Effects of chalcones isolated from licorice roots on leukotriene biosynthesis in human polymorphonuclear neutrophls

The effects of chalcones and flavanones isolated from Sinkiang Licorice (Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat.) on leukotriene B₄(LTB₄) and C₄(LTC₄) formation in human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) were investigated. Licochalcone A (2-methoxy-4,4′-dihydroxy-5-α,α-dimethyl-allylchalcone) and licochalcone B (2-methoxy-3,4,4′-trihydroxychalcone), at concentrations of 10^?3 to 10^?6 M, inhibited calcium ionophore A 23187 (A 23187)-induced LTB₄ and LTC₄ formation in human PMNs. The concentration of licochalcones A required for 50% inhibition (LC₅₀) of LTB₄ and LTC₄ formation was 4.6 × 10^?7 and 4.2×10^?6 M, respectively, using 2 μM A 23187. The IC₅₀ values of licochalcone B for LTB₄ and LTC₄ formation were also 1.2 × 10^?6 and 2.0×10^?6 M, respectively. In addition, licochalcones A and B significantly increased cyclic AMP level in human PMNs at concentrations of 10^?4 to 10^?3 M. Licochalcones A and B were found to reduce the elevation of the cytosolic free calcium concentration induced by calcium ionomycine, dose-dependently, in the presence of 1 mM Ca²⁺ or 1 mM EGTA.     

The inhibitory activities of the components of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT) on eicosanoid generation via lipoxygenase pathway

Aim of the study

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT) is a traditional Chinese medicine with anti-inflammatory use. In the present study, the effects of its component herbs and pure components were observed on eicosanoid generation to find out the contributory components and their precise targets on arachidonic acid (AA) cascade.

Materials and methods

By monitoring leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄), 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), and 12-hydroxy-5,8,10-heptadecatrienoic acid (12-HHT), we compared the effects of HLJDT, HLJDT free of one or two component herbs, and water extract of four single component herbs of HLJDT (Rhizoma coptidis, Radix scutellariae, Cortex phellodendri and Fructus gardeniae) on eicosanoid generation in rat elicited peritoneal macrophages. In addition, thirteen pure compounds from HLJDT (baicalin, baicalein, wogonoside, wogonin, berberine, magnoflorine, phellodendrine, coptisine, palmatine, jateorrhizine, crocin, chlorogenic acid, and geniposide) were tested in the macrophages. Furthermore, the efficacies of these thirteen compounds were evaluated on cell-free purified enzymes: leukotriene A₄ hydrolase (LTA₄H), 5-, 15-lipoxygenase (5-, 15-LO), and cyclo-oxygenase-1/2 (COX-1/2). Moreover, the possible synergetic effect on LO pathway derived LTB₄ generation between the active components was also tested in rat peritoneal macrophages.

Results

Our experiments showed that Rhizoma coptidis and Radix scutellariae were responsible for the suppressive effect of HLJDT on eicosanoid generation. Some of the pure components including baicalein, baicalin, wogonoside, wogonin, coptisine, and magnoflorine inhibited eicosanoid generation in rat macrophages via LO pathway of AA cascade. Further experiments on cell-free purified enzymes confirmed that Radix scutellariae derived baicalein and baicalin showed significant inhibition on 5-LO and 15-LO, while Rhizoma coptidis derived coptisine showed medium inhibition on LTA₄H. On the other hand, no significant inhibition of thirteen components on COX-1/2 was observed. Moreover, the slight synergetic inhibition on LTB₄ between baicalein and coptisine was proved in the rat peritoneal macrophages.

Conclusions

Baicalein and coptisine, the active components of HLJDT, for the first time are found to interfere with arachidonic acid cascade via inhibition on different points of LO pathway. This finding makes the mechanism of HLJDT clearer and achieves its safer therapeutic application.     

JAK,PTPs抑制剂钙拮抗剂对As2O3引起的[Ca2+]i变化的影响

 目的　研究蛋白酪氨酸激酶 (JAK)、蛋白酪氨酸磷酸酶 (PTPs)抑制剂和Ca²⁺通道阻滞剂对As₂O₃致人脑皮层神经元和白血病细胞的胞浆 [Ca²⁺]_i变化的影响。方法　Fluo-3/AM荧光探针标记胞浆游离Ca²⁺,激光共聚焦显微镜实时测定不同浓度As₂O₃干预后胞浆[Ca²⁺]_i 的变化及JAK PTPs抑制剂和Ca²⁺通道阻滞剂对As₂O₃引起的胞浆[Ca²⁺]_i 变化的影响。结果　As₂O₃升高胞浆[Ca²⁺]_i,并被Ca²⁺通道阻滞剂不完全抑制。1μmol·L^-1的As₂O₃使NB4胞浆[Ca²⁺]_i明显增高,而对神经元胞浆[Ca²⁺]_i 影响不明显。JAK抑制剂genistein能浓度依赖性抑制As₂O₃触发的[Ca²⁺]_i 升高。给药后 280s的总抑制率均值分别为NB4:(6.7± 2.9)%,(25.6±2.5) %和(52.2±3.5)%;皮层神经元:(7.8±3.1)%,(18.1± 2.8) %和(51.3±3.3)%。结论　As₂O₃对不同细胞的胞浆[Ca²⁺]_i 升高程度不同。JAK,PTPs参与As₂O₃触发的钙池操纵性Ca²⁺内流。Ca²⁺通道阻滞剂参与了As₂O₃触发的电压门控性Ca²⁺内流。     

卡托普利对缺氧复氧乳鼠心室肌细胞游离钙和钠钙交换电流的影响

 目的观察卡托普利预处理对缺氧复氧乳鼠心室肌细胞游离钙和钠钙交换电流(Na⁺/Ca²⁺exchange current,I_Na-Ca)的影响。方法建立培养乳鼠心肌细胞缺氧/复氧损伤模型。Flou-3/AM负载染色,应用流式细胞分析技术,测定细胞内钙离子浓度([Ca²⁺]_i);利用全细胞膜片钳技术,观察I_Na-Ca的变化。结果与正常对照组比较,缺氧复氧可显著增加[Ca²⁺]_i和I_Na-Ca。与缺氧复氧组比较,卡托普利呈浓度依赖性抑制缺氧复氧时[Ca²⁺]_i增加,减少I_Na-Ca的增加。但[Ca²⁺]_i和I_Na-Ca仍高于正常对照组。结论心肌细胞缺氧复氧可引起[Ca²⁺]_i的异常升高,与I_Na-Ca的异常增加有关;卡托普利预处理可能通过轻度增加I_Na-Ca及其[Ca²⁺]_i而触发心脏延迟保护作用,抑制后续缺氧复氧引起的I_Na-Ca及其[Ca²⁺]_i的异常增加。     

三氧化二砷对豚鼠心室肌细胞内游离钙离子浓度的影响

 目的 研究三氧化二砷(As₂O₃)对豚鼠心室肌细胞内游离钙离子浓度的影响。方法Fluo-3／AM荧光探针标记豚鼠心室肌细胞游离钙离子,激光共聚焦显微镜实时测定不同浓度As₂O₃干预5 min后心室肌细胞的胞浆钙的变化。不同剂量的As₂O₃对正常台氏液中的豚鼠心肌细胞体外浓度递减性干预13 h后心肌细胞DNA片断化的情况。结果 不同浓度As₂O₃对心室肌细胞的胞浆钙影响不同。在正常台氏液中,低浓度As₂O₃引起一过性钙增高,高浓度的As₂O₃引起持续钙增高,并被钙通道阻滞剂维拉帕米不完全阻断。在无钙台氏液中,低浓度As₂O₃对胞浆钙无影响,高浓度的As₂O₃引起持续钙增高。10μmol·L^-1的As₂O₃体外浓度递减性干预13 h后,豚鼠心肌细胞发生DNA的片断化。低于10μmol·L^-1的As₂O₃体外浓度递减性干预13 h后,心肌细胞无明显的DNA片断化。结论 As₂O₃影响细胞外钙内流和细胞内钙库释放,导致心肌细胞内的游离钙升高,其机制可能有电压依赖性钙通道参与。低浓度引起胞内一过性钙升高;高浓度导致胞内持续性钙升高。后者可能是As₂O₃诱导细胞凋亡的机制之一。     

Dual effects of lipophilic extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) on catecholamine secretion in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) is a well known traditional Chinese herb, which has been used widely in China for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in clinic.

Aim of this study

The aim of the present study is to clarify the effects of lipophilic extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza (LESM) on catecholamine (CA) secretion, a traditional Chinese medicine used widely for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in China.

Materials and methods

LESM was evaluated for its effects on CA secretion using HPLC-ECD method. The effects of LESM on ²²Na⁺ influx and intracellular calcium ([Ca²⁺]_i) were also investigated.

Results

Our results showed that LEMS directly stimulated basal CA secretion in an extracellular Ca²⁺-dependent manner. And the stimulation was not affected by combination of hexamethonium (Hex), an inhibitor of nAChR. LESM also directly elevated [Ca²⁺]_i. In addition, using selective blockers of voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels, such as nitrendipine (for L-type), ω-agatoxin-IVA (for P-type) and ω-conotoxin-GVIA (for N-type), it was found that nitrendipine suppressed the elevation of [Ca²⁺]_i induced by LESM, but not ω-agatoxin-IVA or ω-conotoxin-GVIA. Compared with acetylcholine (ACh) only, however, combination of LESM with ACh inhibited the raise of CA secretion, ²²Na⁺ influx and [Ca²⁺]_i in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, LESM also inhibited CA secretion induced by veratridine (Ver), and 56 mM K⁺ at concentrations similar to those for [Ca²⁺]_i rise. One of the lipophilic active compounds, cryptotanshione (Cryp), also had the same effects on CA secretion with LESM.

Conclusions

All these findings suggest that LESM exerts dual effects on CA secretion in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells. LESM exerts antagonistic effects on nAChR, voltage-dependent Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ channels, whereas it is an agonist of L-type Ca²⁺ channel when it used alone.     

氧化苦参碱对豚鼠单个心室肌细胞胞浆[Ca2+]i的影响

 目的 观察氧化苦参碱对急性分离的豚鼠单个心室肌细胞内游离钙离子浓度([Ca²⁺]_i)的影响。方法 采用酶解法分离豚鼠单个心肌细胞,用钙敏感的荧光指示剂Fluo-3/AM染色,以荧光强度(FI)来代表[Ca²⁺]_i,应用激光扫描共聚焦显微技术动态监测FI的变化。结果 在静息状态下,10μmol·L^-1氧化苦参碱对[Ca²⁺]_i无明显影响;但10μmol·L^-1氧化苦参碱对60mmol·L^-1KCl介导的外钙内流却有明显抑制作用(P<0.05)。结论 氧化苦参碱对电压依赖性钙通道(VDC)具有明显抑制作用,这可能是其抗心律失常作用机制之一。     

冬虫夏草对豚鼠心室肌细胞胞浆钙离子浓度及L-型钙电流的影响

目的　研究冬虫夏草 (Codycepssinensis,CS)水提液对豚鼠单个心室肌细胞胞浆内钙离子浓度 ([Ca2 ]i)及L 型钙电流 (ICa L)的影响。方法　酶解法分离豚鼠单个心室肌细胞 ,应用激光扫描共聚焦显微镜联合全细胞膜片钳技术测定豚鼠心室肌细胞 [Ca2 ]i以及ICa L的变化。结果　应用 0 1mg/mL (生药浓度 )冬虫夏草水提液 ,在静息状态下对 [Ca2 ]i 无影响 ;对 6 0mmol/LKCl诱导的胞浆 [Ca2 ]i升高有促进作用 ,峰值荧光强度在 12 0s时由12 0 4 3± 2 38 4增加至 185 5 2± 32 1 0 (n =6 ,P <0 0 5 )。膜片钳研究结果表明 ,冬虫夏草水提液可明显促进ICa L,使ICa L从 (- 15 1± 2 3)pA/ pF增加到 (- 19 7± 3 2 ) pA/pF (刺激电压为 10mV ,n =8,P <0 0 1)。 结论　冬虫夏草水提液促进心肌细胞钙内流 ,是该药治疗缓慢型心律失常的机制之一。     

环维黄杨星D对心肌细胞缺氧/复氧损伤的保护作用和对心肌细胞内游离钙浓度的影响

目的:研究环维黄杨星D(CVB-D)对培养乳鼠心肌细胞缺氧/复氧损伤的保护作用和对急性分离大鼠心肌细胞内游离Ca²⁺浓度的影响。方法:采用培养的乳鼠心肌细胞建立缺氧/复氧损伤模型,测定心肌细胞搏动频率、细胞存活率、肌酸激酶(CK)的含量;应用特异性荧光指示剂Fluo-3/AM负载急性分离的大鼠心肌细胞,用激光共聚焦显微镜检测胞内游离钙的变化。结果:缺氧/复氧损伤+环维黄杨星D组(H/R+CVB-D)乳鼠心肌细胞搏动频率、细胞存活率与缺氧/复氧损伤组比较明显升高,CK含量与缺氧/复氧损伤组比较明显下降。对急性分离大鼠心肌细胞内[Ca²⁺]i逐步升高,并呈剂量依赖性;在有外钙和无外钙时,CVB-D对胞内钙的升高有显著差异(P<0.05);在无外钙并加入内罗啶孵育后,CVB-D引起的胞内[Ca²⁺]i轻度升高,但与无钙组相比无显著性差异(P>0.05)。结论:环维黄杨星D对培养乳鼠心肌细胞缺氧/复氧损伤有保护作用,对急性分离大鼠有升高心肌细胞内游离钙离子浓度的作用,[Ca²⁺]的升高既源于内钙释放又源于外钙内流。     

Poncirus trifoliate fruit modulates pacemaker activity in interstitial cells of Cajal from the murine small intestine

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Poncirus fructus (PF) has been widely used as a traditional medicine in Eastern Asia, especially to ameliorate the symptoms of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders related to abnormal GI motility.

Aim of the study

Poncirus fructus (PF), also known as Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. (Rutaceae), is widely used as a traditional medicine in Eastern Asia mainly to ameliorate the symptoms of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders related to abnormal GI motility. In a previous study, a methanol extract of PF was found to have particularly potent gastroprokinetic effects. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are pacemaker cells in the gastrointestinal tract, but the action mechanisms of PF extract in mouse small intestinal ICCs have not been investigated. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effects of a methanol extract of PF (MPF) in mouse small intestinal ICCs. In addition, we sought to identify the receptors involved.

Materials and Methods

Enzymatic digestions were used to dissociate ICCs from small intestines. The whole-cell patch-clamp configuration was used to record potentials (current clamp) from cultured ICCs. In addition, we analyzed intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations ([Ca²⁺]_i).

Results

MPF decreased the amplitudes of pacemaker potentials in ICCs, and depolarized resting membrane potentials in a concentration dependent manner. Y25130 (a 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist) and RS39604 (a 5-HT₄ receptor antagonist) blocked MPF-induced membrane depolarizations, whereas SB269970 (a 5-HT₇ receptor antagonist) did not. Pretreatment with Na⁺ or Ca²⁺-free solution or thapsigargin (a Ca²⁺-ATPase inhibitor in endoplasmic reticulum) abolished the generation of pacemaker potentials and suppressed MPF-induced activity. [Ca²⁺]_i analysis showed that MPF increased [Ca²⁺]_i. Furthermore, treatments with PD 98059, SB203580, or JNK II inhibitor blocked MPF-induced membrane depolarizations in ICCs.

Conclusion

These results suggest that MPF modulates pacemaker potentials through 5-HT₃ and 5-HT₄ receptor-mediated pathways via external Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ influx, and via Ca²⁺ release from internal stores in a mitogen-activated protein kinase dependent manner. The study shows MPF is a good candidate for the development of a gastroprokinetic agent. In view of the effects of MPF on ICCs, further research is required, particularly to identify the active compound(s) involved and to determine their action mechanisms.     

小檗碱对DHF大鼠血流动力学和心肌细胞内钙离子浓度的影响

目的:观察小檗碱(Ber)对舒张性心力衰竭(diastole heart failure,DHF)大鼠血流动力学和心肌细胞内钙离子浓度[Ca²⁺]_i的影响。方法:Wistar大鼠腹主动脉缩窄法建立DHF模型;术后4周,模型大鼠随机分为DHF模型组,Ber高、中、低剂量组(63,42,21mg·kg^-1.d^-1)4组(n=10),另有假手术组10只。连续给药4周后,应用十六导生理记录仪测定血流动力学指标;用激光扫描共聚焦显微镜(LSCM)扫描用Fluo-3AM负载好的心肌细胞内的荧光强度(FI)来表示[Ca²⁺]_i。结果:模型组与假手术组比,左心室收缩压(LVSP)、左室内压最大上升速率(+dp/dt_max)无显著变化,左心室舒张末期内压(LVEDP)显著升高(P<0.01),左室内压最大下降速率(-dp/dt_max)显著降低(P<0.01),左室松弛时间常数(T)数值显著延长(P<0.01);心肌细胞内[Ca²⁺]_i明显增高(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,Ber高剂量组比中剂量组低剂量组更显著降低LVEDP,显著升高-dp/dt_max(P<0.01),显著缩短T(P<0.01),显著降低心肌细胞内[Ca²⁺]_i(P<0.01)。结论:Ber高剂量组可以明显改善DHF大鼠血流动力学和降低心肌细胞内[Ca²⁺]_i。     

Effects of Total Flavones from Acanthopanax senticosus on L‐type Calcium Channels,Calcium Transient and Contractility in Rat Ventricular Myocytes

Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Harms (AS), a traditional herbal medicine, has been widely used to treat ischemic heart disease. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms of its benefits to cardiac function remain unclear. The present study examined the effects of total flavones from AS (TFAS) on L‐type Ca²⁺ channel currents (I_Ca‐L) using the whole cell patch‐clamp technique and on intracellular calcium ([Ca²⁺]_i) handling and cell contractility in rat ventricular myocytes with the aid of a video‐based edge‐detection system. Exposure to TFAS resulted in a concentration‐ and voltage‐dependent blockade of I_Ca‐L, with the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 283.12 µg/mL and the maximal inhibitory effect of 36.49 ± 1.95%. Moreover, TFAS not only increased the maximum current in the current–voltage relationship but also shifted the activation and inactivation curves of I_Ca‐L toward the hyperpolarizing direction. Meanwhile, TFAS significantly reduced amplitudes of myocyte shortening and [Ca²⁺]_i with an increase in the time to 10% of the peak (Tp) and a decrease in the time to 10% of the baseline (Tr). Thus, the cardioprotective effects of TFAS may be attributed mainly to the attenuation of [Ca²⁺]_i through the direct inhibition of I_Ca‐L in rat ventricular myocytes and consequent negative effect on myocardial contractility. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

双苯氟嗪对大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤后胞浆[Ca2+]i的影响

 目的研究双苯氟嗪(Dip)对大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注损伤后脑神经细胞胞浆Ca²⁺浓度([Ca²⁺]_i)变化的影响。方法将400pmol的内皮素-1(ET-1)灌注到大鼠大脑中动脉附近制备大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注模型,以Fura-2/AM作为钙荧光指示剂,双波长荧光分光光度法检测灌注ET-1后不同时间大鼠大脑皮层和纹状体神经细胞胞浆[Ca²⁺]_i的变化及Dip对灌注ET-1后4h胞浆[Ca²⁺]_i变化的影响,并采用TYC染色法观察了Dip对灌注ET-1后24h脑梗死范围的影响。结果灌注400pmolET-1诱发大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注损伤后,大鼠大脑皮层和纹状体神经细胞胞浆[Ca²⁺]_i明显升高,并于灌注EF-1后4h达峰值,随着再灌注时间的延长,胞浆[Ca²⁺]_i逐渐降低;Dip20,40mg·kg^-1可以明显降低灌注ET-1后4h大脑皮层和纹状体神经细胞胞浆[Ca²⁺]_i的升高(P<0.01),Dip10mg·kg^-1组虽表现出一定的降低胞浆[Ca²⁺]_i的作用,但与溶剂组比较,差异无显著性(P>0.05);对脑梗死范围的测定结果显示,Dip可以缩小脑梗死范围,其作用呈现明显的剂量依赖关系(r=0.9797,P<0.01)。结论Dip对抗脑缺血再灌注损伤后胞浆[Ca²⁺]_i升高可能是其产生神经保护作用的重要机制。     

Effects of baicalein on leukotriene C4 biosynthesis in human lymphocytes

Studies were made on the effects of baicalein (5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone) on leukotriene C₄ (LTC₄) biosynthesis by calcium ionophore A 23187 in human lymphocytes. Baicalein inhibited calcium ionophore-induced LTC₄ biosynthesis in human lymphocytes. The concentration of baicalein required for 50% inhibition (IC₅₀) of LTC₄ formation was 4.3 × 10^?7 M.     

Baicalein, isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis, protects against endothelin-1-induced pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation via inhibition of TRPC1 channel expression

Ethnopharmacological relevance

We investigated the antiproliferative effects of baicalein, isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis (Huang-qin), on ET-1-mediated pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) proliferation and the mechanisms underlying these effects.

Materials and methods

Intrapulmonary artery smooth muscle cells were isolated and cultured from female Sprague-Dawley rats and used during passages 3-6. The proliferation of PASMCs was quantified by cell counting and XTT assay. The protein expression of TRPC1 and PKCα were determined by western blotting. The cell cycle pattern was assayed by flow cytometry. The intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca²⁺]_i) were measured using the fluorescent indicator fura-2-AM and flow cytometry.

Results

Baicalein (0.3-3 μM) inhibited PASMCs proliferation, promoted cell cycle progression, enhanced [Ca²⁺]_i levels, increased capacitative Ca²⁺ entry (CCE), upregulated the canonical transient receptor potential 1 (TRPC1) channel and membrane protein kinase Cα (PKCα) expression induced by ET-1 (0.1 μM). The PKC activator PMA (1 μM) reversed the inhibitory effects of baicalein on ET-1-induced upregulation of TRPC1 expression and S phase accumulation, while the PKC inhibitor chelerythrine (1 μM) potentiated baicalein-mediated G₂/M phase arrest and TRPC1 channel inhibition.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that baicalein protects against ET-1-induced PASMCs proliferation via modulation of the PKC-mediated TRPC channel.     

Puerarin attenuates glutamate-induced neurofilament axonal transport impairment

Aim of the study

Puerarin (Pur) is a primary component of the most functional extracts of Pueraria lobata used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Since it has been postulated that Pur protects the brain against glutamate (Glu) neurotoxicity, we investigated the effects of Pur on Glu-induced axonal transport impairment in primary hippocampal neurons in this study.

Materials and methods

Primary hippocampal cultures were prepared from 2-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats. Intracellular calcium concentration [Ca²⁺]_i, neurofilament (NF) phosphorylation and protein kinase activity for Cdk5 were measured. Time-lapse imaging technology was used to capture the NF axonal transport in the cultured neurons with transiently transfected fluorescence protein linked to the N-terminus of NF-M (EGFP-NFM).

Results

The results showed that Pur significantly diminished the Glu-induced elevation of [Ca²⁺]_i in dose-dependent manner and antagonized the Glu-evoked increases in NF phosphorylation at protein levels. The neurons under the Glu treatment displayed the accumulation of immobile NF clusters in the cell body and the reduced rates of axonal transport of NFs by 72.8% compared to the control neurons. Intriguingly, Pur reversed the slowed rate of the axonal transport by 35.6%. Pur also remarkably attenuated Glu-evoked activation of Cdk5.

Conclusions

Pur may play a role in protecting against Glu-induced NF axonal transport impairment in rat primary hippocampal neurons by inhibiting the increased [Ca²⁺]_i and by impeding the activation of Cdk5.     

隐孔菌对大鼠多形核粒细胞释放白三烯的影响

目的:探讨隐孔菌发酵物(CVFS)对大鼠多形核粒细胞释放白三烯的影响。方法:采用生物检定法和HPLC法测定大鼠多形核粒细胞(PMNs)中慢反应物质(SRS)和白三烯B₄(LTB₄)的含量。结果:CVFS 0.9,2.7 g·kg^-1ig能明显抑制大鼠PMNs释放LTB₄和SRS。结论:结果证明CVSF可抑制PMNs释放SRS和LTB_4。     

Effect of the total saponins of Aralia elata (Miq) Seem on cardiac contractile function and intracellular calcium cycling regulation

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Total saponins of Aralia elata (Miq) Seem (AS) from the Chinese traditional herb Longya Aralia chinensis L. can improve cardiac function, although the active mechanism remains poorly understood. The present study aimed to determine the direct effect of AS on cardiac function in dogs and the effects on Ca²⁺ transient and contractions in isolated rat cardiomyocytes.

Material and Methods

In anesthetized dogs, hemodynamic indexes and myocardial oxygen consumption were determined before and after AS was administered. In isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes, contractile and intracellular Ca²⁺ properties were determined simultaneously in real time by using an IonOptix MyoCam system.

Results

Our results showed that AS directly induced a positive inotropic effect and improved coronary blood flow and energy metabolism, indicating that AS induced a beneficial effect to treat myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Moreover, AS increased sarcomere shortening, maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening (±dL/dt), amplitude of [Ca²⁺]_i transients and SERCA activity in a concentration-dependent manner. PKCε was also activated after the cells were treated with AS.

Conclusion

These findings revealed the positive inotropic effect of AS on canine myocardium and isolated rat cardiomyocytes. This effect was possibly associated with an increase in amplitude of the [Ca²⁺]_i transient and PKCε-dependent signaling pathway.