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Objective: To observe the effect of Yiqi Mingmu Pill on the expression of BaxmRNA protein and caspase-3 mRNA in retina of RCS rats. Methods: Twenty-four RCS rats were randomly divided into three groups: blank group, model group, Yiqi Mingmu Pill group. In the blank group, there were 8 RCS (rdy+/+, p+/+) rats, with 4 males and 4 females, and they received intragastric administration of normal saline. The model group consisted of 8 RCS (rdy-/, p-/-) rats, with 4 males and 4 females, and they received intragastric administration of normal saline. Yiqi Mingmu Pills groupconsisted of 8 RCS (rdy-/, p-/-) rats, with 4 males and 4 females, respectively. They received intragastric administrationof suspension of Yiqi Mingmu Pills. After intragastric administration for 30 days, the structure of retina layers wasobserved by HE staining. BaxmRNA and Caspase-3 mRNA in retinal tissues of each group were measured by RT-qPCRand Western Blot. Results: HE staining showed that the retina thickness of rats in Yiqi Mingmu Pill group wassignificantly thicker than that of the model group. The retinal pigment epithelial band was partially visible, and part of theouter nuclear layer photoreceptor sensory ciliary layer was visible. The number of photoreceptor cell nuclei was higherthan that of the model. There were many groups. The outer layer, outer core layer, and the visual cone layer were clearerand thicker than the model group. RT-qPCR showed that the relative expression of Bax mRNA and Caspase-3 mRNA inYiqi Mingmu Pills group was significantly lower than the model group, and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.01), WB test showed that the relative expression of Bax protein and Caspase-3 protein in Yiqi Mingmu Pill group wassignificantly lower than that in the model group, and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.01) . Conclusion: YiqiMingmu Pill has protective effect on the ultrastructure of RP retina. Yiqi Mingmu Pills can reduce the apoptosis of retinalphotoreceptor cells by inhibiting the expression of BaxmRNA and Caspase-3 mRNA on the retina and protect the visualcells.
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OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupotomy therapy on mRNA expressions of Bcl-2, Bax , Caspase-3 in posterior cervical extensor muscles in cervical spondylosis rabbits, and explore its mechanisms for apoptosis of cervical muscles. METHODS: New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into normal, model, electroacupuncture (EA) and acupotomy groups, 6 in each group. The cervical spondylosis model was established by forced head-bowing for a long term. After model establishment, acupotomy was used at the trapezius muscle starting point and attachment site of sternocleidomastoid muscle, etc., once a week, total 3 times. EA was used at "Tianzhu" (BL 10), "Jingbailao" (EX-HN 15) and "Dazhu" (BL 11) for 3 weeks, 20 min a time, 3 times a week. Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3 mRNA expressions in posterior cervical extensor muscles were detected by real-time PCR. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA among all the groups (P>0.05). Compared with the normal group, Bax mRNA increased in the model group (P<0.01), and that in the acupotomy group was lower than that in the model group (P<0.01). The ratio of Bcl-2/Bax mRNA in the model group decreased significantly compared with that in the normal group (P<0.01); in comparison with the model group, the ratio in the acupotomy group increased (P<0.01); and that in the acupotomy group was higher than the ratio in the EA group (P<0.05). The Caspase-3 mRNA expression in the model group increased compared with that in the normal group (P<0.05), and its expression in the acupotomy group decreased compared with those in the model and EA groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Acupotomy therapy can regulate the mRNA expressions of Bax and Caspase-3, and retard apoptosis in posterior cervical extensor muscles, therefore the strained muscles are relieved, which may be one of its mechanisms for improving cervical spondylosis.
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ObjectiveTo observe the expression of Caspase-3 mRNA in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of chronic stress-induced depression rats,and to detect the machnisms of antidepression by electro-acupuncture.MethodsSprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups:control group,model group,model +electro-acupuncture group and model + paroxetine group,12 rats in each group.Open-field test was used to observe the changes of movements,and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) method was used to detect Caspase-3 mRNA levels in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.Results ①Open-field test:after stress,compared with control group rats,the model group rats' crossing numbers (29 ± 7),rearing times (6 ± 2) were apparently less than those of control group( (66 ± 13),( 10 ±2) ; P＜0.05,P＞0.05).In comparison with model group,the crossing times and rearing times being increasing in degree in electro-acupuncture group( (61 ±9),( 13 ±1 ) ) and paroxetine group( (39 ± 10),(8 ± 1 ),P＜0.01,P＞0.05).② Compared with the control group,Caspase-3 mRNA in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus significantly increased in model group(P ＜0.05 ) ;and compared with model group,Caspase-3 mRNA in prefrontal cortex in electro-acupuncture group and paroxetine group significantly decreased(P ＜ 0.05 ),and both expression of Caspase-3 mRNA in hippocampus in electro-acupuncture group and expression of Caspase-3 mRNA in hippocampus in paroxetine group decreased (P ＞ 0.05 ).ConclusionChronic stress can increase the expression of Caspase-3 mRNA in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of chronic stress-induced depression rats,while electro-acupuncture can decrease the expression of caspase-3 mRNA,which may be an important way to anti-depression by electro-acupuncture.
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Objective To investigate the influence of acpuncture on free calcium in rat brain cells after focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion.Methods 145 adult male SD rats were randomly divided into control group,simple ischemia reperfusion group and acupuncture with ischemia reperfusion group.The middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) rat model was established by the modified Longa occlusion method. ①The part of free calcium in rat brain cells,focal cevebral ischemia model of rats were made by thread locking up the blood vessel for 15 min.30 min later after reperfusion, the Baihui and Shuigou Point in Du meridian were acupunctured electrically 30 min.After 3h, 6h and 12h, the rat was killed and its brain cells were made into single cell suspension,marked by Fluo-3/AM.The fluorescence optical density was recorded by laser confocal microscopy.②The part of nerve functional reconstruction, focal cevebral ischemia model of rats were made by thread locking up the blood vessel for 12 hours.30 min later after reperfusion, the Baihui and Shuigou Point in Du meridian were acupunctured electrically 30 min.After 7 d, 14 d,30 d,60 d and 90 d, the rat was forced to detect it's strength of the dog.Results ①Free calcium in rats of acupuncture therapy group(6h:10.96±1.18;2h:20.9±4.37) was significantly less than that in control group in 6 h and 12 h after reperfusion (6 h: 16.87 ± 3.56,12 h: 34.10 ±1.06)(P<0.05).②The dog in rats of acupuncture therapy group was significantly more than that in control group in 7 d, 14 d after reperfusion (P＜ 0.05 ).No difference of the dog was detected in 30 d ,60 d and 90 d after reperfusion between the two groups.Conclusion Acupunture could decreases the concentration of free calcium and the expression of Caspase-3 mRNA in rat brain cells after focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion, and it can facilitate the recovery of nerve function.