ABSTRACT
Objective The occurrence of perimenopausal hot flashes involves many theories, among which the study of neurotransmitter mechanism has attracted much attention. This study aims to investigate the changes of α1 and α2 adrenoreceptors in the preoptic area of the hypothalamus(POAH) in ovariectomized rats after 4 weeks treatment with estradiol valerate, and explore the potential neurotransmitter mechanism of perimenopausal hot flashes. Methods 30 female Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 230±10 g and aged 6-8WK, were divided into three groups: ovariectomy (OVX)group , sham group, and ovariectomy plus estradiol valerate (OVX+E2) group, each 10. Rats in sham-operated group opened pelvic cavity to find ovaries, but did not remove them. The other rats underwent bilateral ovariectomy under sterile conditions. Rats in OVX group and (OVX+E2) group received bilateral ovariectomy, rats in OVX group received isotonic saline gavage (10 mg/kg), and rats in (OVX+E2) group received estradiol valerate gavage (0.8 mg /kg). Anesthesia, cardiac perfusion and paraffin section were made after taking the brain. The expression of α1 and α2 adrenoreceptors in POAH of the rats was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results After 4 weeks’ treatment, the number of α1[(54.0±3.9)/100μm2] and α2[(89.0±2.4)/100μm2] adrenoreceptor positive cells in POAH of OVX group significantly decreased compared with that in sham group[(66.3±4.0)、(71.0±2.2)/100μm2](P<0.01),while the number of α1 and α2 [(63.7±4.5)、(73.1±3.5)/100μm2)] adrenoreceptor positive cells in POAH of（OVX+E2 ）group significantly increased compared with that in OVX group(P<0.01). The difference was statistically significant. Conclusion The expression of two adrenergic receptors in the POAH of ovariectomized rats changed. The central noradrenergic system may be involved in the mechanism of perimenopausal hot flashes,which need further studying.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the therapeutic effect of acupuncture for hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage at the early stage.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty-four cases of small-amount cerebral hemorrhage were randomized into an acupuncture group and a conventional treatment group, 27 cases in each one. In the conventional treatment group, special care, oxygen therapy, nerve nutrition and symptomatic support were applied. In necessary, dehydrant and hypotensive drugs were prescribed for antihypertension, or surgery was given. In the acupuncture group, on the basis of the treatment as the control group, acupuncture was applied at Quchi (LI 11), Neiguan (PC 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Taichong (LR 3). Acupuncture was given at the admission, 4 h, 6 h and 12 h after disease onset respectively. Blood pressure was monitored in the whole procedure. 6 h and 24 h after disease onset, the cranial CT was re-examined. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), hematoma volume and neurological deficit score were compared at different time points between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Blood pressure: from the admission to 12 h after disease onset, SBP, DBP and MAP were increased apparently in the conventional treatment group and increased slightly in the acupuncture group. The differences in SBP [(164.3 +/- 21.6) mmHg vs (158.6 +/- 21.5) mmHg] and MAP [(113.4 +/- 4.9) mmHg vs (106.7 +/- 6.1) mmHg] were significant between the two groups (both P < 0.05). From 12 h to 24 h after disease onset, compared with the conventional treatment group, SBP and MAP were decreased apparently in the acupuncture group [(147.3 +/- 21.6) mmHg vs (158.4 +/- 23.5) mmHg, (97.2 +/- 5.3) mmHg vs (106.6 +/- 5.1) mmHg, both P < 0.05)]. (2) Hematoma volume: from the admission to 6 h after disease onset, the volume was increased by (4.15 +/- 0.73) mL in the convertional treatment group and (2.67 +/- 0.33) mL in the acupuncture group, indicating the significant difference in comparison (P < 0.05). From the admission to 24 h after disease onset, it was increased by (5.57 +/- 1.26) mL in the convertional treatment group and (3.14 +/- 1.18) mL in the acupuncture group, indicating the significant difference in comparison (P < 0.05). (3) Neurological deficit score: the score was increasing gradually in first 3 days after disease onset in the two groups. The score (38.39 +/- 6.84) in the acupuncture group on the first day was different significantly as compared with that (42.37 +/- 7.46) in the conventional treatment group (P < 0.05). On the 10th days, the score (24.68 +/- 5.42) in the acupuncture group was different significantly from that (29.74 +/- 7.36) in the convertional treatment group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There is no peak of blood pressure rising, and the continuous hemorrhagic volume is less in 24 h and neurological deficit score is improved in the acupuncture group. Acupuncture brings the positive significance in the treatment of cerebral hemorrhage at the early stage.</p>