Effects of ginsenoside on brain-derived neurotrophic factor and tyrosine kinase B mRNA expression in the hippocampal formation of aged rats*☆

BACKGROUND： There are a limited number of studies involving the effects of ginsenosides, the active component of ginseng, on expression of hippocampal TrkB mRNA in aged rats.
OBJECTIVE： To observe expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） and tyrosine kinase B （TrkB） mRNA in the hippocampal formation of aged rats, as well as changes after ginsenoside administrated.
DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled experiment was performed at the Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University in March 2005.
MATERIALS： A total of 39 female, Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups （n = 13 each）： young （3-5 months old）, aged （27 months old）, and ginsenoside group （received 25mg/kg/d ginsenoside in the drinking water between 17 and 27 months of age）.
METHODS： Following anesthesia, the rats were exsanguinated and perfused transcardially with chilled, heparinized, 0.9% saline. The brains were removed and post-fixed in 40 g/L paraformaldehyde/phosphate buffer for 20 minutes, and further incubated in 30% sucrose/phosphate buffer overnight.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： In situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and image analysis were used to investigate expression of BDNF and TrkB mRNA in the hippocampal formation. RESULTS： The expression levels of BDNF in the hippocampal CA3 and CA1 of aged rats was significantly less than the young group （t = 2.879, 1.814, 1.984, P 〈 0.05）. BDNF expression was significantly greater in the dentate gyrus of the ginsenoside group, compared with the aging group （t = 1.943, P 〈 0.01）. The expression of TrkB mRNA in the hippocampal CA3, CA1, and dentate gyrus of aged rats was less than the young group （t = 3.540, 3.629, 17.905, P 〈 0.01）. TrkB mRNA expression in the CA3 region and dentate gyrus of the ginsenoside group was significantly greater compared with the aging group （t = 1.293, 3.386, P 〈 0.05, 0.01 ）.
CONCLUSION： BDNF and TrkB mRNA expression in the hipp     

Effect of propofol on brain-derived neurotrophic factor and tyrosine kinase receptor B in the hippocampus of aged rats with chronic cerebral ischemia

We intraperitoneally injected 10 and 50 mg/kg of propofol for 7 consecutive days to treat a rat model of chronic cerebral ischemia. A low-dose of propofol promoted the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, tyrosine kinase receptor B, phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein, and cAMP in the hippocampus of aged rats with chronic cerebral ischemia, but a high-dose of propofol inhibited their expression. Results indicated that the protective effect of propofol against cerebral ischemia in aged rats is related to changes in the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and tyrosine kinase receptor B in the hippocampus, and that the cAMP-cAMP responsive element binding protein pathway is involved in the regulatory effect of propofol on brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression.     

Downregulated hippocampal expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor and tyrosine kinase B in a rat model of comorbid epilepsy and depression

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) and tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) protein in the hippocampus of model rats of comorbid epilepsy and depression.

Methods: A rat model of epilepsy was established using lithium chloride.pilocarpine. Among these epileptic rats, those with comorbid depression were selected by a battery of behavioral tests starting on the 14th day after establishing the epilepsy model. A depression group was established by unpredicted chronic mild stress (UCMS) and separate housing. These treatment groups were compared to an untreated control group. Thirteen rats per group were examined by immuno?uorescence staining with optical density quantitation to determine the distribution of BDNF- and TrkB-positive cells in the hippocampus and by western blotting to estimate total protein expression levels during the 4th week after establishing the models. Immuno?uorescence staining for NeuN was also conducted in hippocampus to evaluate neuronal survival. Depression-like behaviors were also assessed.

Results: Compared to the untreated control group and the epilepsy alone group, the comorbid group exhibited lower average optical densities of BDNF- and TrkB-immunopositive cells as well as lower total BDNF and TrkB protein expression levels (all P = 0.000). The comorbid group exhibited lower behavioral scores compared to all other groups (all P=0.000). Numbers of NeuN–positive cells were lower in the hippocampus of all three experimental groups compared to the untreated control group (all P = 0.000).

Conclusions: These results suggest that hypofunctional BDNF-TrkB signaling may contribute to depression in epilepsy.

Abbreviations: BDNF: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor; TrkB: tyrosine kinase B; UCMS: unpredicted chronic mild stress; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; HS: Hippocampal sclerosis     

Influence of ginsenoside on expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and receptor tyrosine kinase B in the medial septum of aged rats

BACKGROUND: It has been shown that ginsenoside, the effective component of ginseng, can enhance expression of choline acetyl transferase, as well as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor tyrosine kinase B (TrkB), in cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain. OBJECTIVE: To qualitatively and quantitatively verify the influence of ginsenoside on expression of BDNF and its receptor, TrkB, in the medial septum of aged rats, and to provide a molecular basis for clinical application. DESIGN, T...     

侧脑室内注入脑源性神经营养因子对AD小鼠酪氨酸激酶B及内源性BDNF表达的影响

目的 探讨侧脑室内注入脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)对APP/PS1双转基因阿尔茨海默病(AD)小鼠酪氨酸激酶B (TrkB)及内源性BDNF表达的影响. 方法 10只10月龄APP/PS1雄性小鼠按随机数字表法分为2组,实验组5只,双侧侧脑室内注入BDNF;磷酸盐缓冲液(PBS)组5只,双侧侧脑室内注入PBS,为阳性对照组;干预时间均为6周.同时选择5只同窝生10月龄野生型小鼠,不予任何处理,为阴性对照组.采用荧光免疫组化法观察小鼠皮层区β-淀粉样蛋白(Aβ)斑块形态学改变,硫磺素S法检测致密斑的数量,同时检测小鼠皮层区TrkB、BDNF蛋白表达的情况. 结果 (1)治疗前、后BDNF组Aβ斑块总数分别为(101.58±7.86)个、(102.83±8.22)个,与PBS组(97.23±1 1.62)个、(103.6±6.46)个比较差异均无统计学意义(t=0.695、-0.171,P=-0.509、0.869);治疗6周后BDNF组Aβ斑块直径缩小至(34.65±9.33)μm,TS+斑块数量减少至(51.70±4.18)个,与PBS组(46.17±10.16)μm、(58.85±7.55)个比较,差异均具有统计学意义(t=-2.401、-2.536,P=0.047、0.039);(2)治疗后BDNF组TrkB、BDNF蛋白表达明显增强. 结论 侧脑室内注入BDNF减少了Aβ致密斑的形成,使Aβ蛋白沉积导致的神经毒性作用减弱,从而促进皮层区TrkB表达增强,导致内源性BDNF表达增强,可在一定程度上延缓AD小鼠的病程.     

BDNF及其受体TrkB mRNA在脑缺血后适应大鼠模型中的表达变化

目的检测脑源性性神经营养因子(BDNF)及其受体酪氨酸激酶B(TrkB)在脑缺血后适应大鼠模型再灌注不同时间窗的表达,探讨BDNF/TrkB在脑缺血后适应中的作用。方法 Wistar大鼠随机分成对照组、缺血-再灌注组(IR)和缺血后适应组(IP),后两组根据再灌注时间的不同各分为6h、12h、24h、48h、72h 5个亚组。线栓法建立局灶性脑缺血-再灌注模型。TTC染色测定脑梗死体积,原位杂交法检测BDNF/TrkB mRNA的表达。结果 IP组大鼠梗死体积较IR组明显减小(P0.05)。IP组各时间点BDNF mRNA及TrkB mRNA表达较IR组均明显升高(P0.05)。结论脑缺血后适应能增加脑缺血-再灌注后BDNF及TrkB的表达,减轻脑梗死体积,BDNF/TrkB在脑缺血后适应后脑缺血-再灌注损伤中发挥了重要保护作用。     

Influence of ginsenoside on expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and receptor tyrosine kinase B in the medial septum of aged rats★

BACKGROUND： It has beenshown that ginsenoside, the effective component of ginseng, can enhance expression of choline acetyl transferase, as well as brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） and its receptor tyrosine kinase B （TrkB）, in cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain. OBJECTIVE： To qualitatively and quantitatively verify the influence of ginsenoside on expression of BDNF and its receptor, TrkB, in the medial septum of aged rats, and to provide a molecular basis for clinical application. DESIGN~ TIME AND SETTING： A contrast study, which was performed in the Department of Anatomy, China Medical University, and the Department of Anatomy, Shenyang Medical College between December 2005 and May 2007. MATERIALS： Thirty-five, healthy, female, Sprague Dawley rats were selected for this study. Ginsenoside （81% purity） was provided by Jilin Ji＇an Wantai Chinese Medicine Factory; anti-BDNF antibody, anti-TrkB antibody, and their kits were provided by Wuhan Boster Company. METHODS： A total of 35 rats were divided into three groups： young （four months old）, aging （26 months old）, and ginsenoside. Rats in the ginsenoside group were administered ginsenoside （25 mg/kg/d） between 17 months and 26 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were used to measure expression of BDNF and TrkB in the medial septum of aged rats, and the detected results were expressed as gray values. RESULTS： （1） Qualitative detection： using microscopy, degenerative neurons were visible in the medial septum in the aging group. However, neuronal morphology in the ginsenoside group was similar to neurons in the young group. （2） Quantitative detection： the mean gray value of BDNF-positive and TrkB-positive products in the aging group were significantly higher than in the young group （t = 3.346, 4.169, P 〈 0.01）; however, the mean gray value in the ginsenoside group was significantly lower than in the aging group （t = 2.432, 2.651, P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUS     

Expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in rat hippocampus following focal cerebral ischemic injury

BACKGROUND： The functional role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） is enhanced following cerebral ischemic injury providing neurons with an important self-protection mechanism in early stage ischemia/hypoxia. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the expression pattern of BDNF in different rat hippocampal regions following focal cerebral ischemic injury. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： We performed a comparative and neurobiological study of animals in the Department of Histology and Embryology and the Central Laboratory, Hebei Medical University from March to December 2003. MATERIALS： Forty healthy Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into a cerebral ischemia group and a sham operation group, with 20 rats per group. METHODS： In the cerebral ischemia group, we occluded the right middle cerebral artery with a suture, threading it to a depth of 17-19 mm. In the sham operation group, the threading depth was approximately 10mm. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： We analyzed the expression of BDNF in different hippocampal regions by immunohistochemical staining of brain sections taken on post-operative days 7, 14, 21 and 30. RESULTS： Sham operation group： We observed a number of a few BDNF-positive cells with light staining in the hippocampal CA1 CA4 regions and dentate gyms. Cerebral ischemia group： compared with the sham operation group, BDNF increased on day 7, significantly increased on day 14, and reached a peak on day 21 （P 〈 0.05）. Furthermore, irnmunologically reactive products were darkly stained, and neurons had long axons. BDNF was particularly highly expressed in the hippocampal CA3 and CA4 regions and dentate gyms. CONCLUSION： Cerebral ischemic injury can damage hippocampal neurons. Neurons can increase their anti-ischemic capacity by increasing BDNF expression in the hippocampal CA3 and CA4 regions and dentate gyms.     

利培酮对精神分裂症首次发病患者血清脑源性神经营养因子水平的影响

目的：探讨利培酮对首发精神分裂症患者血清脑源性神经营养因子（BDNF）水平的影响。方法：采用酶联免疫吸附法测定40例首发精神分裂症患者（患者组）在给予利培酮治疗前和治疗8周后的血清BDNF水平,并与40名正常人（正常对照组）的血清BDNF水平进行比较。结果：治疗前患者组血清BDNF水平显著低于正常对照组（P〈0．05）,治疗8周,患者组血清BDNF水平较治疗前明显升高（P〈0．01）;与正常对照组差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。患者组中有阳性家族史者（8例）与阴性家族史者（32例）之间血清BDNF水平差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。患者组治疗前后血清BDNF水平与阳性与阴性症状量表评分（r=0．283,r=0．09;P〉0．05）无显著相关;两组血清BDNF水平与年龄（r=-0．142,r=-0．122;P〉0．05）、体质量指数（r=-0．112,r=0．039;P〉0．05）均无显著相关。结论：首发精神分裂症患者可能存在血清BDNF水平低下,利培酮治疗可提高其血清BDNF水平。     

缺血再灌注大鼠海马的神经干细胞移植：磷脂酰肌醇3/Akt通路激活和脑源性神经营养因子表达增加

背景：PI3K/Akt通路和BDNF在脑缺血动物模型和患者中表达异常,也成为的脑缺血的治疗靶点。神经干细胞在修复的潜在用途包括移植修复丢失的细胞和激活内源性细胞提供“自我修复。” 目的：观察神经干细胞植入对PI3K/Akt和BDNF在海马表达的影响,阐明神经干细胞植入对脑缺血的神经保护机制。 设计：完全随机分组,对照动物实验。 时间及地点：实验于2007-03-2008.09在南方医科大学基因工程研究所完成。 材料：E17的怀孕大鼠和雌性大鼠购自南方医科大学实验动物中心,兔抗PI3K的试剂盒购自北京博奥森生物科技公司,磷酸化Akt（Ser473）由美国Cell Signaling Technology提供,其他试剂由美国sigma和Santa Cruz公司提供。 方法：体外分离、培养大鼠NSCs,进行WTS-8、 BrdU检测。局灶性脑缺血模型,大脑中动脉线栓方法制作大鼠脑缺血再灌注模型。参照Longa氏5分评分方法,得分超过2分大鼠入选实验。2,3,5,氯化三苯基四唑（TTC）染色检测梗死体积。两天后大脑中动脉阻塞大鼠给与50000 E17的立体定向神经干细胞移植或5μgWortmannin至缺血海马旁。使用免疫印迹分析Akt（Ser473）,PI3K和BNDF的表达。 主要观察指标：脑组织神经干细胞移植激活PI3K/Akt通路参与促进神经组织的结构和功能恢复且上调脑源性神经营养因子的功能。 结果：神经干细胞治疗组脑梗死体积显着低于缺血模型组(P<0.01)、Wortmannin干预组(P<0.01)和神经干细胞+Wortmannin干预组(P<0.05)。在神经干细胞治疗组PI3K蛋白的水平比较显着高于脑缺血模型性(P<0.01)。在Akt的蛋白质水平（Ser473）和神经干细胞治疗组BNDF更为显著高于脑缺血模型性(P<0.01)。在治疗组的BNDF蛋白水平比较显着高于Wortmannin干预(P<0.01)神经干细胞+Wortmannin干预组(P<0.05)。 结论：在脑缺血过程中神经干细胞移植激活PI3K/Akt通路参与脑源性神经营养因子的基因表达。     

Exogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor relieves pain symptoms of diabetic rats by reducing excitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes lacking of effective treatments. Enhanced excitability of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neuron plays a crucial role in the progression of diabetic neuropathic hyperalgesia. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is known as a neuromodulator of nociception, but whether and how BDNF modulates the excitability of DRG neurons in the development of DPN remain to be clarified. This study investigated the role of exogenous BDNF and its high-affinity tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathic pain. The results showed that continued intrathecal administration of BDNF to diabetic rats dramatically alleviated mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, as well as inhibited hyperexcitability of DRG neurons. These effects were blocked by pretreatment with TrkB Fc (a synthetic fusion protein consisting of the extracellular ligand-binding domain of the TrkB receptor). The expression of BDNF and TrkB was upregulated in the DRG of diabetic rats. Intrathecal administration of BDNF did not affect this upregulation. These data provide novel information that exogenous BDNF relieved pain symptoms of diabetic rats by reducing hyperexcitability of DRG neurons and might be the potential treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy.     

艾司西酞普兰对抑郁模型大鼠行为学及脑脊液、血清脑源性神经营养因子水平的影响

目的:探讨艾司西酞普兰对慢性应激致抑郁模型大鼠行为学及脑脊液、血清脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)水平的影响。方法:将Sprague Dawley(SD)雄性大鼠随机分为应激组和非应激组,应激组给予慢性不可预知温和应激(CUMS)刺激8周;刺激4周后根据行为学评估[包括强迫游泳实验(FST)、蔗糖水偏爱实验(SPT)、旷场实验(OFT)]及体质量将抑郁行为大鼠随机分为抑郁模型组和抑郁给药组,非应激组随机分为正常对照组和正常给药组,各组6只。第5周起给予两给药组艾司西酞普兰(10 mg/kg·d)腹腔注射4周。刺激及给药结束后对各组大鼠再次行为学评估并检测脑脊液、血清BDNF水平。结果:CUMS 4周后,与非应激组相比,应激组FST中不动时间显著延长,SPT显著降低,OFT中路程及站立次数显著减少,体质量显著降低(P均0.01);药物干预4周后,与抑郁模型组相比,抑郁给药组FST中不动时间显著缩短,SPT及OFT中总路程显著增加(P均0.05);脑脊液、血清BDNF水平抑郁模型组显著低于正常对照组,抑郁给药显著高于抑郁模型组(P0.05或P0.01)。结论:艾司西酞普兰可改善抑郁大鼠的抑郁行为,提高脑脊液及血清BDNF水平。     

Role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in stress-induced depression*★

BACKGROUND： Accumulated evidence indicates an important role for hippocampal dendrite atrophy in development of depression, while brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） participates in hippocampal dendrite growth. OBJECTIVE： To discuss the role of BDNF and neuronal nitric oxide synthase （nNOS） in chronic and unpredictable stress-induced depression and the pathogenesis of depression. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Randomized, controlled animal experiment. The experiment was carded out from October 2006 to May 2007 at the Department of Animal Physiology, College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University. MATERIALS： Thirty-seven male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250-300 g at the beginning of the experiment were obtained from Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine （Xi＇an, China）. BDNF antibody and nNOS antibody were provided by Santa Cruz （USA）. K252a （BDNF inhibitor） and 7-NI （nNOS inhibitor） were provided by Sigma （USA）. METHODS： Animals were randomly divided into five groups： Control group, chronic unpredicted mild stress （CUMS） group, K252a group, K252a＋7-NI group and 7-NI＋CUMS group. While the Control, K252a and K252a＋7-NI groups of rats not subjected to stress had free access to food and water, other groups of rats were subjected to nine stressors randomly applied for 21 days, with each stressor applied 2-3 times. On days 1, 7, 14 and 21 during CUMS, rats received microinjection of 1 μL of physiological saline in the Control and CUMS groups, 1 ~ L of K252a in the K252a group, 1 μL of K252a and 7-NI in the K252a＋7-NI group, and 1 μL of 7-NI in the 7-NI＋CUMS group. We observed a variety of alterations in sucrose preference, body weight change, open field test and forced swimming test, and observed the expression of BDNF and nNOS in rat hippocampus by immunohistochemistry; MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： ① A variety.of behavioral alterations of rats; ② The expression of BDNF and nNOS in rat hippocampus. RESULTS： Compared with the Control     

雌激素对脑卒中后抑郁大鼠海马和杏仁核脑源性生长因子-磷酸化酪氨酸激酶B表达以及行为学的影响

目的通过观察雌激素对缺血性脑卒中后抑郁大鼠模型海马和杏仁核的脑源性生长因子(BDNF)-磷酸化酪氨酸激酶B(pTrkB)的表达,探讨缺血性脑卒中后内源性抑郁的发病机制。方法将SD雌性大鼠随机分为对照组12只(无任何干预)、模型组16只(MCAO术后2周,皮下注射大豆油,持续2周)和雌激素组16只(MCAO术后2周,皮下注射溶有10μg 17β-雌二醇的0.1 mL大豆油,持续2周)。通过旷场实验和强迫游泳实验观察大鼠行为学变化,应用免疫组化和Western blot方法观察海马和杏仁核中BDNF和pTrkB表达。结果雌激素干预后:①旷场实验和强迫游泳中,大鼠行为学评分均显著提高,雌激素组与模型组比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.01);②免疫组化法观察示雌激素组海马和杏仁核BDNF阳性细胞数与模型组比较明显增多,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);③Western blot法检测示雌激素组BDNF/β-actin和pTrkB/TrkB灰度比值较模型组明显提高(P0.05)。结论雌激素能改善脑卒中后大鼠的抑郁行为,其机制可能是通过BDNF-pTrkB信号通路的变化而改善PSD症状。     

Correlation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor to cognitive impairment following traumatic brain injury in rats

BACKGROUND: In vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) can promote survival and differentiation of cholinergic, dopaminergic and motor neurons, and axonal regeneration. BDNF has neuroprotective effects on the nervous system. OBJECTIVE: To explore changes in BDNF expression and cognitive function in rats after brain injury DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The neuropathology experiment was performed at the Second Research Room, Department of Neurosurgery, Fujian Medical University (China) from July 2007 to July 2008. MATERIALS: A total of 72 healthy, male, Sprague Dawley, rats were selected for this study. METHODS: Rat models of mild and moderate traumatic brain injury were created by percussion, according to Feeney's method (n = 24, each group). A bone window was made in rats from the sham operation group (n = 24), but no attack was conducted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: At days 1,2, 4 and 7 following injury, BDNF expression in the rat frontal lobe cortex, hippocampus and basal forebrain was examined by immunohistochemistry (streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method). Changes in rat cognitive function were assessed by the walking test, balance-beam test and memory function detection. RESULTS: Cognitive impairment was aggravated at day 2, and recovered to normal at days 3 and 7 in rats from the mild and moderate traumatic brain injury groups. BDNF expression in the rat frontal lobe cortex, hippocampus and basal forebrain was increased at 1 day, decreased at day 2, and then gradually increased in the mild and moderate traumatic brain injury groups. BDNF expression was greater in rats from the moderate traumatic brain injury group than in the sham operation and mild traumatic brain injury groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: BDNF expression in the rat frontal lobe cortex, hippocampus and basal forebrain is correlated to cognitive impairment after traumatic brain injury. BDNF has a protective effect on cognitive function in rats following injury     

Correlation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor to cognitive impairment following traumatic brain injury in rats**☆

BACKGROUND： In vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed that brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） can promote survival and differentiation of cholinergic, dopaminergic and motor neurons, and axonal regeneration. BDNF has neuroprotective effects on the nervous system. OBJECTIVE： To explore changes in BDNF expression and cognitive function in rats after brain injury. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： The neuropathology experiment was performed at the Second Research Room, Department of Neurosurgery, Fujian Medical University （China） from July 2007 to July 2008. MATERIALS： A total of 72 healthy, male, Sprague Dawley, rats were selected for this study. METHODS： Rat models of mild and moderate traumatic brain injury were created by percussion, according to Feeney＇s method （n = 24, each group）. A bone window was made in rats from the sham operation group （n = 24）, but no attack was conducted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： At days 1, 2, 4 and 7 following injury, BDNF expression in the rat frontal lobe cortex, hippocampus and basal forebrain was examined by immunohistochemistry （streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method）. Changes in rat cognitive function were assessed by the walking test, balance-beam test and memory function detection. RESULTS： Cognitive impairment was aggravated at day 2, and recovered to normal at days 3 and 7 in rats from the mild and moderate traumatic brain injury groups. BDNF expression in the rat frontal lobe cortex, hippocampus and basal forebrain was increased at 1 day, decreased at day 2, and then gradually increased in the mild and moderate traumatic brain injury groups. BDNF expression was greater in rats from the moderate traumatic brain injury group than in the sham operation and mild traumatic brain injury groups （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： BDNF expression in the rat frontal lobe cortex, hippocampus and basal forebrain is correlated to cognitive impairment after traumatic brain injury. BDNF has a protective effect on cognitive function in rats following i     

人参皂甙Rg1对去卵巢大鼠面神经核脑源性神经营养因子表达的影响：半定量分析

BACKGROUND： Estrogen is neuroprotective effects such as breast carcinoma, endometria but long-term estrogen treatment can induce side cancer, and stroke. However, phytoestrogen is neuroprotective without these side effects. OBJECTIVE： To study the effects of Ginsenoside Rgl on facial neurons and brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） expression in the facial nucleus in ovariectomized rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： The randomized, controlled animal experiments were performed at the Ultrasonic Institute, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, China, from September 2007 to September 2008. MATERIALS： Ginsenoside Rgl （Sigma, USA）, rabbit anti-rat BDNF, Bcl-2, Bax antibodies, biotin-labeled goat anti-rabbit IgG （Boster, China）, and a TUNEL kit （Roche, Germany） were used in this study. METHODS： A total of 48 adult Sprague Dawley rats undergoing ovariectomy were randomly assigned into sham operation （n = 8）, model （n = 20）, and Ginsenoside Rgl （n = 20） groups. Facial nerve damage was induced by bilateral clamping of the facial nerve trunk. The bilateral facial nerve trunk was exposed in the sham operation group, with no clamping. Rats in the Ginsenoside Rgl group were intraperitoneally injected with 10 mg/kg per day Ginsenoside Rgl; other groups received 2 mL saline, once a day, for 14 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Morphologic changes in neurons of the facial nucleus were observed following hematoxylin-eosin staining. Neuronal apoptosis was detected by TUNEL. Changes in ultrastructure of the facial nerve fibers were observed with a transmission electron microscope. Expression of BDNF, Bcl-2, and Bax protein was quantified by semiquantitative immunohistochemistry. RESULTS： At 3-14 days following facial nerve damage, Ginsenoside Rgl increased BDNF expression and the number of regenerated nerve fibers, and produced thicker myelin sheaths （P 〈 0.05）. Ginsenoside Rgl also gradually increased Bcl-2 protein expression and decreased Bax protein expression （P 〈 0.05）. By day 7, apoptosis was observed in facial neurons, but Ginsenoside Rgl reduced the number of apoptotic neurons. Sham animals did not show any changes in BDNF, Bcl-2, or Bax expression or facial neuron morphology. CONCLUSION： Ginsenoside Rgl can substantially inhibit facial neuronal apoptosis by increasing endogenous BDNF and Bcl-2 expression and by decreasing Bax expression in ovariectomized rats after facial nerve damage.     

BDNF预处理急性高眼压大鼠视网膜trkB及p-trkB的表达变化

检测BDNF干预后大鼠视网膜TrkB、磷酸化TrkB的表达变化,为受损后视网膜节细胞的保护及外源性BDNF的应用提供一定的理论基础。方法：成年大鼠部分左眼给予BDNF预处理,右眼均设为正常对照。左眼眼压升高至闪光视网膜电图b波消失的临界眼压并维持60min,分别存活1、3、7、14天后处死,冰冻切片行尼氏染色及TrkB、磷酸化TrkB的免疫组织化学染色。结果：急性高眼压组各时间点节细胞层细胞数目均显著少于BDNF预处理组;急性高眼压组在存活1天、3天时TrkB的表达明显增加,p-TrkB的表达显著下调,7天、14天时TrkB、p-TrkB的表达均下调;BDNF预处理组在存活1天、3天时TrkB的表达明显上调,p-TrkB的表达下调但显著高于同时间点的单纯高眼压组;7天时TrkB的表达下调至正常对照组水平,14天时又再次显著上调;p-TrkB的表达在7、14天时进一步下调,但仍高于同时间点的单纯高眼压组。结论：BDNF对急性高眼压后大鼠视网膜的保护作用依赖于TrkB的激活,根据TrkB的表达变化给予BDNF对急性高眼压后的大鼠视网膜有较好保护作用。