Foreign metallothionein-I expression by transient transfection in MT-I and MT-II null astrocytes confers increased protection against acute methylmercury cytotoxicity

The mechanisms associated with metallothionein (MT) gene regulation are complex and poorly understood. Only a modest increase in brain MT expression levels is attained by exposure to metals, MT gene transfection, and MT gene knock-in techniques. Accordingly, in the present study, MT null astrocytes isolated from transgenic mice deficient in MT-I and MT-II genes were introduced as a zero background model of MT expression. MT protein levels were determined by western blot analysis. MT proteins in MT-I and MT-II null astrocytes were undetectable. Transient MT-I gene transfection increased the levels of foreign MT expression in MT-I and MT-II null astrocytes by 2.3-fold above basal levels in wild-type astrocytes. Intracellular Na(2)51CrO(4) efflux and D-[2,3-3H]aspartate uptake were studied as indices of acute methylmercury (MeHg) (5 microM) cytotoxicity. In MT-I and MT-II knockout astrocytes MeHg led to significant (p<0.01) increase in Na(2)51CrO(4) efflux and a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the initial rate (1 min) of D-[2, 3-3H]aspartate uptake compared to MT-I and MT-II knockout controls. Transfection of the MT-I gene in MT-I and MT-II null mice significantly (p<0.01) decreased the effect of MeHg on Na(2)51CrO(4) efflux in MT null, as well as wild-type astrocytes. MT-I gene transfection in MT-I and MT-II null astrocytes reversed the inhibitory effect of MeHg on D-[2,3-3H]aspartate uptake, such that initial rates of uptake in MT-I transfected cells in the presence and absence of MeHg (5 microM) were indistinguishable. These results demonstrate that: (1) astrocytes lacking MTs are more sensitive to MeHg than those with basal MT protein levels, (2) the MT-I gene can be overexpressed in MT-I and MT-II null astrocytes by transient MT-I gene transfection, and (3) that foreign MT expression endows astrocytes with increased resistance to MeHg.     

Hyperbaric oxygenation induced tolerance against focal cerebral ischemia in mice is strain dependent

SV129 or C57BL/6 mice were exposed to hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO, 5 days, 1 h every day, 100% O(2) at 3 atm absolute). One day after the 5th HBO session focal cerebral ischemia was induced. In SV129 mice, HBO induced tolerance against permanent focal cerebral ischemia (n=42, mean infarct volume reduction 27%, P=0.001), but not against transient (30 or 60 min) focal cerebral ischemia. In the C57BL/6 strain of mice, HBO did not induce tolerance against focal cerebral ischemia, even when the duration of ischemia or the HBO protocol were modified. For the first time we demonstrate that HBO can induce tolerance to focal cerebral ischemia, but this effect is strain dependent.     

益肾活血胶囊抗病毒性心肌炎的实验研究

目的　探讨益肾活血胶囊对病毒性心肌炎的治疗作用。方法　选用BALB/C小鼠 6 0只,随机分为正常对照组、模型组、益肾活血胶囊组、阳性药物组,每组分别给药后,测定LDH和AST含量,并进行组织病理学检测,各区测定值采用t检验进行组间比较。结果　益肾活血组小鼠LDH、AST水平较模型组明显降低,(p <0 0 0 1);组织病理学检测发现,心脏组织病理改变程度较模型组明显减轻。结论　益肾活血胶囊对于病毒性心肌炎模型小鼠有一定的治疗作用。     

实时定量PCR检测体外诱导条件下小鼠骨髓基质细胞S100mRNA表达水平变化

目的:检测S100 mRNA含量,初步探讨骨髓基质细胞体外诱导条件下向雪旺细胞样细胞分化的可能性。方法:采用差速贴壁的方法分离、培养小鼠骨髓基质细胞。经β-ME,ATRA,Forskolin,bFGF,PDGF,HRG体外诱导后,利用实时定量PCR检测S100 mRNA水平的变化。结果:诱导后,骨髓基质细胞S100 mRNA水平上升,诱导前后水平变化有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:实时定量PCR检测S100 mRNA含量具有较高的灵敏度和特异性。体外诱导后骨髓基质细胞S100 mRNA表达量增多。     

A novel brain receptor is expressed in a distinct population of olfactory sensory neurons

Three novel G-protein-coupled receptor genes related to the previously described RA1c gene have been isolated from the mouse genome. Expression of these genes has been detected in distinct areas of the brain and also in the olfactory epithelium of the nose. Developmental studies revealed a differential onset of expression: in the brain at embryonic stage 17, in the olfactory system at stage E12. In order to determine which cell type in the olfactory epithelium expresses this unique receptor type, a transgenic approach was employed which allowed a coexpression of histological markers together with the receptor and thus visualization of the appropriate cell population. It was found that the receptor-expressing cells were located very close to the basal membrane of the epithelium; however, the cells extended a dendritic process to the epithelial surface and their axons projected into the main olfactory bulb where they converged onto two or three glomeruli in the dorsal and posterior region of the bulb. Thus, these data provide evidence that this unique type of receptor is expressed in mature olfactory neurons and suggests that it may be involved in the detection of special odour molecules.     

Distinct roles for GFRalpha1 and GFRalpha2 signalling in different cranial parasympathetic ganglia in vivo

Neurturin (NRTN), signalling via the GDNF family receptor alpha2 (GFRalpha2) and Ret tyrosine kinase, has recently been identified as an essential target-derived factor for many parasympathetic neurons. NRTN is expressed in salivary and lacrimal glands, while GFRalpha2 and Ret are expressed in the corresponding submandibular, otic and sphenopalatine ganglia. Here, we have characterized in more detail the role of GDNF and NRTN signalling in the development of cranial parasympathetic neurons and their target innervation. Gfra1 mRNA was expressed at E12 but not in newborn cranial parasympathetic ganglia, while Gfra2 mRNA and protein were strongly expressed in newborn and adult cranial parasympathetic neurons and their projections, respectively. In newborn GFRalpha1- or Ret-deficient mice, where many submandibular ganglion neurons were still present, the otic and sphenopalatine ganglia were completely missing. In contrast, in newborn GFRalpha2-deficient mice, most neurons in all these ganglia were present. In these mice, the loss and atrophy of the submandibular and otic neurons were amplified postnatally, accompanied by complete loss of innervation in some target regions and preservation in others. Surprisingly, GFRalpha2-deficient sphenopalatine neurons, whose targets were completely uninnervated, were not reduced in number and only slightly atrophied. Thus, GDNF signalling via GFRalpha1/Ret is essential in the early gangliogenesis of some, but not all, cranial parasympathetic neurons, whereas NRTN signalling through GFRalpha2/Ret is essential for the development and maintenance of parasympathetic target innervation. These results indicate that GDNF and NRTN have distinct functions in developing parasympathetic neurons, and suggest heterogeneity among and within different parasympathetic ganglia.     

基于谱效关系的款冬花祛痰活性成分研究

目的：研究款冬花提取物的高效液相色谱指纹图谱与祛痰作用的谱效关系,筛选款冬花的祛痰活性成分。方法：采用高效液相色谱法建立款冬花提取物的指纹图谱并获得其化学成分含量信息,采用小鼠酚红排泌模型获得款冬花提取物的祛痰药效指标信息,采用偏最小二乘回归法对款冬花提取物的化学成分含量信息与祛痰药效指标信息进行谱效相关分析。结果：初步判断芦丁、异槲皮苷、绿原酸、新绿原酸、隐绿原酸、异绿原酸A、异绿原酸B、异绿原酸C及峰3成分、峰17成分构成款冬花的祛痰活性成分群。结论：款冬花的祛痰作用是多成分共同作用的结果。本研究结果可为关联药效的款冬花质量标准的建立提供参考。     

Diet Modification before or during Pregnancy on Maternal and Foetal Outcomes in Rodent Models of Maternal Obesity

The obesity epidemic has serious implications for women of reproductive age; its rising incidence is associated not just with health implications for the mother but also has transgenerational ramifications for the offspring. Increased incidence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and kidney disease are seen in both the mothers and the offspring. Animal models, such as rodent studies, are fundamental to studying maternal obesity and its impact on maternal and offspring health, as human studies lack rigorous controlled experimental design. Furthermore, the short and prolific reproductive potential of rodents enables examination across multiple generations and facilitates the exploration of interventional strategies to mitigate the impact of maternal obesity, both before and during pregnancy. Given that obesity is a major public health concern, it is important to obtain a greater understanding of its pathophysiology and interaction with reproductive health, placental physiology, and foetal development. This narrative review focuses on the known effects of maternal obesity on the mother and the offspring, and the benefits of interventional strategies, including dietary intervention, before or during pregnancy on maternal and foetal outcomes. It further examines the contribution of rodent models of maternal obesity to elucidating pathophysiological pathways of disease development, as well as methods to reduce the impact of obesity on the mothers and the developing foetus. The translation of these findings into the human experience will also be discussed.