Panax notoginseng saponin relieving the inflammatory pain caused by complete Freund’s adjuvant by inhibiting the activation of astrocytes in mice / 解剖学报

Objective To analyse the analgesic effect and possible mechanism of panax notoginseng saponin (PNS) on mouse models of chronic inflammatory pain caused by complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA). Methods A total of 48 male C57BL/ 6J mice were divided randomly into four groups: normal saline control group (Ctrl), CFA group (CFA), CFA + PNS group (CFA+PNS), CFA + dexamethasone (DEX) group (CFA+DEX). Von Frey filaments were used to detect mechanical pain in mice. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the number and morphological changes of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) positive astrocytes. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of GFAP, nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain(NOD)-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), Caspase-1, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18 in mice’s spinal cord segments in each group. Results Compared with the Ctrl group, mice in the CFA group showed a significant decrease in mechanical pain thresholds at day 1, day 3, day 5, day 7, and day 14. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 in the spinal cord of the mice. PNS intervention could relieve mechanical pain and down-regulate the expressions of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 in the spinal cord of mice, with no significant difference compared with the CFA+DEX group. CFA group mice had significantly more GFAP positive cells in their posterior horns than Ctrl group mice, as measured by immunohistochemistry; PNS intervention decreased the number of GFAP positive cells in the posterior horn of the spinal cord in model mice;DEX had no effect on the number of GFAP positive cells in the dorsal horn of spinal cord. According to Western blotting results, GFAP expression in the spinal cord of the CFA group was significantly more than that of the Ctrl group; PNS intervention significantly reduced GFAP expression in the spinal cord of CFA group mice;DEX had no effect on the expression of GFAP in the posterior horn of spinal cord. Conclusion PNS has a good alleviating effect on inflammatory pain, and its mechanism may be related to inhibition of astrocyte activation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Research on the dynamic changes of neurological dysfunction and cognitive function impairment in traumatic brain injury / 解剖学报

Objective To explore the dynamic changes and mechanisms of neurological and cognitive functions in mice with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods Totally 60 12⁃month⁃old Balb/ c mice were divided into control group (10 in group) and TBI group (50 in group). TBT model mice were divided into 5 subgroups according to the time of model construction, including model 1 day, model 1 day, model 3 day, model 7 day, model 14 days and model 28 days group with 10 in each group. At the 29th day of the experiment, neurological scores and step down tests were carried out. After the test, the mice were sacrificed for brains which were detected by immunohistochemistry staining, inflammatory cytokine tests and Western blotting. Results Compared with the control group, the neurological scores of mice in TBI group increased, and then decreased after the 7th day when the scores reached the peak. However, the latency of step down errors was lower than control group, and the number of step down errors was higher than control group which had no changes. Compared with the control group, the expression of lonized calcium⁃binding adapter molecule 1(IBA1), chemokine C⁃X3⁃C⁃motif ligand1 (CX3CL1), C⁃X3⁃C chemokine receptor 1(CX3CR1), NOD⁃like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), and phosphorylation nuclear factor(p⁃NF)⁃κB in TBI group increased and reached to the peak at the 7th day, and then started to decrease. At the same time, the levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin⁃6(IL⁃6) and tumor necrosis factor⁃α(TNF⁃α) first increased to the peak, and then began to decrease. However, compared with the control group, the expression of amyloid β(Aβ) protein and p⁃Tau protein in the model group continued to increase at all time. Conclusion The TBI model caused continuous activation of microglia along with inflammatory response, which first increased and then decreased, resultsing in neurological scores changes. In addition, the inflammatory response may act as a promoter of Aβ protein deposition and Tau protein phosphorylation, leading to cognitive impairment in mice.

Establishment of a rat model of myocardial hypertrophy by a modified abdominal aortic coarctation method / 解剖学报

Objective To compare effectiveness between the modified and traditional pressure-overload myocardial hypertrophy(POMH) model by abdominal aorta coarctation (AAC) method. Methods Totally 45 rats were divided into three groups(n = 15 per group), sham group, traditional group, and modified group. In the traditional group, the diameter ol the abdominal aorta was narrowed to 0. 70 mm through a midline incision for 4 weeks; in the modified group, the diameter of the abdominal aorta was narrowed above the left kidney to 0. 45 mm for 1 week, and then the narrowing was lifted postoperatively. The cardiac index, heart weight (HW) /body weight (BW) and left ventricular index, left ventricular weight (LVW)/BW were measured from the heart specimens, and the cross-sectional area of cardiac myocytes, myocardial collagen area, and myocardial collagen area Iraction were measured in the pathological sections by HE staining and Masson staining. Results Compared with the sham group, the differences in end-systolic interventricular septum thickness (IVSs), left ventricular end-systolic posterior wall thickness (LVPWs), HW/BW, LVW/BW, cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area, myocardial collagen area, myocardial collagen area fraction, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) expression levels were statistically significant (P0. 05). Conclusion The modified abdominal aortic constriction method used in this experiment is time-saving, stable, homogeneous and easy to replicate, and is a more ideal approach to establish a rat model of POMH.

Characterization of group Ⅰ metabotropic glutamate receptors in rat superior cervical ganglion and their changes following chronic intermittent hypoxia / 解剖学报

Objective To observe the expression and localization of group Ⅰ metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR1/ 5) in rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) and the effect of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) on mGluR1/ 5 protein level. Methods Twelve male SD rats were randomly divided into control group(Ctrl)and CIH group(CIH), 6 rats in each group. After 6 weeks of modeling, the effect of CIH on mGluR1/ 5 protein level was detected by Western blotting, the expression and distribution of mGluR1/ 5 in SCG were detected by immunohistochemistry and double-immunofluorescent staining. Results mGluR1/ 5 was expressed in rat SCG. mGluR1 was distributed in neurons and small intensely fluorescent (SIF) cells, but not in satellite glial cells (SGCs), nerve fibers and blood vessels, whereas mGluR5 was mainly distributed in nerve fibers and a little in neurons, but not in SGCs, SIF cells and blood vessels. CIH increased the protein levels of mGluR1/ 5 (P<0. 01) in rat SCG. Conclusion Both mGluR1 and mGluR5 are expressed in the rat SCG, but their distribution are different, and the increased protein levels of both may be involved in CIH-induced hypertension.

Role of inhibiting lncRNA TUG1 to down⁃regulate nucleotide binding oligomerization domain like receptor protein 1 inflammasome in delaying the progression of Alzheimer’s disease / 解剖学报

Objective To investigate the relieving effects of knockdown of long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)taurine up-regulated gene 1 (TUG1) on inhibiting nucleotide binding oligomerization domain like receptor protein 1 (NLRP1) inflammasome and the progression of Alzheimer’ s disease. Methods Wild-type (WT group, 10 mice) or amyloid precursor protein (APP) / presenilin-1 (PS1) transgenic mice (30 mice) with a genetic background of C57 / BL6 aged 9-10 weeks were used in this study. APP / PS1 transgenic mice were randomly divided into model group, model+lncRNA TUG1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) group and model + shRNA non target (NT) group (n = 10) . Blood samples, cerebral cortex tissues, primary microglial cells and primary astrocytes were collected from mice 12 weeks of age on day 1 (3-month-old) and 32 weeks of age on day 1 (8-month-old), with 5 mice per group at each time point. Real-time PCR analysis was used to detect the expression levels of lncRNA TUG1 and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) mRNA in cerebral cortex tissues and primary microglial cells, and C1r and C1s mRNA levels in primary astrocytes of 3-month-old and 8-month-old mice in the above 4 groups, respectively. ELISA was used to determine the MIF in plasma samples of the above 4 groups of mice. Primary microglia and astrocytes from the cerebral cortex of 3-month-old and 8-month-old mice were co-cultured. CCK-8 method was used to determine the proliferation ability of the above cells. Western blotting was used to determine the expression levels of MIF, pro interleukin-1β (pro-IL-1β), apoptosis associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recrult domain(ASC), Caspase-1 (p20), Caspase-1 (full), NLRP1 and NLRP3 in cerebral cortex tissues of 3-month-old and 8-month-old mice. Immunofluorescent staining was used to determine amyloid beta(Aβ) in cerebral cortex of 8-month-old mice. Results At the age of 3-month-old and 8-month-old, compared with the WT group, the relative expression level of lncRNA TUG1 and MIF in cerebral cortex tissues and primary microglia of model group mice was significantly up-regulated, with primary microglial cells and astrocytes proliferation ability enhanced (P0. 05) . There was no significant difference between the model group and the model+shRNA NT group mice of all the above factors (P>0. 05) . Conclusion In APP / PS1 transgenic mice, up-regulation of lncRNA TUG1 and MIF are positively associated with the activation of NLRP1 inflammasome in mice cerebral cortex tissues and primary microglia. Knock-down of lncRNA TUG1 can ameliorate the progression of Alzheimer’ s disease.

Expression and distribution of brain⁃derived neurotrophic factor in different cerebrum regions of yak and cattle / 解剖学报

Objective To clarify the expression and distribution of brain⁃derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the cerebrum of plateau yaks and cattle, and to explore the relationship between BDNF function and the adaptability of altitude hypoxia. Methods Five yaks and five cattles were selected.The content and distribution of BDNF in frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, cerebrum white matter and hippocampus of yak and cattle were analyzed by Real⁃time PCR, Western blotting and Immunohistochemistry. Results Real⁃time PCR result showed that BDNF mRNA expression in the cerebrum of yaks and cattles was highest in temporal cortex, followed by hippocampus, parietal cortex, occipital cortex and frontal cortex, and lowest in white matter. Western blotting results showed that the content of BDNF protein in the cerebrum of yaks was the highest in temporal cortex,followed by hippocampus. The content of BDNF protein in other tissues was parietal cortex, frontal cortex and cerebrum white matter, and the content of BDNF protein was the lowest in occipital cortex. The content of BDNF protein intlecerebrum of cattles was the highest in the temporal cortex, followed by the hippocampus. The content of BDNF protein in other tissues was parietal cortex, occipital cortex and frontal cortex in descending order, and the protein content in cerebrum white matter was the lowest. Immunohistochemical results showed that the positive expression of BDNF protein in the cerebrum of yaks and cattles was basically similar, mainly distributed in the granulosa cells and glial cells in the frontal cortex, temporal cortex, parietal cortex and occipital cortex, glial cells in cerebrum white matter, pyramidal cell layer and polyform cell layer in the hippocampus. There was the small amount of distribution in Martinotti cells and the molecular layer of hippocampus in the cerebral cortex. Conclusion BDNF mRNA and protein are distributed and expressed in different brain regions of yaks and cattles, but the expression level different, which is speculated to be closely related to the specific functions of different cerebrum regions. The expression level of the cerebrum of yak is higher than that of cattle except occipital cortex, suggesting that it is related to the altitude hypoxic environment. BDNF may play an important role in enhancing hypoxic tolerance and protecting internal environmental homeostasis in the process of animal adaptation to hypoxic environment.

Effects of tricholoma matsutake polysaccharides on 1-methy-4-pehnyl-pyridine ion-induced PC12 cell damage / 解剖学报

Obｊective To investigate the protective mechanism of tricholoma matsutake polysaccharides(TMP) against 1-methy-4-pehnyl-pyridine ion (MPP

Nuclear factor-KB signaling pathway and gender differences in alcoholic liver fibrosis / 解剖学报

Objective To investigate the relationship between nuclear factor(NF)-κB signaling pathway and gender differences in alcoholic liver fibrosis. Methods C57BL/6 N mice at 7-8 weeks of age were randomly divided into: male normal group, male model group, female normal group and female model group of 20 mice each. The normal group was fed with control liquid diet for 8 weeks, and the model group was fed with alcoholic liquid diet for 8 weeks combined with 31.5% ethanol gavage (5g/kg twice a week) to establish an alcoholic liver fibrosis model. The mice were executed at the end of 8 weekends, and the alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, estradiol (E

Assessment of infection status in treponema pallidum antibody-reactive blood donors / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To evaluate the infection status and potential infectivity of Treponema pallidum specific antibody (anti-TP) reactive blood donors, and to provide reference for the key prevention and screening of TP under the current screening strategy. 【Methods】 From February to October 2021, 133 blood donors were tested reactive by two different anti-TP ELISA kits (77 cases were dual-reagent reactive and 56 cases were single-reagent reactive). Syphilis specific IgM antibody (TP-IgM) and IgG antibody (TP-IgG) were detected by Western blot (WB), and TRUST was conducted. The results were analyzed. 【Results】 Of the 133 samples, 24 (18.05%) were positive for TP-IgM, 40 (30.07%) were positive for TP-IgG, and 3 (2.26%) were positive for TRUST. Among them, 12 cases (15.58%) were TP-IgM positive and 40 cases (51.95%) were TP-IgG positive in 77 cases of double reagent reactivity, and 12 cases (21.43%) were TP-IgM positive and 0 was TP-IgG positive in 56 cases of single reagent reactivity. There was no significant difference in the positive rate of TP-IgM between the two groups (P>0.05), while the positive rate of TP-IgG in donors with double reagent reaction was higher than that in donors with single reagent reaction (P<0.05). In addition, among the 133 anti-TP-reactive blood donors, 15 cases were positive for single TP-IgM (11.28%, accounting for 62.50% of the total positive number of TP-IgM, a total of 12 cases of TP-IgM positive among the single reagent reactive patients, and all of them were TP-IgM positive and TP-IgG negative); 30 cases were positive for single TP-IgG (22.56%, accounting for 75.00% of the total positive number of TP-IgG). There were 55 cases (41.35%) who were negative for TP-IgM and TP-IgG, and 8 cases (6.02%) were both positive. 【Conclusion】 The TP-IgM positive donors in anti-TP reactive blood donors are infectious, but the positive rate is not high. Those with single reagent reactivity and single TP-IgM positive are prone to miss detection, which should be controlled. Those who were both TP-IgM and TP-IgG negative and those who were only TP-IgG positive may be false reactivity and the phenomenon of lifelong antibody expression. It is suggested to consider adding TP-IgM detection as a measurement index for permanent deferral of both reagents.

Effects of activating mTORC2/Akt signaling pathway on dopaminergic neurons and behaviors in 6-hydroxydopamin model mice / 解剖学报

Objective To explore the effect of activation of mammalian target of rapmycin complex 2(mTORC2)/Akt signaling pathway on dopaminergic neurons and behavior in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model mice and its possible mechanism. Methods Selecting 36 mice which The Nestin-CreERTM and ROSA26-LacZ reporter genes were detected at the same time in 3-month-old male C57BL/6J mice weighing 20-25 g divideng them into 4 gruops, NS+ corn oil group, 6-OHDA+corn oil group, 6-OHDA+PP242 group and 6-OHDA+A-443654 group, and 6-OHDA was injected into the right striatum of the brain to replicate the Parkinson’s disease (PD) model of mice, and then daily intraperitoneal injection of mTORC2/Akt signaling pathway agonist A-443654 or inhibitor PP242. Serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining were performed to investigate the change of microglia, dopaminergic neurons as well as neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Western blotting was used to detect the expression of related protein of mTORC2/Akt signaling pathway including rictor, p-Akt and regulated in development and DNA dgmage responses 1(REDD1) and the interaction between them were verified by immunoprecipitation. Finally, the behavioral performance of each group of mice was observed. Results With the activation of microglia and the increase of inflammatory factors in PD model mice, the number of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra(SN) decreased significantly, and the motor function of the mice was impaired, but the number of NPCs increased significantly compared with the control mice, mTORC2/Akt signaling pathway related protein expression was also significantly up-regulated. A-443654 treatment further up-regulated the expression of these proteins, meanwhile the indicators mentioned above were ameliorated. However, the inhibitor PP242 treatment group showed completely opposite result with the agonist group. Conclusion A-443654 can promote the proliferation of NPCs and the number of new-born dopaminergic neurons by up-regulating related proteins of mTORC2/Akt signaling pathway, and reducing the activation of microglia and the level of inflammation factors, which ultimately lead to the amelioration of SN-striatal dopaminergic neurons and behavioral performance in PD model mice.

Expression and localization of vascular endothelial growth factor-B in diencephalon and brainstem related tissues of the Yak’s brain / 解剖学报

Objective To explore the expression and distribution characteristics of vascular endothelial growth factor-B(VEGF-B) in diencephalon and brainstem of Yak’s brain tissues, and to investigate the associations between its expression and hypoxia adaptation. Methods Five healthy yaks were selected, and the brain tissues were divided and collected according to the gross anatomical structure of the brain, including pituitary, thalamus, hypothalamus, oblongata and pons. The characteristics of expression and location of VEGF-B in different regions of Yak’s brain tissues were detected by Real-time PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemical techniques. Results The results showed that the highest expression level of VEGF-B mRNA of yak brain tissue was in the pituitary, and the content was significantly higher than that found in other parts of the brain(P<0. 05). Following the expressions were in the hypothalamus, thalamus and medulla oblongata, while the lowest expression level was in pons. The expression level of VEGF-B protein in Yak’s brain tissue was similar to the mRNA expression level except that the thalamus was higher than that of hypothalamus. The result of immunohistochemistry showed that VEGF-B protein-positive substances were mainly distributed in the cytoplasm of various types of cells. Among them, the positive staining of VEGF-B was mainly concentrated in eosinophils of pituitary. The positive staining of VEGF-B was mainly concentrated in pleomorphic cells of thalamus and hypothalamus. The distribution of VEGF-B protein-positive substances were mainly focused in nerve cell body of medulla oblongata and pons. Conclusion VEGF-B protein is expressed in both diencephalon and brainstem of yak, which may be closely related to its functions of anti-apoptosis, "survival factor" and angiogenesis. However, the specific mechanism of its neuroprotective effect on Yak brain under hypoxic environment needs to be further studied. The difference of expression in different regions may be related to the tissue specificity and function in different regions of the brain.

Effects of volatile oil from Acori graminei Rhizoma on glial fibrillary acidic protein, c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase and tumor necrosis factor-α expressions in the spinal cord dorsal horn of the inflammatory pain rats / 解剖学报

Objective To investigate the influence of volatile oil from Acori graminei Rhizoma (VOA) on expressions of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), c-Jun N-terminal protein kainse (JNK) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the spinal cord dorsal horn of imflammatory pain rats. Methods Totally 36 male SD rats were randomly divided into control group (control), sham-operated group (sham), complete Freund' s adjuvant group (CFA), 5 g/(kg·d) low dose VOA+CFA group (VOA-L+CFA), 10 g/(kg·d) medium dose VOA + CFA group (VOA-M+CFA) and 20 g/(kg·d) high dose VOA + CFA group (VOA-H+CFA). All animals were sacrificed immediately after continuous gavage administration for 22 days. The expressions of GFAP, JNK and TNF-α in the spinal cord dorsal horn of rats in each group were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blotting methods. Results The present results showed that the positive expressions of GFAP, JNK and TNF-α in the spinal cord dorsal horn of rats increased significantly in the CFA group, when compared to the control and sham groups (P < 0. 01). The expressions of GFAP, JNK and TNF-α in the spinal cord dorsal horn of rats with VOA treatment reduced in the dose-dependent manner, when compared to the CFA group, the positive expressions of GFAP, JNK and TNF-α reduced significantly in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord of the VOA-H+CFA group (P<0. 05, P<0. 01). Conclusion VOA reduces the expressions of GFAP, JNK and TNF-α in the spinal cord dorsal horn of rats of CFA-induced inflammatory pain.

Alterations in dendritic length and branch and K / 解剖学报

Objective To study the morphology of olfactory bulb(OB) neurons and the change of related proteins, and explore the causes of olfactory dysfuction in Alzheimer' s disease(AD). Methods Golgi-Cox staining technique was used to evaluate the morphological changes of neurons in the OB and anterior piriform cortex (aPC) of APP/PS1 AD model mice. The morphology of neurons was determined by Sholl analysis. Western blotting was used to evaluate the levels of protein expression. Results The results of Golgi-Cox showed that the dendrite length and branch number reduced significantly in the OB neurons of 3-5-month-old APP/PS1 mice, an age that the mice did not show the pathological characteristics and cognitive impairment of AD. Western blotting analysis showed that levels of potassium chloride cotransporter 2(KCC2), a potassium chloride transporter crucial for neuronal morphology and synaptic function, decreased significantly in the OB of 3-5-month-old APP/PS1 mice. Conclusion Abnormal neuronal morphology and KCC2 signal might be the basis of early olfactory dysfunction in AD. Thus, maintaining normal KCC2 signal may be one of the keys to intervene the olfactory abnormalities in the early stage of AD.

Effects of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 inhibitor HC067047 on anxiety-like behavior in mice induced by lipopolysaccharide / 解剖学报

Objective To investigate the effect of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) inhibitor HC067047 on anxiety-like behavior in mice induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods Totally 48 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group (NS), model group (LPS) and drug intervention group (HC + LPS). Anxiety mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 0.83 mg/kg LPS. The HC + LPS group was intraperitoneally injected with HC067047 (10 mg/kg) 30 minutes before LPS injection, and the NS group and LPS group were injected with equal volume of normal saline. Open field test and social interaction experiments were used to detect anxiety-like behaviors in each group of mice; Immunohistochemical chemistry and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of TRPV4, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the hippocampus. Results Immunohistochemical and Western blotting experiments showed that, compared with the NS group, the expression of TRPV4 in the hippocampus of the LPS group was significantly up-regulated (P<0.0001); In the open field test, compared with the NS group, the total distance (P < 0.0001), the distance in the central area (P<0.01) and the time of in the central area mice in the LPS group reduced significantly (P< 0.01). HC067047 intervention reversed the activities of LPS model mice total distance (P < 0.05), the distance of activities in the central area (P < 0.001) and the time of in the central area (P < 0.01); In the social interaction test, compared with the NS group, the interaction time the unfamiliar mice reduced significantly in LPS group (P<0.01), which was reversed by HC067047 treatment (P< 0.01); Western blotting detection revealed that the expression of hippocampal iNOS (P<0.05), nNOS (P < 0.001), and eNOS (P < 0.001) in the LPS group were significantly higher than the NS group, which reduced remarkably by HC067047 treatment (iNOS P < 0.05, nNOS P < 0.01 and eNOS P < 0.01). Conclusion Inhibiting the expression of TRPV4 can improve the anxiety-like behavior, and this process may be related to anti-oxidative stress.

Dexmedetomidine improving complete Freund's adjuvant-induced anxiety-like and depression-like behaviour by promoting the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor-tyrosin kinase receptor B in mice hippocampus / 解剖学报

Objective To study the effect of dexmedetomidine (DEX), an α2- adrenoceptor agonist, on the pain-related anxiety-like and depression-like behaviour induced by complete Freund' s adjuvant (CFA) injection and its possible regulatory mechanism. Methods Thirty-six ICR female mice were randomly divided into normal saline (NS) group, CFA group and DEX + CFA group, n = 12 for each group. Chronic inflammatory pain model was established by subcutaneous injection of 10 μl CFA into the right hind limb of mice. DEX + CFA group mice were injected intraperitoneally with 0.025 mg/kg DEX 30 minutes before nociceptive behavior test, and once a day for 7 days. Von-frey fiber was used to evaluate the threshold of mechanical pain in mice, n = 12 for each group. The anxiety-like behavior of mice were detected by open field test, n = 12 for each group. Sucrose preference, tail suspension test and forced swimming test were used to detected the depression-like behavior of mice, n = 12 for each group. The expression of adrenergic receptor β2 (ADRB2), Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tyrosine kinase B receptor (TrkB), and glutamate receptors 1 (GluR1) and GluR2 were detected by Western blotting, n = 8 for each group. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of recombinant doublecortin(DCX), which is a marker of newborn neurons in the hippocampus, n = 4 for each group. Results Compared with the NS group, the mechanical threshold of mice on the 1st, 3rd and 7th day after CFA injection decreased significantly (P 0.05). Compared with the NS group, the time spent in the inner ares (P<0.01), number of entering the central grid area (P<0.01) and distance travelled in the inner area (P<0.01) of CFA group mice reduced significantly, while the time (P<0.01), numbers (P < 0.05) and distance (P < 0.05) of DEX + CFA group mice entering the central grid area enhanced significantly. The result of depression-like behavior tests showed that the sucrose preference percentage (P < 0.05) reduced significantly in CFA group when compared with NS group, and the immobility time increased significantly in tail suspension test (P<0.01) and forced swimming test (P< 0.001) in CFA mice when compared with NS group, while DEX intervention could significantly increase the sucrose preference scores (P<0.05) and decreased the immobility time in tail suspension test (P<0.05) and forced swimming test (P<0.05). The result of Western blotting showed that compared with the NS group, the levels of ADRB2 (P<0.0010), BDNF (P < 0.001), TrkB (P < 0.01), GluR1 (P < 0.001) and GluR2 (P < 0.001) in the hippocampus of CFA group were significantly decreased, while DEX intervention could significantly increase the expression of ADRB2 (P<0.05), BDNF (P < 0.001), TrkB (P < 0.001), GluR1 (P < 0.001) and GluR2 (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical result showed that compared with the NS group, the average absorbance (AA) of DCX decreased significantly in hippocampus of CFA group (P<0.05), but increased significantly in DEX+CFA group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Dexmedetomidine may promote hippocampal neurogenesis through upregulated the expression of BDNF-TrkB, thus improving CFA-induced anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors in mice.

Effect of altitude hypoxia on blood-brain barrier after subarachnoid hemorrhage based on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/nuclear factor κB pathway in rats / 解剖学报

Objective To investigate the effect of plateau hypoxia on the blood-brain barrier after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in rats. Methods Adult male SD rats (n = 78) were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham group (sham), SAH model group (SAH), plateau hypoxia sham group (Hp sham) and plateau hypoxia SAH model group (Hp SAH). The rat model of plateau hypoxia was established through low-pressure simulation chamber (altitude 5000 m), and the SAH model was established by endovascular perforation method. At 24 hours after SAH, neurobehavior score and SAH grade were assessed. The morphological changes of neurons and apoptosis of nerve cells in the CA1 region of hippocampal were observed by the staining of Nissl and TUNEL. The expression of phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), PI3K, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), Akt, phosphorylated nuclear factor κB (p-NF-κB), NF-κB, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), occludin and claudin-5 in hippocampal were detected by the method of Western blotting. The expression of occludin and claudin-5 proteins in the CA1 region of hippocampal were observed by immunofluorescent staining. Results At 24 hours after SAH, the neurobehavior score decreased significantly and SAH grade increased significantly in the SAH and Hp SAH group (P< 0.05). Neurobehavior score decreased significantly in the Hp SAH group compared with the SAH group (P < 0.05). In the SAH group, neurons in the CA1 region of hippocampus were atrophied and deformed, the arrangement were disordered, the number of neurons decreased significantly, and the apoptosis of nerve cells increased significantly(P< 0.05). Plateau hypoxia could aggravate the morphological damage of neurons and apoptosis of nerve cells. The expression of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, occludin and claudin-5 proteins decreased significantly, while the expression of p-NF-κB/NF-κB and MMP-9 proteins increased significantly in the SAH and Hp SAH group (P< 0.05). The expression of p-PI3K/PI3K and MMP-9 proteins increased significantly in Hp SAH group compared with the SAH group. The expression of claudin-5 protein increased significantly in Hp sham group compared with the sham group (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescent staining showed that the expression of occludin and claudin-5 proteins in the CA1 region of hippocampus decreased in the SAH group. Plateau hypoxia could further decreased the expression of occludin and claudin-5 proteins. Conclusion Plateau hypoxia aggravates blood-brain barrier disruption after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats through inhibiting PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway.

Effects of chronic restraint stress on the expression of N6-methyladenosine and related enzymes in the hippocampus of mice / 解剖学报

Objective To investigate the effect of chronic restraint stress on the expression of N6-methyladenosine (m6A)and related enzymes in the hippocampus of mice. Methods Twenty C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into control group and chronic restraint stress (CRS) group, the model group was given for 3 weeks chronic restraint stress to establish a mouse anxiety model. Open field test and elevated plus maze test were used to detect anxiety-like behavior; Immunohistochemistry and m6A RNA methylation assay were used to detect the expression changes of mouse hippocampal m6A; Western blotting and Real-time PCR were used to analyze hippocampal m6A related enzymes expression. Results 1.The behavioral results showed that, compared with the control group, the CRS group showed significantly reduced time spent in the center of the open field(P<0.01), the CRS group showed significantly reduced exploration time in the open arm of elevated plus maze (P<0.0001); 2. Immunohistochemical results showed that, compared with the control group, the hippocampal m6A content in the CRS group reduced significantly (P < 0.001); The results of the m6A RNA methylation assay showed that, compared with the control group, the CRS group showed significantly reduced amount of hippocampal m6A(P<0.05); 3. Real-time PCR results showed that the expression of hippocampal demethylase anaplastic lymphoma kinase B(AlkB) homolog 5(ALKBH5) (P<0.001) and fat mass and obestity associated protein(FTO) (P< 0.05) in the CRS group significantly up-regulated, the expression of methylase Wilms' tumour 1-associating protein (WTAP) (P<0.05) was significantly down-regulated compared with the control group; The expression of m6A methylation binding protein YTH domaincontaining family protein 3 (YTHDF3) (P < 0.05) and YTH domaincontaining protein 2 (YTHDC2) (P < 0.01) was significantly up-regulated. Western blotting result showed that, compared with the control group, the mouse hippocampal demethylase ALKBH5 (P < 0.05) and FTO (P < 0.05) expression in the CRS group significantly up-regulated, the expression of WTAP (P<0.01) was significantly down-regulated; m6A methylation binding protein YTHDF3 (P<0.01) and YTHDC2 (P<0.05) were significantly up-regulated. Conclusion In the anxiety model induced by chronic restraint stress, the expression of m6A in the hippocampus of mice is down-regulated. The mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of the m6A demethylase ALKBH5 and FTO or the down-regulation of the methylase WTAP.

Effects of treadmill exercise on learning and memory of the vascular dementia rats and its mechanism / 解剖学报

Objective To observe the effects of 4-week low intensity treadmill exercise on the learning and memory, amino acid levels and the protein expression of protein kinase A ( PKA) , cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein( CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of the vascular dementia (VD) rats. Methods Thirty-nine SD rats were randomly allocated to 3 groups, sham group (sham, n= 13) , vascular dementia group (VD, n= 13) and vascular dementia treaded with exercise group (VD + EX, n= 13). Chronic cerebral ischemia model in VD group and VD+EX group rats were established by permanent ligation of bilateral, then VD+EX group rats were submitted to 4-week low intensity treadmill exercise. After exercise, spatial learning and memory ability were evaluated by Moms water maze test ( MWM ) , glutamic ( Glu ) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the PFC were measured by high performance liquid chromatography( HPLC) ; the protein expression of PKA, CREB and BDNF in the PFC of rats were detected by Western blotting. Results The result of the MWM showed the average escape latency of rats in the VD group on the 1 -5 days was significantly higer than sham group, the time to first find the original platform was significantly prolonged and the platform crossings decreased significantly ( P 0. 05 ) between the two groups. Conclusion Four-week low-intensity running exercise improves the learning and memory ability of VD rats through enhancing the Glu level and activating PKA-CREB-BDNF signaling in the PFC of rats.

Neuroprotective effect of exogenous hydrogen sulfide and the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-9 and Caspase-1 in mice model of Parkinson’s disease / 解剖学报

[Abstract] Objective To investigate the protective effect of exogenous hydrogen sulfide (H

Ginsenoside Rg1 regulating BV2 microglia polarization in lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response via peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ / 解剖学报

[Abstract] Objective To establish an inflammation model by stimulating BV2 microglia by lipopolysaccharide, and to explore the regulation effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on inflammation by activating peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ(PPARγ) receptor protein. Methods BV2 microglia were randomly divided into control group, model group, ginsenoside Rg1 group, rosiglitazone group and GW9662 group. The control group did not do any treatment, the model group was treated with 1 mg/ L lipopolysaccharide, and the other groups were treated with lipopolysaccharide added with 0. 4 mmol/ L ginsenoside Rg1, 10 μmol/ L rosiglitazone or 10 μmol/ L respectively. GW9662. The proliferation of BV2 microglia in each group was detected by CCK-8 method; PPAR-γ, phospho-NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and human arginase 1(ARG-1) proteins. ELISA was used to detect the inflammatory factors interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-8(IL-8) and the content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Results Compared with the control group, the cell proliferation rate in the model group was significantly increased, and the contents of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α increased significantly. The result of immunofluorescence and Western blotting showed that iNOS and p-NF-κB p65 increased significantly, and the positive expressions of PPARγ and ARG-1 decreased significantly(both P<0. 01). The expression level of TNF-α decreased, the positive expressions of iNOS and p-NF-κB p65 decreased significantly, and the positive expressions of PPARγ and ARG-1 increased significantly(all P<0. 01). Conclusion Ginsenoside Rg1 inhibits the inflammatory response of BV2 microglia after lipopolysaccharide stimulation, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of PPARγ/ NF-κB pathway to promote the M2-type polarization of microglia.