Restoration of FMRP expression in adult V1 neurons rescues visual deficits in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome

Many people affected by fragile X syndrome (FXS) and autism spectrum disorders have sensory processing deficits, such as hypersensitivity to auditory, tactile, and visual stimuli. Like FXS in humans, loss of Fmr1 in rodents also cause sensory, behavioral, and cognitive deficits. However, the neural mechanisms underlying sensory impairment, especially vision impairment, remain unclear. It remains elusive whether the visual processing deficits originate from corrupted inputs, impaired perception in the primary sensory cortex, or altered integration in the higher cortex, and there is no effective treatment. In this study, we used a genetic knockout mouse model (Fmr1KO), in vivo imaging, and behavioral measurements to show that the loss of Fmr1 impaired signal processing in the primary visual cortex (V1). Specifically, Fmr1KO mice showed enhanced responses to low-intensity stimuli but normal responses to high-intensity stimuli. This abnormality was accompanied by enhancements in local network connectivity in V1 microcircuits and increased dendritic complexity of V1 neurons. These effects were ameliorated by the acute application of GABAA receptor activators, which enhanced the activity of inhibitory neurons, or by reintroducing Fmr1 gene expression in knockout V1 neurons in both juvenile and young-adult mice. Overall, V1 plays an important role in the visual abnormalities of Fmr1KO mice and it could be possible to rescue the sensory disturbances in developed FXS and autism patients.

Determination of Partial Hematological Parameters in Fujian Rabbits / 医学研究杂志

Objective To determine the urine parameters,body temperature and main organ coefficient of Fujian rabbits.Methods In this experiment,we selected twenty healthy Fujian rabbits with weight of about 2.5kg.Both male and female rabbits were ten.Before experiment,the rabbits drunk water freely.We collected fresh urine before breeding in the morning,and then determined the ten items urine parameters soon.Under the room temperature,we used electricity thermometer into the rabbits' rectum to determine the body temperature.Being fasting for 12h,the rabbits were anesthetized by 3% pentobarbital sodium,and then were put to death after bloodletting.The dissection took various internal organs immediately.The clean organs were weighed by electronic analytical balance.Results The results showed that the majority of the urine was yellow opacity,and the ten items urine parameters between male and female had no significant difference.The average body temperature of Fujian rabbits was 39.67℃ above other ones.There was no significant difference in main organ coefficient between male and female expect the lung and spleen.Conclusion In a word,it was objective to determine the body temperature,urine parameters,mainly organ coefficient of Fujian rabbits which were fed in conventional environment.It is valuable for the appliation of Fujian rabbits in life science sphere.

Study of Bioassay to Luteinizing Hormone in Serum for Rhesus Monkey / 医学研究杂志

Objective The establish a bioassay method to luteinizing hormone in serum for rhesus monkey.Methods With the technique method of bioassay,we measured the content of luteinizing hormone(LH)in serum for the rhesus monkey.Results The sensitivity of the assay was 0.05ng LH/per tube.The intra and inter assay variations were(3.18?1.52)% and(7.56?3.41)%,which proved that the method accuracy was higher.Both the dose-response curve of LH in serum for rhesus monkey and hLH of standard showed the method could be used to examine LH in serum of biology activity for rhesus monkey,which reflected the physiological status of the animals.The recoverable rates of 10,20 and 40ng hLH added to the diluted ram serum were(99.12?4.56)%,(99.31?6.49)% and(101.02?7.58)% respectively,which demonstrated the veracity of the bioassay results.Conclusion The bioactive LH level in pituitary extract is by far higher than that in circulation.