三种钠尿肽抑制大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞增殖效应的比较

本文比较了心房钠尿肽（ＡＮＰ）、Ｃ－型钠尿肽（ＣＮＰ）、血管钠肽（ＶＮＰ）抑制肺动脉平滑肌细胞（ＰＡＳＭＣｓ）增殖的效应。用蛋白激酶Ｃ激动剂佛波酯（ＰＭＡ）刺激体外培养大鼠ＰＡＳＭＣｓ的增殖,以总蛋白含量和ＭＴＴ比色ＯＤ值为指标,观察三种钠尿肽对ＰＭＡ刺激大鼠ＰＡＳＭＣｓ增殖的影响。结果表明,ＰＭＡ（１０＾－９－１０＾－７ｍｏｌ／Ｌ）显著升高（Ｐ＜０．０５）ＰＡＳＭＣｓ的总蛋白含量和ＭＴＴＯＤ值,     

三唑酮对黄瓜子叶抗氧化酶活力的影响

黄瓜子叶衰老过程中超氧物歧化酶（ＳＯＤ）、过氧化氢酶（ＣＡＴ）和抗坏血酸－过氧化物酶（ＡＳＡ－ＰＯＤ）活性降低,而过氧化物酶（ＰＯＤ）活性升高。２０ｍｇ／Ｌ三唑酮右明显提高ＳＯＤ,ＡＳＡ－ＰＯＤ,ＣＡＴ活性,抑制ＰＯＤ活性升高。膜脂过氧化产物丙二醛（ＭＤＡ）含量在叶片衰老过程中提高,三唑酮可降低ＭＤＡ含量。表明三唑酮减轻脂氧化程度,延缓了叶片的衰老。     

天然和氧化修饰型LDL、VLDL及HDL对培养人动脉平滑肌细胞原癌基因fos及myc表达的影响

动脉平滑肌细胞（ＳＭＣ）是动脉粥样硬化（ＡＳ）斑块中的主要细胞,它的增殖在ＡＳ形成过程中极其重要。脂蛋白和氧化修饰型脂蛋白对ＳＭＣ增殖的影响以及ＳＭＣ增殖与原癌基因异常表达的关系是当前ＡＳ发病机制研究的热点之一。我们在建立人主动脉ＳＭＣ体外培养方法的基础上,观察了ＬＤＬ,ＶＬＤＬ及ＨＤＬ和相应的氧化修饰型脂蛋白对培养人ＳＭＣｆｏｓ,ｍｙｃ,ｅｒｂ－Ｂ原癌基因转录表达的影响。结果表明：①ＨＤＬ对ＳＭＣｆｏｓ,ｍｙｃ基因表达无影响;②ＬＤＬ和ＶＬＤＬ有使这些基因表达增加的趋势,但与对照比较差异不显著（Ｐ＞０．０５）;③ＯＸ－ＶＬＤＬ,ＯＸ－ＶＬＤＬ和ＯＸ－ＨＤＬ有使ＳＭＣｆｏｓ,ｍｙｃ基因表达显著增强的作用（Ｐ＜０．０１）,且其作用较相应的天然脂蛋白大（Ｐ＜０．０１）．上述结果说明：ＬＤＬ,ＶＬＤＬ,ＯＸ－ＬＤＬ,ＯＸ－ＶＬＤＬ和０Ｘ－ＨＤＬ的致ＡＳ作用可能与刺激ＳＭＣｆｏｓ和ｍｙｃ癌基因表达增加有关。     

三唑酮对绿豆幼苗叶片衰老的延缓作用

三唑酮处理可提高离体绿豆（ＰｈａｓｅｏｌｕｓｒａｄｉａｔｕｓＬ．）幼苗叶片叶绿素和蛋白质含量。叶片衰老过程中超氧物歧化酶（ＳＯＤ）、过氧化物酶（ＰＯＤ）、过氧化氢酶（ＣＡＴ）和抗坏血酸过氧化物酶（ＡｓＡＰＯＤ）活性及抗坏血酸（ＡｓＡ）和还原型谷胱甘肽（ＧＳＨ）含量降低。２０ｍｇ／Ｌ三唑酮可提高ＰＯＤ、ＡｓＡＰＯＤ活性和ＡｓＡ、ＧＳＨ含量,对ＳＯＤ、ＣＡＴ活性无影响。丙二醛（ＭＤＡ）含量在叶片衰老过程中提高,并与ＰＯＤ、ＡｓＡＰＯＤ活性和ＡｓＡ、ＧＳＨ含量呈显著负相关,三唑酮可降低ＭＤＡ含量。表明三唑酮有提高植物对膜脂过氧化作用的保护能力,延缓叶片的衰老作用。     

钙对水稻幼苗抗冷性的影响

ＣａＣｌ２浸种提高水稻幼苗叶片中结合态钙、内源抗氧化剂（ＧＳＨ、ＡｓＡ）含量和膜保护酶（ＣＡＴ、ＳＯＤ和ＰＯＤ）活性,也增加可溶性蛋白质中煮沸稳定蛋白质（ｂｏｉｌｉｎｇ－ｓｔａｂｌｅｐｒｏｔｅｉｎ）的含量。冷胁迫期间,ＣａＣｌ２并能减少因冷胁迫引起的ＧＳＨ、ＡｓＡ含量,ＣＡＴ、ＳＯＤ和ＰＯＤ活性以及煮沸稳定蛋白质下降的程度。在恢复期间,经ＣａＣｌ２处理的幼苗其ＧＳＨ、ＡＳＡ、ＣＡＴ、ＳＯＤ和ＰＯＤ以及煮沸稳定蛋白质水平均有回升。     

人为干扰对亚热带森林木本植物叶片抗氧化能力的影响

旅游、宗教活动及工厂废气等不同类型的人为干扰引起亚热带森林木本植物荷木和马尾松叶片膜脂过氧化产物丙二醛（ＭＤＡ）含量明显增加,超氧歧化酶（ＳＯＤ）、过氧化氢酶（ＣＡＴ）、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶（ＡＳＡ－ＰＯＤ）活性和谷胱甘肽（ＧＳＨ）的含量则减少。荷木叶片的ＭＤＡ高于怪尾构,而ＳＯＤ、ＣＡＴ、ＡＳＡ－ＰＯＤ活性和ＧＳＨ含量却低于马尾松。人为干扰使荷木和马尾松叶片蛋白总量降低,酪蛋白水解酶、氨肽酶和内肽     

氧化修饰高密度脂蛋白对培养人动脉平滑肌细胞细胞周期蛋白D_1基因表达的影响

动脉平滑肌细胞（ｓｍ ｏｏｔｈ ｍ ｕｓｃｌｅ ｃｅｌｌ,ＳＭＣ）是动脉粥样硬化（ａｔｈｅｒｏｓｃｌｅｒｏｓｉｓ,ＡＳ）斑块中的主要细胞,它的增殖在ＡＳ形成过程中极其重要．利用体外培养的人主动脉ＳＭＣ,观察了天然高密度脂蛋白（ｎａｔｉｖｅ ｈｉｇｈ ｄｅｎｓｉｔｙ ｌｉｐｏｐｒｏｔｅｉｎ,Ｎ－ＨＤＬ）及氧化修饰ＨＤＬ（ｏｘｉｄｉｚｅｄ ＨＤＬ,ＯＸ－ＨＤＬ）对培养人主动脉ＳＭＣ ｃｙｃｌｉｎ Ｄ１（细胞周期蛋白Ｄ１）基因转录表达的影响．结果表明：（１）Ｎ－ＨＤＬ对ＳＭＣｃｙｃｌｉｎ Ｄ１基因表达无影响（Ｐ＞ ０．０５）;（２）ＯＸ－ＨＤＬ使ＳＭＣｃｙｃｌｉｎ Ｄ１基因表达显著增强（Ｐ＜０．０１）,其表达量随时间（２、１２、２４ ｈ）延长而增加．上述结果表明,ＯＸ－ＨＤＬ的致ＡＳ作用可能与其刺激ＳＭＣｃｙｃｌｉｎ Ｄ１基因表达增加有关．     

肺血管EDNO及其合酶在大鼠低氧性肺动脉高压形成中的作用

本研究观察了低氧对大鼠肺组织和血管内皮一氧化氮合酶（ＮＯＳ）活性及内皮衍生一氧化氮（ＥＤＮＯ）依赖性舒张反应的影响,以及ＮＯＳ抑制剂（Ｌ－ＮＡＭＥ）对常氧和低氧大鼠肺组织和血管内皮ＮＯＳ活性及颈、肺动脉血压（ＣＡＰｓ、ｍＰＡＰ）的作用。结果表明常氧大鼠肺泡内无肌性血管内皮未见ＮＯＳ活性,其肺血管床对ＥＤＮＯ依赖性舒血管物质ＢＫ没有反应,注射Ｌ－ＮＡＭＥ后大鼠ｍＰＡＰ略有降低,ＣＡＰｓ有所升高。低氧大鼠肺泡内无肌性血管内皮显示ＮＯＳ活性,对ＢＫ的ＥＤＮＯ依赖性舒张反应呈剂量依赖性增大,注射Ｌ－ＮＡＭＥ使低氧大鼠ｍＰＡＰ显著降低（Ｐ＜０．０１）,ＣＡＰｓ显著升高（Ｐ＜０．０５）。提示肺血管ＥＤＮＯ及其合酶在维持正常成年大鼠肺循环低压低阻中的生理作用值得进一步探讨;低氧引起肺血管内皮ｅｃＮＯＳ活性增加和ＥＤＮＯ生成增多可能起到限制肺动脉压过度升高的调制作用,也可能对肺血管内皮产生毒性作用,反而促进肺动脉高压的发生和发展。     

渗透胁迫下水稻幼苗中叶绿素降解的活性氧损伤作用

水稻（Ｏｒｙｚａ ｓａｔｉｖａ Ｌ．）幼苗在渗透胁迫下,随着胁迫强度的增加及时间的延长,Ｃｈｌ降解加剧,活性氧Ｏ－·２ 、Ｈ２Ｏ２ 及脂质过氧化产物丙二醛（ＭＤＡ）含量明显增加,抗氧化剂抗坏血酸（ＡｓＡ）还原型谷胱甘肽（ＧＳＨ）及胡萝卜素（ＣＡＲ）含量显著降低,叶绿素蛋白复合体（Ｃｈｌ－Ｐｒｏ）结合度松弛． Ｃｈｌ含量的降低和Ｏ－·２ 、Ｈ２Ｏ２ 及ＭＤＡ 含量呈显著的负相关,与ＡｓＡ、ＧＳＨ及ＣＡＲ含量的下降呈良好的正相关性．ＡｓＡ、α－生育酚（ＶｉｔＥ）及甘露醇预处理可使胁迫诱导的ＭＤＡ 增多及Ｃｈｌ降解延缓,而Ｆｅ２＋ 、Ｈ２Ｏ２ 及Ｆｅｎｔｏｎ 反应则刺激ＭＤＡ 增加． Ｆｅｎｔｏｎ 反应可加速Ｃｈｌ降解． 渗透胁迫下水稻幼苗Ｃｈｌ的降解可能主要是由Ｏ－·２ 和Ｈ２Ｏ２ 的代谢产物·ＯＨ氧化损伤之故     

刺五加在大鼠实验性肝癌诱发过程中作用的探讨

目的探讨大鼠实验性肝癌发病中刺五加对肌体免疫功能和抗氧化酶活性的影响。方法４６只ＳＤ雄性大鼠被随机分成对照组（喂普通饲料）、３－甲基４－双甲氨基偶氮苯（３－Ｍｅ－ＤＡＢ）组（喂含０．０６％３Ｍｅ－ＤＡＢ饲料 １０周）和刺五加组（饲喂同 ３－Ｍｅ－ＤＡＢ外、另加入刺五加 ４．５ｇ／ｋｇ饲料,用常规方法检测全血谷光甘肽过氧化物酶（ＧＳＨ－ＰＸ）、血清超氧化物歧化酶（ＳＯＤ）活性和丙二醛（ＭＤＡ）含量,用微量化学发光造检测吞噬细胞活性（ＰＭＮ－ＣＬ）。结果１．ＰＭＮ－ＣＬ检测峰值、积分值和吞噬细胞指数,３－ＭｅＤＡＢ组较正常组和刺五加组均有显著升高（Ｐ＜０．０５和Ｐ＜０．０１）２．全血ＧＳＨ－ＰＸ活性、ＳＯＤ活性,刺五加组较３－ＭｅＤＡＢ组均有显著升高（Ｐ＜０．０５）。ＭＤＡ含量刺五加组和３－ＭｅＤＡＢ组均较正常组升高（均Ｐ＜０．０５）。结论刺五加在大鼠实验性肝癌诱发过程中有提高抗氧化酶活性和对抗致癌剂引起的机体中性粒细胞吞噬功能代偿性增高的作用。     

An In Vivo Study of Dopamine Release and Metabolism in Rat Brain Regions Using Intracerebral Dialysis

Intracerebral dialysis was used with a specifically designed HPLC with electrochemical detection assay to monitor extracellular levels of endogenous 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine (dopamine, DA) and its major metabolites, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA), in brain regions of the halothane-anesthetized rat. Significant amounts of DA, DOPAC, and HVA were detected in control perfusates collected from striatum and n. accumbens whereas the medial prefrontal cortex showed lower monoamine levels. The ratio of DA in perfusate to DA in whole tissue suggests that in f. cortex, compared to n. accumbens and striatum, there is a greater amount of DA in the extracellular space relative to the intraneuronal DA content. The DOPAC/HVA ratio in control perfusates varied between regions in accordance with whole tissue measurements. This ratio was highest in n. accumbens and lowest in f. cortex. The monoamine oxidase inhibitor pargyline (100 mg/kg i.p.) caused an exponential decline in DOPAC, but not of HVA, in regional perfusates, an effect that was associated with an increase in DA. The data indicated a higher turnover of extracellular DOPAC in n. accumbens than in striatum and the lowest DOPAC turnover in f. cortex. The rate of decline in extracellular DA metabolite levels was slow compared to whole tissue measurements. In the perfusates there was no statistical correlation between basal amounts of DA in the perfusates and DOPAC and HVA levels or DOPAC turnover for any of the areas, indicating that measurement of DA metabolism in the brain under basal conditions does not provide a good index of DA release. In summary, this study shows clear regional differences in basal DA release and metabolite levels, metabolite patterns, and DOPAC turnover rates in rat brain in vivo.     

Effects of Intranigral Substance P and Neurokinin A Injections on Extracellular Dopamine Levels Measured with Microdialysis in the Striatum and Frontoparietal Cortex of Rats

Extracellular levels of dopamine (DA) and its metabolite, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), in the striatum and frontoparietal (sensorimotor) cortex in halothane-anesthetized rats were analyzed simultaneously using in vivo microdialysis. Basal DA levels, measured from the microdialysis perfusate, were 6.4 +/- 0.8 nM (n = 15) in the striatum and 0.9 +/- 0.1 nM (n = 15) in the frontoparietal cortex. Subcutaneous injections of d-amphetamine (2 mg/kg) increased DA levels 10-fold in the striatum and fivefold in the cortex. Injections of substance P (0.07 nmol/0.2 microliters) into the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNR) increased DA and DOPAC levels approximately 30% in the ipsilateral striatum and approximately 50% in the ipsilateral frontoparietal cortex. Injections of neurokinin A (0.09 nmol/0.2 microliter) into the SNR increased DA and DOPAC levels approximately 30% in the ipsilateral striatum but did not significantly affect DA levels in the ipsilateral frontoparietal cortex, although DOPAC levels were increased by approximately 50%. It is suggested that striatal and cortical DA release is regulated differently by nigral substance P and neurokinin A terminals.     

3-Methoxytyramine Is the Major Metabolite of Released Dopamine in the Rat Frontal Cortex: Reassessment of the Effects of Antipsychotics on the Dynamics of Dopamine Release and Metabolism in the Frontal Cortex, Nucleus Accumbens, and Striatum by a Simple Two Pool Model

Abstract: 3-Methoxytyramine (3-MT) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) rates of formation were used, respectively, to assess the dynamics of dopamine (DA) release and turnover in the rat frontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and striatum. Assuming total (re)uptake and metabolism of released DA are relatively uniform among the three brain regions, a simplified two pool model was used to assess the metabolic fate of released DA. Under basal conditions, 3-MT formation was found to comprise >60% of total DA turnover (sum of 3-MT plus DOPAC rates of formation) in the frontal cortex, and not more than 15% in the nucleus accumbens and striatum. Haloperidol increased the 3-MT rate of formation to a greater extent in the frontal cortex than in the two other regions. Clozapine increased the 3-MT rate of formation in the frontal cortex and decreased it in the striatum. Both drugs increased DOPAC rate of formation in the frontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. It was elevated by haloperidol but not clozapine in the striatum. It is concluded that (1) O -methylation is a prominent step in the catabolism of DA in the frontal cortex under both physiological conditions and after acute treatment with antipsychotics, (2) 3-MT is the major metabolite of released DA in the frontal cortex and possibly also in the nucleus accumbens and striatum, (3) in contrast to the frontal cortex, most of the DOPAC in the nucleus accumbens and striatum appear to originate from intraneuronal deamination of DA that has not been released, (4) because presynaptic uptake and metabolism of DA give rise to DOPAC, whereas postsynaptic uptake and metabolism produced both DOPAC and 3-MT, the ratio of 3-MT to DOPAC rates of formation can be a useful index of reuptake inhibition.     

Effects of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal after a single dose of morphine on catecholamine concentrations in guinea-pig brain

The effect of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal after acute morphine was studied on the concentrations of noradrenaline (NA), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylethyleneglycol (MHPG), dopamine (DA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA), and on the metabolite/parent amine ratios MHPG/NA, DOPAC/DA and HVA/DA, in eight regions of the guineapig brain. Guinea-pigs were treated with a single dose of morphine sulphate (15 mg/kg s.c.) or saline (control) and 2h later with naloxone hydrochloride (15 mg/kg s.c.) to precipitate withdrawal. The animals were decapitated at 0.5 h or 1 h after naloxone injections and their brains analysed for monoamine concentrations by HPLC-ECD. At 0.5 h after naloxone-precipitated withdrawal NA and MHPG levels, and the MHPG/NA ratio, were increased in the hypothalamus, and the NA levels were increased in the hypothalamus, medulla/pons and cortex 1 h after naloxone. Naloxoneprecipitated withdrawal also produced increased DA metabolism in the cortex, midbrain and medulla 0.5 h later, and in the cortex, hypothalamus and striatum 1 h later. Hence naloxone-precipitated withdrawal from acute morphine treatment produced a complex pattern of increased synthesis and metabolism of NA and DA which varied over time and with the brain region examined.     

Role of Adenylate Cyclase in the Modulation of the Release of Dopamine: A Microdialysis Study in the Striatum of the Rat

In the present study, we have applied the brain microdialysis technique to investigate the effect of the stimulation of adenylate cyclase on the extracellular levels of dopamine (DA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the striatum of freely moving rats. Infusion of 8-bromo-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP), 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, or forskolin produced a significant increase in the release of DA. The effect of 8-Br-cAMP was tetrodotoxin, Ca2+, and dose dependent and was saturable. 8-Br-cAMP also caused an increase in the output of DOPAC and HVA. No effects were seen on the output of 5-HIAA, except at the highest 8-Br-cAMP concentration studied. Infusion of 8-Br-cAMP (25 microM, 1.0 mM, and 3.3 mM) together with infusion of (-)-sulpiride (1 microM) or systemic administration of (+/-)-sulpiride (55 mumol/kg i.p.) produced an additive effect on the release of DA. Infusion or peripheral administration of (-)-N-0437 (1 microM or 1 mumol/kg) both decreased the 8-Br-cAMP-induced increase in the release of DA. These results demonstrate that cyclic AMP may stimulate the release of DA, but it is unlikely that this second messenger is linked to presynaptic D2 receptors controlling the release of DA.     

The role of dopamine in behavioral supersensitivity to muscarinic antagonists following cholinesterase inhibition

The role of brain dopamine (DA) in the enhancement of muscarinic antagonist-induced hyperactivity was investigated. The effects of atropine and scopolamine on the concentrations of DA and its metabolites, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA), following DFP administration were determined. In control animals, atropine and scopolamine decreased the concentration of DA and increased the ratios of DOPAC/DA and HVA/DA in the striatum, but not in the N. accumbens - T. olfactorium (mesolimbic) area. Following a single dose of DFP, the two antimuscarinic drugs caused decreases of DA and further increases of the above ratios in both brain regions. However, following repeated DFP treatment for 2 weeks, these antimuscarinic drug-induced changes were observed only in the mesolimbic area, but not in the striatum. It is suggested that an increased DA turnover, indicated by elevated DOPAC/DA and HVA/DA ratios, underlies the muscarinic antagonist-induced hyperactivity. The well-known occurrence of muscarinic receptor down-regulation after DFP administration, could be responsible for the enhancement of the actions of muscarinic antagonists in DFP-treated animals. The observed differential effect on DA turnover in the two broad areas may involve both muscarinic and DA receptors.     

Effect of Theanine,r-Glutamylethylamide,on Brain Monoamines and Striatal Dopamine Release in Conscious Rats

Theanine, r-glutamylethylamide, is one of the major components of amino acids in Japanese green tea. Effect of theanine on brain amino acids and monoamines, and the striatal release of dopamine (DA) was investigated. Determination of amino acids in the brain after the intragastric administration of theanine showed that theanine was incorporated into brain through blood-brain barrier via leucine-preferring transport system. The concentrations of norepinephrine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5HIAA) in the brain regions were unaffected by the theanine administration except in striatum. Theanine administration caused significant increases in serotonin and/or DA concentrations in the brain, especially in striatum, hypothalamus and hippocampus. Direct administration of theanine into brain striatum by microinjection caused a significant increase of DA release in a dose-dependent manner. Microdialysis of brain with calcium-free Ringer buffer attenuated the theanine-induced DA release. Pretreatment with the Ringer buffer containing an antagonist of non-NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) glutamate receptor, MK-801, for 1 hr did not change the significant increase of DA release induced by theanine. However, in the case of pretreatment with AP-5, (±)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid; antagonist of NMDA glutamate receptor, the theanine-induced DA release from striatum was significantly inhibited. These results suggest that theanine might affect the metabolism and/or the release of some neurotransmitters in the brain, such as DA.     

Comparative study of sulpiride and haloperidol on dopamine turnover in the rat brain

The effects of the neuroleptics, sulpiride and haloperidol, on dopamine (DA) turnover were compared following the acute and chronic administration of these drugs alone or in combination with levodopa or apomorphine. In the acute treatment, the increase in DA metabolites in the striatum and nucleus accumbens was more marked in the haloperidol-treated rats than in the sulpiridetreated rats. Following the additional administration of levodopa, however, the potency of the neuroleptics in elevating DA metabolites was reversed. A low dose of apomorphine induced a marked reduction in the striatal DA metabolite levels by approximately 50%. When rats were pretreated with the neuroleptics, haloperidol was more effective in preventing an apomorphine-induced reduction in DA metabolites. On repeated administration of the neuroleptics, a tolerance occurred in the striatum and nucleus accumbens, but not in the prefrontal cortex. This differential development of tolerance was observed in the different brain regions and with the different drugs administered. These results suggests that the pharmacological mechanism of sulpiride on DA turnover differs from that of haloperidol.     

Neurochemical studies on Indian Hypericum perforatum L

The effect of acute administration of 50% standardised ethanolic extract of Indian Hypericum perforatum (IHp) was studied on the rat brain concentrations of monoamines and their metabolites in five different brain regions, viz. hypothalamus, hippocampus, striatum, pons-medulla and frontal cortex by a HPLC technique. IHp extract was administered at the doses of 50 and 200 mg/kg, p.o. and the brain monoamines were assayed after 30 min of the treatment. IHp treatment significantly decreased the levels of serotonin (5-HT) and its metabolite 5-hydroxy indole acetic acid (5-HIAA) and 5-HT turnover in all the brain regions assayed. On the other hand, IHp treatment significantly augmented the levels of norepinephrine (NE) and its metabolite methylhydroxy phenyl glycol (MHPG) and NE turnover in all the brain regions studied. Similarly, the levels of dopamine (DA) were also significantly augmented in the hypothalamus, striatum and frontal cortex. Likewise, the levels of dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid (DOPAC), the major metabolite of DA, were also increased in these brain areas. Pharmacological studies with IHp extract have shown two major behavioural actions, namely, anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. The present findings tend to rationalise these observations, reduced 5-HT activity being consonant with anxiolytic and increased NA and DA activity being consonant with antidepressant action.     

Anxiolytic effects of theaflavins via dopaminergic activation in the frontal cortex

Epidemiological investigations have reported that the habit of drinking tea reduces the risk of developing a mental disorder, including anxiety disorder and depression. Theaflavins, black tea polyphenols, show antibacterial and anti-oxidative effects, but their effects on brain function, especially mental condition, have not been elucidated. The present study demonstrated that theaflavins increased dopamine (DA) turnover in the frontal cortex and showed an anxiolytic effect in mice. Theaflavin consumption increased the time spent by mice in the open arms of an elevated plus maze test. Theaflavin administration increased the levels of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and the ratios of DOPAC/DA and (DOPAC+homovanillic acids)/DA indicating DA turnover, in the frontal cortex. These results suggest that the consumption of theaflavins induced anxiolytic effects via activation of the dopaminergic system in the frontal cortex, which support the findings of previous epidemiological studies. Theaflavins in black tea may be helpful to reduce anxiety in daily life. (150/150 words).