MicroRNA-132 in the Adult Dentate Gyrus is Involved in Opioid Addiction Via Modifying the Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells / 神经科学通报·英文版

MicroRNA-132 (miR-132), a small RNA that regulates gene expression, is known to promote neurogenesis in the embryonic nervous system and adult brain. Although exposure to psychoactive substances can increase miR-132 expression in cultured neural stem cells (NSCs) and the adult brain of rodents, little is known about its role in opioid addiction. So, we set out to determine the effect of miR-132 on differentiation of the NSCs and whether this effect is involved in opioid addiction using the rat morphine self-administration (MSA) model. We found that miR-132 overexpression enhanced the differentiation of NSCs in vivo and in vitro. Similarly, specific overexpression of miR-132 in NSCs of the adult hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) during the acquisition stage of MSA potentiated morphine-seeking behavior. These findings indicate that miR-132 is involved in opioid addiction, probably by promoting the differentiation of NSCs in the adult DG.

Research Progress in Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Simaroubaceae Plants / 中国药师

The chemical constituents and their biological activities of simaroubaceae plants were reviewed in the paper. The chemical constituents of simaroubaceae plants are alkaloids and terpenoids, and the biological activities are anti-tumor, insecticidal, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-malaria and so on. The review alms to provide references for the comprehen-sive development and utilization of simaroubaceae plants.

Effects of Needles with Different Diameters on the Gastrointestinal Emptying in Mice / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the effects of needles with different diameters on the gastrointestinal function in mice. Methods: Eighteen Kunming mice were randomly divided into group of 0.25 mm needle, group of 0.35 mm needle, and control group. The acupoint of Zusanli (ST 36) was needled once a day for 5 days. The effects of needles with different diameters were observed by measuring the distance of the carbon moved in the intestine. Results: The distance of the carbon moved in the intestine was longer in the acupuncture group than in the control group (P0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture treatment can enhance the peristalsis function of stomach and intestine in mice. The diameter of needle has no effect on the gastrointestinal function.