慢性应激不同方式对大鼠血清皮质酮的影响

目的：比较慢性应激不同方式对生理状态大鼠血清皮质酮水平的影响,研究机体慢性应激反应的整体性适应特征。方法：采用连续4周的适宜游泳、束缚和二者复合的三种应激方式后,测定大鼠血清皮质酮基础含量,分析不同慢性应激方式对皮质酮水平的影响。结果：血清皮质酮水平与对照组比较,复合组无显著性差异;游泳组虽升高但无显著性;束缚组升高有显著性意义。结论：束缚可致大鼠血清皮质酮水平增高;初步认定游泳与束缚复合慢性应激方式可能对机体的整体适应性能具有积极意义。     

慢性温和应激抑郁模型大鼠5-羟色胺、色氨酸和应激激素的变化

目的：通过观察慢性温和应激对大鼠行为及5-羟色胺、色氨酸、应激激素的影响,进一步阐明应激致抑郁发生的机制。方法：利用慢性不可预计温和应激（CUMS）结合行为学指标建立大鼠抑郁动物模型;高效液相检测血浆和脑5-HT、儿荼酚胺;放免方法检测血浆皮质醇换算成皮质酮含量;氨基酸分析仪检测血清色氨酸的含量。结果：①CUMS诱导8周大鼠糖水偏爱性与对照组相比明显减低（P〈0．05）;体重和旷场实验评分下降（P〈0．05）。②CUMS诱导8周大鼠大脑和血浆5-HT含量显著下降（P〈0．05）;而血清色氨酸含量与对照组相比则明显升高（P〈0．05）。③CUMS诱导8周大鼠血浆去甲肾上腺素和肾上腺素含量与对照组相比明显升高（P〈0．05）：血浆皮质酮含量与对照组相比统计学上无显著性差异（P〉0．05）。结论：利用CUMS建立的抑郁模型大鼠存在着神经内分泌紊乱,CUMS大鼠抑郁样行为的发生可能与血浆去甲肾上腺素和肾上腺素升高对色氨酸代谢的影响有关。     

贯叶连翘对应激大鼠生长和脑单胺类神经递质含量的影响

为探讨贯叶连翘对慢性应激大鼠生长和脑单胺类神经递质的影响,用15只大鼠设置对照组、应激组和贯叶连翘组3组实验。应激组和贯叶连翘组均进行7天的应激刺激后,贯叶连翘组灌胃贯叶连翘10 d。实验结束后,取3组大鼠的脑组织,用高效液相色谱法测定高香草酸（HVA）、去甲肾上腺素（NE）、多巴胺（DA）和5-羟色胺（5-HT）的含量。结果表明,应激组大鼠日增重明显低于对照组;而贯叶连翘组大鼠的日增重明显高于应激组。应激组大鼠海马、纹状体和前额叶中的HVA、NE、DA和5-HT与对照组间均无显著差异。贯叶连翘组大鼠纹状体中的DA含量明显高于应激组;而前额叶中的DA则明显低于应激组。因此,贯叶连翘对慢性应激引起的大鼠生长受抑有缓解作用,对其脑内单胺类神经递质有部分调节作用。     

中药天年饮对衰老大鼠脑单胺类神经递质含量的影响

目的：观察中药天年饮（Tiannianyin,TNY-traditional chinese medicine）对D-半乳糖衰老大鼠脑单胺类神经递质去甲肾上腺素（NE）、多巴胺（DA）、5-羟色胺（5-HT）含量的影响。方法：选用成年雄性SD大鼠40只．随机分为4组．每组均为10只：正常组、衰老模型组、TNY用药组、阴性对照组。Ⅱ半乳糖连续腹腔注射制作亚急性衰老的大鼠模型．采用高效液相色谱-电化学法检测各组大鼠下丘脑、海马NE、DA、5-HT的含量。结果：D-半乳糖衰老大鼠下丘脑、海马NE、DA、5-HT的含量明显降低（与正常大鼠相比P〈0．01）：TNY可明显提高脑单胺类神经递质的含量（用药组与模型组相比P〈0．05）。结论：TNY可有效调整中枢神经递质的合成,具有良好延缓衰老的作用。     

大鼠冷暴露过程中不同脑区和血清中单胺类递质及代谢物质的变化

用高效液相色谱电化学检测法观测了大鼠冷暴露（５±２℃,２１天）过程中下丘脑、海马、桥延脑和血清中单胺类递质及主要代谢物质含量的变化。结果显示,在冷暴露初期（２４小时）在下丘脑和血清中去甲肾上腺素、肾上腺素和多巴胺含量分别显著地减少或增加,２１天后下丘脑中去甲肾上腺素量趋于正常,肾上腺素和多巴胺仍分别明显低或高于正常水平。桥延脑中去甲肾上腺素和３甲氧基４羟基苯乙二醇的含量先增加后恢复正常,而肾上腺素和多巴胺的含量无明显变化。与之不同,下丘脑和血清中５羟色胺和５羟吲哚乙酸的含量无明显变化,而海马和桥延脑中５羟色胺和５羟吲哚乙酸的含量明显减少且一直呈低水平状态。上述脑内和血清中单胺类递质含量的不同变化反映了不同单胺类递质可能以不同的机制和时空模式参与冷应激反应和冷适应的体温调节。     

人参皂甙Re提取方法的研究

采用反相高效液相色谱法,测定不同煎煮时间人参药材中人参皂甙Re的含量。结果表明：建立了提取人参皂甙Re的HPLC法,该法简便、快速、稳定、可靠;随着煎煮时间延长,人参皂甙Re的含量显著下降,人参皂甙Re不宜用传统的煎煮法提取。     

左金丸对实验性应激性胃溃疡的保护作用及其机制

目的探讨中药左金丸对因束缚-水浸应激引起的大鼠应激性胃溃疡胃黏膜损伤的保护作用的影响,并初步探讨其作用机制。方法将60只健康SD雄性大鼠随机分为6组,即空白对照组、模型对照组、阳性对照组、左金丸低剂量组、左金丸中剂量组和左金丸高剂量组。连续灌胃给药5 d,末次给药后禁食不禁水24 h,采用"束缚-水浸"应激法制备大鼠应激性胃溃疡模型。造模成功后进行胃体形态学观察,测量胃液p H值,计算胃溃疡指数(UI),并用酶联免疫法检测血清中前列腺素E2(PGE2)的含量。结果(1)与空白对照组比较,模型对照组大鼠胃液p H值明显降低、胃黏膜损伤指数(UI)显著升高(P0.01);与模型对照组比较,阳性对照组、左金丸中、高剂量组大鼠胃液p H值明显升高,UI明显下降(P0.01);与阳性对照组比较,左金丸高剂量组大鼠胃液p H值和UI差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。(2)与空白对照组比较,模型对照组大鼠血清中PGE2含量显著降低(P0.01);与模型对照组比较,阳性对照组和左金丸高、中剂量组大鼠血清中PGE2含量均显著升高(P0.01);与阳性对照组比较,左金丸中、高剂量组大鼠血清中PGE2的含量差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 (1)左金丸对应激性胃溃疡大鼠胃黏膜具有保护作用。(2)左金丸通过升高大鼠胃液p H值和提高血清中PGE2含量,达到降低胃黏膜攻击因素和增强胃黏膜防御功能的作用,从而起到保护大鼠胃黏膜的作用。左金丸可以预防应激性胃溃疡的发生并能促进胃溃疡的愈合,其作用机制可能与提高胃液p H值从而降低胃黏膜攻击因素,促进PGE2释放从而增强胃黏膜防御功能等因素有关。(3)左金丸对应激性胃溃疡胃黏膜的保护作用在一定范围内与其浓度呈正相关关系。     

人参皂甙Rb1对阿尔茨海默病大鼠海马结构β-淀粉样蛋白表达的影响

目的观察人参皂甙Rb1对阿尔茨海默病（AD）模型大鼠学习记忆能力及海马结构β-淀粉样蛋白表达的影响。方法动物分3组：对照组、模型组及治疗组,用D半乳糖联合三氯化铝建立AD大鼠模型,治疗组在造模后给予人参皂甙Rb1腹腔注射4周;采用Morris水迷宫测试大鼠的空间学习记忆能力,用免疫组织化学方法观察海马结构β-淀粉样蛋白的表达。结果与对照组相比,模型组大鼠各时间段的逃避潜伏期均显著延长（P〈0．01）,海马CA1、CA3区及齿状回β-淀粉样蛋白表达的阳性细胞数明显增多（P〈0．01）;治疗组大鼠的逃避潜伏期较模型组明显缩短（P〈0．01）,海马CA1、CA3区及齿状回的β-淀粉样蛋白阳性细胞数显著减少（P〈0．01）。结论人参皂甙Rb1对AD模型大鼠学习记忆损害具有明显改善作用,其机制可能与人参皂甙Rb1减少海马结构β-淀粉样蛋白的表达有关。     

合欢花对慢性应激大鼠生长和脑单胺类神经递质含量的影响

为探讨合欢花对慢性应激大鼠生长和脑单胺类神经递质的影响,采用15只大鼠,设置了对照组、应激组和合欢花组3组实验。应激组和合欢花组均接受7天的应激刺激,之后合欢花组再灌胃合欢花10天。实验结束后,取3组大鼠的脑组织,用高效液相色谱法测定高香草酸(HVA)、去甲肾上腺素(NE)、多巴胺(DA)和5-羟色胺(5-HT)的含量。结果表明,应激组大鼠日增重显著低于对照组(P=0.011);而合欢花组大鼠的日增重极显著高于应激组(P=0.002)。应激组大鼠海马、纹状体和前额叶中的HVA含量与对照组相比,虽有升高的趋势,但无显著差异;两组间的NE、DA和5-HT也无显著差异。合欢花组大鼠海马中的HVA、DA含量明显高于应激组,而前额叶中的多巴胺和5-羟色胺,以及纹状体中的5-羟色胺均明显低于应激组。这表明合欢花对慢性应激引起的大鼠生长受抑有缓解作用,对其脑内单胺类神经递质有调节作用。     

亚健康状态大鼠的神经-免疫-内分泌机制的研究

目的探讨亚健康状态大鼠的神经-免疫-内分泌的机制。方法取雄性SPF级Wistar大鼠36只,按体重随机分成6组,即多因素组（MF）、多因素干预组（MFT）、热水游泳组（WS）、睡眠不足组（SD）、单纯束缚组（PC）和正常对照组（C）,每组6只。分别采用热水游泳、饮食限制、睡眠剥夺、束缚等方式建立亚健康大鼠模型,多因素干预组每日经口给予300 mg/kg的抗衰老片,在造模5 d后处理动物,并取大鼠血,分别测定血清5-羟色胺（5-HT）、多巴胺（DA）、甲状腺激素T3和T4、睾酮（T）、皮质酮（CORT）、促肾上腺皮质激素（ACTH）、白介素IL-1β、IL-2、IL-6、IL-8和IFN-γ含量以及T淋巴细胞亚群的变化,并取脾脏测定T、B淋巴细胞增殖能力和NK细胞活性变化。结果 （1）与正常对照组比,①造模结束后多因素组大鼠血清5-HT明显降低（P〈0.05）,而热水游泳组和单纯束缚组5-HT含量却升高显著（P〈0.01）,且睡眠不足组和单纯束缚组血清DA含量降低显著（P〈0.05）;同时各亚健康模型大鼠的血清T3、T4、CORT和ACTH含量均显著升高（P〈0.01）,T/C比值降低显著（P〈0.01）,且睡眠不足组血清T降低明显（P〈0.05）;②造模结束后多因素组的大鼠IL-8含量降低显著（P〈0.01）,而热水游泳组和单纯束缚组IL-1β、IL-2、IL-6、IL-8和IFN-γ含量以及睡眠不足组IL-1β、IL-2、IL-6含量均显著升高（P〈0.05,P〈0.01）,同时显著降低各亚健康模型大鼠淋巴细胞增殖转化能力和T淋巴细胞亚群CD3＋、CD4＋和CD4＋/CD8＋比值和NK细胞活性（P〈0.05,P〈0.01）。（2）与多因素组比,抗衰老片干预后多因素干预组大鼠血清DA含量明显升高（P〈0.05）,并能显著提高机体T淋巴细胞亚群CD3＋、CD4＋数目和CD4＋/CD8＋比值（P〈0.01）,降低血清CORT含量。结论亚健康状态能引起大鼠HPA轴反应性失衡,皮质醇释放过度,引起内分泌的紊乱,并能引起淋巴细胞功能降低,出现明显机体免疫抑制现象;而抗衰老片具有抗应激,提高T细胞免疫功能,改善情绪和内分泌紊乱的作用,从而达到改善亚健康体质的目的。     

Valeriana wallichii root extract improves sleep quality and modulates brain monoamine level in rats

The present study was performed to investigate the effects of Valeriana wallichi (VW) aqueous root extract on sleep-wake profile and level of brain monoamines on Sprague-Dawley rats. Electrodes and transmitters were implanted to record EEG and EMG in freely moving condition and the changes were recorded telemetrically after oral administration of VW in the doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight. Sleep latency was decreased and duration of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep was increased in a dose dependent manner. A significant decrease of sleep latency and duration of wakefulness were observed with VW at doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg. Duration of NREM sleep as well as duration of total sleep was increased significantly after treatment with VW at the doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg. VW also increased EEG slow wave activity during NREM sleep at the doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg. Level of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), serotonin (5-HT) and hydroxy indole acetic acid (HIAA) were measured in frontal cortex and brain stem after VW treatment at the dose of 200mg/kg. NE and 5HT level were decreased significantly in both frontal cortex and brain stem. DA and HIAA level significantly decreased only in cortex. DOPAC level was not changed in any brain region studied. In conclusion it can be said that VW water extract has a sleep quality improving effect which may be dependent upon levels of monoamines in cortex and brainstem.     

Anti-diabetic effect of ginsenoside Re in ob/ob mice

We evaluated the anti-diabetic effects of ginsenoside Re in adult male C57BL/6J ob/ob mice. Diabetic ob/ob mice with fasting blood glucose levels of approximately 230 mg/dl received daily intraperitoneal injections of 7, 20 and 60 mg/kg ginsenoside Re for 12 consecutive days. Dose-related effects of ginsenoside Re on fasting blood glucose levels were observed. After the 20 mg/kg treatment, fasting blood glucose levels were reduced to 188+/-9.2 and 180+/-10.8 mg/dl on Day 5 and Day 12, respectively (both P<0.01 compared to vehicle group, 229+/-9.5 and 235+/-13.4 mg/dl, respectively). The EC(70) of ginsenoside Re was calculated to be 10.3 mg/kg and was used for subsequent studies. Consistent with the reduction in blood glucose, there were significant decreases in both fed and fasting serum insulin levels in mice treated with ginsenoside Re. With 12 days of ginsenoside treatment, glucose tolerance of ob/ob mice increased significantly, and the area under the curve for glucose decreased by 17.8% (P<0.05 compared to vehicle treatment). The hypoglycemic effect of the ginsenoside persisted even at 3 days of treatment cessation (blood glucose levels: 198+/-13.1 with ginsenoside treatment vs. 253+/-20.3 mg/dl with vehicle, P<0.01). There were no significant changes in body weight or body temperature. Preliminary microarray analysis revealed differential expression of skeletal muscle genes associated with lipid metabolism and muscle function. The results suggest that ginsenoside Re may prove to be useful in treating type 2 diabetes.     

Effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid on corticosterone secretion: involvement of the noradrenergic system.

The administration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain right lateral ventricle reduces serum corticosterone levels, and induces significant variations of hypothalamus biogenic amines in conscious male rats. After pretreatment with either alpha 1-adrenergic (prazosin) or alpha 2-adrenergic (yohimbine) blocking agents, the inhibitory effect of GABA on ACTH secretion was prevented. However, we observed that pretreatment with a beta-adrenergic blocking agent (propranolol), did not preventing the inhibitory effect of GABA on serum corticosterone levels. These results indicate that GABA has an inhibitory effect on ACTH secretion mediated by the activation of alpha 1 and alpha 2-adrenergic receptors.     

Liquid chromatographic determination of free and conjugated 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethylene glycol with wide-ranging substances related to monoamine metabolism

A simple and sensitive procedure was developed for the simultaneous determination of substances metabolically related to monoamine transmitters including 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenylethylene glycol (MOPEG) in dissected brain regions of rats using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with electrochemical detection. The tissue sample was homogenized in HCl solution. The homogenate was divided into two portions, of which one was used for the assay of MOPEG after enzymatic hydrolysis with sulfatase. A butanol extraction process was performed on the remaining portion to obtain the sample of monoamine transmitters, precursor amino acids, and acidic metabolites. The monoamines and precursor amino acids were finally recovered in HCl solution, while the acidic metabolites shifted into the alkaline buffer from the organic layer. The basic and neutral substances were separated with a 0.1 M sodium citrate/citric acid buffer system (pH 4.0) containing 1% tetrahydrofuran, and the acidic ones with 0.075 M sodium citrate/citric acid buffer (pH 3.5) containing 1% tetrahydrofuran, 10% methanol, and 12% acetic acid. The steady-state concentrations of three monoamine transmitters (noradrenaline, dopamine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine) were determined together with their precursors and metabolites. Changes in the concentrations of these substances were examined for various drugs, of which the effects had been previously confirmed. The changes reflected putative drug effects and demonstrated that the procedure was applicable to the regional determination of monoamines and their metabolically related substances.     

甲状腺素和甲巯咪唑对大鼠视前区—下丘脑前部中及血清...

The contents of monamine transmitters in preoptic/anterior hypothalamic (PO/AH) area and in the serum of rats injected with thyroxine (T4, 1 mg/100 g body wt/d, for 10 d, hypodermic i.) and fed with methimazolum (10 mg/100 g body wt/d, for 15 d) were assayed by high pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detector (HPLC-ECD). It was found that the content of dopamine and homovanillic acid in PO/AH area showed significant increase (P less than 0.01) associated with a slight rise (P greater than 0.05) of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), and with no change of norepinephrine in the thyroxine group. After fed with methimazolum, the content of norepinephrine decreased significantly (P less than 0.05), but no obvious changes occurred in dopamine, homovanillic acid, 5-HT and 5-HIAA. By synchronous analysing of monamine transmitters in peripheral serum, it was showed that there was no significant linear relationship between the changes of monamine transmitters in the brain and in the serum. The correlation between thyroxine and methimazolum on the content of monamine transmitters and on the change of body temperature was also discussed.     

The effects of acute corticosterone administration on anxiety, endogenous corticosterone, and c-Fos expression in the rat brain

The effects of acute pretreatment of rats with corticosterone (5 and 20 mg/kg, s.c.) on emotional behavior, expression of c-Fos protein in brain structures, and serum concentration of corticosterone were studied to model the short-term glucocorticoid-dependent changes in brain functions. Corticosterone was administered 90 min before training of a conditioned fear reaction (a freezing response), and behavioral, hormonal and immunocytochemical effects were examined 1 day later, on the test day. Pretreatment of rats with corticosterone significantly attenuated the freezing reaction in the conditioned fear test. The effect of the corticosterone was accompanied by a selective enhancement of the aversive context-induced c-Fos expression in some brain structures: the parvocellular and magnocellular neurons of the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (pPVN and mPVN), the medial amygdala nucleus (MeA), and the cingulate cortex, area 1 (Cg1), as well as an increase in the concentration of aversive context-induced endogenous serum glucocorticoid, 1.5 h and 10 min after the test session, respectively. It is suggested that the behavioral effects of acute pretreatment of rats with corticosterone could be due to changes in the mnemonic processes in the brain, inhibition of brain corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) synthesis, or stimulation of GABA-A receptor modulating neurosteroids synthesis. It is hypothesized that the enhanced activity of Cg1, MeA, pPVN, and mPVN, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis with concomitant increased serum glucocorticoid concentration, might serve to facilitate active coping behavior in a threatening situation.     

人参皂苷Rg1对抑郁症大鼠抑郁行为和海马神经元损伤、PKA、PKC的影响

摘要 目的：探讨与分析人参皂苷Rg1对抑郁症大鼠抑郁行为和海马神经元损伤、蛋白激酶A（PKA）与蛋白激酶C（PKC）的影响。方法：抑郁症大鼠48只随机平分为三组-模型组、实验1组、实验2组,每组16只大鼠。实验1组、实验2组每天2次灌胃给药（1 mg/mL、4 mg/mL人参皂苷Rg1）,给药体积为10 mL;模型组以相同方式按体重给予双蒸水。观察与记录鼠抑郁行为和海马神经元损伤、PKA、PKC表达变化情况。结果：实验1组、实验2组治疗第7 d、第14 d的逃避潜伏期都显著低于模型组,实验2组与实验1组相比也显著缩短（P<0.05）。实验1组、实验2组治疗第7 d、第14 d的糖水偏好率高于模型组,实验2组与实验1组相比也显著升高（P<0.05）。实验1组、实验2组治疗第7 d、第14 d的血清5-羟色胺较模型组高,血清皮质酮含量较模型组低,实验2组与实验1组对比也有明显差异（P<0.05）。实验1组、实验2组治疗第7 d、第14 d的海马神经元组织的PKA、PKC蛋白相对表达水平显著低于模型组,实验2组与实验1组相比也显著缩短（P<0.05）。结论：人参皂苷Rg1在抑郁症大鼠的应用能改善抑郁行为,增加糖水偏好率,降低逃避潜伏期,还可提高大鼠的血清5-羟色胺含量,降低血清皮质酮含量,降低海马神经元组织的PKA、PKC蛋白表达水平。     

Effect of ginsenoside Re on depression- and anxiety-like behaviors and cognition memory deficit induced by repeated immobilization in rats

In this study, we assessed the effects of ginsenoside Re (GRe) administration on repeated immobilization stressinduced behavioral alterations using the forced swimming test (FST), the elevated plus maze (EPM), and the active avoidance conditioning test (AAT). Additionally, we examined the effect of GRe on the central adrenergic system by observing changes in neuronal tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression in the rat brain. Male rats received 10, 20, or 50 mg/kg GRe (i.p.) 30 min before daily exposures to repeated immobilization stress (2 h/day) for 10 days. Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in response to repeated immobilization was confirmed by measuring serum levels of corticosterone (CORT) and the expression of corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) in the hypothalamus. Repeated immobilization stress increased immobility in the FST and reduced openarm exploration in the EPM test. It also increased the probability of escape failures in the AAT test, indicating a reduced avoidance response. Daily administration of GRe during the repeated immobilization stress period significantly inhibited the stress-induced behavioral deficits in these behavioral tests. Administration of GRe also significantly blocked the increase in TH expression in the locus coeruleus (LC) and the decrease in BDNF mRNA expression in the hippocampus. Taken together, these findings indicate that administration of GRe prior to immobilization stress significantly improved helpless behaviors and cognitive impairment, possibly through modulating the central noradrenergic system in rats. These findings suggest that GRe may be a useful agent for treating complex symptoms of depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment.     

Hyperforin depletes synaptic vesicles content and induces compartmental redistribution of nerve ending monoamines

Hyperforin, a phloroglucinol derivative found in Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) extracts has antidepressant properties in depressed patients. Hyperforin has a unique pharmacological profile and it inhibits uptake of biogenic monoamines as well as amino acid transmitters. We have recently showed that the monoamines uptake inhibition exerted by hyperforin is related to its ability to dissipate the pH gradient across the synaptic vesicle membrane thereby interfering with vesicular monoamines storage. In the present study we demonstrate that hyperforin induces dose-dependent efflux of preloaded [3H]5HT and [3H]DA from rat brain slices. Moreover, we show that hyperforin attenuates depolarization- dependent release of monoamines, while increasing monoamine release by amphetamine or fenfluramine. It is also demonstrated that preincubation of brain slices with reserpine is associated with dose- dependent blunting of efflux due to hyperforin. Our data indicate that hyperforin-induced efflux of [3H]5HT and [3H]DA reflect elevated cytoplasmic concentrations of the two monoamines secondary to the depletion of the synaptic vesicle content and the compartmental redistribution of nerve ending monoamines.     

Failure of Glucose and Branched-Chain Amino Acids to Normalize Brain Glucose Use in Portacaval Shunted Rats

Several abnormalities in brain and plasma amino acid concentrations caused by portacaval shunting in rats return toward normal after 4 days of intravenous infusion with either glucose or glucose with branched-chain amino acids. To assess the effect of such treatment on brain energy metabolism, regional brain glucose use was measured using [14C]glucose and autoradiography, 5 weeks after portacaval shunting. In one experiment intravenous glucose or glucose with branched-chain amino acids was given for 4 days. In a separate experiment the treatment was given orally for 2 weeks, and in addition to glucose use, brain monoamines and amino acids were measured. No other food was provided; the rats had free access to water. Normally fed shunted rats and sham-operated rats served as controls. Both types of oral treatment lowered the high concentrations of tyrosine, phenylalanine, and glutamine in plasma and brain. Glucose without amino acids normalized brain tryptophan. Levels of brain norepinephrine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were significantly raised after shunting. Treatment had no effect on norepinephrine but the glucose diet brought the indoles into the normal range. In contrast, neither intravenous nor oral treatment affected brain glucose use, which remained depressed by 25-30% in all brain areas examined.