生长抑素的生理作用及其与哺乳动物冬眠启动的关系

生长抑素(somatostatin, SS)是一种具有抑制性作用的脑肠肽,在哺乳动物的中枢神经系统及消化系统中广泛分布,具有抑制多种垂体激素的分泌、维持胃肠道功能等重要作用。冬眠是一种低体温和低代谢状态,以全身多器官功能暂时"休止"为特征,依据生长抑素特殊的"刹车"作用,推测其与冬眠启动过程相关。本文综述了生长抑素的生理作用及其与哺乳动物冬眠启动的关系。     

A Bond Graph Model of the Cardiovascular System

The study of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) function has shown to provide useful indicators for risk stratification and early detection on a variety of cardiovascular pathologies. However, data gathered during different tests of the ANS are difficult to analyse, mainly due to the complex mechanisms involved in the autonomic regulation of the cardiovascular system (CVS). Although model-based analysis of ANS data has been already proposed as a way to cope with this complexity, only a few models coupling the main elements involved have been presented in the literature. In this paper, a new model of the CVS, representing the ventricles, the circulatory system and the regulation of the CVS activity by the ANS, is presented. The models of the vascular system and the ventricular activity have been developed using the Bond Graph formalism, as it proposes a unified representation for all energetic domains, facilitating the integration of mechanic and hydraulic phenomena. In order to take into account the electro-mechanical behaviour of both ventricles, an electrophysiologic model of the cardiac action potential, represented by a set of ordinary differential equations, has been integrated. The short-term ANS regulation of heart rate, cardiac contractility and peripheral vasoconstriction is represented by means of continuous transfer functions. These models, represented in different continuous formalisms, are coupled by using a multi-formalism simulation library. Results are presented for two different autonomic tests, namely the Tilt Test and the Valsalva Manoeuvre, by comparing real and simulated signals.     

Interactions of season and temperature acclimation in the control of metabolism in Amphibia

1. 1.|Studies concerning the seasonal variation and the temperature acclimation of metabolism and their control in Amphibia are reviewed.

2. 2.|Both season and temperature acclimation affect the activities of the central and autonomic nervous systems.

3. 3.|These changes are mediated especially by alterations in the activity of the thyroid and through the autonomic nerves.

4. 4.|The fact that common control mechanisms are involved may explain some of the often observed metabolic interactions of season and temperature acclimation.

NADPH-diaphorase activity in the digestive system of gastropod molluscs <Emphasis Type="Italic">Achatina fulica</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Littorina littorea</Emphasis>

Distribution and morphological peculiarities of nitroxidergic elements throughout the entire length of digestive tract was studied for the first time in gastropod molluscs Littorina littorea (Prosobranchia) and Achatina fulica (Pulmonata) using histochemical detection of NADPH-diaphorase (NADPHd). NO-ergic cells and fibers were revealed in all parts of the mollusc digestive system beginning from esophagus. Intensive NADPHd activity is found in a great number of intraepithelial cells of the open type and their processes in the intraand subepithelial nerve plexuses, subepithelial neurons, granular connective tissue cells, and multiple nervous fibers distributed among muscular elements of digestive tract as well as those in nerves innervating the tract. NADPHd was also revealed in receptor cells in the oral area and in the A. fulica CNS ganglia innervating the digestive tract. A. fulica has a more complicated organization of A. fulica nitroxidergic system of the digestive tract. A system of glomerular structures formed by thin NADPHd-positive neural fibers coming from epithelium is found directly beneath the epithelium in esophagus, stomach, and midgut of the mollusc. More superficially under the main groups of muscular elements there are revealed small clusters of NADPHd-positive neurons that can be classified as primitive, non-structured microganglia. The distribution pattern and a possible functional role of nitroxidergic elements in digestive tract of molluscs as compared with other invertebrate and vertebrate animals are discussed.     

Ingestion of coffee polyphenols suppresses deterioration of skin barrier function after barrier disruption,concomitant with the modulation of autonomic nervous system activity in healthy subjects

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of consumption of coffee polyphenols (CPPs) on the autonomic nervous system activity and decreased skin barrier function caused by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) treatment. In this single-blind, placebo-controlled study, ten healthy male subjects consumed either a beverage containing CPPs or a placebo beverage for four weeks. CPPs significantly suppressed the deterioration in skin barrier function and skin moisture content induced by SDS treatment after the third week. Furthermore, in the heart rate variability analysis, CPPs significantly produced an increase in parasympathetic nervous activity, and a decrease in sympathetic nervous activity after the four weeks of beverage consumption. These results suggest that CPPs might influence the regulation of the autonomic nervous system and contribute to the suppressive effect on deterioration of skin barrier function.     

Noninvasive cardiac psychophysiology as a tool for translational science with marmosets

The importance of marmosets for comparative and translational science has grown in recent years because of their relatively rapid development, birth cohorts of twins, family social structure, and genetic tractability. Despite this, they remain understudied in investigations of affective processes. In this methodological note, we establish the validity of using noninvasive commercially available equipment to record cardiac physiology and compute indices of autonomic nervous system activity—a major component of affective processes. Specifically, we recorded electrocardiogram and impedance cardiogram, from which we derived heart rate, respiration rate, measures of high‐frequency heart rate variability (indices of parasympathetic autonomic nervous system activity), and ventricular contractility (an index of sympathetic autonomic nervous system activity). Our methods produced physiologically plausible data, and further, animals with increased heart rates during testing were also more reactive to isolation from their social partner and presentation of novel objects, though no relationship was observed between reactivity and specific indices of parasympathetic or sympathetic nervous system activity.     

Evidence that endogenous thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) may control vagal efferents to thyroid gland: neural inhibition by central administration of TRH antiserum

The intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of rabbit antiserum to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) to the urethane anesthetized rat inhibited the spontaneous electrical discharge of the superior laryngeal nerve (n.sl). On the other hand, the i.c.v. injection of rabbit antiserum to somatostatin (SRIF) failed to influence the nerve activity whereas SRIF itself is capable of inhibiting the n.sl activity. These findings suggest that TRH in the brain takes a role continuously in regulating the neural activity while SRIF is involved in the neuronal circuits as an agent for the down regulation of the autonomic nervous system.     

Age-related changes in the innervation of the prostate gland

The adult prostate gland grows and develops under hormonal control while its physiological functions are controlled by the autonomic nervous system. The prostate gland receives sympathetic input via the hypogastric nerve and parasympathetic input via the pelvic nerve. In addition, the hypogastric and pelvic nerves also provide sensory inputs to the gland. This review provides a summary of the innervation of the adult prostate gland and describes the changes which occur with age and disease. Growth and development of the prostate gland is age dependent as is the occurrence of both benign prostate disease and prostate cancer. In parallel, the activity and influence of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system changes with age. The influence of the sympathetic nervous system on benign prostatic hyperplasia is well documented and this review considers the possibility of a link between changes in autonomic innervation and prostate cancer progression.     

摄食行为对小型猪心脏自主神经功能的影响

目的观察摄食行为对小型猪心脏自主神经功能的影响。方法利用大动物无创遥测技术观察清醒活动状态下小型猪摄食前（BI）、摄食过程中（IP）、摄食后（AI）、AI 2 h和AI 4h的心电图（ECG）和自主活动,并用HRV功率谱分析其自主神经功能。结果与摄食前比较,小型猪摄食过程中心率（HR）、自主活动和标准化低频成分（LFnu）明显增加,RR间期（RRI）、总功率（TP）、极低频成分（VLF）、高频成分（HF）明显减少,LF/HF比值明显升高;且随着摄食后恢复时间的延长,小型猪HR、自主活动、LFnu均有所降低,而RRI、TP、VLF、HF均有所升高,LF/HF比值逐渐降低,并在摄食后2 h、4 h时变化显著;相关分析显示摄食行为与TP、VLF、HF、LF和LF/HF密切相关,多元线性逐步回归分析亦显示摄食行为与VLF、LF/HF和TP密切相关,且VLF起主要作用。结论小型猪摄食行为不仅影响心脏活动;而且能引起小型猪心脏自主神经控制能力发生改变,其中VLF在摄食行为过程中占有重要作用。     

Autonomic control of heart rate in the neonatal rhesus monkey

Autonomic control of resting heart rate was assessed using atropine and propranolol in 20 neonatal (2 to 3 weeks old) male Rhesus monkeys. After release from restraint for placement of a venous catheter, the average heart rate significantly decreased from 220 +/- 7 beats/min to 181 +/- 6 beats/min within 15 minutes and remained stable for the 2 hours. Autonomic control of resting heart rate is mediated through both divisions of the autonomic nervous system with the sympathetic system having a dominant influence. This is in contrast to the adult Rhesus, where the parasympathetic nervous system controls resting heart rate.     

The emergence of neural activity and its role in the development of the enteric nervous system

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a vital part of the autonomic nervous system that regulates many gastrointestinal functions, including motility and secretion. All neurons and glia of the ENS arise from neural crest-derived cells that migrate into the gastrointestinal tract during embryonic development. It has been known for many years that a subpopulation of the enteric neural crest-derived cells expresses pan-neuronal markers at early stages of ENS development. Recent studies have demonstrated that some enteric neurons exhibit electrical activity from as early as E11.5 in the mouse, with further maturation of activity during embryonic and postnatal development. This article discusses the maturation of electrophysiological and morphological properties of enteric neurons, the formation of synapses and synaptic activity, and the influence of neural activity on ENS development.     

Comparison of Thermogenic Sympathetic Response to Food Intake between Obese and Non‐obese Young Women

Objective: Sympathetic nervous system abnormality in humans is still a matter of debate. The present study was designed to examine diet‐induced autonomic nervous system activity and metabolic change in obese and non‐obese young women. Research Methods and Procedures: Sixteen age‐ and height‐matched obese and non‐obese young women participated in this study. Sympathovagal activities were assessed by means of our newly developed spectral analysis procedure of heart‐rate variability during the resting condition and after mixed‐food ingestion (480 kcal). Energy expenditure was also measured under these two conditions. Results: There was no significant difference in any of the parameters of the heart‐rate variability between the obese group and control group during the resting condition. In the control group, both absolute values (221.5 ± 54.5 vs. 363.8 ± 43.7 ms², p < 0.05) and relative values (0.23 ± 0.03 to 0.36 ± 0.02, p < 0.05) of a very‐low‐frequency component and global sympathetic nervous system index (1.46 ± 0.19 vs. 3.26 ± 0.61, p < 0.05) were significantly increased after mixed‐food ingestion compared with the values obtained after resting condition. However, no such sympathetic response was found in the obese group. Energy expenditure increased in the two groups after the meal, but the magnitude of the increase above the preprandial resting condition was significantly greater in the control group than in the obese group (11.2 ± 2.3 vs. 6.7 ± 0.8%, p < 0.05). Discussion: Our data suggest that despite identical sympathovagal activities at the resting condition, obese young women may possess a reduced sympathetic response to physiological perturbation such as mixed food intake, which might be related to lowered capacity of thermogenesis and the state of obesity.     

迷走神经功能调节与心肌缺血保护

心血管系统的生理活动受自主神经系统(autonomic nervous system,ANS)调节.已有研究表明,自主神经功能紊乱,尤其是迷走神经功能低下,与心血管疾病(cardiovascular disease,CVD)的发生、发展及预后密切相关.本文结合国内外研究现状,就本研究室在迷走神经对心脏不同部位的调控及其对心肌的保护作用机制方面的研究成果进行阐述.通过收缩功能检测及标准玻璃微电极细胞内记录技术,发现迷走神经递质--乙酰胆碱对哺乳动物心室肌有直接作用,可抑制细胞收缩力及动作电位时程;通过组织化学染色及分子生物学方法进一步证明心室有毒蕈碱受体分布;通过膜片钳技术显示在部分动物心室肌上存在乙酰胆碱激活的内向整流钾通道(acetylcholine-activated potassium channel,KACh),并且其电流(IK·ACh)和心房肌一样具有衰减现象.前期研究证明心房肌IK·ACh的衰减与毒蕈碱受体、G蛋白或钾通道磷酸化有关;而心室肌的IK·ACh还有待于进一步研究.我们建立了相关动物模型,结合心率变异性分析等自主神经评价方法,探讨ANS在健康和疾病状态下的变化情况,证明了迷走神经对心脏调节的增龄性改变及代偿效应.通过提高迷走张力(乙酰胆碱缺血预/后适应、有氧运动、β受体阻断剂),研究改善自主神经平衡对缺血心肌的保护作用以及胆碱能抗炎通路防御缺血,再灌注诱导的炎症损伤机制.综合评价心脏自主神经调节,改善交感和迷走张力平衡,将为CVD防治的基础研究提供重要的理论依据.     

Clock gene defect disrupts light-dependency of autonomic nerve activity

The discovery of clock genes revealed the major molecular components responsible for circadian time-keeping in mammals, but the mechanism by which autonomic nervous system may control circadian rhythm and its relationship to metabolism is unclear. As the Cry1 and Cry2 genes are indispensable for molecular core oscillator function, we investigated autonomic nervous system activity and metabolism in Cry1^−/−Cry2^−/− mice. The mice were kept in a light-dark cycle, and showed normal circadian locomotor activities including feeding. However, the circadian rhythmicity of oxygen consumption, heart rate, and body temperature were abolished, suggesting hypermetabolism in these mice. Cry1^−/−Cry2^−/− mice also showed impaired glucose tolerance due to decreased insulin secretion. These results indicate that sympathetic neural activity in Cry1^−/−Cry2^−/− mice is elevated, reducing adiposity and impairing insulin secretion and suggest that dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system may induce metabolic disorders.     

Physiological and Neurochemical Aspects of Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Actions in the Brain: The Role of the Locus Coeruleus

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is both a major regulator of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the activity of the autonomic nervous system. Besides, it exerts numerous effects on other physiological functions such as appetite control, motor and cognitive behavior and immune function. The basis for these effects is constituted by its distribution in hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic brain areas, the latter being represented by limbic structures such as the central nucleus of the amygdala or by brain stem neurons such as the locus coeruleus (LC) or nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). The effects of CRF are mediated through recently described CRF-receptor subtypes, whose molecular biology, biochemistry and pharmacological regulation are discussed in detail. In the second part of this review, we will focus on the physiology of CRF-systems in the brain, with a particular emphasis on cardiovascular regulation, respiration, appetite control and stress-related behavior. Finally, the role of the locus coeruleus in the control of CRF-mediated behavioral activities is discussed. The interaction of noradrenergic and CRF-neurons clearly implies that CRF appears to directly activate LC neurons in a stressful situation, thus ultimately coordinating the bodily response to a stressful stimulus.     

Central nervous system regulation of adipocyte metabolism

The white adipose tissue was initially largely known only as an energy storage tissue. It is now well recognized that white adipose tissue is a major endocrine and secretory organ, which releases a wide range of protein signals and factors termed adipokines. The regulation of adipocyte metabolism is an important factor for the understanding of obesity, and some mechanisms are still unknown. Many homeostatic processes, including appetite and food intake, are controlled by neuroendocrine circuits involving the central nervous system. There is substantial evidence demonstrating that the central nervous system also directly regulates adipocyte metabolism. In this review, we discuss the central actions of some peptides with an important role in energy balance regulation on adipocyte metabolism and the physiological relevance of these actions.     

State of antioxidative protection in central nervous ganglia of the mollusc <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lymnaea stagnalis</Emphasis> at modulation of activity of the NO-ergic system

In experiments on mollusc Lymnaea stagnalis, the state of antioxidative protection is studied in central nervous ganglia during a long-term activation (inhibition) of synthesis of nitrogen monoxide (NO) in the body. The effect of the blocker of NO-synthase N^G-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) at the background of enhancement of pulmonary respiration has been found to be associated with a rise of levels of reduced glutathione and TBK-active products in the nervous tissue at preservation of a relatively high superoxide dismutase activity and a low glutathione peroxidase activity compared with the control group and the animals treated with the metabolic precursor of NO synthesis L-arginine. In spite of the revealed disturbances of balance of the body proand antioxidative system, DNA electrophoresis detected no products of its degradation, which can indicate the absence of massive programmed death of the nervous tissue cells in Lymnaea stagnalis during modulation of activity of the NO-ergic system.     

Acetylcholinesterase activity in the developing and regenerating nervous system of the acoel Symsagittifera roscoffensis

Bery, A. and Martínez, P. 2010. Acetylcholinesterase activity in the developing and regenerating nervous system of the acoel Symsagittifera roscoffensis. —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 92 : 383–392. The use of the cholinergic system is widespread in the animal kingdom. It controls different processes, including reproduction and neural transmission. However, its evolutionary history is not yet well understood. For instance, the role played by the cholinergic system in the nervous system of basal bilaterian taxa, where the first signs of architectural complexity appear, is still unknown. Here, we describe the structure of the cholinergic system during the development and regeneration of the acoel flatworm Symsagittifera roscoffensis, using acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity as a marker. In this species, AchE activity is observed at all developmental stages, including in the early embryos. The juvenile and adult patterns reveal the presence of a complex nervous system that includes three pairs of longitudinal neurite bundles, which are connected to an anterior centralized mass of neurons and neural processes formed by two pairs of connectives and four commissures. The power of the technique also allows the detection of newly born neurons as they are incorporated into the growing nervous system (during regeneration).