N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor/MAPK/cAMP-response element binding protein pathway mediating pain-related aversion in anterior cingulate cortex / 解剖学报

Objective To explore the mechanism of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid ( NMDA) receptor/MAPK/cAMPresponse element binding protein ( CREB) pathway involved in pain-related aversion mediated by anterior cingulate cortex. Methods A total of 42 healtlry SD rats were randomly divided into control group (Ctrl) , normal saline(NS) injection group (NS) , complete freund adjuvant (CFA) model group ( CFA ) , injected CFA into the soles of the foot and injected NS into rostral part of anterior cingulate cortex (rACC)group (CFA+NS) , injected NS into the soles of the foot and injected NS into rACC group (NS+NS) , injected CFA into the soles of the foot and injected NMDA receptor antagonist ( APV ) into rACC group (CFA+APV) , injected NS into the soles of the foot and injected APV into rACC group ( NS + APV ) with 6 rats in each group. Rats avoidance score was analysised and rat thermal foot contraction latency ( PWL) ws alserved, the expression of NMDA receptor in rACC region was detected by immunohistochemical staining, the expression of NMDA receptor, phosphorylated ERK( p-ERK) and phosphorylated CREB ( p - CREB ) in rACC region was detected by immunofluorescent staining, the number of Nissl bodies in rACC region was observed by Nissl staining, and the expression of NMDA receptor, MAPK, CREB, ERK, p-ERK, p-CREB, synaptosomal-associated protein 25 interaction protein 30 (SIP30) protein in rACCregion was detected by Western blotting, and Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of NMDA receptor, MAPK, CREB and ERK in the rACC region. Results Compared with the Ctrl group, the avoidance score and PWL decreased significantly and the expression of NMDA receptor, MAPK and CREB increased significantly in the CFA group (P<0. 05). Compared with the CFA+NS group, the number of Nissl bodies in CFA+APV and NS+APV groups increased significantly, while the expression of NMDA receptor, MAPK, CREB, p-ERK and p-CREB decreased significantly in NS+NS and NS+APV groups (P<0. 05). Conclusion NMDA receptor-MAPK-CREB signal pathway in rACC is involved in painrelated aversion, and inhibition of NMDA can reduce pain-related negative aversion.

Protective effects of ginseng total saponins on reward-directed operant conditioning in hindlimb suspension rats / 数字中医药（英文）

Objective@#To explore the therapeutic effects of ginseng total saponins (GTSs) on cognitive impairments in astronauts caused by prolonged exposure to microgravity environment.@*Methods@#Fifty specific pathogen-free (SPF) male Wistar rats were randomized into control, hindlimb suspension (HLS), Huperzine A (HLS-Hup A 0.1 mg/kg), low-dose GTSs (HLS-GTSs 100 mg/kg), and high-dose GTSs (HLS-GTSs 200 mg/kg) groups, based on the completion time of reward-directed conditioning tasks. Except for rats in the control group, the others were subjected to HLS and treated with drugs (day 20 – 58), received reflex test under the condition of rewarding, and underwent Nissl body staining and Western blot detection on hippocampal.@*Results@#After modeling, rats in HLS group exhibited a reduction in the number of lever presses and an increase in the completion time of the reward-directed operant conditioning task Ⅰ (P < 0.05) when compared with the control group, which were not substantially altered in the HLS-GTSs 100 and 200 mg/kg groups (P > 0.05). In the reward-directed operant conditioning task Ⅱ, the HLS group rats demonstrated a marked decrease in the number of lever presses (P < 0.05) and nose pokes (P < 0.01) when compared with the control group rats; the HLS-GTSs 100 mg/kg showed a significant increase in the number of lever presses and nose pokes (P < 0.05), while the HLS-GTSs 200 mg/kg demonstrated a significant reduction in completion time and an elevation in the number of lever presses (P < 0.05) when compared with the HLS group rats. In visual signal discrimination task, compared with the control group rats, the HLS group rats showed decrease in the indexes of the visual signal discrimination(P < 0.01), while HLS-GTSs 100 and 200 mg/kg groups exhibited manifest increase in it (P < 0.01). In reward extinction experiment, the number of lever presses in HLS rats significantly increased when compared with the control group (P < 0.01); compared with the HLS group, HLS-GTSs 100 and 200 mg/kg groups demonstrated a marked descrease (P < 0.05). The expressions of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor 1 (NR1) and phosophorylated N-methyl-Daspartic acid receptor 2B (p-NR2B) proteins were markedly decreased in rats in the HLS group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively), while that of NR2B protein maintained the same (P > 0.05). GTSs increased the expression levels of p-NR2B (P < 0.01).@*Conclusion@#GTSs improved the learning and memory ability of complex operations by regulating the NR1/NR2B phosphorylation pathways in rats.

Prostate-derived IL-1β upregulates expression of NMDA receptor in the paraventricular nucleus and shortens ejaculation latency in rats with experimental autoimmune prostatitis / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP)-induced persistent inflammatory immune response can significantly upregulate the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). However, the mechanism has not yet been elucidated. Herein, we screened out the target prostate-derived inflammation cytokines (PDICs) by comparing the inflammatory cytokine levels in peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) between EAP rats and their controls. After identifying the target PDIC, qualified males in initial copulatory behavior testing (CBT) were subjected to implanting tubes onto bilateral PVN. Next, they were randomly divided into four subgroups (EAP-1, EAP-2, Control-1, and Control-2). After 1-week recovery, EAP-1 rats were microinjected with the target PDIC inhibitor, Control-1 rats were microinjected with the target PDIC, while the EAP-2 and Control-2 subgroups were only treated with the same amount of artificial CSF (aCSF). Results showed that only interleukin-1β(IL-1β) had significantly increased mRNA-expression in the prostate of EAP rats compared to the controls (P < 0.001) and significantly higher protein concentrations in both the serum (P = 0.001) and CSF (P < 0.001) of the EAP groups compared to the Control groups. Therefore, IL-1β was identified as the target PDIC which crosses the blood-brain barrier, thereby influencing the central nervous system. Moreover, the EAP-1 subgroup displayed a gradually prolonged ejaculation latency (EL) in the last three CBTs (all P < 0.01) and a significantly lower expression of NMDA NR1 subunit in the PVN (P = 0.043) compared to the respective control groups after a 10-day central administration of IL-1β inhibitors. However, the Control-1 subgroup showed a gradually shortened EL (P < 0.01) and a significantly higher NR1 expression (P = 0.004) after homochronous IL-1β administration. Therefore, we identified IL-1β as the primary PDIC which shortens EL in EAP rats. However, further studies should be conducted to elucidate the specific molecular mechanisms through which IL-1β upregulates NMDA expression.

Expression of lncRNA Tsix in a mouse model of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid-induced retinal excitotoxicity and its significance / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To investigate the damage effect of different concentrations of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in mice and explore the expression of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) Tsix in the retina of mice with excitotoxicity as well as the protective effect of lncRNA Tsix on retina and RGCs.Methods:A total of 105 C57B6/J mice at 7-8 weeks of age were selected and randomly divided into the normal control group, 2 mmol/L NMDA group, 10 mmol/L NMDA group, 20 mmol/L NMDA group and 40 mmol/L NMDA group using a random number table method, with 21 mice in each group.In the normal control group, the mice were intravitreally injected with 1 μl of sodium chloride solution in the right eye, and mice were given intravitreal injection of 1 μl of different doses of NMDA according to grouping.At one week after the injection, the thickness of each retinal layer, the number of ganglion cell layer (GCL) cells and the number of RGCs were analysed and compared among different groups through optical coherence tomography (OCT), hematoxylin-eosin staining, retinal whole mount staining and immunofluorescence staining.RNAscope in situ hybridization was used to verify the expression of lncRNA Tsix in the GCL of different groups.The quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the transcript levels of Tsix in different groups.This study was approved by an Ethics Committee of Tianjin Medical University (No.SYXK2018-0004), and the use of experimental animals was in accordance with the regulations of Tianjin Medical University and ARVO statement. Results:The OCT results showed that the total retinal thickness of mice in the 2, 10, 20 and 40 mmol/L NMDA groups were (255.00±6.63), (252.40±6.41), (248.67±6.20) and (229.11±10.37)μm, respectively, which were thinner than (269.60±20.01)μm in the normal control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05). Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that the cells in the GCL of the normal control group were uniform and compact, and arranged in a single layer with large and round nuclei.In the NMDA groups, the cells were uneven in volume with vacuoles and nuclear pyknosis.The cell density in the GCL was decreased significantly with the increasing NMDA doses in NMDA groups in comparison with the normal control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05). In the 20 mmol/L NMDA group, the cell density in the GCL was reduced to half of the normal control group.The results of retinal whole mount staining showed that the density of β3-tubulin-positive RGCs was decreased significantly as the dose of NMDA increased in NMDA groups, and the differences were statistically significant compared with the normal control group (all at P<0.05). The number of RGCs in the 10 mmol/L NMDA group was reduced to half of that in the normal control group.RNAscope results showed that lncRNA Tsix was mainly expressed in the cytoplasm of the GCL cells.The proportion of lncRNA Tsix-positive cells was significantly reduced with the increase of the NMDA dose ( F=13.670, P<0.01). The quantitative real-time PCR results verified that the trend of Tsix expression was consistent with the RNAscope result. Conclusions:NMDA exerts a dose-dependent damage to the layer thickness of mouse retina and RGCs.The expression of lncRNA Tsix in mouse retina is mainly enriched in the cytoplasm of the cells in the GCL, and the transcript level of Tsix is reduced with the increase of NMDA concentration and have a protective effect on RGCs.

Recent advance in cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in patients with anti- N-methyl- D-aspartic acid receptor encephalitis / 中华神经医学杂志

Anti- N-methyl- D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor encephalitis is an autoimmune encephalitis. Most patients have a good prognosis, but a small number of patients have memory impairment and other sequelaes. Early immunotherapy is a key factor for good prognosis of patients with this disease. However, a key problem in the treatment of this disease is the lack of biomarkers for disease monitoring and prognosis assessment. Therefore, it is positive for guiding the diagnosis and treatment and evaluating the prognosis to find biomarkers that can reflect the disease. Here, biological factors abnormally elevated in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis are reviewed, and biological factors with potential as biomarkers are summarized.

Effects of N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor in Keratinocyte on TypeⅠComplex Regional Pain Syndrome / 中国医学科学院学报

To observe the cell origin of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid(NMDA)receptor expression in skin after chronic ischemic pain modeling in rats and explore the role of NMDA receptor in type Ⅰ complex regional pain syndrome. Forty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups:sham operation group(=12),chronic post ischemia pain(CPIP)group(=12),CPIP+normal saline(NS)group(=6),CPIP+NMDA group(=6),and CPIP+MK801 group(=6).Six rats in the sham operation group and CPIP group were sacrificed under deep anesthesia one day after modeling.The plantar skin and L3-L5 spinal cord tissue were used for NR1(NMDA receptor)subunit immunofluorescence detection and for Western blotting of NR1,interleukin(IL)-1β,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α.For the remaining rats,the mechanical withdrawal threshold(MWT)values on the 2nd,6th,10th and 14th day after ischemia were recorded,and the corresponding drugs were injected subcutaneously from the 6th day after ischemia.The skin and L3-L5 spinal cords were collected on the 14th day,and the same detection methods were applied. Compared with the sham operation group,the CPIP group had significantly higher expressions of NR1(1.708±0.064;=12.120, <0.001),IL-1β(2.575±0.305;=5.158, =0.003),and TNF-α(2.691±0.217;=7.786, <0.001)in the skin on the first day after modeling.After intervention with NMDA and MK801,the MWT value was [(20.37±0.95)g] in the CPIP+NS group,which was significantly higher than that in CPIP+NMDA group [(15.85±1.09)g;=10.920, <0.001] but significantly lower than that in CPIP+MK801 group[(22.95±0.96)g;=6.421, <0.001] 10 days after modeling.On the 14th day,compared with the MWT of the CPIP+NS group [(21.57±0.96)g],the CPIP+NMDA group had significantly decreased MWT value [(16.53±1.63)g;=12.190, <0.001],and the CPIP+MK801 group had significantly increased MWT value [(23.27±1.28)g;=4.094, =0.025].Compared with the sham operation group,the CPIP group had significantly increased NR1 expression(1.708±0.064;=10.910, <0.001)and the CPIP+NS group had significantly increased expressions of IL-1β(2.518±0.147;=11.010, <0.001)and TNF-α(1.949±0.184;=10.870, <0.001).Compared with the CPIP+NS group,the CPIP+NMDA group had significantly increased expressions of IL-1β(4.816±0.607;=16.670, =0.003)and TNF-α(2.629±0.349;=7.790, <0.001)and the CPIP+MK801 group had significantly decreased expressions of IL-1β(1.048±0.257;=10.660, =0.003)and TNF-α(0.790±0.165;=13.280, <0.001). NMDA receptor activation in skin keratinocytes after chronic ischemia in rats hinders the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α,which may be involved in central sensitization and pain conduction of type Ⅰ complex regional pain syndrome.

Recent advance in imaging features of anti- N-methyl- D-aspartic acid receptor encephalitis / 中华神经医学杂志

Anti- N-methyl- D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor encephalitis is an autoimmune encephalitis mediated by anti-NMDA receptor antibody. At present, the diagnosis of the disease depends mainly on typical clinical symptoms and detection of specific antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid. Early and timely treatment can curb the disease progression and improve the prognosis of the disease. However, because of the atypical clinical manifestations of patients and long waiting time for antibody detection, early identification is difficult. Imaging equipment is more popular in primary hospitals in China, and it is easier to perform imaging examination for suspected patients in the early stage; therefore, this article aims to review the imaging characteristics and current imaging research progress of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in recent years, so as to improve clinicians' understanding and early recognition of this disease.

Recent advance in cognitive deficits of autoimmune encephalitis / 中华神经医学杂志

Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is a kind of encephalitis mediated by autoimmune mechanism. Cognitive impairment is one of the main manifestations of AE at acute phase. Cognitive impairment is also found during long-term follow-up in some AE patients who have good prognosis after immunotherapy or tumor resection. In addition, the proportion of patients with long-term cognitive impairment, main cognitive impairment domains and risk factors are different in various types of AE. This paper summarizes the cognitive impairment in different types of AE, hoping to improve the clinicians' understanding of cognitive impairment in AE.

Identification of Gly/NMDA receptor Antagonist from Chromolaena odorata’s Derived compounds using Induced Fit Docking and ADME study

The ionotropic activation of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) plays asignificant role in different type of neurodegenerative disease, as it is a tetramer withtwo Glycine binding subunit and two glutamate subunits. NMDA receptor can beinhibited by either blocking of the glycine site or glutamate site. Previously reportedinhibitors of NMDA receptor focus on the inhibition of the glutamate subunit, which wasreported to be associated with side effects such as ataxia, memory deficits, andneurotoxicity. Therefore, different compounds with antagonistic effect are beenexplored on Gly/NMDA site. Glide XP docking was employed in screening phytoconstituent of Chromolaena odorata against Gly/NMDA receptor for hit compounds withantagonistic properties. The hit compounds were further subjected to Induced fitdocking (IFD) and Lipinski rule of five. The final selection was based on Rigid XP dockingscore using co-crystallized ligand as threshold docking score, interaction with receptorsite residues, and IFD score. Ferulic acid, caffeic acid and scutellarein recorded bindingaffinity of -8.752Kcal/mol, 10.004 Kcal/mol and -9.096 Kcal/mol respectively, which ishigher than the binding affinity of co-crystallized ligand. Induced fit score obtained were-614.38, -614.03 and -616.31 for ferulic acid, caffeic acid and scutellarein respectively.The result obtained in this study shows the potency of phytochemical from C. odorata toinhibit NMDA receptor. ADME study showed that the drug-like nature of thesecompounds.

Differences in sympathetic nervous system activity and NMDA receptor levels within the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus in rats with differential ejaculatory behavior / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Differences in intravaginal ejaculation latency reflect normal biological variation, but the causes are poorly understood. Here, we investigated whether variation in ejaculation latency in an experimental rat model is related to altered sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity and expression of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). Male rats were classified as "sluggish," "normal," and "rapid" ejaculators on the basis of ejaculation frequency during copulatory behavioral testing. The lumbar splanchnic nerve activity baselines in these groups were not significantly different at 1460 ± 480 mV, 1660 ± 600 mV, and 1680 ± 490 mV, respectively (P = 0.71). However, SNS sensitivity was remarkably different between the groups (P < 0.01), being 28.9% ± 8.1% in "sluggish," 48.4% ± 7.5% in "normal," and 88.7% ± 7.4% in "rapid" groups. Compared with "normal" ejaculators, the percentage of neurons expressing NMDA receptors in the PVN of "rapid" ejaculators was significantly higher, whereas it was significantly lower in "sluggish" ejaculators (P = 0.01). In addition, there was a positive correlation between the expression of NMDA receptors in the PVN and SNS sensitivity (r = 0.876, P = 0.02). This study shows that intravaginal ejaculatory latency is associated with SNS activity and is mediated by NMDA receptors in the PVN.

Differences in sympathetic nervous system activity and NMDA receptor levels within the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus in rats with differential ejaculatory behavior / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Differences in intravaginal ejaculation latency reflect normal biological variation, but the causes are poorly understood. Here, we investigated whether variation in ejaculation latency in an experimental rat model is related to altered sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity and expression of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). Male rats were classified as "sluggish," "normal," and "rapid" ejaculators on the basis of ejaculation frequency during copulatory behavioral testing. The lumbar splanchnic nerve activity baselines in these groups were not significantly different at 1460 ± 480 mV, 1660 ± 600 mV, and 1680 ± 490 mV, respectively (P = 0.71). However, SNS sensitivity was remarkably different between the groups (P < 0.01), being 28.9% ± 8.1% in "sluggish," 48.4% ± 7.5% in "normal," and 88.7% ± 7.4% in "rapid" groups. Compared with "normal" ejaculators, the percentage of neurons expressing NMDA receptors in the PVN of "rapid" ejaculators was significantly higher, whereas it was significantly lower in "sluggish" ejaculators (P = 0.01). In addition, there was a positive correlation between the expression of NMDA receptors in the PVN and SNS sensitivity (r = 0.876, P = 0.02). This study shows that intravaginal ejaculatory latency is associated with SNS activity and is mediated by NMDA receptors in the PVN.

Role of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor 2B in neuropathic pain induced by spinal nerve ligation in rats / 医学研究生学报

Objective Spinal cord injury-induced neuropathic pain(NP)does not respond well to any existing therapies clinically.This study aimed to explore the molecular metabolisms neuropathic pain by observing the expressions of the N -methyl-D-as-partic acid receptor 2B(NR2B),tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)in different sta-ges of the condition in SD rats. Methods Thirty-six adult SD rats were randomly divided into a control,a sham operation and an NP model group.The NP model was established by spinal nerve ligation. At 5 and 14 days after modeling,the hindlimb motor function and paw withdrawal threshold(PWT)of the rats were evaluated by the open-field test and the expressions of NR 2B,TNF-αand BDNF in the dor-sal root ganglia of the L4-6 spinal cord were determined by Western blot. Results At 5 days after modeling,the open-field test showed a significantly shorter total distance of movement in the sham operation group than in the control([14 927.93 ±560.87]vs [18 225.15±371.76]mm,P<0.05)and even shorter in the NP model group([3 224.92±89.64]vs[18 225.15±371.76]mm, P<0.01).The time of activity was markedly decreased in the NP model group as compared with that in the control([203.48±19.94]vs [745.95±13.48]s,P<0.01),but with no statistically significant difference between the sham operation and control groups([727.93± 16.29]vs[745.95±13.48]s,P>0.05).At 14 days after modeling,both the total distance of movement and time of activity were re-markably shorter in the NP model than in the sham operation and control groups([3 395.53±96.12]vs[17 382.26±482.31]and [17 975.40±416.56]mm,P<0.01;[195.53±96.12]vs[739.31±18.36]and[775.20±16.84]s, P<0.01).The PWT showed no statistically significant difference among the three groups of rats before modeling(P>0.05)but markedly decreased in the NP model as compared with the sham operation and control groups(P<0.01),with no significant difference between the latter two(P>0.05).The expressions of NR2B,TNF-αand BDNF were remarkably up-regulated in the NP model group in comparison with the sham operation and control groups at 5 days after modeling(P>0.05)and even more significantly at 14 days(P<0.01). Conclusion NR2B and BDNF may be involved in the development and progression of neuropathic pain in rats.

Effects of 17β-estradiol on threshold of rat neuropathic pain / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate the effect of 17β-estradiol on the pain threshold in neuropathic rats.Methods Fifty fe-male SD rats were divided into five groups by adopting the random number table method,the sham operation group(separating and exposing the left sciatic nerve without ligation and giving the saline injection),the other four groups were established as chronic compression injury(CCI)model of sciatic nerve:CCI group(saline injection),estradiol group(17β-estradiol injection),antagonist group(AP-5 injection)and composite group(17β-estradiol and AP-5 injection),10 cases in each group.The rat mechanical pain threshold value was examined by adopting the paw withdrawal mechanical threshold(PWMT),the rat thermal threshold was exam-ined by adopting the paw withdrawal thermal latency(PWTL),and the expression of NMDAR1 protein was determined by immuno-histochemistry and Western blot.Results Compared with the sham operation group,PWM T in the CCI group and estradiol group was decreased(P<0.05)and PWTL was shortened(P< 0.05),while the expression of NMDAR1 protein was significantly in-creased(P<0.05).Compared with the CCI group,PWMT in the estradiol group was decreased(P<0.05)and PWTL was short-ened(P<0.05),while the expression of NMDAR1 protein was significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusion 17β-estradiol can de-crease the pain threshold of the neuropathic pain rats by increasing the NMDAR1 expression.

The Memory-Enhancing Effects of Liquiritigenin by Activation of NMDA Receptors and the CREB Signaling Pathway in Mice

Liquiritigenin (LQ) is a flavonoid that can be isolated from Glycyrrhiza radix. It is frequently used as a tranditional oriental medicine herbal treatment for swelling and injury and for detoxification. However, the effects of LQ on cognitive function have not been fully explored. In this study, we evaluated the memory-enhancing effects of LQ and the underlying mechanisms with a focus on the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) in mice. Learning and memory ability were evaluated with the Y-maze and passive avoidance tests following administration of LQ. In addition, the expression of NMDAR subunits 1, 2A, and 2B; postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95); phosphorylation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII); phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2); and phosphorylation of cAMP response element binding (CREB) proteins were examined by Western blot. In vivo, we found that treatment with LQ significantly improved memory performance in both behavioral tests. In vitro, LQ significantly increased NMDARs in the hippocampus. Furthermore, LQ significantly increased PSD-95 expression as well as CaMKII, ERK, and CREB phosphorylation in the hippocampus. Taken together, our results suggest that LQ has cognition enhancing activities and that these effects are mediated, in part, by activation of the NMDAR and CREB signaling pathways.

Study of the neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of Tianma Gouteng Decoction on retinal ganglion cells in rat optic nerve crush model / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To observe the mechanism of Tianma Gouteng Decoction on the protein molecular level in the optic nerve crush model rats.METHODS:Totally 36 participants 36 male Wistar rats were divided randomly into six groups(6 in every group):normal control group,negative control group,Tianma Gouteng Decoction treatment groups (con-centrations were 0.6g/mL,1.2g/mL,2.4g/mL respictively) and ginkgo biloba tablets positive control group (concentrations was 1.2mg/mL).Nothing was done in the normal control group.The optic nerve of right eye in the other groups was done with the optic nerve crush model.Normal control group and negative control group was treated only with water.The average grey scale values of the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor 2B (NMDA2B) receptor protein,beta-amyloid protein (Aβ) in the average grey scale values were detected.RESULTS:The average grey scale value of Tianma Gouteng Decoction in low,medium and high dose groups about NMDA2B receptor protein was significantly less than that of the negative control group (all P＜0.001),and there was no significant difference with the positive control group (P=0.092,0.411,0.676),the difference between normal control group and negative control group was significant (P＜0.001).The high dose group of betaamyloid's average grey scale value reduced significantly than the negative control group (P=0.030,0.001).The low dose group than the negative control group was not obviously (P=0.614).The high dose group was not significantly different from the positive control group (P=0.927),the difference between normal control group and negative control group was significant (P＜0.001).CONCLUSION:Tianma Gouteng Decoction can go through the decrease of the NMDA2B receptor protein expression and the control of beta-amyloid deposition to reduce the retinal ganglion cell injury and apoptosis.

Pretreatment with baicalin attenuates hypoxia and glucose deprivation-induced injury in SH-SY5Y cells / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the neuroprotective effects of baicalin against hypoxia and glucose deprivation-reperfusion (OGD/RO)-induced injury in SH-SY5Y cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>SH-SY5Y cells were divided into a control group, a OGD/RO group, which was subject to OGD/RO induction; and 3 baicalin groups subject to baicalin (1, 5, 25 μmol/L) for 2 h before induction of OGD/RO (low-, medium-, and high-dose baicalin groups). Cell viability was detected by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometric analysis was used to detect cell apoptosis. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine the mRNA expression of caspase-3 gene. Western blot analysis was conducted to determine the expression of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and N-methyl-daspartic acid receptor-1 (NMDAR1).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Baicalin could significantly attenuate OGD/RO mediated apoptotic cell death in SH-SY5Y cells; the apoptosis rates in the low-, medium- and high-dose groups were 12.1%, 7.9%, and 5.4%, respectively. Western blot and real-time PCR analysis revealed that significant decrease in caspase-3 expression in the baicalin group compared with the OGD/RO group (P<0.01). Additionally, down-regulation of NF-κB and NMDAR1 was observed in the baicalin group compared with those obtained from the OGD/RO group. Compared with the low-dose baicalin group, remarkable decrease was noted in the medium- and high-dose groups (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Baicalin pre-treatment attenuates brain ischemia reperfusion injury by suppressing cellular apoptosis.</p>

Variation of CREB and NMDAR1 Proteins Induced by Auditory Deprivation and Intracochlear Electrical Stimulation in Infant Rats / 听力学及言语疾病杂志

Objective To observe the expression of cAMP -response element binding protein (CREB) and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDA ) after intracochlear electrical stimulation in the auditory cortex and inferior colliculus in infant rats with auditory deprivation .Methods Sixty six SD infant rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (11 rats each group):4 weeks ,and 6 weeks after injection of ototoxic drug ,the control group ,and 3 weeks and 5 weeks after injection of ototoxic drug with intra -cochlear electrical stimulation for one week .Gentami-cin sulphate (350 mg/kg body weight) and frusemide (200 mg/kg body weight) were injected subcutaneously in the skin folds on the lateral abdominal side and the dorsal neck area ,respectively .The expression of CREB and NMDAR1protein were detected by immunohistological staining .Results The results of immunohisto -chemistry revealed that protein expression of CREB and NMDAR1 in 4 week group of injection increased as compared to the control group ,while decreasing as compared to intracochlear electrical stimulation group ,significantly .However ,protein expression of CREB and NMDAR1 in 6 week group of injection decreased as compared to the control group and in-tracochlear electrical stimulation group ,significantly .Conclusion Auditory deprivation could result in the expres-sion of protein of CREB and NMDAR1 in auditory cortex and inferior colliculus increasing in an early stage and then de-creasing in infant rats .Intracochlear electrical stimulation could result in the expression of proteins of CREB and NMDAR 1 in auditory cortex and inferior colliculus increasing in infant rats .The dynamic variation of CREB and NMDAR1 expression in rat auditory cortex and inferior colliculus reflects synaptic plasticity in neurons of auditory pathway .

Cannabinoid receptor 1 regulates the spatial learning and memory function and the expression of NR1 subunit of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor in medial prefrontal cortex of neuropathic pain model rat / 中华神经科杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of cannabinoid receptor 1 ( CBR1 ) on spatial learning and memory function of neuropathic pain ( NP ) model rats and the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor 1(NR1) subunit in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC).Methods Thirty-six healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, with 9 rats in each group: the sham operated group (SO group), the neuropathic pain model group (NP group), the NP model group with an mPFC injection of saline ( NS group ) , and the NP model group with an mPFC injection of the CBR 1 antagonist AM251 ( AM251 group).The NP model was prepared using the operation of chronic constriction injury ( CCI) of the right sciatic nerve.The mechanical withdrawal threshold ( MWT ) and the thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) of the rats in each group were detected at 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after the operation.At 29 days after the operation , 18 rats of NP model were randomly selected and given an mPFC injection of saline or AM251 using a three-dimensional brain puncture.At days 30-37 after operation , the eight-arm maze test was performed to detect the spatial learning and memory function of the rats , and the rats were sacrificed immediately after this test.The expression levels of CBR1, NR1 and phosphorylated-N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor 1 ( p-NR1 ) ( Ser896 ) in the mPFC brain region were detected by Western blotting , RT-PCR and immunofluorescence.Results Compared with the SO group , the pain thresholds and the spatial learning and memory function of the rats in the NP group were significantly lower ( both P <0.05 ).Compared with the NS group , the rats in the AM251 group showed improvement about spatial learning and memory function ( P<0.05).Compared with the SO group ( the mRNA and protein level of CBR 1:0.23 ± 0.06,0.42 ±0.03), the mRNA(0.43 ±0.12) and protein (0.53 ±0.05) level of CBR1 in NP group increased (both P<0.05).Compared with the NS group (the mRNA and protein level of CBR1:0.42 ± 0.11,0.52 ±0.10), the mRNA (0.53 ±0.05) and protein (0.98 ±0.17) level of CBR1 in AM251 group increased (both P<0.05).Compared with the SO group (the mRNA and protein level of NR1 and the protein level of p-NR1:1.50 ±0.15,0.65 ±0.05,0.79 ±0.15), the mRNA (0.94 ±0.07) and protein (0.24 ±0.05) level of NR1 in NP group decreased (both P<0.05), the protein level of p-NR1 (0.33 ± 0.04) decreased (P<0.05).Compared with the NS group (the mRNA and protein level of NR1 and the protein level of p-NR1:1.09 ±0.14,0.26 ±0.06,0.31 ±0.08), the mRNA(1.58 ±0.10) and protein (1.42 ±0.10) level of NR1 in AM251 group increased (both P<0.05), the protein (0.95 ±0.15) level of p-NR1 increased ( P<0.05).Conclusion CBR1 can decrease the expression level of NR 1 and p-NR1 in the mPFC brain region of NP model rats and induce the spatial learning and memory impairment.

Effects of Icariin on MK-801-induced Schizophrenia Model in Mice / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To investigate the effects of icariin, a major active component of traditional Chinese herb Epimedium on schizo-phrenia animal model. Methods MK-801, a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, was intraperitoneally injected into mice to establish a schizophrenia animal model. The open field behavior test infrared detection system was used to measure the mobility of mice in order to find the best optimal dose. 40 mice were randomly divided in to control group, model group, risperidone group and icariin group with 10 mice in each group. The risperidone group and the icariin group were given 0.1 mg/kg risperidone and 50 mg/kg icariin respectively. All groups were injected with 0.6 mg/kg MK-801 0.1 ml intraperitoneally, except the control group. The total distance and the central dis-tance within 210 minutes were tested. Results The total distance and the central distance were significantly longer in the model group than in the control group (P0.05). Conclusion Icariin may improve the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia mice, which may be beneficial to schizo-phrenia therapy.

Effect of docosahexaenoic acid on long-term learning and memory disorders after hypoxic ischemic brain damage in rats / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective To explore the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on long-term learning and memory disorders and potential mechanism in rats after hypoxic ischemic brain damage. Methods Sixty neonatal 7-day-old SD rats were ramdonly divided into three groups: group S (sham operation+vehicle treatment), group C (hypoxic-ischemic brain damage [HIBD]+vehicle treatment) and group D (HIBD+DHA treatment). After left common carotid artery was isolated and ligated for 2.5 h, rats of group C and group D were put into a condition which oxygen concentration was about 8%for 2 h;rats in the group S were only isolated the left carotid artery, without ligation or hypoxia treatment;rats in the group D were intraperitoneally injected DHA of 15 mg/kg after modeling, and rats in the group S and group C were intraperitoneally injected equivalent volume of vehcle, once a day for 10 consecutive days. The pathomorphology changes of the hypocampal CA1 area, and marginal division of striatum were observed by Nissl staining 48 h after modling; the apoptosis cells were measured by TUNEL;immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 positive cells in the two brain areas. Morris water maza test was used to evaluate the long-term lerning and momory functions of 2-month-old rats, and the expressions of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 (NMDAR1) positive cells were detected by immunohistochemical method. Results The pathomorphology damage was significantly improved, the expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 positive cells and the neuron apoptosis in hypocampal CA1 areas and marginal division of striatum in group D were all signficantly decreased as compared with those in the group C (P<0.05). Rats in group D had significantly decreased escape latency as compared with those in group C in Morris water maze test (P<0.05), and the expression of NMDAR1 positive cells in the two brain areas of group D was significantly increased as compared with that in the group C (P<0.05). Conclusion DHA has the ameliorative effect on long-term learning and memory disorders after hypoxic ischemic brain damage in rats, which may be associated with inhibitory action of cell apoptosis at early phase and up-regulation of expression of NMDA1 at the late phase.