rats

This study tested the effects of the gastrointestinal pulse train electrical stimulation with different parameters and at different locations on the neuronal activities of the lateral hypothalamus area（LHA） in obese rats in order to find the optimal stimulation parameter and location. Eight gastric electrical stimulations（GES） with different parameters were performed and the neuronal activities of gastric-distension responsive（GD-R） neurons in LHA were observed. The effects of stimulations with 8 parameters were compared to find the optimal parameter. Then the optimal parameter was used to perform electrical stimulation at duodenum and ileum, and the effects of the duodenal and ileac stimulation on the GD-R neurons in LHA were compared with the gastric stimulation of optimal parameter. The results showed that GES with the lowest energy parameter（0.3 ms, 3 mA, 20 Hz, 2 s on, 3 s off） activated the least neurons. The effects of GES with other parameters whose pulse width was 0.3 ms were not significantly different from those of the lowest energy parameter. Most gastric stimulations whose pulse width was 3 ms activated more LHA neurons than the smallest energy parameter stimulation, and the effects of those 3 ms gastric stimulations were similar. Accordingly, the lowest energy parameter was recognized as the optimal parameter. The effects of stimulations with the optimal parameter at stomach, duodenum and ileum on the LHA neuronal activities were not different. Collectively, gastrointestinal electrical stimulation（GIES） with relatively large pulse width might have stronger effects to the neuronal activities of GD-R neurons in LHA of obese rats. The effects of the GIES at different locations（stomach, duodenum and ileum） on those neurons are similar, and GES is preferential because of its easy clinical performance and safety.     

Effects of ventromedial hypothalamic somatostatin on gastric somatostatin and acid secretion in rats

The effects of somatostatin and cysteamine injected into theventromedial nucleus of hypothalamus(VMH)on somatostatin-likeimmunoreactivity(SLI)concentration in the gastric antral mucosa and portal veinplasma,as well as the gastric acid secretion were studied in anesthetized rats.TheSLI concentration in the gastric antral mucosa and portal vein plasma and thegastric acid output were significantly increased one hour after the injection ofsomatostatin(0.5μg/0.5μ1)into the VMH.Four hours later,the SLI concentrationin the mucosa was still higher than the control level,while the SLI level in theplasma and the acid secretion were close to those of controls.On the contrary,the SLI concentration in the mucosa and plasma and the acid output weremarkedly decreased at four hours after the injection of cysteamine(15μg/0.5μ1)into the VMH.The present results suggest that both exogenous and endogenoussomatostatin in the VMH have a facilitatory action on the gastric somatostatinconcentration and its release as well as on the gastric acid secretion,thus provid-ing evidence for hypothalamic control of gastric somatostatin and acid secretion.     

Effects of Dan Wei Powder (胆胃散) Tea Bag on Aggregation of Blood Platelet in vivo and in vitro

Objective: To observe effects of Dan Wei Powder (胆胃散 Powder for treating the gall bladder and stomach) Tea Bag (DWSTB) on the aggregation rate of blood platelet in vivo and in vitro. Methods: Increase of the platelet aggregation rate in the rat in vivo was induced by carrageenin, and increase of the rabbit platelet aggregation rate in vitro was induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and collagen, respectively. The effects of DWSTB on the platelet aggregation rate were investigated in vivo and in vitro, resp...     

Effect of Jinguo Weikang Capsule （金果胃康胶囊） on Proto-oncogene Expression of Gastric Mucosa in Rats with Gastric Precancerous Lesions

Objective： To study the effect of Jinguo Weikang Capsule （金果暖康胶囊, JWC） on the gene expression of H-ras, epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR）, P53 and C-myc of the gastric mucosa in rats with gastric precancerous lesions, and to investigate the action mechanism of JWC on gastric precancerous lesions. Methods： A rat model with paratypical proliferation of the gastric epithelium mucosa was established by using ^60Co irradiation. Rats were divided into the normal group, model group, high-, medium-, low-dose JWC treatment groups, and the vitacoenzyme control group, and were treated for 30 days. The expression of H-ras, EGFR, P53 and C-myc genes of the gastric mucosa was detected by using immunohistochemical methods. Results： The expression and over-expression rates of H-ras, EGFR, P53 and C-myc gene in the high- and medium-dose JWC treatment groups were significantly lower （P〈0.05） as compared with those of the model group. Conclusion： JWC can inhibit the expression of the H-ras, EGFR, P53 and C-myc genes expression of the gastric mucosa in rats, which may be one of mechanisms involved in suppressing or reversing gastric carcinogenesis.     

Protective effect of sericin peptide against alcohol-induced gastric injury in mice

Background Sericin peptide （SP） has shown a powerful anti-oxidant property in a host of studies. The present study was designed to investigate the possible protective effects of SP against alcohol-induced gastric lesions in mice and to explore the potential mechanisms.
Methods Animals were randomly divided into 5 groups： control, alcohol （56%, 14.2 ml/kg）, SP-treated mice （0.2, 0.4, 0.8 g/kg）. Mice were pretreated with SP before administering alcohol, the concentration of ethanol in serum and urine, the contents of malondialdehyde （MDA）, glutathione （GSH） and the glutathione peroxidase （GSH-PX）, catalase （CAT） and superoxide dismutase （SOD） activities in the gastric mucosa were measured, subsequently, the pathological evaluation of stomach was also observed.
Results Of the animals pre-treated with SP （0.4, 0.8 g/kg）, the concentration of ethanol in serum was significantly decreased, while increased in urine as compared to the alcohol-administered alone animals. Alcohol administration caused severe gastric damage as indicated by markedly increased MDA levels and decreased antioxidants, such as reduced GSH, GSH-PX and SOD in the gastric tissue while the CAT activity was not altered. On SP administration there was a reversal in these values towards normal. Histopathological studies confirmed the beneficial role of SP, which was in accordance with the biochemical parameters.
Conclusions SP could protect gastric mucosa from alcohol-induced mucosal injury. These gastroprotective effects might be due to increasing ‘first-pass metabolism＇ in the stomach and hastening ethanol elimination directly through the urine. SP might also play an important role in the protection of the structure and function of gastric mitochondria, at least partly based on their anti-oxidant effect.     

Effects of San Qi on Gastric Secretion and Protective Factors of Gastric Mucosa in the Rat with Precancerous Lesion of Stomach

In the model rat with precancerous lesion of stomach induced by the combined method of insertion ofa spring into the pylorus and high salt hot paste,effects of San Qi (三七 Radix Notoginseng) on gastricsecretion and protective factors of stomach were investigated.The results indicated that gastricsecretion,gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF) and aminohexose content lowered significantly,andmalondialdehyde (MDA) increased significantly (P<0.01) in the model group as compared with thenormal group;after treatment with San Qi Powder for 12 weeks,both gastric secresion and GMBFincreased,and MDA content decreased as compared with the negative control group (P<0.01),withno significant increase of aminohexose content.It is suggested that San Qi (三七 Radix Notoginseng)may improve gastric secretion,and that increase of GMBF and antagonism against the lesion ofoxygen free radicals are possibly one of its mechanisms.     

Protective Action of Acupuncture and Moxibustion on Gastric Mucosa in Model Rats with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis

To probe the mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion in atrophic gastritis so as to provide a basis for clinical treatment. Method: Observe the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion at the points of Zusanli, Zhongwan and Tianshu on gastric mucosa in model rats with chronic atrophic gastritis. Results:Acupuncture and moxibustion can increase the contents of PGE2α, PGF2α and cAMP, and decrease the content of cGMP in the tissue of gastric mucosa. Conclusion: Acupuncture and moxibustion shows cytoprotection on gastric mucosa, so it is an effective method for treating chronic atrophic gastritis.     

Effect of mexican tea herb and pilular adina herb on concrescence of gastric mucosa in experimental gastric ulcer rats

Objective:To study the effect and mechanism of mexican tea herb and pilular adina herb(abbreviated to MP) on concrescence of gastric mucosa in experimental gastric ulcer rats by observing the changes of epidermal growth factor(EGF),nitrogen monoxidum(NO) and expression of epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR).Methods:The rat ulcer model was established by 100% glacial acetic injection into the subserosa.The ulcer index(UI) was measured by sliding caliper.The levels of NO and EGF in tissue and serum were measured by the nitrate reductase method and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,respectively.The expression of EGFR in the mucosa around the ulcer was detected by the immunohistochemical assay and microimage analysis system.Results:(1) Compared with the model group,UI of MP groups(10,15 and 20 mg·kg-1·d-1) and ranitidine group was lower(P<0.05 or P<0.01),the levels of NO and EGF in the tissue and serum were higher(P<0.05),the thickness of regenerated mucous membrane increased,and the width loss of lamina muscularis mucosa decreased(all P<0.05).(2) The expression of EGFR is weakly positive in gastric mucosa cells in the normal group,mainly in the cytoplasm and cytomembrane.In the model group,the expression of EGFR was mainly in epithelial cells in cervical part and basilar part of gastric gland around the ulcer margin,and the number of cells with EGFR weakly positive expression was more than that in the normal group.Compared with that in the normal and model groups,the number of cells with EGFR positive in MP groups and ranitidine group increased(all P<0.05),with weakly positive expression.Conclusion:MP can protect gastric mucosa,cure gastric ulcer,restrain the secretion of gastric acid,and boost multiplication,differentiation,migration and repair of the endothelial cell by promoting the secretion of NO and EGF,and increasing the expression of EGFR of gastric mucosa epithelial cells.     

Effects of Electroacupuncture at Different Points on Colorectal Distention-induced Changes in Blood Pressure, Electrogastrogram, Gastric Tension and Gastric Blood Flow

Objective: To investigate the specificity of the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at different acupoints on gastric functional activity and gastric blood flow after colorectal distension (CRD) in the rat. Methods: Fifty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: a control group, a Zusanli group, a non-point group, a Taichong group and a Neiguan group. Rats were anesthetized after 18 h of fasting, and a rat model of nociceptive blood pressure elevation and abnormal electrogastrogram (EGG) and gastric tension (GT) was prepared by gasbag-induced CRD. EA was given bilaterally, and its effects on gastric blood flow (GBF) of the arcus vasculosi of the greater omentum, blood pressure, EGG fast wave properties, and gastric smooth muscle tension (GT) were quantified. Results: CRD induced an increase in blood pressure that was significantly inhibited by EA at all points (all P<0.05), and the inhibitory effects were greater in the Zusanli and Neiguan groups compared to the non-point group (both P<0.05). CRD also caused reductions in GT and GBF, and in the amplitude, frequency and duration of EGG waves (all P<0.05). These effects were also reversed by EA. The effects of EA on EGG wave amplitude, GT, and GBF were superior in the Zusanli group compared to the Taichong group, Neiguan group, and the non-point group. Conclusion: EA significantly counteracted CRD-induced changes in blood pressure, GBF, EGG, and GT. The effects of stimulation at Zusanli (ST 36) were significantly greater compared to other points, indicating relative specificity of this acupoint.     

Role of β2-adrenoceptor-β-arrestin2-nuclear factor-κB signal transduction pathway and intervention effects of oxymatrine in ulcerative colitis

Objective:To investigate the β2-adrenoceptor(β2AR)-β-arrestin2-nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) signal transduction pathway and the intervention effects of oxymatrine in a rat model of ulcerative colitis.Methods: Forty SD rats were randomly divided into four groups,which included the normal control group,the model group, the mesalazine group and the oxymatrine treatment group,with 10 rats per group.Experimental colitis induced with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid(TNBS) was established in each group except the normal control group.The rats in the oxymatrine treatment group were treated with intramuscular injection of oxymatrine 63 mg/(kg·d) for 15 days and the rats in the mesalazine group were treated with mesalazine solution 0.5 g/(kg·d) by gastric lavage for 15 days. The rats in the normal control group and model group were treated with 3 mL water by gastric lavage for 15 days. Diarrhea and bloody stool were carefully observed.Histological changes in colonic tissue were examined on day 7 in 2 rats per group that were randomly selected.The expression of β2AR,β-arrestin2 and NF-κB p65 in colon tissue and spleen lymphocytes were detected with immunohistochemistry and Western immunoblotting techniques on day 16 after fasting for 24 h.Six rats died of lavage with 2 each in the normal control,the model group and the mesalazine group;and were not included in the analysis.Results:The rats in the model group suffered from looser stool and bloody purulent stool after modeling.But in the oxymatrine and mesalazine groups,looser stool and bloody purulent stool reduced after treatment.And the colonic wall in the model group was thickened and the colon length shortened.The colon mucosa was congested in multiple areas with edema,erosion,superficial or linear ulcer and scar formation,while the intestinal mucosa injury reduced in the mesalazine and oxymatrine groups(P<0.01).In colonic mucosa and in spleen lymphocytes,compared with the normal control group,the expression of NF-κBp65 were significantly increased(P<0.01) in the model group while the expressions ofβ2AR andβ-arrestin2 were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the expression of NF-κBp65 was significantly decreased in the mesalazine group(P<0.01) and oxymatrine treatment group(P<0.01) while the expressions of β2AR and β-arrestin2 were significantly increased(P<0.01).There were no statistically significant differences in the expression of β2AR,β-arrestin2 and NF-κBp65 between the mesalazine group and oxymatrine group(P>0.05).Conclusions:The β2AR-β-arrestin2-NF-κB signal transduction pathway participated in the pathologic course of ulcerative colitis.Oxymatrine attenuated ulcerative colitis through regulating the β2AR-β-arrestin2-NF-κB signal transduction pathway.     

Anti-ulcer effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide in rats

Objective: To investigate the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on experimental gastric ulcers in rats. Methods: The ulcers were induced by water-immersion restraint stress, acetic acid and pylorus-ligation in rats. In each model, animals were divided randomly into 4 groups and administrated with LBP of 100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg, ranitidine 100 mg/kg (as a reference standard) and saline respectively. Mucosal lesions were scored as ulcer index. In the pylorus-ligation model, we also compared the gastric juice volume, total acidity, acid output and pepsin activity among groups. Results: Oral administration of LBP inhibited the formation of the acute gastric lesions induced by physical stress such as water-immersion restraint (P＜0.05), and accelerated the healing of chronic gastric ulcer model induced by acetic acid (P＜0.05 to P＜0.01). In the pylorus-ligated rats, significant decrease was also seen in ulcer index (P＜0.05 to P＜0.01), total acidity (P＜0.05), acid output (P＜0.05 to P＜0.01). LBP 300 mg/kg even showed marked reduction of the volume (P＜0.05) and pepsin activity (P＜0.05) in the gastric juice. These effects were in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: LBP has protective effects on treating gastric ulcer and this action may relate to the reduction of acid output and pepsin activity in the gastric juice.     

COMPARATIVE OBSERVATIONS ON THE TYPES OF ATROPHIC GASTRITIS AND BIOPSY PATHOLOGY OF GASTRIC MUCOSA

300 cases of chronic atrophic gastritis were classified into 3 types of qi-dificiency of spleen and stomach, yang-deficiency of spleen and stomach, and yin-deficiency of spleen and stomach according to syndrom differentiation of traditional Chinese medicine. The biopsy specimens of gastric mucosa were examined histopathologically and for the presence of pyloric spirobaeteria. The results showed that the type of yin-deficiency was the most seri-ous in the degree of pathologic changes, or the glandular atrophy and the interstitial inflam-matory cellular infiltration, while the rate of pyloric spirobacteria presence was comparable in all types.     

Kang Wei Granules in Treatment of Gastropathy Related to Helicobacter Pylori Infection

Kang Wei Granules,a granular preparation for strengthening the spleen and replenishing Qi and forclearing away heat and resolving dampness,was used in the treatment of 288 cases of gastropathy relatedto Helicobacter pylori infection.The effects were compared with De Nol~ triple therapy in the controlgroup of 74 cases.The therapeutic results showed that Kang Wei Granules was superior to the westerndrugs in improving the principal symptoms of deficiency of the spleen and stomach,and retention ofdamp-heat in the interior (P<0.05).     

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW ANIMAL MODEL FOR GASTRIC CANCER STUDY BY ORTHOTO PIC IMPLANTATION OF GASTRIC CANCER CELLS INTO ATHYMIC NUDE MICE

An animal model mimicking human gastric cancer by gastric wall implantation technique in athymic nude mice was reported. Two human gastric cancer cell lines. MKN-45 and MKN-28, were used in this study. All animals with gastric wall implantation of cancer cells of these two cell lines developed grossly visible gastric tumors after 3-4 weeks of implantation. Histopathological examination showed that tumors prirnarily grew at serosal side of stomach, and progressively invaded the gastric mucosa, but none showed metastasis in this study. All tumor-bearing animals died within 5-8 weeks after implantation. These results indicated that gastric wall of nude mice provided a good soil for growth and propagation of human gastric cancer cells. The model was useful for in vivo study on biological behavior of various types of human gastric cancers.     

CLINICAL STUDY ON ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT OF STOMACH CARCINOMA PAIN

Clinical observation on 48 cases of stomach carcinoma pain indicated that acupuncture including filiform needle group and point-injection group had better therapeutic effects in treatment of stomach carcinoma pain when patient's mind was concentrated at the site of disease. After treatment for 2 months, the long-term effective rates of analgesia in both the filiform needle group and the point-injection group were similar to that in the western medicine group, all being about 81%. While the long-term markedly effective rates in the two groups were superior to that in the western medicine group. Life quality of the patients in all the groups were improved. The toxic action and side effects caused by chemotherapy were prevented, the high viscous state showed by indexes of blood rheology was unproved, and the lowered Cu-Zu-SOD activity in erythrocytes in patients of stomach carcinoma was increased in the filiform needle group and the point-injection group. Based on the results of clinical study, we consider that acupuncture analgesic effect on stomach carcinoma is related to the increase of PLEK, improvement of cellular immune function and the elevation of life quality after acupuncture.     

Effects of tetrandrine on the changes of free calcium level in neutrophils after smoke inhalation injury in the rabbit

The changes of the cytoplasmic free calcium level in the neutrophils after smoke in-halation injury were observed in rabbits and then the effects of tetrandrine,a calcium antago-nist,on the changes of free calcium level were studied.It was found that the number of neu-trophils increased significantly preceded by a transient decrease in the blood and also increasedin the bronehoalveolar lavage fluid after smoke inhalation.and the level of cytoplasmic free calci-um in the blood neutrophil increased likewise.Administration of tetrandrine resulted in a reduc-tion of the neutrophils number in the lungs and the free calcium level in the blood neutrophils toalleviate the pulmonary injury due to smoke inhalation.It is believed that there is a close rela-tionship between the activation of neutrophils and the pathophysiological changes of the lungs,and tetrandrine can exert its therapeutic effects on the injury by decreasing the free calcium levelin the neutrophils to modulate their functions.     

Effect of Weikangfu Granule (胃康复冲剂) on the Physiopathologic Figure of Precancerosis of Gastric Mucosa in Patients of Chronic Gastritis with Pi-Deficiency Syndrome

Objective: To study the physiopathologic basis of Weikangfu Granule ( 胃康复冲剂, WKFG)in treating precancerosis of gastric mucosa in patients of chronic gastritis with Pi-deficiency syndrome (CG-PDS). Methods: One hundred and fifteen patients of CG-PDS who suffered from intestinal metaplasia (IM)and atypical hyperplasia (ATHP) of gastric mucosa, were divided into two groups. The treated group (n =61 ) was treated by WKFG with its ingredients modified according to the syndrome type of patients. The constructural changes were detected by optical microscope, screening electronic microscope, transmission electronic microscope and histochemical staining; the nuclear and mitochondrial ultrastructure of gastric mucosa were analyzed with energy dispersion X-ray analyser and image analysis system. And the changes of cAMP,lipid peroxide (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) before and after treatment in the treated group were measured and compared with those of the health control group consisting of 15 volunteers. Results: The symptomatic and pathological therapeutic effect in the treated group were significantly superior to those in the control group (P＜0.05). The contents of Zn, Cu, cAMP, SOD and 3H-TdR LCT in gastric mucosa of the treated group before treatment were all lower than those of the healthy control group, yet all these indexes markedly increased after treatment, while serum LPO level, which increased before treatment was lowered after treatment. All the changes showed statistical significance (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). Conclusion: WKFG can reverse IM and ATHP in patients of CG-PDS, and the effect may be realized by way of increasing the level of Zn, Cu, cAMP and SOD in gastric mucosa, promoting cell differentiation, enhancing cellular immunity and reducing oxygen free radicals and lipid peroxidation.     

Effect of All-trans Retinoic Acid on Airway Inflammation in Asthmatic Rats and Its Mechanism

The inhibitive effects of all-trans retinoic acid (ARTA) on airway inflammation in asthmatic rats and its mechanism on the basis of the regulation of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kB) were explored. Thirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, asthma group,dexamethasone treatment group and retinotic acid treatment group. The total and differential cell counts in the collected bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured. The pathological changes in lung tissues were estimated by scoring. The expression of NF-kB inhibitor (IkBa), NF-kB,intercellular adhering molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in lung tissue was detected by immunohistochemical method. The results showed that in the two treatment groups, the total cell counts and proportion of inflammatory cells in BALF were significantly reduced, but there was no significant difference in differential cell counts in BALF between them. The pathological changes in lung tissues in the treatment groups were significantly attenuated as compared with asthma group. Except the epithelial injury in retinotic acid treatment group was milder than in dexamethasone treatment group, the remaining lesions showed no significant difference between them. In the two treatment groups, the expression of IkBa was increased, while the expression of NF-kB and ICAM-1 decreased with the difference between the two groups being not significant. It was concluded that the similar anti-inflammatory effects and mechanism of ATRA on airway in asthmatic rats to those of dexamethasone were contributed to the increase of cytoplasmic IkBa content and suppression of NF-kB activationand expression.     

The protective effect of vitamin E on gastric mucosal injury in ratswith cirrhosis of the liver

Objective　To evaluate the functional and morphologic features of stomach in liver cirrhosis model and the cytoprotective effects of Vitamin E. Methods　Experimental cirrhosis was induced in rats by subcutaneous administration of 0.4 ml CCl4 (diluted 1∶4 with olive oil) per kilogram of body weight twice a week for 12 weeks. Rats were divided into three groups. Group 1 was control. Group 2 consisted cirrhotic rats induced by CCl4 and Group 3 cirrhotic rats treated with Vitamin E (intramuscularly 100 mg/kg per day during study). At the end of 12 weeks, gastric mucosal injury was produced by instillation of absolute alcohol via an orogastric tube. After 3 hours, each animal was sacrificed. The stomachs were macroscopically, microscopically and biochemically analyzed. Results　Macroscopic and microscopic area of gastric mucosal injury were significantly larger in cirrhotic rats (P&lt;0.05). Gastric mucosal injury was more serious in cirrhotic rats as compared with Group 1. With vitamin E treatment, tissue Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione ［GSH (X)］ levels were significantly lower in group 3 as compared with group 2 (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion　Gastric mucosa in cirrhotic rats has distinctive histological and functional abnormalities. These abnormalities can be reversed by Vitamin E or other antioxidants.