ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effect of β-asarone on hippocampal neurons of experimental depression rats. Methods Eighty male adult SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, namely normal group, model group, fluoxetine(1.2 mg/kg) group and β-asarone (25 mg/kg) group. Depression rat model was established. The medication groups were given corresponding agents respectively. After treatment for 21 days, the number of apoptotic cells and the histological features in the hippocampus of rats were detected by flow cytometry and TUNEL, respectively. Results Compared with the normal group, typical apoptotic cells were found, apoptotic cell count and apoptotic rate were increased in the hippocampal CA3 and DG area of the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, apoptotic cell count and apoptotic rate were decreased in the hippocampal area ofβ-asarone group and fluoxetine group (P<0.01). Conclusion The protective mechanism of β-asarone for the hippocampal cells of depression rats is probably associated with the reduction of the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons.
ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the protective effect of?-asarone,the active components from Rhizoma Acori Tarinowii,on human umbilical venous endothelial cell strain ECV304 injury induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein(ox-LDL)and to investigate its influence on proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMC). Methods The well-grown ECV304 cells were randomized into 5 groups:normal group,control group,high-, middle-and low-dose?-asarone groups.Except the normal group,ECV in the other groups were co-cultured with ox-LDL 25?g/mL,and the?-asarone groups were additionally with?-asarone 30,15 and 7.5?g/mL added respectively.Flow cytometry was used to detect the cell apoptotic rate and the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP)of ECV304 as well as the proliferation index and the DNA content in different cell phases of VSMC. Results In the model group,the apoptotic rate of ECV was increased,MMP was decreased,and VSMC proliferation was promoted(P