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To evaluate the mechanism of governor vessel electroacupuncture in rats with post-stroke limb spasm by observing the changes of glutathione antioxidant system-related factors. Methods A total of 60 SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group (n=12), sham operation group (n=12) and modeling group (n=36). The middle cerebral artery obstruction model was prepared by thread approach method in the modeling group, and 24 rats with successful modeling were randomly divided into the model group and the electroacupuncture group, with 12 rats in each group. At the 3rd day after modeling, the electroacupuncture group was treated with electroacupuncture at three acupoints of the governor vessel, namely, "Dazhui" (GV14), "Jizhong" (GV6) and " Houhui" (anteromedial of the transverse process of the sixth lumbar vertebra), for 30 min each time, once a day for 7 days. The neurological function of rats was assessed by Zea Longa neurological deficit score. The muscle tension of rats was detected by modified Ashworth dystonia rating and electrophysiological tracing method. The brain tissue water content was measured by the dry-wet weight method. The volume of cerebral infarction of rats was measured by the TTC staining method. The contents of glutathione(GSH), catalase(CAT), oxidized glutathione(GSSG), superoxide dismutase(SOD), and malondialdehyde(MDA) in the cortex of rats were detected by colorimetry. The protein and mRNA expressions of glutathione reductase(GR), glutamate cysteine ligase(GCL)C, GCLM, and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) in the cortex of rats were measured by Western blotting and real-time PCR, respectively. Results Compared with rats in the normal and sham operation groups, the Zea Longa neurological deficit score, modified Ashworth dystonia rating, the volume of cerebral infarction, brain tissue water content, and GSSG and MDA contents in cortex were increased in the model group, the tension signal value and the proteins and mRNA expressions of GR, GCLC, GCLM, and GPX4 in cortex were decreased, and the contents of GSH, CAT, and SOD in cortex were decreased(P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the Zea Longa neurological deficit score, modified Ashworth dystonia rating, the volume of cerebral infarction, brain tissue water content, and GSSG and MDA contents in cortex were decreased in the electroacupuncture group, the tension signal value and the proteins and mRNA expressions of GR, GCLC, GCLM, and GPX4 in cortex were increased, and the contents of GSH, CAT, and SOD in cortex were increased(P<0.05). Conclusion Governor vessel electroacupuncture can improve the severity of post-stroke limb spasm in rats, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of glutathione antioxidant system in cerebral cortex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To discuss the therapeutic effect of Liyan Tongqiao Fang (Soothing-throat Freeing-orifice Formula) on tongue muscle contraction in rats after hypoglossal nerve injury by applying nerve-muscle electrophysiology method. Methods Male adult Wistar rats (n = 60) were randomly divided into sham-operation group, model group and Liyan Tongqiao Fang group (each n = 20). The model of hypoglossal nerve injury was established by clamping in model group and Liyan Tongqiao Fang group, while in sham-operation group hypoglossal nerve was only separated without champing. After modeling for 2 d, Liyan Tongqiao Fang group was given Liyan Tongqiao Fang (0. 3 mg/d), and sham- operation group and model group were given the same quantity of saline solution. The threshold strength, single contraction amplitude and tonic contraction amplitude were detected in all groups respectively on the 7th d and the 14th d. Results The threshold intensity of injured tongue muscle increased in model group compared with sham-operation group (P < 0. 05) at the same time point, and decreased in Liyan Tongqiao Fang group compared with model group (P < 0. 05) at the same time point. The threshold intensity of injured tongue muscle increased in model group and Liyan Tongqiao Fang group compared with non-injured tongue muscle within the same group (P < 0. 05). The threshold intensity of injured tongue muscle decreased in Liycin Tongqiao Fang group and model group on the 14th d compared with that on the 7th d (P < 0. 05). The single contraction amplitude and tonic contraction amplitude of injured tongue muscle decreased in model group compared with sham-operation group (P <0. 01) at the same time point, and increased in Liyan Tongqiao Fang group compared with model group (P < 0. 05) at the same time point. The single contraction amplitude and tonic contraction amplitude of injured tongue muscle decreased in model group and Liyan Tongqiao Fang group compared with non-injured tongue muscle within the same group (P < 0. 05). The single contraction amplitude and tonic contraction amplitude of injured tongue muscle increased in Liyan Tongqiao Fang group and model group on the 14th d compared with those on the 7th d (P < 0. 05). Conclusion Liyan Tongqiao Fang can reduce the contraction threshold intensity, promote excitability of hypoglossal nerve-tongue muscle conduction system, improve the contraction ability of tongue muscle, and relieve dysphagia in rats after hypoglossal nerve injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study was to explore the effect of aescine on the growth in cultured rat cerebral cortical neurons and the relationship with BDNF and TrkB. Methods The cerebral cortex cells from newborn SD rats were primarily cultured in 24 or 96 well plate. Cells were randomly divided into normal, control and aescine groups. Aescine group was cultured with 20 mg/mL aescine (diluted with physiological saline) , control group was cultured with the same volume of normal saline, and normal group do not have any treatment. The sub groups and images were captured at 24 h and 48 h. The expression of BDNF and TrkB mRNA were detected by using RT-PCR, and the neuronal growth vigor was detected by MTT. Results There was no difference in normal and control groups at each time point in cells numbers, body area, neurite length and viability (P> 0.05) , but all indicators have increased in the normal and control groups with the time prolonged. The indicators in aescine group were significantly higher than those in normal and control groups (P < 0.05) . RT-PCR showed that there was no significant difference in expression of BDNF and TrkB mRNA in normal and control groups at each time point (P > 0.05), but the expression in aescine group was significantly higher than that in normal and control groups at each time point (P < 0.05). Conclusion Aescine can promote neuron growth and may be relationship with the expression of BDNF and its receptor TrkB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]