Background: No other effects of atropine other than as an antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) have been found. Methods: In this study, human kidneyepithelial cells were treated with different physi...Background: No other effects of atropine other than as an antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) have been found. Methods: In this study, human kidneyepithelial cells were treated with different physiological regulators. Results: Subsequently, it was found that atropine could significantly induce autophagy as demonstrated by the appearance of autophagosome-like double- or single-membrane vesicles in the cytoplasm ofhost cells and the number of GFP-LC3 dots. In addition, increased conversion of the autophagy marker protein LC3-I and LC3-II and increased p62/SQSTM1 indicatedincomplete autophagy. In addition, atropine induced autophagosome levels in a dose-dependent manner within a certain concentration range in human kidney epithelial cells. In atropine-treated mouse skeletal muscle cells containing nicotinic acetylcholinereceptors and rat cardiac muscle cells containing mAchR, atropine induced autophagy in mouse skeletal muscle cells but not in rat cardiac muscle cells. Furthermore, atropine did not induce autophagy in tissue cells containing mAchR in vivo but did in tissue cells not containing mAchR. Conclusion: This study expands the application and understanding of atropine’s action mechanism in the field of medicine.展开更多
Therapeutic intervention for spinal cord injury is limited,with many approaches relying on strengthening the remaining substrate and driving recovery through rehabilitative training.As compared with learning novel com...Therapeutic intervention for spinal cord injury is limited,with many approaches relying on strengthening the remaining substrate and driving recovery through rehabilitative training.As compared with learning novel compensatory strategies,rehabilitation focuses on resto ring movements lost to injury.Whether rehabilitation of previously learned movements after spinal cord injury requires the molecular mechanisms of motor learning,or if it engages previously trained motor circuits without requiring novel learning remains an open question.In this study,mice we re randomly assigned to receive intrape ritoneal injection with the pan-nicotinic,non-competitive antagonist mecamylamine and the nicotinicα7 subunit selective antagonist methyllycaconitine citrate salt or vehicle(normal saline)prior to motor learning assays,then randomly reassigned after motor learning for rehabilitation study post-injury.Ce rvical spinal co rd dorsal column lesion was used as a model of in complete injury.Results of this study showed that nicotinic acetylcholine signaling was required for motor learning of the single pellet-reaching task but it was dispensable for the rehabilitation of the same task after injury.Our findings indicate that critical diffe rences exist between the molecular mechanisms supporting compensatory motor learning strategies and the restoration of behavior lost to spinal cord injury.展开更多
Background:Anisodine hydrobromide(AT3),an anti-cholinergic agent,could be delivered to the brain across the blood-brain barrier and has been used clinically for the treatment of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.En...Background:Anisodine hydrobromide(AT3),an anti-cholinergic agent,could be delivered to the brain across the blood-brain barrier and has been used clinically for the treatment of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.Endothelial dysfunction can be caused by hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R)via oxidative stress and metabolic alterations.The present study investigated whether AT3 regulates the production of nitric oxide(NO)and reactive oxygen species(ROS),and the HIF-1αpathway via regulation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors(mAChRs)in brain microvascular endothelial cells after H/R exposure.Methods:Under H/R conditions,hCMEC/D3 cerebral microvascular endothelial cells were treated with AT3.Specific inhibitors of M2-and M4-mAChRs were used to explore the mechanism by which AT3 influences oxidative stress in endothelial cells.Then,mAChRs expression was detected by western blotting and NO production was detected by Greiss reaction.The intracellular ROS level was measured using DCFH-DA probes.The expression of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 1α(HIF-1α)was also detected.Results:While H/R induced the expression of M2-and M4-mAChRs,AT3 suppressed the H/R-upregulated M2-and M4-mAChRs.H/R also induced the production of NO,ROS,and apoptosis.AT3 and M4-mAChR inhibitors inhibited the H/R-induced production of NO and ROS and apoptosis.HIF-1αwas induced by H/R,but was suppressed by AT3.Conclusion:Thus,the in vitro evidence shows that AT3 protects against H/R injury in cerebral microvascular endothelial cells via inhibition of HIF-1α,NO and ROS,predominantly through the downregulation of M4-mAChR.The findings offer novel understandings regarding AT3-mediated attenuation of endothelial cell apoptosis and cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.展开更多
OBJECTIVE Individuals vary in sensitivity to the behavioral effects of nicotine,resulting in differences in their vulnerability to addiction.The role of rearing environment in determining individual sensitivity to nic...OBJECTIVE Individuals vary in sensitivity to the behavioral effects of nicotine,resulting in differences in their vulnerability to addiction.The role of rearing environment in determining individual sensitivity to nicotine is unclear.The neuropharmacological mechanisms mediating the effect of rearing environment on the actions of nicotine are also understood.Thus,the contribution of rearing environment in determining the sensitivity to the locomotor effects of nicotine and regulating α4β2*-and α7-nicotinic acetylcholine(n ACh) receptor expressionwas determined in rats reared in isolated(IC) or enriched(EC) conditions.METHODS To measure locomotor activity,adolescent rats(postnatal day 21-51)were injected with saline(1 mL·kg^(-1)) or nicotine(0.3 mg·kg^(-1)) subcutaneously,then placed in chamberswhere ambulatory activity was monitored for 30-min by computer for 14 daily sessions.α4β2*-andα7-n ACh receptor expression in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway was determined by quantitative autoradiography of [125 I]-epibatidine and [125 I]-bungarotoxinbinding,respectively,in 16 μmol·L^(-1) coronal sections.Values for receptor expression in fmol are ±s of 8 brains and compared by two-tailed,unpaired t-test with P<0.05 considered significant.RESULTS EC-rats are similarly sensitive as IC-rats to the locomotor effects of nicotine.[125 I]-epibatidine binding in the ventral tegmental area of EC-rats was reduced(2.8±0.3 fmo L) compared to IC-rats(4.0±0.4 fmo L);there was no difference in the nucleus accumbens.There was no difference between EC-and IC-rats in α7-n ACh receptor expression in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway.CONCLUSION Rearing environment differentially regulates n ACh receptor subtypes in EC and IC rats.These data suggest regulation of n ACh receptors by environmental factors may be a mechanism for the protective effect of enrichment against altered sensitivity to nicotine in genetically vulnerable individuals.The characterization of these mechanisms will aid in development of novel pharmacological tools mimicking the protection afforded by environmental enrichment in nicotine-sensitive individuals.展开更多
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an important enzyme responsible for the cleavage of acetylcholine. Studies of the activity of this enzyme use an artificial substrate, acetylthiocholine, because a product of its catalys...Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an important enzyme responsible for the cleavage of acetylcholine. Studies of the activity of this enzyme use an artificial substrate, acetylthiocholine, because a product of its catalysis, thiocholine, readily generates a light absorbing product upon reaction with Elman’s reagent 5,5’-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB). The hydrolysis of acetylcholine cannot be assayed with this method. The isothermal titration calorimetry can assay the hydrolysis of both substrates, without requiring additional reagents other than the enzyme and the substrate. To compare kinetic values obtained in the hydrolysis of acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylthiocholine (ATCh), with carbaryl acting as inhibitor, a calorimetric technique was used to evaluate kinetic properties of the two reactions. This method can show the hydrolysis of both substrates by the heat exchange that occurs during catalysis. In addition, it allowed the assessment of the AChE inhibition by carbaryl, a common insecticide. The results show a similarity between values obtained with both substrates, which are slightly higher for acetylcholine, the enzyme natural substrate. Enzymatic parameters values from ATCh and ACh were similar to each other and inhibitory constants using carbaryl were also similar, displaying that any approach to ACh is feasible using ATCh. The results obtained from ITC show the precision achieved by the calorimetric method.展开更多
Sepsis-associated encephalopathy(SAE) is a brain dysfunction that occurs secondary to infection in the bo characterized by alteration of consciousness, ranging from delirium to coma, seizure or focal neurological sign...Sepsis-associated encephalopathy(SAE) is a brain dysfunction that occurs secondary to infection in the bo characterized by alteration of consciousness, ranging from delirium to coma, seizure or focal neurological signs. S involves a number of mechanisms, including neuroinflammation, in which the interaction between cytokines a acetylcholine results in neuronal loss and alterations in cholinergic signaling. Moreover, the interaction also occurs the periphery, accelerating a type of immunosuppressive state. Although its diagnosis is not specific in biochemis and imaging tests, it could potentiate severe outcomes, including increased mortality, cognitive decline, progress immunosuppression, cholinergic anti-inflammatory deficiency, and even metabolic and hydroelectrolyte imbalan Therefore, the bilateral communication between SAE and the multiple peripheral organs and especially the immu system should be emphasized in sepsis management.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the effects of green flickering light on refractive development and expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor(mAChR) M1 in the eyes of guinea pigs.METHODS: Thirty guinea pigs(15-20 days old) ...AIM: To investigate the effects of green flickering light on refractive development and expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor(mAChR) M1 in the eyes of guinea pigs.METHODS: Thirty guinea pigs(15-20 days old) were randomly divided into three groups(n=10/group). Animals in group I were raised in a completely closed carton with green flickering light illumination. Those in group II were kept in the open top closed carton under normal natural light. Guinea pigs were raised in a sight-widen cage under normal natural light in group III. The refractive status and axial length were measured before and after 8 weeks' illumination. Moreover, total RNA extracted from retinal, choroidal, and scleral tissues were determined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). The expressions of the receptor M1 were also explored in the retina, choroid, and sclera using immunohistochemistry.RESULTS: There was a remarkable reduction in refractive error and increase in axial length after 8-weeks' green flickering light stimulation(P<0.001). The expression of M1 receptor mRNA in sclera and retina in myopia group were remarkably lower than that in group II and III(P<0.01). Significant reduced expression of M1 receptor stimulated by green flickering light in retina and sclera tissues were also observed(P<0.05). However, there was no M1 receptor expression in choroid in 3 groups.CONCLUSION: Myopia can be induced by 8 weeks' green flickering light exposure in the animal model. M1 receptor may be involved causally or protectively in myopia development.展开更多
Myasthenia gravis is a rare and invalidating disease affecting the neuromuscular junction of voluntary muscles.The classical form of this autoimmune disease is characterized by the presence of antibodies against the m...Myasthenia gravis is a rare and invalidating disease affecting the neuromuscular junction of voluntary muscles.The classical form of this autoimmune disease is characterized by the presence of antibodies against the most abundant protein in the neuromuscular junction,the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.Other variants of the disease involve autoimmune attack of non-receptor scaffolding proteins or enzymes essential for building or maintaining the integrity of this peripheral synapse.This review summarizes the participation of the above proteins in building the neuromuscular junction and the destruction of this cholinergic synapse by autoimmune aggression in myasthenia gravis.The review also covers the application of a powerful biophysical technique,superresolution optical microscopy,to image the nicotinic receptor in live cells and follow its motional dynamics.The hypothesis is entertained that anomalous nanocluster formation by antibody crosslinking may lead to accelerated endocytic internalization and elevated turnover of the receptor,as observed in myasthenia gravis.展开更多
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies have been shown to form against the nicotinic acetylcholine nicotinic postsynaptic receptors located at the neuromuscular junction."Warming yang and...Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies have been shown to form against the nicotinic acetylcholine nicotinic postsynaptic receptors located at the neuromuscular junction."Warming yang and invigorating qi" acupuncture treatment has been shown to reduce serum inflammatory cytokine expression and increase transforming growth factor beta expression in rats with experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis.However,few studies have addressed the effects of this type of acupuncture on the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction.Here,we used confocal laser scanning microscopy to examine the area and density of immunoreactivity for an antibody to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction in the phrenic nerve of rats with experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis following "warming yang and invigorating qi" acupuncture therapy.Needles were inserted at acupressure points Shousanli(LI10),Zusanli(ST36),Pishu(BL20),and Shenshu(BL23) once daily for 7 consecutive days.The treatment was repeated after 1 day of rest.We found that area and the integrated optical density of the immunoreactivity for the acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction of the phrenic nerve was significantly increased following acupuncture treatment.This outcome of the acupuncture therapy was similar to that of the cholinesterase inhibitor pyridostigmine bromide.These findings suggest that "warming yang and invigorating qi" acupuncture treatment increases acetylcholine receptor expression at the neuromuscular junction in a rat model of autoimmune myasthenia gravis.展开更多
BACKGROUND:A large number of investigations have shown that acetylcholine (ACh) and the nucleus locus coeruleus (LC) play an important role in the modulation of pain in rats; however,there is no concrete evidence addr...BACKGROUND:A large number of investigations have shown that acetylcholine (ACh) and the nucleus locus coeruleus (LC) play an important role in the modulation of pain in rats; however,there is no concrete evidence addressing the relationship between ACh injection into the LC and the electrical activities of pain-related neurons in the LC of healthy rats. OBJECTIVE:To study changes in the discharge of pain-related neurons in the LC following injection of ACh,or its M receptor antagonist,atropine,and to investigate the role of ACh and the LC in the pain signaling pathway. DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING:A randomized,controlled,neuroelectrophysiological animal experiment was performed from November 2007 to December 2008,in the Physiological Laboratory of Harbin Medical University,China. MATERIALS:Acetylcholine chloride was obtained from Shanghai San'aisi Reagent Co.,Ltd.,China atropine was purchased from Tianjin Jinyao Amino Acid Co.,Ltd.,China. METHODS:This study was divided into two sections as follows:(1) 46 adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned into an ACh group and a control group,with 23 rats in each. (2) 34 adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned to an atropine group and a control group,with 17 rats in each. The sciatic nerve was stimulated by a series of electrical impulses,serving as peripheral noxious stimuli Electrical changes in pain-related neurons in the LC were measured by glass microelectrodes. The LC of rats in the ACh and atropine groups were injected with 2 μg/μL ACh or 0.5 μg/μL atropine,respectively,in 1 μL volume. Rats in the control groups received injection of 1 μL physiological saline within 4 minutes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:To measure the net increase in the discharge value,latency and complete inhibitory duration of pain-related neurons before and after administration of ACh or atropine. RESULTS:The injection of ACh into the LC increased the pain-evoked discharge frequency and shortened the latency of the pain-excitation neurons. It decreased the pain-evoked discharged frequency and prolonged the inhibitory duration of pain-inhibition neurons. Injection of atropine into LC blocked the effects of ACh. CONCLUSION:ACh strengthened the response of pain-related neurons in LC of rats to noxious stimulation,exhibiting the effects of facilitated pain. This indicates that ACh and LC play an important role in the modulation of algesia.展开更多
Objective To investigate the desensitization of acetylcholine (ACh) on the inhibition effects of blood pressure (BP) in anesthe tized canine and build a model for studying desensitization in vivo. Methods Through chan...Objective To investigate the desensitization of acetylcholine (ACh) on the inhibition effects of blood pressure (BP) in anesthe tized canine and build a model for studying desensitization in vivo. Methods Through changing the intervals (120, 100, 80, 60, 40, 20 seconds) of twice ACh administration (each was 15μg·kg -1,i.v.), the desensitization on the effect of systemic blood pressure of the first ACh in jection towards the subsequent ACh administration was observed. Results When ACh administration intervals were 40, 60, 80 , 100 seconds, the percentages of desensitization of ACh on systemic blood press ure were significantly increased (P<0.05). However, as the intervals were 20 and 120 seconds, the effects of twice ACh administration had no significant dif ference (P>0.05). Conclusion The results indicated that ACh contents in blo od might influence the action of next ACh administration. To some extent, the hi gher the concentration of ACh in blood, the bigger the ratio of desensitization of exogenous ACh is. In addition, this method of twice drug administration could be used as a model of studying desensitization in vivo.展开更多
Genome-wide association studies revealed that allelic variation in the α5-α3-β4 nicotine acetylcholine receptor(n ACh R) cluster on chromosome 15q24-15q25.1 was associated with lung cancer risk. n ACh Rs are membra...Genome-wide association studies revealed that allelic variation in the α5-α3-β4 nicotine acetylcholine receptor(n ACh R) cluster on chromosome 15q24-15q25.1 was associated with lung cancer risk. n ACh Rs are membrane ligand-gated cation channels whose activation is triggered by the binding of the endogenous neurotransmitter acetylcholine(ACh) or other biologic compounds including nicotine. n ACh Rs have been found on lung cancer cells, underscoring the idea that the non-neuronal n ACh R pathway has important implications for lung cancer. Several studies focusing on the treatment with n ACh R antagonists with improved selectivity might trigger novel strategies for the intervention and prevention of lung cancer. Here we review the genetic risk factors for lung cancer in the n ACh R gene cluster, the roles of nicotine receptors, and the molecular mechanisms of acetylcholine receptor pathways to lead to more opportunities for intervention and prevention of lung cancer.展开更多
Objective This study is to explore the relationship between acetylcholine(ACh)-induced calcium release from intracellular Ca2+ stores and function of outer hair cell(OHC) motors, in an attempt to elucidate the mechani...Objective This study is to explore the relationship between acetylcholine(ACh)-induced calcium release from intracellular Ca2+ stores and function of outer hair cell(OHC) motors, in an attempt to elucidate the mechanism of OHC electromotility at resting state. Methods OHCs were isolated from adult guinea pig (200-300 g) cochlea and loaded with Fluo-3/AM. The cells were treated with ACh/dHBSS, ACh/HBSS, dHBSS only or HBSS only. Intracellular [Ca2+]i variations in cells under the four treatments were observed using an Ar-Kr laser scan confocal microscope. Results [Ca2+]i oscillations were recorded in five OHCs treated with ACh/dHBSS but not in other cells. This is the first time that Ach-excited [Ca2+]i oscillations are reported in guinea pig OHCs independent of extracellular calcium. Conclusions ACh-excited [Ca2+]i oscillations in OHCs originates from intracellular calcium release and may play a crucial role in maintaining active mechanical motility of the OHC at resting and modulating OHC electromotility.展开更多
This study was designed to assess total animal exposure to non-occupational but environmentally induced smoke through short-term landfill burning toxicity tests at the biochemical levels. Exposure to municipal land-fi...This study was designed to assess total animal exposure to non-occupational but environmentally induced smoke through short-term landfill burning toxicity tests at the biochemical levels. Exposure to municipal land-fill burning using rat model focused primarily on inhalation exposure. The environmental monitoring consisted of 60 days exposure to refuse burning by evaluating the level of protein concentrations, neurotransmitter enzyme acetylcholine esterase (AcHE), and total cholesterol in different tissues of Wistar rats. Protein concentrations tended to decrease in the brain, liver and kidney and slightly increased in the plasma while acetylcholine esterase decreased in brain and liver and increased in the kidney. The non-depletion in total cholesterol levels in the tissues tended to be due to active mobilization towards tissue metabolism. The data were sufficient to support risk assessment for human.展开更多
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is an untreatable lethal lung disease, which is related to the aberrant proliferation of fibroblasts. M<sub>3</sub> muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M<sub>3</sub>...Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is an untreatable lethal lung disease, which is related to the aberrant proliferation of fibroblasts. M<sub>3</sub> muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M<sub>3</sub>-mAChR) activation exerts proliferative effect on various kinds of cells. However, whether M<sub>3</sub>-mAChR inhibition has a protective effect on pulmonary fibrosis remains unexplored. A rat model of pulmonary fibrosis was established by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. Darifenacin was used to block M<sub>3</sub>-mAChR. Histological changes were observed using Masson’s Trichrome and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Hydroxyproline was measured by Hydroxyproline detection kit. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In vitro, pulmonary fibroblasts were isolated from lungs of neonatal rat. After treatment, the cell viability, Hydroxyproline level was measured by MTT and Hydroxyproline detection kit respectively. The expression level of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), nuclear factor kappa-B (N-NF-κB), and microRNA-21 (miR-21) was detected by western blot or quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Darifenacin relieved the fibrotic effects provoked by bleomycin. The expression level of hydroxyproline, TGF-β1 and TNF-α level was all downregulated after darifenacin treatment. In lung fibroblasts, darifenacin decreased cell viability and hydroxyproline level induced by bleomycin. Besides, phosphorylation-ERK and nuclear N-NF-κB protein level was downregulated, as well as miR-21 level. M<sub>3</sub>-mAChR antagonist darifenacin attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats, which may relate to the ERK/NF-κB/miRNA-21 signaling pathway.展开更多
Aim Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor （α7nAChR）, a subtype of nAChR regulating neurotrans- mission in central nervous system, is an essential regulator of cholinergic antiinflammatory pathway in periphery. Th...Aim Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor （α7nAChR）, a subtype of nAChR regulating neurotrans- mission in central nervous system, is an essential regulator of cholinergic antiinflammatory pathway in periphery. The present study was to determine the effects of activation of α7nAChR on oxidant stress-induced injury in endo- thelial cells. Methods Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with H202 （400 μmol · L^-1） or H202plus PNU-282987 （ 10 μmol · L^-1 ）. Cell viability and membrane integrity were measured. AnnexinV ＋ PI assay, immunoblotting of bcl-2, bax and cleaved caspase-3, and immunofluorescence of apoptosis inducing factor （AIF） were performed to evaluate apoptosis. Protein expression of vascular peroxidase-1 （ VPO-1 ） and phosphor- JNK were measured by immunoblotting. Results Activation of α7nAChR by a selective agonist PNU-282987 pre-vented H202-indced decrease of cell viability and increase of lactate dehydrogenase release. Activation of α7nAChR markedly reduced cell apoptosis and intracellular oxidative stress level. Moreover, activation of α7nAChR reduced H2 02 -induced VPO-1 protein upregulation and JNK1/2 phosphorylation. The inhibitory effect of α7nAChR activa- tion on VPO-1 was blocked by JNK inhibitor SP600125. In addition, pretreatment of α7nAChR antagonist methyl- lycaconitine blocked the cytoprotective effect of PNU-282987. Conclusion These results provide the first evidence that activation of α7nAChR protects against oxidant stress-induced damage by suppressing VPO-1 in a JNK signa- ling pathway-dependent manner in endothelial cells.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the modulating role of methanol extract of Tephrosia vogelii leaves on acetylcholine(ACh)-induced contraction of isolated rabbit jejunum.Methods: Rabbit jejunum segment was removed and placed ...Objective:To investigate the modulating role of methanol extract of Tephrosia vogelii leaves on acetylcholine(ACh)-induced contraction of isolated rabbit jejunum.Methods: Rabbit jejunum segment was removed and placed in an organ bath containing Tyrode's solution, and its contractions were recorded isometrically.Results: ACh(2.0 × 10-10 g/m L) and the extract(2.0 × 10-4 g/m L) individually increased the frequency of contraction(mean ± SEM) of the isolated smooth muscle tissue by 47.6% ± 9.5% and 77.8% ± 66.5%, respectively. When ACh and the extract were combined, the frequency of contraction of the tissue was increased by 222.2% ± 25.9%, representing a 366.7% increase(P < 0.001) over the effect of ACh alone. Similarly, ACh(2.0 × 10-9 g/m L) and the extract individually increased significantly(P < 0.001) the amplitude of contraction of the tissue by 685.7% ± 61.1% and 455.2% ± 38.1%, respectively. When ACh and the extract were combined, the amplitude of contraction of the tissue rose by 1263.8% ± 69.0%, representing 84.3% increase over the ef ect of ACh alone. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that methanol extract of Tephrosia vogelii leaves potentiates the contractile ef ect of ACh on intestinal smooth muscle, supporting the traditional claim that the plant is purgative.展开更多
Theα7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors(nAChRs)are widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems and are important drug targets for the treatment of neurological diseases.However,differentiation of t...Theα7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors(nAChRs)are widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems and are important drug targets for the treatment of neurological diseases.However,differentiation of the agonists and antagonists of the nAChR is difficult.In this study we aimed to develop a reliable and efficient computational approach for differentiation of the agonists from the antagonists of the nAChR based on a systematical analysis of 123 ligands(87 agonists,12 partial agonists,and 24 antagonists)binding with the extracellular domain of theα7 n AChR chimera.Our results suggest that the ligand size and ligand binding affinity cannot differentiate the agonists from the antagonists of the nAChR.The ligand efficiency that considers both ligand binding affinity and size for the agonists is overall more left shifted in comparison to the antagonists,but the values of the ligand efficiency still cannot differentiate the agonists from the antagonists unless the values are either relatively high(more than-0.3 kcal mol^-1)or relatively low(less than-0.45 kcal mol^-1).Our results suggest that accurate prediction of the agonist or antagonist of the nAChR is challenging and the ligand innate configuration has to be considered as an extra for differentiation of the agonists from the antagonists of the nAChR.展开更多
Anti-bungarotoxin anti-serum,which has the internal image of nicotinicacetylcholine receptor,was used as a tool to measure anti-idiotypic antibodies toantibodies to Iigand of nicotinic acctylcholine receptor in scra f...Anti-bungarotoxin anti-serum,which has the internal image of nicotinicacetylcholine receptor,was used as a tool to measure anti-idiotypic antibodies toantibodies to Iigand of nicotinic acctylcholine receptor in scra from 81 patients withmyasthenia gravis.Enzyme-linked immunosorbcnt assay was adopted.Thc positive ratewas 46.9%(38/81).The specific cross inhibitory test with nicotinic acetylcholinereceptor was positive.Anti-idiotype antibodies to antibodies to ligand of nicotinicacetylcholine receptor in sera of different types of myasthenia gravis patients classified ac-cording to modified Osserman’s standard and myasthenia gravis patients with or withoutthymoma were comparcd in this study and the role of anti-idiotype antibodies toantibodies to Iigand of nicotinic acctylcholinc receptor in the immunity of myasthcniagravis and the possibility of thcrapeutic use of anti-idiotype antibodies arc discussed.展开更多
The highly specific ligand of the N-acetylcholine receptor（N-AChR）,alpha-bungarotoxin,was used to determine the effect of soman,sarin and VX onN-AChR of the diaphragm and extensor digitorum Iongus muscle of mice and...The highly specific ligand of the N-acetylcholine receptor（N-AChR）,alpha-bungarotoxin,was used to determine the effect of soman,sarin and VX onN-AChR of the diaphragm and extensor digitorum Iongus muscle of mice andrats.The effects of the three anti-cholinesterase agents on N-AChR weredifferent.Sarin did not act directly on N-AChR and cause a change in the numberof N-AChR.VX decreased the binding sites of the receptor by binding with N-AChRdirectly.The LD<sub>50</sub>was 0.054mg/kg in mousse.Soman increased the binding sites,e.g.1～1.5 LD<sub>50</sub>soman increased the number of N-AChR of mouse diaphragm by 25%.The peak increaseof N-AChR was reached 0.5 h after poisoning and could last 96h.The receptornumber was still 22% higher than that of the control on the fourth day aftersoman poisoning in rats.Soman mainly increased the number of extrasynapticN-AChR,leading to the enhancement of sensitivity of cholinergic effectors toacetylcholine（ACh）,which is similar to the hypersensitiveness resulting fromdenervation.These findings are of significance in probing the receptor mecha-nisms and treatment of soman poisoning.展开更多
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(32202800)Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province(LH2022C104)+1 种基金Heilongjiang Province Education Department Fundamental Scientifc Research Funds(145109516)Qiqihar University Graduate Innovative Research Project(YJSCX2022016).
文摘Background: No other effects of atropine other than as an antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) have been found. Methods: In this study, human kidneyepithelial cells were treated with different physiological regulators. Results: Subsequently, it was found that atropine could significantly induce autophagy as demonstrated by the appearance of autophagosome-like double- or single-membrane vesicles in the cytoplasm ofhost cells and the number of GFP-LC3 dots. In addition, increased conversion of the autophagy marker protein LC3-I and LC3-II and increased p62/SQSTM1 indicatedincomplete autophagy. In addition, atropine induced autophagosome levels in a dose-dependent manner within a certain concentration range in human kidney epithelial cells. In atropine-treated mouse skeletal muscle cells containing nicotinic acetylcholinereceptors and rat cardiac muscle cells containing mAchR, atropine induced autophagy in mouse skeletal muscle cells but not in rat cardiac muscle cells. Furthermore, atropine did not induce autophagy in tissue cells containing mAchR in vivo but did in tissue cells not containing mAchR. Conclusion: This study expands the application and understanding of atropine’s action mechanism in the field of medicine.
基金supported by the Burke Foundation and the National Institutes of Health Common Fund,No.DP2 NS106663(to ERH)the New York State Department of Health Spinal Cord Injury Research Board Postdoctoral Fellowship,No.C32633GG(to YL)。
文摘Therapeutic intervention for spinal cord injury is limited,with many approaches relying on strengthening the remaining substrate and driving recovery through rehabilitative training.As compared with learning novel compensatory strategies,rehabilitation focuses on resto ring movements lost to injury.Whether rehabilitation of previously learned movements after spinal cord injury requires the molecular mechanisms of motor learning,or if it engages previously trained motor circuits without requiring novel learning remains an open question.In this study,mice we re randomly assigned to receive intrape ritoneal injection with the pan-nicotinic,non-competitive antagonist mecamylamine and the nicotinicα7 subunit selective antagonist methyllycaconitine citrate salt or vehicle(normal saline)prior to motor learning assays,then randomly reassigned after motor learning for rehabilitation study post-injury.Ce rvical spinal co rd dorsal column lesion was used as a model of in complete injury.Results of this study showed that nicotinic acetylcholine signaling was required for motor learning of the single pellet-reaching task but it was dispensable for the rehabilitation of the same task after injury.Our findings indicate that critical diffe rences exist between the molecular mechanisms supporting compensatory motor learning strategies and the restoration of behavior lost to spinal cord injury.
基金funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(12272246)the Key Research and Development Projects of Sichuan Province(2023YFS0075).
文摘Background:Anisodine hydrobromide(AT3),an anti-cholinergic agent,could be delivered to the brain across the blood-brain barrier and has been used clinically for the treatment of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.Endothelial dysfunction can be caused by hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R)via oxidative stress and metabolic alterations.The present study investigated whether AT3 regulates the production of nitric oxide(NO)and reactive oxygen species(ROS),and the HIF-1αpathway via regulation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors(mAChRs)in brain microvascular endothelial cells after H/R exposure.Methods:Under H/R conditions,hCMEC/D3 cerebral microvascular endothelial cells were treated with AT3.Specific inhibitors of M2-and M4-mAChRs were used to explore the mechanism by which AT3 influences oxidative stress in endothelial cells.Then,mAChRs expression was detected by western blotting and NO production was detected by Greiss reaction.The intracellular ROS level was measured using DCFH-DA probes.The expression of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 1α(HIF-1α)was also detected.Results:While H/R induced the expression of M2-and M4-mAChRs,AT3 suppressed the H/R-upregulated M2-and M4-mAChRs.H/R also induced the production of NO,ROS,and apoptosis.AT3 and M4-mAChR inhibitors inhibited the H/R-induced production of NO and ROS and apoptosis.HIF-1αwas induced by H/R,but was suppressed by AT3.Conclusion:Thus,the in vitro evidence shows that AT3 protects against H/R injury in cerebral microvascular endothelial cells via inhibition of HIF-1α,NO and ROS,predominantly through the downregulation of M4-mAChR.The findings offer novel understandings regarding AT3-mediated attenuation of endothelial cell apoptosis and cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.
基金supported by Nebraska Cancer and Smoking Disease Research Programs LB506and LB595 to CS BOCKMAN and DJ STAIRS
文摘OBJECTIVE Individuals vary in sensitivity to the behavioral effects of nicotine,resulting in differences in their vulnerability to addiction.The role of rearing environment in determining individual sensitivity to nicotine is unclear.The neuropharmacological mechanisms mediating the effect of rearing environment on the actions of nicotine are also understood.Thus,the contribution of rearing environment in determining the sensitivity to the locomotor effects of nicotine and regulating α4β2*-and α7-nicotinic acetylcholine(n ACh) receptor expressionwas determined in rats reared in isolated(IC) or enriched(EC) conditions.METHODS To measure locomotor activity,adolescent rats(postnatal day 21-51)were injected with saline(1 mL·kg^(-1)) or nicotine(0.3 mg·kg^(-1)) subcutaneously,then placed in chamberswhere ambulatory activity was monitored for 30-min by computer for 14 daily sessions.α4β2*-andα7-n ACh receptor expression in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway was determined by quantitative autoradiography of [125 I]-epibatidine and [125 I]-bungarotoxinbinding,respectively,in 16 μmol·L^(-1) coronal sections.Values for receptor expression in fmol are ±s of 8 brains and compared by two-tailed,unpaired t-test with P<0.05 considered significant.RESULTS EC-rats are similarly sensitive as IC-rats to the locomotor effects of nicotine.[125 I]-epibatidine binding in the ventral tegmental area of EC-rats was reduced(2.8±0.3 fmo L) compared to IC-rats(4.0±0.4 fmo L);there was no difference in the nucleus accumbens.There was no difference between EC-and IC-rats in α7-n ACh receptor expression in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway.CONCLUSION Rearing environment differentially regulates n ACh receptor subtypes in EC and IC rats.These data suggest regulation of n ACh receptors by environmental factors may be a mechanism for the protective effect of enrichment against altered sensitivity to nicotine in genetically vulnerable individuals.The characterization of these mechanisms will aid in development of novel pharmacological tools mimicking the protection afforded by environmental enrichment in nicotine-sensitive individuals.
基金supported by Brazilian Ministry of Health(n.17217.9850001/12-025).
文摘Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an important enzyme responsible for the cleavage of acetylcholine. Studies of the activity of this enzyme use an artificial substrate, acetylthiocholine, because a product of its catalysis, thiocholine, readily generates a light absorbing product upon reaction with Elman’s reagent 5,5’-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB). The hydrolysis of acetylcholine cannot be assayed with this method. The isothermal titration calorimetry can assay the hydrolysis of both substrates, without requiring additional reagents other than the enzyme and the substrate. To compare kinetic values obtained in the hydrolysis of acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylthiocholine (ATCh), with carbaryl acting as inhibitor, a calorimetric technique was used to evaluate kinetic properties of the two reactions. This method can show the hydrolysis of both substrates by the heat exchange that occurs during catalysis. In addition, it allowed the assessment of the AChE inhibition by carbaryl, a common insecticide. The results show a similarity between values obtained with both substrates, which are slightly higher for acetylcholine, the enzyme natural substrate. Enzymatic parameters values from ATCh and ACh were similar to each other and inhibitory constants using carbaryl were also similar, displaying that any approach to ACh is feasible using ATCh. The results obtained from ITC show the precision achieved by the calorimetric method.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (81272089, 81130035, 81372054, and 81121004)the National Basic Research Program of China (2012CB518102)the "Twelve-Five Plan" for Military Scientific Foundation (BWS12J050)
文摘Sepsis-associated encephalopathy(SAE) is a brain dysfunction that occurs secondary to infection in the bo characterized by alteration of consciousness, ranging from delirium to coma, seizure or focal neurological signs. S involves a number of mechanisms, including neuroinflammation, in which the interaction between cytokines a acetylcholine results in neuronal loss and alterations in cholinergic signaling. Moreover, the interaction also occurs the periphery, accelerating a type of immunosuppressive state. Although its diagnosis is not specific in biochemis and imaging tests, it could potentiate severe outcomes, including increased mortality, cognitive decline, progress immunosuppression, cholinergic anti-inflammatory deficiency, and even metabolic and hydroelectrolyte imbalan Therefore, the bilateral communication between SAE and the multiple peripheral organs and especially the immu system should be emphasized in sepsis management.
基金Supported by Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (No.201805049)
文摘AIM: To investigate the effects of green flickering light on refractive development and expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor(mAChR) M1 in the eyes of guinea pigs.METHODS: Thirty guinea pigs(15-20 days old) were randomly divided into three groups(n=10/group). Animals in group I were raised in a completely closed carton with green flickering light illumination. Those in group II were kept in the open top closed carton under normal natural light. Guinea pigs were raised in a sight-widen cage under normal natural light in group III. The refractive status and axial length were measured before and after 8 weeks' illumination. Moreover, total RNA extracted from retinal, choroidal, and scleral tissues were determined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). The expressions of the receptor M1 were also explored in the retina, choroid, and sclera using immunohistochemistry.RESULTS: There was a remarkable reduction in refractive error and increase in axial length after 8-weeks' green flickering light stimulation(P<0.001). The expression of M1 receptor mRNA in sclera and retina in myopia group were remarkably lower than that in group II and III(P<0.01). Significant reduced expression of M1 receptor stimulated by green flickering light in retina and sclera tissues were also observed(P<0.05). However, there was no M1 receptor expression in choroid in 3 groups.CONCLUSION: Myopia can be induced by 8 weeks' green flickering light exposure in the animal model. M1 receptor may be involved causally or protectively in myopia development.
文摘Myasthenia gravis is a rare and invalidating disease affecting the neuromuscular junction of voluntary muscles.The classical form of this autoimmune disease is characterized by the presence of antibodies against the most abundant protein in the neuromuscular junction,the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.Other variants of the disease involve autoimmune attack of non-receptor scaffolding proteins or enzymes essential for building or maintaining the integrity of this peripheral synapse.This review summarizes the participation of the above proteins in building the neuromuscular junction and the destruction of this cholinergic synapse by autoimmune aggression in myasthenia gravis.The review also covers the application of a powerful biophysical technique,superresolution optical microscopy,to image the nicotinic receptor in live cells and follow its motional dynamics.The hypothesis is entertained that anomalous nanocluster formation by antibody crosslinking may lead to accelerated endocytic internalization and elevated turnover of the receptor,as observed in myasthenia gravis.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81173344
文摘Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies have been shown to form against the nicotinic acetylcholine nicotinic postsynaptic receptors located at the neuromuscular junction."Warming yang and invigorating qi" acupuncture treatment has been shown to reduce serum inflammatory cytokine expression and increase transforming growth factor beta expression in rats with experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis.However,few studies have addressed the effects of this type of acupuncture on the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction.Here,we used confocal laser scanning microscopy to examine the area and density of immunoreactivity for an antibody to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction in the phrenic nerve of rats with experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis following "warming yang and invigorating qi" acupuncture therapy.Needles were inserted at acupressure points Shousanli(LI10),Zusanli(ST36),Pishu(BL20),and Shenshu(BL23) once daily for 7 consecutive days.The treatment was repeated after 1 day of rest.We found that area and the integrated optical density of the immunoreactivity for the acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction of the phrenic nerve was significantly increased following acupuncture treatment.This outcome of the acupuncture therapy was similar to that of the cholinesterase inhibitor pyridostigmine bromide.These findings suggest that "warming yang and invigorating qi" acupuncture treatment increases acetylcholine receptor expression at the neuromuscular junction in a rat model of autoimmune myasthenia gravis.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30240058
文摘BACKGROUND:A large number of investigations have shown that acetylcholine (ACh) and the nucleus locus coeruleus (LC) play an important role in the modulation of pain in rats; however,there is no concrete evidence addressing the relationship between ACh injection into the LC and the electrical activities of pain-related neurons in the LC of healthy rats. OBJECTIVE:To study changes in the discharge of pain-related neurons in the LC following injection of ACh,or its M receptor antagonist,atropine,and to investigate the role of ACh and the LC in the pain signaling pathway. DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING:A randomized,controlled,neuroelectrophysiological animal experiment was performed from November 2007 to December 2008,in the Physiological Laboratory of Harbin Medical University,China. MATERIALS:Acetylcholine chloride was obtained from Shanghai San'aisi Reagent Co.,Ltd.,China atropine was purchased from Tianjin Jinyao Amino Acid Co.,Ltd.,China. METHODS:This study was divided into two sections as follows:(1) 46 adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned into an ACh group and a control group,with 23 rats in each. (2) 34 adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned to an atropine group and a control group,with 17 rats in each. The sciatic nerve was stimulated by a series of electrical impulses,serving as peripheral noxious stimuli Electrical changes in pain-related neurons in the LC were measured by glass microelectrodes. The LC of rats in the ACh and atropine groups were injected with 2 μg/μL ACh or 0.5 μg/μL atropine,respectively,in 1 μL volume. Rats in the control groups received injection of 1 μL physiological saline within 4 minutes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:To measure the net increase in the discharge value,latency and complete inhibitory duration of pain-related neurons before and after administration of ACh or atropine. RESULTS:The injection of ACh into the LC increased the pain-evoked discharge frequency and shortened the latency of the pain-excitation neurons. It decreased the pain-evoked discharged frequency and prolonged the inhibitory duration of pain-inhibition neurons. Injection of atropine into LC blocked the effects of ACh. CONCLUSION:ACh strengthened the response of pain-related neurons in LC of rats to noxious stimulation,exhibiting the effects of facilitated pain. This indicates that ACh and LC play an important role in the modulation of algesia.
文摘Objective To investigate the desensitization of acetylcholine (ACh) on the inhibition effects of blood pressure (BP) in anesthe tized canine and build a model for studying desensitization in vivo. Methods Through changing the intervals (120, 100, 80, 60, 40, 20 seconds) of twice ACh administration (each was 15μg·kg -1,i.v.), the desensitization on the effect of systemic blood pressure of the first ACh in jection towards the subsequent ACh administration was observed. Results When ACh administration intervals were 40, 60, 80 , 100 seconds, the percentages of desensitization of ACh on systemic blood press ure were significantly increased (P<0.05). However, as the intervals were 20 and 120 seconds, the effects of twice ACh administration had no significant dif ference (P>0.05). Conclusion The results indicated that ACh contents in blo od might influence the action of next ACh administration. To some extent, the hi gher the concentration of ACh in blood, the bigger the ratio of desensitization of exogenous ACh is. In addition, this method of twice drug administration could be used as a model of studying desensitization in vivo.
基金Supported by Youth Foundation of Shanghai Municipal Public Health Bureau,No.20124Y114Shanghai Chest Hospital"1050 Talents Project",ChinaProject of Shanghai Chest Hospital,No.YZ13-16
文摘Genome-wide association studies revealed that allelic variation in the α5-α3-β4 nicotine acetylcholine receptor(n ACh R) cluster on chromosome 15q24-15q25.1 was associated with lung cancer risk. n ACh Rs are membrane ligand-gated cation channels whose activation is triggered by the binding of the endogenous neurotransmitter acetylcholine(ACh) or other biologic compounds including nicotine. n ACh Rs have been found on lung cancer cells, underscoring the idea that the non-neuronal n ACh R pathway has important implications for lung cancer. Several studies focusing on the treatment with n ACh R antagonists with improved selectivity might trigger novel strategies for the intervention and prevention of lung cancer. Here we review the genetic risk factors for lung cancer in the n ACh R gene cluster, the roles of nicotine receptors, and the molecular mechanisms of acetylcholine receptor pathways to lead to more opportunities for intervention and prevention of lung cancer.
文摘Objective This study is to explore the relationship between acetylcholine(ACh)-induced calcium release from intracellular Ca2+ stores and function of outer hair cell(OHC) motors, in an attempt to elucidate the mechanism of OHC electromotility at resting state. Methods OHCs were isolated from adult guinea pig (200-300 g) cochlea and loaded with Fluo-3/AM. The cells were treated with ACh/dHBSS, ACh/HBSS, dHBSS only or HBSS only. Intracellular [Ca2+]i variations in cells under the four treatments were observed using an Ar-Kr laser scan confocal microscope. Results [Ca2+]i oscillations were recorded in five OHCs treated with ACh/dHBSS but not in other cells. This is the first time that Ach-excited [Ca2+]i oscillations are reported in guinea pig OHCs independent of extracellular calcium. Conclusions ACh-excited [Ca2+]i oscillations in OHCs originates from intracellular calcium release and may play a crucial role in maintaining active mechanical motility of the OHC at resting and modulating OHC electromotility.
文摘This study was designed to assess total animal exposure to non-occupational but environmentally induced smoke through short-term landfill burning toxicity tests at the biochemical levels. Exposure to municipal land-fill burning using rat model focused primarily on inhalation exposure. The environmental monitoring consisted of 60 days exposure to refuse burning by evaluating the level of protein concentrations, neurotransmitter enzyme acetylcholine esterase (AcHE), and total cholesterol in different tissues of Wistar rats. Protein concentrations tended to decrease in the brain, liver and kidney and slightly increased in the plasma while acetylcholine esterase decreased in brain and liver and increased in the kidney. The non-depletion in total cholesterol levels in the tissues tended to be due to active mobilization towards tissue metabolism. The data were sufficient to support risk assessment for human.
文摘Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is an untreatable lethal lung disease, which is related to the aberrant proliferation of fibroblasts. M<sub>3</sub> muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M<sub>3</sub>-mAChR) activation exerts proliferative effect on various kinds of cells. However, whether M<sub>3</sub>-mAChR inhibition has a protective effect on pulmonary fibrosis remains unexplored. A rat model of pulmonary fibrosis was established by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. Darifenacin was used to block M<sub>3</sub>-mAChR. Histological changes were observed using Masson’s Trichrome and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Hydroxyproline was measured by Hydroxyproline detection kit. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In vitro, pulmonary fibroblasts were isolated from lungs of neonatal rat. After treatment, the cell viability, Hydroxyproline level was measured by MTT and Hydroxyproline detection kit respectively. The expression level of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), nuclear factor kappa-B (N-NF-κB), and microRNA-21 (miR-21) was detected by western blot or quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Darifenacin relieved the fibrotic effects provoked by bleomycin. The expression level of hydroxyproline, TGF-β1 and TNF-α level was all downregulated after darifenacin treatment. In lung fibroblasts, darifenacin decreased cell viability and hydroxyproline level induced by bleomycin. Besides, phosphorylation-ERK and nuclear N-NF-κB protein level was downregulated, as well as miR-21 level. M<sub>3</sub>-mAChR antagonist darifenacin attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats, which may relate to the ERK/NF-κB/miRNA-21 signaling pathway.
文摘Aim Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor （α7nAChR）, a subtype of nAChR regulating neurotrans- mission in central nervous system, is an essential regulator of cholinergic antiinflammatory pathway in periphery. The present study was to determine the effects of activation of α7nAChR on oxidant stress-induced injury in endo- thelial cells. Methods Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with H202 （400 μmol · L^-1） or H202plus PNU-282987 （ 10 μmol · L^-1 ）. Cell viability and membrane integrity were measured. AnnexinV ＋ PI assay, immunoblotting of bcl-2, bax and cleaved caspase-3, and immunofluorescence of apoptosis inducing factor （AIF） were performed to evaluate apoptosis. Protein expression of vascular peroxidase-1 （ VPO-1 ） and phosphor- JNK were measured by immunoblotting. Results Activation of α7nAChR by a selective agonist PNU-282987 pre-vented H202-indced decrease of cell viability and increase of lactate dehydrogenase release. Activation of α7nAChR markedly reduced cell apoptosis and intracellular oxidative stress level. Moreover, activation of α7nAChR reduced H2 02 -induced VPO-1 protein upregulation and JNK1/2 phosphorylation. The inhibitory effect of α7nAChR activa- tion on VPO-1 was blocked by JNK inhibitor SP600125. In addition, pretreatment of α7nAChR antagonist methyl- lycaconitine blocked the cytoprotective effect of PNU-282987. Conclusion These results provide the first evidence that activation of α7nAChR protects against oxidant stress-induced damage by suppressing VPO-1 in a JNK signa- ling pathway-dependent manner in endothelial cells.
基金Supported by the University Board of Research Grant,Ahmadu Bello University,Zaria,Nigeria(Grant No.DAPM/BOD/06)
文摘Objective:To investigate the modulating role of methanol extract of Tephrosia vogelii leaves on acetylcholine(ACh)-induced contraction of isolated rabbit jejunum.Methods: Rabbit jejunum segment was removed and placed in an organ bath containing Tyrode's solution, and its contractions were recorded isometrically.Results: ACh(2.0 × 10-10 g/m L) and the extract(2.0 × 10-4 g/m L) individually increased the frequency of contraction(mean ± SEM) of the isolated smooth muscle tissue by 47.6% ± 9.5% and 77.8% ± 66.5%, respectively. When ACh and the extract were combined, the frequency of contraction of the tissue was increased by 222.2% ± 25.9%, representing a 366.7% increase(P < 0.001) over the effect of ACh alone. Similarly, ACh(2.0 × 10-9 g/m L) and the extract individually increased significantly(P < 0.001) the amplitude of contraction of the tissue by 685.7% ± 61.1% and 455.2% ± 38.1%, respectively. When ACh and the extract were combined, the amplitude of contraction of the tissue rose by 1263.8% ± 69.0%, representing 84.3% increase over the ef ect of ACh alone. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that methanol extract of Tephrosia vogelii leaves potentiates the contractile ef ect of ACh on intestinal smooth muscle, supporting the traditional claim that the plant is purgative.
基金supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No. 201762011 for R. Y.)National Laboratory Director Fund from the Qingdao National Laboratory of Marine Science and Technology (No. QNLM201709)the NSFC-Shandong Joint Fund (No. U1406402)
文摘Theα7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors(nAChRs)are widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems and are important drug targets for the treatment of neurological diseases.However,differentiation of the agonists and antagonists of the nAChR is difficult.In this study we aimed to develop a reliable and efficient computational approach for differentiation of the agonists from the antagonists of the nAChR based on a systematical analysis of 123 ligands(87 agonists,12 partial agonists,and 24 antagonists)binding with the extracellular domain of theα7 n AChR chimera.Our results suggest that the ligand size and ligand binding affinity cannot differentiate the agonists from the antagonists of the nAChR.The ligand efficiency that considers both ligand binding affinity and size for the agonists is overall more left shifted in comparison to the antagonists,but the values of the ligand efficiency still cannot differentiate the agonists from the antagonists unless the values are either relatively high(more than-0.3 kcal mol^-1)or relatively low(less than-0.45 kcal mol^-1).Our results suggest that accurate prediction of the agonist or antagonist of the nAChR is challenging and the ligand innate configuration has to be considered as an extra for differentiation of the agonists from the antagonists of the nAChR.
文摘Anti-bungarotoxin anti-serum,which has the internal image of nicotinicacetylcholine receptor,was used as a tool to measure anti-idiotypic antibodies toantibodies to Iigand of nicotinic acctylcholine receptor in scra from 81 patients withmyasthenia gravis.Enzyme-linked immunosorbcnt assay was adopted.Thc positive ratewas 46.9%(38/81).The specific cross inhibitory test with nicotinic acetylcholinereceptor was positive.Anti-idiotype antibodies to antibodies to ligand of nicotinicacetylcholine receptor in sera of different types of myasthenia gravis patients classified ac-cording to modified Osserman’s standard and myasthenia gravis patients with or withoutthymoma were comparcd in this study and the role of anti-idiotype antibodies toantibodies to Iigand of nicotinic acctylcholinc receptor in the immunity of myasthcniagravis and the possibility of thcrapeutic use of anti-idiotype antibodies arc discussed.
文摘The highly specific ligand of the N-acetylcholine receptor（N-AChR）,alpha-bungarotoxin,was used to determine the effect of soman,sarin and VX onN-AChR of the diaphragm and extensor digitorum Iongus muscle of mice andrats.The effects of the three anti-cholinesterase agents on N-AChR weredifferent.Sarin did not act directly on N-AChR and cause a change in the numberof N-AChR.VX decreased the binding sites of the receptor by binding with N-AChRdirectly.The LD<sub>50</sub>was 0.054mg/kg in mousse.Soman increased the binding sites,e.g.1～1.5 LD<sub>50</sub>soman increased the number of N-AChR of mouse diaphragm by 25%.The peak increaseof N-AChR was reached 0.5 h after poisoning and could last 96h.The receptornumber was still 22% higher than that of the control on the fourth day aftersoman poisoning in rats.Soman mainly increased the number of extrasynapticN-AChR,leading to the enhancement of sensitivity of cholinergic effectors toacetylcholine（ACh）,which is similar to the hypersensitiveness resulting fromdenervation.These findings are of significance in probing the receptor mecha-nisms and treatment of soman poisoning.
