Antidepressant-like Effect of Altered Korean Red Ginseng in Mice

Altered Korean red ginseng has been used as a treatment for patients suffering from anxiety. We assessed whether red ginseng hydrolyzed by malted barley (HRG) and acetate-fermented red ginseng (ARG) would improve brain activity, by using forced swimming test (FST) in mice. The effect of the fluoxetine (a classical antidepressant), ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3), red ginseng (RG), HRG, and the ARG groups for two weeks on the immobility time was significantly decreased in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). The immobility time of HRG and ARG in FST was lower than that of RG. The plasma level of glucose and total protein was significantly increased in the HRG and ARG group compared with the control group (p < 0.05), whereas albumin, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and blood urea nitrogen levels were not changed. In conclusion, altered Korean red ginsengs, HRG, and ARG therapy appeared to be effective in improving depression.     

Ginsenoside Rg1 inhibits the TSLP production in allergic rhinitis mice

Abstract

Recent study reports that Korean red ginseng reduces the nasal allergic inflammatory reaction in an allergic murine model. However, the contribution of ginsenoside Rg1 (RG1) and its mechanisms on allergic rhinitis (AR) have not been elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the important activities of RG1 in the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR mice. RG1 significantly reduced the levels of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and interleukin (IL)-1β compared with the AR control mice. Allergic symptom such as rub scores and biomarkers such as spleen weight, histamine, IgE and IgG₁ in the RG1 group were decreased compared with the AR mice. The levels of interferon-γ were enhanced while the levels of IL-4 were reduced in the RG1 group. In the RG1 group, the eosinophils and mast cells infiltration increased by OVA were also decreased. RG1 reduced the levels of inflammation-related protein. RG1 inhibited the caspase-1 activity in nasal mucosa tissue. In addition, RG1 inhibited the production of TSLP and IL-1β and the activations of caspase-1, receptor interacting protein 2, IκB kinase-β and nuclear factor-κB/Rel A in activated HMC-1 cells. Our results indicate that RG1 has the inhibitory effect of TSLP production and caspase-1 activity in AR experimental model.     

Post-exposure treatment with ginsenoside compound K ameliorates auditory functional injury associated with noise-induced hearing loss in mice

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is thought to primarily involve damage to the sensory hair cells of the cochlea via mechanical and metabolic mechanisms. Unfortunately, initial studies assessing the effectiveness of post-exposure treatment after hearing loss have yielded largely disappointing results. This study explored the effects of oral treatment with Korean red ginseng (RG) and with two bioavailable ginsenoside metabolites, ginsenoside Rh1 and ginsenoside compound K (GCK), in response to NIHL in a murine model. Pharmacological treatments began 24h after noise exposure and were continued once daily for 7 days. Central auditory function was evaluated using auditory middle latency responses, and cochlear function was determined based on transient evoked otoacoustic emissions. Additionally, cochlear hair cell morphology was investigated after noise exposure. Both Korean red ginseng and compound K reduced threshold shifts, central auditory function damage, and cochlear functional and morphological deficits. In contrast, treatment with ginsenoside Rh1 did not result in recovery of NIHL in mice. These results suggest that consumption of Korean red ginseng may facilitate recovery from noise-induced hearing loss. Furthermore, one of the active constituents in ginseng is likely ginsenoside compound K.     

雌激素对抑郁症小鼠行为学和脑组织单胺类递质的作用

目的:探讨雌激素低下对抑郁症模型小鼠行为学影响及神经生化机制。方法:清洁级昆明小鼠随机分为假手术组(Sham)、卵巢切除组(OVX)、慢性应激组(CUMS)、卵巢切除+慢性应激组(OVX+CUMS)和雌激素治疗组(E组,0.15 mg/kg),每组10只。给药组于每日应激前1 h,ig给药,其余各组给予等体积生理盐水,共计21 d。采用卵巢切除法(OVX)制备雌激素低下动物模型,采用CUMS法制备抑郁症小鼠模型。观察各组小鼠一般体征,行阴道上皮角化实验,通过旷场实验(OFT)、强迫游泳实验(FST)及体重测试(BWM)观察其行为学变化,采用ELISA法检测脑组织单胺类递质五羟色胺(5-HT)及多巴胺(DA)含量变化。结果:OVX小鼠,阴道细胞涂片未见动情周期变化连续7 d。模型小鼠在第21 d,与Sham组比较,(1)OVX和CUMS小鼠体重增加(P﹤0.01),而OVX+CUMS则体重下降(P﹤0.01);(2)在OVX和CUMS小鼠,OFT水平和垂直运动得分减少(P﹤0.01),而在E组小鼠,OFT水平和垂直运动得分增加(P﹤0.05);(3)在OVX和CUMS小鼠,FST不动时间减少(P﹤0.01),但在E组小鼠,FST不动时间增加(P﹤0.01)。(4)在OVX组小鼠,阴道脱落细胞呈现大量白细胞和少量上皮细胞。在CUMS和OVX小鼠,脑组织5-HT和DA含量减少(P﹤0.01),但在E组小鼠,脑组织中5-HT、DA含量增加(P﹤0.05,P﹤0.01)。结论:小鼠抑郁行为可以由于雌激素低下诱发,并且与脑组织5-HT和DA含量下调有关。补充雌激素可能通过增加单胺类递质5-HT和DA含量在脑组织,从而改善小鼠抑郁行为。     

Therapeutic effects of fermented red ginseng in allergic rhinitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Purpose

Allergic rhinitis is clinically defined as a disorder of the nose induced by IgE mediated inflammation after allergen exposure of the nasal mucosa. Many reports have stated that Panax ginseng and fermented red ginseng have anti-inflammatory effects, especially against Th2-type inflammation. This study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effects of fermented red ginseng in allergic rhinitis.

Methods

In this 4-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 59 patients with persistent perennial allergic rhinitis were randomly divided into two groups: those receiving fermented red ginseng tablets (experimental group) and those receiving placebo (control group). The primary efficacy variable was the total nasal symptom score (TNSS; rhinorrhea, sneezing, itchy nose, and nasal congestion). Secondary efficacy variables were the Rhinitis Quality of Life (RQoL) score and skin reactivity to inhalant allergens, as determined by the skin prick test.

Results

There was no significant difference in the TNSS score and TNSS duration score between the experimental and placebo groups in weeks 1, 2, 3, or 4. For nasal congestion, fermented red ginseng was significantly effective (P<0.005), while placebo caused no change. The activity and emotion of RQoL improved markedly secondary to treatment with fermented red ginseng (P<0.05), while placebo caused no change. Additionally, fermented red ginseng reduced skin reactivity to sensitized perennial allergens (P<0.05). Fermented red ginseng was well tolerated.

Conclusions

Fermented red ginseng improved nasal congestion symptoms and RQoL in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis.     

人参皂苷Rg1对癫痫大鼠海马神经元损伤和小胶质细胞活化的影响

目的探讨人参皂苷Rg1对癫痫大鼠海马神经元损伤和小胶质细胞活化的影响及其作用机制。方法 SD大鼠分为对照组(control组)、癫痫模型组(model组)、人参皂苷Rg1低剂量组(Rg1-L组)和人参皂苷剂量组(Rg1-H组),采用氯化锂-匹罗卡品腹腔注射制备癫痫大鼠模型;记录各组大鼠行为学发作情况;ELISA检测各组大鼠海马组织的氧化应激水平;qRT-PCR检测各组海马组织中炎症因子的表达;HE染色观察各组大鼠海马神经元结构和病理形态变化;免疫荧光组织化学染色检测各组大鼠小胶质细胞中iNOS、Arg-1蛋白表达。结果 model组大鼠症状达到Ⅲ级及Ⅲ级以上较control组显著增加,人参皂苷Rg1使大鼠的癫痫症状得到改善;与control组相比,model组大鼠海马组织中MDA(P<0.001)、TNF-αm RNA(P<0.001)、IL-1βmRNA(P<0.001)的表达水平上调,SOD(P<0.001)、IL-10 m RNA(P<0.001)的表达水平下调,而人参皂苷Rg1使大鼠海马组织中MDA(P<0.05)、TNF-αm RNA(P<0.05)、IL-1βmRNA(P<0.05)的表达水平下调,SOD(P<0.05)、IL-10 mRNA(P<0.05)的表达水平上调;model组大鼠海马神经元形态不完整,细胞间间隙增大和排列紊乱,人参皂苷Rg1组大鼠海马神经元形态明显改变,可见细胞排列较规则,大部分细胞形态正常;model组大鼠海马神经元凋亡率显著上升(P<0.001),人参皂苷Rg1组使大鼠海马神经元凋亡率下降(P<0.05);与control组相比,model组大鼠小胶质细胞数量显著增加(P<0.001),iNOS蛋白的表达显著升高(P<0.001),Arg-1蛋白表达显著降低(P<0.001),与model组相比,人参皂苷Rg1组大鼠小胶质细胞数量减少(P<0.05),iNOS蛋白的表达降低(P<0.05),Arg-1蛋白表达升高(P<0.05)。结论人参皂苷Rg1降低癫痫大鼠海马组织中iNOS蛋白的表达,增加Arg-1蛋白的表达,抑制小胶质细胞的激活,减轻氧化应激和炎症因子的表达,降低癫痫大鼠发作的等级。     

人参皂苷Rg1干预小鼠巨大肩袖损伤后的肌肉退变

背景:肩袖肌退变(肌肉萎缩、纤维化和脂肪浸润)是肩袖撕裂后出现的常见问题,严重影响肩关节功能和手术预后。人参皂苷Rg1具有抗氧化、抗细胞凋亡、降血脂等生物效应,然而人参皂苷Rg1对肩袖损伤后肌肉退变的影响未见报道。目的:探讨人参皂苷Rg1对巨大肩袖损伤小鼠肌肉退变的影响。方法:将60只C57BL/6J小鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组、人参皂苷Rg1低剂量组、人参皂苷Rg1高剂量组,每组15只。假手术组小鼠切开右肩皮肤后缝合,其余3组小鼠均行右侧肩关节肩袖损伤造模,模拟巨大肩袖撕裂手术切断冈上肌肌腱和肩胛上神经压迫。术后假手术组和模型组腹腔注射生理盐水0.5 mL;人参皂苷Rg1低、高剂量组予以腹腔注射人参皂苷Rg130,60 mg/kg,1次/d,共注射6周。末次注射后次日予以步态分析评估小鼠肢体功能,安乐死后取术侧冈上肌测量肌肉萎缩率、肌肉收缩力,肌肉组织进行油红O染色、Masson染色,RT-PCR检测萎缩、纤维化、脂肪浸润相关基因的表达。结果与结论:①与模型组相比,人参皂苷Rg1低、高剂量组爪印面积、步长显著增加(P<0.05);②与模型组相比,人参皂苷Rg1低、高剂量组肌纤维横截面积、冈上肌收缩力显著增加(P<0.05),湿肌质量减少比率、脂肪浸润面积比率、胶原纤维面积比率显著下降(P<0.05);③与模型组相比,人参皂苷Rg1低、高剂量组肌肉组织中萎缩、纤维化和脂肪浸润相关基因的表达显著下降(P<0.05);④人参皂苷Rg1低、高剂量组爪印面积、冈上肌收缩力、肌纤维横截面积无统计学差异(P>0.05),人参皂苷Rg1高剂量组其他指标均优于低剂量组(P<0.05);⑤结果说明,人参皂苷Rg1能显著减轻小鼠巨大肩袖撕裂后肩袖肌萎缩、纤维化和脂肪浸润,并有利于肌肉力量及肢体功能的改善。     

成人关节软骨细胞增殖与人参皂甙Rg1的促进作用

背景：人参总皂甙的主要有效成分为人参皂甙Rg1,有促进细胞增殖、抗衰老、抗细胞凋亡、抗炎及抗自由基等作用,但以往实验对象多为鼠、兔等动物的关节软骨细胞。 目的：体外培养成人软骨细胞,观察人参皂甙Rg1对体外培养的成人关节软骨细胞增殖的促进作用。 方法：实验分2组,Rg1组使用含质量浓度为40 mg/L人参皂甙Rg1的DMEM培养液培养,对照组使用未加人参皂甙的DMEM培养液培养,每日应用倒置相差显微镜观察细胞生长情况至第7天,并进行细胞计数。同时培养至第6天检测软骨细胞中Ⅱ型胶原的表达。 结果与结论：对照组自培养第2天起细胞进入对数增殖期,到第7天细胞数约为接种时的8倍。Rg1组自培养第2天起细胞增殖能力较对照组增强(P < 0.05),到第7天细胞数约为接种时的18倍(P < 0.05)。免疫组织化学SABC法检测结果显示,Rg1组与对照组细胞胞浆均可见Ⅱ型胶原表达,两组差异无显著性意义(P > 0.05)。说明人参皂甙Rg1可促进成人软骨细胞的增殖。     

Frequency of climbing behavior as a predictor of altered motor activity in rat forced swimming test

Previous work has shown that the frequency of climbing behavior in rats submitted to the forced swimming test (FST) correlated to the section's crosses in the open field test, which suggest it might be taken as a predictor of motor activity in rat FST. To investigate this proposal, the frequency, duration, as well as the ratio duration/frequency for each behavior expressed in the FST (immobility, swimming and climbing) were compared in animals treated with a motor stimulant, caffeine (CAF), and the antidepressant, clomipramine (CLM). Male Wistar rats were submitted to 15min of forced swimming (pre-test) and 24h later received saline (SAL, 1ml/kg, i.p.) or CAF (6.5mg/kg, i.p.) 30min prior a 5-min session (test) of FST. To validate experimental procedures, an additional group of rats received three injections of SAL (1ml/kg, i.p.) or clomipramine (CLM, 10mg/kg, i.p.) between the pre-test and test sessions. The results of the present study showed that both drugs, CLM and CAF, significantly reduced the duration of immobility and significantly increased the duration of swimming. In addition, CAF significantly decreased the ratio of immobility, and CLM significantly increased the ratio of swimming and climbing. Moreover, CLM significantly increased the duration of climbing but only CAF increased the frequency of climbing. Thus, it seems that the frequency of climbing could be a predictor of altered motor activity scored directly in the FST. Further, we believe that this parameter could be useful for fast and reliable discrimination between antidepressant drugs and stimulants of motor activity.     

柚皮苷通过激活小鼠海马脑区mTOR信号通路发挥抗抑郁作用

目的:观察柚皮苷(NRG)对慢性不可预知应激(CUS)模型小鼠抑郁样行为及海马脑区mTOR信号通路的影响,探讨柚皮苷抗抑郁作用的机制.方法:将雄性C57BL/6小鼠随机分为4组:对照组(control)、柚皮苷处理组(NRG)、CUS处理组(CUS)、CUS和柚皮苷联合处理组(CUS+NRG).用糖水偏好实验和强迫游泳...     

Social isolation effects on the "behavioral despair" forced swimming test: effect of age and duration of testing

Social loss is considered to be one of the major precipitants of depression. Prior work with the Porsolt forced swimming test (FST) has failed to demonstrate increases in despair-like immobility as a result of prior social isolation in adult animals. In the present work, increased immobility was observed in young Swiss Webster mice that had been socially isolated for 24 h prior to a 15-minute FST. The effect was not apparent until after the first five minutes of testing. The increase in immobility as a result of social isolation was apparent in 17-21-day-old animals but not in 26-30-day-old ones. Control experiments indicated that the increase in immobility was not due to the slightly higher weight loss of the socially isolated animals. Administration of reserpine (0.25 mg/kg) induced a marginal increase in immobility in the youngest animals but decreased immobility at later ages. These data suggest that the mouse only exhibits a short period of time during early development where social isolation can promote despair-like immobility in the FST and suggest that analyses of depressive processes which result from social variables may be best studied during a limited age range in this species.     

Korean ginseng-induced occupational asthma and determination of IgE binding components

A number of case reports on occupational asthma caused by herbal medicines have been issued, for example, on Sanyak, Chunkung, Banha, and Brazilian ginseng. Recently, cases of occupational asthma induced by Sanyak and Korean ginseng have been reported, but the pathogenic mechanisms involved are unknown. This study was carried out to evaluate the immunologic mechanism underlying Korean ginseng-induced occupational asthma. A patient engaged in Korean ginseng wholesale was referred for recurrent dyspnea, wheezing, and nasal symptoms, which were aggravated at work. Allergen bronchial provocation testing to Korean ginseng extract showed a typical immediate response, and skin prick testing to Korean ginseng extract also showed a strong positive response. Moreover, serum-specific IgE levels to Korean ginseng extract were significantly higher than in controls. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) inhibition tests showed a dose-dependent inhibition by Korean ginseng, but not by Dermatophagoides farinae, wheat flour, or Chinese balloon flower. Sodium dodecylsulfate-poly-acrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting revealed four specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) binding components at 26, 30, 47, and 60 kDa, which were not bound by control sera. These results strongly suggest that occupation asthma induced by Korean ginseng is induced via an IgE-mediated mechanism.     

Effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on mouse neural stem cell differentiation In vitro北大核心

BACKGROUND: Application of neural stem cells (NSCs) is of great current interest in neuroscience, but NSCs origin is very limited. And they always differentiate into a large percentage of glial cells and small percentage of neurons in natural differentiation process, so researchers should take effective measures to promote NSCs differentiation into certain offsprings. Previous studies have shown that ginseng saponin ingredients, such as Rb1 and Rg1, have certain influence on NSCs differentiation, but it is unclear whether Rg3 plays a role on NSCs differentiation. OBJECTIVE: To preliminarily investigate the effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on mouse NSCs differentiation into neurons and astrocytes in vitro. METHODS: The fetal cortices of embryonic 14 days (E14) C57BL/6 mice were isolated for culturing primary NSCs. Then passaged NSCs were identified by their purity with NSCs specific antibodies, Nestin and Sox2, by immunofluorescence staining. NSCs were induced for 3 days in the differentiation medium containing ginsenoside Rg3 of different concentrations (blank control, 50 and 250 nmol/L). After that, immunofluorescence staining was used to identify differentiated neurons with neuronal specific antibody, Tuj1, and differentiated astrocytes with astrocyte specific antibody, GFAP. Then, we calculated and statistically analyzed Tuj1+/DAPI and GFAP+/DAPI percentages in the three different groups. Besides, real-time PCR assay was used to test Tuj1 and GFAP mRNA expression in the three groups after 3 days of differentiation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Primary and passaged NSCs were successfully cultured and almost of cells were positive for both Nestin and Sox2, so these high-purity NSCs could be used in the following experiments. Immunofluorescence staining and statistical analysis results showed that compared with the blank control and 250 nmol/L groups, 50 nmol/L group had an obviously increased neuronal percentage after 3 days differentiation (P < 0.01), while the blank control and 250 nmol/L groups had no significant difference (P > 0.05); compared with the blank control group, 50 and 250 nmol/L groups had significantly increased astrocyte percentages (P < 0.05), whereas there was no obvious difference between 50 and 250 nmol/L groups (P > 0.05). The results of real-time PCR assay were similar with the above immunofluorescence results. In conclusion, 50 nmol/L ginsenoside Rg3 can enhance mouse NSCs differentiation into neurons and astrocytes, while 250 nmol/L ginsenoside Rg3 can only promote mouse NSCs differentiation into astrocytes. © 2018, Journal of Clinical Rehabilitative Tissue Engineering Research. All rights reserved.     

人参皂苷Rg1对软骨细胞Ⅱ型胶原表达的影响

背景：人参是具有抗炎、抗应激、调节免疫等广泛药理学活性的中草药,其主要药理活性成分是人参皂苷,而Rg1是含量较多的活性成分。 目的：探讨人参皂苷Rg1对白细胞介素1β诱导的人骨关节炎模型中软骨细胞Ⅱ型胶原及环氧合酶2 mRNA表达的影响。 方法：取因骨关节炎接受全膝关节置换患者的膝关节软骨进行体外培养,取第2代体外培养的软骨细胞,CCK-8检测0.001,0.01,0.1,1,10,100 mg/L人参皂苷Rg1对软骨细胞增殖率的影响。再将第2代体外培养的关节软骨细胞,随机分为空白组、对照组和实验组,分别加入DMEM培养液、10 μg/L白细胞介素1β,10 μg/L白细胞介素1β+0.1,1,10,100 mg/L人参皂苷Rg1,培养24 h后反转录PCR检测各组细胞中Ⅱ型胶原和环氧合酶2 mRNA的表达。 结果与结论：与对照组相比,人参皂苷Rg1质量浓度为0.001,0.01,0.1,1 mg/L时促进软骨细胞的增殖作用不明显,差异无显著性意义(P > 0.05);当人参皂苷Rg1质量浓度为10,100 mg/L时,促进软骨细胞的增殖作用明显(P < 0.05)。与空白组相比,对照组的软骨细胞Ⅱ型胶原的mRNA表达明显下降,而环氧合酶2 mRNA表达明显升高(P < 0.05);与对照组相比,联合加入人参皂苷Rg1质量浓度为0.1和1 mg/L时,人软骨细胞中Ⅱ型胶原和环氧合酶2 mRNA表达没有明显变化(P > 0.05);而联合加入人参皂苷Rg1质量浓度为10和100 mg/L时,人软骨细胞中Ⅱ型胶原mRNA表达增加,而环氧合酶2 mRNA表达降低(P < 0.05)。说明一定浓度的人参皂苷Rg1可以拮抗白细胞介素1β引起的人软骨细胞中Ⅱ型胶原的mRNA表达的降低和环氧合酶2 mRNA表达的升高。     

P> 三七皂苷Rg1上调SD大鼠大脑皮质巯醇抗氧化物（酶）发挥抗衰老作用/P>

目的 探讨三七皂苷Rg1抗衰老的分子机制。 方法 90只SD大鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组和治疗组。采用侧脑室注射β淀粉样蛋白1-42（Aβ_1-42）联合腹腔注射D半乳糖（D-gal）构建SD大鼠衰老模型,并同时给予三七皂苷Rg1预防性治疗,采用Morris水迷宫实验（MWM）进行行为学检测,用化学比色法检测大脑皮质谷胱甘肽还原酶(GR)和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)的含量。用免疫组织化学法和免疫印迹法检测大脑皮质中Caspase-3前体蛋白和Bcl-2的含量。 结果 衰老模型组与假手术组比较：逃避潜伏期明显延长(P<0.05),在第Ⅲ象限逗留的时间明显减少(P<0.05),跨越平台次数明显减少(P<0.05),皮质GR和GSH-Px的含量降低(P<0.05),Caspase-3前体蛋白阳性神经元数明显减少(P<0.05),Caspase-3前体蛋白活化切割增加(P<0.05);而三七皂苷Rg1治疗后：大鼠逃避潜伏期明显缩短(P<0.05),在第Ⅲ象限逗留的时间明显增加(P<0.05),跨越平台次数明显增加(P<0.05),皮质GR 和GSH-Px的含量升高(P<0.05),Caspase-3前体蛋白阳性神经元数明显增加(P<0.05),Caspase-3前体蛋白活化切割减少(P<0.05)。而Bcl-2阳性神经元数及表达在3组之间没有显著差异(P>0.05)。 结论 三七皂苷Rg1能通过上调衰老模型大鼠皮质内源性巯基抗氧化物（酶）GR 和GSH-Px的含量,抑制凋亡相关蛋白Caspase-3前体蛋白的活化切割而改善学习记忆能力,对抗大鼠神经系统衰老。     

The anti-inflammmatory effect of fermented red ginseng in experimental colitic mice

Here we fermented red ginseng (RG, the steamed root of Panax ginseng CA Meyer, Araliaceae) by Bifidobacterium longum H-1 and and investigated whether Bifidus fermentation could increase its anticolitic effect in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid- and dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitic mice. The colitic mice had shortened colons, decreased body weight, and high myeloperoxidase activity, and administration of RG and fermented RG (FRG) significantly inhibited these changes. These agents also repressed expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, TNF-α, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, as well as the DSS-induced activation of NF-κB, with FRG more potently inhibiting the colitic markers than RG. The administration of RG and FRG also significantly reduced the activities of intestinal bacterial β-glucuronidase and chondroitin sulphate degradation activities, induced by a colitic inducer. These findings suggest that RG and FRG might improve colitis by regulating inflammatory cytokine expression via NF-κB activation, and that the anticolitic effects of RG can be improved by Bifidus fermentation.     

Learned immobility explains the behavior of rats in the forced swimming test

The rat forced-swimming test (FST) is widely used for screening substances with a potential antidepressant effect. The rat immobility shown in the FST has been interpreted as "behavioral despair" and has been suggested as an animal model of human depression. In the following series of experiments it is shown that measuring rat mobility by an automatic recording device is more accurate than measuring immobility time by direct observation (Experiment 1 and 5). The automatic recording procedure was tested with imipramine and mianserin showing similar results to those reported in the literature using a direct observation procedure by the researcher (Experiment 2). In Experiment 3 it was demonstrated that: (a) rat mobility decreased with experience, (b) switching water depth on Day 2 of the test increased mobility and (c) anisomycin acts as a false positive. In Experiment 4 the possible state dependent effect of imipramine in the FST was studied. The effect of imipramine on rat behavior in the FST is not state dependent. The imipramine-saline group shows greater mobility than the saline-saline group and does not differentiate from the imipramine-imipramine group. Thus, it was suggested that imipramine could interfere with the acquisition and/or consolidation processes. In Experiment 5, it is shown that a single dose of 25 mg/kg of imipramine, administered before or immediately after training on Day 1, increases rat's mobility on Day 2, thus suggesting that imipramine alters the consolidation process. From these results it is suggested that the behavioral process involved in the FST is "learning to be immobile" instead of "behavioral despair" as previously suggested in the literature.     

GSK650394对慢性应激抑郁症模型大鼠行为及海马神经营养的调节作用

目的探讨血清和糖皮质激素调节蛋白激酶1(SGK1)抑制剂GSK650394对抑郁症模型大鼠抑郁样行为及海马神经营养的调节作用。方法将SD大鼠随机分为对照组、抑郁模型(慢性温和不可预见性应激加孤养)组、GSK650394(2.8 g/L,按1 mL/kg腹腔注射)干预组;采用强迫游泳、糖水消耗、Morris水迷宫实验观察模型动物的情绪行为变化;用ELISA检测大鼠海马血浆和血清中皮质酮(CORT)、5-羟色胺(5-HT)、去甲肾上腺素(NE)含量;用Western blot检测海马中脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)、神经营养素3(NT-3)、神经生长因子(NGF)的表达。结果与对照组比较,模型组大鼠蔗糖水偏食度显著降低、游泳不动时间增加(P<0.01)、逃避潜伏期(EL)、目标象限的潜伏时间(Lat.T)均显著延长(P<0.05或P<0.01);血浆CORT显著升高(P<0.01)、血清5-HT、NE和海马NT-3、BDNF、NGF表达显著降低(P<0.05或P<0.01)。与模型组比较,GSK650394可显著增加蔗糖水偏食度、降低游泳不动时间(P&l...     

Anti-P ribosomal antibodies induce defect in smell capability in a model of CNS -SLE (depression)

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease associated with more than 100 different autoantibodies, some of which may be associated with specific neuropsychiatric (NPSLE) manifestations. Injection of anti-P ribosomal antibodies (anti-P) directly to the brain ventricles of mice induces depression manifested by increased immobility time in the forced swim test (FST).MethodsMice were injected intracerebroventricularily (ICV) with affinity-purified human anti-P antibodies or normal commercial IgG as control. Mice were examined for depression by the forced swimming test (FST) and for olfactory function by the smell threshold test. Treatments included the antidepressant drug fluoxetine or aroma therapy by exposure to lemon or cinnamon odor.ResultsMice injected with anti-P developed depression-like behavior, which improved significantly upon treatment with fluoxetine. Depressed mice had a significant deficit in olfactory function which was not reversed by fluoxetine. Exposure of anti-P-injected mice to lemon odor was associated with some improvement of the immobility time, a measure of depression.ConclusionsICV injection of anti-P induces both depression-like behavior and impaired olfactory function in mice. Fluoxetine and possibly lemon odor exposure improve depressive behavior in these mice.     

Antidepressant-like effects of methanolic extract of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacopa monniera</Emphasis> in mice

Background

Bacopa monniera has been used as a cure for various ailments that include anxiety, epileptic disorders, dementia, blood purifier, cough and rheumatism, and some important local uses of the plant are in dermatitis, anemia, diabetes, promote fertility and prevent miscarriage for many years in Bangladesh. According to this background, the aim of the study was to evaluate the antidepressant-like effect of the methanolic extract of B. monniera (MEBM) in different behavioral models such as forced swimming test (FST), measurement of locomotor activity test (MLAT) and tail suspension test (TST) on mice after two weeks treatment.

Methods

Mice were divided into five groups (n?=?5/group): control group (deionized water), standard group where Imipramine hydrochloride (30 mg/kg) was used as standard drug and three test groups where three doses of the methanolic extract of B. monniera (MEBM) (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) was used for two weeks treatment. All the drug and test samples were administered via gavage through oral route. To assess the antidepressant-like effect of MEBM forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST) and measurement of locomotor activity test (MLAT) have been done in mice.

Results

The results showed that a strong and dose-dependent antidepressant effects in different mice models. The main findings of the MEBM significantly reduced the duration of immobility times in the forced swimming test (p?<?0.001). Likewise, the extract significantly decreased the immobility time in the tail suspension test (p?<?0.001). Moreover, we employed an additional measurement of locomotor activity test to check the motor stimulating activity of the MEBM. The extract also significantly increased the locomotion, rearing and defecation effects in comparison to the control group (p?<?0.001).

Conclusion

The present results clearly demonstrate that the methanolic extract of B. monniera possesses antidepressant-like activity in the animal behavioral models. The current study warrants further investigation into identification of the active compounds in herbal medicines, in particular extract of B. monniera with antidepressant-like effects.