Mining of Gene Modules and Identification of Key Genes for Early Diagnosis of Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors with high incidence and mortality rates. Most patients with GC are not diagnosed until the advanced stage of cancer or during tumor screening, resulting in missing the best treatment time. This study identified key modules and hub genes associated with GC by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The "limma" package in R was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in GC samples from TCGA, and a total of 4892 DEGs were identified. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were conducted to detect the related pathways and functions of DEGs. These DEGs were primarily associated with extracellular matrix organization, DNA replication, cell cycle, and p53 signaling pathway. Gene modules associated with clinical characteristics were identified with WGCNA in tumor and normal samples. Six gene modules were obtained in the WGCNA network, of which two modules were significantly correlated with GC. Hub genes of key modules were identified using survival analysis and expression analysis. Finally, one-way ANOVA was used to explore the relationship between hub gene expression in normal tissues and different pathological stages of GC. Through survival and expression analysis, a total of 19 genes with good prognosis and significantly differential expressed were identified. The hub genes were significantly differential expressed in normal tissues and different pathological stages of GC, indicating that these genes have important diagnostic value for early GC and can be used as auxiliary indicators in the diagnosis of early GC.

Expression of protein phosphatase 4 in different tissues under hypoxia

Relevant research data shows that there is a certain degree of energy metabolism imbalance in highland residents. Protein phosphatase 4 (PP4) has been found as a new factor in the regulation of sugar and lipid metabolism. Here, we investigate the differential expression of PP4 at a simulated altitude of 4,500 m in the heart, lung, and brain tissues of rats. A hypoxic plateau rat model was established using an animal decompression chamber. A blood routine test was performed by an animal blood cell analyzer on rats cultured for different hypoxia periods at 4,500 m above sea level. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot were used to detect the changes of protein phosphatase 4 catalytic subunit (PP4C) gene and protein in heart, lung, and brain tissues. The PP4C gene with the highest expression level found in rats slowly entering the high altitude area (20 m-2200 m-7 d-4500 m-3 d) was about twice as high as the low elevation group (20 m above sea level). The simulated high-altitude hypoxia induced an increase of PP4C expression level in all tissues, and the expression in the lung tissue was twice as expressed as heart and brain tissue at high altitude (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the PP4 phosphatase complex is ubiquitously expressed in rat tissues and likely involved in adaptation to or disease associated with high-altitude hypoxia.

Dendritic cell TLR4 induces Th1-type immune response against Cryptosporidium parvum infection

@#The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism of Toll-like receptor (TLR4)- mediated dendritic cell (DC) immune against Cryptosporidium parvum infection. C. parvum sporozoites were labeled with 5,6-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester. Murine bone marrow-derived DCs were isolated, and divided into TLR4 antibody blocking (TAB; infected with 2 × 105 labeled sporozoites and 0.5 μg TLR4 blocking antibody), TLR4 antibody unblocking (TAU; infected with 2 × 105 labeled sporozoites), and blank control (BC; with 1.5 mL Roswell Park Memorial Institute 1640 medium) groups. The adhesion of Cryptosporidium sporozoites to DCs and CD11c+ levels were examined by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Male KM mice were orally injected with C. parvum. The proliferation of T lymphocytes in spleen, expression of cytokines in peripheral blood, and TLR4 distribution features in different organs were further determined by immunohistochemistry. A significantly higher expression of CD11c+ and higher C. parvum sporozoite adhesion were found in the TAU group compared with other groups. The expression of CD4+CD8- /CD8+CD4- in the spleen were obviously differences between the TAB and TAU groups. The expression of TLR4, interleukin IL-4, IL-12, IL-18 and IFN-γ improved in the TAU group compared with TAB group. Higher expression of TLR4 was detected in the lymph nodes of mice in the TAU group, with pathological changes in the small intestine. Hence, TLR4 could mediate DCs to recognize C. parvum, inducing Th1 immune reaction to control C. parvum infection.

Exogenous niacin treatment increases NADPH oxidase in kiwifruit / O tratamento com niacina exógena NADPH oxidase em kiwis

Abstract Kiwifruit are a popular fruit worldwide; however, plant growth is threatened by abiotic stresses such as drought and high temperatures. Niacin treatment in plants has been shown to increase NADPH levels, thus enhancing abiotic stresses tolerance. Here, we evaluate the effect of niacin solution spray treatment on NADPH levels in the kiwifruit cultivars Hayward and Xuxiang. We found that spray treatment with niacin solution promoted NADPH and NADP+ levels and decreased both O2·- production and H2O2 contents in leaves during a short period. In fruit, NADPH contents increased during early development, but decreased later. However, no effect on NADP+ levels has been observed throughout fruit development. In summary, this report suggests that niacin may be used to increase NADPH oxidases, thus increasing stress-tolerance in kiwifruit during encounter of short-term stressful conditions.

Resumo Kiwis são uma fruta popular em todo o mundo; No entanto, o crescimento das plantas é ameaçado por estresses abióticos como a seca e as altas temperaturas. O tratamento com niacina em plantas mostrou aumentar os níveis de NADPH, aumentando assim a tolerância a stress abiótico. Aqui, avaliamos o efeito do tratamento com spray de solução de niacina sobre os níveis de NADPH nos cultivares de kiwis Hayward e Xuxiang. Descobrimos que o tratamento por spray com solução de niacina promoveu níveis de NADPH e NADP + e diminuiu a produção de O2·- e os teores de H2O2 nas folhas durante um curto período. Nos frutos, os teores de NADPH aumentaram durante o desenvolvimento precoce, mas diminuíram mais tarde. No entanto, não se observou qualquer efeito nos níveis de NADP + ao longo do desenvolvimento do fruto. Em resumo, este relatório sugere que a niacina pode ser utilizada para aumentar NADPH oxidases, aumentando assim a tolerância ao estresse em kiwis durante o encontro de condições estressantes de curto prazo.

Correlation of interleukin-33 with Th cytokines and clinical severity of dry eye disease

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the tear and serum protein levels of interleukin-33 (IL-33) and its correlation with Th cytokines and disease severity in dry eye (DE) syndrome. Methods: Tear and serum samples were collected from 30 healthy volunteers, 30 DE patients with non-Sjogren's syndrome DE (NSSDE) and 30 DE patients with primary SSDE. The eight most frequent symptoms of DE were scored. All patients underwent corneal and conjunctival staining, tear film breakup time (TBUT), and Schirmer I test. The serum and tear levels of IL-33 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of IL-33 expression and its correlation with Th cytokines and disease severity were also analyzed. Results: We found that symptom scores and corneal staining grade were significantly higher in SSDE group compared with NSSDE and control group, whereas the results of TBUT and Schirmer I test were significantly lower in SSDE group compared with NSSDE and control group. The tear levels of IL-33 were significantly increased in tears of SSDE patients compared with those of controls and NSSDE patients (P < 0.05). Moreover, the elevated tear levels of IL-33 were positively correlated with symptom scores but negatively correlated with tear film breakup time and Schirmer I test in both NSSDE and SSDE patients (P < 0.05). The tear levels of IL-33 of both NSSDE and SSDE patients were also positively correlated with tear levels of IL-4 and IL-5 (P < 0.05). Correlation between the serum levels of IL-33 with Th1/17/Treg cytokines was not found. Conclusion: Elevated tear levels of IL-33 were associated with the Th2 cytokines and disease severity of DE. Therefore, IL-33 may have important roles in the immunopathogenesis of the DE.

Exogenous niacin treatment increases NADPH oxidase in kiwifruit

Abstract Kiwifruit are a popular fruit worldwide; however, plant growth is threatened by abiotic stresses such as drought and high temperatures. Niacin treatment in plants has been shown to increase NADPH levels, thus enhancing abiotic stresses tolerance. Here, we evaluate the effect of niacin solution spray treatment on NADPH levels in the kiwifruit cultivars Hayward and Xuxiang. We found that spray treatment with niacin solution promoted NADPH and NADP+ levels and decreased both O2·- production and H2O2 contents in leaves during a short period. In fruit, NADPH contents increased during early development, but decreased later. However, no effect on NADP+ levels has been observed throughout fruit development. In summary, this report suggests that niacin may be used to increase NADPH oxidases, thus increasing stress-tolerance in kiwifruit during encounter of short-term stressful conditions.

Resumo Kiwis são uma fruta popular em todo o mundo; No entanto, o crescimento das plantas é ameaçado por estresses abióticos como a seca e as altas temperaturas. O tratamento com niacina em plantas mostrou aumentar os níveis de NADPH, aumentando assim a tolerância a stress abiótico. Aqui, avaliamos o efeito do tratamento com spray de solução de niacina sobre os níveis de NADPH nos cultivares de kiwis Hayward e Xuxiang. Descobrimos que o tratamento por spray com solução de niacina promoveu níveis de NADPH e NADP + e diminuiu a produção de O2·- e os teores de H2O2 nas folhas durante um curto período. Nos frutos, os teores de NADPH aumentaram durante o desenvolvimento precoce, mas diminuíram mais tarde. No entanto, não se observou qualquer efeito nos níveis de NADP + ao longo do desenvolvimento do fruto. Em resumo, este relatório sugere que a niacina pode ser utilizada para aumentar NADPH oxidases, aumentando assim a tolerância ao estresse em kiwis durante o encontro de condições estressantes de curto prazo.

Role of chemokines in promoting instability of coronary atherosclerotic plaques and the underlying molecular mechanism

Our aim was to investigate the role of chemokines in promoting instability of coronary atherosclerotic plaques and the underlying molecular mechanism. Coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) were performed in 60 stable angina pectoris (SAP) patients and 60 unstable angina pectoris (UAP) patients. The chemotactic activity of monocytes in the 2 groups of patients was examined in Transwell chambers. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), regulated on activation in normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), and fractalkine in serum were examined with ELISA kits, and expression of MCP-1, RANTES, and fractalkine mRNA was examined with real-time PCR. In the SAP group, 92 plaques were detected with IVUS. In the UAP group, 96 plaques were detected with IVUS. The plaques in the UAP group were mainly lipid 51.04% (49/96) and the plaques in the SAP group were mainly fibrous 52.17% (48/92). Compared with the SAP group, the plaque burden and vascular remodeling index in the UAP group were significantly greater than in the SAP group (P<0.01). Chemotactic activity and the number of mobile monocytes in the UAP group were significantly greater than in the SAP group (P<0.01). Concentrations of hs-CRP, MCP-1, RANTES, and fractalkine in the serum of the UAP group were significantly higher than in the serum of the SAP group (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and expression of MCP-1, RANTES, and fractalkine mRNA was significantly higher than in the SAP group (P<0.05). MCP-1, RANTES, and fractalkine probably promote instability of coronary atherosclerotic plaque.

Meta-analysis on the efficacy and tolerability of the augmentation of antidepressants with atypical antipsychotics in patients with major depressive disorder

We assessed the efficacy and tolerability of the augmentation of antidepressants (ATDs) with atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) to treat patients with major depressive disorder. A retrograde study to identify relevant patient data included databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects. Data from 17 trials, involving 3807 participants, were identified. The remission rate (RR) and overall response rate (ORR) of adjunctive treatment with AAPs were significantly higher than placebo treatment: RR=1.90 (95%CI=1.61-2.23, z=7.74, P<0.00001) and ORR=1.68 (95%CI=1.45-1.94, z=7.07, P<0.00001). We found that the short-term (4 weeks) treatment [ORR=1.70 (95%CI=0.98-2.95, Z=1.89, P=0.06)] was significantly different from the long-term (6-12 weeks) treatment [ORR=1.68 (95%CI=1.45-1.94, z=7.07, P<0.00001)]. No significant difference in ORR was observed between groups with or without sedative drugs. The discontinuation rate due to adverse effects was higher for adjunctive treatment with AAPs: ORR=3.32 (95%CI=2.35-4.70, z=6.78, P<0.00001). These results demonstrate that the augmentation of ATDs with AAPs (olanzapine, quetiapine, aripiprazole, and risperidone) was more effective than a placebo in improving response and remission rates, although associated with a higher discontinuation rate due to adverse effects.

Changes in tau phosphorylation levels in the hippocampus and frontal cortex following chronic stress

Studies have indicated that early-life or early-onset depression is associated with a 2- to 4-fold increased risk of developing Alzheimers disease (AD). In AD, aggregation of an abnormally phosphorylated form of the tau protein may be a key pathological event. Tau is known to play a major role in promoting microtubule assembly and stabilization, and in maintaining the normal morphology of neurons. Several studies have reported that stress may induce tau phosphorylation. The main aim of the present study was to investigate possible alterations in the tau protein in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and then re-exposed to CUMS to mimic depression and the recurrence of depression, respectively, in humans. We evaluated the effects of CUMS, fluoxetine, and CUMS re-exposure on tau and phospho-tau. Our results showed that a single exposure to CUMS caused a significant reduction in sucrose preference, indicating a state of anhedonia. The change in behavior was accompanied by specific alterations in phospho-tau protein levels, but fluoxetine treatment reversed the CUMS-induced impairments. Moreover, changes in sucrose preference and phospho-tau were more pronounced in rats re-exposed to CUMS than in those subjected to a single exposure. Our results suggest that changes in tau phosphorylation may contribute to the link between depression and AD.

In vitro proliferation and differentiation of hepatic oval cells and their potential capacity for intrahepatic transplantation

Hepatic oval cells (HOCs) are recognized as facultative liver progenitor cells that play a role in liver regeneration after acute liver injury. Here, we investigated the in vitro proliferation and differentiation characteristics of HOCs in order to explore their potential capacity for intrahepatic transplantation. Clusters or scattered HOCs were detected in the portal area and interlobular bile duct in the liver of rats subjected to the modified 2-acetylaminofluorene and partial hepatectomy method. Isolated HOCs were positive for c-kit and CD90 staining (99.8% and 88.8%, respectively), and negative for CD34 staining (3.6%) as shown by immunostaining and flow cytometric analysis. In addition, HOCs could be differentiated into hepatocytes and bile duct epithelial cells after leukemia inhibitory factor deprivation. A two-cuff technique was used for orthotopic liver transplantation, and HOCs were subsequently transplanted into recipients. Biochemical indicators of liver function were assessed 4 weeks after transplantation. HOC transplantation significantly prolonged the median survival time and improved the liver function of rats receiving HOCs compared to controls (P=0.003, Student t-test). Administration of HOCs to rats also receiving liver transplantation significantly reduced acute allograft rejection compared to control liver transplant rats 3 weeks following transplantation (rejection activity index score: control=6.3±0.9; HOC=3.5±1.5; P=0.005). These results indicate that HOCs may be useful in therapeutic liver regeneration after orthotopic liver transplantation.

Effects of propofol on damage of rat intestinal epithelial cells induced by heat stress and lipopolysaccharides

Gut-derived endotoxin and pathogenic bacteria have been proposed as important causative factors of morbidity and death during heat stroke. However, it is still unclear what kind of damage is induced by heat stress. In this study, the rat intestinal epithelial cell line (IEC-6) was treated with heat stress or a combination of heat stress and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In addition, propofol, which plays an important role in anti-inflammation and organ protection, was applied to study its effects on cellular viability and apoptosis. Heat stress, LPS, or heat stress combined with LPS stimulation can all cause intestinal epithelial cell damage, including early apoptosis and subsequent necrosis. However, propofol can alleviate injuries caused by heat stress, LPS, or the combination of heat stress and LPS. Interestingly, propofol can only mitigate LPS-induced intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis, and has no protective role in heat-stress-induced apoptosis. This study developed a model that can mimic the intestinal heat stress environment. It demonstrates the effects on intestinal epithelial cell damage, and indicated that propofol could be used as a therapeutic drug for the treatment of heat-stress-induced intestinal injuries.

CPU0213, a novel endothelin type A and type B receptor antagonist, protects against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

The efficacy of endothelin receptor antagonists in protecting against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is controversial, and the mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CPU0123, a novel endothelin type A and type B receptor antagonist, on myocardial I/R injury and to explore the mechanisms involved. Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-250 g were randomized to three groups (6-7 per group): group 1, Sham; group 2, I/R + vehicle. Rats were subjected to in vivo myocardial I/R injury by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery and 0.5 percent sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (1 mL/kg) was injected intraperitoneally immediately prior to coronary occlusion. Group 3, I/R + CPU0213. Rats were subjected to identical surgical procedures and CPU0213 (30 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally immediately prior to coronary occlusion. Infarct size, cardiac function and biochemical changes were measured. CPU0213 pretreatment reduced infarct size as a percentage of the ischemic area by 44.5 percent (I/R + vehicle: 61.3 ± 3.2 vs I/R + CPU0213: 34.0 ± 5.5 percent, P < 0.05) and improved ejection fraction by 17.2 percent (I/R + vehicle: 58.4 ± 2.8 vs I/R + CPU0213: 68.5 ± 2.2 percent, P < 0.05) compared to vehicle-treated animals. This protection was associated with inhibition of myocardial inflammation and oxidative stress. Moreover, reduction in Akt (protein kinase B) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation induced by myocardial I/R injury was limited by CPU0213 (P < 0.05). These data suggest that CPU0123, a non-selective antagonist, has protective effects against myocardial I/R injury in rats, which may be related to the Akt/eNOS pathway.

Culture of human intestinal epithelial cell using the dissociating enzyme thermolysin and endothelin-3

Epithelium, a highly dynamic system, plays a key role in the homeostasis of the intestine. However, thus far a human intestinal epithelial cell line has not been established in many countries. Fetal tissue was selected to generate viable cell cultures for its sterile condition, effective generation, and differentiated character. The purpose of the present study was to culture human intestinal epithelial cells by a relatively simple method. Thermolysin was added to improve the yield of epithelial cells, while endothelin-3 was added to stimulate their growth. By adding endothelin-3, the achievement ratio (viable cell cultures/total cultures) was enhanced to 60 percent of a total of 10 cultures (initiated from 8 distinct fetal small intestines), allowing the generation of viable epithelial cell cultures. Western blot, real-time PCR and immunofluorescent staining showed that cytokeratins 8, 18 and mouse intestinal mucosa-1/39 had high expression levels in human intestinal epithelial cells. Differentiated markers such as sucrase-isomaltase, aminopeptidase N and dipeptidylpeptidase IV also showed high expression levels in human intestinal epithelial cells. Differentiated human intestinal epithelial cells, with the expression of surface markers (cytokeratins 8, 18 and mouse intestinal mucosa-1/39) and secretion of cytokines (sucrase-isomaltase, aminopeptidase N and dipeptidylpeptidase IV), may be cultured by the thermolysin and endothelin-3 method and maintained for at least 20 passages. This is relatively simple, requiring no sophisticated techniques or instruments, and may have a number of varied applications.

Determination of disulfide bridges of two spider toxins: hainantoxin-III and hainantoxin-IV

Peptide toxins are usually highly bridged proteins with multipairs of intrachain disulfide bonds. Analysis of disulfide connectivity is an important facet of protein structure determination. In this paper, we successfully assigned the disulfide linkage of two novel peptide toxins, called HNTX-III and HNTX-IV, isolated from the venom of Ornithoctonus hainana spider. Both peptides are useful inhibitors of TTX-sensitive voltage-gated sodium channels and are composed of six cysteine residues that form three disulfide bonds, respectively. Firstly, the peptides were partially reduced by tris(2-carboxyethyl)-phosphine (TCEP) in 0.1 M citrate buffer containing 6 M guanidine-HCl at 40° C for ten minutes. Subsequently, the partially reduced intermediates containing free thiols were separated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and alkylated by rapid carboxamidomethylation. Then, the disulfide bonds of the intermediates were analyzed by Edman degradation. By using the strategy above, disulfide linkages of HNTX-III and HNTX-IV were determined as I-IV, II-V and III-VI pattern. In addition, this study also showed that this method may have a great potential for determining the disulfide bonds of spider peptide toxins.(AU)

Biochemical and pharmacological study of venom of the wolf spider Lycosa singoriensis

The wolf spider Lycosa singoriensis is a large and venomous spider distributed throughout northwestern China. Like other spider venoms, the wolf spider venom is a chemical cocktail. Its protein content is 0.659 mg protein/mg crude venom as determined by the Lowry method. MALDI-TOF analysis revealed that the venom peptides are highly diverse and may be divided into three groups characterized by three independent molecular ranges: 2,000 to 2,500 Da, 4,800 to 5,500 Da and 7,000 to 8,000 Da, respectively. This molecular distribution differs substantially from those of most spider venoms studied so far. This wolf spider venom has low neurotoxic action on mice, but it can induce hemolysis of human erythrocytes. Furthermore, the venom shows antimicrobial activity against prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.(AU)

Hepatitis B and C virus infection among adult women in Jilin Province, China: an urban-rural comparison in prevalence of infection markers.

Twin seroepidemiological surveys on prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV, respectively) infection were conducted on 100 adult women in total, 50 each in the provincial capital of Changchun and in a farming village in the vicinity in Jilin Province, northeast China. Positivity to three markers on HBV (ie HBsAg+, anti-HBs+, and anti-HBc+) was examined by RIA methods, and to one on HCV (anti-HCV+) by EIA. The results were evaluated in combination with two foregoing studies in Shandong and Shaanxi Provinces, and with special reference to possible urban-rural differences in prevalence. The prevalence of HBsAg+ cases was rather low (ie 9% when two groups were combined), but that of anti-HBs+ and anti-HBc+ cases was high, being 50% and 45%, respectively. Thus, the rate of HBV+ cases was 62%. The rate for HCV+ cases was 3%. The comparison of the prevalence between the city group and the village group showed that the rates for anti-HBs+ and HBV+ were significantly or marginally higher in the former group than in the latter, respectively. The HCV+ prevalence rate for the city group (4%) also tended to be higher than the corresponding rates for the village group (2%), although the difference was statistically insignificant. When evaluated together with the observation in Shandong and Shaanxi Provinces, it appears possible to generalize that the HBV infection prevalence is not higher and probably lower in rural areas than in urban areas, and that such may also be the case for the HCV infection prevalence.

The effect of a combined approach to schistosomiasis control on the transmission of Schistosoma japonicum in Xingzi of Poyang Lake area, China.

The impact of a combined approach to schistosomiasis control from 1987 to 1989 and mass chemotherapy from 1992 to 1994 was studied in a rural community in Xingzi county in the northwest corner of Poyang Lake in Jiangxi Province, China. Humans, cattle, buffalo and pigs were known potential reservoirs of Schistosoma japonicum. Transmission occurs during water contact on and around seasonally flooded marshes that are used for grazing, the harvesting of grass and fishing. Humans and livestock underwent yearly selective mass chemotherapy, and snails were eliminated through ploughing and compacting of the marshland in the spring of 1988. Transmission was monitored through the determination of annual re-infection rates in samples of the human population, the annual examination of piles of feces from animals and humans in the marshland, the annual collection and examination of intermediate snail hosts, and the exposure to potentially polluted water and subsequent examination of sentinel mice. Schistosomiasis prevalence among humans and animals declined sharply as soon as mass chemotherapy was implemented. Snail density decreased even before mollusc control was started, possibly indicating a high variability of this indicator. The infection rates of snails and sentinel mice reached zero after a single application of mollusc control. The results underline the importance of single infected water buffalo for the transmission of schistosomiasis. Since the impact stopped for two years (1990-1991), the schistosomiasis prevalence rose quickly. Mass chemotherapy was an effective means to curb the prevalence of schistosomiasis in this area, but the effects were only maintained for one or two years in the marsh zone.

Study of behavior of rats with gluten-induced enteropathy

Association of different psychological and neurological disturbances with gluten intake in coeliac patients was repeatedly described. In the present study gluten-induced enteropathy was elicited in rats by prolonged intragastric administration of gliadin from birth to 10 weeks. Various neurological (contact and visual placing reactions, equilibrium on horizontal bar) and behavioral tests (open field and Morris water maze task) were used to assess the possible deficits. No substantial differences were found in the behavior of rats fed with gliadin compared with those fed with bovine serum albumin (control group). The only difference found between control and experimental rats was that gliadin-fed rats showed slightly higher emotionality in the open field test. It is concluded that prolonged application of gliadin to young rats at enteropathy-inducing dosages does not modify their behavior

Impairment of place navigation of rats in the Morris water maxe by intermitten light is inversely related to the duration of the flash

The relative contribution of allocentric and egocentric orientation to place navigation was studied in Long-Evans rats trained in the Morris water maze in permanent light, permanent darkness or flickering light (1 Hz, flash duration 25, 100, 300, 500 and 800 ms). After 3 days of training (nine blocks of four trials), escape latencies were 38 and 7 s in the dark- and light-trained groups, respectively, and corresponded to the light-dark ratio in the flicker-trained groups. Shorter-than-predicted latencies in the 25- and 100-ms groups reflected visual persistence of 200 ms. The difference between flickerin light (100 ms) and permanent light performance during acquisition of place navigation to a new target was significantly smaller in rats previously trained in light than in naive animals. It is concluded that longer flash duration gives the animals more opportunities to locate levant landmarks and to estimate their distance