MicroRNA-122 regulates caspase-8 and promotes the apoptosis of mouse cardiomyocytes

Cardiomyocyte apoptosis plays key roles in the pathogenesis of heart diseases such as myocardial infarction. MicroRNAs are important regulators of gene expression, which are also involved in the regulation of cardiomyocyte apoptosis. However, cardiomyocyte apoptosis regulated by microRNA (miR)-122 is largely unexplored. The aim of this study focused on the role of miR-122 in cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Cardiomyocytes were isolated from neonatal mice and primarily cultured. MiR-122 mimic and inhibitor were transfected to cardiomyocytes and verified by qRT-PCR. Cell viability and apoptosis post-transfection were assessed by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Changes in expression of caspase-8 were quantified by qRT-PCR and western blot. Results showed that miR-122 mimic and inhibitor successfully induced changes in miR-122 levels in cultured cardiomyocytes (P<0.01). MiR-122 overexpression suppressed viability and promoted apoptosis of cardiomyocytes (P<0.05), and miR-122 knockdown promoted cell viability and inhibited apoptosis (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein levels of caspase-8 were elevated by miR-122 overexpression (P<0.01) and reduced by miR-122 knockdown (P<0.001). These results suggest an inductive role of miR-122 in cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which may be related to its regulation on caspase-8.

[Interpretation of"Expert consensus on the option of surgical management of hepatocelluar carcinoma"]

The surgical management of liver cancer has evolved rapidly.With the application of new technologies, such as regional ablation, laparoscopic and robotic surgery, surgery indications have been broadened. Based on the relevant guidelines for hepatocellular carcinoma published abroad in recent years, this paper gives interpretation of"Expert consensus on the option of surgical management of hepatocelluar carcinoma" made by Liver Surgery Group, Surgery Branch of Chinese Medical Association.

Discovery and introgression of the wild sunflower-derived novel downy mildew resistance gene Pl 19 in confection sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

A new downy mildew resistance gene, Pl ₁₉ , was identified from wild Helianthus annuus accession PI 435414, introduced to confection sunflower, and genetically mapped to linkage group 4 of the sunflower genome. Wild Helianthus annuus accession PI 435414 exhibited resistance to downy mildew, which is one of the most destructive diseases to sunflower production globally. Evaluation of the 140 BC₁F_2:3 families derived from the cross of CMS CONFSCLB1 and PI 435414 against Plasmopara halstedii race 734 revealed that a single dominant gene controls downy mildew resistance in the population. Bulked segregant analysis conducted in the BC₁F₂ population with 860 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers indicated that the resistance derived from wild H. annuus was associated with SSR markers located on linkage group (LG) 4 of the sunflower genome. To map and tag this resistance locus, designated Pl ₁₉ , 140 BC₁F₂ individuals were used to construct a linkage map of the gene region. Two SSR markers, ORS963 and HT298, were linked to Pl ₁₉ within a distance of 4.7 cM. After screening 27 additional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers previously mapped to this region, two flanking SNP markers, NSA_003564 and NSA_006089, were identified as surrounding the Pl ₁₉ gene at a distance of 0.6 cM from each side. Genetic analysis indicated that Pl ₁₉ is different from Pl ₁₇ , which had previously been mapped to LG4, but is closely linked to Pl ₁₇ . This new gene is highly effective against the most predominant and virulent races of P. halstedii currently identified in North America and is the first downy mildew resistance gene that has been transferred to confection sunflower. The selected resistant germplasm derived from homozygous BC₂F₃ progeny provides a novel gene for use in confection sunflower breeding programs.

Association of methionine synthase gene polymorphisms with wool production and quality traits in Chinese Merino population

Methionine synthase (MTR) plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis of intracellular methionine, folate, and homocysteine, and its activity correlates with DNA methylation in many mammalian tissues. Our previous genomewide association study identified that 1 SNP located in the gene was associated with several wool production and quality traits in Chinese Merino. To confirm the potential involvement of the gene in sheep wool production and quality traits, we performed sheep tissue expression profiling, SNP detection, and association analysis with sheep wool production and quality traits. The semiquantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis showed that the gene was differentially expressed in skin from Merino and Kazak sheep. The sequencing analysis identified a total of 13 SNP in the gene from Chinese Merino sheep. Comparison of the allele frequencies revealed that these 13 identified SNP were significantly different among the 6 tested Chinese Merino strains ( < 0.001). Linkage disequilibrium analysis showed that SNP 3 to 11 were strongly linked in a single haplotype block in the tested population. Association analysis showed that SNP 2 to 11 were significantly associated with the average wool fiber diameter and the fineness SD and that SNP 4 to 11 were significantly associated with the CV of fiber diameter trait ( < 0.05). Single nucleotide polymorphism 2 and SNP 5 to 12 were weakly associated with wool crimp. Similarly, the haplotypes derived from these 13 identified SNP were also significantly associated with the average wool fiber diameter, fineness SD, and the CV of fiber diameter ( < 0.05). Our results suggest that is a candidate gene for sheep wool production and quality traits, and the identified SNP might be used in sheep breeding.

Potential application of digital image-processing method and fitted logistic model to the control of oriental fruit moths (Grapholita molesta Busck)

Monitoring of oriental fruit moths (Grapholita molesta Busck) is a prerequisite for its control. This study introduced a digital image-processing method and logistic model for the control of oriental fruit moths. First, five triangular sex pheromone traps were installed separately within each area of 667 m2 in a peach orchard to monitor oriental fruit moths consecutively for 3 years. Next, full view images of oriental fruit moths were collected via a digital camera and then subjected to graying, separation and morphological analysis for automatic counting using MATLAB software. Afterwards, the results of automatic counting were used for fitting a logistic model to forecast the control threshold and key control period. There was a high consistency between automatic counting and manual counting (0.99, P < 0.05). According to the logistic model, oriental fruit moths had four occurrence peaks during a year, with a time-lag of 15-18 days between adult occurrence peak and the larval damage peak. Additionally, the key control period was from 28 June to 3 July each year, when the wormy fruit rate reached up to 5% and the trapping volume was approximately 10.2 per day per trap. Additionally, the key control period for the overwintering generation was 25 April. This study provides an automatic counting method and fitted logistic model with a great potential for application to the control of oriental fruit moths.

[Clinical application of AMPLATZER Vascular Plug Ⅱ in transcatheter closure of congenital coronary artery fistula in children]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of applying AMPLATZER Vascular Plug Ⅱ (AVP Ⅱ) in transcatheter closure of congenital coronary artery fistula in children.

METHOD

Transcatheter closure procedure applying AVP Ⅱ was carried out in 7 patients (3 males and 4 females, age 1.2-12.0 years) with congenital coronary artery fistula between May 2014 and September 2015 in Pediatric Cardiology Department of Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute. Selective coronary artery angiography and aortic root angiography were performed after the release of the device to evaluate the immediate therapeutic effect. Echocardiography and electrocardiography were performed at 1 day, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year post procedure and repeated once a year during the follow-up period.

RESULT

Transcatheter deployment of the device was successfully accomplished in all patients. The narrowest diameter of the fistula was (8.6±2.8) mm (4.0-12.5 mm), and the size of the deployed device ranged from 10.0 to 16.0 mm. Immediate selective coronary artery angiography revealed no residual shunt in 5 patients and trivial residual shunt in 2 patients. During a mean follow-up period of 2.7 (1.0-16.0) months, echocardiography showed that 3 patients remained no residual shunt, while 2 patients had trivial residual shunt, 2 patients developed small residual shunt. Cardiac murmur disappeared post procedure in all patients. Electrocardiography showed no ST-T changes. No migration or detachment of the device was found.

CONCLUSION

AVP Ⅱ is a safe and effective choice in transcatheter closure of congenital coronary artery fistula in children.

Effects of beta 2 adrenergic agonists on axonal injury and mitochondrial metabolism in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis rats

The primary aims of this study were to investigate mitochondrial metabolism during experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) animal model axonal injury and to determine the correlation among neurological function scores, pathological changes, and the activities of the BB isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK-BB), catalase (CAT), and calpain in the brain tissues of EAE rats. Another goal was to preliminarily define the mechanism of mitochondrial metabolism resulting from the effect of beta 2 adrenergic agonists in the process of EAE animal model axonal damage. EAE was induced in specific pathogen free Wistar rats by guinea pig spinal cord homogenate, complete Freund's adjuvant, and pertussis vaccine. We recorded the behavioral change in EAE rats, detected pathological changes in central nervous tissue, and observed the changes of the CK-BB, CAT, and calpain in the EAE rat brain and spinal cord. The results indicated that the average neurologic function score increased in the EAE group compared to that of the controls (P < 0.01). In addition, CAT and CK-BB activities significantly decreased and the calpain activity significantly increased compared with those of the control group (P < 0.05). The decrease of the activity of central nervous CK-BB and CAT content, as well as the increase of calpain activity at the highest time point were considered to be the consequences of EAE. Furthermore, the results revealed that use of salbutamol could alleviate disease symptoms and reduce the recurrence of the EAE disease.

Specific alterations in plasma proteins during depressed, manic, and euthymic states of bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a common psychiatric mood disorder affecting more than 1-2% of the general population of different European countries. Unfortunately, there is no objective laboratory-based test to aid BD diagnosis or monitor its progression, and little is known about the molecular basis of BD. Here, we performed a comparative proteomic study to identify differentially expressed plasma proteins in various BD mood states (depressed BD, manic BD, and euthymic BD) relative to healthy controls. A total of 10 euthymic BD, 20 depressed BD, 15 manic BD, and 20 demographically matched healthy control subjects were recruited. Seven high-abundance proteins were immunodepleted in plasma samples from the 4 experimental groups, which were then subjected to proteome-wide expression profiling by two-dimensional electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight/time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. Proteomic results were validated by immunoblotting and bioinformatically analyzed using MetaCore. From a total of 32 proteins identified with 1.5-fold changes in expression compared with healthy controls, 16 proteins were perturbed in BD independent of mood state, while 16 proteins were specifically associated with particular BD mood states. Two mood-independent differential proteins, apolipoprotein (Apo) A1 and Apo L1, suggest that BD pathophysiology may be associated with early perturbations in lipid metabolism. Moreover, down-regulation of one mood-dependent protein, carbonic anhydrase 1 (CA-1), suggests it may be involved in the pathophysiology of depressive episodes in BD. Thus, BD pathophysiology may be associated with early perturbations in lipid metabolism that are independent of mood state, while CA-1 may be involved in the pathophysiology of depressive episodes.

Vacancy-controlled ultrastable nanoclusters in nanostructured ferritic alloys

A new class of advanced structural materials, based on the Fe-O-vacancy system, has exceptional resistance to high-temperature creep and excellent tolerance to extremely high-dose radiation. Although these remarkable improvements in properties compared to steels are known to be associated with the Y-Ti-O-enriched nanoclusters, the roles of vacancies in facilitating the nucleation of nanoclusters are a long-standing puzzle, due to the experimental difficulties in characterizing vacancies, particularly in-situ while the nanoclusters are forming. Here we report an experiment study that provides the compelling evidence for the presence of significant concentrations of vacancies in Y-Ti-O-enriched nanoclusters in a nanostructured ferritic alloy using a combination of state-of-the-art atom-probe tomography and in situ small angle neutron scattering. The nucleation of nanoclusters starts from the O-enriched solute clustering with vacancy mediation. The nanoclusters grow with an extremely low growth rate through attraction of vacancies and O:vacancy pairs, leading to the unusual stability of the nanoclusters.

Regulatory role of B-cell maturation antigen on the toxic effect of chromium ions on human SaOS-2 osteoblasts

Metal prostheses of artificial joints undergo wear, producing numerous metal particles and ions, such as Cr³⁺ . Cr³⁺ is considered a key factor leading to aseptic loosening. Many studies focus on the effect of Cr³⁺ on osteoblasts; however, little is known about the effect of Cr³⁺ on the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) in the osteoblasts. In this study, we first demonstrated the BCMA expressed in human SaOS-2 osteoblasts through reverse transcriptase-PCR, Western blot, and immunocytochemical analyses. Cr³⁺ decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC), cell mineralization, and collagen type I mRNA and protein expression. Moreover, Cr³⁺ has an inhibitive effect on the expression of the BCMA in human SaOS-2 osteoblasts. However, after we upregulated the expression of the BCMA, ALP, OC, cell mineralization, and collagen type I mRNA and protein expression were increased. Overall, this study demonstrates that the BCMA is involved in human SaOS-2 osteoblast osteogenetic metabolism and plays a regulatory role on the toxic effect of chromium ions on human SaOS-2 osteoblasts.

Comparative study of emergence agitation between isoflurane and propofol anesthesia in adults after closed reduction of distal radius fracture

Distal radius fracture is a common wound. It is reduced by surgery under anesthesia. Emergence agitation can often occur after anesthesia. It is associated with increased morbidity and hospital costs. However, there have been almost no reports in the medical literature on the occurrence of emergence agitation in adults. This study aimed to compare emergence agitation between isoflurane and propofol anesthesia in adults after closed reduction of distal radius fracture. Forty adults (ASA I-II) undergoing closed reduction of distal radius fracture were randomly assigned to either the isoflurane or propofol group and anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane or propofol. The bispectral index was monitored and maintained within 40-60. After reduction of fracture and fixation with plaster, patients were transported to the post-anesthetic care unit (PACU) and agitation state scale was checked by Aono's four-point scale (AFPS). AFPS score of 3 or 4 was considered to be emergence agitation. Pain scores were measured by the numeric rating scale (NRS) on arrival and at peak value at PACU. Eight (40.0%) patients in the isoflurane group and 2 (10.0%) patients in the propofol group developed emergence agitation (P = 0.031). There was no correlation between peak NRS and AFPS. Propofol may decrease the incidence of emergence agitation compared to isoflurane in adults undergoing closed reduction of distal radius fracture.

In vitro evaluation of the therapeutic potential of nevirapine in treatment of human thyroid anaplastic carcinoma

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a severe thyroid malignancy with poor prognosis, due to its early metastasis and unresponsiveness to both radiation and chemotherapy. Nevirapine, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, has been used as a re-differentiation agent to treat cancers in several human cancer models. So far, the effects of nevirapine on human thyroid anaplastic carcinoma cells have not been documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of nevirapine in treatment of human thyroid anaplastic carcinoma. Cell proliferation was determined by methly thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by Hoechst 33258 staining. The mRNA expression of NIS and TSHR was determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (real time RT-PCR). Iodine uptake was determined by (125)I radioactivity assay. At all doses (100, 200, 350, 500 μmol/L) tested, nevirapine significantly inhibited cell proliferation after 48 h treatment. At high dose (500 μmol/L), nevirapine significantly increased the percentage of apoptotic cells compared with control (P<0.01). At lower doses (200 μmol/L and 350 μmol/L), nevirapine did not induce cell apoptosis, but up-regulated NIS and THSR mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. In FRO cells pre-treated with nevirapine, the increase in NIS expression had no obvious effect on iodine uptake. These findings indicate that nevirapine has an anti-proliferative effect on FRO cells, which correlates with an induction of cell differentiation.

Adsorptive stripping voltammetric determination of antimony

A new method is described for the determination of antimony based on the cathodic adsorptive stripping of Sb(III) complexed with 2',3,4',5,7-pentahydroxyflavone(morin) at a static mercury drop electrode (SMDE). The reduction current of the adsorbed antimony complex was measured by 1.5th-order derivative linear-sweep adsorption voltammetry. The peak potential is at -0.51 V (vs. SCE). The effects of various parameters on the response are discussed. The optimized analytical conditions were found to be: supporting electrolyte, chloroacetic acid (0.04 mol/l, pH 2.3); concentration of morin, 5x10(-6) mol/l; accumulation potential, -0.25 V (vs. SCE); scan rate, 100 mV/s. The limit of detection and the linear range were 7x10(-10) mol/l and 1.0x10(-9) approximately 3.0x10(-7) mol/l Sb(III) for a 2-min accumulation time, respectively. This method has been applied to the determination of Sb(III) in steel and brass samples and satisfactory results were obtained. The adsorptive voltammetric characteristics and composition of the Sb(III)-morin complex were studied.

QTL consistency and meta-analysis for grain yield components in three generations in maize

Grain yield is the most important and complex trait in maize. In this study, a total of 258 F(9) recombinant inbred lines (RIL), derived from a cross between dent corn inbred Dan232 and popcorn inbred N04, were evaluated for eight grain yield components under four environments. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) and their epistatic interactions were detected for all traits under each environment and in combined analysis. Meta-analysis was used to integrate genetic maps and detected QTL across three generations (RIL, F(2:3) and BC(2)F(2)) derived from the same cross. In total, 103 QTL, 42 pairs of epistatic interactions and 16 meta-QTL (mQTL) were detected. Twelve out of 13 QTL with contributions (R(2)) over 15% were consistently detected in 3-4 environments (or in combined analysis) and integrated in mQTL. Only q100GW-7-1 was detected in all four environments and in combined analysis. 100qGW-1-1 had the largest R(2) (19.3-24.6%) in three environments and in combined analysis. In contrast, 35 QTL for 6 grain yield components were detected in the BC(2)F(2) and F(2:3) generations, no common QTL across three generations were located in the same marker intervals. Only 100 grain weight (100GW) QTL on chromosome 5 were located in adjacent marker intervals. Four common QTL were detected across the RIL and F(2:3) generations, and two between the RIL and BC(2)F(2) generations. Each of five important mQTL (mQTL7-1, mQTL10-2, mQTL4-1, mQTL5-1 and mQTL1-3) included 7-12 QTL associated with 2-6 traits. In conclusion, we found evidence of strong influence of genetic structure and environment on QTL detection, high consistency of major QTL across environments and generations, and remarkable QTL co-location for grain yield components. Fine mapping for five major QTL (q100GW-1-1, q100GW-7-1, qGWP-4-1, qERN-4-1 and qKR-4-1) and construction of single chromosome segment lines for genetic regions of five mQTL merit further studies and could be put into use in marker-assisted breeding.

Biological evaluation of collagen-chitosan scaffolds for dermis tissue engineering

Three-dimensional collagen-chitosan scaffolds were fabricated with type I collagen and chitosan through freeze drying and glutaraldehyde cross-linking. Dermal fibroblasts were isolated from neonatal Sprague-Dawley rat skin by dispase II/collagenase I digestion. The fibroblasts were then seeded into the scaffolds to construct tissue-engineered dermis. The microstructure of the scaffolds as well as the fibroblasts' proliferation, cytokine secretion and cell cycle were investigated. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that cells in the scaffolds proliferated steadily. IL-6 concentration measurement by the ELISA test suggested that the scaffolds could promote secretion of the fibroblasts' cytokine. These results show that the fibroblasts and the scaffolds interact well with each other, and the fibroblasts have better proliferation ability and biological activity in the scaffolds than in monolayer culture. The scaffolds are a promising candidate for tissue repair and regeneration with enhanced biostability and good cytocompatibility.

High-resolution diffusion-weighted MR imaging of the human lumbosacral plexus and its branches based on a steady-state free precession imaging technique at 3T

3D diffusion-weighted steady-state free precession imaging (3D DW-SSFP) with isotropic resolution was performed to delineate structures of the human lumbosacral plexus (LSP). 3D DW-SSFP clearly revealed detailed anatomy of the LSP and its branches. Our data suggest that the sequence based on 3D DW-SSFP can be used for high-resolution MR imaging of the peripheral nervous system.

The bovine fatty acid binding protein 4 gene is significantly associated with marbling and subcutaneous fat depth in Wagyu x Limousin F2 crosses

Fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), which is expressed in adipose tissue, interacts with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and binds to hormone-sensitive lipase and therefore, plays an important role in lipid metabolism and homeostasis in adipocytes. The objective of this study was to investigate associations of the bovine FABP4 gene with fat deposition. Both cDNA and genomic DNA sequences of the bovine gene were retrieved from the public databases and aligned to determine its genomic organization. Primers targeting two regions of the FABP4 gene were designed: from nucleotides 5433-6106 and from nucleotides 7417-7868 (AAFC01136716). Direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products on two DNA pools from high- and low-marbling animals revealed two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): AAFC01136716.1:g.7516G>C and g.7713G>C. The former SNP, detected by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism using restriction enzyme MspA1I, was genotyped on 246 F2 animals in a Waygu x Limousin F2 reference population. Statistical analysis showed that the FABP4 genotype significantly affected marbling score (P = 0.0398) and subcutaneous fat depth (P = 0.0246). The FABP4 gene falls into a suggestive/significant quantitative trait loci interval for beef marbling that was previously reported on bovine chromosome 14 in three other populations.

Clinical evaluation of endoscopic sphincterotomy and papillary balloon dilation for removal of common bile duct stones

AIM: To evaluate the clinical effect of endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) and endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation (EPBD) associated with mechanical lithotripsy (EML) in the treatment of common bile duct stones.

METHODS: Sixty patients with common bile duct stones were enrolled and randomized to EST (n = 30) and EPBD (n = 30) group. EST or EPBD associated with mechanical lithotripsy were performed in the corresponding group. The success rates for duct clearance as well as the frequency of short-term and long-term complications were evaluated.

RESULTS: Duct clearance was achieved in 93.3% patients of EST group and 90% of EPBD group, and there was no significant difference between them (P > 0.05). Short-term complications, including acute pancreatitis, cholangitis and hemorrhage, appeared in 30% and 13.3% patients of EST and EPBD group, respectively, and there was no significant difference between them, either (P > 0.05). However, the rates of long-term complications such as cholangitis and recurrent choledocholithiasis were 26.7% and 3.3% in EST and EPBD group, between which significantly difference existed (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: EST and EPBD were approximately equal in terms of successful clearance of bile duct stones and short-term complications, but EPBD is more superior in the prevention of long-term complication, indicating that EPBD can protect the papillary function to some extent.

Cadmium and lead contents in rice and other cereal products in Japan in 1998-2000

Cereals, especially rice, are a major source of cadmium (Cd) intake for general Japanese populations. In 1998-2000, rice (polished), bread (loaf), noodle and (wheat) flour samples (4113 samples in total) were collected in 63 cities all over Japan, and analyzed for Cd by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Another pollutant element of lead (Pb) was determined in parallel. The grand geometric mean for Cd in polished raw (uncooked) rice was 50 ng/g, whereas it was 19 ng/g for flour. The value for Pb was 2-3 ng/g in rice and flour. Calculation for daily Cd intake via rice, taking advantage of the present findings on Cd contents in rice and wheat together with administrative area-specific daily consumptions of rice and wheat showed that Cd via rice is much more than Cd via wheat and that Cd via rice is highest in an area alongside the sea of Japan among the whole country, the observation being in agreement with the results from a previous food duplicate-based field survey.

[The effect of nociception on expression of NADPH-d and fos protein at supraspinal level]

AIM

To study the distribution of NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons in periaqueductal gray matter(PAG) and dorsal raphe nucleus (DR), and the correlation between nitric oxide and peripheral nociception at supraspinal level.

METHODS

20 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups. In experimental group (n = 10), formalin (5%, 0.1 ml) was injected subcutaneously into the plantar surface of the unilateral hindpaw, and in control group (n = 10), normal saline solution was used alike. The rats were perfused after 2 hours, and the midbrain were removed. Frozen seriate transverse sections were divided into three sets, all of which were processed for NADPH-d histochemistry. Subsequently, the first set that contained NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons were stained with neutral red, and the other two sets were processed for c-fos immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons were densely distributed in CGLD, CGLV and DR. NADPH-d, Fos and NADPH/Fos double-labeled neurons appeared in CGLD, CGLV and DR after injection of formalin in the rat hindpaw.

CONCLUSION

At supraspinal level NO may play an important role in the modulation of nociception in PAG and DR.