Effects of Zuogui Pill(左归丸) and Yougui Pill(右归丸) on the Expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate/Protein Kinase A Signaling Transduction Pathways of Axonal Regeneration in Model Rats with Experimental Autoimm

Objective:To study the effects of Zuogui Pill(左归丸,ZGP)and Yougui Pill(右归丸,YGP)on the expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)and cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)/protein kinase A(PKA)signaling of axonal regeneration in the Lewis rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE),in order to explore the possible mechanism of ZGP and YGP on promoting axonal regeneration.Methods:The rats were randomly divided into normal control(NC),model(MO),prednisone acetate(PA),ZGP and YGP groups.The EAE model of rat was established by injecting antigen containing myelin basic protein(MBP)_(68-86).The brain and spinal cord were harvested on the 14th and 28th day postimmunization(PI),the protein and mRNA expression of BDNF and PKA in the brain and spinal cord of rats were detected by Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR),and the cAMP levels were detected by using enzyme-immunoassay method.Results:(1)On the 28th day PI,the mRNA expression of BDNF in brain white matter and spinal cord of rats in ZGP and YGP groups were up-regulated,especially in YGP group(P0.05 or P0.01).(2)On the 14th day PI,the cAMP levels in brain white matters significantly increased in PA and YGP groups compared with MO group(P0.05 or P0.01),and the cAMP level in YGP group was higher than that in ZGP group(P0.05).The cAMP level in spinal cord also significantly increased in YGP group compared with MO,PA and ZGP groups,respectively(P0.01).(3)On the 14th day PI,the PKA expression in spinal cord of rats in ZGP group was significantly decreased compared with MO and YGP groups,respectively(P0.05).(4)On the 28th day PI,there was a positive correlation between cAMP and PKA expression in the brain white matter of YGP rats.Conclusions:The results suggest that ZGP and YGP may promote axonal regeneration by modulating cAMP/PKA signal transduction pathway,but the targets of molecular mechanism of ZGP may be different from those of YGP.     

Expression of Attractin in male reproductive tract of human and mice and its correlation with male reproduction

The expression of Attractin mRNA and protein in testis and semen of human and male mice was investigated. Human testis and semen samples were all collected from Reproductive Center of Reumin Hospital, Wuhan University in December, 2012. Testis samples were collected from 7 cases of obstructive azoospermias when they were subjected to diagnosed testis biopsy, and 30 nor- mal human semen samples were obtained from those cases of semen analysis. Adult mice testis tis- sues were obtained from 10 2-month-old male BALB/c mice, and 60 male mice at different ages were classified into 10 groups （day 1, 5, 10, 15, 21, 28, 35, 42, 56, and 120 respectively, n=6 each）. The expression of Attractin mRNA and protein in testis was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting re- spectively. Human semen samples were centrifuged into sperm plasma （SP） and sperm extract （SE）, and mice sperm samples were collected from the epididymis of 10 adult male BALB/c mice. Western blotting was used to determine the Attractin protein expression level. Attractin mRNA and protein were expressed in the testis of both patients with obstructive azoospermias and adult Bcl/B mice. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that no Attractin mRNA was detectable in day 1 male BALB/c mice group. The Attractin mRNA and protein levels were low on the day 10, and increased with age until day 56. On the day 120, the expression levels of Attractin were decreased. As for human semen sam- pies, Attractin protein was expressed in both SP and SE, but didn＇t exist in samples from the epidi- dymis of male BALB/c mice. It was suggested that Attractin acted as a novel active substance and was involved in male reproduction in both human and BALB/c mice, but it exerted a different ex- pression profile in different mammal species.     

Effect of Bushenantai Recipe on the Expression of Endometrial LIF in Mice with Embryonic Implantation Dysfunction

In order to observe the effect of Bushenantai recipe on the expression of endometrial leukemia-inhibitory factor （LIF） in mice with embryonic implantation dysfunction （EID）, 120 Kunming mice post coition were randomized into three groups： normal control group, model group and traditional Chinese medicine group （TCM group） （n=40 in each group）. Uterus was collected on the pregnancy day （Pd） 4, 5, 6 after an intravenous injection of Evan＇s blue. The endometrium was dyed by Evan＇s blue and the mean points of response were observed on Pd 5. The expression of LIF mRNA and protein was detected by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry respectively and analyzed statistically by image system. The results showed that the number of implantation sites in model group was remarkably less than in normal control group and TCM group. There was no significant difference between normal control group and TCM group. The expression of LIF mRNA and protein in model group was delayed. Bushenantai recipe could increase the expression of LIF mRNA and protein in endometria of mice with EID. It was suggested that Bushenantai recipe could improve embryo implantation of mice with EID by promoting the endometrial LIF expression and endometrial decidualization.     

Protective effect of sulodexide on podocyte injury in adriamycin nephropathy rats

This study examined the effect of sulodexide on podocyte injury in rats with adriamycin nephropathy （AN）. A total of 36 healthy male SD rats were randomly assigned to three groups： control group, AN group and sulodexide treatment group. Rat models of AN were established by a single tail intravenous injection of adriamycin （6.5 mg/kg） in both AN group and sulodexide treatment group. Sulodexide （10 mg/kg） was administered the rats in the treatment group once daily by garage from the first day of model establishment until the 14th day or the 28th day. Samples of 24-h urine and renal cortex tissues were harvested at day 14, 28 after the model establishment. Excretion of 24-h urinary protein was measured by Coomassie brilliant blue method. The pathological changes in renal tissues were observed by light microscopy and electron microscopy respectively. Heparanase mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. Expressions of desmin, CD2AP and heparanase were determined by immunohistological staining. The results showed that the expressions of heparanase mRNA and protein were increased in the glomeruli of AN rats at day 14 and 28 after the model establishment, which was accompanied by the increased expression of desmin and CD2AP. The mRNA and protein expression of heparanase was decreased in the sulodexide-treated rats as compared with AN rats at day 14 and 28. And, the protein expression of desmin and CD2AP was reduced as with heparanase in the sulodexide-treated rats. Proteinuria and podocyte foot process effacement were alleviated in the AN rats after sulodexide treatment. There was a positive correlation between the expression of heparanase and the expression of desmin and CD2AP （as well as 24-h urinary protein excretion）. It was concluded that increased heparanase is involved in podocyte injury. Sulodexide can maintain and restore podocyte morphology by inhibiting the expression of heparanase in AN.     

左归丸和右归丸对实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎大鼠轴突再生过程中脑源性神经营养因子表达及环磷酸腺苷/蛋白激酶A信号转导通路的作用

Objective：To study the effects of Zuogui Pill（左归丸,ZGP）and Yougui Pill（右归丸,YGP）on the expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor（BDNF）and cyclic adenosine monophosphate（cAMP）/protein kinase A（PKA）signaling of axonal regeneration in the Lewis rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis（EAE）,in order to explore the possible mechanism of ZGP and YGP on promoting axonal regeneration.Methods：The rats were randomly divided into normal control（NC）,model（MO）,prednisone acetate（PA）,ZGP and YGP groups.The EAE model of rat was established by injecting antigen containing myelin basic protein（MBP）68-86.The brain and spinal cord were harvested on the 14th and 28th day postimmunization（PI）,the protein and mRNA expression of BDNF and PKA in the brain and spinal cord of rats were detected by Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction（PCR）,and the cAMP levels were detected by using enzyme-immunoassay method.Results：（1）On the 28th day PI,the mRNA expression of BDNF in brain white matter and spinal cord of rats in ZGP and YGP groups were up-regulated,especially in YGP group（P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）.（2）On the 14th day PI,the cAMP levels in brain white matters significantly increased in PA and YGP groups compared with MO group（P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）,and the cAMP level in YGP group was higher than that in ZGP group（P〈0.05）.The cAMP level in spinal cord also significantly increased in YGP group compared with MO,PA and ZGP groups,respectively（P〈0.01）.（3）On the 14th day PI,the PKA expression in spinal cord of rats in ZGP group was significantly decreased compared with MO and YGP groups,respectively（P〈0.05）.（4）On the 28th day PI,there was a positive correlation between cAMP and PKA expression in the brain white matter of YGP rats.Conclusions：The results suggest that ZGP and YGP may promote axonal regeneration by modulating cAMP/PKA signal transduction pathway,but the targets of molecular mec     

Expression of cytokines in mouse hepatitis B virus X gene-transfected model

The expression profile in the mouse hepatitis B virus X (HBx)-transfected model was investigated in order to lay a foundation for further study on the implication of cytokines expression in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.Hydrodynamic injection method via the tail vein was used to establish the animal HBx-transfected model.By using microassay,the differential expression of gene in each group was analyzed,which was further confirmed by using real-time PCR and semi-quantitative PCR.Most of chemokine genes such as Ccl2,Ccl5,Ccl9,MIG and IP-10 were up-regulated in the HBx-transfected mouse model versus the control mice,which was coincided with the microarray results.Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were applied to detect the expression of MIG and IP-10 in the liver tissues.Simultaneously,ELISA was adopted to measure the content of IFN-γ in the liver tissues.DNA microassay revealed that the expression of 611 genes changed in HBx-transfected mice as compared with that in pCMV-tag2B-transfected mice,and most of the screened chemokines were up-regulated (including MIG and IP-10).Additionally,IFN-γ protein levels were increased by 20.7% (P<0.05) in pCMV-tag2B-HBx-transfected mice as compared with the untreated mice.IFN-γ protein levels were reduced by 53.9% (P<0.05) in pCMV-tag2B-transfected mice as compared with the untreated mice,which was consistent with the up-regulation of MIG and IP-10.It was suggested HBx transfection could induce the expression of MIG and IP-10 in the liver tissues,which might play the roles in HBV-related liver immunity and cytokines-mediated antiviral effect.     

Expression of Ceramide Kinase （Cerk） and Related Regulation in Early Pregnant Uterus of Mice

Objective To investigate the expression of ceramide kinase (Cerk) and related regulation in mouse uterus during early pregnancy. Methods Several mouse models, including early pregnancy, pseudopregnancy, delayed or activated implantation, artificial decidualization, and steroid hormonal treatment were performed (n=10). Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were used to detect the expression of Cerk protein and mRNA in uterus. Results Expression of Cerk mRNA and protein was strongly detected in the luminal and glandular epithelium on day 1 of pregnancy. However, Cerk mRNA and protein signals were strongly detected in the subluminal stroma surrounding the implanting blastocyst on day 5 and decidua from day 6 to day 8 whereas not in the luminal epithelium. The expression of Cerk in luminal and glandular epithelium of pseudopregnancy was similar to that of early pregnancy from day 1 to day 4 whereas on day 5 of pseudoprgenancy still with remarkable signals in the luminal epithelium. Under delayed implantation, no obvious Cerk expression was detected in the uterus. After delayed implantation was terminated by estrogen treatment and embryo implantation was initiated, both Cerk mRNA and protein were detected in the subluminal stroma surrounding the implanted blastocyst. A strong Cerk signal was detected in decidualized cells under artificial decidualization, whereas only a basal level of Cerk signal was observed in the control uterus which did not inject sesame oil. Progesterone induced a slight expression of Cerk in the luminal and glandular epithelium. Both estradiol and a combination of progesterone with estradiol strongly increased the level of Cerk signal in the luminal and glandular epithelium. Conclusion Cerk expression is under the regulation of progesterone and estrogen. The strong expression of Cerk in implantation site and decidua suggests that Cerk might play an important role during implantation and decidualization.     

Pubertal exposure to bisphenol A affects the reproduction of male mice and sex ratio of offspring

Objective To study the effects of pubertal exposure to bisphenol A(BPA)on the reproduction of male mice in adulthood and subsequent generation mice.Methods Male mice aged 21 d were exposed to BPA at a dose of 50 mg/kg per day for 7 d by intraperitoneal injection.Sperm count,sperm deformity rate and testis histology were evaluated 35 d after exposure.Male fertility index and newborns were further observed by mating with the normal female mice.Results The epididymal sperm number was decreased by 20.6%in BPA exposure group compared with the control(P<0.01).Sperm deformity rate in BPA group was increased by 9.65%compared with the control(P<0.05).Testis seminiferous tubules were abnormal with sloughing of germ cells;BPA exposure had no significant effects on the fertility of male mice in adulthood;sex ratio of male to female offspring was increased.Conclusion Pubertal exposure to BPA disrupted spermatogenesis in adult mice,and the proportion of male offspring was increased compared with the control.     

Increased PIT1 and PIT2 Expression in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced Diabetic Mice Contributes to Uptake of iAs(V)

Objective This study aimed to investigate the susceptibility of mice with streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus(TIDM) to the uptake of pentavalent inorganic arsenic(iAs~V) and the possible molecular mechanism. Methods TIDM was induced in mice by STZ. TIDM and normal mice were treated with 15.0 mg/kg Na_2HAsO_4·12H_2O by intragastric administration. Then, the concentrations of arsenic in various tissues were measured by atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The gene expression levels of Pit1 and Pit2 were quantified by real-time RT-PCR, and their protein levels were detected by Western blotting in mouse heart, kidney, and liver tissues. Results The concentrations of arsenic in STZ-induced TIDM mouse tissues were higher at 2 h after intragastric administration of Na_2HAsO_4·12H_2O. Compared with the levels in normal mice, PIT1 and PIT2, which play a role in the uptake of iAs~V, were upregulated in the livers and hearts of TIDM mice. PIT1 but not PIT2 was higher in TIDM mouse kidneys. The upregulation of Pit1 and Pit2 expression could be reversed by insulin treatment. Conclusion The increased uptake of iAs~V in TIDM mouse tissues may be associated with increased PIT1 and/or PIT2 expression.     

Radix Kansui Stir-Fried with Vinegar Reduces Radix Kansui-Related Hepatotoxicity in Mice via Mitochondrial Pathway

Objective To investigate the mechanism of Radix Kansui(RK)stir-fried with vinegar(VRK)decreased hepatotoxicity in mice.Methods According to a random number table,40 mice were randomly divided into negative control group(0.5%carboxymethylcellulose sodium,20 mL/kg),positive control group(0.1%mixture of carbon tetrachloride in soybean oil,20 mL/kg),RK group(the ethyl acetate extracts of RK,250 g crude drug/kg)and VRK group(the ethyl acetate extracts of VRK,250 g crude drug/kg)with 10 mice per group.All mice were administered orally by gavage daily for 7 continuous days.The morphology of liver tissues was examined to assess the liver injury by a transmission electron microscope.Hepatocyte apoptosis in vivo was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nickend labeling(TUNEL)assay.Immunohistochemical technique was adopted to detect the expression of particular antiapoptotic and proapoptotic proteins in the mitochondrial pathways,including B-cell lymphoma(Bcl-2)and caspase-3,as well as the expression of inflammatory mediators,including nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)and intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1).Results Liver injury and hepatocyte apoptosis were observed in RK mice,and the liver injury were significantly reduced in VRK-treated mice.In immunohistochemistry study,compared with the negative control group,RK inhibited dramatically the Bcl-2 protein expression and significantly increased the expression of caspase-3,NF-κB and ICAM-1(all P<0.01).Compared with the RK group,VRK group induced significant increase on Bcl-2 protein expression,and decreased the caspase-3,NF-κB and ICAM-1 protein expression(P<0.05 or <0.01).Conclusion The mechanism of reduced hepatotoxicity of VRK may be associated with the reduced inflammation,regulation of antiapoptotic and proapoptotic mediators in the mitochondrial pathway.     

Hawthorn Extract Alleviates Atherosclerosis through Regulating Inflammation and Apoptosis Related Factors: An Experimental Study

Objective: To determine the effects of hawthorn extract on serum lipid levels, pathological changes in aortic atherosclerosis plaque, inflammatory factors, and apoptosis-related protein and mRNA expression in apolipoprotein E gene knockout(ApoE~(-/-)) mice. Methods: Thirty-six ApoE~(-/-) mice were fed with a high-fat diet starting at the age of 8 weeks. Mice were randomly divided into 3 groups by a random number table including model group, hawthorn extract group, and simvastatin group, 12 mice in each group. Twelve 8-week-old C57BL/6 mice were fed a basic diet and served as control. The mice in the control and model groups were administered 0.2 mL saline daily, the mice in the hawthorn extract and simvastatin groups were administered with 50 mg/kg hawthorn extract or 5 mg/kg simvastatin daily for 16 weeks. After 16 weeks, plasma lipids including total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) were determined by an enzymatic assay. Aortic atherosclerotic lesions were observed by light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Plasma levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), adiponectin(APN), and hypersensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Protein and mRNA expressions of Bax and Bcl-2 in the aorta were assessed by Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qR T-PCR), respectively. Results: Compared to the control group, the plasma levels of TC, TG and LDL-C were significantly increased and HDL-C were significantly decreased in the model group(P0.01). Compared to the model group, treatment with hawthorn extract significantly decreased the plasma levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C and increased the plasma level of HDL-C in ApoE~(-/-)mice(P0.01). The levels of MCP-1, IL-1β, and hs-CRP in the model group were significantly increased and APN was significantly decreased compared with the control group(P0.01). Compared to the model group, treatment with hawthorn extract decreased the levels of MCP-1, IL-1β, and hs-CRP and increased the APN level(P0.01). Compared to the control group, the protein and mR NA expression of Bax in the model group were significantly increased and the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly decreased(P0.01). Hawthorn extract also reduced the protein and mR NA expression of Bax and increased the Bcl-2 expression in the aorta(P0.01). Conclusion: Hawthorn extract has anti-atherosclerosis and stabilizing unstable plaque effects. The mechanism may be related to the inflammation and apoptosis signaling pathways.     

Influence of L-arginine on the Expression of eNOS and COX2 in Experimental Pulmonary Thromboembolism

The influence of L-arginine on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and cyclooxy-genase 2 (COX2) was observed in experimental pulmonary thromboembolism and the action mechanism on pulmonary thromboembolism was explored. Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group, model group and treatment group. Pulmonary thromboembolism models were established by auto-blood back transfusion, and L-Arg 100 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected after successful model preparation. The animals were sacrificed at 3 h, 1 day, 3 days and 7 days after embolism. Plasma NO, TXB2 and 6-Keto-PGF1αwere detected. The expression of eNOS and COX2 protein and mRNA in pulmonary tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR respectively. The results showed that pulmonary thrombosis could be seen post pulmonary embolism and inflammatory reaction was significant. Plasma NO was decreased (P<0.01), and the levels of TXB2, 6-Keto-PGF1αand T/P ratio were all elevated. The expression of eNOS protein and mRNA in the pulmonary tissue was down-regulated (P<0.05), while that of COX2 protein and mRNA was upregu-lated (P<0.01). In treatment group, the level of NO was increased, the levels of TXB2 and T/P ratio were decreased, but the level of 6-Keto-PGF1αwas increased. The expression of eNOS protein and mRNA in pulmonary tissue was upregulated (P<0.05), while that of COX2 protein and mRNA was down-regulated (P<0.05). In conclusion, L-arginine can educe the role of pulmonary tissue protection through up-regulating the expression of intra-pulmonary NOS and down -regulating COX2 in pulmonary thromboembolism.     

叶绿酸铜钠对再生障碍性贫血小鼠间充质干细胞功能的影响

Objective: To investigate the effects of sodium copper chlorophyllin (SCC) on the proliferation, differentiation and immunomodulatory function of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from mice with aplastic anemia. Methods: A mouse model of aplastic anemia was established by exposure of BALB/c mice to sublethal doses of 5.0 Gy Co60 γ radiation, followed by transplantation of 2×1000000 lymph node cells from DBA/2 donor mice within 4 h after radiation. Aplastic anemic BALB/c mice were randomly divided into six groups: the treated groups, which received 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg/day SCC, respectively; a positive control group treated with cyclosporine A (CsA); and an untreated model control group (model group); while, the non-irradiated mice as the normal control group. SCC or CsA were administered by gastrogavage for 20 days, starting on day 4 after irradiation. Peripheral blood cells were counted and colony-forming fibroblasts (CFU-F) in the bone marrow were assayed. The ability of MSCs to form calcium nodes after culture in osteoinductive medium was also observed. The immunosuppressive effect of MSCs on T lymphocytes was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry, to evaluate the efficacy of SCC in mice with aplastic anemia. Results: Peripheral blood white cell and platelet counts were increased by medium and high SCC doses, compared with the untreated control. CFU-Fs were also increased compared with the untreated control, and the numbers of calcium nodes in MSCs in osteoinductive medium were elevated in response to SCC treatment. The percentage of Forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3+) T cells was increased in T cell-MSC cocultures, and the cytokine transforming growth factor β1 was up-regulated in SCC-treated groups. Conclusion : The results of this study suggest that SCC not only promotes the proliferation and differentiation of MSCs, but also improves their immunoregulatory capacity in mice with aplastic anemia.     

Research on the Mechanism of Zuogui Pill(左归丸)and Yougui Pill(右归丸)in Promoting Axonal Regeneration in Model Rats of Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

<正>Objective:To study the molecular mechanism of Zuogui Pill(左归丸,ZGP) and Yougui Pill(右归丸,YGP) on axonal regeneration in rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE).Methods: EAE rat model was established by bilateral rear pedes subcutaneous injection of antigen made by mixing myelin basic protein(MBP) and complete Freud's adjuvant(CFA) in the volume ratio of 1:1.The pathological changes of axonal injury and regeneration in the brain and the spinal cord were observed on the 14th(the acute stage) and the 28th day(the remission stage) after modeling,with hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining,silver stain, and immunohistochemical staining.The rats treated with prednisone acetate were taken as controls.Results: Observation under the light microscope with HE staining showed a sleeve-like change in rats' cerebrospinal parenchyma with inflammatory cell infiltration around the small vessels and neuronic denaturation,while silver staining showed excessive tumefaction and abscission of axon,and immunohistochemical analysis showed decreasing of nerve growth factor(NGF) expression at the acute stage of EAE,which was even more remarkable at the remission stage,showing significant difference as compared with the normal control(P0.05). And the expressions of Nogo A,an axon growth inhibitor,and its receptor(Nogo-66 receptor,Ng R) were significantly higher than those in the normal control at the acute stage(P0.01).However,after the intervention of ZGP and YGP,the pathological changes and axon damage in rats' brain and spinal cord were much more alleviated,and the NGF expression was significantly higher than that in the model group at the acute stage (P0.05).The expression of NGF was even stronger during the remission stage,and a better effect was shown by YGP.As for Nogo A and Ng R expressions,they were significantly lower than those in the model group at the acute stage(P0.05),but a better effect was shown by ZGP.Conclusions:ZGP and YGP can prevent axonal injury and promote the axonal regeneration in rats of EAE,and the possible mechanism is to increase the expression of NGF and reduce the expression of Nogo A and its receptor.However,some differences are observed between the two Chinese preparations in their acting times and points,which provides a certain basis for revealing the modern connotation of the Chinese medicine theory on tonifying Shen(肾)-yin and Shen-yang.     

EFFECT OF RADIX SALVIAE MILTIORRHIZAE ON THE GENE EXPRESSION OF NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE IN ISCHEMIC RAT BRAINS

The effect of Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae (RSM) on the gene expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in rat brains daring ischemia was studied with in situ hybridization and the results were analyzed with IBAS 2000 Image Analysis System. It was found that NOS gene expression of cerebral cortex and caudate-putamen was markedly increased in 24 hours in ischemia group (P< 0.01). In RSM-treated rats, although the NOS gene expression of ischemic side was also increased as compared with contralateral cortex and caudate-putamen, it was significantly lower in RSM-treated rats than those of the controls (P< 0.05, P< 0.01). The present study indicates that RSM can partly inhibit NOS gene ex pression of cerebral cortex and caudate-putamen during ischemia. This may be one of the protective mechanisms of RSM on cerebral ischemia.     

Effect of Electroacupuncture on Expression of p53 Protein in Cerebral Cortex of Rats with Global Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on expression of p53 protein in cerebral cortex of senile rats with global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury and to explore its mechanism. Methods: The cerebral IR injury rat model was established referring to Pulsinelli 4-vessel occlusion method. Thirty-six SD rats were randomly and evenly divided into the control group, the IR group and the IR plus EA (IR-EA) group. The animals in the control group were subjected to electrocauterization of vertebral arteries in bilateral flank orifice alone with the general carotid arteries unoccluded. To rats in the IR-EA group, immediately and 24h, 48h, 72h after cerebral IR, EA treatment on bilateral acupoint "Zusanli" (ST36) was applied once a day, lasting for 60 minutes. After the final treatment, all the rats were sacrificed and their brains were taken to examine p53 protein expression by the immunohistochemical method. Results: Cells with positive p53 immunoreactivity in the cerebral cortex of     

Expression of Angiopoietin-1/-2 in the Process of Mouse Embryo Implantation

This study examined the expression and distribution of angiopoietin-1/-2 (Ang-1/-2) in the endometrium of early pregnant mice. The expression of Ang-1/-2 was detected by immunohisto- chemical staining and in situ hybridization respectively. Computerized image analysis system was used to measure the average optical intensity of Ang-1/-2 in endometria at different time points after gestation. Mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: control group, D2 group (2 days after preg- nancy), D4 group (4 days after pregnancy), D6 group (6 days after pregnancy) and D8 group (8 days after pregnancy), each containing 15 mice. The results showed that the expression of Ang-1 and Ang-2 was very different among 4 groups (P<0.01). Immunohistochemical staining revealed that Ang-1 was localized in the cytoplasma of stromal cells 2 days after pregnancy (day 2), and in luminal epithelial cells on day 4. The protein of Ang-2 was mainly expressed in the cytoplasma of glandular epithelia and stromal cells. With gestation time, the positive reactions of Ang-1/-2 were stronger in the endometria of the pregnant mice (P<0.01). In situ hybridization showed Ang-1 mRNA in stromal cells on day 2. Hybridization signal was localized in both stromal cells and vessel epithelial cells on day 4; Ang-2 mRNA was expressed in stromal cells and glandular epithelia on day 2; high mRNA levels appeared in stromal cells, glandular epithelia and vascular endothelia on day 4; an increasing in mRNA expression of Ang-1/-2 was observed on day 6 and day 8 (P<0.01). It is suggested that Ang-1/-2 may play an important role in the cross-talk between blastocyst and maternal endometrium during the process of embryo implantation.     

Effect of Qingre Quyu Granule (清热祛瘀颗粒) on Stabilizing Plaques in the Brachiocephalic Artery of Apolipoprotein E Defficient Mice

Objective: To investigate the effect of Qingre Quyu Granule (清热祛瘀颗粒, QRQYG) on stabilizing vulnerable plaques in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) defficient mice. Methods: Seventy-two male ApoE defficient mice were given a high-fat diet from 6 weeks of age. At the 16th week, all the mice were randomized into 3 groups: the QRQYG group, the simvastatin group, and the control group. Sixteen weeks after administration of 0.9 g/kg QRQYG, 3 mg/kg simvastatin or 10 mg/kg sodium chloride per day to the respective groups, the animals were euthanized. The pathological morphologic changes in the vulnerable plaques were evaluated, the matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) expression was measured by immunohistofluorescence, the soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) was determined by ELISA, the nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) subunit p65 was measured by quantitative RT-PCR, and, finally, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) was determined by the immunohistochemical method. Results: The plaque cross-sectional area in the brachiocephalic artery (23.7%, P0.01), the lipid core of the plaque (43.1%±3.1%), and the number of buried ?brotic caps of the plaque were significantly decreased in the QRQYG group compared to the control group (both P0.01); furthermore, the thickness of the ?brotic cap of the plaque increased and the intra-plaque hemorrhage of the plaque decreased. The serum soluble ICAM-1 (27.1±5.1 μg/mL), the protein expression of MMP-9 and TSP-1 and the p65 mRNA expression increased in the QRQYG group in comparison with the control group (P0.05 or P0.01). Conclusion: QRQYG could stabilize the vulnerable plaque through inhibition of the inflammatory response.