Effects of Subchronic Administration of Metrifonate on Cholinergic Neurotransmission in Rats

The effects of subchronic oral administration of metrifonate, a long-acting cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitor, on cholinergic neurotransmission were assessed in young adult male Wistar rats. Animals were treated twice daily with metrifonate. In a pilot study testing a 100 mg/kg dose of metrifonate for up to 14 days, ChE activity was found to steadily decrease to reach maximum inhibition levels of about 55%, 80% and 35% in brain, erythrocytes and plasma. Steady-state inhibition levels were attained by the 10th day of treatment. When metrifonate-treatment was discontinued, ChE activity in plasma returned to control levels within another day, while erythrocyte and brain ChE activity took more than 2 weeks to recover. In subsequent dose-response studies, metrifonate treatment was given for 3 and 4.5 weeks at doses of 0, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, to different groups of animals, respectively. Correlation analysis indicted that brain ChE inhibition was more accurately reflected by erythrocyte than by plasma ChE inhibition, although all effects were highly correlated. The changes in ChE activity were not paralleled by changes in other parameters of the cholinergic neurotransmission, such as acetylcholine synthesis rate or acetylcholine receptor binding. It is therefore concluded that repeated administration of metrifonate to rats induces a long-lasting inhibition of ChE activity in a dose-related and predictable manner, which is neither subject to desensitization nor paralleled by counterregulatory downregulation of muscarinic or nicotinic receptor binding sites in brain.     

Protective Effect of FTY720 Against Sevoflurane-Induced Developmental Neurotoxicity in Rats

Sevoflurane, a common used inhaled anaesthetic, induces neuronal apoptosis in preclinical studies and correlates with functional neurological impairment. We investigated whether FTY720, a known sphingosine-1 phosphate (S1P) receptor agonist, could exert neuroprotective effect against sevoflurane-induced neurotoxicity. Neuroprotective effect of FTY720 was evaluated in vitro in hippocampal neuronal cells from neonatal rats and in vivo in rat pups. In vitro cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry after exposure to 3 % sevoflurane for different period of time, or after 6-h exposure to sevoflurane with the presence of FTY720, SEW2871 (selective S1P1 receptor agonist) or combination of FTY720 and VPC23019 (S1P antagonist). Western blot analysis was performed with hippocampal tissue from rat pups exposed to 3 % sevoflurane for 6 h with or without pre-treatment with FTY720 injection. Neurological function tests were also performed with rat pups exposed to 3 % sevoflurane for 6 h with or without pre-treatment with FTY720 injection. FTY720, at nanomolar concentration, significantly prevents sevoflurane-induced neuronal apoptosis. SEW2871 showed similar neuroprotective effect to FTY720, whereas VPC23019 abrogated the neuroprotective effect of FTY720 when given together. Western blots results demonstrated that FTY710 significantly preserved the level of phosphorylated ERK1/2, Bcl-2 and Bax. Although anaesthetic treatment did not affect general health and emotional status, sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairment in rat models. Administration of FTY720 at 1 mg/kg significantly attenuated sevoflurane-induced neurocognitive impairment. Although further studies are needed to evaluate the feasibility of clinical usage of FTY720 as neuroprotective agent, the study provides preclinical experimental evidence for the efficacy of FTY720 against sevoflurane-induced developmental neurotoxicity.     

Effects of Subchronic Aluminum Exposure on the Reproductive Function in Female Rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aluminum (Al) exposure on the reproductive function in female rats. Forty female Wistar (5 weeks old) rats, weighing 110–120 g, were divided randomly into four groups. They were orally administrated with 0, 64.18, 128.36, and 256.72 mg aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) per kilogram body weight in drinking water for 120 days. Levels of Al, estrogen (E₂), progestogen (P), testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) in serum were measured at the end of experiment. The results showed that levels of E₂, P, FSH, and LH were significantly lower and Al concentration was significantly higher in all three Al-treated groups than those in the control group (GC). The level of T was significantly higher in the low- and medium-dose groups (GL and GM) (P < 0.05) but not in high-dose group (GH) compared with GC. The results suggest that the reproductive function of female rats is inhibited under long-term Al exposure in an Al dose-dependent manner.     

Effects of Subchronic Aluminum Exposure on the Immune Function of Erythrocytes in Rats

This study assessed effects of aluminum (Al) exposure on the immune function of erythrocytes in rats. Forty male Wistar rats (5 weeks old) weighed 110–120 g were randomly allocated equally into four groups according to their weights and were orally exposed to 0, 64.18, 128.36, and 256.72 mg/kg body weight aluminum trichloride in drinking water for 120 days. Levels of erythrocytes C_3b receptor rate (RBC-C_3bRR), erythrocytes C_3b immune complex rosette rate (RBC-ICR), erythrocytes rosette forming enhancing rate (ERER) and erythrocytes rosette forming inhibitory rate (ERIR) were determined by the end of experiment. The three Al-treated groups had lower values of RBC-C_3bRR and ERER, and higher values of RBC-ICR and ERIR than those in control group. The levels of RBC-C_3bRR and ERER decreased, while the levels of RBC-ICR and ERIR increased with the increases of Al content in drinking water. The results suggest that the immune function of erythrocytes in rats is suppressed by Al exposure.     

Effects of Subchronic Aluminum Exposure on Serum Concentrations of Iron and Iron-Associated Proteins in Rats

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of subchronic aluminum (Al) exposure on iron (Fe) homeostasis in rats. One hundred Wistar rats were divided into two groups. Experimental rats were given drinking water containing aluminum chloride (AlCl₃, 430 mg Al³⁺·L^?1), while control rats were given distilled water for up to 150 days. Ten rats were sacrificed in each group every 30 days. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and serum levels of Al, Fe, transferrin (TF), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) were measured. Al-treated rats showed significantly decreased bodyweight and increased Al and Al/Fe levels during the experimental period. Fe levels and MCH were higher on day 150 in the experimental group than in the control group. TF content and TIBC were higher, whereas erythrocyte counts and sTfR content were lower in the experimental group than in the control group from days 90 and 60, respectively. Longer duration of Al administration increased the serum levels of Al, TF, Al/Fe, and TIBC and decreased sTfR. MCH and Fe levels decreased first, and then increased. The results indicate that chronic exposure to Al disturbed Fe homeostasis.     

Comparative Pharmacokinetic Study of Mangiferin After Oral Administration of Pure Mangiferin and US Patented Polyherbal Formulation to Rats

The US patented polyherbal formulation for the prevention and management of type II diabetes and its vascular complications was used for the present study. The xanthone glycoside mangiferin is one of the major effector constituents in the Salacia species with potential anti-diabetic activity. The pharmacokinetic differences of mangiferin following oral administration of pure mangiferin and polyherbal formulation containing Salacia species were studied with approximately the same dose 30 mg/kg mangiferin and its distribution among the major tissue in Wistar rats. Plasma samples were collected at different time points (15, 30, 60, 120, 180, 240, 360, 480, 600, 1,440, 2,160, and 2880 min) and subsequently analyzed using a validated simple and rapid LC-MS method. Plasma concentration versus time profiles were explored by non-compartmental analysis. Mangiferin plasma exposure was significantly increased when administered from formulation compared to the standard mangiferin. Mangiferin resided significantly longer in the body (last mean residence time (MRT_last)) when given in the form of the formulation (3.65 h). C_max values of formulation (44.16 μg/mL) administration were elevated when compared to equivalent dose of the pure mangiferin (15.23 μg/mL). Tissue distribution study of mangiferin from polyherbal formulation was also studied. In conclusion, the exposure of mangiferin is enhanced after formulation and administration and could result in superior efficacy of polyherbal formulation when compared to an equivalent dose of mangiferin. The results indicate that the reason which delays the elimination of mangiferin and enhances its bioavailability might the interactions of the some other constituents present in the polyherbal formulation. Distribution study results indicate that mangiferin was extensively bound to the various tissues like the small intestine, heart, kidney, spleen, and liver except brain tissue.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1208/s12249-014-0206-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.KEY WORDS: bioavailability, mangiferin, pharmacokinetics, polyherbal formulation, tissue distribution     

妊娠期腹腔注射多氯联苯对大鼠生长发育的影响

将50只同期怀孕的大鼠分为5组,在怀孕第7—18d,每天给两组大鼠腹腔分别注射1和20mg／kg体重2,2’,4,4’-四氯联苯(PCB47);给另两组分别注射0．25和1mg／kg体重3,3’,4,4’-四氯联苯(PCB77);对照组注射0．1mL芝麻油。幼鼠出生时记录每窝产仔数和性比;出生后每隔7d称体重直到第119d;出生后第15天时检查幼鼠的睁眼率。与对照组相比,PCB47和PCB77所有剂量组每窝产仔数和性比无显著差异;PCB47(20g／kg体重组)和PCB77(两个剂量组)雌幼鼠肛门一生殖孔距离显著增加,出生后15d幼鼠的睁眼率显著降低;PCB77(1mg／kg体重组)雄幼鼠从出生后第35至119天体重显著降低。提示PCB77主要影响雄鼠的生长发育。     

油橄榄叶提取物对大鼠酒精性脂肪肝的保护作用

目的观察油橄榄叶提取物(OLE)对酒精性肝损伤的保护作用及机制。方法用递增法灌胃乙醇24周建立大鼠肝损伤模型,造模同时用OLE(250 mg·kg~(-1)、500 mg·kg~(-1)、1 000 mg·kg~(-1))进行灌胃治疗。利用生物显微技术观察肝脏组织结构的变化,检测血清谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)、甘油三酯(TG)和总胆固醇(TC)水平,用放射免疫法检测肝脏肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素1(IL-1β)的含量,用比色法检测肝脏超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、谷胱甘肽还原酶(GR)活性及丙二醛(MDA)含量,用免疫组织化学法检测固醇调节元件结合蛋白-1c(SREBP-1c)的表达情况。结果与模型组比较,OLE治疗后,血清ALT、AST、TG、TC水平降低;肝脏TNF-α、IL-1β、MDA含量及SREBP-1c表达呈降低趋势;SOD、CAT、GR水平均显著升高;肝脏损伤程度明显减轻。结论 OLE对酒精性肝损伤有一定的保护作用,可能与其减少自由基损伤、减轻炎症反应、抑制SREBP-1c表达有关。     

Protective Effects of Chlorogenic Acid on Paraquat-induced Oxidative Stress in Rats

The protective effects of chlorogenic acid on paraquat-induced oxidative stress were examined in rats. The activities of erythrocytes and liver glutathione peroxidase, and of both liver catalase and glutathione reductase, which were increased by feeding paraquat, declined to the levels in the control rats by supplementing chlorogenic acid to the paraquat diet. The activity of superoxide dismutase was not changed by dietary paraquat or by supplementing chlorogenic acid to the paraquat diet. Paraquat in the diet markedly decreased the liver triacylglycerol and phospholipid concentrations, as well as the food intake and body weight gain, while chlorogenic acid protected against these decreases. These in vivo results and the in vitro superoxide anion scavenging activity of chlorogenic acid suggest that chlorogenic acid acted preventively against paraquat-induced oxidative stress.     

Protective Effects of Garlic and Silymarin on NDEA-Induced Rats Hepatotoxicity

Background ­— The present study was conducted to investigate the chemopreventive effects of garlic extract and silymarin on N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats. Methods and Results — Animals were pretreated with garlic, silymarin or both for one week prior to the injection of NDEA. Then animals received a single injection of NDEA followed by weekly subcutaneous injections of CCl₄ for 6 weeks. Oral administration was then continued along with the injection of CCl₄ for the duration of the experiment. Serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GSR) were measured. Injection of NDEA induced a significant elevation in serum AST, ALT and ALP. In the liver, NDEA increased oxidative stress through the increase in LPO and decrease in SOD, and GSH-dependent enzymes. Although administration of garlic or silymarin significantly reduced the liver toxicity, combined administration was more effective in preventing the development of hepatotoxicity. Conclusion — These novel findings suggest that silymarin and garlic have a synergistic effect, and could be used as hepatoprotective agents against hepatotoxicity.     

多烯磷脂酰胆碱对肝癌大鼠肝细胞保护作用的研究

探讨多烯磷脂酰胆碱(PPC)对肝癌大鼠肝脏细胞的保护作用.将72只Wistar大鼠随机分为正常对照组、肝癌模型组、联苯双酯阳性对照组、PPC低、中、高剂量组6组,模型组、阳性对照组及PPC低、中、高剂量组均采用二乙基亚硝胺(DEN)诱导构建肝癌大鼠模型,低、中、高剂量PPC组在模型组的基础上分别给予100、200、300 mg·(kg·d)-1ppC灌胃,治疗6周后,腹主动脉取血测定血清中丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)以及总胆红素(TBIL)含量,然后处死大鼠,测定肝脏湿重,计算肝脏指数,同时测定肝匀浆中丙二醛(MDA),超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)水平.结果显示,与正常对照组相比,DEN诱导的肝癌模型组中肝脏指数、AST、ALT、TBIL、MDA水平显著升高(p＜0.01);SOD、GSH-Px活力则显著下降(p＜0.01).PPC和联苯双酯能依耐性的逆转DEN所致的上述改变,表现为肝脏指数、AST、ALT、TBIL、MDA显著降低,SOD、GSH-Px活力则显著上升,PPC高剂量组作用最为明显,随着PPC摄入量的增加,PPC对肝癌大鼠肝细胞的保护作用也相应增强.     

山核桃叶总黄酮抑制TBBPA诱导斑马鱼胚胎发育毒性的研究

四溴双酚A(tetrabromobisphenol A,TBBPA)是新型高关注度污染物之一,对鱼类具有强毒性。山核桃叶中的黄酮类化合物具有抗氧化和抗细胞凋亡等作用。通过硅胶柱洗脱、薄层色谱(TLC)检测对山核桃叶进行提取和纯化,得到黄酮类化合物产物B;设置4个实验组(空白对照,0.5 mg/L TBBPA,1.0 mg/L产物B,0.5 mg/L TBBPA和1.0 mg/L产物B),记录斑马鱼胚胎发育过程中的形态学指标;同时,检测不同处理组中活性氧(reactive oxygen species,ROS)水平和凋亡相关基因的表达情况。结果发现,山核桃叶提取的总黄酮产物B中包含50%的查尔酮、27%的黄酮或者黄酮醇、18%的二氢黄酮或者二氢黄酮醇、5%的异黄酮等22种黄酮类化合物;富含黄酮类化合物的产物B对TBBPA诱导斑马鱼胚胎的卵凝结率、畸形率及32 h血流障碍等指标具有显著降低作用;可显著抑制TBBPA诱导的ROS水平升高;对TBBPA诱导的凋亡基因p53上调和Bcl-2下调均有显著改善作用。实验结果表明山核桃叶总黄酮通过降低ROS水平,抑制凋亡基因的异常表达,发挥抗氧化和抑制凋亡作用。实验结果有助于了解山核桃叶有效成分总黄酮对TBBPA诱导的斑马鱼胚胎毒性的保护作用,为水生态系统和人体健康危害的防治提供新思路。     

Protective Effect of Edible Marine Algae, Laminaria japonica and Porphyra haitanensis, on Subchronic Toxicity in Rats Induced by Inorganic Arsenic

The myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and its corresponding mRNA expression as well as gene polymorphism were investigated in the population who live in the endemic fluorosis area. In the study, 150 people were selected from the coal-burning endemic fluorosis area and 150 normal persons from the non-fluorosis area in Guizhou province of China. The blood samples were collected from these people. The activity of MPO in the plasma was determined by spectrophotometer; the expression of MPO mRNA was measured by employing real-time polymerase chain reaction; DNAs were extracted from the leucocytes in blood and five SNP genotypes of MPO promoter gene detected by a multiplex genotyping method, adapter-ligation-mediated allele-specific amplification. The results showed that the MPO activity and its corresponding mRNA in blood were significantly increased in the population living in the area of fluorosis. The different genotype frequencies of MPO, including –1228G/A, –585T/C, –463G/A, and –163C/T, and the three haplotypes with higher frequencies, including –163C–463G–585T–1228G–1276T, –163C–463G–585T–1228G–1276C, and –163C–463G–585T–1228A–1276T, were significantly associated with fluorosis. The results indicated that the elevated activity of MPO induced by endemic fluorosis may be connected in mechanism to the stimulated expression of MPO mRNA and the changed gene polymorphism.     

Protective Effects of Cornel Iridoid Glycoside in Rats After Traumatic Brain Injury

Cornel iridoid glycoside (CIG) is the active ingredient extracted from Cornus officinalis. Our previous studies showed that CIG had protective effects on several brain injury models. In the present study, we aimed to examine the effects and elucidate the mechanisms of CIG against traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI was induced in the right cerebral cortex of male adult rats. The neurological and cognitive functions were evaluated by modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and object recognition test (ORT), respectively. The level of serum S100β was measured by an ELISA method. Nissl staining was used to estimate the neuron survival in the brain. The expression of proteins was determined by western blot and/or immunohistochemical staining. We found that intragastric administration of CIG in TBI rats ameliorated the neurological defects and cognitive impairment, and alleviated the neuronal loss in the injured brain. In the acute stage of TBI (24–72 h), CIG decreased the level of S100β in the serum and brain, increased the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax and decreased the expression of caspase-3 in the injured cortex. Moreover, the treatment with CIG for 30 days increased the levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), enhanced the expression of synapsin I, synaptophysin and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), and inhibited the apoptosis-regulating factors in the chronic stage of TBI. The present study demonstrated that CIG had neuroprotective effects against TBI through inhibiting apoptosis in the acute stage and promoting neurorestoration in the chronic stage. The results suggest that CIG may be beneficial to TBI therapy.     

The Protective Effects of Eugenol on Carbon Tetrachloride induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Our earlier studies in vitro have shown that eugenol inhibits liver microsomal monooxygenase activities and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced lipid peroxidation (Free Rad. Res. 20,253-266,1994). The objective of the present investigation was to study the in vivo protective effect of eugenol against CCI₄ toxicity. Eugenol (5 or 25 mg/kg body wt) given orally for 3 consecutive days did not alter the levels of serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (SGOTJ, microsomal enzymes such as cytochrome P450 reductase, glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase) xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes (aminopyrine-N-demethylase, N-nitrosodimethylamine-demethylase and ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase) and liver histology. Doses of eugenol (5 or 25 mg/kg) administered intragastrically to each rat on three consecutive days i.e. 48 hr, 24 hr and 30 min before a single oral dose of CCU (2.5 ml/kg body wt) prevented the rise in SGOT level without appreciable improvement in morphological changes in liver. Eugenol pretreatment also did not influence the decrease in microsomal cytochrome P₄₅₀ content, G-6-Pase and xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes brought about by CCI₄. Since eugenol is metabolized and cleared rapidly from the body, the dose schedule was modified in another experiment. Eugenol (0.2,1.0,5.0 or 25 mg/kg) when given thrice orally i.e. prior to (-1 hr) along with (0 hr) and after (+ 3 hr) the i.p. administration of CCI₄ (0.4 ml/kg) prevented significantly the rise in SGOT activity as well as liver necrosis. The protective effect was more evident at 1 mg and 5 mg eugenol doses. However, the decrease in microsomal G-6-Pase activity by CCI₄ treatment was not prevented by eugenol suggesting that the damage to endoplasmic reticulum is not protected. The protective effect of eugenol against CC1₄ induced hepatotoxicity is more evident when it is given concurrently or soon after rather than much before CCU treatment.     

Eritoran对大鼠肾脏缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的:观察eritoran对大鼠肾脏缺血再灌注损伤模型的.方法:建立SD大鼠缺血再灌注模型,给予eritoran治疗而对照组给予生理盐水治疗,观察各组的肾功能情况、肾组织光镜病理,并采用核糖核酸酶保护测定检测肾组织炎症因子/趋化因子的表达.结果:与模型组相比,eritoran预处理可显著改善大鼠的肾功能,减轻缺血再灌注引起的肾小管损伤,减轻肾组织病变,减少肾组织单核细胞浸润并下调多种炎症因子的表达(TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β和MCP-1).结论:本研究证实通过eritoran抑制Toll样受体4,可减轻大鼠肾脏缺血再灌注损伤中的炎症反应,减轻肾脏缺血再灌注损伤,eritoran可望成为肾脏I/R损伤的新治疗手段.     

Protective Effects of Pterostilbene against Acetaminophen‐Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of pterostilbene against acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity. Silymarin was used as a standard hepatoprotective agent. A single dose of acetaminophen (800 mg/kg i.p.), injected to male rats, caused significant increases in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and hepatic contents of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, caspase‐3, hydroxyproline, with significant decreases in serum HDL‐cholesterol, total proteins, albumin, and hepatic activities of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase as compared with the control group. On the other hand, administration of each of pterostilbene (50 mg/kg, p.o.) and silymarin (100 mg/kg, p.o.) for 15 days before acetaminophen ameliorated liver function and oxidative stress parameters. Histopathological evidence confirmed the protection offered by pterostilbene from the tissue damage caused by acetaminophen. In conclusion, pterostilbene possesses multimechanistic hepatoprotective activity that can be attributed to its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic actions.     

甲泼尼龙对百草枯中毒大鼠肾脏损伤的保护作用

目的:探讨甲泼尼龙对百草枯(PQ)中毒大鼠肾脏损伤的保护作用。方法:30只健康SD大鼠随机分为对照组、PQ模型组及甲泼尼龙治疗组,每组10只。各组在第1、3、7d分别舌下静脉采血,检测血清肌酐(Cr)和血尿素氮(BUN)水平,第7天分离各组大鼠肾组织行HE染色后,比较各组大鼠肾脏的组织形态学差异,免疫组织化学SABC法染色观察和比较各组大鼠肾脏巨噬细胞移动抑制因子(MIF)的表达情况。结果:(1)与对照组相比,模型组第1、3、7天血清中Cr和BUN的水平均显著升高(P<0.05);与模型组相比,治疗组第3和7d血清中Cr和BUN水平均显著降低(P<0.05);(2)与对照组相比,模型组大鼠肾脏病理改变有充血水肿、炎症细胞浸润、变性坏死及结构紊乱等;与模型组比较,治疗组的病变明显减轻;(3)与对照组相比,模型组肾组织中MIF的阳性表达细胞数显著增加(P<0.05);与模型组相比,治疗组肾组织中MIF的阳性表达细胞数显著减少(P<0.05)。结论:甲泼尼龙可能通过减少MIF表达减轻百草枯对大鼠肾脏的损伤。     

Linolenic Acid Provides Multi-cellular Protective Effects After Photothrombotic Cerebral Ischemia in Rats

Alpha-linolenic acid (LIN) has been shown to provide neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia. LIN is a potent activator of TREK-1 channel and LIN-induced neuroprotection disappears in Trek1?/? mice, suggesting that this channel is directly related to the LIN-induced resistance of brain against ischemia. However, the cellular mechanism underlying LIN induced neuroprotective effects after ischemia remains unclear. In this study, using a rat photochemical brain ischemia model, we investigated the effects of LIN on the protein abundance of astrocytic glutamate transporter and AQP4, microglia activation, cell apoptosis and behavioral recovery following ischemia. Administration of LIN rescued the protein abundance of astrocytic glutamate transporter GLT-1, decreased the protein abundance of AQP4 and brain edema, inhibited microglia activation, attenuated cell apoptosis and improved behavioral function recovery. Meanwhile, TREK-1 was widely distributed in the cortex and hippocampus, primarily localized in astrocytes and neurons. LIN could potentiate the TREK-1 mediated astrocytic passive conductance and hyperpolarize the membrane potential. Our results suggest that LIN provides multiple cellular neuroprotective effects in cerebral ischemia. TREK-1 may serve as a promising multi-mechanism therapeutic target for the treatment of stroke.     

Developmental Neurobiology of Pain in Neonatal Rats

The authors examine the biological basis for the behavioral evidence of pain perception in neonatal rats, and discuss the potential link to a greater understanding of chronic pain