Identification and characterization of cell-bound membrane vesicles

In contrast to the released/circulating membrane vesicles (extracellular vesicles), cell-bound membrane vesicles are poorly identified and characterized. In this study, cell-bound membrane vesicles on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human hepatoma HepG-2 cells were investigated. We identified that cell-bound membrane vesicles are not co-localized with the major markers for extracellular vesicles (e.g. phosphatidylserine, CD63, CD107α, CD31, and DNA fragments for the three well-known types of extracellular vesicles) and for intracellular organelles with similar sizes (e.g. MitoTracker and LAMP1/LAMP3 for mitochondria and multivesicular bodies or lysosomes, respectively). The data imply that cell-bound membrane vesicles are neither the precursors of extracellular vesicles nor a false structure pushed up by an intracellular organelle but probably a novel unknown structure in the plasma membrane. Moreover, we revealed that cell-bound membrane vesicles are resistant to various detergents including but probably not limited to Triton X-100, SDS, and saponin. We further characterized that these unique vesicles are soluble in organic solvents (e.g. chloroform-methanol mixture and ethanol) which can be prevented by a lipid-stabilizing fixative (e.g. OsO₄) and that they are co-localized with, but do not monopolize, the major markers (e.g. caveolin-1 and GM1) for lipid rafts (a nano-sized detergent-resistant domains in the plasma membrane). The data imply that cell-bound membrane vesicles contain the lipid component and lipid rafts. Involvement of other specific unknown components might explain the detergent resistance of cell-bound membrane vesicles. Further research will mainly depend on the establishment of an effective approach for isolation/purification of these vesicles from the plasma membrane.

MicroRNA-382 inhibits prostate cancer cell proliferation and metastasis through targeting COUP-TFII

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important regulators in cancer that are implicated in regulation of various cellular processes. miR-382 has been proposed as a tumor suppressor by several recent studies. However, the function of miR-382 in prostate cancer remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential function of miR-382 in prostate cancer. We found that miR-382 was significantly decreased in prostate cancer specimens and cancer cell lines. The overexpression of miR-382 in prostate cancer cells markedly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In contrast, miR-382 suppression exhibited an opposite effect. Target analysis predicted that chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor II (COUP‑TFII) was a direct target of miR-382. This prediction was experimentally confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analysis. Our results further demonstrated that miR-382 inhibited the downstream genes of COUP‑TFII, including Snail and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2). Moreover, the restoration of COUP‑TFII expression significantly blocked the inhibitory effect of miR-382 on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and Snail expression. Taken together, this study suggests that miR-382 inhibits prostate cancer cell proliferation and metastasis through inhibiting COUP‑TFII, representing an important new mechanism for understanding prostate cancer pathogenesis and providing a novel therapeutic candidate target for prostate cancer therapy.

Transplantation of human induced cerebellar granular-like cells improves motor functions in a novel mouse model of cerebellar ataxia

Stem cell-based reparative approaches have been applied to cerebellum-related disorders during the last two decades. Direct lineage reprogramming of human fibroblasts into functional granular neurons holds great promise for biomedical applications such as cerebellum regeneration and cellbased disease modeling. In the present study, we showed that a combination of Ascl1, Sox2 and OCT4, in a culture subsequently treated with secreted factors (BMP4, Wnt3a and FGF8b), was capable of converting human fibroblasts from the scalp tissue of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) into functional human induced cerebellar granular-like cells (hiCGCs). Morphological analysis, immunocytochemistry, gene expression and electrophysiological analysis were performed to identify the similarity of induced neuronal cells to human cerebellum granular cells. Our strategy improved the efficiency for hiCGCs induction, which gave the highest conversion efficiency 12.30±0.88%, and Ath1(+)/Tuj1(+) double positive cells to 5.56±0.80%. We transplanted hiCGCs into the cerebellum of Nmyc(TRE/TRE): tTS mice, a novel mouse model of cerebellar ataxia, and demonstrated that the hiCGCs were able to survive, migrate, proliferate and promote mild functional recovery after been grafted into cerebellum.

Shen-Qi-Jie-Yu-Fang exerts effects on a rat model of postpartum depression by regulating inflammatory cytokines and CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells

BACKGROUND

Shen-Qi-Jie-Yu-Fang (SJF) is composed of eight Chinese medicinal herbs. It is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating postpartum depression (PPD). Previous studies have shown that SJF treats PPD through the neuroendocrine mechanism.

AIM

To further investigate the effect of SJF on the immune system, including the inflammatory response system and CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague Dawley rats were used to create an animal model of PPD by inducing hormone-simulated pregnancy followed by hormone withdrawal. After hormone withdrawal, the PPD rats were treated with SJF or fluoxetine for 1, 2, and 4 weeks. Levels of Treg cells in peripheral blood were measured by flow cytometry analysis. Serum interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and gene and protein expressions of IL-1RI, IL-6Rα, and gp130 in the hippocampus were observed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.

RESULTS

Serum IL-1β in PPD rats increased at 2 weeks and declined from then on, while serum IL-6 increased at 1, 2, and 4 weeks. Both IL-1β and IL-6 were downregulated by SJF and fluoxetine. Changes in gene and protein expressions of IL-1RI and gp130 in PPD rats were consistent with changes in serum IL-1β, and were able to be regulated by SJF and fluoxetine. The levels of Treg cells were negatively correlated with serum IL-1β and IL-6, and were decreased in PPD rats. The levels of Treg cells were increased by SJF and fluoxetine.

CONCLUSION

Dysfunction of proinflammatory cytokines and Tregs in different stages of PPD was attenuated by SJF and fluoxetine through the modulation of serum concentrations of IL-1β and IL-6, expressions of IL-1RI, and gp130 in the hippocampus, and CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cells in peripheral blood.

Effect of Yi-nao-jie-yu decoction on γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor in the hippocampus and serum inflammatory factors in a rat model of poststroke anxiety

BACKGROUND

The Yi-nao-jie-yu decoction (YNJYD) is a herbal preparation widely used in the clinics of traditional Chinese medicine and has been recently used as an important new therapeutic agent in poststroke anxiety (PSA). The neuroendocrine-immune system plays an important role in PSA mechanisms, although the modulating effects of YNJYD remain unknown. This study investigated the potential effects of YNJYD on the neuroendocrine-immune system in a rat model of PSA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The PSA model was induced by injecting collagenase (type VII) into the right globus pallidus, accompanied by empty water bottle stimulation for 2 weeks. The sham group and the PSA model group were gavaged with saline, while the treatment groups received buspirone (BuSpar) or YNJYD. Behavior was evaluated with the open field test and elevated plus maze once a week. Pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin (IL)-6, adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, IL-1α, and cortisol were detected by radioimmunoassay. Expression of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABA_AR) α₂ subunit was examined by Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

YNJYD-treated rats exhibited significantly better recovery than BuSpar-treated rats at 21 days and 28 days in the open field test and elevated plus maze. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed neural repair in the hippocampus in the treatment groups. Serum levels of IL-1α in the YNJYD group were significantly less than those in the model group and the BuSpar group. GABA_AR protein and mRNA expressions were higher in the PSA model group than in the sham group, and YNJYD reversed these effects.

CONCLUSION

YNJYD alleviated the symptoms of PSA mainly by decreasing IL-1α levels and downregulating GABA_AR expression in the hippocampus to maintain a neuroendocrine-mmune system balance.

[Effect of Yinao Jieyu Recipe on Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor of the Limbic System in Post-Stroke Model Rats]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the evolutionary tendency of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) of the limbic system in post-stroke model rats and the intervention effect of Yinao Jieyu Recipe (YJR).

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the normal control group (n =6), the sham-operation group (n =7), the multiple cerebral infarction (MCI) group (n =10), the post-stroke depression (PSD) group (n =10), the Chinese medicine (CM) treatment group (n =10), and the Western medicine (WM) treatment group (n =10) according to random digit table after open-field testing. Rats in the normal control group were routinely fed. 0. 3 mL normal saline was intravenously pushing from the external carotid artery to rats in the sham-operation group, and distilled water administered to them by gastrogavage. Each dose allogenic microthrombi were in vitro pushed to rats in the rest groups from the external carotid artery. The PSD model was duplicated by 21-day chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and single cage feeding in the PSD group 7 days after surgery. After preparing models rats in the CM group and the WM group were administered with YJR and Nimodipine respectively for 4 successive weeks. Changes of BDNF and the intervention effect of YJR were observed at week 1, 2, and 4 after intervention.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemical results of BDNF showed, compared with the normal control group, expression levels of BDNF in the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and amygdala decreased in the MCI group at week 2 and 4 (P <0. 01 , P <0. 05) ; expression levels of BDNF in each part decreased in the PSD group at week 1-4 (P <0.01). Compared with the MCI group, expression levels of BDNF in each part decreased in the PSD group at week 1-4 (P <0. 01). Compared with the PSD group, expression levels of BDNF in each part increased in the CM group at week 1-4 (P <0. 01).

CONCLUSION

BDNF changes existed in post-stroke model rats, and YJR could slow down this progress.

AFM visualization of cortical filaments/network under cell-bound membrane vesicles

While circulating/plasma membrane vesicles have been extensively characterized, due to the lack of effective methods cell-bound membrane vesicles are poorly understood including their shape and correlation with the intracellular cytoskeleton. In this study, we focused on cell-bound membrane vesicles and individual vesicle-derived pits on endothelial cells by using confocal microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). For the first time, we found that cell-bound membrane vesicles are hemisphere-shaped and that the actin cortical filaments/network lies at the cytosolic opening of a vesicle instead of being closely attached to the inner side of the vesicle membrane. This structure of cell-bound membrane vesicles may be beneficial to their movement in, or release from, the plasma membrane of cells due to less membrane-cytoskeleton coupling to be broken therefore probably minimizing energy consumption and time usage. Further study indicates that TNF-α activation induced a significant increase in average number/size of cell-bound vesicles and the local disruption of the actin network at the cytosolic opening of cell-bound vesicles.

Shen-Qi-Jie-Yu-Fang has antidepressant effects in a rodent model of postpartum depression by regulating the immune organs and subsets of T lymphocytes

BACKGROUND

Shen-Qi-Jie-Yu-Fang (SJ Fang) is a herbal preparation used in traditional Chinese medicine, and is a potentially important new therapeutic agent in postpartum depression (PPD). Previously, we have elucidated the effects of SJ Fang on hormone receptors and monoamine neurotransmitters involved in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axes in PPD rats. However, the immune-modulating effects of SJ Fang in PPD are still unknown. In this study, we explored the effects of SJ Fang on the immune organs and subsets of T lymphocytes in PPD rats.

METHODS

PPD was created in Sprague-Dawley rats by inducing hormone-simulated pregnancy followed by hormone withdrawal. After hormone withdrawal, the PPD rats were then treated with fluoxetine at 1, 2, and 4 weeks, and the SJ Fang rats were also treated at 1, 2, and 4 weeks. Depressive behavior in the rats was evaluated by the forced swim test, sucrose consumption test, and open field test. The thymus index and spleen index were calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to identify pathological features in the thymus and spleen. CD3, CD4, and CD8 lymphocyte subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Both fluoxetine and SJ Fang decreased immobility time, increased sucrose consumption, an horizontal and vertical movement. After 4 weeks of treatment with fluoxetine or SJ Fang, the thymus index and spleen index were significantly higher than at baseline, and the morphology of the thymus and spleen were returning to normal. Two weeks after hormone withdrawal, subsets of T lymphocytes indicated a shift from immune activation to immune suppression, which was reversed by 4 weeks of treatment with fluoxetine or SJ Fang.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that T-cell mediate immune responses which may play a role in the etiopathology of postpartum depression. SJ Fang had an antidepressant effect on the immune system in rats with PPD.

An acellular cerebellar biological scaffold: Preparation, characterization, biocompatibility and effects on neural stem cells

Biomaterial and regenerative medical research has diversified and developed rapidly. A biological scaffold consisting of an extracellular matrix (ECM) functions not only as a supportive material but also as a regulator of cellular functions. Although decellularized scaffolds have been widely applied for the repair of non-central nervous system (CNS) tissues, their efficacy in the CNS has not been extensively investigated. In this report, we describe a dynamic decellularization protocol that combined intracardial perfusion and a series of treatments to effectively remove the cellular components from the cerebellum, which is a unique and relatively simple CNS structure. The resulting cerebellar scaffold retained neurosupportive proteins and growth factors and, when tested with neural stem cells (NSCs) in vitro, was found to be cytocompatible and to stimulate the proliferation and migration of these cells. NSCs that were cultured in vitro on the scaffold differentiated into neurons and astrocytes, as indicated by their expression of βIII-tubulin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Through subcutaneous and intracranial implantation experiments, this preliminary study demonstrated the in vivo biocompatibility of the cerebellar scaffold and indicated its potential for future applications. Thus, our study demonstrated that the cerebellar ECM scaffold provided tissue-specific advantages for regenerative medical applications.

Immunohistochemical and genetic markers to distinguish hemangiopericytoma and meningioma

Hemangiopericytoma (HPC) and meningioma, for their morphology immunohistochemical markers similarity, were usually confused especially before surgery. This study aimed to develop a panel of biomarkers to differentiate HPC from meningioma. Real-time PCR and immunohistochemical staining were employed to determine the levels of p53, bcl-2, c-myc, vimentin, CD34, FVIIIa, MGMT and reticular fiber in 15 meningiomas, HPCs and their normal controls. We found that, in the mRNA expression level, both Bcl-2 and c-myc were high in HPC and meningiomas, but bcl-2 was higher in HPC than in meningiomas, c-myc was lower in HPC than in meningiomas. In protein expression level, reticular fibers were around most HPC tumor cells but observed null in meningiomas; CD34 and FVIIIa were both found positive in HPCs but negative in meningiomas; MGMT was weak focal in HPC but strong diffuse in meningiomas. In conclusion, bcl-2, c-myc, and MGMT could be employed as the new panels of biomarkers for distinguishing HPC from meningiomas.

Current status of cell-mediated regenerative therapies for human spinal cord injury

During the past decade, significant advances have been made in refinements for regenerative therapies following human spinal cord injury (SCI). Positive results have been achieved with different types of cells in various clinical studies of SCI. In this review, we summarize recently-completed clinical trials using cell-mediated regenerative therapies for human SCI, together with ongoing trials using neural stem cells. Specifically, clinical studies published in Chinese journals are included. These studies show that current transplantation therapies are relatively safe, and have provided varying degrees of neurological recovery. However, many obstacles exist, hindering the introduction of a specific clinical therapy, including complications and their causes, selection of the target population, and optimization of transplantation material. Despite these and other challenges, with the collaboration of research groups and strong support from various organizations, cell-mediated regenerative therapies will open new perspectives for SCI treatment.

BCNU/PLGA microspheres: a promising strategy for the treatment of gliomas in mice

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of BCNU/PLGA microspheres on tumor growth, apoptosis and chemotherapy resistance in a C57BL/6 mice orthotopic brain glioma model using GL261 cell line.

METHODS

BCNU/PLGA sustained-release microspheres were prepared by the water-in-oil-in-water emulsion technique. GL261 cells were intracranially injected into C57BL/6 mouse by using the stereotactic technology. A total of 60 tumor-bearing mice were randomly and equally divided into three groups: untreated control, PLGA treated, BCNU/PLGA treated. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was taken to evaluate tumor volume. BCNU/PLGA sustained-release wafers were implanted in the treatment group two weeks after inoculation. Survival time and quality were observed. Specimens were harvested, and immunohistochemical staining was used to check the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT). Statistical methods was used for analysis of relevant data.

RESULTS

BCNU/PLGA sustained-release wafers were fabricated and implanted successfully. There is statistical difference of survival time between the BCNU/PLGA treated group and control groups (P<0.05). MRI scan showed inhibitory effect of BCNU/PLGA on tumor growth. Compared to the group A and B, BCNU/PLGA decreased the expression of apoptosis related gene Bcl-2 (P<0.05), but did not elevate the expression level of Bax (P>0.05), with the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 increased. For MGMT protein expression, no statistically significant change was found in treated group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Local implantation of BCNU/PLGA microspheres improved the survival quality and time of GL261 glioma-bearing mice significantly, inhibited the tumor proliferation, induced more cell apoptosis, and did not increase the chemotherapy resistance.

Generation of patient-specific induced neuronal cells using a direct reprogramming strategy

Direct reprogramming of human fibroblasts into functional neurons in vitro by defined factors provides an invaluable resource for regenerative medicine. However, clinical applications must consider the risk of immune rejection, thus patient-specific induced neuronal cells (iNCs) may serve as an ideal source for autologous cell replacement. In this study, we report a robust process for functional neuronal cells from the patients' scalp by lentiviral gene delivery of Ascl1, Myt1l, and Sox2. These three-factor iNCs are similar to human neuronal cells in morphology, surface antigens, gene expression, and electrophysiological characteristics. Our findings might provide a source of patient-specific functional neurons for cell therapy.

Intraoperative ultrasound assistance in resection of intracranial meningiomas

OBJECTIVE

Intracranial meningiomas, especially those located at anterior and middle skull base, are difficult to be completely resected due to their complicated anatomy structures and adjacent vessels. It's essential to locate the tumor and its vessels precisely during operation to reduce the risk of neurological deficits. The purpose of this study was to evaluate intraoperative ultrasonography in displaying intracranial meningioma and its surrounding arteries, and evaluate its potential to improve surgical precision and minimize surgical trauma.

METHODS

Between December 2011 and January 2013, 20 patients with anterior and middle skull base meningioma underwent surgery with the assistance of intraoperative ultrasonography in the Neurosurgery Department of Shanghai Huashan Hospital. There were 7 male and 13 female patients, aged from 31 to 66 years old. Their sonographic features were analyzed and the advantages of intraoperative ultrasonography were discussed.

RESULTS

The border of the meningioma and its adjacent vessels could be exhibited on intraoperative ultrasonography. The sonographic visualization allowed the neurosurgeon to choose an appropriate approach before the operation. In addition, intraoperative ultrasonography could inform neurosurgeons about the location of the tumor, its relation to the surrounding arteries during the operation, thus these essential arteries could be protected carefully.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative ultrasonography is a useful intraoperative technique. When appropriately applied to assist surgical procedures for intracranial meningioma, it could offer very important intraoperative information (such as the tumor supplying vessels) that helps to improve surgical resection and therefore might reduce the postoperative morbidity.

Towards retinal ganglion cell regeneration

Traumatic optic nerve injury and glaucoma are among the leading causes of incurable vision loss across the world. What is worse, neither pharmacological nor surgical interventions are significantly effective in reversing or halting the progression of vision loss. Advances in cell biology offer some hope for the victims of optic nerve damage and subsequent partial or complete visual loss. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) travel through the optic nerve and carry all visual signals to the brain. After injury, RGC axons usually fail to regrow and die, leading to irreversible loss of vision. Various kinds of cells and factors possess the ability to support the process of axon regeneration for RGCs. This article summarizes the latest advances in RGC regeneration.

[Analysis of syndrome discipline of generalized anxiety disorder using data mining techniques]

OBJECTIVE

To study the use of data mining techniques in analyzing the syndrome discipline of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

METHODS

From August 1, 2009 to July 31, 2010, 705 patients with GAD in 10 hospitals of Beijing were investigated over one year. Data mining techniques, such as Bayes net and cluster analysis, were used to analyze the syndrome discipline of GAD.

RESULTS

A total of 61 symptoms of GAD were screened out. By using Bayes net, nine syndromes of GAD were abstracted based on the symptoms. Eight syndromes were abstracted by cluster analysis. After screening for duplicate syndromes and combining the experts' experience and traditional Chinese medicine theory, six syndromes of GAD were defined. These included depressed liver qi transforming into fire, phlegm-heat harassing the heart, liver depression and spleen deficiency, heart-kidney non-interaction, dual deficiency of the heart and spleen, and kidney deficiency and liver yang hyperactivity. Based on the results, the draft of Syndrome Diagnostic Criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder was developed.

CONCLUSION

Data mining techniques such as Bayes net and cluster analysis have certain future potential for establishing syndrome models and analyzing syndrome discipline, thus they are suitable for the research of syndrome differentiation.

[Effect of anshen jielu recipe in intervening cerebral metabolism in rats with generalized anxiety disorder using magnetic resonance spectroscopy]

OBJECTIVE

To study the metabolic change in brain of rats with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and the intervention effect with Anshen Jielu Recipe (AJR) on it.

METHODS

Eight rats selected from 32 Wistar rats as normal group, the others were established as GAD model by using uncertainty empty water bottles method. Then the GAD rats were randomly divided into the model group (saline, by gastrogavage), the control group [buspirone hydrochloride, 2.0 mg/(kg x d), by gastrogavage], the treatment group [AJR, 12.5 g/(kg x d), by gastrogavage], 8 in each group, all were treated for 7 days. The concentration of cerebral metabolites, including N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), creatine (Cr) and glutamate (Glu), in bilateral prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were measured using high-field strong super-conductivity (7.0T) animal MRI; and the ratio of NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr and Glu/Cr were calculated. The effect of AJR intervention was evaluated by changes of MRI before and after rats being treated with AJR for 7 days.

RESULTS

Rats with GAD showed lowered ratios of NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr, and elevated Glu/Cr ratio in the right prefrontal cortex than those in normal rats. After AJR intervention, the abnormal changes in the three indices were restored to certain extents.

CONCLUSIONS

AJR has apparent antianxiety effect in rats with GAD, with the effect initiation faster than that in the control group. Its mechanism is probably correlated with the regulation of abnormal metabolism in the brain.

Establishment of trophic continuum in the food web of the Yellow Sea and East China Sea ecosystem: Insight from carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes

Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios (delta (13)C and delta (15)N) are used to study the trophic structure of food web in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea ecosystem. The trophic continuum of pelagic food web from phytoplankton to top preyer was elementarily established, and a trophic structure diagram in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea was outlined in combination with carbon isotopic data of benthic organisms, which is basically consistent with and makes some improvements on the simplified Yellow Sea food web and the trophic structure diagram drawn based on the biomass of main resource population during 1985-1986. This result indicates that the stable isotope method is a potential useful means for further studying the complete marine food web trophic continuum from viruses to top predators and food web stability.

[Effects of effective component from "qing kai ling" on endothelial cell of microvessel in MCAO rats]

OBJECTIVE

The plasma expression levels of ET-1, TXB2, 6-keto-PGF1alpha, vWF at different time after cerebral ischemia were assayed for observing the effects of baicalin, jasminoidin, cholalic acid, hydrolysis fluid of nacre and the combined prescription (CP) on cerebral vasoconstriction and endothelial cells in MCAO rats.

METHODS

The plasma levels of ET-1, TXB2, 6-keto-PGF1alpha in MCAO rats were detected by the method of RIA and the plasma expressions of vWF were observed by ELISA.

RESULTS

The levels of ET-1, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1alpha and vWF all increased at different time after cerebral ischemia, so do TXB2 at 12 hours after ischemia. The expression of 6-keto-PGF1alpha significantly reduced at different time point after ischemia in MCAO rat. There were no significant changes after medicine treating 12 hours except baicalin's increasing 6-keto-PGF1alpha level. Jasminoidin and CP significantly reduced the expression of ET-1 at 24 hours after ischemia, so do all effective components except CP on expression of TXB2 at 12 hours after ischemia. The expression of TXB2 was significantly decreased by baicalin and CP at 24 hours after cerebral ischemia. Both baicalin and cholalic acid significantly increased the expression of 6-keto-PGF1alpha at 12 hours after ischemia while cholalic acid and hydrolysis fluid of nacre increased its level after ischemia for 24 hours. TXB2/6-keto-PGF1alpha ratio was reduced distinctively by baicalin, jasminoidin, cholalic acid, CP at the point of 12 hours, while decreased by baicalin and CP, and increased by jasmionoidin at the point of 24 hours. On the other hand, baicalin, hydrolysis fluid of nacre significantly reduced and jasminoidin increased the expression of vWF at the point of 12 hours. At the point of 24 hours, expression of vWF reduced by hydrolysis fluid of nacre and increased by baicalin.

CONCLUSIONS

The higher plasma expression of ET-1, TXA2 in plasma aggravated cerebral vasoconstriction and damaged endothelial cells. At the same time, the effective components of "Qing Kai Ling" inhibit the expression of ET-1 , TXA2 and reduce both TXB2/6-keto-PGF1alpha ratio and level of vWF. As a result, they relax cerebral microvessel and protect endothelial cells by different pathway at different target points.

[Oxygen consumption and ammonia-N excretion rates of Chlamys farreri]

The oxygen consumption and ammonia-N excretion rates of Chlamys farreri were studied from April to June, 1999. The results showed that the oxygen consumption and ammonia-N excretion rates of Chlamys farreri were positively correlated with water temperature, and negatively correlated with its body weight under appropriate temperature conditions. Under the test temperature (8-28 degrees C), the oxygen consumption rate ranged from 0.48 to 9.09 mg.g-1.h-1, and the ammonia-N excretion rate ranged from 0.05 to 1.01 mg.g-1.h-1. With the raising water temperature, the oxygen consumption rate reached peak value at 23 degrees C, and began to decrease at 28 degrees C. The ammonia-N excretion rate continuously increased from 8 to 28 degrees C. The routine metabolism of Chlamys farreri under treatment was obvious higher than the standard metabolism, and the oxygen consumption and ammonia-N excretion rates increased by 35.8% and 75.9%, respectively.