Effect of Xiaoxuming Decoction on synaptic plasticity following acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to explore the effect of Xiaoxuming Decoction on synaptic plasticity in rats with acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. A rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO). Rats were randomly assigned into a sham group, a MCAO group, and a Xiaoxuming Decoction(60 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) group. The Longa score was rated to assess the neurological function of rats with cerebral ischemia for 1.5 h and reperfusion for 24 h. The 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining and hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining were employed to observe the cerebral infarction and the pathological changes of brain tissue after cerebral ischemia, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to detect the structural changes of neurons and synapses in the ischemic penumbra, and immunofluorescence, Western blot to determine the expression of synaptophysin(SYN), neuronal nuclei(NEUN), and postsynaptic density 95(PSD95) in the ischemic penumbra. The experimental results showed that the modeling increased the Longa score and led to cerebral infarction after 24 h of ischemia-reperfusion. Compared with the model group, Xiaoxuming Decoction intervention significantly decreased the Longa score and reduced the formation of cerebral infarction area. The modeling led to the shrinking and vacuolar changes of nuclei in the brain tissue, disordered cell arrangement, and severe cortical ischemia-reperfusion injury, while the pathological damage in the Xiaoxuming Decoction group was mild. The modeling blurred the synaptic boundaries and broadened the synaptic gap, while such changes were recovered in the Xiaoxuming Decoction group. The modeling decreased the fluorescence intensity of NEUN and SYN, while the intensity in Xiaoxuming Decoction group was significantly higher than that in the model group. The expression of SYN and PSD95 in the ischemic penumbra was down-regulated in the model group, while such down-regulation can be alleviated by Xiaoxuming Decoction. In summary, Xiaoxuming Decoction may improve the synaptic plasticity of ischemic penumbra during acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion by up-regulating the expression of SYN and PSD95.

Imaging study of 18F-SDM-8 in rat temporal lobe epilepsy model / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To explore whether the specific synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) targeted imaging agent ( R)-4-(3-fluoro-5-(fluoro- 18F)phenyl)-1-((3-methylpyridin-4-yl)methyl)pyrrolidin-2-one ( 18F-SDM-8) can be used to detect epileptic foci. Methods:Twenty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (8-9 weeks) were injected with 1.2 μl of kainic acid (16 rats in the epilepsy group) or saline (4 rats in the control group) into the right hippocampus. 18F-SDM-8 and 18F-FDG mircoPET/CT imaging were respectively performed at 1-2 d (acute phase), 6-7 d (incubation period) and 45-60 d (chronic phase) after the seizure. Asymmetric index (AI) was used to evaluate the epileptic foci identify ability of 18F-SDM-8. Paired t test, Mann-Whitney U test and Pearson correlation analysis were used to analyze data. Results:In the three periods of 18F-SDM-8 imaging, the differences of AI of hippocampus between the epilepsy group and control group were statistically significant ( z values: from -2.64 to 2.67, all P<0.05). Both imaging agents had asymmetric uptake in the epilepsy group (right was lower than left), and the decrease in the medial right temporal lobe was the most significant. The pathological staining results were consistent with the imaging results. In the chronic phase of the epilepsy group, the differences of 18F-SDM-8 SUV mean (right versus left) in each brain area of interest were statistically significant ( t value: from -33.40 to -5.60, all P<0.05). The asymmetric uptake of the two imaging agents in the hippocampus had a better correlation ( r=0.97, P=0.001), and the AI of 18F-SDM-8 ((34.2±8.4)%) in this area was 1.4 times higher than that of 18F-FDG ((24.6±4.7)%). Conclusions:18F-SDM-8 PET is a promising method to test the level of SV2A. It can reflect the changes of SV2A in the rat epilepsy model induced by intrahippocampal injection of kainic acid, and improve the sensitivity of molecular imaging for epileptic foci.

Supplementing massage with dry needling can better relieve facial pain / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe any effect of dry needling of myofascial trigger points on substance P and synaptophysin expression in the spinal dorsal horn.Methods:Sixty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group ( n=16) and a model group ( n=48). Myofascial trigger points were induced in the model group by a blunt strike and eccentric running. That group was then randomly divided into a no-treatment group ( n=15), a massage group ( n=16), and a dry needling group (16 rats). The rats in the two treatment groups received 4 weeks of dry needling or Chinese massage. Pressure pain thresholds were recorded before the experiment and after the 4 weeks. The content of substance P and synaptophysin in the spinal dorsal horn were measured using immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Results:After the treatment 14 rats (93%) in the model group had trigger points, significantly higher than the 8 rats (50%) in the massage group and the 7 rats (44%) in the dry needling group. After treatment, the average pressure pain thresholds of the no-treatment and massage groups was significantly lower than the control group′s average, while the difference between the dry needling group and the control group was not significant. The average pressure pain threshold had improved significantly in the no-treatment group, the massage group and the dry needling group, and the averages of the massage group and the dry needling group were significantly higher than that of the no-treatment group. The level of substance P was significantly higher in the no-treatment group than in the other three groups and the ratio of substance P to Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH)was significantly higher. The substance P: GAPDH ratio of the massage group was significantly higher than that of the control group.Conclusions:Dry needling and massage are effective in relieving myofascial pain, at least in rats. Both can reduce the content of substance P in the spinal dorsal horn.

Celastrus paniculatus oil ameliorates synaptic plasticity in a rat model of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Objective: To explore the effect and mechanism of action of Celastrus paniculatus oil on the treatment of perinatal rats with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Methods: In the perinatal stage, the rats were either isolated or administered with lead acetate to establish an animal model of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Atomoxetine served as the reference standard. Animals' behaviours were assessed through Y-maze, novel object preference, fear conditioning and residentintruder aggression tests. Oxidative stress parameters, bioamine concentration (dopamine, noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine), nerve growth factor, interleukin-6, nuclear factor-κB, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α were estimated. Synaptophysin immunohistochemical assay was performed. Results: Celastrus paniculatus oil significantly improved behavioural parameters in Y maze, novel object preference, discrimination index, fear conditioning and resident intruder aggressive tests. The treatment groups showed a decrease in malondialdehyde level. Changes in the levels of dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin were restored by Celastrus paniculatus oil. Celastrus paniculatus oil increased nerve growth factor and decreased interleukin-6, nuclear factor-κB, and TNF-α. Synaptophysin immunoreactivity was also improved by Celastrus paniculatus oil with alleviated reactive gliosis, degeneration, and vascular proliferation. Conclusions: This research shows the therapeutic potential of Celastrus paniculatus oil for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Effect of prenatal taurine supplementation on sensorimotor ability and hippocampal synaptophysin expression of juvenile rats with intrauterine growth restriction / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of prenatal taurine supplementation on sensorimotor ability and synaptophysin (Syn) expression in the hippocampus of juvenile rats with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).Methods:The IUGR rat model was induced by food restriction throughout pregnancy.Pregnant rats were randomly divided into normal control group, IUGR group and IUGR+ taurine group.Sensorimotor ability was tested in 2-week-old juvenile rats via grading the tail suspension scores and beam balance test scores, followed by detecting Syn expression in the hippocampus of juvenile rats by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.The correlation between sensorimotor ability scores and Syn expression was assessed.Results:Tail suspension time[(14.62±3.46) s vs.(25.38±5.92) s, P<0.001] and beam balance test scores [(9.08±1.38) scores vs.(12.08±1.16) scores, P<0.001] in the IUGR group were significant lower than those of normal control group.Tail suspension time (22.77±5.16) s and beam balance test scores (11.08±1.38) scores in IUGR+ taurine group were significantly higher than those in IUGR group (all P<0.05), but there was no significant difference comparable to those in normal control group ( P>0.05). The average optical density ( A) value [(53.96±2.37)% vs.(61.68±3.07)%, P<0.001] and protein expression of Syn (1.82±0.23 vs.2.23±0.17, P<0.001) in rat hippocampus of IUGR group were all signi-ficantly lower than those in normal control group.The A value [(60.27±2.59)%] and expression of Syn protein (2.07±0.17) in IUGR+ taurine group were significantly higher than those in IUGR group (all P<0.05), but there was no significant difference comparable to those in normal control group ( P>0.05). The expression of Syn in rat hippocampus was positively correlated with the tail suspension test time and beam balance test scores (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Prenatal taurine supplementation can improve the sensorimotor ability of juvenile rats with IUGR by upregulating Syn in the hippocampus.

Celastrus paniculatus oil ameliorates synaptic plasticity in a rat model of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Objective: To explore the effect and mechanism of action of Celastrus paniculatus oil on the treatment of perinatal rats with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Methods: In the perinatal stage, the rats were either isolated or administered with lead acetate to establish an animal model of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Atomoxetine served as the reference standard. Animals' behaviours were assessed through Y-maze, novel object preference, fear conditioning and resident-intruder aggression tests. Oxidative stress parameters, bioamine concentration (dopamine, noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine), nerve growth factor, interleukin-6, nuclear factor-κB, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α were estimated. Synaptophysin immunohistochemical assay was performed. Results: Celastrus paniculatus oil significantly improved behavioural parameters in Y maze, novel object preference, discrimination index, fear conditioning and resident intruder aggressive tests. The treatment groups showed a decrease in malondialdehyde level. Changes in the levels of dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin were restored by Celastrus paniculatus oil. Celastrus paniculatus oil increased nerve growth factor and decreased interleukin-6, nuclear factor-κB, and TNF-α. Synaptophysin immunoreactivity was also improved by Celastrus paniculatus oil with alleviated reactive gliosis, degeneration, and vascular proliferation. Conclusions: This research shows the therapeutic potential of Celastrus paniculatus oil for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Study on the cortical synaptic density and visual function in monocular form deprivation rats with amblyopia / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To study the effect of monocular form deprivation(MD)on the synaptic density in the visual cortex of the amblyopic rats during the critical period of visual development, the visual cortical synaptophysin(SYN)expression and significance of its expression, as well as the relationship between the synaptic density and the visual function. This research will provide mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis and clinical treatment of amblyopia.<p>METHODS: Normal newborn Long Evans rats were randomly divided into normal control group and amblyopia model group, each with 16 rats. Both groups of rats were raised in the same environment. The normal control group did not receive any treatment. On the 13d after birth, the amblyopic model group received monocular suture to establish a classic monocular form deprived amblyopic model. Both groups of rats were received Visual evoked potential(F-VEP)detection on the 51d. Samples were taken immediately after the detection. The transmission electron microscope and Image J image analysis software were used to observe and analyse the synaptic density in the V1M of the primary visual cortex of the two groups of rats. Frozen sections of visual cortex were stained by immunofluorescence histochemical staining by bleaching method and the expression of SYN positive neurons was observed and quantitatively analyzed. <p>RESULTS: F-VEP examination showed that compared with the normal control group, the P2 latency of the deprived eyes in the amblyopic group was significantly long, and the amplitude of P2 wave was significantly lower than that of normal eyes(<i>P</i><0.05); Transmission electron microscopy results showed that the synaptic density of the bilateral visual cortex of the amblyopic model group was significantly reduced compared with the normal control group(<i>P</i><0.05), the contralateral visual cortex of the amblyopic eye decreased more significantly(<i>P</i><0.05); immunofluorescence staining results showed that the brain slices in the visual cortex of the two groups were intact and the tissue structure was clear under the microscope. Compared with the normal control group, the expression intensity of SYN positive neurons in the amblyopic group was significantly reduced(<i>P</i><0.01).<p>CONCLUSION: There is structural synaptic plasticity during the critical period of visual development. Monocular form deprivation can reduce the synaptic density, SYN expression and the visual function in the primary visual cortex of the amblyopic rats.

Effect of Buyang Huanwu Tang on Synaptic Structural Plasticity After Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion in Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

<b>Objective::To investigate the mechanism of Buyang Huanwu Tang (BYHWT) in improving synaptic structural plasticity after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats. <b>Method::Middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion model was established. SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group, model group, BYHWT group, BYHWT+ Gap26(connexin43 inhibitor)groups. BYHWT was given twice a day(16 g·kg^-1), Gap26 was intraperitoneally injected once a day since the third day after surgery (25 g·kg^-1). Brain was taken out at the 7^th day. The changes of neuronal synaptic and gap junction ultrastructure were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Synaptophysin (SYN) and growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) protein expression were detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence. <b>Result::The structure of synapses was integrated, and the gap junctions were clear in sham-operated group. In the hippocampus of model group, the structure was destroyed, and the gap junctions disappeared. Compared with the sham-operated group, model group up-regulated the expressions of SYN and GAP-43 (<italic>P</italic><0.05, <italic>P</italic><0.01). In the hippocampus of BYHWT group, the structure was close to the normal. Furthermore, BYHWT up-regulated the expressions of SYN and GAP-43 (<italic>P</italic><0.05, <italic>P</italic><0.01). However, after the combined administration with Cx43 inhibitor (Gap26), the damage of synaptic structural decreased, only a small number of gap junctions with the structural integrity can be seen, and the effect of BYHWT on SYN and GAP-43 was inhibited (<italic>P</italic><0.05, <italic>P</italic><0.01). <b>Conclusion::BYHWT could improve the hippocampal synaptic structural plasticity obviously after the CIRI. The mechanism may be related to the increase of the expression of Cx43 and the promotion of the intervention of SYN and GAP-43.

Neuronal differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells vialentivirus-mediated bone morphogenetic protein 7 transfection / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells have the potential to differentiate into neuron-like cells, which have been listed as the preferred stem cells for the treatment of spinal cord injury. However, due to their low differentiation efficiency, it is particularly important to find a factor with high induction ability. Based on literature review and our previous studies, it is speculated that bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7) gene may play a vital role in promoting the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into neuron-like cells. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into neurons induced by BMP-7 lentivirus vector transfection. METHODS: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells of Sprague-Dawley rats were cultured by whole bone marrow adherence method, and then were transfected with LV-GFP when multiplicities of infection were 50, 25, 10, and 1. Green fluorescent protein expression was observed using fluorescence inversion microscope in each group at 3 days after transfection, to confirm the best multiplicity of infection. Passage 3 bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were divided into blank control group (routine culture), LV-GFP group, and LV-BMP-7-GFP group, followed by transfection at the best multiplicity of infection. After 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours of transfection, MTT assay was used to detect cell survival rate in each group. Immunocytochemical assay was used to detect the expression of nerve cell markers (neurofilament protein 200, synaptophysin-1) after 3 days of transfection. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) After 3 days of LV-GFP transfection, GFP-positive cells were observed under fluorescence microscopy when multiplicities of infection were 10, 25, and 50, whereas no GFP-positive cells were found when the multiplicity of infection was 1. The average fluorescence intensity was the highest when the multiplicity of infection was 10 (P < 0.05), indicating that multiplicity of infection=10 had the best infection effect. (2) Immunocytochemical results showed that the expression of neurofilament-200 and synaptophysin-1 was negative in the blank control group and LV-GFP group, but positive in the LV-BMP-7-GFP group. The cell body and axon in the LV-BMP-7-GFP group were dyed bright brown. In summary, lentivirus-mediated BMP-7 transfection can promote the differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into neuron-like cells.

Oral simvastatin for 3 continuous months improves learning and memory ability of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion rats / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion is significantly associated with cognitive decline. Our previous studies have found that mitochondrial aging, increased silent synapses and α-synuclein are important pathological changes of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Simvastatin is a traditional lipid regulation agent that can traverse the blood brain barrier, and exerts anti-atherosclerosis, anti-thrombosis and anti-inflammatory effects to improve cognitive function. OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of continuous oral simvastatin for 3 months on cognitive function of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion male Sprague-Dawley rats, and explore the clinical significance of simvastatin in preventing and treating vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into model group, sham group, solvent group and simvastatin group. In the model group, rats were subjected to bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. In the sham group, the bilateral common carotid arteries were not ligated. In the solvent group, the model rats were intragastrically treated with 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium. In the simvastatin group, the model rats were intragastrically treated with simvastatin suspension. Interventions in each group lasted for 3 months. Behavioral tests were then used to evaluate the learning and memory ability of rats in each group. The expressions of synaptophysin and post-synaptic density 95, key proteins of presynaptic and postsynaptic membrane, were detected by western blot. Ethical approval was obtained from the Animal Experimental Ethics Committee of the General Hospital of Western Theater Command with approval No. 2019ky79. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with the sham group, the learning and memory functions of the rats in the model group were significantly impaired. In the open-field test, the moving distance within 5 minutes was significantly reduced in the model group compared with the sham group (P < 0.05), suggesting that autonomous exploration behavior was impaired. In the place navigation test, escape latency was significantly shortened in the model group, implicating the reference memory was damaged. In the spatial probe test, the frequency of passing through the platform and the time for passing through target quadrant were reduced, indicating that the space exploration ability was reduced. In the simvastatin group, however, these indexes were all improved. Western blot results showed that the protein expression of synaptophysin and post-synaptic density 95 decreased significantly in the model group (P < 0.05), but increased in the simvastatin group as compared with the solvent group. Therefore, chronic cerebral hypoperfusion can significantly impair learning and memory function and reduce cognitive level in rats. Continuous oral simvastatin for 3 months can improve cognitive function in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion rats, which indicates that simvastatin may be used as an adjunctive drug to improve the prognosis of patients with vascular cognitive impairment and dementia.

Effects of electroacupuncture at "Baihui" and "Yongquan" on the levels of synaptic plasticity related proteins postsynaptic density-95 and synaptophysin in hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: From the perspective of β-amyloid (Aβ) toxicity and synaptic plasticity, the mechanism of electroacupuncture to improve learning and memory ability in the early pathological stages of Alzheimer's disease was explored. METHODS: Twelve male amyloid-protein precursor (APP)/γ-secretase (PS1) double transgenic AD mice were randomly and equally divided into electroacupuncture (EA) group and model group, and other 6 male C57BL/6 mice were used as the normal group. EA (1 Hz/50 Hz, 0.5 mA) was applied to "Baihui" (GV20) and bilateral "Yongquan"(KI1) for 15 min, once every other day for 6 weeks. Immunofluorescence was used to observe the positive expression of Aβ in the left hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the positive expression of postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) in the left hippocampus. Western blot was used to detect the expression of PSD-95 and synaptophysin (SYN)in the right hippocampus. RESULTS: Immunofluorescence results showed that extracellular Aβ was seen in the model group and electroacupuncture group, but no senile plaques were seen. Compared with the normal group, the expression level of Aβ in the hippocampus of the model group increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of Aβ in the hippocampus of the EA group decreased (P<0.05). Immunohistochemical results showed that compared with the normal group, the PSD-95 positive expression in the model group was decreased(P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the expression of PSD-95 in the EA group was increased (P<0.05). Western blot results showed that compared with the normal group, the expression levels of PSD-95 and SYN in the hippocampus of the model group were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression levels of PSD-95 and SYN in the EA group were increased (P<0.05，P <0.01). CONCLUSION: EA can reduce the expression of Aβ in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice and increase the expression of PSD-95 and SYN, which may contribute to its effect in improving the synaptic plasticity.

Effects of Ganoderma Triterpenoids on Learning and Memory Impairment in Rats with Epilepsy / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To study the effect of Ganoderma triterpenoids combined with exogenous monosialoteterahexosyl ganglioside (GM1) on cognitive dysfunction in rats with epilepsy. Methods:A total of 75 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into blank control group, epileptic model group, Ganoderma triterpenoids group, GM1 group and GM1 combined with Ganoderma triterpenoids group (combination group), with 15 rats in each group. All the groups, except the blank control group, were intraperitoneally injected with pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) 35 mg/kg once a day for 28 days. Medication groups were given corresponding administration based on daily intraperitoneal injection of PTZ. They were tested with Morris Water Maze; and were observed with transmission electron microscopy and HE staining for hippocampal neurons. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of actin-binding protein (Cofilin), synaptophysin (SYN) and growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43) mRNA in hippocampus of rats. Results:Compared with the blank control group, the escape lantency prolonged in the epileptic model group in all the time points (P < 0.05). Compared with the epileptic model group, the escape lantency shortened in the treatment groups somewhen (P < 0.05). Compared with the epileptic model group, the number of crossing the platform increased in the treatment groups (P < 0.01), and the time of staying in the target quadrant prolonged (P < 0.01); while the number of pyramidal cells increased, the nuclear lysis and fragmentation reduced, the structure of neurons and the number of synapses improved， as well as the organelle structure. Compared with the blank control group, the expression of Cofilin mRNA increased (P < 0.05), and the expression of SYN mRNA and GAP-43 mRNA decreased (P < 0.05) in the epileptic model group; compared with the epileptic model group, the expression of Cofilin mRNA decreased (P < 0.05), and the expression of SYN mRNA increased (P < 0.05) in all the treatment groups, while the expression of GAP-43 mRNA increased (P < 0.05) only in the combination group. Conclusion:Ganoderma triterpenoids, GM1 and their combination can improve the learning and memory abilities of epileptic rats, which may be associated with increasing the expression of SYN and GAP-43, decreasing the expression of Cofilin, to promote the synaptic remodeling of hippocampal tissue and protect brain neurons from PTZ-induced epilepsy.

Composite pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma-ganglioglioma; assessing and addressing the dilemma of differential expression of neuronal markers: Case report with diagnostic perspective

We report the case of a 5-year-old male child presenting with seizures for 4 months. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a cortical-based solid cystic lesion in the right parietal lobe. Histopathological examination showed a tumour comprised of spindled glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) positive neoplastic cells interspersed with bizarre pleomorphic cells showing nuclear pseudoinclusions and intermingled dysplastic ganglion cells variably immunopositive for synaptophysin, chromogranin, Neu-N and immunonegative for neuron filament protein (NFP). This report highlights the occurrence of the rare composite pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma-ganglioglioma and the vagaries of immunohistochemical analysis in highlighting neuronal differentiation in such a case setting. In addition, to the best of our knowledge this is the youngest patient till date to present with this entity.

Expression of synaptophysin in hippocampal CA1 region and prefrontal cortex of PTSD rats / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate the expression of synaptophysin in the CA1 region of hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) of rats with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , and to explore the mechanism of spatial memory changes in PTSD rats.METHODS:Healthy adult SD rats (n=36) were randomly divided into 2 groups:control group and model group, with 18 rats in each group.The rats in model group was continuously given single prolonged stress (SPS) to construct the PTSD model.Morris water maze (MWM) was used to test the learning and memory ability of the rats in the2 groups.The protein expression of synaptophysin in the hippocampal CA1 area and PFC was examined by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and immunofluorescence experiments.RESULTS:The latency of the rats in searching for the underwater platform in model group was significantly longer than that in control group from the 2nd day (P<0.01) in the MWM experiment, the target quadrant swimming time was significantly shortened (P<0.01) , and the times of crossing the platform were also significantly reduced (P<0.01).The results of immunohistochemistry, Western blot and immunofluorescence experiments showed that the expression of synaptophysin was obviously reduced in the CA1 region of hippocampus and PFC in model group as compared with control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01).CONCLUSION:The reduction of spatial memory ability in PTSD rats may be associated with the decreased expression of synaptophysin in the CA1 region of hippocampus and PFC.

Carcinoma neuroendocrino primario de vagina. Revisión de literatura a propósito de un caso / Primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the vagina. Literature review on the subject of a case

RESUMEN El carcinoma primario de vagina representa 1 a 2% de los cánceres ginecológicos, siendo la diferenciación histológica neuroendocrina de células pequeñas extremadamente infrecuente, sólo se han reportado 28 casos en la literatura, describiéndose en orden de frecuencia en cérvix, endometrio, ovario, vagina y vulva. Se observa con más frecuencia en mujeres postmenopáusicas. Se presenta el caso de paciente femenino, de 39 años de edad, quien acude a la consulta por presentar secreción genital serohemática, fétida, de 1 mes de evolución, evidenciándose al examen físico lesión exofítica, friable, renitente, de aproximadamente 4 cm de diámetro, en tercio superior y cara posterolateral izquierda de vagina, por lo que se realiza biopsia excisional de dicha lesión, siendo el diagnóstico anatomopatológico carcinoma neuroendocrino de células pequeñas, grado histológico: 3. A propósito de este caso, se realiza una revisión del tema, haciendo hincapié en la importancia de la exploración ginecológica exhaustiva que incluya tomas de citologías y colposcopias periódicas, tomando en cuenta la vagina y así, realizar diagnóstico precoz en vista que el riesgo de carcinoma en dicha zona es infrecuente, mejorando el pronóstico y sobrevida de las pacientes.

ABSTRACT The primary carcinoma of the vagina represents 1 to 2 % of gynecologic cancers, being the histological differentiation neuroendocrine of small cells extremely infrequent, only 28 cases have been reported in the literature, describing in order of frequency: in the cervix, endometrium, ovary, vagina and vulva. It is most commonly seen in postmenopausal women. We present the case of a female patient, 39 years old, who comes to medical consult due to serohematic, fetid, genital discharge of 1 month of evolution, evidencing at physical examination an exophytic lesion, friable, renitent, with a diameter of approximately 4 cm, in the upper third and posterolateral left side of the vagina, for which an excisional biopsy of said lesion is performed, being the anatomopathological diagnosis neuroendocrine carcinoma of small cells, histological grade: 3. A bibliography reviewed was made, emphasizing the importance of exhaustive gynecological exploration with periodic cytology and colposcopy examinations, including the vagina for early diagnosis in view of carcinoma risk in this area is uncommon, improving the prognosis and survival of patients.

Immunohistochemical Expression of Synaptophysin in the Adult and Developing Cervical and Lumbar Enlargements of the Spinal Cord of Rabbit

Background: The principle findings of synaptophysin immunoreactivity (SynpIR) during the ontogeny of rabbit spinal cord are: At E14, SynpIR precedes in the entire marginal layer especially at the entrance zone of dorsal root and motor neurite outgrowth emerged from the basal plate. At E21, SynpIR is expressed in the motoneurons of ventral and lateral horns of mantle layer growing into the ventrolateral columns of marginal layer. Methods: We found intensely stained thick tracts and diffuse axons among proliferating neuroblasts of mantle layer. The peripheral parts of ventral horns were occupied with closely packed multipolar neurons from which long dendrites departed toward the surface of marginal layer. Results: At E28, pronounced SynpIR presented in the ventral grey horn while the white matter was faintly stained., meanwhile the dorsal horn was more cellular than ventral and lateral horns. Few intensively SynpIR fibers cross the dorsal and ventral commissures. In adult, profuse SynpIR appeared in the entire grey matter, and stained dendrites departed from neurons in the lateral laminae into the adjacent funiculi as finger-like projections. These projections did not reach the surface, so that the outer one-third to onefourth of the funiculi contained little or no SynpIR. In the periphery of ventral horns, we found large multipolar neurons with faintly stained cytoplasm. The white matter and the neuroepithelial cells surrounding the central canal were almost unstained. Conclusion: Synaptophysinis a reliable marker for fiber outgrowth and synapse formation in therabbit spinal cord, and its differential expression levels is specific and almost completed before birth.

Effect of magnolol on hippocampal neuroplasticity in unpredictable chronic mild stress treated rats / 中草药

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of magnolol on hippocampal neuroplasticity in depression model rats. Methods In this study, depression model rats were prepared with unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS), and was given different doses of magnolol (20, 40 mg/kg) for 28 d. The rats in the positive control group were given fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) for 28 d. The ameliorative effects of magnolol on symptom of depression were investigated through behavior tests including open-field test, sucrose preference test, and forced-swimming test. The mRNA levels of Map-2, Gap43, and SYP in the hippocampus, cortex and striatum of rats in each group were detected by qRT-PCR, and the localization and expression of MAP-2, GAP43, and SYP in the hippocampus were observed by immunohistochemical staining analysis. The quantitative analysis of MAP-2, p-MAP-2, and p-ERK in hippocampus of rats in each group were further analyzed by Western blotting. Results UCMS was able to decrease the sucrose preference index, reduce locomotor activity and increase the immobility time in the forced swimming test. Compared with model group, magnolol significantly increased the spontaneous activity of rats, increased the consumption of sugar and water, and decreased the immobility time of chronic stress rats in forced swimming (P < 0.05, 0.01). Magnolol reversed MAP-2 mRNA and protein level in the hippocampus, increased phosphorylated MAP-2 expression in the hippocampus (P < 0.05), and significantly restored the p-ERK expression (P < 0.05). Conclusion Magnolol can affect the phosphorylation of MAP-2 through ERK pathway and increase the expression of MAP-2, thus affecting the neuronal plasticity and exerting its antidepressant effect.

Carcinoma de células pequeñas de vejiga, a propósito de un caso / Carcinoma of bladder small cells: with regard to a case

Introducción: El carcinoma de células pequeñas de vejiga es una neoplasia poco frecuente que puede coexistir con un carcinoma urotelial. Ocurre principalmente en el sexo masculino en la séptima y octava décadas de vida. Macroscópicamente se observa como una masa sólida, polipoide y microscópicamente se conforma por células atípicas con núcleos hipercromáticos y una alta tasa mitótica. Caso: Paciente de 56 años, masculino, fumador que refiere que desde hace 6 meses presentó hematuria, con disuria y dificultad para orinar. Se realizó cistoscopía encontrándose lesión tumoral en vejiga por lo que se sometió a cistoprostatectomía radical. Discusión: El carcinoma vesical de células pequeñas es poco frecuente y puede coexistir con el carcinoma urotelial. El estudio anátomo patológico es fundamental para determinar el diagnóstico siendo necesarios marcadores de inmunohistoquímica como sinaptofisina, CD56, cromogranina y enolasa. La cirugía, quimioterapia y radiación se utilizan para dar un tratamiento multidisciplinario de la enfermedad.

Introduction: Small cell carcinoma of the bladder is a rare neoplasm, which can coexist many times with an urothelial carcinoma. It occurs mainly in males in the seventh and eighth decades of life. Macroscopically it is observed as a solid and polypoid mass and microscopically it is conformed by atypical cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and a high mitotic rate. Case: A 56-year-old man, smoker who has hematuria for six months, and dysuria and difficulty to urinate. In a cystocopy a bladder tumor is identified and a radical cistoprostectomy is performed. Discusion: Small cell vesical carcinoma is uncommon and may coexist with urothelial carcinoma. The anatomical pathological study is fundamental to determine the diagnosis, requiring immunohistochemical markers such as synaptophysin, CD56, chromogranin and enolase. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are used to provide a multidisciplinary treatment of the disease.

Tumores neuroendocrinos de origen pulmonar: reporte de un caso / Neuroendocrine tumors of lung’s origin, a case report

Introduction or case story: Young female patient (24 years-old), without known morbid precedents. She comes for a ten-days period of symptoms characterized by fever of up to 38.5 °C and a dyspnoea grade III. Physical exam showed decreased vesicular murmur on the right pulmonary base with dullness and positive vocal vibrations. Exams: Thorax X-ray: Atelectasis condensation on the right pulmonary base. CT chest scan without contrast: Nodule located in an intermediate bronchus which generates atelectasis in the basal bronchi. Fibro-bronchoscopy (FOB): A tumour-like injury blocking 100% of the right intermediate bronchus’ duct. Biopsy: Pulmonary tissue with haemorrhagic areas, granular tissue with small cellular clusters of lobular disposal and glandular shape with eccentric central nuclei cells, with homogenous chromatin and without atypical mitosis. Immunohistochemistry: Intensely positive cells to synaptophysin and CD56. Diagnosis: Neuroendocrine Typical Carcinoid Tumor. Comments: The patient evolves without progression of dyspnoea, she is waiting for a surgical resolution of tumour at National Institute of Thorax.

Introducción o historia del caso: Mujer joven de 24 años de edad, sin antecedentes mórbidos, acudió por cuadro de 10 días de evolución, de fiebre de hasta 38,5 °C y disnea grado III. Al examen físico destacó a nivel pulmonar: murmullo pulmonar disminuido en base pulmonar derecha, matidez de la misma zona y vibraciones vocales positivas. Exámenes: Radiografía de Tórax: Condensación atelectásica en base pulmonar derecha. TAC de Tórax sin contraste: Imagen nodular a nivel de bronquio intermedio, que genera atelectasia en bronquios basales. Fibrobroncoscopía (FBC): Lesión tumoral que ocluye el 100% del lumen para bronquio intermedio derecho. Biopsia: Tejido pulmonar con áreas de hemorragia, tejido granulatorio y tumor con acúmulos celulares de disposición lobular y glanduliforme, con núcleos centrales excéntricos, cromatina homogénea, sin atipias. Inmunohistoquímica: Células intensamente positivas para sinaptofisina, y CD-56. Diagnóstico: Tumor Neuroendocrino Carcinoide típico Comentarios: Paciente evoluciona sin progresión de su disnea, esperando resolución quirúrgica del tumor en Instituto Nacional del Tórax.

Effects of Electroacupuncture at Baihui,Dazhui and Shenshu Acupoints on Ability of Learning and Memory and Synapses of Neurons in Hippocampal CA1 in SAMP8 Mice / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Baihui (GV20), Dazhui (GV14) and Shenshu (BL23) acu-points on cognitive function and the synapse of neurons in hippocampal CA1 in SAMP8 mice,to explore the mechanism of EA in the treat-ment of Alzheimer's disease(AD).Methods A total of 24 seven-month-old SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into model group(n=12) and EA group (n=12), and the same age SAMR1 mice were as control group (n=12).The EA group accepted EA at Baihui, Dazhui and Shenshu for 30 days.They were assessed with Morris maze test.The expression of synaptophysin(SYN)and postsynaptic density protein 95(PSD95)in hippocampal CA1 region were detected with immunohistochemistry.The morphology and density of synapse in hippocampal CA1 region was observed with transmission electron microscopy.Results Compared with the model group,the latency of Morris maze de-creased in EA group(P<0.05),the time staying in the quadrant of the platform increased(P<0.05),as well as the number passing the origi-nal platform(P<0.05),with the more expression of SYN and PSD95 in hippocampal CA1 region(P<0.001),and more and completed syn-apse.Conclusion EA can improve the learning and memory ability of SAMP8 mice by increasing the expression of SYN and PSD95 to pro-tect the ultrastructure of synapses in hippocampal CA1 region.