Effect of Ganoderma lucidum spore on expression of insulin-like growth factor-1, nuclear factor-kappa B, and neuronal apoptosis in the epileptic rat brain*★

BACKGROUND：It has been reported that Ganoderma lucidum spore powder, a very well known Chinese traditional medicine, can affect immunoregulation, free radical scavenging, and anti-hypoxia responses. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effect of Ganoderma lucidum spore powder on expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 （IGF-1）, nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） and neuronal apoptosis in rats with pentylenetetrazol （PTZ）-induced epilepsy. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A cellular and molecular biology experiment with randomized controlled study design was performed at the Central Laboratory of Basic Medical College of Jiamusi University from June to August 2005. MATERIALS： Thirty healthy, adult, male, Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups （10 rats per group）： control, epilepsy model, and Ganoderma lucidum spore powder. A sub-eclampsia PTZ dose （35 mg/kg） was intraperitoneally injected to induce epilepsy in the latter two groups. Wild Ganoderma lucidum spore powder （30 g/L） was provided by the wild Ganoderma lucidum plant nursery at Jiamusi, China. Immunohistochemical detection and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediate dUTP nick end-labeling （TUNEL） kits were purchased from Wuhan Boster Biological Technology Co., Ltd., China. METHODS： Ganoderma lucidum spore powder was intragastrically administered at a dose of 10.0 mL/kg, once a day for 28 days. In the epilepsy and control groups, an equivalent volume of normal saline was intragastrically administered. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Immunoreactivity for IGF-1 and NF-κB/P65 were detected by immunohistochemical staining. Neuronal apoptosis was detected using TUNEL methods. RESULTS： The hippocampus and cerebral cortex of rats with PTZ-induced epilepsy exhibited a higher number of apoptotic cells at high magnification （×400）, compared with the control group. Expression of IGF-1 and NF-κB were higher in the epilepsy group, compared with the control group （P 〈 0.01）. In Ganoderma lucidum spore-treated rats,     

Effect of Ganoderma lucidum spore on expression of insulin-like growth factor-1, nuclear factor-kappa B, and neuronal apoptosis in the epileptic rat brain

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that Ganoderma lucidum spore powder, a very well known Chinese traditional medicine, can affect immunoregulation, free radical scavenging, and anti-hypoxia responses. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Ganoderma lucidum spore powder on expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and neuronal apoptosis in rats with pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced epilepsy.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A cellular and molecular biology experiment with randomized controlled study design was performed at the Central Laboratory of Basic Medical College of Jiamusi University from June to August 2005.MATERIALS: Thirty healthy, adult, male, Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups (10rats per group): control, epilepsy model, and Ganoderma lucidum spore powder. A sub-eclampsia PTZ dose (35 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected to induce epilepsy in the latter two groups. Wild Ganoderma lucidum spore powder (30 g/L) was provided by the wild Ganoderma lucidum plant nursery at Jiamusi,China. lmmunohistochemical detection and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediate dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) kits were purchased from Wuhan Boster Biological Technology Co., Ltd., China.METHODS: Ganoderma lucidum spore powder was intragastrically administered at a dose of 10.0 mL/kg,once a day for 28 days. In the epilepsy and control groups, an equivalent volume of normal saline was intragastrically administered.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: lmmunoreactivity for IGF-1 and NF-κB/P65 were detected by immunohistochemical staining. Neuronal apoptosis was detected using TUNEL methods.RESULTS: The hippocampus and cerebral cortex of rats with PTZ-induced epilepsy exhibited a higher number of apoptotic cells at high magnification (x400), compared with the control group. Expression of IGF-1and NF-κB were higher in the epilepsy group, compared with the control group (P < 0.01). In Ganoderma lucidum spore-treated rats, fewer apoptotic cells were observed in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex,expression of NF-κB/P65 was lower, and immunoreactivity to IGF-1 increased more distinctly, compared with the epilepsy group. In addition, seizure latency was longer on 17, 21, and 25 days post-PTZ treatment in the Ganoderma lucidum spore powder group, compared with the epilepsy group (P < 0.05 0.01).CONCLUSION: Ganoderma lucidum spore powder down-regulated expression of NF-κB in brain tissues of rats with PTZ-induced epilepsy, increased immunoreactivity to IGF-1, and inhibited neuronal apoptosis.These results indicated that Ganoderma lucidum spore powder has a neuroprotective effect.     

Effects of Ganoderma lucidum spore powder on astrocyte expression and glutamine synthetase activity in the hippocampal region of epileptic rats

BACKGROUND： Recent studies have demonstrated that astrocyte dysfunction plays a central role in inhibiting epileptic seizures and that regulation of astrocyte function may be a new target for treatment of epilepsy. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects of Ganoderma lucidum spore powder （GLSP） on astrocyte morphology and glutamine synthetase （COS） activity in the hippocampal region of epileptic rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled animal experiment was performed at the Function Laboratory, College of Basic Medicine, Jiamusi University between October and December 2006. MATERIALS： A total of 30 Sprague Dawley （SD） rats were randomized to three groups （n = 10）： control, model, and GLSP. GLSP was sourced from Jiamusi Wild Ganoderma Lucidum Planting Base and prepared to 30 g/L with physiological saline before use. Pentylenetetrazol （PTZ） （10 g/L） was provided by Sigma Company, USA. METHODS： The control group received intraperitoneal （i.p.） and intragastric （i.g.） physiological saline. Following epilepsy induction by i.p. administration of PTZ （35 mg/kg）, rats from the mode/and GLSP groups were ig injected with physiological saline and GLSP （300 mg/kg）, respectively. Each compound was administered once per day, for a total of 28 successive days. Epileptic seizure convulsions were graded 0-5. A higher grade indicated more severe epilepsy. Only those rats showing stage 2 or higher convulsions at least 5 times successively were included in further experiments. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Immediately alter injection, seizure activity was monitored for 30 minutes to determine the latent period and seizure duration; simultaneously, astrocyte numbers and GS activity in the hippocampal region of rats with epilepsy were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS： All 30 rats were included in the final analysis. On day 28, following PTZ administration epileptic seizures were not found in the control group. In the GLSP group, rats exhibited rhythmic head nodding or     

Effects of nanometer particles and water decoction of the Chinese medicine mixture of pinellia ternate and scorpion on P53 protein contents and apoptosis in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of epileptic rats

BACKGROUND： Water decoction of the Chinese traditional medicine mixture of pinellia ternate and scorpion is an effective treatment for epilepsy.
OBJECTIVE： To compare nanometer particles and effects of water decoction of Chinese traditional medicine mixture on P53 protein levels and apoptosis in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of epileptic rats.
DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： This randomized, controlled molecular biology study was performed at the Key Laboratory of Child Neural Rehabilitation of Jiamusi University from October to December 2007.
MATERIALS： Forty healthy male Wistar rats were used in this study. Convulsion rat models were established by intraperitoneal infusion of 35 mg/kg pentylenetetrazol, once a day, for 28 successive days. The Chinese traditional medicine mixture, comprising pinellia ternate, scorpion, centipede, bupleurum, peach pit and glycyrrhiza, was purchased from Beijing Tongrentang, China. The mixture was made into nanometer particles and water decoction. The apoptosis determination kit and P53 immunohistochemistry kit were bought from Boster, China.
METHODS： Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of ten rats per group, control, nanometer particle, water decoction and epileptic model groups. Rats in the nanometer particle and water decoction groups were respectively treated with 300 mg/kg Chinese herb nanometer particle suspension and water decoction by gavage, once a day, for 28 days. Rats in the epileptic model group were fed an equal volume of saline by gavage. Rats in the control group were only administered with the same volume of saline by gavage.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Terminal deoxynucleotidyl Transferase Biotin-dUTP Nick End Labeling （TUNEL） and immunohistochemistry were used to respectively detect neuronal apoptosis and P53 protein expression in the rat brain cortex and hippocampus at 28 days following administration.
RESULTS： The number of apoptotic neurons was lower in the nanometer particle and water decoction groups compared wi     

Neuropeptide Y gene transfection inhibits post-epileptic hippocampal synaptic reconstruction

Exogenous neuropeptide Y has antiepileptic effects; however, the underlying mechanism and optimal administration method for neuropeptide Y are still unresolved. Previous studies have used intracerebroventricular injection of neuropeptide Y into animal models of epilepsy. In this study, a recombinant adeno-associated virus expression vector carrying the neuropeptide Y gene was injected into the lateral ventricle of rats, while the ipsilateral hippocampus was injected with kainic acid to establish the epileptic model. After transfection of neuropeptide Y gene, mossy fiber sprouting in the hippocampal CA3 region of epileptic rats was significantly suppressed, hippocampal synaptophysin (p38) mRNA and protein expression were inhibited, and epileptic seizures were reduced. These experimental findings indicate that a recombinant adeno-associated virus expression vector carrying the neuropeptide Y gene reduces mossy fiber sprouting and inhibits abnormal synaptophysin expression, thereby suppressing post-epileptic synaptic reconstruction.     

液压脑损伤大鼠行为学和脑电图的研究

Objective To investigate the electroencephalogram and ethology in the rat with fluid percussion brain injury and approach its research value in the post traumatic epilepsy. Methods The change of ethology and electroencephalogram of rat in the three months after fluid percussion brain injury were observed and recorded. Results Among the survival 31 rats, there were 11 rats that appeared epilepsy. Epileptic seizure manifestation principally appeared as facial spasm, nod motion, and next limbs convulsion and turnover upspring, et al. The highest epileptic incidence rate appeared in 2 months after lateral fluid percussion brain injury. There were obvious epileptic discharges on the electroencephalogram of epileptic rats and higher wave amplitude and quicker frequency on the lead of 1～5 on the electroencephalogram of some no epileptic rats. Conclusions Post traumatic epilepsy after lateral fluid percussion brain injury in rat is similar with clinical post traumatic epilepsy. It has more research value than the other pest traumatic epileptic animal model.     

液压脑损伤大鼠行为学和脑电图的研究

Objective To investigate the electroencephalogram and ethology in the rat with fluid percussion brain injury and approach its research value in the post traumatic epilepsy. Methods The change of ethology and electroencephalogram of rat in the three months after fluid percussion brain injury were observed and recorded. Results Among the survival 31 rats, there were 11 rats that appeared epilepsy. Epileptic seizure manifestation principally appeared as facial spasm, nod motion, and next limbs convulsion and turnover upspring, et al. The highest epileptic incidence rate appeared in 2 months after lateral fluid percussion brain injury. There were obvious epileptic discharges on the electroencephalogram of epileptic rats and higher wave amplitude and quicker frequency on the lead of 1～5 on the electroencephalogram of some no epileptic rats. Conclusions Post traumatic epilepsy after lateral fluid percussion brain injury in rat is similar with clinical post traumatic epilepsy. It has more research value than the other pest traumatic epileptic animal model.     

液压脑损伤大鼠行为学和脑电图的研究

Objective To investigate the electroencephalogram and ethology in the rat with fluid percussion brain injury and approach its research value in the post traumatic epilepsy. Methods The change of ethology and electroencephalogram of rat in the three months after fluid percussion brain injury were observed and recorded. Results Among the survival 31 rats, there were 11 rats that appeared epilepsy. Epileptic seizure manifestation principally appeared as facial spasm, nod motion, and next limbs convulsion and turnover upspring, et al. The highest epileptic incidence rate appeared in 2 months after lateral fluid percussion brain injury. There were obvious epileptic discharges on the electroencephalogram of epileptic rats and higher wave amplitude and quicker frequency on the lead of 1～5 on the electroencephalogram of some no epileptic rats. Conclusions Post traumatic epilepsy after lateral fluid percussion brain injury in rat is similar with clinical post traumatic epilepsy. It has more research value than the other pest traumatic epileptic animal model.     

液压脑损伤大鼠行为学和脑电图的研究

Objective To investigate the electroencephalogram and ethology in the rat with fluid percussion brain injury and approach its research value in the post traumatic epilepsy. Methods The change of ethology and electroencephalogram of rat in the three months after fluid percussion brain injury were observed and recorded. Results Among the survival 31 rats, there were 11 rats that appeared epilepsy. Epileptic seizure manifestation principally appeared as facial spasm, nod motion, and next limbs convulsion and turnover upspring, et al. The highest epileptic incidence rate appeared in 2 months after lateral fluid percussion brain injury. There were obvious epileptic discharges on the electroencephalogram of epileptic rats and higher wave amplitude and quicker frequency on the lead of 1～5 on the electroencephalogram of some no epileptic rats. Conclusions Post traumatic epilepsy after lateral fluid percussion brain injury in rat is similar with clinical post traumatic epilepsy. It has more research value than the other pest traumatic epileptic animal model.     

液压脑损伤大鼠行为学和脑电图的研究

Objective To investigate the electroencephalogram and ethology in the rat with fluid percussion brain injury and approach its research value in the post traumatic epilepsy. Methods The change of ethology and electroencephalogram of rat in the three months after fluid percussion brain injury were observed and recorded. Results Among the survival 31 rats, there were 11 rats that appeared epilepsy. Epileptic seizure manifestation principally appeared as facial spasm, nod motion, and next limbs convulsion and turnover upspring, et al. The highest epileptic incidence rate appeared in 2 months after lateral fluid percussion brain injury. There were obvious epileptic discharges on the electroencephalogram of epileptic rats and higher wave amplitude and quicker frequency on the lead of 1～5 on the electroencephalogram of some no epileptic rats. Conclusions Post traumatic epilepsy after lateral fluid percussion brain injury in rat is similar with clinical post traumatic epilepsy. It has more research value than the other pest traumatic epileptic animal model.     

早年创伤对认知功能影响的研究进展

早年创伤是一个全球普遍存在的问题,严重影响儿童、青少年的大脑发育,继而导致认知功能、人格水平、社会行为的改变。早年创伤主要是父母、监护人或其他年长者对孩子施加躯体虐待、躯体忽视、情感虐待、情感忽视或性虐待。美国一项调查显示：儿童虐待事件的发生率高达1．2％[1]。早年创伤影响认知功能的多个领域,包括学习／工作记忆、视觉空间能力、执行功能、言语智能、复杂推理搜决策、学业表现等比]。创伤造成的认知功能改变是目前国内外神经科学和精神医学领域研究的热点,但其发病机制仍不明确,鉴于早年创伤与认知功能的关系问题,现就早年创伤对大脑发育、神经认知的影响加以综述。     

Differential cognitive responses to guqin music and piano music in Chinese subjects： an event-related potential study

Objective To compare the cognitive effects of guqin （the oldest Chinese instrument） music and piano music. Methods Behavioral and event-related potential （ERP） data in a standard two-stimulus auditory oddball task were recorded and analyzed. Results This study replicated the previous results of culture-familiar music effect on Chinese subjects： the greater P300 amplitude in frontal areas in a culture-familiar music environment. At the same time, the difference between guqin music and piano music was observed in NI and later positive complex （LPC： including P300 and P500）： a relatively higher participation of right anterior-temporal areas in Chinese subjects. Conclusion The results suggest that the special features of ERP responses to guqin music are the outcome of Chinese tonal language environments given the similarity between Guqin＇s tones and Mandarin lexical tones.     

Brain network markers of abnormal cerebral glucose metabolism and blood flow in Parkinson＇s disease

Neuroimaging of cerebral glucose metabolism and blood flow is ideally suited to assay widely-distributed brain circuits as a result of local molecular events and behavioral modulation in the central nervous system. With the progress in novel analytical methodology, this endeavor has succeeded in unraveling the mechanisms underlying a wide spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, statistical brain mapping studies have made significant strides in describing the pathophysiology of Parkinson＇s disease （PD） and related disorders by providing signature biomarkers to determine the systemic abnormalities in brain function and evaluate disease progression, therapeutic responses, and clinical correlates in patients. In this article, we review the relevant clinical applications in patients in relation to healthy volunteers with a focus on the generation of unique spatial covariance patterns associated with the motor and cognitive symptoms underlying PD. These characteristic biomarkers can be potentially used not only to improve patient recruitment but also to predict outcomes in clinical trials.     

Chaotic electrical stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus – mossy fiber sprouting, epileptic seizures, and brain electrical activity in pentylenetetrazol-kindled rats★

BACKGROUND： Previous studies have demonstrated that appropriate interventions can alter brain electrical activity of epileptic patients prior to and during a seizure, leading to maintenance of a highly chaotic state, thereby inhibiting abnormal epileptic discharges, and eventually controlling epileptic seizure. OBJECTIVE： This study was designed to observe the effects of chaotic electrical stimulation to the subthalamic nucleus on mossy fiber sprouting, epileptic seizures, and electrical discharges, and to summarize the most suitable intervention. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： This randomized grouping, neuroelectrophysiological study was performed at the Laboratory of Neurology, Union Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University in September 2007. MATERIALS： Fifty-five healthy, male, Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to an epileptic model by an intraperitoneal injection of pentylenetetrazol. The YC-2 programmed electrical stimulator was provided by Chengdu Instrument Factory, China; the video electroencephalographic system （KT-88-2400） and 24-hour active electroencephalographic system were products of Contec Medical System Co., Ltd., China; pentylenetetrazol was purchased from Sigma, USA. METHODS： The present interventional method consisted of electrical stimulation to the subthalamic nucleus with an intensity of 500 μA, pulse width 0.05 ms, frequency 30 Hz, and a duration of 20 minutes for 14 successive days. Fifty-five rats were divided into 6 groups： （1） pre-stimulation （n = 10）, pentylenetetrazol was administered and 30 minutes later, chaotic electrical stimulation was performed; （2） synchronous stimulation （n = 10）, rats received pentylenetetrazol and chaotic electrical stimulation concurrently; （3） post-administration stimulation （n = 10）, after pentylenetetrazol administration, chaotic electrical stimulation was performed immediately after cessation of a seizure; （4） sham-stimulation （n = 10）, following pentylenetetrazol administration, an electrode was con     

Effect of bilobalide B on cholinergic hippocampal neurons exposed to cholesterol and apolipoprotein E4*☆

BACKGROUND： Extracts of ginkgo biloba leaves have been reported to improve nerve function and activity in Alzheimer＇s disease, which is associated with reduced secretion of cholinergic neurotransmitter in hippocampal neurons. OBJECTIVE： To validate the protective effect of bilobalide B against in vitro injury of cholinergic neurons of the hippocampus induced by combined cholesterol and apoE4 DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： This randomized, controlled animal experiment was performed in the Pathology Laboratory, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from July 2003 to July 2006. MATERIALS： Neonatal Wistar rats, 1-day-old, both male and female, and mean body mass of 5 g were selected for this study. Cholesterol and apolipoprotein E4 （apoE4） were purchased from Sigma Company （USA）, bilobalide B was purchased from Tianjin Zhongyi Pharmaceutical Factory, batch number 20050312. METHODS： Hippocampal neurons were divided into three groups： a normal control group （routinely added media）, a model group （exposed to media containing 40 mg/L cholesterol and 30 mg/L apoE4 for 24 hours） and a bilobalide B group （exposed to media containing 160 mg/L bilobalide B for 16 hours, and then with addition of 40 mg/L cholesterol and 30 mg/L apoE4 for an additional 24 hours）. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Levels of acetylcholine （ACh） and activity of acetylcholinesterase （ACHE） and choline acetyltransferase （CHAT） in hippocampal neurons were determined by microdosage hydroxylamine colorimetry, hydroxylamine colorimetry and radiological chemistry, respectively. RESULTS： The ACh level was significantly lower in the model group than that in the normal control group （P 〈 0.01）, while it was markedly higher in the bilobalide B group than in the model group （P 〈 0.05）. Activity of AChE was significantly decreased in the model group compared with the normal control group （P 〈 0.05）. However, there was no significant difference between the model group and the bilobalide B group ?     

氧化应激与认知功能障碍的研究进展

氧化应激（Oxidative Stress）不仅在糖尿病、高血压病等身心疾病中起着重要作用,而且对阿尔茨海默病（AlzheimerDisease,AD）、帕金森病（Parkin-son Disease,PD）等神经精神障碍的认知功能也有一定影响。强烈或持续性的氧化应激可通过诱导细胞凋亡和炎性反应导致细胞、组织损害。流行病学及动物研究均表明,母孕期遭受应激可能会影响胎儿的神经心理发育过程,造成胎儿大脑某区域的缺陷,引起持续性认知改变、神经内分泌和行为反应,增加后代精神疾病的患病风险。现对氧化应激与认知功能障碍的机制进行综述。     

Intrathecal MK-801 inhibits formalin-induced activation of spinal p38-MAPK in rats**★

BACKGROUND： p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） plays an instrumental role in signal transduction from the cell surface to the nucleus, while subcutaneous injection of formalin can induce increased activation of spinal p38 MAPK. However, the mechanisms underlying the formalin-induced activation of spinal p38 MAPK in rats are unclear. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid （NMDA） receptor antagonist MK-801 on the formalin-induced activation of spinal p38 MAPK in rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： This randomized grouping, controlled animal experiment was performed at the Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Shanxi Medical University between May and November 2007. MATERIALS： Forty eight healthy, adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups： formalin ＋ normal saline （n = 12） and formalin ＋ MK-801 （n = 36）. The formalin ＋ MK-801 group was further divided into three subgroups according to the dosage of MK-801 （10, 50, and 100 nmol/L, 12 rats for each subgroup） METHODS： Following anesthesia, polyethylene tubing filled with sterile normal saline was implanted into the subarachnoid cavity. On postoperative days 5-8, rats received a 15 minute perfusion of normal saline or MK-801 （10, 50, and 100 nmol/L） in the formalin ＋ normal saline and formalin ＋ MK-801 groups, respectively, followed by formalin injection for the induction of nociceptive behavior. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Detection of total p38 MAPK and of phosphorylated p38 MAPK by western Blot analysis; observation of nociceptive behaviors in the 1 hour after formalin injection. RESULTS： Western Blot analysis revealed that injection of formalin had no effect on total p38 MAPK expression but resulted in increased phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in the spinal cord. This increase was apparent after 5 minutes, peaked at 20 minutes, and thereafter descended and reached control levels after 45 minutes. Pretreatment with MK-801 （10, 50, 100 nmol/L） resulted in a dose-dependent reduc     

Changes of 5-hydroxytryptamine and tryptophan hydroxylase expression in the ventral horn of spinal cord

Objective To investigate changes of 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT） and its synthesis rate-limiting enzyme tryp-tophan hydroxylase （TPH） in the ventral horn of spinal cord after exercise-induced fatigue, and to further discuss the mecha- nism of exercise-induced central fatigue at spinal level. Methods Sixteen healthy adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups： exercise-induced fatigue group and control group. Immunohistochemical staining for 5-HT and TPH in the ventral horn were performed and analysized quantitatively. The mean optic densities of 5-HT and TPH positive fibers or terminals were measured by computerized image analyzer. Results Both 5-HT and TPH positive fibers/terminals decreased in the exercise-induced fatigue group. The immunohistochemical staining was weaker and the mean optic densities decreased obviously in the fatigue group compared with those in the control group （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion 5-HT and TPH in the ventral horn of spinal cord might be involved in exercise-induced fatigue.     

Naoxintong dose effects on inflammatory factor expression in the rat brain following focal cerebral ischemia

BACKGROUND： Certain components of tetramethylpyrazine, a traditional Chinese medicine, exhibit protective effects against brain injury. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effects of different Naoxintong doses on expression of nuclear factor-kappa B （ kB）, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and complement 3 in rats following focal cerebral ischemia. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： The randomized experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from June 2004 to June 2006. MATERIALS： A total of 150 adult, healthy, male, Sprague Dawley rats, weighing 280-320g, were selected. Naoxintong powder （mainly comprising szechwan lovage rhizome, milkvetch root, danshen root, and radix angelicae sinensis） was obtained from Buchang Pharmacy Co., Ltd. in Xianyang City of Shanxi Province of China, lot number 040608. METHODS： The rats were randomly assigned into sham operation, saline, high-dose Naoxintong, moderate-dose Naoxintong, and low-dose Naoxintong groups, with 30 rats in each group. Rat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion were established using the suture method, with the exception of the sham operation group. Rats in the high-dose, moderate-dose and low-dose Naoxintong groups received 4, 2, and 1 g/kg Naoxintong respectively, by gavage. Rats in the saline group were treated with 1 mL saline by gavage All rats were administered by gavage at 5 and 23 hours following surgery, and subsequently, once per day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： At 6, 24, 48, 72 hours, and 7 days following model establishment, brain water content was measured. Histopathological changes in brain tissues were detected using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Expression of nuclear factor- kB, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor- α, and complement 3 was examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS： A total of 150 rats were included in the final analysis with no loss. Brain water content was significantly increased in the ischemic hemisphere of rats from the saline, as well as the high-dose, mo