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  • 1
    ISSN: 1530-0358
    Keywords: Pravastatin ; ras p21 isoprenylation ; Colon carcinogenesis ; Flat colon tumor ; Azoxymethane ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract PURPOSE: The effect of pravastatin, an inhibitor ofras p21 isoprenylation, on the gross type of colon tumors induced by azoxymethane was investigated in Wistar rats. METHODS: Rats received ten weekly subcutaneous injections of 7.4 mg/kg body weight of azoxymethane and intraperitoneal injections of 10 or 20 mg/kg body weight of pravastatin every other day until the end of the experiment at Week 45. RESULTS: Administration of pravastatin at both dosages had no significant effect on the incidence of colon tumors but significantly increased the incidence of rats with adenomas only. In contrast to the elevated adenomas in control rats, flat adenomas were significantly more prevalent in rats given pravastatin. Pravastatin at both doses significantly decreased the labeling index, but not the apoptotic index, of elevated adenomas, whereas it significantly decreased the labeling index but increased the apoptotic index of flat adenomas. Administration of pravastatin at both dosages also significantly decreased the amounts of membrane-associatedras p21 in colon tumors. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that theras oncogene may be closely related to the development of adenocarcinomas from adenomas and the development of elevated or polypoid tumors of the colon.
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  • 2
    ISSN: 1436-2023
    Keywords: Key words Adriamycin ; Rat ; Embryo ; VATER association ; Synovial joint ; Bones ; Limbs ; Vertebra ; Sirenomelia
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The adriamycin-induced rat model of the Vertebral, Anorectal, Tracheo-Esophageal, Radial and Renal (VATER) association produces a variety of vertebral, rib, and limb abnormalities. This study was designed to document accurately the nature of these abnormalities and to determine whether synovial joints are affected. Fetuses from pregnant Sprague Dawley rats that had received intraperitoneal injections of 1.75 mg/kg of adriamycin on days 6–9 or 10–13 of gestation were harvested. Double-stained skeletal preparations and histological sections were examined for vertebral, rib, and limb anomalies. The incidence of anomalies was high in the group treated on gestational days (GD) 6–9, while it was low in the GD 10–13 group. The length and thickness of the long bones were reduced, with bowing and reduction in their endochondral ossification. Sirenomelia occurred in the group treated on GD 6–9, and was often associated with a short tail and anal atresia. The joint cavities, and intra-articular structures such as menisci and the cruciate ligaments developed normally from the mesenchymal interzone. These data indicate that adriamycin inhibits skeletal growth and differentiation without any interference in the differentiation of the mesenchymal interzone, thus producing normal synovial joints.
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  • 3
    ISSN: 1432-2307
    Keywords: Keywords 7 ; 12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene ; Rat ; Submandibular gland ; Adenocarcinoma Myoepithelial cell
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  In an attempt to induce adenocarcinoma containing myoepithelial cells (MECs) in the rat submandibular gland, we injected 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) dissolved in acetone into the glands of rat pups at the age of 10 days. In both male and female pups, the glands, including their developing terminal secretory units, contained far greater numbers of cells positive for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) than did adult glands. A single administration of 1% DMBA (0.05 ml/130 g b.w.) did not produce adenocarcinoma, but did induce occasional sarcomas, such as rhabdomyosarcoma and fibrosarcoma, in 2 months. Most glands regenerated with minimal scar formation. Microscopically, these glands were atypical in that they contained increased numbers of PCNA-positive cells, underdeveloped granular ducts, and striated ducts surrounded by MECs positive for alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA). Though these features were also observed in the regenerated glands after acetone injection, the number of PCNA-positive cells was relatively high in the glands of DMBA-treated females, especially in the terminal secretory unit. The second DMBA injection at 10 weeks of age produced adenocarcinoma made up of αSMA-positive MECs and keratin 19-positive duct cells. Such MEC-associated adenocarcinoma was induced in the glands of more than half the female but not the male animals. Replacement of either of the double DMBA treatments with acetone, or DMBA treatment, single or double, of adult glands did not produce adenocarcinoma, but did produce sarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These results suggest that (1) at least two genetic mutations are necessary for induction of adenocarcinoma with MECs in the rat submandibular gland, (2) the mutation is efficiently introduced to pup glands whose terminal secretory units exhibit extreme proliferative activity, and (3) the second mutation is difficult to introduce in male glands, whose proliferative activity is relatively low, and/or transformed cells need some female hormone after the mutation to propagate.
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  • 4
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Journal of cancer research and clinical oncology 126 (2000), S. 27-32 
    ISSN: 1432-1335
    Keywords: Key words Heart irradiation ; Plasma enzyme levels ; Myocardial enzyme levels ; Rat ; AbbreviationsCK creatine kinase ; LDH lactate de-hydrogenase ; AST aspartate aminotransferase ; ALT alanine aminotransferase ; α-HBDHα-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Plasma levels of myocardial enzymes present after local heart irradiation were studied in a rat model. The purpose was to investigate whether, within days after irradiation, these enzyme levels change to such an extent that they may be helpful in assessing the severity of cardiac damage after radiotherapy. Therefore, activities of creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (α-HBDH) were determined in the plasma and left ventricular myocardium of rats following local heart irradiation with a single dose of 20 Gy. A dose of 20 Gy is known to cause irreversible cardiac damage and to reduce survival times of the animals. Cardiac enzyme assays were performed directly after and twice daily for up to 2 weeks after radiation. Plasma CK, LDH, AST and α-HBDH levels were increased between 2 h and 24 h after irradiation. Plasma ALT levels remained unchanged. Myocardial enzyme levels, measured between 24 h and 16 days after radiation, did not differ between irradiated and control animals, although acute (first 12 h) reductions were observed in the irradiated group. The elevated enzyme levels in plasma appeared to correlate with the acutely reduced myocardial enzyme levels. Although irradiation with a dose of 20 Gy induced acute rises of cardiac enzyme levels in plasma, it is doubtful that fractionated radiation, as applied clinically for treatment of solid tumors, will induce plasma enzyme elevations that are large enough to indicate the extent of cardiac damage occurring acutely or chronically.
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  • 5
    ISSN: 1437-7799
    Keywords: Key words VEGF ; Glomeruli ; Ribonuclease protection assay ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a selective endothelial growth factor which potently enhances microvascular permeability. In the kidney, VEGF mRNA is known to be highly expressed in visceral epithelial cells in glomeruli. However, the physiological role of VEGF in glomerular function and its involvement in the pathogenesis of proteinuria are not clear. The present studies were designed to determine whether altered expression of VEGF mRNA was observed in the course of puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) nephrosis in rats (a model of human minimal change nephrosis). Methods. The message level of VEGF in isolated glomeruli of PAN nephrosis rats was measured using a ribonuclease protection assay. Results. VEGF expression began to decrease 4 days after PAN injection and could not be detected in the nephrotic stage of PAN nephrosis (on days 8 and 16). In the remission of stage of PAN nephrosis (on day 28), mRNA was restored to the control level. Conclusions. According to our results, a functional defect in the VEGF expression of visceral epithelial cells was observed in PAN nephrosis. VEGF could be a functional marker of visceral epithelial cells, and the loss of normal expression of VEGF after damage to visceral epithelial cells could affect glomerular endothelial cell function in PAN nephrosis.
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  • 6
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Pediatric surgery international 16 (2000), S. 485-487 
    ISSN: 1437-9813
    Keywords: Key words Duodenum ; Apoptosis ; Fetus ; Rat ; Duodenal atresia
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Duodenum is thought to go through a solid-core stage followed by recanalization during its development. This study investigates the role of apoptosis in normal duodenal development, especially during widening of the lumen, and hence, the possible role of apoptosis in duodenal atresia (DA). Twenty-four time-mated Sprague-Dawley rats were killed from day 13 to day 20 of gestation. Duodenums of 3 fetuses were chosen randomly from each rat and processed. Apoptosis was determined by the terminal deoxytransferase-mediated biotin dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) technique (ApopTag). Apoptosis count and cross-sectional areas were measured with an image analyzer (MetaMorph). The number of apoptotic cells per unit area duodenum peaked on day 15 for the mucosal/submucosal layer and on day 14 for the muscular/mesenchymal layer. The maximal number of apoptotic cells per cross-section of duodenum was between 7 and 8. The cross-sectional areas of the duodenal wall and lumen increased exponentially between day 17 and day 19 while duodenal-wall thickness remained relatively constant throughout duodenal development. The localization, timing, and intensity of apoptosis do not suggest that apoptosis is responsible for the widening of the duodenal lumen; enlargement of the lumen is related to the increase in duodenal circumference. Apoptosis thus may not be involved in the pathogenesis of DA.
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  • 7
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Pediatric surgery international 16 (2000), S. 285-292 
    ISSN: 1437-9813
    Keywords: Key words Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) ; Rat ; Immunohistochemistry ; Distribution
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The present study systematically investigated the expression and distribution of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) classes I and II in the rat. About 150 native tissue probes from eight adult Lewis rats were taken, representative for most organs, tissues, and the vascular system. MHC expression was analyzed by two monoclonal antibodies (mAb) generated against the non-polymorphic determinants of rat MHC class I (Ox-18) and class II (Ox-6). Immunoreactivities were compared to those of different endothelial (HIS52, TLD-3A12, Ox-43, REHA-1 antigen), histiocytic (ED1, ED2), B-cell (RLN-9D3), and T-cell (MRC Ox-52) markers. A nonspecific mAb (MR12/53) served as a negative control. Pretested concentrations on various tissues and the alkaline phosphatase-anti-alkaline phosphatase technique allowed semiquantitative evaluation of serial cryostat tissue sections. MHC class I expression was detected on most immunocompetent cells. Endothelial cells were stained heterogeneously along the vascular system and the organ-specific microcirculation. Furthermore, some organs showed staining of parenchymal cells. MHC class II was found on all immunocompetent cells positive for the B-cell marker and about 15% of cells positive for the histiocytic markers. Besides the well-known expression of MHC class II in the outer zone of the renal proximal tubule, further organ-specific cell forms were found positive. In conclusion, the present study outlines tissue-specific distribution of MHC I/II and implies that each organ carries a variable immunologic burden that needs to be considered for any transplantation model.
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  • 8
    ISSN: 1437-9813
    Keywords: Key words Fetal transplantation ; Proliferation ; Adrenal glands ; Addisonian crisis ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The present study investigated the histologic maturation, proliferative capacity, and steroid production of fetal adrenal transplants (Tx) in adrenalectomized rats. A pair of fetal adrenal glands (18–20 days of gestation) was transplanted into the omentum of syngeneic Lewis rats (n=45). Four weeks later, in 5 animals the grafts were excised for morphologic evaluation. Proliferation was investigated by immunohistochemical staining for KI-67 protein and quantified by the proliferation index (PI = positive cells/100 counts). All other hosts (Tx; n = 40) underwent bilateral adrenalectomy (AE) to induce Addisonian crisis. Postoperatively, survival and concentrations of potassium, sodium, aldosterone, and corticosterone were recorded for 6 months. These data were compared to controls (C = only AE; n = 30) and a sham group (S; n = 10). At the end of the study period all surviving hosts were killed for histologic examination of grafts. At 4 weeks post-Tx the adrenal grafts demonstrated a distinct zona glomerulosa and frequent proliferation with a PI of 0.084, comparable to normal control (0.092). Following AE survival was significantly prolonged in Tx (86% vs 12% of C, P 〈 0.05). Control animals developed severe hyponatremia and hyperkalemia, whereas in Tx only transient signs of Addisonian crisis were recorded. Levels of aldosterone dropped within 7 days in the Tx and C groups, but returned to normal for Tx within 8 weeks. Corticosterone levels of Tx animals fell to 25% within week, but steadily increased to 70% by the end of the study. At 6 months, grafts revealed a mature adrenocortical structure with little proliferative activity, which was comparable to controls. In a syngeneic rat model fetal adrenal transplants thus mature and proliferate to provide sufficient steroid production for adrenalectomized hosts.
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  • 9
    ISSN: 1437-9813
    Keywords: Key words Congenital diaphragmatic hernia ; Hypoplastic lung ; Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) ; Antenatal glucocorticoids ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of antenatal glucocorticoid therapy on smooth-muscle-cell (SMC) DNA synthesis in the pulmonary arteries (PA) in a nitrofen-induced congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) rat model following nitrofen administration on day 9.5 of gestation. Antenatal dexamethasone (DEX) was given intraperitoneally on days 18.5 and 19.5 of gestation. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was injected via a jugular vein into the dam 1 h before the fetuses were killed by cesarean section at term. The fetuses were divided into three groups: group I (n = 10): normal controls; group II (n = 10): nitrofen-induced CDH; group III (n = 10): nitrofen-induced CDH with antenatal DEX treatment. Immunostaining of the lungs with anti-BrdU antibody was obtained by a standard avidin-biotin complex method. The number of immunopositive cells in the PA media and adventitia were counted using an image analyzer and analyzed statistically. The number of BrdU-immunopositive cells in the media was significantly increased in group II (16.83 ± 3.01) compared to groups I (9.16 ± 2.20) and III (6.83 ± 1.70) (P 〈 0.01). There was no significant difference between groups I and III. The number of BrdU-immunopositive cells in the adventitia was not significantly different between the three groups. Antenatal DEX treatment inhibits SMC DNA synthesis in PA media in CDH lungs. This may be a possible mechanism by which antenatal DEX prevents structural PA changes in nitrofen-induced CDH in rats.
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  • 10
    ISSN: 1432-2277
    Keywords: Key words Small bowel transplantation ; Split tolerance ; FK 506 ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Functional long-term allograft survival after experimental small bowel transplantation (SBT) is limited by chronic rejection. Initial application of high-dose FK 506 has been shown to induce stable long-term graft function. In order to examine whether this long-term function is associated with donor-specific tolerance, we analyzed the functional status of recipient T cells in vivo and in vitro. One-step orthotopic SBT was performed in the allogeneic Brown Norway (BN)-to-Lewis rat strain combination. FK 506 was given daily at a dose of 2 mg/kg from days 0–5 in the rejection model and from days 0–9 in the long-term functional model. Mean survival time in the rejection model was 98 ± 2.8 days. Histological examination of these small bowel allografts disclosed signs of chronic rejection. In contrast, all animals of the long-term functional model survived long term ( 〉 250 days) without clinical signs of chronic rejection. The latter model, furthermore, produced evidence of donor-specific tolerance. Whereas heterotopic Dark Agouti (DA) hearts were rejected regularly within 7 days, BN hearts survived indefinitely ( 〉 70 days). In vitro, mixed leukocyte reactivity of CD4 + T cells was similarly strong against donor (BN) antigens as against third-party (DA) antigens. The split tolerance revealed by our in vivo and in vitro results enabled acceptance of both the small bowel allograft without signs of chronic rejection and of donor-specific heart allografts.
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  • 11
    ISSN: 1432-2277
    Keywords: Key words Implantation model ; Aortic valves ; Valve dysfunction ; Rejection ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Structural failure of heart valve allografts may be related to technical factors or immunological reactions. To circumvent nonimmunological factors a new rat implantation model was developed to study whether alloreactivity results in histopathological changes and valve dysfunction. Syngeneic (WAG-WAG, DA-DA) and allogeneic (WAG-BN, WAG-DA) transplantation was carried out using this new technique, and the function of explanted valves was assessed 21 days later by retrograde comptence testing. Additionally, grafts were examined using standard histological and immunohistochemical techniques. There was no leakage during retrograde injection in nine of tem syngeneic and two of ten allogeneic grafts. Microscopically, syngeneic valves appeared normal without fibrosis or intimal thickening, although CD8+ lymphocytes and macrophages were found in necrotic myocardial rim and adventitia. In contrast, allogeneic valves were deformed and noncellular, with extensive infiltration of CD4+, CD8+ and CD68+ cells in adventitia and media. Absence of fibrosis and intimal thickening in syngeneic transplanted valves indicated circumvention of nonimmunological factors. Allogeneic valve transplantation induces cellular infiltration in the graft with subsequent graft failure.
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  • 12
    ISSN: 1432-2277
    Keywords: Key words Hypoxia-reoxygenation ; JNK1/SAPK1 ; Rat ; Hepatocytes
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Organ injury after ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) remains one of the most important limiting factors in liver surgery and transplantation. Oxygen-free radical (OFR) generation is considered a major cause of this damage. JNK1/SAPK1, a member of MAPK family, regulates cell adaptation to stressful conditions. The aim of this study was to determine if hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) can activate JNK1/SAPK1 and if OFR are involved in this activation. Primary cultured rat hepatocytes isolated from other liver cells and blood flow were submitted to warm and cold H/R phases mimicking surgical and transplant conditions. JNK1/SAPK1 was activated by both warm and cold H/R. Deferoxamine (1 mM), di-phenyleneiodonium (50 μM) and N-acetylcysteine (10 mM) significantly inhibited this kinase activation.
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  • 13
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Urological research 28 (2000), S. 141-146 
    ISSN: 1434-0879
    Keywords: Key words Kidney ; Nitric oxide ; Ischemia-reperfusion injury ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract In this study we attempted to clarify the release of nitric oxide (NO) and its role in the ischemia-reperfusion rat kidney. After right nephrectomy, male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: one sham operated and three groups who underwent ischemia (30 min) and reperfusion of the left renal artery. Thirty minutes prior to ischemia-reperfusion, two groups were injected intraperitoneally with 10 and 30 mg/kg of NG-nitro-l-arginine methylester (L-NAME). Real-time monitoring of blood flow and NO release in the rat kidney was measured with a laser Doppler flowmeter and an NO-selective electrode, respectively. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were measured 1 and 7 days after the induction of ischemia-reperfusion. Clamping of the renal artery decreased blood flow to 1–5% of the basal level measured before clamping. After removal of the clip, the blood flow of the 30 mg/kg L-NAME rats was significantly lower than that of the controls. Immediately following the clipping of the renal artery, NO release rapidly increased. After removing the clip, NO release immediately returned to three-quarters of the basal level. Serum creatinine and BUN levels of the ischemia-reperfusion rats were slightly but not significantly higher and those of 30 mg L-NAME rats were significantly higher than those of the control or ischemia-reperfusion rats 1 day and 7 days after ischemia-reperfusion. Our data suggest that NO acts as a cytoprotective agent in ischemia-reperfusion injury of the rat kidney.
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  • 14
    ISSN: 1434-0879
    Keywords: Key words Castration ; Epidermal growth factor ; Insulin-like growth factor I ; Prostate ; Testosterone ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) are strong inducers of proliferation to prostate cells cultured in serum-free medium. Accordingly we wanted to study the growth of the prostate gland in castrated rats after treatment with EGF, IGF-I and testosterone. Castrated Wistar rats were treated with growth factors (EGF 35 μg/rat per day; IGF-I 350 μg/rat per day) or testosterone (2 mg/rat per day) for 3 days either immediately after or 10 days after castration. Prostate tissue was examined by stereological and immunohistochemical techniques and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Treatment with EGF inhibited the involution of the prostate (P 〈 0.05), whereas treatment with IGF-I did not affect the prostate involution as compared to castrated controls. EGF treatment significantly increased the endogenous rat EGF in the ventral prostate, but cellular proliferation was not affected. Testosterone treatment increased the weight of the prostate, by increase of all tissue components of the prostate, and significantly increased cellular proliferation. Systemic administration of EGF but not IGF-I decreased the involution of the rat prostate induced by castration. Compared with testosterone, the effects of EGF treatment on the prostate involution were moderate, and the effects of EGF were not related to cellular proliferation.
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  • 15
    ISSN: 1434-0879
    Keywords: Key words Bladder ; Rat ; Aging ; Obstruction ; Cystometrics
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Bladder dysfunction in the aging population is a significant problem. However the concomitant presence of other diseases in many patients can make it difficult to distinguish between changes in bladder function and other influences. The present study was designed to study, in aging rats, bladder function and the effect of partial bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) on bladder function. Cystometrics were performed in awake, female Fischer 344 rats of four age groups (6, 12, 18 and 24 months) following subcutaneous implantation of a mediport catheter. Cystometric evaluations were carried out in control rats or those subject to three weeks of BOO. Bladder compliance significantly decreased with aging, which reflected an increase in threshold pressure without changes in bladder capacity. Partial BOO caused development of severe bladder instability. Following BOO, bladder capacity and compliance were significantly increased in all age groups. Threshold pressure was lower in obstructed animals, except for 6-month rats. Younger animals were able to generate a higher contraction pressure to compensate for the BOO, whereas older animals did not. Using an awake model of cystometric measurement, we have demonstrated that aging, by itself can affect bladder function. Furthermore, aged animals respond differently to BOO than younger animals. These results demonstrate that both aging and disease can contribute to bladder dysfunction, and suggest that treatment of bladder dysfunction may require a combination of therapies targeted to multiple etiologies.
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  • 16
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Key words Nerve repair ; Nerve fiber regeneration ; Sciatic nerve ; Muscle-vein-combined graft ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Clinical data have shown that a vein segment filled with fresh skeletal muscle can be considered a good autologous grafting conduit for the repair of peripheral nerve lesions. In this study, the long-term morphological organization of rat sciatic nerve fibers regenerated along a muscle-vein-combined graft conduit is further analysed by light and electron microscopy. Regenerated nerve fibers were organized into fascicles of various sizes that were clearly delimited by perineurial-like shells made by long and thin cytoplasmic processes of perineurial-like bipolar cells and by densely packed collagen fibrils. Grafted skeletal muscle fibers were still detectable among nerve fiber fascicles. However, in spite of the persistence of skeletal muscle along the graft, regenerated nerve fibers showed a good morphological pattern of regeneration, providing further evidence that the muscle-vein-combined grafting technique represents an effective surgical alternative to the classical fresh nerve autograft for the repair of peripheral nerve defects.
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  • 17
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Key words GABAB receptor ; CNS ; Dorsal root ganglia ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The anatomical distribution of the GABAB receptor (GBR) splice variants GBR1a and 1b in the CNS has not previously been studied. In the present study, distribution of the splice variants was mapped using immunohistochemistry. Polyclonal antibodies against splice variant unique epitopes were raised in rabbits. Affinity purified antibodies were used according to routine immunohistochemical procedures in sections from the rat CNS or dorsal root ganglia (DRG). The staining intensity was high in the cerebral cortex but lower in basal ganglia and the hippocampus. In the cerebellum, there was a marked difference in the distribution of GBR1a- and 1b-like immunoreactivity (LI). GBR1a-LI was preferentially localised in the granule cell layer whilst GBR1b-LI was mostly found in Purkinje cells and in the molecular layer. Cell bodies of the deep cerebellar nuclei stained for the GBR1a antibody while terminals surrounding the cell bodies were strongly labelled with the GBR1b antibody. A similar pre- vs postsynaptic pattern was seen in several nuclei ventral or caudal to the cerebellum (e.g. the cochlear nucleus, the facial nucleus, the spinal cord) but not in regions rostral to the cerebellum. In the spinal cord, strong labelling for both antibodies was seen in the dorsal horn. The GBR1b but not the GBR1a antibody stained tanycytes in the epithelium of the 3rd ventricle and in the central canal at the brain stem level. DRG neurons were positive for both the GBR1a and 1b antibody, but the former stained the cells much more intensely. Satellite cells were labelled with the GBR1b antibody. The most important aspect of these findings is that in some nuclei, GBR1b may mediate inhibition of transmitter release while in the same regions, GBR1a may mediate postsynaptic inhibition. Further, the observations support previous findings that GBR1b is the predominant splice variant in Purkinje cells.
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  • 18
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Anatomy and embryology 202 (2000), S. 247-255 
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Key words Enteric neurons ; Interstitial cells of Cajal ; Smooth muscle cells ; Guinea-pig ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Tachykinin receptors NK1r, NK2r and NK3r bind tachykinins with different affinities and share pharmacological and molecular differences among animal species. NK1r, NK2r, NK3r and tachykinin (SP/NKA) distribution was studied by immunohistochemistry in the ileum of mouse since no data are available for this species. The results were then compared to those obtained in the rat and guinea pig either by us or by others to ascertain interspecies similarities and/or differences. NK1r- and NK3r-immunoreactivity (IR) were detected in neurons and NK1r-IR in the interstitial cells of Cajal at the deep muscular plexus. At variance with rat and guinea pig, NK1r-IR was also found in the myoid cells of the villi, while NK2r-IR was never detected in nerve varicosities. This latter datum suggests that the NK2r does not play a presynaptic role in the mouse. Unexpectedly, a high NK2r-IR and the presence of NK3r-IR were observed at the inner portion of the circular muscle layer in the mouse as well as in the rat and guinea pig, demonstrating a subregional distribution of these receptors. Tachykinin distribution did not show noticeable species-related differences. The present findings show species-related differences in the tachykinin receptor distribution that might be related to a different tachykinin controlof intestinal motility.
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  • 19
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key words Hypothermia ; Immunohistochemistry ; Microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) ; Rat ; Spinal cord injury
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Systemic hypothermia has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects in experimental ischemic CNS models caused by vascular occlusions. The present study addresses the question as to whether systemic hypothermia has similar neuroprotective qualities following severe spinal cord compression trauma using microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) immunohistochemistry combined with the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method as marker to identify neuronal and dendritic lesions. Fifteen rats were randomized into three equally sized groups. One group sustained thoracic laminectomy, the others severe spinal cord compression trauma of the T8-9 segment. The control group contained laminectomized animals submitted to a hypothermic procedure in which the esophageal temperature was reduced from 38 °C to 30 °C. The two trauma groups were either submitted to the same hypothermic procedure or kept normothermic during the corresponding time. All animals were sacrificed 24 h following the surgical procedure. The MAP2 immunostaining in the normothermic trauma group indicated marked reductions in MAP2 antigen in the cranial and caudal peri-injury zones (T7 and T10, respectively). This reduction was much less pronounced in the hypothermic trauma group. In fact, the MAP2 antigen was present in almost equally sized areas in both the hypothermic groups independent of previous laminectomy alone or the addition of trauma. Our study thus indicates that hypothermia has a neuroprotective effect on dendrites of rat spinal cords subjected to compression trauma.
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  • 20
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Acta neuropathologica 100 (2000), S. 75-81 
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Key words Fas ; Fas ligand ; Rat ; Spinal cord ; Trauma
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract This immunohistochemical study evaluated Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) in the rat nervous system and their changes in the spinal cord subjected to compression. Normal spinal cord showed a low level of Fas and FasL immunoreactivity in the white matter except in the corticospinal tracts. Fas and FasL immunoreactivity seemed to be located in axons and their myelin sheaths. Other regions of the nervous system did not show immunoreactivity to Fas and FasL. Moderate and severe compression injury of the spinal cord resulted in a reduction of Fas and FasL immunoreactivity in the white matter of injured T8–9 segments at 4 h and a complete loss at 1 day after trauma. This was seen even in the remaining white matter. In contrast, increased immunoreactivity to Fas and FasL was present in the cranial T7, caudal T10 (moderate injury) and T12 (severe injury) segments at day 4 with most intense staining were seen at day 9 after trauma. Increased Fas and FasL immunoreactivity may have pathophysiological implications for the development of secondary injuries after trauma to the spinal cord. Fas-FasL interactions may for instance be involved in apoptosis of oligodendrocytes which occurs as a delayed phenomenon after trauma to the spinal cord. The integrity of myelin sheaths may in this way be jeopardized by apoptosis of oligodendrocytes.
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  • 21
    ISSN: 1432-0843
    Keywords: Key words 7-Hydroxymethotrexate ; Methotrexate ; Maximum tolerated dose ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Purpose: After more than 50 years of methotrexate (MTX) treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), it is currently believed that as long as dose escalations are followed by adequate leucovorin rescue guided by monitoring MTX serum concentrations, hydration and urinary alkalinization, high-dose MTX (HD-MTX) can be tolerated without life-threatening toxicity. However, our recent experimental animal studies of the major metabolite of MTX, 7-OH-MTX, indicate that this concept may have some limitations. Animals with levels of 7-OH-MTX of 1 mM, which is below the levels routinely found in patients on HD-MTX, demonstrate intolerable toxicity and some animals die within 8 h. Electron microscopy indicates that endothelial cell and platelet functions are perturbed. Since animal data are lacking, and interspecies differences not known, we wanted to investigate the maximum tolerated doses of MTX and 7-OH-MTX in a rat model of short-term effects. The maximum tolerated dose was chosen instead of LD50 for reasons of animal welfare. Methods: We infused MTX and 7-OH-MTX into anaesthetized male Wistar rats and monitored the animals for 8 h. The drugs were given as a bolus plus continuous infusion. The dose-finding ranges were 1.8–11.3 g/kg MTX and 0.1–1.2 g/kg 7-OH-MTX. Results: The maximum tolerated dose was between 3 and 5 g/kg for MTX and lower than 0.1 g/kg for 7-OH-MTX. The mean serum concentrations of MTX and 7-OH-MTX in animals that did not survive the 8-h period were 21.9 and 1.6 mM, respectively. The animals that received the highest MTX or 7-OH-MTX doses and concentrations died after sudden reductions in heart rate and blood pressure. Conclusions: We demonstrated a lower maximum tolerated dose of 7-OH-MTX than of MTX in rats after 8 h. The 7-OH-MTX concentrations were in the therapeutic range after HD-MTX. If the rat/human interspecies differences are not large, our data may indicate that HD-MTX regimens should not be further dose intensified, due not so much to the effects of MTX as to those of 7-OH-MTX.
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  • 22
    ISSN: 1432-1211
    Keywords: Key words Vβ13 ; CD4/CD8 ratio ; Rat ; Tcrb ; Polymorphism
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract. Three rat BV13S1 alleles (T-cell receptor β-chain variable gene 13) were characterized by new BV13S1-allele specific monoclonal antibodies (18B1 and 17D5) and sequence analysis of expressed and genomic BV13S1. Two alleles were functional and designated BV13S1A1 present in strains LEW, BUF, PVG, and BV13S1A2 present in BN and WF. Their products differed by six amino acids, two of them in complementarity-determing region (CDR)1 and one in CDR2. A third nonfunctional allele, BV13S1A3P, was found in strains F344 and DA. Apart from a single nucleotide insertion, it was identical to BV13S1A2. All 12 rat strains tested showed association of TCRBC1 with BV8S2/4 alleles but not with the BV13S1 alleles, which may reflect a different gene order of the rat BV compared to mouse. BV13S1A1-encoded T-cell receptors (TCRs) which bind both monoclonal antibody (mAb) 18B1 and mAb 17D5 are over-represented in the CD4 lymphocyte subset. BV13S1A2-encoded TCRs which are stained by mAb 18B1 but not by mAb 17D5 show a slight CD8-biased expression. Preferential usage of BV13S1A1-positive TCRs by CD4 but not by CD8 cells in (LEW×WF)F1 hybrids and cosegregation of BV13SA1 and increased frequency of BV13S1 TCR-positive CD4 cells in a (LEW×BN)×BN backcross suggest structural differences of the two allelic products as the reason for their contrasting CD4/CD8 subset bias.
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  • 23
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    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Experimental brain research 130 (2000), S. 100-104 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Key words NF-κB ; p65 ; Hippocampal neurons ; Glia ; Astrocytes ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  NF-κB is found in many neuronal cell types in different states of activity. This study aimed to define which conditions induce constitutive NF-κB activity in cultured hippocampal neurons using activity-specific antibody staining. In co-culture with astroglia, hippocampal neurons were devoid of activated NF-κB. In these co-cultures, NF-κB could not be activated via kainate or glutamate. In contrast, separating neurons from the glial compartment resulted in a time-dependent increase of activated neuronal NF-κB. In this line, activation of NF-κB by kainate or glutamate is very effective in freshly separated cultures, but inhibited when the cultures are reassembled after stimulation. These findings suggests that a neuronal-glial interaction may regulate gene expression via NF-κB.
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  • 24
    ISSN: 1432-119X
    Keywords: Endothelin-A receptor ; Endothelin-B receptor ; Rat ; Pulmonary fibrosis ; Immunohistochemistry ; Quantitative PCR
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: AbstractPulmonary fibrosis is characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition with concomitant loss of gas exchange units, and endothelin-1 (ET-1) has been implicated in its pathogenesis. Increased levels of ET-1 from tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage have been reported in patients with pulmonary fibrosis and in animal models after intratracheal bleomycin. We characterized the cellular distribution of alveolar ET receptors by immunohistochemistry in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in the rat and determined the regulation by bleomycin of ET receptor mRNA expression in isolated alveolar macrophages and rat lung fibroblasts. We found significant increases in the numbers of fibroblasts and macrophages at day 7 compared to day 28 and control animals. ETB receptor immunoreactivity was observed on fibroblasts and invading monocytes. Isolated fibroblasts expressed both ETA and ETB receptor mRNA, and ETA receptor mRNA was upregulated by bleomycin. Isolated resident alveolar macrophages expressed neither ETA nor ETB receptor mRNA which were also not induced by bleomycin. We conclude that, while ETB receptor stimulation of fibroblasts and monocytes recruited during bleomycin-induced lung injury exerts antagonistic effects on fibroblast collagen synthesis, the observed increase in the number of fibroblasts in vivo and upregulation of fibroblast ETA receptor mRNA by bleomycin in vitro point to a predominance of the profibrotic effects of ET receptor engagement.
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  • 25
    ISSN: 1432-198X
    Keywords: Key words Metabolic acidosis ; Growth ; Growth hormone ; Insulin-like growth factor-I ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Growth impairment induced by chronic metabolic acidosis is associated with an abnormal growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) axis. To examine the potentially beneficial effects of IGF-I on acidosis-induced growth impairment and the influence of GH and IGF-I treatment on the GH/IGF-I axis, three groups of acidotic young rats (untreated, AC, n=12; treated with recombinant human GH, GH, n=8; treated with recombinant human IGF-I, IGF-I, n=8) were studied, and compared with nonacidotic rats fed ad libitum (C, n=9)) or pair-fed with the AC group (PF, n=12). After 14 days of acidosis and 7 days of treatment, growth rate, hepatic abundance of 4.7-kilobase (kb) and 1.2-kb GH receptor transcripts and 7.5-kb and 1.8- to 0.8-kb IGF-I transcripts, serum GH-binding protein (GHBP), and IGF-I concentrations (mean±SEM) were analyzed. Significant decreases of 4.7-kb GH receptor [26±2 vs. 49±6 arbitrary densitometry units (ADU)] and 7.5 kb IGF-I (41±3 vs. 104±10 ADU) transcripts and low serum GHBP (25±1 vs. 32±1 ng/ml) and IGF-I (279±50 vs. 366±6 nmol/l) levels were found in the AC compared with the C rats. The majority of these alterations were also observed in PF rats. Compared with acidotic untreated rats, GH and IGF-I therapy produced no improvement in growth rate. GH treatment normalized the levels of IGF-I mRNA, aggravated the acidosis-related inhibition of the GH receptor gene, and did not modify the serum levels of GHBP and IGF-I. In contrast, IGF-I administration depressed the hepatic expression of all GH and IGF-I transcripts and normalized serum IGF-I concentrations. Our results confirm that sustained metabolic acidosis alters the GH/IGF-I axis, in part because of associated malnutrition, and induced growth retardation that is resistant to GH therapy. Our study also shows that administration of IGF-I does not accelerate the growth of acidotic rats, suggesting a peripheral mechanism, at the level of target tissues, is responsible for the resistance to the growth-promoting actions of GH and IGF-I.
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  • 26
    ISSN: 1432-198X
    Keywords: Key words Apoptosis ; Ceramide ; Development ; Kidney ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Ceramide is emerging as an important hydrophobic sphingolipid involved in cell differentiation and apoptosis. Since apoptosis plays a significant role in cellular remodeling during renal morphogenesis, we measured ceramide content and apoptosis in the fetal (18 days gestation), neonatal (3, 7, and 14 days postnatal), and adult rat kidney. In addition, to determine whether developmental changes in ceramide content are tissue-specific, we compared renal ceramide content with that in lung and liver. Ceramide was measured by the diacylglycerol kinase assay, and apoptosis was determined by the TUNEL technique. Renal ceramide content fell over 100-fold from the fetus to the 7th postnatal day. Renal apoptosis paralleled ceramide content, with a greater than 300-fold decrease in apoptosis from fetal to adult life. Ceramide content of the lung and liver was significantly less than that of the kidney, and changed less with maturation. We conclude that maturational changes in ceramide content are tissue-specific, and that the high rate of apoptosis in the developing kidney may be related to the elevated ceramide content.
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  • 27
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Keywords Novelty ; Context ; Environment ; Stress ; 6-OHDA ; Rotational behavior ; Striatum ; Nucleus accumbens shell ; Caudate ; Amphetamine ; Dopamine ; Glutamate ; Aspartate ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: We have previously shown that environmental novelty enhances the behavioral activating effects of amphetamine and amphetamine-induced expression of the immediate early gene c-fos in the striatal complex, particularly in the most caudal portion of the caudate. In contrast, we found no effect of novelty on the ability of amphetamine to induce dopamine (DA) overflow in the rostral caudate or in the core of the nucleus accumbens. Objectives: The twofold aim of the present study was to determine the effect of environmental novelty on (1) amphetamine-induced DA overflow in the shell of the nucleus accumbens and in the caudal portions of the caudate, and (2) glutamate and aspartate overflow in the caudal portions of the caudate. Methods: Two groups of rats with a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesion of the mesostriatal dopaminergic system received amphetamine (0.5 mg/kg, i.v.) in physically identical cages. For one group, the cages were also the home environment, whereas, for the other group, they were a completely novel environment. In vivo microdialysis was used to estimate DA, glutamate, and aspartate concentrations. Results: Environmental novelty enhanced amphetamine-induced rotational behavior (experiments 1–3) but did not alter amphetamine-induced DA overflow in either the shell of the nucleus accumbens (experiment 1) or the caudate (experiment 2). In addition, the ability of environmental novelty to enhance amphetamine-induced behavioral activation was not associated with changes in glutamate or aspartate efflux in the caudate (experiment 3). Conclusions: The present data indicate that the psychomotor activating effects of amphetamine can be modulated by environmental context independent of its primary neuropharmacological actions in the striatal complex.
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  • 28
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    Psychopharmacology 148 (2000), S. 106-110 
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Interferon ; Depression ; Forced swimming test ; Locomotor activity ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Objectives: We examined the immobility of the forced swimming test induced in an animal model by human interferon (IFN), which has often been reported to induce depression in clinical use. Methods: In the present study, we examined the effects of human IFNs on results of the forced swimming test in rats. Results: Single intravenous (IV) administration of human IFN-α (6×104 IU/kg), but not of human IFN-β or -γ, significantly increased immobility time in the forced swimming test in rats. Repeated administration of human IFN-α (6×103 IU/kg) also significantly increased the immobility time. On the other hand, none of the rat IFNs (rat IFN-α, -β and -γ, 6×104 IU/kg, IV) changed the immobility time. Neither human IFNs nor rat IFNs changed the locomotor activity of rats. Conclusions: These findings suggest that human IFN-α has a greater potential for inducing increase of the immobility in the rat forced swimming test than human IFN-β and -γ, and that the effect of human IFN-α might not be mediated through IFN-α/β receptors.
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  • 29
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Opiate receptor ; Antinociception ; Habituation ; Novelty ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: There is now extensive evidence demonstrating that exposure to novel stimuli induces hypoalgesia and that this effect habituates over repeated exposure to the stimuli. Moreover, it has been shown that administration of the nonselective opiate receptor antagonist naloxone can attenuate the rate of habituation of novelty-induced hypoalgesia. Objectives: The present experiments were conducted to determine the relative influence of different opiate receptor subtypes in the attenuation of the habituation of novelty-induced hypoalgesia. Methods: In experiments 1–3, different groups of male, Wistar rats (275–300 g) were administered vehicle, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0-nmol doses of the µ-selective antagonist Cys2-Tyr3-Orn5-Pen7-amide (CTOP), the δ-receptor selective antagonist naltrindole, or the κ-selective antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI). In experiment 4, animals were administered vehicle, 5, 25 or 75-nmol doses of nor-BNI. All injections were delivered to the right lateral ventricle 30 min prior to exposure to a novel hot-plate apparatus (48.5°C), once a day for eight consecutive days. Results: Paw-lick latencies in vehicle-treated animals were long during the initial exposures and declined over repeated tests, suggesting the habituation of novelty-induced hypoalgesia. The rate of habituation was significantly attenuated by administration of 1.0-nmol and 2.0-nmol doses of CTOP, by a 2.0-nmol dose of naltrindole, but was unaffected by all doses of nor-BNI. Conclusions: These results support the involvement of the µ and δ, but not the κ, opiate receptor subtypes in the habituation of novelty-induced hypoalgesia.
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  • 30
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Morphine ; Opioid receptor ; NMDA ; Tolerance ; Rat ; Tail flick
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: Pairings of a sweet taste and injection of morphine result in a learned avoidance of that taste and learned analgesic tolerance. This avoidance is mediated by the drug’s peripheral effect, while learned tolerance involves activation of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Exposure to a sweet taste also reduces morphine analgesia. We studied whether this taste-mediated reduction was reversed by an NMDA or peripheral opioid receptor antagonist. Objectives: To determine whether an intraoral infusion of saccharin would modulate morphine analgesia in rats, and to study the contribution of NMDA as well as peripheral opioid receptors to this modulation. Methods: Six experiments used the rat’s tail-flick response to study the effect of an intraoral infusion of a sodium saccharin solution on morphine analgesia, and the effects of the quaternary opioid receptor antagonist methylnaltrexone as well as the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 on this modulation of analgesia. Results: An intraoral infusion of saccharin reduced the analgesic effects of an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of morphine across a range of doses (experiment 1a), which was not attributable to an influence on tail-skin temperature (experiment 1b). This reduction was mediated by opioid receptors in the periphery and activation of NMDA receptors because morphine analgesia was reinstated by an i.p. injection of either methylnaltrexone (experiment 2a) or MK-801 (experiment 3a), which was not due to the effect of methylnaltrexone (experiment 2b) or MK-801 (experiment 3b) on morphine analgesia in the absence of saccharin. Conclusions: These results document evidence for an antagonism of morphine analgesia by actions of the drug at peripheral opioid receptors and excitatory amino-acid activity at NMDA receptors. They are discussed with reference to the aversive motivational effects of peripheral opioid receptors and pain facilitatory circuits.
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  • 31
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    Psychopharmacology 149 (2000), S. 115-120 
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Opiate ; Withdrawal ; Place aversion ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: Administration of low doses of opiate antagonists to morphine-dependent rats produces an aversive response as measured by a conditioned place aversion, but the time course of such a learned aversion is largely unknown. Objectives: The purpose of this experiment was to examine the time course for the expression of a place aversion to opiate withdrawal. Methods: Morphine-dependent rats were tested in a three-chamber place- aversion apparatus. The conditioning phase consisted of three pairings of either naloxone (15 µg/kg s.c.) or vehicle with two compartments, with the most similar time allotments during the preconditioning test. During the testing phase, rats were again allowed to explore the entire apparatus. Different groups were tested at 24 h, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks post-conditioning (morphine-free tests). Results: A robust place aversion was recorded at every time point tested, including at 16 weeks. In previously published work, placebo-pelleted rats tested with naloxone at the same dose failed to show a place aversion and nondependent rats showed a stable lack of aversion at tests up to 56 days. Dependent animals without naloxone also failed to show a place aversion at any of those time points. Conclusions: In the absence of any active intervention, the place aversion produced by opiate withdrawal is very long lasting and provides a model for protracted abstinence that may be useful for delineating the neurobiological substrate for vulnerability to relapse.
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  • 32
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    Psychopharmacology 149 (2000), S. 181-188 
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Acoustic startle response ; Prepulse inhibition ; Sensorimotor gating ; Schizophrenia ; Dopamine ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: Prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle is the reduction in startle response to an intense auditory stimulus when this stimulus is immediately preceded by a weaker prestimulus. Prepulse inhibition occurs normally in humans and experimental animals, but schizophrenic persons often exhibit a marked impairment in this measure. Previous studies have shown that dopamine (DA)-dependent neuronal mechanisms are involved in the modulation of prepulse inhibition. Objective: Experiments were conducted in rats to elucidate further the involvement of DA-ergic mechanisms in prepulse inhibition. Results: In line with previous studies, the indirect DA agonist, amphetamine, was shown to decrease prepulse inhibition. A close reverse relationship over time between DA overflow in the nucleus accumbens and prepulse inhibition was obtained using a technique allowing concomitant measurement of these parameters in awake, freely moving rats. This effect was more pronounced in amphetamine-treated rats compared to rats treated with equimolar doses of cocaine, which increased DA overflow without affecting prepulse inhibition. In other experiments, the combined treatment with subthreshold doses of the selective DA D1 agonist, SKF 38393, and the selective DA D2 agonist, quinpirole, was also shown to decrease prepulse inhibition. Finally, the selective DA D2 antagonist, raclopride, was shown to enhance prepulse inhibition. Conclusions: In line with previous studies, it is concluded that DA neurotransmission is involved in the modulation of prepulse inhibition and that the ventral part of the mesostriatal DA system may serve an important role in this modulation. Furthermore, the possibility is discussed that the discrepant results on prepulse inhibition obtained with amphetamine and cocaine may disclose functionally relevant differences in their mechanisms of action, and that the enhancement of prepulse inhibition induced by some antipsychotics in rats may reflect their propensity to induce adverse mental effects in humans.
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  • 33
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Prefrontal cortex ; Dopamine ; Anxiety ; Drug discrimination ; Pentylenetetrazol ; Chlordiazepoxide ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: The prefrontal cortical (PFC) dopamine (DA) system has been implicated in anxiety-related behavioral changes, but direct, unequivocal support for this idea is sparse. Objectives: The present aim was to study the functional significance of prefrontal DA using the pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) discrimination model of anxiety. A comparison was made with its role in the cue of the anxiolytic drug chlordiazepoxide (CDP). Methods: Two groups of rats were trained to discriminate either PTZ (20 mg/kg, s.c.) or CDP (10 mg/kg, i.p.) from saline using an operant drug discrimination procedure. After prolonged training, half of each group was used to assess biochemical changes induced by both drugs in different sub areas of the PFC. For the remaining rats, discrimination training continued and generalization tests with PTZ and CDP were performed. Rats were then provided with bilateral guide cannulae aimed at the ventromedial (vm) PFC, and the effects of local infusions of DAergic drugs on discriminative performance were evaluated. Results: CDP did not affect PFC DA activity, but PTZ increased the DOPAC/DA ratio in the vmPFC selectively. Generalization tests showed that the cues of PTZ and CDP were dose dependent. In PTZ-trained rats, infusions of the DA receptor antagonist cis-flupenthixol into the vmPFC blocked the PTZ cue dose dependently, whereas the agonist apomorphine partially generalized to this cue. In CDP-trained rats, neither drug antagonized or generalized to the CDP cue, showing that PFC DA is not critically involved in the CDP cue and that local pharmacological manipulations of PFC DA do not affect discriminative abilities per se. Conclusions: The DAergic innervation of the PFC is directly involved in the behavioral effects of PTZ, suggesting a role for it in anxiety.
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  • 34
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words 5-HT1A agonist ; Intrinsic activity ; Efficacy ; Irreversible antagonism ; Lower-lip retraction ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: Maximal responses are often used as a measure of intrinsic activity or efficacy, but cannot be directly equated to efficacy. Using irreversible antagonists, estimates of efficacy can be obtained that may be less dependent on specific conditions. Objectives: To characterize the intrinsic activity of serotonin (5-HT)1A agonists by examining the effects of an irreversible antagonist on their ability to produce 5-HT1A receptor-mediated responses. Methods: The effects of N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ) on the ability of 5-HT1A agonists to produce lower-lip retraction (LLR) in rats were studied. Results: In the absence of EEDQ, each 5-HT1A agonist produced full effects, the rank order of potency being: S 14506 〉 8-OH-DPAT 〉 buspirone 〉 ipsapirone. EEDQ decreased the number of 5-HT1A binding sites and shifted the dose–response curves (DRCs) of each agonist either to the right or, at higher EEDQ doses, to the right and downward. The manner in which these shifts occurred, however, differed among the compounds. For each agonist, all DRCs obtained after different doses of EEDQ were fitted to models proposed by Furchgott and Black and Leff, and the results indicated the following rank order of efficacy: ipsapirone 〈 buspirone ≈ 8-OH-DPAT 〈 S 14506. 5-HT1A agonist-induced LLR appears to be mediated by 5-HT1A receptors, because the 5-HT1A antagonist, WAY 100635, shifted the agonist DRCs to the right in a parallel and dose-related manner, with pA2 values ranging from 7.8 to 8.1. Moreover, pretreatment with WAY 100635 protected against the antagonist activity of EEDQ. Conclusions: The results suggest that the effects of EEDQ on the ability of 5-HT1A agonists to produce LLR in rats may be useful to obtain estimates of their apparent efficacy at 5-HT1A receptors.
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  • 35
    ISSN: 1432-0738
    Keywords: Key words Flutamide ; Androgen antagonist ; Rat ; Enhanced OECD Test Guideline 407 ; Endocrine disrupters
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract In association with the international validation project to establish a test protocol for the `Enhanced OECD Test Guideline 407', we performed a preliminary 28-day, repeated-dose toxicity study of flutamide, a non-steroidal androgen antagonist, and assessed the sensitivity of a list of parameters for detecting endocrine-related effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Seven-week-old CD(SD)IGS rats were divided into four groups, each consisting of 10 males and 10 females, and administered flutamide once daily by oral gavage at doses of 0 (control), 0.25, 1 and 4 mg/kg body weight/day. Male rats were killed 1 day after the 28th administration. Female rats were killed on the day they entered the diestrus stage in the estrous cycle following the last treatment. Male rats receiving flutamide at dose levels of 1 and 4 mg/kg showed lobular atrophy of the mammary gland and a decrease in epididymal weight. In addition, 4 mg/kg flutamide-treated males exhibited raised serum testosterone and estradiol levels and decreased weight of the accessory sex glands. In females, a slight prolongation of the estrous cycle was also observed in the 4 mg/kg flutamide-treated group. No dose-related changes could be detected by haematology, serum biochemistry and sperm analysis. Thus, among the parameters tested in the present experimental system, the weight of endocrine-linked organs and their histopathological assessment, serum hormone levels, and estrous cycle stage allowed the detection of endocrine-related effects of flutamide.
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  • 36
    ISSN: 1432-0738
    Keywords: Key wordsα2u-Globulin ; Diethylstilbestrol ; Endocrine disrupter ; Rat ; Screening
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract α2u-Globulin (AUG) is a major rat urinary protein, which has a molecular weight of 16 kDa (kidney type) or 19 kDa (native type). The biosynthesis of this protein is under multi-hormonal regulation. In this study, we investigated changes in serum AUG level and their association with changes in the reproductive organs of male rats after the administration of the estrogenic chemical, diethylstilbestrol (DES) at doses ranging from 0.01 mg/kg per day to 100 mg/kg per day by gavage for 14 days. Our aim was to establish basic data for the development of a new screening method for endocrine disrupting chemicals based on serum AUG levels. DES treatment decreased the weight of testes in a dose-dependent manner; and was accompanied by atrophic histopathological changes in testes. Testis weights were significantly decreased by the group given 1 mg/kg per day DES; however, histopathological abnormalities were found in the group given 0.1 mg/kg per day DES. In four of five animals in the group given 1 mg/kg per day there was no significant decrease in testis weight and only a slight or moderate degeneration of the pachytene spermatocytes. Despite these findings, serum AUG levels in this group decreased markedly, while the serum AUG level markedly decreased even in the animals with no histopathological change in the 1 mg/kg per day or 0.1 mg/kg per day groups with no histopathological change also showed decreased serum AUG level. These results suggest that the serum AUG level may be a sensitive parameter for detecting the activity of estrogenic chemicals in intact male rats. Although a uterotropic assay has been proposed for immature female or ovariectomized female rats and is currently undergoing validation studies internationally, there is no screening method for estrogenic chemicals in intact male animals. More data on AUG changes by treatment with other estrogenic chemicals are needed in order to determine the sensitivity and specificity of this response to estrogens. Nonetheless, an AUG-based screening test for estrogenic chemicals may be useful owing to its applicability to conventional toxicity studies and an apparently higher sensitivity of this parameter compared to organ weight change or histology of testis in intact male rats and applicability to conventional toxicity studies.
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  • 37
    ISSN: 1432-2307
    Keywords: Key words T-type calcium channel blockade ; Mibefradil ; Myocardial infarction ; Cardiac remodeling ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Fibrillar collagen accumulates within the interstitium and around coronary arteries following cardiac failure and is responsible for abnormal myocardial stiffness and reduced coronary performance associated with impaired cardiac function. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of long-term treatment with the T-type calcium channel antagonist mibefradil on myocardial remodeling and cardiac function after chronic myocardial infarction (MI). MI was induced by permanent ligation of the left coronary artery in male Wistar rats. Animals were assigned to sham-operated, placebo-treated or mibefradil-treated (10 mg/kg per day p.o.) MI groups. Treatment with mibefradil was started either 7 days before, 24 h after, or 7 days after ligation and continued for 6 weeks after MI. At this time point, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and cardiac contractility (dP/dtmax) were measured in conscious rats. Morphometric parameters were determined in picrosirius red-stained hearts: total heart weight (THW), interstitial and perivascular collagen volume fraction (ICVF, PCVF), myocardial infarct size (IS), vascular perimeter (VP), inner vascular diameter (IVD) and media thickness (MT). Six weeks after MI, MAP and dP/dtmax were decreased, and LVEDP was increased in placebo-treated animals. In mibefradil-treated animals whose treatment started 7 days before or 24 h after MI, MAP and dP/dtmax were higher, and LVEDP was lower than in placebo-treated controls. THW, ICVF, PCVF and MT were higher in placebo-treated animals. Mibefradil treatment resulted in higher ICVF and IS, higher VP and IVD (when started 7 days before MI) and lower PCVF and MT (when started 7 days before or 24 h after MI) than were observed in placebo-treated controls. Chronic treatment with mibefradil reduced interstitial and perivascular fibrosis and improved cardiac function in MI-induced heart failure in rats. Cardiac remodeling was best prevented when treatment was begun before the ischemic event.
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  • 38
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words  m-Chlorophenylpiperazine ; Drug discrimination ; Ethanol withdrawal ; Anxiety ; 17β-estradiol ; Sex difference ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: The serotonergic system plays a role in regulation of anxiety and ethanol withdrawal (EW). Nevertheless, few studies have assessed sex differences in serotonergic effects on EW. Objectives: This study examined sex differences in the anxiogenic stimu-li induced by a serotonin (5-HT)1b/2 agonist, meta- chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP), prior to ethanol and during EW. Methods: Gonadectomized or sham-operated adult male and female rats and 17β-estradiol (2.5 mg, 21-day release, s.c.) -replaced ovariectomized (OVX) rats were trained to discriminate mCPP (1.2 mg/kg, i.p.) from saline in a two-lever choice task for food. Latency to the first lever press and mCPP lever selection were measured following mCPP (0–1.2 mg/kg). Rats then received chronic ethanol-containing liquid diet (6.5%) for 10 days and were tested for mCPP lever selection 12 h and 36 h after removal of ethanol. Results: Fewer sham female and β-estradiol-replaced OVX rats selected the mCPP lever than male or OVX rats, and showed an increased initiation latency after mCPP injection. During EW (12 h and 36 h), fewer sham female and β-estradiol-replaced OVX rats responded on the mCPP-lever after saline injection as well as after mCPP challenge than male or OVX rats. Castration did not alter any response of male rats to mCPP. Conclusions: (1) mCPP discrimination is a useful measure of EW in male and female rats; and (2) sham female and β-estradiol-replaced OVX rats are less sensitive to the discriminative stimulus prior to and during EW, but more sensitive to impaired behavioral initiation induced by mCPP than male or OVX rats.
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  • 39
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    Child's nervous system 16 (2000), S. 451-456 
    ISSN: 1433-0350
    Keywords: Keywords Intracranial pressure ; CSF dynamics ; Infusion test ; Rat ; H-Tx rat ; Outflow resistance
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Although the hydrocephalic H-Tx rat is a widely used model, data on the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics in hydrocephalic rats are rare or – as the pressure volume index (PVI) – not available. We used hydrocephalic and nonhydrocephalic H-Tx rats, a stock with a high percentage of inherited hydrocephalus, for the evaluation of such data. In addition, a new, simple mathematical algorithm (”dynamic infusion test”), which has not formerly been used in animal experiments, was used as a pathophysiological model of CSF dynamics. Compared with classical methods for evaluation of these data, the dynamic infusion test gives a deeper insight into the relation between ICP and CSF dynamics. It was found that the resistance to outflow (ROF) in hydrocephalic rats was at least twice that in nonhydrocephalic rats. The PVI measured was similar in hydrocephalic and nonhydrocephalic animals, but clearly higher than the values reported in the literature. This may be attributable to the fact that the classically used bolus test, in contrast to the ”dynamic infusion test”, is representative only for the CSF compartment which is directly exposed to the bolus application.
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  • 40
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    Psychopharmacology 151 (2000), S. 219-225 
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Keywords Amphetamine ; Wheel running ; Behavioral sensitization ; Pharmacological sensitization ; Novelty ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: This study explored whether repeated injections of amphetamine (AMP), which increase general locomotion, also increase acute wheel running, a highly structured, rewarding, motor behavior not correlated with other locomotor activities. Objectives: The experiments determine how 1–5 mg/kg d-AMP affects wheel running and see if, over repeated injections, the AMP effects show context specific sensitization. Methods: In experiment 1, 2 mg/kg AMP or saline (SAL) was injected on days 1, 3, 6, 8, and 10 to male Sprague-Dawley rats with either limited or no wheel experience. 20 min after the injection animals were tested in an open field for 5 min and then in a running wheel for 1 h. Rats were injected with SAL or AMP on the days following testing. On days 13 and 15, animals were tested for conditioning (following SAL) and sensitization (following AMP). In experiment 2, the effects on wheel running of repeated 1, 2, or 5 mg/kg AMP were tested. Results: In experiment 1, AMP (2 mg/kg) elevated open field ambulation but suppressed wheel running. Limited wheel experience potentiated the AMP-induced suppression. At test, the suppression of running was found to be context specific. In experiment 2, 1 mg/kg did not affect running, while 2 and 5 mg/kg resulted in dose-dependent running suppression. Acquisition and test AMP dose both influenced the running suppression at test; context had a marginal influence. Conclusions: The degree of running suppression induced by repeated AMP is determined by both psychological (the injection context) and pharmacological (the acquisition dose) factors. This AMP-induced running suppression is consistent with the sensitization of stereotyped behavior.
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  • 41
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Fentanyl ; mu opioids ; Drug discrimination ; Training dose ; pA2 analysis ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: Discriminative stimulus effects of mu opioids vary systematically as a function of training dose. Differences among training doses may arise from multiple mechanisms. Objectives: In vivo apparent pA2 analyses were used to examine the contributions of opioid mechanisms to stimulus control by low and high training doses of the mu opioid fentanyl. Methods: Saline and one of two doses of fentanyl, administered s.c., were established as discriminative stimuli in two groups of rats (low training dose group: 0.01 mg/kg; high training dose group: 0.04 mg/kg). Generalization tests and in vivo apparent pA2 analyses were used to evaluate receptor mechanisms of stimulus control. Results: Fentanyl, etonitazene, methadone, and morphine evoked full fentanyl generalization in both groups but were more potent in the low-dose group. Spiradoline and d-amphetamine did not evoke generalization in either group. Naltrexone antagonized stimulus and rate-altering effects of fentanyl in both groups, with apparent pA2 values of 7.6 in the low-dose group and 7.5 in the high-dose group. Nalbuphine and nalorphine evoked full generalization in the low-dose group but less than 40% generalization in the high-dose group. In the high-dose group, nalbuphine and nalorphine antagonized the stimulus and rate-altering effects of fentanyl with apparent pA2 values of 5.3 and 6.1, respectively, demonstrating lower efficacy mu actions. Conclusions: Changes in fentanyl training dose preserved the mu opioid selectivity of stimulus control but altered the intensity of the transduced mu opioid stimulus required for generalization. These differences in intensity of the fentanyl stimulus determined whether low efficacy mu opioids would evoke or antagonize fentanyl generalization.
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  • 42
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    Psychopharmacology 148 (2000), S. 146-152 
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Alprazolam ; Drug discrimination ; Benzodiazepines ; Antidepressant ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: The triazolobenzodiazepine alprazolam has a unique clinical profile compared to most other benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam, chlordiazepoxide), in that it is used to treat panic disorder and is effective in depression, two disorders that are usually treated with anti-depressants. Previous drug discrimination studies suggested that alprazolam has stimulus properties in common with antidepressants. Objective: In the present study, the discriminative stimulus properties of alprazolam were investigated to test more conclusively the role of benzodiazepine receptors and whether alprazolam has stimulus properties in common with antidepressants. Methods: Male Wistar rats (n=12) were trained to discriminate between alprazolam (2.0 mg/kg, PO) and vehicle in an operant two-lever drug discrimination procedure under a tandem VI40”-FR10 schedule of reinforcement. Generalization and antagonism tests were carried out under 2 min extinction. Results: In generalization tests, a number of benzodiazepines (alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, midazolam, lorazepam) and the barbiturate pentobarbital substituted completely, while zolpidem and abecarnil substituted partially for alprazolam. In contrast, no significant degree of generalization to the antidepressants imipramine and fluvoxamine and the putative antidepressants buspirone and flesinoxan was found. In antagonism studies alprazolam could be antagonized (almost) completely by flumazenil, partially by pentylenetetrazole, but not by methyl 6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM), N-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxamide (FG-7142) and picrotoxin. Conclusions: These results show that the discriminative stimulus properties of alprazolam are mediated by benzodiazepine receptors and that the finding that antidepressants share discriminative stimulus effects with alprazolam may have limited generality.
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  • 43
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    Psychopharmacology 148 (2000), S. 209-216 
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Methamphetamine ; Drug-discrimination ; Dopamine ; Cocaine ; GBR-12909 ; Nomifensine ; Bupropion ; Chloro-PB ; Chloro-APB ; NPA ; 7-OH-DPAT ; SCH-23390 ; Spiperone ; cis-Flupenthixol ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: Dopamine plays a major role in the behavioral effects of methamphetamine. Objective: In the present experiments, the effects of different dopaminergic agonists, antagonists, and uptake inhibitors were evaluated in rats discriminating methamphetamine from saline. Methods: In Sprague-Dawley rats trained to discriminate 1.0 mg/kg methamphetamine, i.p., from saline under a fixed-ratio schedule of food delivery, the ability of various dopaminergic agonists and uptake inhibitors to substitute for methamphetamine was evaluated. Subsequently, the ability of various dopaminergic antagonists to block the discriminative-stimulus effects of the training dose of methamphetamine was tested. Results: The dopamine-uptake inhibitors cocaine (10.0 mg/kg), nomifensine (3.0 mg/kg), GBR-12909 (18.0 mg/kg), and bupropion (30.0 mg/kg) fully substituted for the 1.0 mg/kg training dose of methamphetamine. Chloro-APB (SKF-82958), a full agonist at D1 dopamine receptors, produced about 85% methamphetamine-appropriate responding, but the dose required (0.18 mg/kg) markedly decreased rates of responding. Chloro-PB (SKF-81297), another agonist at D1 receptors with a lower intrinsic activity than Chloro-APB, produced only partial generalization (maximum about 55%) at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg. Full substitution for the training dose of methamphetamine was observed with 0.03 mg/kg of the D2 agonist NPA and 0.56 mg/kg of the D3/D2 agonist 7-OH-DPAT. Both NPA and 7-OH-DPAT markedly decreased rates of responding at these doses. The D1 antagonist SCH-23390 (0.056 mg/kg), the D2 antagonist spiperone (0.18 mg/kg), and the mixed D1,D2 antagonist cis-flupenthixol (0.56 mg/kg) all completely blocked the discriminative-stimulus actions of the training dose of methamphetamine. Conclusions: The present findings in rats support previous research findings in other species indicating a major role of dopamine in the discriminative-stimulus effects of methamphetamine. These findings further indicate involvement of dopamine uptake sites as well as D1 and D2 receptors.
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  • 44
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Nicotine ; Drug discrimination ; Self-administration ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: The cellular effects of nicotine underlying its addictive liability are thought to be mediated by neuronal nicotinic receptors (nACHRs) in the central nervous system. It is believed that densely expressed β2-containing nACHRs in the central nervous system are responsible for these actions, but few data are available that can directly assess subtype mediation of nicotine’s acute subjective and reinforcing effects. Objective: The present study compared the effects of the competitive nACHR antagonist erysodine and the noncompetitive antagonist mecamylamine in rats trained to discriminate or self-administer nicotine. Methods: Adult male rats were trained to disciminate 0.4-mg/kg injections of nicotine from vehicle in a two-lever procedure of food-maintained behavior, or to self-administer 0.03-mg/kg injections of nicotine under fixed-ratio 5 or progressive-ratio schedules of reinforcement. Additional rats were trained under a food-maintained procedure of lever pressing. Results: Erysodine (0.3–10 mg/kg) and mecamylamine (0.1–1.0 mg/kg) blocked nicotine discrimination, although only erysodine produced the rightward shift that would be predicted of a competitive antagonist. Erysodine (0.32–32 mg/kg) and mecamylamine (0.32–3.2 mg/kg) also selectively reduced nicotine self-administration on a fixed-ratio schedule and lowered break points on a progressive-ratio schedule. Conclusions: Based on the known affinity of erysodine for α4β2 nACHRs and its selectivity relative to α7 and α1β1γδ receptors, the present data support a critical role of β2-containing nACHR constructs in the discriminative and reinforcing actions of nicotine.
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  • 45
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Drug discrimination ; Olanzapine ; Clozapine ; Chlorpromazine ; Haloperidol ; Thioridazine ; Raclopride ; Risperidone ; Scopolamine ; Ritanserin ; Atypical antipsychotic ; Neuroleptic ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: Analysis of the preclinical behavioral effects of atypical antipsychotic agents will provide a better understanding of how they differ from typical antipsychotics and aid in the development of future atypical antipsychotic drugs. Objectives: The present study was designed to provide information about the discriminative stimulus properties of the atypical antipsychotic olanzapine. Methods: Rats were trained to discriminate the atypical antipsychotic olanzapine (either 0.5 mg/kg OLZ or 0.25 mg/kg OLZ, i.p.) from vehicle in a two- lever drug discrimination procedure. The atypical antipsychotic clozapine fully substituted for olanzapine in both the 0.5-mg/kg OLZ group (99.3% drug lever responding [DLR]) and the 0.25-mg/kg OLZ group (99.9% DLR). The typical antipsychotic chlorpromazine also substituted for olanzapine in both the 0.5-mg/kg OLZ group (87.5% DLR) and in the 0.25-mg/kg OLZ group (98.9% DLR); whereas, haloperidol displayed partial substitution for olanzapine in the 0.5-mg/kg OLZ group (56.1% DLR) and in the 0.25-mg/kg OLZ group (76.4% DLR). The 5.0-mg/kg dose of thioridazine produced olanzapine-appropriate responding in the 0.5-mg/kg OLZ group (99.6% DLR), but only partial substitution was seen with the 0.25-mg/kg OLZ training dose (64.0% DLR). The atypical antipsychotics raclopride (53.9% DLR) and risperidone (60.1% DLR) displayed only partial substitution in the 0.5-mg/kg OLZ group. Both the muscarinic cholinergic antagonist scopolamine (90.0% DLR) and the 5-HT2A/2C serotonergic antagonist ritanserin (86.0% DLR) fully substituted for olanzapine in the 0.5-mg/kg OLZ group. Conclusions: In contrast to previous discrimination studies with clozapine-trained rats, the typical antipsychotic agents chlorpromazine and thioridazine and the serotonin antagonist ritanserin substituted for olanzapine. These results demonstrate that there are differences in the mechanisms underlying the discriminative stimulus properties of clozapine and olanzapine. Specifically, olanzapine’s discriminative stimulus properties appear to be meditated in part by both cholinergic and serotonergic mechanisms.
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  • 46
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    Psychopharmacology 148 (2000), S. 243-250 
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Attention ; Scopolamine ; Mecamylamine ; Oxotremorine ; Physostigmine ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: This study tried to determine the relative roles of muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic receptors in attentional processing. Methods: The effects of cholinoceptor agonists and antagonists, and of an anticholinesterase, were studied on performance of rats in a five-choice serial reaction time task. Results: Scopolamine (0.1 mg/kg) and mecamylamine (5.0 mg/kg) produced deficits in accuracy and reaction time, respectively. This may suggest a differential role for the two types of cholinoceptors in information processing. Combinations of sub-threshold doses of scopolamine (0.01–0.03 mg/kg) and mecamylamine (0.5–1.6 mg/kg), which alone did not affect accuracy or reaction time, did not produce significant deficits in attention. However, the pattern of effects after combined treatment suggested that the differential deficits seen with these drugs alone remained. The anticholinesterase physostigmine (0.1 mg/kg) and the non- selective muscarinic agonist oxotremorine (0.03 mg/kg) induced severe behavioural disruption at doses that appeared to be relatively well tolerated in previous studies; this precluded the derivation of accuracy and response time data at these doses. At lower doses, neither physostigmine (0.05 mg/kg) nor oxotremorine (0.003 mg/kg) significantly affected any performance measure; this may reflect the ability of both drugs to indirectly or directly activate presynaptic muscarinic receptors that inhibit acetylcholine release, respectively. Conclusions: Both muscarinic and nicotinic cholinoceptors may be important in attention but they may serve different roles in information processing; this hypothesis could be tested using tasks that place different emphasis on different stages of information processing.
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  • 47
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words Benzodiazepine ; Operant ; Force ; Tolerance ; Chronic ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: Several benzodiazepines (BZs) have been shown to increase the peak force of operant responses at doses that increased, decreased, or had no effect on response rate, suggesting that operant response force may be a sensitive index of BZs’ effects rather than solely a correlate of rate-dependent effects. In addition, contingent tolerance to the rate-dependent effects of BZs has been reported, but the degree of contingent tolerance that develops when the critical variable of the task is force of the response has not been explored. Objectives: These experiments examined the effects of acute and repeated oral administration of diazepam (DZ) and midazolam (MZ) on a force-differentiation task to explore the importance of task requirements on the development of contingent tolerance. Methods: Two groups of rats were trained to press a force-sensing operandum, and responses having peak forces falling within fixed lower and upper limits [low force (8–10 g) or high force (40–50 g)] were reinforced with water. Acute effects of the oral administration of DZ (0.3, 1.0, 3.0, 10.0, 30.0 mg/kg) and MZ (same doses) were determined for the discriminated-force task before and after a repeated-administration procedure. Results: When administered acutely, both drugs increased the peak force of responses in a dose-related manner and concomitantly reduced the proportion of reinforced responses, with MZ exhibiting greater potency. For the next 36 days, one group received drug before experimental sessions and the other group received drug after the experimental session. A second dose–effect determination demonstrated that rats chronically dosed with DZ or MZ pre-session displayed more contingent tolerance to alterations in peak force than rats that had received 36 drug injections post- session, where there was no opportunity to practice the force-discrimination response while under the drug state. Conclusions: These results suggest that perceptual motor difficulty of the task rather than effort may be an important variable in predicting the degree of contingent tolerance that develops. Additionally, these results suggest that both behavioral and pharmacological mechanisms are involved in the development of drug tolerance to the BZs.
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  • 48
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words ACTH ; Corticosterone ; GABA ; Noradrenaline ; Adrenaline ; Stress ; Rat ; Diazepam
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: Gabolysat PC60 is a fish protein hydrolysate with anxiolytic properties commonly used as a nutritional supplement. Objective: The diazepam-like effects of PC60 on stress responsiveness of the rat pituitary-adrenal system and on sympathoadrenal activity were studied. Methods: The activity of the pituitary-adrenal axis, measured by plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (B) of the sympathoadrenal complex, measured by circulating levels of noradrenaline (NA) and adrenaline (A), and the gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) content in the hippocampus and the hypothalamus were investigated in male rats which received daily, by an intragastric feeding tube, for 5 days running either diazepam (1 mg/kg) or PC60 (300 or 1200 mg/kg). Controls received only solvent (carboxymethylcellulose 1%). Six hours after the last force-feeding, the rats were subjected to 3 min ether inhalation or 30 min restraint and killed by decapitation 30 min after ether stress or at the end of restraint. Results: Baseline plasma levels of ACTH, B, NA and A were not affected by either diazepam or PC60. Both ether- and restraint-induced release of ACTH, but not B, were similarly and drastically reduced by diazepam and PC60 (1200 mg/kg). Both diazepam and PC60 (1200 mg/kg) deleted restraint-induced NA and A increases. Both treatments also reduced the ether-induced rise of A. Basal levels of GABA were significantly increased in both the hippocampus and the hypothalamus in PC60-treated rats and only in the hippocampus in diazepam-treated ones. In controls, ether inhalation as well as restraint increased GABA content of these two brain structures. In contrast, such stress procedures performed in PC60-treated rats reduced GABA content slightly in the hippocampus but significantly in the hypothalamus. In diazepam-treated rats, GABA content of the hypothalamus was unaffected by stresses but that of the hippocampus was slightly decreased. Conclusions: Present data suggest diazepam-like effects of PC60 on stress responsiveness of the rat pituitary adrenal axis and the sympathoadrenal activity as well as GABA content of the hippocampus and the hypothalamus under resting and stress conditions. These effects of PC60 agree with anxiolytic properties of this nutritional supplement, previously reported in both rats and humans.
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  • 49
    ISSN: 1432-2072
    Keywords: Key words 8-OH-DPAT ; WAY 100635 ; 5 ; 7-Dihydroxytryptamine ; Attention ; Impulsivity ; Pre- and postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptor ; Dorsal raphe ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Rationale: Whilst several studies have investigated the role of serotonergic receptor subtypes in learning and memory, relatively few studies have examined their role in attentional processes. Objective: The present study investigated the role of pre- and postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors on rats’ attentional performance in the five-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRT). Methods: Hungry rats were trained in the 5-CSRT task to detect brief (0.5 s) flashes of light presented randomly in one of five locations with a fixed intertrial interval of 5 s paced by the rat. We studied the effects of 8-OH-DPAT, a 5-HT1A receptor agonist, at various subcutaneous (SC) doses (10–100 µg/kg) on measures of rats’ discriminative accuracy (the index of attentional functioning) and various behavioural indices of response control and motivation. Manipulations of basic task parameters, intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) to deplete forebrain 5-HT and treatments with a selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY 100635 were made in order to determine the behavioural and neural specificity of the effects of 8-OH-DPAT. Results: A dose of 100 µg/kg, but not lower doses, significantly reduced choice accuracy and increased errors of omission, latencies to respond correctly and to collect food reward and premature responses. All these effects were completely blocked by WAY 100635, injected SC 5 min before 8-OH-DPAT at doses from 10–100 µg/kg. WAY 100635 by itself had no effect in the task. Dimming the visual stimuli to one-third of the usual brightness did not modify the effect of 8-OH-DPAT on choice accuracy. Prolonging the stimuli from 0.5 to 1.0 s reversed 8-OH-DPAT’s effect on choice accuracy but did not modify the other effects on rats’ performance. An ICV injection of 150 µg 5,7-DHT, which depleted forebrain serotonin by 90%, reversed 8-OH-DPAT’s effect on choice accuracy but did not modify the effects on errors of omission and latency to make correct responses. Similar effects were found by infusing 1.0 µg/0.5 µl WAY 100635 in the dorsal raphe 5 min before 8-OH-DPAT. 8-OH-DPAT increased the latency to collect the reinforcement; this effect was attenuated by ICV 5,7-DHT and completely antagonized by WAY 100635 in the dorsal raphe. Rats treated with 5,7-DHT or 8-OH-DPAT showed more premature responses and these effects were markedly reduced by the combined treatment. Conclusions: The results suggest that stimulation of presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors is involved in the ability of 8-OH-DPAT to cause attentional dysfunction and enhance impulsivity while slowing of responding and increase in errors of omission mainly depend on stimulation of postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors.
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  • 50
    ISSN: 1432-2277
    Keywords: Key words Kidney transplantation ; Rat ; Chronic rejection ; Cytomegalovirus ; Adhesion molecules
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated that both cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and prolonged cold ischemia of the allograft (CI) are associated with chronic rejection of renal transplants. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of CMV infection, of CI and of the combination of both, on the progression of chronic rejection, and to obtain a more detailed insight in their effects on the expression of adhesion molecules. Therefore, a rat transplantation model was used. Lewis recipients of renal allografts (with and without CI) from MHC-incompatible Brown Norway rats were inoculated with rat CMV or left uninfected. CMV infection alone resulted in an increased influx of CD4+ cells and macrophages early after infection, and in an increase in glomerular sclerosis and intima proliferation. CI caused an increase in infiltrating NK cells and an effect on intimal proliferation, glomerular sclerosis, and tubular atrophy. When CMV infection and CI were combined, an additive effect could be measured. This was however not the case for the function of the kidney. The creatinin showed a synergistic effect of the two influencing factors. Due to the CMV infection, an increase in CD49 d cells was detected. CI resulted in an increase in CD18 cells and an increase in the expression of CD62P on vessels, and CD54 and CD44 on tubules. When CMV infection and CI were combined, all the effects caused by CMV and CI alone were present in an additional way.¶The results of the present study suggest that special attention should be paid to the recipient of an ischemically injured graft when either the donor or the recipient is CMV-infected. The patterns seen in histology, the infiltration of leukocytes and the expression of adhesion molecules, suggest that CI and CMV infection both have an effect on rejection, but act by different mechanisms.
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  • 51
    ISSN: 1432-2277
    Keywords: Key words Small bowel transplantation ; Monoclonal antibody ; Rat ; Rejection ; Flow cytometry
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract This study assessed the effect of an anti-rat CD4 monoclonal antibody (OX38) on heterotopic small bowel allograft rejection. Fully allogeneic small bowel transplants were performed in the PVG-to-DA-rat strain combination. Animals received either i) short course (days –1, 0 and 1) of 1 mg/kg per day OX38, ii) short course of 5 mg/kg per day or iii) extended course (days –2, –1, 0, 1, 2 and twice weekly thereafter) of 1 mg/kg per day. Both the high dose (13 days) and extended low-dose (12 days) courses prolonged graft survival compared to untreated control animals (7 days). The low-dose, short-course treatment had no effect. Similar regimens were given to animals that did not receive transplants and in which peripheral blood CD4+ cell counts fell to between 20 and 55 % of pretreatment levels and 20–30 % of binding sites were blocked. In summary, anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody therapy delayed rejection of rat small bowel allografts; however, long-term survival was not achieved.
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  • 52
    ISSN: 1615-3146
    Keywords: Key Words Spinal cord compression ; Autoradiography ; Blood flow ; ATP ; Glucose ; Lactate ; Bioluminescence ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Many data are available concerning spinal cord blood flow (SCBF) and metabolism on various models and timing after spinal cord injury, however, detailed information on their exact relationship in the same injury model is lacking. This relationship is a crucial factor in the understanding of the pathophysiology of spinal cord trauma. Rats were subjected to lumbar laminectomy or lumbar spinal cord compression trauma. 3 hours later, changes in SCBF were evaluated autoradiographically and changes in ATP, glucose and lactate levels were analyzed using substrate-specific bioluminescence techniques. Measurements were performed at the lesion site (segment L4), adjacent segments (L3 and L5) and at remote thoracic segments (Th8 to Th9). Laminectomy alone did not change SCBF, both in thoracic and lumbar segments. In contrast, ATP levels were significantly reduced and lactate levels were increased at the lesion site and in adjacent lumbar segments at 3 hours after laminectomy, whereas glucose levels were not significantly changed. In animal subjected to additional compression trauma, SCBF was significantly reduced in segments L3, L4 and L5 paralleled by a significant ATP reduction and lactate increase. Glucose levels did not differ significantly from controls 3 hours after compression injury. This metabolic profile was also reflected in the remote thoracic segments. In contrast, SCBF was not reduced in thoracic segments of traumatized animals. The observation that ATP was already significantly reduced and lactate increased in laminectomized segments and in remote thoracic regions after trauma signals that metabolic changes are sensitive indicators to spinal stress. The fact that posttraumatic metabolic profile differs from the pattern of hemodynamic and metabolic changes induced by ischemia, suggests posttraumatic mediators may be involved in the different regulation of the energy producing machinery.
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  • 53
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    European journal of applied physiology 83 (2000), S. 310-319 
    ISSN: 1439-6327
    Keywords: Key words Motor unit ; Mechanomyography ; Evoked contraction ; Medial gastrocnemius muscle ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Acoustic phenomena accompanying contractions of single motor units (MUs) have previously received little attention. Therefore, in the present study, the mechanomyographic (MMG) signals during evoked contractions of single MUs have been recorded from the medial gastrocnemius muscle of the rat. A piezoelectric transducer immersed in a paraffin-oil pool was used for the measurement of these signals. Muscle fibre action potentials, tension and MMG were recorded in parallel during twitch (the weakest) and fused tetanic (the strongest) MU contractions. It was observed that the onset of the MMG signals was coincident with the beginning of the increase in tension for both the twitch and tetanus. Weaker MMG signals than those accompanying the beginning of the first phase of the fused tetanus were seen during the beginning of the relaxation after tetanic contraction. During contraction and relaxation, MMG signals were characterised by the reverse-direction of the first extreme phase, positive and negative, respectively. No MMG signals were observed when the tension was constant during the fused tetanus. The amplitude of MMG signals was correlated with both the tension increase and the velocity of tension increase during both the twitch and the fused tetanus. The strongest MUs (fast fatiguable) generated MMG signals of the highest amplitude. MMG signals were not detected for some of the weakest slow MUs (with tension increases of ≤2 mN). These results indicate a strong correlation between the MMG and the change of tension. Therefore, we believe that MMG signals are generated by muscle deformation that occurs during the contraction of MU muscle fibres. We conclude that the number of active muscle fibres, their topography, and their localisation in relation to the muscle surface (which is variable for different types of MUs) influence these MMG phenomena.
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    Annals of biomedical engineering 28 (2000), S. 128-134 
    ISSN: 1573-9686
    Keywords: Hippocampus ; Vigilance states ; Paired-pulse ; Dentate gyrus ; Dentate granule cells ; Evoked response ; Rat ; In vivo studies ; Perforant path ; Maturation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine , Technology
    Notes: Abstract This study examined the effect of normal development and vigilance state on the modulation of dentate granule cell activity in the freely moving rat at 15, 30, and 90 days of age across three vigilance states: quiet waking, slow-wave sleep, and rapid eye movement sleep. Using paired-pulse stimulation, the paired-pulse index (PPI) was obtained for the dentate evoked field potentials elicited by the stimulation of the medial perforant path. Although significant differences in PPI values were observed during development, no significant vigilance state related changes were obtained. Preweaning infant rats, i.e., 15-day old, exhibited significantly less early (interpulse intervals, IPI= 20–50 ms) and late (IPI = 300–1000 ms) inhibition, and less facilitation (IPI = 50–150 ms) when compared to the 90-day old adult rats during all three vigilance states. PPI values obtained from the 30-day old group fell intermediate between the 15- and 90-day old animals. These changes in PPI values provide a quantitative measure of changes in the modulation of dentate granule cell excitability during normal maturation. They can now can be used to evaluate the impact of various insults, such as prenatal protein malnutrition or neonatal stress, on hippocampal development. © 2000 Biomedical Engineering Society. PAC00: 8717Nn, 8719La, 8719Nn
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  • 55
    ISSN: 1573-9686
    Keywords: Heart ; Left ventricle ; LV contractility ; ESPVR ; Pig ; Rat ; Magnetic resonance imaging
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine , Technology
    Notes: Abstract The end systolic pressure–volume relation (ESPVR) has been shown to be a relatively load independent measure of left ventricular (LV) contractility. Recently, several single-beat ESPVR computation methods have been developed, enabling the quantification of LV contractility without the need to alter vascular loading conditions on the heart. Using a single-beat ESPVR method, which has been validated previously in humans and assumes that normalized elastance is constant between individuals of a species, we studied the effects of myocardial infarction on LV contractility in two species, the rat and the pig. In our studies, LV pressure was acquired invasively and LV volume determined noninvasively with magnetic resonance imaging, at one week postinfarction in pigs and at 12 weeks postinfarction in rats. Normalized systolic elastance curves in both animal species were not statistically different from that of humans. Also, the slope of the ESPVR $$\left( {E_{es} } \right)$$ decreased significantly following infarction in both species, while the volume-axis intercept $$\left( {V_0 } \right)$$ was unaffected. These results indicate that a single-beat ESPVR method can be used to measure the inotropic response of the heart to myocardial infarction, and that the basis for this method (i.e., constant normalized elastance) is applicable to a variety of mammalian species. © 2000 Biomedical Engineering Society. PAC00: 8719Uv, 8761Lh, 8719Hh, 8719Rr, 8719Ff
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  • 56
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    Annals of biomedical engineering 28 (2000), S. 1101-1115 
    ISSN: 1573-9686
    Keywords: Time–frequency analysis ; Coherence ; Cross correlation ; Nonstationary persistent signals ; Central pattern generator ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine , Technology
    Notes: Abstract We present a novel time-varying phase spectrum (TVPS) method to quantify the dynamics of coevolution of two persistent nonstationary coupled signals. Based on the TVPS, an instantaneous intersignal phase shift is defined within the primary frequency range in which the two signals are highly correlated. The TVPS is estimated using a fixed-window method or an adaptive-window method. In the latter method, the window length changes dynamically and automatically as a function of change in frequency of the signals. The effects of altering window types and lengths on the accuracy of the estimation of the primary phase shift is assessed by analyzing synthesized linear chirp signals with decaying amplitude and constant relative phase shift or decaying amplitude and changing relative phase shifts. The methods developed are also used for determining the evolution of the primary phase shift among ventral root activities during fictive locomotion in an in vitro rat spinal cord preparation. The analyses indicate that the TVPS method in conjunction with the determination of the primary frequency range, allows determination of both the evolution of the coupling strength and the evolution of the phase shift between two persistent nonstationary rhythmic signals in the joint time–frequency domain. An adaptive window reduces the estimation bias and the estimation variability. © 2000 Biomedical Engineering Society. PAC00: 0230-f, 8780Tq
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  • 57
    ISSN: 1438-8359
    Keywords: Key words: Halothane ; Dopamine release ; Dopamine uptake ; Microdialysis ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Purpose. In our previous microdialysis study, sevoflurane or isoflurane anesthesia significantly decreased the extracellular level of dopamine in rat striatum in vivo. On the other hand, other investigators demonstrated that halothane anesthesia either increased or did not affect the extracellular dopamine level. To explore the differences among these volatile anesthetics, the effects of halothane and nitrous oxide on the striatal dopamine level were reinvestigated. Methods. Halothane alone, nitrous oxide with or without halothane, or drugs known to affect the dopaminergic pathway were administered to rats. Microdialysates were collected every 20 min and directly applied to an on-line high-performance liquid chromatograph without any pretreatment. The effects of halothane on respiratory and cardiovascular variables were monitored. Results. General anesthesia with halothane alone de-creased the dialysate (extracellular) concentration of dopamine but increased that of dopamine metabolites. Nitrous oxide alone slightly increased dopamine metabolites in dialysates but did not affect the halothane-induced decrease in extracellular dopamine. Apomorphine and haloperidol reproduced reported results, confirming the adequacy of our methodology. Nomifensine- or methamphetamine-induced increase in extracellular dopamine was augmented by halothane. Conclusion. These results suggest that halothane po-tently enhances striatal dopamine release and activates the reuptake or metabolic process, which is consistent with our previous results for sevoflurane or isoflurane. Volatile anesthetics interfere with dopamine regulation, at least in the rat striatum.
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  • 58
    ISSN: 0219-1032
    Keywords: c-Fos ; Dopamine ; D1 ; Hippocampus ; Rat ; Synaptic Plasticity
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract While dopamine is likely to modulate hippocampal synaptic plasticity, there has been little information about how dopamine affects synaptic transmission in the hippocampus. The expression of IEGs including c-fos has been associated with late phase LTP in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. The induction of c-fos by dopaminergic receptor activation in the rat hippocampus was investigated by using semiquantitative RT-PCR and immuno-cytochemistry. The hippocampal slices which were not treated with dopamine showed little expression of c-fos mRNA. However, the induction of c-fos mRNA was detected as early as 5 min after dopamine treatment, peaked at 60 min, and remained elevated 5 h after treatment. Temporal profiles of increases in c-fos mRNA by R(+)-SKF-38393 (50 μM) and forskolin (50 μM) were similar to that of dopamine. An increase in [cAMP] was observed in dopamine-, SKF-, or forskolin-treated hippocampal slices. By immunocytochemical studies, control hippocampal cells showed little expression of c-Fos immunoreactivity. However, when cells were treated with dopamine, an increase in the expression of c-Fos immunoreactivity was observed after treatment for 2 h. The treatment of hippocampal neurons with R(+)-SKF38393 (50 μM) or forskolin (50 μM) also induced a significant increase in c-Fos expression. These results indicate that the dopamine D1 receptor-mediated cAMP dependant pathway is associated with the expression of c-Fos in the hippocampal neurons. These data are consistent with the possible role of endogenous dopamine on synaptic plasticity via the regulation of gene expression. Furthermore, these results imply that dopamine might control the process of memory storage in the hippocampus through gene expression.
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  • 59
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    Medical & biological engineering & computing 38 (2000), S. 42-48 
    ISSN: 1741-0444
    Keywords: Bowel sounds ; Rat ; Motility ; Body acoustics ; Signal detection ; Signal characterisation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract This study is aimed at detecting gastrointestinal sounds (GIS) and correlating their characteristics with gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. The central hypotheses are that GIS generation depends on the motility patterns and the mechanical properties of the gut, and that changes in those result in measurable differences in GIS. An animal model which included both healthy rats and those with small bowel obstruction (SBO) was developed. The acoustic bursts, of GIS were detected by amplitude thresholding the signal envelope. Three methods of envelope estimation were proposed and evaluated. Envelope estimation using a Hilbert transform was found to produce the best results in the current application. The duration and dominant frequency of each detected GIS event was estimated and clear differences between healthy and diseased rats were discovered. In the control state, GIS events were found to consistently be of relatively short duration (3–65ms). Although the majority of events in the SBO state had similar short duration, infrequent longer events were also detected and appeared to be pathognomonic. Long duration events (〉100 ms) occurred in each of seven obstructed, but in none of 14 non-obstructed, cases (p〈0.001). It is concluded that GIS analysis may prove useful in the non-invasive, rapid, and accurate diagnosis of SBO.
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  • 60
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    Amino acids 1 (1991), S. 225-237 
    ISSN: 1438-2199
    Keywords: Amino acids ; Catalepsy ; Movement initiation ; NMDA antagonists ; Glycine ; Parkinson's disease ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary The anticataleptic effects of non-competitive and competitive NMDA antagonists as well as those of an agonist at the allosteric glycine binding site of the NMDA receptor were tested in the catalepsy model. Some of these drugs were further tested in a reaction time task demanding rapid locomotor initiation. The results show that the non-competitive NMDA antagonists dizocilpine and memantine as well as the competitive antagonists CGP 39551, CGP 37849 and CPPene antagonized dopamine D2 receptor mediated catalepsy induced by haloperidol. D-cycloserine, a partial glycine agonist per se had no effects, but it enhanced the anticataleptic effects of dizocilpine when coadministered. However, the effects of CGP 37849 were abolished. Dopamine D1 receptor mediated catalepsy induced by SCH 23390 was antagonized by dizocilpine, memantine, CPPene, but not by CGP 37849. In the reaction time task dizocilpine, memantine and CGP 37849 were tested for their anti-akinetic and anti-bradykinetic potencies. All these compounds improved haloperidolinduced slowing of reaction time. However, they acted differentially on haloperidol-induced slowing of movement execution and decreased initial acceleration. Thus, antagonists at the NMDA receptor may have a therapeutic potential in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Their potency can be manipulated specifically at the glycine binding site.
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  • 61
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    International journal of legal medicine 104 (1991), S. 185-188 
    ISSN: 1437-1596
    Keywords: Diazepam ; Radioimmunoassay ; Rat ; Bone marrow ; Serum ; Saliva ; Diazepam ; Radioimmunoassay ; Ratte ; Knochenmark ; Serum ; Speichel
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine , Law
    Description / Table of Contents: Zusammenfassung 1, 2, 4 und 8 Stunden nach intraperitonealer Injektion wurde die Verteilung von Diazepam in Körperflüssigkeiten und Geweben von Ratten untersucht. Die Untersuchung erfolgte mit Hilfe eines Radioimmunoassays und mit einem spezifischen Antidiazepam-Antikörper. Die Diazepamspiegel im Serum, im Speichel, im Gehirn und im Knochenmark fielen über eine Zeitdauer von 2 Stunden ab und zeigten nach 4 Stunden eine Nivellierung. Die Diazepamkonzentration im Knochenmark war viel höher als im Serum, im Speichel und im Gehirn. Dieser Befund muß an eine Akkumulation von Diazepam in diesem Gewebe denken lassen. Dieser Befund weist auch darauf hin, daß Knochenmark ein nützliches Material für den Nachweis von Diazepam bei skeletierten überbleibseln sein kann. Die Diazepamkonzentrationen im Knochenmark, im Serum, im Speichel und im Hirngewebe zeigten eine lineare Korrelation (r = 0.860–0.997). Dieser Befund weist dar auf hin, daß eine zuverlässige Abschätzung der Diazepamkonzentration im Blut aufgrund der Befunde im Knochenmark erfolgen kann.
    Notes: Summary The distribution of diazepam in biological fluids and tissues of rats was examined 1, 2, 4 and 8 h after intraperitoneal administration by using a radioimmunoassay with specific anti-diazepam antibody. The diazepam levels in serum, saliva, brain and bone marrow decreased over a period of 2h and levelled off 4h after administration. The diazepam concentration in bone marrow was much higher than in serum, saliva and brain, suggesting an accumulation of diazepam in this tissue. This indicates that bone marrow could be a very useful material for the detection of diazepam in skeletonized remains. The diazepam concentrations in bone marrow, serum, saliva and brain showed a linear relationship (r = 0.860–0.997), indicating that a valid estimate of diazepam concentration in blood can be made from bone marrow samples.
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  • 62
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    Journal of molecular medicine 69 (1991), S. 1095-1098 
    ISSN: 1432-1440
    Keywords: Liver ; Warm ischemia ; Reperfusion ; Oxygen radicals ; Allopurinol ; Deferoxamine ; Iron ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary The generation of free oxygen radicals is presumed as a substantial pathogenetic principle in reperfusion injury. Although demonstrated in gut, muscle and kidneys its role in liver reperfusion injury is still under investigation. In an experimental rat model of warm liver ischemia of 60 min and 8 h reperfusion electron resonance spectroscopy assessed the increased generation of free radicals in early reperfusion period, leading to a decrease of polyunsaturated free fatty acids in liver tissue within 15 min of reperfusion. Histologically, single cell death, local and patchy necrosis of hepatic lobuli could be observed after 8 h reperfusion (n=6). These histologic signs of liver injury could be attenuated by administration of superoxid-dismutase in combination with catalase but not by allopurinol. Best results could be obtained by deferoxamine. This indicates that increased generation of free oxygen radicals in reperfusion is not caused by the known conversion of xanthine-dehygrogenase to -oxidase but is mediated by an increased generation of hydroxyl-radicals, which can be scavenged by deferoxamine.
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    Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology 343 (1991), S. 46-51 
    ISSN: 1432-1912
    Keywords: Aortic baroreceptor reflex ; Excitatory amino acid receptors ; Caudal ventrolateral medulla ; Kynurenate ; Muscimol ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary The caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM) contains vasodepressor neurons which, when activated, decrease vasomotor tone. To investigate whether excitatory amino acid receptors in the CVLM of the rat are involved in mediation of the aortic baroreceptor reflex, we microinjected amino acid antagonists unilaterally into the CVLM and examined their effects on the depressor response to electrical stimulation of the aortic nerve which contains mainly baroreceptor afferent fibers in rats. Male Wistar rats were anaesthetized with urethane, paralyzed and artificially ventilated. To block reflex vagal effects, methylatropine (1 mg/kg) was given intravenously. Kynurenate (227 ng), an excitatory amino acid antagonist, injected ipsilaterally but not contralaterally into the CVLM markedly inhibited the depressor response to aortic nerve stimulation, while both injections produced a similar small increase in basal blood pressure. Muscimol (1 ng), a GABA receptor agonist, injected ipsilaterally into the CVLM partly inhibited the baroreflex response, while it produced a moderate increase in basal blood pressure. 2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate (APV) (10 ng), a N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, and MK-801 (30 ng), a NMDA receptor channel blocker, partly inhibited the baroreflex response. MK-801 (30 ng) injected into the CVLM reduced the depressor response to the NMDA receptor agonist NMDA (0.3 ng) but not to the quisqualate receptor agonist quisqualate (0.1 ng) and the kainate receptor agonist kainate (0.1 ng), while kynurenate (227 ng) inhibited the depressor response to all three excitatory amino acid receptor agonists. These findings provide further evidence for the presence of excitatory amino acid receptors involved in mediating the aortic baroreceptor reflex in the rat CVLM. It appears that neurons other than the vasodepressor neurons in the CVLM, at least in part, play a role in transmitting the aortic baroreceptor reflex. In addition, both NMDA and non-NMDA receptors may be responsible for the mediation of the reflex.
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    Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology 343 (1991), S. 439-446 
    ISSN: 1432-1912
    Keywords: 5-HT4 ; Oesophagus ; Rat ; ICS 205–930 ; Benzamides
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary The present study was designed to characterize an “atypical” 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor mediating relaxation of the rat oesophageal tunica muscularis mucosae. All experiments were performed under equilibrium conditions, using pargyline to inhibit the oxidative deamination of indoleamines, and cocaine and corticosterone to inhibit neuronal and extraneuronal uptake. Under these conditions 5-HT (0.3–1000 nmol/l) produced a concentration-dependent relaxation of carbachol-induced tension. The concentration-effect curve to 5-HT was unaffected by potent antagonists for 5-HT1, 5-HT2, 5-HT3 and so called 5-HT1P receptors (metergoline, methysergide, ketanserin, ondansetron, N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptophyl-5-hydroxytryptophan amide), but was antagonized competitively by ICS 205–930 (pA2 = 6.7). Responses to 5-HT were mimicked by other indoleamines and substituted benzamides with the following order of potency: 5-HT ≥ 5-methoxytryptamine 〉 cisapride = α-methyl-5-HT = (S)-zacopride = renzapride 〉 (RS)-zacopride 〉 5-carboxamido-tryptamine = metoclopramide = (R)-zacopride 〉 tryptamine 〉 2-methyl-5-HT. ICS 205–930 afforded similar pA2 values (6.0–6.7) against each agonist, indicating a common site of action. Concentration-effect curves to 5-HT were not affected by tetrodotoxin or indomethacin, sugesting that 5-HT-induced relaxation of the tunica muscularis mucosae was mediated via a postjunctional receptor, independent of endogenous prostanoids. The pharmacological profile of the 5-HT receptor in the rat oesophageal tunica muscularis mucosae correlates well with the 5-HT4 receptor characterized recently in both the CNS and gastro-intestinal tract.
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    Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology 343 (1991), S. 595-602 
    ISSN: 1432-1912
    Keywords: Periaqueductal gray slices ; [3H]Noradrenaline release ; [3H]Dopamine release ; [3H]5-Hydroxytryptamine release ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary The periaqueductal gray is a brain region of considerable interest. It is innervated by monoamine-containing neurons as well as by a variety of peptidergic fiber systems, and it participates in the regulation of various functions. Virtually nothing is known about monoamine release in the periaqueductal gray and its receptor-mediated modulation. We therefore studied the release of radioactivity from periaqueductal gray slices preloaded with tritriated monoamines, using an in vitro superfusion method. The release of radioactivity from superfused periaqueductal gray slices after preloading of the tissue with [3H]noradrenaline increased upon electrical stimulation in a frequency-dependent manner. The stimulus-evoked release of radioactivity was Ca2+-dependent. Clonidine reduced and yohimbine enhanced the release. The inhibition curve for the effect of clonidine was shifted to the right in the presence of 10−6 M yohimbine. While phenylephrine, isoprenaline, SK&F 38393, quinpirole, carbachol, [Arg8]vasopressin, α-MSH and ACTH-(1-24), at a concentration of 10−6 M, did not influence the electrically evoked release of radioactivity, [Leu5]enkephalin reduced it. The selective μ-opioid receptor agonists [d-Ala2,NMePhe4,Gly-ol5]enkephalin and [d-Arg2,Lys4]-dermorphin-(1–4)-amide reduced the release of radioactivity, whereas the selective δ opioid receptor agonist [d-Pen2,d-Pen5]enkephalin and the selective K opioid receptor agonist U-69593 had no effect. In the presence of naloxone, which by itself had no effect on the release of radioactivity, the effect of [d-Arg2,Lys4]dermorphin-(1–4)-amide was abolished. These results show that the release of noradrenaline from periaqueductal gray slices is via a Ca2+-dependent. exocytotic process, and that it is modulated through α2-adrenoceptors as well as via μ-opioid receptors. Though the overflow of radioactivity from slices preloaded with [3H]dopamine in the presence of desipramine was measurable, there are reasons to assume that we are dealing here with the release of tritiated catecholamines from a population of nerve endings consisting of noradrenergic and dopaminergic terminals. The release of radioactivity from periaqueductal gray slices preloaded with [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine upon elevation of the K+ concentration in the superfusion medium was much more pronounced than that induced by electrical stimulation. The K+-evoked release of radioactivity was almost completely abolished in the absence of Cat2+; showing that the release is via a Ca2+-dependent process. 5-Hydrotryptamine reduced the K+-evoked release of radioactivity in a concentration-dependent manner.
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    Cancer immunology immunotherapy 33 (1991), S. 50-53 
    ISSN: 1432-0851
    Keywords: Brain neoplasm ; Immunotherapy ; Interleukin-2 ; Lymphokine-activated killer cells ; Rat ; Splenocyte ; Thymocyte
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary We studied the lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) activity in splenocytes and thymocytes of rats with brain tumors chronologically from the early stage to the late stage, in order to clarify how much LAK activity would be developed at each stage. Simultaneously the natural killer (NK) activity in splenocytes, as one aspect of the host immunocompetence, was also determined. The splenic NK activity was significantly depressed in rats with brain tumors during the 2nd and 3rd weeks after tumor transplantation, as compared with normal controls. On the other hand, the splenocytes incubated with interleukin-2 showed the same killer activity in rats with brain tumors as in normal rats at all times. The LAK activity in thymocytes from rats with brain tumors was significantly higher than that of controls in the 1st and 2nd weeks and became equal to that of the controls during the 3rd week. The killer activity after incubation with interleukin-2 in thymocytes was superior to that in splenocytes throughout the experiment in both tumor-bearing rats and controls, which suggested that the precursor of LAK cells was not NK cells.
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    Journal of molecular evolution 33 (1991), S. 442-449 
    ISSN: 1432-1432
    Keywords: Humans ; Mouse ; Rat ; Codon usage ; Mutation bias ; Selection
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary A new statistical test has been developed to detect selection on silent sites. This test compares the codon usage within a gene and thus does not require knowledge of which genes are under the greatest selection, that there exist common trends in codon usage across genes, or that genes have the same mutation pattern. It also controls for mutational biases that might be introduced by the adjacent bases. The test was applied to 62 mammalian sequences, the significant codon usage biases were detected in all three species examined (humans, rats, and mice). However, these biases appear not to be the consequence of selection, but of the first base pair in the codon influencing the mutation pattern at the third position.
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    Urological research 19 (1991), S. 253-257 
    ISSN: 1434-0879
    Keywords: Microsurgery ; CO2 laser ; Nd:YAG laser ; Rat ; Vascular anastomosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary A comparative study was undertaken in 81 rats to investigate a CO2 and Nd:YAG laser system for laserwelded anastomosis of the femoral vein. Conventionally sutured anastomoses (CMSA) served as controls. Laserwelded anastomosis (LAMA) was easier and could be performed 30% faster than CMSA. Postoperative investigations included patency tests, postmortem examinations and light and electron microscopy. Aneurysms were not seen. Foreign-body reaction was more pronounced in CMSA. Patency rates for CO2-LAMA and CMSA were equal, whereas Nd:YAG-LAMA resulted in significantly higher rate of early postoperative thrombosis (P〈0.01). Because of its physical properties, the CO2-laser system seems to be better suited for laser welding of delicate structures such as the rat femoral vein.
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    Urological research 19 (1991), S. 141-144 
    ISSN: 1434-0879
    Keywords: Experimental ; Bacterial ; Prostatitis ; Rat ; Antibiotics
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Experimental acute bacterial prostatitis in rats was induced by four different routes of bacterial inoculation. The most simple and reproducible method of producing bacterial prostatitis was to instil the bacterial suspension into the prostatic urethra after the administration of an appropriate antibiotic to prevent associated pyelonephritis.
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    ISSN: 1434-0879
    Keywords: Diet ; Calcium ; Magnesium ; Phosphorus ; Struvite stones ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary After feeding various diets we studied the effects of dietary calcium, magnesium and phosphorus on the formation of struvite stones in rats with urinary tract infections, and also studied the effects of the administration of vitamin D3 and aluminium gel on stone formation. A low-magnesium diet decreased urinary magnesium and prevented stone formation, but a medium-calcium diet did not significantly decrease stone weight. A high-calcium diet decreased urinary phosphorus and inhibited stone formation. A high-calcium and high-phosphorus diet decreased urinary excretion of magnesium and inhibited stone formation. Although the administration of vitamin D3 did not inhibit stone formation, aluminium gel decreased the urinary level of phosphorus and prevented stone formation. A marked decrease in urinary magnesium and/or phosphorus may prevent struvite stone formation in rats with urinary tract infections.
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  • 71
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Glutamine ; Glutamate ; Cerebellum ; Immunocytochemistry ; Glia ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary The cellular and subcellular localization of glutamine, a major glutamate precursor, was studied by means of an antiserum raised against glutaraldehydefixed glutamine. Ultrathin sections from the cerebellar cortex of rat and baboon (Papio anubis) were incubated sequentially in the primary antiserum and in a secondary antibody coupled to colloidal gold particles. The labelling intensity was quantified by computer-aided calculation of gold particle densities. High levels of immunoreactivity occurred in glial cells (Bergmann fibres, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes), intermediate levels in cell bodies and processes of granule cells, and low levels in terminals of presumed GABAergic or glutamatergic fibres (terminals of basket and Golgi cells, and of parallel, mossy, and climbing fibres). The labelling intensity of Purkinje cells showed some variation, but never exceeded that in glial cells. Within the nerve fibre terminals, the glutamine-like immunoreactivity showed some preference for mitochondria, but was otherwise evenly distributed. The predominant glial localization of glutamine was also obvious in light microscopic preparations processed according to the postembedding peroxidase-antiperoxidase procedure. Gold particle densities over different types of profile in glutamine immunolabelled sections were compared with particle densities over the corresponding types of profiles in neighbouring sections labelled with an antiserum to glutaraldehyde-fixed glutamate. The glutamate/glutamine ratio, expressed arbitrarily by the ratio between the respective gold particle densities, varied by a factor of about 6, with the highest ratio in the putative glutamatergic mossy and parallel fibre terminals, and the lowest ratio in glial elements. The remaining tissue components displayed intermediate ratios. The present study provides direct morphological evidence for the existence in the brain of distinct compartments with differing glutamate/glutamine ratios.
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  • 72
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    Anatomy and embryology 184 (1991), S. 269-273 
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Rat ; Skeletal muscle ; Muscle fibre types ; Histochemistry ; Cluster analysis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Different histochemical identification methods for muscle fibre types have been introduced over the years. Most of them have been based on myosin ATPase activity after different kinds of preincubations, alone or in combination with oxidative enzymes. Comparative studies have shown, however, that the different methods result in nonidentical subgroups of type II fibres. Optical density values of individual fibres after incubation of serial sections for alkali- or copper-preincubated ATPase, NADH-TR, and fibre diameter, combined in two-dimensional plots, have for a long time been used in our laboratory to separate three subgroups of type II fibres. A cluster analysis, based on the data mentioned above, results in three subgroups of type II fibres in rat plantaris muscle. In comparison, earlier studies comparing different histochemical methods and reporting lack of correspondence between them have been based on two subgroups of type II fibres only. It is suggested that part of the lack of correspondence is due to unequal and incomplete separation by the methods used in the comparative studies, and that the three subgroups of type II fibres identified in the cluster analysis are type IIA, IIX and IIB, respectively. The need for a consensus on a common basis for histochemical identification of muscle fibre types is emphasized.
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  • 73
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Ontogeny ; Cerebrovascular innervation ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary The development of cerebrovascular nerves containing noradrenalin (NA), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) was studied in rats from before birth to adulthood. All these nerves entered the cranial cavity along the cerebral carotid, internal ethmoidal, and vertebral arteries during the early stages of development, but the subsequent growth and distribution of NA-containing and NPY-immunoreactive (IR) nerves differed greatly from that of AChE-positive and VIP-IR nerves. NA-containing and NPY-IR nerves extended rapidly from the cerebral carotid artery and spread over all the major arteries of the internal carotid system by postnatal day 3, as well as descending the posterior ramus of the cerebral carotid to mingle with nerves from the vertebral artery around the mid-basilar artery by day 5. AChE-positive and VIP-IR nerves from the internal ethomoidal artery covered the whole internal carotid system during the first postnatal week, and projected to the upper basilar artery after the second week, while those from the cerebral carotid artery remained limited to the middle cerebral artery throughout development. By day 21, all major arteries of the internal carotid system had dense plexuses of the four nerve types that were similar to those observed in adult rats. The vertebrobasilar system also had a well-organized network of NA-containing and NPY-IR nerves, but only a poor supply of AChE-positive and VIP-IR nerves. Even on day 30, the latter two nerve types were sometimes absent from the middle to caudal basilar artery, owing to a lack of interdigitation by nerves from the internal ethomoidal and vertebral arteries.
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  • 74
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    Anatomy and embryology 184 (1991), S. 65-70 
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Stereology ; Development ; Coronaries ; Corrosion casts ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary To study myocardial vascular development, stereological parameters were estimated in 24 Wistar rat hearts of six different age groups, from newborn to adult. The vascular surface density showed a sharp increase in the first 2 weeks, a peak around the age of 2 weeks, and then a steady decrease until it flattened in adulthood. In contrast, the vascular volume percentage, when plotted against age, decreased continuously with the greatest change in the first week, after which the curve flattened. These findings are compatible with an increase in the number of capillaries with a concomitant decrease of their diameters. Qualitative scrutiny of the histology did indeed support the idea that vessels become thinner. Reconstructions of the histological sections showed the same change three dimensionally. The reconstructions also demonstrated very small holes that seemed to go through the capillaries in the younger stages. Corrosion casts of the blood vessels were made using a casting resin. This was injected into the umbilical artery of rat embryos from 15 days gestation to birth. In postnatal rats of six age groups methacrylate was injected directly into the left ventricle. These casts supported the stereological data by showing an increase in number and decrease in diameter of capillaries, while during pre- and postnatal development, the intervascular spaces lengthened from small, irregular spaces to long, rectangular ones. Small holes, the probable precursors of such spaces, were clearly visible in the wider vessels of the youngest stages. All data point to an interesting mode of capillary growth, i.e. growth by division of existing vessels.
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  • 75
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: 72-kDa heat-shock protein ; Neuronal necrosis ; Forebrain ischemia ; Immunohistochemistry ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary We evaluated the relationship between the induction of the 72-kDa heat-shock protein (hsp 72) and the presence of necrotic neurons in the rat hippocampus, 48 h after an 8-min episode of forebrain ischemia in eight rates. Hsp 72 was detected using the monoclonal antibody C92 on vibratome brain tissue sections. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining on adjacent paraffinembedded sections was used to determine histopathological features. All morphologically intact CA1/2 neurons, 70% of which are destined to become necrotic 7 days after ischemia, exhibited intense hsp 72 staining, while necrotic or damaged neurons were devoid or low in hsp 72. Hsp 72 was also detected in CA3 neurons destined to survive 7 days after ischemia. Blood vessels positive for hsp 72 were detected in focal brain regions, in which severely damaged neurons were either devoid or low in hsp 72 staining. Occasional glial cells expressed hsp 72 in both normal and damaged brain regions. Hsp 72 response to a transient forebrain ischemia seemingly reflects differences in the selective ischemic vulnerability of CA1/2 and CA3 neurons. Further, the presence of hsp 72 within a neuron is likely only a marker of stress and is not necessarily indicative of eventual neuronal survival.
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  • 76
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    Anatomy and embryology 183 (1991), S. 81-87 
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Trachea ; Airways ; Smooth muscle ; Sensory receptors ; Vagus nerve ; Guinea-pig ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary The trachea of guinea-pigs was stained as a whole-mount preparation with the zinc iodide-osmium technique. A distinct class of nerve endings was observed associated with the tracheal muscle. The endings, issued from myelinated fibres of the vagus nerve via the recurrent laryngeal nerve, are distributed on either side of the midline and ventral to the tips of cartilages. They are interpreted as afferent nerve endings that may correspond to slow adapting stretch receptors identified by physiological studies. Each nerve contributes predominantly, but not exclusively, to the receptors of the ipsilateral side. There are 120–180 receptors along the full length of the guinea-pig trachea, their density being higher at the cranial end. The receptors are variable in size and structural complexity, and, to some extent, also in spatial orientation, but distinct subtypes are not recognizable. Receptors of similar morphology and distribution are found also in the rat trachea. The receptors can also be visualized with a cytochrome oxidase method for nerve endings, but they do not stain with immunohistochemistry for the neuropeptides substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide, vasointestinal polypeptide and neurotensin.
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  • 77
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    Anatomy and embryology 183 (1991), S. 129-134 
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Vasopressin ; Endothelium ; Pulmonary artery ; Immunocytochemistry ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary The localization of arginine-vasopressin in the endothelial cells of rat pulmonary artery was investigated by immunocytochemistry at the light and electron microscopic levels. The immunogold silver staining method was used for light microscopy of sheets of endothelium, removed from the artery, and the pre-embedding peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique was used for electron microscopy of cross sections of the artery. With both of the methods used, numerous vasopressin-positive endothelial cells were observed. None of the subendothelial elements showed labelling for vasopressin. The results are discussed in terms of the involvement of the endothelium in local control of the pulmonary circulation.
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  • 78
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    Anatomy and embryology 183 (1991), S. 483-489 
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: ChAT ; Cochlea ; Olivocochlear system ; Development ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Several studies present a great deal of information about putative efferent neurotransmitters and their distribution in the adult and developing cochlea. Anatomical mapping of outer hair cell efferent fibres during ontogeny is still not available. Using quantitative electron microscopy in combination with immunocytochemistry, the distribution of ChAT-like immunoreactivity in the developing rat was investigated. Adult-like immunoreactivity in the whole cochlea is first observed in 30-day-old rats. We localized the adult-like immunoreactivity in all efferent fibres and synapses of the outer hair cells along the entire cochlear duct. An adult-like reaction in the whole cochlea could be observed on the 25th day after birth in two out of three cases. On the 20th postnatal day, no adult-like ChAT immunoreactivity was found, with the exception of one case where labelling was seen in the basal region only. The adult-like ChAT immunoreactivity on the 30th day, 2–3 weeks after the onset of hearing, is the latest maturation of all features of the organ of Corti so far investigated. Synaptogenesis of the outer hair cell efferents reaches an adult-like appearance already on the 16th day after birth.
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  • 79
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Blood-brain barrier ; Ischemic edema ; Lanthanum ; Cerebral endothelium ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary The distribution patterns of ionic Lanthanum (La3+; mol.wt. 139) were evaluated after 15, 30 and 60 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion in perfused-fixed rats. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability to Evans blue (EB) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP; mol. wt. 40,000) in vivo was also evaluated. Brain tissue specific gravity was measured. An increase in brain water content was found as early as 30 min following occlusion. HRP and EB extravasation was not observed. La3+ crossed the interendothelial clefts of venoles and capillaries at 30 and 60 min and was seen in both extracellular and intracellular brain compartments at 60 min. La3+ extravasation was seen in nonedematous areas bordering the regions of water accumulation. Our findings suggest that the early phase of incomplete continuous ischemia is accompanied by changes in BBB permeability and the interendothelial clefts of venoles and capillaries seem to represent one of the early sites of ischemic damage.
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  • 80
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    Acta neuropathologica 82 (1991), S. 217-224 
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Hydrocephalus ; Rat ; Cerebral cortex ; Cortical cell density ; Capillary density
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Hydrocephalus in the H-Tx rat first develops in late gestation and causes death at 4–7 weeks. The effect of hydrocephalus on overall cortical dimensions and on five specific regions (frontal, sensory-motor, parietal, auditory and visual) has been studied by quantitative light microscopy at 10 and 30 days after birth. The lateral ventricle volumes in hydrocephalic rats were about 40x larger than controls and increased fourfold between 10 and 30 days. Cortical volume was reduced by a small amount at 10 days but was larger in hydrocephalics at 30 days. Thinning of the cortical mantle was severe with disruption of the laminar structure, particularly in the auditory and visual regions, where it was already present at 10 days. The density of cortical cells (neurones and glia) was not altered in hydrocephalics at 10 days but was reduced in all regions at 30 days. Estimates of total cell number suggest that the lower density was not associated with an overall loss of cells. Capillary numerical density was not affected by the hydrocephalus at 10 days after birth but by 30 days it was significantly lower, particularly in the worst-affected posterior regions. The results show that the cerebral cortex is severely distorted and that in advanced hydrocephalus, although overall cell number is not affected, both cell density and capillary density are lower by up to 30%.
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  • 81
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    Acta neuropathologica 81 (1991), S. 546-551 
    ISSN: 1432-0533
    Keywords: Rat ; Sciatic nerve ; Mineralization ; Aging ; X-ray microanalysis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary A spontaneous mineralization of the sciatic nerve of senescent specific pathogen-free-bred rats (aged 42 months) is reported. Deposits were found in the endoneurium of different branches of the nerve at mid-thigh level. They appeared as small discrete deposits or as large tubular-shaped concretions, probably formed by the growth and merger of the smaller deposits. Some of the concretions were found in close proximity to blood vessels. Deposits consisted of dense aggregations of randomly entangled spicules spreading within bundles of collagen fibrils. Calcium was detected by histochemistry and X-ray dispersion microanalysis. Phosphorus was also found, possibly associated with calcium to form hydroxyapatite.
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  • 82
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Acetylcholine ; Fimbria/fornix ; Hippocampus ; Intracerebral grafts ; Muscarinic receptors ; Noradrenaline ; Phosphoinositides ; Serotonin ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Long Evans female rats sustained aspirative lesions of the septohippocampal pathways; subsequently, they received intrahippocampal suspension grafts of fetal septal-diagonal band or hippocampal tissue. The long term (8–10 months post-surgery) effects of these treatments were examined in the hippocampus for the following variables: concentration of hippocampal acetylcholine (ACh), muscarinic-stimulated (carbachol) formation of inositol monophosphate, accumulation of tritiated choline, noradrenaline (3H-NA) and serotonin (3H-5-HT), electrically evoked release of 3H-acetylcholine (3H-ACh), 3H-NA and 3H-5-HT, and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity. The lesions decreased the levels of endogeneous ACh, the accumulation of 3H-choline and 3H-5-HT and the evoked release of both 3H-ACh and 3H-5-HT as well as the ChAT activity, but they failed to significantly affect the muscarinic-stimulated formation of inositol monophosphate and the accumulation and release of 3H-NA. Grafts of hippocampal cells were found to be ineffective on all lesion-induced effects. In contrast, grafts of septal-diagonal band origin attenuated the deficit of hippocampal concentrations of ACh and accumulation of 3H-choline without, however, improving release of 3H-ACh, accumulation and release of 3H-5-HT, and ChAT activity. These observations suggest that: (i) denervation-induced hippocampal muscarinic supersensitivity might not be long-lasting or the lesions, which in some cases spared the lateral edges of the fimbria, failed to induce any muscarinic supersensitivity, (ii) intrahippocampal grafts rich in cholinergic neurons do not foster recovery from the lesion-induced noncholinergic deficits we assessed, (iii) recovery of function may be expressed by some but not all biochemical or pharmacological cholinergic variables and (iv) graft-derived hippocampal reinnervation may be less efficient than the endogenous innervation of intact rats as indicated by the restoration of only some of the variables related to cholinergic function by intrahippocampal septal-diagonal band grafts.
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  • 83
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    Experimental brain research 84 (1991), S. 57-74 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Hippocampal formation ; Neural networks ; HRP ; Tracing techniques ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary We used in vivo intracellular labeling with horseradish peroxidase in order to study the somadendritic morphology and axonal projections of rat entorhinal neurons. The cells responded to hippocampal stimulation with inhibitory postsynaptic potentials, and thus likely received direct or indirect hippocampal input. All cells (n = 24) showed extensive dendritic domains that extended in some cases for more than 1 mm. The dendrites of layer II neurons were largely restricted to layers I and II or layers I–III, while the dendrites of deeper cells could extend through all cortical layers. Computed 3D rotations showed that the basilar dendrites of deep pyramids extended roughly parallel to the cortical layering, and that they were mostly confined to the layer containing the soma and layers immediately adjacent. Total dendritic lengths averaged 9.8 mm ± 3.8 (SD), and ranged from 5 mm to more than 18 mm. Axonal processes could be visualized in 21 cells. Most of these showed axonal branching within the entorhinal cortex, sometimes extensive. Efferent axonal domains were reconstructed in detail in 3 layer II stellate cells. All 3 projected axons across the subicular complex to the dentate gyrus. One of these cells showed an extensive net-like axonal domain that also projected to several other structures, including the hippocampus proper, subicular complex, and the amygdalo-piriform transition area. The axons of layer III and IV cells projected to the angular bundle, where they continued in a rostral direction. In contrast to the layer II, III and IV cells, no efferent axonal branches leaving the entorhinal cortex could be visualized in 5 layer V neurons. The data indicate that entorhinal neurons can integrate input from a considerable volume of entorhinal cortex by virtue of their extensive dendritic domains, and provide a further basis for specifying the layers in which cells receive synaptic input. The extensive axonal branching pattern seen in most of the cells would support divergent propagation of their activity.
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  • 84
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: 2-Aminophosphonopentanoate ; NMDA receptors ; Spatial learning ; Visual discrimination ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Chronic intraventricular infusion of the selective NMDA receptor antagonist AP5 appears to cause an impairment of spatial but not visual discrimination learning. However, Goddard (1986) has questioned whether this dissociation in task-selectivity reflects a difference in the underlying neural mechanisms or differential drug diffusion. Two experiments conducted to address this issue established (a) that chronic intraventricular infusion of AP5, at a dose sufficient to cause a spatial learning impairment, results in a relatively uniform distribution of the drug across the brain, and (b) that chronic bilateral intracortical infusion at sites very close to visual cortex also fails to impair visual discrimination learning. These findings argue against differential diffusion being a major cause of the sensitivity of spatial but not visual discrimination tasks to AP5, and raises the possibility that representational and procedural memory tasks may depend upon distinct cell-biological mechanisms of plasticity.
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  • 85
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Monoclonal antibody (mabQ113) ; Zebrin I ; Purkinje cells ; Spinocerebellar projections ; Central cervical nucleus ; Cholera toxin ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary We have examined the topographic relationship between the sagittal bands of zebrin I immunoreactive Purkinje cells revealed by a monoclonal antibody, mabQ113, and the distribution of spinocerebellar fibers originating from the central cervical nucleus in the rat. The mossy fiber terminals were anterogradely labeled following injections of cholera toxin subunit B into the C1–C3 segments and visualized immunohistochemically. Zebrin I positive Purkinje cells appeared in seven sagittal bands (P1+ to P7+ bands). In lobules I–V of the anterior lobe, labeled mossy fiber terminals were distributed in the midline region, subjacent to the P1+ bands and at around 0.5 mm from the midline region, subjacent to the P2+ band in the lateral A1 to the medial A2 zones of Voogd et al. (1985). Labeled terminals were seen in the entire B zone and those distributed in its medial part were related to the P3+ band. In lobule VIII, labeled terminals were seen subjacent to the P1+, P2+ and P3+ bands, which were located in the lateral A1–A3 (or B) zones. In the copula pyramidis, labeled terminals appeared subjacent to the P4+, P5+ and the P6+ bands in the C1 and C2 zones (or the C1-C3 zones). Although the labeled terminals were seen beneath the zebrin I positive bands, the borders of terminal distribution were not well-delineated, and did not respect the borders of zebrin I positive bands.
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  • 86
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    Experimental brain research 84 (1991), S. 142-158 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Thalamic lesions ; Kainic acid ; HRP ; Callosal connections ; Laminar density ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary The patterns of callosal interconnections between the visual cortices of rats display considerable plasticity in response to various neonatal manipulations. In the present study, many neurones in the principal visual thalamic relay nuclei, the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (DLG) and to a lesser extent those in the lateral posterior nucleus (LP) were destroyed by injections of the neurotoxin — kainic acid — on the first day of postnatal life. Four weeks later, as demonstrated with the anterograde and retrograde transport of the enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP) injected into the occipital lobe of one hemisphere, callosally projecting neurones and terminals were distributed more widely in the retinotopically organized areas 17, 18a and 18b of the visual cortex ipsilateral to the lesioned visual thalamus than in unoperated control animals of the same age. By contrast, in the visual cortex contralateral to the lesioned visual thalamus the areal distribution of callosally projecting neurones and terminals was similar to that of the controls, that is, largely but not exclusively restricted to the common border of areas 17 and 18a. Both in unoperated and operated animals, cells in lamina V of several cytoarchitectonically defined areas that are not retinotopically organized (area 8 in the frontal lobe, area 29d in the retrosplenial limbic cortex and perirhinal areas 35/13 in the temporal lobe) also project to contralateral visual cortices. In areas 8 and 29d, the total numbers, laminar distributions and densities of labelled callosal cells both ipsilateral and contralateral to the kainate-injected visual thalamus were similar to those in the controls. However, in the temporal lobe, the areal distribution of the labelled callosal neurones was more extensive than that in the controls and labelled cells in areas 35/13 of the cortex contralateral to the kainate-lesioned visual thalamus merged with those in the neighbouring areas 20 and 36. By contrast, the areal distribution of associational neurones in area 18a and in nonretinotopically organized areas projecting to area 17 were very similar in controls and in operated animals (neonatal kainate lesion of the visual thalamus, neonatal section of the corpus callosum or both procedures combined). However, in operated animals, the labelled associational neurones projecting from the supragranular laminae (II/III) of area 18a to area 17 constituted a higher proportion of all cells than did those in the unoperated control animals. Thus, overall the number of associational neurones projecting from area 18a to area 17 was slightly increased by the experimental manipulations performed. The implications of these results concerning the mechanism(s) underlying the developmental changes in the distribution of commissural and associational neurones projecting to the rat's visual cortex are discussed.
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    Experimental brain research 85 (1991), S. 324-334 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: HRP/WGA-HRP injections ; Retinotopically organized areas ; Thalamic afferents ; Laminar distribution of cortical afferent neurons ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Afferent connections of rat primary visual cortex (area 17 or V1 area) and the rostral and caudal parts of areas 18a and 18b were studied, by placing in each of the areas, small electrophoretic injections of enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP) or wheat germ agglutinated-HRP. The results indicate that: 1) each of the areas has a distinct pattern of distribution of afferent neurons in the ipsilateral visual thalamus — area 17 receives its principal thalamic input from the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, the caudal parts of areas 18a and 18b receive a major thalamic input from the lateral posterior nucleus and a minor input from the posterior nucleus, while the rostral parts of areas 18a and 18b receive a major input from the posterior nucleus, and a minor projection from the lateral posterior nucleus; 2) the rostral and caudal parts of areas 18a and 18b each receive an associational input from area 17; 3) the rostral parts of areas 18a and 18b each receive associational input from three different extrastriate regions, the caudal part of the same extrastriate area, and the rostral and caudal parts of the other extrastriate area, whereas the caudal parts of areas 18a and 18b receive associational inputs only from one or two extrastriate regions; 4) area 17, area 18b and rostral area 18a each receive a substantial associational input from lamina V of the caudal part of the frontal eye field (FEF) in the motor cortex; however the input from the FEF to caudal area 18a (if present) is very small; 5) The extrastriate areas studied receive associational input from the restrosplenial cingulate area 29d; however, the input from area 29d to area 17 appears to be very small. The distinct patterns of distribution of prosencephalic afferents suggest to us that multiple retinotopically organized areas described previously in the rat cortex (cf Montero 1981; Espinoza and Thomas 1983) represent functionally distinct areas.
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  • 88
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    Experimental brain research 85 (1991), S. 359-363 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Dorsal raphe ; Paraventricular nucleus ; Serotonin ; Magnocellular neurons ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary In order to determine the responses of paraventricular nucleus magnocellular neurones following activation of central serotonergic pathways, single unit activity was recorded and responses following electrical stimulation of the midbrain dorsal raphe nucleus were examined. Approximately one third (32%) of the phasically active, vasopressin-secreting neurones were inhibited by the stimulation, the remaining such cells being nonresponsive. In contrast, only two of the non-phasic cells (13%) were inhibited by the stimulation whilst 53% were excited (p〈 0.005, chi2-test). The onset latency of both inhibitory and excitatory responses were similar, whilst offset of the inhibitory responses was about twice that of the excitatory responses (p 〈 0.005, t-test). Two of the nonphasic cells were antidromically identified as projecting to the dorsal raphe. The results obtained indicate a role for dorsal raphe projections to the paraventricular nucleus in the regulation of neurohypophysial hormone secretion. The observation that different sub-populations of the cells recorded showed different responses, suggests that several mechanisms may be involved in the control of neuronal activity in the region recorded, in response to activation of the central serotonergic pathway examined. The results obtained are intended to further clarify the neural mechanisms regulating the secretion of vasopressin and oxytocin from the neurohypophysis.
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    Experimental brain research 85 (1991), S. 501-506 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Neural grafts ; Striatum ; Cocaine ; Immediate-early gene ; c-fos ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Cocaine, a catecholamine agonist, has been shown to produce a transient induction of the immediate-early gene c-fos and its protein product Fos in the striatum of normal rats. In the present study we report that the expression of Fos can be induced by cocaine challenge in intrastriatal grafts derived from cell suspensions of embryonic striatal primordia. Fos-like immunoreactivity in the nuclei of grafted neurons was detected 2 hr after the injection of 50 mg/kg cocaine into the host rats. Neurons with Fos-immunoreactive nuclei tended to form clusters in the striatal grafts. The Fos-rich clusters were aligned with acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-rich and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-rich patches demonstrated in adjoining sections. Previous studies have shown that presynaptic and postsynaptic cellular markers of the dopaminergic system in the striatum, including immunostaining for TH and dopamine- and adenosine 3′:5′-monophosphate-regulated phosphoprotein (DARPP-32), and binding for high affinity dopamine uptake sites and for dopamine D1 and D2 receptor sites, are all concentrated in the AChE-rich patch regions (P regions) of such embryonic striatal grafts. The preferential expression of Fos in neurons of the P regions of the grafts thus implies that the induction of Fos was cell-type specific in being concentrated in the parts of the grafts that express striatal phenotype and that are innervated by catecholamine-containing fibers. This specificity strongly suggests that the activation of Fos expression in neurons of the P regions of the grafts reflects dopaminergic interactions between the grafts and host nigrostriatal fibers. We conclude that the cellular messenger systems and transcriptional activation mechanisms responsive to dopaminergic stimulation by the host can be activated in the embryonic striatal grafts, and that the grafts are thus functionally integrated into the host brain at the level of cellular signaling systems.
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  • 90
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Experimental brain research 85 (1991), S. 543-551 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Voltage-dependent Ca2+-currents (HVA or L-type) ; Inactivation ; Intraneuronal Ca2+ ; Buffering ; Dentate gyrus granule cells ; Kindling-induced epilepsy ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Nerve cells that lack the cytoplasmic Ca2+ binding protein Calbindin-D28K (CaBP) appear to be selectively vulnerable to Ca2+-related injury consistent with a postulated intraneuronal Ca2+-buffering role of CaBP. We have confirmed the selective loss of CaBP from the dentate gyrus during kindling-induced epilepsy in acutely dissociated granule cells (GCs) from kindled rats. Immunohistochemically stained kindled neurons showed a significant loss of CaBP when compared to controls (p 〈 0.001; ANOVA). The Ca2+-buffering role of CaBP was assessed in acutely dissociated control and kindled GCs by examining a physiological process highly sensitive to intracellular Ca2+-buffering: the Ca2+ -dependent inactivation of high-voltage activated (HVA or L-type) Ca2+ currents in the absence (or presence) of exogenous Ca2+-chelators. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings in kindled GCs demonstrated a markedly enhanced Ca2+-dependent inactivation of Ca2+-currents. After brief conditioning Ca2+ currents, in the absence of an exogenous intraneuronal Ca2+-chelator, subsequent test Ca2+ currents were inactivated by 58.3% in kindled GCs, a significant increase from the 37.4% inactivation observed in control GCs (p〈 0.005; ANOVA). The differential Ca2+ current decay and Ca2+-dependent inactivation were prevented in both control and kindled GCs upon loading the neurons with the exogenous Ca2+-chelator BAPTA. These experiments demonstrate a high correlation between the loss of CaBP and changes in Ca2+ current inactivation and are consistent with the hypothesis that CaBP contributes to the physiological Ca2+-buffering in mammalian neurons.
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  • 91
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Experimental brain research 85 (1991), S. 559-564 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Thyroid hormone ; Development ; Hippocampus ; Dentate gyrus ; LTP ; Learning ; Memory ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Excess thyroid hormone at an early stage of development produces marked neurochemical and morphological alterations in the rat hippocampal formation. In order to better understand the functional significance of these changes, we tested adult rats treated neonatally with triiodothyronine (T3), and their control litter mates, in a spatial learning task and for the induction of longterm potentiation (LTP) in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampal formation. The T3-treated rats were significantly impaired in their performance on the spatial task in comparison to their matched controls. Similarly, the efficacy of LTP induction was significantly attenuated in the T3-treated animals. Further, a significant correlation was obtained between LTP induction and performance on the spatial learning task. Thus, a brief neonatal excess of thyroid hormone produces impairments in spatial learning along with decreases in LTP, long held as a model of learning and memory. This relationship provides a unique opportunity to study associations between behavioral, physiological, pharmacological and morphological processes intimately associated with the hippocampal formation
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  • 92
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    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Experimental brain research 84 (1991), S. 224-228 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Dihydropyridine ; Hippocampus ; Calcium channel ; Nootropic ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Intracellular recording in the in vitro hippocampal slice was utilized to examine the effects of nimodipine and nifedipine on CA1 pyramidal cell excitability. The excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) elicited by a single stimulus in stratum radiatum was enhanced by nifedipine as evidenced by increases in EPSP amplitude, area and slope. Threshold for synaptically-evoked somatic action potentials was decreased following either nifedipine or nimodipine application, often resulting in spontaneous action potential activity. A secondary, late EPSP-like event appeared in the intracellular recordings during and following bath application of nimodipine, and was associated with burst-like activity in field potential recordings. In accordance with the hydrophobic nature of these compounds, extensive washout in normal Krebs' solution failed to reverse their effects, but nifedipine's actions were photolabile. These results indicate that dihydropyridines can enhance synaptic efficacy in the CA1 region of the hippocampus.
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  • 93
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Chronic inflammation ; Arthritic rat joints ; Joint capsule mechanoreceptors ; PGE2 ; Bradykinin ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary The role of PGE2 in the sensitization of highthreshold tarsal joint mechanoreceptors (putative nociceptors) has been investigated in 11 arthritic and 16 normal rats. Injections of a low dose of Freund's complete adjuvant at multiple sites into the tissues surrounding the ankle joint induced a chronic unilateral monoarthritis in the injected limb. Measurements of both spontaneous activity and responses of tarsal joint mechanoreceptors to repeated graded mechanical stimuli were made. All of the mechanoreceptors examined had afferent fibres with conduction velocities in the C or A-δ range. Using this new model of joint inflammation we have shown that lysine acetylsalicylate reduces the mechanical sensitivity of these joint mechanoreceptors and reduces the spontaneous activity in afferent nerve fibres. Prostaglandin E2 is unable to restore either the spontaneous activity in the afferent axon or the mechanical sensitivity of tarsal joint mechanoreceptors after lysine acetylsalicylate in the arthritic rat. Similarly, PGE2 does not sensitize or excite tarsal joint mechanoreceptors in the normal rat. In the normal rat, however, PGE2 potentiates the excitatory action of bradykinin and enhances the sensitizing effect of bradykinin on the responses of joint mechanoreceptors to mechanical stimulation when both substances are injected simultaneously. These results indicate that PGE2 is not important in the sensitization of these joint mechanoreceptors in this model of chronic joint inflammation but that in other circumstances PGE2 may be able to contribute to a sensitization of joint mechanoreceptors by enhancing the action of bradykinin.
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  • 94
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: 5-Hydroxytryptophan ; Parachlorophenylalanine ; Benserazide ; Sleep ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary In the rat, the insomnia which follows the administration of parachlorophenylalanine (p-CPA), a serotonin synthesis inhibitor, is transiently reversed either by intra-cisternal injection of L-5-HTP or by an associated injection of 5-HTP and an L-aromatic-aciddecarboxylase inhibitor (benserazide). Histochemical, immunohistochemical and chemical investigations showed that 5-HTP administration does not lead to a detectable increase in cerebral 5-HT. These findings suggest that the restoration of sleep after p-CPA treatment could be mediated by the central action of 5-HTP.
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  • 95
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Status epilepticus ; Pilocarpine ; Substantia nigra pars reticulata ; Astrocytes ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary The substantia nigra has a gating function controlling the spread of epileptic seizure activity. Additionally, in models of prolonged status epilepticus the pars reticulata of substantia nigra (SNR) suffers from a massive lesion which may arise from a massive metabolic derangement and hyperexcitation developing in the activated SNR. In this study, status epilepticus was induced by systemic injection of pilocarpine in rats. The neuropathology of SNR was investigated using immunohistochemical techniques with the major emphasis on the time-course of changes in neurons and astrocytes. Animals surviving 20, 30, 40, 60 min, 2, 3, 6 hours, 1, 2, and 3 days after induction of status epilepticus were perfusion-fixed, and brains processed for immunohistochemical staining of SNR. Nissl-staining and antibodies against the neuron-specific calcium-binding protein, parvalbumin, served to detect neuronal damage in SNR. Antibodies against the astroglia-specific cytoskeletal protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and against the glial calcium-binding protein, S-100 protein, were used to assess the status of astrocytes. Immunohistochemical staining for serum-albumin and immunoglobulins in brain tissue was taken as indicator of blood-brain barrier disturbances and vasogenic edema formation. Immunohistochemical staining indicated loss of GFAP-staining already at 30 min after induction of seizures in an oval focus situated in the center of SNR while sparing medial and lateral aspects. At 1 h there was additional vacuolation in S-100 protein staining. By 2 hours, parvalbumin-staining changed in the central SNR indicating neuronal damage, and Nissl-staining visualized some neuronal distortion. Staining for serum-proteins occurred in a patchy manner throughout the forebrain during the first hours. By 6 h, vasogenic edema covered the lesioned SNR. By 24 h, glial and neuronal markers indicated a massive lesion in the center of SNR. By 48–72 h, astrocytes surrounding the lesion increased in size, and polymorphic phagocytotic cells invaded the damaged area. In a further group of animals surviving 1 to 5 days, conventional paraffin-sections confirmed the neuronal and glial damage of SNR. Additional pathology of similar quality was found in the globus pallidus. Since astrocytes were always damaged in parallel with neurons in SNR it is proposed that the anatomical and functional interrelationship between neurons and astrocytes is particularly tight in SNR. Both cell elements may suffer in common from metabolic disturbance and neurotransmitter dysfunction as occur during massive status epilepticus.
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  • 96
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Chronic pain ; Plasticity ; Primary sensory neurons ; Nociception ; Image analysis ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Adjuvant-induced arthritis has been produced in adult rats in order to study the reorganization of serotonergic innervation in the spinal cord dorsal horn in a model of chronic pain. Immunocytochemical detection of CGRP and substance P was quantified with an image analyzer, and we found a transient increase for both peptides at 1 and 2 months, followed by a decrease to control levels after four months. At variance, quantification of serotonergic immunoreactivity showed a significant increase which persisted throughout the study. The significance of this finding is discussed with comparison of other experimental models involving reorganization of primary afferents to the spinal cord.
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  • 97
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Mossy fibers ; Perforant path ; (+)3-PPP ; Ditolylguanidine ; CNQX ; In vitro rat brain slice ; Neurotransmitter release ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Focal electrical stimulation of selected excitatory pathways in the hippocampal slice caused a decrease in the binding of [3H]-1,3-di(2-tolyl)guanidine (DTG) or [3H]-(+)-3-[hydroxyphenyl]-N-(1-propyl)piperidine ((3H)-(+)3-PPP) to haloperidol-sensitive sigma binding sites in the slice. Activation of the mossy fibers or perforant path by high frequency electrical stimulation caused the reduction in [3H]-DTG binding; whereas activation of fibers in the strata radiatum, lacunosummoleculare, alveus, or oriens did not affect [3H]-DTG binding. The decrease in binding observed was calcium-dependent and tetrodotoxin sensitive and varied with the frequency, intensity, and duration of stimulation. Although haloperidol-sensitive [3H]-DTG binding sites are distributed throughout the hippocampus, stimulation of the perforant path or mossy fibers resulted in a significant reduction in binding only in the dentate region of the slice. The decrease in binding following perforant path stimulation was blocked by the glutamate receptor antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX); whereas the decrease in binding caused by mossy fiber stimulation was not affected by CNQX or DL-APV. The results obtained support the hypothesis that activation of the granule cells in the hippocampal slice caused the release of an endogenous ligand which acts at the haloperidol-sensitive sigma binding site in the dentate gyrus.
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  • 98
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Superior colliculus ; Immunocytochemistry ; Serotonin ; Hamster ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Immunocytochemistry for serotonin (5-HT) was carried out in both hamsters and rats in order to determine whether or not 5-HT-positive cells existed in the superior colliculus (SC) of either species. In both hamster and rat, the superficial and deep SC laminae contained dense networks of 5-HT-positive fibers. The rat's SC contained no 5-HT-positive neurons. In hamster, numerous 5-HT-immunoreactive cells were visible throughout the depth of the stratum griseum superficiale (SGS). These neurons had a variety of morphological characteristics and included marginal cells, horizontal cells, and neurons with vertically oriented dendritic trees. No 5-HT-positive neurons were found in any other portion of the hamster's SC. 5-HT-positive SC cells were observed with antisera from two different sources and they were not seen in animals that were pretreated with reserpine. Pretreatment with fluoxetine (an inhibitor of 5-HT uptake) also resulted in a disappearance of 5-HT-positive neurons in the hamster's SC. This result indicated that “serotonergic” cells in the colliculus of this species are capable of taking up, but probably not synthesizing, this indoleamine. The dorsal and ventral lateral geniculate nuclei (LGNd and LGNv, respectively) both contain numerous 5-HT-positive fibers and both of these structures receive input from the SGS. Combination of retrograde tracing with fluorogold and immunocytochemistry indicated that 5-HT-accumulating SC neurons were not the source of these fibers. Unilateral ablation of the superficial SC laminae also failed to reduce 5-HT immunoreactivity in either the LGNd or LGNv. These results are consistent with the possibility that 5-HT-accumulating cells in the hamster's SC may be interneurons that take up this transmitter after it is released by afferents to this nucleus.
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  • 99
    Electronic Resource
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    Experimental brain research 85 (1991), S. 621-624 
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Long-term depression ; Long-term potentiation ; Excitatory postsynaptic potentials ; NMDA receptors ; Prefrontal cortex ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary All the experiments were carried out in slices of rat prefrontal cortex maintained in vitro. The effect of 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (APV) was tested on the postsynaptic potential (PSP) recorded in layer V pyramidal cells, in response to single or high frequency stimulation of the superficial layers I–II. Wash-out of Mg2+ increased the amplitude and duration of the PSPs. This effect resulted from activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors since it was suppressed by bath application of APV. Furthermore, in every cell tested in Mg2+ containing medium (N=16), exposure to APV reversibly reduced both mono- and polysynaptic components of the PSPs, indicating that, even in the control solution, activation of NMDA-coupled channels contributed to these synaptic events. Finally, the anomalous voltage-dependence of the EPSP in the presence of Mg2+ and its sensitivity to APV suggests that at least a fraction of the NMDA receptors are postsynaptically located. Tetanization was applied to the afferents of cells bathed in control- or APV-medium. Long-term potentiation (LTP) or long-term depression (LTD) is defined as an increase or a decrease respectively, of the PSPs peak amplitude or initial slope, lasting 20 min. In the control medium, LTP in synaptic efficacy was observed in 34% of the cells and LTD in 48% (N=23). When exposed to APV, none of the cells tested (N=16) showed LTP of the response. In contrast, the tetanus induced a LTD of the PSP amplitude or slope in 14 out of these 16 cells. The percentage of cells showing LTD in synaptic efficacy (87%) when the NMDA receptors activation was blocked was significantly higher than that in control-medium.
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  • 100
    ISSN: 1432-1106
    Keywords: Cyproterone ; Hypothalamus ; Pituitary ; Morphology ; Function ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Fetal exposure to cyproterone acetate (CPA), while allowing, normal sexual morphogenesis, has previously been shown to lead to functional endocrine abnormalities in adult rats of both sexes. Because of this, we examined morphologically and morphometrically the hypothalamic nuclei involved in sexual dimorphism as well as the pituitary lactotropes of rats exposed in utero from day 15 to 20 of gestation to CPA. Male and female offspring was studied at the age of 70–80 days. In both sexes the brain weight was lower (p〈0.05) in CPA-treated than in control rats. Morphometrical investigations showed that the surface density (Sv) and the volume density (Vv) of the ventromedial nucleus were higher (p〈0.05) in CPA-treated male than in control rats. By comparing sexes the Sv and Vv of the ventromedial nucleus were higher (p〈0.01) in CPA-treated male than in corresponding female rats. Also the nuclear surface of the tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons of the arcuate nucleus was higher (p〈0.05) in CPA-treated male than in female rats. In lactotropes of the pituitary gland the immunoreactive prolactin (PRL) was densitometrically increased (p〈 0.05) in CPA-treated female compared with control rats. By electron microscopy, PRL granules and autophagocytosis appeared to be more abundant in CPA-treated rats of both sexes. These data show that fetal exposure to CPA results in long-term anatomical and physiological alterations of hypothalamic and preoptic nuclei as well as of the pituitary lactotropes. These permanent changes support the functional endocrine abnormalities observed in adult rats.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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