The cerebral cortex is comprised of properly localized cell types that exert their specific functions.In the developing brain,cells migrate from the germinal region to their functional locations(Silva et al.,2019;Coss...The cerebral cortex is comprised of properly localized cell types that exert their specific functions.In the developing brain,cells migrate from the germinal region to their functional locations(Silva et al.,2019;Cossart and Garel,2022).For example,neocortical excitatory neurons are generated in the cerebral ventricular and subventricular zones,move to the developing cortical plate via radial migration,and reside in a radial array of six neuronal layers(Oishi and Nakajima,2018).On the other hand,cortical interneurons are mainly generated in ganglionic eminences,migrate tangentially across the cerebral cortex,and reach their final destinations in the cortex(Lim et al.,2018).The failure of neuronal migration leads to defects in cortical layer formation.While the mechanisms of neuronal distribution have been well examined,how astrocytes are diffusely distributed in the cortex is still unclear.Astrocytes are glial cells in the cerebral cortex with several functions,including metabolic support and synapse formation(Abbott et al.,2006;Bosworth and Allen,2017;Allen and Lyons,2018).For example,astrocytes establish synaptic connectivity in the developing brain while they contact numerous synapses and maintain optimal neuronal activity in the adult brain.In the developing brain,astrocytes are primarily generated from radial glia after the neurogenic period.While a certain type of astrocyte called fibrous astrocytes populates the white matter,protoplasmic astrocytes migrate to the cortical plate during neural network formation.展开更多
In a previous study,we found that long non-coding genes in Alzheimer’s disease(AD)are a result of endogenous gene disorders caused by the recruitment of microRNA(miRNA)and mRNA,and that miR-200a-3p and other represen...In a previous study,we found that long non-coding genes in Alzheimer’s disease(AD)are a result of endogenous gene disorders caused by the recruitment of microRNA(miRNA)and mRNA,and that miR-200a-3p and other representative miRNAs can mediate cognitive impairment and thus serve as new biomarkers for AD.In this study,we investigated the abnormal expression of miRNA and mRNA and the pathogenesis of AD at the epigenetic level.To this aim,we performed RNA sequencing and an integrative analysis of the cerebral cortex of the widely used amyloid precursor protein and presenilin-1 double transgenic mouse model of AD.Overall,129 mRNAs and 68 miRNAs were aberrantly expressed.Among these,eight down-regulated miRNAs and seven up-regulated miRNAs appeared as promising noninvasive biomarkers and therapeutic targets.The main enriched signaling pathways involved mitogen-activated kinase protein,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B,mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase,forkhead box O,and autophagy.An miRNA-mRNA network between dysregulated miRNAs and corresponding target genes connected with AD progression was also constructed.These miRNAs and mRNAs are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for new treatment strategies,early diagnosis,and prevention of AD.The present results provide a novel perspective on the role of miRNAs and mRNAs in AD.This study was approved by the Experimental Animal Care and Use Committee of Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology of Beijing,China(approval No.IMB-201909-D6)on September 6,2019.展开更多
Intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH)is a stroke subtype caused by spontaneous rupture of small vessels and bleeding into the brain parenchyma,resulting in cell death and sensorimotor deficits.Despite the greater prevalence o...Intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH)is a stroke subtype caused by spontaneous rupture of small vessels and bleeding into the brain parenchyma,resulting in cell death and sensorimotor deficits.Despite the greater prevalence of the ischemic form of stroke(87%),ICH has the highest mortality rate of all stroke subtypes.The striatum is the most affected structure in hemorrhagic stroke(35–70%),followed by cere-展开更多
BACKGROUND: Both c-Fos protein and nitricoxide synthase (NOS) have been used as general indexes in relative research about neurons, but it is lack of reports that c-Fos protein and NOS are applied synchronously to stu...BACKGROUND: Both c-Fos protein and nitricoxide synthase (NOS) have been used as general indexes in relative research about neurons, but it is lack of reports that c-Fos protein and NOS are applied synchronously to study the neurons of hypoxic fetal rats in uterus. OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of hypoxia in uterus on the expression of c-Fos protein and NOS in neurons of cerebral cortex from fetal rats and whether Angelica sinensis has the protective effect on these neurons in hypoxia. DESIGN: Randomized control experiment. SETTING: Department of Histology and Embryology, Luzhou Medical College. MATERIALS: Twelve adult female Wistar rats in oestrum and 1 male Wistar rat with bodymass from 220 to 250 g were chosen. Parenteral solution of Angelica sinensis mainly contained angelica sinensis, 10 mL/ampoule, was provided by Department of Agent of the Second Hospital Affiliated to Hubei Medical University (batch number: 01062310). METHODS: This experiment was completed in the Department of Histology and Embryology of Luzhou Medical College from September 2003 to June 2004. ① Twelve adult female Wistar rats in oestrum and 1 male Wistar rat were housed in one rearing cage. Vaginal embolus was performed on conceive female rat at 8:00 am next day. On the 15th conceiving day, all conceiving rats were divided randomly into three groups: control group, hypoxia group and Angelica group with 4 in each group. Rats in hypoxia group and Angelica group were modeled with hypotonic hypoxia in uterus. Angelica group: Rats were injected with 8 mL/kg Angelica sinensis injection through caudal veins before hypoxia. Hypoxia group: Rats were injected with the same volume of saline. Control group: Rats were not modeled and fed with normal way. ② Twenty embryos of rats were chosen randomly from each group and then routinely embedded in paraffin. Paraffin sections were cut from the brain of embryos to anterior fontanelle. Double-label staining was used to detect the expression of nNOS and c-Fos in neurons of cerebral cortex from embryos of rats. OLYMPUS Bx-50 microscope was used to observe sections and DP12 digit camera was also used under 400 times to detect types of cells. Under microscope, the number of c-Fos, NOS, c-Fos/NOS positive neurons in cerebral cortex from embryos of rats were counted in 2 fields with magnification of 400 in one section per animal. ③ The data in experiments were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by q test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ① Results of immunohistochemical double-label staining of c-Fos/NOS from cerebral cortex; ② Comparison of amount immunohistochemical double-label staining of c-Fos/NOS positive cells from cerebral cortex. RESULTS: ① The positive NOS cells and c-Fos/NOS cells in the three groups were mainly distributed in cerebral cortex, but positive c-Fos neurons were not observed. ② Positive NOS cells and c-Fos/NOS cells in hypoxia group were more than those in control group (76.55±12.02, 50.45±10.39; 33.35±7.42, 26.35 ±6.67, P < 0.05), but those in Angelica group were less than those in hypoxia group (51.70±9.82, 35.65 ±8.37, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Hypoxia can stimulate the increase of expression of c-Fos protein and NOS in neurons of cerebral cortex. However, Angelica sinensis can decrease this expression so as to play a protective role in cerebral neurons of hypoxic fetal rats.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Melatonin is a kind of hormones derived from pineal gland. Recent researches demonstrate that melatonin is characterized by anti-oxidation, anti-senility and destroying free radicals. While, effect and pat...BACKGROUND: Melatonin is a kind of hormones derived from pineal gland. Recent researches demonstrate that melatonin is characterized by anti-oxidation, anti-senility and destroying free radicals. While, effect and pathogenesis of pineal gland on learning ability should be further studied. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of pinealectomy on learning abiliy, distribution of cholinesterase and expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in cerebral cortex of rats and probe into the effect of melatonin on learning ability, central cholinergic system and nNOS expression. DESIGN: Randomized grouping design and animal study. SETTING: Department of Neurology, the 187 Hospital of Chinese PLA. MATERIALS: A total of 12 male SD rats, of normal learning ability testing with Y-tape maze, of clean grade, weighing 190-210 g, aged 6 weeks, were selected in this study. METHODS: The experiment was carried out in the Department of Neurology, Zhujiang Hospital from July 1997 to June 2000. All SD rats were divided into experimental group (n =6, pinealectomy) and control group (n =6, sham operation). Seven days later, rats in both two groups were continuously fed for 33 days. ① Learning ability test: The learning ability of rats was tested by trisection Y-type maze and figured as attempting times. ② Expression of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) was detected by enzyme histochemistry and nNOS was measured by SABC method. ③ Quantitative analysis of AchE fibers: AchE fibers density in unit area (surface density) was surveyed with Leica Diaplan microscope and Leica Quantimet 500+ image analytic apparatus and quantitative parameter was set up for AchE fibers covering density (μm2) per 374 693.656 μm2, moreover, the AchE fibers density was measured in Ⅱ-Ⅳ layers of motor and somatosensory cortex (showing three layers per field of vision at one time), in radiative, lacunaria and molecular layers of CA1, CA2 and CA3 areas, and in lamina multiforms of dentate gyrus. Three tissue slices were picked up randomly in the same part of each rat, together six tissue slices for nNOS expression and four near view (× 400) were selected in the parts of right neocortex, medial septal nucleus-diagonal band nucleus (SM-DB), corpus striatus and hippocampus to count nNOS-positive cells. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Learning ability; distribution and quantitative analysis of AchE fibers; expression of nNOS in various cerebral areas. RESULTS: The twelve rats were all involved in the final analysis. ① Learning ability test: The learning abilities before operation in the experimental group [(14.67±4.97) times] were consistent with those in the control group [(14.33±4.32) times, P > 0.05], the learning abilities in the experimental group at 40 days after pinealectomy [(28.67±2.42) times] were obviously more than those before pinealectomy and those in the control group after operation [(13.83±8.33) times, P < 0.01]. ② Results of AchE-positive fibers density in cerebral cortex of rats: The AChE-positive fibers densities in motor and somatosensory cortex, CA1, CA2 and CA3 areas of hippocampus and in lamina multiforms of dentate gyrus in the experimental group were obviously lower than those in the control group [experimental group: (15 244±1 339), (14 764±1 391), (12 991±970), (15 077±1 020), (19 546±1 489), (19 337±1 378) μm2; control group: (21 001±1 021), (17 930±2 225), (17 260±1 342), (18 911±1 048), (24 108±1 671), (22 917±1 909) μm2, P < 0.01]. ③ Expression of nNOS in various cerebral areas: nNOS-positive cells in cerebral cortex of rats of the experimental group were more, furthermore the ones in somatosensory cortex were slightly more in motor cortex and the number (5.90±0.68) was more than that in the control group (3.68±0.39,P < 0.05). The nNOS-positive cells in SM-DB (16.21±2.03) were markedly more than those in the control group (9.32±1.05,P < 0.01). The nNOS-positive cells in hippocampus (4.27±0.75) and in corpus striatus (9.35±2.58) were not different with those in the control group (3.94±0.53, 8.96±2.31, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Decrease of melatonin due to pinealectomy of rats can result in learning disorder, which may be related to trauma of cholinergic neuron in cerebral cortex which were caused by nitric oxide neurotoxicity arose from the overexpression of nNOS in cerebral neocortex and SM-DB.展开更多
Many studies have shown that fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5(FDNC5) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) play vital roles in plasticity after brain injury. An enriched environment refers to an ...Many studies have shown that fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5(FDNC5) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) play vital roles in plasticity after brain injury. An enriched environment refers to an environment that provides animals with multi-sensory stimulation and movement opportunities. An enriched environment has been shown to promote the regeneration of nerve cells, synapses, and blood vessels in the animal brain after cerebral ischemia;however, the exact mechanisms have not been clarified. This study aimed to determine whether an enriched environment could improve neurobehavioral functions after the experimental inducement of cerebral ischemia and whether neurobehavioral outcomes were associated with the expression of FDNC5 and BDNF. This study established ischemic mouse models using permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion(pMCAO) on the left side. On postoperative day 1, the mice were randomly assigned to either enriched environment or standard housing condition groups. Mice in the standard housing condition group were housed and fed under standard conditions. Mice in the enriched environment group were housed in a large cage, containing various toys, and fed with a standard diet. Sham-operated mice received the same procedure, but without artery occlusion, and were housed and fed under standard conditions. On postoperative days 7 and 14, a beam-walking test was used to assess coordination, balance, and spatial learning. On postoperative days 16–20, a Morris water maze test was used to assess spatial learning and memory. On postoperative day 15, the expression levels of FDNC5 and BDNF proteins in the ipsilateral cerebral cortex were analyzed by western blot assay. The results showed that compared with the standard housing condition group, the motor balance and coordination functions(based on beam-walking test scores 7 and 14 days after operation), spatial learning abilities(based on the spatial learning scores from the Morris water maze test 16–19 days after operation), and memory abilities(based on the memory scores of the Morris water maze test 20 days after operation) of the enriched environment group improved significantly. In addition, the expression levels of FDNC5 and BDNF proteins in the ipsilateral cerebral cortex increased in the enriched environment group compared with those in the standard housing condition group. Furthermore, the Pearson correlation coefficient showed that neurobehavioral functions were positively associated with the expression levels of FDNC5 and BDNF(r = 0.587 and r = 0.840, respectively). These findings suggest that an enriched environment upregulates FDNC5 protein expression in the ipsilateral cerebral cortex after cerebral ischemia, which then activates BDNF protein expression, improving neurological function. BDNF protein expression was positively correlated with improved neurological function. The experimental protocols were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Fudan University, China(approval Nos. 20160858 A232, 20160860 A234) on February 24, 2016.展开更多
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of quercetin on primary cultured newborn rat cortex neuron cell which is estrogen depletion,and discuss the possible mechanism,to provide new ideas and strategies for developing a d...OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of quercetin on primary cultured newborn rat cortex neuron cell which is estrogen depletion,and discuss the possible mechanism,to provide new ideas and strategies for developing a drug of neurodegenerative disease.METHODS Rat cortex neurons were isolated from one day old Sprague Dawley rats and treated with estrogen,quercetin and estrogen receptor antagonists(ICI182,780).Cell viability was determined by MTT assay,neurite outgrowth was measured by fluorescent microsope and estrogen receptors were determine by Western blot.RESULTS Quercetin functions like estrogen to increase cortex neuronal cell viability,the Que(50,100μmol·L^(-1))group compared with the control group could significantly improve the activity of the cortical neurons(P<0.05).It can also increase neurite out growth,the Que(50,100μmol·L^(-1))group significantly promoted the formation of synapse,most of the neurons were full,and the synapses of neurons became thick,growth,and connect to a dense neural network.And in the Western blot experiments,Que(50,100μmol·L^(-1))group could obviously increase the expression of estrogen receptor alpha protein,in addition,the neural protective effect of quercetin can be inhibited by ICI182,780.CONCLUSION Quercetin like estrogen can protected cortex neuronal and the effect of quercetin on cortex neuronal cells was mediated by estrogen receptor alpha.展开更多
Previous studies have demonstrated that pine pollen can inhibit cerebral cortical cell apoptosis in mice with arsenic poisoning.The present study sought to detect the influence of pine pollen on apoptosis-related prot...Previous studies have demonstrated that pine pollen can inhibit cerebral cortical cell apoptosis in mice with arsenic poisoning.The present study sought to detect the influence of pine pollen on apoptosis-related proteins.Immunohistochemistry,western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure the levels of apoptosis-related proteins in the cerebral cortex of mice with arsenic poisoning.Results indicated that pine pollen suppressed cell apoptosis in the cerebral cortex of arsenic-poisoned mice by reducing Bax,Bcl-2 protein expression and increasing p53 protein expression.展开更多
Previous studies have demonstrated that sericin effectively reduces blood glucose,and protects islet cells,as well as the gonads and kidneys.However,whether sericin improves diabetes mellitus-induced structural and fu...Previous studies have demonstrated that sericin effectively reduces blood glucose,and protects islet cells,as well as the gonads and kidneys.However,whether sericin improves diabetes mellitus-induced structural and functional problems in the central nervous system remains poorly understood.Rat models of type 2 diabetes mellitus were established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin.The present study observed histological changes in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex,as well as heme oxygenase-1 expression,and explored sericin effects on the central nervous system in diabetic rats.Pathological damage to neural cells in the rat hippocampus and cerebral cortex was relieved following intragastric administration of sericin at a dose of 2.4 g/kg for 35 consecutive days.Heme oxygenase-1 protein and mRNA expressions were decreased in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of diabetes mellitus rats after sericin treatment.The results suggest that sericin plays a protective effect on the nervous system by decreasing the high expression of heme oxygenase-1 following diabetes mellitus.展开更多
Activin A,which was first described in 1986,has been shown to maintain hippocampal neuronal survival.Activin A increases intracellular free Ca2+ via L-type Ca2+ channels.Our previous study showed that activin A promot...Activin A,which was first described in 1986,has been shown to maintain hippocampal neuronal survival.Activin A increases intracellular free Ca2+ via L-type Ca2+ channels.Our previous study showed that activin A promotes neurite growth of dorsal root ganglia in embryonic chickens and inhibits nitric oxide secretion.The present study demonstrated for the first time that activin A could maintain cerebral cortex neuronal survival in vitro for a long period,and that activin A was shown to increase voltage-gated Na+ current(INa) in Neuro-2a cells,which was recorded by patch clamp technique.The present study revealed a novel mechanism for activin A,as well as the influence of activin A on neurons by regulating expressions of vasoactive intestine peptide and inducible nitric oxide synthase.展开更多
A rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion was established by suture occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery. In situ hybridization results showed that the number of brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA-posit...A rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion was established by suture occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery. In situ hybridization results showed that the number of brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA-positive cells in the ischemic rat cerebral cortex increased after cerebral ischemia/ reperfusion injury. Low frequency continuous wave electroacupuncture (frequency 2-6 Hz, current intensity 2 mA) stimulation of the brachial plexus trunk on the healthy (right) side increased the number of brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA-positive cells in the ischemic cerebral cortex 14 days after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. At the same time, electroacupuncture stimulation of the healthy brachial plexus truck significantly decreased neurological function scores and alleviated neurological function deficits. These findings suggest that electroacupuncture stimulation of the brachial plexus trunk on the healthy (right) side can greatly increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA expression and improve neurological function.展开更多
The rat vertebral and common carotid arteries were obstructed to cause bilateralhemispheric ischemia.Vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP)in the rat cerebral cortex following 10～60min of ischemia was analysed by radioim...The rat vertebral and common carotid arteries were obstructed to cause bilateralhemispheric ischemia.Vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP)in the rat cerebral cortex following 10～60min of ischemia was analysed by radioimmunoassay(RIA).The results showed that the levels ofVIP were significantly lower in the ischemic animals than controls(P【0.01).The distribution andmetabolism of VIP in the cerebral cortex and the probable mechanism during ischemia are dis-cussed.展开更多
Stimulation at specific acupoints can activate cortical regions in human subjects.Previous studies have mainly focused on a single brain region.However,the brain is a network and many brain regions participate in the ...Stimulation at specific acupoints can activate cortical regions in human subjects.Previous studies have mainly focused on a single brain region.However,the brain is a network and many brain regions participate in the same task.The study of a single brain region alone cannot clearly explain any brain-related issues.Therefore,for the present study,magnetic stimulation was used to stimulate the Neiguan(PC6) acupoint,and 32-channel electroencephalography data were recorded before and after stimulation.Brain functional networks were constructed based on electroencephalography data to determine the relationship between magnetic stimulation at the PC6 acupoint and cortical excitability.Results indicated that magnetic stimulation at the PC6 acupoint increased connections between cerebral cortex regions.展开更多
Hypoxia promotes proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells from embryonic day 12 rat brain tissue, but the concentration and time of hypoxic preconditioning are controversial. To address this, we cultured...Hypoxia promotes proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells from embryonic day 12 rat brain tissue, but the concentration and time of hypoxic preconditioning are controversial. To address this, we cultured neural stem cells isolated from embryonic day 14 rat cerebral cortex in 5% and 10% oxygen in vitro. MTT assay, neurosphere number, and immunofluorescent staining found that 5% or 10% oxygen preconditioning for 72 hours improved neural stem cell viability and proliferation. With prolonged hypoxic duration(120 hours), the proportion of apoptotic cells increased. Thus, 5% oxygen preconditioning for 72 hours promotes neural stem cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Our findings indicate that the optimal concentration and duration of hypoxic preconditioning for promoting proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells from the cerebral cortex are 5% oxygen for 72 hours.展开更多
The fine structure and the main types of the synapses that can be recognizcd with the electronmicroscope have been reportedin many literatures.Gray(1959)was the first to notice the difference in types of synapses in t...The fine structure and the main types of the synapses that can be recognizcd with the electronmicroscope have been reportedin many literatures.Gray(1959)was the first to notice the difference in types of synapses in the cerebral cortex and he classified them into Type I and Type II.展开更多
Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to describe a technique for computing the local fractal dimension of the human cerebral cortex as extracted from high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging scans. Methods: 3D m...Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to describe a technique for computing the local fractal dimension of the human cerebral cortex as extracted from high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging scans. Methods: 3D models of the human cerebral cortex were extracted from high resolution magnetic resonance images of 10 healthy adult volunteers using FreeSurfer. The local fractal dimension of the cortex was computed using a custom-written cube-counting algorithm. The effect of constraining the maximum region size on the measured value of local fractal dimension was examined. A proof of principle was demonstrated by comparing an individual with Alzheimer’s disease to a healthy individual. Results: Local values of cortical fractal dimension can be obtained by constraining the size of the region over which the cube counting is performed. Cubic regions of intermediate size (30 × 30 × 30 mm) yielded a profile that demonstrated greater regional variability compared to smaller (15 × 15 × 15 mm) or larger (60 × 60 × 60 mm) region sizes. Conclusions: Local fractal dimension of the cerebral cortex is a novel measure that may yield additional, quantitative insight into the clinical meaning of cortical shape changes.展开更多
Glutamatergic synaptic transmission is an essential component of neural circuits in the central nervous system. Glutamate exerts its effects by binding to various types of glutamate receptors, which are found distribu...Glutamatergic synaptic transmission is an essential component of neural circuits in the central nervous system. Glutamate exerts its effects by binding to various types of glutamate receptors, which are found distributed on neurons throughout the central nervous system. These receptors are broadly classified into two main groups, ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) and metabo-tropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Unlike iGluRs, the mGluRs are G-protein coupled receptors that exert their effects on postsynaptic membrane conductance indirectly through the downstream modification of ion channels. A subtype of mGluRs, the Group II mGluRs, are particularly interesting since their activation by glutamate results in a hyperpolarizing response. Thus, glutamate can act potentially as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, by binding to postsynaptic Group II mGluRs. Given the potential importance of these receptors in synaptic processing, the development of the central nervous system, and neurological disorders, we sought to characterize the expression of mGluR2 in the developing neocortex of the mouse. Therefore, we examined the distribution of mGluR2 in the developing cerebral cortex. We found a general caudal to rostral gradient in the expression of these receptors, with ventral cortical regions labeled caudally and dorsal regions labeled rostrally. Limbic regions highly expressed mGluR2 throughout the brain, as did sensory and motor cortical areas. Finally, other non-cortical structures, such as the thalamic reticular nucleus, amygdala, and mammillary bodies were found to have significant expression of the receptor. These results suggest that mGluR2 may play important roles in mediating glutamatergic inhibition in these structures and also could have a role in shaping the development of mature neural networks in the forebrain.展开更多
Agmatine, an analog of L-arginine, is an endogenous substance synthesized by arginine decarboxylase, which has been shown to possess neuroprotective effects following brain ischemia. Nitric oxide is generated by seque...Agmatine, an analog of L-arginine, is an endogenous substance synthesized by arginine decarboxylase, which has been shown to possess neuroprotective effects following brain ischemia. Nitric oxide is generated by sequential oxidation of the guanidinium group in L-arginine, and agmatine might protect the brain from ischemic injury by interfering with nitric oxide signaling. This study investigated the effects of agmatine on cerebral cortex neuronal injury following transient global cerebral ischemia and also detected nitric oxide synthase expression and peroxynitrite formation. Results demonstrated that intraperitoneal injection of agmatine in global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion alleviated ischemia/reperfusion-induced cerebral cortical cortex neuronal injury and cellular apoptosis, decreased neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression at 24, 48, and 72 hours following global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion, and greatly inhibited nitrotyrosine levels, which reflect the amount of peroxynitrite formed. These findings indicated that agmatine alleviates cerebral cortex neuronal injury following global cerebral ischemia and decreases nitric oxide synthase expression and peroxynitrite formation following ischemia/reperfusion.展开更多
BACKGROUND:Some researches demonstrate that exogenous bone morphogenetic protein 7(BMP-7) can protect ischemic cerebral nerve tissue and promote recovery of motor energy function;however,there is lack of direct eviden...BACKGROUND:Some researches demonstrate that exogenous bone morphogenetic protein 7(BMP-7) can protect ischemic cerebral nerve tissue and promote recovery of motor energy function;however,there is lack of direct evidences of endogenous BMP-7 effect. OBJECTIVE:To observe the expression of endogenous BMP-7 in nerve tissue with ischemic-hypoxic injury and investigate the possible effects on damaged nerve tissue. DESIGN:Observational contrast animal study. SETTING:Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology,Peking University Health Science Center. MATERIALS:The experiment was carried out in the Nerve Researching Laboratory of Anatomy Department,Peking University Health Science Center from October 2006 to March 2007. A total of 25 adult male SD rats weighing 250-300 g and several newborn SD rats were selected from Experimental Animal Center,Peking University Health Science Center. Rabbit-anti-BMP-7 polyclonal antibody was provided by Wuhan Boster Company. METHODS:① Adult rats were randomly divided into ischemia group(n =10),sham operation group(n = 10) and normal group(n =5). Right external-internal carotid artery occlusion was used to infarct middle cerebral artery of adult rats in the ischemia group so as to copy focal cerebral infarction models. Line cork was inserted in crotch of internal and external carotid artery of adult rats in the sham operation group,while adult rats in the normal group were not given any treatments. ② Cerebral cortex of newborn rats was separated to obtain cell suspension. Cells which were cultured for 10 days were divided into control group and hypoxia/reoxygenation group. And then,cells in the hypoxia/reoxygenation group were cultured in hypoxic incubator for 4 hours and given reoxygenation for 24 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Immunohistochemical method was used to measure expression of BMP-7 in cerebral cortex at 24 hours after ischemia/reperfusion culture and in primary hypoxic culture. RESULTS:① At 24 hours after cerebral ischemia,expression of BMP-7 in cerebral cortex on ischemic side was stronger than that on non-ischemic side in adult rats;meanwhile,numbers of cell expression were increased. However,expression of BMP-7 was not detected in bilateral cerebral cortex of adult rats in both control group and sham operation group. ② After hypoxia of cerebral cortex in primary culture,positive products of BMP-7 were observed in plasma of neuron,but expression of BMP-7 was not found in normal cerebral cortex. CONCLUSION:Endogenous BMP-7 has protective effects on nerve tissue induced by ischemic-hypoxic injury.展开更多
Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on expression of p53 protein in cerebral cortex of senile rats with global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury and to explore its mechanism. Methods: T...Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on expression of p53 protein in cerebral cortex of senile rats with global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury and to explore its mechanism. Methods: The cerebral IR injury rat model was established referring to Pulsinelli 4-vessel occlusion method. Thirty-six SD rats were randomly and evenly divided into the control group, the IR group and the IR plus EA (IR-EA) group. The animals in the control group were subjected to electrocauterization of vertebral arteries in bilateral flank orifice alone with the general carotid arteries unoccluded.To rats in the IR-EA group, immediately and 24h, 48h, 72h after cerebral IR, EA treatment on bilateral acupoint "Zusanli"(ST36) was applied once a day, lasting for 60 minutes. After the final treatment, all the rats were sacrificed and their brains were taken to examine p53 protein expression by the immunohistochemical method. Results: Cells with positive p53 immunoreactivity in the cerebral cortex of rats in the IR group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P＜0.05), while that in the IR-EA group was significantly lower than that in the IR group (P＜0.05). Conclusion: EA could remarkably reduce expression of p53 protein in the cerebral cortex of senile rats with global cerebral IR injury, which might be one of the means for EA to inhibit neuronal apoptosis after cerebral IR injury.展开更多
基金supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency-Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (JPMJPR22SA to MM)Japan Society for the Promotion of Science KA KENHI Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research(JP21K07309 to HT,JP20H05688 and JP22K19365 to KN)+2 种基金Takeda Science Foundation (to KN)Keio Gijuku Academic Development Funds (to KN)Keio Gijuku Fukuzawa Memorial Fund (to KN)
文摘The cerebral cortex is comprised of properly localized cell types that exert their specific functions.In the developing brain,cells migrate from the germinal region to their functional locations(Silva et al.,2019;Cossart and Garel,2022).For example,neocortical excitatory neurons are generated in the cerebral ventricular and subventricular zones,move to the developing cortical plate via radial migration,and reside in a radial array of six neuronal layers(Oishi and Nakajima,2018).On the other hand,cortical interneurons are mainly generated in ganglionic eminences,migrate tangentially across the cerebral cortex,and reach their final destinations in the cortex(Lim et al.,2018).The failure of neuronal migration leads to defects in cortical layer formation.While the mechanisms of neuronal distribution have been well examined,how astrocytes are diffusely distributed in the cortex is still unclear.Astrocytes are glial cells in the cerebral cortex with several functions,including metabolic support and synapse formation(Abbott et al.,2006;Bosworth and Allen,2017;Allen and Lyons,2018).For example,astrocytes establish synaptic connectivity in the developing brain while they contact numerous synapses and maintain optimal neuronal activity in the adult brain.In the developing brain,astrocytes are primarily generated from radial glia after the neurogenic period.While a certain type of astrocyte called fibrous astrocytes populates the white matter,protoplasmic astrocytes migrate to the cortical plate during neural network formation.
基金This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(General Program),No.81673411the United Fund Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.U1803281+1 种基金Young Medical Talents Award Project of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences,No.2018RC350013Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Innovation Project for Medical Science,No.2017-I2M-1-016(all to RL).
文摘In a previous study,we found that long non-coding genes in Alzheimer’s disease(AD)are a result of endogenous gene disorders caused by the recruitment of microRNA(miRNA)and mRNA,and that miR-200a-3p and other representative miRNAs can mediate cognitive impairment and thus serve as new biomarkers for AD.In this study,we investigated the abnormal expression of miRNA and mRNA and the pathogenesis of AD at the epigenetic level.To this aim,we performed RNA sequencing and an integrative analysis of the cerebral cortex of the widely used amyloid precursor protein and presenilin-1 double transgenic mouse model of AD.Overall,129 mRNAs and 68 miRNAs were aberrantly expressed.Among these,eight down-regulated miRNAs and seven up-regulated miRNAs appeared as promising noninvasive biomarkers and therapeutic targets.The main enriched signaling pathways involved mitogen-activated kinase protein,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B,mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase,forkhead box O,and autophagy.An miRNA-mRNA network between dysregulated miRNAs and corresponding target genes connected with AD progression was also constructed.These miRNAs and mRNAs are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for new treatment strategies,early diagnosis,and prevention of AD.The present results provide a novel perspective on the role of miRNAs and mRNAs in AD.This study was approved by the Experimental Animal Care and Use Committee of Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology of Beijing,China(approval No.IMB-201909-D6)on September 6,2019.
文摘Intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH)is a stroke subtype caused by spontaneous rupture of small vessels and bleeding into the brain parenchyma,resulting in cell death and sensorimotor deficits.Despite the greater prevalence of the ischemic form of stroke(87%),ICH has the highest mortality rate of all stroke subtypes.The striatum is the most affected structure in hemorrhagic stroke(35–70%),followed by cere-
基金the Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Educational Bureau, No. Chuanjiaoji (2001) 149-01LA40
文摘BACKGROUND: Both c-Fos protein and nitricoxide synthase (NOS) have been used as general indexes in relative research about neurons, but it is lack of reports that c-Fos protein and NOS are applied synchronously to study the neurons of hypoxic fetal rats in uterus. OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of hypoxia in uterus on the expression of c-Fos protein and NOS in neurons of cerebral cortex from fetal rats and whether Angelica sinensis has the protective effect on these neurons in hypoxia. DESIGN: Randomized control experiment. SETTING: Department of Histology and Embryology, Luzhou Medical College. MATERIALS: Twelve adult female Wistar rats in oestrum and 1 male Wistar rat with bodymass from 220 to 250 g were chosen. Parenteral solution of Angelica sinensis mainly contained angelica sinensis, 10 mL/ampoule, was provided by Department of Agent of the Second Hospital Affiliated to Hubei Medical University (batch number: 01062310). METHODS: This experiment was completed in the Department of Histology and Embryology of Luzhou Medical College from September 2003 to June 2004. ① Twelve adult female Wistar rats in oestrum and 1 male Wistar rat were housed in one rearing cage. Vaginal embolus was performed on conceive female rat at 8:00 am next day. On the 15th conceiving day, all conceiving rats were divided randomly into three groups: control group, hypoxia group and Angelica group with 4 in each group. Rats in hypoxia group and Angelica group were modeled with hypotonic hypoxia in uterus. Angelica group: Rats were injected with 8 mL/kg Angelica sinensis injection through caudal veins before hypoxia. Hypoxia group: Rats were injected with the same volume of saline. Control group: Rats were not modeled and fed with normal way. ② Twenty embryos of rats were chosen randomly from each group and then routinely embedded in paraffin. Paraffin sections were cut from the brain of embryos to anterior fontanelle. Double-label staining was used to detect the expression of nNOS and c-Fos in neurons of cerebral cortex from embryos of rats. OLYMPUS Bx-50 microscope was used to observe sections and DP12 digit camera was also used under 400 times to detect types of cells. Under microscope, the number of c-Fos, NOS, c-Fos/NOS positive neurons in cerebral cortex from embryos of rats were counted in 2 fields with magnification of 400 in one section per animal. ③ The data in experiments were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by q test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ① Results of immunohistochemical double-label staining of c-Fos/NOS from cerebral cortex; ② Comparison of amount immunohistochemical double-label staining of c-Fos/NOS positive cells from cerebral cortex. RESULTS: ① The positive NOS cells and c-Fos/NOS cells in the three groups were mainly distributed in cerebral cortex, but positive c-Fos neurons were not observed. ② Positive NOS cells and c-Fos/NOS cells in hypoxia group were more than those in control group (76.55±12.02, 50.45±10.39; 33.35±7.42, 26.35 ±6.67, P < 0.05), but those in Angelica group were less than those in hypoxia group (51.70±9.82, 35.65 ±8.37, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Hypoxia can stimulate the increase of expression of c-Fos protein and NOS in neurons of cerebral cortex. However, Angelica sinensis can decrease this expression so as to play a protective role in cerebral neurons of hypoxic fetal rats.
文摘BACKGROUND: Melatonin is a kind of hormones derived from pineal gland. Recent researches demonstrate that melatonin is characterized by anti-oxidation, anti-senility and destroying free radicals. While, effect and pathogenesis of pineal gland on learning ability should be further studied. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of pinealectomy on learning abiliy, distribution of cholinesterase and expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in cerebral cortex of rats and probe into the effect of melatonin on learning ability, central cholinergic system and nNOS expression. DESIGN: Randomized grouping design and animal study. SETTING: Department of Neurology, the 187 Hospital of Chinese PLA. MATERIALS: A total of 12 male SD rats, of normal learning ability testing with Y-tape maze, of clean grade, weighing 190-210 g, aged 6 weeks, were selected in this study. METHODS: The experiment was carried out in the Department of Neurology, Zhujiang Hospital from July 1997 to June 2000. All SD rats were divided into experimental group (n =6, pinealectomy) and control group (n =6, sham operation). Seven days later, rats in both two groups were continuously fed for 33 days. ① Learning ability test: The learning ability of rats was tested by trisection Y-type maze and figured as attempting times. ② Expression of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) was detected by enzyme histochemistry and nNOS was measured by SABC method. ③ Quantitative analysis of AchE fibers: AchE fibers density in unit area (surface density) was surveyed with Leica Diaplan microscope and Leica Quantimet 500+ image analytic apparatus and quantitative parameter was set up for AchE fibers covering density (μm2) per 374 693.656 μm2, moreover, the AchE fibers density was measured in Ⅱ-Ⅳ layers of motor and somatosensory cortex (showing three layers per field of vision at one time), in radiative, lacunaria and molecular layers of CA1, CA2 and CA3 areas, and in lamina multiforms of dentate gyrus. Three tissue slices were picked up randomly in the same part of each rat, together six tissue slices for nNOS expression and four near view (× 400) were selected in the parts of right neocortex, medial septal nucleus-diagonal band nucleus (SM-DB), corpus striatus and hippocampus to count nNOS-positive cells. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Learning ability; distribution and quantitative analysis of AchE fibers; expression of nNOS in various cerebral areas. RESULTS: The twelve rats were all involved in the final analysis. ① Learning ability test: The learning abilities before operation in the experimental group [(14.67±4.97) times] were consistent with those in the control group [(14.33±4.32) times, P > 0.05], the learning abilities in the experimental group at 40 days after pinealectomy [(28.67±2.42) times] were obviously more than those before pinealectomy and those in the control group after operation [(13.83±8.33) times, P < 0.01]. ② Results of AchE-positive fibers density in cerebral cortex of rats: The AChE-positive fibers densities in motor and somatosensory cortex, CA1, CA2 and CA3 areas of hippocampus and in lamina multiforms of dentate gyrus in the experimental group were obviously lower than those in the control group [experimental group: (15 244±1 339), (14 764±1 391), (12 991±970), (15 077±1 020), (19 546±1 489), (19 337±1 378) μm2; control group: (21 001±1 021), (17 930±2 225), (17 260±1 342), (18 911±1 048), (24 108±1 671), (22 917±1 909) μm2, P < 0.01]. ③ Expression of nNOS in various cerebral areas: nNOS-positive cells in cerebral cortex of rats of the experimental group were more, furthermore the ones in somatosensory cortex were slightly more in motor cortex and the number (5.90±0.68) was more than that in the control group (3.68±0.39,P < 0.05). The nNOS-positive cells in SM-DB (16.21±2.03) were markedly more than those in the control group (9.32±1.05,P < 0.01). The nNOS-positive cells in hippocampus (4.27±0.75) and in corpus striatus (9.35±2.58) were not different with those in the control group (3.94±0.53, 8.96±2.31, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Decrease of melatonin due to pinealectomy of rats can result in learning disorder, which may be related to trauma of cholinergic neuron in cerebral cortex which were caused by nitric oxide neurotoxicity arose from the overexpression of nNOS in cerebral neocortex and SM-DB.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.81601961(to KWY),81672242(to YW)the Key Construction Projects of Shanghai Health and Family Planning on Weak Discipline,China,No.2015ZB0401(to YW)
文摘Many studies have shown that fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5(FDNC5) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) play vital roles in plasticity after brain injury. An enriched environment refers to an environment that provides animals with multi-sensory stimulation and movement opportunities. An enriched environment has been shown to promote the regeneration of nerve cells, synapses, and blood vessels in the animal brain after cerebral ischemia;however, the exact mechanisms have not been clarified. This study aimed to determine whether an enriched environment could improve neurobehavioral functions after the experimental inducement of cerebral ischemia and whether neurobehavioral outcomes were associated with the expression of FDNC5 and BDNF. This study established ischemic mouse models using permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion(pMCAO) on the left side. On postoperative day 1, the mice were randomly assigned to either enriched environment or standard housing condition groups. Mice in the standard housing condition group were housed and fed under standard conditions. Mice in the enriched environment group were housed in a large cage, containing various toys, and fed with a standard diet. Sham-operated mice received the same procedure, but without artery occlusion, and were housed and fed under standard conditions. On postoperative days 7 and 14, a beam-walking test was used to assess coordination, balance, and spatial learning. On postoperative days 16–20, a Morris water maze test was used to assess spatial learning and memory. On postoperative day 15, the expression levels of FDNC5 and BDNF proteins in the ipsilateral cerebral cortex were analyzed by western blot assay. The results showed that compared with the standard housing condition group, the motor balance and coordination functions(based on beam-walking test scores 7 and 14 days after operation), spatial learning abilities(based on the spatial learning scores from the Morris water maze test 16–19 days after operation), and memory abilities(based on the memory scores of the Morris water maze test 20 days after operation) of the enriched environment group improved significantly. In addition, the expression levels of FDNC5 and BDNF proteins in the ipsilateral cerebral cortex increased in the enriched environment group compared with those in the standard housing condition group. Furthermore, the Pearson correlation coefficient showed that neurobehavioral functions were positively associated with the expression levels of FDNC5 and BDNF(r = 0.587 and r = 0.840, respectively). These findings suggest that an enriched environment upregulates FDNC5 protein expression in the ipsilateral cerebral cortex after cerebral ischemia, which then activates BDNF protein expression, improving neurological function. BDNF protein expression was positively correlated with improved neurological function. The experimental protocols were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Fudan University, China(approval Nos. 20160858 A232, 20160860 A234) on February 24, 2016.
基金supported by Science and Technology Research Project of Hebei Higher School,Hebei Education Department(ZD2015131)Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province(H2012405016)
文摘OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of quercetin on primary cultured newborn rat cortex neuron cell which is estrogen depletion,and discuss the possible mechanism,to provide new ideas and strategies for developing a drug of neurodegenerative disease.METHODS Rat cortex neurons were isolated from one day old Sprague Dawley rats and treated with estrogen,quercetin and estrogen receptor antagonists(ICI182,780).Cell viability was determined by MTT assay,neurite outgrowth was measured by fluorescent microsope and estrogen receptors were determine by Western blot.RESULTS Quercetin functions like estrogen to increase cortex neuronal cell viability,the Que(50,100μmol·L^(-1))group compared with the control group could significantly improve the activity of the cortical neurons(P<0.05).It can also increase neurite out growth,the Que(50,100μmol·L^(-1))group significantly promoted the formation of synapse,most of the neurons were full,and the synapses of neurons became thick,growth,and connect to a dense neural network.And in the Western blot experiments,Que(50,100μmol·L^(-1))group could obviously increase the expression of estrogen receptor alpha protein,in addition,the neural protective effect of quercetin can be inhibited by ICI182,780.CONCLUSION Quercetin like estrogen can protected cortex neuronal and the effect of quercetin on cortex neuronal cells was mediated by estrogen receptor alpha.
基金supported by the Guangxi Bureau of Traditional Chinese Medicine,No.[2009]73the Department of Science and Technology,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region,No.0640203
文摘Previous studies have demonstrated that pine pollen can inhibit cerebral cortical cell apoptosis in mice with arsenic poisoning.The present study sought to detect the influence of pine pollen on apoptosis-related proteins.Immunohistochemistry,western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure the levels of apoptosis-related proteins in the cerebral cortex of mice with arsenic poisoning.Results indicated that pine pollen suppressed cell apoptosis in the cerebral cortex of arsenic-poisoned mice by reducing Bax,Bcl-2 protein expression and increasing p53 protein expression.
基金supported by the Grant of Department of Education of Hebei Province (GH/IGF-1 action mechanism in diabetes mellitus-induced gonadal axis injury and protective effects of sericin),No.2006301the Grant of the Department of Technology of Hebei Province (Protective effects of sericin on testicular dysfunction following diabetes mellitus),No.08276101D-19
文摘Previous studies have demonstrated that sericin effectively reduces blood glucose,and protects islet cells,as well as the gonads and kidneys.However,whether sericin improves diabetes mellitus-induced structural and functional problems in the central nervous system remains poorly understood.Rat models of type 2 diabetes mellitus were established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin.The present study observed histological changes in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex,as well as heme oxygenase-1 expression,and explored sericin effects on the central nervous system in diabetic rats.Pathological damage to neural cells in the rat hippocampus and cerebral cortex was relieved following intragastric administration of sericin at a dose of 2.4 g/kg for 35 consecutive days.Heme oxygenase-1 protein and mRNA expressions were decreased in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of diabetes mellitus rats after sericin treatment.The results suggest that sericin plays a protective effect on the nervous system by decreasing the high expression of heme oxygenase-1 following diabetes mellitus.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.30903123, 30901329the Project of Science and Technology of Jilin Province, No.20090741, 20090185
文摘Activin A,which was first described in 1986,has been shown to maintain hippocampal neuronal survival.Activin A increases intracellular free Ca2+ via L-type Ca2+ channels.Our previous study showed that activin A promotes neurite growth of dorsal root ganglia in embryonic chickens and inhibits nitric oxide secretion.The present study demonstrated for the first time that activin A could maintain cerebral cortex neuronal survival in vitro for a long period,and that activin A was shown to increase voltage-gated Na+ current(INa) in Neuro-2a cells,which was recorded by patch clamp technique.The present study revealed a novel mechanism for activin A,as well as the influence of activin A on neurons by regulating expressions of vasoactive intestine peptide and inducible nitric oxide synthase.
基金supported by the National Science &Technology Pillar Program in the Eleventh Five-year Plan Period, No. 2006BAl01A00a grant from Science and Technology Department of Shandong Province, No. 22130109a grant from Science and Technology Bureau of Qingdao City, No. Kzd-03,09-1-1-33-nsh
文摘A rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion was established by suture occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery. In situ hybridization results showed that the number of brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA-positive cells in the ischemic rat cerebral cortex increased after cerebral ischemia/ reperfusion injury. Low frequency continuous wave electroacupuncture (frequency 2-6 Hz, current intensity 2 mA) stimulation of the brachial plexus trunk on the healthy (right) side increased the number of brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA-positive cells in the ischemic cerebral cortex 14 days after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. At the same time, electroacupuncture stimulation of the healthy brachial plexus truck significantly decreased neurological function scores and alleviated neurological function deficits. These findings suggest that electroacupuncture stimulation of the brachial plexus trunk on the healthy (right) side can greatly increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA expression and improve neurological function.
文摘The rat vertebral and common carotid arteries were obstructed to cause bilateralhemispheric ischemia.Vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP)in the rat cerebral cortex following 10～60min of ischemia was analysed by radioimmunoassay(RIA).The results showed that the levels ofVIP were significantly lower in the ischemic animals than controls(P【0.01).The distribution andmetabolism of VIP in the cerebral cortex and the probable mechanism during ischemia are dis-cussed.
基金supported by the Outstanding Youth Science and Technology Innovation Fund of Hebei University of Technology,No.2013007the Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education of China,No.20131317120007+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province in China,No.H2013202176the Natural Science Foundation of China,No.31400844,51377045,61571180 and 31300818
文摘Stimulation at specific acupoints can activate cortical regions in human subjects.Previous studies have mainly focused on a single brain region.However,the brain is a network and many brain regions participate in the same task.The study of a single brain region alone cannot clearly explain any brain-related issues.Therefore,for the present study,magnetic stimulation was used to stimulate the Neiguan(PC6) acupoint,and 32-channel electroencephalography data were recorded before and after stimulation.Brain functional networks were constructed based on electroencephalography data to determine the relationship between magnetic stimulation at the PC6 acupoint and cortical excitability.Results indicated that magnetic stimulation at the PC6 acupoint increased connections between cerebral cortex regions.
基金supported by the Science Foundation of Jining Science and Technology Bureau of China,No.2012jnjc07
文摘Hypoxia promotes proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells from embryonic day 12 rat brain tissue, but the concentration and time of hypoxic preconditioning are controversial. To address this, we cultured neural stem cells isolated from embryonic day 14 rat cerebral cortex in 5% and 10% oxygen in vitro. MTT assay, neurosphere number, and immunofluorescent staining found that 5% or 10% oxygen preconditioning for 72 hours improved neural stem cell viability and proliferation. With prolonged hypoxic duration(120 hours), the proportion of apoptotic cells increased. Thus, 5% oxygen preconditioning for 72 hours promotes neural stem cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Our findings indicate that the optimal concentration and duration of hypoxic preconditioning for promoting proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells from the cerebral cortex are 5% oxygen for 72 hours.
文摘The fine structure and the main types of the synapses that can be recognizcd with the electronmicroscope have been reportedin many literatures.Gray(1959)was the first to notice the difference in types of synapses in the cerebral cortex and he classified them into Type I and Type II.
文摘Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to describe a technique for computing the local fractal dimension of the human cerebral cortex as extracted from high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging scans. Methods: 3D models of the human cerebral cortex were extracted from high resolution magnetic resonance images of 10 healthy adult volunteers using FreeSurfer. The local fractal dimension of the cortex was computed using a custom-written cube-counting algorithm. The effect of constraining the maximum region size on the measured value of local fractal dimension was examined. A proof of principle was demonstrated by comparing an individual with Alzheimer’s disease to a healthy individual. Results: Local values of cortical fractal dimension can be obtained by constraining the size of the region over which the cube counting is performed. Cubic regions of intermediate size (30 × 30 × 30 mm) yielded a profile that demonstrated greater regional variability compared to smaller (15 × 15 × 15 mm) or larger (60 × 60 × 60 mm) region sizes. Conclusions: Local fractal dimension of the cerebral cortex is a novel measure that may yield additional, quantitative insight into the clinical meaning of cortical shape changes.
文摘Glutamatergic synaptic transmission is an essential component of neural circuits in the central nervous system. Glutamate exerts its effects by binding to various types of glutamate receptors, which are found distributed on neurons throughout the central nervous system. These receptors are broadly classified into two main groups, ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) and metabo-tropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Unlike iGluRs, the mGluRs are G-protein coupled receptors that exert their effects on postsynaptic membrane conductance indirectly through the downstream modification of ion channels. A subtype of mGluRs, the Group II mGluRs, are particularly interesting since their activation by glutamate results in a hyperpolarizing response. Thus, glutamate can act potentially as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, by binding to postsynaptic Group II mGluRs. Given the potential importance of these receptors in synaptic processing, the development of the central nervous system, and neurological disorders, we sought to characterize the expression of mGluR2 in the developing neocortex of the mouse. Therefore, we examined the distribution of mGluR2 in the developing cerebral cortex. We found a general caudal to rostral gradient in the expression of these receptors, with ventral cortical regions labeled caudally and dorsal regions labeled rostrally. Limbic regions highly expressed mGluR2 throughout the brain, as did sensory and motor cortical areas. Finally, other non-cortical structures, such as the thalamic reticular nucleus, amygdala, and mammillary bodies were found to have significant expression of the receptor. These results suggest that mGluR2 may play important roles in mediating glutamatergic inhibition in these structures and also could have a role in shaping the development of mature neural networks in the forebrain.
基金a grant of the Korea Healthcare Technology R&D Project, Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs, Republic of Korea, No. A080959
文摘Agmatine, an analog of L-arginine, is an endogenous substance synthesized by arginine decarboxylase, which has been shown to possess neuroprotective effects following brain ischemia. Nitric oxide is generated by sequential oxidation of the guanidinium group in L-arginine, and agmatine might protect the brain from ischemic injury by interfering with nitric oxide signaling. This study investigated the effects of agmatine on cerebral cortex neuronal injury following transient global cerebral ischemia and also detected nitric oxide synthase expression and peroxynitrite formation. Results demonstrated that intraperitoneal injection of agmatine in global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion alleviated ischemia/reperfusion-induced cerebral cortical cortex neuronal injury and cellular apoptosis, decreased neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression at 24, 48, and 72 hours following global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion, and greatly inhibited nitrotyrosine levels, which reflect the amount of peroxynitrite formed. These findings indicated that agmatine alleviates cerebral cortex neuronal injury following global cerebral ischemia and decreases nitric oxide synthase expression and peroxynitrite formation following ischemia/reperfusion.
文摘BACKGROUND:Some researches demonstrate that exogenous bone morphogenetic protein 7(BMP-7) can protect ischemic cerebral nerve tissue and promote recovery of motor energy function;however,there is lack of direct evidences of endogenous BMP-7 effect. OBJECTIVE:To observe the expression of endogenous BMP-7 in nerve tissue with ischemic-hypoxic injury and investigate the possible effects on damaged nerve tissue. DESIGN:Observational contrast animal study. SETTING:Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology,Peking University Health Science Center. MATERIALS:The experiment was carried out in the Nerve Researching Laboratory of Anatomy Department,Peking University Health Science Center from October 2006 to March 2007. A total of 25 adult male SD rats weighing 250-300 g and several newborn SD rats were selected from Experimental Animal Center,Peking University Health Science Center. Rabbit-anti-BMP-7 polyclonal antibody was provided by Wuhan Boster Company. METHODS:① Adult rats were randomly divided into ischemia group(n =10),sham operation group(n = 10) and normal group(n =5). Right external-internal carotid artery occlusion was used to infarct middle cerebral artery of adult rats in the ischemia group so as to copy focal cerebral infarction models. Line cork was inserted in crotch of internal and external carotid artery of adult rats in the sham operation group,while adult rats in the normal group were not given any treatments. ② Cerebral cortex of newborn rats was separated to obtain cell suspension. Cells which were cultured for 10 days were divided into control group and hypoxia/reoxygenation group. And then,cells in the hypoxia/reoxygenation group were cultured in hypoxic incubator for 4 hours and given reoxygenation for 24 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Immunohistochemical method was used to measure expression of BMP-7 in cerebral cortex at 24 hours after ischemia/reperfusion culture and in primary hypoxic culture. RESULTS:① At 24 hours after cerebral ischemia,expression of BMP-7 in cerebral cortex on ischemic side was stronger than that on non-ischemic side in adult rats;meanwhile,numbers of cell expression were increased. However,expression of BMP-7 was not detected in bilateral cerebral cortex of adult rats in both control group and sham operation group. ② After hypoxia of cerebral cortex in primary culture,positive products of BMP-7 were observed in plasma of neuron,but expression of BMP-7 was not found in normal cerebral cortex. CONCLUSION:Endogenous BMP-7 has protective effects on nerve tissue induced by ischemic-hypoxic injury.
基金This item was supported by Fund on Opening Subject of Key Laboratory in Jiangsu Province (No.K9842)
文摘Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on expression of p53 protein in cerebral cortex of senile rats with global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury and to explore its mechanism. Methods: The cerebral IR injury rat model was established referring to Pulsinelli 4-vessel occlusion method. Thirty-six SD rats were randomly and evenly divided into the control group, the IR group and the IR plus EA (IR-EA) group. The animals in the control group were subjected to electrocauterization of vertebral arteries in bilateral flank orifice alone with the general carotid arteries unoccluded.To rats in the IR-EA group, immediately and 24h, 48h, 72h after cerebral IR, EA treatment on bilateral acupoint "Zusanli"(ST36) was applied once a day, lasting for 60 minutes. After the final treatment, all the rats were sacrificed and their brains were taken to examine p53 protein expression by the immunohistochemical method. Results: Cells with positive p53 immunoreactivity in the cerebral cortex of rats in the IR group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P＜0.05), while that in the IR-EA group was significantly lower than that in the IR group (P＜0.05). Conclusion: EA could remarkably reduce expression of p53 protein in the cerebral cortex of senile rats with global cerebral IR injury, which might be one of the means for EA to inhibit neuronal apoptosis after cerebral IR injury.
