Protective effect of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) on motor neurons was studied after peripheral nerve injury. Twenty Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups randomly. The right sciatic nerve of each rat was resected. After silicon tubulization of sciatic nerve in rat, 15 μl 1 ng/ml IL-1β and PBS solution were injected into the silicon capsule respectively. Enzyme histochemistry was performed to show acctyle cholesterase (AchE) and nitric oxide staining (NOS) activity of spinal α motor neurons in spinal segments 2 weeks later. Neurons were counted and the diameter and cross sectional (c/s) area of neurons were analyzed by using computer image analysis system. The results showed that as compared with the normal side, both enzyme activities significantly changed in motor neurons in PBS group. The diameter and c/s area of both neurons changed significantly too (P<0.01). These results suggest that exogenous IL-1β protects α-motor neurons from degeneration and necrosis after peripheral nerve injury.
To explore the biological effects of light on trabecular cells, cultured bovine trabecular cells were exposed to visible light of different wavelength with different energy. Cellular morphology, structure, proliferation, and phagocytosis were observed. The cells showed no remarkable changes when the energy was low. When the exposure energy reached 1.12 mW/cm2, the cytoplasm showed a rough appearance, and cell proliferation and phagocytosis decreased. This photoxicity was strong with white light (compound chromatic light), moderate with violet light or yellow light, and mild with red light.
In order to explore the PAR-1 mRNA and protein expression around hemotoma following intracerebral hemorrhage and the relation between the PAR-1 expression and thrombin, collagenase VII was stereotaxically injected into right caudate nucleus in rats. The PAR-1 mRNA expression was detected by RT-PCR method and the PAR-1 protein expression by immunohistochemical method respectively. It was found that the PAR-1 mRNA and protein expression around hemotoma was increased at 6 h after intracerebral hemorrhage (P<0.05), peaked at 2 days (P<0.01), and then declined. The change pattern of the PAR-1 mRNA and protein expression was similar to that of intracerebral hemorrhage after thrombin intracerebral injection. The PAR-1 mRNA and protein expression in hirudin group showed no significant, difference with control group. These results indicated that the PAR-1 mRNA and protein expression were markedly increased after intracerebral hemorrhage, which may be closely related to thrombin. Upregulation of the PAR-1 expression may involve in neurotoxic injury induced by thrombin.
To examine the role and effect of nitric oxide synthase type II (NOS II) in cirrhotic rats, expression of NOS II mRNA was detected by real time RT-PCR. The enzymatic activity of nitric oxide synthase and the circulating levels of NO, systemic and portal hemodynamics and quantification of cirrhosis were measured. Chinese traditional medicine was used to treat cirrhotic rats and the effect of NO was evaluated. Double-blind method was used in experiment. Our results showed the concentration of NO and the enzymatic activity of NOS increased markedly at all stages of cirrhosis and iNOSmRNA was strongly expressed. Meanwhile, the portal-venous-pressure (PVP) and portal-venous-flow (PVF) were significantly increased. NO, NOS and iNOSmRNA were positively correlated to the degree of hepatic fibrosis. Tetrandrine significantly inhibited NO production and the expression of iNOSmRNA. Our results suggested that increased hepatic expression of NOS II is one of the important factors causing cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Tetrandrine can significantly ameliorate cirrhosis and portal hypertension.
The effect of rosiglitazone on endocrine, metabolism and ovulatory performance in the paitents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance was investigated. Twentyfive patients diagnosed as having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) combined with insulin resistance were treated with rosiglitazone for 12 weeks. Before and after treatment, serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), androstenedione (A), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), insulin and glucose concentration, total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholestero (LDL-C), apolipoprotein A, apolipoprotein B levels and ovulatory performance were determined. The results showed that after treatment serum insulin levels was decreased significantly (P<0.01). The HDL-C was increased while LDL-C decreased significantly (P<0.05,P<0.01). The serum LH, T, A concentrations and the ratio of LH/FSH were decreased, while SH-BG levels increased significantly (P<0.01). The ovulation rate during clomiphene citrate therapy was 72%, significantly higher than that before treatment. It is likely that reduction of hyperinsulinemia that is produce by rosiglitazone may effectively improve the endocrine, metabolism and ovulatory performance in the patients with PCOS and insulin resistance.