Interventional effect of laser acupoint radiation on the expression of Nissl body and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in newborn rat models with ischemic/hypoxic cerebral injury

BACKGROUND: Some researches report that He-Ne laser can activate function of erythrocytes and increase content of blood and oxygen via bio-stimulating effect; therefore, it suspects that laser radiation at Baihui and Dazhui can partially increase blood circulation for oxygen-supplying content of brain and improve functional status of neurons. OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of laser radiation at Baihui and Dazhui on the expression of Nissl body of brain tissue neurons and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in newborn rats with ischemic/hypoxic cerebral injury. DESIGN: Randomized controlled animal study. SETTING: Department of Neurological Histochemistry, Xianning University. MATERIALS: Forty Wistar rats of 7–8 days old, weighing 15–20 g and of both genders, were selected from Wuhan Experimental Animal Center. All the rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (n =8), model group (n =16) and radiation group (n =16). The experimental animals were disposed according to ethical criteria. BDNF kit was provided by Wuhan Boster Bioengineering Co., Ltd. METHODS: The experiment was carried out in the Department of Neurological Histochemistry, Xianning University from April 2005 to October 2006. Rats in the radiation group and model group were performed with ligation of left common carotid artery, recovered at room temperature for 1–6 days, maintained in self-made hypoxic cabin under normal pressure and injected mixture gas (0.05 volume fraction of O2 and 0.92 volume fraction of N2) for 2 hours. In addition, rats in the sham operation group were treated with separation of left common carotid artery but not ligation and hypoxia. Rats in the model group were not given any treatment; while, rats in the radiation group were exposed with He-Ne laser of 63.28 nm in the wave length at Baihui and Dazhui acupoints on the second day after ischemia-hypoxia. The radiation was given for 10 minutes per day and once a day. Ten days were regarded as a course and the rats were exposed for 2 courses in total. At 20 days after routine breeding, left hemisphere tissues of rats in the three groups were collected for staining of Nissl body and immunohistochemistry of BDNF. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Nissl body staining in left hemisphere tissue and expression of immune positive cells of BDNF. RESULTS: All 40 rats were involved in the final analysis. ① Nissl body staining: Neuronal cytoplasm of brain tissue was full of blue granule Nissl bodies in the sham operation group; while, Nissl body in neuronal cytoplasm in the model group was stained slightly and had a certain degree of degeneration; meanwhile, there were a lot of blank area in ischemic region. Nissl body in neuron cytoplasm was gradually recovered in the radiation group and relieved as compared with that in the model group. ② Positive cells of BDNF: Number of immune positive cells of BDNF which were ligated in lateral cerebral hemisphere of rats in the model group was higher than that in the sham operation group (P < 0.05); while, BDNF expression in the radiation group was increased as compared with that in the model group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: After laser acupoint radiation, Nissl body is increased and BDNF expression is also increased. This suggests that laser acupoint radiation has neuroprotective effect on brain tissue after ischemia-hypoxia injury.     

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。     

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     

Electroacupuncture stimulation of the brachial plexus trunk on the healthy side promotes brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA expression in the ischemic cerebral cortex of a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

A rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion was established by suture occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery. In situ hybridization results showed that the number of brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA-positive cells in the ischemic rat cerebral cortex increased after cerebral ischemia/ reperfusion injury. Low frequency continuous wave electroacupuncture (frequency 2-6 Hz, current intensity 2 mA) stimulation of the brachial plexus trunk on the healthy (right) side increased the number of brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA-positive cells in the ischemic cerebral cortex 14 days after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. At the same time, electroacupuncture stimulation of the healthy brachial plexus truck significantly decreased neurological function scores and alleviated neurological function deficits. These findings suggest that electroacupuncture stimulation of the brachial plexus trunk on the healthy (right) side can greatly increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA expression and improve neurological function.     

神经干细胞-脑源性神经营养因子基因工程细胞移植对大鼠缺血性脑损伤的治疗作用

目的 将脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)基因转入大鼠海马原代培养的神经干细胞(NSCs)中,获得NSCs-BDNF基因工程干细胞并移植治疗大鼠缺血性脑损伤.方法 分离培养新生大鼠海马区NSCs,检测其增殖、分化等特性;构建逆转录病毒载体pLXSN-BDNF,转染NSCs,获得NSCs-BDNF基因工程干细胞,检测其BDNF的表达和活性;建立大鼠大脑中动脉局灶性脑缺血模型,通过立体定向技术将NSCs-BDNF移植入模型缺血侧海马,进行组织学和行为学检测.结果 NSCs-BDNF移植后可以观察到动物行为学的改善,术后4周Longa评分1.343±0.293,脑切片可以观察到海马齿状回神经元数目的增加,术后4周存活率87.5%±6.6%,较对照有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 NSCs-BDNF移植对实验性大鼠缺血性脑损伤有修复作用.     

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.     

Agmatine promotes expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in brainstem facial nucleus in the rat facial nerve injury model★

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that agmatine can reduce inhibition of neuronal regeneration by increasing cyclic adenosine monophosphate and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus of morphine-dependent rats. The hypothesis that agmatine exerts similar effects on facial nerve injury deserves further analysis.OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of peritoneal agmatine injection on BDNF levels in the rat brainstem after facial nerve injury.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A controlled animal experiment was performed at the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing University of Medical Sciences (Chongqing, China), between October and December in 2007.MATERIALS: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control, a lesion, and an agmatine treatment group, with eight rats in each group. Bilateral facial nerve anastomosis was induced in the lesion and agmatine treatment groups, while the control group remained untreated. A rat BDNF Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to measure BDNF levels in the brainstem facial nucleus.METHODS: Starting on the day of lesion, the agmatine group received a peritoneal injection of 100 mg/kg agmatine, once per day, for a week, whereas rats in the lesion group received saline injections.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: BDNF levels in the brainstem containing facial nucleus were measured by ELISA.RESULTS: Twenty-four rats were included in the final analysis without any loss. Two weeks after lesion, BDNF levels were significantly higher in the lesion group than in the control group (P<0.01). A significant increase was noted in the agmatine group compared to the lesion group (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Agmatine can substantially increase BDNF levels in the rat brainstem after facial nerve injury.     

Short-term response of postnatal rat vestibular neurons following brain-derived neurotrophic factor or neurotrophin-3 application

The effects of the application of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) neurotrophins on the intracellular calcium level ([Ca²⁺]_i) were studied in vestibular ganglion neurons (VGNs) from postnatal day 3 (P3) rats cultured for 50 hr. We first assessed the expression of trkB and trkC mRNA receptors in cultured VGNs. Immunobloting and immunocytochemistry confirmed the presence of the neurotrophin receptors on neurons. Both neurotrophins induced transient [Ca²⁺]_i elevations in VGNs: BDNF-treated neurons responded in 65% and NT-3-treated neurons in 56%. The responses could be inhibited by anti-BDNF or anti-NT-3 antibodies. The [Ca²⁺]_i elevation was dependent on extracellular calcium since it was abolished in calcium-free medium but also implicates the release of calcium from intracellular stores as tested by prior depletion with thapsigargin. Our results suggest the implication of a short-term calcium regulation in VGNs, which could reflect specific fast effects of neurotrophins in the early postnatal rat vestibular system. J. Neurosci. Res. 50:443–449, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

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     

神经生长因子联合康复训练对脑梗死大鼠神经行为学及脑源性神经营养因子、Bax表达的影响

目的 研究神经生长因子(NGF)联合康复训练对脑梗死大鼠神经行为学及脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)和促凋亡蛋白Bax表达的影响.方法 将72只SD大鼠随机分为对照组、NGF组、康复训练组及NGF联合康复训练治疗组(联合治疗组),每组又分为脑梗死后7d、14 d、21 d 3个亚组.采用线栓法制作脑梗死大鼠模型,NGF组制模后即予腹腔注射鼠NGF 20 μg/(kg·d);康复训练组制模后72 h给予平衡木、转棒、网屏训练;联合治疗组同时给予NGF和康复训练.各组分别于相应时间点进行神经行为学评分,采用免疫组化染色检测脑组织BDNF、Bax的表达,逆转录-PCR法检测BDNF mRNA、BaxmRNA的表达.结果 与对照组相比,NGF组、康复训练组及联合治疗组各时间点亚组的神经行为学评分均明显降低,脑组织BDNF、BDNFmRNA表达明显升高,Bax及Bax mRNA表达明显降低(均P＜0.05).与联合治疗组比较,NGF组、康复训练组各时间点亚组的神经行为学评分均明显升高,脑组织BDNF、BDNF mRNA水平明显降低,Bax、Bax mRNA表达水平明显增高(均P＜0.05).结论 NGF联合康复训练能上调BDNF、下调Bax的表达,而显著改善脑梗死大鼠的神经功能恢复.     

轻型颅脑损伤对大鼠脑源性神经营养因子基因表达的影响及意义

目的探讨轻型颅脑损伤对大鼠脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)基因表达的影响及意义.方法120只成年SD大鼠根据性别不同分为雌性对照组、雌性实验组、雄性对照组和雄性实验组,每组30只.两实验组建立侧位液压冲击轻型颅脑损伤模型.Morris水迷宫试验测试大鼠学习记忆能力,RT-PCR检测海马中BDNF mRNA的表达.结果水迷宫定位航行试验第4天,同性别大鼠实验组平均逃逸潜伏期较对照组明显延长(P＜0.05);空间探索试验同性别大鼠实验组寻找平台潜伏期较对照组明显延长(P＜0.05),穿越平台次数较对照组减少(P＜0.05);同性别大鼠实验组大脑海马中BDNFmRNA的表达显著低于对照组(P＜0.01).结论侧位液压冲击轻型颅脑损伤会降低模型鼠大脑海马中BDNF mRNA的表达,并可能因此导致大鼠学习记忆能力下降.     

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 Trk(B 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 hippocampal formation were reduced in the aged group.However,ginsenosides can increase BDNF and TrkB mRNA expression in the hippocampal formation.     

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     

Facial nucleus up-regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA following electroacupuncture treatment in a rabbit model of facial nerve injury*★

BACKGROUND： The effect of acupuncture treatment on peripheral facial nerve injury is generally accepted. However, the mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE： To validate the effect of acupoint electro-stimulation on brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） mRNA expression in the facial nucleus of rabbits with facial nerve injury, with the hypothesis that acupuncture treatment efficacy is related to BDNE DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Peripheral facial nerve injury, in situ hybridization, and randomized, controlled, animal trial. The experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Anatomy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine from March to September 2005. MATERIALS： A total of 120 healthy, adult, Japanese rabbits, with an equal number of males and females were selected. Models of peripheral facial nerve injury were established using the facial nerve pressing method. METHODS： The rabbits were randomly divided into five groups （n = 24）： sham operation, an incision to the left facial skin, followed by suture; model, no treatment following facial nerve model establishment; western medicine, 10 mg vitamin B1, 50 ug vitamin B12, and dexamethasone （2 mg/d, reduced to half every 7 days） intramuscular injection starting with the first day following lesion, once per day; traditional acupuncture, acupuncture at Ytfeng, Quanliao, Dicang, Jiache, Sibai, and Yangbai acupoints using a acupuncture needle with needle twirling every 10 minutes, followed by needle retention for 30 minutes, for successive 5 days; electroacupuncture, similar to the traditional acupuncture group, the Yifeng （negative electrode）, Jiache （positive electrode）, Dicang （negative electrode）, and Sibai （positive electrode） points were connected to an universal pulse electro-therapeutic apparatus for 30 minutes per day, with disperse-dense waves for successive 5 days, and resting for 2 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Left hemisphere brain stem tissues were harvested on post-operative days 7, 14, 21, and     

Facial nucleus up-regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA following electroacupuncture treatment in a rabbit model of facial nerve injury

BACKGROUND:The effect of acupuncture treatment on peripheral facial nerve injury is generally ac-cepted. However,the mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To validate the effect of acupoint electro-stimulation on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression in the facial nucleus of rabbits with facial nerve injury,with the hypothesis that acupuncture treatment efficacy is related to BDNF. DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING: Peripheral facial nerve injury,in situ hybridization,and random...     

Neuronal injury and brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in a rat model of amygdala kindling seizures Differences in brain regions and kindling courses

BACKGROUND:Studies have demonstrated that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has a dual effect on epilepsy. However, the relationship between epilepsy-induced brain injury and BDNF remains poorly understood.OBJECTIVE:According to ultrastructural and molecular parameters, to detect the degree of neuronal injury and BDNF expression changes at different brain regions and different kindling times to determine the effects of BDNF on epilepsy-induced brain injury.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING:A randomized, controlled, animal experiment based on neuropathology and molecular biology was performed at the Department of Physiology and Department of Pathology, Basic Medical College of Jilin University in 2003.MATERIALS:UltraSensitiveTM SP kit for immunohistochemistry (Fuzhou Maxim Biotechnology, China), BDNF antibody (concentrated type, Wuhan Boster Biological Technology, China), JEM-1000SX transmission electron microscopy (JEOL, Japan), and BH-2 light microscope (Olympus, Japan) were used in the present study.METHODS:Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control (n = 6), sham-surgery (n = 6), and model (n = 60) groups. The control group rats were not treated; an electrode was embedded into the amygdala in rats from the sham-surgery and model groups; an amygdala kindling epilepsy model was established in the model group.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Pathological changes in the temporal lobe and hippocampus were observed by light and electron microscopy at 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days following kindling, and BDNF expression in the various brain regions was determined by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS:In the model group, temporal lobe cortical and hippocampal neurons were swollen and the nuclei were laterally deviated. There were also some apoptotic neurons 3 days after kindling. The nucleoli disappeared and the nuclei appeared broken or lysed, as well as slight microglia hyperplasia, at 7 days. Electron microscopic observation displayed chromatin aggregation in the nuclei and slight mitochondrion swelling 3 days after kindling. Injury changes were aggravated at 7 days, characterized by broken cytoplasmic membrane and pyknosis. With the development of seizure, the number of BDNF-positive neurons in the hippocampus and temporal lobe increased and peaked at 7 days. Moreover, hippocampal and cortical temporal lobe injury continued. Following termination of electrical stimulation after 7 days of kindling, BDNF expression decreased, but continued to be expressed, up to 21 days of kindling. In addition, the number of temporal and hippocampal BDNF-positive neurons was greater than the control group.CONCLUSION:Brain injury and BDNF expression peaked at 7 days after kindling, and hippocampal changes were significant.     

血管内皮生长因子和碱性成纤维细胞生长因子在缺血预处理大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注区域的表达

背景：脑缺血预处理可增加碱性成纤维细胞生长因子的表达,可能导致脑缺血耐受的产生。大鼠大脑中动脉缺血再灌注给予血管内皮生长因子能够起到神经保护作用。 目的：观察缺血预处理对缺血再灌注大鼠血管内皮生长因子和碱性成纤维细胞生长因子表达的影响。 方法：将SD大鼠随机分为缺血预处理组、模型组和假手术组。缺血预处理及模型组线栓法阻塞大脑中动脉制备脑缺血模型。预处理组在脑缺血-再灌注前3 d用插入尼龙线阻塞大脑中动脉,缺血2 h后再灌注22 h。模型组第一次手术将线栓前推5 mm,不阻断血流,其他同预处理组。假手术组仅插入尼龙线不阻塞大脑中动脉。用苏木精-伊红染色法观察3组间神经细胞变化。用抗生物素-生物素-过氧化物酶复合物法检测各组血管内皮生长因子和碱性成纤维细胞生长因子蛋白的表达。分别比较3组神经功能评分、光镜下脑缺血再灌注区神经细胞形态、血管内皮生长因子和碱性成纤维细胞生长因子的表达。 结果与结论：与模型组比较,预处理组神经功能评分明显低于模型组(P < 0.01)。光镜下观察结果显示,与模型组比较,预处理组缺血面积及缺血程度均减轻,血管内皮生长因子和碱性成纤维细胞生长因子表达均明显升高(P < 0.05)。结果提示缺血预处理可能通过增强血管内皮生长因子和碱性成纤维细胞生长因子而对缺血再灌注大鼠神经细胞起保护作用。