ABSTRACT
[Objective] The purpose is to determine the effect of Chaihu Plus Longgumuli Decoction(CD)on behaviors and plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)level changed by psychological stress in rats.[Methods] Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to four groups as follows:normal(C),psychological stress model(P),CD(12.5g/kg,ig)+P(DP),and CD(25g/kg,ig)+P(HP).One week later,rats were subjected to psychological stress.The behaviors of rats were tested in open field conditions,and the plasma ACTH level was detected by radioimmunoassay.[Results] The crossing scores,the rearing cores and plasma ACTH level increased more significantly in the psychological stress model rats than that in normal group;Rats in both DP and HP groups showed lower crossing and rearing cores and blunted elevation of plasma ACTH after psychological stress compared with rats in psychological stress model.[Conclusion] The hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical(HPA)axis function and anxiety-like behavior could be regulated by CD during psychological stress in rats.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the in vitro growth inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing effects of paclitaxel on the human osteosarcoma cell line U-2 OS.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>U-2 OS cells were treated with various concentrations of paclitaxel. Proliferation was determined by cell count in a neubauer cytometer chamber. Viability was assessed by trypan blue dye exclusion. Paclitaxel-induced morphologic alterations were visualized using light and transmission electron microscopy. The extent of paclitaxel-induced apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and immunohistochemical detection (TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling technique, TUNEL).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The cells treated with paclitaxel initially showed G(2)/M arrest, which was followed by apoptosis. The characteristic apoptotic changes, including nuclear disintegration and chromatin agglomeration, were displayed. Large amounts of micronuclei cells appeared, something not observed in those cells treated with cisplatin and adriamycin for contrast. Also, extensive DNA-cleavage was detected using TUNEL.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This study demonstrates that paclitaxel has an apoptotic-inducing effect on osteosarcoma cells through the initiation of G(2)/M arrest and inhibiting mitosis in both a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner.</p>