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Objective:To investigate whether ultrafine powder of Gastrodiae Rhizoma （UPG） can alleviate the learning and memory impairment of vascular dementia rats and delay the process of VD， and whether this effect is related to the release of acetylcholine （Ach） through the regulation with acetylcholinesterase （AChE） and choline acetyltransferase （ChAT） and control of cholinergic system. Method:SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group， UPG low dose group （0.45 g·kg-1）， UPG high dose group （1.8 g·kg-1） and Huperzine A group （80 μg·kg-1）， with 12 rats in each group. The drug administration groups were given orally drugs once a day for 8 weeks， and sham group and model group were given orally the same amount of distilled water. The learning and memory ability of the rats with VD were evaluated by the Morris water maze. Htoxylin eosin（HE） staining was used for pathomorphological observation of hippocampus CA1 area of the rats. The content of Ach was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）， AChE and ChAT protein expressions were detected by Western blot， and expression of ChAT in hippocampus CA1 area was observed by immunohistochemistry. Result:Compared with the sham operation group， the escape latency of the model group was significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the frequency of crossings platform and the time of staying in the target quadrant were reduced significantly （P<0.01）. HE staining of hippocampal tissues from VD rat showed neuron disorders， loss and degeneration and necrosis， pyknosis of the nucleus and light coloration of the cytoplasm. The level of acetylcholine in the hippocampus was significantly decreased by ELISA （P<0.05）， the expression level of AChE protein was significantly up-regulated， and the expression level of ChAT protein was significantly down-regulated （P<0.01）. Compared with model group， each administration group could significantly reduce the escape latency of the model rats， and significantly increase the frequency of crossing platform and the time of staying in the target quadrant （P<0.01）， the content of Ach was significantly increased （P<0.05）， the expression of AChE protein was significantly down-regulated （P<0.01）， while the expression of ChAT protein was significantly up-regulated （P<0.01）. Conclusion:UPG improves the learning and memory ability of vascular dementia rats， and its mechanism may be related to the increase of Ach， ChAT level and the decrease of AChE level.
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Objective To investigate the effects of cornel iridoid glycoside (CIG) on the learning-memory ability and pathological changes in the brain of vascular dementia (VD) rats; To discuss relevant mechanism of action. Methods SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group, model group, positive medicine group, CIG groups low-, medium- and high-dose groups. The animal model of VD was replicated by permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2VO) in rats. Drugs were intragastrically administered 6 h after surgery and then once a day for 3 months. Morris water maze test was used to detect spatial learning-memory ability, and recognition memory was measured by the object recognition test. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the neuronal survival and the expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the brain. Results Three months after permanent 2VO operation, the model rats showed a longer escape latency in Morris water maze, a lower discrimination index in the object recognition test, and a decrease in NeuN positive neuronal survival and ChAT expression in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Compared with the model group, intragastric administration of CIG for 3 months shortened the escape latency in Morris water maze, elevated the discrimination index in the object recognition test, and increased the NeuN positive neuronal survival in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex and ChAT expression of 2VO rats. Conclusion CIG can improve the cognitive impairment of VD model rats through protecting neurons and promoting ChAT expression.
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Objective To observe the effects of Shenqi Xingnao Prescription on learning and memory ability, contents of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) in brain tissue in mice models with scopolamine-induced Alzheimer disease (AD); To investigate its mechanism for prevention and treatment for AD. Methods Totally 110 ICR mice were randomly divided into control group, control+Shenqi Xingnao Prescription high-dose group,model group,donepezil group,model+Shenqi Xingnao Prescription high-,medium-,and low-dose groups. The control and model group were given distilled water for gavage, and the other groups were given the corresponding medicine for gavage, once a day, for 14 days. On the 15th day, Morris water maze test and object recognition test were used to evaluate the learning and memory ability of each group. The model mice of memory impairment induced by intraperitoneal injection of scopolamine was established 20 minutes before the behavioral test. The expressions of ChAT and AChE in cortex and hippocampus were detected by Western blot. Results The results of Morris water maze test showed that compared with the control group, the model group had significant longer escape latency(P<0.05);Compared with the model group,Shenqi Xingnao Prescription medium-and high-dose groups could shorten the escape latency (P<0.05). The results of the object recognition test showed that compared with the control group, the ability of the model group to explore new things decreased and the discrimination index (DI) decreased (P<0.001);Compared with the model group,Shenqi Xingnao Prescription groups could increase the DI of model mice (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001). The results of Western blot showed that the expression of AChE protein in the cortex and hippocampus of the model group was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.01); Compared with the model group, Shenqi Xingnao Prescription low- and medium-dose groups could decrease the expression of AChE in the cortex in different degrees(P<0.01);Shenqi Xingnao Prescription groups could decreaed the expression of AChE in the hippocampus (P<0.001); There was no significant statistical significance in the expression of ChAT in the cortex and hippocampus in each group.Conclusion Shenqi Xingnao Prescription can significantly improve the learning and memory ability of AD model mice induced by scopolamine, which may be related to the descent expression of AChE protein in the cortex and hippocampus of the model mice.
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Objective To observe the activities of ChAT + neurons in subventricular zone (SVZ) after ischemic stroke and their effects on angiogenesis in peri-infarction region and related signaling pathways. Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into sham group,middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) group and atropine group. Ischemic models were made by permanent coagulation of the distal middle cerebral artery. The expression of ChAT,AChE in SVZ and VEGF,VEGFR2,pERK in peripheral regions of ischemic injury was evaluated by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. 5-bromodeoxyuridine(BrdU)/CD31 double-labeled cells were also tested by immunofluorescence. Results At 14 d after the surgery,the ratio of ChAT/AChE in SVZ increased after stroke(P < 0.05). Compared with those in Sham group,the levels of VEGF,VEGFR2 and pERK were higher in MCAO group(P<0.05)and VEGFR2-positive and BrdU/CD31-positive cells increased significantly. However,lower expression of VEGF,VEGFR2 and pERK and less VEGFR2-positive and BrdU/CD31-positive cells were found in atropine group when compared with that in MCAO group. Conclusions The activities of ChAT +neurons in SVZ are enhanced after ischemic injury and they can promote angiogenesis in peripheral region of ischemic injury via upregulating VEGF-VEGFR2 signaling pathway and improving the brain function restoration.
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Objective To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture at points Xiaohai and Xiajuxu on the expressions of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in serum and nicotinic acetylcholine receptorα 7 (α 7 nAchR) in duodenal tissues in a rat model of duodenal ulcer (DU) and preliminarily explore the relative specificity of He-Sea point in “treating visceral diseases with He-Sea point”.Methods Forty healthy SD rats were randomized into blank (A), model (B), Xiaohai (C) and Xiajuxu (D) groups, 10 rats each. A rat model of DU was made by subcutaneous injection of 10% cysteamine hydrochloride at the right buttock. After successful model making, group C was given electroacupuncture at point Xiaohai and group D, at point Xiajuxu. Duodenal tissue ulcer was macroscopically observed and scored in every group of rats. Rat serum expression of TNF-α was determined by double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); rat serum expression of ChAT, by ultraviolet spectrophotometry & colorimetry; rat duodenal expression ofα7 nAchR, by Western blot.Results After model making, the duodenal ulcer score was significantly higher in groups B, C and D than in group A (allP0.05) and was significantly higher in group D than in group B (P<0.01) or C (P<0.05).α7 nAchR expression was significantly higher in groups C and D than in group B (bothP<0.01). There was a positive correlation between ChAT andα7 nAchR expressions in every group (r=0.444,P=0.007).Conclusions Electroacupuncture at both points Xiaohai and Xiajuxu can reduce the duodenal ulcer score and serum TNF-α expression and increase serum ChAT and duodenalα7 nAchR expressions in DU rats. The results show that the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture on duodenal ulcer may be produced by regulating TNF-α. Its mechanism may be activating cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway to produce an anti-inflammatory effect. The effect being better in group D than in group C suggests that Xiajuxu has the relative specificity.
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OBJECTIVE: We examined the difference in responses to donepezil between carriers and non-carriers of the A allele at the +4 position of the choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) gene in Koreans. METHODS: Patients who met the criteria for probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) (n=199) were recruited. Among these, 145 completed the 12-week follow-up evaluation and 135 completed the 26-week scheduled course. Differences and changes in the Korean version of the mini-mental state examination (MMSE-KC) score, Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (CERAD-K[N]) wordlist subtest score (WSS), CERAD-K(N) total score (TS), and the Korean version of geriatric depression scale (GDS-K) score between baseline and 12 weeks or 26 weeks were assessed by the Student's t-test. RESULTS: At 12 weeks, the changes in the MMSE-KC score, CERAD-K(N) WSS, and CERAD-K(N) TS from baseline were not significant between ChAT A allele carriers and non-carriers; however, at 26 weeks, these changes were significantly larger in ChAT A allele carriers than in non-carriers (p=0.02 for MMSE-KC and p=0.03 for CERAD-K(N) WSS respectively). CONCLUSION: Our findings in this study suggested that presence of the A allele at the +4 position of ChAT might positively influence the treatment effect of donepezil in the early stages of AD in Koreans.
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Humans , Alleles , Alzheimer Disease , Choline O-Acetyltransferase , Choline , Depression , Follow-Up Studies , Genotype , Polymorphism, Single NucleotideABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effects of radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) on pathological features and the expressions of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) at lower esophageal sphincter (LES) in family dogs. Methods A total of 15 dogs were randomly divided into three groups. Sham group underwent gastroscopy and was fed for 3 months (n=5). Dogs were given RFT and were fed for 24 h after RFT (n=5, RFT+24 h group). Dogs were given RFT and were fed for 3 months after RFT (n=5, RFT+3m group). The pathological changes of LES were observed after HE staining in three groups. The expressions of ChAT, VIP and NOS were detected by immunohistochemical method in three groups. Results Results of HE staining showed nearly the same tissues in Sham group and control group. There were active inflammatory reaction and structural damage in RFT+24 h group. The chronic in-flammatory reaction and structural remodeling were found in RFT+3m group. Immunohistochemistry showed that ChAT was significantly increased in RFT+3m group compare than that of Sham group. Values of VIP and NOS were significantly de-creased in RFT+3m group compare than that of Sham group (P<0.01). Conclusion The thickness and increased pressure of LES were found after RFT,which also caused changes in neurotransmitters of local tissues in dogs.
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Objective To investigate the effects of melatonin on choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the hippocampus of rats after isoflurane anesthesia.Methods Sixty male SD rats weighing 390-440 g were randomized into five groups (n =12 each):control group (group C),1％ isoflurane group (group Ⅰ),1％ isoflurane + melatonin group (group IM),2％ isoflurane group (group J) and 2％ isoflurane + melatonin group (group JM).Rats in groups IM and JM received intraperitoneal injection of melatonin (10 mg/kg) for 7 days,and rats in other groups received normal saline.On the 7th day of injection,rats in groups Ⅰ and IM inhaled 1％ isoflurane for 4 hours,and rats in groups J and JM inhaled 2％ isoflurane for 4 hours.One day after anesthesia,all the rats began Morris water maze to assess the learning and memory ability,which was made for continuous 5 days.At the end of probe test,6 rats in each group were randomly selected,blood samples were collected to detect plasma melatonin level,and the hippocampi were removed to evaluate the expression and activity of ChAT.The other rats were sacrificed to perform immunofluorescence to detect ChAT in hippocampal CA1 region and dentate gyrus.Results The plasma melatonin level,and the expression and activity of ChAT were significantly lower in group Ⅰ than in group C (P ＜ 0.01).The escape latency was significantly longer,the probe time was significantly shorter,and the plasma melatonin level and the expression and activity of ChAT were significantly lower in group J than in group C (P ＜ 0.05 or 0.01).The escape latency was significantly shorter,the probe time was significantly longer,and the plasma melatonin level and the expression and activity of ChAT were significantly higher in group IM than in group Ⅰ (P ＜ 0.05 or 0.01).The escape latency was significantly shorter,and the plasma melatonin level and the ChAT activity were significantly higher in group JM than in group J (P＜ 0.05 or 0.01).Conclusion Melatonin can attenuate isoflurane-induced ChAT inhibition and thus improve the cognitive function of rats after isoflurane anesthesia.
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Objective To investigate the damage of hippocampal neurons induced by chronic cerebral ischemia in the rats,and to clarify its mechanism.Methods 90 healthy adult male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (n=30 ) and experimental group (n=60 ). The chronic cerebral ischemia rat models were established by permanently ligating the common carotid arteries on both sides of the rats in experimental group.The rats in sham operation group were established by incising the cervical median,only the common carotid arteries on both sides were separated without ligating. The rats in sham operation group and experimental group were respectively sacrificed at the 7th,14th and 21st day after operation.At each time point 10 rats in sham operation group and 20 rats in experimental group were selected and sacrificed.Immunohistochemistry staining was used to observe the dynamic changes of the expression levels of choline acetyltransferase(ChAT)in hippocampus neurons, and TA-FE method was used to observe the dynamic changes of hippocampal microvascualr architecture. MiVnt image analytical system was used to quantitatively analyze the immunohistochemistry result,the microvessel density (MVD)and micorvessel area density (MVA)of horizontal part of hippocampus in the rats. Results Compared with sham operation group,the ChAT expression levels in hippocampus neurons of the rats in experimental group at different time points were significantly decreased(P<0.05);and with the prolongation of time,the ChAT expression levels were gradually decreased;the ChAT expression level in 14-day experimental group was significantly lower than that in 7-day experimental group (P<0.05 );the ChAT expression level in 21-day experimental group was significantly lower than those in 7-day and 14-day experimental groups(P<0.05).The MVD and MVA of hippocampus of the rats in experimental group at different time points were obviously decreased compared with sham operation group(P<0.05);the MVA was gradually decreased with the prolongation of time, and the MVA of hippocampus of the rats in 21-day and 14-day experimental groups were obviously decreased compared with 7-day experimental group(P<0.05);the MVD was gradually decreased with the prolongation of time,the MVD of hippocampus of the rats in 21-day and 14-day experimental groups was obviously decreased compared with 7-day experimental group(P<0.05);the MVD of hippocampus of the rats in 21-day experimental group was obviously decreased compared with 14-day experimental group(P<0.05).Conclusion Chronic cerebral ischemia can lead to the progressive decrease of the ChAT expression level,MVD and MVA of hippocampus of the rats to aggravate gradually the learning and memory dysfunction, which may be one of the reasons of vascular dementia.
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Objective To investigate the effects of the exercise training on the cognitive function ,choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity in stroke prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR/SP) vascular de-mentia model .Methods 30 male SHR/SP rats were randomly divided into sham operation group ,model group and exercise group (n=10) .The VD model was established by the fractional ligation of bilateral carotid artery (2-VO) .The sham operation group and the model group were given the normal feeding without intervention after operation ;the exercise group adopted the treadmill exer-cise(DSPT-1) for 8 weeks .After the exercise ,the Morris maze test was conducted for evaluating the cognitive function in each group .The rats were finally killed for detecting the ChAT activity and AchE activity of hippocampus .Results In the positioning navigation training ,the latency period of the sham operation group was significantly short than that of the exercise group and the model group ,but the latency period of the exercise group was obviously short than that of rats in the model group (P<0 .05);in the spatial exploration test ,the rats in the sham operation group had more frequency of crossing platform than the other two groups ,the exercise group had more frequency of crossing platform in platform quadrant than the model group (P<0 .05);the exercise training could increase the ChAT activity and lower the AchE activity of hippocampus .Conclusion The exercise training can improve the function of hippocampal cholinergic system in SHR/SP and then increase the cognitive ability .
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Objective To study of the activities of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT ) and cholinesterase(CHE) in non-dementia vascular cognitive impairment (VCIND)patients ,and explore its mechanism .Methods Sixty-one patients with VCIND were select-ed as the research group (which accord with Rockwood diagnostic criteria for cognitive dysfunction but not meet the NINDS-ARI-IEN diagnostic criteria for vascular dementia)and 75 healthy people in the same period as the control group .Venous blood was col-lected in the early morning and serum was separated in both of the two groups .The activities of ChAT and CHE were detected by spectrophotometric method .Results The activity of ChAT in the research group(120 .94 ± 23 .93) U/mL was increased significant-ly than the control group(64 .88 ± 12 .23) U/mL(P0 .05) .Conclusion The increased activity of ChAT in VCIND patient and enhance the synthesis of acetylcholine , which may be a compensatory mechanism of VCIND .
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Objective To observe the effects of different environmental intervention on the learning-memory ability and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) expression around the infarct in rats with unilateral local cerebral infarction.Methods SD rats were subjected to electric coagulation of MCA and then were assigned randomly to ①control group(5 in each group housed in a standard cage),②learn training group(housed in a maze cage),③enriched environment group(housed in a enriched environment cage).24 days later,rats were trained by water maze,and then killed for immunohistochemistry staining.The expression of ChAT in peri-ischemic cortex was examined.Results The escape latency of rats in enriched environment was the shortest((26.9 ± 4.8)s),and the times striding over the platform was the most(6.1 ±1.1),longer (33.6 ± 5.1)s and less (4.8 ± 1.2)in the learn training group,the longest ((41.4 ± 6.4) s) and least (3.3 ± 0.9) in the control group.The positive cells of ChAT in enriched environment group (40.3 ± 8.4) were higher than those in learn training group (35.6 ± 7.8) and those in control group (25.4 ± 6.5).Conclusion Enriched environment after MCAO could promote the learning-memory ability and up-regulate the expression of ChAT in the peri-ischemic regions.
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Objective To explore the mechanisms and the significance of compatibility of Heixiaoyao Powder by observing the effect of Heixiaoyao Powder on mice model of senile dementia induced by scopolamine. Methods Kunming mice were randomly divided into five groups including control group, model group, Heixiaoyao Powder group, Xiaoyao powder group and streamlined formula group, with 10 mice of each group. Scopolamine hydrobromide intraperitoneal injection was adopted to make memory impairment in mice model, and followed by drugs treatment with corresponding decoction of the crude drug 2.314 g /(kg·d). Control group and model group were given normal saline orally once a day, all groups were treated for 10 days continuously. After 6 and 8 days of the administration, water maze test, stair jumping test and darkness avoidance test were conducted to test behavior proficiency, and the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in brain tissue were tested also. Results Compared with model group, Heixiaoyao Powder group, Xiaoyao Powder group and streamlined formula group could significantly reduce the error number and shorten latency in the water maze test, decrease the time of electrical shocks and prolong the incubation period of time in both stair jumping test and darkness avoidance test, and could increase ChAT activity and lower AchE activity in brain tissue of mice (P<0.01 or P<0.05), especially the effects of Heixiaoyao Powder group. Conclusions Heixiaoyao Powder and its analogous formula have the function of preventing and treating senile dementia.
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Black ginseng (BG) has been widely used as herbal treatment for improving physiological function. In order to investigate the neuroprotective action of this herbal medicine, we examined the influence of BG on the learning and memory of rats using the Morris water maze, and we studied the effects of BG on the central cholinergic system and neural nitric oxide synthesis in the hippocampus of rats with neuronal and cognitive impairment. After middle cerebral artery occlusion was applied for 2h, the rats were administered BG (100 or 400 mgkg(-1), p.o.) daily for 2 weeks, followed by training and performance of the Morris water maze test. The rats with ischemic insults showed impaired learning and memory on the tasks. Treatment with BG produced improvement in the escape latency to find the platform. Further, the BG groups showed a reduced loss of cholinergic immunoreactivity and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d)-positive neurons in the hippocampus compared to that of the ISC group. These results demonstrated that BG has a protective effect against ischemia-induced neuronal and cognitive impairment. Our results suggest that BG might be useful for the treatment of vascular dementia.
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Animals , Rats , Dementia, Vascular , Herbal Medicine , Hippocampus , Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery , Learning , Memory , NAD , Neurons , Nitric Oxide , Panax , United NationsABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo study the relationship between GDNF and ChAT Mrna and their potential role in the diabetic cognitive dysfunction by observing the change of the expression of GDNF and ChAT mRNA in brain under different blood glucose levels in STZ induced diabetic rats.MethodsForty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into diabetic group without blood glucose control( DM1 group),diabetic rats treated with insulin group( DM2 group),and normal control group( NC group).Blood glucose and body weight were detected every 4 weeks.Twelve weeks later,the hippocampus were submitted for cryostat sections which were subjected to the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) for GDNF and ChAT mRNA.ResultsThe expression of GDNF mRNA and ChAT mRNA in the hippocampus have negative correlation with HbAlc level( r =-0.962,-0.974,all P ＜ 0.001 );The GDNF expression had positive correlation with the ChAT mRNA expression( r =0.974,P ＜ 0.001 ).ConclusionLongterm chronic hyperglycation caused the “downregulation” of the GDNF expression in the hippocampal,which could cause the central cholinergic dysfunction symbled with the decrease of ChAT mRNA expression and the decline of learning and cognition ability.
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In order to the neuroprotective effect of Lycium chinense fruit (LCF), the present study examined the effects of Lycium chinense fruit on learning and memory in Morris water maze task and the choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) of rats with trimethyltin (TMT)-induced neuronal and cognitive impairments. The rats were randomly divided into the following groups: naive rat (Normal), TMT injection+saline administered rat (control) and TMT injection+LCF administered rat (LCF). Rats were administered with saline or LCF (100 mg/kg, p.o.) daily for 2 weeks, followed by their training to the tasks. In the water maze test, the animals were trained to find a platform in a fixed position during 6d and then received 60s probe trial on the 7th day following removal of platform from the pool. Rats with TMT injection showed impaired learning and memory of the tasks and treatment with LCF (p<0.01) produced a significant improvement in escape latency to find the platform in the Morris water maze at the 2nd day. Consistent with behavioral data, treatment with LCF also slightly reduced the loss of ChAT and cAMP in the hippocampus compared to the control group. These results demonstrated that LCF has a protective effect against TMT-induced neuronal and cognitive impairments. The present study suggests that LCF might be useful in the treatment of TMT-induced learning and memory deficit.
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Animals , Rats , Adenosine Monophosphate , Choline O-Acetyltransferase , Fruit , Hippocampus , Learning , Lycium , Memory , Memory Disorders , Neurons , Neuroprotective Agents , Trimethyltin Compounds , United Nations , WaterABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The potential association between choline acetyltransferase(CHAT) polymorphism and the risk of mild cognitive impairment(MCI) has not been investigated in Korea. We examined the main effect of CHAT polymorphism and its interaction with apolipoprotein E(APOE) polymorphism in the development of MCI in elderly Korean sample. METHODS: We analyzed CHAT 2384G > A polymorphism and APOE polymorphism among 149 MCI subjects with MCI and 298 normal controls. We tested the association between MCI and CHAT A allele status using a logistic regression model. In addition, we employed generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction(GMDR) to investigate the interaction between CHAT and APOE with regard to the risk of MCI. RESULTS: The CHAT A allele was associated with AD risk(OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.02-2.48, p = 0.042). No significant gene-gene interaction between CHAT and APOE was found in GMDR method(testing balanced accuracy = 0.540, p = 0.055). CONCLUSION: The CHAT A allele was associated with MCI risk in the Korean elderly. Its interaction with the APOE epsilon4 allele was not significant with regard to the development of MCI.
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Aged , Humans , Alleles , Apolipoproteins , Apolipoproteins E , Choline , Choline O-Acetyltransferase , Korea , Logistic Models , Cognitive DysfunctionABSTRACT
Puerariae flos (PF) is a traditional oriental medicinal plant and has clinically been prescribed for a long time. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of PF on repeated stress-induced alterations of learning and memory on a Morris water maze (MWM) test in ovariectomized (OVX) female rats. The changes in the reactivity of the cholinergic system were assessed by measuring the immunoreactive neurons of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the hippocampus after behavioral testing. The female rats were randomly divided into four groups: the nonoperated and nonstressed group (normal), the sham-operated and stressed group (control), the ovariectomized and stressed group (OS), and the ovariectomized, stressed and PF treated group (OSF). Rats were exposed to immobilization stress (IMO) for 14 d (2 h/d), and PF (400 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered 30 min before IMO stress. Results showed that treatments with PF caused significant reversals of the stress-induced deficits in learning and memory on a spatial memory task, and also increased the ChAT immunoreactivities. In conclusion, administration of PF improved spatial learning and memory in OVX rats, and PF may be useful for the treatment of postmenopausal-related dementia.
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Animals , Female , Humans , Rats , Choline O-Acetyltransferase , Hippocampus , Immobilization , Learning , Memory , Neurons , Ovariectomy , Plants, Medicinal , PuerariaABSTRACT
We found that the expression and activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is increased in the hippocampus during exercise (Moon et al., 2006). However, the upstream regulatory factor on the eNOS expression in the hippocampus during exercise has not been clear. In this study, we investigate the role of acetylcholine (ACh) as a regulatory factor for the eNOS expression and activity in the hippocampus during exercise. The results of the present study demonstrate that voluntary wheel running exercise for two weeks increases the expression and activity eNOS. In addition, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immnunoreacitvity within the hippocampus was increased after 2 weeks exercise. We further found that the upregulation of ACh with treatment of physostigmine, a booster of ACh releasing, increase the expression and activity of eNOS in the hippocampus. This present study provides the evidence that the upregulation of eNOS during exercise may be mediated by ACh in the hippocampus.
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Acetylcholine , Choline , Choline O-Acetyltransferase , Hippocampus , Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III , Physostigmine , Running , Up-RegulationABSTRACT
The morphological changes in the anterior horn of the L4 and L5 spinal segments were observed following anterior root avulsion in the adult male Sprague-Dawley rat (300~350 gm) at 5 days, 1 week, 2 weeks and 3 weeks postlesion. The animals were perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde, 0.15% picric acid in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution and cryostat sections were prepared. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify changes of the phenotype in the anterior horn cells. Primary antibodies, goat anti-choline acetyltransferase (ChaT, 1 : 500, Chemicon), mouse antirat ED-1 (1 : 200, Serotec), rabbit anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, 1 : 200, DAKO) and rabbit anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF, 1 : 500, Santa Cruz Biotechnology) were used. Avidin-Biotin complex method was performed for immunohistochemical reaction and color reaction was developed with DAB-H2O2. Following results were observed in the anterior horn of lumbar spinal cord; 1. The number of ChaT-immunoreactive (ir) cells were reduced 20% level of control animals at 3 weeks after avulsion. 2. ED-1-ir microglia were significantly increased at 1 week and processes of ED-1-ir microglia surrounded around the axotomized neuronal cell bodies. 3. Gliosis defined by extensive GFAP immunoreactivity was observed both ipsilateral and contralateral side of lesion but the VEGF-ir cells were significantly increased in the ipsilateral side of lesion. Therefore, this study suggested that the majority of axotomized motor neurons were degenerated and the cellular proliferation and phenotype changes including glial cell activation were observed in the lumbar spinal cord after anterior root avulsion of adult rats.