Effects of Electroacupuncture on Uterine Morphology and Expression of Oestrogen Receptors in Ovariectomised Rats

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 208-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shulan Ma ◽  
Dongju Li ◽  
Yi Feng ◽  
Jianwei Jiang ◽  
Bo Shen

Aim To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on uterine morphology and expression of oestrogen receptor (ER) α and β in ovariectomised (OVX) rats. Methods Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats with regular 4-day oestrus cycles were divided into a sham operation group (Control, n=10) and two OVX groups that remained untreated (OVX group, n=10) or received EA treatment (OVX+EA group, n=10). In the latter group, EA was applied at CV4, CV3, SP6 and bilateral Zigong (30 min per day) for 3 days. The effects of EA on uterine morphology were observed by H&E staining. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to measure ERα and ERβ mRNA and protein expression, respectively. Results Relative to the (untreated) OVX group, EA treatment significantly increased the uterine wet weight to body weight (UWW/BW) ratio (0.47±0.04 vs 0.31±0.03 g/kg, p=0.04), and myometrial thickness (109.39±10.71 vs 60.81±8.1 μm, p=0.016) of OVX rats. Similarly, the total number of endometrial glands per cross section and endometrial thickness in the OVX +EA group was significantly increased compared to the (untreated) OVX group. EA treatment also increased protein (but not mRNA) expression of both ERα and ERβ in the uteri of OVX rats. Conclusions This study has demonstrated that EA treatment decreases uterine atrophy in OVX rats. This unique effect of EA on the uterus may be due to upregulation of serum levels of E2 and differential regulation of sex steroid receptors ERα and ERβ.

2000 ◽  
Vol 279 (1) ◽  
pp. G172-G177 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. K. McCullough ◽  
Y. Takahashi ◽  
T. Le ◽  
Q. J. Pittman ◽  
M. G. Swain

Patients with biliary tract obstruction have unexplained, inordinately high rates of perioperative morbidity and mortality, whereas cholestatic animals display abnormal hypothalamic responses to pyrogenic stimuli. We asked if obstructive cholestasis was associated with abnormal fever generation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (250 g) underwent laparotomy for implantation of thermistors and either bile duct resection (BDR) or sham operation. After recovery, temperatures were recorded by telemetry and conscious, unrestrained rats in each group were injected intraperitoneally with either interleukin-1β (IL-1β;1 μg/kg) or Escherichia colilipopolysaccharide (LPS; 50 μg/kg). Baseline temperatures in both groups were similar. Febrile responses after IL-1β injection in BDR and sham groups were not significantly different. However, in response to LPS injection, BDR rats showed an initial hypothermia with a subsequently attenuated febrile response. Administration of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) antibody 2 h before LPS injection blocked the LPS-induced hypothermia seen in BDR animals. However, serum levels of TNF-α were not significantly different between sham and BDR animals after LPS injection at any time point measured (0, 1.5, and 3 h).


1974 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 491-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junichi Mori ◽  
Hiroshi Nagasawa ◽  
Reiko Yanai ◽  
Junji Masaki

ABSTRACT The sequence of changes in the serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from 2 days before to 24 h after parturition of primiparous Sprague-Dawley rats was investigated by radioimmunoassay. No appreciable change in average serum FSH levels was observed during 2 days before and 1 h after parturition. After this the levels increased gradually to show a peak at 7 h after parturition and then declined gradually until 24 h after parturition. However, the level at 24 h after parturition was still twice as high as that at parturition (0 h). The average serum LH levels which were low between 2 days before and 1 h after parturition, showed a peak at 7 h and decreased toward 13 h after parturition. The same levels as at parturition were maintained between 13 and 24 h after parturition. The time of surge of either FSH or LH was closely related to the time after parturition. There were some differences between FSH and LH in the patterns of sequence of changes in the serum levels near parturition.


2012 ◽  
Vol 302 (1) ◽  
pp. G145-G152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vairappan Balasubramaniyan ◽  
Gavin Wright ◽  
Vikram Sharma ◽  
Nathan A. Davies ◽  
Yalda Sharifi ◽  
...  

Ammonia is central in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy, which is associated with dysfunction of the nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathway. Ornithine phenylacetate (OP) reduces hyperammonemia and brain water in cirrhotic animals. This study aimed to determine whether endothelial NO synthase activity is altered in the brain of cirrhotic animals, whether this is associated with changes in the endogenous inhibitor, asymmetric-dimethylarginine (ADMA) and its regulating enzyme, dimethylarginine-dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH-1), and whether these abnormalities are restored by ammonia reduction using OP. Sprague-Dawley rats were studied 4-wk after bile duct ligation (BDL) ( n = 16) or sham operation ( n = 8) and treated with placebo or OP (0.6 g/kg). Arterial ammonia, brain water, TNF-α, plasma, and brain ADMA were measured using standard techniques. NOS activity was measured radiometrically, and protein expression for NOS enzymes, ADMA, DDAH-1, 4-hydroxynonenol (4HNE), and NADPH oxidase (NOX)-1 were measured by Western blotting. BDL significantly increased arterial ammonia ( P < 0.0001), brain water ( P < 0.05), and brain TNF-α ( P < 0.01). These were reduced significantly by OP treatment. The estimated eNOS component of constitutive NOS activity was significantly lower ( P < 0.05) in BDL rat, and this was significantly attenuated in OP-treated animals. Brain ADMA levels were significantly higher and brain DDAH-1 significantly lower in BDL compared with sham ( P < 0.01) and restored toward normal following treatment with OP. Brain 4HNE and NOX-1 protein expression were significantly increased in BDL rat brain, which were significantly decreased following OP administration. We show a marked abnormality of NO regulation in cirrhotic rat brains, which can be restored by reduction in ammonia concentration using OP.


MicroRNA ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 224-231
Author(s):  
Amin Derakhshanfar ◽  
Javad Moayedi ◽  
Mahjoob Vahedi ◽  
Abouzar Valizadeh

Background: Arum conophalloides (A. conophalloides) is a wild edible delicate plant, widely used in traditional medicine. Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of A. conophalloides extracts on biochemical, molecular, and histopathological changes in the rat. Methods: Fifty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups (10 each) as follows: G1 or control, received distilled water; G2 and G3, treated with the aqueous extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg; G4 and G5, treated with the hydroalcoholic extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. Prior to and at the end of the experiments, the serum levels of biochemistry parameters and the relative expression of miR-122 were assessed. Moreover, the liver and kidney tissues were examined microscopically. Results: Liver and kidney tissues showed normal structure in all groups. There were no significant changes in biochemical indices or the expression of miR-122 in the extract-treated groups at the dose of 200 mg/kg. However, the group that received the aqueous extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg exhibited a significantly lower level of HDL, LDL, ALT, and ALP in comparison to the control. Additionally, miR-122 expression in this group exhibited a 10-fold increase (P=0.009). Conclusion: The serum level of hepatocyte-specific miR-122 will be more helpful in detecting hepatic changes in early stages than ALT and AST activity or histopathological evaluations of liver sections. Our findings highlight the potential hepatotoxicity of A. conophalloides aqueous extract in a rat model.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nima Tirgan ◽  
Gabriela A. Kulp ◽  
Praveena Gupta ◽  
Adam Boretsky ◽  
Tomasz A. Wiraszka ◽  
...  

Diabetes and smoking are known risk factors for cataract development. In this study, we evaluated the effect of nicotine on the progression of cataracts in a type 1 diabetic rat model. Diabetes was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by a single injection of 65 mg/kg streptozotocin. Daily nicotine injections were administered subcutaneously. Forty-five rats were divided into groups of diabetics with and without nicotine treatment and controls with and without nicotine treatment. Progression of lens opacity was monitored using a slit lamp biomicroscope and scores were assigned. To assess whether systemic inflammation played a role in mediating cataractogenesis, we studied serum levels of eotaxin, IL-6, and IL-4. The levels of the measured cytokines increased significantly in nicotine-treated and untreated diabetic animals versus controls and demonstrated a positive trend in the nicotine-treated diabetic rats. Our data suggest the presence of a synergistic relationship between nicotine and diabetes that accelerated cataract formation via inflammatory mediators.


2011 ◽  
Vol 212 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aiying Liu ◽  
Liping Gao ◽  
Shoulei Kang ◽  
Ying Liu ◽  
Chuanying Xu ◽  
...  

After menopause, the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is due not only to estrogen decline but also to androgen decline. This study examined the effects of either estradiol (E2) or testosterone replacement alone or E2–testosterone combination on isolated myocytes in ovariectomized (Ovx) rats subjected to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Furthermore, we determined whether the effects are associated with β2-adrenoceptor (β2-AR). Five groups of adult female Sprague–Dawley rats were used: Sham operation (Sham) rats, bilateral Ovx rats, Ovx rats with E2 40 μg/kg per day (Ovx+E), Ovx rats with testosterone 150 μg/kg per day (Ovx+T), and Ovx rats with E2 40 μg/kg per day+testosterone 150 μg/kg per day (Ovx+E/T). We determined the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, percentage of rod-shaped cells and apoptosis of ventricular myocytes from rats of all groups subjected to I/R. Then, we determined the above indices and contractile function with or without a selective β2-AR antagonist ICI 118 551. We also determined the expression of β2-AR. Our data show that either E2 or testosterone replacement alone or E2 and testosterone in combination decreased the LDH release, increased the percentage of rod-shaped cells, reduced apoptotic cells (%), and combination treatment appeared to be more effective than either E2 or testosterone replacement alone. ICI 118 551 abolished the effects of the three. Combination supplementation also enhanced the expression of β2-AR. We concluded that in Ovx rats, testosterone enhances E2's cardioprotection, while E2 and testosterone in combination was more effective and the protective effects may be associated with β2-AR. The study highlights the potential therapeutic application for CVD in postmenopausal women.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiangfeng Liu ◽  
Huijun Kang ◽  
Jiangfeng Lu ◽  
Yike Dai ◽  
Fei Wang

Abstract Background Poor osseointegration is the key reason for implant failure after arthroplasty,whether under osteoporotic or normal bone conditions. To date, osseointegration remains a major challenge. Recent studies have shown that deferoxamine (DFO) can accelerate osteogenesis by activating the hypoxia signaling pathway. The purpose of this study was to test the following hypothesis: after knee replacement, intra-articular injection of DFO will promote osteogenesis and osseointegration with a 3D printed titanium prosthesis in the bones of osteoporotic rats. Materials and methods Ninety female Sprague–Dawley rats were used for the experiment. Ten rats were used to confirm the successful establishment of the osteoporosis model: five rats in the sham operation group and five rats in the ovariectomy group. After ovariectomy and knee arthroplasty were performed, the remaining 80 rats were randomly divided into DFO and control groups (n = 40 per group). The two groups were treated by intraarticular injection of DFO and saline respectively. After 2 weeks, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the levels of HIF-1a, VEGF, and CD31. HIF-1a and VEGF have been shown to promote angiogenesis and bone regeneration, and CD31 is an important marker of angiogenesis. After 12 weeks, the specimens were examined by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), biomechanics, and histopathology to evaluate osteogenesis and osseointegration. Results The results of PCR showed that the mRNA levels of VEGF and CD31 in the DFO group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The immunohistochemistry results indicated that positive cell expression of HIF-1a, VEGF, and CD31 in the DFO group was also higher. Compared with the control group, the micro-CT parameters of BMD, BV/TV, TB. N, and TB. Th were significantly higher. The maximal pull-out force and the bone-to-implant contact value were also higher. Conclusions The local administration of DFO, which is used to activate the HIF-1a signaling pathway, can promote osteogenesis and osseointegration with a prosthesis in osteoporotic bone.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Zeng ◽  
Bao-fu Yu ◽  
Nan Liu ◽  
Yan-yan Yang ◽  
Hua-yi Xing ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract Background Endogenous α-synuclein (α-Syn) is involved in many pathophysiological processes in the secondary injury stage after acute spinal cord injury (SCI), and the mechanism governing these functions has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. This research aims to characterize the effect of α-Syn knockdown on transcriptional levels after SCI and to determine the mechanisms underlying α-Syn activity based on RNA-seq. Result The establishment of a rat model of lentiviral vector-mediated knockdown of α-Syn in Sprague-Dawley rats with T3 spinal cord contusion. The results of the RNA-SEQ analysis showed that there were 191 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the SCI group and the LV_SCI group, and 96 DEGs in the LV_SCI group compared with the sham operation group (CON group). The top 20 biological transition terms were identified by Gene ontology (GO) analysis. The Kyoto Gene and Genomic Encyclopedia (KEGG) analysis showed that the LV_SCI group significantly up-regulated the cholinergic synaptic pathway and the neuroactive ligand receptor interaction signaling pathway. Enriched chord analysis analyzes key genes. Further cluster analysis, gene and protein interaction network analysis showed that Chrm2 and Chrnb2 together observed the LV_SCI group to promote the proliferation of Chrm2 and Chrnb2 and the neurogenesis of the injury site by immunofluorescence. Further by subcellular localization, the LV_SCI group enhanced the expression of Chrnb2 at the cell membrane and cell junction. Conclusion Knockdown of α-synuclein after spinal cord injury enhance motor function and promote neurogenesis probably through enhancing cholinergic signaling pathways and neuroreceptor interactions. This study not only further clarifies the understanding of the mechanism of knockdown of α-synuclein on SCI but also helps to guide the treatment strategy for SCI.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas A. Everett ◽  
Anita J Turner ◽  
Priscila A Costa ◽  
Sarah J. Baracz ◽  
Jennifer L. Cornish

AbstractBackgroundThe neuropeptide oxytocin has emerged as a promising pharmacotherapy for methamphetamine (METH) addiction, and clinical trials of intranasal oxytocin are underway. However, there is debate as to how peripherally administered oxytocin alters brain signaling to modulate addiction processes. Interestingly, there is evidence for functional interactions between peripheral oxytocin administration and the vagus nerve. Therefore, this study investigated whether the effects of peripherally administered oxytocin require vagal signaling to reduce METH self-administration and reinstatement of METH-seeking behaviours.MethodsMale and female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent surgery for jugular catheterization and either subdiaphragmatic vagotomy (SDV) or a sham operation. Rats were trained to self-administer METH, and the effect of peripherally administered oxytocin on METH intake was assessed. Rats then underwent extinction, and effects of oxytocin were assessed on cue- and METH-induced reinstatement of METH-seeking.ResultsOxytocin treatment robustly attenuated METH intake in both sexes. Strikingly, SDV entirely prevented the suppressant effect of oxytocin (0.3 mg/kg) on METH intake, and partially prevented the effects of 1 mg/kg oxytocin in both sexes. After extinction, SDV impaired the suppressing effects of oxytocin on cue- and METH-primed reinstatement in males, but not females. SDV was functionally confirmed by measuring food intake following administration of the vagal dependent peptide, cholecyostokin-8.ConclusionOur data suggest that vagus nerve signaling is required for the anti-addiction effects of peripherally administered oxytocin, and that this vagal dependency is partially mediated by sex and drug withdrawal. This study has considerable implications for the applicability of oxytocin as a therapy for METH use disorder for both sexes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 504-510
Author(s):  
Fatih ÇALIŞKAN ◽  
Hızır Ufuk AKDEMİR ◽  
Celal KATI ◽  
Latif DURAN ◽  
Tolga GÜVENÇ

This study aims to evaluate the effect of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of aminoguanidine and metylprednisolone (MP) on lung tissue in a pulmonary contusion model of rats and evaluate whether their combined use improves treatment efficacy. This study included 35 female Sprague Dawley rats weighing 250-300 grams. The rats were divided into five groups as following: Sham; Pulmonary Contusion (PC); PC+MP, PC group treated with i.p methylprednisolone; PC+AG, PC group treated with i.p Aminoguanidine; and PC+AG+MP, PC group treated with Aminoguanidine and methylprednisolone. Each group had seven animals. Blood and lung tissues were studied biochemically and histopathologically. When compared groups according to serum levels of biomarkers, serum YKL-40, nitrate-nitrite, catalase, and TBARS levels were significant different. Serum YKL-40 levels were decreased after treatments in three groups. The serum YKL-40 levels in PC+AG group were lower than the other treatment groups, especially compared to PC + MP (p=0.028). Serum nitrate-nitrite levels were decreased in all treatment groups (PC+MP, PC+AG and PC+MP+AG). The lowest levels were measured in PC+MP+AG; but there was no statistically significant difference compared to PC group (p>0.05). Serum catalase levels were increased in all treatment groups. The higher levels were measured in PC+MP+AG than the other single treatment groups; however, PC+MP+AG and PC+MP were statistically significant different compared to PC group (p=0.001 and p=0.002 respectively). Serum TBARS levels were decreased in all treatment groups compared to Sham group (p<0.001) and PC group (p<0.001). The lowest levels were measured in PC+MP+AG compared to PC group (p<0.001). Histopathologic and immunohistochemical staining scores were decreased at all the treatment groups, especially PC+MP+AG. We suggest the use of combined treatment of methylprednisolone and aminoguanidine for the treatment of pulmonary contusion.


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