Effects of Agaricus blazei Murill extract on immune responses in normal BALB/c mice

Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM) has shown particularly strong results in treating and preventing cancer and has also traditionally been used as a food source in Brazil. However, the exact immune responses regarding the phagocytosis of macrophage and, the activity of natural killer (NK) cells in normal mice after exposure to ABM extract was unclear. The goal of this study was to investigate whether or not ABM extract can promote immune responses in normal BALB/c mice. BALB/c mice were treated with different doses of ABM extract for different time periods. The results indicated that ABM extract significantly promoted the proliferation of splenocytes both in vitro and in vivo. ABM extract promoted the levels of interleukein-6 (IL-6) and, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) but reduced the levels of IL-4 in vitro and in vivo. The percentage of macrophages with phagocytosis after ABM extract treatment increased and these effects were of dose-dependent manners, both in vitro and in vivo. YAC-1 target cells were killed by NK cells from the mice after treatment with ABM extract at 3 and 6 mg/kg/day for up to 14 days at target cell ratios of 25:1 and 50:1. Taken together, these results show that ABM extract promoted immunomodulations in normal BALB/c mice in vitro and in vivo.

A. cantoniensis inhibits the proliferation of murine leukemia WEHI-3 cells in vivo and promotes immunoresponses in vivo

Ampelopsis cantoniensis (AC) has been used as a folk medicine for reducing pain in the Taiwanese population. Our previous studies have shown that the crude extract of AC induced apoptosis in human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. In this study, the in vivo effects of AC on leukemia WEHI-3 cells and immune responses such as phagocytosis and natural killer (NK) cell activity were investigated. The weights of the livers and spleens were decreased in the AC-treated groups compared to the control groups. The AC treatment increased the percentage of CD3 and CD19 marker cells in WEHI-3-injected mice, indicating that the precursors of T and B cells were inhibited. The AC treatment promoted the activity of macrophage phagocytosis in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and peritoneal cells. It was found that the NK cells from mice after treatment with AC can kill the YAC-1 target cells. Therefore, the AC treatment increased NK cell activity. In conclusion, AC can affect WEHI-3 cells in vivo and promote macrophage and NK cell activities.

Involvement of matrix metalloproteinases in the inhibition of cell invasion and migration through the inhibition of NF-[kappa]B by the new synthesized ethyl 2-[N-p-chlorobenzyl-(2'-methyl)]anilino-4-oxo-4,5-dihydrofuran-3-carboxylate (JOTO1007) in human cervical cancer Ca ski cells

JOTO1007 (ethyl 2-[N-p-chlorobenzyl-(2'-methyl)] anilino-4-oxo-4,5-dihydrofuran -3-carboxylate) has anticancer effects in human cervical cancer Ca Ski cells. However, its mechanism of action on the cell migration and invasion of human cervical cancer Ca Ski cells is not fully understood. In this study, firstly, the effects of JOTO1007 on the migration and invasion of Ca Ski cells were examined by using matrigel counting. The results showed that JOTO1007 suppressed the migration and invasion of the Ca Ski cells. Secondly, the effect of JOTO1007 on the levels of proteins associated with cell metastasis was examined using Western blotting. The results indicated that JOTO1007 inhibited the levels of son of sevenless homolog 1 (SOS-1), growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2), Ras homolog gene family, member A (RhoA), Rho-associated, coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK-1), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), phosphorylated-c-jun (p-c-jun), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) p65, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-7 and MMP-9 but promoted the levels of protein kinase C (PKC), phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K), MAP kinase kinase kinase 3 (MEKK3), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 (MKK7), c-jun and inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS), while not affecting Ras, phosphorylated-ERK (p-ERK), p38 and c-jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2), which finally led to the inhibition of migration and invasion of the Ca Ski cells in vitro. Overall, JOTO1007 inhibited NF-kappaB which then led to the inhibition of the MMP-2, -7 and -9 expression followed by the inhibition of migration and invasion in the Ca Ski cells.

Rhein induced apoptosis through the endoplasmic reticulum stress, caspase- and mitochondria-dependent pathways in SCC-4 human tongue squamous cancer cells

Rhein, an anthraquinone compound, can be found in the rhizome of rhubarb, a traditional Chinese medicine herb showing antitumor activity. In this study, it was observed that rhein induced S-phase arrest through the inhibition of p53, cyclin A and E and it induced apoptosis through the endoplasmic reticulum stress by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca2+ release, mitochondrial dysfunction, and caspase-8, -9 and -3 activation in human tongue cancer cell line (SCC-4). The most efficient induction of apoptosis was observed at 30 microM for 24 h. Mechanistic analysis demonstrated that rhein induced changes in the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 based on the decrease of Bcl-2 levels, the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c release from the mitochondria and the activation of caspase-9 and -3. The data demonstrated that rhein induces apoptosis in SCC-4 cells via caspase, ROS and mitochondrial death pathways.

Capsaicin-induced apoptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells

Capsaicin, a pungent ingredient of red pepper, has been reported to possess antitumor activities. In this study, the effects of capsaicin on human HepG2 cells were investigated. Capsaicin reduced viability by PI incorporation in HepG2 cells in a dose and time dependent manner. Capsaicin promoted intracellular Ca2+ production and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The alpha psi(m) significantly decreased after capsaicin treatment for 24 h. Co-treatment of HepG2 cells with capsaicin and BAPTA (an intracellular Ca2+ chelator) significantly reduced intracellular Ca2+ levels, prevented alpha psi(m) disruption and inhibited apoptosis induction. The protein levels of Bcl-2 decreased and Bax increased in the mitochondrial fraction while the Bax protein decreased, and p53 and cytochrome c protein levels increased in the cytosolic fraction in HepG2 cells after capsaicin treatment for 24 h by Western blot. Immunostaining and confocal microscopic analysis also showed that capsaicin promoted cytoplasmic GADD153 expression and GRP78 nuclear translocation. The caspase-3 activity significantly increased after capsaicin treatment for 24 h. Our results indicated that the capsaicin-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells may result from the elevation of intracellular Ca2+ production, ROS, disruption of alpha psi(m), regulation of Bcl-2 family protein expression and caspase-3 activity.

The role of Ca2+ in baicalein-induced apoptosis in human breast MDA-MB-231 cancer cells through mitochondria- and caspase-3-dependent pathway

Baicalein was investigated for tumor cell-specific cytotoxicity, apoptosis-inducing activity and signal pathway against the MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell line. After the MDA-MB-231 cells had been treated with baicalein, trypan blue exclusion, propidium iodide (PI) assay and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) were used to stain the dead cells and detect apoptosis, respectively. The effects of baicalein on the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), Ca2+ and mitochondrial membrane potential (deltapsim) on MDA-MB-231 cells were examined by flow cytometric assays. The ROS caused endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, confirmed by the increase of GADD153 and GRP78 in the examined cells. GADD153 and GRP78 increases were also confirmed by confocal laser microscopy examination and indicated that both proteins translocated to the nucleus. The effects of baicalein on the expression of apoptotic-regulated genes, such as Bcl-2 family and caspase, were detected by Western blotting. To further investigate the apoptotic pathway and the role of Ca2+ induced by baicalein, a caspase-3 inhibitor and Ca2+ chelator were used to block caspase-3 activity and Ca2+ in MDA-MB-231 cells. Baicalein induced apoptosis in a time-dependent effect through the inhibition of Bcl-2 expression, increased the levels of Bax, reduced the level of deltapsim, and promoted the cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation. MDA-MB-231 cells were pretreated with BAPTA which reduced the levels of Ca2+, deltapsim and apoptosis. In conclusion, baicalein induced apoptosis via Ca2+ production, mitochondria-dependent and caspase-3 activation in MDA-MB-231 cells.

Baicalein induces apoptosis in SCC-4 human tongue cancer cells via a Ca2+-dependent mitochondrial pathway

BACKGROUND

The effects of baicalein on SCC-4 human tongue cancer cells were examined to better understand its effect on apoptosis and associated possible signal pathways in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Apoptosis induction, reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytoplasmic Ca2+, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and caspase-3 activity were analyzed using the flow cytometric assay. Apoptosis-associated proteins, such as p53, BAX, BCL-2, cytochrome c, caspase-3 and -9, EndoG and AIF were determined by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Our results showed that baicalein promoted the levels of p53, BAX, cytochrome c, capase-3 and -9 and reduced the level of BCL-2, which were associated with the induction of apoptotic cell death of SCC-4 cells. A release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into cytosol was demonstrated and an activation of caspase-3, which led to the occurrence of apoptosis in SCC-4 cells treated with baicalein as determined by Western blot. In order to understand the role of Ca2+ in the induction of apoptosis, cells were pre-treated with BAPTA (intracellular calcium chelator) and baicalein. It was shown that the MMP was restored, and the level of cytoplasmic Ca2+ suppressed, the proportion of cells undergoing apoptosis was also markedly diminished. Our data suggest that cellular Ca2+ modulates baicalein-induced cell death via a Ca2+-dependent mitochondrial death pathway in SCC-4 cells.

Gastrodia elata modulated activator protein 1 via c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling pathway in kainic acid-induced epilepsy in rats

Gastrodia elata (Orchidaceae) is a Chinese herb. Our previous study showed that Gastrodia elata is able to reduce epileptic seizures, oxygen free radicals, microglia activation, and apoptosis in kainic acid (KA)-treated rats. Activator protein 1 (AP-1) is involved in modulating the neuronal plasticity and apoptosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of AP-1 in antiepileptic effect of Gastrodia elata. Gastrodia elata (0.5, 1.0g/kg) or valproic acid (VA, 250mg/kg) was administered orally in Sprague-Dawley rats for 1 week before and 2 weeks after intraperitoneal injection of KA. Protein levels of AP-1 were determined by measuring c-Jun and c-Fos proteins, and the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases activations were determined by measuring the phosphorylations of extracellular signal-regulated kinases, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) in the frontal cortex and the hippocampus of rat brain using Western blotting. These results indicated that pre-treatment with Gastrodia elata or VA activated JNK signal pathway and c-Jun expression, while post-treatment with Gastrodia elata or VA suppressed both the JNK signaling pathway and the c-Jun expression induced by KA. These findings suggested that Gastrodia elata regulated the AP-1 expression via the JNK signaling pathway in KA-induced epilepsy.

The role of Ca+2 on rhein-induced apoptosis in human cervical cancer Ca Ski cells

Apoptosis induced by rhein, an active component of senna, has been reported in various human cancer cells, however, its molecular mechanisms are not precisely known. In this study, the mechanisms of apoptosis by which rhein acts on human cervical cancer Ca Ski cells were examined. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that rhein induced the abrogation of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and cleavage of Bid protein. Rhein also induced an increase in the levels of Fas, p53, p21 and Bar, but a decrease in the level of Bcl-2. The activities of both caspase-8 and -9 were enhanced by rhein, promoting caspase-3 activation, leading to DNA fragmentation, thus, indicating that rhein-induced apoptosis is caspase-dependent. In addition, rhein induced an increase in the level of cytoplasmic Ca2+, which was inhibited by BAPTA (a calcium chelator). BAPTA attenuated the MMP abrogation and significantly dinimished the occurrence of rhein-induced apoptosis in Ca Ski cells. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that rhein-induced apoptosis occurs via a caspase-dependent and mitochondria-dependent pathway which is closely related to the level of cytoplasmic Ca2+ in Ca Ski cells.

Effects of wogonin on the levels of cytokines and functions of leukocytes associated with NF-kappa B expression in Sprague-Dawley rats

The objectives of the study were to investigate the effects of wogonin on the cytotoxicity, natural killer activity, macrophage phagocytosis, release of interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), the expression of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in leukocytes from Sprague-Dawley rats. Wogonin was added to the medium and the levels of IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha in the medium were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Both IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha mRNAs were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and the levels of NF-kappaB and I-kappaB were measured by Western blotting. Natural killer cell activity and macrophage phagocytosis were measured by flow cytometry. The results demonstrated that wogonin induced cytotoxicity in rat leukocytes and promoted the activities of natural killer cells and macrophages. Wogonin increased the IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha levels in the leukocytes in culture media dose-dependently. IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha mRNA elevations were also promoted by wogonin. The data suggests that wogonin may affect the IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha mRNA expressions by affecting the NF-kappaB in rat leukocytes.

Paeonol reduced cerebral infarction involving the superoxide anion and microglia activation in ischemia-reperfusion injured rats

Both Moutan cortex of Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews (MC) and the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall (PL) are important Traditional Chinese herbs used commonly to treat inflammatory and pyretic disorders. Paeonol, a common component of MC causes anti-platelet aggregation and scavenges free radicals. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of Paeonol on cerebral infarct. A total of 60 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were studied. An animal model of cerebral infarct was established by occluding both common carotid arteries and the right middle cerebral artery for 90 min, followed by a 24 h period of reperfusion. The percentage of cerebral infarction area to total brain area in each piece of brain tissue, and neuro-deficit score were measured. Superoxide anion was determined by the number of lucigenin-chemiluminescence (CL) counts. ED1 (mouse anti rat CD68) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) immunostaining in the cerebral infarction region were also investigated for activation of microglia. The results indicated that Paeonol 15 and 20 mg/kg pretreatment and 20 mg posttreatment reduced the cerebral infarction area; Paeonol 15 and 20 mg/kg pretreatment reduced the neuro-deficit score. In addition, Paeonol 20 mg/kg pretreatment reduced the lucigenin-CL counts at 2 h period of reperfusion. The number of ED1 and IL-1beta immunoreactive cells also reduced in the cerebral infarction region; there were no significant changes in blood sugar levels. The results show that Paeonol reduced cerebral infarct and neuro-deficit in rat, suggesting Paeonol might play a similar role in reducing cerebral infarction in humans. Paeonol suppresses and scavenges superoxide anion, and inhibit microglia activation and IL-1beta in ischemia-reperfusion injured rats.

The role of Ca2+ in (-)-menthol-induced human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cell death

A human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cell line was selected to examine the effect of (-)-Menthol on cell death. Based on the results from morphological changes and the percentage of viable cells in HL-60 cells after treatment with various concentrations of (-)-Menthol, it was shown that (-)-Menthol induced cell death through necrosis, not apoptosis. No cell cycle arrest was found in HL-60 cells examined by flow cytometry analysis. Also, the DNA gel electrophoresis method showed that (-)-Menthol did not induce apoptosis in HL-60 cells. However, it was found that (-)-Menthol induced the production of Ca2+ in these examined cells, dose-dependently. When HL-60 cells were pretreated with the chelator (BAPTA) of Ca2+ for 3 hours before addition of (-)-Menthol to the culture, a decrease of Ca2+ production was observed. Under the same conditions, the percentage of viable HL-60 cells was increased. Apparently Ca2+ production is associated with the induction of (-)-Menthol-induced cell death.

The effects of emodin on the expression of cytokines and functions of leukocytes from Sprague-Dawley rats

Emodin has been reported to induce apoptosis in many human cancer cell lines, although its effects on leukocyte functions in vitro have not been demonstrated Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the effect of emodin on the phagocytosis of macrophages, the activity of natural killer cells and the expression of cytokines in leukocytes from Sprague-Dawley rats. Leukocytes, isolated from rats, were placed into culture plates for incubation with or without various concentrations of emodin for 1-6 hours and the functions of macrophages and natural killer cells were evaluated by flow cytometric analysis. The results indicated that emodin caused a decrease in phagocytosis of macrophages after treatment for up to 4 hours but 6-hour treatments led to an increase in the phagocytosis of macrophages. Further, emodin increased the activity of natural killer cells, both effects being dose-dependent. The levels of cytokines from the examined leukocytes were evaluated by ELISA and the results indicated that emodin increased the levels of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, results which were confirmed by PCR assay for the mRNA expressions of the examined cytokines.

Microglia, apoptosis and interleukin-1beta expression in the effect of sophora japonica l. on cerebral infarct induced by ischemia-reperfusion in rats

Sophora Japonica L. (SJ) is a traditional Chinese herb used to cool blood, stop bleeding and to treat hemorrhoids with bleeding. Although several recent studies found that both SJ and Ginkgo biloba have the same components of quercetin and rutin, only Ginkgo biloba has been widely used to treat cerebrovascular disorders and dementia in humans. This study investigated the effect of SJ on cerebral infarct in rats. A total of 66 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were studied. Focal cerebral infarct was established by occluding the bilateral common carotid arteries and the right middle cerebral artery for 90 minutes. After 24 hours of reperfusion, the neurological status was evaluated. The rats were then killed, and brain tissue was stained with 2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride. The grading scale of neurological deficit and the ratio of cerebral infarction area were used as an index to evaluate the effect of SJ on cerebral infarct. In addition, the number of ED1 and interleukin-1beta immunostaining positive cells, and apoptotic cells were measured in the cerebral infarction zone. The results indicated that pre-treatment with 100 or 200 mg/kg SJ and post-treatment with 200 mg/kg SJ significantly reduced the grade of neurological deficit and the ratio of cerebral infarction area. In addition, pre-treatment with 200 mg/kg SJ also significantly reduced ED1 and interleukin-1beta immunostaining positive cells, and apoptotic cells in ischemia-reperfusion cerebral infarct rats. This study demonstrated that SJ could reduce the cerebral infarction area and neurological deficit induced by ischemia-reperfusion in rats, suggesting its potential as a treatment for cerebral infarct in humans. This effect of SJ involves its suppressive action of microglia, interleukin-1beta and apoptosis.

Anticonvulsive and free radical scavenging activities of Gastrodia elata Bl. in kainic acid-treated rats

Gastrodia elata Bl. (GE) is a traditional Chinese herb that is commonly used in Chinese communities to treat convulsive disorders such as epilepsy. The purpose of the present study was to determine the anticonvulsive and free radical activities of GE in rats. In vitro studies were conducted by using brain tissue from 6 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats treated with 120 microg/ml of kainic acid (KA), with or without the addition of various concentrations of GE. In vivo studies were conducted in a total of 30 male SD rats divided into 5 groups of 6 rats which were treated as follows: 1) the normal group received an intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of PBS (Phosphate buffer saline, 1 ml/kg); 2) the control group received KA (12 mg/kg) i.p.; 3) the GE 1.0 group received oral administration of GE 1.0 g/kg 30 min prior to KA administration; 4) the GE 0.5 group received oral administration of GE 0.5 g/kg 30 min prior to KA administration; 5) the PH group received oral administration of phenytoin 20 mg/kg 30 min prior to KA administration. Seizures were verified by behavioral observations, electroencephalograph (EEG) and electromyography (EMG). Lipid peroxide levels in the rat brain, luminol chemiluminescence (CL) and lucigenin-CL in the peripheral blood were measured simultaneously after behavioral observations. The results indicate that GE administration significantly reduced KA-induced lipid peroxide levels in vitro. Oral administration of GE 1.0 g/kg and phenytoin 20 mg/kg significantly reduced counts of wet dog shakes (WDS), paw tremor (PT) and facial myoclonia (FM) in KA-treated rats. In addition, oral administration of GE 1.0 g/kg significantly delayed the onset of WDS, from 30 min in the control group to 46 min in the 0.5 g/kg group, and 63 min in the GE 1.0 g/kg group. A significantly reduced level of lipid peroxides in the rat brain was found in the GE 1.0 g/kg, 0.5 g/kg, and phenytoin 20 mg/kg groups. The GE 1.0 g/kg group showed significant reduction of luminol-CL and lucigenin-CL counts in the peripheral blood compared to the control group. The results of the present study demonstrate that GE has anticonvulsive and free radical scavenging activities. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical effectiveness of GE as an anticonvulsant in humans.

Effect of Rhizoma Corydalis on focal cerebral infarct in ischemia-reperfusion injured rats

AIM

To investigate the effect of Rhizoma Corydalis (RC) on focal cerebral infarct.

METHODS

A total of 30 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were studied. Focal cerebral infarct was established b y occluding the bilateral common carotid arteries and the right middle cerebral artery for 90 min. After 24 h reperfusion, the neurological status was evaluated and then the rats were killed and the brain tissue was stained with 2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride. The neurological status and the changes in the area of cerebral infarct were used as an index to evaluate the effect of RC on cerebral infarct. In addition, the whole blood was examined 24 h after RC treatment in the other 24 SD rats.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with RC 100 mg/kg can improve neurological status and also can reduce the area of cerebral infarct in ischemia-reperfusion injured rats. The counts of erythrocyte and the amount of hematocrit increased in whole blood of RC-treated rats.

CONCLUSION

RC can improve neurological status and reduce the area of cerebral infarct in ischemia-reperfusion injured rats.

Anticonvulsive and free radical scavenging activities of vanillyl alcohol in ferric chloride-induced epileptic seizures in Sprague-Dawley rats

Vanillyl alcohol (VA) is a component of Gastrodia elata Bl. (GE), which is a traditional Chinese herb widely used to treat convulsive disorders or dizziness. This study examined the role of VA in the anticonvulsive properties of GE in a Sprague-Dawley rat model of epilepsy. The anticonvulsive and free radical scavenging activities of VA were examined after intracortical injection of ferric chloride (100 mM, 8 microl) to induce epileptic seizures. These seizures were verified by behavioral observations and electroencephalographic (EEG) and electromyographic (EMG) recordings. Ferric chloride injection resulted in increased lipid peroxide levels in the ipsilateral and contralateral cerebral cortex, and increased luminol-chemiluminescence (CL) and lucigenin-CL counts in the peripheral blood. Intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of VA (200 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg) or phenytoin 10 mg/kg prior to ferric chloride administration significantly inhibited wet dog shakes (WDS) and lipid peroxide levels in the bilateral cerebral cortex. VA 200 mg/kg also significantly reduced luminol-CL and lucigenin-CL counts in the peripheral blood, but no significant effect was observed following administration of VA 100 mg/kg or phenytoin. These data indicate that VA has both anticonvulsive and suppressive effects on seizures and lipid peroxidation induced by ferric chloride in rats. Data from the present study also demonstrate that VA has free radical scavenging activities, which may be responsible for its anticonvulsive propertics. This finding is consistent with the results from previous studies that generation of superoxide radical evoked by injection of iron salt into rat brain plays a critical role in ferric chloride-induced seizures. In addition, the results of the present study suggest that the anticonvulsive effect of GE may be attributable, at least in part, to its VA component.

Anticonvulsive and free radical scavenging actions of two herbs, Uncaria rhynchophylla (MIQ) Jack and Gastrodia elata Bl., in kainic acid-treated rats

Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Jack (UR) and Gastrodia elata BI. (GE) are traditional Chinese herbs that are usually used in combination to treat convulsive disorders, such as epilepsy, in China. The aim of this study was to compare the anticonvulsive and free radical scavenging activities of UR alone and UR in combination with GE in rats. For the in vitro studies, brain tissues from 6 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were treated with 120 microg/ml kainic acid (KA), with or without varied concentrations of UR or UR plus GE. For the in vivo studies, male SD rats (6 per group) received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of KA 12 mg/kg to induce epileptic seizures and generation of free radicals, with or without oral administration of UR 1 g/kg alone or UR 1 g/kg plus GE 1 g/kg. Epileptic seizures were verified by behavioral observations, and electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) recordings. These results showed that UR alone decreased KA-induced lipid peroxide levels in vitro, whereas UR plus GE did not produce a greater effect than UR alone. UR significantly reduced counts of wet dog shakes (WDS), paw tremor (PT) and facial myoclonia (FM) in KA-treated rats and significantly delayed the onset time of WDS, from 27 min in the control group to 40 min in the UR group. UR plus GE did not inhibit seizures more effectively than UR alone, but did further prolong the onset time of WDS to 63 min (P < 0.05 vs. UR alone). UR alone reduced the levels of free radicals in vivo, as measured by lipid peroxidation in the brain and luminol-chemiluminescence (CL) counts and lucigenin-CL counts in the peripheral whole blood, but the combination of GE and UR did not reduce free radical levels more markedly than UR alone. In conclusion, our results indicate that UR has anticonvulsive and free radical scavenging activities, and UR combined with GE exhibit greater inhibition on the onset time of WDS than UR alone. These findings suggest that the anticonvulsive effects of UR and GE may be synergistic. However, the mechanism of interaction between UR and GE remains unknown.

Anticonvulsant effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq) Jack. in rats with kainic acid-induced epileptic seizure

This study investigated the anticonvulsant effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) and the physiological mechanisms of its action in rats. A total of 70 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected for study. Thirty four of these rats were divided into 5 groups as follows: 1) CONTROL GROUP (n = 6): received intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of kainic acid (KA, 12 mg/kg); 2) UR1000 group (n = 10), 3) UR500 group (n = 6) 4) UR250 group, received UR 1000, 500, 250 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to KA administration, respectively; 5) Contrast group: received carbamazepine 20 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to KA administration. Behavior and EEG were monitored from 15 min prior to drug administration to 3 hours after KA administration. The number of wet dog shakes were counted at 10 min intervals throughout the experimental course. The remaining 36 rats were used to measure the lipid peroxide level in the cerebral cortex one hour after KA administration. These rats were divided into 6 groups of 6 rats as follows: 1) Normal group: no treatment was given; 2) CONTROL GROUP: received KA (12 mg/kg) i.p.; 3) UR1000 group, 4) UR500 group, 5) UR250 group, received UR 1000, 500, 250 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to KA administration, respectively; 6) Contrast group: received carbamazepine 20 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to KA administration. Our results indicated that both UR 1000 and 500 mg/kg decreased the incidence of KA-induced wet dog shakes, no similar effect was observed in the UR 250 mg/kg and carbamazepine 20 mg/kg group. Treatment with UR 1000 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, or 250 mg/kg and carbamazepine 20 mg/kg decreased KA-induced lipid peroxide level in the cerebral cortex and was dose-dependent. These findings suggest that the anticonvulsant effect of UR possibly results from its suppressive effect on lipid peroxidation in the brain.

Cerebral cortex participation in the physiological mechanisms of acupuncture stimulation: a study by auditory endogenous potentials (P300)

Although acupuncture has traditionally used the acupoints formula to treat diseases, the physiological mechanisms involved and the effectiveness of therapy remain unclear. This study investigated the physiological mechanism(s) and response to acupuncture stimulation using the acupoints formula. Scalp-recorded potentials P300 were evoked by auditory stimulation of non-target and target in 13 normal adult volunteers. Latencies and amplitudes were measured. Three assessments were performed in each subject over a period of at least one week. Each assessment was divided into a control period with no acupuncture stimulation, followed by an acupuncture period and then a post-acupuncture period. Acupuncture needles were inserted into the body as follows: 1) non-acupoint: acupuncture needles were inserted 2 cm lateral to both Zusanli acupoints; 2) acupoint: acupuncture needles were inserted into both Zusanli acupoints; 3) acupoints formula: acupuncture needles were inserted into both Zusanli and Shousanli acupoints. Our results showed that both acupoint and acupoints formula assessments resulted in a significant decrease of P300 amplitudes during the acupuncture and post-acupuncture periods. However, there was significant difference in P300 amplitudes in the non-acupoint assessment during these periods. P300 changes in latencies and amplitudes were not significantly different between the acupoint assessment and the acupoints formula assessment. We concluded that acupuncture stimulation of both Zusanli acupoints resulted in a decrease of P300 amplitudes, suggesting the involvement of the cerebral cortex in sensory interaction when simultaneous sensations of the two types are received. No similar changes were observed in the non-acupoint assessment, which have been suggested to be related to so-called acupoint specificity. Results obtained using the acupoints formula were not significantly different from those using acupoints alone. These findings suggested that neuropsychological effects from stimulation of Zusanli acupoints and Shousanli acupoints are different.

Pulse-read on erasable thermal phase-change superresolution disks

New erasable thermal phase-change superresolution (EPSR) disks composed of mask and recording layers can increase recording density by the detection of the below-diffraction-limited marks within the readout spot. The formation of the aperture and the readout signal on the EPSR disk were analyzed. The feasibility of optically designed EPSR disks was evaluated by thermal simulation. A carrier-to-noise ratio of 32 dB at a mark size of 0.4 mum, 8 dB higher than that of a conventional disk, was obtained by application of a pulse-read method to the EPSR disks at a wavelength of 780 nm and a numerical aperture of 0.55.

Simultaneous determination of gastrodin and its metabolite by HPLC

A rapid and specific HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of gastrodin and its metabolite gastrodigenin (p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol) in rat plasma, bile, liver, urine and faeces is described. The separation was achieved by using a reversed phase column (YWG-C18) eluted with methanol-water (2.5:97.5 v/v). Phloroglucinolum was used as internal standard and the peaks were detected at UV 221 nm. The protein precipitation with ethanol was a very simple and rapid method for sample preparation. The gastrodin and gastrodigenin were quantitated by measuring the peak-height ratios. There was a linear concentration range of 10-320 micrograms/mL in the assay for both compounds. The coefficients of variation (within-day) for samples spiked with gastrodin and gastrodigenin were 2.94% and 3.08%, respectively. The method demonstrated a high specificity and was suitable for use in pharmacokinetic studies.