Abstract: Objective This study aimed to construct and evaluate an animal model of recurrent chronic urticaria(CU) with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome using drug intervention and re-challenge after rest. Methods Thirty BALB/ c mice were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (n=12) and a model group (n=18). The control group was fed a standard diet and housed under normal conditions. The model group was subjected to passive cutaneous sensitization, reserpine injection into the quadriceps femoris, and low-dose re-challenge after rest to establish the recurrent CU model with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. The model was evaluated based on general condition, body mass, scratching behavior, qi deficiency and blood stasis scores, tongue appearance, open-field test result, mechanical pain sensitivity, mechanical pain threshold, serum biomarkers, and histopathological examination. Results After modeling, the model group exhibited significantly increased scratching behavior (P < 0. 01). Following the 6th and 7th immunizations, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and toluidine blue staining revealed typical pathological features of CU. The model mice displayed lethargy, reduced responsiveness to external stimuli, decreased activity, drowsiness, physical weakness, emaciation, dull fur, and dark-red ears, perianal regions, and claws. Compared with the control group, the model group showed reduced body mass ( P < 0. 01),decreased average speed and total distance in the open-field test (P < 0. 01), elevated serum levels of adrenocortical hormones, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α1, and adenosine diphosphate ( P < 0. 01 ), reduced adenosine triphosphate (P < 0. 05), and a significantly lower mechanical pain threshold (P < 0. 01). Tongue image analysis indicated significantly decreased R, G, and B values (P < 0. 01), presenting as a “purplish tongue” or “dark-red tongue”. Conclusions The method combining passive cutaneous sensitization, reserpine injection into the quadriceps femoris, and low-dose re-challenge after rest can established an animal model of recurrent CU with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. Key evaluation indicators included scratching behavior, qi deficiency and blood stasis scores, tongue appearance, open-field test performance, mechanical pain se

Abstract: Objective This study aimed to establish minipig models of ischemic stroke (IS) and hemorrhagic stroke (HS) with high clinical relevance, to evaluate the feasibility of using minipigs as in vivo stroke models by monitoring post-stroke pathophysiological processes, and to provide a more accurate experimental platform for investigating stroke mechanisms and developing therapeutic strategies. Methods The HS model was established by autologous blood injection using a double-injection method, while the IS model was constructed via cranial vascular electrocoagulation. After surgery, behavioral assessments, physiological and biochemical indices, histopathological examination of brain tissue, and immunohistochemical analysis of neuronal markers were conducted to comprehensively evaluate the extent to which the models replicated clinical stroke progression. Results Pigs in the IS model exhibited severe hemiparesis, motor dysfunction, and reduced levels of consciousness, accompanied by marked ischemic necrosis of brain tissue, pronounced inflammatory responses, significant neuronal apoptosis, and mild impairment of liver and kidney function. By contrast, pigs in the HS model showed mild behavioral disturbances and stable hematoma formation, along with cerebral edema, mechanical compression, active inflammatory responses,and evident neuronal injury with glial cell activation. Both models demonstrated good stability and reproducibility. Conclusions IS and HS minipig models with high clinical relevance were successfully established in this study.These findings confirm the feasibility and reliability of constructing stroke models in minipigs and provide a robust experimental basis for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies, supporting translational research and the advancement of precision stroke therapy.

Abstract: Objective To investigate the differences in the effects of three lighting modes, namely constant light (LL), circadian misalignment (CM), and inverted photoperiod (IP), in establishing a rat model of circadian rhythm disorder(CRD) depression, and to clarify the heterogeneity of depression like behavior and molecular changes induced by LL. Methods 72 male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group (circadian alignment, CA,standard LD 12 ∶ 12 photoperiod), LL group ( 24 h continuous photoperiod), CM group ( frequent adjustment of photoperiod within a 6 d cycle), and IP group (completely inverted photoperiod), and intervened for 28 d. Monitor movement rhythm through intelligent cage system; behavioral testing of sugar water preference, forced swimming, and open field experiments to evaluate depressive phenotypes; ELISA was used to detect the diurnal secretion of plasma melatonin at 5 time points; qRT-PCR analysis of clock genes ( Bmal1, Clock, Per1, Per2) expression in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus at five time points; Western Blot was used to detect the protein levels of BDNF,IL-6, and TNF-α in the hippocampus, and immunohistochemistry was used to measure the average optical density of BDNF in the hippocampus. Results Compared with the CA group, the LL group had a complete disappearance of circadian rhythm on the 28th day, with a day night ratio of 0. 76, disappearance of melatonin rhythmicity ( P < 0. 01), sustained low expression of Bmal1 and Per1 (P < 0. 01), decreased BDNF, and significantly increased IL-6 and TNF-α(P < 0. 01). The IP group completed a 12 h phase shift, with a circadian rhythm reversal and a significant increase in depressive like behavior ( P < 0. 01). The CM group had the most severe rhythm disorder, the most significant depressive like behavior, the lowest BDNF expression, and the highest levels of inflammatory factors (P < 0. 01). Conclusions All three lighting modes can induce a circadian rhythm disorder depression model, but the CM mode leads to the most severe depression like behavior by inducing chronic rhythm asynchrony ( rhythm disruption,melatonin attenuation, and circadian clock gene disorder ), which is closely related to BDNF inhibition and neuroinflammation hyperactivity. Maintaining rhythm stability (such as phase resetting in the IP group) can alleviate depression damage, indicating that avoiding frequent light cycle changes is crucial for preventing depression.

Abstract: Objective Exploring the effects and characteristics of Eucommia ulmoides (E. ulmoides) bark and leaveson inflammation and blood-brain barrier damage in rats with depression. Methods the chronic unpredictable mild stress ( CUMS) was used to establish the rat model of depression, the SD rats were randomly divided into control group, depressed group, E. ulmoides bark group and E. ulmoides leaf group. Behavioral tests were carried out by using open field and Morris water maze experiments; hematoxylin-eosin(HE) and Nissl staining were used to observe the pathological morphology of the hippocampus ( HP) of the rats; ELISA was used to detect the contents of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the serum and hippocampus of the rats; The expression levels of ZO-1 and Occludin were detected by immunofluorescence. Results Compared with the control group, the target quadrant residence time, crossing platforms,the number of climbing frames and standing frequency of rats in the depressed group were significantly lower (P < 0. 05 or P < 0. 01); There are obvious cellular structural blurriness, inflammatory cell infiltration and damage, decreased or even disappeared Nissl bodies, and degeneration and necrosis of nerve cells in hippocampal tissue; the contents of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly elevated (P < 0. 01); the positive expression of ZO-1 and Occludin was reduced,and the fluorescence intensity was reduced (P < 0. 05). Compared with the depressed group, the residence time in the target quadrant, the number of crossing platforms, and the number of climbing frames of rats in the E. ulmoides bark group were significantly higher ( P < 0. 05 or P < 0. 01), the number of crossing platforms, the number of climbing frames and standing frequency ofrats in the E. ulmoides leaf group were significantly higher (P < 0. 05 or P < 0. 01);the pathological morphology was restored; and the contents of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in serum and hippocampus of the rats in the E. ulmoides bark and E. ulmoides leaf group were significantly lower (P < 0. 01 or P < 0. 05); positive expression of ZO-1 and Occludin was elevated ( P < 0. 05). Conclusions Both E. ulmoides bark and E. ulmoides leaves can significantly improve the behavior of depressed rats, regulate blood-brain barrier permeability, reduce inflammatory response damage, and thus protect neurological function.

Abstract: Objective To establish a germ-free Chinese hamster model using cesarean section-based purification techniques. Methods Female SPF Chinese hamsters were mated with males at a 1 ∶ 1 ratio, after which the males were separated following copulation. Surrogate mother rats were introduced into the experimental environment 1 ~ 2 d prior to the donor females. At term, pregnant Chinese hamsters underwent hysterectomy under a super-clean workbench and were immediately transferred to isolation units for purification. The uteri were dissected to obtain neonatal pups, which were subsequently fostered by germ-free ( GF) grade ICR mice. After successful fostering, the pups were transferred to isolation units for continued rearing. Sterility of the isolation units was monitored monthly. Results Two cesarean sections were performed. The first fostering attempt was unsuccessful,whereas the second was successful, yielding nine pups with a survival rate of 56%. All GF-grade Chinese hamsters met the requirements of GB/ T 14926. 41-2001. Conclusions Using GF-grade ICR mice as foster mothers in combination with cesarean section purification technology, microbial decontamination was successfully achieved, Resultsing in the establishment of a of Chinese hamster model.

Abstract: Objective To develop a reliable mouse model of pulmonary hypertension ( PH ) using monocrotaline (MCT). Methods Female C57BL / 6 mice aged 6 ~ 8 weeks were selected and administered MCT through intraperitoneal injection once weekly for three weeks. On days 10, 20, and 30 after the final injection, the mice were evaluated. A 0. 55 mm × 20 mm disposable infusion needle was inserted through the intercostal muscles to access the right ventricle, and the right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was recorded with the medlab biological signal acquisition system. The heart was dissected, the body mass (BM), right ventricle (RV), and left ventricle plus septum (LV + S) were measured, and then the right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI) = RV/ BM and fulton index (RV/ LV + S) were calculated. Lung tissue sections were prepared for pathological analysis. Then,immunofluorescence (IF) staining was performed for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) to examine changes in pulmonary vascular structure. Results At each of the three time points, RVSP, RVHI, and RV/ LV + S values in MCT group mice were markedly higher than those in the control group. HE staining confirmed significant thickening of the pulmonary vascular walls, while IF staining revealed the expression levels of α-SMA proteins were significantly increased whereas the expression levels of CD31 proteins were significantly decreased. Conclusions Administering a consistent dose of MCT via weekly intraperitoneal injections for three weeks can create a stable mouse model of pulmonary hypertension over 30 d.

Abstract: Objective To evaluate the physical protective effect of carbomer obstetric gel (COG) on the birth channel in vivo and in vitro experiments by constructing a simulated delivery model in SD rats and Beagles in the form of inserting a catheter balloon into the birth channel and applying external force. Methods Animals were grouped according to their body mass. The non- pregnant SD rats in the in vivo experiment were divided into control (R-C) group, negative control (R-NC) group, medical liquid paraffin (MLP) (R-MLP) group, COG low-dose and high-dose (R-COG-L, R-COG-H) group, in vitro experiment were divided into control (UR-C) group, MLP (URMLP) group, COG low-dose and high-dose (UR-COG-L, UR-COG-H) group. The non-pregnant Beagle dogs in vivo experiment were divided into control (D-C) group, MLP (D-MLP) group, COG low-dose and high-dose (D-COG-L,D-COG-H) group, in vitro experiments were divided into control(UD-C)group, MLP (UD-MLP) group, COG lowdose and high-dose (UD-COG-L, UD-COG-H) group. The pregnant SD rats in the in vitro experiment were divided into control group (P-C group), MLP group (P-MLP group), COG high-dose groups (P-COG-H group). The each control group and negative control group were not administered, each MLP group were given medical liquid paraffin,COG low-dose and high-dose groups were given low and high doses COG. In the in vivo experiment, catheters were inserted into the birth canal of all animals after drug administration. Except for the control group, a certain volume of saline was injected into the catheter balloon of the other groups, and external force was gradually applied until the balloon just came out of the body. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to detect the extent of impairment of the birth canal tissue. In the in vitro experiment, birth canals in vitro were used to investigate the maximum percentage of smooth muscle stretchability (L d / L₀ ). Results The result of in vivo experiments showed that, compared with RMLP group, the external force required for balloon release in the birth canal was significantly lower in R-COG-L and R-COG-H group in non-pregnant SD rats ( P < 0. 001 ), compared with the R-C group, the lesions at the administration sites in the R-COG-H group were significantly milder, while no significant differences were observed in the lesions at the administration sites of the other two groups. The in vivo test result of non-pregnant Beagle dogs showed that compared with the D-MLP group, the external force required for balloon prolapse in the birth canal in the D-COG-L group and the D-COG-H group was significantly reduced ( P < 0. 05). The degree of injury and the incidence of lesions in the D-COG-L group and the D-COG-H group of Beagle dogs were both reduced by concentration correlation. The result of in vitro experiments in non-pregnant Beagle dogs, pregnant SD rats and non-pregnant SD rats all indicated that compared with MLP, COG could effectively increase the extensibility of isolated smooth muscle, and there was a dose-positive correlation. Conclusions Successfully constructed simulated delivery models for SD rats and Beagle dogs, COG demonstrated labor facilitation during the delivery process in SD rats and Beagle dogs, with better efficacy than MLP.

Abstract: Objective Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) was isolated from a rat farm with respiratory diseases and the pathogen was identified. A rat pathogenicity experiment was conducted to obtain the current prevalent pathogen. Methods Lung tissues were isolated from rats with suspected MP infection and analyzed by PCR, yielding an amplified single band of approximately 280 bp. The samples were inoculated into mycoplasma broth medium and further purified on mycoplasma agar plates. The isolate was identified based on colony morphology, biochemical characteristics, amplification of the 16S rRNA gene, and homology analysis. Pathogenicity tests were conducted in 5-week-old SD rats by intranasal inoculation with a bacterial suspension at a concentration of 1 × 10⁷CCU/ mL, and the subsequent clinical symptoms and pathological changes were observed. Results PCR confirmed that the suspected cases were infected with MP. The growth characteristics in mycoplasma broth medium matched those of the target organism, and the purified colonies appeared round and stained light purple with Giemsa stain. Biochemical tests revealed acid production from glucose fermentation but no hydrolysis of arginine or urea. Amplification and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene showed high homology (99. 05%) with the rat-derived MP strain (AL445565. 1), confirming successful isolation of MP. Rats challenged with the isolate developed respiratory symptoms, including pulmonary hemorrhage, consolidation, massive infiltration of inflammatory cells, and positive MP PCR result in lung tissues. Conclusions This study successfully isolated a strain of MP from rats, which induced typical pneumonia symptoms in SD rats. These findings provide a solid foundation for further research into the prevention and control of MP in rats.

Abstract:Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is included in the category of “ premenstrual and postmenstrual symptoms” in traditional Chinese medicine. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder ( PMDD) is a serious subtype of premenstrual syndrome that is a common endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age, with serious effects on their physiological, psychological, and social functioning. The transmission of information between neurons depends on changes in the neural circuit structure, namely synaptic plasticity, which also participates directly or indirectly in the occurrence and development of PMS / PMDD. This review considers the induction of Chinese medicines ( including compounds, Chinese patent medicines, monomer components) through the regulation of synaptic plasticity for the treatment of PMS / PMDD. We also discuss experimental research result, focusing on identifying the mechanisms related to synaptic plasticity abnormalities during PMS / PMDD attacks, and clarifying possible traditional Chinese medicine interventions to achieve the ultimate goal of inhibiting the occurrence of PPMS / PMDD by regulating the activity level of the endocrine axis and affecting the level of neurotransmitters, and increasing the synthesis of neuroplasticity-related proteins.

Abstract:Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with a multifactorial etiology that poses considerable challenges to effective treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated favorable therapeutic outcomes in the management of UC, and the development of disease-syndrome integrated animal models has emerged as a critical approach for bridging TCM and modern biomedical research. We systematically reviewed the main strategies for constructing UC animal models, with a specific focus on modeling protocols tailored to the TCM syndrome of large intestine damp-heat. These approaches encompass multifactorial induction pathways involving dietary, environmental, and microbial stimuli. In terms of model evaluation, emphasis was placed on integrating modern omics technologies, such as metabolomics and metagenomics, to enhance the objectivity and quantifiability of TCM syndrome identification in experimental models. We also summarize recent advances in the integration of geneedited models with damp-heat induction method, providing a conceptual framework for composite models that better simulate the complex interplay between UC pathogenesis and individual constitutional characteristics. These integrative models, supported by refined construction techniques and multidimensional evaluation systems, have the potential to improve scientific rigor and translational relevance, offering a robust experimental foundation for elucidating the mechanisms of TCM-based interventions in UC.

Abstract:The increased of blood pressure variability ( BPV) plays important role in the occurrence and development of target organs such as heart, brain, kidney and blood vessel damage in hypertensive population,controlling BPV is an effective method to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with hypertensive. Through literature mining and collation, this article reviews the construction Methods and model characteristics of rat models with increased BPV, in order to provide references for experimental research on BPV elevation.

Abstract:Increasing work pressures and lifestyle changes in modern society are associated with an upward trend in the incidence of insomnia. As an emerging model organism, zebrafish share 87% genomic homology with humans, and their central nervous systems exhibit high conservation in terms of key structures and functions.Zebrafish also have the advantages of high-throughput screening capability and optical transparency, making them a highly valuable biological evaluation model in the field of sleep research. Plant-derived natural products,characterized by abundant sleep-promoting active ingredients and high safety, have broad prospects in the development of sleep-aiding products. This article reviews the mechanisms of sleep regulation, the method for establishing zebrafish insomnia models, behavioral evaluation systems, and the application status of these models in the development of plant-derived products. The review aims to provide theoretical support and method ological references for the application of zebrafish models in the development of sleep-aid products, especially in the research, development, and efficacy evaluation of plant-derived sleep-aid products.

Abstract:Depression is a common mental disorder with high recurrence and suicide rates, posing a serious threat to human physical and mental health. Animal models of depression can simulate the phenotypes of human depression, making them important tools for studying the pathogenesis of the disease and developing new antidepressant drugs. This study systematically considered the theoretical basis, core mechanisms, establishment method, and advantages and disadvantages of six major types of animal models of depression. It aims to provide future prospects for the construction strategies, verification systems, ethics, and sex differences of the models, aiming to provide feasible modeling references, scheme optimization, and innovative ideas for relevant researchers, and helping to achieve new breakthroughs in depression research.

Abstract:Human health is severely threatened by sepsis due to its high incidence, disability, and mortality rates. Animal models serve as a critical experimental foundation for investigating the molecular pathogenesis of sepsis,facilitating early diagnosis, and developing precision treatment strategies. Among these, the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model remains the most widely used in sepsis research. Its reproducibility and reliability depend on strict control over multiple factors, including surgical details, perioperative care, rat strain, age and sex, seasonal and circadian rhythms, and pharmacological variables. Based on a comprehensive analysis of 83 studies published between December 1, 2023, and December 1, 2024, this review analyzes the critical determinants of model severity, sources of systematic heterogeneity, and pharmacological variables. Our analysis aims to clarify the control elements of CLP model construction, improve modeling success rates, enhance research reproducibility and external validity, and ultimately increase the clinical translational value of model-derived data.

Abstract:Subretinal fibrosis (SRFi) is a terminal pathological feature of blinding eye diseases such as agerelated macular degeneration, uveitis, and proliferative vitreoretinopathy, leading to a poor visual prognosis for patients. There are currently limited treatment options for SRFi, highlighting the need for further research into its mechanisms and the development of new therapies. Animal models have made recent progress as core tools for elucidating the pathological mechanisms of SRFi and developing treatment strategies. This review compares and analyzes the applicability of models using mice, rats, rabbits, pigs, and non-human primates in simulating the pathological features of SRFi. We summarize existing modeling strategies including laser photocoagulation, chemical injury, genetic engineering, and combined interventions. The current models, however, still have limitations in terms of their pathological reproducibility and time controllability, and there is thus a need to establish further standardized,highly reproducible models to promote the development of SRFi therapies and to overcome the bottlenecks in its treatment.