PDGFRα Cell-Derived SCF Regulates Hematopoiesis of Adult Mice / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of PDGFRα stromal cells derived SCF on hematopoiesis of adult mice.@*METHODS@#Pdgfrα-CreER; R26-tdTomato mice model was constructed, and the proportion and distribution of PDGFRα cells in the liver, spleen, lung, kidney and bone marrow were analyzed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Then the Pdgfrα-CreER; Scf mice model was further constructed, the Scf in PDGFRα was knocked out specifically, the effect of Scf-knocked out in PDGFRα stromal cells in the propitiation of HSPCs in the bone marrow was analyzed by flow cytometry. The effect of SCF on the proportion on number of peripheral blood cells in mice was analyzed by whole blood analyzer.@*RESULTS@#After Scf was knocked out in PDGFRα stromal cells, the propitiation and number of LKS- cell, LKS+ cell, HSC, MPP1, MKP, PreGM, PreMegE, and CFU-E in the bone marrow of mice was decreased, as well as in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin concentration of peripheral blood. However, Scf knocked out from PDGFRα cells showed no effect on the hematopoiesis in spleen.@*CONCLUSION@#specific knocked out of Scf in PDGFRα stromal cells in adult mice can decrease the proportion of HSPCs in the bone marrow and the number of red blood cells in peripheral blood, and finally lead to anemia in mice.

Methodology of Differentiation of Bone Marrow Cells into Megakaryocytes in Vitro / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the method for inducing the differentiation of bone marrow cells into megakaryocytes in vitro so as to use for evaluating the activity of traditional Chinese medicines.@*METHODS@#The bone marrow cells were separated from femurs and tibias of mice. The experiments were divided into 4 groups: control (no adding cytokines), TPO (adding 50 ng/ml TPO), TPO+SCF (50 ng/ml+50 ng/ml) and TPO+SCF+IL-6+IL-9 (50 ng/ml+50 ng/ml+20 ng/ml+20 ng/ml). The bone marrow cells in 4 groups were cultured in vitro for 6 d. Then the cell growth status was observed by the inverted microscopy, and the cell count was detected by using the automatic cell counter. The ratio and absolute count of megakaryocytes were detected by flow cytometry.@*RESULTS@#Compared with control, three induction methods could stimulate the differentiation of bone marrow cells into megakaryocytes in vitro. TPO could slightly enhance the differentiation of bone marrow cells into megakaryocytes. Both the combination of TPO and SCF, and the combination of TPO, SCF, IL-6 and IL-9 could intensively stimulate proliferation of bone morrow cells and promote the differentiation of bone marrow cells into megakaryocytes. The addition of IL-6 and IL-9 could decrease the proliferation of non-megakaryocytes, but promote the differentiation of bone marrow cells into megakaryocytes.@*CONCLUSION@#The optimized differentiation of bone marrow cells into megakaryocytes has been completed by co-induction regimen of TPO, SCF, IL-6 and IL-9, which can be used to screen and evaluate traditional Chinese medicines promoting formation of platelets.

Phenotypic changes of interstitial cells of Cajal after intestinal obstruction in rat model

The objective was to study the effect of mechanical intestinal obstruction in rats on the phenotype of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Healthy Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group (C), one day obstruction group (M1), two days obstruction group (M2), and three days obstruction group (M3), with 10 rats in each group. The expression of SCF mRNA and c-Kit protein in intestinal tissue was investigated by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Compared with the sham-operation group, the relative expression of SCF mRNA and the expression of c-Kit protein in intestinal tissue were significantly decreased in both obstruction groups. Levels decreased gradually with the prolongation of obstruction time, and significantly decreased on the 3rd day after obstruction (P<0.05). Immunohistochemical staining of the small intestine showed that the number of ICC in the sham-operation group was the highest, and they were gradually decreased with the extension of obstruction time in the M1 to M3 groups. There was a significant difference between groups (P<0.05). Intestinal obstruction caused a decrease in the concentrations of SCF mRNA and c-Kit protein in ICC. With the prolongation of intestinal obstruction, the number of ICCs gradually decreased.

Análise da concentração de células dendríticas, linfócitos T reguladores e mastócitos em lesões periapicais crônicas / Analysis of Dendritic Cells, T Regulatory Lymphocytes and Mastocytes Concentration in Chronic Apical Periodontitis

As lesões periapicais crônicas estão entre as mais frequentes do complexo maxilofacial, porém o perfil inflamatório dessas lesões é pouco compreendido, tanto do ponto de vista da caracterização celular como da expressão de citocinas. Cistos e granulomas periapicais compõem dois terços dessas lesões inflamatórias em região de mandíbula, onde são mais frequentes. O presente estudo propôs-se a estudar e avaliar a expressão imuno-histoquímica de CD1a+ (marcador de células dendríticas imaturas) e de FoxP3+ (marcador de linfócitos T reguladores) e verificar a presença de mastócitos em granulomas periapicais, cistos radiculares e residuais. Foram selecionados 73 casos, sendo 30 de granulomas periapicais, 29 de cistos radiculares e 14 de cistos residuais, dos arquivos do Serviço de Patologia Cirúrgica Oral e Maxilofacial do Departamento de Estomatologia da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade de São Paulo. Todos os grupos foram submetidos a análise morfológica, para classificação do infiltrado inflamatório e espessura epitelial, análise imuno-histoquímica, para detecção e contagem de células dendríticas e linfócitos T reguladores e coloração com azul de toluidina para contagem de mastócitos nas lesões periapicais crônicas. A análise morfológica revelou que a presença de infiltrado inflamatório grau I foi mais comum nos cistos periapicais. A gradação II e III foi mais comumente encontrada em cistos radiculares e granulomas periapicais. A avaliação da espessura epitelial mostrou que os epitélios atrófico e hipertrófico se apresentaram majoritariamente em cistos radiculares. Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes em relação ao infiltrado inflamatório e espessura epitelial nas lesões periapicais crônicas estudadas (p>0,05). A avaliação da contagem do número de células dendríticas (CD1a+) apresentou um valor médio maior em cistos radiculares (8,16 células/0,2mm2) (p<0,001) e o número médio de linfócitos T reguladores (FoxP3+) também foi maior em cistos radiculares (5,910 células/0,2mm2) (p<0,05). Na avaliação do número de mastócitos, os cistos radiculares apresentaram maior número médio dessas células do que as outras lesões periapicais (12.68 células/0,2mm2) (p<0,001). A avaliação da correlação entre infiltrado inflamatório e imunomarcação mostrou que houve diferença estatisticamente significante na correlação entre infiltrado inflamatório e células CD1a+ em granulomas periapicais (p<0,001). A medida que a gradação do infiltrado inflamatório aumentou, o número células CD1a+ diminuiu. E a correlação entre espessura epitelial e imunomarcação das células mostrou que a presença de epitélio hipertrófico em cistos radiculares apresentou maior densidade de células CD1a+. Não houve correlação estatisticamente significante da presença de linfócitos Treg e a gradação do infiltrado inflamatório nem da espessura epitelial. Todos esses resultados foram estatisticamente significativos (p<0,05). A concentração de células dendríticas imaturas e linfócitos T reguladores desempenham um papel importante no controle do microambiente inflamatório nos granulomas periapicais e cistos radiculares, respectivamente. A presença de mastócitos nos cistos radiculares pode estar associada à progressão, expansão da lesão e reabsorção óssea.

TNF-α inhibits SCF, ghrelin, and substance P expressions through the NF-κB pathway activation in interstitial cells of Cajal

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon where intestinal motility is disturbed. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are required to maintain normal intestinal motility. In the present study, we assessed the effect of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) on viability and apoptosis of ICC, as well as on the expression of stem cell factor (SCF), ghrelin, and substance P. ICC were derived from the small intestines of Swiss albino mice. Cell viability and apoptosis were measured using CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. ELISA was used to measure the concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, ghrelin, substance P, and endothelin-1. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to measure the expression of SCF. Western blotting was used to measure the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, interleukins, SCF, and NF-κB signaling pathway proteins. TNF-α induced inflammatory injury in ICC by decreasing cell viability and increasing apoptosis and levels of IL-1β and IL-6. TNF-α decreased the levels of SCF, ghrelin, and substance P, but had no effect on endothelin-1. TNF-α down-regulated expressions of SCF, ghrelin, and substance P by activating the NF-κB pathway in ICC. In conclusion, TNF-α down-regulated the expressions of SCF, ghrelin, and substance P via the activation of the NF-κB pathway in ICC.

Immune Characterization of Bone Marrow-Derived Models of Mucosal and Connective Tissue Mast Cells

PURPOSE: It is well appreciated that mast cells (MCs) demonstrate tissue-specific imprinting, with different biochemical and functional properties between connective tissue MCs (CTMCs) and mucosal MCs (MMCs). Although in vitro systems have been developed to model these different subsets, there has been limited investigation into the functional characteristics of the 2 major MC subsets. Here, we report the immunologic characterization of 2 MCs subsets developed in vitro from bone marrow progenitors modeling MMCs and CTMCs. METHODS: We grew bone marrow for 4 weeks in the presence of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, interleukin (IL)-9, IL-3, and stem cell factor (SCF) to generate MMCs, and IL-4, IL-3, and SCF to generate CTMCs. RESULTS: CTMCs and MMCs differed in growth rate and protease content, but their immune characteristics were remarkably similar. Both subsets responded to immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated activation with signaling, degranulation, and inflammatory cytokine release, although differences between subsets were noted in IL-10. CTMCs and MMCs showed a similar toll-like receptor (TLR) expression profile, dominated by expression of TLR4, TLR6, or both subsets were responsive to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), but not poly(I:C). CTMCs and MMCs express receptors for IL-33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and respond to these cytokines alone or with modified activation in response to IgE cross-linking. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this paper show the immunologic characterization of bone marrow-derived MMCs and CTMCs, providing useful protocols for in vitro modeling of MC subsets.

Effect of Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens Flower Extract on Proliferation and Molecular Regulation in Human Dermal Papilla Cells and Stressed C57BL/6 Mice / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To investigate the hair growth-promoting effect of Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens (MSP) flower extracton on in vitro and in vivo models.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>MSP flower extract was extracted in 99.9% methanol and applied to examine the proliferation of human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) in vitro at the dose of 3.92-62.50 μg/mL and hair growth of C57BL/6 mice in vivo at the dose of 1000 μg/mL. The expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), β-catenin, substance P was measured by relative quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis were performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MSP (7.81 μg/mL) down-regulated TGF-β1 and up-regulated HGF and β-catenin in hDPCs (P<0.01). MSP (1000 μg/mL)-treated mice showed the earlier transition of hair follicles from the telogen to the anagen phase. The number of mast cells was lower in the MSP-treated mice than in other groups (P<0.05 vs. NCS group). Substance P and TGF-β1 were expressed in hair follicles and skin of the MSP group lower than that in negative control. Stem cell factor in hair follicles was up-regulated in the MSP-treated mice (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The MSP flower extract may have hair growth-promotion activities.</p>

Células madre: una revolución en la medicina regenerativa / Stem cells: a revolution in regenerative medicine

Los avances en la medicina regenerativa han sido evidentes en los últimos años y esto se ha obtenido por los nuevos conocimientos alcanzados en relación con las células madre, cuyo uso en la terapia de reemplazo ha dado lugar a una nueva era en la medicina. A tales efectos se realizó una revisión bibliográfica con el objetivo de difundir sus generalidades y aplicaciones, así como lo relacionado con las investigaciones básicas que se realizan en ese campo y los principales logros obtenidos. La posibilidad de expansión y diferenciación de dichas células, permite obtener un número suficiente de estas, lo cual ayuda al desarrollo de la terapia celular

Advances in regenerative medicine have been evident in the last years and this has been obtained due to the new knowledge related to stem cells, which use in the replacement therapy has given rise to a new age in medicine. To such effects, a literature review was carried out aimed at spreading its generalities and implementations, as well as everything related to the basic investigations carried out in this field and the main achievements obtained. The possibility of expansion and differentiation of such cells, allow to obtain enough quantitiy of them, which helps the development of cell therapy

Expression of folliculogenesis-related genes in vitrified human ovarian tissue after two weeks in vitro culture

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of vitrification and in vitro culture of human ovarian tissue on the expression of oocytic and follicular cell-related genes

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, ovarian tissue samples were obtained from eight transsexual women. Samples were cut into small fragments and were then assigned to vitrified and non-vitrified groups. In each group, some tissue fragments were divided into un-cultured and cultured [in alpha-MEM medium for 2 weeks] subgroups. The normality of follicles was assessed by morphological observation under a light microscope using hematoxylin and eosin [H and E] staining. Expression levels of factor in the germ line alpha [FIGLA], KIT ligand [KL], growth differentiation factor 9 [GDF-9] and follicle stimulating hormone receptor [FSHR] genes were quantified in both groups by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] at the beginning and the end of culture

Results: The percentage of normal follicles was similar between non-cultured vitrified and non-vitrified groups [P>0.05], however, cultured tissues had significantly fewer normal follicles than non-cultured tissues in both vitrified and non-vitrified groups [P<0.05]. In both cultured groups the rate of primary and secondary follicles was significantly higher than non-cultured tissues [P<0.05]. The expression of all examined genes was not significantly altered in both non-cultured groups. Whiles, in comparison with cultured tissues non-cultured tissues, the expression of FIGLA gene was significantly decreased, KL gene was not changed, GDF-9 and FSHR genes was significantly increased [P<0.05]

Conclusion: Human ovarian vitrification following in vitro culture has no impairing effects on follicle normality and development and expression of related-genes. However, in vitro culture condition has deleterious effects on normality of follicles

Regulation of the embryonic erythropoietic niche: a future perspective

The production of red blood cells, termed erythropoiesis, occurs in two waves in the developing mouse embryo: first primitive erythropoiesis followed by definitive erythropoiesis. In the mouse embryo, both primitive and definitive erythropoiesis originates in the extra-embryonic yolk sac. The definitive wave then migrates to the fetal liver, fetal spleen and fetal bone marrow as these organs form. The fetal liver serves as the major organ for hematopoietic cell expansion and erythroid maturation after mid-gestation. The erythropoietic niche, which expresses critical cytokines such as stem cell factor (SCF), thrombopoietin (TPO) and the insulin-like growth factors IGF1 and IGF2, supports hematopoietic expansion in the fetal liver. Previously, our group demonstrated that DLK1⁺ hepatoblasts support fetal liver hematopoiesis through erythropoietin and SCF release as well as extracellular matrix deposition. Loss of DLK1⁺ hepatoblasts in Map2k4(−/−) mouse embryos resulted in decreased numbers of hematopoietic cells in fetal liver. Genes encoding proteinases and peptidases were found to be highly expressed in DLK1⁺ hepatoblasts. Capitalizing on this knowledge, and working on the assumption that these proteinases and peptidases are generating small, potentially biologically active peptides, we assessed a range of peptides for their ability to support erythropoiesis in vitro. We identified KS-13 (PCT/JP2010/067011) as an erythropoietic peptide-a peptide which enhances the production of red blood cells from progenitor cells. Here, we discuss the elements regulating embryonic erythropoiesis with special attention to niche cells, and demonstrate how this knowledge can be applied in the identification of niche-derived peptides with potential therapeutic capability.

effects of imatinib mesylate on cellular viability, platelet derived growth factor and stem cell factor in mouse testicular normal leydig cells

Background: Growth factors play an essential role in the development of tumor and normal cells like testicular leydig cells. Treatment of cancer with anti-cancer agents like imatinib mesylate may interfere with normal leydig cell activity, growth and fertility through failure in growth factors' production or their signaling pathways. The purpose of the study was to determine cellular viability and the levels of, platelet derived growth factor [PDGF] and stem cell factor [SCF] in normal mouse leydig cells exposed to imatinib, and addressing the effect of imatinib on fertility potential

Methods: The mouse TM3 leydig cells were treated with 0 [control], 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 microM imatinib for 2, 4 and 6 days. Each experiment was repeated three times [15 experiments in each day]. The cellular viability and growth factors levels were assessed by MTT and ELISA methods, respectively. For statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc and Kruskal-Wallis test were performed. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant

Results: With increasing drug concentration, cellular viability decreased significantly [p<0.05] and in contrast, PDGF levels increased [p<0.05]. Different imatinib concentrations had no significant effect on SCF level. Increasing the duration of treatment from 2 to 6 days had no obvious effect on cellular viability, PDGF and SCF levels

Conclusion: Imatinib may reduce fertility potential especially at higher concentrations in patients treated with this drug by decreasing cellular viability. The effect of imatinib on leydig cells is associated with PDGF stimulation. Of course future studies can be helpful in exploring the long term effects of this drug

Expression of Epidermal c-Kit+ of Vitiligo Lesions Is Related to Responses to Excimer Laser

BACKGROUND: The survival and growth of melanocytes are controlled by the binding of stem cell factor to its cell surface receptor c-kit+ (CD117). We have observed that c-kit+ melanocytes existed in some lesions of vitiligo, while Melan A+ cells were absent. OBJECTIVE: To verify possible relation between c-kit+ expression and treatment response in non-segmental vitiligo lesions. METHODS: Skin biopsies were done from the center of the 47 lesions from the 47 patients with non-segmental vitiligo. Expression of c-kit+ and Melan A, and amounts of melanin in the epidermis were assessed in each lesion, and treatment responses to excimer laser were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-five of the 47 lesions (74.5%) had c-kit+ phenotypes. There was significant difference of c-kit staining value between good responders in 3 months of excimer laser treatment (average of 24 sessions) and the others. CONCLUSION: c-Kit expression in vitiliginous epidermis may be related to better treatment responses to excimer laser.

Effects of retinol on expressions of epidermal growth factor, stem cell factor, colony-stimulating factor 1 and leukemia inhibitory factor in human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate effects of retinol on the expressions of epidermal growth factor (EGF), stem cell factor (SCF), colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in cultured human umbilical-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Human UCMSCs were isolated from human umbilical cord and identified for immunophenotypes. The cells were then cultured in DMEM/F12 media supplemented with 12% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 12% FBS+1 µmol/L retinol, 15% knockout serum replacement (KSR) and 15% KSR+ 1 µmol/L retinol. The expressions of the cytokines EGF, SCF, CSF1 and LIF in the cells were detected using RT-PCR and ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The isolated cells exhibited characteristic immunophenotypes of human UCMSCs and expressed EGF, CSF1 and SCF at both mRNA and protein levels but not LIF protein. Retinol (1 µmol/L) significantly promoted the expressions of SCF and CSF1 at both mRNA and protein levels but did not result in changes of EGF and LIF expressions in human UCMSCs.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Retinol at the concentration of 1 µmol/L can promote expression of SCF and CSF1 in human UCMSCs in vitro.</p>

Biological characteristics of mesenchymal stem cell and hematopoietic stem cell in the co-culture system / 生理学报

The aim of the present study was to obtain the qualified hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSC/HPC) and human umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in vitro in the co-culture system. Cord blood mononuclear cells were separated from umbilical cord blood by Ficoll lymphocyte separation medium, and then CD34HSC was collected by MACS immunomagnetic beads. The selected CD34HSC/HPC and MSC were transferred into culture flask. IMDM culture medium with 15% AB-type cord plasma supplemented with interleukin-3 (IL-3), IL-6, thrombopoietin (TPO), stem cell factor (SCF) and FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt-3L) factors were used as the co-culture system for the amplification of HSC/HPC and MSC. The cellular growth status and proliferation on day 6 and 10 after co-culture were observed by using inverted microscope. The percentage of positive expression of CD34 in HSC/HPC, as well as the percentages of positive expressions of CD105, CD90, CD73, CD45, CD34 and HLA-DR in the 4generation MSC, was tested by flow cytometry. Semisolid colony culture was used to test the HSC/HPC colony forming ability. The osteogenic, chondrogenesis and adipogenic ability of the 4generation MSC were assessed. The karyotype analysis of MSC was conducted by colchicines. The results demonstrated that the HSC/HPC of co-culture group showed higher ability of amplification, CFU-GM and higher CD34percentage compared with the control group. The co-cultured MSC maintained the ability to differentiate into bone cells, fat cells and chondrocytes. And the karyotype stability of MSC remained normal. These results reveal that the appropriate co-culture system for MSC and HSC is developed, and via this co-culture system we could gain both two kinds of these cells. The MSCs under the co-culture system maintain the biological characteristics. The CFU-GM ability, cell counting and the flow cytometry results of HSC/HPC under the co-culture system are conform to the criterion, showing that the biological functions of HSC/HPC are maintained.

Hematopoietic effect of deer antler extract fermented by Bacillus subtilis on murine marrow cells

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: We examined the chemical composition and the effect of fermented deer antler on hematopoietic factors in bone marrow cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: For the preparation of fermented deer antler extract (FAB), fermentation was carried out using Bacillus subtilis at 30degrees C for 7 days. The hematopoietic effect of FAB was investigated hematopoietic factors in marrow cells. RESULTS: The contents of total sugar, sulfated glycosaminoglycans, and uronic acid and the dry weight gradually increased with fermentation time. The sialic acid content (from 0.14 mg/mL to 0.54 mg/mL) was the highest on the 4th day of fermentation after which it decreased. The proliferating activity of bone marrow cells increased with fermentation times. The levels of various hematopoietic growth factors were determined to verify the beneficial effect of deer antler extract fermented by B. subtilis on hematopoiesis. FAB increased the number of stem cell factors and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in bone marrow cells. In addition, FAB augmented the burst-forming unit erythroid and total colonies in splenocyte-conditioned medium compared with non-fermented antler extract (NFA). However, FAB did not affect the mRNA levels of erythropoietin, an important factor for erythropoiesis. CONCLUSIONS: FAB, like NFA, did not directly affect hematopoiesis, but contributed to hematopoiesis by stimulating the production of hematopoietic factors.

Changes in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells osteogenesis by the regulation of Lnk/stem cell factor-cKit signaling / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Changes in the osteogenesis of diabetic rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) by the regulation of Lnk/stem cell factor (SCF)-cKit signaling were investigated.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>BMSCs were isolated from diabetic rats and identified by immunocytochemical staining. These cells were divided into the control group (untransfected group), negative control group (transfected with control plasmid), and RNA interference group (transfected with Lnk-targeting RNA interference plasmid). Western blot was performed to analyze the effect of interference. The BMSCs were induced for osteogenic differentiation under diabetic conditions, and Western blot was used to examine the expressions of Lnf, SCF, and cKit in Lnk/SCF-cKit signaling and osteogenic proteins alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), and collagen type I al (ColIal).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Isolated cells expressed CD₄₄ and CD₉₀ but not CD₁₁b or CD₄₅. This phenomenon was characteristic of BMSCs. Compared with other diabetic BMSCs, cells in the RNA interference group expressed low Lnk but high SCF and cKit (P < 0.05). Thereafter, 28 days after induction of osteogenic differentiation, cells in the RNA interference group expressed low Lnk but high SCF, cKit, ALP, OCN, and ColIal compared with other diabetic BMSCs (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The inhibition of Lnk expression and activation of SCF-cKit pathway may improve the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs under diabetic conditions.</p>

Effects of electroacupuncture combined with polysaccharide of gastrodia elate blume on expression of nestin and stem cell factor in thalamic ventroposterolateral nucleus in rats with focal cerebral ischemia / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the nerve regeneration mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with polysaccharide of gastrodia elate blume (PGB) for secondary thalamic damage of focal cerebral ischemia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty Sprague-Dawley adult rats were randomly divided into a normal control group, a model group, an EA group, a PGB group and an EA + PGB group, 8 rats in each group. The rat model of right middle cerebral artery occlusion was prepared by suture-occluded method. Two weeks after model establishment, rats in the normal control group and model group received no treatment; rats in the EA group were treated with EA at "Baihui" (GV 20) and left "Zusanli" (ST 36), 30 min per treatment, once a day for 14 successive days; rats in the PGB group were treated with intragastric administration of PGB (100 mg/kg) , once a day for 14 days; rats in the EA + PGB group were treated with EA and PGB treatment, once a day for totally 14 days. The expressions of nestin and stem cell factor (SCF) in thalamic ventroposterolateral nucleus (VPL) were detected by immunohistochemical method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were positive cells of nestin in ischemia VPL in the model group, and the number of SCF positive cells was increased compared with that in the normal control group (P<0.05). The number of positive cells of nestin and SCF in ischemia VPL in the EA group, PGB group and the EA + PGB group was increased compared with that in the model group (all P<0.05), and the average gray value of immune positive product was all reduced (all P<0.05). The number of positive cells of nestin and SCF in the EA + PGB group was higher than that in the EA group or the PGB group (all P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EA combined with PGB can significantly increase the SCF expression in ischemia VPL and promote the proliferation of neural stem cells, which is likely to be one of the nerve regeneration mechanism of acupuncture and medication tor secondary thalamic damage of local cerebral isctemia.</p>

An in vitro study on substance P-stimulated neuro-immune mechanism of mast cell degranulation / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#The goal of this study was to study the mechanism of substance P (SP)-mediated the neural control of mast cell (MC) degranulation.@*METHOD@#Bone marrow mast cells from mice were cultured with stem cell factor (SCF), IL-3 and IL-4 (group A) and SCF, IL-3 (group B) for four weeks. Then the cells were harvested and reserved for studies. Western Blot hybridization technique was used to detect the expression of FcεR I α and NK-1R on MCs from the two groups. Then such cells were activated with SP (0, 0. 01, 0. 10, 1. 00, 10. 00 µg/ml, respectively) for 30 min. The histamine released into the supernatant and stored in the protoplasm was quantified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). And the percentage of histamine release was calculated as a percent of total histamine content.@*RESULT@#The expressions of FcεR I α and NK-1R on these mast cells in group A were statistically higher than in group B (P<0. 05). The MCs from two groups can be actived when stimulated by SP, but the level of MC degranulation in group A was higher than group B (P<0. 05).@*CONCLUSION@#Neuropeptide may stimulate MC degranulation through immunological and non-immunological pathways. In summary, the current study provides us with better understanding of the mechanism of neuropeptide-controlled MC deranulation, and this should be helpful for the further research involved in the mechanism and treatmemt of airway hyper-reactivity.