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Human functional MRI studies in acute and various chronic pain conditions have revolutionized how we view pain, and have led to a new theory that complex multi-dimensional pain experience (sensory-discriminative, affective/motivational, and cognitive) is represented by concurrent activity in widely-distributed brain regions (termed a network or pain matrix). Despite these breakthrough discoveries, the specific functions proposed for these regions remain elusive, because detailed electrophysiological characterizations of these regions in the primate brain are lacking. To fill in this knowledge gap, we have studied the cortical areas around the central and lateral sulci of the non-human primate brain with combined submillimeter resolution functional imaging (optical imaging and fMRI) and intracranial electrophysiological recording. In this mini-review, I summarize and present data showing that the cortical circuitry engaged in nociceptive processing is much more complex than previously recognized. Electrophysiological evidence supports the engagement of a distinct nociceptive-processing network within SI (i.e., areas 3a, 3b, 1 and 2), SII, and other areas along the lateral sulcus. Deafferentation caused by spinal cord injury profoundly alters the relationships between fMRI and electrophysiological signals. This finding has significant implications for using fMRI to study chronic pain conditions involving deafferentation in humans.
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Animals , Humans , Cerebral Cortex , Diagnostic Imaging , Pain , Diagnostic Imaging , Pathology , Primates , Touch , PhysiologyABSTRACT
Glues medicines is a special kind of traditional Chinese medicine.As the market demand is large, the raw materials are in short supply and lacks proper quality evaluation technology, which causes inconsistent quality of products on the market. Its authentic identification and evaluation stay a problem to be solved. In this paper, the research progress of the methods and techniques of the evaluation of the identification and quality of glues medicines were reviewed. The researches of medicinal glue type identification and quality evaluation mainly concentrated in four aspects of medicinal materials of physical and chemical properties, trace elements, organic chemicals and biological genetic methods and techniques. The methods of physicochemical properties include thermal analysis, gel electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing electrophoresis, infrared spectroscopy, gel exclusion chromatography, and circular dichroism. The methods including atomic absorption spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, plasma emission spectrometry and visible spectrophotometry were used for the study of the trace elements of glues medicines. The organic chemical composition was studied by methods of composition of amino acids, content detection, odor detection, lipid soluble component, organic acid detection. Methods based on the characteristics of biogenetics include DNA, polypeptide and amino acid sequence difference analysis. Overall, because of relative components similarity of the glues medicines (such as amino acids, proteins and peptides), its authenticity and quality evaluation index is difficult to judge objectively, all sorts of identification evaluation methods have different characteristics, but also their limitations. It indicates that further study should focus on identification of evaluation index and various technology integrated application combining with the characteristics of the production process.
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Adhesives , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , Quality Control , Spectrophotometry, Atomic , Trace ElementsABSTRACT
Objective To explore the effects of high fat diet on insulin resistance ( IR) and the expression of liver insulin receptor substrate ( IRS) 1 and 2 in Tibet minipigs. Methods Ten Tibet minipigs were randomly divided into 2 groups, normal control (Ctr, n=5) group was fed with normal diet, and IR model (n=5) group fed with high fat/choles-terol diet for 12 weeks. After the establishment of pig models for 12 weeks, the body weight and body length were measured and body mass index ( BMI) was calculated, and the changes of total cholesterol ( TC) , low density lipoprotein ( LDL?C) , high density lipoprotein ( HDL?C) , triglyceride ( TG) , free fatty acids ( FFA) , fasting blood glucose ( FBG) , fasting insu?lin ( insulin) and homeostasis model assessment?insulin resistance ( HOMA?IR) were detected. Glucose tolerance test was performed, the area under the curve of glucose tolerance ( AUC) was also calculated, and the expressions of IRS?1 and IRS?2 gene and protein in liver tissue were detected. The lipid deposition, liver glycogen and pathological changes were ex?amined by pathology using oil?red O, PAS and HE staining, respectively. Results Compared with the control group, the body weight, BMI index, TC, LDL?C, HDL?C, FFA, FBG, insulin and HOMA?IR were significantly increased ( P <0. 05, P<0. 01). Intravenous glucose tolerance test showed that the curve of blood glucose and insulin levels were slowed down, while AUCglucose and AUCinsulin were significantly increased (P<0. 05, P<0. 01). Lipid deposition and liver glyco?gen were increased, and partial hepatocyte swelling, part of the nuclei disappeared or were pushed to one end, occasionally scattered infiltration of lymphocytes in the liver tissue. Furthermore, the expressions of IRS?1 and IRS?2 mRNA and protein were significantly decreased (P<0. 05, P<0. 01). Conclusions High fat diet can induce insulin resistance in Tibet minipigs. The decreased IRS?1 and IRS?2 expression in the liver may be one of the molecular mechanisms involved in the effects of high fat diet on insulin sensitivity in Tibet minipigs.
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Objective To observe the intervention effect of salvianolic acid A ( SAA) on retinopathy of Zucker diabetic fatty ( ZDF ) rats and explore the possible action mechanism of SAA to prevent and treat diabetic retinopathy ( DR) . Methods Thirty-two 7-8-week old ZDF rats were taken and fed with Purina rat chow for 4 weeks. The ZDF rats were equally divided by the blood glucose into model group, 0. 5 mg/kg SAA group, 1. 0 mg/kg SAA group and metformin ( Met) group. 8 Zucker lean ( ZL) rats were taken as control group. After 12-week administration, incidence of cataracts and retinal pathology was observed, and levels of GLU, TC and HbA1c in blood, transferrin ( TRF) and retinol binding protein ( RBP) in urine and levels of interleukin-1 ( IL-1 ) , interleukin-6 ( IL-6 ) , oxidized low density lipoprotein ( ox-LDL), malondialdehyde (MDA) and lipoprotein related phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) activity in serum were measured. Results In the model group, GLU, TC, HbA1c , diabetic cataract incidence rate, retinal basement thickening and microangiopathy appeared in most of the rats. The levels of TRF and RBP in urine and levels of IL-1, IL-6, ox-LDL, MDA in serum were significantly increased, and Lp-PLA2 activity was also significantly increased. After SAA administration, the morbidity rate of cataract was reduced, and retinal pathological changes were improved in different degrees. The levels of TRF, RBP, IL-1, IL-6, ox-LDL, MDA and Lp-PLA2 activity was decreased. Conclusions SAA can slow down the process of diabetic retinopathy in ZDF rats and reduce the incidence of cataract. The mechanisms of action may be related to inhibition of chronic inflammation, prevention of lipid peroxidation and reduction of Lp-PLA2 activity.
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Objective To observe the intervention effect of salvianolic acid A ( SAA) on retinopathy of Zucker diabetic fatty ( ZDF ) rats and explore the possible action mechanism of SAA to prevent and treat diabetic retinopathy ( DR) . Methods Thirty-two 7-8-week old ZDF rats were taken and fed with Purina rat chow for 4 weeks. The ZDF rats were equally divided by the blood glucose into model group, 0. 5 mg/kg SAA group, 1. 0 mg/kg SAA group and metformin ( Met) group. 8 Zucker lean ( ZL) rats were taken as control group. After 12-week administration, incidence of cataracts and retinal pathology was observed, and levels of GLU, TC and HbA1c in blood, transferrin ( TRF) and retinol binding protein ( RBP) in urine and levels of interleukin-1 ( IL-1 ) , interleukin-6 ( IL-6 ) , oxidized low density lipoprotein ( ox-LDL), malondialdehyde (MDA) and lipoprotein related phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) activity in serum were measured. Results In the model group, GLU, TC, HbA1c , diabetic cataract incidence rate, retinal basement thickening and microangiopathy appeared in most of the rats. The levels of TRF and RBP in urine and levels of IL-1, IL-6, ox-LDL, MDA in serum were significantly increased, and Lp-PLA2 activity was also significantly increased. After SAA administration, the morbidity rate of cataract was reduced, and retinal pathological changes were improved in different degrees. The levels of TRF, RBP, IL-1, IL-6, ox-LDL, MDA and Lp-PLA2 activity was decreased. Conclusions SAA can slow down the process of diabetic retinopathy in ZDF rats and reduce the incidence of cataract. The mechanisms of action may be related to inhibition of chronic inflammation, prevention of lipid peroxidation and reduction of Lp-PLA2 activity.
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OBJECTIVE@#To study the inhibition effect of miR-106a inhibitor on tumor growth of ovarian cancer xenografts mice.@*METHODS@#BALB/c mice were selected as experimental animals, ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells transfected with miR-106a inhibitor and its negative control were inoculated subcutaneously, intratumoral injection of miR-106a inhibitor and its negative control were continued after tumor formation, and they were enrolled as treatment group and model group, respectively. Tumor volume and weight as well as Ki-67 and programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) expression were determined; miR-106a inhibitor and its negative control as well as miR-106a mimic and its negative control were transfected into SKOV-3 cells, and expression of PDCD4 in cells was determined.@*RESULTS@#Tumor tissue volume and weight as well as mRNA expression and protein expression of Ki-67 in treatment group were significantly lower than those in the model group while mRNA expression and protein expression of PDCD4 were significantly higher than those in the model group; transfection of miR-106a mimic could decrease mRNA expression and protein expression of PDCD4 in SKOV-3 cells, and transfection of miR-106a inhibitor could increase mRNA expression and protein expression of PDCD4 in SKOV-3 cells.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Transfection of miR-106a inhibitor can inhibit the growth of tumor in ovarian cancer xenografts mice through increasing the expression of PDCD4.
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Objective To study the inhibition effect of miR-106a inhibitor on tumor growth of ovarian cancer xenografts mice. Methods BALB/c mice were selected as experimental animals, ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells transfected with miR-106a inhibitor and its negative control were inoculated subcutaneously, intratumoral injection of miR-106a inhibitor and its negative control were continued after tumor formation, and they were enrolled as treatment group and model group, respectively. Tumor volume and weight as well as Ki-67 and programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) expression were determined; miR-106a inhibitor and its negative control as well as miR-106a mimic and its negative control were transfected into SKOV-3 cells, and expression of PDCD4 in cells was determined. Results Tumor tissue volume and weight as well as mRNA expression and protein expression of Ki-67 in treatment group were significantly lower than those in the model group while mRNA expression and protein expression of PDCD4 were significantly higher than those in the model group; transfection of miR-106a mimic could decrease mRNA expression and protein expression of PDCD4 in SKOV-3 cells, and transfection of miR-106a inhibitor could increase mRNA expression and protein expression of PDCD4 in SKOV-3 cells. Conclusions Transfection of miR-106a inhibitor can inhibit the growth of tumor in ovarian cancer xenografts mice through increasing the expression of PDCD4.
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OBJECTIVE: To synthesize the ester condensation products of paeonol by coupling paeonol or its analogues with naproxen and investigate the anti-inflammatory activities of the products. METHODS: Five compounds were synthesized by condensing paeonol or its analogues with naproxen by DCC method. An HPLC method was established for determination of the content of the target products, and their degradation dynamics under pH 1.2, 5.0 and 7.4 buffer conditions at 37℃ was studied. The anti-inflammatory activities of the compounds were evaluated in xylene-induced mouse ear swelling model. RESULTS: Five new compounds were synthesized and confirmed by MS and H-NMR. Degradation kinetic experiments showed that these compounds were stable in buffers of different pHs. All the compounds showed anti-inflammatory activities. CONCLUSION: All the compounds are stable and exhibit potent anti-inflammatory activities.
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Objective To investigate the glucose metabolic pattern of brain functional loop in patients with refractory obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) using 18 F-FDG PET.Methods Eight patients with refractory OCD and 8 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers underwent 18F-FDG PET brain imaging.SPM software was used for image post-processing and quantitative analysis.Correlation analysis between 18F-FDG uptake and Yale-Brown obsessive compulsive scale(Y-BOCS) score was performed.Results Compared with the controls,the glucose metabolism of bilateral frontal cortices ( including the rectal gyrus,orbital gyrus and cingulate gyrus),left thalamus,right temporal lobe and bilateral cerebellum in refractory OCD patients increased significantly ( Zmax =3.45 - 5.80,all P ＜ 0.001 ).Bilateral motor cortices and bilateral parietal lobes (BA7),however,showed decreased glucose metabolism (Zmax =3.44 - 4.46,all P ＜0.001 ).Y-BOCS score was positively correlated with the glucose metabolism of the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex (Zmax =3.77,3.48 and 2.97,all P ＜ 0.01 ).Conclusions There is a characteristic metabolic pattern of increased glucose utilization in the fronto-striato-thalamic loop and decreased glucose utilization in bilateral motor cortices and parietal lobes in patients with OCD.The glucose metabolism in the anterior cingulate cortex might serve as a quantitative parameter for the assessment of the severity of OCD.
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To explore the effect of ginsenoside Rb1 on JNK/p38 MAPK in the process of beta-amyloid peptide (25-35) -induced tau protein hyperphosphorylation, Western blotting and immunocytochemical stain were performed to observe the tau protein phosphorylation and the expression of JNK/p38 MAPK. The level of tau protein phosphorylation in the sites of Ser396 , Ser199/202 and Thr205 increased after rat cortical neurons exposed to 20 micromol x L(-1) Abeta25-35, meanwhile the level of JNK/p38 MAPK also increased after Abeta25-35 treatment for 12 h. Pretreatment with several doses of ginsenoside Rbl markedly attenuated tau protein hyperphosphorylation and the expression of JNK/p38 MAPK. Ginsenoside Rbl markedly attenuated tau protein hyperphosphorylation through JNK/p38 MAPK pathway.
Subject(s)
Animals , Rats , Amyloid beta-Peptides , Cells, Cultured , Cerebral Cortex , Cell Biology , Metabolism , Ginsenosides , Pharmacology , JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases , Metabolism , Neurons , Metabolism , Panax , Chemistry , Peptide Fragments , Phosphorylation , Plants, Medicinal , Chemistry , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Signal Transduction , p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases , Metabolism , tau Proteins , MetabolismABSTRACT
While the activation of primary somatosensory (SI) cortex during pain perception is consistently reported in functional imaging studies on normal subjects and chronic pain patients, the specific roles of SI, particularly the subregions within SI, in the processing of sensory aspects of pain are still largely unknown. Using optical imaging of intrinsic signal (OIS) and single unit electrophysiology, we studied cortical activation patterns within SI cortex (among Brodmann areas 3a, 3b and 1) and signal amplitude changes to various intensities of non-nociceptive, thermal nociceptive and mechanical nociceptive stimulation of individual distal finerpads in anesthetized squirrel monkeys. We have demonstrated that areas 3a and 1 are preferentially involved in the processing of nociceptive information while areas 3b and 1 are preferentially activated in the processing of non-nociceptive (touch) information. Nociceptive activations of individual fingerpad were organized topographically suggesting that nociceptive topographic map exits in areas 3a and 1. Signal amplitude was enhanced to increasing intensity of mechanical nociceptive stimuli in areas 3a, 3b and 1. Within area 1, nociceptive response co-localizes with the non-nociceptive response. Therefore, we hypothesize that nocicepitve information is area-specifically represented within SI cortex, in which nociceptive inputs are preferentially represented in areas 3a and 1 while non-nociceptive inputs are preferentially represented in areas 3b and 1.
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Animals , Brain Mapping , Nociception , Physiology , Pain , Saimiri , Somatosensory Cortex , Physiology , TouchABSTRACT
<p><b>AIM</b>To establish a sensitive and efficient reporter gene-based screening model for finding agonists of estrogen receptor beta subtype.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A recombinant vector pTAL-ERE-SEAP was constructed by inserting a synthetic sequence composed of five estrogen responsive elements in front of promoter of pTAL-SEAP vector. pTAL-ERE-SEAP was then transfected into human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. G418 (200 microg x mL(-1)) was added to select positive clones that can be induced by E2 to express reporter gene SEAP. The speciality was tested by several ligands of relative nuclear receptors of the same family. The stability of the model, the time-effect relationship, the dose-response relationship, and the immunocytochemistry staining of ERbeta expression after transfection were observed. 2 622 compounds were screened by using this model.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Stably transfected clones were obtained. The expression levels of reporter gene SEAP of positive clones was induced by E2 in a dose-response and time-effect relationship manners. The Z' factor value was 0.7. The expression levels of dexamethasone and other ligands were low. The result of immunocytochemistry staining showed the expression of ERbeta. E2 had no proliferating effects on stably transfected clones.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Stably transfected positive clones transfected with recombinant vector pTAL-ERE-SEAP were obtained. The positive clones may be used to screen for agonists of estrogen receptor beta subtype by measurement of luminescent value of expressed SEAP in wells of microlitre plate.</p>
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Humans , Alkaline Phosphatase , Genetics , Metabolism , Cell Line , Estradiol , Pharmacology , Estrogen Receptor beta , Genetics , Metabolism , Gene Expression Regulation , Genetic Vectors , Immunohistochemistry , Promoter Regions, Genetic , Genetics , Recombinant Fusion Proteins , Genetics , Metabolism , Response Elements , Genetics , TransfectionABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate and compare the therapeutic effect of umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation (UCBSCT) or adult fresh plasma in severe viral hepatitis liver failure with/without heart damage, and to study the effect of UCBSCT on liver lesions in rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>83 severe hepatitis patients with/without heart damage were included in the study between January 1994 and June 2003. The patients were treated with UCBSCT or given adult plasma transfusions. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by serial determination of liver function and myocardium enzymes in all patients before and after the treatment. The model of experimental hepatic failure was constructed in SD rats by injecting carbon tetrachloride. Then, the rats were given normal saline, neonate cord blood serum or neonate cord blood stem cells respectively. The expression of human AFP and Alb in SD rat livers was detected by immunohistochemistry; and human special DNA was detected by PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The UCBSCT group had much better effects in the improvement of liver function than the adult plasma group had, no matter whether the patients had heart damage or not. Moreover, UCBSCT can decrease heart impairment of the patients. The animal experiment demonstrated that AFP and Alb positive cells were present in the neonate cord blood stem cell group after 21 days and 1 month; human special DNA was detected by PCR in these SD rat livers.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>UCBSCT displayed good therapeutic effects on severe viral hepatitis and improvement of heart injury of the patients. The rat liver immunohistochemistry indicated that neonate cord blood stem cell application can decrease the liver damage and increase hepatocellular regeneration. Human umbilical cord blood stem cells can differentiate into liver cells in acute damaged SD rat livers.</p>
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Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Cardiomyopathies , General Surgery , Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplantation , Hepatitis, Viral, Human , General Surgery , Liver Failure , General SurgeryABSTRACT
The effects of airborne particulate matter (PM) trace elements on health are widely concerned nowadays. Many achievements have been made while many unknowns exist. This article reports the recent research progresses, describes the effects of exposure to PM trace elements on health epidemiological evidence, toxicology findings, and raises some questions for future studies.
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Air Pollutants , Reference Standards , Toxicity , Cardiovascular Diseases , Epidemiology , Environmental Exposure , Environmental Health , Reference Standards , Respiratory Tract Diseases , Epidemiology , Trace Elements , Reference Standards , ToxicityABSTRACT
<p><b>AIM</b>To explore the effect and the possible mechanism of ginsenoside Rb1 on beta-amyloid peptide (beta-AP)(25-35) -induced tau protein hyperphosphorylation in cortical neurons.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Western blotting and immunocytochemical staining were used to detect tau phosphorylation level, total tau and glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) in cortical neurons.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After exposure to beta-AP(25-35) (20 micromol x L(-1)) for 12 h, the levels of tau protein phosphorylation in the sites of Ser 396, Ser 199/202, Thr 231 and total tau were raised. Meanwhile, the expression of GSK-3beta also increased. Pretreatment with ginsenoside Rbl or lithium chloride, a specific inhibitor of GSK-3beta, markedly reduced beta-AP(25-35)-induced tau hyperphosphorylation and the expression of GSK-3beta.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Ginsenoside Rb1 can attenuate beta AP(25-35)-induced tau protein hyperphosphorylation in cortical neurons by inhibiting the expression of GSK-3beta.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Rats , Amyloid beta-Peptides , Cerebral Cortex , Cell Biology , Metabolism , Fetus , Ginsenosides , Pharmacology , Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 , Metabolism , Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta , Neurons , Metabolism , Panax , Chemistry , Peptide Fragments , Phosphorylation , Plants, Medicinal , Chemistry , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , tau Proteins , MetabolismABSTRACT
@#ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical characteristics and therapy of fresh cervical spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA) in children.MethodsThe materials of fourteen SCIWORA children (13 cases treated with non operative menthod, 1 case treated by atlantoocciptal fusion) were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsOne child was dead, and the other 13 cases had a 3-year follow up. Three children's symptoms had no change. According to ASIA criterion, there were 3 cases with grade A, 5 cases with grade B, 5 cases with grade C and 1 case with grade D before treatment. After treatment, there were 1 case recovered to grade B, 2 cases recovered to grade C, 5 cases recovered to grade D, 2 cases recovered to grade E.ConclusionSpinal cord injury caused by a short time dislocation of cervical vertebrae is the main reason of SCIWORA in children. The degree of the injury of spinal cord is related directly with the recovery of function of nervous system. Most patients can get satisfactory results by non operative methods. Operations are useful to the cases with obvious instability of cervical spine.
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@#ObjectiveTo explore the clinical therapeutic effect and safety of treating the vertebral artery type cervical spondylosis with rotational manipulation.Methods180 patients with vertebral artery type cervical spondylosis were treated by rotational manipulation.ResultsBy follow-up, 89 patients were evaluated as excellent, 73 as good and 18 as fair. The total rate of excellent and good results was 81%.ConclusionRotational manipulation is an effective method. The correct diagnosis and indication are keys to take good treatment results and safety.
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@#ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of selective posterior rhizotomy(SPR),local corrective surgery and the training of rehabilitation on the relief of limb spasm secondary to cerebral palsy.MethodsThe "open window" of bilateral vertebral lamina resection, the the posterior roots of L2-S1 were separated from anterior roots and splited into rootlets. The rootlets sensitive to lower threshold of electrical stimulation were sectioned. The ratios of cut root,acorrding to muscle tension, myodynamia, body weight, muscle function,were estimated and all of them <30%. The local plastic operation was performed for nonimprovement of lower limb spasm and the training of rehabilitation began at postoperation. ResultsThe SPR have been performed on 28 cases. The rate of spasticity relief was 90% and the rate of functional improvement was 80% with follow-up. ConclusionsIt is a successful way to treat spastic cerebral palsy with SPR and procedural method.