ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the effects of midazolam pretreatment on inflammatory responses and cell apoptosis during intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) in mice.Methods Thirty healthy male Kunming mice,weighing 18-22 g,were equally and randomly divided into 3 groups using a random number table:sham operation group (S group),I/R group,and midazolam pretreatment group (M group).Intestinal I/R was produced by occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery for 20 min followed by reperfusion.In group M,midazolam 1 mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally,and intestinal I/R was produced 30 min later.At 24 h of reperfusion,the mice were sacrificed,and intestinal tissues were removed for microscopic examination and for determination of the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and caspase-3.Intestinal damage was assessed and scored according to Chiu.Results Compared with group S,Chiu's scores were significantly increased,and the expression of IL-6,TNF-α and caspase-3 was significantly up-regulated in I/R and M groups (P＜0.05).Compared with group I/R,Chiu's scores were significantly decreased,and the expression of IL-6,TNF-α and caspase-3 was significantly down-regulated in group M (P＜0.05).Conclusion Midazolam pretreatment can reduce intestinal I/R injury,and the mechanism is related to inhibition of inflammatory responses and cell apoptosis in mice.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate voluntary wheel running behavior in the unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) rat model. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to 2 groups : 6-OHDA group (n=17) and control group (n=8). The unilateral 6-OHDA rat model was induced by injection of 6-OHDA into unilateral medial forebrain bundle using a stereotaxic instrument. Voluntary wheel running activity was assessed per day in successfully lesioned rats (n=10) and control rats. Each behavioral test lasted an hour. The following parameters were investigated during behavioral tests : the number of running bouts, the distance moved in the wheel, average peak speed in running bouts and average duration from the running start to the peak speed. RESULTS: The number of running bouts and the distance moved in the wheel were significantly decreased in successfully lesioned rats compared with control rats. In addition, average peak speed in running bouts was decreased, and average duration from the running start to the peak speed was increased in lesioned animals, which might indicate motor deficits in these rats. These behavioral changes were still observed 42 days after lesion. CONCLUSION: Voluntary wheel running behavior is impaired in the unilateral 6-OHDA rat model and may represent a useful tool to quantify motor deficits in this model.