益气化瘀化痰方对肺纤维化大鼠的干预作用及其机制*

目的: 探讨益气化瘀化痰方对由博来霉素(BLM)诱导的大鼠肺纤维化的影响及其可能的机制。方法: 采用气管内一次性注射盐酸博来霉素5 mg/kg诱导制备肺纤维化大鼠模型。将60只SPF级SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组、模型对照组、阳性对照组、益气化瘀化痰方低浓度组(低浓度组)、益气化瘀化痰方中浓度组(中浓度组)和益气化瘀化痰方高浓度组(高浓度组),每组10只。各中药治疗组在造模4周后分别采用益气化瘀化痰方低、中、高浓度制剂(3.6 ml/(kg·d))灌胃,阳性对照组给予醋酸氢化可的松(3.6ml/(kg·d))灌胃,正常对照组和模型对照组给予同等体积的生理盐水(3.6 ml/(kg·d))灌胃,每日1次。12周后处死各组大鼠,取大鼠肺组织,称量肺质量并计算肺系数,HE染色观察组织形态学改变,Masson染色观察胶原纤维沉积情况;蛋白免疫印迹(Western blot)检测各组大鼠肺组织中转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)、锌指蛋白转录因子(Snail1)、E-钙黏蛋白(E-cadherin)、纤连蛋白(Fibronectin)等蛋白表达水平;实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)检测组织TGF-β1、Snail1、E-cadherin、Fibronectin等mRNA表达水平。结果: ①与模型组比较,各药物干预组肺系数均有降低(P＜0.05);②与空白组比较,模型组肺纤维化明显;各药物干预组与模型组比较,各治疗组肺间质胶原沉积减少,肺纤维化程度减轻;③治疗各组与模型组比较,各治疗组大鼠肺组织TGF-β1、Snail1、Fibronectin蛋白表达均明显减少(P＜0.05),E-cadherin蛋白表达明显升高(P＜0.05);④低、高浓度组与中浓度组比较,尤以中浓度组表达结果最显著(P＜0.05);⑤中药治疗各组与阳性组比较,表达结果优于阳性组(P＜0.05);mRNA表达与蛋白表达趋势一致。结论: 益气化瘀化痰方能显著治疗博来霉素所致的大鼠肺纤维化,其机理可能是通过下调TGF-β1调控TGF-β/Snail信号通路表达抑制大鼠的上皮细胞-间充质转化,而改善大鼠肺纤维化。     

吸烟大鼠肺脏AQP4 和MUC5AC 的表达及其与 一氧化氮的关系

目的:研究烟草烟雾吸入对大鼠肺组织水通道蛋白4(AQP4)和粘蛋白5AC(MUC5AC)表达的影响及其与支气管肺泡灌洗液内一氧化氮代谢物水平的关系,探讨氧化应激对肺部水转运和粘液分泌的影响。方法:免疫组化法观察AQP4在肺组织内的表达,平均光密度法比较模型组和空白组大鼠AQP4的表达差异;半定量RT-PCR法检测肺组织内AQP4及MUC5AC mRNA的表达水平;硝酸还原酶法测定各组大鼠支气管肺泡灌洗液内一氧化氮代谢产物的浓度,分析模型组AQP4、MUC5AC mRNA的表达水平与支气管肺泡灌洗液内一氧化氮代谢物浓度之间的相关关系。结果:AQP4在空白对照组呈强阳性染色,在模型组呈弱阳性染色,两者平均光密度值有显著差异(P<0.05)。模型组动物肺组织AQP4 mRNA的表达降低,MUC5AC mRNA的表达升高,与空白组比较均有显著差异(P<0.05),模型组动物支气管肺泡灌洗液内一氧化氮代谢产物的浓度与肺组织AQP4 mRNA表达水平呈负相关,相关系数r=-0.798(,P<0.05),与MUC5AC mRNA的表达水平呈正相关,相关系数r=0.857(,P<0.05)。结论:吸烟可导致肺组织AQP4表达下降进而影响气道内水的转运。一氧化氮可能参与了烟雾吸入动物模型中AQP4与MUC5AC基因表达的调控。     

甘草内生菌发酵物对痰浊阻肺大鼠炎症相关因子、水通道蛋白的影响

目的：筛选具有祛痰作用的甘草内生菌菌株发酵物。方法：Wistar大鼠90只,雌雄各半,随机分为9组（n=10）：即空白组、模型组、阳性对照组、甘草水煎液组、甘草内生菌发酵物5组（JTZB005、JTZB006、JTZB043、JTZB060、JTZB063）。采用SO₂烟薰30 min、低温兼冷风刺激10 min诱导痰浊阻肺大鼠模型,每天2次,连续10 d。造模10 d后,空白组、模型组给予生理盐水10 ml/kg灌胃,阳性组给予复方贝母氯化铵片0.08 g/kg灌胃,水煎液组给予甘草水煎液0.95 g/kg,内生菌各组给予甘草内生菌发酵液蒸干粉末0.95 g/kg,每天灌胃给药1次,连续7 d,观察大鼠一般情况。第7天,灌胃给药2 h后,断颈处死大鼠,取右肺上叶,4%戊二醛固定,HE染色切片,光镜下观察肺组织病理形态学变化,免疫组化染色切片,检测水通道蛋白1、5（AQP1、AQP5）的分布及表达。硝酸还原酶法测定肺组织一氧化氮（NO）含量,ELISA检测大鼠肺组织肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）、细胞间粘附分子-1（ICAM-1）的含量及环氧化酶-2（COX-2）的浓度。结果：与空白组比较,模型组大鼠肺组织中NO、TNF-α、ICAM-1的含量及COX-2的浓度显著升高,而水通道蛋白AQP1、AQP5的表达显著降低（P<0.01）。与模型组比较,水煎液组、JTZB005、JTZB006、JTZB063组肺组织NO、TNF-α、ICAM-1的含量及COX-2的浓度均显著降低,AQP1、AQP5的表达水平显著升高（P<0.05,P<0.01）。结论：筛选出JTZB005、JTZB006、JTZB063等3株具有祛痰作用的甘草内生菌有效菌株。     

不同浓度中药怀牛膝加黄芪煎液对重型颅脑损伤大鼠脑组织含水量及AQP4表达的影响

目的观察低、中、高不同浓度中药怀牛膝加黄芪煎液对重型颅脑损伤大鼠脑组织含水量及水通道蛋白4(AQP4)表达的影响,探讨其治疗重型脑损伤性脑水肿最佳用药浓度及机制。方法将SD大鼠65只随机分为假手术组(5只),模型组(15只),低浓度怀牛膝加黄芪组(A组)15只,中浓度怀牛膝加黄芪组(B组)15只,高浓度怀牛膝加黄芪组(C组)15只,采用改良后Feency’s方法建立大鼠重型颅脑损伤模型。分别在1、3、7天3个时间点每组各取5只大鼠测定脑组织含水量,HE染色观察脑组织变化情况,并采用免疫组化方法检测脑组织AQP4的表达。结果模型组大鼠重型颅脑损伤后各时间点脑组织含水量、损伤灶周围AQP4的表达均高于假手术组(P0.05),HE染色观察发现模型组的脑组织肿胀水肿明显;A、B组各时间点脑组织含水量、AQP4表达水平与模型组相比较无明显降低(P0.05),HE染色观察发现与模型组基本一致;C组各时间点脑组织含水量、AQP4表达水平均较模型组降低(P0.05),HE染色观察发现与模型组比较,脑组织水肿情况有所改善。结论 C组改善重型颅脑损伤后引起的脑水肿效果最明显,其作用机制可能与减少AQP4在损伤脑组织中的表达、减轻脑细胞损害有关。     

复方麦芽丸对多囊卵巢综合征模型大鼠LH、FSH表达的影响

本文旨在研究复方麦芽丸(Compound Malt Pill,CMP)对多囊卵巢综合征(polycystic ovarian syndrome,PCOS)大鼠黄体生成素(LH)、促卵泡激素(FSH)表达的影响。通过运用9日龄SD大鼠颈背部皮下注射丙酸睾丸酮建立PCOS模型,造模成功的大鼠随机分为模型组,达英-35组和CMP低、中、高剂量组(n=9),另设正常组(n=10)。各治疗组以相应药物灌胃,正常组及模型组灌以等量的蒸馏水。运用免疫组化、PCR测定卵巢组织LH、FSH的蛋白及mRNA表达。结果显示,模型组中LH的蛋白及mRNA表达较正常组显著升高(P0.01),CMP各剂量组LH蛋白及mRNA表达较模型组显著降低(P0.01),达英-35组LH蛋白表达较模型组显著降低(P0.01),mRNA表达较模型组无显著差异(P0.05);模型组中FSH的蛋白及mRNA表达较正常组显著降低(P0.01),各治疗组FSH蛋白及mRNA表达较模型组显著升高(P0.01),研究结果表明,PCOS模型大鼠LH表达明显升高,FSH表达明显降低;复方麦芽丸对PCOS有治疗作用,可能是通过调节LH、FSH表达水平实现的。     

醒脑开窍配合化痰祛瘀通络针刺法治疗风痰瘀阻证中风病恢复期66 例

目的:观察醒脑开窍合化痰祛瘀通络法治疗中风病恢复期的临床疗效。方法:根据《中药新药临床研究指导原则(试行)》中医证候诊断标准,结合中风诊断要点及辨证取穴,采用醒脑开窍针法配合化痰祛瘀通络针刺法治疗风痰瘀阻证中风病恢复期条件的中风病患者66例,每周治疗2次,3个月为1疗程。结果:(1)患者性别与发病年龄、病情轻重程度分布未呈现明显相关,未见显著性差异(P>0.05);年龄与病情轻重分布未见明显相关,未见显著性差异(P>0.05)。(2)两个疗程的临床症状治愈率明显高于一个疗程的,有显著性差异(P<0.01),患者性别与疗效相关性不显著,治疗后患者的生活能力较治疗前明显改善,有显著性差异(P<0.01);经3个月治疗的中风患者,临床症状基本治愈率达75.8%,经6个月治疗的患者,临床症状基本治愈率达98.5%。结论:醒脑开窍配合化痰祛瘀通络针刺法治疗中风风痰瘀阻证有确切疗效,且疗程越长,疗效越佳,为临床治疗风痰瘀阻证中风病恢复期辨证、取穴提供了依据。     

香烟烟雾暴露对支气管哮喘大鼠肺组织水通道蛋白5表达的影响

目的探讨香烟烟雾暴露对支气管哮喘大鼠肺组织水通道蛋白5(Aquaporin 5,AQP5)和黏蛋白5AC(MUC5AC)表达的影响。方法将30只雄性SD大鼠随机分为3组(n=10),对照组雾化生理盐水,哮喘组采用卵清白蛋白(OVA)致敏并吸入激发制备哮喘模型,哮喘+烟雾暴露组于每日雾化激发OVA前给予香烟烟雾吸入。收集支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)进行白细胞计数及分类,测定肺组织病理变化及湿干重比值。实时定量PCR(Realtime PCR)测定AQP5和MUC5AC mRNA的表达,免疫组化法测定AQP5蛋白分布情况,免疫印迹法(Western blot)测定AQP5蛋白的表达,酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)测定BALF中MUC5AC的含量。结果①与对照组相比,哮喘组大鼠BALF中白细胞、淋巴细胞、嗜酸粒细胞、中性粒细胞数量明显增加;与哮喘组相比,暴露组大鼠BALF中白细胞、中性粒细胞数量明显增加,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。②与对照组相比,哮喘组和暴露组大鼠肺组织中AQP5表达明显减少,而MUC5AC蛋白含量明显增加;与哮喘组相比,暴露组大鼠肺组织中AQP5明显减少,而MUC5AC蛋白含量明显增加,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。③肺组织中AQP5表达与肺组织BALF中MUC5AC蛋白含量呈负相关(r=-0.852和-0.895,P<0.05)。结论香烟烟雾暴露可导致哮喘大鼠肺组织AQP5表达减少而MUC5AC含量增加,进一步加重哮喘气道炎症和黏液高分泌反应,这可能为哮喘吸烟患者的早期防治提供新思路。     

复方清下汤对脓毒症大鼠肺组织细胞因子白介素-1及白介素-6基因表达的影响

目的 探讨复方清下汤对脓毒症大鼠肺组织白介素-1(IL-1)及白介素-6(IL-6)基因表达的影响,进一步探讨其减轻肺损伤机制.方法 将健康SD大鼠随机分为4组,每组10只:假手术组(SHAM组),脓毒症肺损伤组(模型组),盲肠结扎穿孔+复方清下汤组,以及盲肠结扎穿孔+头孢哌酮舒巴坦(舒普深)组,造模24 h后收集标本.应用免疫组织化学和Westernblotting法检测肺组织中IL-1、IL-6的表达,RT-PCR检测肺组织上述蛋白mRNA表达.结果 与SHAM组比较,模型组IL-1、IL-6的mRNA转录水平和蛋白水平表达均显著升高(P＜0.01);抗生素及中药处理组与模型组比较,IL-1、IL-6的表达明显降低(P＜0.01),抗生素及中药处理组两组检测数据相近.结论 脓毒症大鼠肺损伤时细胞因子IL-1、IL-6过度表达可能是造成脓毒症肺损伤的重要原因;复方清下汤处理的动物模型肺损伤减轻的同时IL-1、IL-6表达变化,提示它可能通过调控IL-1、IL-6表达起作用.     

脑水肿时紧密连接蛋白occludin及AQP4的表达变化

目的:采用枕大池内注入脂多糖(lipopolysaccharides,LPS)的方法建立大鼠脑水肿模型,观察脑组织病理形态学变化,脑组织含水量(brain water content,BWC),血脑屏障(blood brain barrier,BBB)的紧密连接蛋白Occludin和水通道蛋白-4(aquaporin 4,AQP4)表达水平的动态变化,研究AQP4及Occludin与脑水肿形成的关系,及其可能的作用机制,为临床脑水肿的治疗提供理论依据。方法:选用Wistar健康成年大鼠,随机分为正常对照组,生理盐水组和脂多糖组,后两组的观察时间点选定于造模后3 h、6h、12 h、24 h、72 h。采用经皮穿刺枕大池内注入脂多糖的方法制备脑水肿动物模型,正常对照组、生理盐水组及脂多糖组分别于各时间点进行开颅取脑,测定脑组织含水量,通过HE染色法观察脑组织的病理形态学变化,应用Western blot方法检测occludin的表达变化。应用RT-PCR技术测定脑组织内AQP4mRNA的表达变化。结果:生理盐水组各时间点中有少量AQP4mRNA及occludin蛋白的表达,与正常对照组之间无显著性差异;脂多糖组在造模后3 hAQP4的mRNA表达开始增加,6-12 h达高峰,此后明显下降,随后表达开始减弱,24-72 h表达显著低于生理盐水组;occludin蛋白表达下降出现于造模后3 h,12-24 h下降更明显,72 h表达开始升高。结论:枕大池内注入脂多糖(LPS)所建立脑水肿模型中,脑组织含水量及血脑屏障通透性增加,病理学特点是血管源性脑水肿出现早且持久,后期伴有细胞毒性脑水肿的改变。AQP4早期表达增强是胶质细胞的适应性反应,与血脑屏障的破坏有关,促进了血管源性脑水肿的发生。后期AQP4表达减弱是机体内在防御机制的表现,同时又促进细胞毒性脑水肿的形成。occludin在脑组织中表达量随脑水肿的加重而降低,即与脑水肿的程度呈负相关,目前认为这与脑水肿时内皮细胞通透性增加,血脑屏障的通透性改变,导致occludin的表达下调有关,促进了血管源性脑水肿的发生。针对以上特点,我们可以进一步研究调控AQP4及occludin表达的药物,从而减轻脑损伤后脑水肿的程度,为脑水肿的治疗提供新的临床策略。     

阿里红多糖通过激活Nrf2/ARE通路改善阿尔茨海默病大鼠海马及脑皮层的氧化应激损伤

探讨阿里红多糖(Fomes officinalis Ames polysaccharides,FOPS)抗氧化应激的作用,并从Nrf2/ARE信号通路研究其作用机制。72只健康雄性SD大鼠称体质量并按随机原则分为空白组、模型组、盐酸多奈哌齐组(0.5 mg/kg)、阿里红多糖高、中、低剂量组(100、50、25 mg/kg),每组12只。采用大鼠双侧海马CA1区注射(5μL/侧)Aβ1-42建立AD大鼠模型,给药30天,Morris水迷宫检测行为学变化,荧光定量RT-qPCR和蛋白免疫印迹法(Western blotting)检测各组大鼠脑皮层和海马组织中结构蛋白Keap1、Nrf2及下游抗氧化蛋白HO-1、NQO1 mRNA及蛋白含量。结果发现,干预30天后,与空白组比较,AD模型组大鼠学习记忆能力显著下降(P<0.01),大鼠海马区及脑皮层Nrf2、NQO1、HO-1的mRNA含量及蛋白表达量显著下降(P<0.01),而Keap1 mRNA含量及蛋白表达量显著升高(P<0.01);与模型组比较,盐酸多奈哌齐和阿里红多糖高、中剂量组大鼠的学习记忆能力显著升高(P<0.01),大鼠海马区及脑皮层Nrf2、NQO1、HO-1 mRNA含量及蛋白表达量显著升高(P<0.05,P<0.01),Keap1 mRNA含量及蛋白表达量显著降低(P<0.05,P<0.01)。研究表明阿里红多糖通过调节Keap1的表达,促进Nrf2激活,诱导NQO1、HO-1的表达,发挥提高机体抗氧化损伤作用,从而改善AD大鼠学习记忆能力。     

Aquaporin 3 and 8 are down-regulated in TNBS-induced rat colitis

Aquaporins (AQPs) plays an important role in transcellular water movement, but the AQPs expression profile has not been demonstrated in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis which closely mimics human Crohn’s disease (CD) histopathologically. To solve the problem, 30 female Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a model group (n = 18), an ethanol control group (n = 6) and a normal control group (n = 6). On day 1, the rats in the model group received TNBS + 50% ethanol via the rectum, while the ethanol control rats received an equal volume of 50% ethanol and the normal control rats did not receive any treatment. All rats were sacrificed on day 7, and ileum, proximal colon and distal colon specimens were obtained to examine the alteration in AQP3 and AQP8 using real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. As a result, exposure to TNBS + ethanol resulted in a marked decrease in both the mRNA and protein expression of AQP3 and AQP8, with the exception of AQP8 protein which was negative in the distal colon in all three groups. These reductions in AQP3 and AQP8 were accompanied by an increase in intestinal inflammation and injury. The results obtained here implied that both AQP3 and AQP8 may be involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.     

AQP1在CD-1纯系野生型孕鼠胎盘组织的表达

目的：研究水通道蛋白1（Aquaporin 1,AQP1）在小鼠胎盘组织的分布及表达,初步探讨AQP1在羊水循环及母胎液体平衡中的作用。方法：各取四只雌雄成年健康野生型CD1小鼠（wild type,AQP1＋/＋）及AQP1基因敲除小鼠（AQP1-KO,AQP1-/）-,将纯合子AQP1基因敲除雌雄小鼠等数量合笼交配,第二日检出阴道栓者记为妊娠第1天（1 gestational day,1GD）;野生型小鼠同样合笼记录。分别取两组13GD孕鼠的胎盘组织各一个,应用逆转录-聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）技术及免疫组织化学技术检测AQP1胎盘组织中的表达,并确定AQP1在小鼠胎盘组织的定位。结果：1.RT-PCR结果表明AQP1在CD-1野生型孕鼠胎盘组织表达,AQP1基因敲除鼠无表达;2.免疫组织化学方法发现AQP1表达于小鼠胎盘血管内皮细胞和滋养细胞,AQP1基因敲除鼠无表达。结论：在mRNA水平和蛋白水平均发现AQP1在CD-1纯系野生型孕鼠胎盘组织的表达,提示AQP1可能在羊水循环及母胎液体平衡中发挥作用。     

白藜芦醇对紫外线照射后人角质形成细胞AQP3 表达的影响

目的:探讨白藜芦醇对紫外线照射后人皮肤角质形成细胞水通道蛋白3(AQP3)表达的影响及意义。方法:原代培养人皮肤角质形成细胞,采用UVB(20mJ/cm2,40mJ/cm2)照射角质形成细胞后,立即加入0.1mmol/L的白藜芦醇进行干预。RT-PCR检测照射前后角质形成细胞中AQP3 mRNA的表达量,并用羟胺法、比色法、TBA法检测照射前后细胞超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性及丙二醛(MDA)含量。结果:1.UVB照射后角质形成细胞AQP3 mRNA的表达量下降(P<0.05),且UVB照射剂量越大,AQP3 mRNA下降越显著(P<0.05)。2.白藜芦醇能显著增加UVB照射后角质形成细胞SOD和GSH-Px活性,并降低细胞MDA含量(P<0.05)。3.白藜芦醇能显著抑制UVB导致的角质形成细胞AQP3 mRNA下降(P<0.05)。结论:白藜芦醇可能通过抑制UVB导致的AQP3 mRNA下降,及提高氧化酶活性、清除自由基的功能,从而延缓皮肤衰老。     

AQP1 在CD-1 纯系野生型孕鼠胎盘组织的表达

目的:研究水通道蛋白1(Aquaporin 1,AQP1)在小鼠胎盘组织的分布及表达,初步探讨AQP1在羊水循环及母胎液体平衡中的作用.方法:各取四只雌雄成年健康野生型CD1小鼠(wildt ype,AQP1+/+)及AQP1基因敲除小鼠(AQP1-KO,AQP1-/-),将纯合子AQP1基因敲除雌雄小鼠等数量合笼交配,第二日检出阴道拴者记为妊娠第1天(1 gestational day,1GD);野生型小鼠同样合笼记录.分别取两组13GD孕鼠的胎盘组织各一个,应用逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)技术及免疫组织化学技术检测AQP1胎盘组织中的表达,并确定AQP1在小鼠胎盘组织的定位.结果:1.RT-PCR结果表明AQP1在CD-1野生型孕鼠胎盘组织表达,AQP1基因敲除鼠无表达;2.免疫组织化学方法发现AQP1表达于小鼠胎盘血管内皮细胞和滋养细胞,AQP1基因敲除鼠无表达.结论:在mRNA水平和蛋白水平均发现AQP1在CD-1纯系野生型孕鼠胎盘组织的表达,提示AQP1可能在羊水循环及母胎液体平衡中发挥作用.     

Aquaporin 5 polymorphisms and rate of lung function decline in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Rationale

Aquaporin-5 (AQP5) can cause mucus overproduction and lower lung function. Genetic variants in the AQP5 gene might be associated with rate of lung function decline in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in AQP5 were genotyped in 429 European American individuals with COPD randomly selected from the NHLBI Lung Health Study. Mean annual decline in FEV₁ % predicted, assessed over five years, was calculated as a linear regression slope, adjusting for potential covariates and stratified by smoking status. Constructs containing the wildtype allele and risk allele of the coding SNP N228K were generated using site-directed mutagenesis, and transfected into HBE-16 (human bronchial epithelial cell line). AQP5 abundance and localization were assessed by immunoblots and confocal immunofluoresence under control, shear stress and cigarette smoke extract (CSE 10%) exposed conditions to test for differential expression or localization.

Results

Among continuous smokers, three of the five SNPs tested showed significant associations (0.02>P>0.004) with rate of lung function decline; no associations were observed among the group of intermittent or former smokers. Haplotype tests revealed multiple association signals (0.012>P>0.0008) consistent with the single-SNP results. In HBE16 cells, shear stress and CSE led to a decrease in AQP5 abundance in the wild-type, but not in the N228K AQP5 plasmid.

Conclusions

Polymorphisms in AQP5 were associated with rate of lung function decline in continuous smokers with COPD. A missense mutation modulates AQP-5 expression in response to cigarette smoke extract and shear stress. These results suggest that AQP5 may be an important candidate gene for COPD.     

低氧脑水肿大鼠脑组织VEGF和AQPs基因及蛋白表达的变化

目的：探讨低氧脑水肿时血管内皮细胞生长因子（VEGF）、水通道蛋白（AQP1和AQP4）基因和蛋白表达变化,为阐明急性低氧对脑组织的损伤及低氧脑水肿的发病机制提供实验依据。方法：Wistar大鼠随机分为4个组：常氧对照组（Control）、低氧暴露4 000 m组（4 000 m）、低氧暴露6 000 m组（6 000 m）和低氧暴露8 000 m组（8 000 m）,低氧组于低压舱中模拟相应海拔高度持续暴露8 h建立低氧脑水肿模型。用干-湿重法测定脑组织水含量,常规光镜观察脑组织形态学的改变;用RT-PCR法和免疫组化法检测低氧脑水肿时大鼠脑组织VEGF、AQP1和AQP4mRNA和蛋白表达的变化。结果：①干-湿重法测定表明,低氧（≥6 000 m）暴露后,大鼠脑组织水含量明显增加（P〈0.01）。②常规光镜检测结果表明,低氧暴露4 000 m时大鼠脑神经细胞、血管内皮细胞和星形胶质细胞足突轻度肿胀,组织中出现漏出液;低氧暴露6 000 m时脑血管内皮细胞和星形胶质细胞足突肿胀加重,血管与组织间隙扩大,组织中漏出液增多;低氧暴露8 000m时脑血管内皮细胞和星形胶质细胞足突重度肿胀,血管与组织间隙进一步扩大,组织中漏出液明显增多。③低氧脑水肿时,VEGF、AQP1、AQP4mRNA表达水平增高,AQP1在内皮细胞异常表达,内皮细胞VEGF和AQP1、星形胶质细胞足突AQP4蛋白质表达水平增高。结论：低氧脑水肿时,VEGF、AQP1和AQP4表达和分布的变化可能是引起血脑屏障损伤、导致低氧脑水肿的发病机制之一。     

Aquaporin deletion in mice reduces intraocular pressure and aqueous fluid production

Aquaporin (AQP) water channels are expressed in the eye at sites of aqueous fluid production and outflow: AQP1 and AQP4 in nonpigmented ciliary epithelium, and AQP1 in trabecular meshwork endothelium. Novel methods were developed to compare aqueous fluid dynamics in wild-type mice versus mice lacking AQP1 and/or AQP4. Aqueous fluid production was measured by in vivo confocal microscopy after transcorneal iontophoretic introduction of fluorescein. Intraocular pressure (IOP), outflow, and anterior chamber compliance were determined from pressure measurements in response to fluid infusions using micropipettes. Aqueous fluid volume and [Cl(-)] were assayed in samples withdrawn by micropipettes. In wild-type mice (CD1 genetic background, age 4-6 wk), IOP was 16.0 +/- 0.4 mmHg (SE), aqueous fluid volume 7.2 +/- 0.3 microl, fluid production 3.6 +/- 0.2 microl/h, fluid outflow 0.36 +/- 0.06 microl/h/mmHg, and compliance 0.036 +/- 0.006 microl/mmHg. IOP was significantly decreased by up to 1.8 mmHg (P < 0.002) and fluid production by up to 0.9 microl/h in age/litter-matched mice lacking AQP1 and/or AQP4 (outbred CD1 and inbred C57/bl6 genetic backgrounds). However, AQP deletion did not significantly affect outflow, [Cl(-)], volume, or compliance. These results provide evidence for the involvement of AQPs in intraocular pressure regulation by facilitating aqueous fluid secretion across the ciliary epithelium. AQP inhibition may thus provide a novel approach for the treatment of elevated IOP.     

Effects of Acupuncture at GV20 and ST36 on the Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase 2, Aquaporin 4, and Aquaporin 9 in Rats Subjected to Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Background/Purpose

Ischemic stroke is characterized by high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), aquaporin (AQP) 4, and AQP9 are linked to permeabilization of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI). BBB disruption, tissue inflammation, and MMP/AQP upregulation jointly provoke brain edema/swelling after CIRI, while acupuncture and electroacupuncture can alleviate CIRI symptoms. This study evaluated the hypothesis that acupuncture and electroacupuncture can similarly exert neuroprotective actions in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) by modulating MMP2/AQP4/APQ9 expression and inflammatory cell infiltration.

Methods

Eighty 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group S, MCAO model group M, acupuncture group A, electroacupuncture group EA, and edaravone group ED. The MCAO model was established by placement of a suture to block the middle carotid artery, and reperfusion was triggered by suture removal in all groups except group S. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture were administered at acupoints GV20 (governing vessel-20) and ST36 (stomach-36). Rats in groups A, EA, and ED received acupuncture, electroacupuncture, or edaravone, respectively, immediately after MCAO. Neurological function (assessed using the Modified Neurological Severity Score), infarct volume, MMP2/AQP4/AQP9 mRNA and protein expression, and inflammatory cell infiltration were all evaluated at 24 h post-reperfusion.

Results

Acupuncture and electroacupuncture significantly decreased infarct size and improved neurological function. Furthermore, target mRNA and protein levels and inflammatory cell infiltration were significantly reduced in groups A, EA, and ED vs. group M. However, MMP2/AQP levels and inflammatory cell infiltration were generally higher in groups A and EA than in group ED except MMP2 mRNA levels.

Conclusions

Acupuncture and electroacupuncture at GV20 and ST36 both exercised neuroprotective actions in a rat model of MCAO, with no clear differences between groups A and EA. Therefore, acupuncture and electroacupuncture might find utility as adjunctive and complementary treatments to supplement conventional therapy for ischemic stroke.     

Aquaporin water channels and lung physiology

Fluid transport across epithelial and endothelial barriers occurs in the neonatal and adult lungs. Biophysical measurements in the intact lung and cell isolates have indicated that osmotic water permeability is exceptionally high across alveolar epithelia and endothelia and moderately high across airway epithelia. This review is focused on the role of membrane water-transporting proteins, the aquaporins (AQPs), in high lung water permeability and lung physiology. The lung expresses several AQPs: AQP1 in microvascular endothelia, AQP3 in large airways, AQP4 in large- and small-airway epithelia, and AQP5 in type I alveolar epithelial cells. Lung phenotype analysis of transgenic mice lacking each of these AQPs has been informative. Osmotically driven water permeability between the air space and capillary compartments is reduced approximately 10-fold by deletion of AQP1 or AQP5 and reduced even more by deletion of AQP1 and AQP4 or AQP1 and AQP5 together. AQP1 deletion greatly reduces osmotically driven water transport across alveolar capillaries but has only a minor effect on hydrostatic lung filtration, which primarily involves paracellular water movement. However, despite the major role of AQPs in lung osmotic water permeabilities, AQP deletion has little or no effect on physiologically important lung functions, such as alveolar fluid clearance in adult and neonatal lung, and edema accumulation after lung injury. Although AQPs play a major role in renal and central nervous system physiology, the data to date on AQP knockout mice do not support an important role of high lung water permeabilities or AQPs in lung physiology. However, there remain unresolved questions about possible non-water-transporting roles of AQPs and about the role of AQPs in airway physiology, pleural fluid dynamics, and edema after lung infection.