PTSD样大鼠海马MR和GR变化的研究

目的研究PTSD大鼠海马神经元核受体MR(mineralocorticoid receptor,盐皮质激素受体)和GR(glu-cocorticoid receptor糖皮质激素受体)表达的变化。方法采用国际认定的SPS方法刺激大鼠建立PTSD大鼠模型,分别取SPS处理后24h、7d、14d大鼠脑组织;同时取正常脑组织(非SPS刺激)作为对照,应用免疫组化、Western Blot方法分别进行各组海马神经元GR和MR表达变化的观察及定量检测。结果(1)经SPS处理后,免疫组化和Western Blot结果显示海马神经元MR表达呈现随着24h、7d、14d逐渐下调的趋势;(2)经SPS处理后,免疫组化和Western Blot结果显示海马神经元GR表达于24h时下调,而7d、14d时呈现逐渐回升趋势。结论大鼠经SPS处理后,海马MR表现为持续下调状态;而GR表达为短暂下调,随后回调,揭示PTSD大鼠海马神经元核受体—MR和GR的表达变化可能是引发海马功能降低的重要因素之一。     

穹窿切断对大鼠下丘脑CRH表达的影响

目的观察穹窿切断对大鼠下丘脑促肾上腺皮质激素释放激素(CRH)表达的影响,探讨海马对HPA轴的抑制作用是否通过穹窿介导。方法成年健康雄性Wistar大鼠80只,随机分为穹窿切断组和假手术组,再分为0d、4d、7d、10d组,每组10只。建立大鼠穹窿切断模型,采用免疫组织化学和Westernblot技术检测穹窿切断组0d、4d、7d、10d时下丘脑CRH的表达变化和分布规律,并以假手术组相应时间段作为对照。结果穹窿切断组于7d时CRH表达升高,10d时升高显著。假手术组下丘脑仅有少量CRH表达。结论穹窿切断使CRH表达升高,HPA轴活动增强,海马对HPA轴的抑制作用减弱,揭示海马是通过穹窿纤维对HPA轴发挥抑制作用。     

PTSD样大鼠海马神经元凋亡及其ACP变化的研究

目的研究PTSD（posttraumatic stress disorder创伤后应激障碍）样大鼠海马神经元凋亡及ACP（Acid phosphatase酸性磷酸酶）的变化。方法建立大鼠PTSD模型-SPS（single-prolonged stress）,于模型建立后的6h、12h、1d、7d、14d取材;同时取材正常组作为对照,应用Annexin V-F1TC／PI双标记流式细胞术、透射电镜、酶组化方法分别进行各组海马神经元凋亡及ACP表达变化的观察及定量检测。结果模型建立后的6h、12h海马神经元的凋亡细胞增加、ACP活性增强,1d时凋亡细胞增加更为明显、ACP活性更为显著,7d、14d时凋亡细胞逐渐减少、ACP活性减弱。结论PTSD样大鼠海马神经元出现凋亡,凋亡增加的同时ACP酶活性增强,说明ACP酶参与PTSD大鼠海马神经元的凋亡。     

PTSD样大鼠蓝斑核盐皮质激素受体表达变化的研究

目的探讨PTSD样大鼠蓝斑（locus ceruleus,LC）神经元盐皮质激素受体（mineralocorticoid receptors,MR）表达的变化。方法使用连续单一应激（SPS）方法建立PTSD大鼠模型,随机分为SPS处理后24h、4d、7d、14d和28d组,非SPS刺激大鼠作为对照,应用免疫组化、免疫印迹方法分别进行各组蓝斑神经元MR表达变化的观察及检测,进行图像分析和统计学处理。结果蓝斑神经元MR的表达呈现24h急剧下调,4d、7d,14d和28d恢复性上调。结论PTSD样大鼠蓝斑神经元MR的表达变化可能直接参与了PTSD持续性精神行为障碍的发生发展过程。     

调控RET依赖性GDNF信号通路对大鼠癫痫模型的影响

目的:探究双侧海马CA1区立体定向注射anti-GDNF抗体对匹鲁卡品诱导的大鼠癫痫模型的影响。方法:选择成年雄性SD大鼠60只,并随机分为3组,即假手术组(sham组,n=20)、癫痫模型组(model组,n=20)和GDNF抑制剂组(anti-GDNF组,n=20)。使用氯化锂-匹鲁卡品腹腔注射诱导癫痫模型,sham组只给予氯化锂,anti-GDNF组在造模前2 h给予大鼠双侧海马CA1区立体定向注射anti-GDNF抗体。在造模后1、3、7 d观察大鼠癫痫的发作频率,7 d后采用脑电图监测(EEG)测定脑电波的变化情况,通过免疫组化方法测定海马CA1区域神经元数量变化(Neu N表达水平),造模后1 d时使用western blot方法测定海马CA1区GDNF、RET和P53蛋白的表达。结果:Model组大鼠棘-慢波数量明显高于Sham组,anti-GDNF组以上指标较model组显著减少(P0.05);Model组海马CA1区神经元大量凋亡,但anti-GDNF组凋亡较model组显著减少(P0.05)。与Sham组比较,在癫痫发作后1 d,model组的GDNF、RET表达水平上调,P53表达水平下降(P0.05),而anti-GDNF组大鼠海马CA1区GDNF、RET表达较model组明显下调,P53表达水平显著上降(P0.05)。结论:双侧海马CA1区立体定向注射anti-GDNF抗体能够减少癫痫发作,并对海马神经元起到保护作用,可能与其抑制GDNF/RET/P53信号通路有关。     

黄芪多糖对缺血性脑损伤大鼠的神经保护作用及其机制研究

目的:探究缺血性脑损伤后,黄芪多糖(AG)对海马CA1区神经元重塑中粘附分子(NCAM)以及c-fos表达的影响。方法:取Wistar雄性大鼠100只,随机分成假手术组(SOG)、模型组(MG-1d,3d,7d),低剂量黄芪多糖治疗组(L-AGTG-1d,3d,7d),高剂量黄芪多糖治疗组(H-AGTG-1d,3d,7d),每组10只。所有MG和AGTG组颈部切开阻断右侧大脑中动脉,造成缺血性脑损伤后,AGTG组腹腔注射AG(5 mg/kg和15 mg/kg)。于1 d,3 d和7 d分别脑血流再灌注,随即评分神经功能缺损情况后取材,测算神经元凋亡数,免疫组织化学法和RT-PCR法半定量分析检测海马CA1区神经元NCAM和c-fos的表达。结果:L-AGTG和H-AGTG的神经功能缺损评分和海马神经元凋亡数显著低于MG(P<0.05或P<0.01),海马CA1区NCAM和c-fos的表达显著高于MG(P<0.05或P<0.01)。结论:黄芪多糖改善缺血性脑损伤大鼠的神经功能,可能与促进海马NCAM和c-fos表达,而阻止或逆转海马神经元凋亡有关。     

创伤后应激障碍大鼠前额内侧皮质MR表达的变化

目的观察创伤后应激障碍(PTSD)样大鼠前额内侧皮质(medial prefrontal cortex,mPFC)神经元核受体-盐皮质激素受体(Mineralocorticoid receptors,MR)表达的变化。方法采用国际认定的单一连续应激(single prolonged stress,SPS)方法建立PTSD大鼠模型,取成年健康雄性Wistar大鼠90只,随机分为PTSD模型1d、7d、14d、28d和正常对照组。采用免疫组化、免疫印迹和RT-PCR方法分别进行各组mPFC神经元MR表达变化的观察及检测,进行图像分析和统计学处理。结果 PTSD大鼠mPFC神经元MR的表达在SPS-1d时高于对照组,随后下降,SPS-14d最低,SPS-28d恢复性上调,但仍然低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论 PTSD模型大鼠经SPS处理后,mPFC中出现MR表达的变化,该变化可能参与PTSD的下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺(hypothalamic pituitary adren axis,HPA)轴的变化机制。     

海仁酸致痫大鼠海马组织AMPA受体GluR2表达的变化

目的　为了研究AMPA受体在癫痫发生中的作用。方法　本研究用免疫组织化学方法观察了海仁酸致痫大鼠海马组织AMPA GluR2受体的表达变化。结果　在侧脑室注射海仁酸后 1h ,4h ,12h ,2 4h及 7d ,大鼠海马CA3区及齿状回GluR2的表达明显减弱 ,显微图像分析 :与对照组相比 ,KA 4h ,KA 12h ,KA 2 4h ,KA 7d组大鼠海马组织GluR2阳性神经元平均光密度值降低 ,差异有显著性 (P <0 0 5 )。结论　在癫痫发作过程中AMPA受体 GluR2亚单位表达改变可能与癫痫发作导致的神经元损伤有密切关系。     

慢性束缚应激大鼠中枢糖皮质激素受体变化及中药复方的影响

目的:研究慢性束缚应激时大鼠脑内糖皮质激素受体的变化以及逍遥散、四君子汤、金匮肾气丸三种中药复方对其影响.方法:制作大鼠束缚应激模型,用特制束缚架连续束缚7 d与21 d,每天3 h用免疫组织化学方法结合图像分析检测中枢(海马CA1区、齿状回、大脑皮质)糖皮质激素受体的变化.结果:慢性束缚应激后,大鼠海马CA1区、大脑皮层和齿状回GR免疫反应阳性细胞平均总面积和阳性细胞数目在慢性应激的早期(7d模型组)明显增多(P＜0.05),免疫反应强度明显增强(P＜0.01).在慢性应激的后期(21 d模型组),则表现为相关脑区GR免疫反应阳性细胞平均总面积和阳性细胞数目均明显减少(P＜0.05),免疫反应强度明显减弱(P＜0.01).中药复方各组相关脑区神经元GR免疫反应阳性细胞平均总面积和阳性细胞数目较21 d模型组明显增高,免疫反应强度明显增强,三给药组之间并无明显差异,说明三给药组均能使GR含量保持于较高的状态,同时能保持GR免疫活性,其中又以逍遥散作用为明显.结论:逍遥散、四君子汤和金匮肾气丸明显逆转糖皮质激素受体下降趋势.     

细胞周期调控对大鼠全脑缺血后海马迟发性神经元死亡的影响

目的观察细胞周期调控对大鼠全脑缺血再灌流后海马区迟发性神经元死亡(delayed neuronal death,DND)以及星形胶质细胞的活化、增殖的影响.方法建立大鼠短暂性全脑缺血再灌流模型,利用尼氏染色、TUNEL、免疫组织化学方法观察再灌流后细胞周期素依赖的蛋白激酶(cyclin depedent kinase, CDK)抑制剂Olomoucine对海马DND以及星形胶质细胞活化增殖的影响.结果全脑缺血再灌流后3d、7d、30d海马神经元明显脱失,部分CA1、CA2区神经元凋亡;星形胶质细胞数目增多,GFAP表达上调,应用Olomoucine后TUNEL阳性神经元数目明显减少,幸存神经元数目增加;星形胶质细胞数目无明显增多,GFAP表达明显下调.结论 CDK抑制剂Olomoucine可有效抑制大鼠全脑缺血后海马神经元DND以及星形胶质细胞活化增殖.     

Radiation-induced hyposuppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is associated with alterations of hippocampal corticosteroid receptor expression

Therapeutic brain irradiation in children can cause a progressive decline in cognitive functions through a diminished capability to learn and memorize. Because of the known involvement of the hippocampus in memory consolidation, this study was aimed at examining the late effects of gamma radiation on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity and hippocampal corticosteroid receptor expression in an animal model of cranial radiotherapy. In the late-response phase, the basal and stress-induced corticosterone levels were not affected by radiation, but the suppression of glucocorticoid negative feedback by dexamethasone was attenuated in irradiated rats. Western blot analyses showed that exposure to radiation led to a decrease of cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor (GR) levels and a concomitant elevation of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). The results obtained were complemented by those of RT-PCR, since the ratio of GR/MR mRNA was also decreased after radiation exposure. Dexamethasone appeared to be much less effective in shifting GR to the nuclear compartment in irradiated rats than in sham-irradiated animals. However, the expression of chaperones that aid GR intracellular trafficking, Hsp90 and Hsp70, remained unaffected. In conclusion, our data suggest that the hallmark of the late response to gamma radiation is a hyposuppressive state of the HPA axis that is associated with a decrease in both the GR/MR ratio and the nuclear accumulation of dexamethasone-activated GR in the hippocampus.     

Time-course of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity and inflammation in juvenile rat brain after cranial irradiation

Recent studies reported that exposure of juvenile rats to cranial irradiation affects hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis stability, leading to its activation along with radiation-induced inflammation. In the present study, we hypothesized whether inflammatory reaction in the CNS could be a mediator of HPA axis response to cranial irradiation (CI). Therefore, we analyzed time-course changes of serum corticosterone level, as well IL-1β and TNF-α level in the serum and hypothalamus of juvenile rats after CI. Protein and gene expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and nuclear factor kappaB (NFκB) were examined in the hippocampus within 24?h postirradiation interval. Cranial irradiation led to rapid induction of both GR and NFκB mRNA and protein in the hippocampus at 1?h. The increment in NFκB protein persisted for 2?h, therefore NFκB/GR protein ratio was turned in favor of NFκB. Central inflammation was characterized by increased IL-1β in the hypothalamus, with maximum levels at 2 and 4?h after irradiation, while both IL-1β and TNF-α were undetectable in the serum. Enhanced hypothalamic IL-1β probably induced the relocation of hippocampal NFκB to the nucleus and decreased NFκB mRNA at 6?h, indicating promotion of inflammation in the key tissue for HPA axis regulation. Concomitant increase of corticosterone level and enhanced GR nuclear translocation in the hippocampus at 6?h might represent a compensatory mechanism for observed inflammation. Our results indicate that acute radiation response is characterized by increased central inflammation and concomitant HPA axis activation, most likely having a role in protection of the organism from overwhelming inflammatory reaction.     

Prenatal exposure to dexamethasone alters hippocampal drive on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in adult male rats

Glucocorticoids are essential for normal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity; however, recent studies warn that exposure to excess endogenous or synthetic glucocorticoid during a specific period of prenatal development adversely affects HPA axis stability. We administered dexamethasone (DEX) to pregnant rats during the last week of gestation and investigated subsequent HPA axis regulation in adult male offspring in unrestrained and restraint-stressed conditions. With the use of real-time PCR and RIA, we examined the expression of regulatory genes in the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and pituitary, including corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), arginine vasopressin (AVP), glucocorticoid receptors (GR), mineralcorticoid receptors (MR), and 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 (11beta-HSD-1), as well as the main HPA axis hormones, adrenal corticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT). Our results demonstrate that the DEX-exposed group exhibited an overall change in the pattern of gene expression and hormone levels in the unrestrained animals. These changes included an upregulation of CRH in the hypothalamus, a downregulation of MR with a concomitant upregulation of 11beta-HSD-1 in the hippocampus, and an increase in circulating levels of both ACTH and CORT relative to unrestrained control animals. Interestingly, both DEX-exposed and control rats exhibited an increase in pituitary GR mRNA levels following a 1-h recovery from restraint stress; however, the increased expression in DEX-exposed rats was significantly less and was associated with a slower return to baseline CORT compared with controls. In addition, circulating levels of ACTH and CORT as well as hypothalamic CRH and hippocampal 11beta-HSD-1 expression levels were significantly higher in the DEX-exposed group compared with controls following restraint stress. Taken together, these data demonstrate that late-gestation DEX exposure in rats is associated with persistent changes in both the modulation of HPA axis activity and the HPA axis-mediated response to stress.     

Characterization of mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors in pigs: comparison of Meishan and Large White breeds.

Corticosteroids receptors were characterized and compared in central and peripheral tissues of two pig breeds, the Meishan (MS) and the Large White (LW) pigs, that display differences in the basal activity and stress-induced reactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In vitro kinetic experiments on kidney and liver cytosols from adrenalectomized pigs allowed to identify two distinct corticosteroid receptors referred to as mineralocorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid (GR) receptors. The binding specificities were determined for kidney and hippocampal MR and for liver and hippocampal GR. In hippocampus and peripheral tissues, cortisol showed a greater affinity for MR than for GR. As already described in the dog, mouse and human, dexamethasone and progesterone display a moderate affinity for MR. Putative differences in corticosteroid receptors binding capacities and affinities were investigated by saturation binding studies in specific regions implicated in the regulation of HPA axis (hippocampus and pituitary). The MS pigs evidenced higher densities of hippocampal MR, while LW pigs had higher densities of pituitary GR. Thus, this study suggests that a difference in the MR/GR balance in hippocampus and pituitary could be implicated in the different HPA activity between MS and LW pigs.     

Caffeine-induced activated glucocorticoid metabolism in the hippocampus causes hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis inhibition in fetal rats

Epidemiological investigations have shown that fetuses with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) are susceptible to adult metabolic syndrome. Clinical investigations and experiments have demonstrated that caffeine is a definite inducer of IUGR, as children who ingest caffeine-containing food or drinks are highly susceptible to adult obesity and hypertension. Our goals for this study were to investigate the effect of prenatal caffeine ingestion on the functional development of the fetal hippocampus and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and to clarify an intrauterine HPA axis-associated neuroendocrine alteration induced by caffeine. Pregnant Wistar rats were intragastrically administered 20, 60, and 180 mg/kg·d caffeine from gestational days 11-20. The results show that prenatal caffeine ingestion significantly decreased the expression of fetal hypothalamus corticotrophin-releasing hormone. The fetal adrenal cortex changed into slight and the expression of fetal adrenal steroid acute regulatory protein (StAR) and cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), as well as the level of fetal adrenal endogenous corticosterone (CORT), were all significantly decreased after caffeine treatment. Moreover, caffeine ingestion significantly increased the levels of maternal and fetal blood CORT and decreased the expression of placental 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2 (11β-HSD-2). Additionally, both in vivo and in vitro studies show that caffeine can downregulate the expression of fetal hippocampal 11β-HSD-2, promote the expression of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 and glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and enhance DNA methylation within the hippocampal 11β-HSD-2 promoter. These results suggest that prenatal caffeine ingestion inhibits the development of the fetal HPA axis, which may be associated with the fetal overexposure to maternal glucocorticoid and activated glucocorticoid metabolism in the fetal hippocampus. These results will be beneficial in elucidating the developmental toxicity of caffeine and in exploring the fetal origin of adult HPA axis dysfunction and metabolic syndrome susceptibility for offspring with IUGR induced by caffeine.     

Culture condition and embryonic stage dependent silence of glucocorticoid receptor expression in hippocampal neurons

Glucocorticoid (GC) plays a key role in controlling numerous cellular processes during embryogenesis and fetal development. The actions of glucocorticoids are mediated by interaction with their receptors. We previously reported that hippocampal neurons from embryonic day 18 (E18) rats showed silence of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression when cultured in serum-free condition. In this study, using western blot, immunofluorescence staining and real-time RT-PCR, we found that while this silence occurred in hippocampal neurons isolated from E16 and E18 rats, it did not happen in those from E20 and neonatal (P0) rats. And when cultured under serum-containing condition, none of them showed GR silence anymore. Corticosterone could not rescue the expression of GR in E16 and E18 neurons in serum-free condition, whereas adding of serum could induce the re-expression of the silenced GR. The absence of GR silence in P0 neurons was not due to the perturbation during parturition. Moreover, the unique expression profile of GR in protein and mRNA level was well reflected in the changes of GR function. These results suggested that under in vitro condition, serum was critical for the maintaining of GR expression in hippocampal neurons of early embryonic stages but less important in later developmental stages. Thus, our data implied that at different developmental stages, the expression of GR in hippocampal neurons might have different susceptibilities to environment changes and there might be a critical time window for the switching of such characteristics during development.     

Antidepressant-like effect of the water extract of the fixed combination of Gardenia jasminoides,Citrus aurantium and Magnolia officinalis in a rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress

BackgroundWater extract of the fixed combination of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis fruit, Citrus aurantium L. fruit and Magnolia officinalis Rehd. et Wils. bark, traditional name – Zhi-Zi-Hou-Po (ZZHPD) is used for treatment of depressive-like symptoms in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.Hypothesis/PurposeThe present study aimed to explore antidepressant-like effects and potential mechanisms of ZZHPD in a rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS).Study designAntidepressant-like effects of ZZHPD were investigated through behavioral tests, and potential mechanism was assessed by neuroendocrine system, neurotrophin and hippocampal neurogenesis.MethodsAntidepressant-like effects of ZZHPD (3.66, 7.32 and 14.64 g/kg/day) were estimated through coat state test, sucrose preference test, forced swimming test and open-field test. Effects of ZZHPD on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis were evaluated by hormones measurement and dexamethasone suppression test. In addition, the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in hippocampus was measured, as well as hippocampal neurogenesis was investigated by doublecortin (DCX) and 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine/neuronal nuclei (BrdU/NeuN).ResultsThe results demonstrated that ZZHPD significantly reversed the depressive-like behaviors, normalized the levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT), restored the negative feedback loop of HPA axis and improved the levels of BDNF, DCX and BrdU/NeuN compared with those in CUMS-induced rats.ConclusionThe above results revealed that ZZHPD exerted antidepressant-like effects possibly by normalizing HPA axis function, increasing expression of BDNF in hippocampus and promoting hippocampal neurogenesis.     

大鼠海马神经元内11β-HSD1和GR的共存及其意义

本研究旨在探讨糖皮质激素代谢酶-11β-羟基类固醇脱氢酶Ⅰ型（11β-HSD1）和糖皮质激素受体（GR）在大鼠海马神经元内的共同分布及其意义。用免疫细胞化学方法研究显示,海马神经元内不仅存在11β-HSD1免疫反应物质,还存在GR免疫反应物质,而且11β-HSD1与GR共存于同一个海马神经元内,用Western印迹杂交和薄层层析（TLC）方法研究表明,地塞米松（DEX）可以促进11β-HSD1与GR共存于同一个海马神经元内,用Western印迹杂交和薄层层析（TLG）方法研究表明,地塞米松（DEX）可以促进11β-HSD1蛋白表达及其酶的活性,利用11β-HSD1基因启动子区序列构建的以CAT酶为报告基因的pBLCAT6质粒转染PC12细胞,证实DEX能够促进CAT酶的表达。以上糖皮质激素的作用均可为GR受体阻断剂RU38486所阻断,结果提示;糖皮质激素（GC）与GR结合后,可以作用于与其共存的11β-HSD1基因启动子区,使11β-HSD1表达增加,从而使更多的GC代谢产物转化为有活性的GC,此机制可能与保证GC在海马神经元内与亲和力较低的GR结合有关。