Morphological Changes in Network of Enteric Nerve-Interstitial Cells of Cajal-Smooth Muscle Cells in Rats with Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome and Therapeutic Effects of Dachengqi Decoction (大承气汤)

Objective: To observe the effects of Dachengqi Decoction (大承气汤, DCQD) on morphological changes in the network of enteric nerve-interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs)-smooth muscle cells (SMC) of enteric deep muscular plexuses (DMP) in the rats with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Methods: One hundred Wistar rats of both sexes weighing 200 to 250 g were randomly divided into the control group, MODS group, and DCQD group. The morphologic changes of enteric nerve-ICC-SMC network in the DMP of intestine was observed using c-Kit and vesicular acetylcholine transporter/neuronal nitric oxide synthase immunohistochemical double-staining with whole-mount preparation technique, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and electron microscopy. Results: Compared with the control group, the distribution and densities of cholinergic/nitrergic nerves and ICC in the DMP (ICC-DMP) of intestine in the MODS group were significantly decreased (P0.01), and the network of cholinergic nerve-ICC-SMC was disrupted; and the ultrastructural features of ICC-DMP, enteric nerve, and SMC were severely damaged. After treatment with DCQD, the damage in the network of enteric nerve-ICC-SMC was significantly recovered. Compared with the MODS group, the distribution and densities of cholinergic/nitrergic nerves and ICC-DMP in the DCQD group were significantly increased (P0.01); and the ultrastructural features of ICC-DMP, enteric nerve, smooth muscle cells were significantly recovered. Conclusions: DCQD can improve the gastrointestinal motility in MODS. The mechanism may be related to the effect of repairing the damages in the network of enteric nerve-ICC-SMC.     

Effects of Wei Chang An pill(胃肠安丸) on enzyme activity and levels of vasoactive peptide and substance P in the small intestine of rats with compound diarrhea

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the regulatory effects of Wei Chang An Pill(WCAP) on enzyme activity and gastrointestinal hormones in the small intestine of rats with compound diarrhea.METHODS:Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control,diarrhea model,and WCAP high,medium,and low dose groups.The control group was not treated,and the model group was administered intragastric distilled water.The WCAP groups were given WCAP suspension,80,60 or 40 mg · kg-1 · d-1,for 4 days.Stool properties were observed.After the experiment,thymus and spleen indices were measured,and the activities of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),malate dehydrogenase(MDH),and disaccharidase(lactase) in the small intestinal mucous membrane,and levels of substance P(SP) and vasoactive peptide(VIP) in the colon were determined.RESULTS:Compared with the control group,thymus and spleen indices were significantly decreased,LDH,MDH,and disaccharidase activity in the small intestine was decreased,and SP and VIP levels in the colon were significantly increased inthe diarrhea model group.Compared with the model group,thymus and spleen indices were significantly increased,and LDH,MDH,and disaccharidase activity in the small intestine and SP and VIP levels in the colon were significantly decreased in theWCAP medium dose group.CONCLUSION:The diarrhea model rats exhibited pathological changes including atrophy of the thymus and spleen,decreased enzyme activity in the small intestine,and gastrointestinal hormone disturbance.WCAP can increase the activity of intestinal digestive enzymes and regulate gastrointestinal hormones,thereby relieving diarrhea.     

Downregulation of metabotropic glutamate receptors mGluR5 and glutamate transporter EAAC1 in the myenteric plexus of the diabetic rat ileum

Objective: To study the morphologic abnormalities of the myenteric plexus in diabetic rats and to explore the mechanism of their effect on gastrointestinal motility. Methods: Forty rats were randomly divided into a diabetic group and a control group, Gastric emptying and small intestine transit rates were measured and histologic and molecular changes in glutamatergic nerves in the ileal myenteric plexus were observed, mGluR5 receptor and EAAC1 transporter changes in the diabetic rats were studied using fluorescence immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. Results:Eighteen weeks after the establishment of the diabetic rats model, gastric emptying and small intestine transit rates were found to be significantly delayed in the diabetic group when compared with the control group. The density of glutamatergic ganglia and neurons in the ileal myenterie plexus were significantly decreased in the diabetic group when compared with control group(P < 0.05) and the mGluR5 receptors and EAAC1 transporters were downregulated in the diabetic rats(P < 0.05). Conclusion: Decreased glutamatergic enteric ganglia and neurons and decreased mGluR5 receptors and EAAC1 transporters in the intestinal myenteric plexus is one of the mechanisms of diabetic gastroenteropathy in rats.     

Da-Cheng-Qi Decoction (大承气汤) Combined with Lactobacillus Acidophilus Improves Gastrointestinal Function of Traumatic Brain-Injured Model Mice

Objective: To investigate the effects of Da-Cheng-Qi Decoction(DCQD, 大承气汤) combined with Lactobacillus acidophilus(LA) on the recovery of gastrointestinal(GI) function in traumatic brain-injured(TBI) mice. Methods: A total of 150 male C57 BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham-injury, normal saline(NS), DCQD(0.4 m L/day), LA( 1×1010 cfu/day LA), DCQD+LA(LA administration at the same dosage after 4 h of feeding DCQD), and 1/2 DCQD+LA groups(LA administration at the same dosage after 4 h of feeding 1/2 DCQD dose) by a random number table, 5–8 mice in each group. The sever TBI model was constructed according to Feeney's enhanced gravitational forces of free falling. On days 1, 3, and 7 post-TBI, plasma diamine oxidase(DAO) and D-lactic acid levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Occludin expression in the intestinal epithelium was assessed by Western blot analysis. Transmission electron microscopy(TEM) was used to observe the morphological changes in the network structure of interstitial cells of Cajal(ICC) and change of enteric nervous system-ICC-smooth muscle cell(ENS-ICC-SMC). Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect changes in the network structure of the ICC. Results: Compared with the NS group, occludin expression in the DCQD+LA group significantly increased on Day 1, 3, and 7 post-TBI(P0.05 or P0.01). The concentration of DAO significantly decreased in the LA, DCQD, and DCQD+LA groups on Day 3 and 7, whilst the D-lactate concentrations in the LA and 1/2 DCQD+LA groups decreased on Day 1 and 3 post-injury(P0.05 or P0.01). The NS group experienced a great damage on the ENS-ICC-SMC network morphology and ICC network structure, and all treatment groups had some improvements, among which the DCQD+LA group presented relatively intact network morphology. Conclusions: DCQD combined with LA treatment could effectively repair the intestinal mucosal barrier and improve GI motility in mice after TBI. The combination of DCQD and LA was more effective than their respective monotherapies.     

Scanning electron microscopic observation: three-dimensional architecture of the collagen in hepatic fibrosis rats

Background In the process of hepatic fibrosis, the accumulation of collagen fibers is strongly related to the hepatic function. The aim of this study was to investigate the three-dimensional architecture of the collagen network in the liver of rats with hepatic fibrosis. Methods Healthy adult male Wistar rats （n=32） were randomly divided into a control group （n=16） and a hepatic fibrosis group （n=16）. In the control group, the rats were treated with peanut oil while the rats in hepatic fibrosis group were treated for 10 weeks with 60% CCI4 diluted in peanut oil. The quantity of collagen fibers was detected by Western blotting; distribution of the collagen was detected by sirius red staining and polarized microscope; the three-dimensional architecture of collagen in the liver was observed under the scanning electron microscope after fixed tissues were treated with cell-maceration using NaOH. Statistical analysis was performed using the u test. Results The quantity of collagen fibers increased significantly in the hepatic fibrosis group. With the aggravation of hepatic fibrosis, collagen fibers gradually accumulated. They interlaced the reticulation compartment and formed a round or ellipse liver tissue conglomeration like a grape framework that was disparate and wrapped up the normal liver Iobule. The deposition of collagen fibers was obvious in adjacent hepatic parenchyma, especially around the portal tracts. Conclusion Our experiment showed the collagen proliferation and displays clearly the three-dimensional architecture of collagen fibers in rat liver with hepatic fibrosis by scanning electron microscope. It can provide a morphological foundation for the mechanisms of changed haemodynamics and portal hypertension in hepatic fibrosis.     

Suppression of intracranial glioma tumorigenesis with vascular endothelial growth factor antisense oligonucleotide in rats

Objective: To observe the inhibition of intracranial glioma tumorigenesis by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) in rats. Methods: Totally 20 μ1 Hank's liquid containing 1×106 C6 glioma cells was seeded into rat right caudate putaraen in high-flow microinfusion with stereotactic technique. VEGF antisense ODN was simultaneously used with glioma cell. Each rat of the treated group Ⅰ and the treated group Ⅱ was treated with 1 000 μmol/L VEGF antisense ODN. Each rat of the treated group Ⅲ and the treated group Ⅳ was treated with 2 000 μmol/L VEGF antisense ODN. The experimental periods of the treated group Ⅰ , the treated group Ⅲ and the control group Ⅰ were 2 weeks, those of the treated group Ⅱ , the treated group Ⅳ and the control group Ⅱ were 3 weeks. Before sacrifice, MRI was performed on each rat. Tumor magnitude and pathologic examination were detected after samples were dissected. Results: The survival state of all treated rats was better, and     

Effects of Jinmaitong Capsule (筋脉通胶囊) on Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor in Sciatic Nerves of Diabetes Mellitus Rats

Objective:To study the effects of the Chinese medicine Jinmaitong Capsule(筋脉通胶囊,JMT) on the pathomorphology of sciatic nerves,ciliary neurotrophic factor(CNTF),and the mRNA expressions of CNTF in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus(STZ-DM).Methods:The animal model was established by one time intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin.The rats were simply divided by random into 5 groups including model group,low-dose JMT group(JL),medium-dose JMT group(JM),high-dose JMT group(JH) and neurotropin group.For each of the above 5 groups,a group of 10 normal Wistar rats matched in body weight,age and gender were set as normal group.Intragastric administrations were started after the animal model established.The JL group were administered with five times the JMT dose recommended for a human adult;the JM group were administered with ten times the JMT dose recommended for a human adult;the JH group were administered with twenty times the JMT dose recommended for a human adult.The neurotropin group was administered with ten times the neurotropin dose recommended for a human adult.All rats were given intragastric administration for 16 weeks and then killed.In the 4th,8th,12th,16th week,body weight and blood glucose level were detected before and after the intervention.The morphologic changes of the sciatic nerves were observed by optical microscope and transmission electron microscope.The CNTFmRNA expressions were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain protein,and the CNTF protein expressions were detected by immunohistochemical method.Results:The blood glucose levels of the STZ-DM rats were much higher than normal group(P<0.01),and there was no apparent difference between any treatment groups and the model group(P>0.05).Before and after the intervention in the 4th, 8th,12th,16th week,there were no significant differences in the body weight among all the groups(P>0.05). The sciatic nerves of STZ-DM rats might have pathomorphological changes in axons,myelin sheaths,and interstitium.The levels of CNTF and CNTF-mRNA expressions in the STZ-DM rats were both significantly decreased(P<0.01).The sciatic nerves of STZ-DM rats might have pathomorphological changes in axons, myelin sheaths,and interstitium.Conclusion:JMT could improve the pathomorphology of sciatic nerves by increasing CNTF’s and CNTF-mRNA expressions in sciatic nerve tissues,and promote the repair and regeneration of damaged nerve fibers.     

Change of Th1/Th2 Cytokine Equilibrium in Rats with Severe Sepsis and Therapeutic Effect of Recombinant Interleukin-12 and Shenmai Injection(参麦注射液)

Objective: To evaluate the dynamic change of Th1/Th2 cytokines in serum, peritoneal lavage fluid (PLF) and splenic macrophages (SM) in rats with severe peritonitis, and to observe the therapeutic preparation. Methods: Severe peritonitis (SP) model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of E. coli and B. frag, and mild peritonitis (MP) model was induced by cecal ligation and punching. Then the following experiments were done: (1) Survival rates of animals after every 6 hrs in the 72 hrs after modeling were recorded, serum and PLF levels of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ),and interleukin-10 (IL-10), 6 hrs, 12 hrs, 24 hrs and 48 hrs after modeling were measured. (2) Model rats were treated with rlL-12 or SMI, the survival rate was recorded and serum levels of TNF-α, INF-γ, and IL-10before and after treatment were measured, and (3) amount of these cytokines produced by SM were determined 6 hrs, 12 hrs and 24 hrs after treatment. The survival rates and levels of cytokines were then compared between the groups (model group treated with rlL-12 or SMI, untreated model group, and blank group). Results: Serum and PLF levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α at all the time points in SP rats were significantly lower than those in MP rats while those of IL-10 6 hrs and 12 hrs after modeling were significantly higher in the former than that in the latter ( P＜0.05). IFN-γ secretion of SM in SP rats was significantly higher than that in MP rats 6 hrs after modeling (P＜0.05). Administration of rlL-12 or SMI given before modeling could improve the survival rate of the model rats (P＜0.05) and cause significant increase of the serum level and SM secretion of IFN-γ. Conclusion: Imbalance in promoting/antagonizing inflammatory cytokines and Th2 response dominance appear in SP rats early at the initiating stage, and SM secretion of inflammation promoting factor also reduces. Administration in time of rlL-12 and SMI, may increase the survival rate, and its mechanism may be related with their immuno-stimulating action.     

Effect of Antisense FosB and CREB on the Expression of Prodynorphin Gene in Rats with Levodopa-induced Dyskinesias

The effects of antisense FosB and CREB intra-striatum injection on the expression of prodynorphin (PDyn) gene in striatal neurons of Levodopa-induced dyskinesias (LID) rats with Parkinson disease (PD) were explored. PD model in rats was established by 6-OHDA microinjection stereotaxically. The rats were treated with chronic intermittent Levodopa celiac injection for 28 days to get the LED rats. Antisense FosB and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) were injected into striatum of all rats respectively. In situ hybridization was used to measure the changes in the expression of PDyn mRNA in striatum and behavior changes were observed. The results showed after administration of antisense FosB, abnormal involuntary movement (AIM) was decreased and the expression of PDyn mRNA in striatum was increased in LID rats as compared with sense FosB group (P<0.01, respectively). As compared with the control group, the expression of PDyn mRNA in striatum was decreased by antisense CREB-treated LID group (P<0.01) and compared with sense CREB treated LID group, antisense CREB-treated LID group showed no changes in AIM scores and the expressions of PDyn mRNA (both P>0.05). In conclusion, FosB protein, which replaced the CREG, could regulate the expression of PDyn mRNA and play critical role in the pathogenesis of LID.     

Acupuncture Treatment for 15 Cases of Post-traumatic Coma

In order to observe the effects of acupuncture combined with point-injection therapy on post-traumatic coma, 30 such cases were randomly divided into the following two groups. The patients in the control group were simply treated with the basic neural medical treatment; while patients in the treatment group were treated by acupuncture and point-injection therapy in addition to the above treatment. Comparisons were made between the two groups in the therapeutic effects by GCS evaluations as well as in the changes of main symptoms. The results showed that the GCS value in the treatment group was higher than that of the control group, but with no statistical significance （P〉0.05）. However, the main symptoms of the patients in treatment group, such as aphasia, hemiplegia, and injuries of cranial nerves （including injuries of the facial, oculomotor and abducent nerves） were obviously improved, showing significant differences as compared with the control group （P〈0.05）. Conclusion can be made that acupuncture combined with point-injection has the consciousness-inducing effect for post-traumatic coma, and shows good effects for the cranial nerve iniuries and aohasia.     

Effect of Xingnaojing Injection (醒脑静注射液) on Hippocampal N-methyl-D-aspartic Acid Receptors of Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Rats

Objective: To observe and elucidate the neuroprotective effect of Xingnaojing (XNJ) injection on hippocampal N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors of focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Methods: Cerebral ischemia was established by occluding the middle cerebral artery with an intraluminal suture technique in rats. Neurological deficit score, infarct volume and quantity of NMDA receptors were estimated in all groups and compared. Results: After being treated with XNJ, the score decreased in the initial 6 hours and infarct volume decreased in 24 hours. And within 24 hours, the quantity of NMDA receptors obviously decreased compared with the model group (P<0. 01) It indicated that XNJ could ameliorate neurological behavior of middle cerebral artery occlusion rats and down-regulate the expression of hippocampal NMDA receptors. Conclusion: The neuroprotective effect of XNJ on focal cerebral ischemia is possibly related to down-regulating the expression of NMDA receptors in rats.     

Role of β2-adrenoceptor-β-arrestin2-nuclear factor-κB signal transduction pathway and intervention effects of oxymatrine in ulcerative colitis

Objective:To investigate the β2-adrenoceptor(β2AR)-β-arrestin2-nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) signal transduction pathway and the intervention effects of oxymatrine in a rat model of ulcerative colitis.Methods: Forty SD rats were randomly divided into four groups,which included the normal control group,the model group, the mesalazine group and the oxymatrine treatment group,with 10 rats per group.Experimental colitis induced with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid(TNBS) was established in each group except the normal control group.The rats in the oxymatrine treatment group were treated with intramuscular injection of oxymatrine 63 mg/(kg·d) for 15 days and the rats in the mesalazine group were treated with mesalazine solution 0.5 g/(kg·d) by gastric lavage for 15 days. The rats in the normal control group and model group were treated with 3 mL water by gastric lavage for 15 days. Diarrhea and bloody stool were carefully observed.Histological changes in colonic tissue were examined on day 7 in 2 rats per group that were randomly selected.The expression of β2AR,β-arrestin2 and NF-κB p65 in colon tissue and spleen lymphocytes were detected with immunohistochemistry and Western immunoblotting techniques on day 16 after fasting for 24 h.Six rats died of lavage with 2 each in the normal control,the model group and the mesalazine group;and were not included in the analysis.Results:The rats in the model group suffered from looser stool and bloody purulent stool after modeling.But in the oxymatrine and mesalazine groups,looser stool and bloody purulent stool reduced after treatment.And the colonic wall in the model group was thickened and the colon length shortened.The colon mucosa was congested in multiple areas with edema,erosion,superficial or linear ulcer and scar formation,while the intestinal mucosa injury reduced in the mesalazine and oxymatrine groups(P<0.01).In colonic mucosa and in spleen lymphocytes,compared with the normal control group,the expression of NF-κBp65 were significantly increased(P<0.01) in the model group while the expressions ofβ2AR andβ-arrestin2 were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the expression of NF-κBp65 was significantly decreased in the mesalazine group(P<0.01) and oxymatrine treatment group(P<0.01) while the expressions of β2AR and β-arrestin2 were significantly increased(P<0.01).There were no statistically significant differences in the expression of β2AR,β-arrestin2 and NF-κBp65 between the mesalazine group and oxymatrine group(P>0.05).Conclusions:The β2AR-β-arrestin2-NF-κB signal transduction pathway participated in the pathologic course of ulcerative colitis.Oxymatrine attenuated ulcerative colitis through regulating the β2AR-β-arrestin2-NF-κB signal transduction pathway.     

Protective Effect of Sodium Tanshinone ⅡA Sulfonate on Injury of Small Intestine in Rats with Sepsis and Its Mechanism

Objective:To explore the protective effect of sodium tanshinoneⅡA sulfonate(STS) on small intestine injury in rats with sepsis and its possible mechanism.Methods:According to a random number table, 24 Tats were randomly divided into 3 groups:sham operation group(sham group),sepsis model group(model group) and STS treatment group(STS group),with 8 Tats in each group.A rat model of sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture(CLP) for 5 h.STS(1 mg/kg) was slowly injected through the right external jugular vein after CLP.The histopathologic changes in the intestine tissue were observed under a light microscope,and the intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleoddyl transferase(TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL) method.The expressions of Bcl-2,Bax and nuclear factorκB(NF-κB) p65 in the intestinal tissue was determined by Western blot.The levels of tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α) and interleukin 6(IL-6) in the intestinal tissue were determined using enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay(ELISA). Results:Obvious injuries were observed in the intestinal tissue in the CLP group compared with the sham group. The expression of NF-κB p65 and the levels of TNF-αand IL-6 were up-regulated after CLP,the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells was increased after CLP,and the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax was decreased.STS posttreatment could attenuate the injury on the intestinal tissue induced by CLP,decrease the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells and the levels of NF-κB p65,TNF-αand IL-6,and increase the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax.Conclusion: STS can protect the small intestine in rats with sepsis,and the mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of intestinal epithelial apoptosis and the reduction of activation of inflammatory cytokines.     

Chronic Toxicity of a Novel Recombinant Human Granulocyte Colony-stimulating Factor in Rats

Objective To assess the severity and reversibility of the chronic toxicity of a novel recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSFa) in rats and the dose-effect relationship.Methods A total of 100 Sprague-Dawley rats (equal numbers of male and female) were randomly divided into five groups (20 rats in each group):four groups were treated with rhG-CSFa at 500,100,10,1 μg/kg,respectively,and one group was treated with vehicle only to serve as the control.The rats were received subcutaneous...     

Expressions of Substance P in Trigeminal Ganglia in Rats with Occlusal Reconstruction

Objective To study the expressions of substance P （SP） in trigeminal ganglia （TG） in rats with occlusal reconstruction. Methods 30 Wistar male rats were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups and 3 control groups, 5 rats in each group. The molar of right maxillary and mandibular of rats in experimental groups were ground to the gingival level without occlusal contact. The occlusal contact was recovered by stopping grounding molar of the rats. The section of trigeminal ganglia underwent the immunohistological study to evaluate the expressions of SP by using SABC method. Light microscope and microscoic photo analytic software were employed to detect the percentage of SP positive neurons in frozen section of TG in 30 rats. SPSS10.0 statistical software was used for statistical analysis. Results There was no significantly difference in the percentage of SP positive neurons between the early occlusal reconstruction experiment group and control group （P〉0.05）. There was significantly difference in the percentage of SP positive neurons between the later occlusal reconstruction experiment group and control group （P〈0.01, P〈0.05）. Conclusion The expressions of SP in TG can recover normal in the early occlusal reconstruction and that not in the later occlusal reconstruction. SP might participate in the histopathologic mechanism of temporomandibular disorders.     

Effects of Curcumin on Pain Threshold and on the Expression of Nuclear Factor κB and CX3C Receptor 1 after Sciatic Nerve Chronic Constrictive Injury in Rats

Objective：To investigate the effects of curcumin on pain threshold and the expressions of nuclear factorκB（NF-κB）and CX3C chemokine receptor 1（CX3CR1）in spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion（DRG）of the rats with sciatic nerve chronic constrictive injury.Methods：One hundred and twenty male Sprague Dawley rats,weighing 220-250 g,were randomly divided into 4 groups.Sham surgery（sham）group：the sciatic nerves of rats were only made apart but not ligated;chronic constrictive injury（CCI）group：the sciatic nerves of rats were only ligated without any drug treatment;curcumin treated injury（Cur）model group：the rats were administrated with curcumin 100 mg/（kg·d）by intraperitoneal injection for 14 days after CCI;solvent control（SC）group：the rats were administrated with the solvent at the same dose for 14 days after CCI.Thermal withdrawal latency（TWL）and mechanical withdrawal threshold（MWT）of rats were respectively measured on pre-operative day 2 and postoperative day 1,3,5,7,10 and 14.The lumbar segment L4-5 of the spinal cord and the L4,L5 DRG was removed at post-operative day 3,7 and 14.The change of nuclear factorκB（NF-κB）p65 expression was detected by Western blotting while the expression of CX3CR1 was determined by immunohistochemical staining.Results：Compared with the sham group,the TWL and MWT of rats in the CCI group were significantly decreased on each post-operative day（P〈0.01）,which reached a nadir on the 3rd day after CCI,and the expressions of NF-κB p65and CX3CR1 were markedly increased in spinal cord dorsal horn and DRG.In the Cur group,the TWL of rats were significantly increased than those in the CCI group on post-operative day 7,10 and 14（P〈0.05）and MWT increased than those in the CCI group on post-operative day 10 and 14（P〈0.05）.In addition,the administration of curcumin significantly decreased the positive expressions of NF-κB p65 and CX3CR1 in spinal cord and DRG（P〈0.05）.Conclusion：Our study suggests that curcumin cou     

Effect of Electro-acupuncture on Rat Joint Pathomorpnology of Chronic Adjuvant Arthritis Model

Objective:To study the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on pathomorphological changes of joints in rat model of chronic adjuvant arthritis. Methods: The rat chronic adjuvant arthritis model was established by subcutaneous injection of 0.1 ml of complete Freund's adjuvant to the left hind sole. Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into the model group, the low frequency (2 Hz) EA group, the high frequency EA (100 Hz) group and the body acupuncture group. After being modeled except the model group, the other three groups were treated with EA or body acupuncture in Yanglingquan points (bilateral) for 3 weeks, the left ankle joints and metatarsal joints of rats were taken for pathological examination by fixing with 10% formalin and embedding in paraffin, sectioning and staining with HE. Results: Obvious inflammatory cell infiltration, loosened synovial tissue, damage of articular cartilage and proliferation of synovial cells and granulation tissue were observed in the sections of joints in model rats.