Protective role of mast cells in homocysteine-induced cardiac remodeling

Recent reports including those from our laboratories indicate that hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhe) is an independent risk factor for cardiac dysfunction and clinical heart failure. Mast cell accumulation is a prominent feature in our model of Hhe-induced cardiac dysfunction. Because mast cell-derived mediators can potentially attenuate cardiac remodeling, we investigated the possible protective role of mast cells in Hhe-induced cardiac remodeling using a mast cell-deficient rat model that in our recent report did not demonstrate any adverse cardiac function at younger age (6 mo) than mast cell-competent control animals. Mast cell-deficient (Ws/Ws) rats and mast cell-competent (+/+) littermate control animals (3 mo of age) were treated with a Hhe-inducing diet for 10 wk. Cardiac remodeling was assessed structurally utilizing histomorphometric methods and functionally using an isolated Langendorff-perfused heart preparation. The Hhe-inducing diet caused similar elevations of homocysteine levels in the two groups. Compared with Hhe +/+ rats, the Hhe Ws/Ws rats demonstrated strikingly exacerbated adverse cardiac remodeling and myocardial fibrosis. Cardiac function measurement showed worsened diastolic function in Hhe Ws/Ws rats compared with Hhe +/+ rats. The absence of mast cells strikingly exacerbates Hhe-induced adverse cardiac remodeling and diastolic dysfunction. These findings indicate a potential dual rather than sole deleterious role for mast cells in cardiac injury.     

Influence of endothelin 1 receptor inhibition on functional, structural and molecular changes in the rat heart after irradiation

Radiation-induced heart disease is a severe side effect of thoracic radiotherapy. Studies suggest that mast cells play a protective role in radiation-induced heart disease and that the endothelin (ET) system mediates protective effects of mast cells in other disorders. This study examined whether mast cells modulate the cardiac ET system and examined the effects of ET receptor inhibition in a rat model of radiation-induced heart disease. Mast cell-deficient (Ws/Ws), mast cell-competent (+/+) and Sprague-Dawley rats received 18 Gy irradiation to the heart. Left ventricular mRNA of ET1 and its receptors (ETA and ETB) was measured in Ws/Ws and +/+ rats at 1 week and 3 months. Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with the ETA/ETB antagonist bosentan, and at 6 months cardiac changes were assessed using the Langendorff perfused rat heart preparation, immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. Ws/Ws and +/+ rat hearts did not differ in baseline mRNA. In contrast, +/+ rats hearts exhibited up-regulation of ET1 after irradiation, whereas Ws/Ws rats hearts did not, suggesting the possibility of interactions between mast cells and the cardiac ET system. Bosentan induced reductions in left ventricular systolic pressure, developed pressure and +dP/dtmax but did not affect fibrosis. Because of the known opposing effects of ETA and ETB, studies with selective antagonists may clarify the role of each receptor.     

慢性低氧对大鼠左右心室的功能及TRPC亚家族表达的影响

目的：探讨慢性低氧3周对大鼠左右心室的影响以及规范性瞬时感受器电位亚家族（TRPC）在慢性低氧诱导的右心室心肌肥厚中的表达。方法：将SD雄性大鼠48只随机分为对照组（CON组）和慢性低氧肺动脉高压模型组（CH组）（n=24）,CH组将大鼠置于连续的慢性低氧（10％±0．2％）环境饲养三周以诱导大鼠发生心肌肥厚。通过左、右心室插管法测定右心室内压（RVSP）、左心室内压（LVSP）、心率（HR）、平均体循环动脉压（mSAP）、左、右心室内压力最大上升速率（＋dp／dtmax）、最大下降速率（-dp／dkmax）、右心肥大指数（RVMI）、左心肥大指数（LVMI）;HE染色观察左、右心室心肌组织切片;通过SYBR Green荧光定量PCR法检测CON组、CH组大鼠的肥厚侧心室心肌组织编码TRPC 1／3／4／5／6／7的rnRNA表达;结合real-time RT-PCR结果对mRNA表达有显著变化的TRPC亚型通过免疫印迹法检测相应蛋白的表达。结果：与CON组相比：CH组的RVSP、RVMI、右心室±dp／dtmax显著增高（P〈0．01）,LVSP、左心室±dp／dmax无显著变化,LVMI显著降低（P〈0．01）;CH组右心室心肌细胞显著增粗（P〈0．01）,细胞内肌原纤维数量增多,心肌纤维排列紊乱,细胞核深染,形状不整;左心室心肌纤维无明显改变;CH组编码TRPCI的mRNA和蛋白显著增高（P〈0．05）,而编码其余TRPC亚型的mRNA无显著变化。结论：慢性低氧3周可特异性诱导sD大鼠产生右心室心肌肥厚,上调了编码右心室心肌细胞TRPCI通道蛋白的mRNA和蛋白的表达,TRPCI可能参与了心肌肥厚的发生发展。     

Cardioprotection from ischemia and reperfusion injury by Withania somnifera: a hemodynamic, biochemical and histopathological assessment

The efficacy of Withania somnifera (Ws) to limit myocardial injury after ischemia and reperfusion was explored and compared to that of Vit E, a reference standard known to reduce mortality and infarct size due to myocardial infarction. Wistar rats (150-200 g) were divided into six groups and received orally saline (sham, control group), Ws-50/kg (Ws control and treated group) and Vit E-100 mg/kg (Vit E control and treated group) respectively for 1 month. On the 31st day, rats of the control, Vit E and Ws treated groups were anesthetized and subjected to 45 min occlusion of the LAD coronary artery followed by 60 min reperfusion. Hemodynamic parameters: systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure (SAP, DAP, MAP), heart rate (HR), left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), left ventricular peak (+)LVdP/dt and (-)LVdP/dt were monitored. Hearts were removed and processed for histopathological and biochemical studies: Myocardial enzyme viz, creatin phosphokinase (CPK), and antioxidant parameters: malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) were estimated. Postischemic reperfusion produced significant cardiac necrosis, depression of left ventricular functions (MAP, LVEDP, (+) and (-)LVdP/dt) and a significant fall in GSH (p < 0.01), SOD, CAT (p < 0.05), LDH and CPK (p < 0.01) as well as an increase in MDA level (p < 0.05) in the control group rats as compared to sham group. The changes in levels of protein and GPx was however, not significant. Ws and Vit E favorably modulated most of the hemodynamic, biochemical and histopathological parameters though no significant restoration in GSH, MAP (with Vit E) were observed. Ws on chronic administration markedly augmented antioxidants (GSH, GSHPx, SOD, CAT) while Vit E did not stimulate the synthesis of endogenous antioxidants compared to sham. Results indicate that Ws significantly reduced myocardial injury and emphasize the beneficial action of Ws as a cardioprotective agent.     

Relative systolic dysfunction in female spontaneously hypertensive rat myocardium.

Hypertension and exercise independently induce left ventricular (LV) remodeling and alter LV function. The purpose of this study was to determine systolic and diastolic LV pressure-volume relationships (LV-PV) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with and without LV hypertrophy, and to determine whether 6 mo of exercise training modified the LV-PV in SHR. Four-month-old female SHR (n = 20), were assigned to a sedentary (SHR-SED) or treadmill-trained (SHR-TRD) group (approximately 60% peak O2 consumption, 5 days/wk, 6 mo), while age-matched female Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY; n = 13) served as normotensive controls. The LV-PV was determined using a Langendorff isolated heart preparation at 4 (no hypertrophy: WKY, n = 5; SHR, n = 5) and 10 mo of age (hypertrophy: WKY, n = 8; SHR-SED, n = 8; SHR-TRD, n = 7). At 4 mo, the LV-PV in SHR was similar to that observed in WKY controls. However, at 10 mo of age, a rightward shift in the LV-PV occurred in SHR. Exercise training did not alter the extent of the shift in the LV-PV relative to SHR-SED. Relative systolic function, i.e., relative systolic elastance, was approximately 50% lower in SHR than WKY at 10 mo of age (P < 0.05). Doppler-derived LV filling parameters [early wave (E), atrial wave (A), and the E/A ratio] were similar between groups. LV capacitance was increased in SHR at 10 mo (P < 0.05), whereas LV diastolic chamber stiffness was similar between groups at 10 mo. Hypertrophic remodeling at 10 mo of age in female SHR is manifest with relative systolic decompensation and normal LV diastolic function. Exercise training did not alter the LV-PV in SHR.     

Gender and aging in a transgenic mouse model of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Mutations in the cardiac myosin heavy chain (MHC) can cause familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC). A transgenic mouse model has been developed in which a missense (R403Q) allele and an actin-binding deletion in the alpha-MHC are expressed in the heart. We used an isovolumic left heart preparation to study the contractile characteristics of hearts from transgenic (TG) mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates. Both male and female TG mice developed left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy at 4 mo of age. LV hypertrophy was accompanied by LV diastolic dysfunction, but LV systolic function was normal and supranormal in the young TG females and males, respectively. At 10 mo of age, the females continued to present with LV concentric hypertrophy, whereas the males began to display LV dilation. In female TG mice at 10 mo of age, impaired LV diastolic function persisted without evidence of systolic dysfunction. In contrast, in 10-mo-old male TG mice, LV diastolic function worsened and systolic performance was impaired. Diminished coronary flow was observed in both 10-mo-old TG groups. These types of changes may contribute to the functional decompensation typically seen in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Collectively, these results further underscore the potential utility of this transgenic mouse model in elucidating pathogenesis of FHC.     

Cardiovascular effects of the combination of levosimendan and valsartan in hypertensive Dahl/Rapp rats

Hypertension is the main risk factor for left ventricular hypertrophy and development of diastolic heart failure. There is no yet treatment, which can effectively reduce mortality in patients suffering from heart failure with preserved systolic function. We tested whether the calcium sensitizer levosimendan and the AT1-receptor antagonist valsartan could protect from salt-induced hypertension, cardiovascular mortality and heart failure in Dahl/Rapp salt-sensitive rats fed for 7 weeks with a high salt diet (8% NaCl). Levosimendan (1 mg/kg/day via drinking water) and valsartan (30 mg/kg in the food) monotherapies and their combination prevented mortality in Dahl/Rapp rats. The drug combination evoked an additive effect on blood pressure, cardiac hypertrophy, cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area, target organ damage and myocardial ANP mRNA expression. There was a close correlation between systolic blood pressure and cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac and renal damage. As compared to Dahl/Rapp controls kept on low-salt diet (NaCl 0.3%). The high salt rats exhibited impaired diastolic relaxation as assessed by isovolumic relaxation time. Levosimendan alone and in combination with valsartan, improved diastolic relaxation without significantly improving systolic function. Our findings are evidence for an additive effect between levosimendan and valsartan on blood pressure and a blood pressure-dependent protection against the development of salt-induced target organ damage. The present study also demonstrates that levosimendan, alone or in combination with valsartan, can correct diastolic dysfunction induced by salt-dependent hypertension.     

Response of cardiac mast cells to atrial natriuretic peptide

Previously, our laboratory demonstrated that cardiac mast cell degranulation induces adverse ventricular remodeling in response to chronic volume overload. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), which is known to be elevated in chronic volume overload, causes cardiac mast cell degranulation. Relative to control, ANP induced significant histamine release from peritoneal mast cells, whereas isolated cardiac mast cells were not responsive. Infusion of ANP (225 pg/ml) into blood-perfused isolated rat hearts produced minimal activation of cardiac mast cells, similar to that seen in the control group. ANP also did not increase matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity, reduce collagen volume fraction, or alter diastolic or systolic cardiac function compared with saline-treated controls. In a subsequent study to evaluate the effects of natriuretic peptide receptor antagonism on volume overload-induced ventricular remodeling, anantin was administered to rats with an aortocaval fistula. Comparable increases of myocardial MMP-2 activity in treated and untreated rats with an aortocaval fistula were associated with equivalent decreases in ventricular collagen (P < 0.05 vs. sham-operated controls). Cardiac functional parameters and left ventricular hypertrophy were unaffected by anantin. We conclude that ANP is not a cardiac mast cell secretagogue and is not responsible for the cardiac mast cell-mediated adverse ventricular remodeling in response to volume overload.     

Abolishment of TNBS-induced visceral hypersensitivity in mast cell deficient rats

Mucosal mast cells are implicated in visceral hypersensitivity associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In this study, we investigated the role of mast cells in the development of visceral hypersensitivity by using mast cell deficient (Ws/Ws) rats and their control (W+/W+). In W+/W+ rats, an injection of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) into the proximal colon produced a significant decrease in pain threshold of the distal colon. Severe mucosal necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration with concomitant increase in tissue myeloperoxidase activity were observed in the proximal colon that was directly insulted by TNBS, whereas neither necrosis nor increased myeloperoxidase activity occurred in the distal colon, indicating that TNBS-induced hypersensitivity is not caused by the local tissue damage or inflammation in the region of the gut where distention stimuli were applied. On the other hand, TNBS failed to elicit visceral hypersensitivity in Ws/Ws rats. This finding indicates that mast cells are essential for development of TNBS-induced visceral hypersensitivity in rats. Since the severity of TNBS-induced proximal colon injury and MPO activity was not affected by mast cell deficiency, it is unlikely that abolishment of visceral hypersensitivity in mast cell deficient rats was a result of altered development of the primary injury in the proximal colon. There was no difference between sham-operated Ws/Ws and W+/W+ rats in colonic pain threshold to distention stimuli, indicating that mast cells play no modulatory roles in normal colonic nociception. The present results support the view that mucosal mast cells play key roles in the pathogenesis of IBS.     

E4031对慢性心衰大鼠离体心脏功能和心肌细胞内静息Ca^2＋水平的影响

目的：研究具有钠钙交换（NCX）激动作用的药物E 4031对慢性心衰大鼠离体心脏功能和心肌细胞内静息Ca2＋水平的影响。方法：通过腹主动脉缩窄建立大鼠慢性心力衰竭模型;利用Langendorff装置进行离体心脏灌流,检测大鼠心功能及E 4031对血流动力学指标的影响;急性分离心衰大鼠心肌细胞,与钙荧光指示剂fluo3/AM共同孵育后,用激光共聚焦显微镜系统观察E 4031对心肌细胞内荧光强度的影响。结果：缩窄大鼠腹主动脉12周后,langendorff离体灌流检测显示大鼠心功能明显降低;在灌流液中加入10μmol/L E 4031可以使心衰大鼠心脏左室发展压（LVDP）和左室收缩/舒张最大速率（±dp/dtmax）提高;与正常组和伪手术组相比,心衰大鼠心肌细胞内静息钙荧光强度明显升高,和10μmol/L E 4031共孵育后,心衰大鼠心肌细胞静息钙荧光强度呈现短期先升后降过程,然后在较低的水平保持稳定。结论：E 4031可以增强慢性心衰大鼠离体心功能,可能与其增强心肌细胞膜NCX活动,稳定细胞内Ca2＋水平有关。     

A new model of congestive heart failure in rats

Current rodent models of ischemia/infarct or pressure-volume overload are not fully representative of human heart failure. We developed a new model of congestive heart failure (CHF) with both ischemic and stress injuries combined with fibrosis in the remote myocardium. Sprague-Dawley male rats were used. Ascending aortic banding (Ab) was performed to induce hypertrophy. Two months post-Ab, ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury was induced by ligating the left anterior descending (LAD) artery for 30 min. Permanent LAD ligation served as positive controls. A debanding (DeAb) procedure was performed after Ab or Ab + I/R to restore left ventricular (LV) loading properties. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography and in vivo hemodynamic analysis. Myocardial infarction (MI) size and myocardial fibrosis were assessed. LV hypertrophy was observed 4 mo post-Ab; however, systolic function was preserved. LV hypertrophy regressed within 1 mo after DeAb. I/R for 2 mo induced a small to moderate MI with mild impairment of LV function. Permanent LAD ligation for 2 mo induced large MI and significant cardiac dysfunction. Ab for 2 mo followed by I/R for 2 mo (Ab + I/R) resulted in moderate MI with significantly reduced ejection fraction (EF). DeAb post Ab + I/R to reduce afterload could not restore cardiac function. Perivascular fibrosis in remote myocardium after Ab + I/R + DeAb was associated with decreased cardiac function. We conclude that Ab plus I/R injury with aortic DeAb represents a novel model of CHF with increased fibrosis in remote myocardium. This model will allow the investigation of vascular and fibrotic mechanisms in CHF characterized by low EF, dilated LV, moderate infarction, near-normal aortic diameter, and reperfused coronary arteries.     

The roles of mast cells and Kupffer cells in rat systemic anaphylaxis

Mast cells and other cells such as macrophages have been shown to mediate systemic anaphylaxis. We determined the roles of mast cells and Kupffer cells in hepatic and systemic anaphylaxis of rats. Roles of mast cells were examined by using the mast cell-deficient white spotting (Ws/Ws) rat; the Ws/Ws and wild type (+/+) rats were sensitized with ovalbumin (1 mg). Roles of Kupffer cells were examined by depleting Kupffer cells using gadolinium chloride or liposome-encapsulated dichloromethylene diphosphonate in the Ws/Ws and Sprague-Dawley rats. An intravenous injection of 0.6 mg ovalbumin caused substantial anaphylactic hypotension in both the Ws/Ws and +/+ rats; however, the occurrence was delayed in the Ws/Ws rats. After antigen, portal venous pressure increased by 13.1 cmH2O in the +/+ rats, while it increased only by 5.7 cmH2O in the Ws/Ws rats. In response to antigen, the isolated perfused liver of the Ws/Ws rats also showed weak venoconstriction, the magnitude of which was one tenth as large as that of the +/+ rats, indicating that hepatic anaphylaxis was primarily due to mast cells. In contrast, Kupffer cell depletion did not attenuate anaphylactic hepatic venoconstriction in isolated perfused livers. In conclusion, mast cells are involved mainly in anaphylactic hepatic presinusoidal portal venoconstriction but only in the early stage of anaphylactic systemic hypotension in rats. Macrophages, including Kupffer cells, do not participate in rat hepatic anaphylactic venoconstriction.     

卡托普利对实验性2型糖尿病心肌病大鼠模型心脏保护作用

目的研究卡托普利对实验性2型糖尿病心肌病（T2DC）模型动物心脏保护作用和可能机制。方法以高糖脂饲料负荷30mg／kg剂量链脲佐菌素一次性腹腔注射建立T2DC大鼠模型,观察卡托普利45mg／kg灌胃给药6周对模型动物血糖和血脂水平,心脏功能和结构变化,心肌脂肪酸含量以及心肌组织过氧化物增殖体激活受体α（PPAR）和葡萄糖转运体4（GLUT4）基因表达等指标的影响。结果与T2DC大鼠模型比较,卡托普利给药后,左心室收缩压、左心室最大收缩速率、左心室最大舒张速率的绝对值和心输出量分别显著增加15％、77％、52％和54％（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）;室间隔厚度降低40％（P〈0．001）;血浆糖化血红蛋白和心肌组织游离脂肪酸含量分别降低31％和24％（P〈0．01,P〈0．05）;心肌组织PPARα基因表达显著降低（P〈0．05）,GLUT4基因表达显著增加（P〈0．05）。结论卡托普利可以显著改善T2DC模型动物心脏功能、抑制心室重构,其作用机制可能同调节与能量代谢相关基因表达、减轻心脏内脂肪积聚有关。     

Hyperhomocysteinemia leads to pathological ventricular hypertrophy in normotensive rats

A recent report indicated that hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhe), in addition to its atherothrombotic effects, exacerbates the adverse cardiac remodeling seen in response to hypertension, a powerful stimulus for pathological ventricular hypertrophy. The present study was undertaken to determine whether Hhe has a direct effect on ventricular remodeling and function in the absence of other hypertrophic stimuli. Male Wistar-Kyoto rats were fed either an amino acid-defined control diet or an intermediate Hhe-inducing diet. After 10 wk of dietary treatment, rats were subjected to echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular (LV) dimensions and systolic function. Subsequently, blood was collected for plasma homocysteine measurements, and the rats were killed for histomorphometric and biochemical assessment of cardiac remodeling and for in vitro cardiac function studies. Significant LV hypertrophy was detected by echocardiographic measurements, and in vitro results showed hypertrophy with significantly increased myocyte size in the LV and right ventricle (RV). LV and RV remodeling was characterized by a disproportionate increase in perivascular and interstitial collagen, coronary arteriolar wall thickening, and myocardial mast cell infiltration. In vitro study of LV function demonstrated abnormal diastolic function secondary to decreased compliance because the rate of relaxation did not differ between groups. LV systolic function did not vary between groups in vitro. In summary, in the absence of other hypertrophic stimuli short-term intermediate Hhe caused pathological hypertrophy and remodeling of both ventricles with diastolic dysfunction of the LV. These results demonstrate that Hhe has direct adverse effects on cardiac structure and function, which may represent a novel direct link between Hhe and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, independent of other risk factors.     

Cardioprotection from ischemia and reperfusion injury by Withania somnifera: A hemodynamic,biochemical and histopathological assessment

The efficacy of Withania somnifera (Ws) to limit myocardial injury after ischemia and reperfusion was explored and compared to that of Vit E, a reference standard known to reduce mortality and infarct size due to myocardial infarction. Wistar rats (150–200 g) were divided into six groups and received orally saline (sham, control group), Ws-50/kg (Ws control and treated group) and Vit E-100 mg/kg (Vit E control and treated group) respectively for 1 month. On the 31st day, rats of the control, Vit E and Ws treated groups were anesthetized and subjected to 45 min occlusion of the LAD coronary artery followed by 60 min reperfusion. Hemodynamic parameters: systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure (SAP, DAP, MAP), heart rate (HR), left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), left ventricular peak (+) LVdP/dt and (–) LVdP/dt were monitored. Hearts were removed and processed for histopathological and biochemical studies: Myocardial enzyme viz, creatin phosphokinase (CPK), and antioxidant parameters: malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) were estimated. Postischemic reperfusion produced significant cardiac necrosis, depression of left ventricular functions (MAP, LVEDP, (+) and (–) LVdP/dt) and a significant fall in GSH (p < 0.01), SOD, CAT(p < 0.05), LDH and CPK (p < 0.01) as well as an increase in MDA level (p < 0.05) in the control group rats as compared to sham group. The changes in levels of protein and GPx was however, not significant. Ws and Vit E favorably modulated most of the hemodynamic, biochemical and histopathological parameters though no significant restoration in GSH, MAP (with Vit E) were observed. Ws on chronic administration markedly augmented antioxidants (GSH, GSHPx, SOD, CAT) while Vit E did not stimulate the synthesis of endogenous antioxidants compared to sham. Results indicate that Ws significantly reduced myocardial injury and emphasize the beneficial action of Ws as a cardioprotective agent.     

Brain Histaminergic System in Mast Cell-Deficient (Ws/Ws) Rats: Histamine Content, Histidine Decarboxylase Activity, and Effects of (S)α-Fluoromethylhistidine

Abstract: The mast cell-deficient [ Ws/Ws ( W hite spotting in the skin)] rat was investigated with regard to the origin of histamine in the brain. No mast cells were detected in the pia mater and the perivascular region of the thalamus of Ws/Ws rats by Alcian Blue staining. The histamine contents and histidine decarboxylase (HDC) activities of various brain regions of Ws/Ws rats were similar to those of +/+ rats except the histamine contents of the cerebral cortex and cerebellum. As the cerebral cortex and cerebellum have meninges that are difficult to remove completely, the histamine contents of these two regions may be different between Ws/Ws and +/+ rats. We assume that the histamine content of whole brain with meninges in Ws/Ws rats is <60% of that in +/+ rats. So we conclude that approximately half of the histamine content of rat brain is derived from mast cells. Next, the effects of ( S )α-fluoromethylhistidine (FMH), a specific inhibitor of HDC, on the histamine contents and HDC activities of various regions of the brain were examined in Ws/Ws rats. In the whole brain of Ws/Ws rats, 51 and 37% of the histamine content of the control group remained 2 and 6 h, respectively, after FMH administration (100 mg/kg of body weight). Therefore, we suggest that there might be other histamine pools including histaminergic neurons in rat brain.     

法舒地尔对异丙肾上腺素诱导大鼠心肌肥厚的干预作用及其机制

目的：研究法舒地尔对异丙肾上腺素诱导大鼠心肌肥厚的影响及其机制。方法：除正常对照组外,其它SD大鼠均皮下注射异丙肾上腺素（Iso,5 mg/kg）建立心肌肥厚模型。大鼠随机分为4组：正常对照组、Iso模型组、法舒地尔低剂量组（Fas,5 mg/kg,i.p）和法舒地尔高剂量组（Fas,20 mg/kg,i.p）,连续给药8周。给药结束后,血流动力学检测大鼠心率（HR）、左心室收缩压（LVSP）、左心室末舒张压（LVEDP）和左室压力变化最大速率（±dp/dt_max）;分别测定大鼠体重（BW）,心脏重量（HW）,并计算HW/BW;大鼠心肌HE、Masson染色观察组织病理学改变;免疫组化法观察大鼠心肌组织ERK1、ERK2蛋白表达,RT-PCR观察ERK1、ERK2 mRNA的表达。结果：Iso模型组HR和LVEDP明显升高,LVSP和±dp/dt_max明显下降;HW/BW增大;心肌细胞体积变大,排列紊乱,胶原纤维增生;左心室组织ERK1、ERK2蛋白与mRNA表达上调。法舒地尔不同剂量干预后,心脏收缩和舒张能力得到改善,心指数明显下降,心肌细胞体积变小,纤维化减少,ERK1/2 mRNA表达下调,心肌组织损害均得到不同程度改善。结论：ERK1/2信号通路活化参与了异丙肾上腺素诱导的心肌肥厚,法舒地尔对异丙肾上腺素诱导的心肌肥厚具有明显改善作用,这可能与法舒地尔阻断ERK1、ERK2通路活化有关。     

木犀草素改善低温下离体大鼠心脏保存效果的研究

目的:研究木犀草素是否能改善心脏停搏保存液(UW液)对离体大鼠心脏的低温保存效果。方法:将40只成年SD大鼠随机分成4组(n=10):对照组(UW组)、7.5μmol/L木犀草素小剂量组,15μmol/L木犀草素中剂量组及30μmol/L木犀草素大剂量组。利用Langendorff离体心脏灌流法,观察心脏在4℃含或不含木犀草素的UW液中保存12 h复灌60 min后心脏功能及超微结构变化,比较心脏冠脉流量(CF)、心肌含水量及冠脉流出液中磷酸肌酸激酶(CK)的释放量。结果:与对照组比较,添加木犀草素后,复灌期心脏的收缩功能(LVPSP,+dp/dtmax)与心脏舒张功能(-dp/dtmax)、冠脉流量在多个复灌时间点均优于对照组,心率在复灌60 min时也显著优于对照组;复灌过程中磷酸肌酸激酶的漏出量及低温保存后心脏超微结构的损伤也均明显低于对照组;随灌注时间延长木犀草素组心脏结构和功能的改善有剂量依赖性趋势;木犀草素对心肌含水量没有影响。结论:木犀草素能显著改善UW液对离体大鼠心脏的低温保存效果,对心脏有明显的保护作用,以30μmol/L的木犀草素大剂量组作用最显著。     

Subclinical regional left ventricular dysfunction in obese patients with and without hypertension or hypertrophy

We investigated the impact of obesity on the abnormalities of systolic and diastolic regional left ventricular (LV) function in patients with or without hypertension or hypertrophy, and without heart failure. We studied 120 individuals divided into 6 groups of 20 patients (42 ± 6 years, 60 females) using standard and pulsed-wave tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) echocardiography, and heterogeneity index (HI): nonobese (I: no hypertension, no hypertrophy, control group; II: hypertension, no hypertrophy; III: hypertension and hypertrophy) and obese (IV: no hypertension, no hypertrophy; V: hypertension, no hypertrophy; VI: hypertension and hypertrophy). The criterion for obesity was BMI ≥30 kg/m2, for hypertension was blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mm Hg, for hypertrophy in nonobese was LV mass/body surface area (BSA) >134 g/m(2) (men) and >110 mg/m2 (women), and in obese was LV mass/height(2.7) >50 (men) and >40 (women). Obese groups had normal LV ejection fraction compared with nonobese groups, but decreased longitudinal and radial systolic myocardial peak velocities (S'), and early diastolic myocardial peak velocity (E'). Also, a great variability of E' and late diastolic myocardial peak velocity (A') from the longitudinal basal region was observed in obese groups (E'basal nonobese: 11 ± 7 vs. obese 19 ± 11, P < 0.001, A'basal nonobese: 7 ± 4 vs. obese 11 ± 7, P < 0.001). Our findings were more evident when comparing groups IV with V and VI, with the latter having concentric hypertrophy and obvious segmental systolic and diastolic dysfunctions. Subclinical myocardial alterations and increased variability of the velocities were observed in obese groups, especially with hypertension and hypertrophy, reflecting impaired regional LV relaxation, segmental atrial, and systolic dysfunctions.     

Chronic peripheral administration of corticotropin-releasing factor causes colonic barrier dysfunction similar to psychological stress

Chronic psychological stress causes intestinal barrier dysfunction and impairs host defense mechanisms mediated by corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) and mast cells; however, the exact pathways involved are unclear. Here we investigated the effect of chronic CRF administration on colonic permeability and ion transport functions in rats and the role of mast cells in maintaining the abnormalities. CRF was delivered over 12 days via osmotic minipumps implanted subcutaneously in wild-type (+/+) and mast cell-deficient (Ws/Ws) rats. Colonic segments were excised for ex vivo functional studies in Ussing chambers [short-circuit current (Isc), conductance (G), and macromolecular permeability (horseradish peroxidase flux)], and analysis of morphological changes (mast cell numbers and bacterial host-interactions) was determined by light and electron microscopy. Chronic CRF treatment resulted in colonic mucosal dysfunction with increased Isc, G, and horseradish peroxidase flux in+/+but not in Ws/Ws rats. Furthermore, CRF administration caused mast cell hyperplasia and abnormal bacterial attachment and/or penetration into the mucosa only in+/+rats. Finally, selective CRF agonist/antagonist studies revealed that stimulation of CRF-R1 and CRF-R2 receptors induced the elevated secretory state and permeability dysfunction, respectively. Chronic CRF causes colonic barrier dysfunction in rats, which is mediated, at least in part, via mast cells. This information may be useful in designing novel treatment strategies for stress-related gastrointestinal disorders.