Effects of L-arginine and of its functional antagonist N-nitro-L-arginine on the behavior of rats,with special reference to motor activity

L-arginine and N-nitro-L-arginine were tested for their effects on the motor activity of white rats under conditions of free behavior. After oral administration of L-arginine in doses of 50 to 500 mg/kg, the horizontal and vertical components of motor activity were increased both at minute 10 and at 24 h postadministration. N-nitro-L-arginine, on the contrary, reduced the motor activity of rats (mainly its horizontal component). Oral administration of L-arginine 5 min after an intraperitoneal injection of N-nitro-L-arginine did not prevent the effects of the latter compound. The observed behavioral changes probably resulted from the combined action of two mechanisms, namely a direct influence of nitric oxide on brain cells and its action on peripheral systems of the body. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noid Biologii i Meditsiny,Vol. 120, N ^o 11, pp. 465–468, November, 1995     

Effect of substance P on neurological status and behavioral responses altered as a result of prolonged brain ischemia in rats with different types of behavior

Substance P administered 30 min after the onset of cerebral ischemia improved the neurological status and prevented postischemic hyperactivity in rats with a passive type of behavior; had no effect on the neurological status of rats with an intermediate type of behavior but reduced their postischemic hyperactivity; aggravated the neurological status of rats with an active type of behavior without exerting a significant effect on their behavioral responses; and averted a rise in the level of depression in rats of all three groups. The results of this study indicate that there is a relationship between the type of behavior, manifestations of cerebral ischemia, and the effects of substance P. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 120, N ^o 8, pp. 132–136, August, 1995 Presented by P. V. Simonov, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Ammonium succinate is an effective corrector of cerebral circulatory hypoxia

It is demonstrated that ammonium succinate is capable of increasing the survival of rats with acute brain ischemia. In transient brain ischemia therapeutic injection of ammonium succinate prevents the development of postischemic hypoperfusion and hypooxygenation of the brain. The antiischemic effect of ammonium succinate is due to a decrease of the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin and to limitation of the accumulation of malonic dialdehyde, a secondary product of lipid peroxidation, in the brain. No vasotropic activity of ammonium succinate is revealed. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 118, N ^o 9, pp. 276–278, September, 1994 Presented by E. D. Gol'dberg, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

A new model of the depressive syndrome induced by administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in rats

Animals treated with MPTP neurotoxin displayed lowered motor and exploratory activity in the open field test, reduced daily intake of water with a preference for sugar solution over water, prolonged immobilization, and increased index of depression in the forced swimming test. The changes in rat behavior were preserved for at least a week after withdrawal of the drug. The data attest to the development of a state of lowered motivational activity combined with ahedony and “behavioral despair” in response to MPTP, making it possible to consider this state as a new experimental model of dopamine-dependent depressive syndrome in rats. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, N ^o 2, pp. 125–128, February, 1995     

Dehydrogenase systems of different rat tissues in experimental alcoholism simulated by inhalation or forced intake of ethanol

It is shown that alcoholization of rats during 1.5 months by the inhalation of ethanol vapors with a long-term subsidence into narcotic sleep results in alcohol dependence and marked shifts in the ratio between the activity of malate and lactate dehydrogenases and a change in the isoenzyme spectrum of the latter. This leads to an enhancement of aerobic processes in the brain and skeletal muscle tissues and of anaerobic processes in the liver and myocardium. Semiforced alcoholization of rats during 11 months, with ethanol solution serving as the only soruce of liquid, moderately lowers the ethanol tolerance and does not affect the dehydrogenase activity in the tissues examined. The effects of ethanol on the activity of functionally associated enzyme systems of malate and lactate dehydrogenases are believed to depend on the method of alcoholization and the type of tissue. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 118, N ^o , 7, pp. 107–109, July, 1994 Presented by A. N. Klimov, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Lipid peroxidation level in the focus of compression ischemia in the cerebral cortex of rats

Pathomorphological changes in a focus of ischemia, the level of lipid peroxidation (as indicated by the content of products reacting with thiobarbituric acid), and the postischemic levels of adenyl nucleotides and tissue lipids were studied in rats with focal compression ischemia of the cerebral cortex. An increased level of the TBA-reactive products paralleled by a reduction of the concentrations of adenyl nucleotides and tissue lipids was found to be in clear-cut correlation with the processes of neuronal injury and death and with subsequent repair phenomena in the focus of cortical ischemia. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 118, N ^o 12, pp. 589–590, December, 1994 Presented by O. S. Adrianov, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Effect of thymoptin on the behavior of experimental animals

A study is made of the effect of thymoptin, a preparation containing a complex of acid peptides from the thymus, on the behavior of experimental animals. It is found that in a dose of 400 μg/kg the preparation enhances motor activity, raises the body temperature, augments pain sensitivity, stimulates behavior in the open field test, and facilitates learning and memory processes. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 121 N ^o 3, pp. 285–287, March, 1996 Presented by Yu. A. Romanov, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Chronobiological characteristics of the activity of the cellular genetic apparatus in surviving sections of rat brain

Diurnal variation of the incorporation of labeled precursors of RNA and proteins into spinal, stem, and cortical populations from the nervous system of rats is studied on surviving sections of the brain. It is shown that in the absence of an effect of other parts of the nervous system, afferentation, and humoral factors isolated nerve cell populations preserve the diurnal rhythm of activity of the genetic apparatus that correlates with the motor activity and the light reception (light-dark cycle) of animals. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 117, N ^o 6, pp. 645–647, June, 1994     

Disturbances in the integrative activity of the rat brain after bilateral focal compression ischemia of the frontal cortex

Pathomorphological changes and disturbances in the integrative activity of the central nervous system of rats are studied after bilateral compression ischemia of the frontal cortex. Bilateral compression of the frontal cortex is shown to result in the formation of limited foci of ischemic necroses in the cortex, which are surrounded by the perifocal zone. This is attended by reduced horizontal motor activity in the “open field” test, as well as by a reduced latency of the conditioned passive avoidance response. The motor activity of operated animals is restored on day 14 postoperation, correlating with regeneration of some damaged neurons in the perifocal zone, whereas the latency of the conditioned passive avoidance response remains markedly reduced. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 118, N ^o 12, pp. 568–571, December, 1994 Presented by O. S. Adrianov, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Reactivity of the basilar artery in Krushinsky-Molodkina rats 24 hours after an audiogenic epileptic seizure

Examination of the reactivity exhibited by the basilar artery of the brain in Krushinsky-Molodkina rats before and after an induced epileptiform seizure accompanied by subarachnoid hemorrhages showed increased contractility of this artery in response to endothelin-1 and its reduced sensitivity to ATP 24 h after the seizure. Such changes in the reactivity of brain vessels may contribute to the development of vasospasm and secondary ischemia of the brain after an epileptic seizure. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 121, N ^o 2, pp. 131–134, February, 1996 Presented by M. Ya. Studenikin, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

NO-synthase activity and generation of reactive oxygen species in the brain in old rats: Association with individual behavior

NO synthase activity and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured in different brain regions of old rats separated in an “emotional resonance” test into two groups: passive rats (those preferring a dark space) and active ones (those preferring a lighted space). In both groups, NO synthase activity and ROS generation were at the highest level in the cerebellum. In the tested brain regions of active rats, NO synthase activity was lower and ROS generation more strongly marked than in the respective regions of passive rats. Interregional positive linear correlations were discovered both for NO synthase activity and for ROS generation. When the two groups were considered together, negative correlations were detected between NO synthase activity and ROS generation. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 120, N ^o 8, pp. 145–147, August, 1995 Presented by I. P. Ashmarin, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Aldosterone binding with corticosteroid brain receptors in rats: Effect of behavioral typology and stress

Differences in³H-aldosterone binding with hippocampus cytosol receptors were found to be dependent on the behavioral type of male Wistar rats in the “emotional resonance” test. These differences were not observed in the cytosol analysis of the remaining part of the brain. Control rats and rats subjected to short-term stress by painful electrical stimulation showed a long-term drop of³H-aldosterone binding with hippocampus cytosol in active as compared to passive animals preferring a closed space. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 120, N ^o 7, pp. 49–51, July, 1995 Presented by I. P. Ashmarin, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Analysis of changes in the electroencephalogram power spectrum on a new model of brain ischemia in rats

The bioelectrical activity is studied in the left and right parietal cortex by recording the power spectrum of the electroencephalogram in brain ischemia caused by complete ligation of the left common carotid artery and 50% reduction of the blood flow in the right common carotid artery in experiments carried out on nonnarcotized Wistar rats. Ischemia results in marked and stable disorders in the bioelectrical activity manifested in a decrease of the total EEG power, depression of the dominating frequency in the Θ-range, increase of the δ-range power, and interhemispheric asymmetry of some spectrogram parameters. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny Vol. 118, N ^o 12, pp. 565–567, December, 1994 Presented by E. D. Gol'dberg, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Effect of immunization against alcohol dehydrogenase on the behavior of white rats

Active immunization of white rats with alcohol dehydrogenase (horse ADH-1), a major ethanol-metabolizing enzyme shown to cause considerable and long-term inhibition of alcohol consumption, did not have adverse effects on their behavior. Rather, the rats showed enhanced motor and orienting-exploratory activities, developed conditioned responses (with both positive and negative reinforcements) more readily, and spent less time in a state of immobilization in the forced swimming test as compared with nonimmunized controls. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 118, N ^o 10, pp. 349–351, October, 1994     

Effect of peptidergic correction of hemorrhagic shock on the behavior of rats in the posthemorrhagic period

Hemorrhagic shock is shown to disturb the behavior of rats in the open field test. Infusion of a mixture of thyrotropin releasing hormone and FMRFa (Phe-Met-Arg-Phe amide) in subthreshold doses led to a partial recovery of the neurological status. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 120, N ^o 12, pp. 623–625, December, 1995 Presented by I. P. Ashmarin, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Activity of NO-synthase and radical formation in rat brain compartments: Age dependence

The relationship between age and the activity of NO-synthase and generation of free radicals in different compartments of the brain was studied in male Wistar rats. No-synthase activity was highest in the cerebellum and lower in the cerebral cortex. It increased with age in the cerebellum and remained unchanged in the cortex, being virtually the same in the right and left hemispheres. Radical generation was much higher in the cerebellum than in the cortex and, as a rule, was age-dependent. The ratio of NO-synthase activity to radical generation was age-dependent: a tendency toward a positive linear correlation was observed in young animals, no correlation could be traced in adults, and a negative one was observed in old rats. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 120, N ^o 7, pp. 54–56, July, 1995 Presented by I. P. Ashmarin, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Impact of exogenous oxytocin on the motor function of the mammalian small intestine in the lactotrophic period

The establishment of the motor function of the small intestine during postnatal ontogeny and the impact of exogenous oxytocin on this function in the lactotrophic period were examined in rats. In the first week of life, only peristaltic movements of the small intestine were detectable, possibly due to the weak development of the longitudinal and circular muscle layers in the small intestine wall. Oxytocin was found to have an inhibitory effect on small intestine motor activity in rat pups. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 118, N ^o 9, pp. 230–233, September, 1994 Presented by I. P. Ashmarin, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Effect of melipramine on the development of experimental depressive syndrome induced by systemic administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)

The effects of chronic administration of melipramine on the development of behavioral signs of depression in rats are studied using the model of a depressive syndrome induced by systemic administration of MPTP. Preadministration of melipramine prevents such MPTP-induced behavioral signs of depression in rats as decreased motor activity, reduced total daily liquid intake, reduced preference of sucrose solution over water, and increased depression index. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Giologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 120, N ^o . 8, pp. 160–163, August, 1995     

Morphology of cortical structures in cerebral ischemia and its combination with audiogenic seizures

Studies of the sensorimotor and auditory areas of the brain in rats after ligation of the left common carotid artery reveal polymorphous alterations in cortical vessels, neurons, and glial cells. Compensatory reversible alterations constitute the largest group. In cerebral ischemia combined with audiogenic seizures dystrophic and destructive alterations in cortical elements become more significant. Alterations in cortical structures after bilateral ligation of the common carotid arteries are more pronounced than those occurring after unilateral occlusion. During the postseizure period after ligation of both arteries, dystrophic and destructive alterations become more severe, while reparative processes are inhibited. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 118, N ^o 9, pp. 331–334, September, 1994 Presented by O. S. Adrianov, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Experimental model of the process of narcotics addiction in cats based on feeding motivation

Cocaine addiction is reproduced in cats on the basis of feeding motivation. Pure milk or milk with cocaine is used as reinforcement in the operant food-procuring behavior. Milk with cocaine induces specific changes in the food-procuring behavior. Cats are shown to differ in their individual sensitivity to cocaine.Per os intake of cocaine affects rather the processes of decision-making than the organization of motor acts. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 118, N ^o 8, pp. 156–160, August, 1994 Presented by K. V. Sudakov, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences