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Objective: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on the protein and gene expressions of Bax, Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 in cerebral cortex of type 2 diabetic rats with cognitive impairment (CI), and to explore the mechanism of EA in improving the learning and memory abilities. Methods: A total of 100 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into a normal group (n=10) and a model group (n=90) by random number table method. Rats in the model group were intraperitoneally injected with a small dose of streptozotocin (STZ) to establish the type 2 diabetic models, after being fed with high-fat and high-sugar diet for 1 month. Twenty CI rats were selected from the 50 successful model rats by the Morris water maze (MWM) test and randomly divided into a model group and an EA group according to the blood glucose level and MWM data (n=10). Rats in the EA group received acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36), Neiting (ST 44) and Yishu (Extra), of which Zusanli (ST 36) and Neiting (ST 44) were stimulated by EA apparatus, 20 min/time, once a day for 6 d a week and 4 consecutive weeks. The rats in the model and the normal groups were fixed without treatment. After 4-week treatment, the random blood glucose level of the rats was measured; the learning and memory abilities of rats were measured by MWM; terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was used to detect apoptotic cells; Western blot (WB) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to detect the protein and gene expressions of Bax, Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 in cerebral cortex. Results: After modeling, the random blood glucose level and the escape latency tested by MWM were significantly increased, and the number of crossing the platform tested by the MWM was decreased in the EA and model groups, and were significantly different from those in the normal group (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the differences between the model group and the EA group were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). After 4-week treatment, the random glucose level and the escape latency tested by MWM were significantly increased (both P<0.05), and the number of crossing the original platform tested by the MWM was significantly reduced (P<0.01), the protein and gene expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 were significantly increased (all P<0.001), the protein and gene expressions of Bcl-2 were significantly reduced (both P<0.001), and the number of neuron apoptosis was significantly increased (P<0.001) in the model group than in the normal group; the random blood glucose level was significantly reduced (P<0.05), the escape latency tested by MWM was significantly shortened (P<0.05), and the number of crossing the original platform tested by MWM was significantly increased (P<0.05), the protein and gene expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 were significantly reduced (all P<0.001), the protein and gene expressions of Bcl-2 were significantly increased (both P<0.001), and the number of neuron apoptosis was significantly reduced (P<0.001) in the EA group than in the model group. Conclusion: EA can improve the learning and memory damages induced by type 2 diabetic model rats with CI; the action mechanism may be achieved via anti-apoptosis.
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Background: Excessive consumption of High Fat Diet (HFD) harmfully impacts body tissues and organs. Interestingly, there is a highconcern towards the use of medicinal plants to ameliorate those harmful effects. Objectives: This study is aimed at investigating the effectivepossibility of Nigella Sativa (NS) seeds powder on liver and small intestine of the rats fed on HFD using biochemical, histological andmorphometric techniques. Material and Methods: Eighteen adult male albino rats were randomly divided into three equal groups. Group I(control) was fed on standard rat pellets chow, Group II (HFD) was fed on standard diet mixed butter (20% fat of diet) and Group III (HFD+ NS) was fed on HFD and concomitantly administrated Nigella sativa (300 mg/Kg daily orally) for 8 weeks. The biochemical studyincluded lipid profile assessment and the histological study included paraffin sections of small intestine and liver stained by Hematoxylinand Eosin, Masson-trichrome for liver collagen and PAS for intestinal Goblet cells to evaluate the histological alteration. Quantitativestatistical analysis of area percent of liver collagen content and goblet cells was done using Digital pro-image analysis. Results: HFD wasassociated with increased serum lipid profile. The histological analysis of hepatic sections revealed abundant fat deposition, inflammatorycell infiltrate, degeneration of hepatocytes with significant increase of collagen fibers as shown by image analysis. Inflammatory changeswith significant reduction in the mean area percent of Goblet cells were observed in intestine of HFD group. NS intake significantly loweredserum level of total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL, in concomitant with reversed HFD-induced histological alteration by decreasinghepatic collagen deposition and increasing intestinal goblet cells. Conclusion: Biochemical, histological and morphometric resultsprovided further evidence that crude NS seeds powder can ameliorate high fat diet–induced alteration in liver and small intestinesuggesting its beneficial use in preventive medicine.
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Objective To investigate the intervention effect of CD147 on learning and memory ability in rat model of Alzheimer's disease. Methods A total of 60 healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group and CD147 group, 20 rats in each group. All of the rats were anesthetized with intraperitoneal injection of 10％chloral hydrate (0.3 g/kg). The rats in the model group and the CD147 group were injected with Aβ1-40 (10μg) in the bilateral hippocampal CA1 regions, while the rats in the sham operation group were injected with the same amount of saline at the same sites. After 48 h, the rats in CD147 group were injected with CD147 cDNA in the bilateral ventricles, while the rats in model group and sham operation group were injected the same amount of saline at the same sites. Morris water maze test was used to detect the ability of learning and memory of rats. The expressions ofβamyloid protein (Aβ) andγ-secretase were detected by Western blot assay. Results The escape latency was significantly longer in model group than that of sham operation group, while which was significantly lower in CD147 group than that of model group (P<0.05). The number of times across the platform and the time of staying on platform were significantly lower in model group than those of sham operation group, while which was significantly higher in the CD147 group than that of model group (P<0.05). The expressions of Aβandγ-secretase were increased significantly in model group compared to those of sham operation group, while which were significantly decreased in CD147 group compared with those of model group (P<0.05). Conclusion Exogenous CD147 can significantly improve the learning and memory ability of AD rats, and its specific mechanism may be related to regulating the activity ofγ-secretase and down regulating the expression of Aβ.
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Abstract Introduction: Children and adolescents living in shelters may present with impaired motor development, cognitive function, as well as speech and understanding; psychological alterations; and hyperactivity. All of these factors may be detrimental to motor learning. Objective: To investigate motor learning in children and adolescents living in shelters, and to compare it with that of individuals living in a family context. Methods: We assessed 36 individuals who were divided into groups: an experimental group, composed of institutionalized children and adolescents (EG, n=18), and a control group (CG, n = 18) that was matched by age and sex. Motor learning was assessed using a maze test in three stages: acquisition, retention and transfer. The data were analyzed using the Shapiro Wilk, Wilcoxon, Mann Whitney, Kruskal Wallis tests and Dunn's post-test (p < 5%). Results: The EG had a longer task performance time than the CG. There was a significant reduction in task performance time between the first (EG = 11.05 [8.50-14.85]s; CG:7.65 [5.95-10.23]s) and the last task performance block (EG:8.02 [6.86-10.23]s; GC: 5.50 [4.50-6.82]s) in both groups. When comparing the variables of the last acquisition (GE:8.02[6.86-10.23]s; GC: 5.50[4.50-6.82]s), retention (GE:8.20[7.09-9.89]s;GC:5.35[4.50-6.22]s) and transfer blocks (GE:8.30[6.28-11.43]s; GC:5.30[4.90-6.82]s) in each group, we found no changes in task performance time between test batteries. Conclusion: Individuals living in shelters showed a motor learning deficit, as evidenced by longer task performance time when compared to their controls. Nevertheless, both groups performed the task in a similar manner.
Resumo Introdução: Crianças e adolescentes institucionalizados podem apresentar comprometimentos do desenvolvimento motor; das funções cognitiva, da fala, da compreensão; alterações psicológicas e hiperatividade, que podem ser prejudiciais para a aprendizagem motora. Objetivo: Analisar a aprendizagem motora de crianças e adolescentes institucionalizados em abrigo e comparar com indivíduos em contexto familiar. Métodos: Foram avaliados 36 indivíduos divididos em 2 grupos: grupo experimental, composto por crianças e adolescentes institucionalizados (GE, n=18) e grupo controle (GC, n =18), pareados por sexo e idade. Para avaliação da aprendizagem motora foi utilizada a tarefa de labirinto realizada em três fases: aquisição, retenção e transferência. Para análise dos dados foram utilizados os testes de Shapiro Wilk, Wilcoxon, Mann Whitney, Kruskal Wallis e pós-teste de Dunn (p < 5%). Resultados: O GE obteve maior tempo para execução da tarefa comparado com o GC. Houve diminuição significativa do tempo de execução da tarefa, do primeiro bloco (GE= 11,05 [8,50-14,85]s; GC:7,65 [5,95-10,23]s) para o último bloco da aquisição (GE:8,02 [6,86-10,23]s; GC: 5,50 [4,50-6,82]s) em ambos os grupos. Ao comparar as variáveis entre o último bloco da aquisição (GE:8,02[6,86-10,23]s; GC: 5,50[4,50-6,82]s), retenção (GE:8,20[7,09-9,89]s; GC:5,35[4,50-6,22]s) e transferência (GE:8,30[6,28-11,43]s; GC:5,30[4,90-6,82]s) em cada grupo, foi encontrada a manutenção do tempo para execução da tarefa durante as fases. Conclusão: Os indivíduos institucionalizados em abrigo apresentaram um déficit na aprendizagem motora, verificada pelo maior tempo de execução da tarefa comparado aos indivíduos não institucionalizados, porém ambos evoluem de maneira semelhante durante a realização da tarefa.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Child , Adolescent , Child Development , Maze Learning , Shelter , InstitutionalizationABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the protection effect of cyclosporine A on spatial memory following chronic cerebral hypoperfusion in rats and its possible mechanism.Me,ods Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation,vehicle,low-dose cyclosporine A,medium-dose cyclosporine A,and high-dose cyclosporine A groups.A chronic cerebral hypoperfusion model was prepared by permanent bilateral ligation of bilateral common carotid arteries.From 46 days after modeling,olive oil 1 ml/d was used for intragastric administration in the sham-operation group and the vehicle group.Cyclosporine A 3 mg/kg,6 mg/kg,and 12 mg/kg were administrated intragastrically in the low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose cyclosporine A groups,respectively,once a day for 14 days.The spatial memory was assessed using Morris water maze test.Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) mRNA in the cerebral cortex.Immunohistochemical staining and Western blot were used to detect the expression of NOX4 protein in the cerebral cortex.Results The Morris water maze test showed that the escape latencies in all cyclosporine A groups were significantly shorter than the vehicle group (all P ＜0.05).Immunohistochemical staining showed that the percentages of the NOX4-positive cells in the sham-operation,vehicle,low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose cyclosporine A groups were4.43％ ±0.37％,37.44％ ±4.76％,18.05％ ±2.91％,12.51％ ±3.4％,and 11.06％ ±1.74％,respectively (F =262.021,P ＜ 0.001),the vehicle group was significantly higher than the sham-operation group (P ＜ 0.01),and all cyclosporine A groups were significantly less than the vehicle group (all P ＜ 0.01).RT-PCR showed that the expression levels of NOX4 mRNA in cerebral cortex in the sham-operation,vehicle,low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose cyclosporine A groups were 0.36 ± 0.03,1.04 ± 0.04,0.58 ± 0.02,0.49 ± 0.01,and 0.40 ± 0.02,respectively (F =1 324.941,P ＜ 0.001),all cyclosporine A groups were significantly lower than the vehicle group (all P ＜ 0.01).Western blot showed that the expression levels of NOX4 protein in cerebral cortex in the sham-operation,vehicle,low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose cyclosporine A groups were 0.02 ± 0.01,0.27 ± 0.04,0.09 ± 0.02,0.06 ± 0.02,and 0.06 ± 0.01,respectively (F =222.692,P ＜ 0.001),all cyclosporine A groups was significantly lower than the vehicle group (all P＜0.01).Conclusion Cyclosporine A may improve spatial memory following chronic cerebral hypoperfusion in rats by down-regulation of NOX4.
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Objective To observe the effects of long-term low dose arsenic exposure through drinking water on learning ability of different generations of C3H and Balb/c mice.Methods Mice (C3H and Balb/c) were exposed to arsenic at 0 mg/L (control) and 85 mg/L (20 female mice and 10 male mice per group).The control group and F1,F2,F3 and F4 mice were selected and divided into 5 experimental groups,8 mice in each group.Their offsprings were detected by the Morris water maze test (the average escape latency of 1 to 5 days) and spatial probe test (the times of through target area on the sixth day).Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 18.0 software.Results The average escape latencies of 1 to 5 days in C3H control group were (48.09 ± 2.63),(46.09 ± 3.27),(42.72 ± 3.29),(39.31 ± 2.69) and (36.75 ± 3.92) s,F1 were (49.59 ± 3.29),(47.34 ± 3.01),(44.28 ± 6.58),(44.50 ±1.67) and (42.16 ± 2.27) s,F2 were (51.41 ± 0.78),(48.88 ± 1.45),(45.54 ± 1.46),(43.94 ± 1.69) and (42.22 ± 3.27) s,F3 were (50.91 ± 4.20),(49.78 ± 5.18),(48.03 3.45),(46.16 ± 4.42) and (44.06 ± 1.04) s,F4 were (52.66 ± 4.60),(52.38 ± 5.78),(49.06 ± 1.22),(47.69 ± 2.34) and (46.47 ± 1.56) s.The average escape latencies of Balb/c control group were (50.91 ± 2.84),(47.03 ± 4.22),(45.56 ± 4.53),(39.72 ± 5.90) and (36.22 ± 4.85) s,F1 were (50.47 ±3.20),(48.25 ± 6.53),(47.13 ± 1.25),(43.72 ± 4.27) and (40.66 ± 4.52) s,F2 were (51.31 ± 4.73),(48.88 ± 1.53),(46.56 ± 1.43),(44.25 ± 1.16) and (41.20 ± 3.79) s,F3 were (51.72 ± 3.54),(50.78 ± 4.45),(45.03 ± 3.56),(41.19 ±5.63) and (42.81 ± 6.29) s,F4 were (53.34 ± 4.60),(52.34 ± 2.77),(48.72 ± 5.92),(46.97 ± 7.38) and (44.94 ± 1.75) s.On the fourth and fifth days of F1,F2,F3 and F4 generations of C3H,the escape latencies between generations were significantly different (all P ＜ 0.05).The times of through target area in the sixth day of the C3H control group and F1,F2,F3 and F4 mice were 2.25,1.75,1.63,1.50 and 1.38,Balb/c were 2.13,1.75,1.63,1.38 and 1.13.Conclusion Arsenic accumulation due to serial passage of C3H and Balb/c through long-term low doses arsenic exposure through drinking water has resulted in decreased learning and memory ability.
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Objective To investigate the effect of isoflurane preconditioning on rat learning and memory in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and its possible mechanism.Methods Thirty-six adult male Sprague-Daw ley rats w ere randomly divided into a sham operation group, a cerebral ischemia-reperfusion group, and an isoflurane preconditioning group (n=12 in each group). A model of middle cerebral artery occlusion and ischemic-reperfusion w as induced by a modified intraluminal suture method. The rats of the isoflurane preconditioning group inhaled 1.5%isoflurane for 1 hour per day for 5 d. At 24 h after the last preconditioning, a model of MCAO w as made. At 24 h after MCAO, the infarct volume w as detected by using 2,3,5 chlorinated diphenyl tetrazolium staining. At day 1, 3, 7, and 14 after MCAO, the modified Neurological Severity Score (mNSS) were performed. At day 9 after MCAO, the Morris w ater maze test w as used to evaluate the learning and memory of rats. At day 14, Western blotting w as used to detect the protein expression level of hippocampal tissue glutamate receptor 1 (GluR1) on the side of ischemia. Results No obvious infarcts w ere observed in the rats of the sham operation group. The infarct volume in the isoflurane preconditioning group w as significantly smal er than that of the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion group (26.383%±3.128%vs.19.107%±1.661%;P<0.05). No neurological deficit w as observed in the sham operation group (score 0). The mNSS scores at day 1, 3, 7, and 14 after MCAO in the isoflurane preconditioning group w ere decreased significantly (day 1:9.000 ±1.195 vs.11.500 ±1.414;day 3:6.6250 ±1.407 vs.6.625 ±1.407vs.6.625 ±1.407; day 7: 5.875 ±0.707 vs.7.375 ±1.407; and day 14:3.375 ±1.187 vs.5.125 ±1.246;al P<0.05). The Morris w ater maze show ed that the escape latencies at day 1-5 after MCAO in the isoflurane preconditioning group w ere al significantly shorter than those in the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion group (day 1: 95.992 ±15.734 s vs.103.008 ±11.654 s; day 2: 70.949 ±14.708 s vs. 94.705 ±14.709 s;day 3:39.660 ±7.413 s vs.65.716 ±10.155 s;day 4:22.692 ±5.778 s vs.35.240 ±8.553 s;day 5: 14.906 ±4.336 s vs.22.890 ±10.381 s; al P<0.05). The numbers of crossing platform (4.556 ± 1.333 vs.2.889 ±1.536 ) and the percentages of time spent in the target quadrant ( 33.014%±5.223%vs. 21.978%±6.697%) in the isoflurane preconditioning group w ere significantly increased than in the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion group (al P<0.01). The levels of hippocampal GluR1 protein on the ischemic sides in the sham operation group, ischemia-reperfusion group, and isoflurane preconditioning group w ere 0.871 ±0.153, 0.456 ±0.130, and 0.689 ±0.126, respectively. There w ere significant differences among the 3 groups ( F=18.329, P<0.001) and the isoflurane preconditioning group w as significantly higher than the ischemia-reperfusion group (P<0.05). Conclusions Isoflurane preconditioning can improve the learning and memory in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats, its mechanism may be associated w ith the uprelagating GluR1 expression in the hippocampus.
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Objective To explore the differences of memory functions and objective sleep parameters and their correlations in patients with insomnia disorder in different subtypes.Methods Eightynine patients with insomnia disorder,including 11 patients with difficulty initiating sleep(DIS),20 patients with early morning awakening(EMA),20 patients with difficulty maintaining sleep (DMS) and 38 patients with mixed sleep symptoms(MS) were enrolled between August 2012 and February 2014 in the Memory and Sleep Disorders Clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University.Memory functions,including objective memory,spatial memory,working memory and reference memory were detected with nine boxes maze,and objective sleep profiles were assessed using polysomnography.Results The error numbers of spatial(H =15.404,P =0.002) and working (H =10.126,P =0.018) memories were significantly different among the 4 subtypes of patients,with more errors of spatial and working memory in the EMA (6.00 (5.00,8.00),5.00 (4.00,6.00)) and MS (5.00 (3.75,7.25),5.00 (2.75,7.00)) groups compared with the DMS (2.50 (2.00,4.00),2.00 (1.00,4.00)) group (tspstial =3.938,3.428;t =2.803,2.840;all P ＜ 0.05).Sleep efficiency(H =7.929,P =0.048),REM sleep time(F =2.840,P =0.043) and the percentage of REM sleep time on total sleep time (REM％;H =7.913,P =0.048) were also significantly different among the 4 subtypes of patients,with lower sleep efficiency in the MS(69.7％ (50.5％,78.7％)) group compared with the EMA (81.0％ (64.8％,86.4％)) and DMS (80.2％ (62.6％,88.9％)) groups (t =2.242,2.352;all P ＜ 0.05),less REM sleep time (min) and REM％ in the EMA(61.6 ±27.1,16.9％ (13.1％,21.9％)) and MS(56.9 ±31.4,16.9％ (11.5％,21.2％)) groups compared with the DMS (80.9 ± 32.7,22.3％ (18.5％,25.5％)) group (qREM time =3.791,5.397;tREM％ =2.513,2.612;all P ＜0.05).The error numbers of working memory and spatial memory negatively correlated with the REM sleep time (r =-0.387,-0.348;all P ＜ 0.05) and REM％ (r =-0.350,-0.354;all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions There are discrepancies in the spatial and working memories and subtle differences in the objective sleep parameters among the patients with different subtypes of insomnia disorder.The worse memories in insomnia disorder patients might be associated with the decreased REM sleep.
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@#Objective To observe the learning and memory function of rats after heat stroke. Methods 60 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into heat stroke group (n=44), sham group (n=8) and control group (n=8). They were tested with the Morris Water Maze 7 days after modeling. The escaping latency was recorded in the first 5 days, and it was recorded with frequency crossing the platform area and the duration in the target quadrant after ridding the platform on the 6th day. Results 16 rats died in the heat stroke group after modeling. The escaping latency increased (P<0.05), and the cumulative duration in the target quadrant and the frequency of crossing the previous platform decreased (P<0.05) in the heat stroke group compared with the other groups. Conclusion The learning and memory ability is impaired after heat stroke in rats.
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Objective To investigate the effect of wogonin on ethology and its possible mechanisms in chronic cerebral ischemia in rats.Methods Rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group,a wogonin intervention group,and a phosphate buffered solution (PBS) control group.A rat model of chronic cerebral ischemia was induced by the two-vessel occlusion method.Six weeks after modeling,the rats in the wogonin intervention group and the PBS control group were intragastric administrated with wogonin (50 μmol/L,10 ml/kg,once a day) and PBS with equal volume for 14 days.Morris water maze test was used to evaluate the spatial learning and memory function.Laser confocal three-dimensional vascular imaging was used to detect the vascular proliferation of ischemic brain tissue.5-Bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU)immunochemical staining was used to detect the cell proliferation in ischemic brain tissue.Transmission electron microscope was used to observe the morphological changes of neural cells in cerebral ischernic region.Results The Morris water maze (n =8) showed that the trains of escape latency from the second to the fifth day in the wogonin intervention group were 43.45 ± 8.64 s,37.12 ± 1.31 s,34.75 ± 5.36 s,and 24.36 ± 5.43 s,respectively.They were significantly shorter than 51.69 ± 5.32 s,43.65 ± 9.21 s,50.19 ± 10.31 s,and 53.65 ± 7.15 s in the PBS control group (all P ＜ 0.05).The first quadrant swimming time of the wogonin intervention group was significantly longer than that of the PBS control group (26.16 ±3.29 s vs.14.38 ±2.16 s; P＜0.01).Laser confocal three-dimensional vascular imaging (n=4) showed that the capillary inner diameter in cerebral ischemia region of the wogonin intervention group was reduced significantly compared to the PBS control group (3.02 ±0.21 μm vs.3.35 ±0.18 μm; P ＜0.05),vascular density was increased significantly (205.80 ± 12.70/0.002 mm3vs.158.42 ± 10.92/0.002 mm3; P＜0.01),and total microvascular area was increased significantly (83 389 ± 4 026 μm2/0.002 mm3 vs.73 349 ±3 986 μm2/0.002 mm3; P＜0.01).Immunohistochemical staining (n =6) showed that the number of BrdU positive cells in the ischemic brain tissue of the wogonin intervention group was increased significantly compared to the PBS control group (24.62 ±3.25/HPF vs.9.87 ±2.89/HPF; P＜0.01).The observation of transmission electron microscope showed that the inflammatory edema in the intercellular spaces of the wogonin intervention group was significantly reduced compare to the PBS control group.Conclusions Wogonin can significantly improve the spatial learning and memory ability of chronic cerebral ischemia in rats,and its possible mechanisms may include the promotion of proliferation and angiogenesis in ischemic region and angiogenesis,and reduce inflammatory response.
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Mice , Anxiety/drug therapy , Chlorpheniramine/therapeutic use , Maze Learning/drug effects , Memory/drug effects , Motor ActivityABSTRACT
Objective To explore the influence of Hedysari radix concentrations fluid (HRCF) on learning and memory and its effect on cerebral monoamine neurotransmitters in senescence accelerated mice. Methods The senescence accelerated mice were randomly divided into the senescence accelerated mouse/resistance 1 (SAMR1) control group, senescence accelerated mouse/prone-8 (SAMP8) model group, HRCF treatment group and aricept treatment group. After 3 months of intragastrical treatment, the learning and memory ability changes and content of norepinephrine, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were detected respectively using Morris water maze and high performance liquid chromatography. Results In the model group, the hidden platform test indicated that the latency to find the hidden platform was remarkably prolonged, and the content of norepinephrine, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine as well as 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the latency of hidden platform test was remarkably shortened (P<0.05) and the content of norepinephrine, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine as well as 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were obviously increased in HRCF treatment group (P<0.01). Conclusion HRCF could improve learning and memory ability of SAMP8 and the influence may related to increasing the content of cerebral monoamine neurotransmitters.
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The plant viral protease, NIa, has a strict substrate specificity for the consensus sequence of Val-Xaa-His-Gln, with a scissoring property after Gln. We recently reported that NIa efficiently cleaved the amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide, which contains the sequence Val-His-His-Gln in the vicinity of the cleavage site by alpha-secretase, and that the expression of NIa using a lentiviral system in the brain of AD mouse model reduced plaque deposition levels. In the present study, we investigated whether exogenous expression of NIa in the brain of AD mouse model is beneficial to the improvement of cognitive deficits. To address this question, Lenti-NIa was intracerebrally injected into the brain of Tg-APPswe/PS1dE9 (Tg-APP/PS1) mice at 7 months of age and behavioral tests were performed 15-30 days afterwards. The results of the water maze test indicated that Tg-APP/PS1 mice which had been injected with Lenti-GFP showed an increased latency in finding the hidden-platform and markedly enhanced navigation near the maze-wall, and that such behavioral deficits were significantly reversed in Tg-APP/PS1 mice injected with Lenti-NIa. In the passive avoidance test, Tg-APP/PS1 mice exhibited a severe deficit in their contextual memory retention, which was reversed by NIa expression. In the marble burying test, Tg-APP/PS1 mice buried marbles fewer than non-transgenic mice, which was also significantly improved by NIa. After behavioral tests, it was verified that the Tg-APP/PS1 mice with Lenti-NIa injection had reduced Abeta levels and plaque deposition when compared to Tg-APP/PS1 mice. These results showed that the plant viral protease, NIa, not only reduces Abeta pathology, but also improves behavioral deficits.
Subject(s)
Animals , Mice , Alzheimer Disease/metabolism , Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism , Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/genetics , Avoidance Learning , Brain/metabolism , Cognition , Cognition Disorders , Disease Models, Animal , Endopeptidases/genetics , Gene Expression , Maze Learning , Memory , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Transgenic , Plaque, Amyloid/metabolism , Presenilin-1/genetics , Viral Proteins/geneticsABSTRACT
Wasp venom is mixture of complex proteins that have several physical and pharmacological properties. The photochemical detoxification of Vespa orientalis venom is expected to generate photooxidized venom sac extract (PVSE). Antigenically active PVSE is obtained by exposing the venom sac extract (VSE) of Vespa orientalis to ultraviolet radiation in the presence of methylene blue. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of PVSE on learning and memory of rats. Detoxification of PVSE was evident since treated mice had longer survival time than the group of mice treated with VSE. Photooxidized VSE of V. orientalis revealed enhancement on learning and memory by shortening the time to reach food (TRF) in T-maze. In a 28-day study with rats, we observed that PVSE significantly decreased transfer latency (TL) in elevated plus maze (EPM), significantly increased step down latency (SDL), diminished step down errors (SDE) and time spent in shock zone (TSS) in step down avoidance test. Thus, we concluded that although there is a possibility of employing PVSE in the treatment of Alzheimer, dementia or neurodegenerative illness as a non-herbal and non-synthetic alternative for patients who do not respond to available therapy, further investigation is still required.(AU)
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Animals , Rats , Wasp Venoms , Photooxidation , Elevated Plus Maze Test , MemoryABSTRACT
Objective To explore memory function affected by chronic insomnia. Methods Fiftyfive patients with primary insomnia (PI), 119 patients with comorbidity of depression and insomnia (CDI)and 50 normal individuals were enrolled. Objective memories, including spatial working memory, spatial reference memory, objective working memory and object reference memory, were detected by nine boxes maze, and subjective memory was assessed by themselves on a 5-point scale ranging from 0 ( extremely severe problem) to 4 (no problem). Results Compared to the controls, the self-evaluated memory ( 1( 1,2 ) ) was worse in the mild PI patients, and the spatial working memory ( 6 ( 2. 5,11 ) ) was also worse in the severe PI patients( ×2 = 4. 526,3. 529, both P ＜ 0. 01 ). For the CDI, the self-evaluated memory ( 2 ( 1,2) ) and spatial working memory (6(3,10)) were worse in the mild patients(×2 =5. 803,4. 155 ,both P ＜0. 01 ). However, the object ( 0. 5 (0,1) ) and spatial reference ( 1.5 ( 1, 3 ) ) memories were also worse in the severe patients ( ×2 =2. 641,3. 955 ,both P ＜0. 01 ). Conclusions PI damages subjective memory and the severe PI also damages spatial working memory. CDI damages various memory functions, especially in severe CDI patients, including subjective memory, object reference memory, spatial reference memory and spatial working memory.
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Background: Diabetic encephalopathy is a recently recognised complication of early-onset type 1 diabetes in children. The abnormalities underlying diabetic encephalopathy are complex and poorly understood, and the impact of disease duration on behavioural and cognitive parameters also remains unclear. Hence, the present study was conducted to determine the effects of different durations of hyperglycaemia on behavioural and cognitive parameters in young streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Diabetes was induced in young, weaned, age-matched rat pups by streptozotocin injection (50 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally). Diabetic status was confirmed on post-natal day 30. The rats were tested in the elevated plus maze 10 and 2o days after diabetes induction. Results: Diabetic rats had significantly impaired behavioural and cognitive functions compared with age-matched controls. Increased anxiety levels and cognitive deficits were observed in rats that had been diabetic for 20 days compared with their 10-day counterparts. Conclusion: It is essential to diagnose and treat early-onset type 1 diabetes in young children to prevent irreversible cognitive dysfunction.
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INTRODUÇÃO: A paralisia cerebral (PC) tem como característica causar alterações na postura e movimento que dificultam a realização de atividades funcionais. Diante das dificuldades motoras, a reabilitação torna-se essencial e tem como uma opção basear-se na aprendizagem motora. Porém, é importante a investigação do processo de aprendizagem motora em indivíduos com PC para viabilizar a organização de programas de tratamento mais efetivos. OBJETIVO: analisar o processo de aprendizagem motora em crianças com PC. MÉTODO: Para a realização deste trabalho utilizou-se um grupo experimental (GE) e um grupo controle (GC) ambos formados por 4 crianças pareadas em relação ao gênero (um do gênero feminino e três do gênero masculino) e idade (entre sete e doze anos). A tarefa consistia em realizar um caminho em um labirinto, no menor tempo possível. O trabalho consistiu de duas fases, sendo inicialmente a fase de aquisição (AQ) e depois as transferências (Imediata-TI; Curto Prazo-TC e Longo Prazo-TL). RESULTADO: Verificou-se que não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre a AQ e as transferências avaliadas com os valores a seguir: TI (z = -1,83 e p = 0,07), TC (z = -1,83 e p = 0,07) e a TL [GE (z = -1,83 e p = 0,07) e GC (z = -1,46 e p = 0,14)]. CONCLUSÃO: No processo de aprendizagem da tarefa de labirinto, analisando-se os resultados entre as fases de AQ e Transferência não se observou diferença, ou seja, os indivíduos com PC mostraram capacidade de aprendizagem preservada por meio da adaptação da tarefa, fato este que ocorreu de forma equivalente aos indivíduos sem paralisia cerebral.
INTRODUCTION: Cerebral palsy (CP) has the characteristic of causing changes in posture and movement that hamper the achievement of functional activities. In the face of motor disabilities, rehabilitation becomes essential and is an option based on motor learning. However, it is important to research the motor learning process in individuals with CP to make the organization of treatment programs more effective. OBJECTIVE: Analyse the motor learning in children with CP. METHOD: For the realization of this work, an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG) was used, comprised of four children matched in relation to gender (one female and three masculine) and age (between seven and twelve years). The task was to conduct a path into a maze in the shortest time possible. The work consisted of two phases, being initially an acquisition phase (AQ) and then transfers (immediate-IM; short-term-ST and long-term-LT). RESULT: It was found that there was no statistical significance difference between AQ and transfers evaluated with the following values: IM (z= -1.83, p=0.07), ST (z= -1.83, p=0.07) and LT [EG (z= -1.83, p=0.07) and CG (z= -1.46, p=0.14)]. CONCLUSION: In the process of maze task learning, when analyzing the results between phases AQ and transfer, significant difference was not observed, which means that individuals with CP showed learning capacity through task adaptation equivalent to individuals without cerevral palsy.
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Humans , Male , Female , Child , Cerebral Palsy , Disabled Children , International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health , Psychomotor Performance , Rehabilitation , Central Nervous System , Informed Consent , Motor Skills , PostureABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the influence of Schisandrone on the learning and memory abilities of rats with Alzheimer-like disease and on the expression of NF-κB, iNOS in rat hippocampus, so as to study the prevention effect of Schisandrone on Alzheimer disease (AD). Methods: Totally 30 male SD rats were evenly randomized into 3 groups: blank control group, AD model group and Schisandrone intervention group. The AD animal model was established by stereotactic injection of Aβ25-35 into lateral cerebral ventricle of rats; the rats in Schisandrone intervention group were administrated with Schisandrone. The learning and memory abilities of animals were determined by Morris water maze; the expression of NF-κB, iNOS in the hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: The learning and memory abilities of rats in the Schisandrone intervention group were significantly improved compared with those in the AD model group (P<0.05). The expression of NF-κB and iNOS in the hippocampus was significantly decreased in the Schisandrone group than in the AD model group(P<0.05). The expression of NF-κB and iNOS in the hippocampus was positively correlated with each other. The correlation coefficients for the blank control,AD model and Schisandrone intervention groups were 0.639,0.656 and 0.682, respectively(all P<0.05). Conclusion: Schisandrone can suppress the Aβ-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction through influencing NF-κB signaling pathway, exerting its protective effect on AD.
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Objective: To investigate the effects of lidocaine on impairment of learning and memory function and cholinergic system caused by cerebral microsphere embolism in rats. Methods: Healthy male Wister rats were randomly divided into the following groups. (1) Control group. (2) 600 microsphere group and 900 microsphere group, in which 600 or 900 microspheres were injected into the right internal carotid artery, respectively. (3) 600 treatment group and 900 treatment group, in which 600 or 900 microspheres were injected into the right internal carotid artery, respectively, and lidocaine was given. Water maze tasks were tested for 5 consecutive days from the 7th postoperative day. The rats were then decapitated and regions of cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and striatum were selected. The activities of choline acetyltransferase and cholinesterase and the binding activity of muscarinic receptor were determined. Results: (1) The latency periods were significantly longer in the 900 microsphere group than in the control group and in the 600 microsphere group. (2) The percentages of effective search strategy were significantly lower in the 600 and 900 microsphere groups than in the control group. They were significantly higher in the 600 and 900 treatment groups than in the corresponding microsphere groups. (3) The activities of choline acetyltransferase of cerebral cortex were significantly lower in the 900 microsphere and two treatment groups than in the control group. They were also significantly lower in the 600 and 900 treatment groups than in the corresponding microsphere groups. Those of striatum were all significantly lower in the microsphere and treatment groups than in the control group. (4) The activities of cholinesterase of cerebral cortex were significantly lower in the 900 microsphere group than in the control and 600 microsphere groups. They were significantly higher in the 900 treatment group than in the 900 microsphere group. Those of hippocampus were all significantly lower in the microsphere and treatment groups than in the control group. (5) The binding activities of muscarinic receptor of cerebral cortex were significantly lower in the 900 microsphere and two treatment groups than in the control group. They were also significantly lower in the two treatment groups than in the corresponding microsphere groups. Those of hippocampus and striatum were all significantly lower in the microsphere and treatment groups then in the control group. They were also significantly lower in the 600 or 900 treatment group than in the corresponding microsphere group. Conclusion: Cerebral microsphere embolism caused significant and quantity-dependent impairment of learning and memory function and cholinergic system in rats. Lidocaine alleviated learning and memory dysfunction caused by cerebral microsphere embolism, but further inhibited the parameters of central cholinergic system.
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Objective To explore the different influence of antiepileptic drugs(AEDs)at therapeutic levels to the maturation of brain.Methods 180 healthy Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were divided into infant and adult group.Each age group was administered with PB,CNP,VPA,TPM or normal saline respectively in persistent 5 weeks.The steady-state plasma concentrations of AEDs at the experimental dosage were coincided with the range of clinical therapeutic concentrations.After AEDs withdrawed,the effects of AEDs on cognitive function were assessed by Morris water maze and two-way shuttle box at different time points.Body and brain weight were got immediately when the rats were sacrificed.Histological changes of brain were observed by HE staining,Nissl staining and transmission electron microscopy.Results(1) For immature rats,1 day or 14 days after AEDs withdrawed,there were significant differences between groups exposed to PB or CNP and control group in escape response latency(ERL)in the two-way shuttle box.Even after one month ERLs of immature rats receiving CNP((6.05?2.04)s)or PB((5.81? 1.75)s)were still longer than that of untreated controls((4.75?2.43)s,P