Sensory and sympathetic nerves are involved in the changes of skin temperature, blood infusion and inflammatory cytokines of cutaneous tissue in the sensitized area of colitis rats / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the changes of skin temperature, blood infusion and inflammatory cytokines of cutaneous tissue in the sensitized area of colitis model rats, as well as the relationship between sensory and sympathetic nerves and the formation of sensitized area, and to initially reveal the partial physical-chemical characteristics of the sensitized area in the colitis model rats.@*METHODS@#Thirty-five male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group (n=10), a model group (n=18) and a guanethidine group (n=7). 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was adopted for 6-day free drinking to establish colitis model in the model group and the guanethidine group. On day 6 and 7, in the guanethidine group, guanethidine solution (30 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally for sympathetic block. On day 7, after injection of evans blue (EB) solution, the EB extravasation areas on the body surface were observed to investigate the distribution and physical-chemical characteristics of the sensitized area. The control area was set up, 0.5 cm away from the sensitized area, and with the same nerve segment innervation. Disease activity index (DAI) score of rats was compared between the normal group and the model group, and the morphological changes in the colon tissue were investigated with HE method. Using infrared thermal imaging technology and laser speckle flow imaging technology, skin temperature and blood infusion were determined in the sensitized area and the control area of the rats in the model group. Immunofluorescence technique was adopted to observe the expression levels of the positive nerve fibers of substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and the correlation with blood vessels; as well as the expression levels of SP positive nerve fibers/tryptase+ mast cells, and tryptase+ mast cells/5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in skin tissue in the sensitized area and the control area of the rats in the model group. MSD multi-level factorial method and ELISA were applied to determine the contents of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-4 and IL-10) and anti-inflammatory substance corticosterone (CORT).@*RESULTS@#Sensitization occurred at the T12-S1 segments of the colitis model rats, especially at L2-L5 segments. Compared with the normal group, DAI score was increased in the rats of the model group (P<0.05), and the colonic mucosal damage was obvious, with the epithelial cells disordered, even disappeared, crypt destructed, submucosal edema and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated. In comparison with the control area, the skin temperature and blood infusion were increased in the sensitized area of the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01); as well as the expression levels of the positive nerve fibers of SP, CGRP and TH of skin tissue (P<0.05), which was specially distributed in peripheral vessels, the expression levels of SP positive nerve fibers/tryptase+ mast cells, and tryptase+ mast cells/5-HT of the skin tissue were all expanded (P<0.05) in the sensitized area of the model group. Compared with the model group, the number of sensitized areas was reduced in the guanethidine group (P<0.05). In comparison with the control area of the model group, in the sensitized area, the contents of pro-inflammatory cytokines, e.g. TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and the anti-inflammatory substance CORT of skin tissue were all increased (P<0.05); and the contents of IL-6 and TNF-α were negatively correlated with CORT (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The sensitized areas on the body surface of colitis rats are mainly distributed in the L2-L5 segments. Sensory and sympathetic nerves are involved in the acupoint sensitization, and the sensitized areas may have the dynamic changes in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory substances.

Effects of high-intensity interval training on G protein-coupled receptor kinase-2 levels in the hearts and adrenal glands of spontaneously hypertensive rats / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective@#To observe the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on G protein-coupled receptor kinase-2 (GRK2) levels in the hearts and adrenal glands of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and explore how exercise might improve sympathetic over-excitation.@*Methods@#Twenty male SHRs were divided randomly into a sedentary control group and an HIIT group. Ten age-matched, male Wistar-Kyoto rats without hypertension served as the control group. The rats of the control and sedentary control groups were housed in cages at rest while those of the HIIT group underwent eight weeks of HIIT. Caudal artery pressure, cardiac structure and function, and heart rate variability (HRV) were determined using a non-invasive blood pressure tester, echocardiograms, and electrocardiograms. The plasma concentrations of epinephrine and norepinephrine, and the expression of GRK2 and β1-adrenoceptor (β1-AR) protein were measured in the rats′ hearts, and GRK2 and α2-adrenoceptor (α2-AR) protein were measured in their adrenal glands using high-pressure liquid chromatography and western blotting.@*Results@#Compared with the normotensive control group, animals in the sedentary control group showed elevated blood pressure, cardiac hypertrophy, reduced heart function, sympathetic over-excitation manifested by HRV, increased plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations, up-regulated GRK2 protein expression in the heart and adrenal gland, but down-regulated β1-AR in the heart and down-regulated α2-AR in the adrenal gland. Compared with the sedentary control group, the HIIT group did not show improved cardiac hypertrophy, but it did show reduced blood pressure, enhanced heart function, suppressed sympathetic over-excitation, as well as lowered plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations, on average. The expression of GRK2 in the heart and adrenal gland was significantly down-regulated, while that of β1-AR in the heart and of α2-AR in the adrenal gland were significantly up-regulated, on average.@*Conclusions@#HIIT can alleviate sympathetic over-excitation and enhance heart function despite spontaneous hypertension, at least in rats. The therapeutic mechanism may be related with the down-regulation of GRK2 expression in the heart and adrenal gland.

Effects of sympathomimetic agent on remodeling of connexin 43 in atrium of isolated heart with rapid atrial pacing / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate the changes of connexin 43 (Cx43) via establishing a model of sympathomi-metic atrial fibrillation ( AF) .METHODS:The mongrels ( n=15) were randomly divided into control group , rapid atrial pacing (RAP) group and isoprenaline (ISO) perfusion+RAP group (ISO+RAP group).All mongrels’ hearts were taken out rapidly by median sternotomy to establish the cardiac model with Langendorff perfusion in vitro.The atrial effective re-fractory period ( AERP) and AF inducability were tested .The expression and distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase ( TH) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry .Total protein level of Cx 43 and phosphorylation of Cx 43 were determined by West-ern blot.The distribution of Cx43 were also observed by immunofluorescence staining .The cell apoptosis was analyzed by TUNEL staining.The generation of reactive oxygen species ( ROS) in the mitochondria was measured by fluorescence spec-trophotometry .RESULTS:No significant change of AERP was found between control group and RAP group , while that in ISO+RAP group was significantly decreased (P<0.05) and induced AF.Compared with control group, the expression of TH, apoptotic index and the generation of ROS increased gradually (P<0.05), while the content of Cx43 decreased grad-ually both in the total protein and the phosphorylation levels in RAP group and ISO +RAP group (P<0.05).The fluores-cence intensity of Cx43 was also attenuated and Cx43 were lateralized apparently in RAP group , while Cx43 were character-ized as punctate distribution in ISO +RAP group.CONCLUSION:Sympathetic nerves may activate autophagosome at in-tercalated discs and trigger cell apoptosis , resulting in remodeling and downregulation of Cx 43 via oxidative stress , thus having effects on mediating and maintaining AF .

Correlation Analysis between Visceral Manifestation Theories on Xuanfa and Effect of Adrenergic Receptors / 中草药·英文版

Chinese visceral manifestation theory states that lung dominates qi, regulates breathing, and governs Xuanfa (dispersing) and Sujiang (descending). Clarifying this theory with modern physiological and pathological knowledge has been considered as an important part of complementary and alternative medicine therapy. Previous studies found that most Xuanfa drugs contained pharmacodynamic ingredients related to adrenergic receptors (ARs) signal transduction. The association of Xuanfa, with the control of breath movement, nutrient transfer, spreading heat to regulate temperature, and helping the heart control blood circulation, coincides with the physiological function of organs dominated by Ars-regulated sympathetic postganglionic fibers. Therefore, we hypothesize that Xuanfa is closely related to Ars-regulated signal transduction. By modern biological knowledge, we tried to evaluate and expound the correlation between the molecular mechanisms of modern physiology or pathology and Xuanfa or Sujiang theory. Ultimately, the research and development of modern drugs should fully expect the guidance from Chinese visceral manifestation theory, and the application of this principle will guide the prevention and clinical treatment of a variety of refractory diseases caused by a change in environment, climate, or lifestyle. © 2014 Tianjin Press of Chinese Herbal Medicines.

Claude Bernard: bicentenary of birth and his main contributions to neurology / Claude Bernard: bicentenário do nascimento e suas principais contribuições à neurologia

Claude Bernard (1813-1878) followed two main research paths: the chemical and physiological study of digestion and liver function, along with experimental section of nerves and studies on sympathetic nerves. Curare studies were, for example, of longstanding interest. His profound mental creativity and hand skillfulness, besides methodology quality, directed his experiments and findings, mainly at the Collège de France. His broader and epistemological concerns were carried out at the Sorbonne and later at the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle. His insight gave clues to define the “ milieu intérieur”, later known as “homeostasis”, and grasp the brain complexity. Bernard followed and surpassed his master François Magendie who also fought against dogmas and laid the foundations of experimental medicine, and its main heinous tool – vivisection. Bernard created the methodological bases of experimental medicine, and collected honors as a renowned researcher.

Em suas pesquisas, Claude Bernard (1813-1878) seguiu dois caminhos principais: o estudo fisiológico e químico da digestão e da função hepática; a seção experimental de nervos e os estudos sobre nervos simpáticos. Estudos sobre curare, por exemplo, foram de interesse duradouro. Suas profundas criatividade mental e habilidade manual, além da qualidade metodológica, conduziram às suas experiências e descobertas, principalmente no Collège de France. Seus interesses sobre temas epistemológicos mais amplos foram conduzidos na Sorbonne e, posteriormente, no Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle. Seu discernimento deu subsídios para definir o “ milieu intérieur ”, mais tarde conhecido como “homeostase”, e para ajudar a compreender a complexidade do cérebro. Bernard seguiu e superou seu mestre François Magendie. Este também lutou contra dogmas e lançou os fundamentos da medicina experimental, utilizando sua principal ferramenta hedionda – a vivissecção. Bernard ampliou estes estudos e criou as bases metodológicas da medicina experimental, tendo colecionado honrarias como renomado pesquisador.

Histomorphometric and sympathetic innervation of the human internal thoracic artery

INTRODUCTION: Internal thoracic artery (ITA) is an established arterial graft for the coronary artery by-pass surgery. Special micro-anatomical features of the ITA wall may protect it from age related pathological changes. One of the complications seen after coronary artery bypass grafting is vasospasm. Sympathetic nerves may be involved in vasospasm. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the sympathetic innervation of the internal thoracic artery and to assess the effect of aging on this artery by histomorphometry. METHOD: Fifty-four human internal thoracic artery samples were collected from 27 cadavers (19 male and 8 female) with ages of 19 to 83 years. Samples were divided into three age groups: G1, 19-40 years; G2, 41-60 years; G3, >61 years. Sections (thickness 5 mm) of each sample were taken and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Verhoeff-Van Gieson stains. Five of fifty-four samples were processed for tyrosine hydroxylase immunostaining. RESULTS: The thickness of the tunica intima was found to be constant in all age groups, whereas the thickness of the tunica media decreased in proportion to age. Verhoeff-Van Gieson staining showed numerous elastic laminae in the tunica media. Significant differences (p<0.0001) in the number of elastic laminae were found between G1 with G2 cadavers, between G2 and G3 cadavers and between G3 and G1 cadavers. Tyrosine hydroxylase immunostaining demonstrated sympathetic fibers, located mainly in the tunica adventitia and the adventitia-media border. The sympathetic nerve fiber area and sympathetic index were found to be 0.0016 mm² and 0.012, respectively. DISCUSSION: Histology of the ITA showed features of the elastic artery. This may be associated with lower incidence of Atherosclerosis or intimal hyperplasia in ITA samples even in elderly cases. Low sympathetic index (0.012) of ITA may be associated with fewer incidences of sympathetic nervous systems problems (vasospasm) of the ITA. CONCLUSION: Sympathetic ...

Experimental study of sympathetic nerve on atrioventricular conduction modulation in acute inferior myocardial infarction / 中国综合临床

Objective To study atrioventricular conduction during right coronary artery infarction and its correlation with sympathetic nerve.Method AIMI model by ligating the fight coronary artery of denervated autonomic nervous cats was used.The A,H and V-wave were measured from the His electrode by template matching.The AA,AH,HV intervals with and without sympathetic nerve stimulation were measured respectivelv.Results The decreased percentage of AH intervals was (7±5)% vs.(14±5)% (without pacing) and (12±2)% vs.(23±7)% (with pacing) respectively in ischemia and normal after sympathetic nerve stimulation,and the decreasing amplitude were 50% and 48% respectively.Conclusion The regulating function of sympathetic nerve on atrioventricular conduction decreased after ischemia related to the right coronary artery.This decrease may be one of the mechanisms that lead to atrioventficular block after acute inferior myocardial infarction.

Effects of cigarette smoking on hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in piglets—role of sympathetic nerve, histamine,prostaglandins and leukotrienes / 中国病理生理杂志

In order to investigate the effects of cigarette smoking on hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction(HPV) in piglets, receptor or synthetic enzyme blockers of sympathetic nerve, histamine, prostaglandins(PGs) and leukotrienes(LTs) were used. Results showed that hypoxia increased PVR by adrenergic alpha receptor, LTs and PGs to 72.5%(3min. P

Mechanisms of neurogenic pulmonary edema during intracranial hypertension / 中国病理生理杂志

The neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) was produced consistently in rabbits by raising intracranial pressure (ICP) with an infusion of anticoagulat rabbit blood into subarachnoid space of the bilateral parietal regions. When ICP increased from 60mmHg to 140 mmHg, There was a rapid decrease in blood flow volume of the bilateral internal carotid arteries (ICABFV). At the same time, the frequency of cervical sympathetic discharge and the concentrations of plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline increased acutly accompanied by a rapid elevation of systemic arterial pressure (SAP). There was a decline in SAP and a further decrease in ICABFV and the animal died as ICP was sustained at 140mmHg for 5-20min. Autopsy revealed severe hemorrhagic pulmonary edema and the left ventricular and atrial enlargement. In the period of ICP rising, the NPE was prevented if SAP was kept at the baseline levels by withdrawing blood from femoral artery, The results suggest that decreased cerebral blood supply due to ICP rising is responsible for the massive sympathetic discharge and catecholamine release which contribute to SAP elevtion and left ventricular overload, the NPE is mediated by hemodynamic mechanism.