Abstract:Objective To measure the level of microglia TRPC6 in mouse MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine)-induced neuroinflammation model and investigate its role in cytokine production and dopaminergic neuron damages. Methods Microglia were sorted by magnetic beads labeled with CD11b antibody and the level of TRPC6 in MPTP-induced neuroinflammation models was measured by western blotting. The proliferation of microglia and damages of dopaminergic neurons induced by MPTP were analyzed by immunofluorescence in CD11b-TRPC6^-/- mice. Meanwhile, the expression of cryαB and cytokines in microglia was measured by western blotting and real-time quantitative PCR, respectively. Results The level of microglia TRPC6 in MPTP-induced neuroinflammation model was up-regulated. The expression of cryαB was increased and the cytokine level was down-regulated in the microglia in MPTP-injected CD11b-TRPC6^-/- mice. Moreover, the dopaminergic neuron survival was improved in the MPTP-induced neuroinflammation model after TRPC6 knock-out in the microglia. Conclusions The expression of TRPC6 in microglia is up-regulated after MPTP injection, while in CD11b-TRPC6^-/- mice the MPTP-induced cytokine expression is reduced, contributing to the improvement of dopaminergic neuron survival.

Abstract:Objective To establish and evaluate a rat model of endometriosis with pelvic adhesions. Methods To establish a rat model of endometriosis and pelvic adhesions by autologous transplantation of endometrial tissue to the mesenterium. After modeled, eight rats were randomly selected for examination at 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after operation. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine Classification of Endometriosis and Haber Adhesion Score were used to evaluate the pelvic adhesions. At the same time, the lesions and surrounding peritoneal adhesions were taken for pathological examination using HE staining. The tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) content was detected at 5, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after operation. Results The two adhesion scoring methods showed that typical pelvic adhesions were formed 5 days after modeling. Compared with the blank control group and the sham operation group, the tPA content in the pelvic adhesions of the model group was significantly decreased after 5 days (P< 0.01), and increased at 28 days after model establishment, but still significantly lower than that of the blank control group and sham operation group (P< 0.01). Conclusions The autologous transplantation method is successfully used to establish a rat model of pelvic adhesions of endometriosis in the mesenterium. The model is matured at 5 days after surgery. The tPA is correlated with the formation of pelvic adhesions of endometriosis.

Abstract:Objective To observe the effect of different storage time on 14 blood biochemical indexes in rats. Methods Randomly selected 40 adult SD rats were included in this study. Fasting venous blood samples were collected, serum was separated, sealed, and stored in the refrigerator (4℃ and -20℃). The serum parameters were detected at 0 h,4 h,24 h,96 h and 7 d, respectively, using an automatic biochemical analyzer.A total of 14 blood biochemical indexes were detected, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), creatinine (CREA-J), uric acid (UA), urea nitrogen (UREA), blood glucose (GLU), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The effects of serum storage time on blood biochemical results were compared. Results The trends of blood biochemical data in male and female rats were consistent. Compared with the indexes of serum preserved at 4℃ for 0 h, the ALP was significantly reduced after storage for 4 h, 24 h, 96 h, and 7 d (P< 0.05), ALB were significantly increased after 96 h and 7 d (P< 0.01), CREA-J was significantly increased after 96 h, 7 d (P< 0.05), UA was significantly increased after 24 h, 9 h, and 7 d (P< 0.01), and no significant changes in other indicators (P> 0.05). Compared with the values of 0 h serum, the serum preserved at -20℃ showed that ALT was significantly increased after 7 d (P < 0.01), AST significantly increased after 96 h and 7 d (P< 0.05), TP significantly decreased after 4 h and 24 h (P< 0.05), ALB significantly increased after 4 h, 24 h, 96 h, and 7 d (P< 0.01), CREA-J significantly increased after 24 h, 96 h, and 7 d (P< 0.01), UA significantly increased after 4 h, 24 h, 96 h, and 7 d (P< 0.01), TC significantly increased after 4 h, 24 h, 96 h, and 7 d (P< 0.01), TG significantly increased after 96 h and 7 d (P< 0.05), CK significantly increased after 96 h and 7 d (P< 0.05), LDH significantly increased after 96 h and 7 d (P< 0.05), and no significant changes in other indicators (P> 0.05). Conclusions The biochemical tests of rat serum should be immediately performed as they were collected, especially for ALP test. For the sera stored at 4℃, the test should be finished in different times:UA test in 4 hours, ALB and CREA-J test in 24 hours, and ALT, AST, TP, UREA, GLU, TC, TG, LDL-C, CK, and LDH test in 7 days.

Abstract:Objective To investigate whether pro-inflammatory cytokines (PICs) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) regulate the enhanced sympathetic activities in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and whether N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) in PVN mediate the effects of PICs on sympathetic activities.Methods SHR and normotensive wistar-Kyoto(WKY)rats were used in this experiment. TNF receptor and IL-1β receptor (IL-1RI) protein levels were measured by Western blot. PICs, including TNF-α and IL-1β levels were measured by ELISA. Rats were placed in a stereotaxic instrument to complete the microinjection of drugs. The coordinates for the PVN were determined according to the Paxinos and Watson rat atlas. The raw RSNA and integrated RSNA were simultaneously recorded on a PowerLab data acquisition system. The right carotid artery was cannulated for recording of mean arterial pressure (MAP). Results TNF-α receptor p55TNFR, p75TNFR and IL-1β receptor IL-1RI protein expression and TNF-α and IL-1β levels in PVN were all increased in SHR compared with WKY rats (P< 0.05). Bilateral microinjection of etanercept or IL-1ra into PVN to block the effects of TNF-α or IL-1β decreased the sympathetic activities in SHR rats significantly (P< 0.05). Bilateral microinjection of NMDAR blockers, both DL-2amino-5-phosphonovaleri acid (APV) and MK-801 (Dizocilpine) into PVN decreased the RSNA and MAP in both SHR and WKY rats. APV or MK 801 caused greater decreases in RSNA and MAP in SHR than WKY rats. In addition, pretreatment with APV or MK 801 attenuated the increased RSNA and MAP caused by microinjection of TNF-α or IL-1β into PVN to a lower level in SHR than in WKY rats (P< 0.05). Conclusions TNF and IL-1β receptor protein as well as TNF-α and IL-1β cytokines levels in PVN are all increased in SHR rats. NMDAR in PVN mediates enhanced sympathetic activities and elevated blood pressure caused by TNF-α and IL-1β in SHR.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the protective effect of curcumin pretreatment on the intestinal mucosa in rats in dry and hot desert environment. Methods Eighty male SPF grade rats were randomly divided into saline control group (NC group) and curcumin pretreatment group (HDC group) (40 in each group). Rats in the NC group were gavaged with saline, and rats in the HDC group were gavaged with curcumin (200 mg/kg), once a day for 7days. The rats were placed in a cabin simulating the dry and hot desert environment (41±0.5)℃ and relative humidity of (10±2)%. Rats were randomly taken from each groups (n=10) and sacrificed with 3% sodium pentobarbital intraperitoneally at 0 min, 50 min, 100 min and 150 min time points. The ileal tissue was stained for histological examination and oxidative stress index was detected. Results At time points 0 min and 50 min, the pathological injury scores of the HDC group were not significantly different compared with the NC group (P > 0.05). At time points 100 min and 150 min, the pathological injury scores of the HDC group were significantly decreased compared with the NC group (P < 0.01). At time points 50 min, 100 min and 150 min, the CAT and SOD activity of HDC group were significantly increased compared with the NC group (P< 0.05 or P< 0.01). The MDA content of HDC group were significantly decreased compared with the NC group (P< 0.05 or P< 0.01). Exposed to dry and hot environment, the pathological injury scores of the NC group were negatively correlated with CAT and SOD activity (r=-0.9128, r=-0.9125, P< 0.01), and positively correlated with MDA content (r=0.9258, P< 0.01). Conclusions Curcumin pretreatment can protect the intestinal mucosa of rats in dry-heat environment of desert, and curcumin can alleviate the pathological damages of intestinal mucosa by inhibiting the oxidative stress in intestinal mucosa.

Abstract:Objective To explore the effect of metformin on learning and memory ability and hippocampal tissue structure in mice during aging induced by D-galactose, and the possible underling mechanisms. Methods Twenty-four SPF 7-month-old female ICR mice were randomly divided into three groups. Mice of the aging group and aging+metformin group were given subcutaneous injection with D-galactose on the back to induce senescence, and given intragastric gavage with 0.9% saline or metformin. Mice of the control group were treated with 0.9% saline. All treatments lasted for 16 weeks. The body weight and food intake were monitored, learning and memory ability and motor function were tested by Mirros water maze and shuttle box tests, HE staining was used to observe the pathology of hippocampus in the mice, and the levels of glutathione (glutathione, GSH) in hippocampus of mice were detected by colorimetry. Results Compared with the aging group, the aging+meformin group showed diverse differences:the body weight was decreased (P < 0.05), the escape latency and swimming distance were decreased (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), the swimming time in the target quadrant was prolonged (P < 0.05) and swimming speed was accelerated (P < 0.05) in the Morris water maze test. The numbers of active avoidance response were markedly increased in shuttle box test (P < 0.05). The neurons with nuclear condensation and deep staining were obviously decreased in the dentate gyrus of hippocampus, however the GSH level was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Conclusions Metformin can delay the decline of learning and memory ability, maintain the normal structure of hippocampus during the aging process in mice, which may be related to the reduction of body weight and enhancement of antioxidant levels in the hippocampus.

Abstract:Objective To explore the effect of oat β-glucan on gene expression in small intestine injury in sepsis. Methods SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group (NC group), experimental control group (TC group) and oat β-glucan group (Oglu group).TC group and Oglu group were used to establish sepsis model with CLP method,and oglu group with different doses of oat β-glucan. After 12 h the small intestine tissue were collected. Western blot was used to detect gene expression in the small intestine tissue injury. Results 1)Oat β-glucan reduced sepsis-induced small intestine injury,and reduced the TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels in small intestine of septic rats.(2) The expression of small intestinal injury-related proteins such as Bax, caspase-3, Toll-like, apoptotic genes FAS and FASL and NF-κB were significantly increased,and Bcl-2 expression was down-regulated in the TC group.(3)The expressions of Bax, caspase-3, Toll-like, apoptotic genes FAS and FASL and NF-κB in oat β-glucan-treated rats were lower than that in the septic rats, while Bcl-2 expression was higher than the TC group. Conclusions Oat β-glucan regulates the expression of small intestinal injury genes in septic rats and protects the small intestinal epithelium against sepsis-induced injury.

Abstract:Objective To explore the effect of sitostero-3-O-glucoside on proliferation, apoptosis and collagen synthesis of keloid fibroblasts (KF). Methods Cell viability was measured by MTT assay after cells were cultured with 0 (control), 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 μg/mL sitostero-3-O-glucoside. Cell proliferation was measured by EdU staining. Cell apoptotic rate and cell cycle were measured by flow cytometry. The level of COL I and COL Ⅲ was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 μg/mL sitostero-3-O-glucoside reduced cell viability (P< 0.01), increased inhibitory rate of cell proliferation (P< 0.01), IC₅₀=27.54±2.18 μg/mL. Compared with the control group, 12.5, 25, 50 μg/mL sitostero-3-O-glucoside reduced the cell proliferation rate (P< 0.01), increased the cell early and late apoptotic rates (P< 0.01), the cell cycle was arrested at G1 phase (P< 0.01), and the levels of COL I and COL Ⅲ were down-regulated (P< 0.01). Conclusions The results show that sitostero-3-O-glucoside can significantly inhibit the proliferation, induce cell apoptosis and inhibit the synthesis of collagen of keloid fibroblasts.

Abstract:Objective To explore the effects of Toddalia asiatica extract(TAE)on oxidative damages in mice with myocardial ischemia and hyperlipidemia. Methods Fifty SPF male KM mice were randomly divided into 5 groups:control group,model group,simvastatin group (5 mg/kg),high-dose TAE group (400 mg/kg) and low-dose TAE group (100 mg/kg). Hyperlipidemia was induced by feeding milk for 4 weeks. At the same time,the corresponding drug was given by oral administration with 20 mL/kg for 28 d. At the end of four-week treatment, isoprenaline hydrochloride (Iso) was subcutaneously injected every 24 hours for three times. The body weight, electrocardiogram, heart and liver indexes, myocardial water content, and the serum levels of TC, TG, HDL, LDL, SOD, MDA and GPx were measured. Results TAE significantly improved the electrocardiogram changes induced by Iso and milk in the mice, weight lose, inhibited the heart and liver indexes, reduced the myocardial water content, decreased the levels of TC, TG, LDL and MDA, and increased the contents of HDL, SOD and GPx. Conclusions TAE may play an important role in cardiovascular protection by regulating oxygen free radical metabolism and improving oxidative damages.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the effect of rosiglitazone on the proliferation and apoptosis of colon cancer cells and the changes in the AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway. Methods Different concentrations of rosiglitazone (20.0 μmol/L, 40.0 μmol/L, 80.0 μmol/L) were used to treat colon cancer HT29 cells and HCT116 cells. Cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay. Annexin V FITC/PI cell death detection kit was used to test the cell apoptosis rate. The expression of apoptotic protein Bcl-2, Bax and Akt, GSK3β were detected by Western blot. Results Different concentrations of rosiglitazone had different effect on the proliferation of colon cancer cells compared with the blank control group, and showed a dose dependence (P< 0.01). With the increase of rosiglitazone dose, the apoptosis-inducing effect was increased dose-dependently (P< 0.01). When the cells were treated with rosiglitazone for 48 h, the expressions of Bcl-2/Bax, p-GSK3β, and p-Akt were significantly decreased compared with the blank control group (P< 0.01), but the expression level of Akt and GSK3β was not significantly different compared with the blank control group (P> 0.05). Conclusions Rosiglitazone significantly induces apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation of HT29 cells. It may be via inhibiting Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway and change the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax.

Abstract:Objective To investigate the effect of hypobaric hypoxia and cold exposure on brown adipose tissue in mice. Methods Twenty-four 6-week old SPF C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into 4 groups with 6 mice in each group:normal atmospheric pressure and temperature group (18~22℃, 20~60 m)(NTNP), low atmospheric pressure and normal temperature group(18~22℃, altitude of 5000 m)(NTLP), normal atmospheric pressure and cold exposure group(0~6℃, altitude of 20~60 m)(LTNP), low atmospheric pressure and cold exposure group(0~6℃, altitude of 5,000 m)(LTLP). The experimental period was 4 weeks. The body weight was measured at the beginning and end of the experiment. By the end of the four-week trial, the back and inguinal fat were dissected and observed by histology using HE staining. The expression of UCP-1 as the marker of brown adipose tissue in the back fat was detected by qPCR and western blot. Results The body weight gain of NTNP group was higher (P< 0.05) than the other three groups. Meanwhile, the color of the back and groin fat tissue of mice of LTNP and LTLP groups were darker, the blood supply in mice of these two groups was richer than the NTLP group. The volume of adipose tissue of NTNP group was higher than others. The histology showed that the back adipose cells of the mice were smaller and darker and full of multilocular lipid droplets, exhibiting a typical morphology of brown fat cells. Compared with the NTNP and NTLP groups, the mRNA and protein levels of UCP-1 were higher under cold exposure, while low atmospheric pressure had a tendency to reduce the mRNA expression of UCP-1. Conclusions The formation of brown fat is affected by the imitated conditions of low atmospheric pressure and cold exposure, and is more closely related to the decresed temperature.

Abstract:Objective To explore the effect of intermedin (IMD) and adrenomedullin (ADM) on cerebral microcirculation in rats with cerebral ischemia. Methods Rat cerebral ischemia (CI) model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion. 40 SPF male adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups:CI+NS (normal saline) group, CI+ADM group and CI+IMD group, which were used to observe the changes of brain surface microcirculatory perfusion with a laser Doppler flowmeter. Results The differences of brain surface microcirculatory perfusion were statistically significant among the CI+NS group, CI+ADM group and CI+IMD group (F=53.426, P< 0.05). Multiple comparison showed that the brain surface microcirculatory perfusion in the CI+IMD group was higher than that of the CI+NS group and CI+ADM group. Conclusions Intermedin can improve the cerebral microcirculation in rats with cerebral ischemia, and its therapeutic effect is better than adrenomedullin.

Abstract:Objective To observe and explore the effect and clinical value of percutaneous electrical stimulation on nerve regeneration after end-to-side neurorrhaphy in rats. Methods Thirty-two SPF male S-D rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=8):group A, the normal control group; group B, with end to end neurorrhaphy of musculocutaneous nerve injury matched to the ulnar nerve; group C, with end to side neurorrhaphy of musculocutaneous nerve injury matched to the ulnar group; and group D, with end to side neurorrhaphy of musculocutaneous nerve injury matched to the ulnar nerve plus postoperative transcutaneous electrical stimulation (30 min per day for 6 weeks). Electromyography, postoperational nerve conduction velocity, the histological and ultrastructural changes of the nerve fibers were examined, and NF-200 expression in frozen sections was observed using imunohistological staining, to assess the recovery of muscle strength of the diseased side limb and the neuroregeneration in the rats after treatment. Results The amplitude and conduction velocity of the groups C and D were lower than that of the group A, the latency was higher than that of the group A, while the amplitude and conduction velocity of the group D were lower than that of the group C, and the latency was higher than that of the group C. The wet weight ratio of the biceps brachii muscle and the cross-sectional area of muscle fibers in the groups B, C and D were lower than those in the group A, and the recovery of muscle in the group C was the worst. The expression of NF-200 in the rats of groups B, C and D was significantly lower than that in the group A, and the expression of NF-200 in the group D was significantly higher than that in the group C, but still significantly less than that in the group B (P< 0.05). Electron microscopy showed mature myelinated fibers in the group B, whereas unmyelinated fibers were the main component and the myelin sheath was poorly developed in the group C. The myelin regeneration in the group D was better than that in the group C, but still some unmyelinated nerve fibers were seen. Conclusions The percutaneous electrical stimulation can effectively promote nerve axonal regeneration and can delay the atrophy of the target muscle after end-to-side neurorrhaphy. Though there is difference compared with the end-to-end neurorrhaphy, the end-to-side neurorrhaphy is still an effective method in clinical repair of peripheral nerve injury.

Abstract:Objective The topic of this study was to study the inhibitory effect of resveratrol on hypercoagulable state in rats and its relationship with the expression of NF-κB. Methods Rats were divided into control and model groups, and resveratrol (high dose, 60 mg/kg), resveratrol (low dose, 30 mg/kg) and aspirin (10 mg/kg) were given by intragastric administration for 7 d. Then, the rats were treated by adrenaline with ice bath or thrombin to generate hypercoagulable state. Blood samples were collected to test the prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and blood viscosity. Vascular endothelial cells were collected to detect the expression of NF-κB by western blotting. Results PT and APTT values of rats in the control, resveratrol (high dose) and aspirin groups were significantly increased than the model group (P< 0.05). Blood viscosity of rats in the control, resveratrol (high dose) and aspirin groups was significantly lower than the model group (P< 0.05). The expression of NF-κB was decreased than that of the model group (P< 0.05). Conclusions Resveratrol in high dose (60 mg/kg) can inhibit hypercoagulable state of rat, which may be related with its effect on decreasing the expression of NF-κB.

Abstract:Objective The aim of this study was to establish a rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD) by using 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and detect the salsolinol N-methyltransferase (SNMT) activity in peripheral lymphocytes of PD rats for the development of a biomarker for early diagnosis of PD. Methods Rat model of PD was established by unilateral double-pointed injection of 6-OHDA into the striatum and was verified by behavior observation. An analytical method was developed based on multiple reaction monitoring with HPLC-ESI-QQQ to determine the SNMT activity in peripheral lymphocytes. Results Seven of 18 rats injected with 6-OHDA showed steadily apomorphine-induced rotation (>7 r/min). The success rate was 38.9%. A sensitive and stable quantitative method with internal standard added was created, based on multiple reaction monitoring mode to analyze SNMT activity. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LQD) of N-methyl-salsolinol, which is the product of Salsolinol catalyzed by SNMT, were 49 pmol/L and 98 pmol/L, respectively. The precisions of intra-day and inter-day assays both were below 6.0%. SNMT activity of peripheral lymphocytes in the 6-OHDA-lesioned rats was significantly increased[43.37±9.49 pmol/(h·mg)NMSal] in comparison with that in the normal group[2.16±5.82 pmol/(h·mg)NMSal] and the sham-operated group[0.58±2.32 pmol/(h·mg)NMSal](P< 0.01, n=5). There was no significant difference between the normal group and sham-operated group (P< 0.05, n=5). Conclusions Our results indicate that SNMT activity may reflect the changes in the course of Parkison's disease and may become a potential clinical biomarker in diagnosis of this disease.

Abstract:Objective To establish a fluorescence quantitative PCR assay for polyomavirus and to apply this technique in the investigation of its infection rate in naked mole rats. Methods To compare the nucleic acid sequence of murine polyomavirus (Genbank:NC_001515) in NCBI and design primers and probes in its conserved region. To establish a fluorescence quantitavive PCR method for polyomavirus and evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the method. To infect nine one-day old KM strain suckling mice, and to collect samples of the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, brain, thymus, cecal contents and blood at 21 days after infection. The efficacy of the method was validated by detecting the virus in organs. 62 cecal samples from naked mole rats were tested by the established assay. Results There was obvious fluorescence signal when polyomavirus was used as the template and no fluorescence signal when simian virus 40, murine K virus, MVM and H-1 were used as templates. The detection limit of the assay was 100 copies/μL. Polyomavirus DNA was detected in the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney and cecal contents of the mice which were inoculated with polyomavirus. The polyomavirus DNA content was highest in the lung tissue. There was no detectable polyomavirus DNA in the brain, thymus and blood of the infected mice. Sixty-two cecal contents of naked mole rats were tested for polyomavirus and the results were negative. Conclusions The fluorescence quantitative PCR assay for polyomavirus established in this study can effectively detect polyomavirus DNA in animal tissues. The results of investigation of the natural infected polyomavirus of naked mole rats provide a reference for the formulation of microbiological criteria for experimental naked mole rats.

Abstract:Objective Aleutian disease, mink enteritis and canine distemper are the three major diseases affecting health of mink. This study intends to establish a multiplex PCR assay for simultaneously detecting of these three viruses. Methods According to the conservative sequences reported in GenBank, three pairs of specific primers were designed to amplify the DNA templates of Aleutian mink disease parvovirus (ADV), mink enteritis parvovirus (MEV), and RNA templates of canine distemper virus (CDV), and optimized the amplifying conditions. Results The specific objective strips of 601 bp (ADV), 205 bp (MEV) and 451 bp (CDV) were amplified simultaneously. The sensitivity test showed that the lowest nucleic acid detection limits were 2.67×10⁴ copies per μL for ADV, 3.02×10⁴ copies per μL for MEV, and 1.72×10⁵ copies per μL for CDV. The results of test of the clinical samples showed that the multiple PCR and single PCR assay were consistent. Conclusions The established multiplex PCR assay in this study can be used to rapidly detect the clinical samples of ADV, MEV and CDV single or mixed infections.

Abstract:Objective To establish a mouse model of IgA nephropathy and to observe its biochemical and pathological characteristics. Methods Twelve BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the normal group and model group, with 6 mice in each group. Mice in the model group received an intravenous injection of 0.8 mg/kg superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) into the tail vein once a week for three weeks. At the end of the 4th week, the mice were sacrificed, and the 24 h-urinary protein, urinary microalbumin, the renal function indicators BUN, Scr and UA were measured, levels of liver function indicators ALT, AST, ALP, and the blood lipid levels of TC, TG, and LDL were determined, the renal morphological changes were examined by pathology using HE, PAS, PASM and Masson staining, and by electron microscopy, the IgA deposition in the renal tissue was observed with immunofluorescence, and the liver and small intestine were observed by pathology using HE staining. Results Compared with the normal group, the mice of model group showed increased 24-hour urinary protein and urinary microalbumin (P<0.01), increased CREA and UA (P<0.05), but not significantly changed BUN, TP and ALB. The liver function indicator AST was significantly increased (P<0.05), but ALT and ALP were not significantly changed. The blood lipid TG was significantly decreased (P<0.05) and LDL increased (P<0.01), while the TC was not significantly changed. The kidney tissues had moderate histological changes, and immunofluorescence observation showed granular or massive IgA deposition in the renal glomerular mesangium. The liver tissue had some inflammatory cell infiltration and hepatocyte necrosis. The small intestine showed slender and shortened villi with widened inter-villous space and sloughed off epithelial cells, dilated central lacteal, and lymphocyte infiltration. Conclusions A mouse model of IgA nephropathy can be successfully established by tail vein injection of superantigen staphylococcal entrotoxin B.

Abstract:Sialoadhesin (Siglec-1 or CD169) is a sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin expressed selectively on macrophage subsets. In inflammatory response, Siglec-1 can modulate the secretion of MIP-1 alpha/beta, MCP-1, MIP-2 and other cytokines, and promote the occurrence of inflammatory reaction. During viral infection, Siglec-1 can promote the infection and phagocytosis of virus by mediating the binding of pathogens and macrophages. In the regulation of immunity, Siglec-1 can regulate innate immunity and adaptive immunity, by inhibiting the excessive expression of IFN-α and the activation of DC cells. This review mainly focuses on the new advances of research on Siglec-1 in pathogen infections, inflammation and immunoregulation.

Abstract:Bronchoalveolar lavage is an important animal experimental technique in the study of respiratory system and its pathological changes. It can acquire a variety of biochemical factors, inflammatory mediators and immune cells from the respiratory tract and lungs, and provides an important evaluation index and reference for animal experiment. Bronchoalveolar lavage is an effective and reliable method for the diagnosis of respiratory diseases. It has been gradually standardized and widely used in clinical practice at present, however, there is no set of standard for bronchoalveolar lavage in rats and mice. The results of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid are affected by many factors, such as the lavage fluid, suction pressure, the amount of lavage and recovery, and the retention time of lavage fluid in the lungs. Successful and efficient acquisition of lavage specimens is the key to the study and evaluation of respiratory diseases. This paper summarizes the current lavage methods commonly used by domestic and foreign researchers, and provides a reference for further research in the this field.

Abstract:Glucocorticoid is a kind of steroids hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex zona fasciculate or artificially synthesized. It can mediate the synthesis and metabolism of carbohydrate, lipid and protein and has the function of inhibiting immune response and anti-inflammation, anti-toxic and anti-shock effects. However, long-term intake of corticostereoid hormone will result in bone loss, even severe osteoporosis, and increase the risk of fracture. As a result the research on the mechanisms of osteoporosis become more and more necessary. Now, according to the differences in establishment methods, there are three approaches, i.e. pellet implantation, drinking water and injection. As a result of the only partial similarity between different osteoporosis models and humans, there is a special application of each type of animal model of osteoporosis. The osteoporosis in glucocorticoid-induced model is mainly caused by modulating incretion, promoting bone absorption and inhibiting the osteoblast differentiation. In the meanwhile, compared with the other animal models, genes in mice are closer to humans, and they have many advantages in cost, gene and cell techniques. Therefore, glucocorticoid-induced mouse models of osteoporosis has a great significance in osteoporosis research. This article will review the establishment methods of glucocorticoid-induced mouse models of osteoporosis.